Birth of a deer camp - 24hourcampfire

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

I'm with ya!

Started my similar project in 2001 right after 9/11. We didn't know if it was going to be the family hunting cabin or the family bunker at the time. It has turned around my life and the life of my family as well as having a big impact on many others. It's called "Der Bauernhof am Loch im Ende des Stumpfes" (The farm in Hole in the End of the Stump)

I'm documenting mine at www.blackholecoffeehouse.com. The sixth anniversary is almost upon us and with the new roof, all of our planned major projects are at an end. Of course, now the place is already starting to fall apart, so now we're into maintenance.

Write soon. Write often.

Tips? Here's one for you: look and see what I did with the rainwater coming off the roof-- beats a well or hauling it in.

Another Tip? If you haven't picked out a wood stove, look at Vogelzang's Deluxe Boxwood Stove. The True Value Hardware store got mine in for me. It's only about $100 bucks, but it keeps our 2 floors and three bedrooms nice and toasty. I scored a second one at a Lowe's for $80 and have it in the shed for when this one goes.

Last tip: Leave nothing behind of value and post an inventory of what is and is not in the building in prominent places. We're now 6 years without a serious break-in. I furnished mine with stuff pulled from my neighbor's trash, and I post a detailed inventory on the windows. Leave no alcohol, prescription drugs, valuables, or girly mags at the cabin. If the local kids ever break in and find something they consider valuable, there will be generations of 7th graders breaking into your place looking for the same thing. The only thing of value is the camp gun: $60 SKS that bolts to the wall when we leave. The one time someone broke in, they didn't touch the SKS-- ratty but functional.

ahhh, you broke the silence. and you put some time into a reply.

thanks for that.

I was worried I went a little too deep with that topic.

Thanks, very good tips, I hear ya on all counts. We have a shack out in the woods that my dad & uncles put together quite a while back & we use some of the same stuff you mentioned right down to the rain barrel.

Dave, sounds wonderful all the way around.

Hope it stays special for the both of you as I'm sure it will.

northern dave, your successful hunts will not be measured by the weight on your meat pole, but you already know that. Best wishes with your endeavor. A everlasting bond is on the horizon.

congrats,your doing a realy great thing with the young man and by starting them young he will always take pride in the camp.May the big bucks always be in your sites.

Growing up in NW Wisconsin as part of a tightly knit hunting camp is one of my fondest memories. Heading up North to "The Hunting Shack" (Complete with "Haul yer own water" Sauna, too!) is still something I really look forward to.

I'm VERY fortunate to have found a great group of guys to share camp with here in Texas, as well. Almost all are members of the Campfire here and we're all looking forward to a great deer season of chasing bucks and shootin' the bull. This will be my third year seriously hunting in Texas and it is starting to share more of my hunting time with "Back Home" Wi!

It looks like you're starting a fine tradition and the chance to bond on that level, with your best friend's son and the rest of your family is priceless. It just doesn't get any better than that. Enjoy every minute of your time there, as well as the time you surely will spend thinking about it, even when you're away from it!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was worried I went a little too deep with that topic.

By no means did you go too deep! Hunting season is about far more than hunting and I suspect the deer you kill will provide fodder for stories for years to come around the camp you build.

No real suggestions except take lots of photo's during the construction! You'll be glad you did.

Just an afterthought, but have you considered a propane refrigerator for your cabin, or did I just miss it in your message.
Keith

norhern dave.....awesome plan.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.
<snip>

If I were designing the stage....

Four or five tall deciduous trees on the south and west sides of the house to throw shade in the summer. Red oak, Burr oak or Sugar maple would probably do you just fine.

A deck off the south-east corner.

Spin the sucker 30 degrees so it is not built square-to-grid...that is, two walls running perfectly east-west and two walls running perfectly north-south.

Put some pictures of your cousin and other esteemed people in the entry-way. Not to be weird or to make it a "shrine", but to recognize that you share the friendship of these men, and that some lives are so big that they transcend the inconvenience of death. God gives us saints so we have a template; examples of well lived lives for us to imitate.

I second the idea of having a couple of beater guns. A well done billy-bobbed Mauser can be butt-ugly and an absolute joy to shoot. Your neffy is likely to to drag some buddies to hunting camp and you want set them up right.

Along those lines, it is pretty cool if you can have a make-shift shooting range off the deck. An archery target deer set out at 70 yards and a serious backstop is about right. A paper plate is the classic vital-zone target.

I figure that if a new guy can use the deck's railing and put 9-of-10 in the paper plate at 70 yards, he is probably good enough for hunting.

The beauty of using the archery target deer at 70 yards as the platform for the paper plate is that you are teaching the new guy to not shoot until the deer is in the sweet spot....far enough away that it probably cannot hear your heart pounding.....close enough that any coordinated joe-average with a reasonable fire-arm can hit the vitals.

-Joe (average) Mama

Originally Posted by frogman43

Just an afterthought, but have you considered a propane refrigerator for your cabin, or did I just miss it in your message.
Keith

Funny you should ask Keith. At the shack I come to call my hunting camp for the past 13 years with my dad, uncles & cousins we just used coolers & left them out on the porch. That works fine, but I just happen to have a gas refrigerator at home inside an old flat nosed school bus that was converted to an RV in the 80's.

The bus is about shot mechanically but it has many items inside of it that are new or nearly new as in they just haven't been used ever. the conversion project was never quite finished so none of the stuff purchased & installed for the project was ever used. I'm finally finding a use for all of that stuff, including a 6500 watt RV generator that I removed from the bus & just hauled out there to the cabin spot last night for running tools for construction.

Yep, gas fridge, pretty "fancy" huh?

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JoeMama--
Put some pictures of your cousin and other esteemed people in the entry-way. Not to be weird or to make it a "shrine", but to recognize that you share the friendship of these men, and that some lives are so big that they transcend the inconvenience of death. God gives us saints so we have a template; examples of well lived lives for us to imitate.

Wow, I like that, pictures yeah, for sure I've been thinking of how to do that the best way.. There will be pictures. But what you wrote here, "transcend the inconvenience of death...... saints... template.."

I like that. Did that just roll on out for you or were does that come from?

no matter, I like it.
Thank you for that.

And thank you all for the comments/suggestions.

We are heading out there tomorrow morning to sheet the floor. I have the framework built for the floor out there already. I decided to do an insulated floor. I'm putting down OSB sheeting over my floor joists, then a layer of 1" high density polystyrene insulation, then my 3/4" flooring over that. kind of a styrofoam sandwich. I'll run a 2x4 flat around the perim (ext wall bottom plate area) & retain the OSB & foam board within it's boundary, I will be flush with the top surface of the 2x4 rim by the time I lay the 3/4" plywood down so I'll take that right over the 2x4. This way I'll have my foam sandwich floor but my loaded walls will rest solid on lumber. Did I explain that right? bottom line, I'm doing a plywood/styrofoam sandwich floor but my walls wont rest on the sandwich because I don't want to "squish" the sandwiched floor.

Dave

I haven't heard mention of the most important of deeds. The "call of nature" is more than woods and critters. It's also fried 'taters and deer steak...from last night. Yep, the restroom requires special planning. Will it be indoors or out? It can turn into a real problem if not planned properly. We lost our 'camp' 3 years ago. After almost 30 years in the family. Our new camp is made up of campers. We've built an outhouse on skids, about 4'x4' with a full size door on front. You can change locations every year or two by dragging it 6 feet or so, fill in hole and dig a new one. Oh, and keep it down wind! Keep some lime handy. I didn't catch if you had running water or not, if so, a septic system will cure all your ills. But if you want the boys to fully appreciate the rugged life, an outhouse in 20 degree weather will get their attention.
Sounds like the beginning of a fine tradition, especially in a time when traditions are ridiculed and made light of. People take themselves way too serious these days. You have the perfect cure for this malaise. Losing a partner is tough indeed, especially one of that magnitude, but it sounds like your continuing in the direction that's best for all. You must continue to live for the living. I lost my brother in law last summer, also to a plane crash (crop duster) he was an indispensible part of our camp, a cornerstone, if you will. He is dearly missed, and last season was miserable at best, but we did manage to laugh and hunt, and even make good memories. He wasn't there...but he was with us. Life goes on and that's what you must teach the younger generation, loss is tragic but life must go on. I wish you and yours the best and find myself reinvigorated...to ensure that my kids fully understand what life's all about, without cellphones, Tv's, and video games.

Tim in AR

Great idea and wonderful that the boy is willing and excited to be a part.
We recently built a "cabin" on our land. Painted, cement floor, two BR's with bunk beds, a large den, kictchen and an 8 foot covered porch back and front.
We cheated because we have electricity and water, but with wives and kids it certainly is nice. But it is a place I expect to make many memories in the next few years with family and friends.

My regular hunting camp has no electricity or water. We use coleman laterns and huge square plastic water bottles with faucets for washing hands and hair.

My only advice would be to building a good campfire area. We tend to spend most of our time in our "primitive" camp relaxing near the fire. Some fancy camps here in TX even have cemented "decks" around a huge pit, but ours is a just a stratigically placed pit with bricks to keep the mesquite coals in place.
And maybe an improved game hanging area with a boat winch lift type with cable and pulleys. My 7 year old daughter can raise her own deer with mine. I am getting too old to hoist them like we always did.
I like the photos idea for your camp. Would be cool to hang a rack your friend killed with a hunting photo below.

stumpy

Damn, this here campfire is just full of fine people isn't it?

Ah yes, the outhouse, I was wondering if anyone would ask. Well now is a good a time as any to start sharing pictures huh? let's see if I can remember how to do this....

ours is a 4x4 also and sheeted with the same T-111 sort of siding our cabin will have. the handles are a forked elk antler tip from colorado, I split the base of the fork & put one on the outside & one on the inside. Just clear oil stained the ext with log oil, it's trimmed out with rough 1x4 oak boards we happen to have a pile of. Pictures are of the out house as it was built at home before we hauled it to the cabin spot, picture of the inside, and a picture of it in the back of a friends truck out at "the land" ready to be unloaded & set in what is a temp spot until we get the perm spot ready. That's me on the little blue tractor.

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Dave,

Sounds you have a solid plan for a great place to make many memories. My only suggestion would be to use metal roofing. We had asphalt shingles on our shack and during winters with heavy snow, someone had to go out and shovel off the roof. When it was time for a new roof, we went with metal and the snow just slides right off. Also, vent the outhouse. A piece of 4" pvc from the pit up thru the roof will make it more liveable.

I have many fond memories from our "Camp 83" near Effie, I'm sure you and your famlily will do the same with your camp.

Jeff

got the metal roof thing covered. good tip on the stink pipe, I keep forgetting to do that. better do it soon before... before it becomes an unpleasant job.

Yep, stink pipe is a key factor after about a week of heavy use... ESPECIALLY if it's a warm season!!

I have a vivid memory of building our deer shack complete with out house down in the great brush country of S. Texas. Yes, we elected to do the work on the house in mid-August. Temperture by noon would be 100 and by mid afternoon 110's were common. Was almost tolerable until we began the hot tar on the roof. Now we are talking heat stroke big time although we did manage to stay hydrated enough to avoid damage. Looking back it was a lot of fun.

"House" was a one room with three bunk beds w/storage below and whereever we could attach shelving. One corner was dedicated to cooking although most of the real cooking was done outside over a pit or in electric skillets under the "awning". Our "room" was 14X14 and we did run electricity off a generator as one cannot live in this country without a/c. The "room" had two small windows that were intentionally small to keep the "local wets" from turning our shelter into a playroom in our absence. Windows were broken out in any event at least five times over the past years.

We used sunbottles to warm water for showers which worked extremely well in this part of Texas. Our water was probably hotter than most internal hot water units. Many fine times and many memories have come over the years and so many have been embellished that one would hardly recognize the real event anymore had they not lived it.

Yeppers, great times were had by all and so many dead brain cells who is counting or can.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow, I like that, pictures yeah, for sure I've been thinking of how to do that the best way.. There will be pictures. But what you wrote here, "transcend the inconvenience of death...... saints... template.."

I like that. Did that just roll on out for you or were does that come from?

The '..saints to imitate...' is from a commonly used form of the Roman Catholic liturgy (standard format for church worship).

The rest is context I whipped up to make it slide down smoothly.

Many people are uncomfortable with the word "saint". I am going to go a little off-topic to justify the word "saint".

Let's talk about Peter:
Jesus said to Simon Peter "...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (hell) will not overcome it." Matt 16:17 Jesus said this knowing full well that Peter would deny him, fail him, three times in the very near future.

The key word is overcome. Peter fell down. Peter was a man's man....he kept getting back up. So if Jesus can found his church on material as flawed as Peter, then we should not be shy about calling men (and women) saints, even when we know they are flawed. The key, I think, is that they keep peeling themselves off the canvas and trying to do what is good, and noble and Godly.
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Regarding outhouses, you might research "mouldering privy" using Google. They like cool weather.

Just make sure the door opens away from the house.
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Deer camp movies:
Escanaba in da Moonlight is a very good movie. I would have liked it much better if they had cut the game warden singing sequence.

Sorry to read about your cousin and good on ya for bringing in his son.

FWIW:
The family centric deer camps are the best thing a guy can do, and bringing in kids is the best thing to do to keep the camp going strong. Our Michigan camp got pretty stale when my compadre's sons stopped coming. When my son grew up a bit, I broke off and started fresh and try to get at least one of my kid's friends to come along--and encouraged my old camp compadres to do some recruiting.

Rustic is good, when camps get too civilized, they lose the feel of camp....a tent camp used to make me feel like I had been in another world for a week...or two

I've a good friend who hunted in his Dad's dilapidated camp all his life until his Dad died. He and his camp crew were all able builders, so they put up a beauty. He said things haven't been the same since...too close to being a home.

After I got out of the Navy,back in 93,I really started getting interested in hunting and fiddling with bolt guns...
We had our old family farm in Central Texas and I started my adult hunting journey....We were gonna build a shack of some sort but my Pop decided to buy an old caboose....It was a center coopla,yellow Santa Fe car with "I Follow the Leader" painted on both sides....
It was cool...It was also a ton of work to get that thing turned into a workable deer camp....I miss that place...

Very nice out house. I like the over all "look". It would need more ventlation for our hot weather. Could easily add a urnial to keep the seat dry too.

A urinal??? Don't you just step out side a few feet like the rest of us?

I was at an elk camp and they used a section of laminate counter top with a hole and seat mounted for the bench top, it sure cut out the splinters problem. Another thing they had, which was extremely nice in the mountains, was a oversized light bulb that was left on all night so that the outhouse was nice and warm.

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A urinal??? Don't you just step out side a few feet like the rest of us?

Not when the women folks are visiting camp. That's who the out house is for anyways.

I've got running water and a flush toilet at my camp, but I still built an outhouse and put it a half mile back in the woods near our campground. It's great for when I get the call out hunting.

The shaman's outhouse

The one problem I've got with it is the mice. They moved in right away and started using the toilet paper for bedding. I made the mistake of throwing the nests down the hole and I put a box made out of 2X4 on the wall to hold the TP. I couldn't figure out where the TP kept coming from. Then I realized the mice were recycling the TP from out of the pit.

Wayfarin in that handy granola bar form has taken care of the problem for the most part. I'm using the granola bars more and more now. When I use the D-Con bait traps, the green pellets keep showing up in my boots.

Well, it's Monday morning.... arg, it sure the heck is... yuck.

We got our floor put together, our pink styrofoam sandwich trick worked very well. We now have a nice insulated floor.

I enjoyed the company of my cousin's family, we made good progress & my cousin's boy had a real good time. No lack of enthusiasm there.

I'll see about posting pictures of the floor project soon if I can get them off my daughter's camera.

Dave

Dave, I couldn't be more excited for you or that lad. It's folks like you that make this such a nice place. I'm sorry for the extreme loss you have suffered, but I'm glad you have found a way to heal other's and yourself in the process.

Don't forget a hammock. Some mosquito netting might come in handy too.

Thanks, nice of you to say I help make this a nice place. There are so many here, I just can't get over it. Campfire's full of really good people.

I just did some calling on trusses for the roof, looks like I'll be headed to Lowes this week after work one day.

We framed the north wall, but my cordless nailer ran out of juice before we could get it sheeted. I have a paslode framer/sheeter nailer that takes fuel cells to opperate. I ran empty & didn't have a spare with. We also had no loose sheeting nails along so we were kind of stuck. I think we can get the other 3 walls framed, sheeted & stood up before the weekend & Maybe we can be setting trusses Saturday & Sunday. I'll breathe easy once I get a roof over that floor system. I don't want it getting wet with the 3 layers & all, I don't know if it would ever dry out if I got water inbetween the layers of plywood & styrofoam.

It sounds like you've the makings of a fine camp. You're friends boy should be able to make a lot of good memories there. As far as building tips, the two things we did on the camp remodel that made the biggest difference were electricity and some carpeting. The carpeting was pretty basic, just right around the bunks. It helps to keep things a bit quieter when people have some business during the night. As far as electricity, that kind of became a neccessity. The original camp owners, my Dad included, all have C-Pap breathing machines. While these can be battery operated, plugging them in is much handier. Electricity also means electric guitars for Friday after Thanksgivings Filthy Song and Excessive Alcohol Consumption Jamboree. "Charlot the Harlot" sounds so much filthier when played on a Telecaster.

I've been quiet about this up until now. However, I have to agree with Trplem. Having done it both ways, electricity at deer camp is preferable. At least for me.

I camped for years in a tent with nothing but a Coleman lantern. Furthermore, it was well past opening day in 2001 before we got the electricity turned on at our current place. Sure, it ain't roughing it, but . . .

1) Light on demand
2) microwave
3) electric oil immersion heaters
4) A shallow well pump to pump water from the cistern for the flush toilet.

. . . yeah, it ain't roughing it. However, when we want to do that, we just keep rolling down the road to our campground and pitch a tent. Overall, it lets us spend more time hunting and less time on the basic necessities.

We never succumbed to the lure of the satellite TV, but I did bring down an old computer for the kids to play with when it rains.

As far as power, well I've got that generator, it's a 6500 watt unit & I can wire it to remote starter inside the cabin. I have a 6 circuit breaker panel to go with it, one 20 amp & 5-15 amp circuits. I'll put that little panel in a wall inside the cabin & pull romex in the walls for outlets & lights. I'll run my lights on a 12v circuit because I also have a power converter that one of the 15 amp circuits will be dedicated to. This will step the power down to 12 volt & provide charge for deep cycle battery pack & for the gen starting battery while the gen unit is running. This way we will have lights at any time at the flip of a switch, we will probably still light lanterns or run gas lights for any long amounts of time that light may be needed but the 12 volt lights will give that quick light for getting up in the night, waking up early before sunrise to get dressed for hunting, initial lighting for when you arrive at camp in the dark & need to get things hauled inside etc.

I will also get a small solar unit to put a trickle charge into the battery packs to keep them tended & fresh during the winter months. If we need 120 volts we will just hit the generator starter button from inside the cabin. Getting a little further into detail I also have a battery isolator to put on my generator starting battery, this will allow the starting battery to accept a charge from the power converter but it acts like a check valve in the way that it will not allow the cabin to draw power from the starting battery & drain it down. It will take a while to get all of that in place but that is the long term plan for power.

Here are a couple of pictures of the weekend progress with the floor.
first layer of sheeting down
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insulation & top layer going on
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top layer over half way done
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4 mil plastic to keep the rain off until roof goes on
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Dave,
As always your stories are great. We have a camp in Eveleth, well Makinen actually. It is 40acres surrouded by state land, a lot of state land. The owner lives there but does not hunt. He was gracious enough to let a 12 year old kid come up and hunt 18 years ago and I have been going back ever since. He has no idea the impact he has had on me, so I applaud you on taking in the kid and mentoring him at probably his greatest time of need in his young life. Excellent job. You did not get too deep or too long in your post. You are talking about hunting....we could get much deeper and longer, that is why we are here.

My bro in law will be joining me for the first time this year. He too is my best friend and the closest I have and will ever have to a brother. We to are one in the way we think and it drives our wives crazy.(the best part) Good luck with your camp and the many memories it will bring.

Tom

Tom!! Long time no speaky!!

I think the last time we click talked it was to do with comical pre deer opening ranting...

Yeah this is quite a project, I just hope to get it all fairly weather tight before deer opener so we can use it, even if we just end up on cots & cooking with coleman stoves.

The project had special purpose & meaning even prior to my cousin's death, being a life long dream of mine to be able to provide something like this for my kids and grandkids (someday), all that sort of thing. But with our recent loss & my new resposibilities with aiding in the parenting of my best friend's children... well I just have to get it ready for this season because there is one young hunter that is really counting on it.

My original camp which I am still a part of is not far from yours, we are south of Tower MN. So many good memories there. I do plan on still visiting that camp when ever I can but the needs of my own family & now our new camp members are too much for our camp on the iron range. Travel reasons (long drive), space for everyone, we just really needed a camp closer to home for my family. I'm somewhat torn between the traditions I've come to know with the old camp & the excitement of starting new with this camp.

I'll pick a weekend to still dedicate to my old camp because I just need to see those guys, it wouldn't be deer season without them.

In my last picture above you can see me doing what I do best, holding that plastic sheeting down with my butt & a bottle of beer. But I knew I couldn't hold it for ever so I had to tack those scrap strips around the outside of the floor system to hold things in place while I was not there.

North wall is up as of last night. one down, 3 to go.

I've been told that I am now "partially erect"

I'm not so sure that's a good thing so I'm going to do the best I can to get the rest of the walls standing ASAP.......

Dave,
Long time no speaky is right,I've been away for awhile working on my other outdoor passion. Walleye fishing and walleye fishing tournaments. It's been a good year on all accounts. Keep the pic's of the camp coming. We too are going to build a camp with in a few years. I was torn about the tradition thing too, but that is what the third weekend of camp is for, was the conclution I came to.

My buddy's camp floor is similar to yours, but the base is concrete. If you put some conc. block around the openings of our sub-floor, you will probably cut down on the unwanted critters inside and underneith too.

Better get those walls up the rest of the way so you can be "fully erect," half-cocked is no way to live life:')

I hear ya, walls must go up.

the whole... "foundation" debate was really something. so many theories to try to consider... all based on experience of other camps too. as you can see, I've spared no expense with my double stacked railroad tie footings

Well, we did core the ground really well with a buddy's old D4 dozer & we filled in with sand that was dug on the property, which packed very solid. it was tough to decide on a footing plan. no way I was getting a concrete truck back in there, slab was kind of out of the question because cement work is one thing I don't care to try & master.

I heard from a lot of guys that if you leave it very open under the shack it won't make a good home for critters because preditors can come at them from too many entrance points. I heard from too many guys that they attempted to make the underside of a cabin pest proof & they found that they had only created really nice dens for skunks, coons or what ever.

We're going to give this a try. if we don't like it I can pick the whole thing up with a few beams if we have to... oh lordy I hope we don't have to.

We are heading back out tonight after work to start another wall, not sure if we'll have a second one standing tonight but I know we'll be moving in the right direction.

I forgot my camera otherwise I'd have a wall pic posted, maybe tomorrow.

Good to hear from you tzone. and good fishing.

oh, I have one really good specific construction question for anyone who can help.

My roof, I have tin for the roof. My trusses will be 2' on center. what should I put under the tin, OSB (sheeting) or 1x4 perlins? (spelling?)

tick-tock, roof time is almost here & I can't decide, pro's-con's? Anyone? Carpenters?

Dave

Dave,

I put tin on the roof of our storage garage. The tin manufacturer recommended OSB and roofing felt under the tin. Haven't had a problem in a bit over three years.

As an aside I fully understand the pull of the old traditional camp and the needs of a young family. I am part of a traditional "men only" camp. Problem is I have a wife that likes to hunt and two daughters you are showing interest. A close friend invited me and my family into his camp. His idea being, if the kids want to hunt, why exclude them based on gender. So, now I hunt my new camp first w/e and during archery season. I do go back to the old camp on 3rd w/e about every other year.

Jeff

Dave...this is the first time I found your post, read the first one and it sounds like a great experience for you and your family. You're a good man making sure your cousins son has you in his life. I'm sure he's going through a lot less pain thanks to you.

Thanks for the pics, I'll be looking forward to more.

J

If it were me, I would use OSB like you would normally on your house. Tin is DEFFENITALY the way to go on top though. VERY low maintenance.

Tom

Originally Posted by j_elky

.... I am part of a traditional "men only" camp. Problem is I have a wife that likes to hunt and two daughters you are showing interest. ...
Jeff

Yep, that's exactly were I'm at Jeff. The guys only camp is and has been a load of fun, gruff, stinky, politically incorrect---extremely

... no place for little girls, wives or even little boys. I wouldn't want to change it, it should stay that way, it's a guys camp & that's the way it should be. So, I'll still visit the old camp & we'll have the new one for the family. The wife & daughter won't always want to be out at the new camp either so when they aren't arround... well, the mannors go out the window!!! Instant mens camp!!

Originally Posted by jasonkjasonk

.....I'm sure he's going through a lot less pain thanks to you.

Thanks for the pics, I'll be looking forward to more.

J

Jason, thank you for that. I can only hope you are right. All 3 of my cousin's kids are just wonderful, although the boy (also the oldest) is the one with the real passion for the whole cabin thing, building stands... anticipating the excitement of not sleeping the night before opener... (he's really juiced up) The girls have had a great time out there too & the cabin floor plan has changed since the plane crash that took their father's life. There is a girls room now with room for 4. We plan on using the cabin for more than just hunting, all of us (kids included) are avid snowmobilers, ATV's dirt bikes, what ever.. We plan to use the cabin as a base camp for snowmobiling, ATV-ing, maybe just for a berry picking weekend, what ever. And my cousin's girls will be afforded the choice and opportunity to become hunters themselves. I won't force anything on them by any means but it will be clear to them that they are entitled & that I will jump at the opportunity to teach them what ever I can if they should choose to give it a try.

Again, thanks so much for the kind words, it's like fuel in my tank, it's my purpose at this point & it's what helps me to keep moving forward after the loss.

Thanks,
Dave

Here are some pics from last night:
[Linked Image]

got my trusses, insulation, more lumber... I'm heading out there for more wall standing in less than an hour. hope to get the 2 long walls finished tonight. Build & stand the last wall sat morning & start setting the trusses. I should be sheeting the roof with tin by sunday sometime.

pics on Monday.

Dave

That place is really coming together....We'll be waiting for the Monday pics

Is that a fuel cell powered nailer I see? Really helps speed the remote building projects along!

Jason

Well, here we go again, Monday already.

I think we did pretty good over the weekend. with the help of some very good friends I got the main cabin walls built & stood, we got the trusses set yesterday... lotta dang work but I think most of the multi person "grunt" work is behind us now.

Thank god for good friends because there are some things you just can't do all by yourself.

My cousin's boy rode up with my Uncle on Sunday, my uncle & his grandpa, which was my cousin's father. It was very good to see him, he was a great help in setting the trusses, it was just really good to see him. He was very impressed with the property & the cabin project. I felt the time was right to ask him if he could come up & hunt with us also. He said "I'd really like that" I said "Well I'd really like it too."

So, another member for the camp, I'm pretty happy about that.

Jason, yep that's a paslode cordless nailer, very handy. I've had it for a good 6 years now, she's drove a lot of nails. Saturday it started giving me some trouble feeding the nails. I had to tear it down, the piston wasn't returning to the top of the stroke because it was simply gummed up from 6 years of use with no service. We cleaned the cylinder, the piston & rings, oiled the rings a little & put it all back together & it's like new again. Funny thing is my 18v Drill crapped out on me later that day which is also about 6 years old. had to take that apart out there too, motor locked up. I was able to take the motor loose from the drive assembly & get it to spin free, put it all back together again & that too seems to be fine, drove a couple hundred screws since Saturday so I think it's fine. Lot's of gears inside those things though... I wouldn't recommend taking one apart for the fun of it

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

cutting the front door redneck style.
[Linked Image]

setting the first truss.
[Linked Image]

more truss work.
[Linked Image]

front view.
[Linked Image]

view from south east corner.
[Linked Image]

Looks like you have the hardest part licked. I was glad when we finished "building out" our 30' x 40' building that we had done it ourselves. It really is a great feeling to know the place inside and out and appreciate how much it took to git 'r done.
Sure is nice to have friends and family to help.

stumpy

Originally Posted by stumpy

....Sure is nice to have friends and family to help.

stumpy

that's when you find out who your real friends are

Dave

I just caught this. Sounds like the start of something special for sure.

rain delay kept me home last night, but I'm Jones'n for some shack time so I think I'll find my way out there tonight & see about framing up that east side room, the sauna. I have to get that framed & get the rooflines tied together before I can tin the roof.

Guys, I did go with perloins for the roof rather than the sheeting like some of you recomended. I did have reasons though. I went with 2x4 rather than 1x4 like I had mentioned. I felt the 2x4 gave much more bite for the screws that hold the tin down. plus, I need that sheeting for the inside, check book is badly broken so what I have for supplies/materials will have to take me though this year.

I have all I need to get it weather tight & insulated so we will use it this year.

more tomorrow, maybe.

Dave

Looks like it is coming together nicely!

so far so good. really want to get a lid on that thing soon though.

Cant blame you there, looks like there are many good times in the future.

Looks great! Much better than the 40 year 5th wheel we use.

Originally Posted by BMD

Cant blame you there, looks like there are many good times in the future.

Yes I hope so. I've taken much advice here already, lots of pictures, that was good advice, the diary/log book thing is very good, I started doing that as soon as it was brought up.

Yeah my kids will have memories of growing up with this camp, the bond strengthens between me & my Late best friend/cousin's boy... and my friends father too who is understandably having a very hard time dealing with his loss.

It's a wonderful project in itself but the fact that I am able to use it to help heal some of the pain in my family & use it as a platform to build & strengthen bonds between those that are hurting the most.... well I guess it's just strange how some things work out. strange, but wonderful.

I had assumed some of the potential for this camp project being utilized as a healing tool of sorts ... I had assumed some of this when I began this post, but it's really bigger than I had imagined at that point. It really is working out well & It's building some hope for a boy & a father who had pretty much lost direction, lost hope. Something to keep them busy, something for them to plan ahead for, look forward to, be excited about.

Deer season will come as it always has... a man is missing, a great void exists that can never be filled. what do we do without him?
We do as he would have us do, we pull together, we regroup. Someone has to pick up the torch, lead the way, provide the opportunities, the atmosphere, provide the hospitality, fuel the comradery, create new traditions. Create & provide a sense of belonging & comfort, crack a joke so they know it's OK to laugh again... It's no replacement for the loss they have suffered, the loss I have suffered. But to enter that time of the year, deer season, with emptiness, no direction, no nothing, just the void. How awful, we just can't have that can we? No we can't, and we won't.

We're building much more than a hunting shack & some deer stands here, it's much more than that.

Enough jabber for now, (I can't spell to save my life anyways)

Time to swing a hammer.

Later,
Dave

Dave, looks like you're really humming along now. Thanks for the pics, I'm starting to really look forward to your updates.

Keep that hammer swinging!

J

If it were me, I'd get a primer and a coat on that siding as quickly as I could. On my project, I primered the sheets before they were nailed up, and then made sure I had a coat of finish on after they were up. I did that on the house and the stuff is holding like it wants to stay up for 30 years.

On the one shed that I sided with leftovers, I wasn't as picky and used a few pieces that had been left out through a couple of rains. That was 5 years ago, and I'll probably have to replace a lot of them next year.

PS: Also make sure you primer all the cut ends wherever you can-- doors, windows, corners, etc. It really helps.

Thanks guys,

Well, mother nature kicked me right in the junk Monday night, I didn't realize it till last night when I got out there. We must have got over a half inch of rain in a short time & it was more than my 4 mill plastic sheeting on the floor could handle. the plastic kept many gallons of water off the flooring, but some got in under the plastic, how much? too dang much...

a few sheets of flooring, one sheet in particular are buckled from absorbing moisture. we got the plastic off & it's all drying now, I just hope everything shrinks back down & flattens out nice... or I'll be doing some open floor surgury.

Me & a good friend decided it best to not let the sauna addition slow down the roofing of the main cabin. I was holding off on laying the tin down on the roof because I had to create a valley where the 2 roof lines connected, cut the tin to fit & all that stuff.

Well I'm just going to focus on getting a lid on the main cabin & I'll tie the sauna roof line in later, or possibly detach the sauna like my dad & uncle's camp... we'll see.

dry & sunny today, come on sun!! cook that moisture out of that floor!!

Dave

I'm "Sofa King".... so-fa'king tired that is....

floor is going to be ok, hope to get the west side of the roof covered with tin tonight.

Dave

Nice pics and great story of life to boot. Brings back memories of our hunting camp in the Adirondacks. Five buddies life long friends. We bought a 20x16 wall tent with a large barrel wood stove. Eleven miles back in the woods and on State property so we could not build a sweet cabin like yours, but boy we lived good up in the mountains. Good food,cold beer, warm tent, things and friends that made each other laugh. Great times, great stories, we will never forget. But lifes path sometimes brings us apart for awhile. Each of us are now married with lots of kids and many other responsibilities. Keeps friends apart for periods of time. But now we are walking the same road, kids are older, jobs winding down, more time with the people we cherish. Hunting season is almost here and my good buddy John has built a cabin on his own property in the mountains, and now dates are set. A reunion of the old hunting club. Can`t wait.Thanks for stirring up the memories...

That's great Willy!! Good for you!!

Good luck to you & your old group, I hope you have a great time & I hope you all make a go of it for many years to come.

Dave

Thanks Dave I`ll keep checking your progress with the camp Good luck..

I can't believe it's Friday already.

My oldest boy & I went out last night & got the tin sheeting on the west side of the roof.

So, now I can keep half of the rain out...

Dave

Coming along great, maybe you wont have any more rain until it you have it dried in.

oh I hope you're right. Forecast is good... we'll see.

Might be able to button up the east side tonight, then I can relax a little.

Well guys, it's been raining up here off & on for a couple of days, and it doesn't bother me a bit because I got my cabin roof done on Sat.

Sure feels good, I cut in the front windows but haven't installed them yet. Maybe this week I'll work on some of that stuff. I wanted to get the siding oil stained before seting the windows in place.

oh, I made a decorative improvement to the out house too, pulled a little buck skull off an ant pile & hung it over the door.

here's the latest photos.
[Linked Image]

I've coasted for 2 days straight, can't take it any more.

Boom-Shack-a-Lacka!!! it's shack time!!!

Head'n for the woods!!!

two days worth of dust on the tools, unaceptable!!

status report to follow in the morning.

Dave out.

Love seeing the progress your making. Y'all are gonna be having some fun shortly.

Well I've got no pictures today because things really haven't changed shape that much. I took my oldest boy out there last night & we just did a lot of misc tasks. We drove a bunch of screws in the floor were we were lacking some, went around the outside with the nail gun & nailed the corners good, drove some screws in the bottom plate, screwed the rafter heals down along the west eve, ... stuff like that.

Then we lit some charcoal, grilled a few burgers & sat down & ate in our future kitchen area.

Tonight I'll work on preparing the ceiling for sheeting. We'll be nailing some lateral bracing up in the rafters, then stapling some plastic to the ceiling from the inside of the cabin, then sheeting the ceiling with OSB. Thinking I'll maybe pick up some ring shank sheeting nails for the nailer for that. Then we'll blow in the insulation in the ceiling.

lots of fresh deer tracks out there, mornings are cooler... the hunting bug is starting to get me. Small game & deer archery will be open in less than a month!!

For the long weekend it was me, the wife & the kids working on the shack. We got all of the windows in, we put a polly vapor berrior on the ceiling & then sheeted the ceiling with OSB.

I'll try to close in the gable ends tonight.

with the ceiling closed in tight & all the windows in we could stay over night out there now with cots or something & the bugs wouldn't get us.

here are a couple new pictures.
[Linked Image]

It's really taking shape now! Very nice work! Y'all are going to have a great time this Fall.

Thats nice, lots of good times to be had!

Dave... awesome, man! "Camps" are very special places. The modern world is eating that kind of good energy and crapping out stress, bad marriages, bad parenting, and bad decisions. What you are doing will be a bulwark against that kind of crap.

Good on ye!

-jeff

Thanks guys, me & my oldest boy went back out last night but didn't get as much done as we wanted to. I had to change a flat on the truck half way back to the cabin out in the woods. seems I picked up a very large chunk of steel rod, about 10" long. Made for a very flat tire.

Me & the oldest boy are going to camp out in the cabin on Friday night, it will be the first time we've stayed out there overnight. he's pretty excited about it, so am i. It will be so nice to not have to drive home in the dark & then wake up at home, pack our stuff & head back out there for the day.

we'll just crash out there on cots when we get tired on friday night, wake up sat morning & get to work.

oh it's gonna be great.

Sounds like it will be a good time.

Dave,

Did you build the trusses or buy them?
Tom

Hey Tom, what's up?

Yeah we bought em, picked em up at lowes for like 26 bucks a piece after a 10% discount for applying for a store card that I won't use.

For that price I couldn't mess around trying to make them.

24' span 4 in 12' pitch, common low heal, nuthin fancy, like a garage package truss.

We closed in the front side gable end last night with sheeting. We're gonna stay out there tonight & it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow so we will probably be working inside tomorrow pulling a little wire, insulating walls & probably some sheeting on inside of ext walls.

Should be fun tonight!!
Me & my boy, a friend & his boy... and some coke & the captain is coming too I guess... he's been ranting on about "set sail!!" or something...

so, we'll probably get pretty smart tonight & solve everybodies problems.

Hi Dave,

For that price I wouldn't mess with building them either. The place is really looking good. Makes me jelous. Have fun....tell the captian I said hi. He'll remember me, we've sailed a few time together.

Dave,

Looks really awesome!!!!

My meager suggestions.

For the biffy, take a piece of the pink foam and make a seat out of it. Keeps your butt nice and warm on those cold -whatever mornings. We've used coffee cans with the lids to store the tp in.

Also, keep a log book of some sorts. Date, what you did, who was there, etc. I've seen them range from nice leather bound jobs to literally writing on the wall. Makes for nice and sometimes interesting reading for everybody down the line.

Weekend was a flop, came down with the flu on friday evening & stayed sick all weekend.
What a waste of a weekend, didn't get anything accomplished.

it's cooling off fast, time to get a wood stove out there.

thinking about building one myself, I made one for our other shack a few years ago & that one's been working very well, I just don't have any time though.

I was thinking something like this
[Linked Image]

benp, welcome!!

first post? wow!!

Don't know if you've followed the campfire forums at all in the past but it's a good forum, lots of nice folks sharing info/stories/what ever.

Yeah I hear ya on the styrofoam seat, nothing beats a cheap styrofoam seat. And we'll need it pretty quick!

I've started a log book but i've been slacking on it. I've just been exhausted & can't keep up with it.

Northern MN?

Cold & windy up here this morning huh?

Dave

I don't see why she wouldn't heat. Might be able to find a barrel stove used or somthing too, easier and probably cheaper than maknig one.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

benp, welcome!!

first post? wow!!

Don't know if you've followed the campfire forums at all in the past but it's a good forum, lots of nice folks sharing info/stories/what ever.

Yeah I hear ya on the styrofoam seat, nothing beats a cheap styrofoam seat. And we'll need it pretty quick!

I've started a log book but i've been slacking on it. I've just been exhausted & can't keep up with it.

Northern MN?

Cold & windy up here this morning huh?

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the welcome!

Yeah, she was a little cold this am. Wiped out on the deck from the frost.

Nice way to start the morning. Coffee one way, me the other.

Woodstove wise, a barrel stove would honestly be my last consideration. Just due to their inefficiency and they are not exactly the safest stoves with kids or intoxicated adults around.

Do they throw the heat. God yes. Run you out in a heart blink. I will give them that.

You should be able to find a good stove in the classifieds or hear of someone getting rid of one for a decent price.

Good luck.

Anybody see you wipe out?

Cause you know, that's the worse....

I don't know about the stove quite yet, I was just looking at a Vogelzang boxwood deluxe last night at a local hardware store. One of my uncles bought the standard version of that stove & is very unhappy with it because the thing is like a run away train, it has such a huge gap at the bottom edge of the loading door that it draws a constant healthy draft, you can't slow it down. The "deluxe" version of the same stove which i looked at last night looked much better, much tighter fitting door & a spin type draft control on the door. they want about $250 for it. looks like this.
[Linked Image]

A cook stove top. Nice.

$250 isnt too bad.

Sounds like a future project of some non-slip topping on that deck. My dad took a fall on an icy cement front porch at camp once. Luckily he woke before he froze to death!

I painted the edges of my steps with white paint so I could see them in the starlight. Figured it saved me a fall or two while drinking with the Captain.

stumpy

ahh the captain... strange how he finds his way this far from big water.... I guess he just preferr's our company? But yes, precautions are a good idea when dry land sailing with ole cappy.

I just scored a slightly used barrel stove... made with a 30 gallon barrel so it's not so big. It will do until I can find something better...

Dave

looks like my last shack pics posted are "pre-gable end" pics.

so, here's some current: [Linked Image]

looks like a 2 tone huh? Some of the ext wall sheeting was like that earlier on too, the sun seemed to balance the rest out, I hope this stuff takes on the same color as the rest of the front.

NDave-this is one super thread, can't believe I just caught on to it.

Sure is super what you've taken to doing with that young lad as well.

What part of northern Minne? I think I've asked you that b4 but if you wish just pm me.

I am going to DL (Detroit Lakes) for the first week of Oct to fly fish for pike/mushky at my parents lake home.

Seems to me like you might need some elk horns to hang up there somewhere. I you wish I'll try to find you a nice set of sheds this spring for my contribution.

Keep up the good work

Dober

Elk sheds would be great!!

Hard for me to bring them home from CO (where we elk hunt) when I get out there (if I were to find some) beings we are from out of state & the horns would be transported during season we don't dare, could be hard trying to convince a warden how we "found them". We have actually come across small spike bull kills that people have either lost or somply walked away from when they discover the bull isn't quite legal. The thought of snagging one of those horns for a knife handle or something has crossed the mind.

We've faced the decision before & even fought over the topic amoungst myself & my much yunger brother who see's no problem risking my truck & rifles for his interests

If you look closely at the out house pics Dober you will see that the door handle is an elk antler tip.

My cousin's boy who I mention so much in this thread lives not far from DL. All of the structural lumber in the shack project came from the menards home center in DL as a matter of fact.

I'm actually a few hours north of DL.

Good luck with the muskies in DL. It sounds like the muskie fishing is picking up on that lake, pelican is supposed to have some too but from talking to my cousin's boy who hits the water pretty hard, DL is his local choice for muskies.

Dave

Dave- my parents live on south shore of Big Detroit and those big toothy buggers cruise right out front of my parents place. From time to time mom and or dad will go down to the Doc in the morn and see a big old boy they call "Marvin" just a cruising and giving the sunnies a beating.

I may go to Reeds in Walker one day while I am back, you close to that place? JElky and I have chatted about trying to meet up there.

You guys gonna use it for your deer opener this year?

Thx

Dober

yeah we're gonna use it for opener for sure, hell we'll use it for opener of small game & archery which is this weekend!!!

Reeds, love that place. They got a big store in brainerd now too I think, new one.

You better get down to that dock with a bucktail & catch ole marvin. If you catch him, give a poke in the eye & tell him it's from Dave for the 1000+ casts he's made with nothin to show.

"fish of a thousand casts"

phhfttht!

musta meant to say 10,000!!

I sent you a PM.

Later,

Dave

Heck I was it was more than that, I had on two last fall that I couldn't even begin to handle with my fly rod.

Macrabbit from here tied me up some flies I used last year and they worked well. I didn't work so well...grins

I'll be gunning for him, I'm thinking of AI'ing my 9 weight to see if I can't get a bit mo distance out of it.

If you think I can meet up with the kid I'll bring a present for you guyz to cook up for your night b4 opener dinner?

I nuked a nice fat cow (elk) the other morn and its been in the hayfields all winter. Frying up some chicken fried elk steaks might just be a way to go for a night b4 dinner.

Just a thought.

Dober

Dave,

They just closed the Brainerd Reeds store, Gander Mtn bought them out.

Be careful with that Dobrenski fella, he only fires a few rounds the day before season at a paper plate, no practical experience at all!!!!;)

The camp is looking great!!!!!!!

Jeff

Hey quit talking about my Uncle that way...grins

Dober

wow, that new reeds didn't last long.

27 this morning when I left home for work. glad I picked all my tomatoes & peppers last night.

might try camping out at the shack again tonight.

Hey guys, I was just over on a thread Blammer started about his cousin age of 41 who just passed away. It brought fresh a lot of emotion that is, well, rather recent, rather current you might say with my dealing with my own cousin & best friends death as mentioned early on in this thread.

I mentioned something that I don't think I have shared over here on the birth of a deer camp thread.

One month to the day of my cousin's death I got a tattoo on my left shoulder blade.

It's a black heart that has been run through with a long sharp dagger. Red blood drops run from the heart & off the tip of the dagger. The black heart is my heart, always the black sheep & a bit cold emotionally from my hard start at life with unfavorable childhood, young marine off to experience war, etc.

The heart is forever impaled with uncurable pain, though damaged & hurting it remains alive just barely. Above the heart & dagger a simple banner with only a date "06-28-07"

A tear runs off the corner of the banner.

Funny I haven't thought to mention the ink till now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm actually a few hours north of DL.

Dave, that would put you around my neck of the woods. I live north of Bermidj.

My wife was down to "Bermidji" on Wed for some training.

"down to bermidji" that cracks me up.

jeesh, how far north is "northern dave"?

pert near as far north as he can be without being a Canadian

Up in Baudette? That area? Across the bog?

When you come to the "big city", lol, you only drive a few miles from where I live.

My road is off of 71.

bog, yeah. plenty of that up here.

lol.

you're getting warm, PM on the way.

Excellent weekend. Stayed out at the cabin all weekend. Just me & my oldest boy on Friday night, we got the woodstove set up & running. Nice & comfy out there all weekend. It was small game opener & my boy shot the first grouse of the season just north of the cabin, that bird has been out there beating his wings at us for the past 2 months, he was asking for it!!

A friend stopped out on Sat & helped us finish insulating the walls, then my wife showed up with my other 2 kids & a good supper for us all & the whole family stayed out at the cabin Sat night.

Then sunday we started sheeting the inside of the cabin with our OSB sheeting, here are a couple of pictures of that.

[Linked Image]

Dave

Looking good Dave. Oughta be able to heat that place with a candle now.....

Looks great!, It is really coming together nicely.

That is a great looking cabin.

Doing a heck of a job Dave! That's going to be THE place for generations to com

Hey thanks guys. I think I can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

Soon it may transition into being about the hunting & the story telling, the relaxation.... take a nap on a bunk mid day if you like....

Oh I can't wait to settle into that part of the project. It's been work, work, work. Still fun, but I'll have more fun when it's less work & more play.

I scored a free LP heater yesterday, friend of mine from work replaced a vented LP heater with a new gas freestanding fireplace. so now when I get that hooked up I'll have backup heat. I'll use the little wood stove as much as I can but now with the LP heat in place we can go to sleep at night & let the wood fire burn down & the lp will kick in... sleep all night, no getting up at 3am to toss wood in the stove, fancy huh?

I have to get up at 3 am to toss a piss into the bushes anyway, so what's another log in the woodstove at that point. :-)

-jeff

LOL,

why is the truth so funny?

It's not so funny up at elk camp at -15F in the snow... but whatcha gonna do...

-jeff

Jeff, I solved that problem. My second deer season I bought a oversized blaze snowmobile suit. That year It was nicknamed "the big swish" cause its so loud in the woods. Now its my sleeping bag at deer camp. its hell for warm and when I need to take that 3 am leak, I slide on my boots, water the stump, and get back in my cot, never having left my warm sleeping bag!!
Gary

I'm so GREEN with envy!!!! Good job!

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Jeff, when I need to take that 3 am leak, I slide on my boots, water the stump, and get back in my cot, never having left my warm sleeping bag!!
Gary

As cold as it is up where we hunt, I'm watering WITH the stump sometimes! Like some guy said in the ski lodge bathroom to much amusement from all present.... I've got 6 layers of clothes on, but only 5 layers worth of pecker!

-jeff (can you hear Castanza yelling, "Shrinkage!")

northern dave-is your young friend lives close to DL and if you want some elk steaks for your night b4 the opener of deer dinner at your new camp let me know.

I'll be in DL the end of this month and could bring you a few steaks for your night b4 dinner.

If you wish.

Later

Dober

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Jeff, I solved that problem. My second deer season I bought a oversized blaze snowmobile suit. That year It was nicknamed "the big swish" cause its so loud in the woods. -snip-
Gary

the big swish, oh man that's funny!!

like a blaze orange michelan man.

you guys talk about trying to take a leak with all thos clothes on, take a peek at my story down the row under "deer hunting" I think it's titled "midwestern deer hunting" or something like that.

kind of goes well with things like "the big swish" and the guy talking about 6 layers of clothing & only 5 layers worth of reach...

dober, I get down that way myself quite a bit, I could meet up with you if the timing worked out.

Hey benp, happy to report as per your suggestion, the pink foam toilet set is in place & it works very well :: LOL!!

Hey guys, we need to put up a meat pole.

I'm basically broke by now.. (wonder why?) so I can't get too extravagant... what works well for you guys?

I am kind of looking at a couple of trees in what should remain a somewhat shaded area were I thought I could lash a tamarack pole between the 2... it's in a spot were we could drive a truck under..

Any ideas? specific tricks or suggestions?

Dave

I will throw in a suggestion for the meat pole, get/make enough gambrels and find a block and tackle setup to help lift the deer without getting covered in blood.

It looks like a great place with alot of great memories waiting to be made.

I read about a place in Bassett, NE where Fred Bear and some Bear executives used to hunt. Everyone that ever visited that cabin signed on the curtains and when that filled up they signed on the walls. It looks like a good way to remember all who were there.

Thanks supermag, I can make the gambrels easy enough.. which leads to another question... what's everybody like best? hoist the neck or hang by gambrel (hind legs)?

I've done both but sometimes I favor hanging by the neck so everything can drain out clean, maybe it doesn't matter.

So, with a block & tackle... and multiple deer, (I'm counting chickens that aint hatched yet

but, with multiple deer & one pulley, what works the slickest to get em hoisted, get em hooked & get your block & tackle free'd up & ready for the next would be addition to the pole?

If ya plan on mounting it use the legs if not by the neck for the same reason.

There are some photos from old northern MN deer camps on the FM forum. Take a look at the log and tamarack meat poles they are very cool.

One thing we used to do is pick up a bunch of smaller pulleys from L&M then chain them to the pole tie off your deer run the rope thru said pulleys lift and tie off on boat cleats.

Block and tackle work ok but get to be a pain to adjust and the pulley and chain saves on weight on the hanging pole.

good luck,

ok, cool, but what's the "FM Forum"?

The way we did it with elk was to have a section of chain on the gambrels. We hooked the block and tackle to the gambrel then hoisted it up and wraped the chain over the pole and secured it. We were then able to loosen up the block and tackle and free it without having to support the animal.

I usually hang my animals by the hocks to make skinning easier, which we usually do pretty soon after harvest.

Steel pipe works really well because a rope slides over it easily. 3" would seem about right, although that is probably overkill, from a strength perspetive. Shade is important, and I would mount it where I could back a truck under it, and where I could use a truck to hoist an animal up. It would also be nice if it was close to a hose.

I am a hang-from-the-hocks fan.

By the way, I have really been enjoying this thread.

Thanks guys, I guess I might try to utilize input here in the meat pole project. I'm thinking probably a tamarack pole lashed between a couple trees in the spot I have picked out & I like the idea of individual chain hanging points on the pole from which individual pulleyes could be hung or a block & tackle could be moved into various possitions used to hoist a gambrel to the hook point off the pole.

I like that big pipe idea & could see that working well, but I aint got one & can't really go & buy one right now.

for this weekend there might be a little tractor work to do on the access trail to the property, some sheeting to be done in the inside of the cabin, and maybe start builing interior walls for the bunk rooms.

I'll stay out there tomorrow night, guess we have plans for tonight.

thanks guys.. til monday,
Dave out.

Well, another good weekend out at the shack.

Me & my oldest boy built all of the interior walls yesterday before we left & we also installed a new wood stove on Sat. I ended up getting the cast iron boxwood jobby I posted a picture of a little while back. seems to work prety well.

here's a few pictures of the inside with the walls up.
[Linked Image]

Veddy veddy nice, Dave, your kids will continue thanking you for it long after...

Dave,

Holy Crap.....We had that same couch in our house when I was a kid!!!!! When my folks got rid of it, my uncle took it out to our hunting shack. Might still be there, have to check this w/e.

As to the meat pole, I've seen a piece of square tube used with the hitch coupler still attached. It was a trailer tongue at one time, how about an old clothes line pole???

Jeff

Looking good. Dog looks pooped. Basset hound?

I mounted a boat crank chained to a tree with cable on the base of the tree and hung two pulleys chained on a limb. Instead of a 150 angle, I have a 60 and 90, so it really cranks easy. We have small deer, but my 6 year old raised her own doe off the ground. We also spread some used bricks underneath to eliminate a muddy spot.
When we get one cranked up, we swing him over to another hook and undo the first to let him hang "over there".
Clear as mud, right? The boat crank ain't free, but I figure I will have it many years.
stumpy

Originally Posted by biglmbass

Looking good. Dog looks pooped. Basset hound?

yeah, lucy the basset hound. there might be a lab on the couch in that photo, he's as black as the ace of spades so it would be hard to see him on the couch with the poor lighting.

they were both up on the couch for a while yesterday, they can't get away with that at home, in fact, they can't even come in the house at home (I have a heated shop with a doggy door)

boat winch huh stumpy? boy there must be a million uses for a boat trailer winch... good idea.

Dave

Very Nice! I didn't read all of it but what I did it sounds like you're having a great time vcreating your hunting camp. If you weren't so far away I would volunteer to come out and "witch" a well site for you. I would think there is probably a water vein or two close to the camp.
Hand driving a well is a bit of work but is you use a tripod with a large pulley at the apex, some 1'2" rope , and a heavy driver , it's not too bad. Having driven several well points in the past coupleof years I sure learned the ways of making it a bit easier.

hmm, very interesting.

Actually I think i can witch it myself, that seems to work for me. and I think a sand point will drive pretty easily for me as it seems to be like sugar sand for ayt least 6 ft down turning into a blend of gravel. (we had a cat out there pushing up some fill & making a pond.)

might have to pick your brain a little for sand point tips, do's & dont's or what ever.

I suggest going with a 60 mesh point ANything finer will clog up. Also use two inch well pipe. It comes in five foot length. If you know how to witch you should also be able to tell how deep the water vein is. A pitcher pump will pull about 22-24ft. If you hit a vein at that depth you will usually get a "head" of about 6 feet of water up the pipe. Use drive couplings and tighten the the lengths of pipe as tight as you can get them with 36" pipe wrench, plus a little more. Use teflon pipe tape for the joints. You'll know you're in the vein when you can't fill up the pipe no matter how fast you pour water into it.
If need be I can take pictures of the trip pod, driver set up at a well I'm helping to drive right now and send them to you

DaGriz,
I would like to see the pictures of that tripod setup. I am building a lake cabin in northern MN and thinking about doing a sandpoint too. Not sure if it is possible because my neighbor drilled a 130' well and he is at a 20'lower elevation and closer to lake level.
I have been watching this thread because of my current project and to get a feel for how my grandfather felt when they built our hunting shack 52 years ago.
Humdinger

Griz, that is much appreciated info & any more expertise you can share including pics is also much appreciated. Sounds like Humdinger is also looking for some sandpoint schooling.

Humdinger, my cabin project has been a lot of work, but can not compare to anything our grandfathers built. What I mean is the physical labor & speed part, The inside of my right hand, between my thumb & forfinger there is a callussed arch from framing/sheeting nailer & cordless drills. That's my cheater mark.... I shouldn't have been able to be as far as I am right now with the time I've had.

Our grandfathers swung hammers.. man, they worked hard. hand saws, everything was hand tools, yeah 52 years ago there were power tools by it's unlikely there was a way to use them out at a cabin site.

I think back 25+ years back when I "helped" build a hunting cabin that still stands today. I was a boy, about my oldest boy's age. We had modern finished lumber & modern sheeting materials much like I've been using on our current project. But there were no cordless drills or cordless framing nailers.

my project is zooming along like a rocket compared to what it would be without a few modern tools.

I told my wife 7 or 8 years ago when I bought my paslode nailer for building our house, told her after the first day of using it "well, that thing paid for itself today, every day it stays working from here out is just a bonus."

I strongly strongly suggest to anyone embarking on this sort of project that works full time & builds in his/her "spare time" These cordless nailers are a must, they shoot framers & sheeters and you don't need an air compressor. And the drills, cordless drills. Gotta have that stuff.

Dave coming along great, looks like you are doing a great job!

When hand driving a well point the critical one item is to be 99% certain there is a water vein no deeper than 24ft. ANything deeper than that is too far to be drawn by a hand pump or even an electric shallow well pump. Once you find the spot use a post hole digger to make a hole at least three feet deep. Much easier to start pounding when the point in the ground. You have to keep the pipe straight when starting, so use a 3ft or better level
Hand driveing in a spot that was "witched" also runs the chance that the vein is not big enough. I've witched a few wells that could only produce 1-1/2gal a minute. You really need at least 5 gal a minute. The tripod set up is nothing more than three hardwood poles about 16ft long, chained together at the top and set up over the hole. A big pulley is hung from the chain and the driver is pulled up by rope and then let drop to drive the point. If it quits raining here and I head out to the cabin site I'll take some pictures.
You will need a drive cap and a short 8-10" nipple. The nipple is screwed into the coupling at the top of the pipe and the drive cap onto it. This will help prevent damage to the pipe sections. My driver is extremely heavy, which makes driving a bit faster but lifting a bit more tiring. I also advise to put a heavy bumper into your driver so the drive cap does not hit metal when you are driving. I use a 2" thick piece of hard rubber matting that slips into the driver.

Cool Griz, very cool.

Hey guys.... Gunrack!!! I want a gunrack!!

in our old shack we had a gun rack that one of my uncles made I think. it is located in the center of the shack at the end of a coule of bunks. It holds like.. oh I dunno, 8-10 rifles vertical & it has a storage shelf above for boxes of ammo & what not, lots of hunting pictures are tacked up all over the outside.

I want one, doesn't have to be like the one in the old shack but I really like the idea of a gunrack out in the general living area for several reasons. I don't like guns stashed away here & there, hanging off bunk ends & leaning in the corners etc. I like having them all were everyone can see them in plain view uncased with the actions open indicating a safe rifle. They get to air out & dry this way & they also get some attention as they tend to get passed around & looked at by other hunters in the group.

Anybody got any good ideas for a gun rack design? Pictures?

Somehow the $3500 for a drilled well is more appealing now...

The story of our cabin is a 12 x 24 structure that they built in one weekend. It had eight bunks in the end (double bed bunks) with the kitchen table as overflow sleeping. I assume they had 8 guys building it and it is a simple structure, but it probably took every waking moment to get it done. I suspect that generation of men didn't know anything but hard work and it was just a little sweat for hunting passion. Of course some of the finish work was asphalt roll roofing on top and a similar product with brick pattern for the outside so this was "built for speed".
Only one old guy is left and he was a son of the founder. Every one who contributed to the building owned a voting share and there were club rules that still hold today even if it is only my brother and myself out there.
I recently had breakfast with the last founder and he told me why we shut the propane off for the stove and lights at night (kereosene stove heat if you wonder). We always thought it was for safety or concern about the old copper lines leaking. The real reason was decades ago my grandfather got up to take a leak late at night after a drinking night and he turned on the propane lamp and forgot to light it! Someone woke up to the stink and aired the place out before anyone got sick and that spawned the "no propane at night" rule that still stands today. We don't trust the 50 year old aooliance at times...

Enough high jacking the thread. This just brought back memories. Dave, please leave the cabin a little rustic so people will keep it in the perspective of "hunting shack"!

Humdinger

don't worry about high jacking anything

that's crazy talk.

yeah I want "rustic" the whole inside is sheeted with OSB as I got it for about 4.50 a sheet back in May. I'd like to cover the inside with rough sawn plank boards or something similar to give it that rustic cabin apeal. Don't get me wrong, the light colored planed tongue & groove stuff is beautiful but I'm not sure it's the direction I want to go with this place.

I have a friend at work here that has a huge stack of very old tongue & groove boards from an old impliment sales building that was supposedly taken apart over 50 years ago. If the building was taken apart 50 years ago it isn't unlikely that it was standing for 50 years prior. the boards are likely 100 years old or better.

they are "planed" on one side & rough on the other. I suppose you would call them about a 1x4 that probably nets about... 3.5" of coverage?

Well, the rough side looks freekin super crazy awesome IMO, and I figure this huge stack he has is enough to do my entire interior walls & ceiling!! He just told me to give him 900 bucks, take the stack now & pay him when I can....

evil man tempting me with this super cool rustic T&G!!!!

I wonder if I need both my kidneys? I know I can't part with my liver, I need that to filter my malt beverage drinking fluids.... Hmmmm, I have to think of something....

Air that cabin out. That OSB will be offgassing some seriously evil stuff for a while, if you care about that kind of thing...

-jeff

you're right about that Jeff.

it was worse at first but after a few nights & days of that wood stove woofing & the windows all wide open I think it's getting better, either that of my smeller is roasted?

What do you think about this cool old T&G planking?

man it needs something like that..

The planking sounds great! I run a recording studio, and I finished off the inside with salvaged barn siding- weathered grey, etc. Love it!

It's $900 though...

-jeff

yeah i know.. oof, 900 bucks. I aint got a rifle in the safe I could part with.... I dunno how to swing this one, wonder if he likes old cars. i got a 2 dr 54 chev all orig & complete unrestored... & a couple trucks of the same vintage... I dunno, gotta think of something.

Mmmm, 1954 trucks, old cars, for old wood, hmmm good trade...

make'm heap good trade.

Don't be sellin' good hot rod material or rifles for that matter to fund a project. I have been down that road... alot. It is not worth it. Now if you are not going to use good hot rod material and it is just lying aroud, thats different....Whatch got?

Maybe you could trade some labor and some cash or somthing. Old wood on cabin interiors is freakin' awsome. I feel your pain.

oh I got a lot of "projects" laying around. The 54 chev is a 2 dr 210 with a 6, 3 on the tree, standard stuff. all there, original unrestored (but needs it badly)

51 f-1 ford pickup with a flat head v-8, rough but all there, 54 ford f-1 with a flat 6, rough but all there.

64 ford galaxie 500 xl, 2 dr ht, 390 with toploader 4 speed... again, rough but all there.... and probably some other stuff that I've forgot about for the moment....

I'm in scrimp mode... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but my fuel tank is empty.... tough spot.

We'll get by though.

Are you going to restore them or looking to lose them? I have a few myself. A 55' Ford F-100 with a 351w/c-6 that is nearly finished, and a 64 F-100 that really wants to be finished. I want to put a 390 with a 4 speed in there. Should really fly with that baby in it. I have a 460 for it but it has a hole in the side of it....opps.

I might know a guy or two if you really are looking to sell. My pa is a huge Ford guy and a sucker for flat heads.

yeah, blue oval guy here too.

The flatty was stuck, I completely filled it through every hole including the cab with desil fuel well over a year ago & haven't tried cracking it loose since.

not really looking to sell I guess but this stuff will sit around for ever before I get a chance to do anything with it.

I got a 460 from a mid/early 70's lincoln laying around with a C-6 behind it. good hot rod stuff i suppose.
I have a 1970 F-250 with 360 & a 4 speed, 4wd (my plow truck)

and a 77 f-150 4x4 with a 351M & a c-6. (for fun)

I can't sell the 64 galaxy with the 390/toploader combo, that's just too bad ass. but the 2 old trucks & the 54 2 dr chev.. they could go I suppose. The trucks are no prizes (most that old aren't)

I have a shop & do body/paint & restorations on the side (or I'm supposed to)

this cabin project has put my shop work on hold.

I've been doing a 68 dodge coronett for a couple years now, total gut job, new sheemetal everywhere.. what a job. But it's been on hold for too long. The owner probably wants to kill me.

no damn time.

Pa does paint and body work too. He just finished a shop this spring 35x50 I think. He lives in Duluth. If you are looking to part with the 460, I may be interested. Although it may not be until spring now. Lay off's coming soon...need to save now.

The 64 is a cool ride. I(we) will do a gut job on the 64 F-100 when I get around to it. Most likly next winter. I should have done that on the '55 as way more parts are available after market for that. Oh well live and learn I guess.

cool, we got a lot in common then. I sent a PM.

still need some ideas on a gun rack guys... for inside the shack... for me, it should almost be a shrine, a showcase, a conversation piece, a gathering place... draws curiosity....

that being said, it doesn't have to be pretty, that's not what I mean. just gotta be cool, gotta have charactor, room to hang hunting photo's & stuff on... charator...

anybody know what I'm talking about? anybody have pictures of there camp gun racks?

Dave

Large white tail antlers make the best gun racks In my opinion.

Phil

There's some really good lookin' deer camp cabins being posted here... looks like they'll be stayin' cozy and warm this Buck Season, eh?

I sure hope so Ron, I was out there last night "decorating"

I took some antlers out there, a european mount, a red fox nose hanger hide.. a clock, some stuff to hang on the walls..

My buddy gave me an American flag that he had folded up in his garage. he said "it's kinda big but I thought maybe you'd like it beings you were a marine & all"

We got out there & I unfolded it, it's a 5'x8' heavy cloth flag, a real beauty!! I hung it on a wall in the cabin, it looks great.

I don't have any pictures...but do you want to have them but end down, or hang them horizontal? Could be done fairly quick as it seems you are pretty handy. Maybe somthing like a book case. Have a board on the bottom with notches or slots cut for the stocks to rest in, and somewhere on the barrel have wooden dowels to keep them from sliding. Above that maybe a small shelf for ammo and cleaning supplies. Atatch it to the wall or make a case above it to hang photos or racks or somthing cool.

The big flag on the wall is cool in any shack, military or not I think it should be in any camp. Slick move.

How do I check my pm. I looke in my list and the one you sent did not show up.

hmm, I'll try re-sending.

Hello all!
Just thought I would post here because Dave and I share something in common. You see, I lost my best friend too. It happens to be the very same best friend that Dave lost. Dave and I knew each other a little from different encounters over the years through his cousin and I always thought Dave was a unique individual but I never knew how truly talented and gifted he is until we got to know each other better due to these tragic circumstances. The boy that he speaks of happens to be my God Son and is a wonderful kid who has a passion for the outdoors like you wouldn't believe due to his fathers guidance over the past 16 years. He is also a good little football player. I went to his homecoming game last night, he started and they won by 64 points! Anyway I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave from the bottom of my heart for what he is doing and the sacrifces he is making to ensure this boy will be part of a strong family tradition that goes well beyond deer hunting. The bonds and the values this deer camp will create will last a lifetime in the heart of our friends child and will be sure to carry on.
So Dave....Thank You! You are truly a great great man.

Now about this gun rack. Hmmmm....I might have to put my thinking cap on but off the top of my head I'm thinking one built into the wall so when the doors are closed they are almost flush. Doors....like old rustic barn doors or something. The guns hang horizontal so you can see and admire the detail of them. Email me and we can throw a few ideas around.
Jim

Rooster,

I like the barn doors. That would add some character for sure. If I were to build a rack, too would have them horizontal. Then if you clean them, or there is moisture in them it will not run into the action. Maybe the doors could have plexi glass on them for all to see.

Plexi glass or framed out like a barn window with old chicken wire in between would look cool too. Leave space in between the guns for hanging framed hunting pictures. A soft red light shining on the the guns at night would be awesome.

Jim

What an amazing and fascinating thread- makes one jealous of all the space you guys have over there. Superb project and all the best for the future..

I have just found and read this thread from the beginning. All I can say is wow! Your nephew and children have one heck of a mentor! I have to say I am envious of your endeavor! Something I have always wanted was either a permanent hunting camp or a cabin on a lake. I grew up in SD and southern MN. Now reside in WY and with property like you have running in t he $10k range per acre here, I won't be having one. Your nephew and children are lucky to have you! Great job on an awesome looking place!!!!

I am lucky in the one fact that I have so much hunting land avaible to hunt around me! I can sleep in a tent for that matter!

Welcome Rooster and I think you are on to something with your thoughts on the gun rack.

Thanks Jim.

Means a whole lot coming from you. And welcome to the campfire buddy.

The "boy" busted himself a wopper of a buck over the weekend as I understand. I got one crappy cell phone picture so far & from what I can see, he's a beauty!!
I told him on the phone last night as I was looking at the picture, I said "uh-oh.... I've seen this before, I know what this is...."

He said "what do you mean?" I said "this is deer one of a marathon season for you, I can tell.."

he laughed.

Real good weekend, my dad & family were up to the shack, we did some brush mowing , made a couple trails, did some clearing & limbing around the cabin. It's looks great now, It's like we have a yard now. I forgot to take pictures, dang it... I guess I'll have to go back out there now

We also moved the out house to it's permanent location, so that was good to be done with.

Very good weekend, it just went to fast is all.

I'll have to catch up on the thread here, it looks as though my team of advisors has been hard at it laying out some good ideas & advice on the gun rack question.

Dave

Northn Dave,

God Bless ya for the Wonderful work your doing for others to heal. Just started into this thread today and can't believe I haven't run into it before, Long time lurker here at the campfire. Just never enough time to keep up with all the forums. Great reading!

For a guncabinet picture a lazy susan from a cabinet. One conduit pipe with 2 pieces of 3/4 inch board in a circle with notches cut to hold the guns in place. The boards are simply slid with a center hole over the pipe and held in place both top and bottom of each board with pins. Simply screw a 4x4 block with a hole in the center to the floor and cieling of the ccabin, install the conduit then you have a Cheap rotating gun rack. Cut the circle as large as you like for the bigger the board the more guns it holds. Same for the shelf above except no need to notch the board's out...

Sorry for the typing my kiddoes want the computer so I'm rushing, keep the story flowing here PLEASE!!! Thanks again for sharing as I've also been trying to rekindle a fire with some friends through hunting camp this coming season.

Thanks for the idea Wabo & good to see a first post from someone who has been reading for a while. I guess I'd say "welcome" but it sounds like you've been around here for a while, just quiet is all.

Thanks.... & welcome anyways... first post warrants a welcome no matter what!

That youngster stuck a whopper of a buck with the bow that his dad bought for himself shortly before the accident that claimed his life. He never got to hunt with it. Real nice Bowtech rig, not sure which model but she's a beauty & I bet My friend is looking down & smiling at the fact that his boy got to seal the deal with his bow on a true trophy buck.

I'll see about a pic of the buck, not real comfortable posting a pic of the kid.. I'll see what I can do.

Dave

here guys, here's a pic of the buck that the boy muzzy scewered over the weekend.

Nice huh?
[Linked Image]

I know someone's gonna ask or comment so I'll just say it now, I'm pretty sure that's an exit wound we see on this side.

Dave

Well, this thread gets another first post...

I just found this site looking for info on my new muzzleloader. I have to say there is a sense of respect and fun not found often on the internet.

Dave, I think you are doing a wonderful thing for your nephew, your family and yourself. Hope it comes together the way you are seeing it in your mind.

Good luck, and keep us up to date.

Pete

Pete, weckome to zee campfire.

and thanks for the nice words.

Dave

huntthehunter,

Welcome to the Campfire! As a relative noob myself I still marvel at what a generally great forum it is...

Take off your boots and stay a while!

-jeff

Thanks guys. I am enjoying it a great deal.

Jeff, you see that deer pic?

that thing is a toad!!

11 points, 18" inside...

I'm proud, I'f frickin gleaming with pride.

I just want to grab hold of that boy & bear hug him till I hear little squeek noises out of his lungs...

I hope to see him this weekend!! That dang boy, Rooster, are you reading this?

I know you have all the pictures, I can't wait for the weekend Rooster Jim, you get on over to his house today if you can & give that boy a semi non life threatening bear hug & tell him it's from Dave.

God dang it, I'm all wound up. I'm over stimulated!!

Like Marge simpson says to homer when he gets all wound up "now Homie, you're over stimulated, let's get you home, get some beer in you & get you off to bed."

Homer: "woo-hoo!! Beer! Beer! Beer! Bed! Bed! Bed!!"

Dang it Dave, I like you even more now.

That is a Big Deer.

I wish there was something next to him for scale. I bet he's even bigger than I think he is! Our blacktail are kinda small. Shh... don't tell anyone!

-jeff

I've got pics of the "kid" behind him holding the antlers & as "da yoopers" say "smiling like heck"

He's big, I'd guess 220 dressed out.

ok, here, try this:
[Linked Image]

Nice friggin' buck!

Damn. We call those "elk" around here.

-jeff

Dave-

THAT is a nice buck. Need to see the youngster's face in the pict.
Hell, that thing is almost as fat as your basset hound!

Kid still grinning?

Dave is worried if we see his face, he will become our obsession and a legion of internet stalkers will descend upon him!

Just giving you a hard time, Dave! I understand.

-jeff

I'm readin it now Dave! I think the bear hug I gave him saturday night when them boys came back from the woods with that buck was pretty semi non life threatening. If I see him soon I'll give him one for you too. That will get a laugh out of him! Yeah proud doesn't quite cover it does it? The fact that he got him with his Dad's bow is the icing on the cake! Makes you wonder if that buck had "a little help" in wandering under that stand that night.

Your right on Dave, the wound you see in the photo is the exit wound. Shot from a tree stand. I'm guessing 210 - 220 dressed too. I didn't pay much attention to body size on saturday. I was too excited for the "boy". Heck I think I acted more excited then him. I wanted to jump up and down and yell. He is not one to show much emotion in front of his buddies though. This is just awesome!!

Dave are you coming this way this weekend or is he going to your place?

Dave,

Give the boy a high 5 for me. That is a BEAUTY. I have been trying for 6 years to get me ANY buck with my bow. Hell of a deer...I see why you are proud. 220# in early Oct. he had a month of growing to do before the rut too. Glad he hauled him out. Man what a buck...again tell him congrats.

Tom

I inherited a Winchester rifle built in 1904 from my great uncle a few years ago, 2004 to be exact. He was a great guy... fought across Europe in WWII, went to Alaska and fished for 10 years after that to get his head straight, came back down and made a lot of money and friends. Anyway, I took that rifle out and got a deer with it on it's 100th birthday and it was a special feeling.

-jeff

Guys, gas on the fire!! Gas on the fire!!!

Your pouring gas on over stimulated daves fire!!!!

Ahhhhhh!!!

Rooster, I want to show that smile so bad, I think I better ask his mom. What do you think?

Good call, and use your judgement, but I've been using my real name on the internet since 1992... there's pictures of my kids on my real estate website... I dunno...

-jeff

Originally Posted by Jeff_Olsen

I inherited a Winchester rifle built in 1904 from my great uncle a few years ago, 2004 to be exact. He was a great guy... fought across Europe in WWII, went to Alaska and fished for 10 years after that to get his head straight, came back down and made a lot of money and friends. Anyway, I took that rifle out and got a deer with it on it's 100th birthday and it was a special feeling.

-jeff

Jeff-

That's a wonderful way to honor him.

Dave - You can ask her if it makes you feel better. I think the response will be "Go for it!" But its up to you bud. If the "legion of internet stalkers" descends upon him they might just meet the same fate as that old buck!

Originally Posted by Jeff_Olsen

Good call, and use your judgement, but I've been using my real name on the internet since 1992... there's pictures of my kids on my real estate website... I dunno...

-jeff

yeah Jeff. I've posted pics of my own kids & you see pics of me on this thread... it's just a um, caution/respect thing. It's my choice to post pics of my own boy & myself, But it's another thing to post pics of someone elses kid without parental consent.

I'll ask her, then she's gonna wanna read the post, then I'll get all red & embarassed, so on & so forth.

Uno-momento por favor....

Rooster, you're right about that, there are some very able bodied men that would lay there life on the line to protect that family. I know you're one of em.

I don't think we have to worry about that sort of thing though, this site is chocked plum full of pics of kids that have parents showing them off with there first deer, bear, turkey or what ever, it's really more of a respect thing.

Dave

mama said "by all means"

So, I'm very proud to show this beastly young hunter man with his recent kill:

[Linked Image]

and, for the not so weak at heart, some gore!! yeah!!! get in there & drag that stuff out boy!!! Wooooo!!

That's him in there up to his elbows, just like his old man. Git r done boy!!!

Gotta respect a kid capable of doing his own "dirty work".

[Linked Image]

Guys, I get to hunt with this kid soon for the first time.

And I can't frickin wait!!

Good job boy!!!!
Woooooooo!

Dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave - You can ask her if it makes you feel better. I think the response will be "Go for it!" But its up to you bud. If the "legion of internet stalkers" descends upon him they might just meet the same fate as that old buck!

That's what I've always figured. I have an AR15 loaded up with 60-gn Partitions for just such an occassion!

-jeff

Yeah I wouldn't worry about it too much Dave. All the crazy people are probably to lazy to sift through this entire thread!!

So true.

hey Jim, looky me, I hit my thousandth post.

only took me a little over 3 years!!

and I hit number 1000 replying to you, how fitting.

Hey Dave,

Ahh.....you excited buddy?

The more I see that sucker the more I like it.

So is that going to "da camp" or "da wall"?

I'm not one to shy away from gore pic's, kinda like 'em sometimes.

.... hell of a buck.

Tom

Damn, that's great.

I'm pretty sure that one will have to go on the wall at home, probably in the boy's room... no, probably in the downstairs family room were more people can see it, too dang nice to hide away in a bedroom.

As far as horn gear for wall hangings at the camp, I guess the boy will just have to shoot more & we'll hang those up out at the shack.

I might have to shoot a few myself..

looka the fat neck on that cow headed buck!!!

He'd have shot him three weeks from now there'd be no neck. He'd be shoulders and head. Damn that's a nice buck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So true.

hey Jim, looky me, I hit my thousandth post.

only took me a little over 3 years!!

and I hit number 1000 replying to you, how fitting.

I'm honored man! 1000 Wow!

Dave,

Why don't you come down for pheasant opener on the 13th(or some weekend your free)and we'll see about getting you a Rooster or two for those cabin walls. Pheasant mounts always dress a place up!

Dave,

Thanks for the Warm welcome. You have reminded me of fond memories with all of your story here and that boy. Wow that boy who has become a Man, now with the Giant buck and a bow used now as a gift from his father who is still looking out for his son. Sheeze man I don't know weather to cry of be tremedously excited this story really pulls all the right strings!

You shake that young MANs hand for me will ya, give him a firm grip from a Missouri outdoorsman and tell him I'm Proud of him!!! Excited for him and can't wait to hear more about him and his hunting adventures with you, how he is doing during the coming season and dealing with life in general. Can't wait to hear more about how this camp and the members create long lasting memories around it. Thankyou for bringing old memories back and helping me look forward to deer and waterfowl season that much more.

Now a few questions if I may? I'm considering installing a woodstove very similiar to the one which now sits in your cabin to my homemade/ wood framed enclosed trailer. I've basically framed a house on top of a 16 foot tandem axle trailer with all the wood screwed and glued together with a tin roof over 1/2" plywood.

It is Very solid and will be used as my portable camp for the far hunting ground, so the question would be will a cast iron stove like that work inside screwed down to the trailer floor? or would it crack from the jars and vibrations from driving across Vripped fields and through the woods? I really like those stoves but would also consider a cold rolled steel small stove if I have to. The reason for the bigger stove would be to warm the trailer and a homemade canvas tent attached to the back of the barn door trailer, thus my anxiety on that issue.

Now another, if that siding on your camp were used on a house, and another deer camp how long will it last between waterproofing before needed to be treated again? I've been involved in construction my whole life, yet we've not used any of that siding during the 20 years since I began pounding nails at 14. Never cared for vinyl, concrete board siding, or brick, just logs or that sheeting you used looks nice to me, and my house will need siding within a few years for an update as well as my garage and future deer camp.. As far as wood stoves I been around them and owned a few in houses but never in a trailer type atmosphere. So any input you guys would have on both issues is much appreciated Thanks!!!

wabo, thanks for the nice words.

now, for your questions.

the cast iron boxwood unit I got is one hot stove... can't hardly slow it down.

The gap at the bottom of the door is a little too wide from the fact, I plan on closing that gap down a little by welding a bead to add material & grind it back down smooth. for now I've been using a heavy piece of copper wire as a shim to close down that gap a litle so the fire doesn't just run away wild.

the stove likes some clearance, under side gets hotter than you would think. I think it's a real strong stove, I just think you' want to address the excessive draft issue to control the heat better & also you'd want to have some good fire board or similar product to line under & behind, some air gap stripping to hold your fireboard away from your flooring & walls would be good too.

As for the siding, we call it "T-111" type, grooved rough sawn plywood with a vert lap joint. I've seen it hold up very well in some cases with little or no care (depends on how nice you want it to keep looking)

Mine is 5/8" thick & we plan on coating it with a transparent oil stain in a "cedar color" just haven't gotten around to it yet.

The stuff I got for stain says it's good for 4 years but I expect to have to do it every 2 if not every year for the first 5 years or so to get it real good & sealed up.

well, maybe not every year for 5 years, I hope not anyways.

Dave

Dave,

Once again you prove to be a wealth of both kindness and information, Thankyou. I've seen the siding for years in H.D. and Lowes yet it just seems to have never caught on in north Mo. don't know why.

I've always liked the look of it and thought it looked like a good product. Wondered about the upkeep, so are you going to simply put something like Thompsons sealer on it each time or will you restain it eachtime as well? Yes I like the ceder stain look ALOT! Once again Thankyou for all the ideas and information on siding and stoves, Yes I'm learning even after building houses for years there is always something to learn about them.

Now about hunting season, when are you going to send me some nice cool temps like perhaps 45 degree day and nights for say a month or so and then a nice splurge of maybe 5 above and some snow about the middle of Nov.? Oh boy that would fire our deer rut into High gear! Can't wait myself bring on the snow, now get up to that cabin of yours and go hunting with your family and friends you deserve a Nice Retreat! Thanks Again... Warren

To all the new comers...Welcome to The Fire.

Dave...I'm diggin' this thread and your enthusiasm. May you and yours have many years of fond memories there.

Wayne

The mexicans down here mix used oil with diesel to finish there wood houses and fences. You get a different color with all of the oils but transmission fluid gives the best color as it leaves the wood stained. The fences most all have this mixture instead of a store brought water seal. And I know for a fact that some even use gasoline for there thinner. One guy buys new transmission fluid for his fence and even finishes outdoor furniture with the stuff. He just wipes it on like tru oil and it gets shiney. But it is cheap and effective.

Good mornin all!!!
I drove to work in the daylight today, felt like a human.

I had a hard time staying on the road with all this light though, eyes were on the fields, lookin for coyotes & fox.

As far as the siding, cabarillo is a little closer to what you need than the thompsons type of seal wabo mantioned, you definately need an oil. I actually bought some stuff in 5 gallon cans, I suppose it's something on the lines of a true oil, or tungue oil linseed, probably has linseed & tongue in it. It penetrates & sort of varnished but never gets to a varnish state where it can become brittle & flake.

I've used used oil on wooden trailer decks, it does work well.

Everybody that tossed out kind words for "the boy" with recent congratulations & other comments, he's got the message because I guess he stayed up late last night & read this entire thread.

What up boy?

I gave his mom the link when I asked if it was ok to post his hunting pictures & I guess she thought he'd get a kick out of reading.

Well, I got a ton of work to do beings I came in late.

better get after it.

Dave

Originally Posted by Cabarillo

The mexicans down here mix used oil with diesel to finish there wood houses and fences. You get a different color with all of the oils but transmission fluid gives the best color as it leaves the wood stained. The fences most all have this mixture instead of a store brought water seal. And I know for a fact that some even use gasoline for there thinner. One guy buys new transmission fluid for his fence and even finishes outdoor furniture with the stuff. He just wipes it on like tru oil and it gets shiney. But it is cheap and effective.

Man! I hope they have good fire alarms!

A very good product for treating that siding is called Penofin. It is a very thin oil, just for that purpose. Use it on our cabin in CO and it seems to hold up well.

LOL about the shot of the young lad cleaning the deer. Somewhere I have a pic of a deer I killed with my 3 kids helping. They each had a hold of a leg and the daughter (youngest) was only 5 or 6 at the time. Seems like it was the next fall, the ex BIL called to see if I would come show them how to clean a deer that had been hit on the road. I was at work, but the oldest (about 12 at the time) said come get him he would show them. Told the wife where the knife was and the BIL came and got my son. The kid had darn sure been paying attention that day they had a hold of my deers leg. The BIL said is was kinda funny, said they thought they was gonna have to strap a 2X4 to the kids butt to keep him from crawling clear inside the deer. Here the BIL and the guy that was gonna take the meat were in their mid 20's and all they could do was do as the son told them.

that's a funny story.

Penofin, I'll have to look for that in case I need to re-coat next year.

hey, I can't help myself, gotta show one more pic of the boy.

[Linked Image]

rooster, I'll take you up on that phesant hunt as soon as I get some time.

Time to go home & be Mr Mom.

Mama's outa town for a couple days.

I thought it would be fine to let my youngest boy (3) sleep with me last night.

I was wrong.

He kicked me in the back all night, then he pissed the bed....

my bed, the one I was sleeping in...

So, I'm really gunning for some sleep tonight.

later,

Dave

Nice buck!

Thanks for all the information guys! I do really appreciate it, WOW a warm welcome and wealth of information at the campfire... Whoo'd of thunk it...

Hey Boy, I MEAN MAN that is a Dandy buck and a Great Job. Just had to say it again! Keep this story going by whackin some more and make sure your buddy Dave keeps the info coming to as that camp progresses ok.. For MANY Reasons, make no mistake that some will still call you boy, yet know in your heart and mind that you are a MAN. You also have as you know the Greatest thing a guy in your age and position could have, that is someone like Dave. I know you already are but thought I'd tell ya, make sure and pay attention to what he says and cheerish his friendship ALWAY'S! You'll be Glad you did later in life because friends like Dave is trying to be to you are One in a Gazillion or so... By the way did I say Nice job on the buck!?!!!!

Hey all, I'm a fun & games sort nearly all of the time as that's how I prefer to be, but every now & then, serious dave has to drop in.

This thread is huge & I love the support & all the tips & suggestions... but there is one little detail I have to clear up.

I'm feeling a little bad about all the pat on the back stuff coming my way. it's appreciated & very kind, I just want to make sure I'm not misunderstood or misrepresenting my role.

I'm just one of many in a group of people that are towing a line, pulling for healed hearts & trying to define a direction for which we move forward.

This is all going to take a very long time of course.

The portion I am fortunate enough to offer help with (which this thread primarily focuses on) is the whole deer camp thing.

Deer camp is just a small part of continuing forward with life.

But for a boy like me, and a man like "the boy" , I think it's a pretty important part of continuing forward with life.

I think of it this way, a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle has just been spilled out. Many of us have to put it together. So far I've picked up one piece, I look at it & I'm pleased to see that it's a hunting piece. I haven't fit it into place yet but I am holding the piece, & I feel confident with it.

Dave

Well stated, Dave.

Dave,

It's All Good Man... Now how about some more pics of deer being taken..

That wab'ster my man will be a group effort. I really look forward to being able to do so!!

Dave, Don't underestimate what you are doing for that young man. Time at the hunting or fishing camp can teach a person a lot of things. One of them is usually how to be a better man. You learn a lot of things there. Some are not to be used anywhere but camp, but that is the part he needs to figure out, of course with guidance from you and others in this case. The non hunters and non deer camp visitors think we all sit around and drink and fart all day. Which we do somedays...but there are alway days where we discuss the important things in life, talk about love, hate, politics, religion and the such. Hell sometime we even hunt.

My point is you are doing somting great and you should be applauded for it. The fact that you are so humble about it proves that as a man you are doing a great thing.

T-111 is very common here in Oregon; it's a good product. Not like some of those manmade sheeting materials that turned out to grow mushrooms!

I've got it on a couple buildings on my property. It has a cedar face. Just seal it up and it'll last for a loooong time.

-jeff

I've favored T-111 for quite a long time now for more than one reason. It is a good product like you said Jeff, I don't trust the hardboard look alike versions myself. There is a hardboard version that has a back that basically looks like what we used to call "bufalo board" like dark pressed sawdust, that would be at the bottom of my list, next up might be the wafer board variety I have seen in recent years, back looks like OSB, front has the pressed look of the wood grain & the cut grooves, also primed on the "A" side with a heavy film build primer, often said to have somewhere around a 30 year warranty against rot/decay. that would be second to last choice, for one, it's thinner board typically, plus with the primed surface you do not have the option to go with a clear or clear/died oil finish & show off the wood grain look, plus, it's OSB.

there is a fiber cement board offering that probably is very resistant to time & elements, but, again it's a primed fiber cement, no way to get that woodsy cabin look I want.

the old fashioned plywood T-111 in 5/8" thickness has been around for a long time & has earned my trust, plus it's a low buck way to get a cool semi rustick woodsy look when oil stained.

It has cost advantages over typical const sheeting + siding. It has speed advantages for the do it yourselfer because your sheeting is your siding, 2 birds with one stone. Plus the grooves fall in increments of 4, 8 or 12 inches on center, buyers choice. This allows the builder to sink the nails in the grooves to fasten to either 16" or 24" stud centers. If you start out sheeting correctly from your corner & locate your studs correctly you can simply count grooves to locate studs when sheeting, no measuring or marking necessary.

It's got a lot of things going for it, that's why I chose it for this project.

Can't wait to get it stained & post pics afterwards.

Dave

The quickness factor counts alot with T-111. I agree if you are looking for a rustic look too...it works and it is cheaper than log of 1/2 log siding.

Are you doing anything for security purposes...ie covers over windows and doors when not at the shack? If you are I'm corious to hear what they are.

Tom

There are so many ways to look at that topic.

each individual set up is unique by location, ease of access to the property etc.

Ours is in a remote area were it is less likely to become a party shack for kids. we have no neighboring cabins within earshot, so if someone were to enter the property with intent to gain entry of the cabin for what ever reason, they could do so with little concern for noise or time spent gaining entry.

In our case I believe I could bar the windows, secure the doors with super strong hinges & locks & if someone wanted to be on the inside bad enough, they could make there own entrance with a chainsaw in about a minute or 2. Or, they could hook a 4 wheeler or truck to the window bar frame with a chain & rip a bar frame loose.

So, in my particular case I have been & probably will be leaving the doors unlocked.

In our shack out on the range which is also not very accessable, (only by foot or 4 wheeler actually) we leave the door unlocked & there is a logbook on the table. Top page reads something to the effect of a greeting to visitors with the message being more of an invitation for a lost or cold hunter to take shelter & warm themselves & instructing them to some non perishable foods if they need, reference to maps within the cabin to help them find there way if they are lost & an invitation to leave an entry in the log book.

Over the years I believe we have had a couple of "stranger" entries in that log book but nothing stolen or vandalized.

That is what I intend on trying with our new shack, & I really hope it works.

i actually like that idea. I was bird hunting near cotton last year and walked up to shack about a mile down a trail. I can't imagine you could drive a truck to but who knows. The door was unlocked....and courisity killed the cat...i went in. There were a few magazines on the table and a few cans of beans on the counter but it was clear no one had been there for awhile. I closed the door on my way out and thought it was pretty cool place. Theft or vandalisim never crossed my mind...but a group of kids, of adults for that matter.

Tom

yeah, I guess it's just a risk that you have to deal with if you want a shack or cabin away from home.

I figure hope for the best & make it easy to gain entry to hopefully minimize any damage.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah, I guess it's just a risk that you have to deal with if you want a shack or cabin away from home.

I figure hope for the best & make it easy to gain entry to hopefully minimize any damage.

Just like with a fish house. Locked Doors usually means destroyed doors. Take anything of value home with you. I actually do both with the fish house and then leave the curtains open on all the windows so would be vandals/thieves can see there is nothing worth taking in there. My uncle however has not locked his fish house in about 5 years. He got tired of patching or replacing the door 2 - 3 times per winter.

Exactly, I was thinking about fish houses when I wrote that, vandals & thieves will punch a window out & thread a chain in one window & out another, hook it to the truck & rip a whole wall open if they want inside a fish house that they suspect might have something they want.

I went to the shack last night, brought out some old donated kitchen cabinets & a different door for the front of the shack, it has a window in it, nice door.

I'm getting ready for the weekend because my nephew "the boy" and one of his sisters (the oldest) are coming up this way on sat morning to see us & to stay out at the shack.

I hope to get a kitchen together & maybe mow some trails in the woods & pick out some deer stand spots.

It's going to be great, the last time he was up it was to help set the rafters, he's in for quite a surprise.

I can just see the look on the "boys" face when he sees the progress.

He is starting at cornerback again tonight!

I know, that's awesome, football star on top of everything else!!!

Good luck buddy!! Don't get too banged up cause we got work to do out in the woods tomorrow!!!

Well, the wife is always wondering what the hell I'm writing so much for on this campfire deal...

She read the whole thread tonight, and she cried.

I um, ... I didn't really know what to say or think..

It's all just been such a blurr, the whole summer since that late day in June... From the funeral forward.

I'm not really sure what made her cry while reading, I suppose it could be that she maybe understands my drive a little better.

She was crying when she read my downplaying of what I said my role was in the sittuation before us.

I know it's more than hunting, and more than a deer camp. I know that, I just don't want to make a show of it. the truth is, the deer camp & the pressure & drive to have it completed on time is because I need it. I need it to serve as a tool. Yes it will be a wonderful place for a long time to come but right now I need it as a tool to create the atmosphere tzone was talking about. Yes tom you are exactly right, I've personally done a lot of growing up in deer camp amoungst the right company. It does provide the relaxed atmosphere from which things can be talked about, discussed with a little more comfort.

I love these kids so much, my cousin's kids. It's simply automatic that I want to be for them what ever they need me to be, I want to do for them what ever they need me to do. I want to be what ever I can be best for them.

The camp is a tool, a place to strengthen bonds & become comfortable.. become at home.

My wife was all but hitting me & crying when she got to the part where I downplayed "my role".

My role quite honestly will be as much as I can have it be.

I hope for as much as I can have, and more.

But I don't want to count any chickens before they hatch.
(thus the downplaying)

It just has to happen naturally, and at it's own pace.

I just can't think of a better way to really kick off a new future, with newly strengthened bonds, strengthened frindships...

I don't know of a better way than to belong & start from the ground level with the birth of a deer camp. Being of the originators, belonging to the first year where tradition begins.

I guess it's what's been in my head since the day I mustered the courage to ask "the boy" if he could help me & if he could also maybe come & hunt with us.

He said yes & it was like someone fired a starting pistol in a race, I became driven. Never with any words about the depth of it all. I just became driven, with the physical aspects of it all, the building.

Now we are arriving to that point in which we transition into the actual heart of the whole project. The part where we get to light a fire in the stove, stay up late talking about what ever with lanterns flickering.

Planning spots for stands & trails... deer statagy, deer stories, other stories.

It all leads to a level of comfort.. and it all leads forward from there.

Tomorrow is one of those days. Actually guys, it is the first one of those days.

I'm very excited & I probably won't sleep much tonight.

I am happy, very, very happy.

"The boy" and his sister who of course we will call "the girl", will be up here in the morning.

We will all stay out at the new deer camp tomorrow night.

It will be the first night that we will have the pleasure of spending as a group overnight in the deer shack. It will be the first night that "the boy" gets to stay over in the shack, & the fact that he is bringing his sister aka "the girl" with him just makes it that much more wonderful. (my daughter is especially excited about that)

No building work is actually necessary, so we will do what ever we feel like doing. I suspect we will cook a good meal on the grill, we will scout for hunting if weather permits, mostly we will relax & enjoy each others company.

It starts tomorrow. I am very happy.

Dave

status report, weekend was grey, cool & wet. "the boy" layed yon smack down on 3 timber chickens this morning with his pump action cordless grouse swatter.

We have decided to save the 3 birds for next weekend where we will make a deer opener meal out of them.

Yep, that's right, deer opener. We have an early antlerless season which we have decided to take part in.

I'm not certain if I will hunt myself, I may just stay back & be camp cook & drag deer or what ever a good host does.

One thing's for sure, my wife, she's had a dry spell. She loves to deer hunt. This is a great opportunity for her, I have a good spot picked out for her, I will set it all up after work during the week & she'll have a nice spot by the weekend.

It was a great weekend, we mowed some real good trails, we found a spot for "the boy" to put up a climber, I mowed a frickin slaughter yard for him with the tractor, it should be a deer factory.

It was a great weekend, I will spend the rest of the week after work going back over the trails I cut today, fixing the spot for my wife & i also need to set up a spot for the girls because it sounds like they are pretty serious about sitting together during season also.

All in all, fantastic weekend.

Dave

Sounds like you got it under control, take some time now and enjoy it all!

Thanks Scott,

I think I will do just that.

That's where it's at right now, if i see one person out there having a good time, it's like it's double happy for me.

It's awesome.

I'm so dog ass tired right now, I don't care if I shoot a deer out there this year myself. (that's how i feel at the moment, I will deny that in the morning)

The boy, he'll shoot em up, heck he'll select... I aint worried about him. But what I wouldn't give for my wife to do well, my daughter too as she will be hunting. But my wife, I'd love for her to put down a buck to brag on this year, it would do me so much more good than dropping a big boy myself.

But that's what I'm gonna do Scott, enjoy it... when yer this tired, it's all you really can do!!

Thanks

Dave,

Glad to hear that you all had a Good time! I hope you ALL shoot a B&C out there this year... Nice to see that your Wife probably has a better understanding about you and the place too. As I'm sure the time you've spent away from home while working on camp hasn't been exactly easy.

Now did you get any pics of that place this time..LoL...

OK, here we go. a couple of the front side after some clearing/mowing.
[Linked Image]

I have to get a few stands up & ready for this weekends early antlerless hunt.

And it's raining cat's & dogs, forcast is for more of the same this week. I sure hope I get a chance early this week to get those stands out without working in the rain.

BTW, we found a nice portable on my property on sat, it had been on the tree for quite some time, the tree has grown so the screw in step are there permanently but the stand looks to be in very good shape, it's an old API, I think they used to call the "baby grand"

very cool find, I used to have, still do have another like it but the seat on that one has gone bad, this one is in good shape so I'll probably use it this year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

OK, here we go. a couple of the front side after some clearing/mowing.

Dave that's just looking great! I assume you have a nice deep front porch in mind too?

Allen

yeah that's the plan Allen, probaby about 10' out the front with a roof over it. We'd also like to wrap a porch/deck around to the right side where you see the floor joist system with nothing on it (future attached sauna/mud room)

She's lookn' good Dave. Real good. This whole thing from start to finish has me dreaming. Inspired to save and get my own place. I was up to Duluth this weekend and it was cool and rainy there too. Good luck with the doe hunt and happy dragin'.

Tom

Tom, why didn't you grab my double ladder stand from out in the woods while you were up that way?

I could really use that thing about now but the gas money to drive & get it would be more that a new one would cost right now (that's sad huh?)

Dave

I couldn't help but notice that we have experienced some sort of clumpy white precipitation in MN during the night.

Ground was covered with the white stuff, temp read 32.... hmm, that came a few days early. could use some of this stuff on Sat morning when mama & the kids are out deer hunting.

I opened the door of my truck, reached in & turned the key to start it & let it run while I ran into the garage this morning to feed the dogs. My wiper switch was still on from my drive home in the rain yesterday so as soon as the engine started the wiper blades scooped & dumped a large amount of heavy snow off the windshield & directly into a side compartment on my drivers side door which holds a cased ruger MKII rimfire plinker, a couple of pens, misc papers & reciepts, a matchbox car sized toy dump truck & what looked like a partially melted halls cherry cough drop...

so, I got to clean that all out before I hit the road this morning.

I really don't mind the snow but it's kind of crappy timing, I need to do a few things out at the shack before the weekend & I understand it's supposed to rain/snow all day again today.

Sure would like to see the sun for a couple of days.

Ahhhh yes, The northland fall. Well at least the snow didn't go down the back of your jacket like it usually does to me oohh 8 or 10 times before I figure it out.

I heard about the snow on the radio this morning. Got me thinkin' there is probably some stuck on the groud at the camp right now. I hear ya about the timing, I would like to snow again Friday night so I can see some sign on Saturday AM. Headed there on Friday after work. Can't wait...... I'm gettin' the itch.... the good kind not the one you get from a good night at the bar.

Tom

I hear ya Tom, grabbed for a hooded sweatshirt this morning before leaving the house, there were plenty of sweatshirts there, blue ones, red ones, black.... I grab an orange one... coincidence? I think not..

Snow. Sheesh. Where did the summer go??
Oh well its fall and huntin season is comin up! Yee Hawwwww

Dave,
First time I've read this whole post start to finish at one sitting.
Kinda speachless but felt the need to reply anyways.
First, I'll not get carried away with the well earned acknowledegment you deserve RE the "boy" and your effort to create an atmosphere for familly bonding , togethernes and growth, that is getting way too rare these days. And your, feet still on the ground, attitude of let things grow as they will. (Oops, I guess I did )
The camp looks Great !!! Lots of blood , sweat, and hard work to get that much done in a few months !! WOW !!!!
Awesome deer the "boy" got , Very impresive , Congratulations !!!
I love the clasic look of that wood stove.
When you replace those heavy big battery drills , a 12 V impact driver will put screws in easyer , and I too love my paslode nailers.

Best of luck to all this weekend and extend that for the next several generations.

The thread helped give me a little more insight as to what my Dad was thinking as we were building our camp. Thanks, I needed that reminder.
And keep that log book up to date now that you have the time .

Wicked long reply but I just kinda mushed it all in one.

Phil

Hey thanks Phil.

BTW, you "lernt" me something with your pictures & replies on the "share your camp photos" thread.

these are dark pictures but take a look ...
[Linked Image]

i don't know if you can make it out or not but look on the stove pipe... I got one of those thingama-jiggies like you guys have on your stove pipe at your shack.

pretty cool..

as far as the 12 volt thing, I hear ya, my 18v just crapped the bed on me so I might have to look for a lighter replacement.

Dave

I was amazed that my 12v driver out performed an 18v drill over and over, at like 1/3 less weight, and many fewer stripped screw heads. Thumps the bigger long screws right in (noisy though). Makita fan here , but Dewalt has the same type. The 1/4" hex quick connect is a godsend as well.

Phil

A friend of mine had a 12v out there & it did very well & was much nicer to carry, especially in difficult areas like hanging like a monkey up in the rafters or something like that.

I think a lot of it has to do with the battery types, a high end 12v will probably outperform a bargain 18v.

looked outside, our snow from last night is gone already. There might be hope for a trip out to the shack tonight after all.

forgot to show you guys the "kitchen"

me & my oldest boy were out there last night. I lit the woodstove to take the chill out of the place so my boy could sit in the shack & do his homework while I went out to a spot we picked out for his mom to hunt this weekend with the brush mower/tractor.

I mowed another slaughter yard... very cool spot, next year it will get worked up & it will become a food plot, but for this year, it just has nice visability & it catches several intersecting trails that look like they see a lot of traffic.

here's the kitchen.
[Linked Image]

I see a little snow peeking through one of those windows still. that table is perfect too...i wouldn't change a thing on that.

was there enough snow left to see any tracks in it? or did it all melt away. cold and nasty today in northern wi. too warm to snow but with the mist its cold enough to freeze your butt off.

Tom

yeah the snow stayed in places, especially on trails I had cut & yes, deer tracks still look very good in snow!!!

that is going to be the table top but I have to get rid of the sawhorse legs, I plan on building a pedistal wall from the floor to the underside, up the center of that top (top is 3'x8') like a island/bar sort of thing.

then later on when we get time we will collect items like coyote teeth, rifle cartrage rims of various cal, maybe some recovered bullets from deer, a few muzzy blades, maybe a few pictures etc & lay them all out on the table top & trim the perimeter with trim board that stands a little proud of the table surface to sort of create a tray, like a big cookie sheet, then pour it full of that liquid glass & let it harden.

that is an even better idea. maybe some pictures from times at the camp or of people who would have loved to be there and are gone now. sort of we are here in sprit type deal. the recovered bullet is a good idea too. I have two and don't know what to do with them so they are in a box...if i can find them anyway.

that's exactly what we're thinkin with the pictures Tom, I got one guy in mind that would have really liked the shanty in the woods. there will be plenty of pictures of him in the bar top.

Dave -
How about some photo's of the view out of each of your stands. The trails and "slaughter yards" etc. That would be cool!

Jim

not bad rooster shmooster... not bad.

Dave,

Nice kitchen area! The hardwork sure looks to be paying off with all the interior walls making the place look more the place of comfort all the time.

I'd also like to see some pics of something not yet mentioned, if it was I missed it. The most important thing at camp other then a camp is pics of the family and friends sitting around the stove warming up, or the campfire roasting marshmellows, maybe an open fire grilling steak together, or the BBQ grill with friends sharing a beer? I dunno maybe some pancakes being whipped up with sausage and eggs while everyone is getting the strategies of the day laid into place? Playing cardgames or simply sharing stories, oh heck you get the idea.

That type of atmosphere is what makes camp a CAMP in my opinion it is more the friendships and relationships being strengthened as you have pointed out before, those pictures are PRICELESS. I've never taken enough!

Oh had an idea on another subject too, you might just consider settingup a wall tent of sorts or making a small Meat Processing outbuilding with heat for processing meat on those cold snowy days. It might help keep the cabin clean.

Good morning all.

I set up a ladder stand for my wife last night in a spot I've worked on a little bit & I thought i'd share the view from her new stand. Scanning from her left to right taken from the stand.

pictures don't do the tamaracs justice, the colors are beautiful right now.

[Linked Image]

Thats what I'm talkin 'bout! Nice!

pssssst, guess what color cap I'm wearing today???

No really, guess.

come on guess, no, no, really.
go on, guess....

ok, ok, i'll give you a hint...

um, it rhymes with "glaze borange"

Blue?

Originally Posted by tzone

Blue?

I'm starting to climb the walls in here.... like a caged dog!!!... well, maybe like some sort of mutant dog monkey thing... on a count of the dogs inability to climb & such.... and I suppose the caged monkey dog creature has an orange hat.... dohh!!!

I can't take it much longer, got the shakes... ohhh, breathe, relax.. nerves calming now... sitting at my desk like i'm in a deer stand... ahh, motionless... just like the lincoln memorial.

scanning with my eyes from left to right... what's that? behind me... foot steps... I must turn slowly.... as not to be detected.... oh, it's only a harmless shop floor worker.... he's looking right at me... his mouth is moving as if he is trying to communicate with me, but does he even really see me? I see his mouth moving but all I hear is red squirrel chatter.... I must ignore him, surely he will go away...

thats funny stuff...funny stuff. maybe he is color blind too so the blaze hat means nothing to him.

I thought I got the fever bad. I couldn't sleep last night because we are going to "da camp".

Surely he only sees in black & white & I haven't skylined myself... the wind is calm.. as long as I don't move he'll think nothing of me & soon he'll move along....

(can't take it, I'm busting out of here at noon, if I make it that long)

I'm aughta here!!!

have a good weekend all!!

[quote=northern_dave]Surely he only sees in black & white & I haven't skylined myself... the wind is calm.. as long as I don't move he'll think nothing of me & soon he'll move along....

Rolling spit ball in mouth. Getting it good and drippy. Slowly, sloooowly insert into gutted pen with the tip of the tongue. Breathe, Breathe, calm down! can he hear my heart pounding?? C'mon big guy....one more.....thats it.......just one moooore step.... There it is!!!...perfect quartering away broadside......PHOOOO.....SPLAT!! OMG!!! YES!! Direct hit between the second and third rib! YES! THANK YOU JESUS!!! Now stay calm. Calm down! Don't move!! Don't give away your position. Replay the shot in your head....Pick a landmark of where you last seen him....The copier! Remember the copy machine....OH and the fax. He went between the copier and the fax machine...GAWD I'm shaking!! CRASH!! YES!! YES!! YES!! HE'S DOWN!! OHHH...HE'S DOWN! Thank you! Thank you God!

(Man I need to get out of here too)

Too funny!!

Sadly, no deers were injured over the course of the weekend.

the boy flung some lead at a running doe.. but that's about it.

The boy's ma came up too. we dressed her up in a deer fighting costume & gave her a thompson encore with a .243 barrel on it, put her in a deer stand with instructions to kill deers... she didn't see anything though.

My wife put in a lot of time out in the woods, turned out she had a little bit of the wrong place at the wrong time syndrom yesterday.

We built a stand for her on sat, good spot, lots of sign, good shooting lane. She was in that stand yesterday morning but got out of the stand & walked north to another spot she wanted to try. Shortly after moving, they boy happened along under the stand she started out in & he pushed 6 deer out from under her stand. She was pretty sick to hear about that.

so, no deer but it was a great weekend anyways. My aunt & uncle came up & visited which was really nice. He brought an airless sprayer along for us to use for getting the oil stain on the outside of the cabin.

I'm going out of town for a couple of days on business, then when I get back I'll be getting ready for a youth hunt this coming weekend with my daughter. All of this watching other people dressed up in deer hunting costumes & carrying guns around... it's starting to get to me

Dave

howdy all, back in the saddle after a 2 day business trip.

business trip happened to take us past a scheels store, sportsmans warehouse, gander mountain & a cabelas.... strange how that worked....

I picked up a few things along the way, a new perc style coffee pot (old one leaked) a queen sized air matress (I hope that gets us through this first year, then I'll look for a real bed) A double pulley & gambrel set for the meat pole, cammo blind cloth, an oil lamp, and a few other little do-dads like cord & carabeener snap hooks for raising rifles up into stands safely.

My daughter has her deer license for early youth hunt this weekend, by the looks of the forcast I'll be sighting her rifle in the rain tonight, supposed to keep raining until saturday.

"business trip happened to take us past a scheels store, sportsmans warehouse, gander mountain & a cabelas.... strange how that worked...."

Substitute cabelas with outdoorsman or fleet farm and that sounds like my average lunch hour! Welcome back Dave! the davester, the dave o rama. The kid who eats paste! Ahhh I'm just shuckin and jiving ya. Made your uncle about pee his pants last night at The Boys football game....

how'd you do that? I heard the boy took a bad hit to the knee last night?

I'll have to send you the text and explain later. Yeah The Boy was the first man down on kick off coverage. He laid a hit on the return man but hurt his knee. I'm not sure what exactly is wrong with it yet though. Get Better Boy! The team needs ya!!

if that boy can't play he'll have to come up here & recover from injury in a deer stand

Dave, Had a idea for a buck pole at your camp.

[Linked Image]

Big Swish, you are the man!!!

I'll get started on the deer pole expansion project this weekend!!

One pole, what the heck was I thinking????

That's frickin awesome.

But did you have to show it to me on a pre deer camp Friday with over 7 hours left to go in the day????

Well, it's off to camp tonight, it's still raining too though.

My daughter is hunting this weekend (youth hunt) with her Ruger 77 standard/walnut in .243, free float, glass bed, tuned trigger, slicked action & now a new bushnel elite 3200 3-9 x 40 to help her point it at the sweet spot.

she's a shooter too, that girl can really shoot that thing.

After taking a brand new rifle out of the box & reworking it to my liking, I sighted it in & let her shoot it. I tought her to shoot starting out fairly young with a single shot youth model rimfire borrowing some of the basic fundamentals taught in USMC marksmanship courses. Body & skeletal alignment/support, breathing control & basic trigger handling, sight/target focal point do's & donts.... (girls are so easy to train with this stuff)

here, check it out. these are the first two shots she ever took with the rifle after I sighted it in for her. I made a black dot in the center of this basic 1" grid type target & explained to her that the smaller the focal point, the tighter she would group if she could stay on true through her trigger pull.

this is without a rest, it was off of a wooden shooting bench & the only support she used was a very large gym sock I have over filled with whole kernel dried feed corn (kind of a tight bean bag of sorts) that we placed under the forend for her.

the only reason I stopped her at 2 shots is because I couldn't see her holes in the target through my spotting scope, target lasered at 105 yds.

when we approached the target it was pretty clear that things were going to be ok in the way of accuracy for little miss hunter & her new M77.

[Linked Image]

Now if we can get a deer in front of her this weekend we'll be in business.

Tips,

Underneath the structure lay down heavy plastic to control condensation.

Spray the entire rough structure with homemade bora care.

Quote

#2: This is equivalent to Bora-Care�
Prepare the concentrate:
Mix 1 Gallon glycol antifreeze, 4 1/2 pounds borax, 3 1/2 pounds boric acid.
Mix the ingredients and heat till boiling gently. Boil off water until a candy thermometer shows 260�F. This removes most of the water of crystallization in the borax.
This solution is stable at 40�F and has a borate content of 26%. This is equivalent to Bora-Care� at about $90/gal. for the concentrate. The concentrate must be diluted with an equal volume of water before being applied.

Application: Add 1 gallon of water to every gallon of concentrate and stir thoroughly until solution is completely uniform. Always use diluted within 24 hours after mixing. If kept for longer periods of time, the active ingredient can drop out of the solution.

Before you seal the inner walls up, pour a mixture of boric acid (40%) and 20 mule team borax (60%) on the lower wall plates. Do the same under any floor cabinets.

What this is going to do it prevent wood destroying insects like termites and ants plus dry rot. The powdered stuff will kill roaches beetles and other critters. The treatment will last as long as the structure provided you don't get a water leak.

wow, that's all new to me.

i have no idea what bora care even is?

what's it for? were is it used (region)?

Interesting.

Dave

WOW! IMPRESSIVE BUNCH OF DEER! Even more impressive that it was 1940. 73 bucks stretched a lot further then!

hey jim, how goes the phesant hunting?

The glycol acts as a penetrant because it's hydroscopic. Make sure you use enviromentally safe stuff. Typically that is whats used in RV water tanks for winterizing. You want to get it undiluted otherwise you will be boiling off 50% of it.

http://www.environmentsensitive.com/effectiveusesofborate.htm

Termites ingest the treated wood and the borite compound kills their gut bacteria. Same with wood ants. The powdered stuff dries out roaches and some other insects.

I'd apply at least three treatments to the rough structure with drying time between. Even on pressure treated wood.

I had a situation where my tenant did not report a leaking toilet. The underside of the floor got really mildewed, it even had green mold on it. The walls arond the area where also affected. I mixed up a batch of trimadore, which is the same thing as boracare except it's in hot water rather that the glycol. 4 applications in a weeks time completely destroyed the mold. Molds cannot grow in the presence of borites.

very interesting info.

thanks.

Dave

http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/SPEC/MSDS/BORACARE.pdf

Only made it out last saturday. I took my nephew and his buddy. I shot one and they each missed a couple. Out of the 40 or so birds that my dog flushed only 5 were roosters. Been raining steady here all week and been working late so I haven't got out. Will try to get out this weekend between working on the house and bowhunting. I don't want to work on the house but wife thinks it should get done cuz there is white stuff a comin.

I think I should just hunt all weekend! That sounds like more fun! I went to Gander Mtn just now and picked up the Primos Buck Roar call. I'm anxious to try it out. How about you? You going to the shack this weekend?

Oh yeah youth deer. Duh...
Tell your daughter good luck from me!

so, are you practicing at work with your new call?

I highly recomend you do so if you haven't been already.

I find from personal experience that the other workers surrounding me appreciate my practicing of all sorts of calls. They really, really like it.

Dave,

I thought you would have embraced the Blaze Orange Virus already, and be out there. MEA perfect timing.

As far as blowing calls at work are you sure they calls or the after effects of mexican lunches?

Anyway you guys have fun up there, if I hear of any pumps, points, or things of that ilk I will let ya know I am gonna make some auction rounds this weekend i think.

I oftem blow calls of both sorts at once Drift.

people really seam to like that.

the orange virus.

well, even as tired as I am, my instincts guided my hand to an orange hooded sweatshirt & my old blaze orange winchester ball cap this morning as I left for work.

The virus has me, i'm just on cruise control is all, auto pilot. when i take the wheel, I tend to go freestyle, out of control.

I'm actually thinking about grabbing the wheel any time now & going a little crazy.

thinkin about 2PM is all the longer I'll make it today.

have fun on your auction run Drift.

that dang ole orange adiction is grabbin hold of me......

yeah, it's got me.

cant make it to 2, leavin now.

Later guys!!!

shacka-lacka!!!

Boooom-shacka-lacka!!!!!!

shack time!!!!

Well, the youth deer hunt was fun but we didn't get a deer. I was very impressed with my daughters determination though. If it was within legal hunting hours she wanted to be in that stand, she really put in her time. Now she'll have to wait for the regular season with the rest of us.

I have a few pictures of the empty meat pole & one of the old 77 ford (my hunt'n truck) parked in front of the shack.

[Linked Image]

Dave,

That '77 Ford is great. That can't be from MN unless you did some fixin'.

After I finish the projects I have now, I WILL have a 67-79 Ford 4x4 for my huntn' truck.

What are the forms for next to the cabin in the bottom picture? or is it a optical dilusioin?

Tom.

well, the picture hides the truth about the ole 77. she's got all of the typical problems, rust above rear wheels, cab corners... and I think floors on this one too.

but I've had much worse before & brought it back to near new condition. this one will get new sheetmetal to take care of the rust & I think I will repaint in original colors. It's a very good truck mechanically,351M, C-6, NP205... good truck.

the structure to the right in the bottom picture is the floor joist system for an attached sauna/mud room. in all it's to be 8'x16', about 10'x8' of which is to be sauna with a 6x8 cold room/changing room/storage area between the existing shack & the sauna room.

Neat huh? I just plain ran out of money & didn't have enough framing lumber to build it, I have all of the sheeting, flooring & roof tin for it, insulation too, just ran out of 2x4's.

Next year.

Aahhh yes...I know the ran out of money story well my friend. I have been piping that tune in my basement for two years now. Trying to finish that sucker. No sense in taking out a loan if I'm going to live there for a while right?

The sauna will be a great addition. Espically sometime near the third weekend. A little Peppermint Schaaps may be in order too i presume.

yeah, I've planned it so the "cold room" between the shack & sauna room has a 6' sliding patio door facing south (the side the picture shows) and then we want a deck across the whole front of the shack that wraps around that side to the sauna addition so you can step outside onto the deck from the sauna & steam off in the winter, jump in the snow or what ever. The deck across the front will be covered.

Here's a 2D image pulled from a simple cad likeness I did before we started building. The building ended up being flip flopped from this original drawing so the sauna addition is on the opposite side shown here but it gives some idea as to the direction we are going with the place in the future... see if I can find it here....

[Linked Image]

drew the model before we knew we were going with a tin roof & then decided it fit better & worked better for us to flip flop the layout soo, you get the picture though.

Here are a few early views of the interior layout which also changed some. Girls bedroom got bigger to fit 2 sets of bunk beds, this squished the kitchen a little which as it turns out is just fine. but otherwise it's currently very similar only it is flipped mirror image to the original drawing. This gives some idea as to the future sauna room addition plans. Hope this makes sense:
[Linked Image]

Yep, makes sense. I do a little cad myself. but it is to pay the bills. not a lot but some. that actually shows the layout pretty well.

I draw up plans on the things I build too...but usually end up wingin' it once the real building starts. mostly because I'm mating new stuff to existing stuff and you just have to make it fit.

I hear ya, I just did these on some free software called "sketch-up" from Google. Actually pretty handy & simple.

but when it comes time to start building I had no real plans, just a general direction in my head & some window & door rough opening sized scratched out on a piece of paper in my tool belt

Is that a pond behind you meat pole, or just a lot of water?

little pond, we dug it with an old D4 cat my buddy has. needed some good fill for under the cabin where we cored it out. It's all sand out there, we went down about 6 ft in the middle then he got the hell out of there cause it started filling up fast.

[Linked Image]

Cool. With all the proper permitting i'm sure

Make her a little bigger next spring and I'll bring the ranger up and we can jig up 'eyes

we've got a better pond up here for your ranger, we call it "Lake of the woods"

I'm in rut.

As you were, that is all.

Do you know "Lake of the Wood" at all. I would love to up there and let 'er snap a little. Maybe tzone and northern dave could find a few 'eyeballs or muskies or northerns of full beer bottles and make them empty. Hell that's in the spring....lets hunt.

Aahh dave.

You are not running around the office sniffing the females are you?

You should still be in the seeking phase.

I know LOW pretty well. winter or summer I can help you find the feeshes.

Gotta go wayyy up nort for the muskies though.

but big Northerns through the ice.. that's a hoot.

put back many 40+" pike in the winter.

Walleyes? easy, LOW is a fish factory.

my rut is a hunter rut, neck is swollen but that's about all i have in common with a buck rut. growing hair on my face.... transitioning into rude (more so than usual) hunter like piggish behavior.

it's a disgusting transition.

disgusting to whom?

we should try to plan somthing on LOW next year. Hard or soft water...don't matter none to me. i have a bro-in-law that would love to fish up there too.

tzone like northren. better than walleye. a 40" + may not fit in the pan though. no need to go after muskies. to boring for me to seek for any amount of time than 1 day. i like to catch fish. and on certin times durring the summer i like to catch fish for cash. the fish don't spend as well as the cash but sure taste better.

two more hours to go. not sure i can make it.

grunt, grunt, rattle, rattle.

my fav time for the big ice gators is dec if we get early ice. early jan is ok too. things shut off through feb usually & pick up again before ice off in march/april.

the 2 peaks in the gator tug o war season are Early ice dec (if it happens) and march/april.

I could explain why, but it would take too long & it's better discussed with plenty of cold beer.

They call me the "pike whisperer"

Actually, that's not true at all, nobody has ever called me a pike whisperer... but there are a few guys who might remember seeing me whisper something to a large pike prior to releasing him.... But usually if I'm talking to fish I forget to use my "inside voice" so that's not really whispering at all.....

is it time to go home yet?

Gawd,

I hope it's time to go home soon. I have done nothing today but talk to you on here.

my vacation may come sooner that I thought. oh well so sad.

winter season is already pretty full. March may work though. So would late may

or you could come down here and we can catch pig walleyes on the fox river. a lot of 'em fast and fierious like.

river fish are cool.

strong.

This past spring we went to Deperre and crushed 'em. Cookie cutter 20-22" for the most part. I think 1 was 27" and 1 was 26", the rest were "smaller" 20-22's. They weigh 3-4# though, full of spawn n sperm. gotta wash the boat when you're done though.

Scary thing happened as I was reading this, the line of "I'm in rut" triggered a response of hide the wimmin and pass the bottle...

Not sure what that means but I am hoping it is a positive,

Dave ya crazy jackpine sav just go for it embrace the sights, sounds, and smells that is "DEER CAMP", temporary insanity is a defense...

Hello everyone, my name's dave & I'm a deer-o-holic....

"Hi dave..."

I mostly binge hunt... can't just have one, once I start you won't see me for like 3 weeks... I'm a binge hunter.

Last year 2 days before opener i stopped to help out at a road kill deer site along ole number 9... well, I shouldn't a aought a done that cause about 4 minutes later I was seen skipping rope with a lenght of deer intestine with my eyes all glazed over... I skipped off into the woods & wasn't heard from for 3 1/2 weeks. They found me over east of the xmas tree farm dehydrated, scruffy, stinky & passed out on a pile of deer hides... yeah, I know, I'm not proud of it....

Dave

Dave ya hear the tale of Sherpa Kurt one of our boys from Deer camp, well let me tell ya about.

This is at the North Dakota Camp opened a week after the Minnesota side of the river.

Well our boy Sherpa Kurt went out and actually got himself his own rifle for once, a old Moisin Nagant with the bayonet attached, yeah I know the boy ain't right all the time.

Anywho, the 2nd day of the opener the Jagermeister of the clan had popped a doe and she did a "WTF" did she go routine on us, now this is on the red river in long stretch of woods, tracked her around anfd about for close to an 1.5 hours, figured let her lay and we'll pick her up later once she settles down.

Later in the afternoon myself, Gaviidae_Esq, our big boy from the metro Peaches, and Sherpa Kurt are all out for th eevening sit down. Sherpa Kurt decides to track down this doe, ok then, after a while we hear bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and a few more bangs, all spaced a minute or so apart. I says to myself "Drift ya better check on dat boy". So off I go and find him down towards the old farmhouse wandering around, long story short he jumped the doe and proceeded to attempt to terminate her existence with predjudice further complicating the matter, so I take up the blood trail and we follow her about 100 yards into a cockleburr stand. She stands up and before I can say or do anything he pops another one at her she falls down and I tell him to go finish her off up close. BAD CHOICE OF WORDS>>>>

So he does what he does and deploys the bayonet (kid you not) and proceeds to assault thru the cockleburrs and bayonets the doe. Along comes GE and Peaches asking "WTF" is going on I tell them he is on their watch now and return to the truck for a couple ponys prior to going home.

Now this is a precurser to the Sherpa Kurt tales they are as follows;

Sherpa Kurt, a cadillac, and the big buck
Sherpa Kurt, the Samurai and the deer that does not die
Sherpa Kurt and the Dryer
Sherpa Kurt and the left turn (Pheasant hunt story)
Sherpa Kurt He's Charging (a tale of SK and the skunk)
Sherpa Kurt and Peaches Lap

and many many more;

oh too funny.

with a name like Sherpa Kurt... oh good lord.

sounds like a good bunch.

Ok I'll bite. Lets here about Sherpa Kurt, a Cadiliac, and the big truck.

Oh yes, the continuing tales and saga that is Sherpa Kurt is one of our favorite deer camp past times.

The battle of the best tasting Tiger Meat, the deer stand known as Cranberry Fields, the food, the ponys, the termination of the pestilence known as Whitetail Deer, I need time to go faster.

OH DEER CAMP WHERE ART THOU....

misery loves company, you are not alone.

"the morlean diggler" (a famous knife)

"the cow foot bottle"

"the shame stick"

"the blaze orange sombrero"

Well Sherpa Kurt was at deer camp oh back about 2003 the year of the deep freeze opener.

Any way the hunt was over early and Sherpa Kurts family ran a limo service so he had to get back and take care of some runs.

Well SK is a scrounger, dogrobber, pack rat type of guy. He found this old cadillac sitting in some farmers barn and I mean old cadillac but in great shape and it could really move. So after spending time at the Tequila Bar all night and then deer hunting all day he heads home to Bemidji from Fargo.

South Detroit Lakes there is a shortcut that comes out eat of Park Rapids called the two inlets road. He decides to take it.

Sherpa Kurt being who he is decides to get home fast and lays the hammer down on this tank of a cadillac. He gets past the town Two Inlets town and just about to the highway when wham he slams into a deer...well it turns out this deer was the biggest buck this boy had ever seen 12 points and massive. So being Kurt with a smashed up car and a great trophy he decides to leave the body and takes the head. He cuts it off and to keep blood off the seats begins to limp the car into town with the head tied to the grill. From there this boy had cars laying on the breaks and folks staring as he was only able to go about 5 miles per hour.

I believe he made it as far as Lake George before the car died.

He calls a buddy of his who happens to have a tow truck and comes to pick him up. They hook up the car and the buddy sees the rack, they then decide to go back and pick up the deer also. So back to the deer they go towing the car, they decide to take the deer and make burger or jerkey out of it. One problem SK doesn't want to get blood all over so they park the car and load the deer up the tow hoist, the head is then tied on tho the tow grill and off they go to town.

The long and short is the Car is hit later that night by another car, the DNR is knocking on his door asking about the deer, the cops are knocking on his door asking why he did not report the accident, and his cadillac is totaled.

To this day all he says is that dang sure was a big buck...

Sherpa Kurt!!!

I know that stretch Drift, I clipped off a half dozen mailboxes with a 76 cordoba along that stretch in the late 80's.... ahh, good times, goood times.

passing on the right in a snowstorm.... I was a real sharp kid.

bacardi & tequilla should not be drank from the same bottle.

later dudes.

Well....did he get to keep the buck.?

There is always one guy in camp that this stuff happens to. and if you can't figure out who it is.... ITS YOU or SK in this case

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sherpa Kurt!!!

I know that stretch Drift, I clipped off a half dozen mailboxes with a 76 cordoba along that stretch in the late 80's.... ahh, good times, goood times.

passing on the right in a snowstorm.... I was a real sharp kid.

Quote

bacardi & tequilla should not be drank from the same bottle.

later dudes.

Quote

This is the stuff that follows him around everywhere we go, at Moose camp this fall he was supposed to go with and Peaches was trying to figure out how to hang form the meat pole so he did not get into trouble.

The tales of SK are legendary and are better every year, the time he wanted to buy a missle silo in the Dakotas and a submarine for lake bemidji to make into homes. His lost indian treasure scheme down around Bowman ND. They go on and on.

But he is one of the guys every deer camp should have, loyal to a fault, strong as a bull, a jack of all trades master of none, now if we can just stop his dreams of Gaviidaes sister it should be all good...

OMG! You guys have turned a pretty crappy miserable day here at work into something...well not quite so crappy and miserable! YES I AM STILL AT WORK! Inventory time SUCKS Moose Nards!
I have been sitting here waiting for my work related computer stuff to come back up reading this and laughing my A$$ off!! Thanks!

heh heh the world wouldn't go round without Sherpa Kurts!

I don't have too many good deer camp stories. Most of the guys in our old party were gettin on in years. Many great laughs but all in all pretty uneventful. Party is dried up now due to uncles getting older etc.
Now I do have a good story that I will steal from a buddy of mine because I think its worth sharing with you deer crazy lunatics.

This buddy of mine is a few years younger and some of his old classmates and him leased some hunting land by Bemidji. The area is dense forest and swamp land bordered by state land. They all built big fancy stands and cut shooting lanes for the rifle season. Well they are up there for a few days and don't even see a deer so one day one of the guys takes a case of beer with him to the stand to fight the boredom. One of the more dedicated hunters was always watching his shooting lane with binoculars every few minutes so this guy who was drinking beer decides to pull a prank on him. He walks to the edge of the shooting lane about 150 yards out, strips down to nothing but his orange hat and boots. He waited until the guy raised his binoculars and slowly walked out and across the shooting lane butt naked with his face turned away. The other guys all of a sudden get a call on the two way radio's saying "uh.....guys.....I'm heading back to camp" They said "why?" He said "I think I have been out here too long...I just seen a f**kin naked hunter walk through my shooting lane"
That night they went to the bar and this guy is telling all the locals to watch out for the naked hunter who is roaming the woods. The other guys were about busting a gut. Then this same guy who stripped down in the woods goes outside and comes walking back into the bar wearing nothing but his orange hat and boots and his sweat sock covering his purple headed yogurt slinger! The whole bar erupted in laughter! You have to hear my buddy tell the story. It's hilarious when you get the expressions with it!

good stuff indeed!!

Well, just got off the phone with one of our new hunting party members , (we're all new to the party, even me)

My uncle attended "the boy's" highschool football game tonight & they won (which I understand is an understatement) they won like heck.

So.. they progress in the playoffs!! Wooooo!

Way to go boy!!

They have a game on saturday night which will alter some deer stand building plans we have (alter, not cancel) We'll get the stands out that need to be out, shouldn't be a problem. I'm considering taking the weekend off from hunting shack chores & taking in a football game saturday night.

Heck I need to get down that way to pick up some lumber & do some overdue visiting now that I think of it anyways.

maybe I'll take a day off next week to finish up some of the final "chores" out at the shack.

Dave

Sometime I'd like to have a beer with you and SK. Me thinks trouble would arise.

I think I'll take a day off next week too. Like Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday of the next week. That should calm my nerves a little

that sounds like a good plan tom.

I'm feelin like I should be out at the shack right now spraying the oil stain on the siding. Who knows, maybe tomorrow?

What did you decide for a stain? Just oil, is it tinted at all?

I'm going to try to sneak out of here a 2pm for a little sit in the bow stand. I have to get my earn-a-buck sticker for the upcomming gun season here.

I shot a doe on saturday. Shot under the heart/lung area and hit her in the leg. Had no blood for about 30-35 yds, then very sporadic after that. I tracked her for about 200 yds after a 45 min wait and jumped her just before dark. I backed out and waited until morning. I went in a 8am and found it about 150-200 yds from where I stopped on saturday night. However, Mr. Wiel E. Coyote beat me to the punch. One side and the hind quaters were gone already. There was not much to salvage. It looks like mr. tzone will have to buy a coyote call and give it a wistle this winter. I knew they were around, but not that close.

Tom

I didn't know it at the time but now that I look at the 2 5 gallon cans I bought they say "cedar" so I guess it's a tinted oil, which is cool I guess.

kind of ancious to see how it's going to look.

damn coyotes.

What did you get for "oil"?? If it is the "Penofin" and it is the Cedar color, there is very little actual coloring in it.

Also, if you did get the Penofin, the easiest way to do your shack would be cover the windows and get a weed sprayer and spray it on. MAKE SURE you cover the windows. BTDT and the Penofin doesn't wash off easy.

no, I had already purchased the oil by the time I got your tip on the penofin... I'll have to see if I can find the brand name of that I got..

I found it, here's what I got:

http://www.flood.com/flood/Products/Exterior/FinishersForExteriorWood/CWF-UV+Product+Page.htm

Cedar color and T-111 siding just seem like they should go together anyway.

I'm guessing you will have to apply probably 2 more coats after the initial on soak in. My pa painted his shop this summer and now it looks like a light coat of primer. it really sucked it up.

yeah it pulls it in like a dry sponge.

I expect I'll have to hit it again next spring but I just want to get some on this fall yet. for my 8' high walled 24'x32' shack I have 10 galons. guess I'll get one good coat for sure & just keep going around it till I run out.

I have my uncles airless sprayer so it should go fast, masking windows/doors will take longer than anything else.

Those sprayers are somthing else. Great for your application. Ya know, we really never noticed dad's until a few weekends ago. Don't know if it took that long, or we just didnt notice it. He isn't going to shoot it again this year and I won't be up til thursday, so it won't be done this year. but like you said at least it has somthing on it for protectioin.

Just a couple points of clarification re: The Saga of Sherpa Kurt

1. "Sherpa Kurt and the Dryer" is merely a continuation of "Sherpa Kurt in Peaches' Lap".

2. Big Drift has left out notable chapters of the Saga namely:

"Sherpa Kurt and the Pac Man Shooters"
"Sherpa Kurt 'putting down' the Pronghorn"
"Sherpa Kurt Goes to Linton (Bar Girls)"
"Sherpa Kurt Goes to Bowman (The Bar Hag from Baker)"
"Sherpa Kurt Can't Say 'No' to the Shot-Girl"
"Sherpa Kurt: Suzie Q"

God knows what is in store this year ...

GE

excellent stuff.

Sounds like you guys need to get together and have someone type a complete copy of the Sherpa adventures and then take it to camp with you. Would make for some great reflections on the past.

Sound concept JRowan ... however, The Saga of Sherpa Kurt is a neverending story on the most primal of levels. As "the tribe" we maintain the tradition of storytelling as a way of passing such legends on to the youth (when they are old enough to be "not so youth"). Besides ... written copy is nowhere near as entertaining nor durable.

After all, when you spill a pitcher of beer into the vessal of a storyteller, the ink may slur but the story just gets better!

GE

poetry.

I'm going for a drive by myself today. gonna go right now.

Going to pick up some lunber for shack exterior trim... some used green treat for ... for what ever I can use it for...

bout a 3 hour drive back to the place I used to run around & play with my best friend. My home town.

I'm going to try to get some things straightened out, in my head, in my heart or what ever.

I don't know what I'm doing really, I feel like I'm going to meet somebody.

Having an exceptionally difficult day.

I've got an old picture here of myself with my cousin, dated 1972. Picture was taken at my grandma's house. I'm on the right, my best buddy on the left. We were nearly inseperable even back then at that age & our bond strenghthened from there forward for another 35 years...

Anyways, just wanted to put this up, quality is poor being a picture of a picture (no scanner), but here it is.. me & my buddy. (with a couple of "dollies we stole from the girls

)

Dave

northern_dave,

think it is just aftershocks from your cousin Sounds like you have done a good job of keeping your mind and heart busy with the hunting cabin, sooner or later it comes back....

Hope you feel better soon.

Pete

Dave,

A man can sort out a lot of things in his heart and head with a drive on a beautiful day like today. take a drive to the cabin and get square with youself. no better place to do it than in the woods. My spirtuallity is usualy at its peak when I'm alone in the woods. Talk outloud to whoever may be listening at the time and it seems to help a lot.

Keep in mind that maybe you ARE going to meet somebody... he'll be there trust me on that one.

Safe travels.

Tom

Hang in there Bud. I know exactly how your feeling. He is a man that will truly be missed until we can be with him again someday. A drive by yourself might be just what the doctor ordered. Tom is right. He will be there...

Jim

thanks guys, little better day today.

A drive through my hometown were we made so many memories helped.

Looking around in that little town, a lot of things are gone.. the old school house where we went to school together K through 6, it's gone but I can still see it there when I drive by. I can see us clowing around in the playground out behind the school.

It was a quick trip but it was good.

I got to see my mom, hadn't seen her since several months before the accident. She has purchased an old cafe that was being closed down in my home town. She's doing a bunch of repairs & replacing the tables & chairs amoungst other things. She gave me a couple of the old cafe tables & a set of chairs to go with them. I'll use them out at the hunting shack. I know that my cousin & I sat at those tables together many times as kids... heck I wouldn't doubt if the gum stuck to the undersides was put there by us in the 70's!!

I also got some rough cut 1x4 oak boards from her that we will use for exterior & interior window, door, corner & fascia trim. (like we did on the out house in the pics further up the post)

And I grabbed some 4x4 treated posts & 2x6 treated lumber that was used as fence material at one time. It'll become deer stand material now.

beter get after it here, busy day.

Dave

Do you use the rough cut board as they are or do you cut them into trim material?

I'm finishing my basement and my trim for the base boards, windows and doors is 1x4 maple. Some of may get paint I have not decided yet.

A cafe table seems fitting for a shack as well as the chairs, not why just is.

Tom

scroll up & check out the pics of the crapper. the door trim, outside corners & the facsia around the roof is all done with this rough 1x4 oak. all I do is cut to length, the width is all over the map. I figure it just adds caractor, plus it was free

Charactor it does add. In my other house I use a router to round the corners, but I like it all square better. I do have it all plained to width so it will all match. I my use some 3" around the windows just for somthing different. We'll see how if I have enough money left to buy more.

just found this picture of me & some of my amigos one weekend a while back.

from the looks of it... there should be quite a few years of good hunting company in my future. youngsters-o-plenty

Dave,

Glad to see your doing better, also some advice from an expert at making myself feel better. Get out in the woods with family and or friends then start a campfire add some steaks or burgers, and smoores for desert. Stay by the fire late into the night just visiting.. You WILL feel better! If ya still don't then get busy talking in a place by yourself to whomever you need to talk to, like others have said he/she and God will Always be there....

Might even let the wife in on how you feel that day, you'd be surprized howmany guys I talk to that don't talk with thier wife. My wonderful otherhalf Always listens well and gives the right advice.. Sometimes I may not want to hear what she is saying but more often then not she is right.. Yes I'm still a Man, I'm simply a Man with a good relationship with the other half...LOL

Hey Dave. Still at work. Do you feel sorry for me yet??? ha ha

Nay.

hope you got out & got yerseff some dem "fessants" this weekend.

Spent the whole weekend at the shack, it was frickin great.

got the stain on the outside (quite the story there)

and I have some new pictures but i'll post em in the morning sometime.

Dave

OK, here we go, we got the oil stain on the shack, I opened the 1st can & couldn't believe my eyes. I was expecting kind of a semi clear root beer colored oil but the dang stuff looked like paint, like rust colored paint. We didn't want a solid colored stain, we wanted to be able to see woodgrain. We didn't care if the stain darkened the wood but we didn't want it one solid color.

I sprayed some on a scrap piece of exterior sheting to see if it did something magical once it hit the wood... no dice.

We watched it for like 1/2 hour but it still just looked like paint, about the color of dead pine needles.
So, we headed to town very frustrated knowing we had wasted about $150 on the wrong kind of finish & we were going to just go with linseed oil this time because we knew what that would do for us.

so, drive to town, pick up $130 worth of linseed oil & head back out to the shack. We get back to find that the scrap board we sprayed actually looked pretty good

So, we sprayed it. We'll take the linseed back today.

Here's how the outside looks now.
[Linked Image]

And, some of the crew inside having some lunch.

[Linked Image]

Some more of the inside:
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture005b.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture007b.jpg[/img]

And, one for Tzone.... an impression in the sand from Mr fork toed rutty-shmutty buck:
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture033.jpg[/img]

That is one wierd ass lookin track. You'll have to smoke 'em and show us then. You should be able to knon when he is walking through the area anyway.

The cabin looks good in that color. Did they take the lineseed oil back? Good to pics of the family at the shack having fun.

My pa was helping my uncle on Friday night in Floodwood on his new house. He came home at arould 11PM and said hwy133 was silly with deer. Said if they weren't standing in the road, they were running across it.

Rut is on. friend of mine had a buck chasing a doe in his front yard this morning, grunting, nose to the ground, neck swollen.

Yeah we've seen Mr fork toe's tracks all summer, he's a regular that's for sure. somebody will likely get a look at him soon.

The linseed oil return won't be a problem. unopened, local hardware store, good folks.

Well, I have enough firewood there to take us through next weekend. I've got things fixed up as good as they are going to be. Now I just need to get a stand up for myself!!! No kidding huh?? Yeah I haven't even scouted for a spot for myself yet!! I have an idea where I want to be but I haven't checked it out yet.

probably on friday, no friggin way I can work on friday!!!!

I always seem to be the last to find a stand too. usualy helping the others set up. the stand I'm in now i have used since '01 but i may have the bro in law sit there, as there are many deer sighting from it and he has only shot 1 buck. I would like him to smack a beaut. we got him a decent spot though, nobody has sat there since '00. I shot a nice 7pt and a 6pt from there and the land owners son dropped a spike in '00 there. hell maybe we should switch spots

.

it will be near impossible to work this week and i have a ton to do because i didn't do crap last weeek

. my deer season cold has set in with a vengance too so that doesn'tt help matters any.

That cold will clear up by thurs/fri. good to get it out of the way.

Well this sucks, mama got called in to work on opener, so daddy has kid duty. Planning on escaping out in the Afternoon, I have had this damn sinus chest cold [bleep] for a week and a half now, now I am contemplating making it worse by chasing some brown haired white tailed horny critter, wassup wid dat...

oh boy, sinus/head cold... stuck at home for opener... none of that is good.

but it's just monday, these things sometimes have a way of turning around at the last minute.

remain hopeful drift!! it'll work out.

pimp yourself up with nyquill and dayquill. make sure you use extra nyquill it works better and faster. in fact i'm pretty sure i'm sleeping now...not really sure how i got to work today.

dave's right drift it'll work itself out. a wise deer hunter once told me "he who has to watch kids on opening weekend on wife's orders will be rewarded."

Dave cabin looks great and looks like the kids are enjoying as well, Congrats on the whole thing!

thanks Scott, I just hope we can enjoy some of the same results you & your daughter have been getting!!

need to decorate that meat pole!!!

Cabinets look awful nice for a hunting cabin. The whole setup looks way cool, though. Well done!

pictures make everything look pretty swanky, cabinets are donated from a friend who re did his kitchen.

I'm overstimulated... this deer camp talk... week of season... it's too much.

better go to lunch, surely I can find somebody at lunch who will talk of something other than hunting (grin)

week of opener... it's the greatest week of the year!!

nice to see some character hanging on the wall too dave. furs, racks, flags, gunrack, starting to really come around man.

there is probably a lot of other stuff to talk about other than the opener right?....riiiggghhht.

Hey Dave,

May have a lead on some old moose horns fer ya if'n yer interested. They are at the Trading Post in Bemidji by the fair grounds. I think she is closing up shop so ya may get some great deals on all the stuff they have piled up in there. Saws traps augers furniture you name it.

Hey Dave,
Cabin looks awesome!! I wish we would have used that stain now on our new siding. The stuff the little lady got when I was at work is really dark and other than the warpage and the dog chewed parts no longer being there you can't really tell we did anything different. I was looking more for the color you have there. Hmm I wonder what she will say if I ask her to re-do it??

Originally Posted by big drift

Hey Dave,

May have a lead on some old moose horns fer ya if'n yer interested. They are at the Trading Post in Bemidji by the fair grounds. I think she is closing up shop so ya may get some great deals on all the stuff they have piled up in there. Saws traps augers furniture you name it.

hmm, old saws, moose horns.... traps... that's the kind of stuff the shack needs!!

My uncle just called, him & my nephew aka "the boy" are coming up here bright & early friday morning for the opening weekend.

He asked about what to bring, I told him about a bed I got from a friend today that would go in his room so he should leave his cot at home. he thought that was pretty good & he asked me about something i never saw coming.

My cousin shot a bobcat last year & sent it to the txidermist, well, his wife (the boy's maw, AKA *"makes no patties") got it back from the cat stuffer man & they want to know if it can come up to the deer camp..

How cool is that?

Way cool, that's how cool.

I'm simply tickled/honored about the whole thing. Can't wait to see it.

the new deer camp has taken a couple of weekend test runs with some of the early hunt opportunities we've had but this is the real deal coming up this weekend.

I'm very anxious, it's going to be a good time.

Dave

* "makes no patties" indian nick name for her phobia of ground beef. She'll eat hamburgers, she'll cook em too, but she won't make the patties!!

chief "buys many guns" thanks "makes no patties" for sending bobcat up nort.

for the first time since I've purchased this hunting land & began this cabin building project, I scouted tonight.

fist time, I swear.

Well, shy on the rubs but found a few scrape lines... plenty of doe sign & since the rut is in full, that's all we need is does, the bucks will follow

I put out some attractant that's legal for my state, never tried it before. Buch jam, honey acorn scent.

i could talk all night about the terrain, the sign, the tracks, the trails, the stands.... it's finally truely happened. I'm in the zone.

it's time.

Enjoy it you have earned it.

haven't seen many rubs at our camp either, lots of tracks and trails though. that means mama is around and soon to follow will da bucks.

all those little doe/youth season stays at the camp were the scrimmages. its big time now, the real deal, the big show, the dance, it opener...the real thing.

Found a neat area on public land south of my property.

Found a stand that a friend of mine built many years ago, he doesn't hunt any more but when he did he shot a buck that green scored @ around 200" from this stand that he would dissapear into the woods & go to, wouldn't say where it was exactly.

Well I found it last night. it's in very bad shape, not useable. but it has a sign on it with his name on it (they used to do that in MN, put your name on your stand if it were built on public land)

looks like it's built on an old settler site, there's an old bed frame there, some other junk and a large hole in the ground, like 12' by 20' that might have been a cellar of sorts for a cabin.

I didn't mill around there too much, so I didn't get to see everything, the spot just looked good, it has several bottle necked passage ways entering into it where bucks or a buck of course has made scrapes.

I did minimal walking in that spot, just scoped it out real well and put down some of this "buck jam" attractant on a couple of old rotted tree stumps & backed out of there. I'll get a ladder stand in there on Friday & check the stumps.

I also spread the magic sauce over a few other stumps out in front of other established stands on my property.

I'm in super crazy hunter mode man, can't stop it now, it's out of control, it's obscene.... god help the delicious wild timber goats....

Good for you Dave!

I'm in the Zone myself, I'm off from now till Monday and the rut is Really on right now. Been seeing Lots of bucks next to the roads driving to work so I thought I should join them tomorrow morning with a Bow and hopefully an arrow in a Big boy sometime soon... I'm gonna make a tent and camp in the backyard the next few days so the kids can come out with me for campmeal and marshmellows eachnight after school and my evening hunts. It feels Wonderful with temp highs around 55 this weekend it should Really be Great for hunting. Good Luck this weekend!

last day at work till tuesday.

oh I'm so ready for this. It's finally here.

My buddy Jim (rooster7) sent me a camera phone pic of a buck he shot tonight.

what a dandy!!

12 pointer, rooster7 says he's 150-ish

here's the kicker, he shot him out of the same spot "the boy" sat in not long ago to connect on the buck I posted just a short time ago... 2 fantastic bucks taken with bow from the same stand in the same season.

Jim says we got a friend upstairs making drives for us or something....

I'm excited for him & I hope he can post pictures.

dave

Dave,

Thats Awesome! You tell him congrats ok... We need pics though... LOL.. Good Luck this weekend..

Good hunting! I have to say I am a bit green with envy. You have done an awesome job. Your hunting camp compadres are lucky peopel to say the least! We expect pictures of the hunt!

eh76

Hey guys!
Yes I did score on a dandy last night with my bow. He went 30 yards and tipped over backwards! I backed out and left him alone for an hour and a half but after seeing him, he was done the moment I seen him tip over. His rack was stuck in the ground! I may sound weird but I honestly believe that "the boys" father is "helping us out" a little bit. (Thats my story and I'm stickin to it!)

The first person I called was "the boy" forgetting that he had a footbal game which they won 38 - 7! Woo hooooo Good Job Boy!! I don't have a digital camera but will scan the pics and with Dave's help I will post them. He is truly a beautiful deer.... 7 x 5 lots of mass and character. I'm trying to figure out how to get him weighed now. He's HUGE! 34" around the neck with the tape tight and it seems like 3 feet from the spine to the chest. I will post the story along with the pic next week! To Dave, the Uncle and "the boy"....Best of luck this weekend at the new camp. I hope you all have great success and even if you don't.....this is the start of something good.......something good indeed! Thank you Dave...............

Congrats Rooster, it should be a great pic can't wait to see it.

bd

My neighbor just came over and scored my buck. It's unofficial of course but he came up with 153.2. My best buck to date and I got it with a bow. I'm pumped to say the least!!!!
Now......for the rest of you bearded, orange wearin, smelly, joke tellin warriors, go out and get some of this action!!! The rut is on and its on hard! GOOD LUCK everyone. Hopefully next week we can flood this site with pictures of huge timber goats!! WOO-LOO-LOO-LOO-LOO!!!!

Jim

Congrats Rooster!!!

Just have a few more chores to do around home and by 3 this afternoon I'm going back out. I rattled in 5 different bucks yesterday myself, one was a dandy only a treelimb kept me from letting the arrow fly.. This is the weekend forsure, the Rut is On!

Thank you very much! The field pics got developed today at "whalemart". They didn't turn out very good so I just took him down to my neighbors and got some really nice pics with his digital. Will post them next week. Well off to cape the bugger! Good Luck!

Jim

Congrats Rooster,

cant' wait to see those pics. How about the story while we wait for the pics.

Well I have the pics but don't know how to get them on here. How do I do that?

The story..Ok. I had planned on getting out bowhunting one last time before the start of gun season. I didn't have to work the next day and a buddy was coming over at 7:30 to get his hair cut from my wife. So I figured I had better run to town to get some giggle juice for after the hunt. While there, I ran into Dave's uncle who had stopped to get his own for da trip up nort to da deer camp. As we were talking and he was showing me the bobcat that was going to live at the deer camp, "the boy" showed up too. We BS'd some and I told him I was going to hunt the spot where he shot his big buck that was posted on here earlier. He said might as well! It's a good spot! (In 2003 I shot a tall 8 point out of that stand. Last year "the boys" father shot a nice heavy buck out of that stand with one side missing from the rack. The boy shot his this year and now I got number two and my best buck to date out of there) Anyway, I get in the stand, let things settle a litte bit and then started grunting and using a Primo's Estrus can call. I hit this about every 15 minutes. I think it was between 6 and 6:30 when I stood up from the seat because it was getting "that time." 5 seconds after I stood a doe came up the hill and walked toward me. She was behind a tree about 10 yards. Then from where she came up the hill I heard a grunt, grunt, gruuuunt. I looked up and saw this buck standing half way up to the level ground. I thought he was staring right at me but turns out he was staring at the doe. She turned and walked down and out into the hayfield while he just stared at her and grunted. He started walking towards her so I drew my bow when he went behind some trees. He came out and stopped and all I could see was his rack and his butt. I had to tell myself to look at the butt, not the rack about 20 times. I let my draw down and waited. He then decided the coast was clear and went to join his girlfriend in the field and I let him have it at 20 yards. He ran 30 yards to the field edge and turned to head back down the hill to the heavy cover when he just stopped and tipped over backwards. I could no longer see him after he fell. I sat in the stand for about 20 minutes and waited for the doe to walk away. She was with in 10 yards a few times. When I couldn't see her anymore I climbed down and backed out for 1 1/2 hours. I drove my truck out to where I seen him fall praying that he was there and BINGO!!! there he laid, crumpled up with his rack stuck in the ground! YEE HAWWWWW! TIME TO BREAK OUT THAT GIGGLE JUICE!!

Thanks Rooster,

That is a good story. nothing like being able to drive the truck up the a big buck too. it makes the haul out a little eaiser. I did not get a deer. I passed up a long spike with brow tines on Sat. PM and the doe that was with him. On sunday AM I passed a couple does that came in a half hour apart. I wish I could go up again next weekend too, things should realy be rocking in the woods next weekend. My brother in law did not see a deer, which baffles my beyond belief because his spot was prime with trails, rubs, and scrapes. Next year I guess. Only 51 weeks till next year.

Alright, alright, what's going on in here? I been away since thursday & I can't believe this poast is still floating on the first page... I just happen to have pictures of Jim's deer & Jim himself "smiling like heck" so I'll post em.

Well, it was a fantastic weekend in the woods, beautiful out there, ecpecially yesterday with the trace of snow hanging in the big pines.
We had a great time, hunted real hard saturday & sunday, then my uncle & the boy went home sunday night, me & my daughter stayed out there sunday night & we hunted yesterday but it was so windy it seemed like the deer just didn't want to move in that wind.

Sadly, the meat pole is still empty. I had an opportunity to remedy that situation on sun morning & I was certain that I did just that.
I had a decent shot opportunity on a young 8 pointer... had to decide whether or not I wanted to burn my buck tag on yet another 8 pointer... but the meat pole was empty & we weren't doing so well up to that point so I decided to shoot him.

It went so well... and yet it went so badly.

I don't understand what happened, broadside 50 yds, hit him right in the front shoulder, .308 fusion fact loads... I watched him hunch up, tail went down & did that rapid flicker thing & he took off carrying his left shoulder tight where I aimed. I knew it was over... I cycled another round in the old Win model 88 for a follow up shot if needed but he got himself behind some thich cover & just stood there. I swore I heard him lay down or fall down... I waited about a half an hour & I was confident that I had a dead deer laying there... well, I really don't even like talking about what happened next but long story short. he took off, I went back to the shack & gave him a couple of hours then me & the boy went after him. we found a chunk of lung at one point on our blood trail... after about 3 miles the blood dried up & he got onto a fresh loggong clear cut where it looked like a artillary impact zone & we lost his track completely.

We lost him, first deer I've ever lost & I just can't for the life of me understand what went wrong.

I'll shoot that .308 tonight when I get home to see if there is something wrong there..

here's rooster's dandy of a buck, way to go Jim!!

[Linked Image]

well, well, well, look who's back.

Smillin' like heck...he is and should be. NICE BUCK Rooster.

sorry about your buck dave. I lost one in '98at the MN camp on shot I thought was behind the shoulder at 60 yds, but after about a 300yd tracking job the blood quit and we could not find anymore tracks or hair or anything. just gone. it sucks but it's part of the game. what else could you do? probably nothing, you backed out, gave it time and had blood and tracks, sounds right to me.

I was really hoping to see that meat pole filled and northern dave smillin' like heck. I don't have any death pics either. passed on a 4 point and 3 does. just didn't turn my crank I guess, I was sick too so that didn't help. brother in law saw nothing and wanted me to ventilate a doe but he did not want to take it home. I was not going to shoot one for the sake of shooting one. I wanted a pig. next year I guess. you have a few more weekends left to dirty the meat pole anyway.

Dave,
That really sucks and I'm sorry to hear that you lost your deer. It happens though so don't beat yourself up over it. Get back out there. Maybe its a sign that the grand daddy of all grand daddy bucks is going to be in your sights next time! I hope you get him man!
We had some snow here yesterday. I am not ready for it but also can't wait to get the sleds out!!

Jim

P.S. Thank you for posting the pic. I'm "pic posting challenged"

Thanks T-zone.

yeah I'm back out of the woods for a couple of days. hair on my face is a little nonger... muscles are sore from walking in da voods & climbing trees & such... back sore from sitting in stands with bad sitting positions.... but I'm ready to get back out there right now.

Ole fork toes is still hanging around out there leaving his heavy tracks all over the place... I think I jumped him north of the cabin sunday morning in the dark on my way to the "porypine stand".. sounded like a bull moose plowing brush with his horns... jeesh i hope I get to put my eyes on that guy.

We still have 2 weekends of rifle hunting to go, then black powder!!!

I'll catch up on sleep for a couple of days here & I expect i'll be back out there on thursday night probably by myself, i'll hunt friday & I expect my uncle & the boy to show up late friday night as the boy has a football game on friday.

I'll see what i can do about that smiling like heck picture with the meatpole full, we have time yet, things can change in a hurry.

that's a damn fine buck Jim, and a great story. Yeah me & ole "Uncle D" sat up & put away quite a few of them beers friday night!! Had a lot of fun just shooting the breeze & talking about stuff.

My cousin came to topic a few times, it was a good talk. My uncle said at one point during the night as we filled the kitchen table with empties "you know, there's just one guy missing here."

I told him i knew it too. Also told him I was just so greatful that I had the company of that missing hunters dad and son, told him I know there is nothing we can do about him being gone but I was just so glad for what I had in the way of his father & his son to share deer hunting with.

We had a real good time.

Dave

quote; My cousin came to topic a few times, it was a good talk. My uncle said at one point during the night as we filled the kitchen table with empties "you know, there's just one guy missing here."

He was there Dave. Maybe not in body but you can bet the bank he was there....

sure felt like he was there, he surely would have brought the whole event one notch higher on the fun meter!!

that big laugh, but you're right. it felt like he was there.

I shot this 159lb 6 pt. Dont know what I was thinking out in the woods, laying a gun accross his face? 8:30 AM sat. What a wonderful morning in the woods.

He just crossed infront of me at 50 to 60 yards. I had seen my Aunt walking just a little befor and had to wait for him to get well past where she was. Picked a spot in the sunshine and when he steped in, Bang. Accross the top of the heart( right where I was aiming

Kick and drop.

Had a opertunity for a similar buck sunday night but wasnt going to pull the trigger on sombody elses tag unless it was Big.

Never did find the big swish, had to use a sleeping bag . Got cold when I went out to pee at night.

My four year old was asking me to cook deer meat before I had the car unpacked.

Cant wait for next weekend!

Tzone, I thought of you and you hunting partner while on stand.
Hope your hunt was healing.

Rooster, HELL OF A BUCK! good job!

Dave, I hate it when you do all you can do , and still cant find them.

Awsome swish, (can i still call you swish even if you lost the swish costume?)

is dat one of dose tree huntret savage's?
da tree huntret?

I was using an old pointy bullet lever myself but my story is missing the happy ending part..

I'll be back out there soon though & I'll get em.

I'll "catch one"

catch a deer.... man that cracks me up.

makes me "smile like heck".

gd,

nice buck. no worries about the sling across the face. we can still see the good part. nice heavy horns. I wish I would have seen one like that, talked to Luke about it but he must have been in his own stand because all I saw was a spike with brow tines. Had fun though. spent time with family and that is what it is really about.

Tom

Dave, you should be pleased with your self. My Uncle lurks around the 24. I was called "swish" by him, all weekend. Can you guess why?

Dats a mighty .308 Im shooting, but its overkill. 30-30 could do what i need, just fine.

When I walked into the house, My cousin Carrie, who is a fine deer hunter herself, looked at the smile on my face and said tounge in cheek "Did you catch one?"

Originally Posted by tzone

gd,

Had fun though. spent time with family and that is what it is really about.

]

Yes, next weekend with grampa!

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Dave, you should be pleased with your self. My Uncle lurks around the 24. I was called "swish" by him, all weekend. Can you guess why?

Dats a mighty .308 Im shooting, but its overkill. 30-30 could do what i need, just fine.

When I walked into the house, My cousin Carrie, who is a fine deer hunter herself, looked at the smile on my face and said tounge in cheek "Did you catch one?"

that's good stuff right there.

Dave

Thanks G_D. That is a nice buck yourself! Congratulations! I love those choclate racks! I'm curious about the gun too. That is an awesome looking rifle.

Ha Ha that is funny and ironic. That is what my kids say everytime I come home from bowhunting. Did ya catch a deer Dad??
Or phesansts.....Did ya catch any Dad??

Thats a 1957 Savage 99 F in 308. Toped with a Vari-x II 2-7 in a old redfield swing mount. I keep thinking that I should put a better mount on it, but it holds zero, so I leave it alone. I like it.

very classy rig.

I have a fx-4 loopy on my .308 win 88, I'll find out about how well it's holding zero tonight when i get home.

until i know, I have been carrying ole trusty, M70 FWT terdy oh six w/burris b-plex 3-9 40mm.

long distance precision hole driller, she never lets me down.

GD,

Where about ya guys hunting at?

Gaviidae_Esq, put the whacking to 3 slickheads over the weekend, and this weekend we are heading to NoDak for opener there. Once we get back I plan to get serious for here.

bd

GD,

I too dig the rig. every time I see one for sale I play with it , but somthing alwas comes up and I don't buy it. would like to have one in .300 or .308, i have 3 .308's already though. none are in a 99:) maybe I can talk myself into one.

They are strange-looking rifles, to me... I don't get it. Must be an east coast thing! We don't see too many of them over here in the west...

-jeff

I dunno, just like 'em I guess. pretty far from the east coast in wi. can't really give you a good answer other than I like them.

From what I understand the 99 was popular up here also possibly due to the scandinavian immigrants. There are quite a few floating around usually in .300 Savage.

I know of several being used right now and ran into a guy last night at one of the local sporting good stores who is looking for one.

Have never fired one but am considering it probably in .308.

bd

They are obviously nice rifles- don't get me wrong- they just look really funny to me. Must be an acquired taste. But what can I say, I shoot a BLR!

-jeff

If you are looking for a savage 99, don't turn your nose up at a good 300 savage in your 308 search. My first 99 was a 308 and it is fairly stout kicking, but my 300 I recently bought is very pleasant to shoot and low recoil. Stock shape has a lot to do with it acording to my gunsmith.
My gunsmith did a repair on my 300 and he said it was the origional "short magnum" because the velocities were the same as the 3006 at that time.
h

I Agree, I wanted a F model and found the 308 at a good price but the 300sav is a exelent round for white tail. I love my 99.

Hmmm, may have reconsider...

Once again Rooster Congrats that is a Bruiser!
I Really enjoyed your story of the hunt too..

Dave, Sorry to hear about your buck, just think to yourself that it is OK this stuff happens. I've lost my share over the years and its Not easy to forget. Yet mother nature has away of making things right.

You know your cousin had a Blast this weekend up there with you too, and just consider the light from the morning sun peaking over the horizon his way of winking at you eachday.

Now Mr.99, that is a Danday buck too Congrats!

Jeff, those rifles are Very Common here in Mo. and Highly sought after. Very hard to find one forsale round here. Don't have yet as I'm a Marlin guy myself and wish I could take that stainless off your hands! Just alittle too close for Christmas though to be buying right now.

Dave, I saw Alot of deer within feet of me bowhunting in 4 days time but just No shooters close enough except one and he hid behind the treebranches for 20 minutes or so at 35 yards. All in all a Great time but ARRRGGG my meatpole needs to be filled too. Christi and I anxiously await the opening season for gun deer this comming Sat. We'll both be packing Marlin 30 dirtys.. GOOD LUCK ALL!!!

SOMEONE should take that Marlin off my hands! Dang nice rifle. The firesights are, IMHO, a big upgrade... certainly cost me a few $$.

It is a unsettled time to sell anything... the holidays get wierd that way. I remember from working retail sales that the sort of "baseline" sales would drop, but the "wild hair I shouldn't be doing this!!" sales would like quadruple.

-jeff

Big Drift, This hunt was at my uncles place south of Hibbing. If I give more info than that I wont get invited back!

I left work @ 2 yesterday & went out & parked my carcass in the "porkypine stand"... nice & quiet out there.... too quiet... dang it.

should have set up in my wife's ladder stand cause I could hear a buck grunting & milling around over her direction.

oh well, that's hunting right?

the savage 99 is on my list of guns to acquire... a .300 woud go me just fine as would a 250, .308 would be my last choice in my case because I already have a vintage lever in .308

the 99's are very saught after in my area. they bring good money.

They are bringing around $900-1000 here for a .300, $800-850 for a .308, and I have never seen a .250 for sale here. Gander has a few of them here but they are over a grand, but thats ganden mt. for ya. I would like one in a .300 too, just because I have 2 .308's.

well dave, you'd be smiling like heck in here today.

I can hear "da turdy point buck" going on two computers right now. the fever is starting in wi too.

my dad's got one in .300, not sure exactly which model it is. I'm definately not a savage expert, that whole interest can become very detailed.

his is pretty old though, brass rotary magazine... it's cool.

step dad has a 250-3000, excellent condition.

that 250-3000 would bring some coin around here, I've never seen one for sale. I just think they are a cool looking rifle, never have shot or carried one for any amount of time.

just talked to my dad, he put a stalk on a doe with his iron sight 300 sav over the weekend & got-r-done.

he still hunts with it.

Rooster-

Good buck man! SWEET!

sk

Thanks!! It makes it even better that me and "the boy" BOTH got a nice buck out of the same stand. I said at the time he shot his that "that makes my season right there". I really mean that. I could have cared less if I got one because seeing that boys eyes light up like that made the whole year for me. Mine is just a bonus! Now Dave!.......Your turn buddy!!

Dave should go sit in that stand. We used to have a stand that would produce a buck sighting every day. Even if one or two were killed from it. In 2005 there were two pigs shot from it and a third ran through while I was on stand but was chasing a doe like heck and gave me no shot. Some spots are just a place where deer cruise through. give it a try and see what shakes.

it's a good idea but i don't know that I'd have time for it... plus I'm not sure about the zone, might be shotgun slug down there huh Jim? we'll see I guess.

Yup. Slugs only. 1st or 2nd weekend zone. We aren't lucky enough to have the 9 day season in our area yet.

Dave when you heard that buck over by wifey poo's stand that would have been a real good time to start wackin some horns together and grunting. Who knows he may have come a runnin!

Why DO they have the split season? Quite a few times when I tell someone from here that I'm from MN, they'll say " they have a split season right?" Never could answer them honestly as to why the do it. BIL usually hunts it over by Madison.

I really do think MN needs to trash the deer regulations and start over instead of the piecemeal add ons they always do.

The regs are so screwey and old, clean em up start over and address the new issues.

Jusy my thoughts...

I believe it was set up that way (Zone 4A and 4B) 1st and 2nd weekend because it is more open, more populated farm country. The 9 day and more zones were always in the woods north and east of these zones. I don't know if it was because they thought it would be easier to get a deer if there wasn't as many woods around or what? I think it was last year that they made eveything north of hwy 10 to 2 (I think) into a 9 day season. I'm not sure why this is. They really need to re-think these zones I believe.

believe me jim, i did what i could to pull that buck in, i brought no horns to the stand last night but I was playin that tube... he was obviously content, I think he was on his doe.

Yeah, tuff to call 'em off a hot doe once their locked on. Even with the horns. I wonder what a primos estrus can would have done? I seem to have decent luck with those things. I don't know if that is what brought in that pair under my stand on thursday or not but I know they heard it.

Possibly could have done the ol sneak on him. Have had it happen before where they were grunting away and was able to get up on him and blam...sausage in the freezer

It would be cool to see the funky toed buck tho...

Dave,

They are right about the buck area stand though, go get your 12 ga and slugs out! I've got 2 places no make that 3 now that pretty well sometimes up to allday long bucks will cruise through the area within feet of the same tree year after year. Just drove up scouting one of my favorite hot spots, I've wacked both those bucks I sent pics of in 2 consecutive years from that same tree, with Many others passing by. The daughter gets that stand this year with me, Common Saturday I want to see her smile!!!

You guys should see the 99 one friend has in 243 its a wonderful piece to shoot. Still on my wish list, maybe one for the kids sometime soon though.

Jeff,
If you still have that Marlin after Christmas I may just be calling.

BD,

You've obviously kept the campfire burning while your "fearless leader" was off losing a jury trial (thankfully a relatively rare occurance).

If you were wanting a Sav 99 why didn't you say something. The "Vegetable Stand" has 4 or 5 of them ... IIRC one was a 250-3000. FWIW also saw a 250 at AA guns in Grand Rapids this summer.

Anyway ... off to "serious amateur" NoDak deer camp tomorrow. So here is a scenario:

Today Dad reported actually going out to the land to sight in his rifles after typical annual BAR type fixins. Saw a nice 4x4 laying the wood to a receptive doe. So I was thinking to myself ... Self, would that particular buck be better eating before or after he was done doing the dirty deed? On one hand he's all full of ruttin juice, hormones, piss and vineger. On the other, when he's done and smoking a marlboro/camel/whatever you'd be thinking that his meat is all relaxed on so many levels.

So I asked Doecamper, she figured that buck was no good cause he'd be wanting another throw like any self respecting buck (Self, here me Self). Asked her what she'd do ... said shoot the doe.

Shoot the doe?

Sure, he's all hot an bothered and that b!^@# is probably bleeting ...

bayyyyyyyyyy-geie, I think I'll paint the ceiling ....

She's right. Not a drop of hormones in that critter ...

FWIW,

GE

37 hrs 39 minutes to NoDak opener

Originally Posted by big drift

Possibly could have done the ol sneak on him. Have had it happen before where they were grunting away and was able to get up on him and blam...sausage in the freezer

It would be cool to see the funky toed buck tho...

ground was too crunchy for this dude's sneak skills

i'll get back after it tonight. actually not really until friday morning but I'll be back out there tending the woodstove at camp iwannabuck tonight.

Not so great with my 88.

guys, I am doing the long walk of shame today. I've been hunting deer as much as possible since i got out of the marines in 94 which means every year for as many days in a season as I can afford to go. I guess that's not a real long time... but up till this year, this week to be more specific, I've never lost a deer. now I've always hunted with a win M70 in some config, or muzzle loader... but I've got this nice post 64 win 88 in .308 that I felt I needed to hunt with this year.

I lost a buck on sunday morning, very comfortable confident shot, made no sense, still makes no sense. now last night I lost a doe. slightly quartering away shot @ around 80 yds. I just got done shooting the rifle at home & it was dead on left to right & 1.5" high @ 100 yds.

I don't know what's going on, don't know if it's the rediculously long trigger pull (super crappy trigger) or? I don't know but I think I have to bench the 88 & grab one of my M70's for the weekend.

I'm thinkin it's time to unsheathe the reaper.. touch of death that is... 26" barrel, floated & glass bed M70 in 300 wby, FFII 3.5-10 50mm on weaver grand slam rings... 3# crisp trigger....

yeah i know it's overkill on whitetail.... but I need to build some confidence & everything I've taken with that rig has died very quickly.

plus, I'm starting to feel a little mean.

Gaviidae Esq,
That is so scary that you mentioned the "vegetable stand" for the savage 99's. Then I saw you were from bemidji, I can only assume you are talking about Arnies Guns near Shevlin or as my we call it "the gun and vegetable stand". Arnie is great and I seem to buy one or two guns from him a year and I sell some off occasionally. Nice old elderly couple.
His phone number is 218 758 2274 if any one is looking for one. The 99's he has are hunter grade so nothing exceptional, but they are reasonable at about $600 range (compared to cabela's...). Arnie is a 69 year old veteran and not real electronic savy so he may have to use his grand children to send pictures.
This may sound like a shamelss plug for Arnie, but now "the gun & vegatable stand" may become internet legend now!

Getting excited for second weekend hunting back home at Bagley... Shoot straight guys.

H

grab that 300 wby. if that is what you are confident with use it. some times you just need to get back to the basics and go. the 300 should work, those roseau co bucks do get big though. I usually use a new gun every year, but always have the 'ole reliable in the truck if a run of luck such as yours should strike.

hang in there it happens. it makes it even tougher when you are out there by yourself with no one to help you track or watch the trail while you track. be glad it wasn't freaky toe.

use Betty Lou she is da one. a ak 57 triple barreld double scoped heat seekin' shotgun:)

Sorry to hear about the deer buddy! Fire up that .300 and go knock one of dem sumbitches on their a$$!

yep, it's time for the hammer of god.... how dead does dave like his deer? he likes them very dead. very, very dead.

might just bring the .450 marlin along for my close range stands.

but yeah, the 300 wby will come out to play for sure.

nothing says "I gotcha" like 4200 foot pounds of energy.

I imagine the neighboors know when that baby goes off too. You must be a glutton for punishment with the .300wby and the .450 marlin.

I'm a recoil pig.

I'd be lieing if i didn't admit a curiosity & admiration for the 30-378 wby.... something about a 180gr .30 that can do 3420 fps.... and dish out 4676 foot pounds.... just kind of grabs me by the boo-boo.

the 30-378 should get the job done on those 60yd MN brush shots.

There is a guy that hunts deer by us in wi that uses a 375 h&h. you know when he shoots that is for sure. we used to bug him about it, but he says he uses it all spring for bear in canada and alaska and is just used to it.

what ever trips your trigger right. i have a thing for .358's not sure why, they're not fast, there is sexier cartriges, I just like 'em.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not so great with my 88.

guys, I am doing the long walk of shame today.
plus, I'm starting to feel a little mean.

Wow!! Same ammo, right? Fusion?

That's just wierd. I'm sorry for you, and sorry for the deer!

Time to get out something that you KNOW works.

-jeff

what ever floats yer bote...

i just like things that go BOOOOOM!!!

i'm climbing the walls in here tom. i have tomorrow off, but it's not enough... thinking about bailing out early today....

a long lunch sounds like a great idea. go kill somthing, take a pic, and show us all... get that pole dirty dave. dirty it like heck...

yeah, long lunch, like from now till.... tuesday?

I'm starting to feel sick.

oh no.....

i think i have the heebie-jeebies.... crap, i hear it's contagious.

i better get out of here before i give it to everybody.

nobody want's to be a typhoid Mary right?

no sir, not me...

it's for the good of my fellow workers, for the good of mankind.... I will hide out in the woods for a few days & see if I can find a cure.

dreaded heebie jeebies.... wow, and i haven't been to Puerto rico or Tijuana for ages....

I'll do what I have to in order to protect the health of my co-workers.

but where can i go?

ahh, I know a place... no power or running water but the human race will be safe from me...

i must go now.

maybe I'll take a gun along... for personal protection... or something...

Just told the boss that I would be a No call/ no show tomorrow

and I wont be back till wednesday.

Im almost afraid to post on this thread. Dave you got some bad stink on you that ya need to shake off!

Have you considered sacraficing some chickens or goats to Thor?

Remeber to enjoy the hunt and be safe.

Daaaaaaave, get a deer yet? get a deer yet? get a deer yet? get a deer yet? get a deer yet? I asked you 5 times Did you get a deer yet?

were do I start?

first, the meatpole...

[Linked Image]

the kids decorated the meat pole.

One of my buddies came out & stayed at the shack with me on Thursday last week & brought his boy 12 years of age, new deer hunter. First year & no deer.

Well I put him in the ladder stand I set up for my wife, I went south & sat up in my uncles stand & my buddy sat in a home made stand in the south east corner of our property.

the boy shot a doe & a fawn out of thet ladder stand!!

then sat night the boy (my nephew) shot a little one out of a ground blind, then sunday morning I hear my daughters .243 ring out Booom!

I knew it was her from the direction the shot came from, she was set up about 1/4 mile from me, I had to get down & go check on her right away.

I stopped by the cabin on my route, got rid of some of my heavy clothes, grabbed a camera & headed for her stand. I met her walking towards me along the way, from a distance it was hard to read her... walking with her head down.... kind of mopeing along... then as she got closer she picks her head up & smiles "like heck" Oh boy was I happy to see that smile!!

she went to her stand all by herself, sat by herself & she got it done all alone. Very proud pop here.

[Linked Image]

I had a bit of a messed up weekend as far as my own hunting goes.

I set myself up towards the north end of my land, I'm real close to my property line but I am set up on my land & I'm in a tree facing my own land (my back to the adjoining property).

Well, aparently I have upset someone that hunts my neiboring property because I have a guy harrassing me, I'm in my stand Sat night & this dude comes crashing through the brush behind me on the neighboring property & starts setting up a stand less than 50 yds from me barely off my north line in a big jackpine. he takes 2 hours to set up a stand that I would have had up in 10 minutes... obviously dragging the job out to mess with me, very loud, clanking & banging, to & from the spot over & over... he finally gets up in the tree, he see's me, he's looking at me as he sets up.

He set his stand up so he's facing me, looking right at my back with a loaded rifle laying across his lap.

I'm thinking to myself, how & the hell do I handle this now?

he's in the south west corner of adjoining property, I own to the west of were he sits & to the south. the way he is sitting & the location he is sitting the only thing he can see is my land... he's stairing straight into a corner as far as the property lines go (which are clearly marked, he's well aware.)

so I stand up, turn around & face him, I yell over at him "hey neighbor..." he answers "yeah?" I ask him "which way are you shooting?" he answers "ummm, i guess north & east?" to which I quickly reply "oh, so you're left handed then.."

He answers "umm, no. It's just the only way the tree would let me set up.." I answered "huh, wierd!!"

turned around, sat down & tried to ignore him.

I wasn't going to let this ass bully me off my own land, I couldn't believe that someone would sacrifice there hunting time doing this, he obviously couldn't hunt like this, he couldn't see anything except my back & my property... I couldn't believe that he had actually sacrificed his hunt time which only comes around once a year, just to screw with me.

well he didn't sit till dark, he got down & walked back to the north east... I could hear him milling around to the north east of me about 1/8 mile away so just as it was getting to the last minute of legal shooting & I had seen nothing & could hear nothing coming in I shot one into the ground out in front of me on my own land just to make him think I got one anyways even after all his work.

The next day when I went to that stand he wasn't there (of course I like to get out there early) it was well within good shooting light hours when my daughter shot the doe pictured above & I got down to help her.

later that morning I returned to my stand & I am told by my nephew & my wife that they could hear him in that stand he put up to mess with me while I was gone. He wasn't there when I returned.

At around 9AM a decent doe came in for me, I took a shot at her & my shot was deflected by a stout jackpine branch that was between her & I.

damn it huh?

I broke the stick off after discovering what had went wrong... it has a nice 30 cal notch cut through the bottom side of it. I took it back to the shack & drilled a bunch of holes in one end & stuck some large feathers in it & we have it leaning in the corner, it is our new "shame stick" to be used when someone misses a deer, as in "shame on you".

shame on me this time.

it's only half time though folks, one more week to go in our rifle season.

Dave

Congratulations to you all on the deer! Man that sucks when people have to be such ***holes! The jerk was obviously trying to screw up your hunt. You have put in too much damn work, time and effort for this jerk off to mess things up. Man that burns my a$$! Hopefully he don't mess with you anymore now that he knows your not going to back down.
Jim

Hopefully he's given up on me or has run out of "hunting" time or something.

I just can't get over the fact that someone would waste there valuable hunt time screwing with another hunter... I just can't get over that.

I wait for this time of year to come around & the time I have is pretty special to me, I just can't imagine giving up a morning & or evening post just so I can ruin another guys hunting...

Very strange fellow I think.

very disturbing having a guy like that sitting behind you looking at your back with a rifle in his lap...

Yeah that would make me a little nervous. You never know about some people now days. It would have been great if 'ol fork toes would have walked out and he got to watch you drop him after all that!

yeah, I was wishing he could have got a birds eye view of me shooting a nice one on my own property.

also thought of asking him if he'd like to set up in the same tree with me but facing his own property. since his tree wouldn't let him set up facing the way he said he was shooting.....

Dave-

Further proof there are more horses @sses than there are horses.
Take him some venison after the season and explain you felt sorry for him because he was more intent on being a prick than he was a hunter, sportsman and good neighbor.

oh that's funny!!

yeah i didn't let it ruin my weekend. 2 kids got there first deer ever out of stands that I set up. I set the one stand up & mowed the opening from which my buddy's boy shot 2!! his first & his second!! and I built the stand out of scrap lumber & camo netting & cut a wide shooting lane which my daughter used to shoot her first deer.

some true payback for me for the bit of work I put into those 2 spots. Those 2 will always remember those moments & I suppose they will favor those stands for years to come!!

no it was a great weekend, great visiting with my nephew & my uncle, sat up late 2 weekends in a row talking with my uncle & drinking beer. he brought up a pile of old photo albums from the 60's, 70's & 80's. He had a lot of pictures of my cousin, (his son) and myself goofing around as kids.

it was great having all the kids up, having the boy's "maw" up... it was fun & we are looking forward to more of the same for next weekend.

Dave, it's kind of like you are giving all your luck to those around you! Which is actually pretty cool.

hang in there, what you are doing is just great, getting all those kids raised up right... you getting a deer will come in it's own time. I know you must be just about ready to pull your hair out with the experiences you've had this year...

Good luck! I bet you put a TOAD on the meatpole... the universe has a way of working out that way!

-jeff

Dave,

Your Meatpole is Officially a Meatpole!!!! Congrats to All..!!!!

Sorry you had to deal with the other guy, sounds like you made the best of it though. Your time is coming I'm sure of it!!!

The weekend found me deerless too, I saw 6 does for about 5 seconds before they ran in the brush a mile away. Other then that my daughter and I sat some serious time and didn't see a thing over the weekend. Next weekend buddy it'll be your's, my daughters, your wifes, our kids, thier kids, our cousins,uncles and my time forsure.... Whooot, whooot...

yeah I'm not too worried about getting a deer myself, it would be nice to get a decent buck for sure but this season has been a success already. I still have this week + black powder season. plenty of time left.

Had chances at five bucks so far. Lots of does too, but I'm holding those tags for muzzleloader. Only one big guy so far, and I dropped the hammer on him. My gun didn't go off because its a Contender that I forgot to switch the firing pin from rimfire to centerfire when I switched from .17 M2 to 30-30 Akley Improved. Too damn funny!

Here I've been sitting in the woods for days with a gun that won't fire. I thought I was SOOOOO ready, but was rather impotent the entire time.

Only four weekends left.

oh boy that's too bad, but hey, if you can laugh about it, I guess the rest of us can too

Dpole-
I can sell you a 700 or two that I don't use.....

Hey Skane, you know if he'd a pulled that stunt at my camp I'd a took the belt to him !!! I don't put up with much you know!!

Originally Posted by SKane

Dpole-
I can sell you a 700 or two that I don't use.....

I already got several of them. Just have not bloodied the Akley Improved barrel yet. 150 grain accubonds at 2500+ fps. Oughta do the trick if it goes off next time.

Dave, if I can't laugh at myself, them who can I laugh at? Besides, I'm sick of eatin' them stinky old bucks anyway. I'm dreaming of a nice tender fawn steak.

the belt thing is a skane joke from my post on my daughters first deer.

skane pickin on me for my choice of a draggin rope/strap...

northern_dave,

Great job on the deer camp and in teaching your kids to hunt. While not as big as their MN and WI cousins below is the WTB I took this fall. [Linked Image]

Used my 338 Win Mag as that is what I have been carrying while moose and elk hunting. One hole is all it took. Haven't shot an elk yet, been in 'em, but my freezer is full to the top. Won't kill one unless it is 340 or better!

Thanks for allowin' me to post on your thread!

eh76

wow, that's a dandy!!

very semetrical rack too, if it were scored there can't be much for deductions.

Ok guys, I've clowned for a while here with no real reports on the progress of the camp for a while now.

The building is as I have last posted updates for the most part. I did how ever build a quick & "rustic" gun rack which is a vertical 11 gun rack, close to a foot deep, about 5' high & just over 3' wide. the only thing i really spent any time on at all was the barrel groove board which has notches ... circles actually, 1.5" circles hole saw cut with a 3rd of the hole open for inserting barrel... holes spaced ever 3" on center.

but it's all made from non dimentional rough cut oak boards (aprox 1x4's)
& it has a shelf up top for boxes of ammo, grunt tubes, bino's etc.

above the gun rack, sitting on top of it is a full body mount bobcat that my cousin shot around 3 years ago while deer hunting. The cat really adds to the cabin, looks very nice in there & I'm proud to have it in there.

I also made a simple gun leaning rack for the porch on the outside of the shack so we can rest guns outside if we like, very handy for mid day returns to the shack when you don't care to fog your scope etc.

that's about all I have to report as far as the building itself.

The real improvements are to do with the occupants, the camp members & visitors.

I just couldn't be happier with the advancements we've made in that area. That's where the real fruit of the whole project lies.

the comfort level, confidence.. the ability to relax & enjoy ourselves & each other. To joke & laugh, to tease each other about what ever little mishaps may have occured. To eat well, sleep well, share gear & ideas. Share advice, help each other..

I look back to the beginning of this post. There were goals & a deadline for the wooden building in the forest. The deadline was so that we could be there to build on other things during the MN rifle deer season.

Well we did it, we made it. The building, the structure itself is there, and the other kind of "building" that goes on inside of it, well that's comming along very nicely.

We are sad now when it is time to pack up & go home, when it is time to leave the little shack in the woods. I guess that means we are successful in our efforts. It's like the walls of the shack are beginning to absorb some of the memories & good times had within. We now hate to leave the little shack in the woods, I guess that means we're doing it right.

For this I have to thank all of the occupants, my children taylor, nathan & little "cabin buddy" joey. My wife Pam for taking such good care of us all with meals, cakes, pies, bars, cookies... all the constant cleaning & housekeeping. She's the camp mom, takes care of us all. The rest of my family that has part taken which is my nephew "the boy" you know who you are boy.... thank you for accepting the camp as your own, the fact that you have taken ownership makes me very happy. My neices, girl 1 & girl 2. What fantastic girls, or in girl 1's case, what a fantastic young lady & girl 2, what a precious... younger lady

I love you both. And of course the other camp mom. thank you so much for the time you have spent with us, for the screws you drove in the flooring at that stage in the project, for all of the cleanup chores you do when you are up, for the bobcat... and for making it so easy to enjoy these kids by doing such a wonderful job with them. (but maybe don't wear white outside anymore until after deer season is over

And of course my uncle, the boy's grandfather who I have looked up to since I was a toddler. I do so appreciate your company, your stories, the pictures you have brought up recently, the food & supplies... Mostly your company, it means so much.

I plan on being out there again tomorrow to get an early start on the last weekend of our MN deer rifle season.

I have some firewood to cut, some road repairs to do, and of course, I have a big fork toe'd rutty swamp buck to hunt.

Dave

Hey Dave,

Congrats on the dirty pole, and congrats to you daughter on her first deer. I can't wait utill that time comes when I get to take my kids in the woods for the real deal. 8 more years to go.

To bad to hear about your neighboor. some people are just di*kheads. for some one to spend more time wrecking your hunt than hunt themselves is a di*khead. It gets like that here with all the baiting that goes on. someone dumps out corn on public land and thinks the woods is thiers exclusivly.

I have not been in the woods since Sunday of MN opener, I pemnonia (or however you spell it)and have been pretty much doing nothing. I should be able to hunt here for the opener, but I will see how it goes.

Good luck to you and you family on the last weekend. Many a big bucks have been killed on the last weekend.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Skane, you know if he'd a pulled that stunt at my camp I'd a took the belt to him !!! I don't put up with much you know!!

Dave-
No kidding. Ya know, you give new meaning to "belted magnum"...

LOL!!! oh brother!!!

maybe "Belted cro-magnum"?

yikes, is it getting dry in here? or is it just me?

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

northern_dave,

Great job on the deer camp and in teaching your kids to hunt. While not as big as their MN and WI cousins below is the WTB I took this fall. [Linked Image]

Thanks for allowin' me to post on your thread!

eh76

HEY!!! How in the hell did I miss this???!!!!
Nice going eh76!! That's a fine buck. About as perfect as they come too with character junk to boot! BTW, this buck would get hammered by 99.9% of the hunters in WI - myself included.

Congrats!

Well, duh! How about 99.9999%! :-)

I would THINK anyway. It does shock me how... nerdy guys get about what is or isn't a trophy sometimes, so I could certainly be wrong!

-jeff

Back from up north, Nice lookin meat pole Dave. Thought Id share a pic of a friend and his western Minnesota buck.

[Linked Image]

Hot DAMN you guys shoot big deer up there!

I'm gonna slink off and think about our little german-shepherd blacktails now...

VERY nice!

-jeff

Hot damn swish!!

that thare deer got somethin wrong with his peepers? Are you gonna make us ask about it??

man, man oh man!! thanks for putting a little more thrill into my season with these pictures guys!! Hope I can see something like this yet, and hoping & remaining wishful is probably 80% of the fun in it aint it?

tell us bout them "blood shot eyes", por-favor...?

Originally Posted by Jeff_Olsen

Hot DAMN you guys shoot big deer up there!

I'm gonna slink off and think about our little german-shepherd blacktails now...

VERY nice!

-jeff

not all the blacktails around here are little jeff.

just the ones you shoot.

Blood shot eyes.........He must have REALLY been partying with the does the night before. WOW.

Nice buck.

Like the old joke... "... but ya f*ck ONE GOAT..."

I'll have to hold out for a TOAD for you next year, Bogger! And you better not hope you shoot a forkie! Heh heh.

How's your big deer eating? I don't know if it's the acorns (tons this year up here), or the fact that he was relaxed and bedded when I shot him, or what but my lil' forkie is the best venison burger I've ever had! Nutty and rich tasting. Hopefully, the old doe I shot will be just as good.

-jeff

havent ate much of him. But he's super tender and tastes better than any that I have killed in the past.

If I shoot a forkie next year, Ill be posting pics of a different rack.

I don't see a hole on the body. blood shot eyes...entrance and exit maybe... uncle did that once on a huge 8pt in Cotton, he never cared much for racks, it was either a buck or a doe.

Nice lookin' buck

looks like a double eye-otta-me procedure....

very tricky, rarely is it successfully performed.

This guy is a bird hunter, he just hunts deer to get some meat. Hunts with a shotgun. This big feller was shagged out of a slew, Ran buy one guy and got shot at 5 times, all misses. Ended up stopping out in front of Bob, all that was showing was his head. Being a bird hunter and a heavy sporting clay shooter, Bob needs a moving target (no sights on the gun but the front bead). So Bob settled down and waited a few min. When the deer decided to move, he swung on him and shot him in the head (at 45-50 Feet).

Slug went in above the right eye and shattered in the skull.

They found a slug under his hide in his right shoulder when skinning him, old healed war wound.

crazy

hey, I failed to find ammo for my 300 wby last weekend but i found (4) 180 grain core lockts in my hunting tote tonight. 4 is enough to load & carry the 30 cal death ray. I'm off for the rest of the week, think I'll stay home tonight & try to make it out there early in the morning to sit in a stand, then do my firewood & road repair work mid day, then hunt the evening... sleep like heck, wake up like heck, hunt like heck & repeat till monday comes.

I'll bring other guns, but it will be a real treat carrying the reaper for a while out there... hopefully i can make it ring out with a BOOOOM-SMACK!!!!

later dudes.

Grogel,

That is a pig of a whitetail! Congrats! We don't have any acorns or any other mast for them to feed on. Just grass and alfalfa if they can find it!

eh76

Dave I do believe L&M in Bemidji has some yet. If I can I will swing by and check if ya want.

oh heck drift, they got em on the shelf in the store I just came from in town. I just can't justify spendin 40 bucks on a box of WBY wammies when I'll be toting along 3 other bang sticks that shoot straight & have plenty of ammo to go along with them.

I don't need the 300 wby, the reaper... the slick actioned tuned triggered m70, glass bed, floated... 3.5-10 50mm FFII B-Plex.... BOOOOM! ok, maybe i do need it. And with the 4 shells I found, I will carry it for certain sittuations, for certain stands I may sit in. and the 4 shells will be just fine.

Hey boy, if you are checking this, I'll have 2 days of stink on you by the time you get up here friday night cause I'm going out at dark-30 in the morning tomorrow!!! I'm goin to the porkypine to see if I can catch that rutty-shmutty buck that's been tearing up the ground up there. Maybe I'll have horns hangin on the pole by the time you & gramps get up here. If the wind dies down in the morning they are gonna want to move after 3 days of high winds.

i'll try to fix the road by the gate, tell gramps I'll fix it so good even a chevy will make it through!!!

naw, better not tell him that or I'll have to put up with 2 days worth of ford bashing to even the score...

You go on out there & win your game, get your practice in on friday then get on up here cause i can't shoot all these timber goats by myself.

i'll have a light on for ya.

dave

Do you have to pave the road so the Chevy can make it through.

I have a Chevy now...but that don't mean I like it:)

Hey Boy...Good luck with your game!! Play like heck!

Hey Dave...Good luck with your hunt! Kill like heck!

Give that aresehole neighbor of yours my phone number, I've got a few choice ones for him....

Grunt,Grunt Snort Wheeze... Dave it is Orange time for me once again with the kiddo tomorrow again, Hope you all are enjoying the season and filling the meat pole! We're giving it another try this weekend too... Snort Wheeze, Grunt, Grunt, Bleeeeeat, Boooom....

alright guys, i finally crawled my tired old arse out of the woods tonight.

I guess I just don't even know where to start... i'll start by saying first off that we got 2 deer over the weekend, nothing special either really. Except I suppose the buck that the boy shot this morning. it's special cause it's the first buck out there. decent sized body, one of those real long deer, only seen one other with that long body, once north of duluth hunting with my dad, he shot one of those basketball player deer.

the buck was a young-un, a would be 6 pointer with a broken G2... hmm, think I'm sayin that right, I anit used a B&C score card for while...... yeah, would be G2...

so, anyways, a 5 pointer.

I just don't have the energy tonight to cover the events of the last 4 days... it was good though.

the 2007 deer season (rifle) is behind us as of sundown tonight, and I'm thinking that for us, the new deer camp was a huge success.

I am just to tired to get into it all, but wow, what a wonderful season. filled with new strengthened bonds, strengthened friendship & strengthened family... fun & laughter, good food, good times.

We got snow tonight, my wife & I sat a bit this evening, she sat, I walked. I put on the wool & walked... just so slowly. the snow coming down hard, white soft blanket on the ground... silent walking... very nice. beautiful out in the woods tonight. we didn't ge any tonight, the wind was also pretty strong.

We closed up the cabin, very sad leaving. I looked at Pam & said "it works"

The cabin, it works. it does what we wanted it to do, it is becoming what we want it to be. it works pretty darn good.

Oh I had more trouble with the neighbors, phhhfftthhtt! boy I tell ya, what a bunch.... I don't have the energy to get into that tonight though.

I'll fill in some of the blanks tomorrow after a good night's sleep. best of luck to all of you that are entering into your seasons, thanks all you guys who have been keeping up with the post & sharing ideas, sharing experiences, stories, pictures. You guys are all great.

birth of a deer camp... not sure exactly when it became an official deer camp. but it happened sometime over the past 3 weekends, kind of in stages. It is a deer camp now though, it's a good one too. it has it's founders, it's original group, it has established it's first memoroes... it's a deer camp now.

G'night guys, more tomorrow.

dave

Dave,

Glad you a had a Good weekend! I did too the daughter and I are done in after hunting hard. She never saw a deer while on stand as they haven't been moving too much, I did hunt in the middle of the day by myself and passed on two different bucks. One was a definate shooter but brush blocked my shot so I held, I'll be found in the woods for 4 Full days of bow hunting over the TBird weekend though.

My cousin that shot the nice deer brought his eight year old boy in and he took his first deer a doe with a .223 rem. My daughter helped us collect that deer and process the meat while playing with cousins. We have strengthened relationships for both adults and kids I believe too and we still have doe season for firearms in a couple of weeks. I didn't know it till today but I could also be Muzzleloading this coming weekend on my unused rifle tags. Next year I'll be buying a cap and ball or pyrodex and pellet to add to the arsenal of deer harvest equipment.

Look forward to reading more of your weekend and I'm sorry you had trouble with the nieghbors maybe next season you can remedy te problem before the season opens. I will send you some pics on your email and you'll be able to see father teaching son deer processing, and my kid joining in the fun of deer season. She can't wait for doe season and to be honest neither can I..

Here are a few pictures.
gunrack & bobcat
[Linked Image]

taking the chill out of the cabin with a full load in the stove.
[Linked Image]

first buck for the new deercamp, last day of rifle season, the boy couldn't let this guys walk. I wouldn't have either.
[Linked Image]

Glad to hear it was a success man! You done did do good der den.

It was a good time for sure.

But I still don't know what to think of the neighbor sittuation.

They took the portable stand down last week, the one that the guy put up while I was in my stand, less than 50 yds from me.. took 2 hours to set it up, then sets it up facing my property, facing me in my stand, facing my back as my back is facing there property in that stand.

Well, yeah they took that portable down, only to build a permanent stand in that tree, also facing my back as I sit in my stand. The new stand looks very dangerous, like something out of a "darwin awards" joke.

As I went out for evening post in my stand one night I notice there is a hunter in the new permanent stand. I approach quietly & slowly because i was planning on climbing into my own stand.

I watched him for a while from the ground. he didn't know I was there, I watched him staring south intently, he became a bit excited at one point thinking he had heard something & slowly reached for his rifle...

I suppose they have hunted my property long before I owned it because the previous land owner was never out there, there was never a cabin or decent access to the property until I bought it.

Well i walked towards my stand & he finally spotted me & waved sheepishly.. I approached his stand which was easy for me to do while staying on my property because I'm sure the roots for the tree he is in stretch out onto my property.

i asked the guy again but from up close this time "when you guys sit here facing this way, what direction are you hoping to shoot?"

he gave the rehearsed reply "...um, north & east." as he pointed north west & north. So I asked him "ok, so you are shooting directly behind yourself?" "um, no.... to my left..."

dave: "so, you're left handed?"

goofball: "um... no."

dave: "do you know which way north is?"

goofball: "ummm..." (points east this time)

dave: "see, when you sit there like you are, it makes me think you are hunting south & west, because that's the way you are facing"

goofball: "well, which way are you shooting?"

dave: "well, i'm facing the same wy as you but I'm on my property, I'm hunting that clearing over there in front of you that i cut on my property and I'm hunting to the south here on my property, they way you were looking when I walked up... which is the easiest direction for a right handed shooter to shoot the way you are sitting.. "

goofball: "well, I'm just kind of looking north here into the brush..."

i just shook my head turned around & cralwed up into my stand, he got down at like 10 after 4, an hour before it gets dark.

The next morning nobody is in the stand, instead a guy is sitting in a polaris ranger parked at the bottom of the stand watching me.

WTF?

God I hope these guys don't black powder hunt.

There is just about nothing more annoying than having to "claim" your own property, and I know of what I speak. When we first bought our 16 acres out here in 1991, apparantly the person before us was a pushover or something. I'll spare you the details but it took years, and having the sheriff out a couple times, to establish that there was a new boss in town- me- and that my land was NOT some sort of recreational area for people to use and abuse and hunt on and cross at will.... some truly bizarre stuff happened.

It takes time.

Just realize that time IS on your side, and if you do something to "punish" them, they'll get you back by breaking windows in your cabin, or something worse. Just be cool, and outwait them.

-jeff

Dave, Great pics. Saw my first cat(bobcat or lynx) whatever we have up here, this year.

I hunt state and private land. We had a new land owner come in a couple of years ago. Bought some of the land we hunted. Posted it the week before season, after we put up stands. Was pissed that we hunted on his property line (we didnt know, the stands where on a ancent skidder trail). Turned ugly for a year until I talked to him face to face.

Sounds crazy, and you shouldnt have to do it, but you may need to find their camp and go visit. Bring beer. They most likly hunted your land before and feel they have had rights to the hunting in the past.

Again, you shouldnt have to do it but... By talking to them, letting them know that you are here to stay, that you have kids in the woods, and that you are a decent guy, You may be able to keep the fuedin out of the woods. It will make your time and your palace in the popples both more enjoyable for you.

It also gives you a chance to size up the other folks in the woods with guns.

I was able to tell the new land owner where some hot spots had been for us , on his land, and got permission to trail/retrieve deer from his property. Offered and have helped trail wounded game with them. I quit using stands that where on his line.

Taking the high road on this one might make the rest of your years at the camp more enjoyable. Or, at least you will know who you are shooting at!!

Well I've talked with the land owner to the north, I know the guy. Nice guy. I think anyways... I'm not sure what's going on. I guess I'm assuming they are still trying to do as they have done for who knows how many years.

I would never do anything to there stands or try to do anything to mess up the hunt for them or anything like that.

I will talk to the guy again now that rifle season is over & try to figure out what is going on. It's really probably one of 2 things, either they are trying to hunt my land when I'm not around (which is tough cause I'm always there) or they are worried that I am trying to hunt there land... Not sure.

There is a shallow ridge, A finger of high ground that extends from the north end of my property to the south east. This is a bridge or funnel of sorts for the deer crossing from north to south or vice versa. I like to watch this because it gets a lot of deer traffic, it's on my land. I could set up to the south of this facing north east & I could watch it that way but I'd be shooting in the direction of the neighbors land & I didn't feel comfortable doing it that way so I set up on the north of this high finger of dry ground & I watch south & west onto my own property with nothing in the background but my own property. Straight behind me is the neighbors land & maybe they felt I was sitting too close to the line. but, I'm clearly facing away from there land and they are clearly set up on the line & facing my land... it's just a little frustrating, trying to figure out what sort of message they are trying to send to me & wondering why they don't just talk to me.

Dave-

They're just p*ssing on their turf. You can rest assured your homework has paid off and that you're hunting an area where they've had success. Be the bigger man here, and take a bottle of blackberry brandy or something over to them and show them what a good guy you are (I know that'll be a stretch

) and that you're merely hunting your land, not looking to infringe upon them. That doesn't work, well, lemme know, I'll come over with a Sam's Club size can of whoop @ss or perhaps a cue ball in a sock and take care of biz so you don't have to be the bad guy.

scott

Oh hell, that's exactly what I'd do but I think the land owner is a bit..... "churchy" or propper.... or.... "holier than thou" if you know what I mean.

I don't think the normal default sort of remedy (beer or booze) offering would go over so well.... kinda puts a new twist on it eh?

tricky stuff.

Yeah, that's right, they've got god on there side or somethin.... so.... I should just roll over & play dead.. let em run me over with there goodness & such....

are you guys starting to get the full flavor of the sittuation?

yeah, it's never easy is it?

Well, then at least I won't swear at him...

Bring 'em a jug 'o wine! Tell him you would like to kneel and partake in the Lords supper with them and then ask them what in the F*** are you guys trying to pull!!??

Just kiddin. This situation sucks.
Is your north property line clearly marked with posted/no trespassing signs? If not it may just be enough to deter them from shooting onto your land if its visibly illegal to do so. The other thing I was thinking, with the prevailing NW winds, it might not be a bad idea to set up on the south east end of that finger also. I know you don't want to shoot towards the neighbors land but at least you would be have an option to hunt the wind then. Maybe if your in the SE finger stand, they will back off your NW stand and leave you alone or maybe you will catch them trespassing because they think your not there at which point the game warden can tell them what the rules are. I don't know...I'm just rambling...maybe you should just go talk to them and find out whats up. I can see why it is frustrating. You put in all this time and effort and have to deal with this BS.

Originally Posted by DPole

Had chances at five bucks so far. Lots of does too, but I'm holding those tags for muzzleloader. Only one big guy so far, and I dropped the hammer on him. My gun didn't go off because its a Contender that I forgot to switch the firing pin from rimfire to centerfire when I switched from .17 M2 to 30-30 Akley Improved. Too damn funny!

Here I've been sitting in the woods for days with a gun that won't fire. I thought I was SOOOOO ready, but was rather impotent the entire time.

Only four weekends left.

ALL PRAISE THE MIGHTY BAR!!!

This was the eigth buck I saw. I passed on a small buck at 2 PM Sunday (last rifle hunting day; and my birthday), still vowing to wait for a bigger guy. At 3 PM, he trotted past me at 100 yards and I put two 150 grain Hornady Interlocks through his chest, which put him down 15 yards after the first bullet hit him. 10 points, 18-inch inside spread, 230 pounds. Not a giant, but a respectable specimen. That .270 BAR is the bomb; the best deer-killin machine around; no question! I may just sell all my bolts.

Now its on to the muzzleloader doe killin'.

Good luck to the rest of ya!

Nice!!!

One of those short-trak BAR's has always interested me...

-jeff

Jeff,
That's an older BAR; all steel. I have a new 30-06 BAR also, but it has some plastic on it. Its a Safari (or something like that-the more expensive one). I've never fired a short-track. I shot about 60-70 deer and antelope with the .270 and have always felt like I could kill anything and however many of whatever that I could see at the time. Its accurate; I shot a mule deer doe in the heart at over 600 yards with one shot- a few years back.
Anyway, I can't say enough good about it.

Good day.

Dpole,

Had to cut my guitar-player hair to do real estate. That and shaving every day... oy... good thing it pays well!

I love my BLR. The BAR looks neat. I've never handled a short-action one.

I wonder if I could keep up with your rate of fire with my BLR? Seems like coming down from the recoil takes how long it takes, and I can get a shell racked in that time frame. Anyway, cool rifle, and congrats!

Is it glossy?

-jeff

Yes, its glossy.
The quote about growing yer hair is from the movie "The Last Hard Men". Charlton Heston said it. I just thought it to be interesting, since his character was one of the last hard men, a cowboy.

Times sure change.

I wouldn't do it to an OLD BAR or BLR, but I just de-glossed the stock on my newer BLR with 0000 steel wool on the suggestion of some Campfire folks... I like it!

-jeff

Dave,

Just walked in 5 minutes ago its been a Long 17 hour day.. Don't ask I don't wanna think about it LOL...

Anyway, Great pics and I'm sorry to hear about the neighbors, like others have said just sit back and be patient with them. I would consider making the stand on the other line and see if they take the hint that your crowding them too. LOL.

Also on a side note consider if you will not sitting in the stand you have been with the guy facing your backside when he's there. Ya gotta think they could be ticked for some reason and t'd off brains aren't alway working reasonably even a fruitcase could be worse then normal fruitcase.

Pole Nice deer! Congrats.

I'm not too worried about the neighbor sittuation.

nice deer pole.

Jeff, don't run that BLR too fast, the train might come off the tracks!!

Hey Guys,
Love the birth of a deer camp thread. Good times! Great job with that place Northern Dave. I like your philosophy of not worrying about the neighbor situation. Worried brains don't function too well either. Just be patient, life is too short. I think you can wait him out and he will determine that he is not going to get to you, which will result in him eventually giving up his irritating behaviors.

I also like the browning talk here. I hear you on the BAR and BLR, how about the BPR? I have been shooting a Browning pump 30.06 for a few years now and love the action. Don't even notice the short pump during multiple shot situations, it seems like an auto in that regard. Nice guns for sure. Take care.

I've always thought that I could shoot faster AIMED shots with my 870 Rem Wingmaster 12 guage shotgun than I could with my semi-autos. It seems like pushing the forearm forward during the manual cycling action helps bring the muzzle back down from recoil faster. So, I agree that a pump may very well be faster than a semi-auto when heavy recoil is involved.
With my .270 BAR, I don't really lose the sight picture completely, I suppose because of the very modest recoil. So, I think its faster than pumps or lever guns. I shoot all the action types, so don't get me wrong; I like them. Perhaps its simply that I've used the BAR so much, I'm very used to it, and it fits me well. That could also be said about my 870.

Dave, I have just a couple of constructive (hopefully) critiques about your deer camp.

I'd get rid of the frilly little rugs and rhino-line the floor plus a couple feet up the walls. And you can make some pretty sturdy furniture out of 4X4 pressure-treated lumber and them big giant deck screws (remember to pre-drill the screw holes). It can get pretty rough at deer camp, ya know. Also, you need to plant clover and turnips and such all around the shack for about as far you can shoot. Brings the deer in closer. Make everybody park someplace far away from the shack. You don't want them parking on the crops. Hope that helps.

rino line the floor....

deep hole... I mean Dpole....

you sir are a genius!

how did that escape me??

I'm going to give that suggestion some serious thought.

and of course yes we will plant plots

happy turky weekend all!!!

Rooster7 & his wife stayed the night at the shack with us last night, we drank mass qty of smart juice & had a great time!1 Thatnks Jum & K for stopping & spending some time with us on your way through!! we'll have to do it again soon with the sleds!!!

If you decide to rhino-line the walls, be sure to leave one wall in bare wood, hopefully in a low-traffic area, for the knife-throwing contest.

jeesh, this is getting dangerous!!

Dave,
It sounds like you had a great inogoral season. Dirty deer pole and all. Even a buck. The Boy sounds like he is quite a hunter.Tell him congrats on the buck. I shot a real long buck about 5 years ago. I had to fold the neck up so I could close the tailgate on the ol F150, a short box obviously but a +6 1/2' long deer is pretty long. Just rember, on 50 week to go and we'll be right back here.

Tom

There are plenty of drunk priests running around. Trust me on that one.

Got to see the shack-o-lacka first hand friday. Very, very nice! The woods are gorgeous and the drive out is very beautiful. The shack is very homey and once Dave gets that stove cranked up its warm as heck. The wife and I had a great time with Dave and his wife and kids. Very good people! Thanks for having us and we will definately bring the sleds up this winter! Can't wait!

Jim

I imagine Dave was smilin' like heck.

Dave contact Minnesota Deer Hunters Association when your ready to do food plots, they have seed already prepped for Northern Minnesota and at great deals. All the proceeds go to the Association for more projects.

Big Lake Bass on the FM forum will take orders come spring.

I also would recommend some mineral licks around and about I will PM ya a recipe we use.

I also love the rhino lined concept would love to hear that conversation with she who must be...

oh yeah, i was smilin like heck!!

it was fun, ole jim fell asleep in the golden marshmallow
chair...

Hey jim, wake up.... you should go sleep on a cot..... jim partially awake... giggling.... falls back to sleep.... hey Jim.... hey Jim wake up man..... you can't sleep in that stupid chair, the chiropractor's gonna get rich off of you.... there's a cot in there for ya.... nice one with a sleeping pad on it... Jim? you awake?

funny stuff!!

Yeah it was a good time. we cut a pickup load of firewood on saturday, we're set on firewood for quite a while, it don't take much to heat the place.

smoke pole hunting this weekend, who's coming up? Boy? you comin up???

Jim we're real anxious for you guys to come back up for some sledding too.

snow's on the way!!!

I tell ya....A few beers, a belly full of venison backstraps and a good WARM wood fire and I'll be sawin logs everytime!

I think if 'ol bigfoot would have come crashin through the door I would have just opened one eye and snuggled back into the golden marshmallo. Hell Bigfoot would probably join me!

Grrrruuuunnnt, Bleeeeeeeettt, Gruuunt,

Sounds like you guys are still having fun up there Good for you!!! Still chasing deer down here though, missed a 160 class buck on TBird evening. Still kicking myself I should have known to hold alittle higher with my bow. The kids get another chance when doe season rolls around in a few weeks for firearms, till then I have bow inhand. Send some snow down here ok.. Grruunnnt, Gruuuunnnt Burp, Ooops there went alittle Crown and 7...LOL..

Well the legendary yellow plow truck is back home from the shack for change over from summer truck to winter work beast.

The plow blade is once again mounted, up-down-left-right... good to go.

I'll probably change the oil, fix the brake lights, toss some of my tractor pulling weights in the back for traction.. and that should about do it.

let it snow!! ole yeller will keep the path open to the shack!!

We got some smoke pole hunt'n to do!!

Cold temps, fresh snow... we might not be done decorating that meat pole quite yet, 2 weekends of black powder to go.

I hear ya on the smokepole season. Not getting to hunt here, being sick, now I'm getting the itch. I feel better and I want to kill somthing. I was a little worried at the WI camp, I really did not want to be there, but I now know it was the pnmeonia and the antibiotics that had me all screwed up.

We have a tzone, a doe season here coming up next weekend. I'll be there ready to hit the go switch on somthing.

good luck man.

snowing again here today, I should be out there right now.

Supposed to snow an inch or two here today too. Makes a guy go into preadtor mode doesn't it?

Makin ice today too...time to put a shine on tip up's.

Yes you should be out in the stand. I heard there is a 24 hour flu sweeping up hwy 32 at about 35 mph. It should hit your neck of the woods between 2:00 and 2:30 pm.

hmm, thanks for the tip, I'll be watching for that

dang ole cabin was nice & toasty all weekend. friday night at about 8PM I lit the wood stove & stuffed it full of kindling & smaller pieces of firewood & let it huff away. It was -10 degrees when I started, it took an hour or so before we could start to notice the cabin warming up, after an hour & a half it was getting pretty good in there but the outside temp kept dropping. I think the temp outside settled in somewhere around 12 to 15 below zero. After 2 hours it was fully warmed up, nice & toasty warm & I could slow the stove down & start feeding it some big unsplit chunks of firewood.

Outside temps warmed up over night, it was around 10 above when I woke up sat morning & temps climbed close to 20 degrees. It snowed all day & for some reason the deer just weren't moving on sat. Early sunday morning after the snow stopped falling it's like the woods came alive with deer, but they all moved too early for me. Fresh tracks everywhere sunday morning.

I really didn't give too much of an effort hunting all weekend, did more relaxing than anything, hung out in the cabin, stayed warm... climbed into the old 77 ford & went for a few drives on old logging trails a few times but didn't sit in the stands very much.

I shot a doe with the smoke pole last night pretty close to home, basically just meat hunting, she was with a small buck, I had tags for both & chose the doe. 250 grain hornady sst, 100 grains american pioneer gold (sticks) & rem clean bore primers... thompson encore, fiddy cal. broadside, 60-65 yds. POA center mass behind shoulder, clean pass through high lung shot. she went maybe 30 yds without spilling a drop of blood in the fresh white snow, stopped, wobbled & dropped.

Very cold fingers field dressing that one, temp was about zero.

With that one hanging the pressure is off a bit for the final weekend of black powder season coming up.

I suppose I'll take off from work early on friday & head out to the woods to get that cabin warmed up. Hopefully I'll get there in time to light the stove, stuff it full of wood & head for a stand to sit for evening post.

Looking forward to the final weekend of "deer camp".

there will be many other weekends out there through the winter, snowmobiling, cutting firewood, just horsing around.

Speaking of horses, a couple of friends of mine, 2 brothers stopped by the shack sat morning for breakfast & the older of the 2 bro's has these big damn horses, he's into the horse team pulling, sleighs, buggies, what ever. Well he wants to get a couple of his horse buddy friends who also have teams of these big damn horses & sleighs & organize a winter sleagh ride from my cabin over to this other cool ombre's cabin just up the trail a bit from our cabin & back. Sounds like heap big fun to me.

Bonfire at each cabin & maybe one at a mid point... heap big fun.

Dave-

Man with stories like that...I really miss Minnestoa, really miss it. As long as I'm married I will probably never live in northern MN again, but my cabin damn sure will be there.

A few more years and I can start looking for the place to put it.

...Anybody wanna buy a boat

Time to drag out the flat bottom winter boats pretty soon Tom, Lake-O-the woods is makin ice like crazy.

forgot to mention, at below zero temps, the styrofoam out house seat is very nice!!

instant warm!!

The flat bottom boat is ready to go. One crazy azz got his permanent sunk excpt the top 2' of it. Idiot. There always has to be one guy to try it. Good luck getting that out, it's going to nothing but freeze harder now. Until Saturday we were making ice quick, but with the snow that will slow down. I'm guessing at least another week maybe two befoe it's really safe, at least around here.

that's what me & a friend were saying last night when we were hanging that deer in my garage, probably next weekend. 15th-16th, before it's safe.

it's been cold but we too have snow, heck we keep getting it, it's snowing right now.

like my buddy said last night, you get these drifts out on the ice, well, a deep drift on fresh forming ice insulates & slows the ice down quite a bit. makes for lots of little thin spots out there.

possibly snowmobiles & portables that weekend of 15-16. They are fishing LOW right now, but it's a little early for me. especially when deer season is still on!!!

I realize early ice is good fishing, but it's still just a fish. Not worth my fat azz going through for. I'll let the goofballs with the extention ladders go out for a few weeks before I let 'er rip. I do OK anyway. no complaints from me.

For those that are not familiar with the geinus extention ladder technique, the ice clowns use the ladder to get from where the open water is, to the hard water to fish. Once they are out where they want to fish, they stand or sit on the ladder near their drilled holes and fish so they don't fall through the thin ice.

Usualy a Darwin Award winner every year, but they still do it, every year.

Big damn horses? Sleigh ride through the winter woods? Campfires?

Goll dern it Davey! That sounds like more fun than watching Amish midget rake fighting!

Dave,
Is your zone the zone with the extended (into Jan) deer season?

tzone,
I grew up using the ladder (or whatever was handy) trick. But we used it in the spring; when the ice is melted near shore. Great panfishing just before ice-out. Fall is for going out on thin ice with a bunch of guys and lots of ropes. Somebody went through every year in our bunch. We always rescued them. No big deal. Of course I'm older and not so agile now. I wait till I can get the Scandic out there these days.

Somebody ALWAYS falls through.

Dpole.... is it true?

a buddy of mine e-mailed me this morning asking me if I was going to dust off the rifle & get back out there.....

is it true???

I'm in zone 101.

is it true???

I've got mixed feelings.... mostly good, words for which are .... innapropriate....

excuse me, I need a moment.....

i just checked into it, it's true.

guess i'm not done hunting quite yet.

wow, this is crazy.

so, basically... I get a deer hunting "do-over"

another deer season.... this is crazy.

Well, this time I'm going to try like hell to get one in front of my wife, she had crappy luck during rifle season, didn't see a single deer.

Dave, how much extra time did they give you, and why?

Lucky dawgs! Good for you.

-jeff

it's in my zone area only because they found some deer infected with bovine tb.

some cattle farmer i guess had some cattle with tb & deer eating from the same feeders contracted the disease & now the dnr wants all the deer dead in my area.

well, I'm on the very outskirts of the area, the zone area. my deer walk back & forth across the line between my zone area & the next one over that is out of the extended hunt area.

but, I'm still in it, just barely but i am in it.

it goes for 3 weekends. (2 full weeks)

Nice! Uh... except for the TB. You have to get any deer you kill tested, then?

-jeff

you can see it on the lungs if they have it i guess. and yes you can have them tested but as long as you cook the meat, it's cool.

or at least that's what they tell us...

The WI DNR is not helping out are they? They really blew it here with the CWD crap. No chance to get rid of 'em all, but fun times may be had by all who try.

Good luck. Do you get to shoot bucks too?

FNA...
er, I mean "yes"

bucks too, if you have an open tag like i do.

Another crack at 'ol fork toes. Cool!

damn straight.

are you in?

Hell,

I got two open tags

for MN?

I suppose you do huh?

well dust off the deer rifle & tell me when.

They are for area 172 does that matter?

We are pretty busy until Christmas anyway...Damnit!!!

Any tag. Plus you can buy extra tags for $2.50 each.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/12126531.html

TB fears cause special deer hunt in northwestern Minnesota
By Doug Smith, Star Tribune

Last update: December 4, 2007 - 7:59 PM

Print this story
In an unusual move, a special deer hunt will be held this winter in northwestern Minnesota to reduce deer densities there because of bovine tuberculosis.

And after the 16-day hunt, federal sharpshooters will again be brought in to further reduce deer numbers.

The action announced Tuesday comes after three more deer - out of 1,100 deer killed by hunters this fall - tested positive for the disease. That brings the total of infected wild deer to 13 since surveillance began in 2005, when the disease was first discovered there in cattle.

Since then, eight infected cattle herds in Roseau and Beltrami counties have been destroyed.

The special 16-day deer hunt will occur Dec. 29-Jan. 13 in deer Permit Area 101, which is near Skime, Minn.

"To my knowledge, we've never reopened the deer season for this reason,'' said Lou Cornicelli, Department of Natural Resources big game supervisor.

"The goal is to dramatically lower deer densities in these areas both to protect the wild deer herd and to reduce possible risk to cattle herds,'' Cornicelli said.

Few deer that will be killed by hunters should be infected, meaning they will be safe to eat, Cornicelli said. Even infected animals would be safe to eat as long as they are cooked to 170 degrees, he said. DNR officials will staff registration stations there on the weekends to examine deer for bovine TB.

Cornicelli said he had no idea how many hunters will participate, but said about 500 hunted there in a special antlerless hunt in October. "It's 350 miles from the Twin Cities, so I don't expect to draw a lot of folks from around the state,'' he said.

Also, much of the zone includes private land, so hunters will need landowner permission in those areas. Some public lands are in the zone.

Hunters can use any 2007 license or permit from any zone. They can also buy additional disease management permits for $2.50, or deer also can be tagged with any remaining unused tags from the 2007 season.

So far, about 1,400 deer have been killed in the 450-square-mile area this fall.

Dave,

You Lucky DOG!!! Get at Man...

I might have to sit out this last weekend of black powder & hold off till dec 29. it's supposed to be very cold this weekend.

I field dressed that doe the other night very quickly & the temp was zero. My hands were so numb & frozen quickly that when I was working a strip of hide from the sternum the the tailbone to include milk bag, sex organs etc... I temoved a path about 8" wide that didn't stop at the tail, I didn't even realise I had took the tail plus another 4" of rump hide in my frozen haste!! TFF!! well, I'm just sayin, it's easy to slip & make a mistake with those frozen hands & a bad cut that far back in the woods in -20 degree weather could be a bad thing.

Although I joke about it, gutting deer really isn't my fav thing to do, and doing it in sub zero temp is really, really not my fav thing to do.

dave,

It was -15 at 5am here this morning. Hasn't been that cold here in a very long time. I'm trying to figure out how bad I want to shoot a doe. Our antlerless season starts today. It may warm up enough to sit for a few hours...but like you said, then you have to take care of it. A pair of rubber gloves may help keep the cold at bay for a few minutes while a guy cleans the deer though. I can usually do it in about 5-7 minutes.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

damn straight.

are you in?

So when it says any tag does that mean if I have a filled archery tag that I could still buy the mgmt tags for $2.50?

um, did you buy a firearms license at all this year jimbo?

or just the stick & string license?

Nope. First year since I started deer hunting that I didn't buy a firearms tag. Simply because there isn't that many deer around and we can only take one in my area. So I thought I would just try my luck with the bow tag only. Had I known I might have an opportunity for a late, LATE season rifle hunt I would have been all over it.

Spose I'm screwed huh?

i dunno, i think you can still do it if you want. i'm sure there is a way.

like a license upgrade or sumthin.

it reads like this:

new or replacement licenses can be obtained at any electronic licensing system agent

I dunno, might be worth a try.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So when it says any tag does that mean if I have a filled archery tag that I could still buy the mgmt tags for $2.50?

Well, it looks like you didn't ask me, but when it says "any tag" it means "any tag." However, if you use your bow license, you will have to use your bow. Here's more info.
http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.p...n-in-bovine-tb-zone-plans-sharpshooting/

No problemo DPole. I was sorta asking in general. That article clarifies it better. Thanks! Yep it looks like I would have to use bow but after getting one already I kinda have the itch to put the 7mm to use. I don't get a chance to use that too often being in a shotgun only zone.

Regular firearms & black powder seasons are behind us here in MN.

I'm waiting for our special late season which will open dec 29. I'm hoping for some endurable temperatures so we can stay in our open elevated stands for a while without freezing out.

deer are really moving out there now, I was out there last weekend to plow the road & I got out in the woods with snowmobile & packed some trails down.

If the weather cooperates it could be a lot of fun.

Our final firearms season ended on Sunday, with no shots fired by me. However, I am looking at no less than 25 deer out of my office right now across the highway in a field. I have never seen them out there before. Yesterday there was about 50, maybe more too hard to count them all. Yesterday several were beauty bucks. Only one buck today, an 8pt, but pretty nice.

Who says they don't know when the season is over eh?

We had pretty cold temps on Sat. morning, some where in the -5 range. To cold for me to sit much more than a couple of hours. Hard to sit still too. I'm guessing your temps were quite a bit colder than that?

Let us know how the late season works out.

Tommy-

Still have my archery tag. Just how "beauty" are those bucks?

Tom, we had -20 sat night while staying out at the shack sat night, it was a good cold weather test run. we stayed nice & warm but we didn't exactly heat it with a candle... burned a little more wood than normal that night

it had been getting up to zero from time to time over the weekend but i just wasn't into sitting in a stand with the smoke pole when I knew I could sit with a scoped rifle in just a couple of weeks & have more time to work with to boot.

yeah the deer know when the pressure is off, that's for sure.

my deer are going to be pretty confused when rifle shots break the january winter silence!!!

"WTF??? Hey!!! No fair!!!"

A couple of the are REAL beauty, like 150 or so beauty...but it is on 3M property and it is a big no no to hunt in there. Trust me many have tried.

Durring gun season they patrol the perimiter to keep out the rif raf

. My buddy lives across the street from the land and shoots some monsters and I mean monsters with his bow on his own 10 acres. In 2000 he shot a 180 12pt with a shotgun on his prop.

Just try to keep the drool off your keyboard will ya...

Tom

Dave,

Maybe ol crooked toe will stick his neck out in Jan for you. With my luck, his horns would fall off

-20 is just about right to sit in the shack and see if the cooler still keeps the beer cold while the shack is warm. I'm not sure I would sit with a rife in those temps either... might be a good time for still hunting.

We used to have an old school bus for our shack. You can imagine the gas we used to burn in that baby to keep it tolarable temp wise in there when it was 10-20 below. When you are 8 or 9 years old though, it is all fun when your out there. Hell when your 30 its still fun.

3M property? Well, our company uses some of their office supplies.
Heck, I'm essentially a client then, no???

Oh hell yeah it's fun.

Pretty hard to beat sitting inside a shack out in the woods with no electricity, just a wood stove to heat the place, wind howling outside, -20 degrees out & you're staying nice & warm inside with a crackling fire goin in the old cast iron stove.

(it's fun until you have to go to the outhouse in -20)

then it's non fun momentarily

I hope ole fork toes is still around & I would really like a crack at him.

I'm really focusing on trying to put my wife in the right stand to better her chances though. I'd really like for her to get something out there.

I guess if i could shoot a decent buck i'd be pretty happy but otherwise i think i'd probably let anything else walk. We're sitting pretty good on meat now.

What i should do is head out there this week with a shotgun & try to get a half dozen grouse. Wife has a recipe that calls for about 6 birds & it is absolutely wonderful. It makes a fantastic holiday meal.

When i was making winter trails with the snowmobile on sunday I happened across a grouse burrow hole in the soft snow in front of the sled. I knew what it was as i approached it & about when the ski tips strattled the burrow up he popped out of the soft snow "bloop!" He shook off quick & took off flying. poor little guy, bet he was having a nice cozy peaceful rest too.

Originally Posted by SKane

3M property? Well, our company uses some of their office supplies.
Heck, I'm essentially a client then, no???

I'd say you're part owner....

I have to in to the mine where all the deer are on occation and the have no firearms or bows signs all over. Must be a buch of hippies running the place over there...it's silly with deer. It's got an 8' fence around the whole property which is about 2 mi square. The fence doesn't really keep them out, but there are gates and they come out of them like crazy at the withcing hours.

Look for the grouse in those pines with all that snow durring the day. Go to the aspens in the evening and early am.

I remember when I was 14... out in the back yard shooting the NEF 20ga I got on Cristmas morning. I was shooting cans and paper plates and whatever I had at the time... I finished the box of shells, went to pick up my mess, and and 3 or 4 grouse flew out of their snow forts 50' behind my targets. They were frustrating me back then too I guess... lucky little suckers.

Can you share the recipe or is it a family seceret? I LOVE them little birds on the table. I have 9 left so a recipe for 6 would work if you don't mind.

Tom

I'll look for it tonight (recipe)

it's fantastic. I remember you breast off the meat and i think you bread somehow, then brown the breasts by pan frying in butter, then you have this sauce made up, it's like a heavy cream & lemon sort of white sauce, you put everything in that sauce in like a cake pan or something & you cook it all in the oven for an hour or what ever, man it's the best poultry I've ever had let alone the fact that it's wild game. Tender... rich.. oh man it's just fantastic.

can't say enough about it.

I'll dig around tonight & see if i can find it. I'll post it when i find it.

Thanks dave,

I'm always up for new ways to cook grouse. People who cook them wrong say they are dry...well I guess they are if you don't use oil or some sort of sauce, or just plain cook them too fast.

Those little birds are tender for sure. I just ate lunch and now I want some grouse, partridge...whatever we call 'em.

Dave,

Any luck with the bird recipe? I'm lickin' my chops here

oh crap.

I have load the task into my external memory, then I will be sure to remember.

(I have to e-mail my wife & tell her to remind me)

OK Tom, I found it.

this is for 3 birds. (double the sauce for 6 birds)

Breast off the fillets from the birds & coat the meat with "fry magic"

brown the meat in a fry pan with butter.

in a sauce pan add the following & bring to a boil:
3tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth

add:
1 tsp lemon juice
3 tbsp cream or 1/2 & 1/2

Stirr & remove from heat.

place browned meat in a casserole dish, pour sauce over meat, cover & bake @ 300 for 2 hours.

this is damn good stuff.

If you or anyone reading this is looking for an alternative to the cream-o-sumthin soup grouse in a crock pot type recipes, you really should give this a try.

We got this recipe from a family that operates a local bank, they gave it to us quite some time ago & told us it is a favorite for them. They like to save some birds for christmas time for this recipe, a traditional holiday meal for them as I recall.

Later dudes,

dave

Thanks dave,

That is exactly what I was looking for, an alternative to the cream-o-sumthin soulp.

That sounds pretty good. We'll have to try it soon.

it's good stuff.

might have to go looking for a few birds myself tomorrow cause i'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Rifle deer opener is about a week away....

hey, didn't we just do this?

orange hat is on.

deer opener tomorrow....

I can't believe it.

Heading for the shack tonight, rifles are cased, clothes are packed....

Here we go again folks!!

Take 2!

Action!!

I wandered away from the 'campfire' to take a leak a few weeks ago and been walkin and searchin ever since. Guess I should have taken a left at the 2nd jackpine.

Dave, I spotted 'ol fork toes crossing the water ditch by the 90* turn on the shack trail this am when I come a stumblin out of da bush. He is wearin a big 'ol target on his side with a 'Propurdy of Nordurn Dave' sign swingin from his neck. He was headed right toward your stand and he looked really, really tired.

lordy be.

i'm a gonna git yew ole forky toes...

the trails in the forest, deer trails, they are becoming fewer & more condensed.

I believe deer numbers are the same, it's just that they are all using well busted paths, more concentrated travel routes....

I just hope ole forky didn't lose his horns yet, they been droppin early this year.

I have been hearin they are droppin their antlers early. Have you ever tried the grouse recipe on pheasant?

Rooster,

I think the grouse recipe would be great on the pheasants too. Its FANTASTIC on the little birds. THANKS DAVE.

The bucks around here are droping horns left and right. A lot of times we are seeing them into the end of Feb, and sometimes early March. My pa had a half rack 10 in his yard a few days before Christmas.

The little bucks hitting the feeders aroud here have racks, but a forkie did come in with only one side.

Dave,

we are all still waiting for a picture of 'ol crooked toes. You get him yet?

Tom

Yeah Dave - didja get 'em? didja get 'em????

no I didn't get that ole web footed freek deer... dang it!!

lots of tracks, that's the thing about having good snow, it's a real teaser cause you can see everyplace they have been!!

there is a logging opperation setting up on public land south of our property... not sure what to think of that but I know there is nothing we can do about it so... we are just waiting & watching, wondering how big of a hole in the forest they will make, what kind of opperation they run (how messy will it be when they are done)... and will it be a good thing or a bad thing for us?

time will tell.

I was hoping for a phone call saying you got that 'ol buck but you got some time left right?
That logging operation just may be a good thing down the road if it isn't too extensive. A few clear cuts with new browse acting as foodplots with your "thick cover" land acting as the bedding area. Setup on the perimeters and it might just make your hunting better.

yeah it could be good, I just hope they don't leave it in too bad of shape, it seems often times these new clear cuts are left a terrible mess, so bad sometimes that you can't even walk them.

They are brutal to walk in, here in Oregon anyway. In a way, it's better that way. They are removing so much biomass (think fertilizer) as it is, that to then clean up (burn or remove) all the debris would just make it that much worse. That stuff SHOULD be on the ground, rotting... but it makes for hard hiking, that's for sure.

Those cuts are deer magnets, though. I don't think it will hurt your hunting one bit!

-jeff

Well, I know they have always been "dave magnets" because I have always been drawn to the clear cuts

something about being able to see....

they sure like the fresh short red willow that usually grows up shortly after cutting.

I bet they do! My goats love willow...

Yeah, the cuts are hunter-magnets in Oregon, for sure. The deer have wised up some and are pretty nocturnal these days, as far as being out in the open in daylight... though I have killed a couple blacktail in clear cuts.

-jeff

I have enjoyed this thread about your new cabin and hunts. About two years ago we had a logging operation on land abutting ours about 50 miles west of your area. This year it was home to many deer even though it was tough to walk through. Does the wood stove pictured in the photos keep your cabin warm enough in the winter?

The deer do like the clearcuts, and no they don't seem to mind if it's hard for the humans to go where they like to go

yeah the little cast iron "boxwood" jobby?

Yeah it seems to do the trick, I've spent nights out there where temps dipped under the -20 area, granted, I go through more wood on nights like that & I let it burn a little hotter/faster (let it have more air through the draft & let it breathe a little better out the damper) but yeah it does ok.

The tougher task is getting it to burn mellow enough on the warmer nights. I've found that 20 above zero & warmer can end up being warm nights in the cabin, a little too warm

30 above zero... well, plan on having a window or 2 cracked if you want to keep the stove lit all night.

Last friday night was perfect, 15 degrees outside, that's nice. Seems to kind of be the sweet spot, actually I'd say anywhere from -5 to 15 above is pretty easy to keep the temp nice inside the cabin. colder than -5 I end up feeding it a little more, 20 above & warmer, crack a window a bit.

my little stove is a vogelzang, I got the "boxwood deluxe" delux just meaning it's a little bigger than the regular "boxwood" they sell & it has a spinner type draft on the face of the door were the regular boxwood doesn't.

My uncle has a regular boxwood & he has a hell of a time with it over running, there is a large gap at the bottom of the door where it pulls air pretty hard. It's tough when they pull draft air hard that low because it acts like a blast furnace, air directed right at the base of the fire, gets too damn hot & burns the wood up too fast. Mine also has a gap at the bottom of the door where it likes to pull air, but I've learned that if I open the spin draft on the face of the door all the way it acts like a vacume relief of sorts... it lets the stove pull draft air at a little higher level which sweeps across the surface of the fire, this slows the blast type draft from coming in down low & huffing up your fire.

50 miles west of me huh?

that would pert near put you in nor-dakoda.... ?

Dave,

ForkyToes has eluded me so far too... Your not alone..

I;ve been out but just nothing close enough or I've goofed up the shot with my bow awhile back on a nice one. Keep at it and I want to read the sleighing reports here later on too.

By the way you haven't ran into any wolf packs or pitbulls lately with women attached by leashes to the pits with pepperspray have you?

Thanks for the info on the stove. Might have misjudged where you are. Our place is near the center of area 264 but east of 59. Not quite to nor-dah-ko-ta!

no, I think I misjudged, you would be at least 50 miles west.

No wabster, I aint run into any of that. I just can't help myself on those woof posts sometimes... I really should just leave it all alone, but pit bulls in the same thread as wolves? I couldn't leave it alone!!

Dave,

I wouldn't fret that clear cut. We had one on the state land near our camp on the Range. It was totally cut in a big "L" shape. It is 80 acres long and 20 wide on the short piece of the L and at least 120 long on the long side by 20 acres wide.

It grew up in all pines. In about 5 years they were about waist high, and a few years later, about shoulder hight. The deer are in there thick as thieves, with trails every where in there.

My stand has been near it since the 01 season and has produced more deer sighting by probably a 3 to 1 margin. I can't see more than 50 yds in to the cut anymore, but the deer still come out of there like crazy at times. I don't know what they are eating in there because all the trees are pines but they're eating somthing. They deffenatly bed in there, and my stand is at a creek crossing about 100 yds off the cut. So they don't have to go very far for anything but a little lovin'. There is not a ton of buck sign at the crossing, but they cruise it for the ladies.

I would find a few stand sites on that cut and have at it. It may take a few years for the numbers of deer to show up, but they will. The good part is, is usually when the cut grows up, the people tend to leave it alone because they can't see across it anymore.

Sorry I went on and on, but I like those cuts too. The last 6-8 years they have gotten me a fair share of deer.

Tom

I like the clear cuts too, it just takes a bit to get used to what things look like when the loggers move out.

One thing's for sure, get us a firewood permit & go in & clean up what they leave & we won't have to worry about forewood for years.

hmm, time to leave work. what should I do this fine January day?

Hmm, maybe I'll grab a rifle & go deer hunting..

This is just strange... feels wrong.

but i'll do it anyways!!

:0

later

The absolute last weekend to rifle deer hunt or for that matter any type of legal deer hunting is coming up this weekend.

I have to try to muster some enthusiasm about this....

never thought I'd need help getting excited about trudging off into the woods with a high powered rifle to lower the boom on unsuspecting timber goats.... but it's just so out of season!!!

Didn't get out when it was all 40F last Sunday?

Me either, was so nice I HAD to go ice fishing ... then sat for yotes at dark.

Speaking of which I can't rave about this Sightron Big Sky enough. I still had shootable light at 5:47 when I called it good.

GE

PM on the way, I might be in the market for a decent varmint rig scope.

PM replied to.

BTW, Weather Underground sez sunset was 4:44 pm for Bemidji on Sunday. An hour past sundown ain't bad ...

GE

Guys, the whole deer camp experience thus far has been just fantastic.

I look forward to spring/summer when we will put in our sand point well, my uncle bought a hand pump for that project & another friend has donated a sand point & all the pipe I need for the project.

We'll cut more trails, put in a food plot or 2, build some more stands, probably some enclosed ones... I'll close up the soffit & fascia on the cabin, with any luck we can build our sauna.

Might build a wood shed as well, some gas lights.... but mostly I think we'll just hang out & relax.

the interaction, tips & advice given here was well received & much appreciated, thank you all so much.

Fantastic memories were made in this first season together. Many more will follow.

Thank you all again so very much.

i do believe I will try to find a way to print this whole thread so I can save it as there is a lot of good info & advice shared here. It will make for good reading in a scrap book out at "the shack"

so there ya go, for all those who contributed & shared thoughts & advice, your words will be printed & stored in the little shack in the forest that your advice & words kind, wise & sometimes humorous aided & supported.

Thanks again,

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

so there ya go, for all those who contributed & shared thoughts & advice, your words will be printed & stored in the little shack in the forest that your advice & words kind, wise & sometimes humorous aided & supported.

Thanks again,

Dave

Heck Dave, thank you for letting us share in your adventure. Look forward to doing it myself some day!

Allen

Dave,

I would also like to thank you for letting us share in this experience with you. It has been by far one of the most enjoyable parts of coming to the Fire for the last several months. I hope you keep us all updated on how things progress and how the hunts turn out in the future.

Dave,

Big Drift and I will endeavor to find and provide autographed Beltrami County Jail Mugshots of HIS SHERPULANCE. Provided they receive due appreciation ...

GE

Originally Posted by Gaviidae_Esq

Dave,

Big Drift and I will endeavor to find and provide autographed Beltrami County Jail Mugshots of HIS SHERPULANCE. Provided they receive due appreciation ...

GE

Oh brother...

Well I suppose we could trade mug shot photos like baseball cards...

Me & the sherpa, well, I don't know the sherpa but I think we've walked the same path ... Somewhere, there are mugshots of sherpa dave, probably a half a dozen states in the US, & if there was actually film in those cameras in places like mexico, peorto rico, japan....

dave's all grown up now though....

well, pretty much.

You guys give a holler if you drift up this way

Pugs, supermag, thanks guys.

Dave,

Your thread has inspired me and others I'm sure to look into what makes deercamps hunting companions and family such a True Treasure. It has given me ideas of how to build my own and how to redo the look of my house to make it more appealing to my family nestled into the woods like it is, I'll have a cabin for a home soon. More importantly it has given me ideas how to have more fun with my kids.... ThankYou!!!

In my line of work now I speak almost daily with a father and two sons from Northern MN, eachday they call instantly it reminds of this thread and of the fellow hunters in the far north whom I consider friends. They told me it was -20 up there on Friday keep the fire going in that stove and stay warm..

Well I'm ramblin, So to you,yours and hey Boy, my Best Wishes and Good Luck in all of your future endeavors, especially those which include trips to Daves Deer Camp!!!

Thanks for letting us share this with you Dave.....

Thanks Wabster, yeah it's cold up here, we had -30 this morning!!

early this morning while everyone was still sleeping, I hear some noises outside in the dark.

I go to the window to look outside & i see the boy has pulled in the driveway & the lights are on out in my shop, crazy kid came up to do some ice fishing today & he was looking for chairs or something to sit on while they fish (he brought an equally crazy friend with him)

so, they are out on the lake sitting in a portable fish house, probably running a pair of airplane jigs on heavy line in the house & probably have a tip up each set up outside... (which will quickly freze in) fishing for big pike.

So, I'll have to head out to the lake to check on those boys pretty soon here, make sure they don't freeze out there!!

Dave

Dave,

The boy is Krazy.... I thought I was bad about doing silly things, sat out in a near blizzard at -10 with a windchill at -45 once while duckhunting.. Keep an eye on them and tell the boy to catch a bigun for me..

Dave,

The thanks should be given to you. You started the thread, and it went nuts with good advice, a place to vent, a place to mourn, a place to keep up on what is happening in the deer woods. My kids are getting to the age where they want to hunt. I want to start a camp of our own with extended family included. Reading and re-reading this thread makes me want it more. And it will be in no other place than Northern MN. I was born there, raised there, and damnit our camp will be there. This thread is an insperation to me as odd as that my seem. They way the people on this board responded to it with great advice in order to help a guy who most have not met in person is just awsome. That is one of the many things that keeps me coming back to this site.

Thanks Dave, and all who contributed to it.

Tom

Dave,
I certainly hope this thread is a continuing thing.I have so enjoyed reading it.Takes me back a few years to deer camps I have known.Please keep it up.Thanks.

Stan

Wow Stan, registered in 02, 5 posts... kind of the silent type huh?

Very nice to hear from you.

Thank you, thanks all.

Dave

Dave,
I haven't visited the fire for awhile but would like to say Thanks for tipping me off on this thread. It was an enjoyable read and it was even more enjoyable to spend time with you and your family at the shack. I think this thread in a way was theraputic after the loss of our dear friend. Seeing that the boy and his grandpa had a place to get away and do the things they enjoy was good also. Thank you for that!

Jim

Thems nice words Jim, thanks.

and please do come up for some snowmobiling, but please try to help remind me not to leave the beer outside for too long or we'll have to do like I had to do last sunday out there.

beer defrost.
[Linked Image]

That would be a dandy time to do some brain work on our "invention"

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hunting-Decante...383QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dave, saw this auction and thought of your shack.

You make a good point Grogel , Our camp doesn't get quite as cold as Daves , but we've had beer cans and bottles burst , wine bottles shatter , but the hard stuff makes it through the winters here

Phil

Pretty cool grogel. I think there is a small bottle of EJ in a kitchen drawer out there right now & I'm sure it did just fine in the -33* temps we had sunday night!!

in the old shack up on the range we have a cork capped glass bottle that's ... well it's been fit into a cow foot... as in, hoof & lower leg hide skun clean off of a cow leg & fit tightly around this "antifreeze" bottle, a drink from the cow foot is kind of fun every now & then.

I like this little hunter jug you found tho.

might have to bid on it.

Dave

Dave,
Mr. Infrequent poster here.How about updated pictures of the cabin?Thanks.Don't let this thread die.It's too good.

Stan

I'll see what I can do.

I've been going out there on weekends when I get a chance & cutting firewood mostly for next season from some salvage piles left behind from loggers in the area. Easy cutting, mostly jackpine but last time out I got a pickup load of birch.

The deer are definately out of the farm country & wintering in the forest, deer population is way up right now out by the shack because of this. you should see the trail we take driving in to the shack. it's absolutely pounded down with deer tracks. Looks like someone has been herding sheep through there.

Deer are eating a lot of cedar browse, what ever they can reach.

The shack is doing good, the whole family, (my wife & I along with our 3 kids) stayed out there last sat night. We got company too, one of my good friends came out with his 3 kids & they stayed overnight with us. Me & my buddy stayed up & pollished off a case of beer & talked real smart till early hours of the morning. Sunday we celebrated my youngest boy's 4th birthday out at the shack.

We later made our way up to Lake of the woods where my Uncle mentioned so much in this thread & my nephew (the boy) were out in a permanent fish house fishing for big pike. It was good to see them guys. We talked about all getting together for a good wood cutting weekend at the shack some time soon.

If I get out there this weekend I'll get some good winter pictures & post them, I do believe I will be going out there because the trail needs to be plowed again (snow's gett'n deep)

Thanks for the interest, I guess as long as someone is interested I'll keep posting with progress on the cabin itself, food plots, trails, stands or what ever.

BTW, there is a large 3 ring binder out at the shack now with this thread printed out on some 147 or so pages. Everyone's kind words & advice, tips, jokes etc will be out there for reading material for as long as the shack stands.

So, you are all there in thoughts & words.

I think that's kind of neat.

Dave

Who would we contact to get this post stickied or even better,assigned to it's own section?

Stan

EDIT:Ten minutes later.I went to the home page and sent an email to the forum admin requesting this either be stickied or assigned to it's own section.Now if a bunch more people would do this I'll bet they would comply.

Stan

Dave,

Do you have a camp log book? I stayed at a buddies camp this summer for a fishing trip and they had a camp log on the table that dated back to the mid 80's. There was another from the earily 70's when the shack was built.

Anyway, I could have stayed up all night reading that thing. The stories and just simple entries I find fasanating for some reason. There were a ton of photo albums through the years too. Those were just as great to look at. You probably already have them, but if you don't...it's an idea.

Tom

Heck yeah we keep a logbook Tom, Less than a years worth of entries so far but it's still fun reading back.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave,
Mr. Infrequent poster here.How about updated pictures of the cabin?Thanks.Don't let this thread die.It's too good.

Stan

Here we go Stan, finally made it back out there over the weekend. We took a couple snowmobiles out there & went riding with our 2 boys. We've got a snow coach that we tow behind one of the snowmobiles. The boys ride inside the snow coach. Trails were pretty good, we put on about 100 miles on saturday. Sunday we put on about 35. These pictures were taken on Sunday, we just went on a short trip, took the boys to a sliding hill (there are a couple of red plastic sleds strapped to the roof of the snow coach that we took along for the boys to use at the big sliding hill)

[Linked Image]

Here's a picture of my shadow.
[Linked Image]

Here I stopped in this stand of cedar trees on our property, probably my favorite trees.
[Linked Image]

Here I stopped on one of the forest trails to get a picture of what the trails look like through the state forest were we do most of our riding.
[Linked Image]

It was a nice weekend, we saw quite a few deer yesterday while riding. I had the camera in my pocket all day but wasn't fast enough to get any deer pictures.

Dave

Why does a cabin always look better in the snow? Looks like a pretty fun weekend if you ask me. The snow coach is pretty cool I don't think I have ever seen one before.

The camp log will fill up soon enough, espically if you invite people to share with you. Some of coolest and most entertaining entries on the ones I've read were by guests of the cabin. I keep a log from my turkey hunting trips with my buddies because it is usually pretty funny. I have only been doing it for about 4 years but is pretty fun to look back see what was written.

I like cedar stands too. They almost look parklike underneith them. Are you going to use some of those for the sauna next year?

Tom

Out at our cabin in CO, that my grandpa built in the late 40's, there was a huge box in the garage. This box was full of OLD calendars. The trend of writing on the calendars didn't really start until early 60's or so, but it is still going on today.

Any way a few years ago I brought the box home and put all the writing on the computer. Basically it is a daily diary of the things done, places went, # of fish caught, that kind of stuff while there. Makes for some really neat reading, as there has now been 5 generations of my family that have used the cabin.

wow that's pretty cool, I like the calender idea.

Hey Tom, yeah we thought about trying to use some of the cedar on the property for the sauna. A friend of mine has a portable bandsaw type sawmill & he has a lap siding/shingle jig for it. We thought about cutting lap sining boards & lining the inside of the sauna that way. we'll have to see I guess.

I got a coyote yesterday to go on the cabin wall next to the fox that hangs out there.

Dave

You could go old school and document the year with cave art on the walls. Hang a piece of butcher paper, so that you can take it down when the wall fills up.

My buddy has a place on the Caribou Trial near Lutsen. The men cut and hauled the cedars to camp and the ladies took the bark off of them. This was 15 years ago so I don't remember the total process but the front and the porch of the sauna are built of the logs. The other three sides are are just T-style siding.

Tom.

cool idea, someone just needs to find me some ladies that will peal cedar bark

Lutsen is a nice area. the wife & I have stayed up there a few times on quick 2-3 day get aways.

'tis beautiful up there. Espically in the fall. They are on a little lake on the Caribou Trail. It is where I developed my passion for the walleye fishing I guess. Spent pretty much 3 summers up there. Jesse got his liscense first I was still 15 but we were up there all summer fishing, riding wheelers and learning how to drink. I have not been up there in quite a few years but this June we are headed back. Probably to do much of the same as we did when we were 16.

that sounds like a real nice place & a real good time.

Dave, this bottom postcard made me think of your shack. Maybe with a real nice thumbtack as mounting hardware.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Hunting...127QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

hey swish, wassup?

it's miller time for me!!

I dont know if I told you but My cousin lurks around the 24, posts now and then. I didnt know that until I showed up at deer camp opening weekend last fall only to be called "swish" buy him and my uncle.

excellent.

Being trying to keep up with this thread occassionly and noticed the snowy cabin photo.
I spent this weekend in S. TX for the opening of spring turkey season and working on insulating our hunting camp. Worked hard Fri and Sat. It was 98 degrees Friday and about 90+ Sat.
If you are wondering what the insulation is for, it is to keep the window unit's cool air in!

stumpy

You found temps in the 90's over the weekend somewhere on this planet?

Hard to believe. I thought we were having a heat wave with temps aproaching the 40's!!

I hear you though, it will be very interesting to see how it is out at the cabin this summer when it gets hot. We see 90's & ocasional 100 degrees or beter up here, hard to believe.

With no electricity other than the generator... we'll do our best with shades & opening windows at night, closing during the day etc.

We have some good shade trees surrounding the cabin though, I'm pretty optimistic about it.

Yessir, 98 degrees according to the rancher (not my truck thermometer that is always a little high). Felt hotter with a SW wind blowing off the Mexico desert.
We have a small Suzuki generator about 20 years old that runs like a top and is much more fuel efficient than the big Honda we sometimes run. We set the generator about 75' behind a large live oak to muffle the sound and let the window unit run all night. Unfortunately, the nearby highway noises are loud. But with the new insulation, the A/C hum is all hear now.
Next years camp is going to be in the middle of a big ranch. Can't wait to get away from the highway and bright lights of any nearby towns.
Really enjoyed your thread. We built a cabin (of sorts) on my place a couple years ago and really enjoyed the challenge of the planning and hard work.

stumpy

my old generator is an onan 2 cylinder 6.5 kw & she's a gas pig. I only run it when i need to run power tools or battery chargers. It's kind of an emergerncy power source right now. We have talked about doing some 12v lights in the cabin & having a couple of 120v outlets & wiring things so that the generator does some charging of the 12 volt batery bank in the cabin when it is running & we would also hook up a solor panel to tend the batery bank.

I guess I haven't done any of that work yet because we have just gotten used to the pump up gas lanterns in the evenings & at night I leave a flat wick type oil lamp lit at a very low flame/light on the kitchen table to serve as a night light so if somewone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night they can find there way to the door & I have a couple of flashlights hanging on a nail pounded in the wall right by the door so you can grab a flashlight on your way out the door. Night light comes in handy in the middle of the night too on cold nights when I have to wake up & toss a couple of logs in the stove.

I have plans of installing about 3 hard mounted gas light fixtures this summer & I have a gas refrigerator/freezer that I want to get hooked up out there too. That will be really nice this summer when we stay out there.

We keep one gas latern hooked to a big bottle with a flexible hose at the hunting camp. Not sure how long it will last, but much better than pumping or small bottles.
A small, quiet generator is sure nice for instant lighting, radio or TV for the kids at night.

stumpy

Dave,

Will you leave the frige "on" while you are gone, or just use it while you are there?

My buddy has a turkey/deer hunting shack about an hour East of here with hardwired gas lights in it. The lights work great, but the shack is pretty rustic. It serves it purpose though.

Tom

I dunno tom, I was thinking about that. I guess I would hesitate leaving it on while I was gone for fear of fire? I don't think it takes too long for it to get cold when you fire it up.

I don't really know I guess. I'll have to get it hooked up & see how it works I guess.

Hey Dave,
You want a coyote skull for the cabin wall?

Stan

Hey Stan, I've got one tumbling around in the back of my ole hunt'n truck. The meat is still on it, I'll have to boil it out I suppose. (especially now that it's going to start getting warm)

The hide for the skull I have is tanned & hanging on the cabin wall. I brought it out there yesterday when we went out to cut some firewood. I tanned it myself, simple cased nose hanger. it turned out pretty good, looks nice, she'll keep the fox company hanging on the wall out there

Did you snipe a coyote?

Hey Dave , I haven't posted much on this thread , but I think it's the best one on the campfire ( my favorite at least

)
We use propane for most everything at our camp ( lights, cook stoves , and fridge ). My parents spent a lot of time at camp so they left everything on from when they opened the camp in spring ,till they closed it downn at the end of deer season. It's nice to have a cold fridge to load your groceries into , and grab a cold beer soda when you get there.
I'll probably change that this year , at least for blackfly season, but it's nice to have some frozen meat , and some basics in the fridge , if you are going up frequently.

hey thanks Phil, dang thread got big. It's been a lot of fun sharing the whole project & experience & learning from those that have been there/done that as well as just the ideas that have been provided by the many posters that have read the thread that has probably gotten too large...

big projects for this summer will be a hand pumped sand point well, the finishing of the sauna (also talk of making thet sauna addition to the cabin a bit larger for a bar type gathering place for all the noisy liars... I mean, hunters...

)

I will need to close in the soffit/fascia, cut, oil & hang the exterior trim, seal up the floor inside the cabin with a paint or something, build bunks in the bedrooms...

oh there is plenty to do, plus the deerstands we need to build, trails to cut, possibly a small food plot or 2.

most importantly though, bon fires, bbq, good drink, good times & good memories to be made!!

Dave

Dave,the way I cleaned the skull was to put it on a large ant hill and turn a tomato cage upside down over it to keep dogs from dragging it off.The ants cleaned it out good then I soaked it in a clorox mixture for several days to bleach it.
The tendons holding the lower jaw on deteroriate so you have to super glue the lower jaw back to the skull.

Stan

ok guys, time to revisit the idea of paneling the inside of the shack with tongue & groove boards or old barn wood or something. I have talked about this old barn wood, actually what I found was a pile of old tongue & groove boards that were taken from an old impliment sales building in my area. building was taken apart over 50 years ago I think, building was very old when it was taken apart so the boards are likely over a hundred years old. I went last night & looked at those boards again. I took a few short sample pieces home & washed them off in the bathtub real quick with a scrub brush, let them dry & snapped them together to get an idea what the walls would look like.

what do you guys think? Should I do it?

[Linked Image]

close up

I wouldn't even think of using that old nasty wood on the inside of your man shack.

Will pm my addy to have it shipped to me.

Looks to me like you basically stepped in a pile of gold there on that t&g.

Heck yes I'd use them, they look to be in extremely good condition. I'd make sure to layout the boards before just starting in so that knots (like above) don't effect the fit.

Yeah I think it will look pretty cool, still trying to get the wife to share my vision

I told the guy I'd take em, it was just starting to feel like one of those deals were I could see myself looking back a short time down the road & saying "damn it! what was I thinking? I coulda had those & finished the whole cabin interior if I hadn't hesitated!!"

so, I told him I'd take the whole pile.

[quote=northern_dave]
what do you guys think?
[Linked Image]

I think it looks like you have carpet on your wall

Seriously though , they look great and will bring a lot of old timey feel wherever they go

Just bear in mind that they will darken with more age , so plan out your lighting with that in mind

That looks great. It will really make your cabin unique.

We debated on the walls of our "cabin". I wanted sheet-rock for insulation and fire safety. My brother-in-law wanted paneling. We compromised and did the bedrooms in rock and the living area in paneling. The wood paneling looks great and makes the little building seem more like a real cabin.
Good luck with the job. Have to treat for insects with real wood?

stumpy

the only insects that a MN winter won't kill off are the kind that feed on humans, I don't think we have much worry about lumber eating bugs up here.

as bill murray might say : "so we got that going for us, which is nice..."

this morning I was talking about galv tin on the ceiling, now I'm thinking more about plank board ceiling. boards cut from tamarack cut off our property. A friend of mine has a sawmill, portable band saw type with a honda gas engine.

Dave, I would run a sander over these boards to see if it will bring out a lighter color. Its kind of hard to tell what kind of wood you have there (maybe cedar or old pine). Keep in mind that the wood will darken over time.

If it was me using those boards in a cabin like yours, I would be getting creative with the installing. Find the center of the wall and start there and go <<<>>> or >>><<<. If I did the <<>>, I would have the center done either horizontal or vert in a 3 X 3' area or so. This would also work around your windows.

As far as the ceiling, the galv panels would look neat, so would the wood.

Here are a couple of pics from the inside of our cabin that was built by my grampa in the early 50's. The original old cabin is plywood/paneling walls & ceiling. The new addition finished in 1998 is aspen paneling with sheetrock ceiling.

[Linked Image]

As you can see in the last pic, they ran the paneling both vert. & horz. to kind of set it off.

very cool & I love that kitchen stove. makes you want to be there right now. looks cozy, I like the ligher wood too.

carpenter ants, beetle larvae, etc.

That "Majestic Range" came to Kansas in a covered wagon in the 1800's. Until we got the addition done on the cabin the "Range" was the only source of heat & cooking. My wife has gotten the old stove figured out as far as how to get all the knobs & vents set to be able to bake in the oven.

I wish I had a pic of the ceiling in the old cabin. I don't know what grampa had done to the plywood, but it looks like an acid was put on it and had spots eaten away to make an uneven surface.

JRowan,great looking camp.I particularly like the TV stand.

Stan

Well guys, I had the pleasure of spending another night at the 'ol shack-a-lacka with Dave and his family. My 10 year old boy and I left bright and early saturday morning and met at Dave's house for a day of fishin big snot rockets (northerns)on lake of the woods. The 'boy' and some of his buddies also met us there. My boy and Dave's oldest son hit it off very well and were succesful in catching a couple of nice fish to pose for the camera with. This of course was done when they were not 'exploring' or draggin each other around the ice with my depth finder rope! :)I'm picture posting challanged so Dave will have to do that.

That evening we returned to the shack for a bon fire, fried fish and more 'smart juice'. It was a very good time! Dave's daughter ended up getting sick and they are currently in the hospital with her so please keep Dave, his daughter and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dave - Thanks for a great time and wishing you guys well!
Jim

Thanks Jim, daughter is finally on the mend. Pam is still with her at the Hospital but we hope for her to be released by tomorrow.

We're very grateful to see her health returning, quite a scare.

Yesterday I was so happy with the first signs of progress that I went across from the hosp to a scheels store & bought her a "get well soon gift".

[Linked Image]

Nothing says "get well soon daughter" like a pink ruger 10/22

You should have seen her light up when I told her, laying in that hosp bed.. she's been saving her money for one of these, she thinks they are the coolest thing.

Of course I couldn't bring it up to the room to show her but I took a pic of it with my cell phone & showed her the picture.

Maybe when she gets better she can post her own "range report" on "pink 10/22"

Dave

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

JRowan,great looking camp.I particularly like the TV stand.

Stan

Stan, up until just a couple years ago, the only TV we had up there was a little B&W that sat on top of an old metal end table like thing. The current TV wouldn't fit and I haven't got a new stand built yet.

i just spent the last two days at work reading this! you have a very nice camp and good luck to all that hunt with you. i am very jealous of it. looks like a great place to make some good memories!

brandon

First post, wow.

Welcome to 24hr & thank you.

It's a crazy long post huh? can't believe you read the whole thing.

Dave

yeah i get in trouble for posting at work, if i get caught.
i normally just search classifieds. plus i frequent a couple other forums, but after i went to deer camp this year with future father-in-law i just thought i had to post and say how great your set up is!

our "camp" was 4 people on 12acres in A tent. not to mention the locals that were shooting and yelling. we never heard bullets whizzing by so we hope it was just shooting in the air!?

i would love to get a place but right now land is crazy around here. like $5000plus per acre.

keep us updated and happy hunting.

I still think this thread should have it's own niche on this forum.I have heard nothing from my email to the admin nor had any answer to my post below in the contact admin section.If you all agree this is a worthwhile post to have it's own section here please post your opinion and email admin.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I still think this thread should have it's own niche on this forum.I have heard nothing from my email to the admin nor had any answer to my post below in the contact admin section.If you all agree this is a worthwhile post to have it's own section here please post your opinion and email admin.

Stan

Well worth a sticky IMO. Just PM Rick Bin and he'll set you up. Putting it in the admin section you'll get the Sysop and who knows what he'll do

you guys is crazy

sometimes I think it should slide off the page any time

it's just a little story about a shack in the woods. Well, I guess there's a bit more to it than that but still. I get embarased. This thread puts my heart out on my sleave & that's honestly a bit out of caracter for me, I'm honestly a bit of a cold guy...

we did just come home from the shack & tuely it is a wonderful place.

As long as anyone is curious i'll keep putting up news & sharing the happenings...

I just can't believe this thing has grown so huge.

you guys are just too nice.

Dave

Dave,I fully understand what you are saying above but what you have done is worth all of us keeping up with and by virtue of the internet,participating in.I did PM Rick Bin.

Stan

EDIT:Pugs,you were correct.Rick Bin did sticky it as I requested.

Holy cow, ya glued it to the top of the page Stan!!

Too funny, I'm not so sure that just because it's so dang long makes it worthy but I'll try to keep updates with pictures posted.

Dave

Well golly gee 'ol heck Dave! Yer gonna be famous! Remember the little people!

Naw but seriously, this thread deserves to be stickied. The people that don't have the privelage to visit the shack like I do deserve to see the progress with the sauna etc and how the shack not only brought friends and relatives closer together but a bunch of dang fine folks that post here on the campfire as well. The shack is a good place. I just may have a little something in the works for it......

Originally Posted by Rooster7

-snip- The shack is a good place. I just may have a little something in the works for it......

Did you hit a racoon on your way to work or something?

I guess that would look OK tween the fox & the coyote....

Just have to wait and see...

Did you hit a racoon on your way to work or something?

I guess that would look OK tween the fox & the coyote....

[/quote]

Well here goes...my first post. I'm the other half to Northern Dave. I'm not sure how to do this so please bare with me. I've been following this post since Dave showed it to me shortly after he started it.

I have to thank everyone for the kind words, encouragement, suggestions, and simply all the fun that has come with this thread. Please keep following the thread because this summer we will have more pictures to post with the sauna being added and all the "summer" fun that comes along with all the other projects like deer stands and making more trails. Who knows maybe this hunting season I can finally shoot another deer, its been along time in between...18 yrs to be exact. Marriage and children kinda put a wrench into my hunting plans for awhile.

I know that the healing memories made by building the cabin and the memories to come with all our family and friends will be plentifull. Hopefully I can post from time to time, and I'll try to not be as sappy next time. So for now, I'll sign off.

Once again, thanks to all who have traveled with us during "the birth of a deer camp".
Pam

Well if Mrs.NorthernDave didn't just push this thread into "All time best thread" teritory ,

Welcome Pam ,Looking forward to reading your posts. And don't worry , lot's of folks will be rooting for you to get a bigger deer than Dave this fall.

Well I'll be!

Good job ma, but what took you so long?

Seriously, I can use some help with this now & then you know

Aint she somethin guys?

Bout time we get a poster on this thread that can spell too.

Dave

Howdy Ma and Welcome!

Mrs. NorthernDave,

First and Foremost Thanks for your support of Ole Dave with this camp. My wife supports my hunting habits too yet alot of guys I know only dream of the kind of support and friendship you show to your family and Dave.. So just incase he doesn't say it enough and I know he does, but anyway Thankyou... It's Nice to see in other hunting families too..

Now Dave I have somethings you may consider doing for your camp. First time this year one of the guys at camp, a new guy at that brought in a traveling guitar. He played for us with alot of different types of music also singing the songs too. From Country to Good Ole RocknRoll. It was a BALL listening to him and some of the guys joined in too, well we all did. Might consider that or a harmonica or something and have camp music from all around the members its good for the Soul and Spirit.. Just a thought.

You might also add a Hamock for those days outside in the fall meant for a nap in the suns warmth. We have one in camp and seems everyone fights for it sometimes...LOL

Thanks wabster, I think we all know how to operate a hammock at my camp but I don't think there is a single one of us that can operate a musical instrument. Pam has an old piano that needs a good home. But I don�t know if we have anybody that knows how to play it?

Oh good Lord! Don't tell my wife about the piano northern daves-a-suz. She will be pointing the truck north in no time flat and I'll probably be left at home to figure out where the heck its going to fit in our house!

But back to the camp music. Wouldn't it be funny to be sitting around the campfire with dueling banjo's? It would be like northern daveliverance!

your scaring me man.

no banjos!!

Miz ND,
It is good of you to think enough of this motley group to bless us with your presence.Thank you.We appreciate your support of Dave and the "deer camp".It allows many of us,myself included,to enjoy the cabin almost as much as you do.
I think one reason I enjoy hearing about the cabin so much is that at one time I had just such a place and for four years I lived there full time.By way of explanation,on January 1,1985 I was supposed to be on my way from Atlanta,Ga. to Miami,Fl to be project accountant on a construction project.I had worked for this company for 14 years.I was fresh out of a divorce.In short I was burned out with everything.I had recently purchased 10 acres in the mountains of northern Georgia.The land next to me was a 10,000 acre wildlife management area.
I turned my truck around on the freeway,went back to my office and resigned and walked out the door.I never looked back.
I moved my travel trailer up to the property and spent the next year building my cabin.Driving your own nails is a labor of love.I lived there,as I said,for four years.Had a shooting range off of the front porch if I so desired.It was great.
I later remarried and remain that way happily for some 20 years now.We lived our first six months of married life at the cabin,later moved to town and sold the place.We have always looked back on that time with much pleasure.So I guess that's why I enjoy hearing so much about your place.
Thanks.

Stan

Awesome story Stan, like something out of a movie.

Great story Stan. Dave would live at the cabin if I let him, but it's kinda nice having him at home so I make him just go out there on the weekend...well don't really have to MAKE him.

I enjoy the cabin alot too. I love to take the kids on walks and explore the woods. The huge cedar trees are great to walk under and just the smell of the air out there is undescribeable.

I'm all for this site and this threat particularly. I think its great the support, comments, and suggestions that go back and forth. All that participate and read threw this thread seem to be a great bunch of people...except that guy that signs on as "Rooster7"...just kidding Jim!

I can't wait for this summer, I'm so excited to get building that sauna and the wrap around porch that I've wanted on our house forever. So if I can't have it on the house, I want it on the cabin. Did Dave tell all that the addition may be bigger than we first planned? Why not, right?

Better run for now...btw, kudos on the 20+ yrs of marriage.

Pam

Swishing in...

This is a place of my Uncles. The place where the swish story comes from. As time goes on you will find that the hunting shack is a place that those who to visit, feel honored to have been invited to, think of all year long, and pray they will be given the chance to return.

[Linked Image]

Ive spent some time each season for the last several years hunting with My uncle and his friends and family.

Even though I know there is a place for me, Each year I ask if I may come. Each year he says he will have to check with Wayne ( his long time friend and hunting partner and all around wonderful person) . Each year he gets back to me and lets me know that I am welcome. Each year I look forward to hearing it.

Ramble ramble ramble...You and yours will enjoy this place for a long time to come.

swish, swish, swish...

as always big swish, your words are well received!

The swish is not to be taken lightly.

Just for you swish, I share a story. fresh one, brand new.

we did spend the weekend out at the cabin, we met up with good friends that brought atv's & we all went for a long ride both Saturday & Sunday.

Saturday night we stayed over at the cabin. i had noticed that out air mattress in the mom & dad room was a little low on swish... air see, it was low.

I grabbed the air pump & did it up right firmly. Huffed it up to near burst pressure, which was nice, for a short while.

I was so proud of myself, the bed was so firm, surely it would be a wonderful night's sleep.

At about 3AM it became clear while tossing in the night that the bed had lost it's tout bounce... it had become rolly, squishy...

I knew then that I had hours of deflation ahead of me, uncertain on exactly how flat we would be by morning. At around 5AM parts of me were contacting the floor... it just got worse from there.

By 7AM, it was an irritating balloon that kept the lightest parts of our bodies from touching the floor, like hands & feet.

I am still trying to decide how angry i am with the air bed. Worse case, the air bed has destruction in it's future, fire, bullet holes, drug behind a truck with boulders on top.... There are just so many bad things I could do to it...

For now, I'm damn tired, so the air bed is safe.

But i will not forget,

The boy, my nephew, he could tell about how his dad & I tried loading a portable fishouse in the back of the truck once on a cold wintry night after fishing & how the house gave me a hard time.

The fish house had had enough, it was old & tired... it tried to make us leave it on the ice.

I went to lift it & a handle broke.... "oh, nice try fish house.."

famous words from that day...

the fish house came home, and I burnt that damn fish house the next day.... oh I guess you had to be there to understand.

My cousin, best friend, the boy's dad... he always laughed about that. "you actually burned it, haa, haaa, haaa!!"

yeah, good times.

Thanks swish for spinning some new feel to the camp thing. I understand what you are saying, I've been there myself.

i just hope that our camp has that sort of meaning to someone some day. We sure dig it I guess

I'll write more tomorrow & post a few pictures from the weekend.

and if I destroy that air mattress, i promise to be as over the top & ridiculously showy as can be,

with pictures!!!!

Dave

well Dave,

my kids are the only thing that make me laugh more than this thread. I have been away from the site for awhile but started to read this where I left off. first off, sorry to hear about your daughter. it sounds like she is on the mend though(with a cool new gun too) my daughter is dying for one of those too, and when I get back on my feet I will get her one.

it is nice to FIANALLY hear from mrsnortherdave too.

please keep posting updates and stroies on the progress and just plain old fun time had at the shack. it seems as we are with you there when you keep up updated at the shack. for those of us who don't yet have one we can live vicariously through you and your family.

we have fallen victim to the slumping economy, me and several others have been downsized, bought out, realesed, fired... whatever you want to call it from our employer. I have been out trying to find a job and my thoughts have not been on the fire for awhile. I have not had to do a job interview for nine years so that is kind of new to me again but oh well.

so anyway, what I'm saying is this thread keeps me smiling so keep adding to it.

I understand what you mean when you said this thread makes you wear your heart on your sleeve, I'm not like that at all but for some reason do it here all the time.

the tounge and groove will look sharp too. keep the pics coming.

Tom

Damn Tom, very sorry to hear about the job situation.

I bet you'll do better, I bet you're the kind of guy that can grab up his experience & put it to work for a different team, one that pays better.

Good luck to you Tom, I went through a job transition myself about 2 years ago after 11-12 years or so of the same job.

I hope your transition works out as well as mine has. You gotta sell it man, don't take your own experience & knowledge for grantid like your employer did.

you'll do fine

dave

Hey Dave,

Thanks. I have something in the works already so hopefully it works out. I think it will be fine it just sucks that I put 9 years in with this outfit, pretty much the first real job I had. They promote to everyone that we are all a team "lets work together", but that must be only if things are well with the company because then it's every man for himself.

I guess I learned a hard lesson on how busniess works and will keep it in the 'ol memory bank. They will find out that the 4 guys they got rid of were good, loyal, hard working dudes. All of us were construction managers of some shape or another, and that work around here is just slow this year. So I understand why it happened, it just sucks that it did.

My wife is not sure she wants me to go back to work right now. If the job I'm after now doesn't work out, that may be the plan. My daughter will start school this fall and she kind of wants me to stay home until she starts it. It has been fun so far playing with my kids. The walleyes are biting and the turkeys are strutting so they have had a few lessons in each area this week. If I can get her to back a boat it I have it made. My boy is 3 years old but is a turkey hunting freak, the boy can't get enough of it. He brings his gun in the woods and the car on the trips is case he sees a turkey, the little bugger can't get enough "tookeys". I should probably break him of the shooting out the window now, before it gets to late.

Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

I should probably break him of the shooting out the window now, before it gets to late.

Tom

too funny!

It's no surprise to me but you might be amazed if you look at how many times this thread has been viewed.Almost 10,000.

Stan

holy moly! it's over 10,000 this morning!

Who'd a thunk it?

I'll try to post some new pics today.

dave

If it's this popular in a thread then I'd think there's enough interest to warrant a book.Make the idea pay for the cabin?

Stan

I like your way of thinkin' there Stan. I do, I do, I do!!!

OK, here we go finally.

Some pics from last weekend

getting muddy.

[Linked Image]

and the new coyote fur hangin on the wall that I tanned myself recently.
[Linked Image]

Cool photos Dave. Thanks for posting. Glad you're enjoying your camp.

Thanks High Brass, it's frickin snowing up here right now,,, not cool!!

The pictures are a mix of our kids & our friend's kids. it was a fun weekend.

I am thinking our "economy stimulous check" is going to stimulate a lumberyard in MN

We have soffit/fascia to do, need to finish the addition which houses our future sauna room... as Mrs ND stated (Can't believe she couldn't come up with a better post name)

as she was saying, we are talking about making that little 8' x 16' addition into a 16' x 16' addition which would include sort of a mini den/bar/general BS & drink beer room.

And I'm wanting to cover up the chip board interior with some T&G boards, we'll see how far the rebate check goes i guess.

I've been teasing rooster7 today who has been pounded by snow already. I told him I have an old empty turtle shell filled with dried chicken bones & I've been standing up north here shaking that turtle shell at that storm to keep it south of me (which ended up stalling it out over rooster's house)

Yeah I got some kinda native type powers or something... not me so much but that turtle shell, good stuff!

We are just getting a dusting right now, think i better get out my anti snow storm turtle shell & give a few shakes at that storm before bed.

Sorry rooster!

Dave

That's funny Dave!

Yeah the wife and I are knee deep in remodeling our house so we have hammers in hand quite a bit. If you really need a turtle shell give me a shout. I'll get one from an alligator snapper that's trashcan lid size and you can really keep the storms away!

I might just need that big shell.

I guess mine don't work, we got a foot of snow!!

What a mess!!

Oh man! Maybe a coastal NC snappin' turtle shell will confuse the weather patterns of the Great North and send snow elsewhere. I'll have to get you one Dave.

dave,

a foot of snow. man you can have it. I was in a fishing tourney on sat and sunday, we got a little snow. now we have about an inch and it is still falling.

you are going to put a bar in a deer camp? I never really heard of that before. do you think it will see much use?

a friend of mine has a room at their shack with the hose from a keg tap run into the room. they have several kegs outside in a little storage rack to keep them in place outside the shack. The weather keeps them cool 99% of the time but in years past they have had to pack them in ice a time or two. kind of a sweet little deal, and of course the hose and tap are run behind the bar. They go through several kegs in a 9 day season YMMV but it is an idea you may be able to incorperate into your shack. that is if you think there will be beer there...espically with a sauna and all

...

Keep posting the pics, I'm one of those guys that can never get enough cabin history and picturs of them, they're great. the t&g will rock inside the cabin, i dig me some old barn wood for that purpose.

Tom

Yeah you and that dang 'ol turtle shell!

:)We got 15 inches of the white crap and the town where my wife works received 21 inches!

You might need to get that big 'ol alligator snapper and fill it with ostrich bones though because you still got a foot! When are ya comin down next? I got something for the cabin that needs to take the trip back with you.

Dave,

Great pics and story, yup a book sounds Great.. Another thing to consider even with your snow, summer is right around the corner. I know you know but thought a reminder would be on track. You need some red mineral trace salt mixed up with plain stock salt and add to the desired location infront of the stands soon... Ole forkytoes will grow a better rack and you'll have another attraction to the stands.

Here in South Carolina we can buy the red trace mineral salt in blocks.Not so up north?

Stan

oh heck yeah we can buy the red block up here.

i've seen the big ones and the brick sized ones. I have a small brick sized one out there but i think that's probably a good idea wabo. I'll pick some up soon & we'll plant them out there the next time we go out there. Hopefuly next weekend, it's supposed to be much warmer by next weekend.

Deer won't hit a block as hard dunno why...

Loose salt mixed into the dirt with a tiller and it becomes a deermine... We have places with licks into the dirt the size of a fullsize pickup bed since we began tilling it in... Just my opinion and findings round here.

cool, i'll give it a try.

thanks!

Dave,

Nother wabster idea for the cabin.. Black and white pictures along with the color pics of harvested pics this year. Just looked through a few ole black and whites and madeup my mind it will be done here forsure this year.

Hey do you guys have any other mineral type type tricks?

Originally Posted by wabo

Deer won't hit a block as hard dunno why...

Loose salt mixed into the dirt with a tiller and it becomes a deermine... We have places with licks into the dirt the size of a fullsize pickup bed since we began tilling it in... Just my opinion and findings round here.

...and it will last for years!

I go to Fleet Farm and buy a variety of non medicated livestock feed supplements that are high in phosphorous, calcium, other trace minerals and lower in salt than salt blocks. I then mix in some of the commercially available deer mineral supplements and stir it all together in a plastic tub. I then dig a shallow hole at the appropriate spot, and pour in alternating layers of the mixture and dirt until the hole is full. I might also top it with a small amout of powdered salt. Before I started doing this, I used salt blocks. There is much more traffic on the granulated mixture than there ever was on the salt blocks. 75# to start and add enough each year to keep it fresh.

I bet they tear that up like crazy!!

one more lesson learned on the deer camp thread, thanks for the tips guys.

Dave

Hey Dave!

Big fan - read most of your story here. Actually moving over from another web board. Severing my ties there. Too bad what's happened....

Not to bring me down man, I've got a shack too - just north of Itasca State Park. Twas my thread you visited over there - titled Let Me See Your Hunting Shack.

Someday we will meet. Either on purpose or by accident. I look forward to the day.....

Craig

Hey Craig!! Welcome to the campfire!!

I haven't checked that forum for quite a while, it's pretty heavy in the fishing which I also enjoy, but my main focus these days has been out in the woods. Not sure what's happened on the other forum, that's too bad though.

either way, I'm sure you will like this forum, it's held my interest strongly since I first stumbled across it accidentally back in 2004.

Maybe we will meet someday, good to have you here & I really enjoyed that thread you had with all the different deer camps people shared on the other forum you mentioned. It inspired me to do the same here last year before deer season & it went over really well, lots of people posted pictures of some very cool places & shared the individual stories & admiration for those special places we all go to share in traditions of "deer camp". It has maybe slid completely off the page but if not I'll find the thread & post a link here, it was pretty cool.

Dave

Originally Posted by wabo

Dave,

You need some red mineral trace salt mixed up with plain stock salt and add to the desired location infront of the stands soon... Ole forkytoes will grow a better rack and you'll have another attraction to the stands.

The deer like plain old salt blocks the best at my place in NE MN. We have pretty good mineral soils here. I use mineral blocks also, but the plain salt brings 'em in. Placing a salt block on a big tree stump is the easiest way to get rid of a stump.. the deer eat the stump. It takes a year or two but I got time.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

, I've got a shack too - just north of Itasca State Park. Craig

So, do you hunt the park? I did for a couple of years. No hunting allowed except the deer rifle season back then; don't know if they still have a deer hunt there. I also saw my first timber wolf there, in about 1970. Walked by me at 15 feet. It was just one of them little MN wolves though.

Hey DP,

I never have hunted in the park. Our place is on 80 we own surrounded by County - plenty of room.

I do occaisonally drive through the park and marvel at all the orange coats. Sort of like a Mexican roadside memorial.....

I'm sure it was different years ago, but now it seems like a city hunter's magnet.

Craig

Wow,seems like just yesterday I mentioned that this thread had gone to almost 10,000 views and now it is over 11,000.Just goes to show how interesting a subject this is.
Deer camp is where a majority of hunting memories are made.There's action aplenty out in the woods but the human interaction is what is the essence.
It would be great for the readers,those of you who are fortunate enough to have camps,either owned or leased,would post pictures,links and stories here.
In essence this thread is our common link,our virtual deer camp.All due to the efforts of Northern Dave.

Stan

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I'm sure it was different years ago, but now it seems like a city hunter's magnet.

Craig

Nope, it was the same. Pretty scary. But dad wanted to hunt there for a few years and I try to hunt with him a couple days each season. What can I say? I mostly hid in low, brush-filled areas, hoping to not get shot. Funny thing, that's where all the deer were too!

I shot a good number of 'em.

I think we hunted there around 1980 through 1983, not 1970, like I mistakenly typed above.

I'd love to share my camp with you Stan. I think I'll dig up Dave's old picture thread and kick start it rather than posting here. This is Dave's place. I think it's best that way.

Craig

I couldn't find that old thread Craig. Might have to start a new one.

4ster,

Where about north of Itasca is your camp at? Gaviidae_Esq and I misbehave down that way a bit. In fact we were just coming back on 39 between 113 and 200 and there were deer all over.

We have hunted the Zerkel area a bit and may see ya around.

bd

Same deal where I hunt Dpole, nothing brings 'em in like a salt block. I put one on a stump in '02, the block and stump are long gone but the critters are still eating the moss and dirt on the swampy ground. The ground is a muskeg type soil, and in a 10' radius around the old stump the ground is hard as a rock from all the deer standing there.

Tom

Dave,

How's the new wheeler working out? Is she full of mud yet? I hope so. My big wheeling weekend is coming up in June with my stepdad in the Iron River, WI area. We usually put on 100-120mi a day and it's a blast up there.

Those pics of you guys wheeling got me thinknig...and waiting.

Tom

Stan - see my post - Shooterville.

Big Drift - Our place is about smack in the middle between Lake Itasca and Zerkel. One mile off of 200.

Oh oh. You ever been to Karaoke night at Lobo's?

Craig

4ster,

If I am thinking right you should be just east of Long Lake area?

And no to karoake we only ate there once as I recall, but I have stopped in to partake of their beverages on the way back from Gav's island on occasion. Their burgers were pretty good as I recall.

Have seen some big deer in that neck of the woods, last week they were pretty thin. Good numbers but I suspect the late snows really put a hurting to them.

If your in the area I suspect you are there is one big ol' nasty black bear roaming the area, easy 450 +, I have seen when working over that way a couple of times.

We need to meet up some time and try to drag Dave down also for a 24 HCF meet and greet.

twist my arm......

About 10 years ago I had a bruin taking bites out of the treated steps on platform stands. Bugger was out on opening weekend in the snow, believe it or not. I showed up to my favorite and noticed the third step was screwed up. In the dark I figured a tree limb hit it or something. When It got light, I saw tracks coming to the stand and leaving the stand that weren't mine????? Upon examination determined it was a late wandering bear that bit the step that night. So being the curious type, I followed. It went right to the next closest stand of the same design and took a bite out of a step there, then on to the next and a bite there too! Being smarter than the average bear it left the area after that. Good thing I didn't see it. Talk about "about to do damage".

Meet and greet eh? I'm thinking about heading that way next weekend with Kiddo to catch trout in Long Lake and put up a few no trespassing signs. Want a rainbow trout on the grill at Shooterville? Probably best served next to a fine white....beer.

Craig

There are some bears in the area.

Thursday before opener had Big Drift, Sherpa Kurt, Doecamper, Chef "Firerator", Nels and lil sister on the island to put in docks in between the ice floes and generally open up the cabin.

Twas a big hairy turd on the back step. Thank God it didn't have bells in it or smell like pepper spray so can confirm Griz haven't invaded the area.

Schedule permitting I think BD and I could swing by for a trout. We'd even bring the beer and our office PBT known as "County Fair" to ensure compliance with that which must be complied with.

Rumor has it DNR is opening the Bagley Refuge to deer this year. May have to do some lawn & garden work and eliminate some of that herd of pests ...

GE

I just talked to the Doc, and it looks like we'll be there next weekend. Never know when you might need a little medical care.....I'll confirm later in the week.

What's a PBT?

Craig

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

What's a PBT?

Craig

Good question! A Harvard Law educated Assistant United States Attorney asked me the same thing after I beat her in a DWI/Manslaughter trial a couple years ago ...

PBT = Preliminary Breath Test. Roadside sobriety testing units that aren't usable as evidence of intoxication, but give ya fair warning that you may have had a couple too many.

Ours is known as "County Fair" as it is the centerpiece of the beat the guesser game played at our christmas party, etc ...

GE

you dudes crack me up. usually daily.

Gav, methinks maybe this weekend we may need to go do some meet and greet.

That is if anyone is sober enough to get off the island. Hmm, 3 days no kids, holiday weekend, my liver is already hurting.

We'll take some pics of Gav's family cabin this weekend to post up.

Dave you gonna be able to swing down this way?

I'm thinking Doecamper is the PERFECT designated driver!

If I can get a motor working ...

GE

Hmmmmmmmmm...

A Lawyer with a Breath-a-lyzer.

Alrighty then, I'll have a waiver for ya to sign.

Craig

4ster,

No worries about Gav, he plays nice usually

. And if
not doecamper will be there to regulate...

Heck Craig ... a waiver ... those don't matter ... unless you're talking a big black flag when laying in dekes for honks.

We like them wavers!

Point of order ... you have a hunnerd yards or so for us to use this as an excuse to do some range work?

GE

Hunnerd yards? Shooterville is a deep woods camp. We measure in feet. I could get you about 90...... feet.

We have some spinny .22 targets and paper for other stuff. But honestly, 35 yards is all you're going to get.

I'll send you an email with directions. Hopefully myself and the Doc can get over there Friday night, get the bats out of the stove, and down rig 10 trout by about 5:30 PM Saturday. If you show anytime after that we'll be ready for a breath test. I'm assuming you'll be returning to your island Saturday night? Otherwise I might have to bring a cot......

Hey Dave - any chance we twisted you into it? I'd certainly like to meet the man behind the legend.

Craig

Hey guys!

I've been out of action for a while.

sick as a dog. bad sinus flu turned into bronchitis, Head is so full of fluid that my ears are plugged, really messing with my balance, abaility to walk like I'm not 98 years old... stuff like that. lungs very ineffective, it's no damn good.

Finally went to the doc yesterday, he gave me antibiotics & some inhaler deal, told me to stay in be for 4 days.

Took a chance today, trying to work. so far not going so well.

If we're talking about this upcoming weekend, I'm actually supposed to play host to a bit of fun & games out at our slanty shanty. If my health comes around I might actually be able to do that. But right now, oh my god, I don't know what made me think I could work today... arrggg...

well, I was very stubborn about wanting to get out in the woods & look for mushrooms last night, as sickly as I was, vision, balance, directional perception.. everything impaired by this sinus thing.. But I stuck close to the house & took weezy with me & we managed to find these.

[Linked Image]

not a bad haul for the short time we were out. I hope to look for more tonight.

spring is definately late this year.

Dave

Very nice deer camp, I must say. Dreamed of having one on our land, but haven't got started yet. A person needs a place to get away to.

Dave,do you sautee those?

Stan

workin on it Stan, my fav way is to sautee in butter with onion & a dash of soy sauce. cook up a whole pile like that & put them over the top of a good steak.

I'm feeling better now but I've been sickly for about 2 weeks. Now that I'm feeling better i'm up to the task of cleaning & cooking these morels & I'll be well enough to actually enjoy them

Mmmm mmmm those morels look tasty dave! I have never personally tried them but heard they are awesome. I was going out to look for some myself awhile back but an internet site showing the closeness in looks to the dangerous "false morels" kinda scared me off a bit. It said basically to NEVER eat what you think is a morel if your not absoulutely positive that it is a morel. And since I haven't hunted or eaten them before I thought it was best left alone. One guy (on the site)picked some and brought to his family. They ate them and his 9 year old nephew went blind and almost bit the ruhbarb from a false morel. Sure look like good steak toppers though!

oh man, the false morels. I've seen em before, they are definately different. more like a folded umbrella. stem goes all the way up & the top hangs on the stem like a skirt, the stem has a cotton like inside... they are different for sure. real morels are hollow & smooth on the inside.

Tell ya what, I have a huge bowl of these in the fridge & we're gonna get some domestic cow slabs & toss em on the grill this weekend & cook up a bunch of these shrooms. You guys come on up & we'll eat & drink like pigs & try to find something fun to do.

On May 11th. I posted that this thread had over 11,00 views.Wow!Now it's over 13,000.Just proves what an interesting thread this is.

Stan

I guess it's lengthy if nothing else.

Maybe lacking interesting content as of late, as far as the cabin/deer camp project goes anyways. But that's mostly due to the winter to summer transition.

The whole scope of the project originally was with this grand purpose of creating a special place of belonging for our family. To bring my late cousin's family closer to ours, to initiate what will hopefully be a life long hunting partnership with my nephew and my uncle, both of which are about the best hunting partners you could hope for.

I guess the thread captures a lot of that bonding that I hoped for from the very beginning of the project. It captures my daughter's first deer... the construction of the cabin, all of the collective campfire advice that was offered up & taken into consideration which ultimately impacted the direction of the project, construction decisions etc...

It's been a bits & pieces story I guess and that's why it's probably so difficult for me to understand why the story has over 13,000 views. It's like concentrating on a lone tree within the forest, I have to back away & try to take in the whole picture to understand.

The thread started out as sort of a .... I guess I don't know what I would call it... It was so many things, but maybe on it's first day it was a bit of a crutch for me, and it has been that crutch for me off & on when I need it. I was in a state of shock & grieving, I had lost my best friend. I had a need to create & strengthen a bond with certain members of my friends family & mine. My friend (cousin) and I were like brothers, we were what brothers would hope to be, so close.

The deer camp became a stage for a lot of necessary healing. My first post in this thread put my heart out on my sleeve, once it was out there it just stayed that way. It's out of character for me but I guess it just kind of happened that way.

I stated something to the effect that I was at the beginning looking forward & was asking advice from those ahead of me looking back. Well that's what I got, and it just keeps on coming. For that I'm very thankful.

And, the thread became a diary for the project, I guess as long as someone is interested I'll keep it going.

There is plenty of work to do ahead of us, a little more construction on the cabin itself. There is to be an attached sauna, and now we are talking about adding sort of a "BS room" alongside the sauna area, possibly a bar & some stools, a place to belly up have a few drinks & visit into the night if you like without being too loud & disturbing the sleep of the serious/responsible hunters

More trails need to be cut, stands need to be built, maybe a food plot or 2.... There is always work to do at deer camp.

Would love to take ya up on that offer but wife has a kidney walk fundraiser to do for one of Colby's little buddies. I guess us men folk will ride along in the RV for "moral support"
One of these weekend though for sure!

RV support team. that sounds like trouble to me

have fun.

Dave,
I know exactly what the deer camp means to you.When I built my place up in the mountains of north Georgia in 1985/1986 a lot of weekend assistance came from my old college room mate Tom.From college days starting in the fall of 1959 when by chance we were cast together as roomies,Tom and I were like brothers.We raised families together,went thru divorces(both of us),met new fine ladies and re-settled down.This past February Tom quite unexpectedly passed away from a sudden heart attack.
My point is that to REALLY live you gotta share yourself with others.Put your heart out on your sleeve as you phrased it.A stranger is simply a friend you haven't met yet.
13,000.Go for 20,00 and beyond.

your friend,
Stan

Isn't it funny?

Life. Love. The pursuit of happiness. Friendship. A good doG (that's God spelled backwords). The smell of your first kiss. The friend that introduced you to that girl. Grandma's cookies. The sound of a fly reel in full drag. Smell of woodsmoke. A fair breeze. The smell of that doG wet. The fit of good pair of boots. Those same boots repaired. A triple on the wing. The guy that witnessed the triple. Your Anniversary. Every year. Children that need you. Your Dad. Your Mom. Your best friends Mom! He's got a little 'captain in 'em! Strip, strip, long strip, FISH ON! A baby on your belly. Baby spit-up. Fine shooting iron. Cheap iron that works. Sunshine. Sunshine and deep snow. The sound of snow melting. Life. Love. The pursuit of happiness.

And Deer Camp.

Craig

You guys got it thats why Deer Camp means just as much to me and many others. Deer Camp or any hunting camp is another scent of Life being breathed right into our hearts and souls.

Scents like the first frosted mornings in the fall and as was said above of the woodstoves with a warm fire, those scents are the same to me as many others. Life scents in the air of perfumes on a woman, to scents of sweaty men, to that of a smelly diaper. Its all Good Dave and friends, keep the hits coming and maybe Dave will someday be inclined to write his book, or we'll all keep being inspired to breathe life into eachother by sharing on this thread of Northn Daves Deer Camp...

Heavy white fog this morning as I walked from the house to the garage. new leaves are opening up on all trees & brush. slight breeze was carrying all these new green smells from the woods that surround my house. That sweet spring time smell. I had to pause for a moment & just take it in. Nature was presenting a masterpiece to who ever would take notice.

life is good.

This is the attraction of the thread something reality tv strives for and yet cannnot reach. It is called life.

Funny how through words on a screen, you can take in the smells, the sounds, the sights, the feelings of what bonds people from across this great country with one single shared passion....the outdoors.
Putting people like us in a big city would be like putting a wolf in 6 x 6 kennel. It would be a lowly and miserable existence for those that know better...

I feel for the people that never get to "pause and take it all in"

Rooster,

You got that right too! This thread as well as many others on the forums but especially daves camp here has kept me alive and somewhat sane. Over the last 3 years I've had to transition from owning my own construction buisness and being my own boss making decent money, to working in a warehouse for the man just making ends meet to now a cube in an office making ok money.

I used to be able to set my own hours working and playing outside 24/7 and these days I find myself reading the threads on the campfire during breaks, lunch and more often then I should. I can't post from there but it has helped keep the caged wolf feeling away and the free animal alive in me and Thankful for the home in the country I can still live in.

Each morning at dawn I'm sitting alone on my front porch catching the last breath of freedom and the scents of the coountry for the day, until later that evening when I finally arrive home.

All of these changes have been for the benefit for my growing family and wife but it takes its toll on me. I'm patiently awaiting the day I can go back to the country life for good after the kids are full grown about another 10 years or so.

Yet for now Daves Camp on the campfire keeps me going and makes me think about the scents of life I get to go home to eachday and the days I do get to enjoy. Like the smell of fresh turned soil from the trees I will plant over 75 pin oaks in the morning with the kids, the freshcut grass I will cut as well, the gunpowder during alittle target plinking for some fun, finally the smoker going full bore with meat and the grilled kabobs for supper tomorrow. But for now I'm going to sitback and watch a western with my wife and catch some bourbon in the glass, hopefully the glass won't endup in my eye like Daves... Thanks guys for helping remind me eachday of Life, of Family, of Fun in the woods and country!!!!

All the things 4 es ter said on the previous page.That's life.And the older you get the more your assured mortality is evident to you.But....right now we are in a good place.
I had a heart catheterization done yesterday in hopes that some of the problems of shortness of breath and lack of stamina which I've been experiencing could be corrected by either stints or baloons.Such was not the case.I have 5 blockages that can only be corrected by a multiple bypass.I go to the heart surgeon on Tuesday to sort out the details of when.The sooner the better is my feeling.

Stan

Quote

That's life.And the older you get the more your assured mortality is evident to you.But....right now we are in a good place.

I probably entered the last half of my life a few years a go. That's hopefully a long time to go. But does cause me to think about death. Some friends have died younger than me. The older crowd gets thinner every month.

But I think death is really just part of the whole thing. Deer camp is a teacher there for sure. I really don't fear death. But I certainly don't intend to poke it in the eye either.

If I fear anything, it'd be dieing "badly". So I choose to live life pretty full. Maintain integrity, honesty, and a relationship with whatever one chooses to call the force that knits this all together.

It sounds like some rough road ahead Stan. I've got a feeling it'll be fine. Be strong! Please, keep us posted.

Craig

Stan,

You are a hunter a provider and a strong one I'm sure but just the same incase you need alittle extra.. I'll be keeping you in my prayers Good Luck.. Keep us posted on how its going.

Thank you wabo.I will do so.

Stan

Holy smokes Stan, best of luck, you are in my thoughts & prayers.

Please do keep us posted.

Dave

Prayers sent Stan.

Originally Posted by tzone

Same deal where I hunt Dpole, nothing brings 'em in like a salt block. I put one on a stump in '02, the block and stump are long gone but the critters are still eating the moss and dirt on the swampy ground. The ground is a muskeg type soil, and in a 10' radius around the old stump the ground is hard as a rock from all the deer standing there.

Tom

The deer are REALLY hitting the mineral and salt licks right now. This is the time to have them out. I swear that I can see their horns growing. I usually just put out a "red block" with a salt block, to force them to eat the mineral block. You guys have got me thinkin' now! I really don't know what the mineral mix in the blocks is for; cow/doe-fetus health? Probably not horn growth, as the livestock industry doesn't need horn growth. It looks like I have another project to research. Anyone know the composition of the commercial "deer' mineral recipes out there? And I suppose the commercial elk and deer breeders know this stuff. I'll have to call a couple of them.

A picture of a stump that I put a salt block on last fall. The stump will be gone by next spring.
[Linked Image]

That looks about right. The stump I had the block on was not nearly as tall as the one yours was on. but the results were the same.

What is the peice leanin' on the stump. it sure has a purtty mouth.

Originally Posted by tzone

That looks about right. The stump I had the block on was not nearly as tall as the one yours was on. but the results were the same.

What is the peice leanin' on the stump. it sure has a purtty mouth.

1886 Winchester 50-110. I shoot black powder in it. Only killed a black bear and a deer with it so far. Some day I'm gonna run into a giant bison, I just know it!

By the way, that stump is 55 yards from my kitchen window; I can't help it if my home is the best "deer camp" I've ever been to.

looks like a "schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom!" stick?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

looks like a "schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom! schlock-schlock-boom!" stick?

Dave,

I vaguely recall that beat from a movie Sherpa was contemplating making with a couple of bridesmaids in a rented storage unit. IIRC he encounterd numerous technical issues. Technicalitys like: you want us to do what? in a storage unit? with YOU? ON CAMERA? and the fact they rapidly sobered up.

But, back on point, How does one run a soundtrack on a pre 1900 silent movie? Or do you just hire a ragtime piano player to play over the whir of the projector?

Side note on Sherpular behaviors. Oh how mankind can better himself through technology.

Deer Camp 2006: The Mosin Nagant Bayonet Incident.

Deer Camp 2007: Man re-discovers fire and re-invents the wheel: Sherpa Kurt slays deer with Gaviidae Surplus Old School 7x57 (aka Shillelagh's Spare Parts Depot).

June 2008: GE resigns from 7mmExpressDeathCult and sells Sucks PB&J Fully Loaded to Sherpa in order to fund Left Hand Youth Rifle for newly legal 10 year old southpaw son. (Loonling). Note: Allowing 10 and 11 year olds to punch parents deer tags when in immediate supervision of said parent. ANOTHER thing the Minnesota Legislature actually got right this year.

Sherpa Kurt now plans to take field with .280 Remington 700 Mountain Rifle in CDL wood, bearing Talleys and a 6x42 Sightron Big Sky. As said fire stick religiously puts the first 140 TSX in the same spot every time and the optics turn man into an Owl-Bat for low light target acquisition ... it will take extreme levels of creative Sherpatude to continue legendary deer hunting follies antics. OK, equipment failure is no longer an option. Human error is a given.

At North Country Rendevous, we'll have to speculate on how to set up a pool/calcutta or the like to get all Nostradamus like on what is coming next.

GE

Sherpatude.Now there's a thoughtful one.Gaviidae,your style is quite unique.
Le Grande field dressing(aka by pass surgery)of ole Stan is set for Thursday,June 12th.5 by passes.No shooting for months afterward.
Scared?No.Apprehensive to a high degree is more like it.I just felt like it was better to meet this head on rather than ignore it and be taken to the ER at 3AM one morning.
Keep the fire lit.

Stan

When I heard the Bayonet Incident story live, for some strange reason, I thought that was many moons ago - not 2006! But hey, a bayonet is a timeless thing. Really have to admire one who eventually does what needs doing. When the going gets tough.....

North Country Rendezvous Eh? And fun shoot?

Stan,

Your courage is an inspiration. Best to get done what needs doing. I have several acquaintances who have bypasses and are doing very fine. My boss is one. He had a triple about four years ago. I've known him forever it seems, and gotta tell ya he looks and feels better than ever. Says he used to be so tired. Now he's the energizer bunny! We should give some thanks for the age we live in. The possibilities are really so much better than a short time ago.

Keep us posted. I'll be here for support if you look like you need it.

Craig

Thanks Stan, but I have to give the props to our host Northern Dave. He coined the term "Sherpulant" - I am merely conjugating.

BTW, you get all healed. We'll be here while you are getting looked under the hood and the blood hoses realigned.

Just be glad you aren't in Hibbing for Dr. Cornholio to perform the honors.

Right 4 s ter?

GE

Definitely not for heart work. But if you need a circumcision, or maybe a nut snipping, I don't think others should have fear.

I've seen him gut a deer though. Sort of. At first I thought he was going so slow 'cause he was actually going to heal the dang thing. Then just realized he was a little sloppy.

In his defense, the nurses say he does really "pretty" baby peckers. Models them after his own, I think.

Craig

Does the nurse get to hold the model so he can copy it precisely? Maybe that is why they're so purrrty.

Originally Posted by tzone

Does the nurse get to hold the model so he can copy it precisely? Maybe that is why they're so purrrty.

Good news is hospitals have enough tweezers, hemostats, etc. to handle such delicate work.

GE

.....And microscopic viewing goggles.....

Craig

You guys crack me up.

Stan, ditto for what Craig said about people coming back from heart work looking better than they have for years. Not long ago a guy that works for me had a heart attack at work, we had an ambulance here & got him off on his way. They ended up putting 4 stints into him & when he was rested up & come back to work he looked better than I had ever seen him.

We will all be thinking of you this week and waiting to hear the good news, hope to hear of new found energy levels & all of that!!

Well it's been over a week now since we've been out to deer camp. I am part of a group that puts on a car show every June up in Roseau MN so we had that going on this weekend. It was a pretty good show, lots of hot rods, smoky burn outs etc, good time.

This coming weekend I'm taking my oldest boy & a bunch of his little buddies & probably some of my buddies & we're going to do a father son birthday sort of thing. We're celebrating a few days early but it's just easier to do on the weekends. The plan is to bring ATV's little motorcycles, mini bikes & that sort of thing out there & do some riding. My boy was born on my birthday 11 years ago so we share a birthday now which is pretty fun.

I better get to work here.

Later.
Dave

Dave,

My son was born the day before my birthday, so we party together too. It is pretty cool. He was a nice fathers day present, and is my best little buddy. We celebrate our birthdays at the same time, so usually I have a Bob the Builder or a Hot Wheels cake but I can live with that. I've had enough bday cakes,so its his trun.

He'll be 3 next week and I'll be... well older. He told me he wants to drive the boat for his bday so I guess we'll be fishing this coming weekend. Man its tough but a dad's gotta do what a dad's gotta do right? Sounds like you guys have the same sort of weekend planed. Jack is a little small to have a wheelin' weekend...but not too much longer.

Tom

Dave's birthday is the 18th so everyone remember to give him some crap! Happy Pre?-lated Birthday you 'ol timber scoundral!

Happy pre-lated birthday old timer. I don't think I'll be around here much on Wed. to bug you about the gray hair. I'll be up in Duluth.

My crazy wife is running in Grandma's Marathon

so we are headed up on the 17th(my b-day) to fish drink and let the kids play with Grandma and Grandpa.

I'll raise a glass for you on the 18th though and probably a few more

through the day. I'll be fishing with Jack on the local trout streams, and then heading to the Deer Camp on Sat. after wifey finishes her self abuse

.

Here's to gettin' older brother.

Tom

alright then I'll be doing the same for you on the 17th Tom! Actually thinking of heading to duluth this weekend & postponing the father son deer camp party. Might take off this friday & head towards Duluth.

No grandmas marathon for me, I might be found at grandmas bar & grill supporting the efforts by hoisting suds but that's about it!!

older? I dunno? How bout more experienced?

here's to ya!

Dave

Happy Bday to ya men. Another year older and another inch wider! Never going to stop unless you quit eating so much and exercise more. Never.

Now, if this keeps going on, Mrs ND and Mrs Tzone gonna be the only people you trust to check the middle of your back for deer ticks.

I'm just saying....

Craig

Hey guys, any word from Stan?

He was scheduled for bypass surgery yesterday. I sure hope you�re ok Stan. We had a police officer friend go under the knife this week unexpectedly for his heart, quite a blockage he had. He came through the surgery very well & is on the mend now. Hope things went well for you Stan, thoughts & prayers are with you & we�ll be waiting very anxiously to hear from you.

Dave

better late than never...swish

shocking resemblance to myself....

anyone seen stan yet??

stan bud, you there?

I'm going with a prayer for Stan. It's probably hot down there. I pray for Stan and the air conditioning. Stan, if you're doing great, and it's not too hot, please, let me know it works!

Craig

tzone - I woke up in the middle of the night and started reviewing some threads like this that I hadn't seen in a while. Got a chuckle out of the birthdays in the mid June time period. Since today is my birthday I got a real chuckle out of the picture on Grogels posting. Somehow it seems familiar to me too!

Happy birthday to all of us born today.
Jim

Wooo!! happy birthday Jim & Tzone!!

See, you guys are a day older than me, my birthday is tomorrow

Stan, the next time you manage to pull yourself in front of a computer to check the thread that you sticky'd.... it'll likely be at 16000 views cause i just now took notice that it is damn near there already!!

That's just crazy, what's wrong with you people? Don't you have work to do or something?

terrible long read here.

also I am pleased to announce plans of a future adventure.

Last night I locked in a group reservation for the BWCA (boundary waters canoe area)

For those that don't know of it, it's a protected & carefully managed forest area most of which is accessible by canoe only or backpacking, no motors allowed.

It's rugged old time real camping. It's the sort of thing that a kid remembers for the rest of there life, ask me how I know

It will be myself & Pam (Mrs. N Dave) and we will be taking our 3 kids as well as our cousin's 3 kids which we proudly refer to as our nieces & nephew.

We will be going over the weekend of the 4th of July, pretty much one year after the time we were holding the funeral for there father. We will be going in to the same lakes & taking the same path that I took with there father into the BWCA when us 2 dad cousins took our boys into BWCA for a camping trip about 4 years ago or so. I hope to stay at the same campsite that we stayed at.

I wanted to be doing something with the kids at that 1 year mark, it marks the single most toughest year in all of our lives without there father. I guess I just kind of figure it will be kind of a tough time & we all could use a little help with the idea that it's ok to continue on & to have fun, enjoy life & enjoy each other�s company. And I guess I'm just absolutely certain where the best place in the world to do that is.

The whole trip is sort of a salute in honor of a friend, a father, a brother that would definitely approve of the whole plan.

That's how it feels anyways, so I'm going with that.

Now I need to find a couple of canoes real fast!!

I've been watching craigslist for the Duluth area, found a couple of used aluminum Grumman 17 footers, we'll probably take 3 canoes total, I'll be looking to buy a pair & I'm sure we can borrow a 3rd.

I'll be wishing, hoping and maybe even praying for good weather.

We will take plenty of pictures!

Dave

Dave,

You truly are a gentleman, I need to buy you a beer. Your doing a great thing for the kids.

we'll make our traditional stop at "cranberry's" in ely on out way out of the wilderness.

They have beer there... wink, wink...

Quote

I have another project to research. Anyone know the composition of the commercial "deer' mineral recipes out there? And I suppose the commercial elk and deer breeders know this stuff. I'll have to call a couple of them.

Two 50 lb. bags of Di Calcium Phosphate and one bag of brown mineral salt.
Break up the ground where you want the lick and mix all ingrediants together with the soil. The deer will literally eat a hole in the ground.
We started doing this twice a year. Once in the late August and once right after the snow left.
With in a few years we noticed quit a big difference in the antler quality.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Last night I locked in a group reservation for the BWCA (boundary waters canoe area)

For those that don't know of it, it's a protected & carefully managed forest area most of which is accessible by canoe only or backpacking, no motors allowed.

Dave

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)is a federally designated wilderness area. The state still manages the fish and game there. I worked for MNDNR Fisheries for the last 16 years there; Cook Co. portion. I studied the fish. I used to wake up from dreams of my big warm home bed, laying in a pool of stormwater and bugs. I friggen HATE CAMPING. I hate canoes, packs, portages, and god-!#$%^& happy tourists. I proved that I can get sick of any job. But, enough about me.

Anyway, the smallmouth should be finished spawning before the 4th (too bad). Some may still be guarding nests. Fish the underwater "saddles" between islands and stuff. They will be moving down to those sorts of areas. You can go pretty deep. Maybe to 30 feet. I used to take trips out of Ely too. I don't know where you are entering, but if you get to Thursday Bay, on the border, camp on that little island on the south end. There is an excellent underwater saddle between the north end of the island and the eastern shore. BIG bass and wawa. We're talking five-pound bass! I think my friend caught a state record there; over 6 pounds. But Bill didn't care and we ate it.
You can also have fun fishing the shorelines with small lures, catching baby bass and northerns. The kids usually love that.

A jig and twister tail usually works as good as anything; deep or shallow..
If I liked ya more, I'd keep typing.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by BWalker

Two 50 lb. bags of Di Calcium Phosphate and one bag of brown mineral salt.

Thank you, sir. I'll add it to my list. I don't know what brown mineral salt is, but I'll figure it out.

That's awesome stuff Dpole, don't stop typing juss cuz ya don't like me

.

I've been across burntside into crab, corb & cummings lakes a couple of times, found the smallmouth fishing in cummings to be very good, and of course some pretty big northerns.

My past 3 trips have been pretty simple trips up the Snake river to the isabella which dumps into gabro & bald eagle lakes. there is a narrows between the 2 lakes with some drop & a little bit of fast water. I've been told to fish that drop for walleyes & I've tried but with not a whole lot of luck.

actually I've done better for walleye at the mouth of the isabella.

But the main attraction for us in the gabro/bald eagle lakes.... and one other little honey hole.... are the huge northern pike.

Here, I'll show ya what I mean.

this is a bad photo, a still shot taken with kind of an older cam corder maybe about 5 years ago. That's a dried out northern pike skull we found at a campsite, that's my boot next to the fish skull. Someone caught this big bertha & ate her.
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here's a 43 incher that the boy & I teamed up on in a hand over hand effort from the shoreline. Just a spool of black braided nylon, a bobber, a hook & an old stinky smelt. That was fun, The boy netted her for me. We ate her. (don't flame me, you'd have to be there to understand)
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here's me & the boy cleaning the fish on the bottom side of a canoe.
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fillet o fish.
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here's that one single fish cooking in foil packs over an open fire, that is one meal I'll never forget, fantastic.
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here's a preview of the campsite we hope to find open when we get there.

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here's a shot of a portage, we stopped to take a photo of each other with the double packs. My cousin took this picture of me while I was getting one of him.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/doublepacks.jpg[/img]

And I just kind of like this picture so I tossed it in here. This is my cousin & I running through the narrowns I was talking about where the water spills from the one lake into the other. The kids wanted nothing to do with it at the time so they took this picture from shore & watched the 2 stupid dads have some fun.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/gabbrobaldeaglenarrows.jpg[/img]

I am so looking forward to this trip & digging up these old photos have really got me excited.

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Stan, the next time you manage to pull yourself in front of a computer to check the thread that you sticky'd.... it'll likely be at 16000 views cause i just now took notice that it is damn near there already!!

That's just crazy, what's wrong with you people? Don't you have work to do or something?

terrible long read here.

also I am pleased to announce plans of a future adventure.

Last night I locked in a group reservation for the BWCA (boundary waters canoe area)

For those that don't know of it, it's a protected & carefully managed forest area most of which is accessible by canoe only or backpacking, no motors allowed.

It's rugged old time real camping. It's the sort of thing that a kid remembers for the rest of there life, ask me how I know

It will be myself & Pam (Mrs. N Dave) and we will be taking our 3 kids as well as our cousin's 3 kids which we proudly refer to as our nieces & nephew.

We will be going over the weekend of the 4th of July, pretty much one year after the time we were holding the funeral for there father. We will be going in to the same lakes & taking the same path that I took with there father into the BWCA when us 2 dad cousins took our boys into BWCA for a camping trip about 4 years ago or so. I hope to stay at the same campsite that we stayed at.

I wanted to be doing something with the kids at that 1 year mark, it marks the single most toughest year in all of our lives without there father. I guess I just kind of figure it will be kind of a tough time & we all could use a little help with the idea that it's ok to continue on & to have fun, enjoy life & enjoy each other�s company. And I guess I'm just absolutely certain where the best place in the world to do that is.

The whole trip is sort of a salute in honor of a friend, a father, a brother that would definitely approve of the whole plan.

That's how it feels anyways, so I'm going with that.

Now I need to find a couple of canoes real fast!!

I've been watching craigslist for the Duluth area, found a couple of used aluminum Grumman 17 footers, we'll probably take 3 canoes total, I'll be looking to buy a pair & I'm sure we can borrow a 3rd.

I'll be wishing, hoping and maybe even praying for good weather.

We will take plenty of pictures!

Dave

Damn Dave , and you wonder why this thread has so many views ???

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I gotta a Alumacraft 17 Queenswood you can borrow if you want to swing by and get it. It has many many BW miles on it. A little tiny leak and the portage pads are missing. But really perfectly servicible. If you're going to Ely you'll probably come withing 2 miles of my house. Give the word and I'll ready if for you.

Craig

OK Craig, might be a good excuse to meet you & introduce my cohort of disorderly & somewhat misled followers

I set it up so we are to pick up our entry permit in ely at the woofy world.

we'll see how my canoe search goes. I hope to purchase a couple used alum 17' within the next week or so.

I have 2 17' alumacraft that I can borrow too, could pick them up in tower & the last time I used those 2 they had pads on them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My past 3 trips have been pretty simple trips up the Snake river to the isabella which dumps into gabro & bald eagle lakes. there is a narrows between the 2 lakes with some drop & a little bit of fast water. I've been told to fish that drop for walleyes & I've tried but with not a whole lot of luck.

actually I've done better for walleye at the mouth of the isabella.

But the main attraction for us in the gabro/bald eagle lakes.... and one other little honey hole.... are the huge northern pike.

Just a spool of black braided nylon, a bobber, a hook & an old stinky smelt.
Dave

Been there. Its a good spot for slime balls, if you're into them. A dead bait is perfect starting early July when warm-water stress kills lots of fish. A slime ball can grow fast when they don't have to expend much energy picking up dead stuff from the bottom. The walleye are likely at the river mouth for the same thing, and of course, the extra oxygen provided by moving water.
I hope you forgive me for not being impressed with big fish pictures. After spending so many years gill netting in super slime-ball lakes, I've seen some amazing fish. You should have seen some of the big fellas I've netted out of Saganaga, Big Pine, etc.
I hope the weather cooperates for you, and don't lose your food pack to those sneaky bears. We have bears that stake out portages, waiting for tourists to leave food packs at one end, so they can steal the packs.

I don't doubt you've seen some real monster pike net testing some of those lakes. I commented something to the effect of "don't flame me" for cooking that 43 incher... and that goes right along with your comments here, we ate that one without thinking twice about it, she was just a baby fish compared to some of the true big ones out in those lakes. Common, "good eater"

I think we'll drag a canoe over to turtle just to the east & try to get some of those lonely hogs to bite on artificial lures.

Hey Dpole, what's with the snapping turtles? Is there a certain time of year that they become extremely active & visible?

Last time I was in there was about ... same time I guess, 4th of july weekend. Anyways, snapping turtles, everywhere!! Huge!!

We couldn't leave stringers out because they would come in & shred the fish off the stringers, we caught one big snapper on a dead bait rig set for northern, that was interesting..... then we walked into turtle lake & we had snapping turtles following up artificial lures cast from shore.

then we stop in tower on the way out, heading back home. We stop to drop off a canoe I had borrowed & my friends mom is a nurse in Virginia, she tells us over the weekend they had a lady in the ER that was wake boarding, water skiing or something like that out in the lake in deep water & she had a very large snapper chomp her leg & try to pull her to the bottom. Leg was all tore up.

Any of that make any sense to you? did we just have a crazy turtle weekend or ?

Quote

Thank you, sir. I'll add it to my list. I don't know what brown mineral salt is, but I'll figure it out.
_________________________

Think brown colored salt block in granular form. Its basically just plain salt with trace elements added.
Incidentally all of the stuff I mentioned is available from any good Elevator. And its much cheaper than buying the pre blended/packaged stuff.

Although I release most of my fish, I have no problem with anybody eating anything they catch. I'm not one of those aloof guys that pretend they release because its moral. We all know they are just too lazy to clean 'em.

Snapping turtles are really good to eat. Probably way better than that old yellow slimer fillet you ate. That pike musta been eating some crawfish too, or had spent lots of time in warm water; they're often white-fleshed (and good eating) by the time they get over five pounds or so. Its all in the diet and/or water temp. They are usually yellow at small size because their diet includes insects and crawfish; when they move to an all-fish diet, they get white. Big pike like deep open water. Caught out of cold water, and having a cisco (for example) diet, a big, white-fleshed pike can be excellent table fare. But, I'm a bit spoiled, having all the trout, walleye, and cisco I want to eat.

Turtles are most active when its warm. They were probably there to eat the same dead stuff that the slimers were there for. Anyway, its called "turtle lake" for some reason?

And don't think your food pack will be safe just because you hang it from a tree, like most folks think. Them bears can be quite the acrobats.

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Turtles like dead, stinky stuff. Was that waterskiing lady.......... oh, never mind. I better not go there.

sneaky rascals!!

that's how we string the food up too, on a line between 2 trees.

just goes to show, if they want it, they are going to get it. I haven't lost food to the bears yet, but we've just been lucky that way.

Wow, Dave, I just read this whole thread between last night and today, and I'm just absolutely AMAZED!!!! Speechless even!!!
Just, WOW, AWESOME!!!

Originally Posted by BWalker

Think brown colored salt block in granular form. Its basically just plain salt with trace elements added.
Incidentally all of the stuff I mentioned is available from any good Elevator. And its much cheaper than buying the pre blended/packaged stuff.

Looks like you have a great blend. I have a fair understanding of Physiology, so I know about the body's use of "salt." What got me started is that I figured that "salt blocks" were probably sodium chloride (NaCl), providing sodium, an important element, but calcium and phosphrous are really what we would want in large quantity for building bones. "Road salts" can be a mix of "salts", but its my understanding that road salts are mainly calcium chloride (CaCl).

After doing some googling, its my understanding that the white salt blocks are mainly NaCl (sodium), with no calcium. Trace mineral blocks contain very little, if any CaCl (calcium). So I am feeding the deer no calcium by giving them both trace mineral blocks and "salt" blocks (the white ones). Some of the commercial deer blocks/mineral blocks sold by deer specialty guys have calcium added to them, specifically for improved antler growth.
I went to a feed store in SE Minnesota in about 1981 and had the guys make me some special feed for the deer. They said it had lots of soy bean meal for protein and lots of added calcium. I wondered where the calcium came from. I figured maybe ground limestone, but I didn't know.

I never asked. The nearest decent feed store to me now is about 120 miles away, so Ive put off asking them.

Anyway, it looks like I need a bunch of dicalcium phosphate. Thanks for the info.

Here is one of the articles I found that helped me:
http://www.smartpakequine.com/Articles.aspx?ArticleName=buildingblocks

Thanks to Her1911 we have an update on Stan. It sounds like he's on the mend at home.

Very relieved to hear this news. Get well soon Stan.

Over the weekend I had my 11 year old boy & 3 of his buddies out to deer camp. They all had dirt bikes & I had my 4 wheeler. I led them on a trail ride through forest trails up north of camp about 10 miles or so on trails to a large gravel pit & let them ride in the pits. I brought along a pack of hot dogs & a one burner coleman stove & cooked up some hot dogs while they rode. We had a little lunch there, rode some more, then made our way back to camp on the trails.

man those kids can play hard!! If they weren't riding dirt bikes they were swimming in the little pond by the shack. We cooked on the charcoal grill, had an awesome bon fire and a couple of my friends stopped out to visit & keep me company while the kids played. Pretty good weekend, I bet all of those boys are sleeping in this morning.

Dave

Hey dave,

you're manking me hungry with those piky pics. That is my favorite fishy for sho. I eat most of 'em I catch too. Not the easiest cleaning fish around but sure are the tastiest.

Your trip to the BWCA will be remembered by all. I can recall all the camping trips I took with my family as a kid. And starting on the 4th of July weekend, we are taking our kids for the first time too. I'm pumped to say the least.

Did you make it to Duluth? My wife ran the 1/2 marathon and did well. I got roped into it next year over a beer fest at the campfire afterwards. I'm in trouble I can tell you that.

Well gotta run ( pun intended )

Tom

oof, you're going to run? on purpose???

no we haven't made it to duluth yet. I did find a couple of canoes to buy in the duluth area that my dad is likely picking up for me today. an aluminum standard 17' double ender alumacraft. And an older model also a 17' double ender made by Aero, kind of higher ends like a birch bark canoe. I thought that one would be kind of funny & I predicted that the 2 girls on our trip (the 2 older girls) would probably claim the "indian style" canoe for themselves. I mentioned the canoe last friday to my daughter & right away she piped up "we call that one!!"

goof balls.

I'll be in the duluth area on the 2nd of july. staying at my dad's, picking up the canoes from him & heading towards Ely the morning of the 3rd.

yeah,

I guess I have to run... on purpose. The worst part is the shape I'm in is round right now. I hate to back out on the boys, drunk or not. I hate running too.... friggin hate it, usually when I'm running the popo is after me, or there is free cold beer somewhere.

My bro in law has a beautiful canoe he bought for the bw's. I think he paid like $2500 for it and so far it has been used on a pond near his house in the Cities only. It is light as a feather and tough as nails but $2500 is a lot for a boat you have to paddle.

Sounds like you'll be doing a fair bit of travel even before you leave.

Hello all.This is the first time I have had a chance to spend a wee bit of time sitting at the computer.Just wanted to say thank you for your thoughts,prayers and support.
I see that Dave found my forum and browsed there.
http://www.guncollectorsforum.com/forums/index.php
I don't remember if I had told about it before.Glad you dropped by.
17,000 views.Wow,Just wow!
More later when I can sit here longer.Thanks again.

Stan

Great to hear you're up and at 'em Stan.

I'm sure it doesn't feel good, I suspect it'll feel better soon.

Me, I've been having computer melt-down issues. I run my Dad's hand-me-downs. Burnt up two in a week. Actually had to go and buy one. First one ever!

Just my luck he'll get one all virused up in a day or two and be buying one too.......

Craig

Welcome Back Stan!!

Stan, Glad Very Glad to see your here again and ok!!! I can't post at work but believe me I've been here almost every hour or so for awhile checking around to see if your doing ok. Nice to know you are doing ok!!! Looking forwad to chatting when you can.

Dave, You better get us some pics of the upcoming camping trip from the beginning like seeing the vehicle loaded to the setup of camp, from boat paddling to fishing to the campfire and back again... You owe it to us for not posting pics from the dirtbike riding trip.. Ha!

From one guy to many the campfire is burning Bright again Stan is back, Stan is back guys!!! Stan I'll help bring the wood you just help place it on the fire at Daves Cabin Camp ok.

Alright Stan!! Wooooo!!

Welcome back! You scared the crap out of me!!

Tom, oh you bet we'll be traveling before the camping trip. Gotta make a run down to the Detroit lakes area this weekend, meet up with "the boy" and his two sisters & go over some lists for the trip for clothes & related items to have packed.

The main reason to go down is to be with the family as we are rolling up on that one year mark of when we got news of my cousin's plane crash.

I'm not going to get too heavy into that, I'll just keep it short for now & say that the 28th of June will mark one years worth of time that we all have continued on in his absense and done so as best we could. Which is exactly what he would have us do. He would be proud of us all.

We will get together and celebrate his life. We will celebrate this first big step we have all achieved in carrying forward with our lives. One year, it's a big step forward.

Wabo, yes I'll do my best to photo document the trip, even the boring details of packing if you like

Actually that's not all too silly. I do have old photos from past trips where I have the canoes all loaded up & we are ready to go. I have a picture someplace of a shiny black 1970 Chevy monte carlo with a canoe tied to the roof. (funny thing, I met that same old black car on the highway last sunday while returning all the boys home after the dirt bike weekend, car still looks great, wish i never sold it

) That's what me & Pam used to get our gear to our drop point for a canoe trip we went on together in around 1995. Pam's one and only BWCA canoe trip to date. She's looking forward to finally going again in a couple of weeks here.

and, about the dirt bike weekend..... I forgot the camera at home!!! dang it!!

Stan, again, great to have you on the mend.

Dave

Gland to see you back Stan. Hope all is healing well. You'll feel a ton better soon. My father in law went through the same ordeal over the last few years. He is now better than ever too.

Great to see you back.

Tom

Dave,

I'll bet Pam is excited. Only being on her second trip. Tell her not to get too fired up yet as some of us have not been there ever. I was on Kabotegama on fishing opener a few years ago, and my buddies cabin in the Gunflint area is about as close as I've ever been.

Have fun, and YES take a ton of pics to show us. Some 45" gators over the fire would be cool too.

Tom

My living room is littered with packs, sleeping bags, cook stoves, lanterns, dried foods... Tonight the packing begins for our big trip.

This will be a short work week, we leave Wed for Duluth where we will meet up with "The boy" & his sister "the girl" There we will strap down the canoes, get a good night's rest & head for our drop point the next morning.

We have the youngest sister with us already. She rode back home with us & will be staying with us this week.

This past weekend was good. A year's time has passed since we lost the kid's dad. I think most of us are doing our best to use this time of year to reflect & measure our progress forward from the time of his death as that is what he would want for us all to do. We remembered him fondly as we do always, but it was more so than usual this last weekend. The day before he died was his wedding anniversary, as you could imagine that is a difficult day for his wife to get through.

But we all got through the weekend just fine. His kids have got to be making him proud as they are all continuing to grow in the right directions, such responsible, thoughtful, polite kids. All so very talented.

It's definitely our privilege that they accompany us on this canoe trip with such enthusiasm.

Rooster7 Jim & his wife surprised us with a wonderful gift for our hunting cabin. Apparently Rooster Jim has a good friend over on archerytalk forums that is quite gifted with the wood carving. Jim had his friend cut the likeness of the "wood spirit" into a large black walnut half log. The Story of the wood spirit is very neat, the carving itself is fantastic & we can't wait to get it out to the cabin. I will post more about the wood spirit & put up a picture of the carving when I get a chance, it's very cool. Big thanks out to Jim & Mrs. Jim

& also to Jim's buddy from archerytalk for the fantastic work on our wood spirit. We will be honored to have him looking after our cabin & all of the cabin's visitors for as long as the cabin stands.

I have a lot of work too do before I leave for the week so I better get cracking.

Dave

I have to add this.

This I have been wanting to post for quite a while now. This is a tattoo that "the boy" got on his left shoulder blade to wear in honor & in memory of his father. I personally think it's just the coolest thing, it's a one of a kind hourglass with white tail antlers, an arrow, a fishing rod, it all has meaning for the boy & his father. I almost cry thinking about it. It showcases the activities & interests that the boy & his father shared together with the antlers, fishing & hunting gear surrounding & making up an hourglass. The hourglass represents the time they had together & his fathers time on this earth. The banner shows birth to death dates yet the hourglass still has sand remaining in the top half of the glass. You can interpret the sand remaining in the top half of the glass how ever you like. The simple interpretation is that his time wasn't up yet. Another way to look at it is, he's still with us & will always remain with us.

So proud of this boy.

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Dave,
Your trip upcoming is something I had always wanted to do.I hope you enjoy it to the absolute fullest.Take lotsa pictures.Enjoy to the max.
I'm feeling better all the time.Getting around good.I hope the comeback makes me like the enegerizer bunny.
Can you believe that this thread is already up to almost 20,000 views?I know I comment on that a lot but it is just an indicator of how popular this is and how people enjoy it or they wouldn't keep coming back.I'm afraid that you have become a legend in your own time,Dave.
May the woods spirit watch over you.
Stan

Stan, so very glad to have you back.

Again, thanks for the kind words.

Dave

Dave,

It is a Wonderful thing what you are doing for and with your family, Thankyou for sharing your life with us! That Hour Glass is Awesome tell the boy to be proud of himself for the honor he is showing Dad while wearing that Badge or Honor and tribute to his Father.

Let The Spirit of the Woods Protect Your Cabin and All who visit The Cabin throughout thier lives... I've got a walking stick with The Great Spirit carved into it hanging from a gunrack here at home I use alot while hiking. The Spirit of The Wood is rather unique, Rooster that is a Cool Gift!!!

Have a Great trip!!!

Thanks but I told Dave the wood spirit was for selfish reasons too. To continue to be invited to the cabin!

No....It�s hard to believe its been a year since the numbing pain was so fresh in our hearts that it seemed like we would never be able to smile much less laugh ever again. And the first time we did, there was almost a twinge of guilt and remorse for doing so. I believe there have been enough tears shed in the past year to fill an ocean but the times we (my family and Dave's family along with the rest of our buddies family)have shared via email, at the cabin, fishing etc. have been priceless. It seems hard to believe that we have only been friends with Dave and Pam pretty much since the accident. Looking back over this past year, the fact that my wife and I have had someone who truly understands the devastating amount of grief we have all suffered has been a blessing. I truly believe our friend would have wanted it this way and probably looks down at us and laughs at the goofy stuff we talk about on almost a daily basis. I feel we need to make it a point to do more things together as families, love life and have fun. Have fun for our buddy so he has a lot to talk about when we get to see him again!

That is the reason for the gift....a little something just to say THANK YOU Dave and Pam for keeping in touch, understanding and sharing memories. And also what you are doing and have done for the kids.

There....I'm all done being sappy now!

Jim (Rooster7)

Stan - Glad to hear your feeling better!

You guys know that feeling you get the day before deer hunting opener?

I'm leaving for our trip tomorrow, weather forecast is still great.....

I'm bouncing off the walls.

Who fishes crappie in the summer? I need some crappie fishin tips, pointers. The main lake that we will be camping at is supposedly full of crappie. I'm thinking that would be great for the kids & mighty tastey too.

Jim you silly man, you don't have to bribe us, it's an open invite for the rooster clan. I told special K (she's gonna like that name huh?) I told special K it's gonna be blueberry season pretty soon so there's an excuse to come up to the shack if you need an excuse. Gonna be good berries this year.

Dave

Have a GREAT trip man!

On crappies: One tip I've been meaning to try but haven't yet is from an article I once read about a guys grandpa who would consistently out fish all others on crappie. When he got too old to fish he shared his "secret" with his grandson. When he would catch the first crappie, he would scale it and put the scales in a coffee can. Then when he would get over structure like sunken tree's etc., he would lower his bait down to just over the top of the tree and throw a handful of scales down. The scales would sink, flutter and sparkle all the way down. Supposedly this was irrisitable for crappie in cover and they would come to the top of the structure to investigate and take his bait. Worth a shot I guess.

Cool bud, I'm sure we'll have nothing but time to try different hings like that. Do you suppose we should bring in some wax worms or something like that or do you think just crawlers?

We used to catch all kinds of panfish from shore on lake vermillion when I was a kid. We just went down there on our bicycles with split shots, bobbers, small hooks & a can of angle worms & we'd stay busy all day.

probably the last time I ate any kind of panfish was back then. Does anybody fillet them or? We used to just scale them, take the head off, gut, clean & pan fry with butter. Damn it anyways, now I'm hungry for butter fried pan fish..... Damn it.

I'm gonna go check out the "fishing area" of the camp fire, see what the fishermen say.

All I can tell you is panfish is some gooooood eatin'. I fillet them, as it is much cleaner and in my opinion faster. You may loose a little meat but not really much in the grand scheme of things.

Crappies will be in the wood, or deeper structure by now I would think. If you get into a school of them it will be fun. Espically if they are good sized. I have been catching them on crawlers while fishting with a jig for the walleyes, so that may work in your area too. You might want to bring some real small jigs and plastics with you. Like 1/16 or 1/32, even 1/64 oz if there will be little current or wind. Tip them with the small plastics or minnows if you will have them.

Good luck and have fun Dave. Show us all the pics too.

Tom

Alright thanks, that's what I got from a friend at work here too, he said about the same as you Tom.

We'll give it our best.

Why is this day going by so slowly?

Dave

Waxies would be worth bringing along to try. They pack light. Crappie minnows but I realize thats not really feasible on the trip your taking. When I was a kid, I stayed busy all day long catching panfish with whole kernal corn on a hook. Sunnies go nuts over corn! Just open the can and you have bait for a day. Small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler should work too. My experience with crappies is, if you find them and they are biting even a bare hook will catch them. That is what makes them so fun. I fillet them also. A fillet off a decent crappie yeilds a good amount of meat. You don't end up with much on sunnies but they sure are tasty!

Dave,

Like others have said over structures is Good, fish for them like you Bass kinda tease crappie with a few twitches then a little real in, twitches then alittle real in, on and on and soforth. I've caught buckets full using dark and light purple and chartruese spelling... Roadrunners they are a crappie jig made of a pretty fluffy material with a small spinner on the head. Small spinner baits and Rooster tails work well to and all these work on bluegill too.. I fillet them, Have a WOnderful Trip!!!!

Dave took pics for ya, fishing lure favorites, incoming email to you in 5 minutes..

thanks wabster.

Ladies & gentlemen, Dave has left the building

expect to hear from me around next Monday or so.

Keep the fire lit!!

Dave

Well we made it back, had great weather, great trip. the wind made it really tough on us coming out of BWCA on Sat and the portages were a gruel but it was probably the best camping trip I've ever been on. not a whole bunch of time this morning so I'll just put some pictures up quick & maybe try to explain them all better later. sorry about the time date stamp on some of these pictures, again the date is wrong & I didn't know it was turned on, wish I could get that off of some of these pictures.

they are downsized & quality reduced as most of my pics are to try to save on web storage space especially since this thread is already too long the way it is.

Here goes.

Trucks ready to go.
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the group before leaving my dad's place Thurs morning.
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unloading the truck at the entry point.
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Me making my first portage with an old Aero Craft 17' canoe (this would be moments before I threw my back out)

Me goofin with the youngest camper of our bunch. We left our 4 year old with grandma & grandpa, which was a good decision!
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the 2 older girls taking a rest, me digging in the tackle box. this was a rest stop on our canoe route.
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Me & the girls at our campsite.
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side profile shows my winter fat storage area very nicely.
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The 2 younger campers goofin in the canoe.
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The boy, doing what he does.
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The girls, playing some cards.
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Me & the boy taking off to catch us up some supper.
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Showing off the catch of the day.
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Really gold bellies on the walleyes in that root beer colored water.
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Camp cook doing up some breakfast on day 2.
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We ate pretty good.
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the 2 older girls exploring a little bit on day 2.
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More exploring, found a little cave.
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Later on day 2, Mrs. ND, Me & the 2 boys make a grueling portage into a 300 acre lake off to the east that my dad raves about. He says it's full of huge pike. Entering the portage the boy can be quoted as stating "this better be worth it". Well, He casts a meps number 5 on a medium spinning rig with 10lb mono & no leader & guess what? From shore he hauls in this fish. Taking a measurement, 41.5 inches with the tape.
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That's right, smile like heck, I think it was worth it.
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Heading for the stringer.
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How do you cary 30 pounds of fish on a 3/4 mile portage of rocks & tree roots that's basically a huge hill? Just like this. My oldest boy helping out his big cuz.
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these next few are just some real nice scenery photos that I liked.
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And one final shot of our group before breaking camp on Saturday.
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Dave

Sweet Dave that is a trip that keeps the memories fresh and your family close.

So what was the hogleg ya got strapped on there?

Was wondering who would be the first to spot the little side iron

It's an old High Standard long horn double nine .22

I wore that in & I gave The older boy a ruger MKII .22 to wear in. The plinkers stayed at camp once we made it back in there. I'd say it's for critters, but really it's more for better sleeping at night in the tent for the kids, (that whole feel safe thing)and if to serve any real purpose I suppose just regular old self defense, there were some jerks up in BWCA recently that terrorized a family of campers pretty badly, they are all in custody now & face some grim futures but if it happened to me, well they would probably just be "missing people" instead of people sitting in jail.

I'd rather have a gun & not need it than need a gun & not have it right?

Dave

Yeah I hear ya Dave that Burntside shootout scared the bejezus out of a bunch of folks. State charges are done and the federal thing is still out there I guess.

With all the critter attacks I been hearing about lately I am thinking I may start carrying a sidearm out and about again. The long gun is nice to have for some instances but difficult to use when under a canoe or in the thick stuff. Especially with all the cougar sightings lately and some fairly agressive bears this year.

Kids definitly slept better when we camped up on the Echo Trail last summer knowing Dad had artillery present.

Nice snake the boy got there, ask Gavidae_Esq to show ya what his boy caught last week it will make ya reconsider swimming

I hear ya about the swimming. I don't swim in these lakes we just came out of. between the fresh water baracuda & the jumbo snapping turtles, no way in hell.

A gang of rouge snappers raided our camp stringer while me, Pam & the boys were over in the next lake fishing northerns & the girls decided to stay back at camp. They were playing cards when they heard the noise from the stringer along the shore. they spotted trouble instantly. They played tug of war with the turtles for a bit & came out with half fish on a stringer, so they used the remaining fish to bait the turtles back up & they messed with them a little, no fingers were lost so I guess it's all good.

We saw lots of big mean snappers & the above fish in the pictures is a trophy in many books but probably par for the course in those lakes.

No swimming for me, I brought a shower bag in this time. Shower bag very good.

Dave

Hey dave-those are some great pics!

On a side note, I am gonna do deer in Minne one way or another this year. Any idea as to when the tags go on sale for Non Residents?

Thx
Dober

I love me some 41.5" northerns. Then next best thing to cathcing 'em and eating 'em is looking at pictures of them with people that were eatin' 'em.

My step brother and I lost a stringer of northerns to snappers too. Tied the stringer to the dock, went up to have dinner and when we arrived back for the evening bite, out gators were nothing but heads. Kind of funny now but at the time we were not very impressed. Lesson learned I guess.

Nice to see you back Dave. It looks like everybody had a great time. As always, great pictures and a great family too.

I hope your trip went well...It sure looks like it did.

Tom

I'm not sure Dober, sure would be great to meet up with you though. If you find yourself homeless/huntless in
MN, we've got a bunk for you, and I've got a feeling we wouldn't need to help you into a stand or hold your hand with the hunting part

I can check into the non res thing, I don't think the 08 hunting regs are printed yet for MN, or at least i haven't seen any books out yet. I'll check into it but I'll bet one of our people in the know may be able to chime in before I can get an answer for you.

Dave

Thx Dave, I'll just give a check on line and thx for the invite. But, as long as Dad is around I won't be going far if you know what I mean.

Dober

Tom, it was an awesome trip. my favorite of my 2 blind purchase used canoes quickly became the old Aero Craft 17 footer or as the girls called it "the indian canoe" it's old & well used but wow, not too bad to carry on portage pads for a 17' alum, fast, easy paddling, stable, deep, wide, real nice canoe. Anybody wanna buy an alumacraft standard weight?

that thing was nicknamed the "stone boat" or "the crusher" for the abuse it served up on portages, oh what a nightmare.

But as you can see the fishing was excellent, we ate fish every night, walleye & northern cooked over the fire. But we didn't eat the big one. We actually took the 41.5 incher all the way out & it's at the taxidermist right now. The boys made that first portage with the big fat 41.5 incher and a respectable 6-7 pounder on that cedar pole I rigged up for them. about 3/4 mile of roots & rocks, up hill, down hill, up hill, down hill... repeat until almost dead...

they got it back in the water as soon as they reached the water on the other end of the portage & we kept him in cool water for the rest of the night by rigging a water safe back at camp by flooding a canoe & pulling it up on shore full of water. We stored the big northern in that water filled canoe overnight to keep it away from the snappers. Then the boys towed it behind there canoe on the way out after we broke camp on day 3 up to our last portage. Last portage had a cool stream near the truck parking spot so the boys carried the big fish quickly to the stream & dropped it in there to keep it wet & cool while we portaged & packed all the rest of the gear out, once we were ready to leave in the trucks we grabbed the fish from the stream & put a white kitchen style garbage bag over each end (head & tail) to keep him clean & moist & we made a B-line for Ely to get him on ice.

Once we had the fish iced down we went for dinner at that resturant/bar I talked about called Cranberry's, well it changed names, I think they called it the "boat house" now, but it hadn't changed much other than bathroom renovations & the adition of a micro brewery which wasn't quite finished yet.

Food was still great, waitress had to step back quickly after she set the food down so she didn't get bit.

Originally Posted by Mark R Dobrenski

Thx Dave, I'll just give a check on line and thx for the invite. But, as long as Dad is around I won't be going far if you know what I mean.

Dober

I do know what you mean.

maybe we'll meet up some day. It would be my privilege.

click here, scroll down to non res section. maybe you'll see what you need here.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/hunting/index.html?type=hunting

Dober,

There were some changes made to the regulations for residents but little has been put out for non resident tags.

The guru in the know is Lou Cornicelli the MN DNR big game coordinator.

I will PM ya his email drop him a line as anything he says is gold.

bd

IIRC, Non Res can buy OTC just like the homeboys.

GE

Gav esq, big drift says your boy cought some sort of water beast? got any pictures?

Dave,
Welcome back.Those were really great pictures.I am so pleased that your kids had this great experience.They will speak of this one for many years.I would hope that this will be one of many such trips.

Stan

I hope so too Stan, I really do. Would love nothing more than to make a tradition of it for as long as these fine young people care to take part, then to watch them all lead there own groups & families on there own trips, sharing what they have learned with the next generation.

Always good to hear from you Stan, always a treat.

hope you are feeling well?

Dave

check it out everybody, the wood spirit that Rooster7 Jim & his wife "Special K" gave us for the deer camp. We'll have him out there at the shack as soon as we get a chance. This guy is the coolest!!!

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thanks again guys!!!

Dave

Mark,

I'm pretty sure you can get the tags now. It is an automated system, so you may be able to do it over the internet.

Any idea where you're going? The season should start right in the middle of the rut this year. It starts later into Nov. which from past seasons is awsome hunting from my experience. Last year it started on the 2nd or somthing like that, a little earily if you ask me but I still go.

If you need help on a hunting area, I or any of the other MN boys I'm sure will be more than happy to help.

Tom

Dave,

The taxidermist 'eh? Good for him. I have not yet got a mounter northern. What did that ol girl weigh by the time you got it to the taxidermist? It looks like she has a pretty big belly. I got a 40"er when I was 17, but it weighed like 11 pounds or somthing. It had a HUGE head and a skinny body, kind of a weird looking dude if you ask me. I want a 20 pounder for the wall. Kind of lofty for a northern, but if I'm going to put it on the wall it's going to be big.

I caught a 30" and a 32" walleye 10 minutes apart last July, but it was durring a tournament so I had to release them at the end of the day. Otherwise the 32" would be on my wall "smilin' like heck" at me every morning when I got up.

It sounds like "the boy" is becoming quite an outdoorsman, and it looks like he has a pretty good teacher too.

Is it too early to get excited about deer season? For some reason I've been fired up for the last week or so for gun season. I got the barrel sawed off on my .358, and bought some shells and now I'm getting antsy. Earlier than normal but I like it. The count is on...123 day unless I miss one or two.

grunt grunt, rattle rattle.

Atta boy, get that deer hunting talk going. It aint just you, I've been thinking about it already myself.

As far as "The boy's" teacher, He had a good teacher in his dad & now he does a lot of self teaching. If he picks up any tricks from me I'd be kind of surprised.

We're sure the fish was over 20 lbs. I've cought other 40+ inchers that weren't as heavy as this one. Just look how thick it is all the way from the head to the tail compaired to the 43 incher we ate in 2004.

here's the 2004 fish, 43" but not as thick in the body.
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here's last weeks fish, 41.5" & heavy.
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look how that kid has changed in 4 years!! Funny!

I forgot to tell about the handshake after we got his fish on the stringer & he was heading down to the water to rinse the slime off his hands. I stopped him before he had a chance to rinse his hands & extended my hand for handshake & called it the "slimy five!!"

I have a feeling the slimy five will become a celibration ritual with big fish, deer gutting, elk gutting, stuff like that.

"gimme some slime brudda!"

strings of northern slime hanging off the fingers like shoe strings.

It should also work just fine with deer blood & unidentifiable guttish "oodlers".

Dave

I was going to guess 20# but did not want to embarass myself. It is a good looking fish too. Nice color, good markings, nice white belly.

20 pounds is a lot of fish. Durring a walleye tourney this spring I caught a 45 1/2" Musky that weighed a hair under 20# and that was a big fish. If the season was open I probably would have kept the fish for several reasons. The main one being it was my biggest fish ever, but it was good company, good times and tough fishing. Just one of those days, ya know.

Deer are starting to move around here now. The horns are starting to show their size and even a little mass now. I don't think that I'm going to bow hunt this year so I'll be spending a lot of time in the MN camp. The funds this year just don't allow for all the hunting.

I was going to skip MN this year, but when I thought about it I just couldn't do. And with the start of the season on the 8th, "just when I want to leave,they just keep suckin' me back in". That week is the best to hunt deer in my experience, it seems bucks are around every corner. The last time it started that late I saw 3 bucks and one doe by 9AM on Sunday. It was a good weekend.

I also don't know how many more years I'll be able to hunt on that land up there, the guy who owns it has had some trouble with his heart and some trouble with cancer this year. It doesn't sound good but things are so far. It would be tough to start over after 20 years, espically since my dad hasn't hunted since I was 15. I would have to start over somewhere. Deer hunting in Northern MN is in my blood though and won't leave without a fight.

My wife travels a ton with her new job and she has been altering her plans so I could hunt for nine years, so I may have to back off a little bit now. That is OK though because she doesn't say anything when I do go hunting and fishing. That is great because I fish A LOT from late March until late Sept. or early Oct. then hunting starts. It helps that the kids show interest now and want to go. It makes it a little eaiser on her.

Man Dave, the more I talk about deer hunting, the more I get fired up. It's going to be a long 4 months

ND:

Yeah, the Loonling was out last week on "Area Lake" with a friend and her dad. Legend has it he reeled it in himself while trolling. He was (is still) pretty psyched ... 44"

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Ole Dad was wondering how he could ever compete ... however we took his new LH 700 Ute 7mm08 stuffed with Seafire Bluedot Downloads to a clear cut on the 4th and he spent the rest of the weekend gibbering about his deer rifle.

Crisis averted. :-)

GE

beautiful! Absolutely amazing!!

I read "Area Lake" but interpreted my own lake name in my mind.

I've been meaning to ask you about screen name. I could interpret that you are possibly a family law type? as in attorney for loony families?

or you are simply the head of a family of loons taking the title Esq for yourself?

either way it's good stuff.

And a big, big congrats to your boy from Northern Dave, if I was there to see it he'd get the "slimy 5" handshake.

Dave

Screen Name ... a rifle loon that practices criminal defense and family law, that happened to live at an address of the same name in a prior lifetime.

Loonling ... well, if a baby duck is a duckling, and a baby goose is a gosling ...

I'll see if he wants to tag along at a git-er-dun-together sometime and you can slime him yo bad self.

GE

P.S. Not a bad pic for a 10 year old girl with a cell phone eh?

You're kidding? a phone cam took that picture?

Man, I need a new phone.

GE,

Awsome musky. What a cool looking fish. The fish looks bigger than the boy. It must be close. What was the weight on that big girl? Did you keep it?

The musky guys around here (WI) are starting to get a little loony themselves. They are all complaining that all the big 'skis are in MN lakes. I have seen two in WI this spring that made me not want to swim in the Chippewa Flowage ever again. They are still around, I think they just get pounded so much that they see baits ALL the time. All the muskies I've caught have been with a jig and a minnow or a crank bait intended for walleye.

Congrats to the Loonling from tzone. That is one heck of a fish, espically for a kid.

Tom

Lake vermillion in MN is becoming quite the Muskie lake.

never used to be but they have been stocking it agressively.

Dave

Those are some beautiful fish boys. I've got kiddo out on the dock pulling 4 lb snot rockets with an 8 wt fly rod and clouser minnows. Nothing like your monsters, but done with handicap.....

Thanks for sharing, as usual.

GD -
I'm really hoping, hoping, to get to Shooterville this weekend. The Bush Hog guy still needs to come through. No contract, no delivery I guess. Thought it was funny he didn't want a deposit. I'll PM if we're heading out.

Craig

Dave,

Did you notice you rounded 20,000 views? That's gotta be some sort of record. You deserve a trophy. Thanks.

Craig

I still don't get it Craig & to be honest the bigger it gets the more i think it could be time to close it up. It's got to be a burdon on the forum with it's size & all the pictures. It's got to be taking up too much space for a topic based around one deer camp. It holds awesome stories from so many menbers & cabin tips, stand tips... I guess the story itself & the ups & downs, struggle with loss of a loved one, the strengthening of family & frendship, new friendship.
it's got a lot of stuff in it I guess but it's just so much. Too much for one thread. I don't know what to do with it all though. I printed the whole thread some time back & put in a 3 ring binder with page holders & brought it out to the shack, but it's grown so much again since then. It's coming up on a year pretty soon. The thread isn't a year old but yet it never slid off the front page in deer hunting even before it was stickied & now it's over 20,000 views.

That's cool but i just think it's too big & I feel bad about this monster thread sticking out like a sore thumb in the deer hunting area.

What should I do? Anybody? any ideas?

Maybe I should PM Rick, I'm sure he's BDDT, probably can give some guidence or idea as to what is best. i never saw this thing getting this big but it's my fault for continuing to feed it. I worry that it's overstayed it's welcome, too big, too clumsy. I still hear from a few that post & state that they read the whole thing, that's just insane, I'd need a weekend to do that. I just feel bad about how big it's got.

know what I mean?

August 9th it will be one year old, what should I do?

Dave

You don't do anything Dave.

If this is a burden for you, just stop posting. Nobody wants old Northern Dave to feel like he needs to feed us.

Note one thing though man. You left on your canoe trip. You signed off. And there wasn't a single post until you returned to report.

This is Dave's house. And I think that nearly everyone who reads the posts here just loves to live a little in your world. No pressure from me.

Why?

YOU ARE REAL. That's all. After seeing all this I pledge to BE MORE REAL.

Love ya man.

Craig

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

You don't do anything Dave.

If this is a burden for you, just stop posting. Nobody wants old Northern Dave to feel like he needs to feed us.

Note one thing though man. You left on your canoe trip. You signed off. And there wasn't a single post until you returned to report.

This is Dave's house. And I think that nearly everyone who reads the posts here just loves to live a little in your world. No pressure from me.

Why?

YOU ARE REAL. That's all. After seeing all this I pledge to BE MORE REAL.

Love ya man.

Craig

Word.

GE

IMHO this thread captures the best of the people and places that make "Up North" deer hunting.

Who are we to *imagine* that we are A) imposing on bandwith that could be used for discussing celebrity birthmarks when "it don't get any better than this" (c) Old Swillwaukee Beer or B) capable of shutting it down after all this when "we didn't start the fire" (c) William Joel.

If the thread has a life of it's own, let's wait to carve the tombstone until it's cold ...

ge

tzone-hey thanks for the offer and there may come a time when I'll give you a shout.

But, for now I'll go back to the home place and hunt. Dad doesn't/cant' hunt anymore but I still like to go back there and will for some time if you hear what I am saying and I am sure that you do.

Time back there with Dad and Mom is pretty darn precious to me and I really enjoy getting back to hunt.

I really can't wait to get back there for the opener, I'd just love to see some white and hit the big woods and do some one on one on the ground with Mr Whitey.

I've a hike that I want to do that I've not done for close to 25 years and when I get my day (calm and new white) I am gonna do the sneaky pete all day.

One of my old mentors used to see if he could go the day and only break 3 twigs, I just can't get there but it's sure fun to try...grins

I may even carry Dads old 35 for the day, although the new lil 243 I'm cobbling together with a scope (700 with a Ti take off handle and a 20" youth standard contour)will suit me better.

I've yet to look and see when the opener is but will soon and plan a road trip east. I'd rather hunt deer in Minne than out here, now isn't that a switch?

Thx again for the offer

Dober

No burden Craig. I love sharing & learning from others that contribute to this thread, i just worry that it's run it's course. I worry about it more the longer it gets.

Thanks for the kind & encouraging words.

You too Loon leader, I just don't want this thing to outlive it's welcome.

It's getting that time of year where the focus will drift back into the topic of deer camps & deer hunting.

Nearly a year has passed & the achievements our camp has made in the way of establishing founding members & staking claim to our true belonging to our camp & to each other is more than I could have ever hoped for in a years time. Comfort & belonging, that's what I wanted for the group. We have it.

It all grows from here forward, things like Jim's Wood Spirit become unique & truely appropriate features of our camp. it all grows from this point forward.

With much help from the fine members of the 24 hour campfire, we have succeeded with our initial goals. Our camp is like a seed that has sprouted to a healthy young plant, I hope it's like an oak tree with slow steadfast growth & perserverence, with a lifespan at least equal to to the healthiest of oaks.

I hope for it to be a place of learning, sharing, adventure, healing & growth for many generations after my time has passed.

All of you that frequent the deercamp thread share a bonding interest with me, an understanding of what is often the unspoken value of the deer camp. We rarely attempt to define the fruits of the deercamp experience in words, it's much easier for us to simply label it as "good".

It is good, it's really good. No better environment for a young person to discover & expand there own personality, there own personal values. It's a school of sorts, possibly a church of sorts, definately a vacation to free the mind of the daily burdens. And it's not only the young people that benifit & grow, the dad's, uncles, grandparents etc grow & flourish by learning to teach, lead, guide.

For those of us that have it, it's very important.

Deer camp is a crew cab pickup truck on an abandoned logging road, a tent in the snow, a camper, an old school bus, a shack... Deer camp is the members that find themselves belonging to a crew or group, it's a big deal, and I wish that belonging for everyone.

Enough, i can only get preachy every now & then in short bursts. then I have to try to turn the fun back on.

So, now I want to go out & buy a damn trail cam, put some new stands up, cut some firewood, clean some rifles, shoot some rifles & converse with my fellow deer slayers on the topic of taking deer by the barbaric means of gun powder, copper clad lead projectiles, string & bow, and what ever else is legal. Cause that's what we tell the women we are there for right? & when sept comes to a close, october creeps in... well the man rut sets in, and by Nov, we are all focussed on the prize that the camp is all about, the hunt.

The hunt, and those other little things we kind of like about deer camp.......

Thanks guys.

YOU, fuel me.

Dave

Originally Posted by Mark R Dobrenski

I may even carry Dads old 35 for the day,

For the day? don't ya mean for A day Dober?

gotta put in more than a day if you're commin back home to hunt white tail.

I hope you can find the perfect conditions to carry your dad's 35 for a day & also the new 243 you spoke of.

Personally I like to mix it up & at least designate a morning or evening to a suitable walking/still hunting rifle, this is pretty big fun for me, feeling somewhat "old school" for a time, limited to the abilities of what you carry, it adds to the fun factor.

Enjoy your time with your dad during deer season. That is very, very cool, hat's off to you, once again.

Originally Posted by tzone

I was going to skip MN this year, but when I thought about it I just couldn't do. And with the start of the season on the 8th, "just when I want to leave,they just keep suckin' me back in". That week is the best to hunt deer in my experience, it seems bucks are around every corner. The last time it started that late I saw 3 bucks and one doe by 9AM on Sunday. It was a good weekend.

I also don't know how many more years I'll be able to hunt on that land up there, the guy who owns it has had some trouble with his heart and some trouble with cancer this year. It doesn't sound good but things are so far. It would be tough to start over after 20 years, espically since my dad hasn't hunted since I was 15. I would have to start over somewhere. Deer hunting in Northern MN is in my blood though and won't leave without a fight.

Tom, if our MN hunt well runs dry, or you just want a change of MN scenery, drop me a line. little longer drive for you but we'd have a bunk for you & lots of hunting room.

Dave,

This thread really needs to stay as others have said it is more then the ramblings of the north country crew.

It is a place where we all relive the memories of deer camp, family and friends. I know it is a place that when I am having a bad day or am getting stressed out ya can sneak into and get a break.

It is a place that focuses on the good things and reminds us to keep things in perspective.

Ya asked what to do when that 1 year mark comes, I say have a birthday party.

bd

Originally Posted by big drift

Ya asked what to do when that 1 year mark comes, I say have a birthday party.

bd

ROBOTGIRLS! ROBOTGIRLS! ROBOTGIRLS!

GE

Dave,

Have you seen the muskies they're pulling out of Island Lake (duluth)? They are getting some pigs out of there. I'm talking 54's, 52's and a ton of 40+. There was an article in the Duluth New Tribune about it a few weeks ago so now I'm sure they are getting every big bait ever made passed over their head 5 times a day. I used to get some decent northerns out of there on occasion but not a 50" muskie thats for sure.

As far as what you should do with this post... I'd leave it until Rick says it's time to shut it down. Some of that may be just selfesh reasons on my part. This is the first post I check every time I log in here. As far as the pictures go, there are a lot more big pictures on the Alaska forum than on this post.

There is a reason there are 20,000 views, people like to talk, write, and share their experiences with others. You are great guy and had a rough time in your life and shared it with us. That alone took a lot of guts and people on this site are usually genuine and want to help someone. Espically someone they like, and you probably are one of the more liked guys on this site. This forum shows that I think.

This is no fault of yours. All you did is post about something you were passionate about and it blew up. Just roll with it until it lands in the creek.

People just like a good deer camp stroy, and you brother have a good deer camp story. It includes everything in it. At least it involves all the aspects that I enjoy in hunting.

Deer camp is a place to live, love, cry, laugh, reflect on lost loved ones and partners. Deer camp is a place to get away from everyday life for awhile, even in the summer, even if it is just for a few hours while we're having a bad day or week.

Deer camp is where we see our first Playboy, have our first beer with a special Uncle or an understanding Dad. Shoot our first .22 and .410 shells at cans and chipmunks. It is the place we teach our kids the real meaning of life and how to let them figure life out for themselves. It is where you learn how to cut wood, start a fire, build a shed and ride a 4 wheeler all by yourself.

Deer camp is were you learn the survival tools to stay in the woods for a night. How to stay warm, how to make shelter, how to cook hotdogs on a stick sharpened with your first knife.

Deer camp is where I go to see friends to I only see once a year. Not where I go to shoot a deer, if I do it is a bonus. I can shoot a deer in my yard if I really want a deer.

I hope this post grows more, and I think it will. If Rick says pull the plug... well it's his site and if it was a true tax on the site he probably would have done that already.

Don't feel bad about anything Dave, we all like it or it would not be what it is.

Tom

Dober,

Where do you hunt in MN? I realize how imporntant it is to be with your parents. I also realize how cool it is to hunt where you haven't for years. I did that last year. I had a spot in a swamp where I shot my first few deer. Hadn't sat there in about 9 years. My brother in law and I scouted it out again last year an it looked good. He never saw a deer, zip. But the fun was rebuilding an old blind, cutting new shooting lanes and touching up old ones.

Don't forget to ask for help, thats why we are here right?

Tom

Thanks Tom.

Island Lake? Are you kidding? I had no idea there were Muskies in there, that's right by my dad's place!!

Awesome!!

Maybe someday we can get together for a beer at the island lake inn.

Dave

[/quote]

Tom, if our MN hunt well runs dry, or you just want a change of MN scenery, drop me a line. little longer drive for you but we'd have a bunk for you & lots of hunting room.[/quote]

Dave,

Hopefully I will not have to take your offer for a few years. They guy is sort the old grumpy type with a big heart. Heck when I was a kid I don't think he even liked me.

The first year we went there, it was the year after my uncle died and his wife sold the camp. We did not have money to buy it so we lost the spot. This guy, Bill had been friends with my dad for a long time, old hot rod buddies. My dad called him up and asked if we could hunt on his farm and he said come on up. He said he doensn't hunt but a kid should not be without a place to hunt, and for that I will have respect for him forever. This year will be my 20th year at the camp and I'm forever greatfull to him for it.

Each year I bring him some cool little gift. He likes unusual collectable stuff... so it is usually along those lines.

Thanks for the offer, and I probably have to talk to you in a year or two. Hopefully two

Tom

We deffenetally need to get a beer at the Island Lake Inn. I'll track you down in September. My itch will need to be scractche real bad by then.

OK, you just let me know, on both counts, the beer at the inn and a bunk over at the shack.

But you might have to burn some more youpers CD's for us.

Dave

That's funny you mention the Youpers. They were in Wausau durring the 4th of July weekend and I MISSED THEM!!! I didn't know they were coming. We were in Hayward at my mom and step dad's place on Nelson Lake. I would have made the trip back to see that. They crack me up somthing fierce.

Banana's At Large is another goofy group of dudes. They sing "da turdy point buck".

I'm fired up now for deer hunting. I picked up a Savage 110 in .243 a few hours ago and it needs to poke holes in somthing. Hopefully tomorrow.

"bang, bang...hey you shot my cow"

glad to hear you bought the 243!!

"yeah, I' calling bout dat crotch for sale..."

"no, no sir, it's a garage sale..."

" I've got cow 'nure, horse 'nure, sheep 'nure.... I've got all kinds of schit for sale"

Dave,

I don't know where to start, but hopefully you'll understand. Please don't feel obligated in any way shape or form to lead me along or to add more to this story. However I've told you before here that this Cabin of yours and the stories shared here will forever hold a spot in my mind and heart. Today alone I know for certain I clicked this thread etleast 5 to 10 times! As I've said I can't post from there but this is my place to back away from the office for a minute, to imagine being your pal and sharing your time while building,hunting and yes fishing on the canoe trip too.

I would Hate to see this thread deleted or see it go away and would even donate to the cause in more ways then one to keep it right here.

I have been waiting over the weekend for you to post about your trip as this is your place though, I've been to busy to post since Monday as the kids ballgames have kept me busy. But Please keep this story going as long as NorthnDaves camp lives it is a place I can dream about being in and a place I can go to when I need to get away.

I don't want to guilt you into it though... so when you think it is time, then it is time to let go as well, because I can understand you might feel this thing is too large or grabbing more attention to you and yours then you would like.

However you should know this has become a place where many find a mutual relationship to a Great guys life and I'd Really enjoy watching your friends and family grow in deercamp and beond. When the Boy hits 35 or 40 it would be fun to see how he and you see this place and then again when your 100. As I grow older each year I really begin to appriciate a place like yours and guys like you.

I'm now 36 and just this week I may very well have lost my favorite place to deerhunt, our camp will never have enough room for everyone anymore. Minus another 80 acre section this week and now my Very Best friend also my 1st cousin is going through a divorce a Bad one. I don't know but he may loose his property too so he and I could be looking for awhole new place together before this is said and done. Your place brings me Hope we will find a way to keep our camp or maybe my cousin and I open a new camp together somewhere..

I sure hope so for my kids and his two young boys too as I know this will be tough on his boys, they will need a place to learn traditions and I hope friendships and how to trust someone again. Thier mother is prettymuch walking out on them and trying to take him for money, trust will not come easy for any of them.

Sorry for such a long addition but its been a Very long week already and my plate is alittle full trying to keep the peace in his family and mine is busy with sports lately. Gotta go for now keep the fire warm and alive guys, I'll be checking in again soon..

Please don't take my comment about "feeding the thread" the wrong way, in no way has it ever been a burden or a chore. It was more a question of whether I'm a rambling fool speaking to an empty house or not. I've been quite surprised at the comments I've received, I had no idea the thread was as inspirational or significant as it seems it may be to some. That's really nice, I'm glad for that. I guess we can stretch it out to a year & choose a direction from the 1 year birthday.

Really sorry to hear about the trouble that may effect your camp Wabo. I can only hope for you & your group that there is a reason & that there is some unforeseen benefits and improvements above your current group/camp status. Something better that you just can't quite see on the radar yet.

Dave

Wabo,

sorry to hear about the camp and family issues. Just remember that the as bad as this all gets, there is an end to it. It may take a year or two but the BS WILL end eventually. It is much tougher when there are kids involved. The divorce bug runs in my family for some reason. All I can say is be patient it will be over and each family will be able to move on. That doesn't mean it won't hurt for a while though. Keep your head up and think about big heavy MO bucks on a frosty November morning.

On the deer camp thing... That's a rough deal too. Maybe its like you said, this could be the chanc for you and your cousin to start a new camp together.

Man I can see it now. Two birth of a deer camp threads. Hey, might be onto somthing here.

Maybe there can be a deer camp forum and a deer hunting forum. If Dave decides enough is enough ( don't do it dave) than you can fire one up.

Tom

I'll just wait for someone to tell me "that's enough"

until then, I'll just keep rambling.

Exactly Davester! I'm thinking if the mods or whoever thought it was using up to much space, they wouldn't have stickied the thread. Keep 'er lit for as long as they let ya!

Man,I don't check in for a day and you guys have added two pages.
Dave,as a forum owner myself I can assure you that Rick is overjoyed to see the hits this thread gets.If he ever decides that it is too big and wants to pull the plug we can move it with approval of my internet guru.
I'm feeling much better every day and I owe a lot of my recovery to the pleasure I get from reading here.
Tuesday,Wednesday and today I have walked a mile each day at the local park.Today is exactly four weeks from the operation.I feel really good.
You guys discussing .243's reminds me of my .243.In 1975 I was living in Atlanta and a very good friend wanted me to start deer hunting with him.I had never deer hunted.He offered to loan me a MOssberg .243 since I had no suitable deer rifle.On Nov.15,1975 I killed my first deer,a sixpointer, with that rifle.I was then hooked on deer hunting.Since I bought a Marlin 30-30 I gave Bill his rifle back.He moved to Denver two years later and then to Las Vegas where he lived for 20some years.I visited him several times in LasVegas.
Five years ago in failing health and having lost one leg to diabetes he moved back to his home state of Kentucky.I had the chance to go up to Kentucky and spend a week with him at that time.We had a great time talking about old times.I hated to leave when time came.
I spoke to him by phone several times after that.His health worsened and June 29 of last year my very good friend passed away one night.
Two weeks after his death his widow called and asked me how to ship a gun to me.Bill left me that .243 in his will after keeping it 32 years unfired since I killed a deer with it.I had her to ship it to my local gun dealer and now have it in my safe.
I took it out and shot it and it was still zeroed in.
So .243's have a spot in my heart.
One day I will find someone to pass it on to.

Stan

Very nice Stan.

And glad to hear you're feeling better. Heck, a mile a day is better than I'd guess 85% of the US population, if you think about it. Keep working. Hunting season is right around the corner. Maybe better check that zero again on a chunky buck. Bill would like that, I think.

Craig

Stan,

Glad to hear you are doing better!!! I'm also Sorry to hear about Bill but I'm certain he would like seeing you use that 243 to wack another deer too.

Thanks for the well wishes guys but you know what I have one Very Wonderful family and especially considerate wife.. Here it is July with Nov. long gone and ya know I've got my Orange cap still laying on the desk infront of me, an orange pullover hanging on the chair behind me and another over the kitchen table chair.

She knows this is what drives me and my deer and waterfowl calls hang from the wall infront of me as I type along with another camo hat. Deer and Fish on the wallmounts in the living room, hunting related stuff placed here and there to help me keep my cool. Life is pretty sweet all in all, just hope I can pass some of this on to the little ones and that my cousin and his boys are someday feeling as lucky as I feel right now too..

Stan,

Great to hear that you're up and about. If you are walking a mile a day...man that's pretty good. I know a lot of people that don't do half of that. And they did not have MAJOR surgery a month ago. Keep it up Stan and as I said you will feel better than you have in years. My father in law went through the same thing two years ago and now hunts in Montana in the mountains.

That story about the .243 is great. Sorry to hear about your friend, and I bet the gun is near and dear to you. I think it would be great if you took it out and shot a buck with it this fall.

Tom

Awesome story Stan, great to hear you have been exercising outdoors & steadily improving. By fall you'll be in better shape than most of us here!!

I can only imagine how proud you will be to carry that rifle in the woods this fall.

It's been storming here this morning & there is more on the way. We've put off another camping trip that was to take place today & tomorrow with some of my uncles & cousins. Too bad because I really wanted to see those guys, they are my original deer hunting group & many of them & have not seen in well over a year.

If the weather breaks up tomorrow or even looks somewhat promising I'd like to go out to deer camp & get a few things done. Over the winter months while out at the camp, last fall actually during black powder deer season we were visited at camp by friends of another camp that I have frequented over the years on occasion. Great guy, comes up from the twin cities with a friend or 2 & several kids to his hunting camp. Well, he spots our hand pumper well sitting on the counter top at the cabin & we start talking about shallow wells & stuff, it turns out he's got a bunch of pipe & a sandpoint we can have. It's sitting over at his camp. So I'm thinking of giving him a call & seeing if it's ok to stop by his camp to grab that stuff.

Oh there is plenty to do out at camp, sand point well, exterior trim on the shack, I have a screen door I should put on, We have to build the sauna and the rest of the cabin addition if that's what we have decided on, then we have to tie the 2 roofs together which will mean some metal cutting & creating a valley where the roof lines meet. Should put on some soffit & fascia to keep the birds from nesting in the attic. I have a bunch of large boulders to move about a half a mile...

Trails to cut, stands to build, firewood.... I have to get that LP fridge out there, holy cow I've got a lot of work to do!!!

Then there is all this stuff to do inside the cabin, I have to seal up the floor with something (still bare plywood), I have to check the floor for level now that the cabin has had time to settle it's footings, jack & shim where needed....

Lots of work to do.

Dave

Dave, How many Miles from Hibbing to your shack?

From Hibbing..... lemme think here... (sip my coffee...)

hmm, mapquest time... thinking number 2 south of red lake area is the best route between us, let me check a map...

looks like about 225 miles.

Stan great to hear your doing better. Bill sounds like the kind of friend we all hope to have.

This year is my daughters 1st year deer hunting.

She went thru all the gear the other and was digging things out picking out her knife, hat, flashlight, etc. Then she found my grandfathers old red and black wool hunting pants.

These are the kind that lace up the calves and with suspenders.

Well my grandfather was a big guy and it was hysterical watching her try them on.

It is such a pleasure watching her use things that were passed down so I know someone will you give the same feeling when you pass along that rifle.

A while back I picked up Ruger UL in .257 bob for her to use well the stock was just a tad long for her. She told me that she did not want to cut the stock as the wood was to pretty and that she would wait until she was bigger to use it. Of course I could not put off waiting.

Went out and found a NIB Remmy 700 ADL in .243 youth synthetic for her and she is all gung ho to do some deer whackage.

I have gained much more from getting my kids into hunting and the outdoors then from actually doing it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

17 pounds.
You shoulda grabbed a turtle and ate it. They are great (better than pike) when out of clean water.
Did you catch any crappie?
Most folks go to the BWCAW with their families and are looking for a fairly easy few days to relax. But if you ever want a more remote, super fishing trip for more species, let me know. I could show you some fantastic routes where there are very few canoeists; mostly because there are few trails in places. If there are poor trails, they are usually unmarked and hard to find. The trip would be harder, but nearly untouched fishing for brook trout, lake trout, etc. is found. Trout lakes are more common in the eastern portion, which I'm most familiar with.

That would be very cool.

I may find myself roped into one more trip this summer as it seems my brother really wants to go in August.

i've never put in over on the far east side, I think I'd really like to try that, would it fall south of the gunflint blowdown area?

Trout, that would be very cool.

sadly no efforts were put towards the crappie. In the north west bay of Bald eagle as we headed towards a couple of stream inlets we noticed a spot in the weeds where the surface water was dancing with some activity that we suspected was probably crappie. But we were hell bent for a sharp drop off of an island for walleye & some pike up in the shallows so we didn't stop to try for the crappies.

The area was ground zero for the blowdown. All of the main portages are maintained. A lot of it has been burning up. Some places are tough to get around in. You know, wilderness.

Anyone interested in trout resources in NE MN should go here:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout_streams/north_mn_maps.html

Its an online version of a booklet the MNDNR produced for anglers. It consists of maps and tables of the best trout streams and trout lakes in NE MN. I was on the committee that produced the book and was responsible for the info from Cook County, generally. That would be maps 6,7,8, and 19. Map 19 is the one that covers most of the area of the BWCAW that I was talking about. There are 120+ trout lakes on map 19. The tables tell you species, if stocked, etc. Folks seem to really like it. If you find any errors, tell somebody else about it. I don't work there anymore.

Pick a lake and go to the "Lake Finder" option on the MNDNR web page and you can find hydrographic maps and the latest lake assessment or survey of most any lake on the maps.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sadly no efforts were put towards the crappie. In the north west bay of Bald eagle as we headed towards a couple of stream inlets we noticed a spot in the weeds where the surface water was dancing with some activity that we suspected was probably crappie.

Crappie are my favorite eatin' fresh-water fish. There are almost no crappie around here. I have to go south/west to get a meal. I didn't see your how-to-catch crappie request before you left, or we may have gotten you some crappie. About this time of year, my favorite way to catch them is over and amongst the deeper weed beds. Look for something "different" amongst the larger "cabbage" beds, like a small patch of a different plant species. An inlet, like you were at, would also suffice. They may have been feeding on an insect hatch occuring in the inlet stream. I use a lightweight rod with 2-4 pound test. Casting a tiny jig head with a tiny twister tail is the medicine. Yellow is the color. It sounds like you may have seen crappie feeding around the "cabbage" (usually large-leaf pondweed)?

yes the surface flutter type activity we saw would have been at a transition from a lily pad bed to the cabbage right where it dropped in a little too deep for the pads & the cabbage would have started.

The lake back home here close to our deer camp (small reservoir lake) is supposed to hold some good crappie & largemouth that have been stocked. But I think it's actually more popular lately for good sized sunnies.

I'd like to put the canoes in there & explore a little (non motorized lake)

Dave,

You mentioned that you were looking for a way to seal up your plywood floor. Have you looked at some of the laminate hardwood type floors? I was looking at some for my basement. If you are not looking for something fancy or a brand name type, there can be some good deals. It is real easy to install and a lot more durable than lenolium or vinal type floors.

Slate tile is also fairly cheap. If you have a home depot by you they give a military discount so you would probably qualify. If not have your dad look at the Duluth store, because I KNOW they give a military discount.

It sounds like you have a full plate up at the camp. Do you have electric up there or do you just use a generator? I wish I was closer, I could run up for a weekend and help you out. I love building stuff, espically on a deer shack. It just makes it more fun.

Tom

we use a generator which hasn't been sparked to life since early last fall

hope it still runs!!

I've thought about the lam floor, it would be a good way for us to go.

But for now I am thinking about firing the generator, running a shop vac over all of the joints where the sheets butt up to pull dirt out of those cracks, then get several tubes of liquid nails or similar construction adhesive & run a bead on all the joints/cracks, then trowel the bead flat with a putty knife or bondo spreader, leave camp for a few hours on a wheeler ride or something & come back when it's hopefully all dry. then prime & paint the plywood floor something like a light sand/tan color with a durable urethane. I could even get stupid & stencil in some wildlife stuff in a contrast color, animal silhouettes etc...

maybe that'd be a bit much.

home depot mil discount? active or veteran?

does it matter?

Dave

I used Big Stretch on all the seams. If I had to do it over, I'd use tongue and groove, or put a 2nd layer 90 degrees to the first. I also did put 2" foam insulation on the underside.

Whatever happens, I want a plywood floor.

It says, come in. Sit down. Beer? Hey man, you spilled a little. You know, after years and years of that, plywood develops a patina that antique dealers - well it's to die for.

Not to mention snow. Once you get her over 33 degrees, all that snow you tracked in while shoveling, tramping the pooper trail, turning on the gas, unloading - that stuff's gonna melt. Now, I've spent a lot of time in cabins wher then you do a lot of wiping, mopping, sweeping in advance, and otherwise worrying about what's gonna happen to the floor??????

Forget it. A floor needs to be flat. And have a patina.

Craig

The stencils would be a bit much imo but it's your place.

home depot gives an mil discount on active for sure. My mom is in the Air National Guard in Duluth and she gets one there. I would be suprised if they wouldn't give one to someone on inactive.

might take a lot of paint on that floor too. I painted some trim and tounge and groove for my basement and man did it soak up the paint. the plywood may be a little different with all the laminated pieces. I suppose you don't need to make it purty though just seal the sucker.

Tom

There's a lot of options. But only one patina.

Can't make it. Can't plan for it. Just wait for it.

Craig

If you want some patina, I could send my kids up your way. I have more patina on my friggin' carpet than most antique dealers could shake a stick at.

That is a good point though. If it is just plywood, there is no whineing if you spill a little chille on the floor. Now if you spill a High Life on the floor... there will be some whining, and some patina.

craig, I do miss this one large blood stain on the dirty plywood floor of our old shack before we did a second layer sandwiching styrofoam & painting the top surface. Can't remember for sure but I'm thinking it may have been from a deer heart i cam tromping in with one year long ago.

That kind of patina?

Also, Tom, do you realize you just made the 900th post on this thread???!!!!

Holy smokes!

Dave

If you didn't love it, you just didn't give it enough time.

That's the stuff of super patina.

Craig

I saw the page change but it didn't occur to me that it was 900. Wow. Hell another week or two and she'll be at 1000. Pretty impressive.

I hear tell that Robot Girl drippings make a heck of a patina ...

GE

Dave,

An adventurous pair of Marine brothers who happen to be hunting friends of mine left a vehicle parked at my house today. The two are going to float straight through no stopping in a canoe on the Mighty Mo. river from Kansas City to Booneville, Mo. They start at first light tomorrow.

They are the type of guys with no quit in them and I'm Proud to call them friends, they reminded me of you and the boy in more ways then one. I'll be driving down to pick them up on Sunday one of them drove from Toledo, OH to do this while the other lives in K.C. they intend to make this an annual event. I didn't know about this soon enough or I'd have joined them, but it is exciting none the less to be part of thier lives too. You Marine guys sure do know how to live!!! Just had to share.

semper fi to your buddies wabster.

GE these roboto's, mini kegs? what kind of beer (like it matters)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

GE these roboto's, mini kegs? what kind of beer (like it matters)

Heineken.

Robot Girl: From those clearly disturbing yet vaguely erotic TV ads with the Robot chick with the keg in her mid section.

If Craig's pouring: Foamy Heineken (And foamy beer IS foamy beer and you are correct - it DOES NOT matter at that point).

GE

Mmmmmm. Patina. I think I just named my next dog.

Craig

Well, I think we have established some extreme points of individual interest this week.

Seems GE really has a thing for those little Heineken kegs, Craig seems to really be into Patina lately, Dpole woke up when he heard mention of Crappie fishing....

Note to self, these things could be used to lure these folks in like a buck to a grunt tube. Toss some crappie in the little pond next to the shack for Dpole, put a few mini heini kegs inside the shack for GE, And i've got plenty of patina for craig. My old yellow 1970 F250 plow truck is patina'd all to hell.

Heck, just this morning I cleaned up, straightened & rebuilt a coleman lantern that got sucked up & spit out of a tornado in Waroad MN in 2006, that's thing's got some extreme patina earned the hard way!!

We know we need to find a new "Swish suit" for grogel, maybe put a nice toad in the pocket of the suit for him.

Tzone Tom could be lured in with some youpers music & some old FoMoCo parts.

Rooster, heck he don't need no bait, but a few can's of his fav brew (cold & free) would speed his travel time.

We could tell Wabster about the huge waterfowl pond just north of camp.

We could saw the barrel off anything quarter borish for Dober & he'd come running

I'm not sure what to do about big Drift, was thinking maybe set up a hammock for him in a silent peaceful stand of cedars. But he might have to fight Stan for the hammock.

Gotta run to town to pick up a new globe for this tornado tested coleman lantern.

cool, windy, crappy day, not sure if we'll get out to the deer camp tonight or not.

We'll just see which way the wind blows us I guess.

Dave

hey jim.. my dad and the wood spirit are becoming VERY good friends.

dad is getting the wood spirit drunk and telling him about the big fork toed buck he wants to shoot this year.
[Linked Image]

dad figures hes got this one in the bag with the luck of the wood spirit on his side!
[Linked Image]

shameless isnt he?

WEEZY

Well guys, I got 2 words for ya. Check-mate!

Game frickin over!!

Me & the wood spirit hit it off just great, he's passed out on the couch (lightweight) but he said he's got my back this year.

Ole forky toes is going down!!

Jim, thanks again so much for the powerful luck of the wood spirit, I assume I am using the wood spirit correctly?

There were no instructions so...

Yeah I must be doing it right.

Dave

OMIGOSH,how'd you know I was a hammock fancier?I had one on the porch of my little place and used to take frequent stops there for inspection of my inner eyelids.I still have that hammock.
Not fishing for congrats in any way just making a statement of fact.Today I am 67 years old.I felt like I started out the day right by coming here first.
Last night my sister from Alabama and my daughter who lives nearby and my gradndaughter came for supper and brought me a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake.They were fresh back from a week at the beach.We are all having breakfast this morning.

Stan

Happy birthday Stan!!
Wooooo!!!

oh, not so loud, wood spirit has a head ache this morning

i better get him some more coffee.

We'll keep a hammock hangin out there for ya Stan, can't promise we can keep it empty for you but if you should ever happen to show up at camp it will be vacated immediately !!

You have a great day with the girls!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Dave

Mrs ND checking in once again.
I have to say its been awhile but I've kept up on all the goings on at the "camp".
Jim- I don't know if I should be nervous, jealous or thankful.

Dave seems to be spending a lot of time with the wood spirit lately and there's quite the proof with the pics above. Well I guess if it brings us some luck this year, he can even sleep with it...I'll take the couch. A wife's gotta do, what a wife's gotta do!
I'd take some luck deer hunting. Hoping one will wonder over by my stand, and if only I get a shot, well that's a shot I haven't had in quite awhile. Just the feeling one gets when you see one coming into range, the heart gets beating, the mouth starts to water, your breathing changes, you don't want to move too quickly as to not to spook the deer. Oh I can't wait.
I have to comment a little on the BWCA trip recently taken. Everything came back from the trip Dave and I took 13 yrs ago...the smells, the quietness, the peacefulness, the relaxation, and yes, the gruel of paddling, portaging and being very exhausted. The time spent with our oldest two kids, Dave, and the "boy, girl, and sprout" is undeniably something that has left an imprint on my memory and my heart for the rest of my life as long as that may be. I hope that the trip we just took will become a ritual for us all, taking even the same trip or maybe changing locations, but simply doing a trip together every year. Dave and I love those kids as if they are our own, and any hour, minute, second is certainly welcome whenever that time may be.
Well now the time has come to "add" onto the cabin. We need to get moving on that project so it can be complete for this upcoming hunting season. A sauna would be nice to have out there as well as the "bs" room that we've been talking on adding too. I guess it all takes time but is certainly fun doing.
I'm sure Dave will keep you all posted when the construction starts, and will post pics.
I'd better sign off since this is way, way too long now. Keep up the posts and views, I think this thread is simply the best (I may be a bit prejudice too tho). With all the support and words from all, it has helped carry us threw a rough time and yet a memorable time in our lives.
Oh- Happy Bday Stan!
Until next time- Mrs. ND

Well, it stopped raining. We're thinking we'll haul old woody the wood spirit out to deer camp today and check things over out there, bring the chainsaw along as there will likely be trees down over the road with the high winds we've had.

We'll write down a materials list for the sauna & "BS room" Pam talked about above. And maybe we'll bring the wheeler & dirt bikes so the kids can do some riding.

I'll take a look at a pile of salvaged treated lumber & posts I have out there & maybe we can come up with a plan for a deer stand or 2 out in the tamarack swamp, deer cross there a lot & we have no stands out there.

Maybe we'll bring the camera.

Later.

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dpole woke up when he heard mention of Crappie fishing....

On my knees with a fork and a salt shaker!

Its a good thing that woody spirit don't got boobs. The mrs might never see Dave again.

Mrs,
Could you have Dave Rhino-line the "bs" room for me to stay in? I'd probably break something if you let me in the main cabin.

Still lovin' this thread

And a post from Weezy , and Mrs Northern Dave to top it off , how cool is that !!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll just wait for someone to tell me "that's enough"

Don't hold you're breath! It's a constant, friendly reminder that fall is coming and that the companionship is more important than the venison on the pole and that there is always time to slow down and return to our roots.

Stan,

Happy Birthday my friend and may you enjoy Many, Many More!!!

Weazy,

Can't believe you let Dad get the spirit all boozed up with Miller for crying out loud. Once the wood spirit gets alittle Miller he wants alot more and daily sometimes too, now MrsNorthnDave your Mom will be constantly running to the store for more Miller and Meat for the Grill. UNLESS you and the Boy keep the meat pole full with fresh venison and fish, it is now your duty to get the boy and yourself out to the cabin and in the woods after old forkytoes. Go get it done or your Mom will have her hands full...

Dave, If you tell me too much about waterfowl, pike and crappie let alone deer closeby to the cabin I just might head to the cabin and move in each fall.

Just finished picking the guys up off the river took them 31 hours to cover around 150 miles I forget the exact number but they paddled through a thunderstorm, got down to 62 lastnight and they were wet and cold.. So they jump into the river as the water was 73 or so to warmup they also built a fire and had a warm meal then off again. Thats one of the few stops they made and it only last 2 hours. I was impressed...

Other then that I've been throwing the softball around to the kids practicing on thier batting and catching, been along weekend but fun. Even my old patina catching truck is tired of running.

you want some patina? I got your patina. I got patina in the back of my shorts form fishing in 6 footers from a 17' boat, and I got patina in the front of my shorts from reading the posts from the last few days

dave, you look shinier than your woody...i mean wood sprit in your pics. It goes to show that high life is the gift of the gods if the spirts like it too.

craig, i can hear you know... hear Patina, hear girl, come on, yeah that's my big sweety.

and I can't forget Stan. HAPPY B-LATED B-DAY buddy.

Well guys, we're back from the woods. Something about being out there just relaxes me, I damn near took a nap but if I did it would have likely turned into an allnighter & I have to work tomorrow so I faught it off.

We got ole woody hung up next to the wood stove facing the wall of couches where he can keep an eye on all the BS & fun going on. He'll hang there until we get the BS room built then He'll probably have to hold down that fort. Jim says he has humor & likes to be around people & stories so that will be his home soon.

Here's ole woody chillin by the wood stove.
[Linked Image]

Yeah, well I don't even know If I want to show you guys this next picture, there's a big buck stomping up my road. I mean really big, I almost got the truck stuck in one of his tracks.

Have a look see.... is that a big ole buck track or what?
[Linked Image]

Yeah buddy, looks like it's time to dust off the elephant gun!!

OK, here's the side of the shack that needs the most work, the sauna/BS room addition. What you see here sticking out for a floor frame was to be for the sauna... well now we want a Bar type fun room as well so the width will double. We're thinking to the right on this photo we will add another 8' of floor width. It's currently 8' wide & comes out from the main cabin 16'. I've got a bunch of lumber & sheeting stacked up on that floor frame right now cause it's the best place I've got out there to keep it up off the ground.
[Linked Image]

We'll likely swap the sauna to the right & put the fun room facing the front of the cabin (where the sauna floor is now).

And finally, a windshield view coming out of the deer camp on the trail.
[Linked Image]

Wabster, good to hear your jarhead buddies made it through, I hope they got what they wanted out of that trip.

Thanks all for the replies, time to hit the rack here pretty soon.

Dave

HOTAMIGHTY,what a track!That bigun needs ambushing.
Mrs.ND,your additions to the thread are ALWAYS a breath of fresh air.Please drop in more often.
All you guys birthday wishes are muchly appreciated.
Great pictures,Dave.Need more and more.Adds visualization to the cabin.
My home town is in west Georgia right on the Chattahoochee river.
It's about two hundred miles down the river to the gulf of Mexico.When I was in high school my dad and I,along with a bunch from the town motored down the river to the bay.All told we had six powered boats.Took four days.This was in the middle 1950's long before any of the dams were built such as the one at Eufaula,Alabama.The Chattahoochee forms the boundary between Alabama and Georgia for a long way.We slept on sand bars and fished along the way and the adults consumed lotsa beer.We shot at turtles sitting on the rocks with .22 rifles.It was a great trip for a 14 year old.I'm sure you couldn't do today all that we did.
Today is going to be a great day.I sense that the wood spirit is strong today.

Stan

G'damn wood spirit let me down this morning!! I got a speeding ticket on the way to work!!

I guess he should have been riding shotgun with me instead of hanging on the wall way out at deer camp.

Check this out, the golden child does it again. It wasn't enough to haul home that awesome BWCA northern a week ago. The boy figures that Northern might get lonely on the wall so he goes out & catches this guy over the weekend. 46" Muskie!!
[Linked Image]

Dave

I'm tellin' ya dave,

You HAVE to find that horse shoe pile. Remember to plug you nose if you go under.

tell "The Golden Boy" congrats from tzone...AGAIN. I hope he has a big wall in his room with all that stuff he's been puting on it.

'ol forkey toes grew a little from last year 'eh.

Should have showed the Popo that pulled you over the pic of the deer track. He would understand that you were trying to get the hell out of there before he starts to rut. I figgure you'd be just about the right size.

Tom

hey, you were my 1000th post. cool. 1001 too I guess

one towsand posts!!

hey, see how tall that damn grass is getting around the shack?

I can't even tell where my trails are anymore!!

I called last night on a used 5' rotary mower for the 3 point/pto on my little blue tractor. Guy wants $650 for it, I might go take a look at it tonight. Says it's a Massy, never seen one before but I suppose it's like any other 5' mower.

I gotta get one though because them bugs love that tall grass & the tall grass is creeping in on the shack!!

Not to mention my trails!!

Dave

The grass will keep those mice down a little too.

Hey, I learned a trick last weekend to keep mice away that you could probably use. Fill the edges and cracks to the out side with steel wool. The mice won't chew through it to get in like the will with insulation. Places like around windows and doors behind the trim.

A perfect spot to do it would be when you connect the new addition to the cabin. Put it between all the new framing and "old" building, and then put your sheeting over it.

Have you looke into the mowers to pull behind the wheeler? I'm not sure how much they are put might be somthing to look at too.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Have a look see.... is that a big ole buck track or what?
[Linked Image]

You're a phuggin beauty man.....

Never a dull moment.

Yeah I've looked at em, but the 3 point pto units are handy, you pay for strength, heavy blades, hevy deck, heavy gearbox. instead of paying for a drive engine you are paying for heavier steel & the little blue tractor is a 30HP, it does just fine with a 5 footer behind it. I see I can pick up a "king Kutter" brand 5 footer rated to 40 HP with a solid rear tire, a slip clutch & a stump jumper blade set up for about $860

deck is 12 gauge, I wish it was 10 though. But I think I'd be happier with a solid rear tire & a slip clutch for my intended use.

Could be a lot less manitenance with the solid rear tire too. Espically since you'll be running it in the woods. Won't be affeceted by by the weather either. Nothing worse than having a flat when you forgot to throw the compresser in the truck.

$860 sounds pretty good for new. If your worried about the steel, maybe a guy could weld or bolt a piece of steel to the front of the mower or something.

Just called a local tractor supply company & they have them in stock, they can set me up with a 5 footer with a slip clutch for about $770.

that's probably the way to go for us, solid rear tire, brand new, and a slip clutch on the PTO shaft, all for about a hundred bucks more than this guy wants for his used one with sheer pin drive & a baloon tire in back.

That's considerable less than I just paid for this 4 footer. Devirginized it this weekend at Shooterville. Worked well....

[Linked Image]

Except - the Kubota dude can't seem to get the front bracket for my suitcase weights - wants to lift the front end every time you try to back up...

And I cut the top off so many racks I think I need a new set of blades already! Maybe should have got a rock locator first.

Happy birthday Stan! And good patina to the rest of you. This weekends contribution to patina is smeared bugs and Kippered snack juice. Kiddo loves kippers now. Mom ain't gonna like this....

Craig

Sheesh! Where do I start?? A LOT of activity this weekend I see!

Weezy - So cool that you posted up and captured the 'ol man with his new drinking buddy! Thats good stuff indeed! Come on more often!

Dave - Yep! I'm thinking that is exactly how your supposed to use 'ol woody". As you mentioned, he likes to have fun and listen to stories. Heck with a few high life's down his neck, he might even tell a few. My Archery Talk buddy Jeff from WI carves those along with many, many other things (bears etc.)with a chainsaw and carving tools. Very, very talented man and one heck of a nice guy too! I've clued him in on this thread and when he gets time he wants to read it. He is good 'ol boy like everyone else on here so I'm sure he will enjoy every word. Wow that is one heck of a buck track Dave. Better raise your stands a few feet before they go missing from antler entanglement! Give a shout when you want to work on the cabin. I'll do my best to come up and help.

MrsND - Always a pleasure! I wouldn't worry too much about Dave and Woody the Spirt unless you see Dave carving things out of black walnut that resembles boobs. Until then everything should be fine.

Stan - Happy B-lated Birthday! May you have many, many more! I can tell you have lots and lots of experience and wisdom to share so we need you around for a long time!

Rooster

Craig got him the squeeler!! That's a serious mower right there, you won't ever buy another one cause you'll never bend or break that one!!!

That's what I really want but like you said, very pricey!!

I'm jeleous!

Rooster, figured you would like that deer track & those wood spirit photos.

Now you gotta come up & see him!!
(woody)

Dave on that slip clutch you may have to cut your PTO shaft down on the mower in order for everything to work. The shaft on that 5 foot 3 point finishing mower I bought is too long to install the slip clutch. I get by without it but I can see where it would be nice to have especailly if your swinging that heavy blade around on the brush mower your looking at.

the old 5 footer woods brand mower I borrowed from Twisty (twistedone) on the campfire here last year had a slip clutch & I made it slip a couple of times, I'm thinking the slip clutch is a good thing.If I have to cut something down, shorten, re-fit or what ever I should have the tools & equip to do it at home & if I don't, I'll bring it in to work & do it.

G'damn craig had to post that super wicked cool bush hog squeeler.... now I want one of them... damn it!!

Price do make you - - squeal.

Turns out the guy I dealt with is the son of the guy running the place. Sr quoted me a price way too low. After waitning 3 weeks for the Kubota orange one (Sr said a week) Jr jumps in on the deal and gives me the red one for what Sr said, but swears he's losing about $400. Sr is around 75, very very nice, set the whole thing up for me. Very patient, Jr should be proud.

I'd feel bad about it, but waiting, you know. And it'd really be sexy if it was orange. Hot.

Trouble is - do I have too much mower or too little tractor? Ain't either one going away soon. Better just mow.

Craig

AAAARRGGGGHHHH...beer...power tools...deer...duck ponds...wood spirits...robot girls...big fishes....grilling...SENSORY OVERLOAD

Did ja hear dat...what...who...where...oh not the forky toes track.

Need to go to the cave it is better in the cave, sniffing the orange, caress the wool, pop the tops...

I CAN'T TAKE THE SUMMER WITHDRAWLS NEED MORE PICS TO OFFSET THE INSANITY

Bd, man, there should be no sniffing. Should have smelt the garbage after 3 tins of kippers two days ago. Disable the sniffer. It'll save trauma.

Craig

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Bd, man, there should be no sniffing. Should have smelt the garbage after 3 tins of kippers two days ago. Disable the sniffer. It'll save trauma.

Craig

Craig - Sounds like sound advice for the wife too when you crawl under the covers at night!

Hmm, rooster seven speak'em heap big truth.

Mayday...mayday...mayday...pre teen / teenage girls dividing up the gun case.

After asking me for $20.00 to go buy this soooooo cutttte dress that........

How is it they can go from arguing about blaze orange to sundresses and who gets the husky

then I need to figure out if some kid from the Jonas brothers

needs to have a dad talk?

I need the boys to grow faster...

Originally Posted by big drift

AAAARRGGGGHHHH...beer...power tools...deer...duck ponds...wood spirits...robot girls...big fishes....grilling...SENSORY OVERLOAD

Did ja hear dat...what...who...where...oh not the forky toes track.

Need to go to the cave it is better in the cave, sniffing the orange, caress the wool, pop the tops...

I CAN'T TAKE THE SUMMER WITHDRAWLS NEED MORE PICS TO OFFSET THE INSANITY

See what happens when I have to go out of town for court ...

Geez BD - go do a counter-intelligence stalk of the Northwood's Shelter Mini-Van Driving Sasquatches or something ... at least we can bill for it!

GE

Dave,

That looks like it may be the Dirty point Buck track of legend!!! It is really Nice Scenery up by your place your making me want to take a trip out to the woods soon.. Sorry to hear the wood spirit was too far away to protect you from the po po.. Get ready Dave fasten your seatbelt as I figured out a new program today and it makes posting pics here pretty easy..

Drift,

Power tools are fun most of the time but...

This is what I call working with dangerous power tools...

[Linked Image]

Since you all know I like waterfowl hunting ya may as well meet my buddy who is laying on the floor next to me right now.. Here he is doing his thing.

[Linked Image]

Late breaking news.I was scheduled to go to the surgeon for first post op visit tomorrow.I got a call this morning that he's juggling schedule and could I come in today?Of course!I was there at 11:30.He came in and asked how I was feeling,looked at my chest and legs,listened to my heart,asked if I had any questions,told me I was healed enough to drive and told me to have a good life and dismissed me.WOW!I knew I was doing pretty good but usually driving is after six weeks.He said I seemed to heal really fast and was really pleased that I had been walking as much as I had.
Now I have 12 weeks of rehab at Heart Life and a visit with the respiratory doctor on July 30th.
Mebbe the old Energizer Bunny me is doing OK after all.
Just thought I'd share that with you all.

Stan

That's great news Stan, glad to hear it.

I found at a local implement dealer a 5' brush cutter (3 point mount, pto driven) in a brand called Kodiak. Although the welding looks like it was done by a blind Chinese girl with Parkinson�s disease... the overall design & materials used look to be very good. Price is very attractive (helps off set the welding that I would likely re-do.)

So I might go with that one.

I'll research today if I get a chance.

I'll be mowing by the weekend one way or another.... I hope.

Dave

Gav,

I think the sasquatches at the shelter were one contributing factor to my stress level yesterday

Wabo, the tree whacking is defintely a sport up here we had to drop some trees at Gav's cabin this spring. Now knowing Craig I wish we could have gotten him to swing by and offer some recommendations.

Ya should see the pic we have floating around here of the Sherpular one after he dropped the new lawn furniture in the lake.

Stan, great to hear your doing well now stick around and tell us some more tales of back in the day

The deer camps that I grew up with were a bit more rustic than yours. Slab wood, tar paper, and tin were the norm. I'm gonna keep pushin' for a rhino liner for your bs room. A jack-pine slab wood and stump decor would be good. One of them big spools from electric cable for a table and a bale of straw to nap on after a crappie fillet dinner. I'll even stock the pond, as I know a bit about that. I do suggest keeping the sauna seperate from the main cabin because of the moisture. Besides, its fun to roll in the snow on the way from the sauna to the cabin.

The kid is setting the bar pretty high for the rest of his life. He's gonna have to really produce to beat his recent catches. A few years ago, I decided to eat a muskie, to see what they taste like. Nice white meat, but THE BONES! Holy heck, they got bones worse that a sucker. The normal pikey Y-bones are amazingly increased in size and branching. I gave up trying to get a boneless piece of meat. Its no wonder everybody releases them.

I kinda miss having those nice thin woods like you show with the through-windshield photos. Can't hardly walk through the stuff up here, unless you get into a nice mature maple stand.

Stan,

GREAT news buddy. Gland to hear you're on the mend. Maybe all that walking post op has paid off. If you are able to drive after a few weeks.... just think what deer season will bring you. Hopefully a new rack to put with the rest.

Tom

I don't care how much those blind chinese girs weld, they just never seem to figure it out

.

I have never heard of Kodiak so I can't help you out with that one. If you really are going to redo the welding, it may not be that great. But I have fixed a fair amount of stuff I bought too.

Dpole might be onto somthing here. Rhino lining the floor in the bs room may be a cool deal. It'll give good traction to wobbily legs on the way back to the bunk rooms.

The problem with the Rhino Liner is that it doesn't show any patina.

Tom

Originally Posted by DPole

The deer camps that I grew up with were a bit more rustic than yours. Slab wood, tar paper, and tin were the norm. I'm gonna keep pushin' for a rhino liner for your bs room. A jack-pine slab wood and stump decor would be good. One of them big spools from electric cable for a table and a bale of straw to nap on after a crappie fillet dinner. I'll even stock the pond, as I know a bit about that. I do suggest keeping the sauna seperate from the main cabin because of the moisture. Besides, its fun to roll in the snow on the way from the sauna to the cabin.

The kid is setting the bar pretty high for the rest of his life. He's gonna have to really produce to beat his recent catches. A few years ago, I decided to eat a muskie, to see what they taste like. Nice white meat, but THE BONES! Holy heck, they got bones worse that a sucker. The normal pikey Y-bones are amazingly increased in size and branching. I gave up trying to get a boneless piece of meat. Its no wonder everybody releases them.

I kinda miss having those nice thin woods like you show with the through-windshield photos. Can't hardly walk through the stuff up here, unless you get into a nice mature maple stand.

That's good input Dpole... I smile when I read the rino liner but it would make a really good sauna floor coating no?

And keeping the sauna seperate from the cabin, I'm actually with you on that one, it's more traditional, it's pretty fun that way.... mhh, might be an option, simply use what was to be the sauna floor structure (which is built already) for the "BS room" and build the sauna on it's own seperate from the cabin.... I could really like that plan.... we just have to work on Pam, see what she thinks, I like it.

the rough decor for the bar/bs room, I agree.

And as far as the Golden child & his run of luck on fishing/hunting. Yeah, he may have to put in a lot of time to ever live up to this year again.

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's good input Dpole...

Now, we're gettin' somewhere. Separating the sauna would give you another opportunity for a deer stand. Like a good outhouse, one can situate the sauna so the occupant can see a slightly different area (than from the cabin) of the surrounding buck-woods. You are also given the excuse to buy a shiny new stainless and synthetic deer rifle that won't rot in the sauna too fast.
Don't forget the sliding windows for shooting out of.

Originally Posted by tzone

The problem with the Rhino Liner is that it doesn't show any patina.

Tom

and we can't have that can we?

patina proof floor, tisk, tisk.

DPole,

You sir are a man of gienus. A shooting window, and sauna proof stainless rifle. I'm thinking the rifles should be teflon coated for the extra humidity or the sauna. Of course the scope has to be top notch so it won't fog up either. Rhino liner on the floor in the sauna is a must, for saftey reasons of course

.

This man folks has been around the block and knows what it takes to make a camp... grin

Quote

northern_dave
patina proof floor, tisk, tisk.

Anybody that thinks Rhino liner can't get patina hasn't tried hard enough.

Dave might consider it for the "entry way" too; or as I like to call it, the "mud-and-blood room." I wonder if it comes in pretty, female-approved, entry-way colors.

Originally Posted by tzone

DPole,

I'm thinking the rifles should be teflon coated for the extra humidity or the sauna. Rhino liner on the floor in the sauna

Actually, everything in a sauna should be wood, including the floor. I know a guy who built his new sauna with metal seats. We all laughed like heck at him. Shooting a sauna-hot rifle is best undertaken with some care. The pain threshold varies on the size of the buck. Some guys can take it better than others. You need an integrated sauna compartment in the wall that stays cooler via conduction of exterior temps. I forgot to mention that. Make it big enough to also hold a small cooler for refreshments. But you might have something with that teflon coating.

Does yellow count?

Yeah we've got a comercial style rug right there now, (entrance door to the shack) the type with the rubber back, it catches & holds water so it don't just soak into the plywood floor there.

but yeah a little rhino liner in that area would be a good idea.

No reply from wife yet on question of the "divorced" sauna.

If I told her she could have an outdoor hot tub that way too.... well then maybe....

Dave

Originally Posted by DPole

Actually, everything in a sauna should be wood, including the floor.

I was thinking about doing a insulated plywood floor that is sloped to a drain, then covering the floor with a heavy comercial grade roofing rubber, the stuff that comes in a big sheet, and running it up the walls behind the cedar paneling about a foot or so. then doing raised slat sections over that(cedar) so you can lift panels out to clean if you want but you are standing on wood slats that the water can drain through.

or should I forget about making a tight floor & just do a slightly spaced cedar plank floor that the water can drain through?

or should I pour a little slab? so the sauna is on a concrete floor & then do my slat paneled floor?

We have the perfect sand out there for mixing our own concrete. I'd just have to borrow a mixer, build up a spot to form up a slab on..... hmmm

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If I told her she could have an outdoor hot tub that way too.... well then maybe....

Dave

Whatever. The more deer stands, the better. Just remember, its location, location,......

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Does yellow count?

Is it an eeeeeeeeevil yellow? No, I mean, Dave will have to ask the mrs.

beer yellow? I dunno, we'll maybe have to call it "gold" or something, not so sure about yellew.

"thinking about maybe starting a petting zoo..."

"an evil petting zoo?"

[Linked Image]

Well if ol'Dave is lookin' fer a hot tub there is a gent down to Park Rapids that is selling the Japanese wood burner style.

Pretty reasonable as I recall he has them fer sale on craigslist from time to time.

That might be best out there...

Quote

Now knowing Craig I wish we could have gotten him to swing by and offer some recommendations.

You do have that straight. This 4Ster is full of recommendations. Which tree to cut, when to cut it, how to plant a new one, what kind. As far as putting a saw in it, I try and get big bearded guys with suspenders and Stormy Kromer's to do that.

I do it and the kid says, "Geeze Dad, you got your saw pinched again???"

Craig

maintance wise. the concrete floor may be the best. Never thought of the rubber flooring. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Every sauna I've been in though has the cedar slat pannel floor for the water to run through.

[quote=northern_dave]beer yellow? I dunno, we'll maybe have to call it "gold" or something, not so sure about yellew.

We could call it "High Life" yellow.

Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

maintance wise. the concrete floor may be the best. Never thought of the rubber flooring. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Every sauna I've been in though has the cedar slat pannel floor for the water to run through.

2 kinds of concrete , cracked and hasn't cracked yet

They make that EPDM ( the rubber roofin you mentioned ) in different thickness' .060 is pretty heavy duty stuff , A big sheet with a floor drain ( don't use roofin tar near the rubber

) then use strips of the leftover rubber for "slip sheets " loose laid under the sections of your flooring sections , lets the wood move as it needs to without rubbing holes in that waterproof layer . They even make rigid insulation that is tapered in thickness to make sure things drain good.

Just my .02 ,But, If you know a comercial roofer , it may be worth looking into

that's what I was thinking Phil, I've seen the .060 stuff for sale at area builder supply stores, I was thinking pretty much exactly as you described except for using the trimmings for "slip sheets" That would take care of my worry about the bottom of the slat sections rubbing through the EPDM.

Thanks.

Dave

Originally Posted by big drift

Well if ol'Dave is lookin' fer a hot tub there is a gent down to Park Rapids that is selling the Japanese wood burner style.

Pretty reasonable as I recall he has them fer sale on craigslist from time to time.

That might be best out there...

Do you have any further detail that would help me find this? I get down that way pretty frequently.

Dave

Lemme see where I have put his number it is floating around here somewhere I'll PM ya the details.

Ok, thanks

Hey check this out Dave. Ya might be a redneck!

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-wood-fired-hot-tub/

Think ya want a bigger hot tub than this .

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.really-funny-joke.com/images/red-neck-hot-tub.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.really-funny-joke.com/funny-pictures-1.asp&h=410&w=600&sz=71&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=OA3aIrb5EYhEXM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dredneck%2Bhot%2Btub%26hl%3Den

that's honestly all I need, except for the other dude in the tub with me, I could do without that.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Have a look see.... is that a big ole buck track or what?
[Linked Image]

You're a phuggin beauty man.....

Never a dull moment.

Pam just brought this post to my attention Scott.

I thought you'd like that.

Weezy says "my life is a cartoon" is that a bad thing?

Dave

Dave - Was just checking in and seen your over 23,000 views now. Incredible! Look how far you have come since this was posted:

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave
_________________________
"The glass in my eye isn't so bad, but that was my last cold beer"

"excuse me but did you say a gun for all bears?" ---- "yes, all bears."

Great start,Rooster7.I guess this is "Birth of a deer camp-part Deux".
More posts and pictures are definitely in order.

Stan

Originally Posted by big drift

Lemme see where I have put his number it is floating around here somewhere I'll PM ya the details.

Please either pm me also or post the info here. I have a nice hillside with a spring flowing from it, about 150 yards from the house. I've been thinking of a deer stand there. Am interested in the hot tub design.

That redneck hot tub looks more like an African soup pot.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave - Was just checking in and seen your over 23,000 views now. Incredible! Look how far you have come since this was posted:

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. - snip -

Over 24000 now.

crazy isn't it?

Stan, Rooster quoted the very first post on the thread, that was the intro to this monstrosity.

Rooster, I don't feel so good this morning...

I was "Happy Gilmore" yesterday....

Pro golfer....

Well... pro drinker anyways...

So we made it over 23,000 views, WOW.

Who would have know that a simple building of a cabin with a tragic loss in our lives, would warrant great advice, great people, and a lot of building relationships. I'm simply in awe.

If there is a sauna, there must be a hot tub for ME, not trying to be selfish or anything but... I'm not too much on a sauna even though Dave has tried, but I'll take a hot tub any day. Maybe not the bathtub type hot tub, maybe something alittle different and especially not with two guys sitting in it together. We can built the sauna for Dave and whoever else would like it, I may get in there once and a while. If the hot tub doesn't get out there for awhile, that's ok, just so some day I get one. (maybe at home, with a nice big addition on the house would be ok too :))

Now to the BS room/sauna/build together/apart? I think the sauna should probably be seperate but not too far from the cabin and definately with a patio block/paver block trail to it. Won't matter much in the winter I guess but I'm just thinking about the "summer look" of it.

The BS room probably should be built this summer yet because that will be a need for this hunting season. Probably should make it a tish bigger than what the current floor system that's built is, maybe double the size? 16 x 16? Not 8 x 16? I'd better get looking for a couple more "free" winders too since I like light and all. Boy I can't wait to sit in the BS room and tell my story of how I got the big forktoe that Dave posted pics of the tracks of last weekend....ha!!!!! Oooh, I can't wait...BANG, FLOP, WOOOHHHOOOOO!!!!

Have a good weekend everyone!
Mrs. ND.

Woman! Don't you dare shoot my buck!!

You're just getting back into this deer hunting thing, you should start out slow, shoot a couple little ones.... heck shoot a half a dozen little ones... but you should probably leave that big mean ole rutty buck to me. ....

please

Man! That's all the more reason for me to shoot him!

You know, get back into it with a "big bang" then I can settle down for a while with the little ones.

I'm gonna build you a special deer stand. gonna put a wolf urine sprinkler under your stand & a fire whistle that goes off every 15 minutes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm gonna build you a special deer stand. gonna put a wolf urine sprinkler under your stand & a fire whistle that goes off every 15 minutes.

Bad idea Dave. That'd be a challenge to that big 'ol fork toed buck. He'd come in with his big saber tooth fangs lookin to chew up some wolves and BANG FLOP! MrsND has him down, gutted with the loader bucket and hangin on the meat pole before the fire whistle even goes off.

Honestly Pam can have what ever stand she wants, she's long overdue.

northern dave and mrsnorthern dave,

Thanks, I'm on my second keyboard of the week.

I'm guessing the bs room will be a hoot. and from the post today...much neede.

Dave,

Before mrs tzone fried the computer with coorupted fishy pics I re-read the firs 50 pages of this thread. It sure has come a long way from the first few posts hasn't it?

Pam,

If you have to wait to get a hot tub as long as I have...well lets just say it better be worth the wait. Betsy (my wife) promises me the addition of the hot tub when I finish the basement. I just want to make a huge deck with an enclosed gazebo type deal with the hot tub in it. With the deck being the walkway to the house/hot tub room. Oh well someday. Keep trying though, you'll probably get one before me then I can't sit in yours

... a wolf urine sprinkler...a fire wihstle, your guys are somthin' else. I like it.

Gotta run. really I have a stupid half marathon my fat butt has to train for.

Tommy

I was just curious so I did a little back reading.I came into this on page 61.Best damn thread I've ever been in on.
Rooster7,like I said...progress reports and pictures.We're going for 50,000 views and over 300 pages.
Stan

You two keep worrying about who's gonna get ol forky toes

I'm puttin my $$$ on "Weezy" or "The Boy" < insert evil smilie here >

Looks like you will hit 1,000 Replies pretty soon

9 more to go

[Linked Image]

EIGHT

Dang, I've been ignoring this thread for a long time. Guess it's time to do my part and admit....

A .270 actually can kill Texas deer if used in the hands of a skilled marksman and you don't mind not having a blood trail.

I'm betting on the Mrs.Dave or one of the kids. Dave is going to be too busy building the B.S. room, hottub area or rebuilding a True Hotrod car from the 60's or 70's..

Come on Wabo, a true hot rod comes from the 50's.

Don't worry man I'm just funnin' ya. My kid thinks anything with glass packs is a hot rod because his grandpa runs on the axiom that "Loud Pipes Save Lives" The man likes his loud hot rods I'll give him that.

Loud Pipes huh, wow I had me a BigBlock 454 in a 78 chevy pickup that would shoot blue flame out the back the size of a pickup when you let off it at 100mph.. That thing was loud! Pow,Pow Pow, blumb,blumb,blumb I can still hear it and that was over 20 years ago. Been thinking about getting something along the lines of a chevelle or elcamino amd droping a 454 in it too, just to see what it could do, just gotta convince the wife we Need it...lol

THREE

What's going on in here?

weezy aint shoot'n my big buck!!

A thousand replies? Are ya sure? Holy smokes!!

Well, I'd like to stick around & see it hit a thousand but we've got a party to go to. I hear there is a whole deer on a big smoker cooker at one of my buddies house.

Corn on the cob, taters, all that sort of stuff, cold beer, silly games... sounds like a good time so we beter go check it out.

I'll check in here tomorrow.

Have a good weekend everybody.

Dave

ONE MORE!

Tag,I'm it.I just happened by at a fortuitous time.

Stan

Deer, deer everywhere. I was on my way home from a cookout and saw the freaking deer every were. They are haunting me, teasing me, probably whispering things about me. I can't get them off my mind and then they keep popping up everywhere. That is until the opener, then I won't see crap.

Tom

There is only one gun that will handle ol forky toes...

It's Betty Lou, she is the one, an AK57 laser, radar guided, tripple barreled, heat seeking shot gun.

Tom

Gotta love the Thirty point buck!

There he was....

GONE!

how perfect, thank you stan for leading us into the towsands.

Tom, the deer. they are talking about you. they are for sure.

String & the stick buddy, sept is almost here. Archery, arrow one, get that earlyy fix buddy!

Too funny!

Dave

" only no good brodder in law man...from illinois"

did you see da turdy pointer?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What's going on in here?

weezy aint shoot'n my big buck!!

Bet she or the boy gets him LOL

A thousand replies? Are ya sure? Holy smokes!!

What the counter thing says

Well, I'd like to stick around & see it hit a thousand but we've got a party to go to. I hear there is a whole deer on a big smoker cooker at one of my buddies house.

Hope you got some pics , love to see a whole deer on a smoker

Corn on the cob, taters, all that sort of stuff, cold beer, silly games... sounds like a good time so we beter go check it out.

Did I mention about the pics

I'll check in here tomorrow.

Have a good weekend everybody.

Dave

Hotter then the blazes here, 101 heat index even the wind is hot late into the evening. My Big blacklab won't hardly go outside now and I know he is dreaming of the first frost with me, the smell of fall in the air, the sound of whistling wings overhead. The smells and sounds of Big Ole Forky toes rutting Buck that we all dream of.

I think of deer and duck camp more and more often and eachtime I also think of what I hope to someday have. A deercamp like NorthernDave and the MrsNDave have put together.

Dave can you hear it? Do you see it? I see my orange cap and hear it whispering put me on, put me on soon! The time is coming but not soon enough!!!

Hey Wabo,

aahh if your hat is talking to you... you might want to line it with foil

You might have it worse than me. I think just the deer are taling about me, not my clothes...yet

Dave,

I haven't decided if I'm going to bow hunt this year. I plan on putting a lot of time in on the range this year. If it my last up there I'm going to make the best of it.

So, how was the smokey deer? He didn't have funny looking feet did he? It could be Forky Toes Part Deux- The Son of Forky. Way too scary for women and children...way to scary.

TZone,

It's the heat I tell ya at 6:23p.m. it's 109 heat index, my hat is getting louder with each degree...

Years ago I had a good friend,now passed away,who hunted a mysterious black buck unsuccessfully for several years.There were several near misses in that chase.Then one day a man dropped by Al's Ford dealership with a huge black looking buck dead in the back of his truck.It had been hit by a vehicle on the highway near Al's place.I don't think Al ever was the same after that until his death.I am going to try to recreate from memory here the poem I wrote for Al about this deer.

THE BIG BLACK BUCK
Around the fire on a cold dark night,the old man told of an awesone sight.A huge buck deer with a widepread rack and a coat of glistening shiny black.The other hunters listened in awe to the tales of the big one the old man saw and each in his own heart would be the one who would grab the glory and shine in the sun and slay with his gun the big black buck.But this was a wise one and seldom was seen.As the years went on the others gave up but the old man stayed steady and stuck to the quest.
It ended one night on a Georgia road bed,blinded by headlights the black buck was dead.

Stan Ward

Wabo,

Man am I glad you have those temps down there, try to keep them there will ya? That even sounds hot. I guess with those temps I would probably be hearing my clothes talk to me too.

Supposed to be in the high 70's here this week, come on up and do some fishin' get out of that heat.

Stan,

nice poem. There are quite a few ghost bucks that met their maker via F-150. Kind of sad for those of us that chased them 'eh.

A few years ago there was a big bodied, tall racked, 9 pointer around there that I had been chasing durring bow season. I had seen him a few times from a distance, and even saw him make a rub on day in late October. Then on a rainy Thanksgiving night, on the way home from my father in law's house. I saw him trotting across a field. I slowed down as he got to the roads edge, but the SUV in front of me did not. She didn't even see him and smashed into him at 50mph and I got to watch it all.

I ran past the deer laying in the center of the road and paid no attention to it because I wanted to see if the lady was alright. She really creamed her Explorer and was shaken up, but no worse for the wear. The county cop drove past and whipped around to check on her too. He asked me for help pulling the buck out of the road. It was then I noticed that the rack was completly broken on one side and only had two points on the other. We pulled him into the ditch and I did a quick search in the road for the missing head gear. No luck and went on my merry way. Not a life changer, but I didn't bow hunt for the rest of the season. My heart just wasn't in it.

I did muzzle load for a few days but it was to no avail.

Tom

It can be a let down even if sombody, like your brother in law, gets the Nice buck that you have hunted for more than one season.

stupid no brudder good-in-laws....

If my brother in law shot one I was after I would be down about it. He usually hits the woods the weekend before opener to fix a stand, and shows up late to it on opening am because he doesn't want to walk in, in the dark.

The only other buck I was after I got. On the iron range. I never saw him, just all the sign he was leaving around the are that showed he was "da boss".

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I was just curious so I did a little back reading.I came into this on page 61.Best damn thread I've ever been in on.
Rooster7,like I said...progress reports and pictures.We're going for 50,000 views and over 300 pages.
Stan

Stan - Cool poem. It is always a shame when a nice buck gets taken out by car. Kinda sad really.
I think there is a misunderstanding with one of my posts. When I posted that Dave had gone over 23,000 views I copied and pasted Dave's very first post to this thread to show how far he has come with it. I'm not starting a camp.........yet anyway!

Rooster7,you are correct I misread your post.

Stan

No problem Stan. Easy to do sometimes!

On another note, I'm starting to catch the fever too fellas!

I started practicing with the string and stick two weeks ago and I'm getting crazy anxious for the archery opener in September. I'm expeirmenting with new arrows and new broadheads trying to find the perfect combo to go sailing through the boiler room of an unsuspecing whitetail. I know what I've had success with in the past and can always fall back on that but it is fun trying to come up with a better mouse trap.

My 35 mile trips to and from work now have me taking more trips on gravel and dirt rather than tar. My eyes are scanning the fields and tree edges like that red light thingy on KIT, the Knight Rider car. I will soon be out scouting on foot with binos at some of my stand sites hoping to pattern a respectable archery buck and move/add stands if necessary. I have a two person ladder stand now and look forward to introducing my 10 year old son to the pleasures of bowhunting. To show him its not the kill that is the reward. It is being one with nature. To be completely still and watch it in its natural setting without another soul around. To have a squirrel crawl the tree next to us or have a bird land on his hat. To watch the sunrise on a cool frosty morning and listen intently as the woods come to life. To have a smaller buck come in and see the steam roll from his nose creating frost on his whiskers. To avoid the temptation to shoot this buck that is RIGHT there in front of you and let him live to grow another year. Imagining that one day the stars will line up and a big, heavy, non-typical double drop tine pig of a deer will grace you with his presence and you will see your fletching disappear behind his shoulder. OH MAN!! I gots to quit! I'm salivating all over my shirt.

stop drooling, it's contagious.... oh damn it. too late now ya got me going.

10-4 on traveling the gravel roads instead of the paved. driving a lot more where the fields are too.

if you haven't already tried them, shoot some RAGE expandables. I was NEVER a fan of expandables until I tried them. I had a hard time getting my arrows tuned so I tried them. they flew great, and left a huge entrace hole/exit hole on the big azz doe I shot with them last year. not a ton of blood but very easy to follow.

I shot muzzy's before these and did well on all other set up's but this one.

Stop typin' crap about double drop time rut crazed monsters too. I'm having engough trouble wit da fever da way 't is now.

HA! I knew I would get you going Tom.

Once you bowhunt it's in your blood. You can talk all you want about skipping this year but it ain't gonna happen.

The first chilly morning that you walk out your door and the smell of fall is in the air and that sun is just peeking up over the horizon, your thoughts will turn to that elusive double drop tine and you will get a sensation running through your body that screams "YA CAN'T GET 'EM IF AIN'T OUT THERE" It will happen trust me!

I have never tried expandables mainly because I don't trust them but I've heard a lot of good things about the rage 2 blades. The only negative things I've heard is that they are not very durable and they tend to open in the quiver. What's your experience with that?

Ok Rooster,

ya got me pegged. To a "T" in fact.you know damn well I'll be bow hunting. Even shot the bow a couple early this mornign. It's been cool in the mornings and evenings the last few nights here.

I stepped outside to let the dog out and take a leak

and it couldn't have been much more that 50 out. So what do I do, fire up the old mathews and fire a few from the deck before the kids wake up.

Didn't even need the smell of fall.

I shoot the 3 blade Rage Expandables on Easton Axis shafts. The main reason I shoot them is because I could get consistant groups with this set up. For some reason I could not with other heads. If the Rage didn't work, my next move was to go back to aluminum arrows.

I went back and forth on the 2 vs 3 blade and choose 3 for no other reason than I like the extra cutting blade. It made a perfect triangle shape through the lungs of the only thing I shot with it.

No problems with them opening in the quiver either. My quiver is a Kwikee with the insert for expandables, so that may have helped. If they did open, I wouldn't want to put them back into place. With the cut on contact tip and razor sharp blades, these babies are bad azz looking thats for sure.

The other problem is they are expensive now. I got them for $28 at Fleet Farm last summer. Now I see they are up to $38. I did get some replacement blades too so I should be set for awhile.

I was always a muzzy 3 blade guy until I got on archery talk and read everyone raving about Slick Trick 4 blade fixed head. I bought them and tried them out on Easton Epic ST's and they flew true with field tips and were as sharp as advertized. I currently have a huge gash in my thumb to prove it. The thing that's got me looking at others is the penetration I got on that buck (its pictured in this thread somewhere)was very poor. Sure he died within 30 yards but I feel it should have been a pass through. G5 sent me a free Striker to try. It also flies true with field points and is just as sharp or sharper than the "trick". They are made from the same material. German Lutz steel. I bought Easton Axis Full Metal Jacket arrows the other day. I think I'm really going to like them with the Striker head. The penetration is supposed to be awesome. So long story short, if you ever want to go back to a fixed blade head that flies true, try the G5 Striker or Slick Trick.

have heard many good things about G5. Their expandable doesn't look too bad either. I too read about the slick trick, but until this summer, I was not able to find them in stores. I'm not a big fan of ordering on the internet. I think I would have tried them if I could find them, because like I said before last fall I was never a fan of the expandables. Now that I have them, I'll use them until I find a reason not too.

Let us know how the full metal jacket shafts work. Are they similar to the older Easton ACC's? They seem like it from what I've read, but maybe just tougher. They sure are not any cheaper.

The broad heads are just getting priced to high for me to keep testing different ones. I don't want to sound cheap but... It would be nice if you could by a single for a trial pack or something like that.

You guys are going to put me into early rut, I'm not quite ready for that yet! Still got some summer to experience before i toss myself into the deer hunter tailspin

Me, Pam & the boys went out to the deer camp yesterday to scope out the blueberry sittuation. I guess I'd rank it as a very good year, we didn't have much trouble filling a 5 qt pail in a short time.

Cabin seems very lonely

We need to get out there & stay over night very soon.

Dave

You don't sound cheap. I hear ya. When your talking anywhere from $30.00 - $40.00 for a pack of THREE heads, 'testing' broadheads could put you in the poorhouse pretty darn quick....or get ya divorced!

That is why I rely on the internet and sites like archery talk. Let someone else test them and make your own conclusions based on results. It really just comes down to personal opinion I guess.

I'll keep ya posted on the FMJ arrows. So far so good. I do need to adjust my sights a little though due to increased arrow weight.

Rooster's like blue berries!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Rooster's like blue berries!

Well then come on up. should be good for a couple of weeks yet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You guys are going to put me into early rut, I'm not quite ready for that yet! Still got some summer to experience before i toss myself into the deer hunter tailspin

Me, Pam & the boys went out to the deer camp yesterday to scope out the blueberry sittuation. I guess I'd rank it as a very good year, we didn't have much trouble filling a 5 qt pail in a short time.

Cabin seems very lonely

We need to get out there & stay over night very soon.

Dave

Dave in rut is scary thought indeed...

Yeah, I probably should rephrase that.....

nope, it's just too damn funny. But I won't start till late Sept.

We'll all know when Dave is gettin close. Mrs Dave will be on here yellin about all the scrapes he's leaving on the living room carpet.

Yep and then Weezey will be comin along behind the momma wih a big ol belt sander for fixing the rub line he'll be making on the fixtures...the part that has some concern is when he and the boy are together to testosterone laden bucks and one of them the up and comer but not quite seasoned could develop into some interesting times.

But we all know that Dave is the herd bull in that neck of the woods at least til the momma puts her hoof...er...foot down.

And the whole time this posturing is going down ol forky toes will be sneaking out to the sauna and sucking some suds.

Have a great day folks.....

Too funny!

You've certainly got it figured out.

I hope to get out to camp this weekend to get some more blueberry picking done, possibly mow some around the shack & get the trails cut back down. Also would really like to start on a couple of new stands & improve one existing one that has proven to be a good spot.

Dave

Yep, we are going out to the camp this weekend, it's settled. After some pondering of whether or not to go to an antique tractor pull at a local steam & gas show on saturday, we decided to leave the old tractor at home, skip this pull & dedicate the whole weekend to the cabin. We're bringing the blue tractor out, a box blade, a new 5' brush mower, a 4 wheeler, couple of little dirt bikes, 2 canoes...

Yeah, we're bringin all the toys!!

I doubt we will have time to use all of them but we'll try!! Weezy is camping with friends this weekend & she owns the best digital camera we have and I'm sure she has it with her so we'll do the best we can with Pam's digital if we get a chance to take pictures.

Mow on sat morning, start a pork roast on the charcoal grill which will cook all day & eventually be pulled apart & smoked for bbq sandwiches later in the day, pick some blueberries... do some road repair with tractors, try to get down to a nice little local lake with the canoes (it's a motorless lake, electric or paddle only)

Maybe a bon fire sat night, just looking forward to getting out there & doing a few things, relaxing, having fun.

have a good weekend everyone, I'll report back here next week.

Dave

P.S. Craig, if you catch this post, thought you might get a kick out of the fact that I too have now joined the Bush Hog squealer club

A motorcycle and a Squealer? That ain't right man. I thought somebody here said you could only have one mid life crisis?

Pictures? Need pictures, Dave.

I've been in Flagstaff for a week. No bugs. Nice.

Craig

Ok, I'm back in the saddle.

Busy morning, up early and in for a delightful experience at the local hospital. Colonoscpoy this morning. Not going to get into the details right now other than to let all you guys, and girls know that if & when the time comes for such a test for you, there is nothing to be afraid of. Piece of cake.

Heck I went in for the procedure at 7 this morning & I was to work before noon today.

So, enough about that.

Here's the report for last weekend.

Check out our load of toys heading from home out to the cabin.

[Linked Image]

here's the new mower in action.
[Linked Image]

Here's a good friend that came out & helped with some blading & bucket work. (were real good frinds, last year we even bought matching tractors)

some shots from in front of the cabin.
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Then of course Pam had to capture this incodent on camera.
Dave got a little too close to the edge while mowing.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01349.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01350.jpg[/img]

Then we were done working, so we decided to check out the fishing on the little lake close to our deer camp.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01363.jpg[/img]

Check out this panfish!! What the heck is it? bluegill? Anyone?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01364.jpg[/img]

It was a great weekend, The girls hit the mother load of blueberries, good lord did they ever find blueberries!! We plan on getting back after the trails & the trimming maybe on Friday this week. My folks are coming to visit.

Lots of catching up to do at work here so I have to run, hope everyone had a good weekend.

Dave

Looks like a GREAT time Dave! Colonoscopy????? Aren't we a little young to be getting probed? Hope everything is ok man!

Oh and yup, looks like a blue gill to me....

Yeah we are a little young for that, I just took it upon myself to go & check it out for all of those who haven't yet but know they'll have to someday.

Perfectly safe, piece of cake, nothing to be afraid of.

And don't worry, I'm a gonna be just fine.

Dave

Makes me happy I still just get "the finger".

Craig

Great pictures,good weekend coverage story.
Yes that is a nice big Bluegill.

Stan

dave da gill getter...has a nice ring to it.

hope the conlon scopey went well.

he didn't laugh and say look no hands did he?

I love the pic of the truck with all the toys. that is a classic. deserves a spot on "da camp" wall if you ask me.

Tom

Ha! I knew I'd catch some flak for the scope.

But, (no pun intended) if I didn't care about you guys I wouldn't have said anything at all. I have an uncle that waited too long to be checked and as a result cancer nearly claimed his life. He survived but with complications that he will endure for the rest of his life. My dad also waited too long & as a result was split open from mid chest to below his belly button for emergency exploratory surgery at which time he also narrowly escaped death & lost about a foot of his colon.

Why did they wait so long? I dunno, embarrassment, maybe a little fear?

So that's why I'm ok with sharing my experience (sparing some details of course.)

My experience started with a day before "prep" which was an all liquid (clear liquids) diet followed by a large jug of evil juice I like to call "turbo lax", the stuff is gross but all you campfire members, deer camp goers... I've got a feeling you've all probably consumed worse things than the turbo lax mixture.

Then after repeated porcelain throne sessions things finally settle down and you go to bed. Next day you go in, they hook you up to some monitors for vitals, they explain things to you, then the nice doctor gives you a couple of shots that put you just past that point of drinking those "terty cans of beer" on da second week of deer camp. You�re out cold for the whole thing.

You wake up & say something like "wow that was fast, must have been like 5 minutes huh?" then the nurse informs you that it was more like a half an hour & asks you if you�d like some apple juice. Then when you get some of your balance back you get up & get dressed.

This level of consciousness/balance can be likened to a trip outside the deer shack in the dark to take a leak, you're in tough enough shape that you hang on to everything in your path such as chairs, walls etc but you're also proud of the fact that you still knew enough to make it out the front door to relieve yourself & not do like Toyvo Maki that one time who got up & went to the kitchen, opened the fridge door & let it fly.....

So, ya get dressed still feeling about � drunk then you have someone drive you home so you can �rest�. Or in my case you have Pam drive you straight to the nearest cafe & you order a huge breakfast with a cup of coffee & a glass of OJ, then you go to work.

No big deal.

And the best part is I'm happy to report that I've got nothing evil secretly attempting to claim my life in that particular part of my body, so I got that going for me, which is nice.

So, when you reach that age where it should be checked out, or say you feel like something is wrong even though you might think you are too young to be having troubles. Talk to your doctor and if he/she advises a scope, don't avoid it or be nervous about it. It's no big deal.

Guys, we're coming up on a year for this thread. I forgot to look at the counter before i clicked on the thread this morning but I think we're over 27000 views. The shack was merely a set of railroad tie footings & some floor structure this time last year & the camp members were made up of bruised hearts looking to pull together & create something that we could all belong to for the rest of our lives.

The shack has now stood & endured one deer season & one Minnesota winter. The walls have absorbed the sounds of friends & family talking, laughing, planning. It's like the little shack has thrust it's roots into the ground out there, it's becoming the sort of place that just feels like it's always been out there with the trees & the critters.

Our deer camp members have also acclimated nicely, comfort, belonging, it's what I wanted. Now all we gotta do is keep cookin up memories. These kids will grow up with this deer camp as part of there childhood, and maybe it's just now hitting me, the fact that it's all pretty cool. Kind of a big deal I guess.

OK, enough jibber jabber.

Tzone's been shopping for "buck jam" already, my oldest boy was oogling over rifle scopes in the cabelas catalog last night, I've been building deer stands in my head...

It's getting closer!!!

Dave

Edit for correction, I see now that we are approaching 29000 views.
That's crazy, what's wrong with you silly people?

Dave,you overlook the fact that all of "US" here are also members of your deer camp and we derive about as much vicarious enjoyment from the experience as you do actual enjoyment.Thanks for having us.
You were mentioning above about the time you were unconscious as being so fleeting.In my recent by pass surgery I arrived at the hospital,was shown to a room to change and take my "LA LA" pill.
It seemed like I was unconscious for about two minutes and I came to being attended by two nurses with all manner of tubes down my throat.I thought I had been out for a couple of minutes and that something had gone amiss with the anesthetic and I was about the be operated on wide awake.PANIC!!!!I finally managed to get one of the nurses attention and talk around the tubes enough to ask her if I had already been operated on.She laughed and assured me yes.What a relief!

Stan

morin' brother. Embarrassment is no reason to skip the colonoscopy. Lucas had troubles for years and when it hurt so bad he couldn't sleep, it was too late.

Dave makes a good point though boys, if you have a family history, get it checked out. I probably should too since it runs in the family.

It is suposed to cool off tomorrow in the evening, not frosty but enough to make a guy start to feel rutty. I made a rub on the kids play ground last night and scrape by the coat rack this morning. what's goin' on here..

oh boy.... it's starting awfully early!!

I been watching deer hunting shows on TV, my oldest boy too.

This past weekend the kids were running around at the deer camp playing tunes on the grunt tubes & bleat cans, I'm so glad nobody grabbed that set of rattlin horns down off the wall & gave a few ticks & clicks or I think I would have gone primitive right there on the spot! Run off into the woods with a sharpened stick lookin for one of those pretty mid summer red coated timber goats!!

Funny what a cooler morning can do to a hunter eh?

like a damn switch! Click! Oop, I'm suddenly hungry for critter......

We'll ease into it Tom, ease into it, start with the waterfowl, upland game, small game.... Then mid Sept deer archery... get a little quality time with the skeeters in the deer stand with the stick & string.... then the second time out you bring a skeeter net....

You start seeing a few deer, mostly out of range, you pass on yearlings, spikers & does at heart thumping distance.... from there on you're done for.

The deer hunting has you in it's grips & it won't let loose until close to Christmas!!

skeeter nets? with the size they are this year, I could stick one with a broadhead and problbly get a blood trail.

stepped out on the deck last night before bed and the coyotes were singin'. Time to test the .243

I gotta tell ya, if I had a spiker at heart thumpin range, I'd stick him. Or atleast try. I've never shot a buck wit my bow before. It is not for lack of trying though. I see those horns and get the fever and usually screw somthing up.

Last time it was on a nice 8pt. tzone at full draw with a perfect broadside shot at 25yds pulls the trigger on the release and CRACK. Like a .22, arrow flies 10 feet behind the deer, buck takes off, and my thigh is stingin' like heck.

Drop trough in the stand and find a welt the size of a Mathews Outback limb on my leg.OUCH.

It's alway somthing silly like that, or I just plain miss. I can smack does all day with the stick and string, but dem bucks give me the jitters. Must be that bow hunting thing. I have no problems with either on the rifle.

My left fore arm hurts just thinking about tripping the release on my bow.

shooting in the yard at a target. "twonk!" catch the string on my fore arm "son of a !! youch that hurt!!"

Draw back again... forget about the arm, stat never happens, just focus, steady.... "twonk!! Ouch!! [bleep]!! Ouch! same spot!!"

Draw back again, shake it off, don't know what's going on but it's all cool now, get back into the groove, line it up... oh that looks good... "twonk!! OOUUUCCHH!!Muther#*^#!!@}>!!"

ok, time to put it away.

I like my rifles

Glad to hear the hinder is ok man! (I NEVER thought I would say that)

Yes it is all coming closer. I'm getting rutty from shootin bow in the yard but you are right there is plenty of time yet! There is alot of fishin to do between now and september (if I could get my $#%! boat motor figured out!)

Sounds like your unpleasant wrist slaps are at least part of what keeps you from the stick and string bambi slayin. You should never slap your wrist. If you do, 9 times out of 10, it means your draw length on the bow is set too long for you.

Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. Are you in the no quota zone for bear out there at the shack-a-lacka? I would love to see my fletching disappear behind the shoulder of an old bruin.

Stan,

That anesthetic is somthing else isn't it? You get it and you don't have a clue what just happened but you can't talk, move, or think straight, you're just glad you're alive.

Jim, I'm in a quota zone at the shack, I put in but wasn't drawn this year.

I'm no quota at the house & we usually get a few bears cruising through the woods there cleaning up on hazelnuts. In fact, the way the dogs have been barking lately at night I kind of wonder if they aren't moving in already. The hazelnut skins are still green of course, June berries are also behind this year, high bush cranberries are still green, acorn caps are developed pretty well but the acorns really haven't started to even get big yet let alone start thinking about dropping. I actually think our acorns up here will drop after deer archery opener. We are usually hoping for them not all to be cleaned up by mid sept but this year I doubt they will start dropping until then.

Yes my inner fore arm slapping bow is too long in the draw for me & my old martin is too short for me... I just never took the time to fit either one of them properly.

shorten that draw length son, or you'll shoot yer eye out.

The bows don't sound nearly as cool when you touch em off. I like mine to go bang. Bow hunting is just something to pass the time till gun season.

BANG, BANG, HEY! You shot my cow.

Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

Stan,

That anesthetic is somthing else isn't it? You get it and you don't have a clue what just happened but you can't talk, move, or think straight, you're just glad you're alive.

Reminds me of the first time I drank tequila!

Ya, well, the last time I drank tequila I woke up hugging the flag, on the 18th hole, at the VA Tech golf course. Preppie guys were hollering "playing through" and whacking me with putters. They really got pissed when upon getting their balls, they found a little treat I left for them in the cup!

Craig

I know a guy that can share a very similar story about a golf course.... what he did to the cup and to the flag on the 9th hole... well, it's not exactly campfire friendly material

come on dave, don't leave us hangin'. tell us what you did to that poor cup on the 9th hole

oh it wasn't me!!

Friend of mine... it wasn't a good thing.

It was a very bad thing.

I posted this over in hunters campfire but thought I'd stick it here too.

today's mid day adventure:

Me & the oldest son went shopping today around lunch time.

I gave the boy his first deer rifle back in June for his birthday. M70 fwt 30-06.

no scope, fall's comin, he can hunt deer this year, he's been saving his pennies for a scope... So, we went shopping.

"crazy days" sale in town today.

A frind of mine handles the sporting goods at my fav store in town so we went to see him.

He's had a hard time moving these 100 year anniversary leupolds. Beautiful scope, 3-9 40mm with click adjustments, comes in a nice tin case with a nice hunting knife made by CRKT, real nice sheath too. But he couldn't move the sets for the original price of $350, so we were standing there as he slashed the price down to 250 for the kit.

My boy had a big fist full of ones & fives.... I looked at him & said "you better grab one of those century edition leupolds & hang on to it while we finish shopping."

Big eyes, big smile "really?"

"yep"

Then I spotted something I have a weakness for, Knives.

(one of many weaknesses)

He had several Buck brand knives marked down to about half price. I spotted this fixed blade Alpha with ATS-34 blade, rosewood grips & a brown leather sheath for $35 bucks & I think I almost jammed my thumb reaching for it.

All in all, awesome "guy shopping."

We will both pay dearly when Mrs ND gets home from work though, oh lordy will we pay.

But like the boy said: "that's alright, it was worth it dad."

today's haul the "booty"
[Linked Image]

L'il man with the 2 components that will soon become one.
[Linked Image]

I just had to share. Women, I'm starting to understand this "shopping" thing & how hard "sales" are to pass up

I'll be going pretty quiet pretty quick here because I'm going to be out in the woods tomorrow & tomorrow night, then busy all weekend. My dad & step mom are coming to visit tonight with my little bro & little sis. I hope I can talk the whole group into heading out to deer camp tomorrow morning & spending the day goofing off out there, picking berries & stuff, spend the night at the shack hopefully. Then we have a wedding on saturday... busy weekend.

Have a good weekend all & happy early birthday to this stupidly long 1 year old thread.

I believe it's a year on Saturday.

Later dudes.

Dave

You rock...:)

Have fun and HAPPY BIRTHDAY THREAD!

a year already, wow. I hope it stays up for another year. I think it means a lot to this site. This forum anyway.

I just can't get enough of the camp stories and pics involved. whether you or anyone else posts them... they keep me smilin' like heck.

keep it going.

get that boy squared away with that scope and show us some tiny groups he shot.

weekend was a blast.... but boy did i ever get my tractor stuck in the swamp. holy smokes...

it's still out there & it's not good.

Pics & story tomorrow.

i'm dang tired. Dave play too hard.

Dave

Dave:

I enjoy checking in on this thread from time to time, but even with a high-speed connection it's pretty slow to load, what with all the pics.

Any chance you can start Birth of a Deer Camp Part Deux as a separate thread?

- Tom

Yeah, it's probably time to store this camp diary someplace else & I'll just toss out a regular post every now & then with updates/news.

Anybody know how I can store this beastly thread?

Another question, anybody know how I can get this tractor unstuck

Dave

You are correct.It is in there BAD!I have no ideas except a big az tractor.
I don't agree with putting this one to sleep.This is becoming an institution.

Stan

I cut a path across the swamp. It went just fine, makes for nice walking if it gets cold during deer season. I know that I can't get away with running in my same track twice cause the tires will tear through the grass layer & she'll go down.

Well I had no intentions of going back on my same track but Pam got the wheeler stuck back there & I decide to take the tractor back there to pull her out.

(this was a beer influenced decision)

I did just fine getting back to her with the tractor because I ran in a new track, but when I got to her & had to position myself for pulling her out, well it got bad as you can see.

We'll get some logs out there & see what we can do this week.
My dad has a machine that can get this thing unstuck if he can find the time to haul it up here this week, we'll see I guess.

you is stuck with a capital S.

doesn't really look like a way to jack it up and brace it either. It looks too wet to get a bigger rig out there. I don't know man, I've never got a tractor that stuck before. Any way you get the brush hog off of there, that can't help being on there.

I got my '79 bronco stuck like that once. Dumb kids ( me and buddy) thought we could get it back to our deer stands to do a little early fall fixing. Well I buried to the frame with a 4" lift and 33" tires. Stuck 'er good.

Looked a lot like your tractor.

Some dude with a chevy didn't have enough hp to pull us out and stuck himself too.

once we got him out he gave my buddy a ride back to town and he got his dad's new '94 f150 which we proceded to bury just infront of the bronco.

Well with a very very burnt cluth on a new truck and a lot of jacking and cutting logs we got the bronco out after 9 hours in the swamp. We never did check the stands that day. I promptly got asked to never return to that particular car was with that vehicle ever again.

oh yeah, I almost forgot. don't put this to bed, we got a deer season comming up.

I see a Snickers commercial in the making...Not going anywhere for awhile?

Sorry Dave, I couldn't resist.

I grew up on a farm and never managed to get a loader tractor stuck to the point that I couldn't push it out with the loader. I'm impressed. Bring lots of cable.

um, yeah, I was the very same way up until friday evening. never had to walk away from a stuck loader tractor, could always drag or push my way out.... not this time.

I'm going to get very dirty on this job.

Dave,

My friend first of all Thankyou for the laugh I needed that today when I was at the office..

Now that I'm back I can say Dude you is officially stuck! Before I start with help on how to get unstuck don't think I'm being a smartelic I've been there..

Now on to the out first and foremost question did you lock in the positive pedal lock so ALL 4 wheels turn and not just one in front and back from normal 4by4? Many people don't even know this feature exist.. It locks ALL 4 in... Now if ya have a Handyman jack your gonna need it to act like a cumalong and bring lots of chains or cables attach to a tree or fence post. You drive the steel fencepost were needed DEEP and hook low on it, they pull alot too. More then one if needed and move as needed. Before I did any real pulling I'd unhook the mower and use the chains and cables to get it later.

Raise the tractor tires on the front with the loader and make a path under each tire with firewood for awhile maybe twice the length of the tractor it would help too.

Sorry dude you got your work cut out for ya.... Keep us posted on the outcome and tell Mrs.NDave it would be cool to get pics of the trials and error of getting unstuck, I have a pic of a Bronco in hood deep water and it reminds me to stay out of places like that...lol Good Luck!!!

Wabo,

That Bronco is not a yellow '79 with a 460ci and a dumb kid that thought 33" allterrain tires would get him through hell and back is it? Just wondering, there might be a picture of one floating around the duluth,mn area...well it was not quite to the hood but it was stuck.

Dave,

would one of those big azz gas powered portable winches be able to get you out? The way it looks, bigger, heavier equipment is going to sink in deeper. Sorry dude, I'll quit offering suggestions for something I don't know how to get out of.

My dad actually has a rig that I think we will need. It's something he's been marketing to sources such as DOD, border patrol & also some private companies.
It's pretty cool, not enough time to explain it this morning, but the most important feature is that it FLOATS!!

It's been used for many years for things like recovering downed aircraft from swamps.

I'm not sure anyone has ever dropped a tractor out of the sky into a swamp before so this will kind of be a new one.

But I do know loggers have been getting things stuck for many, many years & there always seems to be a way to get that stuff out, it just isn't going to be easy that's all.

Actually it's been raining for about 24 hrs now, if this keeps up I can just raise it out of the swamp like shipwreck salvage guys do, use those big air baloons.

Dave, around 1980 I was exploring the hardwood bottom along the river near my home. Along the edge of a dried up slough I saw something rusty sticking out of the ground. It was the top 1/4 of an antique, iron tire tractor. No telling how many years it sat there buried in mud during wet weather and in dirt during dry weather. I think it had been there since the 1930s. A couple of years later I went back to get a picture of it, and it was gone. Somebody went in there with a bulldozer and dug it out.

Wow, some poor bastard lost his tractor in the mud only to be dug up a half a century later as an antique.....

Hey wait a minute!!!

That aint funny!!

Best I can remember all that stuck out of the ground was the tops of the iron wheels, the top of the radiator, and the steering wheel. The engine canopy had rusted completely away.

Must have been a Deere.

Back in the 80's it was fairly common to cut the tops off of tractor tires and put that, a steering wheel sticking out of a pothole. Some of them looked pretty realistic.
+1 on getting the mower off before any additional efforts to get the tractor out. Not only is it adding drag, but it's pretty easy to bend stuff up getting it out of the mud.

To add insult to injury, that was the new mowers maiden voyage to the shack too! Maybe with all the noise behind him 'ol Dave got confused and thought he had an outboard attached.

j/k buddy!

I think if you can't get your Dad's rig, that Wabo is on to something there.

I've had since friday to think about it knowing a little more detail about the issue than I have had time to share here. I do sort of have a plan.

I need to get some logs out there.

I need a few to place under the loader bucket in the center between the front tires. Then I need to undo the top link on the mower deck so the deck can hinge off the 3 point arms. then I need to put a come along between the tail of the mower & the top of the ROPS bar & fold the mower upwards so it's not resting on the bog.

Then I can use the loader to push the front of the tractor upwards & get the front tires high & clear. Then I need to use long logs double wide lashed to each other so they can't split out, 2 sets like this probably 20' long.

then I need to push the logs in from the front under the front tires & try to get the ends of the logs jammed as tight as I can get them against the rear tires.

Then, with all of the luck of the world, just maybe she can crawl out.

That's my number 1 plan for if my dad can't make it up with that machine.

Thats just

enough to work!

How far to the nearest tree?? Lots o chain and a chain hoist?

Like I told rooster in an e-mail earlier. "hey man, I'm a pro. I made damn sure there were no trees within reach before I dun went & stuck it."

But, I suppose if we all pooled our log chains collectively & came up with about .... oh..... 120 yds of cain?

then we might find a nice diamond willow we could tear out of the ground.... 150 yds might reach us a tamarack.

Dave, you just disrespected 1/2 of your mid-life crisis. No way to treat a Squealer. Now, your conscience should be soothed that any lesser mower just might not cut after all of this.

I'm the king of stuck. Just this spring I had a 450 dozer stuck three miles from high ground. Don't want to tell you what it cost to retrieve the dozer. Or what the value of the dozer upon return.

Bright side is your plan sounds pretty fair. Now, on an operation such as this, always, always, always have a plan "B". What's plan B?

Craig

Sorry guys my Bronco was a 90 model Dark red color. I drove that thing with a lift and BiSply tires through water like that Everyday over 3 months during the 93 flood.

Was hauling sandbags and furniture out.. After my 3rd transfer case redo during that three months I put the fourth in after just 2 and 1/2 hours swapped it out and off again. What is a guy to do but go try it out, here I am driving through the seep water in the middle of friggin Nowhere with a load of sandbags and I fall into a 2 foot deep ditch. Yes it was late and me and my bro in law was alittle tipsi..

It took a tandem axle articulating tractor to get me out and over 150 feet of steel cable, just so the tractor could get traction on an underwater gravel road. We Finally got back home only to hear a 4 wheeler coming down the highway at us, It floated off the top of the trailer and naturally I was in the middle of a turn backing up when I heard crunch and the wheeler at the same time. I ran over the trailer alittle as I had forgot about it..

Not my brightest of ideas during that summer took abit to learn but I moved to the highest hill in my county afterwards..

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

What's plan B?
Craig

suddenly plan A is plan B.

New plan A, we have an item we are calling a swamp anchor.

It's actually an old rock picker, like a large 2 fingered claw type hook. We plan to use the swamp claw to create an anchor point so that we can drag the mower itself off to the side away from the back of the tractor.

Then we are thinking about using a log laid behind the back tires sideways & rigging the log to the tires with chains and trying to crawl the tractor up onto the log in low range reverse with the rear diff locked.

Swamp claw will be repositioned prior to this & will be assisting in a straight pull backwards.

logs will still be used as footings under the loader bucket so the loader can effectively assist.

neat huh?

Your plan B sounds like it will work pretty good. Is the cherry picker a tracked rig?

If worse comes to worse, you can use the picker, the tractor bucket and an azz load of logs and keep creeping your way out.

How far is it to drivable ground for the tractor?

Good luck, we expect pictures...

Dave,

Sounds like a Good Plan, I would also add you should probably once your out change all your fluids and grease every fitting too.. After a week in the swamp I think it would be a decent idea anyway even if it was more work.. You can tell me to shutup anytime... Good Luck!

no way wabster, aint about to tell ya to shut up!!

I've actually been thinking of changing my quote signature to something like:

"Oil & water don't mix huh? Well then you just haven't been trying hard enough."

I'm out of here in less than 2 hours to begin the chore.

Dave

good luck.

there will be pics I presume

Tom

We got it.

here's how it looked when we started last night.
[Linked Image]

shot of the soup hole in front of tractor.
[Linked Image]

we planked a ramp under the front tires like I was talking about, these pictures don't show that.

Here's the tractor we used to get it out. David Brown 990, about a 50hp tractor I suppose.
[Linked Image]

We had around 75 yds of chain hooked up so we could have the david brown on safe ground but the little ford wasn't going to come out easy. Pulling with the David Brown didn't move the little ford. Even planked it wouldn't move. So My buddy Scott with the tractor also had a huge electric winch along. We used the david brown as an anchor & tried winching the little ford towards the david brown, all we did is drag the david brown backwards. So he backed the anchor tractor against some trees & we tried again, pulled the david brown backwards again & ripped out the trees.

So, we finally droped the mower off the 3 point (we had it raised high but it was just too much added weight)

He spun the david brown down into deep ruts & hooked the winch as low as he could & we tried again, this time the little ford crawled up onto the planks & started moving forward. The planks busted but it kept going forward so we just stayed with it. Pretty soon I was up on top of that bog layer & I out ran the tow chain under the tractors own power. I drove forward quite a ways then stopped & we strung a chain back to the mower & drug it out of the slop hole.

Here we are forward of the slop hole about to string chain back to the mower.
[Linked Image]

And here we are on dry land, tractor & mower.
[Linked Image]

We grilled some brats & had a few beers, changed into dry clothes & went home.

Happy ending, thank god for good friends.

Dave

Here, Twisted1 wanted me to post these pics of plan B & plan C

Plan B here is actually one of his machines.
[Linked Image]

then there is this thing that he is quite fond of.
[Linked Image]

I thought I heard a huge sigh of relief last night. Glad you got it out of there. That was a huge job.

You know who your boys are when theres work like that to be done, thats for sure.

When that last beer went down I bet you were smilin; like heck.

Tom

I was really hoping that it wouldn't come to plan "B" (wink nudge) Especially with fuel prices to get the big stuff there. Well actually it came out easier than some of the predicaments that I have gotten myself into. I sure was glad to see NDave is able to join me in some "poor decision making moments."

Now that he owes me one I can't wait to go get something of mine stuck!

Just call, I'll come a runnin, stumblin, or sumthin.

is the dozer a 9? I'd like to think that would do it

Dave, how in the heck do you come up with 75yds of chain big enough to pull a tractor?

she didn't look too dirty in the after pics, are they decieving or were you just in mostly water?

Glad to see you got her out! I tried calling last night but no reception I imagine. That is what is nice about the hunting land...you can go back to a simpler time without cell phones!

Hey that David Brown is a NICE looking tractor! Love it!

sorry rooster, phone was ringing as we were pulling in to the deer shack to get to work last night but I knew I wouldn't get reception to be able to talk so I let it ring.

Tom, the chain was from here & there, we must have borrowed at least half of that length from work. And the swamp hole is kind of a peat slop that's so wet that it kist sort of runs off clean.

And here I was just thinking that the old tyme logging horses around here may just have had to get a call.

Dave ya sure do get yerself into some adventures I could just picture Pam shaking her head :o, rolling her eyes

, upgrading insurance

Glad to hear it all worked out for ya, now get back to work...

Originally Posted by big drift

I could just picture Pam shaking her head :o, rolling her eyes

,

me too

what fun is it if there is no adventure. it seems Dave always has an adventure out there.

It's a Komatsu D65P (LGP). We coulda rounded up more chain, cabel, & straps, if we needed I guess. Gettin stuck is kinda second nature with all of the swamp around here. ND just happened to setup camp in the middle of Minnesota's armpit! (I do love it out there) Just another day on the job & everyone has been there at some point so we are all glad to help. Specially if a little good-natured ribbing & some barley pop is involved.

Twisted

arm pit...naw I like it up there. Well, at least as far as I've been. never been up quite that far northwest. Plenty of swamps on the iron range, but they are the boggy, mucky type. There is water underneith but it's real muddy gumbo.

bad enough to get a wheeler out, couldn't imagine getting a tractor out of it.

I had my stepson out there helping with the unsticking of lil blue. As we were on the long quiet drive home I nudged him with my elbow & asked him if he learned any lessons today. "Yep" he replied. After a few seconds I asked "What was that?" Without hesitation he said "Don't let Pam drive the wheeler on the trails." I just about went in the ditch laughing.

Twisted

Originally Posted by Twistedone

It's a Komatsu D65P (LGP).
Twisted

LGP, that means it floats right?

Originally Posted by Twistedone

I had my stepson out there helping with the unsticking of lil blue. As we were on the long quiet drive home I nudged him with my elbow & asked him if he learned any lessons today. "Yep" he replied. After a few seconds I asked "What was that?" Without hesitation he said "Don't let Pam drive the wheeler on the trails." I just about went in the ditch laughing.

Twisted

That is classic...sorry Mrs. northerndave

now she's gonna bust in here like John Wayne & beat the crap out of all of us!!!

Cause when Twisted told me that story this morning at work I think I ruptured my spleen laughing!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cause when Twisted told me that story this morning at work I think I ruptured my spleen laughing!!

Shhhhhhh. She's gonna figure out who I am then I'll really be in trouble.

oh I think she can figure that out.

Originally Posted by Twistedone

I had my stepson out there helping with the unsticking of lil blue. As we were on the long quiet drive home I nudged him with my elbow & asked him if he learned any lessons today. "Yep" he replied. After a few seconds I asked "What was that?" Without hesitation he said "Don't let Pam drive the wheeler on the trails." I just about went in the ditch laughing.

Twisted

That is hysterical!

Man poor Mrs ND is getting it from all angles. The other day over an email she made reference that the Wood Spirit wasn't doing its job delivering luck. I said "it wasn't the wood spirit that got the 4 wheeler stuck"

I'm not quite sure she found the humor in that. Sorry Pam. We wouldn't give ya so much greif if we didn't love ya!

Eh Mon, Don feel bad. Chit, she happens.

[Linked Image]

Craig

Twistedone,

You and your stepson better do one thing next time ya see Mrs.NDave......... Run as she does read this ya know... Run Man and Run fast!!

Dave Glad ya got it out and Thanks for sharing another adventure with us, you made me laugh again yesterday during the middle of a long day at the office..

It is staying cooler down here the last couple days and the air smells alittle like fall. Saw a deer infront of the house lastnight and the orange cap is beginning to sing to me again. Can you hear it fellas? The Thirty pointer, My hat is singing did ya get the thirty pointer... My Orange Hat is singing now, it won't be long now..

Holy crap Craig!! Nice!!!

Not so bad, I was just renting it.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Eh Mon, Don feel bad. Chit, she happens.

[Linked Image]

Craig

WOW!!!

So...what gets that out?

Well maybe a platoon of seabee's, a skyhook, and an amphibious recovery vehicle would help.

Alright Craig spill what is the story.

Geez Craig,

If you're gonna "drive it like you stole it" up here you need to leave the vehicle on dry land so you can burn it when you're done.

Some people will never learn ...

GE

To many robo girls...

Can you imagine if Dave and Craig were to ever join forces for a weekend???

God Help us. God help us ALL!

from the looks of the pictures, there would be a bridge of iron through the swamp. with all the equipment burried to the roof you'd be able to drive a truck back there then.

Originally Posted by tzone

from the looks of the pictures, there would be a bridge of iron through the swamp. with all the equipment burried to the roof you'd be able to drive a truck back there then.

GOOD IDEA!

At least they could get Triple-A for unsticking THAT!

GE

Originally Posted by Gaviidae_Esq

Originally Posted by tzone

from the looks of the pictures, there would be a bridge of iron through the swamp. with all the equipment burried to the roof you'd be able to drive a truck back there then.

GOOD IDEA!

At least they could get Triple-A for unsticking THAT!

GE

OR at least a ATV, doh, did I say that...;)

I tried talking twistedone into bringing his track hoe out there to the swamp. Once he got it good & stuck that would make an awesome deer stand! bolt a barber chair in the bucket & put remote valves up in there... that would be cool.

I would but I'm in the "middle of a pond project" at the moment.....

Twisted

that is precisely what I had in mind

See? What's a Komatsu in the swamp compared to a hoe only showing boom?

Did I say the Komatsu was three miles from closest high ground?

It took $22,000.00 to get it out of the swamp. Komatsu salvage gave $28,000 for what was left. Then, $85,000 to the owner, and everyone went home - well - pissed off.

I'm over it.

Craig

for a 120 grand I think I'd bury it and call it stolen

What pulled it out?

It was 48 hours of a track hoe - dag gum big - flopping a railroad tie like tie mat (chained together) - about 30 feet at a time - like leapfrog - followed by a D-6. Then flop and walk and drag and cuss all the way (3 miles)back, dragging the Komatsu, to the low boy's. By then there were a whole fleet of low boys.

Two refueling's were done by helicopter.

Shameful, the whole affair. Moral of the story is - when you rent a cat, make sure the driver has a brain. And the guy that's directing the cat has a brain. Not enough brains these days.

Craig

On a more positive note, today I bought a Sport Boat. Been looking for two years. Freaking cult has evolved around these boats. Very hard to find. Here she is:

[Linked Image]

So we're sanding oars, painting oars, and looking for cheap outboards,

Hey - good to here from GE ande BD - the Robo girl twins. I hear these here sport boats are the only way to GE island? Is that true? Have an outboard for sale??????? Otherwise we could row.

Craig

cool boat.

Nice boat. Looks like she'll get into some skinny backwater if need be.

Craig:

In fact IIRC there is a 17' Sportboat based on said island. May have even gone to moose camp with us last year. 'Course the rest of use tend to use slightly larger transport back and forth. You shoulda seen dat der "Jim Jug" ... back when he "drank some" my dad converted a WWII surplus floating bridge pontoon into a MN Cruise ship. About 34' long, 8' wide and 4' sides with a 135 hp outboard and a ~ 200 gallon gas tank.

Painted it orange to match the seat cushions. Which were excellent to ride on in winter. After hooking the ski rope to the back of the Dodge Ramcharger and putting on an ATV helmet for a 40 mph pull across the ice.

I hope the statute of limitations has lapsed on those shenanigans ...

BTW, WTF re: the realty sign next to the shooterville gate. BD and I were a bit confused when we were dropping off your pizza oven last weekend ...

GE

Whee Hawww! Pizza oven has arrived? Maybe next weekend.....

For sale sign must have been a new one. Last deer season one fell off a oak tree, pretty sure the same tree, in my little hand just while checking the quality.

Goof ball is trying to sell 1.9 acres with my gate on it for $29,000.00. Freaking loon-a-tick. Hopefully he doesn't think my pizza oven is a donation.....

Bahhh! Ethnic cleansing - Ethnic cleansing. Got to go get a RObo Girl. GonE.

GE, need an opinion on "adverse possession". I think the gate is mine.

Craig

I love those sportboats. I have always wanted one for hunting and fishing smaller out of the way waters. I have kept my eyes open but they are always gone before I have been able to call. Very nice pick up. What size outboard are those rated for?

Coast Guard says 7. Of course, the Coast Gurad says 1100 pound capacity before about 1975, 750 pounds after? Same boat, same water. We're being woosified.

Craig

Real men don't need freeboard.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

GE, need an opinion on "adverse possession". I think the gate is mine.

Craig

Adverse possession? Good gawd ... it has been over 12 years since I sat for a bar exam. IIRC (after consulting Doecamper) it takes 30 years or more of open "IN YOUR FACE" occupation. T

Take that with a grain of salt on the front and a slice of lime on the back as neither of us do property law these days ...

GE

Why then I do own it! 30 years is like yesterday.

I certainly don't plan on taking the man's property. But you'd think, after all these years, he'd choose some other two acres to sell if he needed the money. My opinion is he's trying to take my gate. Or he thinks I need that gate so bad I'll throw myself on my sword.

Last year there was an incident where somebody locked me out - bypassed my lock on the chain. Never far from a master key (bolt cutters) since! I fixed it, no action since. Suspicion - he wants to try and gain back his rights. Solution - in your face cutting of the chain and re-installing my lock. No questions asked, no permission given.

Whatever. It'd require about 300' of new road to make my own brand new access and gate. And whatever Twin Cities cab driver buys 1.9 acres for 29,000 is not welcome to get around it. He might once....

Craig

Adverse possession is not easy to get. Most of them end up in court for a long time and you have to prove there was no attempt to gain use of the land by the other. The time line is different for each state I think. Here in WI I beleive it is 20 years. I have seen a few of these disputed and I can't remember any of them working in the favor of the owner claiming adverse possession.

Good luck. It may be cheaper to move your gate back, I'm not sure of you situation though.

Tom

Well there is always the "Rez" way of business negotiation...

With all these submerged pieces of equipment I am thinking GE and I may need to break out the robo girl recovery apparatuses (I spell that right:)) Anyway we would only require assistance to empty said containers and we will be happy to leave for the recoverers to attach howsoever they deem necessary then simply add air to said robo recovery devices and watch your problems lift themselves from said dilema.

Now in some of the examples demonstrated here I feel that certain pieces of equipment may require more robo recovery tanks then others. However I have found that in these circumstances there is never a shortage of persons available to assist in the emptying of the robo recovery devices. This is time period of consumption is often a good time for retrospection, commiseration, and recovery planning. By the time enough robo gorl recovery devices are emptied for recovery applications all ill will seems to disappear.

Just my .02

This one time, at deer camp.....

One of my uncles said that he had been wearing the same underwear for so long that.....

His hairs were growing through the cloth on the underwear.

That's the sort of story that sticks with a guy, no?

good lord Dave

sounds like it'd be time for the clippers to come out [Linked Image]

yeah, not really sure.

Could be "Old school bikini wax" ?

Maybe he invented what is now known as the bikini wax process?

"RRRIIIPPPP!!!! OOOUUUCH!!"

Anyways, just had to toss in a bit of deer camp lunacy to get this baby back on the tracks.

It is a deer camp theme right?

And that is a true story by the way.

The man is a poet of sorts.

One time upon returning from the outhouse seemingly exhausted... He proudly announced :"It feels like I just $h!t 15 yds of rusty 1/2" log chain...."

Hmmmm.... I'm not sure what that means, but again, it's the sort of thing that just sticks with you.

I could go on, and on....

and on!!

Deer camp, what a wonderful place.

If I had a deer camp like yall do, I'd just live there full time

Yeah, me too.....

wait a minute, Dohh!!

Hi Snowhunter.You're a long way from the GON site.Good to see you here.
You guys be good to Snowhunter.

Stan

I tell ya guys, the 25 mile ride in to work at 3:30 this morning on motorcycle was better than any cup of coffee in the morning. 67 degrees, no bugs out yet, no cars on the road to speak of. Very nice way to start the day even if it was a little early.

what damn day is it today anyways?

LOL, I need a weekend, or something.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Hi Snowhunter.You're a long way from the GON site.Good to see you here.
You guys be good to Snowhunter.

Stan

Hey Stan

Yup...been at the "Fire pretty regularly as of late. Love it over here!!!! [Linked Image]

Dave, 330am? YIKES! Thats an early day!!!

heck are you talkin about Snowhunter? jeesh, I figured everyone should be sleepin for a while yet? You're up early too.

well I guess it aint 3:30 no more, holy smokes it's almost 6, sun's gonna be up soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

heck are you talkin about Snowhunter? jeesh, I figured everyone should be sleepin for a while yet? You're up early too.

its already after 7am here! Gotta be up early to get Ian on the school bus

'Nother true story.

These two guys were walking to another area in the woods to hunt for the mid morning. When one guy slowly gets down into the prone position and starts lining up his sights. The other guy nudges him and says " Hey , I think that bear is wearing a red cap ! "
Turns out that bear was a hunter wearing a long black wool coat and was climbing a tree to sit in.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I tell ya guys, the 25 mile ride in to work at 3:30 this morning on motorcycle was better than any cup of coffee in the morning. 67 degrees, no bugs out yet, no cars on the road to speak of. Very nice way to start the day even if it was a little early.

what damn day is it today anyways?

LOL, I need a weekend, or something.

try it in your skivies in October, that should keep you awake...of course you might want to make sure you don't do it on no undies Monday. People might point and laugh

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The man is a poet of sorts.

One time upon returning from the outhouse seemingly exhausted... He proudly announced :"It feels like I just $h!t 15 yds of rusty 1/2" log chain...."

Hmmmm.... I'm not sure what that means, but again, it's the sort of thing that just sticks with you.

I could go on, and on....

and on!!

Deer camp, what a wonderful place.

.

Deer Camp, what other place could you learn such phrases as that...and (dad after a few gallons of his burn yo' azz chilli) " I could schit through a screen and not hit steel, good chilli burns ya twice."

only at da camp.

oh heck I think most of us have heard the screen door bit!! Some of us have lived it too!!

M1985, good story, that guy almost won himself a darwin award.

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh heck I think most of us have heard the screen door bit!! Some of us have lived it too!!

Dave

yeah I heard it before too. but it's still funny, and true. he does make some hot chilli

Aw deer camp stories...bout time!

I have a few that I can add but want to tell you guys about one that isn't mine. See these guys have a hunting camp in northern MN. Every year they go up there and every year they come home skunked but full of tall tales about the big one's that got away. I guess the stories get more and more elaborate every year. The truth was they didn't even hunt. They went for a 10 day drinking, card playing bender to get away from the wives. Well one year, one of the guys wife packed all his clothes like she has in years past. He got to camp only to find he did not have any clean socks or underwear in his luggage. He wore the same ones the ENTIRE time.

He got home and needless to say went to confront his wife about her irresponsible packing job. She smiled and said "you did to have clean socks and underwear. I packed them in your gun case!!!"

TFF. His wife must love him. She packs his underwear. Mine won't touch my undies.

Guess her definician of clean and mine are entirely different

So my uncle leaves the shack early one morning to go duck hunting with his buds. Half way through the boat launching operation, the urge hits uncle and heads into the pucker brush to take a crap. Things go well.

He cleans up, gets dressed and heads back to the boat launching operation. Then, he realizes his wallet fell out of his pocket while his pants were down.

So, he returns to the crap spot and hunts for his wallet. He sees it in the twilight, grabs it, and realizes an error. What he is grabbing is soft. And warm. And smells like OMG - he grabbed his chit!

He told me this a couple of years ago. I told him the only thing dumber than grabbing your chit is telling me about it!

Craig

Picture hunting camp with outhouse.Jeb sees Sam standing in door of outhouse looking "down in".He walks over to see what is going on.Sam allows that a $5 bill fell from his hunting pants as he was pulling them back up after sitting in the outhouse.The bill fell right in the hole of the seat and is "down there".Sam takes a $20 bill out of his pants and drops it in after the $5.
Jeb is astounded at this and asks Sam why he did that.Sam replies"You think I am going down there for just a five?"

Stan

Good one Stan!

We're up at my buddies camp late one fall scouting, bird hunting, sipin' some Jim Beam, and talking smart.

We imbibiled the Beam a fair amount on Saturday night and we'er eating a spagetti and chilie breakfast. Well one of the boys, Jess comes in from the outhouse and sits down to eat. Kriegs, who drank his and several others share of the whiskey, asks if the crapper is still open. "Well yeah" he says "it's open".

Couple more minutes pass and kriegs drops this gawd awful fart on us, you know the kind, where the green haze lingers a while. Someone says to kriegs you better get to that can before we all suffer some more.

Kriegs, still eating his spagetti, with a grin only he has, looks up and says "naw I don't need to use the can anymore, but if somebody brought an extra pair of shorts, I'm gonna need them because I just schit my pants.

He never left the table until he was done eating, and he defenatly pooped his pants. Nobody had any extras so he hunted the rest of sunday with his longjohns on under his hunting pants.

The stories of kriegs are endless and we could start a thread on him alone. He reminds of the stories of Sherpa Kurt. Every camp need a guy like kriegs and wouldn't be the same without him.

I don't get to that camp too much anymore except on a few bird hunting trips every other fall or so. But it is a blast when we go.

Keep the stories coming guy. this is great stuff.

Tom

Originally Posted by Rooster7

every year they come home skunked but full of tall tales about the big one's that got away. I guess the stories get more and more elaborate every year. The truth was they didn't even hunt. They went for a 10 day drinking, card playing bender to get away from the wives.

Well yeah!
One weekend, many years ago, Me, a buddy, and his dad were sitting in a breakfast joint near Thief Lake. We were "taking the old man hunting" and he was one of those guys who gets all gussied up in red, goes to breakfast, then hits the woods full of restaurant smell. Anyway, in the next booth were two local fellers that saw we were tourists, up "hunting", and they asked if we had any luck. I said "no, not yet." One asked "Do you want to buy some sheep?" My buddy and I looked at each other and both said nearly in unison: "No, we got girlfriends." He laughed and politely explained that a skinned sheep looks like a deer to most spouses. Apparently they had a pretty good business going.

Jeez, did I kill the thread? Was that some sort of secret I wasn't supposed to tell?

nope I think maybe everyone was out in the woods, thread not dead.

Well we have a fridge at the shack now. Me, my oldest boy & a friend hauled out an old RV gas/electric fridge/freezer on Saturday. We fried some burgers, ate some beans, had a few beers, lit a bon fire, laughed & told stories. Then sunday we had a good bacon, taters, egg breakfast & went for a ride on my friend's polaris ranger. Saw about 6 deer, had a nice ride.

Them my boy & I cut a new trail with the tractor up in the north end of our property.

Great weekend, feels like fall is creeping in though. The ride to work on motorcycle was... brisk. 45 degrees when I left home, 25 mile ride @ 60-65, no windshield on the bike... I'll be trying to warm up for a couple hours now!

DPole,

you're not killin threads. I was playing in the woods yesterday with the family. Was over at the father in laws cutting wood. He lost a lot of trees durring the winter and summer storms. Cut a few truck loads and can feel it now, as I havn't done that since last December.

Then I put a railing on f-i-l's huge azz deck that I built for him this summer. The friggin thing is like 500ft.

dave,

Must have been a bit "awakening" on the bike this morning. fall is surely in the air. temps here were like 70 for a high yesterday, and they fell fast when the sun started to set. Someone near by had a campfire last night and it even smelled like fall a bit. 42 this morning on my way into work.

Saw a fair amount of deer movement on the ride in too. It's starting....

Dave - How does the fridge work? Does it cool beer in 7 minutes?
I saw two does a mile from the house this morning on the way to work. Good sign that movement is picking up. I haven't seen hardly any deer all summer but there is so much corn around that even early bowhunting is going to be tough. I probably won't get too serious until mid october when the row crops start coming off.

Saturday was cool and even smelled like fall. The "boy" was even catching walleyes and catfish in the river not far from our place on saturday. I have caught northerns in there many years ago but never walleye. I think he's got the lucky horse shoe of fishin placed somewhere in his anatomy!

The air here in north Louisiana smells like rain, not like fall. But fall is just around the corner. In about 9 weeks, I set up my tent in the deep woods and get ready for 45-70 season in 9 weeks & 5 days. I'll camp through 45-70/muzzleloader season and through the first week of regular rifle season.

The photo shows my deer camp in 2003. The car is now a truck, and the tent is now to be pitched just out of sight to the left. This tent location became a shallow pond after a heavy rain.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave - How does the fridge work? Does it cool beer in 7 minutes?
The "boy" was even catching walleyes and catfish in the river not far from our place on saturday. I have caught northerns in there many years ago but never walleye. I think he's got the lucky horse shoe of fishin placed somewhere in his anatomy!

he text messaged me saying he was catching 18 inch walleye & even a huge sauger in that river, what the hell? I thought that thing was just full of northerns, carp & bull heads!!

If you see him let him know I cut a trail up to his ground blind, kind of made a loop up to his ground blind & then went south east towards my ladder stand. (porcupine stand)

There is also a nice trail running right past his granpa's stand, a guy made it recently so he could get out some firewood from a tamarack cutting that took place just south west of that stand last winter. small cut, 100 cord & the logger made a hell of a mess but that little trail past his stand is pretty nice & will probably help his hunting there.

rooster,

lots of corn here too. I was thinking the same thing, not many deer around this year. You may have hit the nail on the head though, they may not have to move much. There is corn in places that have not had it before.

I have seen quite a few deer out in fields though. I taught a hunting/shooting class on Sat. up in tomahawk,wi and the camp chef hit a huge bodied 8 pt with a basket rack. The buck had some velvet peeling off the tips already. It could have been some road rash, but it sure looked like hard bone to me. scary part was the chef had the buck in the back of his truck. note to self, don't eat the roast at the camp...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

the logger made a hell of a mess but that little trail past his stand is pretty nice & will probably help his hunting there.

almost every tractor path or cut trail at our camp has a deer trail on it, espically through the the thick stuff.

these places seem to be where most of the scrapes and rubs are come october, around that place anyway.

I'll tell him if I see him. He's a hard one to keep up with. Always doing something outdoor related with his buddies. They got done fishing the river and came over to our house to grab his moms tahoe so they could pull the boat down to Big C to fish more. He's like the little bunny you see with the drum off to the right of this page. OH Hey did I tell you what we are planning? Since we both got our mounts back now, when the leaves start turning we are going to take them out and somehow hang them on the stand tree that they were both shot out of. Throw on our camo, grab our bows and take some pictures. Should look pretty neat I'm thinkin.

Originally Posted by Junior1942

The air here in north Louisiana smells like rain, not like fall. But fall is just around the corner. In about 9 weeks, I set up my tent in the deep woods and get ready for 45-70 season in 9 weeks & 5 days. I'll camp through 45-70/muzzleloader season and through the first week of regular rifle season.

The photo shows my deer camp in 2003. The car is now a truck, and the tent is now to be pitched just out of sight to the left. This tent location became a shallow pond after a heavy rain.

[Linked Image]

I for one would love to see that car now that its a truck!

Bow season opened in the low country of South Carolina on August 15th.We here in the upstate have to wait a month past that.Bow opens Sept 15th.Muzzle loader begins on October 1st and regular gun season opens October 15th.The season runs thru January 1,2009.Gad, it looks and feels funny to write 2009.
While I have been recuperating I have been busy doing some reloading.I have a lot and I mean A LOT of 45/70 and .44 magnum loaded.Do you realize how many shells you can reload in two months of just piddling at it continuously?Whenever I get some spare time or get kinda bored or at loose ends I go out in the shop and do some reloading.I might do a dozen or two at a time or as much as 50.Damn,it adds up!

Stan

Stan,

Can you shoot yet? It sound like you have plenty to do when you can. Nice to hear from you.

tzone,
It is good to hear from you also,sir.I haven't pulled a trigger since early June and I am antsy as hell to do so but I gotta be careful to let the chest heal really good before subjecting it to recoil.Believe you me,the two 45/70's,the 8mm's,.308 and the rest of them sing their siren song to me all the time.Late at nught just before I go to sleep I can hear them in the gun safe all the way in the gun room thru the heavy door with their seductive calls.Time will come.The old man waits.

Stan

Stan,

try tin foil inside the gun safe so you can't hear those voices. I don't know if will work, but it works on the inside of my hat

.

I bet your going a little stir crazy. Loading all that ammo and not being able to shoot it. Any idea when you get to shoot? or is just when you feel up to it?

Tom

tin foil, that's good stuff right there.

Stan, maybe you could scratch the itch with a little rimfire plinking & work your way into a small centerfire & on up to that big bad 45-70.

ease into it.

Yeah,I have a new .22 magnum bolt action that I bought right before I went into the hospital and only got to shoot it once in a cursory manner.I need to get out with that and perhaps the .243.
I also bought a really nice Ruger semi auto carbine in .44 magnum circa 1967 to match my Ruger SRH .44 mag pistol and only got to shoot it three or four shots.That one and the two 45/70's will have to wait another month or so till I feel like I can handle it.
I am definitely not going stir crazy.I always told the kids that an intelligent person is never bored.I have really cleaned out the reloading bench and gotten it squared away.All the guns have been cleaned really good.As I said before I have a bunch of stuff loaded and ready for eval.
Nah,no tin foil.The sweeties sing me to sleep.

Stan

OK Stan, good for you. The .243 is a sweet shooting machine. I bought and shot one for the first time this summer. I really like it. So much that it is all I have been shooting lately.

I can here the 45-70 singing to you now...

"twinkle twinkle little buck, now I see you're in da rut. I'm up above you in da tree, up so high you cannot see. twinkle twinkle lil' buck, now you're down, I need to gut..

...somebody stop me, I can't help myself.

good lord Tom is a song writer!!

Awesome!!!

Stan -
Glad to hear you have been able to keep busy during your recovery! Also good to hear your coming along just fine. Your bow season starts a full month earlier than ours in MN. Our muzzle loader season doesn't start until mid/late november. My wife bought me a smoke pole for my birthday in May so I'm kind of looking forward to that season since I haven't done it before.
Just might be hangin a deer on 'ol Dave's meat pole during that season since we are in a lottery area where I hunt and can only take one deer. Dave is in the intensive harvest zone so I should be able to buy permits for that area come smoke pole season. Thats if he wants me of course.

Hey top of page 60. Thats pretty cool!

*softly sings*

"On top of page siiixty all covered with bloooood. I shot that poor whitetaaail with a 44 slug. I gutted his bellly and took out his heart, then drank a beeeeer and let a big faaart!"

you come on up rooster, the only deer left are a few scruffy shrapnel riddled survivors that have learned to hide from the helicopters in the cedars. But the cabin will be warm, the beer will be cold, the food will be good & we'll have a great time.

but you'll have to work on your songwriting!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but you'll have to work on your songwriting!

Yeah....sorry about that. The neighbor was over and we had bacardi cokes and beer for supper last night. Might be a few lingering effects.........er somethin.

ahh, culling the herd.

you really need to thin out the weak buffalo from time to time.

That's what cliffy would do.

actually I thought your song was pretty clever, get you & Tzone together to write for da yoopers.

Nowadays when people are interviewed who have been in a tornado they liken the sound of the storm to that of a train.In the days before trains how did the indians describe the sound of a tornado?I think they compared it to the thundering sound of a large herd of buffalo stampeding.
"Mmmm,storm loud like stampeding Tatonka."

Stan

for the benefit of the unenlightened, I humbly submit "the buffalo theory":

In an episode of "Cheers," Cliff Clavin the trivia-spouting, quirky, irksome mama's boy mailman is seated at the bar describing the buffalo theory to his buddy, Norm Peterson, the beer loving heavyweight bar stool sitting perpetual patron.

Cliff expounds his "Buffalo Theory" to Norm.

�Well, you see, Norm, it�s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it�s the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.�

good lord, I remember that episode. and still almost messed myself. funny.

Rooster,

the way I see it...da yoopers should be calling us, not the other way around.

da icy vind is blowin' in tru da tounge and groove, ma pants r frozen to da floor an I'm to sick ta move...

...here's to a faster brain boys (tom raising beer)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

the only deer left are a few scruffy shrapnel riddled survivors that have learned to hide from the helicopters in the cedars.

Dave - Have they killed that many deer??? Do they think your area is still a threat for CWD? That really sucks!! I will rope some deer and haul up there for us to shoot come smoke pole season. Put in your order by November 01.

I highly reccomend "deer roping"

please take pictures, video would be better.

I hear it's very easy to do. Not dangerous.

yeah they shot the hell out of the deer. season never really closed you know. People were out in area 101 shooting does this spring with unborn fawns inside them.

From what I have seen the numbers are noticably down.

I can only hope that once season gets going there will be deer from the area north of us pushed down our way.

kind of had the same thing happen around here the last few years. with all the tzone seasons, and earn a buck seasons, you really start to notice the population dropping.

fewer deer seen in fields durring summer, less road kills, and the obvious not as many seen from the tree. In the last 5 years I would say our sightings are down 40-50% from years past.

can you hunt them now? with the fuzzy racks?

that would be very cool.

Hey what the he!!? I've been out all week for training and this thread STILL hasn't moved? Do we have to have a meeting fella's? On second thought that is what I was doing all week so NO meetings!

Can you smell it? Can you smell IT coming?

donno....but I definetaly smell somethin'

...I did have sausage and kraut for lunch though.

weather cooled a bit, some color in the trees, haven't shaved this week...yeah something coming.

Yawn....

everybody's gotta be gett'n tired of this monster thread.

but you guys are right, fall is in the air, small game, archey & early goose are open tomorrow right? Maybe the boys will go with me to the cabin. weezy has a swim meet tomorrow.

maybe I can get my dang chimney adapter fixed tomorrow. I'll bring the camera, we'll work on something & I'll post what ever it is we get to workin on, maybe the older boy can get him a grouse tomorrow with the .410

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yawn....

everybody's gotta be gett'n tired of this monster thread.

but you guys are right, fall is in the air, small game, archey & early goose are open tomorrow right? Maybe the boys will go with me to the cabin. weezy has a swim meet tomorrow.

maybe I can get my dang chimney adapter fixed tomorrow. I'll bring the camera, we'll work on something & I'll post what ever it is we get to workin on, maybe the older boy can get him a grouse tomorrow with the .410

if you're shootin' deer and small game tomorrow....
DON'T TELL ANYONE

it doesn't start until the 13th. but have fun if you do

I see there is an early doe season on the 11-12th of Oct. hmmm, might have to come up for that. I'm in area 178 I think that is in the area.

oops.

yeah I really do need some sleep.

maybe i'll just sleep in tomorrow, wake up well rested & take a good look at the calander & start the day from there

maybe we'll just "scout" for small game

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oops.

maybe we'll just "scout" for small game

make sure you bring the .410. it's quiet if you find some

South Carolina Upstate deer season opens for archery on Sept.15th.Muzzle loader follows on October 1st.Regular gun season opens October 15th. and runs thru January 1st.
I'm not sure how my season will fare this year.I can stand the .243 recoil I know.
Last year I quit climbing in climbing stands.I bought a couple of Scenttite chair blinds.12 pounds of pure comfort that sets up in about a minute and stows in about two minutes.Some of the most comfortable deer hunting I've ever done.
Dave ,no one is tired of this thread.It is an amazing piece of work that we have all helped build from your lead off.

Stan

I'm kinda new to this forum & got directed here by mi compadre - Ol' Fella aka Stan in SC. You could say we got back a spell.

Wow - what great reading!

Don't worry about Stan either. He says he "can't" go hunting but we'll drag him out there screaming by God if we have to! I suspect that all I'll have to do is offer to buy him a senior meal @ McDonalds!

Here's a 'file photo' of me & the Ol' Fella sometime back, enjoy:

[Linked Image]

I'm the good looking guy on the left! Ha ha ha..

Seriously though - really good reading here guys. You make me realize what I'm missing (a quiet place miles from a hard road). Keep posting - please!

Originally Posted by tzone

DPole,

This man folks has been around the block and knows what it takes to make a camp... grin

T,
I don't see any shooting windows in Dave's outhouse. They must be in the back side.
Anyway, I thought I'd tell you about another good idea I had. I help a friend (guide) set up his bear camps every so often. He uses those nice crappers like the feds use in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Dave has probably been on one. They have a nice toilet seat on 'em, but of course there are no walls, etc, so a guy is right out there, able to survey the surroundings and guard stuff, like real men always have. Anyway, last year I convinced the guide to put a bait right near a camp (with a portable stand over it) that the guys (clients) could hunt if they didn't want to go far from camp; you know, if they weren't well from all the travel or whatever. They killed three bears from it last year. This year, he put "camp baits" at all his camps. This year, when I helped set up a couple of camps, I saw that the crapper overlooked the new camp bait. The portable stand was accross the small valley, also overlooking the bait. Anyway, I convinced the guide to put a camo shoot-through tent/blind over the crapper. New stand!!! The clients love it and shot two bears from it since the opener. They don't use the portable stand much.

A crapper stand, that's good stuff.

and yes of course I'm familiar with the type of crapper your talking about, not much privacy!

We had a good weekend at camp in spite of the rain. I took the boys out there on sat, we shot a deer rifle for the first time, even the little guy got some shooting in, we picked choke cherries yesterday, good weekend.

I'll post pics in a while here. need more coffee, monday mornings suck.

Dave

Well my pictures aren't as good as I had hoped for but here goes.

First off we have the oldest boy shooting his new deer rifle. Winchester M70 FWT in 30-06. We are shooting remingtons reduced recoil 125 gr factory loads. Scope is Leupold VXII 3-9 40mm 100 yr anniversarry edition. Bench is a crappy old cable spool & a plastic lawn chair

Here he is taking aim & adjusting the rest.
[Linked Image]

sliding his first shell in
[Linked Image]

Here's a 4 round group I shot with the low spank loads. I've found that the remington version of the reduced recoil loads tend to get a little loose. The federal version seems to bring a tighter group but this is what we found locally so we went with it.
[Linked Image]

and here's how the boy did with a 4 round group of his own. I told him that oughta do just fine.
[Linked Image]

then the little guy wanted to shoot, he kept asking "is it my turn now dad?" He was asking while I was sighting the new deer rifle in & I'd say "well, not quite yet" then he'd say "But I'm next right dad?" Well he finally got his turn. I loaded up my 9422M & helped him line it up towards the target. He got to shoot it 3 times & he really thought that was something, he was a really big guy after that.
[Linked Image]

We went for a walk yeterday & Mr Big carried the red rider to protect us from bears & stuff.

[Linked Image]

And finally here's a shot of the choke cherries we picked yesterday. Come deer season these will be choke cherry jelly on toast for deer hunter breakfast at the shack.

I have no idea where that beer box came from

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01387.jpg[/img]

That's all for now.

Dave

dogolden,

welcome to the fire. Hopefully you can get Stan out in the bushes to spend a few of those rounds he's been reloading while he's been laid up.

waddday say Stan?

Dave,

great pics. yeah I'd say Jr. will do well if he keeps shooting like that.

I love the pic with the bb gun, he's smilin' like heck there.

those choke cherries make good partridge food too, I find those birds near the choke cherries a lot.

oh yeah I almost forgot. did you shoot any grouse

Originally Posted by tzone

oh yeah I almost forgot. did you shoot any grouse

We could have, a bird flushed & treed real nice for us behind the cabin while we were picking berries. My oldest boy wanted to shoot it so bad but I told him we had to wait a week.

those berries will get ya every time...

they never tree for me, never.

dogolden, Is that crusty the clown with you there?

welcome to the campfire forums.

Dave

I would say the little guy is now Mr. Big. Heck he's even drinkin himself a high life while he's shootin! Go Joe!

Dave - I noticed you didn't have any lead in your sled. (sandbags) How does that work for recoil with that thing? Been thinkin about getting one and was curious.

Rooster,

you and I are on the same page. I was gonna mention somethin' about the lad shooting so well after the Hi Life, but.

having no led is your sled... is that like having no led in your pencil?

lead? we don't need no stinking lead!!

I've never weighted the sled. I just wanted a rest to shoot from & Pam bought me that one for christmas last year.

It does absorb quite a bit of recoil without any weight in it though.

they are pretty heavy on their own. Does it work well for a rest?

the range bags they have at our range leave a lot to be desired. I should get something for myself instead of plain ol sandbags.

I shot off of rolled up rifle cases for years, graduated to a huge gym sock fulled with whole corn as a quick cheap bag (I still use that some) and now this rest. I do like the rest for trying to shoot iddy bitty groups. Especially if I'm tweaking on a varmint rifle or something, trying to get the little boolits to chase the same hole.

I have shot off the rolled up 'egg carton' foam from my hard case and it works ok.........until the barrel is not quite clear of the foam. Man a 7mm mag has a lot of muzzle blast! Me and the guys around me at the range thought it was snowing for about 1/2 a second there!

I shot my AK from a rolled up soft case.Didn't see that part of it had come unrolled and was in front of the muzzle.Cotton was raining.

Stan

wow, Stan's up early!!

My fav is the burnt paint or the gouge across the hood of the pickup. Or the bullet holes in the side of the truck bed, outward punctures tell the tale of the hastey shooter holding his scope on a running deer & shooting across the box of his pickup only to find he has not quite cleared the opposite side of the box.... oops

never happened to me but I'm sure some of us have seen the old pickup trucks rolling around that carry those sorts of wounds.

Hey Tom, It's looking like we will be able to do that Duluth trip this weekend. Also sounds like there is some sort of big party at the Inn. I'll send you a PM.

Dave

how can they have big party without inviting us? Who do these people think they are

My buddy and I were shooting off his deck durring turkey season about 8 years ago, using the rail for a rest. It had a lot of goofy angles on it, and his first two shots went into the balastors under a rail he couldn't see in the scope so he thought he was clearing it.

Yesterday I sent a PM to Rick Bin about this thread. Basically told him I'm worried about the size of the thread & how it's stickied to the top of the page here. Explained how I'm developing a complex about it, feeling bad/guilty about this post taking up space and the fact that it's a thread that originated with focus on one groups efforts to pull a camp together. I feel bad about a post that showcases updates on one campfire member's camp.

Rick was as kind and pleasant as always, basically said the thread is not a problem & offered the idea of putting it to a vote of sorts.

I guess what I�m getting at is that I think maybe it's time to pull the sticky & see if this thing can still float.

If it sinks it sinks, had a good run & lots of fun. But I see no reason force it to stay alive.

I aint going anywhere, and if this big damn post slides off the bottom of the page & disappears I'll still offer up individual posts now & then sharing camp progress, stories, hunting successes & failures..

What's everybody think?

Dave

You can't let it sink now. The season is 21 away. You'll be updating this thing almos weekly now.

or You could do "The Deer Camp Year 2" or something.

Rick's right. You're the only one who's worring about it

It is a community spot now. We all put our weekend hunting/shooting stories/pictures in it.

I want it to stay purely for selfesh reasons.

If you really are that uncomfortable with it, try your plan, unsticky it. It really is your thread after all

Tom

what I mean by the line: "I feel bad about a post that showcases updates on one campfire member's camp." Is that I worry it's selfish.

I really don't know what to do, if anyone is reading this & has thougts or suggestions they would rather offer up in a PM then please by all means click my profile & send me a PM.

and thanks Tom, i do like the idea of a "deer camp year 2" sort of thing.

Dave

you are far from selfish. read some of the things you have posted on this thread alone. If you were selfish you sure wouldn't be worring about if you were or not.

with the crew that posts on the fire, somebody would have said something if you were.

you know how I feel about, so I'll shut up now.

p.s. is mrsnorthern_dave coming tomorrow?

oh I think she'd like to come along. Unless she goes in to town shopping with the girls or something I'm sure she'll come along. If nothing else I bet she'll swing by for a bit while we're gorging ourselves on burgers, fries, onion rings & beers.

Originally Posted by tzone

you are far from selfish. read some of the things you have posted on this thread alone. If you were selfish you sure wouldn't be worring about if you were or not.

with the crew that posts on the fire, somebody would have said something if you were.

you know how I feel about, so I'll shut up now.

Ditto That

I am the one who asked Rick Bin to sticky this up as I saw great potential for a lot of camaraderie and interesting reading.I still see that in the thread and I have watched your uneasiness with it grow,Dave.You are not hogging anything.You are just providing the place for us to congregate in virtuality.For that I thank you.During my convalescence from the heart bypass surgery,which incidentally was three months ago today,this has been a source of great enjoyment and I have made some new friends on here as well.
Let it run for a while and we will start year two.How about it?

Stan

I find this to be must read. It by far one of my favorite threads and one of the real places where we find the true campfire spirit. I say let it live..

Tjay ?

From MN?

do I know you? How well?

I just met friend Tzone Tom for the first time in person. What a jem folks I'll tell ya. We had a few beers in a tavern, his dad was there, oddly enough my dad was too. We had a good visit, i was a bit groggy from being up till 3AM this morning but we had a good visit anyways.

Tzon's been talking about this ladder stand he had that he wanted to give me. Well he brougt it along & he gave it to me, real nice stand too, still in the box. Very cool, he refused to take any money for it. I'm gonna put it together & set it up. I'll set it up for myself I think, I'll take a few pictures when I set it up including a view from the stand.

Thanks a million Tom, so nice to meet you & your dad.
Hope you can come out to the shack & hunt with us sometime, you will always be welcome.

Later.

Dave

northern dave,
I don't think we have ever met. I live in the south metro and worked 20 years in Bloomington. I put up a deer camp by Ely with wall tents.

I also do 2 or 3 trips into Voyagers NP every summer. Love the North Woods..

It's not sliding off any pages yet Dave..

Sheeze there is only ONE place that I know of in my Entire hunting career of now 23 years similiar to your place Dave. That is at my buddy Johns place and I fall asleep EVERY night thinking that someday I could build myself a place like yours and his, thats why I work as hard as I do.

I've got about 10 more years of saving to get there and then maybe I'll be able to buy some land that is if it doesn't go too much higher. Land around here is running 4,500.00 an acre even for swamps now, hopefully it won't go much higher.

Anyway he built his place for similiar reasons you built yours and I enjoy seeing how it and your family group is growing. Common Dave make it last with me through etleast this season, My Orange hat is playing Roy Orbison these days. Especially at night singin Sweat Dreams to me and off I go with hunting camps in my head and yours is one of them.

TZone keep him in line now and don't let your two Dads talk you guys into too many crazy ideas at camp..

Stan Good to see your still here, howmuch longer before you could shoot some of those reduced recoil loads anyway?

Gotta go check the rain guage again its starting to add up closing on 7 inches in 2 days now and still coming down.

Originally Posted by wabo

TZone keep him in line now and don't let your two Dads talk you guys into too many crazy ideas at camp..

I don't think we need our dads for that.

7" of rain Wabo? You're gonna need a boat, not a rifle.

Meeting northern_dave this weekend was great. I got to meet damn near his whole family. They are as great as he makes them out to be.

There will be a lot of gut piles for years to come at that camp guys, I can assure you of that.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just met friend Tzone Tom for the first time in person. What a jem folks I'll tell ya. We had a few beers in a tavern, his dad was there, oddly enough my dad was too. We had a good visit, i was a bit groggy from being up till 3AM this morning but we had a good visit anyways.

Tzon's been talking about this ladder stand he had that he wanted to give me. Well he brougt it along & he gave it to me, real nice stand too, still in the box. Very cool, he refused to take any money for it. I'm gonna put it together & set it up. I'll set it up for myself I think, I'll take a few pictures when I set it up including a view from the stand.

Thanks a million Tom, so nice to meet you & your dad.
Hope you can come out to the shack & hunt with us sometime, you will always be welcome.

Later.

Dave

If we keep talking like this, people are going to think we're going steady.

I though we wern't telling anybody yet.

Thanks Dave, I had a good time too.

Tom

7.6 inches for a close and the Mo. river rose 12 feet overnight, not the biggest jump I've seen but Big none the less. Your right there are places I could use a boat..

So who is guilty of checking the rifle this past weekend? No I would never dream of looking over the levergun not a chance..

You better start building an ark wabo.

Well, small game is open now in MN as well as archery. I'm thinking about making a drive out to camp tonight just to have a look see, check out the water sittuation after these rains we have had.

My dad is twisting my arm pretty hard about elk hunting coming up in oct. He tells me there are just over 200 left over cow tags for the early rilfe season... I really wasn't planning on going until next year. We'll have to see I guess.

elk hunting eh???

Oh and keep the thread going. As long as Rick doesn't see a problem there isn't one. As Tom said "if you were selfish you wouldn't be worried about it"

If it is really bothering you that bad, I think a Birth of a deer camp - Year 2 is an excellent idea!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

elk hunting eh???

if you'd check your damn txt messages you'd see that you are invited.

pack your chit goofball!!

Just as long as Dave don't end up with "Tzone" tattoo or Tzone with a "Northern Dave" tatoo or both.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Just as long as Dave don't end up with "Tzone" tattoo or Tzone with a "Northern Dave" tatoo or both.

Stan

oof.

no it aint quite like that. LOL!!

didn't make it out to deer camp tonight. planning on tomorrow night though. I did put together the tzone ladder stand & flopped it up against an oak tree in the yard. it oughta work just fine. mighty fine deer sniping seat, mighty fine.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Just as long as Dave don't end up with "Tzone" tattoo or Tzone with a "Northern Dave" tatoo or both.

Stan

HA! I just got a vision from the movie Dude Where's My Car.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

elk hunting eh???

if you'd check your damn txt messages you'd see that you are invited.

pack your chit goofball!!

As I replied, we will have to discuss. It is my busiest month of the year at work. Why does work have to get in the way of the important things in life???

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Just as long as Dave don't end up with "Tzone" tattoo or Tzone with a "Northern Dave" tatoo or both.

Stan

OH no you didn't Stan.

How are things? Have you been shooting any yet?

Tom

The Rooster crows...

Where ya been man?

Work does always find a way of getting busy in the fall. Espically in MN, WI, and MI. Must be the construction/outdoor nature of the work in these areas. Thats probably why we still live here though. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Roosetr, you lucky dog...er I mean bird. Bag your bags. Shoot big elk. Smile like heck.

Tom

Dave, Daves Dad and Rooster go to Elk Camp, Because its Very Fun.. Suddenly got the blues clues song running through my head with all Dave's talk about tracks in the past. Dave Goes to Elk Camp, Dave goes to Deer Camp, Dave likes making hunting camp, Dave likes his canoe fishing camps, because its Very Fun... Barkk,Bark, Bark oooooooaaaahhhh..

Wabo,

I think it's time to find that Roy Orbison hat you're always talking about.

Hows the ark building coming along

did your bow season start up yet? how did you do?

tzone,I'm getting better every day.Still no heavy recoil trigger pulling allowed.Every time I start to take the scoped .22 magnum to the range something comes up.Eventually I'll pass the magic 6 month,"OK you are fully healed" mark and get out there.
Thanks for asking.

Stan

The waters are falling and the Arc/Boat building begins next summer on a Gatorboats designed DuckHunter,...LOL...

The hat is growing on me more and more I may just have to try it on again soon.

Bow Season is now open as of today and I won't be going for awhile yet as the honey do projects are not all completed.. Oh she wouldn't care but I'm on a mission, used 25 gallons of paint in the last 2 weeks so far.. The house is looking better then ever on the inside, she is pretty happy...lol Did wack a few teal already though.

Stan Hang in there buddy I hadn't fired a shot from ANYTHING since way back in Feb. up until 2 weekends ago myself.. Maybe thats my problem??

It can be done Stan keep walking and you'll get strong again..

Good to hear Stan. good to hear.

A little time spent on the honey-do-list now, goes a long long way come November.

Originally Posted by tzone

The Rooster crows...

Where ya been man?

Work does always find a way of getting busy in the fall. Espically in MN, WI, and MI. Must be the construction/outdoor nature of the work in these areas. Thats probably why we still live here though. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Roosetr, you lucky dog...er I mean bird. Bag your bags. Shoot big elk. Smile like heck.

Tom

Believe me! If I can find a way to swing it, you can color me there!

sounds like a yes to me.

dust off those danner prong horns.

what you got for a boom stick?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sounds like a yes to me.

dust off those danner prong horns.

what you got for a boom stick?

Rooster,

I have a nice .338 you could use.

sorry thats getting old, last time, I promise...I think

Tom

dang ole Tom trying to make me think he bought that M70 338 I was lusting for.

goofball.

my ole 300 webby puts the spank on them ole rubber nosed cows just fine.

I'm guessing the 300webby does just fine. from you pics, so does the .450 marlin.

you must like that recoil 'eh? you seem to have a lot of little guns in big fast cals...

try out one of those new fangled 416 garrets we were talking about the other day.

I'm a recoil pig.

boom! boom! boom!

wabo,
I intend to keep walking.In fact Monday I ramped the mile a day in the park up to two miles a day.Thanks for the encouragement.

Stan

Way to go stan. I should be doing some walking myself. in about 3 weeks i'll find myself up in the mountains climbing switchback trails with a pack on my back & a rifle slung over my shoulder.

Stan, Way to go!!!! Good for you, if you don't already have one a Nice walking stick about 5 foot tall is a Nice thing to have along. I'd also consider taking a walk in different places like along a creek or river, through a wooded trail or the like to help breakup the everyday same surroundings.

Dave,

You better get at it and I've been slacking myself on this, fill that pack with 25 to 30 pounds of sandbags and walk half a day, one day a weekend and couple 1 hour walks like that a week and you'll be ready before you know it. My training for hunting season starts this Friday and I may even go bowhunting Friday evening too. Please don't tell me your going to carry a bolt gun over the lever though, your lever will never forget being left behind..

Wabo,
In 1985 I bought some land up in the north Georgia mountains.The first day I walked on it after the purchase I cut a cedar sapling and made a nice staff from it that accompanied me on the 81 miles of Appalachian trail I walked in Georgia.
I since have bought a lightweight aluminum extension walking staff but I have a different knob on top of it to allow me to use it for a shooting stick.It's slick.
I still have the old cedar one in the "sports" closet.(Where swmbo allows me to keep all my junque)I plan to use it again.

Stan

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sounds like a yes to me.

dust off those danner prong horns.

what you got for a boom stick?

Well I would have used my Ruger M77 7mm Mag but I came across this deal for a .338 M70. SUPER NICE! And what a deal! Holy Cow! I couldn't believe it! Found it right here on the campfire! Gun is in excellent shape. Only like 12 rounds fired through it for just over $600.00. I mean, for that price I can drag it up cliffs by a rope and use it to bust paths through thorn bushes etc. At the end of the hunt if I have to pawn it for a watch or something...NO BIG DEAL!

And the best part of it all was my wife said "go ahead and get it honey. You don't come across a deal like that everyday. I will just cut back a little on the groceries and the boys can get new shoes later."

yeah, yeah, what ever

you & tzone are cut from the same cloth.

unfortunately, it's a brown chunk of cloth from the back of bozo the clown's shorts!!

so, you goin or what?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah, yeah, what ever

you & tzone are cut from the same cloth.

unfortunately, it's a brown chunk of cloth from the back of bozo the clown's shorts!!

so, you goin or what?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

unfortunately, it's a brown chunk of cloth from the back of bozo the clown's shorts!!

so, you goin or what?

As long as it wasn't the shorts he was wearing the day he judged the chili cookoff sponsered by Blatz beer....I'm ok with that.

No. I can't go. Sorry my friend. I just have way too much going on next month. Next year for sure since I'll have more time to prepare and plan for it. Thanks for the invite though!!

oky doke.

have fun with your work & stuff...

"lord i poligize, that wernt nice etall.."

Well, I hope this topic does not go away.
It's what made me register and stop lurking. Wait, maybe thats not good thing!

Anyhoo.. It's a bit inspiring. I hope to do something similar with my kids in the future.
Keep it coming!

Doug

Thanks Doug

And welcome to the forums even if you may have been lurking for a while & may not be exactly "new". Good to have you posting

Thanks, I appreciate it and thanks for this thread!

Alright, Ill have to post on your thread Dave. Not worth its own post but I gotta tell sombody who will undarstand.

I called a guy on craigslist who had a tree stand for sale.

"ya, it hooks to a tree,its big, rated 300lbs. I cant hunt anymore, bad eyes"

Im thinking, I hate hang on tree stands but for 25.00 I can hang it somewhere , and can wonder to it later in the week when all the other stands are burnt.

Get there and its a 2 pc climber

made of alu, used but nice.

Ive wanted a climber and never forked out the cash. Im very excited to give it a try on a tree!!

awesome craigslist score!!

Wooooo!

ever work a climber before?

It'll make you wish trees were the same dia bottom to top!

still though, climbers are really cool.

ALWAYS wear a safety harness when climbing.Great price on the climber.

Stan

I have one of those that Ive never worn. I will strap it to the climber and take your advice.

we're heading to the shack this morning. We'll put up the tzone tom ladder stand (I'll take pics of that) we'll do repairs to a home hade stand & possibly make one more. We'll shoot some rifles, maybe look for some grouse.

Have a good weekend all.

The tzone stand...I dig it.

smile like heck in those pics dave.

My wife doesnt think installing a new toilet is forplay

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Alright, Ill have to post on your thread Dave. Not worth its own post but I gotta tell sombody who will undarstand.

I called a guy on craigslist who had a tree stand for sale.

"ya, it hooks to a tree,its big, rated 300lbs. I cant hunt anymore, bad eyes"

Im thinking, I hate hang on tree stands but for 25.00 I can hang it somewhere , and can wonder to it later in the week when all the other stands are burnt.

Get there and its a 2 pc climber

made of alu, used but nice.

Ive wanted a climber and never forked out the cash. Im very excited to give it a try on a tree!!

Gary
Ya Should Build One Of these.
I have had this for 14 Years Now.
[Linked Image]

Northern Dave,
I don't post much, but thought I'd add to yours. I too had a deer camp. Two buddies from high school and I teamed up with my father and his 4th wife, and 52 acres were purchased for a camp. Alcohol was always something of an issue, but we were in our 20's and did a little drinking of our own. Then one buddy had a broken romance, and gave up. About that time my son came of age, and started. 8 point first year. But rather than grandparents being proud, they were bitter of his success. (shot off property) After 3 years of this, my son gave up hunting to go into army. (Airborne Ranger). Had a few employees come with to fill in gaps in ranks, but they always moved on. Then 25 year friend found his first true love, and she didn't want him to spend time with anyone else, so he decided to end our friendship. Then my father came down with alcohol induced dementia, and parkinsons, and his 4th wife put him in a nursing home and didn't bother to tell us kids. To quote-"he'll die, and none of you will ever now what happened to him". We found him anyway, and tried to assist him through a divorce. But he turned over all of his assets to her, and did not want to see it through. Now he lives in a another nursing home a couple of hours away, and I hunt alone in the arrowhead region of MN. 4th wife lives on the property, and tells anyone who'll listen that she'll shoot on sight if any of us appear. I don't post much, because I don't have much to say anymore. But I wish you and yours the best of luck. Hope you never have to go through the "death of a deer camp".

holy smokes tagabuck, I hope none of that happens to our camp!! Sep fer maybe the 8 point, I got no problems with an 8 point... in fact, I can't seem to get past the 8th point myself... mr 8 pointer the call me... they call me other stuff to tho...

Swish, what the heck? your woman don't see toilet instalation as 4-play? That's sad man, that's just sad

I feel 4 you brudda.

ok, update now. Lets see, should we start with things that dave broke or things that were fun & cool?

Lets do the cool stuff first.

oh I was a mowing fool! I wish I had taken pics of the opening I made under pam's stand. I had a nice mowed opening there last year but now it's twice as big. and I mowed a new trail, more direct route up to the boy's ground blind, Yer gonna like that boy!!!

and we did some exploring, I took the whole tribe on a deer stand repair route. First we fixed up the one we call the cable stand, cause it's by our gate which is just a cable with a lock on it.

Then we went to my uncles stand & fixed the ladder which was loose. My uncles stand had water standing in it on the floor, so, being the nice guy I am I used my cordless hole maker. (my side arm) to pop a few drain holes in the floor for him

While we were over by my uncles stand I showed Pam & the kids an old home site, just a hole in the ground & a few hints of what used to be. Well we found this old wood stove which was like finding treasure, or the kids thought so anyways!

We'll hang a few of the cooler pieces of the stove on the wall at the shack.

Then I hung up the tzone stand..

Here's some pics.

young-un on the wheeler where we were fixing on one stand.
[Linked Image]

The stand we fixed on.
[Linked Image]

My uncles stand that we worked on a bit.
[Linked Image]

One of the bigger pieces of the treasure we found, old wood stove shell.
[Linked Image]

tzone stand on a cedar tree.
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/taylorkodak021.jpg[/img]

And finally, stuff that dave broke. hydrolic oil filter.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/taylorkodak023.jpg[/img]

what's this? uh oh.. that looks expensive

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/taylorkodak025.jpg[/img]

looks like a piece that should be up in here....
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/taylorkodak026.jpg[/img]

So, great weekend for the most part, sep fer the broken stuff that looks expensive...

Dave

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

My wife doesnt think installing a new toilet is forplay

well that schitty, sorry to hear that.

tagabuck,

you've some bad luck. sorry to hear it. Shoot a big on nasty looking buck up there in the arrowhead. take some pictures, post them on here, and then you'll have lots to talk about.

good luck.

Tom

looks like another fun weekend northern_dave.

hows the view way up high in the tzone stand? looks good up in that cedar. I'm thinking it will be the best stand on the place

cool treasure you guys found too. clean that thing off and hang it up. it'll add character.

pretty unexciting weekend in central wi. caught some walleyes on sat. am and worked on the basement for the rest of the weekend to keep mrs tzone smiling like heck so I can hunt pretty much all of november.

I think we are going to our camp here next weekend to fix blinds and cut some new trails. I'll try to remember to take a camera with me.

Dave,

Thanks for the pics and story, sorry for your bad luck though! I do however hope you will take the time to read and not take my next sentences to you in the wrong way..

Those steps nailed into the tree on the fixerstand are NOT a good idea! I've fallen from those types of steps 3 times and one time I fell 30 feet as the screws and nails in the tree (which i checked before the season too) decided to give way. You have to PLEASE consider a cheap alternative!!!

Ya need a couple of pieces of 1 inch galvanized conduit a handful of galvanized nails I think #16's or #20's and 2 treated 2x6's the desired length... Drill holes in center of 2x6 and place a 1 foot piece of conduit inside each hole and drill small hole for a pilot for the nail and drive the nail through the board and conduit from the 2 inch or edgewize from the board.. This locks the conduit in place.. Place a ratchet strap at the top of the ladder around it and the tree or treestand and Presti cheap effective ladder good for years.. Much Safer please consider this and like Triple check the bracing on the flooring of the stand... Sorry I'm a rag......... I just happen to be one of the guys who said it will never happen to me and I actually had a stand I was hanging come down ontop of me after I fell because the step gave way.. Talk about some serious OUCH..

You will get to really enjoy the TZONE design style of stand I'm betting just make sure and wear a safety harness in it too..

wabo,

we're going to have to call you "cat". but I think you already used up 3 of those lives.

glad nothing happened to you. I don't think I'd use home made stands anymore if I fell from them once. 3 time sounds like playing with fire.

Meow......... RRRRoooooooouuuuch... HSSSSsssss..LOL

TZone One of the falls where the stand came down on me was because a factory made screw in tree step 3/8 inch diameter broke, stupid hangon stands... When I was younger they didn't make treestands and I now prefer either the TZone ladder style stand or a Shootin house on 6by6 in concrete polls with stairs or conduit/2x6 ladder system... We have a couch,recliner, sat dish and kitchen in my favorite stand now... No kiddin I can watch the games while hunting deer, well waiting on the kiddo to fill a tag.. Usually I still hunt by myself in the end days of the season to fill my tag..

I think I've used up about 3 different cat lives myself and my body is beginning to tell me too.. Won't even begin to tell you my life as a kid let alone as a construction worker, before I luckily landed in the office on all fours...lol

We've started seeing deer again all the sudden. Lots of tracks too, I made trails late in the day on sat & we walked the new trails on sunday morning & they had all kinds of tracks on them already.

Ole forky toe been hangin out over by the out house....

The boy is coming up this weekend to bring up a permanent stand he built at home. So I got that to look forward to, it'll help drag me through the work week knowing he's coming up to goof off with his uncle Dave.

It must be the time of year. All of a sudden on Saturday, the deer were all over the place. I have been seeing the same 6 does in the field by our house all year. Then all of a sudden there's 30 of the damn things out there. 5 of them were racked bucks, with a few forkies and spikes thrown in there. Until then, I have seen a grand total of 1 whopper buck, in the same field in one afternoon, I see 3...NICE!

Good to hear you still have Ole Forky Toe hanging around.

Did you guys get any birds last weekend?

Same holds true down my way except I'm seeing more deer as their running into the sides of our vehicles than anything.

Been lucky so far though. Very limited damage. My wife (Special K) has a minivan that is a frickin deer magnet! She has hit 6 deer with it now since we bought it 3 years ago with only one causing noticable damage. I took it to work one day last fall and hit the rump of a deer that jumped out in the morning. That evening (in broad daylight) I'm coming home driving east and this doe is running north in a ditch. I think she must see me so she will turn. Nope. The damn thing hits the road running and literally leaps over the top back portion of the van with just a small thump of a back hoof hitting the other side on the way down. Then last week wife goes into pick up the boys from football and I get a text: "just hit another deer but no damage". The next night I go pick them up and a dang 'ol buck jumps out of the corn, glances down the side of my truck and somehow only bends the running board. I looked for all of them and the only one that was ever killed (on site) was the one she hit that smucked up her grill pretty good. Deer are attracted to light just like mosquitos. I just know it. I think I'm going to build a great big mobile 'bug' zapper and drive it around during deer season to save on shells!

kapow!!

40,000 views.

I believe I can now officially say...

WTF?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

kapow!!

40,000 views.

I believe I can now officially say...

WTF?

Holy shnikies! I remember when you first told me about the thread, you said you couldn't believe it was almost at 1000 views or something like that. Now 40,000! WAY COOL!

my ford f-150 was like that. good for atleast one deer a year. never any major damage, but a pain in the azz none the less.

another month and those damn things will be running silly in the road, yards, parking lots, where ever. a guy would think a huge buck is behind every tree. goofy bastrages

Cult of the Deer Camp, or the NorthernDave Camp Cult, in any event thank you for Deer Camp....

thank you for the interest, support, helpful suggestions, comical posts & all that sort of thing.

and dat goes for everybody.

1290 replies in one thread & not one troll, no turds in the punch bowl.

That's really something.

Thanks everybody.

Dave

Has Mrs ND let you out of the dog house yet ?

I'm breaking loose to make a run for CO very soon. Going to go shoot a wapiti cow so we can have elk steaks at deer camp this year.

Mostly doing it for pam you know....

(I feel a beat down coming...)

When do we get T-shirts and hats?
As Dave so eloquently put it "WOW".I remember remarking to Dave back in May,I think it was,about crossing the 10,000 mark.
I'm telling you Dave I'm smelling a book.Or is that my socks?
Stan

Definately a cool and refreshing thread, no ego allowed!

Thx

Dober

Hi All ~ Mrs. ND here. I simply couldn't let the thread go on any longer without replying to M1894. Hmmm, NO ND isn't out of the doghouse yet.
He gets to trapes off to CO and hunt Elk, and one might ask why I'm mad because he is doing this for the best interest of the family, right? You know bring meat home for the family so we can make it through the winter. Well once again I'm being a SELFISH wife, I think all of you have seen this side of me on the thread once or twice and I do apologize in advance but anyways...I want to go Elk hunting, no joke. Unfortunately we'd only better send Dave for financial reasons and I'd better do what I do every day of the week and run children to their various functions. Oh well, maybe I can go when the kids finally graduate or something. I guess I can still look forward to the upcoming deer season, if anything, I will see and shoot my first deer in over 18 yrs.
Hope I didn't damper the thread too much, just had to chew on ND when I get the chance.

Stan- I think its your socks that your smelling. HA!
To all, thanks for keeping this thread alive, for all the interest, suggestions, sharing of experiences. Its simply heartwarming to see truly wonderful, caring people out there.
Thanks for being there when our family needed some awesome people to lend an ear, lend advice, and extend their hearts. Enough mush, get back to posting people.

Boooooo!!!

Get back to the kitchen woman!!

OMG, I'm so kidding!!!

Kidding!!!

I'd rather take Pam along on this trip but we have nobody to watch the kids.

For this same reason me & Pam can never get away for any time away from home. It is a big prob & I am a big meany for taking off on this trip.

MrsND,

you should just sit in the tzone stand...it has some serious good juju. 'Ole Forky Toes has takin' a liking to it from what I hear.

Maybe now that it's colder, you could throw dave an extra blankie out in that dog house.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Boooooo!!!

Get back to the kitchen woman!!

OMG, I'm so kidding!!!

Kidding!!!

You're dead meat now.

You won't have to worry about the mileage of the deisel, cuz mrsND will boot yo azz to CO.

you got some stones man...that I'll give ya.

I'm in big touble aint I Tom?

Can I come stay with you for a while?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm in big touble aint I Tom?

Can I come stay with you for a while?

BIG trouble.

You know you can come down and stay. Fishin' hot right now too. I'll drive you back up in a few weeks.:)

Mrs.tzone get ornry this time of year though. something about me being "gone" until Thanksgiving.

oh, well then. Must be a disease that all women fall victom too this time of year? the "ornry"

Oh no... I'm digging a hole now... must stop.....

It's hard to stop once you get started. maybe that's why the old lady don't like me...

see it's catchy.

Just had to ask didn't I

[Linked Image]

And Dave please stop

[Linked Image]

I figured Mrs ND wanted to go as well

Hope you guys can plan it for the family next year , I mean what's a few days off of school and work compared to the quality experience of a family Elk hunt ?

[Linked Image]

Mrs ND, it is always good to hear from you even when you feel the necessity to comment on my smelly socks.LOL.We need comments from the kids on here also.After all it's a family forum.Right?

Stan

Mrs. NDave, Great seeing you here!!!

Please don't hold Dave in the doghouse for too long as I was tough on him to go hunting with his Dad. I know the getting away from the kiddo problems all to well, its been years since my wife and I had a Real date.

However I lost my Dad 6 years ago and Dave knows this, I urged him to go even if he had to borrow money to do it. Personally I would quit a job, chop off half my toes or loose some fingers maybe a whole leg or arm just to go with my Dad again. Dave NEEDS to go and I hope next year you can make it workout so you can go too, heck why not this year take the family!!!! Sorry Dave I had to bring it to a thought ask Gramps to cover the bill...lol... Bet he would if he could too!

at Gramps!

I know you understand I'm being alittle mushy here to but THANKYOU guys for keeping this thread alive and letting us share with your family events. It reminds me Everyday that time is Precious and make the most of it in the outdoors is Good for the soul and mind. Your thread helps me live while I'm at work I can be outdoors sometimes just inside and outside in this one thread... Absolutly Wonderful!!!!

whew, i figured Stan was gonna let me have it!!

(cause I got it comin ya know, I know I do)

wow, wabster hit the enter button 8 second before me. funny how that works. this thread sleeps then wammo! double or triple whammy! Too funny!

Thanks Wabo.

"don't know what you've got until it's gone"

I know bud, I know it all too well myself.

Well just got off the phone with my uncle that comes up & hunts with us, at the start of the thread he is pictured helping us with the setting of the rafters on the shack.

He & my aunt are coming up, the boy who I refer to as my nephew is coming up, his youngest sis as well... possibly the middle sis too!! And get this, my uncles daughter, my cousin... my late best friends sister... she is coming up as well to see this place for the first time.

It's panning out to be one for the record books, I love this particular family so much, so many good memories from childhood with them while growing up with my bud. now, this weekend I get my buddy's mom & dad & his sister up here to spend the weekend with me & my family out at this deer camp we raced to throw together last year this time following the loss of my best bud.

My cousin, my best friend of 37 years... I really think he sure would get a kick out of the crew we'll have together for the wekend!

I say best friends for 37 years, but that's just counting our time together alive... He's still my best friend and I have enough memory of him to reflect upon in most any situation where I would ordinarily need him to feel as though he is still here.

Anyways, i get to hang out with his mom & pop, his sister too, his boy, at least one of his girls for sure...

It's gonna be a fun weekend.

on another note...Pam's got the heebee-jeebees, or a sinus cold or something, she's pretty sick & I think she's trying to give it to me, sabotage my elk trip!!

But I been takin care of her anyways. I made home made chicken soup. not too bad either.

Lets hope she kicks this crap quick cause she's the one supposed to be taking care of me!!

Till later,

Dave

Dave I'm right there with you on understanding losing your best friend.My best friend/ex-college room mate/"adopted" brother/hiking partner Tom died unexpectedly this year in February.There is not a day goes by that I do not miss him.I know your driving force.It's a realization that life is fleetingly short and you gotta put your absolute best into it.

Stan

Stan,

Do you ever sleep?

Thanks

Wow, I can't believe I'm posting 2 times in 2 days, so not like me.
Wabo-I totally understand what you are saying about spending time with one's dad. I actually am getting over being mad, and turning more to being jealous. Simply reason is...my dad told me he has emphazemia. Guess you can't smoke for 50 yrs and have it not affect you. So now I'm looking back at the time and I simply had a 'childhood' relationship with him. Got married at 19 and now its an occassional once a year visit. Tough because I've already started the regrets. He doesn't really ever call and ask for me to do things with him. One memory I will hold true to my heart is my senior year in high school when he and I went hunting, like we did for many years before that. But that was the year I got my 8 point buck in sleet and snow. He come running and blurted out " I was wondering when you were gonna shoot". Won't forget it, its like it happened yesterday.
From here forward, maybe I need to take the steps to build something w/dad, I need to call, I need to go home and plan things for us to do because I know before long he'll be gone.
But as far as Dave goes, I'm very happy he has his dad. I'm glad he has him and does these hunting trips, glad he spends time with him simply "bs-ing". Its a good thing.
So officially Dave is out of the doghouse...he just needs to nurse me back to health because I really do feel like crap!

Sorry all for the mush, but I had to explain somewhat. Now I'll be quiet for a couple months until I get forktoe and Dave has to put the pics on the thread. That will kill him I'm sure.

Great, all this sappy stuff got me thinking about all the family and friends I've lost all to soon. Getting me all teared up.

I would quit my job, sell my house, and all my belongings to hunt with my hunting mentor, my uncle Rick, one more time. He died from cancer when I was 11. So I never got to go on a real live carring a gun hunt with him. Spent many many hours in the woods with him hunting, but I would love for him to be with me. I would love to drag his buck out for him, share a beer around a campfire, laugh and tell dirty jokes.

mrsnortherndave,

nice to see you let northerndave back into the house, it's going to get cold out ya know.

You'll forgive him when he makes those elk tender loins for supper when he gets back.

Now get rid of that cold so you can get out in the woods with your family this weekend.

Tom

Well I guess we need to look at the passing of those loved ones as a sign of sorts. It only makes us closer to others that we may have otherwise not been to close to.
This weekend will be a blast, I'm very excited. I just love Dave's uncle and aunt. I see glimpses of the lost best friend and its like he's with us in a way. Miss that guy!
tzone- I had to let him back in, I didn't want him down there w/you...oh boy!!!

What's going on in here???

this is crazy talk... I won't hear of it... Pam shooting my forky toed buck.... phshhhht! Yeah right!! That ole boy is mine!!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

tzone- I had to let him back in, I didn't want him down there w/you...oh boy!!!

Why not? We'd stay outta troube.

It's not like we'd drink beer and talk smart all week...jeeesssh!

There's nothing to do down here anyway. We'd probably have to fish and hunt or something silly like that.

I'm in the doghouse pretty constant, so I know how it goes.

I'm going to our camp here today to. Going up with my wife's uncle and my father in law. I'll try to take pictrues of the weekend fun and games. Then if I could only find somebody who knows how to post pics on here....hmmmm. I'll have to ask around I guess.

Have fun this weekend.

Tom

Mrs. NorthrnDave,

You are too kind to my buddy Dave..LOL... I sure hope you kick that sickness out the door and have a Wonderful weekend with your family at camp!

Good Luck with your Dad I know its tough finding time and you know I'm sending my Best wishes to you on Dave's ole forkytoes too.

Thats right Dave I hope Pam shoots Ole Forky this year!!! Because that means you'll be stuck with Ole Mossytoes...LOL,, Have a Great weekend you guys!!!!

Pam,

Sorry to hear about your dad. Reminds me that I should call mine up in Britt, north of Virgina. Same for me, only talk once or twice a year.

On the bright side, this thread started with the shack, a place to bring you and your kids, and yes, Dave together, building a lifetime of memorys like your senior Buck.

that bar still open in Britt?

Dont know, havnt been up there in years

Ive got a 4 yr old he aint never met.

Shame on you.

Git r done.

Get Dad and the four year old together one way or another!

No wonder I've been thinking about my Dad the last couple of days ALot more the usual, just talked with his sister my Aunt, today would've been my Dads Birthday.. It has already been 6 years, I miss him....

Dave and Family Enjoy a Great weekend, I'm going to take my kids camping too starting tonight.. Wife doesn't know it yet but we ARE going!!!

dad and ma what are you talking bout?!? that deer ,ole forky toe, is mine!! ohhh yeah you better believe it! this isnt a joke! hes mine! kabooom! flop! mine right on the spot! he will be in my scope that is on my rifle that i will be holding, and i will pull that trigger! yeah! thats my plan!

right guys you could see me shooting the big ole forky toe.. i sure can! ha!

Uh,Oh!Ole Forky toes has problems now.

darn right he does! lol

Looks like Mom and Dad are going to find out there IS a new Sheriff in town, the name is Weezy!!!

Wait till Dave watches The Weezy,The Boy and The Mrs. Dave All wack a monster, Dave will then be on a mission like never before seen. Ole Rutty Bucks left in the woods won't stand a chance to the 300... Dave ya better go buy another supply of Miller for the festivities ahead!

holy moly am I tired & sore

out of shape I tell ya.

Well I got good news, then I got better news.

Good news is I fixed the tractor & It's back in the mowing business, we also got a couple of deer stands built, got some firewood hauled, got a real nice new fire ring, had a great weekend, fun & productive.

That's the good news in a nutshell. The great news is that My uncle is going on the elk trip with us in less than 2 weeks!

This guy pictured right here hoisting rafters for the deer camp shack late last summer when we were building.
[Linked Image]

My buddy's dad, my uncle. He said "I've always wanted to do a trip like that, I'm kind of running out of time." Well I don't know about running out of time, I sure hope not. But he's going & he'll be the perfect addition to our crew that we have lined up so far. It's going to be a great trip I tell ya.

Now I'll have to see what I can find for pictures from the weekend. I know weezy was taking some while we were putting up the last stand. I'll see what I can find.

Dave

Oh BOY!!! ...ahhh i mean girl

You git 'em Weezy. get that ol forky toe. git him like heck.

...Weezy's gonna git dat forky toed buck.... did you see da forky toe, did you see da forky toe?, she's gonna git dat forrrrky toed buck.

northern_dave,

you're in trouble man, troube I say. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Weezy's goona give you a run for your money...well at least ask you for your money

Wabo,

I got a feeling ol Dave would be smiling like heck if all those guys got a monster.

I know he would be.

I better sharpen up my knives and roll up my sleaves.... there's gonna be a lot of gutting to do.

Especially with one brand new deer hunter in the mix this year. My 11 year old boy will be hunting with me this year too. Oh boy, I got a feeling I'm going to be tired of field dressing by the time this season is over...

my dad showed me how to gut one deer. for the next 20 years, I've been doing his and mine...all of them.

thanks dad.

The first few were pretty messy, but it's not so bad now. I remember it taking about a half hour the first few times too. Now I can do a good job in about 10 min, I can do an OK job in about 7 if it's getting dark. Then I'll do the rest at camp.

maybe you should buy a "guttin' shirt", it sounds like it's going to be a messy season.

yeah, maybe just get a cheap rainsuit?

Go get 'em Weezy! Give me a holler and I'll get you the number of a good taxidermist. You can have him on speed dial and have him lined up before your Dad even takes his guttin knife out!

oops that reply went to Stan. It is meant for weezy. I'm not callin Stan weezy. He be walkin too much to get weezy!

Weezy snapped a couple of pictures while we were putting up this stand for the boy.

we don't have pictures of it with the wall frame up but we did complete that as well, now just need to sheet the walls. It's going to be a nice stand.

me in the loader bucket bringing the floor up.
[Linked Image]

our loader operator.
[Linked Image]

Centering the floor on the support beams.
[Linked Image]

Like I said, we got further on it but I don't have pictures, maybe next time.

What are ya packin for the side arm Dave? That for pesky red squriels of floor ventilation?

Please tell me the boy will be climbing a ladder and not up the tree.

Oh to be 17 again.

yeah we'll be building a good ladder the next time we are out. gonna need 14 foot legs cause it's 12' off the ground.

ruger MKII stainless, target barrel.

Grouse.

self protection from these grouse we've got.

They've got tusks you know, run by & rip your leg open, and they peck real hard too.

OK, I may have made most or all of that up.....

but I aint to sportsman like to pass up a ground shot out to 25 yds on a timber chicken

so what yer sayin' is your grouse have hard peckers?

I ain't afraid to pound a few on the ground. They taste the same as the flyin ones.

Is that in place of the ground blind, or a new spot?

yes, good guess. It is in place of the ground blind, just set back in the woods a little further, ground blind can be seen out ahead of this new mansion stand.

He did a real nice job, I like his design, he had a shooting window that is a continuous band 360* around the 4' x 6' enclosed stand.

it's going to be really nice when it's done.

I'll have to make one very much like it for pam hopefully before season this year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll have to make one very much like it for pam hopefully before season this year.

maybe you could call her's the doghouse, sinc you've been spending so much time in it.

hahah! yeah im a girl! and i cant wait for dad to gut out my big ole forky toe!

well maybe i better take it easy on everybody.. dont want to hurt the feelings and stuff... hah!
but oh my do i want that forky toe! who does he think he is? he was walking right around the cabin and outhouse!! i gotta show him whos boss and lay out the smack down!

i mean enough is enough! haha!

but i sure had a great weekend! and cant wait till deer season is here!

why everyone gunning for my dang ole deer?

poor ole fat 300 lb 185 inch forky toes...

(I wish)

see, his body is so heavy that his feet started to deform... big fella got a hard time getting around.

I saw him once you know.... yeah, he was coming from the south. He had been down to a lake that's just south of us. See, I can tell cause he was walking with a fish in his mouth. Looked like about a 4.5 lb northern pike. Next day in the paper there was a story about a 415lb black bear found dead down by the lake, cause of death undetermined but they said it looked like he was stabbed with a chandelier. Most folks thought that was a pretty strange explaination....

I never said nuthin about seeing that deer with a 4.5lb fish in his mouth... But I think about it now & then, I wonder if ole forky was actually hungry for that fish or if he just really didn't want that bear to have it....

that fork toe buck, he's a bad mutha...

Be careful what you wish for kids...

bad bad forky toe's down, da baddest buck in da Roseau town.

don't tug on superman's cape, don't piss into da vind, don't thumb up your nose, ya gotta watch out for da old forky toes...

Im sick I know. its some sort of disease I swear.

I heard that's what wipped out the sashquatch up in dem parts. some folks said it was wolvs, not me, I don't believe 'em.

I never seen him, heard him once. gruntin like dave after a week in Mexico, the smell was awful, a rut stink like you never knew...

had a little frost on the pumpkin this morning. Supposed to be hi 20's low 30's tonight too.

my rut is starting.

uh-oh... here we go again.....

It is upon us.

naw...not yet. I did see two basket racks on my way in yesterday though.

If I get up north on saturday, that might be a different story. FIL can't decide if we're gonna muskie fish or build blinds.

So many choices. A couple good ones to pick from. I tried to get him to do both, but he won't go for it.

you guys hittin' the woods this weekend?

well I'd like to but Pam wants to go to Cabelas on saturday so I suppose she'll drag me along.

Where is there a Cabellas by you? NoDak?

Gotta keep the wifey happy I guess.

ya, she's all (girl voice) "I want to make sure you have everything you need for your elk hunting trip before you go."

And I'm all (guy voice) "what ever, if i have too..."

and stuff.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ya, she's all (girl voice) "I want to make sure you have everything you need for your elk hunting trip before you go."

And I'm all (guy voice) "what ever, if i have too..."

and stuff.....

If my wife wanted to make sure I had everything I needed for my hunting trip.... good lord I don't know what she'd want to buy, but I'm guessing I'd come home to a new car in the driveway, or her old boyfriend in the basement or something.

Elk hunting trip....

Stupid work

You know the boy's grandpa is going right?

Rooster give into the darkside.

The wiley wapiti are calling. No Phone no lights no motor cars, not a single luxury.

Northern Dave,

I just wanted to thank you for this thread, through it I have been able to keep my desire to hunt in the future, as I have not been able hunt for several years because of money problems.This has compounded with the fact that I am in the middle of a career change (I was a homebuilder, my last house has been on the market for several months and I am about to hopefully start a new career) and that a tree has fallen through my house due to hurricane IKE, so I cant live in my house house until it gets fixed.

My 1953 Savage 99 in .300 is sitting around ready to hunt, I am just not able to. Hopefully next fall I will be able to get back into hunting, thanks again for this thread, it really has keep my hunting spirit alive, sorry if I vented a little too much, I just miss hunting.

Thank you for posting boxerdog. Don't be sorry for anything. Very sorry to hear about your troubles. housing market has got to be tough right now.

I certainly hope you land on your feet & get that ole 300 savage back out in the game.

I love the model 99's. Heck who doesn't? they have an absolute cultish following!!

It is one of the rifles that still evades me, I have had an affection for the savage 99 and oddly enough also the winchester model 88. Both are somewhat similar in the way that they are lever actions that fire pointed center fires. I have my 88 and I love it. I purchased it right here on the campfire classifieds, did really well on it from a gentleman from AZ if I remember correctly. I have since refinished the stock & mounted a fixed 4X leupold scope on it & I just love hunting with it. Mine is a .308

Look here, we'll do just like we would at deer camp when a feller is kind of proud of a rifle & wants to show it to his buddy. i'll just walk over to the home made gun rack over along the wall here & pull this ole 88 out of the rack & hand it to ya with the little glimmer of pride in my eye... here check it over...

Here it is, I did a refinish with a birchwood casey colonial brown stain and a hand rubbed linseed oil finish.
[Linked Image]

Here look at the stock up close, I'm pretty proud of how the finish came out..
[Linked Image]

look a little closer, i know most guys are pre 64 this & that but I really am fond of the impressed basket weave & oak leaf cluster printed in this piece of walnut..
[Linked Image]

here's a look from the fore end. a nice shot of the oak leaf cluster up there.

[Linked Image]

there, don't that feel like deer camp?

i'd like to have a look at that ole 99 some day & hear about it's stories.

thanks for posting boxer, best wishes & don't be a stranger.

Dave

Damn Dave!

That's a fine lookin' 88. I've got a Model 100 with the dreaded basket weave and love it. The old 100 is pretty beat up from huntin', but I like it that way. Someday I'll find an 88 like yours to match mine. Damn nice job on the refinish. Maybe some day I'll be brave enough to try that on mine....

George

Dave,you did a great job on that one.Where most people screw up in refinishing a rifle is in the wood color.Yours looks just right.

Stan

NH K9, now there's another forum handle I haven't run across before. Thank you also for posting.

So you've got the semi auto sister to the 88 huh?

You know of course I'm on the other side looking for a 100 to go with my 88 while you are looking for an 88 to go with your 100

that's the way it goes.

don't be afraid to tackle the stock project. I kept the sand paper away from mine, I used chemical stripper & a tooth brush to remove factory finish without damaging the press checkering. I used a red scotch brite pad to skid the stripping slime & finish off the smooth surfaces. just repetition & patience.

Good rinsing & lots of drying time afterwards. then I rubbed color in generously, in the past on other stocks I have always fallen shy on color because I have worried about over doing it.

Thanks Stan for saying i got the color right, i think it went ok.

I put on a coat of gun stock wax every now & then & buff it up. I like this finish so much better that the pale yellowish colored & varnish looking finish it had. this to me looks like the way it should have been.

Thanks for the kind words guys, K9, don't be a stranger either, please post again.

g'night.

You sure got the color right dave. Looks great.

A cool rife indeed. You know, that is a gun I just don't see for sale around here. Not in gun shops, pawn shops, shows, nowhere. A real cool gun though. I'm a fan of the 100's, every time I find one, something else comes up.

I will be the owner of a 99 soon. Like tonight after work. I found a beauty that Grogel has been helping me with for a week or better now.

Did you name that camp yet?

Tom

Somebody gotta help me find my 99, I love my 88 but she's no 99. I'm a bit of a loony for precision mechanics, craftsmanship... and the 99 has both & then some.

the action has always fascinated me.

I could sit on the couch for hours with a beer next to me & marvel at the mechanics & precision craftsmanship as I cycle the action in slow motion watching the movement of the parts.

I�ll have one some day.

no we aint named the dang camp, maybe i'll work on that today.

There are cool, them 99's. I found one in .300 Savage that Big Swish has been answering a ton of questions for me. The more I go and look at it, the more I like it.

Seems like a great rifle to still hunt with. Put the wool on, sneak around real quiet, like they used to do.Krommer hat and all.

I got an old leather sling I'm going to throw on it. I'll have to put a scope on it cuz I just can't see good enough to be effective with the old buckhorn rear sight.

After work today, I'm going to throw some cash at it.

whats a feller gotta give for one now a day?

5 bills for this one.

Grogel says it's fair. I'm going to offer 'em $400 today, but I'll pay 5.

it's unmolested 'cept for the sling swivels someone put on for me. Blueing is great, one tiny ding that I didn't see until the third time I looked at it. The wood is ok but looks better each time I look at it. The mag and chamber area are damn near perfect.

This one was made in the early 40's. It has some stories to tell...I hope.

Swish is an untapped knowelege on 99's. He knows his stuff. If you have questions on them, he's your guy.

I figgered he was.

good ole big swish in his big swish suit... all orange & stuff... so swishy... "swish-swish-swish-swish"

Yeah I think I read somewhere that the boy's grandpa is going. Good for him! He needs that! Should be a blast!

Originally Posted by big drift

Rooster give into the darkside.

The wiley wapiti are calling. No Phone no lights no motor cars, not a single luxury.

I really wish I could BD. I really wish I could...

You can pass around the bottom one. Mod 71 bought new in about 1938 by my Grand dad. Rumor has it for around $80.00. Probably a lot for a rifle post depression like that.

It's got a few notch's cut into the stock by the rear swivel swing were my teen-aged Dad started to tally his bucks. Maybe six or so before he decided it might be a bit much to continue.

I still use it on crummy days on the still hunt. Lightning fast to the shoulder. Never fogs up. And lets the air out of bucks like a flat tire.

Craig

cedar on the wall there? nice.

what sized holes does the 71 make?

I hate to say it Dave, being a wood guy and all, that stuff on the wall is photo faced paneling they sell cheap at Home Dumpo.

The 71 pokes 0.348" holes. I don't load, so it costs me about $3.00 per throw. I try to throw only about 5 a year.

Craig

Here are some 99s, some are sold others still for sale.

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=396627&highlight=savage+99

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=384470&highlight=savage+99

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372617&highlight=savage+99

rooster,

you were spot on brudder. I picked up my archery liscense yesterday. after hemming and hawing about it for 3 weeks.

I took my boy in the woods last night to play around. after explaning to him that bucks don't bite,(he's 3) he wants to hunt them with me. but only if he can start the keys on the 4 wheeler.

so long story short, I'm goin' bow hunting.

my 4 year old watched us build deer stands last weekend. he's got a little swingset playground sort of theing with a cedar fort type of tower up top that leads to a slide.

early this week he was up there with his hammer out of his kids tool kit & he was pounding away on the walls & floor.

I said "Joe, what are you doing?"

He never looked up from his work but he did answer me "I'm building a deer stand dad"

for the rest of the week he has been up in his stand with a toy rifle & he's been hunting.

He's shot a lot of bucks & a few "regular deer" too.

He's an excellent shot.

"Swish is an untapped knowelege on 99's. He knows his stuff. If you have questions on them, he's your guy."

Im just passing on what Ive learned here at the fire. The savage collectors forum is what brought me here to the fire. There are guy over there who have been collecting and digging for answers on the 99 since I was in grade school, and they share the info. Sometimes the Internet thing kicks arse.

Dave, Your 88 is strange and confusing. Your refinish looks Great, I really like it. It also has blued metal and a lever...but...I..just...cant......dont...cultish??...Im going to go lie down.

Jack is the same way. He shoots a lot of stuff with his gun.

His uncle bought him a toy Win. M70, with a working bolt and BANG noises. He has shot several "bucks" from the deck and car windows

If they are not "bucks" the rest are just deer.

His scardy cat sister has taught him all animals bite and are evil. Once you convince him that the stuff don't bite, he'll shoot it. Funny little bugger. He's my best buddy to boot.

Tom

99 = cultish

if all guns were movies then the 99 would be star wars.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

99 = cultish

if all guns were movies then the 99 would be star wars.

if Chuck Norris was a rifle he'd be a 99.

oh boy, her we go with the chuck norris stuff

99 is your light saber for deer I guess.
In my "close" group,some of whom still live in Georgia,"The Gun" is a Remington Model Seven in .308.I have one of the originals with 18" barrel.The later models had 20".Light,handy and in my estimation the best Eastern Whitetail getter ever made.
Speaking of guns,I bought a Walther P-1(postwar P-38) at the gun shop where I work part time yesterday.Beautiful pistol.I've always admired them.Guy walked in and wanted to sell it.Shop owner knew I had been wanting one so he allowed me to purchase it privately.
Muzzle loader season started here Oct. 1st.Gun season starts Oct. 11th.I have a heart doctor's appointment Oct. 31st.I'll see at that time if he feels my chest has healed enough to fire a rifle.I feel great and walk three miles at the local park track every day.This operation has given me back ten years or at least that's how I feel.

Stan

Way to go Stan!!!! Your going to be in such tip top shape that you'll be able to run down ole forky and get him with a knife... Keep at it, and nice pickup on the handgun.

Now as much as I like a Great looking gun like the 99 I haven't added one to the collection yet. Someday soon though..

Around my camp you'll see deer taken with Everything just last season a 7 year old cousin took a nice doe with an AR 15. Rifles around camp vary ALOT mostly bolt guns for my buddies and either AR's or Contenders by TC for the little kids with Dad sitting beside them.

However there is a rule for my immediate family and that rule is no hunting without a levergun! My daughter has her own Mossberg 30-30 she likes, a 1970's model levergun, and the rest of us pack Marlins in 336's. So when it is just the Immediate family at my camp I call the place MarlinsWorld..

Oh one other thing I choose Jimmy Stewart for my last action hero watching on the T.V. Tha Far Country is my favorite.. Now alright then did ya see that, I can take care of me just fine and in a pinch I can take care of you too. Dave thats how I think of your place The Far Country, where it must be The place dreams are made of...

That's great Stan!! glad to hear you are doing your part by being so active. so glad you have so much new energy!!

we're going to cabelas this morning, anybody need anything while we're there?

Wabo , I'd love to see a pic of the gun rack (S) at the time you call

" So when it is just the Immediate family at my camp I call the place MarlinsWorld.."

For me I'm usually at camp alone so there are just the three Marlins in the rack .

Just in case folks haven't seen this pic enough yet

Tzone hasnt posted since around 1:00 yesterday. In my cartoon bubble he came home with a new gun (99) to a wife who took the Demacrap call.

There was alot of "DID YOU TEACH HIM" and "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS" then she grabbed the 99, and chased him into the doghouse recently vacated by Dave.

I hope he didnt freeze last night.

Dave,
Weren't you looking for a .308 Model 100?
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=67196

Stan

Stan, can't do it, won't even look!!

Buyers anxiety from yesterdays cabelas trip.....

Dave,

Today is the first day I have taken the time to read this thread. I am speechless. I am thrilled for your friends and family. They are blessed with a figure that is truly the model of a Man.

I am also thrilled for you. You are aware that you are blessed. For a man to know that he enjoys a good life is a wonderful thing and it is obvious that you are a happy man.

The only thought I had through the early part of the thread was that when your gunrack was built, there should always be one space kept open. But as the thread progressed, I could see that the healing was progressing, and you know best what to do in that respect.

Congratulations! I hope that this season is a banner year for you and your family.

CT

And one spot will remain open, from here forward. Now that you have helped me see what a simple but meaningful tribute it would be.

Thank you for the kind words & thank you for the wonderful idea.

Thank you very much.
Dave

Allright Stan!

3 miles, that's impressive. You're probably in better shape than most on the forum if you're walking that much.

Here's to a good report from the Doc.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Tzone hasnt posted since around 1:00 yesterday. In my cartoon bubble he came home with a new gun (99) to a wife who took the Demacrap call.

There was alot of "DID YOU TEACH HIM" and "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS" then she grabbed the 99, and chased him into the doghouse recently vacated by Dave.

I hope he didnt freeze last night.

Good lord if mama finds that 99, I'll be living in Dave's doghouse. Because the one at this house will be hers not ours.

We had a "discussion" about some crap Gander Mt sent via mail. Some "thank you for your recent purchace of a gun" garbage. That was for the Marlin .32WIN, so I'll have to be watching the mail for the one from the 99.

She thought the demacrap call was funny, except a 3y.o. boy said it, and she didn't teach it to him. I guess the daycare thought it was funny, and he did'nt get in trouble, for that anyway.

Originally Posted by tzone

rooster,

you were spot on brudder. I picked up my archery liscense yesterday. after hemming and hawing about it for 3 weeks.

I took my boy in the woods last night to play around. after explaning to him that bucks don't bite,(he's 3) he wants to hunt them with me. but only if he can start the keys on the 4 wheeler.

so long story short, I'm goin' bow hunting.

I knew you would man!

I myself have only made it out on opening evening so far with no luck. Too busy trying to prepare for 'ol man winter. Must take time soon though!

"after explaning to him that bucks don't bite,(he's 3) he wants to hunt"

That is GOOD STUFF! Gotta love kids! He will really be pumped when Daddy "catches" a deer!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

And one spot will remain open, from here forward. Now that you have helped me see what a simple but meaningful tribute it would be.

Thank you for the kind words & thank you for the wonderful idea.

Thank you very much.
Dave

That is an awesome idea! Like you said Dave, its a simple but oh so meaningful tribute. Kinda gives me goose bumps...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

rooster,

you were spot on brudder. I picked up my archery liscense yesterday. after hemming and hawing about it for 3 weeks.

I took my boy in the woods last night to play around. after explaning to him that bucks don't bite,(he's 3) he wants to hunt them with me. but only if he can start the keys on the 4 wheeler.

so long story short, I'm goin' bow hunting.

I knew you would man!

I myself have only made it out on opening evening so far with no luck. Too busy trying to prepare for 'ol man winter. Must take time soon though!

"after explaning to him that bucks don't bite,(he's 3) he wants to hunt"

That is GOOD STUFF! Gotta love kids! He will really be pumped when Daddy "catches" a deer!

Rooster,
I went out yesterday evening and saw jack squat. Well a chippie and a bluejay. It rained pretty much the whole time I was out and I left the woods at 5:30 before I was soaked to the bone.

Will try again this week. Hopefully friday.

I'm in a lottery area again this year which means I can only take one deer total (in my area anyway) and the wife bought me a smoke pole for my b-day last spring. I will bowhunt but will most likely not shoot anything unless its huge. Wanna try that smoke pole huntin out once! I heard it can be addicting also.

from the pics I saw of last years buck, I'd say you got the "only if it's huge part down."

I'm yet to shoot a buck with my bow. I missed three bucks with my bow so far. You could saw I got a little of the fever on two of them. One I just plain screwed up.

I don't plan on shooting anything but a buck with the stick and string. We have antlerless only season I plan on trying out the .243 to see how she works.

"Good lord if mama finds that 99, I'll be living in Dave's doghouse. Because the one at this house will be hers not ours."

hers not ours....Thats funny!!

yeah Tom, won't you even get "half" out of the deal?

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

hers not ours....Thats funny!!

funny for you guy maybe...

My 99 will be 49 and 1/2. I don't even know anyone who loads for one, let alone find factory ammo for it.

Our little chat about why gander was sending me letters thanking me for my purchaces was heated enough. espically the part where I couldn't remember the last time I bought a gun.

" er..aahh...huh, geeze it' been so long I don't recall, what do you mean...yes it's raining why do you ask, man I gotta get my glasses fixed, babble, stutter, slur, no idea why they'd send that, must be the wrong address...this doesn't seem right, what's for dinner, I like apple pie, er...pumpkin, no it's gotta be your bull, what?"

It went a little like that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah Tom, won't you even get "half" out of the deal?

Thanks dave,

I knew I could count on you for support

that's what pals are for right...

"where oh where will my baby be..."

I did something a bit unethical last night but hell it was just a Coyote. He came trotting in and scared a doe and 2 fawns off. I whistled to get him to stop but wouldn't. Shot him while trotting at 33 yards. Shot the Yote back a bit and so I sat till dark. Got the flashlight to make sure he was dirt napping and had a hell of a run in with a Skunk!!! Picture a grown man yelling like a wild man, tearing cobs off the standing corn and, throwing it at a skunk that's rolling in Coyote blood...Damn skunk was real bold, he would go ahead a bit and then come towards me again so, I would get another cob and throw it at him...This went on for approx. 1/2 hour. I finally got to the coyote where he was sleeping peacefully.

1 less yote to play with. BTW I didn't get sprayed either.

Rob

awesome!! thin them yotes out!! Mind the skunks tho!!

LOL!! too funny!!

might be worth the cost of an arrow to smoke the skunk. not nearly as funny though

Funny story.

Unethical? Heck no! Just one out of thousands of coyotes that need to meet the same fate. I still say they kill way more fawns than anything else. I have been keeping the 7mm in the vehicle lately just for the purpose of eradicating some yotes. Problem is I never see them when I have the gun. I see them a lot when I don't.

Gonna have to put the e-caller to good use this winter. I will use the 22-250 then to try and save some hide!

Rooster7, Coyotes and cats have been loosing there livelihood at a pretty frequent pace as of late. It's amazing what lead poisining will do to them...Now I see the big problem with lead paint...LOL...

Have Fun

Rob

Dave??? Dave??? Where are you Dave? You don't leave for elk camp until tomorrow Dave. So where are ya at Dave? Did you take today off to gather gear Dave??

I'm here Jim, I'm here man!! i wouldn't leave without saying goodbye!!

I'm packing clothes & stuff, geting ready for the wapiti harvest.

We launch Wapiti two from MN at 3PM tomorrow.

Just talked to dad, he was on his horse making his way down into "the hole" where we base camp. 3 horses behind him & the truck with the base camp gear bringing up the rear.

he's in his glory.

We'll be there soon, my uncles really going to like this trip.

I gotta pack. talk to ya tomorrow.

dave

I'm waiting for the Wapiti express to pull in the driveway so we can head out for our elk trip.

time for a quick post.

remember that old barn wood i kept talking about for inside the shack?

Well here it is.

[Linked Image]

"I got wood"

here's a close up

[Linked Image]

now get up here with that nail gun rooster!!

my rides here!!
woooo!!

take care, talk to you all in a week.

Dave

Bye dave,

eerr. thanks for takin' a picture of your wood and posting it

That's gonna look great !!! Now toss a tarp over it and hit the road !!

Tzone, are you going to keep "birth of a deer camp" up to date while Dave is gone?

Rob

sure,

but I'm not posting a picture of MY wood

, I'm too shy for that.

I'll have to try and round up some picturs, then figure out how to post 'em on here.

We'll have to keep it going or Dave will have thoughts about axing it again, and we can't have that.

Ya, showing pictures of your wood is pretty bold. Like you, I'm a bit shy when it come to those types of things.

Me posting pictures has always been a disaster. Once I posted a gun picture and it was so big that when it opened, all you seen was the trigger and trigger guard. Was suppose top be the whole gun.

Just getting my Avatar to work, I had to have help from VAnimrod to the point where he pm'd a link to me and said, click on it and then click submit. Until then I probably wasted 4 hours trying to make it work.

I guess I'll have to get educated on posting pictures.

Have Fun

Rob

You Post pictures like me. LMAO

Yeah, I guess. I just started a photobucket account but now I don't know how to post the damn things. I'll try it again.

Tom

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Project93.png[/img][/img]

Chippewa Flowage, WI 7/30/08
40" - 20+lbs

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Project62.png[/img][/img]

Norther Vilas Co, WI 7/24/08
38" - 17 lbs

First leagl Muskie on purpose

Pics look good Tzone...good job. You'll be better at it than Dave when he gets back. HA!
Keep posting until Dave gets back, keep the thread alive.

dave has about a 500 pic head start on me

I started a new job recently and don't have my hunting pics on this one yet.

oddly enough this is the only hunting pic I have. It's dave's from a few years ago.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/DSC00625elk.jpg[/img][/img]

hopefully there will be a new one on here in a week or two.

Look like ya got it figgered out there Tom. I am picture posting challenged. I don't even know where to begin.

Mrs ND - You still comin down this weekend to raise heck with Special K and Makes no Patties??

I think we got to encourage Mrs NorthernDave and Weezy to get up
to deer camp and get ol forky toes scouted out

It took me a couple shots but I got it.

photobucket is not the easiest site to figure out but...

I need to get some kill shots now to put on here. This picture posting thing could be dangerous.

Not sure if I'll make it into a treestand this weekend or not. Hitting the water on Saturday for a 1/2 day or so before a wedding.

Its supposed to rain on Sunday, and be 73 degrees, its hard for me to get excited about shooting a deer in 70 deg temps.

You are doing good TZone

Tzone,Is that rifle a 45/70 guide gun?

Stan

MrsWapiti,

Thanks for keeping us updated with your other half.. I'm betting he should be in the Land of Super Fun and around a campfire right about now?

This is a pic of a fun day I had with some of my friends awhile back..

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Look like ya got it figgered out there Tom. I am picture posting challenged. I don't even know where to begin.

Rooster , if you can get your pics onto your computer , I sent you a link to a good pic posting tutorial.

Edit , Rooster , the second link I sent you ( PM ) is a little better written .

Nice pictures Tzone. What were you going after with the minnows in the picture.

LOL.... Nice Musky's

Have Fun

Rob

Thought I'd update on here too...been posting on the other thread, sorry about not posting on this one. I'll try to keep this one up to date too.
As of 4pm yesterday, Wapiti 2 was heading down the last road to base camp. Must have took a little bit to get ice, pop, water, beer, etc.
Nothing as of last night or this morning, but I'm sure they are in their glory. I did ask how Dave's uncle/best buddy's dad was doing and he said that he was great. I'm sure he's taking it all in. Just too bad that Dave's best buddy isn't here to share in the trip but I'm sure he's looking down on the whole thing and grinning.
Have a good weekend all.

Stan,

I'm pretty sure that is a guide gun. I think it's a .450 Marlin.

That picture is Dave's elk from a few years ago, unfortuneatly I haven't had a chance to hunt elk yet.

Rob,

The fish on the bottom, I caught on a Bucher Topraider. It was almost dark and the water was dead calm, perfect for the top water stuff. When he hit, he came about 3' out of the water. We had to cut the hooks on that one, he smashed it.

The first pic, was on a bucktail off a little weed bed. He followed to the boat on the first cast, and bit on the second cast.

Thanks for the updates , much appreciated

Originally Posted by M1894

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Look like ya got it figgered out there Tom. I am picture posting challenged. I don't even know where to begin.

Rooster , if you can get your pics onto your computer , I sent you a link to a good pic posting tutorial.

Edit , Rooster , the second link I sent you ( PM ) is a little better written .

Thanks Phil! When I get some time, I'm going to load my pics back on to my work computer. I got a new one and Mr. IT guy didn't figure I needed all that memory used up on pics so he stored them on a disk.
Thanks again!

Jim

ELK TRIP UPDATE- Text from Dave yesterday afternoon/evening that they made it to their hunting spots, but he hates horses. Said he always did (which I knew after being married to him forever and a day) but now wants to hunt them from the air w/a machine gun. From talking w/one of Dave's friends back here, Dave sent him a text saying that one of the guy's got bucked off and may have dislocated his shoulder. Dave's uncle is going good

Text this morning around 9 am from Dave. Said that a 200 lb mountain lion almost ran over him at full mountain lion sprint. He mentioned that he almost had to shoot it and he was still shaking. Further text messages followed w/one saying that he saw 10 elk but no shots. Then the last message as of right now said that he was watching 3 mule deer.

Sounds like movement is going on. Hope he can shoot something today. Wonder if he crapped his pants over the mountain lion thing? HEHEHE.

There was "movement" yesterday indeed - likely Dave's bowel when that cat tried to run him over. <grin> Tell him SKane said "hey" and to have fun.

DAVE SHOT A COW!!! Got a text message this morning that he got a cow.

From talking w/Dave's step mom, Dave's little brother shot a 4x4 bull, Dave got a cow, Dave's friend got a calf, and Dave's half brother shot and wounded a cow but lost the trail.
I don't think that Dusty has shot anything yet.

Hopefully will talk to Dave sometime soon...kinda missing the guy!

Holy Macarel I just thought about something, Tell Dave you NEED those Wapiti Hides!!! Deer Camp Elk Rugs and Wall decor!!!

Mrs.ND,Thanks for the update.Glad to hear he was successful.Has he said anything about having any snow up there?

Stan

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

DAVE SHOT A COW!!! Got a text message this morning that he got a cow.

I thought they were elk hunting?

GOOD JOB DAVE!!!

we need pics when you get back.

Tell dave and the boyz congrats from tzone. Good job boys.

Hey dave, how'd that monkey butt powder work after a 120lb cat chased yo azz...

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey dave, how'd that monkey butt powder work after a 120lb cat chased yo azz...

Ms.Dave, please tell me he packed his monkey but powder, we all know he needed it.

120 lb cat would chap my hind end.

Have fun

Rob

ND is wayyyy too savvy. He's convinced Mrs. ND that he is elk hunting when the clear purpose of the trip involved "monkey butt" and a cougar ...

GE

espically if she was under 120lbs.

Missed a call from Dave this afternoon, but he left a voicemail. Sounded good, said they spent the night at basecamp, got a good night's sleep and cleaned up. He also said they were heading back up the mountain to see how the other guys were doing and to pack the meat down to base camp

Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for the updates.

That is great! Sounds like they are having a good time. I have been receiving Dave's texts and got a phone pic of the cow. She looks YUMMY! Have you heard if Dusty has gotten any shots yet Pam?

Finally talked to Dave today. He said that Dusty hasn't shot anything yet, but he is having a BLAST!!

He also said that the mountain lion almost hit his knee w/its tail when it ran past him...I'd say that's close, wouldn't you?
Now I see why he was shaking.

BAD kitty. Cats are the devil. Big cats are really the devil.

are those boning knives sharpened yet?

If not, I hope it's because you were out looking for 'ol forky toes.

I dont' know how dave held off shooting that cat. Thats a little too close for comfort. Yikes!!!

I'd still be shaking. I'm guessing there won't be any kittys in northerndave/mrsnortherndave house any time soon.

I would say that is a little too close when claws and fangs are within arms reach! YIKES!

OH I bet Dusty is having a blast! I bet his guts are sore from laughing! Good for him and good for Dave for bringing him! That is just what he needed.

You good guy Dave. I don't care what anybody says!

Rooster,

have you been up in a tree yet? I want to see some more of those pics like you had last year about this time. Come on man.

When are those crazy 'ol boys gettin' back anyway? It sounds like Wapiti 2 will have a full load in the back too...Just like Dave did when that kitty came running by. Good thing it wasn't hungry, cuz I think Dave's just about the right size for cat food.

Rooster,

have you been up in a tree yet? I want to see some more of those pics like you had last year about this time. Come on man.

When are those crazy 'ol boys gettin' back anyway? It sounds like Wapiti 2 will have a full load in the back too...Just like Dave did when that kitty came running by. Good thing it wasn't hungry, cuz I think Dave's just about the right size for cat food.

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster,

have you been up in a tree yet? I want to see some more of those pics like you had last year about this time. Come on man.

I've only been out on the opener. Been busy as heck and now I got a belly full of stitches and "no climbing" orders from the doc so that is going to set me back even further. I would love to get some more pics like last year but those caliber of bucks are far and few between! It was pretty ironic. The last buck I shot with a bow that was worthy of getting a full head mount on was Nov. 01 1997 between 6:00 and 6:30 pm. The one last year was Nov. 01 2007 between 6:00 and 6:30 pm. I hope its not another 10 years before I see a good one again! How about you? You been slaying anything yet?

Oh and I think MRS ND said Dave and crew are headin home today.

Where are they, duluth?

I have been in the tree a grand totaly of one time. It was last friday. I saw the same little spiker twice. I'm yet to shoot a buck with my bow, but he was a tiny litte guy. I wasn't going to shoot him. He even posed for me about 5 different times just askin' to get shot.

I'm going back out on Thursday for our Tzone (antlerless only) after work. I'll be using the rifle for that.

I'm home folks.

Very tired too.

thank you all for posting & keeping things cooking while I'm gone.

dang ole cat didn't get me, but i got the wapiti!!

i'll post tomorrow.

Dave

PS, stan, that rifle is an 1895M .450 marlin brought the girl wapiti down in 2005.

this year .300 roy was the trick.

Glad you are safely back and were successful.I have an 1895SS in 45/70.
We are all looking forward to your trip report.

Stan

P.S. I have a bleached coyote skull for the cabin if you want it.

Get rested Dave so we can have a full report tomorrow.

Glad you had a good time.

Rob

I love those 1895's mine went with on the trip but never came out of the case this time.

I hear those .450 marlin's are just about right for cat killin'.

oof, yeah, that cat prolly needed killin. Easy for everyone to say "shoulda killed him dave" but unless you were there in my shoes for those few fleeting seconds it would be impossible for me to explain the thousand thoughts/considerations that raced through my head as I held & swung that rifle through that cat's run towards & past me with the safety off & about half of my 3 pound trigger pull taken up with my finger.

And then, he was gone.... And no matter what I think now, there's no changing the fact that i didn't kill him & he didn't kill me. He's just gone. Could I have "gotten away" with killing the cat? Claim self defense... I dunno, probably. But I wasn't there to hunt cats, I was there for my fat rubber nosed cow & when you consider all of my thoughts for those fleeting seconds... I know I made the right choice.

See, I can't stay quiet about a thing like that, especially something so exciting for me, I'm gonna run my mouth about it. So, I would have been on the phone with the DOW explaining where I was & what I did & all this, they wouldn't have let me keep the critter which I would have wanted... So, I basicly get the right to tell my story and maybe show some pictures here of a dead cat that I can�t keep & deal with the controversy & speculation such as �but was he really trying to kill you? Was it really self defense?�

So, then there's the other way. Keep the hide & maybe the skull, sneak it out of there risking all of my friends hunting equipment such as rifles/trucks etc... Then be my usual gabby self & end up getting busted with a cat rug back home & try explaining the truth that I was defending myself etc & probably face losing hunting privs & stuff.

See, take in the whole picture like that & it's not so plain & simple. When the cat lost his nerve on his charge because I was facing him & ready, I just held on him as he ran past & then he just kept on going. And it was over just like that.

Honestly, yeah I would have loved to shoot that big cat. Would have been fricken awesome!! But, this aint the 1800's. Sadly, we have rules & such these days & I think I did the right things with all things considered.

looka the big doe i got during early MN antlerless season....

J/K, I'll post more soon when i get a chance, at work, very busy, i been gone too long.
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I think you did the right thing Dave. Good decision in the heat of the moment. If you would have shot that cat, you would always have that lingering wonder and possibly, if your like me some guilt that maybe you didn't NEED to kill it. But like you said, without being there it is hard for anybody else to judge the situation. You kept cool and ended up doing the right thing and you now have a way cool story to tell too!

Nice wapiti!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

looka the big doe i got during early MN antlerless season....

J/K, I'll post more soon when i get a chance, at work, very busy, i been gone too long.
[Linked Image]

You shoot that thing in the beak or what???

yeah, I did.

not too happy about that though.

Accident. sneaking a shot which was supposed to be a grounding shot through trees at over 250 yds, was supposed to be a neck shot. maybe deflected by a stick? But luckily she moved forward & just barely clear enough for me to thread one through the cover between me & her & put one through the boiler room which grounded her pretty quickly.

Dave,

I wasn't implying that you should have shot the cat. Sorry if you thought I was. I can understand how you felt. I didn't shoot a bear that charged us while grouse hunting, kind of like your story. He past us at mere feet, I didn't shoot, she didn't stop. Still running as far as I know.

I was just giving you a little heck, becuase I know that your heart rate must have been sky high, and it would take a while to calm down. Obviously you did OK by not shooting it, and you have a wiked cool story to tell all your buddies.

Are you going to be in the woods this weekend at the camp or do you need to catch up on much needed rest and work around the home front?

Tom

Dave, this is a spot where the old .300 "Webley" came in handy, no?

don't worry tom, I didn't take you wrong. I was just explaining or trying to do a quick explaination of the cat ordeal.

Was that thing stalking you or did it just come flying out of the brush? Even creeper if the thing was following you for awhile. Yikes!!

I really don't know Tom, he just came running at me with great bounding leaps & when I turned & finally put my eyes on him & got the rifle on him he was two leaping cat strides from being on me.

I really don't know what was going on, if he was just running by & happened to be coming right at me or if he was going to try to take me down & lost his nerve when I faced him ready.

I don't know but I really would have preferred camera distance with a zoom lense over rifle distance where I had a hard time making out what part of the animal I was on with the scope down on 3.5!

scope was useless that close. It was a sight down the barrel sort of thing & I'm ok with how it all ended, no do overs LOL!!

Well its been a LONG day,just getting back from a 90mph run to make sure my 11 year old daughter made it through a second heart attack in 2 years time. Finally the Docs are listening to us and got things going alittle more our way, with a ton of meds and rest she is looking better now and sound asleep in the living room.

She has something called super ventricular tachacardia, her heart rate was up around 220 or so for almost an hour with alot of pain. I was an hour away from her school where it took place and so was the wife. I got the wife and made a super fast trip and lots of phone calls on the way. Got the kiddo to the docs and some meds and all is alot better. I'm beat but I don't want to go to sleep as all I seem to do is catch myself watching over the kiddos tonight.

I was thinking bout taking her duckhunting in the morning but now I know its going to be some hometime instead. I promised if she was better though tomorrow we would etleast go out and shoot her 30-30 and get sighted in good for youth deer season two weekends away.

Sorry it was long and Dave Congrats my friend!!!! Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some pics of some lever action fun.. Until then can ya get me up to speed on how the whole hunt went down, stalkin, treestand over a waterhole, calling and or all the whatnots...

holy crap, take care of that girl wabo.

best wishes from ours to yours.

sick kids, nothing could be worse.

be sure it's safe for her to be shooting the 30-30,, I have a youth hunt open tomorow that my daughter of 14 wants to hunt so we may be out doing that tomorrow.

best of luck.

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the well wishes, Momma and the kids are heading for the drug store now to fill some prescriptions. The kiddo is doing much MUCH better this morning! Thankyou God and friends!!!!

Yes I asked them about all the details with activities and they said it should be no problem if she is feeling better today. Way I understand it the problem has something to do with the hearts ability to produce an electric current at the correct rate. Told us for now meds should do the trick but surgery could be needed later on after she gets out of the teens. Scary stuff forsure...

I'm thinking a cowboy cookout and some shooting may be alittle medicine too as its her favorite thing to do, don't know where that came from...lol

By the way tell The Weezy Good Luck!!!!

Holy crap Wabo!!!!

I'm glad everything worked out. I'm very very sorry to hear about you girl.

Man, I don't even know what to say. Other than thank god she's doing better. WOW!

Best wishes to her and your family.

Tom

Wabo - Glad to hear she is doing better! Wow that is scary. You must have been beside yourself on that drive!

Best wishes!

Wabo,

Glad to hear your kiddo is doing better, just again reaffirms how much the little yard monsters mean to us.

Wabo,

Glad to read all is well. I have 5 and 8 year old partners in crime and story's like yours are scary.

Good on ya for getting in the outdoors with her.

Have Fun

Rob

Thanks for all the well wishes guys! She knows this thread almost as well as I do, as I had to introduce her to Weezy The Ole Forky horns hunter. My Munchkin has been impressed by Weezy and she'll Really Enjoy seeing the well wishes here too!! Munchkin wants a pink rifle too, I may just have to make that happen soon..

We didn't make it to shooting as I talked her into waiting till later this week, it wasn't hard to do though. The two kiddos were playing softball with my lab who plays outfield retriever all afternoon.. All the kids have to do is take the ball from the lab and hit it out again, they love that game... Did me and Momma good to just sit and watch the three of them too..

Big cold front coming in and by the weekend should have the bucks running you'll find me waiting in a tree for one with the stick and string hopefully on Sat morning.. Good Luck to all those who are going out....

well weezy was out last weekend for our youth hunt but it didn't work out for her. she had her orange deer fightig super hero costume on & everything. i can honestly say she put some pretty good hours in too. Well ow she's practiced i the art of sitting & waiting...

I'm glad you salvaged the weeked with the kids wabo. sure is fun is't it?

Tell the kiddo dave said good luck with her upcoming youth hut & her cool lever gun. Levers rock!!!

We also started work on a deerstand for Pam. I have some pictures, let me see if I ca find em.... gimmee a minute

it's a 4' by 5' floor, 6' side wall on back, 5' on front, 16" window slot all around 33" off the floor. made outa scraps like any fine tree fort would be.

[Linked Image]

perty ait she?

[Linked Image]

we'll try to fiish it up ext weekend. put the stairs on, some camo paint, more bracing... stuff like that.

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Very pretty Dave. Gonna put some plexiglass in? Natural is good too. How about a little heater?

Craig

oh it aint perty by a long shot LOL!!

but I think it'll work.

Yeah I'm thinkin plexiglass & a heater for maw.

That tree house Rocks!!! Dave, if you can find them up there? Old storm windows thrown away from older houses during a remodel job work Great for the deer houses too.. Otherwize yup plex glass is king when storm windows aren't available..

Reminds me I gotta go get one of our deer houses this next weekend or two and get it back up, the wind kinda blew it over..lol

we'll maybe just staple some camo burlap on the outside....

I just saw there's a store in Grand Rapids called something like "Habitat for Humanity re-sale store". They got all kinds of demolition stuff - like storm windows.

Or, you could go get some triple pane, low E, argon's from the back lot an Marvin's.....

Craig

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Or, you could go get some triple pane, low E, argon's from the back lot an Marvin's.....

Craig

there you will either get some goofy stop sign shaped unit or some big triangle shaped thing the size of a sail boat sail canceled order for some ski lodge in CO or something...

it's a good place to go & buy stuff you don't need

I'll maybe just hang camo netting & hang over the whole thing including the window openings & just kind of open up the neting across the windows so you can see through.

naw, I'll be making a trip to the hardware store for some plexiglass.

HEY ND, that stand looks pretty good for ma! if'n you need some good nailin' advice i know just the little feller that i would get to do it. I came home from fishing friday and he pulled my new stand into my yard, now he needs to come and help fix it. its a 12'x12' that i built over at the neighbors land a few years back and never got to side it. now i started siding it. it was 12' up and now it'll be on a hay rack so its a more mobile gunship! talk to you soon!!

12' by 12' hay wagon gunship loaded with busch light & ammunition, sounds perfect.

ha, yeah i'll hope to see you guys soon.

Dave,

ma's stand looks good. deer killer for sure. You probably don't need much for windows to stay warm. I have used a blanket in my blinds, and my stand, none have roofs on them. Really something to keep the wind off helps more than anything I found. a heater would be nice though.

don't sell yourself short on the camo netting or burlap or landscape fabric, whatever. I have some geo-grid fabric from a highway project I was on and it works great. It is about a 1/2" thick and keep the wind down great, and it's quiet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

12' by 12' hay wagon gunship loaded with busch light & ammunition, sounds perfect.

You guys don't hunt in wisconsin do you?

that stand sounds like a few guys I know.

Doh! You're right. Shoulda gone to Marvin's first, that a way, you could'a built a stand that looks like a ski lodge in CO!

Craig

Dave, Ive noticed that the killing of elk has seemed to rein in your normal pre season crazys.

I was south of hibbing in 178 hanging stands on sat and sunday and saw a good number, 8, trash can lid sized scrapes. seems a little early but got my blood pumping!!

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Dave, Ive noticed that the killing of elk has seemed to rein in your normal pre season crazys.

you're right, I'll see what I can do about that...

Good to hear about the sign. I haven't been to the camp since the small game opener. The landowner had heart surgery, so he hasn't been in the bushes much, so I have no report to get excited about.

Now, with yours....oh boy. I got the scruffy beard goin' already. I'll know it's time when the beer cans turn orange...

have you seen orange cans yet? don't hold out on me!!

I need some of those!!

No man, I haven't.

Even checked on my way to work this morning.

Nothin' yet.

Didn't see em last year until the week before the season.

Hope they come out soon. I have door duty on Halloween...

Hey nice stand Ma! You gonna be comfier..er than heck in that thing! I might have to thumb wrestle you for it during smoke pole season though!

Well last saturday I fixed my wheeler and went and did some scouting. I only found three scrapes in the entire woods when normally its tore up by now. It shouldn't be long though!

I bowhunted a spot on Sunday evening west of my place and saw 5 deer. I passed up a doe at 8 yards and a 6 point buck at 20. Both were directly down wind and smelled me but didn't get out of their mind scared. Just a tad nervous and they both continued on the way they were heading after a few nervous tail flicks etc. I do believe that Dead Down Wind stuff works. Like anything, it won't totally elimintate human odor but so far my experinces with it have been pretty good. What do you fellers and mrs fellers use for scent control?

I use that Scent Killer spray stuff. The one in the yellow spray bottle. I think Wildlife Research makes it.

I believe it works, to some extent anyway. Seems to work like you say. If the deer are down wind, the know somthings up, but not out of their mind scared.

WAY cheaper than scent lock too. I'm still on the fence about that stuff.

[quote]I only found three scrapes in the entire woods when normally its tore up by now. It shouldn't be long though![quote]

Same here. The "experts" say it'll be a few weeks yet before it's hot and heavy.

gut pile.

I roll in gut pile to kill scent.

oh no.... it's taking over my mind already... the madness.

don't forget the intestine jump rope...and the wind pipe banging against your face while you clinch it between your teeth.

Your back....damn glad your back!

i'll do it ya know, it aint pretty!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i'll do it ya know, it aint pretty!!

I know...that's the scary part.

Wow, I've read this thread and it seems like you guys out in the upper midwest arealot like us here in Northern Pa. We have a camp,about 65 acres that borders another 300 we have access to hunt. no electric no indoor plumbing ourfacilities. and a woodstove and four acre pond. Our members are policemen, truck drivers, factory workers, and elderly retired brothers from Maine. We don't typically kill alot of deer, and even fewer big bucks, but to me I feel more at home their than my own place. from going to supper Saturday night when everyone arrives to the Sunday afternoon "hill" dinner, where we invite landowners, and neighboring hunting clubs and we all get together to meet each other and catch up on what's been going on the past year. we have two young hunters who everyone in camp ahs sort of adopted and we make sure that they have someone who is willing to forgo his hunt in order to take one of those kids hunting if their dads can't get off work. Last year one of the founding members was fighting cancer, we knew it was going toprobably be his last year hunting. He got a permit to hutn from the truck beause he wastoo weak to walk far, but he still wanted to hunt from his stand, so a couple of us moved our stands closer to his incase he fell or needed help in a hurry. that member passed away in January of this year, going to camp will be tough this year with out him. it's like loosing part of the family.
Norther Dave, I have greatly enjyed reading your story about your deer camp. I hope it provides you, your family and many generations to come a place of comfort, security and enjoyment.
God bless.
John Raub

Great post and welcome to the insanity phase of the year, there are a ton of great folks here.

John,

Welcome to the fire. They way it sounds, you'll fit in just fine.

Most of the year were normal folks, but this time of year...well you know the drill.

[quote]no electric no indoor plumbing ourfacilities[quote]

hell, this time of year, I don't even use indoor plumbing.

welcome John, thanks for the kind words, sorry for your loss.

I'll tell you what most guys will & probably have told you. Continue on as you would, as he would have you do.

easier said than done, i know it. But that's where I'm at this year. My goal is to get back on track & invest myself in the fun & the experience of deer camp.

We did very good last year to build the cabin & settle into a new camp with each other & become comfortable amidst the loss of our loved one. But this year I aim to do what I couldn't fully do last year, I'm going to do my cousin/best friend proud by really relaxing, really enjoying myself, laughing hard, playing hard, hunting hard. I�m gonna follow through fully with what he would have liked for me to be able to do so well last year.

I hope you can do the same.

Dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Most of the year were normal folks

HA HA............er........I mean.....YEP tzone's right. Were normaler 'en heck!

All kidding aside, Welcome John! Sorry for the loss of your friend. I too hope you can still enjoy the camp this year like he would want you to do!

Good Lord,
If the Hilljacks in Kentucky find out about orange beer cans, the survivability of deer season will definitely be in question.

Im comming for you Dave!!!

[Linked Image]

bring it on ole funky head!!

Well gents thats One Nice Forky Horns........ I'll also add for scent killer I use a 50% mix of water and 50% vanilla extract, cheap effective and the deer round here actually like the smell of it...

I know but works for me...

Calling for rain here all the way through friday evening off and on, ole forky should be checking scrapes all day long on Sat. I'll be awaiting with the arrow. Can't Wait!!

We got ole funky head, ole forky toes, orange beer cans......IT'S ON!!!! WWWWWWHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO :grin;

skid marks too.

As I sit here trying to collect my thoughts and slow down momentarily trying to focus on the Good things in life, I noticed my thumb twiching all by itself. Stress!!!! I need a Break soon from things..

Sitting here waiting for the wife to return from work, she went today while I have 2 other doc appointments for the kid. My munchkin had another spell yesterday where her heart registered over 230 for a time then they couldn't find a pulse for awhile. Paramedics, ambulances, fire trucks blocking the road asmy wife and I flew home midday once again this time they were at my parents house trying to help my baby. Sorry for any typos my eyes are beginning to tear up. Its been over 24 hours and I've spent somewhere around 400 miles on the road covering 150miles of it at a high rate of speed only to come home to this stuff.

My baby was taken to see the specialist at yet more 90mph driving by the time lastnight had passed, and noone can figure out why!!! I spent today in travel taking her to more doctors only to get some more meds and more I don't know answers she needs more specialist 100 plus miles in another direction. They are working on getting me an appointment for her there now and will contact me once again as soon as they get it done.

Till then we have yet another appt with the same docs again on Monday for blood test results.

I need to cry I need to scream I need to get out and shoot a forky toes ssooon. Trying to hide this from the kids is hard and they are just in the other room. Dad is getting alittle over welmed here at the moment with crap I don't need from the docs. Sorry guys but didn't know where else to vent this is helping some, my orange hat sitting here infront of me is singing and not making much sense, like me at the moment.

Tomorrow maybe I can sneak out, still haven't had the chance. The weather is perfect but even when with Momma or at my parents house I'm getting to where I don't want my babies out my sight.

Once again Sorry but I didn't know where else to put all this and it needs to get out of my system somewhere. Hoping Momma gets home soon as I need a few minutes alone in my garage. Here is to hoping they findout whats wrong and fix my baby soon and here is another one to all of you guys getting deer tomorrow if your out. Oh one more so maybe I can find a way or find it in me to slip the 500 yyards from the house into the tree for awhile too.

I'm real sorry to hear that all of that isn't behind you wabo.

I'm very, very sorry.

you don't need to be sorry though for "venting" or wondering where to put this stuff you need to talk about. I' glad you put it here.

Sometimes you just need to take yourself out of hunting mode. It's still part of who you are & all that but at times like this, with problems like this, I go blind to any of my plans for hunting or what not.

When weezy was young like probably about... 7 or so, she became very sick during deer season.

She was misdiagnosed at a local clinic, if we would have let it go we would have lost her. I was dressed for hunting this particular morning & leaving the house thinking my little girl simply had a little flue bug or some kind of kid sickness thing. Pam was worried, asked me to go & check on her. Little weezy had an upstairs bedroom at the time. I went up to check on the little pumpkin & when i looked at her I knew we were in big trouble. I came down with her in my arms. To the ER we went & within the hour I was still dressed in my hunting clothes with 1200 gram insulated rockies on riding along side my weezy in a life flight turbo prop plane to the university of MN where after days of serving as watch dog & protector over her bedside they correctly diagnosed & decided emergency surgery was necessary. The surgery was a success and eventually we returned home. Those days without sleep guarding over her i was better informed of special care instructions than the teams of nurses & attendants that changed shifts regularly. I made sure certain important routines were followed through correctly, I stood guard when grand parents & others came to visit & I would not allow anyone inside the room until they could tell me with confidence that they would not cry or let on that they were scared when they entered the room to see her.

I'm not sure everybody understood that, I was accused of acting a bit like a drill instructor when they were all scared & wanted to cry.

I explained that nothing could be more frightening for a little girl than to recognize that all the adults are fearing for her life. I wanted to cry too, but i couldn't let her see that.

It all worked out for us, i have no hunting memories of that deer season. It's just the year we saved my daughter instead of deer hunting.

be with her wabo, stay by her, show her love, show her confidence. Be strong, be the dad, be her watch dog.

hunting can wait. god bless, so many thoughts & prayers will be with you.

Dave

Dave,

Thankyou so Very much for the thoughts and prayers as well as a story of your family I can relate to all so well.

No worries about where I am I've been in guardian mode same as you described for awhile now, alittle over 2 weeks this time. I just came in from the garage I was just Really needing some me time. The wife made it back home and I have time to breathe for a minute, this has been ongoing for 3 years now. Your 100% on bout one thing my kids haven't ever seen me cry and won't. It has just been alittle more then I could hold for too much longer. I also am making sure she hasn't seen others crying as like you kids need to see stregnth right now in those who care for them.

Kiddo's first time was 3 years ago this happens to be a hereditery thing I've got as well as many of my family members yet with each generation it seems the problems become greater.

We thought things were good in Aug of this year as kiddo's first doc retired and a new doc took his place, the new doc declared all was good and no need for meds. Here we are 2 months later and the problems are back, we go back to the new doc who at this time actually said he thought kiddo was crying wolf. He told kiddo that to her face without first even talking with us about the idea of such a thing. He told my baby she would be in Big trouble too and a bunch of horrible things. This just compounded matters. Had to tell a doc to kiss my backside and consider what the next move was.

I had to then explain to kiddo how this was a crock and make sure she wouldn't hold back from telling us when something was wrong, again reasuring our love.

I've got so much documentation of everything I went straight to yet another series of specialist today. The new docs today couldn't believe how treatment came from the other guy and agreed with the old retired doc. However the guys today want to determine what the exact root cause is and they are working with me. All of this has pretty much taken place in the last 36 hours, I was just on overload for a bit, trying to make sure Each and Every base was covered with kiddo on First, I needed to bring her all the way to home plate.

I just hadn't had any me time for awhile and the guardian has been worn down alittle from all the driving at high speeds, the docs, the idiot doc I had words with, the worries the making sure that Grandparents, family and school nurses are all informed. I was just running alittle over the top with noway to allow any of my own time to get rid of some of the emotions.

Your right I'm hangin tight here until all is more then Good...

I may tomorrow afternoon slip out only if things are still looking ok and only if there are etleast Momma and Grandma here together. I haven't left kiddos side now up until a few minutes ago for around 36 hrs. I just needed to let go of some of the emotion. Same as I'm doing now.

Add in all of this I had to fix the new furnace which was having a problem downstairs while kiddo took a nap, my friggin truck had a dead batt this mornin and I needed it today. Just normal life stuff put it alittle over the top for a bit.

I'll get the battery fixed in the morning for now its on a charger and the wifes nice rig is in the garage if needed. To give you an idea of my commitment to family as much as I've wanted to go. I still haven't even got a tag yet, been aiming to go for weeks but I won't hunt without a tag... Kiddo has been winning the debate on that! Last time I went out was with her by my side teal hunting and she just may be at my side before I go again too.. We'll see how it goes tonight and in the morning I may pickup a tag when I get the truck fixed, then again I may not... No tag, no hunting its just the way I am...

Your dedication to Weezy and your family is also inspiring and I cannot imagine what things were like for you then! With you and the weezle family in my mind I'll keep retelling your story to myself and it will make my commitment to mine that much easier.. Thankyou!!!

See Dave the Birth of your deercamp is helping my family as I didn't know where else to let some of this out. Your thread was the first in my favorites and I clicked it, THANKYOU for Everything my friend.. I'll keep ya updated.... You wouldn't believe what typing in here and reading your story along with alittle me time can do for a guys emotions.. Thankyou Again!!!! As you and I have heard before I'm telling myself now again... ATTENTION....lol

Still here watching the clock tick tock and listening to it. Making sure my baby sleeps well tonight, for tonight yet again she went to sleep crying worried about all of this. She sleeps in the room next to mine in a new bed so that I can sleep with her if needed. At the moment she is asleep and finally out with her sister at her side along with my Big Lab at the foot of the bed. Knowing the Dog my most faithful companion won't leave her side either is both comforting yet troubling for me.

My lab usually sleeps there yet he is always at my side daily so long as I'm awake he will lay next to me even as I type here. For some reason he hasn't left her side either the past several days and this calms me as well as troubles me. Something is different even for him. Usually he would be here until I go to bed then go in with the kids for the night.

Contemplating how little details like that have changed recently bother me too. I dunno what exactly will take place in my babys world but I know she is a fighter and as long as she fights my lab and I will be beside her along with her sister and Mother.

I've even recalled now the last 3 years of hunting and I don't think I've gone more then 3 or 4 times without her next to me. Somehow it doesn't seem right without my kids hunting now eachtime I've gone alone, I bring them the next several times after.

Where is all of this leading me and my family I don't know but I pray soon its better for I'm tired. Being up late into the night, night after night,listening to make sure that the one is breathing normally along with listening to the tick tock has got to let me find rest soon I hope. I hope soon I don't have to worry this much and I pray things change back to normal.

Sorry Guys just finding a way to blurr the tick tocking and trying to find answers as I type. My wife is sound asleep exhausted as her day started at 3 this morning, she worked a 12 today and added 2 hours of travel, once again I don't know if or when I'll sleep. My brain still looking for answers mybaby is fine at the moment but what will the next tick and or tock bring. Yes I'm worried..

After 4 hrs of the best sleep I've gotten in awhile, some wierd dreams of a party in a nieghborhood I once built many houses in. I'm up checkin kids and all is well except one thing I may have to move this rediculas clock.

Get some more sleep Wabster

Well late into Sat night my lab came in and crawled into my bed, I knew something had changed. Checked with the Grandparents and kiddo is doing much better not as pale. Seeing how it was early sunday morning I went back to sleep.

I've slept somewhere around 18 hours today and feel 100% again. Taking kiddo back for more test tomorrow, but things are getting better atleast seem to be. She felt good enough to ride in the truck and had her out shooting this afternoon per her request. She blew a 1 gallon can all to heck and back many times, felt Real Good to see a smile out of her again... Smile was Huge when the can first blew its top as I had filled it with water for her. Good feeling!!!!

Good deal!

We had niece & nephew up this weekend out at the cabin. We spent all of yesterday working on deer stands, We got the walls sheeted on the boy�s enclosed sniper tower, built a ladder & put a roof on the stand. It looks really good, just needs some camo netting hung on it now & the same for Pam�s. We built a ladder for that one as well and hung the door on it. We�ll probably look for some camo burlap early this week & I may make a run out there after work this week to hang that stuff up on the 2 new stands. I also need to do some mowing around the boy�s enclosed sniper tower.

We�re under 2 weeks away from opener now!! It�s time to start getting revved up!!

I didn't make it out to camp Friday night like I had hoped. But I see that team grainery made it out there & tried to pay me a visit.

I took notice of Buschpilot's secret clue that he left hanging in the tree at the gate

A Busch light beer can.

I hoped to see the grainery boys on Saturday night, I had cold beer in the fridge (yes I got the gas fridge hooked up & it works great!) & a big pot of elk stew on the stove but the grainery shack boys never showed

I guess I was a day late. Next time!!

Jesus Wabo,

My heart goes out to you. I don't have any experiences to relay back to you, you know to help you through this. I'm not a church going man, but I've prayed for you and your family. I don't know what to say to you except be with her, care for her, and love her with all your heart. Of course you already know that.

Deer hunting takes a back seat, way back, when something like this happens.

Please remember that you don't need to feel sorry for venting. We're here for you too. We all need to vent.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys.

Tom

GREAT NEWS on the kiddo. Good to see you got some sleep Wabo.

18hrs. Man you must have just been wiped out.

I did that last year when I had the pnmonuia. I went out into the woods on WI opener. Sat until 4pm. I went to bed after dinner aroud 6pm, and woke up at 11am the next morning. My FIL was worried about me, so he didn't hunt, he stayed in the cabin with me. He made some coffe, and we went to town to watch football since the day was 1/2 gone already. I didn't leave the cabin the rest of the week except to to help FIL load his buck into the wheeler.

Hope all is well for you today Wabo.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I didn't make it out to camp Friday night like I had hoped. But I see that team grainery made it out there & tried to pay me a visit.

I took notice of Buschpilot's secret clue that he left hanging in the tree at the gate

A Busch light beer can.

Speaking of beer cans, the champange of beers has the "fall series" out.

They're not orange, well not really, they are camo but some of the camo is orange. I have an empty beer pyrimad pic for you, but mrs tzone took the camera to San Francisco yesterday. So no pic til she gets back.

I bought some camo burlap at Gander Mt. on sale for $10. It should be enough to wrap arond the ladder for my FIL. Check that out if you haven't yet.

12 MORE DAYS. This is going to be a LOOOONNNNGGG couple weeks.

do those cans look like this?

[Linked Image]

I've already took em for a test spin...

They work just fine.

Yeah we have some of that camo burlap hanging on some of our stands already, I actually picked some up at wal-mart last year pretty cheap. We have some of that stuff iside the cabin hanging in the bunkroom door openings like curtains for privacy fer gett'n dressed & stuff.

We've got some of the other types of camo netting out there on a couple of different stands too but the burlap stuff is cheap & it'll work good on these stands. way faster & cheaper than trying to camo paint them like we used to do.

MAN O MAN!! I

I can't believe I missed out on saturday Dave! We thought we better leave our mark on the tree when we stopped in! We've been so busy at Camp trying to get the grainery all ready this year for everyone to enjoy! Lestifer and I Built a new covered Porch on our shack this year. its about 27x9 and we just completed it saturday afternoon with the final touches!! oh we'll make it up there again when your there. then he thought he would help me build a new ladder for one of my enclosed stands and when i wasn't looking he cut one of my 2 legs for the ladder into the steps. We just gave up working after that!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

MAN O MAN!! I

Buschy is suffering from premature send/submit button syndrom...

you gotta watch that lester, he like sawing things!!

You shoulda been there saturday, I shot a gun inside the cabin

I needed a hole through the wall for a gas line so I shot a .22 hole through the exterior wall & sized it up by twisting a big flat blade screw driver in the holes till I had it right for the 3/8" copper line.

I have to come up & see the grainery some time, the porch sounds really cool.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You shoulda been there saturday, I shot a gun inside the cabin

I needed a hole through the wall for a gas line so I shot a .22 hole through the exterior wall & sized it up by twisting a big flat blade screw driver in the holes till I had it right for the 3/8" copper line.

Hot coffe is even hotter through the nose.

Was that after the beer can pics? I'm guessing it was.

My pa shot a squriel in the attic a few years back. FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. a .410 makes a big hole in plywood at close range.

Those beer cans are the ones. I've started collecting empties already.

well, you know. maybe getting a little trigger happy this time of year! we did see quite a few deers as we ventured to your place friday night dave! we managed to miss them all too. we'll have to get you out there sometime too. we did have the beer guy stop out at camp on saturday afternoon too so now he knows where to deliver to us. it should work out fine.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

we did have the beer guy stop out at camp on saturday afternoon too so now he knows where to deliver to us. it should work out fine.

Now, THAT'S livin' the High Life.

I don't think I've ever heard of a better camp in all my life. A beer truck that makes deliveries...

You got it made

Tom

Now that's a real camp, door service with beer. HMMMMMMM

Dave must really live right.

Have Fun

Rob

beer delivery man hasn't learned how to get to our shack yet. maybe buschpilot can show him the way?

well, its kinda in the same direction from the store!! i could show him the way if its dark out and he brings extra. we were invited to his camp for monday night football for opener. hopefully he's prepared!!

Holy Crap! I haven't been able to check in for awhile. Been busy as heck at work. Too busy! Lots happening at the deer camp thread. Lots of good and lots of not so good...

Wabo - Again I'm sorry to hear about your daughter and prayers have been sent for her and your family. That is a scary thing your dealing with. Its crazy that the "specialists" can't pin point this. I'm sure there are plenty of great docs in your area but you may want to contemplate a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. A friend of mine has a step daughter with a heart condition. Our closest hospitals are in Fargo, ND. They have excellent docs there but when she has complications they send her straight to the Mayo for diagnosis and treatment. They perform miracles every day at that place and while inconvenient and expensive to travel such a distance, it might be worth it if they can help your little munchkin. I'm not saying in anyway that you don't know what is best for your loved one. Just a thought I had while reading your posts. That maybe they could help. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please don't be afraid to "vent" to us when you need to. The whole reason Dave started this thread was because of the need to vent and I can tell you this...the fact that you felt you could talk on here in your time of need shows that there is still purpose for this thread and it needs to stay alive.

you nailed it Rooster.

Wabo, still praying for ya. Hope all is well.

Thanks for the prayers guys, I made it in to work today as the kiddo is doing ok in school. Only difference is no more bus rides they now ride with the grandparents to and from... Docs yesterday are now sending us to a Childrens only hospital, but say she should do ok now with the meds and test they have given over the last several days confirm, I hope.

Thanks guys all options are open, my brother went to mayo long ago for a problem he caught from a tick bite, they do work miracles forsure!!!!

Now can anyone point me in the right direction for the orange beverage cans????

I aint found no orange ones this year wabo. closest I've found so far is the fall series cans that miller put out on there high life & high life lite cans. it's a camo patern on the heavy stuff with a little bit of burnt orange color in there.

the high life lites are a winter/silver/blue camo.

or you can go with the schmitt cans with the wildlife pictures on them

so glad to hear your daughter is doing better.

Dave

Originally Posted by wabo

Now can anyone point me in the right direction for the orange beverage cans????

I have two left. One's for you brother. A little bird told my where to get more. Come on up. Word is deer season is almost here. I wouldn't know though, I don't really pay attention to that stuff.

I dig the rev up of deer season, it takes some focus off the deer camp thread here

But I will try to post pics of our finishing touches on the stands this week.

it's here again, how perfect...

the anticipation is almost the best part...almost.

intestine jump rope is pretty cool too.

indeed. although messy, it is quite satisfying.

Wabo,
I've been reading about your daughter but have been unable to log in since last week.Finally got that all straightened out with Rick Binn and managed to get in here.
I just wanted to say that I hope your daughter gets better soon.I know how it feels to have a sick child.I sympathize with you and sincerely hope both she and you weather this storm.
You're a good daddy.
Stan

Stan,

Thanks soooo Much for all the nice thoughts and prayers. So far this week has been a Good week up until today when the Docs notified us of some of her blood work showing a few things they are worried about. Now our visit will be pushed up possibly as soon as tomorrow for more bloodwork and test, kiddo isn't very happy and I don't blame her. She is beginning to be scared of all the poking and prodding from all the usual answers.

I've convinced her though if she keeps being as Good as she has I'll make sure she will also get to shoot ducks and geese this season with a new shotgun custom made, so long as she keeps hanging in there.

TZone, drink that other orange cans contents for me will you and Thanks for the invite!!! Trust me if I could I'd be there in the blink of an eye.

Thankyou to all of you for everything, this thread along with a few others here is keeping my spirits up and these days I can use it...

Now someone better get a new deer posted up here pretty soon!!! Dave is Weezy working on this issue yet??

she's been at it wabster.

early youth season she put some stand time in, high winds & crappy weather held the deer down tight though.

opener's only about a week away now though & she's going in with confidence from her doe she got last year.

Tell your kiddo Dave don't like needles either. I'm a big sissy baby when it comes to that. I accidentally drove a ring shank finishing nail into my left middle finger last week while building stands with my nephew. Gas charged paslode framing/sheeting nailer. I was hanging on 12 feet in the air with my left hand & sending nails home with the gun in my right hand. Nail went through the board & into my finger, hit the bone & kind of popped my finger a good one. didn't split the bone tho. I had a glove on, pulled the glove off, hesetantly....

& it bled like a stuck pig!! LOL!!

felt like I smacked it with a hammer (that would be on account of the nail to bone contact

)

Well that hurt like heck & bled more than enough for clinic lab work..... and I think I prefer it over nedles, so next time I have to get poked for a test I might just bring my framing nailer along to the clinic.

But that's just me, maybe kido will warm up to the itty bitty needles better than sissy Dave can.

Hang in ther kiddo! your dad's gonna take good care of you.

Dave

Wow, Dave!!! That hurt I'm sure, kiddo just finished reading that story with me and said Dave did a wabo.

I shot a 16 through the top of my left hand all the way from the edge of the thumb to the pinky bone under the skin. Did that while building one of her classmates parents house's. Puting the stair framing in on the rail boy that did bleed too, drove myself to the docs and they used a pliers to pull it. I laughed and said I could have done that and fainted...lol..

No kiddin fell to the floor at the sight of my own blood in that amount, even my being an EMT/Firefighter at that time and I couldn't do my own blood without fainting. Others never bothered me much..lol..

Thanks for all the fun making me remember, now ya gotta help TZone on some orange can emptying on that one for me...lol

Kiddo Really enjoyed all the camp pics on the other thread too by the way, she is also wanting a 99 or two now as she says Grogel Deluxe must mean 99's are Deluxe rifles... Me I said you got that right I want about 199 of the 99's....

you got that right about the 99's, I want one too.

shot a nail through yer dang hand? youch!! LOL!!

Well I did pas out from blood loss once in fairfax county VA. Young marine found himself in a hell of a scrap at a party. i got pushed through a patio door window, a slider.

it was open. the problem was I went through the closed part!!

I got cut up bad, glass sucks.

biggest piece of tempered glass was a long thin shard the size of a butter knife & it was stuck in my face. it was stuck in hard like if you stabbed a knife into a block of wood, the shard protruded up & outward from the right side of the upper bridge of my nose. My nose was busted & laid over to the left side. the largest glass shard created a new breathing hole for me between my right eye & my right nostril. When I exhaled i sprayed blood out of the new hole in my face like a whale blow hole.

This was the main attraction or main feature to my new facial deformation, it was accented by probably a hundred smaller glass cuts that just left my face weeping with blood.

Well, I'm not a big guy, never been a big guy, but I was a very angry average sized guy with some pretty sharp boxing skills at the time & a fully lit raging temper...

So, I went through the place & cleaned house. kind of over did it actually. I could only see out of my left eye because my right eye vision was blocked by a bloody shard of glass stuck in my face. police & ambulance sirens were getting closer as the last man fell. They were loading beaten bullies into ambulances as i got into our rental car with my friends who so kindly drove me to the "good hospital"

I was in fair spirits when we arrived, at the er desk i jokingly requested "a room for the night"

I was quite a sight.

I was rushed onto a gurney (spelling?) where i was instructed to lay rather than to sit as i was told i had lost a lot of blood & may pass out.

"oh I'm not going to pass..."

zonk.

nap time, next thing I remember a doc is finishing up sewing my face back together.

they did a good job.

most folks don't even notice

god I'm glad I'm just an old dummy now instead of a young dummy.
big difference.

oops...

I'm a bit numb as to how I may come across at times when simply reciting history as i know it.

I should also add, I didn't start that fight, never have started a fight & for nearly 18 years straight now, I have managed to stay out of any sort of fight. (well except for that gulf war thing, but again, I didn't start that either

)

But after that was over, I was done with all fighting.

So, no i'm not like that any more.

I'm quite the opposite really.

I was just telling an old story about passing out, related to the topic of blood & stuff... or at least that's what I meant to do.

I'm no longer a fighter, and i do not encurage fighting.

I'm a stronger, more confident & fulfilled person today for my comitment to avoid fighting if at all possible.

I just wanted to be clear on that.

I was just poking fun at myself for geting hurt & passing out, wasn't intended as a tough guy story, i don't care for that sort of thing.

kids especially, keep that in mind if you read this. fighting proves nothing except how foolish you were growing up.

that's the truth.

Uh,Dave...watch out for that door.
Good story.Knowing how you feel about Winchester 88's I wanted to relate yesterday's happening to you.I work part time in a pawn/gun shop.A guy walked in yesterday with two rifles he wanted to sell.This gent has sold us a few rifles before and they are always primo plus.One of the ones yesterday was a Model 88 in .308 with the original post and crosshair Lyman scope.The doggone rifle looked as good as it did the day it left the factory.The scope even had the original see thru scope cover.I think this one is going on Gunbroker.It's always so nice to see a very well cared for older rifle or pistol.

Stan

wow, that sounds like a real beauty.

have I shown this off here lately?

[Linked Image]

i'm pretty sure this is what I will start out carrying this year for deer in MN. My M70 FWT in 30-06 is taken apart right now. I gave up my rings & bases for my boy's M70 so mine sit's scopeless at the moment.

Good reason for the 88 to swing into action.

Wabo,

I'll keep prayin for ya, and I can get more beer. Get that litte girl heal up. It's more imporntant than anything else.

If it is any help, tell her big tough ol Tzone would rather have a broken rib than get a shot and get poked with needles. Yes, I've had all of the above. I HATE THOSE NEEDLES.

I hope you guys get this stuff figured out. Truly.

Tom

Boy it looks like I missed a lot last night.

Dave, you're one tough son of a gun to clean house with glass sticking out of your face. I've done plenty of fightin' but if a dude was coming at me with a shrad of glass sticking out of his eye....HE WINS. I'm done at that point, theres nothing more I could add at that point, and he's srue as hell tougher n me.

Next time, use the open part of the door.

That 88's lookin good. Is it going to action next week? Are you packed and ready?

I've been putting all the prep work off until yesterday, because mama was supposed to come home from her busniess trip, but she got stuck in Cali. So now I'll be scrambling.

shoot I aint started packing yet.

but most of my junk including my orange deer fighting costume is out at the shack already. My priorities are as follows.

Get my oldest boys rifle sighted in & have him shoot it a little more, this time out of the rest & over a bag.

brace up Pam's enclosed deer stand, camo burlap it & get a heater in there for her.

mow a couple shooting lanes up by my nephew's new enclosed stand

check on my portable stands scattered about the forest.

and ... maybe some time to have a couple of beers & relax a bit.

Hopefuly you get to relax a bit. after all the work you put in the last year or two, you deserve it.

maybe forky toes will reward you.

OOOHHH BEEERSSS YOU SAY!! ITS ALMOST HUNTING TIME. SAW ME A NICE BUCK LAST NIGHT, I KNOW RIGHT WHERE THE MOBILE GUN SHIP WILL BE SETTING NEXT WEEK NOW. HE WAS A DANDY SHOOTER BUCK. I SEE YOUR RATHER DANGEROUS WITH THOSE TRIGGERED NAILERS DAVE, THATS WHY WE USE SCREWS, YOU CAN ALWAYS BACK THOSE RIGHT OUT!!

claw hammer backs a nail out just fine.

since it's the halloweeny & all, I suppose I have to at least take the youngest around trick-treating tonight so, I won't make it to the shack tonight. But i'll be out there tomorrow night!!

Do we have to wear our costumes tomorrow night if we can make it. its a good practice run for the blaze so we know its working....i;m still trying to get out of wife's plans for tomorrow. she thinks i need to go to a wedding? why? its deer hunting pre-planning. i shouldn't have to cooperate all the time!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i;m still trying to get out of wife's plans for tomorrow. she thinks i need to go to a wedding? why? its deer hunting pre-planning. i shouldn't have to cooperate all the time!!

One of my dumbazz friends is getting married tomorrow too. He and his wife are deer hunters. They should know better.

exactly. iffn' you got to go get married theres a timeframe like april to may 15th. but no later than august..what were they thinking! it is a camo wedding from what i hear but thats still no excuse to wreak havoc on getting ready for deer hunting!! it better be worth while if i got to go!!

I don't know if they're having a camo wedding or not...but there will be one grunt call that I'm aware of

June is for weddings. April and May are for turkey hunting. My other favorite sport.

Weddings? Now? that's no good.

Aught to kick those men straight in the junk.

its just not right to have to go through all that torture!! It better be all well worth while if i got to do that wedding and waste a good part of my day doing something i really would rather not do. I mean i could be socializing with ND over a fresh brewsky since i missed out last weekend. A guy should know better ecspecially this time of year! its pretty much like castrating that bull, poor feller!!

WOW, Here I am at work where it's almost a forbidden topic to talk hunting or even where the camo, well a new Gorgeous 28 year old blond sits down with me in the break room. I ask her about her plans and she mentions going to deer camp, I bout fell over.

If I wasn't happily married I believe I'd be chasing this..lol.. After awhile she describes a log cabin and many guys in her family bowhunting at the place this weekend. This makes only 3 true camps that I know of in the state.

It was a Nice break from the normal liberal talk the place usually has. Especially with all the things going on in my life right now, I haven't wanted to dwell on it but I'm down to one 30 acre pasture with a small draw to hunt in now. All the ground I usually hunt has been leased. So inbetween talking to docs for kiddo I've also been calling or chasing down landowners trying to find new ground.

So this was a Welcomed discussion with a Nice lady in a place I didn't think I'd ever talk hunting. Deer Camp wow it says it all...

I may just be moving my camp north soon to some public ground where I have a friend who owns some land to hunt on up there as well. Its about 50 miles from home so it may not happen this year, but the seeds are being sewn for a New frontier to be pioneered into a new group of friends where else but at deer camp.. Happy Halloween guys I just got a treat for the day and I hope you all do too...

Happy halloween to you to wabo. Don't worry about having only 30 acres to hunt on wabo, it's better that not being able to hunt.

Many a big bucks have been killed on less land. You never know what that rut might bring by ya.

Take care, and get that little girl healed up.

Oh yeah, ask that hot little blond chick if she'd like to hunt in WI. I have just the spot for her.

It'll be a different kind of rut.

TZone,

I'll see what I can do for ya. I was thinking about the rut myself when talking with her..

just make sure your safety is on, and you carring an empty chamber.

You don't want it to off before you're ready.

I'm a Delta boy, Safety is on at all times..lol

Orange hat is singing The Time has come, today, kiddo says her hat is singing Thunder naaa naaa naaa. Thunder... She had a visit for more blood work yesterday and says her arm is sore but she wants to go hunting.

Thankfully my pasture to hunt I can easily see 1/4 mile from the house so I'm staying close to home. Anyway, We are off for the youth hunt shortly I'll have some pics later today or tomorrow. Hopefully she gets a deer and I'll find some ducks to follow tomorrow. Good Luck to anyone else going!

Thunder!!!!!! Oh my GAWD.... Kiddo scores a 10 point nontypical!!!!! 1 shot bang and deer is 20 yards at the first shot, kiddo squares in the shoulder, she shucks the Marlin 336 lever as the buck is haulin azz away from us and bang she nailed it again,deer is down only 30 yards from where it stood for good.. All this with iron sights and she saw 3 different bucks this morning..I'm SOOOO PROUD OF KIDDO!!!!pics to follow later...

Thankyou GOD!!!!

WhooooooooooHoooooooooooooo sounds like a hell af a morning!!!

holy smokes wabo!!

Wooooo!!!

Good job kid!!

You better get us some pictures!!!

Dave

What a morning!!! Just finished cutting up the deer, and going to get cleaned up. Pics soon I promise. My cousins 8 year old scores a doe from the back porch of a new house in progress being built for my sister and her hubby too. They had all but quit for the morning with two boys both cousins hunting together with thier Dads. My Bro in Law is showing Cousin and Cousins Dad the house and two does walk out. They count to three and both boys shoot at the same time, one of the boys missed. They said the 7 year old was shaking like a leaf he was so excited.

My kiddo said her heart was pounding as I was whispering to her to hold for the clear shot, she had to hold on the deer for like 2 minutes waiting for the first shot. As her buck is walking toward us she whispers when do I shoot, I say when I say boom. I say and I hear the report watching the deer take off, I knew I would be dragging his azz from the bottom of an 80 foot holler. Nope kiddo plows him again and drops it in the pasture it was too easy driving the 4 wheeler over and slidin him in the trailer. I'm still over flowing with emotion with all the stuff that has been going on to see her first smile as she was running toward the deer. She looks back smiling/glowing, I hope I never forget that look,she was yelling common Daddy I got him, I wanna see that buck...

Ok guys if ya want to see kiddo I'm going to need someone's email addy because the fire isn't wanting to link to the pics from my pic site for some reason. Any volunteers. Thanks!

wabo,sincerest congtatulations to the youngun on her deer.

Stan

After Alot of proding from kiddo I finally figured out the problem with my site and posting pics, I had to get the wife to help..lol... So here kiddo is...

[Linked Image]

My Deer from 2 years ago when kiddo first started really paying attention to deer hunting, ya think she was learning? Gotta luv the marlin levers!!!
[Linked Image]

Sweet, tell her congrats on a fine hunt!!

oh that's awesome wabo!!!

great job kid!!

me & my oldest boy just crawled out of the woods, tired & dirty. broke the dang tractor again, lost my new cell phone out in the woods & had to go look for it with a lantern in the dark LOL!! (it's funny cause I found it)

we got pam's stand done, sliding plexiglass windows, a buddy heater, camo on the outside, she's set.

I'm tire'd & dirty. gotta clean up & see if I can get these pictures off my phone so I can show you guys. only camera i had this weekend was my dang cell phone.

got a pick of the notorious forky toe track again too.... he's getting bigger.

tell that kid great job wabo!!

Dave

Thanks guys!!! I'll tell her, ya know little weezy has become kind of a mentor to her. She is watching and counting on you guys to show us how to have fun. Your doing a pretty Great job so far, building a new camp, putting up comfy shootin house's and stands, camping trips, fishing, 4 wheeling.

Dave its starting now only two weeks away for our opening, I'm beginning to convert and the urge to step into hunting mode is getting stronger. Looking forward to your pics too, eachtime I step outside now I'm thinking more and more about sitting listening to the sounds of deer coming in.

Standing beside my munchkin while those deer were soo close to us I realized something. My hunting career is just Really beginning, here I thougt I was midway through or further. Nope Kiddo doing that beside me and now I know the REAL FUN is only just beginning!!!

Lets keep sharing our fun together with eachother for this to me is what hunting is Really all about. The Stories, the hardships, the sucesses and failures, the friendships made, the shared knowledge. Thanks for your thread here Dave!!!!! I feel I've made abunch of new hunting pals because of this place!!!! Kiddo feels the same and wants to say hi to Weezy along with the rest of you guys and Good Luck to everyone's hunting as well...

first an updated forky toe track find. beverage can for size reference.

[Linked Image]

sorry these are crappy pictures, camera phone.

looking up the ladder to pam's new stand

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one more of the stand

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Now thats what I'd call a shootin house of comfort!!!! Your going to have MrsDave spoiled if you aren't careful..

YES, YES, YES!!!!
Awsome wabo..... Congrants to the girl, and you. You do know her campfire name is Thunder now right?

Thunder, it sounds like Thunder Struck for sure.

Wabo, no body deserves that buck more than you guys. FRIGGIN AWSOME.

That is just great. Great I tell ya. If I was there I give her a hug, so you have to do it for me. Looks like daddy has a taxidermy bill 'eh?

My father in law got a pretty good 10pt on Friday, if he ever figures out his e mail, I'll put up the pics. decent tines and 19" wide. Nice buck.

Congrats again Wabo.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

first an updated forky toe track find. beverage can for size reference.

[Linked Image]

No wonder he's forky toed. He's a damn drunk.

ND, thats not even the flavor of most but it'll work in a pinch i am sure! looks like a dandy, congrats on the deer wabo for kiddo too! oh how i can't wait to bring the kids hunting. doesn't get any funner than that!

you get that damn wedding out of the way so you can play now?

It's orange hat week.

weddings done and now its play time. i forgot the orange hat today. i tool it out of the closet yesterday and did a trial fitting of it and it shoudl be set for tomorrow now. got the stands done and seen some nice bucks this weekend so it's even better. i got some pics this morning of my new war wagon too.

I'm gettin loony too. I bought a blaze wool coat last night. Hopefully it'll be cold enough for me to use it. Cocked up my back yesterday while bird hunting, took some very very good vicodine appearantly...

so that is helping the loonieness.

Pa is calling me with reports of moose horned bucks in his yard sniffing does, this is craziness...

buschpilots deer killing hut.

[Linked Image]

he can tell us about it.

the decorative thingys are a nice touch on top of the deck posts.

i bet shes a might noisy durring a sleet storm

Originally Posted by tzone

the decorative thingys are a nice touch on top of the deck posts.

I was thinking the same

got any beer in that cooler?

Wabo - That is awesome!! Tell 'Thunder' congrats! She deserves it!

Dave - Thats a dang nice 'ol tree fort ya set up for Ma!

BucshPilot - I bet that thing doubles as a Norsky Nest on the big lake huh? (It would if it was mine!)

No noise at all, its that quiet steel! no motor either. its got 2" foam insulation with 4" batt insulation over the foam then the inside is sheeted with osb. should be plenty warm with the 30,000 btu heater in it too. might have to leave the windows open or it'll be a sauna. very mobile. we used to have it 12' in the air until my buddy moved then we took it down and set it on the hay rack for mobility purposes. GUN and RUN!!

that thing's so ugly it's purdy.

are there holes cut in the floor, fer the hard water?

it's the calico shanty.

Hey ya hit over 50k views so there must be something about this thread...

you didn't see the other 2 sides. there's only one that is full color. She'll get the full paint job next year so it'll hide in the bush. we already got the watering hole taken care of too! A guy needs that to be comfortable out there all day you know!

ya got a urinal in da stand? no need to leave. don't paint it one color. it'll get a nice patina the way she sits now.

well, doesn't everyone have that. get 4 guys and bloody marys and play cards. she even gets quite a few deer shot from it. maybe i should paint it blaze camo for next year.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

well, doesn't everyone have that. get 4 guys and bloody marys and play cards. she even gets quite a few deer shot from it. maybe i should paint it blaze camo for next year.

if yer gonna paint it....blaze camo is da way ta go.

Orange Camo would rule!!!! You could go outside and shake hands with the dog and ya wouldn't have to worry so much about the idiots that shoot at everything they see move, so long as you were in the orange hunting outfit too.

thats really giving me some good ideas now. might just call for a mid summers paint job in the works. put some mags on the trailer too. dave better get his road fixed up nicely in case we really go mobile, make it wider trail dave!! all i need then is a flashing orange light for the roof and the war party has arrived!!

Originally Posted by tzone

ya got a urinal in da stand?

I thought you of all people would be eyeballing the front porch to whizz off of......

Orange camo buildings, orange beer cans, flashing orange lights, it's all here now... Caution you are about to enter The Deer Camp Spin Zone...

The bucks stop here...

when it used to be on the telephone poles 12' in the air thats where we would go off of. never bothered the deer at all. ND, where did you get that camo for your stand. Maybe need to call camoclad for some blaze camo for this project.

ya need more than mags, ya can't go fancy on this deal. maybe some wagon wheel mags, painted orange of course.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by tzone

ya got a urinal in da stand?

I thought you of all people would be eyeballing the front porch to whizz off of......

like you don't pizz off the porch...

Originally Posted by big drift

Hey ya hit over 50k views so there must be something about this thread...

holy smokes, that's just crazy.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when it used to be on the telephone poles 12' in the air thats where we would go off of. never bothered the deer at all. ND, where did you get that camo for your stand. Maybe need to call camoclad for some blaze camo for this project.

picked that stuff up at fleet in town. 3'wide, 50' long, only like 12 bucks.

patern is small & really repeats a lot on something that large though

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

thats really giving me some good ideas now. might just call for a mid summers paint job in the works. put some mags on the trailer too. dave better get his road fixed up nicely in case we really go mobile, make it wider trail dave!! all i need then is a flashing orange light for the roof and the war party has arrived!!

you can make it through the timber part of the road, just be careful not to drop it in the moat when you get close to the shack

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you can make it through the timber part of the road, just be careful not to drop it in the moat when you get close to the shack

moat...got any dragons?

the moat is the scariest part of the whole adventure on the way to dave's. i almost thought i seen nelly in there last year on my way home. i better check fleet out, i got to get the hookups for the heater tonight anyways...a day like today is making it real hard to stay at work!! feel like the need to be grunting or something

yes, for sure. it's damn nice out eh?

I should be out working on my own stands....

I done fixed everybody elses stands!!

i am calling it quits on the stands for this year other than getting the heat in the war wagon. it'll be nice and warm come opening morning if i leave the heat on all night. i'm bout the only one in our party that ever works on the deer stands and its a good thing i got lester to help out. so i usually let him sit in my stands too. i've kinda graduated my stand from the trusty old tri-pod that is usually a good go to one then i went 4x8 enclosed, last year it was a real nice 6x8 now this 12x12. hopefully i make it out of the shack on saturday morning.

make it out of the shack. with a stand like that, you have no reason to go in the shack.

that is a very cool stand.

what are the temps supposed to be up there for the opener. the range looks like it'll be in the mid to high 30's. a guy could sit all day in that weather.

thanks!! suppose to be in the 30's here. thats nice sitting weather. i even like to do that outside. i can sit on the deck in that weather now...hehe! the last couple days we've been watching the bucks chase the does already. you can almost walk right in on them.

Originally Posted by tzone

like you don't pizz off the porch...

Well, I have the decency to walk to the other side of the driveway in the front yard and do it.....

good. I'm hoping to walk right up on one...laying on the ground about 7:10 on Saturday am.

morning or mid day is a good time to shoot a deer.

I have mixed feelings on evening post. I become more ... fussy. I'm not going to gut just anything in the dark.

You have

in that sentance, but I feel the same way. Probably shouldn't, but I do. If I have 1/2 of good light left, I have no problem shooting whatever. I've passed up deer quite a bit in the last two years because I didn't want to take care of them in the dark. Espically if I have to work the next day.

I sure as hell don't want to track anything in the dark, so if i feel the light is a factor in my confidence with the shot... well then I'll just mess with the deer instead of shooting it.

grunt tube, bleat, rattle, fart... what ever's workin at the time

tracking in swamps, in the dark, isn't my favorite thing to do either.

Most of the time when I try to mess with them, they either run or give no reaction.

most of the time the no reaction is what i get.

so, I grunt louder... it's surprising how loud you have to call sometimes just to turn a head or stop them.

tractor power steering hose is fixed. I'll head out there from work tomorrow, fix the tractor, drop the mower & hook up the back blade so i can fix the road a little.

it gets dark at 5 now, so even if i leave work at 2 i'll be pushing it for daylight.

but it's got headlights

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you can make it through the timber part of the road, just be careful not to drop it in the moat when you get close to the shack

moat...got any dragons?

come on Tom, dragons? phfthththtt!! As if!

no we don't have any stupid dragons. this is northern mn, cedar & tamarack swamps..

dragons....

sure we might have a giant swamp squid problem...

[Linked Image]

and that flying bear issue...

[Linked Image]

and chickenbucks.....

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but dragons? that's just silly.

Originally Posted by wabo

hey everybody! weezy here! sorry about not logging on every once in a while!!!busy!
WOW!! kiddo really nice deer!!! thats awesome!!! 10 points for the girls!!! whooooooooo!!! now i am pumped!!! really nice! sounds like you had a good time hunting! hope i see another pic of a deer from you!!!

for everybody else be prepared to see me with big ole forky toe, just a smiling!!! (dad in the background with a little frown!) i gotta feeling that hes ready for me to get him!!! i will do whatever it takes!! i will even sit in the pond!!! jk prolly wont do that,but i will get him. THUNDER STRUCK!!

well i surely hope the trail is groomed because i get a little afraid of a chevy sliding off into the moat and sinking like the titanic out in the dark forest....i seen a lot of deer out and about tonight again, i think there making plans of running away before season.

the trail will be so nice that even a chevy can make it back in there

but yeah, you don't want to slide off the road into the moat. you gotta thread the needle coming in there, eyes forward, nerves of steel!!

Chevy's make good bridges....

Dave, maybe I'll get mine stuck and you could leave it in the moat.

p.s. trophy chicken buck?

Originally Posted by weezy

jk prolly wont do that,but i will get him. THUNDER STRUCK!!

I can't get that song out of my head... at least it's a good one.

one of my fav's.

Weezy, Thanks I'll make sure kiddo sees that!!! No need to be sorry for being busy we know how that works all too well..lol.. You just stay at Ole Forky toes!!! I wanna see a pic of YOU with Ole Forky soon!!!

Sorry Dave I guess you and Pam will be fighting to Ole Mossy horns...lol

TZone, lets keep it going, its your turn, Naaaaa,,Naaaa Naaaa Thunder Struck..lol

fixed the tractor yesterday afternoon, mowed 2 shooting lanes by a ladder stand we put up (Tzone stand) and then dropped the brush mower off the tractor & hooked up the 3 point box blade to work on our access road to our property. It's a real good thing too because it started raining as I was leaving for the night & it's still raining now this morning.

rain sucks...we need snow, snow I say.

Forky toes will be hangin around the tzone stand, I can feel it.

just found out we have free vikings/packers tickets for sunday if we want em.

nope, don't want em.

didn't even blnk.

What seats?

I'll be done saturday am anyway. I might need something to do.

that chit'll be on tv, plus I'm in da stand by 1/2 time anyway.

don't know which seats, don't care.

I'll check the monday newspaper, on tuesday....

But Mrs. ND does care about the seats...one of her dreams is to go to a Vikes game. FRONT ROW seats might I add.
I too declined on the game tickets and will keep my fingers crossed for shooting a deer. I do need to let you all know though, that Dave will take me to a game even if it kills him!!! Total dream of mine and that dream will come true.
So until there are pics posted of me and my deer, good luck to all for the upcoming hunting weekend.

vikings enemy the green bay packers too, dang, too bad they gotta play during deer season. call em up & see if they can do it maybe next wed?

Dave-

I think I might have a friend that use those if you're looking to peddle them.....Beer money for camp? *L*

Looks like tzone and mrsnortherndave are going to a football game.

Doooood, I referenced a "friend" so Dave didn't get suspicious...
Foiled my plan.....

I'll save you the trouble of going. Driver AND Jennings both over 100 yards receiving. Packers 34 Queens 20.

they are mine if I want them but they are not mine to give away or sell. sorry.

I put a glass of miller's finest on Vikes 34 quackers 17.

Sorry for wreking your plan bro.

Hunting in Manitoba was code for going to the game with Mrs. Dave......<grin>

As long as I get first dibs on her stand while she's gone!

checked last night where I dumped some buck jam on the ground in front of her stand the ground was tore up & there was a big tuft of deer hair on the ground like a couple of deer were fighting or something.

there weren't any forked toes there were there?

still using the good ole buck jam eh?

Put some of that on a sammich for short mag, bet he eats it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

As long as I get first dibs on her stand while she's gone!

yeah, well... i aint missing no deer hunting, not even for the vikes!!

As I sit here contemplating my next move of bowhunting from the place I'll hunt to the gear needed I wonder.. I wonder what is Buck Jam? Sounds like that would be a good thing to put infront of one of my stands too!!!!

The MILaw is coming to town and so far Thunderkiddo is doing ok this week,since they will be doing what women want, like shopping. I'm good to go on a weekend full of bowhunting and duckhunting possibly. So I'm packing the backpack now and Yep I will finally buy my tag tomorrow. Between kiddo's deer and the Monster 170 inch buck I saw this morning on the way to work, by golly maybe I'll remember how to draw my bow again..

Good Luck to All of you going this weekend, someone keep an eye on Ole Dave though....... I fear he may just get all rutting ready and start a number of deer hunters into the woods then forget his own rifle. Make sure he remebers his rifle ok..

Oh ya might remind him Ole forky toes seems to have a taste for beer too, from the trail of cans on the ground behind forky toes tracks. Beer might work good for bringing the buck in close??

buck jam is just some crap designed to catch hunters. and it works!

I'd have been just as good off pouring a bag of salt on the ground there I think.

Good luck wabo, i'll try to remember my boomstick.

salt doesn't smell as good. might have to try buckjam on some pancakes.

This is the longest day of the year.

The day before MN deer hunting opener!!

Tonight we all start gathering together at what will be year 2 of our deer camp. We are very much looking forward to it, we'll take lots of pictures, we'll endure what ever mother nature gives us for weather & it's just going to be a great time.

Our camp is still largely about healing the pain from the loss of a man that was so many things to our group, a father to some, a son to another, a best friend & cousin to me.

We're all a little stronger in the heart than we were a year ago at this time. We'll continue in that direction. Last year was fantastic, this year will be even better.

Good luck to you all & to your camps & the groups you hunt with. Thank you all for the encouraging words & for the interest in the thread.

I hope to post some 1st weekend results with stories & pictures early next week.

Dave

Dave,

I wish you all the best of luck this weekend!!! The only regret I have at the moment is not living closer to all you guys up north especially ole Rooster I'd just give him one of my slugsters to get his wife out.

I woke to a crisp clear morning with the ground relatively dry here, I'm looking forward to the morning tomorrow. Waiting to hearing all the animals scurryin through the leaves and maybe crunchin Mr. Big coming in. However I wouldn't mind seeing snow as the animals are easier to see then, can ya send some down. It will be a Long day for me too, now back to work.. Good Luck to All this weekend!!!

That would be awesome Wabo. If ya ever get a chance to get up nort give me and 'ol Dave a holler. We only live 3 hours apart and when I'm running late for a fishin trip, I can make it in a little over two!

Dave -
Your camp will be even better this year. The pain, while still there, is not as fresh. The laughs will be easier to come by now and that is the way our best buddy would have wanted it. May you hear his echoing laughter inter-mixed with yours and his family!Here's to good times, to big bucks, to cold beer, to good women, to men in big swishy suits, to being smelly and no one cares, to family and friends, to the ones we have lost, and most of all to safety. Stay safe out there everyone and GOOD LUCK! CHEERS!!

As the new season is right upon us we must all think about the ones that aren't going to be with us at camp this year, one of my good hunting buddies will not be in the stands this year but i know he'll be looking down upon us kicking himself for not being here. For that night he took his own he will be missed by alot of friends and family. I want to dedicate my season to him this year as it won't be the same without him here. I had a sawblade painted this week that i am going to hang in my shack as a memorial to him, it was his biggest buck he had taken and was ecstacic about it. Sorry for the rant, its just getting harder as it comes closer today. Thanks for the great thread you started Dave, You'll be missed Chuck!!

very sorry to hear that buschy, it's tough.

nice you are doing things to show memory of your friend.

It was hard right away and now its getting tougher. He was a good guy. His dad and brother will be making the trip up this year and hopefully they will appreciate the little memorial for him. i think i will sit in his stand tomorrow morning and hope he sends that good buck my way, it was always fun to put them guys in the stands and wathc them get the big ones.

He will be in that stand with you! Sorry for your loss. I know how you feel and it is the toughest thing I have dealt with in my 38 years. Keep the memories alive and I hope you get the buck of a lifetime.

Not a day goes by that you don't think about it and ask yourself why or how could've you helped. life is way to short! Thanks for listeneing, Let's all Hunt and Be safe!!

Hunt it up guys!!

Woooooo!

chickenbuck ranch war cry is Woo-Loo-Loo-Loo-Loo!!

(kind of an inside joke)

Ya know boys, I've been a thinkin as I sit here at work trying to get outa here asap to get ready for the timber goat harvest.

Now keep in mind this would have to be approved by Mr and Mrs ND of course but what if we all agreed to a date in the summer and had a 'Birth of a Deer Camp' reunion? We could all camp out in da woods for a weekend. Have a rootin, tootin, shootin, wild game grillin good time. Get to meet each other face to face. Swap stories. Shoot the bull. Shoot the guns. Rifles, pistols, black powder, bows you name it. Bring hunting photo albums whatever. Maybe go four wheelin, bon fire, beers/cocktails. If it worked out, then maybe it becomes an annual thing. Something to look forward to. Like deer camp only the meat pole would be empty. (I guess we could hang some rabbits or something from it) But anyway, you see what I'm getting at here? If Dave and Pam thought this might be something they would want to do, would there be any interest from the regulars on this thread? I realize some of you live a long ways away but it might be the most fun you can have outside of real deer camp. Something to plan for. Now Dave if I'm stepping over my bounds, just call me and tell me to shut the hell up. I'm sitting here at work going stir crazy and I'm probably rambling but I truly think it would be GREAT to meet all these fine people that have made this thread so awesome! We might need a lot of needles and thread though because I gots a feelin we would all be in stitches!

Fellow "Birth of a deer camp members",
I'll be thinking about you all tomorrow morning.I wish you all much hunter's luck and most of all a wish for a safe day.
Due to the healing sternum from the heart bypass surgery I am going to completely miss deer season this year for the first time since wayyyyy back in 1975.
Rooster7,boy what an idea!Kinda like the old mountain man rendevous.
Forky toes look out tomorrow!
Full reports expected asap.

Stan

Rooster, Thats a Great idea!!! If I or We can work it out I'd be interested forsure!!!

Stan,

Sorry to hear that my friend, keep the chin up and walking you'll be back hunting in notime... I saw 4 does and 3 turkey this morning, heading back to the woods in a bit..
I'm going back wearing the BigSwishMans coveralls with 25 mph winds its chilly out...

Well this morning ole forky toes paid me a visit at 50 yards he knew something was up but couldn't quite pin me. He did the stand forever alert thing then finally just kinda pranced off tail down. 160 incher on a guess, 10 point, I'll be looking for him for awhile, he is lucky I didn't have the Marlin, maybe next week. Had alittle 5 point come in to 20 yards it was nice watching him walk around.

For now its time for lunch and kidtime then back out at 1...

Well she did it!! Wife got her first deer! A fork horn buck! One shot, One kill baby! I put the modifed choke in Special K's 20 ga and it still shot like crap....at the target. So I get out the daughters .410 for her to use instead. We sat on post by the river yesterday morning, cold, wet and freezing wind out of the NW. She toughed it out until 8:30 and her toes got really cold so we head back to the truck to warm up. (We only saw one little buck running out of range) I wasn't to keen on the idea of her shooting a deer with a .410 but at this point I didn't know what to do. Anyway we get back to the truck and I get this bright idea that we should just lean the guns against the bumper in case a buck comes running by (which has happened numerous times in the pasture we were sitting in) and then we can hop out and shoot it right? Well we sit there for awhile trying to warm up. I'm deep in thought trying to figure out how and where I can get her a shot at a deer and she asks "what time are we supposed to meet the rest of the party?" I snap out of the stratedgy trance I'm in and say "right now" and shift the truck into gear and scrrchhhh crunch. OMG THE GUNS! We jump out and my 12 ga is fine but the .410 barrel now resembles a banana.

It was just a cheap .22/.410 combo single shot but I'm still so PO'd at myself for being so stupid. Well anyway, we go back to my unc's shop and organize a drive with the rest of the guys. She is now carrying her 1187. We don't see anything but I notice alot of fresh tracks near a fence line bordering some really thick non accessible land. I tell Karen that I know where were sitting tonight. We went back to that spot at 4:15. Sat down on a hill side looking at the fence and the dense brush behind it for about two minutes and this buck jumps the fence and I tell Karen "okay get ready here he comes" She aims and I say "ok now..take 'em" She says "are you #$%!ing serious?" I kinda chuckle and say "yeah...take 'em!" BLAM! Mule kick. I say "you got him! She says "I did???"

We high five and I tell her you hit him a little high so lets give him some time. Then two does jump the fence. Then a big bodied 6 point. I pull up, aim and BANG FLOP! We find her deer 75 yards from where she shot it and I begin gutting two bucks we shot within 5 minutes of each other! She is so happy and I couldn't be more proud of her! Way to go honey!!! Woooo hoooooo!!!

Good Luck Wabo! 160"?! That is a pig of a deer. Hope you get him!

Rooster,

Way to go on those deer!!!!! Congrats to you and the wife!!! Sorry to hear about the gun but WOW what a story you'll have to share with others together telling it now!!! Great Job!!!!

Ok I better get busy and back out there.

Well I saw the same two bucks this afternoon, BigBoy is definately a 160 inch range. Had him in for a full 10 minutes at 75 yards or so this afternoon. Can't wait to bring out the leverguns next weekend!!! I had to come in I was SOOO cold, I moved a stand for the afternoon hunt and got sweaty then sat till 4;30 when the Bigguy left so did I my teeth were chattering.. BRRRR still cold now..

Way to go Rooster and Mrs. Rooster!!!!

Stan

Alright Rooster and Special K! Way to go. Hopefully you have some pics to post for us soon.

I got a decent 9pt at a little before 2 on saturday, while the other clowns decided to stay in and take a nap. I thought I'd go sit, ya know, being deer season and all.

Congrats to you guys on the buck. Very cool.

Tom

Good going,Tzone!

Stan

Thanks guys! We did not have a camera with but our cousin got some pics. We will get ahold of them and see what we can do about getting them posted. They are not the biggest bucks in the woods but like I told Karen "your first deer is a trophy no matter what the size is." As for me I was planning on holding off since there is still bow season and muzzle loader but to shoot both our deer at practically the same time and share in that moment was worth it.

Wabo - I want to see pics of that 160incher. Soon!

TZone - Good Job man! We want pics of that 9 point too!

Stan - Hang in there buddy! There is always next year and health is more important than any deer!

Dave and Pam - Get them dang deer dang it!

Must be taking a long time to drag ole forky toes outa tha woods.Yeah,youbetcha.

Stan

Congrats TZone, Way to go!!!!!

Rooster, I have gotten WAY PAST the size of the antlers to make a trophy. My BEST day hunting was with kiddo on her day of youth season about a week ago. You and Your wifes deer are Trophy's like no other.. Nomatter what don't think anything other..

I'll keep trying for the BigBoy I saw yesterday but that doesn't mean I'm holding nomatter what. I may just happen to shoot the first legal buck to come by if he feels right, especially if one of the kids is along.

Now where is that Krazy rutty ole Dave and family anyway? We need to hear the stories of the weekend Dave!!!!

Well were do I start? I guess first of Stan I'm very sorry to hear you have to sit this one out but thank you very much for the well wishing & such, next season is just around the corner & you'll be 100% by then.

Tzone! you broke the 8 point curse!! 9!! Good job!!

Rooster & special K good job with the 2 bucks!! Jim you gotta stop using guns as traction devices though, I mean come on man, use some branches or something to stuff under the tires when you get your chevy stuck, not guns!! That's going to get expensive! LOL!!

Wabo, I hope you see that big buck again during rifle season, good luck.

Well we had a tough weekend of hunting, north wind blew hard & steady which seemed to really keep the deer down. We saw very few deer all weekend, most that we saw we pushed up out of beds & sent running in the wrong direction where nobody was posting.

We sure had fun though, good food, good stories, lots of laughes, a few beers if you can believe that

My uncle brought that elk heart up to camp that he had pickled, Boy that turned out really good!

We also did some elk backstrap & potatos on the grill, my aunt sent up a heaping tub of cookies that were fantastic!! Thanks very much!!

You see, I can thank her on the thread here because I have learned that my aunt & uncle have found & do read the thread here. I hadn't told them about it bacause I guess I felt a little silly about it but they did find it & my uncle said he read the whole thing from begining to end & the only problem he had with it was the fact that I never told him about it

He was pretty ticked off at me for never telling him!!

Well I guess I just didn't know what he would think of it, I'm glad he likes it though.

Anyways, we had a full camp with youngsters everywhere, my little guy (Mr. Chickenbuck) really takes to my uncle & he had plenty of time to tell him all about chicken bucks, flying bears & swamp squids. They went for a couple of rides in the pickup together looking for deer in the forest & I guess at one point my uncle spotted a huge pine that had the top busted off & hanging over. He pointed it out to "Short Mag" & I guess the little guy didn't as much as blink or hesitate in stating the fact that "yep, flying bear must have hit that tree."

Always good for a laugh.

My nephew came up, he hunted hard. He passed on a spike opening morning & he got shamed with the deer camp shame stick for shooting at & missing a running buck that he saw at about 250 yds.

I'm editing here now because I lost everything I wrote about the pictures below Grrr!

OK, I'll try again.

We had our two nieces up with there mom too, oldest niece sat with my daughter in Pam's heated stand but the 2 of them giggle uncontrollably when you put them together so the deer were safe from them

My youngest niece went on a still hunt with me one morning. She became quite the little scout often taking a knee to scan below the pine branches for deer legs or movement.

The kids�s mom cooked us a good breakfast Sunday morning & it�s always nice to see that the smoke alarm batteries still work

The camp thinned out Sunday night & it was down to just me & my 2 oldest kids for Sunday night & Monday morning. We did get some visitors Sunday though. Twistedone from the forum here stopped by with his group, we had a few beers & visited, shared stories from the weekend & such.

Monday morning my daughter took the heated stand & me & my boy took an open 2 person stand. We heard a deer that morning, real close too but it never showed itself to us.

For the evening we switched, my daughter had come in from sitting in Pam�s stand so me & my boy decided we might as well have a turn.

So up we went into the heated 2 person stand for the first time, boy was that nice.

It was more of the same, dead woods, nothing moving. Until about 4:50 PM

I spotted legs strolling through the brush ahead of us , I nudged my boy & whispered �deer coming in, straight ahead�. I had the slider window in front of me open already, my boy�s side was closed. It was a doe with a button buck following, they were coming in fairly fast. She was alert, there was no time to get my boy�s slider window open & he also had to cycle a round. It was too much noise to risk as alert as she was. I decided to take her , she was only 30 yds out & facing us straight on, she dropped her head to the ground & I settled in on the top base of her neck & sent one through her spine & down through her heart. She folded, not as much as a wiggle.

I was hoping the button buck would stand for a minute allowing for a second shot, I knew if the doe busted us she would have bolted & the button buck would have followed. I told my boy to chamber a round as & helped get his window open. I covered the little deer as he took aim just in case something went wrong with the shot. He wasted no time placing his shot & tripping the trigger. I watched the deer go down in my scope & it began to do the dreaded wail �bleeeaa� I was still on him & decided to silence that wail quickly as it�s not a good thing to experience especially on your first deer.

Talk about a happy boy, I grabbed him by his face with both hands & gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Big hug & pat on the back, he was absolutely shaking with excitement. He went on & on about how fun it was watching mine drop straight down then his doing the same. He talked about how he didn�t even feel the gun kick & all of that� Very happy kid.

He ran back to get a 4 wheeler to haul them out & my daughter joined him when he returned. She was very proud of her little brother & happy for both of us even though it was from the stand that she had just left.

That made me pretty proud of her.

She took these pictures for us.

[Linked Image]

I gotta go, more later.

Dave

congrats on the fine hunt dave, your lucky to get the kids involved. mine are a wee bit young yet but my 6yr old gets all teary eyed when i leave for camp. he loves going out. he was with grandpa road hunting yesterday and made up his own deer hunting song and i must say it was pretty good! i'll be taking him out to the big stand one of these days as well. but for other stories now, lestifer and i were off to sit in the stands yesterday at 2:00, going to put some seat time in out in the open air. when we turned the corner where i was to get out when 2 does came running out of the woods on the other side of the road and then a dandy buck was on there trail, i about rolled out of the truck and a few giant leaps across the ditch and i was out in the field where the deer were. i didn't seem to be any bother to that buck, i knelt down to get a steady eye on him and KABOOM!! i let one go and he hunched up. He was standing broadside looking kinda funny so i placed another in him and he went down. I am thinking this is pretty cool, lestifer parks the truck and gets his knife out and i am walking over to him, the deer bolts up and heads for the woods again!! I am like why didn't you jump on him, he says why didn't you shoot him. well, a good blood trail took us in the woods and a few hundred yards in there he was, hiding under a big pine scanning the area. i placed a final shot and he tipped over. it was just about done then. well, it was a nice 8pt that went 180lbs. He wasn't the one i was looking for as i have been getting 8's and want to graduate. it was a fun hunt, he was taken care of and loaded up and we still made evening post where all i had in front of me were 7 fawns, the hunt will continue today, i'll be back at camp for the rest of the week wednsday night. How much fun it is. we just about stopped over but ran out of time. wish i would have. we'll make it out yet. Hows the road!

WOW Dave, Congrats to you and the boy!!!! Great story Love how you are getting the kids out and making this an entire family event. Your inspiring to say the least... Keep up the good work!

I better get back to the real work now too..lol..

Good job & congrats on the buck. The road looks terrible, like you'd never make it in there without a monster truck or something but you can actually just crawl right in there. There is kind of an ice chunk soup thing going on there, like I said it looks aweful but I've actually been crawling through it with the truck in 2 wheel drive so don't let it keep you from coming on in.

I'm thinking about heading back out there thursday night & taking friday off work.

now your talking!! Take friday off. we've got the 8, a 10, and 5 does so far. not to bad. kinda slow yet though. it sounds about like what our road has turned into as well. freeze up has helped the travel and a couple times over with the tractor and blade helped. we will shoot for friday to come out. lots of places to get to yet. we've hardly left camp this year yet. actually hunting pretty hard.

Sounds like you had a good opening weekend dave. The whole family did it looks like.

Great job on the father/son deer kill combo. Very cool. Short Mag sounds like he's ready to hit the woods pretty quick.

My mini man wants to go now. He tried to help as much as he could yesterday with the butchering process.

Here is a pic of the buckaroo.

15" wide, the longer brow tine is 10" long, the shorter one is 7". He weighed in a 177# at Charlstrom's in Island Lake. He had no fat or tallow on his hips left, but some on his ribs and back.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_2201.jpg[/img][/img]

Very cool Tom.

Weezy almost got a shot at a buck last night. she grunted him in out of the swamp. after listening to him coming crushing ice & sticks all the way he finally started to show himself. Stuck his head out & she says she was waiting for one more step, waiting to see at least some neck but he paused, then must have winded her cause i guess he bolted straight back the way he came from. She says he was a 6, would have been pretty cool for her.

tell wheezy not to worry. She has some time yet this year. I didn't see any does while hunting, but the does I did see on the roads and such, didn't have any bucks with them. They may not be chasing yet, just looking.

I've never grunted one in before, that's pretty cool she did that.

I was going to grunt to stop the one I got, but my saftey did the stopping. He was only 15yds when I hit the go switch, so a grunt may have sent him into the next county.

Tom

Woo hoooo! Good job Nate! I'll have to pull the thread up tonight at home so Colby can see your deer! I'm gonna have to get that boy shootin more so he can keep up with ya next year!

Weezy - Hang in there girl! Good things (like forkey toed bucks) come to those who wait!

T-Zone and Bushy - Good job on those bucks! Nice pic Tom!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Jim you gotta stop using guns as traction devices though, I mean come on man, use some branches or something to stuff under the tires when you get your chevy stuck, not guns!! That's going to get expensive! LOL!!
Dave

YEAH, YEAH, YEAH

Special K thought I was nuts for putting that detail in there. I thought maybe if I write it down I won't ever be that dumb again......but I doubt it.

You know Dave I admire truely do Admire you and your family, getting Weezy,the chickenbuckboy, The Boy, Shortmag,Pam, the Uncle Northern Dave and the Aunt NorthernDave all involved in The deer camp.

Hi Dave's Aunt and Uncle I hope you do read this. My hat is off to you and your family. As these are the things dreams are made of.

Eachnight I fall asleep thinking of how I can find a way to build a camp and find a way to get more of my family involved in a place like that. Each night I wonder what has happened over the years to my old deer hunting friends and family who have dropped out over the years.

My camp now consist of just me and my daughter, oh I meet up with my Bro in law and his cousin but we never stay the night like we used to. Both of thier Dads have dropped out of hanging around due to age and my Dad was never interested too much in my hunting. One of my cousins now refuses to sleep anywhere else other then his house. Those who were once there are now gone either by choice or they think a warm bed in thier own house with a TV is better.

I'm convincing my wife now that its time to get her and my youngest involved. I'm talking to more of my close friends trying to get them to commit to a camp or campout place during deer season. Yet it just feels like parts of a puzzle are missing and I'm having a tough time putting them back into place.

So I wanted you to know that what you all are doing is something I'll always cheerish reading and dreaming about. Be proud Dave don't ever feel silly about sharing this thread because this is what Real Deer camps and Families are all about!!! This is what I hear the Good ole days were all about and I read many stories of.

Dave as this is also Armistice day I want to Thankyou for your service too... I am curious if you or your family remembers or has any stories of the Armistice day blizzard in 1940? Yes I do think of other things then deer camp occasionally even during rutty buck season. lol

Now back to your regularly scheduled program...

Too kind Wabo, too kind

This camp interest you have is obviously as important to you as it is to me. For many years before we were able to get started with this we dreamed of it. My reasons & yours are the same.

Life is like a book, a big long book if we're lucky. Even if a short book it's one with meaningful content, fun, love & happiness if we are lucky.

I�m living my life the way I want. Obviously deer camp has left an impression on me at a young age; enough of an impression that I felt it was worth seeking out as a life goal. Something that would bring added content & happiness to my life, my wife's, my children�s, other relatives & loved ones, grandchildren some day too.

Everybody has something that they kind of end up pouring themselves into. Sometimes it's because they think it's "so good for the kids, such a good experience".

And that's great, it really is. A lot of things can do that, sports for one. I was never really involved in sports so I wouldn't know so much but i believe it's true, good experience.

But deer camp you don't grow out of. You just keep growing into it, maturing, sharing teaching.

I saw it as such a good long term investment, an investment in quality & content of life.

I knew I had to do it. I knew when it was time to commit to the land, and then I knew when it was time to commit to the cabin on the land.

And that's why I agreed to sell my foreskin to Michael Jackson to build his new nose with.

Actually that last statement isn't true at all, I just like to make people spit there beverage up through there noses.

Did that work for anyone?

Sorry, well, not really...

Dave,

After I finished rereading your story of the weekend I just had to...

In the last week I found out two more of my cousins wouldn't be making it in this year for deer season so it has really weighed heavy on my mind recently. I'm going to die trying to make this work one way or another and try to bring my family closer together while doing it too. Your family is inspiring..

Now what about my blizzard I know you speak of lizards sometimes so what about it any stories ever been told to you all of the 1940 Armistice day storm? I've read countless tails and heard a few stories from friends in Wisconsin, sounds like one heck of a storm!

One more thing I haven't heard anything about The Boy and bowhunting this year did he go yet?

TZone, That is a Dandy!!! Great Pic!!!!

Rooster, You eating any of that deer yet? My wife made some stew already with Thunderstrucks deer, ate more of it tonight. Deer meat nothing beats the memories of how you got it!!!

I had the wife pickup a new orange stocking cap for luck today they say the wind is supposed to blow in cold air on Sat with some flurries. Great for hunting I hope!!!

I don't know nothing about that blizzard Wabo, the snow must have melted before i was born in 1970

Oldest member of our camp is my uncle but 1940 was before his time too.

We had some dandy snow storms up here in the 70's, into the 80's as well. I know about those ones.

The boy, my nephew. Yeah he got an antlerless with the bow this year. Also I heard from him yesterday that he & his buddy back home boubled up on a really nice buck with rifles. He never answered me as to who tagged it though. Then later yesterday he sent me a txt message saying he got a good doe. So he's doing just fine on deer so far this year.

His big focus or at least what he should be focusing on is his football. He's a senior this year, a hell of a football player & his team is in the finals for going to state. He's got a big game this weekend on saturday. I'm wishing him the best of luck! Wouldn't it be something to go out on your senior year in high school being the team that brought your school to state?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm wishing him the best of luck! Wouldn't it be something to go out on your senior year in high school being the team that brought your school to state?

Just think of the wool he'll pull if he does that.

It would be cool. The sate championship, and pullin' wool.

Hey Dave,
What school does he play for? I will watch for them in the papers and see how they do.

ahh, deer camps. You either understand or you dont. It is killing me being at work and not there right now. I will be going back up on Friday.

PM on the way.

Wabo - Me, the wife and our 10 year old son cooked up the inner tenderloins last night and nibbled as we de-boned and cut up quarters and back straps on our counter top in the kitchen. Now she says she is NEVER hunting again because of this process. I don't buy it. It's in her blood now. Processing your own deer is back breaking tedious work (if you do it right)and every year you complain about how much it sucks but as soon as its in the freezer your mind starts wandering to when you can go hunt another one. Yep...she says she's done. I don't buy it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

And that's why I agreed to sell my foreskin to Michael Jackson to build his new nose with.

Now that is some funny $hit right there buddy!

Hey ND, I must tell you about this weekend, we had some company at our camp this weekend, it was my good hunting buddy Chucks Dad and brother come up. It was a hard season for them as its there first without him. Well, we gathered everyone at camp and had a litte toast and dedication to him and reminisced some great memories. The thing nobody new about it is that i had a 16" sawblade painted of him and his last biggest buck that he had mounted. It resembles him quite well, its something for our memories to look back upon him and keep him apart of our camp. It brought tears to alot of eyes. I even think he maybe chased that buck out to me the other afternoon. He'll be with us!!

Well, he's white, I'm white... it was a decent enough match although I am a bit darker than him.

he paid pretty good for it.

I understand he's having some troubles with his new nose though.

When ever he's around pretty girls his nose quadruples in size. He's really not used to that sort of reaction from any part of his body so he is having a tough time adjusting.

It's not been too frequent of a problem for him though since he preferrs to surround himself by the company of little boys & petting zoo animals.

That's cool Buschy.

I have a slot in the gunrack with my cousin's initials on it.

The spot in the gun rack was empty all weekend. no word was spoke of it but I know his dad & his son both saw it & knew what it was.

If you guys are reading this, I just want you to know it doesn't have to sit empty you know.

It was just a little way for me to say there is & always be a spot there for him.

Go ahead & stick your gun in that spot if you want. You both have first dibs on it.

Could be good luck you know.

I might use the spot myself sometime.

thats pretty neat with the gun rack like that too! There will always be a lot of good memories and as long as you remember them he'll be there with you. we're hoping that he's out guarding our bucks for us now while we're at work. Can't wait to get out there agian. won't be long now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, he's white, I'm white... it was a decent enough match although I am a bit darker than him.

he paid pretty good for it.

I understand he's having some troubles with his new nose though.

When ever he's around pretty girls his nose quadruples in size. He's really not used to that sort of reaction from any part of his body so he is having a tough time adjusting.

It's not been too frequent of a problem for him though since he preferrs to surround himself by the company of little boys & petting zoo animals.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's cool Buschy.

I have a slot in the gunrack with my cousin's initials on it.

The spot in the gun rack was empty all weekend. no word was spoke of it but I know his dad & his son both saw it & knew what it was.

If you guys are reading this, I just want you to know it doesn't have to sit empty you know.

It was just a little way for me to say there is & always be a spot there for him.

Go ahead & stick your gun in that spot if you want. You both have first dibs on it.

Could be good luck you know.

I might use the spot myself sometime.

That's pretty cool Dave. Cool indeed. They know what it is for, and so does he...

Saw a big one this morning on my way to work.

really big.

I called the county to come fix the road he destroyed when he ran across in front of me.

I fell into one of the craters he left, tore the right front wheel off the chevy (pam's car)

had to drive the rest of the way to work on 3 wheels.

sounds like the chevy's I know.

Can you hunt him?

Originally Posted by tzone

Can you hunt him?

he's pretty safe where he's at.

I dunno, maybe i could get permission but i got other plans for this weekend starting tonight.

camp chickenbuck.

Well, there is always forky toes.

We got a ghost buck at the range camp. Even have sheds from him that were dropped the second week of deer season in 2000.

Some of those old dudes just don't want to get shot for some reason.

You goin by yourself.

Originally Posted by tzone

You goin by yourself.

taking my little sharp shooter with me.

my oldest boy "runs with scissors"

we hope to see my dad and 2 of my brudders out there on friday.

i am having veddy, veddy tough time being here at work right now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Can you hunt him?

he's pretty safe where he's at.

I dunno, maybe i could get permission but i got other plans for this weekend starting tonight.

camp chickenbuck.

Aw heck. The odds of that big 'ol rutty buck being there are not too good anyway. By friday he might be havin a shoving match with 'ol forkey toes under Pam's taj mahol stand.

Rooster....

I just heard the boy got himseff in trouble.

skipped school yesterday to hunt.... and now he can't play in the game this weekend.....

the big game, the one in the big dome.....

oof, not good.

his mama gonna skin him.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Rooster....

I just heard the boy got himseff in trouble.

skipped school yesterday to hunt.... and now he can't play in the game this weekend.....

the big game, the one in the big dome.....

oof, not good.
his mama gonna skin him.

I heard that too. I'm sick for him. It is state quarter finals so I hope to God they win so he has another shot to play in the dome being a senior and all. Uff ya.........not good.

Dave,

Pull some strings get that boy playing!!!

Me I'm crawling the walls here, the orange hat has the tune Thunderstruck playing LOUD, Is it Saturday yet!!!!

i wish I had that sort of influence on anybody. but i can't help this problem.
Wabo, you just posted the seventeen hundredth reply to this post.....

Wooohooo 1700 post!!!! Going on a billion

Common Dave, make some calls to the school super and principle, explain how The Boy is trying to be closer to his Dad and thats how he remembered him in the woods. Tell them he needed alone time with Dad to clear his head to get focused on the game ahead. Tell them the boy wouldn't come right out and say it so you felt the need. It CAN be done just have faith and pull the strings you can in the world, with the right choice of words any string can be tugged...lol

I'd be willing to bet I'm noT to far off the mark here either...

Linda and I celebrated our 20th. wedding anniversary yesterday.
Tomorrow(Friday) morning we are pulling out for a quick 730 mile trip to Louisiana to attend my daughter's wedding.Be back Sunday.
I expect at least some sighting if not the actual demise of old Forky Toes over the weekend.
Have a good one,gentlemen and ladies.

Stan

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Rooster....

I just heard the boy got himseff in trouble.

skipped school yesterday to hunt.... and now he can't play in the game this weekend.....

the big game, the one in the big dome.....

oof, not good.

his mama gonna skin him.

oof. not good is right.

I know a kid that used to do that stuff all the time. the kid missed out on a lot of fun stuff because of it.(his name ryhmes with pzone)

I hope they win, so he gets another shot at it. There is plenty of time to hunt.

good luck to him, and them.

Great Stan. Congratulations! To you and your wife, as well as your daughter on her big day.

Safe travels Stan.

Tom

Congratulations Stan and Linda! 20 years! Good for you guys! Have a safe trip and congrats to your daughter too!

hey rooster,

What's the news on the boy? Does he get to play? man I hope so.

Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

hey rooster,

What's the news on the boy? Does he get to play? man I hope so.

Tom

Not sure yet Tom. His Ma was over last night and we found out that this was more of the coach's decision to not let him (and two others that hunted that day) play in the game than it was the schools. We are crossing our fingers that the coach is just trying to scare them. Set an example so to speak and ultimately will let them play. We'll find out this evening I guess....

Got a Wonderful Surprize this weekend. Me and kiddo saw 4 different Nice bucks opening morning and one was a 200 inch deer YES a PIG at 350 yards running away chasing a doe. No chance for taking a shot at any of them, it was cold so we left to get lunch and check with my friends.

We get to my bro in laws and his 80 year old Dad pulls up and asked if I saw that Hog in the pasture I said yeah. He says he had him in the crosshairs at 125 yards and passed on him hoping kiddo could watch me shoot it. I was amazed and asked him several times and his answer was always the same. I'm still amazed and told him next time to shoot it.. The rest was the usual help drag a cousins deer out and hang it up, he took a nice 140 class 10pt. We eat lunch and head back out.

We get back that night and help hang another 120 inch 8 pt my other cousin shot, 2 brothers get Nice bucks!!! after that they say common time for you to see. I say what and they say common, so I follow to the otherside a shed we hang deer in and they open the door. Inside is a Newly added subfloor, insulated walls, a fridge, stereo, couch, luv seat, a place to hang clothes and guns the only thing that hasn't made it yet is beds.

We spend the rest of the night drinkin bourban, eating grilled chicken and hotdogs, chips andjunk. Watching the kids play games in the loft and outside and just BS.ing. They tell me The pasture I hunt may get food plots next year to make it even better and I'm going to cut some windows in a 16 foot inclosed trailer I have tomorrow night to add another shootin house in the pasture for a warm hunt for the kids.

I Now know I have a Deer Camp to go to!!!! They knew this was something which weighed heavy on my head but wanted to surprize me because my Bro In Law and Cousin have been thinking of the same for the kids too, they just hadn't told me. I missed a Nice 8 tonight and kiddo missed a doe lastnight but all in all it has been a Great Weekend!!! It's not exactly how I pictured it but I can't tell you guys howmuch this meant to me...

That's cool wabo. congrats, good for you.

My nephew did not get to play & it was his teams last game. 21 to 14 was the final score. Pretty sad deal.

I think he's doing ok though, he was out shooting critters yesterday, the way I understand it he rolled a coyote in the morning & then shot a doe later.

He plans on coming up to hunt our last weekend of MN white tail rifle season on friday after school. I just may be out there as early as thursday evening. I'm developing a bit of a grudge against Mr. fork toe buck.

I came as close as I've ever been yesterday AM.

No sighting yet I'm sorry to say, but it was snowing yesterday. Heck it snowed late Sat night into sunday. I was up loading the wood stove & stepped outside the shack at about 2:30 AM & we had a fresh dusting of snow, maybe 1/4" & it was still trying to fall. When I went to my stand (a ladder of my nephews that I relocated on Friday) It was still dark out. Well as dark as it could be with the moonlight (I blame the moon for a lot of things this year)

Well I've been learning a little more about Mr. Fork Toe buck and set this stand up in hopes of catching him on morning & evening routes.

It was snowing on the way to the stand. I just love that kind of snow, no wind, dead silent, big fluffy snow gobs falling straight down, quiet walking.. Well I get within 40 yds of the new stand & I see a set of doe & fawn tracks cut onto the trail. I stop because wow, for how the snow is falling these are very fresh imprints in the snow. I cautiously proceed ahead trying my best to focus ahead rather than watching the tracks at my feet. But then I see a bigger set of tracks cut onto the trail joining the doe & fawn. A ridiculous track that looks like someone giving the peace sign, looks like a bunny rabbit�s eyes & ears... Fork toed buck lumbering along with the doe & the fawn. right under the new location for the ladder stand & straight ahead off the trail through the cedars & right on past a new ground blind that me & my boy also made on Friday.

Well, I was a couple minutes too late I guess. Damn it!

But I crawled up into the ladder stand, it's the gray one by the way boy, in case you were wondering. from the porcupine stand location, we were doubled up there with stands. Remember we had that hang on stand with screw in steps & then we flopped that ladder stand right under it for those that didn't care to climb the screw in gut hook steps.

So anyways, I got up in there & tried grunting. I did get some response from the tamarack swamp out in front of the cable stand, a buck got up out of there & tried to find me. Too bad nobody was in that stand, it was probably the 6 pointer Weezy saw last week.

And I did have a couple of deer running in the cedars off to the east, I could make out brown through the trees but have no idea what they were. nothing seemed to be chasing them, it was probably forky chasing a doe back in there. I also had a doe just out of my sight to the north west of me in the cedars. I could hear her eating cedar bows in there. standing up & grabbing cedar bows & pulling down & breaking them loose. She moved on through to the north so all I got was track soup when I got down to go investigate & try to see what it was making all that noise down there.

So, there was some activity that morning. I stayed out from about 6:30 till noon or close to noon.

We had a good weekend, my dad & little brother were up as well as my uncle. We had a good time, it was a boys weekend at the shack. We also had a visit from Busch pilot & his buddies. Sounds like they are doing ok on deer, much better than us. Thanks guys for stopping out.

We've still got next weekend. We'll git-r-done!

Alright Wabo. Sounds great. We have been telling you all along, camp is what you make it. It can be a shoebox if that works for you.

Have fun and show us some pics of that 200"er hangin by your new camp.

Tom

Your getting close. real close. The bucks are still chasing does around here. He'll goof up again. hopefully this time you will be by him when he does it.

Too bad about the "boy's" football team. That's a tough way to learn a lesson, I know that.

I'm headding up to the WI camp on Thursday night or Friday AM. Either way, it'll be a long week. These dudes I've been hunting with for 12 years now are starting to flat wear me out. But that is a story for another day.

Tom

Me & my boy were goofing around at camp on Friday & we made this sign.

[Linked Image]

we nailed it to a tree by the gate.

Now that is cool, hey what you doing opening day. The answer from Dave... Camp ChickenBuck thats what.

The 80 year old who owns the pasture that had the buck in his sights, when he first pulled up I had a Big pullover orange ontop of all my winter clothes. He said look its a Giant Pumpkin charlie brown, it has stuck.. They called me pumpkin all weekend, even my kid...lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Me & my boy were goofing around at camp on Friday & we made this sign.

[Linked Image]

we nailed it to a tree by the gate.

you gotta get that thing burned into a big slab of pine on sumpthin.

The sign looks even more better in person dave. maybe add some led's into it, and make it glow. Had fun out there friday night dave, got to love that camp!! the wood smoke and laterns burning, always nice aroma!! ND had a excellent batch of chili he shared with us as well, we got 3 more saturday and one yesterday. lestifer missed a biggun' though. he's kinda in the dumps..oh well!! One more week to go!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

this was more of the coach's decision to not let him (and two others that hunted that day) play in the game than it was the schools. We are crossing our fingers that the coach is just trying to scare them. Set an example so to speak

Exactly why I didn't play organized sports in school. I found hunting to be way more important than school sports; WAY MORE IMPORTANT.

Woo hoo! Alright Wabo! That is great and for them to keep it a surprise is even better! Now you and Kiddo have a place to look forward too every year. The deer camp. "Hey Thunder Kiddo, wanna head out to the deer camp and check the cameras and do some scoutin, maybe hang a stand?" "Sure Daddy Wabo! Lets to it!"

Now you just have to get the wife involved......

Hey someone has to clean up the place...

Just teeeesin you mommy wabo!

Your getting closer Dave! Now is the time to break out the rutty buck arsenol. The rattle horns, the snort/wheeze grunt call, the hot doe scent, the tarsal gland scent etc. I'm guessin forky toes is the dominant buck in the area and isn't going to take kindly to a challenge. Throw the book at 'em and don't be quiet about it. Grunt like heck, rattle, rake trees, snort/wheeze.....Basically pretend like your back on leave from the Marines!

This worked for me a once with a big old rutty swamp buck. I went nuts with the rattling and grunting for as long as I could with a couple minute break inbetween sequences. This buck came out of the swampy thick stuff where he holed up so mad that he stopped and literally shredded a 5 foot pine tree. When he was done with that he stepped broadside and bang flop. Or you can try the tag team approach. Have someone rattle for you or you for them. Place them off in such a way that you might be able to intercept him as he's circling downwind for a looksy at the intruder(s). He might just get so PO'd that he just bum rushes in also but if he's with a hot doe, he will stick with her. She just might come to the fight to distract him and get him off her back for awhile. (no pun intended) At any rate, its worth a try.

Thanks Guys, Ya know life is Goooooooooooooooiiiiiiiiiid...

Dave,

Stay on him your getting close, I know you can!!!

I am hunting forky tomorrow.

I've never before stated that I am hunting an individual anything before. I always just say "deer hunting" or "coyote hunting" or what ever.

But tomorrow, I am hunting forky.

I got my old 1977 F150 ready to roll after work. As far as I know it's just me alone heading to camp in my old pickup tonight. I will roll out of bed in the morning, slide out into the woods in my warmest clothes (single digit temps tomorrow morn) And I will sit & wait for forky to slip up. I know some of his routes now, I know some of the bedding areas for the does, I know the dark nights will now limit night feeding & night travel, temps & snow will force daytime movement, forky's hot for does...

He's a big guy, and I want to get him.

I haven't hunted hard & purposeful for a couple of years now. I didn't get a buck last year. I lost one, and the one I lost would have fit right into my so-so average 8 pointer class of deer. The year previous I took a buck but he was a smallish 8. It's been probably 3 years since I've taken a respectable buck. I've never taken a "big" buck.

I now have what I've wanted for years. I have experience, I have a range of tools to select from as far as rifles specific for what ever my plan may be. I have the location to hunt, and I have "the buck".

Time to see if I can pull it all together. Tomorrow is my day to see what I can get done, my day to try as hard as I can. I'm dedicating tomorrow to myself & my hunt. When the sun goes down at the end of the day I will be happy no matter the outcome of my efforts. I really enjoy hunting and weighing my skills against the game. Tomorrow I will do that, so I know it will be a good day.

When the sun goes down I will return to the cabin to stoke the fire & light the coleman lanterns, I'll probably start some food, then I will sit & wait for the rest of the group to show up.

And when they all show up, a good day will turn into a great day.

Good for you Dave. It's kind of exciting when you're after one animal.

I've done it once. Scouted hard for several weekends, found big rubs, big scrapes, huge tracks. I hung my stand in the middle of it all, and got lucky. He is a big 8, the only deer I have mounted, maybe only one I'll ever have mounted. I was mounting that deer if it was a 6pt. I was so happy and sad at the same time when I saw him on the ground. Glad a plan came together, sad I was done hunting on the second day of my 5 day vacation.

I hope you get him. You've been after him in some way or another for a few years now. I wish I was sitting in your shack when you came through the door and tell me "Tommy, I need help. I got that big, rutty, stinky, somebitch, Forky Toes and he's to big to move."

You have the attitude right that's for sure.

I hope you smile like heck.

(Fade up theme from "Rocky")
Now you watch yourself out there.He's going to use every trick in the book on ya.Just go out there and get him,kid.Good luck.
(theme from Rocky fades gradually.

Stan

I just gotta watch out for flying bears & swamp squids.

Sounds like it good be happy hour in the swamp tomorrow evening!! Game on Dave! I've gotten a couple nice ones but still waiting the big one. I got a few that are 8's and 2 of them are on my wall, i need to gett to the next level before i put another one up. Its the final weekend so you must have fun with it. Good luck on the bIg one and I hope to see him hangin' around your camp this weekend.

It's da second week a deer camp 'n we ain't got no deer yet 'eh...let's get a drive goin'.

Man you got me all pumped up Dave! I can see it coming together. Your sitting in the morning darkness. The sky in the east is becoming a light gray. You hear a twig snap off in the tangled brush. Then hoof clops on frozen ground. More twig snaps. Then silence again. Complete silence. As the sky turns from black to gray, a chill runs down your spine. Your frozen breath is billowing around your head. The north wind picks up ever so slightly as the objects around you slowly turn from dark blobs to trees to bushes. Crash, crash...a doe comes flyin through your shooting lane. You don't take your eyes off the trail from which she came. Silence. Then BRRUUUPPP. BRRRRUUUP. You strain your eyes towards the direction of the sound. Then like a ghost something slips through the trees. Something large! You subconciously lower your mouth and nose into your coat while simultaneously flipping your safety into the fire position. Snap! Nose to the ground, out comes a huge bodied northern minnesota whitetail. At first you think someones prize steer must have gotten loose but wait...steers don't have antlers. And what antlers! You tell yourself there he is. This is forkey toes. The king of the forest. The grand pu ba of camp chicken buck. Blam! Thud! You cycle another round. The shot is still echoing in the distance as you see this magnificent animal take his last wobbly steps through your scope. He's down! Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!!

***skip to late afternoon/evening***

You faintly hear car doors slamming. Then the cabin door creaks open. The voices you hear are muffled and sound like they are on the other side of a wall. You look with one squinty eye towards the figures standing there. Without saying a word you hand them this story that you printed off and pass out on the couch...

bazzdard.... now you got me all worked up & I still haff to put in 3 1/2 hours before I get out of here today.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

bazzdard.... now you got me all worked up & I still haff to put in 3 1/2 hours before I get out of here today.

A couple of things...first, don't forget to watch out for meanders. Secondly, close your eyes and smell the shack....mmmm-mmmm. Then smell the stand you will sit in...the leaves.

Have a good hunt, be safe, and shoot straight.

PS Dont forget your alarm clock, I dont wanna read here on Monday about how you slept til 9 accidently and forky laid a set of tracks by your stand.

Don't forget to drink a little Tink's 69 before you go out.

I promise it will work....honest.

oh i always do that tom.

I used to mix it with tonic water but now i just drink it straight.

berettaman, I'll have my cell phone with, I use the alarm feature on it.

the only delema is which ring tone to use, tending buck grunt or snort wheeze buck grunt?

Quote

oh i always do that tom.

I used to mix it with tonic water but now i just drink it straight.

For a minute there, I though you were going to say you take it with orange juice concentrate.

Quote

berettaman, I'll have my cell phone with, I use the alarm feature on it.

the only delema is which ring tone to use, tending buck grunt or snort wheeze buck grunt?

nails on a chalkboard feature...that'll get your butt out of bed right quick.

Nah, I would set it to Swamp Squid Squeal or Flying Bear Wail or Chicken Buck Cluck.

oh the cluck of the chickenbucks.... that's it... I gotta get going!!!!

less than an hour & I'm gone!!

Wooooooooooo!!!!!!

Good luck Dave!!!

I'm outa here at 4:30. Heading up nort' for WI gun opener bright and earily tomorrow am. be out for about a week.

good luck to you too Tom, shoot dat big shtinky rutty shnorty buck why dontcha?

Just don't shtick your brant new terty-terty up in his rack & smile like heck.. he could take off with your gun!!

"and so, if you see a grate big buck wit a brant new terty terty on his rack, call 555 232-2222..... but if dat loonta answers.... hang up!!"

Its almost time Dave, Light the lanterns and get a move on!! get in on the evening post tonight could be your lucky night. he'll prolly waiting for you to drive in...Kerbaammm!!

aryte, i'm outa here guys!!
Later!!

Good luck to you! Good Luck Tom! Stay safe fellas!

thanks Rooster.

Gol-dang it, it is gonna be a mite lonely around here with all dem off huntin'. Idea for Dave's camp....internet access at the cabin AND every stand. We wanna know what is going on. I mean really, is it fair to make us wait until Monday?

I hope you are lining up the crosshairs on ol' Forky Toes right this very minute Dave....

Oh great Dave with wireless internet webcams in every stand, he would never get anything accomplished. I could see him curled up in the corner foaming at the mouth mumbling incoherently...

Torture plain and simple...

So how would I go about doing that,hmmm.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Gol-dang it, it is gonna be a mite lonely around here with all dem off huntin'. Idea for Dave's camp....internet access at the cabin AND every stand. We wanna know what is going on. I mean really, is it fair to make us wait until Monday?

I hope you are lining up the crosshairs on ol' Forky Toes right this very minute Dave....

Shared text with ND today. No forkey toes as of yet. Solo hunt got side tracked by a a 'lil hunter who is now hooked for life and was gonna have nothin doin with not skippin school and huntin with Dad.

back owta da woods.

well, we were skunked for the weekend.

it was 10 below zero on Friday morning & as Rooster said I did have a little hunter with me. We heard a lot of deer activity that Friday morning but just weren't in the right spot at the right time.

We had a great time, good company, good food... it was fun.

Like I said to my nephew after we both put in our last post for the 2008 rifle season "Well, I guess they want to be shot with muzzle loaders!"

So, we aren't down about it, not dissapointed. We had a great time & we did everything we could. Rifle season is over & we are very excited to start muzzle loader season which happens to be this coming weekend through the end of dec.

The boy will be up here to kick off ML season with me.

I'm very much looking forward to it.

Well, it was quiet out our way to dave. hardly a shot taken. we seen a few but they werent what we were looking for. It was a great season for us all anyways and now we might have to see you at ML season. For now its a time to rest and catch up on the home activities for awhile. I got my buck anyways and he's all jerky already.

So "Forkytoes" made it safely thru gun season and now you are gonna do it the old fashioned way.Good!Best way.
I'm glad you and youngun had a good weekend.

Stan

Thanks Stan.

we'll get him, and when we do he's gonna get a bigger hole blowed trew him now that it's black powder time!!

Did you see any more sign of him or did the chicken buck run his azz outa there?

well, I did see his track in a dark timber swampish area that the boy & I walked through. we kicked up a buck, the boy saw horns but didn't get a look at him to see how big. It might have been "Him"

He's still around.

we have meat pole decorating to do next weekend.

what are you doing for smoke pole opener Jim?

You should come up, it's just me & the boy as far as I know.

I'll shoot ya an email...

Dave,

Your not the only one skunked for rifle season. I took a shot at 200 yards with kiddo beside me at a 180 inch 10 point and missed sooooo bad. Broadside shot standing still, the problem was I was so bundled up from the cold of laying on the ground my gun wasn't back to my shoulder good. Even bloodied my nose with the scope as the kick came back, haven't done that in years, figure with all the clothes on it raised too and I musta shot over him. We watched that buck for 10 full minutes before I shot and I had a good rest, just goofed it up.. Learned alot from the changed tactics to get that shot though and I'll be using that knowledge of where he likes to go in the future.

Now here is the kicker my Bro In Law shot at the Exact same time that night on another farm and we never heard his shot only 1/4 mile apart. His shot with his 80 year old Dad standing beside him is the Best Father Son memory ever!!! They always hunted together for fowl and upland birds but Dad never deer hunted this night he Finally decided to go. Bro In Law took a 200 inch,17 pointer with tines that forked on the G3's on both sides up about 8 inches then 5 to 6 inch forks. I'll post a pic of the deer when I get time, its swamped at work and Krazy here right now. Wife and a kiddo sick. Yes this was the Buck of a lifetime though for them and I'm Glad I missed if that is what gave them the ghost of Mr. Big. That makes my cousins 140 incher, his nephews, my other cousins and my kiddo's and Mr. 200 all from the same farm in one season.. Its going Great so far and my spirits are Great, looking forward to my next chance at the stand.

Me I'm counting down till Thursday as I'll be in a stand with my Bow once again!!! Gonna get me a muzzleloader for next season to keep it going longer, but we do have another doe season with rifle coming up too. Good Luck to You guys up north with the rest of the Great deer season 08!!!! I'll be around when I can, work is going to cover me up till around Christmas though..

Hi all ~
Guess I need to update everyone on how I did this year...I GOT NOTHIN!!! I think I may have heard a buck grunt or wait, that might have been my stomach growling on the early morning post on the last day of hunting. Oh well, guess I have another year to wait.

I have enjoyed my new heated stand in the sky. That sure is nice. Even if I didn't get a deer, I had some relaxation in the woods and sure had alot of fun visiting with all that came to the cabin. I think that's the best part of it...watching the cabin come alive with each person that comes to the cabin. Hour by hour trucks come rolling in, cabin door opens up to see yet another smiling face. I truly feel blessed to be able to spend time with Dusty, the boy, the girl, sprout and Ma.

Life is all about the time spent with those you care about, but shooting a deer does help.

Buschpilot- I do like your idea of getting some things done around home..hint, hint ND!

Mama getting a new truck this week I think.

well, new to us, used one from a private seller.

Where are our Bermidgians? Our Bermidgites?

We'll be down that a way tomorrow so if any of you campfire Bermidgi people want to meet up for a beer or something please let us know. Just me & ma, kids will be at home.

I'll post seperate under deer hunting section here too.

R u going to the ChickenRanch This weekend ND and Mrs.ND? Maybe if'n i get the steel on the fish house we might be able to drive out and chekc out the progress on the meat pole. I may suggest a little more treats for those critters your after. Sounds like they need some enticing in th forest.

it'll be a guy weekend out there Buschy (no that doesn't mean you can show up in your underwear, no shirt & a warm case of busch light.)

but it does mean we can act slightly dumber than normal

buschpilot, find me a 04-05 supercrew with a 5.4 & a 100k + miles on it. Preferably lariat.

and you gotta find it today, cause i'm going to look at one tomorrow.

Attaboy ND, gotta love dem Fords!

What mileage you expecting out of it?

average 16-17ish

i've seen 20 on ocassion with a highway type trip with the 5.4, I expect 17 at the worst when not towing hwy. no worse than 15 with short runs to town etc.

love my fords, I buy em when everybody else figures they are used up, then I put another 50-100k on em & sell em. (and I don't dump any money into them in repairs)

going to look at a 7.3 F250 crew cab right now. 2001

but the only time i really fully appreciate a truck like that is on an elk trip.

Woo hoo Ma! Finally gettin a new truck! Atta girl!

Hey it sounds like you might be gettin company this weekend. I won't shoot your buck....I promise!

I had a 2001 7.3 ext cab. Loved that truck. Sniff. Sniff. I miss her greatly. But with the twins, I couldnt get 3 car seats in the ext cab with 2 behind rear facing. I wish you could find that truck (traded it in in Perham). That was a great one.

I sold my 2001 F350 crew lariat with 7.3 a while back. it was part of the "all of daves toys must go" sale

had to rake together cabin building materials.

And no regrets because it was a really good decision, deer camp way way very much important.

But I still do miss that truck.

I drove one like it tonight. nice.

We're looking at an 04 crew half ton tomorrow. 5.4, XLT

Dave,
The guy who owns the gun shop at which I work(snicker) part time also has a car lot next door.Want me to check and see what he has or is South Carolina too far to go to pick one up?

Stan

only if you can deliver it & bring a smoke pole with you Stan.

try to be here before too late on friday so you can get a good night of sleep at the chicken buck shack before black powder opener on Saturday.

Hey everybody, it's weezy's birthday today!!

She's 15!

How the hell did that happen?

just seems like last week she was in diapers with apple sauce & mushed carrots all over her face.

She was bald until she was 13 you know....

ok, that's not true...

but she did have very thin (almost non existant) hair when she was a baby.

She was born in NC when I was still in the service. it was thanksgiving day, the doc showed up drunk on wine. it's a damn good thing the nurses do all the work & the doc just shows up to catch the baby & take all the credit (we know this, we've seen it 3 times, but only one drunk one

)

I think she cost us 15 bucks.

We got a pretty good deal on her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Miss Weezy!!

Stan

ND, i got the perfect one for you. i wish i looked at this last night, cause i'm thinking your not around today!! Dang!! You just let me know, i am thinking i got the perfect truck for you. i had an 04' and am kinda missing my truck, now with 2 expeditions i could use a box every now and then.....

I'll drop you an e-mail.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEZY!

Happy Birthday Weezy!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEZY!

15 oof! Make sure when those boys come over dave, you let them know what is in that safe in the living room. It might not hurt to be cleaning a gun or two when they show up. Let them know you have a lot to clean and you'll still be cleaning them when he drops her off an hour before her curfew is over.

Or you could go the route of my dad...and throw them off the porch...

his theroy was you only need to injure one of them, then the word will travel fast.

TZone,

I figure I'll be soon enough and Dave should probably try this too, whittling a piece of wood with a supersharp hunting knife with a film of him fielddressing a deer on TV. All the while just saying I'm getting ready and making sure all my tools are ready just incase they need to work on bluejeans or boys..

Or maybe a silohette of a man out back and shooting it in the right area off the deck when dates arrive, making sure they see the target and results..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

Same to you Stan. And everybody else on here today. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Turkey is almost done, and the Lions are already down 14-3 half way through the first.

Yes Happy thanksgiving everyone!!

This has been an outside chores type of day for me. putting things away, cutting deer, cleaning garage, moving cars & trucks, tractors, getting stuff put away for the winter.

We got a new mama mobil yesterday. Well, new to us. a really nice 03 expedition eddie bauer, leather, nicely loaded & very well cared for.

there's a little bit of a story behind the purchase too. but we just got done with our thanksgiving meal, we have a movie about to start & the whole family is waiting for me in the living room so I gotta go.

Happy thanksgiving everyone!!

Dave, Pam & kids

Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family Dave. I'm watching a movie with my two favorite people in the world. Thankful that I get to enjoy it with them.

Tom, Betsy, and the little Rascals.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Well I'm headin up to hunt with Dave and the boy this weekend. I'm leaving tomorrow. Were gonna eat REAL good the way it sounds! Dave is grinding elk burger as I type and I'm bringing home made deer jerky (which turned out pretty good if I do say so myself)

I'm also bringing Italian sausage that I make over at my neighbors. He is the only one with his hometown recipe. It seems the guy that used to make it used to keep it a big secret and after he passed away EVERYONE wanted it. How he got it I don't know but it is really good. As I told ND, it is perfect for beer drinkin at night and breakfast in the morning. So if any of you guys want to stop at the shack after dark we'll have some samplin to do! My neighbor also pickles these homemade peppers. They are not spicy hot but when eaten with a bite of Italian, it is incredible. I went to his house tonight to drop off a 3000 psi gauge that he needs to check his tractor hydraulics and "borrowed" a jar of peppers to bring to the shack. He is still at thanksgiving festivities.

He won't mind that I borrowed the peppers and I'm sure he won't want them back when were done with them.

woo hoo!!

now i gotta pick up a smoke pole license & some boolits!!

not kidding!!

my thanksgiving has been so busy doing neglected chores that I didn't get my license or shoot my gun!!

dats ok tho, it always hit the same.

Smoke pole season Wooooo-Hoooo!!!!

IN THE WORDS OF OUR FALLEN FRIEND: F'NA!!!!!!!

HOLY CRAP! TOP OF PAGE ONE HUNDRED! I'M GONNA HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THAT ONE AS FAR AS WRITING A SONG LIKE I DID AT PAGE 60!

Tom - I may need your help here.....

page 179 on my old screen.

What the hell am I doing at work Rooster?

I have a license to buy, bullets to buy, a smoke pole to shoot, a wood stove to light, beer do dring, elk to cook.....

What am I doing here???

Dave,What caliber muzzle loader are you using to bring Forkytoes to ground?
This weekend is tax free weekend for firearms and ammunition here in South Carolina and I am sure that the gun shop where I work part time is gonna be busier than we have been if such is possible.
I sincerely hope that you guys have a safe and productive weekend.
Had a friend once who got drunk(REALLY DRUNK!) at his hunting camp and after finally finding and flopping in his bunk he dreampt he ate a GIANT marshmallow.
When he awoke his pillow was gone.

Stan

fiddy cal.

I think the last time I purchased boolits for it I was buying honady sst 250 gr sabots.

Yes Happy Thanksgiving guys and gals!

Yesterday was spent bowhunting and eating turkey then watching movies. In the evening deer movement was Good I saw 4 slickheads and one buck. A new weather system arrives here tomorrow afternoon so tonight and tomorrow they should be moving.

Me and kiddo are going out this afternoon and making a blind in some standing corn the farmer couldn't get to due to a wetspot. Deer are really hitting the spot hard and should be interesting to see what happens, I'm praying for a chance to stick something tonight. I need to see some deer blood...LOL..

Good Luck to all of you too!!!! Its not over yet!

Well....didgeya smoke one? Forky?

Pics...stories...even if you make em up.

no dang it.

but we think we saw him. rooster, "the boy" & myself got in the truck & went for a ride last night to another camp to visit. on the way out of our camp we caught 3 deer in the headlights, one was huge, I mean really big. we never got to see his head in the lights, trees were throwing shadows, what a deep body though, big, big deer.

they are completely nocturnal, I don't know what's going on but we see nothing moving during shooting hours.

we had more success grouse hunting than anything else, grouse everywhere.

And sometimes when you are grouse hunting..... you shoot a bobcat.

I'll see if I can get some pics up of dat cat.

.22 mag is nice for rabits & grouse, nice for bobcats too.

I keep forgetting that you guys can use a .22 for the partridge. Can't here. :sad: It makes a nice little hole instead of a bunch of little holes.

Soooo Dave shoots a little kitty this season? What is it with you and Wild kitty's Dave? Are you trying to set a new record on kitty encounters while hunting?

I don't know, I had someone else already point that out to me. This encounter was a litle nicer though, much smaller cat and he wasn't trying to run me over ground

decent size for a female bobcat. I'm thinking I would like to do a little rug with this one.

[Linked Image]

cute little chompers eh? I bet the rabbits don't think so though!

That's a good sized cat!It'll make a nice pelt.

Stan

Dang It Again!! Lestifer and I were going to come out saturday for a visit and then mama had to throw her back out in the morning and couldn't get around so I didn't dare to waste what little points i have left. Sounds like a good weekend was had out in the swamp! Pretty nice weekend for it too. He called me in the evening and even had some Chilllin' brews to bring out! Oh well, next time.

I was afraid you guys would stop out & we'd be gone. Actually a good thing you didn't stop out, we were gone till late.

The boy makes for an excellent DD

WE sometimes stay out late too on the weekends, I am sure you'll be arounds another weekend up there. I didn't even see a deer out my way during the weekend either. Not sure where there hiding. at least you still's got time!!

Dave with the cost of pelts it maybe worth while to get the pelt done up right and get some extra spending money for say the hot tub, or beer, or the sauna, or more beer, or a nice front porch or some beer.

Ya know the christmas time of giving is approaching...

What a good time! Even if no deer were sighted during shooting hours at least we feel like we have finally seen forky toes. And as Dave said, he's BIG. If his rack is even remotely in scale with his body, he's a dandy. One of da 'tree hunert pounders' you hear tell of that come out of the nordern woods.

Lots of grouse around and ND (the kitty magnet) gets a bobcat. That was pretty cool.

Thanks again Dave and Pam. It was a lot of fun!

Rooster

Hey dave,

give us some detials on the bobcat. was he stalking you...details man.

what's that bobcat worth? I was gonna make a couple pairs of bobcat underwear out of her.... dang it!

No, I been wanting to get one for a long time now for the wall. I got my fox about 5 years ago, and a coyote last winter (tanned both of them for nose hangers) and now the bobcat. that pretty much finishes up what I can legaly shoot for predators around here.

bobcat will be on the wall with his buddies the fox & the coyote out at the chickenbuck shack.

I want a bobcat mount swatting at a grouse somthing fierce...

I'd settle for a coyote if I can get a good one.

Well, if I must tell the truth�

This is actually not a bobcat, rather it is a �leopard squirrel� (one of my 4 year old�s hybrid forest creatures).

I was stalking a snowshoe hare in the cedars when this leopard squirrel appeared and��. Well, it�s hard to talk about really�..

He�� well he� he �lepped� on me!

I fought him off the best I could and tried to shoot him with the 20-20-30 gun (for flying bears) but the leopard squirrel tried to eat my 20-20-30 gun.

Well he had it eaten all the way up to the action with the muzzle in his belly & I was trying to get hold of the gun when that snowshoe hare came running in & pulled the trigger.

Boom! Great big hole in that leopard squirrel�s belly. As can be seen in this photo.

[Linked Image]

I guess the rabbit had it in for that leopard squirrel.

And that's how it happened.

nice Bobbie there ND. But we are sorely lacking in details. Unless you say differently, I am assuming it went down like this:

ND was on his way to his stand and it was very much still dark. He thought he could hear....nope, couldnt confirm it. every once in awhile, he would stop and listen but "it" would stop too. With visions of a swamp squid dancing in his head, he double-timed it to his stand. As he prepared to ascend, the unmistakeable sound of a branch breaking, caused him to stare into the blackness. Then, a shriek, followed by a piercing wail. Given this extra bit of motivation, ND skipped 3 out of every 4 steps and all but jumped into his stand. Once there, he chuckled softly, "prolly just a yote catching a rabbit". But based on the sounds coming from that direction, the rabbit must be putting up a good fight. As the blackness turned to grayness, ND put on his gameface-this was about ND vs Forky Toes and nothing else. Yet, what was making all that noise? Could it now be Forky Toes hisself, chasing a doe? Then a snarl....that surely ain't Forky Toes. Of a sudden, a streak of brown slashing through the woods...it stops a mere 20 feet from his stand. A nice little Bobbie it is, perfect for inside the shack. As the Bobbie looks back over her shoulder, fear gleaming in its eye, it never sees nor hears the shot. But something else did. ND turns to look...but it is too late, whatever was hot on the trail of his Bobbie bulldozes through the woods like an out of control Buick. it could only have been a ....

that's what I figgured happend.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

bulldozes through the woods like an out of control Buick. it could only have been a ....

MOOSE-ALUFFA-GUS!!!

To a buyer $100.00 to $125.00, at auction upwards of $450.00 a little less dependent on the 20 20 30 hole size in the abdominals.

Females fetch a bit more then males.

Originally Posted by big drift

Females fetch a bit more then males.

Why, better coat?

Time has come to where I've begun thinking of things to teach the kids that needed to be taught. As of Tuesday evening last week I began having stomach pain and tonight I sit with the same pain, going to the hospital tomorrow to find out. Think my appendix may have burst on Sat night after crawling into a treestand in terrible pain for awhile it finally let off some. Still there though so the thought that I'm not bulletproof has once again hit me.

So tonight the kids got taught about vaseline and cottonballs and they have begun filling film canisters with them. I explained the multiple uses for both fire making and for blisters and the like. Also had kiddo learn how to strike stick matches and we discussed the times they might need to know things like this. So as of tonight nomatter if I'm around or not Momma has agreed to think of new survival type games and they will get taught something new eachnight.

The kids also added they will make enough to give each Aunt and Uncle or Grandparent who has a car etleast 3 canisters each with cottonballs and possibly more with fishing line and hooks for Christmas. Life is tough but sure touches me to know I have a couple of Good kids who understand giving and passing things on is the Best thing one could ever do.

If I go MIA you all know whats up and hopefully some of you might consider a new game like this with your kids too. Best of Luck on deer season guys,gals and weezle type kids. I'll find out tomorrow after work but I'm praying my season isn't over yet. Kiddo needs to fill some tags yet!

get better Wabo.

That's a Leopard Squirrel with a belly ache.

Nice animal Dave.

Rob

Wabo what the heck man? You been in pain for a week and you think your appendix may have BURST on saturday? And you did not go to the ER why???

You have some 'splaining to do Lucy...

Good luck at the doc's. I hope its not as serious as you think. Get well soon man!

Rooster

T,

The females are a better coat and are used to make whole garments. Where as the males are typically used as trim.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wabo what the heck man? You been in pain for a week and you think your appendix may have BURST on saturday? And you did not go to the ER why???

You have some 'splaining to do Lucy...

Good luck at the doc's. I hope its not as serious as you think. Get well soon man!

Rooster

+1

I think if yer pendix burst on saturday you'd be belly up by now. but you better get in & see what the pain is all about.

BD,

Thanks. ya learn something new every day.

LOL.... Thanks guys... Well last Tuesday I felt some dull pain in the gut after working out and I think pulled muscle. So I deal with it thru the rest of the week and don't think too much of it till I get way back in the woods acouple miles from the truck. Hunting with kiddo and as I crawl up the stand suddenly the same pain has me to almost not moving period, it hurts BAD.. I go the 2 steps up rather then 20 feet down. I curl up in a ball and deal with it for like 1/2 hour and the pain goes away all except for a dull ache. So I don't know what to think when I get home about it other then I have to deal with it and maybe a muscle knotted up. Thinkin this is nothing new, done it before.

Wife says appendix burst or somthin, me I don't know but I gotta take kiddo to the Big City for a Specialist visit on Thursday. So I'm thinking I can make it thru the week then go get checked out on Friday. Wife says we are going tonight after work.

I dunno guys I'm a Man and I deal wiff pain most of the time, heck I shot a nail through my whole dang hand and drove myself to the docs once. I've stuck tobacco spears over and inch into my gut while cutting it to hang on the stick and put into the barn to dry and kept workin. Ya know sometimes I may just push it too far as being a Man...LOL.. You guys can relate right? So anyway I'm a going.. Thanks!!!!

hernia.

Get it taken care of Wabo. It is sore for a reason. Somptin's broken, get it fixed. That is why they have doc's.

Now, let me get this straight. You shot a cat with a .22 mag. Was that a rifle or pistol? I ask 'cause I gotta calibrate my total bad ass factor!

I've worked in the woods for over 20 years. Not so much daily anymore, but for about 15 years pretty much eight a day.

In all those hours I've seen a grand total of three bobcat while I've been on foot. Now, I'm not sneaking around like Fud, but not banging a tin pan either.

Bad ass. Or completely and totally lucky.

Care to explain?

Craig

Well, I got no explaination for ya.

Unless maybe ma is using catnip dryer sheets on my clothes or something? I have no idea. Never seen a mountain lion before in my life, almost got ran over by one in CO while on foot during elk hunt this year.

we were talking about bobcat just recently, I enjoyed the company of my dad & my uncle at deer camp, both guys in there 60's. We talked about how rare it was to see a cat even from the car or truck (bobcat). Talked about the fact that none of us (including the 2 avid outdoorsman in there 60's) had ever seen a bobcat while walking in the woods or even while sitting in an elevated stand for hours on end watching for deer.

My late cousin was the only one we could think of that had seen and shot one while out on foot in the woods, he did that about ... maybe 5 years ago? Well this year I did too.

Luck being accidentally in the right place at the right time with all things accidentally perfect such as wind & maybe some prey that has the animal out of focus... It's got to be a whole bunch of that sort of thing that you can group into the luck catagory.

Or it's the catnip dryer sheets, one of the 2.

rifle, lever action. 9422M winchester.

no sights, not even irons, I shoot instinctive.

Ok, I made that part up, 3-9X 40mm burris FFII.

Quote

My late cousin was the only one we could think of that had seen and shot one while out on foot in the woods, he did that about ... maybe 5 years ago? Well this year I did too

That explains it nicely. Something I hadn't thought of. Karma.

Craig

could be, we identified the coincidence immediately as well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

rifle, lever action. 9422M winchester.

no sights, not even irons, I shoot instinctive.

.22 Magnum is an amazing cartridge.It will do a number on a full grown coyote and if the shot is placed right,a feral pig.
I had a friend who regularly shot deer on his own property with one and never took more than one shot to bring a deer down.This,by the way,was perfectly legal being under a crop depredation permit.

Stan

I shot my red fox with that rifle. the 9422M with the remington 33 grain acutips.

I like the .22WMR everyone should have one. Who aint got one? Put your hand in the air, Stan will buy this round, I'll get the next

ND,

Me and two of the kids also saw a bob cat this year during the early doe hunt. I am thinking that we may take a try at it now with winter coming on by doidn some predator calling.

Last time I saw them was 7 years ago when I was copping up in Red Lake.

However now around here we are all watching for the bigger type kitty cats you ran into in CO.

A horse was attacked over by Bagley and a guy was attacked by an unidentified animal this summer. A cougar was hit over by the Amigo theater here not to long as well.

In any event i think there are more around then folks realise.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

.22 Magnum is an amazing cartridge.It will do a number on a full grown coyote and if the shot is placed right,a feral pig.
I had a friend who regularly shot deer on his own property with one and never took more than one shot to bring a deer down.This,by the way,was perfectly legal being under a crop depredation permit.

Stan

An ex-girlfriends brother from Montana hunts deer with a .22 mag all the time. He claims it's legal in MT. I guess I don't know if it is or not but it kills deer.

lots of cougar stories floating around from deer hunters up this way this year.

It seems it is becoming as common of a sighting as timber wolf.

There are a lot of deer killed every year with .22's and .22mags. Legal or not.

Speaking of cougar kills,there was one killed last week in Georgia near my home town of West Point.The DNR examination showed that it was a western US strain of cat(how do they know that?) and the general condition indicated it was one which had either been released or escaped from a private owner.
The DNR in Georgia and in South Carolina staunchly deny any native population of cougars or panthers although sightings have been reported.Some people in Georgia got upset over the hunter shooting this one.I think if one walked under my deer stand I'd pop a cap on his butt.

Stan

I have to say, building a hunting camp is very memorable. My dad and I did his in 1983 near Bigfork. He passed in 2005, and the memories of building the cabin, along with the hunts, I will cherish forever. Coming in from a day in the field to the smells of Mom's pork roast ( she passed in 2000) are burned into my memory. We ended selling the place in 2002 as dad needed the money and we started hunting more at Schoolcraft near Bemidji. I think all of the memories there were too much for dad, but he talked about that place with such pride 'til the day he died.

Congrats and best of luck!

Glen
Meas.AZ

Thanks very much for posting Glen.

Welcome to the campfire forums.

Dave

Welcome to the fire Glen.

Don't be stranger there, we want to hear some of those stories from your camp....

Tzone, you just reminded me that I havent posted much for stories from my camp. First of all, my camp is a little different than NDs. We have been hunting the same property near Alexandria, Minnesota, since the 70s (I started in 1982). We are blessed with a very productive area of about 550 acres of private land. There are 10 of us that hunt this area. It is a mix of fields, a 50 acre hardwoods, and quite a few willow swamps.

Our "camp" is actually a shed. My uncle pulls out his camper and we have a little woodstove in there. That is where we eat our meals, spill our BS and plan our strategies. I usually bring my camper up and park it in my uncles yard and we sleep there. Although this year, I didnt get the camper out even once, so I left it winterized and we drove back to my dad's house about 30 miles away.

Our hunters are a varied bunch. Some old, some young, some in the middle (me). Some dedicated (me), some weekend warriors who dont always even make it on the weekends. The core group never changes though.

This year was a good year for us. We got 3 really nice bucks...a decent 8, a nice 10, and a huge 8. Then we shot 3 little bucks (one of these was ok as it was a kid's first). We are trying to pass on those with mixed results. Some guys just cant do it. But we are making progress. It wouldnt be so bad, but these are guys who have shot plenty of deer and dont value the horns at all on little bucks. Of course they want to shoot big ones. Oh well, I better get off the soapbox before I take a tumble.

This year, would be my 13 yr old brother's second year (yes, there is a big gap in age betwixt us). he has shot a doe, but never a buck. He lives and breathes for hunting. my wife says i have created a monster. He has incredible patience and stays on stand all day from before light til after light. Along about 11 am on the 2nd day of the season, here comes a buck. you know the feeling, a 13 year old and his first buck.

The heart is hammering away. The buck gets closer...only 35 yards now. he hunts in the willow swamp with tall yellow grass. He is just getting ready to drop the hammer and the deer disappears. gone. there one second, nothing the next. No sound, no nothing. a few minutes go by and nothing. pretty soon the excitement level comes off redline. Then he sees it. A subtle movement where the buck was. yes, a horn. The buck layed down. Gun up, ready to rock, lil bro sits there for 2 hours until that buck stands up. he shoots and it runs into the willows.

Dad and I come out to help him look. I scour the bed. no blood. 1 hair. This aint lookin' so good I am thinking. As we coached him, he memorized the exact route the buck took and the very last place he seen it. We look hard. No blood. after a half hour, dad and I give each other the "look". This doesnt look good. no snow by the way either...that would have helped. As I continue to search for any hint of a hit, I notice that the stand is always in site as I make an arc around the trail the deer was last seen on. Hmmm. then why wouldnt lil bro see the deer farther than he did. It hits me, the deer died and jumped to the left or right at the last place he saw it. Sure enough, before I can get back there, Dad finds him. He had ran about 50 yards and was hit perfectly on a quartering at him shot. no blood from a 12 ga slug that entered at the front edge of the shoulder and came out behind the offside shoulder. not a big buck, but a perfect one for a kids first. A year and a half old 7 pointer.

good story!

congrats to your little brother.

Welcome Glen! Stick around and share some stories!

So what made you leave God's country?

Great story. Tell your little bro congrats from tzone.

Do you have any pics?

Welcome aboard Glen! You and BMan keep the stories coming PLEASE!!! Wonderful way for me to come back home tonight. Thanks to All..

Well after about 9 hours on the road I'm BEAT but I just got back from Kiddo's Next New Specialist and she is going to have surgery in March on her heart. Supposedly she will only be there 1 day for this and shouldn't have anymore problems after this. For now more meds and hang tough. On a side note I did promise Kiddo a New Bolt in .243 Win if she hung in there and toughed it out alittle longer. She has been eyeing one on the local gunshop shelf lately and I knew she liked it alot. Soo sometime in March as soon as the schedule allows for the Doc to do it, we'll be notified then.

Me I have more test for myself tomorrow at yet another Hospital and Hopefully they get me firgured out and all of this crud over with SOON.

Gonna finish catching up on the booard and Momma rented me a new western for tonight to watch. Gotta Run, Please keep the Deer stories coming guys. My mind is FULL of other things so I don't have much to share lately, but your stories help take away some stress. Thanks!!!!

A few years ago......

I'd been at camp for a week. Deer populations were at a nasty low after the high snow winters in the mid/late '90s. I hadn't killed a deer in two years. Last shot was a miss the year before on a logging trail just 300' from the shack. First miss ever.

I woke to a bitter wind and about -5 degrees. After a week of hard hunting I tossed a oak log in the stove and tucked the sleeping bag under my chin. It was going to be a late start. Everyone else had gone home. Given up.

After some pancakes and a beer, I headed out at 10:00. It snowed that night and with the cold, each step squealed like a rabbit. Figured I'd better move so slow so I couldn't be heard or not move at all. It took me 45 minutes to make 300 feet.

At the exact spot of my miss the year before I dropped to one knee. Waited. I just felt it was right. Spotted movement and shouldered the .348. Little buck stepped into the trail and the old lever barked. Hunch, buck, run. A good hit.

Waited for a few, found great hair and red blood on the trail. Tracked for 50 feet and recovered a nice buck.

I remember how I felt. Redeemed. Cleaned. Said little prayer of thanks and started the work.

I'm ready for that now. Haven't shot a deer in two years. It's building.

Craig

My most favorite deer hunt was not from what I shot, but how we surprised this old buck. My brother had always been talking about floating this river with our canoe and bows. One rainy day, we decided that today was the day. We told dad to go up and still hunt on the road, which was about 200 yards from the river, in case we booted something out. This stretch of river is about 3 miles long, no more than 20 yards wide at the widest, and has a nice slow current going through it so all you have to do is steer the canoe.

Most of the way down the river, (my brother was steering and I in the front with my Hoyt) this old muskrat kept surfacing in front of us, splashing loudly, and I might add, scaring the crap ouot of me on more than one occasion! Well after about 2 3/4 miles down this river, I had had enough of this muskrat, when he surfaced, i came to full draw but didn't pull the trigger. I left off the bow and resumed my position, hoping to see a buck. As we rounded the very next corner, I heard a thundering crash in the brush. Up jumps this monster buck. He tries to run but his antlers get stuck in the scrub brush he was bedded by. I had come to full draw, the buck at no more than 10 yards now, and BROADSIDE. I settled my pin on him and released. All of a sudden, something slaps me on the face. It was my arrow. Evidently when I had let off the bow after drawing on the muskrat, the arrow hard partially come off the string. We watched the buck crash through the river bottom for nearly 100 yards.

My brother and I looked at each other with the biggest grins I think we have ever had on our faces. He asked me, " Are you mad?" I said, "No, that was the coolest thing I have ever seen!"
We had him so figured out. Dad never saw him.

I don't know who was luckier that day, the old buck, or us for having the chance to live that experience.

Sorry to hear about your problems Wabo. Hang in there, we'll say a prayer for you and Kiddo!

The wife had been on me to move somewhere warm for nearly 17 years, and finally, unbelievably, she was able to talk me into moving to AZ. I miss archery season very much. But, hey, 1 time in 7 years I was actually drawn for elk out here. lol

Maybe some year I will be able to make a late October bowhunt back home.

Nosnow,

You sound like you'll fit right in. You might want to reconsider moving back here though. It was -4 with a -16 windchill this morning when I stepped outside to warm up the car.

nothing better than a frosty pumpkin in the mornings up here!! ND are you headed to chase that chickenbuck this weekend?

Ok, here is a fresh story...happened on Nov16th of this year.

the farmer started taking out his corn around 10 am so I moved to a stand between the corn field and the woods. The corn field is 100 yards straight in front of me. This isnt a stand that Dad or I use, but rather one of our guys who is winding up his deer hunting career. He was never a "details" guy and with his desire slipping, he completely ignores the details.

dad had sat on that stand the week before and he told me the slightest movement makes a horrendous squeeeeak and there is nowhere to shoot. If the guy would have spent 20 minutes withs saw or shears, he would have all kinds of shooting. When dad was there he had a nice 10 pointer sneak up within about 10 yards behind him cuz he couldnt move to watch that way. Dad heard him grunt and decided to stay still (because of the awful stand) and let the buck walk out in front. a few minutes go by and dad finally has to turn his head a little to see if it had turned around or what. You can see this coming, huh? SQUEEEEEEK. And the buck crashes away. The guy to the north, we will call him Denny cuz that is his name, shot the 10. So at least one of our party got him, but dad was not happy with that stand.

So I find myself sitting in this same piece of crap stand a week later. The combine has made the first loop around the field. Better give you some basics on the lay of the land. The cornfield is west of the woods. The stand is about 75 yards from the southern edge of the woods on the western edge of the woods. There is about 90 yards of grass/sparse trees between the woods and the corn. The combine is coming straight up the southern edge of the field, driving to the east. So in effect, it is coming straight at me, but a little to the south. A doe pops out and I think great, she will run right into the woods under me. But nooooo. The dang thing decides to run straight north across in front of me and then hops back into the corn. Sure enough, a buck pops out behind her and runs straight north and then stops. Now remember there are virtually no places to shoot of of this crappy stand right? But the buck stops in the exact one place I can shoot without obstructions. A nice 8 I think, he is gonna go in the freezer. Gun comes up.....find him in the scope and it hits me. No. No way can this happen. A quick glance behind the buck confirms it. The combine. The gun goes down. I cannot safely shoot. The buck heads north as my tears puddle at the base of the stand. Now the astute readers out there will notice this buck went north just like the last buck. What happened to the last buck happened to this buck. The guy we are calling Denny cuz that is his name gets this one too (it is legal to party hunt in MN). This was the corn field 8 pointer (actually, you can see a 9th point on the crab claw end of the right beam). A little bigger than I had originally thought. And he was sooo dead if that combine wouldnt have been there. 100 yards, standing broadside and me with a lean and all day to shoot.

[img][IMG]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c280/Codydawg/Dennys8pt.jpg[/img][/img]

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

nothing better than a frosty pumpkin in the mornings up here!! ND are you headed to chase that chickenbuck this weekend?

Damn straight! I'm headed out there tonight after work.

Sometimes.... sometimes I have beer in the fridge

Might just be my & my oldest boy out there, not really sure who's planning on showing up.

Looks like Denny had someone on his side that morning! Great story. Great buck!

I arrowed a beautiful 7 with my bow near Bemidji that dressed at 204# from a stand very similar to what you described. My brother had told me of this "stand" that was positioned between to small swamps. I made my way down the game trail which led directly to the stand, not more than 100 yards off of a snowmobile trail. I looked up at the stand and couldn't believe my eyes! It was set in 2 (not 3) small jack pine, steps and landing built with another small jack, with a VERY small seat, yep, built out of another jack. I hesitantly made my way up the dilapidated rungs and wiggled my way in between the two trees, ready for a gorgeous evening hunt. As you sit in the tree, the one to your back, actually leans toward the other tree, so you are leaning forward. Not the most comfortable thing I have ever sat in.

After about 45 minutes, I look on the end of the swamp, and all I see are antlers, coming my way, feeding. Sweet! You know what happens next: heart starts pounding, breathing erratic, sweating profusely. All of things a cool calm collected hunter goes through. I had to look away for fear I would tip over dead on the spot.

About 20 minutes later (probably 10 seconds) I finally got the courage to look back at him. He had turned around and was walking dead away from me. NO!!!! I couldn't believe my luck. Why me?!?! I no more than thought that, and I must have willed him back, as he turned around and proceeded down the trail that would lead some 25 yards out in front of me. Now mind you, as I stand up, both my shoulders pretty much rub on either tree: yeah a lot of room in this stand. I decide to draw as he walks behind a huge Balsam tree. We walks out, looking like the videos on the hunting shows you see, and I bury an arrow where the neck and shoulder come together. Down he goes right on the spot! Only the second time in my life this have ever happened with my bow (never with a gun! lol) As I climb down out of the tree, the top step breaks, I slip to the second step, breaks also. Thankfully the third held, and thankfully, if it hadn't the stand was no more than 8' in the air.

Moral to this story: If you hunt out of permanent stands, MAINTAIN them lol

Wow tzone, that sounds very cold. I think I have acclimated to the weather out here. It was 46 this morning and I was freezing!

46!! its been a while since we seen those temps up here. sure miss them, but the good thing is the lakes building ice and won't be long to get out there!! ND, you just might have visitors sometime this evening then. We talked bout going for a visit, but i can't get ahold of the bugger, not sure if he's sleeping at his desk or what.

that's the stories we were lookin for...

Thanks.

ya need that fridge to keep the damn beer from freezin with these temps.

I know another way to keep if from freezin'

That wouldn't be the champange of beer would it?

Oh the days of forgetting the 12 pack on the balcony, only to have Bud Slushies!

oh you gotta go down to the shop & wake him gently, don't startle the little feller, he's quick!! LOL!!

good deal, i'll be looking forward to some company tonight.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

After some pancakes and a beer, I headed out at 10:00.

Craig

That is classic Craig. Pancakes and a beer! I love it!

i got a hold of old fuzz nuts and sounds like we'll be making the journey!! we've missed out lately, too many irons i guess. The fishhouse is going in the shed today so i can work on it this weekend in comfort. if only the windows in it actually operated, it would make for a could smokepole stand... i think i am going to take that up next year. sounds like we'll be hunting in january again out our way.

Alright, I'll have the wod stove lit & the lanterns full power for the granery shack group. I'll try to keep the twmp in the shack under 115 degrees so maybe everyone can stay awake this time

see ya later.

115 my ass. It was alomost twenty below here last night. Bet that stove was glowing, popping and smoking. I like that. Colder than a witches teat outside, warm inside, but the stove is groaning like a rocket about to leave the planet.

Craig

Man, -20. Sure do miss those temps. Nothing like your nostrils freezing together, and frost on the ol' 'stache! NOT!

Thanks for the stories guys, those are the kind to remember.

Speaking of cold,Sounds like it's only going to get colder on the long term too.

I simply had some kind of bug and it will hopefully be gone soon with some meds. Feeling some better today well enough to light my woodstove in the garage and clean it out today.

Our Doe season starts on the 13th and it may have snow in the forecast for us already, can't wait.

Back in 93 I had been sitting in a Ceder tree stand the tree was huge and I called it the Christmas tree as I had taken my first deer ever sitting infront of it with a bow on a downed log. So I stuck a stand in it soon after and took quite a few deer in it. Well in 93 I was after a Good Buck I called Tallboy due to his hieght on the rack and I finally talked my Bro In Law into going with me up there. He setup a stand about 100 yards past me in another tree overlooking the same field. Well tallboy walked past me out of range and my BIL go him, I heard the arrow hit its mark even though they were both well out of my sight due to brush. This was a Christmas treat for me too as my sister and him had just lost everything both crops and house due to the flood. It was something to be Thankful for on the that evening.

A few weeks later his cousin has shot a doe I was draggin with them, well BILaw went for the wheeler and as we drug the doe out here came a bunch more. His cousin told me to drop to a knee infront of him, he used my shoulder for a rest and the muzzleloader went kaaapoof as he shot a second doe that morning. All the while I was still packing my bow and hadn't had a deer in range yet that season.

Few weeks after that the cousins brother came in bow hunting and I had found yet another Nice buck I was chasing and we positioned a treestand for him not 75 yards from me on the otherside of a patch of brush. All because the buck changed sides daily that he would come down and that night one of us would get a chance to sling an arrow. His Brother got that buck too! I heard the thwack and instantly thought WOW what a year. Later I found out both of those cousins had been hurting for money and they both needed meat badly. Since 93 on they all have said if ya Really need a deer go with wabo. I went eating tagsoup that season but I will Never forget 93's season.... Truely it was a Blast!

Yep, it's all in the hunt. Memories and the stories are often the best when you don't get the deer.

Yesterday was the type of day where I just like being out in the woods. About 3� of fresh weightless snow on the ground and more falling as you walked. Nothing shows you what�s been going on in the past 10-15 minutes like fresh snow that�s still falling. Well, that doesn�t do you a heap of good other than to show you that there are deer around & they are moving during the day. But, if you can�t be everywhere at once then chances are you are going to miss them. That was the case for me all weekend. They were where I was not.

That�s ok though, it is looking like there are more deer packing into our area, probably moving out of the open farm country to winter in the forest. They are grouping up, for the most part it looks like groups of 4 or better traveling together. It was just a bunch of track soup for me all weekend but I had a good time anyways.

Friday night the Granery shack boys stopped in on us as me & my oldest boy were just getting the chickenbuck shack warmed up. We had a couple of lanterns lit & the shove was huffing away. Within an hour after they showed up it got pretty comfortable, we had a heck of a good time. I cooked up some burgers & threw some other munchies out on the table, the beer was going down pretty good when the captain morgan came out

Oh we were just having a goofy stupid good old deer camp time when we see headlights coming in. More company we thought, good deal, the more the merrier!

Well it�s pam & she brought out a friend that stopped up by the house to say hello to me but I was gone hunt�n. I haven�t seen this guy for better than 5 years!!

What a surprise! So they joined in the festivities & I suppose we shut r down around 2:30 in the morning

I did make out to a stand Sat morning, wrong stand as it turned out. Some of the north stands had fresh tracks right under them, but I was in one of the south stands

Oh well.

Last week of black powder, I�m thinking about taking Friday off.

Oh yeah, and yes Craig, it was damn cold!! I had minus 18 when I went to my stand at 6:45AM yesterday.

yikes!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

the beer was going down pretty good when the captain morgan came out

That's how all the good stories start...

WEll, I must say that we had a blast at ND's Friday night, he's a great host! The time just flew by, come to find out it was early in the morning when we left. we seen quite a few deer on our way home to Dave. I just bout got the fish house sided yesterday so it was a great weekend with lots of fun to be had!!

Dave,The description of the woods in snow was really good.We don't get much snow here but there have been several times over the years when we got snow on a weekend when we were hunting.It brings a whole new dimension to the woods doesn't it?
Yesterday I was doing my periodic cleaning of the firearms in the two gun safes.I've had something in mind for several months now so I have decided to sell some of my collection.Some of them are ones I have just decided that I will never use ,some are duplicates and some are just ones for whatever reason I never shoot much.My heart bypass surgery has made me take a really realistic look at what I want to do,actually will do and have the capability to do in the future.Here is a link to a posting on my forum of the items I am listing.Take a look and if there's anything that might interest you,drop me an email or a private message.
http://www.guncollectorsforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4710

Stan

The stainless 45/70 kind of floats my boat. What's the barrel length?

I already have a 1895M (.450 marlin)

I like those too. I like the ones with the pistol grip stock. They fit me a lot better for some reason.

Nice collection of guns Stan.

If I didn't have so many irons in the fire now, I'd be taking a serious look at that Ruger .44mag. I had one in a bolt and liked it alot. That semi could be loads of fun.

Tom

Dave,A model 1895SS stands for sport safety or something.It is not stainless.It is a blued rifle.I hit a running coyote last year with it.(Lucky shot).It really spun him around a few times.

tzone,I have killed several deer with a Ruger carbine and out to 100 or so yards with iron sights they are really great.One shot..bang,flop.

The Mossberg .243 is a honey.I killed my first deer with it 11/15/75.Six pointer.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

The Mossberg .243 is a honey.I killed my first deer with it 11/15/75.Six pointer.

Stan

You'll probably catch some flack for trying to sell that one Stan. But I only have one gun that I will probably hang on to...or give to my kids. Nothing facny, an 870 express in 20ga.

I don't have an extensive collection of guns per say, but I have a hard time even thinking about getting rid of one of them. Maybe when I'm older my thought process will change but I like having them around.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

The Mossberg .243 is a honey.I killed my first deer with it 11/15/75.Six pointer.

Stan

FLACK! FLACK! FLACK! FLACK! FLACK! FLACK! FLACK!

I've always traded and sold them off. Of course there are a few I wish I kept.

The ones I have been getting lately, I'd like to keep around. Who know how much longer we'll be able to buy them.

Rooster7,flack duly noted.You are probably correct.Remind me to tell the story of how I got that gun one day if I haven't already done so.
A neighbor of mine purchased the lever 45/70 so that temptation is removed from Dave.It is for his 18 year old son whom I have watched grow for the last 11 years.
It is raining here today.

Stan

Stan,

I'm hoping tomorrow you're going to say you sold the .44 mag. I like those little suckers.

No rain here....15 degress F, at least its above zero. For now.

goose egg here, zero. which is like neutral right? not negative, not possitive? must be just right?

-5 on the way to work this morning.

I think I'm taking the day off tomorrow. One more try for that damn buck, or any deer for that matter.

wish me luck guys, it aint been too good this year for the deer hunting, but we have snow now & more on the way so, you never know.

Stan, glad you sold that 45/70.

I'm trying to make room for a pair of ruger M77's one in 220 swift & one in 264 win mag.

the swift is home already, the 264 will be soon.

Have a good weekend everyone.

later Dave, good luck.

You hunting with the smokepole still?

Get a biggin Dave.

Hey Stan -
Tell us the story of the .243 accusition. I'm supposed to remind ya.

Ok.Kinda long but interesting story of two good friends.
In 1975 I was living in Atlanta.We had some really good friends named Martha and Bill.Bill was a deer hunter.I was not.He wanted me to join his hunting lease.I was kinda lukewarm.I gave him all kinds of excuses why I couldn't join.I didn't have the money right then.He offered to loan it to me.I didn't have a deer rifle.He offered to loan me one.I finally gave in and joined.I paid my own dues but did borrow Bill's rifle.It was a Mossberg Model 800B in .243 with a 6X Weaver scope.
In those days climbing stands were unheard of.We used ladder stands and other built stands.One of these was called "the round stand".It was the round end of a large cable reel mounted about 15 feet up between two trees.On November 15,1975 I was up in the round stand one afternoon and a six pointer ran down the hill and stopped about 25 yards from the stand.I grabbed the rifle from the nail it was hanging on and when it came to my shoulder all I could see in the 6X scope was hair.I kinda rough-aimed it along the barrel and then looked back thru the scope and saw the spot right behind the deer's front leg which I had been told was where to aim.I shot and the deer bounded off down in the creek bottom.I thought I heard him fall.I waited a few minutes and got down and started to trail a good blood trail.When I got about 60 yards down in the creek there he lay.He had hit a tree and knocked off one antler which I never found.As I stood there looking at him I heard a sound up on the hillside and looked up and saw a wild dog at just about the same time he saw me.He put on the brakes from a dead run and did a 180 to get away.I nailed him with the .243.My first deer.I gutted him and got him back to the car and then back to camp where I got blood rubbed on me.
I gave Bill his rifle back right before Christmas because my wife bought me a Marlin 30/30.
We spent three great years hunting that lease.Bill was a great friend and we were often mistaken for brothers cause we resembled each other in general build and appearance.
In 1978 Bill and Martha moved to Denver,CO. and a year after that they moved to Las Vegas.We stayed in touch and I visited them in 1982 and again in 1993.
In 2002 Bill had a rountine heart by pass surgery.He contracted a staph infection in the hospital and subsequently underwent six or seven major operations.In the process he developed diabetes and lost his left leg at the knee.His health was broken and he sold his successfull swimming pool business and returned to his native Kentucky as a semi invalid.We stayed in touch all of this time by both email and phone.
In 2006 I went to National Gun Day in Louisville,KY and then spent four days at Bill's house.We had a great visit.We cleaned all of his guns which he had been unable to do.We relived old times.
About six months later his wife called me one evening and told me Bill's heart had given out that morning and he was passed away.My friend was dead.
About a month later she called me wanting to know how she might go about sending me a gun.It seems that Bill had left me that .243 in his will.I made arrangements to have the rifle received at my local gun shop.
It had never been fired since I killed a deer with it but had been kept clean and oiled.
I took it to the range and fired it three times and it was right on but three inches to the left.I adjusted it and got it dead on two inches high at 100 yards.
It is a nice rifle and I know what you are thinking.You are thinking how can I get rid of a rifle with that much personal history that my very good friend left to me?And you know I think I will remove it from sale.Thanks Tzone and Rooster7.

Stan

Good luck Dave. Don't freeze your noogies off!

74 and sunny here, but I'm STILL NOT HUNTING!

Good to hear Stan...because after reading that stroy, if I had bought that rifle, you'd be getting it shipped back to you a second time.

Hang on to it, it IS imporntant to you. If your selling them for money reasons, PM me. We'll work something out on one of those other guns.

Thanks,Tzone.Money isn't the reason or a problem.I do appreciate the thought tho.

Stan

No problem Stan. It woulda made a good excuse to buy that .44mag though.

As Tzone said Stan, that is good to hear. I'm glad you are not getting rid of it. There is no amount of money in the world that can equal the value of that gun in your heart and your memories. Selling it would be like selling a memory almost and they are priceless.

Now next year, when your up to it, go shoot a deer with that gun, make your buddy smile and tell us another story!

Great story Stan!!

well, for the first year since i bought that 50 cal encore muzzle loader I will be shooting the slug out of the barrel & putting it away deerless. I've got a deer with that thing every year since I bought it, not this year though. oh well, I'm ready to be done for a little while. It's been every weekend for 6 weeks straight now, time for a rest.

They are reopening deer season for my zone after xmas. I might give that a try.

It was a good weekend, we did our annual xmas picture out there in the woods, we did several different photos, just trying to pick one for xmas cards now.

I shot my new 220 swift on saturday. ruger M77 MKII standard walnut & blued, 24" barrel. I stuck a Burris FFII 3-9 on it & wow, she shoots!! Itty bitty groups! just like I like!!

here's the second group of 3 that I shot with the swift. first group & pulled the first shot a bit, trigger has a little catch in the pull before she trips, I'll take care of that soon. first group measured 3/4" with that shot I pulled. this was my first group after lining the scope with the tube by looking down the barrel at the target & dialing the scope to the tube. I was an inch left & an inch low. Dialed it an inch up & an inch right & spanked this group out onto the paper. then I quit, put it away happy as can be.

3/8" center to center.
[Linked Image]

not bad for an out of the box light/sporter barrel. Once I float, bed & do the triger I'll give it another whirl.

now for x-mas pictures.

help us pick out our xmas picture.

number 1
[Linked Image]

number 2

number 3

I vote number one.Everybody has a nice smile.In number two Dave ain't smiling enough.Number three-thu privvy ain't in keeping with Christmas.The kids look great.Momma's hot(I'm old and can say that out loud).

Stan

I like number 1 also.

We always have to do one gofy one when we're doing this xmas stuff, number 3 is about as goofy as it gets.

And yes, mama hot. I can say that cause i'm married to her

I vote number 1 also. In number 3, it looks like your doing number 2.

I've been trying to text you to see if you made it back from the shack in this blizzard but it keeps saying the message sending failed.

No deer again? That sucks! Oh well, it ain't for lack of trying...right?

we aint got no dang blizzard. went south of us.

Dave,

I think Pic 1 would make a good card. Cool thing to make cards like that!

Sounds like you like the new bolt gun then, I'm kind of considering one of those for next year too. Only problem is I don't know if I'd ever feel right leaving a levergun at home. I used to be a bolt guy but something happened to my thoughts on guns now. Just feels right carrying a lever to the woods for some reason.

I'm deerless so far this season too, didn't go today though, I got tired of the 30 mph winds yesterday and had more of the same today. Didn't see anything other then about 20 turkeys yesterday. Went from 61 degrees this morning and at 945 tonight its down to 12 above. What a day.

Were getting pounded hard here. Not even sure if we'll have work tomorrow. Everything is cancelled and they are advising no travel tonight and through out the day tomorrow. I went out and blew the 4 foot drift away from the garage in case we do work but I'm sure it will be back in the morning. Not to mention the plows will take forever to get out this way. And MAN is it cold! The darn beer froze faster than I could drink it while blowing snow!

Oh well, at least the Vikings put a solid thumpin on the Cards today! Woo hoo!

BeCareful up there if you venture out. I just rechecked the supplies in the car and added another pair of coveralls along with all the other stuff. 4 pairs in there now, lots of winter hunting coats, fire making stuff,food and I hope its enough if I got stranded.

Dropped down to 9 degrees now with light snow overtop some ice and 13 below wind chill. I know it has to be cold up north!!!

Everybody likes a Christmas Crapper picture? That's my vote.

But if'n ya get out voted...I like number #1.

The one in front of the biffy should be the second picture, so I can call it #2.

Sounds like a great weekend with the family Dave. All the pictures look good. I put the final gear away early last week. It is a little sad every time I do it, but then I remember that there is only 48 weeks to go.

I'm getting a couple weekends off now & I'll be back at it as they are reopening deer hunting in my area after xmas for a couple of weeks.

They still have Bovine TB up there? Why the re-opening?

If this cold snap is up by you, some may come right up to ya, just waiting to be shot.

If mama is okay with it, I say go with #3. Everyone likes a little humor and people will talk to you more about that one than the others. years from now, they will say, hey, remember when ND and clan posed in front of the crapper? hahahaha.

Your chillen will always remember it. When the girl gets married, you can use that one in the slide show too...actually you can use that whether it is your Xmas card or not.

A little chilly up there today I bet? My garage door was froze to the cement and it broke the gear that drives the chain. Great, I hope Craftsman has a part, or i gotta buy a new opener. I shoulda known better than to hit the button with all the rain we had yesterday. Dangnabbit. Merry Christmas to my garage door.

Thought the ceiling on my garage was going to come down when i hit that button this am.

Rain?? Yesterday?? In Minnesota?? You had rain??

Yep, cant believe we had that crap. turned to snow last nite, but we didnt end up with much. it was 35 degrees yesterday. ugg.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Rain?? Yesterday?? In Minnesota?? You had rain??

I was in the cities for a Christmas get together this weekend. We left at 8AM yesterday to head home and it was POURING.

Number 3. Number 1 is nice, but you are a three.

-30 tonight. Button down your ear flappers. Plug in the car. Don't lick the flagpole.

Craig

It is difficult for me as a Southerner to visualize the cold weather and it's associated happenings and precautions which you guys take for normal"way up North".
Garage door freezing to the floor,warm clothes and food and other supplies stocked in the car?Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.It would be nice to visit for me but I couldn't live there.I like warmth too damn much.It's a wonder that you are as nice a bunch as you are having to wrestle with such.

Stan in warm South Carolina

Stan,

I Never leave in the car without having supplies in it after Oct 1 of each year. I've had to walk a few times and once I walked in the dark over 6 miles with a 45 below wind chill. I won't do that again I hope! I've hit snow drifts before that were 8 feet deep and had to dig my way out the windows. This and Momma handed me kiddo so I packed thunder kiddo on my back through waste deep snow over a mile to get home. All the while Momma had to sit and wait with the baby while I got the tractor out to plow the lane open and pull the car out. Took me 3 hours to get back down to the car and she couldn't run it as the fumes from the muffler would get back in. Yep extra clothes, sleeping bags, candles, windshield deicer by the gallon, I pack the kitchen sink in the car.

Plug in the cars sometimes at night but most of the time anything below zero and my woodstove in the garage gets stoked every couple of hours. Its 12 degrees now at 10 pm with a windchill of 5 below and if anyone can stand out in that in office clothes for an hour and be comfortable I wanna meet them. I pack extra clothes in layers and lots of them with me, enough for the whole family. Not to mention both my cars are actually a truck and an SUV both also are 4by4 and I hope I never have to own another 2 wheel drive in winter.

All of this in Mo. I cannot immagine some of the things Dave and the guys must do. Good Story you told about the rifle by the way I'm also Glad you kept it...

bout the only thing you forgot to list was the gasline antifreeze.

and some very cautious driving so you don't end up walking

Sorry Stan, I missed by one. -29. So far nothing's broke! But that can change in an instant.

I always tell my boy, "this climate isn't anything much worse than most places you could live, but screw up when it's this cold, and you screwed up real bad."

Bad thing is it isn't Christmas yet. This could get to be a long winter........

Craig

it stayed warm up north here.

i saw -23 this morning. not sure what the low was though

Not sure what the low was here, but it was -11 on my way to work this morning.

The sad part is there was no wind, so it didn't feel that cold out.

Heck, it was a balmy -13 at my house. You learn to live with it though. A guy at work flew from here to Washington DC and it was 60 degrees when he got off the plant. He was sweating a river walking down the street. that is pretty funny really.

I flew into Fargo from Okinawa Japan in January 1994. I was golfing in flip flops & shorts at an air base in Okinawa earlier that day. I had a nice tan

the -20* air hit my lungs in the parking lot outside the airport in Fargo & I thought my lungs had collapsed!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

It is difficult for me as a Southerner to visualize the cold weather and it's associated happenings and precautions which you guys take for normal"way up North".
Garage door freezing to the floor,warm clothes and food and other supplies stocked in the car?Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.It would be nice to visit for me but I couldn't live there.I like warmth too damn much.It's a wonder that you are as nice a bunch as you are having to wrestle with such.

Stan in warm South Carolina

-28 here yesterday morning in NE MN. I went fishing. My favorite time of the year. No bugs. Its all a matter of what you're used to. You just gotta have the right gear. Of course, I can't stand it if it gets over 70 degrees or so. I remember how confused I was during my first trip to California many years ago. It was in late december, and I was peeved because they had the motel pool closed and covered for "the season." I rented a car and took a trip up the coast. I saw only a couple of folks on all the beaches in N California. They were all bundled up in winter coats and hats, digging for clams or something. It was 65 degrees for crying out loud. I was in t-shirt and jeans and was kinda thinking of going swimming. But there is stuff out there that can eat ya, ya know. And Stan, we're all not that nice, and I can prove it.

I found a perfect eight-point rack shed- both sides last thursday. They were laying next to each other in my driveway. That's a new one on me. And it seems a bit early for sheds?

Sheds already???? holy crap!!

we found an awsome set of 11pt sheds durring deer season up on the range.Fresh, blood and all. It was the 94 season or something like that.

It is not too early for sheds.

Nice that you got them both...

"I was golfing in flip flops....in Okinawa..." Nice ND. My visual of our troops working so hard every day to protect our freedom has just been shattered!

I'm used to seeing antler sheds starting in early Jan. But I'm always willing to learn.

Guys, here is the picture of the sheds from one of my the four eight-pointers that have been around the house through both rifle and muzzleloader seasons. None of them were anything special, but I like the looks of this one's future, if he lives a couple more years. I found both antlers right next to each other in my driveway, 20 ft from my steps on the Thursday before the last weekend of muzzy season. I figure the buck was thanking me for not killing him. He's pretty funny right now, as even my the two fork-horns intimidate him. He's like twice their size, but shys away when they approach him.

I wonder if anybody ever registered such a buck as an "antlerless" deer......

What do ya think guys, inside spread about 36 inches or so?

He had a pretty big head!

[Linked Image]

He's gonna be a dandy by the looks of those sheds. Hopefully he stays away from cars and poachers.

Wow, you guys have a lot of snow already! All I can see are his antlers!

Nice set of sheds.

I picked up a wonderful little shotgun at the Greenville,SC gunshow this past weekend.Ithaca featherweight "Deerslayer" in 20 gauge with 20" barrel.Almost brand new.Not a scratch or dent or mark on it.
I researched serial number and found it was manufactured in 1988.As new as it looks it's hard to believe it is 20 years old.
It's not a model 37.They renamed the model to 87 from 1987 thru 1995,if I remember the ending date correctly.Something to do with the bankruptcy of Ithaca.Exact same shotgun except the model 87 will take 3" shells and the 37 would not.At any rate I'm tickled pink with it.
A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

Stan

Great catch Stan! Should make for a Good shooter...

Ok guys if ya missed it then ya need to check out the Christmas rifle story on the hunters campfire forum. Pulled tears reading that story as it reminded me of many of the Great Men I grew up knowing as my Uncle's,Grandfathers and Especially my Dad. My Dad would give the shirt off his back and mine too inorder to help those in need, many times I helped him shovel snow and bring in groceries to elderly who couldn't do for themselves. Many times I split wood for other peoples fire and watched them smile at seeing it get done. I dearly loved reading that, it reminded me of all that I've learned from those who are now gone.

It also gave me an idea or two, this Christmas is going to be Good.. Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Good find Stan. Is that a deerslayer for you, or a bird swatter?

Either way, you have to love those Ithica's.

Hey merry christmas everybody. we're headed out of town for a couple days for holidays.

Dave

Hey thanks ND!

Merry Christmas to as well. Tell MrsND, and the kids Merry Christmas from the Tzone's.

yep, Merry Christmas to everyone, have a safe season!

Merry Christmas!

Safe Travels everyone!

Merry Christmas campfire friends and families!

From:

[Linked Image]

SHOOTERVILLE!

Craig

Back at chya

that sled looks similar to one we got from the skidoo dealer 30 + years ago ( folds down flat ? ) , still got the sled but the snowmobile is long gone .
Hope you guys get some snow this year

Found the sled pic , it's on the left all folded up .

[Linked Image]

Yep - that's a fold-a-sled. I bought it at a Baudette Minnesota second-hand store. Permanently welded upright. That solves a nasty little problem of the thing folding up with a passenger.

They do make one today, but modified a little. yours looks like the vintage of mine.

We do have snow. Plenty.

Off to Cozumel Mexico in the morning! Don't freeze your thing off!

Craig

Swishing through to wish a merry Christmas!

Thanks swish!!

we're having a lazy pajama day in snowy Duluth MN.

Thinkin about having a glass of wine.

Merry Christmas everyone & thanks for the friendship & good fun here on the campfire forums.

Dave, Pam & kids.

Merry Christmas all! From wausau. Nice winter day here. Beautiful but cold out.

Had a great day with the kids opening presents, eating prime rib w/ the family, and in deep into the Tom & Jerry's

Pretty great day really. I hope it was the same for all of you guys.

Tom, Betsy & kiddos.

Personally my Christmas has been Great for me the wife and kids. Hopefully you all have a Merry Christmas and Great Many New Years too!

However Sorry I just have to ask to say a prayer for my sister in law and her family. My older brother left to meet her with her family right after Christmas dinner, her father only has a few hours left. He got something in Nam and has been fighting it ever since, his time is going by fast now though. I know they could use the prayers as he isn't much over 60 or so and has many who will Greatly miss a fellow deer hunter myself included. Thanks!

Time to blow out the Christmas lantern soon and get some sleep work will come early tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get sometime to bowhunt over the weekend we'll see. Been making deer camp alittle more cozy and added a bourbon bottle and some extra soda in the fridge over there today. Kiddo is counting down to the second youth season in a couple weeks so its not over yet..lol

I pulled a trigger today.It was great!If you remember,the heart surgeon told me in June that he wanted my sternum to heal for 6 to 8 months without the shock of a rifle's recoil.Today a bunch of friends had a day after Christmas informal get together shoot.I took several pistols which I had not yet shot,a 10/22 rifle and I also took the 45/70 Handi rifle with newly mounted scope.Yep,Boomer is now wearing glasses.I figured that one shot with it would tell me more than a bunch of shooting with anything else.I shot everything else and finally got around to Boomer.I was kinda apprenhensive when I finally screwed up enough gumption to shoot.It was OK tho.I shot it about 20 rounds and I'm still in one piece and I feel ok.Hell no,I feel great!Geez,I have really missed shooting.
This was the first missed deer season for me since 1975.
When I got home I cleaned all of the guns and then did a bunch of reloading for the 45/70 and for the .44 special pistol.
I had a great day!

Stan

All right Stan!!! Good news. Feels pretty good to get the bug out and rattle a few filling doesn't it?

Glad to hear you're back to shooting. Even more glad to hear that your feeling good enough to do it!

How was your Christmas?

Tom

northern dave,

How is the elk? I still need to kill one! I have until Jan 31 if I can still get up on the mountain!

I need to hang out here more often and stay away from the Hunters Campfire section. You guys post better pictures!

Keith

Stan,

Way to GO!!! That is WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!! All that walking has paid off now, keep the faith Man your doing GREAT!!! Thanks for sharing..

Having a Good day here too, tomorrow I pull out all my goose decoys and wash them up to get ready for snow goose season. For now its back to Horton hears a who with the kids, Great night sharing Friday Night movies together.

Oh hey guys check this out, a guy from Northern Daves state rescues a deer on the ice on video. Pretty cool.

http://blog.deeranddeerhunting.com/rubline/Deer+Trapped+On+Ice.aspx

Yes it was wabo!

Wabo&tzone,
Thanks for the good words of encouragement guys.

tzone,Linda and I had a good Christmas.Thanks for asking.

wabo,I'm sure all of the walking has helped.By the way I am very sorry to hear about your sister-in-law's father.My prayers are offered.

Stan

Thanks Stan!!!

Got my Nephew in the other room now, watching movies with my kids as his Mom and Dad are with her family. Tough for the kids in the family but I have Nephew and we have done everything from shootin Red Riders to playing fetch with my lab. He is having fun!

I've been trying to pickup on my walking too, now I just need to be more like you and get out there and do some more shootin! Do you guys have any seasons open at this point or are they closed for the year?

that elk's pretty good Keith!

you better go get one before the snow piles up to high.

I had to laugh Stan, you couldn't just ease into it could ya? Nope, straight to the big gun!! LOL

Good for you, very glad to hear.

WABO,Deer season closes Jan.1st.

Dave,LOL.Yeah I figured if anything was gonna give then "Boomer" would show it up quicker.Besides I just HAD to try out his new glasses.

Stan

Dave I'm thinking there is room in the freezer now. If the wind weren't blowing so hard I would have been out today!

Keith

You darn ole Wapiti hunters, I ENVY YOU... Been a dream of mine to go and I've had a bugle since I was 12, now here I am at 37 and still have not been. By Golly I'm going to set down the foot and make sure it happens within a year or two Max... Oh the Beloved sounds of the Bugle I've heard so many times on the tube..

Stan, is there any chance your going to try out that new glass on a deer yet this year? If not my friend just think you'll have the joy of buying even more new gear before next season opens for the trying out..lol.. Yep I chuckled myself when you posted about shooting the Big Thunder first, You are a Mans Man you know....!!!! I've heard those kick worse then a 12 ga slug??? Been considering getting a 45-70 Marlin too, either that or a matched set of 44mag or 357mag lever and hip gun..

Still trying to remember how I post pics here again, I finally got the pig my bro in law took downloaded. Now just getting it added here..lol

Wabo,"Boomer" is not a Marlin although I do have a Marlin 1895 in 45/70."Boomer" is an NEF Handi rifle.Amazingly accurate.
If you do buy a Marlin you'll love it.There's just something about a lever gun with a big azz hole in the barrel.BUT...there's also something special feeling about a single shot.

Stan

Keith, the first thing I did this morning wa toss a shoulder blade roast cut from this years cow elk in a crock pot with carrots, celery, onion, some red tators, can of beef broth & I let it go all day while I worked on the new fish house in the garage.

just finished eating, man that was good.

Dave....Building a house for your fish huh? and they said I was crazy!

Sure elk roast rub it in buddy! I am having moose steak tonight so there phbbbtt! Going to go elk hunting this week since I am burning vacation time! You would think I would have been smart enough to use all my vacation during hunting season BUT I wanted to stay married!

wabo...don't put it off, just go!!!!!! However, the fun ends when you pull the trigger!!! Just warning ya!

This is the last guy I let shoot an elk in a canyon. He didn't do it the next year. That one came out in pieces just like this... [Linked Image]

Elk Hunter,

I ain't scared...lol... I pack a 40 to 50 pound pack of extra gear with me while deer hunting, simply to make sure the kid and I can be comfy should plans change in an emergency. Not only that its good for the soul it makes one more thankful for the blessings of a harvest. I started that several years back when I was a kid after I had a scare from a fall when a treestand gave on me. Now tis a tradition with me and I feel wrong without a pack! Just call me silly... Thanks for the pic!!!

Oh Dave by the way now I'm hungry Thanks alot...lol

yep, house for the fish. like the movie field of dreams "If you build it, they will come." Right?

I guess I should post some pics of the fish house so you southern folks can see what that's all about.

When you post those pics Dave, that will seal the deal for those souther boys. They'll make our reservation for the loony bin pronto.

Folks from the south think we're crazy for living here durring the winter, and we wouldn't have it any other way. They are the crazies...they wear winter coats when it is 60 degrees out.

I wore a a t-shirt and a sweatshirt into work today. To warm for a coat...23 degrees. It is only a 3 block walk from the parking lot.

That elk roast sounds mighty fine. You cook it like we do a beef roast...potatoes, carrots onions, celery. All the good stuff. That sounds good, even at 7;30 in the AM.

It was 8 here this morning. I thought that was pretty nice, stayed above zero all night.

But we got snow, good foot of drifted snow on the road for my 25 mile drive to work this morning. I should have took the snowmobile.

Originally Posted by wabo

Elk Hunter,

I ain't scared...lol... I pack a 40 to 50 pound pack of extra gear with me while deer hunting, simply to make sure the kid and I can be comfy should plans change in an emergency. Not only that its good for the soul it makes one more thankful for the blessings of a harvest. I started that several years back when I was a kid after I had a scare from a fall when a treestand gave on me. Now tis a tradition with me and I feel wrong without a pack! Just call me silly... Thanks for the pic!!!

Oh Dave by the way now I'm hungry Thanks alot...lol

Would this be the same Wabo off the conservation cafe' by chance? If so there is a guy in Colorado gonna kick yer arse.

nice to see you man!!

We're supposed to get that crap sometime tomorrow. 5" or so.

I don't know what was worse last week. The fact that it was 5 above, or that fact that I didn't think it was all that cold out.

I just ran errands on my lunch hour and drove around with my window open the whole time. Man...above zero feels nice!

Put my fish house out yesterday. That was interesting to say the least. Put it this way I started yesterday at 9:00 am, took a 3 hour break to watch the Vikings game and as of 8:00 last night I had the house out but no holes drilled yet. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong!

Stan - way to go! Now go shoot a timber goat!

first time I put out a ice house, I was 16 I think. We put it out on Fish Lake, near duluth. We just pulled the sucker out, and fished. Never thinking of how we were going to get it off the ice in march.

That sucker was frozen solid to the ice come spring. We pretty much had to demolish it to get it in the back of a truck to get it out of there. The floor stayed...

nice.

thanks for the calming visual of my new fish house floor froze to lake of the woods come spring

Don't feel to bad last weekend put ours out sort of...

First off the tow bolt snapped and we got that fixed then once we were on the lake the whole dang tow bar broke off from the runners.

So now I get to jack the house up hopefully, replace the runners and 2x4 side boards on the ice.

Should be fun.

that sounds like a great time.

So come down crack some beverages and gimme a hand I am thinking properly motivated we could turn this into a grand old time.

Beer brauts on the ice, a commitee meeting to plan the best course of action, and the liqour store is only a couple hunnert yards away.

Originally Posted by big drift

Beer brauts on the ice, a commitee meeting to plan the best course of action, and the liqour store is only a couple hunnert yards away.

I'm thinking everything's on ice isn't it?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nice.

thanks for the calming visual of my new fish house floor froze to lake of the woods come spring

Mark it with a hand held gps so you know where that fish crib is in May.

On year two, we put it up on concrete blocks. The house came off nice and easy, the blocks...not so much. But that was the plan.

now it is starting to sound like a good time!!

but i'm still slaving away on my own house, race against the clock to be ready to pull out on Thursday morning.

Maybe I'll take some pictures tonight, shop is filthy, embarassingly filthy, so you'll have to pretend not to notice.

Dude...it's a shop.

I plan on blocking mine up every time before I leave it.

Oh by the way the Sherpular one struck again, he darn neared did himself in.

Ya see Sherpa lives in this one room cabin (shack) with a wood burner. Outhouse privy and a water hose from outside for water are the amenities.

In any event Sherpa was pleased to get himself a new drum wood burner last summer. Now this addition was a vast improvement as he could pile the woods close down the dampers and cook just right all night long.

Well only problem is Sherpa seemed to have forgot to check on the chimney aka exhaust pipe. Well the creosote buildup blocked off the fumes and he just about gassed himself.

Thankfully he got er dun and took care of business and will continue on with the tales to written.

By the way boys he was saying the ponds and rivers are freakishly thin this year so be extra careful. Also that he is not finding minnows as much as predicted and to watch your prices. Not sure why I would worry as to how much minnows but he mentioned it so i am passing it along.

yeah, sniner shortage for sure.

if there are any shiners in the bait shops up here they will sell out early.

glad the sherpa pulled through.

The shiners we used died quickly. Never had that happen before. Not in the winter anyway. They are usually pretty tough.

Shiners....whole big tank full of 'em at my local bait shop. Spendy too. And they live just long enough to get to the lake access before they go belly up.

As far as the house goes. Yep block them babies up. With all the snow we have, the lakes will flood making it very miserable if it freezes in. I know of guys that have just lit a match to the house because they couldn't budge it. Highly illegal now days but its been done.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I know of guys that have just lit a match to the house because they couldn't budge it. Highly illegal now days but its been done.

I'm sure you guys have heard about the guys wanting to break up the ice in one end of the lake.Decided to use dynamite.Loaded up the brand new 4WD suburban and drove out on the lake all the way to the upper end.Just for giggles they took one guys lab with them.That's where it all went wrong.They got out of the suburban and the dog got out also.They lit the fuses on the dynamite and hurled it as far as they could.Yep,you guessed it.The lab took off after the dynamite and in a moment had retrieved the still fuse burning stick and was proundly headed back to his master.
Despite angry cries from his master he kept on coming until,in desperation,one of the men grabbed a pistol from his pocket and shot the dog.His aim wasn't good and he only succeded in wounding the poor animal who took refuge under the suburban with the dynamite stick still fizzing in his mouth.You can guess what happened next.It was an unfortunate end to the dog.The ice parted under the brand new Suburban and it slid beneath the water.The two guys were trapped on a large ice floe until the next day when they were seen and rescued.Both suffered hypothermia and frostbite each losing a few toes.This had to be true cause no one could make up such a scenario.
Motto:When you take the fish house out...leave the damned dog home.

Stan

Heck burning em down wouldnt do no good around here anymore, towards end of the season CO's have been known to map houses out with GPS.

Something happens and folks get a knock on the door.

Would this guy who's gonna try and whoop my arse be an Avery Yuppy?

Telling you guys right now if this is Chris from the Rockies that I know he is one guy that has taken more kids hunting then alot of guys ever will... Good to see you too, send me a number via p.m. and we'll chat one night this week if ya want.

that's a good story stan but up north here the version we know tells the intent of the 2 men being to open some water for some late ducks/geese. The dog was along cause, well it was his job to retrieve if all went as planned.

I think it's total bull, cause I don't remember doing it & I'm the only one I know that's crazy enough to try that & with poor enough luck for it to end that badly.

Here are some pictures of the new ice fishing house.

size is 8' x 16' with 8' walls. Floor is insulated, plywood bottom, 1 1/2" foam, plywood top.

Walls framed with 2x2 24" on center. sheeted on interior with 1/4" plywood, exterior sprayed with expanding 2 component urethane foam. Windows are simple "barn sash" single pane non operating, there are 2 wall vents for regulating heat & allowing fresh air. Door is a used insulated steel exterior with a large window.

Floor has 6 fishing doors. doors are 14" by 36" finished size which alows for 2 drilled fishing holes per fishing door opening in floor.

in MN we can fish 2 lines per person during winter fishing. That's how we do it.

So, this house will fish 6 people, 2 lines each. But most of the time it wont fish more than 5 of us at once.

I still have some work to do but here it is

[Linked Image]

for you northern folk that know to ask, heat will be provided by a 20,000 btu LP wall mounted vent free heater, blue flame type with thermostat control.

It will only run high flame for initial warm up, then it will be switching itself from pilot to low flame as it needs.

who wants to go fishin?

The boy is coming up to help put the house out Thursday morning (new years day) his job Wed night will be to keep me relatively sober so I am as fuctional & sharp as I get come house locating day. If all goes as planned the new year will be greeted relatively sober & sensibly

Nice doghouse fish house Dave! Tell me a little more about the spray on foam if you don't mind. I would like to spray the underside of my cargo/atv hauling camp trailer to insulate it! Had a commercial guy lined up to do it but he never showed.

well that's the thing, you gotta find someone that has the equipment. It is a high pressure system that pumps the 2 liquid components together in equal volumes through individual heated lines. the product is introduced at the end of the lines at the spray gun where it reacts as it hits the spray target, it starts expanding immediately. it's ugly as hell and not typically used as an exterior product. i plan to simply paint this to protect it from the sun & seal it up a little tighter. Down the road I may shave the exterior to the studs & sheet the exterior with a light weight exterior sheeting of some type. but for now, ugly on outside, nice on inside.

light weight & well insulated is the goal with this house & this was a good way to go about it.

Many of the rental/resort houses up here on Lake of the Woods MN are built this way. Very easy to heat, it's like a big styrofoam cooler.

The process can be expensive (spray foam) but I am lucky enough to have the equipment & the people that use the equipment at work where I basically get the product for cost.

This house will eventually be converted to a "sleeper" house. which means just what you think it would. means we can get drunk & just stay out on the lake fishing all night.....

I mean, it means we can sleep out there if we don't feel like going home when it gets dark.

I'll ad a couple bunks eventually, that's when ice fishing really gets fun, when you don't have to worry about going home when it gets dark.

The guy I had lined up was a commercial applicator. They were doing buildings down here in town last summer. He was actually out of Montana. I think they just wanted to get home for the weekend and left us hanging. A buddy and I were wanting the underside of our cargo trailers sprayed for insulation. The floors get cold in the winter! I saw a couple of units a person could buy that were basically kits that looked like they were a couple of 20 lb propane tanks. They were tather expensive though. The guy we had lined up would have done it for $200. We even had a shop where we could raise the trailers off the ground. Oh well, back to the drawing board!

Dave,

As Nice as that thing is I'mmma thinkin that during the fall of the year it should be Pams deer shootin house! Get ya some better winders for Pam and she would have the nicest shootin house of anyone in the country.

Looks to me like you have the nicest fishin shack I have ever seen! Dude I used to ice fish on the river here just standin out on the ice brrrrr, you really do excel in everything you do, now I really HA! hhhmmmeeennnnnnnvy ya...

You got a plywood floor in that trailer? do an overlay. Just go an inch, it will help a lot.

Strip the floor with 1" narrow boards for stringers & cut foam sheeting to fit between strips then do a new layer of plywood over the top of it all.

A lot of guys insulate small shacks, ice fishing houses, trailers etc that way as an improvement over single layer non insulated floor.

if your cargo isn't to heavy per sq inch you can skip the stripping except for where plywood seams meet. The high density foam will do well between 2 sheets of plywood if it's just atv wheel pressure.

just draw the top sheet down snug with some screws evenly spaced.

Hey wabster, Mama already got the nicest shooting house we have!!

I hang my but out in the open on a portable up in a tree our out on the ground in home made ground blinds & mama got the heated elevated shanty with the camo, the sliding windows, the heater, the ladder with hand rail... jeesh!!

Don't worry, I do plenty of out in the open ice fishing too, this here's the family ice fishing house. for the whole family to be able to do an outdoor bitter winter activity in comfort.

These big houses can be a pain in the start & in the end of the season (move times) but they sure are nice to fish out of.

i've never had one before myself, always fished outside or in portable houses (light weight tentish stuff)

So I gotta admit, I'm really loking forward to ice fishing in comfort this year.

you are right though, would be good to get dual use out of these houses.

oh for cripe sakes.

I just noticed we went over 80,000 views tonight.

what the heck?

crazy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You got a plywood floor in that trailer? do an overlay. Just go an inch, it will help a lot.

Strip the floor with 1" narrow boards for stringers & cut foam sheeting to fit between strips then do a new layer of plywood over the top of it all.

A lot of guys insulate small shacks, ice fishing houses, trailers etc that way as an improvement over single layer non insulated floor.

if your cargo isn't to heavy per sq inch you can skip the stripping except for where plywood seams meet. The high density foam will do well between 2 sheets of plywood if it's just atv wheel pressure.

just draw the top sheet down snug with some screws evenly spaced.

Floor is already finished and has carpet. Also got a 20000 btu blue flame heater plumbed in. Floor has heavy duty tie downs installed too. Over lay won't work. Need to insulate from the bottom. Was hoping to avoid cutting a fastening sheets of insulation in between the framework. Spraying seemed much easier and efficient.

You guys and the insulation..lol.. Dave your ice house is almost the exact size of my tandem enclosed trailer I built and I'm plannin to insulate it and do the interior the same as your ice house. Thanks for the ideas as my trailer will serve as a 2nd deer/waterfowl camp much more ifnn I get busy before next year..

Ya knew I had to give you some flack about keeping Pam happy right...lol.. Just trying to make sure ya got all the bases covered and it sounds and looks as though your doing a Perty Good Job...

My portable deer/elk camp. Insulating the floor would be a big plus!

oh yeah, you'd like an insulated floor in that. How are the walls?

Ceiling?

FN'A...that is the ugliest ice shack I've ever seen. I fuggin love it.

(that is a compliment by the way)

I don't think I've seen a better [s]beer drinkin[/s, fishing shack. It is all business for fishin or... whatever

A small generator, some tunes, a few nudie posters, some blackberry brandy, you're set.

elkhunter,

how do you like that portable camp of yours? My step dad has a 24 footer for hauling cabinets, and we have talked of using it for a porta camp.

Wow, that shop is MESSY. I cant believe you took pictures of it. I mean really, couldnt ya clean it up for us before you took the pictures? I am sure some on here are mortally offended.

Are you gonna put an axle under it? Dad built one last winter and he just put the axle on this fall. Soooo much easier to move. Oh, at 8' wide you would be too wide wouldn't ya. So you gotta trailer it, eh?

Dont forget the shelves, you cant have too many shelves.

Dave & tzone,

Sorry this is so pic heavy but if I reduce them they go too small to see anything.

I ordered it from the dealer with 12V lighting (3 inside, 2 cargolights on back and one on the side by the rv door), RV door access, insulated walls and ceiling, windows and 2 roof vents with the idea of using it this way. I added the heater with the help of a very talented friend who plumbed it and built the propane carrier on the nose. I found an online dealer that sold d-ring clips so I could fasten an awning to it for a cooking shelter. I store/haul my Yamaha Grizzly in it (I can haul 2 of them) and when I get to where I am going I pull it out, set up cots ( have done 3 but it is a bit cramped) and have a comfortable camp. We moved the battery outside (it was mounted inside by the factory) and I use a solar panel to charge it.

An early pic out antelope hunting, we found we needed a side panel for the awning...this is a continual work in progress.. [Linked Image]

My buddy's up elk hunting. He got me started on this idea. He put a cookstove in the nose of his.. [Linked Image]

Interior when I hunt alone and the weather is not good for cooking outside.... [Linked Image]

I put a shelf in the nose of mine itending to install a sink and place to cook, but changed my mind. A kid could sleep up here but it makes for good storage. like I said a work in progress... [Linked Image]

Another cot used as storage when no guests... [Linked Image]

20,000 btu heater is more than enough, but the next smaller one wasn't!! [Linked Image]

very nice looking camp, I like that a whole lot!!

Very cool. The trailer we would use is lighted too. It wouldn't be as customized as yours becacue he uses it for work. He stores a few wheelers in his when not in use.

Moose Camp in October..it was warm! This sjhows the awning a bit better. I made a windscreen/firepit out of old signs. With the wind the way it is here and the dry grass I even use it around the grill!
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wow, that shop is MESSY. I cant believe you took pictures of it. I mean really, couldnt ya clean it up for us before you took the pictures? I am sure some on here are mortally offended.

Are you gonna put an axle under it? Dad built one last winter and he just put the axle on this fall. Soooo much easier to move. Oh, at 8' wide you would be too wide wouldn't ya. So you gotta trailer it, eh?

Dont forget the shelves, you cant have too many shelves.

Well, MN changed the laws on wheel houses, you have to license them as a trailer and as a fish house this year. So that kind of sways me away from a wheel kit.

If I were to put wheels under it though it would be a tandem axle wheel dolly that I simply unpin from the underside. I don't go for the common wheel house designs with boxed wheel houses or with 6' wide houses to accomodate the wheels on the outside. I don't like the idea of comprimising any floor space. This one will probably remain a trailored house and if anything I will modify a trailer for fast loading/unloading of the house.

but yes, shelves, need some shelves. probably a fold down table on each end too between the end spots in the layout.

Where's you going to put that house Dave? My house just went out to Gull Rock this morning. we'll see's how there doing there today. i'll be out there new years day for sure. I bought an old wheel house last Christmas and have been working on it for a while making it look more pretty!! I've got a 2 burner cook top in there and a small propane heater as well. makes fishing a lot of fun on those cold days if your comfortable. I am looking at building a 8x16 on wheels too though. just bought the plans for the wheel kit and got the frame designed up already!! just got to weld. would like to spray foam the interior though... looks good, let me know where your putting the party shack!! I'll have the captain in the house as well.

I was going to ask you where you would be.

I thought about gull. please let me know how they do there. I was going to go to arnesons reef but was considering gull rock.

We did fairly good out there last year but the road is to the west side of it this year. there always seems to be fish, just have to be patient some days, kinda like looking for that waskilly wabbit!! I'm thinking the Rock is fairly consistent. Not as far as going to zipple and we didn't do all that hot out there at all last year. i got the mapchip for the lake so i will better position it once i get out there thursday. Just talked to my house and all they got there so far is one little one. the plan may change yet. they might just pull up and go farther north. lots of houses to the north where they can see it sounds.

HOLY CRAP!!!! 200 pages.

You're a freakin ledgend...

He's been a legend ever since the baboon azz thread! Brilliant I tell ya!

If I could ice fish like you guys do I would get back into it. Problem down here is few lakes and the wind. Buddy of mine had his portable shack collapse on him a couple of times! He said that wasn't as bad as the wind breaking him loose an moving him though!

fear the monkey.

that horrible red assed monkey.

This is what us ice fishers sit & stare at, mezmorizing, we watch the bobber, watch the bobber... oh how we love the bobber.

We become bobber readers, the bobber tells the tale.

Rapid tap, perch bite.

Wham! drop 2 inches & sit there still, slowly sinking now, steady, nice (walleye bite for sure)

I just blinked & my bobber is gone, a single drop of water is in the air above where my bobber used to be.... line is spooling... (pike)

bobber coming up on it's side.... tulipee

The bobber tells all.

We love the bobber.

Why won't you go down bobber?

[Linked Image]

We hate you bobber....

Shack looks good and warm Dave. I'm gonna have to come up there and help break it in one of these weekends. Need to make another batch of jerkey first though! Isn't gull rock where we fished for large snot rockets last year?

I LOVE me a slowly sinking bobber.

course...a drag peeling bobber is fun too.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Shack looks good and warm Dave. I'm gonna have to come up there and help break it in one of these weekends. Need to make another batch of jerkey first though! Isn't gull rock where we fished for large snot rockets last year?

that was twin rocks, just to the east a bit from gull.

tzone just posted the 2000th reply to this thread.

I like the wobble bobber too, walter the walleye is gumming your jig, "but the bobber aint down.." i don't care, set the damn hook fool!!

This topic make me hungry for brats and a nice long pull off the Blackberry bottle.

I hate Blakberry brandy, but it just seems right when I'm ice fishin.

It really is hard to describe the complex, close personal relationship one has with one's bobber. Those of you who dont ice fish...you stand as good a chance understanding it as you do understanding the fairer sex.

Don't forget the Oh Yeah, the bobber is slowly going down...keep going....oh yeah...WHAT THE...dang bobber is back up. Check it or not. Hmmm. Come back Mr. I-wanna-your-fillets. No movement. Better check. ROBBED!

Great pic ND. Those of you who dont ice fish, stare at his bobber in that picture without blinking for the next 7 hours and you will start to understand.

Do any of you guys use those under water fish cams ?

Over 200 pages.
Over 2000 replies.
Over 80,000 views.

"Birth of a deer camp" aka The Saga of Northern Dave

Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in April I saw something in this thread.I asked Rick Binn to "sticky" it.Dave is a legend now.I don't care how modest he is.I am very very proud to have seen it all happen.
A hunting cabin in the northern USA brought all of us together.We are now virtual family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Stan in SC

Amen Stan!!!! Happy New Year!!!

Wabo, I am happy to see you around too. I will be in touch in a few weeks. We just bought a new house and be working on it 24/7. I "just" got a chance to sit down at the PC. I am trying to get all this done so I can take 10 days off to fill a bull elk tag starting Saturday.( hopefully not ALL 10) Its a tag I have been waiting a lonnnggg time for and am gonna be real selective. If hes not a big ( 330+) 6 point he's not coming offf the mountain.
Will talk to you soon!!

I've never used one of the cams myself but I know a couple people that have a lot of fun with them.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy new year to you too Stan, goofy 45/70 shoot'n bugger

Well The new ice fishin house has a heater in it now. Pam picked one up for it today in town. Nice blue flame type, wall mounted vent free with thermostatic control.

Heater is mounted, gas line is finished, Weezy helped me with some of the trim strips on the inside, Runs With Scissors helped me with the skids that go under the house... There are still a few things left to finish up tomorrow night but they are things that will keep me out of trouble on new years eve

Originally Posted by M1894

Do any of you guys use those under water fish cams ?

Vexilar, pretty cool when you've got the sensitivity adjusted so you can "see" your bait while jigging and "watch" a fish move in and grab it.

Captain Dave,Where you gonna put the new shanty? I got a new marcum flasher and its alot of fun to wathc them come in and then raise you jig up to them and watch them take it. AArgg!!

Yes us ice fishers worship the bobber but never forget the wonder of the "oh *&#$ flag" nothing like looking up and doing the mad dash to the flag with no idea what is on the other end.

I am looking forward to tommorow finally have some time to get the runners fixed on mine and get er out on some deeper water.

oh i love me some flag chasing!!

After day 2 of watching the white tundra for orange flags to pop up I get a little buggy. I remember driving home from the lake & still scanning the fields & ditches for flags, almost locking up the brakes when I spoted a row of little orange flags poked in the ground marking an underground cable.

LOL!!

Buschy, I dunno yet. probably arnesons but i got a hankerin for something different. Trying to get the low down on the 5 mile & if the swift road goes all the way out or not. You know anything about that?

Happy New Year to you too Stan. And everyone else.

It is kind of wierd how a thread of a deer camp in norhtern MN can bring people together...as friends at that.

I don't know how or why but this thread makes me happier than I was before it existed.

I went throgh a real real rough 2008, some of it known to you guys, and most of it not. For some crazy reason...I checked this almost every day, and it brought some type of joy to me when I didn't have much.

For that, I thank Dave and his family. Though he would never ask for it, or even think it should be recognized, and will probably be a little emabarassed when he reads it, he deserves a thank you.

So when you comin fishin with me Tom?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh i love me some flag chasing!!

After day 2 of watching the white tundra for orange flags to pop up I get a little buggy. I remember driving home from the lake & still scanning the fields & ditches for flags, almost locking up the brakes when I spoted a row of little orange flags poked in the ground marking an underground cable.

I would love to hear from somebody down south that hasn't ice fished before, after seeing the flag run for the first time.

A grown man drops whatever he is doing, unless its beer drinkin'

to run, slip, slide, sprawl across the ice to a little orange flag wavin' in the wind....oh chit missed em...back to cookin brats and burgers.

Ya gotta live here I guess.

I like watchin newbies scramble when the ice gives a big loud CRACK, POP, CRACK too. They start runnin...where ya gonna go?

I watched 2 grown women (pam was one of em

) jump up into the back of a pickup truck when the ice cracked & shook once out on the lake.....

Like it was a boat or something, oh damn that was funny!!

Here! quick!! jump up into the back of this 5500lb truck! It'll be safe up there!! Haaaaa!!

oh that's just good stuff right there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So when you comin fishin with me Tom?

We could make a plan...

I'll bring the brats and the cheese.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I watched 2 grown women (pam was one of em

) jump up into the back of a pickup truck when the ice cracked & shook once out on the lake.....

Like it was a boat or something, oh damn that was funny!!

Here! quick!! jump up into the back of this 5500lb truck! It'll be safe up there!! Haaaaa!!

oh that's just good stuff right there.

Exactly what I mean.

Funny.

I love cooking on the ice, some beer brauts with or w/o kraut as the mood strikes, chili and cornbread, ice cold beer, mmmmm mmm...

Next best thing is Gaviidae's bacon, onion, and fresh fried fish sammies...

The only thing I have witnessed that beats the flag-dash is one time I helped with security at one of those big ice fishing tourneys. If you have never seen one, they put about 5,000 to 10,000 guys in a small area...holes are pre-drilled about 6-8 feet apart. It is always a shotgun start and the first fish is usually worth a big prize (ATV or something). the first 10 fish actually are worth quite a bit. Could be a 2 oz perch, but if you get there first, you will be happy. So they blow the horn and everyone drops their bait. Immediately, a few people catch a fish and the race is on. A guy by me pulls up a 6-inch perch, and takes off. Now I gotta set the stage a little. When you put 10,000 guys on the ice with a lot of gear and some trucks and snowmobiles and stuff, the ice sags a little and water comes up and pools all over. There was about a foot of snow. So now we literally have about a foot of slush...I am not exaggerating as I had to be extremely careful where I walked or the water would come over the top of my boots.

The guy in question is about 5 foot 8, 280 pounds. he has that Santa Claus shape going and is encased in a Carhart Parka, carhart bibs, and Sorel boots. He grabs the perch and holding it like a torch makes the mad dash for the registration area. After he hits top speed (which really isnt all that fast, considering) he slips and goes head first into the slush, sliding like he is trying to beat the tag at home plate. He actually slides like 6 feet on his face. Water is flying everywhere and 9,999 guys are laughing their arse off. He gets up and makes another dash for registration...still holding his perch in a death grip. I dont know what he won, but years later, I can remember it clearly.

that is FF!!!! I'm still crying here.

my cousin won a boat/motor/trailer about 15 years ago at one of those suckers. I think it was Forest Lake, but it may have been Mille Lacs. He was something like the 150th fish registered. He fished for about 45 seconds before he caught it. Nice prize for less than a minute of fishing.

He still had the boat until a few years ago.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The only thing I have witnessed that beats the flag-dash is one time I helped with security at one of those big ice fishing tourneys. If you have never seen one, they put about 5,000 to 10,000 guys in a small area...holes are pre-drilled about 6-8 feet apart. It is always a shotgun start and the first fish is usually worth a big prize (ATV or something). the first 10 fish actually are worth quite a bit. Could be a 2 oz perch, but if you get there first, you will be happy. So they blow the horn and everyone drops their bait. Immediately, a few people catch a fish and the race is on. A guy by me pulls up a 6-inch perch, and takes off. Now I gotta set the stage a little. When you put 10,000 guys on the ice with a lot of gear and some trucks and snowmobiles and stuff, the ice sags a little and water comes up and pools all over. There was about a foot of snow. So now we literally have about a foot of slush...I am not exaggerating as I had to be extremely careful where I walked or the water would come over the top of my boots.

The guy in question is about 5 foot 8, 280 pounds. he has that Santa Claus shape going and is encased in a Carhart Parka, carhart bibs, and Sorel boots. He grabs the perch and holding it like a torch makes the mad dash for the registration area. After he hits top speed (which really isnt all that fast, considering) he slips and goes head first into the slush, sliding like he is trying to beat the tag at home plate. He actually slides like 6 feet on his face. Water is flying everywhere and 9,999 guys are laughing their arse off. He gets up and makes another dash for registration...still holding his perch in a death grip. I dont know what he won, but years later, I can remember it clearly.

Was that the Park Rapids tourney by chance??? I seen the exact same scenario happen there. Laughed until I cried. That guy was literally under water sliding for about 10 feet before getting up and letting out a woop to show us all he still had his fish and took off again.

If I recall there was actually a big natural hole in the ice that was roped off and after the weight of all the people it flooded a pretty large area around it. My God that was hilarious!

I can picture this whole thing...damn right funny.

Educated guess here....alcohol was involved. "D

Originally Posted by M1894

Do any of you guys use those under water fish cams ?

I have one and it is very fun to use! But it can be just as frustrating. The first time I used was on URL (upper red lake in mn - former crappie factory, now a walleye factory)

BIG walleyes would come in and stare at your bait and you could jig, try different colors and they would not bite. So for the entire time, they are just sitting there, you're watching them in anticipation, hoping one of them is hungry enough to latch on and then they slowly swim away. Fun but frustrating is what a camera is! I also have a vexilar and that is really fun too especially on suspended crappies!

Nope, it was the Alexandria tourney. I bet it happens a lot. Yes, believe it or not, some do consume alcohol while fishing. This guy was all business. As soon as he could get on his feet, he started pumping those legs for all he was worth. Of course by now he weighed about 380.

I tell ya what, if I dont have anything going on, I will go out there to watch the first 10 minutes. That is pure entertainment right there.

Have a good New Years and be safe folks!

I always thought I would like ice fishing.I cannot concieve of ice thick enough to support onr person much less 10,000 people.
Flag,what's a flag used for?

Stan

If it was the park rapids tourney, no alcohol is allowed...not saying it wasn't happening....but that is the rules dammit!

Now the Brainerd tourney that is a full fledge drunk fest. I was there the year the Vikes played the falcons for the NFC championship game

and ESPN was flying over in a helicpter filming us on the ice. I remember it well because we were walking off the ice afterwards along with about 15,000 other people and I notice this guy on a bucket still "fishing". I get closer to him and he just slumps off his bucket on to the ice and lays there passed out cold. His buddies come along laughing their azz's off and just grab him by the hood of his parka and drag him all the way to the road which is about 3/8 of a mile from the tourney spot. Tears do freeze!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I always thought I would like ice fishing.I cannot concieve of ice thick enough to support onr person much less 10,000 people.
Flag,what's a flag used for?

Stan

A flag is on a tip up... a tip up is a elementry (at best) fishing reel on a board that goes over the top of the hole drilled in the ice. On the reel, you spool your line, and attach the chosen lure/bait to the hook at the end of it.

There is a little post on the reel that holds the "flag" down. When a fish grabs the bait and runs, the spool turns, releasing the flag. The flag tips up and waves in the wind.

When you see the flag, you throw everything you are holding into the air, and run as fast as a fat man can run while wearing long underwear, jeans, charhhart bibs, sweat shirt, flannel shirt, a carrhart jacket, three pairs of socks, and choppers, can run. then you move the tip up off the hole, check to make sure the line is still coming out, and tug on the line setting the hook.

When the line tugs back, you start reeling in the line by hand and hope there is still a fish on it when it reaches the hole.

This gets real intersting some times because more that one "flag" will go at a time. Then all hell breaks loose and it looks like a rummage sale on the ice until everybody picks up their clothing they trew off trying to land a 17" walleye.

[quote=tzone
This gets real intersting some times because more that one "flag" will go at a time. Then all hell breaks loose and it looks like a rummage sale on the ice until everybody picks up their clothing they trew off trying to land a 17" walleye.

[/quote]

HA! Thanks a LOT Tom! My monitor now wears a good portion of my scalloped taters w/ ham my wife packed me for lunch!

we run tip ups for the snappy gator up here, the ole water woof, right rooster? ole jack, fresh water baracuda. Pike!!

you tighten up the slack on a 20lb pike & you don't have to wonder if he's still on there!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nope, it was the Alexandria tourney.

Ok good because the way I remember it, they announced 90 seconds until the end of the tourney and this guy gets a little snake northern about 12 inches long and duplicated your scenario.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

HA! Thanks a LOT Tom! My monitor now wears a good portion of my scalloped taters w/ ham my wife packed me for lunch!

Hey...I'm having the same thing. cept my fil made it. Wifey is out of town.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we run tip ups for the snappy gator up here, the ole water woof, right rooster? ole jack, fresh water baracuda. Pike!!

you tighten up the slack on a 20lb pike & you don't have to wonder if he's still on there!!

One of these days you'll have to show me how do catch one of those big suckers through the ice.

I can't cathch those damn things through the ice worth a damn...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we run tip ups for the snappy gator up here, the ole water woof, right rooster? ole jack, fresh water baracuda. Pike!!

you tighten up the slack on a 20lb pike & you don't have to wonder if he's still on there!!

F'NA! Some of the most fun you'll ever have fishing is when you get multiple flags when the big pike are up in the flats getting fat and sassy before they head up river to spawn after ice out. You can't keep any between 30" and 40" and only one over 40" per day so its fight 'em, get 'em up above the ice, measure 'em, take a picture and back down the hole most of the time. It is a real blast especially with a group of people which means one or more of your tip ups need to be set up quite aways from where everyone is gathered for the social hours. Its always fun to heckle your buddies when they are running to a far out flag after they have consumed a 15 pack or so.

RUN! YOU FAT SOB! RUN!!!

when are ya gonna show me?

A story is just a story without proof.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

HA! Thanks a LOT Tom! My monitor now wears a good portion of my scalloped taters w/ ham my wife packed me for lunch!

Hey...I'm having the same thing. cept my fil made it. Wifey is out of town.

Well that is a co-inky-dink.

Originally Posted by tzone

when are ya gonna show me?

A story is just a story without proof.

I think we can arrange that don't you Davester? I normally don't try for them until february but a buddy of mine fishes them all winter and did very well on the pike last weekend on LOW.

I'm very easily talked into a tip up trip for northerns.

actually right now is my fav time to be out there, before xmas & into early January.

But late ice is a really good time & it's better known as THE TIME to catch big pike.

Rooster Jim was kind enough to send me these photos to post from one of the last times our families were together chasing tip up flags & pulling tug of war with pike.

Here's a couple of rooster Jim.
[Linked Image]

jims wife "Special K" I love that hat.
[Linked Image]

and me sneaking in on my oldest boy "runs with scisors" picture moment.
[Linked Image]

Stan, there is a typical tip up in the bottom right of this last photo.

Jim's gonna haff to tell the story, I been out there on that sheet of ice chasing flags soo many times I get my stories mixed up.

Well these pics are actually from three different trips last winter. The one's with me, I was fishing with a buddy of mine who has an 8 x 18 sleeper house. Not sure why I look so crabby.

Maybe its because I was asking him to take a picture and he was lying in the house hung over and whining for me to quit fishing and run to town and get him cocoa puffs.

The one of Dave and runs with scissors was a trip we took after that and we all had a good 'ol time out there. I sent Dave more pics from that trip to post.

The one of my wife was from a trip we took the weekend after that and as you can tell there was gale force winds that day. (Her 'fuzzy hat's' earlappers normally hang straight down) We had to sit in the truck and wait for flags and the wind was rocking the truck most of the day. Yes the WIND Tzone and Wabo!

I googled "tip ups" and got a load of info and pictures.Now I Understand tip ups and flags.
OK,cultural exchange time,boys and girls.Here's a southern thang.
Yo-yo fishing.Anyone?OK,you there.The goofy looking one.

Stan

I think he meant you Dave but I'll take this one:

The Yo Yo is an automatic fishing reel made of steel with a tempered spring that automatically sets the hook when the trigger is released by a fish taking the bait. These reels are very popular for catching Crappie and Catfish.

Yo-Yo's can be attached to limbs, boat docks, the side of a boat, or any other means that will suspend the reel a couple of inches above the water. They also make an excellent device for ice fishing. Many people use these yo-yo's for jug fishing.

You should keep a yo yo or two in your survival kit. Instead of actively fishing, you can set this automatic fishing reel and use your limited daylight to take care of other things such as improving your shelter. Check the yo-yo after a couple of hours and retrieve your dinner. Eat a great meal and sleep more comfortably (under the circumstances).

Stong, lasting, durable

Stainless steel spring

Simple and easy to use

Adjustable line tension

Fisherman tried and tested for years
60lb test nylon line

Sets the fish and holds automatically
In a survival setting, you can also bait a hook to catch birds and small animals. Don't get squeamish. If you're out of food, you need to eat to keep up your strength and spirits. A proven device to catch fish is an excellent, lightweight survival item to keep in your emergency survival kit. You can also fish with them in many locations. Check local fishing regulations.

Hey I can google too!

Seriously though. That does look kinda cool and would be more than handy in a survival situation.

Give that man a cigar!There is one other use made of yo-yo's that I saw in Alabama one time.We were deer hunting on a private plantation of some 30,000 acres and the owner got really mad when he discovered a long line strung thru the woods about waist high and a yo yo about every ten feet baited with corn.It seems some of his share croppers were catching wild turkey with them.There was one turkey caught on the line he found.There were serious repercussions.

Stan

Beer, Lineflap earlappers, tip ups, line tension springs, truck rockin, Sleepover cabins, Beer, free ATV's and Boats for fishing, Beer... Every Mans Dream come true..

I gotta sell my house before I can move, I gotta sell my house before I can move, Remain calm, I gotta sell the house and tell the wife I wanna move.. New Years Brain Overload!!! Happy New Year!!!!

On this New Years Eve I ask that you have a toast for My Sister in Laws Father Jim, on this day before her birthday she lost her father, a fellow deer hunter, a Great fisherman, a Grandfather to my Nieces and Nephews and his childrens, children, A Vietnam Vet and a Dam Fine Man with many friends whom I wish I would have made the time to know better. This One is for you Jim may you rest in peace with the Best hunting and fishing anyone could ever ask for!!!... Don't worry your pain is no longer there, enjoy Gods gifts in Heaven and I'll be keeping an eye on your family for you. Rest my friend you've earned it!!!!

wabo as you request. In honor of Jim!

Buddy I got to tell you that choked me up a bit!

Nice Pike pics boys.

I love the pic of Dave's fish house! Definitely one of my favorite times of year, but I would rather throw the spear than chase flags.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh i love me some flag chasing!!

After day 2 of watching the white tundra for orange flags to pop up I get a little buggy. I remember driving home from the lake & still scanning the fields & ditches for flags, almost locking up the brakes when I spoted a row of little orange flags poked in the ground marking an underground cable.

I would love to hear from somebody down south that hasn't ice fished before, after seeing the flag run for the first time.

A grown man drops whatever he is doing, unless its beer drinkin'

to run, slip, slide, sprawl across the ice to a little orange flag wavin' in the wind....oh chit missed em...back to cookin brats and burgers.

Ya gotta live here I guess.

I like watchin newbies scramble when the ice gives a big loud CRACK, POP, CRACK too. They start runnin...where ya gonna go?

That is the best. I used to take my girlfriend(s) out to the dark house (to spear lol) Watching their eyes the first time the ice popped (or was that my zipper? lol) was awesome.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I always thought I would like ice fishing.I cannot concieve of ice thick enough to support onr person much less 10,000 people.
Flag,what's a flag used for?

Stan

A flag is on a tip up... a tip up is a elementry (at best) fishing reel on a board that goes over the top of the hole drilled in the ice. On the reel, you spool your line, and attach the chosen lure/bait to the hook at the end of it.

There is a little post on the reel that holds the "flag" down. When a fish grabs the bait and runs, the spool turns, releasing the flag. The flag tips up and waves in the wind.

When you see the flag, you throw everything you are holding into the air, and run as fast as a fat man can run while wearing long underwear, jeans, charhhart bibs, sweat shirt, flannel shirt, a carrhart jacket, three pairs of socks, and choppers, can run. then you move the tip up off the hole, check to make sure the line is still coming out, and tug on the line setting the hook.

When the line tugs back, you start reeling in the line by hand and hope there is still a fish on it when it reaches the hole.

This gets real intersting some times because more that one "flag" will go at a time. Then all hell breaks loose and it looks like a rummage sale on the ice until everybody picks up their clothing they trew off trying to land a 17" walleye.

Tom,

Thanks for the visual. You nailed it right on the head. Damn that was good.

When the flag goes up, the hand to hand combat begins! Happy new year all,

Swish

Wabo,

I didn't check in for a few days, a toast to you SIL's father. He sounds like a hell of a man. Sorry for the loss.

Very nice pics and pike rosster jim and northern_dave!!!

I gotta get me some of those gators. I have caught a few decent ones with the rod but never through the ice.

Biggest through the ice is 32" with a waxie and bulegill jig.

I'm good to go when ever you guys want me to come up....give me a weeks notice at least.

ps. I'm serious.

Originally Posted by nosnowhere

That is the best. I used to take my girlfriend(s) out to the dark house (to spear lol) Watching their eyes the first time the ice popped (or was that my zipper? lol) was awesome.

I bet you were spearin in the dark house....

Thanks guys, I'm sure Jim is smiling down on his family right now. The wierd thing about all of this is with one side of my family losing a father, I now await news of any further changes from my little sister who is having labor pain as I type. This will be my 10th niece or nephew to arrive soon. God always has a plan!

If you guys are on the northeast side of MN I hope you are inside it sounds like you have a regular blizzard coming in.

Hey guys! We've been out fishing for a few days. We put the big house out & we even caught a few fish. weather was terrible yesterday with this storm that rolled in but otherwise it's been a really nice long weekend.

We put the house out on Thursday & fished just a little (it was late).

Then on Friday the 2 older boys & I went out on the lake in the old yellow plow truck. we blazed a path out to the fish house with the plow truck & then we simply walked into the dry warm fish house with open holes, baited our hoks & dropped em down the holes. See, we left the heater on low when we left the house on Thursday night so it would be ready to go on Friday morning. Pam & our little guy followed shortly behind us in another truck.

Fishing was OK, we did beter than most that we talked to, caught around 25 or more fish all day, kept about 9 I think.

Then we went back out Sat morning in the crappy weather, it wasn't so much a white out with limited visibility but it was a blinding white that made it hard to see the lake road. We kept a couple on Sat & threw back a 22" walleye, This lake has a release immediately slot size & i think it's between 19" & 28", it may be 19.5, not sure exactly but I know this fish was definately in that slot so we got a picture & released it.

Here are some pictures.

First fish caught in the house (pam hates this picture) nasty little pout. (the fish)

here's the view of what my bobbers do best, float!

[Linked Image]

here's the boy in his corner.

[Linked Image]

another boy (runs with scisors) in his corner.

[Linked Image]

And the littlest boy in his corner. He's got his chocolate milk & his snack cake in his lap, needed help holding his monster walleye for the picture. cheesy smile.
[Linked Image]

and the saturday morning slot fish that had to be released.

[Linked Image]

Pretty fun weekend of fishing.

Dave

PS, Stan, I've actually used those yo-yo's before, but they are illegal up here.

GO NDSU!!!!!!!

My youngest boy and his wife's school. Grads about 8 years ago.

I wanna see pics of the house sitting on the lake.
Fine looking younguns.Momma too.
Stan in SC

Dave,

Great weekend you guys had, Thanks for the pics too. I still cannot seem to find the idea of driving my perfectly good truck onto ice waiting to break though.. After my experience as a boy with ice I'm alittle more aprehencive(spelling).. However I do enjoy ice fishing occasionally yet on a Much Smaller scale of water then you..

Its been a wierd weather weekend here, 60 degrees on Sat and since midnight lastnight hanging in the 20's going down to the teens tonight. We just don't get the kind of cold we did when I was a kid to freeze big water.

I can tell one thing for certain your Boys and I would get along just fine with my favorite mix drink material laying all around, Mountain dew and bourbon doesn't get any better. Heading for the hot coco and peppermint schnapps now just sounds like a good plan to me...

Good luck with the tipups and floaters strippin line for Mr. Big Fish!

I know, I forgot, i had an opportunity to get an outside pictire of the house on the lake with the old plow truck of my uncles sitting next to it, next time i'm out I'll get some of outside the house.

The NDSU shirts & stuff are pretty popular in this area. But I think the boy will be going to a different school.

He wants to be a conservation officer.

thanks Wabo, we currently have -25* & the temp is dropping.

-30 here now. Hope I get to stand in front of a sunny windoow today.

Craig

I saw -34 on the way to work.

nasty stuff isn't it?

Is the boy going to NDSU? Playin' ball?

Nice little eye ballers you guys got there. Those pout's are nice eh? I'm guessing pam likes them as much as I do. Slimly, wigglely little suckers. yuck. I woulda shot that sob befoe it made it out of the hole.

Good ol choclate milk...the drink of choice for 4 yr olds. My little guy drinks that stuff by the gallon.

Looks like a nice weekend.

I put up interior doors in my basement, and don't really care if I ever do it again.

I couldn't get those suckers more square and would the shut right....F nnnnnoooooooo. Go down there last night...work like butter. frickin perfect. WTF?

Well they work now.

Wabo,

Up where dave fishes the ice can get up to 4' thick sometimes. Your truck would be pretty safe on that Wabo.

Around here where most of the ice is a frozen river, I'll never drive my vehicle out on it. A 4 wheeler, but not a truck or even a car. Too much moving water and different ice thicnesses. There are people the go through every year. espically at first and last ice.

ND,

Since the boy is talking CO MN state pickings are dang slim to none. CA (i know blasphemy) will be hiring upwards of 500. As well as the feds.

Tell him to get a 4 year Criminal Justice with possibly a minor in biology of some sort.

Alex Tech is probably the number ranked school for the 2 year program and the skills course. Then finish off somewhere for the 4.

The feds are really quality agents for big game division, the waterfowl guys are kinda anal. I also beleive I heard that ND and WI may also be budgeting for more CO's.

Let him know it is a rewarding career but his hunting and fishing may take a hit.

we need to talk

PM on the way.

I can supply any and all info related to the city of Alex and surrounding area. Also, maybe a part time job interview.

ND, UW Stevens Point has a good program for Conservation Officers. At one time Wisconsin and Minnesota had a reciprocity program and your son would pay the same tuition as a Wisconsin resident. Not sure if this is still in place though.

Dave,

If he is serious about being a CO. The UW Stevens Point is a great school for that right here in WI. It is what I was going to go to school for, and that is where I was going to go to do it.

With a little more inquiry(sp?) I went a different route because in that line of work...You don't get to hunt and fish much. At least not durring the "normal" hours.

I know several CO's in this area, and all enjoy their jobs, but all wish they had more time to hunt and fish. Make sure he knows he will not be able to hunt of fish the "openers". Not to dis suade the boy if that is what he really wants. He just needs to figure out why he wants to be in that line of work.

Tom

well I guess us big people have kind of pushed him that way thinking it would be a way to put him closer to the outdoor fishing/hunting activities that he enjoys so much. But I can see where it would cut into your own time fishing & hunting.

not sure what to think now.

Dave, there are a number of other careers in the natural resources area that would give your son more time to pursue his outdoor interests, i.e. Forestry, Biology (Water, Fish or Game). Just tell him that he needs to be willing to move when it comes time to start the job hunt if he pursues a natural resourses career.

Dave,

check your PM's.

Where'd you put that Fish house dave? I wanted to get out but was ill on friday and never did make it out yet. still waiting for a day with the Captain on the ice i think. put some new tires on the fish house as well, my brother-in-law had it out to gull and farther north a couple times last week but he didn't have no luck. I'd like to get out this next weekend if all go's well!!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

ND, UW Stevens Point has a good program for Conservation Officers. At one time Wisconsin and Minnesota had a reciprocity program and your son would pay the same tuition as a Wisconsin resident. Not sure if this is still in place though.

Thank you Bill, I wish he were my son. I'm very proud of him & I love him like he were one of my sons, I love his 2 sisters as if they were my daughters too.

But the credit for what a fine young man this boy is today goes to his mother who now puts up with all the shenanigans that I lure the boy into & his father whom we lost over a year ago.

There father was a great man, my best friend & the kind of father that most of us parents could only inspire to be.

I'm just lucky enough to be his dad's cousin. And lucky enough to be able to spend time with the boy as frequently as I can.

He turns 18 very soon.

I remember the day that his father told me that there was a baby on the way. We might not have thought so at the time but we were just kids ourself. I remember that day like it were yesterday. I grew up a little that day, I grew up a lot that day. I shared my cousins nervous butterflies & the range of emotion that came with the idea that we are the "big people" now. We were both 20 years old.

I was home on leave after completing Marine Corps boot camp. It was late in the month of July 1990. Sunny beautiful day, we were riding in his car on the way home from the lake. Just him & me, he was driving. I had a broken foot from a knee boarding incodent earlier in the day. We were both about half full of beer & having a great time & kind of joking about my foot as we drove along.

Suddenly he let off the gas & let the car coast to a stop along side the road. He had something very important to tell me, something he hadn't told anyone yet. But he didn't have to say it. I knew, it's like I read his mind. out of the blue, totally off subject, but I knew exactly what he was going to say. We sat there along side that county road on that hot summer day & we talked about it for quite some time.

That was over 18 1/2 years ago.

It was good news, exciting news, but it was scary too.

There was no way to know back then what a wonderful gift this new baby would be. We knew it was great, a baby yeah that's great. But speaking for myself, I didn't know just how great.

There was no way for me to know of how involved I would eventually become with that baby, this fine young man that we have here today.

For this I am very fortunate and as I said, yes I do love him like he were my own son & like to think of him this way.

But his parents own that honor.

Hey buschy, dnr reef north of springsteel. We did... OK. could have been much beter. waiting for a road so I can pull the house up to south tip or whisky flats.

Dave, I'd say that this young man is very fortunate to have you in his life.

Very nice of you to say that, thank you.

Is the big lake flooding very bad? I blocked my house up but I'm afraid the water/ice might have still gone past my runners after saturday and sundays snow. I have to go get it loose and haul it home I think before I lose my entire floor.

OH and fishing sucked by the way. 1 - 12" walleye was the only bite we got in about 12 hours of fishing on friday.

most places are not flooding from what I hear but we did flood where we put our house so we blocked it high before we left it on saturday.

How can it flood on top of the ice?

Stan(stoopid southerner)

I'm not going to pretend to understand it or explain it in a scientific manor Stan.

It just does sometimes.

that's a whole lotta ice out there, whole lotta ice.

and it maybe doesn't form like one might imagine in your head if you've never seen it.

It takes days to "sheet over" and it's gotta be damn cold, and even with calm winds it still does goofy things.

winds can tear it up when it's not completely sheeted over yet. and even after it does sheet over, it heaves & splits, it's a lot of expansion going on, a sheet of ice that is covering hundreds of square miles of lake surface on this particular lake. it pushes out, it heaves up, it heaves down, it splits, it can push up a shore line so badly you would think heavy earth moving equipment had worked for the better part of a year to accomplish the amount of damage that's done.

Sometimes after the ice is gone you will see a shore line that has suffered the wrath of the ice & you wonder "what the hell could possibly do that?"

Basically, it's a fine example of mother natures un-harnessable power.

It does what ever the hell it wants, and we just adapt the best we can to what ever that may be on any given day.

And to add to Dave's post..........S.N.O.W.

Snow adds weight to the ice which forces water up through any cracks or man made holes in the ice. The more snow the heavier and thus more flooding of water on top which mixes with the snow. There is now slush (water/snow mixture)on top of the ice. Sometimes this slush can get pretty deep and the top layer will freeze over giving a fisherman in a truck a false reading of driving conditions. Then said fisherman drives on to the layer of crusted over slush and said trucks front tires fall through causing said fisherman to sh*t in his pants!

Ah yes the wonders of winter boredom,

Stan you should check out snow mobile skipping. Now that is some kind of stoopid,

Dave, ya also mention to the boy about the US Parks Police and US Forestry Law Enforcement. Nice postings there. Great benefits in some cases, pretty laid back work place mostly tourism. An occasional rampant yogi to deal with and time to get home for misbehaving. Walker and Cass Lake each have a Parks LEO detachment.

Dave,

Yes, you are right. That honor does go to his parents. But I know there is enough love left for some special individuals in all three of their lives.

mmgravy, did you know that the youngest of those 3 children has herself a nice little pink bolt action single shot .22 rimfire rifle?

She loks to be heading down that outdoors adventurer path as well.

She walked with me on a still hunt this year. I showed her how I like to take a few careful well placed well thought quiet steps, then stop. Scan, slowly take a knee in dark timber & scan for legs & movement under the dark cover of the pines. Then plan the direction for the next few steps.. so on & so forth.

Yeah, she caught on really quick & soon was working with me, another set of sharp eyes & stealthy movement from this bright little girl. It just made me smile.

The older sister often goes on stand post with my daughter where i believe they eat pockets full of candy, drink mountain dew & make each other giggle non stop.

Have you ever heard a whisper giggle?

i have heard it a lot! ha!

Yes they all 3 are very dear to us as well as there mother.

I'm very glad you found this thread & introduced yourself to me. Also very glad to have you post. I hope you check & post frequently. I did tell the kid's mom today that you found the thread & contacted me & she thought that was great.

folks, mmgravy is a relative to the kids & there mom (my nephew & nieces often pictured with us in this thread & there mama)

When I give it some thought and read your collective explanations I see how it could "flood".I reached a personal decision.I ain't driving out on no frozen lake.LOL.Fat chance that would ever happen here.

Stan

Dave,

It doesn't surprise me that #3 has a .22 and is on her way to a great life in the outdoors. It's in the genes!

I have a daughter who loves to hunt deer and has shot at least one deer each year since she started hunting when she was 12 years old. She is 26 years old now and shot a big doe the last 45 minutes of the season in 2008 to keep her "string" alive. Like your girls, she STILL has pockets full of candy and a Mountain Dew or two on the stand. That's what you have to look forward to for many years to come and that is not at all bad!

That's not bad at all, I'll take it!!

well my daughter hasn't been able to put a "string" together yet, she went deerless this year like many hunters up this way. just a poor year.

Wow, I finally got current! Most interesting thread yet. Great bunch of guys.
Dave, you're doing all the things most of think we'll do some day and never do. Kind of tells me to get off my ass and go outside!
Those kids are lucky to have such a great guy/teacher. Keep it up.
Bruce

hey thanks Bruce, thanks for posting. jeeze you didn't read the whole damn thing did you?

LOL!!

Took a while, keep it going!

Dave I think you'd be surprised how many folks do read this from the beginning after just touching on a few posts and how many more follow it w/o posting.

By the way walleyes are deep found ours in 28 FOW and they were snapping even with the bad weather on Sunday. My youngest piled into his first eyes without a bobber all jigging. He is now addicted to Gav's vexilar.

Upper Red Lake?

I heard news that the bite is maybe turning on again on Lake of the woods, heard that this morning.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

When I give it some thought and read your collective explanations I see how it could "flood".I reached a personal decision.I ain't driving out on no frozen lake.LOL.Fat chance that would ever happen here.

Stan

Its an acquired ability.

last year I saw some goofy driving his Ford Ranger on the ice/slush and something gave way. The ice. He was lucky because some way, some how, he was held up on the remaining ice by the step rails on the rocker pannels.

The truck stayed until it was towed to shore.

What the heck makes em go so deep in that state. I'm catching those sucksers up high here. Usually do. I don't think I caught a walleye deeper than 16' all last year.

When I moved here in '99 every thing I learned about walleye fishing in MN, I could pretty much throw out the window.

I suspect a lot of ours are still held up on shorelines & most of us are probably just jumping the gun waiting for them to move out deep. It's common to fish shallow for them on the evening bite up here. On the greater portion of the US side of Lake of the woods you really can't find much deeper water than 30'

in the south west bay where i am fishing 28' is about the deepest you will find & most of my fishing is probably done within a few feet from 20' give or take.

But I used to do very well this time of year in around 15-16' of water, just haven't given it much thought lately, monkey see monkey do ya know?

thanks for putting the idea back in my head.

Well, now, i am having bad idears going round in my head about you talking bout snowmobile skipping. Its called watercross and its a blast!! I used to race a circuit called the International Watercross Association with my snowmobile and won a World Championship in Grantsburg WI. and it was some of the most fun times in my life!! Its kinda like taking that seasonal sport and making it year round again. Fun in the Sun!! and you should see the scenery at those events as well!! Now that its snow season what better way to get around those frozen fields and lakes checking tracks in the wood. We had a New years eve party at the hunting shack this year and what a blast as well!! We don't make it out to camp much now till spring but when we do the lights are on all night long!! ND is there a road plowed out to where your at? I got a Wheelhouse and would like to get out maybe this weekend if possible. might have to get those sleds out though!!

Well I've plowed the road to camp chicken buck once this year but we've gotten a lot of snow since then. I'll bust a trail in there with the old plow truck soon though. A snowmobile weekend is soon in order.

buschy, i had no idea you did that.

had no idea you were that crazy.

There is a lake north of Soudan MN, south of Ely called Mud lake.

There is a spot on the lake that would still have open water on the first of january.

When i was a kid they used to hold the annual "mud lake splash". this was a very poor excuse for what is currently known as watercross. probably closer to water skipping at best.

it was actually a tough man contest of sorts because it was rare that your sled would make it across so it usually meant a nice cold swim on new years day morning hung over or still drunk from new years eve party. The young guys would prepair there mud lake sleds like they were getting ready for a demo derby at a county fair. All kinds of tricks to the trade.

I have no idea if or when that event ceased to exist and I can only wonder how many old sleds are at the bottom of that lake or if they have since been removed.

i've heard of that ritual over that ways...it woudl be fun to get back out to chicken buck again. its still hunting season out there!! i raced on the water for about 6 years. what a rush that is. Now I had another bad afterthought about your new expy too dave, I didnt put it together that well, but i could have had you an 04' with 50,000 for 14,500. excellent shape as well. now i am kickin' myself for not thinkin bout that buggy then!

that's cool man, don't sweat it. our 03 is very nice, extreemely well cared for @ 90,000 new tires, no issues and we're in it for 9,9

Most of the "lakes" around here are wide spots in the river because of the dams for the paper mills. I catch more fish in 2'-10' of water than anywhere. When you start to go deeper, we'll get the norhters and cats.

Even in Lake MI, the water will be 25' deep, but I'm catching fish at 5-18' on average.(trolling)

Originally Posted by tzone

Even in Lake MI, the water will be 25' deep, but I'm catching fish at 5-18' on average.(trolling)

Lake Michigan???

Tom - I was under the impression that you lived just across the MN border. If so that is a haul with a boat.

Nah, we were out on Bermidji, we tried everything to locate them from a 4' rock pile out to the 28' mark. It really seems to depend on that lake.

Some guys are doing better in one spot about 16'-19' but they have so many houses there that the edge ones are off the flat and drop off.

I am just waiting for him to bring up his eelpout this year and get all curled up on.

I may have to teach him the 7up trick for poutin' tastes like lobster;)

Ahhh water skipping. A good friend of mine bought a brand new Polaris 700 SKS. Beautiful sled (does anyone already know the ending to this story??). His buddies are water skipping up on Namakan or Sand Point or Crane or one of those up by the Ash River and he, being the responsible one decides to sit it out. The guys have their fun and my buddy just sits and watches. At the end, the guys come over and say, you have to do it once, cuz we are leaving and we are going the other way from the far side. Now a Polaris 700 SKS would be a really great sled for water skipping. So off they go and my friend takes off across it. He is having no problems. Then one of the guys comes over by him and spins water in his face. He raises his RIGHT HAND and closes his shield on his helmet. When he puts his right hand back down...he hits the kill switch and turns the motor off. RRRRRRRRrrrrrr......in 22 feet of water. He has to swim to shore. They fished it out with a grapling hook.

that hurts.

good friends.... good times.....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Lake Michigan???

Tom - I was under the impression that you lived just across the MN border. If so that is a haul with a boat.

No sir.

I live in near Wausau. Right smack in the middle of the state. It is still a hike to Green Bay. About 100-150 miles depending on where we are going to fish.

Green Bay rocks in the summer time. BIG pigs come out of there. I've got them up to 32" long.

Once you fish out there, it makes it awfully hard to keep a 15" fish. Don't get me wrong, you don't pull 30's in hand over fist, but you sure as hell don't catch an 15"er...unless they're perch.

I just had to jump in and say Welcome to Daves ChickenBuck Boys,Girls,Wives,Husbands,Aunts,Uncles and Grandparents thread to MMGrave and HiHo77.. I miss out on 2 days of the posting due to being bogged down with work and my family events and u guys post 4 pages! I've got 3 down 1 to go, so I'm back to reading and Welcome aboard new guys!!!!

Just started hunting deer the last 3 or 4 years. Still hunting, not killing. The last 2 years I've been hunting in southern Vermont.
Didn't get a shot this year, but spent a lot of time in the woods with a rifle. When I was a boy, I hunted birds a lot, but now I like rifles.
I generally hang around the Savage sight. My dad always liked the 99s so when I saw a 250 priced right I bought it and fell in love.
Picked up a black powder Knight last year and use that in season.
Dave mentioned a 220 swift he bought. Like to know who still makes them. I had one in a model 70 but sold it when I discovered women.
This is a great thread and I thought it could use some input from Conn. Keep it going, Bruce

Welcome aboard! Lot of good guys and gals on here! You have to weed through some of the good natured BS sometimes but hey thats half the fun right??

Rooster

Well HIHO,

Another leverlubber! A 99 Lover at that, I don't own a 99 yet but I WILL!!! Beautiful Rifles and if you haven't seen them you NEED to see the pics Ole Grogel Deluxe has put on the deer board in here over the last year or so of Old time hunters and 99's!

Myself I ate tag soup so far this year as I hadn't taken the proper time to shoot out past 100 yards to sight my 336 in so I shot a foot over a BigBoys back. I hadn't shot at a deer past a few feet in alot of years even with a rifle so I didn't feel the need. My mistake!!! Bow season is still open though until the 15th here so I'm headin to the woods this weekend God willing.

You guys talkin about breaking through ice with snow machines and pickups I know that feeling. Used to take my pickups out on the 3 foot deep ducklakes and let them break through the 8 inch ice and drive around to open a hole for the ducks. Wierd feeling until the truck hit bottom then hammer the throttle and start pushin breakin a hole. I finally tore up my 3rd pickup doing that and started huntin dry fields after iceup for ducks..lol Ofcourse this year I've only duckhunted once or twice as kiddo and I have been busy deer hunting and having a ball. Less work, more fun, and closer to home hunting. With her this year close to home huntin is all that counts for me anyway.

Now I want to know howmany pickups are at the bottom of some of those big lakes up north?

Welcome aboard.

Ya gotta be ok if you like the 99's. I've always liked them, but picked up my first one just a short while ago.

It is a good place. Glad to see you found us.

hihobruce, wow, you had a model 70 in 220 swift? Dang that would have been cool, I sure like the M70's.

OK everybody, special day today.

A certain "boy" turns 18 today.

Happy Birthday boy!!!!

I got somethin for ya, we'll have to get together sometime soon so I can give it to ya.

Yes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY!

Went to send you B-day text this morning and realized my phone is at home on the counter.

It's is my oldest son's 11th birthday today as well.

Happy Birthday boys and many, many more!

A happy birthday indeed

Seems that someone is out growing his old name " The Boy "

Hope Dave and the rest of your family and friends can come up with a new handle that can stick with you for a while , at least until you " earn " something real goofy like 'swish "

Happy 18th , enjoy these years and make the most of them , remember you only get one go around . Well, it may feel like more than that hangin with mr . Hold my beer and watch this , but you are in for a fun ride

Happy B-Day Boy!!!

Time for Uncle Dave to get you a lap dance.

Yep, Happy B-day to the The Boy.

I can only imagine what ND got The Boy....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Yep, Happy B-day to the The Boy.

I can only imagine what ND got The Boy....

nuthin special, so don't get yer dang hopes up too high kid

Did that stripper show up at the high school like she was supposed to or did that party pooper principal turn her around at the door?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Yep, Happy B-day to the The Boy.

I can only imagine what ND got The Boy....

nuthin special, so don't get yer dang hopes up too high kid

Did that stripper show up at the high school like she was supposed to or did that party pooper principal turn her around at the door?

He turned her over at the door alright. eeerr I mean around at the door.

I would say no response from the boy means that she made it and he is busy now.

I have to get him a user name & profile so he can post if he feels like it.

i'll think up a good name for him.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have to get him a user name & profile so he can post if he feels like it.

i'll think up a good name for him.

With the luck he had in the woods and on the lake the last few seasons....Horseshoe comes to mind.

golden

could work.

I created an account for him. He'll get the verification notice in his e-mail and he'll have to activate it.

Watch for "captain bangflop"

At 18 the "Boy" ain't a boy anymore.Gotta have a new name for him,Dave.Happy birthday to both the birthday YOUNG MEN.

Stan

Happy Birthday CaptBangflop and Rooster11

Wow Two new user names for The Young MEN... Happy Birthday and Many Many More MEN!!!

One thing Real COOL about the Name Dave created is for an 18 year old CaptBangFlop could have more then one meaning and depends on which weapon used as to the correct meaning..

Hay wabo, seen those pics on the Savage sight! I hang around there some.
tzone What caliber did you get?

Happy birthday Captain Bang Flop!! Make the most of your youth and ask Dave for advice when you need or want it!

Dave, that 220 killed a ton of woodchucks!!

A friend of mine has a 220 swift in an older bolt action winchester, a model 54 in fantastic condition, I love that gun, he'll never sell it to me tho.

dang ole Twisty, he posts on here sometimes & he's pictured at the begining of this story on the little dozer pushing up a sand pile out at the cabin.

Hey thanks guys, i think im gonna miss the name, "Boy" if i do get a new name!!

Whatever you prefer , welcome and Happy birthday ( belated by now ) to The Boy Captain Bangflop

Hey there he is!!

Your display name can be what ever you want. You can go into your profile & detail your display settings how ever you like.

Since I set it up, I know your initial password so I think i'll sneak in there & plop an avatar in your profile to show up by your name.

only question is... should i be nice or????

we'll see what I can find.

Welcome Boy!!

I decided to be nice

Hey when that little white envelope is flashing on & off at the upper center of the page it means you've got mail.

So ya better check that out cause yours was flashin when i put your avatar in your profile.

Captain bangflop......cool user name....only dave could come up with a name like that! Hilarious!

You just getting off work Brian?

What are ya doin Saturday? Was wonderin if you & Tommy Boy would want to go fishin in the new house? Talked to Tom last night.

Yea just got home. This is part of my morning ritual. get home, fill the wood stove, go online for a bit, then go to bed.
Fishing saturday sounds good. Tom give the thumbs up?

Yeah he's wanting to go pretty bad. Maybe give me a call tonight before you go to work.

Will do. Been to the cabin lately? I wonder how deep the snow is getting to be on the road in?

Was out there Wed last week to get propane tanks & we were skimming snow with the axles a bit between wheel tracks with the truck. That was before we got another 6 to 8 inches, so I figure it's getting plenty deep out there.

Welcome to the fire, captain bangflop... and a belated HAPPY 18th!

Originally Posted by captain_bangflop

Hey thanks guys, i think im gonna miss the name, "Boy" if i do get a new name!!

Hey welcome and happy 18th once again boy bang flop! Don't worry, no matter what name you get, you'll still always be the "boy" deep down.

We need to get after some coyotes one of these days. We still have not used my e-caller on a 2 man setup yet.

Originally Posted by hihobruce77

Hay wabo, seen those pics on the Savage sight! I hang around there some.
tzone What caliber did you get?

.300 Savage. Pretty basic, I know. But hopefully there will be more to follow.

Originally Posted by captain_bangflop

Hey thanks guys, i think im gonna miss the name, "Boy" if i do get a new name!!

Chicks will dig Captian_bangflop better than the "Boy"....unless...oh never mind.

Hay tzone, nothing wrong with a 300! It's killed a lot of game.
I hunted with one last year, a model F. Kinda heavy tho. This year I carried a 303 with a 20" barrel (had a smith shorten it). For all
the difference it made, it could have been a pop gun. Right now I customizing a 22H.P. Bruce

Originally Posted by Rooster7

We need to get after some coyotes one of these days. We still have not used my e-caller on a 2 man setup yet.

Yeah we do! Full moon is comin up tuesday i think but i was noticeing tonight that it is pretty easy to see now, i could see three deer about 100 yards off the road standing in the field so i think the coyotes should stick out.

so.... with the electronic caller, do you get... electronic coytes? do they bleed or do they just throw a lot of sparks when you shoot them?

Cappy, el-Cappy-tonn... Bang floppulence, Sir Flops a lot...

I come home late tonight & thunk to myself, "self.. you should grab 220 swift & go looking for coyotes right now."

It's very bright out there.

HAHA well most of the coyotes i seem to see have nothing robotic about them but that would be something.

I have been thinking i should be doing that all night.

I think me and a buddy are gonna go try get em tomorrow.

CBF, wow was it lit up this morning at 5AM! I saw 6 jackrabbits in a 8 mile stretch & I was only watching one side of the road.

we gotsa do something about this rabbit problem.

them song dogs were a singin by me last night. Be damned if couldn't see those suckers out trotting along the edge of a cut corn field by my place.

Might have to see if I can smoke one this weekend. Maybe I'll use the '06 and keep the neighboors on their toes.

Never hunted one of those little buggers...do you use a rabbit call?

I have had coyotes come into my turkey calls two seperate times in the last few years.

One had a belly ache shortly after, the other one came in when I was calling for my step dad and he didn't know he could shoot one.

never hunted what? rabbits or coyotes?

hunted rabits plenty. never hunted coyotes. I shot one that came to my turkey decoys/calls, but never went after them specifically.

I've tried to call in rabbits...but they wouldn't answer their phones.

Sir Flops-a-lot....oh, I like that one. Be careful CBF, the first time you mess up, that one is gonna come flying outta NDs mouth!

Course a guy should be able to find something that ND stands for...

I have always wondered this....we have plenty of coyotes in Andover, the way-to-close-to-the-cities place where I currently live. It is a suburb on the extreme northern edge of the cities. Why dont they sing? I see them, but never, ever hear them. No one else hears them either. What gives?

I'm not sure. I live reasonably close to town and see them about twice a month.

I hear them about twice a year. When I do hear 'em, it is always late at night.

"Why don't they sing?"

hmmm....good question. I'll give my best guess based on what I have witnessed with coyotes while bowhunting out west and around home. Coyotes are a pack animal but in the country and wide open spaces they will split up in groups of one or two when they are hunting. When its time to regroup like at dawn for example, the alpha yote will sing and the rest will open up and let the others know where they are at. Sometimes it sounds like they are a mile or more apart and in all directions. This goes on until they all re-group and then the whole pack will open up together. Same as at night when they re-group after bedding (or whatever they do) for the day. In late january and february they break up into breeding pairs.

So on to my GUESS:
Maybe in the 'burbs' they are close enough to humans that they have lost this natural instinct due to becoming more like scavengers or since they are so dang smart maybe they just don't want to give away their position being that close to humans.

Like I said, just a guess.

maybe they just use gang signals.

you forgot the yo -yo- yo

Man tzone, we must have most of the singing coyotes in the southern part of the state. They get my dogs riled up and all heck breaks loose. In the summer with the windows open, I sounds like there in the driveway. Its very rural where I live, that may be why. Maybe city yotes can't sing well!!

When the pups are born they become real musical.

Poke some holes in some this weekend.

Rob

I'm out of town a bit, maybe 5 miles, but live in a subdivision with about 30 houses in it. There is a large corn field behind us and a good sized gravel pit behind there. Most of the time, I hear em in the pit.

When they get wound up...the dog starts a whinin'.

She damn near flips inside out. Kinda funny to watch.

When they start up at my place my lab runs half way down the driveway and barks her fool head off like she's so tuff. Then she'll run back to the garage and listen and then run back down and WOOF WOOF WOOF then back to the garage. It's pretty comical.

Nothing better then seeing a Yote come to the call.. Make sure you don't have the volume to high for the first 5 minutes or so after that gradually increase the volume SLOWLY. You'll blow them out if they are close with loud calling right away. Make sure your completely concealed and or have your outline brokenup by sitting in the middle of some buckbrush or up next to a ceder or pine. Never hurts having a quiver rabbit off to your side about 20 yards to keep the attention on it and not you when you ready for a shot. Some people even use small dogs like red doxins which are trained to run back and forth.

I've called in several yotes and usually its time to move if you haven't seen one in the first 30 minutes, only once did I sit for over an hour and have anything come in. Got Bob the kitty that time! Keep both rifle and 12 ga handy also keep calling after you shoot and look for more usually they hunt in pairs or more and get another shot at another yote right away as he looks for his buddy.

Try PredatorMasters.com for other helpful info. Good Luck on the Yotes CaptainBangflop and my campfire friends..

Dave,
Its been a pleasure reading about the camp and the rest of the stories. Its been a 5 day journey. Brings back a lot of memories for me of my teen age years. Although I didn't have a deer camp my brother and I would hunt squirrels and rabbits in the 200 acres behind our property in Alabama. It was him who took me on my first hunt when I was 11 and showed me how to sit and watch the big old oak trees for movement. This thread has strengthened my resolve to start Elk and Deer hunting out here in Colorado.

God Bless you and your family.

Jim

Welcome aboard Captmdnght. This is quite a thread, isn't it. Dave's quite a guy too.

Funny, about a year ago, he didn't think this thread would last this long, and here we are at over 2000 posts.

There are a lot of good dudes on here, some may give ya a bit of a hard time, but mostly they're just goofing around. Of course, if you read this whole wagon train of a thread, you already know that.

Nice to see you post.

Tom

wow thanks Jim.

Very nice of you to say, glad you posted & I hope you stick around.

Another new member posts first on Dave's thread.

Welcome!

Craig

do any fishing this weekend craig?

I'm mourning the loss of my favorite pocket knife.

donated to the bottom of Lake of the woods.

down the hole it went yesterday. nice little buck folder clip knife with the assisted opening type blade. damn it!!

I did. Just out in front of my house here on Island. Thinking about ripping out again tonight. Need another walleye for Tuesday night dinner. I get to cook on Tuesday nights on account of my complaints about supper a week ago Sunday. Just got back from a quick trail trip to fill up the sled gas. Lake still slushy - need your wits about you!

Your pocket knife reminds me of the time my kid knocked my cell phone into Red Lake. We were in a portable just feet from a friends. Kiddo and his little girl buddy came to visit me, unzipped and asked if they could come inside. I said sure, be careful of my....

I swear just them the kid backhanded my cell phone off a bucket and into a hole. Up to the armpit I went and grabbed the dang thing right before the bottom of the ice!

Had the presence of mind to instantly turn it off. Waited four or five days, turned it back on, worked like a champ.

Until the following weekend when I tried to answered the phone and dropped it down another hole. To Davey Jones locker this time she went. Arghhhhh!

So I go to Cell 2000 in Bemidji and explain the story,. She says, "Do you have any idea how many cell phones there are on the bottom of Red Lake?"

That reminds me of the time I ran a cell phone through my snow blower....... For another time.

Craig

Welcome to Another 1st poster, Another Captain at that!!! Grab another log for the fire and sit awhile.

Mid 40s here today, hard to imagine ice fishing right now. Been in and out of the shop working with a teashirt on! You guys shouldn't feel bad about losing a knife or a phone, I watched a buddy drop a Citori over under by Browning in the bottom of the river while duckhuntin once..lol I've lost a few knives,calls and shells in the same manner too.

I should be bowhunting this last weekend for me to be off but have been washing up and repainting snow goose decoys. It's almost time for thier return trip north, Kiddo and I are chompin at the bit.

So whats the temps up north this weekend?

We got above zero for the highs this weekend but it sounds like some real cold stuff srttling in this week now.

damn i miss that knife, i must have reached for it 6 times today.... dang it.

My kids got a big ole whankin open assist pocket clip pig sticka. I'm partial to the Swiss Army type with a little scissors and a phillips head screw driver. Found it at about the Arctic Circle fishing big Northerns. Actually, the boy found it under the seat of a Alumarine Canadian boat.

Since he had just almost cut his pinky off with a little pocket knife, I rubbed it in by keeping the Swiss Army.

Now he packs a big ole open assist locker pig sticka. Go figure.

Craig

this one wasn't that big.

buck called it the "rush"

Any of you guys use a hand held GPS at the deer camp (gotta stick to the theme here) Thinking of getting one. Bruce

I'm pretty sure I'd be divin for a citori. That a lot of money to sit on the bottom of the lake.

temps here were about 15 above today. Not looking so good for the rest of the week. High of 5 or so.

HH77: I do use a handheld GPS. Mostly I use it for scouting, so if I find a good spot, I can get back to it again. I did use it fishing once before I had it on my locator. It saved our azzes. It got real foggy on a spring day. Luckily I was screwing around with it at the ramp and marked the ramp before we left. We needed it to get back.

A few years back my ex(now) son-in-law worked as a manager for Bass Pro Shops.While Chuck Buck was making a promotional tour the ex SIL got him to electro engrave the blade of a Buck Meritor fixed blade "To Stan from Chuck Buck".It was my Christmas present that year.I've never used it.Damn,I miss that boy.Only half way normal SIL I ever had.
Overcast here all day.Linda has a bad bad cold which she has most generously passed on to me.
Welcome to all of the new guys here.Great place to be.Took 5 days to read it all,huh?This thread definitely has a life of it's own.Going on 100,000 views.WOW!

Stan in SC

My garmin GPS is the "map 76" model, quite dated by now but I use it elk hunting, fishing & also deer hunting. Very handy.

Hey sorry to hear about that knife that the big lake took from ya dave. lol

I just got in from yote huntin with my buddy. I called in my first yote tonight and put the smack down on it with the .243, very exciting.

Then on our way back to my buddies house we spotted a pair of yotes on a line of haybails about 200 yards off the road. My buddy jumped out and toppled one right off the bail with his .223.

Hey ND are you gonna be around next weekend?
Im itchin to get back up there and do some fishin.

TZone, That citori still lies somewhere in the bottom of the Mo. river.. That day there were chunks of ice the size of pickups coming down in the current we were dodgin with the boat and a 45 below windchill. If a guy tried to dive the bottom of the river without weights on he'd never make it the current is too strong. He cried bout it for years! Told him thats why ya take a beater scattergun duckhuntin,lol I've never gone out with ice coming down in a boat again either. Now I hunt the bank if its like that and make sure the ducks will land in nomore then 2 feet of water then...

Dave, I know the feeling,

I lost a highschool graduation gifted knife while turkey huntin one spring, we drove over the knife several times with tractors over 5 years. Went home one day and my Bro In Law from deercamp had been huntin behind my house at the time and found the knife, in the middle of a dirt road to get to the field. Still in almost perfect condition, just faded on one side. Great for frogleg choppin or splittin deer rib cages, was Happy to have it back. The Solution Spirit. You unlock once side and flip the handle and it becomes a hatchet. The Spirit came back to me that year too, I killed my biggest buck to date within a few days of gettin the knife back...

Had a Gerber multi tool I lost a few years back and I'm going to be getting another soon, still miss that.

Forgot bout it till today when you guys mentioned lost knives, will remedy the problem soon. Thanks!

Capt BangFlop, BOY You sure do know how to BangFlop stuff!!! Congrats on the Yotes!!!!

Originally Posted by captain_bangflop

Hey ND are you gonna be around next weekend?
Im itchin to get back up there and do some fishin.

Hey first off nice job on the coyotes!! That's really cool! Are you selling the hide or?

next weekend I do plan on being around & I have no plans for anything yet but fishing sounds good. I have to go to Chicago this week but i'll be beck home before the weekend.

I'm hoping this next shot of snow misses us.

I have some pictures to post from saturday's fishing. I'll post them this morning.

Also, we gonna bring a magnet out there & I'm gonna catch my dang knife back off the bottom of that lake.

I hope

ok it's picture time again.

First here's a picture of ole trusty. sometimes when you have an important job to do, a really tough job that's gonna take a really tough truck, well then you better use your best truck.
[Linked Image]

it's dark but the picture is taken out on the lake after the truck was used to bust a path out to the fish house & plow out a new spot to park the house on, truck also tugged the house on to the new spot.
here's one with the house in the back ground.
[Linked Image]

Stan wanted a picture of the house on the ice, I'll get a better picture next time Stan but for now this will have to do.

this was all friday night in preperation for saturday fishing, Me & My boy Nathan (runs with scissors) did a heap of work friday night to get things ready for saturday.

[Linked Image]

And here we go with the fishing on saturday. It was slow by Lake of the woods standards but we had fun. Me with a terminal case of hat hair & scruffy hobo wisker face.
[Linked Image]

My buddy's boy with a nice keeper.

[Linked Image]

me again, hat now covers the bad hair but there's not much I can do to cover up the ugly.

[Linked Image]

Nate with the fish of the day, It sure was a lot of fun watching him bring this one in. Fishin for walleye but sometimes you get one of these.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture007-1.jpg[/img]

and we couldn't leave my buddy Tom out of the picture taking so we got him with his bigest fish of the day, a personal best for Tom.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture008-1.jpg[/img]

That's about all I've got to report for the weekend.

Nice going kid...ya got any pics?

Great pics Dave. That ford is a classic. Were the eyes keepers or were they in the slot?

Tom catches eye ballers like I do.

Is that what you caught the piker with? Did you keep the northeren? Looks like some good eatin there.

We had some Lk. MI salmon I caught earlier this fall. We had around 40 pounds at one point. We're down to about 5#'s or so.

we didn't have to throw any walleye back this time. The biggest one pictured was under the slot by about 3/4"

he's doing a good job at making the fish look really big in the picture

yeah we kept the northern. I baked him with butter, lemon & old bay seasoning, wrapped in foil packs.

good stuff.

yer making me hungry...course that doesn't take much.

on the river here in the spring, we catch a ton of 8-12" walleyes. 12" a guy could almost keep. But the slot is 15-under 20, and 1 over 28"

ours is 19.5 to 28

one over 28

we fished out at gull rock on north side on saturday, kept about 8 nice eyes, theres some snow on the pond for sure. it was a good day even though the captain never made it out of the bag, the busch did though. lots of little ones and the keepers were exceptional fishies.....

Captain... keep tipping those yotes over, there are way too many of them around.

ND... the Captain's mom's cousin has a charcoal grill recipe that came from Alaska for halibut that works great for snot rockets (aka northern pike). I am not a great fan of them, but with her recipe I could eat them on a regular basis. I'll see if she will get it posted in the near future.

yeah that would be good.

charcoal is kind of my thing anyways.

[Linked Image]

charcoal & oak wafers
[Linked Image]

backstrap loaves & a big veggi pouch.
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/taylorkodak004.jpg[/img]

or maybe some ribs, brats, corn, taters, burgers?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01049.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC01052.jpg[/img]

I like my charcoal

You're killing me... looks awesome. We also live on grilled things here.

The hide isnt worth anything right now around here, im not really sure why. But i know a guy that likes tanning hides so i gave them to him.

Old yeller looks like she had a good time bustin through that snow to the house. Looks like you guys had a pretty good days of fishin to me, cant wait to get up there.

I'm a charcol guy too, seem to over cook or just plain old burn whatever I cook on the gas grill.

Have yet to get on the ice this season, waiting to hear from a bud and spend the weekend. Another guy I talked to on Friday has a messed up work schedule, if it snows he has to plow...

I have to get some action photos of ole yeller busting snow.

Like I told Nate while he rode shotgun, if you can't see where you are going, then you're doing it right.

And we could definately not see where we were going. Must have been sending snow 25' in the air.

It was a vioelntly good time!

Cold report: Minus 36.6 *F right now. Ridiculous!

Craig

Fun. We have -5, -25 w/wind chill. We're supposed to get the crap you have starting tomorrow and lasting to who knows when.

-40 this morning up here.

not kidding.

that's damn cold.

I leave for Chicago for a couple of days at around noon today.

you boys & girls hold the fort down at the campfire forums here.

my truck showed -40 this morning on the way to work as well dave. gotta love it! quite the warm up coming saturday in time to hit the big pond too.

phone picture from inside my truck this morning.

[Linked Image]

Yeah not real happy here, schools 2 hours late and it is colder now then it was this am.

These idiots we have running the schools seem to forget that kids need to walk home after school as well or wait for the parents to get off work.

And they lock the bus transfer kids out of the buidling.

Somedays I ask myself what happened to common sense. -20 +/- 5 degrees right now depending on where you look and getting colder with the wind picking up.

Seriously considering keeping the monkeys home tommorow.

I worry about my little girl waiting for the bus too. I will wait with her in the car tomorrow if it is too cold.

-40...man that's F'ing cold.

Originally Posted by captain_bangflop

The hide isnt worth anything right now around here, im not really sure why.

Hey congrats on the yotes boy! Good Job! I talked to the guy at the Fur Shed in Downer when I brought my deer hides in. I asked if he was buying coyote hides. He said all the fur is way down in price. Has something to do with China. He said right now he is just buying animals at auctions and building an inventory for when the market turns around. He also said the main auction house that he buys from has like 200,000 coyote hides that are not moving. So they are not worth anything at all right now. Its the old supply and demand thing. You should have tanned that first yote. Yer momma wants more dead things hangin in the house she said...........er.........Yep.....thats what she said. "I wish the boy would bring home more dead stuff to hang in the house" I believe those were her exact words I'm pretty sure sort of.

Originally Posted by tzone

I worry about my little girl waiting for the bus too. I will wait with her in the car tomorrow if it is too cold.

-40...man that's F'ing cold.

Yep. Time to break out the hat and gloves. Dang weather!

This winter is getting old already. Normally a guy can pass the time by ice fishing in a nice warm fish house but where I am at, there is so much snow on the lakes and their flooding so bad that its not even worth bringing the house out again.

The wife or I normally wait with the kids in a vehicle for the bus if its gets too far below the donut. Tomorrow morning it will be hard for the vehicles to even get warm.

Pack your extra clothes and boots on your travels tomorrow fellas. If your vehicle should sucumb to this #$@! weather, it would not take long at all for you to turn into a man-sicle.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Pack your extra clothes and boots on your travels tomorrow fellas. If your vehicle should sucumb to this #$@! weather, it would not take long at all for you to turn into a man-sicle.

Good advise right there Rooster. I have a ton of hat/gloves/socks in the rig. I'm usually wearing boots, so that isn't an issue.

Sounds like tonight and Thursday night are going to be even worse. minus 50 in Northern MN wouldn't surprise me any. Stay warm everyone.

Dang Dave! Last year during a brutal cold snap he gets sent to california. Now he gets sent to chicago where its a balmy 11 degrees. He's probably window shopping in a t-shirt.

He's asking the ladies at Hooters if they've ever used Monkey Butt, because it really does work.

He actually just sent me a text saying he is on his way back to the room to get ready for the Blackhawks game with locker room passes after the game. I'm not a big hockey fan but that sounds like a pretty good time!

Hockey groupie chicks rule!!! You'll have to trust me on this one. Take me fishing...I got stories.

I don't know how you dudes can live up there and not be hockey fans. You guys probably live in one ofthe best spots in the country for high school hockey.

VIP passes sounds cool to me.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hockey groupie chicks rule!!! You'll have to trust me on this one. Take me fishing...I got stories.

I don't know how you dudes can live up there and not be hockey fans. You guys probably live in one ofthe best spots in the country for high school hockey.

VIP passes sounds cool to me.

Dave lives in high school hockey country USA. I live 3 hours south of him where small town hockey does not exist so I never got the chance to really get into it at all. Be interested to hear these grouper...er......groupie fishing stories!

The question is does CaptBangFlop have any stories about the groupies? Will Dave have any new stories after tonight is an even Bigger question?

Me I can tell ya it is minus 2 right now with the windchill and heading for 25 or 30 below with an actual temp of 5 below. The story is I'm sitting in the car keeping it warm waiting for the wife to do the grocery shoppin tonight and I see some groupies in Tshirts coming out of the store! TSHIRTS!!! The lights around the store were bright tonight they must have cleaned the lights.. Can't believe the college kids are so worried about style they don't wear coats in this weather, but I guess I can tolerate it ok.

Me I put on my insulated blizzard proof bibs, insulated vest, 4 in 1 duck huntin parka and a hat all before I left the office. All that and I still have 5 pairs of coveralls and a Pile of coats and sweatshirts in the car just incase. Style, Nah I'd rather smile at how cool the power of Mother Nature really is.. Stay warm guys and keep the kiddos taken care of in this cold, my other tip of the day is Corn Huskers Lotion for the hands to keep them from cracking due to the little 5 minute exposures to the cold.

What I would give for -2.

Started my tahoe this am in my tshir and boxers and the thero on the mirror said -21.

You boys with -40 and colder are frickin nuts.

Oh Yeah, can't wait to hear about the hockey groupie stories myself...just about jumping out of my skin with excitement........NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FYI, ma is booking a trip to anywhere in the world. Pa can go with, pa can stay home...ma is outta here very soon.

Have a good day all. Glad to see you boys are keeping the fire going at the deercamp.

- 2 would be time to start tinkering with the boat motor!

No. Its cold. Damn cold. I had to laugh tzone, about the boxer and t-shirt vehicle starts. Only in the north country at pre-dawn can you see half naked grown men running as fast as they can in short little tip toe strides to avoid slipping on the snow and ice to start a vehicle. A vehicle that does not like you at this point. Kinda like a wife that gets woken up at 4:00 am by you belly flopping on the bed and saying "honey...you havsh to gesh up. We havsh to go gitsh mysh buddy whosh went in the dish." Yeah that kind of dislike.... Yesterday morning, I went out in my camo robe and what can only be described as "old man" slippers. (The really ugly slip on kind with completely smooth soles) I'm doing the tip toe trot and hit ice on the driveway slab. I didn't fall but I did twists and turns and used muscles I didn't even know I had to stay upright. I remember thinking this is what a scared orangutan being chased across a skating rink must look like.

They are talking 30* above for Sunday here. That is going to be awesome!

OH Hey Ma! I was wondering how long it would take you to chime in!

I'm sure Dave was too busy buying you something nice from chicago to even pay attention to any dumb old hockey groupies! He is not their type anyway. He has all his teeth.

Rooster7,
3 hours south of Dave is still high school hockey country...what da heck is going on there. Where approximately are you at? Although it doesnt have the flavor or history of NDs area, it still is a pretty cool and well attended sport.

I am sure ND was in his hotel room early watching ESPN highlights of the game.

-30 at mi casa. The dog looked back at me when I opened the door for her with a look that said "can't I just whiz on the carpet today?". "Uh, no. Get your arse out there" was my response. Twice. Then I had to push her out the door. She sure was frisky when I let her back in.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh Yeah, can't wait to hear about the hockey groupie stories myself...just about jumping out of my skin with excitement........NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FYI, ma is booking a trip to anywhere in the world. Pa can go with, pa can stay home...ma is outta here very soon.

Have a good day all. Glad to see you boys are keeping the fire going at the deercamp.

er..ah...hi there mrsnorthern_dave, I didn't know you still read this thread.

That was all just made up stuff...ya cause it's the internet and all.

Pick somewhere warm for your trip, this weather is really starting to wear me out.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

- 2 would be time to start tinkering with the boat motor!

Yeah, I know. But the problem is it takes all day to get the boat in the water by the time you chop a hole in the ice.

Chopping? c'mon that is what leftover powder from ml seasaon is for innit.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

-30 at mi casa. The dog looked back at me when I opened the door for her with a look that said "can't I just whiz on the carpet today?". "Uh, no. Get your arse out there" was my response. Twice. Then I had to push her out the door. She sure was frisky when I let her back in.

I got the same response from da wife.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Rooster7,
3 hours south of Dave is still high school hockey country...what da heck is going on there. Where approximately are you at? Although it doesnt have the flavor or history of NDs area, it still is a pretty cool and well attended sport.

Actually I live right in between about the only two schools nearby that are large enough to support a hockey program. Moorhead (which has a good hockey history)and DL. The next closest would be the Fargo schools. The school I attended is about like the majority in this area. Football, basketball, volleyball and wrestling are about the only sports. Some don't even have a wrestling program. So I'm not saying we don't have hockey at all in this neck of the..woo.....er farmland. Its just that the vast majority of the schools don't even have a program. So therefore not much interest in it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

- 2 would be time to start tinkering with the boat motor!

Yeah, I know. But the problem is it takes all day to get the boat in the water by the time you chop a hole in the ice.

Makes trolling tough.

Ahh, I see. I am from Alex and we had an okay hockey program. Nothing too successful, but fun to watch.

Yep, the Spuds have a good program.

Man, ND leaves and the rest of us all get in trouble with Mrs ND. He is NOT gonna be happy with us watching over the place. Someone send him a handwarmer and a bottle of schnapps or something and mebbe he wont remember it in the mornin'.

dave, that lucky duck going to the blackhawks game, If you didnt know theres a local roso boy on the blackhawks they call him "buff" good kid too. only -28 here this morning on the truck, no pictures since daves not here. it almost feels like a heat wave coming in. Having fun Dave?

Who is in trouble with Pam??

I Finally coaxed her out of the woodwork again...lol.. Sorry MrsNrthnDave, I had to do it...

I swear I never meant to be the trouble maker..

Now my buddy Dave on the other hand well ummmmm, buddy Dave has er taken another errrr ummmm trip, me bets it may just be time for Pam to take a trip and tell a story or two as well... Lookout kids DaddyDave will be incharge..

Originally Posted by wabo

Lookout kids DaddyDave will be incharge..

Mayo, jelly,and cheese sammiches all around.

ChickenBuck and Goggle eye soup with a side of elk on the grill, Cold Mountain Dew and Hot COCO mixed drinks..

kinda sound good.

Hey ND, when you gonna move that house to a prime snot rocket catchin hole?

When does the good fishing start for those suckers? I always thought it was late ice, but you guys talk like the time is now.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ahh, I see. I am from Alex and we had an okay hockey program. Nothing too successful, but fun to watch.

Alex huh??

Since its slow and all were doing is talking about the cold and getting Dave in trouble with Ma Dave, let me tell ya a little story about my first and only time downhill skiing. I used to date this girl that hailed from Montana. She liked to ski and talked me into going to Alex to the ski resort. Sounds simple enough right? Well we get there and rent our gear and go outside and latch our ski's on. (This is where the adventure begins) I'm standing there after struggling to get my ski's latched. Who would have known a 2 degree slope could put a grown man on his azz that fast?? I have to take my ski's back off in order to get up. An instructor type person see's me struggling and says come on over to the bunny hill and get used to it before you go up there (pointing toward what looked like to me...Mt. Everest) So I make my way over to the bunny hill where its me, the instructor and about 20 little kids. There is a mechanical pulley system with a rope that ideally your supposed to grab ahold of and let it drag you to the top. Well I get in line and all these kids are lining up behind me. I grab the rope and start going and my ski's cross, one on top of the other and the rope keeps pulling me over and down I go. Now I got about 5 little kids piled up on top of me with ski's and poles sticking out everywhere. I finally make it to the top and fell about four times on the way down...the BUNNY hill. Now I'm frustrated because at that time I was in good shape, played alot of sports etc. I was done with this skiing crap. The girl I was with said my problem was "the bunny hill was too slow. It's much easier to manuever on ski's when your going faster" So I let her talk me into going on the lift and up the "mountain". Were standing there waiting for an empty chair to come around and I'm so busy trying to stay upright and thinking about getting on the moving chair that when it came I panicked and dropped my poles and launched myself on to it. The people behind us kindly brought my poles to the top. Now were riding up and I'm thinking "Ok...how in the he!! am I going to get off this thing??" We get to the "hop off point" and I jump, promptly landing flat on my back and the other people had to jump off their chairs from the side while I layed there flopping like a walrus trying to get out of the way. Now I've really HAD it and I'm determined to get back down and go home. We head over to this run and the girl tells me "just remember to 'snowplow' so you don't go so fast and you'll do fine" Well it was too late I'm already going what felt like Mach 4 down this hill and she's yelling SNOW PLOW! SNOW PLOW! I have no idea what this means so I'm streaking down this hill (picture Chevy Chase on the saucer sled from the movie Christmas Vacation) and come to a corner that you have to make if you don't want to become one with a tree. I lean left and there is a little side hill that juts out towards the main course and now I'm airborn. I come down all tucked like a pro racer and now I'm really flyin towards all the hustle and bustle down below. When I hit the level ground this kid (about 5 yrs old) comes sking across in front of me and I yell "get out of the way!" He looks up and is frozen with fear as I'm coming at him about 50 mph. Instinctivley, I reach out and grab him by his jacket and pick him up and now were both careening out of control. He is screaming bloody murder and I'm just trying to stay upright so I don't kill us both. I finally come to a stop and let the kid down who at this point is so scared that he is doing the thing when they cry so hard that their quiet for about 20 seconds and then just let out a big long beller. I'm shaking and his mom ski's over and grabs the kid by the hand and gave me the coldest, meanest glare I have ever seen. The girl comes down and ski's up to me and asks if I'm alright and says "ok we can go home now" I paused for a second and said "are you kidding me?! That was a RUSH!"

I had a ball the rest of the day on those little slopes in Alexandria.

True Story!

Originally Posted by tzone

When does the good fishing start for those suckers? I always thought it was late ice, but you guys talk like the time is now.

You can get them all winter but late ice is typically the best. That is when they come up into the flats to feed before heading up the river. Late february through march. Ya comin with us this year Tom??

Hey guys, what's going on here?

Chicago was neat. Nice & warm this time of year. On Thursday they said they were having there coldest day in 13 years.
We left our coats back at the room that day, it was a very nice break from the cold back home

here are a couple of pictures.

view from our room.
[Linked Image]

Chicago Blackhawks locker room with NHL player Dustin B, number 33 great guy.
[Linked Image]

And then here's me using a public rest room at the convention center. I thought it was strange but, oh well. Nobody seemed to be very shy in Chicago so, let-r-fly I guess.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You can get them all winter but late ice is typically the best. That is when they come up into the flats to feed before heading up the river. Late february through march. Ya comin with us this year Tom??

FN'A I'm comin with ya this year...

Give me a GOOD notice as to when to haul my fat azz up there. Two weeks notice would be great if ya know that far in advance, but a week anyway so I can get off work.

That is a F'n funny ski story. My son would have thought it was fun and asked if you'd take him again. That little dude is nutz sometimes.

WTF....Ya gotta have a Wild sweater on in that locker room.

Well at least ya pizzed in the street.

That is way to much glass and concrete for me.

Got any good groupie stories?

mrsnorther_dave can't wait to hear them.

pretty good time but i'm run down. not enough sleep.

no girlie stories, sorry.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

pretty good time but i'm run down. not enough sleep.

no girlie stories, sorry.

that's just cuz mama's watchin'

How was the game?

the game was awesome. Black Hawks won.

great seats, great game. Dustin was great, really hooked us up & what a fantastic host he was.

Very nice young man.

Your a lucky sh**!! man, you better be careful so you don't fall in the fishing hole this weekend....i think we'll be at the ROCK again. looked like a fun trip too.

He looks like a big boy in your picture. On of my buddies is friends with Ty Conklin, who used to play with the Pit. Penguins, and he would fly out to PA for the weekend to catch a game. Ty always hooked them up nicely. He'd would take them out to dinner afterwards with the team and everything. Sounded pretty cool.

Sounds like you had a good time.

Dave looks so right at home in the Big city...

... Way, Way too much concrete, glass and WAY too Many peoples in one place for me. Been through the Windy City twice at the airport when I went to SouthBend and all I could think about was protecting the wife from a thug, or how I would defend myself if something happened. I don't care howmuch they paid me I Don't want to go back!!! Spent two weeks in SouthBend with a population over a million in the area I don't care if I ever visit any city over a couple hundred thousand again! I know I'll have to soon though again with Kiddo's surgery... arrrggghhh on both counts...

All I can say is I'm Happy you enjoyed yourself and Dave your a Bigger Man then I will ever be because you have the ability to make AnyPlace a Fun Place.... I Sooo envy that in Good People..

Oh I almost forgot will the kids have Snot Rocket Soup?? lol

Gol-danger anyway, I was laughing so hard reading your skiing story the people at work were wondering what was going on. Oh my. And that isnt really a mountain, but rather a couple of hills. I have a similar, but tamer, story about my first time skiing. It was at Steamboat Springs. Who knew that one chair lift went to the "sane" slopes and the other one went to the "insane" slopes. I certainly didnt.

My brother did manage to break his collarbone out there this year already.

Ouch!!!

Broken collar bones suck! Did that when I was 14 on a Honda 90 three wheeler going down a steep hill with no brakes. My cousin was in front on his brand new 110 and I didn't want to run in to it and damage it so I decided that it would be better if I rolled it over and over down the hill and over a rock pile. Concussions are good though because you don't remember any pain.

Where are you at captain bangflop?

I just remembered we have to celebrate your 18th birthday!!

We have a birthday present for you here.

you wanna know what it is?

Well, bangflop & his buddies are on the way to my house, almost here. I better get a shower & get ready to head for the lake.

capt bangflop's birthday present rhymes with...

pflueger pringle mix.

Here's dreaming of a northern so big....

It takes two rots from a pringle mix to settle him down.

Craig

Catch a few Bigguns or maybe a couple dozenBigguns... Good Luck guys..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Where are you at captain bangflop?

I just remembered we have to celebrate your 18th birthday!!

We have a birthday present for you here.

you wanna know what it is?

Does itshe jump out of a cake?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, bangflop & his buddies are on the way to my house, almost here. I better get a shower & get ready to head for the lake.

capt bangflop's birthday present rhymes with...

pflueger pringle mix.

Holy smokes!!! nice present uncle northern_dave. Very cool.

Tell him happy bday from tzone.

Dave,

I'm wondering if what I'm thinkin is right did you get that Boy er Man a Ruger Single Six? Or did you get him a Sassy single for Kicks? I'm thinkin the Ruger is a Much Better gift for the Young CaptBangFlop.

Boy if your UncleDave got you a RugerSix you have got to know the Man Loves you for one of his own no doubt about it. I know you already know it, but maybe just maybe Dave and Pam need to hear it is Easily Seen that you two do already..

Thinking tomorrow is a day for hunting squirrels with kiddo then making marshymellow smores with both kiddo's in an afternoon/evening campfire outback. Should be Fun.. Spent the day watchin kid movies and getting the guns cleaned up from deer season. Going to catch a western here in abit, so I better get some supper. Hope you guys caught some Gooduns for supper today..

I just cleaned 20 very nice fish, gonna have a hell of a fish fry then it will be pflueger pringle mix time.

Capt Bangflop has no idea.

Fun.

Dave,

You almost caught 2 dz. Bigguns then, thats Good Fishing right there, not to mention Great eating!!!

CaptBangFlop is going to flip out and flop something..

Me I found the original Seven Brothers for Seven Brides on the tube and my youngest watched it with me. Special night for me to watch the little eyes lightup with all the music, dancin and colors. Life is Goooooiiiddd...

pflueger pringle mix, or...

Ruger single six ...

is a hit.

happy young man, happy uncle/cusin dave.

From dave & pam to the boy, a sign of love & trust.

We love you kid.

Cool. A gift to treasure for sure.

Were all the fish eyeballers?

Mostly walleye, a few sauger, couple of perch.

we thought it was slow enough fishing on saturday but when we went back out on sunday morning is was a dead sea. nothing hapening.

But I have a couple pictures from saturday though.

The first thing I did was to tie on a god strong magnet & drop it down my fishing hole to try to catch the knife I lost last week. I got it!!

My catch of the day!!

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here's the outside of the ugly foam fish house.

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here's the portable that the boys fished in for half the day.

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here's weezy waiting for a fish

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here's Pam & our youngest with a fish they both kind of caught.

power grin.
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back at home, picture of bangflop & his buddies with the fish we brought home.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam021.jpg[/img]

bangflop with a birthday cake.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam022.jpg[/img]

and a surprise b-day present.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam024.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam033.jpg[/img]

and I gotta throw this one in here just because i thought it was so dang cute.

our boy "plays with matches" telling his big brother a secret. He had to flip up his big brother's hat & whisper right into his ear.

Just a few moments earlier the little guy got one of those temperary ringing tones in his right ear & he was going around to everyone pressing his ear against their ear telling them to listen to the sound inside his ear.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam003.jpg[/img]

We had a good fish fry last night, fun weekend. Now for a peaceful evening & we're back to work tomorrow.

Dave,

Thanks for sharing, looks like a Wonderful Weekend!!! Wow looking at all that ice and snow up there is killing me. We have the cold air, well cold enough for snow but hardly a skiff the entire year. Can you send some snow like maybe a foot or two down Please?? Its cold enough that ice chunks floating down the Mo. river have shut the fairy down but we have no snow..

Flipping through my catalogs tonight I found a new Must have item, Alaskan style fur hat in ORANGE.. I Gotta have one for next year!!! Anyone else still thinking deer?

Hey everyone my internet quit workin for a few days thats why i havent been on here.

ND, me and my buddies had a AWESOME weekend. They were talkin as soon as we left your house as to when were gonna come up next.

And for the bday present... I LOVE IT!!!. Thanks so much. The first thing i did when i got home was toss a couple cans out in the yard and started puttin holes in them.

And about them water wolves(snot rockets) rooster and tzone were talkin bout, i think the next trip i take up is gonna be, 1 day eye fishin and the next day is gonna be spent pullin in the big toothy critters. Last year i went up there in early January gator fishin and i did just as good then as i did the first weekend in April, so you can get into them anytime of the winter.

Glad you guys had fun.

Yeah it's true, you can get into the northerns really good right now but it is bound to shut off soon. Usually in Feb it starts falling off. Not to say you can't still get them Feb-march but it does slow down for a spell.

We'll have to pick out a spot to maybe put the big foam house for northerns.

Ya know, south buffalo at around 16 ft wouldn't be a dumb place to set up, could fish walleyes there too.

Wabo, yeah I still think about deer.

We have a trail cam that we need to put out & we have to start thinking about maybe a food plot or 2 this summer, and more stand work.

Good Gravy! That's one hog looking sauger the young 'uns got there! Even had to gaff him.

One nice fish. I've always wanted about a 4-5 pounder to mount. Mine are always pretty small. Prettier than any ole yellow pickerel anyday, I think.

Craig

Dave,

What about some Snow, can ya help a guy out?

Just how big is the lake you guys are out on now, what kind of acreage? Looks like you can drive forever in that background and stay on the lake?

Looks like a great weekend boys. Not much around here. I worked on saturday, had company holiday party last night. Was almost too tired to get drunk...almost.

Tday, regular family stuff, grocries, swiming with the fam. I have cabin fever like nobody's busniess. Minimag keeps asking me to take him camping so he can drive the boat...

We should get my little bugger and yours together to reek havoc this year. Mrstzone says the two litte dudes look a lot alike...you weren't down here in late '04 were ya.

Nice walleyes and saugers too. I think the biggest sauger I've caught is about 12".

Captain,

glad to see ya got the 'net working again. Did you wear out that barrel on the wheel gun yet? I sold a little single six before I ever fired a shot through it...more than a stupid move on my part.

Cool present. Careful kid...don't shoot yer eye out.

Tom

Actually come to think of it we do get some really nice saugers up here. 16" sauger isn't all that uncommon.

You guys like the gaffed sauger huh? Yeah that's the only way those 2 would take the picture because neither of them wanted to hold the angry pointy poky fish

Wabo, the lake is around 345,000 acres.

It's actually easier to measure in sq miles

bout 540 sq miles.

Yes a lot of folks do stay out on the lake, we haven't yet in this house. The heater is a vent free style LP heater & although I have vents in the walls of the fish house to let fresh air in I am still nervous about sleeping in it. A vented heater that vents out through the ceiling is best in my opinion. Better draft no matter the wind direction.

The vent free type of heater with wall vents in the house like I have is maybe just fine but I don't have a carbon monoxide detector in the house so... not worth the risk.

It is not a night fishing lake anyways. the sun goes down & the bite turns off, so sleeping there is only convenient for being there the next morning, not having to drive home, that sort of thing.

I know a lot of lakes with a poor nite bite. Kind of against the grain for what most people think about walleyes.

Lake Dubay, my home waters here, is a much better daytime bite for walleyes, most fish for that matter. It is pretty brackish water and time of day doesn't seem to matter much. Last season, 11:00am was the magic time for some reason. It held true right up through fall in the spots I was fishing.

Ruger Single Six...darn nice little plinker ya got there Bangflop! That will be fun for shooting gophers this spring! I love doing that with my Ruger MK 2. Good times!

So Dave I'm curious, how long did it take you to find your knife in that murky water?

Gophers....you should be shootin' Badgers.

I almost gave up dipping that magnet, bobbing it off the bottom.

loosing faith in my plan when I pulled the magnet line up once in haste expecting nothing & it comes into view at the bottom of the ice with the knife stuck to it. I knocked the knife loose off the magnet on the ice & watched it fall once again!!

I dropped the magnet immediately & I don't know if the magnet caught the knife on the way to the bottom or if I landed on it just right but when I pulled it back up the knife was on there again!!

So I actually sent it to the bottom twice & caught it twice.

nice catchin' there dave!! sounds like a much more productive outing than we had out to the rock last weekend for sure. its not often you get skunked out there but it happened again. maybe it was the other guy i was fishing with, kinda bad luck i am starting to think!!

Wow. shoulda bought a lottery ticket on the way home that day Dave.

I showed mrstzone you fishin' shack pics on sunday nite and she thought it was "pretty neat".

It's all pretty bad buschy. I know of one guy that did well on whisky flats, heard of another that did very well at stony point, but that's it.

and those are portable access only spots, especially stony.

I'm not sure if i've got a stony trip in me this year. I usually try to go once every year but, man, I'm run down.

don't think it's gonna happen this year.

I'm thinking about a snowmobile weekend at the chickenbuck. sounds relaxing, I could use some relaxing.

I can hear the wood stove cracklin now.

That could be fun out at chickenbuck in the winter time...nice toasty evening in the shack chilling and reminiscing...I am headed to ontario out on a trout adventure in a couple weeks on sleds hoping to have some great action up there. you'll have to let us know when the chickenbuck opens up!!

OK I'll let you know.

the old yellow snow bully might head out there to bust the trail open this week.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

pflueger pringle mix, or...

Ruger single six ...

is a hit.

happy young man, happy uncle/cusin dave.

From dave & pam to the boy, a sign of love & trust.

We love you kid.

Worth a bump this post is. Sometimes so much can be said with just a few words .

Oh ive been out shootin the gun, im not gonna lie its taken me quite abit to get used to it. I am hopen this summer to get some racoons with it and critters of that sort. I still love the gun

They are not easy to shoot if you're not used to them.

I can't shoot them worth a damn, but I have a great time tryin'.

Yeah it seems to want to hit a little low with the .22 long rifles. have you tried any 22 mags yet?

Worse case we take a little off the front blade & re blue the top.

she's kinda tall anyways

looks like half a penny up there.

Next time we're together i hope you have it with you, i'd like to get a little more time behind that single six myself. See what kind of group i can get with it, then try a few of mine as well. see how they all compare.

I can maybe help you out too, give you a few shooting tips. If ya don't mind taking a little advice from an old Marine.

I shot expert with a hand gun every time I qualified with it.

Rifle too.....

In fact, one time after shooting a perfect score with M16-A2 I was invited to shoot match competitions with the Marine shooting team. I declined due to my new family life, new wife, baby...

none of those shooting skills have helped my deer hunting all that much tho have they?

We'll get you dialed in, you'll be one with the sigle six before you know it.

Originally Posted by captain_bangflop

Oh ive been out shootin the gun, im not gonna lie its taken me quite abit to get used to it. I am hopen this summer to get some racoons with it and critters of that sort. I still love the gun

They are tricky. In fact my mark II is hard to get used to everytime I shoot it but once you get used to it, it's like riding a bike. Listen to Uncle Dave on shooting tips (and then pass them on to me)

and you'll do fine.

Dave,

That lake is HUGE!! Take half a day to drive from one end to the other HUGE!!!

Captain, Just don't do what I did, I wore all the riflin out of one of those 22 revolvers and a Marlin 39 rifle. Slick GONE almost,,,don't go shooting rats... LOL..... We used to have rats by the gojillion that came in the Big hogbarns in the winter and sleep/eat under the feeders.

Especially when it got real cold, would make an entire night each and every night for months with about 5 buddies shootin them, we shake the feeder and alittle come out maybe 12, bang,bang.. shake alittle more there go 7.. Birdshot 22's won't penetrate Lacross rubberBurly's but kill rats fine, ask me how I know..lol..

So who else has gone rat huntin? Starlings or Sparrows? My nephew got a sparrow with a dart gun on Christmas eve. Little rubber dart, kids toy...lol Anyone else crazy enough for that, thinkin maybe so with the crazy ice/water lake skippers here? I must be in the right spot..

Keep at it Captain your fun is only beginning!!!!

Your in the right spot wabo! Me and my redneck relatics used to "shine" sparrows in the pig barn at my uncles and eradicate 'em.

Kinda feel bad about the "catching and be-heading" thing now though.

Funny how when you get older your heart gets softer........

P.S. You ain't makin it across that lake in half a day. Sometimes it takes that long to get to a fishin spot.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

P.S. You ain't makin it across that lake in half a day. Sometimes it takes that long to get to a fishin spot.

that depends on the time of year, how much money you got or sometimes just how crazy you are.

ice covered or open water, both can be equally slow to travel on. some of the best time i've made across about 25 miles of that lake were in my old 1978 F-150 in the winter time with a GPS in one hand.

It was a crusted over 10" snow cover type of year & you could actually "plane off" with the truck if you kept the RPM's up & the speed up.

It was awesome, we had about 6 trucks like that heading out across the empty frozen tundra heading for knight island. Looked like a scene out of an old Mad Max movie.

It was to be the best day of fishing ever.

we didn't catch a single fish that day for about a dozen guys.

And to my comment on money, well if you've got yourself a $45,000 - $50,000 tournament boat with 250 hp or better... well then you're gonna get across that lake in a hurry.

I went out of warroad with a guy once & we hit knight, garden & stony & back to warroad all in the same day. That was a good 75 miles on water & most of the day was fishin, not traveling.

Well guys, I drove the old yellow snow bully in to work this morning, full tank of gas & I'm heading for the chickenbuck to plow the road after work today. There could be a snowmobile/cabin weekend in store for us.

Wabo, I'd have to say that shooting the lands out of your rifling while killing rats is perfectly respectable.

Rifling well spent.

Originally Posted by wabo

Dave,

That lake is HUGE!! Take half a day to drive from one end to the other HUGE!!!

Ain't no way yer drivin across that lake in a half a day. That sucker is HUGE!!!

I never shot rats, but sure would if I had the chance. Sounds fun. Good way to way out a gun if you ask me. Only rat I ever saw get killed, my lab did it. She caught one of those suckers, grabbed it, and shook the living hell out of it. Little slimey rat pieces flying all over. Pretty cool for a boy to see. My sister...not so much.

Oops! Sorry Wabo, looks like everybody else done told you already that LOW is a biggun.

Wabo, back in the 50's the town dump was about a 1/2 mile from my parents home. My buddies and I used to spend hours over there shooting rats. Really sharpens your shooting skills. I'd buy a brick of 22 shells at a time and brick wouldn't last to long. Ah the good old days.

Shooting rats in the town dump.... boy does that bring back memories. I used to do that with the Captain's grandfather a long, long time ago.

Hey where is Stan? Anybody heard from him?

Hey good question. No, he hasn't been around for a week or so has he?

Hope he's OK. Off shootin' the 45-70 at stuff probably.

I'm here and reading.I just haven't had anything to add to the conversation.Linda and I have had teriffic colds the past week which left us feeling real punky.We have had a few problems lately with my 19 yr. old grand daughter and I am trying to cope with that.
Dave,I think that was a great gift you gave CBF for his birthday.
Thanks for thinking of me ,guys.

Stan

Good to hear from you Stan. Sorry to hear about your Granddaughter and you and Linda's colds.

You don't really need to have anything to add to post on here...just read most of my stuff for proof.

Get better.

Stan,

Good to see your still keeping up, we NEED Stans input too.... Got off early from work as I walked into my door at home, same as everynight I thought of you when I saw my walking stick. Eachday on my way in and out my stick says Wabo Stan is walking why aren't you... Serious!!!

Anyone else keep score like this???, used to take bbguns,flashlights and tennisrackets and go on the starlin/sparrow hunt and actually get credit at school for ridding pest from the local grainery...lol

TZone,

Rats are SuperFun, they would run down the walls edge heading for the openings and get whopped with the maglight and pileup 1 by 1 on the ledge..lol Had one buddy who crawls up a 4foot wall from waste deep hog poo to shoot rats running around in the attic. He is 6'3 and 280lbs and peaks through the insulation ceiling out he comes falling into the poo, screaming,shooting 9 shots from the revolver with a Big Racoon coming down too.. Too Funny the look on his face when he hit the floor... Having trouble typin it, laughin so hard at the memories..

it was striped gophers for me. I used to shoot them in the head with iron sights every time. Dont think i could do that nowadays. I remember bringing home a whole ice cream pail once. I was soooo proud of them. Mom for some reason wasnt. at all. I did take a picture of them all lined up and sent it to my grandpa who gave me the .22. He had it on his desk until the day he died. You would have thunk those rofers were prize bull elk with the look on my face.

That would be a stinky, itchy mess.

Striped gophers used to be a spring ritual for me. Just when its warming up but the grass along the roads isn't growing yet. You can whistle them suckers out of their holes every time. .22 rifle and pistol were the primary weapons of choice. Even shot them with my bow and arrows tipped with judo points on many occasions. Wonder why I haven't done that for awhile?? I need to get back in the groove of having fun and quit being so caught up with everything that needs to "get done"

Maybe me and young bang flop will have to spend a warm saturday afternoon competing with the .22 pistols on the 'rofers'...

Good to hear from you Stan! Just wonderin where you have been.

Sorry to hear about the grandaughter and the colds.

As others have said we need Stan stories so don't be a stranger!

Rooster, Berettaman,

Cool stories. Do the same around here with the red squirrels. I'll have to take minimag out this spring and show him how to do it. course, he's ready to just jump right into turkey hunting. He thinks he has the call thing all figured out.

One time me and a buddy rented a house in Milton West Virginia. It hadn't been lived in for years. Full of trash. We rehabilitated it!

We used to sit on the couch watching TV after long days in the field. It became pretty routine to say in normal voice, "toss me the .32"

If you had a good line, you then popped off a few rounds and rarely, but sometimes killed a Norway rat. Some of those bastards were the size of house cats.

I don't condone shooting inside anymore. Wouldn't recommend it. Big game though, you know. Want one of those buggers running past your pillow?

Craig

Finally!!! Cigars all around guys and gals, Sis has been having complications for awhile and the little tyke is a bit early yet but I now have a 6th niece as of around 4 this afternoon.. All is ok though Thankfully!!! Have your favorite drink,smoke or candy of choice, I know I'm going to fix one up soon.

Did the gopher thing in Montana back in 90 that was a Blast! Don't have a clue howmany thousand we took in that week, peep,peep,peep. Always shot em in the butt while they stoodup after a whistle and they were airborn. Reminds me of some days I punished the Snow Geese and took over 100 in a day. Can't do it anymore without feeling somekind of regret,so now I take pictures Alot of the time. Plan to enjoy doing some plinking again soon though with the .22s

Time for a drink, some steak and baked tators though for now.. Yum........ Mamma says supper is on..

Two buddies and I killed 87 (confirmed dead) rats in the town
dump back in the fifties. Couldn't do that now.

Dave, could you shoot the 1911 45 cal well? I couldn't hit a barn with it.

Funny I just thought about the name of the first place I talked about the Birth of my niece on.. Dave you started a WONDERFUL thread with the Birth of your families deer camp!!! This place has given me Alot of new people I like to think of as Great friends and a place to talk about everyday life. The Good and the Bad but the Good is Always Overwhelming here.. Thanks to ALL the CampChickenBuck Family and Friends for giving me another Warm Campfire to share this thing called Life...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Maybe me and young bang flop will have to spend a warm saturday afternoon competing with the .22 pistols on the 'rofers'...

that sounds like a very good idea.

Originally Posted by hihobruce77

Dave, could you shoot the 1911 45 cal well? I couldn't hit a barn with it.

I used to go to an indoor range on base & check out a colt 1911 mmatch grade model called "gold cup"

I did very well with it, loved shooting the 1911's not all are equal of course. That gold cup was a decent 1911, of course it pales in comparison to some of the match grade customs that people put together but I did very well with it.

Sure wish I had one of my own.

Wabo, congratulations!!

This thread has become sort of a virtual deer camp made up of folks that for the most part have never met face to face.

This is something you guys created.

I stuck a story out there, an interactive project in which so many contributed to. Then you guys all kept it going, warmed the place up, made it a place to stop in & read, visit etc.

I enjoy it a lot, and I have all of you guys to thank for that.

I truely would like to meet you all someday. Rooster & others have made mention of a meet n greet sort of get together at the chickenbuck. I think it's a good idea, we'll have to work on that. I know many of you are far away & it wouldn't be realistic to do so but it would still be fun to have a get together & post pics of the get together of those that could make it.

we'll work on that.

Well me & the old yellow snow bully had one hell of a job to do last night. Aprox 1 mile of trail to bust open from the open forest road back in to the chickenbuck shack.

It was rough I tell ya, I went by myself & didn't feel like getting stuck so I had to drive & opperate that plow very carefully. With an angling straight blade it's very easy to find yourself sideways in your own trail in a hurry. The plow blade can catch like an ice skate & pitch the front end of the truck off the trail very quickly. It's tricky, you gotta push hard, give it a good hit but You have to be able to react quick when that angled blade takes a bite & starts throwing the truck sideways.

Took me 3.5 hrs to get it. It's not as good as I would have liked to have left it but the clutch was hot, I was low on fluid in the lift/tilt unit and I was tired!!

It wasn't easy but I'm pleased to announce that chickenbuck is now open for winter activities such as snowmobiling.

And I'd also like to add, my uncle Dusty's old yellow truck is one tough, mean, bad ass old truck!

I know you read this, that really is one hell of a tough old truck!!

That don't mean I beat it, you don't have to beat it. Honestly it hardly has to work as long as you know how to drive it, and I think i'm catching on.

Know what you mean about those straight plows Dave, they do take time behind the wheel to get used to.

Neighbor had one of his buddies come over last Saturday and plow out the median between our driveways. This guy had a F250 with an adjustable V plow. Amazing what he could do with it.

there's a reason the v plows are so expensive. They're worth it!!

You know I'll have my fat butt up to the chickenbuck when ever you give the word.

We had a huge one on our 250 at my old employer. It was only used to plow the parking and storage lot, which would take about 3-5hours depending on the snow. That sucker had so much weight on the front of that truck, if you didn't have something in the box, it'd do the same as you descriped. Whip that rear end right around, and you'd be sideways before you knew it.

Another thing you'll learn real quick if plowing in a truck with a manual tranny is "Don't ride the clutch". You'll be replacing the clutch real soon if you do.

I used to plow my dad's c-stores for years. I miss that. If a little snow would spill off to the side of the plow and create a little line of unplowed snow, dad would get on me for leaving "dingleberries". NO DINGLEBERRIES! N

Alright, time for a zinger. Notice how all these tough old trucks are Fords? Thats cuz everyone knows Chevy's and Dodge's can't handle it!!!! I am now running, ducking, bobbing and weaving as here come the shoes.....

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Another thing you'll learn real quick if plowing in a truck with a manual tranny is "Don't ride the clutch". You'll be replacing the clutch real soon if you do.

ya, for sure

I had to rock the truck quite a few times due to getting hung up on my own plow berm. I've been thinking for a while not that it doesn't feel like there is a lot of pressure or a lot of meat left to the clutch. I got it hot while rocking the truck and I glazed it a bit, had it slipping.

I dropped down to first gear (can usually plow in 2nd) and she took a good bite, clutch held but i might have to put it on my list. Things to look at when servicing the truck. It's in such good shape mechanically I don't want to let things slide.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dropped down to first gear (can usually plow in 2nd) and she took a good bite, clutch held but i might have to put it on my list. Things to look at when servicing the truck. It's in such good shape mechanically I don't want to let things slide.

rub it in why donchya.

Dave, do you have the old 4 speed with the granny 1st gear? You could pull stumps in 1st with that old tranny.

yep.

first is very low. almost kinda tricky plowing that tough trail in first because the RPM's are up in that area where the slightest push on the peddle really makes that FE block jump.

I remember seeing that old beat up truck 20 some years ago and thinking it was ready for the bone yard. If fact one day I asked our buddy "what ever happened to that beat up old yellow truck your Dad had?" and he said "Oh it's still goin! Cussin Dave is using it for a plow truck" I couldn't believe it!

I had a '76 with a 390/granny 4-speed, and an '85 300/6/granny 4-speed. Pull the ass out of a cat with both.

That old 76 was a good sleeper. wasn't in quite as good of shape as daves yellow monster, but if you decided to give it throtle, she responded. Real good idea for a 18yo kid to have that kind of power.

trucks were trucks then wern't they?

Yup trucks were TRUCKS back then... Dad had a 77 Ford with a 460 and the Granny 4 speed on the floor, a 78 Chevy 454 and auto and my older bro had another 78 chevy.. All those were around while I grewup about till 1990. Each One had a purpose and were a BLAST driving, all had glasspacks and all would lay rubber easily.

For a 16 year old to be able to blow blue flame when hammerin it they were PERFECT... Gawd I NEED to get a REAL truck again next time, the V6 in my 99 Ford 150 is a Workhorse but has No high end torgue. Sometime SOON this WILL change.. Thanks for the memories!

Guess they all make both good and bad ones . The brand new 77 f350 my dad got with the 390 , was either a hungover monday or lets hurry up and go home it's friday built truck

The 2nd motor( first one went thru 5 quarts of oil in less than 100 miles ) toted our pickup camper to Alaska and back in 77 and was replaced again that fall a few months after we got back. After a dozen or so king pins and at least that many power steering pumps , Dad had the bad parts cut off that truck and we have a 1 ton trailer now

I've had good luck with gmcs and chevys.

Glasspacs make everything better!!

amen

Frightful cold out there on the lake today Dave. We didn't get going until after noon, but still managed 15 fish anyway. None to big, most to small, kept enough for a couple of meals.

We had fun though. Frightful cold though. Wind flapping the house all afternoon. Seriously regretting having a beer 'cause then I had to pee. Too cold to pee.

Craig

Originally Posted by hihobruce77

Glasspacs make everything better!!

Loud pipes, save lives!!!

Craig,

Just how cold we talking? Somedays it pays to stay home, Maybe?? Sounds like it is cold there though, 14 here at the moment with snow.. Still only a skiff so far, I want Real SNOW like when I was a kid we measured it in FEET...

I went to work this morning, and it was -7 without the wind chill. I'm guessing it was colder by dave and craig.

-32 at home this morning when i left for work.

It was probably in the teens below zero while we were fishing. But there was this incessant 5-10 MPH wind. Just enough to carry away any heat energy. Really sapping. We were in a portable (tent style) fish house and it was all we could do to keep the holes from freezing over.

Somedays it does pay to stay home. It's just that they only make so many Saturdays. I'm better than I used to be. 10 years ago no weather no how was going to get in my way. I might be wiser. Or a little lazy.

Craig

Boy you guys are some early birds. What time do you have to be to work? Glad I'm retired and can sleep in. Was 15 below here this morning.

I'm up at 5 usually.

ND, your posts says 4:13 am. Yet you got up at 5. Putting those two things together means you have a computer in your bed? that certainly is, uh, um....dedication to this thread. What does Mrs ND say about it? Doesnt it get in, um, uh, the way?

-11 this am. This chit is gettin' old.

wears a guy out. I had to work all weekend so I didn't get to play outside anyway. didn't miss it much. I wanted to take my boy to the ice drags, but the windchill was -30, so that wasn't going to happen.

Those drags are fun to watch, some of those dudes run in the 12's...on ice!

not central time zone

well, then either my settings our your settings are goofed.

Cause I didn't even check this until after i had been at work for a while. would have actually been 6:13 am. 4:13 would be kalifournya time.

Maybe the server is in CA.

well, nd, i looked for you out on the big pond yesterday and i seen the new shanty out on the lake. looked good from far, didn't see you out there so i didn't come over. Lestifer and i went farther up north just bout to the border east of south tip and had some pretty dang good fishing up there! or at least i did. was hoping you were out there we were going to stop in. a bit chilly with that wind out there yesterday though.

yeah I stayed home all weekend. sounds like you were at whisky flats.

friend of mine was up there sat & sun & did really well.

not quite out to the flats there, just south west of it a bit. we had some throwbacks or i did anyways. it was a good time. i even honked at you last week while yuo were filling up old yeller at the c-store. i was trying out the 09' f-150. nice.....

Yeah, I get that a lot with that truck, the honking.

usually chicks, wanting a ride in the yellow beast.

I've gotten so used to it that i don't even notice anymore when they honk.

chick magnet.

Oh my...I best ride shotgun next time Dave goes to town...or better yet, maybe I should drive Ol' Yeller to town myself. Possibly to work one day? Wonder if I'll get similar reactions.

oh I think you'd get a reaction.

I can see your co-workers. "note to self, Pam's one crazy chick. Tough as nails & possibly mentally unstable, beware."

hows the fishing forecast looking for you this weekend dave? Yuo and the mrs.nd going to be out at the ice shanty? i'll possibly come back out that way if possible to get around with my wheel house. i got to find a couple tires for it. i got one rubbing, but the way the fishing was out there last week i might have to try to repeat it again.

When I was 12 years old I moved to a new town. I moved to live with my dad.

I didn't know the town, hell I didn't even know my dad. It was all completely new for me.

It was late June 1982 in an old iron ore mining town on Minnesota's iron range. I met a lot of new kids before the school year started in the fall. In the summer time when you don't have school classes to separate everybody out by grade/age the kids just kind of blend into bands of similar ages. I became friends with this goofy high energy kid that was a year younger than me. There were quite a few of us that hung out & did things together, fishing, exploring old mines & caves etc. But we were 2 of a kind, wild mischievous, adventurous.

We were good friends, always on some sort of adventure in those days. Times were pretty tough, everybody was poor, (everybody we knew anyways). But nothing that we did ever cost any money. If our parents knew half the things we got into back then we would not have been allowed to be friends.

Not so much bad things, just dangerous.

Always goofing off & exploring by these old iron ore mines. A lot of that stuff was pretty dangerous.

We once led the way on an adventure which took our group of elite explorers to the bottom of an old pit mine. The old mine in question was very deep, the sides went straight down & you couldn�t see the bottom from the top.

I had learned of an old cable ladder that had been used long ago by the miners, story was that they had better means of getting up & down the mine but this was sort of an emergency ladder.

I had heard that the ladder had been used by some adventurous kids in the 50�s & early 60�s. But it�s location had become lost for many years.

My friend & I searched diligently for the mysterious cable ladder. Legend had it the cable ladder was broken on one side, it hung from one side only and was undoubtedly camouflaged with moss along a shaded cliff wall of the old mine.

I remember the day we spotted it from the opposite side of the pit. It was very hard to see as it had taken on the colors of the cliff wall. It wasn�t going to be easy, to our surprise the cable ladder did not go from the bottom to the top, you would have to climb down part way to where the cable ladder hung.

We assembled our band of explorers & set off to conquer the depths of �the china pit�.

We used a rope to climb down to the cable ladder. The ladder did only hang from one side, the other side had been frayed & broken for who knows how man years. The rungs were steel bars attached to each cable side, some of the rungs were attached to one side only, some rungs were missing completely. The ladder hung a little crooked from the top.

The ladder didn�t follow along the cliff wall for very long before the cliff wall tapered inward away from the old rusty cable ladder. From there down the ladder hung free from the cliff wall high above the rocky bottom which we could now see.

It was a long ways down, we knew we should only go one at a time down the old broken ladder. Everyone was scared, but this conquest, this adventure, it would separate us from our peers. We would become legends amongst kids for generations to come.

I went first, as I often did on such adventures.

My good friend was shortly behind me, if I remember correctly there was only one other that would go through with it. The ladder hung a bit too high off the bottom, you had to hang & drop.

Once on the bottom, a great feeling of accomplishment, a feat of bravery.

It was only one of many such adventures we carried out together as children.

The last time I saw my friend we laughed like kids again & he reminded me in detail of adventures such as this one.

I got word yesterday that my friend has died.

I believe he left behind as many or more than 5 children.

As I understand it the papers read that he died unexpectedly of natural causes.

I never knew him as an adult, met up with him a few times but only for short visits. He hadn't seemed to have changed from The friend I knew. He was a brave, adventurous, funny kid.

Here�s to my friend Thad. I�ll never forget you for who you were buddy.

Dave

I'm not sure buschy. I'd like to pull our house a little north as well. unless it's no place for a permanent house? I'd have to go up & scout it out first.

the good news is...nobody will park next to you at work, so you'll have plenty of room and no door dings. or you could drop that plow and make your own parking spot.

Dave, sorry to hear of your friend. I wish his family and children well.

lots of perms where we were on sunday. there moving all over up there. we were just east of south tip, not as far north as whiskey. look for a lime green house and we were just west of him and he has been doing very good where he is. its only bout 20ft there but we had some good action going on.

Sorry to hear about your childhood buddy Dave. Memories you make with those friends will be vivid forever even if you don't see them as adults.

Cool mine story ya crazy bastage! One question though...how did you get back up to the bottom of the ladder? I was waitin to hear the fire dept had to be called because it didn't dawn on you that you "had to get back up!"

If I remember correctly we had to climb a ways up the pit wall & jump out to the ladder to get back up out of there. Leap of faith sort of jump, crazy stuff.

We would go back down there from time to time. There was a huge cave at the bottom on the west end.

We never explored out too far out from that area because we knew we could be spotted by a park ranger if we went too far out from the bottom of that ladder area. It was the only part of the mine pit that couldn't be seen from any side of the top.

In the middle of summer there would be snow inside that cave at the bottom. It never got any direct sunlight.

sounds like a great place to dump a fairly new Chevy Tahoe...:)

that would be a terrible thing to do to that pit mine

we used to throw rocks from the top & wait to hear them hit the bottom.

it would take a while.

How did they get the ore out? Bruce

heavy rigging & hoists I suspect.

That pit didn't have a sloped side to it like you might expect for a set of rails for mule carts. I really don't know how they got the ore out of that one. it could be that the east end was conected to a larger pit just to the east of this one.

I really don't know for sure. There are also several shaft type mines in the area which had elevator cars to bring up the ore.

I guess i always immagined they used similar means to lift the ore from the old pits. possibly an elevator tower with verticle rails to guide ore cars up?

It was also common for a mine to start out as a pit mine & end up with a shaft mine at the bottom of the pit or at some spot in the pit.

there was a mine like this in the area (pit/shaft mine) which sits full to the top with water today. The story goes like this:

The mine was in full operation with a team of mules down the shaft taking there turn in rotation. All the equipment, everything to do with normal daily operation was down the shaft.

the shift ended, the guys went home as usual. They came back the next day & it sat full of water just like it sits today. all the mules & equipment are still down the shaft. Shaft opening is covered with water of course. It was one of our favorite summer time swimming holes. We'd jump from different heights off the cliff walls into the cold clear water in the pit. You could see a square shaft opening under the water on one end. i'm uncertain if this was the shaft that floded, there may have been more shafts deeper in the pit. (you could also see fish in that clear water, but that's another story.)

crazy stuff huh? That area is rich with that sort of history. I always found it fascinating.

It's actually all very interesting to me & I'm sure my buddy could have told us a lot if he were still with us today. i understand he became very interested with the local history in his adult life.

I'm sorry to hear you lost another friend Dave. Good memories though. That's something.

Craig

Near Clanton,Alabama there is a rock quarry filled with water that people said filled with water one night with all of the machinery at the bottom.We went skin diving in it and found nothing at the bottom.I just wonder how many of these same type of stories are urban myths.
Another one is the diver coming from the depths of a lake and refusing to go back down because of the size of the catfish he had encountered.
Dave,sorry to hear of your friends demise.
It's been rainy here all day.

Stan

thanks Craig.

They were poor times financially, but as my childhood goes, they were rich times. Rich in excitement, adventure, roaring hard belly laughs, very good times with a very good friend.

most of this was 26-27 years ago.

what happens to the time?

Having my favorite beer tonight, remembering my buddy.

hoist a glass, have a drink to a once skinny wiry dark haired iron range kid named Thad. Always smiling, always with mischief on his mind. His face would be pointed at your feet. But when you loked at him, his eyes would be on you, looking up through his eyebrows, that grin, hands in his pockets...

And you just knew, it was going to be a good day.

To my friend Thad Pecha: I hope they don't make you climb no rusty broken cable ladder to heaven. I'll take the cable ladder if it's the only way they will let me in. But I hope they let you take the elevator.

Stan, I googled the mine in question.

i found a story.

Written in 1971

story tells nothing of the mine filling with water overnight as we had heard when we were kids.

It tells rather of business decisions, politics etc... i don't know stan, maybe the damn thing is full of rain water

it's still a hell of a neat swimming hole though.

Hello all! New poster. Took me a couple weeks of reading to get to this point but boy, was it worth it! What a great story. Laughed until it hurt many times. To be honest, wiped away a few tears also.

ND, you are some guy! I'd be honored to share a deer camp with you any day. Same goes for Stan, Rooster, Tzone, wabo and everyone else on here. Too bad I'm so far away.

I'd be glad to share some camp stories and pics from our place here in PA if you are interested. And a little bantering too, I'm thinking.

Later!

Ron

Thanks Ron, nice of you to say. Welcome to the campfire forum.

we'd be happy to see your pictures & hear some stories.

Dave

Quote

hoist a glass, have a drink to a once skinny wiry dark haired iron range kid named Thad.

I hoist my half caffinated coffee for Thad! And rusty cable ladders! Adventure!

Craig

Welcome to the fire Ron! May your frontside be smok'in and your backside, well it be your backside. That Dave's expertise - Somethng about a monkey.

Craig

Sorry to hear of your loss, ND. It must have been one of those weeks. I lost three friends last week and spent most of the time at the funeral home or at the funerals. Things are looking up this week, however.

Welcome Ron! You found the right place to be. ND started quite a saga....

Dave,

something tells me Thad might like the climb up the old cable ladder to the Pearly Gates. Sounds like that is the way he would have liked it.

Ron,

Welcome. We could always use some pictures and stories from a tradition rich deer camp in PA...Always. Don't be shy, we'll listen anytime you want to tell 'em too.

Tom

Here's to Thad! It is amazing any of us lived to adulthood, eh? Now that we are adults, I shudder at the thought of what my kids will someday do. Is it bad form to require them to be encased in bubble-wrap every time they leave the house??

To be honest, as much as I'd worry about it... I'd preffer a little outdoors adventure for the kids rather than watching them cook there brains sitting on the couch staring at a tv screen playing violent video games all day.

And Tom, you're right. If there were an elevator and a rickety dangerous rusty cable ladder to choose from, both leading to heaven, Thad would have chose the ladder.

Unless there were free drinks and dancing girls in the elevator.

You can always hope for that dave, My thoughts go out to you man! A tip of the glass for thad and yourself. Keep the fires burning. Times are tough you just got to think about the good times.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Unless there were free drinks and dancing girls in the elevator.

There might be a long line of clergymen he be behind for that.

Ah Oh, now I'm going to get it.

Oh for sure, they are gonna be outside doing things. The couch will not be an option. When is the last time you saw a pickup baseball game? We used to do that all the time, nowadays, you hardly see that. Oh, and NO video games in our house, that is the rule.

No video games in this house either. I've asked the kid if he'd like one, and he usually says he wants a few conibears or something instead.

Boy's gonna be alright.

Craig

[Linked Image]

Dave, that pit mine sounds like an interesting place!
Round here we got brown stone quarries. They're flooded also. Bruce

Welcome Ron! We'd love to see some pics and hear some stories.

Its truly funny that even though many of us live in different parts of the country, we seem to be cut from the same cloth so post up!

Thanks for the welcome, everyone.

Sorry to read that several of you have lost friends or family recently. They may be gone from this earth, but they will still live in your memories. I'd love to have one more day hunting rabbits with my dad or one more fishing trip with my grandpa on his houseboat. Won't ever happen again on this earth, but I take those trips often in my memories.

Which reminds me, I've got a "grandpa" story involving a Browning Auto 5 shotgun, a German short-haired pointer and a ringnecked pheasant. Allow me to set the table, if you will.
My grandpa owned an auto repair shop and as a youngster and a new hunter I could usually goad him into sneaking out for some after-school hunting trips once or twice a week. This day he had just taken delivery of a trained German short-haired pointer that a friend of his had to give up for personal reasons which I no longer remember.
Anyway, when I got home from school (I lived with my parents over the garage) Grandpa met me and said "I just picked up a new shotgun to go with the new dog! Let's take Pepper (the pointer) and bust a few pheasants before supper."
And away we went; me with my single-shot 28 gauge, him with his new Browning Auto 5 12 gauge, Pepper riding in the back of the old canvas-top Willys jeep.
We quickly got to the farm and began walking toward a hedgerow full of multiflora rose. With me on one side and him on the other, we began pushing the hedgerow toward the woods. I asked Grandpa if he had shot the new gun yet and he said he hadn't, but he had shot so many guns had hunted for so long that he didn't need to shot it before hunting with it.
About that time Pepper goes on point. I started kicking the hedgerow and out came a big old cock pheasant, cackling it's head off and flying across in front of Grandpa.
Boom #1 (clean miss); Boom #2 (a couple feathers); Boom #3, down comes the bird. Grandpa calls for Pepper to "Fetch" but evidently she wasn't as fully trained as he thought because she wasn't making any move to get the bird. While Grandpa is yelling at her, (with an empty gun!) the pheasant pops up and starts running towards the woods.
NOW Pepper was interested! She lit out after that bird and shortly they both disappeared into the woods.
Soon we heard her barking like a coonhound with a coon up a tree. We get to the woods to see her running around a big brushpile and barking her head off.
I got down on the ground and started looking into the pile. I saw the pheasant several feet inside the pile but I couldn't reach him. We tried jumping on the pile and poking sticks into it but the bird wouldn't flush. All the time we're doing this, Pepper is going beserk around the brushpile!
Finally, Grandpa decides that if he tears some of the pile away he might be able to reach in and grab the bird. And so he does. How-w-w-w-ever, there was one sli-i-i-i-ght problem. That pheasant had NO INTENTION of trading his position in that brushpile for one in Grandma's oven. As Grandpa's hand approached his throat, he proceeded to peck Grandpa's hand. Well, perhaps peck is too kind a work for what happened. He got Grandpa in the web between his thumb and forefinger. Did I mention that Grandpa was of PA Dutch heritage. He could curse better in German than most people could in English. That day he proved that statement for all time. When he returned to speaking English after several memorable minutes, he looked at me and told me to step back and hold the dog. As i did, I saw him slide the barrel of that new Browning Auto 5 into the brushpile.
KABOOM #4! As a few stray feathers floated down onto the brushpile, he stood up, dusted off his pants and said, "I think that's enough huntin' for today".
I was about 14 or 15 when that happened and I'm 60 now. As I've aged my memory has been known to occasionally falter, but by darn, that's the way I remember it.
"Hunt 'em up, Pepper"
RIP, Grandpa.

Ron

great story Ron, thanks for sharing it with us here.

Craig, tell the boy I love that hat, awesome.

We're planning a camp chickenbuck weekend of lounging & snowmobiling.

I'll see about maybe taking some pictures.

Pictures are good !!! Wife and I were near camp last weekend so I wanted to stop by just to see if there were any tracks beyond where the snowplow turns around. I took this pic of her and the lil' pumpkin there at the turnaround. Here is a link to her flicker page . you can click on " all sizes " to see it better.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lkenyon66/3226612453/

Any of you Minnesota guys catch the picture in the Wall St Journal of the house being moved across White Bear Lake on the ice? Says it weights 60 tons.(the house) Bruce

Great story!!! It made me laugh audibly. That sounds like something I would do too. Espically after the damn thing pecked me.

i didn't catch that story bruce, gonna have to check it out!!

it was all over the trib too dave. R u going ou on the pond this weekend. we're headed back out to catch us some fishies hopefully. i got some good venison jerky to bring out too. i found some more crap in those blue cans like at had out at the chickenbuck too dave. Bout ready to switch to the captain all the time......

That's some serious snow, Phil. Down here in south-central PA we don't normally need to deal with that. A 3" snow here is noteworthy. Schools close, businesses delay opening, accidents close roads all over the area. We're wussies!
When I was still working, one of our plow manufacturers (Frink, if I remember correctly) sent us a DVD made from a 1940s-era movie that their company made as advertisement. It was called "Plowing Tug Hill". They were breaking drifts over 25' tall. Now THAT is snow! LOL

Naw, Nate has a B-ball game tomorrow morning & I'm an all day or nothing fisherman so we're skipping the fishing this weekend too.

I gave my fish house key to a friend from work here that wants to go so he may be out there this weekend.

We're going to the chickenbuck with a couple of old snowmobiles. Might make a run to the sliding hill, light the fireplace in the shelter at the top of the hill, watch the kids slide, have a couple beverages...

then back to the shack to lounge & listen to the woodstove crackle & pop.

maybe a quick ride again sunday morning then back home for superbowl.

Glad you all enjoyed the story. Grandpa was good for many "interesting" occurances, such as the time he killed the neighbor lady's cat with a deadfall set, or the time other camp members had to restrain him from smashing a new Remington 760 pump against an oak tree! Then, there was the incident involving the illegal trotline and the snapping turtle. I could go on, but I'm sure you get the drift of this. If there was "excitement" happening, Grandpa was usually in the center of it! Thank the lord he never took up ice fishing. I can only imagine where that Willys might have ended up!

Ron

Ron , Not an unusual amount of snow yet this year . We'll see what Feb and March bring . We are a little East West of the tug hill so I don't complain much about the snow fall. From home here in Syr Ny a 30 mile drive North puts things into perspective

I think that earlier that week they brought in a front end loader to get the banks back a bit. That turn around is 7 or 8 miles from the nearest paved road depending on which way you come from.

Great story , and looking forward to more

ND,
Is Camp Chickenbuck the official camp name? That name keeps turning up in your posts but there hasn't been a naming ceremony yet.

Ron

My youngest boy soon 5 years of age has named several imaginary animals which he claims live out in the woods at deer camp.

My favorite of these animals is the "chickenbuck"

there are many others such as the leopard squirrel, the flying bear, the giant swamp squid & several more.

But the chicken buck was his first creation.

He is an avid chickenbuck hunter.(self proclaimed) I've seen him hunt them with a pop gun.
Though I myself have never seen the chickenbuck, there are several artist's renderings of said creature now in circulation.

We're having fun with it, the name. I could tag my own family name to the camp but it would lose value in my mind because it would seem selfish under our unique circumstances. It's a shared camp. It is a family camp.

But it's a big family with more than one last name.

So, to compliment the effort to make all members feel equally at home, a fun name like Camp Chickenbuck works just fine.

I think.

I'm the camp boss I suppose, if there ever comes a need for such a thing. But so far I haven't had to wear that hat, I'm just one of the camp members and that's the way I like it.

It's much funner that way.

Ron, do you suppose a naming ceremony is in order?

and if so...

Will there be beer?

Dave,
Since you asked, IMHO a naming ceremony would be a fine way to make everything official. If you would allow me to make a few suggestions, not to tell you what to include in the ceremony, rather to stimulate your thoughts on what you might like to include.

A cake with the camp and it's name drawn in the icing.

A wooden plank with the camp name and an outline of the magnificent Northwoods Cedar Swamp Chickenbuck, regally posed, could be routed out and hung on the porch by the door. Think of the "oohs" and "ahhs", not to mention the gaseous emissions, such an unveiling would generate!

A bottle of some alcoholic brew used regularly in a ceremonial capacity at said camp to be broken against a porch upright to conclude the ceremony. Kind of like a boat launching without the water. I seem to recall a reference to "The Captain" in several postings. (OOPS! broken glass could be hazardous to inebriated revelers! My bad!) On second thought, my recommendation would be to drink sufficient quantities of Captain, beer (yes Dave, there could/should be beer) and other adult beverages to have a mass "whiz-off" from the porch, including all male attendees (as whizzers, NOT whizees), to conclude the ceremony. The National Anthem could be played and/or sung as part of the "whiz-off" finale. (brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. (Oh, that wasn't my eye. Excuse me. I'll be back in a sec!)

I'm back. Sorry about that. I guess I was just overcome by the emotion of the event. Where was I? Oh, "Guests". Of course.

All those who have played a part in the birth of Camp Chickenbuck or in creating memorable events at the camp could be invited to the ceremony. Also, large amounts of common camp food and drink could be made available to entice the invitees to actually show up. From the stories here on this forum, most would be attracted by one or the other offering.

Again, Dave, just my thoughts. feel free to use any and all ideas as you see fit. I'm sure the group on this site could really build on these few thoughts and help you create a naming crermony that will become legendary, not only across Minnesota and the upper Midwest, but throughout North America!

Can I have an Amen?

Ron

I like You Ron, I have smile pains in my face now.

didn't know that was possible.

this is all very god.

ND,
I really am this flaky. Just ask my wife. To prove it, I'll just say that I named my cabin "Camp Mental Floss". If you don't know where the name came from, find a copy of Jimmy Buffett's "Banana Wind" album. The guys that come up for deer season just shook their heads when they saw the name. I guess they were expecting something like Camp BangFlop or such. Just not my style. Now, Camp Chickenbuck, from your 5 year-old son, that'll work! You just need a picture of the Chickenbuck to ease everyone's confusion.
Ron

these are repeats, but here we go.

(bout time for bed)

artist's rendering of a chickenbuck encounter.

[Linked Image]

actual photo of a live chickenbuck?
[Linked Image]

and our first attempt at a camp sign.

[Linked Image]

G'night all.

I vote for the one on the sign above.That's great!

Stan

I'd come, but my wife says I can't compete in a whizz-off. It wouldn't be fair. I'm starting a few inches short.

Craig

i noticed this morning we are over 100,000 views on our thread of nonsense.

We have a basketball game this morning then we're heading out to the woods.

have a good weekend everybody.

Dave,

Sorry to read about your loss of another friend.... I've got alittle catching up to do on the thread I am reading as often as possible through the week. However I just got another Big project to keep track of at work so I'm not able to post from there, by the time I get home my eyes are toast. Looking at an excel spreadsheet all day.

Ron,

Great to see you here and Welcome to the fire!!! Going to catch your story in full detail in a few minutes. Yes it would be my honor to hunt with you anytime as well.

Well I'm hoppin hoops this morning, got a new manifold on the huntin truck yesterday, wife is on her way to another town now for groceries and get the thing inspected then I'm headed in another direction to another town to license it. Rediculas I tell ya...lol.. Oh well I'm going gun shoppin after I get done with the license stuff, I need a BangFlop fix...

Hey big ND!! you will be proud to know i got my first critter with that little 6 shooter. I got a big squirrel this afternoon up in a tree.

How has the fishin been up there?

Well guys let me say it as well Thanks for the stories from both Ron hunting with Grandpa and of the ladder in the Mine Dave... I about fell out of the chair in laughter on both counts as I have similiar memories with others... I'll get to my stories sometime tomorrow.

For now I just gotta pass on Kiddo Thunder News on New toy's. Since she has had alittle trouble adapting to the scope on the levergun due to the kick I've got her a new levergun this time another Marlin 336 in the usual 30-30 but I've added a red dot scope. She will put the light on the target and then the Thunder Na,na,na...lol... She is excited to go shooting tomorrow as we just got home... The red dot is setup with a major eye relief so you can't really tell your looking through anything other then lighted irons with a tube.. I can't wait either Thunder and light will be on!!!

Hope your All having a GREAT weekend too!!!!

Captain Bang Flop strikes again!! Congrats Boy!!!!

Congratulations on the tree rat, Captain Bang Flop. How 'bout heading in to PA and whacking a few at my bird feeder. They are well-fed and ready for harvest! LOL

Wabo, I like your thinking, my friend. Why go to the trouble of removing/replacing scopes and red dots? Just buy another gun! I can tell you are an addict just like I am! Even using Kiddo as an enabler to get your fix. I can dig it!

Ron

Craig, no problem, buddy. Just stand closer to the railing and wear old shoes! You'll be among friends who will themselves be too bleary-eyed to notice the stains on the planks!

Ron

Kind a like bracket racing, or a handicap!

We have a 8'x8' porch on the back of our shack named the "Pee Porch". When there's snow on the ground, distance peeing is done routinely. It's not recorded or anything, mostly a personal best type thing.

One day a member came in astonished by somebodies peeing ability. Had to be a mark at 15 feet! I claimed it. In reality I had tossed out the bacon grease with a pretty good pan flip. I take what I can get.

Craig

Oh I forgot to tell you guys that kiddo and her sister learned a Big Right and Wrong lesson yesterday too... Here I am the wife and kids we had been shopping through several stores allday yesterday afternoon. Well we hit the final stop and with my addiction to Marlins not being full for the day I caught a .22mag bolt in my eye while walking past sporting goods. Well I already have one and its a favorite for all of us and after all I Needed another. lol

So I tell the wife to make her rounds and common back I'd be finished by then and we could simply checkout in sporting goods with everything since they have to walk you to the door. After all the usual a Manager is checking us out I'm finally finished with the paperwork, we get out to the car and I look at the reciept he taped to the gun box. He missed the gun!!!

It's not on the receipt I tell the wife I'm going back in, the kids are fried asking questions why as they want to go home. I tell the wife I'll be back and to explain why to the kids, after running back to the car for the label on the box for them. An hour had passed while they figured out how to charge me for the gun and why the two guys, the clerk and Manager and the lady up front who all signed for it hadn't noticed.

Me I told them all no big deal people are people we make mistakes take a deep breath rrelax because God had a reason for that to happen to me instead of someone who wouldn't have gone back.

Everyone was finally happy as I left including me I couldn't have left without paying and after a trip to McD's we were homeward bound. The whole trip home I exxplained to the kids why I had to go back in because I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I hadn't.. Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong, and Bad people who steel are Wrong and I wasn't someone who stole so I had to go pay for what I had purchased. Even if it was someone else who made the mistake it was my obligation as a Good person to go make it right. I think the kids understood and I got a chance to make what I hope was a lifelong impression on the kids of how to do everything the right way.

Ha!! that's great buddy!!

kilt you a tree rat eh? first of many critters to fall to the super single six!!

We did an awesome snowmobile ride today from the cabin, real good ride (if you're an old guy that don't mind going slow & keeping the sled on the ground!!)

i had some people fishing our fish house today & they told me it sucked.

so I dunno, time to move the house I guess.

that's a good lesson Wabo. I woulda done the same thing.

OK, picture time.

Our snowmobile weekend, we were one kid short this weekend as Weezy was off to WI skiing with a church group this weekend.

here we are along a stretch of trail, nice groomed forest trails.

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here we are at the sliding hill, this is the warming shelter at the top of the hill.

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a young dare devil ready for action.

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on his way..

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Wipe out!!

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back at the cabin, i snapped a picture of old single side. A nice buck that captain bangflop's dad shot a few years ago.

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here's the woodpile, she's looking kinda skinny boys...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam010.jpg[/img]

we need that wood to put into this guy so we can have the cabin at 115* F like we did last night, oof, runaway stove! When she get's a runnin it's hard to choke her back!!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam012.jpg[/img]

that's it for saturday, sunday today) was a full day of riding & fun, but this is to many pictures fr one post already.

OK, day 2 of our weekend.

After a good breakfast we did our usual offering of pancake left overs to the "lumberjack" or "whiskyJack" birds.

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along the trail on day 2 we encountered a couple of downed trees from high winds on saturday night. We had to create our own bipass lane around a couple of these.

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Here's a riders view of the trail.

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beings it was sunday & all, I lead the family to church. This is a historic landmark out in the middle of the ... well, middle of nothing, just forest for miles & miles in every direction.

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Church is cared for & maintained by voulunteers.

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the last living memory & fun time my family had with my late cousin accompanied by his family was on an ATV trip to this place. (except for bangflop, he had something going on that weekend, can't remember what it was) But it just occured to me, my buddy, my cousin, he was here with us once. He saw this place, he thought it was pretty neat.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam023.jpg[/img]

there is an offering jar for upkeep projects. If you are the kind of person that is going to find your way back in the woods to this church, you're the same kind of person that would leave a hundred dollar bill lay here because it doesn't belong to you.

Got trust?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam025.jpg[/img]

I asked my oldest boy to stand at the podium & play like he's preaching. He said "how do I do that?" I told him "just stand there like you're talking & hold your finger in the air"

well he did it but he really wasn't into it.

then my little guy said "my turn dad!"

I said fine, get up there & preach boy.

Well he did like I told his big brither, stood there with his finger in the air.

it wasn't until I got home here tonight that I noticed which finger he decided to hold in the air....

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam028.jpg[/img]

outside the church there is a flowing well, I spotted a bird getting a drink at the top of the casing.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam032.jpg[/img]

Here are the boys loaded up in the snow coach ready to hit the trail.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam037.jpg[/img]

And, here we are along our way from the old church back up to the sliding hill so the boys could have another run at that hill.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam035.jpg[/img]

we did some more sliding at the hill, then headed back to the toasty warm cabin & fried some hamburgers, cleaned up, packed up & headed for home.

Dave,

Great recount of your weekend, looks like a blast! Would Love to spend a few years in the Big forest like that myself..

Wow! What a weekend and thanks Dave for sharing. That is quite a church to say the least. I could go there each Sunday.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Can I have an Amen?

Ron

AMEN!!!

I can tell already...I'm gonna like you Ron.

Nice shootin' cbf.

I gotta cheat to. the barrel is short and all the rifiling is wore out too.

did pretty good up north of your house this weekend dave, got our limit of eyes and a few saugers and about 4 jumbo perch as well. that snowmobiling looks like some fun times, i got my little 120's out for the kids yesterday so they could tear up the yard. what a weekend it was..

That is my kind of church.

I about blew Cherry Coke out when I saw the preachers finger though.

Looks like one heck of a fun weekend.

you still up on south tip buschy?

i had some guys fishing in my house yesterday but it was no good.

Whew...had some catchin up to do on here. Work kept me away for awhile. Awesome posts everyone!

Ron - The wizz off thing sounds like a good idea although us older guys won't have a prayer against the young boys! Why is it you can pee over a building when your a kid and as you get older you just try not to hit your feet??

Dave - love the pics. Entices me to get my sleds licensed and operable which I think I will do this week since the annual "old timers run" is this coming weekend. I know a couple of other young lads that would have a blast on that sliding hill!

The pic of young preacher made me laugh out loud. That is CLASSIC!!

Bangflop - Good job on the squuurl. Did ya et 'em? I will be watching closly and keep you posted on when the muley apps become available.

[quote=Rooster7]Whew...had some catchin up to do on here. Work kept me away for awhile. Awesome posts everyone!

Ron - The wizz off thing sounds like a good idea although us older guys won't have a prayer against the young boys! Why is it you can pee over a building when your a kid and as you get older you just try not to hit your feet??

Rooster - If you take 1/2 a Viagara it will keep you from peeing on your boots!

Dave, that wood burner at Camp Chickinbuck looks just like the one we use at our camp. Know what you mean about them taking off on you once in a while.

Yeah, we fished just straight east of sout tip and its been quite good for us every time out. i did miss a big one too right at the hole. lestifer wouldn't jump in for him, He did give me one show when he had a big one that got off in the hole, up to his elbow and he got that fish. a nice 18.5" walleye, wet shirt and all. Not sure why he didn't do that for my fish which was much bigger.

I really like that cutter behind the Polaris. I have a Polaris that would fit right in with your'n. a 95 XLT SKS. dang good sleds.

I am gonna hafta look into a cutter or snow coach of some type when the boys get a little older. That sure looks like fun.

For my .02, I would say the naming ceremony would not be complete without some ceremonial dress of some sort. Mebbe all should be required to wear blaze orange, a tool belt, a snowmobile helmet, and a chicken feather?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster - If you take 1/2 a Viagara it will keep you from peeing on your boots!

If Rooster's gonna be takin' Viagara....I'm not goning. That's all we need is him running around with a 1/2 chub for the day.

I agree! We don't need that! I wouldn't want to have to lay hard into the whiskey to counter act the problem. It could turn into a vicious cycle where there are no winners!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

For my .02, I would say the naming ceremony would not be complete without some ceremonial dress of some sort. Mebbe all should be required to wear blaze orange, a tool belt, a snowmobile helmet, and a chicken feather?

I say we we go with the above attire with a twist. We stuff some padding in the blaze orange, dawn some antlers and a chicken tail and let the young'ns shoot us with BB guns as we make our way to different beer stations in the woods.

oooh, chicken feather, I like it.

why stop with a feather tho?

chicken foot necklace?

maybe shell out a whole shicken & wear it for a hat?

too much?

and by whole shicken.. I mean grab a live chicken, evacuate his chicken skin of it's eddibles & wear the shelled out bird on your head... feathery floppy chicken hat, legs hanging down by your ears... head hanging off to the side off the front...

ok yeah I guess that's pretty gross.

I just got this link in an email. This is a pretty good depiction of what it is like to live in the north country and ice fishing for those of you southern guys. (Just trade the packer reference for Vikings though)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG9XLmfoJhk

I like it! Shicken hats all around!

cool vid...one dude had a Northstars sweater on, so they can't be all that bad.

Hell of a nice shack too.

Chicken hats, bloody chicken hats. good idea 'eh.

I sure like how we have jumped from a feather to sticking our....errr YOUR head up the arse of a chicken!

Something tells me it will progress in stages. First the feather. Then, after a whole lotta beer intake, you will progress to the chickenhat.

Of course we will need pictures and maybe a video or two.

but i'll have the charcoal lit under the grill and we won't waste any of the meat shelled out from our chicken hats.

now if I can find some deer hides that we can make capes out of... gonna need some antlers too...

I was right, ND. The boys are all over this ceremony. Better notify Ripley's Believe It or Not. I'm sure there will be records broken. What a testament to the power of the fermented malt beverage!

BTW, for you more mature revelers worrying about the downrange velocity of your "guns", I recommend a turkey baster loaded with 12 ounces of flat beer inserted into the left front jean pocket and protruding forwatd at a slight angle thru a slit in the pocket seam toward the zipper. I think you can figure out the rest of the process.

Long Live the Chickenbuck!!! Cock-a-doddle-GRUNT! Oh no, it's the Northern Cedar Swamp Chickenbuck in full rut!! Run for your lives!

Ron

Cock-a-doodle-GRUNT!

HEY I like that! We are going to have to come up with a clock that sings that one hour before sunrise. Gives ya time to get to the stand that way.

Hey everybody I was just sitting here thinking about the cabin, Camp Chickenbuck and all of those who have visited in person and in spirit.
Thanks to all who have visited the campfire, left suggestions or words of encouragement or simply stopped to read for a bit. What a wonderful group of people. Thanks for everything...
Mrs. ND

No problem Mrs.ND. It was great to meet you and Dave this fall too. It would have been nice if the weather wasn't so crappy, we could have sat outside, instead of under the gate of the P.O.S t-hoe.

It looks like you guys had fun last weekend on the sleds too. You'll have to show the little guy which finger is for preachin' though.

Tom

I guess that's his preachin finger?

thanks for posting mama.

I'm usually getti'n preached at when I use that finger.

We should meet up again this year, at the rate I'm going here at work...it won't be til fall again.

T

lets get a closer look at that preacher....

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Thats a Classic, absolutely PRICELESS!!!! MrsND, Thankyou and Dave for sharing with us too!!!!

Thanks, Mrs ND. The pleasure has been all ours. I have been to so many forums where there is nothing but spite and ridicule. This thread is special. It really seems as if we are all best friends here. For that we have Dave to thank. If he hadn't started this thread and set the tone with his posts, many of us would never have come together. I am drawn to this site almost every day because I just have to know what's new with everyone. It's just plain addictive!
Ron

For almost a year now,thru heart surgery and all of the other travails of life this thread is the second thing I look at every morning when I sit down at the computer.It is one of the things I look forward to and enjoy every day.It has almost become like a blog to some of us chronicling our feelings and our everyday lives.We are all brothers of the Chickenbuck here and friends.
This is a special place and I thank Dave and his wife and family
for it.I value all of my friends whom I have met here who have shown their friendship to me.
Cock-a-doodle-grunt!

Stan

Wow that's really nice to hear guys.

It's a lot of fun hearing from all of you folks from all over the country. Chickenbuck is a real physical location and it's also kind of a cyber deer camp too.

You guys are a lot of fun.

That picture makes me laugh.....

I think you should get the kid a new hat though or he'll be embarassed of that picture when he gets older.

Cock-a-doodle-grunt!

T

I LOVE that picture! If you guys could see this kid in action you would find it even more hilarious! Never a dull moment with the preacher around!

I think the kid just got a campfire name....

I'd like to see him and my 3y.o. together in action. I'm guessing our faces and guts would hurt from laughing so much.

Alright, so much for all the brotherly love stuff. Tzone, you have crossed the line! Insulting that hat is the last straw (actually it is also the first straw too). I challenge you to a draw at midnight outside Camp Chickenbuck, in the (white-NOT yellow) snow. Be wearing your best finery for the brouhaha that will ensue, including your Chickenhat, your buck horns, your pair of choppers, your sorels, and your pink feather boa. If I am not there exactly at midnite, just wait, I will show up. I CANNOT believe you would take exception with a Polaris hat. That is sacrelige. That is below the belt. I motion Tzone has KP duty for his rediculous statement and poor taste!!

KP Duty ???? Have you tasted his cooking or seen the dishes he has supposedly " washed " ???
Maybe knocking the top off the frozen cone in the outhouse may be more appropriate , Just don't let him use that shot gun to do it with

Sorry boys...me and pull-yer-ass, don't get along too well.

I knew full well I'd be gettin' it from all sides from the MN boys.

How about Artic Cat, I could live with that.

I'll meet ya for the duel though, but I'm skipping the pink boa...I like silver.

Jeesh, yer gonna split our camp in 2 with your arctic cat vs polaris!!

The boy (bangflop) god bless him.. is a green sled rider, but he wrecks em & blows em up better than he rides em

His maw, green, his gramps... also green.. his sister (older of the 2) was greeeeeeeennnn.....

but

I've learned that she recently acquired a real sled...

An 02 XC500 !!! Woooo!!!!

Me & pam got our pair of old beater mid 90's polaris machines. (which seem to keep going & going & going...

)

We are both loyal since we both once worked for the company & reside in the comunity with many friends that still work there.

Wish we could afford new ones, maybe some day.

and if/when we do, they will be Polaris

Cause we both like the folks in that old ploaris plant so much.

Buying anything else would be a slap in the face to so many of our good friends, we just couldn't do it.

I don't mind the green stuff or even the yeller stuff but we gotta go with the stuff that our friends put together in Roseau MN.

I know...just feel like rilin' up the boys today. We used to have 5 Polaris sleds. 3 94's and a 2 95's I think. The newer ones were Indy Lites-340's, the other were 440's I think.

My step mom used to run a hotel in West Duluth and rented them out. I think us kids and dad used them more than they were rented out.

I've got no beef with the sleds...none what so ever! The bikes kick some azz too. It is the damn wheelers I don't get along with.

Sorry boys for not putting a

in there somewhere. Espically if any of you guys work there. I knew Dave used to, and that is what I aimed at to start with. But he knows I'm kidding about it, some of you others may not.

Dave, I imagine you'd get run off the road up there if you drove anything else.

T

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave, I imagine you'd get run off the road up there if you drove anything else.

T

lets just say I'm not about to find out

Maybe I just had some bad luck with the wheelers. Land owner on the MN camp has a Sportsman 700. How it still works after the hell he puts it through I'll never know. I will admit, his is defenatly a good one.

I've seen him have all 4 wheels off the ground trying to pull an old truck out of the weeds. The clutch lock up never was the same after that...but it still works.

Awwww Tzone, I knew you was a'kiddin', but I couldnt let it pass. I also have it on good authority that you do wear your silver feather boa really well; that fact I don't dispute. I just thought the pink one would be better as the silver one is gettin' pretty wore out cuz you wear it so often. Being as there is gonna be a ceremony and all, you should dress up a bit. Then again, rolling around in all that (white-NOT yellow) snow you are prolly better off in the silver one. I still contend there should be consequences for attacking the Preacher's hat.

El Capitan BangFlop rides a ditch pickle? Wahl, ah'll be jiggered, I woulda thunk he had more sense than that. More coachin' Dave, the boy needs more coachin'! Although I guess TRF is closer to his place than Roseau.

ditch pickle...TFF. I'm gonna use that.

If I dump the silver boa, I'd need to get a new thong too. Prolly not gonna happen.

Eeeeuuuuuuwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!Thong!!That visual I can do without!

Stan

Maybe you can get some of that green repair tape for the 'house sickle bat

I will bet that we could raise enough money here at Camp Chickenbuck to pay for that thong.

Cock-a-doodle-grunt-what-the.....

Knick Name - Da Slush Magnet.

But she hauls the mail.

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Know what they call a Polaris with a Arctic Cat cover?

Theft protection.

Craig

Didn't know tzone was in an evinrude commercial, huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwEE3LskULg

Oh man, Bucktail, that is cold....but DAMN funny!!! LMAO!

Cock-a-doodle-grunt!

Ron

Easy Tiger....my summer walleye swatter rus an Evinrude.

I'm just glad you didn't go hollywood on us...

OK...I'll bite. What would that be?

Wanna buy a boat btw?

Love, love, love the ahhh, errr...joke Craig. I will remember that one.

Sorry for the mushy stuff, back on track now...boy's continue with the grunting, farting, peeing off the porch, whizz contests, gun talk, knife talk, etc. Sounds like a typical day/night at the Shaw house though...hehehe. ND is teaching his boys well and at an early age too. Preacher Joe has a pretty good start already.

I showed my wife preacher's picture last night, and she hurt herself laughing so hard. That is one funny pic.

Hey, easy on the ditch pickles and Ole's outboards! The Bwana of our hunting shack is the local dealer for both. I can tell bangflop is out of the same gene pool as my son. Like bangflop, when he was in the go like hell until you hit something stage of his snowmobiling life, that's what he did. I was thankful the local dealer was kind to him as far as parts and use of the shop.

Just glad to hear he is alright. Sounds like most boys..until dad makes them pay for repairs.

About 14yrs ago my cousin was riding her sled near Superior. She looked down to see how fast she was going and ended up 5' up in a clump of Birch trees. She was in a coma for 4 months. She is now legaly blind, and nearly deaf from the injuries to her brain. She can walk and talk, but now has the mental compaciaty of an 10-12y.o. Scary as hell, she almost died several times in the first 4 days of the deal.

We all grew up quite a bit in the time she was in the hospital. I am a lot more careful when riding a sled now. Because I learned 2 seconds can change a life forever.

Based on what I've seen on TV, I think it means that you have to hunt with an encore.
I've already got a boat that I don't use as much as I should. I'm running an ole on mine too, but it's only a 28, so I don't have the wardrobe malfunction problem other than the occasional hat. I wouldn't mind changing over to a 4 stroke or e-tech in 50-70. I hate the smell of 2 strokes in the morning.

Sorry to hear about your cousin tzone. I started riding sleds in the early 1970's and since then have heard of too many episodes like the one with your cousin. Yes, I was lucky with no real serious injuries to my son. He traded his last sled for a four-wheeler several years ago and has slowed down considerably. He uses it in the woods for hunting, plows snow in his yard and rarely gets out of second or third gear.

I'm on the other side. I love that 2-stroke smell. Love it. I run a 175 on mine, but no wordrobe malfunctions yet. Well an occaisional hat but no shorts blowing off.

When I was laid off last summer, I fished 3-4 times a week, usually 1/2 days, depending on job hunting. That pretty much came to a stand still when I got back to work.

No Encores for me. I'll stick to the trombones and bolts.

Nd, Are you heading out the the Fishermans' Shanty this weekend? I'm heading up North to ontario to take on Trout through the ice. Just brought home a new 4-stroke widertrak last night to pull the sleigh around up there. Should make for some good fishing and ceasars going on with the weather we got coming. Gotta love the big "P" sometimes.

I had a 150 2-stroker on my last boat and that cured me of liking the smell. I then switched to a 115 four stroke and enjoy the pure air i get to breath.

I have a friend who I could never beat on the trails. He was just too wild. I remember coming home one time and telling Dad, "I just cant beat him dad". Dad said, "and how does that affect your life?" It made me stop and think an little and a day later I decided it didnt affect my life. A week later he wrapped his back around a telephone pole while riding in a ditch and was paralyzed for life.

I still enjoy crankin' 'er up a bit on a nice flat, well-known lake. But other than that I keep it pretty mellow. I have become a huge fan of powder riding instead.

What kind of 115 are you running?

My step-dad bought a new '06 Lund Explorer last spring with a 115 Yamaha on it, and I like it alot. Not as quiet as I expected at speed, but whisper quiet while at idol or slow speed scouting.

I got the Yammy too. I like it. Sips the gas, nice and quiet, no cloud of exhaust. Now why are you gettin' me thinking about my boat? It is still winter time and it will be a long time til I get in it. Cant wait for our 22nd annual trip to Canada in June. It would be fun to slip up to LOTW and try out Dave's hotspots this summer some time, though depending on when our house sells, that may consume a good part of the summer. Gotta get the kids out camping too. The little girl (4.5 yrs old) is already bugging me about it.

hey I gotta check out that new wide track sometime, fishermen everywhere are just raving about it.

i don't know what we are doing. I had a little boy call me this morning crying on the phone because his big brother told him we cant go to monster jam in fargo & see the monster trucks....

so.... weekend plans are up in the air.

not sure yet.

Pam & I had the black yamaha (the merc) 115 4 stroke EFI on an 1800 fisherman that we bought new. Boy was that a nice boat, miss it in the summertime but these past 2 summers we have been keeping busy in the woods.

I have a 3yo boy that LOVES to be in the boat. If I can get him to back a trailer in this spring I'll be golden.

We live minutes from the WI River, and there is no closed season on fish there, except muskies. About the 2nd week of April it is open enough to fish in a boat, and you can bet you'll find my ass out there smackin' eyeballers.

Late March early April you can go to De Pere, near Green Bay and pound 18-24" walleyes all day. You can't keep them, but it sure is fun. A good day will bring you 100+, the worst day I've had there lately we "only caught 25 fish each in 4 hours.

Originally Posted by tzone

Late March early April you can go to De Pere, near Green Bay and pound 18-24" walleyes all day. You can't keep them, but it sure is fun. A good day will bring you 100+, the worst day I've had there lately we "only caught 25 fish each in 4 hours.

That sounds much like the Rainy River near Baudette, Mn in the early spring. Pull # 7 shad raps and hang on. I had the pleasure of doing that for the first time last spring and man was that a blast!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam & I had the black yamaha (the merc) 115 4 stroke EFI on an 1800 fisherman that we bought new. Boy was that a nice boat, miss it in the summertime but these past 2 summers we have been keeping busy in the woods.

You will just have to fill the pond with fish and we'll make a duplicate 1800 fisherman out of plywood and set 'er in there. Beer tastes the same weather your wetting a line in the middle of a forest or on the lake right?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That sounds much like the Rainy River near Baudette, Mn in the early spring. Pull # 7 shad raps and hang on. I had the pleasure of doing that for the first time last spring and man was that a blast!

Rooster- VERY simialr to the spring bite on Rainy. Jigs or Rapala's doesnt' matter. Better chance to hook a sturgeon with the jig though.

Can keep 1 eye over 28", but we don't do it.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam & I had the black yamaha (the merc) 115 4 stroke EFI on an 1800 fisherman that we bought new. Boy was that a nice boat, miss it in the summertime but these past 2 summers we have been keeping busy in the woods.

You will just have to fill the pond with fish and we'll make a duplicate 1800 fisherman out of plywood and set 'er in there. Beer tastes the same weather your wetting a line in the middle of a forest or on the lake right?

I reckon beer tastes good no matter where you try it.

Cocka Doodle Err Grunt, Honk, Honk... Been painting my fullbodies a freshcoat of white for snow goose hunting soon to start again. Had to drop in and say hi all and TZone I'm AMAZED Anyone would ever complain or have trouble with a Polaris 4 wheeler.

We have a 92 model 4by4 that pulled an 6 by 8 trailer single axle with maybe a ton of sandbags down the leves and roads in both 93 and 95 for months on end through seep water waste deep, back and forth mile at a time all day eachday load and unload and do it again and again. This thing has had that done to it, pulled the same trailer with 12 to 15 deer and 6 guys at a time all at once countless times. Pulled a 6 by 12 tandem axle with 8 guys in it through mud 1 foot deep over 4 miles each way seven or eight round trips, cousin ran into a telephone pole guide wire ripping the front rack all the way off while rolling down a hill at the same event countless times. I've rolled it hauling out a deer, bro in law and his dad have each rolled it several times while spraying weeds with a sprayer on back. Finally we turned the front rims and wheels around to widen the front end which has helped. Not to mention pulling a pickup bedliner full of people back up the hills eachtime when sledding, throttle wide open lowside 4by and spinning to beat the band and up she goes.

God knows this 4 wheeler has been through H and back many times and she still fires up and smokes alittle till she is ready and off she goes again. We LOVE Polaris around here, cause they can take it!!! Just had to plug the good ole Polaris abit for the good folks that make them, Sorry...LOL.. Smile! Honk Eeek, Honk, CockaDoodle Grunt Snort Wheeze .......

Man T...you gettin ripped 6 ways from Sunday over that polaris hat comment. You better repent!

Boys....FETCH THE PREACHER!

he musta learned from dad.

wabo,
sounds like your Polaris is just gettin' warmed up! I have a 500 that I havent put through nearly the challenges you have but it has also worked fine. Simply amazing what they will do.

tzone, man I hope you didnt have any political office aspirations as your comment would come back to haunt you. Kinda like Daschle or those other guys only yours is a much more heinous crime than not paying taxes!

Tirdy pointer - Da Sequel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PeQmiHB1Hc

MN is not a place I'll be running for office. I'm not demacrat enough. I don't have enough money to buy votes either.

I'd prolly wear a polaris jacket and an Artic Cat hat if I was though.

Ahhh, nice recovery Tzone. Your diplomatic side is starting to show.

I am not democratic/liberal enough to run either.

You know.....that is what gets me. Or should I say pisses me off. They say that MN is a liberal state but if they polled greater MN and not just the cities, we'd be looked at differently. I for one am more repulican than anything BUT I will vote for the one that has the most common sense. I could care less what party your from but if you support and do $hit that makes COMMON SENSE, you got my vote. It just so happens that Dems don't do that very often................

Hey Dave & Pam - You missed a real fun time today. It was a blast!

For those of you that don't know, we have a snowmobile ride here. It's always the first saturday in february. It is called "The Old Timers Run" It is a run where all these people can bring out their old sleds and do a 40 mile trip while stopping at 6 different lakes bars and registering tickets for prizes. It doesn't have to be old sleds. You can drive newer ones, but that is the fun of the whole deal. Their is many newer sleds but sometimes up to 3000 old ones. Check out the link below and you will get an idea of what I'm talking about:

http://www.vintagesnowmobile.com/Photo%20gallery%201a.htm

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I could care less what party your from but if you support and do $hit that makes COMMON SENSE, you got my vote. It just so happens that Dems don't do that very often................

It is the common sense part they are lacking...

[/quote]

It is the common sense part they are lacking... [/quote]

Yep.

Well enough politics. It rained here for a better part of the night and morning and the temp is dropping. Schools are cancelled and a storm is moving in. Once it drops below freezing and we get snow on top it is going to be miserable trying to get home from work. The stretches of gravel roads that I take to and from work were like a skating rink on the hard pack snow/ice. The paved roads were not bad yet because it was still 36* but its going to get ugly. Just hope the power lines don't start snapping!

getting a heavy coat of ice on everything up north here.

waiting for the power outages.

bad day to be a lineman.

Started to rain here sometime after 6 this am. I went out at break to grab something from the car, and it was slippery as hell. It is 37* right now, so hopefully it doesn't cool off much more or we'll have much the same as you guys up north do.

I just ran and grabbed lunch and it is literally pooring rain right now. Not going to be good. It is times like this when I kick myself for not having a generator wired into the house.

How was fishin ND?

fishing was poor.

I picked up a snowmobile on saturday that might qualify for that old timers run though

1986 indy trail. excellent shape, 23 years old. we did a family ride yesterday up along the canadian border (I mean right on the border cut through the woods) we put on over a hundred miles & that old 86 polaris did just great. neat little sled.

488 fan cooled.

so, good thing we got a good ride in yesterday because the trails are going to be ruined after this rain.

Yikes !! that ice stuff is bad stuff . Stay safe and watch yer balance folks . I spun my head yesterday to see if my dog went back to get her basketball ( like a pacifier to her ) on my driveway . Musta looked like a cartoon to my wife only a few feet away on the porch.
Feet above the hips , hand just went off to the side as gravity took over . I gave that ice a good head butt ( I don't think I phased it ) and I think my knee was the next blow inflicted to that dang ice.

Mrs 1894 just about passed out

Between :

Holding back from laughing out loud at my spastic fall .
Ooow , look at that bump and the blood . Are you OK ?
My reply of , Hey I didn't break my glasses and I think I still have all of my teef.
Reassured , but still vigorously fighting back the rolling on the floor laughter , my loving wife said " Well at least you didn't hit / hurt my car

The swelling is going down now, and my knee is better and I'm sure the dents will heal .
Anybody asks though , I'm telling them that "I'm not sure what happened , but I had a bad dream that I was out on a date with Tanya Harding "

Will this hit 2500 replys today ???

An '86 Guess I'm kinda old . I woulda thought the '76 olympic we had qualified as a modern sled ( well it was when I was ridding it )
That old Ski Daddler < sp> with the 18 horse single sitting back in the front seat with the driver .... well a 20 mile trip would have been a lot for that one

that would be ice related too, close enough to the truth.

Found a couple pics on the net of what we had for a first snowmobile ( Dad regretted trading a .222 for it though )

Whats not to love ?

[Linked Image]

Keep that motor back from the front

[Linked Image]

We had the mark II .

[Linked Image]

See if this works

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.nhsnowmobilemuseum.com/burdicksledshed/images/1968AMFSkiDaddlerBrochure1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.nhsnowmobilemuseum.com/burdicksledshed/1968AMFSkiDaddlerSuperScoutMarkI.htm&usg=__9kmnY9q4QvJFtHkZ3ZnGCfsQQ4s=&h=295&w=450&sz=37&hl=en&start=19&um=1&tbnid=Um66Eakb1huWfM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dski%2Bdaddler%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DsRH%26sa%3DN

I think they angled the carb / air intake up for the mark II we had.

Aww crap Dave , my brain must still be rattling around and I can't count

Feel today like I had fun playing a friendly hockey game yesterday though

2500 speech , 2500 speech , 2500 speech .
'come on Dave

Speech , Speech , Speech

holy smokes.

I knew we had gone over 100,000 views but i wasn't watching the reply count.

2500, that's a lot huh?

Is that it for your speech Dave? Come on, you can do better than that...17 yrs with you has learnt me that.

Originally Posted by M1894

Holy Crap! I thought that was Tonya Harding on a snowmobile and was gettin ready to yell "RUN NANCY RUN! RUN M1984 RUN!"

Then I looked closer and seen that this girl was not a trashy scum bag that lives under a trailer....

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Is that it for your speech Dave? Come on, you can do better than that...17 yrs with you has learnt me that.

yeah but it's monday, I'm exhausted... maybe tonight i can come up with something

can't you guys let me slide at least till i get home from work?

I went on a ride with a buddy who has a couple early 80's polaris sleds. We went just before Christmas. Those older sleds drew more attention at the watering holes than the new shiny ones did.

After 110mi day, I would have traded the suspension on any of those newer ride though. My back ached for a day after we were done. Fun to take them out though.

My mom said a water main broke on the top of "the hill" in Duluth, which is one of the emergency routes. When it freezes tonite, it will be a big brown icy mess. Not good.

It is misty and drizzle here, but still 35*, could be a mess tomorrow.

here's the "new" old sled.

the kids put over a hundred miles on this thing yesterday

[Linked Image]

Where did ya pick that up ND? Get a good deal on 'er?

I checked with a few snowmobile fanatic friends, told em i was looking to pick up something for the kids to ride & this is what one of them came up with.

550 bucks, I think we already got our money's worth out of it with our big ride yesterday.

I wish I had brought the camera with.

Many of you would have gotten a kick out of our northern border between the US & Canada.

It's definitely a friendly border

there are these little monument markers every so often, one side says united States, the other side says Canada.

we went around one on the Canadian side

so, we went to Canada yesterday, for about 5 seconds.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by M1894

Holy Crap! I thought that was Tonya Harding on a snowmobile and was gettin ready to yell "RUN NANCY RUN! RUN M1984 RUN!"

Hey , the way my knee still feels today and the cuts , dents and lumps slowly healing on my face and elbow , no more Tanya jokes please

I did tell the guy at the gas station that looked at me kinda funny this morning as I hobbled in that " My wife had a dream last night that she was Tanya Harding "

He didn't buy it though

T , I think those " seats " back then were for when your legs or knees got sore or tired and you stopped to take a break

The kickstand was cool though to run the crud out of the bogies so it didn't freeze.

I'm looking for a long track, maybe a little more newer. Anybody got anything?

Here's a few from our Shooterville weekend:

Traveled there on these:

[Linked Image]

To put up this:

[Linked Image]

Installed a few trinkets -

A picture of a dude with his fly down:

[Linked Image]

And a Giant Lure I won at the TIP Banquet:

[Linked Image]

Dave, you did stop at customs, right?

Craig

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Is that it for your speech Dave? Come on, you can do better than that...17 yrs with you has learnt me that.

Just priming the pump here Mrs ND , just priming the pump.

A few months from now ( spring time ) I'm guessing the posts will hit the big 3K

This is advance warning for you Mrs ND , Weezy , Cap'n bangflop'em , and even the preacher ( or Runs with scissors )
That speeches will be asked for and also from the virtual family this thread has spawned.

Figgered Dave could use a practice run here at 2500 milestone

550.00, You got a good deal it looks!! Don't get enough snow down here to get a new one. Been looking for a good used one. Bruce

nice beaver craig!!

looks like you got some red oak in the wood pile?

we've got oak at home here but 28 miles away at camp chickenbuck there is no such thing.

my best firewood is birch & tamarack out at chickenbuck.

shooterville is looking good, nice sleds too.

Phil, I'll see if I can assemble some meaningful words to flop out here tomorrow

my brain is resting at the moment

Gotta make sure your beaver stays away from your Viagra clock.

Got an otter and a muskrat coming soon.

This years wood pile is 1/2 burr oak and 1/2 birch. The pile behind is one year old - all burr oak. I like it two years old before I burn it. Seems best around then. When I lived in Waskish I always tried to get black ash. Mixed 50/50 with birch it seemed a lot like oak. Named ash for a reason though. Stove needed a lot of emptying.

The sled I'm shopping for is for kiddo. Really, I'd like to find a mid 90's long track, maybe 2000 miles for about $1500, maybe $2k for a nice one. 500 or better, liquid for the big bucks. 500 classic touring would be the bomb.

Anybody?

Craig

I think your price in mind matches what you are looking for very realistically.

Check out craigslist, MN, fargo moorhead area. covers a much bigger area than you would think.

if I see anything like that up here i'll let you know.

43 degrees here this morning. Might see 50 before the end of the day. I have a lake at the end of my driveway from the melting snow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's definitely a friendly border

there are these little monument markers every so often, one side says united States, the other side says Canada.

we went around one on the Canadian side

so, we went to Canada yesterday, for about 5 seconds.

We used to do that on wheelers up at my buddies cabin. Quite the rebels we were.

Pretty much the same here Griz. We lost a lot of snow yesterday between the raing and the warm weather. Today should take care of a big chunk too.

Tzone, sure am getting the itch to get the boat out. Back in the 70's and 80's I had a 12 foot car topper that we would put in below the Moon Dam. Would normally be fishing by late Feb. Earliest was Feb 4th back in 81. It wasn't uncomon for 2 of us to catch a 100 Walleyes a day.

I fish Dubay mostly. People that don't fish the river look at you funny when you say you caught a 100 walleyes in a 5-6 hours of fishing. We did it several times last spring. Don't know how many 50-60 fish days we had last year. It was a good year.

I Don't think we'll be fishing until April this year. Not in a boat anyway. I found two great looking walleye spots this fall while fishing muskies. The looked like great spawning areas. Shallow, rocky, weedy, they had it all.

I lost a pig of a muskie at one of them in October on a shad rap in one of the spots. No doubt it was a 30#'er.

When you can go the Canadian border in the woods on A.T.V.s, What's
to stop you smuggeling over or back? Meet someone at a prearranged spot and make an exchange. Just curious, not suggesting or accusing. Bruce

Where we were, there was nothing to stop you. We were also ten years old, so those kind of thoughts were far from our minds.

I haven't even been up there for 10 years.

Hate to admit it but I've lived in Stevens Point since 1968 and never fished DuBay. Too many good places to fish on the river right here in Point. That will have to change this year.

Also want to spend more time fishing the Wolf.

well, it's a little different border than the mexican border.

if a person was lost in the woods on either side, it would be possible for said person to wander off into another country and walk for days before being found or finding someone to help them.

Could you imagine? stumble up on a road & walk until you come across a Canadian road sign?

oops.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Also want to spend more time fishing the Wolf.

the water wolf?

or is this a river?

"water wolf" is our nick name for northerns

I don't stray too far from Dubay either. I think the whole river system from Merrill to Petenwell Flowage is great fishing. I fished about 60-70 days last year, and only made it up to Eau Plaine river on Dubay. There are almost endless places to fish.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Also want to spend more time fishing the Wolf.

the water wolf?

or is this a river?

"water wolf" is our nick name for northerns

The Wolf River, is a pretty good place to catch the "water wolf". More known for it great eyeball fishing though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

well, it's a little different border than the mexican border.

if a person was lost in the woods on either side, it would be possible for said person to wander off into another country and walk for days before being found or finding someone to help them.

Could you imagine? stumble up on a road & walk until you come across a Canadian road sign?

oops.

Hey !!! Look at that !!! The speed limit is 100 here !!!!
rutrow , that ain't miles per hour

Better check my compass and start hoofing it south 'fore anyone sees me with this here deer rifle < diving off into the ditch because he hears a car coming up the road >

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

The sled I'm shopping for is for kiddo. Really, I'd like to find a mid 90's long track, maybe 2000 miles for about $1500, maybe $2k for a nice one. 500 or better, liquid for the big bucks. 500 classic touring would be the bomb.

Anybody?

Craig

I have a 2000 700 SKS Long Track. 144" w/ 1 1/4" paddle. Electric Start. It has around 2500 miles on the odometer but that quit working last winter and I've ridden it about 150 miles since. I was debating selling it, then I decided to license it and my wifes sled to go on a run last saturday. It was a lot of fun so now I'm not sure if i want to part with it. I'm kinda wishy washy that way!

If I decide to and it is something your interested in, I will let ya know Craig. It is a real clean sled.

Which brings me to my frustration of the day: I licensed my fish house this winter and fished one day but there was too much snow and it flooded so I brought it home. Then I license my sleds to the tune of $130.00 on friday, ride saturday and it has been raining since sunday and all the snow is disappearing.

That is just the kind of luck I have going for me.

Rooster,

You and I have the same type of luck sometimes.

However, I want the snow to melt, because I want to go fishing.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Also want to spend more time fishing the Wolf.

the water wolf?

or is this a river?

"water wolf" is our nick name for northerns

The Wolf River, is a pretty good place to catch the "water wolf". More known for it great eyeball fishing though.

Good White Bass fishing in the spring too. Last years White Bass run went well into May.

I have a 95 XLT SKS that I have thought about selling from time to time. I also have a 91 Phazer II that shore has been a good'un. If you had a statistic of fun/mile, both of these sleds would be pretty high on the meter. Both have been dang near bullet proof. ahh, the good ol' days.

all the snow in my sucky area is pretty much gone. Been working on finishing the basement anyway, dadgumit, that is a lot of work!! But the rockers come tomorrow, I am hiring that part out. My desk jockey back would retalliate if I pulled a stunt like trying to hang 12 footers.

If either of you guys want to sell the Polaris's, PM me. Since it got all rainy muddy on your playground, maybe you want a quick sale!

Craig

Been away at camp for a few days with the Mrs. We burned some wood in the fireplace, took the Lab out for a few runs, saw a few deer and a LOT of turkeys. The lake was frozen hard enough for the ice fishermen to be out on it. That's the first time in 4 years that has happened. All in all, it was a great R&R trip.

Phil, I saw your note about the carb location on the Ski Daddler. After looking at the picture of the sled. I can see why it was moved. A cold day, a few fermented beverages then a call of nature and a guy could really find himself in an embarassing situation!
"Well, gee WHIZzzzzzz, how'd THAT happen?! For gawd's sake honey, stop laughin. No, I don't need an EMT. I'll be fine as soon as I get the throttle butterfly open. Can you hand me the screwdriver out of the toolbox? No, I CAN"T lift my butt up any higher! And damnit, STOP LAUGHIN'!"

Cocka-doodle-grunt!

Ron

I've been surfing over at the "Hunter's Campfire" forum and I found this thread about a pig hunt in TN in December.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...wflat/Number/2780015/page/17#Post2780015

Several Campfire members went down last December (2008) and had a great time. They are trying to get 20-25 guys for a return visit this coming December.

I had a crazy idea that this might be a good way for some of us to get together for a few days, meet each other and have some fun. Cost ($825) seems resonable. Anyone interested?

Ron, it sure sounds like a good time but the vacation time I accumulate & the funds I can dedicate to trips will be absorbed by a boundary waters canoe trip with Pam & all the kids this summer, then an elk trip this fall.

and the little bit left over will go towards deer season which is probably my favorite of all.

as to the carb possition on the ski daddler, that was pretty common on a lot of the old sleds & us northern boys have been joking about it for decades

Dave, I can't fault you for that. I had to juggle vacation time also when I was working. You'll have more fun camping and portaging with the family than hanging around with a bunch of liars for 3 days. I remember those days of yore. Bass fishing (trip to ER for lure in son's thumb), deer hunting (new Buck sheath knife left in woods by same son, found 2 years later!), family vacations (measles outbreak in other son at Disneyworld), etc. At times like these, I'd always repeat that old bromide that anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger! (Yeah, right!)

Ron

Oh i hear you loud & clear with the unexpected mishaps on trips.

lets take a look back a few years here... a certain young lady will be very upset with these pictures, but I�m a dad, it's my job right?

BWCA 2005

my oldest 2, wow they�ve changed in 4 years.

[Linked Image]

snake river
[Linked Image]

weezy waiting for gramps cooking breakfast.
[Linked Image]

weezy loves this picture. what makes a person make this face?
[Linked Image]

oh yes, a broken toe. Don't listen to dad & grandpa when they say "take those rediculous flip flops off your feet, they are no good on the wet slippery rocks."
[Linked Image]

yeah that was an interesting trip. She was a tough little trooper though, not much you can do for a broken toe, me & dad weren't about to tell her it was broken until the trip was over & we were back out of the BWCA. "no, no, no, that's not broken... trust me."

As long as I'm showing pics from our 2005 trip I better show a funny picture of myself too make it all fair.

My dad caught this turtle while hook & line fishing with a big bobber & a dead smelt for northerns. He was able to haul him to the waters edge with the line & I got down in the water & pulled him up by his tail. The turtle was not impressed.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC00561_0010.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC00562_0011.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/DSC00563_0012.jpg[/img]

This last picture was taken a split second after I learned that snappers are very fast, they have long necks & they can reach over the top of there back if you are tapping the center of there shell with your hand. He almost got me.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/poorturtleb.jpg[/img]

The B-dub, elk hunting, and deer camp...I don't see a better way to spend your vacation time Dave. You are blessed that your family wants to do that stuff with you. Mrstzone wants nothing to do with a canoe trip. I'm trying to get her to come on a fishing trip to canada.

A few more years and the little buggers will be big enough for that fun stuff. Then mama will have to shop alone, which I'm sure she hates.

Those big old snappers are neat. Last year durring turkey hunting, I took my daughter with me. There was a huge snapping turtle similar to the one you have in you pics. Well this big old dude was crossing a tractor road into a swamp, so I grabbed a stick and was bugging him a bit, then WHACK!!! He hit that stick with force, and snapped it. A finger wouldn't have a chance.

My neighbor would be having turtle soup for dinner if he got hold of that turtle. Turtle was considered a delicacy by my fathers generation.

Yep, guy I used to work with used to eat those suckers too. Then he'd keep the guts and parts in a 5-gallon pail, in the back of his truck to get all nasty and stinky, then use it for bait.

Off that was a smell you just can't describe with words.

I have heard old timers say that there are five kinds of meat in a turtle.I'm not sure what they meant by that.We used to catch them on trot lines and carry them live to a little old lady that lived wayyyyyyy out and she would make turtle soup.I had trepidations the first time I tenatively tried it.It was delicious with a fish stew kind of taste.

Stan

I was about 6 years old or so, maybe 5, and we were at the lake. I was walking down the shore and came upon a bunch of baby snapping turtles. they were about the size of a silver dollar. I took some advice from my cousin (note to self, never take advice from a cousin), which was that they were so small they couldnt snap yet. So about a millisecond after I stuck my foot next to this weee litte itsy bitsy turtle I was attempting to hotfoot it down the shoreline with said turtle attached to one of my smaller toes, bawling the whole way. I havent thought about that in a long time. I think I will cuff that cousin upside the noggin' the next time I see him just for good measure cuz of that episode.

I am picturing a kid running down the shore with a turtle stuck to his toes....

I've been in trouble more than once for laughing at somebody when they got hurt. Sorry, but it's funny.

Hey man, laugh away, that is why i posted it. I can even laugh at it now. Not then, but now I can. I was running like I had a scuba fin on that foot. Might just as well cuff the cousin twice just for good measure, now that I think about it.

This was a year or two after we were camping at this spot and it was also a cow pasture. Mom brought me 2 pairs of shoes. 2 minutes out of the truck and I had stepped in a cowpie. 2 minutes after i changed shoes i stepped in another. Dad said, well, guess you are going barefoot. 2 minutes later I learned to avoid those round piles of warm goo.

We were camping at the lake when I was a kid and some guys caught a snapper and made soup out of it. It was awesome! If I remember right it was like a creamy vegetable beef soup with barley in it and the turtle was cubed up in chunks about the size of dice. I've always wanted to make it but personally I can't see the sense in killing a 100 year old + turtle just so I can have soup. I know nobody in my family would even try it if they knew what it was.

Another turtle story from a guy here at work goes like this: They caught a snapper on a fishing trip and decided to make soup out of it. So they take a clothes hanger and get it to latch on to it, proceed to pull its neck out and chop it off with a machette. The mouth still had a death grip on the clothes hanger and they hung the head and neck from a tree branch. This guy swears that up to 5 days later, when you would walk by that hanging turtle head, the eyes would follow you as you passed. He might be smoking crack but that would be c.r.e.e.p.y if true!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I have heard old timers say that there are five kinds of meat in a turtle.I'm not sure what they meant by that.We used to catch them on trot lines and carry them live to a little old lady that lived wayyyyyyy out and she would make turtle soup.I had trepidations the first time I tenatively tried it.It was delicious with a fish stew kind of taste.
Stan

Stan - By all accounts I have heard, snappers do have four or five different kinds of meat. I read that some is tough and some is fatty like dark turkey meat.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I have heard old timers say that there are five kinds of meat in a turtle.I'm not sure what they meant by that.We used to catch them on trot lines and carry them live to a little old lady that lived wayyyyyyy out and she would make turtle soup.I had trepidations the first time I tenatively tried it.It was delicious with a fish stew kind of taste.

Stan

Stan, Can't say I've ever of 5 different flavors, but the neighbor used to say that the different parts tasted like chicken, pork and beef.

Years ago I was duck hunting with a friend on the back waters of the Wisconsin River. We were paddling up a shallow slough when Frank bails out of the canoe and heads to shore. He reaches down in the grass and pulls out about a 20 Lb snapper. He yells back at me "Mom is sure going to be thrilled to get this" then proceeds to head back to the canoe. I told him in no uncertain terms that there was no way he was putting a live snapper in the canoe with us. He apparently agreed and took it back to shore and shot it. He then returned to the canoe with the snapper. Even though he had shot it in the head the darn thing was still moving it's legs the entire way back to the car.

Shore do luv reading snapper stories!

Kinda like choping the head off a northern and the #$*@#ing thing still bites you.

Just found this forum yesterday and joined today. Between yesterday afternoon and now I have managed to read MOST ALL of this thread.

Northern Dave, all I can say is AWESOME! Probably one if not the best thread of any forum I have had the pleasure of reading.

Thanks & welcome to the campfire forums Georgiatrout.

I�m glad it�s a good read, it certainly is a long one.

Cool Georgiatrout, 1st post and it's on dave's thread.

Welcome to the forum. I have read this thing in its entirety several time. It is still cool each time.

Welcome GT! Don't be a stranger

Georgiatrout,I am a former Georgia resident.Where are you located in South Georgia?

Stan

Day Light in the swamp boys! Everyone sleep in today?

I'm up.

watchin the boys ride snowmobile out in the yard. round & round they go.

There will be activity at camp chickenbuck this weekend, possibly some wood cutting.

that's about all i know though.

When my kids were small we had a AC Kitty Kat. They and their cousins would ride that thing around my folks yard all day long. Best baby sitter there was.

my buddy Tom has one he says he's gonna borrow to our little guy. I think it just needs a throttle cable or something. Until then his big brother is very good to give the little guy rides on that old 86 trail i brought home.

Your little guy would love the Kitty Kat Dave. The one we had would run all day on less than a 1/2 gallon of gas.

My dad and brother sold snomobiles. They had SnoJet, Rupp and Wheel Horse. All long gone. At one time there were over 200 snomobile mfg's. I can only come up with 4 now.

yep, I know all about it Bill, having worked for one of the companies that survived it all (polaris) and also growing up in the 70's in MN I had the pleasure of seeing many of the manufacturers that have long since dropped out of production. i sure like seeing those old sleds restored.

i know where i can get hold of a Herters" brand sled in excellent condition for probably 200 bucks. very neat old sled but just one of the very many that were unique & now long gone.

In the late 50's or early 60's a Polaris rep stoped by my dads gas station with one of their new sleds and tried to talk my dad into becoming a dealer. How crude it was compared to todays sleds.

Be neat if you could pick up that old Herters and get it going. A true classic.

Oh but it is going, pull the rope, hop on & go. nothing wrong with it.

She's a sweetheart.

Grew up riding a 69-70 scorpion. Grampa gave it to me, he had bought it new. Old single cyl he had bored out. Looked like a train locomotive. Same sled my mom and her brothers rode for hours on end.

Swish

my buddy had a scorpion whip.

i always figured they were ahead of there time.

neat sleds

how you been Swish?

Twenty years ago I rode a Scorpion Whip from Silver Bay through Babbit and on to Ely - and back. To this day I walk with my knees spread a little and my kiester is slightly numb. And my thumb hurts. And I can't hear so good.

Brutal.

Craig

Hee-Hee!!

My buddy had his in these past 10-15 years. I remember standing out on the ice with my dad on lake of the woods watching tip ups & we hear this noise coming, dad looks up & says "what the hell do you suppose that is?" I looked & said "Well, that's Brad Hughes on the Scorpion whip!"

My dad "you've got to be kidding me."

Me, "nope, here he comes."

That was brad's ice rig for many years.

it was in perfect condition, his was sparkly blue. I mean really sparkly, big metal flake in the paint, huge!!

silver bay to ely & back? you're a crazy man!!

I was new to the North Country. Sled belonged to my dear old Uncle Gary, I trusted him. Bastard.

The herd had the Whip, an old 340 Ski Doo Everest, and some newer Polaris machines WITH AN HONEST TO GOD SUSPENSION. Come to think of it, I think there was a Skiroule in there too.

We ate supper at the Legion in Babbit and honest to God, I didn't think I could bring myself to get back on. Hurts to think about it. No smiley. No.

Craig

HEY YOU GUYS!!! Sloth and Chunk from The Goonies says darn u guys I've been looking at sleds on craigslist now its late... Can't believe there are sleds around here too, now thinkin about trying to get one before next winter.. Ha it will never fly with the wife we don't get enough snow anymore. Even found a Polaris 95 model 500SKS in Kansas City area for like 1250 bucks with only 850 miles.. Send me some real Snow next year Dave!!!

Just stopping in to say hey keep the stories rolling, kids and I are busy preparing to hunt the white hord either this weekend or next. Wabster who is tuckered out and Thankful tomorrow is Friday out..

Been good Dave, faithful reader

Long post cause you all jogged my memory.

the 69 scorpion looked like this.
[Linked Image]

without the white paint. drove the hell out of it then the track blew. couldnt find another track so I got a 71skidoo elan with a good track and made motor mounts for the scorpion motor. looked like this.

[Linked Image]

Killed that motor out looking for a christmas tree.It got dark and I was out in the ore dumps. Ran out of gas so I poured two bottles of Heat in the tank. Kept heet because the snow comming around you always iced up the carb. dumped heat on it to free it up.

She ran faster than ever once I got on the road, then stopped hard. I slid about 100 feet in silence.

Last sled I had was a snow jet with no seat, wide track and a 440. A whole new world!!

looked like this, only much worse and a twin cylinder.
[Linked Image]

Kid I knew was giving me a ride on it and the throttle stuck. we flew down the street, across mainstreet, through a yard and he choked it just before it hit a rock pile.

He wouldnt get back on it, I bought it for $20.00, poured some heat on the carb to get the ice off and drove it home.

Now you did it wabo, got me wanting and looking...
look at this, bet she goes like hell even at 29 years old
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/rvs/1032381671.html

Ah, old snow machines. Here in Reno in '70-'72 (last year of H.S. and untill I went into the A.F.) Rupp was well known (local connection), Ski-doo, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Yamaha, and Scorpion were the common sleds. A.M.F., Sno-Jet and a tractor maker (Massey-Ferguson) kind of filled out the field.
Cats did not do well in deep powder, Rupps were pricey, Doos were popular, and I liked Scorpion for the very light weight (as I recall less than 300 lbs). What I could afford was a '69 Ski-doo Nordic 371 with an 18" wide track. A bit heavy, but the wide track worked well in powder. The most fun I got to ride was a 775 TNT. It could put your tilt light on. %~)
All this was at 6,000 ft and up.

Dino in Reno

Ive got a 70-71 nordic outside in pieces

and your right, hard for two guys to get it into a pickup its so heavy. But it has a cigarette lighter in the dash!!

the scorpion my buddy had was much newer than that, Pam's dad still has an old sno jet out in the barn that looks like new (under all the bird crap) we'd like to buy that one from him.

I remember the old elan i used to ride, turn the skis all the way & she'd still just go straight ahead

I've been thinking about getting some for my yard monsters as well. It s amazing the deals you can find.

I havent been on one in 20 years since I shattered my right arm and wrist after I hit a telephone pole when the steering linkage broke. 9 months 3 surgeries and no desire to play again. Until recently (thanks guys).

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Kid I knew was giving me a ride on it and the throttle stuck. we flew down the street, across mainstreet, through a yard and he choked it just before it hit a rock pile.

He wouldnt get back on it, I bought it for $20.00, poured some heat on the carb to get the ice off and drove it home.

That is a funny story.

We used to have a Skido Silver Bullet. I don't remember what year or even the motor size. I was never allowed to ride it. Pa said it was too fast. It went about 60.

Almost anything goes 60 now in a hurry. I still tease him about it. He was so proud that thing went 60mph.

He really wouldnt get on it. He walked home. I walked home too. Then back to his house with a 20!!

A silver bullet with a blown engine was the death of the nordic in my garage. I was going to put the nordic engine on the bullet. things didnt line up, sold the bullet.

Now the nordic sits out there, seat tore up, new windshield, engine just sitting under the hood. sad, sad story.

Dam the bullet.

is it still repairable?

That SnoJet picture sure brought back some memories. SnoJet sent their Thunder Jet racing team sleds down to my dads place for a sales promotion. I took the smallest one out for a spin. I think it was a 340. I cracked the throtle and was up to 80 in a blink. Had to shut it down quick or I'd have gone through a fence line.

Anyone recall a sled made in Marshfield WI, called the JacTrac?

The nordic ran when I took it apart. Dam the bullet. Havent turned the motor over in 8 years. Just wasnt important after the kids came.

My dad used to race a lot of the sleds you guys are talking about. He was even pictured in a book racing around an oval and in the lead if I remember correctly. He rode SkiDoo TNTs I think, then graduated to Merc TrailTwisters and SnoTwisters. I remember one day him and his cousin went in to town to buy a gallon of milk and they BOTH came back with new pickups and new Merc's in the back. We still joke about that when we need milk. Those SnoTwisters really ran, but they blew up. Then came the Yamaha SRXs aka the Crankbenders. My first sled was an old Arctic Cat I worked off clearing brush for a guy. Wrench on it for an hour, ride it for 10 minutes. Wrench for 2 hours, ride for 20 minutes. Then came a Yamaha 300 Enticer. Great little 2 banger that was. Then a Yammy SS440. Blew that one up. Then a run of Phazers....man I had fun on those. Still have the 91. Piped and studded; it left dots on the ice.

ride for ten, wrench for two. Aint it the truth. If three leave, one returns in tow.

I remember those Phasers. When I was a kid, early 90's...we had a hockey tourney up in Ely. We stayed at a hotel right in town there, can't recall the name, but it was a busy spot for sledders.

The next am, the whole parking lot at the rink was FULL of Yammi Phasers. I remember thinking that was the coolest thing ever because at the time they were the hottest thing on skis.

yep, pogo stick suspension up front, they look goofy now but back then they were cool, like something out of a star wars movie, very zoomie.

Yep, those are the ones. My uncle still has one I think. A Phazer II. It doesn't ride too bad for an older sled.

1985

2009??

Pretty much a seat on top of a motor. She looks "racy".

Thanks for the pics of the JacTrac. Haven't been on a sled in years. Trying to convince the wife to let me get a ATV. Would get a lot more use out of it.

Way off track here but growing up had a friend with a fourwheeler that wouldnt go anywhere in the snow if you got off the sled tracks. We found that some car in dads junkyard, maybe a chevette, had the same bolt pattern as his wheeler so we put 13" car tires on the back then cut down a set of tire chains for it. he could drive that thing anywhere he wanted.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Way off track here but growing up had a friend with a fourwheeler that wouldnt go anywhere in the snow if you got off the sled tracks. We found that some car in dads junkyard, maybe a chevette, had the same bolt pattern as his wheeler so we put 13" car tires on the back then cut down a set of tire chains for it. he could drive that thing anywhere he wanted.

One of my deer hunting buddies just picked up a new Honda ATV with a set of tracks. Says the thing goes through snow like crazy.

This is way off topic but...while moving some boxes in storage I found the "Big swish" that has been lost for 2 or 3 years. I truly thought it was gone forever.

Big Swish got his Big Swish back for sleeping in deer camp!!! Dude that ROCKS!!! Funny I've been diggin through all my storage today too, I found my Long Lost and ever Loved set of Outfitter grey camo BDU's and Heavy Jacket today.. I've been missing that outfit for years I purchase them in 93, they now hang back in the hunting closet.. Gawd its funny what sticks with the memory of hunts with certain clothing on.. Good deal Buddy...

The Swish is back.... That was an Elton John song wasn't it?

I'm a Swish, I'm a Swish, I'm Swish, I'm a Swich is back. Yeah, it was something like that.

now how is that off topic?

that's great! The swish suit!!

Now does anybody know where my orange winchester hat is at??

You guys have seen this before right?
[Linked Image]

It's a sign that me & my oldest boy made one night while we were at camp. Inspired by my youngest boy's immagination.

The name just kind of stuck, camp chicken buck.

Now this whole story started out about a desire to create a setting of comfort & belonging for camp members. Well we've got a camp member that's taking it to a new level. The belonging part that is.

Obviously devoted to the camp & just having a pile of fun with things like the goofy name for our camp, my uncle pulled a stunt that's going to make your head spin.

the last time my uncle was up at camp he snapped a picture of the camp sign that's nailed to a tree as you enter the property.

He brought the picture to a place... well here, I'll just show you.

Nobody is going to see this one coming.

here, have a look.

[Linked Image]

Thats not ink pen folks, that's a real tattoo. That's on there for good.

he told me a little over a week ago that he was going to do it & I laughed my ass off!!

now is that a dedicated camp member or what?

He wanted to make sure we had settled on the name, and he wanted a tattoo of the very first version of the camp logo & name.

"it's gotta be the original" he said.

I'm still laughing about it, and I'm affraid he may have started something.

We were going to fish on saturday but nasty lake ice conditions made us change our minds. We went out to camp instead. We lit the wood stove & sparked some life to camp chicken buck with some good laughs & a few beers. We also gathered some firewood from a nearby logging opperation, the short ends, (salvage) left over after the crews move out are perfect for our little wood stove.

We loaded a small trailer with logs that we hauled back to camp, made 2 trips. I will cut to firewod length later & stack.

We also rode snowmobile a little bit & checked on some of our stands, there are deer everywhere!! Deer are stacked just thick in the woods around the shack, I know I saw at least 20 deer on a short loop through the woods north of the shack this morning on snowmobile.

here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

Bonfire Saturday night.

[Linked Image]

some log tossing.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam068.jpg[/img]

All done for the day.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam069.jpg[/img]

my oldest boy & my uncle coming out of the woods on snowmobiles, another deer scouting trip.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam072.jpg[/img]

It was a really great weekend once again. Big thanks to my uncle for the help with the wood pile & just for coming up to spend time with us.

Dave, After Dusty showed you his tattoo, you should have got a serious look on your face and said " Dusty we're selling the place, camp chicken buck is no more" just to see his reaction. I have to say though, that is serious dedication to the camp! It's kind of cool because you know he's going to be a loyal member of Camp Chicken Buck ....he's not just talking, I think he really means it.

Dusty! Ya crazy 'ol fart! That is AWESOME! HA! HA!

You just didn't have the stones to tell him its "camp flying bear" 'eh?

I looked at the pictures before I read the pages....I thought that ink was yours. Though you went on a bender friday night and got yourself a new tat.

I was gonna post "shoulda got sleaves done" until I read who it was.

Pretty cool really. It says a lot of what he thinks of your family and your deer camp.

You, Pam, and the kids need matching ones.

Great pics Dave, thanks for sharing. Great Tatoo. We'll probably be cutting wood up at our camp in April.

What condition did the deer appear to be in? Not hearing anything about winter kill yet here, but I suspect this winter will have taken a toll on them in some areas.

wow, that is either extreme dedication or a permanent solution to temporary insanity right there.

I am sure glad I dont have to get our camp name tattoed on my arm. If I did, it would say "Camp Uncle Rolly's House", which isnt quite as sexy as "Camp Chicken Buck".

You will have to ask your uncle if the chicks dig it. If so, I could see a wave of this in the future. A new business opportunity perhaps? A fad that sweeps the nation? Absolutely limitless potential. Oh, I would get it copyrighted right away! That little c with the circle around it would be priceless on your uncles arm.

Deer looked good. I don't know where they all came from, sure don't see numbers like that during season but it was a lot of fun to see them out there.

But they better hide good because i just heard that the sharp shooting efforts are starting up again.

they should be safe hanging arount there though because we are on the outer border & I mean right on the line for the zone that they will be focusing on. I have to get a trail cam out there, I saw one with horns on one side & my son saw one with horns still on both sides.

trail cam sitting at home on the table

keep forgetting it at home.

Yowza!

I was thinking about printing up some SHOOTERVILLE~! T-shirts. Ones that you can take off. Am I not dedicated?

Craig

All that effort ... and I'm just considering getting "Will Sue for Food" placards for the County Bar Association.

GE

I thought sueing was recession proof. Maybe even recession fueled?

Craig

Yeah, there is PLENTY of work ... just not plenty of resources to pay for the work that needs to be done.

Thus, we are back to the days of taking chickens. Thank God I like roasted chicken.

GE

I'm headed to the clinic, our little guy is sick, a cough that came on quick & got bad right away.

I'm affraid he has pnemonia.

Pam's up there with him now, they are doing chest xrays & blood work.

I get so scared when kids get sick, i'm just a wreck.

I'll post an update later.

Hang in there ND.

Hope the lil guy gets better and it's just a scare for Mom and Dad.

GE

I hear ya ND. When one of my little ones coughs more than once my radar goes up. Kids are resilient though, he will be back up and preachin' at full strength in no time.

Get that little guy better dave.

I hate it too. Espically when they are little. they don't know what is going on other than people are poking them, they don't feel good, and they're scared.

Get better Preacher!!!

T

You'll have to do some shed hunting out there Dave. Maybe you can find 'ol forkey toes head gear.

Let us know how the preacher turns out. I hate it when the kids are sick too.

Our 11 year old came home from his bio father's yesterday a little beat up. Bumped and bruised and a huge fat shiner that has his left eye swelled completely shut. Seems he was tearing around on the 4 wheeler without a helmet on and decided to drive under the clothes line which caught him right in the face and ripped him off the wheeler. He is lucky to have escaped with the injuries he did.

I shudder to think of the phone call we could have received....

Best wishes to the preacher for a speedy recovery. Those young ones bounce back quick Dave, but can still give mom and dad some sleepless nights.

We had a scare this weekend too. My daughter, almost 6, was at a friends b-day party. Her friends mom was picking her up at school to go to a water park, and to dinner after.

We went out for a fish fry with our son, and went home. I checked our messages and there was a call from her friend at 530 saying she hoped our daughter would come over soon, because she wants to have her party.

I immeadiatly began to fear the worse and called her house. The girls grandma answered and said they hadn't seen them all day. They were supposed to meet at the pizza place and didn't show up. Well, that made it worse.

I drove to the pizza shop, 1 customer there. It was 8pm at this point. Blood pressue, and fear grew even higher...

I stopped at the house, and the girls mom came out in and asked me what was going on. I explained the situation. She told me the girls were using the phone and the girls told me they "played a trick" on us.

I started chewing on both girls about how they scared the hell out of us, and I had a mom at home crying because we were afraid our girl was outside the school waiting, or worse...

Then her dad starts mouthing off to me about yelling at his kid, but backed off when he realized I wasn't there for the fun of it, and he was two more words from losing some teeth. If my kid did wrong at somebody's house, I'd expect her to get a butt chewing, and right fully so.

Needless to say, the b-day party was cut short. I was not impressed. I may have over reacated, but I was scared schitless about my princess.

T

yikes Tom, what a scare!!
I'm home now, preacher joe has pnemonia & strep.

they are letting us keep him at home but say he will have to be admitted if it gets any worse.

I just picked up his meds from the drug store & brought them home so hopefully we'll start a rebound real quick here.

thanks for all the concern guys, we appreciate it.

dave

I don't think you over reacted one bit Tom! In this day and age, you can never be too careful with the kids. My wife and I talk all the time how even at very young ages we were gone from home all day and our parents never knew where we were and it was no big deal. Heck, I was gone before day break checking my gopher traps. When that was done I would meet up with friends, check in for dinner, then supper and would get the "be home before dark" speech. Now days if we don't know where our kids are for even a minute we freak out. Its really too bad too because I beleive through no fault of their own, their being robbed of some of the best adventures childhood has to offer. But now days you can't be too careful. You had every right to be uspset. I hope the next time those two girls think of pulling a stunt like that, your words will ring in their heads. If it would have been my kid, they would have had two Dad's chewing on their butts.

Holy Cow Dave! Pnemonia & strep?? Poor lil preacher. Hope the meds kick in soon and he can get back to protectin the place from chicken bucks, flying bears and swamp squids!

The "other" girls dad didn't think it was that big of a deal. but that is pretty easy to say when he wasn't the one worring about it. If we would have had some sort of contact with her durring the day, I would have had no problem, but the circumstances just worked out and bad timing on gradmas part to not have seen or heard from them all day got me scared.

Get Preacher man better!!!

If the antis they gave him are like the ones my kids has earlier this year, be prepared for him to cough up a lot of nasty crap. Like brownish, greenish, yellow crap. The stuff works like it is supposed to.

At least you got him in fast and you know what it is. Sorry little buddy, get better.

I hate when kids are sick. :sad:

Dave, There's been stuff going around up here lately. We had one kid with pnuemonia, another with a cold including me. We're all fine now, after a trip to the E.R., but we had a couple days there we were all hurting. You got little joe in there right away...he'll be fine.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You guys have seen this before right?
[Linked Image]

Dave, When are you going to get your chicken buck tatto? I know your thinking about it

why would you think, that I'm thinking about it??

[Linked Image]

Dave,
I'm really sorry to hear that "preacher" is sick.When my kids were sick I always thought I would rather be twice as sick in their place.Here's to a quick recovery.Keep us posted on his porgress.

Stan

thanks Stan, we're keeping a close eye on him. He's hungry so I'm making him some toast & juice now. That's got to be a good sign.

You could have hats made with the beer drinking chicken buck!! Why would I think that your thinking about getting a chicken buck tatto? Because I know you! And I know the thought has crossed your mind now that dusty has done it

I would get the tatto with the one drinking beer, it's more you

I would paste one on my shoulder blade, but I'm not really a full fledged member of camp chicken buck

May be someday.

hey you know you've always got the invite

I'd have to draw it a couple more times, try a few different changes, see what shakes loose.

It's the little guy's birthday tomorrow, he turns 5.

I think I know what to get him.

it rhymes with "Fred Glider"

He might have to have a special one though, maybe a custom Fred Glider chickenbuck edition.

Lever action mayhem...

We'll be buying BB's in bulk.

Dave, Every boy has to have one of those Fred Gliders

I had one, I'm sure you did too. I bought Blake one a few years ago. I'm thinking he's really going to like that! Buying the BB's in bulk good idea! But, buy a pack for the cabin and one pack for the house. I would hate to see you have to make an extra trip for BB's because you forgot them.

I'll get working on the custom lever action tomorrow right after work.

The 2 bigger kids have them, Joe needs his own I think.

Guess thats pretty much where we all started! Then a single shot 22. Bruce

Oh Dave, T-shirts! Just get some T-shirts!

Jeepers, wanna make a commitment? Matching Hats!

Craig

oh I think there will be T-shirts, maybe sweatshirts, hats etc.

ohhhhhh.....orange beer drinkin chicken buck hoodies with orange beer drinkin chicken buck stocking caps! Might as well get some chicken buck truck window decals too!

You know yer getting that beer drinkin' chicken buck. One of these summer nights up at camp, with a belly full of more than a few High Lifes, yer gettin' it.

I can see it now.

good to hear preacher is hungry, that IS a good sign. A Fred Glider would be a nice gift, but does he need a rocking chair already, I mean he's only 5. there will be plenty of time for him to pick out his own furniture.

T

Originally Posted by Rooster7

ohhhhhh.....orange beer drinkin chicken buck hoodies with orange beer drinkin chicken buck stocking caps! Might as well get some chicken buck truck window decals too!

Rooster may be on to somthing here...er, or is it on somthing. Sorry, I'm half drunk.

ND, Hope that little one gets well quick.

it was a rough night with the little guy but his fever is gone this morning. That really had me bothered last night.

If that fever stays down this morning & he continues to eat & keep his meds down he'll make a quick rebound.

It's his birthday today!! Poor little guy sick on his birthday, I'll pick up his gift on my way home. It should be interesting to learn if he's a right or left handed shooter.

Happy Birthday preacher Joe. Glad to hear you're on the mend. Make sure you get the biggest piece of cake.

Dave hope everything gets better, my oldest went thru it twice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PREACHER JOE! GET BETTER MAN!

This just in,

Pam writes: "Seems just fine. Playing, talking. Ate a corndog and dipped it in chocolate pudding."

corndog dipped in chocolate pudding. I'd say his appetite is back to normal, normal for him anyways.

Glad your little boy is feeling better. Tell him Happy Birthday from a Georgia Boy.

Little joe with his new red ryder.

[Linked Image]

well there he is, the big birthday boy ready to hunt chickenbucks.

Definately not 100% yet, looking very pekid.

Fantastic B-day present. Happy Birthday Preacher!

He is just a whisker older than my little girl, she will be 5 in May. I had her out shooting with me (a little .22) last summer. And of course she has done a fair amount of elk, deer, bear, rooster, duck, skunk and goose hunting in her room right before bedtime.

A Fred Glider shore does perk up a guy who is feeling sick. That and some puddin' covered corn dogs I always say.

I had to take a business trip down to Iowa today, it was a balmy 40 here. I called home and Lauren told her mommy "I am sooo disappointed daddy wont be home tonite." All but carved my heart out. They sure do get a grip on a guy, eh?

Good to hear Preacher Man is getting better.

Corndog dipped in pudding....mmmmm. My boy had oatmeal for a snack last night, and put pepper and a TON of salt on it. :carzy: He said it was good. I took a bite of the last spoon full and I've never had so much salt on something in all my life. How he ate I'll never know.

Berettaman,
Those little girls sure do know how to wrap a daddy around their fingers don't they.

My baby girl will be 6 in a month and a half. She knows how to tug on her daddy's heart that is for sure.
One look with those big brown eyes and my heart melts.

T

tzone,
You're right on the money! and sometimes when they goof up and need a little discipline, it is hard not to laugh. Last nite, Lauren got into trouble and mommy told her she was gonna have to tell daddy when he called. So when I called, Lauren was scared to death and crying before she even got a chance to tell me what she did. She self-administered the discipline, I didnt have to do a thing. Man, I CANNOT wait until I get to move to Alex and start doing more outdoors things with them.

So Valentines Day was just a mess for us as we were running around trying to buy stuff for our basement. At the end of the day, Lauren and I made a stop at Gander Mtn and I told her she could pick out her present. She picked out a camo shirt. Boy, did I feel good about that!

My little girl wants a pink .22lr for her b-day. Funny thing is, I think she's going to get one.

It will be eaiser to ask momma for forgiveness than permission.

T

Originally Posted by tzone

It will be eaiser to ask momma for forgiveness than permission.

T

truer words have never been spoken.

I have the shared "trainer" at home for the kids. Years ago I picked up a marlin model 15YS (youth stainless) single shot bolt action .22 S-L-LR

fiber optic sights, toggle safety like a remington 700, both the bigger kids learned with that one & It will be Joey's turn this summer.

The 2 bigger kids now have there own rimfires. Nate has a winchester 9422M Yellowboy. 22 mag with the yellowboy reciever, very cool.

Taylor (weezy) has the laminated pink ruger 10/22

also very cool.

but they both learned starting at about age 5 on the little marlin, marlin used to call it the "buckaroo"

I'm not sure which one I'll get. there are several to choose from. The pink "cricket" is out. I saw one at Gander with a stock busted at the wrist. Plus, I just don't like it.

The pink 10/22 is an option, but I'm not sure starting her on a semi is the best idea either.

The Marlin may be the best otion at this point. Single shot, bolt. The pink ones run quite a bit more, so I may go with the regular youth model, and paint the stock.

Her fav is the Rem. M547, hot pink synthetic stock, but I'm not buying one of those from what I hear. Never shot one, but the gun smith at gander like em, they keep him busy.

Have you given any thought to the 'Chipmunk' by Rogue Rifle Co.? Neat little starter guns for around $150.00. Not sure if they make them in pink though.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Have you given any thought to the 'Chipmunk' by Rogue Rifle Co.? Neat little starter guns for around $150.00. Not sure if they make them in pink though.

Can't say I've seen one Rooster. I'll look into it. It doesn't have to come in pink, I can fix that.

I think the Marlin was $140 or so, so that is in the right price range. The Ruger was in the 2's.

A very Happy Birthday to the young man of the day.I remember well my first Fred Glider.Yes Joey,they had BB guns even back then.
I still have and shoot my first .22 rifle.I'll bet it has had countless thousands of rounds thru it.

Stan

Ya know Tzone, there is a frequent poster here on campfire forums that took a regular factury hardwood stock from a 10/22 (birch I suppose)

anyways.... He stripped the factory brown finish & bleached the wood, then used a die like RIT clothing die & he died the stock purple. His daughter wanted a purple gun, it came out really nice!! I think it was "waders" that did it?

You could do that in pink for any hardwood or laminate stock.

Weezy's is a laminate died pink from ruger, really neat.

I'll also tell you my reason for choosing the model 15 youth marlin. I liked the action & safety.

I wanted a single shot for the kids to learn with, everything goes slowly with a single shot, slow is good

I liked that the bolt cocked the firing pin just like the big boy guns that they would transition into some day.

I liked the safety, I put strong emphasis on safety & handling long before we ever went outside with the gun, we'd practice (very casually) sitting on the couch with the empty little rifle. Practice cycling the action & working the safety.

When it came time to move to actual shooting they knew the drill.

Safety goes to safe position, open the chamber, load the shell, close the chamber, safe aim, look beyond target ensuring safe area, take the safety off, take the shot, put directly back on safe & open the action.

the marlin 15 lets you do this, doesn't need to be cocked to engage the safety.

I'm sure others are the same but when I saw this by handling it in person & observing the quality which I felt was better than some of the other youth offerings I decided on the Marlin 15Y and at the time I chose the stainless, it looked real nice & came with better sights.

Not to influence one way or another, I'm just sharing my purchase experience & observations in hopes it might help you pick what works best for you & your kids.

And when they are all grown up & gone from the house.....

I'm gonna sneak out into the woods with it & shoot rabits with the tiny little gun

Tzone, there's another youth 22 called the "Cricket". I'm pretty sure that Gander carries them also.

By the way, hows the Toyota running?

Dave,

I think that is the the Marlin I looked at. Single shot, bolt, safety was like a model 700. They had a pink painted one, and stained birch stock.

The more I think about it, that really is the way to go. No semi's for her yet. Maybe me though.

Grizz,

The Cricket isn't on my list. I have handled them at Gander before and they seemed cheap to me. Then a few weeks later, they had one with a broken stock on shelf, I mean broken. Right at the wrist/ pistol grip.

The Toyota is running great. Everything is nice and tight. It even runs smooth in 4x4. The only other truck I had that did that was my Tacoma I had back in 99. I like it so far. A bit tight with the kids in it, but it will work.

T

Always lots of used single shot 22s around in gun shops.
Bruce

The little Marlin is a great little rifle. That is what my little girl started her shooting career with. I chose it for all the reasons Dave described above. She is a small person and still shoots it at gophers on occasion. But she knows she still has Dad wrapped around her little finger to this day. She indicated she would like to get a different .22 one of these days so Dad gave her a Ruger 77/22 with a 4 power Leupold on top of it for her birthday earlier this month, and she was so tickled with it at 27 years old! I hope all of you guys little girls still have you wrapped around their little finger at that age and still like to come home and go shooting and deer hunting with the old guy.

hey big Gravy, wow that's cool. that 77/22 is one serious rimfire, nothing toyish about it. And the FX4 loopy, very nice scopes, classy set up for sure. Very nicely done.

I hope to be as lucky as you when my daughter reaches that age.

Cool gift. A 77/22 is what I would like to get someday, but the used prices around here are $450-550. So it will be a while. They are a damn fine hunting .22 IMO.

You're right, those little girls know how to hook their daddy's. Even when they're 27.

T

She and her husband will be providing us with the ultimate gift the first part of April...our first grandchild. Her mother and I can hardly wait!

Gravy, Grandkids are the greatest. You can spoil the heck out of them then send them back to their parents. We had a pleasant surprise this morning. Our 4 year old grandson called us. Told his mom he wanted to call Papa Bill and Grandma Judy. He's out in Portland so we only get to see him a couple of times a year.

My mom LIVES to be a grandma. She is retiring this May, a few years early, so she can spend time with her grandkids.

I've never seen somebody so excited about kids as grandparents. Congrats to you MMgravey on becoming a grandpa. Spoil that little bugger as much as you want.

My kids could murder someone in my Mom's living room and she would think it was cute. I couldn't even eat in there.

That 77/22 is one fine looking rifle. I also like the 77/22 Hornet and the 77/44 would be the cats A$$ for deer hunting in the woods. Nice guns for sure!

I have a Ruger MKII Stainless .22 pistol and now I'm thinking of getting a .44 Mag to use for deer hunting. (I haven't shot a deer with a pistol yet) I have not researched them much so would like some opinions. I am kind of a Ruger guy so I'm leaning toward the Super Redhawk or Blackhawk but I'm also open to the Smiths or even Taurus. Any suggestions or experiences with the 44? What is the difference between the redhawk and blackhawk? I'm even open to different calibers.

Edit - It just dawned on me and I think the Redhawk is double action and blackhawk is single action. Correct?

Originally Posted by tzone

My kids could murder someone in my Mom's living room and she would think it was cute.

I can think of a few "test" people we can try that theory out on!

I had a sweet little 77/44. Sold it of course. It wasn't the greatest in the accuracy dept. but at the 25-50 yds it was going to be used at, it would have been fine.

congratulations mmgravy, that's great news.

on another note, our little guy goes to school once a week (learning readiness or "preschool")

thursdays are his day of the week. he woke up this morning & demanded he go to school. Pam said he was doing very well so she let him go with instructions to the teacher that he is not to go outside & to call her at work with any concerns & she will leave work & go get him.

Sounds like Preacher is back in the game! Prolly some cute little girly in school he just had to see. I bet he offers her a bite of his puddin' drenched corn dog now and then.

I have a Marlin SS 880? 8-something I think. It is ok in the accuracy department is all. I was a little disappointed to be honest. I thought it should drill tacks, but it doesnt. I will need to get a kids .22 pretty soon. But if I get a regular colored one, I could re-issue it to the boys in a few years. That sounds like a good plan. Having 2 boys (twins), it is gonna get a mite expensive in the firearm department.

Have any of you bought lifetime hunting and/or fishing licenses for your kids? I bought Lauren the lifetime sportsmans one. Prolly will get that and the deer hunting on for the boys...again X2!

I love those lifetime liscenses. That is a great gift for a kid that likes the outdoors.

Good to hear Preacher is doing better. I hope my little guy likes going to school. I think that is going to be a battle with him. He seems to be a lot like his old man. I hope not, at least in that department.

Real good to hear he's better. That pneumonia is scary scary stuff sometimes.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That 77/22 is one fine looking rifle. I also like the 77/22 Hornet and the 77/44 would be the cats A$$ for deer hunting in the woods. Nice guns for sure!

I have a Ruger MKII Stainless .22 pistol and now I'm thinking of getting a .44 Mag to use for deer hunting. (I haven't shot a deer with a pistol yet) I have not researched them much so would like some opinions. I am kind of a Ruger guy so I'm leaning toward the Super Redhawk or Blackhawk but I'm also open to the Smiths or even Taurus. Any suggestions or experiences with the 44? What is the difference between the redhawk and blackhawk? I'm even open to different calibers.

Edit - It just dawned on me and I think the Redhawk is double action and blackhawk is single action. Correct?

"Correct"

Rooster7,You cannot do better then a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 magnum for deer hunting.I use a 7-1/2" barrel topped with a BSA 2X scope.I back it up with a rifle,usually a Ruger .44 carbine but sometimes something else but my main hunting weapon is the Super Redhawk.In my estimation this is one of the finest handguns ever made.
Dave,I am glad the birthday boy is all better.

Stan

Thanks Stan! I figured if anybody had experience with hand guns for deer it would be you. I don't have much experience with them but I have always heard good things about the Ruger .44's, especially the SRH. Another one I was kind of looking at was the S & W 629 Mountain Gun but that sounds like its more of a backup weapon in case of a bear attack etc. I don't really need to worry about that............unless of course I'm hunting with Dave. But then I would need a shotgun because the bears that Preacher see's around there are on the wing.

know what I'm gonna do tomorrow?

I'm gonna sleep till about 9 in the morning

from there, we'll just go which ever way the wind blows us but I'm starting out with some sleep first.

mmmmm, sleeeeeeep, I can't wait.

Rooster,

I've never hunted deer with a handgun, but I can tell you I'm fond of the S&W 629. Saying that, I don't own one of those either, but have shot it a lot. Very cool gun.

I'm working on our basement. Hanging some doors, painting some doors, trimming out some doors...anyone see a pattern here.

I'm really starting to hate doors.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel though, not very bright, but a light none the less.

Last night I went to Gander to check out shotgun scopes, and .22lr's, and bought a friggin deer rifle.

A freshly traded Rem. M7 6mm Rem. It is the older style, walnut/blue, with a 18 1/2" barrel. Should be a fun little gun, a step up from the .22 for the kids....yeah, that's the story I'm gonna use.

Wow nice find

realistically i won't sleep past 7 tomorrow morning but sleeping till 7AM sounds pretty dang good

i don't know what I'll do with the weekend.

It is supposed to be nice here. Sunday we are hauling kids to sports, but Saturday will be keeping mama happy day. That should make the rest of the week go a little better.

hey ND, are you going to be sleeping in at CHickenBUck Ranch? Fire up the heat in there tonight and get that chill off.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i don't know what I'll do with the weekend.

Little trip down to Windom to pick up an F250.

boy I could really get some sleep out there.

probably wont end up out there tonight though.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i don't know what I'll do with the weekend.

Little trip down to Windom to pick up an F250.

yeah I showed that to mama, she bout kilt me dead.

those are the sort of things that you just have to show up with, forgivness is easier than permission.

I will also be working on the basement. Painting, staining, and tiling are on the docket. My dad is coming down to help, so I plan on abusing him as much as possible.

As for sleep. Oh, that would be sooo cool to sleep. The boys are still getting up 3 times per night. each. I dont know how the wife does it as she gets up most of the time with them.

Quit talking about buying guns! It makes me wanna buy one and I am spending all my money and then some supporting Menards.

We have spent plenty at Menards and Home Depot. I have a most everything I need supply wise except the flooring for the family room. Have bought enough tile lately...

I'm replacing bedroom and bathroom doors upstairs right now. Getting rid of the mid 80's darkness on doors and trim. It is never ending. Install new door and frame, put up trim, baseboard no longer matches new light colored trim and oak doors, replace base board, oops don't match rooms now, replace, oop don't match hallway now, replace, oop don't match dining room, and on and on and on. Just doing a little at a time. Thank God Momma is understanding about it and not demanding it all match at once. She is going to stain everything which is good because I hate doing that.

Dave - Ya still thinking about putting up the barn wood at chicken buck this summer?

yep, I'd like to getthat done this summer for sure.

BYON (bring your own nailer )

I'll provide beer & food.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yep, I'd like to getthat done this summer for sure.

BYON (bring your own nailer )

I'll provide beer & food.

What kind of beer?

If you want help, let me know.

Rooster,

My basement was a blank canvas. We bought a spce home a few years ago, and the basement was unfinished, which is what I wanted.

The doors are driving me nuts. Some of these things you couldn't get more level, and they still close a little harder than they should.

Put in 2 bedrooms, family room, laundry room, hunting room, chitter, and a few closets. It seems never ending. I just buy supplies when we have the money, and no loans, no credit cards. Labor is free of course. I hired an electriction to hook up the breakers, and a plumber for the hard parts, otherwise it was all wifey and I. That makes it better IMO.

what ever kind of beer it takes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yep, I'd like to getthat done this summer for sure.

BYON (bring your own nailer )

I'll provide beer & food.

I'm so excited!! Dave-why didn't you tell me that we were adding onto the house this summer? I'll get right on the plans for the two bedrooms, bathroom and family room. Wooohooo!!!!

Um...

what just happened?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Um...

what just happened?

I just got the addition on the house that I've wanted for about 5 yrs.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what ever kind of beer it takes.

Free...I'm not picky.

My nailer needs electric, otherwise I'm good. Serious too.

I built that already.... it's one of those new "detached additions"

go by the name of "chickenbuck"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I built that already.... it's one of those new "detached additions"

go by the name of "chickenbuck"

Nope, not gonna work Pa.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I built that already.... it's one of those new "detached additions"

go by the name of "chickenbuck"

Nope, not gonna work Pa.

Ah oh!

Dave, your going to need a new truck to haul all that wood for your new addition. With a min. of a 390 to haul that load.

Gonna need a good truck for haulin materials.

like a 75 F250 crew cab, 390/4 spd, 4x4, dana 60 axles I spose.

Load up with Kokanee and i'll be out to help Dave. nothing better then beer and nails.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Gonna need a good truck for haulin materials.

like a 75 F250 crew cab, 390/4 spd, 4x4, dana 60 axles I spose.

Boy dave, we sure think alike...That is exactly what I had in mind.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That 77/22 is one fine looking rifle. I also like the 77/22 Hornet and the 77/44 would be the cats A$$ for deer hunting in the woods. Nice guns for sure!

I have a Ruger 77/22 Hornet with a Nikon 3-9x40 scope and it sees a lot more action than my Browning Lever Action .22lr. I really like all of the different lines of Ruger rifles.

My son is 14 months old and already has 3 rifles

. I'm sure I will be buying some more for when he's actually ready to use them.

Its GREAT being a father and dad.

Since I first brought up that Menards deal, which led to the addition on Dave's house....uh, sorry about that Dave. I dont think the fish were planning on biting this summer anyway.

Mrs ND, you're welcome. When can I expect my $20?

scoundrel!

Go back to bed.

Craig

no hope for that. didn't make it till 6AM, 5:45 I was awake in bed staring at the ceiling.

Probably thinking about that new addition you're going to be building. The economy thanks you!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Probably thinking about that new addition you're going to be building. The economy thanks you!

Well, I just had a great date with the wife. We went to a great new steak house in town. Chef goofed, and we got a FREE steak. What a great dinner.

No work done on the basement, FIL had some heart trouble last night, so we spent last night, and today in the hospital. He had an angioplasty for about the 4th time since last July.

He gets to come home tomorrow. Well, he gets to come here tomorrow, his old lady is out of state.

Never a "normal" weekend. Just once would be nice...

Tom

Tom, hope all goes well with your FIL. Saturday would have been a good day to work on the basement because the weather sure sucked.

What is the name of the new steak house? We're always looking for something new to try and Wausau is only a 1/2 drive.

I'm in the market for a chain saw. Has to have a 20" inch bar as we get into some bigger trees up at camp. Top two choices so far are the Stihl 290 (Farm Boss) and a Husqvarna 455 Rancher.

Anyone have any experience with either of these saws?

The steak house is called WISH. It is in Weston. Very very good, but pricey. Well worth it IMO.

Chainsaws...I'd stay away from the 290 Farm Boss. Heavy for what you get out of it, and it vibrates like a bastard. If you want to go that big, look at the 310 or 340. They'll handle the 20" bar a lot better, have more power, and won't wreck you hand with vibration.

If you are up this way, stop into Charlie's Hardware in Mosinee, he has a great selection of saws, and a staff that knows their stuff. Great service department. They were $45 less than anybody else on the saw I bought and it was a $300 saw. That is a big difference.

They also have used ones that have been serviced by them. Might want to look into that. They are also the cheapest around on guns.

dito, the stihls are god saws no doubt but they do tend to weigh in on the heavy side.

johnsred is also a good saw, or has been for me anyways & they tend to weigh in much lighter for there power class.

Tom, will have to give the steak house a try sometime. I'll check out Charlies for sure. Bought my Toro snow blower from them last year.

Dave, thx for the heads up on the Johnsred. I totaly forgot about them.

I haven't been around for a while and a lot sure has happened. The preacher is sick but armed, Dave has been trapped into an addition on the homestead by Mrs. ND and we now have official Camp Chickenbuck body art! Where do we go from here? It boggles my mind.

Spent a few days at the sportsmens' show here in PA. The economy has hit the outdoor industry judging by the deals and discounts at the show. Some very good prices for guided hunts, Canadian fishing vacations, horseback wilderness trips. Long story shortened, I booked a mule deer/antelope hunt for Oct/Nov 2009. Oklahoma/Colorado or Oklahoma/Kansas depending on draw. The first of my "bucket list" hunts is now scheduled.

Ron

Good for you on the bukcet list hunts. Very cool.

One of mine is to go to Canada and shoot a monster, thick necked, stinky, rutty, knarly somebitch, and the other is to shoot a bull moose. The destination on the moose doesn't matter much as much as the hunt itself. That is the first hunt on my bucket list.

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster,

The doors are driving me nuts. Some of these things you couldn't get more level, and they still close a little harder than they should.

Glad I'm not the only one! I had my doors level and closing perfect and by the next day they must have settled or something and now rub a little when they close. I know what you mean about it making you

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yep, I'd like to getthat done this summer for sure.

BYON (bring your own nailer )

I'll provide beer & food.

The nailer kit I had was borrowed but I see that Mendards has a set just like it on sale this week for $219.00. It's the Bostich set that comes with the compressor and two nailers. I'm thinking of getting that. I will have many uses for it. Momma told me I could get it on one condition, If I put in a new tub and vanity and knotty pine in the bathroom. How does that work????

What a weekend. Dad came down friday afternoon and we worked until 10 priming the basement. Then from 8 to 630 on saturday painting and staining. then yesterday from 7 til 430 and then another hour or so after dinner varnishing and tiling the bathroom. Made a lot of progress. The end of the tunnel is in sight! We havent gotten to hanging doors yet.

Sounds like a great hunt that you lined up Ray! I just put in for my ND muley archery tag last week. Plan on going over Labor Day weekend. This will be my 5th (or 6th?) trip out there to spot and stalk the bouncy ones. I have only tagged out once on a muley buck. It is not an easy hunt by any means but so fun and relaxing. And breath taking scenery doesn't hurt either.

I have the Porter Cable version of what you are talking about Rooster. It has seen many thousands of nais, blood, and swear words, and keeps on trucking.

I'd like to get a Passload gas, nailer, but at almost $400, that is a decent used rifle. I may still do it.

How does the Porter Cable stack up with Bostich in quality and price?

Price wise, not sure. I think it was $199 or $219 for the pack. It was the compressor, brad nailer, 2" finish nailer, 25' air hose, and nails for each gun. It also had all the fittings in the package, you just had to install them.

I bought it in '99, and have used the piss out of it since without a hint of trouble.

The hose that came with it kind of sucks, but I'm still using it. I use the compressor for normal garage duty as well. Filling tires, balls, blowing dust off crap, ect... It would not handle shop air tools real well, but that isn't what it was made for either. It is just the pancake type compressor. It will fill up 1 truck tire, before it needs to refill.

I would buy another. My step dad owns a cabinet shop in Superior, and he has about 4 of these kits. 1 in his job trailer, 1 at home, 1 in the doors and draws shop, and one in the regular shop. I bought this one based on his suggestion.

I did borrow a Bostich Framing nailer to stud up the basement, and had no problems with that either.

T

T
My wife and I went to Newfoundland and collected a moose and caribou. It was a great float plane trip into the camp and we saw lots of game. The horns are not as big as on The Alaskan Moose but it was still a great trip. The meat was excellent.
We went with Portland Creek Outfitters and I hope to go back again.

Thanks,

Not really after a mega set of horns. Just a cool hunt, decent rack. To me that is my dream trophy. The moose hunt itself.

I've had good luck with the two paslodes I have. Expensive they are , but , not dragging around that dang air hose , carrying a compressor around , generator when at camp , plus the space for all that stuff , I feel mine have repaid the extra for themselves many times over.

Did I mention that you don't have to drag that dang air hose wherever you go ?
Insert batt and nails and go , when done put it all back into that little brief case thing and you are done. Ease of setup and take down goes a long ways for getting home projects started and finished . YMMV

I just went and checked those paslodes on line. Those really would be the ticket wouldn't they? But Holy Bats! They know what they want for them suckers too!

Exactly what I'm saying Rooster. They are great, and quality built tools, but $400 is $400.

No hose would be a big help if, like me, you dream of a treetop bridge system from camp to stand

The main reason I want one is for goofing around at camp. Somehow I'd have to slip it by the Mrs. by justifing in for the house some way or another.

I got my paslode cordless framer/sheeter years ago when we built our house. think i got it in 99.

I love that thing, it's been dropped from rafter height to the concrete below more times than I'd care to admit, I've shot boxes & boxes of nails with it. Very good units.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

No hose would be a big help if, like me, you dream of a treetop bridge system from camp to stand

now you're talking

Tzone,
Moose and Canadian whitetails are on my list also. I gathered a pile of info on Newfoundland, Quebec and Ontario at the show. That might be next (just after the cruise with the wife! Gotta CMA, ya know?).

Ron

Dave, You might not want to let the Mrs. see that little note on the cruise, ya know what I mean? Sorry if I put you in a bad place. After all, you haven't even started digging the foundation for the addition yet!

Ray, just saw a show on moose hunting in Newfoundland last week. I believe they made the claim that Newfoundland had the highest moose population in all of Canada.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

No hose would be a big help if, like me, you dream of a treetop bridge system from camp to stand

now you're talking

[/quote]

I am waiting to see Capt. BF and ND rig up a zip line from the stands.

Or better yet a zip line across the swamp to avoid the squid and get better angles on the flying bears. Best use cable to keep the leopard squirrels at bay.

very good thinking.

Where's my bangflop???

where you at boy???

Did you find a truck?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Where's my bangflop???

where you at boy???

He's done disappeared! I tried getting a hold of him to let him know our apps had to be in and no response. His mind must be on chasin two legged deer or somethin.

Originally Posted by tzone

Did you find a truck?

still looking, think i sold my half ton.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Where's my bangflop???

where you at boy???

He's done disappeared! I tried getting a hold of him to let him know our apps had to be in and no response. His mind must be on chasin two legged deer or somethin.

18y.o. boy have been know to do that.

Hey ND. need a crew cab i am hearing again....nice! you going to be out in the floating yellow submarine on the ice this weekend. we drove by it on sunday, had super day out there. going back this weekend to hit it again!! fish were flying out of the holes for us. one 40-1/4" pike too. nice fishie!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

one 40-1/4" pike too. nice fishie!!

Yeah, I'd say. Nice fish.

What is wrong with your truck? Just want something beefier?

Nuthin wrong with my truck, I just miss the room of a crew cab superduty like i used to have.

Hey Buschy, I think i found my truck. probably going to move on it pretty quick.

If you know of anything you think i might be interested in drop me an e-mail. Otherwise i'll probably be taking off tomorrow to go get the one I found.

You can't leave us hangin' dude. What is it?

Sweet! Stats?

or this one.

dealers are fighting for my greenbacks as we speak.

[Linked Image]

top is 06 lariat, bottom 05 FX4 Sport Package.

both very nice.

very well cared for.

Great looking truck Dave. What year is it?

top pic is 06, bottom pic 05

eeny-meeny-miny-moe.........

This is going to sound might chickish of me but...I like the blue one.

I have a feeling well here the rest of the story tomorrow.

Congrats. Now go pull out stuck chevy's.

i like the blue one too Dave!! i'd go for that one. i like the FX options over the lariat. you gonna be out fishing dave.. we're going to be out there straight north of your place in a lime green house saturday am.

Allright Bushcy! If you're hitting all these houses, you have to start giving us some pictures. You can't just come on here and talk about 40" gators and not give us any pictures of this stuff.

Espically the lime green shack.

Have a nice weekend on the lake. And get some pikers for us.

T

first i have to figure out how to get them loaded on here. i'll bring a camera with me tomorrow and see what we can catch out there. Hoping to see Dave on the ice one of these weekends before she melts. no chance of that for a while though as it was -29 on the way to work today. it shall be nice for keeping the beverages chilled though.

-29, that's cold. That schitt'll freeze your beer.

I has +2 at the door of the ofice today. E-mail the pics to me or dave and we can get them loaded on here.

fished out of Zippel Bay on Tues/Wed of this week. Did ok on walleyes, just enough action to stay involved. Some of the guys caught some nice Jacks, but i didnt fish them much. Biggest was 38". Met some nice guys from Canuckville. Jacks and pickeral were northerns and walleyes to them.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Met some nice guys from Canuckville. Jacks and pickeral were northerns and walleyes to them.

That's what I call 'em too eh.

Wonder if Dave bought the blue one?

If I know dave, I'll bet he comes home with something like this:

[Linked Image]

Whoa. That's a lot of truck!

Brand new?

Better hope OPEC doesn't get too crabby!

Craig

Bet the one I found you was cheaper...

That should help stimulate the economy!! Nice truck, Bruce

Originally Posted by bucktail

Bet the one I found you was cheaper...

Listen here Bucktail!! This whole damn thing is your fault & I'm dead serious!!

Bucktail sends an internet link to craigs list for a 1975 F250 crew cab with a 390 & a 4 speed & that's what planted the damn seed!!

It's your fault!! Completely!! It just snowballed from there into this!!

serious tho, it is your fault BT (thank you

)

Anyways, it's an 05 so no, not new. very new to me though.

as you can see, crew cab short box, it's a lariat so it's nicely loaded with leather interior, it's a diesel, 6.0 with an auto trans. It is an F350, didn't matter so much to me 250 or 350. wasn't loking for 350, it's just what i found.

This is a little different animal than my 2001 F350 with the 7.3

different set of manors, still getting used to it. less displacement than the 7.3 but they are getting some crazy power out of it. This thing will pull the azz out of a goat I tell you.

Anyways, We picked it up with 83k on it, brand new tires & I do mean brand new, new tonoue cover (spelling?) new bedliner, floor mats, mud flaps which I haven't put on yet.

Just a really good truck, very happy. I'll do my best to take care of it & hope it returns the favor.

Should be a good hunter hauler for our upcoming elk hunt in Colorado this October too.

I've always wanted a black truck, I have a feeling I'll get tired of trying to keep it clean though

So I'm not married, so I don't really have much of an understanding of marital politics. You get vetoed for an $1100truck, but get approved for a truck that's probably north of 20k. It's the same thing as tzone. He comes home with a sub 1k truck & gets vetoed, but gets something costing somewhere in the neighborhood of 15k. I understand that none of us really understands women, but what's up with that?
There's a pic elsewhere in this thread of your half ton pulling your tractor on a trailer. It looks like a bit much for the half ton. I just looked on craigslist earlier today and the 75 was still there. If I was a ford guy I'd have it by now. Happy new pickup. I just switched to a Dakota a few weeks ago myself. My S-10 did pretty well antelope hunting with 2 of us last year, but 1 more suicide door would have been nice, and when we went out with 3 of us, we needed to take a different pickup.

Dave,
VERY nice truck.I know you and family will be happy with it.

Stan

Thanks guys.

Great looking truck Dave. Should give you years of good service. No doubt you had to stop and pick up a remodel magazine for Pam so that she can start plans for the addition now that you have your truck.

HEYYYY YALL!!! im back!! i see you all like MY new truck!!! i do to.. hahaha!! dads just jealous so he said it was his.. i'll forgive him this time..

Let ole dad use it from time to time, like when the tanks low!!

WOW I've got a Ton of reading to do yet to get caught up with you guys. Looks like ChickenBuck has a new roadtrip truck parked in the drive at some point in time. Nice rig Weezy!!!

Me I'm flat out beat, bout to fall asleep here as I type, been gone with kiddo on a snowgoose extravaganza. We've shot a few geese set and reset over 3000 decoys in the last few weeks many times. Party at the camp a few nights with guitar music and harmonics from a couple of guys, ate TBones,slept in the decoy trailer on comfy fullsize matress's dog in toe. My truck has drank a few gallons of gas,Kiddo has had some MountainDew and orange juice, I've drank gallons of coffee and some top of the line scotch and crown royal delux, the kerosene lanterns have drank about half a gallon of thier juice and the stove ate a few pieces of wood.

All in all twas alot of work and alot of FUN too. For now Hi from the wabo family and carry on ladies and gents, Good to see the fire still burning brightly at ChickenBuck....

Originally Posted by weezy

HEYYYY YALL!!! im back!! i see you all like MY new truck!!! i do to.. hahaha!! dads just jealous so he said it was his.. i'll forgive him this time..

in your dreams kid.

Wabo, that sounds like a great time! Too cold up here to hunt anything.

If it aint covered in thick fur & fighting to stay alive or burried deep in the ground it's all dead & frozen solid.

Minnesota, it does wear on a guy this time of year.

Last night it started snowing.We got three to four inches of light fluffy stuff.It is really pretty.Everything is at a standstill here. Nothing open.Schools closed.We get one good snowfall a year here,usually in March, and it is the self shoveling kind.The sun comes out the next morning and melts it all which is what is happening right now at 9AM.I'm thinking all of this will not melt today and it is forecast to be 15 degrees tonight which means sheet of ice tomorrow.
Weezy,great looking truck.You will be the envy of all of your friends.Might wanna let dad drive it once in awhile.

Stan

Minus 12 here in Central WI this morning. 31 below up at Land of Lakes, WI. Just plain sick of winter. Might see mid 40's by Wednesday.

-6 here this morning, supposed to warm up to day time highs in the 20-30 range (above the zero)

that will be nice.

Stan, Pam & I had a little house in jacksonville NC back in 92-94. I only remember it snowing once when we lived down there.

but it certainly was a show stopper just like you said.

Nice truck Dave, i hope that 6.0 serves you well. i have a Crew Cab Lariat (but not the diesel) as well and I absolutely love it.

Had our Pheasants Forever banquet in Alex over the weekend and it was a lot of fun. Pretty good turnout, down a little bit but not much. We were a little worried about the economy, but I think we will be similar to last years take. I put my wife's name on all our tickets and sure enough her luck held again this year. She won 1st place in the Entertainment Raffle. She had her pick between a small ($189) TV and a Wii. I just smiled and walked away when she asked me what I wanted. I said, it is your call dear. She picked the Wii. Never had one before, though we played it a little already. Dont play video games, but this is a little different, so I will give it a try. Heard you can even lose some weight with one.

Another PF banquet this weekend! Man, these things are a lot of work.

Both of my kids have Wii's and love them. They have the Workout option and boxing game. Both will tire you out.

Nice Truck Weezy!

No! No! No!!

knock it off you guys!!

she's a goofy little girl & she is NOT driving my truck!!

we have a 1/4 mile driveway, our garbage cans are out by the road. weezy likes to take the garbage out to the road because then she can drive my truck 1/4 mile out to where the cans are.

well, she's gonna have to use ole browny (my 77 half ton) to take the garbage out to the road now

oh poor dad.... ill let you haul garbage every once in a while with it if you wash it after...

and im not a goofy little girl with that kinda ride pa!!!! its okay.. ill find you a truck just like it so you can be happy to!!

thanks roster!! i love it!!!! its amazing! and stan dont worry everyone is already going crazy over it!! ... even dad!!

hahah!! ohhhh dad!!

What ever squirt, you can't even see over the steering wheel.

Captain Bangflop & Uncle Dusty, we have this month of March to submit our applications for the draw for upcoming Elk Rifle season in Colorado. We are going first rifle season. The dirty buggers didn't send us our regulation books this year so we'll have to go online & apply that way. I went into it part wat the other day. We all have to decide individually what we would like to put in for. You apply by submitting your 1st choice, second choice & third choice.

In previous years it seems to me I have chosen the item "preference point" for my first choice, then I have selected what I actually want for my second choice, then a backup selection for my third choice.

Example:

First choice - Preference point

Second choice - Either sex tag

Third choice - Cow tag

this is assuming I can spring for the price of the either sex tag. The either sex tag is a bit over $500 for us non residents. the cow tag is usually about $250

I've applied enough times where I should have some preference points banked so I probably could get drawn for an either sex tag if I wanted to.

More often I choose to select preference point as my first choice and then a cow tag for my 2nd choice & leave it at that.

When we apply we need to send money to cover the tag we want, if I want an either sex tag then I have to send the money for it, I may only get a cow tag at the time of the draw. At that time I would receive my cow tag in the mail along with a refund of half of my money.

We'll get together soon & figure out what everybody wants & submit our applications.

Good for you Weezy. It's about time Pa bought you a new truck.

What, You forgot to add me to your list, I must have missed the e-mail for that one. I'll go back and check it out.

Nice truck northern_dave. Real nice! So much for the long box eh?

Originally Posted by tzone

So much for the long box eh?

I guess we'll just have to stack stuff a little higher

Hey Weezy, when you bringing that ride down to the Mall of Amer....no, you better not do that....unless of course Dad is with....and he can foot the bill!!

I have 12 preference points in Colorado (Dad too) and am deciding how we wanna use them. Looking pretty hard at GMU 76 right now. If'n you know anything about that unit, let me know. Trying to decide between a drop camp ($1500 each) or a DIY hunt. Sure would like to parlay those points into a nice 6X6...

Hey guys, after 2 weeks of reading I finally got through this thread. I love it, and think you are all a great bunch of guys. Can't wait to see what else goes on here.
buzz

Welcome to deer Camp buzz. Think you'll like here.

Thanks Buzz, very nice of you to say.

welcome to the forums.

Dave

Hey Buzz,

Welcome to deer camp.

Hang around long enough and you'll see us get real goofy. Usually happens about August and then again in October. I'm sure you saw that already.

Stick around.

Hey Dave,

How was the first weekend with the new ride? Are you getting a topper for that beast? Brush guard, 9" lift kit, air bag...you know, all the regular mods.

Dave, started paying more attention to Ford Super Duties since you started the thread. Question, do all super duty 4 X 4's come standard with manaul locking hubs?

I've seen several in the past couple days and they had manual hubs, which is a good thing IMO.

I don't know if the all come that way, but all of the people I know that have one, and all that I have seen...come with manual locking hubs.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Dave,

How was the first weekend with the new ride? Are you getting a topper for that beast? Brush guard, 9" lift kit, air bag...you know, all the regular mods.

Tzone~ we need to talk!

Let's not give Dave any more ideas of how to spend money right now...k. I think he's maxed out his spending for awhile, but he never ceases to amaze me on how he can find something. I refer to it like "dodging bullets" when he comes with all his treasures he finds that he thinks he needs. How can a wife keep up?

Buzz, welcome to the camp. Its a cool place to visit. Glad you stopped. Stick around, you've gotta see pictures of my big hunt of ol' forky toes this November.

ol' forky toes already

ooff, it's going to be a long summer.

Well, if he's going to be taking me to Colorado to hunt elk, I want to have my gear coverd, and enough clearance to drive down those mountain passes, you need a brush guard so he doesn't wreck the grill. I forgot to mention a winch the first time...you have to have a winch Dave, with the proper bumper and mounting brackets of course.

Oh dear...what have I gotten myself into.

Sorry Mrsnorthern_dave, I was on a roll.

Originally Posted by tzone

ol' forky toes already

ooff, it's going to be a long summer.

Well, if he's going to be taking me to Colorado to hunt elk, I want to have my gear coverd, and enough clearance to drive down those mountain passes, you need a brush guard so he doesn't wreck the grill. I forgot to mention a winch the first time...you have to have a winch Dave, with the proper bumper and mounting brackets of course.

Oh dear...what have I gotten myself into.

Sorry Mrsnorthern_dave, I was on a roll.

Tzone, how could you forget to mention a set of big azz tires and wheels? Gotta have them too!

Tzone, he's taking YOU elk hunting? Who washes his 'tighties' every week? I'm still waiting for a honeymoon...17 yrs later. Mannnnnn.

Grizzly~ do you and i need to talk too?

Its a good thing the big black train already has new tires. Phew!

SHHHHHH!!!

thats all secret stuff man!! You don't want "you know who" to find out do ya!!??

She'll kill me ded fer sure dontcha know??

oops too late....

everybody run & hide, she's gonna git us all!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, started paying more attention to Ford Super Duties since you started the thread. Question, do all super duty 4 X 4's come standard with manaul locking hubs?

I've seen several in the past couple days and they had manual hubs, which is a good thing IMO.

grisslee bill, yeah they have the manual hubs. It's been a manual over auto set up for many years.

the idea is that if the auto actuator fails, you can get out & spin them in manually. Very nice feature I think.

Sorry, don't know what's gotten into me.

I tried to find him a cheaper truck, but it seems it didn't pass muster...

Is that the truck that was like a 1970ish down in the cities? Crew cab Ford? Real looker if I remember correctly...ha.

The ladies just don't get it.

I get the same reaction from my wife. I brought an older truck home to show her, and she told me to take it back where I got it from.

There were no payments on it, I know that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

[quote=Grizzly_Bill]Dave, started paying more attention to Ford Super Duties since you started the thread. Question, do all super duty 4 X 4's come standard with manaul locking hubs?

grisslee bill, yeah they have the manual hubs. It's been a manual over auto set up for many years.

the idea is that if the auto actuator fails, you can get out & spin them in manually. Very nice feature I think.

Agree Dave, The actuators do fail and usually when you really need the 4 wheel drive the most. Like to see Ford dump the auto 4 X 4 and go back to manual.

Now I need to run off and find a place to hide before Mrs. D can catch up with me.

Welcome Buzz! Wow! One post and you used it on us lunatics!

but

It's not what it is, it's what it could be. It actually appeared to be in pretty good shape for a 75.

Course I expect you've already had that conversation...

she knows all about "vision" and "what things could be"

poor girl is married to me!!

But, sometimes I'm right....

Originally Posted by bucktail

Course I expect you've already had that conversation...

that is a bi-weekly convo in my house. If you took a look around, you would see many toys there either.

Some how with an equal # of votes in the house...I get out voted.

Sheesh, take a mornin' off to hang lights and finish the electrical in my basement and I come back to over 2 pages of posts.

First off, I have already secured a hiding spot, so as soon as I post this next blurb, I am running for dear life straight to it. Someone please let me know when Mrs ND puts down the butcher knife, 'kay?

Dave, diesels are made to pull and pull a lot. Big stuff. You are gonna have to go shopping for some stuff to pull. BIG RVs, BIG boats, BIG enclosed snowmobile trailers full of snowmobiles, ATVs, bikes, and stuff; mebbe there should be a Camp Chickenbuck skidloader? Not pulling with a diesel is like buying a race car and driving it less than 30 mph to go get milk. Or...OR in terms that Mrs ND could understand, it is like buying a big, honkin' diamond ring and never wearing it....ever.

I got my bottled water, dried fruit, etc. Gents, if by chance she catches me, write something flashy on my tombstone.

oh boy, well she's got a soft spot for a big camper of some sort.

you probably don't have to run from her.... but ya might want to run from me

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sheesh, take a mornin' off to hang lights and finish the electrical in my basement and I come back to over 2 pages of posts.

First off, I have already secured a hiding spot, so as soon as I post this next blurb, I am running for dear life straight to it. Someone please let me know when Mrs ND puts down the butcher knife, 'kay?

Dave, diesels are made to pull and pull a lot. Big stuff. You are gonna have to go shopping for some stuff to pull. BIG RVs, BIG boats, BIG enclosed snowmobile trailers full of snowmobiles, ATVs, bikes, and stuff; mebbe there should be a Camp Chickenbuck skidloader? Not pulling with a diesel is like buying a race car and driving it less than 30 mph to go get milk. Or...OR in terms that Mrs ND could understand, it is like buying a big, honkin' diamond ring and never wearing it....ever.

I got my bottled water, dried fruit, etc. Gents, if by chance she catches me, write something flashy on my tombstone.

DEAD MEAT!!!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh boy, well she's got a soft spot for a big camper of some sort.

you probably don't have to run from her.... but ya might want to run from me

You could get one of those campers with room in the back to put all your toys...wheeler, bikes, sleds. And of course you'll have to put a reciever on that camper to pull the boat to the lake with you.

By the way, want to buy a 19' Ranger by chance. Deep V, Fast, new electronic...

<<<peeking s-l-o-w-l-y around corner>>> "Psst. tzone...over here, there is room in here for you too, but hurry....."

we'll smoke you dirty dogs out.

or just crack 2 beers, set them out & walk away....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll smoke you dirty dogs out.

or just crack 2 beers, set them out & walk away....

Busted...what kind of beer?

Mmmm, beer, new toys, hidey holes, upset fraus. Yup, I fit here. Thanks for the welcome guys. MrsND go ahead and get ol' forky toes if you must. I have to get through a PDog shoot and a couple of pig hunts before I can even think about deer yet; but since it's already over 70 degrees and headed for 80 here, I may need to go plant the food plots pretty quick. As an aside, I forgot that I had ordered a .223 back in January, so I picked up a new Handi .44 Mag last week. MrsB was a little ticked when the store called yesterday and said that the .223 was here. Oh well, new shoes for Mama I guess.
buzz

Originally Posted by Berettaman

<<<peeking s-l-o-w-l-y around corner>>> "Psst. tzone...over here, there is room in here for you too, but hurry....."

It's gonna get crowded when Dave has to come in here too.

Which by the sounds of it...wont' be long.

[/quote]
It's gonna get crowded when Dave has to come in here too.

[/quote]

Edited by tzone (Today at 01:06 PM)
Edit Reason: too embarrased to say.

You spelled that C word wrong didn't you?

you still online rooster?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you still online rooster?

I am now ND. What up?

Hey Buzz...just got done watching Monster Quest on the History Channel. They were trying to locate 'reported' Bigfeets in Arkansas and East Texas. Some hunters had some pretty wild experiences.

If they were actually 'on location', that looks like some pretty rugged country you live in.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll smoke you dirty dogs out.

or just crack 2 beers, set them out & walk away....

Hey! Isn't baiting illegal in MN?

only if it has neutritional value

so we'll use light beer.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you still online rooster?

I am now ND. What up?

can't remember, couldn't a been that important.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

[/quote]
It's gonna get crowded when Dave has to come in here too.

Edited by tzone (Today at 01:06 PM)
Edit Reason: too embarrased to say.

You spelled that C word wrong didn't you?

[/quote]

No...but your on the right track.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll smoke you dirty dogs out.

or just crack 2 beers, set them out & walk away....

Hey! Isn't baiting illegal in MN?

Yeah...but he's a real master.

Dusty, check your e-mail at home.

I sent you an e-mail yesterday about possible weekend plans.

Rooster, My Dad my youngest brother and I belong to a hunting group up in Arkansas. We drive 200 miles to get there and yes, there is some pretty rugged country to go through. We actually live in the post oak region, but the pineywoods that we drive through and hunt in is pretty dense and rough. The only bigfeets that I have seen are the prints of my brother going barefoot around the camp. The young yeti has a really big pair of yards on the end of his legs.

Originally Posted by buzz253

Rooster, My Dad my youngest brother and I belong to a hunting group up in Arkansas. We drive 200 miles to get there and yes, there is some pretty rugged country to go through. We actually live in the post oak region, but the pineywoods that we drive through and hunt in is pretty dense and rough. The only bigfeets that I have seen are the prints of my brother going barefoot around the camp. The young yeti has a really big pair of yards on the end of his legs.

So he has a good "understanding" then?

Tell him to quit walking around barefoot out there! He's gettin the Monster Quest folks all riled up! It is an interesting show sometimes though. If you have ever seen the one where they are searching for the unknown dog/wolf/creature thing in Minnesota and the guy is setting out trail cams over a dead horse, that took place about 10 miles from where I live. They didn't find anything there either. Go figure.

I did see that Rooster. It was kind of funny. Probably some mangy coyote of wolf, or northern_dave on a bender.

Did you see the one they did on the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward? They found a skull of a muskie that dwarfed the the world record muskie caught by Louis Sprag. I would never swim where they found it.

Earlier last spring, I was fishing with my wifes uncle and he brought a hog to the boat. It was before muskie season opened so all we could do was get it to the boat and let it go. I WILL NOT even post how long it was because I'll be bugged for proof, and I don't have the proof with me.

All I'm saying is that sumbitch was big, mean and nasty. I was shaking afterwards and I didn't even catch the fish.

T

We found this fish skull in BWCA in ....03 I think?

[Linked Image]

that's my foot next to it.

dave, i hear those super dutys are good at pulling those fifth wheels, i know of one for sale that has got bunks for the kids in back and room for you and mama up top, lightely used and very nice shape, would look good behind that ford. nice drop camp too for elks....

Dave that was one big pike or musky. Did you bring the skull back with you?

Saw a big musky up in Ontario years ago right up on the surface sunning itself. It was between 5 & 6 feet in length.

Wow dave,

either you have small feet or that is one big piker!

Ok since Bill threw out the numbers...that Ski was a hair under 60". Most people don't believe me so I don't expect many others to. It was flat out the biggest LIVE fresh water fish I have ever seen.

Yes there was a pic taken, no I don't have it, and no I will not take you fishing there.

I WILL catch that fish. There are about 5 others trying, nobody caught it in October. I'm hoping May 2nd I will catch it walleye fishing, because that is how we got it the first time. On a 1/4oz jig and a mud minnow.

no I didn't bring the skull out. Northern, I'm pretty sure anyways. I don't think there are muskies in that particular lake where we found it.

that had to be about as big as a northern gets though huh?

Biggest I've ever cought was a 42.5" northern, but I know I could have slipped that 42.5" fish through this mouth opening on this skull we found.

Tzone, as to boot size, I think that one in the pic is a 10. I'll wear anything from a 9 to a 10 depending on manufacturer, probably 9.5 is most common to fit me so no I don't have huge feet, maybe average i guess.

also i have no reason to doubt you on your 60" muskie

buschy, I'd like to have something like that but not this year, I'm tapped out. no more buying. (for a long time)

I'd believe 60" too Tom.

Outside of Sturgeon that big old pig I saw (Back in 1956) was the largest fresh water fish I've ever seen. Saw a Musky about 10 years ago that would have made 50".

Never caught the Musky bug. Caught a few fishing for Walleye, but never a legal one. Mostly Walleyes, Smallies and panfish for me. Have caught Salmon, Rock Fish and Ling Cod out in Oregon.

I never really caught the muskie bug until May of last year for obvious reasons. My FIL took me at least 2 dozen times and I'm just not into it like he is.

He started the 12 Apostles Musky Club in Stevens Point many moons ago. He is truly one of the best musky fisherman I know. He has 2 pigs over 54" in his basement, they are truly a sight.

Walleye is my favorite game, but if you told my I could only fish for salmon the rest of my life, I could die a happy man.

Here is my first ever King, caught last year. Mid July, off Kewanee, WI, on Lake MI. We fished about 45sec. before she hit.
Don't remember the weight exactly but it was something like 28lbs. Heaviest fish I ever caught. VERY fun.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/picture2001312.jpg[/img][/img]

We caught another shortly after that was about 1/2 the size. Then we got blown off the lake by a small craft warning.

One of the most fun days fishing I've ever had.

Here are a few muskies too. Caught the same week as the Salmon.
[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Project93.png[/img][/img]

This one is from the Chip. Caught on a red double blade large bass style spinner.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Project62.png[/img][/img]
Bottom fish caught in northern Vilias Co, WI, on a Bucher Top Raider. We had to cut the hooks off because he just SMASHED it.

Both muskies were caught in temps in the high 80's with blue bird skies. Days where a muskie shouldn't be anywhere near a bait. Lucky I guess.

Now those look like some dandy fish! I've never fished muskies yet but who knows. I've kinda got a bug for sturgeon pulling and that can be a blast. Ecspecially on a walleye rig. Dave you got to get to your house again. we got some whoppers out there last weekend again, 2-24", 1 28-3/4, 1-27. we also brought home our limits. doesn't get much better than that the Captain says!!

Some dandies Buschy!!!

28 3/4" is a beauty man.

where are you fishing from my house buschy??

could just as well give you a key for my house

cause i can never get there!!

Nice fish Tom. I know some of the founding members of the 12 Apostles. One of my old fishing buddies is a member and a Musky nut. He'll fish them right up to freeze up.

Buschy, my son fishes for White Sturgeon out on the Columbia River just out of Portland. They've had several in the 12 foot range at the boat. Then they cut them loose. Can only keep them under about 5 feet or so.

My son told me the best description he could give of the initial hook up was that it was like hooking on to a pick up doing 60 MPH.

I tride to send you a pm grizzlybill, but it says you're not accepting them.

You probably know my FIL. He lived in Point forever, until the early 90's. He worked at the hospital until '99 or 2000, something like that.

Hey Griz, that would be a fun ride there behind one of them. The biggest sturgeon i got so far was a 53" but i was using walleye tackle so it was quite the fight on light gear.

ND, we were just about straight north of your house prolly over a mile. Just south west of Whiskey. its been good for the most part out there but got a big crack starting to move up and down now. last week it was about a foot wide, now one side is about a foot up and crack closed. Not sure if i get to ice any more this year, soon time to get the boat out in a couple weeks.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Not sure if i get to ice any more this year, soon time to get the boat out in a couple weeks.

Don't talk about getting the boat out. OOOFFF. I can't wait for the ice to clear off the river. I'm guessing we have about 2 week til it starts to break up, and another week befor we can get on it.

Stergoen would be a blast to catch. Fishing down in De pere, by Green Bay, guys will catch them occaisionaly while fishing for walleys in the spring. It'll tow their boats around a bit. That gets interesting, because you could step from boat to boat with all the guys fishing down there.

Tzone, thats the way it gets up here on the rainy river come break up. i am thinking possibly about 3 weeks before it starts to break up but you never know. Theres open water farther up the river by I-Falls soit is coming, and when you can boat 150 walleyes a day it makes up for having to wear the snowsuit and braving the cold in the boat. The worst part is waiting in line for all the people.

well since you guys have given me spring fever, here is a pic of my biggest muskie to date (50"):

[Linked Image]

10 minutes before I caught this, the guy I was fishing with caught a 48". Then 2 weeks later I caught a 49 1/2, but I cant find that pic. OH DANG IT, you got me out with fish pictures. I resisted the beer, but the fish pics got me.

Is that a Green Bay fish, Berettaman? It looks like a spotted.

That's a pig, I tell ya.

Buschy,

Fishing DePere is VERY similar to the spring bite on Rainy. My cousin used to take me up to Rainy when I was just a whipper snapper.

DePere is the same, 150 eyeballers is real do able if you can brave the elements.

Originally Posted by tzone

I tride to send you a pm grizzlybill, but it says you're not accepting them.

You probably know my FIL. He lived in Point forever, until the early 90's. He worked at the hospital until '99 or 2000, something like that.

Tom, I'll have to check into the "PM" it was working last week.

I was at the clinic than the hospital from 1994 to 2008, so I may know your FIL.

They're starting to catch Walleyes from boats below the Dubay Dam.

I don't want to hear about fishing below the Dubay dam right now.

My boat is still in storage.

I'd be willing to bet you know my FIL if you worked at the hospital. He worked in the hospital kitchen. His first name is Pete. I'll tell you more when your PM's work. I'll try it now.

Tom

Bill,

Just tried the PM, and it said "this user is not accepting PM's at this time".

Nope, Mille Lacs. And it was a pig, that is for sure. Sure got my knees to knockin'. That was a great spot, but it got overfished and it is worthless now. I once caught 6, yes 6, muskies in one day at that spot.

good spot!

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Just tried the PM, and it said "this user is not accepting PM's at this time".

Tom, I just send an email off to the web master to check into this.

Ok, I just tried it again. Still the same deal. I have sent 2 others today, so it is not on my end.

Must be some sort of tab to hit or uncheck somewhere.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ok, I just tried it again. Still the same deal. I have sent 2 others today, so it is not on my end.

Must be some sort of tab to hit or uncheck somewhere.

Tom, think I found the problem, try again!

Tom, got your PM and sent one to you. I do know your FIL.

Got it Bill. I figured you'd know him. He's quite a guy. King of the B.S. but has a heart of gold. He can't say no to anybody that needs help of any kind. Great guy.

I was down your way today to get running shoes for me and the wife. All that water below the Dubay dam had me as antsy as a kid at Disney. It will be no time now. My boat is still in storage for at least this week. Weather dependent, I may bring it home next Saturday.

Have fun at the gun show.

T

Sent another PM. I'll have to start thinking seriously about getting my boat out too.

Four inches of heavy wet snow here on Sunday. More on the way Tuesday, although it may be more rain than snow.

Ours didn't even stick!

. Breaks my heart...it really does. I'm hoping that Tuesday B.S. goes north.

COME ON open water!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Fantastic here, temps in the low 80's great for walking the woods, checking stands, drinking a little liquid sunshine, and just enjoying life.
buzz

Were in a blizzard watch right now. First we got a nice drizzle/rain (to slick things up good) that turned to snow and I've heard reports of up to 12" coming with a full blown blizzard tomorrow.

Will this winter never end???

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Will this winter never end???

June.

Originally Posted by buzz253

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Fantastic here, temps in the low 80's great for walking the woods, checking stands, drinking a little liquid sunshine, and just enjoying life.
buzz

80? Didn't know thermometers went that high. I don't think mine goes above 45!

Here's the forecast for Central Wisconsin.

Tonight
Mostly cloudy. Periods of freezing rain and snow developing during the late evening. Up to an inch of snow accumulation possible. Areas of fog developing. Lows 25 to 30. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
Tuesday
Areas of fog and a chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle in the morning...then rain likely and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 36 to 41. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
� ZIP Code Detail
Tuesday Night
Windy. Cloudy. Freezing rain...snow or rain in the evening...then a chance of snow after midnight. Some accumulation possible. Lows in the middle teens. South wind 15 to 25 mph shifting to the west 20 to 30 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 80 percent. Wind chills to 10 below zero after midnight.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Here's the forecast for Central Wisconsin.

Tonight
Mostly cloudy. Periods of freezing rain and snow developing during the late evening. Up to an inch of snow accumulation possible. Areas of fog developing. Lows 25 to 30. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
Tuesday
Areas of fog and a chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle in the morning...then rain likely and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 36 to 41. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
� ZIP Code Detail
Tuesday Night
Windy. Cloudy. Freezing rain...snow or rain in the evening...then a chance of snow after midnight. Some accumulation possible. Lows in the middle teens. South wind 15 to 25 mph shifting to the west 20 to 30 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 80 percent. Wind chills to 10 below zero after midnight.

That should be fun to drive in when she cools down.

Last Monday we had six inches of snow.Today the temp was 82 degrees with sunshine.I worked in the yard most of the day and sweated my self heartily.Wierd weather.

Stan

Good to hear from you Stan. Sounds like you're keeping yourself busy.

Have you been shooting much?

tom

Porfin flagging snow. I got 4 on the ground and 15 forecast by Wednesday morning. Minus 35 wind chills Tuesday night through Thursday.

Damn groundhog~!

Craig

Tom,
I have only been a couple of times.It's time to get back in the weekly thing.I called my shooting buddy tonight and we are reinstituting the every Wednesday morning schedule.
I'm walking still and feeling great.
It is almost turkey season.Getting ready for that.

Stan

Didn't know you were a turkey man, Stan!

I'm pretty much addicted to those ol turkeys, man they get me fired up on those sunny spring mornings. I'm fine until that big ol strutter blasts off 50yds away. Makes me come completely unglued.

I need to stop, or I'll be drooling all over the keyboard.

How long is your season over there? Are you limited to one Tom, or several?

We have a draw for our 5 day shot at them. There are 6 seperate 5 day seasons. After the initial drawing, you have a chance to buy left over tags...if there are any.

Tom

The season in South Carolina is 30 days.Starts the first of April.Limit is four.Tags(free) are required.

Stan

mmmm free tags.

well we had a great weekend with some snowmobiling, a group of us met out at the cabin & rode snowmobiles through the forest for a good part of saturday. Dusty & I lit a bonfire Saturday evening & we ended up sitting around that bonfire until the temp dropped below zero then we moved back into the cabin.

It was Pam's birthday on Saturday, some more friends came out to the cabin saturday night with a birthday cake & some good food.

we had good food all the way around though, my aunt made BBQ'a from ground elk meat which was great, also a couple of ice cream buckets full of cookies!!

We had blueberry pancakes sunday morning with berries we picked last July right there in the forest.

Then we went for another ride on Sunday, we took the kids to our closest sliding hill. They had a great time, it was a really nice weekend all the way around, spotted a bunch of deer while snowmobiling too.

It was great to see everybody, big thanks to my aunt & uncle for coming up to see us & for bringing my little niece up, sure was good to see her & I hope she comes back up again soon. I think she had fun riding in the newly improved snow coach pulled behind my snowmobile (I changed the suspension to a coil spring set up)

We even got to see the boy for a short moment. he hauled 4 of his buddies up here in his truck (nice truck by the way)

They fished Northerns on the big lake with tip ups all weekend & it sounds like they did well.

4 tags...and free at that. 30 day season. I'm jelous. They should do something like that around here. We are silly with turkeys, they multiply like gremlins around here. You would think they'd be easier to shoot. But as you know, that isn't the case.

Sounds like an awsome weekend Dave. Elk bbq, blueberry pancakes, and you can never go wrong with 2 buckets of cookies.

How much snow is still left up there? We are down to 6" or so, maybe more coming, maybe not. It is raining right now, slick as hell, and ice coating everything.

Dave, a belated happy birthday to Pam!.

Watched a show on the Outdoor Channel last night about a outfit in Georgia that builds custom 4 X 4's on Ford F650 chasis. What a rig. Build time is around 4 months with a price tag 0f over $160K.

Can ice skate in the driveway this morning. Time to go start stripping the wallpaper in the bathroom.

Happy BDay Mrs ND, hope you arent still sore about the comments where ND needs to buy more toys to pull....if so, I will duck back in my hidey hole.

I cant wait until I move and the kids are old enough to have a weekend just like ND just had....well except for the cookies, my waist dont need anymore cookies.....ummmm, what kind were they anyway? Are there any left? If I left right now....

Bill,

I saw that same show lastnight. Pretty cool rigs, and street legal to boot.

The Rooster family is (mostly) all home, snow bound. Our oldest is stranded at a friends. They cancelled my work for today by 9:00 last night. Schools were cancelled. Many, many businesses are cancelled. We are spending the day watching movies etc. I think it time to go heat the garage pretty quick though. Snow bound kids can be quite the handful at times!

Its days like this that the playstation pays for itself over and over again!

Rooster, just saw the weather map and it still looks pretty bad up your way. How much snow have you had so far?

Rained all day here. Things are going to get interesting tonight. Falling temps and high wind. It's going to be very icy here by morning.

A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mrs. ND.
Sounds like you guys had a great weekend,Dave.
Stan

Don't know how much snow yet Griz. It's NUTS! This is the worst we have had since the winter of '96 - '97 at least. They have called off work again already which is totally unheard of and its not supposed to let up anytime soon. Normally I go in very early during storms to make sure I make it on time but this storm is different. We never shut down and now its two days in a row.

After the sun went down, the wind has picked up like you wouldn't believe. I have a feeling that I will be spending most of the day tomorrow trying to blow out. I have a cub cadet 2186 with a 42" blower on it and she'll be workin tomorrow if the storm stops.

Dave - the radar looks like this stuff was heading your way. Have you got hit yet?

Dave -
Sounds like an EXCELLENT weekend. Glad you guys had fun. Happy B-Day once again Pam!

Still 36* here at 9:30pm. I got back from the ymca a bit ago and it was raining...that is going to be a mess. Temps for tonight are 16*. We don't have much snow in the yard anymore. Just the banks from shoveling and blowing.

Rooster,

What do you do for a living? What are the numbers on your snow total.

I almost forgot. Happy belated B-day Mrsnortherndave. Hope you had a great 29th birthday.

Tom

Not real sure of the totals T. They are saying 8 - 10 inches so far but its still snowing and blowing up to 40 mph so I'm sure the drifts are going to be fun to contend with.

What do I do for a living? I am an Inventory/Production Control Manager for a company that builds all kinds of custom semi-trailers. We build trailers for hauling asphalt, gravel, most AG products, wind towers, wind tower blades, heavy construction equipment etc.

What do you do?

rooster, we lucked out. of course they had a bunch of cancelation announcements, late with school etc, not sure why though. we sure didn't get much of anything up here except for the wind.

5 above here at 7:30 AM. Wind was howling like crazy. No snow though. The lake at the end of my driveway is now frozen over.

10:00 news last night was reporting 8" of snow at Duluth. This morning they're saying Fargo had a foot.

Rooster good luck snowblowing.

Dave how'd you miss out on this? Aren't you just West of Duluth?

What do I do? I'm currently a Utility Coordinator for DOT highway construction. I work for a private company and the WI DOT hires us to take care of all the utilities before, durring, and after construction.

It is quite a difference from being an inspector/ project manager on the hwy projects at my last job. Right now I'm a desk jockey, but a 5* above, I welcome that opportunity.

T

i'm actually quite a bit west of duluth, bout 5 hours north west.

I just heard on the radio that NDSU made the NCAA basketball tourney...Cool!

So your over in the Roseau/Baudette area then. No wonder you don't talk about running over to Gander Mountain in Duluth.

My brother in law lived at International Falls for a couple of years back in the mid 70's. They really liked it there. He and I went back up to there 4 years ago and rented a house boat on Rainy Lake. Had a great time. The economy in the Falls had really gone down hill though. Local radio was talking about a Homestead program to try and get people back into the area.

I thought it was UND that made it into the tourney..? Either way, that is cool. Now if the Gophs sneak in, we can have 2 teams to cheer for.

NoDakota is gonna get a nasty draw I bet....

We didnt get much down here in the crappy burbs. some rain, a little ice, a couple inches of snow.

I'm pretty sure the Gophers are in, aren't they? Not totally sure.

If they get in hocey NC2A's it'll be freaking miracle. I think they'll have to win the WCHA final 5 for that to happen. UND OTOH is my pick (unfortuanitly) for hockey Nat. Champs.

rooster is burried alive!!

just sent me a cell phone picture of his tunneling efforts.

doesn't look like fun.

How's this look? I had 11". Pic is from last night:

[Linked Image]

And so this morning of course, every thing is drifted shut - up to two feet or so - I blast to work - F150 Off Road style.

Tonight, I blow my stuff all over. I see my semi-retired neighbors are completely blown shut - maybe 16" deep. So, I blow that 1/4 mile. Upon arrival at the house am blown away that the lady of the house steps out on the porch and gives me a big thumbs up! Says her husband was coming tomorrow to plow with the four wheeler. Yeah right! Felt good to help her out. She's happy.

Craig

I'm feelin' sad for you guys. Temp in south-central PA today was in the high 50's. Saturday and Sunday it was in the 70's. The wife and I spent 4 days at our cabin this past weekend. The last of the ice melted off the lake by Sat. AM. Fishing boats were all over the lake both Sat. and Sun. Tulips and daffodils are sprouting in our yard. Robins arrived today. Sun is warm. Life is good.

Ron

lookin good craig!! Oh man did we luck out!!

jeesh!!

hey whats up with this?

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

I'm feelin' sad for you guys. Temp in south-central PA today was in the high 50's. Saturday and Sunday it was in the 70's. The wife and I spent 4 days at our cabin this past weekend. The last of the ice melted off the lake by Sat. AM. Fishing boats were all over the lake both Sat. and Sun. Tulips and daffodils are sprouting in our yard. Robins arrived today. Sun is warm. Life is good.

Ron

Mr Ron, is a meaner!!

Meaner!!!

I think Ron really just doesn't understand how bad we, you and us, need to really feel a sun, the sun, sunny?

Really feel how the radiant heat soaks into your face. Feel like something other that within, something we created, fire or propane, maybe solar - electricity - some f-ing thing is keeping us warm. Warm enough to survive. Yes. F-ing survive. Not thrive, not have "a good time" freaka puppy just stay alive man.

The Kubota is as close as I can come. I will survive. As long as I have diesel.

cRAig

I hear ya, hang in there cRAig.

we got some 40's coming our way next week (that's above the zero man)

ABOVE THE ZERO!!!

ND, I apologize. I never mean't to bring you down...<grin>.

As atonement, here's my offer to you. If you can get out of northern Minn and make it to PA, I'll put you up in my cabin, complete with electric lights and running water; supply boat, bait, food and beverage and take you fishing on the lake for a few days. Yellow Perch are active, crappie are moving shallow, smallies are hungry and the landlocked stripers will be putting on the feed bag as soon as the water temp hits the mid-40's.

LIFE IS GOOOOOOOD!!!

Ron

P.S. Spring gobbler season begins the end of April and runs one whole month. Turks are as plentiful as squirrels up there.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

ND, I apologize. I never mean't to bring you down...<grin>.

As atonement, here's my offer to you. If you can get out of northern Minn and make it to PA, I'll put you up in my cabin, complete with electric lights and running water; supply boat, bait, food and beverage and take you fishing on the lake for a few days.

That's not a cabin...thats a house.

70, I think I remember what that feels like, not sure anymore.

We're scheduled for mid to upper 40's from saturday on through the rest of the week. I'm bringing the boat home on Sunday, and should be able to launch that sucker the following week.

I need to do some spring cleaning on it and put in a new starter. The real reason it's coming home is a guy and his old lady are coming to look at it, to buy it.

Anybody hear from Rooster tonight...did he finally get blown. I mean...did he finish blowing...er, is his driveway clear yet?

Tzone, the answers to your 3-part question regarding Rooster's driveway are: finally; hopefully; used to be. Let'er blow (the wind, that is).

Ron

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt.

You are a meaner!

27 below freaking zero right now. Give me a gun. I gotta go blow holes in something.

Craig

-4 here. After today it is supposed to warm up beautifully.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt.

You are a meaner!

27 below freaking zero right now. Give me a gun. I gotta go blow holes in something.

Craig

I think we need to have Al Gore spend some time shoveling you guys out so he gets to see Global Warming at it's finest!

not even sure if the gunpowder will light at this temp Craig.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

ND, I apologize. I never mean't to bring you down...<grin>.

As atonement, here's my offer to you. If you can get out of northern Minn and make it to PA, I'll put you up in my cabin, complete with electric lights and running water; supply boat, bait, food and beverage and take you fishing on the lake for a few days. Yellow Perch are active, crappie are moving shallow, smallies are hungry and the landlocked stripers will be putting on the feed bag as soon as the water temp hits the mid-40's.

LIFE IS GOOOOOOOD!!!

Ron

P.S. Spring gobbler season begins the end of April and runs one whole month. Turks are as plentiful as squirrels up there.

Ron, that sounds awesome, if only i could get away.

Well I made it back to work finally! We were shut down for two days.

Dave - Is there anyway you can upload that pic I sent you and show the fellas what kind of snow we are dealing with?

Craig - Hang in there bro. Its got to get better....right??

T-Zone - Fishing in a boat sounds unheard of right now.

Ray - Bite me.

The channel in the river was open on the way to work today...She'll be clear in a week.

I won't launch if there are big ice chunks still floating down the river. They're too hard to see at 50mph.

Rooster, glad to hear you finally tunneled out. Only 10 above right now. They're saying we might see 50 by next Wednesday.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I thought it was UND that made it into the tourney..? Either way, that is cool. Now if the Gophs sneak in, we can have 2 teams to cheer for.

It was NDSU that made it to the big dance. Their first year of eligibility too! Thats amazing!

I may be mistaken but I don't think UND is eligible for D1 basketball post season yet.

Only -13 at my house lasssst nnnnnitttttte. Still kkkkkkinda shhhhhivering though. My calendar says its March. Which one of you donks snuck into my office and violated my calendar? No way it is March. This is January. Only 3 months more of winter to go, yippee!

My boys turn 1 on Monday. Man, what a quick year. On the other hand....finally they are 1! They are sleeping better; they only get up 2-3 times per nite. each. They are terrors on the move now that they crawl. You should see them squeal and take off for the dog's water dish. Funniest thing you will ever see. Legs pumping, arms trying to keep up and succeeding only half the time, face down on the floor, up again and squealing for the dish again. Life is good (inside the house).

Thanks Griz! Were supposed to see a turn around in temps too. I never heard how cold it got last night but they were predicting
-20*.

On another note: I got my ND archery mule deer license in the mail the other day! WOO HOOO!!

Originally Posted by tzone

The channel in the river was open on the way to work today...She'll be clear in a week.

I won't launch if there are big ice chunks still floating down the river. They're too hard to see at 50mph.

Tough on props too!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

The channel in the river was open on the way to work today...She'll be clear in a week.

I won't launch if there are big ice chunks still floating down the river. They're too hard to see at 50mph.

Tough on props too!

It's the holes in the bottom of the boat that concerns me most.

Twin boys...ooff! I have one crazy little guy, and he's all I can handle. His sister is a little angel, so I guess I figured it was coming.

I got the angel too! She is almost 5 and we are going to the sportshow tomorrow together. I cant tell who is more excited, her or me (and I have been there many times). Experiencing it through a child's eyes is something to behold.

Look out trout....here comes Lauren!

Happy B-day to your boys!

My little Princess is going to 6 in a few weeks. She wants to deer hunt from a treestand....so the bucks don't bite us.

She knows how to fish quite well for a little bugger, but only likes to reel them in and wave goodbye to them. Not a chance in hades that we can keep a fish when she is in the boat.

She knows how to keep her daddy wrapped around her finger too.

My little pricess turned 40 yesterday. Enjoy them while you can guys, because they grow up fast.

You got that right Bill. They sure do. This is her first year of school, and I'm simply amazed at what she has learn already this year. Good and bad.

that school bus sure can teach kids some "special" things.

Oh my, that scares the crapola out of me. My little girl isnt ready for that next year, is she? I s'popse I will never think so. I wonder if anyone has ever waited until their daughter was like, oh, say 40 years old before they sent them to kindergarten.

Today we are going to the sportshow, daddy and daughter, intent on causing fear and panic amid the trout in the trout pond. Maybe, if she is good, she will get a bag of mini-donuts. When it comes to hunting and fishing stuff, daddy is a softie, so I hope that there are either some great deals or there is nothing there she likes. funny part is, when it is NOT hunting or fishing stuff, I have no problem laying down the "No's".

Take a little tip from a man with experience....If you put a Waxie on that sorry excuse for a "bait" at the trout pond. You'll come home a hero.

I did that at the boat show in Duluth a number of years ago.

Trust me. Do this. You WILL see all of those trout in that tank swarm to her bait like a bunch of killer Bee's. Of course, they won't let you go in a second time, but she'll have a trout for dinner.

I did that with my buddy when we were in H.S. at the Duluth show. We were 1/2 in the bag when we got there, and I bought some waxies from some vendor for ice fishing and stuck them in my pocket.

We got the bright idea to try them in the trout tank. I Put the waxie on the hook, caught a trout in about 15sec. Then they put it in a little plastic grocrey bag, and it was still jumping like crazy in that little sack, so I "whacked" it against the concrete pillar a few times near the tank, and there was an audible ghasp from the crowd.

My youngest daughter had a bad day yesterday we had to put her pekeapom pup down. Long night with getting all 3 little ones to bed and then coming in to our room in the middle of the night.

It really sucks to see them hurting like that.

I am thinking we may just have to go do something special this weekend either a perch jerk or crappie chase.

If only that dog's seizures had lasted through musky opener ...

GE

Y'all realize that one of these days "Camp Chickenbuck" will have to stream through facebook ...

GE

Originally Posted by big drift

My youngest daughter had a bad day yesterday we had to put her pekeapom pup down. Long night with getting all 3 little ones to bed and then coming in to our room in the middle of the night.

It really sucks to see them hurting like that.

I am thinking we may just have to go do something special this weekend either a perch jerk or crappie chase.

Bummer Big Drift. Tough to lose a pet.

big drift,
my heart goes out to you. we went throught that a couple years ago and it was not a good time. I would rather tear my fingernails off with a hammer than go through that.

Originally Posted by Gaviidae_Esq

Y'all realize that one of these days "Camp Chickenbuck" will have to stream through facebook ...

GE

what's facebook?

I kid

no seriously though, what is it?

Right ND.

BTW ... the office just went for 'cue without you.

Oh BD and I were specurlating on going on safari this spring with the Husky Colonel and some 158 JHP loads.

Does Camp Chickenbuck have a porcupine concession? If so what are the quotas and trophy fees? Is a PH required and how much beer is required for trackers?

Can I book direct or do I need to PM JJHack?

Regards,

GE

Northern Dave's northern concessions, has a ring to it:)

Just add sundowners consisting of the high life some porky's on the pit aaaahh yes, although with the swamp squid, flying bears and the viscus leopard squirrel I am thinking ya might wanna load up on some solids as well.

So what would you all recommend for those porksters, CRF, push feed? QD mounts in case they charge (like the skunk from sherpulars ND foray)? Back up rifles?

Thanks guys for the thoughts it was a long night but best for the pup and the kids in the long run.

Good idea ... definitely need to load solids. Guess that's what the wadcutters are for!

Thank God the Husky Colonel is CRF. Wouldn't want to take on DG without it!

GE

What is the Husky Colonel? And I don't want to see any pictures of BD...if that is it, never mind.

LOL,those wadcutters are so old and soft they would only get impaled on the porksters quills.

A positive note on porky hunting ya can take the long quills and sand them down a bit with a real fine paper, add a small piece wire to the bottom and ya gots yerself a great fishing float.

Is there much difference on these northern porkies compared to southern porkies (I mean besides the sauce used with them that is).

Mebbe we should get some of dem der alaskan type fellas to weigh in on DG hunting for porks doncha know. Dem alaskan type fellers hunts all dose big game types up der. But I haff da faith in der Nortern Dave ya yew betcha.

What is a Husky Colonel?

Hmm, that is a good game show question for the day.

Your hint besides the name is the make and model.

Husky Colonel:
[Linked Image]

That picture sucks,the lighting and background it has doesn't do the justice it should.

He axed what it was ... not for the swimsuit edition ...

GE

Cool.

Much nicer than pictures of Big Drift.

I almost feel retarded for asking that question. Now that the answer is so obvious.

Nice looking gun.

So den ver is der famous PH Norden Dave, ve needs to know abut hunting dem der porkiepines ya doncha know.

Mebbe den ve kan git 4ster to pay bounty on dem pesky critters and da Mrs. Northern Dave aka Pam, can get herself a new hottub at da concession "Chickenbuck".

Doods.... I've been in meetings all day forced to use my brain & stuff.... I'm fried, ready to go home..

seriously tho, I don't know the first thing about facebook.

or concessions or porky pines...

ok i might know a little bit about porky pines but not a whole bunch.

ND:

Spend a couple hours in the "Africa" forums. The parody will NOT be lost on you!

GE

I could tell funny porkypine stories.

colorado porkys.

but it has to be told in person, preferrably with plenty of cold beer & a bonfire setting helps, or around the beer table at the chickenbuck.

I'm going home now.

Have a good weekend amigos.

Lord Chickenbuck out.

Originally Posted by big drift

Northern Dave's northern concessions, has a ring to it:)

Just add sundowners consisting of the high life some porky's on the pit aaaahh yes, although with the swamp squid, flying bears and the viscus leopard squirrel I am thinking ya might wanna load up on some solids as well.

So what would you all recommend for those porksters, CRF, push feed? QD mounts in case they charge (like the skunk from sherpulars ND foray)? Back up rifles?

Thanks guys for the thoughts it was a long night but best for the pup and the kids in the long run.

Has to be a classic double rifle in 416 Rigby at the minimum. a 450 Nitro or 505 Gibbs would also surfice.

Originally Posted by Gaviidae_Esq

Right ND.

BTW ... the office just went for 'cue without you.

Oh BD and I were specurlating on going on safari this spring with the Husky Colonel and some 158 JHP loads.

Does Camp Chickenbuck have a porcupine concession? If so what are the quotas and trophy fees? Is a PH required and how much beer is required for trackers?

Can I book direct or do I need to PM JJHack?

Regards,

GE

i'm so lost...

I'm game for a camp chickenbuck porky-pine hunt, with what ever you feel like bringing.

but i don't know what a PH is (is that me? and if so do I need to train for it?)

And who's JJHack?

Lord Chickenbuck....good one.I laughed and sprayed hot tea on my keyboard.
PH=Professional hunter??

Stan in SC

Never heard of JJHack either. According to Google he's an outdoor writer and professional hunter (Africa) more commonly refered to as a "PH"

I'm learning....

thanks guys!!

Northern Dave, something is amiss here. After reading the last few pages of this thread it has become clear to me that serious, perhaps even potentially fatal, cabin fever has beset many of the Chickenbuck posters. Why, even a "Youper" has evidently crossed into Minnesota, possibly on an ice bridge, to wander among us. (Call Al Gore, tell him that the globe isn't warm in Minn.!)

I fear there is only one thing that will save these poor souls who are lost in the vast wastelands of their cranial regions, and you, Northern Dave, are the only one who can supply this relief.

You must immediately start a construction project. Where isn't important; nor is what will be built. The only imperitives are the inclusion of as many power tools as possible, especially those making large amounts of noise. I would suggest saws, including circular, table and chain; multiple air-powered nailing guns, preferably framing nailers; lots of fragrant wood for cutting. (Come to think of it, a sauna/hot tub combo at Camp Chickenbuck, made with red cedar, would be perfect.)

The detailed word pictures as you describe the progress of the project will allow these lost souls to hear the din of the tools, smell the elixir of the cedar and see with their mind's eye the rise of this temple of sweat from the lichen of the boreal forest floor. This focus on manly outdoor activity is their only hope!

Oh no, strange men in lab coats are coming up the front steps. Their coming to take me away, HAHA. Their coming to take me away, HOHO, HEHE, HAHA, to the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time, and I'll be ready to see those nice young men in their clean white coats....Hurry Dave, only you can save them....us....all.... from the madness!

(And you thought March Madness was a basketball tournament!)

As it is written, it shall be so.

Hold my beer & watch this.......

Patience....

I will provide loud pictures soon.

adventure is straight ahead... this way....

Dr Demento is alive and well in Pennsylvania, Ha Ha, Ho Ho Hee Hee!

ok i'll post a photo update.

Here's our youngest tearing it up on an old actic cat "kitty cat" that a friend of ours borrowed to him.

[Linked Image]

here are a few pictures from last weekend.

[Linked Image]

You had to be here to appreciate this, laughing so hard he was crying, it was hilarious.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam127.jpg[/img]

And here's me & the little guy this morning, he finally got a chance to shoot his red rider.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam130.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam134.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam141.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam138.jpg[/img]

First time shooting his new Red Ryder and I got to be there in pictures.Thank you,Dave.That did me good.

Stan

Great pics of Clan Chickenbuck!

Dibs on the guy with the Red Ryder to back up the Husky Colonel on Porkie Safari!

GE

P.S. N.D. u still be M.N. ...

Great pics Dave. Got a call from my grandson last weekend. He was excited as hell. "Papa Bill, I got real bullets for my gun and I get to shoot it!"

Translation...dad bought BB's for his Red Ryder and they were on they're way to the back country to shot. Haven't talked to them yet to find out how it went.

Dude...4th picture down, Is that a 30 pack of Natty Ice? I gotta party with you guys.

I'm guessing Preacher was "smiling like heck" this morning, running through a mag of bb's. Pretty nice here today, 49*. Got the truck washed, cooked salmon on the grill, even ran my fat azz 3 miles today. Pile in some work in the basement and wathcing the Wild on the tube right now...I've had a full day.

GE & BD, I don't know if it the fact that I'm waist deep in whiskey Old Fashions or what, but you guys crack me up. And what the hell is facebook.

T

FB aka Facebook is a social networking site. It is much different then myspace and lets you reconnect with old friends, new friends and family. It lets you control who you allow access to whoever you choose.

It actually is quite fun.

We went to the lake yesterday for a bit, caught up with bangflop, his sister & their friends.

Fishing northerns with tip ups, it was pretty slow but the kids did get a nice one while we were there.

40 incher

[Linked Image]

we also met up with rooster & his wife special K, we went out for dinner after fishing & shared a couple of pitchers of beer, it was a good time.

today we decided to go to the cabin and haul some more firewood from some near by logging operations.

We just did one load.

[Linked Image]

back at the cabin we unloaded the logs & lit a bonfire. We sat around the fire on what turned out to be a beautiful day. We cooked our lunch over the fire.

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then we took a walk back into the woods to set up the trail cam again.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam162.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam164.jpg[/img]

I see "preacher" is going armed.What a bodyguard!

Stan

oh you know it! He's the great protector.

That pic of you and Preacher walking down the trail deserves to be on the cabin wall. That is a great pic. No poses, no goofing off, just a Dad and his buddy walkin'. That is a classic in the best sense of the word.

Looks like you guys had a full weekend. And fun. Congrats to CBF on the 40"er.

It was a beautiful weekend here. 40's and mid 50's on Sunday. Worked on the basement, went for a run, even pulled the boat home yesterday.Even heard rumors of a 14# walleye caught on Saturday, near the mill.

Great pictures Dave. Thanks for sharing. Darn nice Northern that bang flop had.

Is Northrn and Walleye season open year round on LOW? Here in Wisconsin the Northern/Walleye season closes at the end of Feb and reopens the first Saturday in May on lakes. Season is open year round on most rivers.

lake of the woods is a border waters, northerns stays open on the lake year round, walleyes close though... not quite yet though. Still open, I have a hankering to leave work early to go get my fish house off the lake & try some evening walleye fishing in the shallows....

Dave when is the removal for ice houses up there?

I know the CO's have been busy tagging and towing houses off around here.

we're good till the end of the month for sure, and I think that's about it. But i want to get mine off today, the landings are going to start to go to hell really fast in this weather.

It's not my intention to turn this thread into a "for sale" section but I am about to list three firearms for sale and would rather give my friends here first shot at a reduced price.
Email me for details if interested.

[email protected]

I hope this post is not out of line.

Stan

Not out of line, at least not to me. Hell, list 'em.

Hard to beat a meal of fresh Walleyes. Good luck.

thanks bill, stan i sent you an e-mail.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

It's not my intention to turn this thread into a "for sale" section but I am about to list three firearms for sale and would rather give my friends here first shot at a reduced price.
Email me for details if interested.

[email protected]

I hope this post is not out of line.

Stan

"Birth of a Deer Clique'"?

OK, Email sent!

GE

Hey fellas!
We had a great weekend of fishing up on LOW. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the pike fishing was pretty decent. Between me and the wife we caught a 28 ��, 29 ��, 37�, 39 1/2�, 40� and last but not least Karen�s 41� 20 pounder that is going to the taxidermist. The others went back in the lake except the ones under 30�. Their going in our sewer...........eventually!

As Dave mentioned, we met up with him and Pam and the kids out there on the ice and had a very good time! Maybe Dave would be kind enough to post Special K's big un for you guys to check out. She was pretty excited! Almost as excited as me. I'm very proud of her!

Rooster, congrats to Karen thats a great pike. Hope we see some pics.

I believe this is the right picture?

Very nice fish!

[Linked Image]

We did ok last night too, got the fish house off the lake & scored a decent evening run of walleye & kept a northern too.

We added to this pile after I took this picture.

[Linked Image]

Nice pile Dave! Is the limit 5 eyes per?

Those northern pics make me want to find potatoes, butter, and onions.

Special K- NICE FISH! that is a heck of a nice northern. Congrats.

Limit is 4 on the walleyes, slot fish (throw backs) are from 19.5" to 28", we had one of those yesterday as well.

We have slots here on the WI river system too.

15" to under 20" we can keep. 20"-28" throw back, you can keep 1 over 28". Every year we catch tons of 14.5" walleys. I don't know where the hell they go the next year, it seems they get replaced with more 14.5" walleyes.

In the spring we'll get a lot in the 21-24" which are fun, but need to go back. I don't keep many fish out of the WI River anyway.

Thanks ND but actually that is not her whopper. That is a 39.5" that she had to put back. I'll email you the pic of her big one.

Some fine eaten Dave!

Those eyeballers look T.A.S.T.Y!

ok, here is the correct picture, sorry bout that.

[Linked Image]

she caught so many big fish i guess it was hard to keep the pictures straight

Thats the one. Thanks man. Karen said she didn't know if she wanted it posted because the fish is so heavy she looks constipated.

Tom, looks like you've got the boat bug! Saw your posts on Walleye Central.

Constipated....If I caught a northern like that, I'd schitt.

Tell her congrats from me. That is one hellova northern.

T

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, looks like you've got the boat bug! Saw your posts on Walleye Central.

I've got the bug is an understatement. I got the boat home on Sunday, and got everthing hooked back up lastnight. I need to fix a livewell pump, but that's a $15 fix. The starter is begining to make a noise every once in a while, so I should fix that too. I have it for sale on craigslist now. I showed it a few times, but no takers yet.

I have two that I'd buy tomorrow if I sell that sucker. Both nice boats. It will be hard going from a 19' boat to a 16-17' boat though.

If I don't get any takers by May, I'm keeping her. It is a really fun boat. Lots of room, big dance floor up front, the wife likes to lay out on it while we cruise, it is nearly rigged perfect for me. Once it reaches perfection...I'll have to start on something else.

T

If you can get the price down the Pro V is the way to go. The Rebel is a fine boat also, but not it's not a Pro V.

I got an e-mail from the guy that traded the boat to them. They gave him $7400 for it. I thought that was pretty generous! Best I could come up with on NADA was $6400. But it is always lower on there. Thier list is $9900 or $9800, I can't recall which. I'd probably go up to $8000. None of means a hill of beans if I don't sell the other one.

I moved my truck at 10:30 and it was 63* already. Melting ice like crazy now.

Funny, in December I get excited about cold weather making ice, in March, I want it gone.

T

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!

300 Pages. Dave will love that.

Originally Posted by tzone

I moved my truck at 10:30 and it was 63* already. Melting ice like crazy now.

Funny, in December I get excited about cold weather making ice, in March, I want it gone.

T

Just checked Weather Underground, they're showing 64.2* here. By the way, it's officially Spring. The wife hung the laundry out on the clothes line this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Great pictures, but what is all the white stuff in the pictures?

Hey trout, wassup?

that dang white stuff will be around out in the woods for a while yet.

I like to see it gone in april, mid april at the latest if I'm going to get a good morel mushroom season in May.

yeah that's right, I said it, Morel Mushrooms, there. It's official.

Someone has to say it sooner or later so then the rest of us can go nuts watching the calender, watching the snow melt & waiting for them to pop up out of the ground.

I have had a Pro-V and quite frankly I wont own one again. Everything broke on it, it has those painted aluminum gunnels that get hot and slippery and it just wasnt what I was hoping for. The livewell always vapor locked or something and lund knew about it. Their cure? Back up. Great...after all the fish are dead, I can back up and get it to work again.

Look at Alumacraft (or a Ranger Reata if'n you are after a windshield boat). That is my .02.

Morel's, now there's a real treat. Out in the Northwest people take a week off of work to pick and sell them. They make some big bucks in a good year.

Morels are not very plentiful in this area.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have had a Pro-V and quite frankly I wont own one again. Everything broke on it, it has those painted aluminum gunnels that get hot and slippery and it just wasnt what I was hoping for. The livewell always vapor locked or something and lund knew about it. Their cure? Back up. Great...after all the fish are dead, I can back up and get it to work again.

Look at Alumacraft (or a Ranger Reata if'n you are after a windshield boat). That is my .02.

Beretta,

This is a 98, tiller. It doesn't have the HUGE wid gunnels that the newere ones do.

I have a Ranger 692 Fisherman now. I'm trying to downsize a bit. I want one that will fit in my garage. I'd get a Ranger 618T if I could find one that isn't $25,000.

Ah, I see. Sorry for the bitterness, that boat and I did not seem to see eye to eye. Dadgumit, it has been 3 years and it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I gotta believe there will be some good deals on boats this spring.

300 pages like Tzone said...

coming up on the 3000th post... who's it gonna be?

I'm 2999......

Its ME!!!! Can't believe I posted the 3000th reply...woooohooo.

Now boys what's all this jibber jabber about boats? You wouldn't be trying to talk ND into buying a boat now, would you?

Well all, let's keep the fire lit, keep the ideas and stories coming and keep this awesome thread alive.

Mrs. ND.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Its ME!!!! Can't believe I posted the 3000th reply...woooohooo.

Now boys what's all this jibber jabber about boats? You wouldn't be trying to talk ND into buying a boat now, would you?

Well all, let's keep the fire lit, keep the ideas and stories coming and keep this awesome thread alive.

Mrs. ND.

Mama's the winner!

Hey good idea about selling ND a boat. I happen to have a GREAT boat for LOW, and wouldn't you believe it...it's for sale. When should I bring it up. Lets go with mid May so I can show you all the little gadgets, storage, how the locators work.

Damnit, I did it again. Sorry Mrs. ND.

Sorry guys and gals its been awhile huh!

I've just gotten so wrapped up in work lately, working on the house daily too. The whole family spent the weekend picking up that barn I tore down last fall and getting rid of it before critters started movin in. I needed it gone before the grass gets too tall. 80 degrees here today with weeds already measuring 10 inches, my fruit trees flowering out skeeters buzzing me while the grill was going tonight, they are Hungry..

We had a campfire going all day and night on Sat and did the smores along with hot coco I ran through the perculator and some stew all over the fire. Soon as I get finished painting the bathroom a 3rd coat the plan is to start some soffit all around the house, build a new shed and padio on the house. Sheesh honey doos are already in full swing again, can't complain she helps me...

Keep it going guys and gals, where is the preacher when Dave ias thinking about Tzones boat? Stan oh brother Stan how is the chest doing by now you shooting Bigguns again lately?
Turkey season approaches we must get ready for that too, oh crud wheen will I find time for shrooms and crappie, time to call a board meeting with she who is to be obeyed again.. I must fish!!! lol

wabo,
so good to see you back.Sounds like you have been about as busy as a one armed paper hanger.
Thank you for the thought.The chest is healed and I have been shooting again but only a few times.
We need to see you around here a bit more often.
Best to you and yours.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Its ME!!!! Can't believe I posted the 3000th reply...woooohooo.

Now boys what's all this jibber jabber about boats? You wouldn't be trying to talk ND into buying a boat now, would you?

Well all, let's keep the fire lit, keep the ideas and stories coming and keep this awesome thread alive.

Mrs. ND.

Mrs. D. Tzone's boat would be perfect for you and Dave. Nice big deck for you to work on your tan while Dave slaves away trying to put a meal of Walleyes on the table for his family.

That new super duty would be enhanced greatly with a Ranger in Tow.

Hey Stan, I sent you an e-mail, or at least I tried. did it not work?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Its ME!!!! Can't believe I posted the 3000th reply...woooohooo.

Now boys what's all this jibber jabber about boats? You wouldn't be trying to talk ND into buying a boat now, would you?

Well all, let's keep the fire lit, keep the ideas and stories coming and keep this awesome thread alive.

Mrs. ND.

Mrs. D. Tzone's boat would be perfect for you and Dave. Nice big deck for you to work on your tan while Dave slaves away trying to put a meal of Walleyes on the table for his family.

That new super duty would be enhanced greatly with a Ranger in Tow.

Yeah, that's the spirit Bill.

It even has a new livewell pump I put in it last night.

19 footer? 18?

19', dual console

Hey Dave, i got one for you too. Its a 20' Thompson, nice cuddy on it, easy on fuel, ready to go. lots of new goodies with it too, I just bought me a new one last fall so this one must go, its waxed and ready to pull out of the shed. Cheap too!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Dave, i got one for you too. Its a 20' Thompson, nice cuddy on it, easy on fuel, ready to go. lots of new goodies with it too, I just bought me a new one last fall so this one must go, its waxed and ready to pull out of the shed. Cheap too!!

What is "easy" on fuel? I haven't seen a boat over 17' that was easy on fuel.

this thompson is nice an easy on fuel. rather surprising i know. its definetly nothing like my 200 opti. that likes gas a lot more the way it seems. its even got the sunbathers front end on it. perfect for you. park it at the lake and climb in and go. its got a 4.3 ltr merc on it which actually is quite easy on fuel the way its propped.

wahoo! Mrs ND came on and didn't throw a stapler at me! I can come out of my hidey hole now. Whew, that was a long time without a shower.

Boat, yep Dave, the Super Duty would look good towing a boat.

and since we have all got spring fever, let me remind people that I can get you a good deal on fishing gear. PM me if interested.

No need for a 20'er. I'm trying to downsize a bit. I have a 19'now and want one that will fit in my garage. With a swing tongue, it would probably work.

I'm looking for something 16-18', Lund or Ranger.

is that thompson an aluminum buschy? what year?

DANGER DANGER WILL ROBINSON <APB> MRS.ND IS ON THE LOOSE.

REPORTS COMING IN OF ND PREPARING TO RETREAT TO THE SHACK IF THE SITUATION ESCALATES.

BERETTAMAN AND TZONE NOW ON THE COUNTYS LIST OF THE MOST WANTED.

LAST SIGHTING WAS EB EDITION FORD EXPEDITION AT THE INTERSECTION OF MN HWY 71 AND MN HWY 200 WITH DRIVER OVERHEARD STATING "EAST OR SOUTH".

Yup. She's gunna kilt you feller's ded er 'en heck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

is that thompson an aluminum buschy? what year?

Ah oh, somebody's gettin the itch. I have just what you need to scratch it Dave.

The Thompson boats I've seen are big fiberglass cruisin' mo fo's.

If'n a guy were to buy a boat, he would also need new electronics, rods and reels, a 5th wheel camper so he could pull both at the same time with that Super Duty, a...a....hey, who is that sneaking up on #@aasojdfhabfguwae,,,adsjfl;skad...HELP..@#$$%a;lskdfjas;dlkfj...Really Mrs ND, it was Stan's idea....owei;wOAEIr fhqhio....okay, it was all tzone's idea, really....ajwerwio;a;ruihawreo....ooooOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWoooo. I give up, uncle, UNCLE....

Dave,I received an email from you the other day and replied to it but not one today.
I'm not getting into this boat thing.Boats are my third major weakness.
Stan

I didn't get nuthin back from you stan.

hmm, wonder what happened there??

I guess she went south tzones next on the chopping block.:)

Any woman that can manage a marine is a woman to respect.

she aint the boss of me.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

If'n a guy were to buy a boat, he would also need new electronics, rods and reels, a 5th wheel camper so he could pull both at the same time with that Super Duty, a...a....hey, who is that sneaking up on #@aasojdfhabfguwae,,,adsjfl;skad...HELP..@#$$%a;lskdfjas;dlkfj...Really Mrs ND, it was Stan's idea....owei;wOAEIr fhqhio....okay, it was all tzone's idea, really....ajwerwio;a;ruihawreo....ooooOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWoooo. I give up, uncle, UNCLE....

Funny you should mention new electronics. They were new last spring.

Man I feel like Donny Baker from the Bob and Tom Show. Nobody wants to buy my boat.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

she aint the boss of me.

Dead meat!

shhhh!! she's coming!!

hide you fools!! run all & hide!!

how's that ranger rigged?

RUN!!

Dave,I believe it was sent to you at work(if that's what you call it where you hang out).
Was it in relation to the guns I mentioned that I wanted to sell?

Stan

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shhhh!! she's coming!!

hide you fools!! run all & hide!!

how's that ranger rigged?

RUN!!

If you really want to know, I'll tell ya. If ya don't want to know, I'll tell ya.

175 Evinrude Intruder (carb.)
Rangertrail Shallow launch trailer, aluminum wheels (3), new spare,

Minkota Max 74# bow mount.

45" Stainless steel rails in the cockpit, 24" rails on the bow
4 Scotty rod holders mounted on the rails. AM/FM cassette radio, I have no idea if that works or not.

Marine band radio w/ 4' Shakespere antenna

Built in beer holder ... I mean cooler on the bow. In floor rod locker on the bow, not the new style with the tubes,
storage compartment on the bow. Rod buckles port, starboard in the cockpit, and port on the bow.

Aireated bait well, aireated livewell, rear battery storage, 3 new Interstate batteries, two trolling, 1 starting, 3 bank battery charger (minkota I think)

Custom built front casting deck w/ carpet, kinda matches

.

Lowrance X-28 HD locator (color) at the dash w/ gps and 3000 lakes programed in it, on RAM Mount, spare RAM Mount on dash. Lowrance X-51 on bow, screwed to floor, w/transducer on the bow mount.

3 factory Ranger seats, 1 is not in good shape, 2 are great, 1 factory Ranger bike seat on air ride, moveable post.

factory Ranger travel cover w/ Ranger bag for cover.

Fire extinguisher, lights, all the normal saftey stuff.

New livewell pump, (yesterday)

Maroon in color w/ silver stripes. LOTS of metal flake.

Off the top of my head that is all I can think of.

I can send you pictures if you don't tell Mrs. ND

Radio no workie...I just checked. The cassette player might, but who the hell has a cassette?

TZone,

Put the boat in the water and run, RUN it Full out away from any land! I just saw MrsNorthernDave on the news reportedly headed your way and during the interview she said she was out looking for YOU! Dave God help you upon her return home too!!!

Kiddo update time,

Insurance company and hospital had issues with eachother for awhile and after several phone calls and many emails we aborted the surgery until June3rd. That is the first available date we could get since we had to cancel thesurgery in March due to all ofd this.

No worries meds are doing the job just fine and Thunder is even playing on the local BasketBall team as a starting forward. Her team Finally won the last tournament in a triple overtime, she has the other kids on height by etleast 6 inches to a foot. So its a Blast watching her play as the talent is there too, I was actually crying in joy watching her enjoy playing so much the other night. Was thinking here it is she was supposed to be under the knife and she is playing BBall against a super tough team instead having the time of her life.

All is Good for now and another game is scheduled soon along with Soccer games too. So the new surgery will not interfere with anything as softball is later on, so long as the meds keep on keepin on.. God Always has a plan!

Now back to the regularly scheduled watch TZone and NorthernDave Hide from she who will always Win!

It took me a couple hours but I have gone through all 169 pages of this thread!

Best thread ever! It epitomizes everything that is great about this sport, family, friends, the great outdoors and great stories

So it took me about 5 hours to get through this whole thread. Amazing how a story about a patch of woods became a place we can all identify with somehow, your camp story turned into a bunch of first deer stories, a coming of age story not just for the "boy" but the whole family, plus family photo albums and daily updates. Seems your stories have really struck a nerve with a lot of us.
As a gypsy by occupation for several years (wildlife biologist), and growing up in a non hunting family, I've never had one place to call my own. But I've been part of many "camps", seen many firsts taken(plus my own of course), been a brief part of many interesting piece-of-woods-turned-deer-camps, but rarely had the chance to return to one.
I'm not even sure what else I can add that hasn't already been said. I would have loved to have had something like that when I was a kid, and I hope to be able to provide something like that for whatever offspring/nephews/godchildren/friend's kids, etcetera.
Your family life, and love for all things outdoorsy is an inspiration to many of us.
Thanks.

Cicero,
There are over 300 pages,not 169.

Stan

Cicero and Exbiologist,
Bless your hearts for reading threw the thread, although quite lengthy, it has a lot of fun, appreciation for the outdoors, family time and experiences. Thanks for being a part of it and posting...stick around. Love to see new people, hear their stories, advice and just have you be a part of this wonderment we call the camp. All welcome!

Now...Stan, what is this I hear about guns for sale??? And your telling ND? Oh my. Glad your doing well though. I can't be too mad at you but as for the other guys.

Tzone, Berettaman, G Bill, geez the list of names could go on and on...have you guys lost your minds...what are you doing baiting ND with yet another purchase. A boat? Although I have to admit that I too love to fish and did read over your 'ad' tzone, but you lost my interest when I heard the radio didn't work. Sorry.

Welcome cicero, and also exbio. exbiologist and I have already shared dialog. I received a very educated & insightful PM from him with helpful advice on the topic of Colorado hunt zones. Amazing to me that both of you have endured the lengthy thread but I am very happy that it was an enjoyable read.

Stan, I still have nothing from you, I�ll try sending you another e-mail. Also, Cicero�s settings may be set up to read a greater number of posts per page. It also shows up as 300 some pages on my PC but I know some are set up to view larger pages.

Tzone, I think I have a radio laying around someplace�..

Originally Posted by tzone

Radio no workie...I just checked. The cassette player might, but who the hell has a cassette?

I've got some cassettes you can have. Hell! I might even be able to come up with some 8 Tracks.

C'mon man get the romance going and go with vinyl. Some moonlight on the river, champagne in the on board cooler, the waves gently rocking, and Dave reeling in another wallygator.

my plow truck has an 8 track in it.

Originally Posted by wabo

TZone,

Put the boat in the water and run, RUN it Full out away from any land! I just saw MrsNorthernDave on the news reportedly headed your way and during the interview she said she was out looking for YOU! Dave God help you upon her return home too!!!

Well if she gets here while the river is open, I'll take her fishing.

send them boat pictures dang it.

Cool Cicero,

Welcome to Dave and Mrs Dave's deer camp. It is great place to be. Sometimes we even talk about deer camp.

Stick around, tell your stories, good, bad, happy, and sad, we'll listen to them all.

T

hey nd, just trying to get caught up here. The boat is fiberglass, lots of new goodies on and in it. its a 1993 with merely 300 hrs. so very low hours. good boat to get going in again. excellent shape and ready for the whole family....

It's running a Chevy right?

ND and tzone, I have a NIB marine radio you can have if it will facilitate the transaction and keep peace in the households.

And if the NIB marine radio doesn't seal it, I got an old smokey joe kettle, wet wood, morse code chart and a blanket to ensure effective one way communication.

Let's see, for ND's edification how does one smoke signal "Yes Dear" over and over and over ...

GE

Originally Posted by northern_dave

my plow truck has an 8 track in it.

Does it still work ? ( The 8-track )

Page 153 here .

Originally Posted by M1894

Page 153 here .

170 here.

Welcome Cecero and exibiologist!

I'm trying to think about all the established, unestablished and semi-established deer camps I've been involved with.
My first hunting experience resembled nothing like a real deer camp, it was a casino on the California/Nevada state line, and we would drive around the desert looking for deer. Of course we didn't see any.
My real camp was pretty well established. That was in Alabama when I was 15, I had buck/doe fever so bad I couldn't concentrate enough to place the crosshairs on anything. That camp was basically a trailer, we had a cook who didn't hunt, just wanted to come out and be apart of the whole thing. I was with a friend of my mom's from high school whose children didn't hunt, but there were two other families involved also. I didn't get my first year, but went back at age 17 and finally got one on the last day.
At 16, was the worst kind of deer camp. I'm sure there was some sort of traditions that I didn't know about, but a 4-
H friend's boyfriend invited me out to the California desert to go quail hunting. Mostly it was just drinking, plus the occasional fight. I'm not sure if it was true, but they said they weren't allowed to drive to where we were camped. I now suspect we were in a BLM Wilderness Study Area in the Mojave. No one shot their guns at anything resembling a game animal, and they all held animosity towards my friend because girls weren't allowed. Terrible.
In college in Montana, we mostly did day hunts during our first two years. Got a little more serious during my later years.
One of the "camps", was just a tent we set up at a KOA. A bunch of other hunters were there and giving us a hard time, thinking we were underprepared for the snowstorm that hit the night before the opener. We could see the KOA from the land we hunted and were out actually set up on the mountain before those guys in their RVs even left camp. Pulled in to camp that afternoon with a truck full of elk, and their jaws dropped. Guess I they were too comfortable in their camp to get going soon enough.
One of the funny camps we had in college was when 8 of us decided to hunt the Boulder River drainage, south of Big Timber. One friend managed to "bag" a deer on the way in with his truck. But the funny part came when I pulled my new tent out of the box that I got the Christmas before from my grandmother. Apparently she didn't realize I was 21, and got me child's tent. I never opened it, and didn't look closely enough at it until we got to camp. When sorting through gear, I told the guys I had a two man tent, so we had two larger 3 man tents plus mine for the eight of us. I'm not sure I'll ever live that one down. It was so short I couldn't sleep with my legs outstretched. And all it had was a 6 inch fly that sort of covered the vents. It snowed on the second night hard enough to drive snow right the the vents. Had to sleep with my hunting coat over my face. Miserable.
Caught up with those guys two years ago to tag along while they hunted outside Bozeman. One of them had a 19 foot RV for us to pile into. It was great, and they were still teasing me about that stupid tent 6 years later. We also brought out back the stories from our ridiculous backpack hunt into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where the outfitters and guided hunters we met on the trail were laughing at us at first, then saw us often enough to offer us their horses if we ever harvested anything.

Now my grad years in Texas was like a year round deer camp. With 6 grad students and numerous undergrads and interns, we harvested hundreds of deer, drop netted hundreds more, shot and trapped countless hogs, coyotes and bobcats year round for research. A lot of unsupervized 20 somethings in a crappy hot trailer(with about 50 guns between us) on the Texas/ Coahuila border made for some memories. Plus we kept the little town pretty well fed with all of our meat donations(required by our scientific harvest permit).

When I took a job doing bighorn research in Nebraska, I had a great little camp that I lived in for 11 months on a 4,000 acre state wildlife area. That place was beautiful, my little cabin was on a perennial creek tucked into the Pine Ridge with no cell service and no TV, and no one to bother me. Only had my dog for company there, but during deer season the place livend up quite a bit with auction hunters and other employees stopping by to use the place. Allowed me to talk hunting with everyone, it was great. I did go back two years ago, as the visiting hunter and the place still felt like home for me and the dog.
When I first moved to Colorado, I hunted by myself mostly. I got involved with the Huntmasters here and helped out with one large youth elk hunt. Turns out we were going to run an all girls hunt, so myself and 9 staff had 7 girls and their fathers and one mother. That was a big camp. 3 20 foot wall tents and a ridiculous amount of food to cook. But it was great. All the girls would race up to every truck coming into camp to see if another girl got anything, all the story telling and life lessons learned there was great for the kids.
This past year I was invited to my good friend and landlord's elk camp. It was another big operation with a converted enclosed trailer with bunk beds that my neighbor brought, my friend's uncle's 8 person tent, my friend's 70's era blue and yellow canvas tent with fringed canopy, a cook tent plus the horse trailer and temporary corral. Two 14 year olds got their first elk on that trip. But that whole area in the Elkhead mountains looked like a camo-clad refugee camp. Too many people for me, I like a little more solitude with my camps. Just a hanful of friends in the middle of nowhere is about right for me right now.
But this past November in Maine, in an established camp with my best friend from middle and high school, his wife and daughter(my goddaughter), plus a half dozen his in-laws on his first hunt was a fantastic experience. I'm hoping to go back to that one and am putting in for moose in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire to go tromp the woods with those boys.
This coming year is geared a little more towards a 2-4 man, middle of nowhere type of experience in Colorado (early high country deer on horse with my friend, 1st season wilderness elk, 3rd season wilderness deer for me). But we've also got a big 6-8 man antelope and deer hunt in Wyoming planned. And then I'm going to give the backpack hunt another whirl, this time in Idaho. For that hunt, I don't really want to go alone, but so far, no one else is coming.

I guess I've had lots of varying degrees of "hunting camps" over my 14 hunting seasons. I'm sure there will be just as many variations on the same thing over the next 14 years also. I'm on a quest to harvest to harvest a deer in every state and an elk in all western states, so while the scenery may change a little bit, they all seem to have a few common elements. Sometimes just my dog Colter, sometimes old friends, some new friends, but always working together on the quest.

Thanks for letting me share,
Mark

It doesn't so much matter what kind of camp you had...as long as you had a camp.

My buddies camp is out of his living room, but the group of guys and wimmin still have a hell of a good time.

My BIL, his bud, and I rented a 1 room, 14x14' cabin near Isabella, MN in 05. It was tight, but one of the most fun camps I've been to yet.

Camp is where you make it.

Tzone,
I was telling Dave that a friend from work is looking to get out of the boat and into the pontoon thing. (Family man now)

I know you said you wanted a Lund but this is what he has in case you change your mind.

Copied and pasted from his email to me:

Alumacraft magnum 175cs 2002, it has the 115 Yamaha four stroke 2002, low hours, caravan roller trailer 2002. I have a minkota trolling motor with auto pilot and optional co pilot. It has the lowrance color depth finder with gps and wass mapping. I will take the electronics off if not wanted. I do have pics if wanted, just need an email address.

*Edit* I'm still trying to find out a price and Dave has firt dibs if its good since I told him first.

thanks Rooster. If I lived on a lake, I'd prolly get a pontoon.

I've got no problem with an Alumacraft. Around here it is the most popular boat.

In fact, if I end up buying a NEW boat, it will probably be the Alumacraft Classic 165.

Don't worry about dibs...Dave's buying my boat.

If you have pics, put them up, or e-mail them to me.

Tom

Let me know a price when you can.

My imitation of an 8-track:

Cha-cunk, chacunk, chacunk:

It'll be on song after next.

Craig

ND,
Here's the email addy I am using.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Stan

oh stan I'm laughing my rear off believe me!! But could yu please edit that out so my work in box doesn't get flooded with e-mail?

Not that I don't want to hear from anybody

oh god I'm laughing

you got it right by the way and it came through

I just haven't had time to reply to you yet

OOOHHHH, I'm writing that down. Yer getting flooded with tzone emails tomorrow.

BTW Dave, I got so many pictures for you, you're gonna need a picture book. Have to wait til tomorrow, for some reason I can't dump them on this computer.

Rooster,

You have those boat pics yet? How about a price? PM me if you want.

Originally Posted by tzone

OOOHHHH, I'm writing that down. Yer getting flooded with tzone emails tomorrow.

oh heck, you've already had it for a long time

looking forward to getting the boat pics tomorrow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh heck, you've already had it for a long time

looking forward to getting the boat pics tomorrow.

I know, I'm a bit giddy tonight, not sure why. Could be the highlife.

I had a helper with the pictures. Not a chance in heck that I pull the cover off and he doesn't come outside.

He HAS to be around the boat, or car, or truck, or ect... anything with a motor is his favorite. He takes after his grandpa. Which of course makes him the happiest grandpa there is.

BTW, I decided not to go with the 351 Cleveland in the 55. The windsor is already in it, and it runs. And I can get parts anywhere.

I don't know if you remember the falcon I asked you about near Christmas time or not. But the old man is pulling the 289 out of there to put in his Ranchero, and putting the Cleveland in there. That thing should fly with that Cleveland in it. Fly like a rocket.

he's gonna twist that falcon in half!!

You'll be happy with the windsor in the 55. As big of a fan as I am of the cleveland that windsor is lighter with the same displacement & the speed parts are so much easier & less expensive to come by.

Thanks Stan!! (I'm a big baby, I know, I know...)

The fact that it is already in the truck and running was the biggest deal, but available parts was part of it too.

That would be the 3rd engine swap in 10 years too. We went from the origional 239 "Y" block, to a 312 Y block, to this Windsor.

I want to drive that Falcon once before he sells it.

That is the reason he bought it to start with. same reason I would have bought it.

Just sent you a crap load of pics Dave. More that 20 I think.

Mark, good stories. Thanks for sharing.

Hey all you NW MN boys. I'm watchin my Bulldogs put a whoopin' on UND in the WCHA semi-finals hockey game tonight.

It looks like its going to be UMD and Denver in the finals....GO DOGS!

yeah what ever, i caught a piece of that at the beer store in warroad tonight. They just lucky I'm played out or I'd give em the wammy. Put the hurt on & such!

That is probably the best game the Dogs have played in a long time.

When I lived in Duluth, I had seasons tickets, of course they stunk. Well, the won the McNaughton Cup in 91 or 92 or 93, something like that.

My buddies Dad was the assistant coach, so after 92, I didn't need tickets anymore for a while, until the athletic department cleaned house and he got the boot.

I had to clean snow off your boat at 11:00 last night, I didn't want the snow to stretch out the cover. She's heavy duty, but that wet azz snow weighs a lot. It switched from snow to rain sometime during the night and it is almost gone already.

Hey all Wisconsin members, don't forget our fishing/hunting licenses expire at the end of March. Picked up my 2009 licenses this morning. Now that I'm 65 I get my fishing license for $3 and small game for $9. Everything else is full price.

tzone , that was very nice of you to go the extra mile to protect the NDs cover for their new boat

That wet snow can do some damage .

When you reach the age of 65 in South Carolina you pay a one time adminstrative processing fee of $9.00 for a combination hunting/fishing license that's good from then on.
The only thing I pay for now is once a year use-anytime doe tags that cost $5 apiece and you can order up to four tags.I never use but maybe one a year but I figure the rest of the money is a donation to our DNR.

Stan in SC

Two best games in a row for my Bulldogs. Their smacking the Denver Pioneers 3-0, right now. 3rd period just started.

Heck of a nice day here in central WI. Woke up to about a inch and half of snow, but it was gone by 9 am. Low 60' and sunny. Made a campfire, took the boy for a drive, cut some wood, washed ND and Mrs ND's boat for the. BTW Dave, she is shiney as heck in the with all that metal flake in that glass. NICE. 1 more week of nice weather and she'll be floating down the WI river. Heck of a day really.

Hope you guys had a great day, and have a good Sunday.

T

Stan, it used to be the same here in Wisconsin. One time fee for small game, fishing and state parks. They dropped that program at least 5 years ago. I had the cost of the fishing license wrong, it was $7 not $3. It's $3 for disabled vets.

GB

Bill,

Do you get a discount on price if you by the Sportsmans license?

Good morning all.

My boys & I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow campfire member yesterday. He goes by "Colorado1135"

very nice young man, we met up in Warroad MN & went fishing out on lake of the wds. started out for northerns with tip ups but ended up going after walleyes. We fished hard & went from zero fish to 9 keepers all in a matter of a half an hour right at dark.

It was a great day out on the ice, we made a new friend and we hope to see more of him in the future.

Hopefully he finds his way to this thread some day, he posts often in other areas of the forum.

The boy "bangflop" and his grandpa & a bunch f friends are out on the ice again this morning after big pike. Bangflop & his buddies stayed out at deer camp last night. I didn't make it out there myself but i plan to head out there today to check my trail camera.

good morning Dave!
when I got home last night I came right to this thread and started to read it.
I appreciate you sharing with me yesterday the stories, the brats (hotdogs, not your boys they are awesome!)
my wife wasn't to keen on the mushrooming idea (she hates mushrooms) but said she would help look, I'm gonna try around here in a few weeks. the blueberries sounded good to her and I too haven't stopped talking about yesterday, she's anxious to meet your family.
again thank you for the great time, I had a blast!
and got a new friend out of it too, a few actually

the mushrom hunt can be quite a challange, and it doesn't last long. But the blueberry picking is good fun for the whole family & they stick around for weeks in late july & into august. and you don't have to hunt for them, I know some good spots where you can just sit in one spot and pick steady, then move about 3 feet, sit again & repeat until you are tired of it

The boys have been talking about you all morning, you really made a good impression on them.

Well I better get moving if we are to make it out to camp to check the trail cam.

Thanks again for coming up.

Later dudes.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Do you get a discount on price if you by the Sportsmans license?

No Tom, you have to buy each license individually. No such thing as a senior sportsman license. No big deal now that it's computerized everything prints out on one card, just like a sportsman. I still need to get a class B Bear license so I can help my SIL with the baiting. He drew a kill permit this year.

Colorado, welcome to Deer Camp. Hope we'll hear more from you in the future.

GB

Computer has been down all day but we got it going now.

We went out to the camp & got our first trail cam photos!!

nothing special, but check out the last ones, very strange creatures out in the woods last night...

Deer.

[Linked Image]

and then these mysterious creatures of the night...

seems as though they have a leader, one that is guiding them on some sort of an evening tour..

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam013-1.jpg[/img]

odd creatures, very reflective.....coats.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam014-1.jpg[/img]

I guess captain bangflop had to show his buddies around out in the woods a little last night when they got out to the deer camp

I laughed my butt off when i got these out of the camera today!!

Looks to me like he was taking them up north on the property to see his deer stand that we put up last fall.

hey captain, how's that trail cam flash work?

Your photos are strange to me. The first creatures with the head of a deer and the body of a .......deer. Its just not what I expected.

These second creatures, unsupervised teens caught on film by surprise, with out beer or smokes.

Its all very strange indeed.

I agree on all accounts.

Geez Dave,

Not even incriminating photos.

Nothin,zip, nada. How in the world can 5 or six kids be waliking around the woods, in the dark, and not even carry any beer.

Kids these days.

very dissapointing isn't it?

These kids are die hard young outdoorsmen. The commitment to fishing/hunting is way higher than anything I had when I was there age. It's very nice to see, keeps them all healthy & out of trouble too.

BTW, thanks for all the pictures of the boat Tom, it looks great, we didn't have a chance to talk about it over the weekend though.

why do weekends go so fast?

Dave,
Wait till you retire and every day is Saturday.I love retirement.
I wish I had done it many years ago.What?Oh yeah,that's right.I wouldn't have had any thing to live on.

Stan

I don't know, but the go fast.

The boat was nice and shiney in the sun on Sat.

I've had more people come and look at that thing since my craigslist ad expired, than I did when it was up.

I don't get it.

It looks like a pretty good group of boys the Captaing is running with. I wasn't much of a hunter at that age, though I loved it, fishing was my passion, and still is. Turkey hunting comes in a close second though.

thanks for the welcome!
I've deer hunted allot growing up, and I always seemed to get one, all small though.

i visited my step grandpa's deer camp once before season. glad i can be a part of this deer camp!

Hey Rooster!

Is your buddy that is selling that Alumacraft from Big Lake?

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Rooster!

Is your buddy that is selling that Alumacraft from Big Lake?

Tom, Did you have any luck getting a price on the Alumacraft Classic Camp? Were you checking with M & J or Galles over in Rapids?

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Rooster!

Is your buddy that is selling that Alumacraft from Big Lake?

No. He's from West Fargo. (fargo, nd)

He still has forgotten to send me the pics but I cornered him today and he said others like it are selling for $11 - 12k but he'll take $10,300 without the electronics. I have no idea if thats good or not...

with the 4 stroke that's probably not to bad.

115 yami efi Jim?

I forget...

Tom, you gonna sell me a boat or what?

Yeah Bill, kind of. I was trying to get a price from M&J's. Getting anything from there has been like pulling teeth. I found a great boat there, but they want 2K more than it is worth. It also has no electronics of any knid on it.

The dude who traded it emailed me what they gave him, and I thought they were generous to him.

I'd have to check on to see if that is fair or not. I'm not looking to steal something, just get a rig that will be safe with the monkeys in the boat, and fit in the garage. I'd take some pictures though if you get them. I'll take some more info too if you have it. I kind of want a Lund or a Ranger though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

with the 4 stroke that's probably not to bad.

115 yami efi Jim?

I forget...

Tom, you gonna sell me a boat or what?

FNA I'll sell you the boat. Do you want the locater on not?

Sending PM soon.

T

Originally Posted by northern_dave

115 yami efi Jim?

I forget...

Yep.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd have to check on to see if that is fair or not. I'm not looking to steal something, just get a rig that will be safe with the monkeys in the boat, and fit in the garage. I'd take some pictures though if you get them. I'll take some more info too if you have it. I kind of want a Lund or a Ranger though.

He is going to run home at lunch if he can and send the pics Tom. PM me your email addy so I can forward on.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm not looking to steal something, just get a rig that will be safe with the monkeys in the boat,

So are you saying the boat you have now isn't safe for kids Tom???

Is this why your trying to sell it Tom???

Does it come with a "not safe for kids disclosure?" Tom???

What do you have against other peoples kids man???

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

with the 4 stroke that's probably not to bad.

115 yami efi Jim?

I forget...

Tom, you gonna sell me a boat or what?

FNA I'll sell you the boat. Do you want the locater on not?
T

Hope its a KID locator............

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm not looking to steal something, just get a rig that will be safe with the monkeys in the boat,

So are you saying the boat you have now isn't safe for kids Tom???

Is this why your trying to sell it Tom???

Does it come with a "not safe for kids disclosure?" Tom???

What do you have against other peoples kids man???

No, very safe rig. Very deep. I'm more concerned with my son the monkey climbing out. So really what I'm looking for is not a bass boat, which I know the Alumacraft is not.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

with the 4 stroke that's probably not to bad.

115 yami efi Jim?

I forget...

Tom, you gonna sell me a boat or what?

FNA I'll sell you the boat. Do you want the locater on not?
T

Hope its a KID locator............

It has GPS, so if your kid has a satalite strapped to his azz, I'll find him.

Alright, I had to go to Denver for work last week and was sick yesterday so I had some catchin' up to do. Luckily, I did get Dave's email addy and can start posting that in bathroom stalls wherever I go.

All this talk of boats is killing me. I have the 115 Yammy 4 stroke and LOVE IT. Highly recommend it. I am also a big fan of Alumacraft for what it is worth.

The twins turned 1 and we celebrated by giving them a big piece of chocolate cake. I will try and post pictures of them; pretty cute all covered in chocolate.

The basement is about 99.8% done! Wahooo! Now to sell it so I can move closer to Camp Chickenbuck....well I will still be 4 hours away I s'pose.

I'll see if he remembers to send those pics and get them to you T.

Thanks.

My step dad has that 115 Yammi 4s on his lund. He loves it. It is kind of quiet until you open it up, then it is normal. I love the sound of those Merc Optimax's but the size of boat I'm looking for probably won't have them. Well, not in the years I'm looking at anyway.

Well folks Gaviidae_ Esq and I are off to try and save his folks house in Nodak, ya'll keep the lights on and the stove warm.

The Sherpa is coming with so who knows how this may play out, hopefully not with me in the dang river.

Take care see ya later,

I fully expect a Sherpa Kurt story when you return.

Good luck to you guys, stay safe.

Tell Sherpa the local LEO's are warning if they catch you on the river you WILL go to jail. During the '97 flood some guy was cruising the river on a jet ski and the wake almost made one of the giant earth dikes fail. Does Sherpa have a jet ski?

There are currently thousands out sandbagging and the national guard has been called in. It's ugly. I'm glad my house is 25 miles from that river!

AAAAGGGGGHHHH!

All that open water and we can't even get on it.

Sorry, I shouldn't joke about that river. It could be trouble. I just want to fish.

Good luck with the sandbagging. Hope everything turns out ok for everyone.

Tzone,
I'm new to this site but see you have a Ranger 692 ?
I'm entertaining upgrading to one.

new guy trying to steal my boat...

welcome outdoorguy

No, not trying to steal it. I've been looking for a while at Rangers and ran across this series of posts. If you have a deal set fine. If not I'd sure like to know more.
Either way, I,m looking for input on the 692. My wife and I fish Lk Michigan alot with our 170 Starcraft and would like to add a bit more length/storage. It's great boat but I'm always looking to upgrade.

Sure wish I had a boat to sell.<grin> I sense a feeding frenzy breaking out among the Camp Chickenbuck clan members.

I imagine you have a couple weeks to thrash this out before open water arrives.

Did I mention that I was fishing last week in the mighty Susquehanna, catching 2-3 lb smallies on punkinseed tubes?

I'll tell ya, I hardly can find more than 4-6 weeks between late muzzleloader deer and early spring bassin' to fit in a trip to the grass flats of Tampa Bay FL for trout/snook/redfish/etc.

October is especially tough with the decisions between the bow for whitetails and the rod for fall bass/stripers/etc.

Tough life, eh?

Ron

Dave, I checked the mail today...there wasn't a check in there from you.

outdoorguy,

692 is a very nice boat for lk MI, and one of the reasons we bought it. Haven't been there once though since I did get it. I sent you a PM.

Tom

Raystown,

bass are just for guys that can't catch walleyes.

I like catching those smallies though. We have decent Largemouth bass fishing here, they just don't get very big.

Smallies are a religion down here. Susquehanna River has a sterling reputation for the "brown bass". Nice walleyes, muskies, even a few northerns in there also. Plus crappie, rock bass, some yellow perch, channel cats and HUGE carp.

Smallies, green bass, crappie, perch, carp, catfish, it's all fishing and it's all good!

Ron

I agree, they are all fun to catch. I like a good tangle with a big 'ol cat too. We have quite a few of those here. Some get pretty big. Most are in the 15"-20" range. they put up a nice fight for a while any way.

PM sent

We have a pretty good selection when fishing down here but striped bass seem to be as popular as largemouths.
The catfish do get to a good size.I haven't been catfishing in several years.I remember the last one I caught.He wasn't too big so I got two other guys to help me roll him back in the water.

Stan

Just foolin Tom,

Let me know if you don't work out a deal there though. I've been burried in work lately so not much time allowed for the fun stuff like buying boats.

we got a bunch of wet heavy snow early this morning. About 5 inches, slow going on the way to work this morning.

SNOW!!! That would about drive me up a wall at this point. I should have never brought that boat out of storage. I look at it and wish the ice away...hasn't been working though.

We got a heck of a rain last night, but no white stuff. Pretty nice out already this morning. How's that bid 350 in da snow?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I remember the last one I caught.He wasn't too big so I got two other guys to help me roll him back in the water.

Stan

Wasn't too big...had to roll back in the water...

Sounds pretty big to me Stan.

We don't get anything like that, at least I don't. Most of the cats we get are while fishing for other fish. Believe it or not, we even get them on cranks. Quite a bit too. My Arkansas buddy didn't believe me, we were bass fishing and he caught two of them on Shad Raps. He thought it was great.

cuts a nice path through the snow, no problem.

My f-150 always seemed a bit squirelly in the rear, even in 4wd. The tahoe, as much as I hate that rig, was excellent in the snow, and rarely needed 4wd. Good thing too, cause she'd have blown it sooner.

The Tundra seems great the 2 times I've 4wd. My tacoma was great in the slop too.

Took me an hour and 40 minutes to get to work this morning. Normally a 35 minute drive. Fargo, on top of the flood fight, is in a blizzard warning with 6 - 8 inches expected..........but at least it rained alot first so the roads are slicker than a cats Azz.

Dave - How is that dang 'ol river up your way? That can get nasty too.

Originally Posted by tzone

SNOW!!! That would about drive me up a wall at this point. I should have never brought that boat out of storage. I look at it and wish the ice away...hasn't been working though.

We got a heck of a rain last night, but no white stuff. Pretty nice out already this morning. How's that bid 350 in da snow?

Better start climbing that wall now Tom. We might be seeing snow or a rain snow mix here on Sunday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

SNOW!!! That would about drive me up a wall at this point. I should have never brought that boat out of storage. I look at it and wish the ice away...hasn't been working though.

We got a heck of a rain last night, but no white stuff. Pretty nice out already this morning. How's that bid 350 in da snow?

Better start climbing that wall now Tom. We might be seeing snow or a rain snow mix here on Sunday.

A mix I can handle, 6"-8"-YIKES.

I guess it is still March.

we got rain down here. A dusting of snow this morning.

However, the ice is going out on the ponds. Hmmm, wonder if my boat will float in one of them? I wish the lakes would hurry up.

The weekend doesnt exactly look promising for goofing off. Friday afternoon I help the wife load up stuff for a garage sale through an organization she belongs to, then I watch the kids while she sets up Fri nite. Then Saturday, I watch the kids all day while she works the sale. Now I love spending time with the kids, I really do. But right now the boys are pretty attached to mama and her faucets, if'n you know what I mean. Usually they last about an hour with Dad before they realize Mom is not around and start wailing.

Hey ND, I see your area is included in the flood zone, are you gonna be high and dry or should we send paper towels?

we'll be ok at our house, we're out of town, our yard is about 50' higher than the highest spot in town.

driveway is a mess, drainfield not working so well.... but we won't flood.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll be ok at our house, we're out of town, our yard is about 50' higher than the highest spot in town.

driveway is a mess, drainfield not working so well.... but we won't flood.

Well, a boat would sure help if it did flood.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll be ok at our house, we're out of town, our yard is about 50' higher than the highest spot in town.

driveway is a mess, drainfield not working so well.... but we won't flood.

T does make a good point

Well, a boat would sure help if it did flood.

That red metallic paint will look sharp behind the black 350 too

Getter go hide now

[Linked Image]

you all speak-eth the truth

It's all fun and games until some one hooks a planer board on the playground.

How are you boys in the flood zone doing. OK I hope.

Hey all,

BD and Sherpa are still there. Laid 3K bags today. I think they were just trying to impress the co-ed volunteers. Boys are staying a couple of days. I had some cant miss court appearances and kid responsibilities so needed to bail. Red's supposed to crest at 41' Sat. Not good. No info on the Sheyenne where they are piling.

Dem sounding like sore boys.

On the bright side, my industrious father figured out how to make a brilliant mock pulled pork out of venison neck, bbq sauce, and a slow cooker.

So they're eating well ...

GE

"outdoorguy,

692 is a very nice boat for lk MI, and one of the reasons we bought it. Haven't been there once though since I did get it. I sent you a PM.

Tom"

You boys from those northern latitudes must all be tarred with the same feather when it comes to boat size. LOL. Just Kidding. The Lk Michigan I fish well it seems like a 30 something foot tiara is about right. I must be looking at it from the wrong (east) side....OBTW...Long time lurker, first time poster to your camp. It really is a story for the ages, I've read it all.

Scott

Thanks SSB

I shouldn't try to speak for tom but I know for myself on big water a bigger boat is a good thing. The bigger the better. But if you have to trailer it to & from, well then you have to put a cap on the biggness at some point.

I don't personally care to trailer more than a 20 footer repeatedly for any kind of distance.

Thanks for posting Scott. How's that big lake doing as a fishery over on the east side?

I fished in 7'er last summer in a 16.5' boat. That was interesting. I think I posted some pics about it back in August. A 19' boat seems like a nice happy medium for fishing big water and small water. Like Dave said, you still have to trailer the boat, so a 30' is out of the question. So is the $150,000 price that comes with them.

With the 19' I have, I can still put it in a lake not much bigger than a puddle, and go on Lk. MI, in all but the worst days, and still feel safe. You have to go slow, but it can still be done.

GE, it doesn't sound like it gonna be pretty. Good for you for getting up there laying 3k old ladies....oops, wrong kind of bag.

Good luck to you guys up that way, I hope everthing comes out OK for you.

T

Tom,

I'd just about Gair Un Tee that there was more old lady bagging in ND's "cougar encounter ... I mean Elk Hunt ... yeah Elk Hunt" than on the banks of the Sheyenne.

Then again Sherpa was Sherping along so who knows what got Sherped ...

GE

Hi Guys, my post was made mainly in jest. Thats the bad thing about attempts at internet humor sometimes, ya can't read the persons face. A Ranger is one of the most seaworthy boats one could find in something that is mobile. I fished some last summer out of an 18' Reatta and was very impressed. I do fish the east side of Lk Michigan during August. I move my boat to Manistee for 6 weeks or so. Last year the varying weather made the fishing very interesting. Cold water came in early and the lake never really settled out causing the fish to stay scattered. The decline of baitfish is a concern for the salmonoid fishery in the future, we may be on the brink of a crash. Bright side is walleyes have never been better. I live on the Saginaw Bay here and it really has to be experienced to be believed right now as far as numbers. Last summer the average catch for us was probably 20 per hour of actual fishing time. Anyway I'm getting long winded here. Fantastic thread!

Scott

Scott, I knew you were messin' with us. I went fishing last year out of Kewanee, and the boats in the harbor there were impressive to say the least.

It was the first time I've salmon fished out there, but I have been walleye fishing a few dozen times. Those salmon are somthing else, quite addicting. It made me almost want to change the set up on my rig...:) almost. Fun, but for as much as I get out there, I'll stick to fishing with my salmon buddies.

Tom

Don't worry about coming across the wrong way Scott, I read it as A joke.

Still waiting to see pics of ND and his families new boat hooked up to the back of Weezys new truck.

Obligatory trip reports , stories , tall tales , and expedition pics will also be required

No worries about how I came across . I wanna see Weezy , the new truck , the new boat , Mrs ND , assorted young ins all out having a great time and smiling like heck.

Usually manage to do some fall Salmon fishing in Oregon when we go out to see our son and his family. Those big Kings are something else.

Like you said Tom, "addicting".

Tom and Dave, I was bit by the salmon bug long ago and its a disease that doesn't have a cure. I've wet a line for them in all the Great Lakes. Nowadays I do a little in the spring in Lk Huron and as much as I can get away with in Lk Michigan. They are addicting to say the least. The best advice I could give is make good friends with a salmon nut, and avoid doing it to yourself. Gas money is waaay cheaper....lol. I'm solidly a bigger boat guy, I have a sea ray 28 ft w/ 10 ft beam...and I drag it around some but its not really made for that. I also have a Ranger dealer (and good friend) 3 miles down the road and I have to say they are one heck of a boat. Surely the most worthy of the open style boats and I have seen first hand that they look just right behind Ford F350's..........my turn to run now.......

Your gonna fit right in SSB! We've got adventure stories from pert near all over on this thread thanks to Dave. And to hear it from the BIG lakes is cool!

On a more serious note:
I ask for your thoughts and prayers for the communites in the Red River Valley. Fargo/Moorhead received MORE bad news today (along with the $%#@ snowstorm) that the river is expected to crest and at least 43' which is unheard of. The record is 40.18 back in 1897.

Folks, believe me when I tell you this is truly a crisis situation. I have felt extremely guilty for having to be at work all week when I could have been out helping. I work in West Fargo. The problem I've been facing is I'm in management and we just layed off a bunch of people due to the ecomony and we are in the process of trying to restructre blah blah blah.

I left work at 2:00 today to make sure I got on the east side of the river in case something happened to the dikes. I got home at 5:00 pm and its normally a 35 minute drive. I guess I'm babbling due to stress and Hi-lifes but it truly is a serious situation. There is already entire communities that had to give up the fight and leave their homes to be swallowed by water. So I ask that you pray for the dikes to hold so thousands won't be without homes this summer.

Thanks,

Rooster

P.S. J/k It's best light not hi-life.

Rooster,

Scary indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys up there.

But I have to be honest...I'm gonna pray really hard for those dikes.

p.s. I know this is not a laughing matter, but if your going to set one up on tee like that Rooster, I'm gonna nail it over the fence.

Rooster, you have to quit drinking that light beer. All it does is fill you up quicker. Start livin' the High Life brother.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Usually manage to do some fall Salmon fishing in Oregon when we go out to see our son and his family. Those big Kings are something else.

Like you said Tom, "addicting".

I just can't believe the fight those Kings have. They don't give up until they hit the floor of the boat. The one I caught was 31 pounds. I was also superised by the size of their tail. It was no wonder they have so much power.

Rooster7, sorry to hear that you are in the middle of the flooding up there.

I saw video on the evening news today and it brought back memories of the 1972 flood here in PA.

I was worried that some of the Camp Chickenbuck clan might be affected by today's flooding. Unfortunately, it seems to be so.

Thoughts and prayers from PA to all affected in any way. Be smart and stay safe! Everything else can be replaced except your life!

Ron

Tzone! Do you ever sleep? What the heck man???

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Rooster7, sorry to hear that you are in the middle of the flooding up there.

I saw video on the evening news today and it brought back memories of the 1972 flood here in PA.

I was worried that some of the Camp Chickenbuck clan might be affected by today's flooding. Unfortunately, it seems to be so.

Thoughts and prayers from PA to all affected in any way. Be smart and stay safe! Everything else can be replaced except your life!

Ron

Ray,
Thanks for the kind words but I must clarify. I live in the country 25 miles east of the Red in Mn so all I am really dealing with is flooded/washed out roads and practically impossible drives to work. The folks in Fargo/Moorhead, the communites along the Red River and the ones that are experiencing overland flooding are the ones that are really dealing with it. I'm debating weather I should skip work tomorrow and go and help people but listening to the radio, many volunteers are calling in frustrated because they get brought to a "need" site by bus and end up standing around for hours because they got dropped off at a site that no longer needed people etc. If I go, I want to work. Not stand around. If I'm going to do nothing, I might as well monitor my own water situation at home.

I must give a big shout out to "The Boy" (Capt Bangflop) though. From what I understand, he has been up there heaving sandbags for the last couple days. Way to go Justin. I'm proud of you!

Hey Ray...I'm coming to PA for work April 6 - 10th. Never been there before in my life. What should I expect? Reckon I should bring a banjo?

Prayers sent to all in the flood zone. Back in 1986 we had 23" of rain in 48 hours where I live so I know a little about overland flooding. Some of our farmland had 20" of water over it for a week. Anyway I'm a bit guilty of not following the situation closely and I guess I missed how we came to this flood situation. Is it just the winter thaw? Rain? What caused this?
I remember flying over the upper watershed in '93 I believe when the spring flooding was so bad and thought I could never see anything like that again. Obviously Ma Nature is a bit upset. I do know our local Coast Guard Station is packed ready to go and expecting deployment there at any minute. At any rate...hang in there guys.

The salmon fishing would be very cool. I've never been.

SSB, you are catching on very quickly, fitting in quite well!

Rooster, 43 feet? are you serious? that's too much.

there's simply no chance of holding that back.

That flooding is certainly something.Our prayers and well wishes go out to all of the families in peril.
SSB's post reminded me also of the 1993 floods.I had occassion that year to fly to Kansas City several times from Atlanta and the sight of the Mississippi in full flood is something indeed to behold.If I remember correctly the river was 23 miles wide according to the plane captain.
Kodos to CBF(Justin) for helping.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by SSB

Surely the most worthy of the open style boats and I have seen first hand that they look just right behind Ford F350's..........my turn to run now.......

OMG SSB...I can't believe a new-be as yourself would jump on this wagon of sorts with all the other fellows in this threat! Am I fighting a losing battle? Thought if I didn't say anything, it would go away.

CBF-good job on helping with sandbags and whatever you can. As I remember from the flood here in Roseau a while back, fresh blood and faces help tremendously. People get worn down, tired, etc but when someone new comes along it sure seems to pick them up and keep them going.

I too, pray for the F-M area and hope the dikes hold and the river will go down. I LOVE that place, its old stomping grounds...

Oh way to go...you lay into the new guy on his fist week here.

You're really going to like your new boat mrs.nd. It is really shiney. Maybe you can even let dave drive once in awhile. You'll have to pry the truck away from weezy though, so you can get it to the lake.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you when I bring it up there next weekend.

Oh crap....well ssb, the heats of you for awhile.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone! Do you ever sleep? What the heck man???

I do...unfortunetaly not very well. If I can get 6 hours a night, I'm pretty happy about it.

T

Oh I almost forgot.

WTG, Captain. It is great that you're up there helping with the sand bags. You're alright, no matter what Rooster says about you.

T

My thoughts and prayers go out to those in the flooding area.

I do have a serious question though. How come this year is so bad? We didnt get THAT much snow. Is this a case of too much drain tile and too much asphalt/concrete?

"OMG SSB...I can't believe a new-be as yourself would jump on this wagon of sorts with all the other fellows in this threat! Am I fighting a losing battle? Thought if I didn't say anything, it would go away."

Sorry Ma'am call it a band of brothers sort of thing....

Its hard for me to see a Ranger hooked to a F350 as a losing situation for anyone...lol. <bobs and weaves>

No worries Tom, I have very broad shoulders and can bear the load. At least you have to do the face to face at delivery.....

I can't see it being too much asphalt & concrete, as it's still pretty rural there, but there's been a lot of tiling & ditching going on between Wheaton & Wahpeton in the last 10-15 years. My folks live along the Bois de Sioux (flows into the Red at Wahpeton). They got a good amount of snow this year, but nothing record breaking. It usually has a lot to do with a lot of thawing further south and not so much thawing in the north.

we've been improving drainage to the rivers for many years.

We are very good at creating natural disasters.

we haven't figured out how to cook up a tornado yet but floods are easy to make.

Years ago in areas like we live in up here it took nearly an act of god to create a flood.

these days it takes an act of god to prevent one.

I think the ice jams had a lot to do with it, not sure though. I just hope it doesn't crest at 43'. That is bad news for everone there.

Good Day Ya'll. I just got off the phone with my uncle who is down in fargo helping with the diking. he says its amazing the people working together down there. He says its bad. which I feel for all them, After losing my house in the flood here i know exactly what there going through. My uncle brought 30 gravel trucks from the cities to help haul clay from his business and theres others doing the same as well. Alot of people from all over are trying to help others and it does really help the soul for the ones from there. Its not all about the work right now but all the help they will need once the water does go down. My prayers go out to all the folks down there and hope everyone is safe.

Ice jams had nothing to do with flooding on the Red on the border of MN and ND this year. They were part of the problem on the Missouri near Bismarck, ND in central ND. The culprit on the Red was the incredibly wet October and the early freeze which trapped the rainfall moisture in the soil and then the relatively cold weather through March which didn't allow the soil to thaw out. Snow was moderate but it melted quickly and moved to the rivers overland while many of the ditches are still full of snow and frozen. Certainly the significant drainage ditches and tiling have been a major contributor over the years since the 1950's. Additionally the heavy rainfall and snowfall recently are also a big part of the problem. I grew up living on the Red midway between Fargo and Grand Forks and still have family in that area even though I have lived in the Twin Cities of MN since the mid 1970's.

On another note, tzone do you need the radio I offered you to seal the deal with ND on the boat? PM me if you need it and let me know how to get it to you.

Any news on when it is supposed to crest?

Prayers sent to all in the flood areas. Got everything crossed that it wont be as bad as predicted. Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress.

ND, hows the water at the chicken ranch, is your moat holding it all in?

Thanks for the offer, but I don't think that is the hold up on the boat. Funny thing is, when I'm fishing...even by myself, I never turn on the radio. I could care less if it has one or not. It might sound a little goofy, but I could sit and listen to the water hit the side of the boat all day long. It relaxes the hell out of me.

That is one of the reasons I don't fish tournaments anymore. That is some strssfull time for me and I fish to get away from that. I bought this boat to tournament fish, and I haven't done in in once in the three seasons I've owned it. Well, not a serious one anyway. I fish a charity derby every April, but it is for trophy's and braggin' rights.

it's been a week since i've been to the shickin buck and the road was getting bad with the thaw, so i kind of plan to leave it alone for a while... now we have 10 inches of new snow too

Flurries here this morning. Heavier stuff in the forecast for next Monday night and Tuesday has me on alert. We're Supposed to fly out of Central Wisconsin for Minneapolis than Portland. We've had weather delays on every flight we took last year.

i suppose we can't even drive out in the forest for a frosty one now, all the roads are closed. i forgot that. but i do still have that cheap boat awaiting you....

HEY!!!! He already has a boat waiting for him.

Do they close the State Forest roads in the spring?

All I know is that 15 old Fashions will do a guy in...no matter what youlr friends tell you.

+ it is unsafe to drive in thes condition. + college bvasketball sucks no matter what jim nance says...

good niteee boy=z

vollege baskeytball sucks no matter what jim nanece says.

its ounsafe to play basketball inht this driving condition nwo matter what bill says.

is this thing on or what. don't fish and drive.

sho435q

ccrap.

why do mey ears always ring whinen I'm drunk.

I don't know but I can't hear andything, and my ears are ringing.

i'll never get laid on craigslist no matter how big my boobs are.

glug, gurrgle, burble,gargle, mayday mayday mayday...we are out of B&B, requesting saint bernard emergency delivery service, fading fast trying to hold out...

Originally Posted by tzone

i'll never get laid on craigslist no matter how big my boobs are.

Someone's got a headache this morning I betcha!

BD,

How about you photobucket news from the front? BOADC be lovin pics of your disaster injun-eering.

Now we want you to get that potato gun up and running for a drive by on Ol Chuck's sandbag emplacement. Pics of Sherpa gunning spuds at non-essential dikeage. And mebbe some proof of combat fatigue by the Pirates of Cruzan.

Away Away with Rum By Gum ...

Where is that Salavation Army anyway?

GE

Not too bad, could be better though.

Mama's not in good shape though, she had to run this morning to boot.

Those damn ol fashions...sometimes they get away from you if you don't watch it.

Been there, done that. Worst hangovers for me were from beer. Had a couple that lasted for 3 days (No bull). First day you were afraid you were going to die. The second day you were afraid you weren't. By the 3rd day you were starting to come out of it. Ah to be young and stupid again.

'Sconies on Hangovers ... this is like "Barsness on Optics" for drinkers!

OK everybody, listen up ... give them the EF Hutton treatment ... this is THE WORD on healing up ...

GE

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Been there, done that. Worst hangovers for me were from beer. Had a couple that lasted for 3 days (No bull). First day you were afraid you were going to die. The second day you were afraid you weren't. By the 3rd day you were starting to come out of it. Ah to be young and stupid again.

Hey!!! who are you callin' young.

Minor headache...that's all. My worst hangovers are from tap beer. I'm allergic to cigg. smoke too, so usually when I'm having tap beer, I get the double whammy of a headache, sinus' all stuffed up, all the goodies.

A 3 day hangover....that's a new one to me. Maybe something to strive for next time.

That could be tonight, I have a hunters safety banquet in marshfield. They give away beer, and guns. You couldn't ask for a better combo.

T

Quote

I have a hunters safety banquet in marshfield. They give away beer, and guns. You couldn't ask for a better combo.

T

Another "Dairyland Diary" for Dan Barreiro ... oh the sweet irony!

GE

A 3 day hangover....that's a new one to me. Maybe something to strive for next time.

That could be tonight, I have a hunters safety banquet in marshfield. They give away beer, and guns. You couldn't ask for a better combo.

T [/quote]

Don't recommend a 3 dayer to anyone! Worst and shortest beer hangover came from a Vietnamese beer called "33" (Bah Mui Bah). Lasts about a 1/2 hour. You'll have a splitting headache and just running a comb through your hair feels like your head is going to blow. Ask any Nam vet about it.

Good luck at the banquet tonight.

Heading down to Waupaca (WI) today to put on an Easter egg hunt for my great nieces and nephews. It will be at the assisted living home where my Mother is so that she can see the Great Grandkids.

Its possible for ones fingers to be too hungover to type......

Originally Posted by SSB

Its possible for ones fingers to be too hungover to type......

not sure. but after reading that babble I wrote last night...ones fingers can be too drunk to type.

One night I got really really drunk and went to bed and dreamed I ate a GIANT marshmallow.Woke up and my pillow was missing.

Stan

Funny Stan.

Hey Bemidji boys...How 'bout them Beavers! Advancing in the NC2A hockey playoffs. Way to go.

Rooster,....Where in PA? I traveled the state a lot for work. I can probably give you some info if you want.

Ron

Tom,

I hate to say it, but I was too disgusted by 0.3 Seconds ... "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" (c) Paul Allen, courtesy of something called Nate Pool circa Dec 28, 2003.

Between me and Doecamper the house has 4 degrees from UND and an Ex Wife employed (I hope) at Bemidji State. I don't do Bemidji Beavers ... well anymore ... not that I did that often back then ...

But I am happy for that cute little school by the lake. Given the bizarre upsets in the tourney the Frozen Four is gonna be looking like the college hockey version of the NIT. Maybe we could arrange for Duluth, UND, Michigan, and Notre Dame to play next weekend on a frozen potato field. It can be broadcast on Skype or something ...

GE

Boston and NH are not suprise to me but, I didn't expect UMD to make it out of the first round, I didn't know the beavers were even in the show.

As much as I'd like to see the Gophers win the thing, I picked UND from the start. My hockey bracket is the only thing worse than my College basketball bracket.

T

I'm Baaaaaaack.....

Tom, I'm so proud of you.

drunk posting.

awesome.

Well I submitted a couple of elk hunting applications for CO today.

Myself & Dusty are all squared away.

Bangflop will be squared away as soon as I get his info e-mailed to me.

Boy,

Your grandpa Dusty & I have been talking about your elk tag.

You have a high school graduation coming up.

Your gramps thought he'd like to buy you an elk license for a graduation gift from him & your grandma.

He agreed to let me & pam go in on it with them.

I don't know how to keep this a secret beings the deadline for elk applications is this week & you'll be trying to get it done yourself if you don't know someone is already working on it for you.

So, between your grandma, grandpa, pam & I, we got ya covered kid. Now all you gotta do is graduate.

and carry our elk out for us.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm Baaaaaaack.....

Tom, I'm so proud of you.

drunk posting.

awesome.

What do you mean drunk posting?

Maybe a little. I can't believe I could turn the computer on.

I didn't win any guns at the hunters safety banquet either. For about the 10th year in a row. I did win 25 packs of hand warmers though. So I'm set for the next 5 hunting seasons.

Cool graduation present for 'el cappy tan.

Nice graduation gift. The least CBF can do is hump the elk quarters out.

Finally home, Fargo is a mess, details to follow when I am functional.

You all right BD?

Not to sound sappy, but I'm proud of my fellow MN's and those from ND, all those people helping each other out. No body standing around waiting for handouts, no looting, no raping, no pilliaging, just good ol fashioned elbow grease. Thank you to all those that helped out up there.

+ 1 on that. Great job guys!

Tom, there's a 16ft Ranger tiller with a 35 Johnson for sale on Lake-Link.com "Trading Post". Asking $3,500 OBO. Looks good in the pictures. Boat is in the Racine area.

Some Walleyes being taken on the Wolf River in the Fremont area. My nephew caught 4 on Saturday.

Thanks Bill.

Had a guy come look at my rig today, and he said he'll call back soon. Same story. It appears it is a tough time to sell stuff right now.

Tom if it's priced right it will sell.

Talked with my son on Sunday. He's going to see if his Sturgeon fishing buddy will take us out on the Columbia next weekend. Weather permitting.

Bill, you have to get us some pictures of that. Even hooking one of those things would be a riot.

I watched a Babe Winkelman show up there once...crazy dudes were fishing from tubes.

Will definitly get pictures if we get out.

Ray - I'm going to Brookville PA. Not sure if its going to be next week or not now because I havne't been at work since thursday. They asked that all non-essentail businesses be closed until at least tomorrow. (wednesday) so I haven't been able to contact the lady that makes the travel arrangements. I'll know more tomorrow if I can get to work. We are going through a major snowstom with 24 inches of snow expected. 22" has already fallen by Whapeton (the Red River flows from there through Fargo) and we have around 15" here east of fargo the way it looks. Heavy wet snow.

This is the LAST thing Fargo/Moorhead needs.....

How can Mother Nature be so spectacular at times and such a @#$%! at others????

Good luck up there Rooster. You guys can't buy a break 'eh?

The snow did actually peter off and the FM area didn't receive as much as predicted. Now it just needs to stay cold enough to hold off the thaw of the major snow accumulation south of here until the Red has a chance to drop more. There will be another high crest but hopefully nothing like this last one. And the dikes need to hold through that one too so we'll see.....

Hello? ....hello (echo)....hello (echo)

Where did everyone go? ....go (echo)....go (echo)

Over 24 hours with no post? ....post (echo).....post (echo)

Nobody's around...and there are cookies on the table. Hmmm, no one will see...crunch, crumble, smacking lips. Well, ok, maybe a few more, crumble, crunch....

Stupid, silly, work is getting in my way.

You too, huh? Gonna be time to change your location from snow bank to muc puddle pretty soon...

Originally Posted by bucktail

You too, huh? Gonna be time to change your location from snow bank to muc puddle pretty soon...

Yeah, I should probably do that. It is so sandy down here that once the frost comes out of the ground, we have about 5 days of wet. That's about it. We haven't had snow on the ground for about a week now. Another week or two the water temp will be up and those walleyes will be snapping anyway.

I sold my boat, now I have the itch for a different rig. There are a lot of them out there, but I'd prefer to stay local if I can.

Brookville, eh? That's a small town along Interstate 80 in NW PA. Not much happens there. Good Ma & Pa restaurants in that area. Very rural. Punxsutawney is about 30 miles south. Home of Gobblers' Knob, The Slumbering Groundhog Lodge and Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous weather prognosticating groundhog in PA. <grin> Ever heard of him?

Ron

Tzone, did ND buy your rig? i see he's been missing here a while. congrats on selling it. I showed my other boat on wednsday, sounded pretty good. we'll see i guess. I bought my Pro Elite starcraft on craigslist last fall, found a good deal on it. I love that boat, excellent ride and fast. Wife went shopping that week so when she was gone i thought it was the perfect time to get a new boat. she was kinda surprised when she got home that day. prolly won't be doing that for a while again though....

No ND didn't buy it. I had it on Walleye Central and it sold in 9 hours. Some guy in duluth. He's getting a hell of a nice rig I can say that. Thing runs like a top, and rides like a Caddy.

It is just a little big for how I fish now.

What size is that pro elite? A guy I used to work with bought one. A 20' pro eliet. Nice rig, big and wide.

I found one I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy. Nice little 1660 Lund Pro-V tiller. 50th Annaversery addition. VERY well taken care of.

Ma needs to give the go ahead though. The whole crew went to see it last night, we all piled into it and messed around for a while. Even the cassette player still works. Great boat.

dave busy, veddy, veddy busy.

Oh yeah I've heard of that damn groundhog. In fact, now that I know he will be within spittin distance, I just might have to ship my 22-250 out there along with some 40 gr. varminters! I blame him for all this @#$! white crap we got layin around here.

He will be mine! OH yes! He will be mine!

Do them weather groundhogs respond to a soft whistle like striped gophers do when you need them to poke their heads out?

I'm staying in Clarion because apparently Brookville does not have much for hotels or motels.

Whew, I feel like I can stick my head up again now that the Ranger is gone. Hopefully Dave isn't still doing penance for even thinking such a thing.....

Scott

tzone, I found a 20' pro elite last fall and love it. 200 optimax on it and 9.9 kicker. its fast and handles the rough water great. tons of room, wife likes it too so thats a plus. won't be long now, i was cleaning it out today!! stil got one for you dave too!!

Those Starcraft's are nice boats. See a lot of 'em in the UP.

I found a great one, but for some reason the dealer doesn't want to sell boats. Salesman was prick. Problem is, the boat is great, a used one, but comes with a warranty and everything. I'm thinking of not getting the rig on principal.

These are not the economic times to treat your customers like crap.

well I finally got around to submitting bangflop's elk application online.

You're all set bud. watch for your validation tag to come in the mail probably this week. keep that someplace safe, you'll need it this fall with the rest of your license.

NOW YOU SHOULD BE READY FOR THAT NEW BOAT I GOT IN THE SHED FOR YOU DAVE. NO REASON TO HOLD BACK, I THINK MAMA SAID GO AHEAD.

You're a glutton for punishment boy oh boy!!!!

Tzone sold his, you'll sell yours too.

my big project for the summer is going to be a 60's style custom car for weezy.

1964 galaxie, lowered, custom paint, pleated white interior with gold piping & accents, kind of a pearl vanilla white for the main body color with a gold laced roof. Gold steel smoothies with chrome bullet lug nuts & chrome bullet push through center caps wrapped in wide white wall tires.

what can I say, weezy got style.

so, no boat for me. but that's ok.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tzone sold his, you'll sell yours too.

my big project for the summer is going to be a 60's style custom car for weezy.

1964 galaxie, lowered, custom paint, pleated white interior with gold piping & accents, kind of a pearl vanilla white for the main body color with a gold laced roof. Gold steel smoothies with chrome bullet lug nuts & chrome bullet push through center caps wrapped in wide white wall tires.

what can I say, weezy got style.

so, no boat for me. but that's ok.

Holy crap! you been doooin some planning since the last time we talked.

all she needs is a disco ball instead of a dome light and she's set.

L-O-W R-I-D-A, rides a little slowa.

L-O-W R-I-D-A, rides a little lowa.

dooo dooo dooo dooo dooo, too doo doo doo doo.

land boat.

yeah, but how slow can you troll down to?

what is the power in her? 289

Not even!!

Fomoco's "economy six" the 223 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder.

not to fast & easy on gas.

I'll probably split the exhaust manifold so she can have dual exhaust & the illusion of power

3 on the tree!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not even!!

Fomoco's "economy six" the 223 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder.

not to fast & easy on gas.

I'll probably split the exhaust manifold so she can have dual exhaust & the illusion of power

3 on the tree!

That isn't so bad.

You need to ease into the power. no need for an 8 right off the bat.

You need to work your way up to it like I did. I went from a wore out amc 6cyl to a 300hp gas sucking, big tired, dual straight pipe, somebitch.

It is a gradual transition.

this way we'll have both ends of the spectrum covered for the mid 60's galaxie world.

weezy can cover the low end, dad will explore the high end.

Z code 390 & a toploader 4 speed in mine.

of course hers will be done long before mine though.

"kind of a pearl vanilla white"

My employer is giving away a "1964 1/2" Mustang that has a pearl-like paint job with a red interior. It looks real nice, wish I was eligible to win the car.

am I eligible?

Originally Posted by bluffview

"kind of a pearl vanilla white"

My employer is giving away a "1964 1/2" Mustang that has a pearl-like paint job with a red interior. It looks real nice, wish I was eligible to win the car.

Am I eligible as well?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

am I eligible?

come on man...mustangs are for chicks. Unless he's giving away a Boss 429, then...am I eligible?

this is a 62 merc, not a 64 galaxie, but it is a 4 dr box top like weezy's car. And it's a photoshop mock up, not real, and it's also lower than we would shoot for, but it gives the general flavor for what we are shooting for with her 64 galaxie.

[Linked Image]

I'm thinking vanity plates that say "LIMBO". ya know-how low can ya go. how low can ya go.

Pretty cool. I hope weezy understands what she's gettin'. way cooler than what the other kids are driving.

We never could have low cars in duluth. too many hills and the roads were to schitty.

I remember going to a car show as a kid. At the mall in duluth. A guy with a 64 or 65 Comet, straight axle, skinny tires, bracket racer, all dressed up, rolls in to the lot. For some reason he had his headers and exahust really really low. Lower than the oil pan. He jumped the curb to park his car and tore one of the open on the curb.

You shavin the door handles and locks like the picture? I LOVE that look. I used to do it all the time on my models as a kid.

I'm going to Duluth this weekend. I'll try to get some pics of pa's ranch. You'll like all that old steel at that place.

not shaving the handles just yet.

If you shave em you need actuators & door poppers... more $

we're just shooting for a clean respectable mild custom that she can have some fun with in the non arctic months.

I can't wait to see her swinging that colum shifter through the gears...

The first time I ran the gears on my 55 my old man about came unglued. I was 15 and still learning. I was down shifting into first and it wouldn't go, so I pushed harder, and it wouldn't go, and I pushed harder and it wouldn't go. The steam started to come out of his ears at that point.

She wasn't a syncro. That was a bit of info that I could have used before I tried it.

So does she get to run the F350 in the winter months?

um, no. i'll find something for her but the 350 is mine

wait til she tears the shifter off of it trying to get it into second.

I've actually driven it myself.

I was very surprised at how well it falls into it's gears. Must be syncro.

actually very smooth.

but you can bet it will be frustrating training none the less.

I ment the 350.

I think the cars were syncro. My truck is (was) a 3sd w/od. I had to push in a lever by my knee, and let off the throtle, then it shifted into o.d. Floor it and it downshifted into 3 and you could pull out the lever to take it out. once I got the hang of it, it was fine.

She'll do fine. Can she drive a stick now?

nope, she can't.

should be fun.

it will be good for her to learn on that.

the she will drive a modern one and think she's driving a porshe

Originally Posted by northern_dave

um, no. i'll find something for her but the 350 is mine

I'll see if I can find you a 75 F-250 or something.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

um, no. i'll find something for her but the 350 is mine

I'll see if I can find you a 75 F-250 or something.

yeah, that'll work...That will be dave's too.

See if you can find me one. aahh, no wait, don't.

Tzone, this should peak your interest....pretty cool.

www.wolfrivercam.com

Scott

I couldn't get it to work. I'll have to try it at home.

There are 3 different ways to get in the drawing (I'll spare everyone the details) but it does require a trip to LVD in Watersmeet, MI.

Dave,
Do you already have the "Weezymobile"?

Stan

I have a 64 galaxie 500 custom 4 door. 223 inline 6, 3 on the tree.

right now that one has weezy's name on it. It was supposed to be a parts car for my 64 2 dr 500 XL

Dave, my parents had a 63 galaxie with the 6 and 3 speed. It was a real dog.

My late brother had a 66 Dodge Charger with the hemi and a automatic all set up for the track. Man would that thing go. I've never driven anything like it before or since.

Not much luck White Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia. We caught 3 under size ones that were released. Mine was 36 inches. The slot is 38" to 52" for keepers.

I'm thinking a "dog" in the speed department isn't a bad thing in this case.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Not much luck White Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia. We caught 3 under size ones that were released. Mine was 36 inches. The slot is 38" to 52" for keepers.

How much does a 38" t0 52" sturgeon weigh? Similar to to norherns or muskies, or are the beefier?

Tom, best guess is that they run heavier. Mine was 36" and it was near 15 lbs. My son says a 50" can exceed 60 lbs. Caught mine on a 8 1/2 foot light salmon rod and it put up one heck of a fight.

One of my coffee buddies brought a picture of a Musky his son caught and released out of the Fox River over at Depere this past week. 51" and 38 lbs. He's having a graphite mount made.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm thinking a "dog" in the speed department isn't a bad thing in this case.

Mrs D. Do you have a lead foot?

That'd be lil Miss, my teenage daughter weezy.

that's who the car project is for.

here's a 64 ford lowered with big white walls.

we wouldn't go this low. you cant get this low without C-notching the frame in back, replacing the leafs with a 4 link & going with bags all around... to mush munny

we'll get it at a nice ride height, traditional cruiser ride height, nothing radical.

this is the look we're shooting for, just not quite this low.

[Linked Image]

Dave, you're going to have to beat the boys off with a club once Weezy starts driving the project car.

that problem has started without the car.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

One of my coffee buddies brought a picture of a Musky his son caught and released out of the Fox River over at Depere this past week. 51" and 38 lbs. He's having a graphite mount made.

I'd have a graphite made too. That is one hell of a fish. Espically on walleye gear!

Sweet car. I don't care for that top though, it just doesn't do it for me.

I can dig the big wide whites and the chromies.

Dave, you need to show those boys all those guns, and remind them you own land in the woods...With lots of places to hide guys just about thier size.

Or you could go the route my dad did when my step-sister brought home some disrespectful punk one day.

He litteraly THREW him off the porch. For some reason, that kid never did come back to our house.

Both good options.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

that problem has started without the car.

Glad those days are behind me!

How about having large graphics made of you cleaning your guns and placed on the doors and trunk lid. Or, paint a blood spatter pattern on the doors with with the lettering "The last punk that tried to pick up my daughter"

yeah that might work.

Those days are ahead for me. The playground chasing has already started.

Scary to think my little Princess is chasing boys. She tells me it is ok though, she runs faster than they do, so they can't kiss her.

oh my Tzone, I think our daughters are pretty close in age. this hasnt started with her yet I dont think. Oh my.

I like the blood splatter concept. Might have to dream up something there.

Happy Easter everyone. We are headed up to Gramamas for a pancake brunch in Alex.

Beretta,

my daughter is 6. Has been for a week now. When I ask her about that stuff she tells me she doesn't want to talk about it.

So it started already. Actually, I think I'd be pretty cool about it, sice my dad was a hard ass and that didn't work for two out of 3 sisters.

He didn't care if I was bangin' away like a screen door in the wind, but that's how dads are.

The first little basturd that is disrespectfull of her, my wife, or me, isn't going to happy though. That is my little girl, and can bring down the wrath if I need to.

News Update:

Tzone arrested after duct taping 6 year old boy to the grill of his truck and driving down the road at 110 mph. Alledgedly, the little boy make a wisecrack about his little girl....

In all seriousness, I know how you feel. Heaven help the first little bastage that tries any crap with my little girl. On the other hand, I may have to give the twin boys some pointers.

Actually, Dave is gonna go through it all before we even really get there. Take notes Dave, Tzone and I will pay for them.

You guys are learning fast. Dads have two sets of standards. One for their sons and the other for their daughters. In the case of the boys its get all you can while you can.

Daughters on the other hand are placed in protective custody and no boy better get within 100 yards of her if they know whats good for them.

Dave, for some reason all of this car talk has got me thinking. It would be sweet if camp chickenbuck had a Joker parked out back to hit the trails with

Do you know the joker that I speak of? When was the last time you rode in, or even heard the term? They kind of died out when the unibody came. As kid up nort I remember seeing them here and there. Had one myself for a while.

Swish..

gonna haff to learn me on that one swish.

I'm drawing a blank.

A car with the front clip in tact, firewall, and windshield, sometimes enough roof to cover the front seats. Everything else removed.

Doors and the rest of the body from behind the front seats back...all gone. Ive even seen them with no hood or front fenders.

Iron range dune buggy. My dad, born in 48 and raised in Keewatin, called them "Jokers" I had one for a while in highschool. Good fun.

that sounds like fun. I should have some of them burried in the swamp.

i'll work on that.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Not much luck White Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia. We caught 3 under size ones that were released. Mine was 36 inches. The slot is 38" to 52" for keepers.

How much does a 38" t0 52" sturgeon weigh? Similar to to norherns or muskies, or are the beefier?

I know some guys that do ok with the sturgeons.

Kind of hoping they'll take me with this year

look how young the boy is in this one

Cool, where is that.

rainy river

Darn nice Sturgeon. Wish we'd have caught some that size.

Spent Saturday up at deer camp cutting firewood and setting up a bear stand for my son-in-law.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Darn nice Sturgeon. Wish we'd have caught some that size.

Spent Saturday up at deer camp cutting firewood and setting up a bear stand for my son-in-law.

You doin' the new spring bear hunt?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Darn nice Sturgeon. Wish we'd have caught some that size.

Spent Saturday up at deer camp cutting firewood and setting up a bear stand for my son-in-law.

You doin' the new spring bear hunt?

Yup! Just trying to avoid the fall rush.

That works for deer too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Darn nice Sturgeon. Wish we'd have caught some that size.

Spent Saturday up at deer camp cutting firewood and setting up a bear stand for my son-in-law.

You doin' the new spring bear hunt?

Yup! Just trying to avoid the fall rush.

You folks get to bait there ?

M1894, yes we can legally bait bears in Wisconsin. Baiting deer is also legal in designated areas. The amount and types of bait are regulated by the DNR.

Deer baiting is very controversial here and I wouldn't be surprised if the DNR finally puts an end to it.

Attention all Wisconsin members. Remember that the annual fish and game meetings will be held in each county tonight at 7:00 PM. Be sure to attend and vote on the issues.

The closest to baiting bear we can do here is 1.5 ounces .

from dec page :

Quote

Q: Can I use bait to hunt bears?
A: No. You may only use up to 1.5 fluid ounces of a liquid scent or lure.

Phil, I don't have a copy of the current bear regs, but if I recall correctly you can use up to 2 gallons of bait per site. Bait must be in a pit that is no larger than 2' x 2'.

You can not use meat, grease or honey for bait. Bakey products, Kool Aide powder, Gummy Bears are popular baits.

Bill

MN I think you can use meat, except beaver. not 100% certain, some of these other boys could straighten me out.

So baiting with beaver gives one an unfair advantage. Learn something every day..

Too bad. We'd be happy to donate some beavers to any MN bear hunter.

Like I said bucktail, I'm not 100% sure.

I know if somebody baited me with a beaver...I'd at least come in and take a look, not sure if I'd eat it though.

that was so wrong, but it feels so right.

if your going to tee one up for me, I might as well take a swing at it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Like I said bucktail, I'm not 100% sure.

I know if somebody baited me with a beaver...I'd at least come in and take a look, not sure if I'd eat it though.

that was so wrong, but it feels so right.

if your going to tee one up for me, I might as well take a swing at it.

Knocked that one right down the fairway !!! Nice shot T

nice work with the beaver business there Tzone.

you baited them in very nicely.

Now you know why WI wants to ban baiting

or start using beavers!

If one were to use beaver for bait, I s'pect you would have a lot of activity at the bait site very quickly. If you used 2 beavers would that increase your odds any?

Luckily we cant bait deer here at all. Although it is growing in popularity to do it illegally. I dont understand it. People just need that instant gratification I guess.

I have never heard of anyone even trying to hunt bears in northern MN any other way, have any of you? It would be almost impossible I would think.

Unless you run them with dogs. Spot and stalk may work, but all the bears I've seen were in swampy cover, and were gone in seconds.

Did MN ever pass a reg that lets you run bears with dogs? It is quite popular here in WI.

Ive heard of people who have the time to scout and find out where the bear beds down using a small burner and some bacon grease in a can, up wind from the bedding spot to lure them out.

Maybe thats still baiting?

Swish,

The people that do that wouldn't happen to be from the Range would they?

The only time I've heard that was up there, and he has a beautiful cinamon phase coat to prove it works.

Someone once told me that you were supposed to burn a feather pillow to atrack bears?

no dogs for bear huntin' in MN.

Mebbe in the BWCA you could hunt them from a canoe on the shorelines. that would be about the only way I could see with even a minimal chance at success.

I've also heard of people using predator calls to bring in bears.

I've only bear hunted once and I collected old baked goods from a donut shop, day old bread from subway, used fryer grease from resteraunts etc. Dig a pit, poor in the bait and cover with heavy logs and spray the surrounding foliage with liquid smoke. Then we dumped the grease around the bait site with the idea of the bear(s) getting it on their paws and leaving a trail through the woods for other bears to follow back to the bait. We also fermented oats in a 55 gallon drum and put in the bait pit but they picked around that and just ate the goodies. It sure was fun watching the drunk chipmunks though!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

It sure was fun watching the drunk chipmunks though!

Cock a doodle doo, da Rooster's back.

Never saw a drunken chipmunk, but have seen a drunken grouse.

In the fall there's a berry that the grouse like that ferments the longer it stays on the bush. Grouse love em. The one I saw was having a heck of a time staying on a branch. Wobbling all over the place. It finally tried to fly off and crashed into everything in it's path. Surprised it didn't braek it's neck.

Sure was a hoot to watch it.

T, Yaa dat vas a ranger.

Choke Cherries?

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

T, Yaa dat vas a ranger.

Figured it had to be.

It must work, unless we're talking about the same guy.

When I was a kid we had a China Berry tree in our yard.The berries would remain on the tree long after they were ripe and therefore would ferment in the hot Alabama sun.The birds would eat these fermented berries and get drunk and fall all over the yard,run into the barn and house and some would fight.It was really amusing to watch.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

get drunk and fall all over the yard,run into the barn and house and some would fight.

Stan

That sounds like saturday night karaoke in my hometown!

i rode my motorcycle to work this morning.

froze my butt off. 38 degrees when i left home.

i'm just now thawing out after being at work for 2 1/2 hours now

Shrinkage!

brain shrinkage.

well, that too.

rode in again today. 46 degrees when i left home. Much better.

Heading out on the Wisconsin River for the first time this year. Hope to pick up a few Walleyes.

Four Walleyes, 1 White Crappie, 2 Rock Bass. Largest Walleye was 14 1/2" need to be 15" to be legal. Great day to be on the water.

71* and sunny here today.

kind of cold here, envious of your fishing & good weather.

I'd like to go check the trail cam & go look for sheds at deer camp but the trails & forest roads are really bad. not sure
if we are up for the mud & the cold. we'll see.

We have rain in the forecast for this weekend and high 40's for highs on Sunday and Monday. Hate to see rain on the weekends, but we really do need the moisture.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I could garuantee it will rain tomorrow or Sunday. I'm fishing on Sunday, so plan on that.

Picked up the new boat today in Minneapolis. I'm hoping she runs like a top, but we'll see.

Bill, IF I caught 500 walleyes on the WI River last year, 450 of them were 14.5" long. People must keep every one that is even close to 15", otherwise where the hell do they go?

Tom, whats your boat situation? Did you ever sell the Ranger and get a different one?

Yep, sold the Ranger. Bought an Alumacraft Mag 165 w/70hp Yamaha 2stroke.

Tried it out yesterday, in the rain of course. I was impressed with that little bugger. Jumps right up on plane, 34mph on the gps. It has some big fin on the motor to help it plane better, if I take that off, I think I could get 3-5 more mph, be cause I couldn't trim up with all that water pressure on that fin.

That's kind of what I'm looking to upgrade to, only in a 4 stroke. I'm thinking that size of boat with a 70 should pop up on plane just fine with a 70 fin or not.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep, sold the Ranger. Bought an Alumacraft Mag 165 w/70hp Yamaha 2stroke.

Tried it out yesterday, in the rain of course. I was impressed with that little bugger. Jumps right up on plane, 34mph on the gps. It has some big fin on the motor to help it plane better, if I take that off, I think I could get 3-5 more mph, be cause I couldn't trim up with all that water pressure on that fin.

Sounds like a nice rig Tom.

37* this afternoon and a mix of rain/snow. Heard Eagle River had 3" of snow overnight. Could be as much as 5" over by Fond Du Lac tonight.

My Turkey season starts Wednesday, hope I can drop one this year.

cold & damp here. frost is coming out of the ground in the form of water boiling out from last years wet fall.

I'm very much ready to get back out to camp, I want to check the trail cam, cut some firewood... I just want to get out there. I have this old tongue & groove barnwood to panel the inside of the shack with, I have trails to work on, I have a food plot to put in, stands to build, stands to improve on, a road to maintain.. this sloppy thaw part of spring is for the birds.

The roads are terrible, trails are terrible, traveling on the forest roads & trails right now just really rutts things up so I've been holding off & waiting for some warm drying weather.

oh i'm sick of the wet sloppy spring mess.

But we had a good weekend, we were treated to the company of my 2 nieces. The older of which is quite the young lady, very impressive way about herself, thoughtful, helpful, just such a wonderful young lady who is excited about earning her drivers license very soon.

And the younger of the two, little angel with the big hair

. Angel on a dirt bike with muddy boots that is

she tore it up all weekend on a little honda 70 dirt bike & did very well with the riding, a natural.

It was the highlight of our cool damp weekend having the girls around. We even got a chance to talk about & plan our next camping trip to BWCA while they were up. We had all of my yellow Fisher maps spread out all over the living room floor.

We think we've got it figured out.

ATTN: Virtual Chickenbucks

Today's lesson in motivation:

Green Day is coming to Fargo in July.

I told 11 year old Loonling that if his final quarter report card is all A's and B's I will take him to the Green Day concert.

If his final quarter report card is all A's I promise to NOT wear a Bocephus shirt to said concert ...

Secondary lesson:

Every now and then one has to go out on a limb and teach a young man what "rebellion" truly means ...

Jus' thought I'd share ...

GE

I guess the guy did a lot of slower speed driving or something, otherwise I can't figure out why you'd need that fin. After this weekend I think I'm going to pull it off and see how she runs without it. I really don't see a need for it.

Max HP is 80 on this particular year. The newer ones are rated for 90, I think it would outright fly with a 90 on it.

he probably saw it on tv & figured he needed it. maybe the shamwow guy sold it to him?

One of my boats had one on when I bought it. I found that I did better without it. lots of added drag in the case of our old boat anyways.

I figure if they were such a great thing then we'd see new merc's & evenrudes sold with factory wings on the lower.

clear sky this morning over northern MN. I would like to be outside today to get some of that sunshine.

Hey Gav, that works with cell phones too. There's all kinds of motivational bait that works on kids. A larger dirt bike is baiting along my 11 year old... that and the prospect of a tag along seat on an Oct elk hunt in Colorado....

I had one of those plates on a boat.They were to help againt cavitation when trolling.It makes the motor dig deeper in the water and increases thrust at low speed.
I bought a 20 gauge NEF single barrel shotgun yesterday.Got 5 boxes of 7-1/2's with it.Nice little package deal.Didn't really need it but it was there and I'm a sucker for a bargain in guns.
Spring down here is just beautiful.All the trees now have leaved.All of the flowers are blooming.The migratory birds are starting to appear.I bought yet another bird feeder for the back yard.This is a two tube thistle feeder for the yellow finches.
I planted my tomatoes Sunday.
Turkey season will be over April 30th.I have been once and saw four birds but none were toms.I hope to get to go at least a few more times.
The gun shop at which I work part time two days a week has been just as busy as can be for the past few months.There are certain calibers of ammunition that we are out of and cannot ascertain when our reorders will be filled.We ordered guns in January that have yet to appear.I am so glad that I reload.
Hope everyone has a great day today.

Stan in SC

I don't dare put tomatos in the ground until mothers day, and even then it's risky here.

I cant wait.

Woke up to large snow flakes this morning. At least one school was closed in Northern WI this morning. Ah Wisconsin! Seven months of winter and 5 months of tough sleding.

Talked with one of the fellows that I turkey hunt with yesterday. He said that the birds are behaving very differently this spring. Normally when you see them in a particular field they tend to stay there. Not this year. They're moving from field to field each day. Very tough to pattern.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I bought yet another bird feeder for the back yard.This is a two tube thistle feeder for the yellow finches.

Hope everyone has a great day today.

Stan in SC

Funny how over the last few years the term Thistle seed is replacing the term Niger seed

Link

http://www.ebirdseed.com/nyjer_niger_thistle_birdseed.html

politically correct bird seed?

[quote=Stan_in_SC] Spring down here is just beautiful.All the trees now have leaved.All of the flowers are blooming.The migratory birds are starting to appear.I bought yet another bird feeder for the back yard.This is a two tube thistle feeder for the yellow finches.
I planted my tomatoes Sunday.

Can I move in with you, Stan??

I figured that is what the guy used the fin for...slow speed moving. I see no reason to go slow though.

That is what the trolling motor is for.

I see the term Thistle used as much as I see Niger.I just used Thistle in case no one else was familiar with Niger.
Mrs.ND,you and the kids are most welcome any time.I think you and the Amazing Mz. Linda would get along great.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Mrs.ND,you and the kids are most welcome any time.I think you and the Amazing Mz. Linda would get along great.

Stan

what about me??

And your name was......?

oh come on, just cause I changed my avatar to a childhood likeness of myself you don't recognize me???

Wasn't looking at you.

fine, I'll just wait another month & a half for when our spring time startes.

Guess I'll wait the month and a half too...then a month later it will be fall again...ugh!

Thanks though, Stan.

Mothers day we go & get Pam's flowers for the year, my tomato plants & pepper plants. we spend the weekend putting them in the ground, then we spend the rest of may trying to protect them from the frost at night.

it's also about the time I start looking for morel mushrooms in the woods.

I used to work at a greenhouse while in HS and College, the customers used to get mad when we told them to wait until Mothers Day to put plants in the ground.

You really wern't safe until Memorial Day, and even then sometimes we go frost.

June is a perfect month...not too hot, not too cold, and I get birfday presents.

One of the members of our coffee group raises tomatoes to sell. He has a small hot house and started putting in plants at the end of March.

Wednesday was the first day of my Turkey season and it was a total bust. Didn't see a single turkey while on stand (And I only napped for a short time)

Today was a different story. Tom's were gobbling like crazy but won't come in. Saw over 20 hens and Jakes, but they stayed out of range (Hens are protected during the spring season but legal in the fall). Deer were active also. Big weather front moved in around 7:30 and it started hailing. Around 9:00 AM it started to rain hard so I hung it up. Will try it again Friday morning.

good luck, keep after it & try to take some pictures for us.

Bill, you should have ridden to work with me....I drilled a big ol buzzer at 7:30 this am with my truck just north of Wausau. First time I've done that. I hit him with the drivers side tire and squished em pretty good.

I consider that pretty good luck, my FIL hit 2 in 2 weeks, square in the windshield.

Now that I think of it, there were a lot of those buggers out this am.

Do you hunt fields or woods? On the rainy, crappy days, I see more of them out in the middle of the fields. I find them tough to hunt like that, they seem to do their own thing and stay away from the woods it seems. On the rainy days, they seem to stay in the trees forever too.

One of the reasons I like hunting them...you never know what the heck they're going to do.

Dave, You bet I'll take pictures if I get one.

Forgot to mention that the property owner where I'm hunting got a turkey yesterday with 5 beards. The main beard was about 10 inches. The others ranged from 2 to 3.5 inches.

Tom, I'm hunting a little of everything. My current blind overlooks a small food plot, a marsh and a stand of pines. This morning the birds were out in the Marsh and than headed up into the pines when the wind picked up. Rain, unless it's a dowwn pour doesn't seem to bother turkeys and they'll stay in the fields, but they don't like strong winds and tend to head for heavy cover when it gets real windy.

Your lucky you didn't damage your truck. I've seen the damage a turkey can do and it's not pretty. Like hitting a flying 20 lb bowling ball.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Forgot to mention that the property owner where I'm hunting got a turkey yesterday with 5 beards.

I know what that's like.

this morning when i got up to take a shower. I had 5 beards.

Now I only planned for enough time to shave 1 beard, so i was really in a bind.

I did pretty well considering how fast i had to work, i managed to shave 3 of the 5 beards & only had to go to work today with 2 beards. Which was way less embarassing than showing up with 5 beards I can tell you that for sure.

LMAO

WOW 5 beards, that is a trophy bird for sure. I want one with 1 beard.

I did get some damage. I didn't stop when I hit it...there was no crunch so I never looked. I had a rules meeting for a fishing tourney last night and my buddy asked what happened to my truck. It looks like I caught that bugger in the fog light near the tire, and the tire too because I drove over it.

Do you hunt in the afternoon/evening at all? We don't much because we're pretty whipped by sunset. But I'd like to this year, we've been hunting this property for a few years now and are starting to know it and what the turkeys do.

Good luck, I want to see some pics!

tzone,

Going back to your 165 and the fin.... Jerk the darn thing off and never look back! The boat will perform just fine with the 70 horse 2-stroke. If it doesn't there is something wrong with the engine. I have run the same boat with a 60 horsepower four stroke tiller since 2003 and have plenty of power and speed. Your 70 horse should be that much better. As a rule, the two-strokes pop a boat out of the hole and up on plane a little quicker than a four-stroke of the same horsepower. I have no complaints with the 60 horse in that department so have at it with your 70.

I think you will like the hull. It will perform well and will take some big water. At least that has been my experience. I fish tournaments with mine and love it. I really don't have a desire to replace it. It works very well.

Enjoy!

She took some decent sized chop last Sunday. I was pretty impressed. It was no Ranger in the ride department, but what the hell is?

I'm fishing a tourney with it tomorrow. After the weigh in, I'm yanking the fin and going to try it out. I just don't want to do it before the tourney, incase it really does need to be on there.

It isn't much of a tourney, just an annual fund raiser for the local Lions Club. You don't really win any money, couple hundred bucks maybe. Bragging rights and a trophy is about it.

Tom, I've hunted both. Mornings seem to be better for me, but I've certainly seen birds in the afternoon and evening although I have to admit I tend to doze off a lot in the afternoon. One of the other guys I turkey hunt with got his in the evening last week.

Hope the damage isn't to bad to the truck.

Saw your PM and responded.

This mornings hunt was cut short by lightning. Morning got off to a bad start as I was running late and didn't get to my blind until about 5:40 AM. Heard one Tom and saw about 8 hens than it got quiet.

Tom, good luck with your tourney this weekend.

You are right about the Ranger ride. There is none finer! But for a tin boat the little 165 isn't that bad.

Good luck in your tourney and it will be interesting to see how the boat performs without wings. I have no doubt it will be fine.

Thanks,

It looks like I'll need the rain gear. T-storms most of the weekend coming here.

My plan is to keep this boat so I can save money to buy a new Ranger 1760 or 1860 Angler, unless my neighbor gives mea screaming deal on his 620 when he sells it.

I'm very supprised and impressed by the amount of stroage in the 165. There is as much as my 692 had, just less walking space.

I dont know if there is as much difference between a good Alumacraft and a Ranger as people make it out to be. I am not dishing the Ranger at all, they ride very nice. But I just think the gap is a lot smaller than people think. Just my .02.

I just got back from putting all my stuff in the boat for tomorrow. I have all my gear in there, and storage to spare yet.

I'm starting to like this boat. Tomorrow will be the first test. I have only run it for about a half hour to date.

I think where the Ranger shines is the ride, plain and simple. Nothing compares to a glass, and Ranger is at the top of the game in that department.

I've never owned an alumacraft, so time will tell there. They certainly a better value than Lund, as far a money goes.

Hope you have good rain gear Tom. Rain has quit for now, and it's clearing a little but more rain is on the way.

You're Alumacraft will give you years of great service.

Tom is right on the Ranger having a better ride than the Alumacraft. I own both and there is no comparison. Having said that, I usually take the alumacraft when I go fishing. I like the tiller much better than a wheel boat. I have been using Alumacraft boats since 1968 and Bill, you are right, that little 165 will give him years of great service. It is a great hull and excellent interior layout. They fish as well as any boat on the market as far as I am concerned.

Well my oldest boy finished up his MN hunter safety training this morning. I took some pictures.

Crossing a fence safely:

[Linked Image]

Tree stand safety:

[Linked Image]

And finally, the sighting:

[Linked Image]

the boy passed with flying colors!!

I also wanted to show my uncle dusty something that follwed me home from the store.....

[Linked Image]

I finally went & got that 264WM

Don't you hate it when that happens?

Darn things following you home like that!

Good for you and your boy! I miss those days!

Congrats to your son on the hunter safety

Looks like they put a lot more into the class than they did way back when I took it. I think that is a good thing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I also wanted to show my uncle dusty something that follwed me home from the store.....

[Linked Image]

I finally went & got that 264WM

Hope you got a nice discount on that Dave , looks like the factory forgot to put sights on it .

Amazing how bad quality control is these days . Hope you double check and make sure they didn't forget any other parts before you touch off that first round.

Congrats, Rus with scissors! That is a pretty big step in a boys life. Glad to see you passes with flying colors too.

Dave,

Nice looking rifle, and a MKII too. I didn't know they made em it that round.

Fishing yesterday was fun, but we got wet. Even with the rain gear on. We fished for walleyes in the morning and did fair, but no keepers. The smallmouth bass started going about 10 am but just two keepers.

We had fun though and it was nice to get out for the first time of the season.

Originally Posted by tzone

Fishing yesterday was fun, but we got wet. Even with the rain gear on. We fished for walleyes in the morning and did fair, but no keepers. The smallmouth bass started going about 10 am but just two keepers.

We had fun though and it was nice to get out for the first time of the season.

So how was the Alumacraft?

Congrats on your boy, Dave. 'Hope to hear some good hunting stories this fall. Be sure to tell 'im what happens to his shirt tail should he miss that first deer........

Dave, give Runs With Scissors a pat on the back from me and tell him welcome to the hunting fraternity.

Hey guys, ND checking in.

I have a few pictures from yesterday & today.

Me & my little helper shooting the new 264, he wanted a turn behind the trigger, seriously.

first round fed into the new ruger.
[Linked Image]

starting a fire in the fire ring, we had a real nice bon fire & sat out till late at night visiting around the fire.

[Linked Image]

here's that helper scrounging some sticks for the fire.
[Linked Image]

And here we are on our way out... going in was much nicer

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam091.jpg[/img]

fun, fun!!

Good job on passing the hunter's safety.
Nice rifle,Dave.Getting ready for the elk trip,eh?
I went to a gun show today and found a rifle I have been looking for.It's a Siamese Mauser modified to 45/70 with a new barrel on it.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Good job on passing the hunter's safety.
Nice rifle,Dave.Getting ready for the elk trip,eh?
I went to a gun show today and found a rifle I have been looking for.It's a Siamese Mauser modified to 45/70 with a new barrel on it.

Stan

Stan, what hunting loads are you using in your 45-70? I'm still trying to work up a load for my #1. GB

Neat pics Dave. Bet Miss Weezy wishes she could be driving through the mud.

She was actually quite furious with me, she demanded several hours to prepare her self for her public appearance at her job at a local grocery store. (several hours in the bathroom doing make up or what ever she does in there) our mud fun slowed us down on our trip home from camp. Her prep time was cut from hours to minutes. And we all paid dearly for our sins against her highness.

Parents of teenage daughter everywhere, I feel your pain. Hang in there, it must pass some day, it really must.

One word sums up the teenage American girl, "volatile".

Grizzly,
Your #1 will take hellacious loads but I have found a good load that doesn't dislocate parts of your body and is pretty doggone accurate.It's moving about 1075FPS which is what you want for white tail deer.A slow moving big bullet that does a complete pass thru.I use a 350 grain Remington Jacketed round nose bullet over 40 grain of Reloader 7.
The Hornady Leverrevolution is a good albeit rather "spirited" load.If you use cast bullets then pick one with wide meplat.Big old flat nosed jobs do great.
Let me know what you work up.
Stan

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

So how was the Alumacraft?

Runs like a top. I'm impressed with the storage. I need more fishing gear because there is still a compartment without anything in it.

The bowmount isn't the greatest but it works for now. Probably will have to work until next year. It is only 36# so fishing on the rivers...it is on full bore.

The fin is on the motor to prevent porpusing. I took it off, but not sure if I'm going to leave it that way or not.

The real fishing test will be in a few weeks when I head up to the Chippewa Flowage with the boys for a good long weekend of fishing. Well, mostly fishing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

And we all paid dearly for our sins against her highness.

I have one of those too...and she's only 6.

It looks like you have some tractor work to do on that road in a few weeks. It has been raining here since Friday night. She's gonig to be sloppy for a few days here. We don't have the clay like you do up there. Our mess usually is only here for a short time because of all the sandy soil.

Hey Bill,

Did you get a bird?

I picked up my buddy at 5:15 Sat am. and we heard a shot a few minutes after that, and it was pouring.

It's mostly sand out there too but the top layer is black & sloppy, and the sand is really fine, silty. It's so wet right now, the sort of thing that builds a good suction around your boot & tries to pull your boots off your feet.

Weezy's a good kid. She was flustered, having a bad day. We all are entitled to those I guess.

I'm glad that alumacraft is working out for you Tom. Sounds like a good rig.

Forgot to add, it's winter here again this morning. Started snowing last night, we woke up to about 2" of heavy wet snow.

Nice.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Parents of teenage daughter everywhere, I feel your pain. Hang in there, it must pass some day, it really must.

One word sums up the teenage American girl, "volatile".

Dave, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is "it will pass". The bad news is "it won't taper off until she gets out of high school". In the mean time, hide!

Speaking of daughters, mine just called. She locked herself out of the house and I had to run over and unlock it for her so she could get to work.

was it your fault she locked her self out or was it her mom's fault?

Stan, thanks for the info. I'll have to give it a try. Right now I'm using 350 Gr Hornady hollow points at 1,850 fps. It's accurate and not to hard on the shoulder. Also have a load using 405 Gr Rem soft points at a bit over 1,800 fps. Not as accurate and kicks like a mule.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

was it your fault she locked her self out or was it her mom's fault?

Hers, she's 40 now and takes responsibility for her own actions.

See, there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes a long time to dig the tunnel.

Wow, responsible for her own actions but still needs/wants dad's help.

Sounds too good to be true.

Tom, no bird for me. Saw lots of hens (Must be a chick magnate), but no Toms while actually hunting. Didn't hunt at all the last 2 days because of the weather.

Glad to hear you're happy with the Alumacraft. It will serve you well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's mostly sand out there too but the top layer is black & sloppy, and the sand is really fine, silty. It's so wet right now, the sort of thing that builds a good suction around your boot & tries to pull your boots off your feet.

Weezy's a good kid. She was flustered, having a bad day. We all are entitled to those I guess.

I'm glad that alumacraft is working out for you Tom. Sounds like a good rig.

Weezy will be fine. Wait until you bug her when she's getting ready for her first date, which I know you would never do...

The Alumacraft is good so far. It caught a walleye and a few bass this weekend, a good start.

It will have to work for a few years untill I can save enough to pay for a Ranger. I'll get another, I just don't want to make payments on one.

It looks like you guys had a good time this weekend. Mini man and I are flying solo up to the camper next weekend. It is opening fishing here in WI on inland lakes. He wants to drive the boat and make pancakes, so I'll see what I can do.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow, responsible for her own actions but still needs/wants dad's help.

Sounds too good to be true.

There's an old adage about daughters and sons that has a lot of truth to it.

"A daughter is a daughter all her life. A son is a son until he takes a wife."

I heard this years ago and didn't fully understand the meaning until I was around 50. I'll let you younger guys stew on this for the next 20 years or so than give you a test.

I like that, I'll be sure to remember it.

Yeah, that weather was pretty nasty. I seem to call in a lot of hens at times too. I don't know if they are curious or plain mad. Some of them will try to out yelp and cluck me. It is fun to play with them when that happens..."madder than an 'ol wet hen" comes to mind.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yeah, that weather was pretty nasty. I seem to call in a lot of hens at times too. I don't know if they are curious or plain mad. Some of them will try to out yelp and cluck me. It is fun to play with them when that happens..."madder than an 'ol wet hen" comes to mind.

The rain doesn't bother me, but the lightening gets my attention real quick. Still coming down fairly steady here this morning, but at least it warmed up overnight.

Wow, its been a while now. That new gun looks nice Dave. i wish i could get them to follow me like that. The road looks a bit sloppy heading out to your place by the pics. sure hope it dries out sometime, this snow we got last night sure dont help at all either. Way Slimy!!! need to get the boat out pretty soon to get around. I tell you i was out in Vegas last week and it was mid 90's and i loved it. Nice heat out there! Good cocktails and got first round of golf in too!! Now if only we could get some sun here instead of this snow!! Fish ON!!!

Our 90deg and 90deg in Vegas is a huge difference. Here the damn humididy is so high I can't stand it.

Out there...I could sure take a lot of that weather.

Not much you can do in the lightening but stay inside. Not a turkey in the world worth that mess. You chose wisely I'd say.

My daughter was a teacher in Vegas for 14 years so the wife and I were usually out there a least twice a year. October through April is decent. May through September is a SOB. Once the ground and buildings heat up and start radiating the heat back at you it's like being in an oven. It may be a dry heat but its still mighty uncomfortable.

the heat is a huge difference from there to here. i like that stuff. don't like much over 80 here. i was there last may as well, and it was about the same temp. don't want to go any later than that though.

I was there a few years ago in mid March, I couldn't think of a better place to be at that time. Temps were perfect IMO, drinks were free and food was cheap...

I was trying to find somebody to take me fishing on Lake Mead, but we were only there 3 days and I came up short.

Well I'm back from my trip to PA for work. Flew out of Fargo to Mpls, then to Pittsburgh where I was pleasantly surprised with a real nice '07 Mustang to drive for the week. I drove two hours to my destination and all I can say is WOW! What beautiful country. Amazing hills and woods. Green cow pastures with red and white barns dotting the hillsides through the trees. Clear rivers and streams. No foliage yet but still very nice. I would love to to out there in the fall when the leaves turn color. It must be spectacular. Wednesday morning I was driving to work and seen the typical sign of a road kill. Blood and some guts splattered on the road...except....this wasn't your typical racoon or deer roadkill. It was a fairly large black bear laying on the shoulder of the road. Just guessing but about a 300 pounder. You don't see that everyday! I'm sure whoever hit it has the body shop on speed dial right now.

Lots has happened at camp chicken buck thread I see. Holy bats!

Welcome back Rooster. The wife and I may finally get out to PA later this year. My wife's brother lives just outside of Pittsburgh but we've yet to make the trip. Want to spent some time over at Gettysberg.

I always wanted to deer hunt out there. The tradition of deer hunting in PA intrigues me.

Rooster,welcome back.Sounds like you had a good trip.
On the subject of Gettysburg battlefield,that is quite an interesting place to go.Almost everyone who goes there gets a "spooky" feeling.I had never heard of this but I experienced it when I was there and couldn't understand it.A visit there will stir your patriotic blodd almost as much as a visit to the "wall" where the names of a lot of my friends are listed.

Stan

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

On the subject of Gettysburg battlefield,that is quite an interesting place to go.Almost everyone who goes there gets a "spooky" feeling.I had never heard of this but I experienced it when I was there and couldn't understand it.A visit there will stir your patriotic blodd almost as much as a visit to the "wall" where the names of a lot of my friends are listed.

Stan

Stan, I've heard the same thing. Apparently some folks have even claimed to have seen ghosts of soldiers. My BIL told me that the best way to tour the battlefield was to hire one of the tour guides. They had a local history teacher for a guide and said it was a real learning experience.

I did a little work on my uncles elk/deer slayer last night. It's a late 60's, maybe 70 Weatherby Vanguard in 300 WM

I floated the barrel & bed the action last night. It will be held true & solid in it's stock now, turned out well.

I'll get it back in your hands this weekend Dusty, then you can test those primers you are wondering about, refinish your stock, work up your loads & practice for wapiti.

Dave,

Do you have any pic of you truck project you and Weezy are working on?

I'd like to see that.

I will have to take some pictures. I think the only pics of it that I have are accidental shots with the truck in the background.

Which truck?

ole browny.

my 77 ford 4x4.

as long as you don't name it, ole brown eye...

maybe I will just for you Tom

LOL!!

I'll make sure everybody knows "Tom insisted we call it ole brown eye"

I gotta go see if ole brown eye will start up, wouldn't start this morning, i'm thinkin loose bat cable.

i'll take some pictures of ole brown eye for everybody

LOL!!

Browny's rough but I've worked with much worse.

[Linked Image]

ooh, velvety...

[Linked Image]

got some custom ventalation through the floors, nice for summer, bad for winter.

[Linked Image]

cab corner issues..

[Linked Image]

the mighty 351

[Linked Image]

front shot

[Linked Image]

back, real good tailgate.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/davecam103.jpg[/img]

there ya go, consider these the "before shots" I started with much, much worse than this once. this is a before & after shot of the last old ford I did.

before:
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/before-1.jpg[/img]

after:
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/pdrm1139-1.jpg[/img]

Ole Browny even got personalized license plates already. I must have slept through something. Is Browny a replacement for the 64 Ford?

well Bill, the 64 is still a possibility, but ole browny has some drivability qualities to it such as power steering, power disk brakes, automatic trans, and 4 wheel drive for winter time.

So, it's a good training rig for the weeze. Especially since she won't get her license until the end of november when the snow will be flying around here.

Make no mistake, browny is MY TRUCK. If weeze does in fact lend a hand with the truck then she will earn certain influences with such things as paint color etc. But it will remain my truck. Once she has a little driving experience under her belt she may have a better idea as to what sort of vehicle suits her & we'll go from there.

Not a bad training rig, but I still say you haven't finished teaching her to drive til she can drive a manual.

this is true & she'll learn old school (3 in the tree) before she learns floor shift.

Dave, that truck brings back some memories. A 1977 Ford F250 4X4 was my first new truck. 400 and a 4 speed in mine.
Tom I took 22 walleyes last week 2 miles from home out on Saginaw Bay. All spawned out males 20-24" lg. Fresh saute'd cheeks made the cold worth it. Nice to see things are thawing in the far North. We've had 4" of rain here in the last 3 days and things are at a standstill.

Scott

That rain shuts them right down doesn't it? At least that much does.

It is a nice feeling when you get fish big enough to get cheeks out of them. Tenderloin is the only thing that comes close to cheeks.

I like the color scheme of browny now. Shine it up a bit and she'll be great.

Is that last truck a 78 or 79? Well, the grill is anyway. I like the look of the black truck, but I'm a big fan of the race-track type trim on the Browny.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Make no mistake, browny is MY TRUCK. If weeze does in fact lend a hand with the truck then she will earn certain influences with such things as PAINT COLORetc.

So Dave, this fall we can expect to hear your new slogan; "THE GUY in the PINK TRUCK".

Scott, thoses are some large males. Is that typical if Saginaw Bay?

SIL stopped over after work yesterday and we installed a new wiring harness and lights. The old lights were falling apart and we replaced them with a set of LED lights. Those LEDs are the cats azz. Sure are bright and hopefully no more replacing tail light bulbs.

Tom, the bottom 2 picks, primer spotted before pic & the black truck in the after pic are a 78. That truck was a total POS when I started with it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

So Dave, this fall we can expect to hear your new slogan; "THE GUY in the PINK TRUCK".

I've seen the trucks she's been looking at for ideas & so far it seems her fav truck was a black one, she also found a really nice red one too.

So lets hope she don't choose pink, I would have to respectfully decline that request

Originally Posted by northern_dave

[quote=Grizzly_Bill]

So lets hope she don't choose pink, I would have to respectfully decline that request

Never underestimate the power of a pretty girl with a sad look on her face father.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Never underestimate the power of a pretty girl with a sad look on her face father.

Sucks me in every time...my little Princess.

Bill,

chased the birds around a bit this morning with a guy from work. We had no answers to my calls of any kind, then at 6:00 a bearded hen flew down 35yds in front of us and started yelping up a storm. He couldn't get a shot at it. She yelped and putted for about 15min. I tried to mimic her, but it angered her, she did it louder and started walking away.

Then at 7am, we bail out to get to work, and bust a tom from a tree, 100yds from where the truck was parked.

That is how my turkey hunts usually go. They must have been tight lipped because we walked under them in the dark. Who knows.

Hang in there Tom. Odd that the Tom was still in a tree at that time of day. One thing about turkeys, just when you think you've got them figured out they come up with something new.

You mentioned bearded hens. Saw a Tom with no beard on Monday. It was with another Tom. No mistake that it was a Tom as I had to stop for them when they walked right out on the road in front of me. Never saw that before.

Anyone heard from WABO? Been quite awhile since he's posted.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Anyone heard from WABO? Been quite awhile since he's posted.

not for a really long time...

wonder what's going on with him?

ND: "Make no mistake, browny is MY TRUCK."

Does this mean the new Super Duty is Weezy's???

Got a showing on the house today....hopefully we get an offer!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Anyone heard from WABO? Been quite awhile since he's posted.

Wow, you're right.

Hopefull he's just really busy with work. I don't know how to get a hold of him either, or I would.

I've been wondering about Wabo too. Hope all is well with him and his family. Especially kiddo.

Wabo - Check in if your browsing some day.

i sent him an e-mail today, waiting to hear back.

Let us know...Hope everything's OK with Kiddo.

No word from WABO yet?

Originally Posted by tzone

Let us know...Hope everything's OK with Kiddo.

What T said .

nuthin yet.

Grizz, the spawning males here typically run in that size range. A few years back I caught a male that was 33-1/2 inches lg and weighed 11.7 in the summer. We had a tremendous 2003 year class of naturally reproduced fish and those males are right in that size range now. Summer should be fun.....

Scott

Scott, thats quite a fishery you've got there, but one needs have a boat that can handle the weather that can pop up with little warning.

Keep us posted on the bite and have a great fishing season.

ND, permission to come back aboard? I've been MIA for a while. Our younger son and his wife announced that they are expecting their second son in Aug8st, then promptly bought a larger house. I guess you know where I spent the last few weeks!

Nice pics of the mud bog contest. That shiny Ford was lookin' right nice by the last picture! LOL There's something about a muddy 4WD that just seems right.

BTW, I'm truly jealous about that Ruger LSS. I tried to entice a few to follow me home in the last year or so but the wife chased them off before I could get the gun safe locked! But I fooled her. I had an older MKII in 30-06 in the back of the gun safe that really needed some TLC so I sent it out for a re-barrel. 'Course everyone has an '06, right? Too common. It is due back shortly as a .280 Ackley Improved, at which point it will be mated to a new stock made from a pretty little walnut blank I scooped up on the 'net. As my grandpa used to say, "There's some shenanigans goin' on around here!" As I told my wife, it's not "new", just "repaired". Well, maybe "repaired/updated/enhanced/upfitted/etc". Cabin fever can make a man do some crazy things. <grin>

Time to head to the cabin. Was up last week and the sun was shining, the shadbush were blooming, the turkeys were gobbling and the fish were biting. Life is good! Pan-fried perch fillets are better!

Ron

Ron,
Welcome back.You have been gone too long.Don't let this happen again ,young man.

Stan in SC
Icon of Geezerhood

good to hear from you Ron, that 280 AI sounds like a really cool project. I got bored the other night & glass bed/free floated my new 264 M77. I kind of made a pictoral storyline of it in a thread that I posted in the hunting rifles section here.

Hey guys, Wabo e-mailed me back. He is well, his family is well, all is good. He's just really busy, his home PC is sickly & won't let him on the internet (like mine

) but he said he would post when he got a chance. He asked me to say hello to everyone.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

good to hear from you Ron, that 280 AI sounds like a really cool project. I got bored the other night & glass bed/free floated my new 264 M77. I kind of made a pictoral storyline of it in a thread that I posted in the hunting rifles section here.

Hey guys, Wabo e-mailed me back. He is well, his family is well, all is good. He's just really busy, his home PC is sickly & won't let him on the internet (like mine

) but he said he would post when he got a chance. He asked me to say hello to everyone.

Thank god that is all it is. You can send him my e-mail if you want so we can bs a bit.

It really has been a long time.

I missed out on a 78 f-250 4x4 yesterday. :sad: 400ci, auto.

Good to hear Wabo is ok. Thanks for checking Dave.

Dave, saw Brownys twin yesterday. Although Browny has less rust.

Heading up to Northern Wisconsin Saturday to try to entice a few Walleyes to check out my live well.

Ray, that 280AI sounds way cool. Still miss my old 280 Rem. It would put 140 Gr NP's into sub 1 inch groups all day long.

Bill,

Where you headed? Me and the boy are off to our camper on Nelson Lake in Hayward. Probably won't do too much fishing but there will be some. This is the first time up there this year, so there will probably be much work to do.

Ray,

The .280 AI sounds cool. I have had a few guns myself that went in for "repair" and came back looking entirely different. Different stocks and all.

Have a good weekend boys.

Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Where you headed? Me and the boy are off to our camper on Nelson Lake in Hayward. Probably won't do too much fishing but there will be some. This is the first time up there this year, so there will probably be much work to do.

Tom, my plan is to hit Connors Lake. It's NW of Phillips on County Road W. Lake is a little over 500 acres and has a decent early morning and evening Walley bite. Also has some decent Crappies.

Worked with a guy that took a 15 pound Walleye out of Nelson Lake many years ago. Hope you and the little guy have a great weekend.

Tight lines everyone.

Bill,

Do you ever fish the lakes that are right in Phillips? The ones you drive past on 13.

I have always wanted to, just never did it...yet.

We fish Butternut Lake a fair amount too, but always for Muskies. We have raised some beauties there, never got one though.

I was fishing a sand bar on Butternut one evening in July or August, and a lady was wading out on the bar. I was casting a Hawg Wobbler up onto that bar, as it was a dead calm evening. This lady was watching and talking to us from about a 100' or so. Pete, my FIL, says to me real quiet...."look, look", pointing to my Hawg Wobbler, there was a wake behind it.It got to the end of that sand bar and then all of a sudden WOOOSH, SPLASH, SLAP, a big ol girl took a swipe and missed. That lady yelled "OH MY GOD" so loud I think they heard her at the resort. she jumped into her little run a bout and went back to the resort. I can't remember laughing so hard in a boat before...

We went to the resort for a beer and pizza and she was in there telling everybody what happened. I had to buy her a beer to keep her from telling everyone WHERE it happened so we could hit it again the next morning.

Tom, Hate to admit it but I've never fished those lakes and kick myself every time I drive by them. The area I really want to try is on the Elk River just out of Phillips. Has a bunch of islands and is absolutely beautiful in the fall.

Also want to try the Dairyland flowage over by Ladysmith. My late brothers neighbor has done real well on Walleyes there.

By any chance were you and your FIL at Kubleys Resort?

Northern Pines Resort, was the resort that time. We used to stay there for deer season too. Now we stay over on Shnur Lake, across the street from Butternut Lake.

We spend most of our time at Butternut Lake Resort now. Friends of ours own it. If you are ever up that way, stop in to Butternut Lake Resort on a Saturday night, and get a Prime Rib dinner. Tasty as hell, but it will set you back $12. I know, I know...

I'll try to remember that one. Kind of expensive though

Yeah, the problem is...he has cheap beer too.

so you get full on that and you have to take some PR home with you.

Grizz, you are right we do have quite the fishery going and the big lake can bite you on a moments notice. I have a 270 Sea Ray Amberjack fully equipped for Great Lakes fishing. I can still take my mate +4 people at a time. Come visit...and that applies to everyone here...

Scott

Nice boat Scott, beats my 16 footer all to heck. Thanks for the invite, you never know who'll show up at your door fishing rod in hand.

this is dave here sitting at my uncle's place, we're testing his new log in account on the forums here.

Welcome Uncle Dusty. I'm sure Dave has warned you about us.

Uncle Dusty,

Welcome aboard....well at least we don't have to warn you about that Dave guy.

Tom

Dusty said he probably wouldn't type much here. He checks the forum here regularly though. Dusty, I'm back online at home so that means my new computer is up & running. We had to retire our old dinosour PC & replace with a new one.

So far so good.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dusty said he probably wouldn't type much here. He checks the forum here regularly though. Dusty, I'm back online at home so that means my new computer is up & running. We had to retire our old dinosour PC & replace with a new one.

So far so good.

What did you get Dave? We are looking to do the same thing here. Probably won't be until fall though. I use the wife's work PC when it is here. Other wise it all at work.

It's all HP stuff, the computer, monitor, and a pretty cool printer/scanner/poier sort of thing that does photos.

I got it up & running last night, so far so good I guess.

Tom, any luck fishing? Pretty slow on Connors. I managed to get one Smallie and had two other bites Saturday. Wind made it rough to mantain any kind of boat control so we ended up anchoring.

Talked to others at the landing they they claimed it was pretty slow on other lakes too.

Microsoft has a new operating system in the works and I'm trying to keep the old Dell running until it comes out. Vista just isn't the OS it was touted to be.

Bill,

Pretty slow, but we didn't fish that much. 1.5 in the evening. It was all bluegills and perch. It was windy durring the day, so we just set up the campers most of the day. Went into Seeley and got a truck load of firewood, cut/stacked it. Put the awnings on the campers, tops on the screen tents, that kind of stuff.

I brought my son up there, and he was in his heyday. He loved it. He never stopped talking or moving until it was time for bed. I don't even think we were inside the camper except to sleep.

I'm going to the Chip on the 15th. That should be really going by then. I have my turkey tag this week so I'll be off work starting Wed. All the Toms I've seen are all hened up, so we'll have to work a bit for them.

Tom, just checked the fishing reports on Lake-links.com and the guys fishing the Phillips Chain did ok. The wind was a big issue for us on Saturday.

Good luck with the turkeys.

Those lakes in Phillips were busy. The parking lots looked pretty full.

Hopefully I'll have some pics for you sometime Wed.

Dave, when do you start fishing?

walleye opens up again this coming weekend.

I'm supposed to go sturgeon fishing with Dusty & the boy this weekend but I'm wondering if they know sturgeon closes this week on Wed? I think you can still fish em but you just have to release them? (which we would anyways)

Come on now Dave...thats just what the rules say.

Did some more digging into fishing reports from this weekend. Most of the walleyes caught in the area I was in were caught on crankbaits in 2/3 feet of water.

A few guys reported trolling in 9 to 12 feet and catching fish. Jig fisherman were not doing much.

Water temps were running 46 to 49 degrees.

Dave,is your fishing shack stil out on the ice?What do you do with it until next season?
Turkey season has ended here.I only managed to go one time and saw four birds on that trip.
I want to experiment with some .44 magnum reloads so I purchased a Rossi single shot break open with black synthetic furniture.Man,what a shooter that is!I put an older Weaver K4 on it and loaded up some 300 grain bullet reloads.Great accuracy!

Stan in SC

Stan, one of my coffee buddies bought a Rossi from Gander Mountain in a 223. He's really impressed with it. Came with scope bases and a sling. He paid around $130 for it.

oh heck that fish house has been off the lake for months now.

it's sitting in the yard on a trailer right now, I'll probably put it on blocks for the summer so I can use the trailer.

Grizzly,
I bought a used Rossi .223 at the gun shop where I work part time last year .It had a 3X9X40 scope on it.I shot it for several months and really liked it.It was accurate as heck just like the .44 magnum I just bought.I let a friend of mine have it for his boy and doggone if he didn't kill a deer with it first time he used it.
Lots of people poo poo the Rossi as being cheap and junk.Tain't so in all models.I say in all models cause last year I also bought a Rossi with three barrels.20 gauuge,.243 and .22.The .243 barrel would not be accurate for nothing.I never shot the other two and sold it quickly.
The little .44 would be a good gun for a young person because you could shoot lighter .44 special loads in it.It is funny that there are just some calibers in these break tops,both Rossi and New England Firearms(Harrington&Richardson),that are just inheirently accurate and I have proved that in some that I have owned.The 30-30 and 45/70 are accurate in NEF.The .44 Magnum and .223 are accurate in Rossi.None of the NEF super lightweight .223 and .243 guns are accurate but the standard models are accurate in those calibers.The list goes on and on.Over the past ten years I have owned probably 12 NEF and Rossi break top single shots.The accurate ones I still have,the difficult ones went down the road.A few of the accurate ones went to friends after I shot them enough to want to move on.
I just like single shot break open firearms that shoot really good.
Sorry,I didn't mean to go on and on.It's just one of my favorite subjects.

Stan in SC

I plan on throwing cranks like a mofo next week on the chip. Water temp up there was 52*F. Which too me means spawn is probably all done.

If they're getting them in 2/3 fow though, could still be a little bit going on.

I had nothing on the jigs.

You like those eh Stan? I have never shot one, just played around with them at the gun shop.

I did see a really nicle stocked Ruger 10/22 that has my eye. I'm not sure what the stock is. It almost looks like cherry. It has beautiful grain, a monte carlo cheek piece, swivels, no barrel band. The stock looks more like it would fit a bolt action. I could use another .22lf, so I'm having a hard time talking myself out of it.

Stan, I didn't mention it originally but I'm sure that the Rossi I mentioned came with a 20 ga barrel also. My friend bought the rig for his granson, but he's so impressed with the 223 that the poor kid my never see it.

One of the guys I turkey hunted with uses a NEF for his turkey gun and this guy has several Benneli's.

GB

Just mowed the lawn for the first time this year. Picked up a used John Deer commercial mower with very few hours on it from a lawn care service for $140. It really cut well.

Cool. I'm hitting it for the first time tomorrow before I pick the kids up. My turkey hunting will be a bit screwy tomorrow. Ma is out of town. I dorp the kids off, do a few chores, head to the hunting grounds by noon hopefully. hunt for 4 hours and pick up the monkeys. Doubt I'll have a bird like that...but I'm still bringing my gun.

Thursday the busniess gets serious.

Good luck Tom. Hope to hear "BGD" Big Goobler Down from you.

Dave anything new to report on "Project Browny"? Saw a true Browny about 10 miles South of Phillips, WI Saturday. Had a good looking Cap on it, but it saged just behind the cab like the frame was cracked.

Hey fellers,
We got an offer on the house last nite. We countered today. If you are of the praying variety, shoot one up for a family that wants to move out of the city and back to their hometown. If you arent of that variety, rub your rocks together or do a raindance or something!

I am kinda in shock. Planned for this for a long time, but to be this close to realizing the dream....

Good luck brother...I'll send some your way.Hope it works out.

Hope all goes well Berettaman. Good thoughts coming your way.

Same here Berretta! Good Luck man! It must be torture living there knowing what life is like in greater MN. Hope you get home soon!

TZone -
Let me first start by saying I hope your boss has a good sense of humor and if not I'm sorry!

You see I'm a pretty passionate Viking fan and all this hub bub of Brett Favre possibly signing with the Vikings prompted me to go on line last night and check it out. I found a website of a Viking blogger who posted his lengthy "opinion" of the Vikings aquiring Favre. His VULGAR loathing hatred of the man is almost to the insane level. Anyway...I copy and paste the link into an email and send it out (to you Tom, among others)saying this is pretty much how I feel about the situation. And what do I get back from Mr Tzone's email....an out of office reply stating that he will be gone until Monday the 11th and the email is being forwarded to his supervisor for review.

"OH CRAP!" I said.

P.S. Why would you forward your emails to your boss rather than list him as an alternate contact and if you are going to do such things why would you not let your chicken buck buddies know?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

walleye opens up again this coming weekend.

I'm supposed to go sturgeon fishing with Dusty & the boy this weekend but I'm wondering if they know sturgeon closes this week on Wed? I think you can still fish em but you just have to release them? (which we would anyways)

Dave,
If your plans were to go sturgeon fishing, I'm guessing it was on the Rainy. Sturgeon closes so I would keep the plans to go to the rainy river and stock up on # 7 Rapala Deep Runners and go hammer the walleyes. That is what I did last year on opener and even in miserable wet conditions, we just spanked 'em. Best fishing opener I have ever had!

Going, gooooing, GONE! Wahooooooooo! We sold the house!!!!!!

I cannot tell you guys how happy, relieved, happy, excited, grateful, happy, thrilled, happy, and just plain happy I am.

My cheeks hurt from the perma-smile on my face.

Now to find a house in Alex we like. Going up tomorrow to look for one.

Hey, did I mention I am pretty happy?

Congrats Berettaman

and

Originally Posted by Rooster7

TZone -
Let me first start by saying I hope your boss has a good sense of humor and if not I'm sorry!

... And what do I get back from Mr Tzone's email....an out of office reply stating that he will be gone until Monday the 11th and the email is being forwarded to his supervisor for review.

"OH CRAP!" I said.

P.S. Why would you forward your emails to your boss rather than list him as an alternate contact and if you are going to do such things why would you not let your chicken buck buddies know?

That's gonna cost ya Rooster

Hey that's great news Barettaman!!

Great news. I'm sure it's a big load off of your shoulders. Now good luck with the house hunt.

Hey guys, you know whats up for tomorrow?

Dinosaur hunt.

Sturgeon fishing on the river that seperates Minnesota from Canada.

We (the men of chickenbuck) are heading to the place that rocky & bullwinkle called "frostbite falls" there we will lodge for the night.

Saturday morning we will slide a couple of boats into the rainy river & we will do our best to hook up a fight with the biggest, strongest fish MN has to offer.

The rainy has never been nice to me. It can be a terrible place, you can get so cold on the rainy that you might consider jumping into the icy water just to warm up. You have to dress like you are set out for the north pole on a dog sled.

If you fall short of bringing the absolute warmest gear you own, you will be sorry.

I know the rainy won't show me nice weather, me & the river don't get along. I could get into a boat on the rainy in late july & it would snow.

If I were to fish the rainy in late july I would still dress for ice fishing because that's what the rainy will give me for weather.

But it's chocked full of those gray dinosaur fish, some of which are 6' long. So we're going damn it, and we'll do our best to hook into something worth taking pictures of for everyone here.

Wish us luck!!

Think of how much fun it would be to hook one of those from a kayak.

no thanks on the kayak

We're gonna have a great time!!!!

Sturgeon!! Wooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

The video footage would be an instant classic...

Berettaman,congratulations on the house sale.
Dave,Dinosaur fishing,eh?Ought to be interesting.I wish you luck.

Stan

Snow/rain mix in the forecasr for tomorrow but it don't matter, we'll be dressed for it.

I had a dream last night that I caught a fish that was bigger than me.

Dave, good luck with the sturgeon. Hope you get a bigger one than I did. Stay warm and look out for Boris and Nathasha. Never know when those 2 may show up to mess up your day.

"they make big trouble for moose & squirrel."

Good luck with the sturgeon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OiKp9w_PRc

Very nice.

Hey Dave, I just about had a heart attack last night and i liked what i see!! nice man!! Where are you heading out of fishing, I'll be up by the rainy as well at my cabin, haven't decided on bringing the boat yet or not because of the weather. Might just stay inside and do some good deeds for the day.

We'll be way east Buschy.

Mouth of the big fork.

prolly not as many boats to fight over there. could be crazy at the mouth...

Team chickenbuck vs the sturgeons.

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My first sturgeon, I'm not happy at all...

48 inches.

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mini me on the fish reeler.

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24-ish Uncle Dusty holding it for him because the boy didn't have gloves on, the little sturgeon can really tear your hands up.

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Meanwhile in the other boat.... Bangflop's having trouble bringing a sturgeon aboard. The fish thrashed while being hoisted & I caught it on cam, neat picture.

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eventually, he got it though

a hair over 51 on that one.

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The boys in the other boat caught a boatload of fish as did we but I am just showing some highlights here.

Uncle Dusty with the assist on another fish for Dave.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0577.jpg[/img]

Still smiling like heck... 52" if I remember right.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0579.jpg[/img]

Uncle Dusty dragging a sturgeon around...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0584.jpg[/img]

46-ish I think? hard to keep them all straight.
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0593.jpg[/img]

and I'll break this up, very picture heavy.

"Mini me" back on the fishin stick...

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hoist that fish boy!!

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I took great pleasure in assisting my boy for this photo opportunity.

58 inches.

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meanwhile on the other boat (I thought this was a neat picture, it captures the enthusiasm of the camera men)

OK, Day 2, Uncle Dusty towing a big one around.

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we saw him jump once but to get to the point where I took these next photos it was an hour and 15 minutes.

That's a long time to pull on a fish with this kind of strength, it will wear a man out big time.

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I offered the assist in boating the fish, crazy huge huh?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0612.jpg[/img]

And Dusty with his 56 incher. A victorious close to an hour & 15 minute fight.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0619.jpg[/img]

It was a fantastic trip. safe to say all participants are exhausted.

All fish were released & they hope to never see us again.

WOW!Just wow!Great fishing trip.How come "Runs with scissors" got to go and "Preacher" didn't?
Happy Mother's Day to Mrs. ND.

Stan in SC

Runs with scissors is plenty mean but a little too small!

These fish woulda drug him outa the boat!!!! And I don't want to be responsible for releasing that little velociraptor on a national fishery like this, they'd string me up!!

Quote

Happy Mother's Day to Mrs. ND.

Thank you Stan. Maybe next Mother's Day I can try my hand at sturgeon fishing... sure would like too anyways.

Happy mothers day to Pam and all the other mothers out there.

Dave, great pictures. Looks like all of you had a great time. I have a slight idea of what it would be like to fight one of thoses horses for over an hour. The small one I caught out in Portland gave me a heck of a fight for a little over 5 minutes.

It's mothers day?

thats a joke see....

[quote] Happy mothers day to Pam and all the other mothers out there.

Thanks Grizzly...

Good gawd that looks like fun....Congrats to you guys on the fish.

Tom tzone 1,Tom turkey 0

We had a great week of turkey hunting this year. I got a nice bird on Friday AM at 5:20. He came down 100yds in front of me, and I called him in to 25yds, and that is as close as I was going to let him get. He strutted the whole time. I gave him a quick put to break the strut and hit the go switch on the Rem 870 20ga A load of Hevi-13 #5 did the dirty work.

He flew down off the roost on a place we call Roosting Ridge. Those little buggers roost up there in the evening, then fly down and get the heck out of town. The don't hang around long on this ridge, they just dissapear. If you don't spook them, they keep comming back to the general vicinity.
[img]http://[IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Turkey056.jpg[/img][/img]

21.5#, 9 1/2" beard, and 1" spurs. A pretty good bird, for me anyway.

[img]http://[IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Turkey066.jpg[/img][/img]

The hill in the background is about 150yds from the bottom to the top, and about 100' high from the bottom. A real neat place and fun to sit at. The green on the ground in the background, is wild Leaks. They taste and smell like onions, and yes we did have them with turykey.

My BIL got his first bird yesterday morning as well, but I don't have pictures of that yet. The hunt with him was the MOST FUN hunt of any kind I've been on to date. It was like it was right out of Mossy Oak T.V. So congrats to him.

Awesome!! Sure looks like fun, congrats on a great bird!!

Chicken Buck clan - Great fishin! I recognize those two blue silo's in the pics of bangflop. Did you launch at that access 18 miles east of Baudette?

I talked to my buddy that I went to the Rainy with on opener last year. Him and his uncle went this year along with his brother and nephew. On saturay, he and Unc boated 71 walleyes and his brother and nephew boated 127. He said several were in the 24 - 28 inch range. Wish I would have gone now but I had alot to do at home in preperation for my tree's comin in. I had to put brushes in my tractor starter so I could get the ground worked up and yesterday I spent time with Special K and the kids for mommy's day. It was a good weekend.

Tzone - Awesome bird! That looks like a blast!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone - Awesome bird! That looks like a blast!

It was a blast for me, not so much for the turkey. For anyone who hasn't done it, I highly recomend it. It is more fun than deer hunting IMO. Notice the sun shining...

I put my camo back on for the pics, but it was only 72* F outside.

Congrats Tom.

Thanks Bill.

I also took my son out hunting for the first time. I will put those up soon. Probably tomorrow. He only lasted about a half hour, but he sure wanted to shoot a turkey.

He found a gun laying on the ground when we were walking in (stick) so he shot a bear out of a tree. He has better eyes than I do because I didn't see it.

I think I have him hooked now, he asked me last night if we could go hunting again.

Made me smile like heck.

Bear in a tree? ruh-roh, sounds like you may have a flying bear infestation.

looked at 19 houses over the weekend and put an offer in on one. Unfortunately, the seller is the only jackass in America who thinks it is a seller's market. So he can keep his abode and we will turn to plan B.

found one we really liked, our jaw dropped on the quality. Brand new home, 2800 sq ft total. A little smaller than we would like with 3 kids. A little more $ than we wanna pay. But really nice. If it had a basement instead of a crawl space, I think we would do it. My dad keeps telling me we need a basement for the kids and their buddies to go and hang out. There is a space upstairs, but not a huge space. Not like an basement rec room. So we are stuck.

there is one more that we like as well. I dunno.

My motto is: "easy to buy, hard to sell, take your time". However, our closing date is June 25 and that is coming up....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bear in a tree? ruh-roh, sounds like you may have a flying bear infestation.

looked at 19 houses over the weekend and put an offer in on one.

You sir, are a glutton for punishment. Yikes, that is a lot of houses.

Defenitaly not a sellers market, make him wait, he'll see where the bear schits in the woods.

Mini-man likes hunting, with sticks or guns,(and toy weed wackers), he said it doesn't matter to him. I'm glad he made it as long as he did. It was 40* and rainy, and he still wanted to go. MY BOY!

Nobody was happier than his dad, I promise that. I'll have some pics tomorrow if I remember the camera.

remember the camera! i cant wait til my boys are that age. you must be wearing a grin all day like I am (cuz I get to move). Just think if it would have been nice weather!

What does Mama think of her lil boy out huntin' with dad?

The start of great memories for both of you.

Oh I took the camera...I just forgot to bring it to work.

Not really sure what mama thinks. He is her baby, but he is also all boy. So far he has taken to hunting, but fishing he doesn't care too much about. Riding in the boat OTOH is another story. That boy lives for anyting with a motor. I mean anything, lawnmower, chain saw, boat, cars, ect...

My daughter is opposite. total girl, doesn't like slimy, creepy crawlers, or hunting...but the girl can fish, and loves to do it. No matter what, I'm still a proud papa.

The luckiest one there ever was I'd saw.

Hang in there Berettaman you'll find a home that will fill your needs. Don't see many homes with just a crawl space in this area.

Here is a picture of the mini-man on his turkey hunting adventure. Candy bar face and all.

[img]http://[IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/TurkeyHunting2009011.jpg[/img][/img]

He ran that box call for 10 minutes straight. Then finished it off with " turkey's...where are yoooouuuuu!" and they still didn't come in. He couldn't figure it out and decided they were still in bed...which wasn't a bad idea, because it was 40* and raining out.

" turkey's...where are yoooouuuuu!"

the only logical explanation is that all turkeys were out of earshot. i dont understand how any self-respecting turkey wouldnt come running to that call.

now we are considering building. been there dont that 9 years ago and we love our house. so......

Are you going to rent til she's built? Or go pre fabbed?

If pre-fabbed, check out Wausau Homes or Stratford Homes. They have many many models,from 900 sf - 5000sf. Nice stuff too.

yep, we will rent.

We will build on site. My uncles is a builder, two cousins in the trades, etc. Quite a few connections in the area.

Found a house today we kinda like that is a lot cheaper but would fit the bill. we could finish the basement and sell that when we build. hmmmm.

Great calling technique. I'll have to give it a try, might have to spice it up a little though.

At least if you build you'll get what you want.

WOW! Nice sturgeons (sturgi?) ND. It's a well-documented truth that the word sturgeon is Hiawathan for damn ugly fish! Even Jimmy Houston wouldn't kiss one, and he would kiss just about anything. Seriously, that looked like great fun. By the smile on your face I'd guess that you haven't had that much fun since the night you put your first quarter in the vending machine on the diner's restroom wall back in your high school (jr. high?) days.

Ron

Yep...you fit in juuusssttt fine.

Got a hunt/fish report for last week from Camp Mental Floss.

Monday, 5/4, son #2 took his first spring gobbler in a pouring rain storm. 19#, 10" beard, 1 1/4" spurs. Spotted him in a field, was sneaking up a wood line to set up on him and the turkey walked out of the woods @ 30yds. Headshot him on the fly with #5 Hevi-Shot. Not a Mossy Oak Classic hunt but the turkey is just as dead!

Thur-Sat, I hit the Yellow Perch hard. Had enough fillets for a Klose family fish fry last night. Let me tell you, the grandaughters may be into dancing, gymnastics and other girl-type stuff but they are two-fisted eaters when you set a platter of batter-dipped perch fillets in front of them! Makes this old Pop-Pop proud!

Headed to camp tomorrow for another mess of perch. This retirement stuff is hard work! LOL

Ron

Thanks, Tzone.

Looks like you have a real turkey hunter coming along for you. When do you plan to give him his first owl hooter? Pat's (Son #2) 2-yr old dug Pat's call out of his vest and hasn't stopped blowing it yet! He has until August to get tired of it, then the new baby brother arrives and owl hooting season comes to a screaching halt! At least Pat says it does!

Ron

He's been running that call until his mama takes it away from him. He'll discover the hooters soon enough...oh you ment the calls.

I probably have one in a box somewhere he could have, I don't use it. I used to have a vest with every call known to man in it. Now I carry a gun, a slate, and binoc's.

Tell your son Congrats from the Tzone. That is a big beard. The first bird I got had a 10" beard, but it was 20#. The one I got on Friday had a 9.5" beard and weighd almost 22#

Ron, do you get your perch on Lake Erie? My BIL lives in Cranberry TSP and hits Erie at least once a year for Perch.

Bill

From what I hear...the Jumbos are starting on Green Bay too. We have caught a few of them while trolling for walleyes. Some on cranks, but most of them were on crawler harneses...some were 15"

Those are nice perch.

Biggest perch I ever saw was just over 16" that was caught by a guy staying next to us on Grind Stone Lake back in the late 70's. He caught it on Lac Court Orieles. Don't remember what it weighed, but it was a pig.

Nothing like a meal of jumbo perch. I think they're even better than Walleye.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nothing like a meal of jumbo perch. I think they're even better than Walleye.

Yep. Fortunatly the walleys think so too. I kept a few eyeballers last year for a meal out of Green Bay. The 19" eye, had a 9" perch inside it, and the 23" eye had an 11" perch in it. and they still ate my crawlers.

No wonder they get so firggin big out there.

Prolly the same for Erie as well.

Latest issue of Wisconsin Outdoor News arrived yesterday. There's a big article on the Perch decline on Green Bay and Lake Michigan. According to the article, the catch rate on Green Bay and Lake Michigan fall 60% and 70% respectively from 2007 to 2008.

Causes are listed as poor spwaning rates, the impact of fish eaters such as the double breastes cormorants, white pelicans and preditor fish.

It wouldn't have anything to do with the fisherman either would it? There are sometimes 50-100 boats camped out on top of the school of them.

We fish a lot of walleyes just outside the "pods" of perch fisherman...imagine that, walleyes hanging out near the perch.

Comarants take their fair share too. I think a few years ago, the DNR shot a bunch on them on Lake Winnebago. I can't remember for sure though.

Walleyes, Salmon, Muskies, Northern, poor spwaning years and fisherman all contribute to the decline. The commercial perch fishing industry is all but shut down.

There was another article in the same issue that the WI DNR will continue its' efforts to oil Cormorant eggs in order to reduce their population. The fish eating Cormorants are just plain nasty. They'll also take eggs and hatchlings from other birds and water fowl and destroy habitat from their dropings.

I hate those frickin' birds...you're right, they're nasty suckers. They kill ducks too.

What does oiling the eggs do? Keep mama away from the nest? I haven't heard of that.

I have the day off tomorrow, and I'm heading up to fish the Chippewa Flowage with a buddy of mine I used to work with. It should be fun. He's more hard core about fishing than I am and a hell of a fisherman. We have the same style of fishing, so we work well together. Walleyes are on the menu, but with this cold front coming in, they may be tough to come by.

I've been told that the embryo inside the egg gets the oxygen it needs through the shell. I would imagine that oiling the shell would fill in the pores and suffocate the embryo.

What a whirlwind the last 2 days were! Looked for lots and for-sale-by-owners until dark Tues nite, then was at it again by daybreak wed. There is not a house currently on the market that we will buy. However, we did find some lots we like and are seriously considering building.

One thing I wanna research is the different heating systems out there. Obviously natural gas/forced air, but also in-floor, air-to-air heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, etc. Anybody know anything about any of these? for in floor, what is better, an electric boiler or a gas hot water heater?

Originally Posted by bucktail

I've been told that the embryo inside the egg gets the oxygen it needs through the shell. I would imagine that oiling the shell would fill in the pores and suffocate the embryo.

Make sense. They should just make omlets out of them, mixed with comarant meat, and some cheese, peppers, hashbrowns, and a nice side of fried walleye. That'd a little ironic, but I'd eat it.

If you build with in floor, you'll never be without it again! Once it warms up to temp, it is great. My step-dad has it in his cabenit shop 40x60, and leaves the heat temp set at 65*, and it is rarely less than 70 in the building. They make real even heat throught the house. If you have tile in the house the wife will thank you for in floor heat too.

I don't know a damn thing about the others you asked about, but give big thumbs up for in-floor. The only thing I would wonder about with radiant heat would be cooling. If you want air conditioning, you'd have to go another route.

Tom, bucktail had it correct. The oil sufficates the embryo.

Good luck fishing. Temps only supposed to be in the low 50's here Saturday. Probably colder where you're headed. Try cranks in the shallows in the windy side and over weeds if you can find any.

I am thinking about in floor in the basement and the garage. it gets a little trickier on floors above the basement. then forced air as well so you have cooling. I wanna check out the heat pumps as well. anyone else have any advice?

Cranks are plan "A", but with that cold front I'm thinkin' we'll have to slow it right down. Lindy's over the deep rocks is my guess.

I'm starting with cranks though. Seem to get the bigger ones that way. I'm hoping for a few limits of 15-18's, with a couple dozen 25's" thrown in...is that too much to ask?

Really if I could even get a 1/2 dozen 28's I'd be happy.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I am thinking about in floor in the basement and the garage. it gets a little trickier on floors above the basement. then forced air as well so you have cooling. I wanna check out the heat pumps as well. anyone else have any advice?

You'll have the best of both worlds then. You won't need much for forced air heat with the hydronic, even in the basement. You may even want to shut off the vents in the basement with the hydronic, but check with the HVAC dude, because that may throw off your system balance.

In the garage, it will flat out rock!

barettaman, send me a PM if you like. on the topic of some of the modern heating methods. I can tell you a few things or at least offer what I know.

T-Zone, winds to 35 and will be in the low 40s all day up here today, with a little warmer tomorrow, but west gusts to 35 again in the forecast...The Chip will be cool, but the fish should bite...Good luck..

I'm going to have to try the oil on the eggs thing on the grackles in my back yard. My neighbor and I have been pulling down nests with eggs in them. I finally quit because they'd just rebuild and lay more eggs, but I found that if you broke the eggs, they left. One of these years I'm going to try to electrocute them. I've got a 500 microfahrad capacitor; I wonder if it would pack enough wallop. Thing's a little smaller than a Red Bull can.

Where you at sarge?

Originally Posted by bucktail

I'm going to have to try the oil on the eggs thing on the grackles in my back yard. My neighbor and I have been pulling down nests with eggs in them. I finally quit because they'd just rebuild and lay more eggs, but I found that if you broke the eggs, they left. One of these years I'm going to try to electrocute them. I've got a 500 microfahrad capacitor; I wonder if it would pack enough wallop. Thing's a little smaller than a Red Bull can.

Probably start the nest on fire...take pics please.

Might be a good idea to listen to a guy that works in the heating industry..

Originally Posted by tzone

Cranks are plan "A", but with that cold front I'm thinkin' we'll have to slow it right down. Lindy's over the deep rocks is my guess.

I'm starting with cranks though. Seem to get the bigger ones that way. I'm hoping for a few limits of 15-18's, with a couple dozen 25's" thrown in...is that too much to ask?

Really if I could even get a 1/2 dozen 28's I'd be happy.

Dream on dude

Just north, Cable area...

Originally Posted by bucktail

I'm going to have to try the oil on the eggs thing on the grackles in my back yard. My neighbor and I have been pulling down nests with eggs in them. I finally quit because they'd just rebuild and lay more eggs, but I found that if you broke the eggs, they left. One of these years I'm going to try to electrocute them. I've got a 500 microfahrad capacitor; I wonder if it would pack enough wallop. Thing's a little smaller than a Red Bull can.

If nothing else it will singe some feathers

I wonder if they stay on the nest after the oil is applied? If they do it would delay them from moving and rebuilding elsewhere.

All right, I pm'd our in-house heating expert. I will let you guys know if he knows his stuff or he is full of hot air...err BS.

We can consider it a test!

I'm thinking that keeping the birds from renesting is probably why they do it. It's the next logical step in the evolution of grackle suppression.

The electrocution thing wouldn't be in the nests. I've noticed that the grackles will sit on the highest point in the tallest tree in the yard early in the spring when they are pairing up. The thought is that I attach a pole or something to the tree that's taller than the tree. The pole has 2 electrodes on it. The electrodes are .223 brass or something. The grackle balances on one .223 case, reaches over to the other case to steady itsself, and completes the circuit.

I'll be staying at our camper on Nelson Lake. Not too far at all from you there.

Originally Posted by bucktail

The pole has 2 electrodes on it. The electrodes are .223 brass or something. The grackle balances on one .223 case, reaches over to the other case to steady itsself, and completes the circuit.

BWAP!! smokey spiral...... thud.

beautiful!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

BWAP!! smokey spiral...... thud.

beautiful!!

smokey spiral...I love it.

You shootin' that .264 this weekend Dave?

Bucktail, I like the way you think.

Could be more fun then watching a bug zapper do its thing!

I can tell you that hooking up a live trap with a rat inside to 150KW generator gets some real interesting results.

PM'ed you

Originally Posted by tzone

You shootin' that .264 this weekend Dave?

thats my plan, still waiting for my friend to return my backup scope in case i need to try that.

but i'm back to the 140 gr win powerpoint fact loads, give that a whirl with the free float, glas action bedding & the triger work. If that don't cut it then start reloading for it.

I want to reload for that one regardless.

Can you re-load 22-250? I got a butt pile of brass.

I cant reload nuthin, all i have is a set of dies for this 264 & a press that a guy gave me. I'll be set for full blown reloading someday tho, don't throw that brass away.

fun weekend, me & the boys went out to camp yesterday & stayed the night. My oldest boy invited one of his friends.

A few pics of our camp weekend.

if you don't want to mess around pulling trucks with tractors & such then you have to take the right truck.

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pair of honkers nesting out at the cabin.

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our supper (no it's not the goose in the previous pic

)

adventure...

Time out, run to the store for ice cream treats & smores makins.

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I'll bet that group talks about this for a long time to come.
I'm glad to see you use a good brand of Graham cracker.Made in der voods by little elves.
I got word that my 45-70 is ready at the gunsmith's.I'll go over in the morning and see if he has done all I wanted.If so I'll bring it home and mount the K-6 El Paso Weaver and bore sight it.
I have been looking for the correct rifle for this project for seven years.Then it is load development time.I'm going to stay with 300 grain jacketed HP bullets but they are gonna be sho nuff "thumpers".
We've had rain here all week end.Need it.
Good pictures,Dave.Thanks.

Stan in SC

Great pictures Dave. Looks like you had better weather then we did. High winds, 30mph gusts and cold. Saw a few snow flurries Saturday morning. Temp made it up to 51.

By-the-way, is that your project truck Browny?

yeah that's ole "browny"

we got into the 60's today but it was windy here too.

Man I like that truck.

I'm going to guess the best part of the weekend for the boys, was the mud ride in and out of camp.

Is there fish in that creek? or just a fun little adventure?

there are some minnows in there, transported by geese & ducks I suppose since it doesn't flow or connect with anything.

Yeah the boys liked the mud run. It got a little bouncy though, we figured out in a hurry that seat belts were a good thing for the boys

Minnows, eh? mebbe a sunny or crappie should find its way into said pond! You are gonna pay all year for making those ruts though I bet. Sure was worth it I bet though.

Well, we found a lot. Gonna do a purchase agreement on it this week and then we are off and running. Gonna build pretty much the same home we have now. Or as my wife says, we are gonna build a big garage with a small house attached. Start thinking about all the little tips and things you guys would include in a house. I wanna make sure I include everything I can think of and afford. One example is having a light switch that controls a bunch of lights next to my bed so I can reach it from the bed. Here are pics.

The family checking out the lot:

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View of the lake:

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View from the street:
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very cool.

kind of looks like you might have some maple trees around there?

I wish. I think they are all oaks and ash. Though I didnt taste every one. I would love to tap a few maples and make syrup. It would be a great kids activity. I might just have to plant me some.

just lookin at a couple in the lake view picture thinkin maybe maple. would be neat.

sweeet!

I'd just skip the house and build the big garage!

Do you have covenants there, or restrictions on what you can build? I'd build the biggest garage you can, and then the biggest out building you can. I'm having that problem now. I'm tryin to pimp mama into moving in the woods.

We don't live in the city, but we have neighbors that are within 150-200' each way. Way too close.

Plus, me and the boy need room to play with our toys.

a few covenants. Garage must be over 800 sq feet...like that will be a problem. mine will come in about 1400 methinks. can build up to 3 outbuildings, for a total of 1500 sq feet. that should be fine. I am thinking about just getting a nice 12X16 lawn shed in addition to the garage. then, if i have to down the road, I can build a second garage. or, if i win the lottery, i could build a 30X50 shed that will house the camper. oh, and i forgot this part....my dad lives on the same lake! He has the perfect lake lot, while ours, obviously, has a bank.

man oh man, i am getting excited already.

Dont forget the tips fellas, I know with the minds that visit here there has to be some grande ideas. Well, on second thought, knowing the minds that visit here, all I will get is: "buy a second fridge to store the beer".

I would be looking into *passive solar*. Let the sun provide some of the heat by orienting your building in the correct direction and building exterior walls that gather heat during winter. No sense spending a fortune heating it.

Nice lot.

Tip #1 Build an even bigger garage

Tip #2, get a third frig unless your a tea toddler.

Tip # 3, see tip # 1.

Tip # 4 get a tractor. You'll need it to clear all the snow from from all your garages.

Tom, any luck fishing?

Went up to Three Lakes today to cut up some downed trees for a friend. Really quiet. Only saw one boat out on the water and hardly any activity around the cottages.

She was a rough one Bill. I deserved some fish for effort. Friday we got on the water just in time for the wind and rain. Reports were fish were biting like crazy until 130pm. We got on the water @ 2.

We had 3 eyes and I lost a 26+"er. All the bites were just lite "taps". They were deep 20-30' down on sunken bogs. Marked a ton of them on friday, they just wouldn't eat. We bounced them off their noses, but just the few takers. Saturday, I woke up to a light dusting of snow, and a constant 20mph wind with gusts to god knows what. We fished from noon until 10pm. The eye's weren't cooperative, but the norhterns were going nuts, so we fished for them. They were biting everything we threw, but most came on a Magnum Rattle Rap. All but 1 were cookie cutter 20" hammer handles. I got a 25 yesterday, but tossed him back. Did have a Muskie follow, that made the heart tic a little quicker.

So no 1/2 dozen 28"ers, but you have to wish big.

So, what is the slough/creek they are canoeing in?
A creek leading to the lake?

Originally Posted by LouisB

So, what is the slough/creek they are canoeing in?
A creek leading to the lake?

it's just a ditch that was cut across my swamp, the peat slop runs fairly shallow across that swamp then it's sand under the slop, the sand was scooped & piled to make my "road" across the swamp.

it doesn't go anywhere, but it's probably about 400 yds long. good for the kids to practice in.

ND, pic of the boys in the truck gave me a good chuckle. Ford should have sold matchbooks for the wing window as a factory accessory.

I was waiting for someone to recognize that old school modification.

Shoulda figured you'd pick up on it

[quote=Stan_in_SC]I got word that my 45-70 is ready at the gunsmith's.I'll go over in the morning and see if he has done all I wanted.If so I'll bring it home and mount the K-6 El Paso Weaver and bore sight it.
I have been looking for the correct rifle for this project for seven years.Then it is load development time.I'm going to stay with 300 grain jacketed HP bullets but they are gonna be sho nuff "thumpers".
[quote]

Stan, is this your Siamise Mauser? What all did you have done to it. I'm not at all familiar with these rifles but gather from your comment that you can use some hot loads in them.

Bill

Griz, sorry for the delay in responding. I was perch fishing!

No, I haven't traveled up to Lake Erie. I have a cabin at Lake Raystown, halfway between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. It's 2 hours from home. Erie is 6 hours from home. I was going to tow the boat up to Erie for a few days but when I can catch 12"-15" perch at Raystown it is hard to justify the time and expense.

Ron

Grizzly,
The Siamese Mauser was built in Japan for Siam.The original cartridge was a big rimmed 8MM or 9MM something.The size of the bolt is what makes these popular for 45/70 conversions since you can open the bolt face up enought to accomodate the 45/70 round and the magazine rails can be opened enough to feed 45/70.The barrel is a new one.
I had him check it out,open the feed rails and I wanted a low swing safety to clear the scope body.It was a half way done work in progress when I acquired it at the last gun show.I picked it up today and just got in from my shop where I mounted the scope.
I will shoot it as a test on my range trip tomorrow but I have already determined some more stuff I want done so it'll go back to the smith Friday.I just gotta test it.
I have two other 45/70's.An NEF Handi rifle and a Marlin 1895.I like the round.
Dave, the match book was something I didn't originally catch.I remember doing that.
Been really cool here since the rain on Sunday.Low this morning was 44 degrees.Unheard of for this time of year.

Stan in SC

Ron, 12-15 inch Perch are great eating, Your lucky to have a fishery that close to you. How was the fishing on your latest trip?

Stan, interesting project you've got going with the mauser. Keep us posted on how it shoots. My Ruger seems to shoot all facory loads fairly consistantly. I also have some 300 and 350 Gr reloads that shoot well in it. The hot load of 405 gr Rem sp
opens up to about 2.25 inches at 100 yards.

GB

Bill,

Which #1 do you have? Gander had one that the gunsmith built that was pretty slick. It tempted me many times, but as usual it was about $150 more than I wanted to pay. It may still be there, but I think last time I saw it, they wanted 9 bills for it.

Tom

Tom, mine is a 1S, in 45-70. It's about 10 years old and came from Gander up in Wausau. This one sat on the rack for a long time and was eventually marked down to $495 if I remember correctly. 45-70's just were not big sellers.

My son shot his cape buffalo with a number 1 in 458 Win 2 years ago.

Bill

I'd be all over one for $500. The one the have/had now has the sights removed, metal has teflon coating, and some trigger work. It is used, and they were looking for $850 I think.

I love the #1 in 45-70, and want one...someday maybe.

I shot it today and it does really good.The first three shots at 25 yards were touching indicating consistent point of impact.At 100 yads the group opened up to about three inches but I feel sure it was the military trigger.When I got home I dropped it back off to the gunsmith to install a Timmey trigger and do a couple of other small things.Like I said it is a work in progress.
I still like my NEF Handi rifle in 45/70 bestest of all.It is very accurate,light and an absolute joy to shoot.Best $228 I ever spent.
Further reports will follow.

Stan in SC

3" at 100, I could live with that. I remember as a kid, the old timers telling me to keep it on paper plate at 100. Of course that was with a Remington 742, 30-06, so that may be as good as it got.

It sounds like you have a fun little project there Stan. Let us know how it works out.

Tom

Tom, normally I find Gander to be priced on the high side when it comes to guns. Keep an eye on gunbroker.com and like sites. They'll give you a better idea of what a gun can be had for.

Stan, thanks for the range report. Can't wait to find out how well that mauser will actually shoot once you get things the way you want them.

post some pictures if you can swing it stan. mauser blown out to a 45-70 sounds pretty cool.

so.... beings you are bolt action, can you/do you run pointed bullets in that one?

I don't load any pointed 45/70's.My main loading is 300 grain Remington Jacketed hollow points.I do have some 350 grain round nose jacketed soft points that are very accurate.My buddy in Oklahome City who does bullet casting sent me some varied cast bullets all the way up to 465 grain.I have loaded and shot some of them.I don't load them "HOT".They are more accurate at milder loadings,not to mention easier on the shoulder.I have a box of the Hornady "Leverrevolution" 325 grain ballistic tips and have shot several of them.I am not impressed.My loads are better suited for me.Two or three years ago I surprised a coyote while I was deer hunting.He kinda tried to trot on past me.The 45/70 caught him in the shoulder and spun him around.Bang,flop!
45-70 is a great deer round because it just goes right thru and doesn't blood shoot any meat.The old axiom about "you can eat right up to the bullet hole on a 45-70"is true.
The 45-70 was the first metallic rifle cartridge ever accepted by the US Army.General Custer's troops were armed with 45-70 rifles at the battle of Greasy Grass hill,better known as "Custer's Last Stand" on that fateful day of June 25,1876.
The original "Gatling" guns were chambered in 45-70.
Several interesting tidbits for you.
I'm traveling to Atlanta,Georgia tomorrow(130 miles) for a luncheon of all of the retirees of the company I used to work for.It'll be good to see all of them.

Stan in SC

So you boys got me on lookin' spree, and that ain't good.

actually it is pretty good, just not cheap.

found a few nice 45-70's and one heck of a nice Ruger #1, but it was 7 bills. So thanks for that. Now I have to come up with $700.

Tom,
Try a Handi rifle.

Stan

Originally Posted by tzone

So you boys got me on lookin' spree, and that ain't good.

actually it is pretty good, just not cheap.

found a few nice 45-70's and one heck of a nice Ruger #1, but it was 7 bills. So thanks for that. Now I have to come up with $700.

Tom, I can save you a few bucks. I've got a 450 Marlin (Like new of course) I'd sell you. Stan's suggestion of the Handy Rifle is a good one also.

Just curious bill, why are you selling the .450?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just curious bill, why are you selling the .450?

Prolly cuz not everyone like to abuse themselves like you do.

. I see another .450 in the shickenbuck rack.

Thanks Bill, but I'll pass on that one. I always like the Rugers. The Handi-rifle doesn't do it for me, but I haven't shot one yet either.

Guns, guns, guns. Normally, I would find that interesting...buuuuttttt, we came to terms on a lot yesterday and so it is official, the Berettaman family will be building a house this year! Wahooo! And I will be taking a cue from ND and taking lots and lots of pictures.

I just ask cause I've got one myself. When I was looking for a big bad carbine lever the .444 was fairly new on the scene. I had a local shop order some in winchester's "timber carbine" a very pretty 94 chambered in .444

I looked them over, I loved the look. The wood was beautiful & I have always prefered the narrow fore end grip on the winchester vs the marlin. But the action failed to impress me.

So I held off for a marlin to hit the shelf in .444

It was about then that the .450 was released in Marlin's 1895M and I just had to have one.

Looking back & knowing what I know now... well I've just got a belted 45-70 loaded hot.

Heck I coulda done that myself minus the belt which isn't good for anything other than to keep a hot load out of a weak action.

I was just goofin' ya. I know you like those big boomers, and getting your teeth knocked around.

I like the .444 for no other reason than it is different. The .444 and the .450's can be had a bit cheaper around here too, prolly because the don't get as much interest.

Speaking of buying guns, what is the going rate for a Rem 700 Classic in 7-08? I found a pretty nice one yesterday for $475. Is that deal?

sounds fair to me.

that's a classic? as in the classic series where they chamber a chosen caliber every year? or once did anyways?

Yep, thats the one.

I guess I wouldn't consider a 7-08 a "classic". It is a nice looking rifle, nice wood, good bluing. I don't think it was used much. I don't have a bonner for the cal. but it seems like a good price.

I may wait a bit, it's at a pawn shop. That tactic has bitten me in the ass more than once though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just curious bill, why are you selling the .450?

Dave, I've got the 45-70 in the #1 and don't need two 45 calibers. When/if I get rid of the Marlin I'll pick up a 6.5 or 7-08 to play with.

Actually I had the 450 before the 45-70 was given to me by a former hunting buddy. I bought it with the intention of taking it moose hunting. Than I found out from the outfitter that most shots averaged over 200 yards. So I took my 06 instead.

My friend had to give up hunting with us due to health problems and he wanted me to have the 45-70. Sure couldn't turn down a deal like that.

Bill

Hey Bill,

Do you get up here much? There is a decent deal on a 7-08 at a pawn shop up here. Remmy 700 Classic. Under $500.

Tom, buy my Marlin and I'd only have to give them $25.

Seriously, did you try talking them down at all? Can't imagine a Pawn shop giving anybody anywhere near what an item is worth.

Is it at Pawn America by any chance?

I know of one pawn shop that you can haggle with.

No, it wasn't Pawn America. It is Wausau Gun and Pawn or something like that. Just down the road from Pawn America. The shop is in Schofield,WI. makes sense eh?

The price was $600. He'd take $475 fer it. If your Marlin was a 45-70, we could maybe work on something.

Speaking of big caliber rifles,I also have a Ruger .44 carbine that I hunt with some.It's about one of the handiest small stature but large caliber rifles I have ever had.Semi auto to boot.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Speaking of big caliber rifles,I also have a Ruger .44 carbine that I hunt with some.It's about one of the handiest small stature but large caliber rifles I have ever had.Semi auto to boot.

Stan in SC

I had one too back in the erly 60's Stan. One of the many guns that I kick myself for getting rid of. It was sure nice to carry, but was hard to load.

Sweet little rifles indeed. I had a 77/44 Ruger, that shot nice patterns, not groups. Even at 50 yds. I wish that thing shot better because it was a perfect handling rig. I loved it. It just wouldn't shoot worth a damn.

captain bangflop graduates from highschool this weekend.

good job boy. your dad would be so incredibly proud of you. I know I am.

Congrats Capt Bangflop. Have a great weekend. Just follow in Uncle Daves footsteps and you'll do just great in life.

GB

Congrats Bangflop! Now the hard part starts...you gotta grow up. Well, at least a little bit. Never mind, you don't have to grow up.

Are you going to college boy? That is where you find out, you really did have it made when you were 18. Well, 21.

Very sincere congratulations to Capt. Bangflop on his graduation.
You'll always remember this.On June 5th. I am traveling to my home town in Georgia for my 50th. high school graduation class reunion.

Stan in SC

Congrats to Bangflop and his family,

Fishing was great, Griz. Between Wed. eve and Fri. eve the wife and I caught about 2 dozen that were 12" or better, as well as some 10"-12" rock bass and a few black crappie. If you discount the minor(?) incident involving a semi-rotten fish carcass and our chocolate Lab, things couldn't have been better!

My wife finally consented to get a fishing license this year. She always said fishing was boring, but I guess watching me yank in these perch for several years while she read or did crossword puzzles (now that's boring!!!) got her interested. Her first one this trip was 13" on one of my ultra-light spinning outfits. You should have seen the smile on her face! I think I finally have my fishing partner. She still says she won't get up at 5am but I'll work on that issue.

I have some pictures from this trip but I can't seem to figure out how to post them in my message. Can somebody help me out with some instructions?

Ron

Ron,those are some darn nice perch. What's the bait of choice. We used to be able to buy wigglers (Helgramites) around here, but haven't seen any in the bait shops for a long time. Perch sure liked them.

My late aunt was quite a fisher. She and my uncle would fish lake Winnebago for perch and Walleyes and she would usually out fish him. I've tried to get my wife intertested in fishing, but no luck so far.

Went up to my SIL camp Sunday to check out the bear bait site. It was cleaned out. Trail camera showed lots of Raccoons and one small bear. Mosquitoes were out in force along with the ticks. I picked 2 of the little baztids off me.

Stopped by one of the neighbors to chat. He lost some of his shingles to the wind this past week.

Saw a larger bear out in a farm field on the way home.

Bluegills are starting to bite. They're still in 8 feet of water.
Wanted to go out today, but the wind is howling again.

Bill,

Where is your tag for?

Was out on Lake Wissota, in the Eau Claire area this weekend. The big gills were starting, but not going crazy yet. Next weekend if the water warms a bit I think.

Hooked somthing crazy big, stripped my blue gill rod. Like stripped it clean. Didn't even get a look at the fish. I'm thinking it was a big cat, but there are Muskies in Wissota. I was using crawlers under a slip bobber in 6' of water. I can only guess...never faught, just kept pulling. Tighted the drag completely, and it still pulled, got to the knot at the end and SNAP...gone. Exciting.

Dave,

How was the Captian's weekend? Good I hope.

tom

It was good, real good weekend.

He's been trying to get a turkey with his bow. Been real close several times but they bust him on his draw.

Tom, We've got Zone 'A'.

There was an article in the local paper today that said the sate wolve population jumped 16 to 21% last winter. Not surprising due to all the reports of wolves showing up in Southern WI.

Boy we sure got a mess of rain up this way. Came home in the rain last night & it just kept dumping all night. Ditches are full & running fast, fields are soaked. I'm going to have to put a pair of rubber boots on tonight when i get home before i go out in the woods to look for morel mushrooms. We must have gotten close to 2" of rain!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Boy we sure got a mess of rain up this way. Came home in the rain last night & it just kept dumping all night. Ditches are full & running fast, fields are soaked. I'm going to have to put a pair of rubber boots on tonight when i get home before i go out in the woods to look for morel mushrooms. We must have gotten close to 2" of rain!

Send some our way Dave, we can sure use it. Rained some overnight, but didn't get all that much. Going to be cool here today and Wed. Might see 60 for a high.

How's the morel picking going? You can send some of them our way also.

I've been away from home for the long weekend & got in late last night so I'm not sure on the mushrooms but it is time. They weren't up yet last friday but I expect I should be able to find some tonight.

We're getting the rain now Bill. Lots of it. Is it missing you guys down there. Wierd if it is.

Is bangflop using a blind? If he's using a bow, you pretty much need to, or they'll bust you on the draw. As he is finding out. Could even be a brush blind of some sorts. Or he could lower that draw wt, and hold it for a while before they are into range.

You shoud go with him Dave, they you'll be down here hunting them with the crew...quite addicting.

Hope he gets one.

Originally Posted by tzone

We're getting the rain now Bill. Lots of it. Is it missing you guys down there. Wierd if it is.

Tom, not doing much here at all, just a light sprinkle.

Took the words out of my mouth Tom. Maybe that is something that Bangflop can use some of his gadyeation money on. You can get some of them for around $100.00. Wouldn't have to be a $400.00 Double Bull or anything for turkeys.

Congrats Boy on graduating! This is the start of a long and hopefully succesful life. Just do one thing...weather you choose college or not, find a job that you enjoy going to everyday. Don't "settle" in other words. It will probably take a few tries but be persistant in your goals and what you really want to do for the rest of your life. Otherwise you'll end up sitting behind a desk like me!

Dave - It was good to see you, Pam and the kids again. We will have to make some plans to spend a weekend or two at the shack-a-lacka this summer.

you come on up we'll do some wheelin.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you come on up we'll do some wheelin.

And that is just to get back to the shack...2" of rain on that sucker won't help matters any eh?

What the heck is bangflop up to these days? Is he working, going to college, some of would like to know.

He hasn't posted in a while.

Griz, minnows and nightcrawlers. Fathead minnows or shiners, it doesn't seem to matter. Half a nightcrawler dangling on a #6 hook sometimes outfishes the minnows, but most trips the minnows are preferred. Raystown Lake has a huge food base of landlocked gizzard shad and alewife and every predator in the lake is targeting it as a primary food source. I think that's why the minnows are such good perch bait.

I fished with hellgramites in the Susquehanna River for smallmouth bass when I was younger. It was (is?) the best bait for them. On days when plugs, jigs, minnows or crayfish couldn't buy a bite, a hellgramite on a light wire hook would always come through. My grandfather used to say that the only smallie that won't eat a hellgramite is a dead one!

Ron

IS THAT A SUSQUEHANNA HAT???

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you come on up we'll do some wheelin.

Speakin of wheelin. I forgot to tell you this weekend that my back right axle broke at the knuckle. Lucky our 13 year old was driving at the time so she was going slow. Others in the family don't putz around as much if you know what I mean. It jammed up and cranked her to the side of the road. I can't imagine if that would have happened to me or Karen going 55 mph....

So, with all yourn Polaris wisdom, can you just replace that knuckle like you would a U-Joint or do I need a whole new axle assy.?

Whew...lucky man, you are. Glad she's OK. Funny you should mention broke Polaris'. I was giving my son a ride on Grandpas yesterday and the the lt front wheel locked up. He said it was stuck in 4x4 the other day, but he had it unstuck.

Same deal here...we were going slow in the yard at the time. 10 minuets earlier, I was going down the road. No noises, no creaks, nothing, she just locked up.

Forgot. I don't know the answer to your question. Sorry Rooster.

That's an independent rear suspension unit right?

Those are CV joints no?

Depends on where it broke but you are likely looking at a whole new shaft assembly on that side.

I wonder if the boot was torn for a while & maybe you didn't know it?

Tom,

Bangflop says his computer is all screwed up at home.

The captain on the left & one of his best friends on his right. We're rather proud of both of them. Good kids.

[Linked Image]

Sweet. I remember that day, wasn't sure it was going to come.

Congrats Boy! I guess we can't really call him that anymore can we?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's an independent rear suspension unit right?

Those are CV joints no?

Depends on where it broke but you are likely looking at a whole new shaft assembly on that side.

I wonder if the boot was torn for a while & maybe you didn't know it?

Yes it is independent and it is a CV joint. It is on the axle shaft and it sits in a clevis that is mounted to the transfer case or whatever it is they call it.

Tom - Thanks! We are just lucky that it was this particular kid that was riding it at the time. You can trust that she drives slow even when unsupervised. She does wear a helmet all the time too.

We'll have to get r fixed up jim. we'll scrape together all the machines we can & maybe do a family weekend ride up at chickenbuck really soon.

That is, If you like that sort of thing....

heck yeah!

Well despite the wind, the walleyes were biting like crazy on my favorite fishing hole today. Actually, they didn't start to bite until it got windy. Got 3 keepers which is rare on this lake. 16" 17" & 19". There is a 15" min. size, and I caught at least a dozen that were 14" Frustrating sometimes when you can't keep a perfect eater, but it was a blast.

It was also the first time I've used my boat alone, so that was cool too.

Got home in time for lunch, and to plant some trees we bought. Did some other landscaping, had a few frosty beverages, and a great campfire at our place with the neighbors tonight. Witch of course led to more frosty beverages, and the neighbor dude started his tennis shoe on fire.

Not a bad start to the weekend.

Tom

Tom, what were they hitting on?

I started with a jig and crawler and caught catfish. Switched to Jig/minnow and a threw out a Lindy rig/minnow while I was jigging.

Caught most of the fish on the jig, but ALL the bigger ones came off of the Lindy. Just a hook, a floater, and a 1/4oz slip sinker. The jig was 1/8oz with a white head.

I shouldn't even say this but I'm going to....Those were the only two options I had to fish with. I forgot my tackle box in the garage when I left, and my rods were rigged with the jig and the Lindy from last weekend.

I was fishing an 8' hump just off the channel. Just anchored up over it.

I caught no fish for the first hour I was there, then it went crazy from 8 to about 11am. I told mama that I'd be home for lunch, so I had to go. I was down to just a couple minnows anyway.

Fun morning.

Ya know Bill,

We should go out soon. You don't fish up there much, I could show you some spots.

Me, mama & the 2 boys made a quick trip out to the cabin yesterday just to check on things. the trail into the cabin is drying up pretty nice.

took a picture along the trail
[Linked Image]

also took a picture of this strange mushroom.

[Linked Image]

there were a buch of these in a spot along the trail on the way in to the cabin. Sure is an ugly bugger huh?

Tom, it would be great to get together. Might be later this summer though as the next couple of weeks are full up than we leave for Portland from 6/17-7/08.

Bill

Dave, these appear to be False Morels, not recommended to eat as they can be poisonus. Picture didn't copy, but appears to be identicle to the one you posted.

False Morels (Helvella and Gyromitra spp.)

Helvella sp. Gyromitra caroliniana
False morels are difficult to treat in an article on edible and poisonous mushrooms, because they so clearly fit both categories.

On one hand, many people have enjoyed eating false morels for years and may even consider them a favorite wild mushroom. On the other, false morels have definitely caused serious illnesses and deaths in the United States.

The problem seems to involve the amount of a toxic chemical, called monomethyl hydrazine (MMH), present in these mushrooms. MMH causes diarrhea, vomiting and severe headaches, and occasionally it can be fatal. However, because of different cooking techniques and different individual sensitivities to MMH, false morels poison some people but leave others unaffected. In addition, false morels in some areas of the country contain more MMH than in other areas. All this makes these mushrooms a very doubtful group as far as edibility is concerned.

False morels have wrinkled, irregular caps that are brainlike or saddle-shaped. They may be black, gray, white, brown or reddish. (The "big red morel," Gyromitra caroliniana, common in Missouri, is a large false morel with a reddish cap.) Other names include elephant ears, Arkansas morels and brain mushrooms. Size 2" to 8" tall.

False morels differ from true morels in two obvious ways:

1.The cap surface has lobes, folds, flaps or wrinkles, but it does not have pits and ridges like a true morel. You might say their caps bulge outward instead of being pitted inward.
2.The bottom edge of the cap of a false morel hangs free around the stem, like a skirt. On true morels, the bottom edge of the cap is attached to the stem (see page 4).
False morels are found in spring, summer and fall, on the ground in woodlands.

Note: Because these mushrooms have definitely caused deaths, we cannot recommend that you eat them. If you nevertheless choose to do so, they should be thoroughly cooked in a well-ventilated room, since MMH is driven off by heat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oops, here's the link to the site I found the info on.

http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mushrooms/mushroom/poisonous.htm

yeah we won't be eating those I guess

Ya find any real morels yet Dave?

not many at all. only about 6 i think.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, it would be great to get together. Might be later this summer though as the next couple of weeks are full up than we leave for Portland from 6/17-7/08.

Bill

They bite there in July too Bill. We'll get 'em.

Have you been up HWY DB lately? There is a new bar/restaurant called The Beach House. Great place. It is across from the old Heckel's Marine, and next to the Tiki Bar, which is also a sweet place...that is of course if you're into scantily clad women, live music, and cold beer.

Holy smokes. I would have thought that was a Morel. Good thing I wasn't pickin' em then.

[quote=tzone
They bite there in July too Bill. We'll get 'em.

Have you been up HWY DB lately? There is a new bar/restaurant called The Beach House. Great place. It is across from the old Heckel's Marine, and next to the Tiki Bar, which is also a sweet place...that is of course if you're into scantily clad women, live music, and cold beer.

[/quote]

Think I'll check out the Tiki bar first

....If by chance I get hungry in a day or two I'll crawl over to the other place and get something to eat.

I'm guessing they will both have equal "attraction" in the dog days of summer.

They are both on the water, 100' from each other.

In the early spring the Tiki Bar has a beach party...INSIDE. sand on the floor, bikinis on the chicks. It's hard to leave.

Saturday night my wife and I attended the annual Friends of the NRA dinner.Had a great time.This is two years straight for me and I definitely will make it an annual thing from now on.
In addition to a great dinner they have drawings and auctions for guns and all manner of outdoor goodies.
Look into it in your area and attend and support the NRA.

Stan in SC

I have attended several Stan. They really support out Hunters Saftey group. They really do a nice job.

Did you buy anything at the auction Stan?

I bid on several rifles but they went much higher than I felt I could afford.I did buy a "Cathedral style" radio at the auction.

Stan

My dad bought a stainless super redhawk in 44 mag with some nice NRA engraving or roll markings on it at one of those NRA dinners.

One year he got himself a really nice custom handmade knife, he usually has a good time at the dinners

SIL and I hit the water yesterday afternoon in search of bluegills. Ended up with 8 in the eight to nine inch range. Also had one bass and 2 hammer handles.

Ours is usually pretty good times too.

Senator Russ Decker always shows up and does what politicians do and generally drives us all nuts. He has been run off from our table from two of our very opininated instructors. Qutie fun to watch, becasue it always seems to after the whiskey has flowed a bit.

Were you on the River Bill? Those are some nice gills. Were they on the beds yet?

Memorial Day weekend, we fished gills. There were still scattered. They were on shore, but just one or two near the beds, not fast and furious by any means.

I plan to hit it Saturday for sure, hopefully Sunday too. If I fish half days, it keeps my good standing with mama, and the pleasure boaters get pretty thick around noon on Dubay any way.

Tom, we were on Fish Lake just outside of Hancock, Gills were not up on beds yet. Depth ranged from 3'-5'. We caught them on leaches and wax worms. The trick was to use plastic and dress it with live bait. I used a crappie tube dressed with a waxie and my SIL used a 2" crawdad with a leach. It took us 3 1/2 hours to catch 8 fish so they weren't jumping in the boat. Also, we only caught one small gill that we released.

Similar results to what we had a few weeks ago, Bill.

We were using crawlers and slip bobbers. We had to move around for them. We got 10 total between two of us, I think we fished for about 2-3 hours.

The water temp last weekend was only 60* so it dropped 6 or 7 degrees.

Wabo has refound camp chickenbuck!!! Finally got the web working right again, Sorry I've missed out on sooooo much guys. I've got ALOT of reading to catchup with you guys.

It's been Crazy lately with all the normal honey doos, getting some siding picked up in the morning to start my next project. Work in general has been Real busy, and we just got back late lastnight from the city.

Kiddo after all this time had a Long 11 hour surgery day and is Finally home and doing better. They think they got it this time my fingers are crossed, she is asking for all kinds of food and color is coming back, sitting here coloring beside me at the moment. Sittin here with her after they just punched a hole through her heart with a needle and did some burning around the entire heart to seal everything up is like a dream come true to me. She is still here with us in the living and HOME... Very busy but life is getting better.

I've thought about you all daily and Weezy my kiddo rememembered your spell last year and like your Good Daddy did for you. My kiddo has made me promise to get her a new gun as soon as she is able to pick one out.

I've got a Big garden growing this season, the cherries will be ready to pick in the next few days along with apricots, plums and pears soon to follow. I'm looking forward to enjoying some country life again and doing some canning, just grilled a Big supper tonight with the grandparents out to see the kids.

I had some tractor tread tires installed on the front tires of the mower while I was gone and while mowing late this afternoon WOW the mower grips better. Alot less backing up and repositioning to make turns around trees, took 20 minutes less time to cut the whole yard. Hint to you guys tractor tread is good.

Other then that I'm going to try and get back to normal now and I'll be around more so get ready guys I'm back along with THUNDER nanaannnaaa naaaa...

I'm happy that your little one is on the road to recovery.You have been missed and thought about.Welcome back.

Stan in SC

That is great news Wabo, so happy to hear your daughter is on the mend.

Good news is far too rare these days, and that is better than good news, it's great!!

Welcome back!!

PS, totally unfair that you will be picking fruit soon, we barely have leaves on the trees here!! Spring is so late, this global warming is for the birds.

Wabo, welcome back. It's great to hear that kiddo is on the mend. We'll keep your family in our prayers.

I got a letter back from DNR concerning one of the tagged sturgeon we caught & released a while back here.

it was one of the bigger fish we caught. Last fish of the trip, Dusty caught it.

We had it at 56" with a 21" girth.

The fish was originally tagged July 1 2004... which interestingly enough was the 34th birthday of Dusty's son Which is "the boy"'s dad, my cousin. Our dearly missed family member that surely would have been with on that trip if he were still with us today. I'm certain he is with us on all of our adventures together but, you know what I mean.

The fish was measured & reported as 51.6 inches in 2004.

Another interesting fact is that the fish had not been caught in the time between july 2004 up until the day before we caught it...

yep, the fish was caught right there in the same area we were fishing on Saturday May 9 2009. I'd be willing to bet we watched it being boated & released by a boat fishing close to us on that saturday. That fish had a rough weekend, cought on hook & line after being freed from a net about 5 years earlier, released from hook & line only to fall for the same trick the very next day.

Dusty, it's no wonder that fish faught so hard on the 10th when you caught it, he knew what was going on because he had just did that whole thing the day before!!

The other guys reported the fish as a 60 incher, so either they didn't have a tape & gave it a generous guess or they had some sort of special fishermans tape measure with built in fish story compensation.

The fish grew about 4.4" between july 2004 & now, thats less than an inch a year.

Using the girth/length chart they provided the fish should have weighed 41 pounds & would have been around 30 years old when we caught it.

Pretty interesting stuff.

Thanks guys!!! Sitting here having a cup of coffee and enjoying being in my own home with kids in the next room watching the tube together. I'll fixup an egg and pancake breakfest for them shortly and give kiddo the meds, then I promised a trip to the icecream shop in town this afternoon. We'll play some board games between breakfast and dinner after a quicktrip to the lumberyard it will be icecream time.

Dave that sounds like a Nice fish! Enjoyed readiing and seeing the pics of Browny in the mud with the boys in tow awhile back. I road in a 72 ford with a 390 totally restored last weekend and thought about your truck. The one I road in layed rubber for about 150 feet that truck has it! My cousin is also fixing to finish a redo job to his other toy a 68model GTO and it is SHARP. Mouth watering pretty Muscle car can't wait to get in it this coming weekend for a ride.

Sorry you don't have any fruit yet up there, heck I've been swimming already in the pool out back, had the air on for atleast 3 weeks now. Personally I'd rather have your snow like we used to get especially would like to be able to ice fish again. Maybe this year it will work out for you to send me a Real winter?

Bro in Law said we have a Bobcat with 3 cubs running around here and I saw a fox while mowing that thing was in my garden yesterday afternoon with my dogs barking at it 75 feet away. If it is here again I may have to put it down for fear of rabies as usually they are skittish of us.

I better get the eggs going, see ya afterwhile guys.

Dave, your fish was a youngster. Sturgeon can live to be over a 100 years old.

Great to hear from you Wabo!!!!! You have been missed around here.

Great news on Kiddo as well. It gets me choked up to read about sick kids....I hate when kids get sick. They really don't know what is going on, and can't do much about it if they do. Maybe I'm just a big softie for kids. I'd rather be sick every day of my life if it ment my little monsters wouldn't have to be.

It sounds like you have a pretty good list of projects this summer Wabo. Makes hunting season come a lot faster when you have something to do inbetween, doesn't it?

Did you get a chance to go turkey hunting?

Glad you visited us, and things are going well. Do be a stranger.

Tom

Cool Dave. I wonder if the other boat reported the catch to the DNR as well? Those buggers grow slow eh? Not even an inch a year.

BTW, I think I've seen those fisherman's tape measures.

Did you see the thread about a MN get togeter? Are you interested? I have to make some calls, but right now Silver Fox Lodge on Boulder Lake, (near your dad's place), is the front runner.

yeah i'm interested, I'll keep watching that post.

Wabo, welcome back! Congrats on your daughter's successful surgery. It's scary when one of your kids has a serious problem. I'm glad everything seems to be okay now.

Ron

Dave, sorry winter is dragging it's feet up there. I have blossoms on my tomato plants already and have been picking strawberries for over a week. Yum, that shortcake is deeeeeliscous.

Gotta tell ya Dave, I was reading the newspaper comics the other day (just to stimulate my brain a bit, you know) and I was introduced to the "Mom rule", which seems to apply to you as well as the small boy in the comic strip. This rule, you see, states emphatically that "any action accompanied by the phrase 'watch this!' may only be attempted under the supervision of an adult possessing a first aid kit and emergency medical training. It doesn't say anything about holding the attempters' beer, but that would seem to be part of the oversight responsibility, if you ask me.

This oversight , although intended to ensure (somewhat) the long-term health of the person performing said act, could have another benefit. In the unlikely event that the attempter is actually successful in said attempt, a sane(?), sober(??) adult (agewise, at least), is present to witness the success and verify said fact for others. Not that you aren't totally believable on your on, you know!

Best of luck, Dave. Stay safe. I'm headed to Camp Mental Floss for a week to fish, fish, fish and fish some more. "Here, fishy, fishy, fishy. Come to my livewell!"

Ron

Ha!! Good luck Ron!!

Have a good weekend everyone!!

Hey, did I mention that the tri of Capt'n Bangflop, Uncle Dusty & myself were all successfull in the draw for colorado cow elk early rifle season???

Wooo!!

Congrats on drawing the tags dave. Them elk are fine eating.

Cool. Dave, El Capitain, and Uncle Dusty get to post new pics in October.

Fishing was fair this AM. Went out with a buddy today and we caught a few cats, about a dozen walleyes, and the star of the show was a 36" northern I caught on Rapala, Tail Dancer. I'll post some pics when I get around to it. Big wide sob too. No idea how much he weighed, but I'd say 10-12lbs. It was real beat up too, from spawning I'm guessing, but it is kind of late for that. It was in a bunch of rocks, so that could be it too.

Later.

It is Sunday evening and we have been busy all weekend.Friday morning we drove to Alabama and Friday night and Saturday evening there were several get togethers of my high school class on the occasion of our fiftieth year since graduation in 1959.
We came home late last night and this morning drove to North Carolina for Linda's annual family reunion.What a great time in both places.I saw some people at the high school reunion that I have not seen in 50 years.

Stan in SC

Fun weekend at chickenbuck.

The older boy graduated from his honda xr 70 to this:

[Linked Image]

we did some trail riding out in the forest & checked on the blueberry outlook.

I'd say it looks promising for wild blueberries.

[Linked Image]

a few more pics from a trail ride today.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2355.jpg[/img]

stan, that's awesome!!!

Stan, one thing I've noticed at our class reunions is how much everyone except me has aged.

Two more years till my 50th reunion.

Looks like the oldest son is really enjoying his new ride.

Crappy weekend here. Rain and cold. Supposed to rain all day today.

Bill,
Yes all of those with whom I graduated are really different looking from the high school album.

Dave,you guys had a great weekend.Good pictures.

Stan in SC

Fifty years, cool Stan!

Dave, looks like fun in that pit! Where's your bike?

My friend bought a bike for his boy, then several months later, one for himself. He said he had never been so sore as he was after the first few times he was riding it.

Here is the northern from this weekend. Nice heavy fish, fat right to the tail.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Fishingweekend6-6-09003.jpg[/img][/img]

Notice the big gouge on her side. Any ideas? It wasn't a bite mark.
[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Fishingweekend6-6-09004.jpg[/img][/img]

Nice cat my buddy was afraid of, and wouldn't touch.

[img]http://[IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Fishingweekend6-6-09001.jpg[/img][/img]

We had a good time on Saturday. I went "up north" to a different lake on Sat. night. We planned to fish all night, but it was pouring pretty good. We hit the lake at 4am, and fished in the cold and rain until noon and called it a day.

We caught about 15 smallies. The biggest was 19" and the smallest was about 14". Believe it or not, some of them we caught in 26' of water.

It was a fun, wet, weekend.

it's not a lamprey scar is it Tom?

prop rash? They've been known to make a striking pass at a boat prop....

looks like fun & looks like the new boat is working well for you.

it looks like a lamprey scar. I don't know if we have those here or not. If they are in that water, I would say that is what it is. There were some more nics closer to the tail as well.

Now that I think about it, she went between the boat and the bowmount twice, it could be from that. Somehow the line didn't get caught on the minnkota, it did have to pick it up to get my rod through there each time she went through. My other thought was the rocks. It was caught along the rip rap in the background of the pictures.

those riding trails...are you guys in a pit, or can you take a bike on the trails there. We can't ride xcross bikes on the atv trails here, big no no.

we have trails designated for snowmachines, atv's & bikes.

We used trails designated for atv-bikes to get to that pit & then back to the cabin.

Looks like fun.

We used to have a trail here that went to a pit...but some clown used his atv and pushed a van into one of the pit ponds, 60' deep, and that put the kibosh to riding in the pit. We spent more time in the pit than on the trails. Lots of fun.

Tom, nice smallies (Pike too). I'd be handling the catfish the same way your friend did. Never did like having to pick up bullheads or cats.

Had to make a trip to the VA in Tomah today for a hearing check. Someone ran off of 173 down by the cranberry marshes and ended up in the ditch with mud and water a 1/4 way up the door. No injuries.

well I'm heading to Louisville tomorrow morning on business.

I'll be back on thursday.

everybody behave themselves while i'm gone

Have a good trip Dave. Might want to check out the Louisville Slugger museum or was it the Louisville stripper museum or beware of strippers swinging bats. Oh hell have a good trip.

Bill...

You are not helping....

mama reading over my shoulder

I think he ment srtiper, like the Bass, ya know, the fish.

Yeah, I think so too Dave. Stripers are just one of the many things you can catch in Lousville...

Ingwe

Wabo checking in,

Sounds and looks like a Great weekend for the members of camp chickenbuck, I do SOOO miss my DirtBike days. May have find my way back to them someday soon.

I spent the weekend putting something similiar to T111 on the front of the house. I got a deal, 4 by 9 sheeting for 15 bucks a sheet! Ceder just with grooves an inch and 1/4 wide is the only difference from the T111.

Spent yesterday evening picking cherries while kiddo Thunder pitted them in the yard next to me in the quiet evening. She is feeling much better and is already jogging not quite running but moving pretty quickly. Wow kids bounce back fast!

Looking at a snowplow for my John Deere now waiting for some pics and the guy to email me the width of the blade before I say done deal. With the fluid in the tractor tires on the back think it will do the job fine. I plan to park it in the garage at my parents place and just come out pushing if we ever get real snow again. Send me snow this year northern friends of mine, I want SNOW... LOL..

Wabo, glad to hear that kiddo is doing well. Got to be a big weight off of your shoulders.

Can we hold off on the snow for a bit? We've hardly had spring yet. Temps have been below normal for going on 2 weeks. We've set new daily records for the coldest high temp several times.

I'd like to try out the mulching attachment for my JD mower before you get to try out your new plow. LOL.

Wabo,

If you want snow, come up here. If it gets any colder, you can have all you want. I fished last weeked and it was 40* and rain when we went out on Sunday. Not far off from snow.

Wabo , Great news on kiddo !!!!! Prayers continue for her and her complete recovery .

Fun stuff:
Bring your JD and plow up here . We did not have a bad snow year last , because of some freeze / thaws . But we did end up with just under 12 1/2 feet ( 12.46' ) last winter season .
http://goldensnowball.com/2009_01_01_archive.html

Edit to add : If that is not enough snow for you , about 50 - 75 miles north of us gets quite a bit more than here

I'm back guys. we had a good business trip to louisville, very hospitable group I'm doing business with down there. It was mostly business with very little time to see the sights but we did manage a visit to bass pro shop where I scored a few packs of primers for my .264 win mag. I couldn't bring them on the plane with me or didn't dare try anyways so the company I'm working with in lewy-ville is going to mail them for me.

I think I may have brought some of that southern sunshine back up north with me.

Originally Posted by tzone

Here is the northern from this weekend. Notice the big gouge on her side. Any ideas? It wasn't a bite mark.

Not a prop scar, not a bite, not the rocks, not a lamprey. Being an aquatic biologist, I know what it is on that little feller, and if I liked you, I'd tell ya.

You didn't eat the poor little guy, did ya?

Thanks for bringing the sunshine back with you Dave. Seems like forever since we've seen it.

just lucky timing, but i'll take credit for it i guess.

summer had to get here sooner or later.

Just in time for our annual car show which is saturday.

should be a good time.

Clouded up again about 15 minutes after I posted the comment. Chance of rain here Saturday, but is suppossed to make it into the 70's.

Just back from a week in Manitoba fishing. Whoa Nellie, was it COLD up there. I fished in long underwear/bibs and no less than 4 wool shirts every day. I will post some pics later. A couple of times we got out of the wind for shore lunch and thought it might be getting warmer...then back into the wind and 48 degree water temps and we soon realized we had to go back on with everything we had. Reminded me of deer hunting. Fishing was slow for Canada. We had a 42" and a 41.5" northern as well as some in the upper 30s. But not as good as it could be. Give them a week and look out. Walleyes were slow, most of time we had problems catching them under the 21.75" slot though. Hardly caught anything under 19" and only 1 walleye the whole trip under 17", so they were nice size. Biggest 'eye was 26". Did I mention it was COLD???

Where in Manitoba? I had a good pike spot in Alberta but it changed hands( the lodge..) and I'm looking for a new spot or two....
Ingwe

Wow I've missed alot.

Wabo - Welcome back! Great news about kiddo!

Dave - Nice bike Nate got there! What did you do with the 70? Did preacher inherit that?

Stan - 50 years. Wow! I just had my 20 year last summer. Time flies!

Speaking of Manitoba. My wife emailed me this morning and said the gal she works with has to leave and go be with her sister. Her husband died from swine flu last night. 38 years old with 3 kids. Started not feeling well yesterday and went to the doc. His heart stopped last night. They live in the Winnipeg area. My sister who lives in Middlebro, Manitoba said that there were 24 new cases in Winnipeg. That is getting just a little too close to home for comfort. I would advise against traveling north until this blows over.

Thoughts and prayers to that poor family.

Rooster

*Update* They live IN Winnipeg and and the whole family is quarantined so family and friends can't even go see them in their time of need. God be with them.

That swine flu is scary stuff. WI has the 1st or 2nd highest cases in the country. Several in the Wausau area.

Hopefully your wifes friends, will be OK. We'll keep them in our prayers.

T

We went to Grand Rapids and fished Cedar Lake. Luckily, we didnt stop anywhere near Winnipeg. I am having a hard time finding time to get those pics posted...stay tuned.

OK, some pics:

My brother Brian with a 41.5"

[Linked Image]

the day's catch; 18 walleyes between 20"-22"

[Linked Image]

Shorelunch...we got out of the wind and took off coats and I took this pic...then put them back on in a hurry!

[Linked Image]

That pike is a beaut! Don't feel too bad, we fished here and froze our azzes off too. Not as many or as nice as yours though.

Tryin' it again tomorrow AM.

great pics, looks like a good trip.

Hey guys, my baby girl passed her drivers learning permit test today.

now she can legaly drive with an adult.

she called & asked if she can drive mom around in my big black truck today, I told her if she washes the truck first she sure can.

that's a lotta cleaning to do, believe me!!

crew cab one ton superduty & it needs more than just a rinse thats for sure!!

Rooster, prayers on the way to the family.

Nice mess of fish. Most of the posters on one of the other sites were reporting colder than normal in Ontario also. Now I don't feel so bad about not getting a passport or border crossing card yet.

Dave, life as you knew it has just made a big change.

Does MN use the graduated drivers license like WI? With the graduated license young drivers are limited to the hours of operation, number of people and age of persons that can be in the vehicle with them. Restrictions deminish as they get older and by 18 they have full driving privleges.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now that's a nice, clean 15 pound northern. Perfect white meat for eating. Those walleye are perfect eaters too. I could show you a couple of 15 pound northerns per day in several lakes right here in MN. If you want to put a few days in, I could almost promise you one over 25 pounds. I could show you 50 per day the size of T-zone's from a lake just down the road. And they wouldn't be diseased. No "cats" (bullhead) around either. No need to leave the great state of MN.

Oh boy Dave, Time to get the heart burn medication out.

And a big CONGRATS to Weezy to.

Kinda reminds me of riding with my older sister when she was driving with her palms cause her fingernail polish wasn't dry yet. I'm sure you've got nothing to worry about though...:)

Hey Dave,

Weezy doesn't have a cell phone does she?

unfortunately yes.

and yes i see where you are going with that and yes it scares the hell out of me.

those txt-ing buttons never stop on that phone, clicky-clicky-clicky...

Dave - Courtney has a cell and a fresh drivers license as well. That was the very first thing we told her when we got her the phone for her 16th birthday in April. That she WILL NOT be talking or especially texting while driving. If she does, she loses the phone period. Better safe than sorry.

Congrats Weezy!!

You're nicer than I am Rooster. The car would be gone with the phone, for a while anyway.

My wife drives me crazy with all the e-mails, texts, and calls while she drive. When traveling together, I drive, for the saftey of the whole family.

Picked up some more decent northerns yesterday. The biggest was 34" and the smallest was 24". Got a 1/2 dozen between two of us. Up at our camper on Nelson Lake, near Hayward.

Came off different cranks, but most were jointed Rapala's.

Tom any eyes?

Kicked the A/C on this PM to see if it works, it did. 80* and very humid. Didn't think we were going to need it this year the way things have been going.

summer is here.

[Linked Image]

hydrate..

It was 94 degrees here today and very very muggy.Finally about 5PM we got a terrific 20 minute downpour and things cooled off a bit.To think I was considering watering my tomatoes this afternoon.
We have been in a drought condition for the past ten years which yesterday was declared officiually over.This Spring we have gotten way above average rains.The reservoirs were like 23 feet low and now are almost full.
Squirrels are ruining my bird feeders.They empty them daily and chew them up.Time for the old .22 single shot and CB caps.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom any eyes?

Kicked the A/C on this PM to see if it works, it did. 80* and very humid. Didn't think we were going to need it this year the way things have been going.

Got some eyes on Saturday AM before I headed up north. you know the lake.

Nothing serious. 5 eyes,12-17". Lots of boat traffic too, even early. We were on the water by 6am.

I kicked the air on when I got home too. This is the most humid day of the year I think so far. Don't care if it gets any hotter either. 70* is fine with me.

The .22 will work Stan, but the 45-70 will be a lot more fun.

Might have a bit more bird feeder repair though.

One of my old class mates was a cop. He used a 44 mag on chipmunks. Never had one charge him after being hit.

Dave, unable to read the fine print on the bottle. Never heard of that brew. Where is it made?

Dave, skip the reply. I just saw your other post on the campfire that id'd the source of the brew. Them canucks can brew up some good stuff.

winnipeg

A canadian hot rodder that came down across the border for our car show last weekend gave me a couple.

Yes,the 45/70 would definitely do the job.I have some .44 magnum rat shot which would work.Problem is I live in the city amidst a bunch of animal lovers.City ordinance does not allow shooting firearms in the city limits.Everything has to be very clandestine.Squirrels are kinda cute in a way but they are pests in the city.
Dave,I'll bet that beer is ALMOST as good as Yuengling beer.The bike is sure a looker.
I have never had to be burdened with a daughter texting or phoning while driving since mine are over 40 now and cell phones weren't around when they were teens.Weezy certainly needs to remember that care is needed when driving.Remind her that she means as much to us here as she does to you and Pam.My grand daughter here in town just turned 16 and she has her learner's permit.
I remember when my daughter,Rose,was taking driver's ed in high school(1979).I had a brand new Mazda pick up.They were learning on automatic transmissions and I decided she needed to learn to drive straight shift.I took her one Sunday to a large industrial park where there was no traffic on Sunday and put her behind the wheel to learn to operate a straight shift vehicle.I thought the clutch was going to get torn out till she learned to operate it.
Today I work at the gun shop where I am a part timer.Tomorrow if it doesn't rain is my normal Wednesday shooting range day.

Stan

Stan , we have had a squirrel proof bird feeder similar to this one for close to ten years now.
Best I can recall only 2 squirrels figured out how to defeat it.

Stan, both of my kids learned to drive on a 4 speed 94 Rabbit. You're right about the clutch catching hell.

Years ago the German company RWS made 22 BB caps which were smaller than a CB cap. They went off with a very soft pop, but were very effective on cotton tails at 40 feet. I live in town and had a rabbit population explosion one summer. I took out over a dozen of them in my back yard. Had a good backstop. YMMV.

good luck at the range Stan.

Ever looked into a good air rifle like the GAMO ones I see advertised in magazines & on hunting shows?

Those are cool. I like the one with the silencer and laser sight...The one for "varmit hunting" purposes.

it's got in town house cat sniping written all over it if you ask me.

happy birthday.

I have considered a pellet rifle.A customer in the shop the other day told me of shooting small rifle primers in a pellet gun.Shoot them at a hard surface and they go off with a bang and a flash.I told a friend and he tried it and said it works great.
M1894,a friend of mine has one of those squirrel proof feeders.They work great,just kinda pricey at $55.95.
Grizzly Bill,I am shooting some RWS CB caps but I have had some of the BB caps in years past.My uncle and I used to shoot them in his basement in a .22 pistol and it was fun.
Rain here this morning so normal Wednesday range trip is either delayed till the sun comes out or cancelled.
Watched "Deadliest Catch" last night.I have been hooked on that show for a couple of years now.There's no amount of money that could entice me to that profession.My lily white butt means too much to me.
Oh,I'm thru playing with the 9MM HiPoint carbine.Anybody wanna buy it?It's fun and accurate but not really my cup 'o tea.

Stan

I've been less than impressed with the pellet rifles on rabbits and such, but I'm runnig a cheap gamo and a cheaper chinese no brand with a seriously crappy trigger. To my ear, CB shorts aren't any louder, and seem to knock down better. But I have a park in my back yard with a slough in the middle of it, so I make sure no one is in the park, and shoot out of a second story window. If I had less space, I suppose I'd be relegated to the pellet guns.

Happy birthday Tzone.

stan needs a blow gun, blow darts or what ever they call them.

that would be awesome!!

"stan needs a blow gun, blow darts or what ever they call them."

Uh, maybe you meant Stan needs a blow up doll?

Quote

M1894,a friend of mine has one of those squirrel proof feeders.They work great,just kinda pricey at $55.95.

You will save more than that in bird food costs your first year.

Plus it's fun to watch when they slide off the top .

[Linked Image]

Blow up doll?You mean Helga?A real sweetie.

Stan

I guess I should have said "another" blow up doll. You must of wore the old one out, eh? You devil you.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

stan needs a blow gun, blow darts or what ever they call them.

that would be awesome!!

I have a blow gun. Haven't played with it in years but I used to be pretty darn accurate with it. It's pretty much like shooting a bow instinctive. With practice, you get to the point of where your looking is where the arrow/dart is going to go. Shot a couple of striped gophers with it but no rabbits or squirrels. hmmmmmmmm

I could use that thing around here.

We have a monster truck rally going on in the house right now. Mini-man had his berfday yesterday and got a pair of monster trucks. and a remote control boat from dad. We're going to hook a fishing line up to that sucker and troll up a fish next weekend on our vacation. we are going up to the Chippewa Flowage for a week of goofing off.

My luck we'll hook a muskie and I'll be looking for a new boat for the boy.

Phil,

I have one of those feeders also. Only one squirrel has figured it out so far. I can tell when he comes across the lawn because the neighbor's cats take off running. Biggest darn squirrel I've ever seen. It must be all the striped sunflower seeds he eats every day!

Anyway, chasing the cats and entertaining us by hanging upside down and fishing the seeds out without tripping the bar is worth the cost of the seed.

Ron

I'm one year closer to being a grown up today.

and my middle child "Runs With Scissors" turns 12 today!! Wooot!

Big one two! lotta cool things happen when you turn 12, it's your last year before entering your teens, you get your hunter safety card, you're old enough to hunt pretty much anything anyplace in the states I think... it's a big deal!!

Damn right it's a big deal. I couldn't wait until I was 12. For the very reasons you listed.

Is going to be in 7th grade? He gets to learn the other cool stuff of being 12...like playing doctor with the girlies.

I hope mama ain't readin' over your shoulder.

I have a feeling he's going to be quite the doctor...

Well Happy Burppp, I mean Happy Buurrrrrrrrrpp, I mean Happy Berfday to you ND. 50 aint so bad, really. I've heard anyway.

And happy birthday to the boy. 12 opens a lot of doors, some good, some better.

hey now lets not skip past my 40's!!

I'm looking forward to my 40's!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

hey now lets not skip past my 40's!!

I'm looking forward to my 40's!!

40's the new 30.

Happy Birthday Dave and na......er......runs with scissors!

Happy birthday to my aunt Eileen too!!! Uncle Dusty's wife.

It's a great day!! My grandpa Pete was born on this day too!!

I'm headed home, miller time!!

A very sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both.

Stan in SC

Happy birthday dave. I'm in Portland for the next 3 weeks. Son and DIL are leaving for Africa friday. Wife and Iwill be watching the grandson.

Tom have a good vacation.

vacation??

WTF is a vacation???

swing through here if you have trouble with that boy!

but you wont....

but you can stop by anyway...

Happy Birthday Dave! And Happy Birthday to Runs With Scissors also!

Dave, you have much to look forward to with Runs and then the Preacher.

12yrs old - hunting license
16 yrs old - driving license
21 yrs old - liquor license

Remember your youth and plan now to out-flank them later! LOL

Actually, it's pretty awesome to watch them grow, gain confidence and step out into the world. Rest assured, just like a wandering pet, they'll always come home. Home is the rock they can stand behind for protection, lean on for stability and sit on top of to gain perspective. Enjoy the ride.

Ron

HAPPY BE-LATED 29TH BIRTHDAY EILEEN!

Well gents, this may be my last post for awhile. Or it may not. I dunno for sure. This is my last day in the office and we move tomorrow to Alexandria. a dream come true. Many thanks to ND, Tzone and Stan who have offered to help me move. 9 am sharp guys, we will see you in the morning. bring your own back brace.

As soon as i get my internet figured out up there, i will stop back and re-join the nonsense that is the Birth of a deer camp. In the meantime, keep your pants on, keep your powder dry, and may your fishing lines be tight.

good luck!! hope it all goes well!!

good luck with the move. hope you're back on line soon.

Living the dream is great isn't it?
Good luck on the move.

Stan

P.S. Dave,why the hell did you voluntter us for this?

Glad to see your dreams come true. It doesn't happen for all us. See ya when we see ya. Hope it's soon.

I too may be achieving one of my dreams as well. Hopefully more to come on that in the near future. Don't want to jinx it yet.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy birthday dave. I'm in Portland for the next 3 weeks. Son and DIL are leaving for Africa friday. Wife and Iwill be watching the grandson.

Tom have a good vacation.

Have fun Bill! I'll leave a few walleye in that pond for ya.

Speaking of that...we'll have to get out when you get back.

I'm off to the Chip for a week, starting next Saturday.

Keep an eye on that little guy.

Tom

Tom, good luck Tom Hope you catch a boat load. Little guy is a force to be reckoned with. Had him out on the putting green today. Than 2 hours of baseball.

I see WI had some flooding in the South. It's been cool and cloudy out here. Supposed to warm up tomorrow.

Anything but cool here today! High 80's mid 90's and humid.

92 tomorrow.

This warm weather should be good for the bluegills next week. They were really starting to snap I guess. The flowage isn't a bad daytime bite, kind of brackish water. Those slip bobbers on the weed beds should start to heat up. I found a few new spots to try that looked promising. Bass will be silly. Swimming constantly with the little buggers, frosty beers by the pool,....looking to be a good week.

I got my elk tag yesterday in the mail.

Oct, colorado here we come!!

Congrats Dave. Elk steaks and burger don't get much better.

Tom, I saw a comment on the Gannet news site that swine flu is on the increase in marathon county. What's with that?

Yeah, I think there has been 95 cases or something like that.

A 12yo little girl died from it last week. Scary stuff. Makes a dad worry a bit, espically with two kids in daycare.

Dave, congrats on the tags...are the for a bull or cow? How about 'el Capitan, did he draw?

yes the 3 of us that had apps in all drew the same tag.

early rifle cow only. Or actually they call it antlerless.

one thing that has us all 3 a little troubled is our horse situation, or lack there of.

Didn't you want to hunt horses from a helicopter with a machine gun by the end of last elk season?

Did anyone else miss that we maxed out day light this past weekend? It's down hill from here on, which only means that hunting season is that much closer.

SSSHHhhhhhh not that I don't want to hunt but oh my goodness, we just got summer here. And I'm not even kidding...

I'm Baa-aack. I dont get my real internet connection til next week though.

Mrs ND, I know what you mean, I was in Manitoba fishing in early June and we didnt even see signs of SPRING, let alone summer up there.

The move was not the best I have ever had. It took us 10 hours to load in 90 degree heat and we had to unload the next day in the rain....by shuttling stuff from the semi parked on the street. Plus, the kids and I were sick. But guess what...it doesnt matter cuz WE ARE HERE!! Wahoo!! Renting a house for now and expect bids back this week on our house. Crossing my fingers they are not too high.

Fishing? I am sitting on one of the best lakes in the Alex area and I dont think I will have time to fish, how sad is that. Although the little girla asked me to get her set up today to fish sunnies off the dock. That kinda warmed my heart.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did anyone else miss that we maxed out day light this past weekend? It's down hill from here on, which only means that hunting season is that much closer.

I pointed that out to my wife this past weekend...she told me to shut up.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

SSSHHhhhhhh not that I don't want to hunt but oh my goodness, we just got summer here. And I'm not even kidding...

Yeah no kidding! I was fishing a few weekends ago and it was 39* IN JUNE!

Originally Posted by bucktail

Didn't you want to hunt horses from a helicopter with a machine gun by the end of last elk season?

that hasn't changed at all

except I've had enough time to think it out a little more & I think I'd prefer a grenade launcher to a machine gun.

they are good for what they are good for.. and for me, all I need them for is hauling meat off the mountain... don't need em.... they do make it easier coming down with the meat though.

50 on the way to work on the bike this morning, mid 80's on the way home from work tonight... how do you dress for that???

Originally Posted by northern_dave

50 on the way to work on the bike this morning, mid 80's on the way home from work tonight... how do you dress for that???

Suspenders, propeller beanie, pocket protector, and a codpiece.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

SSSHHhhhhhh not that I don't want to hunt but oh my goodness, we just got summer here. And I'm not even kidding...

Same here Pam. Heard one forecaster say this will be the year without a summer.

Went to the farmers market in Milwaukie, OR Sunday. You should see all the fresh veggies and fruit for sale. Neat market,but spendy. you can buy fresh bakery, meat, salmon and seafood too.

Had an old Texan tell me once that "horses were good for 3 things; pulling wagons, betting on and feeding dogs"

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

50 on the way to work on the bike this morning, mid 80's on the way home from work tonight... how do you dress for that???

Suspenders, propeller beanie, pocket protector, and a codpiece.

I'll try that tomorrow

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

50 on the way to work on the bike this morning, mid 80's on the way home from work tonight... how do you dress for that???

Suspenders, propeller beanie, pocket protector, and a codpiece.

I'll try that tomorrow

O.K. I'm probably gonna be sorry for asking, but I've seen the word before, and I promise my folks didn't get their money's worth when they sent me to college

What's a codpiece?
Ingwe

The gunsmith called and I went over and picked up my revamped bolt action 45/70 which he has had since I bought it at a gun show several months ago.What a neat rifle!It just has a sho nuff hunting look to it.The action is from a Siamese Mauser and the barrel is new.The stock is very well done original military which has been sporterized.Now I can zero it in earnest.I only shot it three or four times right after I bought it to check function.I put an old Weaver El Paso K6 on it.The madness continues!!!!!
My wife and I just returned from a kind of mini-vacation.We spent three days up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.It is beautiful.
We wound up in Roanoke,Virginia before we headed back south.
I don't care where you go ,how long you were there or what you did....it'a ALWAYS good to get home.

Stan in SC

i'm pretty sure it's the same thing as a loin cloth....

I think?

But i aint doing that tomorrow or any time soon. I got whacked by my second bee today. I got one a week & a half ago that flew up my leather coat sleave while riding my motorcycle. Must have been some kind of ace pilot bee cause those wrist cuffs are pretty tight.

now just this evening I come home from work on the bike, change into shorts cause it's hot out & I make the quick little run into the ballfields in town to watch my boy play baseball. A bee flew up my shorts & got me in the back of the leg, got me real good, worse than the last one.

Reaction was stronger with this one, ears swelled shut so I couldn't hear... all kinds of problems. goll dang it I hate bees.

but I had that one coming. shorts on a motorcycle is just stupid anyways.

that's awesome stan, right down to the el paso weaver!!

what do you think the whole thing weighs?

Is it typical for a mauser bolt face to be big enough to accomodate the 45-70?

[kŏd́pēś]
(n.) A pouch at the crotch of the tight-fitting breeches worn by men in the 15th and 16th centuries.

A place I used to work at had a controls engineer who wore that get up except for the codpiece. He'd ride his purple Raz up and park right next to the harleys. The propeller beanie really pulled the whole thing together.

Dave,the Siamese Mauser action due to it being originally designed for a large rimmed cartridge will accomodate the 45/70 when the bolt face is opened up a bit.The feed rails also have to be opened up due to 45/70 being wider.The magazine is internally slanted which helps feeding rimmed cartridges.I've been looking for one of these for seven years and finally found the RIGHT one for me.
I have more toys coming this week.I ordered a Tokarev pistol chambered for the 7.62X25 cartridge.I had it shipped to the gun shop since I was going to be out of town.It will probably be there when I go in to work today.Ammunition for the Tok's is cheap.I ordered a 1224 round can with the pistol.
A bee up the shorts on a bike could be dangerous.

Stan in SC

my damn leg is like a watermellon today, and the leg don't work. As much as I try to get it to swing corectly to walk & for the knee to hold it just doesn't work. I'm hobbling like i got a peg leg. It's like when you fall asleep on your arm & it goes completely dead & you can't move it, you have to grab it with your other arm & drag it around.

it's pretty damn embarassing & the timing couldn't be worse. Very busy with a big project at work & I need to be on my feet.

stupid bees!!

ND and bucktail; I was just in MN ( travelin' thru) and was diggin' on the hot muggy weather...a guy would almost have to wear shorts on a bike there! I get allergic reactions to bees too,so I'm thinking the codpiece, as described, might be a GOOD thing to protect those assets deemed most important from said bees.....

Ingwe

F'N A I hate bees. Not alergic to them, but they sure like me. I'm good for about 10 stings a year for some reason.

Got stung on my hand this spring while pulling weed around the central air unit, and got hit 'bout 4 times from those damn ground bees. Litte black and white bastards.

I took my wedding ring off instantly, because it started to swell. Frickin hand looked like a baseball mit. Damn I hate bees.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

my damn leg is like a watermellon today, and the leg don't work. As much as I try to get it to swing corectly to walk & for the knee to hold it just doesn't work. I'm hobbling like i got a peg leg. It's like when you fall asleep on your arm & it goes completely dead & you can't move it, you have to grab it with your other arm & drag it around.

it's pretty damn embarassing & the timing couldn't be worse. Very busy with a big project at work & I need to be on my feet.

stupid bees!!

Do you have to carry meds with you Dave? That sounds like it hurts. :crzy:

talked to a nurse this morning, they want me to come in. when i told her the effected area was about 10" by 7" on the back of my leg she figured that was a bit extreme. she didn't like it when i told her my ear canals swelled shut either. she figures they'll have to get me a prescribtion for one of those epi pens or what ever they are called.

I kinda wondered when you said that about your ear canals, never heard of that...it is a bit extreme...I'm guessing it might be Epipen time!
Hope this leg clears up for you in a hurry!
Ingwe

Thanks, it's embarrassing limping around & the best explanation I have is "bee sting"

Us Marine veterans of forien war would prefer to have an explanation like "shattered femur" or "bullet wound"

Bee sting just doesn't quite have the same sort of effective explanation to it....

Hang my head in shame

ND; something I stumbled on to years ago that works for me ( now mind you, this is free medical advice...and as they say, you get what you pay for...)I used to carry Primatene Mist in an inhaler with me for bee occasions. Got stung once, took my snort and figured what the hell? Held the inhaler over the sting and gave it a squirt. Worked like magic! Tried it a couple other occassions, same results!
So I actually asked a real doctor about it, he said " we don't reccomend it.."
" But it works, doesn't it? " I retorted...
" Yep"...he said sheepishly....
file it under the FWIW column....
Ingwe

thanks, could have used that before i went in & got 2 big shots in the ass for my alergic reaction.

I guess they took it pretty seriously.

couple of shots, one of which hurts equal to or greater than the swollen bee area, and a couple of prescriptions, one for the pen & one antibiotic.

I cant help but think you are a lucky customer there ND. If that bee would have made it around to the inside of your leg, you might have something else stung and swollen. That would NOT be a good time a'tall.

I one time sucked a bee up a straw...backwards. Little bastage stung me right in the middle of my tongue too. Of course everyone had to hear about it at work. Wasnt that manly of an injury. They sure do pack a wallop though.

Dave, nothing to be embarassed about. Bee allergies can be very serious, even deadly. Make sure you always keep that epie pen with you and get medical help quick if you have to use it.

The problem with bee stings is that you may have mild to moderate reactions for years then wham, you end up not being able to breathe and have to get to a ER.

Stupid bees.

Dang ND, that's a bummer.

I haven't been able to breath very well through my nose at night for alittle over a year. Finally broke down and went to an Allergist. I told him the situation and he asked what allergies I had. I told him pollen season was tough on the sinuses and wasp made me swell alot when I'd been stung in the past, but that was about all I knew of. They did an allergy test where they prick you with 60+ needles with various junk on them, I could have slapped that nurse it was so bad. Turned out I was allergic to all but 5 things and puffed up all over from the tiny amount they poked me with. Perscribed a long list of junk along with the epi pens. I'm not taking the stuff yet, too dang expensive. I went in just because I wanted to breath better at night and now they tell me I'm allergic to just about everything I touch! Got to pull the carpet in the house, get an air purifier, plastic bed and pillow covers..... What a joke!

Good luck healing up.

loder

man now that sucks.

I'll be fine. what ever they juiced me up with, well the one shot had a delayed pain thing, when it kicked in it felt like I took a hard hit from an aluminum bat. I don't know which one mad me all jumpy but I found my hands & fingers twitching involuntarily through full rang of motion as I walked around at work trying to do my job.

I think I had the worse work day of my life today, sora thing that makes a guy want to quit. Sorta thing that has made me quit a job before.

The bee stuff & clinic visit was nothing compared to the rest of my day.

I'm home now with my family, my youngest is going to help me light the charcoal grill then adjust the windshield on my bike, then we're just going to hang out & do what ever.

later.

Dave,
If you're gonna walk funny like that maybe you oughta get a parrot to sit on your shoulder and keep muttering stuff like "Arrr matey" and "shiver me timbers".
I got the new Tokarev pistol today.I LIKE IT!!!

Stan in SC

I do have an unhealthy comical interest in the pirate thing. I'll take that into consideration.

You've got some cool toys Stan, I'm so glad you are here today healthy & having fun.

any worries with the recoil on that 45-70?

well enough of bee talk.

I have been slacking on my blueberry update for camp chickenbuck area.

for all my blueberry picking friends, these pictures are a week old now. it looks good don't you think?

[Linked Image]

I say it's goung to be a good year, season will go 4 to 5 weeks beginning as early as the 3rd week in July & running possibly through the entire month of august.

That's a little unsettling; I'm glad you got medical attention. Bee stings are supposed to be like nasty mosquito bites.

An eyepatch would really set off the pocket protector and propeller beanie...

The stuff they juiced you up with was probably epinephrin...aka adrenilane...it'll give you the twitches, and when it wears off you might crash....get ready.
Those blueberries are givin' me the twitches...I could do stuff with them!
Ingwe

bucktail,EXCELLENT observation.I really got a chuckle out of that one.
Dave,the 45/70 can be as gentle or as brutal as you load it.I use a load that is about 75% of what it can be with really good accuracy.Like any handloads you can go full tilt Bozo and knock you shoulder off.What I load is actually very pleasant to shoot.
My Marlin and Handi rifle in 45/70 will get different loads than the Siamese.I will have to work up the accuracy load for the Siamese.I have already done that for the Handi and the Marlin lever.
I am anxious to get out and shoot the new pistol.I took it completely down and cleaned all of the cosmoline out of it last night.7.62X25 is going to be interesting to say the least.
Linda and I have Blueberries planted in our back yard and they are just about ready if we can salvage any from the wild animals.
The wet Spring was good for the fig crop.My tree is LOADED.We stand out there and eat as many as we put in the basket.

Stan

A little late now that you've got the Rx for the epi-pen but Benedryll will help with those allergic reactions from stings too. We were putting up a garage and a friend got nailed by a bee on his arm with the truck window down on his way over to help. When he got there he had to sit down and was having some trouble breathing. Took a while for him to come around, he carries an epi-pen now.

Holy smokes dave, glad you're alright!

I hate bees.

I was carrying benedryll in my wallet & took some right after the sting.

Maybe it did help, I dunno.

Mmmmm blueberries. we used to go camping up on the Echo trail and pick them, but it has been prolly 2 or 3 years since we have gotten up there.

Pick a berry, eat a berry. Pick a berry, eat 2 berries.

Originally Posted by bucktail

An eyepatch would really set off the pocket protector and propeller beanie...

Don't forget about the cod piece.

Dave, hope you're doing better today. How about adding a chest protector with a codpiece to you're wardrobe. Would be a nice touch with the beanie.

Sure wish we had blueberries around our area. Blackberries should be ready in 5/6 weeks.

Talked with my DIL yesterday. They're getting snow in South Africa (It's winter there).

echo trail, that's neat country

Grizzly Bill

Surely you can grow Blueberries in WI.

Get some "northern" grown stocks/varieties.

Echo Trail is where i got my Moose we stayed at the lake Jeanette Campground. Nice country

we always stay at the echo lake campground, which I think is just west of the lake jeanette campround. it is neat country. i know a guy who deer hunts up thataway. he turned me on to it. some nice bucks up der.

Please tell me about deer hunting near the Echo Trail. I can't get those northern bucks out of my blood, no matter how much I try, they keep sucking me back in.

Louis, Blueberries seem to do better in the Northern part of the state then here in central wisconsin. I knew a fellow that raised them here and did quite well with them, but he spent a lot of time and money in the process.

GB

the soil they grow in around camp chickenbuck is pretty much a forest mulch layer over sand. I can only guess that it's fairly acidic on the ph scale. the "soil" or organic layer over the sand is pretty light stuff. Rotting forest layer basically.

That seems to be where they do well, not so much hardwoods but pine forest areas.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea, Wood stove, It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers, I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

This was my opening post for this thread on 08/09/07

I had no idea where it would lead or where we would be in 2 years.

When I say 2 years, I mean 2 years from the event that anchored the whole project & brought our camp group together as a tighter family.

I mean 2 years from the loss of a man we all miss so dearly. We've all been charging along for 2 years now without him. 2 years ago today we lost him.

At his funeral I read a few words the best I could to his immediate family. I did the best I could to pay tribute to the best friend I have ever had, a great man, man of truth and integrity... I did the best I could with words to explain how I choose to basically honor his life by making efforts to live as he would live when ever possible. And I do, I find myself making decisions based off what I think Waylon would do.

And it makes me feel good, it keeps me out of trouble too.

Today we reflect & remember a father, a brother, a husband, a son, a best friend. We remember a great man, celebrate his life & cherish his greatest accomplishments which are his 3 wonderful children.

Here's to you cousin, I love you, and I sure do miss you.

Dave; tonight I will tip a glass to absent freinds, and hunters home from the hill...
Ingwe

It is tragic that it took the death of a good man to give rise to this which has come to mean so much to so many of us.His passing has created a tight virtual family of kindred souls.A man's immortality is how his being and passing affects those who live on.

Stan in SC

Very nice words guys, thanks very much.

Thinking very much today about the immediate group effected by the loss of Waylon. A mother, a father, sister, wife, children, cousins and countless friends.

I'm so proud to be part of that group that is remembering everyday, remembering on days like today especially.

It's a strong group that i'm so sure my cousin Waylon is very proud of.

well said Stan..Out of the ashes rise the Phoenix.

A phoenix disguised as a................CHICKENBUCK.How fitting.

Stan

When all is said and done that is what deer camp is all about. Family friends close ties and memories, it is more then a place, its a feeling of connecting and closeness. It ties those that have gone to those who remain and those who are coming.

At least for me that is what this represents. Thank Dave and Pam for making us all a part of it.

Great Scott I've got some reading to do for catchup as soon as I post this. Sorry guys got busy again with the usual honey do's, not to mention I'm canning apricot Jam and just finished watching kiddo and kiddo#2 play little league.

We got home from the game and kiddo thunder and I just cut another 15 quarts worth of Jam so wifey will put them in jars tomorrow as I pick more. If I can keep the coons out I'll have sweetcorn and maters in less then a week. YUM!

Also finished a deal tonight with a cousin on a Big fiberglass ski boat I dunno I think its a 24 footer like a runabout of something. Real open and room to seat 10 or so people. No motor or trailer but in good shape 1 Benjy thats it, should make an awesome duckboat when I'm done! Thats my next projecto now.. LOL..

Dave,

Sorry to hear about the beestings and ya know that was my calling here tonight was the thought of your family and of your cousin you lost. I was thinking of my Father being gone and of those whom I had cheerished and been honored to have called them friend. Then I thought of your friend and the friends I have made here, I didn't want to come on for the first time in a week or so and be sappy. But ya know guys and gals of camp chickenbuck I'm honored to call all of you friends..

Tomorrow morning will find us all in different places going different directions but we will all have one direction in common in our thoughts, and that is in wondering what our friends from here are doing at that time. Each time our thoughts wonder to here as mine do daily especially when I talk to a couple guys from Mn. daily, many times I think of this place and my friends here. Each time we all think of our friends here its a thought in honor of your cousin and our lost friends watching over us all.

Very nice words guys. thanks very much.

I'm going to shift gears here a little bit, this is a tough week marking the passing of my cousin Sunday, and then his birthday tomorrow.

so, I call for a little break. A brief change of subject.

There are a few chores that we cant let slip off the chickenbuck list for this season. We have had a cast iron hand pumped pitcher well sitting dry on the chickenbuck kitchen counter top for 2 winters now. That's a shame, I'd say it's time to push a pipe into the ground & see if we can pump some water this year for cleaning dishes & such.

We also have a very nasty spot in our access trail that has likely damaged a couple of trucks now and it stuck an oafish black 1 ton ford pretty damn good this spring

we should do something about that bad spot in the trail.

I have mowing that needs to be done, around the chickenbuck cabin first off, bugs are getting bad there. Also the trails that we made through the woods with he new brush mower. It would be a shame to let them trails grow in.

Wood pile. We need to cut that log pile by the cabin into stove lengths & stack it all up. We also have several tamarack near the cabin that have recently died that we could just as well add to the pile along with that huge jackpine that went down in the wind last fall up by the cabin.

Then stands, Dusty's stand has not been the best & a new logging access trail has left him sort of exposed. I think it could be time to move that stand, but we need his thoughts on that.

Pam's stand is looking good but we were going to try to work up the ground there & get some sort of a plot going there.... we're running out of time for that.

We also have those barn board to put up in the cabin (that's going to look really cool!)

Those are all the "free projects" I can think of, the ones we can do without going to pocket.

There is other stuff we would like to do like the soffit & fascia. Pretty important actually, the squirrels have really taken a liking to the attic in the winter

I'll have to make that one of my own goals this season I think.

Well it's time to get to work here this morning. Have a good tuesday fellow chickenbuckaroo's.

Our camp project list isn't as extensive. We have 2 dying hemlocks that are right next to the shack that need to come down. The buck pole will need to be relocated as it's attached these trees.

I've got to rebuild my old ground blind plus build a new one.

We've tried to drive a point several times with no successs.

Than there's the road at the creek that is always in need of repair. Hopefully the beavers will continue to improve their dam upstream of our crossing point. The little SOBs have flooded the road on way too many occassions. If you've never had to deal with beaver dams you don't know how much fun you're missing.

Sounds like a handful Bee Sting. You got my number.

I know you like paneling walls with boards. I know you do man!!

sounds like an excuse for dave to buy a gun

a paslode cordless brad nailer to go with my framer/sheeter

the way I look at it they pay for themselves on the 1st day of use if the job is big enough.

Buy TWO! Their small!

8 more quarts o jam cooling now. Maybe 10 moreor so worth of apricots waiting to be cut up and cooked down. Met up with an 82 year old mentor of my hunting addiction this evening. We chatted awhile and it reminded me howmuch I miss the ole days, even though the new days mean just as much. I hope and pray my kids get to meet and enjoy 30 years of hunting and fishing with just such a man someday as I have. To the Good ole days and my mentors of the outdoors I tip my bottle.

Work I don't even want to think about howmuch work I have ahead of me before hunting season. Maybe I'll go buy another boom stick to make me feel better.

Anyone doing any camping yet this summer?

Originally Posted by wabo

I hope and pray my kids get to meet and enjoy 30 years of hunting and fishing with just such a man someday as I have. To the Good ole days and my mentors of the outdoors I tip my bottle.

Anyone doing any camping yet this summer?

Here is my 30 year mentor, now gone...taking a break on our last day fishing together...God, I miss him... [Linked Image]

In answer to your other question...haven't been camping yet...but was organizing my "stuff" all day today, gonna start fishing/camping as soon as the spring runoff subsides...'nother couple weeks to be sure...Cant wait!
Ingwe

that's a great picture.

Camping? Well I promised some kids a BWCA trip which I have put off so far this summer because of my work. I have a big project that i've been tied to since before april this year.

It's been all give & no take... work. And I'm starting to wonder why? It sure as hell isn't because it's "worth it".

I have much more important things to tend to than work.

I need to get a trip planned.

To hell with work, litteraly. To hell with it.

I only have one small task on my To Do list this summer. Build a home. If I can cross that off by deer hunting, I will be a very happy man.

I gotta get the kids out camping, Lauren is really excited about that.

I bailed out of work at 10:45 yesterday morning, hopped on my motorcycle & headed on a route that took me about 400 miles before the day was done.

It was my cousin's birthday yesterday. I stopped by his grave & wished him happy birthday. Sat down in the grass & had a beer with him, one for him, one for me. Then it was on to his folks place, visit with aunt & uncle "Dusty". Had a real nice visit with both of them, Dusty cooked a big late day breakfast which really hit the spot. As an unexpected bonus on my trip I got to see my cousin Missy, she was stopping in to see her folks pretty much as I was leaving. When I left there I headed into "lakes country" in MN, stopped at my cousin's house, visited with his wife & youngest daughter, then they followed me in to where the oldest daughter works at a neat little food joint by a lake. We had a huge plate of nachos, they were awesome & although the oldest girl was busy working I still got to see her a little bit while we were there.

From there I headed back north, got home around 10PM.

Great ride, great day.

The only one I didn't get to see yesterday was "the boy" who was working at a construction site while I was down there in the area.

Had one of those beers myself...with the guy in the picture of my last post...
Ingwe

We had a race drinking our beer. He beat me last year when we did the same thing, and he beat me again this year. He's such a damn beer pig & a showoff. It's hardly fair you know, I crack two beers & we go on the count of 3.

Well I turn his upside down & let it pour out onto the ground with my left hand and I guzzle mine with my right hand.

I tell you what, I damn near beat him this year.

I'll get him next year.

Heading back to WI tomorrow witth our grandson in tow. My son had to have emergency surgury in Africa. He and the DIL will be there at least a month before he's able to fly home. I'll provide more details once we get back home.

GB

holy smokes I sure hope everything is ok Bill.

You all have a great 4th, Bill I'll be thinking of your son in Africa, I hope all is well there.

I'm headed for Duluth on my Motorcycle today. I had to pop into work real quick this morning, Mrs ND & the kids are already in route to Duluth & I'll be catching up with them. Going to visit some family there.

Happy 4th of July everybody, have a great weekend.

Dave

Griz,We will be thinking of your son and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Happy Fourth of July to all of our "family" here.
Dave,have a good safe trip.

Stan

Wow! I gotta get back in the swing on here. Sure is hard to do with the cabin, lake and boat all calling my name.

Dave, nice post about your cousin. Made me think of so many who I shared a camp with along my journey. Some brought a chuckle and a few brought a tear. All I hope is that when I am just a memory those I have touched will share a laugh or a tear when they remember me. A man can't ask for more than that.

BTW, #1 son, DIL and 2 grand-daughters spent last week with my wife and I at the lake. Great fun! Adult fishing each morning, then shore lunch, sunfishing and swimming with kiddies, followed by supper at cabin and evening fishing for son and I or road trip to Eats-n-Treats for ice cream followed by a road trip to see deer. The cherry on top was the fish fry on the last evening! Yummy perch fillets!

Life can't get much better!

Sounds like you have lots of work at camp but don't forget to make some memories with the kids. Trust me, they are grown and gone before you know it. A couple times a year one of my sons will mention something that he and I did when he was a kid that he still remembers these many years later. It really touches me to hear it. Excuse me for a minute. Hay fever has my eyes watering.

Ron

Wow gone a week and miss a lot. I cracked a beer for Waylon, no races though. Sounds like you needed that ride Dave, between work and all you had on your mind. Amazing what that does for a guy. Reading these stories makes me smile, laugh, and cry, all in the same couple of posts. Maybe I'm just a big ol softie...who the hell knows, but we all have somebody, a parent, a mentor, a best friend, that we love and lost. It is good to remember them.

Oh yeah, get that trip planned. After spending the week with my two trouble makers, there is nothing better in the world than time with them.

Bill,
I hope all is OK with you son. Hope you have good news for us tomorrow.

Tom

Thx for the support guys.. Made it back Sunday around 4:00 PM.

Our son (42 and the picture of health) is stable and making progress. I'll try and keep this as short as possible, but you need to have some background as to what took place.

Todd was finishing up his African trip with a grouse and duck hunt when he started having chest pains and actually passed out. His PH got him to a local hospital where they said he had the beginnings of a heart attack. During the exam they discovered that he had a large anuerisym near the heart. A special ambulance was sent to his location from Port Elizabeth, SA to transport him back to the main hospital. It was a 6 hour round trip.

Todd was scheduled for surgery to repair the anuerisym the next day. During the surgery they discovered that the anuerisym had already burst burst, but because of it's large size it was pressed up against another vessel which slid into the tear and plugged it off which prevented him from bleeding out.

The surgeon said it was a miracle that he didn't die right on the spot. He had to have a valve and part of the artery replaced plus a by-pass.

As of now it will be at least 6 weeks before he and his wife can return to the US.

Our grandson will remain with us until his folks can return.

Wow Bill. I hope everything turns out alright. I hope your grandson is handling this as well. Scary stuff Bill, we'll keep him in our prayers.

Tom

Holy smokes Bill.

My family's thoughts & prayers will certainly be with him.

Thx for the support guys.. Made it back Sunday around 4:00 PM.

Our son is stable and making progress. I'll try and keep this as short as possible, but you need to have some background as to what took place.

Todd, 42 and the picture of health was finishing up his African trip with a grouse and duck hunt when he started having chest pains and actually passed out. His PH got him to a local hospital where they said he had the beginnings of a heart attack. During the exam they discovered that he had a large aneurysm near the heart. A special ambulance was sent to his location from Port Elizabeth, SA to transport him back to the main hospital. It was a 6 hour round trip.

Todd was scheduled for surgery to repair the aneurysm the next day. During the surgery they discovered that the aneurysm had already burst, but because of it's large size it was pressed up against another vessel which slid into the tear and plugged it off which prevented him from bleeding out.

The surgeon said it was a miracle that he didn't die right on the spot. He had to have a valve and part of the artery replaced plus a by-pass.

As of now it will be at least 6 weeks before he and his wife can return to the US.

Our grandson will remain with us until his folks can return.

God Bless you and yours Grizzly... Sounds like your son is unlucky but watched over and blessed at the same time. My family will keep him and your family in our prayers.

Well after much more apricot jam making we've finally run out of apricots from the trees, yet blackberries are just beginning to turn and will be picked shortly. Yuuuuuummmm vaniller ice cream and blackberry cobbler! Sweet corn has a week or 2 in my garden to go but I may hit the farmers market this week.

Kiddo1 and 2 just finished playing a double header they play first and right field and work together well. After ballgames were over I took them fishing and caught a few bass then on for some ice cream and cookies. Mom just loves when I bring them home all sugared up.. LOL... They sit now watching the TV eating cookies and ice cream, life is pretty darn Great right now. I hope each and everyone of ya especially Grizzly Bill and hisboys family say the same real Real soon if your not already.

Griz, that's scary stuff your family is going through. Things can really turn on you quick. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I guess the little guy is pretty shaken by all this.

Best widhes!

Ron

Holy Smokes again...we'll sure be thinking of you and your crew out here...hope he is home and well before ya know it!
Ingwe

Grizz, my prayers go out for your son. I can offer a little insight for you as the same thing happened to me on Oct.19th 2001. My aorta ruptured at the top of the heart and the shredded tissue was sucked back in and plugged the hole. My problem was that it took 6 months for it to be found for what it was and in the meantime a tear in my right atrium got much worse lowering my right side output to the lungs to about 15%. This would not have happened had the problem been found right away. The good part is here I am....a little the worse for wear but I still hunt and fish (at a much slower pace). I have about 16" of Gortex hose for an aorta. all new valves, a tire patch on my heart wall and a pacemaker. The key for your son is finding what it was right away. He should recover well indeed. I wonder what would have happened for me if it had been found right away...but that wasn't in my cards. I'll watch for progress reports and keep praying. Sounds like the hunting gods still need him and thats a great thing. Hang in there...it and he will get better. Good things happen to good people! BTW I was 43 when it all happened...

Scott

We were able to talk to our son for the first time yesterday. He sounds great. Wish you could have seen the look on our grandsons face when we handed him the phone and dad was on the other end. He was one happy little boy.

He expects to be out of the hospital by Monday. Hospital staff members have offered to take him and our DIL on tours of the area once Todd is released.

Things are certainly looking up.

Once again thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement.

Bill

Why does he have to stay for so long Bill, rehab?

Having computer issues. This is a test.

I'm back, Been fighting between my firewall provider and ATT. Looks now like it is a ATT issue.

Tom, tried to send you a reply earlier, but the old puter wouldn't cooperate. Todd has to stay because of rehab and to make sure all the new plumbing doesn't spring a leak. He's going to be released from the hospital Friday.

The whole forum has been offline for about two days.Damn,I miss my daily intake on Camp Chickenbuck.Rick Bin says all is ok now.

Stan in SC

Thanks for the update Stan. I have been having issues with my DSL line and spent most of the day working with the firewall provider and ATT. Turned out to be ATT.

As soon as I posted my last the forum went Kaschnizzle again.
Itr is late Friday evening and I am just now able to get back on here.

Stan

Same here. This is the first time I've been able to get in today. Noticed some PM's are gone also.

Just as well, i been putting in 15-16 hr days all week with no end in sight. work scheduled all weekend too

Bill , got boogered up in the last day or two with the forum issues. ( working now knock on wood.
Continued prayers for your son , family , grand son , for a quick speedy recovery and soon trip home .
Keep us posted please.

Thanks Phil. Todd was released from the hospital today. He's tired but doing well. Doctor told him it will take another week for his strengh to start coming back.

So far so good.

Thats real good news!!

Good news Bill, real good news.

Great news Bill! Continued thoughts and prayers sent his way.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just as well, i been putting in 15-16 hr days all week with no end in sight. work scheduled all weekend too

Just what in the heck are you guys doing up there anyway?

Ummm, "us guys?"

do I have some hard working co-workers that I don't know about???

Actually everybody is giving a lot of work right now but it just so happens I have to be here the most because i'm the guy with the plan in his brain.

New plant layout, new assembly lines etc.

I'll have to get you in here to take a look some time rooster.

It's pretty sporty.

it was a 94 hour work week, that's a new personal record.

94 eh? I think my longest is in the low 80s. I dont envy you none on that one. at least it isnt fall!

I can hear a jet ski on the lake behind me as i write this. Oh, the perils of a home office!

Careful Dave, good way to burn yourself out.

94 hours....?
I'll quit bittchin about my job now....
Ingwe

Just saw the weekly WI DNR news update. Wolves have killed 4 bear dogs since the training period opened up July 1st. Dam do gooders got them put back on the endangered list here on a legal technicality.

I heard that too Bill, I have a funny feeling that isn't goint to matter much this year though...things have a funny way of working themselves out.

Those "do gooders" keep playing these games, the wolves will be endangered again. I know a few farmes that aren't going to worry about "endangered" lists anymore. Losing a lot of calves and not a damn thing is being done about it.

Got that going on with dogs and livestock out here too...
So long as the Central Park Yuppies are happy, thats all that counts....
Nevermind the one guy out here running a big spread by himself...just him and his cow dog. Now its just him...
Ingwe

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just saw the weekly WI DNR news update. Wolves have killed 4 bear dogs since the training period opened up July 1st. Dam do gooders got them put back on the endangered list here on a legal technicality.

Bill-
I'm certainly not one to defend the wolves, in fact, I hate them here. However, I know there are bear hunters running dogs that have had their dogs ripped up by bears and claimed wolves to get reimbursement for their poochies.

I hear ya Skane. I have a bit of a problem letting them start to run the dogs in July. How'd you like to be chased through the woods in a heavy fur coat in July. Got to be tough on the bears.

Limit the training to 1 month before the season opens in September. Still tough on the bears, but it cuts the time down by a month.

They can train the dogs without running a bear too. I guy I used to work with ran them down trails and logging roads, but not on bear, for that reason.

He is a successful guide in the Hurley area.

To each their own, but I personally don't get the "sport" of hunting big game animals with dogs. With the exception of wild hogs. Those things do a lot of damage. But as for cougars and bears I just don't get the thrill. I'm sure its exciting at the time of the chase, listening to the hounds and all that but to shoot a totally spent cat or bear out of a tree doesn't appeal to me.

Griz - How's your boy doing?

It is HOT here today!We were blessed with a whole string of cool days for the past week and today someone left the furnace door open.
On the plus side I took my Siamese Mauser 45/70 to the range today after having the new Bold trigger/safety installed and finally got it zeroed right.I can whomp a golf ball at 100 yards.Ever see a golf ball that has been center hit by a 45/70?
Monday was my 68th. birthday.Inside every older person there is a much younger person asking "WTF happened?".

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

\
Monday was my 68th. birthday.Inside every older person there is a much younger person asking "WTF happened?".

Stan in SC

Thats funny Stan!

I'd say the 45-70 is set to be bloodied. Did you actualy find the golf ball?

Tom,
I found the skin of the golf ball..45 caliber hole in front and completely split out the back.

Stan

That's awsome! Happy B-day by the way.

Rooster, Son is making steady progress. They took the stitches out Tuesday and now they're trying to regulate the blood thiners. His strengh is slowly coming back and he can walk further each day. Right now they're hoping to be able to return to the states the first week of August.

Happy belated birthday Stan. You hit the nail right on the head with your "WTF happened" comment.

Sounds like you really have that mauser dialed in. What load did you settle on?

Good news Griz!

Happy Birthday Stan!

Happy working stupid hours Dave!

Grizzly,
Favorite load is a 300 grain Remington jacketed hollow point over 40 grains of Reloader7.I also have some cast bullet loads that a buddy cast for me but the 300GR JHP is my mainstay.Not a fast load but very accurate.
I use that load in the other two 45-70's also.One is a Marlin and one is an NEF Handi rifle.
Stan

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I hear ya Skane. I have a bit of a problem letting them start to run the dogs in July. How'd you like to be chased through the woods in a heavy fur coat in July. Got to be tough on the bears.

100% agreed. The doggers could also consider not having every blood relative and every known associate applying for tags each year so the bait sitters could get a tag more than once every eight years.

Happy belated Birthday Stan & greetings all.

Work will be slowing down to a more reasonable pace now so I might get a little bit of my life back

We will be heading out to camp chickenbuck this weekend to do some mowing & we'll also scout the blueberries. My guess is that there may be some ready to pick now but the big motherload must be a week out yet (purely a guess based on how slow our summer started this year)

I'm really looking forward to a relaxing weekend even though we expect the bugs will be absolutely out of control out at camp (part of our reason for wanting to mow).

Have fun out there Dave...we are also late on all summer things...should just about be time for Raspberries here.....
Ingwe

Our mosquito crop came along well this year. It was a bumper crop as they say in the biz.

High of 64 here today, we might set a record for the lowest High temp. Hello Al? Al? Al, where you at boy? Did you hear me Al? How is that for an Inconvenient Truth, Al?

Went over and unofficially layed out the house on the lot yesterday. We got about 15 nice oak trees to cut down. That kinda sucks, but there are many more that we dont have to cut down. The boys liked playing in the woods and the little girl had fun holding the tape measure for dad. Ahh, life is good in the north country!

Originally Posted by SKane

100% agreed. The doggers could also consider not having every blood relative and every known associate applying for tags each year so the bait sitters could get a tag more than once every eight years.

Or the DNR (damn near russia) could pull their collective heads out from where the sun don't shine, and issue more tags.

I've said it before, I've lived in WI for 1/2 the time I lived in MN, and seen 2 times as many bears. MN is suposed to have a lot more bears too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The boys liked playing in the woods and the little girl had fun holding the tape measure for dad. Ahh, life is good in the north country!

Glad to know there are still kids who enjoy playing in the woods...
Haven't seen one out from in front of something electrical that glows for a long time...
Ingwe

Dave,

about time you get out there. Keep the maintenance up on that Tzone stand too. 'ol forky's gonna come by that one.

Beretta,

good news on the house. You're going to have to cut trees you don't want, doesn't matter...part of the building game. We planted a few in our yard when we built, it had none because it was a field at one time. It was crazy how fast they grew, some of the maples are over 15' high already.

ingwe,
my 5 year old little girl has never played a video game, doesnt even know what they are. and that is the plan....outside playing!

tzone,
we still have plenny of trees. it just hurts to cut down a nice oak. 15-18 will have to come down.

Hey, I just looked out on the lake and there are PEOPLE riding around in a tub-like thing with a motor strapped on the back. I think they call them...botes, bates, BOATS. Yep, that is it boats. Maybe sometime I can get out in mine again.

My monsters don't know how to play video games either. Well not the playstation type. They get to play the arcade games at resturants and things, but they are outside kids, even in the winter.

Tzone and Berettaman; Good on ya' both for raising your kids that way...you'll never be sorry..
Ingwe

Thanks, wish I could say the same about me. I love those things. Don't own one, but have plenty of pals that do. That Wii can be fun.

So can "Gitar Hero", especially after a night of High Life's.

I managed to avoid the craze...almost..
I'm old enough that the last time I did anything like that it involved a brunette, a 12 pack of Coronoas, and Jimmied up controls to give a warp factor to " Space Invaders"...
Not going into detail...

Couldn't remember it if I wanted to....

Ingwe

Well guys, I finally met Grizzly Bill. Let me tell you...there can't be a nicer guy around, and certianly not a nicer guy to fish with. We had fun right from the start.

He and met for a fishing trip on the WI River at a boat landing, early AM on Sat.

We had a GREAT time catching walleyes. Nobody got a monster, but Bill got the trophy of the day. Fishing wasn't fast and furious, but it was steady. We probably caought 15-20 walleyes, and the the guide got out fished so it was a good trip.

Here is Grizz's trophy, you'd never believe that it pulled drag like a mother.
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Thanks for the kind words Tom. It was certainly a pleasure to finely meet you. We'll have to hit the river again, but next time lets try the Point flowage.

By-the-way, that monster I'm holding is the bait we used to catch the bait that we need to catch the monster Eyes that lurk in the Wisconsin River. Try saying that 3 times fast.

Good trip you guys had.I'm glad you didn't hurt your back pulling that one in.
I'm so weak willed.I saw another 45/70 Handi rifle at a very good price on Gunbroker and I lurked until 17 minutes before auction close and pounced in and bought it.This one is rather unique.When Remington bought NEF last year they moved the plant to Ilion,NY which is the home plant of Remington.The rifle I bought was made by Remington so it is this year's production.
It is a wee bit cooler here the past two days due to a dip in the jet stream.

Stan in SC

Cool Stan, nothing wrong with another buck swatter! We've been a bit cool here since January. Take a look at Bill in the picture above. Yes it is July and he's wearing a sweatshirt and a vest. I had a sweatshirt on too.

I don't mind though, kind of like it.

Nice find Stan. Your going to have the market cornered on Handi rifes. The last couple of days here have been more like early fall here. Lots of new record low, daily high temps set Friday and Saturday.

Stan, there's an article in the July/August "Bear Hunting" magazine about 2 new big bore calibers that Doug Turnbull is making. He takes 45-70 and 450 Marlins and converts them to 470 or 475 Turnbulls. Both use a .475 bullet. He'll also do the same with 1886 Winchesters. Probably have to get some stimulus money from the prez in order to buy one though.

well I got my bote...err boat out yesterday. I enlisted my 14 year old brother to help me take out my 5 year old and her 7 and 10 year old cousins on a sunny fishing trip. We had a great time, kept about 30 nice ones and even entered Lauren's biggest in the Alex area fishing contest. She is tied for the season's biggest sunny in the junior division with an 11 oz bluegill (it was 9 1/2 inches long). I was a little surprised it didnt weight a smidge more, it was a big'un. Then again, it was hours after we caught it. But Lauren is tickled pink to be leading the contest, even though she really doesnt know what a fishing contest is.

well I've got a blueberry report, and it aint so good.

one of our better spots for picking was looking pretty poor yesterday. We'll have to get out on the wheelers & see if we can find some good ones but it's looking a bit discouraging right now.

they are turning though, you can find some blue ones now So I guess the picking season is on, just might be slim pickins is all.

Hopefully she'll win a prize. She'll always remember it if she does.

Dave, how do the blackberries look?

Here is Lauren's Sunny!

[Linked Image]

I'd have a big smile on my face too if I caught one that nice.

really nice!!

way to go kid!!

Wow, it's as big as her head. I hope she wins.

Sounds like you're trying to hide a prime blueberry spot Dave.

How was the camp otherwise?

The camp is good. I mowed a lot of tall grass & weeds with the 5' bush hog, pam played lumberjack, yep she wanted to cut firewood so she ran that saw with a new chain on it & I think she got close to half ways through that pile of logs we had in front of the cabin!!

Weezy had a friend out there & they were stacking firewood as Pam was cutting. So, it kinda looked like the girls got sick of waiting for the men to put up the firewood so they tore into it & they did real good work too.

I mowed the clearing I made by Pam's deluxe enclosed stand, I mowed up & down the access trail into the camp, we had a good bonfire on Saturday night... it was a pretty good time.

Bees made a nest inside my old barrel bbq cooker so we had to take care of that. Hive was a little bigger than a softball.

The batteries on my trail cam were dead so I hadn't got any pics since about june 22 or so, dang it!! They've really been digging out that spot in front of the camera where I poured a pound of salt on the ground too. lots of doe & fawn tracks & I wanted to see how them little bucks were progressing with the antler growth too. But it's got fresh batteries in it again now and an empty memory card so we'll have some pics next time we check it.

The cabin kept the skeeters out all night, gas fridge kept the beer cold (food too

)

I haven't ventured out to such stands as the "polish tree fort" (weezy's favorite), the "tzone", "the bomb target area" (very messy logging cut)and there are a couple of ladder stands I haven't put my eyes on yet this year as well plus a couple of home made ground blinds. Some thought has been given to moving the dusty stand & I guess I have a couple of ideas for that one but we'll wait till the gang is all up here & we can scout a couple of decent spots for it.

We have a couple of things we should get done this year. the hand pumped well is one, the tongue & groove barn boards is another, couple of trees could be cut for firewood yet. We've been leaking rain in the chimney so the weather cap needs some work. The economy's current effect on all of us has us holding off on finishing the addition on the cabin for now which is fine. I did haul out a set of bunkbeds so our bunk situation has improved by a couple of beds. I have a gas light that I scored at a rumage sale that I should mount in the kitchen & run an LP line to.

Oh it's nice to have a few projects that need to be done out there, it might be boring otherwise right?

but the blue berries... boy I don't know what to say. the spot we checked yesterday really quick is usually really good & it looked poor yesterday, so we'll see I guess. Hopefully we can find some decent ones like we did last year.

Sounds like a hell of weekend at the camp. Plenty of projects to go too it sounds like.

How was the road in there? As bad as you thought?

Donno what to tell you on the berries...Have you had much rain? We haven't got squat. I don't remember when the last time we got a real rain, that lasted more than a minute or so. We need it bad here.

road wasn't bad at all.

I'm at stupid work, pulling a double shift on a Monday.

Yuck.

Yuck is right!

We need to split a case man....soon.

Funny how all those things Dave listed are work at home but kinda fun at camp.

We have had good rain here in central MN. Not too much, not too little.

I havent got my trail cam out yet, I s'pose I should do that. Of course, that would involve finding it...which is no small undertaking. That would be a good project for Lauren and Dad on Saturday.

Hey, a tip i just learned. Have you guys used Priceline for hotels? We have started using it at work and are getting hotels for half price or less. Usually less. I got one for a guy in Mpls for $38.

Send some of that rain our way. It's like a desert around here.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Send some of that rain our way. It's like a desert around here.

Big 10-4 on that.

here are a few photos of our weekend of me not being at work

lumber jacks & ... janes?

[Linked Image]

heck of a dent in the log pile!! good job maw!!

the official shickinbuck maintenance rig. Currently rigged for mowing.

[Linked Image]

Bonfire ring saturday night.

[Linked Image]

proof of SOME blueberries out there.

[Linked Image]

Sweet. Good job mrsnorthern_dave. Feel free to post every once in a while too.

Dave, I knew you were hiding a primo blue berry spot. I haven't seen to many around here either, and we usually get a good amount. Raspberrys are a way behind too.

Is that log pile all from clearing for the camp?

I went to my cardiologist yesterday for the year since the surgery check up.He said I was fat,lazy,of low moral character and in good health and the get the hell out of his office until this time next year.He also took me off of three medications and changed two to generics.I was very heartened with his exam.I felt great and I feel even better now.
Dave,good weekend report.The ladies ARE to be congratulated for their work.This is going to be a good fall season at Chickenbuck I think.

Stan in SC

Thats great news Stan, glad to hear it.

Tzone, the log pile is from stripped tops & ends that weren't of interest to area loggers. We went last winter to a couple of different logging sites close to camp after they had moved out & we loaded a small trailer with a few loads of these odd lengths for forewood.

It's great because they have been shot through the limber & they are on the ground in manageable lengths. The other thing is that most varies from pop can diameter to.. about coffee can diameter so no splitting is necessary, it will all fit in the wood stove.

note the attire of the young lumber jane. see how everybody else has jeans, shoes, t-shirts....
sensible light outdoor work attire?

arrrrggg.

" lumber jacks & ... janes? "

They calles them LumberJills at the local woodsman's field days here.

http://lumberjills.com/bio.html

Them girls can make some sawdust , or wood chips with the best of them.

Great news Stan.

Latest from Africa is that son continues to improve and they may find out Friday when they can return to the states. Not to be outdone, my DIL sent us the following bit of news yesterday:

"With Todd's improved status, we took a drive today to a local game reserve about 15 minutes from Port Elizabeth. Todd very much welcomed the change of scenery (as did I). We enjoyed a nice, quiet drive through the bush and took quite a few pictures of zebra, impala, warthog, wildebeest, amongst other animals. Unfortunately, after today's outing, I'm sad to report that Todd won't be the only one heading back to the States with stitches....

The park we visited has a large cheetah project. As part of the program visitors can go in and visit with the park's tame cheetahs. I figured it was a once in a life time opportunity and jumped at the chance. (Not that Todd hasn't put me through enough excitement the last few weeks!) After about 5 minutes of playing with two cubs (about 1 1/2 years old and almost full grown) I knelt down to take a picture with the park's more mature cat, Duma. Just as the park ranger was taking a picture, one of the cubs thought it would be a good time to play with Duma. However, the cub didn't care that I was in between him and his playmate. A long story made short, about an hour and a half later, I left the nearby hospital with a gash in my forehead, 12 stitches in my ear, a cut and several scratches to my arm, and a torn shirt."

Originally Posted by northern_dave

note the attire of the young lumber jane. see how everybody else has jeans, shoes, t-shirts....
sensible light outdoor work attire?

arrrrggg.

Yeah but, those other type of clothes don't let you get a good tan Dave!

Hey, at least she worked right?

Dave, do they hire out? We could use some help cutting fire wood for camp next spring.

Mrs ND would do it just to help or just because she likes that kind of work. She likes the chainsaw.

The one with the green shorts, she'd throw firewood for as long as you could keep a camera focused on her.

Thanks for the update !!!
Dang kids trying to one up each other and make sure they both come home with some stories and scars to back them up

Continued prayers for both of them that they both make it home safe and sound .

Runs a chain saw, probably drives the tractor too. Sounds like you have the perfect women Dave.

Thx Phil.

So , Mr , Mrs , Northern Dave and family , that 4k post mile marker is creeping up quick . Any plans for a mile marker post ?

I've been enjoying the virtual opportunity to visit camp chickenbuck for a while now , and thought I'd make a point to say thank you Dave for starting this thread , in memory of your best friend , building and growing the camp and family ties , and sharing it all here with us folks on the other side of some computer screen.
Amazing ( well not really to me ) the quality of folks that gravitate to and share both in the hard work as well as the fun parts of
" Birth of a deer camp "

ps . and if you tell anyone I got all sappy I'll head over there and shoot ol' forky toes myself and hang him up on your deer hanging rack.

I dare ya phil......

Umm , dang , I just got a vision in my head of Mrs.ND and Weezy chasing me down if i were to take you up on that dare

I politely retract my statement re. coming out there and shooting ol' forky toes.

The rest of my post still stands .

Post 3967 3968 and counting

well someone's got to shoot the old bastard before the wolves get him.

Might as well be you phil.... less yer chicken one of the lumbergirls will show you up.....

(lord knows they'll show me up

)

I'm tellin ya...he's gonna get shot by the tzone stand.

That thing has serious good juju.

Never seen that stand in the woods,(yet), but that is where Forky Toes will meet his match. I just don't know if I have the guts to pass him up when he walks by me this year.

Hes the kind of buck that "was created by god....for outdoor magazines."

well, fresh batteries in the trail cam so with any luck we'll get a look at more than just his tracks real soon.

Ahhhh,the "Balad of Forkytoes" sounds a wee bit like "Dueling Banjos" or perhaps "Ghost Riders in the sky".

To the Tune of Ghost Riders:
An old deer hunter walking out,one cold and wintry day.
At Tzone stand he hunted while he went upon his wayyyyyyyy.
When all at once a mighty deer named Forkytoes he saw.
Sneaking thru the timber and across a little draw.

Heck,I may have to reprint my original poem"The Black Buck" here.

Stan in SC

Ooops,double post.

Stan in SC

i've never seen such a rediculous track as that damn forky toe buck leaves.

you can lay a beer can down next to his track & it's the same overall length & width.

with the toes splayed out like bunny ears.

have a look at this.

[Linked Image]

guess where I'll be this weekend?

show of hands, who thinks I need this thing parked out at the chickenbuck??

[Linked Image]

Did ya bought it ?? or still thinkin' about it ?

"no sugar tonight in my coffee..."

If you could see me, you'd note that my hand is raised.

Originally Posted by tzone

If you could see me, you'd note that my hand is raised.

If you could see me...I'd be shakin' my fist at all that are raising their hands...

DOH !! I can see it now and it ain't a fist she's shaking

All in good nature d fun Mrs Nd I hope that when the swelling goes down and Dave's eyes can open again we can get some cool pics of your new camp chicken buck chariot .

I'll stop [Linked Image]

now

and go [Linked Image]

Let me know when I'm no longer grounded so I can go outside and play in a really cool old jeep

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by tzone

If you could see me, you'd note that my hand is raised.

If you could see me...I'd be shakin' my fist at all that are raising their hands...

Oh NO!!!!

That isn't what I ment when I said "feel free to post".

Mrsnortherndave.....SHOTGUN!, for the first ride anyway.

oh crap.

Fine...how about one of these then.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

sweet.

My hands up too. Bet Weezy voted more than once.

Tom, is that a van or pickup? My dad had one of the original vans. If I remember right it only had 85 HP. Totally gutless.

dang Jeep is sold.

the seller finaly returned my call

wasn't meant to be.

but I aint told Pam that yet, she still thinks I'm going to buy it tomorrow.

Kinda like that .338 last year.

Thing is...if you buy a vehicle to leave at Chickenbuck then you will just about HAVE to build a garage for it.

Stan in SC

P.S. Sorry Mrs ND but my hand was up.

Stan in SC

Stan...we're all in trouble, you know that right?

Dang Stan, now we all have to find another place to hide from Pam.

I'm gonna hide in that Willys. She'll be too mad to even look at that thing.

Crap...I gave away my spot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ok guys, time to revisit the idea of paneling the inside of the shack with tongue & groove boards or old barn wood or something. I have talked about this old barn wood, actually what I found was a pile of old tongue & groove boards that were taken from an old impliment sales building in my area. building was taken apart over 50 years ago I think, building was very old when it was taken apart so the boards are likely over a hundred years old. I went last night & looked at those boards again. I took a few short sample pieces home & washed them off in the bathtub real quick with a scrub brush, let them dry & snapped them together to get an idea what the walls would look like.

what do you guys think? Should I do it?

[Linked Image]

close up

Dave, I know this is from deep in the "deer camp" forum,(don't ask

) but have you done anything with the interior yet?

You know what might look sweet? Use tin on the walls, like a wains coating, trim it out with the old boards, then put the old boards above the tin on the walls. Just plain old galvinazied tin would give it a rustic look, but colored like the roof would be cool, espically if you have some left over.

Maybe not the whole shack like that, kitchen/lounging area.

Definitly use the boards in some fashion. Lots of options

I have a 20' car hauler trailer filled about 5' high with those boards out in the yard at home. I really want to get something done with that.

Good news out of Africa, sons cardiologist has cleared him to fly beggining next Friday (7/31). They'll be working with their insurance company and travel agent Monday to get things set up.

We will most likely leave next Wednesday or Thursday.

thats great Bill, thanks for letting us know.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Definitly use the boards in some fashion. Lots of options

Dave, not just "yes" on the boards, but " HELL YES!"
Bill; good news from your sector...thanks for keeping us up on it..
Ingwe

I'll bring the nailers up...

Excellent news Bill. That must mean things ran smoothly at the elephant park?

gee willickers, I am gone for a day and 4 pages break out. I for one, Mrs. ND, didnt have my hand raised a'tall (which is cuz I didnt know about it til now, but that is a meaningless detail).

We are getting closer to the home building project. We have pretty got the builder set to go (in mid-August). Close on the lot next Thurs (after 2 delays).

Biggest question I am mulling right now is this...should i put in-floor heat in the garage? It will cost me around $3000 to do it. The garage is a big garage (1424 sq feet). Or i could go with a natural gas heater that hangs from the ceiling for around $5 hunnert. Thoughts? Show of hands? (Remember Mrs ND, I voted with you on Willy the Jeep).

bring em man!!!

I'm heading there now!!

You don't screw around on this house building do you? Quick work.

As much as I love "in floor" heat, unless your going to use your garage as a working shop, or in there a lot. I'd probaly skip it due to cost. But if you're looking for a way to burn 3K and you have the scrath. Absolutely! It flat out rocks.

Save me some, I'll bring 'em when I come up.

Tom, the elephant park happens this weekend so we're not off the hook yet.

I am struggling myslef with the concept of "...unless you are going to be in there a lot". I think I am. as the boys get older, I see all kinds of ATV, snowmobiles, etc in there getting worked on. Skinning a few deer perhaps. I think the kids will play in there all winter long riding bikes and such. I have it set up so the in-floor would be using off-peak electricity, so it will be cheap to heat. having said all that, an extra $2500 (remember, it will cost $500 to do the natural gas heater) is certainly a big some of money to me. The head scratching continues.....

If you plan on this being your house for quite some time, I'd say go for it.

My step dad has it in his cabinet shop and swears by it. It is very efficent, energy wise.

floor heat is the shizzle, mama says so.

lemme tell ya it was a damn good weekend!

We picked berries:

[Linked Image]

we chilled out with the camp dog:

[Linked Image]

we tackled the wood pile.. big time.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1082.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1083.jpg[/img]

couple of young bucks on the trail cam

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1067.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1040.jpg[/img]

and some good ole fashioned driving practce...

[Linked Image]

What's that kid drinkin'???

Ingwe

Originally Posted by ingwe

What's that kid drinkin'???

Ingwe

My first thought as well.

Tackled the wood pile...you sacked that SOB! You gotta save some of that for 'ol tzone man.

Berries looked pretty good. We had fresh blue berries on ice cream for desert today. Guess who had seconds.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by ingwe

What's that kid drinkin'???

Ingwe

My first thought as well.

Looks like one of "us"...

Ingwe

and some good ole fashioned driving practce...

[Linked Image]

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Well, It looks like he has the beer pop can hand down right. Way to go "Runs with Scissors".

Next, you'll have to teach him to drive with his knee so he can hold the can and have his arm around his "honey" an the same time.

Quote

Well, It looks like he has the beer pop can hand down right. Way to go "Runs with Scissors".

Next, you'll have to teach him to drive with his knee so he can hold the can and have his arm around his "honey" an the same time.

Wellll....DUH!

Ingwe

I went to a gun show Saturday.Did a little trading and selling and came home with a Taurus "Tracker",4" barrel,stainless steel in .44 magnum.I sold a .44 special.Now I have the .44 mag option if I want and I have stainless rather than blue.A good companion to my Ruger Super Redhawk although the Ruger wears glasses..44 magnum is my all time favorite best all around revolver caiber there is.
Dave,great pictures of camp.Man,you guys DECIMATED that wood pile.A good weekend at Camp Chickenbuck.That's what it is all about.Thank you for posting that.

Stan in SC

Oh it's just a sprite can, but I knew it would get your guys attention.

Stan; You should like that Taurus Tracker...that size gun fits into most S&W "K" frame leather, so its easy to find a holster you like...I had to wet my holster down and mold it around that Rhomboid lug on the tracker, but it was easy enough to come up with good leather for the gun.Nice handy size...you oughta like it!....

Sprite. Yeah, right!

Ingwe

Great pictures Dave.

What the heck happened to that saw? Did it go through a fire?

Good job RWS. Dirt road, a truck and a boy, priceless.

Son received his official walking papers today. They've notified their travel insurance company to make their reservations for the trip home. We'll most likely leave for Portland this Thursday with a stopover in Yellowstone.

that saw looks a little rough but she's a worker!! Dusty's saw, he bought it many years ago from his uncle who cut with it out in the woods for years before Dusty bought it. It's a good saw, got real good lugging power even at low RPM.

my jonsred turbo crapped out on us, recoil busted.

i have a little saw work myself coming up. We have to take down about 18 oak trees where the house will go.

That buck is gonna be fairly decent. For some reason, as soon as I saw him, I thought of Weezy. I predict, right here and now, that Weezy is gonna take that bad boy down this year.

great news on the son coming home Griz, he will be a lot more comfortable here. I gotta believe in addition to the stress of the medical issues, you always wonder just what kinda care you are gonna get outside the US.

Those jonsred's are nice saws, but they give me nightmares. I had to use one about 10 years ago to clear property lines when I was first hired out of college. I swear that thing was a V-8. It must have weighed 100lbs.

I loved to blow that thing in to a million tiny parts....a big ol jonsred explosion, POW, BANG, POP! all over that stinking subdivision. Oh, yeah, thats better.

I have a Stil now, and it cuts way more that a saw like that should. It is only a 250, or 025 or what ever they call the damn thing.

Great news Grizz. I'm guessing you're going to have on happy little boy on your trip too.

Yellowstone is on my list of "to do's" with my kids. My wife doesn't want to do it, so it may be only 3 of us.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

.

That buck is gonna be fairly decent. For some reason, as soon as I saw him, I thought of Weezy. I predict, right here and now, that Weezy is gonna take that bad boy down this year.

Yeah, that first buck looked pretty dang nice I thought. Get 'em Weezy! Get him like heck.

I dub thee "Weezy Buck".

Yellowstone just got scrapped. DIL just called, they're arriving in Portland early Sunday afternoon. We can't leave till Thursday so we'll have to head direct to Portland. We'll get there Saturday evening.

What's the drive time Bill?

Was muskie fishing w/ FIL yesterday in Villas Co. Tzone 0, Muskies 1. We fished the hell out of 'em and saw 1 fish in 7 hours. Long day.

Bill, good news on the son. Sounds like he got excellent care and is rebounding well. Sounds like the ND crew has camp chores well at hand. The truck pic was great...it was missing the keg hose running thru the back sliding window but that can be worked on...lol. Guess till then the Sprite can will work. We are still doing well on the walleyes here on the Bay..but this is fast turning into the summer that wasn't. We have recorded the coldest July in history here but i think the upper Lakes region is all in the same boat. Nice to catch up on this thread again.

Have Fun All!
Scott

1,957 miles, 3 days of driving if we take 94 Tom.

We're staying for 2 weeks because our son can not drive yet. Sounds like there's going to be a big welcome home contingent at the airport to greet them.

Keep trying for them skis, you'll win the battle one of these days.

Griz,
Have a safe trip.I'm happy that everything has worked out ok for your son.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I dub thee "Weezy Buck".

Did everyone forget about Ma???

Bill,
Glad to hear your son is coming home! Also glad to hear he's on the mend.
Now I'm done posting for another 20 pages or so.
Mrs. ND

Great news Bill !!!!
Here's to a safe , long over due trip home !!

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. Three fun filled days on the road with a 4 year old.

Git-r-done Bill!!

Tzone,
I fished Vilas county once. I was there with a guy who grew up there and became a muskie-aholic. We didnt catch anything big, but caught quite a few. Did you try by the dam by Manitowish Waters? That is where we spanked them. Cast right into the big turbulent current coming out from the dam.

Bill,
A little car-travleing trick....4 years might be a little young, but it might work. Get a roll of quarters (or something else he likes...suckers?) and then challenge him to things and when he finds a red truck or a cow give him one.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bill,
A little car-travleing trick....4 years might be a little young, but it might work. Get a roll of quarters (or something else he likes...suckers?) and then challenge him to things and when he finds a red truck or a cow give him one.

Or just give him a Tylenol PM when you head out each day....

Ingwe

Mrs. ND,I thought Olf Forkytoes was marked for you and that lil ol young buck in the picture would be a good start for Weezy.

Stan in SC

Jeez Dave,NOW you've done it.I WAS on her good side.

bad man!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Mrs. ND,I thought Olf Forkytoes was marked for you and that lil ol young buck in the picture would be a good start for Weezy.

Stan in SC

Jeez Dave,NOW you've done it.I WAS on her good side.

hey man, you did it!

you have to be very clear & specific when comunicating with the women folk, you know that better than I do Stan!

Nice recovery tho... very smooooth

BM, Could idea, we'll try it. He has his DVD player so that helps keep him occupied too. By-the-Way we'll be passing by Alex sometime Thursday. If you happen to see a gray Mazda Tribute on 94 with Oregon plates that would be us.

Ingwe, I was temped to get childrens Benadryl. Doctors even recommend it for traveling with young children on planes.

Griz, wave when you go by! but forgive me if i dont stake out the freeway looking for ya.

Tonite we are off planting a food plot. The lil girl is excited to go to the (this is her term and it is no where near as sexy as "Camp Chickenbuck"....) Hunting Deer Land. She will get to ride on the four wheeler and run around. I will try and take a few pics if i can remember. I dont know how ND remembers the camera all the time.

Holy buckets! I had 12 pages to catch up on. Good think I have an hour for lunch!

Glad to see everyone is doing well.

Jim

I'm disappointed you're not going to stake out the over pass by fleet farm and watch for us.

Did your daughter win the fishing contest?

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I dub thee "Weezy Buck".

Did everyone forget about Ma???

Heck no we didn't forget about ma...Who do you think is going to shoot 'Ol forky toes?

Originally Posted by ingwe

Or just give him a Tylenol PM when you head out each day....

Ingwe

Funny. My grandma used to give us a road trip "lemon pop". I had one of those lemon pops a few years ago and it had the distinct flavor of rum in it.

Beretta,

I fish up there quit a bit for those ol skis...The lake we go on, well I can't tell you that, my FIL would kill me. But it's a good one. We were behind that cold front and it was tough fishing. Usually we'll move 5-10 of those old girls. I'll try her again in a few weeks.

I only have about another month to 6 weeks of fishing, then it's time to transition into deer mode.

Gosh its nice to say that.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I dub thee "Weezy Buck".

Did everyone forget about Ma???

Heck no we didn't forget about ma...Who do you think is going to shoot 'Ol forky toes?

Yeah I guess I forgot about good 'ol forky toes...sorry to everyone...I was being, well um...selfish. But actually I'm thinking of 'lending' my nice heated stand to Uncle Dusty and one sweet girl that might hunt with him. She's a real good shot too! Proved that this weekend. I don't mind and would love it if she could shoot something out of there and she'd be warm too. That may just hook her forever.
Runs with scissors hunts this year too so I may be tied up in the cabin with "plays with matches" and its ok. Just fun being out there and watching the camp come alive with every person that comes out there, is good enough for me.
I've waited this long for 'ol forky toes, I can wait another couple years...no big deal.

And just imagine what he'll be like then...whoot!!

forky is a big ole mo-fo. if he's still around you better try to line your sights up on him this fall because he's got to be as big and healthy as he's ever going to get. He may even be on the down hill slide already. Any white tail that leaves tracks the size of a 12 ounce beverage can laying on it's side is as good as we're going to ever encounter with our primitive ways of fair chase without huge scientific food plots & growth enhancing minerals dumped by the ton, high fences etc.

I've been chasing deer in MN forest areas for quite a few years. I've never seen a deer leave a track like this guy does. Left to right he puts em apart wide & the stride is long. At a relaxed gate, simple walking the toes splay out & the dewclaws lay in hard on fairly firm ground. He leaves a deep track where average deer float on top barely leaving there print.

He�s a big deer, the boys & I think we got the headlights on him once last winter during black powder season. The smoke poles were put away at the cabin & we were leaving the chickenbuck to go and visit another camp. On our way out of chickenbuck we spotted a couple of deer. I had to back the truck up & swing the headlight beams through the trees until we got a light beam on his body. He never showed his head but he wasn�t your average run of the mill deer like the little bucks I showed early this week from my trail cam. He was a hog, he never showed us his head though. It was just sort of a teaser appearance.

We have lots of stands and we have lots of people to take turns watching our youngest back at the cabin.

I know I speak for the entire chickenbuck clan when I say �Pam, just shut up & hunt.�

I see the deer fever is starting to set in. Boy, were they out last nite! We counted over 20 when working on the food plot. 1 big buck and 1 small 8. Oh, and i forgot to take any pictures. Dadgumit!

Nope, she didnt win the contest. She was tied for the Season lead, then a kid caught one quite a bit bigger. Oh, well, she got her picture in the paper and it is on the fridge right now. She is pretty proud of that.

Too bad she didn't win, but getting her picture in the paper is a pretty big deal too.

Do I get to come back if I shoot him?

mrsnortherndave....in the cabin might not be the best place to watch "plays with matches". With an indian name like that, outside might be a better place.

might even take him to a stand with me for a bit this year... maybe ground blind for a bit.

Ground blind might be a better idea. He can move around a lot more, and he will move around. If he falls from a blind, it's 2 feet.

I brought a book for "mini man" to play with when we went trukey hunting, but he wanted to shoot stuff with his "stick gun" and had more fun doing it. Never took the book from my pocket.

Gents,
I have a friend who is looking to sell an old Ford. I remember the old Ford conversations we had here awhile back, so I thought I would post this for him to see if anyone was interested.

"Anyone interested in this pickup. It's my dad's and he has two other cars so he hasn't driven it since last fall. It's in ok shape few bangs here and there but little if any rust (was kept inside all it's life. It has a 360 with three on the tree. Around 110,000 miles (maybe 117,000) I'm thinking around $750 or so. Let me know if anyone is interested or knows of someone who may be interested."

What year, 4x4 or 2x4, does it run?

I may be interested, the motor doesn't turn my crank (pun intended), but that can be changed.

with 360 i'd guess it's in that 68-72 vintage & with three in the tree I'd guess 2 wheel drive?

I am looking for a cheap 68-72 vintage with a decent body as a donor truck, don't need to run, don't even need a title.... cause i'm going to do bad things to it... very bad things... (evil laugh)

What are you going to do?

I wouldn't mind one either, I need front disc, which I think started in 73, power brake booster, crap like that. Most of which I can get a junk yard, or swap meet.

Haven't looked that hard, because I don't need them right now, but if the oppertunity is a knockin'...

i just need the body & what ever spare parts may be useful from it...

so i'm gonna strip it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i just need the body & what ever spare parts may be useful from it...

so i'm gonna strip it.

Yer a stripper

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i just need the body & what ever spare parts may be useful from it...

so i'm gonna strip it.

You puttin' on the plow truck chassis/drive train?

Hey...I stapled a wood tick. I'm feeling evil today, and now a little crawly.

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that's nice shoot'n Tom.

yes for the plow truck

That plow truck could use a nice FE in it. Of course the what you have now is more better than a 360. I never saw the boner people got for the 360, a 352 gets better milage w/ same HP, a 390 beats it all around, with probably better milage as well.

well actually the ole yellow gal sports a 360 from the factory & thats still what she's got. She does really good too. the power is more than the truck can put to the ground, dual plane edelbrock intake, Q-jet spread bore 4 barrel... she's got a strong cam, unsure on the comp ratio but I really like the motor. I'll snap a pic for ya & post... it's been a while since I shined the engine up.... oh wait, i don't think it's ever been shined up

and it is an FE... it's just the fe that slipped through the history cracks

Originally Posted by northern_dave

forky is a big ole mo-fo. if he's still around you better try to line your sights up on him this fall because he's got to be as big and healthy as he's ever going to get. He may even be on the down hill slide already. Any white tail that leaves tracks the size of a 12 ounce beverage can laying on it's side is as good as we're going to ever encounter with our primitive ways of fair chase without huge scientific food plots & growth enhancing minerals dumped by the ton, high fences etc.

I've been chasing deer in MN forest areas for quite a few years. I've never seen a deer leave a track like this guy does. Left to right he puts em apart wide & the stride is long. At a relaxed gate, simple walking the toes splay out & the dewclaws lay in hard on fairly firm ground. He leaves a deep track where average deer float on top barely leaving there print.

He�s a big deer, the boys & I think we got the headlights on him once last winter during black powder season. The smoke poles were put away at the cabin & we were leaving the chickenbuck to go and visit another camp. On our way out of chickenbuck we spotted a couple of deer. I had to back the truck up & swing the headlight beams through the trees until we got a light beam on his body. He never showed his head but he wasn�t your average run of the mill deer like the little bucks I showed early this week from my trail cam. He was a hog, he never showed us his head though. It was just sort of a teaser appearance.

We have lots of stands and we have lots of people to take turns watching our youngest back at the cabin.

I know I speak for the entire chickenbuck clan when I say �Pam, just shut up & hunt.�

I can verify that. I was one of the "boys" who saw the "moose with the white tail"

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey...I stapled a wood tick. I'm feeling evil today, and now a little crawly.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Shaun's gonna be PI$$ED!!

Runs with scissors here...checking into Camp Chickenbuck thread for the first time.

Welcome , nice to have ya here RWS

runswithscissors,
I am glad you joined in.Please be here often.
Your dad needs watching.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey...I stapled a wood tick. I'm feeling evil today, and now a little crawly.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Shaun's gonna be PI$$ED!!

I was wondering who was gonna be the first to mention that. It was either staple him to the note pad, or my thigh...:)

For some reason I was thinking you had a 400 in her. Do you like that Q-jet? That is Chevy carb isn't it?

Yours seems to be working for you. I had 2 different trucks with a 360 in them, and they just didn't do it for me...however, they were both 2 barrel, stock motors. I had a 390 2v in a 76 f150 and it was a night and day difference.

If I'm not mistaken...the 360 is a 352 with a 390 crank right?

Oh yeah, nice pics. I like the valve covers.

Hey! Nice to finally hear from you RWS!!!!

Looked like a pretty nice piece of driving you did there last weekend.

You'll be a pro in no time. You must have liked it, you were smiling like heck.

i'll be damned. see what happens when I go work out in the shop for a bit? dang ole RWS sneekin in here

Glad you signed on boy, I take it your mom helped you with your account. I'll hook you up with an avatar.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Runs with scissors here...checking into Camp Chickenbuck thread for the first time.

Hey RWS! 'bout time! What took you so long? Have your read the whole thread up to this point?

working on more details on the '70 Ford. That year was a good vintage I hear....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Runs with scissors here...checking into Camp Chickenbuck thread for the first time.

Hey RWS! 'bout time! What took you so long? Have your read the whole thread up to this point?

thats a fine idea rooster, boy could use some reading time, this would keep him busy for 6 months

Originally Posted by Berettaman

working on more details on the '70 Ford. That year was a good vintage I hear....

Yeah you'd better still be checking on the details...for some reason I'm getting 'truck fever'.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Yeah you'd better still be checking on the details...for some reason I'm getting 'truck fever'.

Who are you & what have you done with my wife?

Nevermind, stick around... nice to meet you.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

working on more details on the '70 Ford. That year was a good vintage I hear....

Yeah you'd better still be checking on the details...for some reason I'm getting 'truck fever'.

ahh oh.

Okay, I have a few more details. I hope this will scratch the itch for a moment or two, Mrs ND (or whoever you are...?

.) This is his response:

I will have my brother take some pictures. Yes, it does/did run when he parked it last fall. It is a simple F-100. Two barrel carb, two wheel drive, manual three on the column. It's not perfect (about 10 years ago some drunk banged into the side. Nothing major but left some dents etc on the passenger side). If I remember, there isn't much rust. New heater a couple years ago. It's the old Ford cream or light yellow color. All original paint.

Let me know if you want his phone number and I can hook you guys up. I dont need to be in the middle confusing everyone if there is genuine interest.

Quote

thats a fine idea rooster, boy could use some reading time, this would keep him busy for 6 months grin

Well, that would depend on how much time he spends reading it in a day. I just barely caught up and it took me a little over a month.

This is a great thread (as over 4,000 replies shows) and it has brought together an awesome bunch of people. It was my pleasure to read it all and share in the excitement and adventure of a new deer camp. Least to say, I'm jealous.

Thanks for sharing everyone. It's funny, I have never met any of you, nor spoken with anyone on the phone, nor really had a discussion over the internet and yet I feel like I know this group. Thanks for making this thread an awesome read.

Originally Posted by Azar

Thanks for sharing everyone. It's funny, I have never met any of you, nor spoken with anyone on the phone, nor really had a discussion over the internet and yet I feel like I know this group. Thanks for making this thread an awesome read.

Pretty cool ain't it...I think that is the draw to this thread.

Welcome BTW, to a cool place to swap stories about pretty much anything.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

working on more details on the '70 Ford. That year was a good vintage I hear....

Yeah you'd better still be checking on the details...for some reason I'm getting 'truck fever'.

Hey Ma! How about JEEP FEVER?!

I'm thinking about getting rid of the Graaand Wagoneeeer to get $$ to fix my wheeler. 360 4bbl Holly. SelecTrac 4wd. Will go through about pert near anything that old shack road can dish out. I'll sell it for what I got into it....

Although, "the boys" mama might get mad. She sure enuff like "cruising" in that beast!

Welcome Azar! Glad to have ya!

Welcome Azar & thanks for the kind words.

I'm off to the camp tonight for some much needed relaxation, you see I was just brutally hosed by a local auto repair shop and I'm quite angry about it. I usually do all my own repairs but trusted this shop with one simple little job... and they hosed me.

i need to go to a happy place to cool off.

You all have a great weekend, I'll try to take some picks of our weekend.

Dave

Welcome Azar and RWS.

Made it to Portland Saturday at 6:30 PM. Temps in the mid 90's.

Son and DIL are scheduled to arrive this afternoon.

Berettaman, where were you at 11:30 last Thursday? We stopped at Alex and had lunch at Perkins.

I have so many nice things to tell you all, pictures & such... also very tired.

Soon I post.

Welcome back dave...can't wait to see the pics. Very tired here too. Been trying to stay awake since 5:30. Can't go to bed before the kiddos though.

blue

berries.....

Just had blueberry ice cream.

taught hunters safety on Sat. Got up early today to fish a new lake that I never see anybody on....so I got it in my head that it must be full of fish since nobody fishes it...

Now I know why there's no one on it.

Skunked, zip, nada, zilch. Two weeks in a row.

Well we went exploring & found some crazy stuff. These Mushroom/flower things being one

[Linked Image]

check this guy out

next time you are having a bad day.. think about this tiny frog & what he faces every day.

[Linked Image]

this frog is doing good to get through the day!

[Linked Image]

berries!!

it aint a good year but we still found some berries.

we um, did other stuff too... i'm too tired for words so I'll just put up the pics & let them speak for themselves

lunch
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the booty. we done good.

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some wild flowers.

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ole man behind the ruger.

[Linked Image]

other stuff.

[Linked Image]

more stuff...

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More...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1209.jpg[/img]

Old saw, new saw, both 65 cc jonsered saws.

[Linked Image]

bonfire

weezy-mama

[Linked Image]

weezy-dady

[Linked Image]

weezy taters.. (can't believe we got work out of her)

i had to use red eye fixer on weezy's pics... not for me or pam... but wow, crazy redness for her..... whats that all about??

I mean... what?

this is morning... normnal morning.. blueberry pancakes.

[Linked Image]

and this is what Joe does in the morning... pee off a rock...

[Linked Image]

Dave, the pic of Weezy cutting taters gave me a real longing to be in a place where kitchen utensils come from a leather belt sheath.

It all looks better than good. Steelheads got nothing on ya.

Looks like a great weekend.Is that rock now dubbed "Preacher's Rock"?
Did you get any trail cam pictures?

Stan in SC

There are some new trail cam pics but just does & fawns this time.

wow it was a great weekend but I'm just shot! Need a day to rest up from our weekend

Here's some berry pickers hard at work.

[Linked Image]

A little boy exploring, he found a tiny frog that he had on this stick.

[Linked Image]

excercising the new saw on some tamarack.

[Linked Image]

nothing like a new full chisel chain.

[Linked Image]

a couple of happy campers.

[Linked Image]

that looks like a happy camper.

Quote

wow it was a great weekend but I'm just shot! Need a day to rest up from our weekend

You can often measure the quality of a vacation by how much time you need to recover from it.

aint that the truth!

Wow Dave, looks like a blast in the woods over the weekend. I need to stay home from the lake so we can come out and visit one night again. its always fun at daves house. its been so long since i've visited here, to much time in the boat this summer or something. Time to get ready for open season again!!

Looks like a great weekend all around!

come on out & bring that goofy lester with you.

we were talking about you guys this past weekend.

all good ya know.

Lester and I had a little party to go on. We were on the leanord C at Sportsmans lodge Saturday night. and then He finished the night out at the Wigwam. I went to the cabin alot earlier than he made it home. I mentioned it to him this morning and he said those Flying critters could be pretty bad out at your place this year. We'll have to check on them!

Well Griz,
At 1130 on Thurs I was eating lunch at the kitchen table. Nice of you to share some of those big dollars of yours with my community!

At 2 on Thurs though, we closed on our lot. Full steam ahead with the house project now....kinda. We start digging in a month. I gotta get rid of some trees first. Hey, ND, I am wishin' I had a fancy new chain saw like that to take on some trees. I will try printing yours out and see if that works.

Had to go to the cities for a wedding and after being gone a month, yanno, I hate going there already!

I cant find my trail camera! Doggone it, i have no idea where it is. It must be in one of our storage trailers, but i cant find it. And there is all kinds of volunteer clover in front of my stand this year. I will keep looking.

Hey, does anyone or has anyone ever hunted deer outta a ground blind? One of those you buy? I have a perfect spot for one methinks, overlooking all that clover. Just wondering how they work and if they spook the deer. Or more importantly, do they spook the big bucks. Two different concepts, I know.

I don't know anything about "big bucks" but i keep trying to learn every year

but the ground blinds are pretty slick.

I have a friend that set up in an open field a few years ago with his ground blind during black powder season. He had a bunch of deer in the field but they were too far away. He had a pop up dome ground blind, they don't have a floor ya know...

So, he picked it up an inch or 2 with his rifle slung on his shoulder & he crept in to range with that ground blind, pick it up, take a few stepsm set it down

He got a deer too!!, he laughes about that all the time, sounds like something wiley coyote from bugs bunny cartoons would do.

Nice bunch of blue berries Dave. I'm going to try and find some black berries while I'm out here. Looks like the family had a great weekend.

Ha, that is a great idea! And it would work here too I bet. I might try and pick one up cheap some where. Plus, I could bring the girl out with me if we have a nice evening. Hmmm.

yep i think it would work just fine.

Bill, we don't get no blackberries up here, lots of raspberries though, we might pick some of them next weekend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

and this is what Joe does in the morning... pee off a rock...

[Linked Image]

From that angle...it looks like plays with matches is showing his dis-pleasure for the 4 wheeler.

Smilin' like heck here, nice pics.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, does anyone or has anyone ever hunted deer outta a ground blind? One of those you buy? I have a perfect spot for one methinks, overlooking all that clover. Just wondering how they work and if they spook the deer. Or more importantly, do they spook the big bucks. Two different concepts, I know.

I hunt from one most of the time I hunt. Usualy build them out of native vegitation, logs, pine boughs, ect.

I've used a "store blind" but not very often. If you're going to use manufactured one, I'd put it up plenty early, and maybe even "brush" it in with whatever is near the spot you pick.

If you hunt durring the rut, I think you could put a tiger out there and it wouldn't scare the bucks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bill, we don't get no blackberries up here, lots of raspberries though, we might pick some of them next weekend.

The ditches were silly with raspberries, where I was working today.

Plenty of bear poop too.

northern dave;
I absolutely love the photos of your recent deer camp outing Dave.

It�s nice to see what the other parts of the world look like where my cyber friends live and since I don�t travel too much, it could well be the only way I get to see them.

It�s always great to see any family activities in the outdoors, so another well done from me Dave!

Thanks again, your posts helped make my day yet again.

Dwayne

I hunt exclusively from a ground blind for the past two years.I just decided the old man didn't belong up a tree.I bought an AAG one from Natchez.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=JVAAG950
They are only $40 and the chair is built in.12 pounds.Set it anywhere.A small shower doesn't bother you.Sleeping is great.I had a doe practically stick her head in the window year before last.Turkeys walk right up to you.I highly recommend them.At that price I bought two.Still got a new one in the box.
On another note,Linda and I have picked figs from our backyard tree till we have too many to eat right now and there's still beacoup figs out there.The birds and squirrels are feasting big time.
Boys and frogs..Hmmmm...a good combination.

Stan

Tzone,
"If you hunt durring the rut, I think you could put a tiger out there and it wouldn't scare the bucks."

That is what I used to think. Then last year, right in the middle of the rut, a big ol' buck comes running across this field. I had strategically parked my ATV away from where I wanted them to go into the woods I was hunting. Sure enough, he saw my ATV and he hated it. Looked at it, stopped, looked some more....and veered way around it. It ALMOST worked to perfection as he went in right exactly where I wanted him too. But then he turned not a step too late and went the wrong way. Dad watched him interact with the ATV and said he will NEVER believe that a parked ATV doesnt interfere with big bucks.

I think I will buy something, I will look at Stan's recommendation. Most of it is field so, it may be hard to conceal.

I hunt from the ground too Stan. I bought one of the Ameristep one man blinds about 5 years ago. It worked ok for the first few days, but than we got some freezing rain and it collapsed from the weight. The frame just wasn't strong enough.

I've gone back to natural materials.

Setting up in the absolute middle of a field is no problem.It just looks like a big brush pile.You do not have 360 vision.180 is the best you can do.I still like them despite that.You just set up facing where you figure the deer are moving.
Back in April in turkey season I had three hens come from behind me.Two went on one side of my blind and one on the other.They stopped right in front of me about 20 feet away and never realized I was there.
Hearing something behind you and not being sure what it is makes your nerves stand on end.
At any rate the ground blinds have their applications.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think I will buy something, I will look at Stan's recommendation. Most of it is field so, it may be hard to conceal.

Then I would recommend putting it out a week or two before season, and I think you'll be fine.

the good thing about those, Beretta, is if your careful, you can put a heater in them.

a heater? A HEATER? Heaters are for sissies! I ain't puttin' no stinkin' heater in my deer stand, what are you, from Florida or Alabama or Texas or Wisconsin or sumtin?

Actually, that is a great idea if'n I bring the girl out. For me, I am used to a portable, so just keeping the wind off me would be a treat.

Can you get ones with a 360 view? I think I would need that.

No heaters for this MN boy. I just live here, not from here.

The blind I use for turkey hunting is called a Tom Taker, by Ameristep. You can see 360. It has various windows and openings you can open or not, depends on what you want. I think it was $110 at Fleet Farm. Gander wanted $150 for them.

It is a newer fabric that isn't as noisy when it's cold out, similar to a double bull, but not as heavy duty.

A bit of a warning though, they are not as water proof as they look. They'll shed some water, but if it is in a steady rain, eventully you'll get wet.

Double Bulls are the shizt but they are SPENDY! But HEY! Berrettaman has a construction loan I'm thinkin. He can stock up on all kinds of neat hunting stuff now!

Ill swish in with one of my favorite ground blind materials. Cammo fleece. Buy it at the wallyworld. about a yard and a half. Packs light as a feather, and it hangs from branches with ease. you can get it to hang from just about anything,like tree bark. just enough to beak my outline or let me move around a little.

My hunk of fleece has become a "always with me" item while deer hunting.

Also use it as a seat on the ground or on stand, blanket if I get cold legs. head or neck wrap , padding for your drag rope, cut a piece off for bumm wipe. Bla bla bla...seven dollars for a beer!?...Im going to bed.

ha, yes, Berettaman has a construction loan, but it is not to be used for hunting stuff! Mama says so and I aint gonna go against Mama.

First work on the lot tonite; we sprayed thistles. Tomorrow we stake out the house. baby steps.

Camo fleece. Hmmm. That would work good in a woods, but how to make that work in the middle of a prairie/grassland?

Check out some of that burlap. comes in camo. Get the pattern tht matches the field you hunt. Use some fence posts and wrap it around, wire to the posts...voila, a blind. Its like 15 bucks for a bunch of it. gander, fleet, walmart, they all have it. You could make two of them for a few different wind directions.

We started the bard board washing tonight, pics in the morn.

hey swish, good of you to stop in.

I like that tip.

creator of the chickenbuck & flying bear holding down the load of boards we are working out of.

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I am doing most of the spraying myself but Runswithscissors wanted to give it a try, he did a good job too.

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here's what our stack of cleaned boards is looking like. it's really piling up & we've hardly made a dent in that trailer load. I think we've got plenty, more than enough to do the cabin.

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close up.

I'll try to get a picture of the boards dry maybe tonight.

Hey Dave, that'll look good at the cabin. Get that addition on and do the inside with that too. Was out and about last night on the ranger checking my deer stands and getting the low down on where i wanted the shooting lanes cut. They're actually more like sight lanes in the crp. It was a nice night out and we saw a lot of deer around as well. should be a dandy season again. those boards look great. I've been t&g at the lake. Fun stuff to do.

I actually thought of the burlap deal, but it isnt really portable. I was thinking about hanging some burlap on the side of the blind to make it more realistic.

I huse the hunters specialties camo cloth and or burlap camo out in the dark timber for home made ground blinds, I like it, quick & easy.

Word of warning though.

Whatever blind you decide on, hang a visible piece of bright orange on all sides if you're rifle hunting. The orange you have on does you no good sitting in a blind. And a hunter 300 yards away is not likely to recognize the blind.

Just a safety tip.

Rooster

this is mandatory in WI on all public lands, optional on private land.

my grandson was looking at the pictures and he wants to know if he can come and play with your boys? he's really impressed with the power washer.

No the fence post isn't real portable. but the way Big Swish does it would work better for portable.

Dave, Those boards look sweet. You going to stain them, clear coat, or nuttin?

My "quick 'n easy" blind is a 4'X7' piece of waterproof camo cloth with a hem sewn in two sides thru which camo parachute cord(12')is run.
Tie it between trees top and bottom and sit behind it on a camo covered inner tube(10").Tyeing it top and bottom prevents it waving in any wind.The blind folds up about the size of a pack of cigarettes and stuffs into the middle of the inner tube cover.
The whole thing snaps on your belt.

Stan in SC

WOW! I haven't been by for a couple weeks and was surprised to be almost 25 pages behind. Griz, glad to see that your son is home and doing well. Also, congratulations to Beretta on the beginning of lot prep for the new digs. Exciting times, as I remember from 19.....!

ND, that is some fine barn board. I used new barn boards from 84 Lumber for our rec room. Rubbed in 3 coats of clear satin polyurethane after nailing it up. In 3 years it had aged to a sharp honey-gold patina. Great backdrop for several mounted deer heads.

Wife and I (and Hershey, the chocolate Lab!) have been spending lots of time at Camp Mental Floss. Cool weather this summer has kept the fishing pretty good right through July. Lots of tasty perch and crappie fillets finding their way to the Fry Daddy! Yum Yum!!!

Tomorrow I'm going to get a Photo Bucket account and try to post some pictures from our camp on here. I'm not very IT-capable but maybe I'll get lucky and figure it out!

Loved the pic of The Preacher watering the "flowers". I believe Camp Chickenbuck has been officially "baptized"! Can I have an "Amen"!?!

Dave, does the picture of Runs-With-Scissors behind the wheel of your truck remind you of your youthful escapades? If so, might I offer my condolences and suggest Pepto-Bismal?

Catch you all later!

Ron

I figure we'll just leave the boards dry & unfinished. they look good now that they've dried. I'll try & post a picture or 2 tonight.

Did you just spray them off, or use a cleaning solution like you would for cleaning a deck?

just plain ole well water fed to a gas powered pressure washer. just enough to blow the dust & bird crap off

(we like rustic, but not that rustic

)

you never know what you might get on those boards at your camp dave once they're up too. you might want to waterproof the bottom half of the wall cause i heard some dandy stories out there. all good though. funny things come in those aluminum cans you know. are you going to put them up at a 45 or something. that would look good. different directions are neat, bevel the ends of it too. really adds a lot of character as well.

i dunno... might just put em horizontal.

they might end up kind of beer stained after a few good jokes & stories

Dave,
Rustic is good too. Just check for carpenter ants and termites. Should be OK after all this time but you never know. Guess I'm a little bit of a worrier but that seems to be a product of age! LOL

I finally got around to creating a Photobucket account and i'm going to try to add some pictures of our camp and some of the jumbo perch I caught this summer. I hope this works!!!

[img]http://photobucket.com/CampMentalFloss[/img]

Ron

Wow! It worked! See ya later. I gotta run out and buy some lottery tickets before my luck changes!

Beer makes a good patina.

T, I wouldn't be smearing beer all over the walls of a deer camp. You'll have more than termites and ants to worry about. LOL

Ron

the boards after drying.

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I've just been informed of a new caliber.... well it's all new.

My youngest boy has intro'd me to the 65-40.

why the hell don't we have a 65-40????

if you get into the berries... eventually you have to try this...

per instructions from dusty:

[Linked Image]

Quote

I've just been informed of a new caliber.... well it's all new.

My youngest boy has intro'd me to the 65-40.

why the hell don't we have a 65-40????

That's a darn good question. Why in the hell don't you have a .65-40? What with swamp squids, flying bears, and chicken bucks abounding in your area, I believe the boy needs a reasonably powerful big bore for protection.

Don't have any critters that dangerous in my neck of the woods, so I'm thinkin' about getting a new one a guy down at the barbershop told me about. Said it was a 7.69 x 32 Russian. Said the Commies developed it during the cold war and it would shoot as far as you could see, and that the cheap commie surplus ammo could penetrate tank armor! Oh yeah, they tumble when they hit flesh, so you don't need soft points to kill deers and such. I gotta get me one!

I believe I'd drive from PA to MN and help put up those boards for a bowl of ice cream and berries like that one in the picture.

Ron

what CAN'T you learn at barber shops???

Ron, those berries & ice cream were great!!

When I was a young man there was a sign in my hometown barber shop that said something to the effect that in that shop there had been more heroic deeds performed,more fish caught,more deer shot and more woman made love to than anyplace else in the world.
The berries and ice cream looked great.They are great in pancakes also.

Stan in SC

Well, the trees are marked for cutting. Kinda a shame to cut down 22 nice oak trees, but there area plenny more. I will post pics soon.

Good thunk on the blaze orange on the blind, I dunno if'n I'd a thunk of that or not.

My dad just took my fifth wheel to WE fest. He got $600 VIP tickets for free. I have never been there, but is sounds like fun.

Lauren was just down at the dock terrorizing the local sunfish population. She sure likes living at the lake. Rained here this morning, a good, gentle, soaking rain. Supposed to be 94 here on Tues, oh, I am not looking forward to that.

Nice Perch! 13 1/2 inches is a nice one! They produce a legit fillet at that size.

ND, you should maybe take a small part of one of dem dar boards and experiment with some stain/clear coatings and see if you like how they look. It will be SOOO much easier to do it before you put them on rather than deciding to do it later.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

if you get into the berries... eventually you have to try this...

per instructions from dusty:

[Linked Image]

Yumm. I've had a bowl of that with my kids about 3 time a week since bb's have been in the stores. Good stuff

well if you can swing a scouting trip in the next few weeks you can sample some of the fresh wild chickenbuck variety.

I'm heading to the market for blueberries tomorrow morning.

It's August already and time to start hanging or repairing deer stands for this year. Here are some pictures from our 2008 archery season and a few velvet bucks from this summer. And yes, the velvet 10point in the first photo is the same deer my son Pat took on opening day last year, as seen in the second photo. The third picture is Pat and I with our opening day bucks taken 15 minutes apart. We were incredibly lucky that day (and incredibly tired by the time those pictures were taken)!

[img]http://photobucket.com/PAbucks[/img]

Ron

Originally Posted by northern_dave

well if you can swing a scouting trip in the next few weeks you can sample some of the fresh wild chickenbuck variety.

hmmm....prolly won't be able to do it until the end of Sept, or 2nd weekend in Oct.

Nice bucks Ron.

Wow!!! This thread is over 200,000 views.It is some kinda record.
It has a life of it's own.Dave,now you know how Dr. Frankenstein felt,eh?
Stan

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

well if you can swing a scouting trip in the next few weeks you can sample some of the fresh wild chickenbuck variety.

hmmm....prolly won't be able to do it until the end of Sept, or 2nd weekend in Oct.

OK, just remember, half the chickenbuck tribe is heading to Colorado for early rifle season on wapiti. We'll probably be gone from about oct 7 through oct 15

holy crap Ron I see that, over 200k views.

wow.

hey I'm gonna post up a couple of those pics from your album, hope you don't mind.

[Linked Image]

very impressive!!!

Good pictures Ray, thanks for sharing. I'm going to have to give it a try someday.

Picked 2 qts of nice sweet blackberries. Sure are good on cereal. Have to pick up some ice cream today.

Heading back to Wisconsin on the 15th.

this aint very nice of me but....

[Linked Image]

you know what that is right?

[Linked Image]

nothing like it, home made blueberry pie with those little wild berries.. wow.

That's some fine eaten Dave. Trying to talk the Mrs into making me a blackberry pie. Lots of blueberries out here too, but the ones we've had so far are a bit on the tart side.

Stan, started looking for rifles for the grandson today. A bit early as he's only 4, but we hope to have him shooting a center fire by the time he's 6.

Checked out the Savage youth model, Ruger Frontier, and Rem model 7 so far.

Is there a youth version of the Handi Rifle?

Griz,All stocks on Handi rifles interchange.You can put on a youth stock now and a full length stock when he gets bigger.
I personally have a model Seven in .308 and if I remember correctly there were youth stocks available for the Model Seven.
I recommend the Handi rifle for a youngster but I would say to stay away from the .243 as they are problematic.Likewise I do not recommend the Rossi "Trifecta" model which has three barrels,.243,.22 and 20 gauge.The .243 is not accurate.I bought one and sold it really quick after shooting it.
The 30-30 in the Handi rifle is good.That is what I bought for one of my grandsons.NEF is offering combos of .357 rifle and 20 gauge or .44 magnum and 12 gauge.The .357/20 would be great.
I like single shots as you may well have guessed by now.I have a Rossi .44 magnum and 2 Handi rifles in 45/70 and I hunt with them regularly.Don't get him an expensive rifle too early.Let him grow into what HE wants and not what grand dad wants him to have.
I hope I do not sound too opinionated.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

well if you can swing a scouting trip in the next few weeks you can sample some of the fresh wild chickenbuck variety.

hmmm....prolly won't be able to do it until the end of Sept, or 2nd weekend in Oct.

OK, just remember, half the chickenbuck tribe is heading to Colorado for early rifle season on wapiti. We'll probably be gone from about oct 7 through oct 15

How about the end of september? 26th or something like that. would that work?

I don't mind at all, Dave. When you have time how about dropping me a PM with directions for posting images directly into a post. I haven't been able to figure it out.

Here's a bit more info on the bucks Pat and I killed last year. Pat's deer weighed 175lbs on my spring scale. My deer weighed 145. Those are field-dressed weights. I checked the teeth on both deer. If I did it correctly, Pat's was 3 1/2 and mine was 2 1/2. We took them on the evening of October 4-mine @ 6pm and Pat's @ 6:15. There were several bucks, including these 2, sparring in an overgrown field from about 3pm until just before they walked into the woods. We could hear the grunts and the antlers banging together all that time, although only Pat could see any of them.
We were in opposite corners on the field, but inside the woods a bit. The area is a staging area for deer heading down the ravine to the farm fields each evening. The 10pt came down the west trail and the 6 came down the east trail.
It all sounds so easy, but as any hunter knows, things go wrong more often than not. That day, the gods smiled on us. That day is one of the best experiences I've ever had in 48 years of hunting and it's not because I killed a deer. It's because my son was there and we experienced it all together!
I don't want to sound like I'm bragging. That isn't my intent. I just thought you might enjoy the pictures and appreciate how special that day was for me as a father.

Now Dave, about that blueberry pie. It is pretty cruel of you to post pictures of that pie when none is available to the rest of us. I picked up a pint of blueberries and a half gallon of vanilla ice cream today, but now I need 2 more pints to bake a pie! You're killing me here, ND!

Ron

Ron, hard to guess by pics but I figured those 2 bucks 150 & 180 based off the forward mass in the shoulder/neck area. guess i'm getting better at that sort of thing

PS, I ate the rest of that pie tonight. Damn that was good!!

Tzone, I think that might work.

Stan thanks for the info. I like the handi rifle idea as they are not expensive and the grandson can grow with it. I was leaning toward the 223, but 30-30 would work also.

we saw a break in the clouds today so we ran out to camp to check the trail cam & shoot a few rifles.

I had this M77 264WM that I really wanted to get an honest answer out of as far as accuracy.

We had decent shooting conditions even though my bench is just a wobbly old wooden phone cable spool.

Here are some pics of our afternoon.

I added a 1" black leather montana sling to the rifle.

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view through the lookin tube..

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I guess I was shooting for an inch high at a hundred. this was my 3 shot group.

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i'm thinkin it's safe to call it a 3/4" group. I'm happy with that. 140 gr winchester powerpoint fact loads.

next it was runswithscissors turn on the bench. He's shooting some 165 gr rem green box fact loads, his first time shooting a full powder load, he's been shooting reduced recoil up until now. He will be carrying this rifle in Colorado with us in a couple of months looking to put a big colorado rubber nosed cow on the ground.

[Linked Image]

He did fine, 3 round group smaller than his fist at 100 yds. that'll work!!

next up we had a little guy that wanted to shoot the trainer, the rifle I bought some years ago to teach his older brother & sister to shoot.

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here we are sighting in the mighty marlin model 15YS.

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beautiful box of golden goodness..

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the target, a chickenbuck.

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range has gone live, lord have mercy on the chickenbuck!!

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Originally Posted by northern_dave

beautiful box of golden goodness..

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that and a puppy will bring many smiles to a young boys face. is that his firs live fire?

BTW, I hope all you guys do well in CO, but I REALLY hope RWS scores....go boy go.

Show yer dad how it's done, and make us all smile like heck.

not exactly the shot we were looking for....

[Linked Image]

we kept at it.

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as you can see here, the chickenbuck is riddled with holes, we're moving closer to the sweet spot... we'll keep working at it

next up, runswith scissors

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he um, didn't exactly show up his little brother

so, Mom had to give a try...

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She shot chickenbuck's jaw off

enough is enough...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1338.jpg[/img]

Well ok I didn't exactly drill the bullseye... but we were pretty happy to finally put one through the boiler room.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1339.jpg[/img]

so is that a flying bear on PWM's shirt?

looks serious.

i will show my dad how its done

I'd like to see that bud.

We might have to break out a few of the little rifles when I get home, put your yellowboy 9422M against my standard 9422M.

I might have just handicapped myself

I can't remember if I have a scope on my 9422M at the moment but I know the boy has one on his

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i will show my dad how its done

I hope so...show hime where to shoot an elk too...that means not in the beak.

I was waiting for somone to bring up my beak shot.

I couldn't tease pam for her beak shot on that paper chickenbuck because.... well.....

[Linked Image]

ok, ok, it's not as bad as it looks.. I followed up promptly with a boiler room shot that put her down quickly.

it was a very difficult sittuation, well over 200 yds, she wouldn't stop for me, deflective cover between us... arg.. a memorable hunt for sure.

Dave,

For your boys safety on your CO Elk hunt you may wish to have him practice shots on running game. You never know if that cougar is going to come back to finish what it nearly started.

Practice on chipmonks. They're quick, agile, and are also known to charge on occasion.

Dat one looks yummy Dave!
I did a beak shot on an Eland in Africa some years ago...first shot was spot on, but the critter took off at a high lope, decided to follow up with a lead of just in front of his nose... my boolit was faster than I thought! Got there a little soon, but he decided to give up about then anyway...

My wife got a cow tag this year, and wants to go kill one, so I am encouraging her ( and her brother, who is younger and more eager) to go get it...no beak shots!!!

Ingwe

the little guy will be by my side the entire time, don't think I forgot about that nasty cat for one minute

even in the tent at night he'll be right next to the ole man & I'll probably have a sidearm real close.

I'll be his guide, we'll do our best to fill his tag first then we'll worry about mine.

good thinkin on the squirrel practice though, although he'd probably not be interested in that sort of thing...

Good shootin RWS. I'm sure you can show up your dad.

GB

i just hope i can go elk hunting and if i can i hope i get one and if i do i won't shoot it in the beak.

Loving the tag line, RWS.

good grief throw some comma's in there or break that up into a couple of sentences. lol!!

you write like your dad for cripe sakes.

i'll beak you!!

rascal!!

Originally Posted by big drift

Loving the tag line, RWS.

I didn't see that...funny. Good one RWS.

12 year old daughter of my son's buddy drew a cow elk tag this year in Oregon. Bet both of you get your elk.

Now here's something we don't have to worry about in the mid west. Shark warnings have been issued for Sea Side OR and other nearby coastal waters. Sharks were sited at Sea Side and a 12 foot Great White was caught at Depot, Or.

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

I'm sure as hell not going to go wading.

My boys are scaring the hell out of me, they are watching BMX motocross with guys jumping their bikes and doing flips etc.

Now they want one of the little ones to go out trail riding.

WTH. I know nothing about these things except how to bag the drivers, any experience thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

talking motor bikes or peddle bikes?

if it's got an engine I can help..

Motor Bikes, when I addressed the thought to the mama she started speaking in tounges and a small tornado developed in our living room.

Seriously I have no clue about motor bikes where to start or anything, but the boys are interested in it and I want them to experience what captures their attention.

Where do you start?

How big are they?

My dad bought my son a motoX of some sort recently. He's a bit small for it now. I'm guessing it is about 80 cc or so. It goes a little too fast for me to let a 4yr old ride. I bet I can get it to 40mph...to fast for a little guy.

They make them down to about a 50cc I think. dave would be you resident expert on this.

yeah first off would be understanding your boys's age.

definately suggest something out of the 4 stroke offerings with a click shift (no hand clutch) for learning. I suggest the 50cc honda for ages up to 10 depending on the kids physical size of course then the 70cc honda from there up & after that you will be your own expert.

the honda 4 strokes are bulletproof & have very mild manors as far as bikes go, very lazy, easy going & easy on gas.

They are 8 and 9 good sized kids (80 and 86 lbs.) for their age. After the heart scare a couple weeks ago I told myself I needed to get on this project.

I was thinking some nice and easy for them to work into bigger bikes as they get accustomed to riding.

Some good friends have gravel pits the boys can ride in on weekends so its a fairly safe place.

well if you can find any, the 50 cc hondas are a good bike to start with. the problem is that some greenie do gooder fruit cakes slipped a fast one past the masses earlier this year. Do a search on google about youth motorcycles and include the words "lead ban"

see there were some lead import rules passed recently that were supposed to be designed to keep toys from being imported that contained lead. Makes sense right? we don't want out toddlers chewing on toys that are full of lead.

Well it ened up also capturing the youth oriented atv's & dirt bikes. Even the big names like honda & yamaha.

Of course those little bikes have some lead in them somewhere, be it in the metal content in the engine castings, maybe in the sparkplugs, maybe in a soldered wiring harness... so the government is protecting our kids from these youth atvs & dirt bikes because they know our kids like to chew on dirt bikes....

So, dealers are sitting on inventory that they can not sell because of these laws. I don't know how long it will take to get straightened out but for the time being your only option is to buy used from private party.

check craigs list for honda 50 crf or honda 50 xr

if they seem too small for your boys then check out the 70 crf / 70 xr

the crf/xr is the same bike, they just changes the model name a bit in recent years.

Thanks Dave and Tom, I was hoping someone would slap me in the right direction.

Well, in that case I'd say take dave's advice. Get yourself a coupe Honda or yammi 4 stroke bikes and turn them loose. If they offer you a saftey class when you buy, which they will if you buy from a dealer...take it.

oh yeah, have fun.

i think they will have FUN

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i think they will have FUN

Instigator you are

Fall is coming up on us fast. Only 7 1/2 more weeks until the bull Elk hunt here. Only 9 1/2 more weeks until the deer opener here. Do you feel it? Your heart beats a little quicker, your breath a bit more shallow, you find it hard to concentrate...

And so it begins.

Bow season in the low country of South Carolina opens August 15th.Lotsa guys around here getting antsy.

Stan in SC

Month away from ND muley bowhunt for me!!!! Could actually go Labor Day weekend this year but I had the brains to push the trip back a week or two.

See, I've pulled that stunt a couple times before and well lets just say the wife was not very impressed. Seems our anniversary is on the 6th of September and her birthday is the 8th and I've learned the hard way that "oh it don't matter. Just go hunting and not worry about it. REALLY honey it don't matter" ACTUALLY means that it does INDEED matter! It matters A LOT!!!

Bear & Couger are open now in Oregon. Antelope opens this weekend. Deer by the end of the month.

hmmm. Cougar could be fun.

way fun.

me & RWS are heading to meet up with uncle dusty where dusty & I will fish a walleye tournament tomorrow. aught to be a good time.

I think pam & the kids may be hauling the first load of barn boards out to the cabin this morning with the old pickup, she took the day off.

What lake? For cash or trophies?

Good luck.

Maybe those boards will be all up for you when you get home.

for braging rights mostly i think.

mostly just for fun.

we're bringing rain gear tho, could be a soaker, but it'll be warm too.

Good luck tomorrow Dave. Hope the eyes are on a bite.

Just saw the weather report for central WI. Small stream flood warnings this morning. Two to five inches of rain predicted.

heavy stuff cooking out west, heading our way.

dusty is probably pre-fishing right now.

We got 3-4" over night. We have a leaky roof in our office right now. Sunday is suposed to storm pretty good. I'm thinking of hitting the lake tomorrow, should be pretty hot with the front coming in.

check this out, I'm at work & my minions are doing chickenbuck duty for me!!

Pam & the boys took the old brown pickup & went on out to camp to haul a load of freshly cleaned, dried & cut barnwood boards for paneling the walls out there.

[Linked Image]

That should bring the lakes up Tom. We're scheduled to get in to CWA around 9:30 Saturday night. Checked the forecast for OHare and it looks ok so with any luck we should make it in ok.

the boards look like a pro cut them.

That's a heck of a good crew you've got there Dave. At the rate their going they might even get the boards up by the end of the day.

I love the work gloves on PWM...cool.

RWS, let me guess you cut the boards.

Ditto on the Hondas if you could find a couple of Z50A's, they are 3-speed automatic. You still have to shift them, but no clutch and yes they are cast iron tough and plenty of parts available for them. I have two of them handed down to me by my father-in-law and am saving them for my grandsons to start on next summer.

Well Dave and Uncle Dusty....how'd it go?

I need to get a camp! Damn it! Either a lease or owned on a chunk of land. And I don't care where! Doesn't have to be here in NH...

Originally Posted by tzone

Well Dave and Uncle Dusty....how'd it go?

well, we had fun.

we couldn't seem to be able to find the right size of fish and we endured some real downpours but it was fun before, during & after fishing.

RWS & I checked the trail cam yesterday on our way home, nothing new really. does & fawns.

SIL had over 200 bear pictures from last week on his trail camera. Looks like 3 small bears are camped out on the bait.

So humid here this morning you can cut it with a knief. Had to turn the A/C on.

it's cool up here, had to shut the windows last night & put on a sweatshirt this morning.

here are a couple of new pictures.

here's one of Mr chickenbuck sleeping next to dad's new chainsaw. He insisted the chainsaw be inside so he could play with it. He sat up late jabbering on & on about all the things he cuts with this big saw... then he fell asleep next to it.

[Linked Image]

here's a look at some of the boats staged to take off for the first flight on sat morning.

[Linked Image]

here's the sort of theing Dusty & I caught over & over again all day...

[Linked Image]

and here are a couple of trail pictures of our future deer population. cute aint they?

[Linked Image]

I love that pic of PWM. That is classic. Those eyeballers look like the one's we catch all the time here, about a 1/2" short of what yer looking for.

The fawns look yummy. Easy draggin'.

An indian I used to hunt with used to call young tender deer "breakfast meat" indicating that they were tender enough for that meal.
I am doing some cleaning out in my gun safe(s)and if anyone has any interest in one or more of the following which I have briefly listed,please contact me.
Remington 742 w/scope in 30-06.
NEF Handi rifle in 45-70.New.
Mauser model 24/47 in 8MM.Nice,accurate.
The weather is overcast here and I got back into walking today.
I was up to 4 miles last fall but quit during winter and getting cranked up again isn't easy.
PWM looks peaceful laying next to that saw.Ah kids,they live in a beautiful different world.Peter Pan was right.

Stan in SC

Looking good Dave, should be a good start for the chicken shack. Hows the road out there. could be a bit slimy right now.

it's wet out there for sure with the rains we've had but I rolled in & out of there with the one ton yesterday (one ton, AKA "earth diver") and we did just fine, don't think we slipped a tire.

Have any pics of the 742 Stan? I know they don't have a great rep. but I kinda like em.

Dave, I like the pics of the start of the fishing tourney. Nice to see someone up there runnin' a Ranger tiller.

That is going be my next boat, maybe as soon as next year. Depends when we get the busniess started. Love the 18' ranger tillers.

Well boys and gurlas, I dont have any good woods or water stories for ya....oh wait, I do have a water story. My wife was in a wedding this weekend. An outdoor wedding. It absolutely poured on the wedding. Not more than 10 people in the crowd by the end, everyone else ran for cover. The wedding party and the 10 of us were absolutely soaked. I will remember that one for awhile.

ND, that barnwood ain't a-gonna hang itself ya know! And it is getting on toward grouse season, time to hang stands, etc. You best dedicate some time to Chickenbuck, cuz i dont wanna hear how you missed on a turdy pound grouse cuz you had to hang barnwood.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ND, that barnwood ain't a-gonna hang itself ya know!

Sounds like someone invited himself to camp work weekend.

Tom, I saw just what you're looking for in Plover 2 weeks ago. It was located at Plover Road (Cty Rd 'B') and Mecca Drive. Looked to be a 90's Ranger tiller. Looked like new, but that was from 50 feet away and going 35 mph.

If I buy it now...I'll be living in Plover.

Thanks for looking though.

Are you back now?

We're back. Got in Saturday night.

Son is doing very well. He working a couple days a week (Paper work only). He's restricted to lifting up to 10 pounds for now. Plans on being back to work full time Sept 8th.

That's great news Bill.

that is fantastic Bill!!

hoist a beer!! Woooo!!

tzone,I do not have any pictures.This one is in excellent condition and is very accurate.I'll pm you to keep from cluttering up this thread.

Stan in SC

Stan, I'm surprised you're parting with one of the 45-70's. I see they chamber the handi rifle in 500 S&W. Any experience with it? I was wondering how the recoil was and if a youngster could handle it.

I haven't ever shot one, but the local gun shop had one a while back, marked at a significant discount. It came with a box of factory ammo (18 loaded rounds & 2 empties). The fiber optic front sight was missing. Apparently they ordered it for a guy, he shot it twice, the recoil from the last shot sending the fiber optic sight to parts unknown, and he decided it was more recoil than he wanted to deal with. Don't think I'd hand one to a kid to shoot.

Tongue and Groove barn wood?

You must have better/fancier built barns in that country than we do.

yes.. yes we do.

Thanks, thats what I was thinking too, but had to ask the question. I've shot a 500 S&W in a handgun and to say it's a handful would be a gross understatement.

From what I understand the Handi rifle in 500 is quite a handful.The 45-70 has some recoil but not any worse than a 12 gauge shotgun.It definitely isn't a kid's gun.I have at present two Handi rifles in 45-70 and a bolt action Siamese Mauser in 45-70.I absolutely love the cartridge.

Stan

Runs With Scissors, are you reading this today boy??

I just bought your elk tag for Colorado early rifle.

Congratulations boy, you're an elk hunter.

i am so happy

Good for you RWS.

Dave, what season did you draw? Believe my deer hunting buddy has the 1st season.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i am so happy

oh so you are checking the campfire today huh??

you are gonna have to work this one off boy

and don't forget what I said about your school work either.

1st rifle season Bill. opens oct 10

Not all that far away Dave.

I know, and i have a lot to do to get ready too.

Plus it's only 11 weeks til MN opener.

but who's counting.

Um, counting, lemme see, the 2 boys, both girls, the mama, the brothers, and me, the twitch is starting.;)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know, and i have a lot to do to get ready too.

Dave, Dave, Dave. Didnt we already discuss the barnwood job? Here you are talking about elk hunting when there is barnwood that aint gonna hang itself.

See, since I am building a house this year (well, I think I am but that is another story), I feel the need to make sure everyone else gets their work done too. I will be the task driver this fall for Camp Chickenbuck. Stan, dadgumit, you better keep walking. Tzone, when was the last time you vacuumed? RWS, you better take out the garbage. Griz, you get some time off as you took care of the grandson for quite awhile, you deserve it. You others, get to it!

I am happy?/not happy? to report that I have a blister. Clearing the lot last nite got me. Between the chainsaw and the rake, lo and behold, there it is just sitting there smiling up at me from my left hand, just below my middle finger. I never used to get blisters, what da heck.

But with a office job, I guess I got a little soft.

gurly man....

i did not forget about that deal

runswithscissors; I really like your name. Only downside is it reminds me of my sister-in-law

...the guys she works with call her nailsonchalkboard.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, when was the last time you vacuumed?

Every GD day lately! My dog's shedding like a mofo.

Quote

But with a office job, I guess I got a little soft.

You sound like a nancy boy.

rub some dirt on it and start rakin'.

update.

the one million six hundred fifty two thousand seven hundred & forty three feet of barn boards are pressure washed & stacked for drying.

all the goddam boards are washed!! Goll dang it I'm glad that's over with!!

That's gonna be a lot of nails.

Quote

Tzone, when was the last time you vacuumed?

Quote

Every GD day lately! My dog's shedding like a mofo.

Ha ha. Tzone, what breed is yours? I've brushed my German Sheppard once or twice a week for the past few weeks and gotten at least a grocery bag full of hair. Not to mentioned what's collecting on the rugs... the carpet... under the treadmill.

Love the dog, hate the hair.

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=Berettaman]
Tzone, when was the last time you vacuumed?

Every GD day lately! My dog's shedding like a mofo.

Quote

But with a office job, I guess I got a little soft.

Tzone...you vacuum? Well looks like I'd better get talking to one man in particular! Thanks.

Now, Just because Tom jumps off a bridge...

no kidding... lets slow down here, stay rational....

Originally Posted by Azar

Ha ha. Tzone, what breed is yours? I've brushed my German Sheppard once or twice a week for the past few weeks and gotten at least a grocery bag full of hair. Not to mentioned what's collecting on the rugs... the carpet... under the treadmill.

Love the dog, hate the hair.

She is a full bred mutt.

She is a lab, and we think husky mix. 10yrs old now. Great dog, she causes trouble sometimes, but I can't think of a better dog to have at our house. You wouldn't think she has any fur left the way shes dropping it.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Tzone...you vacuum? Well looks like I'd better get talking to one man in particular! Thanks.

Yeah, kind of a neat freak. Don't know why, I haven't always been like that.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Now, Just because Tom jumps off a bridge...

Quote

no kidding... lets slow down here, stay rational....

Sorry guys.

If it's any help, I don't dust very often. My daughter is big enoug for that now.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

the boards look like a pro cut them.

Welcome to the fire RWS!

A chip off the old "Northern Dave" block...........

Good luck on your first elk hunt......

Dave,
the camp is looking great and those BB's should look great for inside walls.

Well I thought I should explain my statement about "thinking" I was building a house this year.

My cousin's husband is the one that is going to build it. Problem is, they have a 4 year old little boy, Cole, who was diagnosed less than 2 weeks ago with a Wilms tumor on his kidney. I has been since diagnosed as the worst kind of cancer that it can be. They did surgery and removed a tumor the size of a nerf football. the prognosis is not good. he will be down at Childrens hospital undergoing both chemo and radiation for the next year. yes, I said year. We are very close to that side of the family so it is a hard deal. I think the house project will still go, but it might be delayed a little. If you are the praying kind, send one up for Cole.

oh that is rough.

nothing worse than a child in danger, a child in a bad way.

Are they down at U of M?

my best wishes & prayers from my Family.

Well, prayers to your family, truthfully. I hate hearing about sick childeren. Makes me very sad, especialy since they probably have no idea what is going on.

I thak God every day that I have healthy kids.

A house is just "things" and can wait.

I wish that little guy the best.

Tom

god aint that the truth. hearing stuff like that just tears me up inside. It's just the worse thing immaginable.

Prayers on the way. Bad things just should not happen to children.

Sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers sent out. Be thankful for Childrens Hospital they work miracles there and have the kindest folks in the world.

Those people are truly saints...I could never do that job. It would tear me up every day. Saints....in every sense of the word.

They are at Childrens Hospital in Mpls. I read their caringbridge updates and it is just sad. The rollercoaster of emotions (they were initially told that it was the best kind of Wilms, then later changed to the worst), the being away from home, the lack of understanding from Cole. He was talking about going ice fishing and playing hockey this winter. He as no grasp of the fact he will be in the hospital for a year. A freaking year.

He is a sports fanatic. If anyone is long lost brothers with Joe Mauer or has another "in" with a Minnesota sports figure, I would love to figure out a way to get him a hospital visit.

Hockey fan you say...contact the MN Wild. Good folks that do a lot for young kids that are ill. This certainly fits the bill.

Man I wish I could help him. I hate this stuff, HATE it. Tough ol tzone is a big ol softie when it comes to kids...

Well, you'd be surprised who makes a swing through the childrens hosp.

We met a few MN vikings when we were down there with a sick little weezy. (My daughter, years ago)

Hey baretta man, not to change the subject but I have a few pics ready to post up so i'm gonna put em up here.

a look at our barn board prep area.

god i love my Fords

the stack we cleaned last night, there's a pile still on the trailer in the background too (washed)

[Linked Image]

and a couple different views.

[Linked Image]

lots of variation, light, dark... knot holes, worm holes... all kinds of problems ... just like me

Dave, what's that big block of cheese behind the 1 ton?

thats my home made walk in beer cooler......

Tommy like beer coolers....and thank god foe who ever inbented boob jobs. They are great. best inbentinon since beer. I wish I had pic but my phone doesn't work like that.

and btw, can any one send me bail money, I'm gonna need it.

(Swishing quietly)Hows the head this AM Tom?

Someone might be sleeping in this morning.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Someone might be sleeping in this morning.....

ummm. Yeah. Well, I didn't go to jail...so I got that going for me.

There is two people in my living room, and I only know 1 of em.

.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

(Swishing quietly)Hows the head this AM Tom?

SSSSShhhhhh!

No headache yet. I say yet because there is still time.

I see you posting on the " deer camp photo" thread, you need to start a " friday morning couch photo" thread.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

I see you posting on the " deer camp photo" thread, you need to start a " friday morning couch photo" thread.

'Cept I'm at work. No couch potaoes here.

I even made it in by 8. I like to get here by 6, but for some reason that didn't work out this am.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

I see you posting on the " deer camp photo" thread, you need to start a " friday morning couch photo" thread.

'Cept I'm at work. No couch potaoes here.

I even made it in by 8. I like to get here by 6, but for some reason that didn't work out this am.

damned traffic...

Must be.

A long crawl in from Weston?

If I crawled, I would have been more productive. I'm glad I was in the office today an not in the field.

Had a nice fish fry with Pete tonight. His wife and mine are both gone for the weekend. We tried to find a place that had the Vikes game on, but it was no dice...we just had whiskey Old Fashions instead. Nice little sports bar, I'll have to buy you lunch there if you get up this way again.

Originally Posted by tzone

There is two people in my living room, and I only know 1 of em.

.

How can this happen when you have a wife? I must be doing it wrong.

Funny! The person I know, was my buddy Jim. The one I don't konw was a little goofy looking blond chick.

Wife and kids are at our camper for the weekend. I'm teaching hunters safety this weekend so I couldn't go.

No way that would have happened if they were home. Well, Jim could have stayed, but I wouldn't let someone I never met stay in here with my kids home.

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Originally Posted by tzone

There is two people in my living room, and I only know 1 of em.

.

How can this happen when you have a wife? I must be doing it wrong.

No, I think you are doing it right...
Had something like that happen with my ex-wife...
Its the reason shes an "ex"....

Ingwe

We found a new place for fish last night. I'll fill you in later.

Helped the SIL rebait his bear sites today. We passed a truck on the way to camp with a guy training his bear dogs. We were just about to unload the ATV when my SIL saw a dog wearing a transmitter collar come out of the woods. We figured it belonged to the guy we had just seen so we tried to get the dog to come to us.

The dog stayed near by but wouldn't come to us. Than we noticed a large gash on it's side. About that time the owner was coming down the road and we were able to get his attention. He stopped and called the dog. It was than that we saw another gash on the other side. Seems that the dog had tangled with a bear and lost.
He loaded the dog in the truck and took off for the vets office.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Originally Posted by Grogel_Deluxe

Originally Posted by tzone

There is two people in my living room, and I only know 1 of em.

.

How can this happen when you have a wife? I must be doing it wrong.

No, I think you are doing it right...
Had something like that happen with my ex-wife...
Its the reason shes an "ex"....

Ingwe

Funny...wasn't like that though. At least from my end. That was Jim's little "friend". Not mine.

Where are you hunting Bill? That starts the 1st right?

Opens the 16th for bait hunters Tom. Dogs have the first week (9/06) this year. The biggest bears we have on camera are coming from Rusk county so we'll most likely start there. The site in Sawyer county has more activity, but the bears have been smaller.

There are lots of bears in Sawyer Co. too many.

About a month ago,I was going for a walk, up at our camper in Hawyard. A mama with 3 cubs popped out of the brush and ran across the road in front of me. That is the second set of mom and 3 cubs I've seen up there.

Rusk Co gets some big bears every year I think. How often do you guys run up there to bait?

very tired. but very happy. G'damn barn boards are some work man!!

But they look better than I ever imagined.

awesome!!! That pic you sent me was hard to see, but from what I could tell, it looked good. You're posting pics tomorrow I assume?

here's one pic for now.

[Linked Image]

Sweet !!!

Looking goooood, Dave.

Dave, is that a Vogelzang wood burner? Looks just like the one we have at out camp.

Looks like you're using coleman lanterns too. The local BP bulk plant here sells white gas in bulk for $4.75 a gallon. Sure beats the nearly $9 a gallon at Fleet Farm.

4.75 wow!! thats a good deal!!

That sure looks good.When you get some doors and framing up it will look even better.How much did you get done so far?
What are your plans for the ceiling?
Stan in SC

We did some blueberry picking too. Well, most of us did...

[Linked Image]

teenage girls do this when there is any kind of work to be done...

[Linked Image]

Back at the cabin there was a little excitement... a shootout of sorts...

well, a shooting anyways..

"Dad oh my god there's a snake in the out house!!"

Oh yeah?? Bang!

[Linked Image]

problem solved.

always use a small gun when shooting in the out house...

Me & my helper doing some hamburger cooking.

[Linked Image]

Wow! FN'A that looks good Dave.

You guys did a nice job. Changes the look of the inside completely.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

problem solved.

always use a small gun when shooting in the out house...

There is your new tag line Dave.

yeah i'm pretty happy with it. I'm not sure on the ceiling yet Stan...

Did you grind up that snake too or just throw him in the pan for Hor'derves.

Snake was cremated.

[Linked Image]

Morning pancakes anyone??

[Linked Image]

or maybe some of this after a hard day of hangin boards??

[Linked Image]

you're teasin me with dat ice cream.

Awesome pics Dave !! Boards look great !
Maybe sneak a crop on that one pic of weezy snoozing for her avitar here

Love that " use a small caliber when shooting snakes in the outhouse "

Priceless

never bring a shotgun into the out house.

my grandma had a ceiling in their old farm house that had straw stuck to it, I forget what they used, but it was some kinda plaster and they took handfulls of straw and pressed it to it, after it all fully cured they cut the hanging strands off with a scissor, looked pretty unique and rustic. lasted for years and years, not sure how long since they moved about 20 years ago, and did it to the den in their "new" place (back then), and its still looking like it did the day they did it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

never bring a shotgun into the out house.

tis the only quick cure for Monkey Butt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

problem solved.

always use a small gun when shooting in the out house...

Whaaaat did you say? I caint hear yah.

That was a High Standard "Double Nine".Do you have both .22 and .22 WRF cylinders for it?Those are bringing a nice penny these days.

Stan

Oh I sure wish I had a WMR cylinder for it. That would be awesome. I bought it as just a LR, not sure this one was originally a convertable. Sure would be cool though.

I actually have another one of these in the nickle finish, it's well worn so I don't break it out very often. My dad bought it new.

Dave,

Excellent job on those boards. It looks amazing.

Well I am glad my nagging finally got you going. It looks good....but I cant help but see you got the boards in the wrong order. Maybe you should pull them off quick-like and put them on in the right order this time, eh?

Here is the latest Caringbridge update on Cole. They are starting to get into a small routine I think. Cole had terrible jaw pain so they had to put him back on morphine. Here it is:

I just want to write to all of you parents out there. As I watch Cole sleep right now he looks so healthy but we all know that is not the case. I think I took having healthy kids for granted these past 4 years. I would always ask God to protect my kids and keep them healthy in my prayers but I think it became too routine. When you have healthy kids it is easy to take it for granted. Just remember to truely thank God for your children healthy or not.
My entire life, since I was a little girl my dream was to be a mom with 3 kids, a loving husband, a nice house, and a mini van.(Jon won't give on the van)! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have a child with cancer. I guess things were going along too perfectly. I'm praying this is just a bump in the road and in time everything will be back the way it was. Jon and I were talking about how bad we always felt for other families we knew that had sick children but you never think it is going to happen to you.
To my fellow stay at home moms:
We always use to wonder if it was worth it. Well, now I can answer that, YES! I would give anything to be back home at 5:00 pm with supper burning, the phone ringing, the dog eating Allie's shoes, Cole chasing Allie down wanting to kill her and Brady with a dirty diaper smiling at it all. So, even though it's hard more often than it's not, enjoy it!
Sorry this message is kind of corny but Jon's at the Twins game and Cole is sleeping, so I'm a little bored.

Keeping Cole in our prayers. We too hope this is a bump in the road and utimately he will beat this.

I'm sorry to hear about Cole. I sent you a pm. I thank God EVERY day that I have healthy kids. I don't think i'd want to live if they got sick like that. I don't think I could take it.

I've been thinking about Cole every day since we heard about him last week. Is there ANYTHING we can do for him? I don't like this one bit.

I can't possibly start saying anything else before saying I'm praying as will be my family for little Cole and your family, Very Sorry to pop in for the first time in months and read this. You are not alone in this with your son and many will be praying with you for him.

Your message so deeply touched me as I've already begun to take having a couple of kids health once again for granted. I've been there to some degree with you only months ago I teared up on here while typing about my kiddo who now seems it was simply a bump in the road. I'm getting teary eyes again thinking of what your going through and will be praying this is simply a bump in the road for you all as well.

Sorry I've been gone again for so long guys, things have changed at work and I never have time for the daily chat from there anymore. Here on the home front I just finished the stain on the front lastnight and caulked all the cracks tonight on the new siding, in the middle of that and siding the back of the parents house and trying to fish if not on the mower. I know it doesn't sound like a great excuse and it isn't...

13 hour work days on the job, 3 hours a night at home of working though and wabo is beat. I fall asleep anymore when I hit the pillow! Not complaining though this has been a WONDERFUL summer for me, kiddo and I do many things as a team. The older she gets the more she helps me moving ladders, tools, wood, the kids and I we fish, we wrestle, we play ball, ride bikes we have done it all this year. Hunting season is in the air again, I'm rushing to finish all my projects now. I need to read back ALOT... Praying for Cole and his family and all of you, no I haven't forgot just been a busy bee...

Made it back to a months worth or 30 pages worth. I see All of you are busy this summer too, kiddoThunder is also learning how to drive here. Runswithsharpobjects is not alone.. LOL... Dave your family is growing up before my eyes and the preacher now has a preachin rock. LOL.. The Camp looks GREAT!!! TZone,Stan and all you others looking for old fords,45-70's and boats now I feel right at home, Cause I'm looking too.

Wabo who needs to get up in 4 and 1/2 hours better hit the sack, checking back SOON.. Nice to see you ALL of you keeping the fire going at chickenbuck, my prayers are with you Cole. Good night to one and all..

WABO<You have been busy and you have been enjoying your children.Both of these are good.Your input here has been missed.Welcome back.
Remember the most important things in your life in order of importance are the three "F's".Faith,family and fun.
Stan in SC

Wabo, good to hear from you and glad that all is well with you and the family.

barettaman please do let us know if there is anything we can do. The little guy & his family have everyone's prayers & thoughts. I think that goes without saying, but if there is anything more, something to brighten spirits, i don't know, but if you think of anything please let us know.

Wabo, where you been??

Good to hear from you, sounds like you are spending your time well.

Great to hear from you wabo. Glad to hear things are going well. I won't be on as much either, we're a man down here at work, school is starting, house projects, oh yeah, there is that hunting thing too.

Looking for old fords, whatch lookin for? I got one but it will be a project for sure. It keeps me out of Gander Mt though, because I need to spend the $ on truck parts, not gun parts. Northern_dave found a tree huntret for me though, and that don't help matters.

Don't be a stranger wabo.

T

oh shoot i keep forgetting to check on that rifle for you Tom, I'll try tonight if i get time.

Thanks everyone for their prayers for Cole. Carly's parents (my aunt and uncle) rented an apartment down there for the year for everyone to stay at. It was too hard living out of a hotel room. We are going to load up my trailer with their stuff this week and move them down there.

I did hear from Jon (the dad) that he wants to start my house in mid sept. I thought that is really good to hear in that he is starting to think about other things. I think it will work out well because of the fact we are such close family, if he needs to go to the cities, i have no issues with him stopping work. Not like a typical client.

As far as what people can do....well pray. That is the biggest thing right now. One other thing that will be coming up is a benefit. I dont have any details or anything, but as you can imagine, the expenses are enormous. So maybe start thinking if you know some person or business who might at some time be willing to donate to a benefit for Cole. One last thing, go hug your kids and do something with them.

I dont want to turn Camp Chickenbuck into a thread for Cole, but I will give an update now and again to keep you informed of how he is doing. From the medical side, he will have some tests in a week or so to see how the chemo and radiation have worked.

No rush on that dave...seriously. unless it's a hell of a deal of course.

need to buy 4x4 parts.

, I blame you for that too...well weezy mostly.

Oh, I should have included his caringbridge website. they have a ton of pictures and updates on his prognosis there.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/colehaabala

beretta,

I sent you a pm a day or so ago...I may be able to help.

Sheesh now I found a guy with a Savage99 at a Great price. He said he would hold it for me if I ask but how will this fly with queeny?! Waboette may find I've snuck some money from the savings if I see this thing and then wabo could be burned at the stake.. LOL...

Thanks for all the good and bad news here as that is what keeps me coming back, to join in with others lives. The bad news of the day is after seeing your barn wood walls Dave I want to do that here too! I've already a barnfull of lumber to work with but have no time. Hunting season is coming Soon guys and gals!

Grogel can ya give a little helping pic for a guy needing a 99 fix?

Originally Posted by wabo

Thanks for all the good and bad news here as that is what keeps me coming back, to join in with others lives.

This really is a deer camp thread....isn't this the stuff we sit around a BS about? Good and bad? Well, we can't smell the farts on here, but we can still make the noises.

(tzone lifting leg) PPPFFFFFFTTTTTTslappp! (tzone staining long johns)

I think I speak for all when I say, "thank goodness we can't smell that one".

So one of the things I like to do is last cast when I am fishing. Tues nite, Mrs Berettaman (man, she would hate that title...), says it is time to go. I tell Lauren, "one last cast Honey". I then turn to the Mrs and say, it sure would be nice to have one more crappie and flip out my tube jig. Bang. A fat 11 incher inhales the tube and takes a place in the livewell. Ahh, I love country life! Fishing on a Tuesday nite!!!

You got it rough man.

I wish I had a savage 99, not in the cards for me now though, unless I find a cheap shooter, and someone who would be willing to trade. not likely!

i've had my scanner on for the right 99 for over 10 years now... just aint fell into my hands yet.

i know one thing, an auction sale is the wrong place to try & buy a 99.

that's for damn sure.

What kind of 99 are you all looking for? The pawn shops around here are thick with them.

Heck even the highway 2 veggie stand between Bemidji and Bagley has them, all sorts of different flavors.

Seriously from roughly Sept thru December you can find them I want to say the prices were around 400 to 750.

Just heard their forecasting possible snow in Cook MN for Saturday nite...to early, ma I dont wanna shovel...

hmmm, snow in august, delightful.

two goofy teenage girls just left my house in my 77 ford pickup headed for the chickenbuck...

boy am I ever glad I went through that front end & the brakes now...

I think i'll head that way in my other truck, pretty darn quick...

my dad has an exquisite 99 made in 1936 IIRC in a 300 savage, it is beautiful, but I think its been reblued since the lever should be case hardened. Les has seen it, and wants to buy it last I talked to him, but its been a while.
I think dad wants 600 for that one

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i've had my scanner on for the right 99 for over 10 years now... just aint fell into my hands yet.

i know one thing, an auction sale is the wrong place to try & buy a 99.

that's for damn sure.

Remember the little combo gun (Over & under) that Savage made. I think they're model 24's. They sold for around $100 25 years ago. I saw a basic 22, 20 guage combo go for $395 at a gun show last weekend. There was a delux model priced at well over $600.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i've had my scanner on for the right 99 for over 10 years now... just aint fell into my hands yet.

i know one thing, an auction sale is the wrong place to try & buy a 99.

that's for damn sure.

local pawn shop has one for sale. .300, cracked stock and all. It can be yours for the asking price of $700.

I offered $450 on tuesday, and about got thrown out on my ear.

yeah, that's the problem with 99's

IMO you gotta find a private party willing to accept a little more down to earth price.

I really think i'd rather buy one from one of our own savage loonies in the savage section of our forums here.

See, I aint looking to take advantage of someone who don't know what they've got. But I also don't want to give $800 to some "expert" at a pawn shop for some rat 99 just because he knows there's a serious following for the 99's.

I figure if I bought from one of our own actual experts I'd learn about what I was buying & I'd pay the appropriate price.

Ah so you are very wise zen master...

I generally go to about 3 gunshows a year and see very few 99's here in central Wisconsin. There's a big show at Oshkosh this weekend. I'll keep an eye open for a decent 99 if I go.

39 here this morning. Fall is in the air.

I've started buying some of the needed items for this years hunt.I'm the official "keeper of the lists" and buyer for the camp. Our camp couldn't function without the lists. We break the lists down as follows: "Buy, Bring, Don't Bring".

I also plan the menu which is the hardest as it has to be flexible. Did Rick get an Elk this year? Did AJ get any pheasants in SD?

it was a good weekend at chickenbuck. It was nicer weather than we expected so as a result, we were forced to play outside all weekend, board fitting will wait till next time

we noticed on the way into camp a set of tracks. I'm not a bear hunter so I don't know how to judge size here but I know I've seen larger tracks, must be kind of a young black bear?

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i didn't take a lot of pictures of the weekend. i do have a few though. here's some of the kids with there marshmallow sticks by the fore on Friday.

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there was a duck in the little pond by the cabin, we're thinking he has something wrong with one of his wings. The kids were feeding him all weekend. The youngest of our troop named him "moonlight"

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here's what we had cooking on the grill while we were out playing all day on saturday. Big pork roast with veggies. cooked for around 6 1/2 hours.

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berry pickin yesterday

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture142.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture144.jpg[/img]

couple of goofs with there feet burried in the sand.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture138.jpg[/img]

and some trailside bike repair after being out on a little ride & picking yet another 5 qt pail of blueberries.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture146.jpg[/img]

Nice dave, lester and I just about stopped out yesterday. We were out cutting some wood for the weekend coming up. I told him that you already had a pile for us to just back up too. We drove by the chickenbuck, what a beautiful day in the forest. We also saw 2 nice bear up north where we live. one even stood up and pawed at us. that was pretty cool. We even looked for some berries too. not real hard though.

Cool here this morning huh Buschpilot? I saw 42 before i left for work this morning. Sounds like it was a little cooler in WI were Bill is.

41 here yesterday, today it was 49. Sure is nice to feel that cool air. Lauren and I got out crappie fishing with the neighbors and we kept 20. Nice eaters, 10"-11". Nothing very big, but great eatin'! The surprising part is that we caught most of them in a lagoon in 3 feet of water filled with weeds. The water temp in there was, oh, I would say in that 180 degree range. I was worried they wouldnt taste that good, but they were great. couldnt tell the difference.

Quick Cole update: he is starting to be sick. He cant eat and is throwing up some. BUT, it sounds like they are going to come home this week for a recovery week. That should help them/him.

Great pics as usual Dave. Looks like the family had a great weekend. How long does the blueberry picking last up your way?

That pork roast sure looks great too.

Surprised we were cooler than you this morning. Your usually a 5 to 10 degrees cooler than we are.

I had a quiet weekend.Great pix Dave.As usual all at Chickenbuck had fun it looks like.
It's going to be cooler here this week.Supposed to be in the high 70's until Friday.A welcome respite.I love Fall and always have.I just feel better in the Fall.Dunno why.Always have.

Stan in SC

I had 39 on my way to work this am....finally. I love this type of weather.

Beretta, sorry to hear about Cole. Still haven't heard anything from Ty on donations. I'll keep bugging him, they're going to start playing soon, hopefully he can get you something before then.

That bear track looked plenty big to me. Bears like me for some reason, they always want to come closer for better look.

We found a nice big patch of black berries that the bears didn't hit yet, so we picked for quite a while. They we ate them on the way home. damn fine eating.

we had 30 yesterday up in baudette and 35 on saturday. this weather is just great! gonna make for a great fall, even had a couple ruffed grouse in the yard the other morning. Sure looked tasty

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

gonna make for a great fall, even had a couple ruffed grouse in the yard the other morning. Sure looked tasty

They looked tasty? You should be showing us a pair of birds in a crock pot.

They ARE tasty.

Did you save me any of those black berries?

I may have to take a ride and check out one of the old places we used to pick at. Might luck out.

Tom, I sent you a PM on a 35 Rem.

Got it Thanks Bill.

I could show you the blackberries, there were plenty of red ones left.

I'm really looking for a .35 in a 760/7600.

do you have any plans of bear hunting up there this fall?

I suppose there isn't a season that overlaps with deer is there?
they do that in colorado, thats how I got my bruin last year. reminds me I need to call the taxidermist, he's taking forever on my rug

I don't. but I'm thinking about it next year. Gettig a tag here in WI takes forever. MN you pretty much get one. Baiting would be the only issue for me, I'd have to get somebody to do it for me.

My dad might do it for me, but that's not really his thing.

I think it ends in mid October there. Not sure though, haven't been keeping up on bear in MN.

Tzone,
The gun shop where I work part time has a 7600 in .35 Rem.He will ship.
Stan

Hhhmmmm.

Pm sent.

That is why this is such a great site. You get the word out that you're looking for a guy, and you get pm's, e-mails, the whole shabang in just a few hours.

I'm REAL interested Stan!

Stan,
Do you ever see a Beretta 390 in a 20 ga down thataway? I will be in the market for one next year after we get the house built.

beretta schmetta, who uses those things anyway.

um, well, um, I do! And damn proud of it, too. It may be old and a bit nicked up here and there, but I love my 390.

I would like to find a nice used 390 20 ga for the kids. Or maybe two of them. THey will only get one shell for awhile, but for the girl in particular, it is a lot softer than a pump or single shot.

and what is it you ply the fields and forests with, Tzone? hmmm, a sears roebuck perhaps?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

um, well, um, I do! And damn proud of it, too. It may be old and a bit nicked up here and there, but I love my 390.

I would like to find a nice used 390 20 ga for the kids. Or maybe two of them. THey will only get one shell for awhile, but for the girl in particular, it is a lot softer than a pump or single shot.

I like the 20ga 390's, but the forearm on the 12's feel like a club to me. They just don't fit. I'm a fan of a 20 over a 12 for all things shotgun anyway.

Quote

and what is it you ply the fields and forests with, Tzone? hmmm, a sears roebuck perhaps?

Amost...

, a Remington 870, in 20 ga. It looks like hell, but is an extention of my arm. Beat up old sucker that thing is, but I wouldn't sell it for a $1000.

never mind, yes I would.

Glad to hear Cole and his family may get a weekend at home.. Prayers for him and his family from here, thinking of them often.

My Bro In Laws cousin who was a grade ahead of me in school I haven't spoken with him for almost 20 years as he moved away to Co. I had no idea of how to contact him, we ate lunch together all through school and partied together some, he was a Good friend then. Now it makes me sad to find out he passed away from Cancer over the weekend at the age of 39! His family lost thier Mom only 2 years ago and his 20 year old nephew now has H1N1 or whatever they call swine flew. They have been hit pretty hard Please say a few prayers for Dale and his family.

Me I had Alot of time to think about all the people in the world over the weekend that need a miracle. As I was nailing and sawing siding for the house I thought of that, my family and those here who have helped me along the way.

Sawing and nailing up one of my dreams is a peaceful relaxing thing with my wife and kids helping gave me time to relax. At some point I'll remember how to post pics for now I tell ya Dave thanks to this thread I learned alot about t111 and lumber like it. My house resembles Chicken Buck pretty closely I owe you guys one!!! Finished staining side 2 last night and side 3 gets sided this weekend or next, depends as they have to special order what I'm putting on.

By the way I gotta call ya dirtbag as you get to elk hunt yet again and I'm working again.. Keep up theGreat job of living to the fullest!!!! Told the wife and I may be just getting enough done this year to seriously head west once again next year myself.

Aside from some polish all I need now to make me happy is finishing the job on the house before deer season, I'm working on it. One more weekend and I'm calling it Good enough for this summer, the back of the house can wait for the facelift. Sipping some Buffalo Trace shortly that helps too..

Movie trivia time since we all seem to like the old time stuff has anyone seen the movie the Bear? Two guys chasing a Big Grizz in B.C. around 1895 or so, some silly parts but WOW it would have been FUN to be that carefree...

Tom,I answered your PM.I'll get back to you tomorrow evening with more information.Incidentally that 7600 is a .35 WHELEN,not a .35REM.
Berettaman,I don't recall seeing any Beretta 390's buty I'll keep my eye out for you.
Just for the record,after many years of owning all kinds of pump and auto shotguns I now own and hunt with ONE.It's a 12 gauge single barrel Marlin Model 200 that I bought about ten years ago at a KMart for $79.Great gun.Of course I'm a bit of a single shot nut anyhoo.Love that shotgun.

Stan

Thanks Stan. Doesn't matter if its a Whelen or a Rem. I'd still like to get the info from it.

Sorry to hear about your cousin Wabo.

I remember hearing about the movie, but never saw it. m

Tom, go for the Whelen. Best if you reload for it as factory loads are limited. I'd load up some 225gr and never look back.

My son's moose dropped in it's tracks when he hit it with a 225 gr. Barnes at 225 yards from his Rem 700, 35 Whelen.

Here is an update on Cole. He is in his recovery week, but the side affects are starting to ramp up. I cant imagine how scared he must have been from hallucinating. And to ask his dad if he is going to die? Wow. Here is his latest Caringbridge update from his mother:

Sorry, I didn't write because Jon had the computer and he was back home. Yesterday was okay but today is worse. This is really hard for me to deal with. I thought each day out from raditation would be better but appartantly not. I sent for Caden (Cole's best friend) thinking Cole would be really ready to play today. Caden got here and Cole has been too sick to play today. Cades is going to stay tonight, I pray that Cole will be up to playing tomorrow because I know how badly he wants to and how much it helps! Yesterday Cole had hallucinations from a medicine they gave him. It was the hardest thing for a mom to experience. He screamed and cried for a half an hour that scary things were flying at him and begged me to make it stop. All I could do was hold him close. After that he passed out for about an hour. Needless to say we won't be using that medicine again. And today he asked Jon if he was going to die. This is all way too much for a 4 year old to handle. My strength is fading fast and I am really starting to question God???? All I can do is pray that tomorrow will be bettter.

Did everyone hug their kids? If not, better get on that. Thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it all helps.

Berettaman,

I am so very sorry to hear about what is happening with Cole. The nightmares he is having are truly heartbreaking. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.

One of my wife's best friends has a mother (really a 2nd mother to my wife) who went through cancer and Chemo. She's been cancer free for years now, but both the Chemo and meds made her awfully sick. It seems to get worse, before it gets better. Don't lose hope. He -CAN- get better.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Did everyone hug their kids? If not, better get on that. Thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it all helps.

I have been watching the caring bridge daily regarding Cole and his family. My heart simply cries for them. Having a son almost the same age and watching him with all his energy, enthusiasm and adventures just reminds me how things can change. BUT I am praying whenever they cross my mind and heart. God does wonderful works and He can bring them thru this. Prayers and good thoughts will continue from Camp Chickenbuck.

You know, I should mention what I consider to be good news. Jon, Cole's dad, is the builder for my house. He is looking at starting on Sept 14th or the 21st. Now to me, this is way more important than just starting my house. It will get Jon involved in something away from the hospital and maybe, hopefully, create a small bit of normalcy in their lives. I dont think you can live in a hospital for a year with that kind of stress. It will be soooo good for at least him to think about 2X4s instead of chemo, if just for a little while. Carly does have a great support network, so she will pull through. It all happened so fast; we arent even a month into this yet.

Thanks everyone. Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming; talk about weatherbeaten boards and old Fords, wishing for guns and pinching your wife's buns, picking blueberries and ND missing an easy shot at a big ol' elk.

That's some pretty amazing performance for a .30 cal pistol round.

Originally Posted by Gadfly

I'm thinkin' about getting a new one a guy down at the barbershop told me about. Said it was a 7.69 x 32 Russian. Said the Commies developed it during the cold war and it would shoot as far as you could see, and that the cheap commie surplus ammo could penetrate tank armor! Oh yeah, they tumble when they hit flesh, so you don't need soft points to kill deers and such. I gotta get me one!

tzone, you have pm.

Stan

I hate this. I pray every day for a little boy I've never met. This makes me SSSSOOOOOOO thankful that I have healthy kiddies.

I hope he gets better soon, a little boy does not deserve this, not one bit.

Thanks Stan. Sent ya one back. Thanks for checking for me Stan.

The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him.

Are you a real poster archery or did you just quote me so you could plant your business link in here?

Wow, that takes a stainless steel set to do something like that. I just crossed that business off my list to ever buy something from. so nobody else hits his link, it is to an archery shop in Indiana. Draves.

yeah I checked it out too.

too bad.

a little introduction & some small talk goes a long ways.

He's just another FIB from E'n ham IL.

Could have started your own thread dude. I may have looked at your site with some seriousness, 10 seconds is all it took to figure you for a phony.

Looks like i was right again.

Oh yeah...THE BEARS STILL SUCK.

"Ignore" works great.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wow, that takes a stainless steel set to do something like that. I just crossed that business off my list to ever buy something from. so nobody else hits his link, it is to an archery shop in Indiana. Draves.

Was never on my list, but never will be now. The link I clicked on was from IL, so if there's more than one on there, that says all I need to know.

the ex called me this morning saying our son was very ill and wouldn't keep anything down, food or fluids, so I told her to bring him to the clinic immediately, ran out of class to meet them there, and he looks fine, he's happy to see me and plays with me while we wait, doc checks him out, says he has a cold..... nothing severe, just gave some tips on how to take care of it, and I added a couple she had forgotten.
I'm so sick of her running to the clinic whenever he has a sniffle. and making it sound like the world is coming to an end.
kids get sick, I know I did when I was his age, and I can count on one hand how many times I went to the clinic for an ailment. unless it was a broken bone or needed stitches, we didn't go (outside of check ups/shots). I needed stitches twice and had strep throat really bad 2 other times, my throat was bleeding and I had a high fever.
sorry for the vent, just pissed me off this morning

Is that your first kid? We were like that a bit, or I was. We didn't go all the time, but called a lot. My MIL is a nurse, so we relied on her a lot.

With my son,(2nd kid), if he's still breathing, and councious, we don't go to the doc. He doesn't complain when he's sick either, so when he does, he usually means it. With my daughter, she always says shes sick when she doesn't want to do something.

I understand the rant though. Espically since you had to leave school to meet them.

he is the first for both of us, but I have a nephew and niece and have a lot of friends with kids, so I know how it is. I do get very concerned when he gets sick, because its hard on a 1 year old, but doesn't mean I'll take him to the clinic. in my opinion the doc is only needed if you can't remedy the problem at home. to her the doc is where you go if the kid is sick, regardless of what it is.
different parenting I guess

On a different subject, 2 more days til early goose hunting in MN. Time for some Fajitas.

And I would highly recommend "the dangerous book for boys" my place is covered in snares and traps, and all kinds of things have yet to be discovered. We got that one and the Girls as well however my youngest daughter has hidden it away somewhere in her cave.

Ours started here yesterday. There were people baning away by my place before I went to work, and I could here them shooting away most of the day while I was there.

Well Cole's benefit is happening a little sooner than I thought. I guess the situation (financial) is a little worse than I thought. Anyway, here is the details:

The Benefit will be:

Sunday, October 18, 2009

5 pm to 9 pm at Broadway Ballroom

Tickets can be purchased at Eko Backen Awards Plus - 1207 State Hwy 29 N - Alexandria MN - 320-763-3504
or Cullen's Home Center - 1620 N Nokomis - Alexandria MN - 320-762-1249
Donations can be sent to:
Friends Helping Friends LLC
PO Box 1218
Alexandria MN 56308

Silent Auction items can be dropped off at Cullen's Home Center

An organizational meeting will be held at Broadway Ballroom
Wednesday, Sept 9 at 5 pm. Anyone wishing to help with the benefit should attend.

>>>>>I will be at the meeting and will be working to get donations. If you can donate, or know someone or a business that may donate, any and all help is appreciated. If you do have or get something, you can either send it to me (3004 Crestwood Drive, Alexandria MN 56308) or send it to the above address and let me know what it was you sent so I can track it for you. I also need to know to send out thank yous.

Yesterday he felt well enough to ride his trike down the hall a little bit. So that is a good sign. first day in awhile that he has felt good enough to do that.

I'm workin' on some stuff for ya. Haven't heard back from Ty yet.

Call the MN WILD, i'm guessing they'll help you with something.

Well folks. northern dave & tribe are heading for the black hills for the long weekend. little mini vacation.

totally unplanned, spur of the moment. I was geting out of the shower this morning & it hit me. Summer is over.

Last chance to get the wife & kids out, show them something new & have some fun away from home.

So, we're going.

Watch out for the buffalo.

Have a safe trip.

Dont forget to stop at Wall Drug. I think they have a sign or two up if I remember correctly.

really? I've been through there a few times, don't remember seeing any signs....

It was not my intention to quote you, but I was just giving my thought and I never intend to promote my link only.

I thought for sure there was ONE sign. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe you will just have to guess which exit it is.

If you start thinking about it, say, around Sioux Falls, that should get you in the mood. Keep an eye peeled for that one sign though, it will help guide you in.

I don't mind being quoted archery, it just came across a bit odd as it was something I wrote way back when I started this thread.

It just looked like an empty quote with no comment or question pertaining to the quote.

it was a bit confusing, i don't think I was alone on wondering what it was all about.

Berettaman, I'll watch for that one wall drug sign, I hope it's big enough to read from the road....

Dave I'll keep you posted on the Bunk beds, I emailed them tonight letting them know how many I wanted, they should have enough, worst case I buy all they have left anyway

have fun in the black hills!

Dave,I hope you and the family have a great mini-vacation.
The weather here is unseasonably cool.Loving it.
If I disappear for a little while it's due to computer problems.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave I'll keep you posted on the Bunk beds, I emailed them tonight letting them know how many I wanted, they should have enough, worst case I buy all they have left anyway

have fun in the black hills!

Ryan, that's great, you have no idea what a big deal that is. Awesome find!!

When we get back from SD we'll have to plan a road trip so i can come down & visit, & pick up those bunks if it works out.

Make sure to check out the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Just drive around it to see the murals (Made out of corn). Do not bother to go inside. Almost forgot, there's a Cabelas there too.

I got the beds bought, they had 6 of the metal part of the frames, but only enough wood ends for 4, but we can rig up the other two easily enough.

the lady also said we can take as many mattresses as we want, and there are a bunch left of those, so we would only need to build frames for the last 2 sets of beds. I left a voicemail on your phone.

I also left my info in the case some more come available, I'll be the first one they call, so eventually we'll be able to get the full 10 beds all matching and be good to go. and a a buck per whole bed (frame/mattress) we can't go wrong!

are we even for me breaking your fishing pole this winter?

We can rig those suckers up in a few weeks.

i'd say we're even.

goofball!

that's awesome!! I actually have 1 set of bunk beds out there already so with what you've got there we'll be able to fill the original plan of 3 bunks (6 beds) in the boys room and 2 bunks (4 beds) in the girls room.

You all have a great weekend, me & the tribe are heading west, kids are excited so this is huge fun for me.

later!

glad thos bunks are coming dave, never know when one gets a lazy eye after midnight and the captain comes out....have a great trip!! perfect weekend, remember, its long and boring and there was a big sign for wall drug along the interstate back not too many years ago when we came through. we actually stopped at a little establishment across the road for a frosty beverage!!

ok, well if we need more let me know, the school is going to contact me when the next batch comes available, they also have desks and some chairs and stuff come up on occasion.

if anyone else needs some let me know too!

There's gotta be a way we can convert those desks into a beer/Captain cooler.

Went blackberry picking Saturday. Friend and I picked 8 quarts. Blackberry pie at camp this year for sure.

I miss blue berries!
yesterday I took the deer rifles out for a run, the 30-30 was a little low so I tweaked her, and the .243 was dead on.
also busted out the 300 winny for kicks, everyone there loved to shoot that one

Need to start hitting the range myself. Usually manage to get out about 3 times before the season opens.

I go to the range every Wednesday morning weather permitting and sometimes in spite of.I try to rotate usage of all my firearms to maintain my ability with each one.Some get to go more often than others.Example is my Romanian Tokarev which I bought a few months ago.I absolutely love this pistol.I initially purchased 2600 rounds of ammunition for it so I'm good for awhile.
My 45-70's seem to go a lot as well as my Mosins and the .44 magnum Super Redhawk.I just enjoy shooting and since I reload it gives me something else to do.Reloading is a hobby within a hobby.
I actually went to the range today since a bunch of my friends who still work regular jobs decided to make Labor Day a range day.

Stan in SC

Stan, I see my problem. I definitly need more guns.

I need more time

Hey all, we're back from our trip. Everything went great, i just can't believe the weather we had, it was amazing & everybody had a good time.

got some catching up to do & I'll try to post a few pics after a while here.

awesome, glad you had a great time with the fam! look forward to pics!

captain banana breakfast & side kick co-pilot private goofy glasses...

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we noticed a few signs for this place...

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but this was my favorite billboard

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Pam with her new boyfriend at wall drug...

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an elk at bear country

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a bear at... bear country.

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one of our stops called "cosmos" pretty good show, lots of fun.

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interesting menu item.....

did they know we were coming??

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wind cave

needles hwy

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not sure what to make of this picture...

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the family truckster

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mighty conqueror

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mighty conqueror fall down....

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exploring

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Mt "mushmore"

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weezy as Abe

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my buffalo prime rib at the powder house resturant... wow, very good.

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more site seeing..

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deadwood

spearfish canyon

(I was envious of the bikers ahead of us)

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devils tower, amazing

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I wore them out, mission accomplished.

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Awsome Dave!

At least the mighty conquer wasn't peeing from his post high above the rest.

Looks like you guys had a blast.

that elk pic should get the fire burning for the CO trip soon.

Devils tower is something else.

Did you mine for gold?

Great Pics !!! Looks like you guys had a Blast !!!

Looks like everyone enjoyed the trip. Did you do the Bad lands?
Lots to see in SD.

One of the few benefits there is to being an old fart is you can buy a lifetime pass to the National Parks and Historic Sites for $10. Put it to good use last year.

I am sooo relieved you found Wall Drug. I was worried about that all weekend.

Boy, seeing those pictures really makes me disappointed I cant go out west this year. Doggone it.

We had a productive weekend working on the lot and even catching some crappies.

Today was Lauren's first day at kindergarten. how did it go? "too much to remember, Dad", was the answer I got. She liked it so much, she didnt want to come home!

I asked our youngest how his first day of kindergarten went. I said "what did you learn today Joe?"

He said "everything"

wow, these new schools are so efficient...

apparently not because I bet they made him go back

Dave and family,
Great great pictures.Looks like everyone had a good time.Thank you for sharing.

Stan

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

apparently not because I bet they made him go back

hmm, come to think of it he is supposed to go back for more than just one day of school.... so maybe he didn't learn "everything"?

thanks Stan, you still walkin & shoot'n?

TFF! Jack had his firs day of pre-K today as well. I asked him what he learned. He told me "we counted to 10 with jelly beans, and since I alweddy know how to count to 10...I ate the jelly beans."

He said he already has 3 "gill friends" too.

Yep, that's my boy.

Dave,
Some friends and I went shooting Labor Day since they were off.Had a great time.
The walking hasn't been as big a priority here lately but cooler weather will make getting out to the walking track more regularly a wee bit more pleasant.Thanks for asking.

Stan in SC

whenever my folks would ask me "what did you learn in school today" they got tired of me saying "nuthin" so I got creative and would answer "apparently not enough they want me to come back tomorrow"

I never thought to answer with "everything" thats pretty good

I'm pumped!I traded into a rifle today that I have been trying to acquire thru trading for about three years.I just never seemed to find one I felt I could afford before today.It is a Ruger Model 77/44 in stainless with synthetic stock.I got it from the original owner with the original box.Ruger's website shows it to be a 2001 manufacture date.Man I am looking forward to next Wednesday's range day.Meanwhile I need to look around for a matte silver scope to mount.I have a Weaver 1.5-4.5X20 but it is a blued scope.

Stan in SC

I'd mock it up with the blued scope. I run matte and blued on synthetics; they look just fine to me. The only reason that I run silver is when they come cheaper used.

Great find Stan! I sure like those little Rugers.

Nice find Stan. One of my old hunting buddies had one with the wood stock. It was a good looking little rifle and a dream to carry. He eventually traded it.

Ever run across one of the Ruger levers in 44 mag? I handled one of them and didn't care for it.

that's always fun to find a NIB non current rifle that you've been looking for for a few years.

Dave,yes.The thrill of the chase.
Grizzly,Last year I bought one of the lever action 44's and although it was accurate,it was finicky concerning consistent detonation of reloads.It went away.Also last year I at various times bought three of the semi auto carbines(old style) and eventually sold all three.You cannot shoot cast bullets in the semi version as it will clog the gas port.The one I just acquired to me seems the best of the bunch.It's a bolt action,it will shoot cast bullets,it is light and well...it's just pretty.
My local gun shop has a new style semi carbine.

Stan

My favorite non current NIB find was a winchester 9422M yellowboy.

brand frickin new, and i think i got it for about $375 if i remember corectly.

to me that was a real treasure.

Stan, I had one of the original semi autos back in the early 60's. Fun little gun to shoot. Factory ammo at the time was pretty much limited to 44 mag pistol rounds.

Another gun that I should have kept.

Grizzly,I bought one in 1979 and killed several deer with it.I liked the rifle and still wonder why I sold it.

Stan

hey guys, my cell phone was run over on the hwy yesterday so if anybody is trying to call me, it aint gonna work.

not the cell phone anyways.

have a good weekend all.

Here is a Cole update! Hooray, it is pretty good news. The scan today was a big deal and here is the update:

Halleluia!!! We got good results. It showed partial response almost complete response! There are 3 very samll spots left on the lungs which compared to before is awesome. The doctor was pleasantly surprised considering his cancer was unfavorable with diffuse anaplasia. They are thinking we will need a little more radiation on the lungs. But because they are so small she wants to send it to the national expert to see if they think we need the radiation or not. We do not know the treatment plan specifics yet. It looks like 10 months of lots of chemo, some inpatient and some not. It is not going to be easy but we need to embrace the moment were in now and be happy! Thank you all so much for the prayers, they are working. The next prayer request is that they figure out truely if he needs the radiation or not. It is looking like it but maybe not and we know God works wonders. We do not want to under or over treat so pray for wisdom for the docs. Cole is doing great. He didn't even care that we had to go back. We are now on our way to DQ so he can treat us with his own giftcard! We love you all!

Great news, continued prayers for a full recovery.

that's the best thing I've heard all week.

very good news.

Berettaman,Great news! Keep us posted.

Stan in SC

Damn it man! This is excellent. There hasn't been a day that goes by that I don't think of Cole.

I'll keep prayin', hope it keeps working.

That's great new about Cole! I think about him often, even more so this week as our 1 year old caught some nasty virus. Sick as a dog all week long with me getting up at 4:00am this morning to give him a cool bath. The little guy had a fever of 104.6.

With my little guy down and out I couldn't help but think of little Cole. Glad that he's doing better. Our is on the mend as well.

Congrats!

Azar, hope your little guy gets better soon.

A little more insight on his scan; the spots on his lungs have shrunk considerably. They are really hoping that he can skip the radiation this time. But even if he has to have it, they are thinking just a spot specific spot on his lungs and not all of his lungs and stomach like last time.

Jon is starting to work a little bit which I think is really good for him. They will get to be outpatient for the next two weeks, so they get to stay at the apartment instead of the hospital. Make no mistake about it, there will be many tough times in the next 10 more months of treatment, but at least we had some good news and Cole has jumped out to an early lead in the game.

Now on to the topic of deer. I saw a couple of racks that scored 197 and 201 this weekend. Wow. Double wow. You just cannot believe the size, mass, and length of these racks. I was always a little skeptical when someone said they saw a 200 inch buck. Now I am REALLY skeptical, because these things are so big, you woudnt be telling anyone!!

Great new, great great news!

I know he has an uphill battle, but now they know all doesn't end bad.

A 200" er. dats a big buckch (youper voice)

People tell me they see a 170", I have seen one 1 deer alive that I would say was a booner. My wifes uncle shot a 168" with a bow, and the size of that thing just amazes me every time I see it.

yeah were did ya go to see that one baretta? the zoo?

reall good news on the boy, thanks for the update.

Good news Beretta!

Heading North Wednesday to help the SIL on his quest for a bear. Wish the heck it would cool down. 85 here on Sunday and 80's today. We've been running the A/C for the past week. July weather in September and September weather in July. Go figure.

Talked to the grandson last night. He was all excited. Dad took him to a gravel pit set him in his lap and let him steer the truck. Son said he did a great job. He also shot his BB gun for the first time and hit the target 6 out of 7 tries.

It was Outdoors/Hunting day at the local mall and Heartland Conservation, a local company that works to improve habitat, had them. They were shot a few years ago.

I have seen a lot of big bucks in my day (unfortunately, most of them were when I was hunting pheasants!!). I can recall 4 legitimate B&C bucks. One in ND, one in MT and 2 in MN. The ND buck and one in MN were well over the B&C line, I dont know how big they were, but they were gigantic. Similar to the 200" I saw this weekend, but I couldnt tell you if they were quite that big. The one in MN was actually hunting deer. We saw him 6 times in broad daylight and never got a shot. My dad got a really good look at him from 200 yards (shotgun zone, so no shot opportunity). Our group has shot a 180" and a 167" and many in the 150" range. I tell you what, a 200" buck is something special! The 180 we shot wasnt even that big or old of a deer. the 167 was bigger than a small horse. Ahhhhh, can you tell it is the beginning of fall????

Berettaman;

I am glad to hear that Cole is doing so well in his fight with cancer. I am in the middle of that fight myself (plasma cell lukemia). After spending last fall in the hospital with inpatient chemo-therapy and a bone marrow transplant, I am really looking forward to getting out and doing as much hunting as possible this year. A trip to WY for antelope in 10 days will be the kick off for me. Then, I'll follow up with bird hunting in NE Wisconsin and dah Yoo Pee until the Wisconsin gun deer season.

Take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself. Glad your with us to enjoy another hunting season.

I expect pics of hunting trips.

sbhva,
I second Tzone's request, we expect pictures! And not just the hero shot either, pics of the whole experience, the burnt breakfast, the wet boot, the tiny little dots on the horizon that are the herd after you missed

.....Ah, you wouldnt miss, just kidding ya.

Matter of fact, all you knuckleheads, we should each work hard this hunting season on taking better and more pictures. Northern Dave does such a good job of it, it is time the rest of us do a little better.

I would have to work pretty hard to take pictures of all the stuff northtern_dave does.

I'm taking my little guy to camp for the first time this coming weekend, so I'm sure there'll be pics.

good luck Steve.

Make sure to keep us posted on your travels. Good luck.

good luck and have fun.

HEY You're late for school!

Hi all,
I have some news and I just can't keep it in any longer.

A year ago when my dad found out he had emphysema he called us kids and ask if we want to buy some of his 'treasures' that he has at the house. Treasures as in an old Colt snowmobile, 1978 Ford F150, etc. Well the '78 Ford was already spoken for by my nephew who won't be able to drive for about 4 years. My heart was broke! ND said if the opportunity ever arose we would try to at least buy it from my brother if they wanted to sell it down the road. Well.......dad called on Sunday and for some reason my brother and his boy backed out of the deal AND he asked if I still wanted the truck. I could hardly compose myself when I told dad I would have to ask ND but I was really interested.

I think everyone can figure out what ND said when I asked him...SO I GET MY OWN HUNTING TRUCK!!!! And what means so much is that it is my dad's, one of the men in my life that I truly hold very dear and close to my heart.

Just wanted to share my big news. There will be some fixing to do on the truck and I'm so glad that I know a good mechanic/paint/body man.

Ok Pam, we all promise not to tell Dave about the great mechanic and body man.

Congrats on getting your own truck. If you're lucky Dave will have it fixed up before he finishes the addition. Oops

(truck nazi)

"NO TRUCK FOR YOU!!"

yeah right huh? think i could deny that request?

details, F150 long box 4x4 regular cab, 351 with a 4 speed. cant remember right now if it is a mid year 78 or if it's a 79

but the old snowmobile is a sno-jet, not a colt.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

If you're lucky Dave will have it fixed up before he finishes the addition. Oops

ouch!! hey take it easy man!! that was a little rough

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but the old snowmobile is a sno-jet, not a colt.

Oh yeah sno-jet...good thing I have you around ND! Dad said the sno-jet has 400 miles on it and has always been stored inside. That will be fun for the kids to ride on around the house. I can't wait to drive around in me-new-truck!

Addition, thank you for reminding me Bill. In all the excitement, I almost forgot about the addition on the house.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

In all the excitement, I almost forgot about the addition on the house.

see what you've done Bill?

Awesome Pam!

But....

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

I could hardly compose myself when I told dad I would have to ask ND but I was really interested.

why did you have to ask ND...yer the boss.

Wait just a minute here.....with all these projects you now have to do dave, an addition to the shop is a lot more important than an addition to the house wouldn't ya say.

I don't know what is wrong with those other guys...jeezzzhh.

Wahooo! I CANNOT wait to see pictures of Mrs ND, stuck up to the axles with a big ol' grin on her face!

But I do have a question...how many of us here at the 'fire make the cut of...."one of the men in my life that I truly hold very dear and close to my heart."?

Ahh, you dont have to really answer that, I am just joshin' with ya. I have an old .22 that grampa gave me that is special for that very reason. I doubt it would sell for $25 at an auction, but I wouldnt part with it for $500.

I am gonna go out on a limb here, but I bet you can smell the interior of that truck right now and that is one of the reasons it is so special.

Originally Posted by tzone

Wait just a minute here.....with all these projects you now have to do dave, an addition to the shop is a lot more important than an addition to the house wouldn't ya say.

I don't know what is wrong with those other guys...jeezzzhh.

Please notice I didn't specify what the addition was to.

I've got my grandfathers 22. It goes to my grandson when I'm done with it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wahooo! I CANNOT wait to see pictures of Mrs ND, stuck up to the axles with a big ol' grin on her face!

Oh she'll be stuck.

Pam,I know this means a lot to you.I am extremely happy that it worked out for you.

Stan in SC

Yeah I'll probably be stuck but it sure will be fun getting out. Whoop!!

Addition on house first, then on garage or another garage...I HAVE SPOKEN since according to tzone I'm the boss.

Stan-thanks, I'm glad it worked out too. All things work out in time, I just needed patience I guess.

Did you hear that Dave....you get to build another shop! there it is, right there in print.

Congrats man.

sweet! are we gonna be starting it next weekend?
I can bring my tools with me

Bring your tools....we got stands to build.

ahhh!

you guys tire me out!!

I aint buildin nuthin this fall!!

I got so much to do the way it is i don't need extra projects right now. I got enough room in my shop the way it is, I'll get by.

there ya go, stands, stands we can handle, little projects, i like little projects

and bunk beds

yep, can handle that too, little projects is good

Where does the Ranger Boat fit in all this?

some day, some day.

it maybe fits in the future someplace?

I hope...

Originally Posted by SSB

Where does the Ranger Boat fit in all this?

Where does it fit? It fits nicely in the new garage...thats where it fits.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

some day, some day.

it maybe fits in the future someplace?

I hope...

That guy was sure happy when I sold him mine for 5K.

meaner.

ha ha. If I sold it for 5K I'd be living in your new garage.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by SSB

Where does the Ranger Boat fit in all this?

Where does it fit? It fits nicely in the new garage...thats where it fits.

Just returned from Northern WI. SIL neighbor was pouring the slab for a 50' X 56' storage building. It would probaly do the job for you Dave.

SIL got his first bear Thursday at 5:30 PM. Used his new Mathews bow and Rage broadheads. Shot was about 25 yards. The bear only went about 10 feet before it expired. We were able to get the ATV trailor right up to it. Dressed weight (Gutted) was 230 pounds.

Tzone will post some of the pictures for me next Monday.

Shot my first buck with a bow tonight. an 8pt. Big deer, normal rack.

I couldn't find him due to light. We searched with light, but found nada...I thought the shot was great. It looked tight behind the shoulder, but maybe a bit high. I found the arrow about 20-30 yds past where he was hit, so the arrow was in the deer for a while. There was some blood on the arrow but also some fat. Pard said by looking at the arrow it appeared to be low, but I'm 99% sure it was high rather than low.

We looked until about 8:30 with lights, and decided to come back tomorrow due to lack of sign.

I'm in for a sleepless night. Hopefully I'll have good new tomorrow.

Tom,I certainly hope that you find him.If you had fat on the arrow it was probably low.

Stan in SC

oh man, i hope you get him. nothing worse than the feeling you had all lasat nite. i bet you have replayed it a few thousand time in your head....the first hour eh?

good luck and my one tracking tip....if you run out of blood and cant find him, look left and right. Many times they will take a jump or two straight to the side of their path when they die.

Hey guys, my lil man RWS (runs with scissors) went on his first goose-duck hunt today (youth hunt) he got his limit of 5 gease & shot a couple stinky coots too

big man, plus him & the other 'yoots' did all thge cleaning of the birds while us ole fellers instructed.

our morning went much better than tzon's.

heard from him as we were finishing up our hunt. sounds like his buck trail went dry.

That sucks.

But it does happen, it's happened to me. not until just last year but it sure did happen.

sucks.

Well boys...nuthin. I looked for a long time, longer than a guy should probably. We started at 6:30 this morning and stopped around 10:30 or 11. Then I went back out after lunch and still came up empty. Look at my thread to get better details.

I got a better look at my arrow today. It is covered in fat, greasy fat, a bit of blood, two small pieces of what look like meat, and some small black hair.

If someone showed me the arrow, gave me no info about it, and asked where the deer was hit, I would say brisket. Which bugs me a bit because I would swear on my paycheck that I watched the arrow go in high.

The plus side is...I heard no crow, coyotes, or jay birds. So maybe there is a chance that he is still around. Man I hope so...

I don't know at what point you call it, but we have a total of about 20 man hours on this thing. We did a grid on about an 80, and with no sign, we were eventually looking for a deer.

I'm in a pissy mood now, which sucks because it is a beautiful day.

Oh yeah, Great job today RWS! Good job on those geese boy! Hopefully you can tell me all about it next week.

Thanks for all the hopeful wishes guys.

T

Congrats RWS. Dad is starting you out right.

Yes, congratulations to RWS for a successful hunt.
Tom,sorry you were not successful in your search.I had the same thing happen two years ago during gun season.I swore I'd NEVER use a .243 again.

Stan in SC

Well, I brought the little guy to deer camp yesterday for the first time.

First or all, I have been waiting for this day most of my life...a dad taking his boy to deer camp. I'm not a above saying I got a bit choked up watching him play in the woods.

That kid was made for camp. He did what little boys do. We chased frogs, hauled wood, sat on a stump and shared a gatorade. And everywhere he looked, there were "baby bears".

The boy smiled THE ENTIRE TIME....and so did his dad.

Mr. Big Shot on Grandpas wheeler
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Bringing in the load (fire wood)
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big weekend coming up, sort of a chickenbuck rendezvous.

tzone & colorado are going to head to camp chickenbuck to meet up with me & who ever else decides to head up this way & we'll do a little grilling, scouting, set some stands out etc.

Should be a really good time. then the following weekend I have to head to my dad's place over by Duluth to gather up elk camp gear such as the tent we will bring (going with a GP small this year) wood stove, colapsable shower stall, some big tarps, fire pit grate, dutch oven, big frypan, cooking gear etc.

It's going to be a truckload for sure. then there is the rest of the stuff that has to come with us, one of those things is a big freezer, generator.. (big stuff... see how this is becoming more than one pickup load??)

Lucky for us caprainbangflop has a nice enclosed 6x10 trailer that he bought himself this summer for hauling hunting gear.

I'm thinking we might need to pull that little trailer this year so we can haul all of our gear.

Might have to leave the trailer up on the top of the pass prior to dropping down into our base camp valley, really a bad trail, too rough for a trailer. We could bring it part ways down but would probably have to chain it to a tree part ways down & make a trip back up to the trailer for the rest of the gear once we get down in the valley & unload the truck.

we'll have to go through the bearings & stuff on that trailer i suppose.

ND,
Oh man, getting ready for elk camp is something I would give my left nut for. I think it will be next year. We have a 6X10 enclosed trailer too and were gonna do the same thing with generator and freezer. On one hand I cant wait for the pics I know you will have, on the other, it is about gonna kill me to look at them knowing I will not be going this year. I mean really, painting and staining are fun and all, but I think I would rather go elk hunting. I am glad you are not stopping at Perkins in Alex like Griz Bill did, or I might stow away in that trailer.

sounds like you had a great time Tom, great pics too.

oh yeah that elk trip is right in our lap again. I gotta get together with dusty & bangflop so we can plan a few things out.

I am sure i still have my elk camp packing letter from last year that has a lot of detail in it to help a person pack right for the trip. I'll have to send that letter out again real soon here.

sounds like chickenbuck will be hopping. when you heading out there ND? might have to swithch my plans around and come out for a visit?

yeah sure man, i'll prob head out there mid day friday & spend the whole weekend out there. tzone is taking friday off i think & should be there around mid day I think, colorado is coming up from crookston, i'll have to get in touch with both of these guys to see when to expect them both.

you know where the place is but they never been there so i gotta kind of watch for em, maybe meet em out by dewy's store or something & lead them in.

Dave, I plan on being there around 11 AM on Friday. Or later if that works for you. Just let me know.

it works.

Nice pictures Tom, Looks like the little guy was having the time of his life.

here's a look at a bit of the cabin barn board work i got done the last time i was out to chickenbuck.

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Dave, It looks Great.

thanks, chipping away at it.

will be nicer to do that stuff as it cools off this fall.

hmmmm. if you only had some helpers.

Looks great man. Really nice.

looks like i'll be spraying for clown faced baboons...

(shudder)

I love when he's in one of these "moods"

I don't even need to start drinking.

Dont worry Tom, Ive got the drinky drinky covered for you both.

I have a fresh batch of lemonade.....guess what I just found. Yep, VODKA!

be good boys, i'm going to bed.

Me too, hold down the fire Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

be good boys, i'm going to bed.

That's usually what the old lady says....right before the trouble starts.

LOL, I look forward to meeting you this weekend Tom

Likewise Ryan.

We'll have fun.

I'm gettin old....I gotta hit the rack too.

Tom, don't forget your passport. I hear dem 2 border guards at Dulute (Sven $ Ole), make it tough on outsiders to enter Minneslovokia.

TZONE, gotta love that lemonade....i even made a new concoction last week and added a bit of cran apple juice to the lemonade vodka too. I call it the Crapolade.....patent pending of course, its going to be the new signature cocktail up on the rainy river after last weekend. Hoping to get out and meet you this weekend....

come on out buschy, i'll try to make sure we've got some ice in the fridge for your crapolade.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, don't forget your passport. I hear dem 2 border guards at Dulute (Sven $ Ole), make it tough on outsiders to enter Minneslovokia.

Good ting I'm not an outsider 'eh...I'll be the one in da Viks hat...or the Twins hat...or the MN Pride hat...or the MN Wild hat.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

TZONE, gotta love that lemonade....i even made a new concoction last week and added a bit of cran apple juice to the lemonade vodka too. I call it the Crapolade.....patent pending of course, its going to be the new signature cocktail up on the rainy river after last weekend. Hoping to get out and meet you this weekend....

TFF! If I was drinking....Crapolade would have come out my nose.

I hope to meet you as well.

We are trying to plan on coming out. not sure yet if i talk him into friday night or saturday night. Lestifer has to work saturday am. hoping to make the run south though! its always fun out there! You seeing any Birds out there ND?

I hope so....but you won't see 'em for long.

i haven't been tripping over the birds but i hear good things from other people.

Be careful Dave; Just noticed Miller has started their camo cans...where the hell did I put mine. Chit!

What!!???

hunting cans already!!???

oh no.

oh no, no, no... my liver doesn't stand a chance this weekend!!

Why? Are we drinking?

I just bought some bottles, no cammo on em...might have to look for some cans.

crapolades all over the place!!! no need for cans when you got that stuff!

Originally Posted by tzone

Why? Are we drinking?

I just bought some bottles, no cammo on em...might have to look for some cans.

no need, the stuff in the bottles is way better.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

no need, the stuff in the bottles is way better.

and they look way cooler when we throw them up in the air and shoot 'em when were done.

aiaiaiaiaiaaiiiiiieeeeeee (me wearing my sombrarro)

Safe travels to those heading to Chickenbuck. Look forward to the pics.

thanks grogel....same to you on yor way to the Savage Fest. If I was home I'd buy you a cold one on your way through.

should be a good time.

weather looks decent too.

Behave you guys and have a cold one for me.

cold one? hadn't thought of it but if you insist...

I'm leaving for chickenbuck at around 10-10:30 this morning, Tzone is on the road coming from Duluth direction, Ryan talking about tomorrow morning. I got the truck loaded, ATV, chainsaw, couple of rifles that will be going elk hunting soon & need to be shot to make sure the scopes are still on.

I have my M70 300wby in the truck, it sports a Burris FFII 3.5-10X 50mm B-plex in steel weaver grand slam rings. That one likes hornady interlocks, 180 gr. I just have to send a few down the pipe & verify that it hasn't moved since last year.

Runs with scissors has a M70 fwt push feed in 30-06 sporting a Leupold VXII 3-9 40mm (100 yr edition) in 1" rear offset leupold rings & bases. We'll be trying fed fusion 165 gr in that one thinking that will be his cow elk medicin.

I've got a cooler with some food, camera... i'll pick up beverages along my way to camp today. Weather looks great, should be a nice weekend.

Take lots of pictures.

wow nd, how do you do it? hows the road into the ranch? I might swing up early, hopefully you'll be around. I got so much to do this weekend, still trying to fit it all in....hoping i can make it out before i have to run to surprise party tonight.

I'll be out there by noonish anyways, stop on out. Road in is bumpy as usual but it's all dried up.

Great weekend, I'll post the few pictures i have, hoping tzone & colorado have some pics to post too.

i'm cooking some wisconsin brats from maplewood meats in greenbay thanks to tzone. man, these are gonna be awesome i know it!! I'll save 2 packs for deer camp but this pack lost it's vacuum so, i had to cook it.

Here's a few

[Linked Image]

and of course the campfire

another one of the fire when it was rip roarin

[Linked Image]

tzone built him one heck of a blind where several trails converge, I'll be shocked if he doesn't connect with the nice buck he saw in that same area yesterday.

I got my tree picked out, just need to hang a ladder stand next time I head up that way.

Good pics Colorado!

The little guy had a lot of fun I think, I'm guessing he slept all the way home, and probably started before you hit the gravel.

I had a great time with these tow goofballs this weekend, and only expect more in a month or so.

Dave has a great camp, and a great family to share it with. I'm honored I get a chance to be part of it.

he did sleep the whole way home, he made it almost to the store before he fell asleep.
he woke up a block from home! right when the Vikes won the game

well I have to head to bed, I stayed up way too late

and I agree Tom, Dave and his family are the best folks there are.
between learning about leopard squirrels and learning that the stars are easier to see when the wind isn't blowing

I learned lots of facts this weekend, thanks again Dave and Pam!

Great pictures guys. You did a good job of cleaning up most of the beer cans. Cute little guy you've got there Colorado.

Carpet cleaners coming this morning so the computer room will be off limits until the carpet dries. Catch you later.

it was good to meeet you fellers this weekend out at the ranch! we had fun, always a good time out there! Have to keep your eyes out for one of them der' 32's too. Thanks dave for the munchers, that elk was tasty too. the best part was i felt good yesterday morning after being out there...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

it was good to meeet you fellers this weekend out at the ranch! we had fun, always a good time out there! Have to keep your eyes out for one of them der' 32's too. Thanks dave for the munchers, that elk was tasty too. the best part was i felt good yesterday morning after being out there...

Ya know Buschy...if you drink slow and steady, you don't feel too bad do ya?

It was great meeting you and Lester...had a great time. I can't wait until deer season when we can break out the crapolade! I might be able to find some Captain then too.

See you boys again soon I hope.

Ok I finally have some pictures ready to put up. I'm glad Ryan got some pics because i'm not too impressed with my pictures but here are a few.

Tom cookin some of those chili brats in the kitchen.

[Linked Image]

here's ryan trying to figure out how to run the stroller "how's this thing work?"

[Linked Image]

here we are out scouting for hunting spots sunday morning.

[Linked Image]

sorry about the blurry pictures, i'd blame it on slow shutter speed but the truth is these guys were just moving too fast for a conventional camera to capture

We were building a blind for Tom, my 2 boys were keeping us safe from the red squirrels who were waging a vicious attack on us.

[Linked Image]

some more of the blind coming together.

[Linked Image]

my little guy & tom stopping long enough for me to get a picture.

[Linked Image]

inside of tom's blind

[Linked Image]

outside

and i wanted the guys to see that the whisky jacks did finally come for our left over offering of pancakes out on the rock. They showed up just after you guys left.

[Linked Image]

very cool, the shot of hail musta woke them up

I like the deer in the headlights look I have going on there, LOL

buschpilot if was good to meet you and Les too! I'm interested in that crapolade myself, I'll see if I can make a batch of apple pie to bring with as well

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

buschpilot if was good to meet you and Les too! I'm interested in that crapolade myself, I'll see if I can make a batch of apple pie to bring with as well

Oh boy....I see this as trouble.

forgot to tell about the bear we saw on Friday. Tom & I were on the way back from a run we made to the store for some hot dog buns & we saw a really nice bear close to our access road.

looked like it was a regular ground bear, non flying.

Dave this is my first post to this site and I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed this thread. I finally finished reading it from start to the latest post. It is great to see a man who involves his family and friends in his passion. As time goes on I will post some pics and a little about myself. In the mean time keep up the great thread. Hope you have a great trip to Colorado elk hunting. I hunted Colorado for ten years and many great memories were made in that beautiful country. Later Brad

Wow, thanks Brad.

hope to hear more from you here at the campfire forums. It's a great place, lots of areas to explore here.

you know you are getting close to a big hunting trip when the 10 day weather forecast tells you what your driving weather is going to be like

the trip is pretty much right here in front of us & I'm getting excited about it.

thanks for posting, thanks for the kind words & wow, I can't believe you read the whole thread

By way of introduction I spent most of my life in the Upper Skagit Valley, North Cascades, in Washington state. Harvested my first blactail and black bear at the age of nine. Hunted until 3 years ago when I retired to California. During that time I was fortunate enough to hunt in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and BC. Towards the end of my hunting life I lost the urge to pull the trigger and just enjoyed seeing the animals and enjoying the camp life. Brad

very cool. we can never have enough truly experienced hunters on the forums here.

I'm sure any experience you can share here at the campfire will be well recieved & appreciated.

Nice to hear from you Brad.

You're not the first guy to make his first post right here on this tread.

How long did it take you to read it all?

I usaully do once a year, but not straight through.

Stick around, it's a cool place.

Tom

Welcome Brad! Most of these guys are harmless, but the critters they encounter in the woods are not. Everyone can learn from them on how to avoid flying bears and such.

Tzone, I love one of the first pics of you with the two antlers about chest level. The look on your face is priceless...it looks like you are wondering what in the heck these thing are!

Then, in one of the next shots, you have them on your head. Right idea, wrong species. You might wanna shore up those deer identification skills by having RWS mentor you.

Started the house! Yippee! Digging commenced today. about 2 feet of black dirt with sand below.

Quick Cole update: This is his off week and he tolerated his second round of chemo much better than the first. He sure has lost a lot of weight though and of course his hair. 4 year olds shouldnt be losing lots of weight (newly minted 39 year olds could though

). But he hasnt lost his spirit at all. He was skipping and waving his arms in the back of the church on his way to sunday school on Sunday.

dave we shoulda got a picture of you wearing the winchester hat

great to hear the updates on Cole, as a father of a young boy (pictures posted a page back) it pulls at my heart strings when I read about what he's facing.

ditto on the cole update. Pam checks caring bridge every night here.

yeah we shoulda got a picture of someone wearing the bear head too... dang, maybe next time!!

You guys had wayyy too much fun this weekend.I envy you. Tom,good ground blind.
Brad,it is always good to have another face here.Glad you joined.

Stan in SC

Thanks all for the welcome. Dave I am retired so I spent about a week off and on reading the thread. It really took on a life of its own and then all the great people who have joined in makes it like a living novel. I know my avitar is small but that is a white blacktail doe, not an albino, who is without a doubt the best buck magnet I have ever encountered. I will dig up some photo's of her over the years and some of the nice bucks harvested because of her. Thanks again for the welcome and this great thread. Brad

Man I forgot about that bear hat....there are enough skins on the wall, that we could have had a pow-wow.

Maybe next time.

Frost on the ground this morning, steam on the lake, geese flying,and my kids digging thru blaze orange, somethings in the air...

for sure, I had to scrape windows on my old truck this morning & step the peddle down hard so the choke spring could flip the choke plate closed on the old carb. Then had to sit there & feather the peddle to make sure she would run on her own before i went back into the house to get my coffee cup & lunch box

but the frost scraped easy with a credit card, credit card frost, it aint so bad

No frost here until tonight. 42 on my way into work this am. We need a good hard blast of frost. Get some color on the trees.

I know the length of daylight is what does it, but it sure seems to change quick when we get a frost.

Only going to be 32, so it will be a credit card frost here too.

30 here this morning

Welcome Brad.

Had to run the furnace to help the carpet dry. Still damp in some areas.

Windy as hell here yesterday. Quite a few dead braches in the yard to deal with this morning. Frost warning for tonight. Fianlly starting to feel like fall.

Tom, like the blind. Just like the ones I use. Got a chance to buy one of those man made plastic enclosed blinds at a very good price ($150). Need to check it out to see if there's enough room for my big ole body.

Need to start reloading for the 06 this week.

I am thinking about buying a ground blind. Fleet Farm has them for $39.99. Building the house and all, that is a pretty attempting price....wonder if they are any good? Either that, or some straw bales.

36 here this morning and the wind finally stopped. Man, that is nice.

You guys are killing me. We hit 105 for a high yesterday and should cool down to 99 for a high today. Living in the Palm Springs, Ca. area is wonderful for outdoor activities like golf but doesn't do much for neck swelling this time of the year. Good luck to all of you hunting this year. Stay safe and shoot straight. Brad

a bit cooler here this morning, 29 on the truck on the way in to work. I made a few Blinds that are 4'x4' and used 2x2's for the construction of them. i can tip them into the back of my ranger or pickup and store them in the shed for the year. its a nice way to go. got an office chair in them so you can swing around each way and plexi-glass windows to slide open. some of my blinds i even put the heater in. the 4x4's you can build very cheap though. Nice way to go too.

Do you remember what type of blind they are?

Even the cheapies are decent now.

Don't plan on them keeping water out in a downpour though...you will get wet after a while.

a heater! what the heck is this world coming to?

I have thought about using one at times, but mostly just carry a wool army blanket and keep it wraped around my legs. Usually does the trick.

tzone, i should have got you pictures of my 12'x12. now thats the way to go. last year we even had other hunters coming over for breakfast in our stand. nice card table in the middle, 6 chairs and a cookstove in there. we used to have it 12' in the air on telephone poles but now we made it more mobile and have it on a old hay wagon. works out pretty good, we call it party hunting....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

works out pretty good, we call it party hunting....

Excellent.

Put some pics up if ya got 'em.

does it have stools in it?
you'd think it would have to.........

My old boss hated the cold, but liked to deer hunt. He had a large elevated stand that both he and his wife could hunt from. It had sliding windows, a propane heater, recliners, tv and other amenities. His wife shot a number of deer from it.

Tzone, do you recall seeing the large elevated blind between Wausau and Tomahawk that looked like a cabin? It was on the West side of Hyway 51 if I remember right.

Bill, I saw that stand this weekend. Big enough for me to have taken note of it as I passed!

Check out this one fron Natchez.I bought three of them two years ago.I love it.12 pounds and the chair is made in.Takes about 15 seconds to set up or take down.
Last year I had a doe almost stick her head in the window.Turkeys pay it no attention.Light rain will not bother you.Sleep is soooo good in the chair.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=JVAAG950

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tzone, do you recall seeing the large elevated blind between Wausau and Tomahawk that looked like a cabin? It was on the West side of Hyway 51 if I remember right.

Yeah I do. There is one on each side of the road. Big old fire tower lookin' stand. Can't imagine sitting in one of those. That just isn't me.

Stan, I've seen these, but passed on them as I think they'd collapse under a snow load or freezing rain. I have a Ameristep blind that did just that some years back and haven't used it since.

I don't like heights so they're not for me either. Just wonder how they ever got that thing up there?

28 here this morning and a heavy coat of frost. I think the growing season is done with and the heating season has begun.

we heat went on yesterday morn, day 2 of frost here.

so you folks wayyy out east look for more tomorrow.

Way out east huh?

I had 28 as well, a good frost on the boat, truck, and grass. Tomorrow too. My heat went on as well. I got home from work and it was 63 in the houe. Fine for me but not mama.

it was chilly but I didn't see frost this morning, I start work at 6pm tonight driving beet truck til 6am, 12 hour shift, ugh it sucks but I need the money, still gonna be going to school full time too, sleep will be a luxury for the next couple weeks

Good luck with that, be careful man.

Drop a few at the driveway of Chickebuck.

Sleep, what's that?

Colorado,
You be careful driving that overnite shift. Nothing will ruin your next 50 years faster than crashing one of those. Mountain Dew is your friend!

I just heard our furnace kick on while typing that last sentence. A balmy 36 here again, but with the little tykes running around Mama must have turned the heat up.

Footings were poured yesterday on the house and Cole is running a lemonade stand today. Think I might stop by for a glass if it ain't too expensive.

Just about everyone in my hunting party hunts out of box stands except me. I am still in the portable. But I see more deer, and closer!

I'll be careful, I set my classes up to all be in the morning, so I'll be tired at school, then I sleep for 5 hours before getting into the truck, I don't hit the caffeine til about 11 or so, so I don't have that coming down tired while I'm still on the road. I'm also gonna use those 5 hour energy drinks, they are spendy but they work.

I was thinking of stopping by Cole's lemonade stand later today. Question is, how much is a guy willing to pay for lemonade these days?

If it is too expensive, I will obviously have to pass. What is the going rate for a glass of lemonade in your area from a cute little guy battling cancer? 50 cents? 75 cents? Man, I dunno if I can go a buck, that seems a little excessive, isnt it?

I suppose the size of the glass makes a difference and if it is generic lemonade mix or brand name. Freshly squeezed would be worth another dime I suppose. Anybody know of any resources I could check out to help me gauge the value of said glass of lemonade? I suppose I could call the bank

and see if they could give me a loan and what price they think is fair. Any other ideas?

gotta be worth around fiddy bucks a glass i figure.

Have throw in some vodka or gin and up his prices then ya wont feel so concerned over the cost.:)

It is worth what ever is in my wallet, and hopefully I have a 50.

should maybe teach him how to make the high-test lemonade with a splash of cran-apple...crapolades here we come!!

oh I can't wait!
I sense a few painful mornings are headed our way

They are all good mornings though...Heading out to mow some trails this afternoon by the deer stands, just borrowed a brush mower to pull behind the ranger. Looking like better get it done today....hardly need ice in the cooler much longer.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

oh I can't wait!
I sense a few painful mornings are headed our way

You're in college man....you should know how to do this better than us.

You have a few weeks to perfect that crapolade Buschy....I'll trade you for a whiskey old fashiond....or 5.

Berettaman,

It depends on who's selling it. Kids down the street? $0.25. A cute little tyke that I know and love? Heck, I'd probably slip him a few Washingtons just to make his day.

Expensive lemonade stands reminds me of a funny story I once heard. Don't know if it really happened or if it was just told as an anecdote.

A gentleman is walking down the street when he comes across a young boy selling lemonade. He decides to buy a glass and asks the kid 'How much?'.

The kid replies 'One million dollars.'

The guy scoffs and laughs and says 'Kid, how many glasses of lemonade do you think you're going to sell at THAT price?!'

The kid responds 'Mister, I don't have to sell a LOT of glasses, I just have to sell ONE!'

So watch out Berettaman, kids these days can be quite crafty.

The news about Cole is Wonderful to hear that he still has his Spirit full as for the mix drink stand I'm thinking a glass from him would be well worth whatever I had on me too.. Hopefully a 50 as well.

Brad Welcome to Dave and his ChickenbuckCampfire!

TZone,Dave and all the camp outing guys I'm Jealous Real Jealous! Me I got stuck at Moms puttin up a new door, spraying for bugs, cutting grass and adding more to the landscape wall I'm workin on down there.

Got out long enough to get me another car last weekend for thetravel to and from work, a Taurus so the Explorer now joins the F150 as weekend family fun vehicle #2..LOL... Gas has been much easier this week on the pocket change so far.

Have to get Kiddo from Bball practice to Band practice and over to her hunter ed course this weekend hopefully she has no trouble. Thinking if she passes she may also shoot her first ducks and geese this season like another kiddo at chickenbuck has done recently.

40's here so far for lows with mid to upper 70s for highs corn and beans coming out of the fields fast now, rain tomorrow though and cooler temps coming. Bring it on bought two new heavyweight orange parkas the other day while out shoppin with Momma.

Need to finish my house round theweekend of the 12th or so and then get my trailer finished inside with bunkbuckbeds and then well aaahahhh. I'll say its huntin season will be picking up the bow soon..

Long winded wabo who is covered in work and wishin he could go with Dave on Wapiti hunt soon, says now back to regularly scheduled chickenbuck discussion..

Wabo, good to hear from you. Running the kids to all their activities can sure keep you on the go.

Wabster....long time no speaky. Good to hear from you man!

This weather makes a guy want to hunt, that is for sure. But of course it is fall, so there is a lot of work for the northern climate boys to get done.

This weekend it's time to put the boat away. I'm taking it out one more time to run some seafoam in the system...at least that's the story I'm going with.

Draining the gear oil, fogging cylinders, all the good stuff. It has been a good first year with that boat.

We are going to an orchard this weekend too. They have a bunch of stuff for kids to do, corn maze, tractor rides, stuff like that.

No old fashiones here Tzone, I'l have the Crapolade in pitchers raring to go when you get here. I was out mowing some lanes last night and for the trails those deers got in my woods is crazy...now i might at least get a chance to see them. the grass was over the cab of the ranger when i was cutting. I tell you it took a few to get what i did mowed. All fun though. No reason to park the boat yet. Some of the best fishing is yet to come. right after morning post....

The lemonade stand was a success and I had the most expensive half a cup of lemonade I hope I ever have! The fire department let them use one of the those big inflatable jumping things where all the kids go inside and jump. They had a blast. Cole was there and looked good I thought. Lots of people showed up.

Forms are up on the house, if the weather cooperates (it aint looking good) they will prolly pour the foundation today.

Don't have a lot of time to fish now buschy...

I have to get our WI camp going. My FIL is sick, so I have work to do around his place this fall yet. I love fall fishing, but my pards have boats, so that isn't a problem.

Beretta,

Good to hear about Cole, and the housing situation.

You'd be surprised at what they will pour conc. in. Don't let them do it without plastic if it is raining. Wathc those boys like a hawk...trust me.

Conc. guys will pour in anything unless you tell them not to.

Good luck with the pour. Are they adding calcium chloride to the mix to keep it from freezing?

dunno on the calcium chloride, but it isnt gonna freeze here for the foreseeable future.

I havent been out there yet today, but stuck at work here. i will try and get out there this afternoon. This is the basement walls they are pouring, no flat work, so rain shouldnt be as big of an issue I wouldnt think.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Good luck with the pour. Are they adding calcium chloride to the mix to keep it from freezing?

You don't need that until it stays below freeszing for most of the day, or a good part of it.

The conc. will make it's own heat as part of the curing process, until it gets real cold.

Cloride can be a tricky bugger too, a little too much and you're hosed. A good cover over it will do you as much good at this time of year.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Good luck with the pour. Are they adding calcium chloride to the mix to keep it from freezing?

You don't need that until it stays below freeszing for most of the day, or a good part of it.

The conc. will make it's own heat as part of the curing process, until it gets real cold.

Cloride can be a tricky bugger too, a little too much and you're hosed. A good cover over it will do you as much good at this time of year.

I was going to add "I hope not". I've seen some bad results when it's not used correctly.

a nice cool, cloudy, even misty day is about perfect for concrete. No frost though.

I just got some interesting news.

"the boy" CBF isn't going to make it out hunting with us for deer opener this year at chickenbuck.

wanna know why?

cause he was invited to the governors deer opener hunt this year.

How cool is that? gov Pawlenty's 7th annual deer opener hunt will be in Thief River Falls MN & my boy "the boy" is invited.

It's very cool, very proud of him but we're still going to tease him when he finally does show up at camp for beeing too fancy & important to hunt with the likes of us

First things first though, we have an elk hunt straight ahead of us.

Too cool!!

Pretty cool Dave, it's maybe a good thing he's going there with all the stories that are going to be flying around Chickenbuck with Tzone there.....

hey guys...

pssssssst..

We're going elk hunting....

YaHoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

Way cool about CBF. Congrats to him for being picked.

Dave are you packed yet?

48 and raining here this morning. Not a good day to work outside.

Cool for him...but the big question is....If is cold out, can I sit in your stand CBF?

Hey Dave, someone told me you were going elk hunting, is that true?

elk hunting elk hunting elk hunting elk hunting elk hunting...

did you say something?

those cats are going to be watching you out there dave, sleep with one eye open....elk hunting, just bring er' back and grill it up!

Hey Dave,
I have a little work to do around the new house this weekend and next week, are you busy by chance? could you slip on down and lend a hand? Someone told me you have nothing going on for awhile.....

oooouuwweeeeeeeee gr gr gr. (uh, how do you spell an elk bugle anyway?)

get that foundation poured?

You sent us your rain...plenty of it. I was going to hunt tonight for the first time since that buck I goofed on. It is nice and cool, so I may shoot a doe if given a chance.

I think i'll be taking off early today boys & girls.

Dave,
You are taking off early to come and help me? Awww, shucks, you sure are a swell guy. I will go over to the lot and wait for you.

Tzone,
Yep, got the concrete poured. Man did it rain yesteray though. We are all but floating here.

yes, i will meet you there.

if i'm not there in a half an hour, just wait longer.

How's she look? finish OK?

We got dumped on last night, and this am, kind of misty now. Good sitting weather.

I'm out of here at 3ish today to sit.

Hey Dave, I am still waiting. You must be almost here, I will keep sitting here in the rain, you cant be far away now.

The forms are all up so I cant tell how it turned out. Heck, just to get in there is like a mud-bogging contest. Anudder nasty day here.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey Dave, I am still waiting. You must be almost here, I will keep sitting here in the rain, you cant be far away now.

Be sure to wear a plaid kilt and a propeller beanie so that Dave doesn't miss you...

Sat in the rain tonight...well it was more like a drizzle. Saw a doe and two fawns. I would have like to shoot the doe, never really had a good shot. They got close though, about 10 yds.

May try again tomorrow.

We're getting the same weather here. Really makes the neck swell. I'm headed out to Wyoming for speedgoats on Friday.

Originally Posted by bucktail

We're getting the same weather here. Really makes the neck swell. I'm headed out to Wyoming for speedgoats on Friday.

Cool....I always wanted to try speed goats. Will someday.

I'm heading out to sit in as soon as my clothes come out of the dryer.

Tonight's the night.

Looks like you're sitting in the rain again.

I left the woods at 6:30, and as I was putting my gear away it started pouring. it was beautiful when I went out, but started to sprinkle at about 4:30, then stopped.

Sat for 3 hours or so, and saw zip.

See if you had a chair blind the rain wouldn't have bothered you in the least unless it was a really hard downpour.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=JVAAG950

Stan in SC

Stan, could you draw a bow back in one?

GB

Well guys I made it back from my dad's. I have my truck full of elk camp gear!!!

Wooooo!!!

Hi Stan...nice to hear from you.

You know what? I do have a chair blind, I use it for turkey hunting. It is a two person one, because I have little critters that like to sit with me? I shot a turkey out of mine a few years ago, at 7 yds.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well guys I made it back from my dad's. I have my truck full of elk camp gear!!!

Wooooo!!!

When you leaving? It's gonna be a loooooonnnnnggggg week.

Grizzly,you cannot draw a bow in one such as I have.You sure as shooting can get in some great sleep time tho.

Stan in SC

What? Sleep? Why I never.

leavin from home tuesday after work. heading down to dusty's where i'll meet up with dusty of course & Cpt Bangflop.

Man, setting up that base camp tent at my dad's yesterday & pulling all of the elk camp gear out of the shed & loading it into the truck... it really got me going.

you lucky duck there Dave? I hope you guys have a great trip and lots of luck out there. One day i'll get to go yet i keep saying. Lets see lots of pics when you get back too

check out our weather forecast for our arival & hunt dates...

[Linked Image]

I sincerely wish all of you a safe and successful trip.We all will look forward to story and pictures.Watch dem lions.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan, when i picked up gear from my dad's I also borrowed a decent leg iron to tote around with me. Nice old stainless .357 smith & wesson, can't remember the exact model but it's a pre transfer bar model, a little security.

Stan, I have no problem taking a nap just settin on my stool in an open blind. Don't even need a tree to lean back on, although it would be nice.

Going to check out a box blind this week. Walls and a roof, man I'll have to carry an alarm clock with me.

you can't beat that forecast Dave, how many days you going to be in the bush? my neighbors come back from utah tomorrow and had very good sucess out there too. You'll have to keep a close eye on RWS out there, he may not want to come back....

Dave, have a safe trip and good luck hunting. We'll look foreward to updates from Pam while you're gone.

Have to love those frosty mornings, and warm afternoons. Makes good weather for a nap.

Have a safe trip on your way out there Dave. I'm not even going to say have fun, because you're taking RWS, so I KNOW you'll have fun.

RWS will have fun too, but I think he's more excited that he is missing school.

Good luck boys.

I would like to echo what all your great friends have already conveyed. Have a wonderful trip and stay safe.

Brad

Ummmm, uh, Dave? Dave? I am still sitting here waiting....?

Have a great time. Looks like good weather for ya. No shootin' them in the nose this year, eh?

Shot some geese on Sun morning (5 of us shot 10). Then I got the little girl and we jumped a couple of potholes and shot a nice woodie in the afternoon. Wow, did she have fun. She kept whispering during the stalk "Zip it, Lock it, Put it in your Pocket" cuz I told her she had to be quiet. Pretty funny. I even let her find the woodie. She got pretty excited then! We jumped about 15 woodies and I should have got 2, but I kept going from one bird to the next looking for the drakes and ran out of time before I found the second one.

hey dave, here is a pic from my trail camera last summer, I know its not where you're going but this guy was on public land, they are out there

good luck to you and Nathan!

[Linked Image]

Pics....we need pics.

hey barettaman, hang in there, I got held up in road construction but i'm almost there!!

Oh they'll probably see a ton of those.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be just fine while ND is gone...no problem...peachy. Yep.

Did I mention that I'll be fine???

you deserve a break from me, me and my northrine... davidness...

I'm quite certain Mom will be waiting patiently each minute the boys are gone for the sound of RWS saying WOW Mom you should see this, or better yet Mom I miss you.. It will be ok and you will ALL remember this trip for the fun you all have for a long time even you Mrs.ND.

Dave you guys make sure and keep that boy under Max warp power or the whole darn Rocky Mountains will become known as the Grand Canyon... His little feet will tear them down chasing elk into each valley and up over the next mountain range.

Good Luck guys!!!

Between RWS, Dave and Captain Bang Flop there could be no herd left when they are done!

Well I got kiddo Hunter Certified now after 14 hours of class she is ready to go out and run with the Big Boys like me.. Other then that more of the same round here cept I'm gonna try my best to get out and bow hunt this weekend..

Congrats to Kiddo Wabo. We need all the new blood we can get.

Wabo,
Great news on kiddo.

Stan in SC

You'll be fine lady....You got Brownie going on your own, and you got a kid with a 32 knife gun to protect you.

You'll be fine.

Good job Kiddo...Show pa how it's done.

that is so true.

and that same kid has a big umbrella for the falling bear fallout.

you know? the stuff that falls out of a flying bear's ass when he flys overhead?

The little guy told me about that stuff over the weekend "gotta watch out for flying bear poop dad."

Now that's one I wasn't aware of.

I'm running out right now to get me a new hat with a built in umbrella to protect myself from flying bear poop. Suggest the rest of you do the same before all the stores are sold out.

"does a bear poop in the woods?"

yes, unless he's flying. In which case he poops ON the woods.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The little guy told me about that stuff over the weekend "gotta watch out for flying bear poop dad."

That kid cracks me up.

he needs his own show.

I'll talk to you fellers in a week or so. Team chickenbuck is heading west for elk.

Play nice while we're gone.

Dave

Take care Dave. Good luck to you and RWS!

Alright...now that Dave is gone, let's get down to business. Tzone, you were gonna be the one to go fill his deer stand up with packing peanuts, right? What else were you guys planning, I cant quite remember???

We gotta have a litte fun now that ND is away!

Mrs ND, we will keep you company!

SSSSssshhhhhh! You're not supposed to tell.

Oh you way to far away to do that!! she's still got the Little guy to watch over her with the 32 knife gun....hoping she gets some pics up as soon as the boys blast some vittles out there!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Oh you way to far away to do that!!

yeah, but you're not!

That 32 knife gun is not to be messed with...it will flat tear a bad guy up. I have full trust a bad guy is in trouble if "plays with matches" gest a hold of him.

or wheezy could text him to death.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Oh you way to far away to do that!!

yeah, but you're not!

That 32 knife gun is not to be messed with...it will flat tear a bad guy up. I have full trust a bad guy is in trouble if "plays with matches" gest a hold of him.

or wheezy could text him to death.

Texted to death! That sounds worse than getting run over by a county truck and we all know what a slow terrible demise that would be. I'll take my chances with the flying bears.

Picked up my box blind last night. Bigger than I though it would be. It's 4' x 4' x 6.5'. Going to be fun trying to maneuver it through the woods.

Where the heck did you get that? That thing sounds like a good place for a nap.

I'll be in the woods this Sunday with my daughter. It will be her first time to the camp. It is also youth hunting weekend, so we'll have to be dressed in orange, so I'll have to pick up some for her. She is too young to participate. She is still afrraid that the deer will bite her, so I think I'm safe to say she won't be hunting this year.

I'll have to make a trip to the hardware store or gander.

I am just curious how quick Pam can get the contractors on the addition and the new hot tub with attached sauna completed at chickenbuck.

I am sure Preacher will be maintaining the perimeter and holding off all the critters of the northwoods while planning on how to pack himself in the gear for next years trip.

Weezy well she is a female teen and them critters are just downright baffling in any case,i suspect the texting is just a convenient means of covering up the conspiracy of her and her friends to get possesion of the new truck, I'm just guessing on that one though. It may be the bike. Or...

Why is MrsND's requirement that the contractors have to be young, shirtless, and ripped.

just what I heard. not sayin....just sayin.

Not sure but there were some rumblings of the "Thunder from Down Under" making a surprise showing up that neck o' the woods. Maybe they are the new upcoming construction crew, wife says they can really carry their pipe.

Originally Posted by tzone

Where the heck did you get that? That thing sounds like a good place for a nap.

Bought it off a guy North of Rosholt. It's about 6 years old but like new.
Sure will be great for keeping out of the wind and keeping the snow and rain off.
I think my might be able to make a rifle rest, gun rack and shelf to hold my coffee.

Heck while I'm at it I might as well bring in a generator and mount a satellite dish (Packer games) for the slow times.

Oh, than there's the nap thing too.

Packer games??? PACKER GAMES??? Bill, did you happen to watch last Monday night's Packer game? We shore did enjoy it over on this side of the line. Packer games? Oh, then I see you went on to talk about naps. Yep, the Packer games would put me to sleep too.

By the way, do you know why the British wore red coats in battle? It was because they didnt want a wounded soldier freaking out the other soldiers with blood all over his shirt. They figured the red blood would blend right in with the red coats.

The Packers figured that was a good idea. That is why they wear yellow pants.

Right about now The Preacher is probably just finishing up marking all around the outside of the house, off the deck, off the porch, on the siding, on old snowplow fords tires,on all Daves toys..

Bettin Weezy and Pam are watching to make sure the rough in crew is puttin the walls up in the right places.

TZone is probably just about to Daves stand with the wiring by now for the sirens. Ohh forget what TZone is doing that was supposed to be a secret.

Sirens....dats a good idea. SSSSssshhhhhh.

Screw the sirens. What you want to do is put in a speaker with the sound of an approaching forky toes crunching through the leaves getting louder so that it sounds close then fading away again on a constant loop.

Doesn't matter....I'm going to get forky toes anyway. Well maybe Mrs. ND will.

Get one of those photo printed deer decoys and slip out early along with the sound loop, or pick up a mannequin for Dave's stand and watch the fireworks light off.

If the preacher is doing all that we had best get him signed up for the local R.F.D. he can get mom, dad, and sis to drive him to all the fires. And membership comes with his own pager to.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Packer games??? PACKER GAMES??? Bill, did you happen to watch last Monday night's Packer game? We shore did enjoy it over on this side of the line. Packer games? Oh, then I see you went on to talk about naps. Yep, the Packer games would put me to sleep too.

By the way, do you know why the British wore red coats in battle? It was because they didnt want a wounded soldier freaking out the other soldiers with blood all over his shirt. They figured the red blood would blend right in with the red coats.

The Packers figured that was a good idea. That is why they wear yellow pants.

Yah, I watch them when I suffer from low blood pressure and need to raise it quickly. I thought brown would have been a better color for their pants myself.

That Offensive line sure does stink up the field.

Don't need to watch the packers for help dozing off.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Screw the sirens. What you want to do is put in a speaker with the sound of an approaching forky toes crunching through the leaves getting louder so that it sounds close then fading away again on a constant loop.

I'm afraid all that would do is further confuse Tom and we all know that he's confused enough.

He still thinks he going to get old forky toes.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

He still thinks he going to get old forky toes.

I've seen his tracks....that means I'll get him.

Hi all,

Wanted to let everyone know that the boys made it. Sounds like they have base camp set up. I didn't get to talk to Dave at all since I was outside trying to get some of that work done before we get some snow tonight. I will keep everyone posted the best I can when I get updates.

I'm sure Dave texted some of you the same picture I received earlier today. I would post the picture but I can't figure out how to do that. Sorry.

Have a good night.
Mrs. ND

Thanks for the update.

Thanks mrsnd...you can e-mail me the pics and I can post them if you want to.

We are supposed to get some of your snow tomorrow! Bring it on I say....right up to the last day of deer camp, then it can all melt and get warm.

Well if they woke up in elk camp this morning, I am officially jealous. Big time.

anybody who knows anything about guns, take a look at this auction that i might go to next week as it is right here in town. I knew this gent a tiny bit and he was quite the collector. Anybody see anything that really piques their interest?

schultzauctioneers.com click on auctions, then personal property auctions then the Bud Peterson auction. Hundreds of guns. Lots of duplicates, that is why I am thinking there may be a buy or two.

BM, I pulled up the auction list and all I can say is "WOW"!.

What a collection. There's a small fortune in guns there. No idea what that Marlin 40-60 is worth but, I saw a Winchester of the same vintage priced at $35,000 at Scheels in Appleton, WI. Manager said he had an offer for $28K, but was going to sit on it for a month. Looks like old Bud was worth a few bucks.

Old Bud donated $1.5 Million to the local YMCA, and the land to build 2 schools on and a host of other stuff to the community. Yep, Bud had some cashola. Dad went snowmobiling with him and some other guys one time and Bud was chewing tobacco and forgot to lift his visor when he spit so the inside was full of tobacco spit. Dad wondered who in the heck this idiot was. It turned out to be Bud.

Get this, the good stuff isnt at the auction, the kids kept that!

You should see the outboad motors; unbelievable. And again, the good ones were donated to the local maritime museum.

Okay, I will keep an eye on the Marlin 40-60 if I am there when it goes. Anyone else?

I'm sure glad Dave isn't around to hear of this gun auction. And the beauty of it is that when he gets back, it'll be over. Phew! Another bullet dodged.
Haven't heard anything from them yet. Wonder how opening morning is going?

Happy B-day bucktail!

The text I got from him earlier in the week said basecamp is the only place he could text from...said they fell off the grid quickly outside of it.

I'm sure RWS is a good baby sitter.

He'll be fine.

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy B-day bucktail!

+ 1, Bucktail.

Text from Dave a little bit ago.

They didn't do spike camp, so they are all hunting from base camp this time around. Everyone is happy and healthy. Dave, RWS, and CBF saw some elk yesterday while scouting south of camp. Weather is beautiful. No elk to report of yet.

I was thinking about them just a little while ago on my way home, I hope they all have luck, definitely a good sign to be seeing elk!

How long are they out there for?

Yeah I hope they all have good luck and can shoot an elk.

They will be gone long enough for me to clean the garage, dump some used oil in the tank, get some straw with Brownie and spread that over the drainfield...that's how long they will be out there for.

Just kidding, I'm not really sure when they will be home.

Looks like Dave left you with a pretty good "Honey Do" list Pam.

Wow....he's brave. He gave you a honey do list and then went hunting.

Seems to work the other way around here. I like your arrangement better.

I like the sound of that too, Pam...

Could you PM my wife and tell her how thats done...

Ingwe

hey Pam, any updates from the Elk hunters?

Dave text me around noon today. Here's what it said: "Cold here today, me, RWS, and CBF up on horse ridge. We just saw one, RWS couldn't get shot tho."

I sure hope they can see some more and at least get some shots off.

One thing I've noticed the past couple of days, the house stays a little bit more tidy while Dave is gone. I think he's the root to the whole 'messy' house problem I deal with.

Originally Posted by tzone

Wow....he's brave. He gave you a honey do list and then went hunting.

Seems to work the other way around here. I like your arrangement better.

Just checked these off my Honey do list:
Windows done
Cars Winterized, winter mats installed
Patio furniture put away
Hoses drained and put away
Lawn mowed

Now I have to wait for all the leaves to fall so I can finish raking and get the gutters cleaned. Than it's one last thing...Put up the Christmas lights.

Wow Bill,

Do you travel?

You bet. Would have to bring the Mrs. though as she's the one that washes the windows. I just take them down and put them up. She cleans car mats (Carpeted) pretty good too.

SIL shot a doe this weekend with his bow. He and my daughter are cutting and packaging the meat this PM.

Absolutely bring the Mrs...have plenty of car mats to clean, windows, and all of that sort of stuff.

Congrats on the deer.

Still hoping for an elk but haven't heard anything since noon.

DAVE AND THE BOYS FILLED OUT!!!! They are packing one out now. Woooohhhhoooo!!!!!

Can't wait to hear all about it.

Woooooooohoooooooooooooooooo, Congrats to everyone!!! Text him back and tell him I know CaptBangFlops Father is right beside them grinning from ear to ear, Thankful Dave is guiding them along the way making dreams come true... Does my heart Good to think of these things when I hear news like this, Thankyou for keeping us updated Mrs.ND..

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

DAVE AND THE BOYS FILLED OUT!!!! They are packing one out now. Woooohhhhoooo!!!!!

Can't wait to hear all about it.

Holy crap!!!! They went from nuthin to full in a day. Way to go.

Congrats to all, but espically those who shot their first elk. Good job boys.

RWS I expect the full story in few weeks.

WWWWhhhhoooooo!

Guess I should have checked my texts....Sure as heck they filled out.

U rock, yes you do.

Ingwe

I have been reading Northern Dave's thread for a long time now, and I figured I would finally join in on it all. I'm Dave's cussin. It was my brother that lost his life in the plane crash. I think it is a great thing that Dave has done. The hunting "shack" is great! And in his opening statement he was right. He looks, talks, and thinks like my brother. It has been very hard for us all, but I know he would be so proud. It is just amazing what Dave has done! I have only been up to the shack a couple of times, but I hope to go up there more often. I'm so proud of Dave and I love spending time with him and his family. And I'm very glad to hear they did good elk hunting.

Muffy,

Welcome aboard!!! Glad to see you here and hope you can find a way to be a regular chickenbuck poster. Sorry for your loss. I know your brother is smiling like heck over the guys right now.. I know I am happy as all get out for the guys especially The Boy and RWS and well ok Dave too.. Can't wait to hear the stories about Elk hunt 09, I'm usually in bed by now but can't sleep.

I laid there thinking and dreamin what kind of experience they have all had this weekend alone, how someday I hope to do the same. The smells, sights and sounds, high fives and hollars of success echoing through the canyons and valleys bellow. Finally my brain is slowing abit but WOW you and your family keep on teaching me what Life really is and how Very Special it is. Thanks for posting and let us hear some of your stories too!

Thanks Wabo. I know my brother is watching down on Dave, The Boy, RWS, and my Dad, and he is so proud. It would be so fun to be there to see them when they all filled out. I have not been out bow hunting yet (been sick for the last week). If I get the Big One I will post a picture.

Great plan northern dave and enjoy every minute. The key to any great deer camp is keeping new blood in. I have a deer camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where deer camp is religion and the start of firearm season on Nov 15th is nearly a state holiday and some schools actually close for it. It is much more than just hunting it is family history, tradition,roots and building bonds that will never be broken or forgotten. Unfortunately my cousins and I don't have big families to continue this great tradition and our camp is dwindling. So, like I said keep new blood in and don't just limit it to family members. Keep deer camp alive..............

Muffy,

COUSIN! I'm glad you finally piped up and wrote something. Welcome, write often, read, you know that you are welcome with open arms. Love that you are here and love any time that we can spend with you.

Glad to have you here and hope to read of your adventures often too. Hope to see you up at the camp soon.

I can't wait to hear the stories of how the hunters shot their elk. I'M SURE RWS didn't sleep much last night, I'M SURE the excitement made his eyes open wider than they normally are. I can picture it in my head right now. Oh the excitement of it all. I'm so excited I don't know if I'll be able to work today...oh my...long day ahead.

Welcome aboard Muffy. I'm sure you can add some Dave stories to keep this thread interesting.

Great news about the guys tagging out. RWS and CBF have to be on clould nine right now. The ND family is going to have some fine eating in the year ahead.

Hope my buddy is a lucky. He never saw an Elk last year.

welcome Muffy, I've known Dave a little less than a year, and I've been up the the chickenbuck "shack" once and will be up there again in a couple weeks. thanks for joining us here at the 'fire and we look forward to hearing more from you, who knows we might bump into each other later this fall. My condolences on the loss of your brother, Dave has spoken of him with very high regard.

Congrats to Dave and the boys on getting their elk, I'm sure they are just beaming right now

Snow, Snow. It's snowing. Very light but it's snow. Deer season is just around the corner. Life is good!

Holy cow (pun intended), if you have to eat 2 whole elk at your house, you will have to start eating it for breakfast. Plus a few deer I 'spect. Great to hear they did so well.

Snowing here too. we got some snow Friday nite which made hunting pheasants on opener akin to hunting them in December! Pheasant hunting has been real good so far. I even got the little girl out with me yesterday and she got to see us shoot some.

Pam,you said "tagged out".So all of them got an elk?WOW!
It is raining like crazy here.Rifle season for deer started in the upstate of South Carolina yesterday.I may go this coming Wednesday.
Looking forward to pictures from Dave.

Stan in SC

OOOPS!Double post.

Stan in SC

Muffy,

Glad you chose to speak up! It looks like the crew had a heck of a Saturday in CO 'eh?

If your brother is that much like dave, he was one hellova guy.
I lost my best friend 2 octobers ago, and it is still hard for me, so can relate a bit.

I hope you stick around and comment on here with us, and feel free to join in on our general goofyness.

Tom

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Holy cow (pun intended), if you have to eat 2 whole elk at your house, you will have to start eating it for breakfast. Plus a few deer I 'spect.

I'll take one.... 'tis by far my favorite venni to eat. Mucho taste.

Get out there Stan...shoot 'em like heck, post us some pictures of "Smiling Stan" with your big....er trophy.

Originally Posted by tzone

If your brother is that much like dave, he was one hellova guy.
I lost my best friend 2 octobers ago, and it is still hard for me, so can relate a bit.

Lost mine 9 years ago...it is still too dificult to say anything more than I just did....

Muffy...a BIG welcome.....

Ingwe

Good luck Stan. Will you use the Mauser?

Thanks for the pic of RWS's elk. I can't even emagine how excited he is. I'm sure Dave and Dad were just as excited. Did my Dad get one? It would be nice if he did, but I think he would just be happy to see the boys get theirs. Do you know when they are coming home?

Here is a pic of RWS's elk for those who want to see it.

Looks like we get a story of how in the heck they got it out of there.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

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Pics? You cant get pics and stories of the hunt and not post up details come on, the rest of us are dying here....

Congrats to the whole crew, it'll be a trip that stays with them all forever.

Had to amend this as T zone saved the day, thanks;)

that is awesome!
I held that rifle only a couple weeks ago. I'm so pumped for RWS and the guys! I remember my first cow like it was yesterday, an experience none of them are going to forget.
weezy its your turn next!

Originally Posted by big drift

Had to amend this as T zone saved the day, thanks;)

I don't have a story for you though...but if I did, I'd let Dave ane RWS tell it anyway.

I love the picture the expressions make you wonder what they are thinking.

RWS "uh, ok, now what"

ND "CBF why doncha come on over and give us a hand with this"

RWS "ya think mom will let me put this on the wall"

ND "wonder if i'll ever get this rifle back"

Here is my little helper this weekend. we were fixing up blinds in our hunting area in WI.

It was the WI youth deer hunt and we are on public land, so that is why we are in blaze clothing.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

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Here he is helping Grandpa with the shooting lanes
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Walking out with grandpa
[img:center] [Linked Image]

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Nice pics T it wont be long til he wants to bring the red ryder.

Me thinks Santa will be bringing the Red Ryder.

Sissy wants a "pink gun" too.

Been away for a week or so. Wow elk on the ground and Tom put some venison in the freezer. Congrats to all. Brad

Nice pics Tzone. Those little guys are fun to take with when your stomping around the woods. We usually run into some unusual creatures around our neck of the woods. One has to be careful for those flying bears!

Glad to see your back Brad. Don't stay away too long, you'll be reading for a week or so. Always something going on at camp chickenbuck.

Muffy~ haven't heard how your dad did, sure hope he could get a shot off today. I can't wait to hear some details...my gosh I need details.

To quote my son "the one thing you can count on about elk is that they will die in the steepest, deepest hole in a 5 mile area, and the only way out is uphill".

Thanks for posting the pic Tom. RWS has got to be one happy youg man.

Tom, your little guy was sure likeing his day in the woods with dad and grandpa. Did he fall asleep on the trip home?

Great Pics of your family and NDaves Thanks Tom! Your boy looks like he could be a handful. lol. Now Dave and RWS look like they have a handful of Ok now what.. LOL

RWS that look is PRICELESS, UUUUMMMM Dad now how are we going to get this Big Horse thing outta here..

Oh by the way TZone congrats on the bowkill and I gotta ask since you hunt public ground alot it seems, is it Very crowded where you hunt during rifle season?

MrsND, you gotta be careful up there on your place and make sure Muffy and all other family members are notified to be ware of the flyingbears and chickenbucks that roam those woods! I gotta ask what has The Preacher and Weezy been up to without Dave and RWS around?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy B-day bucktail!

+ 1, Bucktail.

Thanks guys, I filled my first of 2 pronghorn doe tags on my birthday. I just got back from Wyoming.

Wow, congratulations to the Northern crew. They've got to be more tired than I am.

For some reason or another, we see a lot of "baby bears". I think they are regular bears, not the flying type, but I'm not sure, because I don't ever see them. They always run away just before I see them.

Get on those boys for some details....we need 'em too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, your little guy was sure likeing his day in the woods with dad and grandpa. Did he fall asleep on the trip home?

Yes he did! He was asleep before we hit HWY 13.

Originally Posted by wabo

Oh by the way TZone congrats on the bowkill and I gotta ask since you hunt public ground alot it seems, is it Very crowded where you hunt during rifle season?

We don't see many people where we hunt now. I saw 2 others last year.

In the National Forest where we used to hunt, I would see one or two people a year.

In MN, I stay on private land, but actually hunt on public land. I've been going there for 20 years and have seen 1 other hunter in that time.

If I hunt closer to my Duluth, where I grew up, you'd see more people, but never what I'd call crowded.

The only time I felt like there were a lot of guys was when we hunted in Orr, MN. I loved the area, and there were a TON of deer, but there were just as many people. We only hunted there for 2 days because there were so many people. That was a bit disappointing, because we scouted 3 different weekends up there, and had great spots, and it didn't look like too many guys were in there. When we went in the day before opener to set up camp, it was silly with orange.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy B-day bucktail!

+ 1, Bucktail.

Thanks guys, I filled my first of 2 pronghorn doe tags on my birthday. I just got back from Wyoming.

Congrats on the speed goat and on your BD makes it even better. My son is still out there working on speed goats up in the Buffalo area.

The preacher told me that I don't have to worry about the flyingbears, they won't hurt me. He never said if the chickenbucks would though. I better find out.

I'd go right to the source, I've heard many accounts of the flying bears and chickenbucks, to my knowledge the flying bears are the most dangerous, so you have a leg up on the rest of us.

Dont forget about the swamp squid, those are dangerous suckers for sure. keep eyes in the back of your head or they can sneak up on ya and SLURP they suck you in with those long tentacles and you are a goner. They throw back your boots though, apparently they dont like boots.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

They throw back your boots though, apparently they dont like boots.

Who does? they smell ike feet.

Originally Posted by Muffy

The preacher told me that I don't have to worry about the flyingbears, they won't hurt me. He never said if the chickenbucks would though. I better find out.

Sounds like preacher Joe is trying to set you up. You must have something he wants and he figures that it's his after the flying bears get you. So keep an eye to the sky.

Can't believe I forgot about the swamp squids WOW I saw one of those eat awhole deer once, them things are tough on deer too. lol

Anyone care to make a wager as to howlong it took Dave and the crew to get those Elk to Basecamp or how tired I'm thinking the young bucks are after humping the meat over the mountains.. They will soon forget ALL about the work and remember only the sweat smell of success!!!

Pooring down rain here right now and forecast it till Thursday night I'm hoping the deer want to move on Sat. right infront of my arrow... Kiddo just finished her first BBall game of the season she played the entire game and won 52 to 4... Feel sorry for theother team but man she is bouncing off the wall! Oh and the Texting has begun she sent Momma a text as soon as she got on the bus home, first text ever that may not be a good thing.. lol

Originally Posted by wabo

Anyone care to make a wager as to howlong it took Dave and the crew to get those Elk to Basecamp or how tired I'm thinking the young bucks are after humping the meat over the mountains..

I'd take that bet....course I have insider knowledge too.

I'm going to have a chat with little Preacher Man. Oh and I totally forgot about the swamp squid. Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

I'm going to have a chat with little Preacher Man. Oh and I totally forgot about the swamp squid. Thanks!!!

Looks like you're goint to have the ground too. Better get one of those water ski mirros so you can see over 200 degrees behind you.

Guess I better think about moving my blind away from the swamp too. Can them swamp squid climb?

Ok, did they rent horses to hump the elk out?

I'm not sure but I know the leopard squirrels are bad news as well, just don't know if they come close to being more dangerous than flying bears

Originally Posted by wabo

Kiddo just finished her first BBall game of the season she played the entire game and won 52 to 4...

at least they kept it close.

52 to 4???Sounds like The Little Big Horn.Massacre!
It is raining here in South Carolina also.Ruined my hunting trip planned for today.
Stan in SC

Tom-great to hear your daughter's envolved in BB. 'Hope she continues to enjoy it and has success while doing so.

Great, now I have to worry about leopard squirrels. I never realized hunting was so dangerous. Better not fall asleep in the stand, who knows what would happen.

I guess the guys are back in MN. So Hopefully we will get some stories from them tonight. If they are not too exausted.

Excellent..can't wait..
Ingwe

Exausted....why would they be exausted?

I am sure we'll hear a whole crapolade of stories from this trip, can't hardly wait. seems like they just left...can almost tasty some of Daves fine elk chili ath the chickenbuck!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Exausted....why would they be exausted?

Probably trying to clean the truck up.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ok, did they rent horses to hump the elk out?

I think they rented elk, and humped the horses.

Okay, enough blather, I need an elk story fix! C'mon Davey, lets hear the stories roll. And I want at least 50% truth to go along with the 50% fiction!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ok, did they rent horses to hump the elk out?

I think they rented elk, and humped the horses.

How the heck did thay get the elk and all the gear home in a Subaru?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by bucktail

Screw the sirens. What you want to do is put in a speaker with the sound of an approaching forky toes crunching through the leaves getting louder so that it sounds close then fading away again on a constant loop.

I'm afraid all that would do is further confuse Tom and we all know that he's confused enough.

He still thinks he going to get old forky toes.

you guys have got it all wrong, this is kids stuff, easy.

billy bass, that's all you need.

you're welcome, now let me catch up on the thread

Originally Posted by Muffy

I have been reading Northern Dave's thread for a long time now, and I figured I would finally join in on it all. I'm Dave's cussin. It was my brother that lost his life in the plane crash. I think it is a great thing that Dave has done. The hunting "shack" is great! And in his opening statement he was right. He looks, talks, and thinks like my brother. It has been very hard for us all, but I know he would be so proud. It is just amazing what Dave has done! I have only been up to the shack a couple of times, but I hope to go up there more often. I'm so proud of Dave and I love spending time with him and his family. And I'm very glad to hear they did good elk hunting.

well i'll be damned

so happy you broke your silence little cuz.

but you're too kind, i just find my way through each day just like everybody else. It was your brother's impact on this world that brought our little group here together.

if he wasn't the man he was, well none of this would have fallen together quite the same as it has to date.

we had a great elk camp this year, the best.

The Elk Hunters are back in towwwwnnnn, The Boys are back in Tooowwwwwnnnnnn... Daaaa Daaa DDaaaaaaavvee Dave your killin me with the anticipation of Da Checkbuck Camp Elk Hunting Run Dowwwwnnn..

Good to see ya back Dave!!!!

Dave saw the post on Wapiti forum, dude get some sleep already 40 hours awake is not a good thing..

You know, it's getting to be a yearly thing now where I have to log onto to this 24 Hour Campfire place and check out this thread. I think it started a couple two or three years ago. Suddenly the weather starts changing, the leaves start turning color, you get that certain itch that can only be quelled by being out at camp. You're not quite at camp yet, but you can get a quick fix just by realizing that there's other people with that same need that you have. You may not know them, but you can definitely relate with them.

Just thought I'd jump in finally and say "Hey!" to you guys. A few more weeks and I'll be off to a little 16' x 24' shack on a forty in northeast Wisconsin. Sitting up in a tree holding a bow and hoping to see the brother of Ol' Forky Toes, but enjoying every minute just the same.

Good luck to all of you in your hunts coming up.

Yeah, I get the same way this time of year. I'm on the 'Fire every day, unless I'm "in country" but the tone of the postings takes on a different vibe this time of year. Everyone's just counting down the days till it's time to hit the woods. The non hunters ain't got a clue what this time of year means to us, or does for us. 'Time to go clean the rifles again. My deer season's still a few weeks off, but boy am I getting pumped up!

Had to laugh last night my boys almost 9-10 were making up lists of to do's for deer camp. The youngest was walking around in my new orange coat and the oldest in my old coat telling everybody he had the old seasoned one.

All I can say is enjoy your kids. They seem to grow up, move out and get married. Hard to get them out hunting at the same time you are out when they get married. Enjoy the hunting with the kids while you can.

Hey craigs...where do you hunt? Top O WI, makes me thing Bayfield Co. We are in southern Ashland Co and norhtern Price Co.

BD,

My mini-man asked me today if he could go to deer camp this am. I think we got another one.

And of course since it was snowing when we left today, he wanted his blaze coat. Sure makes a dad smile.

LMAO at work, my daughter just IM'ed me that the boys had broken into the shed and dragging out decoys and layout blinds (kids are off for MEA weekend).

I think I know what I will be doing this weekend.

Things have been long this past year and I am thankful that it is these kids who are keeping me going. I was really close to not even going out hunting this year.

Funny!

Still snowing here, but not sticking. Sure am getting the itch to get into the woods. Ordered the material to make the platform for my new blind yesterday.

What are you using Bill? Did you order those angle brackets made for those stands, or are you "winging" it?

Just winging it Tom. Treated 4" X 4"s and 2" x 6"s. Will cut the pieces up here at home and then assemble on site, Platform will be 4' x 4' x 3'. Will lag screw the legs and sides and deck screws for the top.

that is how I build my stands for hunting on the Range in MN too. Build them in my garage, and take them at least partialy apart, and re assemble in the woods.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey craigs...where do you hunt? Top O WI, makes me thing Bayfield Co. We are in southern Ashland Co and norhtern Price Co.

I live in Bayfield Co. and do some hunting here. Most of my time deer hunting is spent in Marinette Co. at deer camp.

Here we go guys, as promised.

Last Wed oct 7th 4 MN hunters ranging in age from 12 yrs old on up into the mid 60�s piled into a crew cab truck hitched to a small enclosed trailer and headed south west to Colorado for 1st rifle season with 4 brand new antlerless elk tags.

We drove as far as Craig Co and got a room for the night, thurs morning we got our groceries at city market, picked up beer, ice, pop & water, then headed to our hunting area to set up base camp.

Here�s what our travel rig looked like, in this picture we are unhooking the trailer because from this spot down to our base camp it is not safe to pull a trailer like this.

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Well here�s a couple of shots of our base camp.

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Here�s a shot of the boys eating some supper inside the tent the first night at camp.

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Here�s my buddy the wood stove, I kept it loaded at nights. It was good for about a 3 � hr burn per load.

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Friday, the day before opener the boys goofed around base camp & we managed to catch a couple of these little cut throat out of the creek next to camp.

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We decided against our usual method of making a spike camp up away from base camp as it turned out the gear was just more than we could carry without a horse. So, opening morning was to be a hunt from base camp. Me & the boys Went scouting Friday evening & did find some elk not far from base camp so that inflated the enthusiasm levels a bit.

Scouting.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1951.jpg[/img]

Opening morning me & my boy �RWS� (runswithscissors) headed up the hill & settled in to our first spot of what would end up being many by days end.

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View from our first hunt stop.

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We eventually moved on up higher & explored a few areas I thought would be worth checking. Here�s a shot of my boy next to an old rub we found.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1958.jpg[/img]

Another spot we stopped at.

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My boy got hold of the camera now & then, another rub we found.

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Various shots of the country we explored later that day.

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A tired out little hunter..

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Heading back to base camp, enough for the day.

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Our supper for Saturday night, fried chicken with rice.

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Back at camp after the days hunt all 4 hunters shared their findings & experiences from the day, some elk were seen but no shooting opportunities were found.

Day 2 the boys & I decided to turn it up a notch, there is a place my normal group likes to hunt a lot, our favorite place in the area. But this place is hard to get to, a lot of work getting to it & a lot more work getting elk out of. We were up for the challenge, Dusty also suggested that he would likely hunt that direction & may very well find us later in the day.

So me & the boys headed up the mountain to explore the area I had told them so much about. When we got into the area we split up, my nephew went on up the hill further to find an area I had talked about in the past while my boy & I hunted the low end of the slope watching down an aspen hillside.

Me & my boy set up on a hillside where I rigged a shooting rest with a dead tree, I gave him a thermal seat to sit on & opened my day pack to pull out a stack of game bags for myself to sit on. It was then that RWS spotted a big can of campbells chunky beef soup in my daypack. That made his day, apparently the little guy was pretty hungry. He says �dad, what are we going to do with that?� pointing at the big soup can. I said �oh that? I dunno, figured we might get hungry, but we don�t have to eat it if you don�t want to�

Then I explained my plan of lighting a tiny fire to heat the soup in the can & I produced 2 plastic spoons from the day pack. I got a pretty good smile out of him with that, this was good news on a cold day so far away from base camp.

I peeled the paper wrapper from the can & used it to help start our little fire. Nuthin fancy about Dave�s hillside meals, no high dollar dried goods for these guys. I�ve found that in the end by the time you add the water to an expensive light weight packaged meal you have the same weight as what you would have with something like this. Plus the can is a tough package, it isn�t going to break open in your pack & I don�t mind packing the empty can off the hill with me.

I just love these pictures.

[Linked Image]

After our hillside feast I revealed a stash of candy bars for desert, we snuffed our little fire after warming up a bit & we decided to hunt further up the slope.

We stopped along the infamous cat knoll, I showed my boy where I was sitting last year when a mountain lion nearly ran me over. We actually set up there for about 20 minutes then I decided to take him up a bit further. We heard shooting from the direction CBF (captainbangflop) my nephew was headed earlier. We hoped it was him shooting. Soon after a lone cow busted out of the timber & up onto the ridge we stood on & ran on down the slope. I tried to slow her down with a cow call, she heard it, but didn�t slow down much. She didn�t give any real shooting opportunity for RWS but now we had a hunter with an adrenalin heart rate

We continued up the slope thinking we might find CBF with a victorious grin, and we did.

He told us how he had shot himself a bull calf & although he displayed the normal humility with dropping a less than mature animal his excitement level was still pegged out, he was very happy to have shot his first elk.

He led us up the slope & across into the area where he shot his elk, along the way I stopped him & pointed out to him that we were standing in our normal spike camp spot. He had found our spike camp & didn�t even realize it. I took my camera out & snapped a picture of our empty camp spot so I could show my dad back home who could not make this year�s trip. I told the boys how often times elk would run right through our spike camp & sometimes even trip our tent strings. Just then as if on queue a spike bull broke out over a ledge & trotted down into the spot I had just taken a picture of, right there where a pair of 2 man dome tents would normally be set up

He looked up & saw us then exploded out of there & ran down the hill.

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After a few �holy cow� and �that was the coolest thing I�ve ever seen!� we pressed on to find the elk that CBF had shot.

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At the kill site, a very happy and successful hunter smiles like heck.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1990-1.jpg[/img]

Well, I went to work on the elk with CBF�s help and I advised my boy to not set his rifle down as I have had many elk run through while I was cutting on one in the past. Shortly into the job we heard some shooting down from us, I told RWS to be ready, explaining how an elk�s best defense or escape is to climb and they very well may be a group heading up our way. I went back to cutting & me & CBF nearly had the first quarter loose when CBF looked over my shoulder down the hill & announced to my boy �here they come!�.

Here they came indeed, I think there were 4 of them, a mix of cows & calves. RWS was ready for them, they were going to cross broadside in front of us at a bow hunters distance moving at a tired uphill pace. I instructed my boy �the last one, shoot the last one�. This I felt gave him time to observe the pace as they filed through plus she was a good sized cow. He shouldered his M70 fwt 30-06 & touched it off as the last cow filed past. Boom! And she rolled like a wrecking ball had hit her! She fell into a small gully she was skirting as she tried to run past, we couldn�t see her and I was afraid we would see her pop out one of the ends. I stood flustered with the hunting knife still in my left hand, my boy was ahead of me, my rifle was behind me. I needed to scurry him over to the ledge of the gully to see down to the bottom in case we needed a quick follow up shot. I grabbed my rifle & started towards my boy to help get him into position to see his elk, just the CBF says to me �Dave! Shoot that big cow she�s getting away!�

Well yeah, the lead cow was up the hill from us & she sure as hell was getting away. I was so focused on my boy�s first elk that I forgot I had a tag in my pocket as well

With Jelky�s stag handled 2009 campfire creation still in my left hand I raised my rifle & took aim at the lead cow about a hundred yds up the hill where she had paused behind some good cover. It was good cover, except for the open shot window that displayed her left shoulder. Boom! The M70 300wby barked & she hunched hard then lunged ahead out of the cover. She ascended the hill now at a switchback angle on 3 legs, she switched angles to continue her failing climb. This exposed the other shoulder, Boom! The whole time I�m trying to keep an eye on RWS�s gully for an elk to emerge from and CBF is my shot guide jumping quickly back & forth behind me & calling clear shots for me �here dave! Here! Clear shot from right here!�

With both shoulders out she was down in the front with her hind legs still trying to drive her up the hill. One final shot to the neck ended it, she must have rolled 50 yds back towards us down the hill before she came to rest.

Now to the mystery of RWS�s gully diver, we hurried to the ledge & found that although still alive she wasn�t going anywhere. CBF & I instructed my boy on his finishing shot and soon after that the high 5�s & �oh my god!� and �holy chit!� and �that was the coolest thing I�ve ever seen!� sort of thing erupted on the hillside where 3 elk were down now in close proximity to each other. We had done it! We filled our tags!! The excitement level from the boys fueled me leading into what was going to be a pile of work, followed by the impossible task ahead of us (getting all that meat back to base camp)

Here�s my boy�s first elk.

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Proud hunter & a very proud dad.

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Here�s my big rubber nose.

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Some of you already viewed a teaser photo sent from my cell phone earlier this week and I�ve read the questions about RWS�s elk �how they gonna get that thing out of there?�

Well, I�ll get to that.

The 3 happy hunters returned to cutting on the first elk, we decided to try to pack this one out that day so we quartered & boned it out so we might have a chance at packing it out that day.

Next was my boy�s elk, the �how they gonna get that out of there?� elk. Well the only knife I had with me that day was Jelky�s campfire knife that he sent along with me just as he did with a knife he made last year which was recently auctioned off by Jeff with funds going towards the efforts of our friend muledeer.

It�s a fine knife, but I was concerned as to how much we could expect out of one knife on 3 elk. Especially after quartering & deboning the first one. Plus the day was getting away from us, we had to try to get back down to base camp preferably before dark.

I told the boys �we�re going to do things a little different on these other 2 elk in order to save us some time & get the most out of what this knife has left to it�s edge.�

I quartered the 2 cows leaving the hide on the quarters, removed the back straps & tenderloins & we planned to get it all hung up to cool overnight then pack CBF�s elk back to base camp.

Here are some photo�s of those efforts.

CBF dragging one of my boy�s quarters clear from the cutting area.

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Northerndave liberating a shoulder from said cow.

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Coming apart nicely.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2009.jpg[/img]

A little teamwork on the back meat.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2014.jpg[/img]

I just love this picture, yeah sure it may be an evil smile on my face but doesn�t the combined expressions just scream �victory�?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2019.jpg[/img]

The knife that did all 3 that day, sorry Jeff, I got it dirty

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_1998.jpg[/img]

My cow received the same efforts & soon we were decorating a tree with the spoils of the day.

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I gotta thank my boy for taking these action photos of a lot of this work, good job kid, you got some great pictures up there.

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We then packed ourselves down the mountain back to base camp with CBF�s elk. We carried it out without packs, good thing we had nice strong cotton game bags. We balanced out the meat in 2 bags, we (me & CBF) each took a bag. I tied a stick to the ends of the bags so we could sling the bag over our shoulder & hold the stick under one arm pit, this allowed us to still sling our rifles over the other shoulder & it was fairly comfortable.

CBF ahead of me heading down the hill.

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Down at base camp we joined Dusty & we all shared our stories of the day. We told our story & we learned from Dusty that he had quite a day as well. He was hunting our direction but was stopped short by a cow he had hit and was certain of the kill but the hillside it went down on, rolled down on actually was covered in the most awful wiry brown buck brush you�ve ever seen. Finding an elk in it would be like finding a goose or duck that went down in the cat tails. He did his best to find it which involved many repeated climbs from his shooting spot up to where he believed she should be laying, spent every bit of energy he had but had to postpone his efforts as the day was growing dark and he simply needed to recharge with some rest & a good meal.

Dusty�s efforts would continue the next day as we also would continue with our efforts to get our meat off the mountain & back into our camp freezer so we could cool it down.

Monday morning came Dusty continued his hunt & I went to visit a neighboring camp that had horses. This camp is a good group from Kansas, our 2 camps have shared laughs, beer, chili & campfires many times over the years. We�ve also helped each other out when the other was in a bind.

Well I was in a bind with all of that meat 5 miles from base camp & only myself & CBF to pack it out.

It turned out they needed a little help as well, they had hauled a trailer down into the valley & they were worried they couldn�t get it back out with their truck. Well I had truckzilla down there with chains on all 4 & hell, I woulda hauled there trailer out for them even if I didn�t need help myself. It was a good trade.

Plus I gave them a bottle of whisky just to help sweeten the deal a bit & really show my appreciation��. Well, that and I also had a lot of fun giving away my uncle Dusty�s bottle of whisky when he wasn�t around

On our way up to pack our elk off the mountain we had a close encounter with this small group of wapiti.

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Up half way to our elk tree with our borrowed horse for the day. I brought my own panniers along (my dad�s) just in case and I was glad they were a big set.

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Up at the meat tree we set out a hillside butcher shop. We laid out 2 game bags to work on so we could keep the meat clean, we had a skinning station & a deboning station. CBF would skin & I�d take the bones out. (I�ve never put 2 elk on a horse before so I figured the only way to pull this off in one trip was to get rid of the bones & me & CBF still carried what we could on our pack frames)

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2034.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2039-1.jpg[/img]

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Soon we had the quarters done & all that was left was the shoulders & the back straps/tenders (which were already bagged from the day before)

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2040-1.jpg[/img]

Here we are on our way out with our new best friend the pack horse.

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Back at camp with the meat in the freezer I can not explain the feeling of relief and accomplishment.

Now it was time, time to celebrate with my dad�s famous victory chili cooked over a campfire. I sure wish dad was there to cook it himself but we did the best we could in his absence & it turned out really good.

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Some of you know the feeling I had going on when my boy took this picture, 2 young guys had shot there first elk, I got one too, we cut it all up, packed it off the mountain & it was safe & sound inside our freezer at base camp. It was time for a beer.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2055.jpg[/img]

We had a great night, shared our chili & campfire with the neighboring camp group, lots of laughs & stories, good stuff.

The next day I made good on my part of the deal with the Kansas guys and we hauled there meat on up out of the base camp valley and there equipment trailer too.

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We broke camp when we got back down the hill, Dusty hunted the first part of the day. He found his elk but unfortunately it had been sitting for too long. He kept his rifle handy as we tore down camp & all the way up out of the valley but there were no further opportunities that would present themselves to him.

Here we are packed for our trip out to the equipment trailer where most of this creatively tied on gear would come off the truck & go into the trailer.

The Beverly Hillbilly�s got nuthin on us.

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Couple pics on our way out, sad to leave but we also missed home, it was time to leave.

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Well that�s it folks.

So sorry for the detail & the overkill on the photos.

What a hunt. Those will be some lifetime memories for sure.

Great story Dave! What do you mean "overkill" on the photos, I know I like seeing them. I was imagining how exciting it was for the boy's. RWS will have quiet a story to tell his friends back at school. Too bad Dad couldn't find his earlier, I'm sure he had alot of fun though. It would be fun to do one day, but I don't know if I could keep up with you guys. Glad you all had a great trip!

hey thanks kiddo, we couldn't have done it without your dad.

Dave,I read your story over on the Elk Hunting forum and then came here to see it again.The chili looked delicious!
Great story,great trip and congratulations to the successful hunters.

Stan

Dave,
Simply put OutStanding story and photo's!!!! Congrats to All of you on a Safe and Successful trip!!! You and Uncle Dusty add another piece to the puzzle of LIFE and the way hunting is to be passed down along with the Love of the outdoors. Always LOVE seeing the hunting photos and stories to go with them, made me feel like I was almost there. Hit my email all you want if ya have more pics!!! OUTSTANDING JOB Crew ChickenBuck of the North....

Just a few more minutes to pickup kiddo from yet another game they lost 23 to 35 this time but spirits are still high. She Had to ride the bus with the team home and naturally is texting again, this is Not my kiddo texting all the time.. LOL.. She is supposed to be thinking of hunting.. Ha... LOL.. I'm blaming Weezy for this.. LOL

Great story, Dave. Congrats!

Oh I gotta add one more thing, speaks volumes of your character all of you. Dave and crew one more Congrats guys bolts open and empty chambers in the trophy pics, Great Job on Safety keep it up!!!

Hey thanks guys, yes i've got more pictures and yes there's a lot more to the story but wow, how much can a guy write, right?

Spirits were high, the wit was flowing, the boys were walking tall...

what a hoot.

I think it was Tuesday morning I was coming back from the creek to put my toothbrush away & my boy says "uh dad, you got some toothpaste in your beard...."

i looked at him & said "I have a beard? god how long have we been out here?"

that's pretty much how the whole trip went.

makes you feel good when you feel you have honestly spent your time well.

this was time well spent.

Originally Posted by wabo

Oh I gotta add one more thing, speaks volumes of your character all of you. Dave and crew one more Congrats guys bolts open and empty chambers in the trophy pics, Great Job on Safety keep it up!!!

"show clear and safe" we preach it and we practice it, with handguns I like to see a pistol with it's clip out & slide locked open if not in one's personal control. with revolvers I like to see a hinged cylinder swung out showing empty or a gate open on fixed cylinders. like to see levers open on rifles, bolts back, single shots cracked, we just like to show open & safe.

kind of a respect thing for the others around us, they don't have to worry or wonder that way.

Originally Posted by wabo

Just a few more minutes to pickup kiddo from yet another game they lost 23 to 35 this time but spirits are still high.

Wabo, look at the up side. At least kiddos team is improving. Didn't they loose by nearly 50 points last time?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey thanks guys, yes i've got more pictures and yes there's a lot more to the story but wow, how much can a guy write, right?

Dave feel free to write more about the trip and post more pictures anytime. By-the-way, is the chili recipe one that can be shared or is it a family secret? I've got a great chili recipe, but always willing to try something new.

Bill, I honestly don't know or follow a single recipe.

like most things I do, when i'm cooking I just wing it.

I just tried my best to include the stuff that i know my dad likes in his chili

Same as I said on your other thread Dave. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

There is nothing like arriving into camp for the season....but there is also something special about packing up and heading home after a successful hunt. Good Job on the pics too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

By-the-way, is the chili recipe one that can be shared or is it a family secret? I've got a great chili recipe, but always willing to try something new.

Recipe...who the heck uses a recipe?

BTW Dave, That could be the coolest name for chili I've seen yet...Victory Chili.

Dave you are a credit to all in the hunting community. Congrats to the boys and you.

I used to hunt North of Craig at Grizzly Park. How far out of Craig do you hunt? I enjoyed all my trips to Colorado.

Once again great job on the hunt, pics and story.

Brad

Dave, I use the basic recipe to get me started but, add/delete to suit my tastes. No complaints from the camp so far. Of course if they do complain, they immediately become the new cook.

You know how that works? "This tastes like chit, but good Chit".

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

No complaints from the camp so far. Of course if they do complain, they immediately become the new cook.

I complained about how my laundry was folded once.... care to guess who does my laundry now.

We have the same rule on our camping trips and at hunting camp.

Based on our group comments, I must be a great cook!(or too simple to figure out why nobody complains!)

Originally Posted by craigs248

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey craigs...where do you hunt? Top O WI, makes me thing Bayfield Co. We are in southern Ashland Co and norhtern Price Co.

I live in Bayfield Co. and do some hunting here. Most of my time deer hunting is spent in Marinette Co. at deer camp.

Craigs248; I learned to hunt in a deer camp across the river from you in Menominee county MI. Now I hunt in the Brule River National Forest.

Originally Posted by sbhva

Craigs248; I learned to hunt in a deer camp across the river from you in Menominee county MI. Now I hunt in the Brule River National Forest.

I was a bit more north in Marinette Co. Grew up near Iron Mountain.

Shhh, ya hear that grunting noise? Hold on what's over that way walking thru the oak leaves? Sumthin's happening around here....

Dave and crew Congrats !!!!!!
Great posts Dave , I hope you and photobucket work out the bandwidth thing because I'm looking forward to seeing all those pics in your posts.

Hey somebody put tinks 69 in the coffee. Hmm where's Dave?

Hey guys, i'm here. looks like if i want the pictures to show up i'll have to upgrade to photobucket pro & fork out about 24 bucks.

really? my photo bucket works fine for me

email me the pics dave and I'll post em if nothing else

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey guys, i'm here. looks like if i want the pictures to show up i'll have to upgrade to photobucket pro & fork out about 24 bucks.

can you log on under a different username and try?

There has to be something else to use. Is it $24 a month, or a one shot deal?

that's for a year.

[Linked Image]

can you guys see this one?

Yep and we thank the lord he looks like his mama:)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

can you guys see this one?

Yep, loud and clear.

Originally Posted by big drift

Yep and we thank the lord he looks like his mama:)

linked it from facebook. I have an account there that I check like once a month or so.

[quote=northern_dave

linked it from facebook. I have an account there that I check like once a month or so.
[/quote]

once a month....suuurrrreee.

i cant stand it.

don't see how anybody can stand it. it's so commercialised, i just think it's a great big mess, god i hate facebook.

this is the only thing i have seen that it may be good for, wasn't sure if photos could be linked from there or not.

Dave ya ever get that auction issue straightened out at home?

Dang son I had to switch screens fast when your better half started typing as mine was coming over to read what I was chuckling at.

Just go for it....

what auction???

[Linked Image]

you mean the one that had this on it??

Veddy veddy nice, that should help keep them camp critters at bay.

I recently inherited a .44 cap and ball black powder with all the bells and whistles to go with it. I am thinking that it may be going down the road for something more user friendly like yours.

I been wanting one of these for quite a while. it's the old frame vaquero (blackhawk frame) in .45 long colt. this rig falls into the "plus pressure load safe" catagory that many reloading manuals refer to.

if I handload for it with modern powders I can get that big slug haulin along at a good clip.

someone stop the rain!! Dadgumit it is goofing up my schedule. They were supposed to pour the basement tomorrow.

Take that 6-shooter and shoot holes in dem dar clouds, would ya?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I been wanting one of these for quite a while. it's the old frame vaquero (blackhawk frame) in .45 long colt. this rig falls into the "plus pressure load safe" catagory that many reloading manuals refer to.

if I handload for it with modern powders I can get that big slug haulin along at a good clip.

Dave, any idea as to when Ruger switched over to the lighter frame for the vaquero?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

if I handload for it with modern powders I can get that big slug haulin along at a good clip.

Lucky for you, the .45LC takes large pistol primers. I can still find those from time to time. Be thankful it doesn't take small pistol primers. Small pistol primers are like Ol' forky toes. Some people claim to have seen evidence of their existence, but nothing substantive can be found!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I been wanting one of these for quite a while. it's the old frame vaquero (blackhawk frame) in .45 long colt. this rig falls into the "plus pressure load safe" catagory that many reloading manuals refer to.

if I handload for it with modern powders I can get that big slug haulin along at a good clip.

Dave, any idea as to when Ruger switched over to the lighter frame for the vaquero?

griz, I think they changed in 04, i believe 03 was the last year of the "big frame"

the slimmed frame are easy to identify, instead of just saying "vaquero" on the left side of the frame below the cylinder it says "new vaquero"

hey my pictures are working again.

guess where i went tonight?

[Linked Image]

who's tracks are those??

[Linked Image]

tamaracks, pretty neat.

[Linked Image]

more tamaracks.

[Linked Image]

hey tzone, where am i going???

what's this?

[Linked Image]

somebody been eating the tzone deer chow block...

[Linked Image]

stompy footprints by the block...

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave ya ever get that auction issue straightened out at home?

Dang son I had to switch screens fast when your better half started typing as mine was coming over to read what I was chuckling at.

Just go for it....

Big Drift...WHAT???? What did you say?

Who me what, wasnt there someone done stole my password, uh yeah thats it.

Dang facebook;)

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave ya ever get that auction issue straightened out at home?

Dang son I had to switch screens fast when your better half started typing as mine was coming over to read what I was chuckling at.

Just go for it....

Big Drift...WHAT???? What did you say?

Haha...busted.

Yeah BABY!

man....that is one fine looookin' blind.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

hey tzone, where am i going???

what's this?

[Linked Image]

Not a bad spot for two guys that were...ah...er..."thirsty"

when we found it.

so has anyone actually seen old forky toes?

I think we saw him once. during black powder season a couple of years ago in the headlights. couldn't get the lights on the head, but the body was ginormous.

honestly I think that the split toe tracks we see this year are "forky junior"

they look very much the same but not as big & not as heavy...

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

so has anyone actually seen old forky toes?

Talked with a guy the other day that said he saw Elvis and Forky Toes walking around the Minneapolis Zoo together.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave ya ever get that auction issue straightened out at home?

Dang son I had to switch screens fast when your better half started typing as mine was coming over to read what I was chuckling at.

Just go for it....

Big Drift...WHAT???? What did you say?

Pam, Dave told me he tried his best to get the second vaquero for you, but the other bidder drove the price out of sight. Said he felt real bad cause you had your heart set on getting into the cowboy action shooting scene.

Spent Tuesday up in the Eagle River, WI helping my friend close up his cottage. Saw lots of golden Tamaracks. God I hate walking through a Tamarack swamp this time of year. You always end up with a ton of tamarack needles done your neck.

Stopped at a small gun shop on the way back and found a rifle I really need. It was a Tika in 6.5x55. First one I've ever run across in a 6.5. Wood on it was terrible, but the action was a smooth as glass.

Well guys and gals kiddo Thunder could use some prayers, the dreaded H1N1 has hit her like a brick wall. Waiting to hear back from Doc as I type on what the next move will be. BBall games have been cancelled, deer season right around the corner for her, for her this is not good at all. Kids are dropping like flies atschool my other kiddo was missing 10 kids in her class yesterday out of a class of 24.

Chickenbuckeroos this crud is not Good...... Here I thought I'd be deer hunting this weekend with a bow, doubtful now... Stay safe guys and gals, and Dave Nice Ruger I've been eyeballing the exact model in .44 myself.

wow i sure hope that clears out quick for her wabo.

best wishes from my house to yours.

Get that kid better Wabo. We have it flying around here too. WI has the most cases in the US I think.

It is nothing to mess with.

I heard on the news that Crookston school district is closing today due to the bug.

At conferences last night teachers were saying 10-13% of students are out with it. It made its round at our place everyone was down for 1-2 days with a fever and nausea then it let go.

We just kept giving kids 1-2 liters of juice and a liter of water each hour and it was done.

My daughter's swim meet with crookston was cenceled this week, this must be why.

One school 40 miles from here closed because 30% of the kids were out with it. Medford, WI is where it was.

So far most of it has been the less serious version of it. Hope it stays that way if we have to have it.

The Tamaracks this time of year look cool. I went out Saturday and yesterday evening to check a couple of blinds and get rid of some apples (every other year the tree in the front yard really produces). With the darkening sky and the yellow and golds left on the trees it was like the woods were glowing. Judging by what the forecast is calling for Friday into Saturday could bring us 6" of wet, heavy snow. My camp bud wants to sit in his tree stand this weekend, I don't bow hunt so I'll keep the camp warm.

I plan on heading out to one of our fields we hunt this weekend and make sure the stand is all good to go.

Then take the kids down to the gravel pit for some range time.

Hopefully all the rain will be done by then.

Take care of those kids! I heard a show pig (what, exactly, is a show pig???) came down with H1N1 in Minnesota this week. First pig in the US to get it. Now that is kinda ironic right there, isnt it?

Okay, so I move up here to God's country and life is good. I tell myself I can go hunting whenever I want. If it is too cold or too hot, I can stay home as I can always go tomorrow. Great theory.

Pheasant opener. We are big pheasant hunters so of course we are gonna go. In the snow and wind.

Last Friday, my brother Brian had the day off from school, so we went hunting. In the rain.

Today, a friend from the cities is driving up to go pheasant hunting. In the rain.

By the way, we may stop building our house and instead try and build an ark.

Someone, anyone, please, PLEASE, shut off the rain!!!!!!

Wabo,

I'm sorry to hear about your young one. I hope she recovers quickly.

Grizzly Bill,

I'd snatch up that Tikka in 6.5x55 real quick! The Tikka 6.5x55 is not easy to come across, especially in wood. Too bad about the wood being sub-par though.

Wabo, sure hope kiddo bounces back quickly. My grandson had the crap a week ago. His fever finally broke last weekend.

Azar. I have to sell my 450 marlin before I can get anything new. There will be a 6.5 in my collection some day.

Hey Beretta, getting any rain up you're way yet?

Thanks guys I was giving her Thermaflu now after the Docs we have switched to Tamiflu. She is sound asleep once more but to me that is better for meds to work anyway.

Oh yes Dave the trees are beautiful, look much the same here too, wish the rain would stop as well. Crops are SLOWLY coming out this year, shellin corn 150 feet from my house now. Guys are muddin around trying to beat this next system coming in tonight.

it's so dry up here i worry about fires.......

sure could use a shot of rain......

Dave ya keep talking like that and you'll be getting to Chickenbuck by canoe.

Want me to bring the Alumacraft up....we could run palner boards in the moat. Bottom bouncers and reef runners.

We'll do it up right.

I have a couple of canoes out there already.

It won't start raining until i threaten to mow some of the trails & shooting lanes in the wetter areas out there this weekend.

Get that tractor good and stuck, and we can use it for a deer stand.

we've been there before & the deer stand option has been considered...

Kiddo#2 is now home with same stuff. This Bites, guess it gives me time to post though.. lol May need a Tank to get blue back out of the swamp/lake if Dave isn't careful..

Started coming down heavy here about 11:00 AM and hasn't let up since.

Wabo make sure those kids stay hydrated, Water, gator aid and the like. Closed another school (Crandon) yesterday due to the flu.

I think that is the second time for Crandon isn't it Bill?

Raining like a mofo here. Suposed to get an inch.

As long as it stops saturday noon, I don't mind the rain. Wouldn't break my heart if it switched to snow either.

Think your right about Crandon Tom. WIAA ruled that the girls soccer team had to forfit there last 2 games due to the school closure. Rule is that there can be no team sports played if school is closed for illness.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

so has anyone actually seen old forky toes?

He likes to wander the road. I found his tracks near that ladder stand on the trail into chickenbuck. hint hint.

yeah, yeah... last year that big sumbich stumbled through under that stand in the fresh snow that was falling and could have only been minutes ahead of me, he came right through under that stand, dang it.

That's how it always works.

Dave, wishin' for rain? now dat der ain't funny no how. You can have the crap. the farmers are just starting to work up a good panic. it has been raining all dang day. Where is Al Gore? I would like to kick him right square in the arse. I told the little girl she was gonna hafta wear her life jacket to school today. There is a puddle in front of our house about 30 feet by the width of the driveway. Dang near gotta swim to the truck. Make it stop....

Okay guys, after much thought and deliberation, go ahead and pull that practical joke on ND. I ain't lookin' out for him no more.

Thanks for sharing the rain with us BM. Rained hard here most of the day. Waitress at the resturant we go to for coffee is going to need hip boots to get to her car tonight. It's sitting in a low spot and has 2/3 inches of water all around it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

so has anyone actually seen old forky toes?

He likes to wander the road. I found his tracks near that ladder stand on the trail into chickenbuck. hint hint.

I'll sit wherever I was at in your dream when I downed that bruiser of a buck

seems like it is only fitting, just in case its a premonition

jokes on me, we got rain

Here is the latest from Cole's Caringbridge site:

Wow, thank you so much to all of you who attended, donated, and/or helped with the benefit! It was amazing to see so many people all there on Cole's behalf! And if anyone saw Cole, you could see how much fun he had!! I am so glad that he had the energy to keep up with all the other kids! It was very overwhelming to see all of the gifts donated!! Thank you so much for all of you who put so much work into it. We appreciate it more than you will ever know. And the money will be put to good use for Cole's long road to recovery. Thanks again!

Cole is doing pretty good. On Monday, we went to St. Cloud. His hemoglobin was up and his blood culture came back free from infection!! However, his counts were low again. So, that means it is only the injections keeping his numbers up. So, unfortunately we are back on them. We will do them through Thursday and check his blood counts on Friday. His counts have to be good in order to start chemo on Monday. That is the 4 night stay at the hospital with 3 new chemos! I am really scared for that. Especially, because last hospital stay he got so sick,and that was only 1 night! On Friday he has to get the H1N1 vaccine too. So, we have to go all the way to St. Cloud just for that. I was hoping he could just wait and get it at the hospital when we're there. But they are already out. So, our Doctor said we better just make the drive to get it when we can. Cole is really getting tired of all of this. I think since we started those injections at home it has made going to the doctor even harder. Maybe because he feels like he never gets a break from any of it anymore. Now he throws a fit when he gets his port accessed too, and he never use to. Some of Cole's close friends and cousins who he was with all weekend are sick. So, please pray Cole steers clear of all these bugs people are passing. They say H1N1 isn't bad unless you are already critically sick. Which scares me to death because Cole is!! So, pray it stays away from our family! Thank you.

Keeping Cole in our prayers.

Ditto and for all the other yard monkeys out there.

Heading out to the range this afternoon to throw some big chunks of lead (45-70). Stan would be proud of me._

Gotta do that this weekend. Loaded up 50 rounds for my daughters .257 Roberts last night. Plan on doing the boys .243 tommorow night, and the .280 tonight.

In any event gotta put holes in paper this weekend before the state tickets us for shooting to close to season.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

so has anyone actually seen old forky toes?

He likes to wander the road. I found his tracks near that ladder stand on the trail into chickenbuck. hint hint.

I'll sit wherever I was at in your dream when I downed that bruiser of a buck

seems like it is only fitting, just in case its a premonition

that was the nasty, stumpy clear cut where we got firewood from.

Cole is always in my prayers... and he will continue to be.

got a call from Dad this morning, looks like he filled his buck tag, only his wasn't as big as mom's was

I can't imagine the ribbing she will give him when he gets home

Cole will be in my prayers as well. good to hear his spirits are up and he's doing well under the circumstances

I am so glad to hear good news concerning Cole.
I wish Wabo and anyone else with sick younguns my sympathy and a quick recovery.
Grizzly Bill,what brand of 45/70 do you have and what load are you shooting?

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan and everyone else!!! Also Thanks for the updateon Cole he and the family always in my prayers.

Momma had kid watch today I have to go to work today and tomorrow. Now that I'm home kids are atleast up and about argueing on who gets what kind of treat since I'm home.. LOL

I've begun diggin out the Orange...

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I am so glad to hear good news concerning Cole.
I wish Wabo and anyone else with sick younguns my sympathy and a quicj recovery.
Grizzly Bill,what brand of 45/70 do you have and what load are you shooting?

Stan in SC

Stan, it's a Ruger #1. I was shooting Federal factory loads with 300 gr speer hot core HP's and handloads with 50 gr of Reloader 7 and 300 gr hornady HP's. Both loads avg'd 1.5" for 3 shots @ 100 yards.

Mmmmmmmmmmm.Ruger #1 in 45/70.Heap good gun Kemo Sabe.Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
50 gr. of Rel7 is quite stout.My plinking load is 40 gr. and a 300 Gr. bullet.I have been loading Remington JHP for several years but recently purchased 500 of the Meister brand in a cast round nose flat tip.They do well and just look good.There's just something about the look of a loaded cast bullet in a 45/70 that appeals to me.
So far I have found that a single shot in 45/70 is the mostest fun.My favorite is the lowly NEF Handi rifle topped with a El Paso Weaver scope of 2.5X with fine cross hairs.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Mmmmmmmmmmm.Ruger #1 in 45/70.Heap good gun Kemo Sabe.Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
50 gr. of Rel7 is quite stout.My plinking load is 40 gr. and a 300 Gr. bullet.I have been loading Remington JHP for several years but recently purchased 500 of the Meister brand in a cast round nose flat tip.They do well and just look good.There's just something about the look of a loaded cast bullet in a 45/70 that appeals to me.
So far I have found that a single shot in 45/70 is the mostest fun.My favorite is the lowly NEF Handi rifle topped with a El Paso Weaver scope of 2.5X with fine cross hairs.

Stan in SC

Stan, the #1 is a great rifle. This one could use a good trigger job though. 50 gr of Reloader 7 pushes a 300 grainer 1,900 fps according to the manual. Recoil is moderate. A pusy cat though compared to 405 grainers launched a nearly the same speed. The scope is a Bushnel Elite 3200 1.5 X 4.5 with the heavy fire fly recticle. The heavy recticle is not ideal for precise target shooting but works well in heavy cover. To activate the fire fly option all you do is shine a flashlite through the lens for a minute. The recticle will than glow for an hour. Works great in low light situations.

Originally Posted by wabo

Thanks Stan and everyone else!!! Also Thanks for the updateon Cole he and the family always in my prayers.

Momma had kid watch today I have to go to work today and tomorrow. Now that I'm home kids are atleast up and about argueing on who gets what kind of treat since I'm home.. LOL

I've begun diggin out the Orange...

My kids were actually arguing about who gets to do the chores last night.... We had to write that down, 'cuz we won't ever hear that again.

Grizz and Stan,

Gander Mt, (yuck) has a #1 in 45-70. Looks like it is in real nice shape. Asking $800. Is that in the ball park as far as price? It is used. I love these guns, but all the ones I find are priced in that range, or a little bit either way...

That is a lot or scratch, but that is a gun that will last a lifetime. They just fit me like a glove.

Wow 2 full days without rain, I can't believe it! Hopefully we can get all the work done today cuz it sounds like rain and snow all next week. My prayers go out to Cole and all the other kids who are sick.

Originally Posted by tzone

Grizz and Stan,

Gander Mt, (yuck) has a #1 in 45-70. Looks like it is in real nice shape. Asking $800. Is that in the ball park as far as price? It is used. I love these guns, but all the ones I find are priced in that range, or a little bit either way...

That is a lot or scratch, but that is a gun that will last a lifetime. They just fit me like a glove.

Tom, I just happened to have the 2010 Ruger catalog. A model 1S in 45-70 with a blued finish has a suggested retail of $1,182, SS is $1222. Since no one pays full retail I would expect you could get a new one for around $950 give or take a few $$. I'd offer $650 for the used one and see what they countered with, might go as high as $725. I'm sure Stan can give you a more accurate picture of used values with his gun shop connections.

The #1's are great rifles.

Gander is not known for dealing on the firearms.

In my experience they do not drop price at customer request, they don't deal with customers. In the odd event that they should drop a price into the "green light" range they make a business decision to do so, mark the tag & put it out there. Then you have to be lucky enough to catch it before someone else does.

Dave, I agree about GM. Never hurts to try and jew them down though.

The problem is there seems to be all indians & no cheif at gander.

So you look at a rifle with a $550 tag on it & ya say, "how bout $525 on this one?" & you get "ohh, no I'm sorry sir the prices are as marked, nothing I can do."

Cabelas is better this way.

I found a brown laminate stocked M70 FWT in 30-06 in the gun library room at a cabelas once. There was a girl working the desk in the room. I think the hang tag said $500 which was actually priced to move, it wasn't going to sit long.

I was walking out of the room when I muttered over my shoulder without the slightest of confidence "Give ya four twenny five for that goofy looking featherweight."

I expected laughter. Instead she paused, hmm'd & haww'd... "Well, I really shouldn't... You know I can get five." I said "yeah, maybe tomorrow or next week or something, you'll get five."

She says "well ok, i'll go four & a quarter on the featherweight but you're get'n a steal."

I gave that one to my dad.

I like cabelas, they'll deal.

Scheels will deal also.

yep

I always like dickering with the guys at the shows. I don't think I've ever paid "tag" price on a gunshow buy. 'Might have only gotten it down a few bucks, but always managed to work a little bit of a deal. 'Always expected to dicker when I was on the other side of the table, too. It's all part of the game.

Most of the dealers I've run across at shows will dicker on price. Saw one this spring though that held firm on a model 24 Savage. The buyer ended up paying the tag price.

GM will sometimes deal. Believe it or not, you can usually get them to wiggle on new stuff.

Last year about this time, they had a Colombia wool jacket, that was blaze orange I lusted after. I knew they had this for at least a year. It was listed for like $149. I asked the lady if they could give me a discount since it had been there for so long.

She checked their computer, said it was discontinued, and said it had been there for 16mts...she sold it to me for $85.

never hurts to ask.

frankly, I cant figure out how GM is in business and Sportsman's Warehouse isnt. GM is high retail on everything.

Just stopped at Cabelas last nite. They have changed their famous return policy. Now it is only 90 days. Cabelas, in general, is always priced high. But their return policy made up for it. Now with that gone, they better come down on prices (yeah, right, when pigs fly

).

Hey Nd, got plans to be at the chickenbuck this weekend, time to light the fire its almost season

Yeah as a matter of fact I could be heading out there as early as tonight.

For sure by tomorrow morning, either way I will be hauling my ford tractor out there so I can to a little work on the truck trail & then get the trails mowed.

could be doing some stand work, there's always something that needs to be done you know.

If you find yourself wandering aimlessly through the forest swing in for a beer.

Just finished cleaning up the lanterns for camp. New mantles, oiled the pumps and cleaned the glass. Will fuel them up later.

crap, i got me some dry pumps, thanks for the reminder.

well, i happen to know the trail, but don't think you need to mow it for us to find it. we can sniff out the best trails in the forest in the dark. you should maybe head out this evening so we can stop for a beer. although there is always tomorrow. we have to finish a couple deer stand projects and post my land too! busy weekend in the northland!

ok, checking my recently replaced phone to see if i have you entered in my contacts.... yep, I got you in there. if i head that way tonight I'll send you a txt message romulous.

my mowing would be trails back in the woods behind the cabin for the most part.

we may just buggar up that way when we're done, going to do some mowing with the ranger and pull behind shortly after work, actually i got lestifer going to pull it around right now. he may almost be done by the time i get out there. have to wait for the kiddos to get out of school, then i can be on my way.

Better put the snowblower attachment on there dave. We're supposed to get up to 4" in the north country here.

is lester done with work at 2?

tzone, that's what the yellow snow bully is for

except for kind of a weak clutch the plow truck is ready for action right now.

if we get 4" of snow dave, I might make it up there with youngin in tow.
who knows otherwise, looking like I'll get 24-30 hours worth of work in this weekend, ouch but the wallet likes it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

crap, i got me some dry pumps, thanks for the reminder.

Dave, You should be able to find the pumps. but good luck finding generators. No one carries them anymore down here and I've checked fleet farm, GM and WalMart. May have to order direct from coleman.

oh they will pump fine, just need a little shot of oil. I trip like we just took out west sloshes the lanterns around pretty good, the fuel gets up into the pump tubed with all that shaking around & rinses the oil out.

A couple drops of oil & they will be just like new, nice & smooth.

Ryan, tzone is smokin crack, we aint gett'n no 4" of snow. least not till just before opener when we want it

dang

I was hoping but we have clear skies here now, although its chilly.
I want more time with my mini me!

Tom,I just did a search on Gunbroker,com for Ruger #1 in 45/70.The Gander price is a good one but I personally would buy a Marlin lever for less money which has just as good as and mebbe better accuracy and action strength.Not the Marlin guide gun but the 22' barrel model 1895.There's just something about a lever gun.
Rain scheduled here tomorrow morning.I had a deer hunting trip planned.Oh well.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan!

Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ryan, tzone is smokin crack, we aint gett'n no 4" of snow. least not till just before opener when we want it

No crack here...just snow.

I meant here, not really chickenbuck. The WI north woods is supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Tom,I just did a search on Gunbroker,com for Ruger #1 in 45/70.The Gander price is a good one but I personally would buy a Marlin lever for less money which has just as good as and mebbe better accuracy and action strength.Not the Marlin guide gun but the 22' barrel model 1895.There's just something about a lever gun.
Rain scheduled here tomorrow morning.I had a deer hunting trip planned.Oh well.

Stan in SC

Tom, my 1895 MR would be just the ticket for you.

I may be heading over to Black River Falls next week to check out a gun shop. I'll see if they have anything that may interest you.

Yours is a .450 isn't it?

Originally Posted by tzone

Yours is a .450 isn't it?

Yes it is. Something every serious hunter needs to have in their arsenal.

Is that why you're selling it?

Yup. Now I have a need for a 6.5.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yours is a .450 isn't it?

I got one o dem too

No .450's here but da dirty thirty rules in my orange world, hunting with such an old and accomplished cartridge I hope I'm still a real Man.

God knows I Love a Marlin Lever. TZone you need to go Marlin you need to...

Well both kids fever finally broke yesterday and now they have a cough like a hard cold, and, and they are driving me nuts. Inside toooo Long Way too long for Thunder Kiddo been stuck inside since Tuesday. Much better here now, Thanks for the thoughts and Prayers.

I'm going to go find some Mt Dew and alittle sip of da Good Crown while I surf for a bit.

that's good news wabo, sep fer the mt dew & crown...

that just don't sound very good.

Well I got my trail mowing done, little man "plays with matches" and i went to camp friday night & the rest of the family joined us on saturday. Buschpilot & his amigo stopped out on friday night, we had a few beers & talked smart like deer hunters do, i cooked a few cheeseburgers from a pound of wild somethin or another, sory fellers, them burgers were rough.

I'll do better next time.

Saturday morning me & the little man went hunting for grouse, li'l man had his lever action RRBB & I had my lever action 9422M.

Well, we weren't the quietest hunters, I was getting an education on flying bears (again) and we flushed 4 birds with no shots fired.

I do have these shots of the chickenbuck master during a close encounter with a red squirrel though.

[Linked Image]

I chunked up a couple of last year's elk steaks (the last from last year) and chopped up a bunch of veggies & made one heck of a stew. It was a lazy night at the shack last night, everybody crashed out on couches & in chairs, me up by myself reading hunting magazines & having a beer. elkhunter76 from Wyoming kept me company txting me, sounds like he's going to hunt hard next weekend while the wife is out of town

well we had our usual big pancake breakfast this morning then the whole family went on a long walk with asorted boomsticks looking for grouse.

we didn't do so good on the grouse but it turns out weezy is pretty hot stuff with her pink laminate stocked ruger 10/22. She blasted a couple of squirrels, pretty good shoot'n too.

Is it possible to be happy and disgusted at the same time? I think it is...

[Linked Image]

finally I get to this afternoon in my story telling (I'll skip all the missed opportunities on grouse that nobody shot at

)

RWS & I decided to put dusty's deer stand up for him. we found a nice spot & decided to at least get the cross members secure & set the floor in place so that all dusty has to do is come up, adjust the floor on the supports the way he wants it and put the walls on his box stand.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2133.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2136.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2138.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2139.jpg[/img]

and a couple of shots of the surrounding area from the ground.

[Linked Image]

and finally a couple of shots of an old ground blind that I fixed up on saturday with some logs & branches, it was just a camo netting wrap blind last year but the netting dissapeared so I decided to go barbaric (tzone style) with it.

Great story there Dave and as always Thanks for the pics!! However I have a word, conduit...... 2x6 or 2x8 for the sides drill 1inch hole in center push conduit through and drive a big spike through the outside edge to hold conduit in place.. Only reason I say this is cause I've fallen more then once on 2x steps as they either rot or pull out.. Conduit fixed that.

Oh by the way what er is wrong with my Golden Mt.Dew and Crown? Eh??

Me thinks I'll have another here perty quick.

well i"ll have another beer then & ponder that conduit ladder idea

You guys have heard me entertain the idea that ole forky toes buck may be gone, dead or moved on.

well, i'd like to retract such foolishness.

[Linked Image]

Wabo, good to hear the kids are doing better.

Dave, great pictures as usuall. Good shootin Weezy, That pink Ruger really does a job on varmints.

Wabo,I am happy that the kiddos are on the mend.I know that makes you feel better.
Good pictoral,Dave.By golly that forky toe track is big judging by the beer can.You have much bigger deer there than we do here in the South.Average here is about 100 to 120 pounds.The original stocking here in South Carolina and in Georgia was done with deer from the barrier islands on the coast which are a small breed.Conversely the deer in the state of Alabama are much bigger having been stocked in the 60's with deer from the northern states.My biggest was an 8 pointer killed in Alabama in 1980 which weighed 246 pounds on the hoof.I shot him five times with a Marlin 30-30.Every time I shot him it seemed he just stopped a moment and shook it off and continued walking.When I got to him I was unable to drag him alone.Oh well,enough deer story.
You had a fine weekend.Thanks for sharing it.

Stan in SC

Bill, there is a 6.5 on the used rack at gander.

Originally Posted by wabo

No .450's here but da dirty thirty rules in my orange world, hunting with such an old and accomplished cartridge I hope I'm still a real Man.

God knows I Love a Marlin Lever. TZone you need to go Marlin you need to...

Kinda diggin' on a few .35 rem's I've found in Marlin levers.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Oh well,enough deer story.

Stan in SC

never "too much" deer story.

Hey ND, the burger was pretty good considering never found out what it quite was. we had some good beers to chase it down too. Always fun on the chickenbuck. we got some Dandy trails mowed up where we hunt and seen a few deers as well. It should be an alright deer season comin up, if not so many deers we'll find something to do anyways....Thanks again Dave

did your mower hold together through the weekend?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You guys have heard me entertain the idea that ole forky toes buck may be gone, dead or moved on.

well, i'd like to retract such foolishness.

[Linked Image]

The foolishness is the beer you were drinking.

This ain't forky's year.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill, there is a 6.5 on the used rack at gander.

What kind of rifle, Tom?

times are tough, gotta tighten the belt & suffer through that cheap beer

Tom, the old 35's are great deer guns. The new Hornady lever evolution ammo gives them a boast in power.

I went up to our camp this weekend to try to arrow a ruty stinky sumbitch. Stayed in little ol' camper that we use until it gets cold.

Pretty day in the woods.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

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one more shot.
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Here is a view of the camp...and yes, I had to use dat polaris for the weekend, because I don't have a wheeler any more.

dang squeaky, no workin' 4x4 polaris'

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

One more shot of camp. The guy sneaking out from around the camper, and with his back to the camera in this shot is my wife's uncle Dave. Good guy. that is his wheeler with the corn.

He saw deer, I didn't.
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SNOW!!!

wooooo!!

Now that looks like deer hunting weather Tom.

I'm heading up to our camp Saturday to put up the new blind. Platform is built and ready to be assembled in the woods.

the mower held up good, tzone, that trusty polaris you got there is identical to Lestifer's. i made him pull the mower through the swamp grass with his, kinda hard to manuever the ranger around through the trees. Won't be long by the sounds of it and we may have snow. Can just about smell the deer camp already...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

the mower held up good, tzone, that trusty polaris you got there is identical to Lestifer's. i made him pull the mower through the swamp grass with his, kinda hard to manuever the ranger around through the trees. Won't be long by the sounds of it and we may have snow. Can just about smell the deer camp already...

Just about smell deer camp.

I hope not.

That Magnum in that picture has easily has 2K work of repairs to it. Not mine, it's my FIL's.

I'll quit bashing them, because I like you...and lestifer. I just haven't had luck with them, but in Polaris' defense, I've seen some do things that they shouldn't be able to do, and they still work.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

the mower held up good, tzone, that trusty polaris you got there is identical to Lestifer's. i made him pull the mower through the swamp grass with his, kinda hard to manuever the ranger around through the trees. Won't be long by the sounds of it and we may have snow. Can just about smell the deer camp already...

Just about smell deer camp.

I hope not.

That Magnum in that picture has easily has 2K work of repairs to it. Not mine, it's my FIL's.

I'll quit bashing them, because I like you...and lestifer. I just haven't had luck with them, but in Polaris' defense, I've seen some do things that they shouldn't be able to do, and they still work.

My late brother had his tie downs break and watched his new Polaris come out of the trailer, flip end for end a half dozen times and end up in the ditch on it's side. Lucky no cars were behind him. When they got back to the machine they tiped it upright, turned the key and it fired right up. He rode it back to the trailer on 4 bent rims. Insurance company totalled it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by wabo

No .450's here but da dirty thirty rules in my orange world, hunting with such an old and accomplished cartridge I hope I'm still a real Man.

God knows I Love a Marlin Lever. TZone you need to go Marlin you need to...

Kinda diggin' on a few .35 rem's I've found in Marlin levers.

NOOoooo !!!! Don't do it !!!!
It starts with one , maybe a .35 rem like this ....

[Linked Image]

Next thing ya know yer gun rack is full and you still " need " another Marlin lever gun

Dave Dave Dave...my brother. I understand about tough times and tight belts, but this time of year calls for a touch of the Crown and something, anything besides the "Beast"

Yep, just like that.

Hey MN boys.....

Here is the accuweather forecast for Chickebuck starting next Wednesday boys.... if this don't get yer orange madness boiling...go fishin'!

Wednesday, Nov 4, Cold with periods of snowLow: 17 �FHigh: 29F

Thursday, Nov 5, Snow, Low: 11 �FHigh: 31 �F

Nov 6, Cold with snow, Low: 8 �F High: 26 �F

Saturday, Nov 7 Cloudy and cold, Low: 11�F High: 24�F

Sunday, Nov 8, Cloudy, cold; a p.m. flurry, Low: 17� FHigh: 25

Monday, Nov 9, Cold with on-and-off snow, Low: 11 �F High: 26 �F

That should help getting some deer moving too. That might even keep the lemonade chilled. I was hoping to get out on the water for opener though so we could have a fish fry at camp. Does that mean you coming wednesday for crapolades Tzone?

Buschy,

I'll be in there from Friday Nov 6th thru Tuesday Nov10th. Don't know when I'll leave on the 10th. Probably as soon as dave tells me too.

Will you and lestifer will be stopping by for crapolades?

I'll show you forky toes then too.

oh we'll be there. I am trying to plan my route already! I am thinking saturday evening to bring some of our crew for a drive. sounds like with those temps i'll hardly need any ice on the lemonade. might be having cicles....do you just want me to hang forky up there on the pole so you can put your tag on him when you get here....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

oh we'll be there. I am trying to plan my route already! I am thinking saturday evening to bring some of our crew for a drive. sounds like with those temps i'll hardly need any ice on the lemonade. might be having cicles....do you just want me to hang forky up there on the pole so you can put your tag on him when you get here....

naw.... jest lit me take a picture of him, and I'll tell everyone I engineered deer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey MN boys.....

Here is the accuweather forecast for Chickebuck starting next Wednesday boys.... if this don't get yer orange madness boiling...go fishin'!

Wednesday, Nov 4, Cold with periods of snowLow: 17 �FHigh: 29F

Thursday, Nov 5, Snow, Low: 11 �FHigh: 31 �F

Nov 6, Cold with snow, Low: 8 �F High: 26 �F

Saturday, Nov 7 Cloudy and cold, Low: 11�F High: 24�F

Sunday, Nov 8, Cloudy, cold; a p.m. flurry, Low: 17� FHigh: 25

Monday, Nov 9, Cold with on-and-off snow, Low: 11 �F High: 26 �F

Lucky bastids, I've got to wait till the 19th to head into camp. Hope it stays cold. I love my Wild Turkey cold, or cool or luke warm or..

I've got the .35 Rem. I'm looking for a cheap donor that I can have rebarreled to 25-35, & then a .44 mag, but I can quit anytime I want...

Sorry I didn't make much sense about the ladder lastnight it was the crown talking.. Ok you need (2) 1 for each side 2x's and the rungs are of conduit I make mine 16 inches wide.

Almost forgot Sunday was tag buying day one buck and 2 doe tags for each of us, Orange Madness is coming SOON!!!

Almost forgot to tell you guys, Horseshoes..... Horseshoes as soon as I can find some new ones make Great gun/clothes racks. Nail one side to the wall and let the other side stick out facing up so the luck stays in them. Picked up that tidbit watching Lonesome Dove again the other day.

check out the newest addition to our family.

He needs a name.

[Linked Image]

His name might be "Steve"

[Linked Image]

Dave,

Those Steve dogs are coooooooouuuuuul dogs for pets, my cousin and his parents both have a pair of Steve's. Da Weener dog as I call them seem Very Loyal and protective as well as intelligent... Cool dogs!

i've just been informed by the niece that the dog's name will not be "steve"

We are still working on name i guess.

some others are rosco, earl, charlie & victor.

trouble?

could be....

My first ever dog was a weiner dog named Tina...

My last dog wandered around here for her first four days being called nothing but
"Puppy".....

Ingwe

look at that little bugger.

cute little guy. Is that a basset?

Well,

how about Oscar?

it's a wiener right?

Originally Posted by tzone

look at that little bugger.

cute little guy. Is that a basset?

This is Lee24s Basset...

Couldn't take it any longer....

Ingwe

Originally Posted by northern_dave

check out the newest addition to our family.

He needs a name.

[Linked Image]

quit showin us your wiener Dave.

name him Tweak

wittle weezy!! its perfect. i thought you were just telling us around the campfire that no more pooches dave....what about chompers if you can't name him weezy too!

Yeah chompers is pretty good. But If I name him weezy he'll cost me a fortune in false alarm medical emergencies & just lay around & cry all day.

You might not even notice the extra time spent there though with that name, hard to tell the difference. may just have to quit going in!. WEll, Lestifer and I pulled the 12x12 deer stand out to the perfect spot last night. we had deer all over when we were driving out with it. I think they were wondering what was coming out to they're field. Looks like much better chance of getting some deers there this year....

Cute dog.Name? MAX.

Stan in SC

still working on a name Stan... open to suggestions!!!

latest to hit the short list of possible names is "Danner"

[Linked Image]

[quote=northern_dave]still working on a name Stan... open to suggestions!!!

latest to hit the short list of possible names is "Danner"

You might have your winner right there.

"Fred" definitly a Fred.

Fred is now on the short list.

Fred's ridin' Fred, Fred's ridin' Fred, Fred's ridin' Fred, got a dog named FRED.

(i think that is what Rodney Carrington meant to sing)

Ok you guys, I'm having some serious anxiety here. Why....why....why did I give in???

it almost looks like a female chickenbuckalope!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Ok you guys, I'm having some serious anxiety here. Why....why....why did I give in???

ummm, wait a minute... who "gave in"?

i'm confused

Dave it is cheaper then a ring just go with it and another auction may be your future:)

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Ok you guys, I'm having some serious anxiety here. Why....why....why did I give in???

It's a puppy Pam. Hardly anyone can say no to a puppy.

Ok Ok Ok, I guess Dave did give in. Thanks for reminding me Dave.

I'll be looking for a ring now, whoop!!!!

I'm still stressing a little here though. Maybe I was out of the puppy stuff and didn't know it until now. Hmmm.

You could maybe get 2 rings out of dave if they come on a new gun for that scope you've always wanted pam!! I am sure dave can pick one out for you.

Pretty sure there is a "no returns" policy on puppies.

look at how that little boy is in love with him already...there's no givin that puppy back.

Plus, he's a cool little dude.

Hmm, the wife did say something about a sale going during deer season downtown Bemidji or was it the mall, I cant keep track of all those jewellry stores around here.

Well it is a little small, but it would be kinda cool to call "Here Kitty, kitty" and have it come running to ya.

I have always liked Griz too. He kinda looks like a .... well I guess not.

Hmmm, how about "Badger"? Dachshund is German for "Badger dog".

From Wikipedia:
'...The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was developed to hunt smaller prey, like rabbits. The name "dachshund" is of German origin and literally means "badger dog", from Dachs ("badger") and Hund ("dog").'

Of course if it's the miniature breed he's more of a rabbit dog. He would hunt the wascally wabbits so you could call him "Rascal".

If you have not decided on a name, I like Dodger. That is what my friend was going to name her weenie, but she named him Oappy instead.. When we got our golden I googled dog names and there were thousands of them. His name is Dozer. I wish I could get a little dog, but but my other half says "we don't need a titty dog". Maybe Dave will have to talk to him for me. lol

Oh, and did anyone happen to notice that this thread broke the 5,000 posts mark?

Wow, what a legacy!

Auggie?

as in Auggie Doggy?

Originally Posted by Azar

Oh, and did anyone happen to notice that this thread broke the 5,000 posts mark?

Wow, what a legacy!

that does it, I'm goin drinkin, who's comin with?

me, me, me, where we headed!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Azar

Oh, and did anyone happen to notice that this thread broke the 5,000 posts mark?

Wow, what a legacy!

that does it, I'm goin drinkin, who's comin with?

Crap...I started without you.

Lucky Dog, Lucky Dog!!!

Dammit, I missed out on the drinkin' trip-where'd you you guys end up going anyway? We used to go to this old joint called the Silver Fox up by Outing, is I remember right. The Legend of the Green Toothed Hag lives on. Man, there wasn't enough beer in Milwaukee to drink that one purty at closin' time!

or enough tooth paste for the morning either 'eh?

Man, you gotta say that when I'm sittin' here eatin' breakfast, don't you?

We asked her one night if she wanted to go party with us and she told us there weren't enough of us for her-me thinks she wasn't exaggerating!

Something musta happened. Maybe the story about the hag scared everyone away, the thread exceeded its max limit of posts at a little over 5000, everybody gave up on finding out the dogs name or just maybe everybody is too busy getting everything done for deer season to not have time to post. Has there ever been a longer time lapse between posts on this thread before? Hopefully ND and Tom are not in jail or the hospital after the presumed physical confrontation over another post! Hope everyone is just too busy.

ohh we're all still here lurking.

weather is turning cold, rain is turning to snow...

mmm, snow

Let's hope it stays.

I love me some deer hunting snow.

I almost thought tzone and Nd were maybe out seeking that famous hag for deer camp.

oof, no way, that hag would have mama's boot track across her rear!

so would you..if you tried a stunt like that.

I tried to get Dave to head up to camp today, but we need lee24 to invent a rocket first.

You bringing fresh walleye up on your beer run bucshy?

if its' not frozen over that week, i'll be out in the boat in blaze orange!! we were trying to stock up on so we could do a fish fry at camp, you never know we still might be able to work on that. i think we need to start planting some fishies in daves ditch out there.

I was starting to think it was my computer. Glad no one is in jail. Dave, have you guys named the pup yet?

Good question Muffy... well, didja Dave?

i dunno, he's rosco one minute, gordan the next... i dunno.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i dunno, he's rosco one minute, gordan the next... i dunno.

Rosco, go with that. remember what I said about Gordon (No offensive directed at the Gordons of the world or starving pygmies)

is danner off the list?

I dunno Ryan, mr flying bear actually started calling him "Dolchin" tonight (an imaginary friend that Ryan introduced my youngest to last winter while we went fishing)

Are you guys related to the newest Vikings QB?

oh we had that coming.

good one man, virtual high five, up here!

can't make up our damn mind.. ok i'm calling it!!

mmm, I dunno...

Just figure out a way to get somebody to pay you lots to make a decision!

Is it snowing there yet?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh we had that coming.

good one man, virtual high five, up here!

can't make up our damn mind.. ok i'm calling it!!
mmm, I dunno...

Sounds like we'll be seeing Dave doing Sears commercials soon.

no snow, still raining though. it was 36 degrees this morning, not quite cold enough & the ground is so wet that if it does start snowing it's going to take a lot of it to "stick".

And with the wet ground under the snow it's going to pack & slip.

yuck.

This water you requested dave is going to make your tarmac in the forest quite slick, i hope it quits and dries out before we hit the lagoon out there.

I think it's going to be a repeat of last year. standing water freezes, big ice burg nasty water traps on the truck path in to chickenbuck. travel at own risk etc.

Maybe get tzone out there with a big bertha and melt down those ice bergs, we may need some cubes for the crapolade too though...

rain? you guys are complaining about rain? I called off the house building project and we are now officially building an ark.

Forget about shooting Forky Toes, I want him as one of my 2 whitetails aboard the ark.

I had a cat I wanted to name Roscoe and Rascal. Couldnt make up my mind. Named him Rascoe.

Off all the people that I would have thought would have came up with a really cool name, ND would be toward the top of the list......the bar is set high.

fine, i'll put on my thinking cap (orange one)

just gotta run out to the truck & get it.......

Since they are having so much difficulty deciding on a name, maybe they are also rethinking the decision to get a dog and that is the real reason no name has been picked!

I think ND is really keeping it around for bait, swamp squid need to be tempted and teased to expose themselves from the deep. Naming it could create a bond for them and could cause issues if things dont work out right.

snowing here now, big heavy clumps.

Come on SNOW...but not too much.

62* the rain just quit and the clouds are starting to break up. Windy as hell.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

rain?
Off all the people that I would have thought would have came up with a really cool name, ND would be toward the top of the list......the bar is set high.

Eener.

that's the dog's name.

Done!!

I solicited help in the deer hunting section here for "yooper names"

Eener is from the second week of deercamp song.

"eener's passed out on da stove"

eener the weener.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"eener's passed out on da stove"

"his flannel shirt is smokin'....I wonder if he knows.

eener... eener the wiener.

It fits.

IT'S THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
AND ALL THE GUYS ARE HERE
WE DRINK PLAY CARDS AND SHOOT THE BULL
BUT NEVER SHOOT NO DEER
THE ONLY TIME WE LEAVE THE CAMP
IS WHEN WE GO FOR BEER
THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
IS THE GREATEST TIME OF YEAR

Oh we're gett'n rev'd up now boys!!

I think I better go out bow hunting this afternoon. It is snowing and the wind is finally from the right direction. The deer should travel from the corn field down the path by my stand on their way to the neighbors food plot. I was walking around there yesterday and saw some really nice tracks, not as big as ol' forky toes. Someone really needs to get that one!!

"Hey...let's git a drive goin' eh. yeah, lets git a drive goin' 'eh, it the second week of deer camp an we ain't got no deer."

"hey, what's dat temp out der 'eh?" "20 below."

"hey let's play fifteen-two 'eh"

She's gettin' close now boys.

Eener. Good. Mission accomplished and you got over the bar!

One can do a lot with Eener. I hope Eener ain't Meener. Uh-oh, Eener is looking Greener, better get him outside before the Wiener used his wiener in here.

Heres to keeping the weiner out of the beaner.

At least eener the weiner will be easy to track in the snow with his tail dragging......

um.... that's not his tail dude...

This reminded me of Dave..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGsxgL3tbNk&feature=related

Originally Posted by wabo

This reminded me of Dave..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGsxgL3tbNk&feature=related

Double shot, boom, boom. That was awesome.

good stuff wabo!!!

that bish was a pretty good shot.

TRICK OR TREAT!!!

alright, I'll give you.... TRICK!!

in less than one week a group known as the chickenbuck bunch will gather at a cabin in the woods & embark on the 3rd deer season together! Only this year they have 2 new guests, a couple of fine men joined to the group through the forums here at 24hourcampfire.

hows that for a trick?

Good enough.Now TREAT them to success in deer hunting.
I have only been deer hunting once since our season opened October 11th.
I wish for you all at Chickenbuck an absolutely great year.I wish I could join you.

Stan in SC

Man, only a few more days and chickenbuck will be full of hunters. Should be some good pictures coming soon.

Dave, would you have room for 1 maybe 2 more? The land we always hunted was sold 2 years ago to some "Tree Huggers", and we have not rifle hunted since. If not that is ok. Just let me know.

You mean you aint got a place to hunt & you aint told me till now!!??

Well, there's always room for you guys.

Not a whole lot of set up time for you though, it'd be a portable stand smash & grab git it & go qucik set up.

(Been there done that)

We got room

we got spots... lemme tally up stand counts vs hunter cout.. bunks & such... I also have some pics to post.

It just so happens we spent the day out at camp setting up bunks etc, creating more hunter space in the cabin.

We can sleep 5 in the boys room right now, 3 in the girls room 2 in me & pams room plus the 2 couches out in the living room or what ever you call that open area

so there's sleeping space for a dozen without getting any cots out.

lemme get some pics up.

uno momento.

Hey, how bout them vikings & that brent ferve or what ever his name is...

the new layout for the boys room.

[Linked Image]

bunk in the girls room...

[Linked Image]

and here's a shot of pam with her first bird of the year.

now she's ready for deer!!

[Linked Image]

the bunks look great!

way to go on the Grouse Pam!

Wow you really did alot of work in the boys room! I know it is short notice, sorry. I wish I would have decided this when I was up there. I could have brought my stand and had it all set up. My stand is built out of treated timbers and we haul it on the snowmobile trailer and just tip it up and put the sides on it. I guess Jeremy is not coming up so it would just be me. Let me know what will work for you. Thanks!

oh heck yeah, we've got spots to sit.

come on up. check with your dad, he was talking about coming up early in the week to work on his stand.

ok I will. Do you still want that recliner? I also have a small table to. If you don't have room in the shack we can use it to but our beers on by the fire.

If you don't want to haul up your stand Muffy, I'm bringing my climber, you can use that until I go home.

It is an actual climber, not a lock on.

Thanks tzone, but it sounds like Dave may already have a place for me to sit. I'm unprepared this year, kind of a last minute decision. Thanks!!

Nice going Pam. Some great eating you got there.

Bucks are movin'. I saw 3 different boys running across the road this am. My wife saw a buck running after a doe this am on her way to work....things are ramping up.

Muffy,

I'm bringing the stand anyway, so if you need options, you have them. Hell if you want to sit in that blind we built, have at...I'm easy.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bucks are movin'. I saw 3 different boys running across the road this am. My wife saw a buck running after a doe this am on her way to work....things are ramping up.

Muffy,

I'm bringing the stand anyway, so if you need options, you have them. Hell if you want to sit in that blind we built, have at...I'm easy.

Yep, I have heard, from many different sources, that you in fact are....easy!

Yesterday on the way home from church we say a big ol' 8 pointer walking down the middle of the road. I bet he had 9 inch tines.

I just talked to my mom and I guess CBF had a picture of a really nice buck on his trail camera. So The Boy is on a mission!!

He'll be with the Gov. shootin' bucks....lets all go down and sit by that camera.

so, do you have any time off this week? I know your dad was kind of looking for a hand getting his stand in order & was hoping for CBF to come help him early this week.

I burned nearly all of my vacation elk hunting

I talked to him this morning and he was trying to get a hold of CBF to see if he could help. I told him I would go with and help him. Being jobless I have plenty of time. It shouldn't be too bad, you got the tough part done already.

Tzone I think we should sit by his camera. He don't need to hog all the big bucks for himself.

Either that, or I'm going to sit in the chickenbuck road on a lawn chair and wait for Forky Toes to walk down it.

The tractor is out there & full of fuel too & your dad knows how to run it, heck you probably know how to run it.

Just turn the key backwards to cycle glow plugs (light will come on & go off) hold it backwards till the glowplug light turns off then turn it forward to start it.

Tin is in a pile there by the cabin (your dad was talking about a roof)

Take the trail behind the cabin that goes north. just keep going straight on that trail, don't turn & go towards pam's stand just go straight on the trail & watch for your dad's stand on the left side of the trail.

Everything is good to go in the cabin, I was out there yesterday & had the place warmed up. Before i left I brought in some sticks & small firewood for lighting the stove. There is a little propane torch in there by the woodpile inside for lighting the stove too.

There are 20 gauge shells in a new box either in the wall gun rack or the main gun rack. I think you know where the camp shotgun is at, your dad does. Take the shotgun with, shoot some grouse.

I filled the LP tank yesterday you will just need to turn the valve on at the tank.

I'm sure your dad will bring tools but there are some tools in the lower kitchen cupboards too.

might could even be a bottle of schnapps out there someplace if you look hard

Wouldn't it be nice if it were that easy!!

it's been done before.

I heard.

Shoot a pile of them goofy birds, we need to make some partridge soup.

Talking with Tzone here on the sidelines I come up with around 13 or 14 established hunt spots as in elevated stands or ground blinds that are ready hunt from right now. we will have 10 people at camp, 2 of which are not hunting age, one of the 2 is old enough to sit & hang out with an adult (grandpa

)

so that brings us down to basically 8 actual hunters & my 2 older kids are likely to double up in a stand together or sit with pam in her nice warm enclosed spoiled brat stand

So, the one's that are the most mobile or likely to move around & try different stands will actually have some pretty decent options.

camp bird count as of right now is 2.

I'd like to get that up to 4 or more so i can make a "wild chicken soup"

Wild chicken soup sounds good. Let me know what I can bring.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

so that brings us down to basically 8 actual hunters & my 2 older kids are likely to double up in a stand together or sit with pam in her nice warm enclosed spoiled brat stand

Well, I think we have a new name for that!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

camp bird count as of right now is 2.

I'd like to get that up to 4 or more so i can make a "wild chicken soup"

We'll have to work on that, Friday AM.

Sounds good.

I don't have any to bring.

I missed a gimme sitting on the logging road last weekend...probably shouldn't have told you that.

SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!! MISSED AGAIN, PROLLY GOT NERVOUS THINKING BOUT FORKY TOES....

Don't know what kind of grouse you have up there buschy, but none around here have a big set of horns. they do kind of have forky toes though.

I was talking about grouse you goof ball.

pass the shame stick.

We usually grow em' large up here. big fangs and everything in those birds. you really hear them around the chickenbuck after dark...

this is so true.

runs with scissors & I tried to take on a mature bull grouse about a week & a half ago with .22 long rifle & a .22 mag.

the .22 mag was using 40 gr fmj flat nose & the long rifle was 34 gr cci stingers.

We shot him 8 times before he charged us. Then while he had us treed we got 5 more slugs in him & that was it, we were out of ammo.

lucky for us a rabbit caught his attention & he went after that which gave us time to get down out of the tree & head for the truck.

I don't know what we were thinking. but I�ll never take less that about a .308 for mature bull grouse in the future.

Know what you mean about them Grouse, Dave. I shot one twice with a 410 last fall. Damm thing just looked at me with that WTF look and flew off. I'm possitive the DNR has planted a new strain of grouse with kevlar feathers.

You can ask my boy about bulletproof grouse too, he's pretty mad at them.

Chickenbucks, bullet proof grouse with fangs, charging red squirrels, (i'm stickin to that story), flying bears, y'all got some crazy animals up there.

...here's to hopin' one of them big rutty stinky sumbishes walks by my blind on Sat am.

bring the roll of tp with cuz if they're watching you in the dark they'll leap on you. I've seen them with frog like legs and can leap the tallest trees out there in the forest if need be. I even seen some with finger like claws coming out the wings for grabbing big guys while they're flying!

What's tp?

tp = Testicular protection

I got balls that clank...

with spikes too i suppose? Going to buy that special pitcher for mixing that new cocktail for you this weekend.

This was back a few pages, but I cannot let it slide. Here is a quote from ND:

"There is a little propane torch in there by the woodpile inside for lighting the stove too."

A torch? ND uses a torch to light the stove? A TORCH? OHMYGOSH.

I really thought he would have used two sticks or a handmade bow or at least a flint and steel. Of all the gurlyman gimmicks, ND uses a torch.

Man, does this take a chunk out of the Paul Bunyanesque stature of the man. Next we will find out he is again wearing Pam's und.....nah, I hope not.

In all seriousness, we have went the way of the flint and steel. Something about a campfire is just a little more cool when you start it that way. We havent used a match, lighter or TORCH in over 2 years. A hint: use your Leatherman instead of a knife as the steel. the pliers work the best.

Dude, the torch is for company everyone knows ND pizzes napalm, sheesh.:0

Hey man, I never said I used the torch... I just said it was in there, you know, in case a chick wants to make a fire & she can't do it by rubbing 2 grizzly bear teeth together like i do.

Yeah, I think he has the torch there for me. LOL. Don't think we'll need it though. Sounds like we are going up there tomorrow morning, then coming home tomorrow night. Hopefully everything goes well with dad's stand.

wow straight up & straight home? not even going to stay the night?

i'd say stay the night and hit that peppermint schnapps he was trying to pass off the last time i was there. drink it all too so we won't have to the next time.

yeah, prolly should stay.

nuthin' like a good peppermint on the rocks after a good hunt. or a good dinner, or a good conversation, or a good po..er,ya just never know when your going to need one.

you don't want to be too busy and on the road the whole week before camp, you'll get tired once your here, just want to sit and dream about forky then. never know what kinda pranks them hoodlums do when the eyes are closed....

Whew! ND, the man, the myth, the legend is still intact. that was a close one.

Did you, uh, get those griz teeth by hand to hand combat with the previous owner of the teeth (meaning the bear)? Maybe only armed with a stick and a handful of pine needles?

If I got into the schnapps I would probly still be laying on the floor of the shack when everyone showed up on Friday. Havn't had that stuff in years.

They are actually just jack rabbit teeth.

But if you knew how I killed the rabbit you'd roll on the floor laughing till you peed yourself. Then after a while you'd think well ok maybe that dave actually is a little bit tough cause that's just crazy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They are actually just jack rabbit teeth.

But if you knew how I killed the rabbit you'd roll on the floor laughing till you peed yourself. Then after a while you'd think well ok maybe that dave actually is a little bit tough cause that's just crazy.

Lets see. Dave chased the rabbit around with a stick. Nope that's was someone else thats quite close to me.

wern't no stick bill.

I stalked him in the dark on a snow covered field & jumped on him, grabbed him with my bare hands & killed him.

It wasn't that simple though, there was a struggle... it wasn't pretty.

I'll borrow grogel's signature line to help explain a bit.

"alcohol may have been a factor."

I want to take this time to wish all on this thread good luck in the coming weeks in their travels and hunts. Be it to ChickenBuck or your own version of the same. We have to wait until the 15th here in Michigan...but it won't be long now.....

Scott

Thank you Scott, good luck to you as well!

Just got word that CBF whacked a nice 8 pointer with the stick & string.

Way to go man!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

wern't no stick bill.

I stalked him in the dark on a snow covered field & jumped on him, grabbed him with my bare hands & killed him.

It wasn't that simple though, there was a struggle... it wasn't pretty.

I'll borrow grogel's signature line to help explain a bit.

"alcohol may have been a factor."

Well dave, that beats my turkey with a stick story. I thought seriously about trying to grab it by the neck, but those darn spurs made me change my mind. "Can't blame mine on alcohol".

Congrats CBF.

Thx Scott and the best to you and your camp.

jackrabbits have claws & teeth.

and insane kicking skills... almost as if they were made for kicking or.. jumping or something?

swinging a jackrabbit by the neck like you might do to a goose... that doesn't work on jackrabbits.

the theory was sound... but in reality it proved to be innefective.

I never heard that story dave

oh you probably have...

if not, just add a few beers to dave at deer camp & I'll tell it up real good.

Sittin here with the lucky Orange hat on is unusual for me weeks before our season. Yet I'm feeling Good about the coming season and hunting and feeling the need to be lucky and to send some luck to those of other camps.

Good Luck to all you guys and gals here and Congrats to The BangFlopKid and Mrs.ND, oh I guess Dave to for chasing rabbits with a stick and bottle sounds fun Congrats Dave you made a new game for me now.

Hey Hey now Tommy Boy, I haven't made it back to the other thread but here is one down the hatch for your friend. Sorry for your loss Tom he sounded like a heck of a guy and I'm betting he would be thinking something like this right bout now.. Tommy stop playing with your treestand thingy or whatever that is, down the hatch with that beer,sleep well, wake and drive north, then go wack a Big Ole Buck...

Don't forget guys and gals it goes.. Boom double shot, Boom Boom I like Big Bucks and they will go down.. LOL Good Luck to all...

Good luck to you and Kiddo this season.

Thanks Wabo.

Wow, miss a night, miss a lot. We have dave tapping out a rabbit, we have bang flop scoring AGAIN on a nice buck, we have Wabo donning lucky caps.... I bought a new lucky orange had too. It has High Life on one side, and High Life Light on the other.

Maybe it'll help me get lucky, or score, or..errr...it's gotta be your bull, schit.

Anyway, I heard it's amost deers season, you guys hear anthing about that?

tis' the season, seen some nice deers last night and this morning. a few even had horns. Got the Tv working in the shack last night so we'll be ready to watch the weather there now. CBF is just a machine, think he's really taking after NDJACKRABBIT king now.....

that kid has skills, plane & simple.

guess his buck dressed out over 200#

hey now that you mention it, it is almost deer season. I almost forgot, haha yeah right!
I was dreaming of deer last night, my son woke up crying and interrupted me dreaming about seating depths on my 300 wondering if I could tighten the group up a little if.....then the crying started. brought me back to reality. it doesn't help that I have deer pictures all over my bedroom, makes a guy dream too much

I'm off to scheels to buy my treestand this morning!

cool man!

Dusty & crew should be out at chickenbuck working on a deer stand right now.

Well here is wishing everyone the best of luck on a good deer season in 09. I will reiterate some things I am sure you know, but it is always nice to keep them fresh:

Safety. Guns, slips, trips, and falls, and knife safety are important. Take the extra second. Especially with knives.

Enjoy the hunt. Hunting is about having fun, enjoying nature. Don�t become too focused on antler size or downing an animal. Enjoy the small details�.a rub, a track, flying bear scat with little bells in it, etc.

Take lots of pictures. Only 3 things will last a long time from this season. Your memories (although they too will fade), any photos you take, and a set of horns if so lucky.

I am saving the last bit of "good luck" for the kids. Sounds like there will be a fair amount of kids representing this thread out in the woods. I hope they have great experiences and catch the deer hunting bug for a lifetime.

Straight shootin�!

Cole Update: He tolerated his last round of chemo pretty good! Although i am worried a bit about his mother, she is sounding pretty depressed on Caringbridge. She had a talk with the doctors about long term prognosis and apparently it didnt go that well, but I dont have details. Talked to Cole's dad yesterday and he was in good spirits.

thank you barettaman, we will all have Cole in our thoughts, god bless the little bugger.

Grunt...snort...wheeze, bleat, click, BANG...flop...woohoo

GOOD LUCK, to all this year, be safe, and keep those close to you from past and present in your thoughts.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

that kid has skills, plane & simple.

guess his buck dressed out over 200#

That's OK, he deserves it. Heck of a buck. any pic?

Thanks for the update berettaman. I'll continue to pray for cole. I still think about him.

Shoot, I almost forgot it is almost deer season, thanks for reminding us.

I should get my stuff ready.

Tzone, I forgot to mention, I checked on Sunday & your block by your ground blind is completely gone.

ground is tore up where the rain has leached minerals down into the dirt.

wouldn't hurt to pour a can of salt there & let it wash in too.

that's good news dave.

Have a Great safe hunt to all you guy's and gall's at Camp Chickenbuck

thanks!!

you guys can't use salt on those chickenbucks. you need protein-beans are the ticket!! open the auger next to the stand and let'em' buck! although salt does get em coming. buck jam is good too. pretty tasty stuff in the morning.

tzone left a half a jug of buckjam but i ate it last weekend....

sorry man.

oh how i can't wait, getting all the gear ready to go...it sure makes the days long now..TZone, quit licking the windows and put your helmet back on, the short bus is on its way!!

tzone got one hand shoved clear inside his mouth, making muffled screaming monkey noises, spit & drool running off his elbow, he's got the wrist flop going on with the other hand, flopping himself in the chest. Eyes are glazed over, he's got his helmet on....

he has a cork gun under his arm. blaze orange safety restraints have him buckled to his desk chair...

looks like he�s almost ready to go hunting�

Hey...You BISHES knock it off.

don't forget the duck tape, never know when a guy has to be handy...is everybody going to be around at camp friday night dave? i was shooting the new gun the other day and hitting the target at 580yds so lestifer figured i had no excuses this year at all. but you ask him who got the deer last year and who missed. i tagged out!! We were discussing last night which nights we need to go camp hopping to visit everyone. hopefully we got a load from up north heading south....

Where you gettin ammo for that Buschy? I found one for 5 bills last night, but ammo was $130 bucks a box. You're shootin that .257 right?

WOWSERS!! glad i didnt go with that one. i ended up with just a .270. still looking for ammo for my 7mm, i wanted 145 gr but very hard to find this year. lots of 175 and such but nothing light. my only choices with the truck this year were the .270 and the 30.06.

hey buschy, check over to cenex, they just put out there deer huning ammo from the old stash in storage & the prices still represent a time of sanity.

they may have an old box of 270 sitting there for 16 bucks or so

Jeesh. that's not bad. going for about 2x that here.

yeah, 28-ish is the norm for non premium around here in common long actions like 30-06 or 270.

i think i just may run up there shortly then..thats the place with the corner on convience correct? i even oreded a new hat for this season but it wont' be here till tuesday, really bummed about that.

you ordered a hat...just go into a bar and buy one like any other self respecting deer hunter would do.

yep, that be the place.

i was going to grab a box or 2 of 30-06, i think they had 165 gr feds which I've used a lot in the past. makes a hole in a deer just fine.

didn't see a price on em, i might go check tonight too.

Shoot man....I got new box of core lock 165's if ya want. Don't remember what I paid for em, but we could figgure somthin' out.

my 7600 likes 150's.

Don't go buyin' any if you don't have them.

oh really?

if you aint gonna use em bring em along i'll buy em from ya. I like the 165's & core locks do just fine.

oh this is a special hat, can't just get one like this at the bar. i hardly frequent them establishements unless its on my way somewheres, which all roads lead home so i usally do find plenty. i looked at cabelas on friday and they were running short of ammo there too.

we'll have to see that hat. I'll be wearing the spike buck cap at camp.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh really?

if you aint gonna use em bring em along i'll buy em from ya. I like the 165's & core locks do just fine.

I'll bring 'em. Full box. My old one liked them. my new one liked 150's enough that I never tried them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll have to see that hat. I'll be wearing the spike buck cap at camp.

I like that hat...

Best prices on ammo around here are Scheels than Fleet Farm. Scheels was selling 30-06, 165gr Federal Fusions for $19.95, Fleet was $21.95. Fleets ammo supplies are really picked over though.

you guys musta forgot I reload, if I had more notice I coulda loaded for the 7mm, 30-06 and 270
i can still do the 30-06 180 grainers and 7mm, I think I have 154 grain SST's for it.

I can still make up a couple boxes if anyone wants any

no it's cool man.

why didn't i think to bring down my brass, primers & bullets for my 264 (& dies)?

lol wow no idea on that one.
I can bring my press and scale and some powder with me, looks like I'll be up there around 2 on friday, we would have time to load some quick, as long as you have a sturdy place to mount the press

you saw my set up, it don't take much

no that's cool man, i plan on grabbing a reload kit from a friend of mine after deer season so I can try my hand at reloading & I'll likely start with loading for that 264.

The reload stuff I have so far was either gifted to me or sold to me for probably less than what the shipping itself costed from campfire members here.

Great bunch of guys.

"Magmarc", "Avagadro" and "Bend" have all got me on my way with what I have so far.

I have a lee press and dies for 264WM, 300WBY and 30-06

my buddy has a full RCBS kit that he just doesn't use. he told me before i buy anything to just come get his stuff to get started. He says that way i will learn what i like & what i don't like & I will have a better idea of what i'm looking for when i go to buy myself a kit or equipment.

Get the groove on!! sniff, sniff, snort, snort! grunt---growl! its hump day!! all down hill from here, no hope now, full blown, all out deer season is upon us!!! got the first ingredient for the crapolade i'm bringing out!!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

got the first ingredient for the crapolade i'm bringing out!!!

Best thing you've posted in a while Buschy.

This is my last day of work...I'm headed north tomorrow after I drop off the kids.

Whats takin you so long, drop em' off today. get a move on it. get the vodka ready....i'll get the rest for you today T!! Raise the bar!! we got to try to get ND and take you boys north to our camp one night as well. just a short trip from chickenbuck.

yeah we'll have to do that for sure man.

ND, i was in coast yesterday and thought of you, he just traded in a savage bolt action single shot 30/30. just what you need for your collection of savages' out there!

a bolt action 30/30... was it an old bugger with a detachable mag?

I had one like that once for about a day.

Where's your camp? I was thinking you were over by F/M area for some reason.

no man, they are just north of us a ways

prolly 10 miles straight northwest then east and west again. it was an old bugger with a detacheable mag. i forgot that one. so it wasn't a single shot. i didn;t look close. 190 i think is what he wanted for it.

prolly a savage model 340

i think thats prolly what it was. i didnt look that close, wasn't much interest of me. i'll stick with what i got for now.

it's a good "loner gun" to have around.

as in you can borrow it out & not worry about it cause nobody loves a 340 anyways.

T Gavidae_Esq and I hunt over north of F/M, in fact leaving in the am for the Friday opener.

Sounds like we may be using boats though more then boots to get to our stands.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

it's a good "loner gun" to have around.

as in you can borrow it out & not worry about it cause nobody loves a 340 anyways.

A lot of those old 340's were great shooters. Nothing to look at, but they kept venison on the table. Wouldn't be a bad "first gun" for a youngster just starting out.

Wife's uncle uses one if he's going to still hunt. It is really light, and he claims he's never used more than one shot..I believe him too.

Few years ago, he shot a nice 10 with it. Ran about 30 yds and dropped.

yeah they are light that's for sure.

An 8 pointer, 4 pointer and a button buck are standing by a field browsing on acorns.

8 pointer says, 'I'm happy with my 10 does, we're really getting along.

4 pointer says, 'I'm happy as heck with my 5, they really take care of me!'

Button buck says, 'My two are alright, better than nothing I guess.'

Then all of a sudden a GIANT 25 point non-typical buck walks out into the field.

The three bucks had never seen anything like him before, they were in awe.

The big buck made a huge scrape and marked it, rubbed a phone pole and snapped it off at the ground!

The three bucks looked on in amazement.

8 pointer says, 'I could probably get by with 4 does... Who really needs 10 anyways?

4 pointer says, 'You know.. come to think of it, I could only really use one or two of mine!'

The button buck was silent, the other two bucks look over to him in confusion.

Suddenly the yearling runs out into the middle of the field!

He rips and tears up some grass... marks it all over the place, snorts & wheezes, rubs his head raw on a tree and chews a lickin branch clean off!

Then he runs back over to his two buddies.

His friends immediately jump him, 'What the heck are you doing!?'

'I'm just makin' sure that big boy knows I'm a buck!'

I think i have a picture of that spiker....

[Linked Image]

Is that the one from your hat?

I work part time two days a week at a local gun and pawn shop.Recently we had a Savage 340 in pawn that was about to come out on the floor.I was licking my chops.On the LAST DAY before it came out they came and paid it off and retrieved it.Here in South Carolina these are popular rifles usually bringing anywhere from $200 to $275 at shows.
I am assuming since tzone is frothing at the mouth and Wabo is having morning sickness plus Buschy is fidgeting that your deer season starts this weekend.If so then rotsa ruck.
I have only managed to go twice since our season opened Oct. 11th.Oh well,I have till Jan.1st.
Hey have you ever seen these?My own invention.
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/mosinsights/index.asp
Stan in SC

well gents I am off in the am for deer camp and water sports along the flood zone, have a great one and good luck to all.

Very cool Stan, I used to have a small ammo can full of special tools that I used when i worked as an armorer in the Marines.

I can for sure appreciate how handy that special tool you made would be.

Stan the Man,

I have been feeling alittle poorly while I sit here once again wearing the Lucky Orange hat I'm frothing at the mouth, last night I slept on the floor in my sleeping bag. Just doing a test drive for camp chomping the bit waiting for 10 more days. I can't take it anymore I'm gonna start rubbing a tree again yesterday I was making a scrape in the living room. All because I Like Big Bucks..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGsxgL3tbNk&feature=related

Boom double shot boom boom!!! I haven't been out but once so far this year, my hunting pards have become so Trophy oriented in racks that I'm not hunting with them. I was down and unhappy for awhile, a LONG while but I wanted to have fun again.

I'm doing just that! Found a new place to hunt, working on my enclosed trailer making it a rolling wabo camp. I'm on a New adventure and so is kiddo I'll make new friends and find new things about what makes deer tick on the new land. All in the name of I like deer camps!

Stay safe everyone and good luck and most of all have fun!!!! LOTS OF FUN!!! One more thing Beware of the rolling wabo, he is out there, he's loud, he's rolling till the bucks go down.... LOL

you too BD.

looks a little shy of the 3" minimum...

We got dad's stand all ready to go and it looks great. He's almost as spoiled as Pam. Now I'm just doing a bunch of baking for this weekend. I can't wait!!!!!

Good deal, I talked to your dad today. I'll be heading out to camp tomorrow night (talk about jumping the gun huh?)

Cool Stan. have you sold many of them?

thanks for luck, I'm going to need it. Hope to have some pictures for you when we get back.

I'm headed up there tomorrow to help dave get stuff set up. Can't wait.

Thanks BD. Good luck to you as well.

Hhhmmmm. Forget how the stand looked... Tell us more about this baking.

TZ,

Good luck to you and Dave and please try to have some fun;)

I'll be heading for Bigfork about noon on friday, only about a 2 hour drive.

Jeff

Dave and Tom, looks like I'll be headed up noon on friday so I can get my stand up while its still light out, I'll throw in my .22 pistol in case we come across any grouse

I'm getting super pumped right now, I gassed up the rig tonight, buying tags tomorrow and going to the range for one last double check on the rifles.

I don't know how I'm gonna sit through class come friday morning

then I hit the chiropractor for a quick alignment so I can help tom drag that big ol forky toes out of the jungle he'll probably end up dying in (they always do)

I'm pumped boys! woohoo!

You will find out soon enough. I'm making my popular caramel bars(Dave knows what I'm talking about). And I am making a suprise also, can't tell. Hope you all like it.

Can't wait to meet you Muffy!
I'm restless as all get out tonight as I started putting my gear together, I didn;t want to start too early or I'd be a wreck before friday gets here

Got up early and shot the gun this morning. The last shot was picture perfect....oh, I love how that gives a guy confidence.

tonite was trying to find my gear....it is spread out between two storage trailers, dad's, the garage, and a spare bedroom. I do have my gun, my license and my shells, that is all a guy really needs, right?

Mmmm, caramel bars. Can you put a stamp on one and send it down to me??

I will be dreaming about big bucks tonite. A guy was bailing hay next to our wheat food plot and kicked out 14 skinheads out of the wheat (which is about 200-300 yards from my stand!). Pretty soon, one of them is bound to have a boyfriend.

Hey, maybe we should have an official Chickenbuck big buck contest. Everyone pretend to throw in $5 and that will be the pot. Biggest real buck (spread + points?) gets the mythical money and braggin rights for a year. And if ND gets him with his bare hands, he gets 5 bonus points!

Since I don't have an address to send you my "famous" caramel bars, you'll just have to take the guys word for how good they are.

The Chickenbuck big buck contest sounds like a great idea. I wouldn't put it past ND to do that either.

Good luck hunting!!!

ha. you'll see when you meet me...I'll like it.

Can't wait.

Been cooking pea soup all night, so now the house smells great. Can't eat that yet though, I'm saving it for you guys.

See you soon.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Mmmm, caramel bars. Can you put a stamp on one and send it down to me??

We'll save you one, I promise.

Thanks guys.Yes I have sold them to milsurp collectors all over the world.I regularly ship to places you think would not have collectors and shooters of old military rifles.No one else has this.I've been doing it for about five years now.
I also collect and shoot milsurps.
Once again I wish you all much luck this weekend.

Stan in SC

Best of luck everyone.

Well I'm not going to get going as fast as I hoped tonight. I cut elk meat until 11PM last night & still have quite a bit left. I have a boned quarter & shoulder left to cut & I'm going to get it cut before i head to deer camp after work.

Temp dropped nicely last night. I showed 16 degrees at the house this morning.

We could use some more of that.

Top o' the MOrning To you all!! You better get that elk taken care of Dave, my truck showed 14 when i got here this morning. mighty brisk, deer are moving around home too now. Seen a few bucks the last few nights, nothing i want to shoot though. I like to keep them growin out there. We'll be hitting the woods and water on saturday. Going to get in our annual walleye deer weekend. Hoping for some fresh fish Tzone!

Oh shoot I don't think i'm going to make it out to camp tonight, I'll probably head out there first thing in the morning.

I just have too much to do at home tonight.

i've been out to camp every night this week dave just checking to see whats new out there. not much since i have started going out there though. just getting the itch to go and stay...

Yeah I know, i'm in the same boat. I wanted to be out there tonight so i could take a walk with the shotgun in the morning & try to find some more grouse.

Tomorrow morning will be soon enough though.

I think I'm going to move one of our ladder stands tomorrow & do some work on the stand weezy sits in.

I talked to tzone on the phone, he figures he'll be out there around 10 tomorrow morning.

i'm not sure how long i can sit here on stand and wait for the time to pass before i do head out. getting very tough, things are quieting down and going to be a lot of people gone here tomorrow.

I think you should go man.

lester is probably done for the day, he's going to beat you to camp & drink all the busch light... better hurry!

you can't have that!
oh Dave I never asked, do I need to find a sitter for Bailey?
I totally forgot about her til now, I don't want her getting in the way at camp.

would be best if you could. we'll have eener up there but he's smaller than most pocket gophers & fits in a tiny kennel.

Whew!!

All done cutting elk meat, now it's time to pack for deer camp.

way to go Dave, I'm packing now too, found a dog sitter easily enough, everyone loves bailey

I'm pumped!!!! its deer season you know

it is, it really, really is! Woooo!!

HEY DAVE!!! You got me a cot ready and a elk scouted out??? LOL how's it going???

oh it don't get any better! Deer season is here!!

Woooo!!

How are you??

Deer season is here?

Sheesh, you woulda thunk someone on here woulda told me it was coming up.

I am packing right now. Saw a really big buck today on my way to the cities for work. Couldnt see his headgear, but he was a horse.

I might check tomorrow morning, but then the next time I will be on here will prolly be Monday. By then, there will be stories to tell. Stan, keep the fire burning here!

Good luck to you all!

My deer season ended a week and half ago. I got mine two weeks ago today (a decent bodied 2x2 mulie).

Here's hoping everyone gets one. But if everyone can't get one, I'm pretty sure it's Mrs. N.D.'s turn.

Originally Posted by Azar

Here's hoping everyone gets one. But if everyone can't get one, I'm pretty sure it's Mrs. N.D.'s turn.

pretty sure you are right there.

we'll see what we can do to warm up the barrel on Pam's savage.

Good Luck hunting, all you "Queens Fans!

Heading to the TX Panhandle today and then to Nort Visconsin over the Thanksgiving week. Watch out for the White Dodge 4x4 flyin' through St. Paul on the 19th, or so!

ok good luck, hell I have to pack & hit the road now. Later people!

Good luck to all that are going out hunting!!

Stan might be able to post updates as I have his cell number.

Maybe you shouldn't leave, Dave....

hehehehehe.....

Ingwe

Happy trails Dave, good luck we'll see you out there sometime after dark thirty!!

Originally Posted by ingwe

Maybe you shouldn't leave, Dave....

hehehehehe.....

Ingwe

don't worry I'm keepin my eye on the fire!!

well, I have 7 rifles cased up

yep, 7 rifles for 4 hunters.... guess who'd got extras along???

got a M77 in .243, a pair of M70 fwt in 30-06, a M77 in 264, a Savage 114Euro in 30-06,a Win 88 in .308 & a M70 in 300 wby... breaks my heart to leave the 450 Marlin at home

Wonder if i can find another case....

I have 5 rifles for one person, so I feel your pain

I looked up the 101 extermination tags, did I read that correctly? they are only $1.50 per tag?

I have one class left and I am chomping at the bit, I can't focus on Moles of oxygen in a reaction, I'm going over lists of food, clothing, ammo, where to stop for gas, etc. my pulse has quickened and my eyes are sharply focused on deer pictures, what the area will look like from my stand in low light, which rifle to carry opening morning, ugh. I shouldn't have even come to school today.
the Chickenbuck Gang rides tonight!

Just returned from 2 days up North. Roads were slippery Thursday morning and the county trucks were out putting down salt and sand. Mid 50's today.

Rut really doesn't seem to be in full swing yet.My nephews have been bow hunting since Wednesday and have only seen 2 deer. They're hearing wolves every evening and are beginning to wonder if the wolves are having a impact on deer movement?

Went over to our camp today. Didn't find a single scrape on the road into camp. Normally we'll have a half dozen scrapes on the road by now?

65* degrees and sunny here. Sure doesn't feel like deer season is just around the cornor. Looks like it's in the mid 40's over by chickenbuck.

Put up the outside Christmas lights this morning. Early, maybe, but it sure beats the heck out of standing on a latter at 10* with a North wind trying to knock you off a ladder.

Just One Gunner and I spent the whole day in the woods. Never saw a deer. Absolutely no shooting nearby. None of the groups that usually get at least a couple deer had taken anything. The weather was beautiful, but the deer just weren't moving. To quote my wife's uncle, the hunting was great, but the shooting sucked.

It was sunny and 79 degrees here this afternoon.I had an invite by my neighbor to go deer hunting on a farm he has permission to hunt.I decided it was just too darn hot for A)deer to be moving and B)me to go sit in a chair blind.I must be getting old.I never used to pass up an opportunity to go.
I presume we will get the "Chickenbuck Update" later in the evening.I had no texts from Dave so I guess Ole Forkytoes is still motivating under his own power.

Stan in SC

Looking foreward to an update Stan. This warm weather isn't going to help the chickenbuck gang at all. Temps are supposed to be above normal here through most of this week.

Don't blame you for not going out. If I were out in those temps all I'd see would be the inside of my eye lids.

we found this poor guy along the entrance to chickenbuck on the way back from our stands this morning. I think Lester and Buschpilot were behind it

we all had a great laugh though!

had to share

update from when I left: we saw a couple, I saw a basket 8 pointer yesterday, didn't have a good shot so I passed.
RWS is pumped to take over my spot

Good luck buddy!
Wheezy is glad to finally have her jolly ranchers
Dave is glad to be not wearing the bear head again

Tzone had a bunch new fresh scrapes and a rub by his blind yesterday that came when he came back to grab a bite to eat at midday. we had amazing ribs friday courtesy of him
Pam is anxious to get a deer
Muffy brought great eats, and was a riot to have in camp

Justin might have had a shot as I left, never heard for sure if he did
and little Joe got to sit with Tzone today, so I'm sure he had a blast
Dusty had to leave today as well but it sounds like we'll meet up midweek for more hunting and putting some wood up inside the cabin.

Hope I didn't forget anything, but we had a great fun filled weekend, and season isn't close to being over

Swamp Squid musta got it.

We had a interesting opener but the whole tale has to wait til later. However a teaser covers sherpa and I going in the red river on a recovery mission, and yours truly trapped under a ATV in a 4 and a half foot deep ditch between the wheeler and a culvert, then Sherpa was up to things with starting fluid a tire while inside an enclosed garage.

Anyway great to be here and be back.

A quick update from our opener: 9 hunters shot 4 bucks. Dad shot a small 8, cousin Dale shot a small 8, I shot a nice 8 or 9 depending on if you wanna count a 1.5 inch tine and then cousin Dale shot a 9 or 10 depending again on a little sticker (party hunting is legal in MN). I will have pics and the story behind my buck tomorrow. My buck scored 115, so not huge, but nice. Dad passed up 3 small bucks, I passed up a 6 pointer and a pretty nice 8, my brother Brian passed up 3 bucks too. Saw a 150+ inch buck in the headlights on my ATV on the way out to the stand this morning. It just stood there, about 35 yards out and looked at 14 year old bother Brian and I. He asked me what do we do? I said "Wave goodbye". Of course we never saw him when it was light.

A family member that hunts at another farm about 25 miles away shot a nice 151 inch 12 pointer that he brought over to process with us. Beautiful rack.

You wouldnt believe the number of shots i heard. I had a slow morning on my stand so I was counting. I shot my buck at 11:27 am and it was the 350th and 351st shots of the day. I finished with just over 500 shots heard. Wow. Most of the shots were just "wa-wumps" in the distance, but I heard them.

Saw and heard lots of pheasants. They will make for a fun end of the year.

I'm going to have to spend more time checking out the creek by us. It is named Deer Creek so maybe there's a good reason for the name? Sounds like everyone is having a good time.

BM, Congrats to your group. Any antler point an inch long counts.

All quiet in our area. Never saw a deer, dead or alive. Absolutely no shooting in our immediate area. None. It was a beautiful day, but the deer just weren't moving.

Okay Bill, then it is officially a 9 pointer.

That poor thing! I bet he fought all night to try to get out of there. It is a very tricky spot, trust me.

I think a flying bear landed on him and pushed him into the bog

That could very well be. I'm glad I didn't run into any of those flying bears! But I was not too worried about it after the Preacher gave us all the equipment to fight them off.

Originally Posted by Muffy

That could very well be. I'm glad I didn't run into any of those flying bears! But I was not too worried about it after the Preacher gave us all the equipment to fight them off.

Muffy, please share what's needed so we can all protect ourselves.

Two of the main things you need are Lazer Knives and Knife Guns. He told us the flying bears will fly over your stand and poop on you. I said I don't have to worry about that because CBF's stand has a roof on it. He informed me they can still poop on you. When we got the LK's and KG's we were safe then.

he was giving them out to us, we couldn't have them, but we could buy them from him for free. he was very distinct on that one, then he decided saturday to give them away so everyone could be safe.
I also bought 22 cars for a dollar this weekend.

Just my luck, I contacted Cabelas, Gander and Scheels and they don't stock them. Think he'd loan me one of each so I can make it through the season? I'll send him a prepaid container.

I'm getting worried now that you told me the roof on my blind won't protect me.

he gave me 3 knife guns and 10 lazer knives, I'll PM one of each to you so you got em.

nothing protects from flying bear poop unfortunately, you're on your own there

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just my luck, I contacted Cabelas, Gander and Scheels and they don't stock them. Think he'd loan me one of each so I can make it through the season? I'll send him a prepaid container.

I'm getting worried now that you told me the roof on my blind won't protect me.

PWM told me, Bill, that he sent you a package with some knife guns and laser knives. Sent it yesterday from the cabin. He also said that he put a present in there too...a monster truck. So enjoy.

Pam, tell PWM he's a live saver. I feel safer already.

Has anyone connected yet?

Colorado, I'll share whatever you send with the other guys in camp. Good thing they're totally oblivious or there would be a major panic. Thanks for sharing too.

PWM, forgot to thank you for the monster truck. So thanks. I enjoy playing with them, especially the remote control ones. My grandson and I have RC races whenever I visit him in Portland.

you're welcome, hate to see guys in the woods without a knife gun for protection

I'm back.

Had a blast. The most fun I've had in a camp ever. period. end of story. The shooting was a little slim, because deer sighting were slim.

A HUGE thanks to Dave, Pam, and gang for letting me be part of their camp for the weekend. I really appreciate it.

Uncle Dusty and Muffy were a riot, and great camp members. Muffy kept us all fat with some awesome baking. PWM is as cool in person as he is in the stories. RWS, is a great hunter for being 12yrs old. Weezy kept me entertained, with driving stories, Jolly Ranchers, and Phat Phill.

I'm tired so I'll try to be quick. Dave, PWM, and I took a walk yesterday, and saw a doe, but didn't connect. I sat the evening with PWM, and we saw a fawn run through after some VERY close shooting, but I didn't want to shoot a fawn.

I sat in Ryan's stand this am, and talked dirty with a buck for a few hours, but the wind was from me to him and he wouldn't poke his head out.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow, including an interesting single car accident I came up on, on the Red Lake Indian Rez.

I had a great time, and hope you guys get to lay the wood to a few deer yet this season.

Glad you had fun Tzone, the hunting has been slim picking's out in our neighborhood too. we've gotten a few, i let a lot walk away. The chickenBuck was a blast again, muffy was hilarious, fun to see you'all. hoping to get out hunting later this week, got to get a cast on my 7yr olds arm today, darn monkey bars got him at school. I haven't shot yet but plenty of opportunity. i guess pretty picky. Keep the safe hunt going and watch out for flying bears...

Bad news on the little guy.

Hope it gets better quick.

It was fun to hang with you again. The Crapolade was fun.

Did you guys see that frozen buck in the swamp?

You must have drove right by him.

he's giving it his all so far. hopefully that cast today will keep him from moving so much. heal quicker. we didn't see any deer on the way home, it was a pretty quiet night. everyone was sleeping when we got back, we did stalk a decent 8 on sunday though. someone else was trying to stalk him but didn't have permission to hunt that property and we did. we watched him for 4 hours from the road, then the deer ran within 10ft of this guy and he never shot because he was on our property. so he left the field after that long and we walked straight out to him and had him in 15 minutes. it was great!!

Sure hope he heals fast.

he'e been out hunting with grandpa in the pickup, he doesn't even complain about it. How big was taht deer in the swamp Tzone, looked pretty neat!

Guessing it was a 7pt, bout 168 pounds.

make sure Lester pays up too.

Saw a huge doe on my way out Chickebuck. It was near the State Park and State Forest, so I didn't know if I could shoot or not...so I didn't.

She was pretty easy pickin's too. Stood there for about 5 minutes. I was watching for her boyfriend, and he didn't come along either.

Well I crawled out of the woods to come to work for a half day.

Heated a metal pail of pond water on the woodstove last night & had me a shower outside behind my truck at about 10 last night. CBF thought I was crazy, felt pretty good though. We stayed last night at camp. I sat in Ryan's stand & Justin (CBF) set a portable up about 400 yds straight south of ryan's stand so we had that whole tamarack cut covered.

We had a regular deer concert going on last night, justin was hitting the horns on the south end of the cut, I was doing doe calls & buck grunts on the north side, I heard the can come into play a couple times from justin's side too.

Heard a dear pushing his way through the brush to the west of Ryan's stand but it held up at the edge of the cut, never stepped out.

I stayed in Ryan's stand a little extra late because I knew Justin had to come past me on his way out & we were going to head back to the cabin together.

A fawn came in from the east to Ryans stand & went right under me, I mean between the tree & the ladder. It skirted the edge of the cut & I could hear another deer coming in behind it.

It turned out to be the doe to the fawn. Well Justin was coming across the cut & the fawn busted Justin But didn't really run, this put the doe on alert & I didn't get a look at her until she bolted & showed up her tail.

I wasn't going to shoot a fawn & it's fine that it didn't work out for the doe either.

They'll be hanging around the area & hopefully cross the path of one of our other hunters this coming weekend.

We both sat this morning again but it was very quiet in the woods.

Wow I had a great time as usual, big thanks to Buschpilot & les for coming to visit, We had other visitors too. Backwoodsbrian is a poster on the campfire, he was out with another good friend of ours on Saturday night.

I think I have a few pics from the weekend but not much, might have to rely on Tzone & colorado's pictures to cover the first weekend.

Here's some rib prep from friday. We started these ribs at noon & ate em probably after 7 sometime.

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ready for the grill here.

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I don't know if anybody else got pictures of the finished product but man were they good, thanks again so much Tom for bringing them!!

Here's Tom cutting some grouse he shot on Friday.

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here's a nasty big rub by Tom's ground blind, I hope we can get this guy!!

(sorry i didn't rotate the picture)

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Justin shot this chickenbuck yesterday with a 30-06.

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young one, 5 pointer.

here's what the gunrack looked like Friday night.

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here's tzone getting "shamed" with the shame stick for shooting but missing a deer. He's taking it quite well actually.

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Muffy with that bear head on her head. boy she sure liked wearing that bear head hat,

various shots from different blinds & stands.

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my 88 in a ground blind.

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The story and the pics from my buck. I even took one that you might appreciate of his track. Maybe a younger, albeit distant, cousin of a certain buck you guys have up there??

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Story:
I didnt see a deer until 11:30 am this year which is really odd for my stand. I usually have deer all over my stand all day long. Then at 11:30, a buck and a doe came running into the woods. The buck was in the thick stuff and jumped into a shooting lane and ran straight towards me. He then jumped out of the lane and into some pretty thick saplings. As he was standing 25 yards from me, I found a little hole to shoot through and decided that I better let him have it as the doe was directly downwind from me and any second was going to explode out of there (ironically, she didnt leave for the next 10 minutes!). I shot and he flinched and took off. I was going to give him another one in a little clearing, but my safety strap stopped me short. I watched him as far as I could in the woods and it looked like he was slowing down. I waited about 10 minutes and the doe finally had enough and bailed. This guy was laying about 80 yards from my stand. Double lung, complete pass through.

Found him!
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Hero picture with my helper!
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Hauling him out.
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Family photo!
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A shot from my dad's stand looking towards my stand in that distant woods. The wheat and rye food plot is in that field and we saw a big boy in there Sunday morning before light. He was a dandy!

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Man we have to get a better stand by that blind and/or clear cut. That is a hell of a spot. I have a ton of pics, but they are uploading as I type. I already have name for it too.

I promise you guys, there is no camp cooler and more fun that Chickenbuck!

We really needed some pictures of Muffy getting stuck in the swamp, but we already had the camera put away.

Dave was the star chef, cooking those ribs you saw for about 6.5 hours. We ate so many I thought we'd all pop. You know you're at deer camp when all you have for supper is meat, and luch, is meat.

Pics soon.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hauling him out.
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Cheater.

Heck of a buck, congrats. Nice to see someone connected in the heat wave.

Great pics guys, keep 'em coming.

wow nice deer Berettaman & great looking family you have there!!

this scrape by tzone's blind has got to be 8' long, just crazy. justin set his camera on that scrape last night tom but he didn't get a picture yet. I might put my cam on it this weekend.

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BM + 1 on what Dave said.

Dave/Tom, keep the pictures and stories coming. I've spent the entire day so far making chili, BBQ and spaghetti meat for camp.

Also got the lanterns filled and ready to go. Ran out of Coleman fuel so took a trip over to the BP bulk plant. They're selling lantern fuel out of the pump for $4.75 a gallon. Sure beats $9 at Fleet.

wow, wish i could find that around here (the lantern fuel)

Here are some more pics. I have a lot so hold on guys. I'll start from the top. I was a little excited and got there first.

on the way in- oops, one's missing a head.

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At the gate
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at the cabin
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starting supper
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we drove through this
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to turn these
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into this
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a little fun after dinner on the night before opener.
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a surly crew
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Dave in his story telling hat
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Muffy laughing at dave's story.

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That is all I'm posting about the night before.

I'm not a meaner.

wow you did get some pictures! Cool!!

looks like my beer can must have leaked on my shirt.....

this picture will haunt me... I just know it.

Why was muffy rolling around on the ground so much?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

wow, wish i could find that around here (the lantern fuel)

We could send some up with Tom whenever he returns. Just remind me.

Great hat. Got to show it to my SIL. He could have had one made from his bear.

Forky Toes likes to tease us by leaving things next to my stand.
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my gun in the scrape for size reference (unloaded for those of you that carry cold

)- no joke that is a mac daddy scrape.
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My partner, keeps us all safe from the swamp squids.
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a room with a view. Ryan's stand, and mine for a morning.

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the tag alders in that last pic, is where the buck was I was making naughty talk with. The wind was from me to him, so odds were pretty slim that he was going to stick his neck out and take a look, and he didn't.

Why was muffy rolling around on the ground so much?

Could be she really had to pee?

I just thought the bear was drooling or peeing on you dave, great pics and great fun. was muffy gazing at the stars out there?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Why was muffy rolling around on the ground so much?

Probably the same reason your can leaked on your shirt.

well you know you're a real hunter when you're wearing a bear head on YOUR head.

a wise and saturated man once told me that, a few times I think

I had a blast, thanks again Dave for opening your door to me to come up, and I can't wait to see you this weekend!

T-zone,

You need to get some see-thru's on that rifle so you don't miss! That's the problem right there. Maybe try some of that packaged deer poo the Packer Fans like to snack on?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I had a blast, thanks again Dave for opening your door to me to come up, and I can't wait to see you this weekend!

are you guys going on a date?

See-tru's....got it.

. That must have been the reason.

I deserved a miss, the night before I was talking all smart about how I only need to shoot once. But then again...I did only shoot once.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I had a blast, thanks again Dave for opening your door to me to come up, and I can't wait to see you this weekend!

are you guys going on a date?

I'm just kidding... but Dave's not going to be there, he'll be with us for the WI hunting season.

Y-M-C-A, Macho macho man, In the navy...

Originally Posted by tzone

Forky Toes likes to tease us by leaving things next to my stand.
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My partner, keeps us all safe from the swamp squids.
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Tom, do you think you could put in a good word for me with ole Forky Toes and have him leave a nice new Tikka in 6.5x55 by my tree?

Tell your partner we could really use him at our camp. Lots of swamps so we certainly have to have the dreaded swamp squids that we'll need protection from.

you sure got some great pictures tom! anybody got a picture of the ribs cooked?

Friends, food, deer and beer. It doesn't get any better than that!

Dave you hunting in WI? thats cool
more bucks for me then

glad to hear my stand is the hot one, has RWS connected with any of the pine martin yet?
or bobcats? I hear you have some around there....

I was rolling on the ground because I didn't realize what it took to kill a jack rabbit. Now that I know, I don't think I will try it. Unless I have more than 2 rounds with me. And because I didn't spill any on my shirt. Or maybe the campfire wood ran into me.

I'm glad nobody got a picture of me sittinig in the mud. I had to wash my NEW blaze orange jacket 4 times to get all the mud out. I'm glad I wasn't alone or I would have ended feet up like the deer did.

Hey I'm going nuts here!!... perfect shooting time right now!! prime time & I'm in the house!! it aint working too good for me... I'm forcing myself to take a night off tho.

No I aint goin to wiskony for deer hunt'n.

maybe fer some turkeys some day tho....

hey when are you guys coming up again?

oh god i wish i was out there right now!! Going nuts at home here!!

Tell your dad that his stand would have produced (the old location)

because the deer had to come right by there to get to me last night at dark.

I'm hoping to get up there wednesday evening around 8 or 9
might be thursday depending on how much homework I get done. having the little one today really set me back

I have not talked to dad yet, but we were talking either Wednesday or Thursday.

Isn't that the way it goes. He never saw a deer in the stand when it was over there.

I only know of two people that got nice bucks last weekend. They were both shot on Saturday, from the same stand. One at 11:30 and the other at 4 or so. One is a 10 pointer and the other looked like a 12.

Seriously humans, I have to give a big thanks to all that participated in week one of camp chickenbuck 2009.

What a fantastic group, high energy, enthusiasm, everybody contributed with great food & camp items... I could go into typical dave detail but you all know what I'm talking about.

Tzone bought an out of state tag to come hunt with us & he hit it hard like everybody else.

All the hunters hit it hard & I was proud & happy to be surrounded by such a group of commited hunters.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you sure got some great pictures tom! anybody got a picture of the ribs cooked?

Git in ma belly! The only pic of the finished ribs is in my mind. Good God those suckers good. Best ribs I've ever had Dave.

My wife makes great ribs, but you are the grill master. I'm using that method from now on.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave you hunting in WI? thats cool
more bucks for me then

No man...I was just pulling your leg.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey I'm going nuts here!!... perfect shooting time right now!! prime time & I'm in the house!! it aint working too good for me... I'm forcing myself to take a night off tho.

No I aint goin to wiskony for deer hunt'n.

maybe fer some turkeys some day tho....

Perfect day for a sun tan here. I left work to pick up the kids and it was 58* F. That's crazy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

All the hunters hit it hard & I was proud & happy to be surrounded by such a group of commited hunters.

Say what... this group of hunters should be committed?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Seriously humans, I have to give a big thanks to all that participated in week one of camp chickenbuck 2009.

What a fantastic group, high energy, enthusiasm, everybody contributed with great food & camp items... I could go into typical dave detail but you all know what I'm talking about.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tzone bought an out of state tag to come hunt with us & he hit it hard like everybody else.

Oh sure I'll hunt with you next year, thanks for the invite.

I'm a little embarrassed I didn't hit it a little harder on Saturday noon time, we'd have had buck hangin' by evening. That sly sucker freshened those scrapes while were having a noon time siesta.

There needs to be a ladder or a stand in that area. It is too good not to cover.

I sooooo wanted a pic of you in the mud up to your ass. That was a great way to start the season. It was great to meet you, and hunt with you. You were awesome to have in camp.

PWM and I even saw a deer from your stand, but it was because some clown shot 50 yds from us. PWM's even got to use your heater. and he made me take a nap up there too.

It was so good to meet you. Sorry I gave you so much crap for drinking so much water Friday night. (I wish I would have) You were alot of fun to have at camp.

I wish I could have been up in the stand with you and PWM. I'm sure you learned alot.

Oh no worries about the water. I was crazy dehydrated. I made up for it on Saturday night with all that crapolade.

PWM was funny in that stand. We heard someone get stuck with a 4 wheeler, and Preacher looked at me and said with a totally straight face...they better get out before the Swamp Squids get them.

I could tell he was tired, so I said, why don't you take a nap? He said he would if I did, so I closed my eyes for a minute...the first thing he said was, "mom, Tom fell asleep."

That kid cracks me up.

BTW...if I ever have a stand with a roof on it, I'm getting one of those heaters.

you can drink those crapolades all night and feel just great the next morning. Told you they were healthy for you. water, fruits and veggies, doesn't get much better than that! 3 more deer taken last night out our camp. they keep picking away at them.

I had swamp ass from those crapolades....what the hell were you putting in them. No headache though.

How big were the bucks?

Tzone, my stand I always used never had a roof and I used the heater in there. It worked well for just taking the chill out.

Gotta admit, I wasn't goig to use it, but Preacher wanted to, so we turned it on....now I might have to go get one...sshhhh.

I liked it.

Oh it's really nice when it actually gets cold out.

boy I sure wish it would get cold....

the heated stands are sure nice. mine are fully enclosed out in our neighborhood and can hunt in t-shirts a lot of the time. i cant believe you drank the bottle of vjuice in only an hour saturday night. it was a good night.

yeah tzone did a number on that russian fire water.

That fire water did a number on tzone.

Don't know why silly bull headed russian's like us learn so slow.

Thanks again Dave for the bell for my motorcycle. I will have to put it on in the spring. It is in the corner now for winter storage.

you'll sound like the ice cream truck when you roll up to the gas pumps now, just like my bike

not sure if you should be riding a motorcycle the way you were laying on the ground all weekend. might be a dangerous combo there. maybe just put the bell on a walker with a cup holder on or your magnetic cupholder just may stick to the walker. safe for everyone then.

good call, gooood call.

That was one rule when I got the bike for my birthday "no drinking and riding". I wouldn't anyway, that would be bad! But the walker sounds like a great idea. I think I better get one. Maybe I better get a bell for my walker to, then that darn firewood would stay out of my way!!

that dang fire wood will get you every time.

Maybe you should wear that bell all the time, then we can tell if you're buried in the mud too deep to yell.

Hey Muffy,

Click on that little blinking thing at the top of your page, you have a PM.

Swamp squids throw firewood in your way for you to trip over.
At least you don't have stinging possums like we do in the swamps of South Carolina.They are a cross between sting rays and possums and have whip like tails.
And then there's the jackalope.The body of a jack rabbit but with deer antlers.They will sneak up on you.
Ask PWM.He will tell you about them.

Stan in SC

Oh we know all we need to know about jack rabbits Stan! Dave told us.

hey stan did you get any of my txt messages over the weekend?

It must have been that swamp squid that threw that firewood, I didn't think it was there before.
I'm glad we don't have to worry about stinging possums, we have enough critters to worry about up here.

I heard you guys are coming up tomorrow? I'll get that compressor & brad nailer lined up for you tonight.

I won't be coming til tomorrow afternoon, got delayed with homework

Homework, eeek. yuck. whacha gonna be when you grow up?

Sounds good!!

59 degrees here right now and way to nice to be sitting inside thinking about those deer running around. may have to sneak out to the stand shortly....it was just about nice we hardly needed ice to keep the beer cold, now we need ice. this weather stinks!!

I'm gonna light the fuse on the eastbound superduty express in about 15 minutes. Good luck tonight buschpilot.

Ryan, I'm gonna go check on your spot... scout it out for you....

thanks dave! if you see that big buck, rope him and tie him to a tree, I'll be along tomorrow

Oh he'll have a rope on him allright. and he'll be hanging from a tree. You'll see the tree, it's right out in front of Chickenbuck.

oh I saw the game pole just a waiting for the strain ol forky toes will put on it when he comes home to stay

Dave,I received no text messages from you.

Stan in SC

I'm back in for the night, no dice.

dead silent in the woods, dang.

Stan i sent you a couple, I better check that number you pm'd me, make sure i entered it in my phone right....

Might have sent them to tom38b by mistake.

I hope not...

ITS THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP AT CHICKENBUCK
Dave's GOT A SWOLLEN HEAD
He's LYING WITH THE DUST BALLS
UNDERNEATH his BED

AN ICY BREEZE IS BLOWING IN
THROUGH THE TONGUE AND GROOVE
Tzones PANTS ARE FROZEN TO THE FLOOR
AND he's TOO SICK TO MOVE

He DIDN'T DRINK TOO MANY
ONLY THIRTY CANS OF BEER
IT MUST HAVE BEEN THAT LAST SHOT
THAT PUT him UNDER HERE

CHORUS:
IT'S THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
AND ALL THE gang is HERE
they DRINK PLAY CARDS AND SHOOT THE BULL
BUT NEVER SHOOT NO DEER
THE ONLY TIME they LEAVE THE CAMP
IS WHEN they GO FOR BEER
THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
IS THE GREATEST TIME OF YEAR

I REMEMBER PLAYING POKER
THAT WEEZY MUSTA WON
SHE'S WEARING MY NEW SWAMPERS
AND SLEEPING WITH MY GUN

RWS SNORING LIKE A CHAIN SAW
THE CAMP SMELLS LIKE A DUMP
SOMEONE'S DIRTY UNDERWEAR
IS HANGING ON THE PUMP

Colorado's IN THE WOOD BOX
EENERS PASSED OUT ON THE STOVE
HIS Fur coat IS SMOKING
I WONDER IF HE KNOWS

CHORUS

Dusty's CRAWLING THROUGH THE DOOR
I THINK he GOT FROSTBITE
HE PASSED OUT IN THE OUTHOUSE
AND HE'S BEEN THERE SINCE LAST NIGHT

THEN Muffy STUMBLES THROUGH THE DOOR
HE SAYS she GOT A BUCK
She WAS COMING FROM THE WAYSIDE
AND she KILLED IT WITH her TRUCK

THEN Bangflop CRACKS A BEER AND SAYS
ITS TIME TO CELEBRATE
Muffy GOT THE FIRST BUCK
SINCE 1968

CHORUS

Now CHickenbuck can have it's own theme song.

hmm, scary part is that sounds very realistic.

I thought so too.

2 more days and we hit the timber, saw 3 deer already this morning in the new huntin spot. Kiddo is pumped as we saw 10 there yesterday, I've been working round the house alittle but mostly watching a sick little one with a Bad case of H1n1. She has had this crap since last Friday and its not letting go easy.

I've only worked 2days so far this week so I've been staying busy packing gear, testing gear and scouting alittle as I bring kiddo to school eachday. Other then that its tend to little miss priss as I call her, she is Momma's girl and we've been to see the Doc twice already. Might be again tomorrow if I don't see a change for the better soon, cough,hack run fever for the last several days.

You guys need some better luck this week the way it sounds and I'm tellin ya how to get it. Dave ya gotta pickup that grunt call and run aound the fire grunting and jumping and doing the native american style dance. Oh and one more thing Weezy needs to send one last text the night before the hunt to each of ya wishing Good Luck to all.

Wabo who is going to check on miss priss now wishing all of ya the Best of Luck! Snort Weeze,Stomp,Scrape Rub shakin me head covered in orange, its almost bangFLOPtime...

It's more like "THE FIRST DAY OF DEER CAMP, DAVE'S GOT A SWOLLEN HEAD."

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

ITS THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP AT CHICKENBUCK
Dave's GOT A SWOLLEN HEAD
He's LYING WITH THE DUST BALLS
UNDERNEATH his BED

AN ICY BREEZE IS BLOWING IN
THROUGH THE TONGUE AND GROOVE
Tzones PANTS ARE FROZEN TO THE FLOOR
AND he's TOO SICK TO MOVE

He DIDN'T DRINK TOO MANY
ONLY THIRTY CANS OF BEER
IT MUST HAVE BEEN THAT LAST SHOT
THAT PUT him UNDER HERE

CHORUS:
IT'S THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
AND ALL THE gang is HERE
they DRINK PLAY CARDS AND SHOOT THE BULL
BUT NEVER SHOOT NO DEER
THE ONLY TIME they LEAVE THE CAMP
IS WHEN they GO FOR BEER
THE SECOND WEEK OF DEER CAMP
IS THE GREATEST TIME OF YEAR

I REMEMBER PLAYING POKER
THAT WEEZY MUSTA WON
SHE'S WEARING MY NEW SWAMPERS
AND SLEEPING WITH MY GUN

RWS SNORING LIKE A CHAIN SAW
THE CAMP SMELLS LIKE A DUMP
SOMEONE'S DIRTY UNDERWEAR
IS HANGING ON THE PUMP

Colorado's IN THE WOOD BOX
EENERS PASSED OUT ON THE STOVE
HIS Fur coat IS SMOKING
I WONDER IF HE KNOWS

CHORUS

Dusty's CRAWLING THROUGH THE DOOR
I THINK he GOT FROSTBITE
HE PASSED OUT IN THE OUTHOUSE
AND HE'S BEEN THERE SINCE LAST NIGHT

THEN Muffy STUMBLES THROUGH THE DOOR
HE SAYS she GOT A BUCK
She WAS COMING FROM THE WAYSIDE
AND she KILLED IT WITH her TRUCK

THEN Bangflop CRACKS A BEER AND SAYS
ITS TIME TO CELEBRATE
Muffy GOT THE FIRST BUCK
SINCE 1968

CHORUS

Now CHickenbuck can have it's own theme song.

Holy smokes Bill, were you there? that about sums it up.

get that little one better Wabo.

Good luck on your hunt. Our WI hunt starts on the 21st. I'm not too fired up for it yet, but I'm sure I will be on the 20th.

we have parent teacher conf tonight so i won't be out to camp until tomorrow after work.

Dang!!

what do teachers have against hunting anyways???

spoil my fun... meaners.

Well dave, i saw 20 last night. the last one was a buck too. just about got him with the truck at midnight. not a really big one though. i had aim on a doe last night and we snuck on one side of the woods, another guy was on the other side, we were going to shoot a deer out from under him when he popped one and the rest ran off before i got a chance.

Wabo, good luck to you. Sure hope the little one gets better soon.

[/quote]

Holy smokes Bill, were you there? that about sums it up.

[/quote]

Eener ratted you out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what do teachers have against hunting anyways???

spoil my fun... meaners.

Send the woman.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Well dave, i saw 20 last night. the last one was a buck too. just about got him with the truck at midnight. not a really big one though. i had aim on a doe last night and we snuck on one side of the woods, another guy was on the other side, we were going to shoot a deer out from under him when he popped one and the rest ran off before i got a chance.

20?

TWENTY!!!???

AHHH!!

all of my group hasn't seen 20 combined for the whole season so far!! I think we have a total of 6 sightings for 10 hunters!!

so that's where all the deer are.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what do teachers have against hunting anyways???

spoil my fun... meaners.

Send the woman.

What Tzone? The woman is making the man go this time around. He usually gets out of it because of hunting...not this year.

Its only fair dave, i gotta go this time around too!! no hunting tonight. we put a sneak on 8 of them last night too. then we flawked to the hawk after dark thirty...

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what do teachers have against hunting anyways???

spoil my fun... meaners.

Send the woman.

What Tzone? The woman is making the man go this time around. He usually gets out of it because of hunting...not this year.

oops! you weren't supposed to see that.

Does that mean you're going hunting tonight?

They must be too scared of women out hunting and out shooting them..

Soon as I get the kid down for a nap I'm going out to setup a tent outback to air out, cleanout my truck and maybe put some windows in my trailer for an extra large shootin house.

Parent teacher conf start at 4:30 for me.... That's right in the middle of "the magic hour"

Peta is behind this.

They will pay for this.

are you working tomorrow dave or going to be in the woods. I think i might just take a doe tomorrow. seeings all these deer stand around me is getting me crazy. bout time to start making jerky. sounds like cooler weather now so we'll be able to hang the deer outside now.

If i work it'll only be a half day.

Maybe see you guys this weekend?

Weather front moving in... deer will be sliding out onto feed areas a half hour early tonight....

I'll be having way more fun at the school.

Geez, Dave. They're good kids, you alredy know that. Do you really NEED a conference to tell you that?

apparently i did.

Hey, good news is they finally have one hanging from the pole out at camp!!

I'll be out there tomorrow afternoon!!

Details,we want details and pictures.

Stan in SC

Who got it, and what is it?...don't leave us hangin' man.

like I said guys, I'm at home.

From what I gather Ryan (colorado) got it from his stand, he called it a "doe" Bangflop called it a "Fawn" LOL!!

I guess they have it hung up & they are celebrating out there.

I'll work a bit tomorrow then head out there.

The fawns run bigger there.

There is a difference between here and there, but not that much.

She'll eat anyway.

Sounds like a good BBQ at chickenbuck tonight!!!

YES Finally after 23 years my Brother will deer hunt with me as his boy has been after him to go. My Brother even sounds alittle excited and that says volumes as he doesn't show emotions much. He always hunted other game with me until our 20s then quit all together chasing money. Finally I hope to hook him again, he even went out and got 2 more Marlin 30-30s for them, 2 more Levers in Marlins world is not bad.

Not to mention I just watched a Good buck walk past my stand this morning through binos as I took kiddo Thunder in. Its almost time for Thunder Naa Naa Naa Naa, Thunder!!!

Sure hope you can keep your brother hooked Wabo.

Just checked weather through next Thursday and they're calling for temps in the upper 40's. Great for sitting but we need it cooler to get the bucks moving.

I could live with temps in the 40's. That doesn't bug me much. A bit of rain too, we could do without that. With nice temps, that might get the people in the woods longer to push me Mr. Rutty Schtinky.

Holy Crap! I just looked at my forecast for the next ten days. Opening Weekend mid 40's and 80% chance of showers. Mild wind out of S-SW. I hope those guys are wrong about he showers at least. We just do not see many deer in the raindrops. Don't forget the WD40.

this warm weather is hanging on way too long.

speaking of hanging on.... I've been hanging on at work for too long now

time to head to camp soon & see what kind of timber goat them camp chickenbuck hunters have hanging from the pole.

Well, look at it this way...maybe you can fillet it instead of butcher it.

They probably shot fork toes.

I'll find out soon.

Later guys!!

Hey guys...I got a txt message from dave last night. Captain Bang Flop shot a 7 or 8 pointer. Dave said nice buck, about 150# dressed out.

Nice job CBF. make that pole sag like heck guys.

Congrats CBF. Come on Dave get moving, the kids are going to show you up!

After getting to know Dave....that is EXACTLY what he wants to happen.

Congratulations to CBF.The young man is on a real roll.

Stan in SC

Congrats to CBF he is Really on a roll!!!!

Same roll for kiddo Thunder Naaa Naaa .. LOL.. She shoots and she scores, 1 shot from her favorite 30 dirty Marlin takes down another 10 p0int like last year, this time though a Nice 145 inch deer... I can't be More PROUD pics tomorrow or Monday...

Little Kiddo dropped the deer right in his tracks I have yet to see a deer get hit harder Bang Flop.. Captain Bang Flop you must be sending some of your touch south eachyear, Thanks and Once again Conrats Buddy!!!!

He's a great kid too guys. I met him last week, and the things Dave speaks of him are true. You couldn't meet a nicer more polite young man.

Congrats to Kiddo! Can't wait to see those pics Wabo.

The younguns are on a roll.Congratulations to kiddo Thunder.

Stan in SC

Way to go Kiddo. A big high 5 girl!

Hey Wabo that's grat man!! fantastic!!

Oh boy am I shot.

We had a great weekend, too much to cover in a quick post, there was some good hunting, good carpentry, good cookin, good eat'n..

Well like stated already, Ryan hung a fawn on the pole, then Justin hung a buck on the pole (7 pointer, neat deer)

Then tonight I hung a doe on the pole.

Everybody had left & I had trecked far back to the most hateful stand we had been calling the sniper stand on a dreadful clearcut.

Well tonight I renamed it the "Oh chit! stand" Because if you shoot one back there the first thing you say to yourself is "oh chit! how am i going to get this thing out of here!!??"

Well I drug her about half ways out with my belt around her neck & my rifle cross slung... Bad stuff, really bad stuff.

I drug it through the worst stuff then made my way back to the cabin in the dark & got CBF's ATV (mine was at home) then runs with scossors went out with me to get her.

She's hanging on the pole out there now.

I'll try to get some pictures up, great weekend, pics will help explain some of the other progress type stuff.

Well here's the first thing I saw when I got to camp on Friday. Muffy surprised us with this fantastic gift to the cabin.

[Linked Image]

This little table is awesome I love it!!

[Linked Image]

By the end of Friday's hunt we had these critters hung up.

[Linked Image]

And we got these boards up on the walls today.

[Linked Image]

And by the end of the night I had this flat head back to camp & hanging where the other 2 were earlier.

[Linked Image]

ND....its all looking pretty good dude...

That rifle looks a little .264ish....is it?

ingwe

yep, 264-ish indeed.

kills deers deader than heck.

She was skirting a cedar woods right behind my elevated stand, I had to do a heck of a sneaky twist around contortion type move to get on her. She was behind a tree broadside with neck, head & shoulder just peeking past the tree. I snuck that 140 Win powerpoint as tight at I could to that tree to get a shoulder shot that was a bit more forward than I typically like to place them.

I must have burned bark off that tree trying to get the shot I wanted

It worked, pass through, took both shoulders. She went maybe 20 yds tops & she was dead before her forward momentum came to rest.

Bad, bad, bad spot thought

I almost didn't shoot her just because of the location I was in.

But it worked out, she's hangin & it's mid 20's temps right now, cooling off nicely.

Excellent...

Scratch one Yummette....!

Ingwe

That tabe, and the boards inside look friggin' awesome!!!!

Way to go on the table Muffy.

Dave, do you have anymore pics of the bucks rack?

Looks like a big fat ol doe you smacked there man. Good going. Nice to get the .264 dirty too.

Dragging one through that crap on the sniper stand....must suck. They are much easier when they go under Ryan's stand.

Any other sightings for the weekend?

Congrats to all of you and a Fantastic job on the table and wood work guys and gals!!!

Ok I've left out some details from lastnight my bro shot at a Nice 150ish deer that we couldn't find a drop of blood so we go back to the blind. Minutes later out came a pair of what I thought were does so my Nephew of 9 wacks one using kiddo Thunders Marlin and another Bang Flop its a button, LOL.. CBF you are sending the luck to the kids!!!

Now as promised if I figure this out..

[Linked Image]

Looks like it worked Wabo....Great buck! Way to go Kiddo.

Thanks Tom and everyone,

I gotta go get some guns cleaned its been raining on them a day and a half.. LOL.. Good Luck to those hunting and those who have to make it through a work week to get to hunt..

Nice Does Dave! where did she come from?

I was hoping you were in the stand CBF and I put up this morning.

or maybe you found my stand, when I couldn't

oh, the cop let me off with a warning too, whew!
and the Vikes won!!!!
talk about a great day!

Good job Camp Chickenbuck! Also, I love the table. It definitely fits.

Good to see the .264 WM get bloodied. Now to get some hyper-accurate handloads going in that bad boy...

Wabo,kudos to the nephew.That Marlin is working overtime.
Dave,good tell as usual.Nice fat looking doe.Wayyyy back in somewhere,drag till you want to drop.Been there,dome that.Way to go guy.
My neighbor and I went out to the farm he has permission to hunt this evening.Owner showed us a new 80 acre tract that is really deer haven looking.Thick with a nice creek and several food plots.This place has real promise.I sat a ladder stand over a food plot till dark.Saw nothing but had a great evening just being there.First time I took the pistol this year.I really want to blood that pistol.

Stan in SC

Wow!! Great dear!!

We would all really like to see something like that in our sights, Great job!!

Dave. great pictures. Congrats on the Doe. Sounds like the clear cut by the snipers stand not so clear.

Really like the table. Maybe we can get Muffy to do some more and sell them to the rest of us so we can all have a little piece of Camp Chickenbuck?

I can see it now.A complete line of "Camp Chickenbuck" items.Furniture,clothes,hunting ascessories.The "Camp Chickenbuck" video game.Dave is the new Super Mario overcoming all manner of obstacles to get to and from his stand.I love it.

Stan in SC

Oh no.

That's funny Stan.

That's funny, we were talking about the clothing line this weekend. I believe it will happen!

Nice doe Dave! I've been to the sniper stand and I would hate to drag anything out of there, especially in the dark. I was there when you and CBF put the stand up. I remember asking CBF how in the h@#* would you get a deer out of there.

I still can't believe CBF shot that buck at over 500 yards! Great shooter!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I can see it now.A complete line of "Camp Chickenbuck" items.Furniture,clothes,hunting ascessories.The "Camp Chickenbuck" video game.Dave is the new Super Mario overcoming all manner of obstacles to get to and from his stand.I love it.

Stan in SC

funny you should say that, we were telling Dave the same thing this weekend

That sounds like a good set up Stan, for sure!

Details on the doe for tzone & colorado.

I climbed into that stand we had called "sniper stand" on our map back at the cabin. I have since renamed the stand "oh $hit!"

It's in a tamarack swamp that has been growing & uprooting tamarack for thousands of years so the whole thing is a crater field with tall dry grass that lays over & hides the craters like pit traps. Plus it's recently been logged so along with the natural nastiness there are stumps & logs that add to the treachery. I think I told Ryan in a txt message from the stand that I was renaming it the "oh $hit" stand because of what you would have to go through to get a deer out of there.

Anyways, I'm facing south on the north edge of this tamarack cut with Ryans stand spot a 1/4 mile to the east of me. It's around 4:30 when I hear this deer blowing over by Ryan's spot. She'd blow about 5 times then stop. I know she didn't wind me or see me so it must have been something else that had her upset. She kept on like that so I decided to get on the grunt tube a little. I gave a few grunts & she stopped blowing. Well I think she worked through that cedar woods on the north side of that cut all the way across from Ryan's stand to mine to find this buck. (me

)

She came out behind me, she never came out of the cedars but she was just working the edge & watching out into the cut. I was turned around to my left as far as I could twist & I still couldn't shoulder the rifle to get on her. I had to anchor the 264 against my bicep & really reach with my neck to get a sideways peep through the scope. I made her out in the scope & I could barely reach the trigger with my fingertip. The rifle & scope were canted, it was just goofy. When I made her with the scope she was looking right at me so I was going to have to make a shot work without moving any more. There was just enough shoulder clearing a big tree to where I could burn one in tight to that tree & still get a good shoulder hit.

I touched it off, I can tell you the morning after that the .264 is best fired from the shoulder, not the bicep

It was a good clean take, pass through forward on both shoulders, busted stuff up pretty bad. I don't think she went 20 yds & she was done.

Cycled the bolt nice & slow, slipped the empty into my pocket & chambered another. Went to the spot I last saw movement with the scope & couldn't see anything. I waited a while then lowered my rifle on the string, climbed down & walked over to find her. She's a pretty good doe, I was happy to find her & for the first time ever I remembered that I had a pair of rubber gloves in my pocket. those gloves are great!! I did however forget to bring my sagen saw for the pelvis so I had to palm hammer my knife through the pelvis which ended up tearing the gloves on both palms but they still really kept ny fingers clean.

I took my belt off, leashed her up with a choker & started dragging across that horrible tamarack swamp. I got her to where I knew I could get to with an ATV then I left an orange stocking cap on a stick next to her so I could find her when I came back later.

I went back to the cabin & got bangflop's ATV & went in & got her, she's hangin nice & cool on the pole now. I can taste the backstraps already

Great story Dave! Headed out tomorrow to see if I can find an elk.

way to go Dave!

the reason I never sat in that stand was for that reason, it would be hell getting a deer out of there. and through them cedars/tamaracks would be just as fun.

she looks big though, and I bet she'll be delicious!

Speaking of eating backstraps...

ND, I've seen photos of your barbeques and I must say you get my mouth watering every time you post them. What is everyone's favorite way to prepare the straps? Mmmm, my mouth just started watering...

I like cooking a backstrap "loaf" rather than cooking individual steaks. the steaks can dry out so easy & toughen up but if you cook like half or a third of a strap while then slice it & it's just a little pink in the middle, wow, that's good stuff!

I like to hit em with a little smoke too & sometimes I'll marinate the whole loaf for half a week or so before i start.

Originally Posted by Muffy

That's funny, we were talking about the clothing line this weekend. I believe it will happen!

Will the blaze orange jackets come mud stained already, or will we have to add our own.

You might have to roll in your own mud.

They come without mud stains. You can special order it with them. But it will take longer to get because they have to sit of a wood pile for a few days.

Cool story on the doe. But I'm going to buy you a rope for next year. It's much easier than a belt....trust me.

After not seing much sign in the WI northwoods, I'll be happy to take a doe. I need to dirty that knive for Jelky.

Tell us aging how they get like that.

Well first you have to walk into a big mud puddle. Then you have to keep sinking. Then you just sit down so you don't sink anymore. Wait for someone to take your beer to safety. When they do, they come back and pull you out. Get back to camp, lay the clothing on the wood pile. It is best for them to bask in the sun for a few days.

Are you going to make it back to the swamp for the last season Tzone? see what happens when you dont come, they start shooting deers all over. not sure if they'll let you come back...bribes are good though.

Yeah, I'm probably banned.

I figured that would happen. I have that effect on camp. I leave and the deer come out. You see, my mear presence makes those deer scared, they know I'm out there lurking somewhere, rubber boots and velcro gloves at the ready.

No, I won't be up for the last weekend. Our opener here is this coming saturday.

thats too bad, been getting those crapolades a run. nice, smooth cocktail for after the hunt! we got another 8pt yesterday morning. the deer have kinda disappeared out in our neighbor hood. A neighboring camp by us did get a 12pt friday. nice deer too!

They're disapearing because you're shooting them all.

You guys are doing well. Did anyone take the buck pool from Lester yet?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well first you have to walk into a big mud puddle. Then you have to keep sinking. Then you just sit down so you don't sink anymore. Wait for someone to take your beer to safety. When they do, they come back and pull you out. Get back to camp, lay the clothing on the wood pile. It is best for them to bask in the sun for a few days.

Think this is the same process that they use to make stink bait for carp.

Think the Chickenbuck line of clothes and gear would be a winner. Just the campfire members alone could keep the interprise afloat.

lester still got the lead at our camp with his, 2 others weighed in at 164 and 160 so there all small young bucks. the bad part is he has to pay the camp fine of less than 8pts which we charge 50 that goes into our camp fund. so he may not get so much out of the contest this year. but its all to try and get bigger and better bucks.

is poor lester gonna break even anyways?

Guys, I got no time, but thought I would pop in quickly. I have to go to Las Vegas for work tomorrow for 3 days. never been there. Dont think I will like it much, but we will see.

Now for a teaser....my 14 year old brother Brian, shot a really nice 9 point buck on Sunday afternoon. A good story to boot that involves patience, a track star, a really, really long shot (CBF at 500? ahh, that's nothing...wait til you hear this one), and out-thinking the king of the woods.

I will get the details up as soon as i can. Until then....hasta la pasta!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I like cooking a backstrap "loaf" rather than cooking individual steaks. the steaks can dry out so easy & toughen up but if you cook like half or a third of a strap while then slice it & it's just a little pink in the middle, wow, that's good stuff!

I like to hit em with a little smoke too & sometimes I'll marinate the whole loaf for half a week or so before i start.

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Pardon my ignorance, but what is bacon "weave"?

I do that with the turky birds, might have to give it a try..

It all sounds good. buddy just seen the biggest buck he's ever seen and had double drop tines dave. It was out standing on some crp he mowes but another guy posted it this year. He only dared to look at it. that sucks. oh well, maybe he'll get out of that sanctuary and move on over to ours. We don't shoot on others land if we don't have permission, i wish others would look at our land that is posted like that too. Another doe taken last night dave, the numbers going up but sure alot slower than most years.

I might hunt tomorrow night.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Guys, I got no time, but thought I would pop in quickly. I have to go to Las Vegas for work tomorrow for 3 days. never been there. Dont think I will like it much, but we will see.

dude..I thought the same thing. I went there for a wedding (no not mine) a few years ago and it is now my one of my favorite vacations. I'm not a gambler, so I didn't think I'd like it much. There is a ton of stuff to do, and a lot of "scenery" to stare...I mean look at.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

It all sounds good. buddy just seen the biggest buck he's ever seen and had double drop tines dave. It was out standing on some crp he mowes but another guy posted it this year. He only dared to look at it. that sucks. oh well, maybe he'll get out of that sanctuary and move on over to ours. .

That is probably why he posted it. maybe got it on camera or something. Hope you get him Bushcy.

Lots to see (Emphisis on see) and do in Vegas. My daughter taught there for 15 years so the wife and I made many trips. You'd have to work at not having fun there.

I've been to Vegas a few times, and I love it there. There is so much to do. Most people think of never going because they don't gamble. I like to gamble and I hardly found the time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

You'd have to work at not having fun there.

Couldn't have said it better.

I enjoyed the old part more than the new part...can't remember the name of the old strip. That is where the history is.

Freemont!! me and the wife go every year just to get away, we dont gamble much, so much more to do there. the weather is warm, we go golfing...walking, sight seeing. just walking from place to place is fun, something to do in every casino without spending money. The Hawaiin Tropic International pagent was happening there 2 yrs ago. got to see lots of photo shoots there in the shark tank at the nugget! last year we seen Donald Trump come out with Miss Universe. wow!!! got pictures of that one and alot of them.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Freemont!!

that's it!

We have a friend that is the Human Resourses Manager at Mandalay Bay. He got us some special tour on the shark acquariam there. He got us a table at Emril Lagassi's sea food place in there, and they comped us the best restaurant food I've ever had!

Much, much more to do than gamble.

That would be Fremont Street Tom. Been there several times. Not the best part of Vegas to be in after dark. As long as you stay right in the Casino area you're pretty save, except for pick pockets. Don't stray out of the area though. Very high crime area.

The shopping is done and the gear is all packed. We head out to camp bright and early Thursday.

I have the camp chores done, chili cooked (thanks Grizzly_Bill), beer on ice, rifle re-sighted, jelky's knive ready to rock. Now I just need to wash and pack my stuff.

Its getting close, no matter how much I prepare, I feel like I forgot something. Maybe I should start drinking tonight.

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Pardon my ignorance, but what is bacon "weave"?

I'm thinkin it just means wrap it up in sliced bacon & cook it like that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Pardon my ignorance, but what is bacon "weave"?

I'm thinkin it just means wrap it up in sliced bacon & cook it like that.

Never did that with venni, but thinkin' I need to...Pronto.

Just don't ask Dave how to cook ribs... You'll never eat them in a restaurant again. Good lord that man can grill.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I can see it now.A complete line of "Camp Chickenbuck" items.Furniture,clothes,hunting ascessories.The "Camp Chickenbuck" video game.Dave is the new Super Mario overcoming all manner of obstacles to get to and from his stand.I love it.

Stan in SC

Here's Dave, playing the Camp ChickenBuck video game:
[Linked Image]

And here he is, standing in line to get more quarters:
[Linked Image]

On the other note, Nice Deer Dave! Nice Camp!

Aqualung

Originally Posted by Aqualung

Looks like somebody lost a bet.

Camp Chickenbuck items are just another great line of merchandiaze from Frickem All Industries. Just send $19.95 plus $1,500 S & H to Northern Dave Somewhere MN,59XXX. Your surprise Chickenbuck original may arrive in six to eight weeks, than again maybe not.

Just remember our moto. They sends us the money and we frickem all.

I am having major problems with our 2 neighbor dogs coming into our yard stealing and destroying our dogs toys. We have a wireless fence for Dozer but when the sh*t dogs come over he chases them and crosses his borderline. He never used to cross it. I'm just worried about him being hit by a car. Any suggestions? I have talked to the owner about it 3 times already and they do nothing about it.

BB gun, the pump up kind
see if you can get some rock salt small enough to fit in it, cut the end of a Qtip off and load it like its a BB. then put some of the rocksalt in the barrel, almost like a pnuematic ML shotgun, only mini.
then pump it up till your arms are sore. when said dogs come around, shoot em in the A$$ with it. see if that works.

CampChickenBuck Orange clothing and embroidered clothing line of all kinds along with knives and The Preachers lesson book on how to get your buck. Weezy collectable pink chickenbuck cellphones , guns and 2 way radio, RWS Special Cold Weather and Elk hunting gear, NorthernDave signature Ford Truck Baja, Polaris SnowMachine and ATV ChickenBuck Racing... This would RULE!!!!

not to mention the chickenbuck Tattoo! a must have for any sportsman!

Muffy, apparently the neighbor doesn't give a s**t, or they would have tried to do something. Time to take it to the local animal control officals.

In the mean time you can Jack the voltage up to max on the wireless fence. May stop Dozer from crossing it, but don't count on it. If that fails keep Dozer tied up until the situation gets resolved. Better that than having him hit by a car.

One last thing, a 50/50 mixture of ammonia and water sprayed on a dogs azz tends to get their attention.

Gottta have Northern Dave's BBQ Sauce and book of grilling secrets.

Shoot 'em....the owners I mean.

I have the same problem with HUGE sasquatch of a mut that leaves turds the size of a Buick in my yard. I talked to them several times, and nothing came of it. I broght a shovel to their house, put it on there door step with a note to come over and clean up their dog's [bleep]. It has been tollerable since.

That ogre of a dog has been over a few times, but I usually chase his ass with a shovel back to his yard, praying just once that I'll catch that sucker.

It's a pretty funny sight for the neighbors I'm sure... watching fat Tom chase the neighbor dog across 2 yards, swinging a shovel in his boxers, in calf deep snow....maybe that's why they don't come over any more.

Hmmmmmmm.The makings of yet another video game in the "Northern Dave" series."Mario TZONE chases the dog".Man I'm telling you this has the possibilities to make Disney look small.
Big chunk of land with rides,video parlors."DAVE WORLD".Movie starring RWS with a couple of funny sidekicks like Dorothy in OZ.
"Follow the Chickenbuck Road".
Parody to "Casablanca".Last scene shows Dave and Buschpilot walking off together saying "This could be the start of a good friendship".
I'm telling you the possibilities that I can think of right now are endless and I'm still sober.

Stan in SC

Yeah they are kind of different. They have 5 kids and they are going to adopt another one from Honduras. They are never home. I should call the humane society, and turn them in for animal neglect. That is where they got them.

Dozer's fence is already set at the max.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have the same problem with HUGE sasquatch of a mut that leaves turds the size of a Buick in my yard. I talked to them several times, and nothing came of it.

So Tom, your talking to dog poop now? Kind of a one sided conversation isn't it.

Had a landscaper tell me that he was hired by someone to clean up the dog poop that the neighbors dog was leaving in his yard and to bill the neighbor. He did and guy told him afterwards that he never had another problem. Neighbor paid the bill by-the-way.

Muffy, File a conplaint with the authorities. Getting hit with a fine will generally get their attention.

If I had known it was going to be such a problem, I would have saved what was left of all the toys they ruined, and sent it to them with a bill. I know the count is over 50 toys. When you add that up, it is alot of money.

The worst thing about it is they would chew them up in our yard and leave the mess for us.

A complaint with the authorities sounds like a good idea.

Dad and I are headed for Chickenbuck in the morning.

Good luck to everyone and have a great thanksgiving. Heading to camp early Thursday morning.

Good luck to you too.

Hi my name is Rooster. Some of you may remember me. I have been away for a while mainly due to this evil thing called WORK. (Which I'm at now due to demands from these evil things called BOSSES!)
Any hoot, Ma let the cat out of the bag today that the barn boards are up inside camp chicken buck and I had to go to the campfire to check them out since...cough cough....I didn't get the phone call to HELP PUT THEM UP...cough cough.

Near as I can tell I'm about exactly 100 pages behind on this thread so if someone could be so kind as to tell me the date the shack pics were posted, I would greatly appreciate it. I don't have time to read it all tonight since I have to get home and finish cuttin up 'ol mr. whiteytail.

Wonder if Plays with Matches is shaving yet...

Hey all, just checking in from Vegas. I have lost $14 so far. I am not very good at gambling. I have played about 15 different machines and lost on 14 of them. I only lose a dollar or 2 per machine, then bail. Been in meetings for the most part, but might have some time tomorrow.

Good luck to those hunting. I am done hunting deer, we are tagged out and our season is over anyway. there are some roosters that are in plenny heap of trouble though....

plenty left to do on the boards rooster...

Run back a couple of pages, you'll see them. I have some on the pics I posted from opener. Should be a2-3 pages back.

You headed out to the chickenbuck this weekend Dave? How bout you Tzone? i am thinking i going to hunt real hard tonight. I had 13 in front of me last night, just not the right opportunity and don't like to shoot too late. Lestifer and I are heading to camp tonight again for a final weekend hoorah! everyone else will be up tomorrow night again. Good luck You all!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

there are some roosters that are in plenny heap of trouble though....

Did I pizz Ma off???

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Pardon my ignorance, but what is bacon "weave"?

just weave bacon over / under to fit meat . tooth pick in place and cook.

Kidnapped pics to show :

[Linked Image]

some folks have too much time on thier hands lol :

[Linked Image]

I have made two turkeys on the grill wrapped in woven bacon.
There were hardly any leftovers.

I've got about 1/2 a backstrap that is not cut up yet from an " Oh Schitt" 5 pt . ( " Oh Schitt" = why did I shoot this deer this far out .) Mile and 3/4 as the crow flies back to camp

I'll try the weave on it after season closes and I get the smoker fired up at home.
The 2 wheel deer cart from cabellas is a wonderful thing once ya make it back to a trail .
Wife asked for a bear for the freezer ( she's not a big venison fan , but loved the bear I got a few years ago ) so I guess I'll just have to get back to camp try to get one for her .

Wow, I think an artery clogged just looking at the bacon weave. The drool falling into my keyboard probably didn't do it any good.

Dang, that looks delicious!

ahh, Rooster, that is why I said "some" and not "all". Fortunately, you are not in a heap of trouble....as long as you pay back that money you owe me.

Heading for camp for the last weekend of rifle season.

you all have a good weekend.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Fortunately, you are not in a heap of trouble....as long as you pay back that money you owe me.

HEY sometimes a guy just needs a date and your sister needed the cash.

Originally Posted by M1894

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by elkhunter76

Wrap one is a bacon weave and cook it on your grill......

Pardon my ignorance, but what is bacon "weave"?

just weave bacon over / under to fit meat . tooth pick in place and cook.

Kidnapped pics to show :

[Linked Image]

some folks have too much time on thier hands lol :

[Linked Image]

or

http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/04/bacon-bra-brassiere-womens-edible-underwear.html

Well, I am sure my sister set you up with a nice man.

You really didnt need to pay her though, she loves to set people up!

Just heard from Dave, they have 4 deer hanging from the pole now, for a total of 6 for the season. and the big news is Pam got a spike this morning!
so both she and I ended our cold streaks this season!!! woohoo!!!!!

I couldn't be there this weekend, I have to play catch up and work on physics and ecology homework. yuck! I would WAY rather be at camp right now, I bet the place is just hopping with high fives and high spirits. way to go guys! and gals!

Oh yeah, it's all over now. Watching the sun set, lookin at my watch... yep, 2009 MN rifle season is over right now.

It sure was a good season though, I have some pics to post & stories to tell. I need to get my boots off & find my back brace & a beer first though

Season in Mn. is what,two weeks?I guess I am spoiled by the season here in South Carolina.Gun season runs from mid October to Jan.1st.

Stan in SC

there is taalk of them opening a season in january in the TB zone, I think I read that on the DNR website, no confirmation as of last time I looked though

Depends on the zone. In Zone 2 where I hunt, firearms is 9 days (2 weekends and the week in between) Zone 1 is 16 days. We used to have a 2 day season, so we're slowly improving. One of these years, I may just pass on a legal buck.

Actually Stan the greater part of MN only has a 1 week season, Chickenbuck is located in the area of the state that has a two week season & we're pretty glad because we need 2 weeks.

OK I'll post some pictures up.

What does everybody think of this for kitchen wallpaper for the cabin?

[Linked Image]

CBF brought a couple of friends up this weekend & one of them came up with the idea to peel birch bark off some of our firewood & staple it to the wall for wallpaper.

I kind of like it.

Here's what ND cooks for breakfast sometimes. (along with eggs & pancakes of course)

[Linked Image]

eener the dog with a couple young hunters.

[Linked Image]

And of course the big news, Pam has been on a dry spell with the deer. She doesn't hunt nearly as much as I do, she used to hunt with her dad and the last time she got a deer... well it was almost 20 years ago

So this is a big deal:

[Linked Image]

She anchored the spiker, 125 gr rem core lock 30-06. Took the lungs & heart, very nice take, well done.

Would be best if I let her post & tell her own deer story.

Here's a few shots by our fuzzy wind chime. (2 have already been taken down, we were 6 for our rifle season)

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2267.jpg[/img]

The mighty hunter.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2270.jpg[/img]

And me hobbling around with my bad back.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2269.jpg[/img]

Way to go Camp Chickenbuck! 6 pole hangers in one season. And Mrs. N.D. finally breaks her long drought. I bet that feels nice.

Great season,Pam!!!!

Stan in SC

I think I see brow tines on the MrsND's deer congratulate her on her fork.

yep, he's damn near a 3 point

hey bucktail, you just posted post number 5500 on the deercamp thread! Wooo!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yep, he's damn near a 3 point

Stingy bastidge...

Oh my gosh I just went back & re read this. See I started a post while I had burgers going in the kitchen at home here and I lost my original post while i was away from the computer.

Anyways, my original post had news about Dusty's deer too! He's been hunting up here for 3 years with us now & he ended his dry spell this morning with a 200 yd shot on what looked like a doe, ended up beeing a nubby.

The one hanging between dusty & I in this photo.

[Linked Image]

I can't tell for sure but it seems like he's happy in the photo?

Hi all...I asked Dave to post the 'story' since he is way better at writing than I but he wouldn't. So bare with me, please.

Yesterday morning Dave took me threw the swamp to the "TZone" stand for morning post. I had taken my watch off the night before just shortly before bed and forgot it in the cabin so I had no idea what time it was getting to be. I had decided that I would wait and try to hear when Dusty went back to the cabin, that would be breakfast time and time to get down even though I was starting to get chilly. The sun had come up and I was thinking how beautiful it was looking over the forest and running threw my head all the happenings of the past week and what I needed to do for the upcoming week. I was even wondering if your eyeballs get cold...weird to think I know.

Anyways, I had my wool mittens on and had stuck my hands inside my jacket pockets when I heard some rustling in the cane grass. I just brushed it off as Dave coming to check on how things were going when I saw the most beautiful site I hadn't seen in quite a while....a deer! My eyes about popped out of my head and then I thought "how the heck am I gonna get my hands out without the deer hearing me?" He continued to mill around, stopping now and then while I got my hands out, one mitten on and one mitten off. I was watching and trying to figure a good spot to shoot since there were small trees and brush everywhere. Then he went behind a big evergreen tree just before the cedar forest and I thought &*%$# I lost my chance now and he's going in the cedars. To my amazement,he turned and was coming back to me. Well then I had to try and get somewhat turned since I shoot right handed. I got my body shifted a little bit but my mitten did stick to the velcro like it was supposed to. How the heck am I gonna shoot with this thing flopping back and forth? Is it gonna get in the way? Will I be able to see? Well I got it figured out and thought "Pam it's now or never". I had him in the scope and BAMMMMM! He went down, ran, would fall, ran a little more and fell for the last time. His head went down and he was done. I didn't know at the time that it was a buck, was just hoping it wasn't the size of Ryan's since I gave him so much crap the weekend before.

Ok so he's down, I'm shaking so bad and taking deep breathes, giggling to myself too, thinking OMG I shot a deer. Then it hits me...what do i do now? Should I yell to Dave? Is he gonna know that I shot? Should I get down and walk back to the cabin? Should I just sit here? I should probably calm down a little. Well here comes Dave! He stops and looks at me, I motioned for him to get over here. He walks a little closer and whispers "is it dead". I about fell out of the stand from shaking my head YES so hard. He started laughing when he stops and saw where the first blood was. OOHHHHH!!! Then I rattled off the whole story to him, just grinning the whole time. RWS shortly followed to where we were, smiling like heck. "Mom did you shoot one" he kept saying. YEP!!

Dave started talking me threw the 'gutting' process but I let him take over because we would have been there for days if I had done the whole thing. Got back to the cabin to see that Dusty and Muffy were back. Dusty gave me a huge hug which followed by Muffy and Weezie. Then I had to run threw the story again, but I didn't mind. I finished and asked Dusty about his exciting morning and congrats to him as well.

My goodness it was a blast. FINALLY!

Sorry to all this got so lengthy but I had to tell the story AGAIN.

I have to say that I'm quite proud of our family and friends. Proud that we have established such a comfortable place with the help of all that has been a part and will continue to be a part of Camp Chickenbuck. I appreciate the time spent with all that come and all that read about our 'big adventures'. I truly love any and all time that Dusty and Muffy can spare to come up to the Camp. The two of you are a hoot!! Now we need to get working on the apparel for Camp Chickenbuck. Hats, coats, tshirts, sweatshirts, etc. Oh what the imagination of a five year old boy can start...ha! Thanks for listening all.

Awesome post!

Great story telling!! See nobody can tell your deer story for you! You have to do it yourself for so many reasons, fun aint it?

Pam did really good everybody. I tell you, I would have had to have shouldered the rifle for a left handed shot to make the shot she pulled off from that stand. She put that bullet in the right spot that's for sure. Shoulder entrance, lungs, she separated the heart from it's pluming, that deer wasn't going anywhere!

She stayed calm, pulled off the shot & her enthusiasm was so genuine, she was ecstatic! What a hoot!

Good job Pam!

Very nice indeed and you don't look or act anything like Dave has mentioned (very unflattering). Let me know when he gets kicked to the curb....

Congrats on the deer!

She's at work now with her office full of snooty "townie girls", none of them are all that happy for her hunting success.

They probably all think it is very cruel & that meat should be bought at the grocery store where the store people "make it".

Want me to come up and breed the stupid out off those blue state living, Obama loving chicks?

They'll be sausage hounds by the time I leave.

TFF!!

that's probably just what they need

Great Job Pam!

great story Pam! that is awesome!
are those horns going to be mounted to a hat proper like?

I had a wonderful time again this weekend. Thanks Dave for bringing me through the swamp to the stand where I watched them 2 fawns. Eventhough it was something I was not going to shoot at, I enjoyed watching them.

Sunday morning was great! I didn't see anything, but a bunch of chattering squirrels. I was sitting in the grey ladder stand and I heard a shot behind me. I knew it was dad. My heart started pounding hard, I was just glad someone in our hunting party was seeing something to shoot at. Then not long after that, there was another close shot. I knew it had to be Dave or Pam.

Dad and I got back to the shack, and we found out it was Pam. It was great to see how excited she was when she told her story.

did you guys get some patches then for the TB check?

No they didn't. When we went to the store to register the deer, nobody was there testing.

That's right, I am very, very dissapointed that we couldn't find any DNR reps to test our deer.

Very dissapointed.

I guess they would rather kill there own & test them than test deer that hunters shoot.

I'm pretty mad about that.

I would be too, thats BS
they should be there til 8pm last day of season.
they want the deer shot so they can test, yet they are slacking on the testing

I thought for sure they would be there on the last day. I was really shocked, that really tells me alot about the DNR.

Just like the MN moose hunt we were told to drop off samples to the tech at the registration stations, no tech but one guy from fisheries was there and he made it clear he had nothing to do with wildlife and literally ran from the store.

Dave-did you get the pontoons mounted on the fish house yet?

it's spray foamed, it floats without pontoons

Hopefully not like your river crossing raft ;O

ROCK ON ChickenBuckCamp and all the success! A Special Congrats to Pam!!! Way to go guys and gals!!!!

So far kiddo one and Dad none, I've had this doe and fawn infront of me feet away many times but just can't bring myself to wack one. They play around together for hours infront of my haybale blind so Awesome to just watch sometimes.

Our doe only season starts tomorrow and last thru two weekends yet, and bow season opens again too so I have time. Right now I've been toying with alot of projects at work and home. Kiddo has no clue but we have some new style hunting coming next season in the big woods like you all do. I'm envious as that is what I call truely rewarding success.

Great stories and pics and Thanks for sharing.

Well we have about an inch of snow on the ground here. Hopefully they get some snow at Chickenbuck, and it stays for Muzzeloader hunting this weekend. Good luck to all.

are the firearms TB tags still good for muzzleloader?

yes they are, you just need to buy a mzl loader license... not sure how that works? did you have to buy non res or?

is camp Chickenbuck open this weekend again? when are you headed out dave, Bringin Muffy back too? "Life is Good at CHickenbuck" -New ad slogan for you. even get those trademarked magnetic can coozies too!! Let ER' Buck!!

Should we get the magnetic can coozies, or the ones you bolt to the door.

have to get the magnetic ones....never know which side the door you may be on...and if you fall to the floor you may not be able to reach it.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Let ER' Buck!!

Count me in for a few of those. I dig it.

Happy 16th birthday daughter Weezy!!

Woooo!!!

Weezy got a car for her birthday.

It's old tho.....

Not new.

damn old junk...

1965....

Happy b-day Weezy.

And congrats to becoming the most popular chick in school. All the dads will be asking for rides, cuz most of the young punks don't know whatch got there girl.

Dave will be following them around in Browine.

Heck, even the dash looks good.

I love me some mustang.

A very Happy Birthday to Weezy.Good looking Mustang.
Also a very Chickenbuck Thanksgiving to all here.Hope you have a great day.

Stan in SC

I'll check, if I can get a res license I might do it, especially since I still have a doe tag. since I already bought one res license do I have to buy a non res? that is the questions.
guess we'll see.
I'll have to check that out

that's what I was asking, if you had to buy non res or if you are able to buy resident license. Because all you do is go buy a black powder license now & your tags will transfer into that season I believe.

happy turkey day everybody!!!

Same to you ND!

Ingwe

Back atcha Dave- the one day a year when flipping someone the bird ain't a bad thing!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We are at my Mother in laws and it already smells great in here. Good thing we're eating at 12:30 or it would be a long day.

Dave and Ryan, you need to buy a seperate license to hunt black powder? Kinda crappy. Here a gun license is a gun license. If you don't shoot one during rifle season, you can use your tags during black powder.

I'll check on it, worse case they tell me no

Holy crap! Dave you and Pam can adopt me. My birthday isn't till September, but I could wait.

I'd say you got a pretty kick ass b-day present from your dad too, there lady.

If you don't like it...I'll take it.

Yes I did. I love it! I just can't wait till next summer so I can ride it. It was the best birthday present ever!

Anybody coming up to chickenbuck besides Justin?

He's maybe out there already.

I had to skin & quarter our 2 deer from rifle season. It's all in a big tote in front of the house and should cool off really nice (is cool and has been cool) just saying should stay cool till i can get it cut & wrapped.

Weezy & I are going to tinker with her car a bit & I will head to chickenbuck tonight too, black powder opens tomorrow.

I was hoping to make it, but I can't this weekend. good luck you guys!!!!

Good luck guys. Is there any snow up there? I sat in the woods near my house tonight. You guessed it, no deer sighted.

I did see a crapload of turkeys though. Easily 30 of them.

nuthin, I'm back home tonight, Justin went back home too.

Justin saw a doe this morning & I had a deer right behind my stand, buck, I could hear the antlers hitting branches.

sat tonight & saw nothing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sat tonight & saw nothing.

That makes two of us.

Well, I did see about 30 turkey's or so...again.

Tom, turkeys is (hic) better than nothing....Im just looking at the deer on the jagermister bottle left over from camp.

Well, I have one more shot at it tonight. I have a migraine though, since about 4am. If that doesn't clear up, I'm not doing anything. This is the longest I've ever had one. Really starting to suck.

I came home last night from camp & woke up this morning to snow on the ground

Boy do I wish I was out there this morning.

Dave, we stopped out saturday night, Gate closed, lights off in the forest, i think they closed the forest down for you. Hoping to see some deer hangin' around out there. Sounds like some good snow coming in the next night or so. then those deer will stand out!

Sorry about that.

I had a bunch of work to do at home so I left camp & locked up after evening post.

sweet car you got for the daughter. she's one lucky girl. I hope she keeps that for a long time. I had heard there was alot of shooting out in the forest this weekend. Do you think the deers are moving more out there now?

I was hunting all day saturday & there wasn't any shooting. Sunday with the new snow might have changed that though.

Yeah I think it will be better this weekend.

Hopefully rooster will be coming up this weekend too.

I borrowed a muzzle loader, and I'm going to punish myself (not in the way that busch piolt punishes himself though.

)some more this weekend. Supposedly there is an 8pt that is running around near where I bow hunt. I'd like to get a crack at him.

Some snow would be nice, but I don't think that will happen here.

well, i think you should come up this way for some punishment tzone, find a tree out in the pines, i happen to find a new bottle of lemonade for the trip out....

I won't be able to come up for a while, but I'd like to. It would be nice to hunt where there is some snow for once.

I'll have to get a muzzle loader of my own. I haven't done hunted with one for a few years, but i need to.

i almost think i would like to get into that. none of the guys in my hunting party hunt with them. I was offered to go on a hunt down in perham this year, a guy said he's got way to many deer down there and wants some taken. sounded like a good deal, the wife didn't think so though.

Hey BP, Perham is my neck of the woods. If you come this way let me know and maybe dad and I could meet up with you for a beer.

Watch out for the mud holes, and jumping fire wood if you do that.

I like beers!!! i think that would be a blast! What a Barrel O" Fun that would be huh? we dang near had a whole tree jump out behind us the other night at chickenbuck. Need a bigger turnaround at the gate for those dark nights...and we were early too. I think we just missed dave out there

Yeah there is something about the trees and firewood out at Chickenbuck. You really have to watch out for them. Oh and the mud holes too.

Muzzle loader hunting is much fun.I hunt a lot during regular gun season with one.I started using a muzzle loader in 1979.
My present one is a T/C New Englander in .54.

Stan in SC

Hey chicken buckaroos, it's snowing.

this will make for some good smoke pole hunting this weekend!!

Snowing out good too!! getting slippery! going to make those deer move now.

I got a loaner smoke pole for runswithscissors to use so I guess we better get him a license tonight.

We're supposed to get some snow this week. I borrowed a muzzy loader from a guy here at work, so I'm going to give it a go in a small wood lot near home.

Glad to hear it is snowing, hopefully they will be moving around more. At least you will be able to track them better. Tell RWS I hope he gets one. Good luck to you both.

Good luck to all you muzzeloader hunters.

dave if you need another one you can borrow mine, shoots well and it doesn't look like I'll make it muzzleloader this year

folks are coming up this weekend, and next weekend is right before finals. I could run it up though if you needed it.
Muffy, you're welcome to take it too and head up, I'll be in lake park weds afternoon til sunday, I can bring it with me

We be back!

Happy belated birthday Weezy!

Pam, congratulations on your buck and to everyone else that got a deer this year.

Went into this years deer season with low expectations based on last years results. Our group of 5 actually saw more deer this year than last. We had a total of 38 sightings. We saw 7 bucks on opening morning. Six spikes and one forked horn that ran by me in full afterburner. I wasn't able to get a shot off at it.

One of the guys did shoot one of the spikes. We all passed on does hoping it would help rebuild the herd.

Weather was way to warm. Several days in the low 50's and many in the mid 40's. All I had with me was cold weather gear as it was late November in Northern WI. Finally cooled down last weekend and we picked up an inch of snow.

Wolves were active and the bears were out roaming around. We found a lot of their tracks after it snowed.

From all the reports we heard the deer kill is down from 25 to 30% from last year. The state is talking about a 16 day season for next year.

we must have 3 to 4" of snow on the ground right now 7 it's still falling.

Welcome back Bill!!

Where the heck was that 4 weeks ago?

Get that camp ready...I'll be there in 48 weeks.

Probably sooner, but the 2010 season is upon us.

I'm glad to hear you have some snow up there. We only have a dusting of it here from a week ago. It should make hunting better this weekend for you all. Who is going to be there this weekend.

Dad and I were talking about coming back up and working on the birch and putting more wood on the walls. When we figure out when we will let you know.

No snow in bemidji, still waiting...

Happy BDay Weezy!!! Way Cool Ride ya got there from Mom and Dad too!!!!! Dave and Pam as parents you ROCK!!!

As always I'm lurking just unable to post from work and I gotta say Dave on another thread you need MUD Grips.. Not ATerrain but true Maximum Mudders, my tires are called Mud Masters and they DIG in snow Big time...

We had a Great Tday and hope everyone here did too. Finally cooling down some to get the deer moving calling for snow here too. Please send Lots down!!!

My newest creation is an ammo can wood stove from a 30mm can for my winter tent camps. Boy one of those stocked full of wood puts out some heat!

One thing I have been wondering is where is the preacher? Has he managed to catch a flying bear yet? What about a swampsquid?

What about Capt.BangFlop what is The Boy or ummm Da Man been up to? Well thats enough for now I'll be back to check in soon.

Hey wabber, sup man?

I like the sounds of that ammo can stove!

the boys are great man! runs with scissors will be joining the big boys for muzzle loader hunting this weekend.

that's a big boy gig up here for us, truly a guy thing

sep fer if muffy came up... then it would be a guy thing elevated cause we'd all have to try to be as tough as she is

the preacher Joe is in fine form. he figures the swamp squid got this deer, I tend to agree.

[Linked Image]

PS, my cat charm continues.

I don't know why the cats tend to find me in the woods... I just deal with it the best I can.

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Suhweeeeeeeet big Bobcat ND..

Congrats................

Ingwe

I shined it with a spotlight, stalked it, jumped on it & wrung it's neck.

Or maybe that was a jack rabbit... I get my critters mixed up....

Come to think of it this critter was quite toothy & died about 80 yds from me.

Now that's a good size cat Dave. According to my SIL there have been cougar sightings near his camp just off of Hyw 8 near Catawba, WI.

We hear about big cat sightings in our area too, I've never seen one around here but I do believe they are around.

There was a big one hit by a car down in bemidji which is only a couple hours from us.

that's "Bermiji" to the locals.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey nice kitty Dave! Did you call him in, or just see him sneaking through the woods?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Now that's a good size cat Dave. According to my SIL there have been cougar sightings near his camp just off of Hyw 8 near Catawba, WI.

10-4 on the cougar Bill. I heard that from no less than 50 people last week. Every time a guy got out of a truck...."hey ju hear bout dat cat?"

he was slinking through.

way to go on the cat dave!
we might need to get together and do some calling setups this winter!
I'm already planning a predator hunt in CO/NM over spring break

We should do something in dec.

I think bobcat closes in Jan?

there's lots of coyotes around too though.

I'd like to get into that vermit stuff. We have lots of coyotes around here. Cats too, but it takes an act of God, and 5 years of application to get a permit for ONE. Friggin' WI DNR.

We have a lot of bobcats.

And they eat my timber chickens.

Actually they eat rabbits mostly.

A rabbit bit the dust right behind the cabin this fall on the trail. Rabbit fur everywhere, probably a bobcat got him.

I've heard rabbits squeeling when I've been hunting out there too, could be hawks, owls, coyote, bobcat.. dang, rabbits have it rough!!

That rabbit on the trail....the one I thougt was a grouse fur.

Pretty sure a swamp squid nailed that sucker. Way to much hair spread around for a bobcat.

As much as I know they eat the timber chickens, I'd like to get a cat mounted, swatting or carrying a grouse.

yeah that would be cool.

or maybe one like this...

[Linked Image]

BANG!!!!!! the fur really flies off the smaller varieties

Dave I still have not recieved an email on the design for the Chickenbuck hats yet. I will go in there today to find out what is taking so long.

I will also find out prices on the other items.

.264WM that sucker.

Speaking of cats...last year during muzzle loader season near my home town in west Georgia a guy hunting on a management area shot and killed a cougar.There were pictures of him with it.The Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife did all kind of tests on it and the official story was that it was either a Florida one a long way from home or an unregistered(illegal)one that had either escaped or had been set free.
There was all kinds of hullabaloo over it with some people saying he should have let it walk and others siding with his having shot it.I never heard the final outcome but it seems the authorities were debating over filing charges against him.
If I had been sitting up in a tree and a cougar walked under me I would have shot it also.I'll try to find the post on that forum and put it in here.
O>K> here's the thread.There's a picture down a couple of posts.
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=265172&highlight=cougar+killed+georgia
In most all of the Southern states there have been undocumented sightings of both black panthers and cougars.The DNR in each state denies the existence.

Stan in SC

Alright, it has been a busy few weeks and I havent had a chance to post my brother's buck and story. Without further adeiu....

Brian hunted hard all season, dawn to dark on more than one day. He passed on half a dozen small bucks hoping for a shot at a nice one. We saw a dandy in the lights of the four wheelers one morning by our stands and I think that gave him hope.

the last day of the season and we arranged for a little drive. i had him go sit on the point of a 50 acre woods and Dad and I went to walk a willow lined creek that holds deer usually....but I have never seen a big buck there. We get into some cattails while walking and deer explode out everywhere...but no buck. Then another deer takes off. Another doe. We decide someone had to go into the knee deep water and see if there is anything else in there. So in I go. Another deer busts out.....but it too is a doe. I am now wet up to my knees and my waterproof boots are holding the water IN. Dad and I continue along and about 400 yards from Brian, a doe and a buck break out of the willows. A big buck. I hotfoot it out of the willows and I could have shot him at 80 yards, but it was in the general direction of where Brian was sitting, so I let it go. OH NO, it is turning the wrong way! I take off across the CRP yelling at the deer to turn back toward Brian. I like to say that I outran the buck with my waterlogged boots, but Dad seems to think it was the yelling that turned him. The buck runs over a small rise out of site, heading for Brian. Then silence (well, if you disregard the wheezing and huffing I am making anyway). About the time I am convinced it didnt work. THA-WUMPF.....THA-WUMPF. The buck ran right down the fenceline that Brian was sitting on. His first shot was about 12 yards coming pretty much right at him. The second was at 7 yards. Two great shots and the deer went 20 more yards. 18 inch inside spread, 9 points and one pretty excited 14-year old boy!

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Great buck! Congrats to the lad.

That's great!!

Tell him congrats!!

Good story!

Get those boots dried out so you can come make a drive for me this weekend

BM, congrats to your brother. Good thing them swamp lizards or whatever didn't get you.

squids...

Grizz I think Berettaman hunts south of the Swamp Squid medicine line nominally called Hwy 2. But they do have those terrible ditch parrots in that area.

Originally Posted by big drift

But they do have those terrible ditch parrots in that area.

What do Artic Cats have anything to do with it?

oh, that's ditch pickle...

First I must say: �What a beautiful family.� Both blood related and extended and including the 4 legged ones too. Its not everyday that you�d find such a great family. Certainly not everyday that you�ll find a family that will hunt, fish, camp, work and play together so very well. I am hoping one day my little one(s) will hunt and camp and fish with me, though it may be a while as the little one is 18months old right now (Probably a little early).

Second, what an awesome project. Thanks for the pictures along the way. Gives me lots of ideas and a hope one day that I could have an awesome place like this� I would caution you however on posting these pictures as I'm sure soon a great deal of people will be driving around looking for your slice of heaven...

Third, what a nice fleet of toys, trucks and tools� I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that�s what we all hope to have one day�

And finally, keep us all posted as this project and your lives continue. It truly is a beautiful sight to see...

Welcome to the fire CumminsHunter.

Grab a stump and stick around.

Thanks for the kind words & welcome to the campfire forums.

Welcome to the fire, but stay alert. There are swamp squid/lizards, flying bears and ditch parots/pickles just waiting to srike.

Snow is coming down right now. Where the heck was it during the deer season when we needed it?

Yep, it is very rare that we have Swamp Squid issues where I hunt. We are a couple hours south of Hwy 2, so they dont get down here much.

Ditch parrots though...they can be thick and if they gang up on you....watch out. I do my best to keep the population under control.

"Ditch parrots though...they can be thick and if they gang up on you...."

I may have experienced this phenom a time or two......

Thanks for such kind words, CumminsHunter. And most importantly "welcome to the camp". Stick around I'm sure we will have more adventures ahead. As Weezie said once "my life is like a cartoon". And as Muffy said "I'd like to live with you guys, I know there's never a dull moment".

The boys are at the cabin this weekend. -5 degrees this morning, wonder if the deer are moving around. If they aren't at least we are making ice, right? PWM and I might run out to the cabin while Weezie is working this morning. Dave thought I packed his bag but in actuality I just took the dirty ones out from last time and left the clean ones in there. So he has no clothes, sigh. Everyone have a good weekend and stay warm.

oh yeah and I have to ask...did you read the entire thread? And if you did...oh my!
How long did it take you??? Just had to ask.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Dave thought I packed his bag but in actuality I just took the dirty ones out from last time and left the clean ones in there. So he has no clothes, sigh. Everyone have a good weekend and stay warm.

Dave's at the shack... in -5* temps...with no clothes.

with Roosterjim.... I wonder how they'll keep warm.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

oh yeah and I have to ask...did you read the entire thread? And if you did...oh my!
How long did it take you??? Just had to ask.

I do it about once a year. I mark the page I left off on, and come back to it. It takes probably 2-3 hours, but I never really paid attention to how long it took.

WI DNR says there will NOT be a 16 day deer season in 2010, due to the low deer kill this year. Article appeared in this mornings Milwaukee Sentinal.

Hi MrsD.
You should see if Mossy Oak makes garanimals; that way Dave could pack and dress himself.

oh what a great weekend at chickenbuck! the new snow is beautiful, the cool temps are great, we had great food, good company, it was a hoot.

Here are a couple of photos.

Here's Rooster manning the cook stove

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Here's the bear head as a hand puppet, he has a great voice

Here's my trail across the swamp.

[Linked Image]

couple of shots of a good rub, repeat rub.

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my boy touchin off the smoke boom!

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But the question is did ya get anything,see anything?

no deer, but i like the muzzle loader

No Bill, sadly all was silent in the big woods. I was also very disapointed in my trail cam that bangflop & I put out last sat, the trail past the cam was absolutely pounded with deer trafic but the cam was locked up, didn't take a single picture

I reset it and it is good to go now but I missed out on a weeks worth of cold tamp battery life on a trail that saw a lot of activity. I just want to get a picture of the buck we've been after, jeesh! Even if we can't get him we'd like to see what he looks like.

I have a couple more pictures here.

The view from one of the stands I occupied over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

here's the eener dog's favorite spot out at the cabin.

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I took these photos as RWS & I were leaving the woods in the truck yesterday, nice huh?

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RWS, you got to use the cool one too. I like those flintlocks. Have to pay attention or they'll make you flinch though.

That was actually a percussion cap model he was using. Neat little gun though, 60 gr of actual black powder (GOEX), a patch & a round ball.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have a couple more pictures here.

The view from one of the stands I occupied over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

Hey, I know that spot!

That sucks about the trail cam. It's scary that forky knows how to opperate those suckers. He must be part of DPS (deer protection service), where they don't even let you see their idenity...he must be into some serious bad stuff.

What a night at chickenbuck. you missed out again tzone! dave's very good HOT elk chili going on, some good stories from RWS and the snow in the forest is awesome. all in all, a great trip!! Thanks again Dave and All!!

You bet! Sure was a fun night! Thanks to you & Les for coming out. It's always a hoot when you guys come out for a visit.

Great photos Dave. Love the one of Eener under the wood stove. Reminds me of my late brothers Basset Hound. It would lay under the wood burner all day. Surprised he wasn't roasted.

Need some input on trail cameras. My buddy wants to get one for bear hunting and is asking me for a recommendation. My SIL has 2 Cuddybacks, but is not real happy with them. He's had a number of problems with his. Anyone had any experience with the Moltre (Sp) cameras?

I have a Wildview and it has been okay. It didnt take a single picture this year, but that was prolly more my fault for not putting it out!

The picture quality is decent, not great, but decent. I havent had problems with it mechanically. It wasnt very expensive either....a hunert bucks I think.

Beautiful pics of the woods after a snow. Man, there is just something about that.....

I picked up a cuddieback this past spring and i like it. Its simple to set-up and nice pictures too. long battery life on it. I was surprised. I had a moultrie last year and set it up with the solar panel and everything and could not get it to take a picture. not sure what the issue was.

I'd go with the cuddyback. At $199, they are a great camera for the price.

I'm going to get one soon with my Christmas money...I've been naughty, so it might not be much.

mine is a wildview and it's let me down a few times now, it just spazzes out & decides it's not going to take any pictures.

Great Pictures Dave. The snow is beautiful. At least now you can tell where the deer are moving. Wish I were there. Can't wait to go back!

Dave, noticed that none of your muzzle loaders had scopes. Are optics illegal in MN? WI allows optics, but they must be none magnifying, i.e. 1 power.

RWS said there is no deer out here the other night. He was just all happy to try out that new muzzle loader. what a kid he is!! The 199 cuddieback is the one i got and i really like it. When you coming back T? Ice fishing trek next?

No scoped for us in MN unless you jump through the Dr request hoops & get permission to put one on based on vision but even then I think it has to be zero magnification.

But we have heard rumors for next year.... I really hope they let us put scopes on next year.

It was a great weekend. We didn't see any deer but the rest of it was a blast! We had some seriously good food and laughs. It was great to meet BuschPilot and Les. Talk about a couple of cards!

So I have to share my PWM (Preacher Joe) story or at least one of them. Joe as usual was busy telling stories. Story after story after story at which I would just listen and laugh. Yesterday morning he say's "Hey Jim! I saw a flying bear the other day and his butt was on fire!" I chuckled "really Joe? Then what happened??" He said "well then the swamp squid came out (and now he's tucking his little chin as far into his neck as he can in order to muster up a deeper voice) and said "HEY! Your butts on FIRE Larry!"

I was foolishly trying to swallow down some Sunny D when this conversation took place and pert near choked to death.

What a kid!

Big Thanks to everyone at chickenbuck for another great time!

Rooster

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

RWS said there is no deer out here the other night. He was just all happy to try out that new muzzle loader. what a kid he is!! The 199 cuddieback is the one i got and i really like it. When you coming back T? Ice fishing trek next?

Yeah, I'd like to come up for some of that. I want to pull one of those big norhterns through a hole.

a flying bear named Larry. I love it!

I wonder if that is why that buck was froze into that swamp. His butt was probably on fire, and he rolled into that swamp hole to put it out, then got himself stuck....just like Muffy.

Oh wow Rooster, I can just hear the Preacher telling that story. He is a great story teller like his dad.

Tzone what was my excuse, my butt wasn't on fire. It could have just as well been.

(Deep voice) "hey larry your butt's on fire"

Rooster Jim choking on sunny D orange juice...

Yeah that was pretty awesome.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh wow Rooster, I can just hear the Preacher telling that story. He is a great story teller like his dad.

Tzone what was my excuse, my butt wasn't on fire. It could have just as well been.

I know your excuse...it is the same one as to "why" those campfire logs grabbed you.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

(Deep voice) "hey larry your butt's on fire"

Rooster Jim choking on sunny D orange juice...

Yeah that was pretty awesome.

And let us not forget how the the turkey humped him and humped him and humped him until 8:30 and then humped him some more!

Big Sis telling him to stop it! Yelling at me and Dave to quit laughing because "we are encouraging him!"

HA HA!

Sorry ma! It's too good not to share!

ROTFLMAO

What a kid. They say the nut doesn't fall far from the tree.

Who even knew the little guy knew the word "hump"

It seems those crazy animals such as the swamp squid, flying bears and chickenbucks do a lot of "humping".

I was never really afraid of any of those animals until we learned about this yesterday.

And the only way to deal with a humping swamp squid is with a "turkey bomb"

Details on the turkey bomb are, confusing at best.

But if it stops a flying bear or swamp squid from humping then I'm going to be getting me some "turkey bombs".

Because we just won't put up with that business out at camp chickenbuck.

[Linked Image]

Nubbin horns on the hat and all!

That's how he rolls

Originally Posted by Rooster7

And let us not forget how the the turkey humped him and humped him and humped him until 8:30 and then humped him some more!

Big Sis telling him to stop it! Yelling at me and Dave to quit laughing because "we are encouraging him!"

HA HA!

Sorry ma! It's too good not to share!

I've hunted a lot of turkeys and haven't seen one do that yet!

I spit juice out. Damn that kid is funny.

BTW, the wife has the Carrie Underwood Christmas Special on the TV, and let me tell you......so far it is MUCH better than any football game that could be on MNF. DAYUM is all I have to say. Should change her name to Carrie Gimmewood.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Who even knew the little guy knew the word "hump"

That is the funny part. "hump" That makes me smile like heck.

I haven't said "hump" since...well, probably since yesterday.

Did I mention Carrie Underwood.

I asked....mama don't have not pants or boots like that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There's my lucky hunting buddy. The only deer I saw at chickenbuck, he was with me, both times. He's good "juju".

Carrie is fine to look at, but she is a big supporter of PETA and taking away all that Camp Chickenbuck stands for so I wont be supporting her.

Yeah no support from me either!! Can't even look at her when she's singing... Guess she's too 'innocent and sweet and cute and such'.

Ok, you all should have picked up on my feelings for Carrie. Don't mind some of her songs but yeah...next subject.

Rooster ~ what the heck. I was hoping the 'hump' story wouldn't come out. Ugh. PWM is certainly his father's boy.

Saw a Pic of Carrie in a bikini the other day. Not bad, not bad at all.

Turkey bombs? That must be waht the wife has been tossing into the bedroom.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Carrie is fine to look at, but she is a big supporter of PETA and taking away all that Camp Chickenbuck stands for so I wont be supporting her.

Well, I don't want to support her, I just want to....well never mind, I'll let the turkey at chickenbuck do it.

Been snowing lightly here for the last 1 1/2 hours. Sounds like we're going to get about 10 inches before it's over sometime Wednesday. High winds are supposed to kick in tonight.

The Toro is gassed up and ready to go.

That's too much snow before your lakes get a chance to ice over Bill!

We had -20 here this morning, the lakes are making ice bigtime!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Been snowing lightly here for the last 1 1/2 hours. Sounds like we're going to get about 10 inches before it's over sometime Wednesday. High winds are supposed to kick in tonight.

The Toro is gassed up and ready to go.

I think that is the same system that is coming up through SE South Dakota which I get to drive straight into today on my way down to Mitchell. Should be fun...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's too much snow before your lakes get a chance to ice over Bill!

We had -20 here this morning, the lakes are making ice bigtime!

gggrrrr. That is gonna put a big slow on the ice making. There can't be much now, some spots on the river were still open this weekend. Single digit highs are coming right after the storm, but the lakes will have a big blanket on them. Then we'll get the slush.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I think that is the same system that is coming up through SE South Dakota which I get to drive straight into today on my way down to Mitchell. Should be fun...

Yep, she's commin' from the south west. We don't get that very often, but when we do, it's a bunch of snow. I had my meetings in Green Bay canceled today and tomorrow too. Which is fine, but they got moved to Thursday and Friday.

We have lucked out here. It has not snowed much and the lakes in the area froze pretty good before it did snow.

Even Lake 6 across the road is already froze over. That don't usually happen till late. Our other golden used to go swimming in late December.

Maybe we will actually get our house out this year. We have not had it out for 2 years. We put it on Lake 7 and the ice has not been good.

If anyone is interested we have an 8'X 16' fish house for sale. If interested I will tell more about it.

Does it float like Dave's.

I just ran to get my dad his Christmas present, and it's snowing like a basturd already. Slippery too.

We don't usually have real good, safe, ice until around Christmas any way.Which happens to work out well for the bluegill bite around here.

Looks like the entire midwest is in for a rough couple of days.

Dave, minus 20 makes a lot of ice for sure. We've been getting heavy snow the past 2 years here in December which really insulates the lakes. Doesn't make for good ice and the slush that forms makes it hard to get out on the lakes.

Probably have a couple of pools going already on when the first idiot puts his truck through the ice.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Probably have a couple of pools going already on when the first idiot puts his truck through the ice.

My money is December 17th....Lake Wausau.

I doubt it would float like Daves. It is not as well insulated as his is. It has tongue and groove inside so I'm sure it is alot heavier.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I doubt it would float like Daves. It is not as well insulated as his is. It has tongue and groove inside so I'm sure it is alot heavier.

So much could be made of this, but I am still overwhelmed by all the turkey humping going on. :0

So Muffy, you have a fish house for sale? can you tell me more about it. exactly the size i am looking for. Got any pictures for me? i have a smaller 8x10 but would like to get that extra room for the kids...

I'll send you both each other's e-mail adresses so you can discuss the fish house. Buschy, I think you'd like that one.

Buschy,

I think you need to buy Muffy's house, and attach yours to it.

I dub thee.... Ice Palace. Think of the Crapolade that thing would hold.

It'd take two trips to get it out there, but it would rock.

i wish i could have a nice cool one right now. i may just go home and sit in mine to see if it helps me think clearer. i know when i got home froms daves' the other night i was thinking clear but not seeing straight....we may need that house sooner than ever the way these temps are....

Tom, did you ever buy a snoblower? Streets are slippery here too, but only about 3/4 inch of snow so far and it's been snowing all day.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, did you ever buy a snoblower? Streets are slippery here too, but only about 3/4 inch of snow so far and it's been snowing all day.

No Bill, I changed the plug and the oil, and that dang thing fired right up on the first pull like it has for the last 11 years. Just can't buy one when does that.

It is starting to rust pretty bad though. In the "bucket" area, and the cables are stretched, you have to re-tighten them about every 3 uses.

Hard to spend $1200 when I don't have to.

I hear ya about spending the $.

Channel 7 is reporting that we have around 10 inches here so far. Still snowing, but the wind is the big issue right now. Looks like I've got at least a 3 foot drift in front of the garage.

The Toro is going to earn its keep today.

guys that sucks, your lake ice is going to be junk.

Just got done knocking out the driveway. We get tons of wind here, since our house is built in an old farm. 3-4' drift in front of the garage door. I don't know how my wife blasted through it with the Taurus, but she did. Ford tough I guess.

That ol MTD Blower fires nice...choke, 3 pumps on the primer, and pulll. Purrs like a kitten.

I'll have to do it again when we get home though.

I had to help the neighbor lady get her 4wheeler out of the ditch twice.

We got about 2-3 inches at most here. Lots of wind as well. Wasnt too cold, about 4 above last nite. I am glad I am not one of the guys working on my house today. Today is the day I love a desk job!

I was in the cities yesterday and you should have seen all the cars in the ditch and the accidents. Man, I am convinced half the people dont belong on the road down there.

I stopped at Cabelas and man, was I dissapointed. They have alwasy been a little high, but I think they have jacked their prices even more!

I saw a rack of hunting pants that I was interested in for my brother for Xmas. Almost all the tags had the price ripped off and replaced with another ($79.99). Except one had the original price, $44.95. I left. They also changed that return policy as well (for the worse). I am afraid that store is going down hill fast. Wasnt very busy in there either.

cabela's doens't do it for me anymore. Stores like that used to be cheaper than the mom and pop shop's to get rid of them...not anymore. I'll pay extra for mom and pop any day, but now around here, they're cheaper.

Just got back in from snow blowing and shoveling. No way to tell how much snow we've got so far. Three foot drifts in some spots and bare cement in others. Based on the what the TV reports have been, I'm going to guess that we'll be right around a foot by the time it's done.

Still getting some light snow. Wind is the big issue right now. Haven't seen a snow plow yet so we'll still have that to deal with too.

Tom, have to agree with you about Cabela's. Prices have gone way up the past couple of years. Haven't been at the Richmond store in about a year now.

Maple lake is making ice hand over fist as near as I can guess.
Dave I tore into my auger the other day, it was the centrifugal clutch that shattered, so I ordered a new one should be here monday.
I'm heading to my buddies place this weekend to build a 6'6"X 12 fishouse out of old garage door panels (insulated) shouldn't be too heavy.

I wish I had a trailer I could build it on, we're gonna transport it with a flatbed to get it to the lake.

Where the heck you been? thought you were lost.

Did you get a Wapati?

damn cold up here again this morning.

-21 last night when i went to bed, -17 this morning when i left home.

We had -8 when I went to work. Coldest it's been all year. I think I chipped an ear on the walk into the office.

I haven't been yet.
its finals time so over the last week and a half I wrote 2 8 page research papers, 2 three pager papers, took 2 finals and did 4 days down at grandpa and grandmas for family early christmas so I can still make it home in 2 weeks for elk hunting.
so my online time has been very limited, and for research at that.
hopefully soon I'll be able to breathe and make it out fishing or hunting, I need a break from all this indoor book learnin

Dang book learnin'.

I figured it was that or elk hunting. Good luck on the finals. One of the many reasons I have no desire to go back to college. Unless I could live in the dorms. that has it's advantages.

Speaking of elk I would like to share that the wife and I both got our cow elk last Sunday afternoon. I was so happy that she got one, her hunting luck the last few years has been terrible. We hunted with www.fulldrawoutfitters.net in the Trinidad Co. area. Pictures of our elk are on their website. I can not say enough good things about Fred and Michele Eichler and the whole crew at Fulldraw outfitters.

Deer season was a tough one this year, 2 deer for eight hunter but to finish off the hunting season with the two elk was great.
I am happy to share with the group that posts on this thread as I consider you all friends that I just haven't met yet.

I rarely post but always read this thread, so thanks for letting me be a part of this family..

Terry

Terry that's awesome!

Big congrats to you and your wife that's fantastic!!!

Terry I really hope it's ok that I post these up here.

I went in & found your photos & thought it would be nice to post them after your news above, please feel free to add what ever story you care to share.

[Linked Image]

Howdy Terry,
I see there is a collar on that there cow you shot. Did you shoot someones pet again???

In all seriousness, did you learn anything about it? Did you have to do anything special with it? Are you going to prison forever for it? Been nice knowin' ya, hope they let you use the computer in the joint so you can hear about all our adventures.

Nice elk and i bet it was really cool to share it with the wife! Lucky dog!

Hey ND, Guess what, huntins not done yet. We get another 10 days or so starting the 26th-10th. wow. i have to jump a zone but i know an area to go i think. Coming up Tzone!!

Are you kidding me???

Just when i thought i'd get some rest lol!!

Bring it on!! Woooo!!

No, Bushcy....I'm not gonna make 'er up. We have Christmas' coming out our ears here. Fartherest north I'm going to make it is Duluth, next weekend.

another season for chickenbuck? is it so?
hmmmmm sounds like the makings of a really fun new years eve gathering.........

damn right!!

Congrats to both you and the wife Terry. Nothin like late season Elk to finish off the year.

Dave, you can keep that minus 20 stuff.

Colorado, good luck on the finals.

Just finished eating NY cuts from the elk for supper. They were great. We then went down to Best Buy to pick up another freezer, with 2 elk, 2 antelope and one deer we just needed more room.

Hunt report..
Drove to Sterling Co and overnighted. Got up at 5 am to a snow storm and drove to Trinidad. Called the outfitter Fred Eichler of Fulldraw outfitters about noon and were met and taken to his place outside of Trinidad, with a great view of the Spanish Peaks. Fred had us move into the house with his family. Thought the wife and I would be more comfortable there than in the other house with 5 other hunters, all guys. Then Fred ask if we would like to go out hunting that afternoon and start our hunt early. We said sure and our guide Ed picked us up about 230 and we headed for one of the ranches Fred hunts, This ranch was Freds own.

Upon arriving at the ranch Ed pointed out a lower field that a father, son and grandson took cows in that morning. Saw several coyotes on the gut piles. We went to another section of the ranch and drove the ranch roads looking for fresh tracks. Not finding any we were heading for another ranch when we went by the lower field and saw a heard, about 50 cows on the hill above. Ed got us down to the field and about 200 yards from the elk. I shot the one with the tracking collar and the wife got another big cow. It was about a 100 yard drag down the mountain to where we could get the truck. Fred happened by and we loaded them whole into the truck and it was off to the butcher in Raton NM.

Monday, our first day of the hunt, our guide Ed took us sight seeing. We stopped at the Whittington center and got a few souvenirs. Tuesday we toured Trinidad on our own. Wed. we picked up the Elk a headed home.

The collar will be turned over to the research group later this month and I will check back with Fred in January to get the info on the elk.

This morning we got an e-mail from Michele Eichler that Fred and Jeb, Oldest son, also took two cows in that field this morning.

That field and hill produced 8 cows this week.

Everyone at Fulldraw Outfitters were and are great folks. We couldn't have had a better time or met better people than Fred and Michele Eichler and family, 3 sons, and Ed our guide.

Thanks for posting the pictures, Iam still working on learning how to do it.

Terry

Awesome Terry, congrats again.

Dave

Great story Terry, thanks.

Is Fred the same character in person as he is on tv? I like the show he and Michele have. Not always about the biggest rack or the highest scoring animal in the woods. It is a good show to watch.

Glad to hear you had a good hunt.

Yes, Fred is exactly the same. They are both super folks.

Congrats Terry...good hunting!

There is 6 inches of ice on Lake 7. We plan on putting the fish house out the end of the week, once I get it painted.

Where and when was that Dave? Did you catch anything?

Jeremy didn't start the heater in the fish house this morning. I can never start that stupid piece of crap. So I went to put our two buddy heaters in there and there was only one in the shop, someone had borrowed the other one. I didn't figure one would be enough for this -6 degree wheather but I tried. The heater was going for about an hour and it was not enough to do the job. We have 2 Mr. heaters but do you think I could find any 25 lb. tanks. NOPE.

I will wait till he gets home to start the heater in there. I might be painting through the night.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Where and when was that Dave? Did you catch anything?

in the shop, someone had borrowed the other one. I didn't figure one would be enough for this -6 degree wheather but I tried. The heater was going for about an hour and it was not enough to do the job. We have 2 Mr. heaters but do you think I could find any 25 lb. tanks. NOPE.

Other one's probably in your deer stand still.

that's a really old picture, I like it though.

I'll be working on our house this week. I'm putting steel runners under it.

Nope, I took that one home. Jeremy's uncle borrowed the other one.

That is a really cool pic Dave. Are you able to have your fish house in the shop when you work on it. Ours don't fit in our small shop, and the new one don't have heat or electricity.

I can get it in there if I skid it in. But it's too tall if it's on a trailer.

I'll skid it in there this week.

Our ice is gonna suck. We're gettin' more snow as I type this, and it's about 25*. Not good.

Won't be long and be able to run all over the lake here safely again. not much snow and fricken' cold!! Any huntin over the weekend dave? that is a cool pic too! I can't wait to get out. Checked it out at warroad yesterday and there were a couple fools out torwards the blinker.

Lake of the woods MN is saying "best ice in over 10 years"

They are going full blast up on the big lake right now using atv's to get out.

Very good fishing too.

12" of ice in non current areas already.

Originally Posted by northerndave

12" of ice in non current areas already.

You'll need extentions by New Years at that rate.

Guy down the hall from me, said there was 4" near shore and about an inch, 20 yds out....not for this fat guy.

I want to get up to the Lake of the Woods this winter. I was up there 2 years ago but we stayed at a resort that brought us out in a bombardier. I didn't care for that. Being stuck out there in -36 degrees. One of the fish houses we had the heater sucked. It was so cold that their beer froze. I like to be able to leave the lake if I need to.

Upper red lake is turning on slowly houses going out from Hillmans,

Bemidji has 8-10 inches on various lakes and maybe a inch of snow on top, pannie bite is improving although eyes are tightlipped.

One ATV went thru the ice last week guys are taking things slow around here so far. I suspect this weekend will be the big rush.

Frozen beer, we just can't have that....you need to switch to the hard stuff.

Can't hardly choke down the hard stuff. I'm a sissy.

I was just outside and it is really making ice here. It is really booming.

Haven't heard anything yet on ice conditions here, but the ice can not be that good yet due to all the snow. I did see some college kids out on Lake Schmeeklee which is on the UWSP campus Saturday.

That's ironic, as her boyfriend (Ottawa Senators Forward, Mike Fisher) is an avid hunter.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Carrie is fine to look at, but she is a big supporter of PETA and taking away all that Camp Chickenbuck stands for so I wont be supporting her.

Lets hope he can talk some sense into her. She is from Oklahoma, right? you would think PETA wouldnt be too popular there.

The boys have been out working on the house today. Brrr.......

here's what I did this weekend

as soon as I get the clutch fixed on my auger she's going out to the lake!
[Linked Image]

can't beat insulated garage door panels
she's 6'6" by 12'
10 holes and plenty of room

[Linked Image]

interior

and some good looking painters to help us finish off the outside

How you gonna move that sucker? Skis?

Awesome Ryan!!

Putting it out for some of that crappie fishing you have close to home?

They don't look like crappies dave!! i've seen a house like that out on LOW. should work nicely. always wondered about frost on those panels though. How many holes you putting in that shanty? FISH ON!!

Looks like Ryan is fishing for something other than Crappies.

trollin' for suckers.

hahaha she has ten holes, the fishouse that is, I knew where you were gonna go with it.

and she might make it up to LOW too. its got 3 2x6 runners under it and next season will be fitted to a trailer frame that will lower it to the ice. then for sure she will be going to LOW.

I'll let you know when the crappies start biting well and who ever wants to come is welcome to. I guarantee that little house is warm!

Nice Shack,!!!!!!! Better put some camo on it or you wont be able to find it after you go out for a ten one hundred. lol

we're trying to come up with a catchy name for it

so far we have the "crappie shack" or "crap shack" for short

and some others I probably can't post

but those were suggested after a few beers for a good chuckle

Nice house Ryan, good idea with the garage door panels.

I finally got to paint in the fish house yesterday. I borrowed a 25 lb. tank from the neighbor for my sunflower heater. I should get it finished today. I got the 1x2's on the ceiling done but I might have to wait with the rest of the ceiling till this summer, because it is going on the lake tomorrow.

yeah I need to finish the 1x2's on the inside that go around the insulation, we glued it up there but want it held tight to be sure.
next is the 12v wiring, which shouldn't take long at all.
I've been toying with an idea on heat. i have the little sunflower heater on the stand in the pic, and it works amazingly well. but I was wondering about using a solar panel and a 12v car auxillary heater/defroster to keep it above freezing all the time, maybe keeping the holes open as well.
any ideas? will it work?
the heaters are about 25 bucks and so are the solar panels, which we will need one for the 12v lights/battery anyway.
is it one of those ideas that just isn't feasible but sounds cool? or does it have the potential for working?

Dude there's just no way those little panels can run those heaters.... can they?

LOW is a long way to skid that thing...You'll probably have to trailer it.

Looking pretty good Ryan. you should build a bench across the middle with insulation inside of it, and a flip top seat, you could fit a TON of cold ones in there.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we're trying to come up with a catchy name for it

"shaggin' shack", "church", so you can tell your professors you can't make it to class today...because you need to go to "church"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dude there's just no way those little panels can run those heaters.... can they?

Man I donno. those things work pretty well...

"The Clap Trap"

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

"The Clap Trap"

We have a winner.....

LOL
I was checking the amp usage on the little heaters, and I can get a solar panel to match it so powering it would be fine, I'm just wondering how warm it would be able to keep it, we will have a good sized south facing window so there will be some passive solar heating, we just need to give it that little edge to hopefully keep the holes open, or keep the ice thin enough we don't have to run the auger every time

You might be able to keep it pretty warm in there, but I think it would be tough to keep the holes thawed. I would think in order to do that, the ice would melt all around.

Keeping the ice thin on them might work if you go a day between trips, but much more than that and you'll have at least some freezing. A hand auger might work then, instead of firing up the gasser everytime.

I haven't had a shack in years, these other guys will be able to answer you better.

You aint gonna be able to keep the Minnesota out of your fishin holes without some pretty good heat inside the house.

Sometimes I'll get by for a day or 2 with just keeping a pilot light lit but to keep the -40 from freezing them holes over is pretty tough.

If the house is insulated well you can sometimes go a couple days & get by reopening holes with just an ice chissle.

yeah its insulated really well, I thought this little heater would augment it just enough to keep it above freezing

let me know if it works, I'll be doing the same thing with mine if you think it makes a difference in yours.

ok, after more research I don't think I can generate enough power to keep it running unfortunately.

anyone have any other ideas for a way to generate a low about of constant heat?

otherwise I think I'll just have to drill holes new everytime, no biggie

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

anyone have any other ideas for a way to generate a low amount of constant heat?

Ryan, if you figure that out you can quit school & fish every day for the rest of your life if you like.

hahahaha I know right?

I'm surprised no one has come up with a way to combine solar power with like a mini pellet stove or something for a fish house.

heck even tie in a thermostat with an electric element to ignite the stove. the pellets could be stored in the ceiling/roof and provide insulation as well..... I digress

who knows, perhaps it is impossible.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

anyone have any other ideas for a way to generate a low about of constant heat?

otherwise I think I'll just have to drill holes new everytime, no biggie

I believe there are about 500,000 fellow Minnesotan's waiting for your answer on that one.

Pretty tough to keep those holes open for more than a day.... oh boy, I'm going to be hearing about that one.

sometimes its hard enough getting them open the first time!

my auger is broken

there, now they have lots of ammo Tom, I can take the flak if you can! lol

Best I know of is gas heat (LP) with a thermostat that goes really low, "milivolt" type thermostat that generates enough current from the pilot light.

Turn the heat down nice & low when you leave & hope to only have to chip a bit of ice when you come back.

Anything that's going to keep the holes clear while you are gone for days at a time is also going to play hell on the ice below the house which will start sinking into the ice with time & pretty soon you need to move the house & drill new holes anyways.

It's a damned if you do damned if you don't kind of situation.

It's easier to work on your drilling & cleanup plan than it is to work on ice prevention plan.

Get a big damn plastic tote from walmart or someplace & cut about a 12" round hole in the bottom & use the tote as a catch pan for your ice chips/shavings. You can really cut down on your drilling & cleanup time with something like that.

Just be careful emptying the tote when it's -zero because plastic breaks really easy when it's cold. A heavy rubber feed bucket/tote like feed stores would sell for horses would be better in the cold. It can be -30 & you can't break them.

If you make yourself a catch pan like that just be sure you keep in mind your fishing holes along the walls. You'll likely need to cut the auger hole off center in the bottom of the tote so it will fit along walls & other house obstacles.

Or you can just buy one.

http://store.catchcover.com/Product/886/Slush-Bucket/

Now, I've seen it all. Dang if that don't look like it will work.

They help a lot, but like I said you can make your own too.

It don't need that sleeve. With just a hole in the bottom of a tote you catch most of the ice chips/shavings & the water can drain back into the lake before you lift or drag the tote & if you are careful you lose very little out the hole in the bottom of the tote.

Anyone ever try those boat bumper looking things that they used to sell to keep the hole open?

Still talkin' ice fishin' right?

TOM!!

Just kidding. Well I only have one more coat of paint to go in the fish house. I'm not going to get the ceiling done though. That can wait till summer. It is going on the lake tomorrow.

Dave, you guys need a permit up there for those Chickenbuck turkey's ya got.... you know the humpers. We got a pile of carrots and potatoes, and I need sumpthin to go with 'em.

we only drill 6" holes for crappies, so I'll probably just use my skimmer and have a pail for slushing into.

I did read a tid bit in field and stream once where a guy use inner tubes that were cut and tied off tight to keep holes open, you slide the sleeve in, then inflate it. then you come back you deflate and the hole is open like it was just cut. I don't want to mess with all that though.

I've seen several variations of these. The most recent looks like a piece of stove pipe with a handle at the top that operates a door. Called the "Slush Inhaler". Website is www.paiff.org

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we only drill 6" holes for crappies, so I'll probably just use my skimmer and have a pail for slushing into.

I did read a tid bit in field and stream once where a guy use inner tubes that were cut and tied off tight to keep holes open, you slide the sleeve in, then inflate it. then you come back you deflate and the hole is open like it was just cut. I don't want to mess with all that though.

I've seen a commercial version of that somewhere. Gander Mountain, I think.

http://nuwaystove.com/products/model2000.htm

Dave and company, I can recommend these units. We use these in our deer blinds and I have one in my ice shanty. All of mine are older ones without some of the safety equipment and they workgreat. The newer ones can be only better. Many a nite i've left it on in the deer blind in late season with no issues. They are made a short ways from my deer camp. Looks like they would work great in your ice houses....vent with a 3" dryer pipe and you can cook on them. In the blinds they are silent which works better than the infra reds....

Scott

those do look handy, how are they on propane?
a mini pellet stove would be awesome

I think I saw that too.

There has to be something you can stick in there too keep it from freezing.

Colorado, I've found a 20# tank will last about 30 days of hunting in one of our box blinds....based on our average use. I can't really put that in hours but I don't think its excessive. I fill the tanks once a year and there is always some left in them. Our blinds are 5-1/2'X6' and not insulated. Plexiglass windows. Some of my oldest stoves are nearing 20 yrs old now. They have a burner in them similar to a coleman stove and burn very quietly.

I think I'll just stick with the little heater I have, its in one of the pics I posted of the interior, it kicks off a ton of heat even on the lowest setting, so I'll probably have to turn it off and on, or open the door periodically to get the extra heat out, probably should do that anyway to keep the air good so we don't croak

I have a couple of vents in my walls for that purpose.

Put a vent or two in the roof.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have a couple of vents in my walls for that purpose.

Guess I should have read the rest of the posts before I posted 'eh.

yeah we're putting vents in both ends as well

Vents are a good thing, carbon monoxide BAD.

We have 3 vents in our roof. And we also have a carbon monoxide detector on the wall. Better to be safe than sorry.

that is a great idea. better than the old way of waiting til someone gets woozy and then crack the door

You got that right!

Well, woozy from CO2 anyway.

Yeah, ya don't need to be falling asleep in that thing and not wake up.

Nice Avatar....!

Woozy does come in a variety of flavors.......

Tzone writes..... "Nice Avatar....!"

These Wisconsin guys don't miss a thing I tell ya.......

Agreed by the way....:)

Originally Posted by SSB

Tzone writes..... "Nice Avatar....!"

These Wisconsin guys don't miss a thing I tell ya.......

Agreed by the way....:)

And so it starts...

That's my cousin, she's my best friend's little sister, My uncle's daughter.

Behave yourselves boys!

Besides, she's spoken for and her hubby to be is ok with me.

Lets see here. She's cute, hunts, paints ice shacks and most likely fishes. Sounds like her future hubby is one lucky dude.

she got her own harley too....

she is pretty awesome

muffy, you gonna be deer hunting over new years?

dave what is the plan there? I'll be home the 24th-31st. I have 2 elk hunts to do in that week too

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's my cousin, she's my best friend's little sister, My uncle's daughter.

Behave yourselves boys!

Besides, she's spoken for and her hubby to be is ok with me.

I was being serious man, it's nice.

I haven't met the hubby yet, but he's got to be cool...cuz she is.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's my cousin, she's my best friend's little sister, My uncle's daughter.

Behave yourselves boys!

Besides, she's spoken for and her hubby to be is ok with me.

I was being serious man, it's nice.

I haven't met the hubby yet, but he's got to be cool...cuz she is.

I know, just goofin.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

dave what is the plan there? I'll be home the 24th-31st. I have 2 elk hunts to do in that week too

plan is let me know when you or anybody else wants to hunt & I'll be there with the wood stove lit, beer & food & the fridge & hot eats on the range top.

Quote

plan is let me know when you or anybody else wants to hunt & I'll be there with the wood stove lit, beer & food & the fridge & hot eats on the range top.

man.... I gotta get me to MN, so I don't have to drive for 9 hours to do that.

Thanks guys. I think I will change the picture. Ha.

Not sure when we are coming up there, I have to talk to dad. Don't know what we are doing for new years. We usually have a whist party, but I have not planned it yet.

The fish house didn't get out yesterday. The guys took out the crappy heater and put in a different one. Our friend had one just sitting in his garage, so that worked out well. But it is going out today. WOO HOO!!

Sweet. Catch 'em up lady!

It's a beautiful day here already...it was 25* at 630 when I came to work this morning. I hope it stays clear, we're headed to Duluth for the flamily Christmas'.

The craziness begins.

Actually I think we'll be in Duluth over new years, so that weekend would be out for us.

(as far as a cabin or hunting weekend)

I forgot about that.

Want to make a trip down there this weekend? Free beer....lots of it.

Cant, sorry man, sounds like fun tho.

Went fishing lastnight. Only one rock bass. Not too good, but we will try it again tonight.

for shame....

walleyes are spilling into the ice houses up here on the walleye factory.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

for shame....

walleyes are spilling into the ice houses up here on the walleye factory.

Close family friend went on Wednesday, they got back last night. Crazy, silly, sick full of eyeballers. His reports weren't different from yours Dave. Couldn't keep off the ice.

theres muffy!thought maybe ND was just pulling my leg.

No man, that's her. She's cool as hell too.

Dad is ready to get his house up there. Maybe I better fish with him since it is not to good here now.

I got a perch, and the neighbor got another rock bass. Other than that, nothing.

Stinking bait stealin' rock bass.

Get that thing up on LOW. Walleye's are jumpin' through the holes. Don't even need tip up's. Just drill the holes, they'll come to you.

Not where I'm at.

About 8 years ago Jeremy and I were out on Lake 7 and we were catching perch. Then I got a bite and I thought it was a perch, but no it was not. It didn't fight at first, but then it took line like crazy. We knew it was a walleye, we got a good look at it. Jeremy has a 9 inch auger and he reached in the hole and got a hold of the gills. His hand and the head of the fish filled the hole. But it twisted just right and got away, the line broke and there he was, gone. I named him Walter. I dont know if anyone ever cought him or not. All I know is that he would have been a wall hanger. I was trembeling after that one.

Dang slippery walleyes! I've had that happen to northern's but not walleyes. I've never caught a big walleye through the ice. Biggest was probably 24 or so.

went out last night, got skunked but had a blast with the two friends who went with me. we're gonna try again tonight, maybe something will happen, at least the house is out now.

Colorado did you get your auger going?

Where"s Stan?

Originally Posted by bigbrie

Where"s Stan?

Good question. I was going to ask Dave if he's heard from him.

no I didn't the clutch is the wrong one, no idea where I can find a replacement.

we paid a guy out there to drill our holes for us, all 10 of them!

its been a slow morning around here after the proper "break in" procedure last night. I reckon we'll head back out in a couple hours. sounds like lake of the woods is the place to be though

There's a place in the twin cities that has all kinds of parts for old outboards, but I don't recall the name. Just maybe they have parts for augers too.

the auger was originally made in the cities. osceola i think was the name of the company but they sold out to strikemaster in the mid 80's? something like that. my buddy found a guy who has an auger like ours that has a broken recoil. the guy wants 150 for just the power head, which is better than nothing I guess.

Nice Dave!!! Memories at it's best.

What year Mustang 64, 65? Makes me miss my mustangs!

65, it's my daughter's.

Sweet! I had a 69 Mach1 w/ 428 Cobra Jet (Match #'s) a 70 Mach1 w/ 351 Windsor 4 Speed (Match #) & a 70 Coupe w/ 302 4 Speed.

Also , what motor in the '65?
If she ever sells it let me know.

I love the 69's & 70's!

It's an A code 289 car with auto trans.

& if she ever sell it it better be to me or her mom

it's an amazingly solid car & if weezy ever pulls her grades together this winter we'll be sanding it down & repainting it.

Cool pictures Dave!

Went fishing again tonight, only one perch. We had these dumb a** kids come and put their fish house not even 10 yards from ours. Come on they have the whole lake, they don't have to be that close! Why do people have to do that. Well the jokes on them because we have not caught anything. We might move the house further on the other side of the lake. We will have to ride our 4 wheelers to it but that would be ok if we catch anything.

A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.I am here and read every day but if I don't have anything to add I just read.Thanks for thinking of me.
I work a couple of days a week at a Pawn/Gun shop.Been doing that for almost five years now.I get to play with guns,meet a lot of great people and it keeps me from getting bored with retirement.Also I run my small on line rifle sight adjuster business.
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/mosinsights/index.asp
All of this keeps me going.
Dave,a really great remembrance picture above.2010 is going to be a GREAT year for all of us who frequent Camp Chickenbuck virtually.I really treasure all of the friends,notice I didn't say acquaintances,here.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan,

Great to hear from you. Did you get a chance to hunt deer this season?

A Merry Christmas to you and yours Stan. I hope all goes well for the rest of the year.

Tom

Great Christmas Card Dave, Pam, Weezy, Runs with Scissors, and Plays with Matches.

Hi Tom,
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I have been deer hunting some this year but with no success so far.Our season doesn't close until January 1st. and I will get to go a few more times.I have an invitation the week end after Christmas in the eastern lower part of the state.Deer are thick as flies there.Maybe,just maybe,I'll finally draw blood with the Ruger Super Redhawk .44 magnum.

Stan in SC

I hope you get one Stan! I'm done hunting for the season, well, deer anyway. I like to chase rabbits around in the snow, but we're getting a lot of snow for that too.

We have ice fishing, and soon enough turkey hunting. I'm already planning for that.

Stan, good to hear from you. Think I'm going to have to find me a job like that.

Merry Christmas to everyone here at the Fire.

Dave love the pictures.

I start my trip home tomorrow! its been a year since I saw Colorado, and boy do I miss it! I have 2 elk hunts to do while I'm home, so I'll be busy for sure!
finally caught a fish last night, a 3 lb northern. luckily I could reach the hook without getting his stinky-ass out of the hole.
but hey its a fish anyway

looks like we might have some weather moving in now too. maybe that will make the crappies decide to start biting. late season deer opens again here in a couple of days

no doubt about it this has been an odd year to say the least for me.

Good luck elk hunting Ryan, shoot me a txt now & then, keep me posted.

will do for sure!
I'm super pumped, been looking forward to this hunt all year, and of course seeing home/my folks again

Good luck with the wapati's Ryan... Take lots of pics for us too.

Going home is great isn't it?

Good luck on your hunt and your trip home. I love going home!

Well just thought I'd warn all our campfire friends that Weezie is taking her driver's test today...OH MY!!!!

Oh my....

be sure to remind her that the stop signs with the white around the edges are NOT optional stops.
I had a girl in my high school run one when she took her test because someone had said they were "optional stops". she even told the instructor that.
she failed, imagine that.

good luck on the test weezie!

Good luck on the hunt Ryan. Drive save and enjoy your time in CO.

Have a safe trip home Ryan and good luck hunting.

Good luck on your test Weezy!

Thanks for the warning Pam.

Good luck Weezie. Just remember the the rear view mirror is for checking for traffic behind you, NOT for putting on makeup.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Good luck on your hunt and your trip home. I love going home!

Well just thought I'd warn all our campfire friends that Weezie is taking her driver's test today...OH MY!!!!

Good luck Weezy!

and Pam, thanks for the warning.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just remember the the rear view mirror is for checking for traffic behind you, NOT for putting on makeup.

Is that why you had to retake your test Bill?

Merry Christmas everyone! I am taking tomorrow off and prolly wont be down to the computer. Dad has his house out on an area lake and wants to get it off before the storm and move it to a different lake anyway, so tomorrow I will help with that. Then a little shopping and helping the wife cook.

Been pretty hard on the roosters lately, man do I love hunting late season ringnecks in MN. Fantastic. Shot a 24.5 inch tail which is about as long as you will come across in these parts. The fun part was I was all by myself, hunting the super thick willow/cattail swamps. Well, the dog was with me. The 2 I got that day were sure trophies to me. The next day, my brother and Dad and I went out and got 7.

The house is coming along, the roof is done and the windows are going in.

Hey, does anyone have any Disney World tips? Gonna take the kids there in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, does anyone have any Disney World tips? Gonna take the kids there in a few weeks.

Yeah, I do...go buy the biggest Mickey Mouse cup you can find as soon as you get in the park. Take the 5th of whiskey you snuck in, out of your pocket and dump it in the Mickey Mouse cup, then get yourself a Coke and top off that cup....yer gonna need it!

Keep your kids close, there's a lot of creepy's in there. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun time, especially for them.

If you go to the "Animal Kingdom", be prepared to be looked down upon as a hunter. One of the rides is chasing hunters, so they don't shoot the elephant or whatever it is. But it is a good time to help your kids identify good and bad or "shoot, don't shoot" situation.

That went over like a fart in church when I was doing that.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just remember the the rear view mirror is for checking for traffic behind you, NOT for putting on makeup.

Is that why you had to retake your test Bill?

Nope! They didn't like it that I used the horn ring (Remember those) for opening my beer (Cone tops I'll have know).

Take lots of money. It's VERY expensive. Before you go find out what the most popular rides are then prioritise them. Be at the park as soon as it opens and start down your list. If the line is long, and they will be, use the Express Pass option.

We enjoyed Epcot, but it's more for adults.

Have a great time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We enjoyed Epcot, but it's more for adults.

Have a great time.

Epcot is cool, lots of stuff there.

Originally Posted by grizzly bill

Nope! They didn't like it that I used the horn ring (Remember those) for opening my beer (Cone tops I'll have know).

Oh my god, you guys would not believe it.

Weezy passed her drivers test!!!!

They are headed to DMV now where she will take a new picture for her license.

She says she's gonna "ricky bobby" the picture... which means she plans to strike the rediculous ricky bobby license pose from the movie talladega nights.

Allright Weezy!!! Way to go, and congrats! Big day for you.

Shake 'n Bake.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh my god, you guys would not believe it.

Weezy passed her drivers test!!!!

They are headed to DMV now where she will take a new picture for her license.

She says she's gonna "ricky bobby" the picture... which means she plans to strike the rediculous ricky bobby license pose from the movie talladega nights.

Life as you knew it has just changed forever!

Great job Weezy!!!!

Dave your troubles are just begining. Just kidding Weezy!

Whhoooo hoooo!

ya'll are in the presence of the greatest chili cook in the lesser Wausau area.

I won that dang 'ol chili contest.

Great job Tom. Did you use Dave's recipe?

Congrats Weezie! Congrats Tom! My condolences Dave....life has changed forever.....

Originally Posted by Muffy

Great job Tom. Did you use Dave's recipe?

No, I used one that I partially made up on the fly. Part of it came from Grizzly_Bill, then I changed some stuff, added a little of this, a little of that...

I can't give away all my trade secrets, I'm goin' global baby.

It seems like some things taste better when stuff is just thrown together.

Thats great! Just remember us when you get famous!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Great job Tom. Did you use Dave's recipe?

No, I used one that I partially made up on the fly. Part of it came from Grizzly_Bill, then I changed some stuff, added a little of this, a little of that...

I can't give away all my trade secrets, I'm goin' global baby.

Great, just remember my 10%

Congrats Weezy!! we will be watching out for sure now! To all I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may everyone be safe over the holidays and take care!! Ryan good luck on that elk hunt, one day i'll get to go! Congrats on the chili too Tzone, may have to try it sometime, Dave does a pretty good pot of chili though!!

Happy holidays to you too Buschpilot!!

Did you hear about ballards 60" sturgeon through the ice yesterday?

Crazy huh??

Hey watch out for weezy today, she's driving the old brown ford to school today!

Yeah congrats on the chili cook off tom! that's great!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

It seems like some things taste better when stuff is just thrown together.

Thats great! Just remember us when you get famous!

Don't worry, I'll remember the little people that made it all happen.

This winning stuff could go to a guys head, I'll have to watch out so that doesn't happen to me.

Holy smokes!

How the heck does one get a 5' fish through a hole in the ice? Did they spear it or catch it?

I got that picture of that monster yesterday. actually just about got play by play action as it was going down, wish i could have been there for that fight. Next time!! nothing like a good ol' chili cook off out at the fish houses sometime too....

hook & line tom, not legal to keep so it would have had to have gone back down the hole too.

I got a phone picture yesterday too.

crazy.

Hey Buschy, Merry Christmas. I'd like to try Dave's chili. I love chili, I could eat it every day.

Uncle Dusty makes good chili too. I think I had 4 bowls for lunch at Chicken Buck.

that would be crazy.

They spear them here on the Lake Winnebago system, but I don't think that starts until Jan/feb. It's usually only open for a few weeks. There's a quota on it, when it's hit, season closes.

Dave's chili is about the best I've ever had. Everything he cooks is great.

Sounds like a Chili contest to me. The gloves are off. Merry Christmas to all of you.

THE CHILI TASTING CONTAST

Note: Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better.

For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this
is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park.

The notes are from an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a
Chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."

Here are the scorecards from the advent: (Frank is Judge #3)

Chili # 1 Eddie's Maniac Monster Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 -- (Frank) Holy s##t, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

Chili # 2 Austin's Afterburner Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who Wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

Chili # 3 Ronny's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.
Judge # 2 -- A bean less chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill.
My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get Me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting [bleep]-faced from all of the beer...

Chili # 4 Dave's Black Magic...
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was
Unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

Chili # 5 Lisa's ! Legal Lip Remover...
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.

Chili # 6 Pam's Very Vegetarian Variety...
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I [bleep] on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow cone.

Chili # 7 Carla's Screaming Sensation Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am Worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing its too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting
any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

Chili # 8 Karen's Toenail Curling Chili...
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?

that's a classic!!

That it is.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Is that my cousin's foot?

Laughing my ass off here!! Holy crap!!

or did you start painting your toes tzone?

muffy! you have some splaining to do!!

It ain't my foot man...Not my color nail polish. Mine's camo.

Well ya, I guess you can say it is my foot.

I brought Dad with me to Fargo yesterday and had it done. Hope that was ok?

Tom I think that color would look good on you.

it's really cool, I really like the lettering.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I brought Dad with me to Fargo yesterday and had it done. Hope that was ok?

Nope, not OK, you have to return it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tom I think that color would look good on you.

It clashes with my eye liner.

I wanted to keep the lettering as original as I could. The tatoo was too small to keep it the same as the picture.

I told Brice I wanted blaze orange on the lettering. This was the closest he had.

Look what Dad started!

Screw the patches...when you shoot a buck at chickenbuck, you get inked.

I guess I really jumped the gun didn't I.

I guess you are gonna have to try really hard now to shoot a buck huh?

personally I like the lettering you have there, looks good.

bet that hurt like a son-o-bish huh?

That is too Cool, Long Live The ChickenBucks!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

I may be old, but I ain't dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Where's the rest of it??????????????

Haaaa!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I guess you are gonna have to try really hard now to shoot a buck huh?

personally I like the lettering you have there, looks good.

bet that hurt like a son-o-bish huh?

You got yours yet?

Should have heard the words she used to describe the pain... J/K muffy.

Dave, you gettin the whole chest done? Just eat the OJ and shave your junk before you do it, so it numbs the pain.

I guess I will. I will have to stay up there all week long.

OH BOY did it hurt! Hurt way more than the others. You will have to ask Dad, but I think I must have had some pretty interesting looks on my face. Not much meat on the feet, I think he chipped a bone.

It is pretty swollen too. I'm walking around like I sh** my drawers.

to funny!!

so when is the clan getting together again?

Way to go, Muffy. That Tat is great. Talk about taking one for the team.

Thanks.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas! Travel safely if you are out in the bad weather.

A very sincere and heartfelt Merry Christmas to all on this Christmas eve.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Muffy

Thanks.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas! Travel safely if you are out in the bad weather.

Well, that would be all of us in Minnesota today. Merry Christmas to all.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

A very sincere and heartfelt Merry Christmas to all on this Christmas eve.

Stan in SC

A very Merry Christmas to you as well Stan. Same goes for the rest of the Chickenbuckers, and fire members.

We're getting crappy weather here in central WI. Snow that switched to rain, now it real icy. 8" of snow coming tonight.

Be safe all!

Dang Muffy...you are one hard core huntress! A patch would have been easier...but probably not as much fun down the road.

Happy Holidays to all the Chickenbucker's, wherever they may be!

Scott

A very Merry Christmas to one and all. Raining here also. Be safe everyone and enjoy the season and don't forget to say a little prayer for our men and women in uniform.

Originally Posted by SSB

Dang Muffy...you are one hard core huntress! A patch would have been easier...but probably not as much fun down the road.

Happy Holidays to all the Chickenbucker's, wherever they may be!

Scott

A patch would have been tough to sew on her foot, probably would have hurt just as much.

Yeah it probly would. But that would have been more work. I would have to blow dry it so my sock wouldn't get wet.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Love the Christmas card Dave and Pam. That is really cool and really sums up what family means to you both.

Oh Muffy....Holy Crap!

To my great campfire friends,

Have a very merry Christmas everyone. Drive safe in the bad weather.

Uncle Dusty

MERRY CHRISTMAS. May your guns have all the ammo they require.

Go buy yourself that 6.5x55 Tzone. You know you deserve it!

Merry Frig'n Christmas campfriends and here's to an even better 2010 (2009 kinda sucked).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Uncle Dusty, good to see you posting.

The good news is that we only have couple of inches of snow here. The bad news is we've been getting freezing rain for the past 24 hours. It's a mess.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

To my great campfire friends,

Have a very merry Christmas everyone. Drive safe in the bad weather.

Uncle Dusty

Hey there he is! MERRY CHRISTMAS UNCLE DUSTY!

I hope Santa brought you what you were looking for. He was good to us here. He brought my boy a BB gun, and my daughter an IPOD. Those were the top presents for the kids....He brought WII (we) for them too, but I think mom and dad like it just as much.

Merry Christmas to all.

Tom

Good morning Bill. We had snow like an SOB last night on our way home from Pete's about 10 last night. Some time it switched to rain. It knocked down most of the snow, but now is freezing everything up. Lots of ice.

Merry Christmas to you and the Mrs.

Tom and family.

Well look who came out & posted on Christmas!! That's great!!

Merry Christmas to you too uncle dusty and to everybody else!!

Have a look at Pam yesterday cruising in the snow with her jammi pants on her new snowmobile!!

We got her good yesterday, she didn't have a clue!! lol!!

The 2 bigger kids worked with me to pull off the perfect surprise!

[Linked Image]

Good morning and Merry Christmas. You're really going to have fun with the Wii.

We were at my brothers in Waupaca Christmas Eve. Saw 4 cars in the ditch on the way down. Had a mix of sleet and snow on the way back. Changed back to all rain after we got home. It's a big wet icy mess here today. My driveway is a skating rink.

Pam, What a great Christmas present.

Awesome present Pam! Congrats!

Details! We want details on the surprise!

I just got done listing my sleds and trailer on Craigs List.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just got done listing my sleds and trailer on Craigs List.

Noooooo!!

you guys were suposed to come up & ride with us...

Pam & RWS are out on a couple of snowmobiles right now, wow we really do have a bunch of snow!!

uh-oh, just got a txt from Pam, sounds like they are broke down or stuck or something, gotta go rescue them.

Good looking sled Pam. Broke it already....AH OH!

Our snow is turning to junk real quick. We are headed back to to the FIL's house for goodies, football, and hopefully some Red Ryder shooting.

Well, yep she's broke down already.

Chain broke.

Evidentily the previous owner never bothered adjusting the chain tension while breaking the sled in.

Bummer, well at least it's just the chain and it didn't split the case, usually the chain bunches up & breaks the case.

If they have a chain for it at the dealer &'ll have her up & running again tomorrow.

Too bad about the sled.

Evil snow plow driver came through a couple of hours ago and filled the driveway apron up with over a foot of slush. Dam stuff weighs about a ton to the shovel. To wet and heavy to even try and run the snow blower through. Did mine and helped out a neighbor. By the time I finished my back had had it.

Pam & I are going to rev up the old yellow plow truck and push some snow around here. We live out in the country & we have about 1/4 mile to clear between the house and the mailbox out at the county rd.

We're kind of waiting for the snow to slow down so we don't have to just do it all over again in a couple of hours.

Get her a new toy and she busts it up right away...Kids I tell ya.

I don't know what the heck I'm going to do to get the ice out of the driveway, there has to be an inch.

Deer coming in like crazy to my FIL's house. Two bucks even. A 6 and a small 8. Can't tell me they don't know the hunting seasons.

Nice sled Pam! I bet it was quite a suprise.

Pam,congratulations on the new Polaris.Looking sharp there.
Weak willed me gave me a Christmas present.I am such a sucker for sharp looking rifles and working part time at a gun shop sure doesn't help.The shop owner was uncasing some rifles he had purchased and I was helping.One of the cases held a Winchester 94AE "Trapper" in 30-30.This one looked brand new.Nary a dent or scratch.I've been wanting one for several years and he made me a Christmas eve screaming good deal and it now sits in my gun safe.
Uncle Dusty it is damned good to see you posting here.I get tired of being the only "geezer".Come by more often.
Muffy,the tatoo is terrific.

Stan in SC

Hey Stan that 94 Trapper sounds great! Good for you!!

Merry Christmas to all on this thread. I have read all of it as time has permitted. I can only say it is a story that inspires me and I believe it instills dreams in many others. Oh and by the way I think the ad on CL should have the rainbow colors.

Brandon

Stan, that Trapper model was a nice find. BTW, I'm in the geezer club too.

As if the ice wasn't bad enough, mother nature added a dusting of snow to it just to see if she couldn't slick it up even more.

Heard that Duluth had 21" of snow out of the storm. Dave how much over by you?

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Merry Christmas to all on this thread. I have read all of it as time has permitted. I can only say it is a story that inspires me and I believe it instills dreams in many others. Oh and by the way I think the ad on CL should have the rainbow colors.

Brandon

you know too much

Bill, my dad is just north of Duluth & last i heard from him he was estimating 2 feet but it was still falling.

I really don't know if we've gotten a foot out of this storm yet where we are at.

We'll be out with the plow truck today, maybe we'll get a couple of pictures of those efforts

Grizzaly Bill,I had no idea you were in the geezer club.Good to have company.
You know you are a geezer when you get up in the morning and anything that doesn't hurt doesn't work.

Stan in SC

Dave, we only had 2-3" of snow here, but around an inch of freezing rain. Temps dropped below 10* last night so everything is frozen up solid. The garage door was frozen shut this AM, but I got it open without to much of a problem.

Just got back from Fleet Farm, where I picked up 100 punds of salt for the driveway.

I'll take snow any day over the rain.

Stan, I'll be 67 in April so I'm a geezer.

Back in 1985 I was up in Canada fishing. The owner of the camp we were at showed us an original Win 94 Trapper that he had found in an old deserted trappers cabin. It was in great shape considering that it had been in there for years.

Hey Stan! I hope your Christmas went well for you and your family.

Those Winchester Trappers are nice little guns, I like those.

Working in a gun shop is not good on a gunnut's pocket book. I did that about 8 years ago too, so I know just what you mean.

Tom

Here's some snow bully action photos

The beast warming up.

[Linked Image]

Driver

Passengers

[Linked Image]

Plowin!

Dave, that's some serious plowing. Does the county pay you to maintain your driveway?

I can't quite make out what the Red car is, but it resembles a Studebaker.

I'm so glad you bought the old truck. Keep it in the family. I remember it when I was little and it had the stacks on it. It was in better shape then. I can't believe that thing is still going with how many miles it has on it. And tough miles too. I know your response "well it is a Ford".

I wish I would have had a video camera when I had to pull Dad out with the Chevy. We could have been in one of those Chevy adds on TV.

Impressive!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heard that Duluth had 21" of snow out of the storm. Dave how much over by you?

Both my parents who live in separate parts of the city said they got about 8" or snow. I think the news here is something else.

Well, its a FORD

so of course it has a lot of miles on it.

Dave has a picture of that truck at chickenbuck with the stacks it. It was/is a good looking truck.

Shoulda took a picture when you pulled out that truck with a Chevy, because no one will ever believe you otherwise.

Ever wonder why the Chevy's have the tow hooks on the front, and the Fords have them on the back.

Tzone
Chev.has small tow hooks on front
Ford has reel BIG tow hooks on front.

I missed you deer hunting guys so Im gonna swish in here and say Merry Christmas to you all. Hope all was as good as it could be.

I came in from blowing snow, in the big swish/sleeping bag, and My oldest thought it was just wrong that I was outside in the swish with only underpants on underneath. Im wearing 63 pounds of blaze orange shell and man made filler and he acts like I was out there naked for all the world to see.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tzone
Chev.has small tow hooks on front
Ford has reel BIG tow hooks on front.

That is because the small Fords are always pullin' out those big heavy broken Chevy's.

Can't we all just get along.

That's a mental picture that I just can't shake Swish.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope it was a good one.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I can't quite make out what the Red car is, but it resembles a Studebaker.

Bill, how the hell did you figure out that snow covered old red car was a studie?

unreal.

Good eye!

jeez, you got one of those too?

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tzone
Chev.has small tow hooks on front
Ford has reel BIG tow hooks on front.

Ha!

Good one, actually you have to thread a chain or rope through the ford hooks because they are hoops instead of open hooks like the chevy's. I've taken notice of many a broken hook or both hooks broken on the front of quite a few chevy trucks as I walk through parking lots

They were probably trying to pull some stuck fords out backwards using the front hooks though

The clutch is getting skinny on the old yellow plow truck. I didn't get pictures of the snow smashing at my neighbor's place today, wow, that was some good snow smashing!

You know when you hit a pile of snow & the blade spits a hundred pounds of snow straight in the air & it comes down about 3 seconds later on the hood & windshield?

Well that's some good snow smashin!!

That old yellow ford still does things hard, fast & nasty if the driver cuts her loose.

Originally Posted by tzone

jeez, you got one of those too?

The studie? No, that aint mine, I was coming past the neighbor's place. Iron man eddie from the original polaris dream team of the 70's. The guy is a legend & a hell of a shock man, shocks & suspension are really his thing.

It's a studebaker hawk of some kind, can't remember exactly, golden hawk, silver hawk or something like that. 57 58-ish?

I still can't believe Bill picked that out covered in snow.

Bill has an eye for those things...don't let his age fool ya.

Snow smashing is fun. Get a good run and BAMPOOF! kinds slows the truck for a second...er, so I've heard, I wouldn't do something like that.

We had a mystery part on the garage floor yesterday. Looks like a piece of coil spring, but it's not from the tundra, and it sure don't look like its from the Taurus. The Taurus is the only car we park in the garage. Can't find where it came from. She's busted off though, even has plastic on the bottom, like it came from a coil. Wierd.

When I take that truck to town to gas up I am in my absolute glory.

The reactions from the general public grow increasingly awful with every passing year. As each year ticks forward & further from ford's 1970 design and as each year may ad a scar or dent, a patch of rusted body panel shed... It is as if Frankenstein himself wandered into town once a month for fuel & the townspeople hide for fear.

Is it wrong that I enjoy this so much? The droning hum-rumble of the exhaust as she idles at the fuel pump... Caked snow & ice weighs her down heavy, all 4 rims packed tight with ice & snow. And some guy that seems as happy as can be at the wheel...

Yeah these are good times for a guy watching his country turn into a bowl of spineless whimpering non English speaking goop that begs... no demands the right to be supported in accordance with the promises of an illegal alien voted leader of our nation by the MTV generation.

Sweet little moments that let a guy forget for a moment that his country is going to hell in a hand bag.

Merry Christmas weekend and Happy New Year to All... I see Mr. Savage99 Swish has dropped by and Mr. Trapper Stan, and all the others joining in on Daves Party, so me too I'm a party ccrassshinnnn...

Past midnight here and I've just filled the stove with wood again been scoopin and fighting snow most of the day or packing more wood in. What a Great feeling thanks for the snow guys more coming in right now another couple inches. Finally we got snow!!!

Well its been so long since I've checked in I had some catching to do again, I see Weezy is driving brown to school and Pam has a new toy, and Tzone needs a new snow blower. LOL..

Also a story of stories for Muffy, since we are talking pullin power. Long ago in say 92 or so I hooked a Bronco 2 model Ford to a Semi stuck on a hill covered with snow and pulled it up and over. Now if I'd been smart I'd have gotten pics however there were witnesses. Try that with a Chevy er umm Government Motors of the same size and let me know how much it cost to fix later.. LOL Sorry Muffy I'm having alittle fun with ya..

Dave I feel the same way as I roll into fillup with my 99 that I've now driven longer then any I've owned with 180K miles the F150 has a few dings and looks like heck as I'm hard on huntin trucks. Everyone keeps asking when I'll trade and I say when the Magicians stop spending my kids into oblivion and when the good ole days of the 70's come back. The Dukes need to showup with the General anytime now and save the day from Boss Ogg and sherriff Dumbo and Deputy Enis Reed and Nasty Nancy. Somehow someway I pray that all of this goes away and we see the Good Ole Boys Flying HIGH again saying Yeeehaw while Crazy Cooter is backin them up and Jessy is teaching right from wrong.

The MTV generation has crippled us badly in the election and now more then ever I fear the Great Genrations of building things from Cars and Trucks to Tractors, SkyScapers and Dams it fading fast. They need to learn what Respect and Honor mean and what it means to Really work. Ahh crud I got on a rant Sorry guys and gals.

Keep the stories coming and keep having fun wabo out..

Goin fishin, I'll report back later with results.

Wabo,you ain't crashin,you're family.Good to see you again.Hope your Christmas was good to and for you and yours.
It's refreshing to see people with the same outlook on our great going to hell in a hand basket country.I won't get started on that but I agree with you guy's outlook.God bless and preserve our kids and grand kids.They have a hell of a burden to bear.

Stan in SC

Grogel, now that's a Kodak moment if ever there was one. Merry Christmas to you and the family too.

Rather deal with snow than ice. I managed to get some more off this morning. I'll be chipping away at it for a couple of weeks yet, based on past experience. YMMV.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I can't quite make out what the Red car is, but it resembles a Studebaker.

Bill, how the hell did you figure out that snow covered old red car was a studie?

unreal.

Good eye!

It's was purley a gut reaction, based on what I could make out. First car I ever drove was a 1950 Stude Champion (My folks). Grandad had a 51 Commander with a V8 and my uncle had a 1948 Champion convertible. The old Studebakers were actually very good cars. Their Golden and Silver Hawks of the mids 50's were actually quite fast. I think their designs is what killed them off. I also drove a supercharged and standard Avanti when they first came out around 1963. If I recall correctly the supercharged version was faster than a Vette in a quarter mile.

Let me add another big agree with whats been said about our country. It's down right scary when you see what the next generation has to deal with and how Ill equiped they are to deal with it. It's going to come as big shock to them when/if they figure out life is not a video game.

Wabo, always good to hear from you. Hope you and the family has a enjoyable Christmas.

Grogel, Love the new Savage modification.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When I take that truck to town to gas up I am in my absolute glory.

Is it wrong that I enjoy this so much? The droning hum-rumble of the exhaust as she idles at the fuel pump... Caked snow & ice weighs her down heavy, all 4 rims packed tight with ice & snow. And some guy that seems as happy as can be at the wheel...

My wife hates my old trucks....they drive here nuts. Even before we were married she hated them.

I had an 73 F150...black cab, blaze orange box all rusted out. Noisy 33" bfg'a straight pipes, 390, loud, stinky, powerful, 8mpg....that thing was awesome.

She hated it even worse when I showed up in to pick her up for a road trip to Wausau from Duluth..4 hours. It was nasty cold out, snowing, generally crappy conditions. That truck was dead reliable though and I knew she was worthy of the trip.

That dang truck was the laughing stock of the WI Deer Camp in 1996...until it -25* and it was the only one that started, and jumped everyone else that laughed at it.

I miss that truck.

Thanks guys!!! I think of you all often I'm just stuck working alot more now and trying to make time for the kids and wife is getting tougher daily.

The old trucks Ford or Chevy even the old Dodge cars WOW.. Back when Men were Men and kids could be kids, Women were Women and Trucks well they made REAL trucks then. We built things then and worked from dawn to dusk or late into the nights if need be.

Wow the changes I've seen sicken me throw all the new fangled technology away for all I care and bring back family values, and qualities of a handshake and Mans word was LAW and Binding Contract. I Greatly Miss my Father, Grandfathers and Uncles whom are gone and think daily what would they do, how would they fix or build this and that. Those were the kind of Men who were GREAT.... God Bless them and those like the Men and Women I've found here we are those who haven't forgotten God,Family and Country....

Me I've been at it since dawn shoveling the Wonderful snow at my place and Moms and came back to a Great home cooked family made meal. Now off to make some snowmen a fire and hot choco outdoors. Hope you all have as Good of day as what mine has been so far.

Hey wabo, nice to hear from you. I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas. We just finished the last of our family Christmas here today...and if I hear one more word about Fackbook, I'm going to jam a spoon in my ear. Dang kids these days.

I put 100# of salt on the driveway today and have about 1/3 of it cleared. 'bout 3/4" thick...yuck.

Know what ya mean about the salt. If you need more you'd better move fast as it will probably be in short supply for a while.

Is Granite Peak open or did they shut it down because of all the rain?

Not sure. I can't afford the loan payments it takes to ski there.

We did ok but it took all day.

[Linked Image]

Nice looking days work! How thick is the ice on LOTW?

15 1/2" where we were.

Good catch Dave. How far do you live from LOTW?

No Dave...you are not wrong to enjoy those things....I bought a new F250 in 1974....ugly green...rode like a tank and was simple beauty at its finest. Navy Beans hit 58.00 and I paid cash at the dealer....at 17. I often think back to the days of that truck and that kind of life...:) Now our kids have to work till they are 55 just to pay their share of the government burden....and thats if they stop piling it on right now. Change.....<shudder>
Best to everyone
Scott

Good days work, Dave. What was the hot bait?

Bait didn't seem to matter too much Bill, we had chubs, live shiners & frozen shiners. The live shiners have always been my favorite to fish with but it was a really poor year for shiners, there are very few bait shops in the area that have any this year and if you can find some they are very small.

I honestly think the live chubs outperformed the shiners yesterday, for us anyways.

Originally Posted by SSB

Good catch Dave. How far do you live from LOTW?

about 25 miles.

I'm headed back out hunting elk tomorrow morning, went saturday and had an interesting experience happen.
we pulled up to the valley the elk hang in when there is lots of snow, there is another guy parked on the road who points at the herd of 24 cows/calves. perfect we both will get ours. they were standing 175 yards away just milling around. I go to the back of the truck to suit up and ge my rifle, its about 5 mins into shooting hours, and I hear a horn honking and see flashing lights ahead of me from the other car. the guy bumped his panic button. my first thought was WTF? are you kidding me? needless to say the herd left for parts unknown. so we decided to give them a few days break before we go back. if that guy hadn't been there I would have had my cow first thing first day of the hunt.
oh well, thats the way it goes. my private land back up hunt is a wash as well, they took 12 cows in the last 2 weeks and haven't cut a track in 4 days, so they moved off for a while too.

way to go on the fish Dave! I'm anxious to see if the crappies aare biting on maple when I get back up there.

heading back tomorrow to try and nail an elk, will keep you posted

Alright good luck Ryan!

stay dry, stay warm.

Good luck Ryan, sounds like a blast!! No crappies on maple either. My cousins been over there and all over for the last week and fishing has been poor that way. Now ND got some nice fish for the bucket, where were you at Dave? i got a new portable i need to break in. Thinking taking the widetrak out this week to try and find some fish.

we were in a little clump of houses about 1/3-1/2 mile west of the dnr reef group of houses.

We got our fish but I'm done with that spot.

If I was gonna go now I'd set up on the north east side of the dnr reef houses.

But if you are going portable with a sled I guess I've heard good things about the 5 mile too.

It's hard getting around out there, snowmobile is the best way now.

Springsteel finally plowed a road yesterday too if that helps you decide on anything, not sure how far north they went. DNR for sure.

Maybe further.

There are houses on whisky already where you guys were set up last year.

Hang in there Ryan. You'll get your elk.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bait didn't seem to matter too much Bill, we had chubs, live shiners & frozen shiners. The live shiners have always been my favorite to fish with but it was a really poor year for shiners, there are very few bait shops in the area that have any this year and if you can find some they are very small.

I honestly think the live chubs outperformed the shiners yesterday, for us anyways.

Shinners have been in short supply around here for several years now. Are you just using a bare hook or do you use a lure of some type?

i heard 5 was really hot yesterday. i would like to hit south tip area, don't have to go all the way to whiskey for good action hopefully. not sure how the cracks are out there yet. i wish they would plow it all the way to south tip like last year!

They will, if they haven't already.

I would say we got about 16" here and to celebrate I went out and broke the sled

. The bolt that holds the primary on twisted off. Oh well, I need to chase roosters one or two more times then off to Disneyworld so I have some time to get the sled fixed.

Dad bought a brand spankin' new plow this year for his stores and I plowed a little with it. Wow. That is one thing that has improved since the 70s. I plowed a ton with an old straight blade and let me tell you, the ones that scoop and vee are a definite improvement. Much, much easier to control dingleberries (you know, those little lines of overflow show that come off the edges of the plow).

I totally agree on the direction this country is headed with our current administration.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bait didn't seem to matter too much Bill, we had chubs, live shiners & frozen shiners. The live shiners have always been my favorite to fish with but it was a really poor year for shiners, there are very few bait shops in the area that have any this year and if you can find some they are very small.

I honestly think the live chubs outperformed the shiners yesterday, for us anyways.

Shinners have been in short supply around here for several years now. Are you just using a bare hook or do you use a lure of some type?

I use a lot of this kind of stuff

[Linked Image]

Is that on your office desk or in the fish house dave, you drilling through the floor at work and jiggin' today? what kind of plow are you using, i would like to get one.

You would have to go back in time to get a plow like that one lol!!

It's an old meyers straight blade with hydraulic lift & tilt.

I wouldn't put a plow on a daily driver.

It takes a special kind of truck to withstand the abuse that comes with plowing, especially the way i drive! I should actually wear a helmet when I plow

buschpilot, I stole those photo's from the JB Lures website.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I should actually wear a helmet when I plow

You should actually wear a helmet all the time.

and quit licking the windows too!!

Funny Tzone!

Maybe there would be a way to mount the bear head on a helmet. That would be pretty cool. But that would probly make the bear very mad.

"If I was a bear I'd be so pizzed right now!!"

Now thats stylin' - Like it man!! where did you get that done!

Muffy got some made, not sure.

I got them made at JB's Custom Apparel in Detroit Lakes. They look much better in person than they look in the picture.

I can't wait to wear that in public

I want to get a sweatshirt made so you will have to let me know what else you would like. I will wait for a while before I put in another order. I know Tzone wants a hat.

Originally Posted by muffy

Maybe there would be a way to mount the bear head on a helmet. That would be pretty cool. But that would probly make the bear very mad.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"If I was a bear I'd be so pizzed right now!!"

I had to leave the office for a minute I was laughing so hard. You KNOW that is going to be a helmet next year right?

Originally Posted by Muffy

I want to get a sweatshirt made so you will have to let me know what else you would like. I will wait for a while before I put in another order. I know Tzone wants a hat.

I'm still diggin' the hats. The seatshirts are a good idea, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with the hunting hat.

Just told dave, I still like the idea of patches on the hunting coats. It's a little easier application than the foot tat.

Muffy, how does one get on the hat list? Can't let Tom be the only one in WI with one.

Don't worry Bill, pretty soon I won't be in WI.

Just let me know what you want on the back. I will let you know when I place an order. The hats are $11.50 with a name on the back, and $8.50 without.

Oh come on Tzone, grow a pair.

There down there somewhere.

Well I'm off to mom and dad's for Christmas!

Haven't you learned christmas is over, its new years now almost! Party on!!

I would love a hat with my name on it!
let me know what you need to get them ordered, I'm diggin that!

I'm seriously contemplating the tat as well.

I want a hat but with international orange instead of the yellow so I can wear it hunting.I want my name on it also.

Stan

The hats are blaze orange, they just look kinda yellow in the picture.

Didn't notice that before, but you're right, they look yellow.

Sent you a PM with the info, Muffy.

If I could get a hat or two it would be an honor. One question could I get one in all camo with bright green thread for bowhunting?

Dave Nice bunch of fish! Ya know I think about this place and those here every morning first thing. How wierd is this a local station on the radio in Marshall, Mo. advertizes about ice fishing dot org on in fisherman radio. They talk about this Monster tournement with over 10K ice fishermen. Now it hasn't been cold enough to ice fish around here since I was a kid atleast 25 years ago. How wierd it that!

I think of all my friends up north eachtime I hear it at 550 A.m. daily,,, LOL

I gave my dad his Chickenbuck hat for Christmas. I think he was pretty excited to get the first one.

ha! That's great!

Originally Posted by wabo

They talk about this Monster tournement with over 10K ice fishermen. Now it hasn't been cold enough to ice fish around here since I was a kid atleast 25 years ago. How wierd it that!

Wabo, I fished in the tournament with my cousin when I was a kid and he won a boat/motor/trailer. He caught a fish in about a minute, and ran up to the registration station. He was like the 150th fish or something, and that was the prize he won. We had to have his parents come down and sign for it becuase we were only 16.

Cool. Merry Christmas Uncle Dusty.

Merry Chirstmas To you To tzone

UncleDusty

Every time I see you post I still laugh at PWM's saying "Uncle Dusty, I'm not Happy". That cracks me up every time.

Sorry still have not figured it out yet. Kinda computer illiterate.

What are you trying to figure out? Posting pics?

Yep.

First, go to photobucket.com and start an account. you can upload your pictures from your computer to photobucket.

Do that, and let me know. Then we can help you with the rest.

You can go to the photography forum, and look there too. That is how I did it. Trust me, if I can figure it out, you can.

Hey guys, just heard from colorado ryan, he got his elk!!

he sent me a phone picture, i'll try to post it here if i can get it off my phone.

Buck or doe?

Congrats Ryan. Wooohooo.

Originally Posted by tzone

Buck or doe?

Congrats Ryan. Wooohooo.

looked like a mommy elk.

Nice hat!!

I couldn't help myself, I had to buy CBF a Polaris hat for Christmas. He finally made the switch. [Linked Image]

Ha! I never thought I'd see that kid riding anything but the ditch pickles!!

At least you learned cbf well dave!! Congrats!! Good job on the elk too ryan!

Hey you got it. Good deal. high 5.

Sweet hat too.

I noticed he was riding a Popo Sportsman at the camp too.

Now yer a pro on the pic posting, must run in the family.

Thanks. I had a little help from my cussin.

Great job on the elk Ryan!

ditch pickels.

Ditch Pickle

Uncle Dusty

Big pat on the back Ryan. At least you don't have to worry about the meat spoiling this time of the year.

Great Hat Dusty.

BTW, anyone notice we're over 6,000 posts.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Ditch Pickle

Uncle Dusty

Don't worry Uncle Dusty....I still like the Prowler (like you cared if I like it or not

), I just thought ditch pickle was funny.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Ditch Pickle

Uncle Dusty

Hee-hee!!

I only have a minute before I have to return to the shop and skin her out.
here is the rundown.
after a disappointing time saturday, my brother and I went back to try again. sure enough the same guy was there and he told us how he missed a standing shot the day before at 50 yards. and that the elk were on the golf course every morning, we opted to go by thm and hunt in the mountains and try and catch them on the way to their bedding grounds. well they had been so spooked by these road hunters (who bragged about attempting 1500 yard shots to the top of a ridge) that they were hanging back in the thick of it. we hiked about 3 or 4 miles and decided it wasn't my year and were going to head home because our time together with he family was limited. we peeked over a cliff and saw some thick trees, threw in a rock to see if it might kick something up, and it didn't. I took 3 steps and there were two bedded cows. no idea why the rock didn't spook em. but I pulled up, shot her in the spine and then finished her off with a shot to the noodle. we climbed down the cliff, took a quick pic with the cell and hurried to get her out so we could be home by dark. we had a 2 mile drag, but had a sled and thankfully a snowcat track to pull it on the logging road.

an awesome time was had, and it was the first time my brother and I have hunted together in about 15 years. I wouldn't trade today for anything

I got home and my little man was thrilled to see me and clapped when i showed him the meat that will see us through winter

gotta run for now, but figured ya'll would like to hear how it went.

Big ol gal 'eh. Good going Ryan.

That elk in the snow looks like a riot.

Congrats again man.

Welcome back to MN Ryan!! That's a damn big cow man!!

Congrats that's awesome !!!

Pic looks lots better than it did on my phone. Nice lookin' animal. I can smell those backstraps from here.

I'm not back yet, we fly out tomorrow, hopefully it goes better than the trip out here.
5am-midnight traveling with a 16 month old is exhausting to say the least.

I'll be heading out to the shed in about 30 mins to start on the back straps, tenderloin, then shoulders and finish with the hind quarters and then trimmings.
most of it is going into burger and roasts.

thanks for the compliments guys, it was an awesome hunt with my brother, I think I have him talked into going next year.

Great picture Ryan. 2 mile drag, part of it uphill even with a sled is no job for us old timers.

Good thing your young. I'd say this caps off a good year for you.

Oh ok, I didn't know you brought the little guy to grandma & grandpas. Bet that was fun for them too.

When you said the little guy was happy to see you I assumed you were back home already.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm not back yet, we fly out tomorrow, hopefully it goes better than the trip out here.
5am-midnight traveling with a 16 month old is exhausting to say the least.

I'll be heading out to the shed in about 30 mins to start on the back straps, tenderloin, then shoulders and finish with the hind quarters and then trimmings.
most of it is going into burger and roasts.

thanks for the compliments guys, it was an awesome hunt with my brother, I think I have him talked into going next year.

I also love the picture and story. Road hunters leave a bad taste in my mouth as well. I find no matter what I'm hunting. Get more than a few hundred yards from a road and you have the woods to yourself.

Congratulations!!!

Ryan, What rifle did you use for your elk?

thanks,
yeah he came out here with me so he could have some quality time with his cousins and grandpa and grandma. I wouldn't have come home without him.

their excuse for road hunting was bad knees/back

who doesn't have some type of thing bothering them?
no excuse for hunting from the road though. he was from texas I saw by the plates on his little jeep lookin car. really bothered me how they were doing it.

it is nice if you see them on the golf course, hike up and around, set up on the ridge above them and shoot them within a few hundred yards of the road, it makes for easy dragging, but they just drove the roads non stop and tried to run the elk to where they wanted them, and still couldn't hit them, and if they did they never followed up.
and I saw a lot of crows up there on the high ridge....

I used a ruger M77 MKII 7mm rem mag pushing 160 grain accubonds with 60 grains of RL22
the scope was a burris signature 6-24x50. I'm thinking of selling it and getting a 4-14 for it instead.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

their excuse for road hunting was bad knees/back

who doesn't have some type of thing bothering them?

Did you tell them...."too f'n bad, I have a broken back."

Me thinks broken back, trumps bad knee.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I used a ruger M77 MKII 7mm rem mag pushing 160 grain accubonds with 60 grains of RL22
the scope was a burris signature 6-24x50. I'm thinking of selling it and getting a 4-14 for it instead.

Is that one you showed us?

I don't remember that gun. I was wondering if you were going to carry around that big heavy .300 or not.

How did that accubond work? Obviously it worked, but you know what i mean.

I thought about sayin that, but I just shook my head and went hunting.
they were two older gentlemen so I was respectful and bit my tongue.

no, its not one I had up north, its one I keep at mom and dads for hunting out here.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

but I just shook my head and went hunting.
they were two older gentlemen so I was respectful and bit my tongue.

VERY commendable. A trait not often seen today!!!!!

Well I'm back home. I saw so many cousins I have not seen in years at my grandmas funeral today. It was so nice to see and visit with them.

Sorry to hear about your grandma Missy.

I figured you were fishing today since you didn't post.

Check out the wolf thread in the main fourm....Dave's makin' friends.

Sorry I couldn't make it.

I was thinking of you all today.

Thanks guys.

Condolences to you and the family Muffy.

Originally Posted by tzone

Check out the wolf thread in the main fourm....Dave's makin' friends.

WARNING, WARNING Ms Muffy, do not check out the wolf thread unless you have asbestos underwear. It's flamen hot and I don't mean in a gender bender way.

yeah it's wise to stay clear of any wolf topics, always.

How do IFind The Wolf Thread

Uncle Dusty

Thanks Bill.

Oh it's just going to pizz you off if you find it.

But it's up at the top page of the forum list in the hunters campfire forums.

A gunsmith named lee (redneck) from Wisconsin made the original post & it took off from there.

It's called "2 wolves dead" or something like that.

I just got done reading that whole thread. WOW is all I can say

That's what happens if you even speak the word "wolf" on the internet.

I read it lastnight and WOW! Some people get really mean. There were a couple of times I wanted to say what was on my mind. But I do not argue well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's what happens if you even speak the word "wolf" on the internet.

I've been following it, but decided to quit posting about it. No matter what you say it just keeps fanning the flames.

I'd like to have a one on one with that brent. I was posting, not being an ass and he calls me a retard.

His true colors are showing...man I need to quit looking at that, because I want to punch him in the throat now. I know...not nice, but it would make my whole day go better.

Give him a punch in the throat for me too. What an idiot.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd like to have a one on one with that brent. I was posting, not being an ass and he calls me a retard.

His true colors are showing...man I need to quit looking at that, because I want to punch him in the throat now. I know...not nice, but it would make my whole day go better.

TFF! Actually tzone.... not to be a buzz kill but if you go back & re read... you will see that he wrote reread... not retard

oh god I'm sorry but i'm laughing now!

Cause I saw what you wrote & I thought, oh god, Tom missread & thinks he called him a tard...

Oh well.

We still love ya buddy!!

Want me to hold him Tom?.....not that I think you'd need it.....:)

Here is a picture of our fish house. Ours is the one on the far left. The one on the right is our buddy Jim's. The one in the middle is the retards that had the whole lake to put it on yet they put it less than 10 yards from us.

It was kinda funny watching them. First they drilled 2 holes, then tied a bolt to the line on their fishing rod to check depth. Then they decided to move the house about 10 feet from that spot. While doing this they ran over the fishing rod with the 4 wheeler. Pretty funny watching the guy holding the rod in one hand and the reel in the other.

Oh well, we were not catching anything anyway so we were not too upset. They put on a good show for about an hour.

[Linked Image]

Oh yea, when we get on the lake we have to take a hard left or we will go in the drink. It is the stream that runs from Lake 6 to Lake 7. That is the problem most years that we have when it comes to getting on the lake at all.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd like to have a one on one with that brent. I was posting, not being an ass and he calls me a retard.

His true colors are showing...man I need to quit looking at that, because I want to punch him in the throat now. I know...not nice, but it would make my whole day go better.

TFF! Actually tzone.... not to be a buzz kill but if you go back & re read... you will see that he wrote reread... not retard

oh god I'm sorry but i'm laughing now!

Cause I saw what you wrote & I thought, oh god, Tom missread & thinks he called him a tard...

Oh well.

We still love ya buddy!!

Well, I'm RETARDED.

I still wnat to punch him in the throat....I really would feel better.

That does make it funnier than doesn't it?

Yeah, it's more fun that way....I'm puttin' on the foil now.

house is lookin good missy! Lake of the woods is Hot, Hot, Hot!! fishing is out of this world!!

heading to duluth now, later.

Good picture Muffy. Should be able to fish in comfort in that shack.

Yeah, we don't really rough it out there.

It is an 8x16 so there is plenty of room for us and our friends to fish, play cards, and drink beer. We have a car radio with the speaker mounted in the roof, cook stove, microwave, and fold down double bed in it. We usually have a TV and DVD player out there too but we have not yet this year.

Jeez, With all that stuff in there, how do you find time to fish?

Nice pickture. Does anyont stand on the shore and cast into that open spot?

Throw a tipup with the flag by that hole.

Havn't tried that, maybe I should.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here is a picture of our fish house. Ours is the one on the far left. The one on the right is our buddy Jim's. The one in the middle is the retard that had the whole lake to put it on yet they put it less than 10 yards from us.

Dammit Tommy!Say you're sorry to Muffy!

Hee Hee!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

Stan in SC

I made it back home, my vehicle is COVERED in snow, its freezing cold and I already miss the mountains.

but at least I have a warm body to snuggle with tonight

until then its movie and a beer, I need to relax

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Here's to hoping this economy turns around in 2010! I guess we can all consider ourselves pretty lucky to have our jobs. Many people lost theirs in 2009.

Ryan - Great job on the elk! Looks mighty tasty!

Dave - How long does that extended deer season go up there? I wouldn't mind another one for the freezer. (or maybe thats just an excuse to spend another weekend at the shack)

Hey Jim. I have been layed off since November of 2008, it really sucks. There are just no jobs out there. I really dont want to work for Walmart and be one of those greeter fellers.

lol, but you would be great at it! your disposition is such that you can't help but brighten peoples day

BTW Happy New Year everybody!!!!!!!

Happy New Year all!

Scott

Originally Posted by Muffy

Hey Jim. I have been layed off since November of 2008, it really sucks. There are just no jobs out there. I really dont want to work for Walmart and be one of those greeter fellers.

Maybe you could be an Amish rake fighter?

So last weekend I got the wild hair to put my sleds and trailer on craigs list, sold them and then found a SWEET deal on a 4 wheeler. 2007 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 NRA Edition Advantage Max1 Camo. Dude needed money and was asking $4500. I talked him down to $4200 and spent the $300 on a Wii and accessories. Kids are gonna love it. They are not happy with me for selling the snowmobiles so I figured I better do something.

By looking on the internet, the wheeler was MSRP @ $8949 new. It has 1000 miles on it and looks mint.

Muffy, you and Jeremy will have to come wheelin with us. Maybe we could all go to chicken buck and ride one weekend this spring.

Uncle Dusty, you will have to bring your Ranger!

Ranger.

Uncle Dusty

Prowler!!

Happy 2010 everybody!!

It's cold in Duluth this morning, colder back home though, I heard it was -35 this morning back home!

That would be fun Jim. It is fun wheeling at Chickenbuck, although I have not had my 4 wheeler up there. I've been riding with dad in the Prowler. He took the bench seat out of his portable fish house and mounted it on the back. Works very well.

It is very cold.

I shouldn't even say this because I know I will not hear the end of it. My Trailblazer wouldn't start this morning.

You would think when you buy a vehicle new in Minnesota it should come with a block heater. Guess I never thought about it when I bought it. This is the first time it wouldn't start.

yikes, well maybe you could run over to L&M & pick up a magnetic heater to stick on the oil pan for the rest of this winter. we had an expedition without a block heater once & put one of those magnetic ones on there & it worked well.

Only minus 8 here this morning. Happy New Year to one and all.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Prowler!!

Happy 2010 everybody!!

It's cold in Duluth this morning, colder back home though, I heard it was -35 this morning back home!

Oh thats right! It's a prowler. ooops.

Cold is right! My truck said - 31* last night just after dark. She started right up this morning though without being plugged in even. But it is a chevy afterall.....

My wife's auto is a 2002 Trailblazer. Great cars!
27 degrees here.I know that's nothing for you guys from the northern climes but it's damn cold for South Carolina.

Stan in SC

WOW you guys to the north have my Greatest respect.. Just got in from Iowa at -14 with a -22 windchill I spent just over an hour out at one spell and it was COLD.. Been since I was a boy since I've seen below -10 and it was COLD. Yes I'm a whimp...

I need to catchup with you all on the latest now but I had to say what do you wear to stay out? How do you handle -40 for long spells? I had on longjohns, 3 sweatshirts jeans and a heavy vest, yes I had more in the car but it was too far to get back to. Oh I had on the MadBomber hat too. Would my coveralls and 4 in one parka had made that much difference? I was Frozen for another hour inside before I finally got warm.

Ok I need to go stock the stove again with some wood trying to get a bed of coals to last the night. But I forgot Happy New Years awhile ago!!!!

Congratulations to Ryan Great Story and Nicely done on the elk!!!

Also another idea I had while I was in the cold how about someone designs a solar powered, electric backup heat pump for cars and trucks/tractors and the like instead of having to plug them in.. Now where can ya find the magnet kind Dave? First time winter for me with the car and I was wishin for one and hadn't made an install yet.

-4 here at home but 2 of 3 cars are in the garage and its nice in there. Much past -7 or so and I get nervous about how a vehicle starts.

Wabo, Here's what works for me in extreme cold.

1) Stay inside..I found it works quite well. If I do have to venture out:

2) Dress in layers; Moisture wicking base layers, then wool or heavy weight fleece, topped of with a Parka with a hood and wind breaking membrane. A Blaclava for the head/face. Two pair of socks, one moisture wicking the other heavy wool. Pack boots with felt liners. Don't forget the chopper mitts and liners for your hands.

Notice the term moisture wicking appears several times. That eliminates cotton.

and carhart extremes

I have one week before school starts.
my body is toying with what could be a cold, but should shake it in the next day or two.

ice auger is still broke though, dang. what to do what to do

ditto on the carharts!

Ryan, try and find a good used one. Too bad you're not closer, my SIL has talked about getting rid of his. He hasn't used it for at least 3 years.

Grizzly Bill,

Thanks, I always wear my polypro longjohns and thats what my coveralls are I have 5 pairs of those and two pair of the blizzard proof bibs. I just couldn't believe thinking about -40 or better that you guys deal with how do you venture out for an entire day in that?

When hunting geese I can last all day down to -3 or so but that extra 10 seemed Brutal cold and I was shocked how cold I was. Do you guys wear a down vest under the coveralls? What kind of parka do you wear for snow machine riding for a day?

Just found another deal last week I've ordered 2 of these, M65 field jacket new with liner in a XXLong which will go down to my knees, picked those up in 3XL to go over my coveralls. 30 bucks each New.. See how I like them I guess later this week if they showup.

Ok boys and girls, I need your input. I'm in the market for a new camera. My Nikon crapped out on me this weekend. It's 5 years old and only a 5MP. Not worth sending it in to get repaired. Want a point and shoot of at least 10 MP's with a 10X optical lens. I want to keep the price down to around $200. My short list includes a Canon Power SX120IS and a Nikon Coolpix L100.

Olympus makes a waterproof, shockproof model that would be nice, but sell for over $300.

What's everyone at Deer Camp using?

I use a simple kodak easy share point & shoot 9.2MP

No complaints.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Ranger.

Uncle Dusty

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, try and find a good used one. Too bad you're not closer, my SIL has talked about getting rid of his. He hasn't used it for at least 3 years.

REALllllly? What is it? How much....remember, I'm cheap.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, try and find a good used one. Too bad you're not closer, my SIL has talked about getting rid of his. He hasn't used it for at least 3 years.

REALllllly? What is it? How much....remember, I'm cheap.

It's a Jiffy Stealth, 3HP. Not sure what he would want for it, but I'll check.

Thanks Bill.

Yup Kodak Sharepoint here too model c633 and like it however given the option I'd LOVE a Nikon D50 but the wife says no. Maybe someday I'll be able to sneak it by..LOL

Been out choppin wood today and had the kids packin in what I split, that will workup a sweat. Yes I use a maul for the exercize, my shoulders and back are sore. They don't know it yet but my little helpers earned a nice treat today.

Next up on my list is finding some Food! then the recliner and something like Broken Trail or Lonesome Dove.

I have the augers from mine, all I would need is the power head

let me know how much he wants for it, I'm sure we could work something out if the deal is right

Ryan, I'll let you know what he says.

thanks!
I might have a camera to trade you too if need be

hey ryan, a friend of me txt me a pic of an auger tonight & says he's got it for sale. dunno nuthing about it but i'll see him at work tomorrow.

Hey guys. I hope you all had a happy new year. It's of to a good start for 'ol Tzone already. The Vikings put a whoopin' on the Giants for starters.

The best part so far though..... I got two new guns this year already!

I bought a Glock 23 from my BIL, with 4 hi cap mags, with a lazermark, laser sight, and night sights.

and I wondered into Cabela's yesterday with my BIL and my son to kill some time while the girls were shopping. Of course we found our way into the Gun Library. As we were poking around, I stumbled across a beautiful tang safety, Ruger M77 in 7x57, for $550 It is used very little, if at all.

I asked the gun dude if it has a box and the rings...he checked and told me no on both. I threw it back on the shelf and poked around the store for about an hour.

I stopped back before we left, and picked it up again. Hemmed and hawed about it, and set it back down. The guy asked if I was going to buy it, and said, "well it doesn't have any rings with it..will ya take $475"? "Sure" he tells me.

Tom,I think I have stainless rings.Welcome to them you are.

Stan in SC

Laser sights, night sights, Oh my! Those old flying bears and swamp squid/lizards whatever are going to catch hell this coming year.

Now I've got to get over to Black River Falls to check on that 6.5 Swede for sure.

When are you going Bill?

Hey Chickenbuckers. I posted this in the Kids section too, but in case you guys don't get over that way...here is a little bit of what happend at the tzone house on Christmas morning. I was so busy at work last week I never got around to it.

My boy asked Santa for a gun for Christmas so he could go hunting with his daddy.....well, that is about all this Daddy's heart could take.

IS THIS WHAT I THINK IT IS?
[img:center] [Linked Image]

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WOW, IT IS WHAT I THINK IT IS.
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HEY DAD, NOW WE CAN GO HUNTING TOGETHER!!!!
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Mrs. Claus was just as surprised, because she had no idea Santa was bringing that. that sneak little Santa.

Oh how cute. He looks very happy. Good job dad!

Ha! that's great!

thats awesome Tom!

way to go!

He was a very happy boy. Momma was a little worried about it, but that's what Momma's do.

He's a big shot now, and gets to keep it in the gun cabinet with the rest of them. We have to go look at it several times a week.

Here is the rest of the stash from this weekend. Mini man was with me in Cabela's when I bought the Ruger, once I was done and put it in the cart he was quick to the draw in claiming the rifle as his, by saying, "is this mine too Dad?" Any guess as to what I told him.

Ruger M77, tang safety. 7x57
[img:center] [Linked Image]

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Glock 23, .40 cal, lots of added goodies.
[img:center] [Linked Image]

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Good New Years haul.

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Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Tom,I think I have stainless rings.Welcome to them you are.

Stan in SC

Great. Thanks Stan. I'll send you a PM.

Here's my Ruger 77/44 in case I have never posted it here.
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5803/pics007e.jpg

Stan in SC

I don't remember seeing that one Stan.

I like those 77/44's. Didn't know they made one in stainless, looks sharp.

tzone,

Does this mean you picked up a 7x57 in place of the 6.5x55 you were leaning towards? 7x57 is another classic caliber I would like to own someday...

Yeah, that's what it means....for now anyway.

I'd still like a Swede, but it's on the back burner for now. The 7x57 was on the short list with the Swede, so it's not much of a compromise imo.

Nice haul. That Glock will make a nice carry piece here in MN where they have "shall issue" carry permits. No such luck in Packerland. Those deranged Packer Backers can't be trusted.

Originally Posted by tzone

When are you going Bill?

Tuesday ot Thursday.

I'll have the permit when I get to MN.

Really, it's a little bit to carry all the time, but for the price, I couldn't pass it up. I could sell it to a gun shop and make money on this one.

I'd like a real small .38 or .357 to carry on a regular basis.

Tom, one happy little dude you got there. That Ruger sure didn't see any hard use. Hope it's a good shooter.

He's a happy kid anyway. Real polite too. He's a good kid, but drives me nuts like a boy should do to his dad.

He was almost as excited to go through the "fish tunnel" at Cabela's. And of course laughed at the elephant's "junk"...but so did the rest of us.

I hope that Ruger is a shooter too Bill. It carries great so far. If I could get 1.5" @ 100, I'd be real happy with it.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll have the permit when I get to MN.

Really, it's a little bit to carry all the time, but for the price, I couldn't pass it up. I could sell it to a gun shop and make money on this one.

I'd like a real small .38 or .357 to carry on a regular basis.

I keep a SIG 229 .40 S&W in my SUV. I don't carry on my person all that much here in the TC. If I do it's a full size SIG GSR 1911 45ACP when I can wear a coat and a Beretta Tomcat 32ACP when I can't. You're right about the big guns being a hassle to carry. I have been thinking about a small J frame for a while too.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

. I have been thinking about a small J frame for a while too.

That would be about perfect.

Tom,I showed my wife the pics of your boy opening the Red Ryder and she wanted to know where his pink rabbit pajamas were.LOL.
Rings are in the mail.

Stan in SC

I found a power head like mine that has a broken recoil, its in Roseau but my buddy is going up there in a couple of days to get a tractor, so he's gonna pick it up. simple switch of the recoils and I'm ready to go this weekend!

Originally Posted by tzone

And of course laughed at the elephant's "junk"...but so did the rest of us.

that's funny!!

Leave it to a kid to point that stuff out, because we never would have.

Tom, love your choice of rifles., for both you and your son! Do you handload or are you looking to factory stuff for the 7X57?

Scott

Well I finished welding the steel skid frame for our fish house last night. It's looking good, house should pull really nice out on the lake now.

when you putting the house out dave, i am hoping to get out sunday now if all works out. Happy new year Ya'll!!

You gotta try that thing out on a sledding hill first...you know to break it in propper.

How else you gonna know if the skis work? It'll be a big cheese toboggan.

Thanks Scott.

I'll be using factory stuff for now. One of these day my cheapness will give in and I'll have to get a reloading set up. Maybe now that I have something a bit hard to reload for it will give me a kick in the pants.

I started reloading three years ago.I never got accuracy like I get now.My gunsmith told me that reloading was like a hobby within a hobby and he was correct.

Stan in SC

Happy New Year Bushcy!

I know full well, it doesn't stop at one cartridge.

It is a nice way to get affordable bullets, the improved accuracy is great too. Especially when you can "custom" make loads for guns.

you have no idea buddy

its an addiction
I started almost 2 years ago, and haven't killed a critter with a factory bullet since.
ammo is never a problem when you roll your own as well.

plus you can practice more, and practice is FUN!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when you putting the house out dave, i am hoping to get out sunday now if all works out. Happy new year Ya'll!!

it's possible i could get it out there before the weekend but it's more likely it will happen on saturday.

I'm not sure if it's a passionate hobby, or a clinical addiction but when I have free time it's often spent reloading. There's just something about it that clicks with me. Starting with simple components and building something that exceeds what you can buy, tailored exactly how you want it.

Just like the 6.5x55, the 7x57 has factory ammo that is loaded down to be safe in all the older, weak actioned guns. If you reload for your modern strong action rifle, you'll allow it to stretch it's legs and show you what it can really do.

Just a note: You'll likely never save any money reloading, but you'll get to shoot a whole lot more for the same amount of money and have better ammo to boot.

Sorry for the poor picture quality (phone pictures)

But here's the new skid frame for under our fish house.

It's upside down in these pictures. had to weld the underside. Imagine it flipped over, it will carry our 8'x16' fish house.

[Linked Image]

An underside corner view of the tow hoops I made, 1/2" sq cold rolled steel. Should be able to drop a log chain through there & jerk this thing free from the ice with a truck if need be.

[Linked Image]

Looks good Dave!

Although the fish house might not float as well when you get them on it.

I'll cap the ends of the ski toes so the whole thing is air tight, that might help some

Looks good Dave. heavy duty fo sho.

very heavy duty!

I might have to make something like that for mine. maybe build a trailer/ski combo

How you going to attach the house to it Dave? Bolts?

I'll set the house on it & drill through the house floor into the steel (pilot holes) then use self threading heavy scews to draw the hous floor tight to the steel.

that looks like a dandy dave!! looks like it could be a moveable reef out there come spring.

You been to the igloo bar yet?

not yet!! i am awaiting the opportunity to get out there. i am pretty sure i will just fish there one day. I wonder if they will clean my catch when i am in there!

Quite a set of runners you built, Dave.

I'm now the proud owner of a Tikka T3 in 6.5 X 55. Unfortunately the camera is dead so I can't post a picture.

wow, where did you find that??

congrats!

Found it in Black River Falls, WI Dave. Ace hardware store over there has one heck of a gun shop.

I love hardware stores for gun sales.

I capped the ski toe ends on the fish house barge, cleaned the steel & painted it tonight.

[Linked Image]

Tom, we've got a few 7X57's in the safe here...albeit no Ruger 77's. Both my sister and my wife run Remington 140 pointed core lokt factory loads in theirs. Its a nice milder load, chronoing about 2575 out of sis' 700 Mountain Rifle and the wife's #1. Very accurate in both and we've never recovered a bullet either. For a guy in the big woods its a good load. An Inch high at 100 gives - 1 3/4 at 200 and hardly no recoil. the Gander's here have them like 25% off right now. Lisa(wife) just picked up 3 boxes a couple days ago. I also load for mine if ya get there and need some help.

Our gander has 4 boxes left. I'm going to grab a few before they're gone. Core lockt 140's

She looks good enough to float now dave!

Looks good Dave, did you foam the inside of the tubes too? maybe put a plate on one end to hang the outboard on for spring fishing.

Dave,
That looks like quite a nice garage/shop. What are the dimensions and how are you heating it? Attached to the house?

Detached, 30' x 60' 12 foot walls. I heat it with a cleanburn waste oil furnace.

And it's a crap hole, total mess.

It needs a serious clean up out there.

woohoo! got my other auger today, its the power head and bottom for 50 bucks!
gonna steal parts off mine and get her running tonight hopefully.

then its off to the lake!

Ryan, what's the bottom like? What kind? Size?

A friend of mine lost his drill section down the hole last Sunday.

He was using one of those new quick coupler adapters, didn't work too well for him.

its a 6", I already have one
great for crappies, might suck for LOTW though

Where you pulling your house to this weekend dave? South tip is decent i guess. I won't be able to get out till sunday but the weather sounds good for the weekend. I thought about getting that quick coupler, i think you just deterred me.

I'm not sure, I'm kind of leaning towards "straight up the middle" as in Gull/Arnesons area.

South tip might be ok too but you know how that goes with big houses.

Not sure yet.

Do you have a plan yet?

I'm thinkin of making a trip up there one of these weekends.
is the fishing good all day or should I plan for an evening run?
it will likely be me and a friend or two in a 4x8 portable

Morning till night is the normal walleye bite on LOW.

When you came up last year we started out tip up fishing for northerns & when that looked dead we scooted up to an evening walleye spot. That was sort of an odd day fishing wise.
We did ok in the end though if I remember corectly.

Sounds like the plan may be to head out torwards arnesons' or gull area as well. it is the last weekend of deer hunting too you know!! may just find a spot for my permanent out there but planning on the portable this weekend. bring the gas grill with for some johnsonvilles on the ice, don't get much better than that!!

yes sir, we did pretty good that day, and I had a blast!
I still have a couple pics floatin around here of that day.
I looked closer at that auger bottom, its a 7 inch, not sure on the make, I can snap a pic an text it to you if you like.

[Linked Image]

The road is plowed to south tip dave, but we may just hit the north side of gull sunday morning. R u getting in on the deer hunt or did you put that gun away.

just never got to revved up about the late hunt I guess.

yeah I heard about that road, that might be where we go, chain up the old plow truck & head up there to bust a little trail off the main road to put a couple of houses.

Jeremy talked to our neighbor yesterday, and him and his boy went fishing on Lake 7 on Sunday. His boy who I think is about 13 years old caught a 27 inch walleye. They put their house by ours. He got it at about 1 in the afternoon. I guess we have to fish earlier.

Heading out tomorrow to brave the cold ass temps on the ice. Some of these goof balls are heading out about 1 or 2 tomorrow AM. There isn't a lake in WI that I'm willing to get up that early to go fish in below 0 temps on.

I'll meet them up there tomorrow at 6am, catch my 3 eyeballers by 9 and drink till noon.

Have lunch and go home.

make some room ot there Dave! 27" thats pretty good. i have yet to get one over 25. this winter is going to be good though i think. my 5yr old got a 26 and a 25 last year. -35 here last weekend tzone and the lake was hopping like crazy i guess. not by me though, nice and toasty at home!

I'm almost ready to flip a coin between 5 mile & south tip...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

make some room ot there Dave! 27" thats pretty good. i have yet to get one over 25. this winter is going to be good though i think. my 5yr old got a 26 and a 25 last year. -35 here last weekend tzone and the lake was hopping like crazy i guess. not by me though, nice and toasty at home!

We're not getting that nasty cold you guys up there are. -35 and I'll watch fishing on TV.

If I had a shack, it would be a different story. I'm running warm clothes and choppers. I'll go hang with the boys for a while, but I'm not going to freeze my buns doing it.

27 through the hole is a nice fish. Biggest I've caught through the ice is 25".

I'm heading out to maple in an hour, maybe the crappies have started biting.

gonna fill up the belly with fresh elk first

good luck to all, stay safe!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

gonna fill up the belly with fresh elk first

Git in Ma BELLY!

Hey Stan!!!!

Just thought I'd tell you,I got the rings today....Thanks!

Tom

That's what friends are for.You are most welcome,sir.

Stan in SC

Morning Stan, how's the weather out your way? I have friends heading to Myrtle beach at the end of the month.

we got one crappie last night, at least its something. gonna keep trying.
anyone else made it out fishin?

the elk was awesome, had some left over roast with eggs this morning, mmm mmm good!

Went fishing lastnight, got nothing. Not even a bite. We saw some on the Vexlar but they just wouldn't take the bait.

We got out today. It was cold and slow. Typical WI walleye fishing... lots of flags until 7am, then a few more at 10, then nothing until I left at 2:30pm.

We had about 30 tip ups or so out. about 12 fish total on those. My buddy Mark caught a 19" which was the biggest.

We had the same luck jigging as you Muffy. We'd mark em, and get em to come up and take a sniff, but only caught 2 perch on jigs, both small.

and incase anybody was wondering, the new 4 wheelers with the power steering...are the cats meow!

Grizzly,Your friends are picking a good time to go to Myrtle Beach.Although we are experiencing a cold spell right now it will be rather nice later in January and on into February.
Where are they going to stay?

Stan in SC

We stopped by our buddy Lyle's fish house tonight. He has his house on Eagle Lake. They had a nice pail of crappies. They were biting on minnows and wax worms.

Too bad you got a job, you could have been up here at lake of the woods with me!!

Stan, I don't recall the name of the place they stay. It's right on the beach though and they've been going there for years.

They'll be there for the entire month of February.

We set our houses out on the lake yesterday & now we're going to go see if the dang fishing is any good there.

Dave-still trying to make it up there. Hope to know more later today when I tear apart the broken washer.

Originally Posted by uncle dusty

Too bad you got a job, you could have been up here at lake of the woods with me!! grin

Dang ol jobs always getting in the way.

Congrats lady!

I can't believe you went up there with out me.

When did you go?

Muffy went back to work?Congratulations.Where?

Stan

It is just part time. I clean an office building in Detroit Lakes. It only ends up being about 7 hours a week. Oh well it gives me something to do.

Hey, Hey!

Made it off the lake! Dusty is going home with a nice limit of walleye/saugers tonight! That means he got his walleyes plus some saugers... he also is bringing home some of his favorite! The freshwater cod, poor mans lobster, the pout straps!

I left our house for a few minutes to do some plowing & to pull some jerk out of a snowbank with the plow truck & when I came back to the fish house the kids where kicking a big fat burbout out of the house!

I'll load some pictures in a minute here, time to clean some fish right now.

thats awesome!
way to go guys! can't wait til I can make a venture up there

Oh pout are my favorite! Dad would always bring some home and boil it up for me, yum. Although if I would have known what they look like first, I probly wouldn't have tried it.

The first time I saw one was about 12 years ago. I was at LOW with Jeremy and a bunch of other people. I had one on the line and it put up a pretty good fight. Jeremy was on his knees ready to grab my big catch. Then he jumped back and said "I'm not grabing that thing. Here it was a good sized pout. Larry took it and it wrapped around his arm. He tossed it on the ice and it slithered like a snake. It still like it even after seeing it.

Pout is a type of eel,isn't it?

Stan in SC

A few pictures.

At the house here saturday morn, getting ready to head for the lake.

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Then we skip to today, I forgot to take pics yesterday.

our "fishing lot"

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fishin.

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Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Pout is a type of eel,isn't it?

Stan in SC

cod I suppose.. ling, burbout, eel pout... lots of names for the ugliest fish in the world.

the boy got a nice sauger.

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Friend of mine got himself a nice old snow buggy that he put a lot of work into. He rebuilt the tracks & suspension, all new hubs & torsion axles, tires, lots of work went into this old machine.

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cockpit

goin for a ride

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back home with the catch.

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had to fight eener for one.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2392.jpg[/img]

and we got a bit confused cleaning stuff... almost had an accident..

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Wow looked like fun!

Poor little Eener.

Good Morning Uncle Dusty.

Sure was alot of fun yesterday. Nice to get the kids out on the lake and do some fishing. PWM was busy catchin' up the fish, playing with the minnows, and running back and forth between houses. He had to keep checking on his buddy, Uncle Dusty. I wonder if "hey uncle dusty" is still ringing thru Dusty's head?

Maybe one of these weekends we can squeeze in a snowmobile ride too. I'm itching to try out my new sled. Weekends are simply too short for us since we have so many things we like to do.

Have a good day all.

Nice meal of Walleyes Dave.

That snow machine is pretty cool. Looks like the "snow Weasel" the air force used at the mountain survial school back in the 60's.

Oh, by-the-way, Eener wouldn't taste too good.

Ask me how I know sometime.

Yeah we decided not to fillet the weener dog.

It was a great weekend but Pam's right, we have to get some snowmobiling in sometime soon.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Then he jumped back and said "I'm not grabing that thing. Here it was a good sized pout. Larry took it and it wrapped around his arm. He tossed it on the ice and it slithered like a snake. It still like it even after seeing it.

Very similar to my first time seeing them. My buddy did the wrap around your arm trick to me too.

Hey Good morinin' lady!

Nice fish you guys caught. I forgot my camera this morning so I don't have my pictures yet. Not nearly as many fish as you guys caught though. Nice job.

Good Job Dave, lots of fun out there. We hit the gull rock area yesterday, kept 9 and through back lots of little ones. where did you set the big house? hoping to get out after work one night this week agian. maybe this side somewheres...

That Snowcat, or whatever you call it is cool as hell. That thing looks indestructable.

Hey Buschy, we're on the 5 mile.

I just talked to scotty, he said you guys set up over by them in the normal spot for their house yesterday.

5 mile road out of swift dutch is really good, the guy is doing a nice job with that road.

Originally Posted by tzone

That Snowcat, or whatever you call it is cool as hell. That thing looks indestructable.

Yeah tom, you would really like that thing, it's got a ford 200 cubic inch straight 6 & a 4 speed trans in it. lever steering, very cool.

He took the boys for a ride in it then he took me & weezy for a ride, then the boys went again. It's a really nice machine.

I saw that steering stick. Kind like an old CAT. that's a cool rig. Is it an old trail groomer, or was is built for the ice?

Built for pretty much anything I think. Nodwell was the manufacturer I think, I also think he told me once that this one was owned by a utility company, can't remember which state he said it came out of though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I also think he told me once that this one was owned by a utility company, can't remember which state he said it came out of though.

Now that you say that....I know of a utility company that still has one up here. Don't know if its the same make, but style wise, it's close.

Here is a pic of Dozer. It was his first time ice fishing. Once again only 2 perch.

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Nice looking Golden. How old is he Muffy?

I'm out fishing right now. At about 2:00 I had one on the line and it felt like a nice one. But my line broke. Chit!!

He will be 1 year old on Feburary 28th. He is a handfull. I can't wait till he is out of the puppy stage.

We didn't think he would get this big because his dad wasn't that big. He is over 80 pounds already.

Muffy he is a dandy! There is nothing like a retriever if you want a friend for life...be they goldens or labs. I'm into my 50's now and there has been one by my side since birth...or so they tell me...lol

Dave where abouts are you putting up your retreat

my fish house? it's already out on lake of the woods.

Originally Posted by Muffy

We didn't think he would get this big because his dad wasn't that big. He is over 80 pounds already.

He's still got some growing to do too. He's a great looking dog.

Muffy, Our family had a Golden (Female) back in the 50's. What a dog she was.

We had to put our other golden down last March. We got him when he was 1 1/2 years old. He was the best dog ever. He followed Jeremy everywhere. It didn't matter what he was doing, Lucky was right there with him. He even rode on the snowmobile with him. We had to put him down because both back hips were bad. It was the hardest thing we had to do, but it had to be done. He got around good, but then one day he started showing signs that he was in pain.

Here is a picture of lucky.

Man those Golden's are beautiful dogs.

I think I could write a book about our Golden (Taffey). Not only was she a decent hunter, but a great house dog as well.

Gee Dave, you should post some pictures of our beautiful Shelby dog!

Lucky was quite the dog. There were 2 different times he brought home his own treats. Once I saw him carrying something not sure what it was. Here it was a full unopened
5 lb. bag of Old Roy dog bones. And the other was a bag of beef basted dog bones. Not sure where he got them.

He also loved beer. The first day we got him, Jeremy put him in the back of the pickup to go to town to get beer. He put the 30 pack in the back with Lucky (bad idea). By the time he drove 6 miles home, Lucky had the box open along with 6 of the beers. You couldn't set your beer down or he would take it. He would grab it by the top and tip it right back.

Originally Posted by Muffy

He also loved beer. The first day we got him, Jeremy put him in the back of the pickup to go to town to get beer. He put the 30 pack in the back with Lucky (bad idea). By the time he drove 6 miles home, Lucky had the box open along with 6 of the beers. You couldn't set your beer down or he would take it. He would grab it by the top and tip it right back.

Sounds like Lucky and I would get along just fine then.

We have a lot of the same qualities.

Just talked to my dad a little bit ago and he is comming to go fishing with me. Hopefully we can catch something. Well more than a buzz anyway.

Yeah Tom, you and Lucky would have gotten along just fine. I hope Dozer has some of his qualities, more than just the beer.

you guys have to get up here & fish in your dad's house & or ours. We'll catch fish.

Hey I'm going out to plow the cabin road tonight so we can get in there with trucks. (well, with lesser trucks than old yeller, which is pretty much .... ALL trucks

)

So, chickenbuck will be open for snomobilers. The fish houses are all set up & there are trails we can take from the cabin right to the fish houses if we want.

we could do either a fishing weekend or snowmobile or maybe a little combo of both.

Pam, I'm not sure we have pictures of old shelby dog, well we do but we'd have to scan them

she was a great dog too. chesapeake/lab/buffalo/hyena mix we think.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey I'm going out to plow the cabin road tonight so we can get in there with trucks. (well, with lesser trucks than old yeller, which is pretty much .... ALL trucks

)

that's funny!

Originally Posted by dave

Pam, I'm not sure we have pictures of old shelby dog, well we do but we'd have to scan them she was a great dog too. chesapeake/lab/buffalo/hyena mix we think.

We had a black like that. She was Lab and chesapeake, Abby. She was my best fishin' buddy. If we came home and she was in the house, she'd come tearin' out and do two laps around the house, then jump on my dads back every time. Everybody but him thought it was hillarious.

She died in '87 when our house burnt down.

Sorry about your dog Tom. The loss of any pet is hard.

Dad and I had no luck fishing. They were down there but they wouldn't bite. We never even had any bottle bass.

Hey guys, plowing with old yeller went just as expected, FANTASTIC!

There wasn't a single truck track or snowmobile track so the snow was undisturbed, it was loose & plowed very easily.

I am pretty sure that every deer in northern MN is at chickenbuck now. I don't know where they all came from but they are thick in there. I stopped part ways in on the ditch road & snapped a photo of the trail ahead of me before I erased the tracks with the plow blade.
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I think we would have done really well in the late season....

oh well.

When the bottle bass aren't bitting it's time to hang it up.

We have a sitern at our place on Little Gasparilla Island, FL. No wells or water, but we have electric. We use a pool pump to pump the water. We built a gutter systems around the hous to catch rain water and it runs into the tank. A floating pool chlorinator with one tablet keeps it fresh for washing. We don't drink it!! When I was a kid my Dad's buddy had a place in the Everglades with a sistern and a roof tank. He used a gas sump pump to transfer water from the sistern to the roof tank, due to no electric. It provided water pressure from a height of about 10'

Wow is all I can say about those tracks! How many did you get?

Cracker Please!!!

Sorry I just like saying that.

My cousin has a big ol sistern in his basement. I mean huge! I don't want to even guess how many gallons that thing holds. It's an old house, and nothing runs into anymore, but it's neat, and too big to get out.

Welcome to the "fire". You'll like it. We can be tough on people sometimes, but it's mostly good fun.

Tom

Welcome Cracker.

Welcome to the thread Cracker!

Now that is heavy deer trafic Dave. Where were they hiding the first season?

Neighbors aren't feeding them anymore, so they're moving around a bit more.

hahahahaha I guess!

that is a lot of traffic! but did you see any?

welcome Cracker, great idea on the cistern, Dave have you thought about rigging something like that up? make for a fun summer project, I'll have a few weeks in may I can volunteer if you need a hand with anything. I like projects like that.

Yeah our old shack on the iron range had the poor mans version of that, a rain barrel

We'd use that water for cleaning dishes & stuff.

Hey welcome Cracker, I hope you are finding some entertainment in the posts here on the campfire forums.

For our water out at camp I plan to sink a PVC pipe in the ground maybe 12 to 16 feet with small holes drilled in the bottom 2 feet or so. Probably something like a 6" to 8" pipe. Basically a shallow well casing. Then I'll drop a 1" black pex tube down in there about 10' or so & we'll draw the water up out of the casing with the hand pump that Dusty bought for the camp.

It still wont be drinking water but it should be some really good water for cleaning up & doing dishes. It should work in the winter too with the pump pulling from below the frost line. (maybe

)

plenty o' water in that ditch coming in dave, get some pails for the kids to put on they're heads and let em' carry to camp! thats what we do to lestifer! Wheres abouts is that floatin' bobber you got on the lake? should maybe paint it like a bobber i was thinkin. Be a dandy! Les was out at the DNR reef yesterday with no luck after 2. he ran out after work.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Wheres abouts is that floatin' bobber you got on the lake? should maybe paint it like a bobber i was

Der's a good idea!

I'm on the 5 mile, take the road out of swift ditch, you can't miss the big yellow marshmallow.

Linda and I went to Barnes&Noble book store yesterday.Naturally the first thing we do when we get in the door is hit the in-house Starbucks.Stepped up in line behind a young Marine in Class A's who had just finished ordering some type of coffee drink.I told the girl at the register to put whatever he had ordered on my tab.Had a chance to chat with him for a few while waiting on our orders.Nice young man.Had already been two tours in Iraq.Always thank "our guys" for their service and buy them a drink.
I received my reloading dies and 100 each 170 grain Hornady "Interlock" bullets for the 30-30 I bought Christmas eve.I just ordered them from Midway Tuesday night and they get here today.Good service.
Bright sunshiny and 53 degrees here today.
Cracker,welcome to the best part of 24HR.

Stan in SC

Nice going Stan, he'll never forget that cup of coffee.

That was very nice of you Stan.

Your class is unmatched Stan. We need a county full of men like you, it would truly be a better place to live.

Speaking of class....I mounted the rings and my Redfield scope on the new Ruger tonight. It looks good. I really like the way this rifle carries.

I stepped out on the deck loaded the mag too. She feeds like a dream.

I am impressed by the Ruger M77.I'll bert it looks as good as it carries,Tom.

Stan in SC

Stan, a big salute going out to you. That marine will not forget your act of kindness.

Kudos Stan, and he won't ever forget you. I have to run to the clinic in an hour, Bubba has a wicked cough that won't quit hardly slept last night

good luck to all who venture out fishin, reports down here are all pretty poor, no crappies yet, aside from the one I got a week ago

Went fishing, nothing again.

We did fair.. fish cleaning time.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I am impressed by the Ruger M77.I'll bert it looks as good as it carries,Tom.

Stan in SC

It does Stan! Looks extra sharp with those stainless rings.

I thought it might look a little goofy with the stainless rings, but you know what? I looks good.

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So that's what fish look like.

I was going to go back & say "fair for lake of the woods"

Good looking perch too. Good day you guys had for sure.

Betsy and I were in MN today. We had her company Christmas party last night. We stayed at a heck of a nice hotel. Lots of Cowboys fans in there, so it was fun harassing them for most of the night, and through breakfast today.

Kinda late for a Christmas party isn't it?

Stan in SC

Dave, looks like you really have to rough it in that ice shanty. How big was the largest perch?

I had a dream about lake of the woods last night, I think I might need to make a venture with the portable up there this coming weekend

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Kinda late for a Christmas party isn't it?

Stan in SC

That seems about normal for around here. Many companies don't have them until after the Christmas season because so many people are gone, or all the spots are booked. The facilities being booked is a bigger deal here, because there aren't too many places in our town that can handle it, so folks spread them out.

We don't have our Christmas party until Jan. 30th.

It was a fun time, and we got to hang out with Redneck, which is always fun, he's good people. Packers fan or not.

I know of several companies that had their christmas parties in June or July. Easier to get a place to host them and didn't add to the pressure of the holidays.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, looks like you really have to rough it in that ice shanty. How big was the largest perch?

biggest yesterday was 13+

we get em quite a bit better than that but it's hard to not take em home when they get up to about a foot or betterm even though I hate cleaning them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, looks like you really have to rough it in that ice shanty. How big was the largest perch?

biggest yesterday was 13+

we get em quite a bit better than that but it's hard to not take em home when they get up to about a foot or betterm even though I hate cleaning them.

Perch are tough on a filet knife for sure. Ever try a electric filet knife? They do work. Largest Perch I've seen was 15 3/4". Thing must have gone over 2 lbs.

Yeah I use an electric for most of the work.

WWWHHHHOOOOOOOOO HHHHOOOOOOO!

YEAH VIKES!!!

woohoo the Vikes kicked major butt!

I didn't watch the game, because I was teaching a youngster a little about the outdoors, they are never too young to start!
he had a blast!!!!!!!
no fish were caught, but he caught on quick
first he watched
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then he tried two at once
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then he caught on to focusing on one for right now
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Dave, I saw a Mr Twister knife somewhere in your previous posts. They make a replacement blade for their saltwater version(same knife...blue packing)called the Pirahnna that is only about 3/8 wide and has real fine serrations. They work like a champ on big perch and all walleyes...but especially the perch. Inexpensive like all replacment blades and we have them in stock locally if you'd like a set.

Scott

off topic but GO VIKINGS

Hey thanks Scott, I'll look for a set of those blades.

He is so cute Ryan.

Hey Muffy, sounds like your dad & Lonnie are coming up Tuesday?

Maybe I should go out there tonight & move the fish houses & see if they can find them when they come up?

Now that would be funny.

thats a mess of fish there dave!! I must say thanks for letting us try the house. i like it. Tons of room and warm. need slippers to sit in there. When you coming up fishin Muffy? Grillin party on the reef out there dave? I think i am hoping to pull my permanent out this weekend hopefully. i better use the one i have or the wife will make me get rid of it. Fishing was good yesterday dave. Kept 10 nice walleyes all over 16, 4 over 18....

back on the rock buschy?

I hear they did good there yesterday out deep.

No dave, we never went that far. We happened upon this big yellow foam palace! I really hope you don't mind! we got to talking and decided to go try it out since you said you werent going to be able to make it out there. We never got a bite during the whole vikings game i don't think. The layout of the holes in yours works great and now we are talking of making one like yours. We actually caught decent fish yesterday out there and seen fish most of the day on the electronics. That house heats up so quick and thats the way to fish. we hung a portable computer fan we rigged up where you had the lantern, dries out the floor and keeps the heat even more even. got it hooked to a small vex battery. slick!!

Cool man! I'm glad you guys went out there! I was really wondering what it would have been like if someone were out there to give it a try yesterday.

Did you guys have a radio so you could listen to the game?

I have another friend headed out there today with his kid, It's pretty cool that you guys fished it yesterday, the holes will be open for him today. Sure is nice when you can just chip a thin bit of ice off the holes & get to fishing instead of drilling holes.

les got a portable radio and if he parks his truck close we can get the satelite through it too so we had great listens all day long. we got most of the bigger fish after the game. had a few before but it was slow. lots of fish on the marcum but biting light too. some of the holes didn't have any ice to chip away yesterday, we used them all so they should have a good time there today. We sure appreciate it. Then little fan really helps all day too keeping the holes open. we did put a bit more snow around it to bank it a bit more. we were seeing some light under neath so we thought it would help with the heat too. i may have to try and get another fan for you for in there.

Wow hey thanks for banking, yeah the snow was melting back on saturday, I did some banking but should have done more.

Hmm, maybe we won't move the house just yet...

wow, all the talk about ice fishing and plowing snow. We just got back from Disney World! The little girl loved it. At 5 years old, it was a place of dreams for her. I had so much fun watching her and the boys I missed seeing a lot on the rides.

The funny part was there was a cold snap down there. It got down to 27 degrees one or two nights and I talked to 2 people who called in sick to work because of the "brutal" cold. Yep, "brutal" was the word used by the TV stations. They even closed a school one day!

No ice fishing for me unfortunately, it is now the final push to get the house done. They are insulating right now.

that would NOT be FUNNY.

Oh I dissagree....

Originally Posted by uncle dusty

that would NOT be FUNNY.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh I dissagree....

I think we'll leave the houses alone for a while. We'll keep our ears open but for the time being it seems we are doing as good or better than most with our fishing.

How long do you leave them out for? Might be able to make a run in 3 weeks or so.

oh it'll be out there still, come on up.

If you come up Tzone, i want to fish for sure with you? we'll set up a crapolade bar and bring the grill for Johnsonvilles out there! Be about time to celebrate that great green bay quarterback then....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

If you come up Tzone, i want to fish for sure with you? we'll set up a crapolade bar and bring the grill for Johnsonvilles out there! Be about time to celebrate that great green bay quarterback then....

Johnsonville's....we don't need no stinkin' Jonshonville's. I'll bring some real brats up. Crapolade, I guess now I have to come up. You'll know me, I'll be the one with the MN VIKINGS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS hat on.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

If you come up Tzone, i want to fish for sure with you? we'll set up a crapolade bar and bring the grill for Johnsonvilles out there! Be about time to celebrate that great green bay quarterback then....

Johnsonville's....we don't need no stinkin' Jonshonville's. I'll bring some real brats up. Crapolade, I guess now I have to come up. You'll know me, I'll be the one with the MN VIKINGS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS hat on.

I wouldn't be doing a victory dance just yet. The Saints are going to give ol burt/brent/whatever a real game of it and most likely will come out the WINNER! Going to be the Saints and Colts in the SB.

That would be something to see Tzone!! Pretty amazing actually. Might have a better chance in catching a new state record walleye than seeing that happen though!

Unfortuanetly Buschy...I agree with you. The Saints are going to be one tough game.

Got to have Faith Tzone!! how was the fishing yesterday then Dave? they get any?

Yeah they did ok, I didn't get a final count from him but it sounds like they did ok.

Dusty & his fishing pard are out there now in the blue house. I met them on the hiway this morning as I was headed to work, they were headed the correct direction (to the lake).

Hope for a good report from them today then! sounds like maybe some snow for the weekend. Are you going to get out again! i think it may be a trip to the igloo the way it sounds!

Yeah I think we'll be out there.

Somebody will be out there, cant let them holes freeze up you know

Just talked to Dusty on the phone, nuthin yet, dead bobbers.

we were thinking the use of dynomite might be kinda fun out there! really get them fishies moving.

Really get that ice moving too! Like a big waterbed!!

wouldn't that shake up the neighbors out there!!

I guess all of you heard the story of the dynamite and the black lab dog on the ice?

Stan in SC

Yep.

Dunno if it's true but it's kind of funny.

Well the boys didn't do so good out on the ice yesterday. Oh they had a great time, plenty of fun but not su much for fish.

Sounded like a couple of keeper walleye, couple northern just under the slot & a couple of eelpout.

(Which was great for Dusty because he loves them)

I think we are heading over to the igloo this weekend Dave. We are doing a weekend over at Cyrus the weekend after so we have to check out that side of the lake now. Is Dusty still fishing today? hopefully they get some better fish. maybe the weather coming will change to a wicked bite out there. There was a time sunday late afternoon when i had 2 lines going down and les did too at the same time. i think we got 3 out of the 4 fish that time. all nice ones. Electronics help alot when you can see the fish down there.

You have a slot for northerns?

yes they are still fishing today, I'll give him a call later this morning.

T-zone, the DNR is trying to increase the size of Northerns in the state while cutting down on the number of the hammerhandles we have.

Some of the lakes have really been showing a quality improvement without the constant little ones taking your gear.

Originally Posted by tzone

You have a slot for northerns?

oop, I missed your post there tzone.

Like bigdrift said.

slot is 30 to 40 inches. Anything from 30 to 40 has to go back, you can keep one over 40, no more than 3 all together I believe (LOTW)

Thanks guys. Is that state wide, or lake specific?

30-40 isn't so bad. I throw those back anyway. Well, 30 I'd probably keep. To me 25-30 is perfect. Big enough to clean, and not tough old buggers.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep.

Dunno if it's true but it's kind of funny.

Well the boys didn't do so good out on the ice yesterday. Oh they had a great time, plenty of fun but not su much for fish.

Sounded like a couple of keeper walleye, couple northern just under the slot & a couple of eelpout.

(Which was great for Dusty because he loves them)

Dave, aren't Eelpout in the Cod Family? Should be decent eating?

yeah, the back meat is really good.

it's what you have to go through to get it that's not so good

Eelpout is the best. Dad said he is actually going to share some with me this time.

Dad called me last night, Lonnie just got done cooking lutefisk. They were having that, potatoes and lefse out in the fish house. Sounded like they were having fun.

You can't get any more Minnesota than that.

I"ve never eaten the ellpout.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah, the back meat is really good.

it's what you have to go through to get it that's not so good

Care to elaborate?

Never had lutefisk.

May try it in early Feb though.

The village of Iola, WI is having their annual Winterfest which includes a lutefisk supper. I'll really go for the swedesh meatballs and deserts. Heard to many horror stories about lutefisk. If you search on the campfire there's a large thread about it.

Come on over.

EP Festival

Just leave the Packer wear at home.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah, the back meat is really good.

it's what you have to go through to get it that's not so good

Care to elaborate?

They just stink that's all Bill, just nasty.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah, the back meat is really good.

it's what you have to go through to get it that's not so good

Care to elaborate?

They just stink that's all Bill, just nasty.

We always called 'em Lawyers.

That's a good name for them.

That is what I knew them as until I was probably a teenager. I think it was becuase they were slimy litte buggers.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Come on over.
EP Festival
Just leave the Packer wear at home.

Thanks for the invite. If I can make it, i'll wear my SB XXXI cap so you guys get a chance to see what one looks like.

Read up on eelpout cooked in 7-up or Mountain Dew, really brings out a lobster flavor.

I got.......

A new Chickenbuck hat!!! Wooo!

Thanks cuz!!

I didn't...

I think I need to put in my order for a stocking cap or something.

You need a new Chickenbuck TAT! lol

I only ordered the few I did because I didn't know what everyone else wanted.

And I wanted to make sure they looked ok before I ordered a bunch.

Just let me know what you want and I will set a date for making another order.

You are welcome Cussin!

Oh I was just messin' with you Cussin...maybe?

I'm thinking stocking caps for the kids and maybe one for me too. Do they come in orange? Or maybe camo? Of course I might need a sweatshirt too so I can add to my collection.

We'd better talk soon Muffy.

Hey Muffy, haven't heard from you in a while, what's up lady?

Whats the good report for this week Dave? how was the yellow submarine? Are you heading out this weekend. The kids have basketball tomorrow and sunday is open for fishing. May end up out by the igloo or maybe farther east to pre-fish for the following weekend trip we got lined up.

Going to collect prizes for our snowmobile club drawing today. Might have to have some cocktails afterwards.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Blow the frost off a couple for me at the Igloo Buschy...

If I make it up there in a few weeks, I'll buy you a few....dozen.

sounds perfect!! anytime is good for a cool cocktail! you all have a good weekend too and keep the snow your way! we don't need no more now!

We could use some more snow. Our trails around here are pretty beat up after the warm spell.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you all have a good weekend too and keep the snow your way! we don't need no more now!

We're gettin ice here this weekend. Too warm for snow. Freezing rain and ice.

The little woman is in Minneapolis today, and said it was bad weather and a lot of cars in the ditch, for some of the way.

I don't even know if ours are open. There is a lot of dirt showing through them. When the rain comes this weekend, they'll close em down. Probably for the season.

we might be headed for the chickenbuck with snowmobiles this weekend.

PM me Buschy, the house will likely be open if you want to try it.

(yellow sub)

It is snowing pretty good here. Jeremy is out taking the fish house off the lake right now. If he has trouble getting it up the hill we may have to hook the winch to my blazer. So I'm just waiting for the call.

Muffy,I want to order a Camp Chickenbuck hat.I believe the one I saw was either Dusty's or Dave's.It had orange and camo and a chickenbuck on front.If someone could find that picture and post it.Hell,let's just get a big order going.I'll take two of them.
Can we get our name on the back of them?

Stan in SC

I want one too, let me know where to send the money for em

went fishing tonight, got skunked again. I'm beginning to wonder if there are any fish left in maple lake

Been raining here since Saturday morning. Temps in the middle 30's. Had snow sliding off the roof last night. Going to be a friggen skating rink again when the temps start falling.

monday or tuesday I guess its suppose to be back around 5 degrees.

this should be fun this next week

i have a shickenbuck report but have to download photos first

IM waiting.

leaving home

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stop along the trail.

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an old warming house

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A boy and his 24 year old snowmobile.

Warming the gloves on the hot ole rusty pipe

Nice pics. I want to get up there snowmobiling sometime.

Damn Vikings, they could have had it.

Trail shot

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Me & my new favorite hat.

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sleds in front of the shack

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cookin it up..

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Originally Posted by Muffy

Nice pics. I want to get up there snowmobiling sometime.

Damn Vikings, they could have had it.

they did have it, gave it away

I'm glad you like your hat. Sounds like there are many others that want to order them.

It looks good on ya!

I learned the boy how to play .... tribal blackjack.....

I won

Funny!

sliding hill today

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Inside the shelter, I like the new paint!

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lit a fire so the kids could dry off a little.

That looks like so much fun, I want to go. Is the snow good up there. Our snowmobile club was going to go to Walker this year but the hotel is full the weekend of Feb 12 & 13. I would like to talk them into going up there.

Me & little man heading down hill...

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happiness

wipe out

time to head back to the cabin.

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The snow was going to hell all weekend but we squeaked in a fun weekend anyways.

It's junk though, I mean it was wet & heavy. No good.

I hope we get some snow this week, we need it bad!

Couple shots breaking camp.

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Great pics, Dave. I see why you didn't go fishing!

Einer looks like he is enjoying the woodstove! Veddy cool pics buddy!

Yeah he likes that woodstove!! Goofy little bugger.

Great pics Dave! Looked like a lot of fun! I do wish we could get some snow and keep that cold away this weekend now!

I liket that pic of Eener by the stove. Classic!

Yeah little Eener loves to be by the stove. How cute.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I learned the boy how to play .... tribal blackjack.....

I won

Back in the days before PC it was called "Indian".

Great pics Dave.

For what it's worth every kid should have to watch a replay of the game. Farve can show them what the phrase "never give up" means. You may not win, but dont't quit trying.

By-the-way, did I ever mention that I have a Superbowl championship cap with the Packers name on it. Be glad to show it to you.

This just in, Purple Katrina downgraded to a tropical storm.

Even with TERRIBLE calls by the refs, 6 fumbles and 3 of them lost, the Vikes were right in it to the end. I have even talked to Packer fans that could not believe how one sided the officiating was.

Dave - Looks like you guys are doing alright on LOW. Me and Special K were discussing this morning that its about time we start plannin for our annual tip up trips. But some walleye/sauger/pout action would be a blast too. Its about time we all get together again anyway. Been awhile.

You guys will have to wish me luck. I took Kenna on in Wii golf yesterday morning. I happened to win but she gave me a stern warning that she is going to practice at home against anybody she can because she is going to kick my butt on tuesday when she comes back over!

TZone - How was that ribeye last night? Our turkey was...well.....good as turkey gets I guess...

Dusty - Was Lonnie showing off his "special talent" in the fish house? And by that, I don't mean his cooking.

Stan - Classy move with the soldier. They deserve are utmost respect and like others have said, he will remember that cup of jo forever.

Ribeye was dandy, it would have been a lot better with a win, but as us Vikes fans are used to saying....there's always next year.

We golf sucks.....Bowling however rocks. Yes, yes I am a pro Wii bowler.

I an not a real life golfer but since we got this Wii, I have become a virtual golfer. I like it much better than bowling.

Have you played the baseball? Holy Crap I was actually sore the next day after playing baseball for a couple hours.

I have the Biggest Loser game for the Wii. The workouts are good. I decided to do one of the challenges last week. It said it was a light bike workout. So I thought that wouldn't be to bad. Wrong! You have to ride a stationary bike(run in place with the remote in your pocket) till you light up 10 lightbulbs. I thought it would be a few rounds and that would be it. I had to eliminate all the other players. It ended up being over 10 rounds. Uff da! My legs hurt so bad for 3 days after that. Just shows how out of shape I am.

Muffy, my wife (aka The Troll) wants a Wii fit so bad I hear about it every day. I'll use your post in my defense...telling her how much work it is..hehehe.

Yeah, I like baseball too. Too much. The only one I don't like is the golf. Play Tiger Woods Golf, and you'll never play the Wii Golf again. I hate real golf....well except for the beer driking part.

The boxing is cool, I don't think I got hit until the 5th or 6th game. Those guys go down pretty quick with 10-12 head hits.

I would too.

Snow at our house.

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Here is a picture of Jeremy and Dozer blowing snow. You can't really see Dozer but he is sitting on the floor.

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cool pictures!

That blower looks awesome and fun. i wish i had that now! the wheeler took a dump on me now and i need to get some snow moved. won;t be done this weekend now though! Time to Fish!!

I like the pics muffy.

Dave, how is the fish house doing. I heard there is no road going out there now. whats the good word?

I really don't know about the road. Might have to run out there with the plow truck & have a look.

How cold is it there today Dave? We've got wind chills below 0 here today...and Saginaw Bay is attempting to make ice for the third time. We've lost it twice so far in this wacky weather pattern we are in. Fishing was good here while it lasted. On a sad note two guys I know have died this winter going thru. It's been a tuff fishing winter.

Scott

Sorry to hear about your friends Scott.

Me and Uncle Dusty are wondering where everyone is at. The thread has been very quiet lately.

Muffy, I think the winter blahs have set in. Everyone is hunkered down. Made it up to 5 above today, but the wind sure has a bite to it.

Scott, too bad about those guys going through the ice. We manage to loose a few each year around here too.

sorry to hear about your friends Scott

RWS, that is not a beer you are holding while you are driving is it.

no!

Sorry to hear about your buds Scott.

We lose some around here each year too. Our lakes around here are really just wide spots in the rivers, so early and late the ice gets tricky.

Hey dude...what's happenin'?

Thanks everyone...we lose a few every year here too. Odd but both of these guys were very experienced with the Bay. Goes to show ya never know I guess. We have about 4 million walleyes (according to our "experts") practically right out my front door and can't keep enough ice this year to get to them. May have to wait for the soft water. This is how we roll then....

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very nice

Very nice indeed.

Hey Scott, sorry to hear about those guys, we haven't lost any to lake of the woods yet this year (knock on wood).

Dusty, I heard tonight that 5 mile is the place to be again, go figure huh?

fishing is still dead down here, weather has me hunkered down workin on school work.

Nice rig Scott. How big is it?

It's an old Sea Ray Bill. 1986 270 Amberjack. Twins, flush deck floor..no doghouse..28ft x 10 ft wide. This will be its 24th season with me. We both are a little worn around the edges but she's all mine...lol. For me its the perfect Great Lakes fishing boat. When I have to run...everything up to 40 ft is running too and I can still trailer it around without a semi. She weighs about 11,500 with a half tank.

Good rig for the bay Scott. It can get pretty mean out there when the wind and waves kick up.

Sounds like you've been here Bill, I live on the southernmost point in the Bay. Works pretty good on the big lakes too...we spend half our time on Lake Michigan chasing salmon. Wanna come join us?

A pic from one of our days chasing silver fish from a few years back. Me standing second from right. First mate sitting in foreground.

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Originally Posted by SSB

We both are a little worn around the edges but she's all mine...lol. .

That would be the best part of the boat!

Good looking rig.

A dad of a pard was looking to get a 35' or so, until he learned it was that or the cabin. He ended up with a 22' Lund Baron, because he can still trailer it around.

Great pice Scott.

I fished salmon for the first time two years ago. We went out of Kewanne, WI of King's. It was a blast, but we only got to fish for a hour and a half. we got blown off the lake. The small craft alarm went off...even the big guide boats headed back.

I did catch a big SOB. Guy that took me told me it was a Jumbo, and I believe him. It took nearly 1000' of line twice.

I have the pic of it at my office computer, I'll post it up on monday if I can remember. It was around 30#'s.

Originally Posted by SSB

Sounds like you've been here Bill, I live on the southernmost point in the Bay. Works pretty good on the big lakes too...we spend half our time on Lake Michigan chasing salmon. Wanna come join us?

Never been on Saginaw Bay Scott. But have seen a number of shows filmed there to know how bad it can get. I have been out on Lake Michigan several times as well as Bay de Noc. Be happy to join you if the I get over there though.

You'd be welcome...actually all of you would. Funny...we only dock 62 miles from Manitowac...but it must be like 350 miles to get there...lol. Hopping the Badger is still the best deal I'd guess. Damn this time of year is boring around here....lol.

Scott

Nice jug's scott I mean milk jugs and fish

Tom..30# is the magic number anymore on the Great Lakes. They aren't very plentiful so you got a dandy! The fish we've taken in the last few years probably average 16 lbs. It's easy to look at a fish and say "Hey..theres a 20 pounder!" Put them on the scale tho....18-19 catches most of the big looking ones. Nothing like a fish emptying a reel at 25 mph to get the heart rate up. It's "almost" as much a rush as deer hunting.....I'll have to dig out some sunset pics over Lake Michigan. They are as spectacular as anywhere.

Scott

Originally Posted by SSB

You'd be welcome...actually all of you would. Funny...we only dock 62 miles from Manitowac...but it must be like 350 miles to get there...lol. Hopping the Badger is still the best deal I'd guess. Damn this time of year is boring around here....lol.

Scott

Took the ferry across back in 1963. Green Bay to Ludington. Any idea how much it costs to bring a car over these days?

Tell you what Scott, I think I have some sunrise pics from that day. They were beautiful. I have a great one of a charter boat w/ the sun coming up behind it, man I hope I still have that one on the computer.

I've been lucky fishing and caught a number of big fish from different species, but that dang King was the most fun.

I'll never forget the look on Jim's face when I asked, "is there really 900' of line out?" His eyes got huge and he yelled, "YES, REEL, REEL, REEL!" We got it to the boat and it took off again, and I got to start over. It was a blast.

We got one more about 2 minuets after that. It was a 12-14#'er and it was dwarfed by that big sucker.

Originally Posted by SSB

It's easy to look at a fish and say "Hey..theres a 20 pounder!" Put them on the scale tho....18-19 catches most of the big looking ones.
Scott

I know what you mean there Scott. 20# is the magic number for pike on LOW. At least for me it is anyway. The slot is 30" - 40" with one over 40" allowed. I tip up fish every year for them. (Thanks to Uncle Dusty who introduced me to it over 20 years ago) Many think that just because they are over 40" that they are at least 20#. Not so. I have caught a few that are 40" and over but none of them have hit that magic 20# number. Funny thing is though, when I bring a woman along, they always seem to get one that I would consider a taxidermy canidate. My wife caught a 20lb'er last year and I think I was more excited than she was. (At least that is what the rum bottle told me at the end of the day)

To me there is nothing like a salmon... I know some guys are muskie freaks and I fish them a couple of times a year myself...but I guess I'm just a salmon head...people talk about the violence of a muskie strike...but a King can hit going 25 mph in the opposite direction. The sunrise/sunsets on Lake Michigan rival any in the world.
Bill, I have no idea on the rates on the old Badger anymore...but I'd like to just ride back n forth on it once before its too late.

Scott

Sorry about your friends Scott.

Jim, I know what ya mean about the ladies. Having the girls on board always bring luck, thats why the wife mates...:) She really is one of the best big water fisherpeople I know. (That should score some much needed points). In her mind she allows me to drive the boat...lol.

Originally Posted by SSB

Jim, I know what ya mean about the ladies. Having the girls on board always bring luck, thats why the wife mates...:) She really is one of the best big water fisherpeople I know. (That should score some much needed points). In her mind she allows me to drive the boat...lol.

TFF

The coyotes are on the prowl with this full moon and getting close to breeding season. I haven't seen any paired up yet but they are definatley moving. The Ruger M77 7mm Mag with 140 grain Accubonds laid the wood to two of them yesterday. I normally hunt with my 22-250 but the scope on the 7mm is so much better. Plus its fun to roll them at 500 yards!

I couldn't find a sunset pic on this computer, but here is a sunrise I shot into on Lake Huron a few years back. That fish looks huge but if I remember right it was only about 22#

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The dogs are really on the move here too Jim. We usually hunt them at night but we don't have enough snow right now to see...a couple of inches would be nice to get a background.

bigbrie....we always have a good supply of milk jugs around here....lol. I have to be carefull 'cause I'm still in the doghouse a bit over a pic i posted here on another thread...lol. If I keep it up I may not get to drive the boat....:)

Swishing through DavesWorld for some shameless self promotion.

click here to see the book of old hunting/savage photos i finally made

My personal best on Salmon is a 26# King caught on the Silitz River in Oregon. Also caught a 24 pounder that day. My son beat me though with a 36# and 26# King.

Best I've done on the great lakes was a 12# Silver.

Gary, just checked it out. Looks great. Lots of time and effort on your part. Think I'd better save up my $ and get a copy.

Thanks Bill, the price makes me cringe when i look at it, Im not making much from it, they just charge alot to make a nice book.

How much time do you have invested in putting this together Gary?

Very cool Gary!!

Thanks Dave.

Bill I have 2 years of collecting, countless hours of searching through photos, and about 20 hours into the book.

Great book and pics, Gary. Thanks for posting.

I had a great time lastnight. It was so nice to see you Dave and the family. Why is it that we always stay up so late (4 am). We just get talking and lose track of time. It was fun though, I can't believe RWS hung in there with us.

Hope to see you next weekend for the old timers run.

We'll be there. Watch for me in the old timer's snowmobile run, I'll be on this.

Dave I must tell you a story that your new sled brings from my past.

I think it was 1986 and I had only owned single cylinder sleds. I also had a three wheeler that i had punctured a tire on.

I asked a kid named Tim to give me a ride on his snow jet 440 widetrack down to Ziggys house, where we where going to fix the tire.

Tim, who was a big guy who went to state as a wrestler, let me and my tire hop on his machine. It should be known that he hadnt had the sno jet very long.

We where heading down a hill to the main street in kellly lake and he hit the throttle hard. It stuck. Wide open. Carb had got covered in frost.

We shot down the hill, across main street, into a yard. I rolled off into the snow with my tire cause he was yelling that it wouldnt stop.

Just before he hit a large rock pile he flipped the choke and killed it.

He got off cursing and swore he would never get on it again and walked home. as he left I offered him 20.00 for it and he said fine.

I hustled to ziggys to drop off the tire and ran home to get a 20 and a bottle of heat to defrost the carb. We always carried it to dump on the carb if it got frosted up.

To his house to pay him then off to my new machine. And what a machine it was. I took the crappy torn seat off and rode it sitting on the alu body. Light, low and faster than I had ever gone on a sled.

Sorry for the ramble but I could just sit on it, crack the throttle and it would spin a [bleep] from a stand still. Oh what a sled! Think it was a Yamaha 440. Thanks for the drunken flashback Dave!

Gary,
Great looking book.You have always been DA MAN as far as old photos go here on 24HR.

Stan In SC

That SnoJet sure brings back memories. My Dad and late brother sold SnoJets, so I got to ride them quite a bit.

What year is yours Dave?

Very Very cool Garry.

I like it a lot. How long did it take you to create that book.

Oh, that kind of oldtimers run.... I thought it was for old people. You know, those over 33.

Great story Grogel, it made for a good morning laugh!

Bill, I'm pretty sure it's a 72. Pam's dad bought it new & he had it out in one of his barns. We're going to run it in to the carwash this morning & spray some of the dust off the ole gal.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say it's a 440? My uncle had a Whisper Jet that had just over 100 miles on it when he quit riding it. It sat in his garage for years then he donated it to a youth organization. All it needed was a new fuel tank to get it going.

My brother and I were just talking about his sled a few weeks back and kicking ourselves for not grabbing and restoring it.

Neat old sled. Does she run?

My dad had a 72 Skidoo something or other. He bought it new and sold it a few years ago.

Silver Bullet I think it was called.

Originally Posted by tzone

Neat old sled. Does she run?

It will.

I'm going to go work on it a bit right now as a matter of fact.

Bill, engine size is 433 on this one, kawi engine, twin cylinder fan cooled.

Tank is in the belly pan up front.

That is going to be pretty cool sled when you get it all cleaned up.

I am going to place an order for Chickenbuck apparel on February 10th. So those of you interested, PM me with what you want.

OMG the Sno Jet is going again! I'm giggling. I'll have to call Dad and let him know that the kids are riding around the yard on his snowmobile.

This brings tears to my eyes but then if any of you know me well enough, you know that just about anything does.

I love sno jets

Launching out of the garage!! Woooo!!

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thundering up the driveway!!!

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check out the famous snow jet track prints!!

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Man are you bringing back the memories.

Looks like it didn't take much to get the ol sled running again. Enjoy the ride.

look what i found

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

that the kids are riding around the yard on his snowmobile.

This brings tears to my eyes but then if any of you know me well enough, you know that just about anything does.

Glad to hear the beast has woken. The sled, not you Pam.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

check out the famous snow jet track prints!!

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That track makes that thing have a whole 'nuther level of cool. I love it!

What did you have to do to to get it running?

MY step dad ran of few of those old timer runs with an old ditch pickle he picked up.

Real neat Dave. I bet your FIL thought so too?

The slobber on his shirt makes it all the better.

you should see some of the pics I decided not to post

That sled is awesome! Must not have taken too much to get her going huh?

It wasn't too bad getting it going but tearing the engine down after I blew a hole in the PTO side piston was a bit of a chore.....

Not kidding.

When you are powered up at cruise speed going across a field and all of the sudden it sounds like you blew a hole in a piston.... and you coast to a stop, pull the plug out & it looks like this....

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well, you got problems.

Pulling the cylinder.

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Ouch...

removing the piston from the rod.

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anybody got one of these laying around? without the hole?

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Oh & Bill, it's a Yamaha engine, not a kawi... not sure why I was thinking Kawi.

that sucks man, sorry.

It aint lookin good for the old timers run this weekend. Might have to switch plans.

Dave, here is a guy who has pistons, hard to see its in small black print 3/4 down the page

pistons

and rings on ebay

buy it now rings

Ouch!!!!! Can't help you out with a piston Dave, but I've got a collection of ones that look just like yours from my days of micro-sprint racing. In my case it was being too brave leaning out the carb jetting. They usually ran like a scalded rabbit just before that "Oh S..T" meltdown.
Ron

Ron, good to hear from you. How've you been?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh & Bill, it's a Yamaha engine, not a kawi... not sure why I was thinking Kawi.

You threw me a bit of a curve when you said it was a Kawasaki Dave. All the Jet's I ever saw were Yamaha's. Must have been running a hot plug to put a hole in the piston or a real lean carb. Pam didn't look any to thrilled.

Good luck in your parts search.

I found a piston & rings, ordered this morning. If it gets here by friday we'll still make the old timers run.

Bill, yeah it was running a hot plug. NGK website calls out a long 9 plug, This sled was running short reach 7's.

Also Pam's dad was mixing 20:1

I'm sure he had to run that hot plug at 20:1 to keep if from fouling to the point it wouldn't spark. The short reach 7's he had in there were black. I just replaced what he had been running with a brand new pair of the same plugs but I mixed closer to 40:1

Leaner mix with that hot plug I'm sure is likely what did it in.

Dammit.

Well, I'll be picking up a pair of 9's for plugs & I'll stick the new piston & rings in & keep a close eye on it.

I'll be checking the crank seal on the PTO side too.

Amazing what a wrong plug and lean fuel mix can do to a 2 stoke engine.

Looks like a fun project dave, i had one run lean on me when i came back from the mountains once, forgot my bro-n-law changed the needles. piston looked identical. Have you made it out torwards the fish house yet? just looking for somewhere to go again. kind of slow out east this last weekend.

No I haven't been to the fish house for too long now, if you go fishing this week please do go out to my house & check on it for me. I'm kind of worried with the talk of slush & flooding here & there.

I'm doing fine, Griz. Thanks for asking. Been keeping busy with home projects since hunting season ended. Gotta get finished before the weather warms up. Once the boat gets her bottom wet the house is on it's own.

Ron

We fished out at morris point last weekend and we had 2+" on top of the ice where we were. I have heard the road isn't open yet out of 5 mile but i heard fishing was good out there again. Get that old buggar running again, you gonna race it in the minnesota hill classic?

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Once the boat gets her bottom wet the house is on it's own.

Ron

AMEN!

I can't wait for the ice to be gone.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you gonna race it in the minnesota hill classic?

I need to know more about this event... sounds interesting

I will do some checking for you. Its all antiques racing, Not quite sure what they actually call it. Sounds like it is a fun day out there!

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

I'm doing fine, Griz. Thanks for asking. Been keeping busy with home projects since hunting season ended. Gotta get finished before the weather warms up. Once the boat gets her bottom wet the house is on it's own.

Ron

How was your hunting season Ron? Not the best here.

Last nite in front of the house. No wet feet even...lol

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Nice bunch of Eyes there Scott. Looks like the females are fat with eggs.

Nice Scott!

Is that bottom one a sauger?

Looks like a couple females there too. 6 more weeks until the soft water run up the river. I can't wait!

Maybe Grizzly_Bill will come with me.

You might be able to talk me into it.

thought so.

Very nice looking fish Scott.

Dang Scott! I almost forgot to post this up, sorry. I'll try to find the sunrise pictures too.

I wish we'd have measured his length, it was a long sucker. Just over 30#. First King ever.

I'm still amazed at the size of the tail on that thing, it was as big as my head when it was all opened up. Power, makes lots of power.

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[/img]

Tom,

& you're obsessing over my walleyes ??

Dang man, that's a mighty fine King.

Paul.

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm a walleye nut. I can't get big ones consistantly here though. Talking to other guys that fish the same system I do...Either they're full of it, or I'm doing it wrong.

I can' believe they're full of it, fisherman don't lie.

Tom, All we have here is walleyes...no sauger. What we do have are two different strains, River spawners and reef spawners. I think that blue looking fish at the bottom is a reef spawner. We tend to catch them ov the gravel bars in April full of spawn when the bulk of the fish are up the rivers. There were planted by mistake quite a few years ago...but its seems one of those things that worked out.

The tails on those things are like outboards Its our joke..."that one is a 75hp Johnson" That is a dandy fish Tom!

Dang,Tom,I'll bet that was some FINE eating.Nice fish!

Stan in SC

Last night our youngest boy (AKA "Plays with matches") walked out into the kitchen where I was dishing myself up some supper and announces his most recent accomplishment. He comes around the corner from the bathroom direction holding a tuft of hair in his hand & he says "I did a haircut all by myself."

That boy's got skills.

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Nice huh?

Well, what can you do but laugh? I said "wow buddy, I better get the camera huh?" Pam pretty much just stood there with that shocked look holding her hand over her mouth trying not to bust out laughing.

So, out came the clippers & we mowed the rest of his hair down to the same level of his shortest cut. Which was quite short.

the finished product

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wow!! my youngest cut his not too long ago but not to the extent Joey did!! You;ll remember that for a long time i think! Seems all kids have to try that one time or another. Fine skills you have there Dave, never know when Tom might need one at camp! Can you get that in diesel power?

My late brother almost died at a very early age when he gave my sister a hair cut. My mother was ready to kill him.

Scott, does Lake Erie still have a population of Blue Walleyes?
They were darn near extinct than made sort of a comeback about 20 years ago when Erie started to clean up.

Hey Joe, that's the same style haircut Uncle Dusty has in the summertime.

Originally Posted by SSB

The tails on those things are like outboards Its our joke..."that one is a 75hp Johnson" That is a dandy fish Tom!

I lived 2 blocks away from Lake Superior nearly all my life. you'd think I'd have fished them befor I turned 30 years old eh'. I'm glad I don't live near eastern WI, or I'd have a lot more money tied up in fishing gear. Fishing for those salmon is something you don't forget.

Those tails make some horsepower, 75hp sure doesn't seem that far off.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dang,Tom,I'll bet that was some FINE eating.Nice fish!

Stan in SC

Yes, sir it was some fine eating.

The best part was...The crew I went out with, was there for a week. I went for the night. So they gave me all of the fish they caught the day before I got there, because of storage issues.

I had one happy wife when I came home with 50+ pounds of fresh salmon.

We ate like kings...heck, we ate Kings.

That is EXACTLY the reason my son has a buzz cut.

His sister had early aspirations of being "a haircutter".

It's real easy to brush his hair in the morning too.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Fine skills you have there Dave, never know when Tom might need one at camp! Can you get that in diesel power?

Tom loves his hair like that....Tom's wife, not so much.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Hey Joe, that's the same style haircut Uncle Dusty has in the summertime.

At least once a week I that kid cracks me up, because I can still hear him say "UNCLE DUSTY, I'M NOT HAPPY". Man that made me laugh, and still does.

That kid cracks me up too. You just don't know what he is going to come up with next.

At least it was his hair.

Pam is a very sound sleeper.... it could be her next time if he continues to practice with the scissors....

I would like to see a video of you trying to fix her hair after a Joey haircut.

It would be the same as Joey's.

It wouldn't be good.

And Joey would never be heard from again!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

And Joey would never be heard from again!

Nope...I've seen her with him. She's like my wife with our crazy boy. It'd be dad's fault somehow.

Bill, I can't answer that. The only true "blue pickerel" I've ever seen were out of a lake in Ontario we fished when I was a teen. I can't remember the name of it but it was a small hike in lake north of Blind River. I'll have to ask a friend who fishes Erie more than I.

Womans law number 1. It's always the mans fault. Deal with it.

Ya got that right Bill....lol

Dave...he wasn't running with the scissors while cutting was he?

Tom kudos to you for resisting the salmon disease. I'm almost ashamed of what I've spent thru the years on gear (fingers crossed behind my back). I tell everyone that asks "take 5 charters a year and 10 yrs later you will still be money ahead".

You're right on with that statemen Scott.

Dang that Preacher Joe cracks me up! Now he will be able to run faster and get away from all those dang 'ol humpin turkeys!

He's high speed low drag now.

Originally Posted by SSB

Tom kudos to you for resisting the salmon disease. I'm almost ashamed of what I've spent thru the years on gear (fingers crossed behind my back). I tell everyone that asks "take 5 charters a year and 10 yrs later you will still be money ahead".

Ya got that right Scott. I'll be headed out to Portland in April to get in on the springer run (Silvers). My son says there's going to be a good run this year. Limit was increased to 2 fish a day. Might even get a chance to try for Sturgeon again.

'Bout 8 years ago my barber was feeling frisky one day and offered me a free haircut if I would let him "buzz" cut it.I did and it felt good.Then I figured out that he was going to want $12 every time he buzzed it.I went to WalMart and bought a set of electric clippers.I came home and informed the amazing Mz. Linda that she was my new barber.She likes doing it and every ten days or so I go out in the garage and sit on a low stool and she cuts it all to 1/4".

Stan in SC

I did that when I was in school and my girlfriend, who is now Mrs. Tzone, hated it. So I don't do it anymore, but I keep it pretty high and tight.

Messing with my hair before work is not something I want to spend more then about 10 seconds on.

Back in the late 40's early 50's home haircuts were the rule for boys at least. No electric clippers for us, my folks used the manual ones.

I think my dad still has nightmares about the hair cuts, Gramps used to give him.

Originally Posted by tzone

I think my dad still has nightmares about the hair cuts, Gramps used to give him.

My wife used to be a hair dresser and she still cuts all of our hair. Our youngest boy would NOT sit still during a haircut for nothing. He would wiggle and scream and cry every time she would try to cut his hair. Causing her to mess up etc. Finally one day she told him "if you don't sit still, I'm gonna put you in a head lock and shave you bald!"

He didn't sit still...

He was bald.

(Or as close to bald as you can get with an electric clipper)

Funny, now when its time for a trim, you'd swear that kid is a statue!

stupid sno jet, now I can't get no spark.

by the way, thanks for the tech links rooster, might have gotten some ideas from them.

Heat from the cylinder meltdown must have taken out the coil/magneto or everything is just old and brittle. I can kind of relate to the latter.

What the heck would cause that, you had it 5 days ago?

What the heck is that Packer doing in your avatar?

that's what packers do.

hey grizz, my melt down was on the PTO side.

nothing happened on the mag side.

it don't make sense

Originally Posted by Beargrease

What the heck is that Packer doing in your avatar?

He's packin'.

Update on my war with the sno jet.

I won.

the sno jet sports a freshly welded & reshaped piston & I'm here to tell ya, she's a runner!

and the skag modification I did is great, you can actually steer the thing!!

Good going Dave! Are you going to make the old timers run?

Sweet!

How'd ya get her to spark?

So you are going to make it this weekend? I hope so it will be so fun!

Took a 3x3 Mulie in SE Colorado in October. Didn't take a shot with bow,rifle or flintlock here in PA. We had a very heavy acorn crop this year and deer were scattered throughout the area, making it hard to pattern them. Plus, I was in Colorado through much of the PA bow season.

Ron

Originally Posted by tzone

Sweet!

How'd ya get her to spark?

I tried a lot of things Tom, not sure but I think it was prayer that finally did it.

Originally Posted by SSB

Good going Dave! Are you going to make the old timers run?

You know it!!

Good Job Dave! you got it waxed too so you can gain a couple mph's? keep it going. I think its about time i get mine running before they get as old as that sled.

Ron, glad to hear you put one on the ground. My buddy shot a cow elk over in SW CO the first season. Nothing beats fresh elk steak at deer camp.

Taking an old friend down to the VA hospital at Tomah, WI today for a check up. Think we have 2 more appointments scheduled in the next 2 weeks.

Saturday I have a gun show, Ike Waltons fisheree and a lutefisk supper to go to. If I survive the lutefisk I'll watch the super bowel on Sunday.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Sweet!

How'd ya get her to spark?

I tried a lot of things Tom, not sure but I think it was prayer that finally did it.

That is usually what works for me. That or a lot of swearing and hitting stuff with a BFH. I'm not sure which of the 3 do it, because they usually all happen at the same time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saturday I have a gun show, Ike Waltons fisheree and a lutefisk supper to go to. If I survive the lutefisk I'll watch the super bowel on Sunday.

Ohhh. Yer gonna have sore guts. Mrs. Grizz better go shopping for the afternoon.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Sweet!

How'd ya get her to spark?

I tried a lot of things Tom, not sure but I think it was prayer that finally did it.

That is usually what works for me. That or a lot of swearing and hitting stuff with a BFH. I'm not sure which of the 3 do it, because they usually all happen at the same time.

well you got me there, ok so it might now have been actual "prayer" but the word "god" may have been used a few times in my conversations with the sno jet.

We must go to the same church.

She went to Chicago for the weekend so I'm on my own.

Originally Posted by Muffy

So you are going to make it this weekend? I hope so it will be so fun!

Are you & Jeremy riding?

We really hope so because it sounds like we are bringing our sleds down & not too many others are actually riding..

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

She went to Chicago for the weekend so I'm on my own.

Look out Plover gun show.

We plan on riding if you guys come down. Who's not riding?

Well, Makes No Patties broke her ass I guess. or tailbone or what ever

(fell down I guess)

So she aint riding, I think bangflop has an old panther running for the ride (so I'll have a fellow junker to ride with

)

Rooster & special K sold their sleds... I think the dancing Gazelle has to work.... But I'm bringing 5 sleds down, 4 regular ones & one tricked out super mod sno jet. Me, Pam & the kids are riding, weezy & runs with scissors are riding, the young barber will ride in the snow coach.

I'll toss a regular sled of ours & probably justins on the big trailer & Rooster will pull the trailer as a chase rig. That way if me and/or justin cook the vintage sleds we'll have backup sleds. Or in the case that we call a truce in the ironbutt vintage sled riding contest we'll retire the old sleds to the trailer & ride our regular boring ones

It's very unlikely though, I'll have a tow strap in the sno jet in case any of the other sleds break down so I can town them to the nearest road with the sno jet.

On sleds it will be you guys, my regular tribe, justin and shane. could be some of justins friends in there too I suppose.

The young indian child will ride in the sno coach with the barber.

I can't wait, it will be so fun. We should see if Uncle Dusty wants to join us.

call him up! I noticed late last night I had missed a call from him on my cell. (phone don't work when I'm out in my shop, metal building)

Gonna be a gooood time! Me, Special K and Breaks her Ass are all going to ride in the chase vehicle waiting for wounded sleds.

I have a story of a past old timers run:

My cousin Scott bought an old Rupp snowmobile in pretty nice shape. The windsheild that was on it was pretty scratched up but the guy through in a new one. (The kind you just can't find for a Rupp anymore and he was very very proud of it) So the day before the OT run, he waxes up that old red beast and puts his new windshield on and throws the other one away. Long story short he goes and returns from the run that night and finds me and his brother Daren making trails in their woods with our sleds. Well back in the day, 'ol Scott enjoyed to partake in the spirits A LOT and this day was no different. He came riding up, shuts off his extremely noisy sled and starts bragging that his RUPP made the whole run and two other guys he rode with that had newer (mid 70's cats)sleds broke down. He's slurring and laughing and bragging. In mid sentence he starts stumbling sideways and reaches out for anything to catch his fall and SNAP, SCRUNCH tip. There he is laying on the ground with his shattered windshield in his hand. We were nice enough to stand there and point and laugh at him but it got really funny when his RUPP wouldn't start. It never did again either. Apparently the noise we heard when he drove up wasn't supposed to be there but he was too sloshed to notice.

Rooster, call me on my cell during the ride if your chevy breaks down, The sno jet has a hitch from the factory, it was built for pulling.

I figure I'll probably be busy pulling arctic cats around most of the day tomorrow with the sno jet but if you get stuck or break down with the chase rig you gotta holler at me.

dang chebbies.

that's chebbies, not CHUBBIES Roosterjim.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The sno jet has a hitch from the factory, it was built for pulling.

I'm sure that is very comforting considering a Ford is expected to haul your loved ones all the way down from up nort!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The sno jet has a hitch from the factory, it was built for pulling.

I'm sure that is very comforting considering a Ford is expected to haul your loved ones all the way down from up nort!

That is to pull the family, the sleds, and the chevy's home.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The sno jet has a hitch from the factory, it was built for pulling.

I'm sure that is very comforting considering a Ford is expected to haul your loved ones all the way down from up nort!

That is to pull the family, the sleds, and the chevy's home.

At least the family can ride in the chevy where at least there is heat I guess.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The sno jet has a hitch from the factory, it was built for pulling.

I'm sure that is very comforting considering a Ford is expected to haul your loved ones all the way down from up nort!

That is to pull the family, the sleds, and the chevy's home.

At least the family can ride in the chevy where at least there is heat I guess.

Yeah, they can pop the hood on her, and keep warm from the steam.

Thats not steam T. Thats smoke rollin off of all four tires when the Chevy quits playin decoy and eats that Ford up.

Lutefish?

I never heard of that rascal. Guess I need to do an internet search...or is that a local name for it? Doesn't sound very yummy.

Griz, I re-read your post. It's lutefisk, not lutefish? Now I'm even more confused.

Enlighten me, please!

Ron

yer kidd'n right?

it's lutefisk.

not lutefish, here, check it out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutefisk

we're heading south to the lake park old timers run.

see some of you there!!

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Lutefish?

I never heard of that rascal. Guess I need to do an internet search...or is that a local name for it? Doesn't sound very yummy.

Griz, I re-read your post. It's lutefisk, not lutefish? Now I'm even more confused.

Enlighten me, please!

Ron

you're still right though, doesn't sound very yummy

Lutefisk is a Nordic culture dish. It is made from dried/salted whitefish and soda lye. It literally means "lye fish", because it is made using caustic lye soda derived from potash minerals.

Sounds delicious, no?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutefisk

To me lutefisk don't really taste like anything. You dip it in butter. The texture is kinda jello like. One thing I know for sure, is that it surely stinks up the joint when you cook it.

As far as eating lutefisk, I'm not sure I want anything that corrodes the cookware.

Originally Posted by Muffy

To me lutefisk don't really taste like anything. You dip it in butter. The texture is kinda jello like. One thing I know for sure, is that it surely stinks up the joint when you cook it.

A good Norwegan told me that lutefisk should be firm, not jelly like. If it's like jello it wasn't prepared correctly. That being said I've never had it. Heard to many stories about it growing up. I'm really going for the meatballs and deserts. Although in a weak moment I just might try the lutefisk. Lots of butter can cover up some bad tasting stuff. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Ray, I'll spare you the details but the lutefisk comes in slabs or circles of dried meat. It gets soaked in a lye bath to rehydrate. Yum, yum.

Well is sounds like we are all set for the old timers run. Uncle Dusty is bringing a fur hat for Dave to wear, and I have a pair of beaver chopper mittens if they fit. I hope the Snow Jet can make the whole run.

We will take plenty of pictures.

WOW! I sure have gotten a lutefisk education in the last several hours! Thanks to all for the enlightenment (I think). I also clicked the link to the Wikipedia page where I learned MUCH more than I wanted to regarding the origins, preparation, cooking and eating of the "lyefish"! Yum-Yum!

As an ethnic Deutschlander, I think I'll stick to scrapple, sauerkraut, tongue souse and pickled pig's feet. (Nein, nein, nicht lutefisk, bitte!)

May the lutefisk swim merrily on it's way, trailing a stream of soap bubbles as it goes to meet its destiny. Yuck!

Ron

What is scrapple? and tongue souse?

I have not had lutefisk since i was about 10, all i tasted was butter, but the texture was not good. I would more than likely try it again but the church buffet's are just to early in the morning.

Takes a mighty powerful God to make a man eat lutefisk...

The way i figure, a few plates of that should make up for all my sins.

Heck the wine and bread flavored packing peanuts will only get ya so far.

Originally Posted by Muffy

What is scrapple? and tongue souse?

This is what Wikipedia has to say.. Jump in here Ray.

Scrapple (Pennsylvania Dutch) is traditionally a mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal and flour, often buckwheat flour and spices. It is similar to pon haus, which uses only the broth from cooked meat. The mush is formed into a semi-solid congealed loaf, and slices of the scrapple are then panfried before serving. Scraps of meat left over from butchering, not used or sold elsewhere, were made into scrapple to avoid waste. Scrapple is best known as a regional American food of the Mid-Atlantic States (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland). Scrapple and Pon haus are commonly considered an ethnic food of the Pennsylvania Dutch, including the Mennonite and Amish. Scrapple is found in supermarkets throughout the region in both fresh and frozen refrigerated cases, and it can sometimes be found in frozen form in cities as far away as Los Angeles

Scrapple is typically made of hog offal, such as the head, heart, liver, and other scraps, which are boiled with any bones attached (often the entire head), to make a broth.[citation needed] Fans of scrapple sometimes boast that scrapple contains everything from a pig except the "squeal. Once cooked, bones and fat are discarded, the meat is reserved, and (dry) cornmeal is boiled in the broth to make a mush.The meat, finely minced, is returned, and seasonings, typically sage, thyme, savory, black pepper and others are added. The mush is formed into loaves and allowed to cool thoroughly until set. The proportions and seasoning are very much a matter of the region and the cook's taste.

SOUSE. Head cheese, also called souse and brawn, is a jellied loaf or sausage. ... parts of the head of a pig or calf, but now can include edible parts of the feet, tongue.

Muffy, aren't you glad you asked?

In North Carolina the southern equivalent of scrapple is called livermush.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Thats not steam T. Thats smoke rollin off of all four tires when the Chevy quits playin decoy and eats that Ford up.

Oh geezz. Now I've heard it all.

Well, kids.... I hope the old timers run went well. I got out on the ice for a few hours yesterday, while the rug rats were taking a nap.

We got 6 walleyes from 13-18" The 18"er was a real goofy looking fish. One of the skinniest walleyes I've ever seen, needless to say, we threw it back.

I screwed up on a big one, not sure what it was, but I can only guess it was a walleye, because that is all we caught...Flag went up, and the fish was pulling line real slow, which is a sign of big one. I spun the line to give her a little slack, took the line, move the tip up, she was still there, I could feel a nice heavy weight on the end, lifted the line, and she spit it....DANG!

I was hoping to get it in, I've never caught a big walleye through the ice, 25" is my best on hard water, and it was not on a tip up.

I did it! I faced the monster (Lutefisk) square in the eye and survied. Not something I'd intentionally order, but I've had worse. They also served cod, meatballs and gravey, potatoes, lefse, corn, coldslaw and cookies. Needless to say I didn't starve.

Ron, how much snow did you get? My BIL lives outside of Pittsburg and looks like he has about 18".

Griz,

That's pretty much what they are. Nowadays, scrapple, like sausage (or ham spread!) is best eaten without understanding the process! BTW, you will find many of the same ingredients scrapple contains are also used in making sausagee, especially the smoked variety. Scrapple is often eaten with maple syrup, just like a pancake.

Tongue souse contains only tongue meat, either beef or pork, in a gelatinous loaf. Delicious sliced with apple cider vinegar, Italian or Balsamic Vinigrette dressing over the top.

Tongue souse and scrapple are two of my favorites. Muffy, if I ever get up your way I'll bring some along for you to taste. They really taste nothing like lutefisk!

Ron

Griz, I got 18" here east of Harrisburg. My son 25 miles SE of us had 25". Thank a benevolent God for allowing Man to invent snowblowers!!!

Ron

Gee and it was bright sunshiny and about 65 degrees here in South Carolina.You guys get ALL the fun.
I hope Dave,Pam and kids are having a great time.I'm looking forward to the pictures and narrative.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I hope Dave,Pam and kids are having a great time.I'm looking forward to the pictures and narrative.

Stan in SC

Fun was had by all! I will let Dave fill you all in on the SnoJet. He is probably still traveling home. Weather is not very nice so I'm sure its taking them awhile.

Ron,
Lutefisk is pretty nasty but I think if I had to eat one or the other I would have to choose it over tongue.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ron,
Lutefisk is pretty nasty but I think if I had to eat one or the other I would have to choose it over tongue.

Afraid it's gonna taste you back?

Wow those were crappy roads!!

I don't think we got any sno jet action photos but I sure wish we had.

It was a hoot!! we had that old sled running for everything it was worth to keep up with all of the modern sleds. I had it wide open across a lake for a good stretch & thought "ok little engine, if you are going to let loose with your welded piston now is the time."

But the engine held together & ran awesome.

But the chaincase broke about 20 some miles into our ride

DANG!!

Rooster & wife special K brought us our backup sled with the chase rig & we were back on the trail, it was sad seeing the sno jet ride on the trailer even though it beat me up pretty bad for those 20-some miles

We had a great time on the ride though, great time. Muffy might have a picture of the sno-jet in the yard where I was changing plugs just before we left on our ride.

Otherwise I have no photos of it on my camera, I do have a few pictures of other sleds though so I'll maybe post those up tonight.

Not quite sure that I am.

I guess I would be willing to give it a try.

Here are a few where we are getting ready to leave on our ride (I guess the sno jet picture was on my camera)

[Linked Image]

Dusty pulled the little kids with his sled.

[Linked Image]

last minute plug change.

[Linked Image]

one of our stops.

[Linked Image]

I stopped to take a picture of this old dead sled along the trail, it had a lot of charactor

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2607.jpg[/img]

couple more sleds at our last stop.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2608.jpg[/img]

check out the handy 12 pack storage under the hood on this old cat

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2609.jpg[/img]

this was a really neat one.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2610.jpg[/img]

I have some pictures, I will post them tomorrow.

Rooster,

I'll bet you would change your mind if you tried it. Once you skin the tongue it is just a long, boneless fillet.Really very tasty.

Ron

Ray, my mother used to make Tongue. Not pickled, just plain old tongue. It's realy pretty good. It was a little on the soft side and had a ham like flavor.

I haven't been on a snomobile for close to 30 years now. No old sleds could really beat you up. I understand the newer sleds are much more comfortable to ride.

That was a neat sleigh the kids get to ride in.

That John Deere and the Panther were dang good looking sleds yet. Good shape.

Oh I wish I had taken more pictures, there were some really nice sleds down there.

Those old timer runs are pretty cool. YOu get to see a lot of history, and at least for me...companies that I didn't even know existed.

looks like a lot of fun dave, too bad for the sno-jet tho. my buddy has a couple 72's panther and a cheetah, been fighting with all winter to keep them running, finally got them going good. I am thinkin i may need to get my old charger up and running again. maybe a good summer project.

hey you didn't happen to make it out to 5 mile this weekend did you?

No. basketball all day saturday and game day yesterday. I need to get out fishing again, supply running short.

I have yet to catch a walleye since may of last year (week before opener)
crappies refused to bite this year to boot. you guys are lucky!

I'm going to try to bust my way out to the fish houses on wed after work with the plow truck.

Wednsday eh!! what time you done? maybe there could be an evening bite out there? Never know. We Fried up some walleye on super bowl sunday, man was that good! Streiffs had a new mix in there and it was quite tasty.

Get that Crapolade ready Buschy!

Actually I might even make it out there tonight I guess.

I need to do some welding on the snow plow quick after work then I can head up there.

Are you the only one out there, or do you bust off the main road to get to your shack?

Dusty's house is right next to mine, we busted a trail of our own from a main lake road but the lake road has since moved so we don't know what to expect out there.

are you coming up fishing T?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

are you coming up fishing T?

You know it.

When are you coming up Tom?

you let me know and i will try to mix up a punch!! nice day out today!!

Before we left for Old Timers Run.
[Linked Image]

In Lake Park.
[Linked Image]

This is how close the Snow Jet made it to Audubon. You can see the sleds on the lake in the background.
[Linked Image]

At the Pit 611.
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/muffy51451/Old%20Timers%20Run%202010/IMG_0769.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/muffy51451/Old%20Timers%20Run%202010/IMG_0770.jpg[/img]

More pics. These are at The Road House after the run.
[Linked Image]

Dave and his little mini fighter jet he made.
[Linked Image]

Very tall guy.
[Linked Image]

It was alot of fun, can't wait till next year!

I see quite a few ditch pickles running around there. Aren't they out of season??

Originally Posted by Muffy

Very tall guy.
[Linked Image]

It was alot of fun, can't wait till next year!

Holy smokes....no kiddin'! Your 6'2" so that guy must be like 9' tall.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you let me know and i will try to mix up a punch!! nice day out today!!

Originally Posted by muffy

When are you coming up Tom?

I'm leaving here on the 26th, late morning. Be up there that night.

No drinking though, strictly fishing.

Yeah 6'2" minus about 11".

i may just have an opening for that weekend T, are you coming up to muffy? we may need a 5 gal barrel for the crapolade.....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i may just have an opening for that weekend T, are you coming up to muffy? we may need a 5 gal barrel for the crapolade.....

I don't know, we might ge snowmobiling up in Vermilion that weekend.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i may just have an opening for that weekend T, are you coming up to muffy? we may need a 5 gal barrel for the crapolade.....

I don't know, we might ge snowmobiling up in Vermilion that weekend.

Oh I see how it works...I come up and you bail.

We are not for sure going yet. If we don't I'm sure I'll be up there fishing too.

sounds like skipping out on the tzone meister!! at least you know where you rate TOM. such a special weekend and off she goes!! suck it up sally!! snowmobile another weekend. fish on!!

Bring some venison sticks with ya buschy...I sure as hell don't have any.

Do you think I should tell Dave I'm coming?

Originally Posted by tzone

Do you think I should tell Dave I'm coming?

There's got to be a line in there somewhere... I just know it.

I'm putting in the Chickenbuck order tomorrow. So if anyone else is interested let me know.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I'm putting in the Chickenbuck order tomorrow. So if anyone else is interested let me know.

Sent you an email Muff.

we took the snow smasher out on a fish house rescue tonight, me & the boy (runs with scissors)

[Linked Image]

this is snow smashing...

[Linked Image]

stuck in that last picture, if ya can't tell

Got out though. Both houses were loose but I think we have to move them, if even just a little bit.

mine is already moved off of it's spot, I slid it over a bit to the north. We've got kind of a bowl in there, it just don't look good. I bet it would flood if we drilled a hole.

we'll be able to get dusty's out too, probably have to drag it a bit though, can't really back up to it. There is a bunch of nasty ice drifts that have a crust strong enough to hold your truck up long enough for you to fall through with the tires & be trapped.

That's how we got stuck tonight, trying to plow to Dusty's house.

We'll have to skid it forward 25' or so then we can hitch on.

As a lifelong southerner I have trouble even imagining the amount of snow you guys deal with routinely every year.
Good pictures,Dave(as usual).

Stan in SC

I've been thinkin more and more about getting my house off the lake.

seems like it wouldn't be a bad idea, especially since the fishing sucks, of course the day they start biting will be the day after I pull it off..... never fails

I don't see the flashing light moving on the truck Dave? It looks ruff going out there now. how was the main trail? Do you have a GPS to see the structure out there?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I've been thinkin more and more about getting my house off the lake.

seems like it wouldn't be a bad idea, especially since the fishing sucks, of course the day they start biting will be the day after I pull it off..... never fails

Yep...that's about how it works.

When we were kids, we got our house frozen to the lake and couldn't get it off. I was the only one that ever carried tools, so we punched a hole out the back, and ran a chain through it. Wraped the chain around a board, and pulled that sucker off the floor. somewhere in the bottom of fish lake in the floor to our ice house.

It was a mess!

How'd ya get that out Dave...Looks like a pretty good one.

Originally Posted by tzone

How'd ya get that out Dave...Looks like a pretty good one.

I hadn't cracked my house loose yet, easy to crack loose if you lift straight up on an end or a corner but it makes for a hell of an anchor point if you hook on for a sideways pull.

Remember these corner loops I welded on to the steel frame for under the house?

[Linked Image]

We tied on to one of those corners with a long strap & a come along. got a good stretch pull out of it & eventually we got the truck out.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I don't see the flashing light moving on the truck Dave? It looks ruff going out there now. how was the main trail? Do you have a GPS to see the structure out there?

I have an older gps with my own points stored from summer fishing.

The main road is open to the 5 mile, I expect the guy will be widening the road some today. I talked to him on the phone yesterday & he wasn't all that happy though. He spent a bunch of money on fuel to get that road open yesterday, burned like 30 gallons in his big truck. He checked his money box when he was done & there was 4 bucks in there.

Some people just don't understand what it takes to keep a 5 mile long lake road open out there. $5 is all he's asking per truck & that aint bad at all.

We'll need to move those houses, thinking about moving them to the north. I did as much as I dared last night with one truck out there after dark. You don't want to get too stupid out there or you'll be there for the night.

Wow thats a lot of snow to be smashing through.

Cool pictures!

Thats no good if no one is paying. Its only 5 bucks. pretty cheap to have a road out there. tons of houses out there so should be plenty of money coming in if they are paying. Too bad. Gonna be hard to get him to keep it up at that rate. could be a cold night out on the lake you get the truck stuck and no where to go.

Yeah I kind of feel like logging into fishingmn & putting the word out that the guy is getting frustrated because nobody is paying. Put the word out to see if it could maybe help him some.

i'll get logged in there and get the word out. Are you fishing out there this weekend?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Thats no good if no one is paying. Its only 5 bucks. pretty cheap to have a road out there. tons of houses out there so should be plenty of money coming in if they are paying. Too bad. Gonna be hard to get him to keep it up at that rate. could be a cold night out on the lake you get the truck stuck and no where to go.

Yep...those guys will be the first ones to complain next year when they can't get to their shack in January too.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i'll get logged in there and get the word out. Are you fishing out there this weekend?

I caught your post on fishingmn, added to it.

Good job.

Yeah we'll be out there this weekend to probably move houses & to fish.

me an lester may head out that way sunday with the portables. make extra parking room around out there. we're still trying to decide where to go. we did ok out there so it might be a possibility. we got the lakemap chip too so can find some structure there.

I placed the Chickenbuck apparel order today. The blaze orange hats are on backorder till the end of February. I will PM everyone and let them know the total and where to send it.

cool thanks!

Thanks man....er, lady.

You bet! If anyone decides at the last minute the want something let me know. I can put the order in for other items anytime.

Thanks Muffy. Looking foreward to getting the hat.

Did this work? I think photobucket crapped out.

NOt like I wanted it too I guess.

Have you got the shanty's moved yet dave? are you fishing on sunday?

I'll move them saturday morning. Not sure about sunday fishing yet.

Let me know how you do out there. Not sure where abouts we are headed yet. hoping to get in on some action and some nice eyes out there someplace.

I will be there saterday morning dave.

Ok sounds good, stopping by the house on the way to the lake?

yes I will be stopping. I will leave home about 4.AM.

crap I better start sleeping right now then.

See you around 6:30-7 I suppose then.

coming alone or is lonny coming up?

coming alone i think?

OK, sounds like the kids have plans to pull a permanent out onto the channel for northerns.

hey, the neighbors out next to chickenbuck will be blasting off there valentines party fireworks probably tomorrow night.

I'm thinking about heading down there maybe after fishing saturday.

Thank you everyone for all the Chickenbuck apparel orders. I will let you all know when I send them off.

I think the lady was kinda suprised when I placed the order. There were 23 items on my list. When I put in the first order of caps I told her it was just the begining.

It is funny how things get started when you are at camp having a couple beers. Ideas are best when you sit and drink about it for awhile.

that's so true.

I think i'll give it a go tonight

And you have that thank you all backerds, we all thank you for doing all that legwork & sourcing a shop to do this.

Yes mam,thank you verry much.
We are getting snow.So far about two inches and supposed to get two to three more tonight.I know that is nothing to you denizens of the far frozen north but to us chitlin chompin South Carolinians it's a bunch!You can just say SNOW loudly here and everyone rushes to the store and empties it of beer,bread and milk.

Stan in SC

Stan, Me & Pam experienced snow in jacksonvill NC in around... 93 maybe?

wow, yeah we thought it was pretty & it reminded us of home but that's not how everybody else saw it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

that's so true.

I think i'll give it a go tonight

And you have that thank you all backerds, we all thank you for doing all that legwork & sourcing a shop to do this.

I don't mind doing it at all. It is kinda fun actually.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ideas are best when you sit and drink about it for awhile.

I love it!

Thanks a lot Muffy. I really do appreciate it.

Hey guys.... I got to meet another "fire" member today. I met Yukon Al. I bought a portable treestand from him today. Nice API stand, and he even through in some tree steps. He's good people, but he's from MN, so we already knew that.

I stopped on my way home and had a couple frosty ones with Redneck too.

Overall it was a pretty good day.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Yes mam,thank you verry much.
We are getting snow.So far about two inches and supposed to get two to three more tonight.I know that is nothing to you denizens of the far frozen north but to us chitlin chompin South Carolinians it's a bunch!You can just say SNOW loudly here and everyone rushes to the store and empties it of beer,bread and milk.

Stan in SC

Stan, can tell you're not used to the snow. When it it snows here we run to the store and get beer. Bread and milk just weight you down.

Well the plan was to go snowmobiling today to Itasca. But here I am stuck at home sick. UGH!

My son is sick too. He has a cold, so we're not doing much today either.

Brought some boards to a bud, so he can make me some trim for the windows in my basement, but that's about it.

its my GF's Bday today so I made her breakfast in bed, then loaded some ammo with my son til he got tired of it (5 rounds) now he's taking a nap and we're watching a movie. I'm making elk spaghetti for supper

good day in my book.

sorry to hear everyone else is sick, thankfully we've been avoiding that for a few weeks now, tough when the boy brings it home from daycare.

Dang daycare...it's a petri dish. Don't go much more than 6 wks without one of them getting sick.

Not good Muffy.

Hope you feel better by Sunday for valentines day.

Thanks Bill.

It is the whole sore throat and congested chest thing. I have felt it coming on for a few days. It is like just come on and get it over with.

I wonder how the guys are doing fishing?

fishing was junk.

but we had a blast anyways, ended up at the chickenbuck last night.

lotsa fun!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

lotsa fun!

Me too. Fat head today.

I have to agree with Hank Williams Jr..... The hangovers hurt more than they used to.

what's a "hang over"

?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

lotsa fun!

Me too. Fat head today.

I have to agree with Hank Williams Jr..... The hangovers hurt more than they used to.

Won't be too long and you'll be complaining, "What I used to do all night, now takes me all night to do".

Your welcome!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what's a "hang over"

?

I'm pretty sure you had one the last time we were together.

Chickenbuck was fun this weekend, even if it wasn't a 'planned' trip.

Always nice to see Uncle Dusty. Always nice to escape the stress, the reality, the worries of all that is and go to Camp Chickenbuck for awhile.

Well hi Mrsnotherndave. Haven't heard from you on here for awhile.

Glad you had a nice weekend.

Speaking of "not heard from in awhile"....I have been mucho busy on the house. For the last 3 weeks, I have been at it every day and nite. Whew. Kinda fun though. Prolly have a week or 2 left at this pace and then we can think of moving in sometime in early March. Turning out good too.

Cole Update:
Cole had a scan last Friday and NO NEW GROWTHS!!!!!!!! This is really good since his cancer is so aggressive. He is still undergoing chemo and will be until next summer. It is really hard on him, but he does have good days once in awhile too. There are 2 little spots on his lungs which the doctors said might not even be cancer. At this point, things are going as well as can be hoped for.

Well, Fishing out at the Banana-Buck Palace was slow yesterday. Thanks Dave, That wind was Horrendous out there. People trying to set up portables all over and the wind blowing them down then leaving just as quick. We only had 1 keeper, finally gave up about 3:30. Thanks for letting us use it again, We both like that size of house. can move and plenty of room for fishing! We just wished the Snow Shoe Grog was full! We needed it to pass the time.

Yeah Tzone, I usually just stay in the background, watch and read often but don't post.

Berettaman, I remember the hustle and bustle of building our house. Although its quite small and simple, when you do almost everything yourself it does keep you busy. I think it took us about a year to build the house. Dave, the kids and I would go after work and on weekends to get done what we could, so that's probably why it took so long. I think the only things we hired out were the sheetrocking, concrete and sewer/well. When friends/relatives would come to help, we'd almost jump out of our skin with excitement. Long year but it was worth it and I wouldn't have done it any other way. Dave was very patient with me but I think he kinda had too be.

Glad to hear about Cole. I continue to pray for that little guy. He's in good hands.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Cole Update:
Cole had a scan last Friday and NO NEW GROWTHS!!!!!!!! This is really good since his cancer is so aggressive. He is still undergoing chemo and will be until next summer. It is really hard on him, but he does have good days once in awhile too. There are 2 little spots on his lungs which the doctors said might not even be cancer. At this point, things are going as well as can be hoped for.

Great to hear from you. I was wondering about Cole the other day, but was afraid to ask.

The house deal is stressful and fun at the same time. I'm finishing mine so I can sell it.

Don't know how much you've been following this or not, but we're moving back to MN. T/C area. So we're doing the house thing too.

Yeah, I have been a Skimmer here the last month or so. Quickly hit the posts in the 30 secs I have alotted for internet time. I followed the SnoJet saga, that was great. I love seeing those old time sleds. We used to ride many of them. Oh, it would be fun to ride a Merc again.

Tzone, glad to hear you are leaving cheeseland. I have a plethora (is this the first time "plethora" has been used on this topic???) of contacts in the TC. If you need a realtor or anything let me know and I can set you up.

Mrs. ND, we arent doing as much as you guys did. We did window wells, general cleanup, staining/varnishing of everything, painting, and tiling. Right now we are in the middle of tiling. We have 6 rooms to do (all small); mudroom, laundry, pantry, entry, main bath, master bath. Then the 2 showers. Tiling takes a long time; longer than I expected. We have done 2 houses in the past, but never this much at one time. I already LOVE my infloor heat in the garage.

BM, was kinda wondering where you been. Glad to hear the house is coming along. Good news about Cole too.

Underfloor heat is awesome!!!

Now I've gotta work on Dave for the addition!! Since we worked so well together the first time around, should be a breeze this time.

Glad to hear your house is moving right along. I'm happy for you guys.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tiling takes a long time; longer than I expected. We have done 2 houses in the past, but never this much at one time. I already LOVE my infloor heat in the garage.

You got that right. Just did the bathroom downstairs, and the laundry room. It takes a while. But man does it look nice, too nice. I'm doing it in our next house it looks so friggin nice.

I(we) did every thing ourselves that wouldn't get someone killed. So HVAC, Electrical, and taping/mudding sheetrock all got farmed out. I pulled the electrical, installed the recepticals and switches, but mr. electrician hooked them up because me and electric don't get along.

I put up the sheetrock, but had someone else come and tape, mud, and spray it, because if I did it I would shoot someone. I don't have the patients for it. It was 1K to have someone tape, mud, and spray the rock in 1100 sf, + the ceiling. I would have got mad and burned my house down.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Underfloor heat is awesome!!!

Now I've gotta work on Dave for the addition!! Since we worked so well together the first time around, should be a breeze this time.

Glad to hear your house is moving right along. I'm happy for you guys.

Geeze....Wheezy will be moved out in a few years, you'll have all kinds of room. No need to add on. What's the rush.

Run Dave, run, I'll cover for ya.

I have radiant heat in the basement and my garage. What's nice is that I have two separate thermostats. I keep the basement set between 60 and 62 (it heats about 5-8 degrees warmer than what it's set to for whatever reason) and I keep the garage at about 40-45. With some heat bleeding off from the house it keeps the garage between 60-65. At least until the garage door gets opened.

I love radiant heat. Nothing like walking in the basement in socks and feeling warmth beneath your feet!

Yep, I have infloor radiant heat in the basement too (hydronic). Then in the 2 bathrooms, we put electric radiant heat under the tile (just the 3'X10' mat from Home Depot or Menards).

Just got good news, the garage doors, which werent supposed to be in until mid March, are right this very minute being installed!

Good to hear things are going well on your house.

Very glad to hear the good news about Cole. He is in my prayers.

Muffy, I see you're still with us. Feeling better today?

Driving your own nails is fun.I built my own house once.Kind of a camp chickenbuck but it was my full time residence until I met Mz. Linda.She loved the place.

Stan in SC

Well Bill I'm still kicking I guess.

Still not feeling all that well, can't wait to feel normal again.

Spent all day at home. Our cable was out for about 4 hours today. Good thing I bought a new book to read last week.

swish- just wanted in on page 666

Ha....I got 333

me too, and like you pam I read everyday, but don't post as often.

i want in on that 666.

dang... the page flipped

it says 334 on mine, sorry Dave

I sold my big truck last night, now i'm looking for a different one.

which big truck? the ford?

woo hoo, i didn't realize you sold it already dave. hopefully get you in another quickly.

I'm workin with your buddy on a deal right now. we'll see, sounds like it could be about what I'm looking for.

I'm glad to hear you sold your truck. Good luck with the hunt for another one.

why did everybody hate my truck so bad?

(kidding)

it was a good truck dave!! SUper DUty!! just too big and likes fuel too much. nice and roomy they are though. I still have a good one for you!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

why did everybody hate my truck so bad?

(kidding)

Wish I could have bought it.

I liked that truck a lot.

Time to get a haffie, 9" lift and big meats.

you didn't have that truck a year did ya?

was hard on fuel though IIRC

Is the replacement going to be rainbow colored too?

I'm finally here to screw this thread up Dave!

The reinforcements have arrived!

Good to see ya JM....maybe with your help we can get Dave to take us all elk hunting....I've got a case of bingo dobbers...

my big truck is gone.

kind of sad to see it go.

I'm working on maybe an 07 crew cab f150 with the longer (6.5') box... we'll see.

right now i'm driving the old 77 f150 4x4.

The youngest member of Camp Chickenbuck has a birthday today!!

Happy 6th Birthday Plays with Matches!!! We love you little buddy.

HBD little Dude! Tell Dad you want a new Weatherby!

Weatherby!!??

Jeesh! He did get a red rider last year. How the heck do you top red rider???

I thought you liked Plays with Matches....don't get him a Weatherby....

Ingwe

He's already a Winchester man... free to choose his own direction as he grows of course but he's already got one winchester in the safe that he don't know about

His older brother had to wait till he was 10 to get his & if Plays With Matches continues on his current path of maturity & responsibility he'll get his when he turns 40

Winchesters are good....

He will enjoy his...when he turns 40

Ingwe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you,PWM!

Stan in SC

Bought it from John Barsness.

Can't say no more here incase the kid learns himself to read someday & stumbles across this thread before he's 40.

OK...gotcha...

By the time he is 40, it should be a real novelty to be shooting a gun that belonged to JB....
Hes the best in the business in this generation....
Course, I'm prejudiced...

Ingwe

Happy Birthday PWM! Have a great day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

my big truck is gone.

kind of sad to see it go.

I'm working on maybe an 07 crew cab f150 with the longer (6.5') box... we'll see.

right now i'm driving the old 77 f150 4x4.

F150???? Tom, said you were getting an Outback?

I don't think so

Originally Posted by JohnMoses

I'm finally here to screw this thread up Dave!

We need more funny guys here JM....and you qualify.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

The youngest member of Camp Chickenbuck has a birthday today!!

Happy 6th Birthday Plays with Matches!!! We love you little buddy.

Hey Dude....Happy B-day!

My little guy will be 5 in June, day before his dad turns old.

Once we get over the border, we'll have to get those two troube makers together to cause some trouble.

Happy Birtday PWM!

My little girl turns 6 on May 1. Sounds like we have a whole tribe of them!

Sad to see the Super Duty go. How bad on gas was it? Wait a second, I thought it was a diesel....those usually arent hard on fuel. What gives? Coming from a Super Duty V-10 owner, I know the feeling. However, I dont put many miles on anymore while working from home.

Happy Birthday little cussin!!! Have a great day!!

Originally Posted by ingwe

OK...gotcha...

By the time he is 40, it should be a real novelty to be shooting a gun that belonged to JB....
Hes the best in the business in this generation....
Course, I'm prejudiced...

Ingwe

I picked up a Savage model 24 from JB. I think it's cool having a gun that he used to own, but I'm not sure how novel it is. He seems to sell quite a few.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sad to see the Super Duty go. How bad on gas was it? Wait a second, I thought it was a diesel....those usually arent hard on fuel. What gives? Coming from a Super Duty V-10 owner, I know the feeling. However, I dont put many miles on anymore while working from home.

It wasn't that bad, yes diesel. on my 50 mile round trip daily commutes which are broken up by about 10 stop sign intersections round trip I was getting about 16mpg on a tank. Diesel is a little more money per gallon though so I suppose it would be the eq of running 15 mpg gas.

It's just a lot of machine to navigate around like a car, it's usually just me in the cab. It's warmed up & ready to run all day down the hiway about the time I get to work in the mornings, then I shut it off & it sits in the parking lot waiting for it�s next warm up run. Just kind of silly I guess. The size is great for hauling hunters & fisherman, the family around. But I�m usually just driving myself around & rarely do I haul or tow anything.

Service/maint is expensive on those big trucks. Everything costs more because it's bigger & heavier duty.

15 qt oil changes & you have to use good quality oil for modern diesel engines, the filters aren't cheap either. Tires are e rated & large (expensive), everything just costs more to operate.

So, I'm scaling back to a half ton gasser crew cab but really on the hunt for the 6.5' bed. I think if I had all of that I�d be happy for a long time.

Happy Birthday My Little BUDDY.

We'll be sure to tell him!

I heard Joe's name on the radio this morning, He'll be smiling and telling stories all day! Tell him Happy Birthday Too! R u fishing the derby this weekend Dave? Maybe get some snowshoe grog going out on the ice....

You find me a hot spot for fishin' yet buschy?

still looking for that hot spot!! i know of a pretty good spot called the nitehawk! or ballards makes the crapolades a signature cocktail. or were you actually thinkin' bout wetting a line? when you going to be up? 26th?

Dave do rember the MPG on are elk hunt?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

still looking for that hot spot!! i know of a pretty good spot called the nitehawk! or ballards makes the crapolades a signature cocktail. or were you actually thinkin' bout wetting a line? when you going to be up? 26th?

Wettin' a line is what i was thinking about.

Maybe I can talk dave into taking me to the igloo though. I'd like to see that.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Dave do rember the MPG on are elk hunt?

Good point.

The 6.0 superduty did not live up to it's reputation on our elk hunt trip.

Granted we faught the worse head wind I've ever driven in both there and back & our enclosed trailer was like a drag chute... and we did run fast... But, the truck dissapointed the hell out of us in the area of fuel economy for sure.

Not like my old 7.3 diesel. That thing was awesome.

is pam's tree ok ha.ha.

ooohhhh.. you done it now!!

You almost got by without any teasing on that one because I forgot all about it!!

How's the back bumper on that chevy?

Folks, out at chickenbuck we've got a stealthy young tamarack out in the parking area. Why is it stealthy? Because a few people have proven that they can not see it

They back into it!!

Guess who backed into it last Sunday?

Good ole uncle Dusty!!

We have talked about it... actually we have laughed about it... (sorry) then we talked about it & we have decided we will be painting that tree blaze orange to help people see it

CHEVY TUUUUFFFFFFFF.

Do I need to wear a safety harness to join this thing?

Probly wouldn't hurt John.

I actually suggest a helmet.

seriously...

not a bad idea, life jacket optional...

Dad told me about the tree today. He told me he had to go out and do a little work on his pickup cuz something happened at Chickenbuck. The first thing I thought is that he hit the rock in front of the shack.

I'm suprised he told me. I guess he figured I would find out about it anyway.

he really could have got away with that one, we forgot about it

I can laugh because I've put the old brown ford up on top of that damn rock

I busted the steering stabilizer shock off the truck!! Split it wide open & all the oil from the shock puked all over the rock. (in case you were wondering why the rock was black oil stained all summer)

I Tell MUFFY evrething.

I told pam last summer I would be the one that would run into that tree.

You must have hit it pretty hard.

Everything?

Dave...the 6.0's are a bit of a disappointment aren't they? We have one here in an F450 and it got real expensive at 85,000. Certainly not like the old 7.3's or 6.9's. I had a 6.9 that made 262,000 before I ever looked at the injectors or pump.
Tell PWM Happy Birthday from Michigan for us!

Scott

Originally Posted by JohnMoses

Do I need to wear a safety harness to join this thing?

Hip Boots would be a better choice.

Ford will be coming out with a new, built in house diesel in the 2011 model. The old 7.3 was a decent engine, but everything after that, not so much. They also have a new 6+ liter gasser coming out this year that puts out 400HP. It will become the standard engine for the Super Duties.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

CHEVY TUUUUFFFFFFFF.

I'm surprised it wasn't totalled.

Did you yell out "northerndave, I'M NOT HAPPY!"

[quotejohnmoses]Do I need to wear a safety harness to join this thing? [/quote]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I actually suggest a helmet.

seriously...

not a bad idea, life jacket optional...

Well, there IS a moat.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ford will be coming out with a new, built in house diesel in the 2011 model. The old 7.3 was a decent engine, but everything after that, not so much. They also have a new 6+ liter gasser coming out this year that puts out 400HP. It will become the standard engine for the Super Duties.

I'm hoping the new Ford diesel will have the bugs worked out in a few years when the Tundra is due for the trade lot. Dang thing will probably be 75K though.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dad told me about the tree today. He told me he had to go out and do a little work on his pickup cuz something happened at Chickenbuck. The first thing I thought is that he hit the rock in front of the shack.

I'm suprised he told me. I guess he figured I would find out about it anyway.

Between Dusty hitting the tree and Dave hitting the rock, I'm thinkin there's got to be a new T-shirt design in there somewhere. Need to get the kids working on one.

Sounds like a good idea Bill. Funny thing is that it is not the only time that rack and tree have been hit.

Went to the DMV today to get license for my Trailblazer and morotcycle. I was going to get personalized plates for my motorcycle but MUFFY was already taken.

Try SwmpSqd. (swamp squid) Betcha that's not taken.

Originally Posted by tzone

Try SwmpSqd. (swamp squid) Betcha that's not taken.

Yeah I'm sure that would still be available.

Maybe Dave should put that on his license plates for his new truck?

Uncle Dusty, please be careful of my new favorite tree. Backing into it surely doesn't help it grow...and I'm also surprised that your Chevy was able to drive away after that hit. It was quite the hit. Poor tree.

Plenty of room here Pam. Unfortunetly a bit out of the way for you.

i doubt you will be this way and we dont really have too much room in the rental, but as soon as we move into the new house, if you are ever this way, you are welcome.

speaking of moving in to the new house......next week I think we will be moving in!!! yippeeee! It has been over a year we have been in turmoil and we are ready to settle in.

Good news BM.

Where is your new house Beretta?

we have room for you guys.

I wish we had more room at our house. It would be kinda hard to fit the whole family in one bed and one couch.

Not if you sleep in the garage.

yeah, I guess there would be plenty of roon if they wanted to sleep in the shop.

Good morning all, we made it home safe and sound yesterday. No truck yet, kind of waiting to see one up closer to home here tomorrow.

Good luck on the truck hunt Dave. Prices on used vehicles is high around here right now.

I have been trying to decide what I'm going to do with our kitchen. We got new flooring a few years ago. Last year I stripped and refinished our cabinets.

Now it is time to do the countertop and backsplash. Our kitchen is a wierd octagon shape. We have a wall oven and counter cooktop. So there is actually not much counter space at all. Jeremy's mom and stepdad just renovated their kitchen and they have extra tiles for the backsplash. I told Jeremy we should buy them so they don't have to pay to ship them back and pay a restocking fee.

I was online and got on a site where they show you how to make your own concrete countertops. Looked like a lot of work but it looks like fun. I have plenty of time on my hands. Lots cheaper than granite. I like the looks of it also.

Put up a picture of your kitchen, we'll help ya.

Concrete conter tops are cool if you have a modern type kitchen...Like lots of stainless steel, fancy lookin fixtures, other wise they look out of place.

How about using those tiles for your countertop?

Really...give us a pic, we'll decorate that sucker for you.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Last year I stripped and refinished our cabinets.

Not saying a word. Nope, not me.

um, stripped, then finished the cabinets?

She always was that way, always gotta take her clothes off for everything, jeesh.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

um, stripped, then finished the cabinets?

She always was that way, always gotta take her clothes off for everything, jeesh.

You boys are quick, It's been a long day here....that zipped right by me.

You driving a new truck today?

no, supposed to get it tomorrow from the local dealership for test drive.

I realized after I posted it. I should have known not to use that word.

bunch of dirty sickos huh?

Well here are the pictures of my small kitchen.

[Linked Image]

The countertop has white 4" tiles on it right now. They did a crappy job, not sure what kind of grout they used. Every so often they put one with a pink rose on it and some are upsidedown.

Like the cabinets. Have you checked out any of the quartz countertops? Supposed to be denser than granite and not as expensive.

No Bill I have not checked out quartz. I'm trying to get by as cheep as I can because we are talking about selling our house. But I don't want it to look cheap.

Muffy,I think that is a neat arranged kitchen.

Stan in SC

I gotta be honest Muffy....that's a dang nice kitchen the way it is.

You know what might look pretty sweet? 12"x12" slate tile for the counter top, and 6"x6" slate tile for the back splash. Slate is pretty cheap, like 2 bucks a tile.

I like your kitchen.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

no, supposed to get it tomorrow from the local dealership for test drive.

Gray one?

I just finished tiling our master bath with slate (6x6) and we love it. We are just waiting for the stone enhancer to finish curing.

It was $0.96 a tile for the 6x6 initially, but the price was recently reduced to $0.86 a tile (@ the local Lowe's). Inexpensive, and it looks awesome.

Yeah, it looks great. I just finished our bathroom and laundry room in it. In the bathroom, I put 12" tiles on the floor and 6" tiles on the wall. I looks sharp.

That is a cozy kitchen Muffy. I bet good things come out of it.

Dave, i heard a fishing report of out by your house. Actually just south of where you originally had yours. They did fairly good out there last weekend, hoping to hear more from this week.

Thanks. It looks alot different now compared to when we moved in. The flooring was the 70's dark brown linoleum, and the cabinets were about 5 shades darker. For such a small area it was way too dark. It was quite a job, but it was worth it.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Dave, i heard a fishing report of out by your house. Actually just south of where you originally had yours. They did fairly good out there last weekend, hoping to hear more from this week.

I need to hear lots of good fishing reports Buschy.... they make me

I'm pointing north on Friday AM.

jsut heard from my buddy his truck crapped out last weekend. should make for an interesting time getting the house off the lake on sunday!
still trying to figure a plan to make it work

the good reports are few and far between up here this week. I may just be out on the sled searching for a good spot this weekend. Love the kitchen Muffy, looks very good. As a home designer they are some very nice composites out there for counters now and reasonable.

We just did the granite thing and of course the slab the wife picked out is the one backordered for 3 months. yes, 3 months.

The house is in Alexandria Tzone, sorry I didnt respond sooner, I have been rather busy. There will be a free seminar at my house on how to move furniture this weekend. Come one, Come all!!

Getting excited to move in doggone it. It has been a lot of work, but fun too.

Muffy, have you looked at the new laminate countertops? We put them in all the bathrooms and laundry. They look really good if'n you ask me. You cant really tell they arent granite until you are touching them.

A NEW truck Dave? Holy cow, we must see pics.

Cole is doing as well as can be expected. He was ice skating at the local pond here last weekend. he is quite the kid. He just had some chemo this week, so I am sure he will start to feel worse pretty soon. Only another 5 months to go!

Hey all, checking in this evening. We are testing a truck, trying to figure if i like it or not

I'm getting busy at work which is very nice but i haven"t signed on during the daytime for a while now.

Hard to keep up with everything here

Beretta, good to hear Cole was out doing some kid stuff, that's great.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

A NEW truck Dave? Holy cow, we must see pics.

well, what ever it ends up being it will be "new to me" but it won't be a new one that's for sure

There are just some things in life that are so damn hard to understand. We just got home from our friends house, their son passed away this afternoon. His name was Elliot, he turned 3 months old today. Things like this shouldn't happen to such a sweet and innocent little boy.

It was so hard to hear mom and dad try to explain to his 3 year old sister why they didn't bring him home from the hospital. Some things are just not fair.

Muffy, sorry to hear about your friends and their son. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense, and unfortunately we don't know the bigger plan of things.

-23 below this morning....can I simply stay home today. I really don't feel like going outside. The big dogs didn't even come to the back door for their treats.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The house is in Alexandria Tzone, sorry I didnt respond sooner, I have been rather busy. There will be a free seminar at my house on how to move furniture this weekend. Come one, Come all!!

Diet Pepsi out my nose on that one. Good one.

Sorry to hear that Muffy. You're right, some things are just too hard to understand.

Prayers for your friends.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

The big dogs didn't even come to the back door for their treats.

Why do you make Dave and his buddies go to the back door for his treats?

Muffy,
Sorry to hear about your friends. That is just tragic. With kids in that age group, I can only imagine what it would be like. They will be in my prayers.

They are starting to install the carpet today on the house! Yippee!

Thanks BM.

Your house is in Alexandria. We were going to move there about 3 years ago. Jeremy got transfered for his job and it is quite a drive there from Frazee. But then he got a different job. It is a nice area, I really liked it down there.

It is always sad to me when a young life passes on.Condolences to you and your friends,Muffy.

Stan in SC

Nothing worse than the loss of a child. Prayers on the way for Elliot and his family.

as a single dad of a young son, hearing things like that just tears my heart out. my boy is the center of my life, and to imagine what that family is going through, well its impossible.
prayers for them.
my son had his 18 month check up today and I thank the lord every day he is healthy and doing very well.

Really sorry to hear about the baby there cuz, that's so sad.

Dave, are you test driving the truck yet?

Condolences to all Muffy. Losing a child has to be the worst of all things unfair.

Scott

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, are you test driving the truck yet?

no more testing, I bought one.

diggin it.

well what did ya get? we want pics!

also, I got a call today about a Job, I'll be working at a local wildlife refuge starting in may, woohoo! it is definitely a blessing as its close to home and the pay is well.

congrats ryan!! Woooo! I was on the way to look at trucks when iu got your message on my phone today, I was on the road when I was texting you.

way to go man!!
oh I'll try to get some pics tomorrow, it's a redfire metalic 07 f150 crew with a 6.5' bed. black leather, I like it heap big plenty.

pics tomorrow maybe

we got a pile of fisherpeople heading our way tomorrow, we better get some sleep!

Cool Dave can't wait to see the pics of the new truck.

We just got back from our friends house about an hour ago. The parents seem to be doing better today. They just found out Elliot is back in Detroit Lakes so they will be able to make plans tomorrow.

The father Darrick just found out that his brother who is in Afghanestan(sp?)will not be able to make it home because Elliot is not immediate family. That really makes me mad because he never got to meet him. He was deployed in April of last year and he was born in November. He got the ok to come home but the red cross turned it down. That is just not right.

Just to let everyone know who ever ordered a blaze cap, they may be backordered longer than we thought. It is a very popular item. I talked to the owner of where I ordered them tonight and she will get them done as soon as she gets them.

Sorry, can't sleep.

couple of pictures.

[Linked Image]

and a crappy cell phone pic i took yesterday.

[Linked Image]

Very nice truck Dave. I like it!

Congrats Ryan. Whats your major in?

No problem about the hat Muffy. To bad the brother can not make it home for the funeral.

Nice looking truck Dave. Same color as the 09 Edge I bought a month ago. You going to put a topper on it?

nice truck dave but wrong color. what happened to the other one. Where's you all fishing Dave? send me a Text message would ya! we'll be out this weekend somewheres....

probably mostly by my house.

Talked with Tom about 9:15 and he was around Spooner, WI than. He should be close to Duluth now.

Nice wheels Dave! You will love it.

Scott

Bill, i thought you said Tom was a proud spooner!! Be careful out there dave. Are you staying at your fish house?

We're winging it, hard to say. It's likely a group will end up at chickenbuck sat night, who knows?

my major is natural resources management, I am set to graduate in December, finally! it has been a long winding road to getting my degree, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

I will be looking for a permanent Job next year, so if anyone knows of one working for the USFWS or other federal agency let me know

I know, "feds" augh!

Havin a beer with tzone here at the house, more company on the way. It's gonna be an awesome weekend!!

look out lake of the woods walleyes here we come!!

tzone's accelerater must have stuck becues he gote ther real fast

Ryan, working for the feds isn't the worst thing. Good bennies.

Congrats on the upcoming graduation.

We can use more hunters in places like the USFWS.

heading to the lake, bringing snowmobiles, might go check out the igloo bar.

thanks Griz, yeah I rock the boat a little here at school challenging a lot of things that are old practices, not to mention the "global warming" BS and things like that, my profs love to hate me

they all admire me for not just going along with whatever, but since I disagree with some of what they say they aren't too thrilled. especially in the middle of class.
overall they like me, so thats good. probably because I'm not the cookie cutter type of Nat R student. I've heard them say that agencies need more guys like me, so thats good to hear

exhaustatiasourus rex has bitten us all, we are all exhausted.

pictures forth coming.

tzone at CBF headquarters.

[Linked Image]

plays with matches with his good friend. (our good friend too)

A little later, after we all heard many stories from this little man.

[Linked Image]

Tom jiggin.

[Linked Image]

fish house elgrande that belongs to a friend.

[Linked Image]

this guy don't pizz around, ski's under the house retract to lay down low but a flip of a switch & air bags lift this house up on big skis, he levels the height on the 5th wheel neck with another air adjust & off they go any damn place they feel like going.

[Linked Image]

inside, our little man showing these dudes how it's done

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2674.jpg[/img]

"It's easy" he says

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2673.jpg[/img]

we arive at the famous igloo lake bar.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2678.jpg[/img]

fire pit & benches outside

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2677.jpg[/img]

"makes no patties" and "chief crashem cat"
[Linked Image]

Looks like fun. I wish I could have made it up.

Dave grat pics. Looks like everyone had a good time. That ice palace is something else. The Igloo bar is cool to (Pun intended).

Where there any fish caught?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave grat pics. Looks like everyone had a good time. That ice palace is something else. The Igloo bar is cool to (Pun intended).

Where there any fish caught?

There was a reason we went to the Igloo Bar.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"cheif crashem cat"

oops, I guess that's "chief crashem cat"

looks like some solid fun out there Dave. We ended up with 10 saugers 1 perch and 1 burbot. It was slow for us. Sure wish we would have quit sooner and came over that away!

Probably good you didn't bushcy...my head was fat enough on Saturday, it didn't need to pound anymore.

All you folks an' yore fitchin'. You missed out on the free seminar this weekend! But we got it done. All moved in except for the swingset which is froze down. I should say all moved out, as we are a long ways from being settled. Every room is piled high with boxes. Some of which even belong in that room. The office is running. I asked my uncle to take apart the old office and label every wire where it came from and where it goes to. Now with a home office, there are quite a few wires....say 10 or so. I got here and there was 1 note that say blue wire to computer and yellow wire to embarq. So I started sticking things in holes until I found one I liked and got it all working.

Ah, the good life. Home at last. A year of turmoil and we are here! Absolutely fantastic.

A Fed Fish and Wildlife job ye after, eh? Can't help you there, but I think there was a Pheasants Forever job posting in Nebraska not too long ago. I usually get the job announcements for PF if you are interested at all....

BM, good to hear your moved into the new digs.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

So I started sticking things in holes until I found one I liked and got it all working.

.

ahhh....yeah.

Good to hear your moved in, kind of.

I have to do the same thing, label all the wires so I know where the heck they go back.

Do you have any pics for us?

Muffy,

I havent been around much lately with taking care of the wife and yard monkeys. I just read about your friends family member denied emergency leave by the red cross.

First off my condolences to the family, secondly is the funeral over with already? If so then there is nothing that can be done.

If not please contact me with his name rank unit MOS and branch of service (Army, National Guard, Reserves, Marines, etc.) and who the point of contact was with the red cross as I would like to make some calls on his behalf if he wants.

Visitation for Elliot is tonight and the funeral is tomorrow. So yeah it is too late for anything to be done. But thank you so much. The thought will be be greatly appreciated by the family.

It has been a very hard week for the family and all of us. The worst is yet to come. We just have to remember little angel Elliot is in a better place and God is watching over him.

Here is a picture of Elliot taken the morning of his 3 month birthday. We didn't know how terrible that day would end.

[Linked Image]

I hope you all don't mind that I posted a picture of him. He was such a special little boy.

Heck no we don't mind. I will pray for him and his family.

What a cute little boy. Glad you posted it Muffy. Like I said before, nothing as tragic as the loss of a child. Continued Prayers for Elliot and his family.

Our familys thoughts are with them as well as our condolences.

FINALLY!!!! My basement is finished. Well, it's as finished as I'm going to get it anyway. There was supposed to be a wet bar built along the shorter red wall, but I'm not going to do that now, since we're moving. But it will be easy for someone eles' project.

Here is what has been giving me fits for the last year or so, especially in the last month.

Before:
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

after:
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Kids trying out the new digs:
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Princess:
[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

more before, spare bedroom:
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

after, same room:
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Mini man's room: [img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

after:
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Showin' off:
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Only bathroom shot I have right now, it was packed full of stuff so the rooms would be cleared out:
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

nice work, very cool man.

Thanks man.

It makes the upstairs look old and wore out though. 6 years of kids, spills, dogs, boots... I got 1/2 a mind to at least put new carpet up there.

Wife says let new owners do it.

Where you movin to Tom? Looks good. Always too much to do at home. I'd rather be doing it at the lake instead!

I'm moving back to MN dude. Pretty excited about it too.

Somewhere in the north burbs. Ham Lake is my choice at this point.

I have a sister who lives in Ham Lake. It's a nice area.

We found a house I really like there, but the drive may be too long for the wife. House is cool, 3 car attached garage, 30x40 pole shed w/ electric and concrete floor.

Don't know much about the house, I didn't look at it.

my uncle lives right by Ham Lake, Nice area. They just bought a Forclosed house down there for a heck of a deal. i think his shed was 50x 80 and heated. sounds great. What are you going to do down there?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

What are you going to do down there?

I need to get a job....Right now I'm talking with the company I work for about a home office. It is feasable, and really quite possible. I would LOVE that to happen. They're great folks.

I'm a civil engineering tech. fancy name for road builder.

I see. Big Bucks Tom they say....that would be nice to work from home. My uncle works for a contractor that does alot of the road work down that area. Shaw Trucking. Actually do a lot of work all over the country now the way it seems..

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

My uncle works for a contractor that does alot of the road work down that area. Shaw Trucking.

hey Tom, do you have a remington 760 or 7600? in 30-06 perhaps?

Would someone shoot northern dave for starting this thread???

Please?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Shaw Trucking.

What a name, what a name! (Mainly the Shaw part)

Originally Posted by las

Would someone shoot northern dave for starting this thread???

Please?

Doing some light reading Las? I could but better not since he is husband and all. Kinda need him around for awhile...

Hey everybody, look at what a great winter driver weezy is!!

[Linked Image]

You will notice her little brother in the photos digging out the front wheels to lock the hubs in.

[Linked Image]

Coming off a paved county road turning onto a snow packed slick unpaved county road. No need to slow down, engage turning sequence left, truck should travel left now.... why isn't it working? oh no.... lock up the brakes.... crap.

[Linked Image]

Looks like Browny is none the worse for wear, Weezy, maybe not so much.

Dave, were you able to just drive it out or did it need to be pulled out?

Good thing she wasn't driving the new truck Dave! It happens to all at some point.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like Browny is none the worse for wear, Weezy, maybe not so much.

Dave, were you able to just drive it out or did it need to be pulled out?

I'm pretty sure I coulda drove it out

But no, she got pulled out. I was 25 miles away at work when this happened.

We all gotta learn somehow huh?

Pretty sure we've all done it Dave. No one was hurt and hopefully it will be stored in her memory under lessens learned.

Beside, she has two younger brothers to remind her and everyone else.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hey Tom, do you have a remington 760 or 7600? in 30-06 perhaps?

Not currently, but I'm working on it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey everybody, look at what a great winter driver weezy is!!

Did she at leat fill it with gas? At lesat it wasn't mama's Expedition, or Dad's new rig....with this little incident, I'm guessing she won't be driving either anytime soon.

It's OK Weezy...we still like ya, but we're going to tease the hell out of you. Not for too long, probably just forever.

Ham Lake, eh? I moved from Andover, Ham Lake's neighbor to the west. Anything you need to know about that part of town, I will gladly share. Like dont count on Hwy 65 during rush hour! Radisson is a much better choice.

Now you will be right by Thorne Bros! Prepare to be poor after your first visit there! I will introduce you to the boys there, you will fit right in.

Thanks man. I'll send you a PM soon...like now.

Andover is in the running too. I need to be able to build a shop in the yard, are these towns friendly to that? I'm not going to run a busniess, but I want to play around with the boat and the truck in the winter months.

I think Ham Lake is more friendly to that type of stuff than Andover. I dont know the rules in Andover, maybe there too. In general though, Ham Lake is more rural and Andover thinks they are the Edina of the North. That is nice in some ways, not nice in others. Andover has a new YMCA, a new high school, etc.

Hey guys, I did a realtime grilling post up top in the forums that featured some delicate cuts from runs with scissors elk.

I thought maybe some of you might get a kick out of seeing some of those hunt pics from last fall & see some meat hit the table for the family.

I think it's pretty neat anyways.

The critter & the hunter.

[Linked Image]

The very cut our dinner came from tonight.

[Linked Image]

From the freezer.

[Linked Image]

Thawed & ready.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2726.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2736.jpg[/img]

Samplers.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2741.jpg[/img]

Now for the main cut, done perfectly in my opinion, it took in some good oak smoke flavor too.

[Linked Image]

My boy brought it down on the mountain last fall. Tonight we are certainly enjoying the results of that hunt.

Sometimes the hunt doesn't end in the field.

Sometimes it ends at the table, one piece at a time.

Looks yummy Dave!!

Eener thought so.

[Linked Image]

Man that was delicious looking!I think I'll go make a sandwich.

Stan in SC

Put some mustard on that sammich.

How you been Stan? Still walking for excercise?

Well, it looks great, and I already know how it tastes.

Dudes...Dave is a heck of a cook, especially on that grill.

He made some bbq ribs at to deer camp that simply cannot be matched by a restaurant.

btw dave...how is pwm's feeling today?

The little guy is running on all 8 cylinders today, he was back in school & he's fully charged that is for sure! Ripping around the house like a ricochet bullet!

Thanks for asking.

Dangit! Now I'm hungry all over again. That elk lookem' good.

now I'm hungry again, thank God I have left over elk roast, taters and some toast
topped off with a beer or two

this one's worth another post

Dang Dave...that looks like perfection, as always. How are the round steaks out of this years elk?

Scott

it's all good, really good

Dave,Thanks for asking.I have not walked much in several months due to the weather.Now that Spring is peeking in I'll get out much more.I'm looking in here several times a day and enjoying it.This thread is now almost two years old.

Stan in SC

Stan, I got up this morning & did a few exercises while coffee was brewing (kind of a contradiction I know, exercise & coffee)

Anyways, I�m really asking for it by saying this but, I turn 40 this summer & I kind of want to be in half way decent shape. I won�t get back to where I was when I was in my mid 20�s but I�d like to be a little better off for a few things like a possible boundary waters canoe trip this summer with the kids again.

2 years ago I did pretty good carrying canoe & pack on long portages & I can still dig hard with a canoe paddle all day long, but I did go a little backwards in endurance on those portages with a canoe on my shoulders. I also know from our last elk trip that I�m slipping some.

So, I have a few months here before I turn 40 to try & better myself a little, we�ll see I guess.

Man, I got to get out and start walking again. Packed on the pounds this winter.

40 this summer, eh? I am in the same boat, but get to wait until fall for that big day. I, too, need to drop a few. Probable elk hunting this fall and just to have a little more endurance. cookies and blueberry crisp are my downfalls. I am helpless against them I tell ya!

We will pick up the walking pretty quick, as soon as we are somewhat settled in the house. I am thinking about joining Anytime Fitness. One of those things you cant afford to do, but cant afford not to do.

It sucks....getting fat. I packed on the pounds about 10 years ago. I played every thing there was to play, lifted weights rode a bike 3 days a week, could run like the wind, I was strong as a bull and in pretty good shape...I moved here and stopped doing most of those things, but kept eating the same. That threw it all to hell.

My buds kept hammering on me to run 1/2 marathons with them and I had no drive to do so. Partly because i'm fat, but mostly because running sucks. I can't think of any excersise that I like less. It bores the hell out of me.

Before I knew it, I gained 60 pounds. I've been eating a lot better since December, and walking, biking, or using an eleptical machine about 3 days a week. You wouldn't be able to tell by the pics...but I've lost almost 20 pounds since December. It doesn't come off like it used to...something about getting older.

What exercises are you doing Dave?

Not much man but I gotta start with something right? Did 50 sit ups & 20 push ups, big deal huh?

Well, I'll try to keep after it & do a little more each day. Pam has a pretty good bike in the living room so I'll maybe give that a whirl too.

I saw that bike, I thougt that's what you did. 50 sit-up is plenty if you're not used to em...you'll be sore tomorrow.

It's better if your fam. can do stuff with you. Betsy is a runner, so she'd smoke me if we did that. She's not much of a bike rider but I love it. So when we lose some snow, I'll do that.

Snow and ice should be melting like crazy now...40's the rest of this week, and hight 40's early next week.

COME ON OPEN WATER!

Yeah with the temps being so warm and the snow melting, I'm ready for spring. I would like to do more snowmobiling, but I'm looking forward to 4 wheeling too.

How you doing?

Becareful when you get off the wheeler, those mud holes are tricky.

Muffy, your dad is up at the lake with Lonnie right now.

I called them at 9:30 this morning & it was no good yet, hope it picks up for them.

Whew! There! All caught up again! Man you folks talk alot in a short period of time!

Muffy - So sorry to hear about little Elliot. That is just awful. I couldn't even imagine. Prayers sent.

I need to get back on the diet and excercie bus too. I turn 40 in May and feel the same way as Dave. Want to go into 40 feeling better and with more stamina. It used to be nothing to screw in some tree steps and hang a portable stand. I tried that a couple years ago and literally thought I was going to fall out of the tree. I was hanging on for dear life, unsure if my arms were going to give out. That is the moment I knew I was getting older.

Been ladder stands for me ever since.

I have the P90X program and it is a hell of a workout but with my neck condition it doesn't take much to "over do" it. May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

You're going to need some sweat pants w/ matching sweatshirt, and some white velcro shoes.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

You're going to need some sweat pants w/ matching sweatshirt, and some white velcro shoes.

Sweatsuit needs to be velour, and his wife needs one to match it for when they go on walks. Sweatpants need to be pulled up over the gut. I'll be turning 40 in Oct. Right now, it's about a half hour on the elliptical with about 20 minutes of circuit training.

Just do what Dave's doing. Went out and himself a new Speedo to excercise in.

Eener saw him in it and won't come out from underneath the couch.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

You're going to need some sweat pants w/ matching sweatshirt, and some white velcro shoes.

Sweatsuit needs to be velour, and his wife needs one to match it for when they go on walks. Sweatpants need to be pulled up over the gut. I'll be turning 40 in Oct. Right now, it's about a half hour on the elliptical with about 20 minutes of circuit training.

Who says I don't have that stuff already?!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just do what Dave's doing. Went out and himself a new Speedo to excercise in.

Eener saw him in it and won't come out from underneath the couch.

I'm drinking canadian beer.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

You're going to need some sweat pants w/ matching sweatshirt, and some white velcro shoes.

Sweatsuit needs to be velour, and his wife needs one to match it for when they go on walks. Sweatpants need to be pulled up over the gut. I'll be turning 40 in Oct. Right now, it's about a half hour on the elliptical with about 20 minutes of circuit training.

Who says I don't have that stuff already?!

Dont forget the black dress socks and the white headband to complete the look....

Ok, what brand did he give you?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

May just pickup a new bike and ride/walk/jog my way into oldness.

You're going to need some sweat pants w/ matching sweatshirt, and some white velcro shoes.

Don't forget the headband.

Been a pretty bad 1 1/2 weeks. But doing good.

I know. That mud is really deep at Chickenbuck.

Muffy, the muds not the only thing thats deep at chickenbuck.

Dave I saw your other post, it's LaBats Blue.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Been a pretty bad 1 1/2 weeks. But doing good.

I know. That mud is really deep at Chickenbuck.

That ain't all that's deep out there.

I hope your doing better Muffy. Really.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm drinking canadian beer.

That's OK man...it's metric beers. Lots less calories. You won't have to do as many sit ups.

Check the Canadian/American calorie conversion chart...You might not have to do any.

I did em anyways, 50 on the situps & bumped the pushups to 30.

You'll be like Chuck Norris in no time.

already got the beard too!

Chickenbuck apparel update.

The blaze hats are still on backorder (very popular item). Will let you all know when they are in.

Thanks. Do we need to send you $ now, or when they come in?

Now would be fine. Then it won't hurt so bad when I write out the check.

Oh, I was wasn't going to send it now....I was just being nice.

Missy, you got mine right?

Oh sure, rub it in.

Yep Ryan I just got yours yesterday.

What up Tom.

Hey chickenbuckers, look what's fer supper for Pam's birthday....

[Linked Image]

have a very happy birthday pam.

dusty

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you,Pam.

Stan in SC

Happy 29th birthday Pam! I hope those ribs were as good as they look, and you have a great year.

Happy Birthday Pam!!!!

Happy belated birthday Pam.

It's actually her birthday today (Sunday)

We celebrated a little bit last night because it's a little funner than partying on a sunday night

We were going to go on a snowmobile ride today, still might but I'm pretty sick. Cold flu sorta thing really set in last night & it's kicking my butt today.

So, we'll see if I can get feelin half ways mobile by mid day today.

The Lebatt's kicked your a$$?

Well, happy B-day TODAY.

Hit that Labbots Dave, it'll cure what ales ya.

No snowmobile riding around here. Trails are mud. We're losing snow real fast. I can't believe how much we lost yesterday, lots of grass areas showing in the yard now.

Today we're painting my daughters room a more "normal" color. It was orange before. A little easier to sell probably.

We had the Realtors through on Friday to do their market analysis. Thankfully the only thing we have to do is touch up paint in the upstairs.

+1.

Happy Birthday Pam (Again).

Went over to Green Bay Saturday to a sport show. There must have been at least 100 boats in the Fox River chasing Walleyes. Temp was around 50* and sunny.

i think we are going snowmobiling

Happy Birthday Pam!

Ingwe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM!

From all of us!

Beautiful day here. It has to be near 50* outside. Sun is shining, snow is melting.

Had a fun day, went to a pals to watch hockey, brought Mini-man with me and we had pop and pizza. Got home and we went for a bike ride and played some baseball.

Great day.

Our buddy had a guy call interested in the fish house. He was wondering if we would trade for a car. At first I'm like hmm, then Jeremy said what it was and I'm like OH YEAH. Not sure what year but it is an Eclipse convertible. Ever since we drove Jeremy's mom's Mustang back from Arizona last spring, I want a convertible. Doubt if it will happen though, Jeremy is saving every penny to pay off the house this summer.

You either have one heckova fish house or you're getting a heckova deal.

Those are cool cars, plenty fun.

We just finished with a pork loin supper. Now the girls are going to a "Oscar" party. The boys are going to do what boys do.

well, he's too young to drink beer, so we'll probably wrestle.

Later dudes.

Thanks all for the birthday wishes. It was a great day!!! Dave felt better around noon so we went for a snowmobile ride. We rode to the lake for lunch and a beer then back home. Rode about 80 some miles total. The trails are going to heck fast but I had a blast...except for the cat tales, they did me in about a mile from home. Dave asked if they sucked me in and I truly believe they did. HA! Once again he is my hero and rescued me.

What an awesome day with my hubby and kids! My dad called when we got home so that was nice too. All in all it was grand. Almost wished everyday was my birthday.

Here are a few pictures of our big ride today.

The weeze

[Linked Image]

Pam & "plays with matches"

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Pams sled

A warming house we stopped at.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2808.jpg[/img]

They had an exterior solor panel wired to this 12 volt battery.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2810.jpg[/img]

which ran these 12 volt lights.

Pretty cool, thinkin we need to do that at chickenbuck.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2809.jpg[/img]

Lakeside for a quick bite & one drink.

[Linked Image]

Pam style food...

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Runs with Scissors style food...

[Linked Image]

We made it home, must have been 80-85 miles in total. No breakdowns but RWS ran out of gas 3 miles from home, we got his sled home though. Laso Pam did some ditch bottom cat tail diving with her sled a mile from home, burried it really good

All snowmobilers have done it or will do it sometime

Great day, having a hot brandy now, got the vicks vapor rub out, snifflin, sneezin... arg...

Looks like you guys had a great weekend,Dave.I went to a gun show Saturday.I bought only a scope.Linda and I went to a home improvement show today.
There was a very interesting show on Discovery channel tonight concerning the explosion of the population of feral pigs.I don't know about the northern states but they are all over here in the south.

Stan in SC

Looks like a fun time in the northwoods. Please tell me the "outboards" sign is on the men's bathroom... that is awesome if it is, because I know what the other one says.

Hi Stan, good to hear from you again. How are thing down your way?

Hey....Dave, Stan, you two guys got my 10,000th post. Very cool. I don't know if that's cool or I spend to much time on the internet.

Either way, cool.

happy birthday Pam!
glad to see the gang had a good time!
I spent my day trying to get a bucket/loader african engineered onto a tractor he bought. got one bracket drilled out and snapped the bit, so that got put on hold, looks like ya'll had way more fun, enjoy the snow while we still got it, its aweful wet down here

OOPSIE.

Least she did not take out the guy wire and pole and line.

Many folks without electricity might be unhappy.

Yeah she didn't have quite enough speed going for that, thank god!

Hi Stan, I made it to a gun show on Sunday. Managed to find a a dealer with a box (1000) of Federal Large Primers left. I snapped them up. Man $34 for the box. I paid about $12 for the last ones I bought.

Pam & Dave, looks like you had a great day.

Tom, congrats on your 10,000th post.

Grrrrrr.

I have water in my basement this morning. It came up through a drain pipe in the floor. I'm a little irratated today.

:mad

Yes, the new carpet is less than 1 week old, and now soaked.

Oh no Tom, not the whole basement I hope. Man, Not what you need right now. Will you be able to vac up the water and save the carpet? I sure hope so.

Yeah it should be OK.

I it is in a hallway about 4' wide by 15' long.

I have some cleaner dudes coming over at noon to do a better job than I can. They will suck it up and put some big ol fans on it for a few days. I was more concerned that it would created mold, so I wanted the pros in there to take care of it.

It's pretty much a super duty carpet cleaning. I think we got pretty lucky, Betsy discovered it last night at about 9pm. It wasn't there at 8pm, so we caught it early, so it didn't just soak up in ALL the carpet. The room it was in most is just a concrete floor.

I hope that is all, the guys coming over specialize in this stuff, my FIL has used them when his basement flooded, they're good, and they're not hosing us on price.

oh no, that sucks!
hopefully you can get it all dried out and it doesn't cost you anything but time and a headache. be a shame to have to redo all that hard work.

Sorry to hear that Tom.

Did you figure out what caused the back up?

Just noticed the truck in your avatar is changing colors.

I warned you that you get the gay after reaching Bwana status. Probably look like a rainbow anyday now.

I had to get that fargin green truck off.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Sorry to hear that Tom.

Did you figure out what caused the back up?

Must have been ice, frost or a plug of some sort. It's not sewer thank god. It's just water.

It wasn't on the walls, at least when I left for work today. It's on the floor.

They come in and suck it up, kinda like cleaning carpet, then dry it with some big industrial fans. I think it will be fine, it just wasn't what I wanted to deal with at the moment.

Water gone now.

Cleaner dudes were over. they said it wasn't bad at all! Which is nice. They told me the carpet will be wetter from the cleaning than it was from the water they sucked out.

I guess I could have done it with a fan for a few days, but since we're selling it, I wanted it done right, and professionaly.

I came back to work, but I have no idea why. My truck said 54* when I got back. I'm leavin' in a half hour. Can't stand to be inside with this weather.

54* here too. Just friggen beautiful out today.

Yep, can't stand it. I'm leaving hommies.

We had to pretty much swim into the *Hilton*. Thought I lost the Mrs a couple of times. Now if we had powder sleds we could have driven right to the porch.

[Linked Image]

Great picture. What part of ID is your camp in?

its raining cats and dogs here, weird looking outside and seeing snow drifts as high as the car windows, and having it rain.

Raining this morning again too. wow the snow is taking a beating.

Do you have the house off the lake yet dave? getting pretty sloppy around the entrance at 5 mile now i am hearing. water flowing in the ditch in front of work this morning, swift ditch could be flowing in no time! will be out in the boat next week for sure!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

its raining cats and dogs here,

Watch out man...you don't want to step in Poodle.

Hey Bill,

The rivers open below the Mosinee Dam. Lots of guys there Sunday and yesterday. I haven't seen the water on Dubay yet, but I have to think they're puttin in at Chuck's Landing in Mosinee.

I'm going to try to get the boat this weekend, and get that bowmount on it.

IT'S GETTIN' CLOSE!!!

We're supposed to get a rain starting tonight through Saturday.

I hope the basement stays dry. We've never had an issue with it before, but I'm a little gun shy.

My nephew was fishing below the Mosinee Dam a week ago. Caught a few Eyes.

Wolf River is starting to open in the Fremont area. A good rain with some wind will have it wide open in a week.

I've got the the boat batteries on the charger. Need to take the trailer in and get the bearings serviced.

This rain may open the river to fishing as well. De Pere is going too, though I don't know how the fishing is. Even when it's bad there it's still pretty good.

Hey Dusty, I'm going to head to the lake tonight & the plan is to drag my house up into tip up fishing depth closer to the landing. You want me to bring yours in also?

Buschpilot may be right too, swift could be flowing water which could tear up that landing in a hurry with these temps.

I think it could get miserable out there. Riders on the lake say its sloppy as of yesterday. going to be worse today. River is open to birchdale already. 2wks ahead of last year and a foot less ice on it.

open to birchdale already?

wow.

The rainy river is gonna tear open fast now.

It was more open than I expeecte on my way home from your place Dave.

The closer I got to I-Falls, the more it was open.

dave what time do you get off work.

3 normally. could take off early too. what are you thinking?

I'll meet at your place after work. dusty

Hi Dusty, how are you?

hi tzone im good i like your truck color.

im headed for dave's shortly were going to move are house's closer to shor.

sounds like a plan.

Be careful out there. sounds like a good time to get them back.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great picture. What part of ID is your camp in?

Our place is actually in Eastern Oregon about 27 miles or so from Baker City. We can get within about 3 miles during the winter, then snowmobile in the rest of the way.

I've been through Baker City. My son lived in LaGrande back in the early 90's than moved over to Boise. He was with Boise Cascade at the time. He still has several friends in LaGrande.

Our rivers have opened here. Just some flow ice now and they are open for fishing thru the 15th. This was this morn's results...friday's fish fry....
[Linked Image]

Nice mess of Walleyes Scott. I'm realy getting the itch now.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Be careful out there. sounds like a good time to get them back.

Yeah like buchy said be careful out there fellas. How is this going to effect the big pike flat fishing? I was planning on coming up this weekend and driving out. Good idea or no?

Thanks Bill, they are pretty easy here right now. Thankfully they will get a break in a few days. We chucked back 2 28" fish today. The big spawners are really moving in right now. The Bay stays open all year but it won't be safe for boats for a while yet. The ice fishing is mostly over. Our ice is rotten as hell right now. Saturday lots of people still fished on it but 3 straight days in the mid 50's finished it off.

Originally Posted by SSB

Our rivers have opened here. Just some flow ice now and they are open for fishing thru the 15th. This was this morn's results...friday's fish fry....
[Linked Image]

I'm really starting not to like you.

Heck of a basket Scott.

I haven't caught a walleye in almost a year

I live in the wrong area I think. we'll have an awesome run of Catfish here in another month or so, but walleyes are few and far between

for those that are wondering (daughters and wives) we are fine. the lake didn't beat us tonight.

Get the house off?

TZone & Colorado.... I'm just lucky where I live. Walleyes are the one thing we do have. The big boat will be coming out in a couple of weeks. That's when the fun really starts.

You are not the only one Ryan. The last walleye I caught was last year. It was so small I could have used it for bait.

Are the shacks off the ice Dave?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Be careful out there. sounds like a good time to get them back.

Yeah like buchy said be careful out there fellas. How is this going to effect the big pike flat fishing? I was planning on coming up this weekend and driving out. Good idea or no?

the water is bound to drain under the ice soon. we moved the houses in closer to shore, about 8 ft of water. we found a spot that didn't have standing water on top of the ice & parked the houses there.

you can drive anywhere on the lake with a truck now.

Good thing you got them moved Dave, Just getting warmer from here. Adrians may be closing their road by the weeekend, long point shut theirs down already. Did you see those eyes a page back! wow!! GREAT FISH!! I started charging the boat batteries last night. not long now!

Originally Posted by SSB

TZone & Colorado.... I'm just lucky where I live. Walleyes are the one thing we do have. The big boat will be coming out in a couple of weeks. That's when the fun really starts.

Oh I have great walleye fishing, just haven't done it for a while.

I'm going to get the boat out this weekend if I can cooridinate schedules with the guy where I keep it. I haven't been down to the river to get reports, but the boy are on the water.

The problem is....I'm retarded. I left all my tackle at northern_dave's house when I was up there a few weeks ago.

He's shipping back whatever they didn't sell off or give away. All I need is jigs.

those jigs will work great up here this weekend! you may just need to go shopping again Tzone!!

Here's swift ditch

[Linked Image]

The landing

[Linked Image]

The lake "road"

[Linked Image]

Out at the houses before moving them.

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Hooked up & off the blocks.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture028-1.jpg[/img]

Our helper.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture027-1.jpg[/img]

Good thing you guys moved them. Looks pretty sloppy out there.

Yeah Babe is a good helper. She didn't mind running through alll that cold water?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

those jigs will work great up here this weekend! you may just need to go shopping again Tzone!!

You'll really like those max gaps from Lindy, buschy. They really hold the fish.

Wow, what a mess.

How much ice is left Dave? We don't have much in the areas we have it. I sure wouldn't walk on it let along drive on it.

Do you have to bust that house loose every couple days?

Dave, does MN have a date that all shanties like yours must be off the ice like WI does?

Here's the info from the WI DNR web site posted back in February:

MADISON � The first of a number of deadlines for ice anglers to remove ice fishing shelters from inland and boundary waters is this weekend. All ice fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters by Feb. 20. This earlier date, affecting the Mississippi River south of the Minnesota-Iowa border, is set to correspond with Iowa regulations.

The deadlines for the other two boundary waters are March 1 for Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters and March 15 for Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.

The regulations for removing ice shanties from inland Wisconsin waters changed in 2008.

The law now requires ice fishing shelters must be removed daily and when not occupied after the first Sunday following March 1 for waters south of Highway 64 and after the first Sunday following March 12 for waters north of Highway 64. For 2010, those dates are:

�Sunday, March 7 for waters south of Highway 64.
�Sunday, March 14 for waters north of Highway 64.

For the record Hyw 64 is about 30 miles North of Tzone.

If they don't have them off now, they're screwed. With temps in the high 40's and all this rain, those shacks left up there will be good as gone.

That ice will be junk. All soft and punky like a rotten tree. Good on the surface, but that's about it.

Where Dave is, there was about 30+" of ice when I was there a few weeks ago, so I'd say they're safe for a while yet.

yeah we're good for a while yet. we don't have to have them off lake of the woods till the end of the month. the rest of the state should have had them off by now I think.

I know that south of hwy 2 they should have had them off by now, north of 2 might be this weekend (deadline) and we get till the end of the month up here.

Did you have to pull Uncle Dusty and that Chevy off too.

Hey Dave. Do you have a picture of that big pike your Bro caught last week?

no, Dusty didn't have no trouble getting around out there.

I wish i did have a picture of that big fish.

I don't think I've seen a northern that big before. Musky, but not a northern. That's just huge.

wheres the pictureof the big pike? still looks hairy out there dave, not sure my ice fishing days arent' done for the year. Too much running with the kids in basketball every weekend.

I think its south of highway 10 they had to be off the end of feb. north of highway 2 we had til this coming weekend, but I pulled mine off last weekend. wasn't catching squat (2 fish all year) and we had a nice window to do it in. LOTS of chipping to get it out. but we did it in 4 hours. thank God for the extra help that came along, my back wouldn't have been able to handle that much chipping. once it was broke loose it was just a matter of using a comealong to get it on the trailer.

this winter sure turned to spring in a hurry around here thats for sure

Hey guys, my step brother forwarded this phone picture of the 46 incher they got last week. This isn't my step bro, this is a guy that was fishijng with him.

[Linked Image]

as they say in Grump Old Men....Holy Moly!

That right there is a lot of northern pike.

Heck of a nice Pike. Look at the size of the head on that thing.

On another note. The World Championship Ice Fishing contest is being held in Rhinelander, WI this weekend. First time ever held in the US. Over 50 countries represented. No power equipment or tip ups allowed. Appears that most of the contestants use a form of handline.

What are they fishing for Bill?

It looked like they were using pan fishing rigs. Real light weight stuff, and tiny hand augers.

On the news last night, they said the Europeans' augers were barely long enough to get through the ice. Said they usually don't have more than 12" to go through.

Thats a big pike there!! lots of water on the ice here and here the boats will be hitting the rainy tomorrow already. Doesn't get much funner than that!

We have boats in the WI and the Fox already. the Fox is like fishing the Rainy...lots and lots of walleyes, but you can't keep em. You get 1 over 28 per day. Really, if you fished all day, you'd probably get a couple over 28. It ain't right.

It's not normal to be able to catch fish like that, but it's fun as heck.

Getting ready to go out to the garage and do a little more work on our golf cart. It is an old one Jeremy bought a couple years ago. We are repainting and putting a sterio in it. It had bucket seats but we would like to put a bench seat in it. There are a couple holes in the back compartment that could be used as a drain because we are talking about making it into a cooler. We just have to figure out how to make a cover for it. It should be pretty cool when we get it done.

Looks like panfish are the target. Here's some more info:

RHINELANDER � The World Ice Fishing Championship, spotlighting angler teams from 11 countries, will be held in Rhinelander from Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14 on the frozen waters of Boom Lake.

Anglers will compete for the championship title in both team and individual events. Each team consists of five anglers with one alternate, a captain and a coach. Most teams also will have support personnel, trainers and managers,

The final members of the USA Ice Team were chosen following the final qualifying event on Lake Thompson over the weekend. Making the 2010 team are: Doug Bussian, Columbus, WI, Mike Boedeker, Lansing, MI, Tony Boshold, Carol Stream, IL, Billy Whiteside, Eau Claire, WI, Myron Gilbert, Brooklyn, MI, Bob Esbensen, Palatine, IL

The competitors will be joined by coach Greg Wilcznski of Pleasant Prairie, WI, team captain Mike McNett of Lombard, IL, International Delegate Joel McDearmon of Tomah, WI ,and directors Chris Ward of Chaska, MN ,and Brian Gaber of Rhinelander, WI.

According to ice fishing experts, the tournament is a true test of one�s fishing skills, determination and endurance. The rules prohibit the use of power augers or electronics of any kind. The anglers must rely on intuition, research, experience and stamina to find and ultimately catch fish. The ice on Boom Lake will be over two feet thick, something the European teams are not accustomed to as hand augers have to be used.

Champions are crowned after two grueling days of competition with placement based on the total weight of fish caught by each team. Each team member is given a number according to their placement for the day and each day�s numbers are added, determining the winner with the lowest number. Ties are broken by the heaviest combined weight in the tournament.

The countries represented are: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Sweden, Canada and the US. Panfish will be the target with only live bait allowed.

Are you guys coming up fishing this weekend?

I don't think so. I would like to, but I think we are going to help our friends write out thank you's.

I talked to Justin and him and his friends are going up Friday I guess.

If plans change I will let you know.

ok.

Originally Posted by Muffy

There are a couple holes in the back compartment that could be used as a drain because we are talking about making it into a cooler.

Never saw that coming.

A friend of my dad's has a few original Harley Davidson golf carts. they're pretty neat. He uses one for hauling his trash down to the end of the driveway. The other still needs to be fixed up.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The countries represented are: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Sweden, Canada and the US. Panfish will be the target with only live bait allowed.

I can smell the Vodka in the air.

I don't know much about the golf cart. It is a Columbia with a Harley motor in it. It is a 3 wheeler, not the coolest looking rig. But it will be when we get done.

I think the one's my pa's friend has are 3 wheelers too.

Geez, a guy should get a Chickenbuck patch or bumper sticker for reading all 700 pages!

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Geez, a guy should get a Chickenbuck patch or bumper sticker for reading all 700 pages!

I tend to agree with that thought.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Geez, a guy should get a Chickenbuck patch or bumper sticker for reading all 700 pages!

Welcome to the land of BS Pointbock!

How long did it take you to read?

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Geez, a guy should get a Chickenbuck patch or bumper sticker for reading all 700 pages!

I only have 350.

Hey Pointbock, weclome to the fire. Dave started a hell of a thread didn't he.

Pointbock...like the beer?

Our Grizzly_Bill lives near the brewery, I'm not too far as the crow flies. 20 mi or so.

Welcome. Just curious, have you ever had Point Bock Beer? Pretty good stuff.

Hi all,

I've been reading at work (shh...) so, it's taken awhile.

I went to UWSP from 90-94 and worked there from 95-99. I have had my share of Bock, Special, Pale Ale, and even Spud Beer! I miss going to Rusty's, hearing Tuck Pence at Partner's, going to "the Square," etc.

Gotta run, but I'l be lurking.

PS - Anyone recognize my tagline?

Glad to see you joined the thread Pointbock. Hang around you will learn alot. Or not. Glad to see you here!

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Hi all,

PS - Anyone recognize my tagline?

enlighten us.

Another former UWSP grad. Welcome again. Your tag line doesn't ring a bell. Your going to enlighten me on that one.

Spud Beer. Now there's a memory that should stay buried.

BTW, they just did the Point Bock run here 2 weeks ago.

On a different note, most of the snow in my yard disappeared over the past couple of days due to the rain.

morning!
welcome pointbock!

Congrats on reading the whole thread, Pointbock! Its quite a read.

Well All, Mustang parts have started rolling in this week...Spring is right around the corner. Weezie will be sporting that honey of a Mustang all over town pretty soon. She was mad last night because dad started working on some things without her while she was making more money so we can get the paint bought and on its way too. Oh to be a working teenager.

This is pretty exciting, but much work to be done. Can't wait to dig in.

Hey mrsND. Nice to hear frome you.

Spring is real close here. All the snow except a small patch under the kids (OK mine) playground is gone, we have buds on the maples. Getting close!

Did she pick a color for the Mustang yet?

This just in, LOTW ice is coming up right now.

that means drier feet for us pike hunters this weekend

That's great! Good luck you guys and have fun!

What do you mean "coming up"? All that water is refrezing?

no i mean the bit of standing water on top of the ice is draining down.

It does mean we're a step closer to break up but the big thing for the weekend is it means drier fishing for us out there.

ahhh. Now I get ya.

Have fun. catch one of those big headed gator lookin fish thingys.

hmmmmmmm after seeing your pics yesterday of all the water I told the wife that we are not going. Now you got my thinker turnin again...

Keep in touch, I'll get on the phone with some guys on the lake after 3 today & see how it is out there. txt me or something.

Dad called me and he caught a 42 inch 22 lb. 1 oz. northern. I wish I could have been there for the fight.

Pictures?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dad called me and he caught a 42 inch 22 lb. 1 oz. northern. I wish I could have been there for the fight.

Atta boy Dusty!

We never went this weekend. First time I've missed in years. I still laugh about the first time we went Muffy. It was me and your brother, Dusty, Lonnie and Clair. Clair brought his portable and was inside fighting a damn nice northern while the rest of us were being checked by the game warden and a DNR guy. The wardens walked into Clairs house and were standing over his shoulders watching him fight this fish. They were totally in his way for the hand over hand retrieve and finally Clair got so frustrated he turned around and pushed the warden out the door while saying "will you get the #@$! out of my way??!!"

It was hilarious!

I may just have to go next weekend. Even if it means hauling the wheeler up.

I would have loved to been there to see that!

Atta boy Uncle Dusty!

I hit the river yesterday.... IN A BOAT! I loved every minute of it. It was the first time since August! Man it felt good, and it wasn't even my boat.

We froze, and fishing was slow, but it great to be back in the water.

Got one pretty nice walleye. 23".

Going to try to play hookie on Wednesday and hit the Fox River by Green Bay.

I hope you all had a good weekend. I'll check in later it's waaaaay too nice to be on the computer.

63 here this PM. All my snow is gone, Yipeeeeee!

We have the same temp here Bill. I raked part of the front yard today. We played outside all day. Raked, played baseball, cleaned up around the yard a bit. All the normal spring stuff.

I'm going to wait a couple of days and let the lawn dry out better than I'll start raking. Cooked up some rib eyes and spuds on the grill tonight. Good eats!

pictures from the weekend.

on the way out sat morning.

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at the pikey grounds

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little man caught the first pike. 37" m(which means we had to throw it back, between 30 & 40 they have to go back)

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the red zone on that board means they have to go back.

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Next it was my turn.

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38 incher, it was over 16 pounds, cant remember the exact weight.

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I made this Minnesota livewell which our little man put the first fish into, a nice 29 incher, perfect eater!

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Then one of Dusty's flags went.

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This was a hell of a fight.

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42 inches long, weighed 22 pounds 1 ounce.

we measured across the back, 5 inches wide.

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runs with scissors got this 37 incher this morning.

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mid day we loaded up with much help from captain bangflop and his friends, & it was time to head off the lake.

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we came through this.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_2915.jpg[/img]

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ND That kicks butt! Glad the kids got some action..they'll be talking about this weekend for a loooooooong time!

Ingwe

supper time

[Linked Image]

baked, it was awesome!

I'm glad I don't like fish ( except pike fixed Canadian Shore Lunch style...) or I'd be jealous...

Bet the water was cold enough for firm flesh..

OK, who am I kidding...I'm jealous!

Ingwe

Great Pics and great catch Dave...:)

WOW!!!Great weekend action,Dave.I am happy to sse that the boys caught some.Maybe I missed it somewhere,but is the red truck pulling the house your new one?Where did I miss that?
That big fish steak cooking got me hungry just looking at it.

Stan in SC

Yeah Stan that's the new truck. 07 f150.

I like it.

God I'm tired this morning...

Awesome pics Dave. Those Pike have some heft to them. Are you using quick strike rigs?

Are the ice shacks off the lake for the season now?

Very cool weekend for the Chickenbuckers!

Nice pike Uncle Dusty! Well all you guys.

What did RWS think of catching that big fish?

Dave that live well is cool. How do you make it? Drill partial depth holes, then a full depth to get water, or is there enough water on the ice so you don't have to do it?

I didn't have to tap a hole all the way through, it filled with water well enough on it's own.

Ususally if I cut a livewell like that I drill one hole really close to all the way through then use the ice chissle to poke a hole through so it fills with water.

This weekend I drilled 6 holes in a row 3 holes wide with the 10" auger. I think I went about 15-16" deep then used the ice chissle to break it all open into one big tub.

I dropped my camera in that thing while I was chopping the center webbing out with the ice chissle. It took me about 3 minutes to find it in there too. My camera was under water for 3 minutes!

I pulled the batteries & the SD card right away & got it drying. I turned the dash vents on in my truck with the fan on high & the heat cranked. Then I closed all but one vent so all the air was forced out a single dash vent. It was about like a hand dryier in a public restroom! I was able to rig the camera up so the air was blowing inside of it where you put the batteries in.

It worked! It dried out & the camera still works just fine.

Bill, yes the houses are off for good now. I also think we are probably done ice fishing, it's all really going to get rotten fast now.

And yes we use quick strikes, mostly home made ones.

Dusty makes a really nice quickstrike rig, way better than anything I've seen sold in stores.

Older dudes make good quick stike rigs.

Most of the serious musky hunters around here make thier own too.

My father in law has one he makes, much simpler than the store bought ones, and I haven't lost a fish with him on that rig yet. And you know....I can lose a fish.

Glad to hear you saved the camera Dave. Would have been an expensive trip if you had to replace it. Speaking of cameras I finally replaced my old one. Picked up a Canon Power Shot at Wally World. Color sucks, but I swallowed my pride and bought it because of the price.

Looks like an absolute blast dave! would make me nervous driving through all that water out there though. Lestifer drove out of springsteel and fished there for awhile and then drove all the way to 12mile. Poor day of fishing for him i guess.

Yeah I heard the walleye fishing pretty much shut off all over the lake after Sat morning.

Hey Bill, did you get a pink camera?

Going out to the garage to put the new carpet in the golf cart. It is looking pretty good. We started putting it back together lastnight. We still have to get the head lights, tail lights, and the marine sterio for it yet.

Later I will go into Detroit Lakes to pick up the Chickenbuck apparel that is done. The blaze hats are still on backorder. Will let you all know when they finally come in.

Not pink, Dave, but darn near as bad. It's a light lavender. You should have seen the clerk, he was busten a gut watching me trying to make up my mind. He'd throw in comments like, "there you are in a bar in your blaze orange with that camera around your neck, good thing you've got your rifle to protect you".

I'd spray paint it, but would end up screwing up the electronics. I'm just telling everyone it's my wifes, mines broke.

Think I've got an idea for a new series for the History Channel. You've seen Ice Road Truckers? We could call this one "Ice Road Fisherman". Main characters are the Shaw family plus friends. Need help with the plots so I'll throw that out for ideas to our collective membership.

yeah but I'm done for the year now

Done? You need to saw out some chunks of ice big enough for 2 holes. Keep them in the freezer and fish through them in the summer. A guy could run 2 lines that way.

That means you've got 9 months to come up with the plots.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Glad to hear you saved the camera Dave. Would have been an expensive trip if you had to replace it. Speaking of cameras I finally replaced my old one. Picked up a Canon Power Shot at Wally World. Color sucks, but I swallowed my pride and bought it because of the price.

You don't like the powershot Bill? We have an older one and like it a lot. I was thinking about getting another. What one did you get?

Nice pike guys were you using suckers and what size?

yeah suckers, smelt & cisco.

probably 6 to 8 inches I'd say

[quote=tzone You don't like the powershot Bill? We have an older one and like it a lot. I was thinking about getting another. What one did you get? [/quote]

Camera is fine. It's the color I don't like. Wally World only has them in Light Lavender. You can find them in Silver other places, but you'll pay more.

Model # A1100IS, 12.1 MP's. Originally $149 now $119 at Wally World, if they have any left. BTW I also picked up a 4GB SD card. The one that comes with the camera only holds a small number of pics.

Jeez... I paid $290 for ours about 4 years ago. It's a 6mp,

They've come a wasy since I see, and cheaper. Man...a lot cheaper.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Looks like an absolute blast dave! would make me nervous driving through all that water out there though..

If I were using a Chevy, I would be too.

I paid $350 for my Nikon 5 years ago. Prices are over the place for cameras these days. You can get a pretty good one for under $200. You can still dump $500 into a point and shoot too if you want all the bells and whistles.

TZONE would you be nice to DUSTY for a change ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah suckers, smelt & cisco.

probably 6 to 8 inches I'd say

So, in all actuality guys, they were prolly about 3 inches long if actually measured!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

TZONE would you be nice to DUSTY for a change ?

You bet. Sorry if I was buggin you. I was bugging Buschpilot. Not you. I like you....Buschy I'm not so sure about.

Nice fish ya got there last weekend. I assume we get to eat pickled northern until we can't take it anymore next year at deer camp.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

TZONE would you be nice to DUSTY for a change ?

You bet. Sorry if I was buggin you. I was bugging Buschpilot. Not you. I like you....Buschy I'm not so sure about.

Nice fish ya got there last weekend. I assume we get to eat pickled northern until we can't take it anymore next year at deer camp.

The Northern isn't the only thing that gets pickled at camp.

What do you mean?

You just wait Tzone, i will make stronger cocktails for you next time. bringing 2 bottles to finish. We'll get you pickled. just remember what happened to that swamp buck out there!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You just wait Tzone, i will make stronger cocktails for you next time. bringing 2 bottles to finish. We'll get you pickled. just remember what happened to that swamp buck out there!

I don't think they could get much stronger. Well, maybe if you skipped the juice.

Was he pickled? We thought the swamp squid got him.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You just wait Tzone, i will make stronger cocktails for you next time. bringing 2 bottles to finish. We'll get you pickled. just remember what happened to that swamp buck out there!

I don't think they could get much stronger. Well, maybe if you skipped the juice.

Was he pickled? We thought the swamp squid got him.

Chuck Noris got him!

Swamp Squid wears Chuck Norris pajama's.

Chuck Norris snacks on swamp squids.

Does a flying bear chit in the woods?

Only if it's ok with Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris once kicked a chicken buck in the chin. Its decendants are known today as giraffes.

I had to play hooky yesterday from work to do this. We probably caught about 20 walleyes in all, from 16"-26". It was a fun day, but fishing got slow about 10:30 AM. We had to work for them then. Fun though.

18", jig/minnow
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21", jig/minnow
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17" jig/minnow
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Here's one for you bass guys, Bill Dance style

16.25" jig/minnow,
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Then as the weather warmed up, the fishing shut down, but we managed a few more.

I have now idea how big this thing is but it has to be about 32+" long, over 20 pounds for sure.
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This one we actually measured.
35" long, but we don't know the weight. Dudes in the boat next to us figured 30# or so. I don't know who wanted it to be back in the water more, me or the fish. Fun to catch, but hard on the equipment.
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One more for the road.

26", full of spawn, so probably around 8#
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We can't seem to crack the 26" mark on this strech of river.

great pictures! looks like spring time there!

Pretty good day for a first timer. Good thing Chuck Norris wasn't around. He just stands on shore and yells "Here fish" and they come a runnin.

I had been there before, but that was my friends first trip. We had fun. packed a cooler full of goodies, and sat there all day.

Most guys will head down as close to the dam as they can get, but we were about 100 yds from the boat landing and did as well or better than anybody we talked to.

It was funny to see $60K boats back into the water, and not even fire up theire motor.

Just trolling motor to the spot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

great pictures! looks like spring time there!

Spring arrived in a hurry. but it's going to be back to normal by this weekend. The temp was 66* yesterday. I'm sun burnt today.

You lucky dog Tzone!! lots of fun there! I haven't gotten out yet but the time is coming once the fish start to snap. A buddy was out yesterday and got 7 sturgeon in the rainy. Hoping next weekend staying up at the cabin and hopefully fish will be biting along with the cocktails...

Did you use the landing off of Riverside by the Dairy Queen?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did you use the landing off of Riverside by the Dairy Queen?

Yep.

Lots of room for boats there. It is a real nice set up. Probably 8 lanes to launch out of. It was $5 a boat, so they probably paid for that landing 10 times over, durring the last few years.

I was hoping one of those cats was going to be a stergeon, but the luck of the Irish wasn't with me. I might go again next weekend if I can get away. It will be a zoo though. bet there'll be 500+ boats next weekend.

Hey Buschy, is the walleye run going yet in Rainy?

I would imagine it is much like it was in De Pere. The best is yet to come though really. the water was only 41*. The females were full of spawn still, and the males weren't milking yet.

Last time I went the boat needed to be hosed off afterwards. Lots of cigarette smoking walleyes that day.

the walleyes are very slow on the Rainy right now. My buddy was hoping yesterday was the day but only got 2 and then 7 sturgeon. water is between 35-37 right now. starting to get a bit muddier with run off but not too bad yet. good thing is lots of time before season closes yet.

Need about 5-6 more degrees before things heat up. Water wasn't too dirty yesterday, but with rain coming, it will be.

The Wisconsin River here is fairly wide open today. Still lots of ice up in the backwaters to come down though.

Early April is when I start to do well there Bill. The problm with the WI is the opposite of De Pere. You can't catch many big enough to keep.

20-50 fish aren't uncommon. 15"+ fish are though.

Thats about what I've found too Tom. Been that way for years here on the Stevens Point Flowage.

Looks like you had a great day Tzone! Last day for our river fishing here was the 15th. Be a couple weeks before we can start on the Bay. Good Job!

Oooops...hit the damn button twice....sorry...lol

Looked like lots of fun Tzone.

Ever have one of those mornings where you just want a do over?

or maybe just a chance to cancel the day completely?

I hereby cancel this day. everybody go home & take a nap.

Could you call in to my work for me Dave...they might not believe me when I tell them this...

Thanks in advance!

Ingwe

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ever have one of those mornings where you just want a do over?

or maybe just a chance to cancel the day completely?

I hereby cancel this day. everybody go home & take a nap.

That is a heck of an idea. Funny you say that...I just got a phone call at work that made me that the same thing.

I got up late, slept horrible, back is screwed up. Hurried to get a shower, shave etc, try to pick out something decent to wear as I have to present to a tour group of about 40 people at work today... I leave home and the one cat that has been granted the privilege to exist on my property has been walking all over my truck with his muddy feet. Standing on the roof of the cab & sliding down the windshield to the hood leaving muddy cat feet skid marks on the windshield...

So, I�m driving along fantasizing about all of the horrible ways one could end a house cat's life when my low fuel light comes on.

I check the miles to empty & decide to drive past the filling station on my way to work because I'm just running too late.

The only radio station I can pull in this morning is our local station that has 2 people that yammer on in a manner that irritates me to the brink of insanity, mindless yammering about the dullest of topics & happenings.... and then my least favorite, the inevitable.... The reading of the local obituaries.

Listen people, I'm on my way to work here. I don't want to go to work, I need to. I'm a slave to it like the rest of the working world and I'm very well aware of the fact that I will continue to do so for many, many years to come... I do not need to be reminded of the alternative which is death. Which is also inescapable, Hello stupid radio people, I don't want to hear who's died & when there funeral is while I�m on my way to my place of work where I raise money to fund our recent government's socialist movement to gain further control of my life.

And then, I hit a fuggin deer with my new truck.

Peachy.

Just peachy.

Whiskey in indicated..

Ingwe

whisky sounds good right now....

Just wait, the swarm of fire ants must be on its way.

But you didnt run out of gas right? hey, things are looking up!

I would double check your lunch before you eat it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

But you didnt run out of gas right? hey, things are looking up!

I'm not home yet.

Oh no Dave. Just one of those days in which you should have just stayed in bed.

Yeah I should have stayed in bed the whole week.

I have a feeling that Dave's day will get better and the truck will be just fine.

Someone has to look on the bright side, even though I'm the one who usually is always the "glass half empty" person.

I picked some of the Chickenbuck apparel up. Pam I have all of yours except your sweatshirt. once I get that I will deliver them.

Dave, thats a bummer man! I feel for you now. I know what you mean about that jibber jabber on the radio, nothing worse than that in the morning. Good thing its Friday though. It'll get better man! At least your truck didn't go through the ice like that chevy on the lake yesterday!

Yep, you need a do over.

Buck or doe?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Plus, I was trying to make you laugh, I hope it worked, cuz if it didn't I pissed you off more. Sorry, (chris farley voice) I'm ra-tarded.

I was reading that story, thinking the whole time, you were gonna say you ran out of gas...I was wrong.

Dang Ford trucs are sneaky suckers. I hit a couple deer with mine. Sorry to hear about your truck man, but it can be fixed.

Have a beer on me tonight.

On the bright side, today will get better.

yeah it's all good.

I've had worse days for sure.

At least you're not moving to the Cities...

That sucks man. It really does.

You should have ran out of gas BEFORE you hit the deer.

J/K

a tuft of hair in the front fender flair. (the other stuff you see is just dirt)

[Linked Image]

some hair actually stuck in the beed of the rear tire on the same side.

[Linked Image]

and it looks like my tube step bar protected the side of the truck for the most part.

I did spot one very small dent way down low on the door or rocker area on the rear door on the hit side (driver side)

But i'm pretty amazed actually at the lack of damage..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But i'm pretty amazed actually at the lack of damage..

Built Ford tough.

Looks like your day isn't as bad as you thought, now you can drink to that.

Originally Posted by tzone

At least you're not moving to the Cities...

It aint for the faint of heart

Don't I know it.

Damage doesn't look too bad Dave. Hardly enough hair there to tie a bucktail jig.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

At least your truck didn't go through the ice like that chevy on the lake yesterday!

Did that Chevy drive out of the lake yet or is he still rounding up fish?

built Ford tough

i like that

With you driving soon dude....they need to be.

Look in the picture Tzone he is driving already.

Yeah, I know. When I was there he "drove" the garbage to the end of the driveway too.

I think I got to drive my dad's truck when I was 12 or 13. We were partride hunting on an old logging road. He let me drive. It was an old 1 ton International pick up. Some clown came around the corner on our side of the logging road and ran me in the ditch.

It was the same day I REALLY learned how to swear too.

I'm not happy about our government taking over the healthcare system.

I'm actually quite crabby today.

That makes a few of us. I figured that was why you didn't put anything on here yet today.

Deep down, did you really think it was going to have a different outcome? Maybe it's the pessimist in me, but I was pretty sure this would have been the vote. I was hoping for the best, but once again...

I need to shoot something.

Maybe I'll stop on my way home from work and beat up a Democrat, because sometimes violence IS the answer.

sometimes violence is the answer.

I knew I could get you to smile. My work is done here.

The wife looked out the window and said, is that an animal out there? Sure enough, there was vermin at the new place. I grabbed the .22 and snuck out the front and around the corner of the garage. Settled the crosshairs on the head and for a split second, just before I squeezed the trigger I thought, man, that woodchuck looks a lot like Nancy Pelosi, only cuter. Crack and Nancy disappeared. One look down the hole confirmed that the .22 had done its job, right through the noodle. The garbage truck picked up Nancy this morning and she is on her way to the landfill. I felt slightly better.

Were it only that simple.........

Stan in SC

Two things about our current state of affairs that really bother me. Whatever happened to "a Government of the people, by the people and for the people." The second thing that bothers me is Has anyone ever stood relieved of their vows to "defend the United States and its Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic>" No one ever relieved me of the oath I once took...and I'm really having trouble with these two things today...along with trying to calculate the new costs to us so we can pass them along to our customers as fast as possible...hastening the end of capitalism as we know it.......what a day!

That is too funny Berettaman.

Well I got the Herculiner in the back of the golf cart. Now all we have to do is get a cover (made of diamond plate) done and the cooler is complete. The headlights are hooked up. We still have to hook up the blue LED lights on the bottom yet and get tail lights. And get the sterio in it. Looks pretty cool. Jeremy has Mobil stickers ordered for it. We are going toward a Twins theme on the rest of it. Of course we have to have Harley Davidson stickers on it too. Will post before and after pictures when it gets closer to done.

very cool!

Get'r Done!! I got 2 carts that i've pimped out too. We have lots of fun, I had them both Custom Painted and my electric now is like a Cobra now, silver and blue stripes down the middle. Have to add rims to them too. My other one is at the lake all summer and has the stereo and rims and new custom seats. Too much fun with these carts. Dave, did you see the video of the truck on LOW going down this weekend. Its on Youtube. search for TRUCK ON LAKE OF THE WOODS and has a video of it. 30ft of water.

Hey Buschy...are the Ranger 400's out yet? Are they decent?

very cool. Do you have any pics for us yet?

the rangers are out. I am hearing a lot of good of them too. I dont have pictures of the carts, got them burried behind the boats yet. We even build new carts too and they are nice!

I would love to see some pictures of those carts. Sounds like they are alot nicer than ours.

On the radio this morning they anounced that the company I worked for for 9.5 years locked everyone out yesterday morning because the union didn't accept the contract. They were warned. If they were not union many of us would have never been laid off. It just protects the ones who don't want to work. The first contract I went through all the people who have been there for 20+ years told me straight out "do not agree to the contract the first time because they can always do better". Many of them have never worked anywhere else. The big thing they complained about was health insurance. For single I was only paying about $14 a week. They really had a fit when the deductable went up to $250, $500 for family. Who knows maybe I will get my job back, at a lower pay rate of course. That would be ok because there are no job opportunities around here that pay crap anyway.

Thanks for listining, needed to get that off my chest.

I hope they call you back.

jeeze, I've been searching for a scanned picture of your dad's old pickup (yeller) and I cant find one

I guess I must have it at home & I must have never posted it here? I was thinking I posted a scan of that old photo here once.

Those guys don't know how "gravy" they have it. Espically with the health care costs.

Our deduct is $1500.

I found some cheap carts and did some work on them and they are alot different than when i got them. I will have to try to get pics and post them. Good luck on the job, thats the way our insurance is too, but at least i get to work still. Its too bad they had to close the doors like that though.

Too bad they had to do it that way, but maybe they'll call you back to work.

They're about to find out how nice it was to have a job.

They're also going to find out how great the Union is if THEY need you, but it doesn't work the other way around.

The Union did that to Mercury Marine here last year. They voted no on the contract, and decided to strike. Merc, said, "OK, were moving opperations to Oklahoma."

The laid off workers started saying, "hey we were mis infromed by the union, and we want a re-vote...."

The next week the Union agreed to the original contract. Imagine that.

Sorry to hear that Muffy. If you want to compare crappy health insurance, you will "lose" to me everytime.

$3,000 deductible (per person, Rx not covered). NOTHING is covered until you meet your deductible. Although the fact that I have health insurance the doctors usually knock of a small percentage of the bill. Once the deductible is met you still get to pay 30% of all costs with a maximum out of pocket of (I believe) $9,000 (per year). I pay approx. $215 a month for this crappy family plan.

The worst part? I work for a company that grosses billions a year.

The old CEO has since been kicked to the curb and the new CEO is promising better benefits. Something's gotta give, so I sure hope the new CEO means it.

Yeah all the complaining they do about the health insurance is rediculous. Wait till they have to go get it for themselves and they will realize how good they had it. I have been without health insurance for over a year and it is scary. And the stupid thing is the ones who complained about it the most didn't have insurance through our company, they had it through their spouses.

Some just like to have something to bi*#@ about.

I will have to go and reapply for the job. They won't call anyone back. I have worked in many departments in that company, took pride in my work, and like to keep busy so I hope that would be enough to get my job back.

Good Luck Muffy!

Yesterday was yet another "beginning of the end" of what made this country great.

Where has all the common sense gone??

What is common sense?

Originally Posted by Muffy

What is common sense?

It means the polar opposite of Liberal Left.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I will have to go and reapply for the job. They won't call anyone back. I have worked in many departments in that company, took pride in my work, and like to keep busy so I hope that would be enough to get my job back.

I would think it should be enough. You want me to come up there and bounce em around a bit, til they hire you.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

I will have to go and reapply for the job. They won't call anyone back. I have worked in many departments in that company, took pride in my work, and like to keep busy so I hope that would be enough to get my job back.

I would think it should be enough. You want me to come up there and bounce em around a bit, til they hire you.

Some of them could use a swift kick.

I'm wearing steel toes right now.

not to interupt the butt kicking but.....

look what i found!

[Linked Image]

Good you found one. I know I didn't have any here. Looks a little different huh?

Good looking truck Dave.

Is that your truck Dave?

I like it.

All's I know is if I have to keep paying out for all the things the powers that be say I have to have I dont know what the hell I am gonna do.

Amazing how cost of living adjustments take money away from you but never take in consideration when your on a fixed wage.

This year deer camp is all about slick heads and making burger, anything to cut costs.

I hear ya man.

johnMoses, yeah that's my truck, don't you recognize it?

[Linked Image]

This is my house of levers, switches and pedals. From this seat I control the outcome of many fascinating occurances. Gravity was once interupted for about 3 seconds from this seat. You might remember it, it was late at night about 3 1/2 yrs ago. If you hit your head on the ceiling of your house while you were sleeping on Nov 20 2006, well I'm sorry and I won't do that again.

It was my Uncles truck "Uncledusty". It was his truck for as long as I can remember. The scanned photo was of a picture taken in the 70's. Dusty had just fixed a bunch of truck cancer and painted the truck, stacks were the correct self respecting flag waving redneck thing to do back then, you had to have the stacks man!

seems as though it's slipped a bit in appearance since this photo was taken...

I like the siren you added on top.

Where are the stacks now?

Hard to believe dad, mom, my brother and I rode in that truck on vacation all the way to Wyoming when I was younger. A little scrunched, but it was a fun trip!

Muffy could tell you more than I could about this truck as it was her dad's truck. Uncledusty of course could tell the most about it but he might not tell everything

Dusty rigged it with a snowplow in... oh I would have to guess the later 80's but he'd know for sure. I'm sure the blinking light on the cab roof probably went on in those later 80's or maybe in the 90's.

Just looked on jobs hq and the company I worked for posted that they have immediate openings for temporary workers. Posted wages DOE and I would hope I would get the higher one if I got rehired since I worked there for 9 1/2 years. It is only about $3 less an hour than when I left. I am going to call in the morning and they have interviews all day Friday. Who khows what will happen.

It looks official. I thought you may have added it when you had to haul someone in for a Baboon A** violation.

It's a neat truck, my Grandfather had a half ton 2 wheel drive that was solid red and must have been about the same year model.

Muffy,

I have been on vacation (spring break) in a VW bus that had no floor in the back, when we got thru eating or drinking, we just threw it out the hole.

I don't litter anymore though.

JM

Good Luck. I hope you get it!

JM

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just looked on jobs hq and the company I worked for posted that they have immediate openings for temporary workers. Posted wages DOE and I would hope I would get the higher one if I got rehired since I worked there for 9 1/2 years. It is only about $3 less an hour than when I left. I am going to call in the morning and they have interviews all day Friday. Who khows what will happen.

Go get it kiddo!!

You can do it!! I'll be root'n for ya cuz!

Originally Posted by JohnMoses

It looks official. I thought you may have added it when you had to haul someone in for a Baboon A** violation.

It's a neat truck, my Grandfather had a half ton 2 wheel drive that was solid red and must have been about the same year model.

Muffy,

I have been on vacation (spring break) in a VW bus that had no floor in the back, when we got thru eating or drinking, we just threw it out the hole.

I don't litter anymore though.

JM

Funny I can picture it.

I hope you get it muffster. Make em your bish.

Really, I hope you get a job there. Your a good hard working lady that know a bunch of stuff. And if they don't hire ya...my offer still stands.

That old truck is cool. That is when trucks were trucks.

I wonder what ever made uncledusty switch over to the dark side I mean chevy's.

Hey Muffy,

Rooting for you about the job thing!! Can't wait to hear how it goes. You go get it!

Can't wait to see all the Chickenbuck apparel too, especially my sweatshirt. You should see how many sweatshirts I have, guess that's my "collection" like Dave has all the yard ornaments out by the shed. At least mine doesn't take up soooo much room.

Thanks for all the good luck wishes everyone.

I just called and gave Becky my info. She knew that I had worked there before. She said they are just taking names and numbers and they are going to be calling people for interviews on Friday. I have butterflies in my stomach. It is just like when I applied there 11 years ago. I am nervous because I know they will have tons of people applying because the starting pay is high for this area.

Pam,

If any of the angry folks you have to deal with happen to be any of our clients let me know if they are causing you a headache.

Dave everyone should have a stress releiver I have a 1985 Chevy K-5 Blazer that I hope to get running this summer for a run around the woods truck.

Muffy good luck on the job.

Well heard my first geese of the spring this am, but I have not heard anything on snows at all I am guessing they passed us by with the snow line disappearing so fast.

You all have a great day,

I heard & saw my first geese on Monday. We have an old creek bottom that runs through our yard. It was a natural drainage creek that headed to a main river once upon a time long before man started making water drain in straight east/north/west/south directions with a grid of ditches. Now the old creek just flows some in the spring then dries up.

It would normally stay full of water or at least have some water in it up until June. It's actually been a frequent stop if not a nesting spot for waterfowl. We even had wood ducks down there one spring. Well it's all but dried up already & it's only March!! This is one crazy year!

I'll take it though, I love spring, summer & fall. Winter, not as much as I used to.

Hmm, this leads to an interesting thought... Waterfowl nesting will begin soon. For as many years as I have paid attention it seems the ducks & geese will nest on edges of flooded ag land or in ditches along county roads & hiways up here. Things are quite a bit different in our area this year, very dry. It's going to change things quite a bit for nesting locations. Not sure if that's good or bad for the birds.

I would guess it might be a good thing because nesting spots they choose this spring will likely be more stabil than a mud puddle that will dry up before chicks hatch.

I don't know though, I'm no goose or duck hunter so I know very little about them.

I wish you the best of luck Muffy. The butterflies will go away on Friday when they call you for an interview.

Muffy,
Remember to clean the broccoli out of your teeth before the interview, eh? Seriously, good luck. I heard a tip once for an interview and I thought it was good. Get up early no matter what time the interview is. When people get up early, they kinda feel they are one up on the rest of the world and that confidence shows through.

Update on vermin: Nancy's cousin, Al Franken the skunk, made an appearance when I wasnt home. Good timing on his part. To Al: It only takes one mistake Al, only one piece of bad timing and you will also get a free ride in the garbage truck. Be veddddy vedddy careful Al.

good luck with your franken problems.

is franken in squirrel form or woodchuck or skunk or?

Thanks for the tip Berettaman.

Good luck with getting rid of your critters!

Al is black and white. he shuffles around without a care in the world and if you approach him, I am told he turns his arse in your direction. if you get close to him, you realize he really stinks. Thus his moniker.

Again, good luck Muffy!

I have been seeing geese around here for about two weeks now. All canadians. Last week I went to Mitchell, SD for work and finally got to see what the REAL snow geese migration looks like. On I-90 between Sioux Falls and Mitchell, there was flock after flock of snows and blues heading north. I'm not talking your typical flock of canadians where there is 20 some birds. I'm talking flocks that literally numbered in the thousands. One right after another. I took 25 north to Webster on the way home and seen some of those flocks in the combined corn fields. Un-believable is how I can describe it best. When you hear about the snows and blues "staging" in MO until the snow melts up north and their numbers are in between one and two million, believe it. It's unreal.

Sorry guys couldn't help myself..

No wonder they don't like 'em there.

What the heck does everybody do with the ones they shoot? They taste like ass, I can't imagine they eat them.

I was on my way to MNP's house to do some cleaning, and at about 11:00 I got a phone call. It was the "big wig" from my old job. I thought in the 9 1/2 years that I worked there, I thought I did a pretty good job. But I guess that I did a Helliba Job because I start again at 6 tomorrow morning. Woo Hoo!!

Don't know how long it will last. I guess it will be till the union agrees with what the company offered them. It is $3.60 and hour less than when I left, but it is better than what I get now.

Originally Posted by Muffy

It was the "big wig" from my old job. I thought in the 9 1/2 years that I worked there, I thought I did a pretty good job. But I guess that I did a Helliba Job because I start again at 6 tomorrow morning. Woo Hoo!!

Yeah BABY! Whooo hooo. Congrats Muffy. I knew you were the man for the job. You knew it too. Sweet.

Congrats.

have a beer for me.

That's real good news, cuz that was a long ways for me to come bounce a guy around.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I was on my way to MNP's house to do some cleaning, and at about 11:00 I got a phone call. It was the "big wig" from my old job. I thought in the 9 1/2 years that I worked there, I thought I did a pretty good job. But I guess that I did a Helliba Job because I start again at 6 tomorrow morning. Woo Hoo!!

Don't know how long it will last. I guess it will be till the union agrees with what the company offered them. It is $3.60 and hour less than when I left, but it is better than what I get now.

Hot damn I knew it would work out kid!!

Woooo!

Good job!

Party time!!

I will have a couple beers to celebrate. I have to start getting my butt to bed before midnight now. Not used to getting up at 4:45 in the morning anymore.

Great news,Muffy!!!We're rooting for you.

Stan in SC

Hey, just an fyi Jamesons and Gingerale on ice with a lime wedge is really good...I am thinking this mix in a pitcher on the front porch could be a good thing this summer.

that sounds good.

Originally Posted by big drift

Hey, just an fyi Jamesons and Gingerale on ice with a lime wedge is really good...I am thinking this mix in a pitcher on the front porch could be a good thing this summer.

Originally Posted by norhterndave

that sounds good.

that does sound good.

Hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go!

Have a great day Muffy.

Good luck Muffy. Dang.....that's early.

Ooooweee, I was sleeping when she posted that! Sounds like drinks are on Muffy! I wonder what she is doing now? can you picture her fighting with some copy machine that wont work? or maybe she took a left down the wrong hall when looking for the bathroom and ended up in the boardroom? What exactly does she do? I could have way more fun with this if'n I had just a few details....

In all seriousness, congrats!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

What exactly does she do?

In all seriousness, congrats!

We could tell you...but it'd cost ya.

wahl heck, just put it on my bill.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Al is black and white. he shuffles around without a care in the world and if you approach him, I am told he turns his arse in your direction. if you get close to him, you realize he really stinks. Thus his moniker.

BM, if he turns his Azz your way it's Barney Frank, not Al Franken.

Just got back from 4 days in Wendover, NV and trying to catch up.

Muffy congrats. Hope to turns into a full time job for you.

One of the guys that was with us left this morning for Zipple Bay to go Northern fishing with another group. Ice conditions do not sound good for them.

Originally Posted by 7 STW

Sorry guys couldn't help myself..

I'm assuming this was because you think I'm full of it. Check out the link and the migration pattern.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...e-refuge-en-route-wintering-grounds.html

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

One of the guys that was with us left this morning for Zipple Bay to go Northern fishing with another group. Ice conditions do not sound good for them.

you wouldn't catch me out there right now.

Originally Posted by tzone

No wonder they don't like 'em there.

What the heck does everybody do with the ones they shoot? They taste like ass, I can't imagine they eat them.

Tzone - My buddy that travels to MO every year to hunt them turns them into jerky.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

One of the guys that was with us left this morning for Zipple Bay to go Northern fishing with another group. Ice conditions do not sound good for them.

you wouldn't catch me out there right now.

You got that right.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by 7 STW

Sorry guys couldn't help myself..

I'm assuming this was because you think I'm full of it. Check out the link and the migration pattern.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...e-refuge-en-route-wintering-grounds.html

7STW was just havin a little fun with the thread title. We BS enough on various threads that i get his humor. (similar to mine) I can see how it could be interpretated as an insult but I'm certain that 7STW just glanced at the post title & saw the words a little differently. birth of a "dense crap" might actually be a little painful

like chitting the 8-ball.

I didn't think any more than that about it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I will have a couple beers to celebrate. I have to start getting my butt to bed before midnight now. Not used to getting up at 4:45 in the morning anymore.

Does this mean all the chicken buck apparrel is free??

j/k

Congrats Muffy! That is awesome!

No worries mate!

When did the thread title change? I never noticed until you pointed it out.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

No wonder they don't like 'em there.

What the heck does everybody do with the ones they shoot? They taste like ass, I can't imagine they eat them.

Tzone - My buddy that travels to MO every year to hunt them turns them into jerky.

I had some jerky and some sticks, but I'd take venni any day over it.

I wasn't a fan. I guess you have to do something with em though.

Actually Berettaman, I work in a sheetmetal shop. We make air distribution products. I'm sure you can come up with something for that.

Today was great, it was like I never left. The day went by so fast. I was working with all my supervisors and a few from in the office. Everyone was getting along and nobody was complaining about anything. It was the best day of work there in the 9 1/2 years I put in there.

My shift was from 6 to 4:30, and at 4:15 one of my supervisors come walking towards me. I could tell something was wrong. He said the other workers agreed to the contract. So needless to say my first day was also my last.

For now.

Both shop managers come and thanked me for comming in and that they hated to see me go. This sucks!

Awe [bleep].

See, that's why I'm not a union guy. And by that I mean... I hate unions.

Just to be clear.

[bleep]. maybe I should just rev up my own business & hire good people like you & your dad if you woud have it & let it fly.

This current government pizzes me off like you wouldn't believe and i'm not sure we could even survive under it but....

I feel the same way about unions. Don't get me started.

I would definately come and work for you anytime.

The one thing in this new contract is that instead of being on the seniority list for 2 years after being laid off now it is 1 year. That means I have a better chance of being called back because some of the riff raff is off the list and they don't have to call them back. We will see what happens because they are so busy right now. Only time will tell.

Too bad Muffy.

Must be a major letdown for you. I'm sure they're going to be calling you back soon though.

BTW, add me to the list of those that have little use for unions.

Dammit!

Frickin unions. Well, it sounds like you may get called back again anyway. We can hope for that.

It sounds like me and dave hold the unions at the same level.

The guy my wife used to work for hates them as well. He runs a very successful, metal manufacturing shop.They build part for CAT and John Deere. Unions have tried to orginize in there twice, and they're sniffing around agagin.

He flat out told them, he'll close the doors. He will too.

He's filthy rich and doesn't need to ever work another day in his life. I'm surprised they haven't killed him yet. They guy is an real azzhat, so I'm real surprised someone hasn't knocked him off yet. But he votes the right way, and has enough money to tell them to stuff it.

Im so pissed at the government and the state of this country, I can't read or watch the news anymore. I really hate to stick my head in the sand, but I can't live life being pissed off all the time. I really believe this so called president has ruined our country beyond repair.

It is our kids that will feel this the most. We will too. I fear our kids will never know how good we used to have it.

Dammit, i rambled on again.

It

Dave & Pam are taking the day off, going on a secret mission...

Top secret!

Key mission impossible theme song...

watch out for those waskily wabbits dave!! Sorry to hear bout the job muffy! hope all works out!

Aw dang it. I cant have fun with your job now Muffy. Good luck with them calling you back. Hopefully you gave them something to think about.

It is appararent that both Dave and Tzone hold unions in much higher regard than I do. Once in awhile, I am forced to hire a union company. Almost always, I get a crappy work product that takes too long and costs too much.

Vermin Update: Al hasn't been around.

Cole Update: he is going through his hard round of chemo right now. This one hits him pretty hard. But other than that he is hanging in there as much as a 4 year old undergoing a year long dose of chemo can. On a sad note, Cole's mother got to know a little girl who also had Wilm's. The little girl had made it through her year long chemo and was doing well. then, in a short while, regressed and passed away. Pretty hard on Carly (Cole's mother and my cousin).

My prayers are with Cole and the family. There is nothing more sad, than to see a child going through something so terible.

Keep us posted on how Cole is doing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dave & Pam are taking the day off, going on a secret mission...

Top secret!

It can't be that seceret....I have a pretty good guess.

Thanks for keeping us updated Beretta.

Cole is a tough little guy, and an inspiration for sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dave & Pam are taking the day off, going on a secret mission...

Top secret!

It can't be that seceret....I have a pretty good guess.

Dang it....I can't stand it any longer.

Plus, Dave txt'd me and told me to say it. They went to pick up the new boat. It's big, shiney, and it has lots of sparkles.

It rhymes with Danger.

I hope they don't sink! where they have to find that danger? Well, the Snowmobile testers finally quit running on Lake of the woods yesterday. Ice is pretty bad. still runable but getting mushy. Better be safe than sorry. Fish ON!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I hope they don't sink! where they have to find that danger?

I think they ran down to St. Cloud to get it, or something like that. Somewhere in that area.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Well, the Snowmobile testers finally quit running on Lake of the woods yesterday. Ice is pretty bad. still runable but getting mushy. Better be safe than sorry. Fish ON!!

We haven't had safe ice down here for weeks now. I'm heading back on the water Sunday. I'm digging my boat out of storage tomorrow. My little guy is counting the minutes...he asked twice this morning, if he can put the hitch on the truck.

He's a bit excited.

Ah a danger, eh? I got one of those. A Reata 1760. Love almost everything about it. I like to fondle it daily as it sits in the garage. The Reata that is.

Originally Posted by big drift

Key mission impossible theme song...

Dah, Da Dah ......Dah Da Dah....... This message will self distruct in 10 seconds.

Them Dangers are good stuff. I'm a tin man myself, but wouldn't argue with anyone that wanted to give me a Danger.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ah a danger, eh? I got one of those. A Reata 1760. Love almost everything about it. I like to fondle it daily as it sits in the garage. The Reata that is.

You like that Angler huh?

The boss lady likes those too. What year is your? I see in the 2010's you can put a 150 on them now. That sweetens the pot a bit.

When it's time to upgrade the alumacraft in a few years, I think a 619 is going to get the nod...seems to me I sold one of those last year.

to get the alumacraft. Well, a 692 not a 619, but close enough.

Step it up and go for the 621. I got a Starcraft Pro Elite 2000 and love it. its aluminum and handles the water unbelievably. nice and wide, the 225 makes it move too. not sure i would give this boat up for a danger even....

I'm a fan of the Pro Elite's. My bud has a 2000 as well. He has 225 optimax on it.

You know, if I could get a decent deal on a 621 I probably would. 19's seem to work well for how I fish.

Dave and pam's is the the 620. They got a smoooookin deal on it. He gave me first crack at it, but with the move, I couldn't do it at this time, so he snapped up. 2007 w/ 250 Verado. $21,000. Like I said, too good to lose a deal like that.

If I was staying here in the Wausau area, I'd look at a 21 a lot harder, because Green Bay is only about an hour and 20 minutes away.

Time to share some pictures.

Here is a picture of what Jeremy found on the ice on the lake down the road. He took Dozer for a run and saw someone left their blocks on the ice so he went to chip them out. He saw something under a thin layer of ice so he chipped it out also. Pretty good find.

[Linked Image]

It is solid stainless steel. Very nice chisel.

Here are pics of our golf cart before we started.

[Linked Image]

I will post more when it is done.

way too many toys in there muffy. That would be a great project cart there!! i like. We don't see to many 3 wheelers any more. ND's purchase sounds like a heck of a deal. I found mine on craigslist last year in the cities. Bought it sight unseen. i think i did ok too.

Sweet!

That would look sweet in a harley paint scheme.

you should swap motors with that Sportsman to make the wheeler run better.

Sorry, Buschy. I'm just kiddin'.

It is silver now. Jeremy wanted to do a Twins theme. But there are going to be Harley stickes on it too.

Yeah Bushy we have too many toys. When we first moved here we had nothing and now our 30x40 and our new 48x64 are pretty much full. Well we do have an extra pickup, boat, and lawnmower we stored for the winter.

Better make room for Dave and Pam's new boat. That thing on the trailer is like 25 feet long.

Originally Posted by Muffy

When we first moved here we had nothing and now our 30x40 and our new 48x64 are pretty much full.

48x64....jezzzsh. I'm hoping to get one half that size.

Sounds like my sheds muffy. I got a barn that I have fixed up and its 40x64 way to full of motorized toys and then my 50x80 is full of other stuff besides the old cars. Kinda hoping i don't have to move anytime soon because we got way too much stuff now. the bad part is all the snowmobiles i have i never use them anymore either. don't think dave will let his new boat leave home come winter he'll be fishing in that in his shop....

What kind of old cars?

I would like to make a motion, as it is to damn nice outside and it is friday, I hereby move to adjourn for the week to go sit on the porch with a fire in the pit while partaking of the nectar of spring. Furthermore I move for jalapeno cheese and summer sausage to be consumed on crackers as well.

Motion granted.

I SECOND THAT!! Outta here!

Everyone agrees. DONE!

I can't believe you guys let Tzone lead you around in circles like that!

boat, yeah right! I wish!

G'night all!

Circles....me....what you talkin' bout foo?

Let's see that boat.

Hee Hee!

There aint no damn boat! closes thing i have to a boat is a pair of old aluminum canoes.

But we are growing [bleep] mushrooms and oyster mushrooms now

(pretty far off from a ranger boat i'd say

)

We Have a couple of Logs that have been set up for [bleep] mushrooms & one for oyster mushrooms, kind of interesting.

Man...I thought fo sho you were going to get a boat.

Played us like a cheap violin. Just remember, pay backs a bish!

G'morning everybody. It seems spring is actually really here.... I hope I didn't just jinx it...

we had temps in the 60's yesterday & are heading there again today and tomorrow!

Our buddy works for a concrete campany. And the owner, who lives only a few miles from us, had a stroke a couple years ago. He is only in his 40's. He can't work like he used to. He stopped over this weekend and he was wondering if he could take Dozer for a walks. He walkes 7 dogs in his neighborhood and he wants to start walking our dog too. Which is just fine because Dozer has a lot of energy.

We're supposed to see 70's here starting Wednesday. Bring it on!

That is going to make it VERY hard to work this week, with the boat being home and all.

I have a feeling that I'm not going to feel so well on Wednesday.

Swine flu?

You callin' me a pig?

Do you feel well any day??

Ok then Mad Cow!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Do you feel well any day??

How I feel and how I act are totally different.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ok then Mad Cow!

OK thanks, that's better.

You could say you have Mononucleosis and take the rest of the week off.

Monkey butt...with a side of herpencepholgonnoritis.

I'll skip the herpe's thans for the offer though.

See how ya are your all about Dave's monkey butt but leaving the tounge twister out in the cold...lol.

That's all good I am just gonna focus on chasing lakers and salmonids in June just for spite.

Before I retired I occasionally developed OPTICALRECTUMITIS.That is I just couldn't see my butt going to work.
Now I am retired and I don't do NOTHING an I don't start until noon.
S'posed to be eighty here Friday.I'm going to the shooting range Wednesday.

Stan in SC

Stan can I be your apprentice?

Hi Stan,

We are not far behind you on the temps... We are supposed to have mid to low 70's on Wednesday and Thursday.

Not bad for April in central WI.

Shooting sounds fun, I have some new guns to test out. 3 of em. Our range doesn't open until mid April though, so I'll have to wait.

Tzone, did ya ever get a chance to shoot your 7X57?

not yet. Now I have a .35 whelen and a .243win I have to shoot too.

Soooo many guns, so little time.

We stored dad's boat for the winter and mom and dad come and got it yesterday. Mom brought home made doughnuts. YUMMY!

And dad gave me some pickled fish. BOY UNCLE DUSTY MAKES EXCELENT PICKLED FISH!

Yes, yes he does.

He should have a lot of it, he kept a 42" northern. that's a lot of pickles and a lot of fish.

bigdrift,
Sorry,the apprentice program is limited to ladies only.You young guys drink too much of my beer and you fart a lot.

Stan in SC

Come on Stan...we don't drink THAT much beer.

Well,

the house should have a sign in the yard today. We signed the contract with the realtor last night. We have several houses that we like, one that Betsy LOVES.

I'm all stressed out, can't sleep. I think all this moving stuff is finally catching up to me. I would feel a lot better if I had a job to go to as well, but so far...nuthin'.

Yesterday after the kids went to bed, I went for a drive. The kind you need when you're all worked up. roll the windows down, turn up the motley crew, and just drive.

hang in there Tzone, I hear you on the crew! All will work out. i've seen some greeters at walmart if nothing else.

ya know...it's not that I'll even need to have a job. But I sure feel better when I do. I don't feel like I can get anything for myslef when I don't.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well,

the house should have a sign in the yard today. We signed the contract with the realtor last night. We have several houses that we like, one that Betsy LOVES.

I'm all stressed out, can't sleep. I think all this moving stuff is finally catching up to me. I would feel a lot better if I had a job to go to as well, but so far...nuthin'.

Yesterday after the kids went to bed, I went for a drive. The kind you need when you're all worked up. roll the windows down, turn up the motley crew, and just drive.

Tom (& Muffy too),

Good things happen to/for good people.

In July of 2005, my wife & I sold our business in Queensland, Australia.

Sold everything else too, 'cept our home (rented it out) & by November, we were winging it to Canada, on a family 6 month tourist visa, with the intention of staying. My brother, his wife & kids were all in Canada & it was an excellent opportunity to let the cousins grow up together. Something that's very close to our hearts.

Arrived here & immediately set about looking for work.

Things were very tough (forestry/mill town), but managed to find a fit & got a really good job offer. Yeah........., but:

Had to apply to the Govt, so the business could employ a "foreign worker" over a local, compounded by serious mill lay offs & high regional unemployment.

To cut a long story short, 9 months later, yes had to also reapply for an extension of our tourist visas, I was granted a 3 year temporary work permit, that let my family & I stay + school for the kids, etc.

Lots of prayer & soul searching, but all worth it in the end.

As soon as the temp work permit was issued, we started our application for Landed Immigrant status. Another 18 months & that was done. Another quick trip, down Dave's way (MN), to cross the border & re-enter.

Whoa, now we're here for good.

Keep at it & keep trusting !!

IT WILL HAPPEN !

Paul.

Tom...relax...dude..you'll be fine...
You are no stranger to work..lots of jobs out there for the willing..relax...

Ingwe

Good luck on the job hunt Tom. I may be joining you. We have layoff's at work today. I'll know by 11.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Tom...relax...dude..you'll be fine...
You are no stranger to work..lots of jobs out there for the willing..relax...

Ingwe

Ingwe, 99's... thanks guys.

Ingwe you're right. I'm not afriad to work. Hell, I'm not afraid to work at Home Depot if that's what it takes. I'd rather be out getting my hands dirty, running a shovel or something, but I'll take what I can get.

I'm a little scorned from the last time I was out of work, but that is a different story.

thanks, Paul.

It really may be easier to find work when I get there, mostly because I have a job to do here before we leave.

Tom....something to make ya smile. It was cold and rough...but the fish didn't mind much....

[Linked Image]

Dang, those are nice Scott.

Hang in there Tom, you can always guide. At least I'll let you take me out fishing.

Finished raking the yard this morning. Wind is really starting to kick up now. We need rain bad. East coast can send some our way.

Tzoned-
So how can I help? I am not exactly in the civil biz, but fairly close...a lot of firms that do environmental also do civil. You could use me as a character reference. we dont have any openings right now that i am aware of, but i could get you an informational interview. start the networking process, etc. think about it and let me know how i can help you out.

if you want a job getting your hands dirty, i know the guys at Determan-Brownie very well...i dont know if they are hiring. if they are, i can get you an interview there methinks. look them up on the web or call them.

Holy moly...some footballs in there it looks like.

Nice goin.

Went out sunday and got bounced around a bit myself. You have better results though.

Thanks guys,

I don't want to make it sound like I'm feeing sorry for myslef. i'm not. Just a bit frustrated that's all.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzoned-
So how can I help? I am not exactly in the civil biz, but fairly close...a lot of firms that do environmental also do civil. You could use me as a character reference. we dont have any openings right now that i am aware of, but i could get you an informational interview. start the networking process, etc. think about it and let me know how i can help you out.

if you want a job getting your hands dirty, i know the guys at Determan-Brownie very well...i dont know if they are hiring. if they are, i can get you an interview there methinks. look them up on the web or call them.

Thanks dude. I may need your help, if for nothing else, the contacts. That is a major hurdle right there. Finding out who does what.

I'll check that site out, thanks a bunch.

I've had some action today believe it or not.

SEH Engineering, HNTB Engineering, all good places to start. it's starting to get down to "go time" for the construction, so if something is going to happen, it's going to be quick.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dang, those are nice Scott.

Hang in there Tom, you can always guide. At least I'll let you take me out fishing.

Guiding is supposed to make me money, not cost me money Bill.

I'll need to fill you full of beer and sandwhices, plus bait, all the lures you'll loose.

I did a little checking on that too. To guide on Mille Lacs, it is US Coast Guard waters, so that is a big deal. Big bucks and many hours to even start to get a captain's lisc. for that.

I'm going to try to learn the water a bit, but I still may do it.

Sunday would have been a free-bee for who ever I took out.

Not too good of a day.

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks guys,

I don't want to make it sound like I'm feeing sorry for myslef. i'm not. Just a bit frustrated that's all.

Tom, I understand that ! It was the frustration that really was killing me as well.

From personal experience - Careful of what you wish for, as D-day arrives in a hurry.

We did all of our stuff in 3 months - seems like a long time when you say it, but boy, were we battling right to the end (apart from the odd game of golf).

Head down & bum up. Git'r'dun !

Again, good luck Mate !

Paul.

The end, justifies the means !

Paul.

I havent heard of HNTB. SEH I have seen from time to time. Braun Intertec would be anudder one to look into.

I've heard of that one... I'll check em out. Thanks bro.

SEH is pretty big, nation wide. They do lots besides Civil, so that doesn't surprise me that you've heard of them.

Dave,

I know Muffy has your "chickenbuck" apparel in hand, but being the marketing guru that I am, I'm willing to sell yall some of these for the camp.

Would be an excellent talking point !

Paul.

[Linked Image]

Thats just wrong......

Ingwe

yeah, I think i'll pass.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Thats just wrong......

Ingwe

which makes it oohhh sooo right.

You know you have one ingwe.

Tom,you're a good guy.It'll happen.Pursue it diligently.
Read your own tag line.(The top one).

Stan in SC

Tommy boy will be fine.

My old man has told me before "Dave you're like water, you seek your own level."

That saying comes to mind when I think about you Tom, you'll be fine.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Tom,you're a good guy.It'll happen.Pursue it diligently.
Read your own tag line.(The top one).

Stan in SC

Thanks stan. You know, that tag line was for my real dream, to be a fishing guide, but you're right, it applies here doesn't it?

Thanks guys. all of you. Even those of you that sent me pm's, but don't post... you know who you are.

Guys (and gals), I'll tell you what. I know I'll be fine. It just all came to a head the last few days. I got home from work and there was a 4 sale sign in my front yard. That is the first step.

Then I went to the YMCA and hit the eliptical machine, and threw some weights around. I mean really put up some iron. With anger. That helped like you can't believe.

I'll be one sore fat man tomorrow though.

and sorry to dave, for taking over your thread with my whining.

Tom... you'll be just fine. Things have a strange way of working out and I think you have all the right attributes and attitude. I walked away from a regular paycheck almost 30 yrs ago and while it ain't for everyone, when it's right for you nothing else works. Go forward man!

BUG GUTS on the windshield today for the first time this year!

Sure sign of spring!

Better get the motorcycle shined up and ready to go, if this wind ever dies down.

Originally Posted by tzone

and sorry to dave, for taking over your thread with my whining.

this aint my thread man.

it's just a fun spot to BS with some good folks.

so don't worry about that.

Originally Posted by Muffy

BUG GUTS on the windshield today for the first time this year!

Sure sign of spring!

Better get the motorcycle shined up and ready to go, if this wind ever dies down.

dont talk that bike stuff... i"m suposed to be selling mine ya know....

Is that to make room for the Ranger Dave?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

BUG GUTS on the windshield today for the first time this year!

Sure sign of spring!

Better get the motorcycle shined up and ready to go, if this wind ever dies down.

dont talk that bike stuff... i"m suposed to be selling mine ya know....

I thought we decided last fall that you can't do that.

Well it is Wednesday. I wonder how Tzone is feeling? Not good if we don't hear from him.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

BUG GUTS on the windshield today for the first time this year!

Sure sign of spring!

Better get the motorcycle shined up and ready to go, if this wind ever dies down.

dont talk that bike stuff... i"m suposed to be selling mine ya know....

I thought we decided last fall that you can't do that.

That was until "we" bought a newer truck....

Tzone, hope all is better after a good nights sleep. The morning brings sunshine, a new day and maybe a new look on things. We love ya man.

Vermin Update: As I walked by the window I thought to myself, "self, is this goundhogs day (pun intended)? I am sure I shot Nancy last week, but there she is again, less than a foot from where I shot her." So this time, to make sure, I cracked open the bedroom window (figuring if I shot Nancy from a different spot I would surely remember if this happens a third time). Once again, I was struck by the facial similarities between said woodchuck and the real Nancy Pelosi. The woodchuck had slightly less facial hair, smaller front teeth, and was a fair amount cuter, but otherwise they could have been sisters. One shot again through the noodle and Nancy II soon was on her (actually his) way to the landfill as well.

No sign of Al the Skunk.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well it is Wednesday. I wonder how Tzone is feeling? Not good if we don't hear from him.

Tzone's feeling great, except he can't lift his arms real well.

It is amazing what a great nights sleep will do for you.

I sent out a bunch of resume's and job app's. Some I got from some very cool people that PM'd me with some info. And one from our very own Berettaman.. Thanks dude.

Oh, understandable.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

BUG GUTS on the windshield today for the first time this year!

Sure sign of spring!

Better get the motorcycle shined up and ready to go, if this wind ever dies down.

dont talk that bike stuff... i"m suposed to be selling mine ya know....

I thought we decided last fall that you can't do that.

That was until "we" bought a newer truck....

Tzone, hope all is better after a good nights sleep. The morning brings sunshine, a new day and maybe a new look on things. We love ya man.

Man I wish I could buy that bike. It is one of the nicest I've seen. It's a bit quiet for my tastes though.

If you decide you do want to sell it, send me some pics and a price, a guy at work may be looking for a bike. He's sick of riding bish on his girl friends. and yes, we bug him constantly about it.

mr.snd...all IS better after a good nights sleep.

Yeah that bike is awesome. Very cool. I'm not a big fan of orange, but I really like the looks of that one.

What do you mean quiet Tzone. I thought it had great sound to it.

I wouldn't want to be in that guys shoes. I'm sure he gets teased alot. Everyone gives Jeremy a bad time because my bike is bigger than his.

Originally Posted by Muffy

=

What do you mean quiet Tzone. I thought it had great sound to it.

That is why there is a

there. That sucker sounds great!

We're pretty hard on him, but he takes it well. he has no choice, he rides on the back of his ol lady's bike, how do you defend that.

Stuck the batteries in the boat last night to test everyting out.... Dang ol Yamaha fired up before it turned over the 3rd time. Like it was never stored, and it's carbarated.

New bow mount worked, locater on the bow workd, locator and GPS on the dash worked. 76 degrees today, and I'm feeling sick.

I found my trolling motor batteries last nite. Thought about putting them in the boat, but too many other things to put away first. In due time.

Sounds like rain here today and for the next few days. Just in time for the weekend.

we're getting your rain on the weekend.

We're having a big easter/birthday party bash at our place.

Kind of a last hurrah or sorts. Easter is also my daughter's 7th b-day. My princess is getting big quick.

Chicken 'n Ribs on the grill Saturday. Ham and all the goodies on Sunday.

no rain yet today. the longer it holds off the better.

barbecue sounds darn tasty. Mmmmm, a little Famous Daves applied to a good cut of elk or venny. MMMMmmm-mmm.

Just found out the Chickenbuck hats (and Pam's sweatshirt) are done. I will pick them up tomorrow.

Yeaaaaaaaaaa!Looking forward to getting mine.Just in time for turkey season here.Muffy thank you very very much.

Stan in SC

Your welcome Stan. I will get them in the mail tomorrow.

I read this last night & told Pam, she's very excited for her sweatshirt!

Great news Muffy.

Spent Thursday on the Wolf River with my brother and his 6 year old grandson. What a day! Temp was around 83 degrees. Nothing was biting except the mosquitos. All we caught was one very small White Bass (6 inches). Water temp was 50 degrees and the Walleyes are up in the marshes spawning.

If these temps hold the White Bass run will be in full swing by next weekend.

mosquitos?

SSSShhhhhwwwweet.

I can't wait.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mosquitos?

Dang things are out already here Dave. I had a wood tick last week too.

If we get rain we're supposed to today, it will be green here. The leaves are budded out, the popples have tiny green leaves on em. With some rain, this place will be pretty lush.

it's just brown here.

cold & damp too.

No cold here. 80* yesterday, 75* today.

Cool off with rain sat/sunday though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mosquitos?

Dang things are out already here Dave. I had a wood tick last week too.

Neighbor just pulled a tick off his dogs ear this morning. I hate them things. Especially the deer/bear ticks.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mosquitos?

Dang things are out already here Dave. I had a wood tick last week too.

Neighbor just pulled a tick off his dogs ear this morning. I ate them things. Especially the deer/bear ticks.

I read that too fast & spit my coffee out... I read it like I fixed it above

classes called off for today, I'm gonna head to the range and do some shooting. I've been going through withdrawls lately. I need to burn some powder!
tried fishing for Cats the other afternoon, too early they haven't started moving up stream and getting aggressive.

can't wait to get the chickenbuck stuff! haven't posted here much, but I am popping in and reading time to time.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mosquitos?

Dang things are out already here Dave. I had a wood tick last week too.

Neighbor just pulled a tick off his dogs ear this morning. I ate them things. Especially the deer/bear ticks.

I read that too fast & spit my coffee out... I read it like I fixed it above

They're not bad if you let em fill up first. Then it's like a little surprise when you chomp down on them. :

yummy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

classes called off for today, I'm gonna head to the range and do some shooting. I've been going through withdrawls lately. I need to burn some powder!
tried fishing for Cats the other afternoon, too early they haven't started moving up stream and getting aggressive.

try a mouse, or a laser pointer, they like to chase those.

oof, it sure is friday....

ahhh, laser pointers. Love them. Great for exercising the dog in the rain or winter. I stay inside, she chases the red dot until my arm gets tired!

The Chickenbuck hats are in the mail. Except CBF, and Rooster's I will deliver them. Has anyone heard from Wabo? He never answered my last 2 PM's.

Im like the hat muffy, its the coolest hat ever

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

classes called off for today, I'm gonna head to the range and do some shooting. I've been going through withdrawls lately. I need to burn some powder!
tried fishing for Cats the other afternoon, too early they haven't started moving up stream and getting aggressive.

try a mouse, or a laser pointer, they like to chase those.

Oh Tzone....I'm sitting here in my hotel room in San Diego laughing my arse off over that one!

Originally Posted by Muffy

The Chickenbuck hats are in the mail. Except CBF, and Rooster's I will deliver them. Has anyone heard from Wabo? He never answered my last 2 PM's.

I can't speak for CBF but I'll have a cold one ready for ya Muffy! We are in San Diego until Sunday night though.

I hope you both are having a great time in San Diego.

Glad you like your hat RWS.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

classes called off for today, I'm gonna head to the range and do some shooting. I've been going through withdrawls lately. I need to burn some powder!
tried fishing for Cats the other afternoon, too early they haven't started moving up stream and getting aggressive.

try a mouse, or a laser pointer, they like to chase those.

nothin, still didn't work. I did get some funny looks from people who asked what I was doing.
went through 3 laser pointers in a hurry, that water is tough on them

Funny Ryan.

Pam your sweatshirt will be in the mail Monday. Didn't have your address with me when I was in town mailing all the other stuff.

I got my hats today, thanks Missy!

they are awesome!

the hat looks god

im sorry the hooooool post looks good

Hey everybody, I aint laying low on purpose. I'm in mustang restoration mode. Been working long hours on Weezy's mustang.

I was out to chickenbuck a week ago though, happy to report it all wintered well, everything looks great & I drove right in there, the road aint too bad.

Down to bare metal yet Dave?

Happy Easter everyone!

I'm getting there bill. I posted up in the main forum (hunters campfire) and I will keep that post updated with photos & progress reports.

Happy Easter!!

Found it Dave. You're getting there.

what is the summer project this year for the camp Dave?
anything you need that I should keep an eye out for?

Summer project... hmm, well we might try to do some soffit on the cabin & finally do the exterior trim. Possible food plot by pam's stand, probably some stand repeir/improvements. I plan on making a real gate to replace the cable across the entry point. Other than that I guess I can't think of too much, mostly just have fun out there goofing off, relaxing, bon fires blue berry picking etc.

did you get the gas lamps up inside?
its the start of auction season and I like going to see what I can find, let me know if there is anything you might want me to keep an eye out for

I'll share a little easter highlight. An easter egg hunt outside in pajamas.

[Linked Image]

One special easter egg was a "grnd prize egg" which is what our little guy was looking so hard for. he found it! Inside was a note to go to the garage to find your grand prize!

A foot race to the garage!

[Linked Image]

What's inside?

[Linked Image]

A new bike!!

[Linked Image]

Very happy little guy today!!

thats awesome! I bet he was excited! before long he will have converted it into a swampsquid hunting mobile!

Happy Easter everyone.

Today we had my baby girl's b-day. She's 7. Her big deal was to get her ears pierced....so that's what she got.

Today was also a pretty big day for her. She FINALLY rode her bike without the training wheels. Well, her brother could have his training wheels on his bike then either, so off they came.

Two new bike riders, same day. One wore out dad. Happy though, we had fun on a beautiful spring day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey...the bus is gone.

sharp eye, the bus left last night

good riddens!!

What bus?

Stan in SC

It don't matter Stan, it's gone. And that's a good thing

(it was an old camper bus that was broke down & simply occupied too much space in our yard)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It don't matter Stan, it's gone. And that's a good thing

(it was an old camper bus that was broke down & simply occupied too much space in our yard)

Two birds with one stone there Dave. Bus, gone. Room for 2 more hotrods.

Hi Stan,

I hope you had a great Easter, ate lots of food, and kept the wife on her toes.

well I took my lady to the range yesterday with her new to us lefty 243. after we got it dialed in she was nailing bullseyes like they were going out of style. and she had a blast. I asked her if she liked her new rifle and she had a huge grin when she said she loved it.

I managed to fire one round from my remington 6x45 and the case got stuck in the chamber. not tight, came out when I got home with a slight tap of a leaning rod, but enough to end my shooting short for the day, and I learned a valuable lesson. take a cleaning rod with to the range!
I think I might sell it and do a 6x45 on a savage action.
but we had fun anyway! today its back to the grind. happy monday everyone!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well I took my lay to the range yesterday

Hmmm, just a hunch but it seems this may just be the typo of the year.

Is that what we call our girlfriends these days??

"epic typo"

Sure hope your "Lady" doesn't see this Ryan or you be sleeping on the couch.

Tom,Thanks.Yes I had a great day and good food plus a ride in the North Carolina mountains.
Dave,I caught the typo(?) also.
A beautiful Mpnday morning here and I have mucho yard work scheduled.

Stan in SC

Ha! I reread that sentence 3 times to see if I saw what I thought I saw. I did!

As long as she doesnt read it, you are one cool dude. If she does, you prolly wont get to do "that" for awhile. High risk, little reward if you ask me, but hey, whatever floats the boat!

Nice Easter here. The Easter egg hunt was a hit. Even the dog got in on the act on the outside eggs by chomping on one just enough to open it, then eating the candy inside....all without breaking the egg. Worked on the garage and you can kinda walk around in there now. Getting there. also, saw a rooster and a hen from my garage...that is gooood living right there.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well I took my lay to the range yesterday with her new to us lefty 243. after we got it dialed in she was nailing bullseyes like they were going out of style.

Just sayin'.

Lay's at the range, tight chambers, tap of the cleaning rod...jeezh Ryan, this is a family site.

I just don't know about you boys.

WOW ok ok I fixed it, I was on the phone with her when I did and she laughed so hard when I told her what I wrote, yes it was a typo and probably the worst one I have ever done

I'm still laughing about it!

well at least it gets the focus off me shooting a dink, and screaming like a girl over a "mouse" in my boot.
wow, I'm batting a thousand

fitting in perfectly.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I just don't know about you boys.

Yes you do!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

WOW ok ok I fixed it, I was on the phone with her when I did and she laughed so hard when I told her what I wrote, yes it was a typo and probably the worst one I have ever done

Definitly made my morning.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well at least it gets the focus off me shooting a dink, and screaming like a girl over a "mouse" in my boot.
wow, I'm batting a thousand

No, no...we'll still remind you about that too.

The mouse was classic dude.

it really felt like a mouse!
plus it has happened to me before, so when I felt it I had an instant flashback

I forgot about that until you mentioned it.

Thanks for the chuckle. I've done it too, but I didn't have witness' like you did, so it never happened.

The postman brought me two Camp Chickenbuck hats.They look great!Thanks Muffy.I'll try to get a picture.

Stan in SC

hahahaha yeah, it had to be right in front of you all didn't it?

oh well

it happens, made me laugh too

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

The postman brought me two Camp Chickenbuck hats.They look great!Thanks Muffy.I'll try to get a picture.

Stan in SC

chickenbuck hats in South Carolina, who would have ever thunk it??

I have been trying to get some to MO also, but I can't find Wabo. Wabo where are you!!

Muffy, my hat arrived today also. Like Stan said, it looks great.

when is the next order going in?
I think a hoodie is in order for this guy

I can place one anytime. There is no minimum.

Dang! do I look good.

In my Chickenbuck hat that is.

Thanks Muffy. I got her.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

when is the next order going in?
I think a hoodie is in order for this guy

Heck, let us know when you're going to order again,

a hoodie sounds good to me too.

Just found out that I'm going to a Twins game at the new Target Field on April 16th. I can't wait, I've never been to a Twins game before.

That's cool, I've never been before either.

A quick update for the chickenbuckers that have been camping with us before and for those that have had the pleasure of paddling and portaging the 17 foot 1972 aluminum smokercraft canoe. Otherwise known as "the horrible thing that somehow floats"

I sold it!! It's gone!!

We went to the cabin on Easter Sunday to get it because we put it in a local shopper paper (which came out on sunday) and we got a call on it right away.

[Linked Image]

There it goes.

Now we have to replace it.

I'm considering a grumman 17' standard that I found used.

What i really want is a 17' canoe by Souris river canoes called a quetico 17. They offer in different material layups and colors, I like the kevlar in this "le tigre" patern. it weighs about 45 pounds.

Man that would be nice!! They are so nice too, very nice looking, quiet.. and expensive

Sweet!

I like the Twins. Going to a baseball game live is very cool. Nothing like it is on TV. Much, much better experience live.

What's a used one go for Dave?

I can't remember what my BIL bought, he got it last year. All I know is, it's Kevlar, and one of the nicest, lightest canoe's I've ever seen. He paid $1800 used.

I guess our seats are pretty good too. Not nose bleed. I will have to take some pictures.

Just got a call on a job. I have an interview on April 14th. Keep your fingers crossed for me kids.

good luck buddy!

good luck man! I'll be waiting for that reference call...

I'll tock yew up reely good fer shoor yew betcha!

I won't even tell them about how you shot at that deer, missed it clean & hit that tree instead.

Thanks guys.

Dave, That was a good shot. That tree was only about 3" in dia.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just got a call on a job. I have an interview on April 14th. Keep your fingers crossed for me kids.

Good luck on the job Tom! Hope its a good one since your treating us all to a Vikings game this fall...

I'll buy the tickets, but the 1 night stay and food bill will be astronomical.

Happy B-day Grizzly Bill!

Originally Posted by Muffy

I guess our seats are pretty good too. Not nose bleed. I will have to take some pictures.

Muffy -
We used to go to Twins games for Peewee, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Tzone is right. The games live in person are nothing like watching them on TV.

I've even been to one or two in the old Met and said Hi to Rod Carew. But we were just kids and it was more fun to run to the top of the parking ramp and spit mountain dew on the security officers below than it was to watch the game. Had to haul some serious tail back to our seats after that one!! Those donut eaters are fast when they want to be!

I didn't much care for baseball in the metrodump but its ironic that you posted about going to a game soon. I was thinking to myself on the way to work this morning that I need to go on line today and see about getting some tickets for a game at Target Field. Funny how that stadium has created a stir of excitement for Twins Baseball like we haven't seen since '87 and '91.

Now we just need to get the Vikes a stadium we can be excited about...

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll buy the tickets, but the 1 night stay and food bill will be astronomical.

Its not the food I'm worried about!

Its your birthday Bill??

Well Happy Birthday to you sir!

Originally Posted by tzone

Just got a call on a job. I have an interview on April 14th. Keep your fingers crossed for me kids.

Tom, that's excellent news.

Paul.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

But we were just kids and it was more fun to run to the top of the parking ramp and spit mountain dew on the security officers below than it was to watch the game. Had to haul some serious tail back to our seats after that one!! Those donut eaters are fast when they want to be!

Is it just me, or does this still sound fun?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll buy the tickets, but the 1 night stay and food bill will be astronomical.

Its not the food I'm worried about!

can anyone say Naked Hot tub time.

Thanks Guys!

I saw all the old NL teams play the Milwaukee Braves in Milwaukee County Stadium, including the Brooklyn Dodgers (Roy Campanilla, Duke Snyder, Karl Furillo, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson et al.) and New York Giants (Willie Mays). Dates me a bit.

Tom, best of luck with the interview.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, best of luck with the interview.

Thanks Bill.

What company Tzoned? Maybe I know someone over there and can warn them.

Iowa must really be sucking and Canada must really blow cuz it is sure windy here today.

Was gonna go crappie fishing, guess it was a good day not to go.

(Not a) Vermin Update: Saw a rooster yesterday walk by my yard. Ohh, this country life is gooooood.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

But we were just kids and it was more fun to run to the top of the parking ramp and spit mountain dew on the security officers below than it was to watch the game. Had to haul some serious tail back to our seats after that one!! Those donut eaters are fast when they want to be!

Is it just me, or does this still sound fun?

I won't tell Jeremy, his dad or uncle. Who knows what ideas they would come up with.

Good luck with the interview Tom.

Happy Birthday Bill!!

The palm sized supersoakers work good for that also...

just sayin'.

Happy Birthday,Bill.
Tom,we will all be rooting for you.
I went turkey hunting this afternoon.Saw nada but heard some.Oh well,just sitting in my chair blind out in the woods is relaxing.

Stan in SC

Stan, thanks for the well wishes.

I didn't know you were a turkey hunter Stan. I took my daughter to comformation class tonight and there was a danged ol Tom strutting in the ditch for his lady. Right in the ditch...

had about a 8" beard, kinda whippy, but it would have worked for me.

How long is your season?

Tom,Here in the upstate of South Carolina it runs from April 1 to May 1.I like getting out this time of year because everything is so pretty and "greening up".You would not believe the comfort of a chair blind.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan and Muffy.

Had a hen cross the road in front of me yesterday. I haven't seen all that many turkeys in the fields this year.

Woke up to a light covering of snow on the ground this morning.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

You would not believe the comfort of a chair blind.

Stan in SC

Yes, I would. I've napped in a few myself.

I have two blinds. A "double" chair blind, so I can sit with the kids, and a regular pop up blind, I think it's called a "Tom Taker". Nice blind. I've shot a bird from the chair blind, but not the other.

I don't use them much unless I have a kid with me or it's raining out. Even with the rain, I like sitting out.

Your right Stan, it is beautiful when everything starts to "green up". There are a lot of Sugar Maples where I hunt and the leaves are red when they first come out.

I love turkey hunting, can't get enough of it.

had a dusting at best here Bill. None in the roads.

we had frost this morning,
I'm thinking about going fishing tonight, although I have a big project due tomorrow so I probably shouldn't. although it is a presentation, hmm I probably don't need to worry too much about trying to make it last 15 minutes. I've been told I can be talkative.

You should have no problem with that Ryan.

I put the new seats in the golf cart lastnight. I just picked up 2 boat seats at L&M Fleet. They were on sale for $20. They fit just perfect.

[Linked Image]

yeah, but we heard ya can't last 15 minutes.

Hey, that's looking good.

Good Luck out there Tom!! The cart is coming out nicely Muffy? The seats are looking good too. cheap. Now, a nice set of spinners for those back wheels and good to go.

I just found out they called 10 people back where I worked. One step closer to going back. It should be interesting if I do get to go back. There are lots of people who are not very happy with me for going back to work that one day. I guess I will find out who my true friends are. Kinda scary, some can get pretty mean. Oh well, them are the ones who are not worth talking to in the first place.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I just found out they called 10 people back where I worked. One step closer to going back. It should be interesting if I do get to go back. There are lots of people who are not very happy with me for going back to work that one day. I guess I will find out who my true friends are. Kinda scary, some can get pretty mean. Oh well, them are the ones who are not worth talking to in the first place.

Friggin Unions!

You got the right attitude Muffy.

So, who starts a thread, lets it get up to 337,489 views and then disappears?

I aint disappearded.

last I heard, he was out looking for a baby moose.

Moose or mousse? I am thinking he needs the hair tonic.

Happy Bday a day late Bill.

Tzone, conformation class? She doesnt conform, so there is a class for that? How on earth do they teach that?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, conformation class? She doesnt conform, so there is a class for that? How on earth do they teach that?

Taught to girls by women. No boys allowed. That's how they keep us in the dark all out lives.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, conformation class? She doesnt conform, so there is a class for that? How on earth do they teach that?

Taught to girls by women. No boys allowed. That's how they keep our lives so dark.

fixed it for ya

Thanks Dave.

18 degrees here this morning.

your welcome. should be 28-29 tomorrow morning. Cause that's what we had here today

no frost here today! lookin nice! I'm taking the little man catfishing tomorrow, hoping for another day like we had yesterday!

Heading to Portland Saturday to spoil our grandson for a couple of weeks. He gets his new puppy today so it should be a great time.

Have fun fishing with your son Ryan.

Have fun in Portland Bill. What kind of puppy did he get? Have a safe trip.

German Short Hair, Muffy.

ahh the wiggler.

It's a beauty here today! I can't believe how nice this spring is shaping up! It's about time. We haven't had a nice spring in years it seems. I might even take my snowblower off my cub cadet this weekend!!

Put my blower away Wdenesday. Green Bay got 6 inches of snow yesterday. half inch here.

listen to the man rooster.... don't put that blower away. I'm gonna let the snowplow hang on old yeller till late june.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

your welcome. should be 28-29 tomorrow morning. Cause that's what we had here today

Nope, nice tomorrow. Fishing nice, turkey hunting in the morning nice. Selling tzone's house at the open house nice.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

German Short Hair, Muffy.

They named it Muffy?

quite the name.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

your welcome. should be 28-29 tomorrow morning. Cause that's what we had here today

Nope, nice tomorrow. Fishing nice, turkey hunting in the morning nice. Selling tzone's house at the open house nice.

Tom,

Wishing you plain ol' good luck, with all of the above.

Paul.

Thanks bud.

I don't know if I'll go turkey hunting or not, it is the youth hunt. I have to see if my daughter can go or not. She said she wants to, so even if she isn't "of age" we'll still go and see if we can get one to talk to us.

The last few weeks, she's shown a interest in shooting. We will do that this weekend.

The fishing won't be too much. I need to disappear while we have our open house, so that seemed like the right thing to do.

thanks Bill,
my presentation went great today, I think.
I even got to do an evaluation for myself, I gave myself an A

hope the teacher does the same

Tom, looks like it works out perfectly!

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

I now have two interviews next week. By the luck of the draw they are on the same day, 5 hours apart. That works out pretty well. Couldn't work any better unless they get in a bidding war for my services.

Tough competition over there. One of the positions has 200 applicants. Here a job like that would have 20. Quite the difference.

I'm not saying where they are until after I'm done though, don't want to jinx anything.

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers in my direction guys, looks like they're working so far.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

German Short Hair, Muffy.

They named it Muffy?

quite the name.

At least I put the coma in.

The last I heard the name was Storm or Stormy.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

thanks Bill,
my presentation went great today, I think.
I even got to do an evaluation for myself, I gave myself an A

hope the teacher does the same

Tom, looks like it works out perfectly!

I remember turning in a fresh english paper. Got it back with a 'C' for a grade and a bunch of comments, including one I couldn't read. I went and saw the professor. He looked at the paper for awhile, looked some more, than finally gave it back to me and said "Penmanship:

It would be nice to grade yourself. I would have graduated HS 5 years earlier that way.

Originally Posted by tzone

It would be nice to grade yourself. I would have graduated HS 5 years earlier that way.

I tried that with my philosophy prof. He once told our class that philosophy was nothing more than one persons opinion. So at the end of term I threw is statement back at him and told him that in my opinion I deserved an "A".

It appears that he had a double standard and my opinion didn't mean squat. Belive me, I didn't get an 'A'.

oooo... im mad at my parent they went to fargo with out me and to look at 4wheelers

Are they looking for one for you? I heard you wanted one. If they are you can't get too upset.

ya i agree

He aint mad no more.

not at his "parent" anyways

(I don't cut nobody no slack)

So did he get a 4 wheeler or what. Don't leave me hanging here..

How do you like the new Honda Nate.

Glad you're not mad at your "parent" anymore.

Are you spying on me Tom?

yes we picked up a little honda sportrax 250EX yesterday. It's got electric start, reverse, a manual 5 speed transmission with auto clutch, 4 stroke engine (nice & quiet), shaft drive solid axle rear wheel drive. Nice sporty little buggy & it only weighs 350 pounds.
It will replace his dirt bike (orange KTM) which is supposed to be selling today. It will be close to an even trade money wise.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Are you spying on me Tom?

Wow...totally nailed that.

No spying, just knew you couldn't resist coming over to the dark side.

Hell, I don't know a damn thing, I didn't know you were getting wheeler until was mad at his parent.

Those little EX's are fun. You can whip them around in a lot of spots. If they had a rack system, I'd get one of those over a utility model. They ride a lot better, and are plain more fun.

I was gonna say, you need a rack to put some traps on
nice lookin rig there Nate!
any plans to camo it?

me and little man aren't able to go fishing today, he woke up at 4am with a fever, so although he's doing better, I think we'll wait and see how tomorrow goes.
today its stay in, take it easy time

Nice wheeler Nathan.

Busy day, took the sterio out of the dump truck to put in the golf cart. Painted the wood sides of the truck. We have someone coming to look at it this afternoon. Hopefully we can sell it. If we do Jeremy is going to use the money to spray foam the new shop. Then maybe this summer we can get it done. Who knows, if we sell our house we may just be living in it for a while.

selling the house??

G-damn wind is really blowing today!!

We are just going to try and sell it on our own first. We would like to get it sold before we start building.

Just got done dethatching the yard. Jeremy is sucking up all the leaves since we didn't do it last fall. Yucky dirty.

I didn't get to go fishing today either. It was windy as heck, and I was tired and crabby to boot.

Not sure how the open house went, we haven't heard for the Realtor yet, so I'm guessing not the best.

Sorry to hear about the little guy.

I hope he's feeling better.

We dang near bought a car today, still might. Mama needs to figure out if she wants to be cheap or not.

today is a new day, and if things warm up a little and he wind stays down, who knows. everything might happen today

never hurts to be optimistic!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

listen to the man rooster.... don't put that blower away. I'm gonna let the snowplow hang on old yeller till late june.

To late. I put it away yesterday. I didn't put the shovels away though because if the blower is put away it means its going to snow. Today I will wash my truck so it will rain. I have new tree's that need some ogwa.

Hey Colorado, where do you fish around Crookston? I live by Hawley where there is lots of lakes within 20 minutes but I didn't think there was much for fishin lakes up that way.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

oooo... im mad at my parent they went to fargo with out me and to look at 4wheelers

oooo....im mad too! Your "parent" went to fargo without you to look at wheelers and didn't even stop in and say hi!

Just yesterday, we had a BBQ and had a bunch of friends over and I was thinking that it would be fun if the Shawsuzuz didn't live so far away and could join us.

At least you got a really nice 4 wheeler out of the deal Nate!

rooster, what part of MN are you in? and I totally know where you're coming from, they musta drove right by my place! although in their shoes I wouldn't have wanted to lengthen the trip any more either.

and as a heads up to those who want bunkbeds, I talked to the school the other day, they said they might be having a bunch come available, so I told them I would take them all. I might even be able to get them for free if we carry them out of the buildings ourselves

plus they wouldn't be left outside to be rained on like last time. there estimates were 10-40 beds/mattresses and I already spoke up for all of them. of course camp chickenbuck will have pick of them first, leftovers will be up for grabs. I'll let you know more when I do. nothing is for sure yet, but the folks there said it was likely.

that is awesome dude!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

rooster, what part of MN are you in?

Hawley is smack dab in the middle of Moorhead and Detroit Lakes. I live in the country south west of town. About 20 minutes from Big Cormorant/Pelican area.

oh I know the area really well! I grew up there! PM sent

Just got done cleaning. Now it is time for burgers on the grill with tater salad, beans, and chips. It is beautiful out today, like summer.

like summer, only different

It's cooling off up here now.

Our "consider it sold" dirt bike buyer was a no show.

Nice.

Missy, any chance we could get some chickenbuck bottle coozies made? just out of curiosity, magnets in them would be awesome!

I will check on the magnetic coozies. Jeremy can't even get anymore Mobil ones. I will see what I can do. If I can't get the magnetic ones I will try and find something else.

Busy day, we cut down 5 iron wood trees to make room for maples. Jeremy cleared the property line so we can have this guy come and put 10 foot pine trees in. He charges $100 an hour and where we are getting the trees is only about 1.5 miles from our house. So the cost won't be that much.

I was working on the SE side of the new shop. We are putting these bricks made of recycled tires on three sides of the shop. They are really nice. They are easy to put down and when they get wet they are not slippery. I will post pics. They are made by one of Jeremy's customers in Staples.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Our "consider it sold" dirt bike buyer was a no show.

Nice.

Sounds like craigslist.

We had a good weekend. Busy. Saturday am we cleaned for our open house that no one showed to. Then we went car shopping for ma, and we dang near bought two cars.

We still might buy at one. We'll see what happens at my job interviews this week.

I made the mistake of sitting in a 2010 Mustang GT. OOOPS! Now I have a savings account that I make payments to. I will have one!

After talking to the dealer though, I'm going to wait and try to get a 2011. Bigger motor, bigger power.

= bigger burnouts.

Yesterday me and the kiddos goofed off. Betsy went to TN for work for the week.

Yeah, big mistake sitting in the Mustang. They are nice! What other cars were you looking at?

Don't get into too much mischief while the wife is gone.

SWWWEEEETTTT Jesus!! a 2011 would be nice Tom. We just about bought a 2010 last fall before i got a truck that had an eleanor package on it. awesome looking car. Wife still wants a mustang, i told her we'd get it for my daughter when she turns 16, only 11.5 now. get it now and give it to her when she's old enough....always thinking!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Don't get into too much mischief while the wife is gone.

2009 Lincoln MKZ.

The 2011 gives me a chubbie... It will be bumped up to a 5.0 w/ 412 HP and 6sp tranny.

The best part is, mama don't drive a manual trans.

and it suppose to get 30mph. We looked at the mkz when we bought our expedition EL. be hard for me to go small when we got the 3 rugrats and lab that need to go with us all the time.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

and it suppose to get 30mph.

It won't when I'm driving.

Greetings from rainy Portland. Sounds like Nathen has a new toy.

Between the grandson and the new puppy we're keeping busy.

TZONE

She is gonna burn up down here.

Heck she will likely bring some big ol coat with her and we are wearing shorts and Ts.

Where is she working in TN?

I'm feeling a bit left out here on the thread. Everyone else received their Chickenbuck apparel and I haven't received my beloved sweatshirt yet.

I do recall and I quote "I'll even drive your sweatshirt up to you personally". Then I read a few pages back that it would be mailed which isn't as good as a personal visit but I'll take it anyways. Boy the Pony Express must have to stop ever few miles to feed and water them horses since I think it was mailed over a week ago...

Hey Bill...Happy Belated Birthday!!! Hope you enjoyed YOUR day. I just love my birthday and always will. Birthdays are the best day ever, if you ask me. Sorry for the late wishes.

I think the rain slowed them down

Maybe it was poached?

Originally Posted by LouisB

TZONE

She is gonna burn up down here.

Heck she will likely bring some big ol coat with her and we are wearing shorts and Ts.

Where is she working in TN?

Naw...she won't burn up man. She goes there once a month. She knows how to roll.

She said it was 82 yesterday which is right up her alley.

She is in Memphis, or dang close to it. She manages a manufacturing plant down there.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Hey Bill...Happy Belated Birthday!!! Hope you enjoyed YOUR day. I just love my birthday and always will. Birthdays are the best day ever, if you ask me. Sorry for the late wishes.

Thanks Pam; I had a great birthday. Forgot to mention that my granddaughter(Age 12) shot her first turkey Saturday.

It weighed 22# and had a 10 inch beard.

22# is one heckova bird in WI. Congrats to the girl.

boy, this is funny. Because of the end of the house construction, money has been pretty tight. So I didnt order any Chickenbuck apparel. But then I get this really cool sweatshirt in the mail! It is a little small

, but really neat. The note said something about "Thanks" and "Pam"

. Hmmm. Oh, I get it! Pam, you really shouldnt have!

Thank you so much. I must be your favorite on the 'fire for you to buy me such a swell present.

and it wasnt even MY birthday! I cant wait until my birthday to see what I get! ND, you sure got a good'un!

Oh no, Pam I guess I have to order you another sweatshirt. But really, it is in the mail today. Sorry for the long wait. My plan was to make it up there this weekend with your sweatshirt and some of them theatre seats. But with us going to the Twins game on Friday it kinda put a damper on that.

If anyone is wondering what the theatre seats are all about. Jeremy's uncle bought a bar and in the basement there are a bunch of movie theatre seats. We are going to put them around the campfire at Chickenbuck. That way I shouldn't have to worry about the firewood getting in my way.

Dave just let me know if you would be interested in ane of those booths too. If you do maybe measure to see if it would fit.

That sounds like the ice fishing story to me...

sure I'd love to come up and see you. When are you coming?

Wish me luck kids....I'm leaving here at 4:30 am for 2 interviews tomorrow.

No computer at home right now, so I'll let ya'll know how they went when I get back. I'm looking at a few houses when I'm done, so I won't be back until pretty late.

Later dudes.

G-luck.

Remember, pinky out!!

Mike Honcho.

Good luck Tom. I'll try to remember to give you a call and see how it went. I just have to remember nthere's a 2 hour time difference right now.

Tom,

Wishing you all the best, man.

Paul.

Wishing you the best of luck Tom. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Decided to start a new project yesterday. I got about 4 boxes of license plates that I was going to make purses out of but baby moons are expensive for what I would get out of it. So this is what I started.

[Linked Image]

Gives me something to do.

Those are awesome!! I don't get the baby moon comment though. You need some baby moons for the golf cart?

I was going to make purses out of rounded license plates and the ends are baby moons. I would use the ones from the golf cart but they are too big. I would need the ones that are 6" wide

hmm.. I suppose I might have some actual factory moonish caps around my place, probably a pair of ford ones

And probably some old plates to go with them but it'd have to be for a purse you was gonna keep

Because I know how much your dad would love seeing you tote that ford hub cap purse around

I need 6" across baby moons for these purses. I ordered this purse but they would be so easy to make. If I could find a good deal on the baby moons.

[Linked Image]

OMG, that would be so cool! Yeah I'm sure dad would have something to say.

Although (I shouldn't even tell you this) he did tell me that he liked the Ford Sport Track that I had. I actually wish I still had it. It was a pretty cool rig.

E-mail sent with a baby moon internet link.

I actually might have a set that say chevrolet too. I'll have a look see.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Decided to start a new project yesterday. I got about 4 boxes of license plates that I was going to make purses out of but baby moons are expensive for what I would get out of it. So this is what I started.

[Linked Image]

Gives me something to do.

That is an awesome idea! Bird flies in, sharpened and honed edges around the hole shave the feathers and wings off, grab handle to set it on the fire and PRESTO you got a meal!

Now we just need to find some REALLY big license plates that can shave the hide off a timber goat!

Pretty cool project Muffy. Back in the day Moon Caps were the in thing.

Just heard from my SIL. He shot his turkey today around noon.
He didn't think it went 20 pounds, but it has a 12 inch beard and 1 1/2 inch spurs.

Cool!!

Well I did some long past due work on browny the 77 F150 tonight.

It's really needed a carb kit for the 5 or more years that I've owned it and I finally decided to do it. Also over the weekend I was timing the truck & I found myself under the front of the truck looking for the timing marks on the harmonic balancer.

While I was under the truck I noticed the fuel pump was leaking (oh joy)

So, tonight I put a new fuel pump in rebuilt the carb.

I have it all together now & wow, what a nice runner, just super smooth & perfect. I'm pretty happy with it & so is weezy since she's the one that drives it.

I have a whole new level of interest in my old brown pickup

Wow what a day. Cleaned MNP's house for 3 hours, worked with Jeremy's mom cleaning flowerbeds for 4 hours. Then when I was done with that I went to clean our buddies laundry mat for 2 hours. Then we had to have some beers afterwards. Wasn't that much work, it was just the running from here to there.

So how did it go Tom. We all want to know.

I sent him a txt last night asking the same question. No answer yet, I sure hope it went well.

Miss, I can't find any small baby moon style caps around here I looked last night. I guess all I have is some 54 chev dog dish style center caps.

Sorry Bman, but I GOT MY SWEATSHIRT yesterday!!! I was a kid in a candy store with it too. Put it on immediately and wore it all night. Its a tad on the big side but maybe after a washing it will probably fit ND really well. I like big sweatshirts so however it ends up is just fine with me. I may have to order another one...

Tzone, you'd better hop on the camp soon and fill us all in on how it went yesterday. We are waiting!!

Tzone, whats the good word man? Hope all is well, and everything went great!

Hey guys.

I think it went OK, The first interview was cool. It is a HUGE testing lab for all sorts of different stuff. The area I would work in is the construction lab. They didn't ask many questions, but they gave me a tour of the lab, so I took that as a good sign.

The second interview went well in the interview part, but I had to take a "skills test". You just never know how that stuff goes. I think I did OK. It was more of a test to see what you would do in certain situations. I think they wanted to see what you'd do more than the actual answer.

I"m starting to see why it is hard to get a job there. Litteraly 100's of applicants for an open position. Makes it tough competition right now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I sent him a txt last night asking the same question. No answer yet, I sure hope it went well.

Miss, I can't find any small baby moon style caps around here I looked last night. I guess all I have is some 54 chev dog dish style center caps.

Sorry I missed you txt last night man. What time was that? I was whipped anyway. Left the house at 430am and didn't get back until 930pm. Long day.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Pretty cool project Muffy. Back in the day Moon Caps were the in thing.

Just heard from my SIL. He shot his turkey today around noon.
He didn't think it went 20 pounds, but it has a 12 inch beard and 1 1/2 inch spurs.

Here is what I did with the kids last weekend...We couldn't shoot em though, no tag.

Princess working her mojo on the turkeys
[Linked Image]

"the dance" she calls it
[Linked Image]

Mr. Tom working his Mojo back at her.
[Linked Image]

Dang nice pics, I do have a issue with them thunder chickens, nothing like going on a bow deer hunt and get all set up when one of them lets loose right above ya.

My best bird was right after I got back from the first sandbox go around, 22.5 lb 13 1/4" beard and 1 3/8" spurs, had it all mounted up nice til my boys took it apart when they were young.

Dang that's huge. My heaviest was last year, it was just under #22 lbs. It had a 9 1/2" beard and 1" spurs.

My first bird had longer spurs and a 10 1/2" beard, but was 20#.

My one and only turkey was 20#, 8 inch beard and 1 1/4" spurs. It would have weighed 25# but lost the extra weight from being chased up and down some hills by a madman with a club.

The orange dirt bike is gone! Sold it just now.

Did he wear out that EX yet?

He practically lives on that thing. He's in love I tell ya, and he washes it every time when he's done riding it!

I think he likes it because it's one step closer to a car or truck with it's 4 wheels, electric start and reverse

I'm wearing the chickenbuck sweatshirt at work today, we'll see if I get any questions about the logo on my shirt today

oh I bet he does!

oh gosh, I feel pretty crappy right now. I came across an items wanted listing on craigslist for a victory vegas motorcycle.

I replied to his ad explaining that I had one, miles, condition, price etc...

I think I'm going to puke now.

Betsy thinks that logo is goofy, Jack thinks its funny. I might have to get one for him.

Hope it is not what he is looking for. Or he already got one.

is jeremy looking for a bike?

Actually before he bought his Honda he was looking at a Victory Vegas. I will talk to him. Maybe if he had a buyer for his he would. His plan was not to buy anything till the house is paid off this summer, but who knows. Email me the info and I will put a bug in his ear about it.

Heading to the Cities for the game around noon. I'm wearing my Chickenbuck windshirt to the game. Our seats are between home and 3rd, 18 rows up. Maybe I will be on tv.

You HAVE to get a picture of the Chickenbuck Logo at Target Field. That would be cool.

I will be watching for ya! What color is the sweatshirt? The TV wont give me much time to look, I need to home in quickly!

It is an olive green color. I might not wear it too long if I can get Jeremy to buy me a Twins jersey.

Originally Posted by Muffy

It is an olive green color. I might not wear it too long if I can get Jeremy to buy me a Twins jersey.

Holy crap...buy one before you get there. They are about twice the price at the game.

I know but they are kinda limited in DL. Maybe we can find one along the way.

I sent an email out to you muffy.

Got it, I will work on him. Heading to the Cities now. WOO HOO!!!

The woman called...we have a house showing in 2 hrs. I have to scram from this joint so I can go home and clean.

Later dudes.

have a good weekend

Spent 6 hours on the Columbia River today. Four men, 5 salmon caught. Two had to be released because they were native fish. Only hatchery fish (Have a clipped fin) can be kept in the spring. Pretty tough releasing 12 - 15 pound salmon. Guess who had to release his fish?

Do you have pics Bill?

House showing went well, we drove by about a 1/2 hour after they were supposed to be gone and they were still here. That is a good sign to me.

There must have been a little guy too. Jack's 4 wheeler was ridden, and someone hid the coasters for the glasses. We found two, but can't find the rest. I think it's funny, mama, not so much.

I put the coasters in the toaster and I didn't do no wheelies on the wheeler.

I actually think it's funny. It's driving Betsy nuts, which makes it even funnier.

I mean they're coaster. I don't know if it was because we got them for our wedding or what, they couldn't have been more than a few bucks.

I'm laughing at her right now, she's telling the Realtor as I write this.

We just heard from the realtor. The people that looked at our house, really liked it. They said they think this is the house for them, but have several others to see today. Our realtor is supposed to call them immediately if we get any offers today while they are out looking.

We have another showing tomorrow with someone else. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

I hope you guys have a good weekend. We're going to play outside today. Lots of stuff to out there. It is windy today, windier than I've seen it here in a long time.

We're supposed to pick up the in-laws at the airport later this afternoon, but if the wind stays like this I'll be surprised if they come in. If they do...it's going to be a heck of a ride.

Here are some pics from the game lastnight.

[Linked Image]

We had really good seats.
[Linked Image]

Here is me, Jeremy and his dad. (Chickenbuck at Target Field)
[Linked Image]

You did have good seats. How was it? I love watching baseball live, so much better that way. That shot from your seats is pretty cool.

and the big question is ... did you get a Twins jersey?

did they win?
I don't pay much attention to baseball since the 90's when they were all whining they weren't being paid enough. soured it for me

Twins have been kicking some tail this year. A sweep over the red sox is a pretty good way to open Target Field.

I know what you mean Ryan. These pro athletes that are making millions for playing a game and expect even more drives me nuts! Not all are like that though. Some actually do amazing things for communities and kids that we never even hear about.

Muffy - Judging by your pic, it doesn't look like there is a bad seat in the house?

Yesterday Special K and I attacked our yard. Sugarbuzz (our 12 year old son. Appropriatley named if you have ever seen him after a can of Mountain Dew)de-thatched the yard on thursday and friday after school. Yesterday I swept up all the loose grass and leaves with the yard sweeper while wife planted flowers and did some painting. Anybody need compost? I bet I have 2 tons of it!

We also burned off a lot of dead grass and leaves between the tree rows. It's amazing how one solid day of hard work can transform your property from yucky winter mess to looking nice for summer.

Hey T - Any bites on the house? Did you do the morale thing and tell those people that like your house that you have 5 other offers already???

No I didn't get a jersey but Jeremy bought me a Twins windbreaker. We also had to get Dozer a Twins collar.

The seats were great! They interviewed the people who sat in the highest nosebleed seats and they said they were good. Spend a butt load on beer, not to hard when they are $7 each.

Ryan they did win, 10 to 3. There were a few foul balls that landed about 20 feet from us. I would love to go back. Tom you were right, it is much better in person. I didn't have to be sober driver, uncle Marv said I could drink because I had never been to one before. He gets to go quite often with his son who has the season tickets.

Tom, glad to hear you have a bite on the house, although Betsy may have to jack up the price to cover the coasters.

I've got pictures of the fish, but can't download anything until I get back.

Muffy, I think you should seriously get that pic from your seats blown up. That is an awesome shot. If you don't want to send it to me and I'll do it. I really like it for some reason.

Glad you had fun.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey T - Any bites on the house? Did you do the morale thing and tell those people that like your house that you have 5 other offers already???

We must have a house that others like. We've had two families through it and two offers. We told the first one's we're going to accept.

We're going to get the papers signed tomorrow. Betsy is headed to the Cities on Wed. for work. She's going to check out the house I really want, and one other.

Then we're going back this weekend to check out some comparisons.

It's getting exciting now.

Wow that's great news Tom! sounds like things are working out just fine!

that's awesome news Tom, I bet it is exciting!
and you'll be back in MN, so that alone must have you pumped

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

that's awesome news Tom, I bet it is exciting!
and you'll be back in MN, so that alone must have you pumped

Well, it's Minneapolis, so not really MN.

The houses we like are pretty far north as far as the Cities are concerned. Blaine, Ham Lake, Andover. 20 minutes from the north end of the zoo City.

They headed in that direction.

Now the craziness starts. We're going to try to get a house this weekend, or by the 30th of April if we can, then we get the tax credit. That will help a lot.

We were a little surprised by this part, I wasn't really thinking the tax credit deal would even be an option.

That is great news Tom. Now hope you hear about a job. That would be great.

Sounds like a fun time at the game. I didnt get a chance to look for ya as I forgot that Lauren had her skating show. I brought her and when I walked in the locker room with all the other kids and parents, there was Brock Lesnar. he is kinda a big dude.

. Didnt talk to him at all, he was just being a dad and I can imagine one would get sick of people coming up to you and asking for your autograph or picture. Sidenote: I cant think of one person whose autograph or picture I would want unless I could sell it for money. People were pretty respectful, I only seen 1 person do it all evening. I thought about throwing a $20 bill down and challenging him to an arm wrestling contest, but then thought better of it. I didnt want to embarass him.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I thought about throwing a $20 bill down and challenging him to an arm wrestling contest, but then thought better of it. I didnt want to embarass him.

He'd spray you down with Scent Killer then rip your arm off.

He is one high energy dude.

Something you might like BM, I've been seeing a lot of pheasants around here. No game farms close either, I'm pretty sure these are native birds. My FIL has seen one about 3 days a week on his walks.

I've seen 2 roosters and 3 hens. The roosters have been several miles apart, so I'd be surprised if they're the same bird. Pretty neat. There is no season on them in this area, so they can expand the pop. a bit.

Realtor called. People that put an offer on our house are now startig to think they offered too much.

WOW.
as long as all they do is think it, thats ok.
if it were me and the people tried to reneg on the deal, I wouldn't want to deal with anyone who wouldn't honor the first offer just because they got cold feet.

just my .02 though

There won't be any "re-offer".... well, there won't be any accepted one. I don't have time or energy for games.

If we didn't have a re-location company, it would be a lot different, because I would just keep the earnest money. But since we have a re location company, the relo comp. is the one that signs the offer. Is a bit screwy and confusing.

I hate selling a house. Buying is fun and exciting.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I thought about throwing a $20 bill down and challenging him to an arm wrestling contest, but then thought better of it. I didnt want to embarass him.

He'd spray you down with Scent Killer then rip your arm off.

He is one high energy dude.

Something you might like BM, I've been seeing a lot of pheasants around here. No game farms close either, I'm pretty sure these are native birds. My FIL has seen one about 3 days a week on his walks.

I've seen 2 roosters and 3 hens. The roosters have been several miles apart, so I'd be surprised if they're the same bird. Pretty neat. There is no season on them in this area, so they can expand the pop. a bit.

Speaking of pheasants. We have quite a few around my place. On the way to work in the morning, this time of year, its not uncommon to see 10 - 20 Roosters and multiple hens in one 10 mile stretch of my drive. I have CRP on three sides of my property and the Roosters cluck like crazy every spring. Drives my lab nuts!

They make a pretty distinct cackle.

Realtor called and said we should have everything figured out later today.

Been a long time since I chased ditch parrots. May head down towards Fergus Falls this fall to chase some as a client down that way says he can get us on them.

Grilled pheasant wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushroom caps with some light apple wine...mmmm.

big drift,
i like the bacon wrapped roody too, but I put in a dab of cream cheese and a jalapeno pepper slice. MMMMMMmmmm.

Now your talking;)

Hows the mustang coming ND. We must need an update soon!

bare metal.

[Linked Image]

Throw some clear on her...and you have Delorian.

Boy you have some pretty good ideas Tom.

Well, the doors really don't open the same way as a delorian.... and it doesn't have a flux capicitor...

Did you spell capacitor right...?

I don't know..I'm just askin....

Ingwe

I like your way better.

I'm just sayin.

God I'm feeling old, with the tiredness, soreness etc.

Welcome to my world...

But really, feeling old and sore because you were working on your daughters car together is better than feeling old and sore cause you were up all night wondering where she was...you're a good man ND...stick to it, you'll be glad you did..

Ingwe

thanks.

I'm goin to bed now

Northern Dave For President 2012. OR someone with same values, and willingnes to do real work, who has callouses (sp) on both of their hands (not just one hand like those dudes over on the sniper rifle thread)

Originally Posted by Muffy

Boy you have some pretty good ideas Tom.

It just takes great minds like ours to understand that Muffy.

sorry couldn't help not tossing in a smartazz comment

Bubbajay from Minnysote. This is some spring we're having hey? I just can't believe it, one for the record books for sure!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Northern Dave For President 2012. OR someone with same values, and willingnes to do real work, who has callouses (sp) on both of their hands (not just one hand like those dudes over on the sniper rifle thread)

That was mean bubbajay.....

But I'd vote for ND!!!

Ingwe

Originally Posted by bubbajay

OR someone with same values, and willingnes to do real work, who has callouses (sp) on both of their hands (not just one hand like those dudes over on the sniper rifle thread)

OK... that right ther is good stuff.

Dave for prez!! Cars looking good Dave! maybe add some White cobra stripes down the middle with that sonic color you got. really make it jump! lokking good though. Any Good news Tom?

No good news on the jobs buschy, City of Roseville said no, but we sold our house.

Going to look this weekend to see if we can move on something.

Congrats on the sale of the house, that's one big step out of the way.

Super on the house. I've noticed alot of houses being sold around this area lately too. seems like the market may be coming around some. I would like to put mine on almost but no room for all the stuff in my sheds. The wife is down in Roseville this week at meetings, i think i should buy a new gps for the boat as long as she's down there!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Congrats on the sale of the house, that's one big step out of the way.

Thanks. That was my biggest worry really. Now we need to wait for the inspection. Should go pretty smooth, the house is only 6 yrs old. All the stuff I did to it I had permits for, so it was inspected.

First people that came through bought it. Good offer too, 5K less than we were asking. We didn't even counter. We didn't think it would happen that fast, but now if we can get an offer accepted by April 30 we can get a tax credit on our new one too.

Originally Posted by buschmiester

Super on the house. I've noticed alot of houses being sold around this area lately too. seems like the market may be coming around some. I would like to put mine on almost but no room for all the stuff in my sheds. The wife is down in Roseville this week at meetings, i think i should buy a new gps for the boat as long as she's down there!

Now is the best time. Get it installed quick too, then it's just there when you take the boat out.

Not that I would do anything like that... No honey, I don't know why we got a title in the mail for a truck you didn't know we have.

Congrats Tom.

Yes, good news on the house Tom..tough market right now, so thats a biggie....you are on your way!!

Ingwe

Moving on up from Leinie Land to the Great State of Grain Belt.

Hey Rooster, I'm going to try to get to the auction tomorrow. If I do, I will drop your hat and beanie with Special K.

Sorry it is so late. It has been so crazy around here lately. I was looking forward to the cold one, maybe I will make it over someday.

Congrats on the sale of your house Tom.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Moving on up from Leinie Land to the Great State of Grain Belt.

I'll be bringing some Leinnie's with me...'tis dang good beer. I lived in the Grain Belt for 22 years and never had one. I had to move to cheeseland to have that.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Yes, good news on the house Tom..tough market right now, so thats a biggie....you are on your way!!

Ingwe

Thanks guys, including MrsND and Muffy.

Ingwe, homes are moving in our area. Maybe this area is on the up and up. Our house is also priced in a good price range too so that helps. I am surprised at the speed it sold, there are probably 1500 houses for sale in our price range, in an area with a small population. Our town is 5K, but the surrounding area is about 40K total. Pretty small.

The bigggest challange is convincing my wife I'm NOT living in a house with a tiny lot or a lot where I can't build a garage.

These places don't let you keep your stuff outside, well then I need a shop. To say it's causing a bit of tension would be a safe bet.

I'm going to have to "redneck" up a neighborhood it looks like.

My house will be easy to find, it will be the one with the American flag in the yard and all the "burn out" marks in front of the house.

Congrats Tom! That is a good feeling isn't it?

Hey Muffy! No problem and thanks. I wasn't worried. Wish I could have made the auction.

Congrats on the sale of the house Tom. We just got word that our nephew and his wife sold their house over in the Green Bay area this past week. It was on the market for just under a month.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Congrats on the sale of the house Tom. We just got word that our nephew and his wife sold their house over in the Green Bay area this past week. It was on the market for just under a month.

Ours was 16 days or something.

People are moving on them for sure. Maybe the tax credit has something to do with it. 8K is a big chunk of change.

Wow! haven't been on here for a couple months. Had almost 90 pages to read. Sounds like everyone is having a good Spring. Me too! Headed to the lake on the 26th. Staying till May 2nd. Here, fishy-fishy-fishy!! Eat the wiggly little worm like a good boy!

ND, that Mustang means trouble. You'll need a .45ACP with a double-stack mag to keep the boys at bay after Weezie starts toolin' 'round in that set of wheels. Lots'a Luck, dude!

Ron

Tom,congrats on selling the house.I got mine down to 2-1/2 years left to pay on it so Linda and I decided to take some savings and just pay it off.We put the paperwork in today to get the money and by the end of April we will have a free and clear house.I haven't been in that position since 1988 when we got married and I was living up in the north Georgia mountains in a small house which I built on 4 acres and it was all paid fer.It also adjoined a 10,000 wildlife management area.Great place.
Dave,the Mustang is looking good.
I wnet turkey hunting last week in my Camp Chickenbuck hat.
Stan in SC

ha! that's great a chickenbuck hat went hunting down south!!

well the lanterns will be lit and the stories will be told, the chickenbuck shanty will come alive tomorrow night!!!

Muffy & her feeeeyonsay are coming up for a visit, Muffy's hubby to be will be taking possession of one very cool orange victory vegas motorcycle. I know it will be a very good bike for him because I put the first 3500 miles on it myself.

It's gonna be a good weekend! Weezy goes to prom too... wow.

ok, change topic...

hey I made the craigslist score of the year today! Snagged me a 17' wenonah canoe for $250!! i still can't believe it!! Awesome!!

ok, dave's overwealmed, time for bed.

Can't wait to get to Chickenbuck tomorrow. Can't wait for my feeeeyonsay(of 7 years) to see it. We have only been dating for 12 years. He is so excited about the bike. He keeps looking at the pictures of it and showing everyone. It is the bike he was looking at before he bought his Honda. He bought his Honda thinking I would buy that then he could get his Victory. Well we didn't plan on my dad giving me the Sportster for my birthday last year. But he is tickled about the Victory.

Have a good weekend everyone!!

Dang ol Dave had to sell my bike.

. Well, at least you know it's not going far.

How did the turkey hunt go Stan? Any pics of you, a turkey, and a chickenbuck?

I took the kids shooting tonight. We took the .22 out and they had a blast. My daughter is now the shooter in the family. This is the little girl that was afraid to go turkey hunting because she thought they'd bite us. In the last two weeks, she's ASKED to go turkey hunting and shoot the "noisy" gun. She was working the bolt like a pro too. I was a proud papa.

Chickenbuck sounds fun.

I'll be spending all the money I don't have this weekend. We're going to look at 10 houses. Maybe we'll find one we can't live without on the first try and I won't have to see the rest.

Probably not.

Have a good weekend if I don't talk to you guys.

Tom

Tom,no luck on the turkeys.I have seen them in that area a lot but not that day.A hint for you in house hunting is to video cam each house.That way when you are at home discussing the difference in houses you can look at the camera and help remember features.Lots of luck in house hunting.

Stan in SC

Hey Tom, I have been out shooting with my daughter the last 2 nights as well, She has her last day of gun training at the range 2morrow. I would say she even out shot me. The old Savage single shot with open sights i was quite amazed how well she did. usually very timid. ChickenBuck is Open!! Super, i wonder if i can find a sitter for the kiddies tonight. Maybe not though. Heading out sturgeon fishing right after gun training tomorrow. Can't wait to get a monster.

you know the way out there! can't say we'll have a bonfire for sure as I'm pretty sure there is a burning ban on right now (I will check into that today) regardless of ban or no ban if it looks too dry we just won't do it.

but we'll have a good time out there anyways. There is no beer ban that I know of.

Good luck on the house hunt Tom.

The lawn gets it's first mowing of the season today.

Have a good weekend everybody.

I think you may have a campfire in a designated fire pit, but it is dry. That be a bad deal they start banning the beer, how'd a guy put the fire out? The wife's been gone all week, so not sure i'll get out tonight or not, with the kids at home. Been getting the yard work done this week though. Be a nice night out there though for sure!

Good luck with the house hunting Tom. It will be more fun now that your house has sold. Hope you can find the perfect one. Keep us posted on how it goes. Have a great weekend!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but we'll have a good time out there anyways. There is no beer ban that I know of.

Good lord...that would shut the place right down if there was.

Official Announcement: Free Yardwork Seminar! This weekend only! Limited Space Available! Come one, come all! Arrive early, stay late! Register now as we are only accepting the first....oh, 100 people or so!

Actually, I am hearing talk of rain.

I hope all goes well at the official Chickenbuck Opening this weekend and you dont get a complete rain out (sounds like you could use a little though).

Tom, dont give up too early on the house hunt...you will live there for years, anudder couple of hours ain't gonna hurt ya!

Oh man, I really wish I could make it to the seminar. It sounds like so much fun. Sorry can't make it, I will be at Chickenbuck.

Yeah we do need rain bad. Things are really dry.

Limited it out on NICE crappies last night! YUM!

Chickenbuck was fun lastnight. Although we had issues before we got there. Dave will post pics when he gets time I'm sure. We also had problems when we were leaving. But Dave took care of that. Wish Pam and Weezy could have been there. Weezy has prom tonight and she looks beautiful.

I aint had crappies in forever, this winter was a bust for us on Maple lake where we usually do well. haven't made it out yet this spring, I'm afraid I've missed the spring run. Catfish should be stacked in below the spillway across the road, so I'm heading there tonight to give them a .

You haven't missed out yet. We found them in 5 feet of water. They are still in spawn mode and they are hungry.

Remember this one fishin tip: When the leaves start popping out, the crappies are biting. True Story!

Muffy - Got my hats and their awesome! I will be wearing the camo beanie bow hunting this fall. I still expect you and Jermie to come out for a cold one. Dusty and Eileen, you come too. We will go for a wheeler ride.

OH! Did I mention to all you chicken buckers that one of my employee's at our SD plant has lined me up with 6,000 acres of private, PRIME muley land? It also borders 2,000 acres of public land. I'm stoked!!

We've gotten some much needed rain this weekend. Got the boat all ready to go for the general fishing opener next Saturday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We've gotten some much needed rain this weekend. Got the boat all ready to go for the general fishing opener next Saturday.

We got some rain too finally. Not as much as we need but it helps. Man it was getting dry.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We've gotten some much needed rain this weekend. Got the boat all ready to go for the general fishing opener next Saturday.

We got some rain too finally. Not as much as we need but it helps. Man it was getting dry.

Same here Rooster. We've had burning bans in place for several weeks. More rain in the forecast for next weekend.

Of course it will rain next weekend, I'll be fishing. Headed to Hayward. Not sure if I'll hit the chip or not. Maybe early in the AM on Sunday. Saturday will be a zoo.

Where you headed?

Well,

We bought us a house this weekend. The inspection is Tuesday. Stuff happens on houses a lot faster in MN than it does here. That caught us by surprise a little.

I'll send you guys some pictures tomorrow. It only has a 2 stall garage, but plenty of room to build. Now I'm getting excited.

Not a huge lot, but 1.3 acres in town is a good piece for the area. We looked at 10 and settled on the one we both liked...well we pretty much love it. We don't plan on going anywhere else, so she'll be home.

We close on my birthday, June 17th.

Well,

We bought us a house this weekend. The inspection is Tuesday. Stuff happens on houses a lot faster in MN than it does here. That caught us by surprise a little.

I'll send you guys some pictures tomorrow. It only has a 2 stall garage, but plenty of room to build. Now I'm getting excited.

Not a huge lot, but 1.3 acres in town is a good piece for the area. We looked at 10 and settled on the one we both liked...well we pretty much love it. We don't plan on going anywhere else, so she'll be home. It was the one

We close on my birthday, June 17th.

Good for you guys. Oh yeah I forgot your birthday is the day before Dave, RWS, and my mom's birthdays. Can't wait to see the pics.

went catfishing for a bit last night, not even a nibble. I'm starting to think there are no fish in MN, at least the area I'm at lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We've gotten some much needed rain this weekend. Got the boat all ready to go for the general fishing opener next Saturday.

We got some rain too finally. Not as much as we need but it helps. Man it was getting dry.

jeeze, we didn't get a drop. It was cool & overcast all day yesterday but no rain

Hey that's great news Tom! Congrats, see it's all falling into place. I'm certain the job will be the next piece to fall in place.

We did have a fun weekend of visiting up here. It was great to get out to camp even if it was just for the night. I could have spent all weekend out there working with the tractor fixing the camp access trail. I don't have any pictures to load up this morning. They are on my camera at home.

We went to the grand march for the high school prom & watched from the stands as our area kids paraded through in their prom digs. it was really something seeing all the area kids like that. I told Pam that the last time we saw all those kids in the same place as we watched as an audience it would have been for one of the corny elementary school plays that they do throughout the years. Now look at them, wow where does the time go huh?

No really, does anybody know? Because I want some of it back

That is good news Tom...post pics...and when you get older..1.3 acreas will sound like a lot to mow...

ingwe

i would like to see some pictures

Wow! Tom bought 2 houses (Double post).

Is it the one in Blaine?

Originally Posted by tzone

Of course it will rain next weekend, I'll be fishing. Headed to Hayward. Not sure if I'll hit the chip or not. Maybe early in the AM on Sunday. Saturday will be a zoo.

Where you headed?

Not sure Tom.

May just stay home and wait till Monday to avoid the zoo.

Congrats Tom! Great news on the house. Well, the daughter passed gun training on Saturday, pretty excited about that. Then off to the river to catch sturgeons, we ended up with 8 and a burbot. pretty slow, but it was still fun!

Originally Posted by ingwe

That is good news Tom...post pics...and when you get older..1.3 acreas will sound like a lot to mow...

ingwe

Not much lawn, lots of trees. Going to stay that way.

The front yard is the only thing that really needs to be mowed. back will be landscaped.

Hold on, I'll try to dig up some pics.

OK, got em.

Here is the front.
[Linked Image]

[/img]

from kitchen to living room
[Linked Image]

[/img]

from living room, to kitchen
[Linked Image]

[/img]

from northwest lot corner, notice all the neighbors.

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

After we get settled, we'll have a party.

We'll be cooking on this.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Best of both worlds...gas for quick and dirty. Charcoal for real grilling.

Tom,GREAT looking house.You are going to like living there.
Dave,inside of every older person is a young person saying"What the hell happened?".Time flies.Make the most of it.Wring out EVERY minute.

Stan in SC

That is one of the first houses you looked at isn't it? I like it. Nice, no neighbors real close. Congrats you guys!

Very nice place Tom, really happy for you guys.

Tom...Sweeeeeet!

NICE digs..
Love the kitchen and the BBQ...

I can cook ( never trust a skinny cook....)

Can I come live with you?

I promise I'll keep my room clean....

Ingwe

Very nice Tom, I like the stone on the front. Wheres about is it? The grill looks good too, do some nice strips on there!

T-minus how many days until T-zone invades T-Minnesota?

Congrats, what 'burb is going to gain the T'zones? Where is this at? Looks to me like Ham Lake or Andover type terrain. The big lot points to Ham Lake. That is my final guess.

Little bit or rain here...not much though.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Tom...Sweeeeeet!

NICE digs..
Love the kitchen and the BBQ...

I can cook ( never trust a skinny cook....)

Can I come live with you?

I promise I'll keep my room clean....

Ingwe

Can you rake and build garages?

Yeah, that was the first one I really liked. My #1 choice (the yellow one) for those of you that saw them, sucked once we got inside. Nothing was taken care of. I'm a stickler on maintenance, and there was none going on there.

Blaine.

If I had any money left I'd invade Thorne Bros.

We'll be there on the 17th of June if the closing date holds.

Cheers Tom,

That's fantastic news. Looks comfy, warm & inviting.

Looks like the plan's coming together nicely.

Job WILL be next.

Paul.

Over and acre in Blaine? Nice going.

Drop my name if (when) you go into Thorne Bros. Ask for Pat or Josh. They will only charge you 10% more for knowing me.

BP, congrats to your daughter. My granddaughter passed her hunter safety in March and got her first turkey April 10th.

Tom, if things work out, my grandson will be with us in June. We'll be driving out to get him. We might drop in to see you in your new digs on our return trip.

I'll be there.

He and the little guy will have a ball.

i love the house tom

Thanks Dude.

Congrats on the house T! Very nice looking place. Now you will have to fill it with deer heads and other dead stuff that you catch, shoot, run over etc.

I'm going to fill it with beer so when you and ma come to the Vikes game we dont run out before we have to leave for the noon game.

If we can ma and pa Shaw to come down, I may run out.

Kegerator MAN!! you don't want to run out mid game....

dude that house is awesome! no wonder you fell in love with it!
I hope to have one like that some day.

Prom 2010. That's me in the middle, I clean up pretty good huh?

Tom...wife and I were just looking at your housepics...ya done really good!

Great Family pic there Dave! Thats why ya don't blink. The years fly by!

Wit wheeew!

Lookin' good weezy.

It looks like we may NOT be getting that house kids...

The inspection was not good at all!!!! We'll see what the seller will fix or replace, but it could cost me 50K more to fix stuff.

I'm not willing to do that. At this point my head is filled with all kinds of stuff.

What was all wrong with it? Looks like a pretty new house. I hope everything works out. Looks like a very nice place, with all the trees.

Great photo Dave, but what did you do with Weezy's date?

You didn't introduce to him to Mr Swamp Squid did you?

Note to self: Scan news articles for missing male Prom date from Northern MN.....

Lookin' good Shaw tribe!

T, Doggone it man, that is some bad luck and trouble right there. I would run like the wind, better off with a house that doesnt have issues. Who knows what other issues lie beneath the surface. $50K means major trouble and if there is major trouble I dont want anything to do with it. Lotsa houses to buy. Some good advice my dad gave me and this kinda applies to you (and a lot of other things....): >It is always easy to buy and hard to sell".

I was at at conference at Target Field yesterday. Pretty nice place. But as I sat there and gazed at it, I thought to myself, most of the seating here is no better than most of the seating at the Dome. Not all of course, but most. Sure it is outside and that is nice, it has a helluva scoreboard and that is nice, but ultimately, it is the product on the field that makes a game fun to watch. As I pondered all the public money that went into this stadium, the new Gophers stadium, and now talk of a Vikes stadium....I just dont know if the amount....well over a Billion bucks, is worth it.

ask anyone at the '91 World Series Game 7 if they had a good time....

All right, I will now duck as I get pounded on....

Roof has holes, not just need shingles, all but 1 window is pretty much junk, but I expected window issues. The chimney, tipped away from the house 3/4", and it is falling apart. Best part is, no fire place, they took it out.

Critters living in the roof, or at least were, and last but not least.... there was a "growing" operation in the basemet. The inspector said, "hey, maybe it was Orchids".

It made me wonder what was covered up by the remodel. Search is back on. I'm not too worried, there are only 25,000 houses for sale. I should be able to find one.

That's too bad Tom, I really liked the look of that place, it's got potential, all the extra property and all. If it was me I would try to cut a deal, as is, and do the work myself.

Growing operation? Now you know why you felt so happy after touring the house.

Never registered why the shelves were stocked with chips and cheeto's, and there were fresh browines on the table.

Thats a bummer T!! It does have potential if price is negotiable though. get rid of the chimmney and put in a gas fireplace.

Originally Posted by tzone

After we get settled, we'll have a party.

We'll be cooking on this.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Best of both worlds...gas for quick and dirty. Charcoal for real grilling.

I thought it was nuclear powered.

bummer, the looks of it outside were nice, but there are more out there like that.
you have the right outlook, something will come along

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Originally Posted by tzone

After we get settled, we'll have a party.

We'll be cooking on this.

[img:center] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Best of both worlds...gas for quick and dirty. Charcoal for real grilling.

I thought it was nuclear powered.

Oh...I'm still gettin' that. That thing rocks. northern_dave doesn't make them anymore, so I havta buy one. I like this concept.

Raining today so I got the day off, till I have to clean tonight. My head didn't feel so good this morning. I was at MNP's lastnight and we were playing Catch Phrase. It was a good time though. I didn't have that much but it was Keystone Light.

Seems to me MNP made it in to work just fine today.

Ma had a hangover on Sunday. She kept saying... I didn't feel drunk last night".

Told her well, know ya know what it means to "get bit". Which is a term I use...well a lot, cause I go to bed not thinkin' I had too many, but wake up with a fat head.

Happens to the best of us.

I text her and said my head didn't like the Keystone. She said she couldn't wait to get home to rest.

Sounds like Jeremy's aunt is coming over for wine tonight. Oh yeah maybe it was the Boones Farm lastnight too.

Originally Posted by Muffy

maybe it was the Boones Farm lastnight too.

BOONES FARM = NECTOR OF THE GODS!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

BOONES FARM = NECTOR OF THE GODS!!

that's just not true!

It's been raining all day and the rain is here to stay all through the weekend the way it looks.

This could be good for our Morel mushrooms, it could be really good! It's perfect timing.

Crossing my fingers!

Hope it gets here ND, dang we are dry.

Well I hope you guys get some, the whole weather patern is kind of sweeping through in a north easterly direction, I hope it doesn't slide north of you.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's been raining all day and the rain is here to stay all through the weekend the way it looks.

This could be good for our Morel mushrooms, it could be really good! It's perfect timing.

Crossing my fingers!

Same weather here to Dave,

Yes for the Mushies, but not so good for the Ruffies !!

Paul.

Raining here too. Supposed to be here off and on for 3-4 days. We need it.

The shooting range opens this weekend, so I hope to test drive the tang safety Ruger 7x57 I bought, that my boy claimed as his. If it shoots, I don't see why it won't be. If I can find ammo for my 35 Whelen, I'll shoot that too.

Heading to the turkey hunting area to let the land owners I'll be around next week as well. My turkey season will be cut short, we have to go look at houses again on thursday.

This weather sounds like a good time to stay in the garage and fix dents Dave. Maybe not the best to get the filler to dry nice though.

Have fun kids.

Just a few sprinkles here so far. Come on rain, we need you.

Raining here. Nice and gentle, a good rain. Man, everything is turning green! The leaves have popped, the grass has made an appearance and the weeds are in hog heaven.

The little girl turns 6 tomorrow, so it is B-day party time. I have one pretty excited little girl on my hands right now! For her big present, I let Mom talk me into an American Girl doll. But I slipped out and bought her some crappie jigs and bobbers, some BBs for her BB gun, some targets, and a couple pair of clearance Smartwool socks.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

For her big present, I let Mom talk me into an American Girl doll. But I slipped out and bought her some crappie jigs and bobbers, some BBs for her BB gun, some targets, and a couple pair of clearance Smartwool socks.

I would never do something like that.

Happy b-day to your girl.

BM, Happy Birthday to your daughter.

We have a TV star among us!

I was watching the local news Wednesday night and who pops up on the screen, none other than TZ?

The company he works for was awarded one of two 2010 small business awards. Channel 7 out of Wausau was interviewing the owners and panned the work area and there was Tom. Sorry, I can't reveal what he was doing. I'll leave that up to your imagination.

Word is he'll be signing autographs at the Marathon County rifle range this weekend.

Ha ha...now you have proof I work on ocaision.

both of the companies I've ever worked for have won this award... so I totally see what the deal is. I should use this on my resume.

Happy Birthday to your little girl BM.

Wow, I didn't realize I was hunting with a famous TV star!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Raining here. Nice and gentle, a good rain. Man, everything is turning green! The leaves have popped, the grass has made an appearance and the weeds are in hog heaven.

The little girl turns 6 tomorrow, so it is B-day party time. I have one pretty excited little girl on my hands right now! For her big present, I let Mom talk me into an American Girl doll. But I slipped out and bought her some crappie jigs and bobbers, some BBs for her BB gun, some targets, and a couple pair of clearance Smartwool socks.

Good day for a birthday! I have one just like it! With the exception that I'm going to be 34 yours older than her and I probably won't get cool stuff like her. Oh well, I already have a lot of those things. OH wait! I don't have a doll though....

Maybe T-Zone will let me borrow one of his?? Unless of course Betsy found them and popped them all...

Wish your May Baby a very Happy Birthday from me BM!

Don't let the fame go to your head.

BTW, just in case you do become famous, I've appointed myself as your agent.

Ha, probably be on again tonight Bill. We just got back from the luncheon. It's really a big deal for our company. There were 20 some companies nominated, narrowed down to two, and we got the one in our division.

This really is a great place to work, and that was a huge part of the equation on my decision to leave. it was the reason it was hard to come back to MN.

Rooster7,

If you count your cabbage patch dolls, you have a whole bunch I hear (Tom told me you guys like to hook up and play with them together from time to time)!

I will be 33 years older than her!

She was cute tonite....Dad, can we open presents right away tomorrow? Of course I had to say no....but I did soften a little and said if she was a good girl she could open up part of mine. Tomorrow I would love to take her to the hunting land or out fishing, but it is supposed to rain.

It is kinda fun to watch just how excited she is and how important her birthday is. I can remember those days, but I think I forgot about it. I hope I get one of those big hugs and a "You are the best Dad in the whole, high, world!" tomorrow.

Give that little girl an extra big hug and wish her a happy birthday from all of us here.

Happy birthday Berettagirl!!

We're heading down to lakes country today, with any luch we'll get to see rooster7 and wife, muffy too.

Hope everybody has a great weekend! I pick up my prized vintage wenonah canoe this weekend too.

Have fun all.

I'm heading to the hardware store to pick up some rounds for my new .35 Whelen. I'm going to do a little shooting this weekend. I'm hoping Grizzly_Bill will join me...we'll see.

Say hi to the crew from tzone, will ya Dave?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We're heading down to lakes country today, with any luch we'll get to see rooster7 and wife, muffy too.

Heeeey I just seen this now. I didn't know you were coming down. Should of came over for a birthday beer man!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Rooster7,

If you count your cabbage patch dolls, you have a whole bunch I hear (Tom told me you guys like to hook up and play with them together from time to time

We can't play with them anymore. They are collectors items and Tom gets mad if you take them out of the box.

What a great weekend. My lovely wife threw me an awesome 40th b-day party at a local watering hole. Lots of friends and family, classmates etc. It was great!

Yesterday morning I took the boys to their shooting test for hunters safety. Both my little guys have their certification now. Hmmm might have to go Ruger 10-22 shoppin soon! What are they running now days? $280.00 or so?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hmmm might have to go Ruger 10-22 shoppin soon! What are they running now days? $280.00 or so?

Good deal on the kids Rooster!

You're right on for the price too. Some versions a bit more, some a bit less. You'd get a pretty nice one for $280.

Happy B-day too.

Wish we could have been there. Happy Birthday Rooster (Skippy). Sorry I still think of you with that nickname when you were in school and a long time after. I hope you don't mind if I still call you that.

Happy belated birthday Rooster. Congrats to the kids too.

Met Tom at the rifle range Saturday. The Whelen is a keeper. The 7X57 had some issues, but I'll let Tom detail those.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Wish we could have been there. Happy Birthday Rooster (Skippy). Sorry I still think of you with that nickname when you were in school and a long time after. I hope you don't mind if I still call you that.

Heck I don't even know where the name came from and I call him that.

Happy belated birthday Rooster,

Stan in SC

Good morning Stan.

Did you get a turkey? My season starts on Wednesday.

Thanks Everyone!

Had some fun at the range with Grizzly Bill this weekend.

Here is an action shot Bill took of me trying out my new .35 Whelen.

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

It's a Ruger M77 MKII, w/ a McMillan Hunter stock, Warne detachable rings, 22" bbl w/ sights, a beautiful trigger, Burris (made in usa) 1.75 x 5 heavy duplex scope, and a Pachmeyer Decelerator recoil pad.

The gun was a blast to shoot.

Some Dandy Capris' you got out there T!!

Those be shorts.

Tzone, I love those, uh, shorts. Do they make them in men's?

I have to have long shorts so my "junk" doesn't hang out the bottom. This is a family site and I was trying not to go there buy you ladies forced me to do it.

Doesn't explain why he shaves his legs.

Don't start Bill, or I'll really show you some fishing spots.

T,
My turkey season ended Friday and I got no turkey this year.

Stan

Nice legs Tom...

Seriously tho, that sounds like a very nice rifle, love the whole setup, stock, scope, rings, very cool.

Hey, I picked some mushrooms tonight, first batch of what I hope turns out to be a bumper crop.

Morels.

[Linked Image]

cleaned up and ready to roll in flour and fry in butter.

[Linked Image]

Damn they were good.

Dave, do you just fry them up in butter?

Those look good Dave. Really, just fry them in butter? Do you have anything with em? Venni steak or something?

My fav is to saute with sliced onion & a dash of soy sauce, teriaki or what ever & put em over a steak.

But this is how Pam likes em, they're awesome.

The mushrooms look good Dave. Our neighbor has about 100 of those mushroom logs like you have. I'm sure he will give me some, or I hope so anyway.

these just grow in the spring in the woods behind the house.

Still waiting on the log shrooms

Have no fear I am sure the Dept of No Response will soon figure out to require licensing for the recreational harvesting of Morel mushrooms.

Then all the log owners will have to get commercial licenses. Dept of Health and Commerce will jump in for regulatory measures. Not to mention the mushroom control board of the ACLU to prevent outstate discrimination to the metro residents as everyone knows that outstaters dont share harvesting locations.

(Believe it or not I have actually heard these proposals at one time or another)

Wouldn't surprise me one bit.

It would come right before permit to cut(mow)grass.

Nah Dave only on property you do not primarily reside on, I am really shocked the state has not issued a wetlands violation because you have to much, critical habitat designation swamp squids flying bears leopard squirrels and chicken bucks are all threatened species especially in November, and required a enviromental impact study of Camp Chickenbuck due to the mud displacement from the access. C'mon whos your friends in low places?

Anyone looking for a nice .44 magnum rifle?
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4057527#Post4057527

Stan in SC

Oh that's good stuff for a Wednesday!! Good stuff.

Guys, Dave went to town today. See, I don't get to town too much. I leave home in the morning and go to work, which is away from town. Then I come home, eat, sleep, repeat.

Well I went to town today and found that the local hardware store is thinning out it's rifle scope & bino inventory.

they had a VX-II 3-9X 40mm in matte silver for 299 and had all optics at 25% off the marked prices.

So I walked out with a new Matte silver VX-II 3-9 40mm for the price of a VX-I

It's going on the stainless & gray Lam M77.264 WM

Merry Christmas to me

Why can't I ever find deals like that?!

Good find, good buy.

Thanks for saying so, it may help me plead my case with angry wife

I was truly torn. They had some really good buys. Such as a fixed 4X 33mm (FX-II) Loopy marked $265 - 25% which put at about 200 even.

Gloss black, I have one on a M88 in .308 and I love it, could use one on a 9422M I've got....

The had a couple of Fullfield II's in 3-9 40mm for about 150 after the 25% off too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey, I picked some mushrooms tonight, first batch of what I hope turns out to be a bumper crop.

Morels.

[Linked Image]

cleaned up and ready to roll in flour and fry in butter.

[Linked Image]

Damn they were good.

Yum

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So I walked out with a new Matte silver VX-II 3-9 40mm for the price of a VX-I

It's going on the stainless & gray Lam M77.264 WM

Merry Christmas to me

Sweet...why didn't you tell me you were going, so I could put in my order...?

That almost hurts my feeling......

Ingwe

oh sorry man, it was an unplanned "town visit"

I'm such a hick..

Sweet deal Dave! That will be a perfect match for the Ruger.

It must be "Mad Wife Wednesday". I bought a 4-wheeler and my wife is mad too.

The " I bought it for the kids" thingy didn't work.

LOL!! What did you buy for the kids Tom?

I bought the kids a 2000 Honda Foreman 450. In a few years they'll be able to reach the foot pegs.

sweet!

No winch though, so you'll have to pull me out of the swamps at Chickenbuck.

Hopefully I can get it up there this summer. I think it would be a blast on the trails/roads up there. You game for a trip?

It's full time 4x4 so it won't be a speed demon, but it will work.

It's also the first one I've ever owned outright. No loan on this one. Whooo hooo.

I'll put some pics up when I get some. I won't pick it up until at least Friday. We're trying the house hunting thing again tomorrow.

Aw heck Tom just wait til winter and ya have the plow hooked up on it then she will appreciate it.

Dave nice score.

A bit of advice for those that travel also for surprise deals, stop and check out the Ace hardware store in Fosston, you will be surprised what they carry. Deals are frequent but you have to be there.

Ace is the place. The Ace in town here has a pretty good selection of goodies too. They beat Gander on prices by a long shot.

I just love hardware stores

Hey big drift, here's a hardware store tip in return. New folden hardware hank. he's at least "fair" and sometimes the used rack will have something you didn't know you couldn't live without until you saw it.

Tom, that machine will fit in perfectly with how we trail ride up here. We're never in a race that's for sure.

Nice purchase Dave, i may have to stop in and look. I would tell you too T good purchase too but definetly the wrong brand. it should be a good machine for you though. be fun to see it stuck at the chickenbuck. You should see if you can cross the moat with it.....

Awesome buys by both of ya's.

Don't worry about the speed T. With a cooler on the rack, top speed is never much over 15 mph.

Not sure if my new (to me) 750 Brute Force is gonna like those crusin speeds but she'll learn.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Guys, Dave went to town today. See, I don't get to town too much. I leave home in the morning and go to work, which is away from town. Then I come home, eat, sleep, repeat.

Well I went to town today and found that the local hardware store is thinning out it's rifle scope & bino inventory.

they had a VX-II 3-9X 40mm in matte silver for 299 and had all optics at 25% off the marked prices.

So I walked out with a new Matte silver VX-II 3-9 40mm for the price of a VX-I

It's going on the stainless & gray Lam M77.264 WM

Merry Christmas to me

Guys,

Ma Shaw found herself in town today, like she is every day since she works in such a nice little town. She leaves home, goes to work, runs errands on her break/lunch, runs kids here and there, she goes home, cooks, cleans, eat, sleep, repeat. But today was different, she found herself at the local Ford dealer. She found herself looking at a sweet deal she just couldn't pass up. See she's an opportunist, like her husband Dave, at least that's what he said he was last night after he bought his scope. So she fancies herself to be a bit like her husband of many years.

Ma got herself a sweet deal on a 2011 Ford Mustang...V6....305 hp...Kona Blue metallic...black leather interior...31 mpg....wooohoooo. A deal that she couldn't pass up!

Merry Christmas to Ma, Happy Birthday to Ma...oh and Happy Mother's Day Ma.

Are you serious? Congrats Pam, that's great!! The same thing applies to you like it does to Weezy, if you get too many speeding tickets Muffy is going to drive it till you learn to slow down.

Jeremy went to the Twins game tonight, got soaked, and they lost. I got my hair cut and colored today. I already cleared it with MNP, she has a spare bed at her house for when my other half kicks me out. It is so cool, Jeremy might not think so. He probly won't even notice. Like he always says "she changes her hair so much he don't know what he will wake up to next".

Pam,you did well.I look forward to pictures.That'll teach Dave not to sneak into the hardware store and buy scopes.

Stan in SC

Pics, c'mon I wanna see Dave in convulsions and Tzone paying homage to the new ride

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Guys, Dave went to town today. See, I don't get to town too much. I leave home in the morning and go to work, which is away from town. Then I come home, eat, sleep, repeat.

Well I went to town today and found that the local hardware store is thinning out it's rifle scope & bino inventory.

they had a VX-II 3-9X 40mm in matte silver for 299 and had all optics at 25% off the marked prices.

So I walked out with a new Matte silver VX-II 3-9 40mm for the price of a VX-I

It's going on the stainless & gray Lam M77.264 WM

Merry Christmas to me

Guys,

Ma Shaw found herself in town today, like she is every day since she works in such a nice little town. She leaves home, goes to work, runs errands on her break/lunch, runs kids here and there, she goes home, cooks, cleans, eat, sleep, repeat. But today was different, she found herself at the local Ford dealer. She found herself looking at a sweet deal she just couldn't pass up. See she's an opportunist, like her husband Dave, at least that's what he said he was last night after he bought his scope. So she fancies herself to be a bit like her husband of many years.

Ma got herself a sweet deal on a 2011 Ford Mustang...V6....305 hp...Kona Blue metallic...black leather interior...31 mpg....wooohoooo. A deal that she couldn't pass up!

Merry Christmas to Ma, Happy Birthday to Ma...oh and Happy Mother's Day Ma.

Ma Shaw, sweet ride!!!!!

Tzone will have pics soon. I have the wheeler and a turkey in the back of the truck right now.

I can't wait to see that new Stang ma. Tis my favorite car right now by a long shot.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Guys, Dave went to town today. See, I don't get to town too much. I leave home in the morning and go to work, which is away from town. Then I come home, eat, sleep, repeat.

Well I went to town today and found that the local hardware store is thinning out it's rifle scope & bino inventory.

they had a VX-II 3-9X 40mm in matte silver for 299 and had all optics at 25% off the marked prices.

So I walked out with a new Matte silver VX-II 3-9 40mm for the price of a VX-I

It's going on the stainless & gray Lam M77.264 WM

Merry Christmas to me

Guys,

Ma Shaw found herself in town today, like she is every day since she works in such a nice little town. She leaves home, goes to work, runs errands on her break/lunch, runs kids here and there, she goes home, cooks, cleans, eat, sleep, repeat. But today was different, she found herself at the local Ford dealer. She found herself looking at a sweet deal she just couldn't pass up. See she's an opportunist, like her husband Dave, at least that's what he said he was last night after he bought his scope. So she fancies herself to be a bit like her husband of many years.

Ma got herself a sweet deal on a 2011 Ford Mustang...V6....305 hp...Kona Blue metallic...black leather interior...31 mpg....wooohoooo. A deal that she couldn't pass up!

Merry Christmas to Ma, Happy Birthday to Ma...oh and Happy Mother's Day Ma.

Hmmmmm

Although I am impressed with Pam's knowledge of the current mustang lineup as demonstrated by her itemized features and options list... I still gotta call boolshit.

Methinks if it aint BS then I may be seeing fireworks up north

If it is BS a good scare tactic Ms. Pam if not then Weezy and the Mama are gonna be cruising in style.

Ended my turkey season yesterday. Nada, zip, zero, bumkis. Did not see a single bird while in the field. Neither did the other 2 guys I was with. We were all in different arteas of Waupaca County and none of us saw a bird.

I may try and pick up another tag for later in May.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ace is the place. The Ace in town here has a pretty good selection of goodies too. They beat Gander on prices by a long shot.

Moe's Ace Hardware in Black River Falls, WI has a huge gun selection and they deal well.

I was not very happy when I got home lastnight. Dozer chewed up my motorcycle helmet. He tore the inside out and he must have had a great time throwing it around because it is scratched all to heck.

Could have been worse, a friend of mine had a dog that used to love eating snowmobile seats.

Never could convince that dog that those seats were not for him to eat.

Snowing like a SOB right now....and sticking!

Bill, I saw 9 birds, (1 tom) on Wednesday, and 14 today. 11 this morning, and 3 this afternoon.

Tom, I got your text... got pictures?

I do, I have lots, but I'm whipped right now man.

We were house shopping yesterday. We looked at 14 houses, got home at 1030 last night and I got up at 315 this am to chase those dang ol turkeys.

I tell ya, I think a wife's sole purpose is to drive a man nuts! We have a house that meets EVERY one of our "must have's" on the list, and she still isn't sure it "the one". It's a frickin house for pete's sake. Pick one.

Originally Posted by tzone

Snowing like a SOB right now....and sticking!

Bill, I saw 9 birds, (1 tom) on Wednesday, and 14 today. 11 this morning, and 3 this afternoon.

Tom, I saw 4 birds in 2 days while traveling between locations. Fields that normally always have birds in them were empty. The 2 guys I was hunting with are absolute turkey nuts and they're not seeing anything either.

We had .8 inches of rain yesterday and there was about 3 inches of snow on my car this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom, I got your text... got pictures?

Not a huge bird but, I'll take what I can get in the conditions we were having and going to get. It was cold, windy and raining. Not good in terms of turkey hunting. It was due to start snowing anytime (and it did, a lot!)

#15.2, 4" beard.

Here's one for dave with a morel I found while setting up the pic.
[Linked Image]

[/img]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We had .8 inches of rain yesterday and there was about 3 inches of snow on my car this morning.

We had all of 3 for snow. I'd guess 4+.

Here are some pics of the wheeler. 2000 Honda Foreman S

You can see, there's not a dang mark on the thing. Not my ideal rig, but I couln't pass it up.

[Linked Image]

[/img]

congrats on the bird tom and that wheeler looks great! nice find.

Tom you sould bring your new 4 wheeler to the cabin and we can have a mud race.

Mud we will find.

I need to find a trailer though. That add's to "mad wife Wednesday".

Great find Tom. Looks like it's brand new. What are you looking for in the way of a trailer?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great find Tom. Looks like it's brand new. What are you looking for in the way of a trailer?

Cheap.

there's quite a few trailers around here that pop up for sale, I'll keep an eye open for ya, what kind of size you prefer?

had a good frost this morning, beets are sprouting, not sure how this might affect them, they are still pretty small. going shooting today, finally! might take out the .260 if I get some ammo loaded for it, haven't shot it yet

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there's quite a few trailers around here that pop up for sale, I'll keep an eye open for ya, what kind of size you prefer?

Well, probably at least 4x8. I'll start checking craigslist before we move. If not, there will be plenty when we get there.

Thanks.

Since Mrs. ND is the official mother of Camp Chickenbuck I'd like to wish her,on behalf of all of us,a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

Stan in SC

+ 1000

Happy Mothers Day, Ma Shaw!

Thanks everyone for the Mother's Day wishes.

Dave and the kids usually take me to a greenhouse so I can get my flowers for the flowerbeds and Dave gets his tomato/pepper plants. But this year we worked on the Mustang all day. CLB (Cries like Baby) aka Weezie had to work at 3:45 but she did manage put in a full days work on the car before leaving. After she left we kept plugging away on the car, and actually we got a lot done today. While I was hand sanding, I kept thinking what a sweet car this will turn out to be.

Well maybe in the next couple weekends we can make a trip to the greenhouse. The weather needs to warm up just a little bit too before I go wild on planting.

I do have to come clean on the 2011 Mustang purchase...I didn't do it. I did think it was kinda a funny joke on Dave but he read me like a book. If I would have purchased that Mustang, I would have been puking for days. Heck if I buy a new shirt, I get sick. Not sure if that's a good quality to have or something I should really work on getting over.

Have a great evening all and thanks again for the wishes. I just love being a mom....and a wife!!!

I really wanted to see that new mustang.

Good joke though, you sucked us right in.

Get thoses plants Pam. You deserve them.

SIL pulled the wheels on the boat trailer today. We had to replace the bearings on one side (Bad grease seal). Might get the boat on the water tomorrow night if the weather holds.

Happy Mothers Day Ma!

I knew you didn't get that dang 'ol Mustang but it would have been sweet if you had!

The time will come for your wants and wishes after all the sacrifices for family are made and you have earned it.

My youngest the other day says he is happy he is the youngest, that way his mom and I will be able to afford to do more with him when his siblings move out.

I wandered around behind the house for about 20 minutes & tossed a few of these in my ball cap to go with supper tonight. I got more than I hoped for!! Good year for the morels here.

[Linked Image]

looks like i can fit about 60-65 morels in my cap.

[Linked Image]

oh god, I am going to gorge myself on morels tonight.

[Linked Image]

You are making my mouth water!!

I just sauted about 30 of em with sliced onion in butter with a dash of soy.... and ate em all by my fat self.. uuurrrrp!

The rest of them will be cooked pam's way which is rolled in flour, fried in butter, simple.

Where does one seek morel's out?

I found one when I set up the turkey pics, but it was totally luck, I wasn't lookin'. It was next to a rock in damp grass.

Are there any bad mushrooms that look like them, or if you see the upside down pinecone looking thing can you just fry them and eat them?

there are some bad ones to look out for. 2 kinds I know of. one I simply know as "false morel" and it's put together like a folded umbrella. it has a thin stem that goes to the top of the cap, the stem is filled with a cotton like fiber & the cap looks like a morel cap but hangs open from the stem at the bottom of the cap.

Another is called "brain mushroom" which looks like a deflated ugly morel.

the texture of the cap or top is simply wrinkled unlike the ridged texture of the true morel.

Dooood you have GOT to quit posting pics of good stuff you cook!!!
Give me a hatful of morels sauteed in garlic butter....nom, nom, nom...

Ingwe

I am absolutely misserably full of morel mushrooms. If you've never experienced over indulgence of morels... then you need to try it once.

I have experienced it...once...

Ingwe

I know what I'm doin tomorrow

I'm a huntin some morels! they look great dave!

If you eat the wrong one, do you end up with something more than the chitz? I can always feed them to my buddies first, but I don't want to kill them.

The way I understand it many people eat the wrong ones unknowingly for years and do so unharmed, until they eat that "one more" that does them in.

I don't know enough about the poison ones to teach anybody on an open forum. best off using an internet search on the topic to find a reputible study on it.

Raining here this AM. Good for the mushrooms.

Never et a morel. I am not a 'shroom fan to begin with. Do they et like normal 'shrooms or are they totally different? Something about eating a thing that is part of the fungus family turns me off.

Here too, since I'm way north.

We need it, we need to fill that lake 2' by friday night.

Chickenbuckers......Grizzly Bill and I are taking a fishing trip on the Chippewa Flowage this weekend. Chickenbuck will have a presence there, tryin' to find bluegill, crappies, northern, and walleye. I'm not charging Bill too much either, one $500 bucks for the weekend guiding tour.

500 wont even cover a decent bar bill...

Tzone, maybe you need to come hit the big pond up near chickenbuck. Start off with some Crapolades and good to go.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tzone, maybe you need to come hit the big pond up near chickenbuck. Start off with some Crapolades and good to go.

Oh man... if we start off with Crapolades, will we even make it to the lake?

I do want to make a trip up for summer fishing buschy, you my guide?

we may make it or we may not....i can guide you somewheres out there. not saying we'll catch much but be alot of fun. Hoping to get my roof finished this weekend up on the river so i can start fishing. just the soffit and fascia left.

He is probably the guide now that you set the fee for guiding on a smaller pond!

that would be pretty cheap for a weekend of guiding, no matter the size of the pond.

I misread your earlier post. I thought $500 per day was what you meant. $500 for the weekend would be a good deal for the customer.

That'd be pretty nice. If I could make 5bills a day fishing, you wouldn't be reading my post right now.

Heck if I could make 1/2 that, fishing, you wouldn't be reading my post right now.

Originally Posted by tzone

:DChickenbuckers......Grizzly Bill and I are taking a fishing trip on the Chippewa Flowage this weekend. Chickenbuck will have a presence there, tryin' to find bluegill, crappies, northern, and walleye. I'm not charging Bill too much either, one $500 bucks for the weekend guiding tour.

Who the heck invented sit-ups?

If I ever find them, I'm going to punch them in the neck...when I can move enough to do so.

I started lifting weights to jump start my fat reduction program, and figured what the heck if geezer dave can do a few sit-ups, I can do a few.

WRONG! I was fine last night, most of the day today, then WHAMMO!

oh um... yeah that... well... I might have gave up on that.... kind of...

but i can still lift the hell out of a 12 oz can!

lol!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but i can still lift the hell out of a 12 oz can!

lol!!

Me too. How do you think I got like this.

I wasn't always fat. I'm workin' on it man. painfully too.

I hear ya I have a new heavy bag and getting a bicylcle for when I heal up.

Cant stand how I am feeling.

What happened BD?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh um... yeah that... well... I might have gave up on that.... kind of...

but i can still lift the hell out of a 12 oz can!

lol!!

Don't worry Dave. I made it to 40 and beyond without doing a lot of excercise first. In fact, I just found out a guy from my hometown who is a excercise/sports nut had a heart attack in February. He made it through but is the last person you would expect to have one.

Dang 'ol excercise!

By the way, you're just around the corner to the big Four O! Got any big plans?

Tore the tendons in my foot, been having to go around with a damn boot.

This is putting me weeks behind on my outdoor projects this year and I am not liking it.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

By the way, you're just around the corner to the big Four O! Got any big plans?

We'll be in the BWCA with the kids in about a month when I turn 40.

We'll be coming out of the boundary waters on the 18th which is my birthday & also Runs with scissors birthday.

So, for my 40th birthday I plan on carrying canoes on my back, heading in to Ely for a beer & a good meal with Pam & the kids.. Then probably on to my dad's place for the rest of the weekend.

Holy CRAP! You're old.

Have a beer on the 16th and on the 17th when your're there Dave.

The 16th is my little guy's bday, and me and mama's 9th anniversery. The 17th is ol Tzone's bday.

When the little bugger gets older, we'll have to take a "birthday" trip somewhere. Fishin or sumptin'.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but i can still lift the hell out of a 12 oz can!

lol!!

Me too. How do you think I got like this.

I wasn't always fat. I'm workin' on it man. painfully too.

I switched to good whiskey years ago, You only have to lift a couple of ounces at a time instead of those heavy weight beer cans. Much easier as you get older.

Who had the heart attack? Do I know them?

Speaking of which my semi adopted kid bought me a bottle of bourbon with honey, I dont recall the name but is was smooth and sweet, with a kick you in the pants effect.

With all this talk of aging and recovery I thought I'd weigh in...lol. Last week while trying to go a little too fast I tumbled off the top step of the backhoe...and hit every step on the way down. At first i thought my hip was broke 'cause my leg went numb but its just bruised. I have a spectacular purple ass and hurt from head to toe but it will pass. Mama on the other hand had to try to outdo me on the weekend. While walking down a sidewalk in a pair of heels she dropped one in an expansion crack and twisted and broke her foot in a couple of places. Good news....they got the bone back in place without pins and surgery. Bad news...I have lost my first mate for the heart of the walleye season. Worse news...her disposition is that of a grizzly with a toothache. I need to get an add out right away....Female First Mate wanted, blond or redhead preffered. Must be friendly, charming,look respectable in bathing suit and not be afraid to smell like fish. I expect to be a long recovery...and a long search....

Take that dress back off TZone, doesn't mean you get to come out of the closet to be first mate!! he did say female!

Should we be contacting the coast guard SAR for you?

Originally Posted by SSB

I have a spectacular purple ass and hurt from head to toe but it will pass.

Now who's sayin' it's spectacular, and is your ass spectacular or the purple? If it's your ass.... I don't want the answer.

you sure bout that T?

T is just embracing vikingdom, I suspect he's trying to lose the taint of cheese

Scott, you have some kind of death wish? Your wife sees that add you're a goner.

I like to fish. But I'm not blond or red head. I would not be caught dead in a swimsuit. So I guess it would not work out.

I whacked my leg on the tow hook of my beet truck last year, my leg was purple from the hip down past my knee, swelled up and started cutting the blood flow off to my leg. coulda been bad, but it wasn't. this is a heck of a time to be gettin injuries, we're supposed to get out and do more now thats its nice out. of course I have the day off today and its spittin rain here. so I'll probably clean around the house, maybe load some and make it out fishin this afternoon. I have yet to find a morel yet

Ryan have you looked into the Red Lake Falls Dams?

I am not sure how far that is from you but I have been told it is good for eyes and cats.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I like to fish. But I'm not blond or red head. I would not be caught dead in a swimsuit. So I guess it would not work out.

Then what the heck do you go swimmin' in?

....a pool.

the swamp tzone, good mud baths out there you know!

I've seen it, she really likes that peat bog black swamp water.

Without a snorkel and fins even...

The picture of those deer hooves sticking out of the water from last fall were not a prank. It was Muffy in Ninja boots.

swamp ninjas....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

the swamp tzone, good mud baths out there you know!

You know what...she does swim in the swamp. I have pictures!

It is amazing what that mud does for the skin. Why pay 100's of dollars for a spa treatment when they have the best mud at Chickenbuck.

Tom....it's the purple thats spectacular, the ass not so much...and no...I dont have pictures so we are all good here...lol. Bill, worry not. The Troll (wife) was sitting here by me on the couch when I typed that. I guess we both have the same sense of humor because we were laughing about who we can get to fill in. I'm not quite ready to be set adrift...gloriously ablaze in a Viking style funeral just yet....lol
Ryan, do you come from a beet farm or work for one? We have 800 acres of the little buggers growing here. Hauling beets is not for the faint of heart, thats for sure. Our average field is a 21 mile haul and by far it is the most tense time of the year.

Things are getting weird around here with the Peacekeeper training going on, BIA super secret agents crawling around,extra fed trucks showed up, lots of new band license plates showing up and it is not a powwow weekend.

We'll see how this plays out.

I work for a farmer up here in the fall, and my friend in town here works for him spring/summer/fall, I've known the family for about 9 years now. last fall was by far the worst beet season I've seen with the rain shutting us down every 2nd or 3rd day. and me going to school full time during the day and taking care of a 1 year old by myself, it lasted way too long and wore me out. I was glad for deer season to come so I could take a break from everything and spend time with friends at chickenbuck.

Bringing my friend to Fargo for radiation treatment today. I'm hoping to get to the Harley dealer to get a new helmet. Now that the weather is finally going to be nice we may actually get to ride.

Jeremy was thinking that the Victory is cursed because it has rained every day since he got it.

I will probly just ride on the back with him or ride his Honda Shadow Aero 750 (that is for sale if anyone is interested). I want to get my tires checked because they are the origional ones and it is a 1995. Sure it only has just over 1,300 miles on it but it is better to be safe than sorry.

oh i'm sure they're fine. (tires)

sun, weather & wear are what kill tires & yours haven't seen any of the above, not enough to speak of.

Dave, you haven't posted in a while, are you looking for some shoes?

I heard he just got him a new pair, one is a little loose though?
how does that happen?

I like to mix it up a little....

couldn't make up my mind this morning...

So I chose both... I guess

Thats a fashion statement Dave!! I could understand if you felt how i did yesterday but not sure you got that excuse today!

Well went to the chiropractor today. I have 2 vertibre out of place. I was on the lawnmower on Saturday and reached over to move a lath on the property line and thats all it took. Finally the weather is nice and now I can't work.

I've got 3 herniated disks in my neck Muffy, so I know what you're going through.

How's your neck holding out Bill? It was a long day on Saturday.

Sorry to hear about your neck Muffy.

Hope it gets better soon.

Wow Bill that must be painfull. I hope it wasn't caused by somthing Tom did on your fishing trip.

Hey everyone it is Uncle Dusty's Birthday today!!

Happy Birthday,Dusty.Thanks for the reminder,muffy.Today Linda and I are going on a guided fishing trip which we bought at a silent auction at a political get together.Hopefully we will catch some bass.Film at eleven.

Stan

Hey!! Happy Birthday Dusty!! Woooo!!

Muffy, you just learn to live with it. When it really flairs up I use a Tens unit, also have a home traction unit that gives a lot of relief.

Tom, neck surrvied in pretty good shape. My butt was dragging for a couple of days though. Had a great time, too bad the walleys didn't cooperate.

Happy Birthday Dusty!

Happy Birthday Uncle Dusty.

Where the heck has he been? We miss him around here.

Walleyes...we don't need no stinkin walleyes. We caught everything else.

Heck, we even got to see Ma Nature at work when that northern came up and ate that danged 'ol Crappie. That was pretty cool.

I'm taking the kids fishing on Saturday. Ma will be in Mlps, and it's way too nice not to fish.

Happy Birthday Dusty!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo. LOVE LOVE LOVE Birthdays!

Don't forget the Musky that followed your bait in on your first cast.

Hey Tom, have you got a new house yet? The days of fishing are soon to be here. I Got the roof about complete last weekend so now its fishing time. Happy Birthday Dusty!! Dave i hope RWS has been helping you choose the right shoes this week now....

Happy Birthday Dusty!...Have many more....:)

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Don't forget the Musky that followed your bait in on your first cast.

That was cool too. He's toast. I'm going to get him in June. I'll post pics. I want to find out the size of him for real. My guess...42".

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Tom, have you got a new house yet?

We bought a house last week in Lino Lakes. I've already been talking to the City about a garage.

Ma's not impressed. Good thing I only have to impress me.

you the man!! when do we see pics of that house.

I'm waiting til we close this time.

No jixin' it this time.

Congrats Tzone on the latest new house!

Jumping for joy around here, just found out we drew our Unit 76 Elk license this year. After 13 years of gathering pref points! Wahoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thats awesome!
I just checked mine online and there wasn't any info, how did you find out?

Ahh Grasshoppa, you practice veddy hard and learn from Berettaman (who just learned it from exbiologist).

Go like you are going to buy another license, say a fishing license. Enter your CID number and go through a screen or two and just as you have to pick what license to buy, it will show if you have anything on file. I had a NONRES ELK APP and a 581 2010 NONRES ELK LICENSE. There is a thread by exbiologist in the elk forum if you need more help. It is a backdoor method, cant tell exactly what you got if you applied for more than 1, but it can tell you if you got something.

Yep, that works.

That's how we usually get an early sneak peek at our application results.

none of my group applied this year though.

Congrats on your draw Berettaman.

Does that mean your not going this year dave or can you get otc?

not going.

I be danged

I drew my elk tag

Good deal!

I thoughts that new Fords was going to take you out to the mountains this year....what a day to be working again. You got your shoes straightened out Dave?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

not going.

I finally get myself into a position at work where I don't HAVE to be here 9000 hours in the month of October and now you're not going?? Dag nabbit!

Happy Be-lated Dusty!

Griz -

I have a seriously wrecked neck as well. Like you said you learn to live with it but its miserable pretty much 24/7. What is this "tens unit" you speak of and also what kind of traction device do you have? I have one that hangs over a door with a water bag and pullies that pulls your head up to align your spine. I don't care for it that much though because after I use it my neck feels very weak. I'm scared it will cause another "flare up" that literally puts me on my back, loaded up on pain killers and muscle relaxers for a week. I have given up things like water sports and even excercise that is too strenuous because of it. Not that I'm a health nut or anything but it would be nice to know you can still do it if'n ya yonk too!

I talked to my dad tonight and Uncle Dusty would like to thank everyone for all the birthday wishes, he really appreciated all of them.

He said he would respond more on the thread but he does not type very well. I told him he don't have to type well or spell everything right, I am not the best speller person either. Hell, al you have to do is make it closs enuff and everybudy will undrstand whet u are tryng to say.

He reads this thread and others everyday. He enjoys reading what everyone writes. He thinks you all are very good people.

When dad called me tonight he was worried about how my back was doing. I brought him a rhubarb cake for his birthday yesterday (like I have for many years), and he told me I was walking like I had my pants full of sh*t. Which was true, but I'm walking much better today.

I am so proud of my dad. He went to the doctor today for a checkup and he has lost 5 lbs. and his blood pressure is perfect. He is taking pills for dibetes and watching what he eats. His glucose level was in the 130's today. It was in the upper 90's and he didn't feel good and the doctor said it is fine if his levels are a little higher.

Keep up the good work dad!

Good job Dusty keep up the good work!

Rooster, a Tens unit works off of a couple AA batteries and delivers a electric current to stimulate the muscles and nerves. It works quite well. The unit is very compact and you can move around while using it. PM me if you need more info.

I have the same traction device that you have, but dont't use it all that much. I did have good luck with traction while undergoing PT at the local clinic.

Good job Dusty. Keep an eye on what you eat and excercise a bit and you'll keep your diabetes in check.

thats awesome Uncle Dusty! keep up the good work! and a happy belated birthday!
I start work monday finally after they did their background check. I had to list every place I had lived in the last 5 years, and a person in that area who can call and confirm. thats harder than I thought to remember! especially since most of that time I was in the Navy and didn't live in one place for too long

Got a call from my dad this morning when we got back from fishing. His 1954 Mercury burned up in the garage last night. It's a total loss. I'll post the pictures when I get a chance.

This was his baby. He put hundreds of hours into it. He drove it everyday it didn't rain. The FD saved the garage, but some stuff in the rafters burned but nothing structural.

He's taking it pretty good. But you have to understand, he lives for a huge car show at the State Fairgrounds in MN, called Back to the 50's. This show is the weekend of June 17th-20th. It is one of the largest shows in the mid-west with over 12,000 cars. He said he'll be looking for one to buy now, instead of show off.

Poor guy. He's lost a lot of stuff to fire. We lost our house in 1990 to a fire. which was also a total loss.

I guess the neighbor came running over yelling "your garage is on fire, your garage is on fire." then the horn in the car went off, so it was a short of some sort that started the car. Fire Dept. got there within 2 minutes even after he dropped the phone in the water.

He said "I was running around like headless chicken....I think they understood."

Anybody know what it sounds like when you hit the PTO on the lawnmower and there's a rabbit in there?

I do.

VvVvvvvvvthump thump thump, squish.

I need a spatula.

and a hose.

That's a shame Tom.

Insurance may cover some of the loss, but it can never give your dad back the hours he put into the car.

Sounds like you're having rabbit stew tonight.

sorry to hear about the fire, nothing can replace something like that lost, but its good your dad has a good outlook.

at least you could identify it as a rabbit and not the neighbors cat

Neighbors cat would have been cooler. but they make a different sound so I knew right away.

hahahahaha

well I'm off to my first day of work! finally after being delayed because of a background check needed that kinda got forgot about til the last minute. wish me luck!

90 degrees (Tied record) Sunday and humid as heck. Cranked up the A/C for the first time this year. Supposed to hit 92 today.

Stormy here today.

Have fun at the new job Ryan.

Just catching up on some of the above posts. Again Tom, I feel really bad for your dad. Back to the 50's is a huge show, I haven't went yet myself but I will get there some day. I hope your dad still goes to the show and I hope something catches his eye and the ins helps him replace his merc.

Good luck Ryan.

Bill, Dubay fish were biting yesterday too. Spent about 20 hours on the water this weekend between fishing with the kids, fishing with my pal, and boating with family friends. I'm whipped.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just catching up on some of the above posts. Again Tom, I feel really bad for your dad. Back to the 50's is a huge show, I haven't went yet myself but I will get there some day. I hope your dad still goes to the show and I hope something catches his eye and the ins helps him replace his merc.

He's still going to the show.

He told me he won't buy anything at the show because the prices are so inflated, but he intendes to talk to some people and get some phone numbers and some ideas.

Here's the pics.

Before
[Linked Image]

[/img]

After

[Linked Image]

[/img]

He keeps the car in a small garage close to the house in the summer because he drives it, not in the main shop. He was pretty lucky he didn't have in the big shop friday night.

soory about the car Tom, that is too bad. I may know of one for sale right by my cabin, that looks almost identical. i think its all original yet. send me your number and i can text you a pic this weekend. I want to say its the same car and its for sale.

Ryan, what will you be doing? Good luck with the job.

Talked with 2 guys that were up North last week. Crappies and Gills were going nuts. Hit anything you throw at them.

Good luck on the job Ryan, let us know how it goes.

Oh man Tom, that sure was a nice car. Hope he can find a replacement. Is he looking for the same thing. I have a friend that restores old cars. He may have some conections. I know he has a customized old Thunderbird that he did that is for sale. Him and his wife go to Back to the 50's every year too.

He's going to get something, doesn't know if it will be a finished one or not. If I know him, it will be "or not".

Nobody was hurt that is the importatnt thing.

Bill:

I heard the same story. Pete and Dave brought home enough bluegills and crappies for 3 families. We don't need to go out for a fish fry for a year, and they didn't fish saturday because it was too windy.

I need to get out fishing bad!

first day of work went great, I'mgonna love this summer at the refuge. most of my job will be mapping exotic weeds and spraying them. I'm also part of a multi-agency effort to map noxious weeds in the county, so for one week a month I'll be doing that.

they let me go home from work a little early today because of the storm that was coming, I hit it full force half way home. hail high winds and rain so hard I thought I was underwater a few times. but I made it home, everything was ok and my Lab was cowering under the table (she doesn't like thunder). I love having a job I don't dread going to tomorrow, infact I kinda look forward to it

also when I got home, I found a thumbhole stock waiting for me to mount on my savage, gotta love a girl who orders you something you really want out of the blue, she even got the right colors!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

most of my job will be mapping exotic weeds and spraying them.

that cracks me up!

reminds me of the old military saying:

Join up and travel to distant and exotic places. Meet interesting and exciting people, and then kill them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I hope your dad still goes to the show and I hope something catches his eye and the ins helps him replace his merc.

Dad is still going to the show. He has a 1958 Ford 300 custom that has been sitting on a conc. slab in his yard for about 3 years. Last night I asked him if he'd sell it to me.

He said, "sure, buy you'll have to wait until after the 50's because I'm taking it." He's taking that old 58 because the ins won't be settled by then.

He fired it up, and found a rad. hose leak and a bad head gasket. He pulled the heads and fixed the gasket, now he's taking that.

It has a 292 Y block, 3-speed man. trans. w/4.56 9" rear that has to be changed before the drive to the cities, unless he wants to drive at 45mph

.

We worked out part of a deal because he's going to keep the motor and tranny. Heck, he can have the seats too.

Sounded pretty serious about buying a finished one. He wants to help me get all the stuff I keep buying from him done and gone.

I think the real reason is, he wants to help his litte toe head grandson on "hot wads". That little sucker is a motor head for sure. Plus he and his sister out fished their dad on Saturday morning...no kidding.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

most of my job will be mapping exotic weeds and spraying them.

that cracks me up!

reminds me of the old military saying:

Join up and travel to distant and exotic places. Meet interesting and exciting people, and then kill them.

Geez Dave, I thought the same thing when I read it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

first day of work went great, I'mgonna love this summer at the refuge. most of my job will be mapping exotic weeds and spraying them.

I used to laugh... The dnr set out warning and literature on "purple loostrife" (sp) and how to get rid of it. My grandman used to think it was beautiful, so she transplanted it to her ditch at her house. That cracks me up. We still laugh at that.

So you could go spray the ditch along Boundry Ave. in Proctor.

well thats how purple loosestrife got established along waterways, it was a garden plant but has no natural enemies here, so it takes off.
the ones I'll be fighting the most is spotted knapweed and leafy spurge.
and there are others like tansy, oxeye daisey, parsnip to name a few.
gets me outside most of the day and I like that

glad you're having a good time, windy today huh??

yeah we can't spray when its that windy, it kinda was a blessing though because after the 3" of rain we got on monday we needed the wind to dry things out. the ditches were still running full yesterday afternoon on my way home from work. today is supposed to be beautiful so hopefully we can get some leafy spurge sprayed, that stuff is already blooming all over, and its nasty to have and almost impossible to kill. I'm thinking about trying some alternative methods using caffeine and/or nicotine as a toxin to kill individual plants and see if it works.

good idea... maybe a caffeine/urine type of "spray"?

Ryan, send some of that rain our way.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, send some of that rain our way.

You didn't get rain last night Bill?

We got blasted a 12:30. My ditch was full up to the road, that's about 3' deep. It all came in 20 minutes.

I easily had 50 gallons of water on the boat cover this morning. It took a bunch of scoops with a 5 gal. pail to empty it.

Thunder & Lightening, but little in the way of rain here.

I bet we had an inch in 20 minutes.

Dave, how's the Mustang project coming along?

Bill, it's coming along really well. I had the kids clean out my spray booth (well they have a good start on it anyways) last night.

Spray booth was full of barn boards for the cabin.

If I'm cleaning out the spray booth you know what that means right?

come hell or high water that little car will change colors this weekend. I'd like to get past priming and blocking & spray some base & clear this weekend since we have a nice long weekend, we'll see how it goes.

[Linked Image]

Looks like spring in da nort land.

That blue is going to really look nice on that stang. I smell a best of show coming your way. Is that show next weekend?

Weekend of the 12th.

my thoughts on car shows have never been about winning anything, I don't think of it as a competition of any sort, just a get together.

I agree. But you'll win.

Back to the 50's is cool that way. Just 12,000 cars sitting aroud to gawk at and bs about. Lots of great ideas and artists there, for lack of a better term. Many are a work of art.

I'll drag you guys down there for one. Rent's free.

wow, lots going on since i stopped in last time. Birthdays, fire, new jobs, new paint. I fished Rainy (Canada side) last weekend and caught some walleyes, but they were always too big. That slot is almost impossible (14 to 17.5). Closest we got was 19. Biggest I got were 3 27s. Then off to Midway Utah for work, nice country out there.

The army worms/tent catepillars are horrendous this year. Anybody know how to get rid of them????

Looks like the high water is coming Dave, Getting pounded again here right now. I am hoping to be fishing this weekend not any of that maintanence i've been doing for mama the last few weekends. Sure nice to be done with that roof at the cabin though. Can't wait to see the car in color Dave!!

Yeah, jeezsh, catching big walleyes is always tough. You'r not going to get any sympathy from here.

I'm fishing a lake this weekend like that BM. Slot is under 14-18" has to go back. WTF. that's perfect! Some of the 15's sure looked like 13.99 before we ate em.

just kidding wi dnr.

army worms?? oh god just keep em down there we don't want them up here again.

get a pump up sprayer & mix up a little beach with water & spray them dirty buggers.

They do not like bleach.

Dawn dish soap works on them little worms too. spray your house down too and they won't climb on it either. works pretty good! Crapolades going to be going down this weekend Tzone. can about taste them now.

Ohhh. I could use some crapolades Buschy!

I'll be fishing on a real busy lake this weekend. One of the best bluegill spots is 200' from the boat landing. I could sit there all day and watch the "holliday boaters" and drunk trailer backer-downers launch and retrieve boats all day.

makes me smile like heck.

I'm ready for the mn muzzldr season kids. I just bought a Remington M 700 MZ from Whelen Nut, here on the fire. He even bought me lunch.

I've met a bunch of campfire people in the last couple years and they've all been Top Notch. Whelen Nut is no different. Super guy.

Thx for the update Dave. Can't wait to see it with some paint.

BP, sure wish we were getting the rain. According to the Wisconsin River Valley Improvement Authority, we're in the worst draught since they been keeping records; which is before the Dust Bowl of the 30's. We're about 42" below normal over the last 8 years.

I will have to try the Dawn dish soap or the bleach solution on those dang army worms. They are terrible here. They totally distroyed our one oak tree by the old shop. They have made their way to the new shop and got at least 4 of the trees back there so far. I was sure enjoying crushing them when we were working on the rubber bricks the other night. I couldn't help it, they were in my way.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, send some of that rain our way.

hmmmm, I must have your address wrong because it came back to us today, got another decent shot, not sure how much, maybe 1/8th of an inch

god we are getting soaked!! tornado warnings too!!

But the big news is little Mr Chickenbuck graduated from kindergarden today!!!!

[Linked Image]

here he is celebrating with some ice cream afterwards.

[Linked Image]

congrats on the graduation!

Congratulations on the graduation!
Linda and I had a great time at Myrtle Beach.Went fishing on the pier one of the days but caught nothing worth keeping.
I too am looking forward to seeing pictures of the Mustang when you get it painted.

Stan in SC

Big congrats to the graduate.

School's not out here until the 10th of June.

Colorado, thanks for trying.

Cool PWM's. Congrats to you little buddy!

We went to something very special today too. My daughter's school had a Memorial Day program. They recognized all the vets of students and teachers. The third graders read about all the hero's from the other students. They showed a video not unlike the link Dave posted up and there was not a dry eye in the place.

Then they honored Zachery Ryan, a local HERO that lost his life in Iraq in 2003. His daughter is a student in 1st grade at the school.

It made me VERY proud to be an American.

I tried to shake hands and say thanks to as many of the men and women there that I could, but they had to leave.

So thanks to all the vets that read this forum. That includes Dave, Ryan, and Bill. Sorry I don't know all the others.

Good job little man!!

Very cool Tom, I attended a program like that right after I got out at the school my mom teaches at, first time for me and they had veterans there from WW2 through now, even had some active duty moms and dads there from Ft Carson. had one of those videos too and after it they had all the vets stand and be recognized. it was really cool to be a part of.

I like to hear about school programs like that. I got roped into one of those years back when I was still thin enough to fit into my boot camp issued dress blues. A local retired Army officer and myself carried the colors for a mix of local VFW and American legion members young and old that marched through town to the school where they put together a very nice program.

Here I found a photo to scan. Pam didn't center the picture very well lol!

[Linked Image]

Growing up in small town america back in the 50's Memorial Day was a big event. There was a big parade which ended back at the court house square. An honor guard from the legion fired a 21 gun salute and all of us kids scrambled to pick up the brass when they were done.

A big salute to all the vets on the campfire as well as the men and women currently serving our counry.

That sounds exactly what we watched Ryan. One of the teachers had his grandpa there, he was a WWII vet. Got a huge appluse, rightfully so.

WI might be tax hell and democrat in the big cities, but where we live is not unlike you and Dave, farm country, and common sense Americans.

Cool Dave. You look like your about 19 in that pic. They had the Boy Scouts in the school carry the colors.

If the Vets had their uni's, (or fit in em) they wore them to the program. I was impressed all the way around.

Wasn't he just the cutest thing, that ND?

Anyways before I get side tracked, Dave just got the Epoxy on Weezie's car. Primer filler is maybe going on tonight too and hopefully color by Monday!! I'm so excited I can hardly type!!!! Ok, gotta calm down. Geez you'd think it was my car or something. HA! Had to run in and fill you all in on the car progress.

epoxy is on.

Tomorrow I shoot for the polyester primer surfacer, block it all out and also prep the hood, trunk lid & valances.

No rest for the wicked.

looks great Dave!

is Weezy as excited as you and pam are? my guess is yeah.

is this humidity slowing you down at all? I was going to go shoot yesterday but this weather isn't cooperating with us

Looking sweet. Calm down Ma Shaw.

It'll be fine.

Dave, does that humidity screw with your paint schedule?

can't wait til monday to see her.

Happy Memorial day everybody!!

Thank you,Dave and a Thanks to all other veterans and service members who frequent this thread for your service to our country.

Stan in SC

Serious progress being made there Dave.

Went to a cook out Sunday about an hour South of home. Tent caterpillars were dropping out of the trees like crazy. Had to pick off a few ticks too.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Went fishing today, not the best of days on the water. Everything that could go wrong, did. We did get our 4 smaller "slot" walleyes though.

Granps fell in the lake, trying to get in, we lost an anchor, gramps' lines are all rat nested up in the Zebco's.

We called it a day at 9:30.

I did get a 6hp Johnson 2stroke from Betsy's step-dad tho. I'm going to use it as a kicker on the Alumacraft.

Shaw house...Can't wait to see the mustang!

So what really happened was that Tom handed gramps the anchor and gave him a little nudge.

Naw... It was my wife's step-dad. He climbed into the little 14' and she started to rock and over he went. I thought he got hurt but just his pride.

I had to post these cuz Uncle Dusty chewed my butt that I posted them on facebook and not here.

The bikes are ready to ride.

Here is mine (thanks mom and dad!)

Minus the helmet, I had to get a new one, Dozer chewed that one up.

[Linked Image]

Here is Jeremy's (thanks Dave)

And here is Jeremy's that he had before he bought the Victory. It is for sale if anyone is interested.

We on about 120 miles today. We visited cemetaries, didn't make it to my brother Waylon though but we are soon.

You guys are ready for summer! Wooo!!

lookin good!

Isnt that the bike that got drug down the road behind a pickup truck?

JK

Man I like that Victory!

how've you been?

Say hi to Uncle Dusty for me please.

Nice looking rides Muffy.

Our shiitake mushrooms are growing, I think I have about 5 or 6 of them coming right now. Can't wait to try them.

[bleep] mushrooms? reminds me of a story....

seems as if a group of elk hunters drew straws to see who had to come back to camp early to cook. The only rule was, if anyone complained, they then were the new cook.

So on the first day, the cook is out looking for firewood and finds some moose dung. Hmmmm. He takes it back and inserts it as the main ingredient in a pie. After a fabulous dinner, he broke out this great looking pie and they all dug in. The first guy to take a bite grimaces loudly and blurts out...THIS TASTES LIKE MOOSE SHIIT......but very good, verrrry good.

Wasn't very happy today. I run my Trail Blazer through the carwash and it took some of my decals off. I have not even had them on a year yet.

whew, I am glad someone else posted. I thought my joke had killed this thread!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

whew, I am glad someone else posted. I thought my joke had killed this thread!

It did, but we got over it.

Have a good weekend guys!

I'm headed to visit my grandparents tomorrow with my boy in tow, hopefully we can catch a few sunnies off the dock to just make his day. it will do grandpa and grandma good to see him, last time was Christmas, and for how little he is, thats a long time ago! boy will they be surprised when he's running and talking up a storm

have a great weekend everyone!

Beretta, I thought your joke was funny

I survived!

Twelve 6-year old girls here from 1-4 for my daughters birthday party. OHMYGOSH.

Literally, my ears are still ringing.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I survived!

Twelve 6-year old girls here from 1-4 for my daughters birthday party. OHMYGOSH.

Literally, my ears are still ringing.

Oooof. I be they are. I've gone through 7 of those noisy little girl parties now. I know exactly how you feel. The boy just wants to play out side and come in for cake.

had a great day at the lake, the boy went swimming twice (although it was cold). we didn't do any fishing but we did help grandpa get ready to go on his fishing trip up north in a week. had fun doing that, I drove his little aluminum boat over to the access to put on the trailer, I forgot how mush I loved being on the water. my goal is to get me a boat, and soon so I can teach my little man. I'm thinking a small lund maybe 12-14 foot with at least a 10 hp motor. anyone know of a place to pick up a decent used one where the person might take a rifle on trade? I'm going to start with craigslist and a local classifieds here.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I survived!

Twelve 6-year old girls here from 1-4 for my daughters birthday party. OHMYGOSH.

Literally, my ears are still ringing.

Oooof. I be they are. I've gone through 7 of those noisy little girl parties now. I know exactly how you feel. The boy just wants to play out side and come in for cake.

I like to play outside and come in for cake too!

Ryan,

I'll keep my eyes open for a boat like that. I run across them once in awhile.

In fact, http://fargo.craigslist.org/boa/1776323403.html

No motor but its a cheap start.

you should be able to find a boat in the land 10,000 lakes.

Aw heck, I posted the link too soon. There is 14' boats up the wazoo on fargo craigslist.

I bought one from my dad a little while back. We'll bring it home when we come back from our camping trip mid month here.

14' lung "fish/hunt" with a 15hp johnson, elect start, trailer, nice little rig.

thats exactly what would be ideal, grandpas was a pull start, but it was easy for me, and one pull and she fired up. found some stuff on craigslist, sent one email. I don't want to rush into a bad deal

You want to get a 14' Lund in MN....There might be a few around.

That is a great boat for scootin' around on. Take your time and you can get them set up pretty sweet too. Just when you get it set perfect, it's time for a new one.

The biggest question on a rig like that is 4-stroke or not. it will cost more, but ohhh, are they nice. Use them all day on a thimble full of fuel!

With a motor that size, I'd get a 2s. More power, and it will sip gas anyway.

Go big or Go home!! 4-stroke is nice i must say so too.

whats all the talk about boats

I think your dad is going to get you a new boat RWS!!

we are getting this boat from my grandpa

I think your special enough he may get you your own boat though!!

buschy!! You are NOT helping!! lol!!

OH, he'd look great in a new grumann! Or a Ranger too!

i think a ranger boat

How bout we paint sparkles on one of the canoes and call it good?

Maybe a cool Sonic blue stripe around it. Think how cool that canoe would look on the water Dave!! a little bimini top for it too? how sweet that would be!

i would like the sparkles on the indiain canoe

shiitake

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i would like the sparkles on the indiain canoe

sparkling indian cost white face much wampum.

Do you really eat those Dave?

they're good man!!

Northern MN gotta be a Lund or Yarcraft,with a Verado motor, power down riggers, planar boards, Hummingbird satelite everything, 150 lb. thrust bow mount trolling motor, shock absorbing seats....

mmmmmm Yar-craft. I love me some Yar-craft. Made right here in Wausau, WI too.

I'll be giving them a hard look on the next boat! The Verado would be nice too....smooooooooooooth.

Yar-craft is close to a Starcraft!! lots of them yarcrafts coming around i have seen this year. but a pimped out birch bark indian canoe....dont' get much better than that!!

Yar-Craft is a really really good boat. Their 17.5' tiller (1785) is the best laid out boat I've seen for my style of fishing. I'd like to see a bigger HP on the back but....

The guys at Yar are really great to work with too. If you order a new boat, they'll tell you when it's going to be built, and you can come and watch them make it.

Cool stuff.

Yar craft getting more and more popular, but a pimped out birch bark canoe up in the boundary waters may attract more granola type attention then Dave can handle.

LOL, I could just see RWS and PWM getting rhinestone spinners on their paddles though, some LED black light strips running along the gunnels, a little rainbow flake, mmm hmmm and call it the northern lights.

Maybe just some "sonic blue" flames painted on that indian canoe...some blaze orange pinstripes and that would the schniznit.

I like toms idea

Maybe a flaming skull and cross bones too.

ya

I could maybe come up with some flaming skull decals for a project like that! i happen to know where to get some rather quickly.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I could maybe come up with some flaming skull decals for a project like that! i happen to know where to get some rather quickly.

Perfect!

Instead of the tribal type stripe along the side like some of the old Grumann had, you could run a line of flaming skulls. Paint the two ends Sonic Blue that turn into flames at about the 1/4 point from each side. Blaze orange pinstripe along the outside of the flames.......

ok we will go to the cabin and paint it because i think my dad wont like that. we will surprise him.

LOL just remember to film it all so we can distribute it around the north country, your dad will really like that.

how do you get there? i got the decals.

i have the 1977 ford with the keys in it

I think pa would give you a new hair do when he gots home....u gots to be nice to him, you can shoots the doors off lestifers pickup any day but gots to be nice to pops!!

ok come pick me up

Something of the sins of the father come to mind reading this...

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i have the 1977 ford with the keys in it

Originally Posted by big drift

Something of the sins of the father come to mind reading this...

He obviously hasn't read it yet.

Scary part is... He'll like the idea.

when you coming up Tzone, we can have a pail of crapolades mixed up and the canoe done by the time he gets home tonight....

it doesnt matter any more because my sister just left with the truck and tzone we have to get that canoe done better get up here.

What's goin on here?

Bunch of screwballs!!

Where'd that girl go with my truck ???

Grrr...

Going to have to put a shock collar on that one.

Hmm, wonder if the paint room is empty?

There better be a hood, trunk lid, valances & corner trims for a 1965 mustang in that booth with the base & clear coat drying, just like I left them this morning at 6AM.

oooo i got to go jk

we could really pimp out that canoe with those parts maybe!

i see rws switched to dew now too, could be a late night

these rainy days keep him penned up inside the house I suppose.

may need to use that canoe to get into chickenbuck these days. going to be nice and wet out there for awhile i think.

i agree

Friend of mine ran out there on monday after work and drove in all the way to the cabin. He said it wasn't too bad. But it hasn't stopped raining since then either.

We'll find out this weekend, some of us will be out there Sat night.

ooo ya i call driving

there the water

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when you coming up Tzone, we can have a pail of crapolades mixed up and the canoe done by the time he gets home tonight....

It'll be a while buschy. I have to get moved in first. I'd like to come up and fish tho.

i need to get to that cabin even if i have to walk out there

fishing is crazy now Tom. you come up i'll take you and dave out and then to chickenbuck for a fish fry. it'll be perfect!

That fishing has to hold off for a month....then we'll talk.

Does it heat up in sept/oct? A fishing/grouse swatting trip would rock.

its always good then too. we usually do a late trip up to the river for the guys weekend and do quite well.

im free

Northwoods surf and turf with ND fungus as a side.

so when are we going to get this canoe done

RWS you can ride out to camp with Uncle Dusty and the rest of us after the car show. Uncle Dusty will make it out there with the Chevy!!! He will make it through there eventhough Jeremy didn't "with his Dodge". Though PWM thought it was an awesome truck because he got it unstuck.

been off for a day or two, man I missed a lot!

I'm applying for a soils job at the NRCS office in Ada, its a permanent position, and would be a great starter job, plus its close to Crookston. I haven't made it out fishing yet, although I did buy my license 2 weeks ago. I need to take my girl out fishing and camping, maybe saturday after she gets out of work.

can't wait to see the canoe! any designs made up yet for possible patterns? like tiger stripped, or barred like a musky? or paint the front to look like a sharks mouth, kinda like the old flying fortress picture I once had. i bet the canal would make for a smooth entrance into chickenbuck

this year has been the biggest mosquito hatch in this area since 2002, we have gotten rain about everyother day here. well gotta run to work, laters!

Originally Posted by big drift

Northwoods surf and turf with ND fungus as a side.

That fungus will be long gone by then. But we can try.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

can't wait to see the canoe! any designs made up yet for possible patterns? like tiger stripped, or barred like a musky? or paint the front to look like a sharks mouth, kinda like the old flying fortress picture I once had.

We can work with this! We can change the front to a nasty looking skull fading back into flames.

of course we need a canoe rack for the mustang, since they'll match....it's only fitting.

Speaking of Mustang. Was not monday the day we were suppposed to see the pics of it painted??

Was it?

What month is anyways? It's all been a blur of sanders & paint guns for a very long time for me

will this hold you over for now?

[Linked Image]

We'll finish buffing & putting it back together tonight.

figure i'll drive it to work tomorrow, rain or shine.

Just DON'T hit a deer!

Looks damn schweeeeet by the way! Woo Hooooo!!!

Looks good. Really good.

June is going to be a blur for us. Left on the 4th and met my son and DIL in Western MT to pick up our grandson. Got back home Tuesday.

Leaving Saturday for the Chippewa Flowage for week of fishing. Back home for a few days, than it's off to Portland, OR to return the grandson.

BTW, saw an old Indian cycle on a semi trailer in MN. Looks like it had been in storage for a long time.

uncle dusty CAN NOT MAKE IT WITH A Chevy. we are going to pull that Chevy threw the mud with a FORD

I seem to recall pulling the old yeller Ford out of a bad situation with dad's Chevy. No Problem!

Drove to work in taylor's car today. No sunshine yet but it wasn't raining.

[Linked Image]

very nice dave!! the sun will come now!!

i didnt know how hard it would be to find some tires for a 4 wheeler

Take em off your dads truck.......he wont mind.

You wore the tires out on your 4 wheeler already!

i would like some truck tires on my atv

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

Northwoods surf and turf with ND fungus as a side.

That fungus will be long gone by then. But we can try.

Walleye wrapped in bacon, as an appertiser & then Grouse casserole with ND Fungus as a side !!

Hey, I'm in !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Was it?

What month is anyways? It's all been a blur of sanders & paint guns for a very long time for me

will this hold you over for now?

[Linked Image]

We'll finish buffing & putting it back together tonight.

figure i'll drive it to work tomorrow, rain or shine.

Love it Dave, been following along, enjoying the show.

Paul.

when are you guys leaving muffy

Dave & Tom,

Seriously, there must be nobody left in your States. I just ran downtown to buy some lunch & the place is awash with "units" bearing MN & WI plates.

Boarder crossing must be a madhouse.

Hope I can find a lake to myself this weekend !!

Paul.

I think we are leaving from mom and dad's tomorrow morning. Not sure how early.

not before 7:30

I think we will be up there at 5 a.m. you better be up! J/K

ok see you when you get here

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave & Tom,

Seriously, there must be nobody left in your States. I just ran downtown to buy some lunch & the place is awash with "units" bearing MN & WI plates.

Boarder crossing must be a madhouse.

Hope I can find a lake to myself this weekend !!

Paul.

June is a pretty big vacation month here for guys headed nort to catch walleyes.

I have 3 more days as a WI resident.

Pam sleepin on the couch, I'm eating a mess of shiitake mushrooms by myself.

she's gonna be mad!

oh well, it's health food & I need to be healthy this week toting canoes on my back in the BWCA!

somebody really should ask Dusty about his new pet.....

Hey Dusty...I hear you got a new pet...what could it be?

Oh yeah, I was there so I guess I know what it is. Heeeeheeee.

By the way, I think I need some health food too as in mushrooms! I think I'll be packing some heavy stuff too and will need my strength on this trip. Thanks Dave, I will be giggling when you are toting those canoes and I probably won't offer to help either. Oh maybe I'll offer to help???

Ok so I guess I'll tell the story of the new "pet"

We did a quick little clean up day yesterday at chickenbuck. I was running the brush mower on the 3 point behind the tractor, mowing tall grass around the cabin. The rest of the group was throwing branches etc, just kind of cleaning up a bit around camp. Afterwards we lit a fire in the fire ring & we were standing around chatting about this & that. I commented that I heard some little animal noise off in the brush, it was a cry.. I thought maybe a baby bird or something.

Well, it was Eener the weener dog chewing on a baby rabbit! Yep, the mighty hunter had caught him a baby snowshoe hare and he was just a chomping away on the poor thing.

Well the bunny was rescued from Eener and we observed him for a while wondering if he was going to survive the attack. We wondered what to do with him, it seemed the thing to do might be to take him home, nurse him back to health then return him to the woods out at camp in a week or so.

Only thing is Pam & I along with all the kids are going to the boundary waters this week on a canoe/camping trip. So we couldn't take the bunny home.

My aunt Eileen was obviously concerned for the bunny & she offered to bring him home & get him all fixed up.

So, the little guy is down at Dusty & Eileen's house in a bunny box eating lettuce & carrots right now.

Somebody must have some pictures they can post? I don't have any at work right now.

Here are the pictures of the poor bunny Eeaner was "playing with".

Here he is in the sled after Dave rescued it. His back is full of Eeaner saliva.

[Linked Image]

Here he is in his box at mom and dad's. On the way home we had him in an ice cream bucket without the lid on it. I was looking at him and all of a sudden his ears perked up and he almost jumped out of the bucket. His name fits him good. Hopper.

[Linked Image]

That looks like the one I choped in the lawnmower a couple weeks ago.....that one didn't fare as well.

The movers are loading the last of our stuff into a big red 53' trailer as I type this. Kinda weird having someone pack and load all your stuff up. I've offered to help about 1/2 dozen times, but they don't want any help.

nice guys and they like the Budwiser I've been giving them at the end of each night.

Hopefully that helps all my stuff get to where it's going.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam sleepin on the couch, I'm eating a mess of shiitake mushrooms by myself.

she's gonna be mad!

How'd that work out fer ya ?

Paul.

Tom,

Good Luck !

I know it's been a long journey.

Bet ya it'll be worth it !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam sleepin on the couch, I'm eating a mess of shiitake mushrooms by myself.

she's gonna be mad!

How'd that work out fer ya ?

Paul.

she was a little angry but I felt no ill effects myself

I mentioned it in the main forum but i'll mention it here too. Any well wishes you could stir up for my dad would be appreciated. he's in the Hospital with some colon issues, could be pretty serious, waiting for an MRI right now.

We are all heading that way tomorrow, we had planned on it anyways since we have a BWCA trip planned for this week. I will be offline most of the week but i'll try to update when I can.

Good luck to your dad Dave. I'll keep him in our prayers.

just got good word on dad. they are treating him without surgery so that's really good news.

Dave, as I wrote in the other forum, our prayers are with you & your family.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

just got good word on dad. they are treating him without surgery so that's really good news.

That's excellent news.

Paul.

That is great to hear. Tell them hi from me when you get there. Have a great trip!

thats great news Dave, had a scare like that last year with my dad. so far so good. prayers sent

that snowshoe might have to become a permanent pet, at least for the summer. he's awful young. but totally cute! cool pet

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

that snowshoe might have to become a permanent pet, at least for the summer. he's awful young. but totally cute! cool pet dinner once he grows a little. Would go well with some mushies !

Ryan,

Fixed it for ya.

Paul.

PWM would not be very happy to hear that. He was so worried about the little rabbit.

Muffy,

I'm betting that if it was "crumbed" & fried, he'd eat it without question !!

&

Ask for more !

Paul.

He probly would.

Well I got the news from mom and dad yesterday, the bunny didn't make it. Who really knows if it had any serious internal problems after the attack. And it was very small. Not sure what Dave is going to tell PWM, he was so worried about that poor little bunny.

the bunnie recovered and they let him go

Happy Birthday NorthernDave!
Here's to a great day with your Family and many more years to come!

how old are you now?

Is today Dave's birthday?

Stan in SC

yesterday was, I believe they are still up in the BWCA, I tried to call and wish him well, but it went right to his voicemail.
I hope the bad weather we had the other day didn't make things too rough on them.

a guy in the next town over lost his life when he went in to the C-store he owned to check on his employee, tornado hit, he got his daughter and the employee in the cooler and they were safe, but he didn't make it. it was his birthday and he took the day off originally. I stop at the place frequently as its on the way to work and my favorite fishing spot, I was in there the day before the tornado hit. I guess there were 20 tornadoes within 20 miles or so of here. had some pretty extreme weather this year thats for sure

Happy belated birthdays to Tzone, his son Jack and Dave.

We're back home for a couple of days than hitting the road again Wednesday for Yellowstone and Portland.

Fishing was only fair on the Chippewa Flowage last week. Did see 3 bears while we were there. Grandson managed to live trap a chipmunk.

Hey everybody we're back!!

We had a good trip, yes we did weather a nasty storm but we pulled through dry and happy.

I'll have pictures and stories soon. We just got home.

Well I am back from Manitoba. Great pike fishing, walleyes were a little tough. Here is a pic of a 43" I caught:

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Here is a 43" Dad caught:

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Glad to see everyone is doing well (except for Hopper).

very nice fish berettaman

Wow! great fish!!

anybody want to see some camping pictures?

Well too bad, I'm going to post some anyways

the team of "happy and crappy"

[Linked Image]

one is happy... the other is.... not.

can I get a little help here?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3778.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3779.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3780.jpg[/img]

Thumbs up! Time to fish!!

[Linked Image]

cut em up, bread em & fry em in a pan..

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3825.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3827.jpg[/img]

damn good meal. First time I've ever ate bass. We had a mix of Smallies & largemouth in the 13 to 15 inch range.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3832.jpg[/img]

storm rollin in...

[Linked Image]

secure the camp & get in the dang tent.

[Linked Image]

There is a photo bomber clown in every group I tell ya!!

the little guy really didn't like the lightning & thunder, it was honestly a bit much & a lot too close to the tent.

[Linked Image]

eener the camp dog found a safe place to wait out the storm..

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3856.jpg[/img]

hey Dusty, did you know your sleeping bag is a double wide?

Better question... Did you know your sleeping bag went to the boundary waters??

Haa!!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3859.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/565002-R1-18-20.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/565002-R1-17-19.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/565002-R1-14-15.jpg[/img]

Don't you ever slow down?

Dave--a huge thank you for making the effort, and taking the time, to do such a great job raising the kids, and keeping them all busy in the outdoors.

You're a pretty special dude...

Beautiful pics! Looks like it was way fun!

Originally Posted by yukonal

You're a pretty special dude...

I get that a lot...

Hey rooster, it was a good time. But if I'm going to keep doing this I'm going to invest in a couple of kevlar canoes.

I remember when my dad turned 40 and he said it was the best he's ever felt in his life as far as... fitness etc.

I think dad was full of chit man!!

Seriously, I can't do it like I used to. Well I can still do it all, but it aint as easy as it used to be that's for sure!

Thanks for the picture. Looks like a fun time.

Pics are the next best thing to being there.

Of course, in this case second place is a LONG ways behind first.

Thanx for sharing.

Great pics Dave! Looked like lots of fun.

You will have to bring the crew down here and we could go canoeing down the Crow Wing and camp out. We have done that a couple times, it is very fun.

Great pics Dave. How did you keep your sanity with 2 teenage girls along?

I see lots of smiles, I remember trips like that when I was a youngin, they will carry those memories for life.
glad to see the storm didn't give you too much trouble.
can't ask for a better birthday/fathers day weekend. good work

Dave,Welcome back and a belated but sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ya.It looks like you guys had a great trip although you neglected to name the new children in the picture which leaves the viewer wondering.I always wanted to canoe the boundary waters.Beautiful place evidently.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great pics Dave. How did you keep your sanity with 2 teenage girls along?

shoot they weren't any trouble at all. hardly knew they were there at times.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave,Welcome back and a belated but sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ya.It looks like you guys had a great trip although you neglected to name the new children in the picture which leaves the viewer wondering.I always wanted to canoe the boundary waters.Beautiful place evidently.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan, oh the girls aren't new to us

The older girl with the fun goofy humor we call "Runs in darkness" for a mishap earlier this summer where she was actually running outside in the dark and she collided with a fence resulting in some stitches to her forehead & across her left eyebrow. This is chickenbuck camp member "Runs In Darkness"

[Linked Image]

She's super ambitious, hard working & genuinely thrilled to go on these hardcore camping trips. All of the kids were just amazing on this trip with the portages and how they just dug in & grabbed the heavy packs & took off down the trail.

This little girl is waiting for her camp name... I'm a bit hesitant as the right name isn't quite coming to me yet for this one.

If we went off our last BWCA trip from 2 years ago we would have called her "Falls In Water" because ... well she just really falls in the water a lot!!

[Linked Image]

These are my cousin's girls. Granddaughters of uncle dusty, nieces to Muffy. Their father is the dear family member & lifelong friend we all lost to a plane crash 3 years ago on the 28th of this month.

Their older brother is and has been out of school for a year now and he is busy working long hard hours with a construction crew. He would have been with us if he wasn't busy working.

They are part of our family, when we are all together it feels like just that, one big family. We enjoy every moment we have with them and we are always a little heart broke when it is time for them to go home. We see them quite often, it�s just hard to see an adventure like we had last week come to an end.

We look forward to the next trip with them and we will take advantage of every moment they care to spend with us now when they are so young and forever into the future.

Pretty cool Dave, lots of fun there!! Happy Birthday to you also ol' feller!! we'll have to celebrate!! It just amazes me all the time you put out for all these family adventures, it always seems to be no end to all the fun you guys get to have together. Its great!! When life seems so busy to me i just think to myself what would Dave do?

Dave would probably throw his back out, pull a few muscles, run low on sleep and grow more gray hairs.

These are my hobbies. lol!!

If the rain ever stops I'll get the camp all cleaned up, grass mowed & we can have a bbq out there or something.

It'll likely be blueberry season before things dry up out in the forest the way this rain has been coming.

i would like to go to camp chicken buck and ride 4wheeler

Dave, i was out in the forest last week riding four wheelers for work and it was actually pretty dry for the most part out there. i was very surprised we didn't get into a lot of mud. some puddles on the trails here and there but it was very dusty out. It was a great ride. I think I even went past Chickenbuck!

oh you would huh?

Cheers Dave,

Another great "family" adventure & many more memories that can & will be shared into the future.

You're doing "it" right & doing it "good", man.

Kudos !

Paul.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i would like to go to camp chicken buck and ride 4wheeler

I'm with RWS!

I got your e-mail. Heck I'm game.

I'm with RWS.I wanna go to Camp Chickenbuck.

Stan in SC

bring bug spray Stan!

Thank you for sharing the trip pics with us that only wish.

I sent the pics of a great trip to my brother and his comment was about insects.
Guess Sand Volleyball is the limit for outdoor recreation for some.

I'm with RWS too. I want to go weelin! Hey Stan if you can make it to Chickenbuck that would be great!

It has been kinda wierd around here lately. First on Sunday morning, Jeremy's mom and stepdad found a small buck (about 4" spike) washed up on their beach on Lake Melissa. And our neighbor saw a black bear cross the road about 1 mile from our house. We have never seen signs of bear in our area before.

Jeremy's mom and stepdad tried calling the DNR about the deer and all they said is to dump it in the local landfill. You would think they would want to come and look at it atleast, but no they were not that concerned about it. What if it was shot, (poachers). They did not care one bit. I still have the same respect for the DNR as I did after deer hunting last fall. We had I believe 3 deer to register and get tested. But nobody was there to test them, It was closing day. I would have thought someone would have been there on the last day. Sorry I'm venting, but it makes me upset the way they opperate.

Hey LouisB, honestly the bugs weren't bad at all in the boundary waters. When we got back home we couldn't believe how bad they were at the house. They are very bad at home here, it just wasn't like that in BWCA for some reason.

One would think that bugs were worse in the south but it seems that the opposite is true.The exception to that is the gnats in south Georgia.They are in your face all the time.Here in the upstate we have very little bug problem.

Stan in SC

LouisB.

I absolutely LOVE your sig line. You must have worked around engineers too!

Present campfire engineers excluded of course!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

One would think that bugs were worse in the south but it seems that the opposite is true.The exception to that is the gnats in south Georgia.They are in your face all the time.Here in the upstate we have very little bug problem.

Stan in SC

Maybe its the feast or famine principal. In the south the bugs are more layed back because they know they can go munch on sumptin year round. Up here, its get it now because tomorrow you might be dead. Kinda like if you brought an Ethiopian to the Golden Corral before putting him on a return flight.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I'm with RWS too. I want to go weelin!

I smell a wheelin adventure

Muffy - There are bears pretty much everywhere there is decent cover for them. They just don't show themselves very often.

see everybody wants to go to camp chicken buck

better get the grass trimmed up and the wood supply built up too. could be a good time! I may even have a new one for you to try dave. not sure when its coming yet but it is a crew too!

Crew Polaris or Crew Ford?

bring one of each

LouisB, that is a good sig line. I work with a few....okay, quite a few... of those folks.

Thank goodness i am excepted...

Rooster7
As a matter of fact, the person that was talking when that came rolling off of their tongue as discussing a school educated engineer. Same person took offense when I said it was so simple that even an engineer could understand it. Took him several minutes of cogitation before made sense to him. If he only knew he was the source, not the target of such statements.

Over time I have found many it fit, of all levels and types of education.

Bugs, I would suffer some bugs to spend some time at BWCA. I don't want to white water canoe or spend my life paddling upstream. I want to canoe, fish and goof off!
Several at work went up in the area, paddled hard upstream for a week and complained there was no time to fish or enjoy it. I asked why they did not go upstream and canoe back to the starting point. Said they couldn't, cause they could only get picked up at the other end.

When I asked why the vehicles that came and picked them up couldn't have done just the opposite . . .

The look on their face with that bit of logic proves my tag line.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I'm with RWS too. I want to go weelin! Hey Stan if you can make it to Chickenbuck that would be great!

It has been kinda wierd around here lately. First on Sunday morning, Jeremy's mom and stepdad found a small buck (about 4" spike) washed up on their beach on Lake Melissa. And our neighbor saw a black bear cross the road about 1 mile from our house. We have never seen signs of bear in our area before.

Jeremy's mom and stepdad tried calling the DNR about the deer and all they said is to dump it in the local landfill. You would think they would want to come and look at it atleast, but no they were not that concerned about it. What if it was shot, (poachers). They did not care one bit. I still have the same respect for the DNR as I did after deer hunting last fall. We had I believe 3 deer to register and get tested. But nobody was there to test them, It was closing day. I would have thought someone would have been there on the last day. Sorry I'm venting, but it makes me upset the way they opperate.

I asked a DNR guy and he told me that they quit testing when they meet their "quota" for deer to be tested, they just want to get a sample as opposed to every single deer that gets harvested. I agree, they should be wanting to test as many as they can, but they have to pay those folks over time and they don't like doing that I guess.
as for the deer washing up that is odd, but the DNR won't raise much of an eyebrow unless a few more start to. could have been a deer that just tried swimming across and drown, it happens believe it or not.

on a cool note I saw a moose today on glacial lake refuge where i work, it was pretty exciting because we don't get many of them down here. we do have lots of bugs though thats for sure

ok we all will leave on friday morning

Leave Friday morning? Did you forget Dad used all his vacation for the BWCA trip? We do work boy...

We'll talk weekend plans later tonight RWS.

you going to drive the mustang out there RWS? Getr' Done!!

ok we will leave tonight

Dusty, look at the middle of your screen for a blinking envelope. Click on it.

Well we did a little day work out at the cabin on Saturday, mostly just mowing with the tractor. I mowed around the cabin again and also mowed the full length of the road. Didn't get around to blading the muddy ruts in the bad spots yet, we kind of ran out of time.

I shot a couple of guns, shot my 45 colt on paper at 25 yds just to see for sure how it hits. I'm pretty happy with it, Offhand I'm getting a 6 shot group the size of a beer coaster.

I also shot the last few fact loads I had for my 264, First time with the new scope. I recently put a VXII 3-9X 40mm on it. I only had enough ammo to find point of impact at 100 sighting through the barrel & lining the scope up by eye then making an adjustment to bring point of impact in to point of aim and I got a couple of 3 round groups in before I was empty. I shot a couple of good honest 1" groups. Now it's time to start reloading for that one.

Weezy shot her pink 10/22, tore up some cans pretty bad. Then we loaded the tractor on the trailer & brought it home to work on our driveway some.

Nice slow relaxing weekend.

3 years today.

Time goes by so fast, we've all put 3 years distance between a tragic death and present day. We've done a lot of things with the 3 years but today just feels like day 1 moving forward. It's really the start of year 4 though. I put the shoe on the other foot every now and then, ask myself what I would like for everybody to do in my absence if it were me that was gone and rather my best friend was still here. I realize that I certainly couldn't ask any more of anybody. Camp chickenbuck and friends are doing a good job.

I couldn't have seen my future taking this shape 3 years ago today. The truth is 3 years ago today I couldn't see a future at all, nothing seemed to matter. There was just awful pain and disbelief.

We've done well though, we've all done very well. We built a cabin, established a camp, hunted deer together, hunted grouse, picked wild berries, trail riding both summer and winter. We've laughed and we've cried, we cut the firewood, we've burned the firewood. We've hunted elk in Colorado together, we've fished sturgeon on the US/Canadian border. We've camped the boundary waters canoe area hardcore with canoes and heavy packs on our backs. We've told stories around the fire, we've lived adventures that will be tomorrows campfire stories.

We've done so much more, the kids have grown so much in 3 years.

We're doing well, lets keep going.

My best friend died 3 years ago today, my cousin. Godfather to my children, a big brother to Muffy, a son to Dusty. A husband, father of 3, dearest friend to Rooster(Jim) and to most anyone he ever met.

His smile and laugh cannot be forgotten, it's impossible to forget his positive energy and love of life. I made a promise 3 years ago to adopt certain qualities of his personality and try to make them part of my life, part of how I make decisions. I'd like to thank him for living so well and for providing such qualities to be utilized.

We mark another year on the wall and we keep moving with our lives. For what it is worth, to all those reading this that are reflecting on this same landmark day, feeling the same pain..

I'm proud of you all and thank you for helping me these past 3 years. We know this is his week, the day of his death and the day of his birth all in the same week. He would turn 40 later this week. And I�m pretty sure he's proud of all of us.

To all others reading on, please raise a glass in honor of Waylon D (Dusty) Karsten.

Thank you Waylon, for everything.

I'll be taking the rest of the day off, we're running down to spend some time with the kids today. Maybe see some of you down there today.

Dave....I think they call it a Legacy.
You have nurtured it , watched it grow, and you and your family are living it. I could not possibly think of a better way to honor someones life.

Andddd, I DO know how you feel. I wish I didnt....it has been 11 years-to the week- that I lost my lifelong best freind....

Ingwe

It is very hard to believe it has been 3 years. It just seems like yesterday we were planning our 4 wheeling trip to North Dakota. We had everything ready to go, we were going to be leaving the next morning.

I applied for a job at Lund boats in New york Mills and I was there for a tour of the plant. When I got done there I had 2 missed calls from my mom and one from my sister in law. I knew something was wrong. I called mom back and she said they think Waylon's plane went down. I drove from NYM to Waylon's by Cormorant, I don't even remember the drive. There were so many things going through my head like this is a mistake, maybe they ran into bad weather and landed at a nearby airport maybe he has tried to call but the call won't go through. As we sat at the house waiting to hear ANYTHING, there were reporters calling the house asking questions. It was hard enough to deal with what we didn't know what was going on, and to have them calling the house.

I'm not even sure how long it was that we waited to hear anything, 5 hours or more. When the Sheriff and State Trooper pulled in the driveway then we knew. I don't even remember what they said, after they had confirmed that Waylon was one that had passed, everything else was a blur. It was like someone just ripped my heart out. He was my only sibling, he couldn't be gone. It was like a very bad dream, but I couldn't wake up.

Today is a day of looking back at pictures and remembering all the good times. I can still hear him call me Meesey. From all the memories of when we were little like when mom and dad told me to stay off the dock because the boys were casting. Well I didn't and Waylon got me in the chin with a daredevil. He thought it was caught on the dock so he kept yanking on it. To the memories when we were on our last 4 wheeling trip the summer before the accident. That is where we took our last picture together on a rock where we went every night we were there to watch the deer.

It is a very hard time for everyone. I would like to thank Dave and his family for being there for all of us. Chicken buck is a great place to go to have fun, share stories, and just to spend time together as a family. If it is only family members or other friends there too, it is great.

Sorry for rambleing on. Gotta get ready to go mini golfing with the family. It will be a great day.

A legacy is exactly what this is and a fitting one.I started reading this thread in August of 2007 but didn't chime in with a post until much later.In April of 2008 I recommended to Rick Bin that he should sticky this and look where we are now.811 pages and over 400,000 views.I have made a bunch of friends along the way as we all have.Thank you Dave for being true to your friendship with Waylon and making this all happen.I know how you feel about him.I lost my best friend/like a brother for 49 years in February of 2008.

Stan in SC

Tipping a glass this evening to " Hunters...home from the hill...."

Ingwe

3 years...

I tried to keep as busy as I possibly could today. I even thought about staying away from the thread but this thread was started because of what happened 3 years ago. Much has happened, much has changed. There has been lots of laughs, lots of tears and lots of new friendships made and old friendships strengthened.

I had a book written on here about how similiar today is....weather wise, being on vacation, working on stuff in the garage today just like I was when I got the call that the plane was missing. I was going to talk about every detail of that day, the plans we had, what it was like driving to Waylons company not knowing for sure but knowing deep inside that when I got there, life would change for the worse.

Then I deleted it.

Those of us that lived it already know. Muffy described it perfectly. The disbelief. The shock. The un-describable pain. The fact that it just didn't make sense...

3 years. There has been so many changes in 3 years.

Dave you have been a real inspiration with what you have committed to. I thank you and Pam for letting us be a part of it. Waylon would be proud of what you have done and continue to do.

Dusty, Eileen and Missy. Words can never express how much your Son and Brother meant to me.

R.I.P Waylon.

The first annual Happy Crappy Golf Tournament was so much fun today. Quite a few hole in one's, none were mine. PWM even got one. I still think the only reason the Happy team won is because he joined their team half way through.

It was a great day today. It was nice to spend time with Dave and the rest of my family. Wish Captain Bang Flop could have been there though. Will be looking forward to next year!! I have a couple pictures, I will post them later.

Team captains "happy" and "crappy" golfed a great tournament. in the end it was team happy (which I was part of by the way

) that prevailed victorious in a crushing defeat of the crappies.... crappees? crappys? (spelling?)

Ha!

Well it was a fun little get together none the less and we will have to make it an annual event.

looking forward to seeing pictures. We'll need trophy ideas too, a cup or trophy of some kind.

I just wanted you to all to know how great this thread is and how badly i needed to see the same stuff flowing.

My oldest daughter 17 overdosed on prescription migraine medication last Wednesday, things were touch and go for a while but she is getting the help she needs and we expect her to go home to her mom's possibly today.

If you get a chance give your kids hugs when you get home and love on them.

Very sorry to hear that BD. But very happy to hear she's recovering.

That's a very powerful reminder.

She will certainly be in our thoughts/prayers.

Woo-loo-loo-loo!!!!! I have been on the thread countless times reading everyone's entries, viewing the pictures, laughing, and crying! Dave and Pam have been a blessing to my children, myself and all of Waylon's family. Waylon loved you guys and YES he would be very proud.

oh my goodness!!

MNP, I had no idea you even had computer access right now ha!! I was thinking you were kind of "between computers" at home and relied mostly on your work PC!..

Well I tell ya, you certainly brightened the place up today with your first ever post.

It sure was good to see you yesterday.

By the way, I stole a small cooler from your garage yesterday lol!!

I'll be sure that Pam (AKA burns My Breakfast) gets the cooler to "runs in darkness" today when she meets the girls.

My condolences big drift, that is too scary! I'm glad she is recovering.

That's where that cooler went

yes i was on the happy team, i think thats y we won

With a name like "Team Crappy" the odds were clearly stacked against us:)

Originally Posted by MakesNoPatties

That's where that cooler went

I got one that we could probably just as well get filled MNP!

Nice to see you on here by the way!

My Prayers are with you and your daughter BD. I'm glad to hear she is doing ok.

Team Crappy is going to put Team Happy in the dust next year! I have pics but don't have time to post them, gotta go get my hair done.

Dave,

I've told ya many times before & I deeply believe you know it too & believe it !!

You are doing it right. In every way.

You are a credit to yourself, your family (extended) & friends.

Knowing you & your adventures, via cyberspace, has enriched so many other lives as well.

I raised a glass, & a prayer, to Waylon, as requested.

Paul.

Thanks Paul.

Runs in Darkness just finished up with her senior pictures. They are going to be beautiful.....thank goodness for computers so they can touch up the scar that remains from her night blindness.

hey Dave....you could have taken the refrigerator, tv or even my truck and I wouldn't have noticed.......the cooler???? that's another story.

damn!! I should have taken something cool like a car or a boat or something lol!!

Sounds like Pam & the kids are almost home. You should have your cooler back by now too

The wife and i have been catching up on the thread together these last couple of evenings. We both wish this could be a mandatory read across the country as a testament to "pulling together". Lessons we can all learn here. Bless you all and pats on the back all around.

Lisa and Scott

Celebrating a good man's birthday today. His 40th.

Dave...I wish I could tell you it gets easier with time....

It doesn't.

Ingwe

You still look great Ingwe.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Dave...I wish I could tell you it gets easier with time....

It doesn't.

Ingwe

We all wish for that Ingwe but realize you are right.

There are better days on the other side of today and I intend to prove it this weekend. Nice long weekend coming, some fun & good hard laughs are in order.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There are better days on the other side of today and I intend to prove it this weekend. Nice long weekend coming, some fun & good hard laughs are in order.

You are doing the right thing Dave. Things like this make you realize and relish the good times you have with loved ones now.Cherish the good times. Revel in them.They are truly all we have, and they are, as we now know, fleeting....

Ingwe

Here are just a couple pictures from the Happy Crappy golf tournament on Monday.

[Linked Image]

Here is PWM's new racing gear.

[Linked Image]

RWS with Buck and Doe.

[Linked Image]

PWM is stylin' ......

Ingwe

Originally Posted by Muffy

RWS with Buck and Doe.

[Linked Image]

I'm confused, which is "buck" and which is "doe"?

It was a good day, Thanks for the pizzas today Muffy!

Your mom thanked me for coming down as we left, that threw me off a bit as if it were some chore or effort... there was no where else we wanted to be today.

For any curious race fans, this years race ended in an honest tie.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

For any curious race fans, this years race ended in an honest tie.

You can have a rematch next year, and maybe another tie...

Ingwe

I don't think I can beat him, tie is the best I can hope for without cheating.

As long as you have a beer together...its all good....

Ingwe

Yeah, it was good. Good time spent, the beer is just kind of a ... thing I started. I'm not the only one that goes there to "have a beer" with him.

I might be the only one that cracks 2 open & "races" with him though.

It works for me.

Tomorrow, we start a new year.

Goodnight.

So depending on your relationship with him, which was obviously superb, maybe a little cheating is in order....?

I didnt want to ask this question yesterday in respect for the day, but today I will, especially since you talk about him in such a way that I am sure he would appreciate this question.

In that photo of you two......why are you playing with DOLLS???

We probably wanted to see what was under them clothes.

heading to camp chickenbuck, later!!

Just got home from Jeremy's mom and stepdad's hot wing party. Jeremy planted lots of grass sead this morning. Looks like it is all washed out.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i would like to go to camp chicken buck and ride 4wheeler

Me too.

Hey kids. I'm still alive and kicking. Not really settled into the house yet. We were there for 5 days, then went on vacation for 10 or so. Lived out of a hotel for 5 days before we got into the house. Still no internet at the new place yet, so I'll have to beg steal and borrow a computer like I'm doing now from my sis...

This state is a sponge. it's rained almost every day I've been here. Not the same with the Badger state. They need some of the rain we got here, and I need to cut my grass.

The house isn't ready yet, but the shop is getting close.

Momma's not reading this I hope. New air compressor soon, then the welder.

I'll catch up later dudes.

Tom

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I absolutely LOVE your sig line. You must have worked around engineers too!

Present campfire engineers excluded of course!

Easy tiger...

way to cover your butt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Crew Polaris or Crew Ford?

bring one of each

What about a Honda any a Toyota?

I'm hopin to have the Ford part coverd by fall. Start working on that soon...I hope.

Hey lady....nice to see you on here.

Gotta go kids.

I sincerely hope that everyone had as good a Fourth of July as I did.

Stan in SC

We got 6.2 inches of rain lastnight. Jeremy's cousin got 7.9 inches at their hunting shack by Toad Lake.

I heard ya'll got pounded, I was at cormorant and we got quite a bit of rain, didn't know how much but I know a lot fell on the detroit lakes area

Yeah it was not good. Jeremy planted a bunch of grass yesterday morning and it is all washed out. He went through 2 big bags of grass seed. Now he has to push all the black dirt that washed out back up and do it all over again. It is a good thing that he took all this week off.

I hope you all had a good 4th of july weekend!!

On the way home from watching fireworks at our friends house, we stopped and talked to some of our neighbors. One was a lady in her 60's and she lost her mom in a house fire on the lake last year. I remember the fire, hearing all the sirens and of course you have to go and check it out. She decided to rebuild the house. It was very interesting talking to her. Her mom sang with Frank Senatra, and she was a nurse in the war (Vietnam I think). She remembers our other golden Lucky. I guess he would go and visit her and her mother often. She is very nice and she told us if we ever needed a dog sitter she would watch Dozer anytime. I'm sure she has many stories to tell about her mom. It sounds like she played piano and sang with other famous people. It is interesting that you have all these neighbors and never really see or talk to them, then you find out how one has actually sang and performed with famous people. Crazy.

Here's some easy firewood we found not too far from the cabin.

[Linked Image]

We also found ripe blueberries already!!

[Linked Image]

can weenie dogs swim?

[Linked Image]

yup!

we had a bonfire that ended with the burning of the "smoky chair"

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_3958.jpg[/img]

couple of shots of the trail on the way out from camp.

[Linked Image]

loading up wheelers & heading home.

[Linked Image]

No where near the rain fall you got Missy, but it's been raining here off and on since yesterday. Fireworks display had to be cancelled. They rescheduled for tonight, but it doesn't look to promising.

I broke up a fight between a buldog and my own black lab tonight.

in hindsite.... I think maybe I should have set my beer down and used both arms.

It turns out it's maybe not a one armed task, left arm ended up with some holes in it.

Honestly, I really could have handled that better if someone would have held my beer & watched.

Stupid dogs.

Cheers Dave,

Just read the whole story, on the other thread !!

Ya one crazy bastidge. Glad no major damage was done & the beer went unscathed.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

OK, so we now know einer can swim, but more importantly, it appears Honda ATV's can too !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i would like to go to camp chicken buck and ride 4wheeler

Me too.

Hey kids. I'm still alive and kicking. Not really settled into the house yet. We were there for 5 days, then went on vacation for 10 or so. Lived out of a hotel for 5 days before we got into the house. Still no internet at the new place yet, so I'll have to beg steal and borrow a computer like I'm doing now from my sis...

This state is a sponge. it's rained almost every day I've been here. Not the same with the Badger state. They need some of the rain we got here, and I need to cut my grass.

The house isn't ready yet, but the shop is getting close.

Momma's not reading this I hope. New air compressor soon, then the welder.

I'll catch up later dudes.

Tom

Cheers Tom,

Glad to have you back !

Dave said you lost 400lbs between the stress of the move & all the physical labour you did !

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

OK, so we now know einer can swim, but more importantly, it appears Honda ATV's can too !!

Paul.

the honda can float

and my new phone was in my pocket when i was dragging the honda out of the water

What did I tell you about the new phone? Don't loose it or get it all muddy and wet when you are muddin' with the wheeler!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

the honda can float

and my new phone was in my pocket when i was dragging the honda out of the water[/quote]

RWS,

Dude, your a kid with such "fun" toys & the perfect area to use them, why do you need a stinkin' phone ?

Paul.

i only have one toy

Yeah PWM from the looks of the pic.

Originally Posted by big drift

Yeah PWM from the looks of the pic.

Tooo Funny !

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i only have one toy

RWS,

Let's see: 4wheeler, yep !
Snow machine to ride in winter: yeah I think so ! If not, tell your dad you're to old to ride in the "caboose" anymore & need an 800 triple.
30-06 M70 fwt to shoot elk cows: yep pretty sure about that !
Yellow plough truck to drive while consuming a "root beer": yes sir (maybe it was brownie though) !
Ice palace to fish in during winter: check !
At least 2 dogs to play with: OK, yep your right !
Squid filled swamp to swim in @ Camp Kentucky Fried Chicken Duck !
Oh yeah, waterlogged phone ta text ya special girls !!!!!
Probably a PS3, Xbox 360 & PSP, for rainy day entertainment !!

What have I forgotten ?

Indian style canoe: yup !
Fishing gear: yep, used it in the BWCA !
A mom & dad that love all the "good things" & love sharing them with you !

Can't forget that one, Hey, listen up here, it is especially important to your Mom !

A little brother to take the blame for all your mischief !
A sister to tease: yes I do believe so !

Dude, I hope you know how good you got it ?

Paul.

P.S. When are ya gunna tell ya Dad that you, PWM & both dogs have been peeing on his 'shrooms ? I'd suggest that, maybe you wait till growing season's done !

too funny!!

LMAO, sounds like someone has been there done that and still doing the road show.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i only have one toy

RWS,

Let's see: 4wheeler, yep !
Snow machine to ride in winter: yeah I think so ! If not, tell your dad you're to old to ride in the "caboose" anymore & need an 800 triple.
30-06 M70 fwt to shoot elk cows: yep pretty sure about that !
Yellow plough truck to drive while consuming a "root beer": yes sir (maybe it was brownie though) !
Ice palace to fish in during winter: check !
At least 2 dogs to play with: OK, yep your right !
Squid filled swamp to swim in @ Camp Kentucky Fried Chicken Duck !
Oh yeah, waterlogged phone ta text ya special girls !!!!!
Probably a PS3, Xbox 360 & PSP, for rainy day entertainment !!

What have I forgotten ?

Indian style canoe: yup !
Fishing gear: yep, used it in the BWCA !
A mom & dad that love all the "good things" & love sharing them with you !

Can't forget that one, Hey, listen up here, it is especially important to your Mom !

A little brother to take the blame for all your mischief !
A sister to tease: yes I do believe so !

Dude, I hope you know how good you got it ?

Paul.

P.S. When are ya gunna tell ya Dad that you, PWM & both dogs have been peeing on his 'shrooms ? I'd suggest that, maybe you wait till growing season's done !

ok you got me

I'm still kinda wondering about that "Root Beer" too......

Ingwe

ya ya it was a root beer

I have to go with RWS on this root beer thing no can cozy was in evidence, and Dave would have taught him the importance of maintaining proper temp control of adult beverages.

Yup, & even the proper beer holding technique whilst fighting off 2 dogs & a cougar !!

Paul.

Jeremy took the week off so it will be family fun day all week long.

Yesterday he put a new walk in door in the small shop. Today we have been loading up the old Ford with junk. It is already pretty full and we still have a shed to go through. Tomorrow he will also bring in the aluminum cans and that usually covers the cost at the dump. We for some reason always have lots of cans to bring in.

you have a old ford you should have bought that to the cabin

It is only 2 wheel drive.

we can pull you in to chicken buck. the road almost looks like its paved now the way dave fixed it up....

Scott had his car out there last weekend.

Of course Scott had his car out there last fall when some were getting stuck with 4 wheel drive trucks too!!

He CAN drive too though

it is a ford so it shouldn't be any problem anyways....You all have a great day, heading for a round of golf and then off to deer camp for refreshments and mowing party. What a day!!

have the mowing party at the golf course, they'll love you for it!!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yup, & even the proper beer holding technique whilst fighting off 2 dogs & a cougar !!

Paul.

not to mention how to catch a jack rabbit by one hand, not sure if there was a beer in the other or not, I don't remember the story too well, parts are fuzzy.

He will have to tell the story again, with bear on head of course.

oh of course! it makes the story!

We stopped at 3 of the Zorbas today. We put about 350 miles on the bike. That was a little much for that small seat on that Victory. It was fun though. I think I will have to put an ice pack on my rear.

Oh good lord. I'll look for a touring seat for you guys ha!

What's a Zorba?

Stan in SC

Pizza joint

http://www.zorbaz.com/

Zorbaz is a lakes area pizza/mexican food joint and bar. They have a passport and if you get a stamp from each one you get a free touring Zorbaz tshirt. There are 9 of them. I have 4 more stamps to get, 2 of them are close to home.

It is a really fun place to go. Well I guess all of them are.
Check out the website: www.zorbaz.com

i went on the zorbaz website and i saw a picture of Alyssa

RWS,

Is alyssa one of the girls you text, with your wet phone ?

Paul.

no she is my cussin

Ok !

Howz that phone doing ?

Paul.

Well now it looks like the season is starting early for us this year, deadline for 10 year olds to hunt is Aug 20, so my oldest boy is gonna sign up for the Bemidji State Park hunt.

That hunt will be on Oct. 16-17. It will be good for him to be able to go on his own and hunt with me alone. Dad will be just be there as an assistant and he will be doing it all himself.

Last year he passed on 6 shots due to light, weather, vehicles, people, etc. His younger brother got one the last weekend of ther regular season and it has gnawed on him all year.

While the DNR baffles me with how they do things. I do think that allowing kids the chance to hunt without the pressure of competition from adults is a wonderful thing.

So he is gonna use his Rem 700 .243 with 100 gr. Fusions or handloads as he chooses. Topped it with a 2x7 Leupold.

This will probably change my fall plans but he is definately worth it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yesterday he put a new walk in door in the small shop. Today we have been loading up the old Ford with junk.

What did you do.....put a cheby in the back?

Tzone that is not nice. The Ford has not been running right lately. If it broke down I would have had to pull it home with my Chevy.

Glad to see you are back! Are you all settled in?

Not totally settled. We still don't have any internet. Should come on friday and fix that. I'm staying with my dad for a few days to work on some of my projects. I have a trailer I have to get road worthy so I can haul my wheeler around. I have my 78 f-150 that I need to get the cab switched and painted too.

Originally Posted by big drift

Well now it looks like the season is starting early for us this year, deadline for 10 year olds to hunt is Aug 20, so my oldest boy is gonna sign up for the Bemidji State Park hunt.

That hunt will be on Oct. 16-17. It will be good for him to be able to go on his own and hunt with me alone. Dad will be just be there as an assistant and he will be doing it all himself.

Last year he passed on 6 shots due to light, weather, vehicles, people, etc. His younger brother got one the last weekend of ther regular season and it has gnawed on him all year.

While the DNR baffles me with how they do things. I do think that allowing kids the chance to hunt without the pressure of competition from adults is a wonderful thing.

So he is gonna use his Rem 700 .243 with 100 gr. Fusions or handloads as he chooses. Topped it with a 2x7 Leupold.

This will probably change my fall plans but he is definately worth it.

wow that's an early hunt, I do like the youth hunt thing too. Gives a good chance to sit with them & just focus on them (the little hunters)

It's a good time, good luck!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tzone that is not nice. The Ford has not been running right lately. If it broke down I would have had to pull it home with my Chevy.

Glad to see you are back! Are you all settled in?

the ford is mad because your a chevy owner

You tell her RWS!! You the man!! I can't wait for the youth hunt this year. Get to bring my daughter out for the first time...Get some Jerky cooking!

TZone, take a minute and set up the voice mail on your cell phone. I tried to call you this AM, but got a message that you haven't set it up yet.

He he, very funny.

Actually the ol Ford only needs new spark plugs and wires. Well we hope that will do it. It is a pretty good truck for only $300. It is an extended cab and it even has a liftgate on it. That liftgate has come in very handy.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You tell her RWS!! You the man!! I can't wait for the youth hunt this year. Get to bring my daughter out for the first time...Get some Jerky cooking!

thats how i roll and when is that youth hunt

who's coming up for wheelin & blueberry picking this weekend?

the youth hunt is in october again. Sounds like a heck of a plan Dave, wish i could get out there again. too much happening right now. so little time!! hiopefully i will get me a nother ford this weekend. got a snowplow rig coming!!

im in for so wheelin and blueberrys

you gotta pick em boy, not just eat em!!

Put some in the pail this year would ya?

Sounds like a good time.

You guys get at 'em.

Picking here is good already, so thinking you guys should even be a little advanced, on us.

Just a hint, take some bug dope, black flies eat me alive on Sunday !

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you gotta pick em boy, not just eat em!!

Put some in the pail this year would ya?

sometimes i get hungry

you can eat all you want RWS!! Dave will get you more for the pancakes....

I really want to go up there this weekend. I'm not sure what is going on yet. Jeremy has to leave on Sunday for Minot. He has his golf tournament for work. So I'm sure he wouldn't be able to go. I would like to put some miles on the wheeler. It is still not running right, but I get from point A to point B. I shouldn't say that because that would be the time something would happen to it.

Oh Dave, how is PWM's eye?

he looks like a little prize fighter, really nice puffy shiner. It's very fitting, looks good on him.

He ran into a counter top edge in our kitchen, I guess he's the right height to catch it right in the eye now. It's a counter top on an island in the kitchen. He said "I guess my feet just went the wrong way.."

happens to me after a few beers sometimes

It must run in the family, isn't that what happened to muffy at chickenbuck too! feet went the wrong ways!!

the swamp squids almost got her, you saw what they did to that poor deer at the same spot didn't ya?

[Linked Image]

poor deer.

My feet didn't go the wrong way. The firewood jumped right out behind me.

Heading to Chickenbuck tomorrow! Woo Hoo! Got my 4 wheeler loaded up and bringing it to mom and dad's and he will load up their Prowler and we will be heading out tomorrow early afternoon. Can't wait. We are going to celebrate my niece's birthday. She wanted to go up to Chickenbuch and do some 4 wheelin' for her birthday. Hope blueberry pickin' is good. We will have to get some birch bark from fallen trees and maybe we can finish the walls in the kitchen. Just can't wait to get back up there.

can i come for my birthday too? I'll most likely have to sit on the lake and try and catch some walleyes for supper...:(

You can bring some fish to camp for supper this weekend.

That would be fun, big fish fry in the forest!! wash it down with a cool lemonade...wow!! tasty vittles.

i get to go to the cabin and show muffy that my atv floats

Can't wait to see that!

I bet you can't take it in the moat the whole way......along the driveway!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

he looks like a little prize fighter, really nice puffy shiner. It's very fitting, looks good on him.

He ran into a counter top edge in our kitchen, I guess he's the right height to catch it right in the eye now. It's a counter top on an island in the kitchen. He said "I guess my feet just went the wrong way.."

happens to me after a few beers sometimes

How true to all !

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

i get to go to the cabin and show muffy that my atv floats

Dude, as you climb on the wheeler, hand your phone to someone responsible !

Um, mentally checking off the attendees .................. like your Mom.

Paul.

i have good news my dad bought a car

Big block chevy, right ?

heck no a road runner

"beep, beep" !!

The bird from the cartoon ??

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

"beep, beep" !!

Ha ha....same thing I said when he told me.

I got a car today too, I texted dave a pick and he sent me the one of the "acid trip paint job" looks cool!
I had to get rid of the rodeo and went with an Impala for better mileage. it was so hard not to get a pickup, but I had to do the "needs" and not the "wants"

Alrighty righty, righty! we made it back home safe & sound & we're looking forward to some fun at camp tomorrow! We'll try to get some pics.

ryan you should come & get in on some of this berry pickin!

only if ya can get all the way to the shickenbuck rock (uncle dusty's fav) in the Impala.

Started working on the F-150 a bit this week. Once I get the damn bandage off my hand I can actually do some real work on it.

The goal is to have it ready, at least in driving condition by "Deer Camp 2010." It needs to drive down the chickenbuck drive way for muzzy loader season.

Have fun at camp, and watch yer back fer swamp squids.

I would love to come up berry pickin but I have a meeting with my DAV rep this afternoon,we're finally making progress with the VA. at least they acknowledge I exist now, in fact they are saying I skipped out on 5 appointments in the last year, although they admitted they sent the notifications to Virginia, even though my MN address was in the system. no one had enough common sense to wonder why a guy in virginia would be trying to get into the fargo VA..... but I digress.
if it falls through for some reason I'll be northbound immediately, I'll let you know what happens.

and for the bunkbeds the school said they wouldn't know how many they would be getting rid of until later in august, so when I know how many I'll let those interested know, sounds like we'd get them for free as long as we carry them out and load them ourselves.

Looks like we've got a rainy day here anyways. we'll look for some mid day sunshine for our berry picking but then i think rain will chase us back into the cabin for the evening. supposed to be nice tomorrow though.

its sure clouding up here and thundering, why can't that stuff hit during the week and leave the weekend nice for us?

heading to cabin now.

laterz

We have nasty hot today down here. Clouds are building, fixing to get good here tonight.

How'd it go up on your end of town, Tom-that area you're in seems to get hit every time the twisters revisit us.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

How'd it go up on your end of town, Tom-that area you're in seems to get hit every time the twisters revisit us.

No kidding.... that's what the neighbor said too. We got hammered, durring the storm.

Neighbors were over and I made Ribeye's on the grill, with sauteed onions and shrooms, and a pile of taters and onions on the grill too. The powere went out while we were sitting in the basement bs'ing and having old fashonds.

Our house was the only one that didn't have major tree damage. We have a bunch of twigs and stuff, but nothing serious.

Wow, glad your house didn't get tore up!

Glad to hear you escaped any major damage. We picked another inch plus of rain over the weekend.

The word from the Northern part of the state is that the mosquitoes are terrible.

we have plenty of those. I was visiting my mom and dad in duluth last week and the mosquitoes were pretty bad.

Headed back up there now.

Woooooooweee. The hunting land just barely avoided major hail damage. And when I say just barely, I am literally talking yards. On the other side of the road, it is hard hit and within a mile completely decimated. On our side of the road, you can barely tell. Literally 200 yards makes a huge difference.

Here is a Cole update: he is done with his chemo treatments!! I saw him on Saturday and he was running around just like the other kids. He has a end of treatment scan tomorrow at 10:30....that is a big one. We all hope and pray that he is cancer free. If so, he is free to be a kid again and only go in for scans I think. The re-occurance rate is really high for this type of cancer, so the worries remain, but so far so good!

Berettaman,

That's awesome to hear! I hope the scan returns cancer free results.

My prayers go out to Cole and the family. Hope everything looks good when he has the scan. Keep us updated of what they find out.

Good news is far too rare, thanks for that update.

The word from the guys setting out bear baits is that you need a head net as well as a barrel of bug dope.

We have standing water around the deer shack for the first time in years.

BM, great news about Cole. We'll keep him in our prayers.

BM, that is good news indeed. I'll continue to keep him in our prayers... You don't know how good that makes me feel.

started to dig into my trailer project today and found she was too far rotted to do anything with. So a search on craigslist will be my next step. Well, I got some torch work in anyway...it's always good to work with torches.

What kind of trailer are you looking for. I will keep my eyes open for one. PWM sure liked Jeremy's new trailer this weekend. We kept the back ramp down and he rode his bike up and down it. He was having fun.

Oh and by the way, be careful with that torch. You don't need another accident.

The berries from sat & sunday.

[Linked Image]

Doooooood!!!

you Suck!!

Ingwe

those are gallon bags.

on sunday we filled a 5 qt pail in about an hour.

Pancake time!

Originally Posted by Muffy

What kind of trailer are you looking for. I will keep my eyes open for one. PWM sure liked Jeremy's new trailer this weekend. We kept the back ramp down and he rode his bike up and down it. He was having fun.

Just a 4 or 5x8 or so for hauling a wheeler to camp. Really that's all it'll be used for.

Quote

Oh and by the way, be careful with that torch. You don't need another accident.

I just took the stitches out today, they were itchy as heck. Plus, chicks dig scars...they do right?

Some good pickins' out there it looks like dave? How did the honda float?

Man them blue berries look good enough to eat. We're picking raspberries this afternoon if the rain holds off.

Whooo hooo. Got the '55 F-100 running and moved around a bit, as much as I could without any breaks.

she idles pretty quick, which has been an on going issue since I put the 351 W in it.

Breaks were stuck from sitting. I freed those up last week. only needed a BFH on one of them.

I don't think I'll get it on the road this fall, but the goal is next spring.

Fast idle cam for the choke might be holding the idle speed open, they get stuck sometimes.

just an idea.

I'll check that.

I've tried different carbs, different intakes, and a two different distributors. Would anything on the heads make it do that?

did you leave any berries out there Dave? is anyone gonna be around this weekend?

We didn't even make a dent in the berries Ryan, there is a good chance we will be back out there some this weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll check that.

I've tried different carbs, different intakes, and a two different distributors. Would anything on the heads make it do that?

Something just isn't letting the butterflies close enough to idle down.

linkage, choke stuff, idle speed screw.

we might have found it. There is a vacuum leak where the heads bolt and manifold connect. Like a little divot from a hammer, or prying up a intake manifold. That maybe would explain why it didn't change with a different carb or intake mani. We'll see.

Good thing you moved Tom. Wausau area got hit by a storm Tuesday afternoon. Lots of trees down. 1,500 people still out of power as of 6:00 AM today.

vacuum leak will do it.

They're getting beat up pretty good eh?

I hope that's the deal. I don't know if I'll get at it today or not. I'm fixing the bathroom for my dad and step-mom, then headed to a car show this afternoon.

Must be nice to be retired Tom!!

the BIG Cole update:

Cole had his scan yesterday and .....was cancer free!!! That is such good news as his type of cancer has a very high return rate. as of right now, he is doing great, treatment over, getting his port out next week and no cancer. The worries are still there that it will come back, but as of right now YAHOOOOO!

Thank you for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers. Dont let up, he still is in a battle for his life. But at this point, he is beating the odds and doing well.

Here is the latest on caringbridge:

We are on the way back from the cities. it was a good scan. no new growth. we are excited and scared at the same time. we will be back next tuesday to remove the port. we are excited for Cole to get back to normal. It will be weird to see him with hair, or me for that matter. (This is Jon by the way) we appreciate all your prayers and support.

boy did that ever make my day.

Great, great news. Somebody was listening to us.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Must be nice to be retired Tom!!

Truthfully, it sucks. I'm not the type that likes not having a job. It bothers me a lot more than it bugs my wife. Especially since we found out what daycare costs.

That is GREAT news!!!

it brightened my day! thanks for the update. I'll keep Cole in my prayers

Absolutely great news.

Tzone, if you feel that bad you can come down and mow my lawn.

Bet the kids don't mind having you around all day.

I think the kids like it. I try to keep them busy outside. jack is my shadow, so that's pretty easy, but his sister would rather be inside so keeping her busy outside is a bit tougher.

Wow, that's great news! I'm very happy for Cole and his family.

Hey Dave, how is Eeaner?

He's good!

You'd never be able to tell that the 5 pound dog was stung bu 5 hornets a few days ago.

It was 6. Lys took out 4 and I took out 2. Poor little guy.

That was such a terrible feeling to hear him squealing like that and not being able to see where he was and what was happening. I'm just so glad he is ok. At least you didn't get stung like that. We would have had to make a trip to the ER. Maybe you would have had to take more of them horse pills.

Dave, you're allergic to bees? I didn't know that. i heard beer helps people who get stung, and people say doctors can't prescribe alcohol anymore, its a shame

more people would be happy me thinks

Poor ol Eener. 6 stings is pretty tough on a little guy like that.

Our dog (Daisy) was chewing at her foot and crying last week for a couple hours. We couldn't find anyting in it, so I was guessing it was hornets, bee's, wasps, whatever. We have plenty of them around right now for some reason. Usually don't have that may til fall.

I'd like to find the nest tho before one of the kiddo's gets zapped.

I've had bee traps out since late May and they're doing their job.

Anyone else notice that the flies are starting to bite? Normally not a issue until mid to late August.

We think this was a ground nest that eener found last weekend.

Them damn bees built nests in the outhouse, the bbq grill, in the enclosed deer stands, just everywhere.

We had a ground nest out back a few summers back. It was next to a walking path and I had to do something about it. So I put on my leather snowmobile suit, complete with helmet firmly duct taped to my shoulders and walked out there with the bee spray and went to battle. It was hilarious watching them try and get to me. Just a cloud of them suckers. Yeah, well, okay, I might have talked a little trash to them. I threw a shutout that day, no stings and all bees dead.

However, the neighbor lady saw me and to this day she thinks I have a few screws loose.

the bee's must like us

I am just picturing that. Funny!

i think eener got stung again or something

you better start watching eener a bit closer. not good when the wiener is always getting stung.....

WHAT!! That poor little guy is really having problems.

ya joey let him out and 1 min. later he was freaking out

Lastnight the neighbor dog come into our shop and took one of Dozer's toys. I walked outside and tried to call him back, But he wouldn't come. I looked over and there was a nice big doe standing in our yard 40 yards from me. She just stood there even after I was hollering for the dog. She looked at me for about 10 seconds then turned and walked into the woods. It is pretty neat, we have 2 does and 2 fawns that hang around here and they are not too scared of much.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I am just picturing that. Funny!

Me too.

I like to blow them up with gas. a beesplosion. little wings and legs everywhere, and when you find them, they're crispy like potato chip, and not too bad.

I propabaly shouldn't do that to the ones under my deck though.

I'm going to be real surprised if I don't find bees nests in my enclosed blind. I'm going to be carrying a couple of cans of hornet spray when I go up in Sept to check it out.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

I am just picturing that. Funny!

Me too.

I like to blow them up with gas. a beesplosion. little wings and legs everywhere, and when you find them, they're crispy like potato chip, and not too bad.

I propabaly shouldn't do that to the ones under my deck though.

heck ya blowing bees nests up with gas

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

ya joey let him out and 1 min. later he was freaking out

better check the little guy for stingers, very carefully. if you find any just carefully scrape them out with your fingernail or something. Careful not to squeeze the little bulb on the stinger or you will actually inject more bee venom into the little guy.

i cant find were he got stung

well then he probably just got beat up by Lucy the cranky basset hound.

Stung on the weiner has got to hurt !

Paul.

My dogs got to be plain stupid !

She sits on our deck, right under the Humming Bird feeder !

Tries to "snap" the bees & hornets coming in for the nectar !!

I guessing it will be a fast learning curve, if she actually gets one.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

My dogs got to be plain stupid !

She sits on our deck, right under the Humming Bird feeder !

Tries to "snap" the bees & hornets coming in for the nectar !!

I guessing it will be a fast learning curve, if she actually gets one.

Paul.

ha ha. My father in laws lab does that. She hasn't learned yet and she's 8.

Finally got around to mounting a scope on my Tikka 6.5 Swede and took it to the range today. I had a box of RWS 140 grainers and got it on paper. Groups aren't anything to brag about. Now I need to work up some reloads.

The star of the day was my granddaughter, Ashlee. Ashlee drew a special November youth deer hunt tag for the Sandhill Wildlife area. She has to attend a one day orientation session with the DNR Aug 3rd, during which she has to qualify with a rifle.

Using her dads A Bolt 30-06 with Managed Recoil loads we had her try shots from 25 to 100 yards. She was so nervous on the first shot that she missed the target completely. Once she realized she wasn't going to get beat up by the recoil she settled down and started to punch the center out of the target. Her last 3 shots were at 100 yards and she grouped them into 1 inch. Dad and grandpa were pretty darn proud of her.

That is great!! I love those low recoil loads for the kids.

Were they handloads or one of the factory load offerings? if factory which way did you go? rem or federal?

We've tried both and found the federal loads to be very accurate in out 30-06's.

When I tore my rotator cuff, I use the Rem and Federal Managed recoil stuff too. The Fed outperformed by good margin in my 7600 at the time.

I never got to shoot a deer with them though, so I don't know how well they work.

Dave, they were the Remington 125 grain loads.

Forgot to mention that the trigger on the Tikka is awesome.

RWS shot his first deer with managed recoil in 30-06

Did you manage your way out to chickenbuck this weekend dave? what a weekend it was here in the northland! When you coming up fishing Tzone?

nope, I was busy buffing on this thing yesterday.

[Linked Image]

There were several beer breaks though, it was a good day

Very nice Dave!! I seen it in town one day cruising, sounds good too! nice lite rumble to it. You did more than excellent!

Hello Campers,

Dave, you still getting Mushrooms down there ?

Deb & I went blueberry picking on Friday evening & I happened upon a bit pile of Chanterelles !

Picked about a kilogram (2.2lb).

Went beautifully with the medium rare prime rib roast, on Friday night !

Paul.

Soon I hope. We have been on a crazy schedule lately. It's wearin me down. I don't know how the northerndave's do all the time.

only mushrooms I get now are off the [bleep] log.

Cheers Mate,

Is that 'cause the wild ones are done in your area, or just the shear convenience of the "dogs" log ?

Paul.

I don't know enough about wild mushrooms to be out pickin after spring. I know Morels and that's about it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't know enough about wild mushrooms to be out pickin after spring. I know Morels and that's about it.

There are 2 types of mushroom pickers. Old ones and bold ones, but there are no old bold ones.

Got the boat running right Bill. The plugs were bad, real bad. #1 plug was loose too. I was a bit concerned that it had a lot of oil in the cyl. I hope the rings aren't bad...It started and ran good, even at idle. I'm going to give it a run this weekend I think.

Putting a boat in down here sure isn't like hitting Dubay for a few hours. It'll take 30 min at the ramp. One dude commented on how fast we got the boat in on out of the way....Well, DUH? isn't that whay you're supposed to do?

Most of them unload the boat, at the single ramp, then load all the crap for the day in it, all the people, etc... It's a new concept to actually have the boat ready while you wait in line at the ramp.

Good work T!! nothing worse than having to wait at the ramp like that. usually 2 of us, its already loaded, one in the truck, one in the boat, just a dump in the pond and out with the truck. quick action makes it nice. now lets go fishing!!

Loose plug would have impacted the compression Tom so I'm not surprised you found unburned oil.

She didn't sound bad when I fired it up. It idled on in the driveway, muff's on ofcourse.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Good work T!! nothing worse than having to wait at the ramp like that. usually 2 of us, its already loaded, one in the truck, one in the boat, just a dump in the pond and out with the truck. quick action makes it nice. now lets go fishing!!

OK, when. September?

thats a good time up here. last year we did a long weekend about the middle september, fishing was unreal!

Sounds good. Grouse hunt a day too?

Maybe we could raid Chickenbuck.

I dare ya

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dare ya

OK

Hold my Beer . . . . . .

I love it when I hear those words . . . .. . . . .

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dare ya

Lock up the whiskey n da wimmin.

I DARE YA

Haa!! Now ya done it!!

Woo Hoo Uncle Dusty is back!

If you lock me up don't lock me up with whiskey. This wommin prefers beer or vodka. Oh yeah don't forget the Boones Farm.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Woo Hoo Uncle Dusty is back!

If you lock me up don't lock me up with whiskey. This wommin prefers beer or vodka. Oh yeah don't forget the Boones Farm.

My kinda woman.... Being a stubborn, bullheaded, fire-temperd Russian/German, I like my vodka.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I DARE YA

Sure...raid chickenbuck OK, but don't you dare touch uncle Dusty's whiskey.

How ya been UD?

Come on now kids, do you really think we'd show up at chickenbuck without you guys? What fun would that be....unless there was whiskey and wimmin.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Woo Hoo Uncle Dusty is back!

If you lock me up don't lock me up with whiskey. This wommin prefers beer or vodka. Oh yeah don't forget the Boones Farm.

that Boones farm gets ya, next time I won't be in the middle of the passing semicircle. it was good though

I'm thinking the blueberries will be prime this weekend.

Our weather has bee rain, heat, rain, heat, rain, heat. It will be buggy but I bet the berry picking will be great. I think I'll have to head out there this weekend.

Ryan, i have bad news joe and dolchen (joes imaginary friend) were flying bear hunting and dochen fell off a CLIFF

Dolchen usually bounces back pretty quickly from things like that, I'm sure he'll be fine in a few minutes.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Ryan, i have bad news joe and dolchen (joes imaginary friend) were flying bear hunting and dochen fell off a CLIFF

If I had an imaginary friend they'd put me in a padded cell. Not fair!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dolchen usually bounces back pretty quickly from things like that, I'm sure he'll be fine in a few minutes.

Funny how that happens !

Paul.

I can't recall ever having been jealous of a teenage girl until I saw what you've done to that classic 'stang. You looking to adopt a mid-thirties man with a wife and kids?

I have already tried, he won't adopt me.

LOL!!

Who's in for berry picking, bonfire, cold beer and elk backstrap on the grill?

At zee shickenbuck of course.

I would love to but we are having a "things are starting to finally work out for Doug party" at our house. He has been in a 5 year battle with his exwife. She is full of lies. She has put her 3 year old daughter through 3 pelvic exams trying to say that she was sexually molested by her father. And the dad got her perscription records and found out that she was supposed to be on meds 3 seperate times for urinary tract infections but the father was not notified. They have to sign meds over when they are exchanged between parents, and there is no record of any meds. But she said she did give them to him. Of course she would have problems ofter a long weekend after not having her meds. UHG!! She is such a you know what. And that is just a small portion of what she has done.

is Dolchen ok?

he once jumped on a passing car and left for a month, he returned hungry cold and alone, but he bounced back.
please keep me updated, I hope Joe isn't too upset about it.

I might need to come up and check on him, he could be hiding in a berry patch

well im ready for some blueberry picking

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

well im ready for some blueberry picking eating

Mmmm, this is different to what I've been led to believe, so I fixed it for ya Dad !

ok so i eat more berrys then i pick so what

Hey, I don't have a problem with it !

As long as there is enough left for pie !!

Paul.

& Tom wants a lot of pie/s !

Paul.

gee thanx.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey, I don't have a problem with it !

As long as there is enough left for pie !!

Paul.

tough to beat wild blueberry pie, damn that's good stuff!

We might need an oven at the shack so we can make then right out there!!

oops.... that was me

I replied to new 2 99s when I came home from work here and i guess th boy was logged in.

oops!

I was about to tell RWS to watch his mouth.

Them texas brush poppers are a FUN BUNCH DAVE!!!! HAHAHAHA

Originally Posted by Northern Dave

tough to beat wild blueberry pie, damn that's good stuff!

We might need an oven at the shack so we can make then right out there!!

Sounds like you need to find an old kitchen wood burning cook stove! That would go great in your hunting shack.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

We might need an oven at the shack so we can make then right out there!!

I thought RWS was gettin' pretty brave.

dusty's coming up, ryan is going to meet us out there sometime, I'll head out there tomorrow night... I suppose my 2 little shadows the boys will be with me. I'm bringing backstrap from elk & last years deer for the grill.

We're going to hit those blueberry patches and maybe cut a little firewood.

there could be some beer drinking, bonfire, smart talk, blueberry pancakes, wheeler riding etc... should be a good time.

I really want to be there. But a party is planned. Uncle Dusty, aunt Eileen, and I have a blated birthday present for you. Uncle Dusty will be bringing it up there. I hope you like it.

I know a secret....

Yeah there are a few people who know about it. Who knows maybe Dave will want to kick my arss.

Well I guess it would not only be my arss. There were a few others involved.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I really want to be there. But a party is planned. Uncle Dusty, aunt Eileen, and I have a blated birthday present for you. Uncle Dusty will be bringing it up there. I hope you like it.

now I'm scared

Hey Dusty, psssst, careful on the way up... There's cops out there that actually stop you for driving too fast. I figured that out this morning

did you get a ticket? of use the half bottle of pepto trick and say you're about to "go" all over yourself and thats why you were speeding.

I got stopped leaving chickenbuck last fall, was your cop as nice as mine and tell you to slow down?

Yeah, she also asked me to remove the stringer of elk teeth from the rear view mirror.

Sounds like the trooper from up that way....

She's famous.

Sure was nice to me this morning tho, god bless her.

Good thing my windows weren't tinted eh BD? She don't like window tint at all.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I really want to be there. But a party is planned. Uncle Dusty, aunt Eileen, and I have a blated birthday present for you. Uncle Dusty will be bringing it up there. I hope you like it.

this is like what we did to taylor but to my dad lol

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

did you get a ticket? of use the half bottle of pepto trick and say you're about to "go" all over yourself and thats why you were speeding.

I got stopped leaving chickenbuck last fall, was your cop as nice as mine and tell you to slow down?

It must be my charming personality but.... I've ALWAYS got a ticket.

I was cruising around in my 55 one summer night and some friends of my girlfriend were walking down the street. I pulled over and opened the door and one jumped in. Well, at the stop light that was 100' up the road, the light turned green and I roasted a BIG smokey. I don't think I hit 2nd gear when the cherries from the popo came on behind me. That one was expensive. 'Excessive Acceleration' or some b.s.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Dusty, psssst, careful on the way up... There's cops out there that actually stop you for driving too fast. I figured that out this morning

don't tell ma.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

I really want to be there. But a party is planned. Uncle Dusty, aunt Eileen, and I have a blated birthday present for you. Uncle Dusty will be bringing it up there. I hope you like it.

now I'm scared

Don't be.

WTF? the boy is in on it too?

My instincts tell me I should buy beer.

(like I wouldn't anyways!)

Just make sure you post pictures.

The wood burning range is a great idea for camp. I've been looking for one for years with no luck. The ones I have found were deemed to be antiques and priced out of sight.

A small apartment size stove that runs on LP would do the trick too.

What's up with Dolchen? Has he/she been found yet?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What's up with Dolchen? Has he/she been found yet?

ya he is home now

Yeah Dolchen is a pretty strong guy.

RWS I bet you have been learning lots being home with Joe everyday. I know I learn quite a bit when I'm up there for a weekend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

WTF? the boy is in on it too?

My instincts tell me I should buy beer.

(like I wouldn't anyways!)

Go with the GB Preimum.

Even my dang wife likes it now. It didn't take long to whip her back into a Minn-e-so-tan

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yeah Dolchen is a pretty strong guy.

RWS I bet you have been learning lots being home with Joe everyday. I know I learn quite a bit when I'm up there for a weekend.

What the heck is PWM gonna do when RWS gets his drives liscense? That place will have to be under surveylance.

Nah, cause he will be next in line for a wheeler and we can get Dave and Pam a tracking kit for it no problem.

Packing up & heading to camp with the boys, have a good weekend everybody.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What's up with Dolchen? Has he/she been found yet?

ya he is home now

Good! Better put a leash on him so he doesn't take off again.

Originally Posted by tzone

Go with the GB Preimum.

Even my dang wife likes it now. It didn't take long to whip her back into a Minn-e-so-tan [/quote]

Would that be Grain Belt?

the one and only!

glad to hear Dolchen made it back, I wouldn't try that leash idea, he got all fired mad at me when I tried it, just take a stern tone with him and he listens pretty well. I'm sure Joe will give him a talking to

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Would that be Grain Belt?

Yes, yes it would.

The second 12 pack went better than the first. I was just going to save it for good stuff like deer camp and ice fishing.

Grain Belt??? They still make that S#!+?

I think that was a byproduct of the old Gentelman brewery, as I recall! 50's/60's?

We always kept a six pack of GB in camp in case somebody shot a buck and we had to flush out the body cavity after gutting it!

WN

Whelen, you're from Sisconnie, and you expect us to believe you wasted beer on a deer? Heck, you guys don't even throw anti-freeze away! I hear Prestone deleted with a little Everclear keeps you boys on a good buzz for about 15 minutes, or until the supply runs out-whichever comes first!

Dolchen is in the hospital, joe told me today when I was at chickenbuck. he said he will be fine and he already gave him a stern talking to about jumping off cliffs.

unfortunately I had to leave before Dave got his present, although he did mention something about his medals missing from the wall, but then shrugged it off.

hit a good thunderstorm on the way home, little man is tuckered out from playing with Nathan and Joe all day. I have a gallon of blueberries I took home and they will go awesome on pancakes tomorrow when Cale and I make em

we had an awesome day and I couldn't have asked for any better, I wished I coulda stayed longer but I had to go, right before supper was done too

although I did get a couple of steak sandwiches I ate on the way home, good eats! PWM got lots of pics, so did Dave so I'm sure they will be up soon. I'm headed to bed, night all!

I just got a text from Dave about his present. I think he liked it. This is what we did. We got the ok from Mrs. Northern Dave and RWS took Dave's Marine medals off the wall at the shack. My mom had a shadow box and I put this together. They are way too important to be exposed to the elements. Thank you Dave and the other service members for fighting for our freedom.

[Linked Image]

very cool, I wish I coulda been there for that

He texted me something about his medals being gone off the wall. It looks great Muffy. I'm sure he liked it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Would that be Grain Belt?

Yes, yes it would.

The second 12 pack went better than the first. I was just going to save it for good stuff like deer camp and ice fishing.

First beer I ever bought when under age was Grain Belt. My buddy and I thought we were real cool the night we scored it. Three cans of the chit and I had a pretty good buzz, Haven't had a Grain Belt since.

Great job Muffy. I'm sure Dave appreciates it.

Holy smokes what a great weekend!

Here's a look at Friday night.

[Linked Image]

Fast forward to mid day Saturday at the blueberry fields

[Linked Image]

Ryan filling a bucket.

[Linked Image]

RWS & Ryan's little guy "bubba" having a chat.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4445.jpg[/img]

Shield your eyes, pasty fat white guy... ick.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4480.jpg[/img]

Some archery practice back at the cabin on Saturday.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4493.jpg[/img]

Jealous....if I send you and ice cream pail with lid will you fill it with blueberries and send it back?

Cookin Saturday night, deer & elk straps. Veggies in the foil pack fresh from Dusty's garden.

[Linked Image]

The gift that the crew surprised me with. this was really nice, not something I would have ever done for myself but I'm so glad the group took the time. Thanks very much guys, it's really nice.

[Linked Image]

Back out today for more berries.

much cooler today, yesterday it was scorching hot!

[Linked Image]

Here's what we got today.

[Linked Image]

And here's the total for the weekend in gallon sized bags minus the bag we sent with Ryan yesterday.

[Linked Image]

There's 8 gallons of wild blueberries there plus the 1 bag Ryan has makes an amazing 9 gallons of blueberries picked this weekend.

That's a lotta pancakes & pies!

Mama said she has a chubbie for all the berries! not sure how that works yet...I'll have to look.

Glad to see uncle dusty there. He's always smiling, I love it.

Skeeters must not have been too bad given all the skin showing in the pics! Sure beats going to the supermarket for your berries! Is this a better than typical year for blueberries? Looks like a great weekend was had by all.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Skeeters must not have been too bad given all the skin showing in the pics! Sure beats going to the supermarket for your berries! Is this a better than typical year for blueberries? Looks like a great weekend was had by all.

I was just too hot for skeeters.

And yes, this is the best berry picking I've ever seen. There is more wild fruit harvest to come too, choke cherries are next (they are looking very good) and then closer to the fall like close to or just after our first fall frost I'll pick highbush cranberries which also look very good this year.

Our place is between Middle River and Newfolden. We do not have the berry variety you have but we sure have the bugs! Might need to come visit and get some bushes for a berry transplant effort.

my little man loves the blue berries!
thanks for the awesome day Dave! I know "bubba" (Cale) had a blast! he was grins all day today talkin about the berries

Looking good! Haa!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I like that one.

he was all about the blue berries! he keeps asking for more, I know he would founder if I didn't regulate his intake of them

Wow, looks like I missed out on some great berry pickin. Glad Ryan and his little one got the chance to get up there. He has really grown since the pics I saw during deer hunting.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he was all about the blue berries! he keeps asking for more, I know he would founder if I didn't regulate his intake of them

You will when you have to change his diaper.

oh yeah, it was a bad one yesterday

yeah Missy he's growing like a weed, I can't believe it! people always say they grow up fast but I never believed it til I had a boy of my own.

Looked like a super weekend dave! I know we should have headed that way saturday evening. I was plum tuckered out though. been in rochester all last week and got home at 2am saturday morning then picked up the new expy and mowed some grass for the father-n-law, helped lestifer with his well pump and an evening drive around the crops up north. we were fairly close to your area though for a short bit. headed home at 10pm. Some good berries out there i see. wish i liked pickin'

Very produtive weekend Dave. Sure hope we have a good blackberry crop this year. Raspberries had a mold issue due to all the rain we've had.

I'm pretty excited about choke cherries. Cranberries too.

choke cherries will be soon, cranberries are a ways out yet.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Raspberries had a mold issue due to all the rain we've had.

Is that what that was...O well, they tasted fine. No wonder you gave me so many Bill.

He Bill, I'm headed your way next week. I plan to be at the shooting range on Friday or Saturday.

going to make some wine dave? father in law makes a lot of choke cherry wine, grape wine too. hope his grapes are doing good this year. it comes out about 18% alch. have to bring some to chickenbuck during deer shooting time.

We'll see how many choke cherries i get. My grandma used to make wine with them when i was a kid. It takes a lot to make wine.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill, I'm headed your way next week. I plan to be at the shooting range on Friday or Saturday.

Give me a hollar when your in the area, I'll try to catch up with you.

I found choke cherries on the refuge today

so if you need some more Dave I can snag them

Good morning everyone!

I get to drive the RR to work today...I'm a little excited. Hope I don't spill my coffee when I'm shifting those gears. Finally pried it away from Dave long enough so I could drive it ONE day. Geez. At least he didn't get as mad as Weezie did when I took her Mustang, guess mom has to ask to take the car nowadays. My oh my.

Well if you hear tires squealing or the smell of burnt rubber, think of me and know that Dave trained me well or maybe I'm just a good observer.

Choke cherries and Road Runners...

I LOVE this thread....

Ingwe

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Good morning everyone!

I get to drive the RR to work today...I'm a little excited. Hope I don't spill my coffee when I'm shifting those gears. Finally pried it away from Dave long enough so I could drive it ONE day. Geez. At least he didn't get as mad as Weezie did when I took her Mustang, guess mom has to ask to take the car nowadays. My oh my.

Well if you hear tires squealing or the smell of burnt rubber, think of me and know that Dave trained me well or maybe I'm just a good observer.

Oh boy, let me just tell you right now the bird is not a coffee friendly machine.

Drink your coffee before you head to work, you'll thank me later

I think it is your turn next for a restorable after the RR is done. Then you wouldn't have to ask permision. Sorry Dave.

What would be your choice in car?

Pam, there was some GTO's for sale down here, and I beleive I saw an older t-bird convertible as well.

i like them GTO's

You need to start your planning on what you want RWS. Maybe a 99 white chevy pickup....with holes in the doors.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You need to start your planning on what you want RWS. Maybe a 99 white chevy pickup....with holes in the doors.

Haaaa!! Yeah that's just what the little Ford boy wants! Lol!!

As far as Pam goes I already have one at home for her and it's not too bad of a project.

It's a really nice old chevy.

66 2 dr hard top caprice with a 327 & a powerglide, power brakes, power steering, nice car that needs a little tlc.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You need to start your planning on what you want RWS. Maybe a 99 white chevy pickup....with holes in the doors.

WITH HOLES IN THE DOORS

I know I would love to have Waylon's caprice. That was a nice car after he got it all fixed. Now it definately needs some tlc. If they ever decided to sell it for some reason, I would come up with the money somehow.

oh yeah, you never got that far did you. Don't you need a new bike dave?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Don't you need a new bike dave?

Nope, the roadrunner is my new bike.

How about a 53 Chev 4 door sedan with power glide for a 1st car RWS?

That would be cool, but we actually have a 54 chev 2dr post (210 Delray) at home waiting for it's turn to be reborn.

Glad you guys all had a super weekend.

I took the family camping (in tents), for a 4 day long weekend.

Survived all 4 days, even with thunder storms each day !!

After we got drowned setting up, we managed to get the camp weather proof.

Ate like kings, relaxed like dogs & swam like fish.

Picked lots of chanterelles & blueberries too.

Been a great year for the "wild stuff" up here. Just hoping it extends into hunting season !!

Paul.

That sounds like a great weekend.

speaking of the RR, just seeing it doing Doghnuts in the parking lot at work, i see mama's getting the hang of it!!

Looks like a coffee splash all over the windshield, too !

Musta had to brake hard for the "lady cop" !

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That sounds like a great weekend.

Yep, it was.

4am thunderstorm was the hardest to take !

Honey / Dad, get up & make sure we're gunna stay dry in here !

Paul.

I have a funny story.

Just talked to Jeremy's mom and they have been having skunk problems. They put out 2 traps, the neighbor lady gave them some sleeping pills to crush up and put in the catfood in the trap. They figured they wouldn't be likely to spray if they were knocked out. Well they caught 2 skunks the other night. They were just stumbling around in the traps. They called the pest guy down the road and he got rid of them. They were telling the neighbor lady about this and she looked a little closer at the bottle she got the pills from and they were not sleeping pills. They were pills for restless leg syndrome.

thats tooo good there!! we've been having a skunk problem at deer camp and think we've gotten at least 6 this summer. checked the trap night before last and we had a foot from one in there. never did see the skunk yet, figured we'd know if we seen him going in circles....

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Well if you hear tires squealing or the smell of burnt rubber, think of me and know that Dave trained me well or maybe I'm just a good observer.

If I hear tires squealing and rubber burning, I think of my wife trying to drive a manual trans.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

thats tooo good there!! we've been having a skunk problem at deer camp and think we've gotten at least 6 this summer. checked the trap night before last and we had a foot from one in there. never did see the skunk yet, figured we'd know if we seen him going in circles....

Just got back from GM with Pa. He just bought a .22lr for his skunk problem. He's shot 12 this year so far with the .410 but it's getting expensive.

i've been getting them too with the 10/22. i'd say i have at least that many too. going to start getting creative with them buggars now though. need to keep them out from the deck. going to do lattice and screen on it i think.

woohoo I get friday off! Dave you want to pick some more blue berries? I'm down to half a gallon already, LOL

stuff is like catnip to the boy

I can be talked into most anything not work related

Will there be beer?

Somebody fill me in.Where did a Roadrunner enter the picture?Last thing I saw was a blue Mustang?Me velly velly puzzled.

Stan in SC

yes there will be beer, I was thinking of coming up thursday night possibly? I'll call you tonight and talk to you about it

HEY Stan. How are things going? Great to hear from you. I'll let dave fill you in on the RR.

Glad to see you on here again!

Thanks,Tom.I am on here every day but mostly read and keep up with all that is going on in Dave's world.Things are going really well.I still work a couple of days a week at the gun shop.Enjoying retirement.How's the Ruger 77 shooting?

Stan in SC

Stan, Tom is down to one deer rifel, it's just sad.

And I bought a beat up 69 roadrunner with a 383/4 speed.

Where's thu pics???

Stan in SC

And Stan, I got to drive the RR yesterday...alll dayyyyyyyyyy!! Even PWM and I ran back into town for a nice evening drive.

With the exception of taking my left shoe off for the purpose of "pulling those gears" I had a blast!!!!!!!!! A coworker and I ran around town during lunch but I had to hold back because she wanted to do some Dukes of Hazzard stunts. I almost wonder if Dave was a little worried midafternoon.
All in all, it was a good day and fun to drive around in the RR. I think we need to resurrect the Caprice for me or find me a nice 67 Shelby Mustang...you know I like the Shelby's Dave.

Or maybe a GTO, Chevelle, or a Lemans, haven't seen one of those around here. But seriously I would drive just about anything that's cool (note I said it has to be cool), I'm not picky just let me drive.
Have a good day all. The RR is back in Dave's possession today guess I couldn't drive it two days in a row or anything.

Here Stan.

[Linked Image]

How about that 54 Chev Pam? Make a great car for you.

Speaking of cars, everyones heard of the Olds 88's and 98's, but did you know that Olds made another model called the Urinate? It was great for pizzen around town.

That's damn funny Bill!

Thank you for the picture,Dave.What a nice looking RR!I couldn't distinguish any details of the mural(?) on the side.I'll bet Mrs.ND looked like a real hottie wheeling that thing around.I once bought a 1964 Dodge 4 door sedan ex-police chase car.That was one really FAST machine.The calibrated speedometer went to 160 MPH.I saw it do 140 one night.I'm smarter'n that nowadays.

Stan in SC

Well I got into a fight with my slicer when I was making refridgerator pickles. Needless to say, the slicer won.

I cut a pretty good hunk out of my right ring finger. I debated going in to see if I needed stitches. Looks pretty gross.

Better get it checked out now Muffy. After about 24 hours they have problems if it needs to be stitched. Ouch!

so um, there aint a chunk of finner meat in them pickles is there?

I mean... not that that's a problem or anything... might just be good to mark the jars vegitarian, non vegitarian...

you cut a finner tip off or what??

not yer trigger finger is it?

I managed to get my finger away fast enough I didn't get any meat or blood in the pickles.

Not the trigger finger. Just a big hunk on the side of the tip on the ring finger on my right hand. I did go to the Dr. I hadn't had a tetinus shot for 11 years so I got one. She said I did such a good job piecing it back together. It started healing on the bottom. She said if I would have come in right away I probly would have had 3 stitches. She just put sterie strips on it.

I heard somewhere that superglue was invented to replace certain stiches.When I had heart bypass they closed the exterior skin on my chest with superglue.

Stan in SC

Still in use Stan. Picked up any new guns lately?

Me & the boys are going pan fishin on the little lake close to deer camp, then to camp to hopefully cook up more fish than we can eat!!

leavin work in 15 minutes! Woooo!

whats you fishin' for dave? I will be headed up to LOW here shortly going for big eye's this evening. hope for good weather and have fun at CHickenBUck!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

She said if I would have come in right away I probly would have had 3 stitches. She just put sterie strips on it.

Copy cat!

I stuck my finger in the pickle slicer once, and me and her both got fired.

Lord I apologize....

anybody like the .280?

ol tzone's trying to fix the 1 rifle problem. It's a m 7400 though. Cheap enough to make me think about it.

Tom,

Apparently we all need a 7mm now to kill deer

, so that .280 will fit right in !

Sorry, don't know much about 'em, other than all the guff spoken here on the 'fire.

If they are as good as everybody says, gotta ask ya self 2 questions:

1: Why's he getting rid of it ?

2: Why for a good price ?

Can't remember whether or not you hand load ? Don't know what factory availability is like in your new area.

Have a great weekend buddy, I off in an hour & a bit to catch some more big 'eyes !

Paul.

I don't want to hear about your big eyes.

I'm in WI visiting the inlaws. We're taking the boy to his first car race. He'll like it. Me too, haven't been to one in year or so.

Vrooooooooooooooooooom, Vrooooooooooooooom !

Enjoy buddy !

Paul.

Grizzly Bill,as a matter of fact I did pick up two .44 magnums recently.One is a Ruger Super Blackhawk new model in stainless with a 4-5/8" barrel.I got it unfired but two years old new in the box.It is BEAUTIFUL.Also it is no longer unfired.
The other is a Talo inspired H&R Handi rifle "Trapper" model with 18-3/4" barrel.A really neat little mate to my 45/70 Handi rifle.
Another one I picked up was a North American arms .22 magnum.It's my daily carry.Small but wicked.

Stan in SC

280 is still one of my all time favorites even though I no longer have one. Largest buck I've ever taken fall to a 280.

Too bad it's a 7400. My old M700 was a tack driver.

If you get it I know someone that has about 4 boxes of Winchester premium ammo in 280 that can be had for a decent price.

Some good finds Stan. My hunting buddy has a Redhawk in 44 Mag and its a great shooter.

HAVE DAVE!!! Have you bought anything rifle wise lately???

well fishing was good i caught a 9 inch sunny and my dad caught a 10 1\2 inch sunny

Yeah we had a good time. I'm uploading some photos now. We got some good mowing done on trails & shooting lanes too.

Here are some fishing pictures first off.

It was RWS & I in our canoe and PWM went with my buddy & his little nephew in their boat.

Here's a couple from our boat

[Linked Image]

Nice!!

some crappies too!!

[Linked Image]

10.5" sunny!! Beast!!

[Linked Image]

Back at the cabin.

[Linked Image]

We decided to scale & fillet, Me & Scott were kind of homesick for our childhood with memories of scaled panfish fried in butter, so that's what we did.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4584.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4585.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4586.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/101_4587.jpg[/img]

That completes my panfish photo essay haa!!

Hey buschy, guess what was for lunch today? The best dang burgers in deer country!!

Looks tasty Dave

oh god I'm still stuffed!

Them were some dang nice fish. Did RWS catch most of them?

Ya know, I think he did catch most of em!!

OK now I've got some mowing improvement photos, I opened up the view from Pam's stand so she can now see better into the heavier timber towards the "porcupine stand"

Looking south this is as far as I mowed.

[Linked Image]

Looking north

[Linked Image]

And looking towards the porcupine stand.

[Linked Image]

Then a view from Justin's stand, I'm pretty excited about this spot, the photo doesn't do it justice but this is a really nice shooting lane now.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Muffy

Them were some dang nice fish. Did RWS catch most of them?

ya i was catching all of the fish

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

280 is still one of my all time favorites even though I no longer have one. Largest buck I've ever taken fall to a 280.

Too bad it's a 7400. My old M700 was a tack driver.

If you get it I know someone that has about 4 boxes of Winchester premium ammo in 280 that can be had for a decent price.

Well I got me a .280 and it's not a 7400... She's a 7600. Not the one I orgially looked at. I ran some Rem. green box 150gr through it and it shot 3/4" for a 3 shot group, through the Simmons cheapo that was on it.

Never believe it DIDN'T have see trus on it either. Leupold rings and mounts. I'll track down a scope for it.

I shot my new to me muzzly loader I got from Whelen Nut on here too. It shot minute of deer at 50 yards. I'll do more experimenting with that soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Then a view from Justin's stand, I'm pretty excited about this spot, the photo doesn't do it justice but this is a really nice shooting lane now.

[Linked Image]

To the left of that pic is where I saw the deer come through when I was sitting with PWM. Never crossed that lane. Too little to shoot anyway. Well, not for Ryan.

Pretty hard to beat a big of fresh caught panfish. Dam Dave, I haven't had lunch yet; you're making me hungry!

A 7600 I can live with. I've seen some pretty impressive groups from them.

Do you want me to check on the price of those shells for you?

Started shopping for deer camp today. Picked up a couple of non-parishables that were on sale. I've seen a few maples that are starting to show signs of turning.

Area by our camp picked up 4 inches of rain last night. Good chance that the creek is up over the road into camp.

Two inches of rain here overnight.

Yeah sure Bill. I'd appreciate it. It's a synthetic stock, but I'd like to change that. A decent scope and I'll be ready to rock.

I'm at Pete's now and there are a few maples that have some color here too.

I'll give Scott a call this week and check on the price.

I just got done with a marathon weekend, drove up by chickenbuck thursday, got up there at dark and drove down a trail til found a spot to set up the tent and make a fire. in the morning we find out if I had driven another 100 yards there was a fire ring, with stools and an outhouse. my luck. picked some berries, got a few gallons and went to by buddy steve's to set up for butchering chickens all day saturday and yesterday. it was 97 yesterday on the farm when we were butchering. that was damn hot. but we got done. I feel sunburned, wore out and like I rolled down a hill in a barrel I have so many aches and stiff muscles. but a very productive weekend. lots of berries and over 200 chickens in the freezer. when "bubba" saw the pics of you and the boys with fish he pointed to each of you and tried to say your names

he got excited when he saw PWM and RWS

Today marks 3 years of this nonsense, happy birthday camp chickenbuck.

happy birthday chickenbuck!I'm gonna wear my hat at work all day today

When are you serving the cake and ice cream?

Fishing looked great Dave. Burgers too. some tasty vittles coming out of chickenbuck. Wont be long till I can venture out one evening again. I worked on the roof and got that finished at the lake now, good project to be done with. Took the Wife and kids out fishing yesterday on Lake of the Woods and my daughter got 5 nice keepers, the wife got 2 and mine was too big for the box. A nice fat 26" walleye. what a blast and nice day out!!

Pretty woods Dave!

Looks like a great day on the small water & an even better evening meal !

Excellent job guys.

Paul.

P.S.: I expected to see RWS fishing from his red Honda canoe !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Today marks 3 years of this nonsense "most excellent adventure", happy birthday camp chickenbuck.

Fixt it !

Happy birthday to all the Chickenbuck campers.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Today marks 3 years of this nonsense, happy birthday camp chickenbuck.

3 years, and I still check it everyday I can. Happy Birthday Chickenbuck.

Wow, 3 years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICKENBUCK!!!

Dave, do you know of anyone that wants a Polaris Ranger, thinking of selling my 07' and getting a new one. Don't have much time to order so hopefully can sell it quick. Browning edition camo w/full curtis cab. Low hours and ready to go.

If I had some property I'd be interested. I'll check around.

hey i think muffy is looking for one

How much? I know someone that has been tossing around the idea a little bit.

8500 for it with the full cab. my father in law uses it up until october around his gardens and i get it until deer season is about all i drive it anymore. this is the best one we've had and i usually sell every 2 years or so but this one has been too good to get rid of.

I just told Jeremy about it and he is very interested. What you need for it? RWS really wants us to buy one because he wants Jeremy's 700.

I just talked to Jeremy and he said he can't do it right now unless he sells his other motorcycle, or 4 wheeler, and dump truck. But let us know if you still have it this fall.

I am hoping i sell it by the 30th, so i can order, otherwise i have to wait until january to order. my fil is 80 now and he drove one with power steering so i thought i would get him one of them now.

muffy, whats your email, pm me, i do have some pictures of the ranger.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAMP CHICKENBUCK!!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday Chickenbuck!

We need to get a wheelin weekend organized soon! Yup!

I agree Rooster.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Happy Birthday Chickenbuck!

We need to get a wheelin weekend organized soon! Yup!

Yep.

Can we celebrate at Chickenbuck Friday night? I'm off to Target Center saturday and sunday, my Daughter will be playing BBall tournament there and gets to go out at halftime with the Lynx. Should be a blast!!

Sweet!

You should give me a call when you come through.

going to be fun!! i think i am more excited than my daughter is though.

Sorry guys we're gone this weekend. 20 yr class reunion for Pam.

Oh man!! i thought it would maybe be her 10th. we'll have to find other plans for the evening i guess.

anyone know a good tax lawyer?
I got a letter from the IRS saying I owe back taxes, much of it stems from when I got out of the Navy and got my severence pay, the kicker is that I'm paying that back to the VA out of my disability compensation. as it looks I'm screwed because there isn't a way to talk to a human at the IRS and I have no idea how to plead my case. other than that I've had a pretty decent week

I have 6 jars of blueberry Jam thanks to Dave, Dusty and the boys!

Have fun at the class reunion, I missed my 10th a couple years ago, kinda wish I had made it

I think a good CPA might also work for you and be cheaper than an attorney. Good luck.

thanks, I made some calls tonight and there is a sliver of hope, I'll know more next week

Getting pretty nervous about this reunion...about ready to cry and puke at the same. I'm considering just sending Dave and the kids.

Oh it will be fine Pam. If you decide at the last minute you don't want to go, you can come party with me.

It'll be fun. I went to my 10, though I didn't want to either.

All the little 'clicks' were gone from HS and you could just talk to people.

I didn't go to my 15th because we were moving here, I'm not sure I would have anyway. I'll to the 20th though.

You'll have fun.

Take the Mustang and do burnouts in the parking lot, they'll like that.

im with tom

i get to do my 20th next year, It'll be fine Pam! Just go and have fun! take tom's advice.

I was going to suggest a CPA too. Try and find as much documentation as you can and good luck.

Nothing to be nervous about Pam. Well maybe Dave.

BTW I'm meeting at the end of the month with the planning committee for our 50th reunion. Been to all but 2 and have been involved in setting up the last 2 (40th & 45th).

I can tell you that you'll notice how everyone but you has aged.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

im with tom

You're coming with me?

We just had one of the biggest does I've ever seen at my "bird feeder" in the back yard. When she picked her head up I was surprised NOT to see horns.

She was licking an apple block I put out a week or so ago since the ran through all "bird seed (

)" I put out.

I bet that sucker was pushing 160.

well, did you get it??

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Getting pretty nervous about this reunion...about ready to cry and puke at the same. I'm considering just sending Dave and the kids.

It will be fine Pam. My 20 year reunion was the most fun I can remember having with my clothes on!

Everyone was just cool, laid back and had a blast!! You had a pretty fun class judging by the people I know from there so it should be a GREAT time!

You expect us to believe that you managed to keep your clothes on at a party?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

well, did you get it??

Eatin' it now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You expect us to believe that you managed to keep your clothes on at a party?

Now a days Yes!

Originally Posted by tzone

We just had one of the biggest does I've ever seen at my "bird feeder" in the back yard. When she picked her head up I was surprised NOT to see horns.

She was licking an apple block I put out a week or so ago since the ran through all "bird seed (

)" I put out.

I bet that sucker was pushing 160.

Tom, when does archery open in your new area !!

I got a guy at work who feeds them crab apples from his garage for about a month before season opener. Day one of archery season last year, he walks past the deer, into the garage, but comes out with his bow, instead of the apples !

Paul.

While not quite hunting (

), he manages to feed his family this way !

Last year I went to my fiftieth high school reunion.Had a great time.
You will enjoy it,Pam.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

We just had one of the biggest does I've ever seen at my "bird feeder" in the back yard. When she picked her head up I was surprised NOT to see horns.

She was licking an apple block I put out a week or so ago since the ran through all "bird seed (

)" I put out.

I bet that sucker was pushing 160.

Tom, when does archery open in your new area !!

September 18th in MN. Plenty of time for Tom to fatten up that big roman nose!

You know, I wasn't planning on bow hunting this year. But I've been sniffing around a bit and it sounds like there are some opportunites to bow hunt a wildlife refuge and some city areas here. I'm going to try to get in on some of those. One is real close to my house it's a huge area too. The neighbors don't seem to mind if I whack one or two around here either.

We're getting hammered with storms again tonight. This is nuts.

we got pounded by rain last night too. today is my last day of work at the refuge

I'm gonna miss working outdoors all the time. but school is right around the corner and in december I graduate! finally!

Originally Posted by tzone

You know, I wasn't planning on bow hunting this year. But I've been sniffing around a bit and it sounds like there are some opportunites to bow hunt a wildlife refuge and some city areas here (Tom's back yard :D). I'm going to try to get in on some of those. One is real close to my house it's a huge area too. The neighbors don't seem to mind if I whack one or two around here either.

Getting ready to dump here right now. We're also under a flash flood warning. We picked up another inch of rain here yesterday.

NW part of state is getting hammered as I type this.

We're going to have to put the deer shack on pontoons. Word is that the fish have been seen in life boats.

We must live on sand because it's pretty dry once the rain passes. We have a sprinkler but it's only been on for the first week we lived here. Haven't needed it since.

We missed out on any rain last night, did have a nice buck right by the house again. Take that Tzone, this one had a rack! boys put some chum out last night for him too. Going to Reel him in. Just need a live trap!

Oh we got bucks.

i know you got big bucks. Mr. money....still on vacation?

Yeah, still on vacation, it's starting to stress me out. I had an interview with a placement service on monday. He said it's slowest he's seen it in the civil engineering field.

I applied for a few jobs with the dot today too. I spend 2-4 hours a day looking for jobs. It gets frustrating. Something will come along but it should hurry up.

Tom,

I'd suggest working 24/7 right through hunting season, just to "make up " !

Paul.

it'll come soon! the bad part you'll get a job right before hunting season then not be able to go. The stanley cup is coming to town on sunday, too bad i'll miss that and be in the cities instead.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Tom,

I'd suggest working 24/7 right through hunting season, just to "make up " !

Paul.

NOT FUNNY. I have quit jobs for that reason.

I was in high school though.

Cheers Dude, just funnin ya

Remember, good things come to those that wait !

Although, you don't have to be patient about it.

Did I tell you about my job search, after arriving here ?

Paul.

Being patient is not something I'm good at.

If you told us, I don't remember.

Returning from breakfast this morning and met a pickup with a snoplow on it. Does someone know something?

No snow here, but it sure feels like fall today. Beautiful,about 75* and not humid.

Took the kid to a swap meet/ car show in St. Cloud today. didn't buy anything. It was a day of almost's... I almost bought a 4 wheeler for the kids, and I almost bought a 67 Bronco. Real close on that one, but I think mama wudda taken up shooting if I brought that home...damn close though.

Down in the low 50's with a light breeze last night. Fall is near.

we were in the 40's.

is summer over now?

It sure feels like it eh? No fears, weather man says summer is comming. 85* and humid here by the end of the week.

Originally Posted by tzone

Being patient is not something I'm good at.

If you told us, I don't remember.

Arrived December 1, 2005, interviewed twice in December & offered the job first week of January 2006. Now being a "foreign worker" the hoop jumping started. Had to apply to the CDN govt human resources dept, to prove why hiring a foreign worker should be granted over a Canadian citizen.

Long story, but I finally received my temporary work permit in October 2006, 10 months later !!!!!!!!

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we were in the 40's.

is summer over now?

I sure as hell hope so. Fall is my favorite time of the year.

BTW, waiting for a report on the reunion. Could it be that Pam hasn't recovered yet.

Don't get too excited yet guys, still plenty of summer left yet.

The a/c is off and the windows are open though. Last night made me want to sleep outside it was so nice. Course, if I bought that bronco, I wouldn't have had a choice.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

BTW, waiting for a report on the reunion. Could it be that Pam hasn't recovered yet.

Oh it was a pretty good time, very tame, no hangovers or anything like that

Weez had her car in the little parade, her little brother & 2 younger cousins rode with her in the parade (they were in with a group of other classic cars.

[Linked Image]

In the parade lineup, 4 very cool kids

Great pictures Dave. Never heard of a parade connected with a high school reunion though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

just found this picture of me & some of my amigos one weekend a while back.

from the looks of it... there should be quite a few years of good hunting company in my future. youngsters-o-plenty

anyone remember this? This thread has been up for just over 3 years now. say what you will but I read this whole thing about this time every year. It takes longer and longer every year but it's by far my favorite thing to read.

From this single thread I've met quite a few great people that I'd call good friends and would do most anything for. This was started by Dave and his family to soften the blow of a huge family loss. It has turned into so much more than than. I believe it's helped us all at some point or another.

Thanks Dave.

I love that picture, jeez the kids have grown in the past 3 years! Thanks for dragging that photo back up to the surface & thanks for the nice words.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great pictures Dave. Never heard of a parade connected with a high school reunion though.

Well it was the annual small town celebration with parade, street dance, car show etc & Pam's class just decided to hold the reunion on the same weekend.

WOW !!! I 2nd what T said.

I've not been on here much and there is a lil catching up for me to do on this thread

I remember the early posts on the Mustang rebuild and just got fast forwarded to the pic above T zones post . Very nice .

Had to make a current post so I can pick back up reading where I left off at post # #4193473

This is one spot I check every day. It is amazing how many folks check in and never post but everyone is keeping tabs on the chickenbuck.

Thanks to Dave and Pam for allowing us to all experience a little part of their lives.

well, well, well, If I don't spot a birch in the back yard with a little yellow on her. It's warm, but it feels like we're starting to turn the corner on summer!

Guessing we'll have a nuther couple of weeks with temps that hit 80 or so, then it starts. I recind my eairler post about not getting excited.... cuz I am.

with an elk hunt on the docket for fall, i have been watching for turning leaves since...oh....about May....1st. That dang ol' calendar is moving too slow. Oh, I love the cool nites!

a big thanks from the ole Griz too. This thread sure makes the days more interesting.

Where you going elk hunting B-man?

Glad to hear the reunion was a good time, I too check this more than my email, at least 3 times a day. Last night was chilly, I had a box fan in the window cranked blowing cold air from outside, my tv when its on is almost always on the outdoor channel and I'm ramping up my reloading so I have enough to warm up my .260 for deer season and get it set. has anyone set a date for the sept preseason scouting/get together yet? I'm gettin pumped!!!!

Unit 76 in Colorado. Spent our (my dad and I) 13 preference points and going hog wild with an outfitter even! We will be hunting west of Creede/east of Silverton. I cant wait. Doggone it, it cant come soon enough! Packing in 3+ hours. Altitude is gonna be nose-bleed high......11,000 to 13,000 feet. I have been watching the bulls out there since late June via a guy who takes pictures every couple days less than a mile from where we are headed. He spends the whole summer/fall up in the backcountry taking pics. Most bulls are rubbed and he even has pics of a sparring match already. Kinda fun to watch the process unfold. If anyone is interested, I can tell you where to go to see his amazing pics.

Sounds awesome, be careful up there. 11-13k is way up there. Pretty easy to get sick. Pace yourself and probably forget about drinking any booze up that high.

Good luck & take pictures!

BM your doctor can perscribe a medication, Diamox Sequell or Acetazolamide that help with altitude sickness. You'll need to start taking the med about a week before you leave.

Hope you're getting in shape too.

Oh Bill I've recovered.

Actually we all behaved pretty good, hard to believe for Dave I know.

The reunion went well except for one of my high school best friends who was pretty cold and stand offish. Otherwise I was able to see quite a few classmates, laugh, talk and recall how smart we were back then.

My dad was able to make it to the parade and see Taylor's car at the car show, so that was nice to see. But I have to say though that the funnest part of the whole weekend was the parade. I got the priviledge to ride in a big semi truck with my brother and help throw the candy. He drove one of the gravel dump trucks for the place that he works for. I LOVE BIG RIGS, I often think that I've missed my calling.

All in all it was nice to have my husband and kids with me for the big event. Now I can relax for another 10 years.

Good to hear from you Pam. Hard to believe Dave behaved himself though.

You must have had him on a short leash.

What to do, what to do??

Weekend is coming and I find myself wondering if I should stay home and work on this:

[Linked Image]

or go to the cabin for some choke cherry picking and firewood cutting?

Berettaman,

I would love to see the elk photos!!! I am heading to gmu54 on the 8th with a cow elk tag in my pocket.

Jeff

That's great news Jeff!! You get to take one of your knives out yourself!!

Congrats!!

I vote work on the truck and cabin on Sunday, as I suspect before you'll be needing to use that truck.

I am hoping we finally get a year of snow and cold for deer season, instead of clear and hot or downpour rain.

A nice comprimise, i like that.

Dave,

I've got 7 blades ground and just back from heat treat sitting on my work bench. The problem is work has been so darn busy that they will still be in the exact same spot when I get back from Colorado. I figure on taking the 24hour knife, being as it's already been broke in on elks.

Only 20 days until we leave.....not that I'm counting:)

Jeff

Hey Jeff, are any of those blades spoken for?

Dave,

Got the front part of the floor cut out on the 78. Got the new pans cut to shape and tacked 3/4 around for now, still have to tack the front. Do you weld a full seam around the floors when you do it?

The pieces I cut off will make good patches for the [bleep] part next to the seat on both sides of the truck. They should work perfect.

I don't know if you have an "air nibbler" or not, but would suggest one, that thing rocks.

Yeah I weld my floor pans "water tight" all the way around.

I use a milwaukee electric shear. It's a 3 toothed shear head on a drill body.

Hey Tom,

3 of the 7 already have owners, the others will be available when completed. I can let you know when they are done if you like?

I haven't kept up with this thread lately. Tell me about the 78. Ford? 150 or 250 or bronco?

Jeff

I used a 3" air cut-off tool for most of the removal. The nibbler was to cut the new pans to size. When I first started today I was afraid I bit off more than I could chew but once I got the hang of it, it was pretty fun...messy, messy fun.

Jeff,

about a year ago I bought a 78 F-150 4x4. Truthfully, the body is a real piece of crap. The drivetrain is great on the other hand. Runs like a top, so far.

I wanted to fix one up on my own and chose this one. Might as well start at the bottom and work my way up.

Dave has helped me with most of the stupid questions I've had so far, and he hasn't told me to shut-up yet, so I keep askin.

I'll post some pics of the progress when I get home tomorrow.

After coming in for tonight with most of my knuckles, I may call it "project busted knuckle".

Franken Truck is leading in the polls though. Lots-a patching today.

RWS & PWM's, good work today boys!

The boys did great work yesterday. They'll take a shot at the yellow pickup today. Here's what the blue pickup sits like now.

[Linked Image]

We pulled the yellow truck out away from the side of the shop last night and had a little trouble stopping the yellow pickup from rolling. We had a little bump into the front of my red pickup which was the pulling truck. I was pretty mad about it and RWS was behind the wheel of the yellow truck & felt just terrible. The little guy was trying to stop the rolling truck (no battery in it so it wasn't running) but he couldn't stop it. I was tied to him with a tow strap & couldn't get away from him... well I ran out of room trying to get away backwards leaving the tow strap loose between us & the bump between the snowplow blade & the front of my red truck was unavoidable.

I was mad.

Then I saw what the problem was.

Poor RWS was pushing that peddle straight to the floor and the truck just wouldn't stop!

The clutch peddle

Well it was my fault, the whole thing was. I meant to use the old brown pickup, battery was dead because the dome light was left on. So, against better judgment I used the red pickup. I know to hang an old tire off the front of one of the rigs to act as a cushion, well I didn't do that. I also didn't give RWS any instructions as to which peddle to push or to pull it into gear if he had to or to turn the truck or this or that... All kinds of things I should have done.

So little guy, I hope you are reading this today. That little bump was your dad's fault & not yours. You're a good boy and I'm proud of you. Go out & turn wrenches on that old yellow pickup & have fun doing it. I'll help with the hard stuff when I get home.

did it do anything to the red truck?

Don't worry any RWS, things happen. its a good learning experience for the next time. don't let it get you down, especially when dad said its his fault

you're in the clear!
can't wait to see how the truck comes along, keep us updated

That red truck needed a scratch. Now it doesn't look like a girls truck anymore

Happy birthday Ryan!! old enough to drink yet?

good to hear! now she's properly broken in!

thank you, and yes I am old enough to have a beer

today is the 6th aniversary of my 25th birthday!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

When do classes start?

You guys are having wayyyy too much fun.The projects everyone is working on look interesting.Me? I'm live trapping and "relocating" a bunch of feral cats which have suddenly sprung up in our neighborhood.Caught two in two nights.

Stan in SC

tuesday, and I can't wait one semester left!

Dave, what's the extent of surgery planned for Ole Yellow?

Is the blue ford a donner or a separate project?

RWS, take it easy on dad. He's getting older and his memory is starting to go.

Yeah the blue one is a donor truck for the yellow truck. Blue truck is giving up fenders, doors, grill, box, seat & maybe a few misc pieces here & there.

The body parts from the blue truck arent perfect, I will use patches cut from good rust free areas on the yellow truck's retired sheetmetal to repair little rust issues on the blue truck fenders & doors.

I started a project thread down in the truck section on the forum here.

The cab will stay on the yellow pickup frame, the cab itself needs some repairs too, cab corners, floors and forward lower door post area, kick panels... she's ate up like most "bump side" fords are.

Stan, you're way to kind. I dought I'd be live trapping them. More like SSS.

Sounds like another major project Dave. Maybe you can talk Tom into helping. Sounds like he's pretty good with the nibblers.

That'd be me. I've posted twice on the campfire before this, both times on this thread.
I've been following the thread since day one.
It really struck a chord with me, as I lost my two best hunting buddies. My Uncle in Sept 2007 and my Grandfather in Aug 2008.
I've moved away from where I grew up hunting and am learning new areas (with MUCH less public land and much higher population than I'm used to) with no friends or family who hunt, so I'm trying to find places to hunt and people to hunt with. I really envy what you guys have created there. Not the cabin, or the stands, or the land, but the sense of family.

Good luck to you all.

Paul

Originally Posted by big drift

This is one spot I check every day. It is amazing how many folks check in and never post but everyone is keeping tabs on the chickenbuck.

Good luck to you Paul.

well i was working on the yellow truck and i was
under the truck and i
look up and there is a watch in a rust hole

A wrist watch?

That's funny!

was there an arm attached to it?

haha no arm

well thats a relief!

so my exwife texted me today wishing me a happy 32nd birthday. I told her she never did pay much attention to me and corrected her saying I was 31

made my day! lol

was gone for a day and you guys moved 3 pages on me. gol-dang-er anyway it is hard to keep up around here.

i havent decided if i should get the prescription altitude meds or not. i didnt have any problems at 10,500 feet a couple years ago.

Yep Griz, I have been working out at the YMCA. One lesson learned the hard way: the machine where you sit on it and the weight is on the inside of your legs and you start wide and bring your legs together? You know the one that really works your groin muscles? that one? yeah, dont overdue that one.

Seriously, do less than half of what you think, no matter how manly you think you are. I have now realized that typing on the 'fire does nothing for my groin muscles apparantly.

it was not pretty for a few days.

the fire is building inside that is for sure. it is only at the inferno size now, but it is growing.

Highest I've hunted is probably just under 10,000 ft. I usually always do fine but one year I had trouble, got sick & came down to our base camp for a day which was 7500 ft or so. A little rest and I was as good as new, charged the hill the next day & packed meat & gear off with the rest of the crew. At that point I was in noticably better shape than they were in.

I was at the doc last week for a pre hunt check-up. He gave me a Rx for diamox. He said if I start getting the symptoms take the pills for a few days and I should be fine. He claimed one key was to spend a night a mid elevation prior to going up high.

Jeff

Was it still ticking?

BM, my buddy has a stair stepper that he excercises on for Colorado. He claims it beats anything else he's tried. They camp at around 10K feet, but hike down into a canyon to do most of their hunting.

He starts the Diamox a week befor he leaves and takes it all the time he's there.

RWS, Don't worry dude. My step mom did that WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD!!!! Ran a red light and t-boned a car going through the intersection. Pushed the cluth instead of the gas.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That red truck needed a scratch. Now it doesn't look like a girls truck anymore

Red? I thought it was pink.

Happy B-day Ryan!

Happy Birthday Ryan!! Your just a young buck.

'Franken-truck'

here's a few shots.

[img:] [Linked Image]

before the fun started.
[Linked Image]

my happy helper
[Linked Image]

one side cut out and ready to fit floor pans.
[Linked Image]

both sides tacked and trans. tunnel being fit.
[Linked Image]

making the bed sides, not floppy.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Frankentruck012.jpg[/img]

Sides are straight, gaps are even, tailgate works. Much better than yesterday.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/Frankentruck015.jpg[/img]

I think you should call it "Rusty Dusty"

Disclaimer: The Dusty mentioned above is not Uncle Dusty, who we all know is not rusty!

Ryan,a very Happy Birthday to you.
Grizzly Bill,I considered a dunking in the creek with cat still inside but was under strict orders from SWMBO NOT to harm the cats.I dumped them where a lot of coyotes have been seen.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I dumped them where a lot of coyotes have been seen.

Stan in SC

With 3 broken legs.

I've been looking for a trailer to tow the wheeler around in and found one. I told the mini-man when we got a trailer I'd take him wheeling. I've never seen a little guy so excited to get a trailer in all my life.

New trailer and the wheeler fits.
[Linked Image]

Just need a destination.

go north, you'll find someplace.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

well i was working on the yellow truck and i was
under the truck and i
look up and there is a watch in a rust hole

Dusty - Do you remember ever "misplacing" your wrist watch?

we just got in from the ER, every parents worst nightmare. Our 16 year old daughter weezy wrecked her car tonight.

She's ok, bumped up but she's ok. She'll be sore for a while but she will heal up just fine.

Been a long night, scary night.

For those wondering, yes the Mustang is toast.

It's just a car, sheetmetal and rubber, easily replaced.

Good night all and thanks to god for our daughters safety & health.

Glad to hear she is OK. You can replace the car but not your daughter.

Holy crap. I just seen that on that "other" site. I'll call ya Dave. Glad she's OK!

Damn Dave, that had to have been Hell!! I hold Weezy in high regard and am relieved she is just bumped up and not worse. I hope you and Mrs. ND get to feel a bit better today. You most certainly have my best wishes. Give Weezy a hug for me.

wow, I'm in shock. glad to hear weezy is ok prayers sent

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

wow, I'm in shock.

Me too Ryan, everything is on track here. I'm wiped out, tired... Couldn't sleep.

She's up on her feet, asking for breakfast.

It rained hard here last night, I guess I'm up for the day. I have to go to the wrecking yard to see her car this morning. I'm not looking forward to that.

Thanks everybody for the concerns & well wishes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we just got in from the ER, every parents worst nightmare. Our 16 year old daughter weezy wrecked her car tonight.

Scary to read too guys. I hope everything is OK. Cars are replacable, daughters are not.

Scary as hell Dave. Don't wish that call on any parent. Glad Weezy is ok.

I am celebrating good fortune today.

Seriously.

Luck, luck family there. I think I'd be first in line at church tomorrow. Just glad she's ok, really glad.

I hope Weezy knows how lucky she was. Bet she's going to be walking for a awhile.

We're a tough sort Bill, Weezy included.

She can drive old "browny" or "carlos" as the kids call my old 77 F150

Dave,I just got in and came here and read that Weezy had a wreck.I am very relieved that she was not injured.The Mustang looks pretty bad.What did she collide with?

Stan in SC

PS Never mind.I read the details on the other post.

Dave, glad to hear your daughter is alright. She must have had her seat belt and shoulder harness on or it would have been much worse.

Well some of you know about my restoration of a 65 mustang that my daughter recently totaled.

it's ok, I can smile because she is ok.

She is still with us and that truly is all I care about but she needed some wheels with her mustang.... on the shelf.

So, I paid some attention to the 77 F150 at home that she helped me do a bunch of mechanical work on last summer.

I decided to fix the floors in the old truck.

drivers side

[Linked Image]

passenger.

[Linked Image]

There were other tools involved such as grinder with cutting wheel and an air hammer/chissle.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/100_4803.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/100_4804.jpg[/img]

Dave, mebbe you oughta give serious consideration to a restoration project on an M48A5 tank

The 105mm M68 cannon would prove useful for removing road blockages (trucks and cars) and annoying drivers

thats not a bad idea.

Always wanted A M37 myself. We had a couple of them over in Nam. They were dam near indestructible.

Your work is a long way from my boyhood days with galvanized tin and pop rivets

When I saw your post up top I got a lump in my gut, I was glad to read that she wasnt hurt.

Glad to see your back swish. WHere the heck you been?

Originally Posted by Swish

Your work is a long way from my boyhood days with galvanized tin and pop rivets

I was putting floors in my truck last week, and my old man asked if I wanted to 'rivet' them in instead of weld.

He said "it's just a huntin truck ain't it?" I'm fixin up an old 78 Ford that would make any 'Ranger' pround.

Take a look in the trucks fourm.

Dave, just caught up on the "other" thread.

I'm just so glad Taylor is OK. That is all that matters !

No words, just know I'm thinking of you guys & the blessing of the result.

Paul.

We're all pretty beat up inside Paul. It's a tough day ay work answering all the questions.

The sight of the midnight blue mustang cruising around our comunity was quite popular, hard to miss. So the accident didn't exactly blend in as just another fender bender.

We're so lucky, but at the same time I just feel kind of beat up inside, defeated.

It'll pass.

Yeah, I completely understand that Dave.

Loving, nurturing & keeping the family safe is a hell of a responsibility for us parents to bare. Having said that, I'm betting that you & Pam, like Deb & I, would not change the way you attend to same, so that tells me you "guys" are doing it right !

Definitely not defeated, that's just the adrenaline let down after the fight !

Chin up & back at it, brother.

Paul.

Northern Dave,
My father also purchased a nice plot of hunting land and it has been really fun trying to add modern convenience and functionality to our 20x30 cabin. Not having electricity or running water adds something to our time there. I did not read all of the posts but thought i could add this about a toilet. For an everyday toilet without having running water my father harnessed the water from an Indian spring that runs next to our cabin. By catching come of the water in a 4 inch flexible drainage hose that runs down a hill to the cabin. At the end of the PVC there is a plastic piece that narrows the 4 inch PVC and allows a normal garden hose to be attached. The garden hose then go through a splitter where the water can be sent to two garden hoses. We have one connected to the kitchen sink and one connected to the toilet. It doesn�t give a ton of pressure but enough for the toilet to fill every 10 mins or about a gallon of water out the sink every 3-4 mins depending on last rain. For the toilet, my dad took a standard car gas tank and drilled about 20-1 inch holes in it and buried it a few feet under to use as a septic tank. I can get the exact details for anyone interested but it works great! a working toilet is a must have to get most women to fully enjoy the outdoors. we have been using the toilet for about for years and have had no problems. A neighbor that help install has been using the same set up for twice as long. When the spring isn�t running you must fill the back of the toilet manually tho. we have a 250 gallon tub that is usually filled from the spring that we use in that situation.

Welcome to Deer Camp "J".

GB

Yeah welcome, hand me a beer it's almost 10AM

You can't drink all day if ya don't start in the morning Dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

You can't drink all day if ya don't start in the morning Dave.

Why crank up the threshing machine if you're not going to thrash??

Welcome to camp Jk .

My mom and wife kinda enjoy having a couple windows to look out of from the out house

You could double your water at the sink by eliminating the fancy terlett

Outhouse...I'd be happy to have that as a shack.

Dave , spent the last few days typing and deleting because it never sounded right.
Guess I just wanted to say that I'm glad someone was watching out for Weezy that nite.
Someone has a sig line to the effect of " the most important things are not things" That about sums it up very well.
Hope weezys bumps are healing up quick , and you and Pams hearts are starting to get back into a normal rhythm .

Thanks Phil

What the heck is your avatar? Blow it up for us wouldjya?

Never mind I found the thread.

Originally Posted by tzone

Outhouse...I'd be happy to have that as a shack.

You'd love it Tom , no need to close the door unless it's really cold and snow is blowing in , and the window in the side opens up and over looks a nice side hill

Tough to see thru 2 dirty windows and a dirty screen

but that is a whitetail walking up to " the shack" about 10 min after I had left it that morning

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

What the heck is your avatar? Blow it up for us wouldjya?

it's just dumb, I thought it was funny

[Linked Image]

Woo hoo my swamp buck made it thru the year so far. Now I just have to keep it out of harms way til November.

Any sign of forky toes yet?

It is funny.

Originally Posted by big drift

Woo hoo my swamp buck made it thru the year so far. Now I just have to keep it out of harms way til November.

Any sign of forky toes yet?

Forky toes made it, I can tell. I'm going to show you all what he looks like with a .50cal hole in his ribs.

But Tom, I'm carrying a .260 this year, unless you're referring to the exit hole, but with partitions I think .50 is stretching it

Yeah....we've all seen what you shoot.

but the shot placement was perfect

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

Woo hoo my swamp buck made it thru the year so far. Now I just have to keep it out of harms way til November.

Any sign of forky toes yet?

Forky toes made it, I can tell. I'm going to show you all what he looks like with a .50cal hole in his ribs.

That would be very nice of you to take a pic and post it for me Tom!!

For some reason the hunt for Forky Toes is starting to remind me of a Walter Matheau and Jack Lemmon schtick.

Not quite sure on the characters yet but it is getting narrowed down.

Originally Posted by big drift

For some reason the hunt for Forky Toes is starting to remind me of a Walter Matheau and Jack Lemmon schtick.

Not quite sure on the characters yet but it is getting narrowed down.

Uncle Dusty would be Jack Lemmon if you substitute a tree for the garbage cans outside Chuck's bait shop!

LOL that was funny, however that tree has been hit by more than Uncle dusty, not me..... yet anyway

Originally Posted by big drift

For some reason the hunt for Forky Toes is starting to remind me of a Walter Matheau and Jack Lemmon schtick.

Not quite sure on the characters yet but it is getting narrowed down.

Can I be the old perverted guy?

Sadly, we all qualify to be that guy.

lol yes sadly we do

I get to be Ann Margaret's "friend"....

Hey, there aint too many of us that don't want to be Ann Margaret's friend.

I get to be the guy that "marries" Daryl Hannah for a couple hours.

Can I have the other hour and 50 minutes?

You can have the other hour and 58 minutes

Perfect! I'll have to tell jokes for the last 5 minutes.

Originally Posted by tzone

Perfect! I'll have to tell jokes for the last 5 minutes.

Oh I'm sure after spending an hour and 53 minutes with you she'll be laughing plenty already!

ouch!
I'll take all the girls from the octoberfest

I'll take the beer from Oktoberfest

Last time I went to an Oktoberfest I got kicked out for fighting.... girls and beer were both part of the reason.

Ah yes Oktoberfest where the polka is loud, the beer is cold, the ladies are hot, and the steam just needs to be loose on occasion.

Originally Posted by tzone

Last time I went to an Oktoberfest I got kicked out for fighting.... girls and beer were both part of the reason.

Why were you fighting with girls?

Oh wait, beer was involved.

This was in the late 90's. Was at Oktober Fest at the Duluth Air Natioiual Guard Base, with a pile of buds. Some clown kept bugging Knapper, just to be an AH. Knapper's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and never been in a fight in all his life. Which was wierd in itself because we were all on the same hockey team in high school and we like to fight.

So the dude says somthing about Knapper trying to grab his girl's azz, and then smacks him. I didn't see the hit, but I heard it, you know the sound....then Knappers on the ground. Then Kreags (one of the craziest and funniest people I know) is on this guy like white on rice. Kreages is about 6' tall and a buck 20 at the time, real wirey...

He was having a bit of a time with the AH so I thought, with some persuasion from the beer of course, that it looked like Kreages needed some help, well the AH's pals thought HE needed some help. Then you have your typical bar room brawl, except in this case it was a large tent in the middle of a large parking lot.

Since nobody was hurt except for a few cuts and brusies, and about 1/2 the dudes in the brewhaha worked at the guard base, they thought it would be best that we went home since 1/2 those cats were going to be in trouble on Monday anyway.

My last duty station was at Antigo Radar Station which was a satelite of Duluth when it was an active USAF base. I had to go up there to take my discharge physical back in 68.

I have the new computer up and running, but still need to do some fine tuning. Like windows 7 so far, but I have a lot of learning to do about were everything is hiding.

Well, we had the meet the new families night at the new school. First day of school activities, first fight.

boys will be boys I guess.

Well I text Captain Bang Flop. He started classes on Monday and is sounds like he likes it so far.

Did you win the fight

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did you win the fight

that's funny!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did you win the fight

that's funny!

I could have.

Some kid punched Jack in the back, Jack gave him one right in the forehead.

At least we didn't have to go to the principals office....yet.

He's a smart boy but has a temper like his dad.

where is he going to school?

My grandson (Age 5) did the same thing. An older kid squashed his sandwhich so he hauled off and decked him. He's got a short fuse, gets it from his mother.

Lino Lakes.

The kid was a goof ball. Was doing it to another kid too. He's pa was about 110# too. Big hoop earings in, mohawk (the dad)....sadly the kid prolly don't stand a chance.

Really, its a small school. The town we live in has 15K people or so. The school size is quite a bit smaller than where we moved from.

I tink he was maybe axing where bang flop is going to school

T-minus 45 minutes to beer 30 friday, gotta go help da mama set up her yard sale for tommorow, all ya have a good 'un.

Enjoy!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I tink he was maybe axing where bang flop is going to school

oops.

I was, but no biggie

I'm watching deer hunting on the outdoor channel, I have dreams of deer, and in the mornings I get that deer camp itch. is it fall yet?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have dreams of deer, and in the mornings I get that deer camp itch. is it fall yet?

Much better than the nuddie bar itch.

Game on Tzone!! have fun!

never had that, whats it like?

Crotch rot!

CBF is going to Morhead Tehnical College. He got accepted at NDSU but it is the same thing for 2 years where he is going instead of 4 at NDSU.

why do it in 4 if you can do it in 2

I'll be headed down to your neck of the woods next weekend, going to visit the grandparents on cormorant, my brother and his family are coming up so I'm taking little man down to see them, then we're going to hit up Rollag and see the steam engines and stuff, with the way my boy loves trains I'm sure he will eat it right up

Oh man, the little guy is going to love it at Rollag. We took CBF there when he was little, he had a blast.

his big thing now is Thomas the tank engine, big trucks and tractors. so my guess is he will LOVE Rollag

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

then we're going to hit up Rollag and see the steam engines and stuff, with the way my boy loves trains I'm sure he will eat it right up

Man, is there any little boy that doesn't love trains? My little guy (5) could watch trains all day. He just loves em.

Went to our first pre-season game of the year. Vikes vs. Seahawks. As far a football goes, it was a bit slow. The Vikings clearly didn't want to show the playbook. They only ran 5-6 plays over and over.

Mama ready to go.
http:// [Linked Image]

Just before take-off.
[Linked Image]

Getting Closer
[Linked Image]

Ragnar leading the crew. (buschpilot you'll have to talk to the Vikes about the dang Artic Cat's the use.

)

Bring on the V-I-K-I-N-G-S!!!!
[Linked Image]

Kick return to start the 2nd half. It was a good one too! You can see the ball on the "20" yard line on the top of the pic.
[Linked Image]

The Boss. Sorry it's blurry.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/VikingsGame8-28-10032.jpg[/img]

Cool shot.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/VikingsGame8-28-10036.jpg[/img]

Me, obviously happy from the Vikes win.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/VikingsGame8-28-10037.jpg[/img]

In case anyone missed it the first time through.

Cool pics Tom, looked like lots of fun. Jeremy sure appreciated the last Picture.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Cool pics Tom, looked like lots of fun. Jeremy sure appreciated the last Picture.

Me too.

Looks like you had a good time!

Well guys, they finally logged off the area on the way into camp. all that area marked out with blue paint has been cut. We were out there yesterday and it's quite a surprise, very different.

Should be good for deer hunting.

Also we saw some familiar tracks in the sand on the driveway to camp. Actually on the cabin end of the ditch road. Big ole fork toe is still around & his tracks are even bigger now.

We used to lay a can, a beer can down next to his track for size comparison and his track was the same size as a beer can laying on it's side.

Now his track is bigger than a beer can laying on it's side.

now that's all I'll be able to think about today rather than school, thanks dave.

maybe if I listen to that song by pearl jam, last kiss was it?
that might get my mind off of it.

oh where oh where could my baby be..... hum a few bars it works

you bazzderd... you know I get that song stuck in my head for days.....

I thought you said it helps get other things off your mind.

it didn't work for me, because now I'm picturing forky toes humming the song. I'm screwed I should just go home, drink a few beers and watch the outdoor channel.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We used to lay a can, a beer can down next to his track for size comparison and his track was the same size as a beer can laying on it's side.

Now his track is bigger than a beer can laying on it's side.

Leave him some beer to fatten him up. It worked for me.

If you leave him enough beer the weekend before opener, he'll stick around maybe juuusssst long enough.

and by long enough I meant until black powder season.

Isn't baiting illegal in MN?

Nice pics of the family BTW.

Chickenbuck needs some game cams up there we really need to get a good luck at this critter, especially besides a pile of mashed potatoes, snow peas, and a nice chiante'.

I have one crappy game cam out there, I should set it up right on the driveway.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Isn't baiting illegal in MN?

It is if you're good at it. I'd say I'm a master, is there a reward for being a master baiter?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nice pics of the family BTW.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have one crappy game cam out there, I should set it up right on the driveway.

Not a bad idea Dave! If they weren't so dang expensive it would be nice to have about 20 game cams to watch different areas and help pattern the deer.

I have one out too. Scheels had a bunch of Hunten Outdoor 3.0 mp IR cams for $50.00 while supplies last. I bought one just to see how it worked. It took some pretty decent pictures. Trigger speed is a little slow but for $50.00 what the heck. I went back to the store with a $100.00 gift certificate that I got for Christmas last year to get a couple more and they were all gone. Now I'm doing some research on the other lower priced cams to see which get the best reveiws before I buy any more. Speaking of which. The expensive Cuddebacks sure are getting hammered in the review dept this year.

So, all the trees on the way to camp off the main road are cut down now? You will have a sanctuary!

Tzone -

The game looked like fun. Did you just buy the ticket for the pre-season game or did it come as a package with a regular season game?

Jim, they are thinning the trees as you turn off the forest road onto the camp access trail. (those straight row planted pines)

Remember where we saw that huge bodied deer that one night in the headlights during black powder season? That's where they are thinning some trees.

Then on the way in to cam about half ways in is where they start clear cut logging and it goes right in pretty much up to our gate.

You guys won't believe how it's changed! Wide open where you used to have to thread a truck through that skinny trail with heavy timber on both sides.

Hey Dave I got this for the shack if you want it. It come out of our old 5th wheel camper. The guy we gave it to is making it into a trailer because it is pretty much too far gone.

[Linked Image]

3 of the grates for the cooktop are missing but I'm sure you could rig up something.

[Linked Image]

If you don't want it that is ok. Just let me know.

Holy shmoly that is awesome!!!!!

We'll just take the grates out of the cook top we have at the cabin now.

Holy crap we've got an oven!! How fancy!!

Now the possibilities are endless!! We can cook stuff like lasagna out there! Pizzas too!! Heck you girls could maybe bake us a couple pies

Gosh, Pam's going to wear out the smoke detector at camp now that we have an oven

I'm curious to see it, will we have to change some stand locations?

When you say "you girls can make pies" you mean Alyssa and Taylor right.

um, sure

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone -

The game looked like fun. Did you just buy the ticket for the pre-season game or did it come as a package with a regular season game?

We got the tickets from Ma's office fer nuthin'.

I wouldn't have paid for a pre-season game. The tix would have been $75 otherwise, so 3 bills for a family of four to see pre season fb. I tried to get tix to the Vikes/Packers but would have had to buy a pre season package, which is why we probably go to go, someone didn't want to.

I have tickets to the Vikes/Giants game in Dec tho.

Quote

So, all the trees on the way to camp off the main road are cut down now? You will have a sanctuary!

Hopefully not one eveyone can see from the road, you'll have guys stacked up in there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Holy crap we've got an oven!! How fancy!!

Did someone say pizza? I can smell it now. Of course nobody like a pizza at say..... 1am after a few Premiums right?

Originally Posted by Muffy

When you say "you girls can make pies" you mean Alyssa and Taylor right.

I volunteer to be the taste tester. I tested quite a few you made last year...ok I tried all at least 3 times. :whilstle:

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=Grizzly_Bill]Isn't baiting illegal in MN?

It is if you're good at it. I'd say I'm a master, is there a reward for being a master baiter?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nice pics of the family BTW.

There is, you get a free cornea transplant.

I sure hope I don't have to explain.

Blueberry pies?? Count me in! I don't care who's bakin 'em!

I have vacuum sealed blue berries already premeasured for making pies. and I have some frozen chickens that have a seat reserved for the trip up to chickenbuck.

did they improve the road at all? I don't think I'll take the pimpala all the way in again

had to replace some body panel rivets after last trip

Dag nabbit Ryan! I read your post about the song that takes your mind off of things early this AM and I STILL have it stuck in my head!

It's got a lot of room to roam in there Rooster.

Sorry, you t'd it up, I had to take a swing.

sorry, I had to do it

its been stuck in my head all day too

Originally Posted by tzone

It's got a lot of room to roam in there Rooster.

Sorry, you t'd it up, I had to take a swing.

With the sounds of canadian geese getting us fired up for saturday I just wanted to leave this picture in your minds eye.

Cubed fresh goose breast wrapped in smoked thick cut bacon after it has been marinated in south american steak sauce. Grilled. Served with fresh baked bread and sweet butter sauteed mushrooms. Add an ice cold Fat Tire beer and life will be most excellant.

Gonna be all the better as my oldest daughter is coming home this weekend with her boyfriend that we really like. The boyfriend plans on going to hunt with us as well as our adopted former college kid who is coming up just to hang with us and also hunt.

The girls are all going shopping while we are out in the blinds.

Just a laid back mellow weekend.

sounds like pretty awesome plans.

Originally Posted by big drift

...it has been marinated in south american steak sauce.

do you mean chimichurri sauce? i'll have to try that on some goose this year.

Well I found a field and am bringing the little girl out goose hunting on saturday. plenty of snacks and a couple of camo burlap covers and we are good to go. She is pretty excited.

sjb - it is a identical homemade version of essies, it is a argentine marinade which is wonderful on everything. I will look up chimichurri and see how similar it is.

Berettaman- they are definitely flocking up and with temps dropping friday night I am really hoping they turn on the feed bag.

Originally Posted by smalljawbasser

Originally Posted by big drift

...it has been marinated in south american steak sauce.

do you mean chimichurri sauce? i'll have to try that on some goose this year.

I don't know how you guys can eat that stuff. I like a lot of foods, but waterfowl isn't one of them. Maybe it's just been the way I've had it prepared.

We are getting pounded with rain tonight. We needed a little but at this rate with all the heaviy rain we have had, we won't get the grass replanted out back. Although it is good for the new 6 foot evergreens we had put in this summer.

I saw the squll line on the news. 400 miles long! We won't get much here. Pretty dry too, we could use it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by smalljawbasser

Originally Posted by big drift

...it has been marinated in south american steak sauce.

do you mean chimichurri sauce? i'll have to try that on some goose this year.

I don't know how you guys can eat that stuff. I like a lot of foods, but waterfowl isn't one of them. Maybe it's just been the way I've had it prepared.

A good way to get rid of goose meat is to make jerky out of it, my BIL had some made and wanted me to guess what it was made out of, I guessed everything but goose! It was good.

we got a good bit of rain as well, we were in a tornado watch for most of the day yesterday, we've had so many this summer they should just post the tornado threat level like the fire danger and we can check it as we drive by the sign.
had a buddy over last night and loaded some ammo for him to deer hunt with, he brought me some home brew beer he made and I loaded 2 boxes of .223 partitions (40 rounds) for him. the beer was good I figured it was an even trade.
tomorrow I get to go back to the VA for an MRI, its only been 2 1/2 years since I had any treatment, better late than never.

Wow what a rain storm, wicked lighting too, we had some nasty strikes close to the house.

Well here guys, I finally got some photos loaded up of the new clear cut on the way in to camp.

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not sure if you can make it out but there is a car trailer with a fuel tank on it left of that mono boom de limber. That's about where dusty used to park his truck or prowler when he would walk back into his stand.

Here i've turned the corner and I'm headed for the corner in the trail that has the gray ladder stand.

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Proof that MY deer is still around

what a horse!

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some more mixed shots of the clear cut area.

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view from the gray ladder

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4825.jpg[/img]

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My son has his ducks/geese made into hot sticks. I had some this spring and they were great.

T the biggest thing like all game is to keep it from drying out, hence the bacon. Jerky is good but my kids eat to much that I usually dont have enough left over for it.

Dave- Was that the work of Craig up there? I am betting that area over the next few years will get to be a hot spot for deer with your property being a bedding / travel area.

Ryan- Not sure if you've joined a vets organization yet but it may be worthwhile you looking into, they have the pull and connections to help get things accomplished when it comes to dealing with the forces of chaos known as the VA.

That gray ladder will be a good spot to sit! and in a year or two you'll be covered with grouse. You'll have to swat em like flies.

It's so much nicer in MN State forestes how they actually cut. In WI the tree huggers have it so buggered up they hardly cut anything anymore. The WI county forests get a cutting sometimes but that's it.

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave- Was that the work of Craig up there? I am betting that area over the next few years will get to be a hot spot for deer with your property being a bedding / travel area.

No I'm out of Craig's area. A local forester set this sale up. I actually talked to him on Sunday, he stopped by our camp. Nice guy.

Holy WOW, it really looks different up there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Proof that MY deer is still around

what a horse!

[Linked Image]

Geeez! Ya got elk moving through?

Originally Posted by big drift

T the biggest thing like all game is to keep it from drying out, hence the bacon. Jerky is good but my kids eat to much that I usually dont have enough left over for it.

Sounds like that is the trick. Plus, it's wrapped in bacon. How can that be bad? I've never made any waterfowl myself, never hunted them either. I'd like to some day I guess.

My best friend Luke that died, was big into the ducks/geese. We were always going to go 'sometime', but 'sometime' never got around... I miss the him, but he's shooting geese right now I'm sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Proof that MY deer is still around

what a horse!

[Linked Image]

Geeez! Ya got elk moving through?

Looks to me like you had a fawn's feet slide a little and you guy's are gettin' all worked up over its slide mark!

I double-dog dare you to shoot him this year to prove me wrong. Any of you.

we'll do our best to shoot that spotted fawn.

Thinking the next several years are gonna be very good at camp chicken buck

Ya best watch for fawn shooters Dave, as I recall Ryan is the fawn killer and you'll be out of the legend of forky toes.

Another good trick to use to help track him is to put dirt traps on all your trails and check them fairly regularly, basically clear out a area from grass and put in some loose soil for tracking purposes. You can also tie thin string on the trail and the direction the thread is pulled and broke will give you a direction of travel. Once you narrow his travel trails then your one up on him and can focus there.

BD, you been on the res so long you need to bridge the generation gap and teach the young indians the "Old indian tricks"

LOL no that is from back home from up in the mountains chasing wapiti and highcountry deer. Used the same tricks in the army chasing narcos.

okay BD, I will bite. how do you know it was forky fawn that moved the string and not ... oh say....a swamp squid?

Hello! I really enjoy when those of you fortunate enough to have camps, post pictures and share the spot! Wish I had one...hell, wish I had a lease! Saw of some acreage in the U.P. that seemed like a decent price, middle of now where..frntage on US 2. I know nothing of this area and I live in NH..seems like a stretch! Gulliver, MI I think...lake McDonald

Middle of nowhere sounds perfect.

My kind of place

Not even sure wildlife exist in that area!

B- swamp squids per the chickenbuck survival guide leave easy sign such as upside down deer in the water, large suction cup mark and abrasions on trees, and they leave much more or a drag pattern.

Ya see any of those indicators head on back to the cabin, load up on liquid courage, upgrade on calibers, and stack on the testicular fortitude as it's gonna be a hell of a run.

However Dave and crew have a secret weapon in PWM as he is the only licensed certified expert in swamp squidery to direct the taming of the beast. If all else just make sure you can run faster then Tom or Ryan.

Laughing!

Someone is on their game today! Good stuff!

Originally Posted by big drift

However Dave and crew have a secret weapon in PWM as he is the only licensed certified expert in swamp squidery to direct the taming of the beast. If all else just make sure you can run faster then Tom or Ryan.

Running faster than Tom ain't much of a feat!

Though if ya can't, I wouldn't tell anyone that.

That is way too funny!

its nice that its opened up, captain bangflop and I can really stretch out our 300win mags this year maybe

and the spots on deer mean they are just about ripe

Dave all you need up there is a Sherpa, ours has decided to switch from his Moisin Nagants bayonet to an auto loader. My only concern is if he has to much downtimes and tries to turn it into something beltfed.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh heck drift, they got em on the shelf in the store I just came from in town. I just can't justify spendin 40 bucks on a box of WBY wammies when I'll be toting along 3 other bang sticks that shoot straight & have plenty of ammo to go along with them.

I don't need the 300 wby, the reaper... the slick actioned tuned triggered m70, glass bed, floated... 3.5-10 50mm FFII B-Plex.... BOOOOM! ok, maybe i do need it. And with the 4 shells I found, I will carry it for certain sittuations, for certain stands I may sit in. and the 4 shells will be just fine.

Hey boy, if you are checking this, I'll have 2 days of stink on you by the time you get up here friday night cause I'm going out at dark-30 in the morning tomorrow!!! I'm goin to the porkypine to see if I can catch that rutty-shmutty buck that's been tearing up the ground up there. Maybe I'll have horns hangin on the pole by the time you & gramps get up here. If the wind dies down in the morning they are gonna want to move after 3 days of high winds.

i'll try to fix the road by the gate, tell gramps I'll fix it so good even a chevy will make it through!!!

naw, better not tell him that or I'll have to put up with 2 days worth of ford bashing to even the score...

You go on out there & win your game, get your practice in on friday then get on up here cause i can't shoot all these timber goats by myself.

i'll have a light on for ya.

dave

ND - I've enjoyed reading this and trying to catch up. I found this back on page 48 and thought "I bet he wished he had stocked up on those $40 bullets back then". Do you still have that WBY?

Dave,loggers always leave a lot of "waste".You will have mucho mucho firewood this year.
A clearcut given a year will produce a lot of browse and you will have a lot of deer moving in.

Stan in SC

Actually I think the last time I bought 300 WBY I bought Hornady fact loads and I'm pretty sure they were under $40, just last fall. I bought 2 boxes and I have almost all of them left.

need to reload Dave

or I can load whatever you want, just need dies and brass

I need deer camp.

I'm going this weekend, probably sat & sun night.

I need it.

Me too. Join you in a couple weeks. Can we have beer?

I suppose.

If we must.

I'll bring the chickens, when does grouse season open?

Open? When the hell did it close?

LOL I don't know

I need a shot gun, well I suppose a 10/22 would work

I think we could round up a shotgun for ya

yep.

I expect the timber chickens will all be in wet suits and snorkles with all the dang rain this year.

Something really nice about cleaning one up in the field and cooking one up on an open fire that just makes the day nice.

I'm in shack mode, very much looking forward to a hunting camp weekend.

Might put my crappy old game cam out, do a little mowing around camp, put out some salt & mineral blocks, work on stands...

And relax a whole bunch

Maybe take the boys on an atv ride too.

I think this was a good year for broods, I know the prairie chickens down here did well, I would think the grouse would follow suit.

I'm thinkin about a fall prairie dog hunt in south dakota too, I need to get out and do some shootin

Maybe you boys might be interested in thinning out some yodel pups after deer season.

One of the landowners down here is buried in them and they are taking a big chunk out of his lambs.

Hoping to stay healthy after deer season to put a whack on some.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I think this was a good year for broods, I know the prairie chickens down here did well, I would think the grouse would follow suit.

I'm thinkin about a fall prairie dog hunt in south dakota too, I need to get out and do some shootin

Do you think all the rain we had will hurt the pop. of the grouse?

Originally Posted by big drift

Maybe you boys might be interested in thinning out some yodel pups after deer season.

One of the landowners down here is buried in them and they are taking a big chunk out of his lambs.

Hoping to stay healthy after deer season to put a whack on some.

Heck yes. I've never shot one. I need one for my "Coyote swatting a grouse" mount that I want.

Tom,

Are you sure that's not a "White boy swatting a mouse" mount!!!

Jeff

Haaa!! Good one!!

No, I've seen that one.

Good one.

Saturday and Linda and I just got back from buying her a 2011 Ford Escape.I traded my Colorado truck in on it and now I will drive the Chevy Trailblazer which we bought new in 2002.I got a good deal in getting the Trailblazer.Bigger vehicle.Much more comfortable.

Stan in SC

You'll like the Escape Stan. My mom's had one since o4 I think. No problems at all, and is going to get another Escape when it's time.

My DIL has an 05 Stan and has had no problems.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

Are you sure that's not a "White boy swatting a mouse" mount!!!

Jeff

I know some of you have followed Cole's story closely and I thought I would post an update. He has been done with chemo for a little over a month and his last scan was great. Apart from his bald little head, you couldnt tell him from other kids. Here is a pic ( a fantastic pic that my wife took if you ask me! a great action shot) of Cole and his cousin Jake riding the tube a few weeks ago. Oh, and Jake's mohawk was a temp thing as he got exposed to lice at daycare, so they shaved his head and gave him a mohawk for the weekend. Dont these kids look like they are having ....uh....fun?

Cole is obviously the one on the right.

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Is that a face of terror or joy?

That is a great update and it warms my heart.

That is great! Looks like Cole is getting to just be a kid. So glad to see it.

Thanks for the update that's great news!!

Great picture too!

We need deer camp pics man....pics.

I wore my chickenbuck hat all weekend

it helps with the withdrawls. some pics would help!

great to see Cole out being a kid, nothing like watching kids play, I got to watch my niece and nephew play with my little man all day yesterday, it was adorable.

Thanks for the pic of Cole BM. Great to see the little guy being able to just be a kid again.

Heading up to camp Thursday to help my buddy with his bear hunt. I've already been asked to trim the Tag Alders back from the road into camp. It's a never ending task.

we did some wood pile moving.

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Then some sand point action. Here's a 2' sand point with a 6' chunk on pipe on it.

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Here's my crude scrap metal driver.

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Here we go.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4853.jpg[/img]

another 6'

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4861.jpg[/img]

and that's how far we got before we hit a rock. probably 11 ft.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4871.jpg[/img]

We could draw a little bit of water on Saturday and Sunday but it was really hard pulling the water, You could pump up a good strong vacuum with the hand pump then you could tape the handle down & let it draw suction for like 15 minutes and it whould pull up enough water for one pump stroke.

It's getting better and I'll get to those details in a minute. first some more photos ov various activities.

Me & RWS's supper Sat night, it was great! (elk)

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Pancakes Sunday morning. We set a new record for most blueberries in a pancake.

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Some of the logging equipment in the area.

They completely destroyed out road by the way and they took logs out full length, no slasher so there was no firewood left over. Destroyed the road and didn't leave a stick of firewood for us, just great.

lil man wrangled a beauty of a frog.

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The new wood pile location.

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Today we went back out with a small air tank (slave tank) that I filled at home with about 125PSI. I drilled a hole in the pounding cap and used a rubber tipped blow gun off the slave tank and we blew pressure down the pipe to the sand point. Then we drew water up the pipe with the pump and blew it back down one more time.

We were out of air after 2 blasts but it was enough so we could now draw some better water. It's still very hard pumping but it will fill the pitcher pump in about 40 seconds with the handle held down pulling vacuum.

big improvement over the 15 minutes it took previous to blowing it out twice.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_4883.jpg[/img]

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We'll bring a gas engine air compressor out this week and blow it out many more times until we have a cavity washed out down by the sand point and then we'll have it made.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Speaking of gun show's... Look at those pipes.

Maybe you could talk to one of the loggers and have them fix your road up a little for ya... Or you could take a few of those wheels off the equipment.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we did some wood pile moving.

[Linked Image]

Then some sand point action. Here's a 2' sand point with a 6' chunk on pipe on it.

[Linked Image]

Holy! That took A LOT of wood to drive that sand point!!!

Here's my crude scrap metal driver.

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Here we go.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4853.jpg[/img]

another 6'

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4861.jpg[/img]

and that's how far we got before we hit a rock. probably 11 ft.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_4871.jpg[/img]

hmmm...my reply with quote didn't work.

I said "Holy! That took A LOT of wood to drive that sand point!"

My arms hurt so bad, that damn home made pounder deal must weigh around 40 pounds. Clank, clank, clank, clank...

Jeeze my hands hurt too.

But once we blow it out a few more times we'll have a nice little well for all of our cleaning water.

If I get it to draw really nice I'll move the pump inside the cabin in the kitchen.

Looks good, lots of work. What the heck happened to your pictures? Maybe something is goofed up on my end. Can't see any of your pics. I could before.

I can still see them, but I know what you mean, its happened to me before.

lots of work indeed! I'm curious as to what it all looks like, do you think it will help or hurt the deer hunting this fall?

I exceeded my photobucket bandwidth again. so I go in and buy a month worth of "pro" which is like 2 dollars or something.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Speaking of gun show's... Look at those pipes.

You must have been talking about this guy?

He's the one with the power, the ground shakes when he drives that slammer home

That driver looks like it weighs slightly less than him.

I see the pics now.

Hows the arms and back today?

Better today. My hands still hurt but that's normal, or I expect it anyways. My hands don't work that great to begin with, they are either open or closed but that's about the extent of my dexterity. That's why my handwriting is so poor, I just cant make my hands cooperate. When I do something like pound away with a slide hammer driver like that they get really bad for a while.

I'm excited to get that sand point working better this week. We'll head out there maybe tomorrow after work and see if we can get it blown out better.

I can't wait for a few weeks and I can see it in person.

My baby girl starts second grade today, she's gettin big. Mini-man starts tomorrow. Thank gawd he's going to all-day Kindergarten.

Mama will be sad that her "baby" is going to school, but me...my ears need a break.

Yep, ours are all 3 off to school. The boys cought a ride with big sis in her mustang. Pretty cool!

More cool for the boys than for big sis, which is funny as hell if u ask me.

My oldest boy didnt want to go back to school this morning. He asked if we could just go out and work on the deer stand instead and give school a try another day.

Our landowner called and told me that he has two deer picked out for the boys a 6 point and a long spike.

They are so geeked it is not funny.

My little girl is off to 1st grade today. A wicked rain and northwest wind at 25 mph met her at the bus stop. And wouldnt ya know it....the bus was 10 minutes late. So mom and her stood out there freezing for 15 minutes til it came. Mom took pictures of her getting on the bus.

The boys? Oh my. I had given the girl a toy gun that when you pull the trigger makes a rifle shooting sound. They found that yesterday and ohmygosh. Fights are constant over it. That is the deal with twins, you gotta have 2 of everything. of course, I am kinda proud and happy they are fighting over a gun. Momma? not so much.

Yep went thru the toy rifle in the blind thing.

Youngest got his first deer last year and this year his brother is out to beat him.

Dont forget guys MN doe lottery deadline is the 9th for those areas that apply.

oh I guess we better check the new regs, I doubt I'll need to apply but you never know.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep, ours are all 3 off to school. The boys cought a ride with big sis in her mustang. Pretty cool!

More cool for the boys than for big sis, which is funny as hell if u ask me.

Nuthin says "not cool" like giving your little bro's a ride to school. Keep up the good work.

Originally Posted by big drift

Yep went thru the toy rifle in the blind thing.

Youngest got his first deer last year and this year his brother is out to beat him.

Dont forget guys MN doe lottery deadline is the 9th for those areas that apply.

I'm good there, all three area's I'd hunt are Intensive harvest or whatever it is, so no app needed. I bought one bonus tag. I may have to buy another if I shoot a doe, so I can hunt black powder at Chickenbuck.

you can get by cheap antlerles at chickenbuck, $2.50 tag

(DM tag)

Dave I think you may also qualify for the landowner tag as well.

Or would that be Pam....;)

Yeah I'm not so completely interested in the land owner tag. I drift off onto the state land too much for that.

Pam's the boss though so yeah it would probably be her that qualifies for that one.

And here you go for anyone looking for a gun auction.

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.p...uipment-sale-set-for-sept-18/#more-43814

I bet the bows will go reasonably.

Good idea...hold a gun auction the opening day of small game season. Buy your shotgun back and start crusin roads.

Wow, you did some amazing work out there this weekend. So did they wreck the road bad enough so Jeremy can't get his pickup out there? Well guess it wouldn't take much.

If he lets you drive you'll do fine

whatever you do, don't walk!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

whatever you do, don't walk!

Did you get lost? lol...

Did you get chased by a swamp squid?

Swamp squids, flying bears, leopard squirrels, and falling muffy's that camp be a damn dangerous place come fall...

not to mention the great orange pumpkins that stalk you from trees. It's no wonder Dave has to drink his beer from camo cans.

Dave,

Been meaning to ask you what ever happened to the "guys next door", that were setting up their stands facing you guys ? Year 1, I think.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

Been meaning to ask you what ever happened to the "guys next door", that were setting up their stands facing you guys ? Year 1, I think.

Paul.

Flying Bears.

them, the flying bears and sometimes people just get sucked into them

Dave,you mentioned the guys riding to school with big sister in her Mustang.What am I missing?She wrecked the Mustang.

Stan in SC

Stan, Dave and Pam bought Weezy a different Mustang. It was posted on the Campfire thread.

Stan, I fixed that mustang in 2 weeks flat. Needed Pam's help but we got it done.

Here's a picture Pam took of the kids heading out for first day of school 2010

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Auto insurance is good.

Stan, we had oodles of sweat equity in that 65 mustang. Which the insurance company thankfully recognized.

This used 05 base model V6 buggy doesn't have the eternal coolness of the first generation pony cars and it won't hold value like an original either. But it has air bags, 3 point belts in all 4 seats, anti lock disk brakes, much better crumple zones for impact protection (heaven forbid please) It gets twice the gas mileage, cheaper to insure, and a few less horses under the hood than the A code 65 coupe had. It's also symbolic of the project we worked so hard on together. Kind of a "from the ashes rose a phoenix" sort of thing.

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Did you get a boat? What's behind the 'stang?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

Been meaning to ask you what ever happened to the "guys next door", that were setting up their stands facing you guys ? Year 1, I think.

Paul.

Hey Paul, I sacrifice some hunting time now and then to go and sit in the stand that we call the "porcupine stand" up in that corner of our property. This hinders our friend's ability to sit up in their crudely built 12 year old child's tree fort and watch onto our property.

Yeah Tom, I bought a little 14' Lund from my dad this spring. It needs a new floor but it's a nice little river boat. Or at least thats what we�ll use it for. Lake of the woods is a little too intimidating for a 14 footer but we have a good river to fish not far from home.

Good boat. Perfect for a river, or the 11,000 other lakes that aren't LOW.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

Been meaning to ask you what ever happened to the "guys next door", that were setting up their stands facing you guys ? Year 1, I think.

Paul.

Hey Paul, I sacrifice some hunting time now and then to go and sit in the stand that we call the "porcupine stand" up in that corner of our property. This hinders our friend's ability to sit up in their crudely built 12 year old child's tree fort and watch onto our property.

Cheers Mate,

I have thought of asking that question 2 - 3 times a year since reading it, but always get side tracked by the easy going banter !!

Be nice to "nail" one from there while they are watching !

Paul.

Dave ya get the trail cam out? I am dying to see forky toes.

Thinking about running a board for who gets him

I took a shot at a doe a couple of years ago with one of those guys sitting bihind me stairing at my back. I'm on my property and I'm looking into my property, they are on their land looking into my property as well.

Gosh it was a well placed shot at a nice doe that was meandering through browsing as she went. One of those shots that you know is good after you pull the trigger. Well the shot went low right behind her shoulder (I speculate) I shaved white hair but there wasn't a speck of blood or flesh, not even hide. (which is good)

I hit a jackpine limb between me and the deer with my bullet. I carved a 30 caliber notch out of that dried springy jackpine branch. Dammit anyways! Well I broke that branch off the tree and brought it back to the shack. We stuck some feathers in one end and set the stick in the corner. That is our "shame stick". So now when ever someone takes a shot at a deer but misses they get "shamed" with the shame stick.

Shaming process looks like this right Tom?

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Tom is looking at his camera, trying to pretend the shaming isn't happening... oh but it happened, he done been shamed!

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave ya get the trail cam out? I am dying to see forky toes.

Thinking about running a board for who gets him

I have a camera out but it's a POS. I don't trust it to take any pics.

I messed with it for a half an hour to get it to power up. then we couldn't get it to trigger. We finally got it to trigger but then we figured out we had a bad SD card in it

So, now it's set up with no SD card so it I want to read the pics from it I have to take the cam home and hook it to my computer to read the internal memory.

Dusty is talking about getting a real camera, a new Bushnel trophy cam. The new 8MP unit with video capability.

It will be nice to have a dependable cam out there for once.

We checked last weekend by Dusty's stand and he has a regular deer highway running past his stand too. Not kidding, it's impressive.

I'm thinkin of getting my trail cams (2) sent up from colorado

How much good are they doing you in Colorado?

well my mom, dad bro and sis in law use them.
I called ma the other day and she said they were sitting in the camper, so I said send em up to me

they are the wildview, nothin fancy cost about 55 bucks a piece.
I have a mini "electric picture frame" and extra SD card. they make checking a lot easier, and bigger pics than looking on a camera

That's cool. I hopefully have my wildview working properly again too. I just need to bring a good SD card out there.

I might even order another one or two online, seen some fairly reasonable for the nonIR digital

Big day in the tzone household.

ALL the kids are in school. Jack our little guy started kindergarten today.

His requested breakfast.
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"Lets Rock n Roll Dad" (he really says that)
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Big Sis is ready to go.
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Mom cried (of course), Dad smiled. All the cool kids are rockin' a Super Mario Bros. backpack right?
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Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Be nice to "nail" one from there while they are watching !

Paul.

That would be sweet. I hope he does.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom is looking at his camera, trying to pretend the shaming isn't happening... oh but it happened, he done been shamed!

You know what? I can honestly say, that happened before I knew what the heck was going on.(Alcohol may have been a factor) You all were chuckling at me before I knew what's up, then you're showing me pictures of the process. I have no problem owning up to my miss.

It was a heck of a miss. I absolutely center punched that Jack Pine. I mean perfect, right in the heart, or where the deer's heart was anyway

. That tree didn't have a chance. I thought for sure Dave, Joey, and I were going to walk up on a dead doe. I didn't see it run after I shot, Joe or Dave didn't either. Same deal as Dave though, no blood, no hair, no hide. That was the only deer I had a real shot at last year. Oh well, it won't be the last miss I'm sure. Didn't matter, it was by far the most fun I've had in a deer camp....EVER!

Gotta love the hand holding there T, mine did that as each one started school, looked like a little train by the time the youngest started.

Had to laugh yesterday a new kid at the school decided to try and get my youngest to give him $4 or else. This am he was met by my older son and the youngest and told to go away. Apparently he waited for the older one to leave and went after the youngest who promptly flattened his nose, split a lip, and goose egged his cheek. Gotta love the first week of school.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they are the wildview, nothin fancy cost about 55 bucks a piece.
I have a mini "electric picture frame" and extra SD card. they make checking a lot easier, and bigger pics than looking on a camera

I was thinking of getting one of those myself Ryan. I'd like to have a few really. I don't know why I haven't yet, it seems whenver I have extra $ it's always earmarked for something else.

Originally Posted by big drift

Had to laugh yesterday a new kid at the school decided to try and get my youngest to give him $4 or else. This am he was met by my older son and the youngest and told to go away. Apparently he waited for the older one to leave and went after the youngest who promptly flattened his nose, split a lip, and goose egged his cheek. Gotta love the first week of school.

The hand holding is pretty sweet.

We had a similar incident last week at kindergarten orientation. Kid punched him in the back and he turned around and popped him in the forehead.

Sis is pretty protective of her brother, more so than of herself. She's a great kid.

That's just the best picture with the bus rolling up, the 2 kids holding hands.

Great story too BD, that stuff happens up here too.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they are the wildview, nothin fancy cost about 55 bucks a piece.
I have a mini "electric picture frame" and extra SD card. they make checking a lot easier, and bigger pics than looking on a camera

I was thinking of getting one of those myself Ryan. I'd like to have a few really. I don't know why I haven't yet, it seems whenver I have extra $ it's always earmarked for something else.

the only thing with those is the slow trigger time, I have lots of pics of elk butts and some of just scenery. its best to put them on a mineral lick or something else that keeps them for a little bit.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they are the wildview, nothin fancy cost about 55 bucks a piece.
I have a mini "electric picture frame" and extra SD card. they make checking a lot easier, and bigger pics than looking on a camera

I was thinking of getting one of those myself Ryan. I'd like to have a few really. I don't know why I haven't yet, it seems whenver I have extra $ it's always earmarked for something else.

the only thing with those is the slow trigger time, I have lots of pics of elk butts and some of just scenery. its best to put them on a mineral lick or something else that keeps them for a little bit.

Exactly what I have planned for it. I have a mineral lick in my yard that I've seen does and fawns at but no horns yet. I'd like to see what's around, all the trees in the back have old rubs on them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Shaming process looks like this right Tom?

[Linked Image]

Tom is looking at his camera, trying to pretend the shaming isn't happening... oh but it happened, he done been shamed!

That is sooooo cool !!

Sorry Tom.

These are the kind of stories that make "your camp" & this thread so special.

Paul.

That's what I've been doing for the most part with my wildview. I just kind of got mad at it and put it away when it fritzed out on me last year during black powder season. I wanted a picture of that big bruiser so bad, set the cam up perfect 2 different times, tested the triggering, everything is good. Come back to find his tracks in a path right in front of the camera but not a single picture taken.

here's one I got 2 years ago, came out good but had 30 blank ones after this one

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Shaming process looks like this right Tom?

[Linked Image]

Tom is looking at his camera, trying to pretend the shaming isn't happening... oh but it happened, he done been shamed!

That is sooooo cool !!

Sorry Tom.

These are the kind of stories that make "your camp" & this thread so special.

Paul.

It's really a freestyle process, no rules. I think weezy was using the taunting "Shame, Shame, Shame" method.

I like to use the spinning shame stick process where you spin and arch the shame stick bounding from shoulder to shoulder over the shame-ee's head. And I use the traditional "Shame, Shame, Shame, Shame." but I tend to really drag out the shame word and typically I tend to really overdoo it.

A couple old ones from last summer.

[Linked Image]

too bad we can't hunt at midnight huh?

nice pics though, have you seen lots of tracks?

We're seeing some tracks. Lots of babies out there.

Seen some big tracks too mut I haven't been out there often enough. Seems I always go out after a heavy rain so the tracks are washed out except for the really fresh ones.

thats good to hear!

the big tracks that is, not the babies, I don't want to open that can of worms, and no I'm not shooting bambi this year

Originally Posted by northern_dave

. I wanted a picture of that big bruiser so bad, set the cam up perfect 2 different times, tested the triggering, everything is good. Come back to find his tracks in a path right in front of the camera but not a single picture taken.

That would frustrate me too.

Claymore, nuf' said.

Ryan,

Bambi's is tasty !!

Pretty sure Dave could rig up a "roaster" to cook them suckers whole.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We're seeing some tracks. Lots of babies out there.

Seen some big tracks too mut I haven't been out there often enough. Seems I always go out after a heavy rain so the tracks are washed out except for the really fresh ones.

Baby tracks is a good sign really, since they've been shooting so many does up that way I take it as a positive sign.

Originally Posted by bambi whacker

thats good to hear!

the big tracks that is, not the babies, I don't want to open that can of worms, and no I'm not shooting bambi this year

Surrrrre.

Just funnin ya man! I've shot my fair share of bambi's. My first bow kill in 99, man I'd be surprised if that thing weighed 60 pounds. Sometimes you just get excited, I do anyway.

I try not to say "i'm not shooting anything less than an 8", because sometimes I get rilled up on a spiker or a doe.

Man this year the boys have the option of whatever they want they can take. Big, little, stupid and the lame they all are gonna be burger and sausage.

Perfect.

Yeah I think we'll make a family weekend out of the youth hunt which runs into the early doe hunt(coincides).

I'll play camp cook and outfitter/guide for who ever wants to hunt. I'm sure Pam will want to hunt, she can shoot a doe (antlerless) and the 2 older kids qualify to shoot buck or doe.

When is the youth hunt?

I could come up and give you hand maybe? Camp stuff while you're out with a kid or take a kid, I don't care.

I think I'm going to look at game cam's today. We have lots of tracks on the backside of our property. We have seen the does and fawns many times. But there are some bigger tracks, I want to see what it is. We planted food plots this year so they have really been traveling between our place and the neighbors.

I'll come up and give a hand too if you like, I can help put up stands, gut/drag, cook you name it.
with these cool mornings I want to be out in the woods!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by big drift

Dave ya get the trail cam out? I am dying to see forky toes.

Thinking about running a board for who gets him

I have a camera out but it's a POS. I don't trust it to take any pics.

I messed with it for a half an hour to get it to power up. then we couldn't get it to trigger. We finally got it to trigger but then we figured out we had a bad SD card in it

So, now it's set up with no SD card so it I want to read the pics from it I have to take the cam home and hook it to my computer to read the internal memory.

Dusty is talking about getting a real camera, a new Bushnel trophy cam. The new 8MP unit with video capability.

It will be nice to have a dependable cam out there for once.

We checked last weekend by Dusty's stand and he has a regular deer highway running past his stand too. Not kidding, it's impressive.

Dave,my buddy just bought a Bushnel (Don't know the model) and he's been having problems with it. He contacted Bushnel and they told him they'd been having issues, but most of the time it's a bad SD card. Told my buddy to try a different SD card and if that didn't fix the problem to return the unit to them. The SD card he was using was a new one.

Hey Bill,

How did bearcountry look?

Muffy, there's a web site that reviews trail cameras see if you can find it. Might save you a lot of money and headaches.

Thinking this weekend gonna move the boys big box stand.

Any thoughts on insualting it, I was considering just using a spray on foam rather then mess around with pink stuff, or foam board. It is built out of 2x2's for the frame, and the floor is covered with an old carpet so the feet dont get cold.

Roof is covered with old rubberized conveyor belts.

Any thoughts on the spray foam? How well does it work, etc.

Spray foam is expensive.

It works great, it actually adds strength since it adheres and it seals things up tighter than you could do with polystyrene sheets (spelling?)

But it's expensive.

How warm does it have to be? or how tight?

Not really either way, I am leaning more toward just sealing the joints with the spray foam. I usually have the big sunflower and 20 lb. tank in there but she gets real warm real fast. I was looking more to just trying to keep the heat in longer.

This is to make the boys and the landowner comfortable for when they sit.

oh I see, so just using expanding foam like "great stuff" in the corners and for gaps etc?

We did that with Pam's stand and it worked really good.

Hey Dave heard the boys from the RL rez went and tagged a couple wapiti again as well as a swamp donkey.

You know those guys don't tag anything lol!!

They shoot plenty, tag? I dunno about that!!

My bad I should have clarified tag as in tag your it...lol.

I am waiting to see if they are entered in the big buck contest again.

heck why not?

wouldn't surprise me a bit!

I would not be surprised by that.

PWM & I made a run to camp yesterday afternoon to put an SD card in the trail camera and we also blew out the sand point a couple more times. It got a little better but I think I need a rotary pump and a water tank so I can pump water down the pipe to really open up a pocket around the sand point.

We were very surprised to see that everything was very wet out there. We were just out there on Monday and it was dry, it looks like the area got hit with about 3" of rain as recently as... yesterday morning?

we got a real good shot of rain all monday eve/night that might have made its way there. makes it easier to determine the freshness of tracks. I got the dates for the refuge youth/disabled hunt and its in a week and a half! I'm really looking forward to it, especially since I know where there is a 130" + buck living on the refuge. I'd love to see a kid who for one day can feel like Davy Crockett and not think about being stuck in a wheelchair

Looking forward to those stories Ryan, did you get those stands straightened out?

Are you helping out with that? Very cool Ryan.

I haven't yet, but I'm headed out there today, I'll bring my camera with and snap some pics

OK, yeah get em set up for hunting, for success more so than for easy access.

If you need help getting kids to stands and it's allowed drop me a line and I'll take time off for that. Gladly.

Ryan that is awesome. After the hunt I want to hear stories. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

And pics dang it,

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I know some of you have followed Cole's story closely and I thought I would post an update. He has been done with chemo for a little over a month and his last scan was great. Apart from his bald little head, you couldnt tell him from other kids. Here is a pic ( a fantastic pic that my wife took if you ask me! a great action shot) of Cole and his cousin Jake riding the tube a few weeks ago. Oh, and Jake's mohawk was a temp thing as he got exposed to lice at daycare, so they shaved his head and gave him a mohawk for the weekend. Dont these kids look like they are having ....uh....fun?

Cole is obviously the one on the right.

[Linked Image]

Thanks for the update , I've allways read the c/b posts since you posted the link. Brave lil man Cole is

Glad to hear the good news

Any of you guys run a Federal Fusion? How'd they work.

we do. They seem to work just fine.

We don't all use them but we've shot plenty of deer with them, I'm pretty sure my boy shot his elk with a 30-06 fusion last OCT. 165 gr.

deader than heck.

Well, if the work for an Elk, they dang sure should work for a whitetail right?

I'm going to try some in my .280 Rem.

We've used them on deer in 30-06, 243 & .308

They shoot well for us and they hold together as good or better than a core lokt.

Better than the old blue box feds.

IME

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Better than the old blue box feds.

IME

That's good to know, cuz I was going to buy a box of blue box feds. They were the same price at the shop I was at, so that's a no brainer anyway.

I shot some fusions out of my .308 M7 I had a while ago but never shot anything but targets with them. They were real accurate.

I've seen cup & core blue box stuff come apart bad, they always shot nice for me But I've seen the lead core shed it's jacket cleanly and completely several times before.

Which kind of sucks, peddles opened up real nice & a nearly complete jacket that penetrated very shallow & lost it's lead core like it was a lead ball in a patch.

Haven't seen that yet with the fusion.

I got a game cam today. I got a Moultrie D-55IR. 5 megapixels, 50 foot infared flash, day video clips. Shows time, date, temp, & moon phase. I also got a free mineral bucket with it. Now I just have to figure out how to run it, it is my first one.

Awesome! can't wait to hear how it works out for you.

Originally Posted by tzone

Any of you guys run a Federal Fusion? How'd they work.

Hi Tom,

We're running the 95gr in the wife & sons shared .243 & I'm shooting the 165gr in my .308.

No complaints from us. Sort of a middle road option between C&C & the premiums.

Good prices too !!

You'll do fine with them.

Paul.

Paul, that's what we run in our .243's and in my M88 .308 too.

Boy them 95 gr shoot wonderful in weezy's M77 .243. Tight!

My brother in law gets .75" at 100 with his Remington M7 in .308 and fusions. He's only shot paper too though, he hunts in shotgun country. I knew accuracy wouldn't be the issue, I was courious about the performance.

I'm thinking of getting some for the muzzy loadder too. They were pricey though. $15 for 16 bullet/sabots.

Picked some Fusions up for the boys .243 and plan to see how they match up to the reloads.

I didn't know they made any black powder stuff.

Just walked out of the shop to go to the house to put my Jersey on for the game. There were 3 deer standing in our driveway 30 yards from the shop. A doe and 2 fawns.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I didn't know they made any black powder stuff.

This is the first I've seen of it. It was a pack of bullets and sabots.

Thinking I may have to start hunting Timber Pigs again. Just want to get a banded one.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Paul, that's what we run in our .243's and in my M88 .308 too.

Boy them 95 gr shoot wonderful in weezy's M77 .243. Tight!

Yeah mate, same in Deb / Doug's Savage. Minute of deer for them & better than MOA for me shooting off a pack & over the hood of the truck !

Good results in the "little" gun last season, so I've switched to them this year for my Sav 99 .308, too.

As I said above, I think they are a good "gap breecher" between C&C & the premiums. Like the price better too. Say $20 here vs. premiums at $45.

Paul.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just walked out of the shop to go to the house to put my Jersey on for the game. There were 3 deer standing in our driveway 30 yards from the shop. A doe and 2 fawns.

Mmmm, tasty !!

Feed 'em some apples.

Paul.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just walked out of the shop to go to the house to put my Jersey on for the game. There were 3 deer standing in our driveway 30 yards from the shop. A doe and 2 fawns.

Did you get em?

I tried to tackle one of the small ones, but them little buggers are fast. Plus momma was glaring at me so I backed off.

the disabled hunt for the refuge is the first weekend in Oct I believe, I'll get more info and give you a call Dave

Thunder storms around here again, starting to think we are on the west coast of Washington. Bucks still have velvet around here.

Very wet up here too.

I got a pair of Danner Acadia's in the mail today. Another member posted in general hunting about a sale, I checked it out and it was a great deal. $70 less than cabellas! Uninsulated lace to toe goretex. Basic black service boot style with vibram lug sole, stitch down leather made in USA tith the nylon/leather uppers kind of "jungle boot" style.

These things are awesome! I love em!!

Should last many years.

Man I've needed a new pair of boots for quite a while, happy feet! Woo!

Sweet Dave. I was quite disappointed today when I was looking at boots. Every one was made in China. PMO.

I have my USA made Red Wings, but they're steel toe. I'd like a nice leather work boot type for general messin around.

I picked up a box of the Fed. Fusions today. .280 Rem, 140 grain. They feel like deer whackers.

I got a little action on a job today too. Woot woot! No interview yet, but they called and asked for an updated resume. Supposed to hear something by Tuesday or Wednesday. Best part is.... 1/2 mile from the house.

Congrats T, that 140 gr. is some good deer medicine, sho 'nuff.

Good news about the job. Keep us posted.

When the heck you get a 280?

Holding out on us?

That's great news on the job thing.

I usually shoot a Remington Model Seven in .308.For about 10 years I have been using the Hornady "Light Magnum" 165 grain spire point boat tail with good success.
Leaves are just starting to turn here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When the heck you get a 280?

Holding out on us?

I got it a month of so ago. Big stretch for me... Model 7600.

Don't know why but they're my favorite gun. I shot some 150's for it the weekend I got it. Shot just at an 1" at a hundred.

Our leaves are just barely turned here too Stan.

I was on the deck tonight cleaning the .280 and I could hear crunching in the woods. I turn and look and there is a set of legs marching through. Instantly went into preadator mode. Dropped to a knee, hushed the kids... it just took over. It was a doe and a fawn.

25 minutes later, I'm cleaning the black powder and some more crunching... out pops a fawn. She starts licking the mineral lick I have in the yard about 30 feet from me. Then another fawn. Mama made an appearance but stayed in the brush. This was a different set of deer too. They came from the north, and the others came from the south.

I need that job so I can get a trail cam.

I was talking to my dad eariler tonight. He's been having trouble with his shoulder, so he though. Can't lift his right arm much past 1/2 way to his shoulder. He got an MRI today and they found he tore the bicep off his arm.

Docs are going to try surgery, but said there is a chance it can't be fixed.

OMG, I hope they can fix it. How did it happen?

He's not really sure how it happened. He and the doc think it's just a combonation of 45 years of working on cars, work, and life.

He's been talking about soreness for a few months. He got a shot of cortazone in his shoulder because that's where it hurt. The shot didn't work, and now we know why, there's nothing wrong with his shoulder.

I hope they can fix it too.

Jeez Tom, I hope they get your dad fixed up soon enough for deer hunting.

Oh he doesn't hunt. He's safe there. He sometimes comes with me, to camp, but he hasn't hunted in about 17 years. I might have to recruit him in a few years. I have two little buddies that like to hunt and it's tough to take both at the same time.

Grandpas have a way about them that makes them do stuff for the grandkids.

We were at his house today for a surprise 60th b-day for him. We had to get him out of the house for 5 hours so my stepmom could get everything ready. Me and my BIL took him shooting. Something he hasn't done in probably...15 years or so. It was fun, and he called us a bunch of F'ers when he saw all the cars when we got home.

He was surprised, we did well.

thats awesome!

I shot the .280 a good bit yesterday with my dad and BIL too. The Federal Fusinos shot to 3/4". Best I've ever had a rifle group. The other dudes at the range couldn't believe that a pump action rifle could shoot like that.

The odd part was, it shot 140gr, 150gr, and 165gr (RN) to the same point of impact. I've never had a gun do that before either.

We got 2 3/4 inches of rain here yesterday. We really didn't nees that much.

On the news here tonight, it looked like you may get some more tomorrow.

For some reason I could see these shenanigans going on at Chickenbuck......

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/vi...p;FROM=LKVR5&GT1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR

Dave, Dusty, Tom hmmmm, wonder who that would be.

Hell, It could be anyone of us.

not me, he only shot once, I needed 2 last year. it did look like a small one though, so yeah it coulda been me

It did look kida small.

Please tell me your talking about the deer...

What deer?

(Shudder) ooookkkkkaaaayyyyy then.

It's Monday. Where the heck is Dave with the weekend Chickenbuck pics?

Funny!

Guess we need a hot tub on stilts out in the swamp.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's Monday. Where the heck is Dave with the weekend Chickenbuck pics?

Sorry, I actually do have some pictures of our quick day trip to camp. Me and the boys made a run out there with the old brown pickup. I got some pictures of our super wet trail leading in to our place.

It's just terrible, I don't know what we're going to do but I'll be looking for suggestions from our local forestry office. I really don't know why this logging sale wasn't set up for winter cut. The trail is just destroyed now.

I'll load up the pictures from home tonight.

Heck no, just build a flat top deck over the roof, good field of view. Then add a dumbwaiter to go down and get extra supplies as you dont want to get dehydrated.

I would just love to see the CO come and check your license.

What would you wear to be legal? An orange wet suit?

The assload of rain you've been getting doesn't help either.

As long as it isnt speedos

The rain is getting about out of control around these parts, the ground is fairly saturated.

That could be good for hunting as it will move into dryer areas. Not so much if we get a freeze and the surface covers while the bottoms drains. Talk about busting thru and making noise.

Once again we add waders to our deer hunting list.

Just checked my trail camera and there were pics of a doe and fawn. There was also a couple of an 8 pointer taken at 9:53 this morning.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just checked my trail camera and there were pics of a doe and fawn. There was also a couple of an 8 pointer taken at 9:53 this morning.

Come on lady....lets see em.

I'm getting a bit frusrtated with the job thing.... Got a call from a concrete company litteraly just down the road. They wanted my resume. So I gave them one. They called me this morning and said my qualifications are ideal but since I have a college degree, they feel I'm over qualified. WTF...

I called back this afternoon and told them I'd at least like to come in for an interview. How can you be too qualified for that? I just don't understand that.

I live 1/2 mile from their shop, it's not like I'd look for another job. You don't get a chance to work in your backyard very often.

OK sorry for whinning. I had to get that off my chest.

I will try to get the pics posted tonight, if not I will get them tomorrow.

Being turned down for a job because you are over qualified, is one of the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Jeremy's aunt had the same problem when she was looking for a job. STUPID!

Up in the woods behind the cabin, straight through the puddles.

[Linked Image]

The boys checking on Dusty's stand.

[Linked Image]

some shots of the trail on the way out.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_4919.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_4924.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_4920.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Looks like I'll need wadders to get to my stand eh?

She's wet.

Yeah you recognize that corner right?

Right where the water is you peel off the trail to the left to go to your ground blind.

Right.

Guessing she's mighty wet in those Cedars too. Did you guys see any grouse? They were probably swimming if you did. ROR.

Season starts on Saturday. I'll be over by your dad's place on Sat. afternoo or Sunday morning.

Here is one shot from my trail cam.

[Linked Image]

Here is that small 8 point.

[Linked Image]

There is a small pond beyond that dirt pile that I dug with an excavator, it ended up holding water quite well. To the left past the dirt pile Jeremy has turnips and clover planted. To the right is the neighbors field and I'm not sure what is in there. I set the camera about 10 yards from my bow stand. So this is the view I have. The buck come down a trail we have on the north side of our property. To the left of my stand our other neighbor has a deer plot planted. They travel that trail alot.

Small? He looks pretty nice to me Muffy.

Cool pics. It's nice to see you got some right off the bat like that.

Wow, great pictures! I really like the temp/date/time stamp. that's pretty cool.

Dave you get anything on your camera yet?

I got 1 picture of a pair of deer ears at the bottom of the picture frame.

We adjusted the angle of the camera on saturday so hopefully we are no longer relying on birds in the sky to trigger the camera.

Hows the well pump working Dave?

We should hear from Grizzly Bill pretty soon. He was up north chasing bears with the boys.

The well is doing better. Pump time is down to about 20 seconds per cycle on the pump handle.

We have still not brought that air compressor out there & just let it push air for an hour or so like we had planned. Maybe this week yet.

never enough time to get everything done. I've felt like a one legged man in a butt kicking contest lately myself. I can't believe all the water on the road. on the plus side it will keep people from coming back in there too far

I'll hunt around for a dead end sign, I know a couple of places I can check to see if they have an extra

grab a set of sockets and a wrench. They're all over the place.

Originally Posted by tzone

Small? He looks pretty nice to me Muffy.

Cool pics. It's nice to see you got some right off the bat like that.

Yep, & tasty !!

Muffy,

Looks like your set up in a great area.

When does bow season open for you ?

Paul.

Saturday, this coming saturday.

Same for small game like tasty timber chickens.

Yeah it opens this Saturday and I am so not prepared. I have not even shot my bow yet. Time has gone by so fast this summer. I better get some shooting done after I mow yard today.

Well you better get after it!!

It's not likely that little buck is gonna arrow himself for you

Hey do you want to use that old Bear bow that sits up at the shack? LOL!

Heck yeah, it would be great to shoot him with that!

That thing is such a piece of crap it probably sends arrows tumbling!

Nobody knows for sure because nobody can pull the damn string back lol!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yeah it opens this Saturday and I am so not prepared. I have not even shot my bow yet. Time has gone by so fast this summer. I better get some shooting done after I mow yard today.

Yep, get at it.

I want to see photos on Monday !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yeah it opens this Saturday and I am so not prepared. I have not even shot my bow yet. Time has gone by so fast this summer. I better get some shooting done after I mow yard today.

Yep, get at it.

I want to see photos on Monday !!

Paul.

What do you want to see pictures of? Oh the big deer I will get this weekend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Saturday, this coming saturday.

Same for small game like tasty timber chickens.

Yeah, small game opens here tomorrow. I bought Momma a Mossberg 500 20ga pump earlier this summer & she's bin practisin' !!

Will be "easier" on her than my 12ga !

Paul.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yeah it opens this Saturday and I am so not prepared. I have not even shot my bow yet. Time has gone by so fast this summer. I better get some shooting done after I mow yard today.

Yep, get at it.

I want to see photos on Monday !!

Paul.

What do you want to see pictures of? Oh the big deer I will get this weekend.

Yep & then the BBQ'ing back straps !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Saturday, this coming saturday.

Same for small game like tasty timber chickens.

mmmm. Timber Chickens.

I'm hoping we can swat a few of them in a couple weekends Dave. I got the long range timber chicken swatter ready.

Fresh Timber Chicken soup.mmmmmmm.

Looks like it was a good choice to get wheezy a new vehicle so you could have ol' brownie back

Yeah I sure like that stupid old truck

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Saturday, this coming saturday.

Same for small game like tasty timber chickens.

mmmm. Timber Chickens.

I'm hoping we can swat a few of them in a couple weekends Dave. I got the long range timber chicken swatter ready.

Fresh Timber Chicken soup.mmmmmmm.

G'damn it Tom this year leave the goose loads at home!!

There's nothing left but timber chicken bits when you're done shoot'n em! LOL!!

kind of like bacon bits but chicken flavored with feathers and lead.

Didjya have a few chunks?

One of those I shot on the way in last year was shot pretty close... like 10 yards close. I'll be damn'd if going to back the truck up to shoot.

and I didnt' even get to eat em.

Originally Posted by tzone

Fresh Timber Chicken soup.mmmmmmm.

MMmmmm, recipe needed !!

Paul.

Easy, let Tom shot one, then add water.

Done!

Oh................

Damn, it did sound tasty right up until then !

Paul.

I was thinking something like chicken & wild rice soup !!

Tom,

#7.5's from ya 12 @ 10 yards should have ='d a headless bird, not a birdless head.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I was thinking something like chicken & wild rice soup !!

well that we can do. It has less feathers and BB's in it too.

It's more work but it tastes way better.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I was thinking something like chicken & wild rice soup !!

That is a great way to do it Paul. Use the grouse instead of chicken.

Dave has an awesome recicpe but I think i lost it in the move. Maybe dave will send it to us?

I made a bean/ham soup yesterday for the family that was/is really good too. It takes some time, but it's easy. I made it in the crock pot and cooked it for 8 hours. Tasty stuff.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Tom,

#7.5's from ya 12 @ 10 yards should have ='d a headless bird, not a birdless head.

Paul.

It was a 20ga....and it was 6's. No 12's for me. I believe it was missing the head... I'll dig for the pics.

Notice the missing head on the bird on the left. Now that I see it, it's pretty much feathers and wings.

Cheers Tom,

Don't know what Dave's referring to ? He said you shot 'em to hell & back. Maybe, they were his birds that were pellets & feathers.

What choke you got in the 20 ? I've got full in Deb's at the moment.

This is what I'm hoping for tomorrow night after work. Minus the snow !!

Deb & a brace of Ruffies (2009)

[Linked Image]

Doug & his 2 Ruffies from opener 2009

[Linked Image]

Pumkin & headless Spruce Grouse

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I was thinking something like chicken & wild rice soup !!

That is a great way to do it Paul. Use the grouse instead of chicken.

Dave has an awesome recicpe but I think i lost it in the move. Maybe dave will send it to us?

Please Sir !!

Cool Spruce grouse. I've seen a few, but never when hunting.

since ruffs are pretty easy to kill, I use an improved cylinder. Pretty open, but shots are usually quick and close. I would go no tightert than a modified, but if yours patterns with a full, then use a full.

I get a very spotted pattern with 7 1/2's and smaller, which is why I use the 6's. I use 6's for turkey's too, but then it's with a xx-full choke.

I'm shooting 7.5's outta my 12ga (above) with a modified choke.

Deb's new 20 has the full in a present & is patterning pretty well with #8's. Tomorrow night will be it's first real test.

We like to try to head shoot. Wait for that moment they stretch out their necks, pop them & hope for not to much damage to the breasts, hence the tighter chokes.

Most shots are less than 20 yards & the closer the better !!

Paul.

Mmmm, timber chicken breast in a mushroom sauce over a bed of wild rice with a good warm homemade bread and sweet butter....

Ok got my plans ready.

Originally Posted by big drift

Mmmm, timber chicken breast in a mushroom sauce over a bed of wild rice with a good warm homemade bread and sweet butter....

Ok got my plans ready.

You forgot the part about the beer.

Grouse With Wild Rice
Ingredients

2/3 c Wild rice
2 c Chicken broth
1/4 c Butter
8 Grouse breast filets
3 Eggs [beaten]
1 c Flour
Garlic salt, oregano, and basil to taste
2 tb Butter
1/2 c Chicken broth
4 oz Mozzarella cheese [sliced]

Combine the wild rice with 2 cups of broth and � cup butter in a saucepan, cover and cook until tender. (keep warm)

Rinse grouse filets and pat dry. Pound the filets between waxed paper with meat mallet until tender, then combine with the eggs in a bowl. Let stand for 1 hour.

Combine the flour, oregano, garlic salt, basil, and pepper to taste in a bowl and roll the filets in this flour mixture, coating well.

Brown on both sides in 2 tb butter in a skillet. Then add enough broth to cove the bottom of the pan and simmer filets, covered, for 10 min.

Place 1/2 slice of cheese on each filet and cook until cheese is melted. Serve with the rice.

Wild Grouse with Lime

Ingredients:
6 grouse breast halves
1 fresh lime
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 T vegetable oil
2 T. brown sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine

Directions:
Wash grouse and pat dry. Peel lime, grate and set aside. Squeeze juice from lime and pour over grouse. Put flour, salt, and pepper in re-sealable plastic bag. Place breast halves in bag and shake until covered. Heat vegetable oil in non-stick skillet. Brown breast halves on both sides. Place in a baking dish. Combine lime peel and brown sugar and sprinkle over breasts. Then add chicken broth and white wine. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

Mmmm, timber chicken breast in a mushroom sauce over a bed of wild rice with a good warm homemade bread and sweet butter....

Ok got my plans ready.

You forgot the part about the beer.

Yeah, What "T" said.

Paul.

Or for convenience / camp..........

Buy bottles of Thai Green, red, or yellow curry sauce & follow the chicken recipe on the bottle.

Bang it all in a slow cooker for the day, come back to camp, open a beer & take a swig, put rice & water in a rice cooker, take another swig, place empty in recycling & pull the cap of another, push the start button on the rice cooker & then you have 20 minutes to drink beer & BS before supper is ready.

Enjoy !

Hey great pictures guys!!

love the spruce grouse! goes great with gin right?

Me and the youngest brave are home alone, heading to camp to check the crappy cam 2000 and goof with the well a bit.

hey Tom I know I did make a grouse "chicken soup" at camp but I'm afraid I wing'd it. No recipe.

But I watched "beerfest" the other day and the only way they could find there way back to the beer fest site in germany was to get drunk. I think they called it drunken recall.

I might try that for the soup recipe sometime.

Cheers Mate,

Bring back proof that ole forky's bin tearin' up the place !

If Muffy can take good pics,............................. don't see why you can't !

Don't let PWM play with the compressor. Send him off to find a swamp squid.

Taking brownie in again ?

Paul.

Ok then I will add a side of Red Stripe to go with it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey great pictures guys!!

love the spruce grouse! goes great with gin right?

I think they taste the same don't they?

Ha!

Ok we're back, yes of course we took browny.

It's the least disruptive machine I have for that trail..... Unless I feel like disrupting things, in that case it is the most disruptive machine I have LOL!

But no, We didn't slip a tire, nice and easy. The trail is bad but ole browny can still just crawl back in there.

We saw one grouse on the way in right under "the gray ladder" for those in the know. Then we flushed one near "Pam's clearing" As if she deserves such a thing... (she's not home, shhh)

Well we got over 60 pictures over out salt & mineral block in a few days but mostly does & fawns.

There was only one set of pics of a midnight stroler just out of effective flash range that got my attention. Decent body anyways.

[Linked Image]

most of the photos are just long beak big rump freezer pleezers like so.

[Linked Image]

That is a nice doe. Is that taken from right under Pams stand?

You can see her stand in the upper left side of the picture. It's across from her stand.

chip shot.

That last shot is a heck of a nice doe.

Freezer pleezer... I like that.

No new pics from my camera today. We are suposed to get rain tonight and tomorrow so maybe they will come out. The neighbor said he got a pic of twin 6 pointers on his camera lastnight. his camera is only about 70 yards from mine.

my blood is just a pumpin in anticipation of deer season. the pics are great! I need to get me a game cam and set it up on the refuge so I can get a snap shot of one of those big guys on there.
what kind do you have?

Originally Posted by Muffy

I got a game cam today. I got a Moultrie D-55IR. 5 megapixels, 50 foot infared flash, day video clips. Shows time, date, temp, & moon phase. I also got a free mineral bucket with it. Now I just have to figure out how to run it, it is my first one.

Ryan, this is what kind of camera I got. I like it so far.

checkin them out online now, looks like the most bang for the buck. I like the pics it takes

I'm going to Fleet Farm to check them out later today. I saw they have the Cuddyback for $129 now after rebate.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey great pictures guys!!

love the spruce grouse! goes great with gin right?

I think they taste the same don't they?

Yeah, they are certainly much more "gamey" than Ruffs, different texture too.

I can eat 'em, but the wife & kids shy away.

Got a surprise the first time I cleaned one, there breasts are bright purple ! Think grape pop ! When you cook them, they turn an unappealing grey colour too.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

most of the photos are just long beak big rump freezer pleezers like so.

[Linked Image]

Oh yeah,

I like your thought process !!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

checkin them out online now, looks like the most bang for the buck. I like the pics it takes

I had bought the Moultree 40 but I got it out of the package and it had a small crack in the glass display cover so I brought it back. Of course they didn't have anymore of that model. So I paid an extra $10 and got the better one. I paid $119 for it at L&M Fleet in DL. Plus I got that $19 bucket of mineral free.

I figured that's where you got it.

I have less of a reason to buy one now that the crappy cam started taking pictures again but I try to stay up to speed on what kind of luck people are having with the current brands & models out there.

Sure looks like you got a good one.

whats yours dave?

Nice deers dave, hope it dries out and gets some fixin' on the road in. When you coming up Tzone. Lestifer had 5 spikes and forks under his apple tree sunday night, we've seen a lot of deer. been mowing trails all over the place with a brush mower, i love this time of year. going to shut the lake cabin down this weekend, its deer season!!

Youth waterfowl day this weekend as well folks, for those of you not chasing timber chickens, throwing sticks around, chopping brush, fixing stands, etc.

Last weekend of early goose season as well.

Yeah and the kids get to shoot over water, it's a good deal.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

whats yours dave?

It's a wildview.

It took some time off last year when I needed it the most. It works when it feels like working

Took the boys out looking for deer where we hunt last nite. Lotsa freezer pleezers ( I like that name) and then....and then.....just as it got dark, no more than 3/4 mi from my stand....a great buck. I could only see 8 points, but he was really wide....20" or more. Easily 4-5" past his ear to the INSIDE of the beam. he was tall....prolly 12" G2s and 10" G3s. And the rack was thick. Big ol' body....sagging back and it looked like he had a beer belly. Now I got some goooooood daydreaming material for the next 2 months!

ND,
I saw your post about not going elk hunting this year and I just had to re....well....I am sorry.

Not going elk hunting what the heck? Where is that post?

Guess he'll just have to drag out ol' browny and the weezy mobile to go play jacklighten ditch polo yee haw...

Disclaimer: Note I do not in any way intend this to reflect the current behavior of Dave it is satire or at least a poor attempt.

But back in the day now that is another story "hold my beer and watch this s#*&"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

whats yours dave?

It's a wildview.

It took some time off last year when I needed it the most. It works when it feels like working

Union camera.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

When you coming up Tzone.

The weekend of the 24th. It might be on Saturday now tho instead of Friday, or late friday night.

Headed up to the adirondacks Friday for opening of early bear.

Mostly time to catch up with the neighbors that I only see from sept - dec . But always ready for another tasty bear in the freezer !!!
Dang water company needs me back here on 9/28 to " upgrade" our old water meter.

They been replacing them all summer and wait till hunting season to get around to ours , bastids they are .
Oh well , probably lawn will need mowing again by then and laundry to do so it will work out ok.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

whats yours dave?

It's a wildview.

It took some time off last year when I needed it the most. It works when it feels like working

Don't feel lonely Dave. I have one of the early model Cuddeback game cameras that does the same thing. It worked great for the first year that I had it then started doing all kinds of weird things. Most notably not taking pictures of the deer that had obviously walked in front of it and left their tracks in the snow as evidence. This was a $400 camera just a few years ago.

I just picked up a Wildgame 4.0 camera on sale at the local discount sporting goods store. I'll hang it near my mineral lick and let you all know what I think of it.

I'm lookin really hard at primos truth cam 35 today.

I know I've been talking about the bushnell trophy cam for over a year now but....

I been looking hard and these are supposed to do what I want out of a cam & I can get 2 of em for the price of a trophy cam.

The trophy cam is supposed to have the best battery life though.

Hard to say.

How much are they going for Dave? Cuddyback is running a deal right now for $119 or 129. Normally a $200 camera. Some guys dont' like em, but they have a pretty good warranty from what I understand.

Dave you running power or generator out there?

no power, we have an old generator but haven't fired it for 3 years.

Tom, the truth cams are going from 80 to 100

I found a deal where I can get a cam and a pair of 2gb SD cards all for under a hundred.

we ran a generator for when we did the wood on the walls last year, other than that its quiet and rustic just the way I like it

oh yeah that little portable unit I borowed from a friend. Forgot about that.

I don't know if you even knew it Ryan but there is a big 6.5kw V twin electric start RV generator behind the cabin. We used to run that one for power tools when we were building the cabin.

LOL ok I was curious.

May have another lead on the japanese hot tub for ya as well.

Guy is supposed to get back at me he just got done refurbing it and looking to get it out of his garage.

Has another guy looking i think tonight. But will let you know where he is at on it. Think he was asking 5 bills.

Shoot that's a decent deal. I don't know anything about those cam's.

Got word from the doc on my dad. He has the tore (off) bicep, rotator cuff is ruff shape, and some bone spurs. They're going to fix everything 100% but the bicep. Doc can partialy re-attach it, and then says it should strengthen itself some more.

He'll be laid up for 8-10 weeks. yuk.

didn't even know it was there, don't miss electricity for keeping the quiet out there thats for sure

I like the "no elect." I do have to bring a deep cycle battery tho for my cpap when I sleep for the sleep apnea.

You guys talking about "freezer pleasers" got me curious.How many doe days do you have there?Here in South Carolina we have established doe days but in addition you can purchase from one to four doe tags at $5 each which are"use anytime" tags.So there are set days on which you can legally take a doe without the tags but you may use the purchased tags any time and you do not have to use the tag on a set doe day.I always buy four doe tags but do not use all of them.

Stan in SC

Good morning Stan.

We can shoot does on any day as long as we have a tag to do so. In some areas the deer population is fairly low and you need to apply for a doe tag. If you don't get one, you are restricted to a buck only. The buck has to have 1 antler, 3" or more in length.

We have an early antlerless firearms season coming up in the end of oct. Deer season opens for archery on Sat this week and from sat on out till late December it's deer season of some sort or another. You can take antlerless deer within those dates as long as you have a tag for them. That varies by area within different zones basically.

In our area we are actually unlimited (that's hard to believe but it's true)

We can shoot as many antlerless as we want in our area due to a few sick cows we had up here some years back (bovine TB)

When you get Bovine TB in your state, the state takes it seriously. I like to use the word "overkill" to describe how my state reacted. They basically put on a show to make the rest of the world feel better about MN beef.

A little slight of hand.

Let�s make white tail deer the bad guys. We'll collect piles of money to manage the problem then we'll hunt the deer herd day and night 365 days a year with spotlights and from helicopters with "sharp shooters". Lets extend and reopen deer seasons in this area, lets lift the limit on antlerless. Let's wage a war on the area deer herd and continue it for years on end. People will soon associate bovine TB with deer and they will see all that we are doing to eradicate the problem and all will be well.

Don't worry about more strict and more frequent testing of cattle, better containment etc... Don�t worry about the source of the problem, don�t worry about the fact that a few deer contracted the disease from eating out of cattle feeders. We'll just kill all the deer and put on a big show, make the city folk feel safe from the zombie deers.

Because the department of natural resources is always one step ahead of mother nature. Right?

Because mother nature CANT take care of herself. What did she ever do before the DNR was here? However did she do it? How did she manage to cull the sick for thousands of years without the DNR?

Um????? WINTER???

And now we know how Dave feels about THAT.

I'm back from the great north woods. Wish I could say we brought back a bear, but it didn't happen. Only one bear seen in the week we were there. My friend passed on the shot as it was questionable. The other friend never saw a bear.

The good news is that there was a 13 year old staying at the same resort that shot his first bear. His dad had it on video and brought it over to show us. He was one proud dad.

We've been told that there was a 737 pound bear taken in Shawano County and another 700 plus taken in Rusk County. I haven't been able to verify this yet though.

I spent a good deal of my time brushing out the mile of trail into our camp.

Saw a lots of turkeys and some deer. Our bow season starts on the 18th along with grouse.

The trees are really starting to turn now.

Bill, I heard the same thing about the bear from Wittenberg. But it was from Pete, so I didn't pay much attention.

Here's a quick link to it Bill. It's a big sucker for sure.

[email:http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/102573114.html]http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/102573114.html[/email]

I have a feeling I've seen this bear. I may have posted it last fall when we saw it. It was digging through garbage near Hwy 29. Flat out biggest bear I've ever seen. If it's not the same guy...there's another big somebitch in that same area.

they are saying there's a good chance of frost on saturday.
fall is definitely here!

those are some huge bear!!! mine was about half that size and the DOW aged him at 7 1/2 yrs. and he was big! wow I think I would soil my drawers if I had a close encounter with a 700lb bruin.

mine was spooky enough, first shot 20 yards, second shot 10 yards, he died 15 feet from me breaking the end off a tree I was using as a blind.

Sounds like a good trip even without any bear Bill.

We had some frost here this morning.

Say, I was just wondering. I see the DNR has been doing a great job managing the Bovine TB up north. Does anyone have any opinions on it?

I got this picture from my friend I used to work with. He shot this with a bow, I believe in Utah I think.

[Linked Image]

What makes the story pretty cool it that this is only the 2nd year he has been able to pull back a regular bow. This is because about 5 years ago he was bow hunting just north of here, rifle season on the reservation just started. He had his area marked with orange tape and flags. He was sitting on the ground and he looked up and saw 2 men walking toward him. One of them raised his rifle and looked at him through his scope. They stood there for a while. He made gestures so they knew he was there. The one man lifted his gun and pointed it right at him. He hollered at them and got up and started running toward the brush. The next thing he knew he was on the ground. He looked around but the men were gone. He looked over and he had been hit in his upper left arm. He was by himself and tried to get back to his car but it was too far. He crawled for about 200 yards. His arm was only hanging there by a small section of skin. It started getting late and his son started to get worried so he went looking for him. He saw his car and went down the trail. He found him barely consious. He called a buddy who lives by there and he come with his truck and ran through the fence so the ambulance could get to him. They reattached the arm. The doctor said he was very lucky that it was so cold because he lost so much blood, otherwise he probly wouldn't have made it.

He had been hunting with a crossbow till last year. He has pretty good stregnth in his arm considering. He is so lucky to still be here. They still have not caught the guys who did it.

I don't know the age of that bear Ryan, but they have a lot of crops in that area to eat. Tons of corn in the fields and grains for them to feast on. I'm sure there is a happy farmer in that area.

I suppose, mine was fed high in the mountains on scrub oaks and elk/deer it could catch. maybe a calf or two of the neighboring ranch.

I bet them corn fed ones taste better

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds like a good trip even without any bear Bill.

We had some frost here this morning.

Yep, good one here too. Ornamental ponds surface was frozen.

No luck on the Ruffies last night.

Deb & I headed out @ about 6.30, so had an hour & a half of shooting light.

Saw 2, but no shots fired. Cover is still really thick & with failing light, couldn't find 'em again.

Beautiful evening though, just a great time in the bush. Trees are turning & finished with a lovely 1/2 moon for the drive back.

Paul.

Damn Muffy is that the one that was shot over around Tamarack?

I have had idiots scope me before and it is one thing i worry about when i have the boys out with me.

That is a hell of a story isn't it? God I wish they caught those guys.

Yep, & let the punishment fit the crime !

Glad he's OK Muffy. Musta bin a hell of a rehab.

Paul.

I know what I'd do if I ever caught up with those two!

Man Dave, the road into Chickenbuck is a mess. You'll need a long stretch of below freezing temps to harden it up. Can the logging outfit be made to repair the road?

Tom, thanks for the link

Not sure on the road yet Bill, I have been in contact with local forestry management. Basically my standing question to them is will they allow me to dig/scrape sand from along the sides of the road to fill in that stretch that's been pounded in.

They mentioned talking to the loggers to back drag the stretch that's so bad but that isn't going to help.

They were very nice folks to talk to, I'm sure things will work out, it will likely mean a bunch of work on my dime but.. it'll work out.

Is that county land? Just ask them who to send the bill to for repair work you'll see something done.

State

Even better...they gots lotso money just ask Craig,

Gess what just walked though my yard?

Freezer pleezers.
[Linked Image]

sorry for the blurry pics.

Ya know the Sherpa would be out there trying to noose one of 'em. Any plans for dealing with these trespassers Tom?

Originally Posted by big drift

Damn Muffy is that the one that was shot over around Tamarack?

I have had idiots scope me before and it is one thing i worry about when i have the boys out with me.

Yep thats the one. I wouldn't want to hunt up there. He has hunted that same spot the last couple of years. I would be afraid they would come back and finish the job.

Originally Posted by Muffy

He has hunted that same spot the last couple of years. I would be afraid they would come back and finish the job.

I don't think I'd hunt there anymore either. OTOH....he may be a bit quicker on the trigger this time instead of the other way around. If he gets scoped he'll probably shoot.

I know I would.

I think wan of them is seting in prisen now for shoting and killing A frend of mine.

Hey Dusty.

Ever been to the classifieds section here?

Don't ever go there. It's full of stuff you didn't know you needed till you go there.

I'm in trouble with mama and she don't know it yet.

It gets worse... I'm about to go from regular trouble to "really big trouble"

God help me.

Whaddidjya get Dave? Besides a load of trouble.

Hey Dusty. Nice to see you around. How have you been?

picked up a new leupy eh dave? I had one on my 7mm and I regret selling it, the friction knobs didn't have my trust, I need to hear that "click". looking back I was foolish to part with it, it was a 4-12x40. perfect for my elk killing rig

Hi Dad!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I think wan of them is seting in prisen now for shoting and killing A frend of mine.

Is that the one who killed that Swedberg? If it is, it is pretty bed that you can't even be out collecting sap to make syrup, and you get stot in the back.

Hokaaay! That took a while to catch up.

Funny you guys are talking about the Moultrie D55 IR cams. Mills Fleet has their annivesary sale going on right now. They have them for $89.00. Went straight over from work yesterday only to find their sold out. I asked the nerdy looking dufus with the blue vest if they were getting more and he said, and quite frankly I might add "NO". I said "can I get a rain check?" He said, and rather snippy I might add, "I'm afraid not" I said, rather sarcastically I might add, "Well that is a bunch of crap" Blue vest geek squad captain then retreated to the back room. I continued to look around the new expanded sporting goods section and found some camo for my boy, when out walked an orange vest guy that looked like he might know something. I asked him the same question. He said "you will have to talk to customer service" So I go to customer service and tell them what I would like and the nice gal behind the counter says "sure, how many would you like? I will write it up" I wanted to take my rain check back to the nerdy blue vest guy and tell him to pull his head out of his azz so bad but I had to get home. They also had a "special buy" on the cuddeback expert 3.0 for $129 (normally $249) but after reading the reviews, I wont touch one of them or any other cuddeback. Apparently they really suck now days for some reason and have a lot of folks PO'd.

So anyway, I am anxiously awaiting the call that I can go pick it up. Especially now that I have seen Muffy's pics on it. I have the Hunten Outdoor IR cam out and it takes pretty good pics. Can't complain for the $50.00 I paid for it new.

I think this trail cam thing could become quite addicting...but don't tell mama!

Bow season starts on saturday and the weather is starting to make my inner predator come to life big time!

P.S.
Freezer Pleezer's....

Originally Posted by Muffy

Hi Dad!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I think wan of them is seting in prisen now for shoting and killing A frend of mine.

Is that the one who killed that Swedberg? If it is, it is pretty bed that you can't even be out collecting sap to make syrup, and you get stot in the back.

Wierd thing about that is, back in the day, we used to have some trouble with that crowd that would come to our home town. Ironically enough, the guy who shot Swedburg was the nicest one of the group. Strange things happen to people. That was a messed up cowardly act and he deserves to rot.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

picked up a new leupy eh dave? I had one on my 7mm and I regret selling it, the friction knobs didn't have my trust, I need to hear that "click". looking back I was foolish to part with it, it was a 4-12x40. perfect for my elk killing rig

Nuttin' wrong with those friction adjustment dude. On the Leupy anyway. They hold.

Hey Rooster... You need one of those Moultrie D55 IR's? I was at Fleet today and they had a schit pile of em. Maybe they could ship you one.

Fleet Farm in Blaine.

edited...never mind I read the rest of your post.

I did a side job for a guy here and told him I'd like a gift card to fleet. I plan to buy one of these if I get the dang card in time. Can it be a side job if you don't have a job?

oh I know, too little too late

still kickin myself over that one

I've done the same. Sold guns with the Leupolds on them and now don't have the $ to replace the scope.

Wow Rooster, that is a good deal on the trail cam. I got screwed. I really like mine so far. How many did you get on raincheck? Come on, tell us. We won't tell mama.

The deer were really traveling the last couple days. No bucks, just flatheads. I will post more pics tomorrow.

Must be the weather. I saw a bunch today. The 3 I posted, were taken from my deck at about 12pm today. I saw at least 10 more by this evening, though not all in my yard.

Raining up here tonight.

Good night you vampires.

Dave must REALLY be in trouble.He won't even tell us what he did.
Maybe Pam should "scope" the problem.Muhahahaha.
Stan in SC

I should be in trouble.

I'm living up to my camp given indian name.

While Pam's scoping out the situation, Dave is rifiling around for his wallet.

You guys are amateurs when it comes to buying stuff and sneaking it home. Just ask my wife.

I'm actually pretty good at it, but don't say anyting to my wife.

Dang it enough already lets get to deer hunting.

Got some freezer pleezers in the yard again this morning. This cool weather makes them move.

Frost warning for Sat.

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

But for now, we have a walleye tounament to win, serious business!!

Well here are some more pics. Been moving mainly at night.

[Linked Image]

Here they are headed back into the field.

[Linked Image]

Nice, looks like that camera is working great!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

But for now, we have a walleye tounament to win, serious business!!

Good luck in the tournament!!

We don't need luck we got skeeels lol!
Well we have beer anyways, that's good enough.

Just add the fuses this time dang it!!!!!

That is serious business dudes. Good luck to you and Dusty. I should have left you my tackle box last winter, I've barely used it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well here are some more pics. Been moving mainly at night.

Then that's when you need to be there.

Yeah, I better got some night vision goggles.

I'm off to camp , not much hunting this weekend ,but time to catch up with long time friends that I only see a few months / year.

Have fun Phil. Everyone have a great weekend.

That is the best part of camp. have fun Phil.

Enjoy Phil, noting like a nice visit with good friends at camp.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

Hmmmm....I just might be able to arrange a visit....

The more the merrier.

Sure would be good to see you Jim.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

Hmmmm....I just might be able to arrange a visit....

FNA you need to arrange a visit. I'm bringin the wheeler too Jim. hint, hint.

It will be the maiden voyage for that too. It's only been in my yard, well since I've owned it anyway.

I'm putting a request in to Rick Bin to see if he can either put the entire classifieds on ignore for me or ban me from classifieds.

I think I can talk about my treasures now, I believe I have all details ironed out.

First I snagged a nice vintage vari X II leupold from John Barsness, 3-9 variable power which according to John is a "60's model" I wanted something like that for my old .308 (winchester lever model 88)

It's going to look awesome.

This initiates a musical chairs game for my scopes & rifles. Sort of a ripple.

See the 88 has a nice leupold FXII 4X scope on it now, this will go on my 9422M which is currently over scoped with an early USA marked flawless Burris FFII 3-9X 40mm in gloss black. It was the first "decent" scope I ever bought, it deserves to go on my M70 FWT 30-06 which sports a Matte finish FFII B-plex 3-9 that begs to be on my M77 220 swift....

(pause for deep breath, long sentences)

....Which has a nice clear 2.5-10 45MM bushnell that I'd like to see on my dad's scopeless M70 FWT 30-06 with FWT laminate stock...

Have I got everybody confused on the scope shuffle yet?

Good! LOL!!

I also picked up an "as new" seemingly unfired M70 controlled round feed classic sporter lt in 300 win mag with a set of leupold bases & rings and a USA marked Burris Fullfield (original fullfield, not FFII) 3-9 power 40mm matte finish.

I just sold a Thompson encore stainless 24" .243 barrel with a walnut forend & a 1 piece base to help with my purchases... And one of my "yard orniments" just went up for sale as well.

(64 ford galaxie 500XL 2 dr fasback, Z code 390/4 speed) which is a rusty project car.

One local has been hounding me for years on this one so I'm giving him first crack at it.

I'm heading down to meet up with Dusty for our fishing weekend soon.

You all have a fantastic weekend, good luck to the MN archery & small game hunters this weekend. Good luck to the kids taking part in the youth waterfowl hunt tomorrow (our boy RWS) and luck to those across the nation or where ever you are with these fall seasons upon us.

Wish us luck in the tourny (as if we need it)

if you want to part with that ballistic plex FF2 let me know, I'm kinda lookin for one for my 243. right now its wearing a burris fullfield 6-18 with open target dot

this never gets old does it?

I'll handle that 4'speed for ya. or is it a package deal?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

if you want to part with that ballistic plex FF2 let me know, I'm kinda lookin for one for my 243. right now its wearing a burris fullfield 6-18 with open target dot

this never gets old does it?

Ryan, if you don't buy dave's...I have a Burris FF II 1.75x5 I'd sell. It will have to wait until after gun season though, it's on my .280 that I'm using. It has a pretty heavy duplex.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

Hmmmm....I just might be able to arrange a visit....

I think I can arrange a visit too. Jeremy might not make it, he could be hauling taters to Jamestown. If he can't make it I will talk to dad to see if he wants me to bring our trailer to use again to haul the Prowler & my wheeler.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

Hmmmm....I just might be able to arrange a visit....

FNA you need to arrange a visit. I'm bringin the wheeler too Jim. hint, hint.

It will be the maiden voyage for that too. It's only been in my yard, well since I've owned it anyway.

Alright Lungers! Let's DO IT! (Tombstone quote)

What day you going Tom? Friday? Or is a meet at Dave's early saturday morning thing? Or..or...what are you guys thinkin?? What should I bring? Shotgun..check. Shells...check. Wheeler...check. Beer...check.

Food/Supplies?

Talk to me Goose(s)

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

if you want to part with that ballistic plex FF2 let me know, I'm kinda lookin for one for my 243. right now its wearing a burris fullfield 6-18 with open target dot

this never gets old does it?

Ryan, if you don't buy dave's...I have a Burris FF II 1.75x5 I'd sell. It will have to wait until after gun season though, it's on my .280 that I'm using. It has a pretty heavy duplex.

I'm lookin for a 3-9 ballistic

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

shoot we've already had frost.

Dusty and I will be fishing this weekend, but next weekend is a camp weekend. I know Tzone is coming up for sure, My dad may come up as well, not sure who else is coming but there will be some scouting, stand work, bonfire, bbq, maybe some shooting, grouse hunting... It's gonna be great!

Hmmmm....I just might be able to arrange a visit....

I think I can arrange a visit too. Jeremy might not make it, he could be hauling taters to Jamestown. If he can't make it I will talk to dad to see if he wants me to bring our trailer to use again to haul the Prowler & my wheeler.

Heck ya! Woo loo loo loo!

I could even bring the bow if we want to try for some fresh camp meat. Course we may not have time to marinate it long enough to make it edible. That is when 'ol forky toes goes down....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Alright Lungers! Let's DO IT! (Tombstone quote)

What day you going Tom? Friday? Or is a meet at Dave's early saturday morning thing? Or..or...what are you guys thinkin?? What should I bring? Shotgun..check. Shells...check. Wheeler...check. Beer...check.

Food/Supplies?

Talk to me Goose(s)

My plan is to head up friday morning if dave is cool wit it. I'd like to leave no later than 6. That should put me there at lunch time. I get antsy so it'll prolly be eariler than that.

I plan on bringing up a up a fresh pot of soup. I'll make that on wednesday. and beer, and the honda, and the remington and the glock (for the rez).

I picked up partridge swatting permit today so I'm legal this time, as always.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm lookin for a 3-9 ballistic

I can paint that on the side for ya.

BTW,

Good luck in the tourny Dave and Dusty. Hey...

Dave and Dusty...

The Double D's??

That is what you should register as and then wear big 'ol bra's on your heads!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm lookin for a 3-9 ballistic

I can paint that on the side for ya.

Has to be painted on the objective lens to be authentic.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Alright Lungers! Let's DO IT! (Tombstone quote)

What day you going Tom? Friday? Or is a meet at Dave's early saturday morning thing? Or..or...what are you guys thinkin?? What should I bring? Shotgun..check. Shells...check. Wheeler...check. Beer...check.

Food/Supplies?

Talk to me Goose(s)

My plan is to head up friday morning if dave is cool wit it. I'd like to leave no later than 6. That should put me there at lunch time. I get antsy so it'll prolly be eariler than that.

I plan on bringing up a up a fresh pot of soup. I'll make that on wednesday. and beer, and the honda, and the remington and the glock (for the rez).

I picked up partridge swatting permit today so I'm legal this time, as always.

Oh crap! I have to go get my freezer pleezer tag!!!

Be right back! Zooooooooooom..............

16 honks this am lord i love fall...

Dave... Can I get a Camp Chickenbuck t-shirt?

I just finished reading this whole thread!!

WOW!!!!

This is the BEST thread ever! Nothing like the memories of deer camp. It brings back some of my best memories from growing up. We have a piece of land down here - we don't have to deal with no stinkin' snow though

- that has been in the family since 1909. Dad and I bought it from Grandpa 5 years ago and we have been making memories for my kids every since. My son, 2 years ago at age 7, killed his first deer in the same place I killed my first. I was with my grandad and will never forget that day. I lost PawPaw 3 years ago and we miss him everyday. I still have all the memories of him and dad teaching me to hunt, shoot, fish, drive, saddle ahorse, plow the garden with a middlebuster and horse, run a tractor... too many to mention!

Sorry for rambling on such a great thread Dave! I don't think simple words would ever express how much this thread and your family means to many of us. Thank you.

Welcome to deer camp sixpack.

Well hi Sixpack. Grab a ...well a sixpack and a chair.

Nice to see ya around the deer hunting forum.

Welcome to the thread Sixpack!

Hey Ryan... Did you shoot a deer this weekend. A SUV passed me with a deer on the trailer. Yep, nubbie.

I don't have an SUV anymore, so it couldn't have been me

besides I was working at my buddies farm all weekend helping him get ready for winter

On a serious note... I spent some time in the woods looking for thunder chickens and saw a bunch of deer. 3 different bucks, and two of them were already checking does? At least it sure looked like they were.

One 3pt chasing a doe, 1 at least 8 sniffing a doe, and a fuzzy horned spike standing 15 yards away for a good minute and a half. Goofy activity.

Flushed up 6 birds in 3 mi, and saw only 3 of them. It was still pretty thick, but can't think of nicer weather to be in the woods. 50's, sunny, a bit of a breeze. Just beautiful.

I've been just dying to get out in the woods and hunt. I was talking to a buddy the other day when i realized I have never shot a ruffed grouse. I've shot sharpies and spruce but never a ruffed. I might have to remedy that one of these years

Originally Posted by Rooster7

BTW,

Good luck in the tourny Dave and Dusty. Hey...

Dave and Dusty...

The Double D's??

That is what you should register as and then wear big 'ol bra's on your heads!

That must be what we did wrong

next year we'll try that.

Welcome sixpack and thanks for the kind words.

Somebody get Bart a t-shirt, what size Bart? 4XL?

I would like a hoodie too now that you mention it. I wore my chickenbuck hat out on town yesterday, my son picked it out to wear

Spend a good part of my weekend getting ready for winter too. Cut back the shrubs, picked up some plastic sheeting to cover up the A/C unit, even contacted the furnace guy to come over and tune up the furnace.

We still haven't had a frost yet and looks like we're safe for at least another week. Eagle River and Land O'Lakes, WI were in the upper 20's this weekend though.

Upper 20's??? We were 91 degrees yesterday and 63 degrees the night before.Cold weather really doesn't set in here until mid-November and even then it's not REAL cold.The really really cold weather here is from mid January to the latter part of March.Unually when deer season opens here in the middle of October we are in shirt sleeves and putting on mosquito repellant.

Stan in SC

We had a great weekend on the lake. Dusty did well despite a very slow bite. Me, i didn't do so hot. Lets just say I was a really good net man for Dusty lol!

If I had done my part and boated walleyes fish for fish with Dusty we would have been in the money. But I just couldn't make it happen.

I did as well as another fisherman on the lake, probably the best fisherman on the lake who's name is Lonnie. Now that guy knows the lake and he's tuned in to it, and he had a bad weekend too.

Him and Dusty are good friends, fishing partners on Lake of the Woods. The guy talked so much chit going into the tounament that all we really wanted to do was beat him. And we did!

So we're happy.

I went in to camp last night on my way home from fishing. The start of the "nasty stretch" now looks like this.

[Linked Image]

While was out there I checked my wildview cam. I had 110 pics in a half a week. Good pics but only one nubby buck in the whole bunch and the rest were does & fawns.

I flushed a grouse on my way to the wildview cam and it flew towards Dusty's stand where I was going next to set up his new bushnel tropy cam.

I had finished setting his camera up and I was walking back out to the trail when I heard the nervous grouse clucking noise ahead of me. I looked through the alders and spotted him on the ground. I had a ruger .22 pistol in my pocket, I took aim & popped him. About 20 yds, flop, flop, flop.... done. I was pretty happy about that.

[Linked Image]

Right close by Dusty's ladder is where I stood to take my shot.

[Linked Image]

So I walked back to the cabin to clean the bird and unload some supplies from the truck. I opened the tailgate on the truck & cleaned the bird back there. While I was working on that I heard another bird, he wasn't too far out so I was thinking I'm going to bag this meat up in a zip lock, rinse my hands in the pond and make a swing behind the cabin & see if I can get that other bird. Well I bagged the grouse meat & took 2 steps towards the pond & I heard a bird flush. He was in the air for maybe 2 seconds & I heard a loud bonk noise. He flew into the side of the cabin! Lol! So I walked around to the side of the cabin & there he was. Big grouse, really nice. He was stunned, knocked himself out.

[Linked Image]

So, I stuck my foot out & stepped on his head. Then the flopping commenced.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture019-1.jpg[/img]

That only lasted a second & soon he joined his timber chicken buddy on the tailgate of the pickup.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture020-3.jpg[/img]

It's a 2 for one at the chickenbuck. Shoot one, get one free.

LOL between jackrabbits and grouse you don't even need a gun, whats next? bobcats? deer? you da man Dave!

off topic, but I finally got my pictures from my bear hunt 2 years ago! I thought they were gone forever

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I would like a hoodie too now that you mention it. I wore my chickenbuck hat out on town yesterday, my son picked it out to wear

I wore mine all weekend too. The only one that said anything was my wife, but that was probably because I wore it to a funeral.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Upper 20's??? We were 91 degrees yesterday and 63 degrees the night before.Cold weather really doesn't set in here until mid-November and even then it's not REAL cold.

I can see Stan shivering already.

great picture! Nice bear!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

off topic, but I finally got my pictures from my bear hunt 2 years ago! I thought they were gone forever

[Linked Image]

That thing would make a perfect hat...just sayin.

Dave I'll trade ya we got mooses down here, one down in Laporte, one just south of town, one in Buena Vista and two were hit last week by Kelliher.

Took the boys out goose hunting yesterday for the last day of early goose and we got two, should have had more but we dont care to pass shoot and cripple birds.

Boys got a little bored and went on a walk about when all of a sudden they come running back yelling bear, this gets me and the other guys attention and hands start going to shotguns.

Boys are really trucking considering their wearing knee high puddle boots. Get up to us and start saying they saw bear.....poop.

Well now that the adrenaline rush is immediately flushed we all had a good laugh.

Still hearing lots of yodel pups and wolves, another landowner stopped and asked if we could do something about them. So looks like fall is filling up fast.

Haha. That's funny. BEAR........poop.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I would like a hoodie too now that you mention it. I wore my chickenbuck hat out on town yesterday, my son picked it out to wear

I wore mine all weekend too. The only one that said anything was my wife, but that was probably because I wore it to a funeral.

WHAT!

I will have to place another Chickenbuck apparel order. If anyone is interested PM me with what you want, what size, and what color. Later I will set a date when I will turn the order in.

Hey, I'm thinking maybe some screen printed stuff? Something maybe based off this guy?

[Linked Image]

The graphics designer could clean it up and select the line work only and get rid of the paper background but the basic idea would be something like this?

[Linked Image]

Printed front and back is expensive, it makes the shirts cost about 20 bucks eack

But front only they would be like 10 bucks or less I think.

Hey that looks great! Do you know someone who does that. If not I can check with the one who made our other stuff.

A little "cleaning up" on my own, I'm sure an actual designer could make it really cool.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey, I'm thinking maybe some screen printed stuff? Something maybe based off this guy?

[Linked Image]

The graphics designer could clean it up and select the line work only and get rid of the paper background but the basic idea would be something like this?

[Linked Image]

Printed front and back is expensive, it makes the shirts cost about 20 bucks eack

But front only they would be like 10 bucks or less I think.

OMG! Thanks for that Dave! That pic made ROR. (Raff out Roud)

I will definately order that!

Speaking of which, Muffy, I just asked Special K if she ever mailed you a check for my hats and she got a blank look...

I can't remember, were we to mail you a check or did you say you were going to stop by after a cleaning job?

Regardless, it looks like I still owe you and I apologize. I will square up with ya this weekend at shicken buck!

Needs to be blaze orange for the full effect but market the white as the summer collection.

Honestly if you were serious about it that would probably sell like hotcakes at local up north watering holes, gas stations, eatery's, etc. from Mid August thru christmas.

It covers the gamut grouse, deer, beer, and the middle aged drooping belly syndrome.

Hmmm is "chickenbuck" copyrighted...

I think the original logo should be on the front. unless that one is being reserved for more "permanent" applications. I'm strongly considering getting a tattoo myself

Holy crap Jim, I totally forgot about that. We can settle up this weekend. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I think the original logo should be on the front. unless that one is being reserved for more "permanent" applications. I'm strongly considering getting a tattoo myself

Cool, would you get the origional logo or the beer drinkin' one?

Looks like the road into camp really dried up alot. Hope you don't get too much rain this week. It would be nice if it would stay dry for this weekend.

forcast looks good for the weekend.

Originally Posted by big drift

Needs to be blaze orange for the full effect but market the white as the summer collection.

Honestly if you were serious about it that would probably sell like hotcakes at local up north watering holes, gas stations, eatery's, etc. from Mid August thru christmas.

It covers the gamut grouse, deer, beer, and the middle aged drooping belly syndrome.

Hmmm is "chickenbuck" copyrighted...

Big drift, I think you're right. Dave could sell thousands of those. I know I'd like one or 2.

Seriously Dave, if you make up a bunch of those t-shirts, I'd be interested. I think that logo is great and I get a kick out of the Camp Chickenbuck name too.

I'd get the original

Put a little tag on them with the story behind it and they would take off.

Originally Posted by Muffy

WHAT!

I did have to go to a funeral, but no Chinckenbuck hat there. I did wear it everywhere else though. Looks good.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I will have to place another Chickenbuck apparel order. If anyone is interested PM me with what you want, what size, and what color. Later I will set a date when I will turn the order in.

How about some patches to put on our jackets? Kinda like the old hunters safety ones we used to get when we passed the class. Might be cool.

I like the shirts, I'm in for one.

Originally Posted by big drift

Needs to be blaze orange for the full effect but market the white as the summer collection.

hmmmmm. we'll haffta cut the sleeves off though.

Originally Posted by big drift

It covers the gamut grouse, deer, beer, and the middle aged drooping belly syndrome.

Come on man, I'm not old.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Somebody get Bart a t-shirt, what size Bart? 4XL?

Just an XL smart guy...

well let me look into it a little further. It seems that multiple colors adds a lot to the price, more so than printing front and back. colored shirts cost more too (from what I've found so far)

Let me put together some options with prices & maybe we can have people order in advance so we can keep it straight. How would that be? I don't know what we'd be ordering here, if it would be 10 shirts or a hundred shirts.

T - I didnt think I was that old until this weekend, two days of goose hunting did me and my buddy both in.

I was thankful my 9 and 10 year olds and our two twenty something year old friends were there to help out, lol.

Used to be we carried everything now we downsize and drive into the field.

Heck I am even thinking the snow sled maybe getting used this year to drag any deer out.

Now I need a beer to make myself feel better, lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Let me put together some options with prices & maybe we can have people order in advance so we can keep it straight. How would that be? I don't know what we'd be ordering here, if it would be 10 shirts or a hundred shirts.

Shoot dude. You'd burn through 10 shirts just for your family.

BD-

We use a sled in WI even if there isn't any snow. It still makes it easier to pull. The last few years we weren't able to take wheelers in to drag the deer out so I stashed an Otter sled in the bushes about a month before the season. The Otters worked nice because they're deep and you can hook a bungee strap under the lip on the side.

I did drill a few holes in them though so the hooks stayed put.

Single color (black ink) like this is much cheaper. And it looks like white shirts are the cheapest. White with print front and back probably around $12 to $12.50 . (an early guess)

[Linked Image]

Orange (or other colors) printed black ink front and back probably around 14? (this is based off some looking I did on an online screen printer's site)

[Linked Image]

These were the 2 font choices I liked the best but we'll see what people like.

nice pics dave. not sure why you cut off your head though. I got me 2 grouse at deer camp yesterday as well! can't wait to hit the forest!

I like the white, but it is a deer camp, so I vote orange.

I'm in Dave. What about sweat shirts? Any idea what they'd run?

Throw a crosshair on that beastie, lol.

I like the orange as well.

They look awesome! I like the font on the orange one. I know I would like a couple T's and sweatshirt if you order any of those.

I'm still looking at online services, trying to find a less expensive route.

But I agree Missy I like the font on the orange one too.

How about camo with a blaze chickenbuck? That will prolly run more though.

I'll send you some money or beer for a couple of shirts...

I'm going to check with a local printer that's located just south about 15 miles from my work.

Originally Posted by BrotherBart

I'll send you some money or beer for a couple of shirts...

ok Bart, let me get this finalized. I think this local shop can help with the design & cleaning up the art work. I've heard they are reasonable too.

The less colors the cheaper it is... Also go with 50/50 cotton/polyester blend t-shirts. They'll wear longer than 100% cotton.
Why not just go with the big Chickenbuck on the front?

Yeah maybe that would be the way to go huh?

Good idea.

Who drew the Chickenbuck? It's awesome...

I did.

Beer inspired it.

Can you post a blown up version? Does the can say BEER?

that is awesome LOL!
I still like the original one the most though

Dude... Lenny Divinchi ain't [bleep] on you... That's a masterpiece...

The design is great ND!

Just got back from working on my food plots and saw 3 dandy bucks together on the side of the road not far from my place. Fired up now!!!!!

BTW.... it is still mid 90's here. No relief in sight.

Oh yeah, one more thing....

we don't have flying bears to poop on you but we do have plenty of stinky swamps, with or without swamp squids, and some of the sounds at night will make you poop on yourself!

This one is growing on me dave. I think I like it better. Time will tell.

Put up a side x side for us.

that's the original

Sixpack no worries Dave and Pam have connections to the worlds primo numero uno swampsquid PH I am sure he is available for consultations

Yeah, drift, I got a problem with the swamp squids.

Hey Dave, can you find out the minimum acceptable caliber for them there squids? Don't wanna go off undergunned!!!!

Got any caliber recomendations for cottonmouths while we are at it? Being over run with them.

Oh heck cottonmouths when i was in AL a .410 or 10/22 worked well still weirded me out though.

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh heck cottonmouths when i was in AL a .410 or 10/22 worked well still weirded me out though.

Yeah the 22 's are working over time. But, then again these are just your average run of the mill southern 'mouths. Nothing at all like the poopin' flying bears of the north. Now, if they were hovering around and pooping on people, it might call for more drastic measures like the ole 12!

its not enough gun. I was told it takes at least a 55 to take one down

Oh Crap!

I don't have one of them!

I need that and what was it? Lazer Knife? Where can I geet one? Cabela's carry that line??

Originally Posted by Sixpack

Hey Dave, can you find out the minimum acceptable caliber for them there squids? Don't wanna go off undergunned!!!!

Wasn't it a 30/50 knife gun?

that was the latest one, the 55 knife gun works but is slower I think

slower...but uses a lot heavier knife.

Lame... No beer...

Is this the one based off of the 38-55?

Originally Posted by Sixpack

Oh Crap!

I don't have one of them!

I need that and what was it? Lazer Knife? Where can I geet one? Cabela's carry that line??

You need a knife gun to kill it. PWM has a big supply of them at the shack. Which I'm very glad he did. I told him I didn't need one because the stand I was in had a roof. Boy was I wrong, they can still poop on you. He gave me a knife gun and I felt alot better. I never saw a flying bear, but I was prepared.

Nothing in the world like a little one's imagination!

Originally Posted by Sixpack

Nothing in the world like a little one's imagination!

Little one? It was all Dave.

Knife gun for sure on swamp squid.

Amo is very expensive, lol!

Originally Posted by BrotherBart

Lame... No beer...

They are kind of like the cows on the farside comics, they pretend to be "normal" until nobody is watching.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Sixpack

Nothing in the world like a little one's imagination!

Little one? It was all Dave.

It's gotta be a combination of two similar beings...PWM and ND. If we didn't have little PWM we wouldn't know that we have such an animal and if we didn't have ND we wouldn't know what that animal looked. Apple and tree thing going on there.

BTW, Dave is very luck to be still walking around and existing after his last "shopping spree". VERY LUCKY! Ma still not quite over this one...may not be for quite a while.

Oh and welcome Sixpack. Glad to have you around.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Knife gun for sure on swamp squid.

Amo is very expensive, lol!

and you have to go to north dakota to get it

I thought you went to the local watering hole to get it....

Oh ma...he was thinking about you the whole time. Go easy.

For those that said they would be interested in the original version logo on a t-shirt. I went with Bart's recomendation of full front logo.

[Linked Image]

All of these are just rough mock ups using an online program.

I like them both.

I sent what I had over to the print shop in an e-mail. I'll wait to see what they have to say. I figured I'd try it locally before I just throw a big internet order out there.

Local dudes are usually a bit better to deal with anyway.

I have a shop near here Dave, if you don't like what your place has to say, let me know and I'll run over there.

Sounds like Dave's in the dog house Pam?

Here are 2 new pics. Small buck. Only the second buck I have got on my camera.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Oh ma...he was thinking about you the whole time. Go easy.

Yep, he was thinking how the hell am I going to keep Pam from finding out what I just bought.

But knowing Diamond Dave I am sure he has a backup plan to keep the mama happy, right Dave, uh sure, I am positive he has a plan....

From Scott's new primos truth cam over on his hunting land.

[Linked Image]

uh-ohhh...

[Linked Image]

That bear got a tag and a collar. plus he found the new trail camera. I can't believe the camera is still there.

Check out the dates, all in the same night. I told him he better put a fence up around there & open a zoo.

These are only a sample of the 600 pictures he got in one day, that's a busy camera and he says there are animals on every picture.

He is at over 1400 pictures so far and he's showing 85% battery life remaining. He's just running regular energizers.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here are 2 new pics. Small buck. Only the second buck I have got on my camera.

[Linked Image]

nice pictures.

Originally Posted by big drift

But knowing Diamond Dave I am sure he has a backup plan to keep the mama happy, right Dave, uh sure, I am positive he has a plan....

I just ordered Pam a new trail camera. That will make it all better.

Oh I am so glad Dave I know that she will really appreciate a gift like that and it was so thoughtful of you to have so much consideration for your wonderful caring and all around righteous lady.

It will be by her stand.

WHICH STAND??!! lol!! She's got the coziest stand which is also the only enclosed/heated one with it's own cleared & mowed meadow. Then she's got a ladder which is one of the most productive high traffic routes we've got... We can put it up on that one I guess, best chance of catching that big buck over there.

She does have it pretty good up there. Excelent views. I sat in it that one day and it is just like sitting at home in the livingroom. All she needs is a TV.

If it was any nicer she'd just sleep in there all day, which is probably what she does now anyways

Looks like a good sized bear too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

WHICH STAND??!! lol!! She's got the coziest stand which is also the only enclosed/heated one with it's own cleared & mowed meadow. Then she's got a ladder which is one of the most productive high traffic routes we've got... We can put it up on that one I guess, best chance of catching that big buck over there.

tzone stand. I'm tellin ya, Forky's going down by that stand.

Did you put up that other ladder I brought up? That clear cut by the ground blind we built last year might be a good spot. I can show you where I heard all the action last year.

This waiting for deer season sucks...oh well I'll go chase grouses this weekend then look at getting the boys stand moved to the other end of the field.

Ah yes fall is in the air....

Things to do this weekend....

I can think of one thing, we should add more steps on all of the stand ladders. makes it much nicer to climb into the stands.

Gas lights, we could get the gas lights hooked up because Dusty bought copper tubing and fittings. I dropped the stuff off at camp on Sunday.

Does anybody that's coming up this weekend have a laptop with an SD card reader or any way to read SD cards from these cameras out in the woods?

I think I will get the tractor back out to camp and work on the trail some.

RWS & I have talked about doing a simple wood shed with log poles and pole barn spikes.

Grouse hunting of course...

Maybe some more sand point work is in order..

Any other ideas??

Tom, we haven't put that stand up. We hauled it out there, it's by the cabin.

Yep, things are ramping up in the north woods too. Double ladder & 2 single ladder stands arrived yesterday.

Deb & Doug shot 2/4 Ruffies on a short walk on Saturday afternoon & after I returned from my fly-in moose camp set up, for a local outfitter, we ventured out on Sunday evening & got 5 more.

Was a good trip, worked hard, fished hard & played hard.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here are 2 new pics. Small buck. Only the second buck I have got on my camera.

[Linked Image]

nice pictures.

Originally Posted by big drift

But knowing Diamond Dave I am sure he has a backup plan to keep the mama happy, right Dave, uh sure, I am positive he has a plan....

I just ordered Pam a new trail camera. That will make it all better.

Not good Dave. No telling where she'll set it up and catch you doing all kinds of stuff.

Pretty good list.

Do I need to bring up any tools? hang some stands, cut some trails. But that is a good list already.

Wood shed is a good idea. maybe 3 sides and a top? cover the open side with plastic?

Yeah 3 sides and a top is all we were thinking. probably even leave the one side open for air movement?

I was thinkin of getting a tripod stand for some of those brushy clearings that don't offer a good stand location, think it would be a good idea dave?

my laptop reads SD cards, I'll bring it up there saturday. I also have a "electronic picture frame" that reads SD cards and allows you to flip through them, it runs off batteries, they are super slick. I'll bring it up there too

oh yeah bring em both. I'm very curious to see if that picture frame thing will read the format of the images on the cards. That might be a cheap way to read cards out there.

Ryan, as far as tripod stand. Yeah I think they could work well in the brush and I think they could work really well in the swamp too.

We'd likely have to support the legs with some logs or something but I think it would work really good in the tamarack/alder swamp.

Dave do you need me to bring that generator for anything again?

hmmm, good question. You don't have one of those small air compressors do you?

I don't think so, but I could ask around.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

hmmm, good question. You don't have one of those small air compressors do you?

I do.

You're talking about one of the small "pancake" type right.

yeah, contractor type. Actually just anything that will work with a generator.

OK. We're coverd there then, I'll bring it.

Thats awesome, then maybe we can get that sand point working.

K, I'll bring the generator.

Sounds like a party in the northwoods!! when are you all venturing out in to wonderland? anything else you need out there? sounds like a wonderful weekend

we'll be out there friday evening buschy.

bring crapolade.

i just may do that now. We were talking its been a while since we visited out there. We may be doing some work at our camp but at beer thirty we'll be around. we got one wind damaged stand we stood up last weekend, in need of major repairs. that might be a project for us this weekend too. Always fun to be had at chickenbuck though!!!

This buck ran into the side of the cabin last night and knocked himself out. So I stepped on his neck until he stopped flopping.

[Linked Image]

I really like these new boots I got.

Boy there are alot of things running into the cabin lately. Heck I'm not going out to a stand, I'll just stay at the shack and wait for one to crash into it.

It's really starting to be a problem.

I'm going to put a guard rail around the cabin in case a moose or elk comes around.

That's a deer that was hit by a car on Sunday unfortunately.

The boy (bangflop) and rooster jim both sent me pictures of it. Bangflop helped skin it out I guess.

Heavy horns huh? Wow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's a deer that was hit by a car on Sunday unfortunately.

The boy (bangflop) and rooster jim both sent me pictures of it. Bangflop helped skin it out I guess.

Heavy horns huh? Wow.

no doubt. Did the boy or Jim know the person who hit it? Wasn't Makes No Patties was it?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thats awesome, then maybe we can get that sand point working.

Do you need attachments?

I have the air blower thingy, that is reall about it for what you could use on the well.

you musta stomped pretty hard, looks like you stomped his guts right out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's a deer that was hit by a car on Sunday unfortunately.

The boy (bangflop) and rooster jim both sent me pictures of it. Bangflop helped skin it out I guess.

Heavy horns huh? Wow.

Is that kid involved with every big buck killed around there.

Lucky dude. That bucks got some mass fo sho.

It's ole Forky !!

He was off on a walkabout, after being pooped on by a flying bear & chased off the property by a swamp squid !!

I dont think so that one doesnt have the devil in his eyes...I'm thinking Forky is still planning on how to cause mayhem and destruction with his oversized blaze orange stompers.

I am sure he is one that is sabotaging the well project, caused the wreckage to the access road, flooded the swamp, tampered with the game cam, and drank all of the beer.

That dang deer is a menace to society and I for one cant wait for RWS to lay the smackdown on its candy azz.

Originally Posted by big drift

and drank all of the beer.

Dammit that just tears it!!

I just knew it was him!!

I just got word from one of our county mounties that he passed a MN DOT snow plow truck all rigged up, in his words WTH...

He's coming to fix the chickenbuck trail in to camp.

Don't worry.

Ok deer campers, my oldest boy 10 is a lever gun nut.

He has a Ruger ultralight in .257 Roberts with a leupold 2x7. This gun is a nice fun little rig but he really wants a lever gun.

What are your thoughts, we hunt everything from thick brush to open fields. Last year my then 8 year old took his first deer at 300 yards.

I really do not want a .30-30 or anything Winchester (just due to the safety issues)but this kid passed up 5 deer last year and went without filling a tag. This was due to cars, the rain, lighting etc. he really earned his stripes by showing responsibility to the shot.

Anyway I thought this would be a good place to discuss it.

And no I am not selling the Ruger,

Depends on a couple of things.

Firstly - calibre ?

Secondly - used vs. new ?

Thirdly - budget ?

The distances you are talking about are not traditional "lever" territory. 300 + yards is not for any of the .30-30, 44 mag, .45-70. That said, you mentioned that is already passing up shots, so if he is happy to limit himself to their confines to have his lever gun ................

That's why my first question of preferred calibre.

New or used also comes into the deal here. .308 has choices in Savage 99's, BLR's etc ! BLR's have "more modern options" like the 7mm-08, as well.

Maybe we need question 1 answered first & move on from there.

Just my .02.

Paul.

You would have to guess I might suggest a savage 99 or a winchester 88...

My 88 has a safety button like most shotguns have, mounted in the trigger guard.

I'm really not a BLR fan, I had one and sold it for safety reasons.

My 88 is a .308

They made them in .243, .284, .308, .358

[Linked Image]

mine is a post 64 with the basket weave/oak leaf cluster stock. I stripped a dry cracked yellowish finish from the stock, rubbed in a red stain and a few coats of stock finishing oil.

The hammerless action is kind of a lever opperated bolt action.

I guess I really like mine. I really like the savage 99's too but I don't have one.

Otherwise I'd maybe have a look at some of the late model m94's and marlin 336's with the cross bolt safety. (336 action feel tighter to me) People gripe about the safety (lever action purists) but I really like the thought of a safety that allows you to actually safely unload a tube feed lever rifle.

Caliber I am thinking something deer sized he doesnt need anything bigger so up to .308.

I really like that Model 88 you have as I am familiar with the Model 100.

The 99's are out as it is to big for him at this time.

I agree with the safety issue hence the non winchester, I am thinking the BLR is just ugly. LOL, I know it his rifle but dad has the $$$ and final say for a few more years at least.

I don't understand the non winchester... you mean non M94 (30-30)?

The 88's have a safety on them...

And a detachable mag. To unload you drop the clip and jack the lever (if you have one chambered).

Yeah half out of it with cold medicine sorry, had him come down and look at yours and he started bouncing around like one of their chinchilla.

"and it somes with a magazine" had to laugh so I have a model now just have to look at what to feed it. Thinking the .308 would be good in the future as the .284 is hard to find.

Thanks Dave I had forgotten about them,

Originally Posted by big drift

Ok deer campers, my oldest boy 10 is a lever gun nut.

What are your thoughts, we hunt everything from thick brush to open fields. Last year my then 8 year old took his first deer at 300 yards.

I really do not want a .30-30 or anything Winchester (just due to the safety issues)but this kid passed up 5 deer last year and went without filling a tag.

Dave, this is why I didn't mention the Winchesters.

I love them, as I love my pre mil Savage 99 in .308.

[Linked Image]

Hate them shiny Brownings, too.

I'm a traditional kinda guy, but I'm aware that everybody has their own opinion.

Paul.

Originally Posted by big drift

And no I am not selling the Ruger,

OK, so you answered my first question.

Second one is. How young can a kid hunt in MN?

It sounds like you are stuck with a Marlin or a Savage for levers, since you don't like the Win's. I'd suggest a Model 88 if you change your mind. Savage 99 or a Win 88 in .308 Win sounds about right.

Pretty sweet Paul, I do need a 99 some day. Love em.

Originally Posted by big drift

Yeah half out of it with cold medicine sorry, had him come down and look at yours and he started bouncing around like one of their chinchilla.

"and it somes with a magazine" had to laugh so I have a model now just have to look at what to feed it. Thinking the .308 would be good in the future as the .284 is hard to find.

Thanks Dave I had forgotten about them,

Last time I was in Cabela's in Rodgers they had two .284 in model 88's. Can't remember what the price was but I'm thinking 8ish.

can't go wrong with a marlin 336. I have one in 30-30 and that is a death dealing machine! I'm strongly thinkin about using it this fall. especially since I had some "developments" with my 260. I might not get them fixed in time.

PS I got a nasty text message from forkey toes tonight. he was taunting me. I forwarded it to dave and tom for proof. that deer is going down!

I know, I have a shiny Browning. It was my first gun, I liked it at the time. I would definately do it differently next time.

nuthin wrong with it Miss, the browning's I've had shoot like crazy, and they are pretty.

I'm thinking of getting one for my daughter. She's left handed and tiny, and the Micro is the only one she can hold up so far. Really, it's a pretty nice gun.

muffy it's nut the gun it's the scope

Hi Dusty. Are you coming up this weekend? it'd be nice to see ya again.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

muffy it's nut the gun it's the scope

Yeah dad, I do need a better scope. Couldn't afford a good one when I got the gun. Maybe someday I can get a better one. I have only missed 1 deer with it, but that was buck fever. It was a nice 10 point and it was my first day out hunting. The next day I shot a nice doe right through the heart. But that was in a clearing, I can't see crap in any brush. I couldn't even get a shot in the brush on an 8 point 20 yards from my stand. Jeremy shot it and he was standing on the ground right under my stand. He's got a Leopold VXIII. Nice scope.

I've used burris a lot in the past, they are clear and bright, sometimes you can see better with the scope than your eye.
check the classifieds here from time to time, you'll come across some great deals on used ones, just ask Dave

and they are guaranteed forever.

I'm never going down into the classifieds again.

After doing some more reading I strongly suspect we are going with the Model 88, he is 10 by the way T zone, my other was 8 last year when he took his first deer.

The regs dont address anyone under 12 hunting deer. Other then those over 12 must have hunters safety.

My position is I am the one that is responsible for them, safety and maturity wise. They showed me that they are ready although it will be a few years before they go it alone.

It would be interesting to have a CO cite me or my kid for underage hunting I would fight that one all the way. I would love to show the judge that this kid isnt ready when he is able to take a one shot kill at 300 yards with a .243, and can do it repeatedly over and over. His brother was responsible enough to pass on 5 deer due to safety reasons, he was concerned the rain would have washed the blood away, there were cars coming from both directions, wasnt comfortable with the shot, etc. I was prouder of him making those decisions then him pulling the trigger.

If the tradition of deer camp is to continue the kids must be involved in one way or another.

But I do have several burris, leupold and nikon at home... bushnell too.

I have 3 of the FFII 3-9 40mm, one FFII 3.5-10 50mm, a 6.5-20 50mm AO with target turrets, and now I have an older fullfield 3-9 40mm being shipped to me. Guess that would bring my burris count up to 6.

Leupolds we have a couple of VXII 3-9 40mm and an FXII 4 power. O I guess I have an old vari X 3-9 coming to the house too so our loopy count will be 4.

We have a nikon that is prior to the model names like buckmaster and monark, it's just a "nikon" 3-9 40mm. We have a bushnell 3200 3-9 also.

Some of my burris are B-plex which I really like. At least one of the loopy's is a similar reticle, long range duplex they call theirs.

It's a toss up for me I guess. all of these have been really good, no fogging, clear, good light gathering, hold zero ... They are all good hunting scopes.

Bigdrift, one comment I have heard about the 88 like mine in .308 is "sharp recoil" due to the rise and the hard butt plate.

I guess I haven't noticed, it really doesn't bother me but I'm not recoil sensitive either. It's just something I've heard repeatedly over the years when conversations of the M88 come up.

Personally I don't get it, but it is a common comment so maybe they do kick more than other .308 rifles. I don't know.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm never going down into the classifieds again.

Pam must have convinced you that buying from the classifieds wouldn'd be good for your health.

That or he got busted when she hooked up her new game cam.

Well maybe we'll have him try the .284 I dont know yet it is a work in progress I am just happy he likes the look of it.

The 88 has it's following that's for sure.

I really enjoy grabbing mine out of the rack on a snowy silent day and going for a long walk from camp. It's definately my go to still hunting rifle for deer.

Originally Posted by big drift

After doing some more reading I strongly suspect we are going with the Model 88, he is 10 by the way T zone, my other was 8 last year when he took his first deer.

The regs dont address anyone under 12 hunting deer. Other then those over 12 must have hunters safety.

BD, please don't think I was critisizing you. I just wanted to know because I have a daughter that wants to hunt. She is 7 but too small to hold any gun that would be worthy of shooting a deer with. I keep telling her when she's 8.

I'm starting to look for guns for her. I'd love to get her a Remington M7 in .223 or .243, she is a lefty though. So far it's Browning, Savage/Stevens, and TC Encore/Contender.

Quote

It would be interesting to have a CO cite me or my kid for underage hunting I would fight that one all the way. I would love to show the judge that this kid isnt ready when he is able to take a one shot kill at 300 yards with a .243, and can do it repeatedly over and over. His brother was responsible enough to pass on 5 deer due to safety reasons, he was concerned the rain would have washed the blood away, there were cars coming from both directions, wasnt comfortable with the shot, etc. I was prouder of him making those decisions then him pulling the trigger.

He sure sounds ready. My dad wouldn't let me use a gun until I was 12 and passed hunters safety. I would say with certainty I was ready at 10 maybe 9.

how about a model 7 in 260 remington?

my Dad has a savage 99 in 300 sav that I have been tryng to get from him for years, I just don't have the dough.

My little man seems to be left handed, he often writes with his left hand anyways. But if you watch him play he throws with his right hand most of the time and when he plays with toy guns or his bb gun he aims & shoulders right handed... Strange

Pam writes lefty but shoots right handed.

I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

Well then you wouldn't exactly be ambidextrous any more now would you?

kinda, I am right handed

you would be very monodextrous with one arm

T no i didnt take it that way and apologize if i came across that way.

With my kids it was all about them being ready and me making sure they had the training. Watching hunting shows and pointing out good shots and bad ones, constantly harping on muzzle control, constantly making sure they know how to check chambers and magazine wells, talking about what it means to make good and bad shots, etc.

Dave, the sharp recoil must be in the .308's because I had a 7600 that did it too. Real quick, hard to explain. It didn't bother me, but I can see where it would bother someone that hasn't done much shooting.

OTOH, the .280 in have now has a lot less recoil than I thought it would. Way less than the 06. I thought it would be close to the same.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My little man seems to be left handed, he often writes with his left hand anyways. But if you watch him play he throws with his right hand most of the time and when he plays with toy guns or his bb gun he aims & shoulders right handed... Strange

Pam writes lefty but shoots right handed.

Mini-man is the same way. hasn't figured out his "hand" yet. CTM (cries too much) was a lefty right out of the gate.

just got a text from my mom, by grandpa passed away at 5 am today
gonna make it hard to take a test in 30 minutes.

RIP grandpa Earl. He was a WWII vet who was shot in the Philippines during the start of the big push to take the islands. he was drafted at the same time as my real grandpa a week after pearl harbor, they were 3rd cousins and very close. they made a promise to each other that if something were to happen the one who made it back would take care of the others family. when my grandpa (papa) passed in 1985 his cousin married my grandma so he could take care of her and keep the promise he made to my grandpa. we lost grandma to Alzheimer's 2 years ago December. he was by her side right til the end. he has bee fighting pnuemonia for a few weeks, I guess he isn't in pain now.

I might not make it to deer camp this weekend, sorry guys.
Dave I will drop that electric picture frame in the mail so you can try it, if it doesn't work I'll just get it back come hunting season.

Sorry to hear that Ryan,

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa. My thoughts are with you and your family.

My condolences Ryan.

Sorry about your loss Ryan. Just as I lost my grandma on September 5th, she was 91 yrs old, it's hard to go threw but they are in a way better place now. I take comfort in knowing that and someday I will see her again.

Hey Ryan, first off I'm very sorry to hear that. That's very sad, quite a story too.

Secondly, don't worry about the elect picture frame. We'll get along just fine, no sense in running around mailing stuff. It's not that important.

Sorry Ryan. We'll keep him in our thoughts.

I was in Duluth last weekend for my step grandpa's funeral. He was lost because of Alzheimer's too. Not easy stuff.

Wo's all coming up?

Missy, tzone, rooster jim? My dad said he might be able to make it.

My condolences Ryan .

Originally Posted by tzone

That is the best part of camp. have fun Phil.

What a blast !!! The catching up , the stories , the food , the beer , the great weather , then 2 days after they all left to enjoy the quiet up there . Man it don't get any better than that !! Well except for the extras on the hunny doo list for being a day or two late getting home

Naw , worth every bit

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wo's all coming up?

Missy, tzone, rooster jim? My dad said he might be able to make it.

I'm in.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wo's all coming up?

Missy, tzone, rooster jim? My dad said he might be able to make it.

I'm in.

Me too. Dave, do you know if dad is coming up? I have to call him tonight.

Ryan,

Thoughts & prayers from North of the border, for you & your family.

Paul.

I'm in....sometime. Just trying to get my sitter lined up.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I'm in....sometime. Just trying to get my sitter lined up.

For you or the kids?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I'm in....sometime. Just trying to get my sitter lined up.

There are so many ways to go with this.... I think I'll just leave it.

I totally read this wrong. I thought you said "Just trying to get my [bleep] lined up."

Sorry for your loss and know it's not easy and takes some healing. I just lost my dad at 92 on July 13. Not many days go by that I almost pick up the phone to call and ask pops a question and then realize he is gone.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I'm in....sometime. Just trying to get my sitter lined up.

"Just trying to get my [bleep] lined up."

Sorry for your loss Ryan. I was looking forward to meeting you face to face. Another time buddy.

I had Monday off for my Uncles funeral. It was the 3rd Uncle I have lost since April. This one was tough as I was much closer to him. He was one of the founding members of our old deer hunting party. All he wanted was a "set of horns" He was never able to tag a buck for some reason. I think buck fever would get the best of him. He could shoot the heck out of the spotted deer though! One time he was gutting out a fawn about the size of my black lab when another came running by. He dropped his knife, grabbed his shotgun, wheeled around and dropped that one in its tracks too. Then he say's "OH SH*T! Does that one have spots too?!"

Originally Posted by Rooster7

"OH SH*T! Does that one have spots too?!"

that's damn funny!

My buddy just sent me this picture. He is the same one who shot the elk a few pages back. He shot it lastnight and it scored 142. He used his crossbow, I don't know if his arm was bothering him. I'm thinking it was otherwise he would have used his regular bow. Wish I could get one like that.

Ryan,my sincere condolences on the loss of your grand dad.
I went to a new gun club today which I recently joined to do a bit of target practice.Very nice facilities.The big rifle range goes all the way out to 300 yards.I chose one of the smaller side ranges which goes to fifty yards.I wanted to sight in the new 3X9X40 scope which I had mounted on my "Trapper" .44 magnum Handi rifle.It did great with my 240 grain handloads.A bit much scope for that short a rifle but it does really well.
Main thing was that I wanted to practice with my .44 magnum Super Redhawk.I haven't shot it in several months.I can still do almost touching shots at 50 yards and about 3" at 100 yards with it.I've been deer hunting on and off with it for two years now but no kills yet.All the shots I have gotten in the past few years are with the old faithful Remington Model Seven in .308.
I have been going to public ranges for lots of years now and had an invite to join this gun club and did.It was a good move.
I hope you guys and gals have a fine weekend at Camp Chickenbuck this weekend.Looking forward to a write up and pictures Monday.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Muffy

My buddy just sent me this picture. He is the same one who shot the elk a few pages back. He shot it lastnight and it scored 142. He used his crossbow, I don't know if his arm was bothering him. I'm thinking it was otherwise he would have used his regular bow. Wish I could get one like that.

Dandy!

Hey Bigdrift, another photo for your boy. My 88 leaning inside a ground blind last year during season.

[Linked Image]

Hey Dave. I can bring my lap top and we can load the trail cam pics off our Digital camera. As long as the SSD cards match.

Dave you keep pimping gun porn like this and I may have to get one for myself

I like those guns a lot. Trouble is finding one. I like the Model 100's too. I would have no problem getting one of them.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey Dave. I can bring my lap top and we can load the trail cam pics off our Digital camera. As long as the SSD cards match.

Awesome Jim, that will work great with dusty's new cam. The image format is not compatable with my digital camera. My old wild view is, I can just pull the card from the trail cam and plug it in my digital cam and review them, delete them or what ever.

Scott's new camera is the same way. (cant read them with the regular cameras)

That's gay. They probably want you to buy the image readers that most of the compaines sell now.

Reeds in Walker usually has 88's and 100's if not Ahlman's in Morristown should.

Yeah you can still find them. I bought mine right here on the campfire classifieds.

I am also really interested the 100 for myself for drives and such, a good friend uses one in ND and has made some remarkable shots.

I saw one in the grand forks herald classifieds just last week. See if you can find an old paper.

It was cheap too.

like 300-ish?

There are 65 Winchester Model 88's for sale right now at Gunbroker.com.

Stan in SC

well there ya go lol!!

I made timber chicken soup with veggies and egg noodles.

Holy wow that's good stuff! The kids about cleaned it all up! lol!!

the 100's had some sort of firing pin issue. If you bought it from a dealer, I would think that would be fixed before it left the shop. PM Redneck on the fire here. He knows a fair amount about them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I made timber chicken soup with veggies and egg noodles.

Holy wow that's good stuff! The kids about cleaned it all up! lol!!

We'll have more this weekend.

If we get a crew out, on foot, on wheelers, in cars, and hit the woods...we got a shot at a hellova timber chicken soup pot.

jeesh we got a lot of rain the last few days. We're supposed to have up to 3" between Wednesdan night and Friday morning.

farmers need to get the crops off, we need a bit of dry weather for them.

Catching up on the camp Dave
after reading the ChicknBuck thread!

Our "cabin" was a frame house, only 10 X 12 feet or so
with NO inner walls LOL
A wood stove and some bunk beds.

We eventually ran power to it ( 200 yds off a farm road in Ashtabula County Oh )

At the time ( 60's on ) one could shoot a rifle in any direction.

So many good times there

its drizzling here this morning, I heard the eastern part of the state is gonna get pounded, we're supposed to get a little less than an inch from what I hear

Our camp on the MN iron range was about 16X20 with a wood stove, gas lights, bunks on one end, a table, cook stove and a gun rack.

No interior walls in that one either, lots of fond memories of that camp.

The weather is supposed to be good for the weekend, chin up chickenbuckaroos. I'll stage the ford at the mud hole to drag the lesser brands into camp if need be

an hour south of here, Like Lakeville, farmington, got hammered last night.

Are you coming up?

Yeah T my friend in Nodak has the 100 and never had an issue but once i read about it she sent it in.

Talk one tough german lady. She was hunting with one of her brothers down around Linton and Strasburg, they were walking along a frozen lake when they heard a shot. She said her brother grabbed her arm and said I'm dead. He then fell, someone fired a round and it ricocheted off the lake and struck him.

She stayed with him while he passed and then walked out to the truck to get help. She led the EMS folks back to the scene and helped to carry him out then wouldnt LEO's tell her mom what happened saying it was her job.

They located the bullet ricochet mark on the ice and tried to backtrack the shot but were unsuccessful. She never quit hunting even after all that. Her ex husband was a butcher in Bismarck and she can cut up a deer like a Hibachi chef, she outwalks all of the guys, goes thru the thickest brush, and can drink schnapps like water.

One hell of a lady.

Sounds like my Grandma.

I've just been told that I need to practice my juggling because "The Cat in the Hat" can juggle a lot and I can't.

Replace pins and balls with long neck bottles guaranteed to improve your skills

I'd sure love to make it, my folks are flying up saturday at noon for the funeral on monday. I have a meeting friday at 7-8 so technically I could make it up for about an hour or two before going to fargo to pick up the folks but its not practical. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone. it will do my boy and I good to see my folks and brother and sis in law this weekend. shoot a grouse and have a beer for me.

Dave I got the pic frame in the mail yesterday, I hope it gets there friday so you can use it and see if it works. its not a big screen on it, bigger than a digital camera anyway.

Sounds like you'll be a busy man. I'll do my best to get a bird for you. I'll have a beer or two for ya too.

I guess I will too, if I have to.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I made timber chicken soup with veggies and egg noodles.

Holy wow that's good stuff! The kids about cleaned it all up! lol!!

Dude, I need the recipe !!

Still got 5 double breasts in the meat keeper.

Paul.

I will tip at hat for you too. Take care Ryan and be safe on the roads in your travels. the weather in the woods is suppose to be balmy and bright! got to love bird watching in the fall, seeing them tip over at the sight of lead!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey Dave. I can bring my lap top and we can load the trail cam pics off our Digital camera. As long as the SSD cards match.

Awesome Jim, that will work great with dusty's new cam. The image format is not compatable with my digital camera. My old wild view is, I can just pull the card from the trail cam and plug it in my digital cam and review them, delete them or what ever.

Scott's new camera is the same way. (cant read them with the regular cameras)

Hmmm....we may have a problem. The way you describe looking at pics with your wild view is how I was talking about doing it. My Hunten Outdoor cam works the same. You can pull the card out of the trail cam and plug it into the digital cam to view, delete etc. or download from the dig cam to the computer.

Does Dusty's new cam not use the SSD cards like a normal digital camera has?

Sounds like Ryan sent up his viewer. Will this work with Dusty's cam?

seems to me like you need a digital card reader that reads multiple cards. I could bring mine out Dave. pretty handy, reads lots of different cards too.

Dad's trail cam uses the regular SD cards. But neither Dave or I could read it using our cameras. It is an 8GB so I don't know if that is the reason or what.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I made timber chicken soup with veggies and egg noodles.

Holy wow that's good stuff! The kids about cleaned it all up! lol!!

Dude, I need the recipe !!

Still got 5 double breasts in the meat keeper.

Paul.

Paul I really don't have a recipe for anything I cook lol!!

I cubed the grouse meat and fired it in a little butter, didn't exactly "brown it" just made sure it was cooked through. Meanwhile I was cutting carrot clices, cellery, chopped an onion, diced some button mushroom up into little chunks (all fresh veggies) I suppose I had 3/4 cup of diced white onion, probably 1 1/2 to 2 cups of each carrots and cellery. Maybe a cup or just light of a cup on the mushroom then I also put in about 1 1/2 cup of frozen corn.

This went into a pot with a can of chicken broth, I eventually added probably 2 qts of water and about 4 chicken bulion cubes. I let it go at a gentle rolling boil adding the cubed chicken as soon as I had it fully cooked in a small fry pan (2 birds)

I let it all simmer/gentle roll until I had the carrots & cellery cooked (soft) then I added about 2 1/2 cups of them twisty egg noodles & let it go until the noodles were cooked.

That was about it I guess.

Jim, the physical size of the SD card is just the regular normal SD card that most cameras use. Dusty's uses that type of card. It's just that the image format (language if you will) is a little different, different enough to where our digital cameras don't recognize that there is anything on the cards. But personal computers and lap tops don't have any trouble reading the images off the cards.

Cheers & thank you Dave,

I'm pretty much the same. It drives Deb nuts that I cook by intuition & taste, not via recipes.

Did the breast meat stay tender, or did it become a little chewy ?

My Daughter won't eat grouse, but she will eat chicken ! Ifn ya know what I mean.

Thanks again.

Paul.

I hope it will, I figure its worth a shot. its supposed to be able to read many formats from what I understand, a digital camera only reads the format it uses IIRC.

my old wildviews work off a camera, I've never tried it with this picture frame thing

that sounds like my kinda soup! I bet it was awesome

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got pics of the "kid" behind him holding the antlers & as "da yoopers" say "smiling like heck"

He's big, I'd guess 220 dressed out.

ok, here, try this:
[Linked Image]

God!
ya gotta Love those Northern Bucks!

No wonder you were proud Dave!

sorry I didn't mean to 'jack your discusion

another trick I've done is to have an extra SD card per camera, you can find the smaller ones real cheap and they will still hold hundreds of pictures as long as they aren't high resolution ones. then every trip out I just swap them and read em on the computer when I get home.

is that buck from this year?

That is Captain Bang Flop's deer from 3 years ago. Wish I could find one like that.

Originally Posted by ColsPaul

sorry I didn't mean to 'jack your discusion

No worries. Pretty hard to "jack" anything on here man, we're all over the place.

Originally Posted by ColsPaul

sorry I didn't mean to 'jack your discusion

Hey, that's crazy talk. There is no direction to our aimless ramblings here. It was fun seeing that picture drug back up to the top of the heap.

Hey Paul, the meat was nice & tender as you would expect from grouse. The soup boil didn't tighten it up at all.

Ryan, that was Justin's archery buck from.... (help me out guys)

2007 or 2008.

He shot it with his dad's awesome bow that his dad was so proud of. Sadly his dad passed before he got to hunt with it, Justin went to the woods with it and broke his dad's bow in on what I consider a buck of a lifetime.

I guess I think it was 07, the year Waylon died. Could have been 08 though.

Originally Posted by Muffy

That is Captain Bang Flop's deer from 3 years ago. Wish I could find one like that.

there it is.

07

I remember he got a big one a couple years ago, I figured with his luck it was from opener this year

check this out

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...4437758/1/History_behind_the_Chick_n_Buc

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Paul, the meat was nice & tender as you would expect from grouse. The soup boil didn't tighten it up at all.

Cheers Mate, gunna do it tonight.

Mamma, git oota da kitchen !

Paul.

07 Dave,
Slow day here and instead of watchin the clock, I'm catching up on Camp ChiknBuck and all

Thanks!

Poor bugger... you'll be at it for a while. My condolences

I bet a mess of grouse breasts cooked in cream of mushroom in a crockpot and smothered over mashed potatoes with a side of corn on the cob and greenbeans and cheese would make for a good meal. pour a few beers over it and kick back in a chair with a toothpick. mmmmmm good!

Ryan what time is dinner? I best let the boss know i may be a little late.

you bring the grouse and we'll do it!

I have a bunch of elk roast left from last year, I guess we could substitute that

You're concoction with wild rice instead of mashed potatoes is great Ryan.

I can see this now in oh about 10 years,

Weezy will be the new Chick'n buck cruise director,

RWS will be in charge of stand engineering and trail busting,

PWM and Mini T, will grudgingly be following some instructions on camp chores while eyeing the tractor, ATV's, Ol'Browny etc.

Pam will play the peace maker when the boys dont follow the cruise directors instructions.

While Dave, T-Zone, and Ryan will be completeing the Uncle Dusty instructed secrets of nonsupervisory supervision of young bucks.

Buschy may be in hiding from the BATFE and whatever letters they add by then for his secret crapolade recipe.

Roosters still gonna be figgering out how his truck got stuck on the road.

Muffy will be heading game camera editing and merchandising.

CBF will finally be done with school and moving his way up the ladder of Chick'n buckery.

Uff da, that be a busy place der.

Just thinking how many things could go wrong, under the new regime !

Guessing, not much different to now.

Paul.

Ok you guys,

Just thinking through your weekend plans & I'd like to propose something much more fun !

How about you all make the short trip, north of the border, & visit my place.

Don't really know what we could do, 'cept maybe cut & split 8 cord of firewood !

Really, I'll supply beer !

Paul.

I may be heading south of the cities with a boat for my relatives who are getting flooded out. Pine City is about blocked off, sounds like Owatonna, Albert Lea, and anything south and east of them is in trouble.

Seriously, what's not fun about this ?

[Linked Image]

Paul.

Actually I love running the chainsaw, but then I dont have to do it forever either. Seems like once you get your groove it goes quick.

Look at it this way get it done, have some cold ones, and be happy knowing that when season comes your all ready and dont have to worry about it anymore.

Besides I thought you had teenagers, doesnt that mean you just do the heavy supervising?

Been raining here since about 8:00 last night. The last report I've seen was at 11:00 this morning and we passed the 5 inch mark. Several state highways are closed and a number of county roads were washed out.

Weather man says we have anywhere from a 1/2 to 2 inches more on the way. Yea!

Yeah, the boy (14) will help & so will Deb, my wife.

Caroline (sweet 16 Princess) will definitely pass !!

Yeah, I do enjoy it too. My plan was to get it done in a weeks worth of afternoons, say 6 till dark, so we could have the weekends free to shoot some birds & attend to stands etc. However, it has rained every afternoon so far this week.

Paul.

Hey Bill, it could be snow !

Paul.

don't say that word yet! I still have way to much to do before we start fighting that stuff again

Originally Posted by big drift

I may be heading south of the cities with a boat for my relatives who are getting flooded out. Pine City is about blocked off, sounds like Owatonna, Albert Lea, and anything south and east of them is in trouble.

I hope to hell I can get out of here tomorrow!

It has been raining steady, hard, not pouring though, for about 8 hours.

What time you headin out Tom. I am going to call dad here in a little bit to figure out what is goin on.

Good looking stuff there Paul. I'm with BD. I love running a chainsaw, hell, I'll even split it for ya, but just don't have me stack it.

We used to heat our house with wood when I was a kid. I wasn't old enough to do anything but stack it. Cords, and cords of it.

I don't mind a little cabin stackin, but dang I hate putting it up for the winter.

Originally Posted by Muffy

What time you headin out Tom. I am going to call dad here in a little bit to figure out what is goin on.

5 or 6am.

Planned on taking 169 to Grand Rapids, then 2 to 1 to 54 or whatever it is in Grygla.

My problem is age,between my back,knee,and elbow right now I think am ready for retirement, lol.

Wow Paul, yeah we have to do some of that out at camp too, should replace what we burnt last year anyways.

Originally Posted by big drift

I can see this now in oh about 10 years,

Weezy will be the new Chick'n buck cruise director,

RWS will be in charge of stand engineering and trail busting,

PWM and Mini T, will grudgingly be following some instructions on camp chores while eyeing the tractor, ATV's, Ol'Browny etc.

Pam will play the peace maker when the boys dont follow the cruise directors instructions.

While Dave, T-Zone, and Ryan will be completeing the Uncle Dusty instructed secrets of nonsupervisory supervision of young bucks.

Buschy may be in hiding from the BATFE and whatever letters they add by then for his secret crapolade recipe.

Roosters still gonna be figgering out how his truck got stuck on the road.

Muffy will be heading game camera editing and merchandising.

CBF will finally be done with school and moving his way up the ladder of Chick'n buckery.

Uff da, that be a busy place der.

Not stuck. Just calmly waiting for da Ford's up ahead to get pulled out so I have access to the rest of the trail is all. Hope I brought enough "waiting fluid"!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

I may be heading south of the cities with a boat for my relatives who are getting flooded out. Pine City is about blocked off, sounds like Owatonna, Albert Lea, and anything south and east of them is in trouble.

I hope to hell I can get out of here tomorrow!

It has been raining steady, hard, not pouring though, for about 8 hours.

Been raining the same way here all day T. Really coming down now.

"waiting fluid" I like that

Just add peppermint...

I prefer the ready to use upon opening

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey Bill, it could be snow !

Paul.

I said the same thing to the wife today Paul. BTW the official total is now 6 1/2 inches and still falling. That would amount to about 52 inches of snow @ 8 to 1.

OK....Who made the gay rule about the license plate for a 4-wheeler?

Why can't they use a sticker like everyone else?

Sorry, for the rant, I'm in a pizzy mood tonight.

Ohhh, you need to tag up the wheeler huh?

Yeah that aint cheap.

Hey Ryan, we got the package today, thanks!

I had it tagged, but I didn't realize you needed to make a plate for it too. Wierd.

Most other places I've seen you just put the sticker somewhere on the tank. No biggie, it's done now.

wow that was fast!

hope it works!

Wind is howling this morning, I suppose Tzone is on the road already.

windy and cold here too, I know its good because it dries things out, but this is a morning you turn your collar up to and scowl over a cup of coffee.

I'm sure looking forward to seeing my folks tomorrow, they haven't seen my son since Christmas, thats almost half his lifetime so far!he was kind enough to wake me up an hour early today so we snuggled in a blanket and pretended to hide from the dog. now he's starting breakfast and watching a little thomas the train. today is already a good day

My wheeler won't start, need new battery. I guess I will ride on the Prowler with dad this weekend at Chickenbuck. That is just as fun.

Instead of wheelers you all may want to get airboats with this weather.

The squid has to be loving all this new area to explore...

Oh this is squid weather for sure. Not flying bear weather at all!! Do you have any idea how heavy a flying black bear is soaking wet?

g'damn chickenbucks better climb up in a tree & wait for the water to go down.

I just heard from Tom, he's still south of red lake, should have set up a meet & greet for you big drift.

I'm taking off work soon, going home to pack and I'll head that way in not too long.

Yeah I thought about it but I know what it is like wanting to get somewhere from the cities. We'll meet up soon enough.

If you talk to him tell him to watch out for the roadways on the rez as some were covered over last night with water.

Have someone take some video of the cabin this weekend and post it up on youtube, it would be a kick to see it all.

Not sure if he's cutting through the rez or swinging wide to the west.

Missy has decent video capture on her camera I think, we'll see what we can do. My little cam has it too but I've never tried it.

That's what ya got teenagers for, LOL.

Radar looks clear but still calling for rain thru to tommorow evening. You all stay warm and dry on the outside and damp on the inside, a parched throat is a horrible thing.

We'll do our best.

I wish I was coming up! have fun ya'll!

Missy, stay clear of the mudholes!

Strong winds, cool and a light mist here this morning.

The Rib River at Marathon City went over it's banks early this morning and flooded 6 homes.

We hear ya bill, I have family down in Pine Island MN and we cant even get to them to help, cops are arresting and turning folks back that dont live there.

Sun is pokin out here. Man that looks good. What is the chickenbuck forecast Mr. Shaw? Besides fair to mostly sh*tfaced?

wow, gone for 4 days and I had 23 pages to catch up. Skimmed most of it.

Big Drift and Tzone, I think you were asking how old a kid has to be to hunt deer in MN. I believe they passed a law last year that allowed kids aged 10 and 11 to hunt deer as long as they were in the same stand as their parent/guardian. At 12, same rules, but need firearm safety training.

Sorry to hear about your grampa Colorado. Lost mine about 15 years ago.

Sounds like a good time will be had this weekend. I am looking forward to picks of Forky Toes on Monday.

ND, this close captioned just to you: T-minus 19 days til we leave for elk hunting.....

I was in Iowa last week and just made it out ahead of the rain. That was a close call. Can you imagine being stuck in Iowa????

Beretta,

The MN DNR issued my 9 year old a deer license this year so they dont seem to object to him hunting. I hope they really pull their heads out of their rear ends and let the parents do the parenting and leave the nanny state to address other issues and the metro soccer moms.

Good luck at camp guys. It's just pi$$ing down up here. Started about 7 last night & still going. Really windy too. Got into work this morning & part of the plant was flooded.

Maybe it'll keep raining all weekend & I'll cut wood next week.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Paul, the meat was nice & tender as you would expect from grouse. The soup boil didn't tighten it up at all.

Cheers Mate, gunna do it tonight.

Mamma, git oota da kitchen !

Paul.

Well, things didn't quite work out.

I'd boned out the breasts on Wednesday night & Yesterday, while I was at work, Deb decided to freeze them !!

I'll give her a go over the weekend, as tonight is the Princesses sweet 16th costume party.

Paul.

Flood Update:

The Wisconsin River here in Stevens Point is supposed to crest at noon today. Biggest concern is for those living on the West and SW side of town. We're on the East side. City officals are calling this a 100 year event.

Talked with an employee at Hardees this morning and her son's house flooded a little after midnight. He's on the SW side.

The crawl space under my friends grandaughters home flooded yesterday.

It's Sunday morning and we are getting a really good medium soaking rain here in South Carolina.We NEED this type of rain right now.Things are so dry.I'm happy to see it here but hope that there are sunny skies at Camp Chickenbuck.

Stan in SC

Glad you're getting some much needed rain Stan. We've had more than our share though.

Had out first frost this morning.

We had one of those 100 year events here in 2008. 15 inches of rain in 8 hours !

Chickenbuck was a blast this weekend. Thanks Dave & Pam. Tzone, BP, & Rooster, it was good to see you again. But too tired to post anything else tonight. Will share pictures tomorrow. Maybe some video, might have to censor some parts for language.

Oh yeah, where is White Bear?

Dave didn't drink any beer did he?

White Bear won't be on until Monday. Red Bear is tired as hell. For some reason I didn't sleep last night. It could be that the cabin was 93* F.

and NO I'm not kidding. She was a warm one.

I had to stop in Grand Rapids and change a tire before it blew. Seperated thread, could barely run 40 mph.

See y'all in the morning.

How's it going ya'll?

Glad to be a part of all this tomfoolery.

White Bear

oh lordy it's the dang ole white bear.

Just os's youse fellas and Gals who live sumwhere else don't think a certain degree of insanity isn't present in Darkest New Yorkistan,try dese

Interior decor when ya walk in da door

Exterior decor l

and exterior decor II

Lubrication for work party

Sometimes after a hard dayz hard nite da boys need some direction

Thats awesome ET!!

Anybody want some breakfast? a bacon pancake with a little butter?

[Linked Image]

Hey White Bear. Glad you decided to join us. Glad you could take time form your job and drop us a line.

Sweet camp Evil Twin.

back seat drivers.

[Linked Image]

Thanx guys. Mebbe a new addition. Found a VINTAGE black lawn jockey for sale. Gonna see if the guy will deal. If'n he duz, we will have one standing watch on the top of our little log header

Great shack you got there.

Welcome White Bear!

Nice of the ladies to hold the pup's beer so it didn't spill.

White Bears, Red Bears , Oh my!

Great cabin you got there ET.

Well,cabins is cabins. The REAL heart of a great deer camp are the screwballs who lurk there. Northern Dave has a far edge 'cuz he has mucho screwball pards, a purty and cool Hunney that enjoys it and a CUTE cuzin (I'm STILL in love wid Muffy) and RWS and PWM and mebbe sometimes even Weezy as part of his overall crew.

Fall in the forest.

[Linked Image]

What a night in the forest it was? We had a blast as always, ecspecially when BKK came out to tell tall tales. laughed all the way home. What a day it was yesterday, got our outhouse primed and painted, then mowed some grass and headed to the forest for an evening drive with the kids! Good to see you all again.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yay Guys,

Was expecting this photo, after Thursday night & Friday here.

Did ya have to pull Unca Dustys Cheb through ?

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Anybody want some breakfast? a bacon pancake with a little butter?

[Linked Image]

Just a guess, but I'm sure that was Tom's, right ?

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

back seat drivers.

[Linked Image]

Now that right there is funny, knee blankets & COLD beers !

Paul.

After the rain stopped here on Friday afternoon, it turned into a beautiful weekend.

Had the Princess' Sweet 16th on Fri night. Crawled into bed at 2am. Up for 6:30 & Deb & I went for a drive ta find some chickens. Saw lots & they're big buggers this year, but cagey & quick. Deb shot one that was the size of a turkey !! Must be due to the early fall, almost an extra months growing, over last year.

When we reached our favourite trail, the culvert was completely washed out. MMmm, parked the truck & decided to walk it. 1 hour each way. Boy it was beautiful. Crisp, clean & fresh.

Ended up with 5.

Back home & at the wood pile by 11.

Sunday was the fall work party at the local Ski hill.

Boy, I'm tired.

Paul.

Did the T/chic noodle soup last night. Yep, I'd say it was a winner.

Thanks for the informal recipe Dave.

Paul.

OK, I'll ask !

Red Bear / White Bear ?

Paul.

I'm not really sure how to answer that...

Just dive right in....and hope you come out unscratched.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

OK, I'll ask !

Red Bear / White Bear ?

Paul.

I guess the first question to you would be.... Are you familiar with the BKK?

show of hands.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yay Guys,

Was expecting this photo, after Thursday night & Friday here.

Did ya have to pull Unca Dustys Cheb through ?

Paul.

No, but he had to unload the wheeler to get through.

Actually I thought about it too. It was deep. His wheeler is an Artic Cat Prowler, which is a big side by side like a Polaris Ranger. Very cool rig...I want one.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Anybody want some breakfast? a bacon pancake with a little butter?

[Linked Image]

mmmmmm, bacon cakes.

Ok, boys start spilling, this teasing thing is worse then a prom night gone bad......

Originally Posted by big drift

Ok, boys start spilling, this teasing thing is worse then a prom night gone bad......

Bacon cakes are when you lay the bacon out on the skillet and cook it until it is soft, not crunchy, then pour your pancake batter over them like you would with blueberry pancakes, but it's bacon. Cook until pancakes are finished, add 1/4 pound of butter, 1/2 container of syrup, and enjoy.

Yep, that pretty much covers it.

Your evil

LOL whats up with the bears, BKK, c'mon...this is like a eunuch being invited to the playboy mansions grotto.

Sounds like you all had a great time.

I sure hope nobody has embarassing pictures......

I don't. I forgot my camera.

whew!!

Speaking of cameras how did the card readers work out?

laptop was the way to go.

Rooster brought one up.

this is all I got on my camera all weekend.

does and fawns, lots of pictures but no bucks.

[Linked Image]

That sucks, nice to see deer at least. Looks like the shooters didnt get all of them.

Took my kids out grousing yesterday and kicked up a big bodied buck, couldnt see all his rack but looked good from what we could see.

Flushed 5 but took nothing home to the pot.

We cooked 3 birds yesterday at camp.

I breasted them out, rolled the meat in flower and browned the meat in butter. Then I mixed up a lipton chicken/noodle pack in a can of cream of mushroom, milk, some water and a few chicken bulion cubes. I covered the grouse meat with this noodle sauce in a foil pan, covered with foil & let it bake on the grill for about an hour & a half. Pam did a pan of taters to go with the birds and we grilled a few burgers too.

The bird pan, ready to eat.

[Linked Image]

Taters in the other pan.

[Linked Image]

It all turned out pretty dern good I think.

[Linked Image]

Nice

OK I give up. What's a BKK?

BTW welcome White Bear.

BKK is the bear klux klan.

[Linked Image]

Unlike that other bad klan, the bear klux klan is just sort of goofy, quite harmless and non hateful.

They do wear silly hats made out of bear heads, but they don't do anything mean. They just hang out around the bonfire drinking bear, laughing and telling stories.

Thanks for the welcome.
I've been here all along, just never posted. You know how much of a hassle it is to sign up.....:P I finally took the time.

Don't we have some pics or vid from Saturday that someone is willing to share?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Don't we have some pics or vid from Saturday that someone is willing to share?

I really, really, really hope not lmao!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Don't we have some pics or vid from Saturday that someone is willing to share?

I really, really, really hope not lmao!!

They're big, like 24 megs.

I did see quite a few deer on my way home last night. Mille Lacs/Atkin area. Two dandy buck, and several small ones. SUV in front of me hit a fawn running full tilt across the road. Can't imagine it's alive, it flew about 20 feet into the ditch. The SUV didn't stop, so I didn't either.

T - next time your buzzing thru drop me a line I may have a care package for you to deliver to the camp.

Sure. Where are you?

Bermidji....

OK.

I usually stop at the gas station by the highschool off the ramp on hwy 2 there to fill up one last time before Chickenbuck.

Guys working on the sand point.

[Linked Image]

Dad and Dave putting up 2 new propane light.

[Linked Image]

Campfire photos.

[Linked Image]

Hangin out drinking crapolades. Yum, thanks BP.

[Linked Image]

Whwe!! I got off pretty easy that time, not too much for embarassment sep fer my belly hangin out in the one picture ha!

Wheelin pics.

[Linked Image]

Rooster and PWM

[Linked Image]

Tzone and RWS

[Linked Image]

By the way, who dressed you this morning Rooster?

[Linked Image]

PWM with his red squirrel.

[Linked Image]

Rooster and Tzone by CBF's stand. We put a railing and a few more steps on it. We also revamped the door so it is easier to get in and out.

[img]http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/muffy51451/IMG_0888.jpg[/img]

Tzone clearing a tree off the trail.

[img]http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/muffy51451/IMG_0889.jpg[/img]

Wow you got some great pictures!!

You guys did some really nice work up there on that stand too by the way.

Looks really good.

It was a good thing you were around to get Rooster's shirt straightened out. Those dang buttons can be so confusing ha!!

Just got this pic today. Guy I usd to work with got this nice one on Thursday. Scored a 177.

[Linked Image]

Woo hoo Muffy saves the day...and what in the heck is that hogleg strapped to T's arse?

Between him and Dave being well heeled you can just tell that attacks from the chicken buck menagerie are lurking ready to strike.

Dang, you all were tempting the squid by driving thru that spot.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tzone clearing a tree off the trail.

[Linked Image]

That tree was potentially a hazard. We were lucky the top fell the way it did or the stand would have been toast. The part I cut still would have hit the stand if it fell that way so it had to go.

BTW....that saw kicks ass.

Wow!! Nice!

Good lord that's a lot of buck!!! Are there any more pictures?

Oh....that isn't the tree by the stand is it? that is was the one by pam's stand.

Originally Posted by tzone

Oh....that isn't the tree by the stand is it? that is was the one by pam's stand.

Yeah it is the one by Pam's stand. I didn't get any of you clearing that mile shooting lane by CBF's stand.

Originally Posted by tzone

Good lord that's a lot of buck!!! Are there any more pictures?

That is the only one I have. If I get anymore I will share.

If in doubt cut it out.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I didn't get any of you clearing that mile shooting lane by CBF's stand.

Well, 50yds anyway.

It looks good from that stand now. Dave made a real nice shooting land with the tractor, and now that small one that watches those two trails. Could be a hot spot now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

BKK is the bear klux klan.

[Linked Image]

Unlike that other bad klan, the bear klux klan is just sort of goofy, quite harmless and non hateful.

They do wear silly hats made out of bear heads, but they don't do anything mean. They just hang out around the bonfire drinking bear, laughing and telling stories.

So Dave, are we going to have to start addressing you as the "Gran Wizzard or Pooh Bha"?

That was a dandy buck.

There have been 3 bears over 700 pounds taken in WI since the season opened on Sept 8th. The latest was a 737 pounder taken by an 11 year old boy near Antigo, WI.

Glad all you guys had a blast. Looks like you got some work done too !!

Good eats, great friends & a little BSing, what could be better ?

Thanks for sharing your weekend with us.

Paul.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That was a dandy buck.

There have been 3 bears over 700 pounds taken in WI since the season opened on Sept 8th. The latest was a 737 pounder taken by an 11 year old boy near Antigo, WI.

Wow, 737lb. bear. Can't even imagine how excited that young boy was. Would like to see pics of that one.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good eats, great friends & a little BSing, what could be better ?

There wasn't much bs'ing. We're a pretty serious group that was there to work.

Ok. Maybe some bs'ing.

Cant wait to see the video of these shenanigans.

You won't see me on there, but you'll hear me constantly LMAO

Well I am out for now folks, have a good night, off to look at dining room tables for my best half.

Muffy, if any pictures turn up I'll try and post them.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good eats, great friends & a little BSing, what could be better ?

There wasn't much bs'ing. We're a pretty serious group that was there to work.

Ok. Maybe some bs'ing.

Some BS'ing? Anyone happen to notice that everyone was wearing hip boots. Rumor has it there's not a single pair of new hip boots available anywhere within 50 miles of Chickenbuck!

I'm sitting here reading about this weekend and looking at the pictures and I HAD to go get my Chickenbuck hat and put it on.

Stan in SC

Thats awesome Stan!

too bad the pic frame things didn't work, I'll be sure to bring my laptop up next round.

buried my grandpa today, had a nice ceremony and the local Veterans group did the 21 gun salute and presented the flag to his last living son. found out my grandpa earned the silver star for when he was wounded at Leyte. apparently even after he was wounded he saved a lot of guys lives by still commanding his platoon from a stretcher and staying in the jungle for 2 days before getting back to the hospital. I'm wiped out and have a mountain of homework to do before school tomorrow

Good to have you back Ryan.

looks like I missed a fun weekend, wish I coulda made it!

did the piture viewer work at all? it was supposed to be able to read 5 different formats, although I know the screen wasn't very big though

It was a darn good time! Thanks to all! I was skinny until the bacon cakes! Really I was!

Oh wait...we had those the next day. Hmmm must have been those fattening crapolades....oh yeah...we had those later.

Hmmmm

You have all heard about the white bear and the red bear etc. but I don't belive anybody has mentioned the "gummy bear"

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

too bad the pic frame things didn't work, I'll be sure to bring my laptop up next round.

buried my grandpa today, had a nice ceremony and the local Veterans group did the 21 gun salute and presented the flag to his last living son. found out my grandpa earned the silver star for when he was wounded at Leyte. apparently even after he was wounded he saved a lot of guys lives by still commanding his platoon from a stretcher and staying in the jungle for 2 days before getting back to the hospital. I'm wiped out and have a mountain of homework to do before school tomorrow

Glad to have you back Ryan. When they do the 21 gun salute is when I really loose it.

I forgot to mention when dad and I got through all the mud and to the gravel road leaving camp, dad checked the ratchet straps on the Prowler. 3 of the 4 straps were completely unhooked from the trailer. That could have been very bad. Can't believe they did that, they were darn tight.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I forgot to mention when dad and I got through all the mud and to the gravel road leaving camp, dad checked the ratchet straps on the Prowler. 3 of the 4 straps were completely unhooked from the trailer. That could have been very bad. Can't believe they did that, they were darn tight.

Lots of bouncing. I had to stop in Bermidji and tighten mine too.

Gummy bear... ROR, I forgot about that one.

Ryan, again, sorry about your Grandpa. He was a hero that's for sure.

How do you dare post internet pictures of Arctic Cat machines in use at Chickenbuck? That is worse than the Ford/Chev discussion!

Well the arctics and the polaris's are locally built machines.

Wow what a nice weather week we are having, looks like this coming weekend would have been the weekend to be at camp as far as the water situation goes.

Welcome back Ryan. I'm sure you would have preferred to be in camp with the rest of the gang.

Interesting story about your grandpa at Leyte. His generation was truley extraordinary. I lost a cousin at the battle of Leyte. His body was returned to the states in the early 50's and was the first funeral I ever attended. I was 7 or 8 at the time.

That cat prowler is an awesome machine. It goes through a lot more than you would think a machine of that size would.

If I had the cash and the land to ride one, I'd buy one. I really like it. have to admit though, I've never been on a Ranger.

Hey Tom, I'da like to have brought my Ranger up this past weekend but I had too many irons in the fire for a wheelin trip. Maybe next time you're up we can hook up & you can take mine for a spin.

It fits right in the back of my Dodge.

kinda......

You'd shoehorn a D6 Cat into the back of that Dodge if somebody told you it wouldn't fit! ROR!

Cool.

It doesn't sound like I'll be able to make it until deer season now. I was going to come up for the youth season, I'll still try to swing it. Here's to hoping.

I have no experience with the Prowler, but my dad has a 700 Ranger and I really impressed! That thing is awesome! It rides great, you cant get it stuck, just plain awesome. If the Prowler is half the machine the Ranger is, then it is a good one too.

Hey Rooster, I tried to buy a set of the tires you have on your truck yesterday.... They won't have any to ship for 12 weeks.

How stupid is that? Damn winter will be 3/4 done in 12 weeks. Well maybe not, I'm in MN now, but still. Poor planning.

I got some Falken Rocky Mt ATS tires. They were rated pretty good.

I was going to get bfg's but my size tire for my truck 265*65*17, they're about $250 a tire.

I was pretty impressed with the Prowler when we took it out to the Oh Sh*# stand. Not good. PWM didn't mind but I spent the whole trip out there sitting on the floor in the box holding on for dear life.

Originally Posted by tzone

Gummy bear... ROR, I forgot about that one.

ROR here at that one, but you sure it wasn't GUMBY BEAR ?

Paul.

I don't know what is going on with tires but we had to wait 2 months for Pam's to come in to Firestone. She's pretty happy she finally has them.

Did I tell you guys that the last time we came in on the trail in Pam's Expedition I forgot to put it in 4 wheel drive?

Drove right through that sloppy mess, right up until we got to the gate where I stopped for a second & tried to go again, then I had to click it in to 4x4.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

Gummy bear... ROR, I forgot about that one.

ROR here at that one, but you sure it wasn't GUMBY BEAR ?

Paul.

Oh trust me, he was really more of a "Dummy Bear"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't know what is going on with tires but we had to wait 2 months for Pam's to come in to Firestone. She's pretty happy she finally has them.

Did I tell you guys that the last time we came in on the trail in Pam's Expedition I forgot to put it in 4 wheel drive?

Drove right through that sloppy mess, right up until we got to the gate where I stopped for a second & tried to go again, then I had to click it in to 4x4.

so my impala will make it no problem?

Chain up, no problem

Guys, I got an art proof back from a T-shirt printer.

This shows Line art only, un filled, un colored on a red shirt for what ever reason, but a person could get what ever color shirt they wanted.

I changed up the chickenbuck a little for this shirt. Got rid of the beer can and went with a dandy of a "knife gun" which is what the chickenbuck needs to defend himself against flying bears and swamp squids.

This is a 3rd revision, others weren't worth showing here, but this might be getting close?

[Linked Image]

I like it!

Hey I didnt know Sherpa Kurt was a chicken buck!!!!!!

Ah yes the only guy who has actually bayoneted bambi.

I thought the knife gun shot knives rather then a bayonet.

Well, I suspect that the "knife gun" came about from the little guy seeing a bayonet and assuming that the "knife" shot out the end of the gun.

I asked if they could send me an art proof on an orange or white back ground.

Any thoughts on the ink color? Just black probably?

I believe that's an early production 20-20-30 knife gun. Not certain though.

Could be a 45-20-99, could be a 30-30-60, hard to say really.

Man, dat is one [bleep]' AWESOME T-Shirt!!!!!

Dave, really it does look good. I agree stay with the black lettering, and I really liked the orange shirt it makes the character pop more.

What about ChickenBucks one toof ?

Paul.

Well, I heard that tooth was knocked out already, so he must be toothless. Just like the "Gummy Bear"

lol!!

I like your wit !!

Paul.

I like the single color in black best. Methinks I will add to my T-Shirt collection with one of those. Wont my wife be so glad!

Just an off the wall thought, but do you want to stick a "Northern MN" in the est. phrase somehow? Maybe not, but the idear just popped into my noggin.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

so my impala will make it no problem?

Yeah man, just gas it. She'll bust right through. You may want to put on flip-flops or rubber boots though, the water will be in your door.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

this is the best version yet imo Dave.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

What about ChickenBucks one toof ?

Paul.

Actually they have 16 toof's. But they get shot out when shot in the but with a knife gun. This is fresh info from Saturday, so this is smokin' hot research stuff here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't have a horse in this race but I like the black on orange (blaze?) embroidered vs. silk screened? Hoodie? Can I get one?

Holy smokes a real live Youper!! lol!!

Well this particular "art proof" is for silk screen. I asked if they could clean up the line work on the character a bit (it was a pencil sketch I faxed them)

I'm waiting for a price quote on t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.

I'll probably know tomorrow.

Blaze orange for fall, white for summer. The yellow reminds me too much of the snow outside the cabin after about a week.

Yellow snow is BAD!

but I don't know anything about that.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Just an off the wall thought, but do you want to stick a "Northern MN" in the est. phrase somehow?

I'm thinking that would be OK, maybe right under the EST 2007?

Or "Est. Northern MN 2007".

Dont want anyone to mistake this for a North Dakota or Cheeseland camp ya know.

Good point! Heaven forbid!

Hey Dave. Check out the campfire forum. Question about outdoor boilers. Dude wants to know if anyone knows about Central Boilers.

Maybe you could at least let him know of someone who does.

They all look great Dave. With the knife gun the kids will be able to get them too. It would still be cool with the beer can for us grownups.

There may be different versions coming out in the future.

I'm sure the same design could be used for embroidery too.

Look what the captain shot with his bow.

[Linked Image]

That's the reason he's the Captian.

Good shootin' kid. Can't wait to see the pics.

Any details Dave, Muffy, Dusty, or Jim?

Good looking buck. I like the tall rack.

I have no details, this is the first I have seen it. Wow, way to go Boy!!!!

I have to check my trail camera tomorrow. I moved it on Monday. I put it on my neighbors tree line where the deer come out steady in the evening. I'm very excited because I talked to him yesterday and he saw a nice 14 point out there a few days ago. He has had people sneaking on his property bow hunting. The one neighbor saw a bow hunter running across the pasture with his bow high in the air. Here he was being chased by one of his heffers. That would have been funny to see.

haha. That is funny, specially sine a heffer won't do nuthin anyway. Unless it was one of them dance club heffer's, I'd run from them too.

Do you get to hunt that field?

Way to go CBF. Great way to start the season off.

I think I have pricing figured out for shirts. T-shirts should be $10, regular crew neck sweatshirts should be $20, Hoodies should be $25

This is screen printed black ink over the following choice of colors and I imagine sizes above XXL probably cost a bit more, not exactly sure where the size demands an upcharge. Shirt colors are listed as follows (exclude black because it�s not going to work with the black ink.)

Black, White, Ash, Sports grey, Azalea, Cardinal,
Royal, Purple, Carolina Blue, Charcoal, Daisy, Dk
Chocolate, Forest Green, Gold, Indigo Blue, Irish
Green, Kiwi, Navy, Light Blue, Light Pink, Lime,
Maroon, Military Green, Natural, Orange, Red,
Sand, Saphire, Sky, Tangerine, Violet, Yellow Haze

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Look what the captain shot with his bow.

[Linked Image]

Congrats CBF !!!! Nice one ...Very nice

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There may be different versions coming out in the future.

I'm sure the same design could be used for embroidery too.

I'm thinking I'm starting to resemble the one with the beer

May have to get one if they become available

My new theme song :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k6EbLm4Q1s

Check on xxl price...for a friend of mine.

I'll be in for a hoodie and a t.

Playing off B-man's suggestion.... Does anybody have any thoughts on these words added to the bottom of the logo?

[Linked Image]

Or...

I like the first one it happened in MN.

A Minnesota Deer Camp looks better.

Ding ding ding we have a winner ya sure yew betcha buster.

I like #2 or #3. Veddy nice.

Which one does Mrs ND like? how about Mr ND?

#3

#2 & #3 are my fav as well.

The boss is on the road today for work, I'm Mr Mom today, tonight and tomorrow.

I'll try to send her an example on her phone & see what she thinks.

#3 as well

I like #3 as well.

Just let me know when you got it figgered out der ya sure, i am thinking a 2X oversized guy hoodie would be in my shopping plans.

Originally Posted by big drift

Just let me know when you got it figgered out der ya sure, i am thinking a 2X oversized guy hoodie would be in my shopping plans.

glad I'm not the only one.

probably go with "UP NORT MINNESOTA"

we'll see what ma says.

I should be able to mail the stuff for the prices stated earlier. $10, $20, $25 t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies.

I'll probably ask for PM's for orders, not sure how else to do it.

PM's would probably be easier for you to track.

"Up Nort Minnestoa" is cool. Since most of us say dat anyways.

ok I think this is it, cleaned up a bit as far as the character lines, filled the gun barrel in black, added the "up nort Minnesota"

[Linked Image]

Ya, winner winner Chickenbuck dinner !!

Was going to mention that the original font you had for the bottom line didn't fit / look right, but ya fixd 'er up nice.

Paul.

I like it.

Big silk screen sign for the cabin would rock too. Maybe we could all pitch in for that.

I can't think that would cost too much.

our own flag!

hang it on the tree that always gets hit

Looks grand! However, there are so many colors to choose from, what is a guy to do?????? Can you link to the colors by chance? It is hard to know which is darker, lighter, etc., which hides stains and drool marks better, which would hide Tzone Tears after he locks up and misses Forky Toes....

Got some new tires on today. Falken Rocky Mountain ATS. bought 2 for now get the other 2 in a month or so.

First shakedown run...BIG difference over the others. Decent looking off road tread too. 50K mi tire too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

It is hard to know which is darker, lighter, etc., which hides stains and drool marks better, which would hide Tzone Tears after he locks up and misses Forky Toes....

It would have to hide beer stains too. But I don't miss so that shouldn't be a problem.

I'm very frustrated with what I've found on shipping costs.

If I can fit a t-shirt in a large flat rate envelope it goes for $4.90 Sweatshirts would have to go in small boxes I suppose Which are more yet.

That's more than I expected.

So, with that bad news I guess t-shirts would be $12.50 *edited $13.75 shipped.

Regular sweatshirts would be $27.50 *edited $28.25 shipped.

Hoodies $29.25 *edited $30.00 shipped.

Who's idea was it to let the government run the post office?

here is what I have found for colors for that brand of shirt (I hope this is right)

[Linked Image]

edited because I looked at the actual cost to ship in the flat rate box that will fit a stupid sweatshirt, unreal! Stupid post office! Also forgot the printer's setup charge so added 75 cents per item to help offset that, again sorry.

Semi auto rifle with belt fed ammo usually helps that way.

Originally Posted by tzone

Got some new tires on today. Falken Rocky Mountain ATS. bought 2 for now get the other 2 in a month or so.

First shakedown run...BIG difference over the others. Decent looking off road tread too. 50K mi tire too.

T, what size you running & what did they set ya back down there.

I gotta get winter tires for my "new" F150 !!

It came with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's - LT 285/70R17's & they have been great for the spring & summer bush work, but aint gunna cut the mustard in winter up here. Drove home in the rain the other night & was breaking lose at every gear change !!

Paul.

Paul,
There is a website (sorry, lost the link for it) that compares different tires. People log in and rate their tires on a whole bunch of different things...winter traction, wet traction, durability, etc. If you could find it, that would give you a lot of good info. If'n I remember right, there were thousands or hundreds of thousands of ratings which weeds out the anecdotal ones. I used that to buy my BF Goodrich All Terrain TAs and I loved them. Absolutely loved them. I have Goodyear Wrangler ATSs now and I like them, not quite as much but close. Seem to wear a bit faster.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

T, what size you running & what did they set ya back down there.

I gotta get winter tires for my "new" F150 !!

It came with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's - LT 285/70R17's & they have been great for the spring & summer bush work, but aint gunna cut the mustard in winter up here. Drove home in the rain the other night & was breaking lose at every gear change !!

Paul.

Size was 265-65-17. A goofy size and more $. They were $159 a tire at Discount Tire. For some reason I had the same size on my 2000 F-150. They are the most $ for any size I looked at. If I was going to buy all 4 at once I'd have bought the 265-70-17's. A bit bigger and cheaper in price.

did you look at what it would cost for just regular 1st class? I bet they would be light enough where it wouldn't cost so dang much

Cheers Guys,

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately, unless I want to drive 400kms to a "real City", I'm stuck with the only dealer in town. Don't get me wrong, he is a great guy & really cares about his customers, however, without serious competition, his prices are what the are.

Usually lets you pay 'em off over 3 months if you buy a full set.

I haven't even talked to him yet, but am expecting $250ish per !

Paul.

I really don't know Ryan, I haven't been in a post office in years. From what I can find online it's based on weight for certain envelope sizes or packages.

But you need to have a package.

So we'd be about town shopping for packages then weighing & paying and ... I don't know. It just looks like the flat rate stuff is quick & simple. I have no shipping experience, we have no "ups store" or anything like that up here.

Hey Paul, I don't know if your guy can get firestone but we just put a set of inexpensive tires on Pam's rig that I have used before in winter and summer and I really liked them, especially on snow.

They are called firestone winterforce.

265/70-17 were about $110 US each mounted & balanced.

Little on the soft side, probably a 30k mile tire but for that price, hell who cares.

Damn impressive snow tire (I think)

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Paul,
I used that to buy my BF Goodrich All Terrain TAs and I loved them. Absolutely loved them.

That is what I usually buy. But at $250 per tire...I don't need them that bad.

No need to ship mine. I'll pick it up when I get there.

Originally Posted by tzone

No need to ship mine. I'll pick it up when I get there.

I know man, those of us lucky enough to be within reach without mail will save.

Damn I'm still mad about the shipping cost

dammit, forgot about the printers setup charge. I have to edit the price in my post a little further back.

In the main forum I added 75 cents per item to offset the setup charges.

I've used the flat rate boxes before because they are free, and then wrap them in paper from a paper bag. if they are light it will be cheaper. flat rate is awesome for shipping brass and bullets but light stuff can go either 1st class or regular priority.

got my 20 ga.

hey that's great news!!

Dusty won a 20 gauge 870 remington on a raffle but when he took the shot gun out of the box at camp last weekend we discovered it was a 12 gauge in a 20 gauge box. He had his heart set on a 20 gauge, bought shells and everything.

I take it they must have just been switched in the wrong boxes.

Hey Dave, ya wanna do a swap?? A Sharps rifle shirt. Coice of sweatshirt,longsleeved T or a reg T in grey. They look like these widout the goonsquad occupying them

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

got my 20 ga.

Did you really? Great. I was lookin at one yesterday Dusty. Same as yours.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

got my 20 ga.

Thats great news dad. I will call you tonight to find out the details of what happened.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

our own flag!

hang it on the tree that always gets hit

Thats funny Ryan, I was just thinking of a flag before I read your post. I would pitch in for that. Although I was thinking of putting it on the cabin, but Pam's tree sounds like a good idea. I'm sure people would still run into it though.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Cheers Guys,

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately, unless I want to drive 400kms to a "real City", I'm stuck with the only dealer in town. Don't get me wrong, he is a great guy & really cares about his customers, however, without serious competition, his prices are what the are.

Usually lets you pay 'em off over 3 months if you buy a full set.

I haven't even talked to him yet, but am expecting $250ish per !

Paul.

My wife and I have bought 2 sets of tires from Vulcan Tire sales , they get delivered to the door.
Just checked and they deliver to Canada as well.

http://www.vulcantire.com/ship.htm#Q2

Originally Posted by M1894

My wife and I have bought 2 sets of tires from Vulcan Tire sales , they get delivered to the door.
Just checked and they deliver to Canada as well.

http://www.vulcantire.com/ship.htm#Q2

Do they get deliverd by the Starship Enterprise?

Not sure on that but heard the treads carry lots of Klingons

beds are coming available, I'm gonna run to the school and check on them right now for a final count. anyone who wants any PM me and we'll see what we have.

Dave, how many do we need/want yet?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Paul, I don't know if your guy can get firestone but we just put a set of inexpensive tires on Pam's rig that I have used before in winter and summer and I really liked them, especially on snow.

They are called firestone winterforce.

265/70-17 were about $110 US each mounted & balanced.

Little on the soft side, probably a 30k mile tire but for that price, hell who cares.

Damn impressive snow tire (I think)

Cheers Dave,

I'll ask him & see what he can do.

Paul.

Originally Posted by M1894

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Cheers Guys,

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately, unless I want to drive 400kms to a "real City", I'm stuck with the only dealer in town. Don't get me wrong, he is a great guy & really cares about his customers, however, without serious competition, his prices are what the are.

Usually lets you pay 'em off over 3 months if you buy a full set.

I haven't even talked to him yet, but am expecting $250ish per !

Paul.

My wife and I have bought 2 sets of tires from Vulcan Tire sales , they get delivered to the door.
Just checked and they deliver to Canada as well.

http://www.vulcantire.com/ship.htm#Q2

Cheers Phil,

But I'll try do stay local, if at all possible.

My guys good, he's just not cheap.

I've still got a couple of years worth of tread on the Wranglers. If I buy from Stuart, he will swap out at each season end free of charge & will also do tire repairs for free, if bought from him.

Paul.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

our own flag!

hang it on the tree that always gets hit

Thats funny Ryan, I was just thinking of a flag before I read your post. I would pitch in for that. Although I was thinking of putting it on the cabin, but Pam's tree sounds like a good idea. I'm sure people would still run into it though.

Muffy, is it called Pam's tree for a reason ?

Enquiring minds need to know !

Paul.

Only reason it's her tree is she won't let anybody cut it down but the damn thing is in the way lol!!

IIRC, Pam likes the tree, but everyone backs into it when pulling out of chickenbuckk. It has it's fair share of scars.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

beds are coming available, I'm gonna run to the school and check on them right now for a final count. anyone who wants any PM me and we'll see what we have.

Dave, how many do we need/want yet?

hmm, ya know I guess we could use a set in the girls room yet...

but that would be it.

ok, the price they have on them now is 20 bucks a bed but they aint selling at that price, so I'll wait until we get the deal we had last fall.

alright.

we're actually pretty good right now with the ability to sleep 12 at camp without getting any cots out.

set of bunks in the girls room would just bump us up to 13 so it's really... I dunno if it's even really worth it.

probably one of those things that would be worth it if it's free or close to it.

We actually have some bed frame stuff left over from last years bunk project under the cabin out back.

they will probably have a few spare parts left over, like the hardware for the bedframe, mattresses etc.

Camp Chickenbuck and lodge from the sounds of things.

No worries Paul , I feel the same way about staying local.

Our tire guy is small , he had hit a wall trying to get a couple specific brands /tires / sizes in and it would be a month wait at min. My wife tried the klingons and they were on the front porch in a few days .
Tire guy said the price was great ( as good or better than his ) We ordered the 2nd set for my truck and same happened .
I think he now uses them when he needs to because it is a 1 week order for any tire , and after 12 + years doing buisness w/ him he now sends me home with a bucket of wheel weights every time I visit

The tires I have on my truck that T Zone referenced a few pages back are General Grabber AT2's in a 265/70R 17. They are almost identical to the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's only in a 4 ply not a 6 ply and about 1/2 the price.

So far I really like them alot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I really don't know Ryan, I haven't been in a post office in years.

Hey aren't you supposed to go in once a year to update the picture of you thats hanging on the wall??

they have an old artists sketch, that's good enough.

Thanks Phil, Dave, T, Rooster, griz & the rest of ya.

Just been to see him.

Here's what he suggests from his stock.

Cooper Discovery M&S - Got to drop back to 265's.

Anybody had 'em, heard anything ?

"bout $8 bills installed for the set of 4.

Paul.

Here's what they look like - Mine will be un-studded.

[Linked Image]

This comes from a snowplowing forum.

Paul.

Ah yess that tree. i had the opportunity to bump into it with the dozer when the camp was just a muddy lot. I maybe could have saved a bunch of rear bumpers? I have a pic of that tree with a dozer menacingly close around here somewhere.

I'll look

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Phil, Dave, T, Rooster, griz & the rest of ya.

Just been to see him.

Here's what he suggests from his stock.

Cooper Discovery M&S - Got to drop back to 265's.

Anybody had 'em, heard anything ?

"bout $8 bills installed for the set of 4.

Paul.

Pretty good tire. That price isn't bad considering they're truck tires, that seems to be the going rate.

Yep , they look good !!! If your looking for a great snow tire / mine and my wifes exp w/ them have been great !!! Even after a few NYS winters they still have the gription ( sp)
Them silly bfg mud terrain tires I bought once ( they looked cool and looked like they would be be good in the snow as well as mud ) left me spinning in the snow and ice. When the coopers just walked right through it.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Ah yess that tree. i had the opportunity to bump into it with the dozer when the camp was just a muddy lot. I maybe could have saved a bunch of rear bumpers? I have a pic of that tree with a dozer menacingly close around here somewhere.

I'll look

Here's that scragly little trouble maker tree.

May 07 "pre chickenbuck"

all we had was the outhouse.

camp crapperbuck

Whitebear on the D4U

So it is whitebears fault that lil bumper getter wasn't removed before Mrs N Dave decided she liked that tree ????

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's that scragly little trouble maker tree.

May 07 "pre chickenbuck"

all we had was the outhouse.

camp crapperbuck

Umm a more talented wordsmith than I could make a fitting funny outta that line

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Phil, Dave, T, Rooster, griz & the rest of ya.

Just been to see him.

Here's what he suggests from his stock.

Cooper Discovery M&S - Got to drop back to 265's.

Anybody had 'em, heard anything ?

"bout $8 bills installed for the set of 4.

Paul.

Have a set on my '98 f-150, not bad when they were new (late '06) can't remember how many miles I have on them but I am just about down to the wear indicators on the rear. I admit that I never rotated them tho'.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Here's what they look like - Mine will be un-studded.

[Linked Image]

This comes from a snowplowing forum.

Paul.

It's all them little cut lines in the lugs that tell the story, that's a snow tire for sure.

It lets the lug block flex & maintain surface contact with what's between the road and your tire (ice & snow)

Here's what the face on a 245/75-16 firestone winterforce looks like. The lugs get bigger & open up more than this on a 265/70-17

[Linked Image]

similar with the little flex cuts on the lugs.

Thanks Tom,

Going to go with them.

Paul.

Cheers & Thanks Phil.

Paul.

Yep , soft they are , but for snow tires it is what works here , 5 years of daily driving ?? sounds like good tires.
But we only avg just under 10' of snow / season

Yeah Dave,

Once I saw them, I was convinced they would be OK.

No Firestone's available from my guy.

Paul.

I think the price is less than the Michelin x-ice I put on Deb's Grand Cherokee, last year !

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

they have an old artists sketch, that's good enough.

The chicken buck with the beer or the one with the knife gun ???

Originally Posted by M1894

Yep , soft they are , but for snow tires it is what works here , 5 years of daily driving ?? sounds like good tires.
But we only avg just under 10' of snow / season

Yeah, We get "a little more" than that !!

Not so much the driving in snow & slush I hate................. Black Ice is the [bleep] !!

Been in the ditch twice & walked away unharmed. Last time we spun through 2 lanes of oncoming traffic.

Paul.

LOL , black ice ??? Didn't know they paved any roads north of Guelph

Just funnin' w/ ya LOL
Them coopers should be what ya need , if not just blame it on this dang yankee from syracuse that get's tired by march of that lake effect snow y'all send over lake ontario

Yes dear , I'll sweep off yer car and shovel a few feet of snow so you can get out the drive ..... Is spring comming soon ??

[Linked Image]

Here's what I just got. Falken Rocky Mt ATS. Two of em. the other two will come by Halloween.

Now I can say I have a set of "nice falken tires"

same as dave said. The tread patter is noticibly wider on the 265-65-17

[Linked Image]

Nice falken tires man!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yeah Dave,

Once I saw them, I was convinced they would be OK.

No Firestone's available from my guy.

Paul.

Oh yeah they look like they'll work really good.

Sometimes I wish they would let us run studs in MN.

The snow we get here is self shoveling when the sun comes out that afternoon.

Stan in SC

I'll pay for tha beds.

lev pam be I like her tree to.

Yeah, quit picking on Pam's tree.

I think that tree is dying.. fingers crossed

We had some General tires on our Trailblazer. You couldnt pay me to put them on again. Not that I wanna criticize anyone's tires....that is a little too personal I think, but I thought I would share my experience. I really did not like those tires at all.

A guy I know just shot a 185" buck with his bow.

My, oh my, what a nice buck. Sure gives ya the fever.

Hey ND, only 13 days til elk camp.....just in case you were wondering!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think that tree is dying.. fingers crossed

It will if we cut it down.

Damn you and your elk camp.

Especially for those of us who have never been.

I took a ride around here today to look at the colors, they're really starting to look nice. I came around a corner by a big tucked away pasture and 11 does and fawns came out of the pasture. No bucks that I could see. But you're right BM, it gets the fever pumping.

Dad figured out a way to go this year on a low buck trip meeting up with an old elk hunter buddy of his in colorado. Good for him!

He aint going early rifle though, I think he said possibly oct 20-ish for his opener?

must be second season.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think that tree is dying.. fingers crossed

It will if we cut it down.

Tom, behave yourself. Now if the tree is missing Pam will know who to blame.

I hope that means Elk back straps at camp. Think they'll make it to the 2nd weekend?

Oh I think they'll make it for opener. they'll be back home before dec. I think it's just my dad going.

I meant the back strap....will they make it to the second weekend? I won't be up til then. I'd ask to save me a piece, but who can save that? It tastes too dang good.

Oh I can hook you up, I may have been stashing a chunk of that stuff in the freezer from 09 season for such an occasion.

My mouth is watering for some Wapiti morsels.

We've got an Elk roast and some steaks stashed too. We eat well a camp.

Oct 16 is first rifle. that much I know. beyond that, I know not much. I tell ya what, I have been humping the hill in my backyard with my pack on and holy moly, them hills suck. The mountains aint any steeper, but they are longer and they only give you about half the oxygen up there. am reasonably happy with my conditioning right now, but I am sure when I get there I will wish I did more!

Tzoner, if'n we do well and come back with a couple bulls, I might be able to meet up with ya and pass on some wapiti.

I still have about 8 or 9 roasts left from last year, I can throw a couple next to the chickens when I come up.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I tell ya what, I have been humping the hill in my backyard with my pack on

Wow, you really are excited!

Quote

Tzoner, if'n we do well and come back with a couple bulls, I might be able to meet up with ya and pass on some wapiti.

That would make me fatter and happier. It is by far the best venison I've ever had.

Do you have bull tag or shooting the rubber heads?

Oh Monsieur Tom, elk might be good but you must have a young moose first to compare it to.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I tell ya what, I have been humping the hill in my backyard with my pack on ]

Wow, you really are excited!

that just made me bust out laughing in class, ROR!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I tell ya what, I have been humping the hill in my backyard with my pack on ]

Wow, you really are excited!

that just made me bust out laughing in class, ROR!

I don't think this is the kind of learning they want you to do at school.

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh Monsieur Tom, elk might be good but you must have a young moose first to compare it to.

I don't think i've had that. Young bear though and it was mighty fine.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I tell ya what, I have been humping the hill in my backyard with my pack on ]

Wow, you really are excited!

that just made me bust out laughing in class, ROR!

Ditto at work. ROR

i was wondering if someone was gonna hit that meat ball out of the park.

Bull tag Tzone. It is a limited entry unit. The outfitter has 100% success at a good opportunity at a mature bull, weather depending, so we expect to bring home something!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh Monsieur Tom, elk might be good but you must have a young moose first to compare it to.

I don't think i've had that. Young bear though and it was mighty fine.

Moose is great stuff. I think I prefer Elk roasts over Moose roasts though.

Take lots of pictures. I can't get enough of that country. I was only in CO once...for a week. I was in highschool. Me and a buddy went for a week of mountain biking. We got there at about 3am and crashed once we got in the condo. Opened the blinds in the morning and couldn't believe how beautiful it was.

Can't wait to get back some day.

oh yeah, I will be wearing out the camera, that is for sure. I am starting to get the fever that is fer sure.

Just got it figured out how to put a topo map into my GPS. One more thing checked off the list.

Do you upload them?

Mine has an sd card. It has a Lakemaster chip in it right now, but you can get topo's of land too.

tzone, What did you think of bridgestone duelers? or have you looked at the fusion made by bridgestone?

buschy.... I loved the dullers. I had the Duller Revo's on my F-150, 2 sets, almost 100K miles worth. To get a set on this truck it would run $1,100. I don't like them that much.

They were a great tire. These Falken tires I just got are pretty similar to the Duller Revo's I had 2 sets of. Close enough that I wanted to try them.

well my GPS is kinda a funny story. i was at an auction of a sporting goods store going out of biz. they had bags of misc stuff that was selling for $30 or so. they would pull out a couple of things and show people and the stuff in the bottom was a mystery. On this particular bag, they pulled out a couple of things and just started to pull out a blister pack of...of....by golly, I think that was a GPS. So I bought it. Turns out, it was. A Lowrance M&M GPS. Basically an iFinder with a music component. So I have the MapCreate software and burn my own SD card for all the topo maps I want. Oh, and I got about $150 worth of OTHER stuff out of that bag too.

Homecoming game tomorrow. I think I might dust off the ol' #11 and wear it to the game!

We always dusted off Ol No.7 before the homecoming game.

And again after.

Originally Posted by tzone

We always dusted off Ol No.7 before the homecoming game.

And again after.

Ol No.7. As in Mad Jack's stubborn mule from Grizzly Adams?

hmmm musta been one dusty Ass...

saw a deer hit by a beet truck last night when I was hauling, not a pretty sight, or much left. also had a duck walking around the field that refused to move away from us, it was the darnedest thing. if he's still there tonight, I'll be having duck for supper! season opened today

it's not close to grouse but as best I can do out here in farm country

OK,what does "ROR" mean?

Stan in SC

ROR stands for "Raff out roud"

Think of the old jerry lewis comedy stuff.

Bringing the new gate out to chickenbuck right now! Checking the cameras and who knows we might even score a grouse or 2.

I'm getting Revo's on my Dakota sometime this week. Heading to Wyoming for elk on Friday.

Dang you people and your elk trips.

27* here this morning. First freeze of the season. Kicked the furnace on for the first time to get the chill out. The wife called me a whimp.

My wife's not a whimp, she's just cheap.

didn't get a temp this morning, but there is still frost on the grass. High today is going to be around 50 with no clouds in the sky. It should be a great day for baseball. We're going to the last Twins regular season game today.

We were worried that they may not play the regulars, but they still have a shot at home field advantage if they win today, so it looks like we may see the big bats.

You lucky bugger! Have fun at the game. Good seats?

You guys wouldn't believe how much things have dried up out at camp.

You can walk across pam's clear cut with tenni shoes if you're careful. I should be able to start working on the road next weekend.

We got the new gate up, I need to make a spacer for one of the hinges to get it perfect but it works.

I had about 110 pictures on my camera, all of the same 2 sets of does & fawns & a couple does without fawns.

Interesting tracks in the dirt though, bobcat, coyote, racoon. I wish my camera had better sensitivity so it would trigger for those smaller critters.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dang you people and your elk trips.

What do you mean, "you people"?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We got the new gate up, I need to make a spacer for one of the hinges to get it perfect but it works.

Trying to keep Tzone out are you Dave?

Mid 50's and suunny today, Actually supposed to be in the upper 60's by mid week.

Wife and I are heading to Pennsylvania on Thursday to see her brother and SIL. Planning on going over to Gettysburg while we're there.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by tzone

Dang you people and your elk trips.

What do you mean, "you people"?

lol!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

You lucky bugger! Have fun at the game. Good seats?

Not too bad. Behind 3rd base, but not field level. They were free, so I don't care if they're in the lobby.

I totally wrecked my back this am...putting stuff away while the fam was at church. That is what I get for skipping out on church I guess. I took a few viccodine from the last time it happened. Right now I'm not sure I can walk from the parking to the game.

What kind of gate Dave?

Keep the code the same so I can get in there. ...hey wait a minute, now I see what's going on here.

I have a really dark picture but I'll try to post something up so you can see

color is off because I had to adjust contrast & brightness to get the photo light enough to view.

[Linked Image]

Sweet!

Did you see any buck sign yet?

I forgot to update you guys.

My dad got home from the hospital yesterday after his surgery on Friday. It was supposed to be an out patient deal but the surgery didn't go very well. The shoulder part went fine. They repaired his rotator cuff and got rid of some bone spurs.

They had trouble with the bicep. When the doc tried to attach it to the bone, it snapped again. Doc came out and asked my step-mom what she wanted him to do. They could leave it or try one more time. Trying one more time was risky, and he'd only done it twice before.

Karen (step-mom) said he wants that movement, so try again. The doc argued against it though. He paints cars, and needs that movement the bicep gives you so she made him do it.

The second try worked for now but he can't use that arm at all for 4 weeks. There is a wedge between his ribs holding his arm at a 90* angle from his body. It can't move or that muscle will snap again. Every week the doc will lower the wedge a bit for 4 weeks. Then it will be wrapped up for 4-6 more weeks, and he'll have PT. He's still pretty dopped up, so he can't really tell me much.

Oh man, I really hope that works out for him.

I hope that muscle holds long enough to fuse up & heal well.

Hey i got a set of rings & a mount for my 88 that I'm going to try. I have picked up this early mid 60's vintage leupold Vari X II 3-9X for the mid 60's Winchester 88 and now I found a new in box 60's erra weaver pivot mount which puts the scope nice & low on the reciever.

[Linked Image]

Looks like dad won't be doing much of anything for awhile Tom. The PT he has to go through isn't a whole bunch of fun either.

Wish him the best.

Hey Dave I didn't realize the new gate was so fancy. I just figured it would be like a regular cattle gate. Looks great. Now all you need is that metal Chickenbuck sign we were talking about last weekend.

Oh it's fancy alright, I can't believe nobody has identified it for what it is yet. LOL!!

It's a damn bedframe!! LOL!!

ROR, it is! hahahahaha thats awesome! it looks like one of those fancy wrought iron gates. you never cease to amaze Dave

Northern Dave: Real sweet looking Model 88. If I laid my Model 88 next to yours, you couldn't tell them apart except for the glass. Mine is also in minty shape and 88s shoot soooo well. Now, I would like to dissuade you from any possible thought of adding a recoil pad to this fine rifle.

No worries there. The hard plastic plate isn't going anywhere!

I like it just the way it is.

Looks pretty sharp Dave. I like how it's all from the same era. Cool.

Dave,those swing lo mounts are great.You will love it.I had one on my Marlin 30-30 for years.Always held zero.Very low overbore.Good!

Stan in SC

Hey Tzone, did someone say elk hunt? Wahl, I've been meanin' to tell ya if I havent already.....

Tzone.....Did you see Cole? he was on the field before the Twins game yesterday.

Was he one of the young fielders? That was pretty cool. A dream come true for a kid for sure.

Yep, I saw him but must admit, I didn't know it was him. You could go down to the field after the game too and run the bases. I could barely walk, let alone run the bases though.

I lied too... Our seats were 24 rows up from the field. Good seats, field level. Had a Manny's Steak sandwhich for lunch too. Good but not $10/sand. good.

I dunno what he did, i just know he was on the field before the game.

Tzone, check your PMs asap.

I about have the shirt order finalized. I swear, the art department sends me a proof, I clean it up and send it back to them, then they fore one back that looks like hell... I clean it up again & shoot it back to them, so on & so forth... pulling my hair out.

But they have the order for shirts, 57 items on the order!!

wowsers! count me in for a T shirt, blaze orange, large

After I got done bowhunting saturday evening, I pulled the SD card on my camera. I had 2,200 pics of trains and 1 deer butt.

I think I better reposition that camera. Its overlooking a deer trail that leads down and over the tracks. Its aways off the tracks so I didn't think the darn thing would trigger on trains. Guess I was wrong! lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh it's fancy alright, I can't believe nobody has identified it for what it is yet. LOL!!

It's a damn bedframe!! LOL!!

It did remind me of handcuffs, but I wasn't going to say anything!

Raff out roud!

OK guys, the shirt order is closed. I got rooster7 & colorado1135 in right at the end.

62 items total, it's going to be a nasty bill!

Let me know how much. I'll try not to "muffy" up the payment this time!

Speaking of which, PM me Muffy.

Well Fleet Farm called. My $89.00 D55IR game cam came in. I just ran over there and picked it up.

What are you gettting for battery life on yours Muffy?

let me know my total minus shipping (I'll pick em up) so I can get you some money sent asap

new price on left over beds is $10 a piece if anyone is interested

I'm SOFAKING tired of this f'd up back.

I've spent the last two days doing nothing but gimp around and lay on the floor to strech it out, which is not working!

Let's put this into perspective Tom. Just remember, "They shoot horses".

I'd almost go for that right now. It happens about once a year, but this is the worst ever. I'm all crooked, every time I get up, I sound like a box of Rice Krispies.

I know how you feel. my back goes out about every other day lately. I wear my back brace pretty much daily. it sucks

I'm trying really, really hard NOT to take Viccodine. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

I guess you know pretty well about sore backs eh?

What do you do to get rid of it, just clecnch your teeth? Usually it goes away after a day or two, but it's lingering on and on this time.

Got my laptop back today. I had to bring it in to get cleaned up, I had a virus threat. I was only without it for a day, but glad to have it back.

I have a back brace that helps, mine has gone out and in so many times the pain doesn't last a day or two anymore, but when she pops oh boy it will about drop me.
saw a nice little buck this morning about 3am cross the beet field in front of my truck, he looked delicious!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a back brace that helps, mine has gone out and in so many times the pain doesn't last a day or two anymore, but when she pops oh boy it will about drop me.

Yep, it does. When it happened on Sunday, I went to my knees. It felt like it was getting better on Monday, but yesterday was worse. Pretty much laid around. Laying in bed not moving helped but if I had to roll over, whhhhhho boy!

Quote

saw a nice little buck this morning about 3am cross the beet field in front of my truck, he looked delicious!

I put some potato peels out in the yard on monday night and they were gone by Tuesday morning. I haven't seen any deer here durring the day since I posted the pictures but the craping up the yard, so they're still around.

Midweek already.

My dad is coming up this weekend to gather up some of the elk camp equipment that's at my house. We'll be out at deer camp Sat night. I've got a scope & rings to strap onto dad's M70 fwt 30-06. Hopefully we can get some shooting done over the weekend. I have... 3 or 4 rifles to shoot due to my recent musical scopes activity. Oh, another that's going UPS to my FFL today also, that M70 Classic Sporter LT in 300 win mag and a set of leupold rings & a fullfield 3-9.

I'll wait for Dusty to come up to shoot that one, maybe he's got a couple reloads I can bumb off him to sight that thing in.

Otherwise I've got a .308, a 30-06 of my own and a 220 swift that need shooting.

Dave, I reload for 300 wm and I have a ton of 180 grain nosler accubonds, let me know if you want me to whip up a box or two for ya, factory they cost about 55 bucks a box. I can build my own for less than half that. and the ballistic tips shoot exactly the same in my rifle, but cost much less so practice is more economical.

Which one is coming in dave. Is that the M70 from last week or so? or a different one?

I've really been looking for something. I'm saving my cash. Hopefully after Christmas I'll be able to pick something up.

Kinda want a Win m100 or m88 in .308. I'd like a Savage m99 since we're talking about levers.

The Win XTR's have my eye though. A 30-06 or a .338WM. Those XTR's fit me nicely, though I'd have to axe that old pad on them.

yeah it's that 300 I bought here in the classifieds.

RANDY MOSS IS BACK WITH THE VIKINGS!! WOO-LOO-LOO-LOO

That is all.

Woo-hoo.

We needed some more drama right?

Good news is they will be stringing him along this season, no contract drawn up yet from what I understand so he'll be working to impress this year.

He needs to "work to impress" for two games.

He is a Packer Killer. They hate him, which of course makes me like him.

Originally Posted by tzone

He needs to "work to impress" for two games.

He is a Packer Killer. They hate him, which of course makes me like him.

So was Favre last year. He hasn't looked real motivated yet this year. This just may do the trick!

Boy I sure hope so.

I got a what looks like a 10 point buck on my camera. I will post it when I get back from returning a job application. I am applying at the place that made our Chickenbuck hats. I know the owners but I have no experience doing that sort of thing. So we will see what happens.

Good deal on both accounts.

Let us know.

Where the heck are the big buck pictures. How about that job? Did you knock their socks off?

yeah I checked before leaving for work to see that buck, what gives?

Sorry guys. Here it is. I would love to see this one from my tree stand.

[Linked Image]

Looks to me like it's in front of your stand.

Get those batteries out.

Nice looking buck.

The picture is taken looking out into our neighbors field. I'm thinking about moving it again. I want to move it to another stand that is on the corner of our property. It overlooks the pond where the deer go and take a drink.

I checked today and my batteries in my trail camera are still at 90%. That is pretty good.

With this weather, it might be good to sit by that pond. I don't know though, I've rarely buwohunted durring the mid day.

That is very good battery life. That Hunten Outdoor Cam I bought takes 4 c's and they only last 2 - 3 weeks. That is good to know that the D55 is not a battery eater since it takes 6 c's.

I'm going to put mine out today since I'm off work until Tuesday. Took a little vacation time to get things ready for winter around here. Normally I wait and wait and I end up scrambling to get everything put away in the first snow/sleet storm. Plus I can't stand sitting in my office in the fall when the weather is this perfect.

So Rooster, did you lose a clip for your MKII also or did you only have 1 before?

I used to do that too Rooster. Try to get my work dne early and get out of the office in the early afternoon.

In Wausua, it was usually on Wednesdays. For some reason I liked to bow hunt on Wednesday. Then again on the weekend.

I miss it. I didn't think I would but I do. I'm going to bang on some doors this winter and try to find a spot to bowhunt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So Rooster, did you lose a clip for your MKII also or did you only have 1 before?

Nope. I only had one before.

Originally Posted by tzone

I used to do that too Rooster. Try to get my work dne early and get out of the office in the early afternoon.

In Wausua, it was usually on Wednesdays. For some reason I liked to bow hunt on Wednesday. Then again on the weekend.

I miss it. I didn't think I would but I do. I'm going to bang on some doors this winter and try to find a spot to bowhunt.

Tzone - It sounds to me like you could stick one right off your deck. No?

Tom, if you have that much deer activity I would put a bucket with a dab of corn in the bottom of it come spring. when the bucks come by to eat it, it knocks their horns off. pretty cool trick

Missy, since we've had warm weather this week, and tomorrow is supposed to be hot, I would try the water, thats a great idea!

Rooster- how many rounds does your mag hold? mine only holds 9 but is not a mkII it just says "ruger semi auto" its pre-MKI I think.

Dave I just had a crazy dream, you, Pam and the boys were in it, I started off as a hit man, then a flood came and then it was like Cujo with a weird zombie twist. makes no sense to me, but weird LOL. I think its because I've worked 74 hours in the last week and still gone to school when I'm taking 16 credits. my brain is playing tricks on me with this lack of sleep

I think they hold 10 Ryan.

Cujo?

I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Tzone yesterday while I was in the cities. It was fun to meet him and hear all the inside dirt on some of you folks. Wow, who woulda thunk some of you had that wild side in ya?

Cole got to meet Joe Mauer on Sunday, he was pretty excited!

ND, do you know the significance of the number 6? the magic #6?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ND, do you know the significance of the number 6? the magic #6?

Thinkin pretty hard... is it my IQ?

Not unless you cant figure out what it is....

Well, from the movie blazing saddles? "A good ole number 6" ?

Steeeerike One!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think they hold 10 Ryan.

Cujo?

in my defense cujo was a great movie, and with a zombie twist in the dream, wow intense! your rabid dogs that mutated into zombies couldn't be stopped

Yes. The MKII clips do hold 10.

Dave I was just looking at my texts and realized I asked you if you had found the clip for your 10.22 pistol. ROR
Beers must have been going down better then I thought!

Ryan step away from the no doze...besides everyone knows Zombies need to get shot in the head.

Hope the harvest is going good for you over there stay safe.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think they hold 10 Ryan.

Cujo?

in my defense cujo was a great movie, and with a zombie twist in the dream, wow intense! your rabid dogs that mutated into zombies couldn't be stopped

I'll have what he's having!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Yes. The MKII clips do hold 10.

Dave I was just looking at my texts and realized I asked you if you had found the clip for your 10.22 pistol. ROR
Beers must have been going down better then I thought!

Funny thing is i knew exactly what you were talking about.

Dammit, now I want a 10/22 pistol.

You know they make them right?

Originally Posted by big drift

Ryan step away from the no doze...besides everyone knows Zombies need to get shot in the head.

Hope the harvest is going good for you over there stay safe.

thats just it, dave shot one in the head and it wouldn't kill it, even a 44 mag wouldn't. I finally locked 2 in a corncrib that was inside of an old barn (why I don't know)

nodoze give me the shakes something fierce, I use coffee, 5 hour energy shots and get at least a solid 3 hours of sleep a day to keep me going. its kinda like being back in the Navy again

lol
yesterday was rough because I had to go to the VA clinic in fargo for the afternoon after class. we're shut down for heat today with a restart at midnight so I'll be able to take a good nap this afternoon/evening. and I'm done with class for the week, so I can get caught up. I'm gonna bribe my boss with a blue berry pie to see if he'll let me hunt on his property to see if I can get Kendra (my girlfriend) a deer.
she's a lefty and I got her a savage 243 for Christmas last year, do you know how hard it is to find a thumbhole left handed 110 stock? impossible!

Thumbhole lefty 110?

Wait, you need a 10 right? (short action)

I thought I saw boyds lefty thumbhole for those once??

Here man, scroll to the bottom. Some of these savage 10 lefty's are under 60 bucks!!

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-365/Boyds'-Ross-Sporter-LEFT/Detail

nope its a 110 lefty, its one of those short action calibers in a long action savage did for some unknown reason to me

oh.. hmm, that's a little tougher.

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Ross-...&brand=Savage%20110%20LA&show=48

saw those, they are left handed but for a right bolt (right handed action in a lefty stock) makes no sense to me, especially in a thumbhole, you know how hard that would be to work?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I used to do that too Rooster. Try to get my work dne early and get out of the office in the early afternoon.

In Wausua, it was usually on Wednesdays. For some reason I liked to bow hunt on Wednesday. Then again on the weekend.

I miss it. I didn't think I would but I do. I'm going to bang on some doors this winter and try to find a spot to bowhunt.

Tzone - It sounds to me like you could stick one right off your deck. No?

Well, I could legally but the deer will die on someone else's lot. That's not hunting anyway.

Well the "nice Falken tires" aren't so nice. I had a serious vibration at highway speed, some at slower speed. It was so bad I thought it was a U-joint. the U-joints seemed to be fine, so to the tire store I went.

They checked them out and said they're junk, what else do you want? They sold me the tires, but treated me great when I went in to inquire about the vibration. They spent an hour of their time checking them over. It was Discount Tire. Could be the best car related customer service I've had.

glad to hear you getting some new tires. thanks for the input. I need some for my f-150 very soon. lester just got some coopers last weekend, good price but a softer tire.

Guess them tires wernt no falken good.

No they weren't any falken good. DT manager told me they are almost a millitary type tire. Real heavy for durability and longgevity. They asked no questions about it after taking them for a ride. Said "some tires don't work on some vehicles. We'll swith em out."

I'm getting Yokohama Geolander ATS. Reviews are good on that tire and they cost less to boot.

Hopefully they're Falken better.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

saw those, they are left handed but for a right bolt (right handed action in a lefty stock) makes no sense to me, especially in a thumbhole, you know how hard that would be to work?

nice for the bench, no-go in the field (well, maybe from MrsND's beauty box stand)

exactly, for a deer rifle that doubles as her all around rifle she wants it to be for a lefty action

She digs the thumbhole stock tho huh?

Cujo....

LMAO!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ND, do you know the significance of the number 6? the magic #6?

Quote

Cole got to meet Joe Mauer on Sunday, he was pretty excited!

I would be too. That is great. My kids were excited they got to see the guys they have cards for, getting to meet one of them would have been sweet. I'm glad Cole had fun.

It was great meeting you yesterday Brettaman. Next time you'll have to buy me lunch.

Actually, I probably owe you lunch.

6 days till elk hunting, blah, blah, blah...

We found out at the shop that the only difference in Mk.II and Mk.III .22 pistol magazines was the side of the magazine the thumb knob is on abd it is reversable.
Dave,the 10/22 pistol model is "Charger".

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Tzone yesterday while I was in the cities. It was fun to meet him and hear all the inside dirt on some of you folks. Wow, who woulda thunk some of you had that wild side in ya?

Cole got to meet Joe Mauer on Sunday, he was pretty excited!

ND, do you know the significance of the number 6? the magic #6?

Oh No! He didn't tell you too much did he?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave,the 10/22 pistol model is "Charger".

Stan in SC

Cute arent they?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh No! He didn't tell you too much did he?

I didn't tell nuthin'. He's yankin yer chain. I'm a good seceret keeper. Don't worry muffy, I won't tell about all that stuff you told me.

Hey T I got a polygrapher that I would like you to talk to:)

No problem mon. I'll do it.

tzone I used to sell them yokohoma geolander thay ar a super tire.never hade a come back

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh No! He didn't tell you too much did he?

I didn't tell nuthin'. He's yankin yer chain. I'm a good seceret keeper. Don't worry muffy, I won't tell about all that stuff you told me.

Do the rest of us have to be worried???

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

tzone I used to sell them yokohoma geolander thay ar a super tire.never hade a come back

Is that because they blew out and everyone rolled in the ditch Dusty?

Seriously though, so far I really like the General Grabbers. I have not had them in the white stuff yet but they look like they will be decent. Anybody else had them on in the winter?

If Ole D says it's a good winter tire I tend to believe him.

Did I ever tell you about the time he pulled me out of the ditch in a blazzard with -60 wind chill conditions?

I was a teenager.

Even way back then Dusty couldn't just do somethin at a reasonable pace, even that night with mother nature trying to kill everything in the area with brief exposure to the elements... There was an opportunity to goof off, to bully a dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 with a snowplow blade out of a ditch and really make an ass of a guy.... Why would ya pass that up just because mother nature is trying to kill you?

It wasn't just in the ditch, I mean... it was burried. The only thing that kept that dodge from rolling over when i put it in the ditch was the wall of snow I was pushing with the entire passenger side of the truck. Both passenger side tires were busted off the beed, flat and ice cold froze.

I'll tell the story at camp if someone wants to know how it all went down, the short of it is... It was violent and an old yellow ford pickup drug that dodge around like a toy. It ended up being a lot of work, flat tires & such, miles out of town... I still owe Dusty for that night.

Dusty knows winter. That's for sure, and he knows what works in winter & what dont.

So I tend to trust his advice on snow tires.

And yes Jim I know you were just foolin, I just had a story to share that's all

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Seriously though, so far I really like the General Grabbers. I have not had them in the white stuff yet but they look like they will be decent. Anybody else had them on in the winter?

Actually Jim, I wanted to get the same tires you have. Contental who makes them is out of the General Grabber for 12 weeks. It wasn't a dealer issue it was a manufacturer issue. They are so close to BFG all terrains they can't be bad in the snow. Dudes at the tire store were surprised that BFG hadn't sued Contenental yet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If Ole D says it's a good winter tire I tend to believe him.

Did I ever tell you about the time he pulled me out of the ditch in a blazzard with -60 wind chill conditions?

I was a teenager.

Even way back then Dusty couldn't just do somethin at a reasonable pace, even that night with mother nature trying to kill everything in the area with brief exposure to the elements... There was an opportunity to goof off, to bully a dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 with a snowplow blade out of a ditch and really make an ass of a guy.... Why would ya pass that up just because mother nature is trying to kill you?

It wasn't just in the ditch, I mean... it was burried. The only thing that kept that dodge from rolling over when i put it in the ditch was the wall of snow I was pushing with the entire passenger side of the truck. Both passenger side tires were busted off the beed, flat and ice cold froze.

I'll tell the story at camp if someone wants to know how it all went down, the short of it is... It was violent and an old yellow ford pickup drug that dodge around like a toy. It ended up being a lot of work, flat tires & such, miles out of town... I still owe Dusty for that night.

Dusty knows winter. That's for sure, and he knows what works in winter & what dont.

So I tend to trust his advice on snow tires.

And yes Jim I know you were just foolin, I just had a story to share that's all

I want to hear the story, I'm sure we all do. That will be the new campfire story for the next trip to Chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh No! He didn't tell you too much did he?

I didn't tell nuthin'. He's yankin yer chain. I'm a good seceret keeper. Don't worry muffy, I won't tell about all that stuff you told me.

Do the rest of us have to be worried???

Nope. nuthin. You will find out the more you know me but....

There are things I stand for. I won't be late,I might bs, but I won't lie to you, even if I caused an f'up, I don't sell my friends up the river for anything, and if you are my friend, pal, guy, gal boy, whatever..... I will have your back 110% no questions asked. I'll help you hide the body and won't even ask what happened.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If Ole D says it's a good winter tire I tend to believe him.

Did I ever tell you about the time he pulled me out of the ditch in a blazzard with -60 wind chill conditions?

I was a teenager.

Even way back then Dusty couldn't just do somethin at a reasonable pace, even that night with mother nature trying to kill everything in the area with brief exposure to the elements... There was an opportunity to goof off, to bully a dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 with a snowplow blade out of a ditch and really make an ass of a guy.... Why would ya pass that up just because mother nature is trying to kill you?

It wasn't just in the ditch, I mean... it was burried. The only thing that kept that dodge from rolling over when i put it in the ditch was the wall of snow I was pushing with the entire passenger side of the truck. Both passenger side tires were busted off the beed, flat and ice cold froze.

I'll tell the story at camp if someone wants to know how it all went down, the short of it is... It was violent and an old yellow ford pickup drug that dodge around like a toy. It ended up being a lot of work, flat tires & such, miles out of town... I still owe Dusty for that night.

Dusty knows winter. That's for sure, and he knows what works in winter & what dont.

So I tend to trust his advice on snow tires.

And yes Jim I know you were just foolin, I just had a story to share that's all

I want to hear the story, I'm sure we all do. That will be the new campfire story for the next trip to Chickenbuck.

Please, please wait until the second weekend...or I'll make ya tell it again.

I'm sure he will tell it again. Look at the jack rabbit story.

RAWWWWRRRRR.....I'M A GUUUUMY BEAR......

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh No! He didn't tell you too much did he?

I didn't tell nuthin'. He's yankin yer chain. I'm a good seceret keeper. Don't worry muffy, I won't tell about all that stuff you told me.

Do the rest of us have to be worried???

Nope. nuthin. You will find out the more you know me but....

There are things I stand for. I won't be late,I might bs, but I won't lie to you, even if I caused an f'up, I don't sell my friends up the river for anything, and if you are my friend, pal, guy, gal boy, whatever..... I will have your back 110% no questions asked. I'll help you hide the body and won't even ask what happened.

THATS why you fit in so well!

LOL. No we are a good bunch that would welcome anybody to the fire.....so we can all laugh hysterically at Dave in his bear hat.

That my friends was some seriously funny chit!

Every story he has to tell is very funny. I need to get a video camera though. So RWS don't have to hold 2 flashlights so we can see Dave and the black bear on video.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Every story he has to tell is very funny. I need to get a video camera though. So RWS don't have to hold 2 flashlights so we can see Dave and the black bear on video.

That still cracks me up. Your "lighting crew". makes me smile like heck.

I didnt think throwing out that bait would get me so many takers!

There must be some skeletons in a few closets up thataway! Nope, Tzone didnt spill the beans, but now that we know there are some beans, we all wanna hear these good stories!

By the way, do you know how the saying "pulling your chain" came about?

Miners had a honey wagon (where they deposited the previous nites supper if'n ya know what I mean). So when nature called, they would find the honey wagon and it was on rails just like the other carts down there. They didnt want it to move while they were taking care of business so they would put a small chain under the wheels. If there was a practical joker in the bunch, he would slip up quiet like and pull your chain and give the honey wagon a shove. So there you were, ridiing a cart full of poop with your pants around your ankles. I bet there were some fisticuffs as a result of that stuff.

So yeah, I was pulling your collective chains!

Are you headed up to chickenbuck today. THinking of pulling the boat up to the lake to give a go of it.

I'm heading to camp in the morning. I gotta be at home tonight enforcing a strict midnight curfew for Cinderella. Homecoming you see.

I'll get everything loaded tonight & head for camp in the morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm heading to camp in the morning. I gotta be at home tonight enforcing a strict midnight curfew for Cinderella. Homecoming you see.

I'll get everything loaded tonight & head for camp in the morning.

Lock and Load and watch your....driveway

Pretty much.

You should block out that texting for Friday night.

Dr. Evil I presume...... mmmmuuuhhaaaaahhhhh!

good morning everyone!

I'm wired as can be but had an awesome morning, one of the guys I work with invited me to go duck hunting when we got off our shift, I told him I didn't have a shotgun or license and he offered me his 870 for the SEASON! well I didn't get a license bought but still tagged along for the hunt, the two I was with got 6 ducks and a goose that I called in to a spread of duck decoys at 9am. it was awesome fun, I haven't duck hunted in about 8 years. I think I might need to go buy a shottie

heat has shut us down til sunday afternoon so I'm gonna pick up my boy and have some quality father son time since I've had to be away from him the last week (aside from a couple visits).
I might even take a nap at some point, it feels like 9pm to me

Oh no T, better yet is install or activate the tracking system, that is even more fun when they try and figure out how you know where they have been.

Other fun things are live feed pin cameras installed in vehicles, really messes with folks.

A cheap simple old school trick is to take a cassette recorder set it to long play attach it under the seat or in dead space of the armrest and hit record right before they leave.

Nowadays there are mountable ant mikes that you can install anywhere and it transmits the audio to a recorder by wireless.

To bad the momma wont let me do anything of those things...yet.

Magic number today is 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today, concentration is lagging.

I hope these are the longest most torturing 5 days of your life meaner!!

I'm leaving for Wyoming in the morning.

Surrounded by meaners!!

Good luck!

Dave... If you're heading out to Camp Chickenbuck this weekend... We might need some new pics...

I love the picture you posted up top in the main forum of you & your boy. great picture.

Yeah I am heading out there and I'm meeting my dad out there. He's joining our camp this year, making the move from the old iron range camp to camp chickenbuck.

I feel like tomorrow is deer opener just because I'm so excited to spend a camp weekend with the old man.

He brings a lot to our camp for me. Him and I have been around a little bit together, usually tredging through missery of some sort on our DIY adventures.

But I have so many deer camp memories witht he old man, him and I get rolling on a sarcastic comedy spree, it gets out of control.

The belly muscles get a workout, thats for sure, laugh till it hurts, then laugh some more.

I'll bring the camera.

Is your dad going to be at camp the whole year or just opener? It will be fun to be at camp with him.

Do we call him southerndave?

If Duluth is southern....

It's more southern that you.

I'm headed up there tomorrow. Going to help pa with some stuff around the yard that he needs done before the snow flies. I'm going to try to make it up to the range camp on Sunday for a couple hours and fix my stands up.

I am just thinking of how fun it is going to be during deer hunting with you, your dad, and my dad. I'm sure there will be some good stories told. I'm sure there are some stories that your dad and my dad have that we probly shouldn't hear.

If it weren't for them damn stories, I'd probably never even go to camp.

Hey dusty.... did you wrastle that 45-70 encore from white bear yet?

I was shooting my bow today and I decided to take a break so I tied up the dog and went in the house for about 5 minutes. I come back out and cracked open a cold one. The dog started growling. I peaked my head out the shop and there was a doe right in my shooting range. Right at the 30 yard mark, but I had already put my bow in the case. Couldn't get it out in time,
Dozer started barking and there she was, gone.

Oh kids... lol!

So many things, where do I start.

Dusty knows Whitebear aint going to let loose of that 45/70 T/C Encore pistol. Hey did Whitebear even bring it out? I guess I've seen it at his place before, don't recall if he brought it to camp for sure... He must have because Dusty wants one bad

Miss, you and others are in for a treat, your dad and my dad were prety tight when they were young. You'll hear stories that will have you rolling on the floor laughing.

There was a particular game warden that "the boys" had a lot of fun with. A particular 1955 chevy, yellow with continental kit and pontiac running gear... with 2 young heathens inside, they gave that poor warden a really bad time.

You'll hear the stuff of legends, goofy redneck insane hillbilly legends. lol!!

Now you'll see what deer camp, real old school deer camp really is. We've had a good camp, but nothing is funner than listening to these 2 tell stories.

Originally Posted by Muffy

and there she was, gone.

I've never experienced anything like that.

Hey dave, Tell Pa good luck on his elk hunt for me. And for chriss sake, have fun at camp this weekend will ya? Not like last time.

You and your dang "got the itch" stuff. I've been up for an hour checking the back yard for deer movement, I bought tires for my truck based on the ability to get down the deer camp road.

I'm having sausage for breakfast. I've worked the action on the .280 more in the last night than I have all year.

I blew the grunt call until the wife had enough, I rattled in a 5 year old boy, and Tink's 69 does not taste as good as I remember, but I did make a hell of a rub on the bathroom door frame.

I just don't get it.

Just got my doe tag in the mail and just about done with the deer blind. Getting closer.....

Just got back a while ago from cleaning snowmoblie trails. We had lots of trees and brush to clear out this year. We saw a rabbit, a flock of ducks, and 2 does. It was realy wet out there. I only got soaked up to my knees. Not like Chickenbuck where I got it all the way up to my behinder.

Stupid Twins, UGH!

Yeah stupid Twins! When I was in 7th grade my sisters talked me into being in the school musical. It was called Damn Yankees. My only line in the whole thing was "Those damn yankees! Why can't we beat 'em?!" I never knew how true that line would be in my adult years.

This 80 + degree weather is really messin up my bowhunting. I'm not complaining mind you but I would rather sit in a tree and not sweat like a menopausal moose.

Originally Posted by big drift

Just got my doe tag in the mail and just about done with the deer blind. Getting closer.....

You still have to get them in the mail? I just went and bought mine. You must have had to apply for yours eh?

Can you buy a deer liscense after the season starts.

Yeah but you have to wait like 48 hours or something. We went from 5 tags last year to lottery this year. When I asked the DNR about it they responded it was because of ML's and youth tags in zone 3.

It is all out of whack. My boys though have decided to apply for a moose tag as soon as they both are 12.

Just had to break up a street fight downtown, it was 2 on 1 with a snakey chick siding with the 2, cops were there but very confused on what happened. Didnt want toget into it but they started in front of our truck and came at the kids window.

What a weird weekend.

We need a lap top at camp. Dusty has some photos I can't quite make out on Ryan's picture frame. one is either a bear or a black wolf, another looks like a coyote, plenty of deer as well but wow. We need a laptop to read that stuff.

It was a great weekend.

Pics

weenage

[Linked Image]

gramps and the boys

[Linked Image]

boom rack.

[Linked Image]

coyote track

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5140.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5143.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5144.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5150.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dub thee......Magmum stand, cuz you just might need one there.

How did that new .300 shoot?

I did a lot of tree stand work this weekend. Started off saturday helping my dad with stuff around the yard he can't do because of his arm and shoulder.

I headed to a spot I haven't hunted in 10 years. It's some state land north of Duluth about 20 miles. My plan is to hunt there durring the first week of the season, unless I need to work, which of course takes priority.

Let me tell you once I found my way back to the stands that I built 12 years ago, it looks like one hell of a spot. Trails everywhere. We call it the "pecker stand," beause when it was first built, one of the guys sitting in it, shot a wood pecker that was bothering him....he didn't get invited back by the rest of the crew. I didn't think it was that bad.

It is now quite nasty to get back to one of them. Got some shooting lanes cut, and cleaned up a decrepet old 10 year old lawn chair, cut some pine boughs. I need to do some more work on that stand. I'm going to add a shooting rail and possibly a roof of some sort. I'll take some pictures next week when I'm there.

The other stand is the "fort." Named because it looks like a fort. The sides are in rough shape on the fort. I ripped them off climbing into and nearly fell to the ground. Nice stand in a cedar swamp that looks a lot like the area the ground blind is in at Chickenbuck.

Today, I went to the camp on the iron range. I'll be there on opening weekend. I didn't see a lot of deer sign there. Could be because the land owners son is baiting bear about 300 yds from my best spot. The stand here was in OK shape, and only needed a few braces replaced. I have several ground blinds built in the area too, but they're easy.

It is also probably the last year I'll be going to this camp to hunt. For several reasons, most I won't get into on here, but one being...Land owners kids are now getting into hunting and are using the property. I say kids but the youngest one is 41. They were never really hunters, but I guess last year started, shot a few bucks, and are now going full tilt on the place, with bear, bow and I guess gun hunting.

I'm kinda bummed about that, This will be my 22nd year hunting there. It's changed from a small hobby farm to a totally grown woods, surronded by under harvested state land.

On the other hand, it will open more oportunities for me. I don't really have any picutres of "The Range Camp", other than kill shots, so this year I'm making a pledge to take a bunch. It's really a neat place.

Me and runs with scissors found this porky yesterday on the way home. We tried to pet him but he was really shy.

[Linked Image]

He looks like a prick to me.

T always trying to make a point.

I seen a guy pick one up once, it was a wild one he rolled it onto its back with a big stick andused another to pin down the tail. picked it up by the underside of the tail and held it for us to see, it was crazy! then he took off my ball cap and swatted the quills with it. I couldn't wear that hat the rest of the trip.

I'm trying to convince my boss to let me hunt his farm for opener, maybe I can get my lady and my boy to go out there and get a doe. she's never hunted before and is excited to maybe go. I'm gonna bribe him with blue berry pie and chocolate chip cookies, should be a sure thing

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We need a lap top at camp. Dusty has some photos I can't quite make out on Ryan's picture frame. one is either a bear or a black wolf, another looks like a coyote, plenty of deer as well but wow. We need a laptop to read that stuff.

they do make an SD card reader that plugs into the USB port, IIRC they are about 10 bucks.

also walmart has a photo machine that reads SD cards, you could check em out on that, even print some out if you want

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm trying to convince my boss to let me hunt his farm for opener, maybe I can get my lady and my boy to go out there and get a doe. she's never hunted before and is excited to maybe go. I'm gonna bribe him with blue berry pie and chocolate chip cookies, should be a sure thing

If it was my place, you'd be hunting.

lol, thats what I thought! they are blue berries I picked up at camp this summer, so you know they gotta be good (and they are) plus they have deer camp Mojo in them, so it works in a subliminal espn type of thing.

I talked to my friend I used to work with yesterday. He found this in the area that he got shot while bow hunting a few years ago. He was walking through the woods and saw 2 wolves. They took off and he stood there for a while. He walked in the direction they were and found this. I guess it is the second one he found this year, the other one was a doe.

[Linked Image]

did it get hit by a car or did they chase it down? The horn is busted which is why I asked about the car.

He said it was pretty far into the woods. It is hard to tell. He thinks they chased it down.

bastards!

I just had the strangest job interview of my life. It was over the phone, which is not weird, quite normal, but the woman interviewing me seemed to know more about me than I did. I'm not sure how I feel about that?

that is odd, perhaps you should have been asking her questions about you?

seriously though that would make me feel a little weird as well, if she knows that much, why even have an interview?

Don't know.

Tom some businesses especially govt. run / connected, are using detailed background check programs that data worm anything and everything they can with your name attached to it.

They did that for sure.

I'm not saying any of this is bad because it's quite the oposite. I just thought it was wierd for a phone interview. It is a letgit job, so that is a good sign.

The more I sit and think about this, it is less wierd, some of could be pretty helpful to someone who didn't know some of the things the interviewer explained.

I think the lady was very prepared for the interview, right down to how long it should take me to get to thier office from my house. Which is as simple as plugging my address into mapquest or any of the others, but potentially helpful if you didn't know the area.

Holy Chickenbuck squidman, I just realized how close you are to a 1000 pages:)

That is one squared HR lady either that or new and wanting to make a good impression.

There must have been a reason for me taking today off work.

I was out looking for deer early this am and got a call from a frantic Special K. (My wife) She was on her way to work in her new car, met a gravel truck and one of the tires came off and came rolling to beat hell right at her. Smacked her in the drivers side front and went over the windshield. Messed up the car pretty bad. The truck driver didn't even slow down. The state patrol is going to the active pits in the area to tell them to keep an eye out for the truck. He is also going to patrol the area watching for it as well.

Thank God that thing didn't come through the windshield. We are counting our blessing this morning.

Jeezus. That could have been bad...badder. Thank God she didn't get hurt. Cars are easy to replace. Hopefully they catch the clown, because there ain't no way in hell he didn't know he lost a shoe.

Probably saw exactly what happened and decided he didn't want any part of it.

It might be better if you found him not the sherrif.

Rooster, arent you guys over sugar beet country? Could the truck have been beet truck?

Holy crap I'm glad that didn't end with an injury! Wow!

beets are all shut down because of heat, might have been a grain truck though. I know a lot of guys are taking out soybeans because they are shut down for beets

Originally Posted by tzone

I just had the strangest job interview of my life. It was over the phone, which is not weird, quite normal, but the woman interviewing me seemed to know more about me than I did. I'm not sure how I feel about that?

There is what's known as the "hidden internet" that Google and other search engines do not access. There are search algorithms such as bigdrift mentioned that do. These are a paid subscription service that many company HR departments utilize.

I drove down to the pits myself and asked some questions. One driver we talked to used to be married to my cousin. When I asked him about it he was like "oh heck ya we know about it...er...oh wait...was it your car??"

Yep

"oh well ah...I don't know who it was or anything...just...uh..seen the car parts all over the road"

So we drive up to the scale shack and ask the lady working. She happens to go to our church. She acted pretty fishy too until Karen took her sunglasses off and then she recognized her. She told us the radio chatter she had been hearing pointed the finger at a business out of grand forks that is running trucks down here. Said the guy never came back and never came back. Then she heard he was at the tire store. She gave us his name and truck number. I called the trooper and told him what I found out. He went to follow up and called me back. He got a hold of the company's safety officer who then called me. Conicidently it was a guy I graduated from high school with whom I really haven't seen since. Sounds like they are going to take care of it.

Just glad Karen is in one piece.

*Edit* I graduated with the safety officer not the truck driver.

well thats good news they are taking care of it, whats gonna happen to the driver who fried to cover it up? I suppose they can't disclose that info. pretty chitty for everyone to try to cover it up. I know I woulda been more and more pissed as the day went and people kept trying to buffalo me. at least you got it handled, and you probably have grounds to go after them further, or at least see to it that the driver gets hit with leaving the scene of an accident.

either way glad its been sorted out somewhat

Tell Karen we are very happy she wasn't hurt.

good work rooster. I'm just glad she's alright. Get home and relax if you can.

I got The Beast on ice, wings in the sauce, chips in the bowl, just waitin' for a V-I-K-I-N-G-S whippin' of them clowns in NY.

Ryan technically it is considered obstruction however Rooster isnt a LEO. That said if they dont cooperate with the LEO's then they can and probably will be charged.

It is a simple matter of recovering the tire, matching the treads and wear patterns, getting a statement from the dispatcher, as well as the tire company, then the truck companies logs and statements, and safety records as well as a statement from the suspect.

Then most likely the driver will get is leaving the scene of an accident, which he will probably argue that he did not know there was an accident until he arrived at his destination where all he was aware of was that he lost a tire.

Hopefully someone will get a statement regarding the statements overheard on the airwaves and that may put the nails in deeper.

Good luck Rooster and glad to hear Special K is alright.

Holy Wow. That could have been bad! Glad Karen is OK. Who was the officer you graduated with?

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I don't know that this driver even knew he lost the tire. Only he knows that. What I do know is there are tons and tons of gravel trucks running out of these pits and they all were talking on their radios about how messed up the car was from that tire. This guy must have been the only one with out a radio.

I know it can't be obstruction, but still gets under my skin when people try to cover things up like that.

bottom line is your wife is OK. but that driver should get his hide tanned over that one.

My "Camp Chickenbuck" hat went hunting with me for the first time yesterday.It was the first day of gun season in upstate South Carolina and my neighbor,my gunsmith and I went to a new to us piece of property that is very deery looking.The gunsmith killed a really prime looking two year old(estimated)six pointer.It was a good start for the new season.

Stan in SC

Awesome Stan, the weather, or forcast anyways is starting to show signs of the change we need for a crispy cool deer season.

Our weather is still hot. 70's today, high 60's the rest of the week. At least down here. It's wierd to have most of the leaves falling and be 80* like it was yesterday.

I'm Jelous Stan. I need to get out deer hunting.

I shot some grouse last weekend, so that helped a bit. I need a few more to make a soup or hot dish of some kind.

Meaner Numero Uno checking in. Countdown is 16 hours until takeoff. And yes, the last few days have been torturistic. Starting tomorrow, I am wapiti bound!! Wahoooooooo!!!!

Stan, we need to see pics of that Chickenbuck hat in action!

Any luck on the duckaroos Ryan?

I am glad THAT interview was the weirdest one you ever had Tzone....

Fall is great folks, take time to smell the leaves and enjoy it!!

Meaner, I was a-skeert we'd hear from you soon.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I am glad THAT interview was the weirdest one you ever had Tzone....

After I thought about it, it wasn't so much wierd as she was very, very prepared. Some of the things I thought were wierd were because I'm from the area, and her interview was probably a template. It was fine.

Good luck on your Wapati.

no ducks yet for myself, we're starting hauling beets again tonight so I'll be tuckered the next few days and not go, I haven't even bought my license yet. I'm trying to talk my dad into sending me his remington 1100, I'm still without a shotgun but I can borrow one from a buddy if need be

Should have said something when you were up Ryan. My 3" 870 (12) just collects dust.

Well dad, mom, and I are going to go scope shopping for me tomorrow. We are going to Scheels. Any last suggestions on what I should get?

I have been looking at range finders also. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money. I think I have it narrowed down to 2.

You still thinking fixed power or variable?

I'm tinking variable. Jeremy thinks I should get a 3.5x10x40. I don't really know.

Just my opinion but people (myself included) seem to come full circle on scopes.

Big scopes, vide variable ranges etc. Then after hunting for a while like that most settle back into simpe 3-9X 40mm or fixed power scopes like a 4 or 6 power (more 4's than 6's I suppose)

You can hardly go wrong though, get it mounted in some decent rings and get something with good eye relief, then get the scope to eye distance set correctly for what fits you. Even if it means offset rings or what ever.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well dad, mom, and I are going to go scope shopping for me tomorrow. We are going to Scheels. Any last suggestions on what I should get?

I have been looking at range finders also. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money. I think I have it narrowed down to 2.

2 scopes or rangefinders. I don't know a dang thing about a range finder. I'd look at that 4x Leupold that Dave, Dusty, and I talked about a few weeks ago at Chickenbuck. Or a VX-II Leupold 2x7x33

2 rangefinders. Either a Redfield Raider 550, or a Leupold Rx-600 laser. Scopes I'm still not sure. Hope it gets figured out tomorrow.

If you are a Firearm Safety instructor you get some AMAZING discounts from Leupold and Burris and a few others. I have done it and if'n I remember correctly is was less than half the cost of what you would pay retail.

I have had Leupold and Burris and they have both been fantastic.

12 hours now until blast off. I am like a little kid on Christmas Eve.

I have been after a wood duck for the wall for about the last 10 years. Dont do a lot of duck hunting, but do some. Well in the last 8 days I have shot 3 that are wall worthy, all right out my back door.

Oh, I hope Mama didnt see the Taxidermy bill!

Have fun on your hunting trip. There better be lots of pictures posted when you get back.

I don't have a big desire to shoot ducks but I would like a Woody or two for the wall. Such a cool looking duck.

I have owned a Swarovski rangefinder for many years and to tell you the truth I have never needed it once for Minnesota hunting. That is becasue most shots in Minnesota for deer are usually going to be between 50 and 200 yards, which means that if you sight your gun in for being exactly on the mark at about 130 yards you can aim strait on from 50 to 200 yards and not have to worry about anything.

As for scopes, I finally got wise this year. Took off the heavy variable (zeiss conquest) and put on a lightweight old used Buris signature 4x. Should be no problem anywhere in Minnesota, and its nice and light weight to complement the Kimber Montana which is also nice and light in weight. (you spend a lot more time carrying them than shooting them)

Good luck this year.

I would only use the rangefinder for bow hunting.

I haven't been able to log in here for about a week but since I can, I'll throw my $0.02 in

Not that I know anything about guns, scopes, or deer hunting but......
I'd stick with the 40mm scope. Better light gathering without the need for crazy high mounts.
Also a variable is good to "zoom in" & get a better look at your target before you make the decision to squeeze.
I'm not familiar with your hunting territory around home but at Chickenbuck there is really no need for anything more than a fixed 4 or so. OTOH if you head a few miles West around my stomping grounds, a person can shoot as far as he/she cares to.

My personal preference on my deer rifles. 3.5-10x40mm, but I do own a couple 3-9x40mm also.

Of course this all goes out the window if I'm carrying that little handgun that Dusty took a fancy to. I'll keep the iron sights on that & keep the shots under 80 yards or so.

Frost on the ground this morning is giving me the itch to get in the woods again!

White Bear out!

There ya have it folks, the white bear speak heap big trooth.

We ain't go no frost.

It's dang near hot down here. High 60's and low 70's. Not the weather I'm looking for, but it's been great to get my fall yard work done. I think today I'm going to clean the boat out and get it ready for winter.

Missy,

The fixed 4x scopes are nice, durable, and simple. There is no forgetting your scope in on 9x when you looked at the deer way down range.

That being said, I like the variables like White Bear and Dave suggest. Then you have the best of both worlds if you need to. Just remember to keep it on 3 or for around chickenbuck for those 25 yard shots.

Berettaman and his dad have been on the road for a few hours now guys. Chasing the wapati. Wish them luck. Driving srtaight through to CO (I think). I'm pretty sure he invited all of us to his house when he gets back. He said he's grilling elk backstraps for us all because he likes us so much.

I'm not kidding. I'll get his address and we can show up next weekend.

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I decided to go with the fixed scope. It is not like I go out west elk or mule deer hunting. Although it would be nice to have the extra options. Well I guess we will see when we get there. Dad is buying the scope for me. Maybe they will give us a better deal if I buy a rangefinder too.

I'm going to get a fixed 4x scope for my .22 when I get a chance ($) too. I like them and for shots 100yds and in it's all I really need. I'm going to get the Leupold VX2.

You'll probably get a real good deal when Dusty buys a 45-70 Encore today too.

Can't wait to see it D.

Fixed shmixed. I don't want someone elses refurbished stuff. Buy new.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm going to get a fixed 4x scope for my .22 when I get a chance ($) too. I like them and for shots 100yds and in it's all I really need. I'm going to get the Leupold VX2.

You'll probably get a real good deal when Dusty buys a 45-70 Encore today too.

Can't wait to see it D.

Yeah, just the look on my dads face when he saw that gun was "Priceless". You better keep a close eye on that gun if you bring it back to camp White Bear.

I have to show you all this picture of Dozer. I started up my 4 wheeler on Monday to go move my trail camera, and Dozer jumped on it and just waited for me to take him for a ride. He loves riding up there. He sits real good and if he gets tired he lays down on the bags.

[Linked Image]

Thats funny. I tried that with my Daisy dog and she couldn't get off fast enough. She hated it! Back when she was younger, she used to love to run next to it down the road though.

I would go with a nice 3-9x40 scope, nikon, burris, leupy something along those lines.

this morning about 6am as I was leaving the field I saw a bunch of eyes across a drainage ditch, so I swung the lights, there was a nice 10 pointer with about 6 or 7 does/fawns around him, like an elk with his harem. the only thing I could think of was how nice a rack like that would feel in my hands.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the only thing I could think of was how nice a rack like that would feel in my hands.

Come on over, I have one you can fondle.

Seriously kidding, you can't fondle it.

Quote

I would go with a nice 3-9x40 scope, nikon, burris, leupy something along those lines.

The more scopes I have, the more I really, really like Leupolds. I'm not a fan at all of my nikon. I have a Burris FFII 1.75x5 and it doesn't turn my crank either.

In fact, I'd be willing to sell them both is anyone is interested.

There is a VXI 3-9 with no ring marks down in classifieds for $175 right now.

nuthin wrong with a VX 1

No I dont have any problems with a vx-1.

how much?

for which one?

If it's the burris, you'll have to wait until after deer season because it's on my gun right now.

Probably $75 or so for the Nikon, I have the box for that one. I'd be willing to listen though.

Don't really know what the burris is worth. I've never looked. It's a decent scope, just not what I want.

I'd do that for the nikon, bring it with 2nd weekend.

I love Nikons and Leupolds, my oldest boy took possession of my Leupy 2x7 for his .257 Roberts awesome woods rig, my youngest who is only allowed to shoot from the stand and took his first deer last year has a straight 6 Nikon Monarch on his .243, and my go to .280 rifle has had the same Nikon Prostaff 3x9 for many moons.

All of them have worked wonderfully for everything from close in thick woods to open fields and plains, with no problems.

You got it. Remind me again later though. In case I didn't tell you, it's a 2x7x32. I think I have dust covers around too. They are not the see-thru type though, just covers.

Nobody wants that dang Burris.

Originally Posted by big drift

I love Nikons and Leupolds, my oldest boy took possession of my Leupy 2x7 for his .257 Roberts awesome woods rig,

I was looking for a .243 for my daughter, but if I found a nice .257 R I'd get it. There is a shop in town that has a Ruger MKII in .257 but they want 6 bills for it. Dang thing didn't cost that new.

Bring the burris. Someone will buy it.

Sounds like a nice one for a yellowboy 9422M .22 magnum....

Heading to mom and dad's now. Will probly post tonight what we ended up getting. Later.

Originally Posted by northerndave

Sounds like a nice one for a yellowboy 9422M .22 magnum....

It's great for that.

I'll be bringing the burris, but you can't have it until after hunting season. It's on the gun I'm using and too late in the game to take it off.

I'll bring it up for muzzy season, you can check it out then. Would that work?

Make sure you get Dusty's picture with his new 45-70 pistol.

I was thinkin of a scope for my 30-30, think the 1.75 would be better? its got a 3-9x40 simmons on it now, and it works but I don't know if I need all that for the 30-30. the only reason I put a scope on it is because my eyes don't focus on the sights nearly like they used to. either way bring em up and we'll figure somethin out

Quote

the only reason I put a scope on it is because my eyes don't focus on the sights nearly like they used to.

Same reason I have a scope on everything.

that 2x7 would work good for that. It's a lot smaller than a 3x9.

T if your looking for a Ruger UL .257 just like mine, there was one for sale up here last week. I have to look for it again either at one of the pawns or Gander Mountain. As I dont recall exactly where I fondled it. Weekend gun crawl without the momma lets you look around and longer

.

BD, it will be a while before I seriously look. She needs some trigger time on the .22lr first. If I bought that Ruger UL, she could borrow if from me.

Show & tell, new to me M70 CRF in 300 win mag.

Excellent condition.

old model Burris Fullfield 3-9 on there in amazing condition as well.

Not sure if this is where this scope will go long term, I just snugged it on there to see what it looks like. I haven't checked ring alignment or anything so the caps are barely snugged.

[Linked Image]

When did you get a leather couch?

In 2001 LOL!!

You probably slept on that couch you goof!

It's at home here not at camp.

Seriously...Nice rifle. You got a heck of deal. Can I use it on the fully paid for elk hunt you invited me on?

and where the heck is Missy with that scope update? We wanna know what she got. It sounds like big D wanted her to get the Leupy 4x.

Gander has them for $250 today.

Well everyone it is Muffy on my dad's computer. We got our shopping done today. I ended up getting a Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40. Dad has a Buckmasters 4.5-14x(40?) and he is very happy with his. I was going to get the Leupold but they only had the one I wanted in silver. He also bought me a box of ammo. THANKS DAD!

Don't tell Jeremy but I bought a range finder today.

I got a Leupold RX-600. We also each got a free Scheels hat. I will post pictures tomorrow when I get home.

It was kinda funny, mom was keeping a close eye on dad in the gun section. She even come and asked me one time "what did he find now"? She knows him all too well.

I think my father in law has one of those buckmasters. He bought it because he says HE'S the buckmaster....no i'm not kidding.

But anyway, he likes that scope a lot. He bought it because it gave him good eye relief. He was tired of getting a bloody forehead every time he shot at a deer.

I have the same scope on my 35 Whelen and I like it

You'll have to compare it to Pam's nikon during deer season. She has one on her 30-06, hers was produced prior to the "buckmark" and "monark" model designations so I'm not certain what the lenses are like compared to todays models but it is a very nice scope.

My dad is also a big fan of the Nikon's so he'll be praising you for your scope choice

He has that bushnell that I borrowed to him for his 30-06 right now but I know as soon as he can buy a scope for it he will likely buy a Nikon for it.

good mornin all! I'm headed to bed soon, I've had 3 hours of sleep since tuesday 7pm. saw a bunch of deer again last night, one was taken by a 2001 international at appx 55mph.
and a good thing that happened last night was my boss agreed to let me hunt his place, its mostly flat fields with one meandering creek that holds a couple deer. no corn fields around for miles, but the deer have to travel that route from the river bottom to the nearest corn field. unfortunately there are 2 other groups who can hunt it and they drive it every so often when things get slow at their regular places. at least I can take Kendra out on opener and try to get her a first deer. she's been practicing with the lefty 243 savage I got her and does really well with it.

nice scope pic Missy, you'll like it I think. I had a nikon on a 223 once and I regret selling it. I thinkm I'm gonna switch to them as I phase out burris (bad customer service).

I like the new rifle Dave! when is the early doe season? is the gang pumped?

Well, I have one for you to phase in.

Hopefully it wasn't you that hit the deer Ryan. Get some sleep.

I'm going to camp tomorrow night. I simply can't stay out of the woods when this time of year comes around.

Just got back from the deer stand supply store. I won't make to the woods until Saturday but I'll be there dang early for sure.

Sweet Jesus!!! Chickenbuck is open for rutting! question here for all you guys that i got some concern with on the upcoming youth hunt. Seeings my daughter can participate in it this year, now its just time to really to get her to shoot the rifle, choices being 30/30, 25.06, 270, 7mm mag. What do you boys think i should let her try. The only thing shes shot are her .22 and a .410. Dont want to scare her right away. we might have to ponder over some cool cocktails tomorrow.

And by the way, i am starting to get a little more into season now too. wasn't sure i was even going to get a license this year but. Lestifer and I took an Electric Ranger out and about last night till dark. WOW!! FUN!! what a little buggie to get out in the woods with! quiet and works great!

I would say the 25-06, I do have a load I use in my 30-30 that is really mild and shoots a 180 grain slug so it will take down anything MN has to offer, were it me thats what I use, but I don't know if there would be a way to get you a couple of boxes for her to use before the season starts.

Got any varmint rigs Buschy?

223, 22-250, 220 swift etc?

Thems legal.

don't have any them. was really thinking the 06 would be the best choice of any of them.

Definitely not the .270 or 7mm Rem Mag. It's a toss-up between the 30-30 and 25-06. I'd lean towards the 30-30, although it would largely depend on stock-fit to her frame and the sights on the guns.

Is she used to iron sights or scopes? What does each of the guns have?

Assuming the same weight of rifle in each (30-30 is probably lighter due to typically shorter barrels) the 25-06 is going to have about 25% more recoil with a louder report. Neither is an excessive kicker though.

I wouldn't use that .410. .25-06, or 30-30 should be fine. .25-06 would be my vote there Buschy.

You boys and girls have certainly been busy in my absence. Good to see someone spending their hard earned dollars.

My granddaughter got her first deer last weekend during the youth hunt. A small doe, but it will always be the most memorable deer she ever gets.

My neighbor was up by Prentice fishing, and a young man brought in a great 10pt.

How was the trip bill?

Buschy, go to ace or coast & see if you can find some reduced recoil factory loads for the 30-06 by federal (more accurate in the low recoil for 30-06 typically)

If you can find them buy 2 boxes because if you buy one and go back for another they will be out of them. Recoil (felt) is around the .243

Or, we can find some heavier 220 swift & she can use my ruger M77 220 swift if she wants.

30-30

Trail is drying.

[Linked Image]

My little hunting budy tonight. I let him carry this marlin youth single shot .22 unloaded. I did pass him a bullet & let him shoot at a red squirrel on our walk

He missed.

[Linked Image]

Then I missed at a grouse mith my remington nylon 66 but I redeemed myself later.

check out what the timber birds are eating.

[Linked Image]

Those bright red little mushrooms for the most part, some berries and some buds, leaves.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5185.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5184.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

30-30

That was my first thought too, especially since during the youth season every kid has to have an adult with them. You'd be able to help with the loading/unloading if you like.

Any idea what those red mushrooms are yet Dave? Neat looking shrooms, but beyond what I'd eat.

That partridge looks like he got into a bag of trail mix.

Originally Posted by tzone

How was the tricp bill?

The trip was great. If you you're ever looking for a place to take the family, I highly recommend Gettysberg. Just wait until the kids are older though and have them read up on the civil war first. I could have spent several more days there it was so interesting.

Originally Posted by tzone

Any idea what those red mushrooms are yet Dave? Neat looking shrooms, but beyond what I'd eat.

I've seen those red mushrooms around our camp. I'll have to check those areas out for grouse.

I'll have to get a possitive ID on those buds they are eating too. Looks like something I've seen in the tag alders before but I'm not possitive about that.

The birds I shot last weekend had clover the tips of princess pines, and the buds from what looked like birch trees. I wasn't too sure on the buds though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll have to get a possitive ID on those buds they are eating too. Looks like something I've seen in the tag alders before but I'm not possitive about that.

I usually have my best luck hunting the tag alders. Tough walking and shooting, but it usually pays off.

Also look for bushes with a small red berry on them (Not a High Bush Cranberry). I find a lot of these when there available in the birds crops. We call them Jerry Berries, because it was a old friend named Jerry that discovered that grouse had a liking for them. Now I'm getting the itch to get the old Browning BSS 20 gauge out and reduce the grouse numbers a bit.

Glad you had a good trip Bill.

Well Jeremy just got home from picking up his new toys. It is just what everyone needs. 2 forklifts.

Looks like a lot of forkin around going on there.

Just got in from taking the kiddo's to the bus stop and there is plenty of frost on the old pumpkin today. It's down right chilly out.

I gotta toughen up. Only 3 weeks till deer season! actually, it's 22 days but who's counting.

Well, i think i will give her the choice between the 30/30 and the 25.06. the thing with the 25.06 is got a lot more distance chance with that one. Out at the deer stands last night and checking the camera, we had deer all over around us. we left the woods on the Electric Ranger and heard what sounded like a gun shot out a car window, upon further investigation they hit a nice buck. Only had half the rack, hoping to find the other half today that got busted off. a good 6 pnt on the side i got, checked my card this morning, the bugger been hanging out around my stand too. Wishing the daughter could have got him, rather than be road kill!

that sucks! so close to season too. I saw another deer hit on the road last night, it was a fawn. not pretty after a hundred trucks run over it. with all these deer being hit, at least around here I reckon its an indication of good numbers. hopefully anyway. I'd sure like to see Kendra get a nice fat doe. seein more ducks and geese flying, fall is definitely in full swing!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Glad you had a good trip Bill.

Well Jeremy just got home from picking up his new toys. It is just what everyone needs. 2 forklifts.

Smart man, he knows you can't have fork lift races with just one fork lift.

Those are portable tree stands.

Just stick a pallet over the forks and raise her up.

Presto!

Just need better tires to get out in the woods.

Checked Dusty's trail cam at home. Plenty of deer traffic through there, all does & fawns from what I could see for sure.

No bear, no wolf, no coyote. Got a couple of pictures of someone's dog strolling through.

So, not sure if it wandered in from a neighboring cabin or?

Medium largish dog, long red hair, white on the tail.

I'll put the card back in dusty's cam tonight. I'm going to move my cam to swamp buck land, see if I can get a picture of a decent buck.

That Jeremy is sure a thoughtful guy. His and hers forklifts, priceless.

I think he maybe got one for you dave? You need a lift for your shop. Well, found the other half the rack today now, another 7pnts on that side. may be able to do a european mount with this bugger....

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That Jeremy is sure a thoughtful guy. His and hers forklifts, priceless.

Thats what I thought too. He is going to sell the bigger one and keep the small one. Don't know why we really need it, he has pallet forks for the skidsteer. I thought for sure he was going to bring a combine home. He thinks he really needs one of those. He is going to plant corn and he needs one to farm our 1 acre field.

You have that big ol shed...an man needs his toys.

you on you way up to chickenbuck Tzone? Nice evening in the forest i hear tongiht!

I'll be out there with my 2 body guards. probably tonight & tomorrow night.

perfect. i'll bring my pet dog! maybe see you after dark thirty

I'm not coming up until deer season Buschy. I'm headed to Duluth early to fix up some stands up there and hope to knock some feathers loose before I have to go to a wedding in the afternoon.

Don't these people know it's hunting season?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

perfect. i'll bring my pet dog! maybe see you after dark thirty

aryte! laterz!

Heading to camp in a few here.

Talk to you all Monday or so. Have a good weekend!

Have fun !! Make sure you take plenty of smart juice with you

Oh there is never a shortage of smart juice up there.

I figured that !!

lol

So, when are you going to do a feature film up there? Something like "Chickenbuck in da Moonlight"

? It oughta be at least as good and funnier than Jeff Daniel's "Escanaba in da Moonlight"

.

I passed my copy around the shop, and the local boys didn't much like it, they don't get the whole "Deer Camp" thing that you Northerners have going on. Too regional for them, they don't quite think that way you Yankees do.

I'm sorta with them, I don't get 'ice fishing' when it's -40, but hey, you're just making the best outa what you got. I can understand that, and applaud it.

In case you've missed the Jeff Daniels movie, go get it, quick like, it's funnier than it needs to be.

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

So, when are you going to do a feature film up there? Something like "Chickenbuck in da Moonlight"

? It oughta be at least as good and funnier than Jeff Daniel's "Escanaba in da Moonlight"

.

I passed my copy around the shop, and the local boys didn't much like it, they don't get the whole "Deer Camp" thing that you Northerners have going on. Too regional for them, they don't quite think that way you Yankees do.

I'm sorta with them, I don't get 'ice fishing' when it's -40, but hey, you're just making the best outa what you got. I can understand that, and applaud it.

In case you've missed the Jeff Daniels movie, go get it, quick like, it's funnier than it needs to be.

Have you ever been ice fishing ? I enjoy it myself sitting in the shack with the heat on and putting down a few cans of smart juice

Plus you get to catch fish sometimes too ! LOL

Deer camps aren't a northern thing.They are all over.Some of the best memories I have are from 35 or so years ago in a deer camp in Georgia.

Stan in SC

I can hear Uncle Dusty now; "Chebby took a chit".

The movie had a lot of funny stuff in it, but than it got just plain strange ala Twin Peaks.

Spent a wonderful cool morning in da woods by myself fixing up an old deer stand. It was very peaceful. Saw a doe and a fawn being chased by a spiker. I'd be willig to bet it was the same one I saw a few weeks ago. Little guy, 120# or less.

It was all fun until I blew my back out again. Then it was still fun, it just was painful fun.

Here's the work horse of the day hauling the gear.
[Linked Image]

Here's how it looked when I got there.
[Linked Image]

bout 1/2way done
[Linked Image]

Here's a couple finished shots. Finished for this year anyway.
[Linked Image]

This is the type of stand you hunt your way to. You are just as likely to shoot a buck on your way there as you are when you're in it. Lots of sign on the 1/2 mile walk in. I took the wheeler there to carry all the stuff, but plan to leave it at the truck durring the season. Not hard walking at all, but man is there sign.

Here's a few from the tree stand.

Looking south east.
[Linked Image]

Looking east
[Linked Image]

northwest

south

Here is a shot from the ground looking northwest. It's a lot thicker than it looks from the tree.
[Linked Image]

Later this winter or next year, I'm going to put on a roof. I have enough timber there, just ran out of time to do it.

Here's the trail going in. Stand is about 1/4 mile from here.
[Linked Image]

Old logging road going into hunting area.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/014-1.jpg[/img]

Took the swede out to the range Saturday to test out some loads. I was not having my best day but did find a load that shot well. I had 2 touching then blew the 3rd shot. Oh well, a deer won't know the difference.

That's good. Were you shooting the 140's?

Originally Posted by kinser

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

So, when are you going to do a feature film up there? Something like "Chickenbuck in da Moonlight"

? It oughta be at least as good and funnier than Jeff Daniel's "Escanaba in da Moonlight"

.

I passed my copy around the shop, and the local boys didn't much like it, they don't get the whole "Deer Camp" thing that you Northerners have going on. Too regional for them, they don't quite think that way you Yankees do.

I'm sorta with them, I don't get 'ice fishing' when it's -40, but hey, you're just making the best outa what you got. I can understand that, and applaud it.

In case you've missed the Jeff Daniels movie, go get it, quick like, it's funnier than it needs to be.

Have you ever been ice fishing ? I enjoy it myself sitting in the shack with the heat on and putting down a few cans of smart juice

Plus you get to catch fish sometimes too ! LOL

Nope, we can't do ice fishing here in Kentucky, or northern Missouri, where I grew up, either. Ice doesn't get thick enough for my fat butt to get out on it, no friggin' way. It just doesn't get cold enough, for long enough, for that to happen.

The last few years, we could deer hunt in tennis shoes if we wanted to do so, and some of us did. It just doesn't get that cold (although, to hear the local folks, it's bitterly cold at +15, let alone 0.
I still deer hunt in MO, as I have a lot of family there, but even in MO, it's been awfully warm the last few years. Easy to sit, but too warm, nonetheless.
Doesn't look too promising for this year, either, here it is mid-October, and no frost here yet. We might have to use DEET in November if it doesn't cool off.

Yep, it was the 140's. Looks like the Hornady SST's will get the nod over the Sierras.

Word here is that the ticks are still pretty bad.

We got the one side of the cabin shingled. The other side will get done next year. Jeremy and his buddy who has his own construction company were there early Saturday morning. CBF and Shane showed up a little later. I was the gopher. They had it all done by 2:00. Them guys did a great job. Me and dad got the pontoon out of the lake this morning. It was a good weekend.

Still have a few fall chores to do. A couple of windows that we wait as late as we can on and cleaning the gutters. Have to wait for mother nature to finish dropping leaves.

Well we had a good weekend. I can't believe I forgot to take "after " pictures of the road. I got it fixed up pretty nice except for the first water hole.

Boy it is a really good ruff grouse year.

[Linked Image]

I think we put 5 birds into a hearty timber chicken soup Sat night. Then we got 4 more today. One that we got today we actually took away from a hawk.

Ruined his day!

Way more guns than I needed to bring, as usual.

[Linked Image]

Buschy & les came out to visit us Friday night, real fun visit. And we got some company Saturday night too, nice bonfire & everything. It's cool enough to burn the wood stove at night now too.

[Linked Image]

We fixed the road, fixed up a couple deer stands, did some bird hunting, great weekend.

Well, sometimes little boys don't have fun though, sometimes they pout and get mad & walk away.

[Linked Image]

But they don't stay cranky for long.

[Linked Image]

Shooting at a squirrel.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5210.jpg[/img]

Weezy & I fixed up her stand a little with some spray paint.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5199.jpg[/img]

Wow, page #1,000.

Looks like it was a good weekend at Chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

Originally Posted by kinser

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

So, when are you going to do a feature film up there? Something like "Chickenbuck in da Moonlight"

? It oughta be at least as good and funnier than Jeff Daniel's "Escanaba in da Moonlight"

.

I passed my copy around the shop, and the local boys didn't much like it, they don't get the whole "Deer Camp" thing that you Northerners have going on. Too regional for them, they don't quite think that way you Yankees do.

I'm sorta with them, I don't get 'ice fishing' when it's -40, but hey, you're just making the best outa what you got. I can understand that, and applaud it.
I hear you ! I just live about 80 miles north of Louisville. We had a pretty decent frost here Friday night so hopefully it will be colder this year for deer season.
In case you've missed the Jeff Daniels movie, go get it, quick like, it's funnier than it needs to be.

Have you ever been ice fishing ? I enjoy it myself sitting in the shack with the heat on and putting down a few cans of smart juice

Plus you get to catch fish sometimes too ! LOL

Nope, we can't do ice fishing here in Kentucky, or northern Missouri, where I grew up, either. Ice doesn't get thick enough for my fat butt to get out on it, no friggin' way. It just doesn't get cold enough, for long enough, for that to happen.

The last few years, we could deer hunt in tennis shoes if we wanted to do so, and some of us did. It just doesn't get that cold (although, to hear the local folks, it's bitterly cold at +15, let alone 0.
I still deer hunt in MO, as I have a lot of family there, but even in MO, it's been awfully warm the last few years. Easy to sit, but too warm, nonetheless.
Doesn't look too promising for this year, either, here it is mid-October, and no frost here yet. We might have to use DEET in November if it doesn't cool off.

What kind of Savage are you shooting there ? 17 ?

Looks good dave. Are you guys getting all those birds right around the camp? You're really putting a dent in them.

I just have the two from last weekend. I had a chance at one yesterday but didn't connect. One flew out of the roost on my way down the logging road and but flew too far for me to go chasing after.

I'm beat, I'm going to have a bowl of fresh apple crisp, watch a little football, and go to bed.

Yeah it's a savage, 17HMR. I shot 2 of the weekend birds from the cabin porch

Looking out the kitchen window and spotted them out in the "yard"

Pretty funny!

They didn't fly into the cabin this time?

I'm so excited, we are going to the Vikings game December 5th. Sixth row seats. Can't wait, I have never been to a Vikes game.

Did they win today ?

Yeah they won. 24-21

Missy, we got a free bird from a hawk today. He was flying out in front of us as we were driving out in the forest. He had a grouse & he was having a hard time flying with the grouse. He landed on the road & we drove up and scared him off. The bird was a fresh kill, so I cleaned him and threw him in the cooler with the others.

Yep.

Originally Posted by Muffy

They didn't fly into the cabin this time?

I'm so excited, we are going to the Vikings game December 5th. Sixth row seats. Can't wait, I have never been to a Vikes game.

I was gonna say we could car pool, but I'm going the next weekend. If you liked the Twins game, you'll love the Vikes. Get ready....it's loud!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah they won. 24-21

Missy, we got a free bird from a hawk today. He was flying out in front of us as we were driving out in the forest. He had a grouse & he was having a hard time flying with the grouse. He landed on the road & we drove up and scared him off. The bird was a fresh kill, so I cleaned him and threw him in the cooler with the others.

That is just too funny!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah they won. 24-21

Missy, we got a free bird from a hawk today. He was flying out in front of us as we were driving out in the forest. He had a grouse & he was having a hard time flying with the grouse. He landed on the road & we drove up and scared him off. The bird was a fresh kill, so I cleaned him and threw him in the cooler with the others.

That is just too funny!

Funny, yes. Surprising? Not even a little bit.

I'm just surprised you let the hawk go, musta been feeling charitable huh Dave?

you have some interesting ways of getting game, I always say I'd rather be lucky than good, I guess a guy can be a bit of both.

Hey Ryan! Are you taking the woman out for the antlerless season next week?

I was going to head to chickenbuck, but I have to help my FIL with some yard work he can't do. (heart issues) I hope I can do it, because I wrecked my back again on Saturday. Everything was fine, then I stepped into an un-seen hole and it went south from there.

What a great weekend really. I haven't made my annual swamp traverse with the mower yet but I need to give it a try soon. I like having that mowed path across the swamp because then if it gets to freeze temps at night the path freezes up really nice, way better than trying to walk left or right of the path, it really helps to let that cold air in with a mowed path. Makes it nice to get to that stand where Pam shot her spike buck last year.

I don't think the deer numbers are very good out around camp but that will hopefully change as it starts to cool off and now that the crops are off the fields that will help us some too. They seem to winter deeper into the forest once the crops are off and the temps cool off.

ya know I didn't think of that, but its a great idea!
I think I will take her if its open around here, I'll look into it. it will give me something to do in soils class today

Beet season ended for me saturday at 2am. in 2 weeks I logged 112 hours in the truck with 4 days we were shut down. I got caught up on my sleep and am looking forward to that paycheck! unfortunately its already spent

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah it's a savage, 17HMR. I shot 2 of the weekend birds from the cabin porch

Looking out the kitchen window and spotted them out in the "yard"

Pretty funny!

Dave, does that 17 damage a lot of meat or are you doing head shots?

Are you seeing any buck sign yet dave? I saw a new rub at that spot north of Duluth, that wasn't there last week, but that was it. I also didn't look real hard.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah it's a savage, 17HMR. I shot 2 of the weekend birds from the cabin porch

Looking out the kitchen window and spotted them out in the "yard"

Pretty funny!

Dave, does that 17 damage a lot of meat or are you doing head shots?

I can shoot bottle caps with that 17 so I do need to start taking head shots. I shot 2 in the body & the bullets I have for it right now are the 20 grain hollow points which litterally explode on impact

it's a hell of a feather show when you hit with that little bugger but sadly it doesn't just poke a pencil hole like a round nose rimfire

Not good.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are you seeing any buck sign yet dave? I saw a new rub at that spot north of Duluth, that wasn't there last week, but that was it. I also didn't look real hard.

No buck sign Tom, we went for a walk yesterday checking ground blinds and some of the trails that are normally littered with scrapes & rubs during rut and there is no sign of any of that yet.

I don't think we're in the area where she can do the early doe season unfortunately, we'll be in 261

hey dave, my buddy has a do it yourself kit for drilling wells, all it requires is an air compressor and some water to move the materials. I think he's pretty well done with his project and I bet he'd part with it pretty cheap if you want to do a well at the camp. I might be able to get him to just loan it to us. he drilled his himself for about 500 bucks IIRC. just a thought

A friend of mine had one that used water and it had a power head like an ice fishing auger. That one was pretty slick. I think I'm going to raise ours some & see if I can get some flow out of it. If not I'll auger down a peice of 4" pvc pipe with 1/8" holes drilled in it for capacity & we'll just pump out of that.

his uses a pneumatic drill, the exhaust mixes with water and gets suctioned out the pipe that houses the drill. pretty slick. he has all the stuff, including some extra PVC. as far as I know he's done drilling after this project. it also uses an air eductor that can suck out rocks the size of golf balls like nothing

Wow, that does sound like a neat rig.

its really slick, pretty cool to run too. we ran into a catch 22, there was so much flowage in the vein we found on the beach ridge that it kept washing gravel and rock into the the bottom of the drill case, we took out a couple of yards of material and moved only a foot, so he has to find another location that allows us to go deeper to get the well case into without filling back in. but that rig was spitting gravel and rock like it was angry. had a settling tank to recycle the water back into the case.

That sounds like a mini version of what we sometimes use to drill "augered piling" for bridges.

I just found CCI 20 gr FMJ on CCI's website. I'll have to look for those. They would be much more better for grouse.

I finally have been home long enough to post a picture of my new scope. Not the best picture though.

[Linked Image]

Looks like a deer whackin' machine to me.

looks like that'll work!

I think it is going to be great. I brought it into the woods, lifted up my rifle and everything was so clear. I didn't have to fight with trying to focus in on something like I did with my other one. We are going to the shooting range by Twin Valley to sight it in one day.

better hurry if yer gonna be ready for early antlerless...

That is the 23rd & 24th right? Can't make it, it is the girls Mall of America shopping weekend.

Silly me, what ever was I thinking

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Silly me, what ever was I thinking

You can't get between them wimmin and the MOA. ROR.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I finally have been home long enough to post a picture of my new scope. Not the best picture though.

[Linked Image]

What caliber is the Browning Muffy?

Stopped at the gunsmith this morning to pick up a pound of powder for the Swede. Scott showed me the Kimber 84 in 308 that he won at the Friends of the NRA raffle this past weekend. Wow! His mother won a Kimber 45 auto that night too. Some people have all the luck. I could have had all but 2 tickets and guess which ones would win.

mmmmm, Kimbers.

I like them, had one in .308 that didn't shoot the best, but in hindsite, it wasn't horrible either. Nuther one a guy should have kept I suppose. I'd like to shoot a kimber Montana. Preferably one in .338 fed, then I would like the person that lets me shoot it, to sell it to me increadibly cheap.

Please mow that path in the swamp Dave. It always makes for an interesting story. I'll even come along for the rescue mission if you want.

White Bear

Well, maybe I should head out there tonight then.

I'll bring the .450 marlin for the swamp squid.

Git yer big chain and a dozer ready white bear. Yer gonna need it.

all together now... "mow that trail, mow that trail"

If it's bad enough to bring the big dozer, I'm just gonna push him a ditch & save him from all of his water issues! Shhhh.... Don't tell the DNR.
I mightcould find some more interesting toys to bring on a rescue mission tho....
Now go sink Lil Blue, Dave!!!!

White Bear

Bring that mud truck in there. Make for a good story at least.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Muffy

I finally have been home long enough to post a picture of my new scope. Not the best picture though.

[Linked Image]

What caliber is the Browning Muffy?

Stopped at the gunsmith this morning to pick up a pound of powder for the Swede. Scott showed me the Kimber 84 in 308 that he won at the Friends of the NRA raffle this past weekend. Wow! His mother won a Kimber 45 auto that night too. Some people have all the luck. I could have had all but 2 tickets and guess which ones would win.

It is a 270. I really like the gun. Jeremy bought it for me when I first started hunting about 10 years ago.

I know what you mean about some people having all the luck. My dad won a gun at our snowmobile club raffle about 4 years ago. And he (well mom) won a 20 ga. about a month ago. I never win.

I never win either, nice lookin scope though! makes a huge difference when its nice and clear and bright.

have you looked through it under low light, like at dusk or early morning? thats where you'll really appreciate it!

I couldn't get out there. I really can't during the week now. The bigger kids are both in sports and the little guy rides the bus home. I have to be home for him when he comes off the bus and if it's a mild adventure me & the little guy head out but swamp mowing isn't something I can do with the little guy.

But I'm sure he would tell you what to do and how to do it.

If you had any problems, I'm sure he would have the tool to fix it.

Yeah, and he wouldn't be afraid.

Huge pot of elk stew on the stove, where the heck is my family? Supper is done!!

2 days before the big youth Hunt. So many deer, so many choices. It should be alot of fun the first time out with the daughter. she's already making bets with her friends on who gets the big deer. gotta love it!!

That is cool. Hope she gets one so she has bragging rights.

I hope she gets the braggin rights. Which gun did you decied on Buschy?

had an early morning lab outdoors for wildlife ecology, saw 9 deer including a little 6 pointer. snapped a pic with my cell phone of a doe that was about 18-20 feet away from me, pretty cool! too bad its off limits to hunt!

she'll be using the 25.06. shot it sunday and actually did very well. too bad the 14pntr got hit by the car the other night. now i just got the horns and a picture off my camera to look at of that one.

sounds like a perfect rifle for her, my Ma killed her mulie with a 25-06 last fall, DRT.

What a windy day. I was going to go bow hunting this afternoon, but the wind is blowing in a bad direction.

its horrible up here! feels like its 50 mph

We always seem to get one big blow day at the end of october. Ma nature getting the leaves down I guess. Now we need frost and snow.

Just a bit of tracking snow though, then it can melt.

Wind isn't too bad over here today. They were predicting high winds but it hasn't happened. Light rain falling. Weather man said we might see some snow flurries early next week.

Wind is really whippin here now. I'd guess 20-30 at times.

I'm heading your way tonight Bill. I dont know what we're doing tomorrow, but I'm going to try to get some range time in.

According to the wife I'm baking Halloween cookies.

I call BS on that one. I've seen you...you're EATING Halloween cookies.

I helped out at school today in the little guy's K class. It was fun. I was in charge of making apple sauce with 20 Kindergarteners. It even tasted good.

Talk to you soon.

I was on my way home from DL, and right in town on Hwy. 10 someone must have hit a deer. I hope it was a deer, there was blood sprayed all over both the east bound lanes.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I was on my way home from DL, and right in town on Hwy. 10 someone must have hit a deer. I hope it was a deer, there was blood sprayed all over both the east bound lanes.

DL as in Detroit Lakes? My cabin is on Big Pine by Perham and NY Mills. I wish I was up there right now.....

Yep. I live only about 10 miles SE of Detroit Lakes. We used to have our fish house on Big Pine. Till about 4 years ago. We put it on Lake 7 since it is only about 1/2 mile from our house. We caught lotsa fish and drank many beers on Big Pine.

Good morning all.

I saw a dandy buck in the headlights on the way to work this morning. Deer hunter mode is kicking in.

Originally Posted by tzone

I call BS on that one. I've seen you...you're EATING Halloween cookies.

I helped out at school today in the little guy's K class. It was fun. I was in charge of making apple sauce with 20 Kindergarteners. It even tasted good.

Talk to you soon.

You be mistaken, I can mutitask. Bake and eat at the same time.

Weather lady said there was some snow mixed in with rain last night up in the NE cornor of the state.

Couple more hours and i'll be sitting in the deer stand with my daughter, got the camera with and hoping to see some bucks tonight!!

Good luck man, I hope The boy and I can head to camp tonight and hunt all day tomorrow but I'm playing it by ear for now.

Best of luck to the young lady.

tick tock, tick tock!

Wow. I had 9 pages to catch up on. Dang work gettin in the way of my fire time has gots to stop!

Well, took the day off yesterday and took my two dogs out pheasant hunting. One is my pride and joy. I call her my baby girl dog. Her hame is Rooster. (Hence my handle on the fire)

I can explain why she's named that if anyone is interested.

She's a 5 year old pure bred pointing lab and my pup is an 8 month old 1/2 llewellin setter 1/2 choclate lab. He's a very good boy too and I credit Rooster for raising him with good mannerisms and smarts. I have not had any time this summer to work with that pup or train it for bird hunting but last weekend on opener he went for the first time and was amazing. Just a natural. I couldn't be more pleased with how he works a CRP field along with my baby girl dog. Just a beautiful thing to watch.

Anyway, I hit one spot and flushed nothing but hens so decided to move on to another spot. The dogs found a deep mud hole near the truck and decided to cool off in it so now they were going to have to ride in the back. I gave it several second thoughts because I know what young dogs like to do when riding in the back of trucks. Then I thought, well he won't jump out as long as Rooster stays in.

That way of thinking has cost me dearly. I was enroute to the spot I was going to hunt. The dogs were riding fine in the back. All of a sudden I hear a YELP YELP YELP. My pup must have caught a scent and dove over the side. I was going between 35 and 40 mph. He went ass over tea cups and crawled, wounded into the ditch. I got back to him and he was crying out in pain. I managed to get him into the back seat and headed straight to the vet.

He has a dislocated right rear hip and the joint is also fractured into pieces. The vet gave me 3 options. $1,100 surgery that may or may not work. Let it heal on its own and risk him losing the use of his leg and the arthritis that will inevitably set in or put him down. Well through lots of tears, we braced the kids for the worst last night. The wife and I went to work this morning with the sick feeling in our stomachs of what we were going to have to do.

I had a long meeting this morning at work so Karen was going to have to be the one that called the vet to let him know our decision.

All through that meeting I just knew when I got out that I was going to have an email that my little buddy was gone. Sick, sick feeling.

BUT she couldn't do it! She went and got him and he is home and comfortable on his pain meds. We are no where near out of the woods but he is alive and with us! And if he can't ever hunt again so be it! He deserves the chance to heal and be a part of our family and I'm so glad that he did not get the deadly needle!

Damn Jim, That's terrible. Really sorry to hear that. Every labe we've had has taken one leap from the back of the moving truck, they only do it once. We have been lucky, never had an injured dog from it but gus our current lab certainly should have died in a spill he took once. He lept from the top of an aluminum truck toolbox behind the cab as we traveled at about 55, deep ditch too, lots of rolling.

Damn, I hope that pup heals up good & quick.

That's a rough one Rooster. Sure hope everything turns out ok.

Thanks guys. It is rough. Dave, you're right. They only do it once. Rooster did it once when she was a pup too. She didn't get hurt. Unfortuantely this one has the head of a lab and the body of a setter. Long legs and slender hips. Maybe that contributed to the break and dislocation.

Waylon's dog jumped out of his truck when he was going 60 mph down the hi-way. He just lost a bunch of hide but healed up quick and was no worse for wear. The labs are a tough breed.

I truly hope the pup (Oliver) can heal so he has function in that leg. His potential as an upland bird hunter knew no bounds. But like I said if he can lead a good life as a lap dog, he deserves that too. He didn't put himself in the back of my truck.

You got a good plan Jim.

Don't beat yourself up looking backwards like that, it doesn't help anything, just makes you feel worse.

Jim,

Sorry to hear about your pup. My dog tried the same thing and I saw what she was doing and slowed down enough to get her to stop. We are not very far from losing her now either. She's in rough shape. I had her at the vet last friday, and we have some stuff to go over about her as well. It's tough.

Thing is, didn't think it would be hard. But dang it when I was at the vet listening to her talk, I was choked up. That's been our family dog for almost 11 years. I know what's coming though...

I hope that pup heals up right Jim. Even if he doesn't get to hunt, he'll still make a great family member.

sorry to hear about your pup, my last dog Cody did it twice, within an hour. stupid dog, trying to chase antelope while out on the ranch I was working on. no idea why he did it, the first or second. luckily he wasn't hurt. got killed a year later by a car. he was the smartest dog that would sure do some dumshit sometimes

Sorry to hear about your puppy Rooster. I almost quit reading it at the YELP YELP part. There is nothing worse than making the decision to put a dog down.

Leaving for the girls Mall of America shopping trip in the morning.

Thanks everyone.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog as well Tom. Is she sick? Its funny how attached you get to those darn critters...

I was never allowed to have a dog growing up and was always taught you can't have a dog in town to be tied up because its not fair to them. So when we moved to the country, I was looking for a dog before we were even done moving in. So therefore, I have not ever had to make a decision like this before.

You really don't know how much they mean to the family until you tell your kids that their buddy might not be coming home.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You got a good plan Jim.

Don't beat yourself up looking backwards like that, it doesn't help anything, just makes you feel worse.

Good advice my friend.

Heading to the woods with runswithscissors for the youth hunt.

laterz.

Have fun at the Mall of America Muffy!

If you get bored shopping with the ladies, you could always dawn some camo and hide in the plastic plants by one of the fountains.

Then fake draw on the larger, sweat pant wearing, female hippos coming in to the water hole. Pick a spot. A small spot and let 'er rip. Imagine the herd grunting and scattering in all directions, trampeling mimes and transvestites. Meanwhile, your quarry staggers and looks back towards the water hole. Slowly swaying back and forth. The sugar cone and giant pretzel slowly plop to the floor. You whisper she's down. YES! She's down!

Strange? Some might think so. But a good way to pass the time until the others are done sampling perfume and trying on clothes they have no intention of buying.

Good luck you two and stay safe!

Get a bigun RWS.

does it start today because of MEA weekend? it must.

Good luck RWS!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Thanks everyone.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog as well Tom. Is she sick? Its

Yeah, but we're not sure with what, totally yet. She has a tick born disease that we're treating. She could possibly also have cancer, that is a worst case scenario though. We have to do some x-rays in the near future and see what else is going on. That will happen when her meds for the tic stuff run out. In a couple weeks.

Good luck to the youts on the youth hunt this weekend, and the big kids who are after the baldies.

Originally Posted by tzone

Good luck to the youts on the youth hunt this weekend, and the big kids who are after the baldies.

"Excuse me? Did you say....YOUTS???

Originally Posted by tzone

Good luck to the youts on the youth hunt this weekend, and the big kids who are after the baldies.

Tom, I leave you alone for an hour and you turn on a Joe Peshi movie.

That is TOTALLY what I was thinking of when I wrote that. Yous guys are kwick.

I love that movie.

Well dudes, Grizzly Bill came over to my father in laws today and helped us split a bunch of punky old oak for the fire place.

And yes, he was wearing the Chickenbuck hat. Between the loads of BS that were dealt, we got some work done. I was sitting out by the camp fire for awhile this afternoon and dang near fell asleep it's so nice out. Walked behind the house here and found 4 buck rubs. things are starting to move.

I got a text from Dave a few hours ago and nothing has hit the ground yet at camp.

Tough hunting in this nice weather.

Finally remembered the name of the movie, "My Cousin Vinny".

Looks like today is the beginning if 6 days of rain. Might see some snow flurries Thursday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Finally remembered the name of the movie, "My Cousin Vinny".

Looks kike today is the beginning if 6 days of rain. Might see some snow flurries Thursday.

Ya know and don't get me wrong because I love fall but where DID the summer go? It seems like every year just flies by faster and faster.

Hate to tell this to ya Rooster, but it gets worse the older you get.

Bill,

on our way to Eau Claire today, we saw a HUGE bear dead on the side of the road about a 1/4 mile east of Stanley. It was a brown phase too.

Interesting Tom. I've not seen a brown phase here in WI, only black. I did see a neat little cinnamon up in Canada years ago and a blond one in Idaho.

Been raining here since yesterday and is supposed to continue all day. I think I'll work on the lanterns for camp today.

its felt like weather moving in the last day or so, I wonder if we're gonna get a little shot of rain or the "S" word. I guess we'll see.

the one and only bear I have ever shot was a brown phase, with 2 white patches on his throat, unfortunately those were cut off when the rug was made. still a really deep brown, like chocolate syrup. I'll probably never shoot another one, this one was a 6-7 year old bruin from the mountains of Colorado, and he tasted very strong!

No "S" word around here. It's too warm. I'm heading to my hunting area north of Duluth on Tuesday to do a little scouting with my BIL. We plan to do a scout/bird hunt but the forecast is for rain all day. I hope it's light rain.

Weather man here says we may get some snow by Halloween though. I could like that a lot. I'd like a bit of snow the Thrusday before season that sticks for about 2 weeks.

I'm going up to chickenbuck on the second weekend, but it'll be a short trip. I'll leave here early on Friday morning, like 3 or 4. that should put me up there in time to hunt for a good part of the day until the crew gets there.

I have a meeting with the fire dept. here to become a FF. I went to school for that long, long ago when I was a wee pup. Heck I was just a 18 yo kid. Never followed through with it, but this seems like a good oppertunity.

Anybody hear from berettaman? He should be back from his elk hunt now. I hope they whacked some wapati.

I was thinkin the same thing, haven't heard from deer camp either, I hope they whacked a few!

got a text from my ma, no elk as of yet, she saw a big buck last night, hopefully my sis in law gets a crack at him

No deer at camp as of last night. it's pretty warm and the rut hasn't started yet. Not really a lot of reason for them to move around durring the day. This rainy weather might help a bit.

Originally Posted by tzone

No "S" word around here. It's too warm. I'm heading to my hunting area north of Duluth on Tuesday to do a little scouting with my BIL. We plan to do a scout/bird hunt but the forecast is for rain all day. I hope it's light rain.

Weather man here says we may get some snow by Halloween though. I could like that a lot. I'd like a bit of snow the Thrusday before season that sticks for about 2 weeks.

Supposed to be a big front coming in from the Pacific NW on Tuesday. Lots of rain and very high winds. They're talking wind gusts up to 50 MPH. Should be coming thru the Mnpls area too.

Great.

Update: We now have a high wind warning for most of the state Beginning Tuesday and into Wednesday AM. Heavy rain Tueday night with falling temps. Good chance of seeing SNOW Wednesday!

then I'm sure we'll get it up here

Boy, our news here says temps in the mid to high 50's. Rain of course.

there wernt no stinkin deer out there but we had a good weekend anyways. We even made it up to buschpilot's camp (finally)

really neat place. I'll post some pictures later today when I get home from work.

sorry to hear no one got a deer, same story rfom my folks with elk/deer/bear camp in colorado

I opend the deck door this morning to find this guy in my back yard.

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It's a tall 6. the Flash did something goofy on his eyes but it's nice buck. I'm thinking he had a little rut in him, because he sure didn't care what I was doing.

Starting to get the juices flowing.

Just not moving eh? Maybe there isn't many up there this year with all the shooting the DNR has been having the hunters do the last few years.

nice little buck Tom, you can hunt from your deck

I don't want to shoot him. Just watch. I like that the deer are in my yard.

It was an easly 15 yd bow shot though.

taking one with a bow wouldn't spook them away

I would probably take one, but I need meat in the worst way I'm almost out of venison from last year

Lots of deer around...I don't need to shoot the ones in my yard. That's not my thing.

I'll shoot a doe up north for some venni.

dangit! Seems my deer season cold has started againg this year. That is about 5 years in a row.

Hopefully it will be gone by next week.

T that was about the size of the buck I had come through when I was bowhunting on Saturday night. Rack looks similar. I couldn't see the head gear on the second one very good because he stayed in some thick stuff in the river bottom.

If I was bowhunting, I'd a shot at him. I've never shot a buck with my bow.

I have to say, the route he took out of the yard....He wouldn't have died in anyone's yard. just sayin'.

something to keep in mind anyway

Quick photo update

Breakfast, take note of the dark brown cabinetes, missing cabinet door etc, I'll come back to that.

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pancake eating contest.

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here You can see the cabinets are getting a facelift.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5254.jpg[/img]

Painting the doors outside

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Painted the door too.

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Brightened it up a little.

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Did some shooting over the hood of the old truck, 100 yds witht he .308

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Not bad for an old lever action.

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we visited Buschpilot's camp too, very cool.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5263.jpg[/img]

Check out this stove, wow!!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5266.jpg[/img]

I don't know what to make of this

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5267.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

something to keep in mind anyway

Actually, I followed the way he went a bit ago. No way I'm shooting one. It's way, way more open now and who knows where they would go. It's just not my deal.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey kid, yer in my spot.

Wow. That paint reallly did brighten it up in there. all the "Chickenbuck wear" looks great too. I'll have to order some more when it's time.

Next week, oven installation.

Dave,I have seen those little metal men before.You stick a weiner on the uh uh protruding part and set him on the grill the heat cooks the weiner inside and outside.Looks kinda funny when they are "loaded".Strickly a guy thing.
I also shoot a .308.Mine is a Remington Model 7 which I have had since 1992.Have you ever tried the Hornady "Light Magnum" loads?165 grain.I like them.

Stan in SC

Wow the cabinets and the door look great. That will really brighten it up in there.

heck yeah those cabinets look awesome!
how is the sand point coming? were you ever able to blow it out?
it rained to beat the band down here all night, I suppose it could be the big soak we usually get before things freeze.

Big snow coming the way it sounds.

I fly out for Indianapolis tomorrow morning too. Last minute trip, not super excited about it. Work stuff.

the cabinets look even better in daylight Pam. We had fun with you all the other evening, any deer out there. My daughter missed on a spike sunday evening, the deer was facing us so i know it was a hard shot, not alot of body to shoot at, and i usually wouldnt let her chance it but she was pretty excited about seeing on. We still got the regular season coming so we should be fine. it'll make me more picky i think at what i shoot now, have her shoot a doe maybe. lots of them around us. 10 days to go!!

Rained all night here and we're getting the high winds that they talked about. Temps will be dropping all day and we still have flurries in the forecast for Wed & Thurs.

Cabinets looking good.

Crap, flight change due to weather we decided to head for Indy a day early. Flying out today. Talk to you all Friday or so. Have a good week.

take care, enjoy the trip, if you can.

Oh man, the weather up here is crappy. Windy with rain that turned to snow about 2 hours ago. Brrr!

not snow up here yet, sure is nasty out though. keepin my fingers crossed that it doesn't freeze and leave me wit ha skating rink to drive on tomorrow morning

This weather is somethin else. It rained sideways all day. Wind out of the west/northwest. I heard on the radio on the way home the wind was 60 mph at times. Its snowing now and the wind is not letting up.

The football God's must be very angry that the Packers beat the Vikings on a bunch of trumped up calls and the 'ol geezer throwing pics.

I actually thought about going out with the bow after work to see if anything was moving but then got the vision of my arrow coming out of the bow and ending up stuck in Tzones siding. He's about 250 miles east.

Have a safe journey Dave!

yeah its bad up here, I think its snowing/sleeting but it could be the wind is just swirling the rain. its nasty out anyway

Snowing here now. We hit a bunch of sleet and freezing rain on the way home from Duluth last nigh.

It was a miserable trip. I was sick before we left and should have stayed home. But being bull headed, I didn't. It never stopped raining and we got soaked. We brought a change of clothes and needed it. We were soaked to the bone, I'm sure I had the early stages of hypothermia. I couldn't get warm until last night.

We did get the rest of the deer stands fixed, and found a pretty decent spot and built one more. my BIL even shot a grouse in that crap.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I actually thought about going out with the bow after work to see if anything was moving but then got the vision of my arrow coming out of the bow and ending up stuck in Tzones siding. He's about 250 miles east.

If you could get it to stick in the roof, I say go for it. We need a new roof in a few years and that would speed up the process.

I went out for a bike ride yesterday and made it a mile before I had to pack it in. I almost got blown over.

Where the heck are you from that it wasn't pouring?

We left my house at 6:45am from near forest lake, and it rained all the way to 20 mi north of Duluth. Rained all day, including the trip home.

We decided about 1/2 way there it was too late to turn back, though we should have anyway. It sucked.

Not too much snow but it is really sloppy

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Shopping at the Mall of America this weekend I ran into 2 Vikings cheerleaders. I bought Jeremy an autographed cheerleader calendar.

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That's not what I do when I run into them. It looks more like this.

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That chickie was selling calanders too, but I didn't buy one.

I figured I better buy him one because I would never hear the end of it if I didn't.

Didjya get one for Chickenbuck?

I was in Minnetonka. It was raining pretty hard, but I bike year round so a little rain doesn't stop me....usually.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I actually thought about going out with the bow after work to see if anything was moving but then got the vision of my arrow coming out of the bow and ending up stuck in Tzones siding. He's about 250 miles east.

If you could get it to stick in the roof, I say go for it. We need a new roof in a few years and that would speed up the process.

The way the wind is blowing you may get you're wish on a roof. Highest wind gust here was 58 MPH. The highest I've found so far was 79 MPH over in Calumet County somewhere near Lake Winnebago.

My SIL is off this week and is up at his deer camp. His power went out around 4:00 AM and is still out. Some trees down also.

Wind is starting to die down now. I'll actually have to go look at our roof. It was really whipping yesterday.

Tzone-we don't need any cheerleader's autographed calendar for Chickenbuck!! Got it!

Anyways just thought I'd let you all know that Dave finally landed in Indy around 12:15 today. Sounds like the flight from Hibbing to Minneapolis last night was interesting since his text only said "that was not cool". We didn't get any snow here last night, just rain, rain and more rain. The road out to camp aught to be real interesting now that's for sure.

Well thanks for all the nice comments on the kitchen cabinets. I had alot of help from RWS. It was marathon painting to keep up with him.

Now we need to do something with the floor.

Have a good day all.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Tzone-we don't need any cheerleader's autographed calendar for Chickenbuck!! Got it!

Hey don't scold me Ma...I'm not payin 20 bux for one of those things.

Quote

Anyways just thought I'd let you all know that Dave finally landed in Indy around 12:15 today. Sounds like the flight from Hibbing to Minneapolis last night was interesting since his text only said "that was not cool".

That's good news. They were showing the planes landing on the news last night and it didn't look fun at all! I'm not sure I'd have gotten on the next plane.

Quote

Well thanks for all the nice comments on the kitchen cabinets. I had alot of help from RWS. It was marathon painting to keep up with him. Now we need to do something with the floor.

It's a deer camp. I'd probably leave the floor as is. Especially with Dave around.

Plush white carpeting would be nice to squish your frozen toes into after a long sit in the stand though.

It would really brighten the place up.

It wasn't much better in Indy, they had a lot of wind there, too. Some tornado warnings up that way, too, and some funnel clould sightings (no touchdowns, though) Here in Louisville, we had some wind and driving rain, but not enough to help our drought much. More funnel clouds, again, no touchdowns.

Guess what arrived in the mail this PM????????

My offical Chickenbuck T-shirt.

Thanks Dave and Pam for all the time and effort you put into this for us.

Great, can't wait to see my sweatshirts next weekend.

Had elk burgers for supper. My friend gave me 2 pounds of it. Yummy!

Well my friend by the name of berettaman was supposed to get me some elk meat when he got back from his trip. I haven't heard from him. Hope he's just busy and nothing is wrong.

Where is he. Hope everything is ok. When is he suposed to be back?

I thought he was supposed to be back last Wednesday. I'm hoping I'm wrong. He did say they expeceted a big snow storm on the 4th day or something, so that may have held them up.

anyone have his number to give him a call? maybe he shot one so far in the back country he's gonna stay til he's eaten it all

I'll call him today.

Pam and dave, maybe for the kitchen floor area you just pick up those sticky tiles at menards, we did that at deer camp and they've stuck good for years now. alot easier to clean and quick to put down. they are very reasonable too. many different patterns that don't have flowers too. I think the calendar would be a nice chickenbuck addition as well along with the cabinets!

I put a piece of sheet vinyl down on my cabin's kitchen floor. It went down REALLY easily and looks great. Unlike the tiles, it is just one big piece.

I think Menards has it on sale right now.

I still have that vinyl we were going to put in our laundry room. I have to lay it out and measure it to see if it will fit in the kitchen of the shack. If it will you guys can have it.

Berettaman is back and safe. I'll let him tell the hunting story.

So glad to hear that! Thanks Tom.

good to hear, I look forward to hearing it!

I just got a call from Steve at JB Custom apparel and the position has been filled. He told me he would keep my application on file for further openings. Dang it!

Dang it! I know how that goes. Stinks and stings a bit.

Drove up to camp Thursday to check things out. Snowed most of the way up, but nothing was sticking.

The high winds the past few days sure took down a lot of trees. Power and light crews were out all over the place trying to restore power. There are areas of the state that wont have power back until this weekend or early next week. Two school districts in the North are still closed due to power loss.

The North also received a bunch of rain and our road into camp was flooded at the creek crossing. There was more water around the cabin than I've see in 20 years. I think we're going to need an air boat to get arond the woods.

I did not find any scrapes and only one small rub, not good.

Saw a couple of deer on the trip out.

When I got home the lastest edition of Wisconsin Outdoor News had arrived. There was an article about a 75 year old hunter that took a very heavy buck with a crossbow. The buck weighed 314 pounds (Live weight) on a certified scale.

That's a pretty big buck. Holy cats!

I don't think I'd be too discouraged about the lack of buck sign Bill. In the area's I've been in the last few weeks, there was virtually none, so maybe they didn't start rutting much yet. One of the area's I've been in has a pretty good deer pop. so I have faith.

Oh yeah, in case anybody's counting.

7 days til we leave for camp.

Took some pics from by bow stand yesterday. This one is looking to the north. You can see our little pond where the deer go for a sip.

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To the east. It is a trail that goes to the neighbors food plot.

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To the south.

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I'm back.

how was the trip? did you get to do anything remotely interesting?

No it was a work trip.

I wore my chickenbuck shirt to Indy just so I can say it's been there.

if that was the highlight of the trip I bet you're glad to be home!

Yep, glad to be home. I see the forecast calls for a week of sunshine. That's good for our wet deer camp access trail.

It might get a chance to dry up a little before it gets pounded full of ruts again, this freezing at night really helps too.

Surprised you were able to get to Indy by air when you did. That wind storm had all the major airports screwed up. Don't think I'd have enjoyed flying one bit.

cool pics Missy, I miss bow hunting in the worst way, I don't have the time for it anymore, and I don't think my back would fare to well with all the practicing I would need to do. I think I am at most peace and ease when I'm in the bow stand.

It's nice to see that skiff of snow Miss. You can see into the woods a nice distance. takes away a litte of their camo. I'm getting excited!!!!

The hunting beard is coming in. Yesterday one of the nurses at work said I looked like a lumberjack.

Monday should be my last range trip before the season.

Still have to sight in my new scope. Me and dad are going to get that done before next weekend. I can't wait, I will actually be able to find the deer in brush. My other one I could only see them in the open. This new one is nice and bright and things are boom, right there. Woo Hoo!! Thanks Dad!

Better get to the range quick. they close them before rifle season, can't remember the exact dates but if you wait to long they will be closed.

Where do you go shoot? I'm not finding a decent spot to shoot.

Get that thing sighted in fast before they close shooting.

edited: oops. dave beat me to it.

Hey if anybody has a cordless dust buster that they dont mind busting some flies with bring it up next weekend.

I shoot at Minnetonka Sportsman's in Mound on Hwy 15. I can bring guests for free, but the rifle-range there is only 100 yards (I do any long-range shooting at the cabin). PM me if you ever need to get some range time in the cities.

You'll notice I said the "last" range trip before the season. I usually get out at least a dozen times in the two months before deer season. This is just to re-re-re-confirm zero, as I have been out shooting quite a bit this fall.

FWIW, I am sold on the Nikon Monarch fixed 4x scopes I put on a few rifles a while back. I have them on my (edit: one of my)30-30s and my .270, and this was the 4th year in a row that they have been nuts-on for EVERY cold-bore shot at sight-ins.

The one that matters though is the 2x Leuopold sitting on my 44 magnum Super Blackhawk. I am going with the handgun only this year. Well, that's what I say now.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Where do you go shoot? I'm not finding a decent spot to shoot.

tzone, best place for you to go is the Oakdale Gun Club. They are open to the public daily through the end of firearms deer season. Here's their website.
Oakdale Gun Club

I'm heading up to the shack in Floodwood tomorrow to check deerstands and confirm zero on a few rifles. I'll be hunting with Gramps 1899 Sav in 250-3000. I shot my first deer with it in '88, the year Gramps passed. Gram died in Sept and I thought it was time to break out the old Savage again. We will also be toting the hot pink 10-22 as my 8 y/o daughter will be along for the ride.

That is cool, keep the tradition going. That is great.

Thanks beargrease.

those hot pink 10-22's....I have to get one of those. I have little girl that wants one.

I wouldn't mind havin one of those.

Well, I'm not buyin' two.

They have a rubber Hoge stock on them too, which I like a lot. I wish they made one with a plain black stock with the same material.

I'm a sucker for my princess so she'll eventually get one. Of course I'll have to buy another for the other character too.

What, don't I deserve one?

I didn't say that.

Weezy has a pink laminate 10-22

pretty sporty.

Time to go out and work on the old plow truck.

I fell in love this morning.
I traded a 6x45 project I started a couple of years ago (and never finished) for a savage 99 and got a good deal on it. its a 243 and it points like your finger when you pull it up. took it to the farm yesterday, shot it this morning. out of 5 shots everyone hit the clay pigeons we set up at 100 yards, open sights no scope. its light, well balanced and hits exactly where you aim it. unfortunately my buddy refuses to let it leave the place. I had traded for it with the assumption my buddy would either buy it or use it for coyotes since he needed something. looks like I'll have to start lookin for another one I guess. for him that is, I already have mine

and I got a text from my brother this morning, my sis-in-law got her first deer today, with my elk rifle in Colorado. its a nice little 3x3 mulie she got at 70 yards. neck shot that flipped him over backwards. she was on cloud 9 this morning. they had seen several big bucks in the area, but with tomorrow being the last day she opted to take him. tough call to make but at least she won't be eating tag soup. way to go sis!

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What model 99 Ryan, a C?

nope an E, and its numbered over a million, so some people think they are less than their predecessors. all I know is it shoots like a dream and don't look half bad

Great news for your sis-in-law Ryan.

Mom and dad brought their pontoon over for storage today. Dad and I sighted in my new scope. Wow what a difference compared to my other one. I am really happy with this new Nikon. We didn't have any troubles sighting it in, unlike my Bushnell last year. Excited to get up to camp next weekend!

That's great news all around!

Congrats to your sister Ryan. Missy, good to hear you are all sighted in.

I started some work on ole yeller today.

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Patchwork, the upper patch is from a forward upper fender section from the original fender, the lower patch is from passenger side lower bedside (same profile)

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All showered up now & suddenly i feel like heading back out and working on that truck..

Naw, I'm in for the night. I'll hit it again in the morning.

Got a little grinder bite. Nice thing about a narrow grinder bite, with a hot wheel it burns the cut so it don't bleed much.

a patched together fender, ugly but rust free.

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How do you find a patch for a concave area like this??

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It's right here.

Ya just gotta look for em

Dave you keep working on these Fords like this I may have to send my old 79 up to you.

Good work on the patch panels, I need to do some of this on my rear quarter panels.

Good news on the scope Missy.

I was cleaning up the yard this afternoon dumping leaves and sticks that blew down last week in the woods behind the house.

It's flat out tore up with buck sign. Rubs, scrapes, trails, it's all there. There has to be 6-8 rubs maybe and 3 scrapes.

Blood is pumping, I'm fired up.

I have gear all over the basement, I've been drinking Tink's all day, rubbed the coat rack...

that old truck either looks better than you make it sound or you take good pictures.

I like that you're using "yeller" pieces to patch in on the newer fenders. Just gives a feeling like yeller is still being let in on the project.

nice lookin work Dave!

I sighted in Kendra's rifle for some 100 gr partitions I loaded last year and never used. didn't have time to sight in my rifle so it looks like the 30-30 will be in service for the first weekend anyway. I don't feel prepared for deer season at all, but its here ready or not. hopefully the weather isn't wet and cold like it has been the last few days. just need to find a sitter for the little man for this weekend morning/evening

Are you going to Chickenbuck on opener?

nope, I have my boy and the ex throws a fit anytime I try to go anywhere with him. 2nd weekend I'll be there though.
I'm gonna see if I can get Kendra a doe around here, the farmer I drove truck for said we can hunt one of his drainage ditch coulees. aint much but there are a lot of deer in the area and a lot of pressure so hopefully they use it as a travel route and we can get her one.

When we sighted in my scope we started with the Remington 130 grain that I have always used. And dad bought me some Federal Premium Vital Shok. Those were about 6 inches or so above the Remington. We sighted it in for those because that is what I will be using for deer season. So happy with the scope so far. We had major issues sighting my other one in last year and this one was no problem.

I shot some Federal Fusion's in my .280 and they shot awesome so I'm using those too.

I stepped into the yard about an hour ago to try out my new head lamp and there were 5 sets of eyes staring at me.

I shut the lamp off and listened for a while and I'm pretty sure I could hear a buck making a rub. I'm going to check it out tomorrow morning and take some pics if I get a chance. It was pretty cool.

That is so cool Tom. Let us know what you find.

My dad is home from Colorado now.

Quite a trip. He got his antlerless elk, they fought snow & high winds, very poor hunting overall. He was one of 2 out of 20 some hunter's in the public land area we hunt that filled his tag.

We'll see him at deer camp next week. He'll have stories of the hunt I'm sure.

Dvae, looks like the work on Ol Yellow is being conducted in some top secret location. I noticed PWM has a security pass around his neck.

Good news on the scope Missy. I've been using a Nikon on my 06 for about 5 years and really like it.

I've got several more trips to the range planned for the coming week. Need to fine tune the 6.5 and recheck the zero on the 06 and 45-70. My 87 year old Uncle will be joining me on Thursday to check the zero on his rifles.

Only 18 more days and we'll be headed to camp.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Only 18 more days and we'll be headed to camp.

I got 5.

dave, is your Dad just coming for opener or will he be around for the other weekends too?

Hopefully the whole season, we'll see I guess.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Only 18 more days and we'll be headed to camp.

I got 5.

Rub it in why don't cha.

Here's what I found in the back.
[Linked Image]

The rub with the scrape is new, as in it wasn't there 2 days ago. Not sure on the other two with it. There is probably a dozen back there now.

Its hard to tell in this pic, but I'm guessing they're from this guy.
[Linked Image]

He is a big bodied buck, and has a tall rack. With the height of those rubs it makes sense.

Just dropped by to say hi. Work and life issues have sorta dominated this fall around here and hunting has been on the backburner more than I ever thought it could be. After catching up on this thread I suddenly feel rejuvinated. I haven't rubbed the coat rack yet, but at least the desire is starting to stir. Those pics of your backyard are great Tom! No wonder your coat rack is tore up....We are so far ahead timewise in the farming around here we have pretty much driven the farm deer to the Bayshore so the North Country is going to be the place this year. For those that get to go in a week Good Luck! Thanks for keeping the fire burning....

Scott

Tzone,

We found at least a half dozen scrapes at BoneHead Lodge in Floodwood. We also found several down trees across the trails. Hannah Bean, my 8 yo is getting better with the 10-22. She sure has got a quick trigger finger. We counted 21 deer on the drive over and back, they are definately on the move. Last one was a nice 8 point with a sligthly swollen neck, about 10 miles from home.

I don't have a coat rack to rub on, but the corner post on the deck is looking pretty tough;)

Jeff

I've got rubs like that in the backyard too just to torment me, closest one is 15 yards from the house. They show up about 3 am and are long gone before legal light. I did set up a tree stand, they may get a little careless in a week or two.

Yep, these are about 50 yds out.

they like to taunt me, just ask dave. he has trail cam pics of them in my blind.

skin grafting

[Linked Image]

Functionality is the goal here. I just mean to toughen the old truck up a little. Not a restoration, it's a plow truck so it's going to get used hard.

[Linked Image]

one of my helpers

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5310.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/102_5315.jpg[/img]

Making grouse for supper. Friend of mine gave me 6 of them. I rolled them in flour and fried them to a golden brown. Put them in a casserole dish and poured broccoli cheese soup with, milk, minced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper on top. I hope it is good. Never tried it, and didn't follow any recipe.

well im going to make this my first post on the fire'. Ive read roughly the first 250 pages of this thread, and have been lurking well before i ever signed up on here. Dave, your little thread here is a special special thing. Im on quite a few outdoor forums, everything from reloading to drag racing, and this is BY FAR the most special thread on any of them. Good luck to you all during the upcoming gun season at camp chickenbuck.

Truck is lookin good Dave! Thats what the 'ol blue truck was for in the background of the mustang pic last spring!

Missy, you will love hunting with the new scope. It makes a big difference.

I went bowhunting last night. Went to an area and just plopped a blind chair down next to some scrub brush next to a bedding area. Had a fairly decent 8 point offer me a few shots between 15 and 20 yards but I passed on him. He was a real pretty deer but next year he'll be bigger if he survives the pumpkin bangers.

It was pretty cool sitting at eye level with him at that range.

I like the "slow" sign by the door. Are you tacking that to the tailgate?

Originally Posted by acooper1983

well im going to make this my first post on the fire'. Ive read roughly the first 250 pages of this thread, and have been lurking well before i ever signed up on here. Dave, your little thread here is a special special thing. Im on quite a few outdoor forums, everything from reloading to drag racing, and this is BY FAR the most special thread on any of them. Good luck to you all during the upcoming gun season at camp chickenbuck.

Well, you sound like you'll fit in just fine.

Welcome to the fire, glad to have you here.

Tom

Originally Posted by acooper1983

well im going to make this my first post on the fire'. Ive read roughly the first 250 pages of this thread, and have been lurking well before i ever signed up on here. Dave, your little thread here is a special special thing. Im on quite a few outdoor forums, everything from reloading to drag racing, and this is BY FAR the most special thread on any of them. Good luck to you all during the upcoming gun season at camp chickenbuck.

Thanks for the nice words. Rick runs a great site here. Hope to hear more from you.

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the "slow" sign by the door. Are you tacking that to the tailgate?

The little guy drug that out. He gets into everything. It was from one of my first jobs flagging traffic out by Seattle.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Making grouse for supper. Friend of mine gave me 6 of them. I rolled them in flour and fried them to a golden brown. Put them in a casserole dish and poured broccoli cheese soup with, milk, minced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper on top. I hope it is good. Never tried it, and didn't follow any recipe.

That sounds awesome!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the "slow" sign by the door. Are you tacking that to the tailgate?

The little guy drug that out. He gets into everything. It was from one of my first jobs flagging traffic out by Seattle.

Speaking of flagging... I was taking the kiddo's Tot'ing tonight. I was wearing a flourcent green jacket with reflector stripes on it, they kind you wear for cold weather road work and I had to take a leak. Well, I snuck betwee two un-lit houses and let er rip. Some dude from across the street starts yelling "hey, you're not hiding, you're glowing." I finished up with my business and he kept squacking saying the same thing over and over.

Finally, I told him, I wasn't trying to hide, I was taking a leak. Everybody but him got a chuckle out of it.

I hurt, everywhere!

dang truck put the hurt on me.

I might have to cool it on the truck for a bit now and get ready for deer hunting.

Welcome aboard. What calibers are you reloading for?

Know what you mean about the hurt Dave. I was on a ladder for a little over an hour on Friday and I sure felt it for a couple of days.

SIL shot a spike with the bow yesterday. Said he was tried of waiting for Mr. Big.

Ya mon...it's time to put the tools away and get out the paper sacks full of long johns, pots full of chili, woolie bibs, orange vestes and 1/2 gallon jugs of Tink's 69.

don't get all stove up before deer season, 'ol forky toes won't cut you a break

I bought a pair of woolie bibs yesterday, couldn't really afford it, but I can't afford to freeze to death either.

No he wont cut me a break will he?

I better get my back straightened out before the weekend.

eerrrr.

Backs!

We'll have a pile of bad back at camp this year.

Grizzly Bill made me be careful when we were splitting wood last week, but she's still dicked up.

I walked on the treadmill yesterday for an hour, which helps. After a few hours though, it goes right back to sillyness.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

don't get all stove up before deer season, 'ol forky toes won't cut you a break

Yes he better, or it will be just like the song "The Tirdy Point Buck". His arms won't be frozen, he just will not be able to lift them because they are too sore. And there he was, gone. Old Forky Toes.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I bought a pair of woolie bibs yesterday, couldn't really afford it, but I can't afford to freeze to death either.

I'm stacked full of wool now. I bought some pants to go along with my bibs. You probably won't need them the first weekend though. Nice and warm it sounds like.

yeah I think I can get by with long handles and jeans this weekend. but I know with Icefishing coming up and cold weather that will get here for sure, I needed em. especially after I blew the leg zipper out of my old bibs last fall hunting.

had to leave class today because my back hurt so bad. I'm home on the couch wincing with the pain, not fun at all. hurts so bad I wanna throw up. I hope Kendra can drag her own deer

and mine

if I can make it out there with her

Well opener here is looking grim, I've been fighting what we think is gout in my knees for over a week now. Can barely walk much less kneel down.

I've decided to try some recommeded home remedies (cherry juice) twice a day until the swelling at least goes down.

If not then we are gonna head out earlier then planned to give me time to climb into the blind. The mama volunteered to come with to help clean the deer if necessary as all the guys will be gone to Nodak.

If it werent for the two yard monsters being all excited I might have just passed on this year.

BD, gout is bad enough in the toes, but if you have a gout flare-up in the knees, you should see the doctor.

Treatment usually includes colchicine, some form of NSAID (indomethacin or prescription strength ibuprofin) and possibly steroids.

At the very least, take a prescription dose of ibuprofin (with food so you don't get ulcers) 3 times a day for several days along with the cherry juice.

Man BD, sorry to hear that. Maybe Sherpa Kurt can carry you out.

Sherpa can drag you out there on a tobogan!

Goalie - I would but I cant afford the Dr. bills right now, I am the only one in the family without insurance and it is not looking good that I will be able or afford it. I will see what I can find for Ibuprofin though thanks.

T- I wish Sherpa was gonna be around but he is off to the Nodak camp. Question is will he be using a vintage WW II rifle, a tire iron, or the machete he calls a knife?

Originally Posted by tzone

eerrrr.

Backs!

We'll have a pile of bad back at camp this year.

Grizzly Bill made me be careful when we were splitting wood last week, but she's still dicked up.

I walked on the treadmill yesterday for an hour, which helps. After a few hours though, it goes right back to sillyness.

Holy crap! Sounds like Camp Chickenbuck is going to have to be renamed Chickenbuck Infirmary.

Just remember boys, "they shoot horses".

Naw, I'll be fine myself. I feel better already actually.

Well I am back online. First was a week and a half of elk huntin'. Then back to find out the computer had a virus. Sent that back to the mothership (corporate) and had it re-ghosted. Then a week in Illinois for work. then got back and the computer was for the most part fine....but had a glitch that wouldnt let me visit 2 sites. This being one of them! I finally got it all figured out just now.

I did skim the pages and let me see if I can summarize: The infirm ward is about 20 strong and growing. Tzone's neck is swollen and he is rubbing his coatrack. Timber chickens have been providing sustinence for many. Forky Toes is still running. Ol' Yeller is making a comeback bid. Muffy's pretty pumped about her new glassware...and we arent talking drinking glasses here. All in all about like I expected.

Me? Wahl, lets see. I have a trail cam pic of a big buck right next to my stand and another smelling the camera! That has the juices flowing! Oh, and I went on this little elk hunt. Details to follow......

Spill it foo!

By the way, did you get an extra shirt with your chickenbuck order? A very smallish blue one?

I hope Cole likes it, probably thinks it's goofy as heck

I've been waiting to hear the elk story and all we get is a recap of what we were all here for? come on, you're killin me, spill it already!

welcome back, sorry to hear about the computer troubles, at least you're up and running.

now about that story......

I did get a little extra in the package. i havent given it to him yet, although I did see him trick or treating. He actually has hair on his head now. Almmost didnt recognize him.

Story? About elk? Must be around here somewhere....

Okay folks, I havent been back through this to refine the writing, but in the interest of getting it out to you asap, here it is. It will take multiple posts and I am not completely finished with it so bear with me.

This story starts in 1997. That was the year that Dad and I decided to start accumulating preference points for Colorado elk hunting. Thirteen years later, we had 13 points and applied for Unit 76 in southwest Colorado. After a lot of research and considerable thought given to doing it ourselves, we decided to hire Sammy Frazier Outfitting. The summer was spent getting in shape and shooting our rifles. Sammy kept stressing that we may have to shoot a long distance, so practice was essential.

Wednesday, October 13th. Dad was late in picking me up. He got to my house at 3:05 am. I didn�t know there was a 3:05 am. After 20 hours on the road and a nice, but quick, visit with a friend near Denver, we arrived at our hotel in South Fork, CO.

Thursday, October 14th. A beautiful day, crisp and clear. Mmmmm the mountains are wonderful this time of year. We decided to drive up to the Lost Trail Ranch where we will meet Sammy tomorrow. Good thing too, as we went the wrong way on our first attempt! But we got it figured out and found that it will take us a lot longer than anticipated. The gravel road was terrible for the last 15 miles. It took us well over an hour to make that last segment. On the way back, we stopped and made sure the rifles were still on.

Friday, October 15th. A leisurely breakfast and we were on our way! Arrived a little before noon and met our 2 other camp mates. Brad was from upstate New York and was a stay at home dad. Bob was from Colorado and was a retired business owner. Both were nice gents (which is a relief as you never know who you could end up with!). On the horses and we set off. It took us 3-4 hours to get to camp and it was another beautiful fall day in the mountains.

[Linked Image]

I tried to soak as much of it in as I could. Camp was a cook tent surrounded by 3 dome tents for sleeping at about 11,200 feet.

[Linked Image]

We were about halfway up a long east-west drainage called West Lost Creek. A small river ran down the bottom of it. Willows lined the creek and grassy slopes gave way to dark timbered steep mountains on either side. Timberline was roughly 12,300 feet and above that it was grassy slopes all the way up and over the ridges. In some places, there were sheer cliffs, other places it was possible for elk to go up and over. Later, I would learn that elk can go up or down anything other than vertical.

Our guides were Pat and Jake. Pat was going to guide Brad and Bob and was from Iowa. Jake was from Texas and was going to guide Dad and me. Jake brought with Daylon, a junior in high school who was along as a wrangler and wanted to learn the trade. You could feel a lot of excitement in camp, but with a 4:00 am wakeup call, we all turned in early.

Saturday, October 16th, Opening Day. Rechecked our equipment for the 132nd time and ate a quick breakfast. Took as much weight out of our packs as we could. We were going to hunt a basin called Paradise on the south side of the valley and Pat and his boys were going straight up from camp on the north side. Sure gotta like the sound of Paradise, eh! On the horses around 4:30 am toward Paradise. On the way there, we passed by a lone hunter�s camp (the only hunter we would come across up here). He had llamas picketed by his tent. I had no idea that horses don�t like llamas. After we got by the camp with no incident, we started into the black timber. I shut my eyes, opened them, shut them, and opened them. It was sooooo dark in there, there was no discernable difference in keeping my eyes open or closed. When I heard the guide going through the low hanging branches I ducked. Sure am glad the horses could see! Tied up the horses at the head of the valley and hiked through the timber to get above timberline. Dawn came and went with no elk sighted. This was a disappointment to Jake as he said in most years; there are 50-300 head of elk in each of these basins. Dad and I exchanged glances that said, �I hope this isn�t one of those, you-should-have-been-here-yesterday kind of deals�. At about 7:30, we hear one of our campmates open up with 4 shots and through our binoculars can see that one of them has a bull down. I am happy for him, but secretly I am glad it wasn�t over that quick for me! I am looking forward to the hunt! We spent the next hour or so glassing all we could see to no avail.

Jake figures that if they aren�t in Paradise, Waterfall must have a ton of elk in it so after a couple hours we slide down to the horses and ride them up this steep�.and when I say steep, I mean don�t-look-down kinda steep�.slope. We come out on top and ride across some relatively flat country above timberline. On the way we see a few ptarmigan (that gives you an idea of how high we were). We leave the horses with Daylon and slide over the edge into Waterfall to see�..nothing. Some tracks in the snow, but no wapiti. By now it is close to noon and Jake says lets head back to camp and compare notes with Pat as Pat would have glassed a bunch of stuff we couldn�t see.

Pat reports 20 or 30 elk around him, including 1 really nice bull that was out of range and a few smaller ones, but nothing on our side. Brad had been the lucky hunter and shot a nice 6X6 that would score about 275. Shot him at 109 yards. Brad and his bull are packed down to the cabin as his hunt is over. Jake decides to go to Golf Course this afternoon. Golf course is at the head of the valley on the western end. It is a huge area of basins with willows sporadic throughout. From the air, I imagine it would look like a golf course. We glass the whole area and no elk are spotted. Where are them critters? We go out over the top and peek into the next huge valley and don�t see any elk in there either. By this time, after doing a lot of riding, we decide to walk the horses down hill for a ways. This is prolly a good time to talk about my nose. It is so dry up there I, and everyone else, is having nose issues. As I am walking along, my nose starts to bleed. I hadn�t even touched it. I have never, and I mean ever, had such booger production as I had up there. And if you tried to blow your nose, you got a nosebleed. Next time I will definitely bring nasal spray. I don�t bring this up to be gross, but it was a significant part of the trip. Dealing with my nose was a never ending dilemma and even impacted our sleeping.

As we were plodding along in the late afternoon, I caught sight of about 25 elk coming down off this impossibly steep mountain right into the drainage next to us! The adrenaline spiked and we raced ahead and got behind a ridge. They looked like they were going to come right down our drainage without a tree for cover! We peered over the top and �and�.they had disappeared. Only one way for them to go and we took off to the other drainage. Completely out of breath, I caught sight of the rump of the last elk as it disappeared into the black timber. Oh, so close! We had been caught out in the open and the herd had undoubtedly seen us and changed directions. But at least we had seen some elk!

On the way back to camp, as we were riding though some sparse timber, Dad saw a nice bull about 100 yards ahead of us. We piled off the horses and took off in his direction. Unfortunately, he made it out the bottom and across the valley floor before we could get lined up. Our spirits were up as we rode to the sound of an occasional bugle and two good opportunities. Further on, as we were riding across the valley floor ourselves, we saw 3 cows cutting across from one side to the other. Dad and I got ready, hoping a bull was with them, but they were alone. Dad decided right then and there that he would sit and watch that area all day tomorrow as there had been a fair amount of activity crossing the bottom in that area.

Back at camp, an exhausted couple of hunters ate a quick supper and climbed into the cold sleeping bags.

Sunday, October 17th, Day 2. Daylon dropped Dad off at his crossing area and Jake and I went to the area of Golf Course where the elk had disappeared to the evening before. It was just getting light when we saw a decent bull sky lined on a ridge to our right. He had made us, but it was still dark enough and we were far enough away that he didn�t get too excited. He just meandered off the other direction. We snuck up to the ridge and glassed a ridge about 500 yards away and there was a whole heard there! Prolly close to 30 elk were grazing peacefully along. We looked closely and found a decent 5X5 as the herd bull. There were too far away and we only had one way to get closer. So we belly crawled about 75 yards to a little clump of trees. Once there, we studied that bull carefully. He would score about 260. I was hoping for a bigger one, but he was a nice bull. After looking him over for about 25 minutes, I decided to shoot him. We were on a steep (yep, everything out there is steep!) slope and the elk was to my right as I looked at the mountain. This meant that in order to pull off a 420 yard shot, I had to lay prone with my feet uphill. That left me in a very awkward position behind my scope. This is going to play a big role in a couple of minutes as I knew what was going to happen.

Both Sammy the outfitter and Jake the guide said never to aim over the animal�s back. No matter how far you think your bullet drops, don�t aim above the animal. Hold on hair is what they said. I said, at 420 yards, my bullet will drop 24 inches and I will miss low. After much conversation, I agreed to hold on the bull�s back. To complicate matters, the sun was right in my eyes. My scope would go white and blind me for a second if I held it just slightly wrong. Jake tried shielding the scope to help me out. But I had a good rest and there was no wind. The bull was just standing there. I let out a breath halfway, squeeeeezed the trigger and when the gun went off there was blood everywhere. Not on the elk, I shot right underneath him just as I had suspected. No, the scope had come back with the recoil and cut me between my eyebrows pretty good.

[Linked Image]

I tried to get the blood out of my eyes to shoot again, but couldn�t before he took his cows and lit out for the next drainage. I felt bad about the miss, but was glad it was a clean miss. Pat and Bob were actually closer to the bull than I was, so they did a thorough check for blood. No blood and they watched the bull run for a long time with no issues. What a mixture of emotions! Bummed I had missed, but happy it was a clean miss. I knew what I had done wrong, so given another chance, I was confident I would make it count. Disappointed in myself for not trusting myself and my gun after all the practice I had put in and just a little of me was thinking that this bull was a nice bull, but there were bigger ones out there and maybe I will get a chance at a bigger one.

Jake and I went on to check out another basin on a marathon type walk (no elk). We had covered just about every basin in the drainage. We decided to hike back up to Waterfall as that is roughly where that big bull Dad had seen the night before had went. Down the side we were on and up the other side of the valley.

A picture of Waterfall, the basin on the right:

[Linked Image]

On the way up into Waterfall, Jake�s horse threw a fit and tipped over backwards. Jake suffered cracked ribs, but gamely kept on. It was a close call as my horse, Half Moon, deftly skipped out of the way at the last second or we would have been in the crash too. We left the horses there and climbed up above timberline�.or at least that was the plan. When we got about 50 yards short of our goal, we both ran out of gas. Just completely out of fuel. So we leaned back into the slope and rested. I was exhausted and so was Jake. As I sat there, I could see little pieces through the pine trees way out across Waterfall to the other side and way up and beyond. I kept opening my eyes and checking for elk. But then I realized, I had glassed thousands and thousands of acres over the last 2 days and had only seen a couple of groups of elk. Now I was trying to look through a little hole in the branches to see an acre over 2 miles away! About 10 minutes later, I opened my eyes again and would you believe it, there was a little dot where I don�t remember there being a little dot. Should I go through the effort of raising my binoculars (remember, I was completely exhausted at this point)? But I was here to hunt elk, so I did. And it was an elk!! I kicked Jake and we both scrambled up a little ways to get a better look. Pretty soon the one elk turned into a bunch of elk. And with the group, was a big bull! Funny what adrenaline can do, but only a couple minutes after wondering if I had enough energy to raise my binoculars, we were discussing whether we had enough daylight to go after him. And he was way, WAY high. It would be a grueling climb to get up there. Where this herd of elk was located, would require the steepest climb so far. We decided that with only 3 hours of daylight left, we didn�t have time to get to him. The bull was big; you could easily see his big rack even from 2 miles with 10 power binoculars. Jake and I agreed this was a 300 inch bull. We put the herd to bed and hoped they would stay in that general area until tomorrow. That night at camp, I had visions of that bull dancing in my head!

How was Dad�s day? Well, he saw 15 moose and no elk. So we made plans for the next day. Jake and I were going up after him. Dad and Daylon were going to go up into Golf Course in case we boogered the herd and they spilled out that direction.

Monday, October 18th, Day 3. Up early with a lot of anticipation. I had been dreaming of this bull all night. I could hardly eat breakfast.

We parked the horses at the base of Waterfall and climbed to its head. From there, the only direction was up. Halfway up, the snow started falling. Another few feet and it was a blizzard. Jake and I discussed it. If we got up there and it was snowing this hard, it would be impossible to glass for the big bull and see him. But we were well into the climb and didn�t want to give it up. So we pushed on. At one point after a rest break, I took 20 steps and was out of breath, it was that steep!

We reached the crest about 8:30am I would guess and started glassing. Sure enough, the herd was there! They were about a mile away tucked up against the base of a peak. We didn�t have a lot of cover between us, but we did have a willow lined creek. So we monster stepped from side to side of the muddy creek (thank goodness for waterproof boots!) hunched as low as we could for about half a mile. The willows hare only about waist high there from all the elk grazing on them. From time to time, the snow was coming down so hard we would lose sight of the herd, but they were just grazing and loafing. Some were lying down, some were standing. We snuck behind a ridge and made up some ground. Then, over a little saddle into the shelter of another little ridge and we made it to the end of that ridge. From there we were stuck. No cover to get any closer. The herd was still a long ways off it seemed. We took up a good position on a pile of rocks and tried to get the range finder to get a reading on how far he was away. We were worried the herd could go either left or right and we wouldn�t get a shot. The bull was just lying down with his 20 cows and a smaller bull near him at this time however. They were lying in amongst a bunch of Volkswagen-sized boulders. Every once in awhile, he would bugle to the world, telling everyone that this was his harem and his area. The elk were tucked up to the base in the big boulders:

[Linked Image]

After about 45 minutes, the snow started to let up a bit. I was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when Jake hissed that he got a reading. The bull was at 402 yards and was just standing broadside to us. Jake said, we gotta shoot him, get ready! I think we both thought he was further away than that, so that spurred me into action. I had a great rest on the rocks and this time, I put the crosshairs about 12 inches above his back. The gun was rock steady (yeah, pun intended). The wind was negligible. I took my time and squeeeeeeezed that trigger. At the shot, the herd exploded into action, but the bull just staggered. Jake calmly said that I had hit him, but put another one in him. As I got lined up, the bull was falling down, getting up, and staggering this way and that. I shot again, but knew it was no good as the bull had fallen down again just as I shot. This time, he stayed down however. I could just see his right antler sticking up behind a boulder. I stayed ready for the next 10 minutes or so making sure he wasn�t going anywhere. He wasn�t. The walk to him was an adrenaline-filled speed walk. Ol� Jake couldn�t seem to keep up to me! It was just after 10:00 am when we got to him.

This is what I found when I rounded that last boulder:

[Linked Image]

We got the pictures taken and the bull quartered out by about 1 pm. It took Jake 2 attempts to get the pack horses up to him because it was so steep.

Sammy decided to break camp as he was worried about the storm and we weren�t seeing a lot of elk. Unfortunately, Dad didn�t see any elk in the morning in Golf Course. He did see a group of about 12 cows right by camp as we were packing to go out. He spent 2 more days from before dawn until dark on stand but didn�t see another elk. He sure put in his time and deserved to get an opportunity, but that is hunting.

Technical Details: My bull scored 301 6/8 inches and was a 6X6 before he broke off a tine. He had 46 inch beams; a 40 inch inside spread and 10 � inch bases. His fifth tine on his right side was broke off (and it looked like it would be around 8-10 inches long). His 5th point on his right side was pretty small, so he basically scored as a 5X5. He yielded right around 250 pounds of meat. I shot him at 402 yards with a Sako A7 in .300 Winchester Short Magnum/Leupold VX3 scope with Federal Barnes Triple Shock X bullets in 180 grain. The shot was a complete pass through just behind the shoulder. A perfect double lung shot. Some things that really worked well for me on the trip: Schnees Beartooth boots, Nikon Monarch Binoculars, Filson Mackinaw wool pants, and Smartwool base layer tops, bottoms and socks. Most important item to bring next time: nasal spray to prevent cement-like boogers.

awesome hunt!

wow, thats what makes a man an elk addict having an experience like that. a hunt that will be remembered forever no doubt. my biggest bull went a hair under 270", so a 300 incher, WOW I can picture it.

thanks for sharing the story, I wish I coulda been on it with you!
thats what I miss the most about colorado.

Okay, I don't get jealous of other guys' success, but dangit, you've just about made me break my oath. Great write-up, great elk, great pics, too.

Congratulations!

I like the "IT'S THIS BIG" pic with your arms out.

Congratulations!!!!

who says white men cant jump anyways?? took him like 3 or 4 times to get the picture and i was out of breath by that time!

I'd be jumpin and clickin my heels too on that one.

are you gonna get it mounted?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'd be jumpin and clickin my heels too on that one.

are you gonna get it mounted?

He mounted it just before it was quartered.

Glad you got that bull BM. I didn't want to jump in here and say anything until you got the whole story out. I like the way you left them hanging.

Great story and a great bull, BM. Congrats.

Great Adventure BM...Thanks for sharing and Congrats!!!

Scott

Wow, that was an awesome story. As you were telling it, it seemed like I was right there. Great pics, Thanks!

Great story! Congrats!

Well we finally got the new shop spray foamed. That is going to be so nice. It is sprayed on 2.5-3 inches thick but we are still going to put up a thin layer of fiberglass, to help eliminate the echo. Next year maybe we will have electricity out there. That would be nice so we don't have to bring the generator out there all the time.

That sounds like a great place to store my boat.

Wow what a great hunt & awesome story & photos. I'm just catching up this morning here. Thanks for posting that. Awesome!

Congratulations!!

Dave, antlers are on their way from Colorado, we can put them up on the cabin second weekend.

bout time!

I voted, did you?

not yet, I have class til 3 then I am

my dog ran away on me this morning for the first time. I was a little steamed, especially since the coffee pot was set to go off at 6pm instead of am, I overslept and I think my transmission slipped a little this morning. its been one of those days.
dog came home after 20 minutes, and she had a look of "oh schit" on her face when she saw me, she knew she done wrong. still made me late for class.

Boy Ryan sounds like you are having a interesting day already.

Sounds like me and Kenna are headed to the shack about noon on Friday. Can't wait!

cool.

any word on lyssa?

trying for a head count here.

I have us at a dozen right now.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Sounds like me and Kenna are headed to the shack about noon on Friday. Can't wait!

What about Dusty? Isn't he coming deer hunting this year?

Talked to him last night. He's undecided between Friday morning or Thursday evening.

Made a trip to the range this morning. Finally got the 6.5 settled in. There's definitly going to be a different scope on it next year.

My good ol Rem 700, you know, the ones with the bad safeties was dead on as usuall. I haven't had to make a site adjustment on it in over 3 years.

Oh well that goes to show how much we talk, huh...

I had to check because I know that his "little buddy" would miss him terribly if he didn't come.

Not to mention the rest of us too!!!

How's that Chickenbuck apparel fitting Bill?

No Dusty will likely be the first one out there.

I try to make a point of being the second one out there.

That way I don't have to stop and open the gate and the wood stove is already lit when I get there.

Scope trouble on the 6.5 Bill?

What is the rifle & cartridge exactly? Jap? Credemore? Swede? Other?

Wow! Awesome story BM! Congratulations on a fine bull!

You could be an outdoor writer.

That brings up a good question Bill. How often do you have to adjust a scope once it has been sighted in correctly? On my slug gun, i have made 2 extremely minor adjustments (1 click each time) in 15 years. On my rifle, I had to make about 12 clicks from the last time I used it in 2008. In the rifle's defense, it bounced around on a horse in a scabbard for 6 long days. What has been your experience boys and gurla's?

I check my stuff but I don't need to adjust unless I change loads.

Of course pretty much everything I have is free float & bed.

decent mounts & rings nice & tight.

Well except for my winchester 88 that's got weaver pivots on it. I wouldn't call them "decent" and the rifle aint bed either. So I expect that one to move on me a tish if any of them do.

Dave,
Will you and tzone be meeting in Duluth prior to the deer season again this year? I saved last year's photo from the Duluth News Tribune.

Oof, Duluth is Minnesota's very own San Francisco.

Ick.

The Tshirt fits great Pam.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Scope trouble on the 6.5 Bill?

What is the rifle & cartridge exactly? Jap? Credemore? Swede? Other?

6.5 X 55 Swede Dave in a Tikka T3. Scope is an older 2 x 6 Burris Signiture. Optics are still good but I had problems with the windage adjustment. It holds just fine, but the amount of movement per click is a best guess. Apparently my guessing game was off today.

The scope is nearly 20 years old and has served me well, but it probably time to retire it after the season.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No Dusty will likely be the first one out there.

I try to make a point of being the second one out there.

That way I don't have to stop and open the gate and the wood stove is already lit when I get there.

M.M.M. singing in my head "That's cowboy logic...."

Originally Posted by Berettaman

That brings up a good question Bill. How often do you have to adjust a scope once it has been sighted in correctly? On my slug gun, i have made 2 extremely minor adjustments (1 click each time) in 15 years. On my rifle, I had to make about 12 clicks from the last time I used it in 2008. In the rifle's defense, it bounced around on a horse in a scabbard for 6 long days. What has been your experience boys and gurla's?

BM I check mine every year. The rifles get bounced around pretty good going in and out of camp. My 700 Rem is the most reliable as it wears a B & C synthetic stock. The action is glass bedded and the barrel is free floated. The only time I have to adjust it is if I work up a new load to try or have removed the action from the stock.

The Tikka is new this year so we'll see how well it holds it's zero. It's has a wood stock, but is bedded and floated too.

My Ruger #1 will normally require some minor tuning each year. The #1's have a 2 piece stock and the forearm screw is noted for being touchy.

Field notes: Make it a point to check your scope mounts and action screws annually. If they're loose you're going to have to resight in the rifle after you tighten them. Investing in a torque wrench that works in inch pounds and a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers is a wise thing to do.

Originally Posted by SKane

Dave,
Will you and tzone be meeting in Duluth prior to the deer season again this year? I saved last year's photo from the Duluth News Tribune.

Gota be one of the best pictures of Tzone I've ever seen.

oh boy, he aint gonna like that much

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I voted, did you?

Yep. Last week.

This is the official one....color must have been off a little.

Ready to hunt now:
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oof, Duluth is Minnesota's very own San Francisco.

Ick.

Naw... Minneapolis is worse. I can't believe Scott has that type of stuff on his computer.

Bill,
I check mine every year too, that is how I know how often it has been off on my slug gun. I have some cheap mounts on the rifle, I am gonna swap them out for some Tallys.

I voted too. twice before lunch and 3 times now after lunch.

vote early and often folks, it is the democratic way.

Hey Tzone, are you gonna go deer hunting this year or not? Make up your mind, would ya?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh boy, he aint gonna like that much

Paybacks are a bish.

I probably won't do anything to them anyway. They're packers fans, so they suffer every day.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey Tzone, are you gonna go deer hunting this year or not? Make up your mind, would ya?

I got all kinds of deer hunting.

I'll be at the range camp for the last time here on the 1st weekend. Then I'll be north of Duluth mon., tue, wed, then I'm heading up to chickenbuck VERY, VERY, VERY, early in the morning on Friday.

I done found myself a temp. maintenance job that's putting a damper on my gear prep though.

So tell us T, have you put any thought into deer hunting this year? Are you excited at all?

I gotta go find my deer hunting gear in all of my elk hunting gear and the other gear that is just kinda dumped in my temporary hunting room. but that will be another day, prolly Thurs. Tonite, the kids and I are gonna go crusin' around looking to catch a glimpse of a nice buck in our area. The kids bring their play guns and shoot every deer we see about 50 times over! Then, they pick them up and eat them whole. Usually about 2 chews and the whole deer is gone. I keep telling them, hey, we dont shoot Texas sized deer here, we have big deer it will take more than a mouthful to eat one of ours!

Yep, I'm excited. I'll get really excited for second weekend. That is when I'm headed north to chickenbuck.

Just got in from playing baseball and looking at buck rubs. I had to show the little guy how to make a rub, then we made a scrape. One of us pee'd in it.

I'm not tellin' who but he's shorter than me.

My gear is in labeled boxes in the storage under the stairs. not hard to find. I still need to wash it. I get about 5 calls a night from my dad askin' me to bring extra stuff. Cots, extra orange, chain saw. Then I need to grease the plow truck for him before we head out. He's still pretty limited on what he can do with one arm.

Grunt, grunt, snort.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I voted, did you?

Yep. Last week, yesterday and today.

Just as I thought, you're from Chicago!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I voted, did you?

Yep. Last week, yesterday and today.

Just as I thought, you're from Chicago!

Long story, but when aren't mine?

I went to register last week and the lady told me I can't, the deadline has passed. I'm like, huh? She said "you can't register past Oct. 11, you'll have to register at the poll when I go vote."

I told her well, what if I want to absentee vote? "Oh, well that's different you can register now for that"

So I registered and voted absentee last week.

OK, OK....I just fininshed checking the extended forecast for chickenbuck. The second weekend says....Snow. Yep. Snow.

Damnit! you said that word!

oh, and I just voted too!

I'll probably be driving through it to get there. I'll be in the stand in am on Friday.

proudly displayed on my cap.

[Linked Image]

To far out yet for us to start checking weather forecasts. Sure would be nice to have snow on the ground (About 4 inches) for the entire season.

Just returned form another shopping trip for camp. My basement looks like a stagging area for a military operation.

Kenna is coming up with me on Friday because Lys is not going this weekend. That is what I heard yesterday anyway.

Thought id post some pictures of the buck im after this year, and the buck that a minneeeeeeesooooota fella shot (oakdale area).

[Linked Image]

The big boy in the trail cam photo is the one im after this year, he has roughly a 23" inside spread, i believe he'll go very close to 170.

The buck the old timer in the picture took scored 165. He shot it the 2nd day of i think the 2007 season 120 yards out the back of the barn. He almost missed it because he had to put down his coffee and donuts, sadly i think that will be his last deer, he hasnt been hunting since, he broke his hip, then his wife died he's been having a helluva string of luck. Just thought i'd share a little bit.

I don't have class on thursday, and only 2 on friday so I might head up weds night/thursday morning if anyone is going to be around

Look at the rub I found this morning. There were 5 trees like this.

[Linked Image]

Just kidding, it is from beavers. Thought that would get Tzone's blood pumpin.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I don't have class on thursday, and only 2 on friday so I might head up weds night/thursday morning if anyone is going to be around

Dad is going up Thursday but not sure when he will get there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

proudly displayed on my cap.

[Linked Image]

FNA RIGHT! I like it.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

and the buck that a minneeeeeeesooooota fella shot (oakdale area).

[Linked Image]

"that boy aint right!"

But he'd fit in just right with our group !!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Look at the rub I found this morning. There were 5 trees like this.

[Linked Image]

Just kidding, it is from beavers. Thought that would get Tzone's blood pumpin.

crying out loud, anyone can see those are grousealope rubs!!

[Linked Image]

Oh come on now. I know a beaver rub when I see one. I get excited about beavers too.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I don't have class on thursday, and only 2 on friday so I might head up weds night/thursday morning if anyone is going to be around

Which week? This week or next?

I'll maybe be at camp thurs night although I really prefer for Dusty to beat me to camp to light the wood stove & such

I forgot all about the grousealope. That explains it.

great muffy, that is just what you need to do is get Tzone pumped even more than he is. If'n i was his neighbor, I wouldnt be letting my femail dog out! I do declare, methinks Tzone is in the rut

.

Just took the kids out looking for deer. In the 4-5 miles drive around our "block" where we hunt, we counted 29 deer. Only 1 was a buck and that was a basket rack. Three sets of twins at least. Where there are that many deer, there will be some big boys though. The kids loved it.

TZone, How is the coat rack looking? On another note did you ever get your 7X57 sorted out? or am I thinking of someone else?

Scott

I hit the range for my last sight in today. I had almost forgotten how much fun deer season range trips can be when you are not in a hurry and the weather is nice. The guy who could shoot 1/4" groups with his 7mm Mag was worth the trip all by himself.....

Per my self-inflicted rule of "100% shots into a paper plate at any given distance you will shoot at a deer rule" I am limited to 85 yards this year with the handgun. I was consistently missing 1/6 by a small amount at 100 yards unless I rested on the bench.

Maybe I need a bench in my Summit Viper.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by acooper1983

and the buck that a minneeeeeeesooooota fella shot (oakdale area).

[Linked Image]

"that boy aint right!"

But he'd fit in just right with our group !!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Look at the rub I found this morning. There were 5 trees like this.

[Linked Image]

Just kidding, it is from beavers. Thought that would get Tzone's blood pumpin.

crying out loud, anyone can see those are grousealope rubs!!

[Linked Image]

i hear ya ! lol. im tryin to get him to make the trip across da big river again down to the black river falls area and smoke another wisconsin monster.

Last daty for MN ranges today no?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Last daty for MN ranges today no?

Ours is open through the season, but it is a private outdoor range in Mound, down by the cities.

ahh, gotcha.

I think most public ranges closed after today

Originally Posted by SSB

TZone, How is the coat rack looking? On another note did you ever get your 7X57 sorted out? or am I thinking of someone else?

Scott

No that was me. I traded that gun towards my 4 wheeler this spring. Told the dude what was worng with it. He didn't care. He just wanted to shoot coyotes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ahh, gotcha.

I think most public ranges closed after today

Might be right. It closes sometime this week.

Pretty sure it's over with for public ranges now.

Hey T, I heard you knocked that ole coat rack down raggy & started to scrape hoof at it. Sent it through the patio door out into the yard where you dug a wallow under it and rolled in it.

I heard you even pee'd on that ole shaggy coat rack?

That's just sick man.

Sick.

I DO NOT wanna meet that beaver, no matter how many beers I may or may not have had..........look what it did to those trees.

ecit cuz...

it was supposed to have the picture of the trees, and the water like the one from the the page before..

damnit, i cant even spell edit right. my neck is so swollen i can't look down at the keyboard anymore.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I DO NOT wanna meet that beaver, no matter how many beers I may or may not have had..........look what it did to those trees.

[Linked Image]

edit cuz...

it was supposed to have the picture of the trees, and the water like the one from the the page before..

like so? I got yer back, and I agree, I aint want nuthin to do with no beaver can rub the bark off'n a tree like that.

You kidding me? I've pee'd on everything. New hardwood, wercked, white carpet...stained, fresh asphalt driveway...marked for life.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

damnit, i cant even spell edit right. my neck is so swollen i can't look down at the keyboard anymore.

Think'n bout that beaver ain't ya?

Originally Posted by tzone

You kidding me? I've pee'd on everything. New hardwood, wercked, white carpet...stained, fresh asphalt driveway...marked for life.

atta boy, get that all out of yer system before you come up to camp lol!

Kinda.....My wife is getting to the point she is REALLY pregnant, and I made her that way.

maybe that is why i can't look down....

Originally Posted by bubbajay

maybe that is why i can't look down....

You got a big belly too huh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

You kidding me? I've pee'd on everything. New hardwood, wercked, white carpet...stained, fresh asphalt driveway...marked for life.

atta boy, get that all out of yer system before you come up to camp lol!

I thought that's what we did at camp?

dangit! i'm doin it wrong.

yeah

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

You kidding me? I've pee'd on everything. New hardwood, wercked, white carpet...stained, fresh asphalt driveway...marked for life.

atta boy, get that all out of yer system before you come up to camp lol!

I thought that's what we did at camp?

dangit! i'm doin it wrong.

Oh um, no, no. You go on ahead and rut out at home.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

yeah

Sympathy belly, it means you care and stuff.

does it matter i started "caring" before she started showing

on a serious note, have any of you tried ordering your MN licences online? I stopped at the Cabela's in East Grand Forks and did not have enough time to wait in line. So how does it work, do you still get the regular blue tag in the mail or do you just print out something or what?

Originally Posted by bubbajay

does it matter i started "caring" before she started showing

No, that's very good.

It's like you lead the way. like a "follow me" sort of thing.

Good job man, Goooood job! (golf clap)

Originally Posted by bubbajay

on a serious note, have any of you tried ordering your MN licences online? I stopped at the Cabela's in East Grand Forks and did not have enough time to wait in line. So how does it work, do you still get the regular blue tag in the mail or do you just print out something or what?

Screw that man, it's too late for that chit.

Just get to the nearest hardware store or gas station that sells license & buy it over the counter tomorrow.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

damnit, i cant even spell edit right. my neck is so swollen i can't look down at the keyboard anymore.

You in rut to huh?

I'm feeling kinda out numbered on this thread.

Never did that. I just buy my liscenses when I get my small game in Sept.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

does it matter i started "caring" before she started showing

Nope, it's called pre-planing.

it will be next thursday when I come up, if there's a bunk open for me that is.

I bought my tags yesterday I only bought 3 this time around though

a regular and bonus for around here, and an extermination tag for camp. of course all 3 of them are good there, but I'm hoping to make one or two of them ungood before I come up

I also realized I need a meat grinder in the worst way!

Glad we got done working for the year yesterday. Got way too many things to get ready for this weekend in the next couple days.

I want to gut something.....

ya know?

Perfectly normal I'm sure....

I hope to get my knife bloody saturday morning

Ick, your gross.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I also realized I need a meat grinder in the worst way!

You will if you fill all those.

thats a lot of deer. You'll be changin diapers double time... on the kid too.

I think we're lost.

I once saw a farside cartoon of a hunter in the deep woods, there was a sign that said "if you're reading this sign then you are lost"

I thought it was pretty funny

bad news, Kendra can't hunt this fall. we thought we could get by with the hunter apprentice thing, but since she's a nonresident student they don't allow it. so all that load development and range work for nothing, yet anyway. there is always next year I guess.

She can just go buy a liscense.

nope, needs to have a firearms safety card first. anyone born after 12-31-79 HAS to have it.

before it used to be anyone under 18 had to have it but then you were ok, not the case anymore.

I have mine and I'm older than the cut off, she's neither

Good luck this weekend guys !!!!!! We will be whacking and stacking here a week from Saturday !

UUurrrrp. urp. uuuurrrrrrrp. a;ldskjflakdsfias urp.

urp, urp, urp, urp, urp,uuuurrrrrrrp.

Raatattatatatatle, ratatatatatatatatatatatatattttttttle.

Originally Posted by tzone

UUurrrrp. urp. uuuurrrrrrrp. a;ldskjflakdsfias urp.

urp, urp, urp, urp, urp,uuuurrrrrrrp.

Raatattatatatatle, ratatatatatatatatatatatatattttttttle.

There goes whats left of the coat rack......

urp, urp, urp, urp, urp,uuuurrrrrrrp.

phhhfffft, fffffttttt. phhhhffffffff.

and the banister.

Tom you might want to quit before you try making a scrape in the driveway and piss in the flowerbed, the Mrs. might not like that

I need a shower. My legs are stained.

I don't even want to know! lol

Here's Pam's deer, been coming into this spot in the daylight hours, everybody see Pam's stand in the background?

She's been yammering on about "big doe contest" & such...

Tzone I think you need to buy the wife a new coat rack.

Pam that would be a great shot. I will put in for a big doe contest. Hell, big buck too.

I went shopping for stuff for this weekend at Walmart today. Big mistake. The lines were full on guys (which were all in rut like Tzone). They could have easily opened 10 more lanes, but no. By the time I got out of there I'm suprised I have any hair left on my head.

Dave, I bought a LED lantern for the "girls room". And another light for going to the out house. Didn't buy any small tanks for my buddy heater, think I still have some. I don't think I will need it this weekend.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tzone I think you need to buy the wife a new coat rack.

Pam that would be a great shot. I will put in for a big doe contest. Hell, big buck too.

wife needs to buy ME a new coat rack. I dun rubbe the cheap ass one we have down to nuttin and there's a good 2 weeks of ruttin to go!

I'm drinking blaze orange Kool aid, from a blaze orange cup, through a blaze orange straw, wearin a blaze orange Kromer.

She better get a new one because no tellin what you would be scrapin' next.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I went shopping for stuff for this weekend at Walmart today. Big mistake. The lines were full on guys (which were all in rut like Tzone). They could have easily opened 10 more lanes, but no. By the time I got out of there I'm suprised I have any hair left on my head.

Well ya didn't haffta wear the tinks in there. that's why they were followin ya around.

Quote

Dave, I bought a LED lantern for the "girls room". And another light for going to the out house. Didn't buy any small tanks for my buddy heater, think I still have some. I don't think I will need it this weekend.

Heck no, you'll need shorts this weekend.

I didn't wear any tinks in there. Don't think I would have needed it.

No commet from the balze orange wearin foo in the kitchen.

helluva buck crossed the road one car in front of me in the dark this morning. I don't know wtf was wrong with the guy in front of me, he let it cross & kept on going. Hell I went down into the ditch after that sumbish!

Really nice buck, that does nothing to calm my pre hunt state of mind, nothing I tell you!!

I don't imagine it does. I'm all rutted up.

Awwww,they are so cute when they get all riled up like that at this time of the year.Now ya'll behave.

Stan in SC

2 days and a wake up. the outdoor channel has been on 24/7 I made a scrape on the living room rug, I have 3 guns leaned in the corner trying to decide which one to carry, and I doubt it will be any of them but who knows yet. I grunt and challenge the dog when I see her and I made flashcards of deer so I can go through them and call out shot placement perfectly. I think Kendra might be calling that show "intervention" soon....... we'll see.

Are you there yet? Bang, Bang!! You got that lantern hanger up yet dave? need some guiding light out at chickenbuck!

I'll put that lantern hanger up tonight or tomorrow man.

Dusty is hitting the road at around noon headed for camp today. I'll work all day today and head there tonight.

We'll cut some firewood tomorrow & do a couple of minor stand repairs. I also have some exterior trim boards for the front of the cabin to replace the duct tape trim.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Are you there yet? Bang, Bang!! You got that lantern hanger up yet dave? need some guiding light out at chickenbuck!

Buschy, you should make some lantern "street lights" and light the chickenbuck trail.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll put that lantern hanger up tonight or tomorrow man.

Dusty is hitting the road at around noon headed for camp today. I'll work all day today and head there tonight.

We'll cut some firewood tomorrow & do a couple of minor stand repairs. I also have some exterior trim boards for the front of the cabin to replace the duct tape trim.

I'm sure you'll work all day.

Serioulsy people...

Mini-man had to do a school project. He had to discuise a turkey so it can make it through thanksgiving.

He decided to make it a buck. So now there is a turkeybuck.

I told him it was deer season and he said well, then it will probably die anyway.

Best of luck to all of you hunting this weekend (Lucky dogs). Be safe!

We leave for camp 2 weeks from today.

Back to the range today to check the zero on the 45-70. My uncle will be joining me to site in his rifles.

Stan, haven't heard much about that Siamese Mauser. Did you find a load it likes?

Just got the blueberry muffins in the oven. Lots of baking to do today.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just got the blueberry muffins in the oven. Lots of baking to do today.

Don't even start me on your baking. Save me some for next week woodja please?

I've been thinking about it since I left last year.

Originally Posted by tzone

Serioulsy people...

Mini-man had to do a school project. He had to discuise a turkey so it can make it through thanksgiving.

He decided to make it a buck. So now there is a turkeybuck.

I told him it was deer season and he said well, then it will probably die anyway.

You tell Jack good job, that's the best turkey buck I've ever seen.

I can get my shirt over my head, but then it gets stuck trying to go over my swollen neck.....

Every time the wife comes around, i start grunting involuntarily. she thinks I am weird. I tell her i am wired, not weird.

Stopped at Cabelas yesterday to replace the headlight I lost in Colorado (the guide still has it actually cuz he didnt have one). Got me a Cabela XPG, whatever that means. throws a heckuva beam I tell ya. Yep, I am wearing it right now.

I gotta go throw my orange stuff in the leaf pile today. then I gotta plant the obligatory orange hat in the front window of my truck. Tradition ya know.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You tell Jack good job, that's the best turkey buck I've ever seen.

Seriously. That is scary that he came up with that. maybe he's heard me talking about chickenbucks or something.

It's hard to tell in the pic, but the wings are blaze orange as is the thingy on his head. It's deer season ya know.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just got the blueberry muffins in the oven. Lots of baking to do today.

Don't even start me on your baking. Save me some for next week woodja please?

I've been thinking about it since I left last year.

Don't worry I will make more stuff for next weekend too. Any special requests?

Jack's turkey is GREAT!

Rice kripy or special K bars with chocolate on top.

I put all my stuff out on the deck to air out. She's a blowin today. birds are squackin because I'm using the feeders for blaze orange hangers.

My basement looks like a cabelas exploded. I found the head lamp I've been looking for over a year for. Whodda guessed it would be found in a new house?

I have to steal clip some pine boughs from the neighbors because I don't have any pines in the yard.

God this is fun!!!!

Maybe just some ice cubes woudl be great for the crapolades....i think dave should put some floating lights in the moat too. pretty dark down there.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Maybe just some ice cubes woudl be great for the crapolades....i think dave should put some floating lights in the moat too. pretty dark down there.

Maybe some of the Chineese water candle thingy's.

There ya go tryin to light the damn swamp on fire.

That's where the big bucks are hiding ya know, that's where ole forky is at.

Not even the swamp squid will mess with ole forky.

We gotta flush him outta there.

maybe i'll just go in there & get him.

I hope so.

Oh somebody video tape that, ND marching off to do battle with Forky Toes in the swamp. I thought you were a hollywood marine? What you think your doing messing with that critter back there.

Forky Toes gonna get his critter posse and open a can monkey butt on ya like you will never forget.

Now seriously, ya gotta bushwhack 'em. Get some of Natty Light and lay down a scent trail from all corners of the swamp to a nice open elevated and hopefully reinforced stand. Then you leave a case of Natty in the open for him to come into.

When he steps out blammo, kablam, boom, pow, pop, whammo from everybody set up in a ambush and down he'll go. And best part no having to outrun T-zone and Ryan getting away from the squid.

Thats what I'd do mmhmm, yep.

One doesn't have to run real fast to out run Tzone.

sounds like a solid plan

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh somebody video tape that, ND marching off to do battle with Forky Toes in the swamp. I thought you were a hollywood marine? What you think your doing messing with that critter back there.

Forky Toes gonna get his critter posse and open a can monkey butt on ya like you will never forget.

Now seriously, ya gotta bushwhack 'em. Get some of Natty Light and lay down a scent trail from all corners of the swamp to a nice open elevated and hopefully reinforced stand. Then you leave a case of Natty in the open for him to come into.

When he steps out blammo, kablam, boom, pow, pop, whammo from everybody set up in a ambush and down he'll go. And best part no having to outrun T-zone and Ryan getting away from the squid.

Thats what I'd do mmhmm, yep.

Boy that would be a much bigger battle that the one with the jackrabbit. If that rabbit beat the heck out of him, could you imagine what forky toes would do. We'd be makin' a trip to the ER.

I really need a camcorder. I guess I should have bought one of those instead of my rangefinder.

Hey, that was a big damn rabbit.

I did something similar this fall, only I ended up with 3 mallards. story at camp

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I did something similar this fall, only I ended up with 3 mallards. story at camp

Can't wait to hear it!!

Turns out those wild jack rabbits don't care to be handled. They especially don't care to be shaken vigorously by the neck.

They don�t teach that in school.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I once saw a farside cartoon of a hunter in the deep woods, there was a sign that said "if you're reading this sign then you are lost"

I thought it was pretty funny

I'll have to stick a sign like that out in the adirondacks this year !!!

Bummer about Kendra , you both have a great start on next year though

LOL ya had ta go there didn't ya

Quote

Forky Toes gonna get his critter posse and open a can monkey butt on ya like you will never forget.

do we get to go through the rascally wabbit story again after dark thirty? thats a classic!!

God I hope not

Good luck everybody!!

Dave out.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

do we get to go through the rascally wabbit story again after dark thirty? thats a classic!!

But of course. Just have to wait for the right time (after dark, by the fire, and after the Natty light has kicked in).
When you coming out there?

Oh crap, someone quick pack the Muffy fire pit protection devices we cant have them dang ol' logs sneaking up on her again like last year.

She needs fire pit protection, mud pit protection, what else ya need muffster?

I'm all fired up. Just got back from lunch with Redneck. He showed me the most beautiful rifle I've ever seen. No way I'd ever be able to buy something like that. It would sit in the gun cabinet. Man what a pretty gun.

I'm fairly new to the "campfire" and it didn't take me very long to figure out that you "chickenbuck" guys are CRAZY!!!! Fun reads!!!! Good Luck everybody!!!!

Well the fire pit and mud protection I do need. I'm sure we will come up with more by the end of the weekend.

BD, it is not only the flying bears and swamp squids you have to worry about up there. They have walking firewood too.

double checked the rifles, stopped by cabelas so my buddy could pick up some stuff and bought a slim jim holster for my single six, it was only 20 bucks and I didn't have anything for it, soo... it found a new home.

checked where we're hunting on the way home, we have a few hundred acres to hunt, unfortunately 99% of it is bare field with no corn or anything, but there is a small ditch with scattered trees, that will work, I'm gettin pumped!!!!!!!

just went up to Fleet Farm and bought my license. Got the orange buried in the leaf pile. Tonite, I will go find some gear in the basement. I will be hunting out of the house kinda. Our land is about 25 miles from here so I get to sleep in my own bed next to my own wife! How great is that? Plus, we still have the deer camp environment up there in one of my uncles sheds! Man, that is living.

Oh, get this. Alex is playing its playoff football game tomorrow and my brother who is a sophomore, is dressing for the game so he cant go hunting! Hahahaa! i told him i was gonna sit in his stand. But he will only get at max 3 opportunities at the High School Football thing and he will have about 60 more years of deer hunting, so it is a good decision.

Welcome to Deer Camp 3stars. Couldn't have picked a better time. It's crazy season.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go freshen my scrape.

Originally Posted by 3stars

I'm fairly new to the "campfire" and it didn't take me very long to figure out that you "chickenbuck" guys are CRAZY!!!! Fun reads!!!! Good Luck everybody!!!!

Shoot man, we ain't crazy. Just fun.

Welcome to the fire.

Made it to the range again this PM. Took my 87 year old uncle along to site in his rifles. The old boy can still put them right into the bullseye.

Is he going to hunt with you guys this year Bill?

Welcome 3star, i'm chompin at the bit, the old 77 ford is loaded, pointed up the driveway & ready to light the fuse. Only reason I'm hangin on here is cause mama & the kids are on the way home, I gotta do kisses & hugs then this crazy man is GONE!!

Dang, I got a week left to go, before I head out to Missouri for their rifle season. It's gonna be a long wait, too, but like you guys, I get to visit with family and friends and do a lot of BSing and might even shoot a deer. I leave next Thursday, EARLY, and it takes about nine hours to get there. I guess I can manage the wait.

Man you guys are at a fever pitch.I sincerely wish you all the very best of luck and success this weekend.
Grizzly Bill,the Siamese Mauser was a success after I got all of the bugs worked out.Only problem was that it was so bulky and heavy that it would have been delegated to just being a range rifle and that's not what I was after.It was accurate and with my handloads I could hit a golf ball at 100 yards.I had a gent make me an offer I couldn't refuse and it now resides in California.I still get great accuracy out of the Handi rifle in 45/70 and in fact just got new glasses on that critter.I'm now after a Marlin guide gun in 45/70 unported.
I did recently add another Handi rifle to the group.It's a Talo edition "Trapper" in .44 magnum with an 18" barrel.Still getting it sorted out but it is doing great.It's a neat little rifle with plenty of punch and is a neat "mate" to the Ruger super Redhawk pistol that I'm deer hunting with mostly.
I'm considering cleaning a bunch of rifles out and just get a Contender G2 with several barrels.One of course would be in 45/70.
Welcome to all the new posters.Chickenbuck is a fun place to be.One day I hope to get up there for a visit.Meanwhile I wear my Chickenbuck hat when hunting here in South Carolina.I recommend that all of the readers here get Dave to order you hats.They are neat.

Stan in SC

I've enjoyed reading this forum, and I KNOW there will be more stories coming! Have a good Safe Hunt!!! I still gotta wait a week.

Dave is da man!
texted me lil bit ago. I have yet to get a grouse and they just give up to him!
this rivals the jackrabbit story!

just thought id drop in guys, i SMOKED a 150 + or - (151 gross green score) jackson county wisconsin 10 pointer today!!, field dressed at 205lbs. uploading picturs now, ill post when theyre up with the full story

awesome! I have never shot a deer close to that, heck half of that MAYBE.
hurry up and post the pics and story!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

just thought id drop in guys, i SMOKED a 150 + or - (151 gross green score) jackson county wisconsin 10 pointer today!!, field dressed at 205lbs. uploading picturs now, ill post when theyre up with the full story

Nice. From what I have heard the last few years from relatives that hunt WI, you're lucky you got 'em before the wolves did.

wolves smolves, wolves around here seem to get lead sleeping pills when theyre seen. The guys running bear dogs dont like it when theyre couple thousand dollar dogs get ate. pics are almost done uploading, ill be posting a whole slew of them fellas!

[img]http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/ajcoop20/058.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/ajcoop20/065.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/ajcoop20/061.jpg[/img]

I did a rattling sequence at 7:50, about 5 minutes later i noticed him slinking up the down wind side of the ridge looking for the source. I knew right away that i was going to shoot this buck, and thats when the old heart started thumpin, he milled around behind cover. He started to bugger as the wind shifted and i had one little gap i could shoot through but he was at 5 yards facing me, luckily i was 30ft up and had an angle on his heart. I practice shots like this on tomatoes all summer long and it paid off because i center punched the heart and he ran 60 yards before rear;n up and doin a back flip darn near.... soo in the spirit of this thread, here i am, smilin like heck :-D

Great to hear from you Stan. Is your schedule going to allow you to hit the woods this fall?

Talk to y'all soon. I have a feeling it's going to be a good week.

T

nice going coop. Hellova buck! Congrats.

You should be smilin' like heck. I would be.

Wow that is one heck of a nice buck. Great Job!

And welcome to the thread.

Missy

Tzone,I have been deer hunting three or four times so far and planning to go again this coming Saturday.
Man Coop,that is one nice deer.Thanks for posting story and pictures.

Stan in SC

Good luck ya'll, be safe and shoots some deers!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Is he going to hunt with you guys this year Bill?

Yep, he'll be a camp the entire season with us.

Stan, thanks for the update. The Ruger #1S was really shooting well yesterday. All the holes were touching one another. I know what you mean about heavy though. I've never wieghed the Ruger but at the end of the day it feels like it weighs a ton.

Great buck Coop. Jackson county has produced some great bucks over the years. Have you ever stopped at Moe's Hardware in Black River Falls? They have one heck of a gun selection and deal well also. Bought my Tikka from them back in January.

ran into some trouble yesterday when I was shooting, I swapped rings with my 243 to my 260 because my windage was WAY off, now the 260 is dead on, but the 243's windage is WAY off. not really happy with that, I know it has to be the rings, and they are ruger factory rings. only bad set I've ever had.

oooh ya been to moes many a time, he;s shirt tail relation somehow to me, but then again, so is everyone else in jackson county hahaha my family tree looks like a jack rabbits

Great buck Coop! Congrats!

I'm not buying a firearms tag this year. Just going to do some all day sits with the bow. And then of course go with the smoke pole up at chickenbuck in a few weeks.

Good luck everyone and stay safe!

Rooster

i tell ya what rooster buck, yesterday and today i think are THEE days to be in a bow stand this year.

Heading to Chickenbuck!!! Everyone have a great weekend.

Welcome Coop. nice buck too. At least your family tree doesnt have multiple lines heading to each box like those from Wisconsin do.

Oh wait a minute. You, um, are from Wisconsin arent ya?

In that case, uh, nice buck.

Good luck Muffy. Hope that new scope scores a big one for you.

Try and stay out of the mud this year.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Welcome Coop. nice buck too. At least your family tree doesnt have multiple lines heading to each box like those from Wisconsin do.

Oh wait a minute. You, um, are from Wisconsin arent ya?

In that case, uh, nice buck.

haha, well actually im from rockford illinois, but my family farm is in wisconsin. And hey der by gosh, we only marry 2nd cousins, not da first, dat would be wrong! but by golly theres no rule about takin yer 1st cousin out fer a date i tell ya

good luck to the entire chickenbuck gang! knock them big 'sota deer down.

LOL acoop yer gonna do just fine here on this thread

And congrats on that great buck !!!!! All I could say as each pic came up was WOW , WOW , WOW !!!!

Would be a once in a lifetimer buck for sure here in the adirondacks

thanks m1894, we've killed bigger ones, and there are 3-4 differnt bucks that are bigger running around, but he was to much for me to pass up. He's a mature buck.... and a fooled him hahah, so i guess thats all it took

just am gonna hit the hay. but I was over at our land as it was getting dark and saw a dandy 8 pointer. Nice tall tines, prolly 9 inches. Saw a small 8 making rubs and scrapes and chasing does an hour and a half before dark. we all watched him from 600 yards from my uncles farm/our deer camp. got everyone in the mood...well except the does, they werent in the mood apparently.

Coop, Illinois? oh boy. that der is worse then Sconnyville methinks. Bet you are a cubs/bears/pale hose fan, eh?

i HATE the bears and the cubs, by gawd o mighty im a packer fan, yuuuup and id move up nort but den i couldnt watch da packers ooooh id do ne ting for da packers.

Hey Coop
REAL NICE buck- congrats, but more importantly congrats on being a PACKER fan!!!!! I'm from Il. too and HATE the Bears....GO PACK GO! oh did I mention your nice buck?!?

Hate to change the subject, but I saw my first load of Xmas trees, actually 3 truck loads on Friday.

Hopefully one of the chickenbuck crew is yelling BBD (Big Buck Down) about now.

Bill, wherever those trees are headed they will be mighty dry by Christmas. For the safety of the Northern Crew....hopefully the Swamp Squids and Flying Bears are laying low....hope someone remembered the Knife Gun.........

Scott

I am sitting at work in the Emergency Department wishing all the blood was from deer, not humans.....

Good luck today guys and gals.

Scott, I hear you about the trees.

Just returned from a gun show up in the Wausau area. Great show. Lots of room between tables and quite a few exhibitors. Quite a bit of Military hardware which doesn't interest me anymore. There was however, a noticeable shortage of Savage 99's and Win 88's.

I only saw 2 deer today, one running through a slough at 120 yards, no shot. and another standing in someones driveway. tomorrow is a new day, I'm headed to bed

Deer down!
last small patch of trees we checked this little girl came running out. hit her and she went down, finished with a shot to the head. she aint big but its meat for the freezer! I still have 2 tags left so hopefully more will come!

Looks like "tender vittles" to me.....:)

Congrats Ryan.

Talked with Tzone a few minutes ago. The news is good, but I'll let him tell his own tale. Sounds like there's deer down at Chickenbuck also.

Granddaughter struck out this weekend on the special hunt at the Sandhill Wildlife Area. She saw a buck early Saturday morning, but couldn't get a shot at it. Saw nothing today.

Well, lets get the bad news out of the way first. We have to put our dog Daisy down. A visit to the vet detirmined she has cancer, and it's very agressive. She hasn't been able to use her front leg for almost a month. I took her in a few weeks ago and had some tests run and some meds given that didn't do anything. So my wife took her in for x-rays on saturday and the discovered it.

It's a very stress filled house right now.

This has been a goofy deer season already. The guy that owns the land I hunt by and the place we stay told me all the deer I couldn't shoot. Keep in mind where I actually hunt in on state land, and about 1/2 mile from his house. This landowner doesn't hunt.

Supposedly there is a big doe with two fawns that he sees in his yard, can't shoot that one. OK, so all does w/fawns are off limits since I haven't actually seen this doe. Then, I'm not allowed to hunt on his land this year (remember my stand on state land) because he wants his son to shoot the 10 or 12 pointer that's been making all the rubs. No one has seen this deer either. It was hard not to laugh when he was giving me these rules. The son never showed up to hunt at anytime when we were there either.

So I was limited to all non 10 to 12 point bucks.

That is funny !!

Sooooo, at 7:51am I shot this guy who came in sniffin the tink's 69 trail I laid down on the way to my stand.

[Linked Image]

He's a five pointer. Was a 6 but it looks like he lost one in a fierce batlle.

[Linked Image]

He was a stinky rutty sumbitch. I could smell him from 30 yards away.

Shot him with a Remington 7600 in .280 Rem. with 140gr. Federal Fusions.

Shot was 30 yards and obviously had bullet failure because it didn't exit.

good news is I didn't overpenetrate.

LOL. always nice to know what you CAN'T shoot ahead of time, looks like you met the parameters that were set.

here's how my weekend played out. had permission to hunt for the farmer I drove truck for, so did a few other people. one guy had 4 with him so after being able to hunt a piece of land that was 30 yards x 300 yards I decided I need to find a back up after opening morning. I did see the largest fox I had ever seen in my life that morning though. went out to the refuge I worked on this summer saw 1 deer, went back this morning, sat as my buddy made a drive, nothing. so before walking back to the car I checked one small patch of shrubs/trees and out jumped the doe. running away from me hard for 100 yards, then she slowed up and made the mistake to look back and pause. the 140gr partition from the 260 put her down right there. hit her a little further back than I wanted and she had no use of her back legs, so a finishing shot from my buddies pistol a minute later ended it. it was nice of here to die 20 yards from the road, shortest drag I've ever had

and all of it was in my chickenbuck hat

went out tonight, saw lots of prairie chickens and a few partridge but no deer. sure was a pretty night to be up a tree with nothing but nature. Man I love this stuff

Way to go Tzone and Colorado!Nice eating size.

I saw a bunch of grouse too. Man they were thick as thieves in the woods.

I have yet to kill a grouse, Dave could kill one with a beer bottle if he wanted to.....

I tried to kill one with a stick yesterday, but as always, I was a few inches short.

you need a bigger stick

Nice T

Way to go Tom...bad news on your dog...thats the worst...

Ingwe

that does suck about the Dog tom, I know how much it would get to me if it were Bailey facing the same thing.

on a "plus" side I got a cat today. its for my boy because he loves cats, at least he says he does, but he's already pointed a gunstock at it and said bang, then he tried to kick it and yelled at it for scratching on the couch. he's only 2, I must be doing something right

the other 80% of the time he snuggles with the kitty and absolutely adores it. I like the cat too,but already told her if she scratches the boy once, she's done.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have yet to kill a grouse, Dave could kill one with a beer bottle if he wanted to.....

Did you talk to Dave already? Umm, just ask him what happened on his way out to camp Thursday night.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

on a "plus" side I got a cat today. .

No "plus" sides to getting a cat.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Way to go Tom...bad news on your dog...thats the worst...

Ingwe

Thanks Ingwe. It does suck. She's getting spoiled more rotten for the next few days. My wife is taking it the worst. That was her first "baby"

Sorry about your dog Tom. It is a terrible thing to have to do. When we had to put Lucky down, it was bad. But we knew it was what we had to do.

Well 2 deer went down at Chickenbuck yesterday. CBF got an 8, and RWS got a doe. A bunch of them were still hunting when dad and I left, havn't heard how they did this afternoon. Most of us didn't see anything. The preacher (PWM) shot a couple flying bears, so it is less for us to worry about. It was a great time and can't wait till Thursday when I head back up there.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have yet to kill a grouse, Dave could kill one with a beer bottle if he wanted to.....

Did you talk to Dave already? Umm, just ask him what happened on his way out to camp Thursday night.

oh yeah I heard

Sorry about Daisy Tom. She wasn't moving very well when I saw her a couple of weeks back.

Sounds like Dave is going to have at least one good story to tell us.

Oh come on what happened Thursday night? Someone spill it...

well my report is kinda dull. after seeing upwards of 5 mature bucks in our area prior to the season, we saw only 1 all weekend for 9 guys...and didnt get it! My uncle shot a small 9 pointer. Everyone passed on small bucks (I passed a small 7 pointer 3 different times inside 15 yards). lotsa does and lotsa small bucks, but the big boys are still a no show. i did see a white weasel. that was cool. still some time left. a good weekend in the woods though, nice and comfy.

oh and lotsa roosters. holy cow, sunday morning was a rooster symphony out there! at one point, it was LOUD with roosters. I am gonna have to do something about that....

you're lucky! I hope to one day have a nice patch of ground I can manage for good deer (not just big bucks).

the only bad thing about public land around here is they have more hunters than deer in them, and just as many driving around and around looking for deer. from my stand I saw the same 4-5 trucks drive by a half dozen times in a couple of hours. I saw one deer that was shootable and I got her. I have 2 tags left to fill and I pray that I can. deer/elk are the only thing we eat at our house, I don't buy beef. either we fill the freezer in the fall, or we eat bland suppers for a year. so far I've been lucky in getting elk or deer but I know I won't be lucky every year. if its legal it goes down!

Sorry to hear about your dog, Tom. Congrats to everyone who was successful. We hit the woods Friday about noon to scout and hang stands. Lo and behold, our entire hunting area had been leased or sold, posted and entirely fenced in! We decided to hunt what was left outside the fence. Saturday's spot didn't work out. There was one good crossing, which I inteded to set JustOneGunner up on, and sure enough, someone else was hunting out of a permanent stand there. We hunted some other fringe spots outside the fence the rest of the day, and Sunday morning. I caught a buck sneaking across the trail I was watching, but it got in heavy brush before I could do anything. The third spot I put the scope on looked clear, so when he stepped into I shot. I thought I scored a hit but wasn't sure. It took me 20 minutes to find the blood, and we never got him. We worked a very sparce blood trail for over an hour, covering just about 200 yards and then lost the trail. Despite our best efforts, I'm afraid he became wolf chow. Very frustrating. 'Hate to lose such a beautiful animal as a whitetail. Kind of puts a dampner on the season. The old 99 did it's job, but I apparently didn't do mine.

bummer to hear about the loss of an animal, I know I've lost critters before and it just sinks my gut. shrug it off, there is still time left

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh come on what happened Thursday night? Someone spill it...

Well I would tell you but it is always a better story when Dave tells it. All I can say is that I wish I would have been there to see it. Wierd things have been happening up there with the grouse this year.

Oh believe me, i know we are very, very fortunate to have the land we have to hunt on. But it has also take a lot of sacrafice too. we do a lot of work out there and of course there is that monthly payment. But it is worth it! I cant wait until the kids start hunting more with me, then it will REALLY be worth it. I might take the 6 yr old girl with me one nite this week. she is really excited about going.

I know what it is like losing hunting land. Jeremy and I lost the 190 acres we hunted on for 6 seasons. It was sold to some tree huggers. But thanks to Dave and the family I have a wonderful place to hunt again.

who all is going to be up at camp this coming weekend? if I come up it will likely be thursday afternoon when I get there

Ryan,I believe it will be Dave and the family, me, Uncle Dusty, CBF, Tzone, you, not sure if Dave's dad and brother are coming back. Me, dad, and CBF are going to be up there Thursday afternoon I think. Pam has to work Friday. They have conferences Thurs. Think Dave will be out Thurs night maybe.

I'll probably be going up thursday about noon, so I can get my stand up, what groceries will be needed besides the essentials?
I can bring up a couple of chickens for the grill if we want

so what is the 1135 in the Colorado1135 mean? I could guess of course, but I might get in trouble!

Lets see, why not get in trouble! 1135 could be your weight? if there was a decimal between the 1 and the 3 (11.35) it could be your IQ? Oh, maybe that is how many shots you fired before you got your first deer? C'mon folks, help me out with some more guesses!

Something tells me the food at Chickenbuck is outstanding.

Not sure what is needed as far as food.

They got the trim around the door and windows outside done on Thursday. Dave made a new counter on the one wall in the kitchen. And a box for the wood by the stove. They were very busy. They also made a shower outside.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

so what is the 1135 in the Colorado1135 mean? I could guess of course, but I might get in trouble!

Lets see, why not get in trouble! 1135 could be your weight? if there was a decimal between the 1 and the 3 (11.35) it could be your IQ? Oh, maybe that is how many shots you fired before you got your first deer? C'mon folks, help me out with some more guesses!

Something tells me the food at Chickenbuck is outstanding.

Friday night we had BBQ's my mom made. Saturday moning Pam made an awesome breakfast. For supper Dave put a bird on the grill & Pam fried potatoes. YUM! Yesterday morning I cooked some bacon and scrambled eggs with hashbrowns,onion,sausage and cheese in it. Well I made breakfast twice that morning. The guys had to go take care of something first before they ate. I will let Dave tell you that one if he wants to. Never dull at Chickenbuck!

the 1135 is the brand that was on a horse I rode for a ranch in the mountains, best horse I ever put a saddle on.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh come on what happened Thursday night? Someone spill it...

Well I would tell you but it is always a better story when Dave tells it. All I can say is that I wish I would have been there to see it. Wierd things have been happening up there with the grouse this year.

The swamp squids and flying bears are most likely involved I beeeetch ya.

that is a cool tribute! maybe I wasnt far off and that was his weight, eh? I didnt think you really looked like you weighed 1135 pounds.

Those meals sound a mite better than our camp. Friday nite it was cold fried chicken out of a bucket. Saturday noon it was cold PB&J smashed to an impossible 1/4" thick (tasted darn good though). Saturday nite some hotdish and various beef sticks, venison sausage, etc. yesterday we broke down and went to a restaurant for lunch. You dont come to our camp for the culinary experience.

Ok this is driving me nuts!!!! Where is the jaegermeister ND?

Is he being kept hostage by the swamp critters? Sucumbed to the effects of many Natty Lights?

Oh the humanity to tease and tempt but never unveil the secrets that is Chickenbuck!!!!!

Glad you all had a good time

He stayed at the shack lastnight. Don't know when he will be checking in. Thought maybe tonight but I'm not for sure.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Everyone passed on small bucks (I passed a small 7 pointer 3 different times inside 15 yards). lotsa does and lotsa small bucks, but the big boys are still a no show.

I also saw signs of small bucks running. The thing is, I didn't see any does. none, zip, zilch, nada, nuttin. I think if the weather cools by next weekend, things are going to really snap. We should see plenty of daytime movement of the bukaroos then.

I forgot...I found the bullet while I was butchering the deer today. I hit the buck high in the shoulder on the left side and it traveled up the spine and lodged in the hide of the neck on the oposite side. Bullet traveled about 12-15" of spine.

That would explain the bang-flopage.

T-Zone,

I am so sorry about your dog. I missed that post and skipped right to your pictures.

Thanks. It's tougher than I thought it would be, especially since we figured it was coming.

No more shooting from Chickenbuck yet.

Sorry to hear about the dog, I went through that last year. They ought to live as long as we do so you don't have to go through it....

She is such a sweet dog too. Tough to see her go through this. It's time.

Just finished a plate of venni backstrap, baked beans, agraten potatoes, and broccoli. Should make for a fun night.

Originally Posted by tzone

No more shooting from Chickenbuck yet.

Just text CBF, and he said no they didn't see much.

Do you have any pics of his buck?

How big was it? I know it was an 8 but details, we need details.

I didn't take any pics of it. UGH, I'm slippin'! I'm sure Dave has some. If he ever comes back.

Heck it's tuesday. He might as well stay til next weekend.

I'll be leaving earlier than I thought on Thrusday morning, when are you and Uncle Dusty coming up?

ND said that he would try to be back to work on Wednesday so I would assume that means some stories tonight. On the other hand, he did get that shower up so really no reason to come home at all???

I may have to swing out to Chickenbuck this weekend & check on the operation.

White Bear

How was camp White Bear? What's the story?

Swing in there this weekend, I think there will be a full crew.

Originally Posted by tzone

Heck it's tuesday. He might as well stay til next weekend.

I'll be leaving earlier than I thought on Thrusday morning, when are you and Uncle Dusty coming up?

We are both headed up on Thursday I think. I would like to leave here by noon. It is about 170 miles from here.

Should I bring the generator up there. If you think we will work on the walls again, I will. Just let me know what you think.

What is ya'll's camp address, need it so I can arrange an ATF raid on you chicken buckers. LOL

It is "Just Way Up Nort".

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Heck it's tuesday. He might as well stay til next weekend.

I'll be leaving earlier than I thought on Thrusday morning, when are you and Uncle Dusty coming up?

We are both headed up on Thursday I think. I would like to leave here by noon. It is about 170 miles from here.

Should I bring the generator up there. If you think we will work on the walls again, I will. Just let me know what you think.

Might as well throw it in. We might do something, who knows?

It's about 325 miles for me. Around six hours. It will take a little longer this time, I'm going to go around the Red Lake Rez.

Got a big pot of Venison Chili cooking. As soon as it gets to a point that I can leave it I'll post a story about the radiator buck. Stay tuned.

ruh-roh, I dont like the sounds of that moniker Bill. I hope you were driving a Ford!

It's a good story if it's the one I've heard...

I got some good news on this sad day. Details to follow this afternoon.

Ohhh, I have a guess on what that means Tzone. Might it involve chewed up shoes before long?

The Radiator Buck.

Date, Friday??, November 1988.

On the way up to pick me up for deer camp my uncle and buddy hit a nice 8 point buck just 3 miles east of town. Damage to the truck consisted of a damaged headlight, grill and radiator. They contacted the Sheriff�s Department and a deputy was dispatched to investigate. Wisconsin allows you to keep a car kill as long as it�s tagged by a deputy or warden.

The front quarters on the buck were trash, but the rear quarters were fine so they had it tagged and threw it in the trailer and limped on in to my place.
After assessing the damage we pulled the radiator and ran it over to a radiator shop. The owner took pity on us and said he could do a temporary repair as it would take several days to get a replacement radiator. We returned home and salvaged the hind quarters. We also jerry rigged the headlight so we were legal.
The radiator shop called about 11:00 to tell us we could pick up the radiator. We made a mad dash to the shop to get it . We had it installed before noon and were underway a short time later.
Needless to say we arrived at camp rather late that year.

Skip forward 6 years to November 1993, Deer Camp.
Before finishing it�s important that you understand about my uncle�s wife. She was a child of the depression the word frugal doesn�t even come close to describing her. She was the original recycler. Nothing was ever wasted if it could possibly be reused.

Dinner that evening was spaghetti and meat balls, the sauce had been premade and frozen by my aunt. I speared one of the meatballs and popped it in my mouth, took one chew and promptly spit it out. The meatball tasted like sawdust. My uncle asked me what the problem was and I was quick to tell him about the meatballs. He kept right on eating and said he didn�t think they were bad at all. After dinner my uncle told me that they had cleaned out their freezer that fall and found a package of venison burger labeled �Radiator Buck�. That made the meatballs six years old.

YUCKY!!! Nobody got sick?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ohhh, I have a guess on what that means Tzone. Might it involve chewed up shoes before long?

Dispite my best efforts...no. I've never been without a dog, so I'm pushing for it to happen, as are the kids. Mama isn't ready yet.

That story cracks me up.

Check this out.... WI guys like MN deer camps too. Skane shot this monster yesterday, up at handwerk's camp in NE MN. He's a beauty. (the buck, not Skane)

[Linked Image]

I have never gotten a buck close to that big.

Ok ya'll here's my plan. I'm coming up, hopefully to get to camp by 1pm, maybe 2 on thursday. I know since I'm driving the impala I'll be parking a ways away. I'll probably just carry the necessities in with me and hunt my way into camp. I need to put my treestand up too I think. might need to run to my car later with the prowler to get the cooler/groceries, if thats ok Uncle Dusty?

I'm so pumped for this weekend! went out hunting again last night, 45 mins before dark some yahoo walks right through the woods, straight up to the top of the small ridge I was on and walks all the way down it skylined. needless to say I just left at that point.

I hate it when that stuff happens. A couple years ago I was hunting out back looking into our neighbors food plot. And here comes our buddy on his 4 wheeler hauling brush to our burning pile. It was only about 20 yards from where I was at, so needless to say I just packed it up. He knew I was hunting out there but he forgot. He said he didn't see me. I don't know how he missed me, I looked like a big old pumpkin perched along side a black dirt pile.

Originally Posted by Muffy

YUCKY!!! Nobody got sick?

Nope, but my buddy bust a gut laughing at the look I had on my face.

That is a dandy buck SKane got. We've got a few of those running around our area. Unfortunately they're rarely seen.

Dave's on his way back home today so it'll be quiet there Ryan. Good luck, shoot a bigun. See you in a few days.

10-4 good buddy

do we need any charcoal or pancake mix or anything like that?

Not sure. I know one thing....you'll have a chit load of firewood. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

charcoal in your pancake mix? Havent heard that one before. you guys are some tough hombres up there if that is what is for breakfast. I have seen the blueberries in the pancake mix before, but charcoal is new to me. uh, good luck with that.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have never gotten a buck close to that big.

Ok ya'll here's my plan. I'm coming up, hopefully to get to camp by 1pm, maybe 2 on thursday. I know since I'm driving the impala I'll be parking a ways away. I'll probably just carry the necessities in with me and hunt my way into camp. I need to put my treestand up too I think. might need to run to my car later with the prowler to get the cooler/groceries, if thats ok Uncle Dusty?

man I totally read this wrong. I thought you were going today!!! You can load your stuff in my truck after we're done hunting if you neet to. Sorry.

I'll prolly be up there around 1 as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have never gotten a buck close to that big.

Ok ya'll here's my plan. I'm coming up, hopefully to get to camp by 1pm, maybe 2 on thursday. I know since I'm driving the impala I'll be parking a ways away. I'll probably just carry the necessities in with me and hunt my way into camp. I need to put my treestand up too I think. might need to run to my car later with the prowler to get the cooler/groceries, if thats ok Uncle Dusty?

man I totally read this wrong. I thought you were going today!!! You can load your stuff in my truck after we're done hunting if you neet to. Sorry.

I'll prolly be up there around 1 as well.

So thats why Dave text me and said I was in kahoots with you teasing him about Ryan going up there tonight.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have never gotten a buck close to that big.

Ok ya'll here's my plan. I'm coming up, hopefully to get to camp by 1pm, maybe 2 on thursday. I know since I'm driving the impala I'll be parking a ways away. I'll probably just carry the necessities in with me and hunt my way into camp. I need to put my treestand up too I think. might need to run to my car later with the prowler to get the cooler/groceries, if thats ok Uncle Dusty?

man I totally read this wrong. I thought you were going today!!! You can load your stuff in my truck after we're done hunting if you neet to. Sorry.

I'll prolly be up there around 1 as well.

So thats why Dave text me and said I was in kahoots with you teasing him about Ryan going up there tonight.

Yes that is why. I screwed up. Ryan wrote Thursday, and I READ today.... He asked why I was messin with him and I wasn't. I told him to txt you to be sure.

Then I re-read what Ryan wrote and felt like a tard and had to txt dave back.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions day.

Sorry about your dog Tom. That has got to be tough. I'm not looking forward to the day thats for sure.

Now what was the good news on a sad day?

I know, I know, I know!!!!

Does it have to do with someone becoming a productive member of society?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

charcoal in your pancake mix? Havent heard that one before. you guys are some tough hombres up there if that is what is for breakfast. I have seen the blueberries in the pancake mix before, but charcoal is new to me. uh, good luck with that.

I think they use it to kill bad breath after a night of crapolaides.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Does it have to do with someone becoming a productive member of society?

Come on now, look who we are talking about.

Just kidding Tom!!!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Nice!!

no problem have at it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Check this out.... WI guys like MN deer camps too. Skane shot this monster yesterday, up at handwerk's camp in NE MN. He's a beauty. (the buck, not Skane)

[Linked Image]

Nice buck Scott!! Wooo!

Hi guys, I'm out of the woods for a couple days.

Gonna try to clean up, rest up & head back in.

Tom, sorry about your dog but it seems you may have some some good news too?

I'll try to post some sort of a report here soon. need shower bad tho.

laters.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sorry about your dog Tom. That has got to be tough. I'm not looking forward to the day thats for sure.

Now what was the good news on a sad day?

Speaking of dogs, how is yours doing Jim?

It has a story, it's a short story

look closely, duct tape trip replaced.

[Linked Image]

It seems I do have a bit of good news.

I be a workin man come Monday.

The boy strikes first.

[Linked Image]

I did an instructive field dress for him, the next one is all him.

sitt'n in the cedars.

[Linked Image]

Bangflop shot a nice 8 pointer opening day, did anybody get pictures of that deer???
I don't have any?

[Linked Image]

eener the camp chickenbuck dog

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

It seems I do have a bit of good news.

I be a workin man come Monday.

spill it foo.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

spill it foo.

Running QC at a precast concrete plant here. Might start the monday after next but they want to move quick.

Pee test tomorrow or Thursday...please be tomorrow.

It is nearly out my back door. 1/2 mile down the road. so the commute is nice.

Time to restock the gun cabinet.

give us some details on the kills. The kid looks like he was in the cut.

Where was bangflop? How big was the 8? It seems no one has pics of it.

Is that the bird you murdered with a beer bottle?

Tzone, sorry about your dog. Ya never get used to that feeling. Congrats on your buck....mighty fine specimen. Double congrats on the work status....so hard to come by sometimes. Dave you sure got the young'uns headed in the right direction. Do bucks just sorta follow CBF around?
I remember my first instructions on field dressing...."Cut here....Ya see all that stuff in there boy, well it's all gotta come out."
Carry on Buckaroos....we get to go on the 15th here.....Continued good luck all the way around!

Do ya have a "Harvest Moon" season on dem pats over dere?

TZone, I'll say it here. I am so sorry about your dog. Critters know when they are loved and your dog knew that very clearly. Great deer and congrats on becoming a working class hero once again!!

Originally Posted by SSB

Do bucks just sorta follow CBF around?

Ya know what? I think they do.

Thanks for the well wishes too.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by SSB

Do bucks just sorta follow CBF around?

Ya know what? I think they do.

Thanks for the well wishes too.

I know they follow him around because he has shot a nice buck the past 3 years with either a bow or rifle. I'm hunting a 13 point our neighbor got on his game camera. It is a nice 12 with a drop tine. I hope to get it so I can finally say "I got a buck", and a nice one too.

Health levels returning to near normal, grabbing a cup of coffee and out the door heading to work.

We still need details on those deer.

Congrats Tom. Bet the wife is happy too.

Dave, that's the cleanest gut job I've ever seen.

the buddy I've been hunting with around here took a little buck yesterday, I've been trying to sneak out here and there but I just have too much homework to get done if I want to go hunting this weekend.

yes tom it will be tomorrow when I get up there, I'm hoping to get there about 1-2 ish.

Dave, did my stand get put out, or is it still in camp? I have a portable I'll be bringing up too just in case.

sure is overcast today, and a little foggy. seems the weather might turn a little and cool off and drop some moisture, anyone else think thats possible? I haven't checked the weather yet, just going off how it feels

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Congrats Tom. Bet the wife is happy too.

She is. It is a contract job for now. It sounds pretty permanant.

I also will be on my way to an interview as soon as the kids get on the bus today. Things are starting to pick up, it looks like. This will be my 4th interview in a month, with some serious potential on a few of them.

I hate to be selfish, but if a better offer comes along, I'll give it a look at least. Have to look at what's best for the family. One of the jobs is in Brunsville, which is about as far away from our house you can get. Several others are much closer.

It's a relief.

thats great news Tom!, now if you can put forky toes in his grave, that will make your year right there!

supposed to get rain today then it's supposed to continue into tomorrow & turn to snow.

I wish it would just snow.

the road to camp is at it's worse ever. A shot of rain isn't going to do it any good, boy it's going to be tough going if we get any measurable amount of rain.

Ryan, I think the boys put your stand out, we'll have to check with Justin, he know's where it's at, sounds like they found a good spot for it but I'm not sure where it is exactly.

I'll be to camp after dark on Thursday.

How about that clearcut by that blind we built last year?

Where I sat. I'd like to hang a portable there tomorrow, if nobody's sitting there.

Good to see you getting back in the grind Tzone. Too bad it has to come after a weekend at the chickenbuck! hoping to make it out there maybe friday night. So much to do. Les shot a dandy 13 pnt last night, we'll bring that with to show and tell too. otherwise, its been so so, a big 11pnt, a club buck, that goofy, good to get rid of, a nice 8 last night as well, and about 5 does so far for us. Keep up the good work and get out the swampers!

Tom, there is a portable on the far east end of that cut. west side (the side your blind is on) would be a good spot for a ladder stand too tho.

Weathers suppossed to change here on Friday. Chance of rain turning to snow over the weekend.

startin to spit a little rain here, not much but its gettin colder

Woo Hoo. just paid for my new ranger, think it'll get muddy this weekend!!

I know where there is some mud....

Me too. Think I may have to have Tom and Ryan come get me and my stuff with the Prowler, if you get much more rain up there. I will sit at the clearing and honk till you come pick me up.

To those asking, yes I killed a ruff grouse with a beer bottle.

I use blue moon pumpkin ale, brown bottle, empty, underhand swing to the side/rear of grouse head.

You should get a nice "clink!" noise if you do it right followed by the ruff grouse flap of death.

I put my eyes on zero deer so far, as have most in our group.

Runs with scissors (Nate) flopped a doe on the evening of opening day at about 4:50. I would guess the shot to be about 100 yds through pretty heavy cover straight behind the ladder stand he was in near a new logging cut. Had to stand up and turn around to shoot.

High shoulder shot, she went straight down & stayed down. 30-06

Bang flop (Justin) had a couple deer chase through a narrow shooting opening off his left shoulder as he sat in a hang on stand he had just set up. First one blew through the opening & he didn't have time to react. But he heard another deer coming (the buck) He took aim on the narrow opening and as soon as he saw movement he swung to stay with it & cracked one off. Neck shot 300 win mag. Rolled the 8 pointer.

It was a good opening week, like I said a sinus type cold has threw me a curve ball so far. But I feel like I could be coming out of it now.

We got some exterior trim up on the cabin, built a wood box for inside the cabin and built a new counter top in the kitchen.

I did some stand work on Pams stand yesterday, I still have faith in that spot.

There is a fresh rub by the ladder stand Pam used to wammy a spike buck last year.

I may roll into town and look at insulated muck style boots as that stand is on an island in the swamp, very hard to get to and stay dry.

oh, almost forgot to mention Weezy pert near rolled my 77 ford the other day out on a forest road.

She pulled way over for an aproaching truck that figured he needed the entire road and she wacked it into the swamp really bad.

In my sickest hour during opening week I along with justin, my dad and the other boys went to retrieve the "stuck" truck.

It was on its side so hard that all the fuel in the tanks was unreachable by the fuel pickup tubes, so we couldn't get it running. We drug it out backwards with my tractor and Justin's truck hooked together.

I know I still need to pull the front hubs & wheel bearings on that truck because it sat in deeeeeep water for over an hour.

I'm still not quite over that eppisode yet.

I told her today when she insisted on driving my old truck again... Basically I said , (with marine drill instructor language) that if she goofed up again, even a little bit, I am going to go crazy. Not just normal crazy either, we're talkin 5 o'clock news crazy. As in "what made that guy snap?"

I want to hear more about the beer bottle/grouse thing...

sorry, topic's closed.

lol!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sorry, topic's closed.

lol!!

I think I've been cheated...

Well, ya just had to be there.

Where can I get a grouse? I have a couple of beer bottles... I could do it...

I was gonna say, "you could do it"

It really could happen to you, I just know it lol!!

Just for that... I'm going hunting tomorrow... I'm gonna catch an armadillo.... Bet you can't do that up there in the great white arctic circle place you live....

I made it out tonight for a couple hours, stalked through some promising country, pretty open but scattered groups of trees and a cornfield to the west. I saw 3 deer as I made it inside the city limits on my way home, just to add insult to injury

didn't see a thing when i was hunting, heck its the most deer I've seen all season. but I have high hopes for this weekend, we're gonna knock the snot out of some!

Originally Posted by BrotherBart

Just for that... I'm going hunting tomorrow... I'm gonna catch an armadillo.... Bet you can't do that up there in the great white arctic circle place you live....

you do that!

beer bottle one!

I just found out Justin is out at camp by himself lol!! what a die hard!!

I'm thinking about heading out there for the night & leaving for work from camp.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Me too. Think I may have to have Tom and Ryan come get me and my stuff with the Prowler, if you get much more rain up there. I will sit at the clearing and honk till you come pick me up.

We might be waiting there for you to pull us out. What time are you and big D coming up?

Brought Lauren (my 6 year old daughter) out on her first deer hunt tonite. And it rained. And rained. And rained. And then it rained. But we did see 13 does and 1 decent 8 pointer. The 8 was only a 1.5 year old, so he got a free pass....although I didnt have a shot anyway. Lauren was a trooper and loved it, even thought the conditions were tough. Made me proud in fact. I might just have a little deer hunter on my hands....

I stopped by the taxidermist's on my way back (he has my elk) and saw one of the most impressive bucks i have ever seen. Unbelievable mass. Big thick forked G-2s. Looked like a big muley rack.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you do that!

beer bottle one!

I'll off one with a beer tab... Just for you...

that might take some doing!

I made the mistake of taking a little nap before finishing my homework after the hike tonight. so here I am, its midnight and I finished my homework, yet I'm wide awake. YAY! I guess I can watch hunting shows til I get tired and have dreams of deer. course then I'll probably get a speeding ticket tomorrow on my way up cause I'll be too pumped.

see most of ya'll tomorrow! Tom be lookin for me around 1-2pm I texted Justin today and he's up there, I'm stoked!

Shoot justin a txt when you get close. He'll have to come get you, road is not up to par for the Impala today

Snow before noon today guys, I hope it sticks!

On this Veteran's Day 2010, I want to thank all that have served our country-past, present, and future. The appreciation for all that you do and have done can't be explained by simple words, thank you is a start though.

Thx Pam. A big thanks to your husband and all the other vets on the fire.

Holly smokes! I just hit the 2000 post mark.

Good job Bill. It would take me awhile to catch up to you.

Roger that, will do
and Dave thank you and the rest of the vets here for serving on this veterans day, and every day.

Yes, thank you to all the vets for fighting for our freedom.

All packed up and ready to go. I have to put in about an hour of work then I'm on my way Up Nort. Have a good weekend everyone!

That time of the year. Just hauled the snoblower out and fired it up. All systems a go.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sorry about your dog Tom. That has got to be tough. I'm not looking forward to the day thats for sure.

Now what was the good news on a sad day?

Speaking of dogs, how is yours doing Jim?

Still running around on three but it seems to bother him less and less all the time. He's got long setter legs so he's still way faster than my short stocky pure bred lab.

Thanks for asking.

I was throwin da cows over da fence some hay, da chores were all done it was opening day Orion da hunter was fadin in da sky it was almost time for da lead to fly !!!

Originally Posted by kinser

I was throwin da cows over da fence

easier to throw the hay over the fence.

Good day today. Passed up a nice 8 pointer. Shot a nicer 8 pointer! Details when I am not so darn tired.

How are the Chickenbuckeroos doing up there? Any pictures of the good food?

Looks like the heaviest snow went to the east of Chickenbuck.

About 3.5 inches Saturday where our camp is located and more to come today. Rained here in central WI all day Saturday. Very light snow falling now.

as usual had a blast at chickenbuck, have a bunch of stuff I need to do now, couple of deer were hangin from the meat pole this weekend though, and more deer are out there, I heard a buck come towards me last night through the swamp, heard splashin and then antlers rubbing on a tree, but it got too dark to see clearly. hopin a swampsquid doesn't get him before one of us do!

we got a smattering of snow over the last couple days, not much at all to speak of. hopin more gets there before next weekend

how about them vikes eh?

What's a "vike"?

its what I call the Vikings when they play like crap

ahh, so they lost?

Here's one for you Viking fans:

The Minnesota State Police are cracking down on speeders heading into Minneapolis!
For the first offense, they give you 2 Minnesota Vikings tickets.
If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.

Talked with Tzone this morning. Sounds like he's got about 11" of snow to clean out of his driveway when he gets home.

at least denver is kickin butt

Dont try this at home.

[Linked Image]

Insta-buck, yes, yes we are "that sick"

[Linked Image]

mama didn't get no deer but she manages to bring some critter fer dinner anyways.

[Linked Image]

I have interest in a critter that's been carving up trees by my swamp ladder stand.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Talked with Tzone this morning. Sounds like he's got about 11" of snow to clean out of his driveway when he gets home.

As usual....the wife doesn't know what 11" is.

it was more like 3 or 4 really wet inches. I almost blew up the snow blower. Litterally, I almost doused it in gas and lit a match.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Insta-buck, yes, yes we are "that sick"

[Linked Image]

and we were completly sober. I think that is the worst part.

What else did you attach to that doe to make it a buck?

that was a buck. It was a nubbie Captain Bang Flop shot. We didn't have the doe until later that day.

I spent 4 days trying to get a shot at a rather large buck that we spotted. At one point Saturday, I even wimped out and left the handgun at camp and went out with the scoped .270 because I knew where he was, and I could only set up my climbing stand for a shot of around 200 yards if he moved the right direction.....he didn't

Anyhow, my run of "buck luck" ended this year.

Then, after deciding to just shoot a doe and fill the freezer, I had the hammer thumbed back on a big doe I was watching for a few minutes when out came the fawn, and I couldn't drop the hammer. That was Saturday evening and, of course, after that I didn't see another deer this morning.

Oh well. It was my first skunking since I started rifle hunting about 10 years ago. I got to spend a lot of time out in the woods watching the wildlife including:

-a bunch of LOUD trumpeter swans
-a hawk catching a red squirrel
-several eagles
-a bunch of does I didn't even aim at because I KNEW buckzilla was right behind them....

I have been so lucky over the last several years when it comes to success during the season that it was good to realize that I really do love the hunting, and that enjoyment really has nothing to do with the success.

Here's some Chickenbuck love from Rocksprings Texas...

Lookin good Bart.

You shirt matches your rifle.

Well I myself didn't get stuck in the mud this deer hunting season (yet), but my Trail Blazer did.

[Linked Image]

It don't look bad but I was hung up. I was to the left doing fine and I got sucked right into the ruts. The Prowler wouldn't do it so Dave had to get the tractor. Thanks Cussin!

Originally Posted by BrotherBart

Here's some Chickenbuck love from Rocksprings Texas...

LOVE IT BART!!!!!!! Looks great!

Well Cussin,

Dave worked on the road for 2 hours after he pulled you out and on the way out....we rutted it up again. Not as bad as it was when the weekend began so if it freezes and stays that way, I think it will be BETTER but still not the way it was before the loggers. BUT......I'm not a road expert either.

Guess we'll fix here and there as we can. So glad to see you guys again this weekend. Thanks for coming. And remember your ALWAYS welcome no matter what the day, time, weather, etc.

It was fun to see you Tzone and Ryan also. I had lots of fun. Thank you so much for coming up our way.

Bart the chickenbuck shirt looks like it fits right in down in Texas!

As Pam stated, yest we are frustrated with the road to camp. I did spend hours yesterday working on it with the tractor and I did have it pretty nice. I think it worked well for Dusty to get out yesterday but between the time he left and when we finally left the light snow turned to light rain and the trail surface got greasy. We couldn't keep the trucks tracking straight on the way out and we rutted it again.

This caused great frustration for chickenbuck Dave who then explored the full range of travel for the skinny peddle down by his feet. I hit the water hole at the end doing about 40.

My entire truck is mud colored.

I may go out there tuesday night to run the tractor up & down the trail again and try to leave out of there without driving on it. That way the trail should be frozen and rut free for the most part by this weekend for the final run at 2010 rifle season.

Nice shirt Bart. How are things down in Texas? My shirt will be making it's first appearance at camp this thursday.

Muffy, you need to put a set of mud tires on that chevy.

Looks like we'll have snow on the ground for the opener Saturday.

it looks like you got some deer dave, we didn't want to have to make ruts in to camp there this weekend so we didn't show up, our road is getting miserable too, hoping to get it smoothed out a bit with the tractor and froze this week as well. maybe we'll get to stop out this next weekend for a visit!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nice shirt Bart. How are things down in Texas? My shirt will be making it's first appearance at camp this thursday.

Muffy, you need to put a set of mud tires on that chevy.

Looks like we'll have snow on the ground for the opener Saturday.

I think I also need a lift kit. If I had one I probly would have made it.

Deer Hunting 2010

Deer season started out with a lot of optimism this year as we had seen some nice bucks around and even had a dandy 10+ pointer on the trail camera. The weather was clear and cool and we were hearing reports of bucks chasing does in broad daylight in the days leading up to the season.

The first weekend came and went and was frankly, a disappointment. There were 10 guys hunting and only a small sized 9 pointer was shot. Only 1 or 2 big bucks were even seen.

On Wednesday, I promised to take Lauren out hunting. The problem was, it was raining and about 45 degrees. But Lauren wanted to go, so we went. We sat in Dad�s box stand with the cover on, huddled down trying to keep dry. We did see 13 does and a buck, but none were very close. Not a great sit for her first time ever deer hunting.

On Friday night, I took Lauren again and this time used my ground blind and sat by a field that I knew there would be does in. We saw 9 does, but no bucks.

[Linked Image]

Saturday morning was cloudy and it was going to snow. I was back in my stand (by myself). Didn�t see much of anything until a little after 8 am. Then I had 3 does sneak across in front of me and they spent the next half hour in some thick brush off to my right. I heard them move a little towards a clearer area and looked back and sure enough there was a buck with them now. But he was a little shaver, so I just watched.

Right then, I heard another buck grunt, but I couldn�t tell where it was coming from. It was snowing now and I was trying to find this other buck. He grunted again and I knew he was out in front of me somewhere. Another couple grunts and I knew he was in the field to the east. Then 2 deer zipped into the woods in front of me and I knew one of them was the buck and he was chasing the doe! Almost immediately the doe trotted across the very end of my shooting lane about 90 yards away and I got ready, with the gun up and waited. All of a sudden the buck ran across the lane and I didn�t have time to even move! I sure hoped I was going to get a better chance than that. As lady luck was on my side, the doe came right towards me until she was about 40 yards away and then re-crossed the same shooting lane. The buck, which I could tell was a nice one, was right behind her. He stopped in my shooting lane at about 40 yards. I had the scope on him and the safety off and as I looked at him I realized he was probably a 3 � year old, but his 8 point rack was just not quite what I was hoping for. Then, as if they said �you had your chance�, they spun and took off running through the woods. I sat there with my heart drumming and realized I had just passed up the biggest buck I ever had. It was a dang nice buck and I had second thoughts for a minute. But then I realized, I sure enjoyed the show they gave me and hopefully he will be back next year.

I kept my eyes on that general area and was in deep thought when all of a sudden there was another buck that was just going to cross the same lane. But he was smaller yet, a 1 � year old 7 pointer. Wow, what a fun time!

I was still pumped after watching all this take place when there, in that same lane, came a big buck, walking right at me sniffing for that hot doe! This buck was considerably taller, wider, and had more mass to his rack. I didn�t have much time as he closed the distance to about 35 yards pretty fast and then turned to go into the brush leaving me with a broadside shot. At the shot, he lurched forward about 10 yards and then spun back the way he came. I had a possible shot through the brush, but realized he was not looking very good. A second or two later, he dropped and lay still. Now the adrenaline was REALLY pumping.

[Linked Image]

I got Brian and Dad over there and we took pictures and hauled him out.

[Linked Image]

We got it back and Wyatt (my 2 � year old boy) made a comment that will be remembered a long time with the deer hunting crew up there. As he stood admiring the buck, he said, �I�m gonna eat that buck!�.

[Linked Image]

Technical details: Shot with a Beretta 12 gauge shotgun with 2 � inch Federal Barnes Expander slugs at 35 yards. Complete pass through, damaged the heart and went through the off-side shoulder.

Great story, awesome pictures and great buck.

Congrats Barettaman!

Very nice buck.

"I'm gonna eat that buck"

Classic!

Congrats B man!

Nice buck BM.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Muffy, you need to put a set of mud tires on that chevy.

I didn't see any Ford's or Toyota's needing a pull. Maybe that's the problem.

Congrats Dean. Great buck. I like how the rack is dark stained on the inside but not the outer part. That makes it really cool looking.

How was your first day at the new job Tom?

It's good to be back in the game. Lots of stuff to do, but not physically hard.

I didn't realize how much I enjoyed getting the kids ready for school in the morning and getting them off the bus until I didn't get to do it today.

We are on our way to check out a daycare right now.

laterz.

I dropped my boy at daycare, just about to leave and he yells DADA! I go back in, he runs up, gives me a hug and a kiss, says love you dada and goes to play with his friends. just melted my heart

Oh how sweet.

What did he think of the deer you brought home.

he was impressed, he's gonna get his hands dirty tonight when we cut them up.

he is not allowed anywhere close to the grinder though

anybody going to chickenbuck this weekend? road should be good and hard, maybe dave will get it level as it can be for now.

i donno if it will be workable right now, probably froze hard already.

but yes we'll be out there

Originally Posted by Rooster7

"I'm gonna eat that buck"

Classic!

Congrats B man!

+1

Great story all-around, but that quote was by far the best part!

I think I will park in the clearing, walk to camp, bring the Prowler and haul my stuff in that.

I was doing just fine driving on the far left side then I got sucked into the ruts. I'm thinking the flying bear must have flew by and bumped me. Don't think it would have been the swamp squid, there was not enough water. Though I better ask PWM, maybe they are on muddy land too.

My buddies coming up for lunch Wednesday than we'll pack up his truck and trailer. We'll be leaving for camp bright and early Thursday morning.

Good luck Bill.

Good luck Bill. The rut is on in MN. Today at break, we watched a buck mount up on a poor little doe. Then he chased her fawn around.

I'm going to head up to Duluth this Sunday and give it another shot at a whopper, agains Ma's better wishes. I only get one hunting season a year though and I'm going to use it.

There is a 10 pointer out there always, just gotta be out when he is.

Snow????????Frozen?????????Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!I like South Carolina.Linda and I went to Myrtle Beach this past weekend to celebrate our 22nd. anniversary.Had a great time watching the surfer dudes.Yes,we are still swimming in November.
I got a new shoulder cannon in today.It is a "Trapper" model H&R Handi rifle in 45/70Govt.I already have the standard model.What a great little "brush" gun.
Tzone,congrats on the job.

Stan in SC

There is a small chickenbuck member that wants to go to camp tonight.

He just packed his bag of clothes and various imaginary rifles and assorted weapons.

He wants to go right now and he's pretty serious about it.

What are you waiting for Dave. Get that lad to camp. There's flying bears and swamp squids that need taking care of.

Hey Stan, great to hear from you. Sounds like a cool shootin' iron you bought there.

Thanks for the congrats. Currently, the job is a temp unless they decide to hire me on full time. It's a 3 month contract for now. That seems to be how many places are doing it around here now. I'm not sure I like it, but I'll live with it.

It's kinda funny that is the place that said you were "too qualified" for the job.

Originally Posted by tzone

Today at break, we watched a buck mount up on a poor little doe.

perv.

only perv if you take pictures

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Today at break, we watched a buck mount up on a poor little doe.

perv.

VOYEUR!!!

Wouldn't surprise me at all if a cast concrete statue of a buck mounting a doe shows up in T's front yard in a month or so.

HAHAHAHAHA that would be funny

hey Missy when are you going up? we could maybe do the plan I thought of too late last weekend, you going past cormorant?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

HAHAHAHAHA that would be funny

hey Missy when are you going up? we could maybe do the plan I thought of too late last weekend, you going past cormorant?

The way you worded that, people will get the wrong idea.

I'm actually going to be that direction on Thursday Morning. I will be heading up nort in the afternoon.

LOL I guess you're right, especially with this sick group

let me know if you'd be able to pick them up, if not its no big deal

I sure can, just let me know where.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Today at break, we watched a buck mount up on a poor little doe.

perv.

Like you didn't know that.

I got shack fever.

It's snowing.

Is it? I hope we have a blanket of it for this weekend.

Justin thinks he will be there around 6:30 tomorrow night. I will probly get there around that time also, maybe earlier. Sounds like dad will be up there on Friday.

I won't be there.

I'm trying to get away to my spot by Duluth for a sit on Sunday though.

Have to watch the weather. Took long enough to get back from Chickenbuck on Sunday.

Hi, first post from my new phone�

This rocks, possible live updates from chickenbuck�

Ok enough of that crap, I might be able to access campfire on my new phone but i'll only be doing it when I'm really bored and cant get to a PC lol!!

What kind of phone did you get a Crackberry ?

yeah, crackleberries

very cool, don't drop that one off the motorcycle!

missy - I talked to the grandparents just now, they will be watching for you tomorrow

heading to camp 8 degrees this morning.

eight

brrr!

32 here this AM. The train to camp will be arriving in a few minutes. We be out of here until the 29th.

Have a great hunt and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Have fun Bill.

I got your jersey for your grandson too. Good luck in the north counrty.

it showed 21 here in crookston and windy windy windy for the forecast. yay!

FYI ND. Flying bears are very fond of blackberrys so watch yourself carrying that thing out in the woods. We'd hate to see you ent up ate!

No electricity for ND but gotta have Crackberry. he he he

Originally Posted by White_Bear

No electricity for ND but gotta have Crackberry. he he he

That is funny.

WTH did you do to that Dodge? We couuld have used that thing for a recovery vechile out there.

Thanx to Northern Dave and PWM,I am now the only authorized exterminator of flying bears and swamp squid in New york State. I have equipped myself with the appropriate knife gun in order to execute my responsibilites

Awesome!!

Way cool!

Dave reporting in, zero degrees this morning at camp. Wood stove is roaring, up to 50 in the shack when I left to hunt. First live deerstand report, all is quiet. Swamp squids are froze down.

did you check the grey ladder?
whats the head count for this weekend?

The pinion bearing in the front diff on my Dodge decided to stop turning. It was abrupt enough to skid those tires on the tar a little on the way out to Chickenbuck Sat nite. I was going to go home, torch out the fenders on my 300M, & do a quick tire swap, but it was already getting a little late.

I guess I'll have to catch up with you guys on a LOW fishing trip or something this Winter. If a guy could just find some way to get around in all that deep snow up there & a big comfy shack to fish outta...

How is the road out there Dave? Will I make it or should I walk and get the Prowler?

Aint you coming to see us this weekend white bear? Trail is froze hard now. I have my "mean gun" with me today. 300 Roy Weatherby. God help the delicious forest creatures.

Road is rutted but hars as a rock. White bear could drive his car in here easy.

would the impala make it?

Ooh, that's a tough one, car, and a chevy besides...

Its possible but she might scrape some stuff that aint been scraped before.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Road is rutted but hars as a rock. White bear could drive his car in here easy.

That dosn't tell me much. Sounds like he would try to put that car through anything.

just go fast and you'll make it. hoping to get out to chickenbuck tomorrow night if the night allows. good luck to you all!

Sitting in tzones ladder, going to move on to my swamp island spot, rubland.

Just drive fast enough to hit the tops of the ruts. Like moguls on a mottocross track. It's actually easier than it sounds. Of course I have had to hook the excavator & skid steer to my Chrysler to "adjust" the frame back towards normal before.... just sayin...

Ya I mightcould swing out for a visit this weekend. I need to get all my equipment moved home first tho.

I fully expect to see ole forky toes hanging tho. Don't dissapoint me ND.

tonight I would suggest the grey ladder with maybe a bleat and or grunt call. I just KNOW there is a buck in there

And a weapon of at least .45 caliber so you can knockem big hole in Forkey!

Dammit everything in the gas fridge is frozen solid! Even the beer! No deer yet I came in for lunch. Swamp is froze though, easy walking. Going to check trail cam then heading to that gray ladder with a buck party horn and a mean gun.

20 degrees outside, 68 inside, if chickenbuck hunters show up and the fridge door is open just leave it open.

Well I just tromped up to pams clearing and jumped 2 deer. Buck and doe. I mouth bleeted and they stopped in heavy cover and looked back. Had crosshairs on the chest of one, raised up to see the head to see if it was the buck and poof! There they were, gone. Should have just shot I guess, oh well at least now I've seen deer this year. Dammit.

you know she woulda kicked your butt for shooting a deer by her stand

did you get a good look at the buck?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I guess I'll have to catch up with you guys on a LOW fishing trip or something this Winter. If a guy could just find some way to get around in all that deep snow up there & a big comfy shack to fish outta...

I'll check around and see if I could find anything for ya.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

did you get a good look at the buck?

pretty sure you'd see pics if he did.

I'm tellin you guys, your going to shoot bucks this weekend. they're chasing now. Seen a real beauty on my way to work yesterday. Actually I've seen several bucks, but one was a dandy.

Windy, cold, no deers

Didn't see anything tonight. Snow storm is moving in, hope my hunting partners make it here safe.

good luck chickenbuckers!!! im heading to sconny tomarrow for da big opener! i got my eye on a big ol wall hanger, really wanna get 2 on the wall in one year

Luck back at ya, just looked at the radar. It's going to be white tomorrow! Bigtime! Woooooo!

did the beer thaw out?

If a front is coming thru tonight, tomorrow will be excellent. Slay 'em.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Luck back at ya, just looked at the radar. It's going to be white tomorrow! Bigtime! Woooooo!

Sumptin's moving in. we had a doe try to get on the deck tonight to eat the bird seed in the feeders. I have a running away pic on my phone camera. I spooked her when I broght my phone up to take the pic. That's a first for me, never seen that until tonight.

Good luck chickenbuckers and the WI guys on the opener this weekend.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

did the beer thaw out?

You should know better than to evev ask.

Missy and justin made it here safe and sound.

Good deal. Hey, hey, someone else can post from their phone

took me long enough to figure it out eh?

Good luck Chickenbuckers!

Lets meet 'ol forky up close and personal eh?

good luck chickenbuckers!

One doe on the pole, justins from friday morning. It's just been dead for us, damn cold too, single didgits all day today.

well thats somethin anyway! still got today to slay em.

I was going to head up north to Duluth but we have a hell of an ice problem here today. Cars all over the road in ditches, sliding all over....it's just a deer. I'll get one a different day.

there's always muzzleloader

Yeah.

I'm not going to make it to chickenbuck though.

We're having T-giving here, so all the families are coming to our house, then I won't really be able to hunt on Sunday, because I have to work on Monday. It's a 6 hour drive with good weather.

It's looking like I won't be out much with the smoke pole either. I'll get a day or two in though.

we're doing thanksgiving and christmas 2 day later so grandpa and grandma can get a jump on the weather for heading south. so I might be able to do a little hunting down there opening weekend. anfter that it will be a crap shoot on when I can get out and for how long, but hey, hunting is hunting

Final moments of the 2010 deer firearms season. 5 deer total for the camp this year. Most of us went the whole season without seeing a deer. Very poor hunting overall, food plots next year and a few more nice stands like the one I'm sitting in tonight.

Black powder opens next weekend. I need to get the old plow truck going this week, I think we got 6 inches of snow.

We got rain and I had to pace up and down the house. I didn't want to risk going north with the ice we have. It's raining now but temp is in the low 30's.

It looks like the sharp shooters got their share this year in your country.

Dave, I'm by Hinckley and we've been putting in more food plots every year, makes a huge difference. We still have wolves like you (they suck) but our deer numbers have shot up over the last 3 years. Do you have access to a tractor?

Dave, how many are hunting on your 50 acre patch? We try to hunt no more than 2 people for 10 acres, and we try to keep our distance from each other, if it's possible....

Originally Posted by cfran

Dave, I'm by Hinckley and we've been putting in more food plots every year, makes a huge difference. We still have wolves like you (they suck) but our deer numbers have shot up over the last 3 years. Do you have access to a tractor?

yeah I got a couple tractors, we're going to get after it next year.

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

Dave, how many are hunting on your 50 acre patch? We try to hunt no more than 2 people for 10 acres, and we try to keep our distance from each other, if it's possible....

Oh we space it out pretty good. We have thousands of acres of public land bordering us, we spill way out onto that stuff.

Sweet, it's great fun and makes for fantastic hunting. Hopefully you have better soils than we do, as such we are fairly limited to rye and clovers - but they pull in deer.

You ever take one of those dumps that makes your whole day better? Man that was nice...

no comment on that one today

Speaking of that......are you better?

yeah I was starting to feel better last night, got a decent nights sleep and feel pretty good today, gonna even try some food now

Here are a few camp photos.

PWM telling Dusty a story.
[Linked Image]

RWS sharing a chair with a couple of camp dogs.
[Linked Image]

The girls having a drink and enduring all the BS that was being spoken over at the table where the boys were sitting.
[Linked Image]

A couple of deer stand views from yesterday morning.
[Linked Image]

nice lookin pics Dave, did you get the horns put up?

Oh I wasn't sure what to do with em, they are sitting inside the cabin. i didn't know if you were coming to get them or what the plan was.

Are you going to make it up for muzzle loader?

I'm gonna try, opener isn't an option for me because we're doing christmas early at cormorant that weekend. maybe second weekend

the horns are for going on the cabin. we had talked about it last year and it took me that long to get them up here from colorado. I had wanted them up for opener, or second weekend but couldn't get em. a big thanks to Muffy for getting them and bringing them up there!

Ok cool.

Man I am wore out. I really put on some miles yesterdy, walking, looking for deer.

Bet I put on 5 miles, which isn't too terrible far but I wasn't walking a bike path, went through some pretty rough stuff.

I'm just plain wore out from the whole rifle season. I'm not getting more energy and endurance with age and the hunting isn't getting better either, it's all working against me.

With the TB sittuation we have up here the hunting is really tough, numbers are way down. So if you want to get deer you have to really work for them. Well I worked for them but I came up with a zero.

I really need to get serious about food plots etc.

I'll keep my eyes open for 3 point attachments like a little chisel plow. seeders probably aren't a big deal I'm guessing but I'll keep an eye out for them too. do you have a drag? I might know where to find a small one

I have drags, what I really need is a 3 point disc.

Did PWM like my knife gun???? I gots a bigger wun!!

I still have to show him, I'll show him on our home computer.

Dave I will check with Jeremy if he has a disc, not really sure what he has out there. He bought a really nice seeder this summer for all the grass seed we planted. It has a bag on it and I think it will hold 3 lbs. of grass seed. Or our neighbor has one to pull behind the 4 wheeler, I'm sure we could use that depending on how big you want the plots. I think the hand one would work good, unless you want to put in a whole field.

I was too tired when I got home lastnight to even think about catching up on the thread. When I got up this morning at 7 we had no electricity. A guy in a pickup lost controll on the icy road about 1/4 mile from here and hit the power pole. Our buddys driveway was blocked by the downed powerlines and he had to drive through the neighbors yard to get out. Electricity finally came back on about 10:30.

The drive home lastnight was the longest ever. The roads were so bad I had it in 4 wheel drive most of the way. I wasn't as white knuckled as I was on the way up there Thursday night. It was snowing pretty hard and couldn't see the road. It felt like I was in a Star Trek movie even with the dims on.

The road into camp was better after it froze. I still can't believe Kyle drove his Buick Regal out there. There are still pretty good ruts. I guess White Bear is not the only crazy one.

Brad Childress is fired.

Suddenly this Monday is way better.

Is he really? Woo Hoo!!! Should have been done a long time ago.

"I really need to get serious about food plots etc."

Think Pumpkins. They are easy and cheap to grow and deer absolutely love them. Just don't grow them too close to where you are going to be sitting on a stand or where you will be still hunting.
_________________________

As for the firing of Childress, now fire everyone else on the team that is over 30 years old!!!!!!!

Hmm, yeah i dunno if our DNR would like the pumpkin idea.

easy to spot as bait from a plane flying over.

Reminds me of a local guy that bought a dozen or so brand new basketballs and put them out in an opening in front of his stand.

DNR came stomping in with their chests puffed up to bust him for baiting with pumpkins.

He was baiting alright, not deer though, he was baiting DNR.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hmm, yeah i dunno if our DNR would like the pumpkin idea.

easy to spot as bait from a plane flying over.

Reminds me of a local guy that bought a dozen or so brand new basketballs and put them out in an opening in front of his stand.

DNR came stomping in with their chests puffed up to bust him for baiting with pumpkins.

He was baiting alright, not deer though, he was baiting DNR.

That is way too funny!!

ND

I have the same DNR as you do. I guess we have to find a Court of Appeals case that defines "In the vicinity of" to determine how close one can hunt to a food plot. The regs clearly state that you cannot pile up a bunch of pumpkins and hunt over them, but it isn't very clear as to how far away from a food plot you have to be in order to be legal about it.

I am not a big believer in hunting over bait, but I do believe in being able to plant something somewhere on your property in order to keep deer in the general area. The whole question being, as I stated above, what vicinity means.

Good luck.

I hear ya. And I knew what you meant. It's just that our property is either fully heavily wooded, some tag/brush and the rest swamp. So land that i can clear for plots is brushy areas for the most part and that's not a lot, maybe 4 to 5 little areas at best. So We're going to want to have stands over those spots or very close by them.

For that reason I'm thinking I have to go with more of the grass or leafy plant type plots. If i had more areas that would be easily converted to food plots I'd seriously consider planting stuff like pumpkins & we'd just try our best to set up safely away from them.

If I knew they'd grow ok in the heavy timber where the sun doesn't get in very well we'd just let them grow out in the heavy timber areas.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A couple of deer stand views from yesterday morning.
[Linked Image]

Dave,

Where are those shots from? Is that the new spot you and Ryan set up in?

the first one is from the stand looking west from the cedars by where I parked my car, kinda towards your stand it faces. the second one I think is from the pumpkin stand? least thats my best guess. the last one is hard to tell, could be the grey ladder stand by the cedars where I moved it after Dave found that spot.

It takes the deer a couple of years to figure out that turnips are good to eat, and then they go crazy on them. Down in Missouri they use a lot of turnips, clover, and winter wheat for their food plots. I don't know how any of those handle the limited sunlight they'd get up your way, but it might be worth asking about.

https://forums.cabelas.com/showthread.php?t=12514

http://www.deerhuntersclub.com/forums/food-plots/1651-food-plot-woods.html

Just did a quick search for big woods food plots. These threads might be good for some ideas.

ND

Do you have any water on that property?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A couple of deer stand views from yesterday morning.
[Linked Image]

Dave,

Where are those shots from? Is that the new spot you and Ryan set up in?

Tom, those photos are taken from that little ladder stand at the east end of the clear cut you set your ladder stand up on.

First pic is looking west towards your stand and the 2nd is looking south towards that logging landing where Ryan parked his car.

Originally Posted by 22WRF

ND

Do you have any water on that property?

Lots of water.

I worked on the plow truck last night, got the floors patched up better, put a seat in the truck, hung some doors on it, mirrors, hood latch. Then drug the plow blade in the shop and did some blacksmithing on that old bugger, repaired the trip pivot. I hung the blade on the truck and plowed the driveway last night.

I still have to swap the boxes but it's fuctional as a plow truck again. Good thing too because it snowed all night and we have more coming, could be a lot more.

Temp is -5 here this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Temp is -5 here this morning.

I'm not ready for that yet! I know it's cold here, I heard the furnace kick on in the garage. It doesn't usually do that unless its real cold. I only keep the garage at 40. We barely got a dusting of snow here.

got more snow last night, I'd say 6" the last day or so, chilly but calm this morning, not sure of the temp but its around 0 or in the single digits.
what about corn Dave? it would stay above the snow and provide feed for them after we get lots of snow, just a thought.
you could plant a pumpkin garden right by camp, wouldn't look like anything but a garden from above

Just went out and started my truck for my 45 second commute to work.

Temp was +8.

its too early for this chit!

got a call out of the blue by my best friend from high school, invited me down for muzzle loader weekend after opener, I haven't hunted with him in probably 10 years, I might not make it up north then

I talked to mom lastnight and they got about a foot of snow. We only got about 4 inches so far. Sounds like another storm is going to move in tomorrow and Thursday.

perfect driving weather, my ma put in an order for wild rice when I go out to colorado, anyone know where to get the best stuff? or to buy in bulk?

I think there's a processor in deer river. Used to be anyways. I installed some equipment in a plant there about 20 years ago.

They were a big opperation back then. I'm possitive they sell in larger volume, big bags like feed bags.

moose lake seems the place, 10 lb bad for 50-60 bucks, not too bad. hmmmm seems the ticket

next question is cultivated or wild grown?

I'll shoot you a PM with a phone number Ryan, deer river wild rice has been in business for around 30 years I think.

They should be competitive with their pricing.

it's them or moose lake i'm thinkin of, one of the 2....

Where is that Moose Lake located?

Foot of snow here yesterday. -11* at home this morning but no wind so it didn't feel too bad. But as Muffy stated, more snow and high winds expected for tomorrow night and thursday. Perfect for driving down to Deerwood, MN for Turkey Day.

Moose Lake wild rice company in Deer River MN area. There is a Moose Lake north east of the town of Deer River. The Moose Lake rice company is between the town & moose lake.

Closer to Moose Lake actually.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Foot of snow here yesterday. -11* at home this morning but no wind so it didn't feel too bad. But as Muffy stated, more snow and high winds expected for tomorrow night and thursday. Perfect for driving down to Deerwood, MN for Turkey Day.

And then for driving north to camp chickenbuck for muzzle loader hunting??

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Foot of snow here yesterday. -11* at home this morning but no wind so it didn't feel too bad. But as Muffy stated, more snow and high winds expected for tomorrow night and thursday. Perfect for driving down to Deerwood, MN for Turkey Day.

And then for driving north to camp chickenbuck for muzzle loader hunting??

Not sure on THIS weekend for ML at CB yet because I don't know what the plans are exactly or how long we are going to stay at our friends in Deerwood. I would say its leaning more toward next weekend for CB but if this storm keeps me home for turkey day, its a real possibility that I would be up to camp by friday afternoon.

We have been doing a lot of food plots for a while at our place. here is what I think you should consider planting:

1. Rape
2. Rye
3. Turnips
4. Clover

I have had no luck with the deer liking pumpkins. They just walk right by them. Maybe my deer are pumpkin snobs, I dunno, but we havent had much luck with them. I will say that these are the ones we through out after Halloween. They sit there for a lonnnnng time. But rape now, that stuff is a magnet. Unbelievable how they love that stuff. And the great part of it, and this applies to you because you only have small areas to plant, is that they dont really bother it much until after freeze up. That way, it is still there at deer hunting. That is a real problem with small food plots. The deer eat them completely by Oct 1 and you are out of luck.

Oh, and you can hunt over, in, under, through and alongside a foot plot. Bait? No. Food plot? Yes. Just dont pick whatever it is you grow, that turns it into bait.

I never understood why you can hunt over a corn field yet if you plant a small field for deer its baiting, is that right? makes no sense to me

If it's growing it's legal. Or if it's grown there and still standing.

If you pick the cobs, shuck em and pile them up it's baiting.

I had this type of conversation with the wildlife manager in our camp area and concur with your interpretation. If it is growing on the vines/stalks in the field or plot it is okay but you cannot haul a bunch of pumpkins in and spread them around if they were not grown in the field. Corn planted and unharvested is okay but picked or shelled and piled in the field is not ok. Imagine the same for bales of hay or alfalfa but not sure.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

I had this type of conversation with the wildlife manager in our camp area and concur with your interpretation. If it is growing on the vines/stalks in the field or plot it is okay but you cannot haul a bunch of pumpkins in and spread them around if they were not grown in the field. Corn planted and unharvested is okay but picked or shelled and piled in the field is not ok. Imagine the same for bales of hay or alfalfa but not sure.

From MN DNR:

Among the baiting restrictions are:

�bait or feed� is grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer and that has been placed by a person
hunters are not allowed to use or hunt over bait or feed or hunt in the vicinity of bait or feed if the hunter knows about or has reason to know about the placement of the bait or feed
a person otherwise in compliance with this section who is hunting on private or public property that is adjacent to the property where bait or feed is present is not in violation if the person has not participated in, been involved with, or agreed to baiting or feeding wildlife on the adjacent property
an area is considered baited for 10 days after complete removal of the bait or feed
liquid scents, salt, minerals, and bird feeders containing grains or nuts that are at least 6 feet above the ground are not considered bait or feed
this restriction does not apply to foods resulting from normal or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or similar land management activities.

Dave did you happen to find an extra box of shells for my .270 at the shack? I misplaced a full box somewhere.

I can look for them this weekend.

Thanks.

aint she perty?

Looks tough.

baby blue and yellow frankenstien.... but yes, tough in an odd way.

I need to pick up a headlight and I can put that other bezel on (drivers side) I'll also try to swap boxes this week yet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I need to pick up a headlight and I can put that other bezel on (drivers side) I'll also try to swap boxes this week yet.

What's wrong with that box?

Have you seen the new LMC? Lots of new stuff. 3/4 box sides too. I could have used that about 3 months ago.

They have the grill fasteners I was askin you about late summer too. They're pricey tho, like $.16 a piece.

went out coyote huntin this evening, thinkin they might be looking for an easy meal with the bad weather coming, didn't see a one

oh well lots of tracks and time left to hunt

cool, 223?

yes! everyone needs one of those ya know.

I took the AR out since it got neglected at deer time. I have a savage 110fp I've been meaning to shoot, I got it about 6 months ago and have yet to shoot it, I feel so bad!

you need a .223 dave, I need someone to help shoot up this 3k rounds of ammo I got

maybe uncle dusty could use some in his mini-14

Savage makes a nice little rifle called the 11 BTH it's a satin blued bolt action. Brown laminated thumbhole stock also satin finished, hinged floorplate, accu trigger, 1 in 9" twist barrel in .223, 22" barrel, 6.75 lbs.

They also make it in .204, 22-250, 243 and 308 in short actions.

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thats almost exactly like my 223 actually, thumbhole is diff color and its a long action, but yeah very much like that

I need me a .223. I keep looking out for the Stevens 200's or Savages to go on sale.

That chit's always on sale Tom.

You need a 220 swift to ND. If a guy could just find one of those odd buggers....

Oh and a 204 as well. Tightest patterns of any gun I own. Well, even with the 22-250AI I guess. They'll both shoot a 5 shot pattern that you can't poke a pencil thru without ripping the paper.

COME ON SNOW!!!!!! Ole Yeller.. er..... Ole Blue.... Um would it be Ole Green now??? Any way, Ole Holey needs some exercise!!!

hunker down folks, we got baaaaad weather comin

Originally Posted by White_Bear

You need a 220 swift to ND. If a guy could just find one of those odd buggers....

Oh and a 204 as well. Tightest patterns of any gun I own. Well, even with the 22-250AI I guess. They'll both shoot a 5 shot pattern that you can't poke a pencil thru without ripping the paper.

COME ON SNOW!!!!!! Ole Yeller.. er..... Ole Blue.... Um would it be Ole Green now??? Any way, Ole Holey needs some exercise!!!

I have a 220 swift, a ruger M77 standard walnut/blued with a Burris FFII 3-9 40 B-plex on it.

I haven't had much time to play with that one. I've left it bone stock so far because I want to record accuracy the way it is then again after free float, bedding & a trigger job.

But I'd trade 2 or 3 of those for that Winchester model 54 in 220 swift you have, you dirty bugger!!

now you have me thinkin about bedding some of my rifles, hmmmm
sounds like a winter day project when bad weather is in the air

has it hit crookston yet?

its lightly snowing now, so its just getting started I think

I hope it stalls out about an hour North of you. I have my fingers crossed!

I'm looking in disbelief at the pictures of all the snow there.I just returned from three days of deer hunting down in the lower part of South Carolina.Got no deer cause the combination of full moon and warm weather makes for poor daytime movement.We were in T shirts except early in the morning when a sweat shirt was more than enough.The 1100 acre lease has a lot of fields and we rode at night and the eyes lighting up in the fields were like stars in the sky.Monday morning I had a small doe in front of the ground blind at about 40 yards on a corn pile(legal in low country)for about 20 minutes.No challenge with the .308 so I passed on her.Next day I went in with the .44 magnum pistol hoping to see her again but no luck.It was loads of fun riding around all over in a Rhino and a really neat Japanese mini truck with 4WD.It ain't about what you kill as much as it is about just getting out.
Dave,the old truck looks tough in a tough kind of way.
I got a new 45/70 "Trapper" Handi rifle and we shot it some.Really neat and very accurate.Brantley's 11 year old son got a large charge out of using it to shoot a half gallon milk jug full of frozen water and watching it literally explode.Kid'll be grinning for a week.
A very heart felt Happy Thasnksgiving to all Chickenbuckers.
Incidentally I wore my Camp CB hat the whole time.

Stan in SC

Good report Stan, I agree it is about getting out there with friends & family & making memories, we must have over a foot of snow now and it's falling hard probably through the night.

Hey Dave-how many have you got coming for muzzleloader? I gotta work Satruday, but plan on hunting up by Hinckley on Sunday.

It was snowing pretty good here earlier but it turned to sleet. Don't sound like we are going to get the hard winds we were going to get.

Not sure. I'll be there and my oldest boy will be there, most likely campfire member "backwoodsbrian" will be there with his new T/C pro hunter encore.

other than that I guess who ever braves the storm is welcome.

I would take some snow over the 4 inches of rain we are supposed to get the next 2 days !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not sure. I'll be there and my oldest boy will be there, most likely campfire member "backwoodsbrian" will be there with his new T/C pro hunter encore.

other than that I guess who ever braves the storm is welcome.

Good luck to you guys Dave. Unfortunately, I have to work on Saturday. 'Took two full weekends off for opening week of gun season-can't pull another one in the same month, unfortunately. Will be hunting on Sunday for sure though.

We didn't get much snow. Maybe an inch.

I won't be at CB for muzzy ldr.

Not being able to leave until Friday afternoon and it would be a late night on Sunday, I just can't do it. dang work.

I'll be up by Duluth with my brother in law. Which is always fun. He doesn't get to hunt much because of his work schedule. By not hunting much I mean like every other year.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Travel safe if you happen to be going somewhere today.

Also sending out a happy 17th birthday to my baby girl, Weezie!

Happy Thanksgiving back at ya Mrs ND!!!! ANNNND Happy Berfday to Weezy!!!!!

I hope PWM enjoyed my knife gun

Happy Thanksgiving to you Mrs. ND. Happy birthday to weezie too. 17 was a good one for me but not as good as 18.

Happy Thanksgiving to all you guys and gals out there. We're having t-day here. About 15 people coming over. The weather looks clear and I have a big pile of potatoes to peel.

Happy Turkey Day to one and all. This is the only day of the year where "flipping one the bird" won't get your arse kicked!

Happy thanksgiving everyone. Happy birthday Weezie!

I for one am thankful for a lot this year my healthy son, a graduation in December from college fresh venison in the freezer, family and good friends friends some of whom are right here. Thank you Pam and Dave for your hospitality!

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Thanx to Northern Dave and PWM,I am now the only authorized exterminator of flying bears and swamp squid in New york State. I have equipped myself with the appropriate knife gun in order to execute my responsibilites

I showed the little man your picture this morning, He highly approves of your knife gun!

Happy thanksgiving everybody and happy birthday weezy!!

The old truck went to work today, I just finished plowing tons of snow, our place & all the close neighbors... And now it's started snowing again

ND

What kind of plow do you have there?

I'm so fing stuffed I'm going to lay on the couch, drink Leinnies and watch football for the rest of the day.

It's an old myers straight blade with elect hydro lift & tilt.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,WEEZIE!!!!

Stan in SC

So earlier today we are all busy doing things, I'm getting my boots on to go outside and plow snow and we hear the little guy "mom... mom....mom..mommm!"

Pam says "what?"

"Mom can I have a corn?..... mom? Mom can I have a corn?"

Pam: "What? I need to cook that..."

PWM: "No you don't, I don't care.... Mom can I have a corn?"

We're all kind of half listening but busy doing our own thing and Pam says "ok, fine."

We're all probably thinking he's going to grab a corn kernel with a spoon or something, he likes corn.

Well I come around the corner to see he's opened a can of corn and poured it on a plate (the whole can, "a corn")

And he's sitting down to eat it!!

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It was good for a laugh here I guess, just had to share.

Also have some birthday girl pics, 17 now.

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we only got about 2 or 3 inches here, no big blizzard like they were saying. oh well I guess. we stayed home for nothing, probably head down to DL in the morning

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEZIE

Happy Birthday again Weezy!

I love the picture of them blowing out the candles.

It is a good thing PWM is eating his veggies.

He's eaten worse...I've seen him do it.

Me and Nate are taking the plow truck to chickenbuck today for muzzle loader opener which is tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tzone

He's eaten worse...I've seen him do it.

White bear borrowed Nate (RWS) a muzzle loader for the season. Looks like it's just me & Nate this weekend.

And it looks like we'll have a lot of snow to plow getting in to camp.

Take pics!

Say " Hi!" to the Donner party for me...

Good Luck Dave, have fun! I just got back from camp this morn, no competitor for the Dink O Thon but we did have some success. Will try to get some pics up soon.

I fought & fought and I'm happy to say ole yeller is now mostly... old blue.

I got the boxes swapped today with Nate's help.

Now I gotta get a quick shower and we're headed for deer camp in the new improved plow truck.

I'll take pictures.

Good luck this weekend ! This is the last weekend of our regular gun season so I`m hoping the girlfriend can get it done so I can get serious about it when muzzleloader season comes in the 4th ! LOL

Originally Posted by kinser

Good luck this weekend ! This is the last weekend of our regular gun season so I`m hoping the girlfriend can get it done so I can get serious about it when muzzleloader season comes in the 4th ! LOL

We saw one heckuva nice eight-pointer this morning just outside the Lincoln State Park down in either Spencer or Dubois County IN. We'd take the wrong road and a detour led us past the park, and he was just standing in the road, looking at us. I was glad I wasn't carrying a weapon with me, he'd have been hard to resist otherwise, and probably wouldn't have gotten that big anywhere BUT that state park. Indiana can grow some deer!

I have talked to a lot of guys this year and almost all of them say they aren`t seeing many bucks. I have been seeing a lot of decent bucks but have been concentrating on getting the girlfriend hers ! LOL We do have some big deer now I think going to the one buck rule several years ago is really paying off. We are just waiting to see what the latest and greatest proposal is in January from the DNR for rule changes.

Well guys, nate and I made it in to the cabin, it was rough going trying to plow a path in here though. It's about 1 mile if trail we plow and the plan is always to bust the first path in here then light the wood stove and go widen out the path by making a few more passes winging out the snow with the plow. Well we fell into a mud hole and got stuck for a bit. Like for an hour and a half. We wrapped a log chain around one tire that was slipping badn we had a corner of the plow blade hooked in a rock that the devil designed for us on this night I swear. Anywaysn we drove the truck out of that hole and now we are heating up the cabin with the wood stove. Temp was 16 in the cabin when we got here. Up to 42 now. Its 3 below zero outside. Lots of fresh deer tracks, LOTS! It was snowing today so these tracks are fresh.

A quick question for my womens at home... Who poured frilly girly perfume inside my brown cloth insulated gloves? You scoundrels! My hands smell like the perfume dept at... At where ever you buy this crap lol!

It was not me.

We had a pretty decent season this year, taking 4 bucks which were real nice ones for us. Overall the deer numbers seen were down again but I think weather and a huge acorn crop were partly responsible. Walking around our place is like walking on ball bearings due to the acorns. I put a full report up elsewhere but had to show our "Fuzzy Wind Chime" here for Dave. Due to warmer wet weather we were skinning fast and never got them all hung at once for photos....

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Good luck to all still hunting and stay thirsty my friends....

Nice wind chime!

There it is

You're gonna have to change Old Yeller's name now. Something like Old Sissy Blue, or sumthin..................

Well the girlfriend put her new Ruger 77/44 to good use tonight ! She killed her first buck a good 6pt has a huge body ! I am going to guess it is close to 200 field dressed. I will try to post some pics tomorrow

Wow, the truck looks totally different. Great job!

You're gonna have to paint that thing yeller again ND! Just cuz.

Any deers with the smoke wagon yet?

No deer yet but wow, based on the tracks we are seeing I,d say our deer numbers have quadrupled since rifle season. The only problem is they are only moving at night, lots of moonlight. Me and the boy will break camp later this morning and head for home.

heck, hunt at night

good to hear there are more numbers, moon should dwindle by next weekend and make them move during the day.

any trail cam pics?

I keep seeing more and more pics of people with dead critters in camp chickenbuck apparel, I think you might have started something Dave. seriously, I see corporate sponsors and hunters wearing chickenbuck shirts on TV shows in the future. might be Joey's claim to fame, in addition to all the other accomplishments of course

who else can say they discovered swamp squids and flying bears?

Swish................

Originally Posted by northern_dave

White bear borrowed Nate (RWS) a muzzle loader for the season. Looks like it's just me & Nate this weekend.

how was it? BIL and I didn't see a deer. I had one decent set of tracks by my stand between saturday and sunday which led to a fresh scrape in a island of spruce trees. Scraped right down to the ground, so there must be a little of th rut still going on. We sat about 32 hours between the two of us without a deer sighting.

Quote

And it looks like we'll have a lot of snow to plow getting in to camp.

Lots more snow than we thought too. Over a foot for sure, more like foot and a half.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There it is

Looks good. New head lights and all.

Hey Swish.

How was your hunt?

I'm confused by your deer season.In South Carolina we have one month of archery season followed by two weeks of muzzle loader season followed by two and a half months of gun season.It seems to me that your muzzle loader season follows regular gun season??Where does archery season fit in?
During regular gun season can you opt to hunt with a bow or muzzle loader?

Stan in SC

mid sept-december31st is archery. rifle is first half of november or so, muzzleloader starts the saturday after thanksgiving and goes for 2 weeks.

if you want to hunt each season you have to buy a separate license for each method of take

Friday night on the way out to camp.

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After struggling with the plow blade being hooked on a rock when we fell through some ice covering a mud hole on our way in to the cabin we lit the wood stove. In this picture the stove had been kicking out heat for about a half hour already. We started at around 17 degrees inside temp.

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Late Saturday morning we had this pot of chili cooking on the woodstove.

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And that's what we ate for 2 days

Here's the boy getting a bucket of water from the pond for cleaning dishes.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture032-3.jpg[/img]

We had to run to the little country store about 7 miles from camp on Saturday, We took a few pictures along the way.

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We found that the deer tracks were the heaviest in the cedar trees so I set up in an old ground blind in the cedars Sat evening.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Picture024.jpg[/img]

The sky was clear at night and the moon is still throwing a lot of light so it's very easy for the deer to get around at night. If we felt like pushing a little harder we could have kicked deer up out of bedding areas but we're looking for better shooting opportunities this early in the muzzle loader season. Walking or preferably standing targets would be much better than big white tails waving at us from running deer.

I think things will be much better next weekend as far as the hunting goes.

Taking a scenic route on the way home from camp yesterday....

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Sometimes the road less traveled can offer problems for you

We fell through some ice again. It don't look bad in these pictures because we were almost out at this point.

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The boy learned a few new tricks over the weekend such as winching with a handyman jack.

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You're never really "stuck", just delayed sometimes.

Beautiful pics Dave. Looks like RWS is getting broke in good and proper!!! When there's fresh snow and a full moon, there is enuff light for us humans to see very well. It looks pretty flat up there. How high is the highest local elevation???

We're like 1100-1200, 1300 would be pretty high in the forest area we hunt.

We're about 890 here, the relief drop is something like 6" every mile or so.
pretty flat. they say you can't level a pool table as level as we are here. go red river valley of the north!

Gotta love the high lift Jack, What cant they do??

Hunt was slow for us. I only saw one doe, in the first hour, then nothing else rest of the time. Pard took a nice 8pt.
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second weekend took my boy who is 19 out, first time he was interested in going. Went out in the morning with no snow and had 6 inches by quitting time. I love hunting in the falling snow. Stopped and hunkered under a little balsum for a rest.
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Bumped a couple of deer sneaking (not very well) through the snowy wood. Good time had by all.

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I didnt have time to hunt with my uncle at camp99 this year but here is a story from there.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...63/One_young_mans_first_buck#Post4624563

Great pictures, I love hunting in falling snow too.

Looks like it is really snowplow camp with a little deer hunting on the side

That's pretty much how it went.

We took a long walk on Sat morning, figured out the deer were hanging really heavy in the cedars. Then for the evening I sat in a home made blind in the cedars and my boy sat in an elevated stand watching an opening between 2 large stands of cedar where they have been crossing.

Nothing for our efforts though, Sunday morning we returned to those areas to find lots of new tracks in those areas. But we saw no deer for our efforts on Sunday either.

We are encouraged by the amount of deer sign we are now seeing though. We hope for better hunting next weekend.

whew, been gone for awhile and looks like I missed some serious plowing! we dont have much snow at all, maybe 1-2 inches.....but we are supposed to get 6-9 tonight. that will be good for the rooster hunting. I have been out a few times and am crushing the roosters. man, i love hunting late season birds in MN!! been seeing 30-50 birds every time out, so there are birds out there. they are spooky, but that makes the challenge that much better. i have been doing really well in the cattails and willow swamps. Hard hunting, but that is my favorite way to hunt'em! I love going where no one else goes.

Back when IA had birds, it was, indeed, hard but rewarding to hunt the cattails. Late season limits were possible on public land in January. But that was then. Not so much now....

Hunting the cattails indeed is good this time of year. Sure makes the dogs work though.

How's your dog doing Jim?

Great pics Dave...per usual! We suffered thru 40-50 degree temps all season...and any precip was liquid. It definately had an impact on our later season hunting. Good luck on the rest of ML. Keep the fire buring....

Just got back from letting the neighbors dog out. We got about 7 or so inches of snow, and that wind is really blowing. Our back roads are nice and slippery. I bet there will be a few cars in the ditch around here tomorrow morning.

My dad called last night after their trip to Grand Forks to visit my step bro. It took them 10 hours to go from GF to Duluth.

Slush, ice, snow, blowing snow...they had it all. Most of the trip was 35-40 MPH driving.

Wow, that should have been closer to a 7 hour trip. We got by pretty easy on this "storm". It really didn't doo much to us, we maybe got 1.5-2 inches fresh in the driveway at home and my 25 mile trip to work on country roads was uneventful at 60mph, 2 wheel drive.

It's windy but that's about all.

The snow here turned to slush which turned to ice, blowing and snowing like heck right now. Really sick and tired of it already this year.

Lakes were froze up then the snow and slush got to them now we have really bad ice as a base.

Harvest in our zone is down 55% and the DNR is hinting that the herd maybe in some trouble after years of giving out over 5 tags per person. They are especially concerned about winter kill. What a bunch of dumb*&%$), folks around here have been yelling for them to quit putting to many tags.

A lot of us honestly believe the extra tags were due to the TB scare and the DNR wanted to knock the heck out of the surrounding deer herd to the TB zone. Well they succeeded.

Anyway received a gutted out 10/22 in stainless from the Sherpa, he managed to lose all the parts except the receiver, the barrel, and the stock. So I have a new rebuild project, wife just rolled her eyes at the announcement of that project:)

Talk to you all later I am off to send a nasty gram to the DNR.

I've been saying that for years now drift, intense harvest prescribed by DNR backed by one good old fashioned hard winter and things will get very bad for a long time.

weather is pretty bad down here, visibility sucks, got stuck twice on the way to daycare and almost got stuck on the way to school. events are canceling like crazy around here, but not my school, at least not yet

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been saying that for years now drift, intense harvest prescribed by DNR backed by one good old fashioned hard winter and things will get very bad for a long time.

Can't be as bad as the early-mid '70s.

About 4-5 inches here and big time windy.

I wonder how Grizzly Bill is faring stalking the wily whitetail? I hope he has some pics!

Hey, I never heard of any news on ol' Forky Toes. What gives? Any sightings/tracks/gutteral grunts?

I should take a pic of my favorite rooster swamp for you folks. Give you some appreciation for what keeps me from being obese.

whiteout here, all schools closed from grand forks to Fosston.

The wind is bad here. And if it is bad at our house, it is really bad out in the open. We are pretty protected where we live. It is still snowing too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, I never heard of any news on ol' Forky Toes. What gives? Any sightings/tracks/gutteral grunts?

He just teases us, no sightings yet.

Moon phase is swinging in our favor this weekend. It will be the darkest it's been since opening rifle season weekend.

That'll learn them A-hole nocturnal deers.....

Better yet trip wire and flares at night, pick em up in the morning, that'll learn them. Unless they head to Canada of course:)

They are setting into our area in pretty fair numbers. Really stacking up in the cedars. Must be tired of digging for food already.

I haven't even got a muzzle loader tag yet

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow, that should have been closer to a 7 hour trip. We got by pretty easy on this "storm". It really didn't doo much to us, we maybe got 1.5-2 inches fresh in the driveway at home and my 25 mile trip to work on country roads was uneventful at 60mph, 2 wheel drive.

It's windy but that's about all.

I think he said it is usually about 5 hours to Duluth.

Since it is about 250 miles between Duluth and Grand Forks it usually takes about 5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic on the two lane sections of #2. Road conditions must have been awful for it to take 10 hours.

Originally Posted by tzone

How's your dog doing Jim?

Even though he's carrying his right rear, he is doing pretty much everything that he always has. I'm hoping he can recover to a point to at least get some use of that leg.

I'm back,

Happy belated birthday Weezie!

We ended up 4 for 6, all bucks. A 4, 6, 7 and 8 point. The 7 pointer was an old guy and had a 17" inside spread. The G2's measured 14".

I didn't get a buck, but did see a number of does.

We saw a total of 47 deer, 14 confirmed bucks.

We had snow on the ground for the entire season and picked up about 3" of new snow while in camp. Daytime Temps were in the mid 30's when we arrived on the 18th and dropped to 11 by Saturday. The lowest nightime temp was 2 above. We went through a bunch of wood this year.

We had a great season and from what I've been told so far is that we did much better then most groups in our area.

This years "Oh S#@T" moment goes to yours truely. I was in the cabin having lunch when there was a knock on the door. The landowner to our South stopped by for lunch and to tell me that he had come past my blind around 11:30 (I left at 11:00) to say hi. When he got there I was gone, but there was a spike buck standing about 60 yards away so he shot it. All I could do was laugh and congradulate him.

Sounds like a great season Bill!!

Good Going Bill. it sounds like your camp is as successfull as any I have heard of in the northern regions. Now that I'm back and talking to people around our state I'm having a hard time believing the dismal numbers being reported. It will be real interesting to compare with "official" stats when they are released.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been saying that for years now drift, intense harvest prescribed by DNR backed by one good old fashioned hard winter and things will get very bad for a long time.

Yep. Down this way too. That is precisely the reason I didn't buy a firearms tag this year. No deer and warm temps to start the season means....well no deer.

DNR put a 5 deer limit on for a few years and that screwed everything up. We aleady had problems with a certain large family that believes in "if its brown its down". Unfortnately, they own some land that borders my uncles that I hunt AND they have been sending one guy up to circle my uncles property and drive the deer into their land long before daylight so they can basically slaughter them right at dawn. How do I know this? Because I tracked them to make sure and confronted one of the kids (21)at a Rod & Gun Club banquet one night where the camp "leader" (kids Dad)admitted to doing this every year. His quote from that night: "well, don't blame my kids! I'm the one that does that every year because I didn't think you guys would mind"

But thats another story. DNR allowing 5 deer per person in MN is ridiculous.

It was a great year for us, but not typical from what I'm hearing. What impressed us the most was the number of bucks that were seen this year by our group.

I received a WI DNR update this morning that says the registration numbers are up 11% over last year state wide.

How do you really feel about it jim?

When you coming up to hunt with us?

Holy Cow!!

Photoshop? Looks like the same pic from last weekend.

yep, skane did it for me.

Ol' BlueCephus on the road again! you going to camp this weekend Dave? Good LUck, Maybe see you in the forest!

Yeah I'll be out there. We have our annual christmas party/bonus party on Friday but I plan on trying to make it to camp yet on Friday night because I seriously want to be hunting Saturday morning.

bonus party? I need one of those.

Is that green? The truck not the bonus.

I wore my Chickenbuck shirt out for an hour and two people asked me what it was. One guy asked in a real arrogant way so I told him it is kinda like a Swamp Squid. He looked puzzled so I kept moving.

I hope that arrogant guy wasnt a VP of your new company!

Nope.

New company is a temp job. Could be permanant but they way they talk it doesn't sound like it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

How do you really feel about it jim?

When you coming up to hunt with us?

Well I just got back from 2011 policy deployment meetings in Sioux Falls. There is a storm moving in with lots of snow tomorrow so if the weather allows, I plan on being there before dawn Saturday morning. Maybe friday night. What time do you think you would be out there if you go?

Are you seriously coming up dude?

This has inflated my interest in hunting this weekend...

I would be there late tomorrow night. I have a chrizmuss party for work tomorrow but we aren't staying long.

What are you guys carrying for muzzle loaders? i'm in the market. I used a Remington Model 700 ML. Accurate but HEAVY and the sight broke.

My bro in law had a TC Triumph and I sure liked it a lot. I was shooting water bottles at 50 yds with ease.

I also found a Weatherby Vanguard SS/synthetic for $500 new.

I use an Encore Tom and I'm pretty partial to it. Mine has killed 11 deer so far and I wouldn't give it up. I've probably set up a half dozen Encore's thru the years and they were all shooters, but then so were the dozen or so Omega's that I have scoped and shot it. The key to a ML is a good barrel and TC's have good barrels. That's where some of the Spanish products lose it in my mind.

On another note.... Dave or Tom, How far are you from Baudette and/or how far is Baudette from Duluth? Trying to estimate time to the north shore of LOW here...

Scott

Scott, I'm not certain I understand you LOW question completely but I often run through Baudette towards Duluth via the "north route" which would be Baudette to International falls MN then south through Orr, Cook, Virginia & on down to Duluth. Duluth to Baudette is a solid 4 hours. You need to look for the truck bipass route that goes around I-Falls, it will save you 1/2 an hour I swear! I falls is a very slow town to try and get through. (Unless you want to go through town)

I'm a good hour from Baudette.

Tom, I use an Encore too and I really like it. Mine was pre hype (from before they showed up on every hunting show on TV) So I got into it very reasonable. Prices have damn near doubled since then so if I was in the market for myself I'm not sure if the Encore would be on my list.

I honestly think the CVA wolf is one of the best values out there today.

Quote

On another note.... Dave or Tom, How far are you from Baudette and/or how far is Baudette from Duluth? Trying to estimate time to the north shore of LOW here...

'bout 3.5-4 hours. I drove home last year from LOW to Duluth. I took Hwy 17 (I think) along the Rainy River from Baudette to Hwy 53 at International Falls, then south to Duluth. Easy, pretty drive.

I do have a bit of a heavy foot, but it the hwy along the Rainy is rough so you don't get to go fast.

It's a nice drive in daylight.

my truck is packed with clothes and hunting gear, food etc. I'm ready to head to camp tonight. It will be late, probably 10:30 tonight before I can strike a match to light the wood stove, I imagine the inside of the cabin will be at about 12 degrees inside temp at best. It will take about 3 hours to warm the place up completely.

Good thing is I can sleep in till 6:30 tomorrow morning, sunrise is 8AM so Legal shooting hours don't start till 7:30. I can walk from the cabin to what ever stand works best for the wind Sat morning at around 7AM & I'll be fine. It's going to be below zero for temps so it's hard to say how long I can stick it out for morning hunt. Can't sit still for hours on end when it's that cold. I'll likely sit for a couple hours, then move to a new location. Do that till my feet are numb, fingers frozen and arms are shaking so bad I couldn't shoot accurately anyways.

Aint hunting fun?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom, I use an Encore too and I really like it. Mine was pre hype (from before they showed up on every hunting show on TV) So I got into it very reasonable. Prices have damn near doubled since then so if I was in the market for myself I'm not sure if the Encore would be on my list.

I honestly think the CVA wolf is one of the best values out there today.

I did look at those a bit yesterday. They were locked in a cage at Fleet Farm though. I really like the Triumph. I was surprsied at the power the black powder had. We were shooting through large popples at 40 yards. 295gr Shock Wave bullet, 100 gr of TC White Lightning powder. Recoil on that rifle was like a 20 bird shot. I was very impressed.

The only Triumph's I can find right now are the "Bone Collector". I don't want no rifle that says Bone Collector.

The weight of the Triumph is what got me. Man she was light.

When da heck are you guys gonna cowboy up and start using flintlocks???

Hey Dave, I'm leaving Sunday AM for Wyoming and a buffler hunt. Bringin' my Chickenbuck shirt to go along with the Sharps shirt!!! FULL representation!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Quote

On another note.... Dave or Tom, How far are you from Baudette and/or how far is Baudette from Duluth? Trying to estimate time to the north shore of LOW here...

'bout 3.5-4 hours. I drove home last year from LOW to Duluth. I took Hwy 17 (I think) along the Rainy River from Baudette to Hwy 53 at International Falls, then south to Duluth. Easy, pretty drive.

I do have a bit of a heavy foot, but it the hwy along the Rainy is rough so you don't get to go fast.

It's a nice drive in daylight.

Yeah that's number 11. (Baudette to I-falls)

It's in a constant state of construction/repair.

It gets icy and it's got some curves that make you wonder about stuff like "I wonder if those trees would stop my truck before I hit that river?"

or, "Hmm, no trees to stop me... I wonder how far the current will take my truck from the hole I'm going to make in that ice... Will my body wash up on the Canadian side in the spring or the American side?"

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

When da heck are you guys gonna cowboy up and start using flintlocks???

Hey Dave, I'm leaving Sunday AM for Wyoming and a buffler hunt. Bringin' my Chickenbuck shirt to go along with the Sharps shirt!!! FULL representation!!

TAKE PICTURES!!

And good luck man!! Have fun!

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

When da heck are you guys gonna cowboy up and start using flintlocks???

Hey Dave, I'm leaving Sunday AM for Wyoming and a buffler hunt. Bringin' my Chickenbuck shirt to go along with the Sharps shirt!!! FULL representation!!

Looking at the Cabela's version. I like the carbine a lot. It would be a "second" one tho.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

or, "Hmm, no trees to stop me... I wonder how far the current will take my truck from the hole I'm going to make in that ice... Will my body wash up on the Canadian side in the spring or the American side?"

and...will I need a passport to be sent back to the American side?

Good luck this weekend to all who head out. I need to get to work. It should take about 45 seconds.

I love saying that.

Good luck to all who are hunting this weekend.

I'm going to the Vikings game Sunday. I'm so excited, never been to one before. 6th row seats.

Everyone have a great weekend.

45 seconds?

Gee whiz, that is a long commute. Mine today was about 8.

8 seconds that is.

I didnt hurry too much, that is why it took so long!

gonna get some snow today. 4-6 inches they say. I will believe it when I see it. they exaggerate so much. If we had all they said, we would have about 8 feet on the ground and we are lucky if we have 4 inches.

Good luck on the ML hunt guys. I have a TC Omega that has served me well.

We're suppossed to get around 3" tonight and Saturday. Glad we're not Buffalo, NY. I see they got over 30" the other day.

VT black powder starts saterday cant wait got a nice 7 pionter up ther opening week of rifel its a good year up this way

Just got in from hunting roosters in a snowstorm. awesome! Dad and I shot 5 in just a couple hours pounding the cattails. I had to give him some grief as we got 5 roosters in 6 shots and he is the one that took 2 shots on one of his!

Good luck to the ML hunters, I still wanna see Forky Toes a'hangin'.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Good luck to all who are hunting this weekend.

I'm going to the Vikings game Sunday. I'm so excited, never been to one before. 6th row seats.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Sweet. I'm going next week. I try to take my dad to one game a year. Usually for Christmas. I missed the last few years tho. I was at one this year in early September against the Seahawks. It's fun, you'll like it.

fesants in the snow would be fun. I'd like to hunt them in anything really. They're yummy little birds.

Do they just use the cattails for cover?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Just got in from hunting roosters in a snowstorm. awesome! Dad and I shot 5 in just a couple hours pounding the cattails. I had to give him some grief as we got 5 roosters in 6 shots and he is the one that took 2 shots on one of his!

Good luck to the ML hunters, I still wanna see Forky Toes a'hangin'.

Nice going! I doube there are 5 pheasants left in Iowa but if there are, they are in the ctails for sure. That's tough hunting usually.

Brent

dave, you and nate have good huntin tomorrow, maybe be out for a final deer season visit again saturday night before it's all over, Tom, good luck, missed you during hunting when you were up, was a bit ill, and didn't hunt hard this year. let some nice deer go though. lots of bucks on the camera!

We missed ya buschy for sure. We even made a special deer for you and Lester.

Maybe catch you this winter when dave takes me fishing.

Woo loo loo loo loo!

Musta been a heckova bonus party.

Or a heck of an exit from said party.

Fun night last night, I hunted this morning and its the same old story, fresh tracks, no deer. Rooster7 is cookin breakfast, smells good. More later.

Why does Rooster smell so good?

Smells like bacon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Smells like bacon.

Brings to mind the phrase "Squeal like a pig".

stupid deers, I hate the deers.

didn't they cooperate?

I had a pretty uneventful weekend, watching the boy, playing catch up on homework and housework, I need an apron that says Superdad or something, because I feel I do more than humanly possible, yet by all appearances it looks like nothing got done. its magic I tell ya.

Tracks everywhere, but I can't put my eyes on a deer, damn them deer!

A deer fell through the ice while walking on the swamp moat.

Must have happened just moments before I came along, he's damn lucky the squid didn't get him.

[Linked Image]

I just got a call from Pheasants forever in Kansas, I have a phone interview on wednesday! I'm pretty excited because with the feds cutting somewhere around 200,000 natural resources jobs there has been some talk of hard to get hired in the field I'm going into. they wanted me in Topeka on wednesday but alas I am in the middle of my last week of classes this week so I can't make it. I'm one of 10 people who made the cut for an interview on a nationwide listing, so thats great! I'll let everyone know how it goes

Good luck Ryan!

Wishing you the best of luck,Ryan.

Stan in SC

Great news Ryan. Good luck and I wish you the best!

Best of luck Ryan. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

thanks all! I'm really hoping this shakes out, its exactly what I like to do

Ryan,
What are the names of the people you are talking to at PF? I know most of the bigwigs there pretty well, but I dont know anyone in Kansas. I am pretty tapped into that organization and if I could help in some way I sure would!

Oh, one more thing, I assume it is for a regional biologist position? I know exactly what those guys do, you should call me and I can discuss some of the things that you should be prepared for in the interview.

I will send a PM.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Smells like bacon.

Brings to mind the phrase "Squeal like a pig".

Once again, the ML season has come and gone at Camp CB. No deer but as always, it was a good time! There were lots of tracks like Dave said but the deer must be totally nocturnal. They are a bunch of dang cheater deer I tell ya!

Seen a very large doe and two fawns on the road out yesterday but by the time I got my foot on the brake, they were gone. I also seen quite a few on the way home.

Best of luck to you and the job Ryan. Keep us posted.

Muffster,

Lets see those pics from the Vikes game! Is that loud in there or what? You got a good one to go see.

I'll be there next week, texting pictures of GBP with the Vikes as a back drop.

The Vikes game was great. Our seats were awesome. Jeremy liked them because he was very close to the cheerleaders.

Jeremy's sister and cousin.

You're always close to the cheerleaders. They're frickin everywhere.

It's fun.

Here are a couple more pics.

[Linked Image]

Here is the mascot. I got to meet him in Wolf Lake, MN he was on the Ronald Mcdonald ride. We rode 40 miles in the rain on our 4 wheelers that day. He even signed my raincoat.

[Linked Image]

You got to meet Ragnor? Cool! He rocks. Even Redneck would like that guy. Who else rides a Harley around in a building.

Great pics Muffy.

Originally Posted by tzone

You got to meet Ragnor? Cool! He rocks. Even Redneck would like that guy. Who else rides a Harley around in a building.

Yeah he had all of us trying to guess his real job. He is like a Dean of Students for one of the schools in the cities area. Never would have guessed that. He is a real nice guy. Kind of intimidating at first because of his size and his tough guy look. He is very funny and friendly. The girls that are in the picture with him our his neighbors. It would be pretty cool to have him as a neighbor.

What do you mean rides a harley? He was on a Victory when i seen him.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

What do you mean rides a harley? He was on a Victory when i seen him.

True.

Ragnar's Motorcycles:
1st bike-
1978 Harley FLH Shovelhead

2nd bike-
1997 Excelsior Henderson
3rd bike-
Polaris Victory
4th bike-
Texas Chopper
Ragnar's Personal Bike-
Suzuki Bandit 1200 turbo w/nitrous

He also hold the world record time for shaving a beard with an axe. 8 minutes, 43 seconds.

GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by RAS2

GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say blow me....but this is a family site.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ragnar's Motorcycles:
1st bike-
1978 Harley FLH Shovelhead

2nd bike-
1997 Excelsior Henderson
3rd bike-
Polaris Victory
4th bike-
Texas Chopper
Ragnar's Personal Bike-
Suzuki Bandit 1200 turbo w/nitrous

He also hold the world record time for shaving a beard with an axe. 8 minutes, 43 seconds.

I rememberthe Excelsior Henderson. They were building them in the Cities somewhere for a while. Don't know if they still do or not.

No that was short lived.

The mini-man (kindergarten) got in a fight at the bus stop today.

Big kid ( Ricky,3rd grade) was pushing him into the snow yesterday. He said it didn't hurt, but it made him mad. I told him tomorrow, if he did it, tell him to stop. If he still does it, let him have it. He was worried I would be mad. I told him I won't be mad if he told him to stop first.

Well, he told him to stop and Ricky still did it. Jack punched him "real hard". My daughter said the kid looked like he was going to cry and said, "OK, I'll stop."

Well done, kid!

Hey Ryan....

I sure hope you get that Kansas job. Good luck on your interview buddy.

Of course when ya move, I'll help ya scout out some prime deer huntin spots.

tell your boy, way to go! always stand up for yourself but give the other side a chance to stop if they don't let em have it!

I reckon we can find some whitetails to throw some lead at. I'm really getting excited at this job prospect, might be bad and I don't want to jinx myself but I have a really good feeling about it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I reckon we can find some whitetails to throw some lead at. I'm really getting excited at this job prospect, might be bad and I don't want to jinx myself but I have a really good feeling about it.

I'm the same way. I think an interview goes well then you don't hear squat. The waiting is the worst part for me. I'm not a patient man. Do a few practice interviews. Even with yourself. Just go over your background and such so you don't stumble when they ask about it and know your resume.

Quote

tell your boy, way to go! always stand up for yourself but give the other side a chance to stop if they don't let em have it!

I told him he did the right thing. Sissy wanted to tell the bus driver but these kids can sort stuff out themselves most of the time. I guess yesterday, he pushed Jack out into the road....so I'd have clocked him without saying anything then.

. Even Ma didn't have a problem as long as he was standing up for himself.

Sissy is a feisty little girl and stands up for her little bro. That kid will be in for some serious teasing when his sister starts to get involved.

Way to go Jackson. Bullies need to be put in their place.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say blow me....but this is a family site.

Sorry just funnin.

Enjoy reading your adventures from time to time. Happy hunting all and have FUN!!!

Tzone,
I was just conversing with a fellow campfire member and we got talking about shooting ability. I made the comment, even though I have never seen this person actually shoot, that he was a crappy shot. Why he asked? Because he has spent more than 2 hours in your presence and that has been known to deteriorate anyone's shooting skills. Anyway, I just thought that was so funny (and true

) that you should hear it first hand.

Hey guys... Dave's awful quiet...

I bet he's up to something, something no good.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey guys... Dave's awful quiet...

I bet he's up to something, something no good.....

Oh no, now what!

sneak peek

That has the look of a road grader, one of those things they take out on LOTW, or an enclosed zamboni. Sadly, our southern readers have no idea what I am talking about for those last two....

One of those guesses might be right....

It's a hardwater fishing mobility enhancement device.

Or as Pam calls it..... "That stupid thing!! Uughh!"

its a Bombardier! has to be

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

its a Bombardier! has to be

Nope.

Close tho.... close enuff I guess.

say regarding the road grader, i used one that you tow behind a pickup and boy did that work good. If you could find someone who has one, that might fix the road in to chickenbuck for ya.

As for the hard water mobiility unit, that has to boost your cylinder index a bit, eh?

Originally Posted by RAS2

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say blow me....but this is a family site.

Sorry just funnin.

Enjoy reading your adventures from time to time. Happy hunting all and have FUN!!!

I was too. It's all just football fun. Sorry if I offended you at all.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone,
I was just conversing with a fellow campfire member and we got talking about shooting ability. I made the comment, even though I have never seen this person actually shoot, that he was a crappy shot. Why he asked? Because he has spent more than 2 hours in your presence and that has been known to deteriorate anyone's shooting skills. Anyway, I just thought that was so funny (and true

) that you should hear it first hand.

What?

You done bought you a bomer.

Anyone hear from Ryan yet?

I'm on the phone with Berettaman

How about a trail groomer. I saw a choke pull so it must be gas powered not diesel.

As it turns out, Ryan was interviewing to be a ladies underwear model.....

well the interview went well, they complimented me several times on answers to questions and had a lot of good things to say. I have a good feeling about it, even though I feel I didn't do my best in the interview. I find out on monday if I got the job, there's 9 guys who they are interviewing and 2 openings. so the odds aren't too bad.
the job starts dec 31 if I get it, so no christmas or elk hunting for me if I get it, I'll be moving instead.

I think he did well and was well prepared so he should get it. Everyone cross their fingers for Ryan!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well the interview went well, they complimented me several times on answers to questions and had a lot of good things to say. I have a good feeling about it, even though I feel I didn't do my best in the interview. I find out on monday if I got the job, there's 9 guys who they are interviewing and 2 openings. so the odds aren't too bad.
the job starts dec 31 if I get it, so no christmas or elk hunting for me if I get it, I'll be moving instead.

Good news Ryan, good news.

As I said before the waiting part stinks. I'm waiting to hear back from the State. Supposed to hear something by the end of the week.

Is it one of them Snow Goer things, or whatever they are called?

Come on, MORE PICTURES!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say blow me....but this is a family site.

Sorry just funnin.

Enjoy reading your adventures from time to time. Happy hunting all and have FUN!!!

I was too. It's all just football fun. Sorry if I offended you at all.

Not offended, just thought I overstepped the bounds on a family thread. Hope you're all having lot's of fun.

P.S. Rebuild Metropolitan stadium to win.....others teams can't handle THAT kinda COLD!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well the interview went well, they complimented me several times on answers to questions and had a lot of good things to say. I have a good feeling about it, even though I feel I didn't do my best in the interview. I find out on monday if I got the job, there's 9 guys who they are interviewing and 2 openings. so the odds aren't too bad.
the job starts dec 31 if I get it, so no christmas or elk hunting for me if I get it, I'll be moving instead.

Good news Ryan, good news.

As I said before the waiting part stinks. I'm waiting to hear back from the State. Supposed to hear something by the end of the week.

yeah the waiting does suck, after graduation I have 2 weeks to be packed up and moved down and starting work. yikes!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

As it turns out, Ryan was interviewing to be a ladies underwear model.....

they said the beard would have to go before any headshots could be taken. and even then they weren't sure what they could do to cure the ugly

Originally Posted by Muffy

Is it one of them Snow Goer things, or whatever they are called?

Come on, MORE PICTURES!!!

1982 tucker sno cat model 1342.

28" wide tracks, 4x4, front & rear hydro steering axles, 318 V8, 5 speed manual trans...

It's a snowmobile trail groomer being retired from Wi.

Soon to be a lake of the woods Team Chickenbuck ice runner for getting houses to tough spots, transporting gear & people, moving ice houses etc.

[Linked Image]

I want to stretch the cab to a sedan body like this tucker.(some day)

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/tucker/phpxKmRpXAM.jpg[/img]

This was all Pam's idea....

Ok that's not funny quite yet... I'll try that joke again in a year or so.

wow that thing is awesome!!!!!
where are you gonna put the turret?

Actual action photo forwarded to me by the snowmobile club in Wi.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by RAS2

Not offended, just thought I overstepped the bounds on a family thread. Hope you're all having lot's of fun.

P.S. Rebuild Metropolitan stadium to win.....others teams can't handle THAT kinda COLD!!!

No you didn't overstep anything. I probably did and for that I'm sorry.

The Met was before my time, but my dad tells stories about never being as cold as he was watching the Vikes at the Met.

I really hope if a new stadium is built, it's at least a retractable roof.

If it helps any, I have been to Lambeau Field and it is a beautiful place. One of my proudest moments as a dad was there... We stopped at the Pro Shop on our way home from a deer and turkey expo and my daughter, then 1, puked all over the Packers emblem on the carpet when we got in the store.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Berettaman

As it turns out, Ryan was interviewing to be a ladies underwear model.....

they said the beard would have to go before any headshots could be taken. and even then they weren't sure what they could do to cure the ugly

You didn't shave your junk did ya?

that thing is awesome. Think of how cool it would be with a blown 460, headers coming out the hood,

Sorry Pam.

Dude.... I lived about 20 miles from Moon, WI (see side of your rig) and fished the Eau Pleine regularly. Betsy and I have two sets of friends that live on the Eau Pleine. It used to be a heckuva walleye lake/river/resivior.

That is AWESOME!!!! Sorry Pam.

Now you have to get Chickenbuck decals for it.

Fingers crossed, toes and eyes crossed. We're pulling for you Ryanj.

No kidding, good luck Ryan.

That thing is way cool Dave.

I actually know where Moon, WI is. I'm sure Tzone does too.

Did you get the trail blade with it?

I have no need for the skid.

Just the Tucker.

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=RAS2]
If it helps any, I have been to Lambeau Field and it is a beautiful place. One of my proudest moments as a dad was there... We stopped at the Pro Shop on our way home from a deer and turkey expo and my daughter, then 1, puked all over the Packers emblem on the carpet when we got in the store.

Looks like the Packers got even a couple of weeks back.

I know, I'm bad!

If you had a box blade could you level out the road into Chickenbuck with it?

truth is I need 1000 yards of fill to fix that trail.

You'll need a hundred yards at least to fix that patch in the popples. Might have to cordury it.

Best of luck again Ryan. Let us know when you find out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have no need for the skid.

Just the Tucker.

Sheesh! You're quick! We were just talking about how fun it would be to have one of them this past weekend and POOF you got one! That is AWESOME!!!!

Uh......er..........I mean....DAMMIT DAVE! I thought I got through to you this weekend when you said it would be cool to have one of them groomers! I said "why the he!! would you want that??!!! Shouldn't you buy something nice for your wife instead??!!"

Yep! Thats my story and I'm stickin to it!

Best of luck Ryan! Would the little man be able to leave the state with you?

yes sir, I wouldn't leave without him

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

yes sir, I wouldn't leave without him

Good Deal!

package deal though, the Ex has to go too, so I'm paying to move her down there and get her set up with a place (that she will pay for).

Nice ride !!

Now all you need to do is drop one of our 800 horsepower sprint car motors in it ! LOL

Just when I thought I have seen it all......Are those steel cleats on the tracks Dave? That is one cool vehicle! Possibilities are endless......

Rubber belting with steel grousers.

you'll be able to go ANYWHERE you want to now.

could use it for knocking down some brush and making some really thick areas easier to get into. that thing is sweet man!

I can get back into the woods west of the camp driveway down by the gate and haul firewood from all that dead standing tamarack back there. It would be a shame to let it just fall & rot back there. But it's so hard to get to, was so hard to get to.

I am thinking there is a parade in its future too. Maybe adorned with a swamp squid or flying bear that it squished...?

Verrry nice though Dave. I think deep down, all real men want to have one of these. Well, all real men that live up north where there is snow. Both of the real men that live down south have no need for one.

thats exactly where I was thinking too, thin the brush out a little bit, maybe dig a small channel to lower the water table just enough, plant a small food plot, leave the brush along the road so its enclosed, put Pams stand on the east side and when she gets a nice buck opening morning, she will forget about the new machine you bought and encourage you to get whatever you want from here on out

hey, it works in my head, why not in real life?

there is a lot of good tamarack out there ripe for the picking if nothing else

This is the EvilTwin. Howcome I ain't surprised??

Dave, didja check out some of the pics from the buffler hunt?? More to follow oncet I gits home tomorrow nite

I'm going to check that out right now ET/Elkhunter lol!!

Ryan, aren't you the DNR-ish guy in this group? And you're telling me to drain & lower water levels??!! lol!!

you bet I am.
lowering the water table a few feet so it can support vegetation that benefit wildlife isn't a bad thing. especially since the land as it sits right now isn't beneficial to many plants and animals. there are pretty much a handful of species of plants, and few animals. not enough water for ducks, and too "boggy" for travel of other larger animals. too open for grouse. there is a lot of area like that up there, and plenty of cover. food is the limiting factor. if I get the job, this is exactly what I will be doing, managing land for the benefit of wildlife, primarily huntable wildlife.

But that just makes good sense.

It'll never fly with MN DNR. lol!!

its up to the county soil and water district first. they can determine how much would be affected. you might be surprised.

One thing to keep in mind with the Tucker is that it is not a dozer. Our snomo club had one a few years back and the operators, er I mean drivers that tried using it as a dozer wound up breaking something.

That's true, it's built for pulling. For the same reasons the "tucker enthusiasts" as a whole as far as I can tell generally frown on frame mounting a winch on these units.

If you are stuck with one of these things then you are probably very bad off and pulling on the frame with a winch could be a big mistake.

Don't get stuck

I'll try not to

Oh Mr. ND has dug a pretty big hole now, I believe he is stuck and will be for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!

Didn't you read my plan? he's doing it all for you

hey I tried to help Dave!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Didn't you read my plan? he's doing it all for you

hey I tried to help Dave!

Run away! Save yourself!!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh Mr. ND has dug a pretty big hole now, I believe he is stuck and will be for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!

I tried Ma!

Boy Dave, buying one of these to ensure that your family can get out and get needed supplies during inclement weather is sure being a dedicated family man and I salute you. What sacrifice! I am sure a new snowmobile would have been preferable or any of a number of things, but to set aside your personal gain for the good of the family is just a fine example of...of....man I can't even write anymore. I tried.

You did try, you really did.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It would be a shame to let it just fall & rot back there. But it's so hard to get to, was so hard to get to.

ROR.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh Mr. ND has dug a pretty big hole now, I believe he is stuck and will be for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!

Not if he gets a big enough winch for that thing.

You can't winch it. It will break. Dammit T! Pay attention!

Well, I'm just sayin, I'm sure you could wreck anything with a winch if yer not careful.

Gee,I'm just a warm blooded southerner and I like that machine although I have never seen one before.How did you happen on that thing,Dave?
I bought a Model 94 in .32 WIN special manufactured in 1955.

Stan in SC

Congrats on the winny 94 Stan!

I've been drooling over these types of machines ever since I first saw a tracked rig out on Lake of the woods in the winter time back in 94.

When you have a rig like this you can take a comfortable insulated heated fishing house and fish wherever you want on the lake, not just linited to "where you can get to"

You can pull 2 big fish houses behind this thing & go anywhere you want, no snow too deep.

There are many different kinds of large track rigs like this. They are true "snow cats"

This tucker is cool because you can drive it with a steering wheel and repairs are affordable, common auto repair sorts of parts for the most part.

But the main reason I settled on this one was because of the price. It's just a fantastic deal.

I've been looking at them for years, just couldn't pass this one up.

Now Pam, you know he bought the Tucker with you in mind. Wanted to make sure you had safe transport on and off LOW.

Picked up a couple of inches of snow here today, along with sleet and rain. My grass is finally covered to the point I can not see it.

Picked up a Weatherby S/S today in 06. I'm going to have Redneck rebarrel it to .280. He doesn't know that yet

.

I'll let him know when I go pick up my .308 Win I'm getting from him too.

We all know the game.... "The one with the most toys wins!"
Dave, YOU WIN!!!! The mere thought of me coming home with one of those, would get me the 'ol frying pan and a large packet of papers served to me!LOL Mrs Northern Dave ....you must be a saint!!!! Nice job , Dave!!

I can see it now.....when Dave gets done customizing this rig it will be the Mother of all Tuckers.....

What model Weatherby Tom? Vangard?

Originally Posted by SSB

I can see it now.....when Dave gets done customizing this rig it will be the Mother of all Tuckers.....

It will be the Mother Tucker.

Quote

What model Weatherby Tom? Vangard?

Yes. They don't make the stainless anymore. I asked a few dudes and they said this is a good place to start. It is a great gun at a good price. The stock is somewhat better than a club. That will chance too.

Don't tell Ma.

Oh no, don't tell ma. Don't sound good.

I am an official Scentsy Consultant. It is selling wickless candles. Not that anyone is interested but you can check out my website at www.missykarsten.scentsy.us. I just thought it would be a fun way to earn extra income. Maybe Pam would be interested in having a party and I could come and spent a weekend up nort.

Agreed Tom, the Vangard/Howa action is a good place to begin. Pretty nicely machined preciscion wise....:)

Incidentally,Dave,we had a nice looking model 88 in .308 walk in the shop the other day and we bought it.I researched the serial number and it was manufactured in 1955.I know you like those 88's.

Stan in SC

There was somebody kind of shopping for one recently but I'll be damned if I can remember who it was...

We leave for tucker sno cat acquisition today.

cool, drive safe!

I take my first final and I'm gonna start packing some things up just in case

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh no, don't tell ma. Don't sound good.

I am an official Scentsy Consultant. It is selling wickless candles. Not that anyone is interested but you can check out my website at www.missykarsten.scentsy.us. I just thought it would be a fun way to earn extra income. Maybe Pam would be interested in having a party and I could come and spent a weekend up nort.

You should wait until the first day of rifle season next year and have your scentsy candle party at the schack. You know when everyone is there for hunting and stuff. You could have them scentsy candles burning in every room so there will be plenty of light for people to move around. And that way you don't have to make a special trip....

I'm just sayin...

Muffy,Is there a "Chickenbuck" scent?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh no, don't tell ma. Don't sound good.

I am an official Scentsy Consultant. It is selling wickless candles. Not that anyone is interested but you can check out my website at www.missykarsten.scentsy.us. I just thought it would be a fun way to earn extra income. Maybe Pam would be interested in having a party and I could come and spent a weekend up nort.

You should wait until the first day of rifle season next year and have your scentsy candle party at the schack. You know when everyone is there for hunting and stuff. You could have them scentsy candles burning in every room so there will be plenty of light for people to move around. And that way you don't have to make a special trip....

I'm just sayin...

I would have to bring the generator again because the wax melts with the heat from a lightbulb.

Hey Stan. They do not have a Chickenbuck scent as of yet.

that might be a good thing

Missy, just put the wax on the stove, that would work right?

Missy, I applaud the initiative, but, well, uh, um, if your idea of marketing is to try and sell scentsy candles to a bunch of ol' crusty (mostly male) Chickenbuckers

.....You might wanna tighten up that marketing plan a mite. I'm just saying....dont make retirement plans quite yet.

But I am curious...did you say wickless? How does THAT work?

Originally Posted by 3stars

We all know the game.... "The one with the most toys wins!"
Dave, YOU WIN!!!! The mere thought of me coming home with one of those, would get me the 'ol frying pan and a large packet of papers served to me!LOL Mrs Northern Dave ....you must be a saint!!!! Nice job , Dave!!

I just found the PERFECT sig line for 'ol Dave:

"We don�t want a thing because we have found a reason for it - we find a reason for it because we want it."

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Missy, I applaud the initiative, but, well, uh, um, if your idea of marketing is to try and sell scentsy candles to a bunch of ol' crusty (mostly male) Chickenbuckers

.....You might wanna tighten up that marketing plan a mite. I'm just saying....dont make retirement plans quite yet.

But I am curious...did you say wickless? How does THAT work?

You plug them in and the wax is melted by the heat from the light bulb. There are warmers you put on a table and ones you plug right into the outlet, they also serve as a nightlight.

It melts the wax at a safe temperature, you can even touch the melted wax and it won't burn you. They offer 80 different scents. They even have a Scentsy Man collection of more masculine scents.

Dave is going to have to power up the outhouse for a Scentsy. Sounds like it's in need.......

That is too funny!

Although now we have about 4 car air freshners in there now. That helped lots.

A Scentsy Man collection? Oh, this is gonna be good....lets hear the scents they have that will appeal to a real man (not those from Wisconsin

).

Some guesses:
Used motor oil
Grease under your fingernails
wet dog
dog poop on your foot
fish guts left out in the sun
Bad Mexican food: the day after
mouse nest made outta old coveralls
too much doe-in-heat scent on your boots
3 guys farting in a regular cab pickup
and, of course:
Monkey Butt

Am I close on any of them?

Right on. But the Fish guts left out in the sun does not come out till January.

We Wisconsin guys don't need no stinken Scentsy candles.

Hoppe's #9 is available as a room freshener. That's all we need. Of course if that fails there's always a block of aged brick or limburger to freshen up the room.

Dave if you get close to Stevens Point give me a call. BTW we're under a winter storm watch tonight and Saturday. Areas in Central WI could get up to a foot of snow. You may have to tow the truck with the Tucker.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh no, don't tell ma. Don't sound good.

About the stock....she know about the gun. The kids were with me. There's no hiding it then.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There was somebody kind of shopping for one recently but I'll be damned if I can remember who it was...

We leave for tucker sno cat acquisition today.

If you're driving through WI, you might need it to get home. Big snows hitting tonight. Up to 12" south of the Cities.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave if you get close to Stevens Point give me a call. BTW we're under a winter storm watch tonight and Saturday. Areas in Central WI could get up to a foot of snow. You may have to tow the truck with the Tucker.

You from Stevens Point Griz? Did you happen to see the pic in the local paper of a sunset that a small plane pilot took while in flight from MN to Stevens Point on Thanksgiving weekend?

Edit - I just went and checked and it was in the portage county gazette.

Yes, I'm in Stevens Point Rooster. Didn't see the picture as I was still in Deer Camp.

If anyone talks to Dave tell him he can stay at our place if the weather gets too bad. Now they're concerned about high winds Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Could be a wild ride.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Yes, I'm in Stevens Point Rooster. Didn't see the picture as I was still in Deer Camp.

If anyone talks to Dave tell him he can stay at our place if the weather gets too bad. Now they're concerned about high winds Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Could be a wild ride.

I'll shoot him a text. The reason I ask if you seen the pic or not is because I spent Thanksgiving with that pilot that took the pic. My wife and I spent turkey day in Deerwood, MN (by Brainerd) with friends and we had to go pick him up at the little airport by Brainerd on Thanksgiving Day. He is the brother of our friend and is from Stevens Point as well.

Anybody wann guess who starts a new job on December 27th?

Originally Posted by tzone

Anybody wann guess who starts a new job on December 27th?

Phil? Phil MaCrevis?

I want to be the first to thank you Jim.....thank you for paying my salary.

Dave replied to my text about staying at your house if the weather gets too bad Griz.

He said "Right on. We are at Bemidji ground round right now. Will make Duluth tonight."

Originally Posted by tzone

I want to be the firs to thank you Jim.....thank you for paying my salary.

You got the state job?? Atta boy!

Better start working on those arm pit calluses now so you will be ready for that shovel!

I'll be watching the dudes run the shovel.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Muffy,Is there a "Chickenbuck" scent?

Stan in SC

Oh there's a Chickenbuck scent alright! You don't want that in any candles though. You might want the candles to cover it up.

Too accurate a description. In the Twin Cities this week I saw four workers on a road project. One was in the hole digging with a shovel. The other three were standing on the road surface leaning on their shovels. There were three separate vehicles with flashing lights blocking two lanes of traffic while their drivers were leaning on their shovels watching. Traffic was backed up since only one lane was open due to the empty vehicles with the flashing lights. I think this was a state project but it might have been a city or county project. Surely tzone does not have the patience to just stand and watch! Congrats on the new job tzone.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Too accurate a description. In the Twin Cities this week I saw four workers on a road project. One was in the hole digging with a shovel. The other three were standing on the road surface leaning on their shovels. There were three separate vehicles with flashing lights blocking two lanes of traffic while their drivers were leaning on their shovels watching. Traffic was backed up since only one lane was open due to the empty vehicles with the flashing lights. I think this was a state project but it might have been a city or county project. Surely tzone does not have the patience to just stand and watch! Congrats on the new job tzone.

Musta been a County job.

thanks for the congrats. I appreciate it.

I won't have much time to watch really. I hit the ground running on the 27th it sounds like.

Congrats Tom, Nice christmas present.

Still got everything crossed for Ryan.

Thanks Jim. Hope it's not as bad as they're predicting.

Stay safe everyone and have a great weekend!

Just saw on the news that we could get upto 14" here. It's going to be a windy bugger too.

It's beginnig to look a lot like Christmas.

Congrats Tom!!!!

Way to go,Tom!!!!Congratulations.

Stan in SC

doggone it, i am getting a mite stiff with everything crossed for Ryan. think I can uncross for the weekend and recross again on monday?

got out today and shot 1 rooster. cattails getting hard to get through with all the snow.

I bet. You'll be using snowshoes soon. We had deer nearly on our deck again tonight. They were feeding pretty heavy before the storm gets here. It was constant deer until we left tonight.

Was at the bar and showed the pics of Dave's new toy and everyone thought that was the coolest thing. Not everyone has one of those.

Hey Pam, Dave has to make an enclosed area in the back for all of us to ride. Heated too. He could probly make some extra money from some of those that don't have the right equipment to haul their fish houses out where they want them. Look at the bright side.

This is Pam typing for Dave while we drive. We are in WI heading south on 53. Destination for picking up the Tucker is the Moon Saloon on County Road O. Expect we'll be there by noon. If Grizzly Bill has time, we'll buy him a beer at Moon Saloon at high noon.

Pam/Dave, here's what you're driving into. Visability is not good. We've got about 4 inches on the ground now and the wind is starting to pick up speed.

Statement as of 6:44 AM CST on December 11, 2010

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon CST Sunday...

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon CST Sunday.

* Snow will continue across the area today into tonight. The
heaviest snow should fall today and this evening.

* A total accumulation of 8 to 14 inches is expected by Sunday
morning... with the heaviest accumulations expected in central
Wisconsin.

* Winds will increase tonight... causing widespread blowing and
drifting and near blizzard conditions that will continue into
Sunday.

* Cold air pouring into the area will result in dangerously low
wind chills Sunday night and Monday morning.

* Travel conditions will become extremely hazardous. Non-
essential travel should be postponed until the storm has
passed.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means
severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. The
combination of snow and strong winds will make travel very
difficult. If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food...
and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest
Wisconsin Road conditions can be obtained by calling 511.

We have a way of finding weather like this. We are having breakfast in a nice little place in the spooner area.

You guys just drive carefull and be safe. If it is too bad, just stay.

OK, I'm not kidding...Look what was in our back yard about an hour ago. Flew in, ate, few out. Cool. I'm not so sure it flew as much as it was blown.....She's windy out.

Berettaman and Rooster autta love this.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This is Pam typing for Dave while we drive. We are in WI heading south on 53. Destination for picking up the Tucker is the Moon Saloon on County Road O. Expect we'll be there by noon. If Grizzly Bill has time, we'll buy him a beer at Moon Saloon at high noon.

I have a great story of about the Moon Saloon...that I'm not going to tell on here. It was part of the adventures of Tom and Lucas. Stay out of the Men's room, it's stiill probably ain't right.

You guys will be in our old stomping grounds. Betsy and I lived about 20 miles from there. Been to the Moon Saloon many times. You might as well make the loop. Hit the Hammer Down, Winter Haven (Very Cool place), East End Pub, stop for a burger at the Arrow Bar and come home.

Seriously, if you guys need a place to stay, I can get a hold of my father in law, or you can call Grizzly_Bill. You'll be in between both at that point.

Nice huh?

drive careful guys, pullin that load home though bad weather will be risky at best.

Where did you stop in Spooner?

Just got back in from snow blowing. It quit snowing for a while here.

Dave, If you come in on hwy 29 give me a call when you get to Wausau. My cell # is 715-630-3477. I'll head out a meet you at the Moon.

Be safe.

Oh man, I hate driving on stuff like that. Especially when it is a very long drive. Just take er easy.

Talked to Dave about 15 minutes ago. He's on Hwy 29 East in the Throp area. Said he was doing about 35 MPH. Changed his ETA to around 1:00 PM.

I just came back from trying to get in to work. 'Made it about three miles down the road and drove through 2 total whiteouts. That was enough for me. Crawled back to the house. It's pretty bad out.

Not too bad in the northwest metro. I drove to Monticello to pick up a couple of things and see if anyone was icefishing (they were)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice huh?

Is that on 53 ?????

Oh, Bill. I think your cell phone number is going to be on every public restroom wall between the Moon Saloon and Baudette by Monday!

You're probably right BM.

Met up with Dave and the family at the Moon Saloon. Great to meet them. They had several offers from the folks there to stay, but Dave wanted to get on the road. He said he would pull off and spend the night somewhere if it got too bad.

Hey Dave and family, I'm going to stay at Diane's with the her, Lys, Kenna, CBF, and Weezy. Gonna be fun!

We made it to my dads in duluth
.

Originally Posted by kinser

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice huh?

Is that on 53 ?????

Yeah that was this morning before it got bad.

Originally Posted by sgt217

Where did you stop in Spooner?

Actually north of spooner, little place called the dinner bell.

I am relieved to know that you guys is safe for the nite. Dave, check out the pics I put up on the buffler hunt thread. PROOF that I am outta my friggin'mind!!!!

Did Duluth get much snow Dave?

My dad and step mom came down from there last night. They stayed with my sister in Oakdale, and got snowed in. Betsy and I went to get them in the truck because we were going to go to the Vikes game early in the am and do some tailgating.

The Vikings game got postponed until Monday night. I might have a quick day at work on Monday, I'm going to tell them about the new job.

We'll see if they send me packing or not. I don't expect it, but won't be surprised if it happens either.

I kind of feel bad about leaving after only a month, but there was no promise from them of full-time, permanant employment after my contract was up either. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

No snow in duluth.

[Linked Image]

I drove the tucker, awesome.

How did the truck pull that thing? Decent?

looks like the Metrodome fell down, this has happened before I think

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No snow in duluth.

[Linked Image]

I drove the tucker, awesome.

I gotta have one! I have no idea why, but damn that thing looks cool.

Good to know you holed up. I didn't see that working out well, the way the weather reports were coming in. Put the truck on the trailer and pull home with the Tucker I guess.

Pretty neat rig.

Originally Posted by tzone

How did the truck pull that thing? Decent?

Truck did really good, I'm very much impressed with the 07 F150, I'm pretty sure the tucker weighs at least as much probably more than my pickup but the truck did great. Especially considering the conditions we drove in.

Unreal Dave. I still can't believe you made it all the way to Duluth. I darn near fall out of my chair when you told me you could see the lights of Superior/Duluth.

National weather service says we had 12.6 inches of snow here in Stevens Point. Max wind gusts measured at 46 MPH. Hwy 10 East was closed between Stevens Point and Fremont (About 45 miles) this morning.

I had one drift in the driveway that went up to my hip and other spots that were darn near bare. The old Toro really got a workout.

Tom, I see that Oakdale got 21 inches of snow.

It was bad Bill, heading north on 53 there were spots where snow drifted the whole right lane with 3 to 4 ft of snow, other spots those drifts carried all the way across both lanes. I had to keep an eye on the snow plow berm to judge where we were on the hwy and at one point while passing a white knuckled center of the hwy driver (30 mph and covering both lanes) I had to use the rumble strip edge along the shoulder to judge how far I could be over while we passed.

So, when it is too snowy out for Wheezy to want to driver her Mustang to school, does she get to take the Tucker?

Take care getting the rest of way. No worry about getting home in time to watch the game today..

Weezy would figure out a way to get it stuck lol!

Is the Mustang still out or did you put it away for the winter?

That Tucker is da shizit! Glad you made it to safer ground. I can see it now. Everyone is going to be fishin slip bobbers in the house while Dave is out trolling!

Tom - That is a good sized Rooster in you're yard. Cool!

Well I got a notch in my muzzleloader yesterday. Finally! What I thought was an average doe turned out to be a decent sized button buck. I had to work for that sucker though. Bundled up to the max and walking up and down through hilly woods in deep snow to the point of exhaustion paid off with my first black powder kill. Gonna be tasty!

Originally Posted by BrentD

I gotta have one! I have no idea why, but damn that thing looks cool.

Aaahhhh yes, the beginning of many irratated wives!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, I see that Oakdale got 21 inches of snow.

We can't be that far behind them. The weather guy said 10" but we had that the first time I cleared the driveway. The second time, there was at least 6 more and it was wind blown.

On another note, the pheasant was back under the feeder today. Nice big rooster. Flew immeaditaly when I opened the sliding door.

Originally Posted by BrentD

So, when it is too snowy out for Wheezy to want to driver her Mustang to school, does she get to take the Tucker?

Take care getting the rest of way. No worry about getting home in time to watch the game today..

No doubt. I had tickets, and I won't be flying to Detroit to use them either. Heard on the news that we will recieve a full refund.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

I gotta have one! I have no idea why, but damn that thing looks cool.

Aaahhhh yes, the beginning of many irratated wives!

Oh man! You ain't kiddin'! Of course with her two horses, she doesn't have a lot of credibility in that department.

Thats right Tom. You had tickets to todays game. Did you see the video of the roof collapsing from inside the dome? Pretty wild!

that tucker would be cheaper than the horses.

Originally Posted by tzone

that tucker would be cheaper than the horses.

Just the trailer alone is probably more than the Tucker. And then there is the tack, the barn, the hay, and years of my life shoveling manure....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by sgt217

Where did you stop in Spooner?

Actually north of spooner, little place called the dinner bell.

Ahhh....in Trego....

Congrats Rooster. Sounds like you earned that button buck.

Below zero for the first time this season, minus 3. News report of minus 45 (Actual) somewhere in MN this morning.

Yes, Trego, I couldn't think of the name. All the advertisements on the placemats were for businesses in Spooner so whe I made that other post from the resturant I said we were having breakfast in Spooner. oh well, I was kind of close

Nice little place and very nice people running it.

It was a great breakfast.

Well, the Tucker is home. Whew, glad that trip is over with.

-27 this morning, this sucks. But at least the lake is making good ice.

we're a balmy -13 right now I pray my car starts since I have a final at in 45 mins!

Glad you made it home safe Dave, thought about you and Pam all weekend wondering how it was going

pics from saturday.

[Linked Image]

I'm glad to see that you and your MPIC (main partner-in-crime) have made it back safely!!!

bitter cold back home but we did make it.

That is the 5th track machine that trailer had hauled up here. Bearings are packed & brakes are lined.
Who's the next victim? he he he

Enabler? pfftttt.....

White Bear

Ryans big day today we hope! I recrossed everything. Ryan, I am going to be traveling, so be sure to email me the results as I wont have very good Chickenbuck access.

I hope Ryan don't keep us waiting too long. Come on man.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

That is the 5th track machine that trailer had hauled up here. Bearings are packed & brakes are lined.
Who's the next victim? he he he

Enabler? pfftttt.....

White Bear

you ARE an enabler and a horrible influence.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

News report of minus 45 (Actual) somewhere in MN this morning.

OH crap! My ex-girlfriend must be back in state!!!

WINTER Poem

It's winter in Minnesota
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Minnesota
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Minnesota
Cuz I'm frozen to the ground!

98% OF Minnesotins SAY "OH Sh#T" BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A SLIPPERY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% SAY, "HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS."

Dang you guys got blasted. Didn't the Metrodome have a heated roof? Oh well, tear it off and ya got a good outdoor stadium.
Stay warm.

No news on the job yet. sure is making for a long day

Hey, did all freeze up there?? Hope you're all staying warm.

Fingers crossed for ya Ryan.

I never heard back from them one way or another, my guess is I didn't get the job. maybe something happened and they will call tomorrow instead? I'm not gonna hold my breath though.
gonna keep my chin up and keep lookin

Still crossing our fingers Ryan.

Damn it's cold up here.

thanks for the support guys! I really appreciate it

the lakes are sure makin ice. heard a report of 12" already, not sure if its true or not but I wouldn't doubt it with the subzero temps we've been having.

Call them. I didn't hear back from the State either. I called them on Thursday and no one called back. I called on my lunch break on Friday, and no one called me back. I got home on Friday afternoon and they called my home phone. I called back asap and they gave me the good news.

No news doesn't mean bad news in this case.

My wife is a Human Resources director, she is always busy, and doesn't always get to call folks back when she says she could.

Don't fret it bro.

I figure I'll call tomorrow so I know for sure, is that too soon?

never too soon to show a little ambition.

call em.

I musta missed something...Ryan you got a job prospect? Bug the crap out of them.....then there is always Wyoming!

I had an interview last wednesday with pheasants forever, said I would hear back today, didn't hear anything back. I was a little surprised I didn't even get an email saying they chose another candidate. especially since there were 9 of us who were interviewed for 2 positions. shrug it off and keep looking I guess. I'll still follow up with them but not expecting much.

I would love wyoming, its a little closer to home than Kansas.
do you know of any jobs in the Natural resources field out there?

Quit sounding down.... If you haven't recieved an e-mail saying they went another direction, you're still in the game.

You'll hear something. Pretty crappy company practice to not hear anything back. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen.

it really hasn't gotten me down, but rather than keep that giddy anticipation feeling I've traded it for the keep my eyes on finding a job and moving forward like I know I didn't get it.
worst case is I keep my feelers out there and not lose any more time. best case I find out and I can stop looking and I'm no worse off. either way I keep making progress, least thats how I feel about it. besides if I didn't get it, I can still make my elk hunt, and Cale gets to see grandpa and grandma for christmas

Oh, no doubt you have to keep looking. Best case, you have two job offers...make them battle for you.

Stay positive, you'll get it.

Dave has a good saying, "People are like water, you'll find your level." of something like that.

You do seek your own level, it is like water.

Like water, you seek your own level Ryan.

Just turned my order in from my first Scentsy party. I'm over half way to my Certified Consultant title. Don't sound like much, but means "more commission".

Did ya include the outhouse Scentsy in the order Muffy?

I got an extra one we can put out there.

Maybe with solar power?...lol

Hey, that just might work.

Not too well this time of year though. The light bulb wouldn't be warm enough to melt the wax when it is this cold.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just turned my order in from my first Scentsy party. I'm over half way to my Certified Consultant title. Don't sound like much, but means "more commission".

I know about this stuff...kinda. My MIL sells Leah Sofia jewelery. She started out as a consultant, having a few parties, then started having them every weekend, then twice a week and on the weekend, now....Full Time and she won an award for the top sales in the Mid west. The woman is a selling machine. She has people working under her, which she gets a percentage of sales from. Once you get rolling, you really get rolling.

Ryan, You'll be fine.

I sent out more than 100 resumes before I got a job offer here. You're doing well. You have a specialized field, that you know what you're doing in. Trust your skills, and knowledge of your job. You'll get it.

Oh yeah, tell them when you call, that you're still interested and you want the position. Believe it or not, some people interview for a job for practice, not because they really want it.

Hang tough Ryan. There's still a good chance that you got the job.

Heat wave, a real scorcher! I had 1 degree above zero this morning! I thought my face was going to melt off on my way from the house to the truck. I got the AC going in the truck as soon as I got it running.

ND dont forget the sun tan lotion.. Just had a couple windows down for me this morning, -13, didnt have to fire up the AC....

lucky bugger.

-15 here this morning. When it hits zero I'm going to go out and mow the lawn.

Suppose to get up to 10 degrees this afternoon, the kids wanted to know if they could run thru the sprinklers after school...

Right, I just put the slip and slide away and now I have to dig it out and set it up for the kids.

You guys are funny-------------76 degrees tomorrow here in Tex, until your next front you send down gets here.

76?

Avove or below the zero??

Well, I have finally finished reading this thread all 1000+ pages. Around the end of Oct and just before deer season, I was reserching for a deer rifle and was very interested in the savage 99. An internet search pointed me to the savage collector forum here on the 24 hour campfire. I also surfed around the other forums and stumbled on "birth . . .". Once I started reading I couldn't stop (just like a good book). Thanks all, for the many weeks of entertainment and the assurance that I am not alone in thinking that outdoor activities can be a modern and family friendly pursuit.
db

Originally Posted by northern_dave

76?

Avove or below the zero??

Above, kind of a warm one for this time of year. Then another cold front comes on down from the north. One things for sure, we don't get to play with snow machines.
Used to swim and ski on one of the lakes hooked to Leech lake. Where I learned to water ski in fact. Big flying bugs up there for sure.

Welcome mrb. Did you find a 99 that suits you?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You do seek your own level, it is like water.

Like water, you seek your own level Ryan.

ahh, Yoda Dave

also related to the bare-handed/beer bottle grouse and rabbit killer, Ninja Dave

The Force is strong in that one

Originally Posted by mrb

Well, I have finally finished reading this thread all 1000+ pages. Around the end of Oct and just before deer season, I was reserching for a deer rifle and was very interested in the savage 99. An internet search pointed me to the savage collector forum here on the 24 hour campfire. I also surfed around the other forums and stumbled on "birth . . .". Once I started reading I couldn't stop (just like a good book). Thanks all, for the many weeks of entertainment and the assurance that I am not alone in thinking that outdoor activities can be a modern and family friendly pursuit.
db

Thanks so much for the nice words. The campfire forums here have been very useful for me over the years when researching various topics. I often just post a question out there looking for input and opinions and wow, you can always find a couple actual experts for every topic here.

I hope you stick around & rub elbows a bit. Welcome to the campfire.

Dave

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You do seek your own level, it is like water.

Like water, you seek your own level Ryan.

ahh, Yoda Dave

also related to the bare-handed/beer bottle grouse and rabbit killer, Ninja Dave

Don't you know egg nog dave when you see him? lol!!

We drove the Tucker around home here tonight. What a beast!! You can't stop it!! I love this thing!!

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by mrb

Well, I have finally finished reading this thread all 1000+ pages. Around the end of Oct and just before deer season, I was reserching for a deer rifle and was very interested in the savage 99. An internet search pointed me to the savage collector forum here on the 24 hour campfire. I also surfed around the other forums and stumbled on "birth . . .". Once I started reading I couldn't stop (just like a good book). Thanks all, for the many weeks of entertainment and the assurance that I am not alone in thinking that outdoor activities can be a modern and family friendly pursuit.
db

Welcome. It's a good read isn't it?

I read the whole thing about once a year or so.

Stick around, we like real life, tall tales, and BS...

Tom

Are the differentials Chrysler along with the engine Dave? That thing is sweet.

TB area 101 there will not be a late season hunt and no sharpshooters this winter.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are the differentials Chrysler along with the engine Dave? That thing is sweet.

They are dana spicer axles "Dana 60"

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

TB area 101 there will not be a late season hunt and no sharpshooters this winter.

That's good news, where the heck you been?

mrb you are spot on...it is quite a read. I reread parts ocassionally when I need my spirits lifted.
That Tucker looks like a mini version of our tractors. I'm sure it's going to be a hit at LOW....:)

I've had quite a situation befall me, tomorrow a partner and I are headed to SE New Mexico for an Elk Hunt on lands adjacent to the Mescalero Reservation near Alamogordo. This all came together last Friday so talk about last minute...lol. I don't have a clue what to expect except it's decent weather and moderate country and I really need a dose of both. On the way back I am stopping at our kids place at Fort Sill for Christmas so its a double winner. I hope to have stories and pics to share when I get back, which should be sometime after Christmas.

Scott

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

TB area 101 there will not be a late season hunt and no sharpshooters this winter.

That's good news big D! Maybe next year we'll have some daytime movement.

That's crazy exciting!! Good luck Scott! Take pictures for us!!

I was purusing CL tonight and found some hunting land that I'm very interested in...even the wifey seemed 1/2 way into it. I didn't get a "NO."

Sweet deal Scott. I hope you have pics and story when you get back.

Good luck.

Dude go for it lol!!

Then you can be broke like us haa!!

It's awesome, (I think you know that though)

I need to start my new job first I think. I don't think hunting land is going to move too quickly right now.

It's south of Duluth, not really where I was thinking of buying property but...

cool does it foat ?

ummm, no more than a pickup.

[quote=northern_dave Thanks so much for the nice words. The campfire forums here have been very useful for me over the years when researching various topics. I often just post a question out there looking for input and opinions and wow, you can always find a couple actual experts for every topic here.

I hope you stick around & rub elbows a bit. Welcome to the campfire.

Dave [/quote]
Thanks for the warm welcome ND, I will keep following the thread, so much excitment! Vintage cars, old trucks, guns, dogs, ice shacks and the "THING".
db

Welcome MRB!

lol! Yes, the "thing"

It's awesome!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Welcome mrb. Did you find a 99 that suits you?

I did! Bought a nice 99C in .308 with a 4-7 x 32 tasco made in japan, carries real nice and shoots good too (well it shoots way better than I do!). I have always had a soft spot for lever actions. Probably from watching westerns when I was a kid, really loved the Rifleman. Particularly loved the look of old marlins with a scope, pulled out of a saddle scabbard. I didn't know much about levers or the 99 when I started looking for a rifle, but through the power of the internet found out about the 99, the rest is history. Love it!

A nice 99 is one of the only things remaining on my rifles to buy list.

No hurry tho.

iv ben here waching you wandering waht your going to do nexst

This is my first post on this thread, but has anyone noticed the title change???

nice of you to get the tucker to pull uncle's fish house.

haw meny 99's do you have.

hawes the ice up nort.

hahahaha I just did, that would be Grizzly who done that

I didn't notice the change in the deer camp title till now.

Welcome to the fire MRB. Hope you stick around. We are like one big family here.

Nice to see you here again dad (Uncle Dusty). And really good to hear about the snipers not shooting the deer out of helecopters. We will get all kinds of them next year.

fixed it!

The ice is doing well, the cold weekend really helped.

You got a hitch on that Tucker?

I keep looking at that thing, it's pretty sweet.

Nice eraly Christmas present Scott. Good luck and post pictures.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hahahaha I just did, that would be Grizzly who done that

Not me.

Welcome to the camp Dog Hunter. Been through Montana many times. Great folks out there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We drove the Tucker around home here tonight. What a beast!! You can't stop it!! I love this thing!!

[Linked Image]

Have you let Weezie drive it yet?

She already asked Bill lol!!

Tom, it's got a pintle hitch on it. I suppose I'll weld a reciever tube in back under the pintle hitch.

ND, got an idea for ya with your new toy... How bout you offer taxi service up to the angle... Couple guys in my fishing party would pay to get up there.. Just think how much money you could make.. CHICKENBUTT TAXI INC.....

It's about 40 miles up there across the lake. It would take about 4 hours one way! LOL!!

I really should re-gear that thing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's about 40 miles up there across the lake. It would take about 4 hours one way! LOL!!

I really should re-gear that thing.

Drop-camp fishing on the best lake in the world. You know, that idea could really grow some legs. Seriously.

There are quite a few that already do it.

I think I can make some $ just by being out there, people are always stuck or always need a house moved.

Once I get a feel for average fuel consumption per mile I'll know what to charge folks based on where they are at, where they want to go etc. Charge for the machine and my time.

A 5 mile pull is probably going to be 50 bucks (guess) because it's going to be 10 miles round trip for me and will likely eat up an hour of machine time. $50 per hour for a machine & opperator really isn't bad at all.

I'd likely end up backwards at that rate... it will take some experience with the machine to know for sure.

Making ice here this AM. Minus 22 and a slight wind.

its warm here, got mosquitoes this morning as I went to take my wildlife final (I aced it).
snow is melting a little and everything, darndest thing

You should charge at least $75 an hour. Thats what Jeremy gets for snow removal with the skid steer. He does have a minimum rate & it is $75 hr. after that for dirt work.

Great job Ryan!!!

Way to go Ryan!

Dave, you way way underprice your self at $50 an hour. That is just what you alone are worth, seriously. The machine and gas should be on top of that. The gas really wouldn't be enough to worry about in the grand scheme of things. And don't forget all the travel to and from LOW. You might not charge for that directly but its part of the business (and the expenses come tax time).

Throw in a little professional advice ("chubs a foot off the bottom on a #4 hook") and you could double your money as a consultant too! Then sell Camp Chickbuck memorabilia along the way, and you are set for a fat and early retirement...

No telling where this could go... Maybe you should think about an IPO here. I bet there would be a pile of investors beating a path to your camp.

Hey Ryan, what school are you at? I suppose you could even be here at mine, though unlikely.

Dave..... you will be so busy driving guys and gear around, you wont be able to fish and drink beer!!! Better rethink!

Originally Posted by Dog_Hunter

This is my first post on this thread, but has anyone noticed the title change???

Ha ha.... I didn't even notice the title chance.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Hey Ryan, what school are you at? I suppose you could even be here at mine, though unlikely.

U of MN Crookston

last final is tomorrow

Good luck on that final. I don't know UMCrookston personally, but I wish you the best of luck.

I know you won't believe this but giving and grading finals is even worse than taking them. REALLY!

Congratulations too.

Brent

I wouldn't get excited about making a bunch of money up there with that rig. From experience, you'll be lucky to pay for your weekends gas. Best of luck but watch those expectations. Oh, & don't pull the bumper off a truck or run an ice chunk into someones $25,000 fish house. It all goes downhill then.

Customers suck.

Take that rig up there & enjoy the best hardwater fishing in the world with your friends & family. And maybe some tug-o-wars

White Bear

Man that sounds great and as you said savor the moments they do go by fast. Hope you make some great memories there.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I wouldn't get excited about making a bunch of money up there with that rig. From experience, you'll be lucky to pay for your weekends gas. Best of luck but watch those expectations. Oh, & don't pull the bumper off a truck or run an ice chunk into someones $25,000 fish house. It all goes downhill then.

Customers suck.

Take that rig up there & enjoy the best hardwater fishing in the world with your friends & family. And maybe some tug-o-wars

White Bear

Sounds like you know from experience White Bear?

Dave just has to have them sign a waver stating he is not held responsible if something happens.

"Dave just has to have them sign a waver stating he is not held responsible if something happens."

That still isn't a 100% reliable and won't stop some donkey from trying to extort $$ for their stupidity/carelessness.

Took a bud with me grooming one night and came upon a guy with his MXZ off the trail, which was an old RR grade, so about 10-15' down and steep. Big time stuck, his pals couldn't get him back up out of there. We stopped made sure everyone was o.k. and went on our merry way, those guys stood there looking like a deer in the headlights. My bud says, "You could have pulled him out of there no problem." To which I replied, "Yes I could have but if I put so much as a scratch on his sled he may have gone after the Trail Authority looking to get a new sled out of the deal."

I would have pulled him out without thinking twice and not worried about repercussions from it. Just goes to show how parts of the country are way different than others I guess. I do realize that now days you can be liable for anything and that is SAD.

If they squack about the scratches, you can always shove 'em back down into the ditch.

or if they don't pay ya for hauling their house out further, you can come back durring the week and haul it half way to the angle and let them figure it out.

Both good ideas!

still no word on the interview, even after messages left with follow ups. however I do have several leads on jobs all over, so I feel good. I just realized that I will have a little bit more time to do some fishing, and considering I have only caught 1 walleye since I was fishing with Dave last, I think I'm gonna target them

any advice for early ice 'eyes?

I forgot how to catch them it's been so long. You'll get one of those jobs Ryan. You have skill that not many have. Something will work out. When it rains it pours, you'll get some more interviews.

As I was leaving for my drug screening for the new job yesterday, I got a call from Hennepin Co. They want to do a phone interview with me next week. Since it was a phone interview, I'll do it...at least listen to what they have to say.

I found one thing, if there is something harder that busting your butt for a job you don't like. It is busting your butt for a job you don't like, after you've given them your notice.

I had to leave early yesterday for my screening, so I busted my hump to get the place caught up and in shape for my supervison, who was replacing me for the day. I asked myself several times why I was doing it because there is no way he'd have done that for me.

its because you're the kinda guy to do the right thing, you did what you would appreciate someone else doing, regardless if they would for you or not. its called character

last time I went fishing with Dave was march of '09 I think. so yeah its been a while. I forgot what walleye tastes like

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

any advice for early ice 'eyes?

Head to the mouth of the Rainy on LOW, cross 4 mile bay north to pine island, get north of the island (cross it) and head north of it, 15 ft in mornings & evenings, 20 during mid day.

Bring a regulation book because you will be counting walleye & sauger & trying to trmember how the limits work & the slot etc.

Normaly that is true but this year the early eyes are deeper. 26-28' now I guess. The fishing has been slow but is steadily picking up the last day or two. I'm hoping to make it up with a friend & his permanent this weekend but all my junk is broke down at home & I need to spend some quality time with myself in the shop.
I can usually find room to squeeze in an extra person or so if any of you folks are interested. I'll have my big house & sheenery up there around Christmas or shortly after.

White Bear

Dang fish...

I'll be putting a chimny in the house for a new wood stove we are putting in this weekend. Then I'll have to go cut firewood, and I still need to fix the charging system on the tucker... no fishing for me this weekend.

you have more projects going on than anyone I have ever met, wait I should rephrase that, you accomplish more projects than anyone I have ever met. I have a bunch I'll finally get to finish now.

I need to bed 3 rifles, put a front sight on my 1903, refinish 2 stocks load a bunch of .223, 300 WM and .243, swap some scopes around. load some 260 rem for my elk hunt that I can go on now

and try to take the little man fishing, 2 years and 4 months isn't too young is it?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

2 years and 4 months isn't too young is it?

You waited how long!?!?!?!?! That's criminal!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dang fish...

I'll be putting a chimny in the house for a new wood stove we are putting in this weekend. Then I'll have to go cut firewood, and I still need to fix the charging system on the tucker... no fishing for me this weekend.

A wood cook stove.... How retro. Ms. ND is gonna start cooking old school eh? That will be sooo cool.
Nothing better than waffles in cast iron over a wood cook stove!

he he White Bear

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

2 years and 4 months isn't too young is it?

You waited how long!?!?!?!?! That's criminal!

this was last year, I'm just wondering if the DNR would allow him to have his own holes or would they look at me like I was trying to pull one over on them.

Just bring a lot of hot chocolate and some toys to help keep him occupied and he'll be good to go Ryan.

Dave, what kind of wood burner are you putting in? Surprised you're not putting in a Central Boiler product.

It looks to me like he is doing just fine. Awesome pic Ryan!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

2 years and 4 months isn't too young is it?

You waited how long!?!?!?!?! That's criminal!

this was last year, I'm just wondering if the DNR would allow him to have his own holes or would they look at me like I was trying to pull one over on them.

Looks like he fits the slot to me!

well it will be a few days till I can post again, dang school is making me turn in my computer to have it completely wiped before they give it to me. makes no sense, but those are the rules.
at least they give me a computer when I graduate

can't complain too much

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you have more projects going on than anyone I have ever met, wait I should rephrase that, you accomplish more projects than anyone I have ever met.

No doubt there. He gets 'em done though.

Hey Dave, you need help fishing out of that house sometime the end of Jan. ? How's the fishing then? I'm tryin to get ma to come up.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

and try to take the little man fishing, 2 years and 4 months isn't too young is it?

Heck no. My daughter was fishing by 14 mths, my son was about the same. Can't get them out of the boat in the summer. Neither have been ice fishing yet. My son was a bit too small to do that last year, he's a inquizitive little guy, so I have to keep a constant eye on him.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well it will be a few days till I can post again, dang school is making me turn in my computer to have it completely wiped before they give it to me. makes no sense, but those are the rules.
at least they give me a computer when I graduate

can't complain too much

This is probably due to software license issues. College probably has a site license for certain software that you used.

Well it is the start of a busy Christmas season.

We are going to Jeremy's dad's tonight and his mom's tomorrow. Then next weekend will be with my family and then to Jeremy's grandma's.

Everyone have a safe & happy holiday season.

You too Miss. We had Christmas with my mom at my sister and BIL's last weekend. We have to go to Wausau and then to Eau Claire, both day trips. We are having a New Year's party here, so come on down y'all

Originally Posted by tzone

You too Miss. We had Christmas with my mom at my sister and BIL's last weekend. We have to go to Wausau and then to Eau Claire, both day trips. We are having a New Year's party here, so come on down y'all

I should because Jeremy is going snowmobiling in Yellowstone from December 29th through January 3rd. So I will probly be sitting home watching movies.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Dave, you need help fishing out of that house sometime the end of Jan. ? How's the fishing then? I'm tryin to get ma to come up.

fishing should be good then.

come on up!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Dave, you need help fishing out of that house sometime the end of Jan. ? How's the fishing then? I'm tryin to get ma to come up.

fishing should be good then.

come on up!

Sweet. Right now lets plan on the 21,22,23 weekend. I need to get someone to watch the kids. Grandma will prolly do it.

Me and Nate cut a load of wood today and plowed the cabin road.

[Linked Image]

I love that truck.

our new wood stove at home.

[Linked Image]

Sweet. Didn't you have a pellet stove before? Why the switch?

the control board went out on the pellet stove.

When we were out at the cabin yesterday we noticed a lot of tracks, some deer, but mostly wolf.

The trail groomer has been out on the forest trails so a snowmobile trip would be good any time now.

Also we checked on one of the logging operations close by to see if they were cutting 8' lengths. They are, and there is a lot of end pieces and under diameter logs left there. Nate and I shucked some of it in the back of the truck for cabin firewood but we'll want to go back for more. We could use some at home, it's green stuff so we won't burn it till next year but it would be good to have some piled at home for next year.

Dave,is the new stove a Jotul brand from Sweden?Looks like one.Looks great also.

Stan in SC

It's made by England's stove works in Monroe, VA

So far it seems to be doing well for us.

We didn't see any wolf tracks by us this year, but did see coyote tracks and also heard them. Does this mean that the wolves have moved out?

They move in and out of areas, like a swarm of bees milling around on a large prairie.

The amount of tracks I saw yesterday makes me think a pack is moving through. I've seen it in past years too, heavy wolf tracks, minimal deer sign.. then in a couple weeks no wolf tracks and heavy deer sign.

I'd like to get some of those wolves on camera. My camera batteries are dead now though and they don't last long at all in the winter in that old flash style trail camera.

hows the tucker dave, have you been cruising the ditches by greenbush in it? ice is getting thicker on the lake, was up at springsteel checking the situations out saturday, lots of movement out there. think i'll be heading to south tip soon.

Yeah we had the tucker out friday night after I rewired the charging system and then again Saturday morning. It's a lot of fun, haven't been able to get it stuck yet.

How is the fishing on the west side?

I didn't hear much on the west side. i heard 12mile is doing really good. there were vehicles out a couple miles northeast of springsteel saturday. about 15" of ice.

You didn't go to Gull huh?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We didn't see any wolf tracks by us this year, but did see coyote tracks and also heard them. Does this mean that the wolves have moved out?

I would say yes, but I'm not 100% sure.

That's BS, all it means is that they are flying wolves.

oh great now flying wolves.

I know, leave it to the Wisconsinites to create a new threat to the chickenbuck heard.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

oh great now flying wolves.

I was just thinking the same thing.

Not to worry. Flying wolves migrate of course.

Oh good.

Mexico?

No, Iowa, silly!

Soooooo then...flying wolves would require a Migratory Stamp right????

Like they wouldn't be federally protected.

We're not talking about flying coyotes, these are flying wolves.

Like our borders are federally protected...I'm just sayin....

Would BBB size shot be about right???

I was thinking a 12 gauge smooth tube full of .17 TSX bullets... tipped.

3.5" magnum.

or just use a "knife gun"

Dooood!

They make Tipped .17 TSXs!!!

NOW...I'm excited!!!

I dunno if they make them, but when they find out about flying wolves I'm sure they will get together with the federal shot shell folks and make it happen.

And I was getting all wound up....

No Federals?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know, leave it to the Wisconsinites to create a new threat to the chickenbuck heard.

Tzone brought them with him when he immigrated to MN just to stir things up.

Think Dave better get PWM on the job. He can usually come up with a great solution, although a old twin 40MM AA would do a number on them flying wolves.

.

RPG, no shoveling.....

The LAW would work too!

You guys aren't going about this in the correct manner. You need to feed the flying wolves to the swamp squids, let nature do it's thing. It's green, and all that crap! Swamp squids gotta eat, too, a diet consisting only of deer and flying bears gets old, even to the squid.

You have a point, nothing scrubs a squid colon like wolf hair.

Too bad the swamp is froze over.

A very Merry Christmas to all of you and your families.

The wife and I will be spending christmas with our son and his family. Heading to the airport tomorrow.

Same to you Bill. We are starting the whirlwind Christmas tour that we always do. As you know both of our parents are divorce and remarried so we have a lot of visits and visitors. It's pure craziness, but I love Christmas. We sure have a lot to be thankfull for this year!

Merry Christmas to all of you.

Merry Christmas to you all and have a safe and happy New Year!

Where you going for krizzmus cousin?

We were at Jeremy's dad's last Friday and his mom's on Saturday. Christmas eve will be at mom and dad's, then Jeremy's grandma's. So as of now we are half done.

How bout you?

Homebound this weekend, probably dad's in Duluth next weekend.

Forest trails are groomed, chickenbuck is empty. What a shame...

Think about it, even if you & Jeremy just want a place to go & base camp for some scenic riding one weekend.

I definately want to get up there one weekend this winter. With or without him.

I do really want to get up there and do some snowmobiling. That would be so fun. He is leaving for Yellowstone on the 29th and coming back on the 3rd or 4th. Not sure what I'm doing for New Years yet. Maybe just sit home and watch movies.

Come on down. We're doing the same. My dad and step mom are coming down, so we'll do our Christmas then.

News man says we could get a bunch of snow that week too. We don't usually go anywhere on New Years.

We pushed tons of snow with the old pickup last night. It seems the plow frame repairs we did this fall are holding up very well.

Meeting trucks pulling and hauling ice fishing gear headed towards the big lake is starting to wear on me. It might be time to go fishing soon. Talked to Ryan last night, it seems he has his little ice fishing lake figured out. He got a nice catch of walleye, some in the upper teens & one 24-ish in length, also scored a couple crappie. Can't beat that. he's headed back to Colorado soon for an elk hunt and Christmas visit with his folks. He'll be off the grid gor a while with no computer but if he sends me any pictures on his phone I'll post them up.

Merry Christmas!

Went to Minneapolis yesterday.....ohmygosh. Each one of you that doesnt live there can sure be thankful you dont live there (sorry Tzone!). What a complete zoo!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Dave you should really look into that Moultrie D55 IR camera like me and Muffy got. They are pretty good for the $. It would be cool to get some wolf pics.

yeah I know, I wish I had one.

you know anything about the D65 IR?

Cabelas had them for $97 last week.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah I know, I wish I had one.

you know anything about the D65 IR?

Cabelas had them for $97 last week.

Nope other than it a 6 megapix rather than 5 which theoretically will take a better picture. The thing I would research would be the battery life. It is pretty darn good in the D55. Not sure about the D65.

Watch the Fleet Farm adds. They occasionally have the 55's for $89.00. $97.00 seems like a decent price for the 65.

We don't get those ads up here in lower Canada.

Go to ebay and punch in whatever make and model you want to find. Or do it in google and then hit the "shopping" button and then sort by price.

I have been sourcing Primos Truth Cam 46 this way. They have a really fast recycle time it seems and I need that for something different.

I use one of the Moultrie models that I found used on ebay. The two of them run for just about ever on 6 D cells. They work okay but they seem a bit slow to pick up on an animal so I get a lot of blanks that I think are the result of animals going through the field of view too fast.

That primos 46 was in Grand forks Cabelas flyer for $99, but they didn't have any in the store last week.

I don't even know what to say right now.... On my lunch break I checked my phone and had about 5 messages from my dad and sister. My step brother, my neice, and my two nephews were in a bad car wreck in Grand Forks today.

One of my nephew's (6) and my niece (8) died.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Merry Christmas!

Went to Minneapolis yesterday.....ohmygosh. Each one of you that doesnt live there can sure be thankful you dont live there (sorry Tzone!). What a complete zoo!

I don't live there. I don't even go there. There is nothing I need in mlps.

So sorry to here that T, my condolences. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family.

Oh my god Tom... Horrible.

Thank you. We're going to need it. My step brother and other nephew are in ICU right now. That is all the details I have right now.

Man, sorry to hear that T, condolences..

Tom,very sorry to hear about that.Please keep us posted.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by bluffview

So sorry to here that T, my condolences. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family.

OH no. That is awful. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. I'll be in touch with you T. So sorry to hear this.

If there is anything we can do Tom, well, you know.

Oh Tom, I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Like Dave said, anything.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If there is anything we can do Tom, well, you know.

Thanks guys. There isn't anything TO do right now. You guys know as much as I do at this point. My dad and step mom don't have cell phones and just left for GF at about 1230. It will be tonight before I hear anything.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh Tom, I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Like Dave said, anything.

Same goes for me my friend. Anything at all.

Sorry that anyone should have to bear such bad news. That is as terrible as it gets. I am very sorry.

Oh man, my prayers and condolences go out to you. I cannot imagine.

I have an update from my sister.

My step brother is awake, moving around, and now aware of the outcome of what happened. My other nephew is still "out" with a neck brace on. But that is probably pretty common for what happened.

The driver of the semi that was also involved was hurt pretty bad too.

My brothers van was in two pieces...as in, in half.

I know I don't know you very well Tom, but my sincerest condolences. I don't even want to think how hard it would be to get that kind of news. I wish your step brother and nephew a full and quick recovery.

Thank you guys. Truly apprecieated.

Here is a link to an aritice from Bemidji. Only becaue I know some of you are familiar with the area.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/event/article/id/100024493/

Please keep us posted Tom...this is the saddest....

Tom, we're not exactly super close to GF but you know we have a place for you to stay here if you have to head that direction.

As we've talked before in the past Tom, I know of that side of your family, I know none of them personally but they are well known and cared for in the area.

I wish the best for them, strength now and more importantly in life ahead. It goes without saying... that will be challenging.

I talked to my dad and stepmom. My brother and other nephew are going to be fine. She talked to him. They are staying overnight for observation but can go home tomorrow.

Thanks for all the support guys.

God Bless you and your family T.

Ya'll have Vick and my prayers.

Truly sorry to hear this pard.

JM

Very sorry to hear about this.

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident, Tom. Dave let me know as soon as he found out, and I went to the bathroom at work and cried. My heart truly hurts for all involved, my prayers will be from this day forward of healing, of coping and of strength.
Last night I was home while Dave and the boys took the Tucker for yet another adventure when the news came on. They showed the semi and the van involved. Once again...I cried. My prayers will continue for you and your family not only right now but also for road ahead. You now have two sweet angels that will watch over you all until you meet again.

Sincerest condolences and sympathy from the Bs!

db

People have been asking me about a donation/collection for Tom's family.

Pam and i would like to handle this.

As I have posted in the main forum, we will accept and consolidate funds for Tom and Betsy. We'll do the bank running, cashing etc & convert any and all donations to one check or cash amount for Tom to use as he sees best.

My name and home mailing address will temporarily be displayed in my profile under my "hobbies"

For anyone interested, click my profile if you need a mailing address. Pam and I will handle it and post a total here if anything comes of it.

Thanks Pam,

I saw that news cast on the computer this morning. It was not pretty. My sister told me it was a UPS truck, but it didn't look like it. Still don't know what happened, well we do, someone ran the light, but not sure who it was.

I tried to go back to work after hearing the new, but I couldn't. I'm not sure they believed me because it was my last day.

I called Betsy and she had the same reaction you did. She started bawling on the phone, and had to explain to everyone why she was crying and that she was going home. She didn't know I came home because I told her I was going to stay at work.

She went and got the kids out of school just so we could hug them. The always get lots of hugs and kisses from mom and dad, but they got extra last night.

We drove to Wausau last night and I was extra aware, it was almost eery.

I thank you all for the prayers, kind words, and well wishes. Keep praying, but send them to Grand Forks, ND. They need them more there than I do here. My dad and step mom went there yesterday to help.

My dad is taking it the hardest. I tried to talk to him last night at 10 and he still couldn't talk to me.

Thank you all.

Tom

Originally Posted by northern_dave

People have been asking me about a donation/collection for Tom's family.

Pam and i would like to handle this.

As I have posted in the main forum, we will accept and consolidate funds for Tom and Betsy. We'll do the bank running, cashing etc & convert any and all donations to one check or cash amount for Tom to use as he sees best.

My name and home mailing address will temporarily be displayed in my profile under my "hobbies"

For anyone interested, click my profile if you need a mailing address. Pam and I will handle it and post a total here if anything comes of it.

I can't thank you enough for this Chickenbuckers. Got me and the wife all teared up now.

I don't know what to say other than thank you.

So folks know, all donations will be given to my brother, his wife, and remaining child.

Many, many, hear felt thanks.

Tom

May the Angels take those little Kids by the hand and then soothe the pain and loss of all the Family. My Heart bleeds for Soldiers and small children. Dave you can count on me to kick in. Jim Martin

Much appreciated Jim.

It is Christmas eve.I have had a great year.I hope everyone has a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Stan in SC

From the wilds of Darkest New Yorkistan, to ALL of the Chickenbuckers, Merry Christmas to a whole bunch of funny, hard huntin' hard funning and superbly warm of heart folks to those who have to deal with tragedy.

Thanks Stan & Jim.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas all. My mouth is watering in anticapation of the prime rib dinner we're going to have tonight.

ET...I can hear a big rutty, stinky, sumbitch slopping through that swamp now. Great picture.

Geeezzzze, When it rains it pours I guess. Ma called and said she got in a car accident with the truck. I drove down to meet her and everything and everyone are fine. No damage to Ma, and minor damage to the truck.

Glad she's doing OK Tom.

Keep your head up.

Thanks man. I'm doing fine, pretty good considering. I was talking to Betsy about that. I think it's because we're so far from the incident at the moment.

We're fine, I promise.

Glad she is ok Tom. Merry Christmas again.

Originally Posted by tzone

We're fine, I promise.

Glad to hear, Merry Christmas my friend.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Glad she is ok Tom. Merry Christmas again.

Me too. She thought I would be mad. I'm not even bothered by it. I was so relieved that she was fine I could have cared less about the damn truck....it's a truck, they'll make more.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by tzone

We're fine, I promise.

Glad to hear, Merry Christmas my friend.

Merry Christmas to you and your too Tom.

I was bored earlier today and was looking at my Father in Laws old rifles.

He has a Savage 99 that I discovered was made in 1901. It is a .303 Savage with a 26" octagon barrel.

He also has a Remingto 141 pump rifle in .30 Remington. Very neat stuff I didn't even he know he had.

Thats fun stuff..

I've got a half a dozen birds in the oven (Ruffies)

Doing that lemon cream sauce thing. It's going to be awesome.

Pam and Nate rode snowmobiles into town to gas them up, first ride of the year. 2 sleds running, 2 to go. I didn't even come close to a heart attack getting the first two going, but the next 2 are the ones that try to kill me every year

You got my mouth watering with those ruffie man. My favorite.

I almost go Betsy excited to come up. Except for the drive I think she is.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I put on some miles today looking for some song dogs. We just have to much fluffy snow for them to be moving. When we get a hard crust they will be out in force. I dropped my deer hide off at the local trapper/fur buyer today in exchange for a pair of gloves. He had about 10 coyotes, a couple fox and a big fat coon that have come in in the last couple days. He was telling me that coyotes are actually worth something again. $20.00 for a big one and $15.00 for smaller ones. He thinks the price will keep rising. Time to invest in some snowshoes and snares I think.

He also has a live coyote as a pet and has a live weasel in a cage. We got to watch it eat a muscrat leg. You would swear the thing is tame. He caught it wild when his weasel trap didn't spring but critter was still there eating the bait. It played tug o war with him when he tried removing the bait so he took it home. Its really pretty neat.

Pam got me a nice tool kit to put inside the tucker sno cat, not sure if I'm happy or insulted...

dont be insulted

you mise speld took tool.

Merry Christmas, Chickenbuckers, stay warm and dry up there.

Goll dang Santy Clouse was here and put out my wood stove fire, left some little toys, socks & stuff like that, and he left a snow shovel for my tucker sno cat.... wtf?

Surely an experienced snow travler of the world like the Clouse doesn't doubt the abilities of the tucker???

Now I am insulted......

Here are a few chickenbuck Christmas action photos I can share..

They call him "Mr Excitement" for good reason...

Power Grin.

[Linked Image]

And here we are, maxed out... fun meter is completely pegged out lol!

Pam watching the action from the couch.

[Linked Image]

Snow pants "The Pants kind..."

[Linked Image]

Matching grunt tubes for deer hunting

Good Stuff... Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Tell everyone Merry Christmas from us Dave!

When is the fish house going out? My buddy Rick is talking like he may head up there tomorrow to take the "Norsky Nest" out. Have you heard how much ice is in the channel?

Channel? I haven't heard any reports from there.

But the main lake is 17-18"

Merry Christmas to the Rooster's, Baley, Ratsmacker... to everybody!!

Merry Christmas all.

We just got home from the in law's and Santy Clause left us some stuff too.

Santa knows me well, he left gift cards to Gander and Cabela's, and "hunting" camera. One that is small and relatively flat so I can fit it in the pocket of my hunting coat.

Kiddo's got lots of goodies too.

Hi everybody, here's your damn christmas card lol! Sorry if some of you will actually have to recieve this in the mail.

Nice.

Go for a ride in the tucker?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi everybody, here's your damn christmas card lol! Sorry if some of you will actually have to recieve this in the mail.

I like it!

The car's name is Myrtle.
54 chev 2 dr post delray, and the damn ole girl runs

KRAPP! I used to drive one of those in high school!..It was bigger inside than my house is now....

Frickin' awesome dude. I love to hear that track clicking as your truckin along.

Where were ya driving?

Just checkin yote & fox racks.

Me & maw covering some critter ground.

Nice little escape.

Dashing through the snow in a 160 horsepower tracked sleigh, over the swamp we go laughing all the way, flying bears in the air making spirits bright, oh what fun it is to ride in my tucker sleigh tonight !

Nice!

Wow! Not unusual for you guys up nort' but we have about three inches of snow here.It started about 1PM yesterday(Christmas day) and continued late into the night.Maybe I should find me a Tucker?Nahhh,it will all be gone by Monday evening.We have the self shoveling(melts quick) type snow here.I sure would love to be in the woods deer hunting right now.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi everybody, here's your damn christmas card lol! Sorry if some of you will actually have to recieve this in the mail.

Love the picture. But where is Lucy?

Lucy dog was in the warmth of the heated shop!!

Gus the black lab actually wasn't invited, he's a photobommer!

Dave, is this music more to yer likin'??? Type "O" Negative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9kbj_aeO2k&feature=player_detailpage

not really.

More like this actually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-8fFcBbG4g

YOU are nuthin' but a frustrated wannabee treadhead(Tanker)

Wheeda wheeda clank clank look at me, I'm a Tank

That looks like so much fun!

Originally Posted by Muffy

That looks like so much fun!

Muffy, do you recall where a fellow denizen offered to take
dave hunting on a late season youth hunt if he could act 10 years old?? I submit that dave don't WANNA grow up even THAT much

Dave's patron saint,as is mine,is Peter Pan.

Stan in SC

Dont know what you are talking about.

that thing is awesome. Could use it here. Put a rack in the back and go pheasant hunting in the cattails right about now for instance.

What the hell is this in my house?

[Linked Image]

NOWWWwwwwwwwwwww we're TALKIN!

Preview of next Xmas!!

You better hurry up with a comeback...you cant be showing a pic like that and leave us hangin....

Stupid daughter brought it home.

I said his name is Kevin, I got shot down on that... So I said "Ben"

Seems to be sticking, so far.

I don't know what it is, it was free though.

And yes i am well aware "there is no such thing as a free dog"

Dude...

You know me well enough to have heard the Ingweism..

" The ONLY thing better than a dog...is two dogs..."

Congrats!

If it was a cat, I'd a shot it by now...

But it's not a cat, so he's got that going for him.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Dude...

You know me well enough to have heard the Ingweism..

" The ONLY thing better than a dog...is two dogs..."

Congrats!

So I guess we got it made with 4 dogs then huh?

LOL!!

Originally Posted by ingwe

Dude...

You know me well enough to have heard the Ingweism..

" The ONLY thing better than a dog...is two dogs..."

Congrats!

'Cept in this case it's more like 4 dogs.

Cute little bugger...for now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by ingwe

Dude...

You know me well enough to have heard the Ingweism..

" The ONLY thing better than a dog...is two dogs..."

Congrats!

So I guess we got it made with 4 dogs then huh?

LOL!!

Dats TWICE as good!!!!

( his poop is gonna be BIG.....

)

He's sleeping with weezy tonight, I hope the fuzzy little bugger takes a dump on her pillow.

LOL!

Pretty big day for ol tzone tomorrow...Starting the new job.

G'night all.

Tzone, Good luck on the job guy.

Dave, nice pup. If he doesn't bark with a country twang, maybe you will end up takin' a shine to him.

Good luck with the job Tom.

Dave your new son is so cute. You may have to take another Christmas picture and have him in there. Oh and maybe take it in the warm shop so Lucy can be in it too.

How about a "family" picture of all four dogs together?

Stan in SC

made it out to colorado, exhausted but we made it, havin a cup of coffee, tomorrow we're headed for elk!!! will keep you posted! Dave already agreed to post pics if/when we get one. its 50 and sunny and calm out here. gotta love this weather! Merry christmas!

Glad you made it, we are preparing for another storm here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Glad you made it, we are preparing for another storm here.

When you supposed to get that storm dave?

I hope I'm not driving into it. I'll be headed up that way on Wednesday morning, then heading home that evening.

I last heard is on Thursday. But who knows.

I'm going to rent some movies for the storm. Jeremy is leaving for West Yellowstone tomorrow night. He is changing the jets and weights on his sled right now.

Everything I'm seeing says thrusday too, so that is good. Crappy weather is the last thing I need on an already yucky trip.

Sorry T. That is still just awful. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mine too.

FIRST,for the edification of the Chickenbuckers and chickenbuckaroos, NYC got AVERAGE 20" with Staten Island getting 29" with typical Nor'easter wind,aka "blizzrd". I must admit to extreme snickering when I saw the pics of NYC with snow that WE usually get. We only got 6" but some harsh winds. -10 here overnite,15-30 in the 'Dakcs. Sunnyand no wind now. Lovely winter day!!!

SECOND:Tom, I too am keeping your family in my thoughts.

First : Tom, you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers since Daves first post last week . Prayers continue for all .

Second : ET

We didn't get hardly any snow out of that last storm

YOU guys git the lake effect storms,WE get the coastals AKA Nor'easters

Well this week is just going to [bleep]. We have the accident, wife spins the truck out and dings it up a bit, then tonight we go out for a nice dinner....and some cocknocker hits her car while it's parked and doesn't even have the decency or the balls to come in and get us.

The song by Paul Thorne has it right...."It's a great day to whop somebody's ass".

Sorry to hear that Tom. I hope things start looking up for you soon.

Ah, things are looking up. My new job is going well so far. I really think I'm going to like it.

I'm not real mad about the car, that stuff happens. I am mad that whoever did it, didn't come in and say something. It's bad enough that we need to get it fixed. The rear bumper is shot and the drivers side quarter pannel needs to be fixed and painted because it's down to bare metal.

Set your shoulders to the heavy load, pace yourself and keep moving forward Tom. It will get better eventually. Continued prayers sent from Prior Lake.

Woo Hoo, the Vikes won!!!!! Vick took a heck of a beating.

Dang Vikes looked good. Webb showed tonight just how terrible T-jack is. Webb did well. I hope he keeps it up.....the playing.

That was a fun game to watch.

I hope they give Webb a real shot at it next year.

They'll hurry up and trade him for an old qb set on retiring.

Webb will go on to be one of the greats, for someone else...

If Webb turns out great, remember, Childress found him.....

wow, took a few days break from the confuser and missed a lot as usual.

ND mail sent.

had an awesome rooster hunt last weekend. Shot my 3 and could have shot 4. all in the deep willows/cattails. in fact, the last one i shot was part of a double...i just couldnt pull the trigger on the second as i had my limit. Man, I sure love late season hunting, by myself in the swamps. Cleanses the soul I tell ya. Now I am trying to decide if I should go out again or end on a high note. I certainly need the exercise after the caloric intake last weekend.

that tucker really looks neat. That would be a great vehicle for rush hour traffic in the metro area! YOu could change lanes whenever you wanted and people would immediately make room for ya. I drove a grey Chev Cavalier with blue fenders in college and people would take one look at me and think "it dont bother that guy to bounce off people, I better make room for him!".

Dave any word from Ryan and the elk escapade?

No word on the elk hunt yet.

Brent,
Why do you list 8 states? And why would anyone voluntarily list WI if they had any other options?

no word on the elk, eh? I bet right now, this very minute, Ryan is looking through the scope at a big fat cow...squeezing the trigger......only to.....

Dang good win for the purple last night. Tzone, it was fun texting back and forth during the game. Webb was breath of fresh air. I'm not saying he is the long term answer but he has shown that he deserves a shot. Kid has skeeels.

What I would like to see now is for the Vikes to bring in a vet QB to compete with Webb, trade Mt. McLazyazz and get the 3 rounder back that we lost in the Moss debacle, draft a legit left tackle in the first and use the rest on best player available for offensive line and secondary.

Anyway, enuff fooootball.

So my old boss who still works here has a suitcase style portable fishhouse that fold out to 8 x 8 (like the $500.00 kind)that he's used about three times. We got to talking about fishing and I asked him if he ever gets out with that portable. He said nope, I'm at the age where I like to go out to a rented shack that is warm when I get there. So I asked how much do you want for the portable? He says come get it out of my garage and its yours.

Merry Chrissmas to me. Merry Chrissmas to me. Merry Chrissmasssss to Roooooster. Now I have to buy some schanpps.

Congrats! you gotta take advantage of them when you get these deals they dont come along that often.

with a monitor like rooster, how was the rooster hunting this year? I forgot where you were exactly...?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Congrats! you gotta take advantage of them when you get these deals they dont come along that often.

with a monitor like rooster, how was the rooster hunting this year? I forgot where you were exactly...?

Do you know where Wheaton is?

Yeah, its no where near there.

J/K I live between Hawley and Rollag. (Southeast of Moorhead) The bird numbers were down this year in our area. I blame the warm day we got in, I believe Febuary. It warmed up good and there were LOTS of birds out scratchin in the fields. Then it rained and got colder than hell that night. Perfect pheasant suffocation scenario. I didn't see many after that. Me and the dogs kicked up quite a few this fall but the majority were hens. Then my new pup got hurt and I didn't make it out much after that. Sounds like you are doing alright in the cattails though!

Oh man, that was a great hunt last week. Only time I went out all year by myself and it was awesome. Just thoroughly enjoyed myself. All year it has been really good. I only went out once and got skunked, and that was a 45 minute dash out to a hot/cold spot. Dog did good. I might upgrade her to great pheasant dog. She was hovering all year at the uppper end of good, but i might up it to just barely into the great category. I doubt she will ever attain "Awesome" or the pinnacle "Once in a lifetime" designations, but she just plain got the job done this year. Her retrieving is still suspect, but she finds them and brings them partway back.

Do you hunt public or private up there? I have always wondered how far north they go.

I just put a call in to a guy who is the Clay CO Pheasants Forever President. I will ask him how the hunting was for him up there.

oh, and yeah, I know where wheaton is and where it isnt (by Moorhead)! I gotta make a trip up to DL one of these days to visit a client up there.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Brent,
Why do you list 8 states? And why would anyone voluntarily list WI if they had any other options?

Those are the states in which I have bought resident hunting tags. Frankly, I rather like Wisconsin quite a lot. Beats IL all hollow and IA as well.

no real news on the Elk, hunted yesterday and today, hard. saw 4 big bulls, found a big 6 point shed horn, and saw many deer, several BIG bucks. hardly any snow so they haven't been forced down from high up. its snowing there today through friday so we'll try again friday, keeping my fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

oh, and yeah, I know where wheaton is and where it isnt (by Moorhead)! I gotta make a trip up to DL one of these days to visit a client up there.

I live 20 minutes from DL and 20 minutes from Moorhead. Pretty much on the edge of lakes country. So do you take your dog out in the cattails? I've done this a few times in the early season and they work them but it is hard for them to get through most of the time. My baby girl dog "Rooster" will do whatever it takes to get birds up. She is 6 years old as of 12/20/10. She is a pure bred pointing lab. She points about 50% of the time. Especially if the bird doesn't run. Its a beautiful thing to witness. Picture perfect point with tail straight up and front leg cocked. She is a real sweetie. To be honest, I get more of a kick out of watching the dog(s) working a bird then I do shooting them. I have talked about her before on here and find it strange that nobody has commented on the fact that I named a female lab Rooster and the fact that in pheasant hunting circles people yell "Rooster" or "Hen" when a bird is flushed. Maybe you will be the first B man!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

no real news on the Elk, hunted yesterday and today, hard. saw 4 big bulls, found a big 6 point shed horn, and saw many deer, several BIG bucks. hardly any snow so they haven't been forced down from high up. its snowing there today through friday so we'll try again friday, keeping my fingers crossed!

How long do you have to hunt Ryan?

I envy you!

til friday, the season runs the month of december, but I usually only go the last little bit, the later the better, but with little snow its gonna be cutting it close

Oh yeah, the dog goes in the cattails, through the cattails, under the cattails, whatever it takes. Although she does get a little lazy at times when there is a nice trail through them. Hunting cattails is tough. Tough walking and the birds do run some on ya, but when you get one it is really rewarding. Hunting early season cattails is much harder than late season. Dont tell many people that though, most think it is the opposite. Once in awhile you might get a wet foot though if you find a soft spot in the ice. I havent in a lonnnnnng time, but some of my hunting partners have.

Oh yeah, I love good dog work. It is like you say, over half the fun.

Yeah, naming a pheasant dog rooster kinda goes against the grain, but if you hunt alone or with the same experienced people it prolly wont matter. Usually the "ROOSTER!!" that is bellowed when a bird explodes is a quite a bit different than calling your dog. In fact, I rarely use my voice at all when hunting pheasants. I have had on a couple of occasions, a guy ask me at the end of the day what my dog's name is.

So how was the season for roosters? More/less than normal? Assuming I am done, which might not be the case, I ended up with 15 this year. A little less than average, but that was because of my elk hunt. I only shot 1 bird before deer hunting. I was happy with the bird numbers, happy with my dog work, and really happy with my shooting. I got to get out with a friend that I have been meaning to get out with and that was cool. Had a couple good hunts with Dad, that was great. All in all, a very good pheasant year for me.

Yeah, don't tell anyone about that cattail thing.

This is my Gus - More more or less the equivalent of Dave's Ben (but definitely NOT free).

[Linked Image]

He does well too

[Linked Image]

truck looks fordish, tires look bfg-ish, dog's name seems ... Gus-ish... (We have a Gus-Lab)

Birds deadish, gun seems side byside ish...

I approve of all items in these photos

Dang ole Brent gone up a notch...

I got 5 Roosters, twenny three hens and a female swan that was nesting in the CRP for some dumb reason.

I joke. I only got four Roosters this year. My pup which was showing all the promise in the world shattered his hip moving between spots one day and it kind of put a damper on my bird hunting. It was less than a two mile drive, the dogs found a mudhole to crawl in and cool down so they were caked. I didn't have anything to cover the back seat of my truck and I know better than to put a pup in the box but I thought, as long as Rooster is in there, he won't jump out. Wrong! He jumped. I think if he was all lab he would have rolled and said WTF? But he is half luellen(sp) setter and half chocolate. He has the setter hips which must be very fragile. The right rear was shattered and I had a choice of $1200.00 for surgery (that may or may not work) put him down or see how it heals on its own.

While, I couldn't put him down because he didn't put himself in the back of my truck so I thought he would be a lap dog.

Well now even though he's a "trike" he still covers ground like you wouldn't believe. I just dread the day when the arthritus sets in bad...

Glad you approve Dave, this is your thread after all. The dog is the best part.

Would it be wrong and to late to change his name to Trike?

I'm just askin...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Merry Chrissmas to me. Merry Chrissmas to me. Merry Chrissmasssss to Roooooster. Now I have to buy some schanpps.

I got some Blackberry Brandy left over from my trip to LOW last year. You want it?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

oh, and yeah, I know where wheaton is and where it isnt (by Moorhead)! I gotta make a trip up to DL one of these days to visit a client up there.

I live 10 miles from DL, let me know when you are coming up.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

truck looks fordish, tires look bfg-ish, dog's name seems ... Gus-ish... (We have a Gus-Lab)

Birds deadish, gun seems side byside ish...

I approve of all items in these photos

Dang ole Brent gone up a notch...

Defineately good approve of the SxS, the Ford, the BFG's, the dead roosters, the dog...

Dang, I guess that's all of it.

Our Daisy was a "trike: for the last 6 months of her life of so and she got along just fine on the three. Her bad one was the front though.

Just went out to the shop to let the dog out a little while ago. I couldn't walk on the sidewalk, it was glare ice. I had to walk in the snow along side it. I salted it really good on my way back to the house. I bet the roads are terrible, glad I don't have to go anywhere. I rented 3 movies so I'm just going to stay home and watch them.

Good north west wind here & a little drifting out in the open but really nothing for snow yet, it seems to be just starting up here, no rain.

We have to drive to Duluth in this crap today... yuck.

If you like doubles and dogs, here are few more

Gus last year age 4 months - different double
[Linked Image]

Ande at 12 yrs and another double - and the wife
[Linked Image]

Somewhere there are some picture of my oldest Ford from 1947, but I can't seem to find them.

Good looking dog there Brent.

It's slicker 'en snot on a door knob out there! I'm working from home today. Don't really feel like being stranded 35 miles from home when all the snow tops the glare ice.

What's your wife holding?

I need another dog!

Originally Posted by tzone

What's your wife holding?

Damn better be laundery or dishes!

OH you were talking to Brent...

[quote=BrentD]If you like doubles and dogs, here are few more

Gus last year age 4 months - different double
[Linked Image]

The look on Gus' face cracks me up. It's like he's PO'd that you stopped chasing birds.

Good lookin dog!

Wahl, if'n we are sharing rooster photos, I gotta put up a few! The first one is me in Montana.

[Linked Image]

This is my daughter on her first pheasant hunt. Think she caught the bug???

[Linked Image]

And this one is Lauren last year on the last day, -12 degrees out.
[Linked Image]

And of course this year. This was a storm or two back. Dad and I got 5 that day if memory serves me correct.

[Linked Image]

And this is from my last hunt. This is Belle and the point produced a hen.
[Linked Image]

And the last one is the area I shot all 3 birds. For those who dont hunt late season roosters in the cattails, this is what it is like....
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by bluffview

Good looking dog there Brent.

At is a William Evans 16 bore. It is way too long for her but I wanted a picture of it. She uses a cut down side-by Ithaca/SKB 20 that fits her well.

Here is one more different double - I think that is about all of them - at least of the shootable doubles. It is a 10 bore Scott. The black dog is Codi - a flatcoated who now gets to chase pheasants all day everyday among the clouds.
[Linked Image]

A couple of friends with their "built wrong" doubles. They have since seen the light.
[Linked Image]

Other dogs don't even think of messing with Ande's birds.
[Linked Image]

good lookin' birds there. A few of those look like really nice big mature cocks.

Originally Posted by BrentD

good lookin' birds there. A few of those look like really nice big mature cocks.

You said....

Is cock, in reference to pheasants now politically incorrect?

Not incorrect, just funny.

Rooster is a big child... a really, really big child...

lol!!

Hunting pheasants with green grass and in a light jacket seems like a whole different sport than the hunting here of late.

Now on the subject of guns, I am not a double guy. Never have been, dont think I ever will be. They just dont trip my trigger (pun intended). I have been using my current gun since 1996 and love it to death. I have only shot a few SXSs in my life, but it seemed to me that I was trying to aim a 2X4....

Okay, I am ducking now....

Originally Posted by BrentD

Is cock, in reference to pheasants now politically incorrect?

Gotta admit... I laughed too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have only shot a few SXSs in my life, but it seemed to me that I was trying to aim a 2X4....

Okay, I am ducking now....

Most of them are. When you handle a really well built one, you'll change your mind. I handled one at a Ducks Unlimited banquet once until they told me how much it cost. It was $3800 and for the life of me I can't remember what it was. It was like a feather with barrels.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have only shot a few SXSs in my life, but it seemed to me that I was trying to aim a 2X4....

Okay, I am ducking now....

"trying to aim" is the operative phrase. Don't aim - just sweep like a broom. Pretty darn easy once you get used to it.

Now swinging an over-under (aka "built wrongs") is akin to paddling a canoe into the wind w/o feathering your paddle. Once you get over the O/U mantra and shoot a few rounds of clay with the side-bys, you will never ever go back.

Side-bys - or "built rights" as I call them - don't cost so terribly much if you don't want them too. You do have to shop a bit. I bought all of those but the first hammerless gun over the internet from London, Christchurch and within the US. Once you know what you like for LOP and so forth, it is really pretty easy. And if you like hammer guns, so much the better. They cost a few dimes less than the those built for the thumb-impaired.

Brent

My Dad left me some nice artillery. Among thems is a real nice Fox Sterlingworth 12 ga double made in Philly circa 1912.

BrentD,
Ahh, you make an assumption! I dont like O/Us either. that is like shooting a 2X4 on edge. I am an auto guy. Beretta to be exact. They come up like a dream and go wherever I look. Snap shots....the bird falls down. Looking at the pics above, you can see why I need a quick gun. They never fail (albeit that is not true of all autos) and they just plain work. I am one of those engineer types, so I keep track of my shooting and have all the stats from the past. I personally, and obviously gun talk is just that, think a good auto is the quickest gun out there on shot #1 because of only 1 barrel. I might be all wrong with other folks preference, but for me it works well. Plus, how do you put a sling on a double? I would hate to be without my sling.

Well someone has to like autos, but for me, they are the absolute worst type of gun of them all. I'll take my pumps before an auto (or even before an o/u).

I don't see how a first shot out of an auto is faster than out of a double. Esp, a well made double will be a lot lighter and thus faster pointing that a fully loaded auto. But speed on a pheasant gun is overrated. On a grouse or wood"cock" (can I say that? or is it now a "woodrooster") gun, speed is everything and most folks prefer doubles of one type or the other for that.

I do sling my 10 bore double and occasionally the 12s for turkey hunting. But a slung gun is generally about as useful as a broken leg. Lots of doubles, esp, german doubles have sling studs as OME. Find yourself a good Sauer for instance, they will often have them as well some Merkels - though not mine (that's the first one).

But in the end, if autos are what you like, then autos it be. But your dog will love you more if you look and shoot your best using a double

Gus would hate to hunt with an ugly owner.

Brent

A Fox Sterling is a pretty nice gun. Do you use it?

Are bears Catholic?? Duz da Pope schit in da woods??? Of course I do!! Ruffies and turkey are the beneficiaries of its shot charge.

I know of quite a few Foxes and LCs and LaFevers that do nothing but sit in corners of closets or over mantles.

To me,that would be like having a gorgeous wife or girlfriend and NOT screwin' 'em half to death or having a Harley ya don't ride. Hell Brent I hunt wid an original Sharps don't I???

Originally Posted by BrentD

Is cock, in reference to pheasants now politically incorrect?

Not at all.

I was thinking of it in the Beavis and Butthead sort of way.

As in "ahuh ha...you said cock"

Yes. I am a big child but that is why I get along with Dave and Tom so well!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

BrentD,
I am an auto guy. Beretta to be exact.

Ya don't say.... Not sure we could have caught on.

Berrettaman, I have several doubles including a German and a Spanish that came with a set of clips and a sling with clips to connect on each end. Also a Belgian double that has a retractable sling that pulls out of the stock and connects to the underside of the barrel. I sure like the slings also but, like Brent, absolutely love the doubles. Have several O/U's and pumps but no auto's. Only problem with my doubles is in the great rooster fields where shots come faster than I can reload even with two extra shells in between fingers on left hand.

well now I learned something today. you can put a sling on a double. That way they make great canoe paddles!

now pumpguns on the other hand, they make great duck boat paddles. or if'n your road needs leveling (ND, are you paying attention here????) you can drag one behind the truck to level it out.

I tell ya what, I have swung a fair amount of doubles, mostly O/Us, and I havent found one yet I think swings better for me than my auto (uh,a Beretta for those of you slow on the uptake).

Brent, where I hunt roosters is as thick or thicker than most grouse/woodmale-of-the-species habitat, so quick is good. The reason I say they are faster than a double is that you dont have as much weight out away from you. To me the center of gravity is closer in, which makes your point faster (in thick cover, you rarely get the luxury of a swing). Although they may be a wee bit shorter, that is secondary in my experience. Although I rarely use the 3rd or 4th shot on one bird (twice in the last 156 roosters according to my records), I have used it on a couple triples which are rare but fun.

Then there is the last reason I like to poke good natured fun at double owners....I aint no fancy pants. I dont eat quiche and i dont lift my pinky when drinking tea...actually i dont drink tea at all come to think of it. Umm, do you guys where skirts when hunting with those blunderbusters?

Now I done it, I am beyond ducking and will take cover.....

You will need it! I have been know to fire both barrels of the full choked German double at the same time. That is a payload even your quick pointing auto cannot match! Never knowingly ate "keech" and can't even spell it, only drink tea mixed with lemonade and over ice and you could never pay me enough to wear a skirt. With all that said, have a Happy New Year!!!

Dozer and I just walked to the mailbox and, well here he is. I have him in the house during the day while Jeremy is gone.

ahh, the ol' both barrels at once trick, eh? I was shooting sporting clays with a guy whose O/U did that to him and he was not so impressed. Man, you should have seen his face! Bout took his should off with trap loads!

Oh, and dont talk too much about paying people to wear skirts or Tzone will volunteer. Again.

Okay, I feel a little wild here with all this snow falling so here goes:

All doublegun shooters like cats, enjoy soccer, watch Oprah, carry a manpurse, and know what color fuscia is!! Take that!

Must be something in the water in central MN. The party is supposed to start tomorrow but you sound like you got an early start today! Surprised Tzone hasn't already chimed in.

Bman,
I don't know much about colors. And I've been painting a bunch of them on the walls. But I do feel comfortable enough about my manhood to eat quiche. As for the man purse - maybe this qualifies. The button on that bag came from that Flatcoated of mine up above, Codi.

[Linked Image]

Not sure why you want a sling on your canoe paddle but it looks like that auto will do the trick.

And I don't wear a skirt either BUT, I do hunt in jeans from time to time.

Seriously though, if you think double balance too far forward, you have not handled a good double. They are much much lighter up front than an auto or pump. Really. Any of those, except maybe the Scott 10 will be much much lighter up front than your guns and for a lot of new converts to fine doubles, that is a problem. They over steer like the dickens. But you stick with that autojammer of yours and I'll keep my doubles.

Muff, that is a fine looking golden there. Best of all breeds if you ask me.

Ah Ha! You admit to hunting in jeans!! Oh wait. I do too. blue ones even. But do yours have sequins on them? I 'spect they might!

Yeah, best you stick to the technology of yesteryear, lest you find the peace and tranquility of shooting an auto.

And so far so good with me, not a single jam for this gun. Been shootin' it since '96 and figure I am north of 11,000 rounds so far. I am due, and will prolly break down and shed a tear when it happens. The nice part about an auto is that I can swap out barrels and I use it for deer too. Hard to do that with the doubles out there. And incidently, that is where I for sure want more than 2 shots.

After all the pokin' fun at them, I do respect them. Some guys like them and if you can hit with one, that is what you should be using. but i will stick with my stats and the one I have. Pumps now, dont get me started on those....

I have handled some of the $2K-$3K O/Us (Brownings, Berettas, etc). Maybe the more expensive ones are better? I dont know.

We made it to duluth, stop fighting about shotguns lol! Everybody knows there is nothing cool about a smooth pipe that pukes bb's. Don't mater if its a single, double, pump or auto. To quote a great drill instructor, in regards to ALL shotguns... "Here you are all equally worthless!". Lol!

Dave, did that drill instructor even feel that way about those old '97 Winchester trench guns?

Bman, I really feel for ya but it sounds like you have no excuse for another gun. A fate worse than death would be to have no reason for another gun...

BTW, when I shot my one double rifle at deer, I had to find two of them to use both barrels. I had a left barrel buck and a right barrel buck. But then I came to my senses and went back to single shots for furry stuff.

Dave, have fun in Duluth. One of my favorite towns back when I could get up there more often.

IM GLAED YOU MADEIT.TELL EVERONE HI.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Oh, and dont talk too much about paying people to wear skirts or Tzone will volunteer. Again.

It's a kilt, a kilt, get it? I've told you before.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have handled some of the $2K-$3K O/Us (Brownings, Berettas, etc). Maybe the more expensive ones are better? I dont know.

A $2K Beretta or Browning is really about a $400 gun in real life.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dave, have fun in Duluth. One of my favorite towns back when I could get up there more often.

It hasn't been as cool since I left in '99.

Really, it is a nice town but I wouldn't want to live there anymore. I like to visit still though.

I am a sucker for any place on a lake especially a place on The Lake.

last day of elk hunting tomorrow, will let you know

Originally Posted by BrentD

I am a sucker for any place on a lake especially a place on The Lake.

It certainly has a draw to it doesn't it? I think I've fished steelhead and brookies on every river and strem from Duluth to Two Harbors on that lake. Nothing like it in the spring.

The Lester is and was my favorite. Not as many fish as the others but I know it well.

Good luck Ryan.

I've never fished those but I have done many of them from 2H north to GM. I fished above the falls though so no lake run fish.

Most of them have brookies and some have browns above the falls. I've not got many browns though.

The only one I've really fished about TH is the Temporance. Another favorite, but it's for the scenery, not the fish I've caught.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dozer and I just walked to the mailbox and, well here he is. I have him in the house during the day while Jeremy is gone.

Well if that look don't say " Why are we in here ???? It's beautifull outside let's go play !!! " Then nothing does

Hey, I am kinda in the market to sell my 95 Polaris XLT SKS and buy a 2000-2006 Polaris 600 long track. If anybody can help me out on either end, let me know.

Brent, I have a few guns on my wish list. A Sako .223 or similar would be one. A (what else) Beretta 20 ga auto for the kids (only gonna give them one shell however). Then maybe a historical gun of some sort. I dont have as long of wish list as some and dont have a fascination with levers like some do.

The Temperance is good but some of the smaller places like "Mud Creek" can have ridiculous brook trout with occasional really nice browns and some respectable rainbows..

Oh Bman, for get the Sako, the 20 auto, get a decent old double shotty. Then buy a fine singleshot rifle, like an 85 Winchester for example and in a decent cartridge like - well you are in MT - so quit foolin' around - make it a .45-70 or .45-90.

Life is short. You need to get started on the pretty guns...

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, I am kinda in the market to sell my 95 Polaris XLT SKS and buy a 2000-2006 Polaris 600 long track. If anybody can help me out on either end, let me know.

Brent, I have a few guns on my wish list. A Sako .223 or similar would be one. A (what else) Beretta 20 ga auto for the kids (only gonna give them one shell however). Then maybe a historical gun of some sort. I dont have as long of wish list as some and dont have a fascination with levers like some do.

Jeremy is West Yellowstone snowmobiling right now and he was looking at new sleds before he left. He was talking about selling his and getting an Assult. He has a 2005 Switchback 600, 144" track I believe. Let you know if he wants to sell if you are interested.

Here are some pics from this morning.

[Linked Image]

That might fit the bill, although I have to do some research on what switchback means. does it have reverse? I gotta figure out my budget first and that could push me more towards the early 2000s, but when he gets back, I would be interested in details.

It does have reverse. I don't know what it is called, but you push the button and the engine stops & it starts back up in reverse.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here are some pics from this morning.

[Linked Image]

Looks so awesome!! Have had very little snow here in western PA.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, I am kinda in the market to sell my 95 Polaris XLT SKS and buy a 2000-2006 Polaris 600 long track. If anybody can help me out on either end, let me know.

Bm, did you give craigslist a look? Look in the minneapolis area one. Likely to be dozens of them.

Happy new year!

Back at ya...

happy new year!
Tag soup for me for 2010 elk. saw a huge bull elk yesterday and about 20 mulies, few of the bucks were really nice. had an awesome time with my best friend who went with me. but alas we couldn't find a cow elk. enjoying the rest of my stay in colorado with the family and not missing the blizzard up north!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

happy new year!
Tag soup for me for 2010 elk.!

Happy New Year, and DANGIT! on the second part. I saw your name there and was hoping some dead elk pictures were going to be with it.

At least you got to extend your hunting season a bit and enjoy some time with friends and family.

Happy New Year all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

We got snow to blow. Wish I had dough to blow!

It would be really nice to have a heated cab to sit in while blowing the white stuff around!

Then a guy could just sip his beer...

HAPPY NEW YEAR.It's slightly raining here.Last day of deer season.I'm staying home.

Stan in SC

Happy New Year all!

I'm going crazy(crazier than normal). I'm suffering from a severe case of cabin fever. Sick of being stuck in the house. Starting to talk more to the dog and cat. And I swear one of them answered me.

for the umteenth time this year, the weathermen greatly overestimated the storm. we got maybe, mayyyybe 5 inches. we were supposed to get a foot or more. it is windy today.

last nite, after shoveling the sidewalk, it was nice and calm and i went for a little walk. i got about 75 yards from our driveway and stopped and listened. it was so quiet. i started thinking about coyotes and made some squeeking sounds with my mouth. nothing happened for a minute or 2 and then i heard something behind me. i didnt turn right away, not thinking it was anything and listened to some far off snowmobiles. i casually turned around and there was a big ol coyote, at a dead run towards me about 20 yards away! kinda surprised me and i said hey!. He stopped and when he figured out I was taller than his average prey, turned himself inside out and took off. I squeeked and he stopped. then took off. i squeeked and he stopped. we did this prolly 25 times until he was a couple hundred yards away. it was reall fun!

happy new year everyone!

It is about 12 degrees here and blowing at 25-30. Was going to go pheasant hunting but wimped out until tomorrow. Today, I'll butcher and paint. Plenty of both to do. Bman, this weather would be just about right for you now.

Brent

Happy New Years to all!
We have been having one of those weather events that makes one wonder if all that "global warming" stuff has some merit!
Three days of balmy/rainy weather. We lost most of our snow (1 1/2 feet of hard stuff). We have had at least one of these event for the past three winters. I guess I will have to get used to the new normal. Sure easy on the woodpile though!
Just renewed all my fishing/hunting tags on line, so set for 3 years of fun.
Best wishes for the season.

(formerly known as mrb)

I think I know where your 1 1/2 feet of snow went. Right in my yard. Its contributing to the global freezing phenom that were experiencing.

We lost a bunch. Drifts at the end of my driveway were almost 6 feet high. Now they're about 3.

Originally Posted by tzone

We lost a bunch. Drifts at the end of my driveway were almost 6 feet high. Now they're about 3.

OH crap! Now you're going to have polar bears in your garbage!

We're finally back home. I'll post more later about our travel adventures.

Tom, my condolences to you and your family. I'll give you a call sometime today.

Happy belated New Years to everyone.

How things change. -7 (21) and snowing like mad, now.

Originally Posted by misterb

How things change. -7 (21) and snowing like mad, now.

I have 1*F here. That's plenty cold. As long as it's not windy it won't bother me to much.

On the road heading home

Didjya make it?

yep, made it. Went straight to the plow truck, fired it up then to the wood stove which pam was already working on firing up. Fuel tank was low on the plow truck so I just did the important stuff for the school bus and I'll do the rest tonight after getting some fuel.

It's cold here this morning, -24F for most of my drive to work but I did see -28 at one point. High of -5 for today.

Light snow here this AM.

Our 12 year old granddaughter did the polar bear plunge new years day. Temp was around 5 above with wind gusts up to 40 MPH. No way would I ever do it.

Brrr!!

That's one crazy little girl!!

brrrr. I'm cold even thinking about that.

heck, it is a sweltering 3.8 degrees here right now. Might take the laptop outside to get some fresh air.

Well,

I'm on week #2 of the new job and I've been told to FO. I must be doin' it right.

Keep up the good work Tom !!!

Contractor's just wouldn't be contractos if they weren't yellin something at ya.

Jeremy got home from snowmobiling this morning. Now he is busy moving snow.

Here he is making the sidewalk wider.

[Linked Image]

A good wife would have had that done for him and a hot cup of soup waiting when he came through the door.

duck and cover, duck and cover.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Jeremy got home from snowmobiling this morning. Now he is busy moving snow.

Here he is making the sidewalk wider.

[Linked Image]

Wow, you guys sure have gotten it. Hardly any snow here and what little we had is gone. Not complaining, but it is pretty for awhile.

Originally Posted by tzone

A good wife would have had that done for him and a hot cup of soup waiting when he came through the door.

duck and cover, duck and cover.

LMAO. He would have to marry me first.

Just stopped by to say "Hi" Muffy....

Not to the guys...just to you....

What a great read, just finished reading all 1153 pages. I feel I know everybody and can call them personal friend. Dave I love the new toy.

Wow and I get to start a new page. I am located in Northwest PA about 2 miles from Lake Erie, and we never get to drive on the ice.

Hi topgunbill,

Welcome to Chickenbuck. that's a lot of reading man

Topgunbill is the new endurance distance reading champ of the campfire LOL!!

Thanks for the nice words and welcome to the twisted world of the chickenbucks and flying bears... and such

We should have a quiz to see how much people remember about the exploits of the 'buckaroos. For example:

Name at least 2 methods ND has used to harvest a grouse.

What happened to Muffy at the 2009 deer season campfire?

How many dresses has Tzone been seen wearing? (okay, I made that one up!)

-4 here now, I bet it is really cold up nort.

Welcome TopGunBill!

Takes dedication or a really boring/flexible job to read what we have to yack about!

I showed my buddy the thread one night and he has since read the whole thing in a couple of weeks while at WORK.

He wants to sign up but is toooooooo much of a wussy!

Muffy knows him. Maybe she can get him to garner the courage?

Big Dan? Are you a man or are you a mouse?

BTW...for you water wolf hunters on LOW. I got a first hand report from a Sunday - Tuesday trip last week.

Ice really jagged from a goofy freeze. Wierd shards of 1/2" thick jagged ice floating up the holes for 3 days in a row. On a side note. 21 fish caught over 10 lbs including a 45" 24 lber, 19 lb, 18 lb, couple of 17's and the rest were below those weights.

He said the fish even had ice in their mouths.

Strange huh?

My dad would LOVE to go up there and catch some of those. We have talked about it, but dont really know where to start and that is one honkin' big lake. Maybe someday we can figure it out. Biggest he has caught through the ice is maybe 10 lbs.

Here we go,
question 1 bottle and pistole
question 2 fell in the mud and over a run away log

don't know about you bet when living heard about 3 times. LOL

No boring job, retired Oct 1, 2010

I'm game for a day on LOW. we made it back from Colorado today. funny thing happened. it was in the 50's when we left and -11 when we got back to Crookston.
no elk unfortunately, but had a great time last week. Dave, you and Pam have a little something coming to you from CO, I can't mail it so it will be hand delivered sometime.
got a lead on a job in east polk with the NRCS. it would be a close move if I got it

sorry I was so busy at home I could only check in a time or two this last week, welcome new guy, way to go on the pheasants guys! and I hope to meet up with a few guys on LOW.
fishing report tomorrow from maple after Kendra and I go fishing.
the week before colorado I caught 43 crappies and 31 walleyes. or something like that, it was kinda hard to keep count. biggest fish was 6lb walleye. its nice having a computer back!

Big Dan, are you serious. He is so fun, he would add lots to the thread. Tell him to get with it! If it is the same Big Dan I know, Dan R.?

Originally Posted by ingwe

Just stopped by to say "Hi" Muffy....

Not to the guys...just to you....

Hi Ingwe!!!!

Welcome to the thread Top Gun Bill!! Stick around, it is lots of fun. You may learn something, not usefull stuff, well maybe.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Big Dan, are you serious. He is so fun, he would add lots to the thread. Tell him to get with it! If it is the same Big Dan I know, Dan R.?

That be the one

Originally Posted by Muffy

You may learn something, not usefull stuff, well maybe.

No, you were right the first time.

Welcome to camp Bill.

Well guys I turned the key on the old tucker sno cat last night and the little 318 said "Grr r r r r"

I don't think the engine made a complete revolution, not one

I don't know if the battery is junk or what?

I sure do have a hell of a time with batteries!

I've bought 3 big (850CCA) batteries so far this winter.

I guess I need to get it all figured out soon because it's time to head to the big lake with that tracked rig and the 8' x 16' fish house.

I need that tucker to start good in sub zero temp.

Have the kids push it...and pop the clutch.....

( they will behave all weekend long after that...

)

spin it with two batteries in series, Dave?
That is what I've always done for jumping in winter or starting diesels.
And I even spun my gas dragster to life that way.
as long as the starter is turning and not stalled, the extra power won't hurt.
If it's stalled ( zero revolutions ) it WILL burn out the starter moter.

let me know if you need help this weekend Dave, I'm free

I've got twin 850 cold cranking amp batteries in the old plow truck. I just run them parallel for 12 volt.

I'm thinking about double bateries for the tucker.

This crap is getting expensive though

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

let me know if you need help this weekend Dave, I'm free

Heck I might just take you up on that Ryan if you are bored.

Sorry the wapiti didn't cooperate with you this year, but from your txt message it sounds like you got to put your eyes on a nice bull, that's what keeps us coming back for more.

I'm trying to plan the weekend a little, I'm thinking I'd like to get the blue trailer home from the cabin as it is likely what I'll use to haul the tucker to the lake.

But if I run to camp chickenbuck to get the trailer I should make use of the trip and throw some firewood on the trailer to burn at home. I could honestly stand to make a day of it out in the woods, between plowing the access road and cutting firewood it could easily be a day out in the woods. Maybe I should head out there on Friday night, light the stove, plow the road while the cabin is heating up and tear into the wood cutting efforts Sat morning? Try to make it home on Saturday at a decent time, possibly move the fish house and the tucker to the lake on Sunday?

Oh god I need a nap, tired just from thinking of it all...

well that sounds like fun to me, I don't mind chopping wood as long as I can take a few breaks. Kendra would likely be willing to come up too if you need an extra set of hands. we'll just be fishing all week and taking care of odds and ends around here. I'm putting in for a NRCS job in McIntosh that just opened up

I wouldn't be doing any firewood splitting, I wouldn't even cut to length. I'd probably just throw on 8' logs or what ever is managable. I'd cut firewood length and do any splitting I needed to do at home later on.

I'd probably just drop some dead standing tamarack down by the gate, limb them & toss log lengths onto the trailer.

3 decent sized trees will pretty much fill the back of an 8' pickup box if it's cut to firewood length. I'd be really happy if I could bring home about 6 trees. That's maybe a bit ambitious with this snow depth and the trees being off the trail a ways. We'd just have to see how it goes I guess.

Maybe we could reach far enough with straps to skid them up to the trail.

like most things chickenbuck, we'll just wing it, make it up as we go.

My tucker hauling trailer is out there already, otherwise I'd just take the tucker sno cat out there and skid full tree lengths out to the trail with it (maybe next time).

Good luck with the McIntosh job!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I sure do have a hell of a time with batteries!

I've bought 3 big (850CCA) batteries so far this winter.

For a while, I had the same problem. Seems like I went through 3-4 a year. Mostly was my fault, leave the head lights on or something.

Buy a boat...you'll go through them suckers like crazy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

like most things chickenbuck, we'll just wing it, make it up as we go.

You need a fat guy up there?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm putting in for a NRCS job in McIntosh that just opened up

This is excellent news!

Boats, campers, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc, they all just EAT batteries. I only bought 1 in 2010, that means I am due for about a bakers dozen this year.

And Johnnie New Kid got the quiz questions right! Very impressive!

Any of you ice fishing guys use the newer 12v electric augers?

I've been sniffing them out. I need an auger of some sort.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I only bought 1 in 2010, that means I am due for about a bakers dozen this year.

Ain't that how it work 'eh?

Originally Posted by tzone

Any of you ice fishing guys use the newer 12v electric augers?

I've been sniffing them out. I need an auger of some sort.

mixed reviews from the real world.

Seems as though they could use a little more torque from what I've heard, but if you are set up really well for 12 volt power then people seem to be happy.

I'd watch the LP jiffy for a season or 2, wouldn't buy one just yet.

I talked to a guy that bought one last week and his broke in his otter sled on the way out to the fishing spot.

It seems the air cleaner/carb area is fragile and very unprotected.

Originally Posted by tzone

You need a fat guy up there?

I dare ya.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dare ya.

See ya Saturday.

A guy I know had an electric auger and it didn't even make it through 2 seasons. He hated it from day one. Not sure what went wrong with it. He was so mad that he just left it at the lake where it quit workig. I believe it was LOW.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Any of you ice fishing guys use the newer 12v electric augers?

I've been sniffing them out. I need an auger of some sort.

mixed reviews from the real world.

Seems as though they could use a little more torque from what I've heard, but if you are set up really well for 12 volt power then people seem to be happy.

I'd watch the LP jiffy for a season or 2, wouldn't buy one just yet.

I talked to a guy that bought one last week and his broke in his otter sled on the way out to the fishing spot.

It seems the air cleaner/carb area is fragile and very unprotected.

Figured you'd be on top of this...

I did see the LP auger's but didn't pay much attention. I'm not one to buy the first unit out. My Step-dad just bought a Srike Master 12v and likes it, but he's drilling 3-4 holes through 8" of ice.

Originally Posted by Muffy

. He was so mad that he just left it at the lake where it quit workig. I believe it was LOW.

That sounds like something I'd do. Get pissed at it and whip it out as far as I could...instant fish structure.

. Well, not instant.

Talk to white bear about the electrics, he's got one.

The LP jiffy that broke would not run (after breaking), the guy was explaining how little plastic pieces in that air cleaner/carb area held linkage & springs, it wouldn't run for them with that stuff broken. He hasn't drilled a hole with it yet.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I dare ya.

See ya Saturday.

Ok, guess I better get that wood stove lit in the cabin friday night then lol!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The LP jiffy that broke would not run (after breaking), the guy was explaining how little plastic pieces in that air cleaner/carb area held linkage & springs, it wouldn't run for them with that stuff broken. He hasn't drilled a hole with it yet.

That would be the reason I don't like to buy the new stuff when it first comes out.

Ahhh, I love working at home! the boys just came into my office all excited....there was a deer in the backyard. Doe, Doe they said! I got the binocs and it was a litle buck that had already dropped its horns. You could see the pedicules plain as day. The boys sure liked it. All 3 of us!

Tzone,
stop in or call Thorne Bros and ask for Pat or Josh. Mention you know me and they will give you the skinny on the augers, they sell a bunch of them.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone,
stop in or call Thorne Bros and ask for Pat or Josh. Mention you know me and they will give you the skinny on the augers, they sell a bunch of them.

I'll skip the part about telling them about knowing you...they already charge enough for them.

Actually, thanks. I forgot they sell ice fishing stuff like mad there. I should know that I was there just before Christmas to buy presents.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ahhh, I love working at home! the boys just came into my office all excited....there was a deer in the backyard. Doe, Doe they said! I got the binocs and it was a litle buck that had already dropped its horns. You could see the pedicules plain as day. The boys sure liked it. All 3 of us!

Time to get the snow shoes out and start looking for horns I guess. I don't know if I can find any with the snow up to my nose though.

[/quote]

Time to get the snow shoes out and start looking for horns I guess. I don't know if I can find any with the snow up to my nose though. [/quote]

That means you have, what, a foot and a half of snow??

Sounds like the boy is bringing a house up to the channel on LOW today

I'm not a big fan of those electric augers, not enough power... The new propane auger i think is very heavy...

Tzone if money isnt a issue go for strike lite 4 stroke,the auger blade are now made of metal not plastic like they were before...

And Throne Bros is the bomb i got 8 of there icefishing sticks run tica reels with p-line......

Electric Augers?? Propane Augers??

WOW! I am behind the times...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds like the boy is bringing a house up to the channel on LOW today

Did you see my water wolf report? The channel might be the place to be right now....

Hey Tom & Ryan, guys I just don't know if I'm up for much of anything this weekend. I'm so run down I'm doing good just to get myself to work in the morning.

I know I have a bunch of stuff to get done but I really need some rest too. Staying home, sleeping in till like 8AM Saturday morning, having a cup of coffee and going out to the garage to tinker with a couple of snowmobiles, and some work on the tucker.. That is probably the wise choice for me this weekend.

I appreciate the offers guys but I think I gotta lay low & get caught up on rest this weekend.

I'll stick around home and try to get all my repairs/projects at home done this weekend and maybe shoot for next weekend for moving the fish house. It's nice if you can move the house out then actually fish in it too. I don't think that's possible for this weekend, maybe next weekend though.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Electric Augers?? Propane Augers??

WOW! I am behind the times...

I've got an old Strike Master hand auger that still does the job. It works just fine as long as the operator doesn't run out of gas.

No problem man. Get some rest.

Me and Betsy still are planning on coming up on the wekend of Jan 20th. You still game for that?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Electric Augers?? Propane Augers??

WOW! I am behind the times...

I've got an old Strike Master hand auger that still does the job. It works just fine as long as the operator doesn't run out of gas.

That's probably the route I'll go Bill. I just want to see what everyone thinks of the new gadgets. I am going to look into the 4 stroke's a bit more, but I don't think I'm going to go the 12v route.

I think if you have a perm house and you have a bank of deep cycle 12 volt and or a generator with a converter/charger then the 12 volt might be the way to go.

The 4 stroke LP thing may catch on because gasoline truly is a problem these days on any seasonal engine.

But they need to bomb proof it before I buy one because nothing beats gear up like ice fishing on a big lake. Stuff just needs to be strong, very strong.

I can go to a store, look at all the new augers and point at all the parts that are going to break.

Tom, check your PM's

no problem Dave, I know what you mean on needing a weekend to recharge the batteries.
went out last night, I was skunked but Kendra caught 2 crappies.

my auger is an old husky, lighter than any I've ever seen, fires up like a dream and is laser fast. the quit makin em in the 80's and I'm dreading when this one croaks. luckily I have a spare for parts that doesn't run anymore

Yeah I like my 3HP strikemaster just fine too. I bought it new in 94 I think, 10" hole for them big pike.

It's been and still is a really good auger, simple single chipper blade like the old jiffy's had. I have no plans to replace it any time soon.

I've been online for the last 3 hours looking for a job. this really stinks. There is nothing around here. Nothing I'm qualified for anyway.

Send me an e-mail. I might be able to help you tonight. I did it everyday for like 4 months.

Well Muffy, I hope you can find a job. Good luck with the search.

As far as an ice auger goes, it is much cheaper and easier if you dont buy one at all and instead befriend someone who has one!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmxOHP6lpiY - Cached..

Check this ice auger video out..Its called kluge made in i think clearwater MN.. Cant find there website i hope the video works, there pretty fast..

Only downside there almost 1000.00 bucks....

Well, I can't say I'm a schooled ice fisherman, even if I am a former Minnesotan, but heck, this doesn't look like such a big deal to me. Hell, we used a hand turned auger or spud (40# chisel) and it wasn't such a big deal.

But I do like hearing about all the new solutions to something I never knew was such a problem.

Brent

Good luck with that on 4 feet of ice. Sure it works, but there are improved ways to do it.

I have a car now too, no more horse and buggy to work.

Holy Chit that thing fast, but don't think I'd pay a grand for one.

I live in a house. No teepee for me. we even have indoor plumbing.

Checkin' in from the middle of the Mitten here. We got back from our hunting trip to New Mexico on the 30th. Once home I came down with a killer case of the respiratory crud and have spent the last 5 days laying around the house being miserable. The hunting part of the trip has some mixed feelings but I sure learned alot. The country in New Mexico is really something. I'd been most places in the U.S. and a few abroad but NM was different yet again. Our Elk hunt was via a couple of landowner authorization permits, and as it turned out on two seperate ranches. Set up by an Outfitter that came recommended highly. It would be safe to say that we had the best you can have, and the worst you can possibly have in a guided hunt all rolled into one. We staggered our hunting dates so Bruce and I could stay together and the first part of the hunt, guided by the outfitter himself, was about as disappointing an experience as one could have. It turned out he had never seen this ranch in the daylight and had put no effort into scouting. His whole idea of hunting was drive around the ranch until about 7:30 am then park on a hillside and nap until 8:30. Then retreat to the bunkhouse where we could cook him breakfast and then he could sleep some more. This was my part of the hunt and to say the least I was in a bit of shock the first morning. By the second day I was fit to be tied and finally said so. I didn't drive 1750 miles and pay for the priviledge of watching this guy eat and sleep and told him so. I suppose that drove a huge wedge in things right there but if it did so be it. I finally struck out on my own as best I could and made the best of it because we had half the hunt to go and knowing it was in another location with another guide I didn't want to blow that out of the water on the chance it could be salvaged. The last blow was when the ranch owner (a 83 yr old lady) came around on the last day to ask why we hadn't used the 4 wheelers or the horses she'd offered the outfitter so we could explore the far reaches of the ranch. I'm still speechless in a lot of respects....but now on the Hunt Two.....

Hunt Two as we came to call it saw us moving about 60 miles to the area of Alamogordo NM and a meeting with a different guide that works for said outfitter. Expecting the worst we were shocked yet again, and in the best of ways. This man was a true proffesional and from the moment his wife served us coffee I could tell we struck gold. This guy knew the property he was working inside and out, had been scouting every day since his last hunter came thru 10 days before and was equipped with maybe even more desire than we had left to have a good hunt. He put us in good positions every day and explained and taught us about the land and the habits of the elk and on the fourth day Bruce killed a great 6X6 with his 375 JDJ Contender pistol. It was a trip salvaged, not because we got an animal but because of the sheer effort put forth on all fronts by this good man. I never saw an elk on my hunt but that didn't alone ruin it. Game is always a bonus on any hunt and I've come home without on some of my best hunts. The total lack of effort by the outfitter left me feeling we didn't even try. Anyway....we got to see some awesome country and do some quality hunting for part of it and overall it was the trip of my lifetime...negatives included. I rolled into Ok. to the kids place where I pulled the complete suprise on Christmas Eve. Even Lisa didn't know thats what I was planning so I shocked them all. That was the icing on the trip. Seeing the grandkids made the whole expedition....:)

Scott

Some pics.....some of the country...

[Linked Image]

Elk in a freefall along with 2 guys...lol
[Linked Image]

Bruce's Trophy

[Linked Image]

Taking care of business...

The whole animal, much larger that our Michigan Elk in the body

[Linked Image]

The next part took about 4 hours...lol

[Linked Image]

You had a hellova hunt Scott. Sorry to hear of the first part, but it looks like guide #2 made up for it.

Great bull taken by your buddy, and with a handgun no less. Extra cool points.

Hey Uncle Dusty do have one of the 375 JDJ's yet? I'd like to shoot it if you do.

Great writing Scott! Thanks for sharing that hunt with us, sorry the first guy was such a dud.

Scott, did you contact the state guide association about the outfitter? At least the last half of the hunt turned out ok for you.

No Bill, I haven't. There is really nothing to be gained at this point by doing that, and there is a supposed counter offer on the table for another hunt at a comped rate with the guide that was so good. We will see where that goes, if anywhere..lol. Sometimes when ya jump at something thats a little too good to be true, well it just is. It was still a great trip...:)

Tom, if the idea of handgun hunting appeals to you that 375 JDJ is quite a weapon. Bruce took his to South Africa a couple of summer's ago and tamed a Lion with it, plus 9 other various head of game. 270 gr bullets at about 2100 fps is pretty stout medicine and not that bad to shoot. I think it has great possibilties in a carbine too. Alot like a 9.3 X 57 plus a bit...

I would report the outfitter to the outfitter association, if for nothing more than to raise awareness for the next guy to come along so he doesn't get stuck on a bad hunt either.

took the better half fishing today, we caught 2 crappies, missed another 2 bites and that was it. tried out the new underwater camera I got, its pretty cool but I shoulda got a vexilar instead, I knew it before I did it too. oh well. was neat to see fish on the screen

Originally Posted by SSB

Tom, if the idea of handgun hunting appeals to you that 375 JDJ is quite a weapon. Bruce took his to South Africa a couple of summer's ago and tamed a Lion with it, plus 9 other various head of game. 270 gr bullets at about 2100 fps is pretty stout medicine and not that bad to shoot. I think it has great possibilties in a carbine too. Alot like a 9.3 X 57 plus a bit...

I remeber someone making a carbine in that cal, and that is what appealed to me. it's a cool cartridge. One of the few biger ones I know something about.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

took the better half fishing today, we caught 2 crappies, missed another 2 bites and that was it. tried out the new underwater camera I got

I've had a few beers and I read this too fast. I thought it was underwear camera.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

took the better half fishing today, we caught 2 crappies, missed another 2 bites and that was it. tried out the new underwater camera I got

I've had a few beers and I read this too fast. I thought it was underwear camera.

Uh....yeah, no comment.

lol don't worry Missy, it happens

I don't have an underwear camera though

yet.

Anymore

Smoked a deer with the red pickup this morning, bad hit too.

I had to hook onto a tree & pull my bumper away from my passenger front tire so I could finish the drive to work.

Glad to know that you are OK, but drive defensively-buy a tank!!

It was on a curve, dark of course, 3 deer came from the right (inside of the curve)

1st 2 made it, 3rd deer was a direct hit. Deer jerky everywhere, it's going to be an expensive one. Bent the hell out of the AC cooler, trans cooler or oil cooler, not sure which it is but it didn't leak thank god. the refrigerant leaked out though. Grill, bumper, driving lights, license plate, upper & lower bumper fashia, fender, probably hood, fender flare... a bunch of mystery plastic... who knows what else. I haven't had a chance to see if the deer rolled down the side of the truck yet.

Spilled my coffee too dammit.

That's why you have comprehensive insurance.

Bummer, but it coulda been worse.

Yeah it's not a big deal, I'll be out a truck for a while during repairs but I don't mind driving the backup truck, not as good on gas but it works.

[Linked Image]

Did you keep the deer?

Down here, you just ask for a salvage tag and it's yours.

Hit one with the f150 at 70+ mph. Thought the deer wouldn't be worth the trouble but had nothing else to do while waiting for the wrecker so I gutted her out and tossed her in the bad. Turned out to be 100% salvageable. Cost me a $200 insurance deductible and a lot of hassle but there was probably 60ish lbs of meat there at about $3.30/lb....

That bites! Truck can be repaired and you're ok, thats the main thing.

At least you can say you got a deer in 2011,

damn that sucks Dave, seems like always something don't it? least it wasn't on your motorcycle.

the other day I had a low tire so I took it in to get fixed, turns out its a cracked rim, an alloy on a 2003 impala. not as bad as yours, but had one of those "damn it, are you serious?" moments that I coulda done without.

No I didn't even go back and look at the deer. It was on a busy highway curve, dark, no shoulder to speak of and visability wasn't the best this morning with a strong north wind blowing snow across the road.

It wouldn't have been safe at all trying to get back to the deer to see if something could be salvaged.

He was a little spiker, I could see that much as I hit him.

Dave came tru da front door says 'e got a buckch, comin from da wayside, he killed wit 'is truck.

Moose'e craks a beer, says "it's time to celebrate. Dave had killed da first buckch since 1968."

(sung to da yoopers, 2nd week of deer camp.)

Oh man. Sorry to hear about the hit Dave.

leaking hulk juices.

[Linked Image]

Dang Dave . They just don't make trucks like they used to.

Gald to hear yer allrite ( well not physicaly hurt any way )

Originally Posted by northern_dave

leaking hulk juices.

[Linked Image]

Custom design see. Glad everyone is ok. Gonna upgrade to a real truck now?

Can't really upgrade from a Ford. You can upgrade to a Ford.

Ford makes a good lawn ornament.

But for a real truck get a Toy or Chevy.

Raff out roud!!

That looks so damn familiar.

Sorry to see it.

I could've said get a Dodge.

Claims guy will call me monday. I'll limp it home (leaking green juice the way it looks) and I'll park it or bring it over to my buddy's body shop so he can start getting a parts order together.

Guess I'll be gassing up old "Carlos" the 77 F150. I sure am glad I put a new floor in that truck last fall, otherwise it would be a cold cab in this -20 weather we've been having.

It's time to face the facts, I just can't have "nice things"

lol!!

Hmm, I figured Ninja Dave would've chucked his coffee cup at that little buck and beaned him dead before he hit the pick-up. I suppose the window was up, and that was the problem.

3 deer and only one coffee cup

Originally Posted by RAS2

Ford makes a good lawn ornament.

But for a real truck get a Toy or Chevy.

I have a Toy Tundra. Traded a Chevy for it. Will never, ever again have a non-classic Chevy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's time to face the facts, I just can't have "nice things"

lol!!

My brother lived back in the woods, off a dirt road. And he had a spell of deer slayin with all his cars.
Then he said , he made up his mind he would pretend he was "deer hunting!" not just drivn to work or where ever.

and swore they knew it and ran to the next county.

At least he went down to less than one every couple years!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's time to face the facts, I just can't have "nice things"

lol!!

Go home and look around Dave!

You have all the nice things a man could ask for!

Originally Posted by ColsPaul

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's time to face the facts, I just can't have "nice things"

lol!!

Go home and look around Dave!

You have all the nice things a man could ask for!

+1
Vehicles come and go. Know how ya feel though.

Chevy woulda swallored that deer up and turned it into fuel!

Dang that sucks though! That is a lot of damage. Good thing it wasn't a forkhorn or BIGGER!

Glad you're ok!

Everybody that went by the spot after me says it was a big deer, sure didn't seem like a big-un to me.

It was big enough!

Dave, my cousins in SD swear by Ranch Hand bumpers and grill guards. I have seen the results first hand myself. Splattered deer and no damage to the truck.

Ranch Hand

Dang Dave...my condolences on the truck. Things will work out tho. It's just a vehicle and all the important parts (driver) seem to be ok. Maybe we need to work on "Deer Scan Radar".

[quote=SSB]Dang Dave...my condolences on the truck. Things will work out tho. It's just a vehicle and all the important parts (driver) seem to be ok. Maybe we need to work on "Deer Beer Scan Radar".

Fixed it for ya.

ND, ouch! glad you are okay.

Are you going to remove yourself from the deerless thread now? Kinda cheap way to be one of "us" but we will allow it this time.

dang miserable out there now. windy and cold. 3.4 degrees.

-14 up here this morning.

No I didn't make the cut off for 2010 so I really was deerless in 2010, unless you count the deer I hit with this same truck last summer

I don't know what the temp is but it FRICKIN COLD. I don't even want to go out of the house...but I haffta.

Hey Bretta,

Have you ever heard of Jack's Taxidermy? Headed there now.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Dave, my cousins in SD swear by Ranch Hand bumpers and grill guards. I have seen the results first hand myself. Splattered deer and no damage to the truck.

Ranch Hand

They lookk like good ones
The thing with grill gaurds:
Go big or ignore them!
A cheap one just causes more headaches ( and damage ) then it's worth.
A true solid , crash worthy one.
Will off balance some trucks unless it's counter balanced
And then it eats fuel on the highway.

Like anything else, ya pays your money and you takes your choice.

I really like those grill guards/bumpers but they don't make them for my 78. that is what I'd get one for.

I can order a flat black painted one for $900. That is more than I bought the truck for.

nope, never heard of jack's. i have a couple of things at Mikes taxidermy that isnt far from you though. a drake woodduck for me and a rooster i shot he is doing for free for our Pheasants Forever Banquet. He does great, GREAT ducks.

why ya heading over to a taxidermists?

I took my horns over there from the buck I shot this year. When I cut them off, I split the skull on accident.

He's going to do a horn mount for me. Usually I'd just do it my self with a kit.

He's a pretty cool old dude though.

Where is Mike's?

I have a couple good leads on jobs. I have to do a little more checking on some things though.

Good luck on the job hunt Muffy.

Good! Stay positive through that stuff. It's tough but I believe it comes across in interviews.

You'll find something. You'r a talanted lady, just don't hang out by a campfire right away with them.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I have a couple good leads on jobs. I have to do a little more checking on some things though.

Muffy,
Have you checked at Team Industries in Audubon? They make parts for Polaris. Pretty good sized company and it wouldn't be THAT far of a drive.

I always get horn mounts too. I trade the cape to the Taxidermist up here for the horn mount. works out well for both of us.

Mikes Taxidermy is in Andover.

when I was home in colorado I found a set of 8 pointer horns that was the biggest deer I ever killed, unfortunately the skull cap was broke in two, so I'm either gonna have to rig up something, or pop into the new taxidermy shop here in town. hmmm I think I know the right answer to that one.

I almost thought I was up Nort' when I woke up this morning.We have four to five inches of fluffy white stuff all over everything.Great!Now I've got something ELSE to rake up in the yard in addition to all of those leaves.Where can I put this stuff?
Muffy,good luck on the job search.Dave,Sorry bout the deer hitting your truck.You seem to make a habit of that every year don't you?I'm just glad you weren't injured and that you paid your insurance.Have a GREAT day and if I haven't stated it before,HAPPY NEW YEAR to all here.

Stan in SC

You probably know more about the taxidermy stuff than I do Ryan. But the place I took them to is going to fix mine, mount them on a piece of Butternut, cover the plate in buckskin, put leather cord around the bases, for $60.

That was a good deal IMO. It would cost me a min of $40 to rig up the horns nice and put them on a piece of wood. Someone more skilled than me, with the equipment to do could get by cheaper I'm sure.

Hi Stan! Good to hear from you.

You can push all that white stuff down to the end of your driveway and let the plow man push it back into your yard like we do.

Ha! Like we have plows in SC.Nevah hoid of them.

Stan

Just got off the phone with Ryan. He sure was a happy camper today. I could hear his smile from ear to ear! Hmmm. Wonder why he was so happy.....

Come on, don't leave us hangin here. Did he get a job??

Ryan, where are you? Hello? Someone please tell us what is going on? I gotta leave soon. We wanna know.

Maybe he got REAL lucky last night

That will usually make a guy a happy man for a while anyways

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ryan, where are you? Hello? Someone please tell us what is going on? I gotta leave soon. We wanna know.

Well, I know.... but it's too much fun watching everybody else squirm...

Hey, he is just a happy fella! Maybe he had a particularly good breakfast? Maybe he woke up to the Rock Chalk Jayhawk tune. Who knows?

I say we celebrate at Chicenbuck in a few weeks. Mid Feb?

Muffy's buyin.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I could hear his smile from ear to ear! Hmmm. Wonder why he was so happy.....

Well it ain't from those pictures you sent around of you in a skirt. Jeeze, wear some boxers next time, or at least do a trim.

hey guys! havin a good day today!

ok, ok I'll fill you in. pheasants forever called and I have a meeting friday. sounds like I have the job!

Congrats man!

THANKS!

CONGRATS MAN!

I smell Chickenbuck west.

Really, I can smell it from here.

Congrats Ryan! WOO LOO LOO LOO!!!

Fantastic! Congrats!

Ryan is buyin' at the next get-together, eh?

Nothing like that feeling of working long and hard at school and see it pay off. Fantastic.

Great news Ryan.

Congradulations!

Good to hear from you Stan. Just wait a day or two and your snow will be gone. Wish we could say that here. Closer to 3 months before the snow will disappear.

Congrats on the new job. When do you start and where?

Congrats Ryan

Good going,Ryan!!!!!!!!!!
Grizzly Bill,yeah all the snow we get here is the self-shoveling kind.
Stan in SC

not sure, I'll know more on friday/saturday after I meet with the supervisors

Awesome. PF is the best of the bunch as far as I'm concerned. I used to be a local chapter board member and that organization had their "stuff" together for sure, at every level, local, state, and national.

Have fun with it.
Brent

Way to go Ryan!

Thanks for the texts Ryan and Tom. Just got home now and glad to hear about the job Ryan. Hope everything works out for you.

Had to have Jeremy's uncle pull me out of the ditch on the way home from his grandma's tonight. This car was driving down the middle of the road and would not move over. They never stopped. Bad thing is, he has a Ford and I will not hear the end of it. I have never ran in the ditch before. It just killed me to call George, but he is the closest one. If I had a shovel I would have dug for hours just so I wouldn't have to call him. Dad knows what I'm talking about.

Sorry you had to drive in the ditch Muffy.

I don't know why you would think a Ford guy would give so much greif just for pulling out a Chevy. Everybody know that's why fords have the tow hooks built in...for pullin Chevy's. It is an industry wide fact.

Chevys and ditches, kind of like ham and eggs.

It's probably the same Chevy that had to be pulled out at Chickenbuck durring deer season.

Ford tractor pulled that chevy out...

(I'm asking for it now and I'm afraid I'm gonna get it)

Originally Posted by Muffy

If I had a shovel I would have dug for hours just so I wouldn't have to call him. Dad knows what I'm talking about.

Geez Muffy, it looks like ya best keep a shovel in yer truck as part of yer PLL (presribed load list)

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry you had to drive in the ditch Muffy.

I don't know why you would think a Ford guy would give so much greif just for pulling out a Chevy. Everybody know that's why fords have the tow hooks built in...for pullin Chevy's. It is an industry wide fact.

***In the voice of John Wayne***

Ya talk an awful lotta smack for someone who drives a rice burner truck pilgrim

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ford tractor pulled that chevy out...

(I'm asking for it now and I'm afraid I'm gonna get it)

I knew it was a Ford something.

I'll probably get stuck there now...I'll have to wait for you. No way I'm calling Big D or Missy now.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry you had to drive in the ditch Muffy.

I don't know why you would think a Ford guy would give so much greif just for pulling out a Chevy. Everybody know that's why fords have the tow hooks built in...for pullin Chevy's. It is an industry wide fact.

***In the voice of John Wayne***

Ya talk an awful lotta smack for someone who drives a rice burner truck pilgrim

That rice burner tuck was made in Texas. I traded a Chevy on it because the Chevy was a POS...and it made it through that camp road just fine.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Chevys and ditches, bitches, kind of like ham and eggs.

There! Fixed it for ya!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ford tractor pulled that chevy out...

(I'm asking for it now and I'm afraid I'm gonna get it)

I don't care that it was a ford that pulled me out. I used to have a Ford Sport Track, wish I still had it actually. It is just the fact that I had to call George to pull me out. I will never hear the end of it.

Actually at the moment, I'm not real happy with my Chevy. Its an '07 Silverado with the 5.3L. Eats oil like a pig. GM knows they have a problem, the dealers know they have a problem but up until yesterday I got the run around. I lost all oil pressure on the way to work yesterday morning and had to shut it down right away. Funny thing is, it still had plenty of oil. Dipstick registered 1/2 qt low. I called the dealer and said "thats it! I'm tired of not getting anywhere with this problem! I'm bringing it in and your either fixing it or buying it back. The guy finally fessed up that GM now admits there is a problem with those motors so we will see how it goes when I bring it in tomorrow.

I actually told the wife "I hate to use the F word but I bet Ford isn't having these problems!"

Muffy, a Ford pulling out a Chevy just is not very newsworthy as it is a commonplace occurrence across the Northland.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Muffy, a Ford pulling out a Chevy just is not very newsworthy as it is a commonplace occurrence across the Northland.

I seem to recall that I had to pull out the "old yeller" Ford with my dad's Chevy.

The Ford was hung up on either a log or stump. Stuck pretty bad, but the Cheby had no problem getting it out. I was just worried that the tow rope would snap or come loose and I would have ended up in the swamp.

My fords have a deer atracting problem.

Other than that I'm pretty happy.

The triton engines have a well known spark plug problem (hard to change, they can break while trying to change them, I've even heard of them blowing right out of the head.)

I've never experienced that problem and I hope I never will.

I put a coil in a 97 F150 with a 5.4 back around 02 or 03 I think? And I put an alternator in one once, possibly the same F150 or maybe it was an 01 I had.

for the superdities I put an O-ring on an oil fitting feeding the high pressure oil pump in a 7.3 liter, and I had a fuel control module go bad in my last superduty which was a 6 liter, waranty covered that one.

In the last 11 or so years that's all I can think of for repairs (other than deer hits).

Before that I drove an older truck, a 78 F150 that was a drive it while I restore it truck so it got lots of work done, hardly ever out of necessity but more for the restoration goals.

The old 1970F250 never "nneds" anything but I've been hanging better tin on it, slowly fixing the body to just make it look nicer.

The 77 f150 I am driving now while my 07 is in the body shop is another of those "drive it while you restore it" trucks.

So, it has had a lot of joint, seals, bearings type of work done to tighten it up and make it nicer to drive.

So my out of pocket repairs to my regular daily driver trucks in the last decade or longer, have been one rubber O-ring, an alternator and an ignition coil.

Oh wait, wait... that white superduty, the 7.3 liter... I put a rear U-joint in that one at 120k or so.

forgot about that.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Muffy, a Ford pulling out a Chevy just is not very newsworthy as it is a commonplace occurrence across the Northland.

You sure it's not the Chevy pushin the Ford?

We do it that way to make Ford people happy, but we all know the truth.

I've seen that trick before, you use those special chevy push rods that look like chains or ropes.

Those things are amazing! I can't understand why they never bend?

Neat trick huh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've seen that trick before, you use those special chevy push rods that look like chains or ropes.

Those things are amazing! I can't understand why they never bend?

If that technology existed, Dusty wouldn't need Viagra!

zoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

"rope stiffener" now available at your local GM dealerships.

Truthfully, I didn't have any trouble with the engine at all. I had trouble with the trans, trans cooler, trans cooler lines, most things electrical in the dash, and the front diff. Mine was an 04 Tahoe.

I was so mad for so long because I really liked that rig. It fit all the family and all the gear, two'd my 3500# boat around, could turn around on all but the smallest logging roads. It was perfect...until 100K. Then she fell apart.

GM did replace the front diff at their cost because I had perfect service records for it, done at the dealer.

I couldn't trust it after I got all the stuff fixed though. I was the maintenance guy at work and had seen some of the issues that could have potentially come up. I had to dump it.

I'm not a big toyota guy, but I had one, with zero problems. This one was a good price and low miles, so I bought it. So far it's been a great truck. I'm creeping up on 100K so I'm expecting something to go soon. I hope not.

I'd like to keep it until I pay it off, then buy a new F-150. I've been drooling over them since my ride last week.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My fords have a deer atracting problem.

You know what? My last F-150 had that problem too. They seemed to come out of the woods and just run for that truck. It sure seemed like it.

They don't like my old fords though, too much metal I guess, or maybe too damn noisy!

Loud pipe's save lives....works for deer too.

I have always been a GM afficianado and driven their products until 2008 when they caved in to the administration and to the unions.No more!Ford is the only manufacturer who did not give in and THAT FACT bought my allegiance from now on.When I bought Linda a new vehicle in September,2010 it was a new 2011 FORD Escape.All my vehicles from now on will be Fords or KIAs.KIA built a HUGE new plant in my home town of West Point,Georgia.I do right now drive a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer which was the LAST new GM vehicle which we bought new and that was in 2002.When it wears out I will buy a Ford or KIA.

Stan in SC

The Escape has been real good to my Mom, Stan. She's had one since the first year they came out 01 or 02. It has been trouble free for her. She said when it's time to replace it, it will be with another Escape. It has been paid off for years and trouble free, so she has no plans for a newe one.

She was however smart...she kept making payment to herself after she was done, and doesn't have to make them on the next car.

I have been driving Fords since 1994. I am on the 5th one. Lets see, the maintenace list includes:

an alternator, a front wheel bearing, and a front hub part......one or maybe 2 oil changes

....that is all i can think of.

We have a trailblazer too. a 2006. One front wheel bearing, 3 headlights, fuel tank gauge thingy, stabilitrak problem. i think i forgot something too.

By the way, that rip on Dusty was one of the better ones i have came across in a while. Nice.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

an alternator, a front wheel bearing, and a front hub part......one or maybe 2 oil changes

....that is all i can think of.

You sound like my uncle. He doesn't change the oil until the factory filter rusts a hole in it.

Toyota for 10 years. Maintence Changed oil & front brake pads.

What are you running?

I was skeptical about my toyota's breaks at first because they're kinda small. I thought they would wear fast because I'm always towing something. So far, I'm OK on them though. They were replaced at 33K by Toyota and I haven't had to touch them yet.

Tacoma, Don't do much pulling or hauling though. Toyota puts oversize drums on the rear(compared to other small trucks)so if you don't haul much they last awhile.

When I got rid of my last Ford Super Duty I had 118K on it and had over half the brakes left. And I did pull with it as it was a diesel.

I have the first generation Tundra, (the smaller one) it has disc's on the front and drums on the back.

I don't tow nearly as much anymore, since I stopped fishing tournaments. It was 4 days a week and both weekends. Now it's a 16.5' alumainum not a 19' glass, and a wheeler trailer.

stop picking on me you guys.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"rope stiffener" now available at your local GM dealerships.

Does the "rope stiffener" come in the ketchup dispensers they have at fast food joints? There have been the occasional nights of excess drinkin that I would have liked to have one on the nightstand.

We only pick on you because we love you Uncle Dusty.

Dave and Dusty...What's the bear situation up at chickenbuck. Should we be putting in for tags up there this year?

Do any of you MN kids have a Lifetime license? I've been thinking about getting one of those. I might get one for the kid too, I'll have to check into that.

I'm guessing at some point in the near future Mr. Government won't let us buy them anymore.

I know a few states have tried em, and some stopped doing it, but if you already had one, you were grandfathered in for life. I was gonna get one right now when I was forced to change my residency, but it looks like I'll have to change it to a different state instead. I can get one for the boy since his ma is a resident.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The triton engines have a well known spark plug problem (hard to change, they can break while trying to change them, I've even heard of them blowing right out of the head.

Dave, if you have to change plugs on the 5.4 Triton here's a trick that the service manager at a Ford dealership gave me. Do it in the winter if at all possible when the temp will be minus 10 or colder. Let the truck sit out all night, than remove the plugs in the morning. He says they come out with minimal effert.

I bought a lifetime sportsmans license for the little girl. I plan on doing the same for the boys here pretty quick and might even add the deer license for them. gets a little on the spendy side though when you have twins!

Utah did a lifetime license program that they ceased to sell in 1994. Everyone who has one is grandfathered in. I wish I would have known about it (and had the money, which I didn't) way back then. It would have paid for itself rather quickly I imagine.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

stop picking on me you guys.

We wouldn't give ya crap if we didn't know that you will give it right back ten fold Dusty!

As far as I know WI doesn't offer a lifetime license. My son and DIL have lifetime licenses from Idaho.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lifetime/residents/index.html

Here is the link to the Minnesota lifetime hunting license info.

I have not read past the fees but I'm curious on the deer license. How does that work with doe permits and bonus/management tags etc.?

WI doesn't offer one. If they did, I would have bought one before I left. At the rate work is no stacking up, I won't be able to go anyway.

I go from nuttin' to hyperspeed in 3 weeks.

Originally Posted by tzone

We only pick on you because we love you Uncle Dusty.

Dave and Dusty...What's the bear situation up at chickenbuck. Should we be putting in for tags up there this year?

we have em around. If somebody wants to hunt bear we should put tags in, not sure what the dates are for applications.

Well I'm driving the deer smashed truck, the body shop can't get it in until the end of the month. What I thought was antifreeze is ust a die they put in the reftigerant/oil to help detact leaks I guess.

The smashed ford is still driveable.

Now I need to pick out a replacement bumper, might get an aftermarket.

Looking at the ranch hand summit bullnose and the top gun bull nose bumpers.

any other suggestions?

Does Mn. give free life time licenses to residents over the age of 65?South Carolina does.All I have to buy every year is use-anytime doe tags of which we can purchase up to four at $5 each.In Spring time you order free turkey tags from DNR.
The sun is out in force today.My driveway which slopes toward the street was a solid sheet of ice for the past few days.Now it is almost clear between my shoveling loose ice and the sun melting it.Only fell once.The side streets are slushy ice.Main streets are pretty clear according to what I've been told.I haven't been anywhere for the past three days.

Stan in SC

they are reduced, but not free over a certain age. the payback, using todays license costs, are about 10-12 years if you are under 3 years old. that i know. Tzone, you have to actually BE under 3, not ACT under 3, so you dont qualify!

Just went on the MN dnr website.. Little difference in price if your kid is under 3 and over 4.. Thinken i should pull the trigger for the little dude,and get him a sportsmen liscene...He will be 3 end of july....

got me really thinkin about that lifetime license thing. not for myself but for the boy, he's under 3 so it would be $337 to be able to hunt deer in MN for life. knowing my luck if I got him a firearms he would become a die hard bowhunter. does the firearms cover all types including muzzleloader? I think so, but I'm guessing its only good for one tag a year

Originally Posted by tzone

WI doesn't offer one. If they did, I would have bought one before I left. At the rate work is no stacking up, I won't be able to go anyway.

I go from nuttin' to hyperspeed in 3 weeks.

I remember those days. That's what makes retirement so great.

Grizzly Bill, Retirement ain't just great,it's WONDERFUL!!
If I had known it was this great I would have retired before I did.
We just booked a week long cruise to Key West and the Bahamas in April.

Stan in SC

Can't speak for MN Stan, but WI dropped their free license program for seniors some time ago. Under the old program seniors paid a one time $10 fee and received a lifetime fishing, small game and state parks entry permit. Deer license was not included.

Now they sell a annual senior fishing and small game license for about half price.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Now I need to pick out a replacement bumper, might get an aftermarket.

Looking at the ranch hand summit bullnose and the top gun bull nose bumpers.

any other suggestions?

The bow armor from an M48 tank???

I just called Toyota to schedule a trans. fluid change. Service dude asked how many miles and I said 76K. He said well we don't recomend one until 100K.

I kinda still wanted to do it anyway. He said "you're welcome to, but Toyota covers that transmission to 100K on that vehicle so I'd save your money."

I know a lot of guys that give me guff for buying that truck, but man it's been good right from the start, and so has every Toyota dealer I've been to.

I am going to change it at 90-95K though to work the kinks out if there are any before 100K.

Almost forgot...everyone wish Ryan luck, he's on the road to IA to meet with the pheasants forever dudes.

Originally Posted by tzone

I just called Toyota to schedule a trans. fluid change. Service dude asked how many miles and I said 76K. He said well we don't recomend one until 100K.

I kinda still wanted to do it anyway. He said "you're welcome to, but Toyota covers that transmission to 100K on that vehicle so I'd save your money."

I know a lot of guys that give me guff for buying that truck, but man it's been good right from the start, and so has every Toyota dealer I've been to.

I am going to change it at 90-95K though to work the kinks out if there are any before 100K.

Shoulda bought a standard.

Originally Posted by RAS2

Shoulda bought a standard.

Not an option.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Grizzly Bill, Retirement ain't just great,it's WONDERFUL!!
If I had known it was this great I would have retired before I did.
We just booked a week long cruise to Key West and the Bahamas in April.

Stan in SC

Your right Stan!

Safe travels Ryan.

My dear wife just gave me a project. Strip the wallpaper and repaint my daughters old room. The pattern layer came off easy, it's the glue backing that is a pain.

ND, after I hit a black angus cow on the highway at night with my jeep grand cherokee, I put on an aftermarket ARB bumper that is solid steel and weighs around 500#. They make them for a bunch of vehicles and I highly recommend them. You might need heavier front shocks though. They must work too since I haven't hit either a deer or cow with that vehicle since I put it on!

They dont make for the F150's only the F250's and bigger.

They are damn nice bumpers though.

Sounds like a great reason to buy a bigger truck!

you could make one of those dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

you could make one of those dave.

no time, must ice fish.

ND you been fishing on LOW yet, always look forward to some pics and reports.............

Did you get that cheese block out there yet?

Grizzle Bill and Stan, Retirement is great. My first day was October 1 and I have enjoyed every minute.

Originally Posted by noduck

ND you been fishing on LOW yet, always look forward to some pics and reports.............

Soon, very soon

Buckstop? - bumper

They are nice but a little bit out of my price range.

Gotta another LOW snot rocket report tonight. Big ones are hitting hard!

I was also told that they are completley out of big suckers in warroad and that you can no longer bring your own frozen smelt or cisco's for bait due to some disease. The only thing you can use is the frozen herring they sell in warroad.

Is this true?

Sounds like something the bait store in Warroad would make up.

There is something to the frozen bait rules new this year that actually is true.

It's more on the lines of "certified baits" though.

They need to be processed in a certain way in order to kill what ever it is they are afraid of.

Basically what it means is you can't net your own smelt, freeze them and bring them up for bait. I'm pretty sure that anything you buy at the bait store is proccessed correctly because it's a MN law, not just a LOW thing.

The HSO guys are talking a lot about herring. Frozen herring, I even read where someone mentioned a market (grocery) place where he buys herring and they claim it can't be beat on LOW for pike.

Check it out skippy, locate some herring and bring it on up.

As I said it's something with the smelt that's specific to lake superior that they don't want spreading to other lakes. Smelt from superior that's proccessed with alcohol and or borax (the way I understand it) is perfectly legal. I'm assuming most flat packs of frozen smelt you can buy are proccessed this way anyways.

Keep your bag or bait label handy in case you get checked.

Or use a bait that isn't on the ban list, herring isn't native to the area so if you can find some you should be good to go, besides, they say it works awesome.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Grizzle Bill and Stan, Retirement is great. My first day was October 1 and I have enjoyed every minute.

Congrats on your retirement.

I used grocrey store smelt with good success on Island Lake, Fish Lake, and the St. Louis river. I don't know why it wouldn't work on LOW.

I used it in open water. Let sit on the bottom with a circle hook and a big weight 1/2-3/4 oz on the lake, 1oz on the river, and heavy duty bobber. Norhterns couldn't resist it. I don't remember cathing anything small with that tactic.

I have used grocery store smelt several times on LOW. I guess I was confused by what I was told last night. That you can only use herring. I think Dave cleared up the confusion.

Ryan is there and ready for his interview. He sent me a picture of himself in a suit. He cleans up real well. Didn't really look like him, he shaved. May have to post the picture later.

Gotta go collect prizes for our snowmobile club drawing.

MUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GOTTA POST THAT PICTURE!!!

If you look in Chapter 42, Page 196, Paragraph B, Subpart i of the Revised Chickenbuck Articles of Confederation, you will see that:
"....should any Chickenbuck member come into possession, legal or otherwise, of newly minted pictures of any other member of Chickenbuck dressed in any manner of formal attire, the Chickenbuck member coming into possession of aforementioned picture, must immediately and without delay post on the forum said picture for all to enjoy and heckle."

I just scanned subpart ii of the Articles, but I think there are repercussions if you fail to observe this practice. Something about baked goods and singing the national anthem???

Good luck Ryan. FYI, I just talked to a PF VP last nite and brought you up.

Agreed, picture must be shared.

I tried. Photobucket is not cooperating with me.

Lets see the picture

I tried, but photobucket is not cooperating with me. I will send the pic to Dave and maybe he can do somthing with it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

MUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GOTTA POST THAT PICTURE!!!

If you look in Chapter 42, Page 196, Paragraph B, Subpart i of the Revised Chickenbuck Articles of Confederation, you will see that:

Nobody at Chickenbuck can read that far.

Well here it is.

[Linked Image]

He don't look too happy. He said he hates suits.

Doesn't everybody? Hey Dave how's the truck? I know where there's a good Toyota.

how did I know that pic would make it on here before I did?

the interview went well, was grilled for an hour again, and I actually liked it. seemed very promising and they said I would hear back on monday, tuesday at the latest. looks to be another weekend of waiting and holding my breath.

What the heck...I thought they offered you the job? Well, ya dress like that, you should get it.

I hope you do.

thanks Tom, I started to call you twice today on the way back up but the icey roads weren't very nice each time I was gonna. it was dicey for a bit but overall the trip wasn't too bad. I'm home now, the car read -24 when I pulled into C-town and I don't know if that was the actual temp, but it sure felt like it when I got out, I never thought I would say I miss being in Iowa but I sure do now! had a great time with my big bro and his fam, monday seems like a year away and after all the travel I've done in the last couple weeks I'm tired of it. plus I woke up with a cold this morning before I left. dammit anyway. oh well. a hot tottie and some bed time will do me good. I'll be more lively tomorrow.

Busy day working out in the cold yesterday

Plowed snow, cut firewood, hitched up the fish house to the plow truck, loaded the tucker on the car trailer. Pretty much everything is loaded and hooked up, ready to head to the lake today.

I need to fire up the ice auger and scrounge up some ice fishing rods and we are ready to go.

We got the 2 snowmobiles with broken recoil ropes pulled into the shop. RWS took one of the 2 operable snowmobiles out riding with his buddies, the chain broke 2 miles from home in the middle of a field section. We did a tucker recon, towed it home. Now I have 3 broken, one operable. This is pretty much how yesterday went.

Hoping for a better day today.

Jeez, Dave-you've got some wreching to do, man! How's the fishing? Are they pounding the wally's up your way?

Have fun with those recoil units-that's always a fun fix. If you don't crack your fingers a couple times during the process, it's a good job.

Hey-JustOneGunner and I just got an invite for deer season for next year. My neighbor just bought 320 acres up by Virginia somewhere and said we're welcome to hunt it. 'Hope to find out more info on it soon. 'Sure would be nice to have some private property available to us.

Virgina'a a decent spot to hunt most of the time. I've hunted the iron range for 22 years. The first 10 were not that great, the last 10 have been dang good!

I'm glad you found a spot.

Fighting to get stuff running this morning, first the tucker, now the plow truck.

kinda chilly today, showing 1 here, better than last night when I got home

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fighting to get stuff running this morning, first the tucker, now the plow truck.

Does the Tucker have a block heater Dave?

We're back home. Fish house is out on the lake, tucker is staged for lake duty... equipment continued to fight me all day, heater, auger.... But I don't quit, I can get stubborn that way

We even caught some fish.

Sweet deal. That equipment probably hates January as much as I do. Glad you got some fish.

I just noticed the views are at a million 8 thousand something for this thread.

A million views? Seriously??

A million... that's like, a lot or something... raff out roud.

About time you made it out on the lake Dave.

BTW, did you go with one or two batteries for the Tucker?

"we caught fish" is not a fishing report, come on, details man!

There was only about an hour of fishing time after fighting with frozen LP regulator and ice in the gas line, then fighting with an auger that didn't want to run...

Everything fought me this past weekend. I'm simply frazzled and exhausted.

I'm the hour we had to fish we took home 4, missed as many as we kept. Fished 8 holes.

Nothing fantastic but it was good that the kids got to reel up some fish.

Pam too, she cought 2 that we kept.

Bill, we're running a single battery on the tucker.

I think when it's -15 or colder I need to take the lid off the air cleaner and pour a shot of gas down the carb before I even touch the key.

-10 or warmer it seems to start fine.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just noticed the views are at a million 8 thousand something for this thread.

A million views? Seriously??

A million... that's like, a lot or something... raff out roud.

I don't even pay attention to that anymore. I just check in, in the morning and see what's shakin. Kinda like facebook, just not so gay.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

"we caught fish" is not a fishing report, come on, details man!

TFF!

Quote

Bill, we're running a single battery on the tucker.

I think when it's -15 or colder I need to take the lid off the air cleaner and pour a shot of gas down the carb before I even touch the key.

-10 or warmer it seems to start fine.

Block heater in that sucker?

I don't have anything else to add...I just wanted to hit 15K posts.

OK, maybe just one more.

Kahuna!!

Now you are just as full of BS as me!!

No block heater. It has a shorted out lower hose heater, does that help any? (no, it does not.)

I think I'll get a good magnetic oil pan heater for it in case I need to get it running at -20 or something.

Start a fire under the oil pan to warm it up. Nothing can go wrong there.

Originally Posted by tzone

Start a fire under the oil pan to warm it up. Nothing can go wrong there.

Just make sure its got a slow drippy gas leak so you're fire don't go out before the oil is warm.

I finally made it out on the ice this past saturday. Went spearing. It was not very good. We ended up with three northerns. No size to brag about. But at least I got out.

Did see a very large black coyote on the way. I was not driving so I did not have my coyote elimination stick with me. Never fails. If I don't have a gun with, I see them buggers. This one was running across a cut corn field. Very large. Very black. I spose there is a chance it could have been a wolf but I didn't have bino's with either.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

No size to brag about.

I heard "no girth" either.

Quote

Did see a very large black coyote on the way. I was not driving so I did not have my coyote elimination stick with me. Never fails. If I don't have a gun with, I see them buggers. This one was running across a cut corn field. Very large. Very black. I spose there is a chance it could have been a wolf but I didn't have bino's with either.

Wolves? There aren't any wolves...just big coyotes.

Back in the day it wasn't uncomon for someone to put a pan of charcoal under the crankcase to get things going. Of course 6 volt batteries were standard than too.

Tom, I doubt that I'll ever see 15K posts.

Change of subject. What cell phone carriers are being used by this group. I'm thinking about changing. Was with Alltel which was bought up by Verizon, but the local franchise didn't convert and started up a new company (Element). Looking at US Cellular and Sprint right now. Nearest Verizon office is 65 miles away.

I have AT&T because I wanted an I-phone. Verizon has a lot more coverage than at&t does. I can get service to about 30 miles of Chickenbuck.

Just about perfect.

Jeremy and I have Sprint. I'm happy with the service for where I go. I can't call from Chickenbuck but I can text. Jeremy has Verizon for his work phone. It does seem like he has a wider range of service. I stayed with Sprint for our personal phones because I wanted internet, and it was cheaper than Verizon for what I wanted.

Running Sprint. Thinking about changing to Verizon. Verizon works at my parents' place and has good enough coverage to text from the ranch that I hunt in Wyoming. Sprint works well in the Metro area.

Verizon. No complaints.

Tom,

Just a heads-up but Verizon just announced a week ago that it's getting the iPhone. It will be available for pre-order first week of February and be in the stores by the second week.

DAVE, WHERES THE HOUSE MAN!! ITS GO TIME!!

Just west of Whisky flats Buschy, it's out there don't worry.

Pretty sure my work phone is Verizon.

Originally Posted by Azar

Tom,

Just a heads-up but Verizon just announced a week ago that it's getting the iPhone. It will be available for pre-order first week of February and be in the stores by the second week.

Yeah, I saw that. I'm not going to switch now though. I'm 6 months into a two year contract.

Verizon rules da planet!!

I have always used Verizon.They have the coverage!Four years ago I was sitting on a cruise ship in Juneau,AK having breakfast and decided to call my daughter in South Carolina.No Problem.The next year I was in San Juan,PR and called her from there.No problem.My wife was with her sisters on a cruise from Charleson,SC to Cozumel,Mexico and called me from the ship out in the ocean.No problem.Verizon has the network(coverage).

Stan in SC

We must work in the only place on the planet that Verizon doesn't have coverage. Move a half mile east or west and it's fine. We run our business with 9 employees off cellulars...so Sprint/Nextell it is.
Walleye fishing has been off the hook here 3 miles out in front of the house. The crud still has me down so I am gladly taking fish donations from friends as they drive by. Fresh gators were on the menu tonite....

Scott

I have verizon, and I like them a lot. you don't need an office to do stuff either, when it comes time to upgrade your phone, you can do it right over the net, and its cheaper than giving a cut to the office to do it for you.

Any word?

not yet, shocker I know

I heard Tom264 caught the gay

[Linked Image]

I'm surprised no one caught it sooner

Tom's aged sinc the last picture i've seen.

He can't be gay...he had that beaver incident.

Originally Posted by SSB

gladly taking fish donations from friends .... Fresh gators were on the menu tonite....

Scott

thought you said they was friends,and they bring you gators?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm surprised no one caught it sooner

Me either.

A bit nippy this morning.

[Linked Image]

Brrrr!

What part of MT are you in Dave?

That's cold looking at it. Bbbbrrrrrr.

Thanks for the input everyone.

20 above here this morning, but it is supposed to drop all day. Picked up another 3 inches of snow yesterday. I think the city has stopped plowing. Seems like they just dump salt these days. Turns the streets into a greasey mess.

Have to tell you it was 36 here this morning.

Which side of the zero?

been a long time since we seen a 36 here. my buddy sent me a text as he was going fishing this morning and his mirror showed -30.

[quote=tzone]
I heard "no girth" either.

[quote]

Dang it! Betsy PROMISED not to tell!

plus side

We won't see that until March here, probably.

I didn't get the job

Sorry to hear that. Been watching here hoping you would. Don't give up sir.

[bleep]... Why not,'did they tell you?

You didn't tell them you know Berettaman, did you?

I hope not.

I did, the guy said that really killed my credibility, lesson learned

Just kiddin Dean

Ouch, hang in there Ryan. Under lessons learned add "Don't use Chickenbuck members on your reference list".

I'll maybe see ya later today Ryan, we can have a beer and curse them Kansas boys together.

Keep pluggin away Ryan. Something will stick.

Tzone -

How is your job going besides busy? Do you like it?

I like it a lot man. I have some experiecne that they needed badly, and didn't realize I had. So it works out well at this point. It adds a ton to my plate though.

Ask me again in May - November when I'm working 60-70 hour weeks.

Mama will be happy though.

I'm probably going to have to miss part of my family trip to the Chippewa Flowage though. They can make it up to me by letting me take November off.

good luck Ryan something will happen that will surprise you

Hey Super Dave, is there a road plowed out to whiskey Flats? I had heard to south tip but haven't heard beyond. I need to head out that way looking for a new ice house.

We still have that one for sale if you are interested. They lowered the price. PM me if interested.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Super Dave, is there a road plowed out to whiskey Flats? I had heard to south tip but haven't heard beyond. I need to head out that way looking for a new ice house.

You gonna steal one that's out ther already?

No. My wifes relative bought a new one over christmas and its somewhere btwn springsteel and south tip of buffalo. Just want to see how its built before i do dive into it. Muffy, what kind of price now, can you send me some specifics on it again. thanks

Interesting day, had to drive up to Baudette for work, just outside of Waskish was able to see a group of 4 wuffs running in a line just in the tree line.

Then about 10 miles or so south of Baudette in the Big Bog saw a moose on the west side of 72 hightailing it along a crick bank.

Kind of neat, also saw lots of camp buildings were down from the snow I suspect.

Just a rambling view from today. Sorry to hear about the job Ryan, something will open up. Have you checked out any of the reservations to see if they have anything open? It is a way to at least get your feet wet.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Super Dave, is there a road plowed out to whiskey Flats? I had heard to south tip but haven't heard beyond. I need to head out that way looking for a new ice house.

Nice road to south tip buschy, then a tire packed truck trail from there towards whisky flats.

There is a big breaker preventing most wheel trafic from getting to whisky flats. Including me thus far. I am next to the breaker (west side) with whicky flats houses in sight to the east.

We're going to give it a shot where we sit before crossing over the breaker.

That's neat BD, I like to hear of moose sightings, I hope they can make a comeback some day up here.

The pizza guy that travels that road has told me he has seen wolfs in that area to. They would clean out the moose I would think?

Not many moose left to clean out.

Welcome coorscaptain.

Hey Coors, welcome to the fire.

Dave, I have been to your cabin a few times with Buschpilot and Les. This is an interesting site. Hows the Tucker going?

Tucker is pretty good, It's up in Warroad right now. It doesn't like starting in temps below -12 or so.

Tricky starting any colder than that, otherwise it's awesome.

Just a little curious, but anyone here cheering for the Packers on Sunday?

Hope so.

Originally Posted by big drift

Interesting day, had to drive up to Baudette for work, just outside of Waskish was able to see a group of 4 wuffs running in a line just in the tree line.

Then about 10 miles or so south of Baudette in the Big Bog saw a moose on the west side of 72 hightailing it along a crick bank.

That is some FAST Wuffs!

Originally Posted by RAS2

Just a little curious, but anyone here cheering for the Packers on Sunday?

Hope so.

There are a lot of swamps in MN to hide a body....just sayin'.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

Just a little curious, but anyone here cheering for the Packers on Sunday?

Hope so.

There are a lot of swamps in MN to hide a body....just sayin'.

Well the Steelers maybe?? Seeing as how they are the next closes team I thought it was logical.

I hope the Steelers win.....against whoever they play, then I don't have to worry.

I just DON'T want a Steelers/Packers Super Bowl.

These are the two teams I've rooted for for years. Got as much Packer stuff as Steelers. This can't happen.

I hope they all lose.

You just can't help yourself, can you???

Here we go Steelers, here we go

Originally Posted by Tom264

I hope they all lose.

The only thing good that can come out of this weekends games is that the Steelers win. The pukers are going to beat the bearssss so we need a team that isn't going to get cocky and lay down in the SB and that is exactly what the jets would do.

Sorry WI friends!

Sheesh......

It's cooling off here, might have to cover the tomato plants...

[Linked Image]

heading for -40 tonight

Ma wants to know why you live there?

No matter how you shake it....thats frickin cold.

At least you are heading in the right direction.

Stan in SC

Hay dave just wondering is to hard to take the battery out of the tucker [the thing]and bring it home then put it back in? Go Bears

I laugh at those temps. The president of our company is from North Carolina and she has been here for a week at sub zero temps. She whines and whines. Its hilarious to me.

I told her today: "Were makin ice NOW"

In reality it sucks balls.

Dave, at least your truck is headed south. the more you go south the warmer it gets.

Yeah, if you drove south all the way to my house you'd warm up to a balmy -11.

Getten cold out there now boys, time to break out the CHOPPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I might have to wear a tuke.

Well i will bite wtf is a tuke.. I will blame not knowing the answer due to my age of 34, but TZONE i think your around that age to,, maybe a little older....

Originally Posted by noduck

Well i will bite wtf is a tuke.. I will blame not knowing the answer due to my age of 34, but TZONE i think your around that age to,, maybe a little older....

Or maybe a little younger.

I'm 33.

A tuke is a hat in Canadian.

TZONE Okay lets throw a tuke on and some choppers and last we got to keep our feet warm going old school i know you had a pair. MOON BOOTS....

its only -15 here in the se metro.

practically tropical

Thankfully, you guys don't live down here. If you did, I'm sure you'd be running around in thongs at only -11F this morning

Were sitting at a minus 15.

Number of schools closed in Northern WI this morning becuase of the cold.

Go Pack!

Huh? schools closed due to cold?? What are you teaching those kids over in wiskony? That's crazy talk!!

School is on here, not a question.

I'm heading for the lake to help Dusty set his house out and to help another friend set his house out by mine... Also to "pre fish" a bit for this weekend's fishing fun, going to be a blast!!

Laterz!

this weather sure does blow thats for sure

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Huh? schools closed due to cold?? What are you teaching those kids over in wiskony? That's crazy talk!!

School is on here, not a question.

I'm heading for the lake to help Dusty set his house out and to help another friend set his house out by mine... Also to "pre fish" a bit for this weekend's fishing fun, going to be a blast!!

Laterz!

They did decide to go up there this weekend huh? I talked to him a couple days ago and he didn't know if they would go up there because it was going to be so cold.

- 17* here. Had to wear long sleeves today.

It is -15 here right now. Hopefully my rig starts. I think it should be mandatory to put block heaters in new vehicles when they are sold in MN or anyother state where it gets this cold. I never even thought of it when I bought it. If I would have noticed it didn't have one I would have told them I wouldn't buy it unless they put one in.

Oh sure, rub it in. You tell me not to come up and then you say how this weekend's going to be a blast.

Meaner.

Originally Posted by noduck

TZONE Okay lets throw a tuke on and some choppers and last we got to keep our feet warm going old school i know you had a pair. MOON BOOTS....

Yep, I had moon boots.

I even used them for hunting.

Now I have the worlds heaviest pair of Iceman's. Damn those things are big, heavy, cluncky....but I've never had cold feet in them.

Originally Posted by Muffy

It is -15 here right now. Hopefully my rig starts. I think it should be mandatory to put block heaters in new vehicles when they are sold in MN or anyother state where it gets this cold. I never even thought of it when I bought it. If I would have noticed it didn't have one I would have told them I wouldn't buy it unless they put one in.

Good luck, it's a Chevy.

The old Tundra fired right up and smiled the whole time...'course it was in a heated garage.

I had -22 at my house and -17 when I got to work 26 miles away in St. Paul.

I delt with the 2 most unprofessional people I've ever met yesterday. I was at the Work Connection taking the test and it was just me and the 2 gals that work there. As soon as I started the test they cranked up the radio. They were sitting there laughing, being very loud, and talking smack about many of their other clients. It was so rude. Uncle Dusty, I was not happy.

I took the test in Alexandria when I was looking for jobs there and it was nice and quiet. They were way more considerate there.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I took the test in Alexandria when I was looking for jobs there and it was nice and quiet. They were way more considerate there.

Well, Duh! Everyone in Alexandria is considerate, nice, good looking, smart, funny, sexy, talented, good shots, etc. Everyone knows that!

It was a scorching -24 here last nite. We opened the windows before we went to bed and ate dinner on the patio.

its -11 here and snowing, I feel bad for all you guys who are having cold weather, I was going to mow my lawn, but it started snowing and blowing again so I think I'll wait til it stops.

I had a pleasant surprise the other day from Dave, he liked my white chicken chili so I promised him the recipe

Mom's original recipe
chicken breasts
1 jar Randall's great northern beans
1 jar ortega green taco sauce
scallions
small can of roasted green chilis
1 large box of chicken broth
1/3 cup finely diced jalapenos
1 package of white chicken chili seasoning, or partial pack of onion soup mix

dice the chicken, saute with chili's and scallions and a little garlic if desired
add chicken broth,jalapenos and seasoning mix

can add some small noodles to make it go further

Ryan's recipe
I make a big batch when I do it, and here's how it goes
cook 1 whole chicken in the crockpot overnight with minced carlic
remove meat from bone and cut finely.
put 2 jars of randalls northern beans in large pot, on low heat.
add 1 1/2 jars salsa verde or green taco sauce
2 cans of roasted chili's
1/2 cup finely diced jalapenos
1/2 cup jalapeno juice
1 packet of white chicken chili seasoning, 1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp salt
1 box of ditalini noodles (cooked separately)
save broth from cooking chicken and add to chili (strain off fat from top)
add 1 1/2 boxes of broth (low sodium)

let sit on low heat a couple hours stirring occasionally
serve with sour cream/cheese and crushed up fritos (if desired)

will feed about 6-8 hungry fisherman

after eating cover with 3-4 beers and prepare for nap

enjoy!

Sounds good Ryan.

Still waiting for my phone interview from the Work Connection. She said she would call this morning. I have to go clean my friends house, so she better call soon. By the way they acted yesterday I should have known they wouldn't be very prompt about the interview. VERY frustrating!!!

Didja let em have it?

I should have. The main gal was not there yesterday, but I'm going to let her know about my experience. They are in the building that I clean so I will go in early one day and talk to Meg. I know that would not have happened if she was there.

-33 this am with -42 windchill, we kept the kids home, car was dead, couldnt get her to fire after a half hour so wife and i caught a ride with the father in law.

My daughter actually had a fit that she couldnt go to school.

No idea what it is like out right now but gonna bunker down tonight with some movies with the kids and hang out.

Hey Muffy, just wondering bout your house again. check your emails. maybe take a looksy tomorrow if your around. I had -35 on the truck last night, a bit brisk out. warming up nicely here today though. School is on here too.

When we were kids -40 and up hill both ways, to school we went.

made a trip to grand forks today, wind blowing like crazy outa the south, I returned my underwater camera, I wasn't too impressed with it. it was a marcum 625 color screen and everything but it wouldn't work unless it was broad daylight out and even towards evening it got bad, night time was a joke. next I'll get is a vexilar or marcum flasher, but the cameras aren't worth it IMO. so I got an automatic powder trickler/measurer to tinker with this weekend while its cold. I'll load up everything I got

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Muffy, just wondering bout your house again. check your emails. maybe take a looksy tomorrow if your around. I had -35 on the truck last night, a bit brisk out. warming up nicely here today though. School is on here too.

Sorry I have not got back to you yet, been busy. Are you going to be down in this area?

Sorry I have not got back to you yet, been busy. Are you going to be down in this area? [/quote]

Hi Muffy I'm Buschpilots little buddy I met you at Daves a couple of deer seasons ago. He and I are thinking about buying your house. My wife and I are going to Manhomen on Sataurday is it close to there? If so maybe we could look at it?

Hey Muffy, just checking in on the fish house. Hoping CoorsCaptain can come and check it out for us if possible. hoping maybe you could IM him. He's ok, not staklker. He's from EGF. Sorry, i maybe missed your email at work, Hoping Dave is doing well out fishing today TOO. Otherwise IM me here and i'll check it when i get back in from plowing, LATERS!

Weather report. It was about 40 degrees this morning and got up to 70 this afternoon. Of course I am 15 miles north of Tucson Az. as I type this. The sad part is we start heading home to Eagan in the morning. The only good about that is it will take until the 30th to get there.

It will be in the 20's when you get here....ABOVE, which is nice.

I am hoping it is warmer by the time we get back. Would like to do a little cross country time up on the north shore. Then it is off to Tx. to visit friends and maybe wack a pig.

Wow,pig hunting in Texas.I envy you,TJAY.You gotta come back and tell us all about it.

Stan in SC

10 of us heading for the lake this morning, we'll have 20 lines down! Wooo!

Laterz!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm heading for the lake to help Dusty set his out house and to help another friend set his out house by mine... , going to be a blast!!

Laterz!

So cold out there Daves getting dyslexic

Off to research some ice house plans, need to downsize the monstrosity.

Thinking i will cannabaslize it to rebuild down to a 6x8 on skids.

Just something for the kids and I to use.

try to find insulated garagedoor panels, sometimes you can find them at lumber yards. they aren't too heavy, but rigid and keep you very warm inside. plus they are easy to cut down with a sawzall or skill saw with a reversed blade. I used them on my 6'6"x 12' and wow was that puppy warm! and it gives a smooth surface on the inside that can be painted, wiped down easily whatever.

I also ran a 2x2 around the inside of it at the first horizontal seam of the panels, it hid my wiring and I placed a 12v trailer light bulb on the underside above each hole, put light in the holes and not in your eyes.

I took the trailer light apart and just kept the piece the bulb slides in, stripped a tiny piece of each wire (I used really light stuff like for garagedoor opener "eyes") and screwed it to the wood pinching the bare wire against the bulb housing completing the circuit. use a small battery like for a flasher or underwater camera, lasts all day and is easy to transport home every time for recharging.

Hey folks, I am selling one of my snowmobiles. It is a 95 Polaris XLT SKS in GREAT condition. If you know of anyone in the market, let them know.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program....

this aint the classifieds section!

PS: its C-C-C-COLD outside!

Hey ND, Tzone or any Minnesotian who can help answer my question.

ND you've been posting the temp and -46* is danged cold. I was wondering is there anything special you have to do to your vehicles. Park them inside heated garage remove battery or plug them in.

I know that cold is hard on batteries. Also what about the gas? I mean a full tank shouldn't freeze but the lines may, so do you have to add something?

Have never had to deal with that kinda cold and was curious how one copes.

Thanks in advance and STAY WARM.

i have never heard of gas freezing unless there was water in the tank too. I park my vehicles in the heated garage, so no problems. Plugging them in helps immensely. Batteries in the cold better be charged or they will freeze and break.

Yeah, Ryan, but the people here are always the life of the party, so I thought what da heck. I gotta get rid of that since I already bought the replacement and Mrs Berettaman thinks that 1 of them has to go!

Tried calling some coyotes last nite. no luck. pretty darn dark, they would have been on top of us before we saw them. First time i have done it. I have a question for anyone in the know....where do you set up in relation to a woods or swamp? I set up about 50 yards from the edge on the downwind side. Problem was, on the downwind side there was no cover so we dug ourselves into the snow as best we could.

well I don't do anything to my car, I don't have a block heater so I just pray every time I have to turn her over.

my buddy has to pull the batteries out of his dodge diesel or it won't start, and plug it in. he also needs to give it a shot of ether.

my neighbors girlfriends car won't start if its below zero at all (its a POS grand am)

in my experience its kinda dependent on the vehicle, some are warm blooded some are cold blooded. kinda the luck of the draw.

so far mine has started every time this winter, even at -24 and its a chevy impala

Currently I park in a heated garage but that is totally new to me. Before that I didn't do much. My last 3 rigs were darn good in the cold. A 2000 F-150 w/block heater, a 2004 Tahoe w/no heater of any kind, and now my 2006 Tundra no plug of any kind. 2 winters outside, this winter in heated garage.

Newer vehicles are really, pretty good in the cold. Up by Dave, you should at least have a hose or block heater, it is easier on the equipment.

Neither of my cars have engine heaters. They're kept in a free standing garage and yet to fail to start. I do throw in a bottle of heat (Isopropyl) on occasion.

Just talked to mom, dad called her and sounds like the fishing at LOW is pretty good.

Northern Az. report. 42.6 degrees at the Grand Canyon. I am in the camper at the Mather campground. The wife hooked up the mobile hot spot so I can report. I must say the Grand Canyon is quite a sight. I think I am really going to like this truck and camper. It is going down to 11 degrees tonight so I hope the heater works. Later...

TJAY, what truck did you get?

I picked up my M70 .308 Win from Redneck today. Boy is it nice. Not a mark on the barrel or the wood and a heck of a trigger to boot. I'm really going to like this gun, I can tell already.

[quote=Berettama
Tried calling some coyotes last nite. no luck. pretty darn dark, they would have been on top of us before we saw them. First time i have done it. I have a question for anyone in the know....where do you set up in relation to a woods or swamp? I set up about 50 yards from the edge on the downwind side. Problem was, on the downwind side there was no cover so we dug ourselves into the snow as best we could. [/quote] The best set up I have found in a situation like that is to dig into the snow about 100 yards from the cover you are calling into. If you have snow camo use it and if you dont you can use a white sheet and cut armholes into it and wear it like a poncho. Also if there are 2 people sit back to back so you can cover the entire area without much movement.

Great weekend of fishing. Nate and I brought a dozen home on friday, mostly saugers. Then for our fishing yesterday we brought another 30 fish home, nice mix of saugers and walleye, some nicer walleye yesterday too, some 18 inchers.

So I cleaned about 42 fish this weekend.

Damn cold out there though. Dusty and Lonnie are still out there on the lake, probably coming off today.

pics or it didn't happen.

Yeah, I am with Tzone on this one. No pics = Big storyteller! And....and....I have heard that you have no idea what 18 inches is!

Unless of course, you invite me up for some eatin'. If that is the case, I wholeheartedly believe ya!

I might be coming up that way in March. Got invited to go do a little ice fitchin'.

wow that sounds awesome! thats a lot of fish! too bad no pics = didn't happen

I'm behind on picture posting. I meant to show you the wolf tracks out at deer camp from a couple weeks ago too.

[Linked Image]

Thems woof tracks, it's about the only kind of tracks we've seen out there lately. We need to get a camera set out there so we can get some pictures of them.

And here are some fishing pictures.

Pam with a nice keeper.

[Linked Image]

We caught some nice perch too.

[Linked Image]

Perch were eating fresh water shrimp, this one was anyways.

[Linked Image]

Nate with a little sauger..

[Linked Image]

A "bag o fish" from yesterday.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/100_0626.jpg[/img]

dayum!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

And here are some fishing pictures.

Pam with a nice keeper.

[Linked Image]

More like walleye with "nice keeper" to me.

No deer for me this weekend (no fish either). I'm still shooting like a girl.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam with a nice keeper.

[Linked Image]

TFF! She still won't hold the fish up eh?

Originally Posted by big drift

Off to research some ice house plans, need to downsize the monstrosity.

Thinking i will cannabaslize it to rebuild down to a 6x8 on skids.

Just something for the kids and I to use.

I have a real nice 6 x 8 on skids I'd be willing to part with....

Looks yummy Dave!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tried calling some coyotes last nite. no luck. pretty darn dark, they would have been on top of us before we saw them. First time i have done it. I have a question for anyone in the know....where do you set up in relation to a woods or swamp? I set up about 50 yards from the edge on the downwind side. Problem was, on the downwind side there was no cover so we dug ourselves into the snow as best we could.

B man, I'm no expert but you want to get some elevation looking into the downwind side. A coyote will mostly always circle to get down wind of the call. You will want to drop him before he catches your scent.

T-zone
Sorry for the late reply, spent the day walking to Canyon rim. I got a 2011 chevy 3500HD Diesel. We put a an outfitter apex9.5 pop up camper on it. Here is a picture before the camper.
[Linked Image]

TJ,

Pretty shiney.

You can use the camper at the deer camp.

Man Dave, thats a faaaat Perch.

No guys, I didnt change the thread title this time...

thats the first thing I checked when I saw it was you who posted

Lol

Gotta keep you guys on your toes.

That was a decent perch but we get em bigger than that. We get those buggers with the big hump back, I've never bothered to measure or weigh one but I'm pretty sure they'd be "nice ones" in the eyes of any midwestern perch fisherman.

Heading south for work today. Wadena and Twin cities, unfortunately our group of 4 has a full plate on our route so there won't be time to stop and visit any of you mid state chickenbuckers.

Startin' to think you don't like me. Don't want me up there...won't stop in when you're down here... Why I tell ya.

He's kind of an elitist that way

Yeah, i woulda bought him lunch!

I just found out my foray to LOTW is not gonna happen. It is the same dates as the boys' 3rd birthday. Oh well.

Nice fish der ND, i guess it DID happen after all!

Nice mess of fish Dave.

BTW, anyone happened to notice that the Packers are going to the Super Bowl.

I heard that! I guess its true, a blind hog does find an acorn once in a while, also explains this cold we're having, its migrating up from hell

Grizzly Bill, Here we go STEELERS, here we go.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Grizzly Bill, Here we go STEELERS, here we go.

Note my new sig line...

I happen to think the Steelers coach is one heck of a coach too. Considering where he came from, was there ever any doubt?

I have a conundrum. For years and years, I have detested the Packers. Couldnt stand them. But in recent years that has started to wane. I still dont like their fans (well, most of them anyways

). In recent years they havent been so obnoxious and they have a pretty good team.

Then you have the steelers. They have won more than their share. But I like Tomlin and Spaeth is from Albertville.

So I dunno who to root fer. I take bribes.

Hey thanks for the support guys.

GO STEELERS!!!!!!

I guess you guys saw this, dincha?

Of course, it's photoshopped, but it's still funny as hell.

Attached picture favre.jpg

been up since 3:30, can't sleep. on a plus side I've been doing a lot of job hunting

downside is there aint a whole lot out there right now in my field. I did find a few that sound interesting though

Well Ryan I've been up since 4 am...we should've called each other. Joey is running a 102.6 fever, feels like throwing up and achey. Guess the flu has hit our house now. Plus I'm trying to keep the stove going and keep Ricky Bobby low key. He thinks it's time to play...I think it's time to sleep. Why does all this happen when Dave is out of town?
So guessing I'm staying home today. Girl in our office told us yesterday she's moving, husband got a big promotion and huge pay increase. And with the hiring freeze, looking like I might be very stressed for a very long time with the added work load coming... and no raises in site. At least my job is safe for now.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Well Ryan I've been up since 4 am...we should've called each other. Joey is running a 102.6 fever, feels like throwing up and achey. Guess the flu has hit our house now. Plus I'm trying to keep the stove going and keep Ricky Bobby low key. He thinks it's time to play...I think it's time to sleep. Why does all this happen when Dave is out of town?

Sounds like me and Joey were hanging out together.

Sorry to hear about the little guy. Jack stayed home on Friday with the same stuff. He slept from 4PM friday to 8am Saturday. Of course I got the stuff last night...same as Joe. Fever, achy, gut ache. Yuck.

Seems to be a lot of Steeler fans around here all of a sudden.

I'm not making any predictions or taking any bets on this SB. Steelers are going to be tough to beat. But I'm still pulling for the Pack.

Hope those young ones are feeling better soon.

Hope everyone is feeling better soon.

I have an appointment with a different jobbing service @ 1:00 today. I hope they are much better than the last one.

I've come to the conclusion that job services suck. They don't do much for ya. They didn't for me. My wife works with them on a daily basis and likes them from the employer side, but from the employee side...they suck.

I hope your experience with them will be better than mine.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Well Ryan I've been up since 4 am...we should've called each other. Joey is running a 102.6 fever, feels like throwing up and achey. Guess the flu has hit our house now. Plus I'm trying to keep the stove going and keep Ricky Bobby low key. He thinks it's time to play...I think it's time to sleep. Why does all this happen when Dave is out of town?
So guessing I'm staying home today. Girl in our office told us yesterday she's moving, husband got a big promotion and huge pay increase. And with the hiring freeze, looking like I might be very stressed for a very long time with the added work load coming... and no raises in site. At least my job is safe for now.

that sucks little joe is feelin crappy, Cale had that a couple weeks ago. did you get the wine?

Ryan not sure if this is exactly your field but USFWS is hiring biologists in both Bloomington and Fergus Falls. Not sure on the details as this is through the grape vine.

I'll have to look into that, USFWS is where I have most of my experience through, thanks for the heads up!

Fungus Falls is getting awful close to me. If'n you get a job there, we could meet for lunch once in awhile! What a perk!

Played them all the time in sports and never liked them. good thing we almost always beat them. except once.....

I am sitting on a 6 hour conference call.

yes 6 hours. this is painful, but they pay me for it, so i guess i better not complain.

Hey Grizz have always been a Steelers Fan, only live 125 miles from de burgh. Actually have two other football teams closer, the Bills and Browns.

I always kinda liked the steelers. I don't like their qb, but if he can punch the packers d-fence in da face...i'm all for him.

Except for SB9.

This is a tough one but hope the Steelers win.

Now tear the roof off that stadium and get back to being a Vikings team that was once feared. Seems like the Vikes and cryboys owned the NFC in the 70's. If one wasn't in the SB the other was.

Originally Posted by RAS2

Except for SB9.

This is a tough one but hope the Steelers win.

Now tear the roof off that stadium and get back to being a Vikings team that was once feared. Seems like the Vikes and cryboys owned the NFC in the 70's. If one wasn't in the SB the other was.

I don't need to tear the roof off....it is already off. The snow and ice did it. Frickin place is a dump. Now whoever owns it is considering a new roof on the entire place.

Ziggy the vikes owner wants a new stadium with no roof. I like that idea, get back to some good old hard nosed football. They have the coach to do it now I believe. I sure like the coaches he's been bringing on the staff. He sure says the right things but this time it seems different...people are believing him.

the vikes now lack a QB - at least. And a stadium w/o a roof is stadium w/o any revenue 6 days of the week during the football season - 7 days after the season until June.

It isn't going to be pretty for the Vikes for a long time to come.

They couldnt even come close to filling TCF after 28 years without outdoor football. I dont think an open air stadium is the way to go if you can put 40,000 in TCF.

I don't think they'd have any trouble filling an open air staidum. That game at TCF was a joke from the get go. It was an on again, off again deal, too.

there is some merrit to the 6 days of empty on the open air stadium, but what are the plans for the dome? Where is the new one going to go? Who is going to pay for the roof? Those and many other questions still to be answered. We are further away from new digs for the purple pride than we think I'm afraid.

Well we found our way home after our 2 dat bidness trip. Feels like a drug a sinus cold home with me though, yuck.

sounds fun, and it sounds like you aint the only one sick, did you see the recipe for white chicken chili?

Yeah I did, thanks! I'll have to print it out & file it in the recipe box at home.

I'm going to do the same. It looks like a good batch.

I have a few recipe's for chili. Grizzly Bill has a great one too. I made my own version by tweaking his a bit and won our company cook-off last year. But his is great stright off the recipe.

That chili would be good out in the fish house with a cold brewsky.....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sounds fun, and it sounds like you aint the only one sick, did you see the recipe for white chicken chili?

I MISSED that!! Where is it?????

Quote

I MISSED that!! Where is it?????

Couple pages back I think.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by RAS2

Except for SB9.

This is a tough one but hope the Steelers win.

Now tear the roof off that stadium and get back to being a Vikings team that was once feared. Seems like the Vikes and cryboys owned the NFC in the 70's. If one wasn't in the SB the other was.

I don't need to tear the roof off....it is already off. The snow and ice did it. Frickin place is a dump. Now whoever owns it is considering a new roof on the entire place.

Ziggy the vikes owner wants a new stadium with no roof. I like that idea, get back to some good old hard nosed football. They have the coach to do it now I believe. I sure like the coaches he's been bringing on the staff. He sure says the right things but this time it seems different...people are believing him.

Correction.

Zygi only wants to pay for 1/3 of a stadium with no roof. He knows the state wants a roof so it can be used to generate revenue year round. By stating that he will pay 1/3 of one with no roof, he saves himself a ton of cash when/IF the state decides to go with either a permanent or retractable roof.

I personally think they should go retractable. Then you get the best of both worlds. And MN High School State Championship tourneys can still be played in the stadium.

I MUST be losin' it!! I just cannot find it. Would one of you Chickenbuckers please indulge me and PM it to me??

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

its -11 here and snowing, I feel bad for all you guys who are having cold weather, I was going to mow my lawn, but it started snowing and blowing again so I think I'll wait til it stops.

I had a pleasant surprise the other day from Dave, he liked my white chicken chili so I promised him the recipe

Mom's original recipe
chicken breasts
1 jar Randall's great northern beans
1 jar ortega green taco sauce
scallions
small can of roasted green chilis
1 large box of chicken broth
1/3 cup finely diced jalapenos
1 package of white chicken chili seasoning, or partial pack of onion soup mix

dice the chicken, saute with chili's and scallions and a little garlic if desired
add chicken broth,jalapenos and seasoning mix

can add some small noodles to make it go further

Ryan's recipe
I make a big batch when I do it, and here's how it goes
cook 1 whole chicken in the crockpot overnight with minced carlic
remove meat from bone and cut finely.
put 2 jars of randalls northern beans in large pot, on low heat.
add 1 1/2 jars salsa verde or green taco sauce
2 cans of roasted chili's
1/2 cup finely diced jalapenos
1/2 cup jalapeno juice
1 packet of white chicken chili seasoning, 1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp salt
1 box of ditalini noodles (cooked separately)
save broth from cooking chicken and add to chili (strain off fat from top)
add 1 1/2 boxes of broth (low sodium)

let sit on low heat a couple hours stirring occasionally
serve with sour cream/cheese and crushed up fritos (if desired)

will feed about 6-8 hungry fisherman

after eating cover with 3-4 beers and prepare for nap

enjoy!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Correction.

Zygi only wants to pay for 1/3 of a stadium with no roof. He knows the state wants a roof so it can be used to generate revenue year round. By stating that he will pay 1/3 of one with no roof, he saves himself a ton of cash when/IF the state decides to go with either a permanent or retractable roof.

Ziggy knows what he's doing. Origally, when he first bought the team, he was going to pay for a lot more than 1/3...big surprise, he lied. I think they should make his ass pay for 1/2 of the stadium. I don't think we should pay for any of it. The rest can come from fee's, lottery tix, the NFL.

Quote

I personally think they should go retractable. Then you get the best of both worlds.

Wuss.

Quote

And MN High School State Championship tourneys can still be played in the stadium

They can play in the dome. If there is going to be a new roof on it, there should be no reason to tear it down right?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Correction.

Zygi only wants to pay for 1/3 of a stadium with no roof. He knows the state wants a roof so it can be used to generate revenue year round. By stating that he will pay 1/3 of one with no roof, he saves himself a ton of cash when/IF the state decides to go with either a permanent or retractable roof.

Ziggy knows what he's doing. Origally, when he first bought the team, he was going to pay for a lot more than 1/3...big surprise, he lied. I think they should make his ass pay for 1/2 of the stadium. I don't think we should pay for any of it. The rest can come from fee's, lottery tix, the NFL.

Quote

I personally think they should go retractable. Then you get the best of both worlds.

Wuss.

Quote

And MN High School State Championship tourneys can still be played in the stadium

They can play in the dome. If there is going to be a new roof on it, there should be no reason to tear it down right?

Unless they still want the stadium built on the site of the metrodump. I still think the Vikings should have jumped on the offer Anoka county made them to build the stadium in Blaine. We could probably stumble to your house from there T!

It would be a pretty good stumble...bout 5 miles or so. Good enough for Ma to come pick us up though.

One of the discussed locations is still Arden Hills off highway 10. Really, that's a good spot. There is an exit ramp off 35w, and a ton of space for parking, and not much in that area yet, so it could be developed. That too is about 5 miles away. The trouble with that site is the environmental clean up involved is pretty large I think.

Hey is it true they might or have talked of moving?

I hope not..LA Vikings just doesn't sound right. Minnesota Vikings now that's a tough name.

Yeah, The vikes threaten with moving every few years or so. I say let them to if that is what they want. I mean I'm a huge fan but how about a super bowl appearance every once in awhile?

Really, why try to hold an area hostage when they are trying to help you?

they do make an appearance every so often to the playoffs, I guess they think thats enough?

It's not. I've been a fan for about 20-25 years now. Some would say too much of one. I would say I could probably afford to get season tix, but I won't until 3 things happen, the stadium situation is figured out, if they're leaving or not, and field a consistant fricking team. I'm not saying to the SB every year, most teams have a bad couple years, but come on...35 years?

OK, whining done. I still hate the Packers.

You have a right to whine. We went 16 years between SB apperences and 26 years between winning one.

Least we were in the playoffs and had good teams.

GO STEELERS!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah I did, thanks! I'll have to print it out & file it in the recipe box at home.

I made the chili last Friday it is very good.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

That chili would be good out in the fish house with a cold brewsky.....

Just may have to bring it to Canada with us and heat on the buddie. It goes great with Kokanee.

I found a job opening only 40 miles or so from where I am, its a decent job, full time with benefits. not exactly where I want to live, I'm not a fan of the cold and snow for most of the year. but starting out I can't be too picky I guess. application deadline is the 31st

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Hey Grizz have always been a Steelers Fan, only live 125 miles from de burgh. Actually have two other football teams closer, the Bills and Browns.

My BIL lives in Cranberry, just West of the burgh. He's been a Steeler fan for the last 9 years, but is originally from WI. He and his dad were at the Ice Bowl. Wonder who he's cheering for. I'll have to give him a call.

Details! PM me if ya want.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

. but starting out I can't be too picky I guess. application deadline is the 31st

Wrong...you can and should be picky. But I'd send it in anyway.

Get the job and keep looking.

I'm about set to move to the desert! Nice today though.

FIRST!! Thanx SGT!!! It do sound GOOD!! Colorado, Ya have crossed fingers for ya from Darkest New Yorkistan

GO PACKERS!!! sorry T! Are you headed out fishing this weekend Dave? Pauly and I are heading to Ontario for Trout n Crappies next week for 4 days, should be a good time.

I think I'll be out there running the tucker pulling houses on the lake some on Saturday. And I might have a group of friends and fam coming up to fish this weekend too.

Had an appointment with Express Employment Professionals Tuesday. And dropped of my resume at Lakeshirts yesterday. Hope to hear something soon

Jeremy finally got the fish house off the lake lastnight. He put it out just before he went to West Yellowstone right before New Years. With all the snow we got when he was gone, it flooded real bad. He raised it like 8 inches when he got back. He had to torch the axle because it was froze in. He said he would have sold it for $100 lastnight if someone would have wanted it.

I'll take it if he still wants that much for it

After he cooled down a little bit he changed his mind.

ah, dang I missed my window

Doggone...who'da thunk it.1200 Pages.Wheee dogies.Gotcha self sumpthin going now.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan!.

Any of that snow make it your way? I sure hope you're pulling for the Steelers.

Hi Tom,About three weeks ago we had an unusual 7 to 8 inches of snow.That is kinda unprecedented here.Usually we will get three to four inches and it is gone within two days.The recent snowfall we had shut EVERYTHING down here for three or four days and the schools were closed for a week.We have NO snow handling equipment save sand spreading attachments for dept. of transportation dump trucks.
I stayed home for five days.Really didn't bother me since I'm retired.
I am pulling for the Steelers.Ought to be a good game.

Stan in SC

what gets me is the over a million views! wow who woulda thought.

sounds like you got a dose of what we've had up here, it snowed every day of the week and the average temp for the month has been in the negative teens at best, yuck!

when are you gonna make a trip up stan and do some ice fishing?

Stan, you need to cheer for the Packers if for no other reason than to irritate "T".

3 to 5 inches of snow on the way today.

Need to run out and get gas for the blower.

Heading back up to Baudette to take possession of a 20' drop down ice house and a jacked up suburban from a client.

Anybody shopping around?

No idea what kind of rig this is will post up pics when I get back.

May also be picking up a 2004 18' foot Lunc Pro V with a 200 HP optimax.

Originally Posted by big drift

Heading back up to Baudette to take possession of a 20' drop down ice house and a jacked up suburban from a client.

Anybody shopping around?

No idea what kind of rig this is will post up pics when I get back.

May also be picking up a 2004 18' foot Lunc Pro V with a 200 HP optimax.

I think Bushy is looking for an ice house.

OH....and GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just leave the house and i'll pick it up this weekend. I really like the one muffy has or Had. if mine was gone i'd take it right away. i just don't want 2 sitting around. Everbody get your PACKERS superbowl Champ hats today!!

Originally Posted by big drift

May also be picking up a 2004 18' foot Lunc Pro V with a 200 HP optimax.

:0 That motor is a big no-no on that boat.

Was wondering, didn't hear back from you. If you do sell yours, the lower price on the 7 1/2 X 8 still stands (unless it sells). Or our other one too, which ever.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

May also be picking up a 2004 18' foot Lunc Pro V with a 200 HP optimax.

:0 That motor is a big no-no on that boat.

Is max HP 175 on that rig Tom?

whats the fishing forecast for next weekend on LOW?

forecast is wide open as far as I can tell.

No plans yet.

I do plan on heading for the lake after work today, the weezil and I may head for the lake to move a big 8x20 fish ouse with the rucker.

Fishing is the plan for tomorrow.

I got word today that our 3 fish houses are no longer accessable by truck.

So we'll be moving houses with the tucker.

Dusty, where do you want your house?

I might have to see if its as cold there as here

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

May also be picking up a 2004 18' foot Lunc Pro V with a 200 HP optimax.

:0 That motor is a big no-no on that boat.

Is max HP 175 on that rig Tom?

10-4.

why anyone would need more than 100-125 is beyond me. how fast do you NEED to get to your fishing spot? how often do they run full throttle?
maybe I just move too slow, notice I said move, not think

Couple of places I fish on Superior are 25 mile runs to get there...That said, I am currently running a 115 four stroke, but I miss my 175 right up until I pull in to a gas station...

I found a 115 4 stroke about perfect on a 19 footer on Lake of the woods.

Some days big water lets you go fast, but most days it does not. So you have all that power hanging off the back of the boat that you can use maybe 3 days out of the year.

Depends on the boat. My BIL runs a 21' Ranger with a 250 Merc on LOW. You can pretty much go fast all the time with that rig.

I had a 150 Yammy on a 02 Pro V and it was an animal. I cant imagine 33% more ponies. It drove that boat mid50s in mph. If you can imagine your hand on the throttle....it isnt much of a throw to go from 0 to 200 horsies. whips people around if they arent ready. I just about put the wife in the lake once. she wasnt amused. at all.

i have the 115 now and love it. no burner, but i like it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

why anyone would need more than 100-125 is beyond me. how fast do you NEED to get to your fishing spot? how often do they run full throttle?
maybe I just move too slow, notice I said move, not think

Well my Ranger had a 175 hp Evinrude Intruder, and I NEEDED to go faster. I was full throttle anytime water conditions, or my wallet allowed it. She was a thirsty beast.

If I was in the market for a mid sized boat (17-18') I'd get the 115 yamaha 4 stroke. No questions asked. Best motor under 150 HP made right now IMO. Reall, under 150...I'd go with a yamaha right down to as small as you wanted to get.

For 150 and above it's pretty tough to beat the mercury optimax's if you're a 2s guy. The Mercury Verado 4s have no equal.

That is one bad mofo of a motor. Supercharged 4stroke, digital throtle and steering.

If I had a spare $70K to throw at a boat it would be a Ranger 620 w/ a 250hp Mercury Verado, and a yamaha T-8 kicker.

dropped my resume today, ended up talking for an hour about 99's, deer, antelope hunting and trapping.
I have high hopes

not only getting the job, but how much fun it would be to work there!

Originally Posted by tzone

If I was in the market for a mid sized boat (17-18') I'd get the 115 yamaha 4 stroke. No questions asked. Best motor under 150 HP made right now IMO. Reall, under 150...I'd go with a yamaha right down to as small as you wanted to get.

For 150 and above it's pretty tough to beat the mercury optimax's if you're a 2s guy. The Mercury Verado 4s have no equal.

That is one bad mofo of a motor. Supercharged 4stroke, digital throtle and steering.

If I had a spare $70K to throw at a boat it would be a Ranger 620 w/ a 250hp Mercury Verado, and a yamaha T-8 kicker.

The whole time I was reading this I could hear Tim Allen going ARRGGHH ARRRGHHH OHHHHHHH

Hey muffy, do you still have the 7-1/2x16. i would take that i think as soon as mine goes. alot of people looking this week, i think it'll go. I have to come to DL on the 12th. crossing my fingers....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

The whole time I was reading this I could hear Tim Allen going ARRGGHH ARRRGHHH OHHHHHHH

That was me you could hear.... Some day I'll get another. I'm trying to buy some land right now. Not a tough call to make at this point.

Yep it is still for sale. We are going to be in Vermillion that weekend. We can give our buddy the key so you can see it. Maybe I won't go, we will see what happens.

Today kicked my azz. Details later, lots of cars in the ditch on 72.

How do you spell "pfthphthphthphthttt!" ?

lol!!

yeah, cars and trucks in ditch everywhere, tourists..

We tuckerized the lake tonight.

[Linked Image]

pulled an 8 x 20 house on wood skids like it wasn' even there.

Now thats a machine, more pictures please.

Hey Chickenbuckers...

I wanted to tell you all Dave and Pam sent me the check of donations, for my brother, today from all of you.

A huge thank you from our family to yours.

Hi everybody hope everything is ok. Muffy how's the candle selling going?

Good luck on the jobs Ryan and Muffy.

thank you!
I spent the day with my boy and when he was napping I fostered this notion I got last night of putting together a rifle for him that made no practical sense really but would just be super sweet.
I'm thinking of either a 25-20, 6mm hornet or 256 win mag.
its an affliction, and I don't know for sure how to make it go away. I think I have to shake that monkey on my back and get the rifle. maybe a marlin 62 would do it.

Ryan malin 62? That looks like it could be a sweet rifle

I'm sure your son would love it. I bought my 4 year old daughter a pink red-rider bb gun for her first christmas and the wife said don't you think you are dam it I'm having a fart

I will thik of it later.

Colorado1135

25-20 or 32-20 seem like something Sweet!

it blows the mind!

when you think about it, you can run a rifle that shoots a 60 grain bullet, for the same cost as a .22lr or close enough that there is no comparison.

as a kid which would you rather have? a .22 lr or a 6mm badass custom rifle that can kill a deer at a 100 yards if need be? yet still have very little recoil and cost the same as a .22lr ?

A 22lr kills deer.

Well we tuckerized lake of the woods this weekend.

Pulled this 20' house on skids about a mile and a half breaking our own trail, it was like it wasn't even back there, 5th gear no prob.

[Linked Image]

Didjaya get any feesin done or just pulling houses?

We fished saturday but the cold front really killed the bite. It was slow all over.

you goin out this week?
I have an itchin for some walleye, even though I slaughtered them over christmas I brought all I caught out to my mom in colorado, they don't have them out there. she was forever grateful to get them, because its her favorite. I come back and the fish had stopped biting down here.

love that tucker dave, looks good out there! hope you got bar bouy's in there..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well we tuckerized lake of the woods this weekend.

Pulled this 20' house on skids about a mile and a half breaking our own trail, it was like it wasn't even back there, 5th gear no prob.

[Linked Image]

That kind of fun should be illegal!

Hey do they have the igloo bar setup on the ice this year Dave?

yepper, igloo bar is up and running at zipple bay.

How is the standard truck traffic getting around out there? Limited to plowed roads I would imagine?

yep, plowed roads only.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yep, plowed roads only.

You do know they hate you and your tucker. Or maybe they are just jealous.

Either way, I'm cool with it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Either way, I'm cool with it.

You should be for sure. You pulled the trigger, others were afraid, not the guys on this site, but the others out on the lake were the ones I was talking about.

I have bought a lot of cool stuff from the govt and state govt.

You know it's just a matter of time before that thing has a tunnel ram sticking out of the hood right?

It doesn't need any help drinking fuel. lol!

No probably not. Love them deep gears!

They'd launch that 69 tweety bird ya got pretty good though.

Hey, how about a set of Texas Longhorns on the hood? Or maybe a Northern MN whitetail rack? And then some flames down the side....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, how about a set of Texas Longhorns on the hood? Or maybe a Northern MN whitetail rack? And then some flames down the side....

I like this...we can work with this.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It doesn't need any help drinking fuel. lol!

I'm guessing 1 mpg at best. Right or wrong?

Headers up through the hood, big dual quad tunnel ram suckin' gas like it just don't care... flaming skull painted on the doors, "Critter Getter" on the hood.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey, how about a set of Texas Longhorns on the hood? Or maybe a Northern MN whitetail rack? And then some flames down the side....

More like a Moose rack for that thing and some serious mud on the sides.

Yes, a moose rack, that is the perfect idea.

Maybe a coon tail on the back? Coyote tail? or wait for it....wait.....be patient...wait.......a WUF tail?????

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It doesn't need any help drinking fuel. lol!

I'm guessing 1 mpg at best. Right or wrong?

bout that exactly.

The Tucker is just T-O-U-G-H !!Arrrrrrr Arrrrrr.
In case anyone is in the market,I have two Winchester 94's listed in the free classfied section.True Chickenbuckers get price concessions.

Stan in SC

Needs a Chickenbuck on the side

I had a great time at the Scentsy convention in Brooklyn Center lastnight. We got over $100 worth of free stuff. I stayed at Jeremy's aunts in Monticello Sunday and lastnight. The roads on the way to the convention lastnight and on the way back were terrible. Lots of cars in the ditch. I was suprised they were as good as they were on the way home today.

All that time by my house and not even a call...starting to see where I rate.

Youse guys gotta read this. It happened at my office the other day.

[email:https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907]https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907[/email]

Sorry.

When we were not at the convention we were working on getting more orders so Jeremy's aunt could win a trip to Disney World. At about midnight Monday we got enough in sales so she did win the trip.

well that's pretty cool.

Cool that you won the trip!

No need to sorry, I was just funnin ya. One of these days you guys will have to come down here...State Fair maybe. Lots of cool stuff there.

I would like to go to the state fair, never been there.

Originally Posted by tzone

Youse guys gotta read this. It happened at my office the other day.

[email:https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907]https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907[/email]

Bet no one shakes his hand.

Or shares his lunch.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I would like to go to the state fair, never been there.

when the kid was younger,we'd go every other year.
Bring lots of money,and a backpack to carry stuff in.I cant stand going,but I hate waiting in line,and being elbow to elbow with"the unwashed masses".

Originally Posted by Muffy

I would like to go to the state fair, never been there.

Well come on down then. Uncle Dusty would like it I think. It was Jack's favorite part of the summer he said.

They had an old tractor display, he and I spent hours in that. It's really neat.

To seet the oldest farm equipment and the newest is pretty cool. Lots of changes over the years, but if you look close, lots of things are nearly the same too. The upcoming years vehicles, atv's, snowmobiles'....tons of stuff that isn't "amusement park" type fair stuff.

Don't forget about the food...if you leave hungry, it's your fault. Last year, I had that world best elk burger.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

I would like to go to the state fair, never been there.

Don't forget about the food...if you leave hungry, it's your fault. Last year, I had that world best elk burger.

Yep if ya leave a state fair hungry it's yer own dang fault lol.

I like bbq , we get a couple every year at our state fair.

[Linked Image]

And one of the best piggies I ever et ..

[Linked Image]

Sorry for the sidetrack , but Tom mentioned food and I'm hungry

Damn that is some awesome stuff, I love them big cookers!

I was hungry before I opened this up, now I'm starving. glad I still have some white chicken chili in the freezer

and I'm making another batch (by special request) for superbowl sunday

GO STEELERS!!!!!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GO STEELERS!!!!!

Stan in SC

HA! GO STAN and GO STEELERS!!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Youse guys gotta read this. It happened at my office the other day.

[email:https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907]https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._you_don_t_laugh_you_re_prol#Post4887907[/email]

Bet no one shakes his hand.

Never ever let loud Mike share the chips at the office party!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GO STEELERS!!!!!

Stan in SC

HA! GO STAN and GO STEELERS!!!

lets go fishing!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GO STEELERS!!!!!

Stan in SC

HA! GO STAN and GO STEELERS!!!

lets go fishing!!!!!!!!

Even better!

Skrew fishing,let's go SHOOTING!

Stan in SC

it was -22 when I woke up this morning, I doubt the powder would burn when its this cold

least when we fish its in a heated house

I had -2. That is cold enough.

We were -24 ish

but it's climbing now. zero-ish now and supposed to climb all night.

you goin fishin this weekend dave?

Funny that you guys can make me feel like pansy shivering in 8* weather...

it warmed up to -5 now

I just weeded the garden before dark

I tried doing the same Ryan but the mosquitos about carried me away!

I hate it when it gets - 1 and muggy!

they fogged for bugs today so I took advantage, but I hear ya about the muggy.

on a side note I had my little man here this morning, we were in my reloading room which also houses the furnace, and he flipped the switch to turn it off because he's 2.5 years old and it was at eye level. throughout the day it gets colder and colder and I can't figure out why, I figured since its just because of the -22. the guy who lives on the other side of the duplex knocks on my door and asks if my place is cold when he got home from work, I said yeah it really is. turns out it was 61 in his place and about the same in mine, we head down to the furnace to check it out and I see that little switch facing down. I flip it up, and I hear that little "woof" as the furnace lights up and I laughed my ass off. he looked at me like I was crazy til I told him what musta happened. kids

Back when I was fixing furnaces, I got lots of calls to go out and turn on a switch.

On a side note I made your (I think it was yours) chili recipe tonight, really good thank you

glad you liked it! I can't get enough of it myself

I was relieved it was just the switch, because it meant I didn't have to call someone after trying to fix it myself and making it worse

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you goin fishin this weekend dave?

likely.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GO Packers!!!!!

Stan in SC

Fixed it for you Stan.

yikes! today will be a 3 pager after that comment

Minus 1 here and clear.

The big storm missed us completely by about 25 miles. Most of the schools South of us were closed yesterday.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you goin fishin this weekend dave?

likely.

No old timers run this weekend?

I'll be there in spirit?

I'm gonna help your dad and Lonnie move the fish house out of no man's land.

E-mail me or txt ok?

Not sure if I'm going either. I don't have license on my sled yet. Unless Jeremy finds an old sled to ride then I would ride his.

ooohh. Must be a top secret spot.

I wanna catch an eelpout!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wanna catch a homo!

Doooood!

Raffin'

My dad would always bring eelpout home and boil it up for me. It is the best. Granted, I probly wouldn't have tried it if I would have seen what it looked like first.

It is considered to be "poor mans lobster" because of the taste and texture. Sure are ugly fish though. The annual festival should be soon on Leech Lake near Walker, MN

I've been out there a few times. You see lots of interesting things and people there.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

The annual festival should be soon on Leech Lake near Walker, MN

I think the 'pout fest is this weekend or next.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I've been out there a few times. You see lots of interesting things and people there.

I was there many years ago and there was wet t-shirt contest.

Did you win?

I could have swore I saw you fly past my mail box this morning as I was leaving for work.

It's going to be tough to make it past noon today I think....

I woke up pretty mischievious and energetic this morning, it was tough pointing the truck at work rather than towards the lake.

You guys be careful on the way up, you'll run into icy roads. Rain/snow mix up here this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Did you win?

Third.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Did you win?

Third.

Don't hang your head T. Third ain't bad at all considering 1st and 2nd were taken by actual chicks!

-funny story... I got a text from Rooster Jim yesterday durring a meeting for sensitivity training...

Jim, I hope you sold your couch, that's all I have to say.

do I dare ask?

Ryan, roads are crap, give yourself some travel time.

What do you think about meeting at my place at noon?

I can do that, I'll leave here in the next 30 mins to give myself plenty of time

arrrrgh. You guys are going fishin? and my weekend is booked with selling girl scout cookies. wanna trade? oh well, the husband point bank is pretty low, need to restock. By my estimate, there are a cool half a million calories in my office right now. That would equal 140 pounds of fat if you ate them all.

packed up, loading the car then on my way, should be there by 12:20 or so unless the roads are real bad

ok

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

do I dare ask?

No...I'll send it to you.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

arrrrgh. You guys are going fishin? and my weekend is booked with selling girl scout cookies.

Send a quick message to Tom264...he may have some tips on how to get rid of "it".

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

arrrrgh. You guys are going fishin? and my weekend is booked with selling girl scout cookies.

Send a quick message to Tom264...he may have some tips on how to get rid of "it".

I can help with that.

You are getting "sick"......very "sick" and tell everyone to leave the house without you..

Make it very real too. Like make yourself vomit with your finger.

When they leave wait about 20 minutes to make sure they are gone and gather your stuff (thats already loaded into your truck secretivly) and get outta dodge.

Later when they question you say "It was a miracle" "I got better about an hour later"

Its always better to deal with the scorn AFTER the deed than before.

Good luck and good fishing..............

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wanna catch an eelpout!

I have never heard of this before, least not by that name. What exactly is it & does anyone have a pic?

Originally Posted by RAS2

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wanna catch an eelpout!

I have never heard of this before, least not by that name. What exactly is it & does anyone have a pic?

wiki

international eelpot festival

Eell pout are one of the ugliest fish. Like I said before, dad would always bring it home (already cleaned) and cook it up for me. YUM! But then the first time I was at LOW ice fishing I had something pretty big on my line. Jeremy was right down by the hole ready to grab it. He stood up and said "I'm not touching that thing". I thought what is it. I got it up and they said it was an eel pout. If I would have seen what it looked like, I never would have tried it. It wraped around Larry's arm like a snake. They are very gross looking. But they sure taste good.

Linda and I went to see the new "True Grit" this afternoon.There was never a bigger John Wayne fan than myself but the remake is better than the original.

Stan in SC

That's cool Stan I cant wait to see it.

eelpout weekend is the 18th.

Jeremy bought a new toy today. The dog is pretty excited, they already went for a ride.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Muffy

Jeremy bought a new toy today. The dog is pretty excited, they already went for a ride.

[Linked Image]

That is WAY cool!

My brother has one Muffy. He put a plow on his and it does a great job cleaning out his driveway.

Spent Saturday at the local Ike Walton League fisheree. Didn't fish, just ate burgers and drank beer. I ended up with 1 rafle and 4 attendance prizes made up of; an Anchor Mate, Wood Duck House, Folding knife, a bag of light bulbs and rug cleaner and a free nail clipping for a dog.

Go Packers!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Jeremy bought a new toy today. The dog is pretty excited, they already went for a ride.

[Linked Image]

Looks like uncle Dusty needs a bigger trailer to haul that up to chickenbuck!

I like the color.

Go Steelers.

Yeah, that trailer won't be big enough to haul that and the Prowler.

He is already looking for all the accessories he wants to put on it. He wants a winch, cab, & tracks for it so far. He will probly get the winch first then the other stuff when it is paid off. I should sell my 4 wheeler and just ride around with him and drink beer.

I like the Prowler better.

WHAT!!!

Stupid Packers!!!

Stupid Packers,my butt.They beat the crud out of the Steelers.Those guys were upbeat an on their game and the Steelers were just there.
Muffy,tell Jeremy he did real well with the new toy and I think you are right.You should sell yours and just ride around with him and drink beer.

Stan in SC

I also thought that would be a great idea Stan.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Stupid Packers!!!

There, there Muffy. Dont worry, that Minnesota team will win a Super Bowl someday.

Although I doubt it will happen in our life time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dont worry, that Minnesota team will win a Super Bowl someday.

Although I doubt it will happen in our life time.

Probably not at your age.

Probaby not at mine either, come to think of it.

4 superbowl wins for the pack now.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dont worry, that Minnesota team will win a Super Bowl someday.

Although I doubt it will happen in our life time.

Probably not at your age.

I think that's a given.

steelers kinda got back on their game after the embarrassing first half, but by then the damage was done, the first quarter I thought the vikes were in there wearing different jerseys after with all the turnovers resulting in points.

right at the end I thought they had a chance to put it in overtime and make a memorable game, but that thought left quickly.
oh well, life goes on.

had a blast this weekend fishing, we had so much stuff going on it was unreal.
plowing roads, playing veternarian, rescuing 3 people, hittin up the igloo and zipple bay and taking a long ride in a B12, moving fish houses, singing kareoke man you name it.

and we managed to catch fish in there when it was slow everywhere else. I got out fished but oh well. the guys felt pity and sent me home with fish anyway.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dont worry, that Minnesota team will win a Super Bowl someday.

Although I doubt it will happen in our life time.

Probably not at your age.

I think that's a given.

That was supposed to be a joke, but sadly, I doubt it will happen in my lifetime either. Heck, if they don't get a stadium built, there won't be a MN Vikings.

Originally Posted by tzone

-funny story... I got a text from Rooster Jim yesterday durring a meeting for sensitivity training...

Jim, I hope you sold your couch, that's all I have to say.

I raffed out roud at your reply to that one T!

I got it when I hit middle river on my way north, busted a gut laughing! thanks T, that was a good one!

Our home for Saturday and into Sunday.

[Linked Image]

RWS tending to one of his lines.

[Linked Image]

Proof that even a blind squirrel finds some occasional food.

[Linked Image]

Looks like you found a Sauger hot spot.

yeah, that's mostly what it was.

Judging from that photo, you spent more time playing with the Tucker than fishin'........................ Not that I blame you, the Tucker looks like fun.

I'll have to bring Betsy up there in the summer. You can take us out in our new boat.

Nice bunch of Saugers Dave.

Weather gutu said we would have light fluries today. I guess he was right, I've shoveled about 3" of fluf so far today.

new boat Tzone? Spill the details man, new boat time is a momentous event to be shared among all your friends!

need help with gizmos? Dont forget to drop my name at Thorne Bros so they can add a surcharge!

No details yet....it's in the planning stage.

I do have the OK from the Mrs. though. Trouble is, she likes the shiney ones.

The shiney ones cost a lot more. I'm looking for bang for the buck... If I got a used Ranger, it would be older than I'm looking for, at the price I'm willing to give, maybe. See where I'm going here?

I did find a 2004(or 5)Lund 2025 for a good price. I was going to look at it today, but it sold over the weekend. That was a nice boat too.... Walk through windshield, Yamaha 225 and a t-8 kicker....Arrrgh arrgh aarrrgh.

Well today marks 19 yrs marriage for Pam and I.

Thanks god she�s a slow learner on the relationship stuff!

Here�s to hoping that by the time she figures out I�m not the right guy she just won�t care anymore.

(joking)

Happy anniversary Pam, Love you.

I had a failed attempt at hauling firewood last night, RWS and I took the old plow truck out to the cabin, or as close to it as we could get anyways. I tried to plow my way in and it became obvious that I didn�t have enough fuel or time for the task.

We tried a few straight on runs (plow blade straight) and my pivot cylinders went floppy on me, damn it! Low on fluid.

And I didn�t have any fluid along so I just knew that with a mile of trail to plow it wasn�t going to go well. We punched a rough hole through the snow up to the first mud run hole, widened it the best we could and got out of there.

On the way out I popped the T-case from 4high to 2WD and left the hubs locked in spinning the axles. I usually unlock the hubs but we were in a hurry to get to the nearest country store to get some fuel before they closed. The store usually closes at 8PM.

Well we got there at 7:20 and they were closed. We limped it to the next town on fumes, gas station also closed�.

All the while I thought I was hearing a bit of additional or unusual clatter from the right front side of the truck as we drove.

We made it part ways between the last town and home, ran out of gas. I used the last bit of fuel to back the truck onto a side road so we could wait out of traffic for Pam to come and save us with a full fuel can we had at home. As we backed up� what a racket from the front right wheel, snapping and banging, really heavy iron thunking noises.

I figured right away we must have busted the universal joint in that closed knuckle on that old dana 44 axle. Of course it went home just fine with the hubs unlocked but there�s a broken mess of some kind in that axle end�.

Stupid truck, I wonder if warranty will cover it?

Should be able to get way more than 40 yrs of hard use out of a rig like that before stuff starts breaking.

Project firewood was a complete failure.

Dave, congrats on your anniversary!!! Look at it this way, the blind pig found a very sweet nut!!

WOW. Congrats to Dave and Pam on 19 years of marriage.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Should be able to get way more than 40 yrs of hard use out of a rig like that before stuff starts breaking.

Project firewood was a complete failure.

Is old Browny up to the task?

Happy Aniversary Dave & Pam.

Happy Anniversary Dave and Pam!

that's some pretty bad luck there Dave.

what are you gonna do for firewood?

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DAVE & PAM!!!!!!
Wow 19 yrs. I told my wife ten was enough, time for something new.

Had to sleep on the couch for a week.

Happy Anniversary Dave and Pam, We had a good trip to canada last weekend fishing. Not many fish but the rest of the trip was great! Bought me a new ThorneBros Ice Rod from Brett and had a great time fishing with him. The fishing looked alot better where you were dave, hoping to hit the lake again sometime.

Happy Anniversary!

So can you find parts for the plow truck fairly easy or no?

Happy Anniversary.

Do I dare ask what happened over on the FishingMinnesota site?

thanks everybody.

Yes rooster I can get parts easy enough and they are pretty cheap too.

Buschy, I know Brett. He has been at Thorne Bros a long time. I am picking up a custom Thorne Bros G Loomis summer rod for our banquet tomorrow. Unbelievable what Lonnie can paint on one. He does a rooster head for us and it is better than most of the prints you see out there....and he does it on a fishing rod!

Happy Anniversary Pam and Dave. Dave, you married up. I know the feeling!

3 year old twin boys update: Wyatt ran around the house with a Costco sized bag of finely shredded cheese leaving a trail across our recently washed floor...squealing like only a 3 year old can. Hunter? He was walking in it like he was kicking a pile of leaves!

Cole update: No cancer on his most recent scan. He has hair and is back to being a little boy! He still has a few years before he is out of the woods, but so far so good!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Cole update: No cancer on his most recent scan. He has hair and is back to being a little boy! He still has a few years before he is out of the woods, but so far so good!

This is fantastic news!!!!!!

Quote

3 year old twin boys update: Wyatt ran around the house with a Costco sized bag of finely shredded cheese leaving a trail across our recently washed floor...squealing like only a 3 year old can. Hunter? He was walking in it like he was kicking a pile of leaves!

This....not so much.

Maybe you can clean it up before mom gets home.

Congrats and a very happy anniverserary and many more

I can just picture little boys doing something like that.

That is wonderful news about Cole. Hope it stays that way.

Happy Aniversary you two. Dave I hope you got Pam something nice like a new gas can.

BM, great news about Cole. Things are at least going in the right direction for him.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

BM, great news about Cole. Things are at least going in the right direction for him.

Yes it is. BM, you don't know how happy this makes me. It made my whole day.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Pam and ol' whatshisname!!!!

BM,Great news about Cole.

Stan in SC

Happy Anniversary Dave and Pam, many more to you!

Scott and Lisa....(23 this month)

happy anniversery Dave and Pam.

Happy Anniversary to Pam and Dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

No details yet....it's in the planning stage.

I do have the OK from the Mrs. though. Trouble is, she likes the shiney ones.

The shiney ones cost a lot more. I'm looking for bang for the buck... If I got a used Ranger, it would be older than I'm looking for, at the price I'm willing to give, maybe. See where I'm going here?

I did find a 2004(or 5)Lund 2025 for a good price. I was going to look at it today, but it sold over the weekend. That was a nice boat too.... Walk through windshield, Yamaha 225 and a t-8 kicker....Arrrgh arrgh aarrrgh.

FWIW I hate walk through windshields, they take up too much room...Besides, I drive so I have a windshield, what do I need another one for...grin

Happy Anniversary Dave and Mrs. Dave...

Thanks everybody, here's a little tip though... Don't go have your taxes done on your anniversary. With the changes and sneaky tweaks the kenyan carter and team have made... Well, lets just say we had a down year income wise but the gov somehow needs quite a bit more from us than they ever needed before.

Very depressing.

Thanks for the cheery news Dave. I get my taxes done next week.

Thanks everyone! Boy looking back the past 19 yrs sure flew by, and I have to say it's all good. My motto is "always an adventure" because it always seems like there is SOMETHING.

Anyways...yeah...taxes....not good.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy Aniversary you two. Dave I hope you got Pam something nice like a new gas can.

Originally Posted by sgt217

FWIW I hate walk through windshields, they take up too much room...Besides, I drive so I have a windshield, what do I need another one for...grin

Happy Anniversary Dave and Mrs. Dave...

If the boat is big enough, I don't mind the walk-through. It is nice for the March-May stuff, and the windy days on the big water. I do want dual consoles no matter what though. Plus, the Mrs. wants it if we can get it.

Step dad has a Lund Explorer 1700 with a WT, and it is OK. With 3 guys it would be tight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks everybody, here's a little tip though... Don't go have your taxes done on your anniversary.

Here's another little tip for you folks...Don't drive 80 in a 70 near Lino Lakes, on Dave and Pam's anniversery.

Dual consoles save space...Space is where it's at when casting to or fighting big muskies...but you already know that..

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks everybody, here's a little tip though... Don't go have your taxes done on your anniversary.

Here's another little tip for you folks...Don't drive 80 in a 70 near Lino Lakes, on Dave and Pam's anniversery.

Did you get a big fine? Don't feel bad, Uncle Dusty got pulled over for speeding a couple weekends ago. He just got a warning. I don't think he would have told me but Kenna was with and she spilled the beans.

muffy.

and you just told EVERYONE

it happens Uncle Dusty

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

muffy.

Sorry Daddy.

Originally Posted by sgt217

Dual consoles save space...Space is where it's at when casting to or fighting big muskies...but you already know that..

My Ranger was a dual console with the 2 windscreens, not the windshield. I liked that. I did a fair amount of muskie fishing out of it and it worked OK, not great. The full shield would put a damper on that, especially when chasing the fish around the boat.

If it is 100% my choice, there won't be any consoles....Tiller baby!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Did you get a big fine? Don't feel bad, Uncle Dusty got pulled over for speeding a couple weekends ago. He just got a warning. I don't think he would have told me but Kenna was with and she spilled the beans.

Of course I got a fine. $125. It will be less and I get my ticket erased from my record if I pay a fee to the city and go watch a 20 minute video.

I had the kids with me so it took about 1 second for mom to find out when we walked through the door...I was running her errands and was hurrying to get home. So yes, I'm 100% at fault. Jack was excited that I might go to jail...he thought he could drive home.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Cole update: No cancer on his most recent scan. He has hair and is back to being a little boy! He still has a few years before he is out of the woods, but so far so good!

Great news on Cole !!!

that is great news!

Originally Posted by tzone

Jack was excited that I might go to jail...he thought he could drive home.

I think I would like Jack

Quote

I think I would like Jack

Everybody likes that goofy little sucker. He's funny.

He's 5 and wants to be a cop...so he was pretty excited about the whole deal.

Good kid...LOL

Does he want to be a cop so he can put you in jail himself?

Originally Posted by sgt217

Good kid...LOL

His Uncle is a cop and Jack thinks it the coolest thing in the world. COPS is his favorite show. Probably is too young to watch that but man....he eats it up. He has a tool belt full of hand cuff's, walkie-talkies, and flashlights. He pretends to hold the "bad guys" against the wall until "back up" gets there.

He's a funny kid, very annimated while he does it too.

We went to Gander (on the way back when we got picked up) to get his hat he left there the day before. The guy was joking with him about working at GM, and he said "nope...I'm gonna be a Cop!"

Originally Posted by muffster

Does he want to be a cop so he can put you in jail himself?

Probably. He told me he wouldn't let me off with a warning either because I shouldn't have been speeding.

PM me an address I'll send him something...

Originally Posted by tzone

Quote

I think I would like Jack

Everybody likes that goofy little sucker. He's funny.

He's 5 and wants to be a cop...so he was pretty excited about the whole deal.

Well, he may be funny, but I see a visionary thinker. Someone that goes for the big picture. With Gusto!

With some folks, you give'em an inch they take a mile. But with Jack maybe you give an inch and he takes the whole nation.

We will be watching the northern horizon for his eminent arrival

Originally Posted by sgt217

PM me an address I'll send him something...

It's not going to be another ticket is it...I have enough of those.

Originally Posted by BrentD

We will be watching the northern horizon for his eminent arrival

You'll hear him arriving long before you see him.

my little man just shocked me a minute ago.

he was misbehaving so I put him in his crib for a time out, he's in there asking to come out and I tell him no, he has to be quiet for 5 minutes.

he gets real quiet, next thing I know he comes walking out of our room and says "hi daddy". I had to do a double take.

so I put him back in his crib and told him to show daddy how he got out. the little dude climbed out and lowered himself to the ground, he did it 3 times and each time he laughed.

hopefully I can get the video I took on my cell posted on here, I was dumbfounded

Might as well get him a bed now.... You ain't keepin' him in there anymore.

oh I know, I'm gonna convert it right now, otherwise he'll try it in the night and hurt himself

Anytime you hear silence with kids, somethings up and most of the time its not good.....

no kidding, when he's playing, silence is very bad, I figured since he was in his crib he was giving in to the timeout, kids will never cease to teach us stuff, I swear

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy Aniversary you two. Dave I hope you got Pam something nice like a new gas can.

Better skip the gas can idea. The gooberment will just hit you with a gift tax.

Originally Posted by tzone

Of course I got a fine. $125. It will be less and I get my ticket erased from my record if I pay a fee to the city and go watch a 20 minute video.

So tell us Speeedy, did the better half tell you to haul your behind over to the city hall to watch the video to save a few bucks?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

my little man just shocked me a minute ago.

he was misbehaving so I put him in his crib for a time out, he's in there asking to come out and I tell him no, he has to be quiet for 5 minutes.

he gets real quiet, next thing I know he comes walking out of our room and says "hi daddy". I had to do a double take.

so I put him back in his crib and told him to show daddy how he got out. the little dude climbed out and lowered himself to the ground, he did it 3 times and each time he laughed.

hopefully I can get the video I took on my cell posted on here, I was dumbfounded

I did the same thing when I was little. Mom come to get me out of my crib and my sheets and I were covered in mud. Here she found out later that in the middle of the night the neighbor boy heard a noise outside. He went to check it out and there I was playing in the mud by their house, singing up a storm. He brought me back home and put me in my crib.

oh wow! that would be a little scary for me to say the least!

I was in the mood for baking this morning. I found a good applebread recipe. Although I didn't have any apples, so I substituted it with blueberries. I just tried some and it was pretty good. I will have to remember that for deer hunting this fall. I have to make lefse one day too. I've been pretty slacking on that this year.

I heard Douglas County was hiring female jailers thirdhand today, if you are living in the Duluth area and have any interest at all it is a good paying job but the hours and clientele can suck...

I live quite a ways from there, probly 6 hours. I think that kind of job would be fun (sometimes).

Northern Dave was over at HSO website, was reading about boar and helping him.. +1 .......

What did you say to get suspended over there.....

Ok, I thought somewhere you mentioned Duluth, I was mistaken, however wherever you are, if you have an interest you should contact the local jail and see, because female jailers are always in demand...

Originally Posted by noduck

Northern Dave was over at HSO website, was reading about boar and helping him.. +1 .......

What did you say to get suspended over there.....

Well, it don�t take much to get suspended or banned over there.

Most joke threads on 24hourcampfire would never fly over there on ultra churchy HSO.

It's funny because white bear from this site (twisted on HSO) and I ran a joke thread skit of sorts on HSO a year or 2 ago using a risky play on words having to do with ice fishing holes.

We certainly didn't invent it but there is an old technique people use sometimes when ice fishing where you grab your slush dipper and flush it up and down in an ice fishing hole forcing the water up and down. If you do it for a while you get the water flushing up and down in all of the holes in the house, kind of a wave action. This raises and lowers the bobbers with a touchless motion, kind of an automatic stealth jigging thing. It often times works really well for light biting walleyes.

Well of course it's fun to say you are going to "pump the hole", and therein lies the problem for the prim & proper�s over at HSO...

We ran that skit a year or 2 ago with nothing but laughs.

We tried waking the boring group up over there this year by doing it again, but this year it backfired on us.

I do wonder how the HSO moderators get through their days out in the world with television and jokes at work, e-mails etc... however do they shield themselves from such evils? lol!!

Anyways, Yes we got a call from this guy who calls himself Boar on HSO. good guy, his back went out really bad, he couldn't move. later that night he was in the ER.

Ryan and I took the tracked rig in the dark on the frozen lake and found this guy, loaded him into the tracked rig, loaded his gear and his kids, fired up his snowmobile which Ryan drove... we got him to his truck, loaded his snowmobile, otter sled etc, tied the stuff down, got his truck out on the plowed lake road pointed the right way and wished him luck.

I somehow have a feeling that would have been a little too much work for a guy who can't tolerate a joke about pumping an ice fishing hole.

They said I was "crass" and offensive...

Yeah, I suppose I am.

don't forget about the 8 month old dog

she was a cute little pup.

I've been on a couple other forums, but this is the one I stay at.
its no different than being at a cafe or pub and overhearing a joke, or story and its all in good fun. I left the others before I got kicked, I knew it would come

too funny either way though.

Originally Posted by sgt217

Ok, I thought somewhere you mentioned Duluth, I was mistaken, however wherever you are, if you have an interest you should contact the local jail and see, because female jailers are always in demand...

Thanks.

What's HSO?Give me a link.

Stan in SC

hotspot outdoors or fishingmn.com

Stan in Sc google fishing MN should come up rite away.. It's just a forum but covers all the topics kinda like this one.. But campfire is 100 times better... I go on there to check out icefishing reports.. About 75% are bs reports, and the rest kinda have to read thru the lines to get info.....

ND, to bad they cant take a joke.. Been on that site for years.The last couple not so much.. Get decent LOW reports from there but i know enough spots know were not on that site much more... Glad you helped Boar out he is a good guy and always gave sound advice on that site... Heading up to the angle a month from now, hope we do as good as we did last year!!!!!!!!

Be careful up there, stay on the marked trails please. When lake of the woods claims the lives of fishermen or snowmobilers is most often up at the angle. lots of bad ice up there so don't go blazing your own trail.

(I'm sure you know this)

That being said, it's beautiful up there. I'm due for a trip up there myself.

Where are you staying?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They said I was "crass" and offensive...

That is why we like you.

What is HSO

Fishingmn.com

I'm sure you've seen it before.

Oh, yep. Rooster Jim turned me onto that site. I don't go on it very often.

Ya got the boot eh? I got the boot from Walleye Central for using the name Heywood Jablome.

Someplaces it works, some it don't.

sensitivity training is in order for "da bote uv us."

I must be much less "crass" since I got released from the band trip a week earlier than ND.
I think there is a bit of unfair "profiling" going on in that site by picking on the more crass people.

White Bear

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sensitivity training is in order for "da bote uv us."

I had that last week.

I have more next week.

Hey White Bear, How's it goin' man?

I have a question for you. How do you like your 12v ice auger? How long does it last for you?

I used one last weekend it I wasn't real impressed, tho something might be f'd with the battery. I started with a 100% battery and drilled 8 holes. The batterey was then down to 20% capacity. Is that what you've been seeing?

It is my step dad's and it was the second time it was used. He drilled 2 holes before that, so not much of a test.

I made an extension cord to hook it directly to a vehicle or my battery bank in the house & that works very well. It still won't touch my gas auger for speed & power but it gets the job done without the smoke. If I leave the vehicle running it is even better as the voltage is around 15v.
It works well to poke a couple extra holes if someone shows up for a visit. (Can I talk like that here? I'm a little gunshy now.) I wouldn't depend on it with just the supplied battery & never leave home without my old Jiffy. Fastest drilling "stock" auger on the ice.

sounds like a gas auger race is in order white bear....

I would be game for that with my little husky
she's old but she sure aint slow!

I gladly accept your challenge. You didn't learn your lesson on Saturday evening?

Just to help even the odds a bit, I won't tune up the blade or put fresh gas in it for the races.

I totally understand why you use that electric. It would take a while to clear the fumes out of that house of yours after drilling 40 holes.

I also have NO intention of having a "shack" like yours so I'll be good to go with the gas auger.

btw...you won't get any flack from me for drilling a few extra holes.

Can't fault a guy for that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

sounds like a gas auger race is in order white bear....

I can see it ESPN Ocho now...

Dave, White Bear, Colorado, Uncle Dusty all entered in the "Hot Auger" competition. NW Division.

I'll be over at the bar judging the wet sweatshirt competition.

Yeah the 9-1/2' high ceiling takes a while to clear out. Most times after the holes are drilled in the house I'll fire up the old Jiffy & knock the bottom out of a few outside just to get it out of my system. It sure is fun to drill with!

Why not have a shack big enough for you, the family, & half of your friends to spend a few days fishing in? Kinda like deer camp on the ice!

I'm with you at the sweatshirt contest Tom. Someone else can run that auger for me. Priorities.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fishingmn.com

I'm sure you've seen it before.

here is another Mn fishing and hunting forum site,maybe you havent seen it.
http://mnoutdoorsman.com/forums/index.php
one of the moderators handle is faw kinnae

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Why not have a shack big enough for you, the family, & half of your friends to spend a few days fishing in? Kinda like deer camp on the ice!

We'll come up to yours.

Give me a few days notice to prepare & it's on! That is if you're into drinking beer, catching limits of fish, & cruising the lake in track sheenry.

[quote=White_Bear] That is if you're into drinking beer,
I can't believe you just wrote that.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Give me a few days notice to prepare & it's on! That is if you're into drinking beer, catching limits of fish, & cruising the lake in track sheenry.

Ooo Oooo pick ME! Pick ME!

I'm into ALL that stuff!

mmmm, sheenry...

I prolly opened up a can-o-worms there didn't I?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I prolly opened up a can-o-worms there didn't I?

Never used worms for ice fishin but I'll try anything once!

Hey, I dont have my own ice auger, but am always up to drilling a few holes, that is fer sure. I always say practice makes perfect.

About 857 pages ago Tzone was talking about a new boat and there was some discussion about walk through windshields. When I bought mine, I was pretty leery about it. Now, I will never own another boat without it. And yes, I fish muskies, big pike, walleyes, etc. Casting is not a problem....if your muskie bait is low enough to hit that windshield, I really dont wanna be in the boat with ya! And as far as walking around....it just hasnt been a problem...

[Linked Image]

Nice fish, but I don't need no stinkin' windshield, walk through or otherwise!

If it was 100% up to me, I'd get a tiller and be done with it. But it ain't 100% up to me. More like 10%

I got to test a new strike lite 4cylinder couple weeks ago.. Was okay speed wise, felt like it just needed a little more juice.. Was lighter then the gas augers which was nice.. For the price of the strike lite, i think i'll stick to a gasser...

ND staying at the angle outpost, then Rc Carlson taking us out.. Going up with 12 guys.. I think RC sold the guideing business to his son in law... I think his name is jason lives in warroad.. Great guy he put us on the fish... I hear you on safety up there currents everywhere up there. It will be awhile before i venture by myself up there, and not with a group of 12 guys...

Originally Posted by noduck

I got to test a new strike lite 4cylinder couple weeks ago.. Was okay speed wise, felt like it just needed a little more juice..

Man I hope you meant 4 stroke. No way we can compete in the "hot auger" events if you're running a 4 cyl.

Tzone, it all depends on if he has to lift it back out of the hole....if so, that 4 banger will be hard to get back out!

Brent, i agree no one NEEDS a windshield. But they sure are nice! Time and time and time again, we have said....look at those saps without a windshield getting all wet and cold.

on the farm we have an auger on the skid steer, that one has some torque to it! big holes too, like the kind you can spear out of!
doesn't work well for early ice though

Only thing we drill in to down here is dirt.

Stan in SC

A little something from NSSF that may well affect a lot of folks up that way.

Speak now or regret it later.

NSSF Urges All Hunters to Comment
on Proposed Firearm Hunting Ban

Forest Service Accepting Public Comment Until Friday, Feb. 11

NSSF is urging all hunters and sportsmen to submit comments to the U.S. Forest Service on a proposed firearm hunting ban for areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan. The proposed ban could pose a threat to firearm hunting on portions of federal lands across the nation. The Forest Service is accepting public comment on alternatives until Feb. 11.

Background: In September, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Forest Service's regulations required that it consider banning hunting with firearms on lands designated as "semi-primitive" within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The court felt the noise associated with firearm hunting could harm the quality of the recreational experience of hikers, backpackers, and cross country skiers. The court ruled that the Forest Service had to consider closing these areas to hunting with firearms if other public hunting land was available nearby. The U.S. Forest Service is therefore required to do a formal review to determine if it should move forward with a ban on firearms hunting ban on these areas.

Please submit comments to the Forest Service urging it to adopt the "No-Action" position, which would allow hunting with firearms in areas designated as semi-primitive to continue.

Sportsmen can fax comments to Lee Evison at 231-775-5551 or e-mail comments to [email protected].

Please include your name and address with your comments. E-mailed comments must include "Forest Plan SEIS" as the subject line of the e-mail. All comments must be received by Friday, Feb. 11.

You may also submit your comments via mail to:

Forest Planner
Huron-Manistee National Forests
1755 S. Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601

---------------------------

Visit NSSF's Government Relations site at nssf.org/GovRel.

White Bear, are you willing to rent your fish house out for next weekend? What do you charge? Jeremy and a couple buddies want to go up there next weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Man I hope you meant 4 storke. No way we can compete in the "hot auger" events if you're running a 4 cyl.

4 storks? Sounds... slender and powerful....

unless each one of em brings a baby, that might slow anyone down all at once like that

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Man I hope you meant 4 storke. No way we can compete in the "hot auger" events if you're running a 4 cyl.

4 storks? Sounds... slender and powerful....

It has little to do with how much twist or how hard you push. It's all in the tip & tecnique.

Tecnique smecknique, we'll see you on the ice mr jiffy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tecnique smecknique, we'll see you on the ice mr jiffy.

That was awful crass...

can we get a moderator in here please? this is getting out of control

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Man I hope you meant 4 storke. No way we can compete in the "hot auger" events if you're running a 4 cyl.

4 storks? Sounds... slender and powerful....

I fixed it you crass bastid.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

It has little to do with how much twist or how hard you push. It's all in the tip & tecnique.

It's all in the hips...not the tip.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's all in the hips...not the tip.

Sorry about that. I didn't know we were still talking about augers.

You are all banned!

Bass crastards!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by noduck

I got to test a new strike lite 4cylinder couple weeks ago.. Was okay speed wise, felt like it just needed a little more juice..

Man I hope you meant 4 stroke. No way we can compete in the "hot auger" events if you're running a 4 cyl.

I'm staying out of this one. Sure don't want to be banned for being crass.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I'm staying out of this one. Sure don't want to be banned for being crass.

Too late... now you too are one of us "Bass crastards!"

and turdlike to boot probably, its ok I am too

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

and turdlike to boot probably, its ok I am too

Holly Ch@t! I've finally been declared "turdlike". I'm going out and celebrate, but first I'd better sharpen my auger in case I get lucky.

How does one become "turdlike"?

I forget who said it, but it was a bunch of regulars around here who were declared turdlike because of their antics. now its become kind of a joke for anyone who has a sense of humor and thick skin, and expects others to as well. there's been so many jokes since it was actually coined, the true origin is foggy to me

So for lunch this guy in our office bets me I can't eat all the food on my plate when I order the special at "The Best Steakhouse." If I did, he'd buy my lunch and give me $10 bux to boot.

Dumb bet, really dumb bet.

Originally Posted by tzone

So for lunch this guy in our office bets me I can't eat all the food on my plate when I order the special at "The Best Steakhouse." If I did, he'd buy my lunch and give me $10 bux to boot.

Dumb bet, really dumb bet.

This could be quite a "moving" experience at a later time.

Originally Posted by tzone

So for lunch this guy in our office bets me I can't eat all the food on my plate when I order the special at "The Best Steakhouse." If I did, he'd buy my lunch and give me $10 bux to boot.

Dumb bet, really dumb bet.

Was it "loud Mike"?

Nope. He wasn't invited.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

This could be quite a "moving" experience at a later time.

Oh, it was trust me.

The two grease soaked pieces of Texas Toast would have covered that alone.

There was an EASY 18oz of steak, baked potato, salad, and two 1/4 lb pieces of Texas Toast.

I would be ready for a nap after all that

I work for you.....who says I didn't.

well undoubtedly Tzone took his regular nap at work after that meal.

You can use the extra $10 to pay off your open heart surgery!

I used it to buy a 12 pak of Leinie's on the way home.

even better!

now that is smooth, like Keith Stone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Kieth Stone

keith ,it is, keith

Indeed.

I spelled it right, look

I stand corrected

[Linked Image]

ok you did get me, I thought it looked funny but I never write keith, so I used the whole I before E rule

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I forget who said it, but it was a bunch of regulars around here who were declared turdlike because of their antics. now its become kind of a joke for anyone who has a sense of humor and thick skin, and expects others to as well. there's been so many jokes since it was actually coined, the true origin is foggy to me

At one time Ingwe was the King of the Turdlike folks. Haven't checked his tag line for awhile though.
In the mean time I'm still reveling in making it to Turdlike status.

Think I'll take in a gun show today.

let us know if you find any good deals

Hey Dave, I found a stray cat the other day. Is it yours?

Attached picture windowlicker.jpg

Lol! if you found a cat, any cat... You can be sure it aint mine. I do hate cats!

did you go fishin today? if so have any luck?

The wifey took me out for a date tonight. After a great dinner at Famous Dave's, we went to a Running Aces, a horse racing track, poker place. Neither of us has ever been there so we checked it out.

We got in and saw the comedian Louie Anderson was doing a show. We bought the last two tickets and watched a good comedy routine.

Funny stuff. ROR funny.

sounds like a pretty fun night!

did you win anything at the gambling joint?

We didn't do any gambling. The only money they got from us was for drinks a the tix. I'm not much of a gambler, and the wife's too cheap to do it.

I might be the only guy that went to Las Vegas and spent $50. Even so, it's one of my favorite vacation spots. We're going again in September.

Originally Posted by tzone

We didn't do any gambling. The only money they got from us was for drinks a the tix. I'm not much of a gambler, and the wife's too cheap to do it.

I might be the only guy that went to Las Vegas and spent $50. Even so, it's one of my favorite vacation spots. We're going again in September.

Lessee, she took you out to dinner,plied you with drinks and took you to s show. Methinks she had her way with you easily that nite!!

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Lessee, she took you out to dinner,plied you with drinks and took you to s show. Methinks she had her way with you easily that nite!!

I don't think it would be too hard for her to do that without dinner and drinks.

Time for a firewood run, heading to camp chickenbuck to raid the woodpile

We're taking the truck named "Carlos", me, Pam and the little guy (he's feeling much better today)

Maybe we'll snap a few pictures while we're out there.

Is Carlos the blue/yellow truck? Is it from Mexico?

the brown truck?

Gun show was pretty much a bust. Small and crowed. Lots of 7400's and 7600's, but all in 30-06. Did see 2 Mod 88's and a few 99's. Both of the 88's were in .308. They'd have to have been in .284 or .358 to get my attention.

Did see one good buy. It was a Browning BSS 12 gauge for under $700. Maybe it wouldn't go "bang". My 20 ga BSS goes for around $1,500.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did see 2 Mod 88's and a few 99's. Both of the 88's were in .308. They'd have to have been in .284 or .358 to get my attention.

MMmmm. I would have interest in either of those, no matter the cal.

The wife and kids are gone next weekend....I'll be on the "hunt".

51 degrees here today. Get out the sun tan lotion.

51? ! thats haff way to a hunnert!

Lucky bugger!

Ricky bobby has to figure out that he's not a "shoulder dog"

[Linked Image]

We saw about 7 deer total (alive!)

[Linked Image]

We hauled in more green logs than we took home in dry firewood, trying to make sure we keep the balance out there on the firewood pile.

[Linked Image]

Cabin is pretty awesome but it's lonely.

[Linked Image]

Pam bringing the little tractor around.

[Linked Image]

And that's all the pictures I've got.

It was an awesome way to spend the day, we got stuck a couple times but drove out way out.

What a nice break from bitter sub zero winter.

I had 49 on my truck a little bit ago so it had to be 50. It was beautiful today, sun shinning, snow melting, neighbor guy wants to buy my boat

, birds chirping.... great day to play outside.

Truthfully I hope it doesn't melt too fast so the folks that live in Rooster Jim's direction don't get flooded out.

Anybody going to the Duluth Boat Show?

Is it this coming weekend?

Got back from our snowmobile trip to Fortune Bay Casino in Tower this afternoon. There were 22 sleds so we had 2 different groups. One was going on a longer trip up north about 240 miles round trip, and the other was just going to put on about 120 miles or so.

Jeremy and I went on the long route (well it was supposed to be the long one). We got about 5 miles down the trail and Jeremy's engine locked up. His buddy Ben pulled him back to the casino. I guess it was pretty funny because Ben has a 2 1/2 inch lug track on his sled and I guess Jeremy had quite a bit of snow thrown in his face. Then 2 miles after that another sled broke a chain. So 2 down and we had not even put on 10 miles yet. One of the other guys had a major anti-freeze leak. He went through everyones water, thankgoodness we make it to Cook so he could get anti-freeze. Another sled had to change plugs. So needless to say we didn't get to make the whole trip. We put on only 116 miles. The group that was going on the shorter run put on 122 miles.

It was a fun time had by all. Jeremy and Ben spent the whole day in the bar. I guess they even seen a couple shift changes with the bartenders.

Dave, did you get the Red Ford put back together yet?

There's a sports show up in Wausau next weekend and the Madison Fishing Expo starts on the 26th.

Hey Bill,

Track down Pete if you're going to the Wausau sport show. He's taking Jack to it. Betsy and the kids will be there for the weekend.

Red truck is supposed to go to the body shop tomorrow.

fixin the big crater in it? man the first time I saw that hole I cringed, with the nice weather comin and the truck getting fixed, its lookin to shape up for a right nice week! I may try to get some crappies to bite.

Big gun show in Greenville,SC yesterday.I sold a lever action 30-30,bought a lever action .44 magnum,sold the .44 magnum within 2 rows for a profit.Ran across a dealer buddy who sold me a complete AR lower for $90 so I went down the row to another dealer buddy and had him fit a brand new upper to the lower.Came out of the show with a brand new AR which I have been wanting for awhile.Coyotes beware!!!

Stan in SC

wow i never have that kinda luck! course our gunshows up here are pretty small for the most part. good work! post pics!

Cool Stan.

I've been wanting an AR too. I don't have a big use for one, but that's never stopped me before.

Well I'm off to my temp job. So far it is only today through Thursday. Didn't find out about it till Friday afternoon.

good luck! too bad the weather has to be all nice and warm while you have to work. but I'll go enjoy it for you

Good luck, Missy. Maybe it turn into a permanant one. That is what happened in my last job in WI.

I'll keep an eye out for them. Jack should be easy to spot. He'll be the only 5 year old carrying cuffs and a Taser.

Sounds like you did well Stan. The AR's just don't interest me all that much. Guess I saw to many of them in Nam.

Loud Mike strikes again.

No schit... He just stuck a butter knife in an outlet on the wall to see if there is power going to it. I heard the sizzle and asked him what he's doing. "nuttin' I just wanted to see if there's power to this outlet."

There is black marks up the wall for 2 feet.

He needs a helmet.

ask him if he lost his wallet

I offered him Dave's suggestion of using two knives next time and it wasn't met with the humor I thouht it should be.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ask him if he lost his wallet

We're on the same page....

I asked him if he was looking for his wallet in there. He calle me a [bleep] stick. He was the one holding the blackend butter knife.

Hahaha im at school and looked this up and its not blocked.

atta boy nate! I was wonderin how you were playin hookie or somethin

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Hahaha im at school and looked this up and its not blocked.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Hahaha im at school and looked this up and its not blocked.

Classic!

I'm guessin MA will be posting again soon...

Originally Posted by Muffy

We got about 5 miles down the trail and Jeremy's engine locked up. His buddy Ben pulled him back to the casino. Then 2 miles after that another sled broke a chain. So 2 down and we had not even put on 10 miles yet. One of the other guys had a major anti-freeze leak. He went through everyones water, thankgoodness we make it to Cook so he could get anti-freeze. Another sled had to change plugs.

And that is why I have zero regrets of selling my sleds for a good four wheeler last winter.

Patch those sleds together and come up for a weekend ride at the cabin.

I'm hoping to have our snow junkers cobbled together for the weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Truthfully I hope it doesn't melt too fast so the folks that live in Rooster Jim's direction don't get flooded out.

If we could get warm like this and then cold to slow the thaw it would help tremendously. Warm, Cold, Repeat.

I personally don't have to worry about the flooding from a home stand point but it sure makes the work commute suck when it necks down a hundred passages across the Red River into one or two. But everytime I get frustrated, I just think of the people who are fighting to save their homes and think it could be worse. I have helped sandbag plenty and it is NOT fun.

have to agree the commute does slow down, in 2009 it took my wife over 4 hours to get home one night, she tried to use the main ave. bridge, and the sandbags make you find muscles you didn't remember you had.

Well I made it through my first day of temp work. It was actually pretty fun. Maybe it will become permanent. There were 2 other temps there today and the one guy was pretty weird and the gal did nothing but complain how it was such hard work. I had to do all I could not to laugh. I mean she was sitting there putting stickers on plastic containers, come on.

Those are the people you WANT to be working next to. It will make you look that much better. not that you need that, cuz you don't.

Thanks!

Glad you had a good day. I continue with my one step forward one step back program. I busted the starter on the brown pickup named carlos yesterday. The tailshaft housing that carries the drive gear end of the shaft busted. (never seen that before)

Luckily I had an old 460 & C6 laying on a pallet outside the shop, had to dig in the snow but I robbed the starter off that 460 & Carlos is back in action.

It was during the starter scavanging that I noticed my shop chimney is busted over at a 45 degree angle from snow slifing off the shop roof

The plow truck waits it's turn for repair.

Plus 2 broken snowmobiles and now a chimney....

can't catch up.

Sigh........sigh...........Heavy sigh.

Man, you have a stretch of bad luck eh? Sorry dude.

wow dave, that really sucks. reminds me I need to get up on my roof and scrape the ice off. I bet I have 6" of ice up there below all the snow, not good

Things'll look up. Hey

Hey.... Is that really you?

How ya been?

The one and only. My son came up with type 1 diabetes last week. So, we're transitioning into that. We're tougher than diabetes. So other wise we're great.

I'm not sure which types are which, but I do know that if you take care of it properly, things will work well.

Medical tecnology has come leaps and bounds, even in the last 5-10 years.

I don't have it, but many in my family do, including my dad.

Glad to see you back posting. Don't be a stranger.

Sorry, gone all day...Yes the Duluth Sports Show runs Wed through Sunday...I might try to make it up there either Wed or Sat night..

Hey Forester, first off I'd like to show my confidence in your son along with your support/leadership. You 2 have taken on some amazing challenges and always come out on top, this will be no different.

And secondly, welcome back man!

Not good Dave. Looks like you'll be spending more time with your tool box than the family.

having seen all the fix er up pics from, I bet they'll jump right in and help.

Thank you Dave. We've covered a lot of territory. Here's arriving on Lake Winnipeg after 550 miles:

[Linked Image]

Two legs left to go and we've ripped this continent in half. In June we go the rest of the way down the Mississippi. 700 miles down and 1500 to go.

Then, Winnipeg to Hudson Bay. Haven't decided when or what route, but that'll be a challenge.

Diabetes might be the least of the challenges.

4

Dave, why did you get put in the hole? Was it because of the 60" extension debakel? I was out of town when it happened, glad to see you posting over there again.

Hell of a trip. I don't diabetes is going to slow you or him down. Just a bump in the road, that's all.

Quote

Diabetes might be the least of the challenges.

It would certainly seem that way.

4, how was your deer season?

I was sort of waiting for that one.

Mine, B&C net 139:

[Linked Image]

And his, B&C net 147:

[Linked Image]

Mama's not happy with the taxidermy bills.

4

Very nice Deer!

Beautiful buck! Freaking fantastic really!!!

I saw you avatar and was wondering.

Agreed, deer year of a lifetime, father and son. Very cool.

Well guys, I should have known better than to assume the plow truck was broken.

I split the knuckle on the suspect end of the front axle, pulled the axle, inspected.... and then it came to me, after finding nothing wrong but noticing a little bit of water in that hub.

The lockout was iced up, that's all.

No bad joint, no broken axle, no shattered spiders... Nuthin, there wasn't a damn thing wrong with that truck other than a trace of water inside that hub.

So, I learned how to work on closed knuckle dana 44 axles and I repacked the bearings on that side.

I was so foolish for doubting the ford.

I even noticed that the axle end joint was a Spicer brand universal joint..... which makes me wonder if it could be the original joint???

What I'm trying to say is....

I TORE THE DAMN TRUCK APART FOR NUTHIN!!!!!

laughing!!

I have to pick up a few bottles of gear oil. One to fill those axle knuckels and I might as well fill all the gear boxes while I'm at it. transfer case, axles... hmm, might want lighter oil for the transmission?

I better not be too nice to the old truck though, don't want to spoil her.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What I'm trying to say is....

I TORE THE DAMN TRUCK APART FOR NUTHIN!!!!!

laughing!!

well at least the bearings got serviced....

I dont know, if old trucks are like old men, you don't want them in the hospital/repair shop for anything other than to fix what is broken. When you try to fix what isn't broken, it kills them. I say treat it like a sore "unit" and don't "mess" with it.

(Doing my best to keep it clean and avoid the "bleep")

could be.over 500/000

Originally Posted by northern_dave

well at least the bearings got serviced....

good to go for another 400K miles.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was so foolish for doubting the ford.

Yes, yes you were.

I went out today to start my old tired 98 Expedition and it turned over about 1 time and locked!

I tried and tried to start it but it wouldnt budge (I havent started it in about 10 days and I think oil is slowly dripping in the cylinders) anyway I think I got a hydrolic lock.....

I got underneath it and reversed the engine about 2 times and got back in and tried to start it again, this time it started but smoked like a steam engine.

I think at almost 200K its getting a little tired.

Maybe I should start it more often so this dont happen again.

10 days or 10 yrs? Either way should be yood

10 days.

Have you ever heard of this happening before?

Was it a hydro lock situation ?

Did you check the oil for fuel?

With 200k on the engine it should be so clapped out that the starter should spin it like the spark plugs are missing. lol!

No oil in the fuel, I do know that it goes through about 2 quarts of oil per 3k miles and think its going out the exhaust cause there is no oil leaks under my vehicle.

The antifreeze is nice and green the oil looks normal but every once in a while at startup it smokes.....especially if I dont drive it for a while.

And yes I think it was a hydro-lock situation

drinking oil past the valve stem seals I suppose?

Thats my guess.

I aint putting too much money in the thing, it has been a very good vehicle and in reality since I owned it I probably put less than $500 into repairs in it.

I guess I will drive her till she dies than get a different one or replace the motor.....I can do that.

Wonder if i could shoehorn in a double overhead cam 4.6L?

Originally Posted by Tom264

Wonder if i could shoehorn in a double overhead cam 4.6L?

Stick the new Boss 302 in it.

Actually I have been watching Mike Rowes durability tests on the new 3.7 Ecoboost...wow.

Me too. Impressive.

Some day....

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

could be.over 500/000

By the way, nice welding on the lower kingpin ear on that axle housing.

Someday you'll have to tell me the story of how you managed to break it in the first place.

They have my attention with that one too. By the time I'm ready in a few years to buy a new rig, I'm hoping they have the bugs worked out.

With the luck I'm having with my Tundra, it's going to be a hard sell to go a different route though.

Tom with the good things you keep sayin about the tundra, I think I might have to get me one once I get back workin, especially if I'm stayin up here, which I kinda hope I am. I hate the cold but once a Minnesotan always a Minnesotan I guess

Well, remember what I said about making sure you aren't too nice to your old fords?

Well I crawled under the old plow truck with some 80-90 weight oil and a grease gun. Filled the differntials, the front axle knuckles, transfer case, transmission, rear diff. Then started greasing.

I discovered a bad u joint on the transfer case input. So I replaced it.

Then I went to start the truck to back it out of the garage... click-click...

Well I knew the starter had been hanging up on the flywheel & not kicking back, acting up pretty terrible actually. Well it just plain died right there tonight.

So, I pulled that damn thing off and tore it apart. Ouch! Starter drive linkage busted and the drive gear looked pretty bad. Plus the whole thing was just full of dirt.

Well I robbed guts out of the starter that busted on the 77 half ton earlier this week and junk yarded a starter together. I decided to replace the cable from the solenoid to the starter too.... which lead to a broken solenoid

I had an extra out on the blue donor truck...

Good news is the starter is awesome, hasn't cranked like that for a couple of years.

Bad news is while I was goofing around under the hood I noticed that the water pump is on it's way out. Pump shaft is very loose, I'm sure it's been leaking antifreeze.

Oh and the snowmobile with what I thought was a broken chain, well the chain is fine, it turns out the upper drive housing bearing is gone. I'm afraid it's so bad that the housing is shot.

It never ends.

Toyota made it an easy decision when I bought this one Ryan. I bought it used, but it was what Toyota calls a "Toyota Certified" vehicle. It has a powertrain warranty to 100K miles. Even major seals in the powertrain are covered.

There are fancier trucks out there than mine, but man I like this one from a reliabilty standpoint. It has 77K on it, this has been the time where I've had to start sinking money into all the newer trucks I've ever had. We'll see what happens here I guess.

The service I've had from them has been top notch as well. I wanted to get my tranny fluid changed because I tow a fair amount and the dealer said it's covered to 100K miles no matter what so he recommended wainting until it's time.

I'll tell you in the next 30K miles or so how I feel about it. At this point there has been a grand total of $0 in non-maintenance costs.

I also forgot to add that the Certified cars and trucks get a full service before going on the lot, a clear Car Fax report, new brakes and tires, and the 100K warranty, on top of the existing factory warranty. It's nearly better than a brand new one.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It never ends.

Man your run of sucky luck is still going. It will get better, you know that. But sometimes it sure don't seem like it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, remember what I said about making sure you aren't too nice to your old fords?

Well I crawled under the old plow truck with some 80-90 weight oil and a grease gun. Filled the differntials, the front axle knuckles, transfer case, transmission, rear diff. Then started greasing.

I discovered a bad u joint on the transfer case input. So I replaced it.

Then I went to start the truck to back it out of the garage... click-click...

Well I knew the starter had been hanging up on the flywheel & not kicking back, acting up pretty terrible actually. Well it just plain died right there tonight.

So, I pulled that damn thing off and tore it apart. Ouch! Starter drive linkage busted and the drive gear looked pretty bad. Plus the whole thing was just full of dirt.

Well I robbed guts out of the starter that busted on the 77 half ton earlier this week and junk yarded a starter together. I decided to replace the cable from the solenoid to the starter too.... which lead to a broken solenoid

I had an extra out on the blue donor truck...

Good news is the starter is awesome, hasn't cranked like that for a couple of years.

Bad news is while I was goofing around under the hood I noticed that the water pump is on it's way out. Pump shaft is very loose, I'm sure it's been leaking antifreeze.

Oh and the snowmobile with what I thought was a broken chain, well the chain is fine, it turns out the upper drive housing bearing is gone. I'm afraid it's so bad that the housing is shot.

It never ends.

yikes! aint that the way it goes, look at the bright side when you're done you'll have fixed everything on them there machines and won't have to worry about em for another 30 years

How much is a new starter these days? Shoot, you need 3 of em.

It does never end as it seems in our house for the past 2 months....seriously.

Thinking of having a BIG junk sale pretty soon...even the plow truck, no offense Uncle Dusty. But today the junk will have to wait because..........

PWM is 7 today!!!!!!!!! Yep the creator, visionaire of the "Chickenbuck, swamp squids, flying bears, etc", our baby. Hope YOUR day is exciting and fun filled as every birthday should be.

Happy birthday little buddy!!!!

[Linked Image]

A very sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the inventor of the Chickenbuck.

Stan in SC

happy birthday little BUDDY.

Happy Birthday PWM! Have a great day.

PS. Dad should let you drive the Tucker!

Very foggy here this morning. Most of the schools are on a 2 hour delay.

Happy Birthday Joe!
You're prolly getting too old to hold a conversation on my level anymore.

Soooo.... Are Mr. & Mrs. ND gonna help out with that matter?

Gonna have to make your own babies White bear, this old guy is wore out, no good for baby chasing any more.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

PWM is 7 today!!!!!!!!! Hope YOUR day is exciting and fun filled as every birthday should be.

Hey! Happy Birthday PWM! Have a fun day today, it's your day. Gettin' big quick.

You'd think from the land of cheese,home of the super bowl champions, you'd be tougher than having to close school because of FOG. Jeezsh, wimps I tell ya.

We have fog here to, thick too, but heck our kids are tough, they have school.

"back in our day we had to walk to school both ways in the fog..."

Then skonies wouldn't want the school busses getting stuck in that heavy fog... lol!

Might have to chain up to get through the really heavy stuff.

Don't you guys have fog plows for sittuations like this?

lol!!!

Happy Birthday PWM!

pwm's birthday it going to be fun and i get to get out of school early to help

Happy Birthday PWM!

Enjoy it to the fullest!

Happy Birthday PWM, spank him good Nate....

Now that just don't sound right.

HAPPY BERFDAY JOEY!!

Enjoy being 7. I was 7 in 1977 and still to this day think that was by far the best year of my life.

Awww 7....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

HAPPY BERFDAY JOEY!!

Enjoy being 7. I was 7 in 1977 and still to this day think that was by far the best year of my life.

Ha.... I was 0.

I was thinking the same thing rooster. I was also 7 in 77, and it was awesome.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

HAPPY BERFDAY JOEY!!

Enjoy being 7. I was 7 in 1977 and still to this day think that was by far the best year of my life.

Ha.... I was 0.

Too easy T. I'm not even going there!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

HAPPY BERFDAY JOEY!!

Enjoy being 7. I was 7 in 1977 and still to this day think that was by far the best year of my life.

Ha.... I was 0.

Bunch of youngsters!!

Yeah, I graduated High School in '77. You pups make me feel old, and I ain't likin' it much..........

I was born in the 70's just caught it by 4 months

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was thinking the same thing rooster. I was also 7 in 77, and it was awesome.

Me too.

Happy Birthday PWM

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was thinking the same thing rooster. I was also 7 in 77, and it was awesome.

When I was that age it was writen VII.

Originally Posted by tzone

You'd think from the land of cheese,home of the super bowl champions, you'd be tougher than having to close school because of FOG. Jeezsh, wimps I tell ya.

We have fog here to, thick too, but heck our kids are tough, they have school.

"back in our day we had to walk to school both ways in the fog..."

They'll use any excuse here to sleep in an extra couple of hours. Works for me.

You're retired, you don't need no stinkin' excuses.

Happy B-day "Preacher Joe!"

I think it's about time for northern_Dad to start lookin' for a Grumman Sportboat to jazz up for ya. Summer's comin'! (so they say)

oh, I was 6 in 77

Originally Posted by tzone

You're tired, you don't need no stinkin' excuses.

Fixed it for you "T".

I got married the first time on 7-7-77. Damn I shoulda been smarter than that......

Happy Birthday Joe Dog, from me and Jeremy!!!!

It has been super crazy here this week. I've been working at Kenny's candy temporarily this week, plus cleaning on Tuesday and Thursday. The gal at the Work Connection called me today to see how my temp job is going. I told her I really like it. She said "good, because they really like you and want you to work next week too". I'm hoping this will turn into a permanent job. I guess we'll see what happens.

Thats good news!!

Yeah, that made me feel pretty good to get a call like that. At least I have my foot in the door if they do hire full time.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy birthday little buddy!!!!

[Linked Image]

Happy Berfday PWM!!!!

Great new Muffy!

What do you do? Packaging?

Great News,Muffy.
Incidentally people I was 7 in...drum roll...sound of creaky door opening...1948.

Stan in SC

That's not so bad...:D two years older than my dad.

Great news Muffy.

Originally Posted by Muffy

It has been super crazy here this week. I've been working at Kenny's candy temporarily this week, plus cleaning on Tuesday and Thursday. The gal at the Work Connection called me today to see how my temp job is going. I told her I really like it. She said "good, because they really like you and want you to work next week too". I'm hoping this will turn into a permanent job. I guess we'll see what happens.

Thats awesome Muffster!

Full time job there = Endless supply of bear bait!

heck yeah!

thats awesome news Missy! I got a call from PF yesterday about a farm bill biologist job in NW Iowa, so I have 2 interviews next week, I'm hoping to join you in being gainfully employed!

Sweet!

If ya need a place to stop for dinner, leeme know.

the Iowa one will be done over the phone, I was just down there a few weeks ago for a different job, but with some of the same people giving the interview. and I have my boy this week so I'm staying local.

ATTABOY Ryan! Wahoo! I got my fingy's crossed.

Oh, and I might as well join in on the long list.....I was 7 in 77 too!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ATTABOY Ryan! Wahoo! I got my fingy's crossed.

Just don't try to help him this time.

That's great Ryan, good luck.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Muffy

It has been super crazy here this week. I've been working at Kenny's candy temporarily this week, plus cleaning on Tuesday and Thursday. The gal at the Work Connection called me today to see how my temp job is going. I told her I really like it. She said "good, because they really like you and want you to work next week too". I'm hoping this will turn into a permanent job. I guess we'll see what happens.

Thats awesome Muffster!

Full time job there = Endless supply of bear bait!

That's for sure.

I don't like licorice but I had some right off the line and it was pretty darn good.

i was 7 in 1951.

I was 7 in 1980.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the Iowa one will be done over the phone, I was just down there a few weeks ago for a different job, but with some of the same people giving the interview. and I have my boy this week so I'm staying local.

That is a really good sign if they called you and some of the same people have already interviewed you! Good Luck Ryan!

Originally Posted by Muffy

I don't like licorice but I had some right off the line and it was pretty darn good.
quote]

Wait a minute... You work at a licorice plant. Holy crap! I loooooooooooooooovvvve licorice!

Oh yeah...I was 7 in 1984.

I was 7 in 1986

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Thats awesome Muffster!

Full time job there = Endless supply of bear bait!

That's for sure.

I don't like licorice but I had some right off the line and it was pretty darn good.

Fresh licorice...Yum!! No flavor right?

I was 7.....

once.

Wait a minute... You work at a licorice plant. Holy crap! I loooooooooooooooovvvve licorice! [/quote]

I was 7 in '64....

Ya know 7 was a great age. If I could do one over that would be a good choice and soooooooo much FUN!!!!

There is a great perk for working there. I brought home fresh blue raspberry, green apple, and grape licorice. Pretty good price too, 7 lbs for $3.50.

Originally Posted by muffarooski

Pretty good price too, 7 lbs for $3.50.

I'm sending you a check for $350.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Thats awesome Muffster!

Full time job there = Endless supply of bear bait!

Speakin of that...when do we need to apply? Should there be Chickenbuck bear hunt? I've never shot one, or even hunted for them. I have a sudden urge to poke a .338 caliber hole in one now that I have a .338 WM.

Hey, did I tell you guys I have a .338 WM? Hey guys, I have a .338 WM.

I've been on a bit of a streak. I also got a great .308 Win that most of you knew about. I bought it from Redneck a couple months ago but picked it up a couple weeks ago.

I also had enough Gander Mt. gift cards saved up from birthdays, fathers day, and Christmas that I got a Browning Buckmark .22lr pistol for nuttin'. Can't beat that.

I want a revlover of some sort too, so now I'm saving my penny's for that. If I got it today, it would be a stainless Ruger Single Six.

I was 7 in 1955

Ryan and Muffy good luck on the jobs

What do you guys think of this?

I was thinking of planting trees in rembrance of my neiece and nephew. It might sound corny to some, but that is what I want to do.

It is something that will last longer than me, grow big, beautiful and strong, like kids were supposed to. Kaylee was so happy and colorful, full of life....was thinking of a maple of sorts for the both of them.

What say the crew?

TZONE weold you pleas plant one for my son to thake you

tzone, that is a terrific memorial for those to little kids. DO IT!!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

TZONE weold you pleas plant one for my son to thake you

I can find some room for him to Dusty.

Hey Big D... I think we should go fishing.

thanks.

Originally Posted by tzone

What do you guys think of this?

I was thinking of planting trees in rembrance of my neiece and nephew. It might sound corny to some, but that is what I want to do.

It is something that will last longer than me, grow big, beautiful and strong, like kids were supposed to. Kaylee was so happy and colorful, full of life....was thinking of a maple of sorts for the both of them.

What say the crew?

I think that is a wonderful idea. Our friends planted one this summer in rememberance of their son.

Originally Posted by tzone

What do you guys think of this?

I was thinking of planting trees in rembrance of my neiece and nephew. It might sound corny to some, but that is what I want to do.

It is something that will last longer than me, grow big, beautiful and strong, like kids were supposed to. Kaylee was so happy and colorful, full of life....was thinking of a maple of sorts for the both of them.

What say the crew?

Tom-That's a great idea. We have planted trees for each of our kids in our yard. What a great memorial to your loved ones. I can't think of a better way to remember them. It's a very personal, loving tribute, and from a selfish standpoint, one that others don't really need to know about, or wonder about. Headstones are nice, but a private, personal memorial is a great way to keep them in your lives. Do it man.

Very good idea...

Man I'm not putting headstones there. I think about them everyday already as it is...

How was your shooting expadition last week?

Plow truck sports a new water pump, all gear housings are up on oil, all joints greased, starter repaired from 2 broken starters... Weezy and I are thinking about going to the forest on a snow smashing mission.

sounds fun! drifts might be pretty hard though!

It's more of a crust than drifts.

So Dave texted that the 4wd went out on old Yeller. The boys and I headed out there with some allen wrenches to help. Now we are waiting for Dave to get back where we are stuck with the tractor. Yeller was blocking the road so Dave was trying to cut the corner to get back to the cabin to retreive Taylor and Ricky Bobby when we got buried. Guess no fishing tomorrow...back to get Yeller home. Really God, I think you could give us a break anytime now.

Originally Posted by tzone

Man I'm not putting headstones there. I think about them everyday already as it is...

How was your shooting expadition last week?

both the young 'uns crapped out on me. Maybe next weekend.

Dave and the family could use some good luck right about now.

I would say so. What the heck is happening over there?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dave and the family could use some good luck right about now.

Yeah, it seems the curse of the Northwoods has hit them pretty hard lately.

Originally Posted by tzone

Oh yeah...I was 7 in 1984.

1950 for me. Good luck with the interview Ryan.

My SIL will be joining the ranks of the unemployed at the end of this week.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by muffarooski

Pretty good price too, 7 lbs for $3.50.

I'm sending you a check for $350.

You belong in LA (licoriceholics Anonymis).

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dave and the family could use some good luck right about now.

Time for Dave to get rid of all things mechanical and get a horse. Think we need to send Dave and Pam some horseshoes for good luck!

Tom, the trees are a great idea.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by muffarooski

Pretty good price too, 7 lbs for $3.50.

I'm sending you a check for $350.

I didn't even notice this till right now. muffarooski

Dave and Pam. If it is a transfer case and/or front diff problem on the plow truck, I have free goodies for you... A LOT of em. You can have them fer nuttin'.

Let me know

Well the good news is that everything I've fixed on that truck so far is awesome.

And that's all for good news.

Something's broke in the front diff. Probably spider gears, I don't know. But what I do know is a plow truck is no good in 2WD.

So, Weezy and I along with ricky bob the puppy walk about 3/4 mile, hard walking on crusted deep snow back to the cabin. Temp inside the cabin was zero. We lit the wood stove, I grabbed some tools and a propane torch, and the camp shotgun and headed back out to the truck in the dark (past all the timberwolf tracks & yellow snow signposts).

My thoughts were that the lockouts could be frozen so I put some heat to the hubs. No good, hubs were engaged, front driveshaft spinning, it was all getting lost in the front diff somewhere.

Well Pam and the boys come up the trail about then. Trail is narrow and crappy, impossible to turn around on and the plow truck is blocking the trail. So, I tried blasting a bipass trail around the plow truck so we could get in to the cabin to pick up weezy and get turned around & head back out.

Well I socked it into 2 feet of hard crusted snow very securely.

So, once again I take off walking, this time the tractor back at the cabin is our last hope. If I can get it started I'll use the loader to dig a bipass lane around the plow truck.

It started, I let it warm up while I went inside the cabin to check on weezy & the pup. Temp inside the cabin was now 40 and the first load of firewood was about used up. So I reloaded the stove, had a beer while the tractor warmed up, then headed back out into the cold.

I got on the tractor and pulled the 3 point lever to lift the heavy box blade off the ground, then I grabbed the loader controls & pulled back to lift the bucket off the ground.

Nothing happened.

Hydraulics were froze. I had a running tractor that couldn't move because it had a grounded loader and box blade.

Yes I rocked it forward and back to break the loader and box blade from the ground, but the hydraulics were froze, no lift at all.

Well by now it's been a while and I know Pam and the boys sitting back in the truck 3/4 mile away through the woods are starting to get worried.

So I decide to shed the little tractor of the box blade and loader by myself without hydraulics basically as fast as I can.

The box blade, I had to un-pin and flip the box blade out of the way. It weighs 600 pounds....

So with the box blade flipped out of the way I can go backwards and let the loader bucket drag. Not very well but it went just barely. Typically you detach the loader with the assistance of the hydraulics, my plan was to back it under the meat pole and use a pulley and a rope

Loader has to weigh 800lbs..

Yeah well, I got off there and drove the tractor out to the burried truck and pulled it out after about 20 hard pulls with a strap.

Then I packed a bipass lane past the plow truck and we snuck the red truck through. We got back in to the cabin, got everybody loaded up, put the tractor away and headed home. Got home after 11PM.

Thinking about a recon mission to drag a 2WD plow truck through a 1/2 mile of crusted snow trail.

How is everybody elses weekend going?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

How is everybody elses weekend going?

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

I'm glad you have a good attitude about stuff. This schit wouldda broke a lesser man. Let me know if you need me to dig for parts.

I'll wave my magic wand to send some good juju to the north west.

I went to a gunshow yesterday, big disappointment but oh well it was something to do. ran into a friend of mine there and his wife, so they came over for some chili and sauger, it was delicious! we watched a little tv, then the guys went to the man cave and reloaded some ammo. poured a cocktail and chit chatted most of the evening, after they left I threw in a movie and fell asleep on the couch right at the end of it. today I'm heading to the farm to pick up some pork and beef, then swing by the ex's and pick up my little man, I'm hoping we don't get hit with the stuff down south/west of us.

sorry to hear about your luck Dave, least the red truck is fixed now right?

You gotta love them old Fords.If you dont,you dont own any.

Relly, I had a great day yesterday. Well, it's great until ma gets home, then I'm dead.

Saturday was good here. Went to a sport show up in Wausau (First year for it). Great show. Lots of boats and fishing equipment to check out. Did buy another Elk River Custom rod at the show. They were discounted $50 and I just couldn't walk away from a deal like that.

The long awaited snow storm just started. Was supposed to have hit us around 8:00 AM. Original forecast has us in the 8" to 12" plus range. Good thing we lost a bunch of snow last week. Now I have a place to put it.

Plow truck recon.

If you see a mushroom cloud to the north, it's not an A-bomb, it's just me finally losing my temper.

Originally Posted by tzone

What do you guys think of this?

I was thinking of planting trees in rembrance of my neiece and nephew. It might sound corny to some, but that is what I want to do.

It is something that will last longer than me, grow big, beautiful and strong, like kids were supposed to. Kaylee was so happy and colorful, full of life....was thinking of a maple of sorts for the both of them.

What say the crew?

Autumn Blaze Maples would be fitting T. They are beautiful trees.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Plow truck recon.

If you see a mushroom cloud to the north, it's not an A-bomb, it's just me finally losing my temper.

Wish I was closer Dave. It would be fun to come and help with that.

Really!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Autumn Blaze Maples would be fitting T. They are beautiful trees.

It's not hard to see why the chickenbuck crew gets along so well. that is what we talked about Rooster. I planted some at my house in WI and the are beautiful in the fall, and they are a great, hearty tree, growing tall and strong.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saturday was good here. Went to a sport show up in Wausau (First year for it). Great show. Lots of boats and fishing equipment to check out. Did buy another Elk River Custom rod at the show. They were discounted $50 and I just couldn't walk away from a deal like that.

I picked up a 2 piece 8' St. Croix for slip bobber rigs. It is a new walleye series that came out. St. Croix Eyecon. I should have bought a few, there was a line at Cabela's to get them, not kidding either.

Jeez, Dave if not for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all these days. Hang in there, buddy! You want some of us Minnesota boys to come up and give you a hand one of these days? I'm always looking for a good excuse for a road trip.

Nice day today< really> the ole plow truck didn't fight us and nothing else did either. truck is home now. I'm sure now it's busted spiders after trying 4 wheel drive rolling.

I've got half a mind to spool it full posi all the way around.

Dave...we need some ice house fishing stories/pics...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got half a mind to spool it full posi all the way around.

That would be one pullin SOB!

I was just going to txt you that I haven't seen a mushroom cloud yet.

Originally Posted by ingwe

Dave...we need some ice house fishing stories/pics...

You and me both bro.

I would even like to see pics of fish frying, and I don't like fish....

Originally Posted by ingwe

and I don't like fish....

I aint buying it.

Here's a BWCA bass mix frying to hold you over. I can't fry walleye without cracking into the freezer right now

And some panfish skin on & scaled frying.

[Linked Image]

Dang that makes me hungry! The wife made meatloaf tonite so needless to say I have not had supper!

OK..I would make an exception for those bluegills.....

I love me some meatloaf.

those bluegill's look dang good too.

Meatloaf is one of my mostest favorite foods.It is REALLY good the next day heated up on a toasted bread sammich with ketchup.Recently a customer at the shop brought me some ground elk and the amazing Mz. Linda made me a meatloaf from it and man it was GOOD.

Stan in SC

P.S. If anyone needs a 45/70 Handi rifle,I have one for sale in the classifieds.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got half a mind to spool it full posi all the way around.

That would be one pullin SOB!

We had an old Scout with Posi front and rear. That darned thing would just about climb a telephone pole!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice day today< really> the ole plow truck didn't fight us and nothing else did either. truck is home now. I'm sure now it's busted spiders after trying 4 wheel drive rolling.

I've got half a mind to spool it full posi all the way around.

How about ARB air lockers all the way around? Course you could most likely buy a new truck for what they'll cost.

Sure hope the snow missed you up there. We picked up 10.8" last night. The 30 MPH winds didn't help either. Being without the plow truck could be a real problem. Spent 1.5 hours this AM with the Toro clearing out the driveway and a couple of neighbors. We're supposed to get another inch or two today.

Same here Bill. I took two runs at the drive way with the snow blower. One last night at about 9, then just finished with the other.

Hard to say what we got because of the wind, but I'd say 8-10. Much heavier to the south down by gophergunner.

Ch#t, it's snowing again. wind is blowing it horizontal.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Plow truck recon.

If you see a mushroom cloud to the north, it's not an A-bomb, it's just me finally losing my temper.

haha

My atv with the plow wont stay going.. Had to do the driveway the old fashion way used a shovel.. I dont know how much lakeville got but my arms are jello....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Meatloaf is one of my mostest favorite foods.It is REALLY good the next day heated up on a toasted bread sammich with ketchup.

You got that right Stan!

I'm not sure that its so much the taste of meatloaf that I don't care for as it is the texture. All I know is that it makes me gag.

I musta rubbed against Dave somewhere....

We had our Pheasants Forever Banquet this weekend. I bought the raffle tickets and won nothing. The wife won a Tastefully Simple gift pack and the little girl....she won a Ruger 10/22! Man, was she excited. Much better than if I won it! We had a good turnout and a lot of fun was had.

about a foot here and still snowing a little.

Got my wood duck back from the taxidermist and I cant keep my eyes off of it. i really like it, he did a fantastic job.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I musta rubbed against Dave somewhere....

We had our Pheasants Forever Banquet this weekend. I bought the raffle tickets and won nothing. The wife won a Tastefully Simple gift pack and the little girl....she won a Ruger 10/22! Man, was she excited. Much better than if I won it! We had a good turnout and a lot of fun was had.

about a foot here and still snowing a little.

Got my wood duck back from the taxidermist and I cant keep my eyes off of it. i really like it, he did a fantastic job.

That is great that she won the 10/22! Good Deal!

Pics of the woody please!

THE DUCK B MAN!! THE DUCK!!

oh man, I was soooo thinking you wanted me to Brett Favre ya....

gimme a minute....

Look! Here is my woody!

[Linked Image]

And here is a rooster the taxidermist did for our PF banquet:

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Pics of the woody please!

Don't you have a bunch on your phone from Brett Favre?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

oh man, I was soooo thinking you wanted me to Brett Favre ya....

gimme a minute....

Beat me to it.

Hey BM...How big do pheasants get? I have HUGE one that comes into my yard and eats the corn and bird seed. I mean he's signifagantly bigger than the other roosters in the bunch.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey BM...How big do pheasants get? I have HUGE one that comes into my yard and eats the corn and bird seed. I mean he's signifagantly bigger than the other roosters in the bunch.

I got a feeling this is like the ugly duckling story and Tom actually has a turkey in his yard...

Very nice looking birds.

I forgot to mention I wished it was deer season right now. Yesterday when we were out to the cabin to get the plow truck there were deer all over the place. Seemed like everwhere we looked there were deer walking around, stopping to look at us etc.

The type of thing none of us ever see during season.

From saturday night's adventures.. Here's the tractor loader hanging from the meat pole

[Linked Image]

and the little tractor over by the box blade...

[Linked Image]

I do have turkeys. This thing is almost as big as some of the hen turkey's.

My BIL was over this weekend and couldn't believe how big it was.

It looks nice out there Dave.

It looks like a good place to shoot my new Single Six.

Great looking duck.

"tractor loader hanging from the meat pole.."
You shot the loader???LOL.
Berettaman,theose are some really great looking mounts.

Stan in SC

Nice birds! I love wood ducks, and pheasants are just as unbelievably colored.

Dave, those deer shift around a lot. On my land, the deer are basically completely absent from a week after the leaves are down until March. I don't know why exactly but there seems to be some subtle habitat issues that we are not satisfying for winter cover. You seem to have the opposite problem - hey! Maybe those are OUR deer! Send'em home will ya!

Yeah they come in for the cedars for the most part.

they cant hardly dig for any other food. The way the wind has been howling and beating the trees the cedars have been dropping little bow tips, makes for some easy deer chow.

Tom, single six? do tell....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom, single six? do tell....

I'll try to get a pic up if I can find that camera, Ma might have it in Wausau.

I went on the prowl with my BIL this weekend while Betsy and the kids were gone. I told Andy (BIL) then only thing I'd buy as far as guns was a nice used single six. Well I'll be damned if they didn't have one, hardly fired, stainless 5-1/2" bbl. The one next to it was EXACTLY what I was looking for, stainless 4 5/8" bbl, but it was new. I wasn't really willing to spend the $ for a new one. So I thought it over for about 7 seconds.

It's not very often that you find EXACTLY what you're looking for.

I don't think it's left my hand for more than a few minutes since I bought it. I love this gun, flat out my favorite one I have.

Edited to add....Andy bought the hardly used one. We were the two easiest sales that guys ever had I can tell you that. We were in there for less than a minute when we found the guns.

I like the 4 5/8 barrel on the SA frame.Had several of them,from 22,to 44.

I guess I didn't realize it was the same frame as the Vaquero, but I like it. It has some meat to it....I now want another.

I have always lusted after a Smith 686, but I don't feel like shilling out 8 clams to get one.

Yeah I probably need a stainless with white grips single six to go with my old frame vaq 45

Off to work again this morning.

Hey Tom, we made root beer licorice yesterday.

That sounds good!

now that you mention it Dave, it is kinda needed just for balance. plus its cheaper to practice with the .22 in order to get better with the .45 so you will save money!

Have a great day at work Missy! I have a phone interview today at 10 am, and just saw 2 new jobs with PF open in Kansas I'm gonna put in for, if I have to move south it might as well be west as well!

Wanna send some?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey BM...How big do pheasants get? I have HUGE one that comes into my yard and eats the corn and bird seed. I mean he's signifagantly bigger than the other roosters in the bunch.

I got a feeling this is like the ugly duckling story and Tom actually has a turkey in his yard...

Great minds due think alike. My thoughts too.

Good luck with the interview Ryan.

thank you sir!

off to school this morning.

You don't say?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Look! Here is my woody!

[Linked Image]

And here is a rooster the taxidermist did for our PF banquet:

[Linked Image]

Very Nice! I love wood ducks.

Originally Posted by tzone

I do have turkeys. This thing is almost as big as some of the hen turkey's.

My BIL was over this weekend and couldn't believe how big it was.

I'm yust yoshin ya! Some males do get really big. They really stand out from the rest.

How long do you guesstimate his tail to be?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah I probably need a stainless with white grips single six to go with my old frame vaq 45

You can buy the grips. If you find one and it doesn't have the grips you're looking for don't pass on it. Cabela's had grips of all flavors.

Root beer eh? I don't think I've had that, it sounds pretty good.

Good luck on the interviews Ryan.

The single 6 is cool and you can convert it over to .22 mag by switching the cylinders. They come with both cylinders.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How long do you guesstimate his tail to be?

Honestly....it's probably 18" or so. quite a bit longer than the rest.

I txt'd you a pic but it's hard to tell on my phone because he's kinda facing me.

With my phone they look like dark blobs in the snow. Tasty dark blobs however!

How big does a rooster get? 3-4 lbs. Tail feathers are really hard to estimate on a bird unless you have seen a ton and pulled them out to measure. I shot a 25" tail this year and that is my high. You hear about 28" and 30" tails and simply put, dont believe them until you see them next to a tape. I have heard of a ton and NEVER seen anything over a 27"er. A 23" tail on a rooster looks huge. An 18" tail is average. I can count the really, REALLY big rooster I have seen in the wild on 4 fingers and that encompasses thousands of birds. One of those was the 25 from this year.

I sure like that woody. I sit and stare at it during conference calls. "Dean....Dean.....are you there?" and of course i have to respond, "Uh...yeah....what did you say?"

Originally Posted by Berettaman

A 23" tail on a rooster looks huge. An 18" tail is average.

Shoot maybe it's more, I haven't been able to get one to hold still long enough for me to grab some. It is signifagantly longer than the rest of the roostes in the yard.

I have had up to 18 in our yard with 10 or so more in the yard behind ours.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

How big does a rooster get? 3-4 lbs. Tail feathers are really hard to estimate on a bird unless you have seen a ton and pulled them out to measure. I shot a 25" tail this year and that is my high. You hear about 28" and 30" tails and simply put, dont believe them until you see them next to a tape. I have heard of a ton and NEVER seen anything over a 27"er. A 23" tail on a rooster looks huge. An 18" tail is average. I can count the really, REALLY big rooster I have seen in the wild on 4 fingers and that encompasses thousands of birds. One of those was the 25 from this year.

I sure like that woody. I sit and stare at it during conference calls. "Dean....Dean.....are you there?" and of course i have to respond, "Uh...yeah....what did you say?"

The Rooster that I had mounted has a 22" or 23" inch tail. Can't remember exactly. That is my biggest. I have heard of birds with 30" tails but think they may be a myth as well. I see one that hangs out a mile from my house that is definatley bigger than mine. I reckon he is in that 25" range.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

off to school this morning.

What kind of school?

I measure all my long tails and keep them. I have quite a few in a couple of vase-thingies on my gunsafe. Nerdy engineer that I am

, I keep track of the birds I shoot and right now I am at 354 wild roosties. Only 6 go over 23", 2 go over 24". That tells ya how rare they are. Of the guys I have hunted with, I know of 2 others over 24". Longest I have seen was a 27"er at the long tail contest at Cabelas in Mitchell. And if you think about it, if the long tail contest at Cabelas in Mitchell can only get to 27".....

root beer licorice, eh? i just had some blueberry licorice from Australia I think and it wasnt that good.

Just because licorice is good, and blueberries are good.... doesn't mean that blueberry licorice will be good.

Reminds me of my experiment with instant oatmeal made with hot black coffee instead of hot water....

Epic fail.

LOL

that just made me laugh out loud for real

think I'm joking?

no, I know you aint thats what made it so funny!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I keep track of the birds I shoot and right now I am at 354 wild roosties.

and only 1/2 as many hens.

I remember a thread on that very subject.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just because licorice is good, and blueberries are good.... doesn't mean that blueberry licorice will be good.

Reminds me of my experiment with instant oatmeal made with hot black coffee instead of hot water....

Epic fail.

still ate it though, didn't ya

What would that be called...........coffeemeal?

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just because licorice is good, and blueberries are good.... doesn't mean that blueberry licorice will be good.

Reminds me of my experiment with instant oatmeal made with hot black coffee instead of hot water....

Epic fail.

still ate it though, didn't ya

Yeah, I ate it.

I don't know what was worse, the taste or the realization that I wasn't going to become rich off of coffeemeal.

You could have named it Cough-Meal.

My brother in law and I were making instant mashed potatoes at his lake cabin and realized that we did not have the milk called for in the recipe.We mixed "Cremora" powdered coffee creamer with water to sub for milk.Even though we were heavily under the alkyfluence of inkahol it still tasted really really awful.

Stan in SC

Ok, what kind of school? We all want to know.

?.

That's funny Stan. I was fishing with my BIL and my step dad, and alcohol was involved... My BIL is the funniest person I've ever met, when he drinks his funny stories are even funnier, especalilly since he's a cop...his stories are hill- arry- ioius.

So anywhoo, we wanted Andy to tell more stories so I ran to mix some more vodak's but we ran out of mix, so I mixed him up a nice glass of milk and vodka.

He drank it.

He was not a happy man the next day.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

?.

Oh oooooh. Someone has to go to "driving too fast school"

Betsy calls it dumb dumb school. She likes to call it that becaus I have to go tomorrow.

wrong.

Stan, me and a friend once fried a mess of walleye fillets with a beer batter we made.

Flour and powdered sugar look very much the same when that alkyfluence takes hold...

You can figure the rest out.

My guess is DOT inspection certification or re-certification...

I bet it is. Has it been 2 years already?

I can add that gravy made from powdered sugar, is really really bad. It almost looks right though.

Grapefriut juice and rotgut burbon.

Kids don't try this at home or anyplace else for that matter.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

wrong.

Then never mind. I don't have no stinking speeding ticket class, I was trying to make you feel better.

Bill, that actually doen't sound that bad.

I once made mac and cheese but realized I was out of milk, so I used a full stick of butter instead. I wouldn't recommend it, yes they are both dairy products but......

My kid loves mac and cheese so I started making it and like you, realized we were out of milk. We had a splash of chocolate milk left so I use that. What the heck...he loves chocolate milk, why not right?

Well, it came out looking like what you would expect orange'ish chees color and brown milk to look like. To me it tasted the same as it looked, but he ate it.

UGH, got sent home from my temp job this morning. They didn't need us anymore. The supervisor said he would definately request us if they need help again.

My gramma once came up and made us a pie. But instead of sugar, she used pickling salt. Man, that pie looked good.

I have school tomorrow too! Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training to be exact. Riveting subject, lemme tell ya. Especially the 18th time you have taken it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

.

I have school tomorrow too! Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training to be exact. Riveting subject, lemme tell ya. Especially the 18th time you have taken it.

Pretty sure I've had that one about 7-8 times meeself. It's a yawner fo sho.

Sorry Muffster.

I was sure you were going to in there permanant.

bummer missy, I've been there before, its not much consolation when they say they would request you again if they need people, lest it wasn't for me. it felt good to know they would take me back, but at the same time I was needing something a little more permanent, happened with my last interview

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill, that actually doen't sound that bad.

You'd think, but it was the absolute worst combination I've ever had.

Sorry to hear about the job Muffy.

I'm heading to the woods after work to cut a pickup load of tamarack for home. got the ole brown pickup. wish me luck, I need it the way things have been going.

oh dang muffy, just saw your post. That sucks, really sorry to hear.

With your string of luck lately I would rethink getting near a chainsaw....

Hmm...

Noted.

'bout time PWM's learns how to run a saw anyway.

ahhh, dangit Muffy. I was hoping licorice was going to become the official food of Chickenbuck. maybe your next job will be at an ice cream company???

Originally Posted by sgt217

With your string of luck lately I would rethink getting near a chainsaw....

I'd rethink ice fishing too. Ice breaks also.

Better just stay in bed with a couple of Grain Belts in your hands

Good luck!

or under your belt, the ice fishing thing does sound inviting, I have a buddy coming up in a week and a half who wants to go, I need to get out and do it before this ice melts

You won't have to worry about that for a while.

DOT recertification school every two years.

I still can't believe it has been 2 years since you did that.

Woot Woo, I got a job interview at Tuffy's tomorrow morning. They are affiliated with Kenny's, so I hope that will help.

Sweet muffster. Temp or permanant?

Permanant. They called one of my refrances already.

Maybe it was this one I had a good vibe about, not the other place.

Can you still get a deal on liccorice?

I think I can. I don't know if it would be as good of a deal. It sounds like they have a store for the employee's. It won't be as fresh as right off the line. I will check it out. I didn't get my mom and dad's yet, thought I would be there through this week. I was bummed I didn't get to try the root beer.

Wrung out but I got a nice 8 ft bed load of firewood cut to length. Mix of jackpine, birch and tamarack.

Finished loading just after dark.

Dammit, sweeped the tailgate with the last tamatack I dropped and bent the F-ing tailgate

But I got it closed and I think I can straighten it.

Wolf tracks all the way in and fresh wolf tracks in my tracks on the way out.

Makes it hard to concentrate when you are rigging a chain to a tree in the dark to hi-lift jack winch the back end of your truck back onto the trail...

But I made it home, decent slug of wood.

[Linked Image]

fricken wolves man, they really need to do something to keep them in check

SSS

I can understand the trepidation of having "something" out there dogging,so to speak,your footprints and shadowing you unseen.But I thought there were no recorded unprovoked attacks on humans by wolves.We do not have wolves here in South Carolina but we do have coyotes and they can be "around" but unseen and kind of make you a bit apprehensive but I have heard of no problems with them as far as causing any danger to humans.
I remember many many many occasions as a youngster camping in the woods with no type of firearm protection.I wouldn't do that in this day and time.
Sorry "bout the tailgate,Dave.Just add that that to your to do list.

Stan in SC

Wolves have been laying tracks on top of tracks in Northeastern MN since forever, never gave me a speck of trouble. Not even when I was a tasty morsel of a subteenager. Not anyone else either. A whole bunch of folks have been torn up pretty good by labs and golden retrievers in that time though

You will be okay if you can keep from busting up your machinery.

I've got all of next year's firewood cut and stacked. But need to work out at least another year ahead. Seems it never ends.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Wolves have been laying tracks on top of tracks in Northeastern MN since forever, never gave me a speck of trouble. Not even when I was a tasty morsel of a subteenager. Not anyone else either. A whole bunch of folks have been torn up pretty good by labs and golden retrievers in that time though

You will be okay if you can keep from busting up your machinery.

I've got all of next year's firewood cut and stacked. But need to work out at least another year ahead. Seems it never ends.

and the times they are a changin'

More wolves attacking pets, livestock

Wolf attacks on domestic livestock and pets hit record levels in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2010, most likely because there are more wolves living in both states.
"In Minnesota, trappers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services killed 192 problem wolves last year, down slightly from the 196 killed last year. The state Department of Agriculture paid about $96,000 last year to people who lost livestock to wolves. No compensation is paid for lost pets."

Originally Posted by Muffy

I still can't believe it has been 2 years since you did that.

Woot Woo, I got a job interview at Tuffy's tomorrow morning. They are affiliated with Kenny's, so I hope that will help.

With a name like Tuffy's they must make jaw breakers.

Good luck Muffy.

Hey sorry I mentioned the "W word" guys.

I dont love em, don't hate em, they just are.

There is a fair number of them concentrating on the area around our camp and I think it's because the deer are yarded up in the cedars.

To not have an elevated awareness of their presence would be careless and foolish in my opinion.

Stats mean nothing to me, especially the whole wolf/human relationship record. It means nothing to me because over the years I have observed reports of wolf attacks on humans (not a lot, but some) but for some reason the tally resets to the default setting of "zero" after a bit of time has passed. �There has never been a reported case of a wolf attack on a human�
Yeah, whatever.
To me that is as silly a statement as �Wolves prefer humans to any other meat on the planet.�

Skewing facts either direction to compliment a group or an individual�s radical anti or radical pro beliefs irritates me.

I truly stand in the middle on the wolf topics. (I despise the topic in itself for what it brings out in people on both sides pro and anti)

To think any wild animal could not and would not attack a human is just silly.

As if they have a program in their brain that says "everything is food except for the humans"

LOL!!

They are a wild animal striving to survive day to day.

And a very capable animal at that.

I wouldn't shoot them on sight out of fear, and I wouldn't try to pet one either.

Common sense lays somewhere in the middle.

I don't take my eyes off an unfamiliar domestic dog around my kids either.

That�s about all there is to my state of mind when I know I am likely being observed by wolves as I work out in the woods. It�s simply an awareness, I try not to lend myself a convenient victim no matter where I am and no matter what I am doing, that�s all. Not in a walmart parking lot and not out in the forest cutting firewood.

Damn it got cold again. -10 this morning.

I agree with you there Dave, it sure is cold this morning!

and the wolf issue is a touchy subject, so I'll leave it where it is although opening a hunting season isn't gonna make em extinct.
I've never seen one in the wild, they sure aint dumb.

Stupid weather, cold fronts roll in for every weekend goofing up the fishing.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey sorry I mentioned the "W word" guys.

I dont love em, don't hate em, they just are.

There is a fair number of them concentrating on the area around our camp and I think it's because the deer are yarded up in the cedars.

To not have an elevated awareness of their presence would be careless and foolish in my opinion.

Stats mean nothing to me, especially the whole wolf/human relationship record. It means nothing to me because over the years I have observed reports of wolf attacks on humans (not a lot, but some) but for some reason the tally resets to the default setting of "zero" after a bit of time has passed. �There has never been a reported case of a wolf attack on a human�
Yeah, whatever.
To me that is as silly a statement as �Wolves prefer humans to any other meat on the planet.�

Skewing facts either direction to compliment a group or an individual�s radical anti or radical pro beliefs irritates me.

I truly stand in the middle on the wolf topics. (I despise the topic in itself for what it brings out in people on both sides pro and anti)

To think any wild animal could not and would not attack a human is just silly.

As if they have a program in their brain that says "everything is food except for the humans"

LOL!!

They are a wild animal striving to survive day to day.

And a very capable animal at that.

I wouldn't shoot them on sight out of fear, and I wouldn't try to pet one either.

Common sense lays somewhere in the middle.

I don't take my eyes off an unfamiliar domestic dog around my kids either.

That�s about all there is to my state of mind when I know I am likely being observed by wolves as I work out in the woods. It�s simply an awareness, I try not to lend myself a convenient victim no matter where I am and no matter what I am doing, that�s all. Not in a walmart parking lot and not out in the forest cutting firewood.

Damn it got cold again. -10 this morning.

Well said

last fishing report I heard down here was folks were pullin their houses off the lakes a month ago because the fishing sucked

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

last fishing report I heard down here was folks were pullin their houses off the lakes a month ago because the fishing sucked

Compared to LOW, all the fishing pretty much sucks around these parts year around.

even on silver lake? I lived on that lake til I was 7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

even on silver lake? I lived on that lake til I was 7

I actually had really good luck on silver two years in a row from opener in mid may until about mid june. Trolling a red weedless hook with a leach, in 8 feet of water would get you your limit of walleyes in a couple of hours. Nothing huge but good eaters. And you couldn't catch 'em in 7 feet and you couldn't catch 'em in 9 feet. It had to be 8 for some goofy reason.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Muffy

I still can't believe it has been 2 years since you did that.

Woot Woo, I got a job interview at Tuffy's tomorrow morning. They are affiliated with Kenny's, so I hope that will help.

With a name like Tuffy's they must make jaw breakers.

Good luck Muffy.

They make dog food.

I think the interview went well. She is going to call me Tuesday. Tuffy's does not have an opening, but Kenny's and Barrel O Fun do for third shift. It is a toss up of what one I would prefer. I will take what I can get.

So Tom if I get into Kenny's, endless supply of licorice.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Muffy

I still can't believe it has been 2 years since you did that.

Woot Woo, I got a job interview at Tuffy's tomorrow morning. They are affiliated with Kenny's, so I hope that will help.

With a name like Tuffy's they must make jaw breakers.

Good luck Muffy.

They make dog food.

I think the interview went well. She is going to call me Tuesday. Tuffy's does not have an opening, but Kenny's and Barrel O Fun do for third shift. It is a toss up of what one I would prefer. I will take what I can get.

So Tom if I get into Kenny's, endless supply of licorice.

If you get into Kenny's, tell them to even out the mix of black and red licorice bites in those little bags they sell in vending machines. There are far too many red ones in there.

You will increase sales by doing so and be promoted to VP of Market Analysis. Then you can take all of us chickenbuckers to mexico next winter!

Kay?

Sounds like a plan man!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

even on silver lake? I lived on that lake til I was 7

I actually had really good luck on silver two years in a row from opener in mid may until about mid june. Trolling a red weedless hook with a leach, in 8 feet of water would get you your limit of walleyes in a couple of hours. Nothing huge but good eaters. And you couldn't catch 'em in 7 feet and you couldn't catch 'em in 9 feet. It had to be 8 for some goofy reason.

Goofy as that sounds, the river I fished by my house in Wausau as like that. The 8' coutour was the magic number most of the time. If the 8' didn't work the 14' did. You could use your bowmount and stay on the contour and just jig with great success.

Originally Posted by Muffy

So Tom if I get into Kenny's, endless supply of licorice.

Sweet!

And bear bait.

Don't know if you's guys pay attention to the HS Hockey tournament but..... we do. Some friends of our has a daughter that plays for Hill Murry (Pioneers) and they won thier first game today. They play Edina tomorrow. I'll be able to make that one.

The stte hockey tournaments are such a gas to watch. A bunch of kids playing for the love of the game. No contracts, no NCAA violations, just kids playing hard. Can't wait to take in some of the action.

Dave,Good thoughts concerning wolves as well as anything else which just might consider invading your personal space.Not having wolves here I feel the same about coyotes and wild dogs or anything which might mean me or mine harm in whatever manner.

Stan in SC

milwaukee,s BEST taste's good to tonight.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

milwaukee,s BEST taste's good to tonight.

So did the Bud Light.

youe ar wight good night muffy I LOVE you.

My grandfather alway drank milwaukee's best, My dad has a shelf in his shop that has the 7 cans of milwaukee's best on it that were in my grandfathers refrigerator after he passed...4 blue ones and 3 red ones I think....gramps drank what was on sale, regular or light he didn't care, beer was beer.

Have a good night everyone. (I had enuf beer myself that seeing milwaukee's best sent me on a trip down memory lane

)

Happy Friday everyone.

Our house thermometer shows -24 here at 6:55AM.

I have more "fixin" to do this weekend but we'd like to try to go fishing on Sunday.

Too damm cold Dave.

Come on Spring. We might get hit with another storm Sunday night into Monday. Weatherman not sure yet if it will get up to central WI.

Barrel O Fun wouldn't be bad either Muffy. Potatoe chips go great with beer. Dog food, not so much.

I think we would need a lot of beer to make dog food good.

-12 here now.

Balmy.

I didn't check the actual temp when I let the dog out, but it was cold thats for sure. this is about the time of year I start to get sick of it

I had +5 here this morning.

Ha...I'm OK with it now. It's January that seems to drag on for me. There is light at the end of the tunnel after that.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

youe ar wight good night muffy I LOVE you.

Love You Too Daddie!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Barrel O Fun wouldn't be bad either Muffy. Potatoe chips go great with beer. Dog food, not so much.

That is kinda funny that you said that. I heard that they make the workers wear hair nets at the dog food place. And why? Because they send lots of the dog food to other countries and some people actually eat it.

I'm off to another job interview, wish me luck!

luck man.

Good Luck Ryan!!!

good luck ryan.

Balmy 7� in the U.P. at 6 this morning. The thaw we had a couple of weeks ago melted just enough to turn everything into an ice rink now that it's back to normal temps. Was on 2 different lakes last weekend tip-toeing around, cheapo ice creepers didn't help.

Minnesota h.s. hockey tournament is great, been watching that since I was a kid with my dad. Will continue to watch with my kids now. Daughter made a comment the other morning about it, "If grandpa were here he would be talking about hockey with Connor (my son)."

Good luck Ryan!!!

Best of luck Ryan.

Just got off the phone with my son. He caught his first springer (King Salmon) of the year. A 23 pounder from the Willamette River right in Portland.

Job interview went really well, now its the waiting game we all love

thats awesome ryan

Yeah, the waiting is the worst part.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Yeah, the waiting is the worst part.

Tom Petty wasn't lyin then?

I kid. I wish you guys all the luck in the world.

thank you Rooster!

Good luck Ryan. Hope this one comes through for you, buddy.

I do too! I like the area, and the job is a good one

Where's this one, Iowa?

nope, just east of me about 35 miles, where the woods meet the lakes and farms little town called McIntosh

We got a little while ago from the first semi-final girls hockey game. Good game but our friends daughter lost. She plays for Hill Murry.

I did see that the Warroad girls are playing for the Class A Chammpionship though. They won 9-0. They'll play Eveleth tomorrow.

Nothing like the State Hockey tournaments up here, man. Minnesota definitely does this one right.

Used to be better, before they broke it up into differ sections...

It used to be a big deal if you get tickets they were very hard to come bye....

I don't mind the two classes. Good hockey is good hockey.

When I played it was the first of second year of the two classes, it didn't bug us.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Nothing like the State Hockey tournaments up here, man. Minnesota definitely does this one right.

Yep they do. I havn't been to the X yet until last night so that was pretty cool.

I'm bringing Jeremy's aunt and uncle to the airport today. They are flying into Vegas. They are staying there tonight and then renting a car and driving to Lake Havasu City to stay with Jeremy's mom and step dad. I wish I was going.

Why aren't you? Vegas is one of my favorite spots to visit. I'm not a gambler, heck I don't even like people but for some reason, I love Vegas.

We're going there in Sept to celebrate our 10th anniversery. Our anniversery is really on June 16th, but that is also Jack's birthday so we let the little guy celebrate.

Jack's b-day, mine, Nate & Dave's are all a few days apart.

Originally Posted by noduck

Used to be better, before they broke it up into differ sections...

It used to be a big deal if you get tickets they were very hard to come bye....

Well.... I just found out tickets are still very hard to come by. It's a two year wait to just buy tickets to the games! The only way you can get tickets is by waiting in line and buying the ones the schools don't sell, which won't be much, if any.

I'm mixing drinks in my new blender, anybody want one?

[Linked Image]

oops, that's not a blender... that's my damn plow truck's front diff.

[Linked Image]

ouch! I think I see the problem though

Well white bear might have a gear carrier for me, we'll see.

Super glue dave....

Hard to glue all that metal dust back together.

Scrape it all up and mix the glue in than form your own gears.

You have the option of changing the ratio.

Naw, ring & pinion survived. It's a front axle on a 4x4.

I'll have it patched back together shortly.

Oh I see,,,it was just the carrier that got grenaded.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm mixing drinks in my new blender, anybody want one?

[Linked Image]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. Must be something else.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll have it patched back together shortly.

Did white bear have your parts?

Originally Posted by Tom264

Oh I see,,,it was just the carrier that got grenaded.

Not sure if the spider pin broke or slid part ways out or what happened but the pin is in about 3 pieces, spiders are scrambled and the drive gears are toast, carrier is junk too.

I had a dana 44 carrier I thought i could steal the pin & spiders out of, but the case is no good.

And the spare case I have is for a thick ring gear, the gear ratios have a split somewhere around 4:10-ish where the carriers change and the high ratios use a thinner ring gear.

White bear is fishing this weekend but I've already clued him in, he'll look when he gets home from the lake or on Monday or when ever he gets time. No big hurry.

Still amazed you survived the chainsaw day...

Mother nature knows the plow truck is broken, it's snowing.

I'm surprised that it made it this long without snowing really.

Can your neighbor do it or something?

Did you try to reboot it? Usually fixes computer issues.

We picked up 1.5" over night still a few flurries in the air.

We got near the same, maybe a little less. Enough to shovel, not enough to snow blow, and it's too cold to melt.

Anything I get around home here (within reason) I can wing out with 2 wheel drive if I throw some weight in the back.

I'm not too worried about it.

I'm trying really, really hard not to get a new truck and Ford's not making it easy for me.

60mts 0% financing, + 1K extra on top of your trade.

Saw a Ford add for the F150 with the new Ecoboost engine - 365 HP and 420 ft lbs of torque. Not bad for a 6 banger. EPA is 21 MPG Hwy for the 4 X 4.

E tu Burte'?

Originally Posted by tzone

E tu Burte'?

Gotcha beat. I et three buritoes.

It is our puppy Dozer's 2nd birthday today. I can't believe he is already 2. They grow up so fast.

The good news is I got a hot chicks phone number, the bad news is...it's because she rear ended my truck this morning on my way to work. Light damage to my bumper that I can see, but she went under the truck so I'll have to have it checked out.

I slowed down to not hit the car in front of me and WHAM....got me. She got it pretty good. Trailer hitch trhough the grill, busted light, and somehow, it knocked the rocker pannel off below the rear passanger door.

She was a driving a Ford Focus, like every 6' tall smokin' hot college chick should be driving.

Tundra 1 Ford Focus 0.

Oh man, that stinks.

I was gonna ask her for her picture by the truck but thought that was a bit unapropreate.

Well you did say you wanted a new truck. Best not tell the wife she was smoken hot though.

Maybe I should start driving my old 1985 Toyota more if they are chick magnets! Glad you are okay and now you have an excuse to get the new one you want.

Well I got the call. I got the job at Kenny's. Not sure when I start, I go to fill out paperwork on Wednesday.

Tom, that means unlimited supply of fresh licorice.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Well you did say you wanted a new truck. Best not tell the wife she was smoken hot though.

Ha...I already told her that.

I googled the address she gave me and it was to a sold house so I got nervous. Then I googled her phone number and it's legit. It sent me to her facebook page.

She called me back and asked why insurance has to be involved....sooooooo I'm pretty sure she doesn't have any, or has a tickets and accidents already on there. That would be my guess anyway.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Maybe I should start driving my old 1985 Toyota more if they are chick magnets! Glad you are okay and now you have an excuse to get the new one you want.

You can borrow it if ya want. I am pretty good with the chicks.

There isn't enough damage to fix at first glance, so if the look see by the fixer upper doesn't find anything, it's not worth my time to get a different bumper. She hit my reciever hitch. I just want to make sure it didn't do any fame damage or anything.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well I got the call. I got the job at Kenny's. Not sure when I start, I go to fill out paperwork on Wednesday.

Tom, that means unlimited supply of fresh licorice.

SWEET!

Congrats Muffy!!!

That's great news on the job, very happy for you.

Great Muffy

Congrats on the Job!!!!!!!! woohoo!

Congrats Muffy! I love licorice toooooo!

Tom,

My '96 chevy was rear ended twice. Hit the receiver both times. Messed up their vehicles while the damage to mine was barely noticable.

I'm 99% sure that is what happened, but I want to have it checked out.

She had a perfect square hole just below the headlight on her car. I'm still trying to figure out how the rocker pannel fell off her car?

Well, what kind was it?

It was a Focus, which I wouldn't really call that a Ford.

Great news Muffy.

I don't like licorice but congratulations on the job,Muffy.

Stan in SC

Good job on the job Muffy!

Tom, did ya have a hitch insert in place?

No. I did pull plastic out of the square opening though.

There is nearly a perfect hole below the headlight in the shape of the reciever. With that hitch in there, it would have been ugly.

Ya, its a bish when they get locked up on a hitch insert...lol...not that I've ever seen that happen....

Bill,

I got my invite to Treelands fishing tourney last night. Are you going?

When are you going to Treelands for vacation this year?

Hey Muffy, Did I ever tell you that you are my favorite 'fire member? Well you are! Ol' buddy ol' pal! Mmmmm licorice! just kiddin', great news. that has to be a big load off your shoulders.

Ahh, Ryan, the pressure is on there buddy, you are the last jobless holdout, right? I have everything crossed for ya.

I always have my hitch in. I always figured that my hitch going through someone's radiator and grill and stuff would dissipate some energy, which is a good thing in a rear end crash. Especially when I lived in the cities in that traffic mess.

Originally Posted by SSB

Ya, its a bish when they get locked up on a hitch insert...lol...not that I've ever seen that happen....

I hear that Tom had to throw a bucket of cold water on the Focus to get it to back off.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

I got my invite to Treelands fishing tourney last night. Are you going?

When are you going to Treelands for vacation this year?

Nothing here yet Tom. I'll have to check with my brother and see if he got one. What are the dates? We're leaving for Portland on May 11th.

We'll be at Timber Cove beginning June 11th.

Quote

What are the dates? We're leaving for Portland on May 11th.

You'll miss it Bill. It is the 11th-14th. I probably will miss it too. My buddy that was going to enter with me has basball that weekend..

We'll be at Timbercove the last week in June I think. Don't break anything and leave me some walleyes...Although after last year, a bunch should still be left over.

Last year was a tough one for the Walleyes. The early spring really screwed things up on the Chip.

At least we have a better feel for the area and we'll start branching out further. I do need to invest in a map chip for my Hummingbird.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

. I do need to invest in a map chip for my Hummingbird.

I need to invest in a Humminbird.

The one we're looking at has Lowrance, older ones. I'll have to fix that before spring.

White Bear hooked me up with a trac lock front diff for the plow truck.

Good news Dave. March is usually good for at least one major dmping of snow.

Just getting the wood stove rumbling in the house then I'll head out to the shop and see if I can get that truck put together with the new t-lock diff in the front.

It'll be a little tougher to get the old truck stuck now.

Cool. Here's hoping it you can get your luck back in order.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It'll be a little tougher to get the old truck stuck now.

I got $20 that says you can do it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It'll be a little tougher to get the old truck stuck now out once it's stuck.

Fixed it for ya

I ran over a deer this morning with my truck....again. Same road, about 1/2 mile from the last one. It was dark and I came upon a group in the middle of the road after I rounded a corner. I slowed down and they split off and went to each side of the road. I honked the horn hoping they would all run in the ditches but one decided that the horn must mean that he should run out in front of my truck. He hit the bumper and rolled underneath and I swear every tire rolled up and over the dumb thing. I had to keep moving because I was meeting my boss at a certain time to drive to our plant in SD. I'm sure it wasn't pretty.

Did something fun tonight. I brought my bow along with me this trip because one of my employee's was telling me how he shoots league on the video techno hunt at the local archery shop. Its really cool. You get different live action video shots of moose, elk, whitetails, mulies, pronghorn, turkeys etc. I have never shot the video hunt before so thought I would give it a whirl even though I have not drawn my bow back since late last summer. I ended up shooting a higher score than the league shooters that have been doing it all winter. It was really fun and now I have a new idea for my future shop/man cave if I ever get rich!

Video is cool. I used to shoot league when I worked at a little archery shop, before I had cool stuff like a house.

It was fun. We had grouse, gators, snakes, monkey's, sometimes even deer. It was just something to do until turkey season came along.

Speaking of which, Bill...Did you draw?

Yes, I have the 2nd week. Starts April 20th. My SIL and granddaughter both drew the 3rd week.

Get that truck fixed fast Dave. Couple inches of snow headed our way Thursday.

Thursday is nuttin. The good stuff is coming Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

I think I'm going the third week, maybe it's the fourth, I'm not sure. I don't know if I'll go or not, still thinking about that one.

Hey Bretta, do you know anywhere by my house I could go? Even public land?

I know where there are a ton of turkeys by your house....go up 65 til ya hit 9. take a right and it turns into 18. about 5 miles before you hit 35 you are in big time turkey area. I had a buddy who lived there and there is a ton of them. look for some public land close to there.

there is also the zoo that is carlos avery. dont know if i would do that though. if you do, find the hardest to access place and hunt that. dont hunt any easy to access place or you will get run over by all the turkey hunters.

there are a lot of them in ham lake and andover, but you will have to do some homework on getting access for a place to hunt. i just dont know of anyone with land there.

i do know of a wma that has them that is pretty good and not to far. right where 47 crosses the rum river. both sides of the road. it is one of our sites. not too crowded either. that whole area by cambridge and to the west is pretty good with some pretty good public lands to hunt. i have talked to the DNR guy there and he raves about it.

I worked with a guy whose land butts up against carlos avery.He said he was bored with hunting deer,and said I was welcome to come up and hunt anytime.

Is he bored with hunting turkeys?

Thanks Beretta. I may send you pm here when I remember. Been a crazy week so far.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is he bored with hunting turkeys?

he said he quit hunting deer a few years ago,couldnt find anybody to take the meat!I told him that problem was over!
Turkeys I never thought to ask.Looks like I will be returning to work there ,maybe next week.

Well I found out yesterday that I start work on the 14th. I will be working the 11 pm to 7 am shift. It wouldn't be so bad if it was Sunday to Thursday, but it is Monday to Friday. So that means I won't get off work till Saturday morning at 7. That is going to take some getting used to. I should have vacation by hunting. That would really screw that up.

I worked third shift the last two years before I retired.I hated it at first but came to really like it.
You hang in there,sunshine.

Stan in SC

Muffy one of the product lines I sell is Kennys. I'll do my best to keep you workin. Good luck with the new job.

Thanks CoorsCaptain, I appreciate it.

Thanks Stan. It will just take some getting used to. I would like it better if it were Sunday through Thursday, but in this economy you can't be fussy right.

Worst case you're the last one to get to deer camp... and the last one to leave too.

I worked 11pm to 7am for about 15 years. I found the key was to go home in the morning and get a good days sleep. I liked it because there were few supervisers.

uh-ohhhhh....

You got a new HAT?????????

It's on the list...

I'm going to go look on Saturday.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You got a new HAT?????????

You noticed.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Worst case you're the last one to get to deer camp... and the last one to leave too.

I don't know if I would like to be the last one to leave, in case I would get stuck. You know, it could happen.

Originally Posted by TJAY

I worked 11pm to 7am for about 15 years. I found the key was to go home in the morning and get a good days sleep. I liked it because there were few supervisers.

.

I did nights for about 5 years. Being away from the politics of the workplace was great, but I always had a hard time sleeping during the day in the summer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Metal hulls are your friend....

I've had both. It's hard not to like the glass.

My other Ranger was pretty similar to the one I'm going to look at (pictured). Mine had 3 silver stripes on it. This one is newer and a bit wider, rated for a little more HP, lots more storage. I will say though, my Alumacraft I have now has more storage than my Ranger did, believe it or not.

Muffy,

That shift won't be too bad. I worked it for a summer, but I can't sleep worth a hoot, anyway so I didn't mind the 11-7 or 9-5(pm)

Dangit!!!! I think that one is sold too.

Wow no ones posted for almost 24 hrs. Thought I better get it going. Tzone are you OK?

I was thinking the same thing.

My niece Kenna stayed at my house lastnight. It was fun, we went out for supper lastnight, and watched movies. Oh and it was more fun because Jeremy stayed at his sisters so he wasn't home.

Now we are goinig to see if we can get in for haircuts. Girls day out, woo hoo!

Have fun enjoy the day. I've had sick kids this week, think their on the mend now. Hopefully get out of the house some time tomorrow, gettin a little stir crazy.

Originally Posted by CoorsCaptain

Wow no ones posted for almost 24 hrs. Thought I better get it going. Tzone are you OK?

Yeah, I'm OK.

I'm at work.

Crestliner 1850 w a 150, dual console...tons of room, metal hull....grin...One for sale in Ill...

Originally Posted by Muffy

I was thinking the same thing.

My niece Kenna stayed at my house lastnight. It was fun, we went out for supper lastnight, and watched movies. Oh and it was more fun because Jeremy stayed at his sisters so he wasn't home.

Now we are goinig to see if we can get in for haircuts. Girls day out, woo hoo!

Thats great, say hello to "Fall In Water" for me.

[Linked Image]

Fall In Water says "HI"!

Hey Dave, can i post a prayer request for an 18 month old little girl by the name of Harmoney. She is in foster care and our senior pastor is in process of adoption. She was admitted for minor surgery almost two weeks ago. RSV set in her lungs and is now on heart lung machine. The doctors have done all they can do, and is now in God's hands. Please pray for Harmoney. Thanks

Prayers on the way

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Hey Dave, can i post a prayer request for an 18 month old little girl by the name of Harmoney. She is in foster care and our senior pastor is in process of adoption. She was admitted for minor surgery almost two weeks ago. RSV set in her lungs and is now on heart lung machine. The doctors have done all they can do, and is now in God's hands. Please pray for Harmoney. Thanks

oh my...

Of course you have our prayers for baby Harmoney.

Prayers on the way for Harmoney.

More prayers on the way.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Hey Dave, can i post a prayer request for an 18 month old little girl by the name of Harmoney. She is in foster care and our senior pastor is in process of adoption. She was admitted for minor surgery almost two weeks ago. RSV set in her lungs and is now on heart lung machine. The doctors have done all they can do, and is now in God's hands. Please pray for Harmoney. Thanks

Heck yes you can get a prayer request. They have my prayers.

Prayers sent for Harmoney.

Thanks, the parents are beside themselves. She was taken off the paralytic again this morning, and it has been ten hours with no movement. Yesterday it took her 5 hours. Not sure what's going on, but her parents are getting concerned. Pray for some sign of movement SOON!!

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Thanks, the parents are beside themselves. She was taken off the paralytic again this morning, and it has been ten hours with no movement. Yesterday it took her 5 hours. Not sure what's going on, but her parents are getting concerned. Pray for some sign of movement SOON!!

Prayers are sent for a full recovery!

God, it's always so much worse when it's the kids-especially the little ones. Prayers sent to Harmony and her family. Please keep us posted.

May the Lord bless Harmony and her family.

Prayers sent.

Guess who's birthday it is today?

"Burns My Breakfast" is having a birthday today.

WELL! Happy Berfday Mrs. Northern Dave!!!! Hold ut fer some real goodies frum da Man!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Guess who's birthday it is today?

It's my sister's birf-day today.

Happy B-day lil sis!

Happy Birthday mrsnortherndave!

I hope you have a good one.

Happy Birthday Cussin!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Pam. Have a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,PAM!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM!

Happy Birthday Pam!

Laughing, she loves her birthday like nobody I've ever known.

Tell her I said congratulations on her 29th birthday...that oughta per her up!

Happy Birthday Pam! Enjoy the day and make Dave and the kids to ALL the work today! Put your feet up and relax!

happy birthday Pam!

Thank you everybody for all of the birthday wishes!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my birthday.

HAPPY berfday pam.

Happy Birthday Pam

Ok Pammy, berfday is over on the campfire!

Time to talk broken gears, mustangs, ranger boats, new guns, old guns, deer camps, tree stands, drinkin beer, snowmobiling, sledding hills, little kids flipping off the camera in church, pike fishin, walleye fishin, 4 wheeling, forky toed bucks, chicken bucks, flying bears, swamp squids, pam stands, little tiny tzone deer, lots of shiny muffy beer, dusty rooneee trail cams etc. Berfday shermfday!!!

Just kiddin. Its your birthday!!! I love that about you that you think its the best day of the year!!!!!

It reminds me of when I was a kid. I wish everyone could have one day of complete optimism! Good for you Pam!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Rooster, I laughed through the whole thing. Thats funny stuff right there!

Oh my gosh Rooster, that there is funny stuff. I laughed and laughed too.

Thanks again everyone. I have to say that I do enjoy my birthday. Yesterday was simply the best day for me and every year when it rolls around, its the same thing...best day ever! I didn't let any mean comments, any snide remarks, any grumpy person get me down no matter what. Every person that called in, every person that came to the counter was going to know before they hung up that phone or left the office that it was my day.

Dave made me an awesome supper...fried potatoes and walleye!!! CLB brought home an ice cream cake that she paid for all on her own and there was even a present for me too which PWM asked if we could open about every 2 minutes. RWS kept reminding me how much he loved me, which also made me wonder what he had done that I was going to find out about "not on my birthday". Dave even had quite the experience shopping with 3 - 17 yr old goofy girls too. HA!!

Let the celebration continue tonight with a haircut and supper with two of our very close friends up here. Man I sure wished every day was as awesome as yesterday but we must move on...sooooooooo back to the talk of old cars, snowmobiles, fishing, guns, guns Dave bought that I don't know about yet, leopard squirls, chickenbucks, my deer stand, BWCA trips, 4wheeling, etc, etc.

Have a grand day everyone.

Note to self... she thinks you bought a gun that she don't know about yet.... don't dissapoint her....

Hey wait a minute...leopard squirls????I miss something???I don't tink I have heard about dem dere.

Tiny little Tzone deer.giggle,snicker.

Your outlook on birthdays is refreshing,Pam.Thank you.

Stan in SC

Can't recall the last time I got excited about my birthday. Now it's just another day and another year older.

Include new fishing rods in the mix. I managed to pick up a new Elk River Custom and G Loomis GL2 series at a bargin price over the last 2 weeks.

yesterday I got yet another letter from the IRS for my 2008 taxes. I already paid almost a grand extra in december for that same year, and now they say they want more. to say that I am a little frustrated and angry would be an understatement. if I was making money it would be merely an inconvenience. worst timing right now, ok rant off

glad you had an awesome day Pam! you know since your birthday fell on a monday I think the entire week needs to be celebrated

If Dave had a shopping experience with three 17 yr. old girls, i would say that demonstrates two things about the man..
1. True Love for his wife, and..
2. He's prolly ready for the Rubber Gun Squad after that!

That bites Ryan. IRS is like a pit bull. Once they clamp on, you can't shake them loose.

Originally Posted by ingwe

If Dave had a shopping experience with three 17 yr. old girls, i would say that demonstrates two things about the man..
1. True Love for his wife, and..
2. He's prolly ready for the Rubber Gun Squad after that!

Picture me shopping for a ladies purse....

Yeah, I wasn't going to try to do that alone.

Called Weezy for backup and she showed up with 2 of her friends.

I learned more about women's accessories yesterday than any man should ever know.

you didn't catch anything did ya? I heard the gay can creep up on you in cases like that, hope all is well

ND, you learned more about women's accessories? and to think you were prolly already the most knowledgeable male I know about ladies stuff. You are an authority know!

are you gonna start talking (or typing) with a fake lisp?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Rooster, I laughed through the whole thing. Thats funny stuff right there!

Me too, then I got the the "tiny Tzone deer" part and REALLY started laughing.

Hey, as fawns go...it was a good sized one.

ok...maybe not. It was a real ego blow when Nate says, "man that looks like a dog!"

Thanks kid.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Include new fishing rods in the mix. I managed to pick up a new Elk River Custom and G Loomis GL2 series at a bargin price over the last 2 weeks.

Elk River Custom Rods, G Loomis'....man! You need a bumper sticker on the Ford Edge that says "Pimpin' Ain't Easy"

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you didn't catch anything did ya? I heard the gay can creep up on you in cases like that, hope all is well

Actually the store is quite unique. more of a trading post sort of store, lots of woolrich, furs, duluth pack items... snow shoes etc.

Slim chance of catching "the gay" in that store.

well thats good, I'm a big fan of woolrich, might have to actually check it out next time I'm up in that area

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ok Pammy, berfday is over on the campfire!

Time to talk broken gears, mustangs, ranger boats, new guns, old guns, deer camps, tree stands, drinkin beer, snowmobiling, sledding hills, little kids flipping off the camera in church, pike fishin, walleye fishin, 4 wheeling, forky toed bucks, chicken bucks, flying bears, swamp squids, pam stands, little tiny tzone deer, lots of shiny muffy beer, dusty rooneee trail cams etc. Berfday shermfday!!!

Funny you should mention Ranger boats Rooster.

Ranger boats funny? Geez, they are a lot of things, but I wouldnt think "funny" would be one of them. Why on earth woud they be funny? You might have to enlighten me.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ok Pammy, berfday is over on the campfire!

Time to talk broken gears, mustangs, ranger boats, new guns, old guns, deer camps, tree stands, drinkin beer, snowmobiling, sledding hills, little kids flipping off the camera in church, pike fishin, walleye fishin, 4 wheeling, forky toed bucks, chicken bucks, flying bears, swamp squids, pam stands, little tiny tzone deer, lots of shiny muffy beer, dusty rooneee trail cams etc. Berfday shermfday!!!

Funny you should mention Ranger boats Rooster.

Wadja dooooooooo?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wadja dooooooooo?

Takin' the Mrs. over to see it tomorrow. We gotta hammer out a final price, but it sure looks like something is going to happen.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

You might have to enlighten me.....

You'll have to wait.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

You might have to enlighten me.....

You'll have to wait.

I know all about it, but I aint tellen.

BM.... Hermantown put a beat down on Alex in the HS hockey tourament.

Looks like another year of the northern boys showing the southern folk how to play.

It was Jeremy's birthday yesterday. I was in Fargo Monday and I couldn't think of what to get him. So today I called Frontier Powersports where he got his Ranger and I'm getting a rear view mirror. I will see what else they have there that he may need. I wanted to get it there because he has ordered all of his acessories for it there so they have a list of what he has ordered. I hope he likes it. What do you buy for someone who has everything.

Originally Posted by Muffy

What do you buy for someone who has everything.

A wedding ring so you can have 1/2 of it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

What do you buy for someone who has everything.

A wedding ring so you can have 1/2 of it.

BWAAaaaaaaa!!!!
LOL!!...thats just not right man!

Oh wait!,....maybe it IS!?

WOW, that is funny! and so true!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

What do you buy for someone who has everything.

A wedding ring so you can have 1/2 of it.

LOL!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

What do you buy for someone who has everything.

A wedding ring so you can have 1/2 of it.

Me thinks the split is more than a 1/2.

Tzone-
A couple of points....Alex is not a southern school!

It may not be the farthest north, but we shore dont consider us southern! I will get you for that comment!!

our hockey team was not that good. they really werent. so to even get to state was vastly exceeding expectations. the whole community got behind them, which was cool and something that i missed while living in Andover!

is anyone following the iditarod? i sure like that race.

Originally Posted by tndrbstr

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

What do you buy for someone who has everything.

A wedding ring so you can have 1/2 of it.

BWAAaaaaaaa!!!!
LOL!!...thats just not right man!

Oh wait!,....maybe it IS!?

That is just too funny!!!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone-
A couple of points....Alex is not a southern school!

It may not be the farthest north, but we shore dont consider us southern! I will get you for that comment!!

our hockey team was not that good.

Not too bad for a southern school.

I wouldn't call them a southern school really. I don't know much about the Alex team. It could be worse, somebody just got beat like 13-1

Originally Posted by Berettaman

is anyone following the iditarod? i sure like that race.

I know it kicked off last weekend. What's the latest? I haven't been to good the past couple of years about staying current on it.

well the 4 time defending champion Lance Mackey is down to 10 dogs just before the halfway point and in 3rd place. Martin Buser is in the lead and Trent Herbst (whose sled was built by his 4th grade class I think) is going to be the first in to Iditarod and win the bag of gold. Now I ask you this, fine 'fire members, how can Buser be in the lead but Herbst will win the gold for being first into Iditarod??? and those are assumptions that are based on no one passing anyone. Can ya figure that out?????

Not sure. Does it go by shortest time, and do they get penalties if they need or get help or assistance from anyone?

Nope, good thinnin', but nope. If they take outside assistance, they get kicked out of the race.

Buser is in command, no doubt about it, but herbst is ahead of him on the trail. Hmmmm......

I gotta get some people interested in this so we can chat about it!

Hhmmm, I wonder if the iditarod was where the phrase,...
"If your not the Lead dog, the view never changes!"
was coined!?....

that is pretty funny right there! Man, what a feat they are doing. 1100 miles with 16 dogs. well 16 at the start. very few have 16 left as they drop dogs regularly at the first sign of injury, sickness, lethargy, etc. This sport needs more attention!

Might have something to do with the mandatory rest periods?

Talked to my sis last night, her daughter lives in Anchorage. She was up there with my brother and her son who signed up to be volunteer dog handlers for the start, the official start which was in Willow Lake(s?) this year. She said they had a great time and it's something I need to see. The weather was great, huge crowd, took my bro almost 4 hours to get back to Anchorage.

I don't have the interweb at home and I haven't seen anything on t.v. in the evening, trying to eat lunch now and take a quick peek to see the standings.

Edit: Are Duluth schools on break? Never thought of it but how did my sis get a week to go to AK and she will be driving over to the Yoop this weekend.

Our snowmobile club has helped with the sled dog races in Frazee for a few years. We were scattered out along the route they were taking and would assist them if they needed. We had to untangle dogs, catch runaway sleds, and one year there was a woman who had a bad wipeout and she bumped her head pretty good so one of the members brought her to the ambulance in his sled. It was so fun.

DING! DING! DING! We have a us a winner! Grizzly Bill, you are correct. Buser has taken his mandatory 24-hour rest and Herbst has not.

some of the video is unbelievable. those dogs can fly! also, -50 true air temp is not uncommon. brrrrr.

i was riding snowmobile about two months ago and here down the trail came a dog sled. we pulled over and shut off our sleds to let them pass.

Question for you BM. Who is the poor guy that gets to clean up all the dog poop on the trail?

The mushers have to be some of the greatest athletes in the world.

the same people who clean up all the moose and bear poop methinks!

checking in from Chugiak, AK (just north of Los Anchorage)

We went to the re-start in Willow on Sunday, and it was great. The weahter was perfect (~20 and sunny,) and there were tons of people. The field is a little smaller this year (62 teams) but there should be some fast times.

Top three are farther along the trail but the big guns have taken their mandatory 24 hour rests, so they will pass the leaders shortly.

The biggest news so far today is that Mitch Seavey had to withdraw because of an injury he got while cutting open a bale of straw at a rest stop. He won in 2004 and hs been top ten each year since. His son Dallas just won the other big long-distance race, The Yukon Quest(Whitehorse to Fairbanks.)

There is kennel cough going around on the trail, and that's why some folks have dropped more dogs than usual. Kennel cough won't usually do much damage but it puts the dogs off their feed. And they need tons of calories to sustain the effort that the race demands.

Martin Buser looks good, as does Hugh Neff. Lance Mackey is in the fight but is down a couple dogs. Watch for John Baker to do well. He is from Kotzebue (NW AK) and his dogs are used to the windy, open terrain that they will be in when they reach the coast.

Herbst's class probably packed his sled and his checkpoint food drops but didn't build it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Question for you BM. Who is the poor guy that gets to clean up all the dog poop on the trail?

The mushers have to be some of the greatest athletes in the world.

Sled dogs have to learn to poop while running - it's hard to stop when the other 15 are going full speed.

Some of these folks are as tough as they come. Look down the standings, and even those mushers a day or two behind are dealing with the same weather and probably worse trail conditions (nasty sugar snow that you have to plow through rahter than ride on top of.) It ain't no picnic.

My hat's off to anyone who can finish the thing while taking good care of their dogs.

Cool! A report from the front row so to speak.

I used to follow the race alot closer than I have in recent years but this has peeked my interest again.

I really, really want to go fishing.

you and me both, I think either late ice crappies or ice out crappies will be the next time for me. I sure miss walleye though

Thx for the update PB. Nice to have someone on the front lines so to speak. Keep us up to date.

Here's another quiz question. What is the award called for the last racer to finish. Hint; there was a small Piza chain in WI with the same name.

I too want to get out on the water. I'm really sick of the snow.

The Red Lantern!

Quit talking fishing you spring worshippers! It is dog race time!

I read that last year for sure Herbst had his sled built by his 4th grade class. I read it on the innanet, it must be true, right?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you and me both, I think either late ice crappies or ice out crappies will be the next time for me. I sure miss walleye though

I don't want to fish on the ice, I wanna fish from my new boat.

show it foo.

yeah pics or it didn't happen!

Same one I posted a week ago or so..... 19 y.o. chick in the back of the boat was not part of the bargin.

Ranger 619
200hp Yamaha HPDI, Yamaha T-8 kicker, fully enclosed stand up top, couple of big lowrances, VHF Radio w/8' antenna, Kenwood cd player w/mp3 and 4 speakers, 74# Minnkota bow mount, she's got a lot of goodies.

[Linked Image]

tzone. Does this mean you can do a trip into voyagers with us this summer? I always do two or three or four. Just saying....

You must really want me to go....double post.

Maybe I could go. I'd have to see the work schedule. Do you go to kab?

Sweet boat man! Congrats!

That would look purdy on a weekend exursion to Devils Lake...

Did you sell the alumacraft yet?

Dude...that thing is made for DL, and Mille Lacs, and LOTW, and...

You got it!! Awesome. If you head up the DL way let me know!!

You never answered my question. Did ya sell the alumcraft yet or are you going to save that for dumping in to small rearing ponds off gravel roads?

very cool boat.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The Red Lantern!

Quit talking fishing you spring worshippers! It is dog race time!

I read that last year for sure Herbst had his sled built by his 4th grade class. I read it on the innanet, it must be true, right?

That's it! I should have DQ'd you and PB though as you 2 know the race to well.

tzone.

We put in at Crane and go up into Namakan. Its is about 15 miles.
PS. Good looking boat.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You never answered my question. Did ya sell the alumcraft yet or are you going to save that for dumping in to small rearing ponds off gravel roads?

No, I haven't sold it yet. It will be for sale shortly. Someone will get a nice boat for a good price though. Rigged up pretty good for a fishing boat. $2k worth of new electronics...

I want to clean it up and get some good pictures before I list it some where.

Thanks TJAY.

Good going on the new boat,Tzone.My biggest boat I ever owned was a 33 foot Owens cabin cruiser.

Stan in SC

The weather here is terrible. The wind is blowing so hard you can't see. Friends of ours left our house and got stuck at the stop sign (where is is wide open and drifts bad). By the time we got there about 5 minutes after he called, there was already a drift on the passenger side of the car. In the picture it looks like he drove right into the drift, but he didn't. Needless to say, after we pulled them out they decided to stay at our house.

[Linked Image]

, glad they are alright!...I just thought it got cold and nasty down here in the s east!....

Jeeeesh. I didn't even know it was supposed to snow. We got some rain, then snow so now it's an icy mess.

Happy Birthday to Mrs. Tzone (Betsy). 29 again.

Happy Berfday Mrs. TZone!!!!! Whuddreya doin' wid dat old guy??

HAPPY 29 Betsy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,BETSY!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday Betsy!!

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Happy Berfday Mrs. TZone!!!!! Whuddreya doin' wid dat old guy??

I'm sure she wonders that every day.

Happy birthday Betsy!

It's a blustery crappy day up here.

Typical weekend right?

Are you going to CBF's snowmobile race?

Yeah we might buz up there. He stayed here last night.

Happy Birthday Mrs. T!

Happy Birthday Betsy!

Tom bettter get you something nice seeing that you let his buy the Ranger.

Originally Posted by tzone

Jeeeesh. I didn't even know it was supposed to snow. We got some rain, then snow so now it's an icy mess.

Did something here overnight too. Driveway was a bit icy this AM. Picking up flurries right now and the wind is really blowing.

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead 1 hour tonight.

Just got a text from Makes No Patties. Their flight is the only one dalayed in Fargo, so they will miss their plane to Cabo.

I locked in boundary waters reservations today for June 16, 17 & 18

Really looking forward to this trip already.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I locked in boundary waters reservations today for June 16, 17 & 18

Really looking forward to this trip already.

Hey....have fun on Jack's birthday and my birthday.

and your's I guess.

Where you goin?

Happy Berfday Mrs Tzone!

iditarod update: it is really heating up. half a dozen teams have a legit shot at this thing. iditarod dot com for updates.

I wish I had the cable for shows like this and the hot rod shows. Otherwise I don't miss it much.

Hey BM, I got rear casting deck on that boat. Good for musky fishing.....just sayin.

never got a call back on the job just east of me 40 miles

doesn't look good right now. got my fingers crossed I hear back tomorrow

I hope you hear back from them with good news Ryan.

That makes two of us!

Make that 3 of us.

Make That 4 of us.

Well, heck...make that 5.

I will be numero seis.

casting deck? muskies? hmmm. Mille lacs? you have seen my mille lacs muskie pics, right? 48.5 and 50 amongst others..... just sayin'.

Have fun at

Dizzy World!

On my way to FLA.....

See y'all in a week.

have fun, be safe.

have fun! you're gonna miss this weather! we'll hold it til you get back

got a couple letters in the mail today. back to the drawing board, although I never stopped really.

kinda a bummer but thats the way it goes. still got my chin up

Ryan,Hang in there.Remember that we are all rooting for you.

Stan in SC

Something will come your way Ryan.

Ufda, rough first day. They worked the heck out of me lasttnight. Gotta go to bed.

Hang tough Ryan, it will happen.

Details, Muffy. Get some sleep first though.

Tied up a bunch of Wolf River Rigs last night. Wont be long now.

John Baker is out of Safety and headed to Nome!

Ramey Smith is 2nd, and has been fastest in the field for the trip over the final 22 miles (Safety to Nome) seven times. But it looks like Baker's lead is too big. He should finish around 10:00 AM AK time.

live coverage at KTUU.com

New record! I haven't seen an official time yet, but it looks like 8 days and 20 hours, about 2 hours fster than the previous record set by Martin Buser.

John Baker, 48 years old and in his 16th Iditarod is your 2011 Iditarod winner, his first ever!!!!

That's way cool.

Well I believe I am rested up for a while. I was told the line I started on lastnight was the fastest one in the plant. The gal training me in said I did really well and that I am catching on very fast. It is a fast paced non stop job. If you have to crap you can't till you have someone to cover for you.

I was pretty sore by the time I got done this morning. The gals told me there will be a point where I will think I can't handle it anymore, but after that it will get better.

It was very hard to fall asleep, it was too light out. It will take a while to get used to the new schedule.

Originally Posted by Muffy

If you have to crap you can't till you have someone to cover for you.

Thanks for sharing that Muffy......

Anyway, good luck on the new job and "go" before you punch in!

Sorry.

Thanks for the advice.

Fun first day here! We got to the condo (inlaws) about 11pm Eastern time. We hit the rack and woke up ready to go. First stop was Sea World. It was a blast. I haven't been there for about 10 years and the kids haven't been there ever.

It's pretty hot for a fat MN boy. It was about 80 today. We came back and hit the pool til now. I'm wore out for the day.

Have fun kids.

ps....Ryan, you'll get something. I applied for no less than 100 jobs between the time I moved until the time I got one. It sucks and I really had to WORK just to get a job. Stick with it. Call them back in a couple weeks and let them know you're still looking. Could turn out the cat they hired never showed up for work.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Sorry.

Thanks for the advice.

Don't be sorry...you know I have an Old Codger "cyber" crush on you...

I worry about your cousin Dave though....

I think Dave has a cyber-crush on you poopbah.

I heard him mumble something about leopard print the other day....

Ah, crusty old Dave is back from a Doc visit with promising (good news)

Been down and out for a while now, really worried about... stuff.

Thinking it was possible I could have had some bad stuff wrong.

Been in a lot of pain for over a month now. I was forced by "burns my breakfast" to go in. She went with me to make sure I did actually go, and to make sure I didn't just go in and say "ya know, I feel better, never mind" and leave.

It's like she knows me or something

Anyways, some muscle damage. Self inflicted, turns out I'm not as young and "one man show" as I used to be.

Without getting into too much detail.. It's just pain, the kind that will heal with some therapy. I can certainly deal with that.

Missy, Pam and I have worked jobs like that, more so me with the night shift stuff.

Have you got like a 3 till midnight or midnight till morning?

Dave, good to hear that you should be on the mend with a some PT help. If you think of it, ask the therapist if elctroshock therapy would help. Worked for me.

If you think you have aches and pain now, wait till you get to be my age.

Suppossed to be in the 50's here the next few days.

Originally Posted by Muffy

It was very hard to fall asleep, it was too light out. It will take a while to get used to the new schedule.

I never did adjust to working nights. Fall and winter wasn't so bad for sleeping but summer was the pits.

If I had to pick between a "2nd shift" and a "3rd shift" I'd pick 3rd (midnight till morning).

The vampire shift.

My opinion is that the 3 to midnight type shift really takes too much away from you.

That said, I've done it before, plenty of it.

Bill, aint nobody hooking me up t a freeking extension cord and plugging me in, no thanks lol!!

Unless I get taser'd in which case I'd probably have it coming.

My shift is the 11 pm to 7 am. Wouldn't be so bad if it was Sunday through Thursday, but it is Monday through Friday. I won't be off work till 7 Saturday mornings.

Yeah that kinda sucks..

But if they have shifts like that, there's opportunity for you to slide into days you know.

Watch for lead openings etc, you'll be running the place before you know it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Unless I get taser'd in which case I'd probably have it coming.

Which is entirely possible.

Good news on the sawbones Dave. Didn't know that anything was buggin ya, but I'm glad it ain't nuttin serious.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bill, aint nobody hooking me up t a freeking extension cord and plugging me in, no thanks lol!!

Unless I get taser'd in which case I'd probably have it coming.

C'mon what could go wrong?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZag1zlecGI

I worked the 6PM to 6AM for a couple of years. Black blinds or covering the windows with aluminum foil helps. Working 6 to 6 and having a statistics class from 8-noon makes statistics so much more interesting.

Dave...glad you found what ails you....welcome to middle age..

I'll check back in 20 years to welcome you to old age....

Well I'm headed for the big lake. Ice fishing, doing a overnight thing with a group from work.

Should be fun.

sounds fun, hope to hear a good fishing report

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If I had to pick between a "2nd shift" and a "3rd shift" I'd pick 3rd (midnight till morning).

The vampire shift.

My opinion is that the 3 to midnight type shift really takes too much away from you.

That said, I've done it before, plenty of it.

Bill, aint nobody hooking me up t a freeking extension cord and plugging me in, no thanks lol!!

Unless I get taser'd in which case I'd probably have it coming.

I have to agree about the 3 to 11 shift, but for a different reason. Never saw the wife and kids. Come to think of it that wasn't all bad.

Don't need an extention cord Dave. I have a portable unit (Called a Tens) that works off of 2 AA batteries. The thing works great.

Good luck fishing Dave.

Well lastnight at work was better. Everyone was talking about the night before and they couldn't believe they put me on the fastest line in the plant on my first night. Lastnight was a little slower, we were working on the 12 inch licorice.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Lastnight was a little slower, we were working on the 12 inch licorice.

I worked on licorice last night myself.

It was strawberry Twizzlers though.

We hung out in the hot today. Played a little mini golf, picked some oranges at an orange groove which was cool, and hit the pool for fun with the kids for a few hours. At the pool I was talking to a lady that lives litteraly 3 miles from us in MN. Small world huh?

Dave, glad to hear that yer just healing up damages. IF ya wake up after age 40 and nuthin' hurts it means ya died during the night

Muffy, I worked the midnite shift for my entire career and it worked out the best for me. I got more time with my sons from working that shift than any other. I prized that greatly.

This warmer weather is pretty nice. getting a good thaw during the day and a freeze at night, nice way to melt the snow and still keep the water under control.

Dusty, my house and my tracked rig are both over on the 12 mile reef now. not sure if I'll be bringing it back over to the west side of the lake or not. But you can still drive a pickup to your fish house so pulling your house off should be easy.

Your house is in good shape too, blocked up off the ice pretty good.

How was the fishing report Dave? heading out in the morning for some fun in the sun on the frozen pond. we'll be out by gull someplace i think. maybe east of there, been doing swell out there i guess.

Hey, what are you bringing for machines? Any sleds? because my house is out on the 12 mile reef with 10 holes already drilled. Just bring a propane tank. Drive out on bablers road north of gull rock to where my tracked rig is parked then split off the trail to the west from there to 12 mile.

I honestly didn't fish a whole lot, but as a group we actually did pretty well. nice big fish too. There were several in the slot that had to go back including a 26 incher.

White bear was having a hard time getting around in the deep snow with his twin track Nodwell yesterday so I hooked up a chain to help him out.

[Linked Image]

that looks like fun there dave, I think we'll head out to 12 mile in the morning. just getting Lestifer to get up may be the chore..come on out and show us how its done!

Supposed to be close to 40 again tomorrow. It's not out of the question for us... we could come out and visit.

But the house is unlocked and ready to fish, holes should be pretty clean. There's an ice chipper inside, probably around 4 bag chairs in there too.

You the greatest! Way better than sitting in Florida or something ridiculous.... we'll have portables with too i think.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

White bear was having a hard time getting around in the deep snow with his twin track Nodwell yesterday so I hooked up a chain to help him out.

[Linked Image]

Boys and their toys.

I actually just hooked on and tightened the chain really quick while he wasn't looking. It made for a great photo to tease him with.

Wait a minute... my machine is still out there on the lake and he's there too... on a 4 day bender..

maybe this wan't such a good idea....

What were you thinking. He will probly have some good pictures to post when his bender is done.

rest in pieces tucker, it was nice knowing you

Unimaginable. What fun that must be. Clash of the Titans!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You the greatest! Way better than sitting in Florida or something ridiculous.... we'll have portables with too i think.

I promise you...It ain't better than sitting in Florida. The only thing I regret is not bringing a boat with me. If I did, I may never come back. Plent of work going on here it looks like, lots of small swim suits ( on the girls...sorry rooster).

The old guys at the pool are impressed with our beer drinking. I didn't tell them about my boy in the north. I skipped telling them about muffy too, I didn't want to give 'em a coranary.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You the greatest! Way better than sitting in Florida or something ridiculous.... we'll have portables with too i think.

I promise you...It ain't better than sitting in Florida. The only thing I regret is not bringing a boat with me. If I did, I may never come back. Plent of work going on here it looks like, lots of small swim suits ( on the girls...sorry rooster).

The old guys at the pool are impressed with our beer drinking. I didn't tell them about my boy in the north. I skipped telling them about muffy too, I didn't want to give 'em a coranary.

They would probly think I was crazy if they heard I was having a beer at 7:30 this morning while cooking breakfast. I don't normaly do this but I just got off work and it was a long week.

Oh and I wouldn't usually stay up and cook Jeremy breakfast after a hard days work, but he bought me a new dryer yesterday. Our old one has not worked well for about a year and all it took was for me to blow a gasket to get a new one. If I would have known that I would have threatened to go buy a new one myself a long time ago.

Beer already? you're my hero. lol!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh and I wouldn't usually stay up and cook Jeremy breakfast after a hard days work, but he bought me a new dryer yesterday.

It sounds like Jermey is my new hero....He bought a dryer and you claim it as YOURS.

I've been doing my on laundry for about 9 years now since I squawked about my clothes always being wet when the wife "dryed" them.

Apearantly.... "Woman, get out there, that grass ain't gonna cut itself" isn't the way to get the lawn mowed either.

I can't complain though....it was HER idea to get the new(er) boat. No b.s. either.

I was looking at Lund tillers and she insisted on the Ranger. Everytime I showed her one she liked it was "but it's not a Ranger". It was hard but I had to listen to the wife.

Nice looking boat you got there Tom, it looks like it would get you to your fishing spot in a hurry.

Thanks Tom. I figure it will go between 50-53 on the gps. Childs play for the speeds the bad azz boats you like go though.

It's a pretty heavy multi-species boat, with a deep-v hull. The bass boats are rockets but not these big heavy suckers.

I had a Ranger 692 that would go 49 consistantly. I had it up to 51mph on a perfect fall day with not much gas left in the tank. This baby will be smmmooooooth on the "walleye chop" though.

Hopefully you and that smiling boy of yours can make it up this way and I'll show you. Maybe we can get Northern Dave and his boys and hit the pond by his place.

Sounds good, I need to get me a bassboat, I borrowed one last year from a friend and that changed my way of thinkiing on the fishing bit from a boat.

In a good way.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

You the greatest! Way better than sitting in Florida or something ridiculous.... we'll have portables with too i think.

I promise you...It ain't better than sitting in Florida. The only thing I regret is not bringing a boat with me. If I did, I may never come back. Plent of work going on here it looks like, lots of small swim suits ( on the girls...sorry rooster).

The old guys at the pool are impressed with our beer drinking. I didn't tell them about my boy in the north. I skipped telling them about muffy too, I didn't want to give 'em a coranary.

You can have the girls T. I'll take the WOMEN!

Originally Posted by Tom264

Sounds good, I need to get me a bassboat, I borrowed one last year from a friend and that changed my way of thinkiing on the fishing bit from a boat.

In a good way.

What are you looking for Tom?

I have a 2008 20' Champion with a Yamaha 225 I'm contemplating selling! Used very little, to much time coaching and traveling with my boys playing soccer. Used it a total of 26 hours last year

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You can have the girls T. I'll take the WOMEN!

I got pics....you couldn't handle it.

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by Tom264

Sounds good, I need to get me a bassboat, I borrowed one last year from a friend and that changed my way of thinkiing on the fishing bit from a boat.

In a good way.

What are you looking for Tom?

I have a 2008 20' Champion with a Yamaha 225 I'm contemplating selling! Used very little, to much time coaching and traveling with my boys playing soccer. Used it a total of 26 hours last year

I've fished out of a 20' Champion Fishhunter (deep-V) and it was a nicely laid out boat. Took the chop well. I believe it had a Merc. Optimax 200 or 225 on it, can't remember and a 9.9 pro kicker. Nice boat. It went in the mid-50's which impressed me.

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by Tom264

Sounds good, I need to get me a bassboat, I borrowed one last year from a friend and that changed my way of thinkiing on the fishing bit from a boat.

In a good way.

What are you looking for Tom?

I have a 2008 20' Champion with a Yamaha 225 I'm contemplating selling! Used very little, to much time coaching and traveling with my boys playing soccer. Used it a total of 26 hours last year

Sounds nice but I need to build a house first.

planning on some pike fishing tomorrow.

If you buy the boat first you could build the house around it.

Thank me later.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

planning on some pike fishing tomorrow.

Hook and line or spearing?

Raining here today, might even see snow Tuesday.

Checked out the Wolf River at Fremont, WI Saturday, Lots of ice yet on the East side and the sloughs and lakes haven't busted loose yet. Saw a couple of boats by the Fremont bridge. There were ice fisherman about 50 yards from them.

Originally Posted by tzone

If you buy the boat first you could build the house around it.

Thank me later.

Lol, I dont think my wife would like a boat in her livingroom.

Fox is open at DePere.

Originally Posted by tzone

Fox is open at DePere.

Yup! Open below the DuBay Dam too.

Heads up. There's a winter storm warning for our area starting Monday night into Wednesday. Rain, sleet, freezing rain and up to 6" of very wet snow. Sure glad it's spring.

Don't know if the Mnpls area is in the path, but we are.

I can see high 140's out of your sons deer but wonder why yours doesn't score higher. What am I missing? Great mature 10 pt with nice beams! Congrats!!

how'd ya do fishing der den?

Fishing was no damn good.

We managed to have fun anyway tho

I'll be on the road for most of the week. Heading for Nebraska.

Work trip.

I'm hoping to make it out at least once more, late ice can be really good.

did you guys try for any walleyes or was it just pike?

Walleyes middle of last week, just pike over the weekend, It was really poor with the pike efforts.

Woo Hoo! A foot of snow on the way tomorrow. I've got the kid out putting the covers back on the snowmobiles.

Based on the forecast, I think we'll sled into the shack again this weekend. Probably be on the Rainy next week or the weekend after.

God, I love spring. Until it all catches on fire and crap.

4

The score on those bucks was a learning experience for me. Never had the desire to measure before! I learned that a typical Shooterville goat scores about 9! And does are zero.

Mine had a spread right at 22". His about 15 4/8". Longest tine on mine was a tish over 9", his were about 13". Mass on mine was more, his was way more symmetrical. Each point was within a couple of 1/8ths of the corresponding point.

We measured ourselves and used the Boone and Crockett web site to do the math. Taxidermist guesses both a little higher, but he didn't measure anything.

Doesn't matter really. We didn't shoot scores, we shot bucks.

4

Lincoln Nebraska,wow it feels like summer here.

I'm applying for a job in lincoln, only been there in passing through though. doesn't seem like a bad town

Good luck, and keep pluggin'. Something's gonna break for you real soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Lincoln Nebraska,wow it feels like summer here.

Leaving 80� orlando, fl in about a 1/2 hour

Snowing here...And a foot or more in the forcast...welcome home...

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Lincoln Nebraska,wow it feels like summer here.

Leaving 80� orlando, fl in about a 1/2 hour

Better tell them to fly that plane like their hair is on fire T or you might be sleeping in an airport somewhere.

We're getting schneg according to my Polish friends. Combination of sleet, freezing rain and snow. Heavy stuff is supposed to start this afternoon. We're in the 4 - 8 inch range. Blizzard warnings posted for the Superior/Duluth area.

rain this morning, turning to sleet then snow. 6-10 inches expected. my driveway is a muddy mess now, it is only gonna get worse.

dad came home from Mexico yesteday and had a flight from hell. He is not a fan of United Airlines.

Originally Posted by sgt217

Snowing here...And a foot or more in the forcast...welcome home...

Got home to cold and rain. Not much snow left though. The only big snow left is where I need to dig the boat out of. I need to get that thing up for sale.

I'm not sure if we're in the snow range or not. I saw northern and western MN are in for a pile though.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

dad came home from Mexico yesteday and had a flight from hell. He is not a fan of United Airlines.

I wouldn't blame the fligt on UA. With the weather, they're all crappy flying conditions right now. Ours was bumpy on the way there. On the way back I don't know if we landed or were dropped.

the issues were directly attributable to United apparently and not weather related. problems with the plane. board....unboard. board....sit on tarmac for 45 minutes....back to the gate and unboard. plane not able to be repaired.....plane able to be repaired...plane not able to be repaired.....new plane...no crew...wait...board....wait for 45 minutes while luggage found....sit on tarmac....etc.

8-11 inches of snow and 40 mph winds they are saying. whoooheehaw! stock up on canned goods, Ma!

Yeah, that stinks when it's like that. I've only had that crap once.

We thought my wife's bag was lost when we got to FL, but it just came 10 minutes after the others. I never check a bag, I'll do laundry before I let the clowns throw my stuff around.

We didn't have to go through a scanner either. I was the only one that got the "pat down", it only cost me a couple $ for a tip. They let the wife and kids go through at Minneapolis and Orlando airports without anything but the metal dector.

Lucky bucket beer is brewed in omaha nebraska and tonight it,s served by the pitcher in lincoln nebraska.

And it's pretty damn good.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Lucky bucket beer is brewed in omaha nebraska and tonight it,s served by the pitcher in lincoln nebraska.

And it's pretty damn good.

You Lucky Bucket!

We've had it all weather wise today including the first lightening and thunder of the season. The heavy stuff isn't suppossed to hit us for another couple of hours. Utility company is telling everyone to get ready for power outages. Wonder if the campfire can handle smoke measages?

Welcome back to the real world "T".

Smoke messages....

Still raining here. Windy as heck. I got the boat up into the driveway. I didn't tear up the back yard to bad either. I need to get it cleaned up and take some pictures.

Snowing...100% chance tonight and tomorrow...up to 14 inches...sigh...

I gotta cut my grass in the morning.It has really grown with all of the 80 degree weather and sunshine we have had the past three weeks.Spring has sure come early this year.The tulips in the little area around my mailbox are blooming.What's all this snow crap ya'll are talking about?
Seriously it is really interesting the difference in weather and season progression from north to south.
Stan in SC

Hi Stan.

We are going to come and look in SC in a year or two. It may sound a bit goofy, but we want to look for an general to retire to. Or move to when the kids are out of the house. It's a long ways off right now but IMO it's not too early to think about it.

Every snow strom and I'm that much closer to working in FL at this point.

I've never been to SC, but my friends and family that hav been, love it there.

I wasn't kiddig, if I would have had my boat in FL, I'm not sure I would have come back.

come on up and see for yourself!

thanks for rubbing it in
I had just managed to see some grass in my yard and took my boy out for a walk yesterday and today for some fresh air and a little exercise, now looks like we're socked in for a bit.

It was thundering here a while ago. Sigh...

Gotta be gusting to 45 by the lake...

Yeah this is some strange weather for sure! Today was windy as heck. Then rain. Then little sleet balls pounding everything. Then thunder and lightening along with the sleet balls and wind. Then everything quit and it was just calm. I was thinking that it wouldn't surprise me if tornados started popping up with the weird weather.

I see the blizzard is making its way through North Dakota though so its on its way. The Red River does NOT need a big dump of snow right now. Thats for sure!

Stan,
Love the way you worked that little rib in there! lol

I have never been to South Carolina. I always say that if I ever move south, it would be to east Tennesee. I have been to the Knoxville/Smoky Mountain area a few times and I absolutely love it there. But I think I would miss MN lake country too much to stay there for very long.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

But I think I would miss MN lake country too much to stay there for very long.

That is about 60% of the reason we're still her.

Heck, with the weather in FL, I could even get used to bass fishin'...maybe.

Summertime humidity and hurricanes suck....

Ice fishing.Why do you guys go fishing for ICE?Seems like you have enough of it already.We go fishing for FISH and you can fish all year long.
It is nice here.We are four hours from the beach and about 45 minutes from the mountains.Linda and I moved here from Atlanta in 1997 to be centrally located to all the kids and grand kids.I lived in Atlanta from 1967 to 1997.I should have moved to South Carolina a long time ago.People are great and the cool springtime Carolina mornings are something that has to be experienced to believe how great it feels.
Deer season starts Aug.15 for archery.Sept. 15th. for muzzle loader and Oct. 15 for gun season which then runs thru Jan.1.For $5 each you can buy up to four use anytime doe tags plus there are alloted doe days when you do not have to use doe tags.
I could go on and on but it really is a great place to live.

Stan in SC

Best I can tell is that we got about 5" of snow s far. That doesn't include the 3/4" of rain yesterday.

Over a foot of snow North of Wausau and more on the way.

Temps are in the mid 20's so it's slick as heck out on the roads.

We had one heck of a lighning and thunder display last night including thunder sleet and snow.

Wind is gusting over 30 MPH which is going to make snoblowing interesting.

We got about 4" as far as I can tell, it's still coming down. It was nasty on the way to work. I left at 5:45 and got to work at about 5 till 7. Normally takes about 1/2 hour.

Stan, keep the couch warm, I may be headed your way.

Hey Tzone, No snow way up here in the Norhtland, bit breezy last night. a nice 13 degrees right now. got to love this weather.

Still coming down here too. I just finished up with the snow blower. What a freaking mess.

Snow on top of ice on top of slush. The blower just rode on top of the ice so there's a good inch of crap left to deal with. Temps are suppossed to remain in the 20's for at least 3 more days so it will really set up.

Stan, do you want company?

we ended up with not much snow after all, I thought it was gonna be a doosie, but alas we skirted the worst of it. ended up with an inch or two of snow, some wind (as usual). not really a big deal. if it slows the thaw and helps with the flooding I'm all for it!

on a side note I got a call back on a job opening in Huron, SD.
same job as the one in KS only in a diff state. its next thursday I go down for it. fingers crossed!

Good luck brother!

Wife stayed home and worked from there today. She said at least 10" of snow fell by noon. Forest Lake, just 3 miles to the north, got a foot by noon.

It's heavy stuff too.

Good luck Ryan,

Still snowing here. Probably picked up 3 more inches since this morning. Area NE of us had 15" at noon. Suppossed to quit around 7 tonight.

talked to my buddy who lives 25 miles west just over the state line, he got a foot of snow, lots of blowing and drifts up to 3' in his yard. our new snow melted off with the sunshine today, least from the roof and cars

nice to know we didn't get the worst of it this time!

thanks for the well wishes! this one has good potential and its not too far

More well wishes from here Ryan. Lots of fun stuff to do in SD!

don't I know it! I practically spent my summers and fall west river

We are hoping you have success,Ryan.

Stan in SC

Well the good news is I'll be able to pay the boat off sooner than I thought. The bad news is I won't be able to use it...At this point I'm working 7 days a week.

Good Man,

Weekend is almost here.

I'm coming to get my house in the morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Weekend is almost here.

What's a weekend?

Good news is, I signed up for deer season off.

Sure kids I'll work weekends in the summer. You can KMA come October though.

LOL that sounds like you Tom, I can picture you saying it too

Working weekends blows rhino taint.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I'm coming to get my house in the morning.

I'm actually heading out that way after work to meet a guy that wants to look at my tracked rig.

I'll maybe try to load my house on a trailer and get it home as long as I'm making a trip.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Good Man,

We could use you down here Uncle Dusty. Contractor is from Chicago and thinks their [bleep] don't stink. Come down here and help me straighten em out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I'm coming to get my house in the morning.

I'm actually heading out that way after work to meet a guy that wants to look at my tracked rig.

Hogwash.... You don't want to hang out with us anymore???

I really thought my craigslist ad had expired, guess not.

I am on my way to the lake. I will remove a couple tracks & dump a bunch of used oil under it to ensure the Tucker stays where it needs to be.
I was hoping it wouldn't come to this.

Do what u gotta do white bear.

LOL!

Originally Posted by tzone

Well the good news is I'll be able to pay the boat off sooner than I thought. The bad news is I won't be able to use it...At this point I'm working 7 days a week.

Just leave the boat with me for the summer, I'll make sure it gets used.

Yeah, can't let that gas go bad. I'll help ya Bill!!

I could chain it to the Nodwell so it couldn't move again. Like last time you know.

Just show up when the guy gets here and start bidding the price up.

is it the guy in north dakota or someone else?

heck if you can make some money on it, you can always get another one later. although the tucker is badass

This guy says he's from Bermidji.

Tis a sad day if it sells. I like White Bear's idea about the used oil......and I have the day off....hmmmmm

Sold

Should I be happy for you or sad?

I hope you got a fair price.

to the bat cave....

(check PM)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sold

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah, can't let that gas go bad. I'll help ya Bill!!

You're on Dave.

let me know if you need a bait boy, I'll go

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah, can't let that gas go bad. I'll help ya Bill!!

You're on Dave.

You clowns can use it whenever you want....ya just gotta come here to do it.

Should be room for the 3 of us Ryan. Guess we could tow Tom behind.

ah, he'll be at work anyway, he can clean the fish when we get back though. it would make him feel like he was with us anyway

After watching dave clean fish, you guys should have him do it.

If you guys want a boat, I have a perfectly good Alumacraft here you can buy. It works like a champ.

I wish. my luck I would get a job in arizona and spend as much on the boat as it would cost to move it down there.

Work is starting on the roadrunner.

I'll be placing an order for body panels, sandpaper and body work supplies this week.

Can't wait to see the progress. That sand paper is nealy as much as body pannels.

What is paper up to now for a paint job? $250 or so?

Gotta know where to buy it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Gotta know where to buy it

I don't buy it. I use it and listen to my dad squawk about changing the paper too much, "if you had to buy that stuff you would be changing that da every time it got dirty paper, use that air hose and blow it out fer crissakes."

I have a dad like that...

Just wait, pretty soon you'll have a son like that.

Well, I turned the corner on that kind of thinking a long time ago when I started buying the paper right.

Paper only cut's sharp for so long then it just "loses it's edge". It goes from 100% effective to maybe 20% effective in a hurry. Sander speed, pressure and surface contact have a lot to do with it, and also the paint itself. Some paints come off soft and just load the paper.

Either way, once your paper drops below a certain % of effectiveness you are wasting valuable time, wasting valuable air pressure, likely creating heat which compounds you paper loading problems plus your damn arms are getting tired for nothing. It's like using bucket with no bottom in it to bail water out of a boat, your arms are working like crazy but you aint getting anywhere lol!

I buy the paper right and I feel just fine about changing it when it's spent.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, I turned the corner on that kind of thinking a long time ago when I started buying the paper right.

Paper only cut's sharp for so long then it just "loses it's edge". It goes from 100% effective to maybe 20% effective in a hurry. Sander speed, pressure and surface contact have a lot to do with it, and also the paint itself. Some paints come off soft and just load the paper.

Either way, once your paper drops below a certain % of effectiveness you are wasting valuable time, wasting valuable air pressure, likely creating heat which compounds you paper loading problems plus your damn arms are getting tired for nothing. It's like using bucket with no bottom in it to bail water out of a boat, your arms are working like crazy but you aint getting anywhere lol!

I buy the paper right and I feel just fine about changing it when it's spent.

PM me....I'll give you my paper supplier's number. It sounds like if hears it from somebody other than me, it may sink in.

I've been telling him that for years. Maybe I should just buy some paper?

.....naw.

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe I should just buy some paper?

...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe I should just buy some paper?

...

He's not a man that takes to change well. I don't want to shock anyone's system.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, I turned the corner on that kind of thinking a long time ago when I started buying the paper right.

Paper only cut's sharp for so long then it just "loses it's edge". It goes from 100% effective to maybe 20% effective in a hurry. Sander speed, pressure and surface contact have a lot to do with it, and also the paint itself. Some paints come off soft and just load the paper.

Either way, once your paper drops below a certain % of effectiveness you are wasting valuable time, wasting valuable air pressure, likely creating heat which compounds you paper loading problems plus your damn arms are getting tired for nothing. It's like using bucket with no bottom in it to bail water out of a boat, your arms are working like crazy but you aint getting anywhere lol!

I buy the paper right and I feel just fine about changing it when it's spent.

Kinda sounds like trying to save money by washing out your TP so you can reuse it.

You can always split the ply's.

nope, I stay in a lot of hotels that try to pass off the single ply chit tickets, you will always use twice as many as the double ply stuff. azzwipe is not a place to try and cut costs.....

I agree.

Some of that hotel stuff, you're better off to use the wrapper in comes in.

I always carry extra pinecones in my bag, just in case.

TP, don't leave home without it! I have an emergency roll in both cars and it's saved my butt (Pun intended) more than once.

woohoo! in a hotel in Huron SD, interview tomorrow.

lots of snow geese on the way down, wish I brought a shotgun

Good luck with the interview. Convince them you really want it, and it will be yours to say yeah or nay!

Brent

Good luck man, south dakota is cool.

Heard a bunch of geese tonight here too. Never did have much of a desire to shoot a goose. I think the taste like crap.

Good Luck Ryan!!!

Hi Muffy!

just stopped by for that!

Send Dave out so I can show him how to milk a buffalo fopr Buffalo Trace!

Good luck Ryan.

Ryan,Hoping it is what you want and that it is yours for the taking.

Tom,I'm with you on geese.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Heard a bunch of geese tonight here too. Never did have much of a desire to shoot a goose. I think the taste like crap.

Are you saying you've eaten crap?

Fingers crossed Ryan.

How's the job going Muffy?

Hey Bill, the job is going well. They posted that they have 2 openings for day shift. I signed up but not sure if I will get it or not. Time to go to sleep, or try anyway.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Heard a bunch of geese tonight here too. Never did have much of a desire to shoot a goose. I think the taste like crap.

Are you saying you've eaten crap?

Probably....

I got the laughs in a meeting this morning because they were talking about butt fusion.

I chuckled at first. then the contractor said we have a leak in the hole, so we need to go down the hole and do a butt fusion. I nearly lost it, then everyone else did when I asked if that is painfull.

LOL thats funny!

gettin antsy now, interview in less than an hour! thanks for the well wishes everyone!

Well I am a little late on the well wishes, but here they are anyway!

I was in northern California Mon-Wed of this week. Do ya know what? It is green out there. In fact, many of the lawns need mowing. Do you remember what the color green looks like?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Do you remember what the color green looks like?

I do. I saw it in FL a few weeks ago. The first 8 or 9 times mowing the lawn each year is fine, it gets old after that.

Hope your knockin their socks off Ryan! I came up 25 to Webster, SD on my way home from Mitchell on Tuesday. The snow geese are really starting to stage at the edge of the snow line on their trek up nort.

The only thing goose meat is good for is jerky.

I got a text from Ryan that said it went really well!

WAY TO GO RYAN!

that's good, fingers crossed!!

Hey Hey, maybe a Chickenbuck get together in SoDak, eh???

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Heard a bunch of geese tonight here too. Never did have much of a desire to shoot a goose. I think the taste like crap.

Are you saying you've eaten crap?

Probably....

I got the laughs in a meeting this morning because they were talking about butt fusion.

I chuckled at first. then the contractor said we have a leak in the hole, so we need to go down the hole and do a butt fusion. I nearly lost it, then everyone else did when I asked if that is painfull.

Butt Fusion, that's a Ford right? Must be a hybred.

According to the latest "Shooting Times" Winchester is bringing back the model 71, in .348 WCF. Price is $1,469. They're also brining out new variations of the mods 1885, 1892, 94 and 70.

If you like 85's there are LOTS of good ones out there. Many probably better than those Winchester will reinvent. The more recent high and low walls made by Browning and then by Winchester were really quite different than original 85s.

Was hoping to hear something from Ryan this morning. Guess it is still early.

I'm here, they said they would let me know tuesday
so its the fun waiting game again!
I have another interview early next week as well in Kansas

Kansas would rock....just sayin'.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

According to the latest "Shooting Times" Winchester is bringing back the model 71, in .348 WCF. Price is $1,469. They're also brining out new variations of the mods 1885, 1892, 94 and 70.

April fools?

Where about in KS?

Sounds like you have a viable job market. Sooner or later, your ship will come in. Just be patient.

Well, being the father of 3 year old twin boys, I knew it was a matter of time....the wife called me from the YMCA this morning and said, "You gotta come pick up Wyatt, I gotto go to the clinic with Hunter 'cuz he needs stitches on his chin!". So Wyatt is watching cartoons and waiting for his brother to come back. He seems kinda sad. He told me right away when I got there, "Hunter got an owie (ah, how do you spell owie??) and his chin was bleeding and he was crying." How many more of these are in the future?

Good news is that I went the local Viking Sportsman banquet last night and won a Ruger 10/22 and a GLoomis/Pflueger Rod and reel, a half day local guided fishing trip and a tackle box with tackle. Didnt even spend very much.

WOW, you made a haul!

I had stitches twice when I was a kid, about 5 months apart.
if you have twins, expect more times, they will dare each other and try to one up each other enough to do some foolish things at times.

Brent - Abilene

Sorry to hear about the little guy BM. I was 33 when I got my first stiches...it was last year when we moved into our new house.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Good news is that I went the local Viking Sportsman banquet last night and won a Ruger 10/22 and a GLoomis/Pflueger Rod and reel, a half day local guided fishing trip and a tackle box with tackle.

Wanna sell the 10-22?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well, being the father of 3 year old twin boys, I knew it was a matter of time....the wife called me from the YMCA this morning and said, "You gotta come pick up Wyatt, I gotto go to the clinic with Hunter 'cuz he needs stitches on his chin!".

Treadmill?

Well the story goes thusly.....Hunter was riding some type of scooter in the gym on his belly and fell off. Apparently his chin was about the first thing to hit the floor, which is kind of rubbery and part of his chin stuck to the floor and part of it kept going.

Result: 7 stitches. poor little guy didnt think much of the novacain shot.

Tzone, I think I am gonna need the 10/22 with the twins coming along. Lauren won one this year at our PF banquet, so that gives me 2, which is conveniently the same number of boys I have.

Even given the relative cheapness of .22LR cartridges, I might go broke keeping them in ammo! Which is a good thing!

Cabelas has cheap 22 ammo right now, it was like 15 bucks a brick or so. cheapest I've seen in a long while

I went a bit nuts a few years ago when the ammo scare was coming. I have like 6-7 bricks of. I have more than I can shoot, so hopefully the kids will shoot too. 10-22's are cheap enough to pick up new. I think I'm going to buy a pink one before fall. My daughter wants one, asks quite a bit...I want to get it before she loses interest.

We are wishing success to both Ryan and Muffy in the job fields.He to land what he wants and she to get the shift she wants.
The amazing Mz. Linda and I are leaving for Charleston,South Carolina in the morning.We are taking a cruise of six days to Key West,FL. and then to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas.See you all Saturday week.
10-22's are about the bestest .22 auto ever made.

Stan in SC

T,

Honestly if she is into it locate a receiver and build a 10/22 kind of like a mini mustang project. She will love it forever and maybe not remember all the details of putting it together she will remember the project itself.

JMO

bd

Have fun Stan. We went on a cruise and Nassau was one of our stops too. I bought a Harley Davidson shirt there. Be careful walking there...pedestrians DON'T have the right of way in the town of Nassau.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

According to the latest "Shooting Times" Winchester is bringing back the model 71, in .348 WCF. Price is $1,469. They're also brining out new variations of the mods 1885, 1892, 94 and 70.

April fools?

Nope, for real.

Have a reat trip Stan.

My grandson did the stitches gig last Thanksgiving. He's learned that if you toss a rock up into the air it can and did come down and hit him on the head.

Hey uhhh....

Guess what?

RYAN GOT THE JOB!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Good going buddy!!!

Congrats there Ryan!!! [Linked Image]

I will drink to that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey uhhh....

Guess what?

RYAN GOT THE JOB!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Good going buddy!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Yep, now we got a scout in sow-da-koh-dah.

I WILL DRINK TO THAT.

SSSSwwwwweeeet.

Congrats Ryan. I knew you would do it! Maybe you can move in with Redneck. I don't know when he's moving but you can see his count down on any of his posts.

Congrats again Ryan. It's nice getting a job that you wanted. Well done!

Question for the Camp Chickenbuck Executive Board!! Duz this mean that Ryan gets ta buy the first round next time out???

If so, one of ya have another one wid MY handle on it

I think a chickenbuck prairie dog hunt is in order first hand

Congrats Ryan! Way to go!

This calls for the official Camp Chickenbuck War Cry:

WOO-LOO-LOO-LOO-LOO!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Ryan! When do you start?

I start in a few weeks, exact date hasn't been set yet, I need to get moved and get all the paper work done, and I need my CDL

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I think a chickenbuck prairie dog hunt is in order first hand

I'll drink to that.

Oh yeah, I'm in for that!!

Me too. Sounds like a riot.

the bird is coming apart.

[Linked Image]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/5095648/1/1969_Roadrunner_revival

Are the murals and "stuff" on the side of the car paint or decal'ish?

I had a 79 Bronco that had the brown,orange,yellow, rainbow type stuff on it. It was a reflective decal. If you hit it with headlights or a spot light, you were sightless for a few seconds.

I don't know why anyone would put that on there?

cool stuff Dave!

okay, if Tzone drove around in a Bronco with a RAINBOW on it, he has definitely caught the gay!

Way to go Ryan! I recently got elected/appointed/saddled with the chapter presidency here for PF. I will look forward to hearing about you exploits and may bump into you at some PF functions.

Is my .300 WSM big enough for prairie dogs? I dont wanna be undergunned!

if you do decide to go that small, I would only use premium bullets and keep the range to less than 50 yards

hopefully I'll be able to but together another prairie dog rig so I'll have a "loaner" rifle for anyone who doesn't have a .223 right Dave?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

okay, if Tzone drove around in a Bronco with a RAINBOW on it, he has definitely caught the gay!

Kinda males me wonder what he's going to put on the Ranger?

Is my .300 WSM big enough for prairie dogs? I dont wanna be undergunned!

Maybe I can borrow my son's 416 Taylor. Probably marginal though.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

if you do decide to go that small, I would only use premium bullets and keep the range to less than 50 yards

hopefully I'll be able to but together another prairie dog rig so I'll have a "loaner" rifle for anyone who doesn't have a .223 right Dave?

Yeah I guess I need a .223.

All I have that's close is .243, 220 swift and 22-250

Hmm, I guess I don't have any 17 centerfires either, and I'm lacking in .204

I better go shopping.

In rimfire I'm covered in .17 and .22 both in magnum length...

do either of the 22's have a heavy barrel? its not a must have, but it helps when doing a lot of shooting.

your 22 mag will go a long way on the dogtown, I need to get one of those.

none of my rimfire 22's are heavy barrel, my .17HMR is heavy barrel and my 22-250 is a heavy barrel.

you're set then, just that 22-250 ammo aint cheap.

but if a guy wanted to get some dies and brass......

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hopefully I'll be able to but together another prairie dog rig so I'll have a "loaner" rifle for anyone who doesn't have a .223 right Dave?

You might have to get another "loaner" .223. I don't have one either.

a .243 would work, but I thing that would heat up pretty fast.

Dave, why wouldn't you use the .22-250?

Think she'll float?

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/ranger.jpg?t=1301930660[/img]

Nice lookin boat Tom! she'll fload all right, just remember to put the plug in it! BTDT

I have forgot the plug before. Now it's on my launch checklist.

Or I put it back in the boat when I get home.

Tzone,
If you put the plug into the boat when you get home and some overzealous CO stops you and it is in the next time you drive to the lake.....I think (stress think) you can get a ticket for that. There is no way to prove you arent coming from a different lake and there will be just enough water still slopping around.....what is your take on that?

I dont like that new law one bit personally. Pretty darn rare I fish 2 lakes in one day. I am usually pretty darn happy to be able to fish one lake in one day!

There would be no way for them to prove I WAS at another lake. The boat will be dry. I've only switched lakes once ever in the same day, where I had to reload and trailer.

I will check the regs though. If anyone would get a ticket for something like that, it would be me.

ND and company. This is my SD relatives PD rifle of choice in 24" barrel version.

RRA Varmint

Last time I talked to him he shot a fox with it at 426 yards laser ranged. That, in addition to 26 plus yotes this year. He was a big bolt action fan until I introduced him to AR's. He says the long heavy barrel AR in 223 is the ultimate PD and varmint rifle.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

ND and company. This is my SD relatives PD rifle of choice in 24" barrel version.

RRA Varmint

Last time I talked to him he shot a fox with it at 426 yards laser ranged. That, in addition to 26 plus yotes this year. He was a big bolt action fan until I introduced him to AR's. He says the long heavy barrel AR in 223 is the ultimate PD and varmint rifle.

Those are sweet! Pricy though!

All I have is a 22-250 as well. Not the heavy barrel either.

Would be a very expensive PD hunt. I spose I could use my SKS and buy a case of ammo for that. 7.62x39's are still relatively affordable. At least the last time I checked.

a .22 hornet would be pretty sweet I think for PD's too.

I've killed the most with a 10/22. some out there quite a ways as well. a little kentucky windage can go a long way when you have a 10 round mag and can adjust quick if you miss.

at the place I go in SD we usually start with .22s for the first half a day or so, stalking through draws and crawling over small ridges. later on we sit up on top of a hill with a .223 or similar rifle and pick em off from a ways away. I use a savage 110 .223 in a thumbhole stock and a burris signature 6-24 ballistic mildot scope. helps that I reload my own too so I have plenty of .223 ammo.

I found a sweet Rem 700 .223 at a shop about an hour away. It has a heavy 20" bbl, and factory sights, and a B&C stock I think. I really liked it when I was there but bought the single 6 that day instead.

I may have to make a run...

I hit the dogs out there last year several time. The towns were a little thin on dogs but we did get some shooting. I am always up for a dog shoot. Even have a couple of spare poodle shooters. I have a friend in Rapid who has been scouting more towns. Also do some loper hunting in that area. Really like the area.

Colorado1135 you will like it out there.

I've been out there more times than I can count visiting friends an family throughout south dakota. I don't recall ever being in hot springs specifically, but I have a few prairie dog places lined up that only get shot at a couple times a year if that.
my first prairie dog I got there was with a BB gun when I was 11 if that tells you anything. and the majority we've shot with a .22lr

Congrats on the job! Tzone, bring that boat up and fish the rainy, got until the 14th. otherwise a good time for sturgeon as well. lets slime it!!

Buschy, I won't have it up by the 14th, but I plan to have it up at least once this year to fish. Depending on the vacation situation, I'd like to come up more.

Come on down and hit Mille Lacs with me.

How far is Mille Lacs from your door T? Thats got to be a little bit of a haul isn't it?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How far is Mille Lacs from your door T? Thats got to be a little bit of a haul isn't it?

Not really. I can be on the south end in an hour and 15 min.

I used to drive out and fish Green Bay for the day, that was anywhere from 1 and half to 2 1/2 hours depending on where I went. I don't mind driving to fish as long as someone splits boat gas$ a little bit.

I have a start date of the 18th, so I need to boogie!

It might be worth your time to hire an "appartment finder" of some sort.

I'm leaving in the morning to drive out and find a place to live

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a start date of the 18th, so I need to boogie!

Me and RWS birthday that day!

We'll be coming out of the BWCA on that day this summer.

ohh, 18th of which month???

april. so 13 days...... yikes!

Holy crap, I was talking about june LOL!!

You better get crackin foo!!

yeah, takin off tomorrow to find a place out there, come back here start working on my CDL and packing, next friday/saturday will be the big move.

sounds like once I start I'll have a day off next june, LOL. I'm gonna have a LOT to do. but at least I'm working finally

Ryan....congrats on the job!!

Whereabouts in SD will you be?

Jeff

Hot Springs, just an hour south of rapid city

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Hot Springs, just an hour south of rapid city

I must have missed something? I thought you landed a job in Huron??

Nice country up that way. We have a 160 up near Buffalo. I love that ground. You will enjoy that place, I have no doubt about it.

Congrats Ryan

Nope, the interview was in Huron, the job is in Hot springs

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Nope, the interview was in Huron, the job is in Hot springs

Gotcha!

That is indeed some nice country! Much better than Huron!

I agree with Rooster, that is some beautiful country around the Black Hills.

Too bad there isn't much to hunt around there;)

One of my favorite places is the Black Hills. I always wanted to knock down a turkey or two there.

I'd LOVE to hunt deer there. I've never shot a mulie, heck...I've never hunted for them.

I keep hinting to the wife that we should take the kids out there.

Originally Posted by tzone

One of my favorite places is the Black Hills. I always wanted to knock down a turkey or two there.

I'd LOVE to hunt deer there. I've never shot a mulie, heck...I've never hunted for them.

I keep hinting to the wife that we should take the kids out there.

That is where we went for our honeymoon. We had a blast and the scenery is amazing!

We took the kids out there about 3 years ago for a week of camping....easily one of our best vacations.

We went to Yellowstone and the Tetons for our honeymoon. The wife is talking that it may be time to take the kids out there.

North of Keystone (south west of rapid city) on 16 is a place called the Powder house. Dusty told us about it.

I had an awesome buffalo rib eye there, you'll have to check it out.

Ryan, if I lived out there I'd have to buy another motorcycle.

I don't have much of a "bucket list" so to speak of but if there is a bucket for me with a few things inside it, one of them is to vacation in that area on a nice full fendered Harley soft bagger. Something like a road king classic or anything similar.

That area, those roads and the scenery, it's bike heaven.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

North of Keystone (south west of rapid city) on 16 is a place called the Powder house. Dusty told us about it.

I had an awesome buffalo rib eye there, you'll have to check it out.

I think we ate there too if I recall.

I finally get my red truck back today.

Deer damage totally gone.

New look too, bumper, grille, upper bumper cover all different.

Hope it looks ok.

this place is so gorgeous! and expensive! wowsers.

plain houses start at 100,000

and with the economy being like it is, there are hardly any places for rent because folks who lost their homes or have bad credit are forced to rent.
its interesting to say the least, but I'm making good contacts and something will happen, I'm too stubborn

65 and sunny here in the hills

Get a good tent, KOA

Say hello to Abe and the boys for me.

ROR, will do

Figured a nice family thread like this could use a little color.. *Grin*

[Linked Image]

hate to tell you dude, but 100K for a house is pretty dang good.

Did you find an appt to live in?

Maybe you could find a sugar mama.

Let me know if you find two.

My eyes!!!! my eyes!!!

Lol.......

First gay rifle I've ever see. Eye bleech, pass the dang eye bleach!

Dave, Saw A Tucker with the groomer for sale today. Price was $13,500.

Sounds about right with a groomer.

Tom, you are a sick man...

skittles rifle, LOL!

Just keeping it real Dave.... Lol

I walked into a shop to check out a Kimber and walked out with a dang Remington. How does that work?

I'll tell ya how it works. I went in to get a quote on a Kimber Montana, and started looking at the Rem. 700 Varmit pokers. They had a 700 VT? with a 26" heavy bbl, .223Rem for $509. The dude says if I buy it before the end of April, I can get another $75 off on a rebate. so.....no kimber today.

Originally Posted by tzone

I walked into a shop to check out a Kimber and walked out with a dang Remington. How does that work?

I'll tell ya how it works. I went in to get a quote on a Kimber Montana, and started looking at the Rem. 700 Varmit pokers. They had a 700 VT? with a 26" heavy bbl, .223Rem for $509. The dude says if I buy it before the end of April, I can get another $75 off on a rebate. so.....no kimber today.

Does it need a paint job?

Lol!!

Hey, I got my truck back.

[Linked Image]

I'll paint it for ya. *Grin*

Dave, deer burger year 'round with that bumper. Ranch Hand?

Yeah, ranch hand summit series bull nose.

bumper cover (piece above the bumper) I ordered from summit racing as a chrome piece, normally painted the body color from ford.

And I chose the chrome package horizontal bar grill from ford to replace the honeycomb lariat grill.

Originally Posted by Tom264

I'll paint it for ya. *Grin*

Originally Posted by Tom264

Does it need a paint job?

Yes, but I'll pick my own colors.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Tom264

Does it need a paint job?

Yes, but I'll pick my own colors.

Why? I got em all here.

Now ya got a deer masher!

Looks good.

Stay away from my new bumper Tom!! lol!!

I'm not talking about your bumper Dave.....the whole truck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Now ya got a deer masher!

Looks good.

Thanks Tom....I was thinking 85 grain TSX's.

flashbacks ofmy black crew F350 crudely photoshopped to a rainbow gay paintjob...

Yep....was it photoshopped?

That was photo shopped?

By who?

He's lying Tom...

Neither of you two oafs knows how to photoshop anymore than I do.

I was being polite.

That was a crude microsoft windows "Paint" job if I ever seen one.

OK you got us there but I really thought your truck was rainbow colored....

It did look nice.

Dave,
Let Tom264 paint your truck, buy the rainbow volkswagon I saw in one of the other threads, find someone with a PT Cruiser, and you 3 could have your own parade...

The only parade is a parade of trucks loaded with hunting gear, driving down the Chickenbuck road.

Driving?

More like swimming...

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Dave,
Let Tom264 paint your truck, buy the rainbow volkswagon I saw in one of the other threads, find someone with a PT Cruiser, and you 3 could have your own parade...

There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
When a rainbow Ford lead the parade of men in tights.

Sorry Robert Service!

hmm, that literature seems slightly altered....

Happy friday everybody!

I like the moose catcher ND. That will teach them danged deer. Before, they were kilt by an ordinary truck. now, they will avoid the road like the plague.

I am officially saying that yesterday, April 6, we were snow free. To be sure, there are piles still around, but everywhere there wasnt a pile or drift it is gone. It has been replaced by mud, which apparently is made up of tiny special magnet particles. These special magnets do not attract metal, like other magnets. This magnet mud attracts little boys. The little boys are helpless when they get in proximity of the mud. They just get sucked right over to it and are forced to march right into it and look at their now mud covered shoes. Little girls apparently feel a slight pull, but only once in awhile. Little boys feel it all of the time, much to their mothers chagrin.

Quote

Driving?

More like swimming...

Could leave that canoe at the landing where Ryan parks his car....and where we keep the Chevy's that can't make it the mud run. ror.

Mud, mud puddles and standing water are just little boy magnets.

Rubber boots should be mandatory for boys in the spring.

boots hell, they need dive suits, regular full body wet suits so you can rinse them off with the hose at the back door when it's time to come in.

i second the full body wet suits. I bought them cute little monkey rubber boots for their birthday in preparation for the mud magnets. on their very first outing, they went over the tops of them. Since then, it is simply routine to be covered from head to toe with mud. Seems like the dog is also susceptible to the mud magnets. She gets covered in it awfully quick.

Same date at my place BM. In fact I told the wife that last night....I deemed it "snow free" yesterday.

I had the girl at softball practice last night and could find the trouble making monkey I call Jack. Called all over for him, sure enough he pops out of the woods covered in....... MUD.

Boys are boys no matter the location.

Dave, you should paint that black bumper to match the red of the truck! the grill looks nice too again. i'd like that on my crew.

We are back.Nassau and Freeport were great.I liked Key West bettern' anything else tho.Saw Poppa Hemingway's house.Great trip and I come back to the good news that Ryan landed a great job and Dave is back in the Ford again.All is well.I only had 13 pages to catch up on.

Stan in SC

Sounds like a great trip Stan, you don't have any pictures do you?

Dave,I know we took some on Linda's camera.I don't know how to post them.

Stan in SC

Well it was an interesting night at work. We had a short meeting before we started. Our male supervisor and a female coworker got fired. I guess they got caught either by someone or on video during work doing some funny stuff together. I don't know what they were thinking. Especally her, he is not good looking at all and he is like missing every other tooth on the top and what he does have are like stubs.

ick.

Ok.....I did just spit some OJ. That is a HI-LARRY-OUS description of those people.

Maybe they were making liccorice bites.

reminds me of the pickle slicer joke.

I made an offer on a house in SD, I find out tonight if I get it

Good luck on the house, Ryan.

I almost killed a pit bull today. We were cleaning up the baseball fields for the kids leagues. There were easily 300 people there and the dude has a pit bull barking at people.

Idiot!

thanks Tom, I would be less than a mile from a prairie dog town

Good luck on the house Ryan! Welcome back Kotter....err Stan! We wanna see some pics!

I do not like pit bulls. If there is a pit bull around, my family and I are leaving, i dont trust them things at all. Stats dont lie.

Garage/shed cleaning today. I made MAJOR husband points today. Somehow we lost my wife's nativity set in the move and I found them today. Looking forward to a good evening! I might even ask if I can go elk hunting this year.....

Good luck with the house Ryan. It is beautiful country down there. I would love to live in that area.

I would ask her NOW!

thanks for the crossed fingers, I find out if they accepted my offer within the next 3 hours (6pm CST)

no word on the offer. not sure what to think. not a yes, no or counter. kinda odd

WWWHHHHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO. Bulldogs win the NCAA Mens Hockey Championship.

I know most of you guys don't care but I've been a fan since a little kid. I'm sure you could hear me hootin.

That stinks Ryan.

I just talked to Jeremy, he is at LOW fishing this weekend and he said the fishing is terrible. But he said the beers are going down good.

Fishing is never terrible. The catching of the actual fish might be as good as other days but......

i asked the elk hunting question and got turned down. might hide the nativity scene to get even

!

Ryan what is the danged deal, any word on the house? You have the worst luck in having to wait....and wait.....and wait....for big, life changing decisions.

Oh Dean, don't I know it!

we submitted the offer late in the afternoon on friday, it might not have made it to the seller before closing, so my realtor is going to their office first thing monday to figure it out.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

i asked the elk hunting question and got turned down. might hide the nativity scene to get even

!

You can always refrase it like I do. Let her know to keep the schedule clear on those dates because you're going elk hunting.

My son's in the same boat. He has an offer in on a house in MT. Preliminary word is that he got it, but nothing official yet.

Thunder boomers here last night and about an inch of rain. Woke up this morning to "No snow" and green grass. Took a drive along the Wisconsin River this PM. It's over the banks in a lot of locations. 72 degrees here right now.

We got the boomers here too. It was a beautiful day here. It was 76* at one point. We did a lot of yard work today. I'm pretty whipped out. Had all the windows and doors open, then we got a big gust of wind and I swear the temp dropped 15* with that gust. It's cool now, and looks like rain.

Great weekend overall.

Any word on the house yet Ryan?

none yet, should get a call this morning sometime

It might not be a bad idea to take a pro active approach and give them a call. maybe let 'em know you need a place and theirs ain't the only one for sale in a somewhat down market.

A number of tornadoes hit North (Merrill area) and South (Adams county)of us between 5 and 7 PM Sunday. Appears to be quite a bit of property damage.

Had my annual VA physical this morning. Took the river route over to Wisconsin Rapids. Saw a lot of minor flooding and water was on the road in one location.

got a counter offer, a long ways from my original offer. submitting a new offer of take it or leave it meeting them halfway.

that is what we did when we bought our house too. It works more often than not.

Still have crossed fingers for you.

hurry up and wait! I love it. I know what you are going through, but since it aint me, I can see the humor in it! with your luck, do you have to wait to see if they accept your offer at the grocery store? Do pop machines stall after you insert your coins? You poor guy!

I noticed you used the term "we" when you talked about the offer.

You havent already met and married a sweet little thang out there have ya?

LOL, NO WAY! we is my boy , my dog and me thats it!

Hey Dave, since you burned up your chickenbuck shirt, you going to take more orders??? My boys keep stealing mine...

I suppose it could happen.

South Dakota is a go. was lookin a little iffy there. my realtor found me a place to live until we close on the house, and storage unit(s) to put stuff in until then as well.

I tell you what, Heartland realty in Hot Springs went above and beyond what a realtor, or realty office is required to do. especially Gale, he's as good as they come.

thanks for the prayers and well wishes ya'll. I might be a little scarce around here for a little while come friday, but thats the way it goes.

enough said, back to the usual (if there is such a thing) on here

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

South Dakota is a go. was lookin a little iffy there. my realtor found me a place to live until we close on the house, and storage unit(s) to put stuff in until then as well.

back the truck up here a second son......Does this mean you got the house?

I hope so.

Well I found a deal on another Winchester I couldn't pass up. Model 70 Featherweight XTR (push feed) in .243 Win, and a Leupold varix-II 3x9x40.

The more I look at this rifle, the more I think it hasn't been shot. It even has a "real walnut" sticker on the stock. It has a very small ding on the fore end from being handled in a shop but I can't find anything else that says it's been outside, let alone in the woods or to a range.

haven't gotten the house yet, its a long story

whats the price on the M70?

$600

That is for gun, Burris bases, Leupold rings, Leupold Vari-X II 3x9x40, and a leather millitary type sling.

No box or papers but this is a beautiful gun. Can't wait to shoot it. I believe it will be my goto this year.

good deal! never cared much for box and papers, get in the way.

Originally Posted by sgt217

Hey Dave, since you burned up your chickenbuck shirt, you going to take more orders??? My boys keep stealing mine...

Did I miss the "twisted nipple" story here or was it on the RR thread?

You never mind about my nipple, I'll grow a new one.

Great news Ryan congrats and Tom, wow nice find on the xtr .243 with a VXII, you done good!

New injun name just like the rest of the family for ND?

GNO. Grinds Nipple Off.

Meaner!

That gun is no featherweight with the big scope on it. I may have to change that if I can save up enough cash. 2.5x8 or 2x7 would be nice.

It's just a 40mm aint it?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Meaner!

Before this new name takes hold, was it actually grinded off or twisted? A little more detail would be appreciated. GNO or TNO???? They both have a nice ring to them....

There was no nipple removal, It stalled out an 11,000 RPM 4.5" angle grinder with a cutting wheel though.

And yes it left a mark.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There was no nipple removal, It stalled out an 11,000 RPM 4.5" angle grinder with a cutting wheel though.

And yes it left a mark.

You never wooda heard the end of it if you had to go in for a "boob job"!

I think I could have done without a nipple, or maybe just go have one tattoo'd on.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There was no nipple removal, It stalled out an 11,000 RPM 4.5" angle grinder with a cutting wheel though.

And yes it left a mark.

I call BS! Pics or it didn't happen....

trust me, nobody wants to see that.

Dang ole One Teat Dave. The coolness of that old Mopar will make up for your unfortunate bodily deformations.

Did you instantly jump back & yell at the kids "Thats why you don't take the guards off the tools"? "Let my missing teat be a valuable lesson to all of you."

This is way funner than just hollering across my desk at you.

You are having as much fun with this as the giggling boy assistant that was out in the garage with me when this occurred.

He was walking out of the garage as I was making a tricky cut on the Road runner body where the quarter panel wraps inside the door jam. It was one of those cuts that leaves you no other approachable angle than to "push the cut" which almost always results in a kickback.

So, the boy is just walking out the door hearing the grinder at 11,000 RPM trimming a fairly unloaded cut when suddenly the noise of a wheel catching followed by a thud and a stalled grinder motor growling....

He cautiously hesitates with the exit door half open and slowly closes the door and back tracks towards the booth half afraid of what he's going to see.

Then me, unwinding my shirt and checking for any large holes in my body or excessive bleeding.

I look up to see him all wide eyed and curious, obviously concerned.

I said "I call that the extreme titty twister."

He is still concerned.. he says "Did it hurt?"

I smiled and said "I didn't say above average titty twister did I?"

Then he started laughing and it's all I heard about out in the garage for the rest of the night.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

trust me, nobody wants to see that.

We were going to a birthday party on friday night and I was shaving in the bathroom with my shirt off. Jack said "dad you need a shirt before we leave".

I told him I'm going to go like this...He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and told me "Dad, nobody want's to see that."

Of course Ma laughed hysterically.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You are having as much fun with this as the giggling boy assistant that was out in the garage with me when this occurred.

I can picture him trying to hold back his laughter with that smile of his.....and NOT being able to do so.

I like that boy...nice kid he.

Hey Chickenbuckers... I know I've asked before, but is anyone applying for a bear tag in the Chickenbuck area?

I've never gone and I'm tossing it around.

I may have found an area to bow hunt. Our office engineer owns about 100 ac. She asked me why I was taking November off and I told her for hunting. She started telling me about her land behind her house and how she doesn't take time off work, she just goes in the morning.

I 1/2 jokingly asked if she needed help thinning the deer herd and she said, come on over, but I need to use a shotgun. She the said "you really should since you only live down the road from me. Which is true, it's around 5-6 miles.

I asked about bow hunting and she said, "Oh sure you can do that, nobody bow hunts it at all. I asked "really." (trying really, really hard to hold in my inner evil Muhahahah giddy laughter)

And the answer is YES....she is single, and yes, she is 23 years old.

Eat your heart out boys....Maybe Ryan should be applying for jobs in Forest Lake.

Originally Posted by tzone

And the answer is YES....she is single, and yes, she is 23 years old.

Eat your heart out boys....Maybe Ryan should be applying for jobs in Forest Lake.

Just remember what Jack said "Dad, nobody wants to see that". I'll add

"especially a 23 year old"!

Kendra needed new brakes, so I said I would help even though I only have 3 days to pack. I figured I could show her and spare an hour or two. we got the front passenger one off and there was no pad on the inside where the plungers push, major damage to them, and the rotor is toast. couldn't get them to go back inside to put new pads on just so it had something, so we need a new caliper and rotor. poor girl is already sad with me leaving and last night she lost the elk ivory necklace I made her. I know we can't order new parts and have them here in time. she doesn't have the money to bring it in and is having a pretty crappy day. sucks to see someone you care a lot about in tears.

on a good note I found a temporary place to stay until I close on the house so we're a go for the move. the clock is ticking for sure now!

You can use a C-clamp to squish the piston back into that caliper so the pad will fit.

Also, define "toast" in reference to the rotor? is it just grooved and ugly or is it a center finned rotor that has worn dangerously close to the fins on one face?

If it's just grooved/gouged and ugly you can damn sure put a C-clamp on that caliper to compress the piston and stick those new pads in there.

I can tell you for sure it won't be any worse than it was with a bare metal shoe plate grinding on the rotor face, might not be perfect but it could get her by for a while.

there was no shoe plate, it was the piston directly onto the rotor and had been that way a while.

the piston looked like the face had been cut with a torch and ground off. the back of the rotor felt like ocean waves, and I had a 6" C clamp torqued as hard as I could make it go to make the piston go back inside, the one did but the other was fused there. I even tried hitting the C clamp bar with a hammer to get it to turn more and all it did was start to press and chip the housing of the caliper where the face of the C clamp was anchored. I wish I woulda snapped a pic of it but it seemed insensitive with her crying next to me. I've changed brakes many many times before and its always gone off without a hitch and really easy to do. she said its been making a squeeking and grinding noise for a couple of months. and I found one of her brake pads in the back drive where we park, looks like it sat there a while, I woulda seen it in the ice otherwise. so she was using the piston to brake her car for the last few months. at least until it wouldn't go out any further and the drivers side brakes were doing all the stopping.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just remember what Jack said "Dad, nobody wants to see that". I'll add

"especially a 23 year old"!

I didn't say I'm going to take a run at her...I said Ryan should.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There was no nipple removal, It stalled out an 11,000 RPM 4.5" angle grinder with a cutting wheel though.

And yes it left a mark.

Hope you moobs are still the same size.....

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

. Took the river route over to Wisconsin Rapids. Saw a lot of minor flooding and water was on the road in one location.

Dave's nerps and Ryan's brake pad issues aside,

Bill, is Rusty's Backwater Saloon OK? Bloody Mary drinkers everywhere are concerned.

Pointbock

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there was no shoe plate, it was the piston directly onto the rotor and had been that way a while.

the piston looked like the face had been cut with a torch and ground off. the back of the rotor felt like ocean waves, and I had a 6" C clamp torqued as hard as I could make it go to make the piston go back inside, the one did but the other was fused there. I even tried hitting the C clamp bar with a hammer to get it to turn more and all it did was start to press and chip the housing of the caliper where the face of the C clamp was anchored. I wish I woulda snapped a pic of it but it seemed insensitive with her crying next to me. I've changed brakes many many times before and its always gone off without a hitch and really easy to do. she said its been making a squeeking and grinding noise for a couple of months. and I found one of her brake pads in the back drive where we park, looks like it sat there a while, I woulda seen it in the ice otherwise. so she was using the piston to brake her car for the last few months. at least until it wouldn't go out any further and the drivers side brakes were doing all the stopping.

Wow.

yeah. its somethin else.
good news is my friend steve is gonna fix her car for her and replace everything. the parts are on order and in a couple of weeks she'll be as good as new. kinda wishing I could be the one to fix it, I like doing stuff like that.

I shoulda taken pictures, man you wouldn't believe it

Well this may come as a shocker, I put in my 2 weeks notice at Kenny's. I thought a lot about it and I have not really liked it (except the discount). It just seemed to get worse each evening. I just can not see myself doing that in 2-5 years.

I will start working in flowerbeds the begining of next month. That is the job I really enjoy. And I would not be able to do that working there. Call me crazy, but I think I made the right choice.

Congrats Muffy! I kinda wondered if that job wouldn't wear on you a bit...

What! The day after "National Licorice Day" (i'm not making that up)It was gettin dull around here without you anyway.

That shift will wear a person out quick. It doesn't do anyone any good to work a job they don't like. Glad you did what you want to do.....

Does this mean I don't get any licorice?

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

. Took the river route over to Wisconsin Rapids. Saw a lot of minor flooding and water was on the road in one location.

Dave's nerps and Ryan's brake pad issues aside,

Bill, is Rusty's Backwater Saloon OK? Bloody Mary drinkers everywhere are concerned.

Pointbock

PB, I'm sure the water was getting up close to Rusty's, but as far as I know they're ok. They survied last Septembers flood with no problem and the water was a lot higher. They do make a great Bloody Mary, don't they.

My son emailed me last night. They're officially the owners of a home in Three Forks, MT.

Muffy, you made the right call.

headed out in the morning. been one hell of a week. probably will be able to get online every so often, Tom I'll find you some turkeys

Thanks man... I believe in SD you can shoot them with a rifle too. Haven't done that yet so it could be fun. The cool part is getting them in close though.

Have fun Ryan. Good luck, bro.

Good luck Ryan, have a safe trip.

If I can shoot a turkey with a rifle I'm there.

Good luck Ryan.

Safe travels Ryan.

.300 Wby has turkey hunting written all over it.

Travel safe Ryan.

BIG DAY for PWM and Mrs. ND, we get to go to the circus for the 1st grade school trip. Talk about one excited little boy!!

I will remember my headache pills because 124 kids plus chaperones will make for one heck of a day. Can't wait for the 2 hour bus ride to get there! Should be a little quieter on the way home.

Have a great day everyone, I KNOW I will.

Have fun and don't let that boy run off with the circus!!

We need him around home, he'll be a heck of a deer hunter one day.

Safe travels Ryan and Mrs ND! Good luck with the sanity Mrs ND! A new beginning for Ryan, I bet that will be a fun drive!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Travel safe Ryan.

BIG DAY for PWM and Mrs. ND, we get to go to the circus for the 1st grade school trip. Talk about one excited little boy!!

I will remember my headache pills because 124 kids plus chaperones will make for one heck of a day. Can't wait for the 2 hour bus ride to get there! Should be a little quieter on the way home.

Have a great day everyone, I KNOW I will.

Do you have to go to Bermidji?

Nope, we get to go to Grand Forks ND. Whoop!!!

Maybe I'll run off with the circus...

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Nope, we get to go to Grand Forks ND. Whoop!!!

Maybe I'll run off with the circus...

Bearded woman?

*Grin*

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If I can shoot a turkey with a rifle I'm there.

Heck you can do that around here and not even have to get outa your truck!

Good Luck Ryan!

I don't think the circus is ready for PWM......just sayin'......

Good luck on your adventure Ryan...safe travels!

PWM could sure teach those circus people some things they couldn't even imagine. He knows and has seen more things than any circus person.

Originally Posted by SSB

I don't think the circus is ready for PWM......just sayin'......

I think you may be right.

I would be willing to bet that not even the most traveled of the carnies have been humped by turkeys!

"And they humped me! And they humped me! And they humped me!! And THEN they humped me some MORE!"

- PWM 2009 ML Season

And I'm sure the circus bears don't fly and poop on the crowd.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

"And they humped me! And they humped me! And they humped me!! And THEN they humped me some MORE!"

- PWM 2009 ML Season

Once a turkey gets to humping....the best thing is to just let him finish.

I knew a guy that had a job as a turkey jerker in college....

It would be pretty low on my list of careers...

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

"And they humped me! And they humped me! And they humped me!! And THEN they humped me some MORE!"

- PWM 2009 ML Season

Once a turkey gets to humping....the best thing is to just let him finish.

Dude I busted out laughing on that one!

Originally Posted by sgt217

I knew a guy that had a job as a turkey jerker in college....

It would be pretty low on my list of careers...

That ranks up there with the guy that collects the "Still Steamin' Buck Seman" for the scent company.

He shook hands with a strong grip....

I'm not sure I'd shake his hand.

Yeah, I felt kinda dirty til I washed...lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by sgt217

I knew a guy that had a job as a turkey jerker in college....

It would be pretty low on my list of careers...

That ranks up there with the guy that collects the "Still Steamin' Buck Seman" for the scent company.

Collecting deer semen is one thing, but pales in comparison to the guy that collects bull semen for artifical insemination. Now that takes some balls.

It all takes some balls to collect semen....Although bigger for bulls than turkey...laffin

sneakin internet off a local hotel, have 1 bar on my wireless, thought I would post a little note and let everyone know we made it out here safe and sound. I couldn't have done it without a few really good friends. hold my spot at the fire even though I may not be around much the next month, I'll do what I can

Keep us posted, and good luck getting your feet on the ground out there.

You know your not in central WI anymore when a white lady is chewing you out calling you a "cracka". Really lady?

Wow.

5" to 8" of snow of the wet and heavy varity on the way starting this afternoon .

I was supposed to start turkey hunting Wednesday morning. Don't think that's going to happen.

Bill,

I whacked my turkey last year in a snowstorm. They're still horny little buggers.

I could do without the extra snow though. We're supposed to get a couple MAYBE. I hope not.

We've got about 3" on the ground right now. It's the wet heavy varity. Supossed to snow all night.

Boy am I glad I'm going to be done with this job soon. Lastnight the operator that was on my line is a total worthless worker. He don't do what he is supposed to do, he expects other people to do it for him. He just walks around tossing his utitity knife in the air and catching it. We were having issues with our machine so I yelled "line 3", and he just looked at me. So I hollered it again, the operator at line 1 ended up coming and fixing it for me. Then he was supposed to take the place of the other gal boxing on the line while she went on break, he boxed 2 boxes then went on break himself. Needless to say about 75 lbs of baged licorice ended up on the floor. All licorice that falls on the floor (in the bag or not) becomes pig food or bear bait. It is amazing how worthless some people are.

Ok, I'm done venting.

Bear bait you say.....?

mmmmmm, bear bait...

Yep, and lots of it.

Not sure if you just call there and ask if you can buy some or how that works.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mmmmmm, bear bait...

I guy I used to work with was the goofiest SOG I've ever seen...He is a bear guide. Sells bait and all. He'd get bait by the semi load in 55gal drums. I was at his place BS'ing about bear hunting and what he uses for bait. He shows me some barrels and starts nibbling on some of the "snacks" Some of it was candy, he grabbed some cookies, then pulled a big handful of gummy bears and stuck them in his pocket, and a few in his mouth.

You only have a week left....keep throwing it on the floor for us.

Think you could toss some over to Wiscony?

We've received 6" of snow so far. Nine inches in Green Bay.

I was so ready to just walk out of there at about 2:30 this morning. I had the same operator I had the other night. The supervisor is not much better, not much common sense there. I didn't walk out because I had to put in a big licorice order this morning, and I can't get it till tomorrow morning so I have to work the whole shift tomorrow too.

I asked the lady if there is a limit to how much I can get at a time. She said "no, if you have the money you can get as much as you want". So if I can put up with the BS I may have to get more.

You could start a new soap opera... As the Licorice Twists.

Yeah. Now after all the drama with the supervisor and that gal that got fired, it is a big joke in town that we started making Blow Pops.

Well I got my 3 boxes of licorice so I told them I didn't need to work anymore.

But really, since I put in my 2 week notice last week the supervisor has had me going solo on line eventhough I'm not ready to do that yet. I've been on line when there are 2 ladies that should have been getting trained in. I asked the supervisor why that was and he said he didn't know next Wednesday was my last day. The HR lady never told him, when she said she was. Still, I told him that right away lastnight and he still didn't move me off the line.

I went in and talked to Nancy (HR Cordinator) and told her the situation. She said she told the main shop manager and he must not have told the supervisor. Still, I told the supervisor I was not trained in enough to be on my own yet and he obviously didn't care because I've been doing it for the last week. I told her that I regret doing this but I can't work till next Wednesday. So lastnight was my last night of work there. I wanted to finish out my 2 weeks, but not if it was going to continue like it has the last week. At least I didn't just not show up. Ok, enough rambeling.

I haven't posted here much lately since I've been spending any free time working on my car project.

I just had to pop in and tell about Pam's new project.

For many years now I've wanted to put together kind of a hobby car for Pam, sunny day/weekend cruiser of some sort. Be it a 1st generation mustang coupe, a little chevy II, perhaps a 1970 monte like the one we bought for her when we were first married (nice by the way)

Well she has chosen her own project. And we may be dragging it home next weekend.

Her restoration/sunny day cruiser vehicle will be....

You'll love this...

A 1979 Ford F150 Ranger 4x4, regular cab, long bed, 351 engine, 4 spd trans, part time transfer case (NP205).

Her daddy's pickup truck from her childhood.

How about that?

I'm getting over run by ford pickup trucks up here....

If I ever get them all restored WTF are we going to do with them all? Open a dealership?

I'm trying to remember the exact color of the truck, thinking it is something like this:

[Linked Image]

That's me and Pam in the photo, I have my leisure suit on with my big collar shirt.

Of course her truck is a 4 wheel drive though and she'll want it to look a little more like this.

[Linked Image]

So there you have it, I guess she�s a truck girl.

Ahyhh,well she DID marry a gun nut/hunting maniac/gearhead did she not???? And you act SURPISED?????

No I'm happy for her, you should see her, it's funny. So excited about fixing up her dad's old pickup.

That is cool. Especally when it is her dad's.

Thats the same shirt your wearing at work today Dave!

It's my good shirt.

The wind caught the collar once, flipped it up and gave me a black eye, almost knocked me out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Of course her truck is a 4 wheel drive though and she'll want it to look a little more like this.

[Linked Image]

So there you have it, I guess she�s a truck girl.

Ma's bad ass.... I'm just sayin.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's my good shirt.

The wind caught the collar once, flipped it up and gave me a black eye, almost knocked me out.

Wind blows on a shirt like that, it's liable to blow a guy down the road.

Many moons ago, I turned this:

[Linked Image]

into this:

[Linked Image]

I can't tell you all how excited I am to actually be able to bring home Dad's truck!!!!

We hauled many many big round bales with that truck, I made many trips to the hay fields, picked up many tractor parts, and yes even got into a little trouble that Dad still doesn't know about.

So until we can get to work on my truck, I'll be out helping Dave with his car. Not to mention that he can't buy me a Monte Carlo like I used to have or I'd take a Shelby Mustang too...I'm not picky. They are all fun plus a girl's gotta have a nice variety to choose from in the morning.

Guess a father does hold his daughter's heart forever, because this daughter is brought to tears thinking about that old truck and the memories it holds.

Next Sunday can't get here fast enough for me but until then I have some meals to burn.

Dave,

On the finished truck (black one), is that a pinstripe around where the trim piece goes?

yeah, it was an XLT with the racetrack trim but I knew I was going to have the truck muddy more often than not so I deleted the trim, welded all the holes shut and did that pinstripe around the "dent" bodyline down the length of the truck.

I'm gonna tell ya, that truck was a total POS when I started with it, it should have been crushed. But it was my first truck ever and when I told my friends I was going to fix it up.... They laughed at me..

Well, that sealed it, I had no choice.

Lady, you and Dave are well suited to be sure!!!

I gotta say that gurls who like 4 w/d pick ups made in the USA rate pretty high. Hope ya have fun rebuilding and then using it. Yer Dad did well

looks like I'm buying a house here. accepted a counter offer on a place. 83k and the seller pays closing cost. made in '59. nice and tight. edge of town and on a cul de sac road.

like a good poop its all over but the paper work!

Pam, awesome to hear about you fixin up your dads old truck! that is something I have always wanted to do. I can't wait to see it when its done!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

looks like I'm buying a house here. accepted a counter offer on a place. 83k and the seller pays closing cost. made in '59. nice and tight. edge of town and on a cul de sac road.

like a good poop its all over but the paper work!

Pam, awesome to hear about you fixin up your dads old truck! that is something I have always wanted to do. I can't wait to see it when its done!

Congrats on the good poop Ryan, so proud of you!

Oh nice work on the house too.

HAHAHAHA that made me ROR!

That is great Ryan. That didn't take too long.

Good news Ryan.

Dave/Pam. looking foreward to another restoration thread.

Oh she's on her own on this one, it will be fun for me to watch too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm gonna tell ya, that truck was a total POS when I started with it.

Like this?
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Pam, awesome to hear about you fixin up your dads old truck! that is something I have always wanted to do. I can't wait to see it when its done!

Why would you want to fix up Pam's, Dad's old truck? Wierd.

Congrats on the house Ryan. Put up some pictures for us when you get a chance. I'm really glad it's working out for you!

Hey you and Pam can be POS truck buddies!! lol!!

oh wait... me too i guess....

Well, it was a bigger POS that what I orginally thought, but it will be hunting truck nice. Not a show piece by anymeans, but a nice truck. You know how that goes when you go look at something you really, really want. I was impatient, but the price was good. $800. The drive train was worth a good chunk of that. The carb and intake is worth probably 1/2 that.

My plan is to drive it for a year or two then sell it. Use the cash to but a slightly better truck of the same body style.

I do want to take this 78 to chicken buck. I think a truck like that belongs there.

The hood I put on it this weekend is a copper/brownish. It's growing on me a bit. The body man almost has me talked out of putting the trim back on it since it will be a hunting truck. Seems my friend Dave told me the same thing, so there may be some truth to that.

yeah just don't toss that trim out though, it might be saving for your next project or it might be worth something to another guy restoring one that has a couple bent or missing pieces.

Yeah & tailgates. Where the heck does a person find a straight tailgate for them old Fords?

I happen to know someone who has one that's been hangin in a shed since 1977 with ~80 miles on it. Hasn't been touched in 34 years. Must be worth scrap price at least?

These old Ford trucks are the bestest of them all.

ya, ya, ya, everybody's uncle bob or cousin leroy has a tailgate that came off the truck when it was new because they put a camper in the truck and the gate is still up in the garage rafters to this day, blah, blah, on and on... I've heard that one before, usually at the bar though. You drinkin already white bear?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You drinkin already white bear?

Ummm....... It is Friday morning isn't it?

Oh. And no tailgate for ND.

I'd just drop a tree on it and wreck it anyways.

Better sell it to Pam instead, she needs one.

Work is highly overrated. That is why I'm not doing it today. Sure would be nice day to clean up the winter mess in the yard if....well....if it wasn't still winter!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah just don't toss that trim out though, it might be saving for your next project or it might be worth something to another guy restoring one that has a couple bent or missing pieces.

I'll be saving the trim. I have a full set of racetrack trim for a short box, I'll probably throw that on craigslist. I got a good deal on it and shined it up nice.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh she's on her own on this one, it will be fun for me to watch too.

Make sure you warn her about the grinder.

Pam - that is awesome about your Dad's truck! Way cool!

I concur with the others. There is just something about chicks and 4x4's. Throw a baseball cap on top of that and hoooo mama!

Are you selling a straight taligate? I got a good one on there now, but can use another.

You can buy new ones, but the $300+

BTW "T", how is your truck project coming along?

http://www.trulia.com/property/3048206525-312-Canton-Ave-Hot-Springs-SD-57747

here's the listing for the house in case anyone wants to check out the pics and particulars. its just a tad over 1600sqft with the unfinished basement.

I've got my eyes open for a pick up out here. want something decent, not fancy but not really a fixer upper yet. maybe a late 90's something or other

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

BTW "T", how is your truck project coming along?

Here's a link Bill. I put some stuff on there last weekend. Should be the last page on there.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...78_F_150_shot_box_4x4_New_pr#Post3288634

So a couple of weeks ago, I put my fish house and jeep on craigs list on friday evening and sold them both saturday morning. Seemed kind of odd. $4.00 gas and a jeep with a 360 sells quick. Ice fishing is over and the fish house sells quick. hmmm maybe too cheap??

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh she's on her own on this one, it will be fun for me to watch too.

Make sure you warn her about the grinder.

Holy crap I about choked on my cough drop!! That's damn funny Bill!!

Congrats Ryan! Forget about the pictures of the house, I wanna see pictures of the garage!!

Good luck Pam. Sure is funny how inanimate objects like trucks and guns can claim our heart.

Anyone wanna rent a couple of 3 year old twin boys for awhile? Geewhiz, they can be something else. We need some warm dry weather so we can turn them out and let them destroy the yard instead of the house. They seem to think it is their solemn duty to get into everything.....more than once!

Then at the end of the night, when Hunter crawls into bed with Wyatt, your heart melts....

Good to see things are coming together for ya Ryan!

Like the house Ryan. By the way, how was the first week at the new job? You started the 18th right?

yup, and most of it was getting things lined up, equipment, paper work that kinda stuff. I was able to do the finalization stuff for the house and loan and everything so that was nice too.

Nice place Ryan. 2-car garage and a carport! And those kitchen cabinets look like they're made of actual wood.

That car port might have to turn into a full-fledged, certified, authorized and memorialized garage! and it doesnt look like it would take much work either.

Tell us more about the job!

Nice place Ryan, scout out the PD hunting for us!!

already been scouting for prairie dogs

I have one place lined up and another closer to me here I need to ask permission on but my realtor knows the guy, he knows several ranches in the area.

you do need to get a nice .223 though dave, I would suggest a savage with a heavy barrel

the job is restoring habitat on a 5000 acre ranch in SW SD. it adjoins the big reservoir down here and some of it used to be tilled, so that will take priority. I'm starting a new position so its been a lot of work scrambling to get everything put together and moving out here, etc.

That sounds like a great job. I cant wait to follow your progress. We are about to embark on our own habitat work. We will be planting 48 acres to nesting habitat and planting 3,414 trees (actually red cedar, black hills spruce, and a whole assortment of bushes). In addition, we have 6 food plots going into a mixture of corn, sorghum, rape, and wheat. i cant wait for it to dry out so we can get the kids dirty!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice place Ryan, scout out the PD hunting for us!!

What he said!

House looks good Ryan! What a coincidence, I just got a heavy bbl .223.

coincidence? I think not

too bad its a remington

if its an ADL I have a synthetic stock for ya with an aluminum bedding block.

I've got two .223s, a pair of .204s, a Fireball, a Hornet, and a couple of HMRs............. Can I come for a visit?

heck of a long ways to travel just to shoot whistle pigs, but sure I reckon we could find some. I need to get some places on lock down first. I won't have a chance to go shooting til after I move into my new house at the end of may.

you want to sell that hornet? I would love one in a target barrel

way to go Joe! what a trooper!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

heck of a long ways to travel just to shoot whistle pigs, but sure I reckon we could find some. I need to get some places on lock down first. I won't have a chance to go shooting til after I move into my new house at the end of may.

you want to sell that hornet? I would love one in a target barrel

I couldn't sell that Hornet, I'm still learning it. I picked it up last year, covered in black paint, only to find that the stock had snapped in two at the wrist, and been repaired (quite well, but it looks awful). It's my beater gun now, so I gotta keep it around. I need a "beater" rat gun, the rest of them are in good nick.
When I stripped that paint off the stock, it had a once-beautiful piece of fiddleback walnut on it. I bet the previous owner cried like a baby when he busted that stock.

Attached picture czhornetstock 003.JPG

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

coincidence? I think not

too bad its a remington

if its an ADL I have a synthetic stock for ya with an aluminum bedding block.

It's a BDL. I'm guessing it will shoot just fine. If I get a savage, it will be a lighter one that I can carry.

I'm at my FIL's for easter. We met Grizzly Bill this morning and had some breakfast and BS'd a little.

Then I came home and shot my unused 22 handguns. The Buckmark is fun to shoot. The only problem I found with it is the mag only holds 10 rounds.

Actually, it started to jam a bit at the end but I was running them pretty fast.

The Single Six just plain rocks! Probably my favorite gun. I holstered it after about 100 rounds or so and hit the woods for some shed hunting. I didn't find any but I did smack a red squirrel with the single six.

The problem with handgus is they lead to more.

Nice going Joe!

Good going,Joe!!Way to man up fellow.

Stan in SC

Good job Joe. You had me laughing again little buddy.

I'm looking for a beater truck gun as a matter of fact. I'll be out in the field every day and I know there are coyotes around. I haven't checked to see if I'm allowed to carry a gun with me in the field while working, but so far I haven't seen or heard that I can't.

I might have to get a cheap single shot or something

Considering the distances "available" in South Dakota, I'd probably run with a .223 or .22/250 if I could find one at a decent price, or the .204, which are fun as can be. Heck, I like 'em all..............

You better check first Ryan. I almost did it when I couldn't find anything about carrying one, since I work in Shot Paul and Murderapolis.

I know its a lot different in your neck of the woods though.

way to go Joe! nice assist from the hound dog too.

I have no idea if they allow that Ryan, my guess would be yes, but who knows.

Good Easter Egg Hunt here this morning. Two little guys in camo PJs and one girl in curlers squealing and running all over. We have enough candy to last a lifetime methinks!

Went to an auction yesterday to buy a drag and some other implements. Goofed up on some that were in boxes that we didnt know were there and then the one we knew was there went too high. Dad got a toe jack he wanted and that was it....pretty much blew the whole day too.

Ryan, do you got any PF wear yet? They got some pretty nice stuff.

I have zero PF wear, I'm sure I'll get some pretty soon here, or at least I will have to I'm sure. I figure at least a hat or two right now, and then shirts to follow. probably one nice polo shirt for meetings. I wear light long sleeve button up shirts during the summer, and I doubt they sell those.

Hey Ryan, I just now dug out my 300 win mag and tried to chamber one of your reloads. No go, too tight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Ryan, I just now dug out my 300 win mag and tried to chamber one of your reloads. No go, too tight.

get a hammer

pretty much needed a hammer to extract.

Good Job Joey! That was some funny stuff!

aw crap
I was afraid of that.

Them rugers must have a little bigger chamber?

The boy could use em up, or I could send em back to you.

cost more to send them to me than what they are worth

Actually it was all BS.

SIL made it out on the river today. Caught 31 Walleyes and not a legal one in the bunch. I think I've got bronchitis so I didn't join him. Going to have to made a trip to the doc on Monday.

Way to go Joe.

I'll be getting a little of that walleye action next week Bill. I'm hauling my boat down when turkey hunting next week. I'm going to hit it on Sunday at least. Really, I'm going to try the boat out, but I can't NOT fish when I'm out.

Correction...I won't be getting any of that walleye action. I was doing a little calculating, it will be about $200 for me to tow the boat there. I'm not doing that.

I do need more fishing stuff though. I put it all away in the boat tonight and there is a whole storage compartment still empty.

well today is my first day of gettin dirty in the field, enough of that office and paper work

made it out to the site yesterday, and there is a LOT of work to be done. unfortunately daycare out here is virtually impossible to find and thats the biggest hurdle now. ran into a wiring problem on the house I'm buying, we'll see if the seller is willing to fix it, if not. ugh bad news possibly

Ryan, hopefully the wiring issue won't be a major problem for you.

Raining here today. Over an inch forecasted.

Ryan,

Try to remember when you hire an inspector on a house sale, they're working for you. So, that means everything they find will be blown out of proportion in your favor (usually). Basic home electrical isn't that big of a deal but if it's serious, have it looked at.

I'm guessing they'll fix it, knock $ off the sale for you to fix it, or tell you to fly a kite, which may happen but is unlikely.

Have fun today, it's pouring here.

They gotta sell it to somebody eventually, which means if something doesn't pass inspection they fix it now or fix it later.

But they won't get away from it, so I don't think it will be a deal breaker.

You ever do something you know is stupid and probably going to hurt, but do it anyway?

I did that last night, and no I wasn't a 6-pack in either.

I was goofing around in the boat because it was the first nice night I've had off in a long time with no baseball or work. From the ground to the top of the boat, it's about 4 1/2 feet, so I grabbed a plastic "yard" chair and used it for a step stool. I did it a few times and it was pretty wobbly from being banged around in the garage and being overloaded Two Ton Tommy climbing on it 10 times.

I climbed up and SNAP! Down I went with my leg stuck in the chair bleeding all over the damn place from shards of plastic and me flopping around on the ground like a crappie, trying to figure out where the hell I am.

My left leg looks like I pulled it out of a bear trap, cut and scraped from my thigh to my ankle.

I'm sure it was a barrrel of laughs for anyone watching the deal go down. I'm glad you guys weren't there, because you'd still be belly laughing, like any good buddys would.

That'll learn ya.

Actually you'll probably do it again, so...

There is 5 more chairs in there.

Originally Posted by tzone

There is 5 more chairs in there.

Don't want to be a wet blanket but let me tell you about two friends of mine. First friends BIL was 8 feet off the ground in a tree stringing some wiring. Fell on his back and is paralyzed for life. Second friends dad used a three legged stool to stand on to fix something. The stool tipped and one leg went into his rectum and tore up his colon. He was miserable for the rest of his life.

If that chair would have torn into an artery in your leg........

Be careful guys.

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Originally Posted by tzone

There is 5 more chairs in there.

Don't want to be a wet blanket but let me tell you about two friends of mine. First friends BIL was 8 feet off the ground in a tree stringing some wiring. Fell on his back and is paralyzed for life. Second friends dad used a three legged stool to stand on to fix something. The stool tipped and one leg went into his rectum and tore up his colon. He was miserable for the rest of his life.

If that chair would have torn into an artery in your leg........

Be careful guys.

Ironic that a stool tore up his rectum.

I apologize Beargrease. I know what you are getting at. But like Tzone likes to say if you're going to tee 'em up someone is going to knock them out of the park!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room.

Sounds like a place my father build in the U.P. in 1999 same size almost the same setup. It isn't a hunting camp unless you have a sauna (pronounced sow-nah) lol. Northern Dave you must be in the Finnish-American area of Northern MN.

"To other Americans, sauna (which they often pronounce as saw-nah) is perhaps an exotic, perhaps a healthful, bath. To Finnish-Americans, sauna (pronounced sow-nah) is more than a bathhouse. It links past and present, Finland and the United States, Finns and Finnish-Americans; it is an ancient tradition and a symbol of ethnic identity."

"Wherever there are Finns, there are saunas. Geographers Cotton Mather and Matti Kaups used saunas as an index to Finnish-American settlement zones, the greatest density and largest number of Finnish-Americans being in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan where the Keweenau Peninsula and surrounding area is often referred to as the "sauna belt." Minnesota is a close second. Traveling the roads of Michigan�s central and western U.P., an observant visitor sees many homesteads consisting of the house and various small barns and outbuildings. One of these is a small, low structure, usually closer than the other buildings to the back door of the house, with one or two windows, one door, and a chimney. This is the sauna."

Rooster7, actually he ended up dying from complications related to that accident. So, I really appreciate your classy comments.

its a 600 fix, and then it will be up to code, so they have to now or later. I'm sure they will. worst case they knock it off the sale price, but I think they have to fix it before they sell it. either way I find out tomorrow.

by 9 am I was covered in diesel and dirt. spent the day in a tractor, it had 28 hours on it when I got it, still had plastic on the seat. it will be my ride for the next couple months.

Originally Posted by Metsamies

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room.

Sounds like a place my father build in the U.P. in 1999 same size almost the same setup. It isn't a hunting camp unless you have a sauna (pronounced sow-nah) lol. Northern Dave you must be in the Finnish-American area of Northern MN.

"To other Americans, sauna (which they often pronounce as saw-nah) is perhaps an exotic, perhaps a healthful, bath. To Finnish-Americans, sauna (pronounced sow-nah) is more than a bathhouse. It links past and present, Finland and the United States, Finns and Finnish-Americans; it is an ancient tradition and a symbol of ethnic identity."

"Wherever there are Finns, there are saunas. Geographers Cotton Mather and Matti Kaups used saunas as an index to Finnish-American settlement zones, the greatest density and largest number of Finnish-Americans being in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan where the Keweenau Peninsula and surrounding area is often referred to as the "sauna belt." Minnesota is a close second. Traveling the roads of Michigans central and western U.P., an observant visitor sees many homesteads consisting of the house and various small barns and outbuildings. One of these is a small, low structure, usually closer than the other buildings to the back door of the house, with one or two windows, one door, and a chimney. This is the sauna."

I think I'm really the only one (perhaps) in our crew that really wants the sow-nah.

I've decided to build the sauna detached, and I'd really like to do it this summer, I want one out there bad.

Actually I am familiar with the Finnish connection, the heritage etc.

We built a wood fired detached sauna at our old camp on the MN iron range. But long before that I was first introduced the the sauna as you have just wrote about it.

Out at a finnish family farm on the iron range, the old lady that lived there, I believe made it into her hundreds. She had an old loom on the farm also that she used to make "rag rugs"

The old sauna was just part of the farm, just as important as any of the other buildings on the place, actually more important than most.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Them rugers must have a little bigger chamber?

The boy could use em up, or I could send em back to you.

belted magnums usually have large chambers,I would guess the brass is long.When you resize fired brass,it usually gets longer when you resize it.

Originally Posted by tzone

You ever do something you know is stupid and probably going to hurt, but do it anyway?

I did that last night, and no I wasn't a 6-pack in either.

I was goofing around in the boat because it was the first nice night I've had off in a long time with no baseball or work. From the ground to the top of the boat, it's about 4 1/2 feet, so I grabbed a plastic "yard" chair and used it for a step stool. I did it a few times and it was pretty wobbly from being banged around in the garage and being overloaded Two Ton Tommy climbing on it 10 times.

I climbed up and SNAP! Down I went with my leg stuck in the chair bleeding all over the damn place from shards of plastic and me flopping around on the ground like a crappie, trying to figure out where the hell I am.

My left leg looks like I pulled it out of a bear trap, cut and scraped from my thigh to my ankle.

I'm sure it was a barrrel of laughs for anyone watching the deal go down. I'm glad you guys weren't there, because you'd still be belly laughing, like any good buddys would.

friend of mine was standing on a 5 gallon bucket in his garage,it collapsed and he fell.He needed a hip replacement at 35 years old.

If they don't fix it, and I were looking for a house, I wouldn't let $600 keep me from buying it. Just saying.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think I'm really the only one (perhaps) in our crew that really wants the sow-nah.

I've decided to build the sauna detached, and I'd really like to do it this summer, I want one out there bad.

You're not the only one dude...hell, let me know and I'll come help you. Well, you know I would anyway.

Originally Posted by fluffy

]friend of mine was standing on a 5 gallon bucket in his garage,it collapsed and he fell.He needed a hip replacement at 35 years old.

Actually, I realize how lucky I was becaue nobody else was home. Right now it's kinda nasty the way it is. The middle of the chair broke out and my leg went it in, essentially I was stuck in the chair. It ripped the hell out of my leg. Beargrease is right, it could have cut a bit deeper and I would have been in real trouble.

I plan to pay it if they don't, it would be nice though if they took care of it, fingers crossed

I too love saw-nus my grand parents have one in their basement bathroom, we use it whenever we're there

true story Northern Dave.

Our sauna is not like most, we used some good old fashion yooper/finn ingenuity. My father got an old Jays Potato Chip Truck, we gutted out the back added a wall just behing the driver seat installed a door and small window in that wall. We then lined the back with cedar boards (2x6 rough cut) built a bench trew it in. Built a wood stove added that with a keg to hold water cut the top off ran some pipe from the keg looped into the wood stove to heat it up. Then cut a hole in the side of the truck to let the smoke out of the stove. Yeah I know sounds backwoods and unbelievable, when I get out there next I will take pics. When we get the time an actual permanent log sauna will be built.

I call B.S to that story. Yoopers don't use a keg for water.

HAHAHAHA Damn I didn't see that one coming, and thats the truth.

Yoopers don't use a keg for water. We did of course it was long past empty, the sauna is just backwoods and well it works haha.

I can't wait to see the pictures. It sounds pretty cool.

I think this thread was misnamed. Should have been Birth of a BEER camp cause of the attention it has received

Originally Posted by 264wm

I think this thread was misnamed. Should have been Birth of a BEER camp

Actually...

Metsamies, that sounds pretty cool, make sure to take pictures for us.

Originally Posted by 264wm

I think this thread was misnamed. Should have been Birth of a BEER camp cause of the attention it has received

Yeah I dunno what it should be called, "heap of nonsense" maybe?

264wm, is your posting handle also your cartridge of choice? I'm really partial to my own .264 which is a stainless/gray laminate M77. I really need to give some attention to that rifle by means of working up a load for it and treating it to some range time.

Originally Posted by tzone

There is 5 more chairs in there.

I've got 6 more you can have "T".

The wife just tripped going down the basement stairs.

Foutunately she's ok. Time to install a railing.

ouch! good to hear she's ok!

the name of this thread has been changed a couple times by jokesters. I won't say who but his handle bears the same digits as yours after his first name Tom......

as I recall he first changed the name to birth of a beer camp.

I'm waiting till Dave gets the Saw-Na built before I visit.

Stan in SC

Well I guess if that's all it takes to get you to come up here...

We better get after it then!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the name of this thread has been changed a couple times by jokesters. I won't say who but his handle bears the same digits as yours after his first name Tom......

And so you know, it wasn't THIS Tom.

Grizzly Bill,

I leave for turkey swatting tomorrow night!

Originally Posted by Stan in SC

I'm waiting till Dave gets the Saw-Na built before I visit.

That would be really COOL. I'd come up and visit ya Stan. Heck, I'd pick you up at the airport if you wanted to!

Gee whiz, if Stan is coming up, I might even make the 4 hour drive up to say hi! Although I am indifferent on sow-nas. I can take'em or leave'em.

T- doggone it, you are lucky that is all that you got out of your chair debacle! Good luck with the turkeys.

Quick Cole update: saw him at Easter and you would never know. All is well.

Lining up to pour concrete in the driveway in May. I might be more excited for concrete than I get for fishing opener. On second thought...I AM more excited for concrete!!

Ryan, I bet you can't wipe the smile off your face, eh?

We need some habitat before, during, and after pics dude! We all wanna see you perched on a tractor all covered in dirt.

Maybe with a bird or two in the background....?

Good luck Tom. Just got off the phone with one of my hunting buddies. He only saw 2 birds in 4 days.

Ryan, can you use rifles in SD for Turkeys?

Stan, if you come up I'd make the 10 hour drive.

Thanks so much for the update on Cole.

A bit of good news in this day and age is such a great thing.

Concrete driveway??

I'm seriously jealous, very much.

yes you can use rifles, I asked someone that very same question this morning actually

I saw 30 birds (turkeys) this morning and 10 mule deer on my way to work. saw about 20 deer yesterday and a bunch of ducks geese turkeys while at work. its raining today so I'm working at home on paper work for my CDL til the rain clears and I can get back in the field.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I'm waiting till Dave gets the Saw-Na built before I visit.

Stan in SC

I think we should call it a Shaw-Na.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Good luck Tom. Just got off the phone with one of my hunting buddies. He only saw 2 birds in 4 days.

Ryan, can you use rifles in SD for Turkeys?

Stan, if you come up I'd make the 10 hour drive.

Bill, when I was applying for tags a few years ago, you could use rifles for turkeys. You could use a rifle that would hold no more than 7 in the mag or something to that effect.

I'm not sure what to think on the birds Bill? Friday is supposed to be a decent day with somewhat gross days on either side of it. If that is the case, Friday should really be good. I don't mind hunting in the rain if I can stay warm, the birds really come out to the fields then.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

yes you can use rifles, I asked someone that very same question this morning actually

I saw 30 birds (turkeys) this morning and 10 mule deer on my way to work. saw about 20 deer yesterday and a bunch of ducks geese turkeys while at work.

Turkeys ye say? Public land?

Notice how I not so subtly wiggle my way to a hunting spot. Sorry. Wait, no I'm not.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks so much for the update on Cole.

A bit of good news in this day and age is such a great thing.

Concrete driveway??

I'm seriously jealous, very much.

Good to hear the positive update on Cole.

Dave If you had a concrete driveway Weezy wouldn't have to park right on the sidewalk.

Well hold your cotton pickin' horses. it aint a done deal. we are getting some quotes. the wife really wants concrete, i am leaning concrete. I would guess that a month from now I will be watching kids draw on my new driveway with sidewalk chalk though.

I like that Tzone, the Shaw-na. Makes a little bit of sense even, which is kinda new for you!

How long is your driveway?

It will probably be around $110/yd + whatever they charge to float it. Concrete ain't cheap.

I wouldn't be too surprised if it is $10+/sq.ft.

Grizzly Bill,
If you're south of Dave I'll just stop and pick you up.Uncle Stan doesn't fly unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
SHAW-NA.I like it.

Stan in SC

dave im with you.

talked to some turkey hunters this eve at the watering hole, they were from PA and each had gotten 2 birds in OK and they only needed two more up here for the group. birds everywhere they said. land isn't hard to come by either, public or private.

Ryan,

Are those birds there Merriam's? I think they are. I never shot one before. They have a pretty unique color to them.

I'm not sure, I'll check into it

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Rooster7, actually he ended up dying from complications related to that accident. So, I really appreciate your classy comments.

I humbly apologize Beargease.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Metsamies, that sounds pretty cool, make sure to take pictures for us.

Originally Posted by 264wm

I think this thread was misnamed. Should have been Birth of a BEER camp cause of the attention it has received

Yeah I dunno what it should be called, "heap of nonsense" maybe?

264wm, is your posting handle also your cartridge of choice? I'm really partial to my own .264 which is a stainless/gray laminate M77. I really need to give some attention to that rifle by means of working up a load for it and treating it to some range time.

I have been shooting my Rem model 721 264 since 1963 and just had her rebarrled in 2009 with a Shilen 30" barrel I like the light bullets best sierra 85gr&100gr HP. 95gr Vmax and 100gr Nosler ballistic tip with 72gr H4831 on rock chucks to Elk. I am sure the 85gr is at 3900fps as Hodgdon publishes 3812 with 73gr 4831 and I should be pulling a extra 100fps with the longer barrel

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Beargrease

Rooster7, actually he ended up dying from complications related to that accident. So, I really appreciate your classy comments.

I humbly apologize Beargease.

Good on you Rooster.

Beargrease, you never said anything about anybody dying. That brings it to a whole new level. If you would have even hinted to that, I know Rooster and he wouldn't have said anything. I think you may be a little quick on the trigger or that one, which I understand, I have the same issue sometimes. Ok, a lot.

I'm South and East of Dave Stan. You're more than welcome to overnight here if need be.

Made it up to deer camp today. Started out in the rain which turned to snow about 30 miles into the trip. Snowed all day in the North country. The temp was 36*.

The amount of water in the woods is unreal. The deer shack is surrounded by water. We managed to put up enough wood for this year and part of next season. By the time we were done I was wet, cold and grummpy.

that don't sound like fun, get warm and dry.

it was 70 and sunny here today

kinda nice for a change!

sorry to hear about the cold/wet Bill, that doesn't sound like fun

My driveway is 156 feet long. Tzone, $10+ per square foot would put it at over $30,000. I think you are off a little on the sq footage cost. I am hoping for around $2.50 or mebbe a little less. Should take a little less than 40 cu yards of concrete....so about $4,400 in concrete. I am hoping for somewhere in that $6/7K range. I hope it starts with a 6 anyway. But I will get an idea any day now.....

Gonna go do some habitat work today. Start of a lot of work for us. Picking rocks and pulling fenceposts are on the docket....anybody free to help??? Meet me there in about an hour or so, k?

By the way Bill, I see the sun!!! Really, I do!!

Oh my.....

Have you ever heard the old saying "hope into one hand and chit into the other, see which one fill up the fastest.."?

I don't think you are going to get a 156' driveway poured for 6k...

Would be awesome if you could tho.

Maybe a 156' sidewalk?

Snork!

Raff out roud!!

OK, I'm sorry, I'll shuddap now...

Two more days and I will be in the POS truck club...wooohhhoooo.

Woooo!!

okay, now that I have had my hopes dashed, I will go pick rock.

$7K? $8K? C'mon, work with me here....

Ok I'll take a stab at it.

Ten towsand.

Actually lets summon white bear, he's up to date on this. he's currently handling a project with a pretty good sized pour.

White bare? (I'll knock on the wall, he's in the next office over)

lol!!

What has summoned the White Bear from his lengthy nap?

Mrs. ND should talk more highly of such a classic piece of machinery...

I'd need a little more info than 156' but... I'll assume around 2000 square feet of area. I doubt a contractor will touch it for under $6 a foot. Of course that all depends on location, how much ground prep is needed, and the market.

Feed me more info. I like story problems.

My guess is 14K.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Feed me more info. I like story problems.

You are a story problem

lol!!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Two more days and I will be in the POS truck club...wooohhhoooo.

SUPER I like that.

T, the birds in west SD are Merriams..

primarily, we have some Rio's in pockets too

More info....156 long and 12" wide and then gets wider by the hose to accomodate the 3 car garage. I would guess closer to 3,000 sq ft. Minimal site prep...maybe an hour with a skidloader. I would guess 1 load of fill at max. Nothing else fancy, just concrete.

So, 40 cu yards of concrete is $4500. If $6 per sq foot, that is $13,500 in labor? at $50 per hour, that is 270 hours? something aint adding up here. what am i missing?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

My driveway is 156 feet long. Tzone, $10+ per square foot would put it at over $30,000. I think you are off a little on the sq footage cost.

I was quoted for a pad next to my garage and it was $8/sqft. It must have been because it was a small quantity.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I am hoping for somewhere in that $6/7K range. I hope it starts with a 6 anyway

You won't get it done for 6-7K but it'll prolly have a 6 in it.

For serious...if you get it done for that price, get me that company's contact info, because I do have some work here.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Two more days and I will be in the POS truck club...wooohhhoooo.

The cool part is when you're in the POS truck club, and you make it out.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

More info....156 long and 12"

No wonder it was so cheap!

Quote

So, 40 cu yards of concrete is $4500. If $6 per sq foot, that is $13,500 in labor? at $50 per hour, that is 270 hours? something aint adding up here. what am i missing?

The part you're missing is it will be more than $6 sq.ft. OK, I'll stop messing with you now. Concrete isn't cheap and I'm serious if you can get if for that price, I'm pretty sure I could keep him busy or at least get him some bids.

Tzone, the SIL took the granddaughter out turkey hunting friday after school. They saw 2 birds, but they wouldn't come in. Didn't go out today.

Hey Ma... Show us your truck!

is it ironic that bin laden and hitler were pronounced dead on the same day?

Karma.....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

is it ironic that bin laden and hitler were pronounced dead on the same day?

I obviously wasn't alive for the Hitler announcement but the news of Bin Laden's death was an awesome 41st birthday present for me!

Thanks and God Bless our troops!

ahh, nice that he is swimming with da fishes.

You guys got me going about the concrete, so I looked up an estimate I had last year for sidewalk, patio, and apron. I was going to put in a 22' by 46' apron in front of the garage. That is 1012 sq feet and the estimate is $3135 or $3.10 per sq foot. I am hoping a bigger pour comes in a whisker cheaper on a sq footage basis. The companies I am using have been around a long time and are viewed as extremely high quality contractors in the area....so that really had me worried about the price after you guys jerked me around!

When I get the bids, I will let you know if I dont pass out at the sight of them.

Send those guys up to me when they are done at your house, that's .... crazy cheap.

I don't think I could have got it done for that price 15 years ago.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The companies I am using have been around a long time and are viewed as extremely high quality contractors in the area....so that really had me worried about the price after you guys jerked me around!

When I get the bids, I will let you know if I dont pass out at the sight of them.

Wasn't jerking you around dude... I do this for a living. I didn't tell you it WAS going to be $10/sq.ft, I said don't be surprised if it is. Going by $8/sq.ft, which is in the high middle for prices, it'll be around $15K for the 156'x12' driveway.

If $3.10/sqft is what you get concrete for, I'll have him do my driveway ASAP. That is nearly a 1/3 of what the going rate is around here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Send those guys up to me when they are done at your house, that's .... crazy cheap.

I don't think I could have got it done for that price 15 years ago.

You can't do it for that by yourself!

sure you could do it for that by yerself. A yard of concrete will do 81 square feet if 4 inches thick. So material costs at $120 per yard are $1.50 per sq foot. Where are all the costs other than the actual concrete? some 2X4s and renting a float? that doesnt come to thousands of dollars. I have a call in to a contractor that has poured a ton of concrete for me all over the country in the past for work, I wanna see what he says.

Heck, colored, stamped concrete was only about $8 or $9 per sq foot for me last year. Something is goofy here....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

is it ironic that bin laden and hitler were pronounced dead on the same day?

Poetic justice.

Happy belated birthday Rooster!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Heck, colored, stamped concrete was only about $8 or $9 per sq foot for me last year. Something is goofy here....

What was your final estimate?

Nothing is goofy if you can get it for that price. Heck, it's great if you can get it for that price.

Well everybody we brought home my POS yesterday. Here are a few pictures.

[Linked Image]

Is Dave 9 feet tall or could my POS be sunk into the ground alittle? Hmmm...
[Linked Image]

Note the nice tailgate.

It runs but the ignition switch is bad so when you let off the starter, it dies. Sounds just like I remember it sounding. RWS thinks we should drive her around just the way she is, I think maybe we should get some better tires first. I did suggest to Dave that maybe we should buy a farm now too, seems appropriate doesn't it? LOL.

Poor Dave..........

Is that dent from where the missus slammed your head in there?

I like that truck. That roof dent is going to stink though. A dent in almost exactly the same spot is a big part of why I didn't switch cabs on my 78.

Looks good, and I agree with RWS. Run like it is for now.

Buying a farm might be cheap compared to a bottom up restoration.

May 3rd and we're getting snow flurries, yuck!

Met with a building supply designer yesterday and picked out our new siding color. Also got to see the windows we're going to go with. We still have to finalize the interior/exterior window color. Window company is sending us larger color samples. This is worse than buying a car. Didn't know there were so many options for windows.

Our contractor is coming over Thursday to take the final measurements.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

May 3rd and we're getting snow flurries, yuck!

Beautiful here for once. Sun is shining at least. Not real warm.

The look on 9-foot tall Dave is priceless. That look speaks volumes to me. The fact that it made it onto to the trailer after that look must mean he is quite fond of you Pam!

Beautiful here today too. Sunny, calm and 60. And here I sit at the confuser

.

Big news out of my camp today! Ready for it? Sitting down? I am the first person in the house to have a Facebook page

. I have no clue why or even how it works, but I now have one. Did it yesterday. Still waiting for all the fun to start....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That looks says:
" ( what the phug am I getting into... I've got a Road Runner to finish )"

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Big news out of my camp today! Ready for it? Sitting down? I am the first person in the house to have a Facebook page

. I have no clue why or even how it works, but I now have one. Did it yesterday. Still waiting for all the fun to start....

Let me tell you all you need to know about facebook. It's gay. Delete your account.

Supposed to see 60 here today, lovin it.

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=Berettaman]

Big news out of my camp today! Ready for it? Sitting down? I am the first person in the house to have a Facebook page

. I have no clue why or even how it works, but I now have one. Did it yesterday. Still waiting for all the fun to start....

Let me tell you all you need to know about facebook. It's gay. Delete your account. [/quote

Agree, but NOW TRY and delete it!

I've never found a way.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy belated birthday Rooster!

Thanks Bill!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Well everybody we brought home my POS yesterday. Here are a few pictures.

[Linked Image]

Is Dave 9 feet tall or could my POS be sunk into the ground alittle? Hmmm...
[Linked Image]

Note the nice tailgate.

It runs but the ignition switch is bad so when you let off the starter, it dies. Sounds just like I remember it sounding. RWS thinks we should drive her around just the way she is, I think maybe we should get some better tires first. I did suggest to Dave that maybe we should buy a farm now too, seems appropriate doesn't it? LOL.

The tires are good on the truck, its a nice truck i think it should go to a truck show.

RWS, I love your sig line...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy belated birthday Rooster!

Thanks Bill!

Happy late berfday buddy!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

The tires are good on the truck, its a nice truck i think it should go to a truck show.

Boy, you aint right in the head...

lol!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Boy, you aint right in the head...

lol!!

Look where he gets it from.

Those Sport King's must have been the fo-shizzle back in the day. I think most used trucks I've bought from the early 80's had those on them.

I'm 99% sure I'm going to run 33x10.5 BFG Mud Terrain's.

I actually bought those sport kings new for my first truck back around 1995 i think. I used them up (or so I thought) and we gave all 4 to Pam's dad when we got new ones in around 98 or so.

My wife is on it. Plays Farmville and something else. Always locking up the computer. I stay as far away from it as I can, but my daughter posted my picture on the wifes page.

what is farmville? man, am i stuck in the 90s or what?

and why didnt you tell me it was gay before i did it Tzone????

You could have asked Dave, he would have told you.

Suprised he has not written that in the thread somewhere along the line.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

what is farmville? man, am i stuck in the 90s or what?

and why didnt you tell me it was gay before i did it Tzone????

It's one of those things you have to find out for yourself. It's interesting for about 15minutes. When you start reading all the crap people write about....you start to wonder what the heck you're doing on there.

Just not my deal. Some people love it.

I'm on facebook, well I have an account anyway. its a good way to keep in touch with family since mine is so big. I saw my cousin had a baby a weeks or so ago.

Originally Posted by Muffy

You could have asked Dave, he would have told you.

Suprised he has not written that in the thread somewhere along the line.

like Tom said, best to let folks find out for themselves that gaybook is face.

stupid truck runs...

[Linked Image]

ok, time to fess up. The damn thing didn't want to run. It faught me like a dirty bastard.

I have 4 different straight blade screwdriver stab wounds in my left hand... this damn truck is fighting me.

I took the Ignition switch apart and cleaned it to get spark, then it decided to get fuel gremlins. It locked out the main tank on it's own so I had to bipass the dual tank valve... blah, blah, on and on, soreness and dirtiness etc, etc.

And there it was running.

I swear I'd do about anything to make that female human smile.

Her truck really makes my 77 F150 look good

(for the time being)

well looking at the smiles in that truck its worth it

good on ya!

nice job....so far on the truck. lotsa work to go, uh, right Pam?

but duuuude. You dont mess around with the gay. Letting your buddy step in a pile of steaming dog doo is one thing, risk him getting the gay is anudder.

And Tzone....you say they write about all kinds of crap on gaybook....uh, what do we write about here???

I am fast becoming really popular. I have .... 2 friends on gaybook. Guess the gay aint taking hold. I did, however, stoke it with hunting pics, so maybe that is fending off the virus.

How about Francisco Liriano huh? I watched the 9th. Pretty cool.

if it wasnt for facebook,I would never hear from any of my cousins or nephews ,or old friends from high school.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This picture, with the lady driving, with that big smile on her face....is why you needed to get that truck running.

I like that last picture, with them both together. Cool!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

And Tzone....you say they write about all kinds of crap on gaybook....uh, what do we write about here???

It's kinda the same. You'll have to be on facebook for a while to see what I'm talking about. Not easy for me to put in words. You really will start to NOT care the "Jim just walked his dog" or "Suzy put the baby to be and is now going to have a glass of wine".

I mean every aspect of peoples lives they put on there. It may not seem like it because of all the stuff I write on here but I'm a pretty private guy. LOTS of stuff I don't tell anybody on here. You'll see.

Quote

How about Francisco Liriano huh? I watched the 9th. Pretty cool.

Very cool. He still kinda stunk. Defense backed him up well. 123 pithces, 6 walks, 2 strike outs...that SHOULD read loss, but it doesn't and that is what is important.

Pam,I know that you are proud of that truck.Congratulations.In the picture you look GENUINELY happy driving it.

Hey guys,Facebook ain't gay.Lotsa people are on it.True that you interact with a lot of meaningless drivel as to who is doing what or about to go where but it is a great way to stay in touch with people about whom you care.You just have to disregard who "wrote on your wall" or "gave you a poke".I rarely write on it but do read it a lot especially to see how some of my far flung younguns and their younguns are doing since they seem to prefer to write on Facebook rather than email me directly.Heaven forbid they should actually use a phone and call me.Anyway,it ain't bad if you handle it right.And no I am not gay.I'm too damn old for that chit.

Stan in SC

right you are stan, I have facebook and usually check my notifications to who sent me a message, or wrote on my wall. as for the "news" thing that tells everyone what so-and so is doing, its easy to ignore. and if you're bored you can kill some time by reading what people are up to. I usually block the news feeds from the people who update it every hour with "taking a nap" or "shower time" or "its movie night" that kinda stuff gets old, but you can choose to hide those from the ones who do it all the time.

facebook aint gay. its helped me reconnect with lots of old Navy buddies I would have lost touch with forever otherwise.

"so and so just did blah, blah, blah on mafia wars"

"John doe just answered a question about you"

I can't stand facebook personally, you have to wade through waist deep crap that's advertisement and market study based garbage. It's 90% cluttered with advertising and market research garbage, stupid games and quizzes... blahhhh, makes me want to hurl.

I don't mind the silly "I just walked my dog" or the "I'm very tired this morning" or what ever, that's fine. It's all the cluttered junk that you have to wade through that I can't stand.

Communicating with or checking up on friends/family is cool, I just can't stand the structure of the whole thing. It's just creepy.

once you get the new old truck fixed up it'll be about time for RWS to take over his driving lessons in there!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

right you are stan, I have facebook and usually check my notifications to who sent me a message, or wrote on my wall. as for the "news" thing that tells everyone what so-and so is doing, its easy to ignore. and if you're bored you can kill some time by reading what people are up to. I usually block the news feeds from the people who update it every hour with "taking a nap" or "shower time" or "its movie night" that kinda stuff gets old, but you can choose to hide those from the ones who do it all the time.

facebook aint gay. its helped me reconnect with lots of old Navy buddies I would have lost touch with forever otherwise.

That pretty much hits it on the head. Those that post the crap every hour about their dog peeing, went for a walk, baby is sleeping etc. is the GAY part of facebook. Their posts get hidden from me.

The people that want to be your friend just because you passed them once in the hall in grade school is gay too. If you accept them, their posts are pretty much meaningless to you. You didn't know them then and you don't know them now. They "friend" you just to get their friend count up.

But like Ryan and Stan said, if managed properly its a good way to keep in touch with actual old friends and family members that you would never talk to otherwise.

So IMO its 60 percent gay and 40 percent worthwhile.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"so and so just did blah, blah, blah on mafia wars"

"John doe just answered a question about you"

I can't stand facebook personally, you have to wade through waist deep crap that's advertisement and market study based garbage. It's 90% cluttered with advertising and market research garbage, stupid games and quizzes... blahhhh, makes me want to hurl.

I don't mind the silly "I just walked my dog" or the "I'm very tired this morning" or what ever, that's fine. It's all the cluttered junk that you have to wade through that I can't stand.

Communicating with or checking up on friends/family is cool, I just can't stand the structure of the whole thing. It's just creepy.

Dave you can block all that stuff as it hits your page. I do it every time I get something like that and have cut down the garbage considerably. All those game things people play get blocked and you never have to see them again.

WTF is a farkle anyway?? PEOPLE have gotten blocked from me for sending me that request!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy belated birthday Rooster!

Thanks Bill!

Happy late berfday buddy!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

The tires are good on the truck, its a nice truck i think it should go to a truck show.

Boy, you aint right in the head...

lol!!

hahaha father u were like this when u were a kid to

Aint you supposed to be learning something about right now?

Google 1964 chevy short box step side.

Let me know what you think, goofball.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Aint you supposed to be learning something about right now?

Google 1964 chevy short box step side.

Let me know what you think, goofball.

Dave I expect the new/older Ford to be finished by Fall time.

Next time come on down to Tx. to buy a truck, we don't have rust in the weatern part of the state. Easy to fix up.

I'd like to just come down to Tx even if it aint to buy a truck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Aint you supposed to be learning something about right now?

Google 1964 chevy short box step side.

Let me know what you think, goofball.

I know I'm not the goofball you were refering to but.... That is one of my favorite trucks. Frined of mine has one that is pretty hot. Flame thrower of a 454 in it too. Ran 11's at BIR with it last summer, but it had a 396. He blew it (like a chevy) and put the 454 in her. I'm not sure I've ever heard a street truck/car as loud as his. No tickets yet though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This picture, with the lady driving, with that big smile on her face....is why you needed to get that truck running.

I like that last picture, with them both together. Cool!

enough with the gay - now back to your regularly scheduled "smilin' like heck" pictures

Dave, please do an International (preferably early 60's) next, so I can see what I have to do. I am also in the POS truck club, but mine don't run.

Rooster, Apparently Farkle is a game you can play on Face book

Farkle is a fun dice game that is easy to learn and very addictive! The game is played with six dice. All six dice are rolled to start a turn. The player can then select one or more dice to keep for points. The points earned are added to a temporary score. The player may then opt to take their points and end the turn, or the player may roll ...

Speaking of Texas my daughter just transferred to Ft Bliss. Sounds like a road/hunting trip may be in order......

Great Truck Pam!...I had one real similar once upon a time....mine was a '79 F250.

Just got home from the boy's first baseball game. Goofy little sucker is batting 1.000, and scored two runs and made a decent play at short stop. The score was tied 20 to 20.

not kidding.

Had my daughters tee ball 2 nite... Shes not batting 1000 but were having fun with it.....

Well I guess the news has reached the whole family so i can officialy tell everyone that me and Jeremy are breaking up after 13 years. It is nothing that either one of us did. We have never had a real fight in the whole time we were together. In the last year we have just drifted appart. We are still friends. We have talked and laughed more in the last few days than we have in the last few months.

I will be living at Makes No Patties this summer while I work with Jeremy's mom. Then by the fall I have to decide if I want to go to school or what I'm going to do. I guess I have to decide soon what I want to be when I grow up.

It is really hard but things will be fine. I have lots of caring family and friends around me and that helps alot. So big hugs to all of you and thanks!!

I already told you.... I'm here for ya. You're kinda like my big sis anyways.

Ooof. School. I'm not sure I could do that again. Never mind, I'm positive I couldn't do that again.

I got an idea, you could help me build a sauna.

Muffy,the ending of a relationship is never an easy thing in any circumstances.It sounds like you and Jeremy have things pretty much in hand to have an amicable split which makes it much easier.Everything will work out well for you.Keep plugging girl.School is the best thing you can do.My daughter went back to school after her divorce and earned her RN degree and now is working on a master's degree.Learn more....earn more.

I always wanted to live in Texas.My wife did live in San Antonio once for several years.In 1997 I moved here from Atlanta to be central to all the kids' locations and as such to be able to enjoy and participate more in the grand kid's lives.If'n it wasn't for the kids I would have gladly moved to Texas.

Stan in SC

sorry to hear that. at least you guys still get along well and you never know what the future holds.

I too vote for college. I went back at the age of 29 and there are a lot more "nontraditional" students now than ever. its the best thing I ever did for myself. I love my job, though I'll never get rich I get to work in the outdoors and the wilderness every day. I see dozens of deer, turkeys you name it every day. pick something you love and go for it!

I get to work with turkeys everyday too.

The ones I've been seeing, smoke crack, pet their imaginary dogs, and talk to thier invisible friends.

We're all here for you Muffy. School would be the way to go just don't ask me to help with math.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Aint you supposed to be learning something about right now?

Google 1964 chevy short box step side.

Let me know what you think, goofball.

i'm learn all the time and I would like an OLDER chevy, i think that will do

Yeah well i got pictures of the 64 "1/2 ton short box step side" today.

Turns out it's a 3/4 ton long box.

Also looks like it's a true POS.

Craigslist scam? I'm going to check out a '59 F-100 6/stick for my dad tonight after work. 1/2 mile from my place.

He sold his Ranchero and wanted something a little better on gas than 351C cammer. I was interested in the motor for my '55 but that motor was not really for practical use. It scared women and childern.

Ahhh Muffy, I feel for ya. I dont really have any grand words of encouragement other than....dont drink milk a week after the expiration date. That is the best I can come up with.

As far as school, I see Bill has graciously offered to help with all of your subjects other than math. I will help with the math, that is my balliwick.

And to all you knuckleheads talking $6+/sq ft concrete....veddy funny

. I have been talking to quite a few folks and everyone is in the $2.50 to $4.00 range max. My first site-specific bid came back at $3 per.

Anyone have a Polar HD1500 lawn trailer? I am thinnin' on buying one. They sure look sturdy.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

And to all you knuckleheads talking $6+/sq ft concrete....veddy funny

. I have been talking to quite a few folks and everyone is in the $2.50 to $4.00 range max. My first site-specific bid came back at $3 per.

Obviously at this point there isn't much I can tell you, because you won't beleive me, but I wasn't kidding. That is ridiculously cheap.

If he charged that around here he'd never ever be slow. NEVER. Does he travel the area? I'm serioius?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Anyone have a Polar HD1500 lawn trailer? I am thinnin' on buying one. They sure look sturdy.

Can't tell you about that particular trailer, but they look to be damn expensive. For a lot less, I use an everyday JDeere lawn tractor trailer or my 8N Ford. I added stake sides to it (it has the stake pockets moulded into it). That doubles the capacity easily.

I have used it for quite a few years hauling rock, and overfilled with oak and hickory firewood to the point that the axle is sagging and yet it keeps on trucking. Can't recall what I paid, but it was cheaper than 4 Benjamin$. Has the dump feature too, but the stake sides for added volume really helps. That Polar thing looks like capacity would be limiting for stuff like firewood.

Available at most home supply stores like Lowes etc, that sell lawn tractors and the like.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

And to all you knuckleheads talking $6+/sq ft concrete....veddy funny

. I have been talking to quite a few folks and everyone is in the $2.50 to $4.00 range max. My first site-specific bid came back at $3 per.

Obviously at this point there isn't much I can tell you, because you won't beleive me, but I wasn't kidding. That is ridiculously cheap.

If he charged that around here he'd never ever be slow. NEVER. Does he travel the area? I'm serioius?

I dunno what to say either, that's got to be concrete only with no delivery cost figured in, no forming or site prep, no pour, no finishing.

Here is the actual wording:

3100 sq ft concrete driveway 4"thick with #4000 granite and #3 rebar 2' on center.
seal driveway with cure sealer
cut joints no more than 10" on center
included 3 loads of granular fill (if not used deduct $90 per load)
Total $9,300.

These are the same guys who poured my garage and my basement walls. Did a great job and have been in the biz for many many years. they do a lot of work for my builder as well.

thoughts?

Wow, I assume the cut joints are 10' rather than 10"

but wow, that's just dirt cheap.

ooops, yep, 10'. I guess I got carried away with the shift key.

ND, give a call to a local concrete guy up there and see what he says. I am really curious and Pam would really like a concrete driveway!

Yum, beers.

Sorry, taking a break and they taste pretty darn good.

Well, way earlier when I said I'd take a guess and said your project was 10k.... I was actually guessing it to be 2900 sq ft.

But I guess with no footing, the 4" pour goes further so... yeah I guess I can see it.

But at over 3000 sq ft for 9-ish I'd say you are doing very well.

Missy, beer good here too

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ooops, yep, 10'. I guess I got carried away with the shift key.

ND, give a call to a local concrete guy up there and see what he says. I am really curious and Pam would really like a concrete driveway!

I'd really like a concrete driveway too. Really, I just want a slab in front of the garage and next to the garage to park the boat. At that guy's prices I may be able to pull off the whole driveway.

Just heard this morning from a person getting a garage slab quote, came out at just over $4.50 sq ft without any "dirt work" (coring, gravel fill, backfill)

Of course that's maybe a little thicker pour throughout with a footing perimeter.

I went to a rummage sale today before first hour ( it was rate next to the school) and I bot a coffie mug with a moose in side of it and i took it to first hour and the teacher wanted to buy it so i said $1.50 and he did and he gave me a hat to and i got the mug for 5 cents. NOW THATS A DEAL. HAHAHA

Too funny RWS.

A person could make some money doing that.

goofball!!

Hey everybody, we have ourselves a young track star. runs with scissors wooped up at the track meet yesterday. they didn't let him actually run with his scissors though so he was a little upset about that.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

I went to a rummage sale today before first hour ( it was rate next to the school) and I bot a coffie mug with a moose in side of it and i took it to first hour and the teacher wanted to buy it so i said $1.50 and he did and he gave me a hat to and i got the mug for 5 cents. NOW THATS A DEAL. HAHAHA

Atta boy RWS.

Probably fast from chasing you little bro all over.

Good job RWS.

what a little businessman!

Take away the footings and it is a smaller pour I would bet (not any 3100 sq foot garages out there) and I would say that is in line.

Speaking of garages....how big is your garage? I think we should compare to see whose is biggest!

Uh, please do not quote that line out of context!

Shed's dont count for this particular contest....although I am jealous if you have a nice shed.

umm, 30 by 60 for mine I guess. 12 foot sidewall

I used to share a 48 by 64 shop.

pam figures we should build a 26X50 4 car garage where the swingset sits in the yard....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

pam figures we should build a 26X50 4 car garage where the swingset sits in the yard....

Can I rent a stall for winter storage?

Heck Yeah! Great idea Pam. I could try and help talk ND into it if you would like. ND the one you have sounds more like a shed than a garage......you really need a garage for, well, garage things. Certain things go in a shed, certain things go in a garage.

In today's economy, they are almost free to build too. Really cheap.

Pam also figures we should add a master bedroom and bathroom too.

That would be the only way a now 4 car garage would be changed from the original 3 car garage talk earlier this month.

We definately need another bedroom and bathroom!!!! PWM told me the other day he is never moving out. Uff.

RWS did amazing last night, said he could hear me yelling...of course!!!!!! I can tell he got his athletic ability from his mom for sure. LOL! Ok, maybe a little from his dad too.

That is funny, oh mom he will change his mind about moving out as soon as he is a teenager.

You can never have enough storage.

Well if I keep my boat in one of the 4 stalls, it will be a 3 car garage.

Tzone, it will need to be heated if you want to store your boat in there. C'mon Dave, it has to be heated! For Pam!

Wouldn't you want your sweetheart to get into a nice warm snow free vehicle in the winter Dave?

Yeah, none of us want your sweet wife to have cold fingy's either. And the kids! Do it for the kids, Dave!

over all i got
1st on the 100 meter dash, time 13.8 seconds
3rd on the 200 meter dash, time 29 seconds
1st on the relay, time 1 min. 53 seconds

i think i did good.

You did real good!!

Nice job RWS. You run that fast you saved Ma and the old man a lot of money...no need for a truck.

Good Job Nate! Thats awesome!

Muffy - Sorry to hear about the news. Some things are just meant to be I guess...

B man - That is a heck of a good price on concrete.

Tzone - Where are you going fishing for opener next weekend?

isn't opener usually mothers day weekend?
out here our season runs year round

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

out here our season runs year round

Yeah, just rub it in why donchya?

Quote

isn't opener usually mothers day weekend?

It's next weekend here. There was talk of postponing it up north, in the NE part of the state. I don't know if that happened or not?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

out here our season runs year round

Yeah, just rub it in why donchya?

oh I will. I can buy 2 turkey tags whenever I want til may 22nd
and I can hunt several seasons for deer and tag more than one buck a year.

shall I go on?

I'm looking to put together an antelope hunt this year, get a bunch of folks together and shoot some speed goats. in the very early stages right now so we'll see how it pans out

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

out here our season runs year round

Yeah, just rub it in why donchya?

oh I will. I can buy 2 turkey tags whenever I want til may 22nd
and I can hunt several seasons for deer and tag more than one buck a year.

shall I go on?

I'm looking to put together an antelope hunt this year, get a bunch of folks together and shoot some speed goats. in the very early stages right now so we'll see how it pans out

I would be up for a goat hunt! I drew a buck and a doe/kid tag in SD a few years ago. That was A LOT of fun and they are tastier than heck.

In fact I guess the buck I shot is in my avatar. I hunt deer in the shotgun zone mostly and bowhunt so slinging led at long ranges at speed goats was really fun for me.

Ryan,

I just thought of this now. You uncle Kirk lives in Rapid City now right? That would be the guy to talk to about hunting out there I'm sure.

yup he does, we talk every so often, he helped me with the inspection on my house I'm buying, and he has all my rifles and shotguns at his place since I'm staying in a little cabin for now.
I know he has an antelope mount or two, but I don't think he's hunted them much the last few years. he's focused more on his elk hunting ground in montana now. I know he has some contacts in WY and over the counter doe tags are cheap there, so that might be the way we go at least to start out. I've always loved antelope and think they are a blast to hunt, and they make awesome spaghetti sauce! but I digress, I could talk about this stuff for days

Tell me more about the turkeys and deer.

Great job, RWS!

Finally put the boat in the water today. Five minutes later we pulled it out. Engine started fine, idled fine, but wouldn't rev up.

Seems that the throtle linkage was froze up. Pulled it back to my place and went to work. We (SIL) managed to get it freed up and working again.

Back to the Wisconsin River and away we went. Slow afternoon. We caught 5 Walleyes, but only one of them was legal. It was sure great to be back out on the water.

CO1135

Depending on the politics of it all don't forget to look up a NRCS guy by the name of Larson.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

yup he does, we talk every so often, he helped me with the inspection on my house I'm buying, and he has all my rifles and shotguns at his place since I'm staying in a little cabin for now.
I know he has an antelope mount or two, but I don't think he's hunted them much the last few years. he's focused more on his elk hunting ground in montana now. I know he has some contacts in WY and over the counter doe tags are cheap there, so that might be the way we go at least to start out. I've always loved antelope and think they are a blast to hunt, and they make awesome spaghetti sauce! but I digress, I could talk about this stuff for days

The guys I hunted antelope with said they are nothing to eat. Just have to make sausage out of them. I kept the back straps out of both goats and a roast out of each. The rest went to sticks and summer sausage. After I tried the back straps and roasts I was ticked that I didn't keep more cuts for the grill. That meat was just plain awesome and the wife and kids really liked it too. I know better now.

I heard that Kirk has elk land in MT. He took my garbage truck driver out there and he ended up shooting a HUGE bull elk with his bow. It was like a 7 x 7 or something like that.

He's a good guy. Say hi to him for me next time you see him.

I've had antelope burger and steaks and they were great.

Dave,

For mothers day, did you get ma the sand paper she needs to start on the truck?

or did you get ma that concrete driveway that leads up to the new garage?

anybody need any water? We are soaking right now. It is SOOO wet here. dern near had to send the girl out to the bus stop with a life jacket.

She got a nice patio type swing.

Should have bought her some truck parts I guess.

I gave her that hat I got form school. haha

Originally Posted by Berettaman

or did you get ma that concrete driveway that leads up to the new garage?

Speaking of concrete driveways....my estimate I got on friday was $9.16/sf.

It was knocked down to $7/sf if my neighbor will do his at the same time. Dude you got a heck of a deal on your mud.

Does anybody know the price of asphalt vs. concrete? I would think with so much less prep work required that aspahlt would be much cheaper. No?

It used to be. With the price of oil it's changed. Ahphalt may be a bit cheaper. Concrete lasts longer, and looks better IMO.

Well, several things are apparent .... It's been determined that I'm "mean" and this probably won't be the first time I have sensitivity traing. You can't "yell" at contractors anymore, and Whoopie Cushions are still funny.

With all your sensitivity training you are soon to be a master black belt ninja in niceness.

Yep, that's me.

Tom.....Next you're going to tell me there is no swearing allowed on a jobsite!

I thought yelling at contractors was mandatory, just like the contractors calling the engineers a bunch of idiots!

Originally Posted by j_elky

I thought yelling at contractors was mandatory, just like the contractors calling the engineers a bunch of idiots!

In this case.... it was the other way around.

Rooster,
Antelope is one of the best tasting wild game meats you can have.I don't know where your friends got the idea that it wasn't.I almost prefer it to ELK but not quite.

Stan in SC

I've had some bad antelope too.
my brother and I each shot a doe out of the same herd, one was delicious the other was not at all. I've had elk that weren't so great and deer that weren't good, so I guess it can be any game species. I do know a bad bear is absolutely awful

I had some sandhill Crane last week and that was pretty good considering what they look like. Ribeye in the sky! had some fried and some smoked. Tzone, is that ranger ready to go yet?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tzone, is that ranger ready to go yet?

Buschy, long time no write.

Heck yes the Ranger is ready. I'm not going on the opener, I'll let you kids sort that stuff out first. I'm hoping to hit Mille lacs the weekend after though.

Nobody wants to go with me though, maybe it's because I tell em they have to fill the boat with gas?

Hey, I got in my boat last nite! Under the water toys, elk horns, goose decoys, inflatable swimming pool, etc I finally found the keys. My boys now have a fascination with keys. Not good.

I wont be out this weekend either. Gonna do the garage sale thing and get rid of some stuff.

Ooooh, gas for that boat is gonna not be pretty Tzone! You will soon separate the true friends from the leeches. I brought a guy to Mille Lacs from work once. We had a great time, caught some nice fish. He has always wanted to go back, but I always seem to be busy....and that aint no koinkydink.

I have two trips planned. First is a trip to the north arm of Rainy on the Canadian side. The guys cabin is about 40 minutes from the landing. A bunch of guys from work are going and it is a fun trip. Then Dad, my brother, uncle, cousins (2) and I are going to Cedar Lake Manitoba fer a week. The uncle and cousins didnt go last year cuz of Cole (one of the cousin's is Cole's dad). We have been doing it a long time so we are alll looking forward to it.

If I get gas today, it'll run me $151 to fill it up! I don't know how long a tank will last.

I'm hoping to have two trips to Mille Lacs in a few weeks. Then I'll have a week in Hayward on the Chippewa Flowage in June. Almost certain to use a full tank when I'm on the Chip because we'll be doing the family water ski/tube thing there too.

BM we should make a trip to ML when the muskie season opens.

ahhh yes. Muskies on the big pond. I caught 6 in one day there once. that spot doesnt work anymore though cuz it got pounded too much. sure was fun though.

There are a few lakes around here that are decent for muskies, I'm sure you know which they are. I'd like to hit them this summer too.

I was throwing a big stickbait for muskies on one of those lakes you mention Tzone and let loose with a big pitch. halfway out, a hen mallard came flying by and I grazed her with the bait. She chirped and I laughed. Glad I didnt hook her!

Ha. A guy I used to fish with claims he hooked an eagle once. It sure sounded like a tall tale to me though. I don't know what I'd do if I hooked a bird.

Pretty big storms moving through here now. Sirens going off, kids crying, the whole works.

Pretty wicked looking sky, not much rain falling and not much wind, the kind of storm that you want to pay attention to.

Keep the storms over there Tom. The wife and I are flying out Wednesday to Oregon. Watching the grandson while mom and dad head off to Africa. I may be missing in action for a while.

Tell the DIL to keep the shiny earings at home and to keep away from the cheeta's.

Safe travels Bill.

Anybody have any damage from the storms tonite.. Down in Lakeville we had about 3 drops of rain....

So durring my duaghter's (CTM-cries too much)softball game tonight we got a good crack of lightening. She's on deck and both coaches call the game at the same time. She runs over to me (crying of course) and hands me the bat and says "here Dad, take this." I asked "what do you want me to do with it?"

Still crying of course, "it's metal, you hold it! You're my dad, you'll do anything for me."

Momma didn't raise no fool!

Classic............

Then I did what any dad would do....took her out for ice cream to cheer her up. I will be the first to admit it, she's my Princess. Appearantly, she also knows this.

what are gas prices like up that way? down heree its the cheapest I've seen in a while. it was 3.53 in rapid city yesterday, I shoulda filled up there.

we've had some humidity and dark clouds but no rain really to speak of. little showers here and there. otherwise its been in the 60's and 70's with lots of blue sky and sunshine. I spent all winter holed up so I have a good sunburn going on. got my feelers out for a cheap aluminum boat around here so I can make it out on the reservoir. now I just need to find time. been up working before light every day and not getting home til evening.

Went up $.20 to $3.99 yesterday. Yuck!

Gas is $3.72/gallon in South Carolina.
While casting from a fishing pier in Florida once I had a pelican swoop and grab my shrimp bait in mid air.It hooked him and I had to pull him in and unhook him.The regulars on the pier said that it happened quite often.

Stan in SC

Heading to the cabin to get the tractor.

Me and Nate riding in on 4 wheeler, putting the tractor back together (loader and box blade have to go back on)

Then back home.

Hoping all goes well on the great mud run.

All is well, our little tractor recon mission went perfectly.

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Loader still hanging from the meat pole.

Wood pile.

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Cabin.

And a freshly mixed bin laden (2 shots and a splash of water) the first one served at the chickenbuck.

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I like the name of that drink you got going on there....

We were not there to share that. We missed out again.

I think we need to make a June Chickenbuck run.... eary June?

Maybe we should ask Dave?

How did the road look dave?

Packing, ugh I hate it.

I'm looking at a storage building tomorrow. It is the bigest so far that I've looked at in my price range. I'm hoping the 10' X 15' is big enough for all my stuff.:) I looked at 3 of them yesterday and 2 of them had lots of standing water in them and the other one stunk musty really bad.

Friends of mine have room in their shop and they said they would store my snowmobile in the summer and my 4 wheeler in the winter. So I'm glad I don't have to worry about that.

It is amazing what a person accumulates in 13 years. A friend of mine is having a garage sale in June so I will put a lot of stuff on there.

Dave, I have a nice corian cutting board for the shack. I think it will fit really nice on the counter. If you are interested.

We took the 4 wheeler in on the mud trail, it was actually way better than I expected but it is still spring time with soft ground so the 4 wheeler was a good choice for an "adventure free" trip tonight.

I'd be up for a chickenbuck run but I have a carshow weekend June 11 then camping with ma & the kids the following weekend so it would have to really be early June.

miss, the cutting board sounds awesome, i don't know what that is but I'm sure it's better than what we are using now lol!..

we need some elk horns up on that shack. wish I coulda shared in the binladen

too bad we weren't closer missy I could probably buy most of what you're gonna sell for my new house.

just found out they want the closing date may 31st. sounds great til you look at a calendar. its the tuesday after memorial day, so not only will I pay a premium for the seasonal cabin I'm staying in, I get to move in the middle of the week right smack dab in the middle of our busiest time. oh well, I'm thankful I have a place finally and I can get my dog back, she's been up north with friends for the last month

You'll be a busy dude for sure Ryan.

Ryan,

I went into town last night to get gas for the mower at your Uncles old store and it was $4.09.

Anybody fishin?

I'm trying. I worked from 10pm friday to 10am today. I'm tired as heck, but dangit!!!! I'm going fishing. I haven't been on soft water lake since the end of July 2010.

It's time!

Of course the batteries are dead, so it'll be awhile.

Aint that the way it goes

I ran into mom and dad in Walmart. Dad said he is going out fishing later.

Dave, I talked to that guy that made my beaver chopper mittens today. I asked him how much he would charge to make a bobcat hat. He said it would take about 1 1/2 pelts (depending on the size of the cat) and if you had them tanned already he would charge about $75. The ones he makes are kind of like a bomber hat, but he said you can wear it 3 different ways.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dave, I talked to that guy that made my beaver chopper mittens today.

Ummm, yeah!

Originally Posted by Muffster

Aint that the way it goes

Usually for me it is. I went anyway, couldn't take it anymore. I caught 3 in 3 hours so it was a little slow. Biggest was 17", smallest was about 7".

Muffy,

I'd love to own a pair of beaver mitts. Does this guy sell them regularly? I'd make my own if I could find some beaver pelts reasonably priced somewhere.

If you have a contact for him and you think he is willing, I'd appreciate hearing more about him.

Brent

Huh, Lemme check my vermin freezer, I think I have a little better than 1.5 bobcat

I have to make sure they are ok though and I'll have to finish tanning.

Does he need garment tanned?

Back on line. Gas prices in the Portland area is $3.93. Saw one place at 3.82 for cash, 3.92 for credit cards.

Volunteered at the grandsons school last friday for a jogathon. No, I didn't jog. Grandson ran 1.8 miles. Not bad for a 6 year old.

Weather has been typical Oregon, rainy and cool.

It is beautiful here today. Sunny 70'ish. I put a fire pit in tonight after work. I'll be burning stuff this weekend. I was thinking about taking a fishing trip to DL soon. Maybe even sunday if the weather is nice. It looks iffy so far this weekend though.

Muffy says we should come up to camp soon.

That would be fun. Can't wait to get back up there. I need a break.

Based on what I saw a week ago in there, I'm certain we could drive right in there right now. But it is supposed to rain this weekend, so I don't know how much fun it would be.

If the weather cooperated it would be fun to do an atv roundup sort of weekend, do some spring time trail riding.

Oooo... Did someone say ATV's? I like that idea. Need to bring the poles with for that lil honey hole we brought the kids to as well ND.
Get muddy & catch us some flat fish all in the same afternoon.

I'm leaving early to load the wheelers & boat. When/where are we gonna meet?

White Bear

Don't twist my arm....

I'd have to pull out my sheetrock saw, cut a hole in the wall, & physically grab it to twist any harder foo!

First weekend in June? I'll load the wheller and the boy and the Red Ryder.

Maybe a little beer too.

Dave, check your work e-mail.

Dave, when are you going to screen in the hottub and deck on the side of the chickenbuck? be great in the summer!

shortly after we build the hot tub and deck..

Early June is a heck of a time to build a Shaw-naw. Just sayin'.

It is rainy and 66 in Sacramento. ick. Man, the people out here are weird....

I miss Minnesota.

Get out of there before you catch "the gay".

Last night of track for RWS!!! Boy can he run and what alot of fun to watch. Six school track meet and overall RWS placed 1st in the 100 yard dash, 2nd in the 4 x 100 relay, and 3rd in the 200 yard dash. Good job boy...soooo proud of you! Mama had tears in her eyes but thanks to the sunglasses nobody knew...LOL.

Then after the meet, the boys and I met up with ND and Weezie at some very close friend's house for an evening of laughs and time together to help with the day that 8 yrs ago their daughter passed away.

Now let's get busy on that Roadrunner...time is a wastin'......

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Now let's get busy on that Roadrunner...time is a wastin'......

Gret Job RWS!

It's cool watching your kids succeed in sports. Mini man somehow dispite his dad's lack of skill in the sport, is good at baseball. He soaks it up like a sponge. Coach shows him something and he picks up on immeadeatly. He hit the first 3 pitches he was thrown, but he is more excited when he gets somebody out. It's pretty neat.

BM,

You should come back to MN. Days like today are why I'm happy I work where I do...outside. It's about 60* and rising, not a cloud in the sky, low humidity. Freaking beautiful.

This whole week has been great, weather wise.

"Dodging" work on the Plymouth for a trip to Chickenbuck, Dave?

Congrats RWS!

Think my grandson has a shot as a long distance runner.

We could skip the shack and I could bring the boat up?

Know what you mean BM. Cool and rainy here in Portland. Mid 70'S tomorrow. Most of the people here are hugging trees.

Talked with my son. He got a nice Kudu this morning..

Tom, I checked the fishing reports from the Chip. Doing well on Crappies, but Walleyes are slow.

you could bring up the boat anyhows and have a fish fry at chickenbuck too.

You guys seem to be having fun.All I got to do this morning was my usual Wednesday trip to the gun club and poked some holes in paper with my AR,my .308 and the new Kel Tec .380 which incidentally is my new alternate daily carry.On the days that I wear shorts I carry the .22 magnum NAA.
Berettaman,I hope that you got all of the necessary shots and immunizations before you entered that place.
I wonder what Kudu steaks would taste like?

Stan in SC

Heading for Zippel Bay State Park in the morning. I have never been there so if any of you can point me in the direction on where to catch the the wiley walleye it would be appreciated.

Zipple huh?

Maybe run to the east towards 4 mile bay or the "gap" at pine island.

Try for some big pike right in zipple bay though, they might still be piled up in there.

Ask buschpilot though, he's tuned in to the lake beter than me these days. (me being boatless)

Fishing should be decent right out of the bay, you may go east a big to morris gap, the only resort you'll see along the shore there. 12-30ft have been doing really well. it's all about the jig!

Thanks for the info.

Buschy,

How is the fishing in late July into August?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you could bring up the boat anyhows and have a fish fry at chickenbuck too.

I want to be there when Tzone drags that big 'ol ranger down the chickenbuck trail. I DON'T want to be there the next morning when he crawls outa the sack and see's the sides of his boat!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you could bring up the boat anyhows and have a fish fry at chickenbuck too.

I want to be there when Tzone drags that big 'ol ranger down the chickenbuck trail. I DON'T want to be there the next morning when he crawls outa the sack and see's the sides of his boat!

Yeah...that ain't happening.

But it's exactly what I was thinking.

He will just have to leave the boat where Ryan parked his car. I wouldnt try to go through the trail with a boat. Although CBF's buddy made it through there with his car (a Regal I think).

Well the moving process is almost over. All the heavy stuff is moved (except for dad's air compressor and welder) which we will get moved maybe next week when the weather cooperates. Probly 1 more Blazer load and I will be out. I think I will even have room in my storage building for my 4 wheeler when it is not in use. My dad was kind enough to buy me a new battery for my 4 wheeler, can't really afford one right now. Thanks Daddy!!! By the way, it is Uncle Dusty's birthday tomorrow.

I gotta get there to make a rhubarb cake for him (it is tradition). I will have to make it there because all my stuff is packed up.

Well gotta get to bed, long day tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Uncle Dusty!!!!

Happy birthday Dusty!!

Happy Birthday Dusty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTY! HAVE MANY MANY MORE!

Fishing is always good up here Tzone, i like early august the best though i think. even late is nice. cooler temps and can get some good action. its kind of hit and miss right now, long summer ahead though so i haven't got to excited bout dragging the boat out yet.

That's good news Buschy. I have a bunch of time off between next week and the fourth of July, so it would be better if I can wait a while.

End of July/August would probably work out well.

Happy Birthday Uncle Dusty!

The wife's birthday is this Sat. I've given our Grandson the job of picking out her cake. Could be interesting.

Thank you everyone for all the Birthday wishes. It was very nice of all of you. I really appreciate all of you.

Tzone, I will call you tomorrow.

Well, here is a late one!! Happy Berfday!!!

We made it to Zippel bay SP. Got here about 2.30 and set up. Hit the water after supper and found a floatilla of boats just out of the bay on the main lake by by the first rock marker. Fished all of ten min. till I landed a nice eater. Wife got a couple of small ones and then I got another nice eater. Headed back in cleaned them and back at camp. It was a nice start to the trip.

Thanks again for the info.

That's great man! Weatherman says tomorrow is supposed to hold out nice for you weather wise so enjoy because I think it is supposed to turn wet by Sat.

catch em up tomorrow & cook em up saturday!!

A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dusty.Sorry I am late with the birthday greetings.

Stan in SC

happy belated Birthday Uncle Dusty!

I'm keeping a close eye on the weather radar map.. Considering a run to camp with the 2 boys and a couple ATV's.

but the weather dont look good.

It started to rain here a little just now.

Started raining here about 1:15 pm. Now just a real heavy mist. The kind that soaks your face while walking from your truck into the building. Glad I mowed the yard last night!

Hey Dave don't you have a berfday comin up too?

You must be talking to someone else, I don't have birthdays anymore.

The boy (RWS) has one coming up in June.

Quote

You must be talking to someone else, I don't have birthdays anymore.

Oh yeah.... Day after mine. Mini Man has his the day before mine. Mrs. Tzone and I have our 10 year anniversery on Mini man's b-day too.

I took the those days off of work and I'm going to take him to Back to the 50's car show. He's never been there before and will have a good time.

Me and boy number one are heading for the cabin to sit and listen to rain on the tin roof.

Later dudes.

Great weather here today, sunny and upper 70's. All going away on Saturday. Rain moving in and temps dropping to low 60's. Supposed to rain right through Monday.

Well I made it back from California. Whew. I dodged the gay and arrived safely at home last nite. Of course now it rains.

On a somber note, a lady I casually know who bought a piece of furniture at my garage sale last weekend was murdered in her home yesterday.

That stuff just DOESNT happen around here. She was a nice lady, very friendly and full of smiles. She surprised a burglar in her house is what I have heard and he killed her. That stuff happens in Las Vegas, but not here.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well I made it back from California. Whew. I dodged the gay and arrived safely at home last nite. Of course now it rains.

On a somber note, a lady I casually know who bought a piece of furniture at my garage sale last weekend was murdered in her home yesterday.

That stuff just DOESNT happen around here. She was a nice lady, very friendly and full of smiles. She surprised a burglar in her house is what I have heard and he killed her. That stuff happens in Las Vegas, but not here.

That is terrible! Sorry to hear that. You're right. That doesn't happen around here. Did they catch the scum bag?

baby gooses out at the cabin.

Some more spring time stuff. These baby ronins hatching in a nest under the hood of my old allis chalmers tractor.

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Thats cool Dave. How did the weather hold up for you out there?

no good, we came home late morning yesterday. It continued a soaking rain through the night. Things are muddy at home here.

It keeps getting weirder around here! No they havent caught the creep who killed the lady from Osakis that I knew. Then, yesterday at around 5 pm, a boat with 6 people in it went out of control and hit the shore killing 2. This happened less than a mile from me.

wow, Dean thats some weird stuff happening around you. No offense, but don't come visit me for a while.

Yeah Ryan, I hear ya. Sure makes you take a step back and cherish what you have, that is for sure.

As far as coming to see ya, we have actually been thinking about a trip to the black hills this summer with the kids. no dates planned or anything, but just kicking it around. I will make sure things cool off here for awhile so as not to bring the death and destruction with me.

sounds good to me, let me know when you head this way, I can give you a tour of the restoration out here if you like

Originally Posted by Berettaman

It keeps getting weirder around here! No they havent caught the creep who killed the lady from Osakis that I knew. Then, yesterday at around 5 pm, a boat with 6 people in it went out of control and hit the shore killing 2. This happened less than a mile from me.

Saw that on the news down here in the TC. Latest information is the dead girl was driving the boat. It hit their own wake and went airborne. Just from the pics it looks like a 24' Donzi or similar with probably a big block I/O. A 60+ mph boat for sure. Alcohol was also involved according to CBS.

I've got a 20' 350 V8 runabout that will hit 60. Primarily use it on the St. Croix. The wakes from the big cruisers will launch you real good if you're not careful. It's easy to lose control when you go airborne. Too bad a fun day on the water had to end in tragedy.

according to an eyewitness, she was goofing around spinning circles when she lost control, so she probably did hit a big wake. What added to the poor decision making was that where they were was a small tight part of the lake adjacent to a public fishing dock and boat landing. if they would have been out in the middle of the lake, it would have been much safer. incredibly lucky they didnt take out a lot of people on that dock.

One bad decision changes a lot of lives. Not saying I've never done that, because I have and it's fun, but not that close to a dock.

I'm glad I have a boat because if we get anymore rain, I'll need it to get to work. Got 3.75" at our place according to the rain gauge. We have more on the way today. Lots of standing water in the yard, which hasn't happened at our place since I've lived there. It's all nice sand under the topsoil.

I know I've made bad decisions in my life, I hate to think of how many times and ways things could have gone badly.

we've had lots of rain here too, unfortunately I have no boat and been working my tail off the last couple weeks. good news is I close on my house on friday and will have the whole weekend to move in and relax.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

good news is I close on my house on friday and will have the whole weekend to move in and relax.

Well, one outta two ain't bad.

Good luck with the closing. I don't know if you've ever bought a house before, but your writting hand will have a cramp at the end of the day.

The wife an I helped chaperone our grandsons kindergarten class today on a bus trip to the Portland Zoo. Had a great time with the kids even though it was cold, windy and rainy.

I think I have most of the stuff signed already, and whenever something changes I had to sign it, and then sign a piece of paper that said I signed the one with the change. I did go to the auction they had yesterday and picked up a nice lawn mower and upright freezer for 150 bucks

I coulda/shoulda bought more but at them auctions you can spend a ton on "bargains" and it adds up fast. I told the sellers that anything that didn't sell at auction they could leave and I would take care of it. now I have a garage full of old furniture LOL. although one couch looks just like one of the chickenbuck couches so I'll have that to sit on when I start having withdrawals again

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I told the sellers that anything that didn't sell at auction they could leave and I would take care of it. now I have a garage full of old furniture LOL. although one couch looks just like one of the chickenbuck couches so I'll have that to sit on when I start having withdrawals again

Ya gotta fart on it and spill a few sips of beer on the coushion first. Then you'll never know you were gone.

LOL!

Just got back for a heckova Twins game tonight. Swazack threw a no hitter through 8 inning, and the Twins pulled one out in the 10th on a bases loaded hit over the right fielders head.

Fun night.

Headed to Mille Lacs in a few hours.

Good luck Tom-reports to follow?

Report is... decent fishing for me, but neighbor guy says it was slow. We did get some big ones, I'll put up pictures toorrow, I'm too wiped to do it tonight.

I kept 3, BIL kept 2 or 3 and neighbor kept 3. Neighbor dude got a 24"er and I got a 25"er. They were nice heavy fish.

awesome! I miss fishin, I might get back on the water one of these years

Here are a few pics.

25" too big had to go back. Nice healthy looking walleye though.
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24" another looking healthy walleye the neighbor guy caught, we'll have to teach him how to hold a fish so you can see it in the pictures. Actually, he's a real good fisherman.
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not too big to go back.

It was a fun day, and nice weather wise, it didn't rain until we got off the water. There wasn't a bit of a breeze, that made the fishing a little slow I think, but you could really open up the boat and let her run on that smooth water. It was a good test run.

sounds like it was a lot of fun, them fish look delicious!
I need to get out and catch me some fish hopefully if/when things slow down a little bit

Nice Eye Tom. Last report I have is that Crappies are doing well, but Walleyes are still slow in Northern WI. Kids got back from Africa Sunday night. Spent most of Monday looking at pictures.

Heading home Wednesday.

Hey Bill,
I just read your sig line. Is that experience talking?

heading up to the north arm of Rainy on Thursday. should be fun. hopefully it aint windy!

What a weekend this past weekend...but I'll let ND elaborate on all the going's on. I'm still tired, ugh.

14 more days until "the big trip"!!!! Whoop!!!!!

Sure hope the weather shapes up before we go.

big goings on with the Northern clan, eh?

So they caught the guy who murdered the lady I knew (a little). he threw her purse and a Target bag with his bloody shoes in it in a trailer park dumpster. The bag had his fingerprints on it and get this.....her cell phone was on and the GPS lead the police to it.

Not only is he a total dirtbag murderer, he is also dumb as a post. He has an extensive criminal record. Just the type of guy whom you would expect to do something like this. Go to KSAX.com if you wanna read the story and see his picture.

Glad they caught the POS!

The sad thing is now there is a family left with incredible hurt and the constant question of "why?"

I will say one thing though. MN law enforcement ranks right at the top in this entire country.

Trying to catch up with things here.

We did have a very nice weekend last weekend. We were very proud and honored to attend The high school graduation of "RID" (runs in darkness"

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Little "PWM" and I kind of ruin the photo, him with his squinting and me with my casual white trash attire.

Congrats Dave. 'Wish I could say, "whew-it's over!" but you just trade high school fees for college tuition, buddy. 'Better make sure you're well stocked on check blanks!

Holy Crap! That middle kid of yours is nearly as tall as you.

How did that happen?

Congrats RID!

PWM looks like a little hillbilly child with the missing front tooth and goofy smile. Must be ND's side of the family...

That RWS sure is growing...taller than me even with my "tall" hair. And boy does he eat!!!!!!!! Almost more than his daddy now. Won't be long and he'll be taller, maybe stronger (?) than Dad. Heeeeheee.

Yes it was a very proud moment to watch our RID graduate. Next up, Weezie! Proud of RID, Good job!

RWS met a new friend over the weekend, a follower of this thread too, "Big Dan". He's still talking about you, Dan.

Everybody say hi to "big Dan"

Hi big Dan!!!

Congratulations on the graduation,RID.
Welcome "Big Dan".
Hey Dave,I may have missed something somewhere.What kin is "RID" to you?
Mrs. ND, your youngest looks perfectly normal for a boy his age.You can send him down here to South Carolina anytime.

Stan in SC

Hey Big Dan. I can't call you Big D, cuz I already call Uncle Dusty that, but welcome.

Stronger than dad eh? It will be a while before that happens.

My Pa's built like an OX, so it was a long time before that happened, still probably hasn't.

PWM looks like a normal 7 y.o. boy to me. He's getting big too. I haven't seen those guys since November.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey Bill,
I just read your sig line. Is that experience talking?

heading up to the north arm of Rainy on Thursday. should be fun. hopefully it aint windy!

Nope!

Good luck on Rainy BM.

Made it back to the real world last night. Only saw the sun about 4 times in Portland in the 3 weeks we were there. Rained nearly every day we were there.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Congratulations on the graduation,RID.
Welcome "Big Dan".
Hey Dave,I may have missed something somewhere.What kin is "RID" to you?
Mrs. ND, your youngest looks perfectly normal for a boy his age.You can send him down here to South Carolina anytime.

Stan in SC

RID is the daughter of my best bud. My cousin that we lost to a plane crash in 07. In my opening statements early on in this thread I talk about him, the great loss that ultimately tightened this whole group together.

Waylon was Dusty's son, Muffy's brother. RID is Dusty's granddaughter, Muffy's niece. She's a second cousin to me I suppose, but we tell everybody she's our niece. Her dad and I were closer than most brothers, I thought of him as a brother. So I guess it just makes me feel good when I tell people these kids are my nieces and my nephew.

RID is one of 3 very special kids. One of 6 I should say.

Hi Big Dan!

Congrats RID. If I ran in the darkness, assuming I could still run

they'd call me RIT, Runs Into Trees.

Nate looks like he's going to be taller than Dave.

Hello everyone! I was lucky enough to meet Mr. and Mrs. NorthernDave and their children this weekend and what a great bunch of people RWS is a great kid and boy what a hoot! Thanks for the warm welcome and all i can can say this is a great Thread!

Big Dan!!
lol!!

So you finally signed on huh? Well what the hell are you going to do now that you are a member and you can now view the photos posted?

You gonna go back all the wat through this thread and skim the photos?

BIG DAN welcome to the campfire haha YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep took the plunge and signed up! I think i am going to have to page back threw and see just what i missed as far as photos, HAHA!thanks RWS and it is you that Rocks!

You should page back threw and look at all the pics...refresh your memory on what my POS looks like. Guess it hasn't changed much from when you saw it in Dad's yard though.

RWS...what do them teacher's do on the last day of school? Just let you kids surf the internet and run wild in the halls?

Comment #1..Congratulations RID. Observation: the female side of the ND clan seems to have a whole buncha cuties, Dave..not so much. RWS and PWM have me snickering like Muttley

Been hitched for damn near 20 years, what the hell do I need to be "cute" for?

"The Preacher" has that pose down pat. Do his school pics look the same?

Was RID also known as "The Girl?" - as in, sister to "The Boy?" I'm trying to keep all the names straight.

btw - I think that the Allis needs it's own thread.

Dave,Thanks for the enlightenment.I missed the young lady being mentioned somewhere.Of course at my age "CRS" is rampant.

Stan in SC

Congrats RID! use all that graduation money and buy yourself a new rifle so you can outshoot weezy

RWS you sure are tall, you've grown 2 inches since ice fishing!

sure got hot here today, the truck read 93 when I left the field. got to work at 6am and left at 4pm, didn't slow down even to eat, but I love every minute of it, I'll get some pics up here soon with an update of what we're doing.

welcome Big Dan! if the rest of the gang vouches for you, you must be one of the good ones, glad to have you aboard

Originally Posted by BIG_DAN

Hello everyone! I was lucky enough to meet Mr. and Mrs. NorthernDave and their children this weekend and what a great bunch of people RWS is a great kid and boy what a hoot! Thanks for the warm welcome and all i can can say this is a great Thread!

About time you signed up. Now you seem less like a creepy stalker!

Well........at least on the internet...

Happy Friday everybody!!

Today is the first day in 2011 that I have felt comfortable enough to head to work in the morning with a t-shirt, no sweatshirt, no light jacket. It's June 3rd...

I'd say it's about freekin time!!

Furnace is kicking on here, and its another flannel shirt/raingear day in Tropical montana!

Sack sticker here. 'bout 90* and real humid.

Originally Posted by tzone

Sack sticker here.

thanks for the uhhh, weather report.

lol!

LOL, yesterday was the first day I didn't go to work in a hoodie or flanel shirt
ended up gettin 93, not the humidity that tom had though, nor the moisture. today is 72 and sunny

Headed for a fun day at Papa Hotrod's house. Got the wheeler loaded, change of clothes,coffe hot, black and bitter ready to roll.

Girls are going shopping, boys are working on loud, greasy stuff.

why bitter coffee?

Thanks for the advice on LOW. Here are some photos of the trip.
[Linked Image]

Leaving Home
At Camp
[Linked Image]

Out fishing.
[Linked Image]

A good day.
[Linked Image]

and a taste meal.
[Linked Image]

and how the day started
[Linked Image]

looks like a good time was had by all! great to hear your trip went well

oh wow that looks great! looks like a really good LOW trip.

It was a lot of fun. Thanks to all.

TJAY,

it looks like a heck of a trip! Lots of nice fish caught!

I did get some work done on the truck today. We didn't work too hard it was more of a goof off day. Got the running boards off and one of the fenders on.

Went from this
[Linked Image]

to this

took this

and it's starting to resemble a truck again.
[Linked Image]

TJAY,
Good fishing trip report,good pictures and a GREAT looking supper.Thanks.
TZONE,It will look great when you get it done.

Stan in SC

You did well TJAY. We're getting ready for our family get together on the Chippewa FLoage this coming weekend. Think I'm going to need a semi to haul all the stuff on the wife's shopping list.

Got some culture Saturday. Attended the "Jersey Boys" performance. It's quite a show. Well worth seeing if you have the chance.

Hot and humid here. Temps in the low 90's through Wednesday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

You did well TJAY. We're getting ready for our family get together on the Chippewa FLoage this coming weekend. Think I'm going to need a semi to haul all the stuff on the wife's shopping list.

Save me some bluegills and walleyes Bill. I'll be a few weeks behind you. Don't mess up my cabin too bad.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

You did well TJAY. We're getting ready for our family get together on the Chippewa FLoage this coming weekend. Think I'm going to need a semi to haul all the stuff on the wife's shopping list.

Save me some bluegills and walleyes Bill. I'll be a few weeks behind you. Don't mess up my cabin too bad.

I hear the Gills are just starting up there. Not much being said about Walleyes. I'm sure I could manage to leave a few surprises laying around for you.

Are you going to be able to get the whole week off?

tzone

That looks like a lot of work. Also looks like fun but I have no talent when it comes to working on vehicles. Keep the pictures coming.

Well Rainy was fun. Fishing was kinda tough. I did manage some okay pike...a 38", a 36" and a few more over 30". Nothing I would call big. Walleyes were scarce until the last afternoon where we boated a dozen or so in an hour or so. biggest was 25.5. Nice and peaceful. Sitting on the deck overlooking Rainy was nice...I counted 8 loons singing to us at one point. then two guys decided we needed some music

. Why on earth would you rather listen to some crappy music over loons yodeling on a quiet night?? Another guy and I just shook our heads.

Oh, my depthfinder (a Lowrance 332c) decided to go belly up. According to Fish Lectronics, it is now a boat anchor. I am waiting for Lowrance customer service to confirm. All my GPS points were in there too!!!

Okay, back at ya after my talk with Lowrance. Does anyone need a boat anchor?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I hear the Gills are just starting up there. Not much being said about Walleyes. I'm sure I could manage to leave a few surprises laying around for you.

Are you going to be able to get the whole week off?

Yeah, I got the whole week off. You want to come back and fish with me for a day?

Pete, his brother, and a friend got back on Saturday from there. They fished the west side and did well on the gills. Crappies are done. Gills were in 1.5' of water. They didn't fish for walleyes. I haven't heard much on that either.

Originally Posted by TJAY

tzone

That looks like a lot of work. Also looks like fun but I have no talent when it comes to working on vehicles. Keep the pictures coming.

I have a bunch of pictures in the truck forum. Check it out. Not nearly the quality of work Dave does, not even in the same arena, but I'm learning a bunch, which was the purpose of this truck anyway.

The most important thing I've learned so far is, my next one will have way less rust on it when I buy it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Oh, my depthfinder (a Lowrance 332c) decided to go belly up. According to Fish Lectronics, it is now a boat anchor. I am waiting for Lowrance customer service to confirm. All my GPS points were in there too!!!

Okay, back at ya after my talk with Lowrance. Does anyone need a boat anchor?

You won't hear from Lowrance. If you do it will go like this. "Mr. BM please send us your locator and $60 so we can find what is wrong with it." They'll then tell your it's done for and it's no longer supported by them, but "hey, here's is a coupon good for $50 towards a new Lowrance product."

Seriously, that's how it will go.

Go to Cabela's, bust out your wallet and get a H-bird 798 ci/si/di and you'll be good to go. If you want to spend more than the 1K that will run you, get the 898. You'll wonder why you didn't do it before.

I hate Lowrance, and yes, I have two of them on the damn Ranger. The front one gets the boot this winter or next spring when I get a Terrova.

Cabelas? Tzone, bite your lip and suck a raw lemon!

All my fishing related purchases go through Thorne Bros! Anyway, here is how it went with Lowrance....I send them $62 and they either fix it for that or they send me a new HDS-5 for $362. either way it is better than I could do even at TB. So that is the direction I am going. the only problem is that I lose all my stored waypoints and symbols. bummer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I hear the Gills are just starting up there. Not much being said about Walleyes. I'm sure I could manage to leave a few surprises laying around for you.

Are you going to be able to get the whole week off?

Yeah, I got the whole week off. You want to come back and fish with me for a day?

Thats right about the time the contractor will be putting in our new windows. I'll know more about timing in a couple of weeks. I'll try and make it up if it works out.

BM, My BIL and I rented a houseboat on Rainy in 2005. Had a great trip. Fishing was on the slow side but we had all the fish we cared to eat.

They might be able to transfer your way points.

TB is pretty proud of their stuff. Nice store though.

You gotta drop my name at TB. Ask for Pat whenever you are there. They will always beat Cabelas.

I wanna pay less, not more.

I'll haffta ask them next time I'm in. I won't be buying a locator until this winter or next spring. I'd like to get an H-bird 1198, not sure if I can. 1) it's damn big and may not fit on the council 2) $2K for a locator is a lot for me to open my wallet for.

They do some crazy cool things though.

I'm fishing a tourney on Mille Lacs that TB is the sponsor of, maybe I'll win some goodies in the drawings!

They sure helped me out with my depth finder questions.

I have used one of dem der fancy Humminbirds. I was looking for a dead body.

This was a couple years ago and it was impressive then.

We are only a couple of weeks away from our big trip to the boundary waters!!

Pam is getting a nice new camera so we should get some quality photos.

what kinda picher-taker is she gettin'? You folks already do a good job with pics, I can wait for them to get better!

91* here. On the way to a new daily record.

She gett'n a canon T3i DSLR and a 24-105 f4 L series lens with image stabilization.

A couple spare batteries, a new camera bag and various camera goodies to go along with it all.

It's an 18MP DSLR with a C sized image sensor (1.6x crop), it's kind of neat because it also shoots pretty decent quality video.

She's pretty excited about it.

We have a precursor to that one, a Canon 10 MP DSLR. It takes good pictures, but we need to get it repaired as it never shuts off and the batteries quicly wear out then. Udderwise, a good camera, I would recommend it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

91* here. On the way to a new daily record.

Here is from a bit ago....HOT!

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Here's from a few minutes ago

HOTTER!

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

97* here at 4:55 PM CST. New record for the day.

car show this week end i think Dusty and Missy should ride there bikes up.

when are you doing a car project?

when he gets down with his car. then we need to find one

I think you need that Galaxy RWS. You need that so I don't come up there and buy it.

haha ya that would be awesome but that thing needs alot of work

you got something else you're gonna do all summer?

watching joe and thats it

OK...I'll give you that. It's a full time job.

Since this is a sticky'd thread, I have to post something here that really impressed me, something I want folks to know about.

on the topic of an upcoming BWCA canoe camping trip.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been trying to decide if I was going to rent light weight canoes this year or haul our old heavy junk along again this year.

Well the trip is getting close, so I have to figure it out.

I reserved a cabin for our group with a place called the gunflint lodge up on the gunflint trail near our entry point for our canoe trip. looks like a really nice place. The cabin reservation is for the night before we enter into our trip. This will allow us to get a good rest and start fresh in the morning only a few miles from our entry point.

Well this place rents gear like lightweight canoes.

So I went to their website this morning and clicked on a PDF link for 2011 rates.

Looking for canoe rental rates.

Well this got my eyes a little glossy, page 12 on the Rates page for Gunflint Lodge.

[Linked Image]

How cool is that?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I called Gunflint Lodge to check on kevlar canoe rental.

I also asked if they could tell me about the veterans special I saw on their website.

He said it applies to Cabin rates.

He asked me if I was a veteran, I said yes actually, gulf war Marine combat vet.

Asked if I might have something handy that could state as such, I said sure, how about a DD214?

He said bring it, you just got your cabin for half price.

I tell you what, that's a big deal to me, means a lot.

It also helped me decide to leave my old canoes at home and rent from these folks.

Very cool.

Dave, if you would,Please give those folks a Salute for me .

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Dave, if you would,Please give those folks a Salute for me .

I'm saluting them by taking the family up there next year, late summer. I told dave to tell them as much. We plan on renting a cabin from them for a long weekend.

WOW, that is awesome, I know where I'll be staying when I take my boy up there in a couple years

It's folks like these that will get my business too.

Today is packing day for our vacation up on the Chippewa Flowage.

Have a great trip Bill!!

Have fun Bill, keep my cabin clean and save me some bluegills, will ya please?

For anyone wondering why I keep telling Bill to "keep my cabin clean," is because his family and my family are renting the same cabin, several weeks apart. We've been going to Hayward for 6 years now for a week durring the summer. I turned Bill onto this place last year and they like it enough to go back.

It's a great place for a week of fun, good to great fishing, lots of schtuff to do if you get a bug to head to town for the day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Since this is a sticky'd thread, I have to post something here that really impressed me, something I want folks to know about.

on the topic of an upcoming BWCA canoe camping trip.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been trying to decide if I was going to rent light weight canoes this year or haul our old heavy junk along again this year.

Well the trip is getting close, so I have to figure it out.

I reserved a cabin for our group with a place called the gunflint lodge up on the gunflint trail near our entry point for our canoe trip. looks like a really nice place. The cabin reservation is for the night before we enter into our trip. This will allow us to get a good rest and start fresh in the morning only a few miles from our entry point.

Well this place rents gear like lightweight canoes.

So I went to their website this morning and clicked on a PDF link for 2011 rates.

Looking for canoe rental rates.

Well this got my eyes a little glossy, page 12 on the Rates page for Gunflint Lodge.

[Linked Image]

How cool is that?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I called Gunflint Lodge to check on kevlar canoe rental.

I also asked if they could tell me about the veterans special I saw on their website.

He said it applies to Cabin rates.

He asked me if I was a veteran, I said yes actually, gulf war Marine combat vet.

Asked if I might have something handy that could state as such, I said sure, how about a DD214?

He said bring it, you just got your cabin for half price.

I tell you what, that's a big deal to me, means a lot.

It also helped me decide to leave my old canoes at home and rent from these folks.

That is WAY cool Dave. Good to hear as well. Have fun on the trip!

Car show today, going to be fun!

I wonder if a certain uncle dusty will be riding his heritage springer harley up for the show......

One of these days I'm going to make that show.

You should come one of these years Tzone...everybody should, if they can. FUN car show. The "after car show" get together is a blast too. Lots of car talk, smart talk, food and laughs.

Uff this weekend is gonna fly by and then we are on our way to the BWCA with a bunch of kids I just love being with!

Can't wait and can't wait to snap some pics with my new camera. It's a sweet setup.

ya the car show will be fun, be even funner if dusty and missy came with his bike.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

You should come one of these years Tzone...everybody should, if they can. FUN car show. The "after car show" get together is a blast too. Lots of car talk, smart talk, food and laughs.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll have my '55 in good enough condition to bring up there. I've been trying to get dave to bring down the family here so we can go to Back to the 50's car show. It's kinda small, they only draw 12,000 cars or so, but it's a good time.

If the girls get sick of the car show they can hit the mall. It's fun. My Pa and his crew get to the State Fair grounds at 4:30 in the morning to be able to get a shady spot to park the cars.

I would like to attend that show with you guys one of these years. Rodeo weekend here. Heading out to the parade in a little bit.

The show was a record breaker for us, 7th year for our show.

We had around 120 cars and a pile of bikes.

Really good show, awesome weather!

Pics?

picked me up a new ruger 1911 today, she sure is pretty.
actually I put a down payment on it, paying it off next week or two then I can bring it home. I am now a member of the 1911 fan club

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

picked me up a new ruger 1911 today, she sure is pretty.
actually I put a down payment on it, paying it off next week or two then I can bring it home. I am now a member of the 1911 fan club

Can't wait to see pics!

I'll post some as soon as I get her home.

I went to the lumber yard today they had an inventory reduction sale, everything was "make an offer" pricing. I picked up 70 sheets of steel and 800 sq ft of roll out insulation for 60 bucks

I'll be able to line and insulate my garage for dirt cheap. my dad has a bunch of screws I need to hang everything so I'm golden!

Had some fun with the pam cam.

[Linked Image]

Presenting, the zephyr.

[Linked Image]

Dig the Vette, but that Zepher rocks. Really a beautiful car.

Look for it at back to the 50's he'll be there. And he doesn't trailer it, he'd driving it there.

Linda and I went to a local car show on Saturday and one of the cars was an unusual one to see at a car show.
It was a 1937 Cord four door.Beautiful car!
Dave I know the canoe trip is imminent.I hope that you,Pam and younguns have a GREAT time.I am looking forward to many many pics of the trip.

Stan in SC

BWCA, very soon.

Enjoy , have fun and make sure to have extra memory cards and batteries for that facny new cammera

Voaygers this Thursday. I do not do the BWCA, I am not good in canoes.

Enjoy the BWCA an share the pictures and I will post from Voyagers.

I'm thinking kevilar bread bag around the new picture taker at all times?

BWCA weather forecast just went from iffy to fantastic!

Awesome!!

Can't wait for this trip its going to be awesome.

8 hour drive today, 1 hour down, 7 to go.

are you driving it twice?

We made ely, couple hours to go

Watch out for the wolves.

Catch me a biiiiiiiiiiig lake trout.

Back from Canada. Woooweee, the mosquitos were horrendous. I hope they arent that bad for Dave, Pam and Co. Swarms of them suckers were around us all the time when on land. Weather was not too good with wind and rain for most of the trip. Walleyes were hard to come by most days, but we did manage to beat them up pretty good on day 4:

[Linked Image]

The pike were going pretty good on Days 1, 4 and 5:

[Linked Image]

Lunchtime we tied up Redneck Yacht Club style:

[Linked Image]

Grizzly Bill,

How was the trip? Did you save me any feesh? It looks like rain this week over that way, so I hope it gets it all out of the system before we get there.

No peeing in the scuppers!

4

Happy Birthday Northern Dave and Runs with Scissors!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Happy Birthday Northern Dave and Runs with Scissors!

Thanks bud!

We survived! Real good trip but no fish, in grand marais for R&R

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ND and RWS.

Stan in SC

Lol! Thanks Stan!

Pictures? We need pictures!

Great trip Tom. Got back Saturday afternoon. Panfish bite was fantastic. Lots of gills and a few Crappies. Walleye fishing just plain sucked. Locals tell us us the Walleyes are way down this year. Did ok on Bass and Pike.

Happy belated birthday to you and Jack.

Happy birthday Dave and Nate.

Any musky follows Bill? I don't plan on the walleye fishng being real good. It hasn't been for a few years now. I have a feeling the bass are getting their share of the young.

Good news on the panfish, Ma will be happy.

I do plan to hit the pike and musky a bit harder than I usually do. I'm a bit better equiped this year. BIL is going to join the fun too and started getting himself the gear.

We started to pack and get the bags of goodies ready. We're in charge of lunches.

Pictures soon, I think we got some nice ones.

Barettaman, bill, you guys look like you had some really nice fishing?

happy belated birthday guys!

Originally Posted by tzone

Any musky follows Bill? I don't plan on the walleye fishng being real good. It hasn't been for a few years now. I have a feeling the bass are getting their share of the young.

Good news on the panfish, Ma will be happy.

I do plan to hit the pike and musky a bit harder than I usually do. I'm a bit better equiped this year. BIL is going to join the fun too and started getting himself the gear.

We started to pack and get the bags of goodies ready. We're in charge of lunches.

My nephew had one on briefly while fishing for Pike. My SIL was the only one that tried for Musky. He had one make a pass at his bucktail and another follow. My son saw one swim by the boat. Pastikas is still the cheapest on leaches, $15 a pound for mediums.

Happy birfday guys (a little late) and Happy Fathers Day (also a little late) to all the fathers out there. My kids surprised me with breakfast in bed (okay, it wasnt much of a surprise...), but it was nice.

As I type this, they are forming the driveway! However, with 3 days of rain in the forecast, the pour wont happen for a few days.

ND, the fishing was....hot and cold. Some days we beat them up, some days we got beat up. all in all, it was fun to be out and the other half of our contingent (Uncle Randy, Cuzin Shane and Cuzin Jon) were there this year after not going last year because of Cole's illness. the fact they were there was fantastic. Oh, and Randy ate a piece of rancid, rotten, horrible cake and proclaimed it good....until his taste buds processed the rancid part...and then the rest of us belly laughed for a long time. I cant even type this without smiling!

By the way, Cole is doing well and attending a basketball camp this week.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My nephew had one on briefly while fishing for Pike. My SIL was the only one that tried for Musky. He had one make a pass at his bucktail and another follow. My son saw one swim by the boat. Pastikas is still the cheapest on leaches, $15 a pound for mediums.

That is chep on the leaches. I have a 1/2 pound left from Mille Lacs a while ago. Driving into Pastika's is a hike, but they ususlly give you the best fishig reports.

The grumpy bastard on the corner of CC/B I have found doesn't give a reliable report. I don't go there unless I have to. He tried to argue with me and my BIL that there are no LMB on the East side of the Chip. They're all on the west side he said. That was about 5 years ago. We were pulling some BIG large mouths out too. So it wasn't like they were small, young fish.

Bass are spawning or just finishing depending on the lake, bluegills are shallow and muskies are liking big spinnerbaits and copperb bladed bucktails...

Well we are home safe and sound, I'll need some time to sort through photos and upload to my photobucket account so I can post them. It was a very good trip, lots of fun and decent weather.

Back to work tomorrow.

-edit-

Ok here's one photo for now.

Our annual group photo at a campsite.

[Linked Image]

Picture time?

[Linked Image]

gunflint lodge cabin 1

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0322.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0324.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0325.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0327.jpg[/img]

Sauna.

hot tub.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0366.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0375.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0385.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0391.jpg[/img]

bear

scare...

Dad chase bear up tree, all better..

canoe time!

[Linked Image]

Huh?

movie stars..

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0412.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0415.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0422.jpg[/img]

Camp at last!

[Linked Image]

Breakfast over a fire.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0469.jpg[/img]

goofy shirts.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0446.jpg[/img]

goofy boy.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0450.jpg[/img]

hang the food bag.

[Linked Image]

tie the fishing lines.

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fat guy canoe wheelie.

[Linked Image]

scoop some sand.

[Linked Image]

catch a bug

[Linked Image]

Take a rest in a home made hammock.

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play on the beach

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splash in the water.

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pack it all up..

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/groupphotocropped.jpg[/img]

move em all out.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0525.jpg[/img]

scenery and wildlife on the way out.

[Linked Image]

kill some time at the temperance river on the way home.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0555.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0569.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/BWCA%202011/IMG_0547.jpg[/img]

Great pictures.Looks like you and your entourage had a good trip.Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Stan in SC

Great pics Dave. The wife realy liked the cabin. She said she could handle roughing it there.

The wife and SIL had a run in with a bear last week. They had gone for a walk when a bear crossed the road in front of them. Shook both of them up.

I want to go back there for 3 or 4 days sometime. It would actually be really nice if me and Pam could manage a trip like that and leave the kids with the grandparents or at an orphanage or something... possibly a work camp... lol!

Of course if it was just 2 of us we wouldn't need a big cabin like that, I'd be looking for something smaller. But I'd love to return and just do our fishing from the lodge with one of their rental boats or bring a small fishing boat along.

I think there would be plenty to explore and enjoy right there on gunflint lake.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The wife and SIL had a run in with a bear last week. They had gone for a walk when a bear crossed the road in front of them. Shook both of them up.

Lemme guess...it was the road that heads into Timber Cove? I've seen more bears on that 1 mile stretch of road than I've seen in the rest of MN/WI combined. They must be the happiest bears around being fed by all the campers in that area.

Quote

The wife realy liked the cabin. She said she could handle roughing it there.

Hey Bill, we should talk about that. We're tenativly planning something there for late next summer. A long weekend type deal.

Love the pics! I bet that was an awesome time!
it will probably be a while before I can do a trip like that with the new job and all, but at least I can enjoy it from my laptop. good on you all! thanks for sharing

It's Friday tomorrow and I'm very much ready for a weekend... How much sense does that make? I just got back from a vacation..

lol I'm looking forward to the weekend myself. next week I have my first corporate retreat thing, monday-thursday but its in MN by the cities. I'd just as soon stay here and work because we need to spray and start irrigating, but its mandatory. I've never been held back from work by a boss before to such a degree

how was the fishing up in the BWCA?

Fishing was poor, very poor.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The wife and SIL had a run in with a bear last week. They had gone for a walk when a bear crossed the road in front of them. Shook both of them up.

Lemme guess...it was the road that heads into Timber Cove? I've seen more bears on that 1 mile stretch of road than I've seen in the rest of MN/WI combined. They must be the happiest bears around being fed by all the campers in that area.

That would be the place. I saw several of them last year.

Quote

The wife realy liked the cabin. She said she could handle roughing it there.

Hey Bill, we should talk about that. We're tenativly planning something there for late next summer. A long weekend type deal.

Sounds interesting Tom. Definitly going to check it out.

Just received great news on the home front. Our daughter has been hired as a special ed teacher by the Mosinee school district.

She will have to return to school to get her special ed certification. In the mean time she will be teaching under a temporary emergency certification. Four long years of subbing have finally paid off!

That's great news Bill.

Great news Bill!

Have her log on to the fire, we could use a special ed teacher around here.

Originally Posted by tzone

Great news Bill!

Have her log on to the fire, we could use a special ed teacher around here.

I was going to say, she could save some money by not going back to school and just babysit T-zone for awhile. Heck Betsy would probably pay her very well!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Great news Bill!

Have her log on to the fire, we could use a special ed teacher around here.

I was going to say, she could save some money by not going back to school and just babysit T-zone for awhile. Heck Betsy would probably pay her very well!

Bet we could come up with a short bus for him too.

Really good news,Bill.Good things happen to good people.

Stan in SC

Thx Stan.

Well after 4 days of rain the contractor was finally able to start work on the house. He stripped off about 3/4 of the siding today. Of course there were a few surprises (water damage) that will need attentending to.

He'll finish striping the siding on Monday and start putting in the new windows.

SIL hauled almost 300 pounds of aluminum to the recycling center. He'll have another load on Monday.

Sneaky water damage. Sounds like you found it at the right time bill.

I've been goofing off with the boat for nearly 3 hours. Took it to get gas and had no breaks on the trailer. Dang near pushed me into an intersection. Pulled into a parking lot and could see the breaks weren't working. I went to fleet farm and bought some fluid. I had to pump it through the lines, so I don't know if I have a leak or what. I had some breaks on the way home.

I only had to put $100 in gas in too.

Pay to play I guess.

The driveway is poured! The driveway is poured!! Oh baby, does it look nice! Cant drive on it til late next week, but it is poured! Hooray! I am almost embarrassed to say how excited I am about a driveway

. Guess I am not 22 years old anymore.

On the flip side, Tzone, you need to get some more bids for yours. I talked to my guy about you and he said he loses bids all the time in the cities if he bids $3/sf and travel expenses. His son works for Mortenson (big contractor) and he said the going rate is $2.75-$3.00 down there. Thought you might like to hear that!

Here are a few Pictures from last weekend at Voyagers N.P.
[Linked Image]

How the boat looked going in and out.

[Linked Image]

Camp on North Mitchell Island

Fishing is hard work.
[Linked Image]

Largest one of the trip.

[Linked Image]

End of the day.

[Linked Image]

And a nice fire [Linked Image]

It was a nice trip. Hard to beat Voyagers N.P.

Looks like you had a good trip,Tjay.Thanks for the pictures.

Stan in SC

wow that looks like a great setup!

Crane lake or?

We went in at Crane Lake but traveled through Sand Point and then the Namakan narrows into Namakan Lake.

Here is where we camped.

[Linked Image]

Looking east.

It is about 14 mile to camp. It takes 1/2 hr. at 30 mph.

wow that looks like a great trip!!

It is always a lot of fun. We generaly do two or three trips a year into Voyagers. In 2002 through 2005 I spent 126 days in the park. We have been doing Voyagers since the fall of 1999.

I've been following this thread for some time. Some great camps on here! I thought I'd share some pics of our camp in East Central FL that has been evolving for 30yrs +. It's located on a 7500 acre cattle ranch with abundant game and fishing. It'd been a great place for the dad's and families.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/gausi641/Florida%20Camp/DSCN0066.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/gausi641/Florida%20Camp/DSCN0051.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/gausi641/Florida%20Camp/DSCN0079.jpg[/img]

MCT3

That is a very nice camp. It is always great to have a place for family and friends to enjoy the outdoors.

Wow what a cool camp!

MCT3,great looking camp!I'll bet the hunting is good.

Stan in SC

Very nice setup MCT3.

TJAY,oks like you had another successful trip.

Thanks guys and ditto to all the great camps shared on this thread.

I put on the serious face today for a moment to reflect on the life and ways of a man. A great man that unknowingly became the bonding source that drew a rag tag crew together in Minnesota's north woods. A broad range of ages spanning multiple generations. This crew came together with one thing in common. A great loss, pain, a void in our hearts.

It's all still there, the pain and the void. But we've leaned on each other for 4 years now and we will continue.

4 years ago we huddled clumsily together looking for a direction that could help carry us forward from a great loss. We've all fought our own battles internally, privately. But we have formed a unit in which we work together to find good times, adventure, fun etc.

We built a shack in the woods, it started with that. A deer camp. But it became so much more than a deer camp. It became a hub, a place to get together. Construction, maintenance, ATV rides, snowmobiling, berry picking, fall colors and small game hunting, deer stand work, trails, game cam experiments...

And that's just the stuff we did at the shack in the woods called Camp Chickenbuck.

As a group away from the shack we've ice fished, sturgeon fished, tournament fished. We've hunted elk in Colorado, we've explored several different areas within the boundary waters canoe area. These things and many more.

We're strong, we're living and doing new things, fun things. We laugh, we think, we plan, we do. We do things, we�re out there living life.

I'm proud of everybody, you all know who you are because your hearts are heavy on this day. If you are looking here for something on this day, I'm here and I'm looking too. I'm out here for you though, and I will be for as long as my life permits.

For the parents that lost a son, children that lost a father, wife that lost a husband, sister, cousins, friends.. I want to say nice work everybody. I'm proud of our accomplishments over the past 4 years and I know Waylon is too.

It's important to remember, it's natural to hurt, but it's also important to keep moving.

So remember the man with his work ethic, a provider with a vision. A father with patience and affection. An outdoorsman with bear hunting, deer, waterfowl, archery, fishing and many more interests. A friend that would help you shingle a roof, move to a new house, fix a car or whatever you needed. A proud man that didn't take any handouts, hard working and patriotic.
Full of humor and love for life, he had a great big smile and a great big laugh. And he used both quite regularly.

Hoist a drink, say a prayer, plant a flower, do whatever you like but don�t forget to give yourself a pat on the back too.

Move forward and incorporate his strengths into your life. He had many strengths so it really isn�t too difficult to choose some. (one that I choose is showing affection and having patience with children. Waylon was a blackbelt ninja master in this area)

Here�s to the life of Waylon, lost too soon but not lost on us and certainly not lost in us.

Now I�ll take the serious face off as he wouldn�t care too much for it.

There�s a long weekend coming up and an open invite for some cabin time that could include an ATV ride, deer stand inspection/work, relaxing, bonfire� Some world class panfishing at a nearby state park lake if we so choose. Many options I can think of and I'm open to any other plans as well.

I�m winging it, open to ideas and suggestions, just plain open I guess.

Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I put on the serious face today for a moment to reflect on the life and ways of a man. A great man that unknowingly became the bonding source that drew a rag tag crew together in Minnesota's north woods. A broad range of ages spanning multiple generations. This crew came together with one thing in common. A great loss, pain, a void in our hearts.

It's all still there, the pain and the void. But we've leaned on each other for 4 years now and we will continue.

4 years ago we huddled clumsily together looking for a direction that could help carry us forward from a great loss. We've all fought our own battles internally, privately. But we have formed a unit in which we work together to find good times, adventure, fun etc.

We built a shack in the woods, it started with that. A deer camp. But it became so much more than a deer camp. It became a hub, a place to get together. Construction, maintenance, ATV rides, snowmobiling, berry picking, fall colors and small game hunting, deer stand work, trails, game cam experiments...

And that's just the stuff we did at the shack in the woods called Camp Chickenbuck.

As a group away from the shack we've ice fished, sturgeon fished, tournament fished. We've hunted elk in Colorado, we've explored several different areas within the boundary waters canoe area. These things and many more.

We're strong, we're living and doing new things, fun things. We laugh, we think, we plan, we do. We do things, we�re out there living life.

I'm proud of everybody, you all know who you are because your hearts are heavy on this day. If you are looking here for something on this day, I'm here and I'm looking too. I'm out here for you though, and I will be for as long as my life permits.

For the parents that lost a son, children that lost a father, wife that lost a husband, sister, cousins, friends.. I want to say nice work everybody. I'm proud of our accomplishments over the past 4 years and I know Waylon is too.

It's important to remember, it's natural to hurt, but it's also important to keep moving.

So remember the man with his work ethic, a provider with a vision. A father with patience and affection. An outdoorsman with bear hunting, deer, waterfowl, archery, fishing and many more interests. A friend that would help you shingle a roof, move to a new house, fix a car or whatever you needed. A proud man that didn't take any handouts, hard working and patriotic.
Full of humor and love for life, he had a great big smile and a great big laugh. And he used both quite regularly.

Hoist a drink, say a prayer, plant a flower, do whatever you like but don�t forget to give yourself a pat on the back too.

Move forward and incorporate his strengths into your life. He had many strengths so it really isn�t too difficult to choose some. (one that I choose is showing affection and having patience with children. Waylon was a blackbelt ninja master in this area)

Here�s to the life of Waylon, lost too soon but not lost on us and certainly not lost in us.

Now I�ll take the serious face off as he wouldn�t care too much for it.

There�s a long weekend coming up and an open invite for some cabin time that could include an ATV ride, deer stand inspection/work, relaxing, bonfire� Some world class panfishing at a nearby state park lake if we so choose. Many options I can think of and I'm open to any other plans as well.

I�m winging it, open to ideas and suggestions, just plain open I guess.

Dave

Well said my friend. I read this with a heavy heart today. Thank you for being "the guy" to pull it all together Dave. You truly are an amazing person. One Waylon would be very proud of.

I happen to be coming up your way on saturday for a baptism. I think I'll throw the wheeler and a fishin pole in the back of the truck. You know....just in case I find somewhere to put them to use...

Thanks bud, shoot me a txt and we'll figure it out.

Nicely said Dave. You do a great job remembering him. I have thoroughly enjoyed the tiny role I play here!

Your role is appreciated, the humor, the input and the biggest thing I can think of is sharing the story of Cole and the hope that the story installs in us all. I know I'm not the only one that loves hearing updates on Cole.

Wahl den, how about anudder Cole update: I havent seen him in a week. Oh, you want more than that?

I know he has a big scan coming up in July. So we will be praying for that.

I know he was in a basketball camp last week (although he is a fanatic for hockey, so I cant see the pumpkin pushing lasting long) and I am sure I will see him over the 4th. Hard to believe it will be 2 years ago in August this whole thing started.

Thank you Dave and all for sharing this story. Your unselfish actions have been an insperation for all of us. You have given us more than you can know and we can only hope to pass it on.

Prayers sent for good results B man.

Dave, I'm sure that Waylon as been looking over your shoulder these past four years and helped you chose the path you've taken.

Here's to you Waylon.

Keep us posted about Cole BM.

Contractor finished installing the windows today. Still needs to foam and trim them out. They'll start siding on Wednesday.

:-)

The true measure of a man is how he is remembered by those he touched along the way.
Well put Dave.I know how you feel.I have walked that path.
I treasure what I have found here.Chickenbuck forever!

Stan in SC

We went out to camp last night and did some mowing. Wow is it wet out there!

It's just wet everywhere though, county road ditches are full, fields are wet in farm country, rivers are high, haven't seen things this wet mid summer for a long time.

Weezy was down in the Detroit lakes area yesterday so I called L&M Fleet and paid for an electric trolling motor over the phone and had her pick it up for me.

I have a 14' lund fishing boat with a 15 horse motor on it, neat little boat that I bought from my dad last year. Up close to deer camp we have a small state park lake that doesn't allow gas engines. But it's a reall pretty little lake full of panfish and bass, northerns etc. So we are planning on trying some fishing with the little boat and the new elect trolling motor later today.

That is if the state doesn't shut down over the budget issues.

In that case state parks will close at 4:30 today.

Shhhhh...... That's spose to be a secret lake.

oops, well I didn't give coordinants.

ND,
your lake comment got me thinking....I only have a very general idea of where Chickenbuck is and I bet others dont either. Knowing Minnesota, I know within a hundred miles of where it is probably. What would you think about posting a map of Minnesota with a big star or something on the approximate location? Not detailed enough that anyone could drive there, but to give Stan and some of the others a look at where all of this takes place? Just a thought.

Sure.

Now that I know just where you are I will be right up...

Well I would but gotta go to Rapid City to visit friends and

SHOOT SOME P-DOGS this weekend.

Everyone have a great 4th and stay safe..

that sounds like fun!

happy 4th to you too!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sure.

haha

Is that my 100 mile radius? There you go Stan, now you know right where it is! Thanks ND, that helps a lot!

I appreciate the clarification,Bill and Dave.Thank you.

Stan in SC

Hey Dave, member when youse was collecting money for sumpin'r'other awhile back, you put your address on here for all to see.

You ain't hidin' very good..............................

Originally Posted by ratsmacker

Hey Dave, member when youse was collecting money for sumpin'r'other awhile back, you put your address on here for all to see.

You ain't hidin' very good..............................

Yeah, yeah, I gave up trying to hide a long time ago lol!!

July 1st today. 2011, My buddy Waylon's birthday today.

July 1 1970 - June 28 2007

I feel like I can do my annual birthday drink with my buddy right here at home today.

We have a race every year, 2 beers, 2 friends. I crack both beers and turn them over at the same time. His goes on the ground, I drink mine as fast as I can... I'm not absolutely sure but I want to say I called it a tie last year.

I'm gonna do it right now before 10AM, I figure if I catch him early enough in the morning I might have an edge.... Maybe not, we'll see.

He beat me very badly.

I'll make note of this for next year's race. Waylon is very fast in the morning, I am not.

Happy birthday Waylon, we're going to have a great day!

Working on an old 14 ft boat today. Nice little fishing boat that needs a new floor, headed in to town to buy some plywood.

Just me, the 2 boys, and my lady friend.

Uh.....which lady friend this time?

That's what I call Pam now.

I started yesterday. i think it's funny, she.... Well she can't do much about it lol!!

Heading for camp!!!!

pics later!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

His son works for Mortenson (big contractor) and he said the going rate is $2.75-$3.00 down there. Thought you might like to hear that!

can you get me some contacts?

Trip was fun. I'm beat. Power went out most of the day at the place we were staying, then big storms and t-nado's rolled through. At 10pm there was still no power. We have 2 people there that have sleep apnea and use cpap machines to sleep. Can't use em with no power, so we packed and left at 1045pm and got home about 130am. Long drive in crappy weather but now I'm wired up so I'll bang on here for awhile.

It was a fun week, lots of feeshes were caught, some were ate, some will be munched on later. LOTS of northern. Like more than I've ever caught before. None were big, biggest was probably 30" or so, I don't know if I have that on my camera or BIL's. Biggest walleye was 23", caught him on a spinner bait in the weeds. He was good eatin' too.

My BIL was up for the entire week with his girls and we had a blast with them. He's never been able to make it before with a goofy work schedule. He now has a more normal work sched and can acutlly have some fun with us. He gets to hunt deer this year too, so we're both pretty pumped about that. The amount of beer that was consumed was.... hmmm, lets say a lot. Had to make a run for more on Monday, and we had 1 left when the power went out the last time.

Chickenbuck crew. I was gone, but I'll surely raise one for Waylon.

That's all I got for now

PM sent on the contact info Tzone!

Hey Bill,

How did your meeting with the car dealer go?

Meeting to take place on Tuesday. I'll post the results.

Well, it's a few days late but here are some pics of our vacation. It was fishing, swimming, boating, mini golfing, probably some beer in there somewhere too.

Truck loaded down ready to roll
[Linked Image]

Checking in at the main lodge, replica of the world record muskie caught on the lake we plan to fish.
[Linked Image]

Part of the story is the same as Grizzly_Bill said. Lots of bears, one HUGE one. Started to unload the truck and found this guy. Biggest bear I've ever seen. I'm not good at this but I'd say he was more toward 500 than 400 pounds.

[Linked Image]

Here is another, when he wanted to see what was yelling and flapping the hat at him....he didn't care. This pic was from about 15', yes that is close enough.
[Linked Image]

We have the Princess doing her best teenager impersonation. [Linked Image]

Ma gave specific orders to bring home fish, so who were we to argue?

Papa, Grandma, Uncle Andy and my nieces in Papa's boat.
[Linked Image]

We were looking for bluegills and caught this on the first cast. 15" smallie. The Chip is really starting to be a great smallie fishery.
[Linked Image]

Loony Tunes Rod $10. Loony Tunes reel loaded with new Suffix 6# test $10. Slip bobber picked out at Fleet Farm $1.29. Reeling in a smallie that dad almost got mounted....priceless. This is a 16" smb. I really had to think about keeping this one. It was a heck of a bass and he did it all himself. It even got caught between the kicker and main motor. That is the only help he got. Probably the highlight of the trip for me! Atta boy Jack!
[Linked Image]

A few more fishing shots. Stringer of pike headed for the grill. We caught a bunch of pike every day. I kept a limit every day to bring home. Got one walleye on this load too.
[Linked Image]

Smallest pike we kept was 22" Almost every one was 22-25" We got very few smaller or bigger than that.
[Linked Image]

23" walleye. Caught on a spinner.
[Linked Image]

Notice how the picture was taken by the grill.

Not ironic either.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/CabinSummer2011183.jpg[/img]

Me and my BIL, Andy in the boat.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/CabinSummer2011045.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/CabinSummer2011039.jpg[/img]

Taking pictures of Ma taking pictures.

I'm really glad Andy could come with on this trip. We were good friends before he and my sister got married. I couldn't ask for a better BIL, and he is one of my best friends. Truly a great guy and would fit right in with the Chickenbuck crew. He and Uncle Dusty would get along well, he's a hand gun guy like Dusty. If Andy can't fix your gun...you need a new one.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/CabinSummer2011042.jpg[/img]

Ma took the kids to town for a little horse back riding while Uncle Andy and I were fishing for fish with teeth.
[Linked Image]

Doin' what I do best.

Finally! Ma's finally relaxed. One of the kids took this shot, though I can't remember if it was jack or kennedy, they did a good job.
[Linked Image]

Mama bear and 3 cubs. Hard to see all the cubs here. They were tiny, pretty cute little bears.
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/023.jpg[/img]

I wanted to wrap a bucktail with bacon and try to catch that big bear with my muskie rod, but nobody wanted to help me. It would have been a heckova tussle. I still might try it. Bacon Bucktail....it's the next fad.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/032.jpg[/img]

One last campfire before we headed out.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/033-1.jpg[/img]

Great pictues Tom wow it looks like you had a blast!!

We ar back home now from our chickenbuck adventure, my lady friend took some pictures, we'll try to post later.

A great weekend at Chickenbuck again!
I don't have the words to describe how honored I am to not only know, but to be friends with ND & his whole family.

Each & every time I spend time with that crew, I feel grateful for having the experience.

OK. Enough mushy stuff. Thanks again to ND, Mrs. ND, Dusty, Muffy, and the rest of the crew for a very enjoyable time at Chickenbuck.

White Bear

Thanks for coming out man. You and your lady friend certainly added to the fun of the weekend.

My lady friend & I would very much enjoy another trip to Chickenbuck.

I'll cruise thru my camera & see if there are any post-worthy pics to share here.

We'll do it again soon! Maybe they will open that state park back up so we can do some fishing too!

I have a wheeler and a boy that needs a place to drive. Let me know when the next trip is planned.

You're right wb, I don't think you can find a better crew.

We found a turtle by the cabin.

[Linked Image]

Girl and her hound.

[Linked Image]

Along the trail.

[Linked Image]

One of our stops.

[Linked Image]

White Bear and little Mr chickenbuck.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_0731.jpg[/img]

Friday night at camp.

[Linked Image]

Missy and ... young Gene Simmons???

[Linked Image]

The next morning we spot a couple of these guys. Big eyes huh?

[Linked Image]

Riding at a pit.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/sandhillcrop.jpg[/img]

Cookin some dogs at another stop.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_0820.jpg[/img]

Me and the little guy.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/joedadbell.jpg[/img]

Wiping some ketchup off.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/joedad1.jpg[/img]

And some wild flowers.

[Linked Image]

OK. A couple of quick questions.
1) Is PWM floating in the silo pic?
2) Did yoo's get a new camera because those are some CLOSE-UPS!

ha... it does look like he's floating in that pic doesn't it? I like the pic with PWM on the bike.

The flowers are great. Ma, you're really getting the hang of that new camera.

Yeah I think he was floating, we've been trying to get him to stop floating like that.. lol!

Happy independence day everybody.

Happy Fourth everyone!

A true heart felt thank you to all you vets for serving our great country. I hope you all enjoy this day.

It is beautiful here.

Dave or Pam. Do either of you know what the purple and yellow flowers are in your pictures?

I was callin it an iris, but I'm no flowerologist.

Happy Fourth to you Chickenbuckeroos!!!!
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Thanks ET! Back at you!

So is muzzle loader season a bad time to light off bad ass fireworks at Chickenbuck?

Oh I dunno...

Doesn't anybody have any tinfoil hat photos from last weekend?

Great pics Dave and Tom.

Tom, you saw more bears than we did. The wife and SIL were the only ones that saw a bear out of our group.

what a weather weekend, huh? Just fantastic! If we had any more fun, the democrats would tax us! Did the lake thing until we were all water logged and sunburnt. We need a day indoors pretty bad....man it feels just wrong to say that! Even though we applied plenny of SPF 475, there were still a few missed places.

Then we topped it all off with a nice fireworks show and called it a weekend. No work at all this weekend!

Cole went tubing and even got up a couple times on a homemade plywood/ski contraption. It sure is nice to see him looking like a normal kid.

That all sounds good, especially the report on Cole!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh I dunno...

So our neighbor hood pools together some cash to buy fireworks to blast off at the lake behind the houses, and we got these giant ones. some are 3" mortars and some are 2" mortars. They're loud and fun. We called the last one, "I can't believe the cops aren't here yet."

It was a full hour of explosive fun. Lots of adults laughing.

Somehow we didn't need bail money.

Bill,

We saw 9 total. On Thrusday night the we were out on the deck drinking Captain Cokes and smoking cigars and we heard a plastic "crunch." Kind of looked at eachother and didn't think anything of it. A minute or so later we heard it again. Andy put a flash light on and we could see a white garbage bag moving up the sidewalk. I flipped the front light on and he dropped the bag and it was a black blurr. That guy came within 20' of us. We were not being quiet and he didn't think anything of it.

That is when I thought the Bacon Bucktail would have been a good idea, but I was the only one that thought so. Those pictures would have been great. Catch and release balck bears.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That all sounds good, especially the report on Cole!

Yes, that is the best report of the weekend.

I don't have any tinfoil hat pictures from the weekend, but White Bear e-mailed me some that you guys took.

Dave on the new out house.
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Dave and WB in the hot tub Ma has been asking for.

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And finally, WB and his lady firend by the lake in the state park.
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I actually could have used a pickup truck poly tarp pool like that to cool off in yesterday, what a scorcher!

It was hot here too. 88 most of the afternoon. I cannot imagine what those folks in Texas are going through with all the 100+ degree temps.

Now that it is after the Fourth of July, AND....AND....I got my hardcover FALL edition Cabela's catalog....can I officially have my first bout of fall fever???

sunburn will give a person fall fever. but we haven't had enough summer for me to get fall fever yet.

I'm feeling a little reddish today. It was beautiful weekend to spend on the pontoon.

Tin foil hats you say?????

Interesting.

Good to hear about Cole B-man!

Hey I have a question for ya.

What do you know about the Weatherby PA-08 pump shotgun?

I found one NIB for 3 bills but don't know anything about them.

We all know that one isn't real.

Dayton closed the state parks on Thursday evening.

Great pictures,all.Looks like you people had a great weekend.Good!Muffy looked relaxed.
The news concerning Cole is very welcome and heartening.Thank you for the update,Berettaman.
Rooster,the Weatherby P-08 is made for them in Turkey.What many people do not realize is that Weatherby is now just a brand and has no manufacturing facilities.Kinda like Charles Daly,which is now defunct,was.The shotgun is well made and sturdy and got some good reviews.The Remington 870 would be a better choice in the price range.Many people do not realize just how doggone good the Mossberg Shotguns are and they are USA made to boot.I suggest you look at them in your shopping.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Great pictures,all.Looks like you people had a great weekend.Good!Muffy looked relaxed.
The news concerning Cole is very welcome and heartening.Thank you for the update,Berettaman.
Rooster,the Weatherby P-08 is made for them in Turkey.What many people do not realize is that Weatherby is now just a brand and has no manufacturing facilities.Kinda like Charles Daly,which is now defunct,was.The shotgun is well made and sturdy and got some good reviews.The Remington 870 would be a better choice in the price range.Many people do not realize just how doggone good the Mossberg Shotguns are and they are USA made to boot.I suggest you look at them in your shopping.

Stan in SC

Hey thanks Stan. That is good info.

Well I'M BACK!!!!!

Thanks to Dave! Gotta go back to pg. 1365 and get caught up.

Laters!

Hey Muffster. glad you're back.

And we are most glad that you have returned Muffy.You have been missed.

Stan in SC

Well been busy spring and summer for me and the family.. Just finally getting settled in to our new house... Our new home is in Prior Lake on fish lake.. Moved from Lakeville...

So with that was wondering if anybody out there has or knows anybody that wants to sell a Artic Cat Z120.. Its for my daughter she is 6yrs old....

I will be in Thief River Falls first week of Aug, my wife has her 20th High School reunion..... If that helps at all, I know a lot of you guys are up that way...

Thanks Noduck....

Rooster, I typed up a response to your question about the scattergun, but I dont see it. I dunno what happened, I must not have posted it.

Anyway, my #1, #2, and #3 priorities when buying a shotgun is gun fit. If it fits you (meaning length of stock is right and you are looking down the rib, etc) then you will hit with it. How important is gun fit? I know a gent who averaged 17 on the trap field and his career best was a 22. He got a new gun from his wife (a Beretta, imagine that!) and his average went to 23.5 and he never, not once, shot a round lower than 19 in 5 years of trap league. The only thing that changed was the gun.

#4 is balance in your hands. Balance to me translates more into confidence than anything else...if it feels good in your hands your confidence is high and things tend to die. If you dont like the feel, you will struggle. So, having said all that, if that gun fits and feels balanced, then buy it. Also, I echo what Stan has said wholeheartedly.

You arent going to get stung too bad on a $300 gun, if you dont like it, you can sell it within a day or two for $225.

I like that Mossbergs are made here, however, they fail my balance test. They just dont feel good to me in my hands for some reason. Good luck and lets hear how it works out for ya!

I have been kicking around the idea of a kids Polaris ATV for awhile now too. However, I just walked the driveway check out to the mailbox, so might have to wait awhile.

Well Dave here are the pics you requested.

The foil hats.

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Black Bear even had one.

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White Bear having a confrontation with Black Bear.

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They fixed the radio antenna so well we even picked up a radio station from pretty far away. I'm sure it was the bear head on Daves head that helped.

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we were tuning in to MN public radio to eavesdrop on their liberal preachings. But we put the foil on so they couldn't read out conservative thoughts.

Very sneaky.

Great to hear from you Muffy.

We're just about done with our window and siding project. All thats left is a little trim work around the doors. Started putting the blinds and shades back up this morning. What a PITA.

If I have any money left after I pay off the contractor I'm going to have seemless gutters installed.

Pics or it didn't happen.

Is this thing on?

I killed a ton of chickens this weekend, had a run in with an eener look a like, dang near brought him home. couldn't stand the humidity though. 1400 miles in 3 days is too much when combined with 20 hours of butchering. least I'm home now. tomorrow will come way too early.

We did some stuff today, but photobucket is fighting me bad tonight... we'll see if i can post pics or not.

Glad you made it home Ryan.

We made a run to the cabin yesterday to look for the lost kodak, plays with matches misplaced his little kodak but we found it in the couch so we were all pretty happy about that.

On the way there we helped a turtle get across the road.

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We have a big tree across the trail heading in to camp so we'll need the chainsaw next time we go out.

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We also have a tree leaning over the cabin. No saw with yesterday so we strapped it to a couple other trees to help hold it until we can get out there with the saw.

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Dragonflies buzzing around the cabin, I managed a fairly decent still shot of one.

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Back at home we had this little 14' fishing boat ready to test out in a local river.

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PWM not having much fun at all....

Cought this goldeye on a spoon in the river.

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Had a few good strikes from northerns but never got the hooks in tight enough to boat one on our little test run last night. We only had one rod with rigged with a ratty beat up spoon and we didn't make much of an effort fishing. Out main goal was to test the boat and motor last night.

The boat ran great though, we'll be using it more often in the river now, kind of fun.

This must be a banner year for turtles. I've seen more snappers this year than I've seen in years. Quite a few of them were laying their eggs right on the shoulder of the road. Sighted plenty of painted turtles too.

Cool goldeneye. I don't think I've seen one before. Most of the snappers I've seen have been in several pieces on the side of the road. I did see a good sized one a lady by Target helped into the ditch. Not sure I'd have done that, he was a biggin.

Neat pics! Used to catch gold eyes on the Red River. Great fun and strong fighters. Also used to tease snappers into biting a stick and see how far we could carry them before they let go. Mid June was when they laid eggs on our road. Who was drinking the beer?

Had a funny happen yesterday.In a multi level birdhouse in the backyard the wrens were raising a ruckus.We walked out there and young just-learned-to-fly wrens were leaving the house in groups.They were all over the yard.I remarked to my wife that they were all gone now and she replied that there seemed to be one still in the house which is at eye level.I am used to sticking my finger in the houses and petting the young birds and I walked over to do just that but for some reason decided to look in the nest first.The reason they were so noisy and leaving the bird house was that there was a two foot long snake inside one of the compartments which snake I came eye to eye with in looking inside.
I finally convinced the snake to vacate the bird house.Afterward I wondered what my reaction would have been had I stuck my finger in where he was and gotten bitten.

Stan in SC

Ick, hate snakes!

Oh man, Stan, the shivers just went up and down my spine. I hate them things! What flavor of snake?

Had a scare last weekend. Saturday night, Wyatt, my 3 year old son, wasnt feeling good and threw up a couple times while we were at a family BBQ. We decided he should go home, so I left with the twin boys and the wife and daughter (without a cell phone) went to another family function. In the backseat on the way home, Wyatt had a seizure. I was about 4 miles from the hospital, so I put the gas pedal to the wood and away we flew. Ford trucks are governed at 94.

About 2 miles from the hospital, a state trooper pulled me over. As he got out, I told him I was on the line with 911 and my son was having a seizure. The ambulance got there and they figured it wasnt too serious. At the ER, they determined is was a fibrile seizure which is temperature induced and no big deal. In fact, the ER doc said if it happens again we dont need to even bring him in! It would happen to anyone in those conditions and there is no medical issues with it whatsoever. The combination of the hot, humid day, his sudden onset fever, and throwing up (mildly dehydrated) is what caused it. Pretty darn scary though. Oh, and the wife may just carry her cell phone a bit more!

For those of you with kids, make sure they stay cool and hydrated especially if they show signs of being sick. This happened really fast.

Quite a scare B, glad it worked out like it did.

Same thing happen to my neighbors boy a couple years ago... A very scary deal for any parent.. And the hospital said the exact same thing... I guess they were told it happens to boys from the ages 3 to 5 yrs old is very common...

Since that happened i make sure both my kids drink lots of water on those hot days....

Scary indeed. I have have a 3 year old niece that has seizures whenever she has a high temp.

Add me to the list of snake haters. Infact you can put me at the top of the list.

There isn't a lot that creeps me out but snakes are one of them.

Wow! Glad it worked out. That is scary stuff. Getting too hot does goofy stuff to you, add dehydration to the mix and you knever know what's going to happen.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Who was drinking the beer?

Not sure.. you mean the can in the bottom of this pic? that's orange pop.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Glad things are ok with the boy BM.

You guys are all a bunch of girly boys. Snakes don't bother me, as long as they are not poisonous. When we were at the shack I had one peek through the door at me in the outhouse. It was a cute little bugger. Wasn't even as big aroung as my pinky.

My camera is going to be here tomorrow. I have to stick around to sign for it, so I hope it comes in the morning. I am so EXCITED!!!!

Stopped by to say Hi! Muffy!!

Snakes...shes right, you guyz are a bunch of girlymen...

And orange pop in PWMs hand....sure.....RWS went with the " Root Beer" line after you snapped that pic of him drinking and driving when he was twelve....

What kind of camera Muffy?

I was at Target the other day and saw they had a DSLR Cannon Rebel EOS T3 or t2 like that for $499, with a lens. It was the one that takes 720p video. The other one took 1080p HD video.

I have an Cannon EOS Rebel but it's a 35mm film, so it doesn't get much use anymore.

I love a boat ride on a river. Addicted to it actually. I bet the boy thought he was doing 120. Seems like it somehow, on the water.

4

Originally Posted by tzone

I was at Target the other day and saw they had a DSLR Cannon Rebel EOS T3 or t2 like that for $499, with a lens.

Tom if you saw a T2i for 500, especially as a kit.. better buy really quick.. If you saw T3i kits for the same price, buy as many as you can, add 50%-75% and sell em to guys who shop their fingers off online but don't think to look at target lol.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I love a boat ride on a river. Addicted to it actually. I bet the boy thought he was doing 120. Seems like it somehow, on the water.

4

We hit it again tonight. Nice night.

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log jam.. I sense critter....

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lets zoom in...

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damn! that's what I call a meat turtle! he aint no shell turtle, he's mostly meat!

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He took a swim before I could get the engine killed and take a nice still photo, oh well.

Fish on!!

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lamprey! yuck!!

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And he shook free, free of our hooks and free of his gross lamprey.

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cruisin

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Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

I was at Target the other day and saw they had a DSLR Cannon Rebel EOS T3 or t2 like that for $499, with a lens.

Tom if you saw a T2i for 500, especially as a kit.. better buy really quick.. If you saw T3i kits for the same price, buy as many as you can, add 50%-75% and sell em to guys who shop their fingers off online but don't think to look at target lol.

I'm pretty sure it was t2 that was 500, but I don't remember seeing the "i". Maybe I should look again. I'm sure it's a step down from the more "professional" grade, especially since it's at target.

Well, the picture didn't show up but...this is what I found. There is a difference between the t3i and the t3

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55IS Lens - Black �Megapixels: 12.2 Megapixels
�Camera Features: 1080p HD Movie Recording
�Display Features: 100% LCD Coverage
�Image Editing Features: Auto Image Rotation, Date Time Imprinting
�Display Size: 2.7 "

Sooting back up the river towards the truck.

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Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

I was at Target the other day and saw they had a DSLR Cannon Rebel EOS T3 or t2 like that for $499, with a lens.

Tom if you saw a T2i for 500, especially as a kit.. better buy really quick.. If you saw T3i kits for the same price, buy as many as you can, add 50%-75% and sell em to guys who shop their fingers off online but don't think to look at target lol.

I'm pretty sure it was t2 that was 500, but I don't remember seeing the "i". Maybe I should look again. I'm sure it's a step down from the more "professional" grade, especially since it's at target.

I see, well I don't know where they start calling them a pro grade cam, maybe the 7D? (very nice but pricy) Heck if I know. The T2i ans 3i are still in the rebel family. That sounds like a pretty nice camera & with an 18-55 image stabilizing lens it sure sounds like a good deal.

Is that eener dawg getting ready for take-off in that pic?

You best be carefull how fast you travel with him out in the open like that so he dosen't fly away.

He's crazy for fishing, very interested in every cast expecting to see a new fish splashing around. He's really into it, pretty funny.

I was just thinking that I can't tell which one likes being in the boat more, PWM or Eener.

Hi Ingwe.

Tom, I ordered the Canon Rebel T3i Body. And I got a Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS lens. I was going to get the same lens Pam has but the guy talked me into this one. If I don't like it, I'm definately going to let him know.

I guess there's a mountain lion in warroad MN (south end of lake of the woods)

I don't know too many details but I will soon, I'll post what I find out this morning possibly.

mountain lion rug would look really nice at the cabin!!!!!

Boy speak heap big truth.

i think boy should get a full mount for the cabin!

Mountain lion bagged with a pellet rifle just to be sporting about it doncha know.
Great river pictures,Dave.The Chattahoochee river runs smack thru the middle of my home town in Georgia and as a youngun I spent LOTS of time on the river.Love riding on a river.

Stan in SC

Well.... I just got out of a 6 hour stint in the ER. I woke up this morning with a gut ache and it got worse and worse. I tried to go to work, but turned around a few miles down the road because it was so distracting I could hardly drive, let along work around heavy equipment all day.

By 9am I was wishing I was dead. For real, I wouldn't have argued if someone wanted to shoot me. Betsy got home from her business trip a short time later and broght me to walk in. They ran some tests and said it looks like gall bladder stones or gall baldder infection and that I should go to the ER imeaditaly, which sucked because it was about 20 more miles away.

I had a boat load of tests run and an ultra-sound (it's a girl). At 5pm they brought me the news that they can't find anything wrong with my other than my white blood count is high, so there is an infection somewhere. So...Tomorrow, I get to head back up and do it all over again.

So I got that goin' for me.

Originally Posted by tzone

So I got that goin' for me.

Which is nice....

sorry dude, had to close that quote.

Hey man, I feel for ya, pains in the guts is not nice. I really hope you get that figured out tomorrow.

be careful with ultrasounds, went in with my wife to find out how far along she was, (we were not planning to have anymore children) the ultrasound said we are having twins..... SURPRISE

edit to add, after the initial shock (it lasted about a week) I am getting used to the idea and think this is gonna be a great addition to our family, and if the twins are half as good as our 7 month old daughter, I will have it made.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by tzone

So I got that goin' for me.

Which is nice....

sorry dude, had to close that quote.

Hey man, I feel for ya, pains in the guts is not nice. I really hope you get that figured out tomorrow.

crap, sorry tom, I posted that thinking I was logged in.

You probably figured out on your own though that a 14 year old boy can't quote Bill Murray off the cuff like that.

Get to the bottom of this though, seriously. Best wishes.

gotta love caddyshack!

sorry to hear about the gut tom, if its any consolation I got so hot today working I puked twice, almost passed out and peed orange juice when I got home.

and I found out I have to give up my weekend with little man and drive to montana. and back.

good news is Kendra might meet me and stay with me in the hotel on the "lay over" before I return home. and yes I get it.

he said....

"lay over"

huh, huh, huhhh..

You 2 are bad. But anyway it will be nice for you to spend some time with Kendra.

Tom I hope they figure out soon what is wrong. Hope it is not too serious.

I finally went to the clinic today and got meds for my sinus infection (which I get at least twice a year). I also got cough syrup with codeine in it. Also the drainage ducts in my eyes are blocked so I got drops for that. Old age, boy I'm just falling appart.

Well I'm going to pop in a movie and go to bed early.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

...if the twins are half as good as our 7 month old daughter, I will have it made.

DUDE! A 7 month old little girl with 2 on the way. My congratulations... and my deepest sympathies!

bubbajay....I went through the EXACT same thing a little over 3 years ago. The boys are just awesome. I can give you all kinds of advice about twins.

#1 It is imperative that your wife breast feeds. And I aint talking about how much healthier that is....It is sooooo much easier to just elbow her in the ribs when they wake up at night hungry.

#2 Make it known early and often that you do not want any gifts that are different styles, sizes, or colors. If you wanna buy my twins a gift, they better be duplicates or clones. I cant tell you how many times I have heard, "I WANT THE GREEN ONE!!!!". Seriously, this is an issue that is easily solved. Grandparents are the worst.

#3 When I am doing something with one, I feel guilty about not doing something with the other. Dont have an answer for this one yet.....

#4 Feed them at the same time. Yes, that means waking one up to eat. Experience has taught us this the hard way.

#5 During the times that twins try your patience (like when they were caught throwing eggs (9) all over the kitchen), remember, very few people are blessed with the opportunity to raise twins.

#6 With 3 kids you have to abandon the man-to-man defense and go to a zone. Really, you kinda do. You will develop that with your wife as time goes on.

#7 Your wife is gonna get twice as stressed. Take the kids out looking for deer to give her some time to decompress.

#8 Enjoy them!

Tom, Did they mention that you prolly shouldnt have eaten the 12-pack of Slim Jims, a half a jar of pickles, a stick of butter, what was left of last week's Spam, jalapeno chip dip, the undercooked chicken and washed it down with a quart of Soy Milk?

Just sayin'.

Seriously good luck with that. Geez, a lot of health issues here lately. Thank goodness nothing too serious so far!

No but I probably should have told them that, eh?

It really wasn't my "gut" it is my gall bladder. Which I can thank my mom's side of the family for those problems, my mom and both my aunts and my uncle have had theirs removed.

I was pretty scared to tell the truth. The pain was nothing like I've ever had before, kida hard to describe. It was like a twisting or a pressure that went from the bottom of my ribs to my chest, on into my back.

I'm staying home from work today on the Doc's request, which is fine because I still don't feel that great.

BubbaJay....Congrats x2 on the new additions.

Take care of that gall bladder Tom. That does not sound like fun.

Well its already thursday of my week long vacation. Why can't the work week go this fast??? We left bright and early tuesday morning and took the kids to Valley Fair in Shakopee, MN. Fun was had by all and I finally found someone who will go on every ride I want to. My youngest boy Caleb is finally tall enough and was fearless (for the most part) and we went on all the baddest rides more than once. His face on some of them was priceless! The next morning we got up and went to that big dumb mall in Mpls. Thank God nobody wanted to stay there long! It was good to get home yesterday. I could not live in the cities. No way. No how.

Dave - I heard about the cougar in warroad. My nephew said the border patrol was spotlighting the bike path last night. My guess is its a young male that mama kicked to the curb and he's just wandering around right now.

Geeze Rooster....I woulda bought ya lunch if ya called. How was VF? I haven't been there in 20 years or more. When Jack gets big enough to ride the fun ones I'll take the kids. That kid LOOOOOOOVES roller coasters. My daughter wants nothing to do with them.

When we were in Sea World in Orlando this spring, there was a coaster that blasted you through the water...we got there early and nobody was in line. We kept going back on. I think we went 5 times before the line got long.

T, hope you're doing better. If it has to come out I'm pretty good with a filet knife.

Well I've converted to Islam! My new name is I Ben Painten.

Been painten the deck, the trim on the garage and porch. One coat done and one to go.

Well Bill, I'll keep you in mind.

There will be no painting going on here, it's raining like crazy. a good all day soaker.

I did pick up a power washer at rumage sale I drove past today. Gas powered 6hp job. Thing looks brand new. Bill when you're done painting, I have a power washing project for ya.

Maybe I could get you to loan me the power washer. MY uncles's place could use a good cleaning.

Maybe Bill, he meant that you need to get power washed. Try and get all of that Wisconsin stank off'n ya.

I need a power washer to strip my deck so I can refinish it, had a hot one here today too

thanks for the advice, funny thing is we were not trying to have anymore, but my brother and his wife were trying to have their first child, they ended up doing some fertility stuff, and they are having twins as well, at about the same time. So my parents will become grandparents times 4 all within a few weeks. Next christmas should be interesting.

Originally Posted by tzone

Geeze Rooster....I woulda bought ya lunch if ya called. How was VF? I haven't been there in 20 years or more. When Jack gets big enough to ride the fun ones I'll take the kids. That kid LOOOOOOOVES roller coasters. My daughter wants nothing to do with them.

When we were in Sea World in Orlando this spring, there was a coaster that blasted you through the water...we got there early and nobody was in line. We kept going back on. I think we went 5 times before the line got long.

Tzone - I have not been there in awhile either but the rides keep getting bigger and better. Wild Thing is still awesome. They have a roller coaster now called Renegade that is so freakin fast that you think every turn is your last. They also have one called Steel Venom that was prolly my favorite. If you like the feeling of going from 0 - 90mph? in about 2 seconds that ride is for you. Its the kind that you sit below the track and your feet are dangling out in front of you. Then you go up about a 100 foot cork screw and back down through the "loading station" and backwards up another 100 foot cork screw. This goes on a few times and you are haulin major A$$. That was a rush!

Caleb was funny while we were waiting in line. Over and over he said "I don't know about this one Dad. Do you think you might be a little nuts?"

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Well I've converted to Islam! My new name is I Ben Painten.

Been painten the deck, the trim on the garage and porch. One coat done and one to go.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Maybe Bill, he meant that you need to get power washed. Try and get all of that Wisconsin stank off'n ya.

No way BM. That smell comes from beer, brats and cheese. We wear it like a badge of honor.

Wife loves coasters , me not so much

Went to cedar point a few years ago .

I did ride this. link has a vid of the ride :
http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/millennium_force/

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Got me a t-shirt with the pic of the first up and down the says Size matters ... on the front and It's the SIZE of the ride that Really MATTERS on the back.

Was a fun ride ,with a great view from the top. That dragster one they had with the 0-90 in a couple of heartbeats to straight up ? we took a pass on that one

Raining pretty hard today.. Will be interesting to see how much rain we get....

Getting a little nervous moved into a house and the gutters need to be cleaned.. Have not had time yet to clean them out.... Lots of overflow right now..... Yikes....

Got the call at work from my daughter-the basement flooded. 'Turns out the last time I mowed the lawn, I forgot to throw the flexible drain line for the sump pump back out in the yard away from the foundation. It wasn't too bad-lots of wet clothes, but little actual water on the floor. I went out back to check on the sump line and realized that my son had left my one and only hard gun case out on the patio table, wide open after shooting at the range yesterday. The foam rubber is totally soaked. Anybody know if this stuff will ever dry out, or should I just pitch the foam and re-line the case? 4:43 here and it's just about dark. We're fixin' to get another good blow here in the Cities.

It'll dry out. I was working in the downpour, we got 4" in 2 hours in downtown St. Paul. That was nuts.

Wow none of that rain hit up up north here. It's going to be a scorcher up here for the next 4 days. Pam and I had a golf tournamant yesterday hith my work. Had a great time and won a couple really cool prizes. I won a really cool frabill fish landing net with the rubber net. I've actually been looking at those for quite a while now.

Oh, I almost forgot Carlos the brown 77 ford pickup went in for a laser alignment for the front end. Wow does that truck drive nice now!! Should have done that years ago.

My daughter's got her State Championship fastpitch tournament this weekend in Lakeville, which is our home town for her team. They worked all afternoon/evening yesterday drying up the fields and had them ready to go, but we got rain again overnight, so the first round of pool play games were cancelled. We're back over there in an hour or so to try it again. These fields (Aronson Park) drain pretty well, but 4" of rain that we got yesterday is a lot of water to shed for even the best drained facilities. Kinda sucks-we had several college scouts coming to see her pitch. Oh well, hopefully they stay for the second game.

Took the little man to Cabela's today. Sold them one of my rifles and picked up a trail cam. A Primos Truth 35. It came recomended by White Bear, Northern_dave, and the Cabela's dude. If I get a chance to get it set up I hope I can post some back yard deer. I haven't seen any in a while.

Some excitement under our old 54 chevy car today. Gus the black lab trapped a woodchuck under the car and was trying to dig under the car to get the woodchuck.

We jacked the car up for him and things got more interesting. First eener the weeny dog tried to help but the chuck was bigger than him so it wasn't going too well. Then Gus mistook the eener's hind end for the woodchuck in the darkness under the old car.... Eener got chomped hard.

He's a little tore up but he's going to be ok.

We finally got the car up high enough so Gus could reach further under the car. With the hood open on the old chevy I spotted the big woodchuck climbing up between the fender and the engine under the hood. All was clear so I popped him with a ruger MKII. The chuck slid down the inside of the fender. Gus come around the corner and got hold of him from under the car and proceeded to kill the chuck, again, and again, and again...

Lol!!

Then he laid ther panting in the sun with his prize kill between his front legs. Our hero, Gus the woodchuck hunter.

I think a woodchuck was the first thing my dad "let" me shoot with my .22. It was in the shed.

The right tool for the job. Those little guns gome in handy. Like a leatherman for killing.

4

Sounds like the dogs had a better time than I did. Took the wife shopping for new blinds for the living room on Saturday.

Going to be nasty hot and humid here most of the week.

Tom, I take it your feeling better?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, I take it your feeling better?

I feel better but not good. I still have to take it easy. Have to stay away from greasy food type stuff. I did have a beer yesterday and it didn't agree with me at all.

Nasty hot here today too Bill.

love a summer day, even if it is hot and sticky.

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Looks good Dave. Funny you should post that. I was just thinking that a Chickenbuck run in Sept would be cool and I should bring a few racks of ribs with me.

You game?

You gotta ask?

I'll maybe retire the old grill at camp and bring this one from home out there. Weld up a new one for home.

This one here at home must be close to 8 years old now. The old barrel cooker at the camp... I think I built that in the early 90's.

Just got back from a fun weekend of fishing at Devils Lake, ND. As usual lots and lots of walleyes. Couldn't find any big ones but we caught lots of good eaters in that 12 - 14" range. Fresh walleye back at camp every night plus everyone was able to bring home their possesion limit of 10. Good time was had by all.

Well, I figured I didn't haffta ask, but I have to plan to take a day off to get up to the camp so I lay it out ahead of time.

Me and Betz dropped the kids off with grandma for the week and on the way home stopped to have a beer with Redneck. It was a nice visit.

Came home and had a beer on the deck until the mosquitos tried to carry us away.

Sounds like your group did well Rooster. Must have been darn hot out the water though.

Tom, take it easy with the beer until you get the gall bladder situation resolved. For some reason beer/booze and bad gall bladders don't mix.

My brother learned that the hard way. He was having GB problems and had a drink. It put him right down on the floor.

whoa doggy, did we get rain on Friday! 7 inches to be exact! The lake went up 18 inches and i had to adjust the dock. Dewpoint was 81 here yesterday, it was almost comical. My garage floor was so wet the water actually started to run off it!

One of my depth finders went belly up during one of my trips...I posted that I think...and Lowrance sent me a replacement. However, the replacement is about half an inch wider than the old one so I had to take the sabre saw to the dash of the boat. Man, does fiberglass cut hard! But I got it in. One thing I re-learned is that fiberglass shards on sweaty body parts itch like crazy.

No kids for the week, Tzone? This isnt a good week to not be feeling well.

I can just picture the Eener getting his buttocks chomped. Poor little guy. Kinda funny though. I wonder if Eener is holding a grudge against Gus?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Sounds like your group did well Rooster. Must have been darn hot out the water though.

Actually Bill there was enough storm activity coming and going throughout the area all weekend that it kept things fairly comfortable in the heat and humidity dept. Satuday night we just got off the lake and pulled up to the fish cleaning shed and it DOWN POURED along with massive lightening, thunder and high winds. The shed is open on three sides and we were cleaning fish in our rain gear. It must have looked like an episode of Deadliest Catch.

Dave,
Those ribs look downright delicious. We'll have to make some of them next time I'm up. Let me know what to get and I'll bring some up.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, I take it your feeling better?

I feel better but not good. I still have to take it easy. Have to stay away from greasy food type stuff. I did have a beer yesterday and it didn't agree with me at all.

Nasty hot here today too Bill.

Tom are they taking the GB out then or what? Sounds like it needs to be and darn soon if ya can't even drink beer!

Not taking it out yet Rooster.

I had a Leinee's and that is what didn't agree with me. Yesterday I have a few different ones and I was fine. Still don't have much of an appetite. Hard to believe for those of you that know me.

BM,

Just cuz I don't feel good, don't mean I can't do that. Stuff still works fine.

tzone,
i bet that is a relief for ya!

I am a wee bit cold sitting in my office today....which is in direct contrast to the HEAT out there! Wow! I bet the corn is growing like crazy right now with the heat and the rain we got last week.

Concrete contractor had two send two guy to the hospital before the figured it was too hot for that kind of work today. It was so hot my arms are sweating. That's a first I think.

So BM, from the guys that are workin outside, thanks for the update on the to in your a/c cooled house. : grin:

Tom,sorry that you aren't feeling well.Hope you get all better real soon.
Linda and I drove to Virginia on Saturday to visit some old good friends at their new mountain cabin in Fancy Gap,Va.It was beautiful and cool up there and we had a great time.Just got home this afternoon.
Friday I bought a used Savage bolt action in .17HMR at the local gun shop.Been wanting one for awhile.It is a model 9317 with bull barrel and synthetic stock.Stopped on the way in this afternoon and picked up a scope for it at Academy Sports.When I go to the gun club on Wednesday I'll get it sighted in.
We arrived home and the blinking clocks told us the power had been off while we were gone.The doggone cable tv box is on the fritz because of it so I had to call for a service call.

Stan in SC

Been nasty here the last 2 days Rooster. 97* Sunday and low 90's so far today. Humity is off the charts. Lots of storms passing through also.

Wind came up around 8:00 this morning and picked up one cornor of my neighbors 10' X 10' metal storage shed. Cornor ended up sitting on a table that was inside the shed. Lots of limbs down too.

Hi Stan,

I have been looking at a .17HRM Marlin at a shop here too. It's set up like a tactical rifle. I don't have a good reason to need one, but when would that ever matter in a gun?

Tzone:
Office A/C update....my toes seem to be a little cold today. Might have to round up some socks.

Nasty hot here too folks. I can't wait for fall! A frosty morning with those crisp aspen leaving crunching under foot. A fresh snow on a picked field of beans or corn. The smells of the leaves falling.....can you picture it?

Stop it!

lol!

Hotter than blazes here too. Heat index today is supposed to be in the 115* range. We are having a Mgmt meeting at 10:30 to see if and what time we should shut the shop down today to prevent heat related illness.

Powerful storm came through this morning about 4:00 am. I still don't have power at home. Limbs and leaves all over the yard and one low spot looks like a lake. I better get power soon because I have a big 'ol bag of fresh walleye in the fridge!

Can't wait for the end of august/'beg sept so at least the nights are cooler. I have been thinking of deer hunting a lot lately. I'm getting the bug. My boy is starting to show a good interest in it as well so that is adding fuel to the fire. Even if he just wants to ride the wheeler.

Ohhh, I forgot that one.....the breaking of a skim of ice by the tires of the four wheeler...can you hear it?

Rooster you got hit harder than we did. Jon called my cell at about 4:45am to get the kids in the basement because Christy didn't answer her phone. The wind was blowing like crazy and rain was falling sideways but we didn't have any branches or anything down in the yard.

We got pounded at lunch time. 3" in about a half hour. Pure craziness! If I w we get my Internet at work going I'll post some crazy weather pics.

it was a HOT 106 here today and yesterday was 112. I did see 6 BIG whitetail bucks this morning. I figured each one of them has about 120" of antler growth already and they still have another month easy to grow. I think its time I get me a bow and arrow

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

it was a HOT 106 here today and yesterday was 112. I did see 6 BIG whitetail bucks this morning. I figured each one of them has about 120" of antler growth already and they still have another month easy to grow. I think its time I get me a bow and arrow

If you would like I would let you use my bow, the way my schedule is looking for work, and the new arrivals my wife and I are expecting, I really really doubt I will be able to do any hunting, let alone bow hunting. Its a Martin Firecat that I bought about 3 years ago.

It was nice here today until the rain. Then it got HOT. I don't think I've ever felt as hot.

damn, that was supposed to be a PM to colorado1135, oops.

tzone, I spent the day in a 98 year old courthouse without AC, I said the hell with it at 3pm today, when the open house for the guy that retired started, and ALL the old lady's showed up for FREE cake and lemonade, I left. gotta love small towns, but it really smelled like old lady B O and lots of perfume, worse than a Sunday morning church service.

Thats funny!!

not sure if old lady BO is better or worse than sweaty construction worker BO?

old lady BO is mixed with 40 year old perfume, applied heavily...

Little Mr chickenbuck goes in for a tonsil-ottame this morning.

I'll drop a line here when he comes back to from the goofy gas.

Construction worker BO is mixed with the whiskey, bar room smoke, and stripper glitter from yesterday getting sweated out.

Supposed to be the hottteset day of the year here so far.

Gotta keep thinking about the frost covered clover crunching under my feet with a pocket full of #6 20ga and my good old 870.

How about the first time that you blow out and can see your breath?

At least we have some wind here today. Coaching (and pitching) for Lauren's softball game was sure toasty yesterday. as opposed to old ladies and construction workers, I dont think of little girls as sweaty and stinky, but that bunch needed a shower for sure!

Can you hear the crunch of your footsteps in the snow as you walk to your deerstand in the early morning...stars overhead...the very definition of crisp?

Good luck to Lil Mr. Chickenbuck! He is gonna need ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream.

Get better little chickenbucker!

Yeah LOTS of ice cream!!

Between Einer pullin' a toof and a Doc crapin' his throat, he has had a rough few months!!

Give him my regards!!!!!

Only one human boot print here

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You folks don't this nasty cold snowy weather back , Do YA ?????
Me, I hate this heat , I'd trade 2 months of summer for a lil more fall , winter , and spring

The little guy is doing fine. It has been an interesting morning with severe weather hammering the area, tornado warnings etc. power has been off more than it has been on. Luckily the generator at the hospital works just fine.

They pulled a pair of tonsils out of joey that looked like a pair of chicken hearts, damn! I feel for the little guy. But he's doing good now. He really wants to be away from that hospital, wants to go home.

Wow !!!! Scarey stuff !!! Enjoy an icecream for yourself with the lil guy . Sounds like even though the storms were bad there was a ray or two of sunshine pointed right at you and yours .

good day for ice cream,dad.

Just wonderin', how many flavors of ice cream does the store there sell, anyway?

He's still zonked out. Really doped up, cries when he does wake up, throat hurts. I think they gave him enough to knock out a 250 pound man.

We are headed home now. Joey sleeping in the back seat. Sitting outside the farmacy waiting for pam.

Hope you're fellin better Joe!

Get well soon Joey!

Get well Joey so you can enjoy the summer. Just remember that right now you can have all the ice cream and pop cycles that you can handle and won't have to share with anyone.

I hope Joey has a very speedy recovery.Summertime is probably a good time to do a tonsilectomy.
I got up at dawn as usual on Wednesday so that I can go to the gun club and get some shooting done early before the heat gets so bad.I am usually the first one there at about 7AM.Today I got a chance to shoot the new Savage in .17HMR.It only took about seven shots to get the Simmons scope zeroed.DANG,these little rifles are ACCURATE and a pure pleasure to shoot.They will make you forget all about shooting your .22's.Absolutely NO,repeat NO recoil.Like shooting a BB gun in that respect.I hear they are great on coyotes,pigs,pests in general.Waiting eagerly to go again.

Stan in SC

Thanks to the MN crew for sending the storms our way. We got hit a little before 10 PM last night. Winds in excess of 70 MPH, Horizontal rain. Power went out shortly after the storm started.

We ended up with 3-4 inches of rain. Some of which found it's way into our basement family room. Ended up tearing out the carpet. Trees down all around us, but none on our lot. The city shut down all streets this AM to allow crews to move the trees.

Temps near the century mark this afternoon. Power came back on about 3 PM. Come on Fall!

Hey stan I have a savage .17HMR also, a bolt action with a little detachable magazine. Mine is a heavy barrel stainless with a nice little thumbhole brown laminated stock. I have a sinver burris FFII 3-9 on mine that got kicked off my .264 in favor of a VXII 3-9

I just love that little savage and you are right they shoot really nice huh?

I normally shoot 20 grainers out of mine. Aint it somethin when a 20 grainer is considered a "heavy bulley"?

Bill, hate to tell you but a doosy of a storm passed over us this morning in about 3 strong waves. I am not sure of the direction it's going but you are more likely to get the twin cities storms rather than our border town storms up here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bill, hate to tell you but a doosy of a storm passed over us this morning in about 3 strong waves. I am not sure of the direction it's going but you are more likely to get the twin cities storms rather than our border town storms up here.

Dave most of the storms that track your way stay North of us.

Sorry to hear about your basement Bill.

By the time you're done fixing all the stuff on your house it will be a full remodel.

I hope you didn't get much damage.

Guys I made a seperate post with pictures about Joey's day in the main campfire general forum. I don't want to double post so if anybody checking in here on little Mr Chickenbuck cares to see about his day, click here: Joey's tonsil day

How's he doing now Dave?

Sleeping on the couch, He's at another 6 hour mark for motrin so we are going to have to wake him up.

Good that he is sleeping. It will help for when he isn't.

When I got the happy juice from the doc last week, it took me through the next day to be awake.

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry to hear about your basement Bill.

By the time you're done fixing all the stuff on your house it will be a full remodel.

I hope you didn't get much damage.

Don't think we'll have much damage to deal with Tom. We have an insurance adjuster coming over in the next couple of days to check things out. I may just paint the floor in the family room with an epoxy paint instead of recarpeting. Be easier to deal with in case this ever happens again.

Wife and I drove around to check out the damage last night. Lots of trees on houses. Makes our event pale in comparison. Bukholt Park up on the Wisconsin River lost a bunch of big oaks and white pine. Bet most of them were at least 100 years old.

That park is beautiful. I think we'll be there in a few weeks for a family renioun for Betsy. I "might have to work."

in which case I won't make it.

Hasta La Pasta, Hombres. I am taking the tribe and going camping this weekend. Will report how it went if I am not admitted to a mental institution.

Have fun!

Good luck Berettaman! I'm taking the wife and two little tykes to Yellerstone for a week to meet up with family. I haven't been there for 15 years and my wife and kids have never been. Should be a ball.

Wow, sounds like great plans all the way around, be safe everybody. Have fun!

if anyone wants to hunt my trophy area put in for a PP now with the state of SD. the area to put in for is unit 27L and to apply for a PP is only 5 bucks.
today is the deadline, sorry for the last minute notice but I didn't know any non res tags were available.

good to hear Joey is doin better, had a heck of a day at work today, I'm ready for a day off.

Can you do it online. How many do you think it'll take. I'll put in, but I can't go this year.

yes you can, through the SD game fish and parks. its relatively easy, you set up an account, don't even need your hunter safety number.
under west river deer opt for a preference point. its 5 bucks.
AND if you apply for the area, they only charge your card if you get drawn, no refund to deal with

oh, and fall turkey you can shoot (at the same time) 2 birds, either sex for $85 and you can use a rifle.

double dip Tom

Hi everybody, Mrs. ND checking in.

Thought I'd post a bit of somewhat exciting news. If all of you remember, we took our annual BWCA with a new camera. I think Dave posted some of the pictures from that trip.

Well I thought that one picture would be fun to enter in our local County fair, so I did. It's been over 20 yrs since I've participated in a County fair, and back then it was always chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, etc. Nothing quite like photography.

Judging was Monday night, and thanks to Weezie for making sure the picture made it to the fair on time. I had this thing called "work" that kinda got in my way that day.

Tuesday we went to the fair to see how I did, and to take PWM there before the big surgery on Wednesday.

Not to keep anyone in anymore suspense below is a picture of the ribbon I received:

[Linked Image]

I was simply shocked and surprised since I was only expecting a "participation" ribbon. Now I have a whole year to take more pictures and maybe enter in each group next year, not just in the animal group. I have to say it was so fun entering something in the fair again, brought me right back to when I was a kid. (Actual I acted like a kid when I saw the big ribbon...just ask Weezie)

A very hearty CONGRATULATIONS,Pam.That is a great picture.

Stan in SC

Very, very cool Pam. Congratulations! It is a beautiful picture and it looks like quite a few others agree.

Nice work.

Indeed, good job mama.

I gotta tell you guys, day 3 after your kids tonsils have been removed is around the time things seem a little rougher for the kid.

God he has me squirming with that nervous desperation that only a parent can have for a child in discomfort.

Poor little guy, I just want to see him back to normal.

Congrats Pam. Great photo. Maybe you can get one of a moma Loon with her babies on her back next year.

Made it to "Deer Fest Wisconsin" at Oshkosh over the weekend. Preety good event lots of vendors and TV personalities. Saw Lee and Tiffany, Michel Waddel, TBone, Nicole Jones and Pat Reeves, Tiffany, and the guys from Inside Outdoor. Did I mention I saw Tiffany?

My 3 year old niece had her picture taken with Tiffany and it's supposed to be posted on their web site.

Okay, I (twitch, twitch) am back from (twitch, twitch) camping with the family (twitch, twitch). Nah, just kidding, it was great. The weather threatened us all weekend, but turned out great. Lotsa swimming, boating, a little fishing, eating and bike riding for the kids.

Yesterday was a momentous day for our 7 year old daughter, Lauren. The day started out with 2 training wheels on her bike and about an hour later there was just one. 15 minutes after that they were both gone and we had us a bike rider on our hands! Stopping was the next thing to learn and she picked that up very quickly. Starting...not so fast to get that mastered and a skinned knee was the proof. By mid afternoon, the starting was under control and she is now a bike riding fool!

After we got home, the bike had to be taken out almost before we stopped rolling and away she went....only to be pulled over by a policeman.....she was caught.....wearing her pink bike helmet which means she gets a free treat at the Dairy Queen!

Way to go Pam! That is one stunning picture! Hmmm, the state fair is coming up....?

I love teaching kids to ride bike. The look on their faces when they realize that their "doing it" is priceless.

I didn't get a chance to teach our oldest son. Now 13. When he was 3, he rode his bike with training wheels over to grandpas house and said "gampa I want theesoff."

So grandpa took his training wheels off and he came riding home like a bat out of hell with a huge smile on his face.

Good job on the picture Ma Shaw! Talk about inspiration right off the bat!

I'd be hanging out at Nicole jones' table most of the day if I was at that show. For some reason I didn't get a return email on my invitation to come to camp. Pat reeves can stay home though.

Nicole is pretty easy on the eyes.

Actualy I figured I more likely find you at T-Bones both swapping BBQ recepies.

Pam I knew you would win something with that picture.

Hope you are feeling better Joe Dog.

Well it is official, I got my VIP WeFest tickets!!! Got a good deal on them. Jeremy's step dad does all the spraying out there and that is how he gets paid, with reserved and VIP tickets. Now I just have to find a date.

Got to work on the '78 F-150 yesterday. Got quite a bit done, it was a good day.

Here is a link to the thread for those of you that want to take a look.

rink

Let me know what y'all think of the color on the hood. It's starting to grow on me. I have it narrowed down to two colors. The hood color and a gray'ish/blue that Ford uses on the newer trucks and SUV's.

Hey Muffy,

How YOU doin' ?

I know a single guy who has 165 acres of prime white tail hunting up on little sugarbush lake

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I know a single guy who has 165 acres of prime white tail hunting up on little sugarbush lake

Single ya say?

LOL yup

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Muffy,

How YOU doin' ?

LOL!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I know a single guy who has 165 acres of prime white tail hunting up on little sugarbush lake

Hunting land? I need hunting land. Details!!!

Weezy and I made a run to the cabin tonight with carlos the 77 F150 pickup, a pair of rimfire rifles and a chainsaw.

We had trees to clear from the cabin trail, we had mud to find for carlos (weezy wants senior pictures with the truck muddy) and we had a little shooting competition to get out of the way. A bit of a dispute as to who might be handier with an open sight .22 LR. The OLD marine or the blond whipper snapper.

Cutt'n a down tree on the trail.

[Linked Image]

Our bold chariot.

[Linked Image]

10 rounds each per session.

The pink ruger and the blondie.

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Hmm, unharmed can at 35 yds.

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The OLD marine and the nylon 66.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1300.jpg[/img]

Hmm... one big hole. (the old man can shoot...

)

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1304.jpg[/img]

Rematch, focus this time...

10 more rounds for spunky and the pink rifle..

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One hole??

[Linked Image]

(I think she was shooting high the whole time, we'll fix that)

Then the old man again with the nylon 66.

9 shots this time for me and we are out of truck glove box ammo.

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I aimed higher on the can (35 yds) for the 2nd session since my can had such a huge void in it aleady from the first session

And this picture captures the 3 main elements of the evening. Mud, old truck, 22 shells and mosquitoes.

[Linked Image]

We did find some blue berries but I'm not very excited about it, I dont think it's going to be a good year.

[Linked Image]

If I were Weezy, I'd definatly use this opportunity to aquire another rifle. Nothing wrong with the pink one but one can never have enough.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

If I were Weezy, I'd definatly use this opportunity to aquire another rifle. Nothing wrong with the pink one but one can never have enough.

Maybe that would be a good graduation gift from you White Bear?

Wonder if she'll take a senior picture with her gun?

A girl, her gun, her mustang and dad's old truck...hmmm. Sounds like a good bunch of pictures to be taken this weekend.

You mean you are supposed to have excuses or reasons to buy new guns??

Shoot, I been doing it wrong all these years

I know that kid can shoot, next time out we'll shoot paper so we can see where she's hitting. I'm betting she's hitting high.

Pam, a picture of a gun in a public school year book?

What an awesome idea!

Saw those pics on the gopher thread...pretty sweet Nylon 66

The pink Ruger is a given in any household with a girl nowadays...

And you found a use for Busch lite!

I always wondered what people did with that ....... its a target!

They make damn fine targets. And I use the stuff inside the cans for beer brats and beer cheese soup.

That makes perfect sense to me....now.....

Man the blueberries are thick over on this side...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know that kid can shoot, next time out we'll shoot paper so we can see where she's hitting. I'm betting she's hitting high.

Pam, a picture of a gun in a public school year book?

What an awesome idea!

I had my senior pictures taken with my Rem 870. It was the only way I was doing it. The picture taker guy wasn't really on board with it. My mom told him that was the only way I'm getting my pictures, if he doesn't do it, he doesn't get to take any others either.

I was a redneck punk in a Duluth school full of...well I think we know what it was full of.

So I vote for Weezy and her gun.

Damn!

I dunno if frost got ours while the plants were in bloom or what>

Blueberries in the forest can be like waves in the ocean, sometimes they aren't in the same spot so you have to search around to find them.

That's the nice thing about the forest though, the varried terrain and timber cover offers so many combinations in elevation, ground moisture and sun exposure. Usually there is a sweet spot in the countless combinations that works best for a given year.

Sometimes you have to look for elevations that may have escaped a frost that killed most berry plant flowers before they could fruit. Sometimes it's just a moisture issue and you have to look in lower (wetter) areas, sometimes shade, sometimes open and direct sunlight is the ticket.

There is usually a combination that works. The plants themselves cover a great deal of area in the forest so last years dud plants might be this year's bumper crop plants.

That's my story and I'm stickin too it.

(maybe I just like trail riding and hunting for them)

I looked in a lot of places, and agree with you (I think) laffin...

They are very thick south of 2 this year, but not a lot north of 2 up in the barrons where they are usually pretty good..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Damn!

I dunno if frost got ours while the plants were in bloom or what>

Blueberries in the forest can be like waves in the ocean, sometimes they aren't in the same spot so you have to search around to find them.

That's the nice thing about the forest though, the varried terrain and timber cover offers so many combinations in elevation, ground moisture and sun exposure. Usually there is a sweet spot in the countless combinations that works best for a given year.

Sometimes you have to look for elevations that may have escaped a frost that killed most berry plant flowers before they could fruit. Sometimes it's just a moisture issue and you have to look in lower (wetter) areas, sometimes shade, sometimes open and direct sunlight is the ticket.

There is usually a combination that works. The plants themselves cover a great deal of area in the forest so last years dud plants might be this year's bumper crop plants.

That's my story and I'm stickin too it.

(maybe I just like trail riding and hunting for them)

You got any black bears around there ?? Quiet , shadows that leave very soft trails to follow ( most of the time ) but they know where the berries are . Closest I ever walked up to one was about 20' away from a blueberry bush. Bear stood up and stared at me and I froze in place staring back. after several hours ( seconds , but it seemed like hours ) the bear decided it had enough berries and bounded away as oly a bear can do , outta sight in a bound and a half and sounded like a tree falling for the next 5 seconds as it made haste away from a lil kid about maybe the tonsilectomy kids size . My heart and breathing soon started back up , and I grabbed a few handfulls of berries and walked very quickly ,right back to the saftey of mom and dad back at camp.

Almost forgot , I've been using my nylon 77 again this year , amazing how after 40 years it just plain out shoots great !!!
Ya put that girl on paper , she'll get dialed in and then you both will be having a blast trying to figure out just how many holes are in that can that looks like some one shot a 12 ga slug thru it

Doggone fine pictures,Dave.
Speaking of shooting I did my usual Wednesday early in the morning before it gets hot trip to the gun club.I was there at daylight.For the first time since joining last year I decided to try the 200 yard range with both my AR and the new to me .17HMR Savage.Five shots with the ar were in about a 3 inch group just right of the bull.Mostest accurate rifle I have ever owned.
The .17 Savage will group right in the bull at 100 yards but at 200 yards it is about 5 inches low.I ain't changing nothing cause 100 yards or less is where I usually shoot.I must say that these two rifles which I have only obtained this year have quickly gained a spot for themselves.
Tom,your truck will be a work in progress which I will follow with great interest.Keep reports coming.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I know a single guy who has 165 acres of prime white tail hunting up on little sugarbush lake

Hunting land? I need hunting land. Details!!!

Going to look at a farm to bow hunt in a little bit. 160acres. The owner...single. Might not be your style though, she's a chick.

One of the office engineers I work with.Oh yeah, she's 24.

Eat your heart out Rooster.

Hint, hint Ryan.

Thanks for following it Stan. Really, it's just going to be an old hunting truck, nothing fancy. I have to remember that when I'm ordering stuff for it. Hard to do sometimes.

I was going to fix it and sell it, but the dang thing is starting to grow on me. Ma and the girl want nothing to do with it, but me and the boy like it fine.

I lied. The farm is 120ac. It's pretty cool with a few established stands that have been there for awhile. No one bow hunts it, so that part excites me a little bit. I found a buck rub in a low area between a few fields, so i'm going to start there when it's not 92* out.

very nice, although I have a special someone who is moving down the 13th.
always nice to get a nice chunk of ground no one bow hunts

Cool that she's moving! Job yet?

It is cool that no one bow hunts it. They did say they saw 2 big bucks last year but it's shotgun country and they were out of range.

she doesn't have a job yet, but several good leads, she needs to get down here before she can really move on any of them. she's been denied 2 decent jobs already just because she's applying from out of state

Cool Ryan. Hope she finds a job she likes down there.

Done with work for the week. The boss don't like to work Fridays. We put in long hours this week. Yesterday I come home quite muddy. We had to plant a bunch of stuff at this mansion we work at. They are having a wedding there at the end of this month and everyting has to be perfect. It is looking great and the owners are very happy with what we put in and the work we have done.

Muffy, I must have missed it, what is your job now? Sounds like you are enjoying it.

hello there chickenbuckers' figured id stop in and say high again, havent posted in here since last novemeber or so. hope everyone is getting plenty of scounting in, because im slammed with worth down here in illinois (gag) 7-10s at the belvedere assembly plant, but the good news is im take november TOTALLY off to go deer hunting :-D. now by the looks of it, ive got 400-500 pages to catch up on lol

Howdy cooper!

Hey Coop! Good to see ya. I too am swamped with work. Working 6's, so not as much as you, but it's plenty.

I think I will be working about 9 days in November, so I got that going for me...which is nice.

ive had my hands full baby sitting the russian and german enginerds, never met such a group of educated dumbos. Absolute geniuses working for the company (happends to be zeiss) but absolutly no practical ability haha.

Damn! Rained like a M#$%^@&$* around 5 PM yesterday. Water in the basement again. Wausau TV says we got around 4" in about an hour.

i am thinking we should all pitch in a few bucks to buy Grizzly Bill a few life jackets. Comfortable ones that he can wear all day every day!

Good idea BM. At least it wasn't anything like the the 12 inches they got in Dubuque,IA and northern IL yesterday.

Nothing at all in the local paper (The Stevens Point Daily Disapointment) about yesterdays storm.

One of the new windows leaked, so the contractor is coming over to find out what the problem is.

All right, I consider it my duty to lighten up your day today. You can all laugh at my expense

. yesterday, one of my twins, Hunter, apparently got up from his nap and invaded his sister's room. Throwing this and that around was not enough for this hellion though, oh no, he had much, much, bigger plans. I can see his thought process:

What is in this little bottle? oh, pretty pink. That would look really good on the carpet. I wonder if Mommy and Daddy would like me to paint a nice stripe of pink across Lauren's carpet with fingernail polish? Yep, I think they would....

Of course I found it about 6 hours later and it was dried on hard. Nail polish remover didnt touch it. And to think, when we asked him if he did it.....he acted kinda proud!

Mama got home from the cities and although I have a hard time capturing the emotion, I am pretty sure it wasn't "proud".

Set out my new trail cam and got a buck and a doe on the first night!

[Linked Image]

How high do you dudes set yours up? This should go up a bit higher. It was about 24" off the ground, er, I mean deck.

I've gone as high as 10' and angled it down at a water tank, worked really well.

Kendra had a second interview today, said it went really well. I'm gettin excited to get her down there.

sweet on the interview!

I just set it up in the "woods" in the back. It's a swampy, highg grass spot in the back of our property that has a heavy trail through it. I weed whacked the grass from a popple to about 3' past the trail. the shots will be pretty close 10-15'.

I set the camera up 2-3 feet off the ground. It isn't the best right now, but I nearly got carried away by mosquito's. I found a better tree when I was back there, I'll clean out around that later. See how this woorks first.

Dont set it toward the east or you get pics of sunrise. wavy grass will also trigger mine. a branch will as well. Mine I put a whisker higher, prolly 4.5 feet or so. I angle mine down just slightly.

higher is better
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Set out my new trail cam and got a buck and a doe on the first night!

Uncle Dusty wants to know why their eye were shining.

Originally Posted by tzone

Set out my new trail cam and got a buck and a doe on the first night!

[Linked Image]

Must be a boy thing. My son used his crayons to color the wall of his bedroom 2 days after I painted it. Apparently didn't like the color.

I got to see those 2 shinny eyed kids today. They sure are growing.

I'm eating blueberry pie, with wild berries picked yesterday.

Holy cow this is good!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Uncle Dusty wants to know why their eye were shining.

They were hitting the Sprite pretty hard before we went outside.

Checked the trail cam when I got home...It was out about 36 hours and I have 102 pictures on it. Some of them were nothing special, but most were cool. I think I need another one.

Those are great tom, you're going to like that cam.

Ok, well we went to the cabin to do some mowing. Things were looking pretty shaggy.

[Linked Image]

We fired up the mower and the weed whackers and tore into it.

[Linked Image]

Much better. We also mowed a trail loop behind (north) of the cabin which involed some chainsaw work and some new bypass routes, it wasn't easy. We bassically filled the better part of saturday with mowing, trimming and sawing.

But we did do some trail riding and we found some blueberries.

[Linked Image]

The blueberry hunting is really tough this year, nothing like last year but we are confident that with a little trail riding and searching we can find enough. We're thinking next weekend might be the latest we should wait though, there aren't many green berries out there at all, it seens they are all blue.

Choke cherries are looking good, so maybe we will do ok on them this year.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1366.jpg[/img]

We did some minnow trapping too but we don't know what these things are.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1481.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1484.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1374.jpg[/img]

Those are mud minnow. At least that's what we have always called them. They're very tough, good for jigging with because it seems to be rough on the minners when jigging.

I hook them through the mouth, out the gill plate, and then stick behind the head.

A bit of the little things that are always around us.

Ugly duck.

[Linked Image]

Red dragon fly.

[Linked Image]

Frog

Some kind of berries that I've seen in the woods my whole life but I have no idea what they are.

[Linked Image]

We did some plinking last night.

Lil man and the youth stainless marlin rimfire.

[Linked Image]

Runs with scissors with the savage 17HMR.

[Linked Image]

Just a bit of info here. The 20 grain 17HMR will poke clean through an 1/8" plate on a rimfire dinger/spinner target.

See the deer fly perched by my rear sight on the high standard double 9?

[Linked Image]

In the other side of the fire ring the boy readies the bug fogger.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1407.jpg[/img]

Blueberry pancakes at the cabin this morning and.. That's all he wrote.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1461.jpg[/img]

Looks like fun!

MN hunting regs available online on Monday.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/hunting/index.html

I would love to go riding and berry picking this weekend but I got the WE Fest thing going on. Sounds like dad is interested though.

Stayed at the lake lastnight with mom, dad, and Kenna. We went on a pontoon ride with dad's fishing partner, his wife and grandaughter. Then dad grilled these huge tbone steaks. Sorry I didn't take any pictures of them.

don't need no dang rules. I need the lisc. to be sold so I can put in for the permits.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I would love to go riding and berry picking this weekend but I got the WE Fest thing going on. Sounds like dad is interested though.

Stayed at the lake lastnight with mom, dad, and Kenna. We went on a pontoon ride with dad's fishing partner, his wife and grandaughter. Then dad grilled these huge tbone steaks. Sorry I didn't take any pictures of them.

Missy....no pictures? You have that fancy camera now so there's no excuse...get busy woman.

Looks like you had an awesome weekend ND!

Would it be possible to borrow that 4 place loominum trailer next weekend? I have some quads to haul.....

Sure, you can borrow what's left of it.

Did it break?

Dave aint want to talk about it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dave aint want to talk about it.

Neither does Mrs. ND.

speaking of pictures....I think we need pictures. then no one needs to talk much.

Nope, not getting pictures either B-man.

This is getting more frustrating and depressing as the day goes on... And I thought nothing but good things would happen today...NOT!

Who ran over the trailer with the tractor?

Maybe I'll post pics of the new trailer someday?

Oh, the intrigue is thick in here!

So, about those blueberries and an upcoming chickenbuck weekend with some ATV riding and berry hunting (I say hunting because they will be tricky to find this year)

Who's in?

Appears that Dave is trying to use Blueberries to change the subject?

Thanks for the seque (Sp) though.

Wife and I picked Black Raspberries at her cousins place Saturday. They beat the heck out of Red Raspberries for flavor. We plan on picking again Tuesday if the weather holds.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, about those blueberries and an upcoming chickenbuck weekend with some ATV riding and berry hunting (I say hunting because they will be tricky to find this year)

Who's in?

Count me in.

I have to see the trailer

You have to come up to shickinbuck to see the trailer and hear the story.

It's not ready for prime time news yet.

When where thinking ?

This coming weekend.

I'm open to other dates as well, the only reason I say this coming weekend is because I think this whole blueberry thing is coming to an end soon.

Just giong by the lack of green berries. What is out there seems to be ready to pick with not much yet to grow/ripen.

I might be able to do that. Haffta find out the work schedule first though.

I think i might go

I asked for it off, we'll see what happens. If I get to come up, I'm going to bring a buddy...The camp may never be the same.

Here are a few pics from Nate's Moultrie D60

[Linked Image]

Well, there's a couple left up there anyway.

hopefully ya get some pics of ol' forkytoes on there soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Maybe I'll post pics of the new trailer someday?

Me thinks we have a better chance of finding Jimmy Hoffa than finding out the fate of the trailer.

Correct.

No berry picking for us today. Mother nature is taking a dump on us again.

Taylor County, NW of here is really catching hell. Some areas have over 4" of rain and it's still coming down.

Looks like we'll need air boats to get around in the woods this fall.

Sounds like you got the brunt of what we got yesterday. We didn't get 4". Bad news for you Bill, there is more on the way. Got a doosey hitting here soon.

Dave, unless Something goofy happens, me and the mini man will be pointed north. Not sure if it will be Friday night or if I'll be up on Saturday morning for pancakes.

Sounds good, I'm watching the 10 day forecast and at this point the weatherman is shuffling the forecast like a deck of cards.

If we did everything according to the weather forecast, we wouldn't do anything at all.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave, unless Something goofy happens, me and the mini man will be pointed north. Not sure if it will be Friday night or if I'll be up on Saturday morning for pancakes.

I will see you friday night.

Why, you driving down here?

If I was coming by myself I'd do it no problem, but I have to wait for ma to get home from work, so it would be probably 1 am if i made good time. I won't make good time because I'll have to stop every hour or so for the little man to pee.

If I leave at 3-4am I'll be there when you goof balls are rolling out of bed.

So we're going to lunch at this place on the UofM campus and this "nature" type college chick says to me..."Sir, I"m from Green Peace, do you have a minute for the environment?"

Me:"no thank you, m'am, we're on our lunch break and we only have a few minutes."

GP Lady: "Sir, you look like you care for the environment, you don't have a minute"

Me: "Yes, m'am I do care for the environment, I'm about to go across the street to the Pot Belly and eat some of the tasty animals it produces everyday."

GP Lady:....no words. Imagine that.

Well, she may have said something but I couldn't hear her because the two people I was with were crying from all the laughing.

Nice!

i had that happen once at a grocery store with a peta member, i promptly tossed a fillet at her that she hadnt seen lol she looked like someone cancelled christmas, then i proceeded to tell her that i mostly prefer to shoot kill etc etc my own tasty fury creatures, she then tried to tell me how would i feel, and i said, well i dunno, but im at the top of the food chain and its good up here :-D

Green Peace eh? I thought they only wanted to save the whales?

I agree Bill, I think we should save the whole set.

One good comeback is to ask them what they have personally done for the environment....not conduct surveys, etc, but how many acres of habitat improvement have they done? How many trees planted? That shuts them up pretty quick. They are almost all just in it for the glory, they dont want to actually do anything to help the animals.

what on earth could you have done right then to help any critter Tzone? Not a damn thing.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

what on earth could you have done right then to help any critter Tzone? Not a damn thing.

I did my part to keep the chickens from over population.

It was good on my sandwhich.

I try to do my part. I love growing wildlife and watching them all summer as they mature, right before harvest time

kinda like farming in a way

A little excitement out there I hear Ryan. Someone got in a shootout with the cops and killed one, eh? Not good.

Anyone for some ice cream?

yeah I heard that on the radio on my way home, 3 cops got in a gunfight, one didn't make it the other two are wounded but stable. haven't heard many details other than that. bad deal though

ummm, in a gunfight with each other??

I heard on the radio this afternoon the bad guy didn't make it either.........hope the bastid was miserable till he checked out.

Ahh, bad guy. That's what was missing from the gunfight.

oh yeah they got him for sure.

It is possible he was wearing the black hat....

what is it the so called bad guy in question is presumed guilty of? seems like lately there has been a lot of not so bad guys getting taken out by those sworn to protect and serve.... I.E. Daves campfire topic about the mentally incompetent fella out west that got beat and tased to death for no reason

the radio report said officers had stopped 4 men although it didn't say why, after talking with the officers for 10 minutes one pulled a gun and started shooting, hitting all 3 officers when they returned fire and killed him. all 3 officers on the scene were wounded, one was killed.

Sounds like a true bad guy to me.

What a terrible shame that young officer lost his life. My thoughts & prayers to his family.

How much badder do you want them to be? He shot at the cops!

I'd say that qualifies for getting a little extra ventilation. Unfortunately a good guy had to die because of it.

Dave, how is that chickenbuck road? I hear yr headed out there this weekend? are you bringing all the wheelers again?

Ohhh, I suppose it depends on how many rain clouds drifted over the forest this week (if any). It was trying to dry out by Sunday when we went home last weekend. Still some standing water but if you wanted to try to get stuck you'd need a chevy.

Not certain yet if we'll be out there, watching the weather I guess.

I just got my 2 archery deer tags in the mail, I can pick up another either sex. I got 2 antelope tags for WY, EH76 is taking me and kenra out. If we draw everything we put in for we should be allowed 11 or 12 critters, not counting turkeys

who wants to come out next year?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

who wants to come out next year?

Pick me, pick me. (raising hand)

Just got back from Fleet Farm. Picked up my gun deer license and a bonus doe tag.

What's a "gun deer"? sounds dangerous.

R fords really wide in the forest or are the trees getting bigger?

Sorry, firearms deer.

There must have been a big winter kill. There is no early season antlerless season this year. Not even by Duluth.

Same old stuff Tom, they over sell tags for years on end. Then they figure out a year or 2 late that thay have over done it, so they shut'r down. I'm surprised it didn't go directly from buck-doe combo plus 5 management tags directly to buck only with a lottery for doe, or closed seasons all together.

The weather don't look good for the weekend guys. Certainly not for being outside anyways.

I can understand there being a "lag" in deer counts, but they don't haffta sell so many tags to begin with. The only reason I'll shoot two deer is if someone in the party wants one, or when I have Jack with me and we see a doe. I'd like for him to get in on the experience if the bucks aren't moving.

Quote

The weather don't look good for the weekend guys. Certainly not for being outside anyways.

It's looking like I'll have to work in it, for a half day anyway. I'd still like to come up in September with the little man and chase thunder chickens.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Same old stuff Tom, they over sell tags for years on end. Then they figure out a year or 2 late that thay have over done it, so they shut'r down. I'm surprised it didn't go directly from buck-doe combo plus 5 management tags directly to buck only with a lottery for doe, or closed seasons all together.

The weather don't look good for the weekend guys. Certainly not for being outside anyways.

Sounds like the MN DNR read and believed what the WI Deer Mgmt idiots wrote and practiced.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Dave, how is that chickenbuck road? I hear yr headed out there this weekend? are you bringing all the wheelers again?

Buschy have you forgoten already that Dave's trailer was mysterially broken?

Dave's got to come up with a new trailer befor he can be haulen wheelers.

Dave, did something happen to your trailer? must have been those flying swampquids out there huh? The stories preacher will come up with when he's got a few minutes. Good to see the young lad is doing well too.

I'll use my steel trailer now, very strong. Aluminum very fragile.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Sounds like the MN DNR read and believed what the WI Deer Mgmt idiots wrote and practiced.

Believe it or not Bill, not nearlys as screwed up as the WI DNR. Some things, like the sharp shooters in the TB zone, but not on the level with WI DNR for screwed up-ness.

Happy for you and a mite jealous to boot! That sure sounds like fun out there! Did Kendra find a job?

I put my trail cameras out a couple of days ago....ohmygosh, the mosquitos were UNBELIEVABLE! Hope to get some nice pics to share at some point. Got one a couple years ago of a fawn suckling on a doe. that was pretty neat.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Aluminum very fragile.

do you mean that all Aluminum is fragile or our trailer is very fragile the way it sits rate now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watch it sizzers!

all aluminum is junk, new, old, all of it.

We going to the cabin tonight

i hears you got to watch for jumping trees in the woods too nowadays....

jumping trees....fragile aluminum....it is starting to come together....

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

We going to the cabin tonight

weather man is kind of handing us a bag of poo for the weekend, I'm not sure it would be a good idea to head out there. Might be a wasted trip with us sitting in the cabin all weekend watching the rain through the windows.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

We going to the cabin tonight

weather man is kind of handing us a bag of poo for the weekend, I'm not sure it would be a good idea to head out there. Might be a wasted trip with us sitting in the cabin all weekend watching the rain through the windows.

Lets line something up for a weekend where we can be in the woods doing stuff.

ok

maybe add a covered porch on the front, can sit on the deck and watch it rain next to those ice holders with a cool refreshment.

Good idea.

I could be talked into heading out there with very little arm twisting actually.

I'll twist a little. I think Sunday is going to be a nice day.

Stupid bear, couldn't make it to work huh?

Stoopid?????
Who's at home sipping a cocktail foo?

Kill a few buffalo for me while you're at it Mr Clavin.

could i talk you in to leting me go fishing with a couple buds

Miller is better than Bud.

All this beer talk is making me thirsty!

We're chickenbuck bound. Not much risk for me since I'm close to home if we get rained out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Watch it sizzers!

all aluminum is junk, new, old, all of it.

On the bright side aluminum will bring pretty good money at the scrap yard. Prices around here ranged from .70 cents to a $1 per pound a month ago.

Bright side, schmight side.

Getting burned out working all these hours. More rain coming today too.

Thursday, my tune will change. I'm headed to Mille Lacs for 3 days.

Going to hit here tonight. The good news is that daytime highs are going to be in the mid 70's all next week, nights in the 50's. I can finally give the A/C a rest.

WE Fest is AWESOME!!!! Thursday night was Blake Shelton & Brad Paisley. Lastnight was Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Sugarland. Tonight is Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flats.

Sad that it is the last night, but my liver will need a break by then. That is bound to happen with all the free beer.

Free beer ya say? You never said nuttin about free beer when you mentioned you needed a date.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Watch it sizzers!

all aluminum is junk, new, old, all of it.

You had better trade in those loominum wheels on that fancy new economy car for some steelies then. I prolly have some kickin around here for you.

Looks like a buck / # for scrap / junk .
http://www.metalprices.com/
Pics would be pricless though when the wounds heal from whatever happened

Great weekend we're all beat from too much fun I think.

I'll ask Pam to do the whole weekend report with pics since she took all the pictures and she got some really good ones.

The only reason I got this job this time around is because ND is tired and full of ice cream and blueberries. UGH! Here goes though.

Friday night we all rolled in pretty much at the same time. We had a fire going and the dragonflies were out in full force eating hardy. ND is signing Splashy's cast that she should get off in 2 weeks...Camp Chickenbuck is everywhere.

[Linked Image]

Saturday it rained off and on, but we managed to get some blueberry picking done to the total of one 5 quart ice cream bucket. We also did some "metal protecting" as PWM calls it, the rest of it call "metal DEtecting".

PWM's big treasure:

[Linked Image]

Aunt Eileen helping the kids run her "detector"
[Linked Image]

We retired to the cabin Saturday afternoon where we had a big pot of Chili compliments of ND, then all of us decided to take a nap. Four hours later, the cabin came alive again to visit for a little bit longer and go back to bed. We all should've got enough sleep that day.

Sunday the sun was shining and the whole group was ready to go...but we were waiting on one person in particular...
[Linked Image]

Finally we got rolling to pick another two ice cream buckets of these sweet things.
[Linked Image]

One of our very hard working "pickers"
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1564.jpg[/img]

After seeing that we had 3 buckets full of berries, we decided to go for a ride to cool off. On the way I looked down at my foot to see I had a little friend...
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/bluedragon.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1618.jpg[/img]

Getting some water from the well
[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/IMG_1609.jpg[/img]

A bee on a flower, thought it was kinda a neat pic. Maybe my next Grand Champion pic?
[Linked Image]

We goofed around trail riding and headed back to the cabin for some brauts/dogs and beans, loaded up and had just enough energy to load up some heat for this winter.

[Linked Image]

Fun was had by all even with the rain/clouds on Saturday. Another good weekend at Camp Chickenbuck, unfortunately Weezie worked all weekend and couldn't come out, not even to get fed. Poor girl.

I'm not as well versed as ND is when he describes our weekends but I think everyone will get the idea. Have a great week everyone. Until next time...

Mrs. ND

Who's Splashy?

Great pics as always Ma.

edited to add: never mind...I know who Splashy is. I didn't know that was here name. What happened to her?

Is the wood for the cabin or the house?

For the house with this load.

Do you sitll use the pellet stove?

Sold, gone. An old fashioned free standing wood stove sits in the pellet stove's old spot. No power needed, it just works no matter what.

Great time was had by all it seems.Great pictures,Pam.That camera takes really detailed close ups.You could even see the "hair" on the bee.

Stan in SC

Great pics Pam. I noticed that Dave had on a sweat shirt. Must have been cool up there.

Dave, looks like you burn a lot of pine. Is there a shortage of hard wood at camp?

We have a lot of Ash at our camp. Makes for great firewood.

It was cool in the morning but it warmed up fast and the sweatshirts went away.

Decent hardwood is a little harder to come by. Birch would be our best bet for an abundance of hardwood but it would be kind of tough to scratch together a load like this. Oak, there really isn't any out in the forest areas around here. We have a lot on our 10 acres at home I guess. Biggest problem with our red oak is the bark. Really thick bark, messy. Not much elm, or ash... or maple...

This jack pine does ok though, we like tamarak better but this will burn decent.

We can't move firewood more than 50 miles here because of the ash tree beatles . So instead of cutting the trees I have here and taking them up to camp to stay ahead on firewood , ( we only own 2 acres there so it is not sustainable ) I just had to pay for a load of logs to be delivered to camp

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It was cool in the morning but it warmed up fast and the sweatshirts went away.

Decent hardwood is a little harder to come by. Birch would be our best bet for an abundance of hardwood but it would be kind of tough to scratch together a load like this. Oak, there really isn't any out in the forest areas around here. We have a lot on our 10 acres at home I guess. Biggest problem with our red oak is the bark. Really thick bark, messy. Not much elm, or ash... or maple...

This jack pine does ok though, we like tamarak better but this will burn decent.

Pine tends to creosote your chimmy fairly fast. Just make sure you clean it regulary. We're lucky to have the Ash and Maple. We have a lot of poplar and Hemlock too. Neither are the best for burning. We also have a few Yellow Birch near the cabin. It makes a lot of heat when it burns.

Originally Posted by M1894

We can't move firewood more than 50 miles here because of the ash tree beatles . So instead of cutting the trees I have here and taking them up to camp to stay ahead on firewood , ( we only own 2 acres there so it is not sustainable ) I just had to pay for a load of logs to be delivered to camp

We have the same situation here in WI with the Ash Bore. Same 50 mile rule applies.

Northern WI is pretty well loaded with good fire wood. Near our camp in the Park Falls area, there is more Maple than I've seen in MN period. More Birch, more Ash...

Northern MN is tough to come by anything but pine and popple.

Yep, come up to Northern WI and get yourself a piece of Ash.

Here's a picture of a nice piece of Ash I got up on a project in Crandon,WI.

Gotta watch yourself up there...most of the Ash a guy gets in that neck of the woods comes from the Rez.

[Linked Image]

Believe me, nobody wants a piece of ash off the Rez.

Bet you'd end up with a rash on your ash.

Originally Posted by tzone

Free beer ya say? You never said nuttin about free beer when you mentioned you needed a date.

Sorry Tom, I guess I did forget to mention the free beer and food. Maybe I would have had a date then huh?

Looks like everyone had fun at camp this weekend. Wish I could have been there.

I didn't make it either. I had to work, I tried to get out of it but...no go.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea. Wood stove It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

This was my original post which grew into something I could not have imagined back then.

This behemoth thread is 4 years old today.

Not just the thread but the camp itself too. 4 years later things are quite established and comfortable as they should be for a deer camp.

I want to thank Rick Bin for allowing this soap opera of a thread to exist here. I also want to thank the collective core of the campfire forums for the sincere support, interest and helpful suggestions and fun interaction within this thread over the span of 4 years.

As this site is an open discussion forum it is also open to heated disagreements and personal attacks etc. It happens quite often with certain topics.

Butt it hasn't happened here in this thread for 4 years. As vulnerable as the topic itself is, with a family hurting due to a loss, restructuring, strengthening bonds and sharing so openly family photos etc... It's quite vulnerable and open to insults and attacks. Yet it hasn't happened.

It's August 9 2011 today.

There's a lot of financial suffering nationwide, unemployment is high, the economy is in the toilet... A political mess, that's how we will remember these times in general.

It's depressing actually, people are irritable. There has been a recent and popular opinion suggesting that the moral core of the campfire has degraded from what it once may have been.

I disagree with this idea. I believe many of us are tired, tired of waiting for 2012 perhaps. We may be irritable, but our values have not degraded. We may have new members, some of which seem to be here only to taunt our conservative lifestyles and beliefs. But we haven�t become diluted because of it.

I took a glance before I started typing this and I saw around two million one hundred thousand views for this single thread. Four years old, over 2 million views and not a single attack.

The campfire forum values aren�t sick or dying. Are we sick of politics and the direction the country is going? Sure, but the core group here is still good people and I want to thank everybody for that.

I�m going to send Rick Bin a PM today and ask that he pull the sticky from this thread. I have a feeling it will stay around for a while regardless. Like a big ugly beach ball at a party it will likely keep popping up from time to time. But I would feel better if it wasn�t stickied to the top of the page here in deer hunting. The deer hunting section is one of my favorite sections of the campfire forums to visit and I think this thing has hung at the top of the page for too long.

Thanks very much everybody for putting up with this nonsense for 4 years.

Dave

Dave you do what ya do, just remember that many of us appreciate the hell out of you and Pam letting us all ride along on your coattails while you make your cabin into a camp.

Thanks

First of all I want to thank you and your family for starting this thread. Without it I wouldn't have met any of you, or grizzly bill.I was welcomed to your camp by your family, and was looked at goofy when I asked if could come back. The whole Chickenbuck crew are folks I would call great friends, which for me is rare because I'm a general grumpy bugger. With you guys, we got along from the start.

I remember the first day I met Uncle Dusty. The first day I met Muffy, it was like we had known eachother for years.

Thank you Shaws, all of you.

I

Happy Birthday Thread. Happy Birthday Camp Chickenbuck!

Dave, Pam and crew. Thanks for everything. (You know what I mean)

I will still be checking the thread out just as often and I'm sure all the other "chickenbuckers" will be too. Its been a great inspiring part of our lives for four years. Just because its not a "sticky" doesn't mean she is going away!

God Bless you and your family Dave.

BMT

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I will still be checking the thread out just as often and I'm sure all the other "chickenbuckers" will be too. Its been a great inspiring part of our lives for four years. Just because its not a "sticky" doesn't mean she is going away!

Once a year Captain Dave gets mushy about this thread and how it has a life of it's own. Sticky or not, it isn't going anywhere. It means a lot to more people than he knows. Look how many people only have a few posts, and all their posts are on here.

Dave how does it feel to have cult following

?

Ahhhh...sniff, sniff, wiping a tear....everybody loves you, Dave.

Dave, I do not post much but, this is the main thread that I check every day. Thanks for putting up with the lot of us.

Oh stop teasing.

Forum hog phobia gets to me. Nobody wants to be a forum hog.

I can't begin to express my gratitude for Dave and the rest of the bunch for taking me in as a stray and giving me a sense of family. we only get one shot on this rock, its what we do with it that counts.

Ah, Pam you know it isnt so much as like as he has the key to the beer cooler

Actually your little world in the woods kind of gives some of us a goal to strive for.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Ahhhh...sniff, sniff, wiping a tear....everybody loves you, Dave.

You too Ma. I said the FAMILY.

I also think this is the year when you should come to a Vikings game! I know a great place for you guys to stay.

just found out I didn't draw a single damn deer tag for SD. non residents have a better chance to draw some areas! I know because Kendra Drew!

What the heck???

Are you interested in any CO tags this fall? left over list is out today I think?

I might be, my folks only live 8 hours from me.
I got 3 archery deer tags and 2 wy antelope and 2 SD anteople tags, all for does. I'm gonna hopefully find a spot lined up for next year and get a nice buck. I promised you a speed goat hunt, and by God we'll do it!

also for anyone who think they might want to hunt out here, application for speed goats is due by the 12th, and preference points are only 5 bucks........ RWS I think you and Ma would really like antelope hunting, its my favorite, nothing like it IMO. definitely something different.

A big thanks to Dave and family for keeping this going. As Jerry Garcia said "It's been one heck of a ride".

On 2/21/08 I made my first post on this thread.The loss of Dave's cousin as he described it struck a chord with me because I lost my college room mate/best friend of 50 years/like a brother less than two weeks before that on 2/9/08.I also had built a cabin in the woods in 1985.At the time I started reading this thread I had only like four posts on the campfire.
In April I PM'ed Rick Bin suggesting that he sticky this thread because it was going to create a lot of following.Since that time I have made a lot of friends here and I feel like part of the family even though I am wayyy down here in South Carolina.You guys were very comforting to me after the open heart surgery in June,2008.This is one of the first threads I look at every day.I very much treasure Camp Chickenbuck and the members here.Thank you Dave,Pam,family and all my good friends here for many hours of enjoyment and the chance to share your lives and adventures.
Chickenbuck forever!

stan in SC

I'll search for the thread, if, I have to, I guess.. Thanks Dave. And Kin. You'all are good folks.

4

What do y'all think?

She's sitting in the garage now. Put a Ford bug deflector on to keep the rock chips off the hood. Topper will be ordered soon. Leveling kit soon to follow. I won't need bigger tires, these baby's are big.

Oh yeah, almost forgot...started the MPG average at 0 at the dealerhip. 48 mix driving miles later it was at 18.6 MPG.

Dayum! nice truck T!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Ahhhh...sniff, sniff, wiping a tear....everybody loves you, Dave.

You too Ma. I said the FAMILY.

I also think this is the year when you should come to a Vikings game! I know a great place for you guys to stay.

Thanks Tzone, just giving Dave crap like a wife should or I think they should.

Sounds good to me about the Vikes game, I'd be peeing my pants with excitement if it happened. You'd see me on the evening news because I'd be the "crazy looking woman" that couldn't contain herself with Dave in the background shaking his head.

BTW, nice truck!

Oh and I see we are still "stuck" so I'm thinking Rick disagreed with Dave's request and left us at the top to torture all of you FOREVER!!!!!!!

Heck if I have to put up with Dave and his daily adventures, so do all of you...just kidding "hunny".

Very nice 'T'. V8, correct? Thought you'd spring for the 4dr.

What options?

Good morning shickenbuckers.

Stan, grisslee bill, forester... Thanks guys.

I'm thinking Rick is a busy man and doesn't always have time to check him PM's here.

lets hear about that nice truck T, XLT? Engine? It's really sharp man, I love white trucks.

Tzone nice truck.. Did you get that at Apple Valley ford??

Just a heads up take it somewhere else for service.. I and my neighbors have had huge problems there in the past...Maybe there better now this was about 2 years ago.....

Nice nice truck,Tom.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Very nice 'T'. V8, correct? Thought you'd spring for the 4dr.

'Tis the V-8. I would spring for the 4d, but I wanted a 6 1/2' box and it wouldn't fit in the garage. Well, it would, but we'd need to do some remodeling in the kitchen.

The Super Cab has lots of room. More than the previous models. It has nearly the room of the previous body style SC's. The new SC's are huge. More room that a car in the back. Anyway, I need the box more than the back seat.

Quote

What options?

It is the XLT with the Chrome package and Max Towing Package, off road tire/wheel package. I don't know how big in inches, but they're big. 265/75/18.

Originally Posted by noduck

Tzone nice truck.. Did you get that at Apple Valley ford??

Just a heads up take it somewhere else for service.. I and my neighbors have had huge problems there in the past...Maybe there better now this was about 2 years ago.....

I doubt I'll take it there for service. It's 50 miles from my house. There is 10 ford dealers between my house and AV Ford. Thanks for the tip though. I'm hoping I won't have to take it anywhere for service. The Tundra needed NOTHING. I have high expectations for this truck.

Gee whiz, I had to go in to the mothership (home office) yesterday and missed all the fun! Ryan, your comment about being a stray was dang funny! And Tzone IS a grumpy bugger!

I havent personally met many of ya yet, but that will change over time I hope....although I have no desire to see Grizzly Bill in a Packer shirt....I dont get up towards Chickenbuck very often, but someday I hope to stop in and meet all the folks....err characters is a better word!

One of my best memories of this crew was when Cole had his benefit, many of you stepped up to the plate with donations. You never met him, never met me....yet you still helped out. I really want to thank you for the new fishing pole I bought with all the cash...

Nah, just kidding, every red cent went to Cole (he has a scan this month, say a little prayer).

If any of you are zipping through Alexandria and wanna have lunch or something, please let me know and we can meet!

And one day, I would like to make it out to western SD to see Ryan's PF work. Are there many birds out there this year Ryan? I kinda wanna do a trip, but havent gotten anything lined up. I am sure we will meet up at some PF event some time.

By the way Tzone, nice truck! What motor?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

lets hear about that nice truck T, XLT? Engine? It's really sharp man, I love white trucks.

I like the white too. It will look good when I get the black wheels and hopefully, black grill guard.

I'm going to get a leveling kit in the not too distant future, but the topper comes before that. I don't think I'll need bigger tires with the leveler, I just want it lose the "rake."

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't know how big in inches, but they're big. 265/75/18.

Awesome, Mine runs 265/70/18 and my plans for replacement tires are to go to the 265/75/18 as it ads height and retains the same width on tire charts I looked at.

Might loose some mpg if you bring the nose up too high Tom. Just something to consider, either way cograts, she's a beauty.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

By the way Tzone, nice truck! What motor?

5.0l V-8.

Nice truck T.....for a Fiaord.

Forgive my ignorance but what does the leveling kit do?

B-man - Prayer sent for Cole's scan to turn out alright.

Isn't 5.0 equivalent to the tried and true 302 cubic inch?I grew up on cubic inches but I got kinda lost when the switch to liters was made.

Stan in SC

I was traveling a back road through SD yesterday on the way home from our other plant and seen the gol darndest thing.

I happened to glance out in this pasture and there was a big 'ol white egret standing on a cows back. The cow was just walking along munching grass and the egret was riding along like they were buddies.

Don't see that everyday....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Might loose some mpg if you bring the nose up too high Tom. Just something to consider, either way cograts, she's a beauty.

Thanks. Ya know, I didn't think of that. The level kit is about last on the list of goodies to get. There is a lot of rubber and rubber-ish moldings under the hood to block openings. I'm assuming most of them are for MPG increases. Two I saw are to get air to the intake box.

I don't know if you've looked under the hood at the new 5.0l's but it's quite impressive. Headers, very functional cold air intake, big exhaust...stuff a car guy would add. I don't think adding an after market cold air intake would do much for this truck. Maybe add a K&N filter to the box would be all I'd do.

I'll snap a pic if I remember.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Isn't 5.0 equivalent to the tried and true 302 cubic inch?I grew up on cubic inches but I got kinda lost when the switch to liters was made.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan!
The older 302 wasn't a true 5.0l, the new one supposedly is. I think to be truly a 5.0, it would be 304 or 305ci.

This isn't the same rascal as the old 5.0's The guys in the maintenance garage I talked to, were saying this is probably the best motor Ford ever made..in recent times anyway. Designed to last 200K+ miles.

The dealership I bought it from builds "show cars" out of the new Mustangs and drives them to different shows around the US. Then sells them the next year. The shop guys are excited about all the goodies coming out for this 5.0l.

This one is 360 HP. Torque is 380lbs.

Dave,

You'll smile when you hear this motor. It's angry at the world right from the time you fire it up. When you push the happy pedal, it growls angrily at the cars it passes, like they should be happy just to be getting passed by it.

I can't wait to hear it with duals.

I test drove a limited with the 5.0 once. Loved the sound, loved the power. Awesome engine.

You're just jealous BM because my Packer shirts say "Super Bowl Champs". The Queens sure can't say the same thing.

Griz,
Dang right! But if (when) we meet, such attire shall not adorn you!

The only think I dont like about 18" tires is the cost of replacing them. I just bought some for my F250 and $1000 doesnt get it done for BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KOs.

I think I am gonna buy a bow and get into bowhunting a little. Wish me luck.

Another skeeter feeder climbs a tree with the stick and string.

luck!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Another skeeter feeder climbs a tree with the stick and string.

luck!

Skeeter feeder! Thats a good one! And so true but I wouldn't give up bowhunting for nothing. There is just something about sitting in a tree.

I got Colby's, my 13 year old stepsons, bow all setup for him on saturday. He is really liking shooting the deer targets. Don't think he will be ready to hunt this year. Or at least not until later in the season with lots more practice. I want to extremely limit his chances of wounding and not recovering his first bow deer.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The only think I dont like about 18" tires is the cost of replacing them. I just bought some for my F250 and $1000 doesnt get it done for BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KOs.

Most of the tire packages are 18" or bigger now. Prices have come down. I can get a set of BFG's All Terrain KO's for $800.

The goofy sized 17's on my Tundra were like $270/per

Turn the boy loose. He's gotta learn to track sometime.

Myeahh, I agree with rooster on this one. You don't HAVE to learn everything the hard way.

Turn him loose when he's ready.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You don't HAVE to learn everything the hard way.

I'm doin it wrong.

I went into the bow shop with no preconceived notions. no brand loyalty. And sure enough, the one I like the most is the most expensive one I picked up. I stayed away from the bows over $1000 luckily.

Havent pulled the trigger on one yet, but I am close. the wife doesnt seem as keen on this as I am.....

Better not look at the Matthews then. Just sayin'.

Originally Posted by tzone

Turn the boy loose. He's gotta learn to track sometime.

He will learn to track but first he needs to be prepared and as confident as possible that when the moment of truth arrives, he can hit vitals every time.
This comes only through lots and LOTS of practice. He owe's that to the animal and to himself.

There are so many variables (bow canter, form, muscle fatigue, different POI at different angles etc.)in bowhunting that can cause a poor or misplaced shot. This usually leads to a hunter standing at the end of a blood trail with that gut wrenching realization that you're just not going to find your deer. It happens. I just want to limit the chances of it happening to him so early on.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I went into the bow shop with no preconceived notions. no brand loyalty. And sure enough, the one I like the most is the most expensive one I picked up. I stayed away from the bows over $1000 luckily.

Havent pulled the trigger on one yet, but I am close. the wife doesnt seem as keen on this as I am.....

When I upgraded in 2007, I looked at and shot most all of the "big three" bows. Mathews, Hoyt and Bowtech. Then I picked up a Diamond (which is a subsidary of Bowtech). Not only was it much easier on the pocket book but it turned out it was the bow I liked the best for fit and function. Its not as fast as some of the $1000 + bows but the way I look at it, a tad slower, accurately placed arrow will kill a deer way more often than a blazing fast, inaccurate one.

To sum it up, go with what fits and feels the best for you.

Even the slower bows are now so much faster than the "fast" bows of 6-8 years ago, it's not even much of a comparison. OTOH, none of them are cheap anymore.

Skeeter feeders.That's a REALLY good one,Dave.You have not experienced fanatical Kamikaze mean knife wielding big ass get in yo face BAD ASS skeeters till you hunt eastern South Carolina in October.They look on Thermo Cells as candy.
I bowhunted ocassionly for fifteen years and never killed a deer with the sharp sticks.Those who are good at it say it is a great thrill.I guess you'd feel the same way if you used spears.I'm better with rifles both muzzle loader and modern and for the past few years I have branched off into revolvers.It's all good.

Stan in SC

I replaced my archery efforts with muzzle loader myself. The season here in MN is a better fit for me, archery season is just a terrible time of the year for a dad with seasonal responsibilities being a rural homeowner and grounds keeper for a deer camp. there is just so much going on around the archery season, there's just no time for it right now for me.

I really do enjoy muzzle loader season though. Ours comes after the rifle season circus is over with. Things quiet down considerably in the woods during muzzle loader season.

Archery season is still on during and beyond muzzle loader but there are very few northwoods late season archery hunters, it's just too damn cold.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Griz,
Dang right! But if (when) we meet, such attire shall not adorn you!

The only think I dont like about 18" tires is the cost of replacing them. I just bought some for my F250 and $1000 doesnt get it done for BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KOs.

I think I am gonna buy a bow and get into bowhunting a little. Wish me luck.

Looks like I'll have to wear my Chickenbuck shirt than BM if it will make you feel better.

I have P245/60/18 tires on my Edge that need replacing and the best price I've gotten is just over $900. Tried Fleet but Cooper doesn't even make that particular size.

Tom, where are you shopping for tires? I have to check them out.

I bought a Bow the other day, I went with the PSE stinger, got one of last years models that was still "NIB" as a left over from an archery shop. picked up some bargain arrows from cabelas yesterday. into everything for less than 400, and its a dang nice bow. especially since I'm not a diehard bow hunter.

I tried bow hunting years ago. Had me a 45 pound Bear Panda recurve. Spears were still in fashion back than too.

My brothers were into bow hunting big time, but I just never caught the bug. Rather use a rifle any day.

I pulled them all back and one of them just really stood out as being smoother and easier to pull back (all had the same draw weight). I didnt buy it yet, but today or tomorrow could be the day!

Man, I love these cool mornings!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, where are you shopping for tires? I have to check them out.

Discount tires is a good place to start Bill. discounttires.com The ship right to you, even better if you have a DT shop in town. We have one 2 miles away. They treat you right.

If you want to take a ride, call South Side Tire in Wausau or Antigo. Firestone is Wausau treated us well too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I pulled them all back and one of them just really stood out as being smoother and easier to pull back (all had the same draw weight). I didnt buy it yet, but today or tomorrow could be the day!

Man, I love these cool mornings!

Sounds like you found your bow. That is exactly what happened to me after shooting several.

Tires-last time I bought tires was for Linda's 2002 Trailblazer.Believe it or not I found the best deal at Sam's.

Deer season progression in South Carolina is first archery-August 15th to Sept 15th.,followed by two weeks of muzzle loader-September 15th to October 1st. followed by regular gun season-October 1st to January 1st..I legally hunt a lot during regular gun season with a muzzle loader.

Stan in SC

Nice truck Tom, Too bad we missed you last weekend dave, sounded like fun at ol' chickenbuck again. Off to the cities this weekend, maybe check out the big C. Heading to the lynx game sunday night, get to meet the team, Having my daughters 13th birthday with them! You all have a great weekend!

Hey ND, Im heading up nort this weekend. Have u been out in the woods? How are the deer flys? Wondering if I can survive a trip out to the stands to do some repair.

The flies (biting type, bull, horse, deer etc) seem to be all done now.

The pesky sticky house flies that try to migrate into the cabins towards fall are starting now.

But skeeters will probably be the main problem.

Berry status in these parts (not that you asked)

Blueberries are still out there and pickable in areas where frost didn't kill em this spring.

Choke cherries are close, some are ready, some are still red and turning dark.

Wild plums (if you have any) are starting to ripen but still too hard to pick, green for the most part.

High bush cranberries are turning bright red but still quite a ways out.

Raspberries are still hanging on but will probably fall soon.

Nuts.

Acorns are little this year and won�t be dropping for another month.

Hazelnuts, good crop this year, husks still green, not turning yet.

Where I'm at the deer flies are still on a moderate flipping rampage. And the deer ticks are too. I had a nymph attached last Friday. No night sweats yet - may have dodged the bullet. Permanone on the pants, socks and boots required for me. And 41% DEET on everything else. Biting flys and ticks might not kill me, but the chemicals surely will.

4

Big Cole Update:

Clear scan!!!! Great news, the scan was perfect! No cancer!

Also, they did an echo and they dont know the results of that yet. apparently, the meds (chemo?) can damage the heart so that is the reason for the echo.

Swish, deer flies haven't been bad but I don't remember a year with Mosquitos this bad.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Big Cole Update:

Clear scan!!!! Great news, the scan was perfect! No cancer!

Most excellent!

Bman,that is great news.Thanks for updating us.

Stan in SC

Great news on cole!

Dusty and I have boated 2 sturgeon, 1 smallie, a northern and 5 walleye but no keepers for our tournament so far.

Loser...

my little man turns 3 tomorrow, he's growing like a weed. I got him a little battery powered 4 wheeler and he's run the battery down twice already today. he does get a little upset that it doesn't run forever, and he doesn't quite get it that he needs to be patient and that batteries need charging.
still he has a ball with it and has gotten pretty proficient with it already. it has high, low and reverse. I wish I had something like this when I was a kid.

[Linked Image]

how did the tournament go Dave?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

my little man turns 3 tomorrow, he's growing like a weed. I got him a little battery powered 4 wheeler and he's run the battery down twice already today. he does get a little upset that it doesn't run forever, and he doesn't quite get it that he needs to be patient and that batteries need charging.
still he has a ball with it and has gotten pretty proficient with it already. it has high, low and reverse. I wish I had something like this when I was a kid.

[Linked Image]

The smile says its all! Too cute.

Good news on Cole B-man!

Yeah...how did the tourney go Dave?

It was a big zero for us. 2 nice smallies, 2 northern, 3 sturgeon, 1 panfish and 8 walleye. But all our walleye were shy of 15". They had to measure 15" or better to qualify towards out total weight.

It was a great day regardless and a great weekend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It was a big zero for us. 2 nice smallies, 2 northern, 3 sturgeon, 1 panfish and 8 walleye. But all our walleye were shy of 15". They had to measure 15" or better to qualify towards out total weight.

It was a great day regardless and a great weekend.

Were you fishing by us?

We didn't get squat in our tournament either. If it was a perch torney...we'd have ranked near the top. There was 30 boats in this one and not a lot of fish caught. I had engine issues and had to come back across Mille lacs on my kicker.

. That takes a looooong time in case anyone was wondering. More later.

Yikes, I hope that don't end up being an expensive issue Tom.

[quote=northern_dave

High bush cranberries are turning bright red but still quite a ways out.

Acorns are little this year and wont be dropping for another month.

Hazelnuts, good crop this year, husks still green, not turning yet.
[/quote] I am glad to hear the acorn crop isn`t very good this year! Maybe the bears will be hitting the baits regularly this year !! Only 19 more days until we head up your way !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yikes, I hope that don't end up being an expensive issue Tom.

I may have found one issue, but like with most things with motors, it leads to another...

We were headed across a flat on the north end of the lake, at about 20-25 mph. I was keeping the bow up because it was rough as heck, and I didn't want to take water over the bow. An alarm went off on the motor. I shut it down right away and turned the key back on to see what it was. It was the low oil. the guage read full. The alarm didn't come back on so I re-started it and went slow, got up to about 2000 rpms, and the alarm went off. I had water pressure, so I don't think it was the overheat alarm.

I called the tournament director and told him we were coming in on the kiceker and wouldn't make it back by 3, so I was going to the landing to load up.

Once I got the boat on the trailer, I checked the oil tank and it was low. I hope (all fingers very crossed) that was the problem. So the next problem is, why doesn't my guage work? I'll have to dig into that.

Great news about Cole, BM.

Not being there to see for myself I'll just toss a guess out there.

Gauge is maybe an oil pressure gauge? If so, oil pressure and oil level are 2 different things.

As long as there is enough oil for the pump to pick up you will have oil pressure but there could be a level sensor located above the pickup for the oil pump in the engine to let you know the level is getting low.

Why it's low could be something to be concerned about but I'll also offer this idea:

It's possible that it's been a little low right from the last service due to not calculating for the filter capacity or just plain not putting enough oil back in. This could go completely un noticed under normal operation because your engine angle would be relatively level except for short periods of time while popping up on plane. But since you were tug boating, wave busting with the nose high for an extended period of time. Your engine angle could have put your oil level sensor above the oil level line in the reservoir for the first time. (making the oil level alarm/light go off)

know what I mean?

The Yamaha is a 4 stroke, correct?

One more coat of paint and the basement floor will be done. Seems like I've been dealing with this forever. I'll put the last coat on today. Then we have to wait 72 hours before we can move furniture etc. back. Than one more painting project. The bar in the basement needs to be repainted. Thinking of doing it in Packer Green.

I've got a few pictures here.

Here we are heading out for the tournament.

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Here are 2 of the 3 sturgeon Dusty caught.

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A couple of smallmouth

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Sunrise.

Hummingbird.

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These are 2 different loons that were paired up out on the lake.

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Pam got a pretty cool bee picture.

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REALLY good pics....especially the hummingbird and the bee...stunning!

I took Pam out on the boat in hopes that we could find a couple photo subjects. This was at around 10AM that we found a pair of golden eagles, one flew but one stayed and let us get pretty close, we wish the sun was a little more in our favor angle wise but they are fun pictures regardless.

[Linked Image]

A few moments later we spotted a bald eagle that was camera shy.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/eagle2.jpg[/img]

And a few people pictures.

Well, dog too.

2 tight lines on sunfish, get em kids!!

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Top off the evening with some burgers on the webber.

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Good stuff Dave...the best!

Hey Bill, that is gonna be one ugly bar....wouldnt be fit for a garage sale after you're done with it!

Looks like a fun weekend Dave. Man, we just dont get enough time in a weekend, do we? Took the kids out fishing and caught some little sunnies and a 4 lb northern. The northern caused quite the commotion; kids were scared of it! Then we went out with a couple to eat at Inspiration Peak, man, do they have good food! Started building a deer stand too (4X6 box stand).

Berettamanwife gave me the word over the weekend: the hunt is on for a Mini Van...or Vini Man as the kids call it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But since you were tug boating, wave busting with the nose high for an extended period of time. Your engine angle could have put your oil level sensor above the oil level line in the reservoir for the first time. (making the oil level alarm/light go off)

know what I mean?

I do know what you mean and is entirly possible. The gauge is for the oil level. There is a resivor in the back of the boat that would have been nearly impossible to check on the water, due to the conditions. When I got it on the trailer, it was low. I poured a gallon of oil in the res. and it could probably take a gallon more, it looked like.

Originally Posted by grizz

The Yamaha is a 4 stroke, correct?

The big motor is a 2s the kicker is a 4s.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The bar in the basement needs to be repainted. Thinking of doing it in Packer Green.

With all that moisture it probably smells like mold, you might as well make it look like it too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Berettamanwife gave me the word over the weekend: the hunt is on for a Mini Van.

I'm sure it was the otherway around.

I'm glad Ma hates those things or we'd have one. The problem with them is they're dang useful.

We have resisted the ViniMan for awhile, but too many fights are breaking out in the backseat.

MOM! DAD! He touched me! Now HE TOUCHED ME AGAIN! Stop it! Waaaaa....

Great pictures Pam. I think we're going to have a female Anson Williams on our hands.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The bar in the basement needs to be repainted. Thinking of doing it in Packer Green.

With all that moisture it probably smells like mold, you might as well make it look like it too.

No mold stink in our house. The wife went crazy with the beach.

Packer green is going to look a whole lot better than the current color (Pink). Why on earth the original owners ever painted the bar pink is totally beyond me. Even more puzzleing is why I've left it that way for 37 years?

This is a real bar and back bar that came out of a small country bar years ago. The back bar even has the mirror with it.

Since I'm on a painting binge I might paint the support posts green and gold.

Hmm, maybe I should paint white stripes on the floor for yard markers while I'm at it. NOT!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We have resisted the ViniMan for awhile, but too many fights are breaking out in the backseat.

MOM! DAD! He touched me! Now HE TOUCHED ME AGAIN! Stop it! Waaaaa....

Yeah, we have two monkeys, so there is SOME space between them, not enough to prevent that though. With 3 a 3rd row of seating would be helpful.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Since I'm on a painting binge I might paint the support posts green and gold.

Hmm, maybe I should paint white stripes on the floor for yard markers while I'm at it. NOT!

That might actually be cool.

It might be cool if'n it was Purple and Gold.... not Green and Gold! Pink was a much better choice all things considered.

Shopping for Mini Vans is not enjoyable.

My old neighbor bought one that was rigged out to the max. They paid over $40K for it. Honda I think.

Great news about Cole BM. Enjoy the bow hunt. I've actually been practicing lots with mine. I hope I can get my friend to start shooting mine to see if she would be interested in buying it. But first I will have to see if my dad's is a good fit for me if he is still willing to sell it to me.

Dave and family, it was good to see you this weekend (eventhough it wasn't for very long, sorry). Great pictures you took. Thanks for trying out my lens, I was worried that I made a huge mistake with getting that one.

Great looking truck Tom. I feel special that you called me from it when you were on your way fishing.

That is pretty neat isn't it?

Tom's new truck must have SYNC.My wife's 2011 Escape has that also.It is really a handy way to make phone calls without the distraction of holding and dialing the phone.
I went out Saturday with my hunting buddy and we looked at our small lease.Found lotsa tracks and dumped some corn out.Plenty of time for it to get all gone before season opens.
He also introduced me to a small tract about 10 minutes from the house which I can hunt.It's a truck farm in summer and a veritable buffet for deer.

Stan in SC

Stan,

It does have the Sync. It is nice for hands free talking, but it has a hard time recognizine some of the names when I say them. It will just take time to get used to.

Hey it was great seeing you too Missy. I think you've got a great lense, you just need to use it more. Experiment a little.

Did you know we shot probably 30 pictures of loons on the water and only came up with a couple that were even worth showing anyone? They are definately difficult subject matters.

(for us anyways)

We have yet to capture a photo as crisp as the loon photo Pam shot from the canoe up in the BWCA in June this year.

Conditions were good and we were close, that's all there was too it.

That picture of the bee is top notch too. FWIW, to whoever took it.

Tom,the SYNC also has trouble understanding me sometimes but Linda has no problem.I guess it's cause I talk faster than she does and have that accent from my native Alabama.
Dave,kudos to you and Pam for some more of your absolutely GREAT pictures.
Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

That picture of the bee is top notch too. FWIW, to whoever took it.

The dang bee lady took it of course.

I think she likes bees so much because she knows I'm allergic to em.

choke cherries from around home here tonight. The 2 boys and I picked em up.

[Linked Image]

hopefully we will do well on these out at deer camp this coming weekend too.

I got grapes here that are just starting to ripen, I can't wait for a couple bottles of wine and a bunch of jars of jelly

Originally Posted by Berettaman

It might be cool if'n it was Purple and Gold.... not Green and Gold! Pink was a much better choice all things considered.

Shopping for Mini Vans is not enjoyable.

Think I'll contact your wife and have her do an internet search in the Green Bay area for a van. Bet she could find one in Packer colors for you.

Loons seem to know just when you hit the shudder release. I had several of them near the boat this summer and they'd turn or dive just as I pressed the release.

What ever the reasons, we've become quite fond of that nice shot Pam got on that cloudy day back in June.

certainly luck had everything to do with the conditions but she still had to hold the camera still, get the focus point right and more importantly than anything, she had to press the shutter button lol!

I think most opportunities are blown simply because nobody had a camera or nobody had one ready or maybe they just didn't think to take a picture.

I like the packers van in B-man's driveway idea.

Having lurked around this thread for a few years, I have made this observation: This thread should NOT have a sticky. It should be it's own entity. Just like Deer Hunting or Elk Hunting or Big Game Hunting, this should be in and of itself the Birth of a Deer Camp. Who do we see to get this done!

Really nice of you to say John, thanks.

But the deer camp thread has accidentally become more of a blog... (I think) I'm not entirely up to speed on the definition of such things, blogging, tweeting, facebook and whatever other strange modern means of sharing there are in the internet world.

It's not like anything else in the forums here and I'm not sure how to feel about that.

It must take up an enormous chunk of bandwidth and I can only hope that it helps generate a bit of site traffic to help make up for its enormous size.

My biggest concern is that it is an eyesore, an annoyance or a burden on the site.

Thanks much for the supportful words though, it�s quite flattering.

We�ll see which way the wind blows it.

Rick hasn�t answered my PM, it�s marked as unread. I�m not certain how often he pops in to check on the locals here

I just sprained my brain envisioning a Mini van in Packer colors.

Bill, coming up with that idea was ... is...prolly the cruelest thing I have had happen to me on an innanet forum! Oh, the horror! You will get yours Griz...you just wait!

hey, is anyone going to Gamefair this year? Tzone? I think I am gonna take the kids down there this weekend. Lauren absolutely loved it last year.

I can almost promise you, if this thread bothered Rick, or it took up too much bandwidth, it would be removed from a sticky.

You might have to live with the fact that you started the coolest internet thread ever!

As you said, it is pretty amazing when you look back on it,not one mean spirited argument, or bashing. Sure we might disagree on some things, but it's no different than buds sitting around camp discussing things such as tracking deer, bullets to use, why we're not seeing grouse we saw last year... I hope Rick doesn't listen to you.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

hey, is anyone going to Gamefair this year? Tzone? I think I am gonna take the kids down there this weekend. Lauren absolutely loved it last year.

I might be able to go on Sunday, but it would be later in the afternoon. It runs next weekend too right? or was it last weekend? We have a wedding in Wausau on Sat, but we're just going for the day. Yuck. Long day.

When you hear or see a Loon you know your in the North Country. The call of the Loon is unique. There's nothing in the world that I know of that beats going to sleep or waking up to the sound of a Loon.

I have a Loon print hanging in our bedroom.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I just sprained my brain envisioning a Mini van in Packer colors.

Bill, coming up with that idea was ... is...prolly the cruelest thing I have had happen to me on an innanet forum! Oh, the horror! You will get yours Griz...you just wait!

hey, is anyone going to Gamefair this year? Tzone? I think I am gonna take the kids down there this weekend. Lauren absolutely loved it last year.

Your most welcome. Glad I could help you out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

choke cherries from around home here tonight. The 2 boys and I picked em up.

[Linked Image]

hopefully we will do well on these out at deer camp this coming weekend too.

I picked most of them.

Well I don't know about "most" of em,

But you sure helped a whole bunch at so did your little brother. Now we have to go get some more!

BM, check out a van alternative, the Honda Pilot. They have 3 seats and are fairly roomy. The bad news is they don't come in either Viking or Packer colors

Ford edge?

way cooler than "miniature van"

lol!

I have looked over all of the alternatives and they either cost more or dont get as good of mileage or dont have the room. Mama's grocery getter is gonna get got pretty soon methinks. She is out cleaning up the Trailblazer in preparation to get rid of that. The kids are excited to get a mini van...they haven't been scarred by the stigma yet.

Tzone, we are going to Gamefair on Saturday. Gonna come down and stay overnight Friday night. Gotta be back up here on Sunday.

Bill, I hope your cereal turns soggy tomorrow morning!!!

And regarding arguments on this here thread:

Polaris, Vikings-Twins-Gophers, Ford, Beretta, Sako, TSX, Cabelas, Schnees, Charmin, Costco, Snickers, Elk, Pheasants, Whitetails, right-handed, Honey Nut Cheerios, and early mornings in the deer stand are the best. period. (ducking)!

My wife goes to be and wakes up with a loon every day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ford edge?

way cooler than "miniature van"

lol!

I like those. We had one when we were in FL this spring. If I didn't use a truck, I would seriously consider it. Grizzlybill has one he can tell you all about it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, we are going to Gamefair on Saturday. Gonna come down and stay overnight Friday night. Gotta be back up here on Sunday.

Give me a shout on Friday night. We could get a beer maybe. I might have some at my house.

Quote

Polaris, Vikings-Twins-Gophers, Ford, Beretta, Sako, TSX, Cabelas, Schnees, Charmin, Costco, Snickers, Elk, Pheasants, Whitetails, right-handed, Honey Nut Cheerios, and early mornings in the deer stand are the best. period. (ducking)!

Well, you could do without the Polaris.

Berettaman,I drive a 2002 Trailblazer which we bought new.I inherited it when Linda got a new Escape last September.I had a choice and I traded my 2006 Colorado with 28,00 miles in on her car and I took the Trailblazer with 105,000 miles which had been hers.I feel like I got the best of the deal.Trailblazer is one of the absolute best vehicles GM ever made.Right now it has 115,000 miles and runs like new.

Stan in SC

Well the grocery getter got bought. Bought a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country in Clearwater Blue. I cant see the folks here getting as excited over this purchase as over Tzone's truck for some reason! But Berettawife is happy and really, isnt that all that matters?

Seems like a pretty nice ride, very clean and had the options we wanted with nothing more. Now, about that bow....

Oh, and since I already had someone here inquire about the Trailblazer, if'n ya know anyone who wants to buy a 2006 with all the options including heated seats and remote start, send them this-a-way!

We're up to 6 or 7 gallons on the choke cherries now, hard to tell exactly in these big buckets.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Berettaman,I drive a 2002 Trailblazer which we bought new.I inherited it when Linda got a new Escape last September.I had a choice and I traded my 2006 Colorado with 28,00 miles in on her car and I took the Trailblazer with 105,000 miles which had been hers.I feel like I got the best of the deal.Trailblazer is one of the absolute best vehicles GM ever made.Right now it has 115,000 miles and runs like new.

Stan in SC

I have to agree with you Stan. I have a 2004 Trailblazer with 91,000 miles on it and I have never had any trouble with it. Except getting it stuck on the way out of Camp Chickenbuck.

Never had the Tundra get stuck. Just sayin'.

Well Tzone, the Tundra would have prolly gotten stuck if it had ever seen a gravel road!

Some would say, if you havent gotten it stuck, you aint drivin' it!

What do ya do with the choke cheries Dave?

Jelly, pancake syrup, wine....

[Linked Image]

Hey Dave, r u finding them choke cherries in the woods or by yuor house? i'd like to get some for the f_n_law to make some wine. he kinda likes doing that. His grapes are crazy this year so that wine will be ready to start soon i would think too. Hey BMAN, you got a Chi-Town Bears van, Good luck with that. a big C on the side in orange and yuo'll be set. When you coming up Tzone, da fall is coming close.

Haven't picked any in the woods by camp yet, just around home and I also stopped along a back road on my route home yesterday and picked some more.

Just go cruise a few minimum maint roads with the ranger and You'll find em. I bet if you got on the old railroad tracks and followed for a while you'd find more than you could pick. They do the best on edges. Edges of the brush/woods of any type, trail edges, field edges etc.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well Tzone, the Tundra would have prolly gotten stuck if it had ever seen a gravel road!

Some would say, if you havent gotten it stuck, you aint drivin' it!

Well you can't exactly call the chickenbuck road gravel. It went through some good stuff. Pulling a trailer to boot. The first year I was up there, truthfully, I was surprised it made it through. That stuff was deep. On the way out, it was 2x4. No Chevy's doin that.

Dave,ya need a periscope on that thing!!

I knew my buddy Dave would come through! Thanks man. I have to get the old truck done, I dont want to take the new one through there.

Originally Posted by buschpilot

When you coming up Tzone, da fall is coming close.

I'm not sure. I would say October at this point. I know my dad wants to come up and get some goodies from Dave, so maybe we could work that into a chickenbuck trip?

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Dave,ya need a periscope on that thing!!

Notice I had the windows open for the quick escape.

B'man....lets see your Chevy pictures DRIVING through the mud.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ford edge?

way cooler than "miniature van"

lol!

I like my Edge, but it only has 2 rows of seats.

(Gasp! Gag!) A Bears van? That may be worse than the Packer van! Note to self: Birth of a Deer camp is good for comraderie, not so good for picking out colors. Some seriously poor taste in NFL teams abide here!

Clearwater Blue folks, Clearwater Blue. We dont get it for a couple days though.

Dad had me eat a raw chokecherry when I was a kid. They are aptly named.

My SIL has a Towne & Country van with nearly 100K on it with no problems. Should be a good vehicle for the wife. Too bad about the color though.

Yeah too bad about the bears blue van...

Bite your tongue Tzone, my truck is the big brother to your truck.

No Chevy in my garage stall! Pure unadulterated F250 baby!

But oh man, those pictures! Does that give me the Fall Fever bad! Dadgumit Dave, why'd ya have to go and post them anyway? Plus, it kinda makes my point that he had to have a four wheeler push his truck through the mud....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bite your tongue Tzone, my truck is the big brother to your truck.

No Chevy in my garage stall! Pure unadulterated F250 baby!

So the wife parks outside then? Did you not say you're looking to sell a Blazer? :Grin:

Quote

But oh man, those pictures! Does that give me the Fall Fever bad! Dadgumit Dave, why'd ya have to go and post them anyway? Plus, it kinda makes my point that he had to have a four wheeler push his truck through the mud....

Fourwheeler was used to pull blazers out, right Muffy?

That Tundra is/was one hell of a truck. Not one thing wrong with it, EVER. Nuttin', zip, zilch, nada! Pretty much the only reason I didn't get another, was because I didn't test drive one. I wanted a F-150, so I didn't drive a Tundra because I'm sure I'd have bought it instead. I've had two Toyotas and they were both fantastic.

I will not ever buy another "non-classic" Chevy again. And it has nothing to do with Obama. It has everything to do with the POS that I owned, that they built.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well Tzone, the Tundra would have prolly gotten stuck if it had ever seen a gravel road!

Some would say, if you havent gotten it stuck, you aint drivin' it!

Well you can't exactly call the chickenbuck road gravel. It went through some good stuff. Pulling a trailer to boot. The first year I was up there, truthfully, I was surprised it made it through. That stuff was deep. On the way out, it was 2x4. No Chevy's doin that.

ah hem....my chebby did it

Pics or it didn't happen.

The only good color for a football van is Black and Gold.

Just had to say it.

Go STEELERS!!!!!

Tom, Dave tried to pull me out with the Prowler but that wouldn't do it. He had to go get the tractor and lift my front end up because I was hung up good.

I don't have the clearance that the big trucks do.

Excuses, excuses.

In all fairness, apples to apples would be Missy's trailblazer to a smaller suv family like ford .... hell what do they call them?....

Maybe an explorer or something similar?

Defiantely by scale alone there is a disadvantage, tire diameter, clearance etc...

Not fair comparing the trailblazer to full sized trucks.

But I'm just pointing out the obvious...

So, how about the trail blazer vs the ford raptor!!! Wooooo!!

Git r done!! Lol!!

Chuck Norris drives a Raptor. Just sayin.

10 gallons of choke cherries... still pickin!!

Jeezze. That's enough eh? You's guys will be eating cc jam, syrup, and ice cream topping until next years crop.

Wine bro, I'm going to make about a 15 gallon batch of choke cherry wine.

Of course it wont be aged enough to drink until 2012 deer season but... Still, it'll be fun.

A couple friends of mine found an old storm cellar on an abandoned farm in south central North Dakota. There were quite a few bottle of chokecherry wine that had been there for a really long time. I dont know how it tasted but I do know those guys were really glad there was a roll of chit tickets behind the seat of the truck.

ohhhhh, yeah I don't know how well it could endure seasons of -30 to 100 temp swings.

In a more stable temp rang I think it would be fine for decades but it aint whisky!

I think we'll find something to work until it's aged enough.

the cellar was well below ground, i dont know if it froze down there or not, I do remember them saying it was really tough to get down there because all of the steps had rotted away.

Tzone, I said my garage STALL doesnt house a Chebby. Right now there is one in Stall #2.

Ah, dont ya love the Ford vs Chebby vs Toyo...wait a second, that Toyoyo just doesnt roll off my tongue right.

Don't care if you like them or not, like most who like what they have. It was flat out the best vehicle Ive ever had. This will have to be one heck of a truck to be better than it. I do like the power this one has over the Tundra. The new Tundra's have even more than this F-150. Like I said, if I drove one, I'd most likely have it in the garage.

Quote

Right now there is one in Stall #2.

Let's be honest here mini van man....it's your wifes garage and she lets you park there.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

The only good color for a football van is Black and Gold.

Just had to say it.

Go STEELERS!!!!!

Yup, them Steelers sure did go.

Had to say that too.

Originally Posted by tzone

Chuck Norris drives a Raptor. Just sayin.

My SIL just informed me that his dad bought a 2012 Mustang GT (400+ HP). If I'm lucky I might get a ride in it someday.

I have the same motor in my truck as the 'stangs do, but not as much HP. I'd like to know whats different...and change it.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have the same motor in my truck as the 'stangs do, but not as much HP. I'd like to know whats different...and change it.

This peaked my curiousity so I googled it:

http://www.f150forum.com/f70/5-0-mustang-vs-f150-whats-difference-85904/

Thanks Rooster. That's an interesting read. My friend here at work is trying to talk me into a chip.

Any of you guys have experience with them.

My SIL chipped his chevy S10. He said he could tell the difference. I wouldn'd mess with a chip until after your factory warranty expires as chip may void the warranty.

The new chips have a "factory" setting on them so you can set it back for warranty work.

Today is a beautiful day. I'm taking half the day off to enjoy it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Pam!

Ha!! Are ya old enough to drink at the bar yet?? Happy birthday!!

(I'll keep using that joke till you're 40 in case you are wondering)

LOL, thanks Buddy

I found out I drew my antelope tags today! woohoo!

pretty sure the 'stang engine is tuned for scooting around,the truck engine is tuned for pulling or hauling.
Reminds me of the hp numbers in the dohc engines I was looking at awhile back.Lots more Hp,but you had to have the engine turning much faster to see it.In a mustang,usefull.In a truck,not so much.Ill take low end grunt anyday for a truck engine.
also like the 300 six ford used to have ,versus the 302 v8.The 300 was way better for pulling than the 302.the 302 was better in a car.

True, true, true.

Happy Birthday Ryan, enjoy the day. BTW, congrats on the speed goat tag.

Hahaha...Love the Burgis Merideth (sp), um I mean Jerry Burns avatar fluffy!

Edit: Wow did I ever get the names wrong the first time on that!

happy birthday Ryan

I had a couple trucks with the 300 in it. I swear they'd run without oil, tough as they are. I'm just not brave enoung to try it.

Thank you sir!
you ready for trappin season?

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY ,Ryan.

Stan in SC

This seems to be the best place to ask MN questions so.....I have to go to a class in St. Paul allllllllllll of next week, have any of you heard of Bandana Square? I guess that is where my class is, and I found a hotel that had Bandana square in its name, it is a Holiday Inn so by Monday morning I will be an expert on everything, ug until then, how in the hell do I get there from Moorhead?

ps Its kinda like the google maps, I can follow I-94 until I need to make my first turn.....

I work in St. Paul, but have never heard of Bandana Square.

Just Googled it. Where are you going there? Lots of places in Bandana Square.

Bandan Square

Originally Posted by tzone

I had a couple trucks with the 300 in it. I swear they'd run without oil, tough as they are. I'm just not brave enoung to try it.

I bought one for $150 once.'77 f100 ,I think.no floor in the cab,no key.Had no intention of buying it,but it started by hooking up a wire on the coil,and shorting across the solenoid with a pliers in the dead of winter ,-20 below,no choke.
You could drive it in 3rd gear,and stop and start at intersections without shifting out of third.Just let out the clutch at idle,and that old 300 would torque you off the line,even pulling a boat on a trailer.I riveted some galvanized in for a floor,and had a locksmith make keys for it.Installed a manual choke,brakes,and a exhaust manifold gasket(pretty easy) ,and drove it one summer to work.
If I had room to store it,I would still have it,but I sold it to a friend ,who commuted 35 miles each way on the freeway with it on the freeway ,as fast as it would go with the 3 speed tranny.Its probably still out there somewhere,it would have made a great hunting truck.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

This seems to be the best place to ask MN questions so.....I have to go to a class in St. Paul allllllllllll of next week, have any of you heard of Bandana Square? I guess that is where my class is, and I found a hotel that had Bandana square in its name, it is a Holiday Inn so by Monday morning I will be an expert on everything, ug until then, how in the hell do I get there from Moorhead?

ps Its kinda like the google maps, I can follow I-94 until I need to make my first turn.....

,you can take 94 right to snelling ave,then head north for a few blocks.I worked just a few blocks from there ,up until a few months ago.
You'll be very close to the state fair grounds,if you didnt know that.

I will be staying at the Holiday Inn, not sure where my classes are, but I think they are just across from the holiday inn.

I didn't know I would be close to the fairgrounds.

What's all this talk of quare bananas?

We have 10 gallons of washed choke cherries in the freezer. They measured out to 10 gallons packed tight in one gallon zip lock bags.

We even had to defrost our big freezer yesterday to make room. And boy did we make room, we got rid of about 8 cubic feet of ice (it was bad) and we tossed a lot of very old freezer burned food. It's a shame but it's a fresh start.

Had to get them choke cherries froze before they started turning to wine themselves.

Me and the boys are likely heading to the cabin for some mowing, trimming and blading of the road.

off to the forest lake gun show today.

Bubbajay for directions 94 lexington parkway head north ..Energy point rd take a left or head west cant miss it.... For drinking Gabes by the park is right on the cornor,, or Half time rec is a couple blocks away it is a Irish bar with live Irish bands some nights...

For entertainment I think there is a shuttle at Bandana Square that would take you to the state fair..In Bandana Square they have a train model museum www.tcmrm.org/..... Also Saint Paul Saints might be playng only couple blocks away.... Como Zoo and Como Lake is right up the road... I grew up not far away from there kinda know the area....

Thank you noduck. I get done at 4 everyday so will have to check out a few things in the evening, then find a bar.

Originally Posted by fluffy

off to the forest lake gun show today.

think Ill wear my camp chickenbuck t shirt,and see if anyone recognizes it.

mmmm, 51 ford 2 door with flat head V8......

Originally Posted by northern_dave

mmmm, 51 ford 2 door with flat head V8......

What did you find now Mr Shaw?

I'll maybe take a picture today.

You got pics of that shoebox yet foo?

Maybe...

I smell a big block coming.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Maybe...

Well come on wid it.

Just sayin...

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Runs with scissors is in love....

Hauled wood again today.

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RWS learnin the lumberjack.

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2nd load for the weekend. Getting ready for winter.

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Fresh interior.

I like it...I more than like it. That thing is cool as hell.

Quote

Runs with scissors is in love....

He's not the only one.

Hey the boy needs a car...

This is a car, no?

Only problem is I'd be jealous as hell.

The little flatty V8 runs, and it's got the 3 speed with overdrive.

Can you see another ND and kid car project thread in the future??

Quote

Can you see another ND and kid car project thread in the future??

I can.

Those shoebox Fords are some of the coolest ones made. Sittin' down in the weeds, ghost flames, laker pipes, swap in a Y-block. It doesn't get much better.

I like it

Originally Posted by tzone

Fresh interior.

I like it...I more than like it. That thing is cool as hell.

Quote

Runs with scissors is in love....

He's not the only one.

+1

Busy weekend. Attended our 50th HS class reunion. I shared Emcee duties with another classmate and think we did a darn good job. One of my best friends from HS was there. We haven't seen each other in close to 50 years. Had a great time catching up.

Dave like the old Ford, but that flathead has to go. Those old flatheads ate values like they were candy.

When I was in high school a good friend had a '51.He took out a six cylinder and put in a Lincoln flat head V-12.Heck of a car.Ran like a scalded ape.
I also went to a gun show both Saturday and Sunday.Had a great time.Saturday I bought my wife something she had been wanting,a new Glock 17.She was tickled with it.On Sunday I happened on a guy with an NEF Handi rifle in 45/70 with synthetic stock.I have a "Trapper" short barrel one with wood stock.Now it has a mate.I mounted a 2.5X Tasco Bantam when I got home.Looks great.The Greenville,SC gun shows get bigger and better each time.

Stan in SC

Stan, Glock has now come out with generation 4 models. Any idea what changed?

It must have been th weekend for HS reunions. I was at a wedding in Wausau and there were two of them at the place the reception was.

Originally Posted by tzone

It must have been th weekend for HS reunions. I was at a wedding in Wausau and there were two of them at the place the reception was.

It was the "all school" reunion in my home town as well.

Grizzly Bill,
No I have no idea what changed.This one is an "RTF" model which stands for rough textured finish.We both like the finish.
Oh,I forgot to mention that at the show I bought a big box of 45/70 reloading supplies from a guy who was disposing of an estate.
I was like a kid at Christmas when I got home unpacking all of it.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan...I'll have to go out on the Glock site and see what they have to say. Saw the Gen 4's at Gander, but didn't have time to stick around and ask questions. They also had a Glock in 40 S&W with a factory compensator.

Happy belated Birthday Ryan. Have not been on here for a few days.

I had my reunion this weekend too. There were only 8 of 31 people from my class there. Although 23 of the 31 showed up for the benefit we had a couple months ago for one of our classmates. So I guess that was kind of our reunion.

Cool car RWS!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Runs with scissors is in love....

It's Tuesday evening. You could have that running by Friday night. Rusty, sure, but everything looks straight and complete. Do it, you know we all want you to.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

It's Tuesday evening. You could have that running by Friday night. Rusty, sure, but everything looks straight and complete. Do it, you know we all want you to.

Shooooooot. that ain't rusty. dave should have that done in a weekend.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Runs with scissors is in love....

It's Tuesday evening. You could have that running by Friday night. Rusty, sure, but everything looks straight and complete. Do it, you know we all want you to.

phfthththtt... I'd have it running inside an hour.

Driving.. another half an hour... stopping... optional.

stopping adds 2 hours if you want to do it with the brake peddle.

had a Jeep CJ-7 the passenger could do a fred flintstone style stop, it was nice because the beer cans would never accumulate inside the vehicle.

Until recently I had a 78 F-150 that could do the same thing.

Hey dudes... I didn't want to say anything until I actually had them in my hands but I got a few new toys in the past few months.

I picked up this Rem 760 in .35 Rem last weekend. I bought if off GB but it's been at Redneck's for a few weeks at least.

It's a real cream puff. I'd not be surprised if it's never been shot. I don't think it's ever seen the woods. Not a dang mark on it. I'm hesitant to even put a scope on it, but with my bad eyes I need to. I may shoot it this weekend with the open sights anyway just cuz.

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Some of you may have seen this one, but maybe not.

I've had it since mid June. Winchester M70 XTR fwt (push feed) in .243 Win. Another beauty. It came with the Leupold vari x-II for $550. It still had a Winchester "Real Walnut" sticker on the stock.

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This one will get a different scope after this hunting season. It has vari-x II 3x9x40 and it just seems too big. But I have it sighted in for 2" high at 100 and it shoots about 1.5" at the same with Horandy 100gr Interlocks. So I'm going to leave it for now.

Couple of nice finds there Tom.

I had a 760 back in the 70's, but it was in 30-06. Good shooting rifle, but it kicked like a mule with 180 grainers. Had to be the stock design.

I have a couple 7600's & they are the hardest kicking guns in my closet.

Congrats on the cool finds T. I think that scope will do just fine on that 243.

I wouldn't re scope the .243 either. Really nice rig, why do you think it's too big? does it ride too high? need to be in lower rings or something?

I've actually wanted one of those for quite a while in .243, nice carying, quick to the shoulder rifle.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Runs with scissors is in love....

It's Tuesday evening. You could have that running by Friday night. Rusty, sure, but everything looks straight and complete. Do it, you know we all want you to.

phfthththtt... I'd have it running inside an hour.

Driving.. another half an hour... stopping... optional.

stopping adds 2 hours if you want to do it with the brake peddle.

an hour u say well get it home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

haha sorry my dad was stilll loged in

Dave and WB,

That scope just seems big for a light weight gun. Maybe it will grow on me this season. It's too late to go changing them out now.

You're right dave, it's quick to the shoulder.

I don't think the 760's 7600's kick bad at all. Of all the 760/7600's I've shot the .308 Win has been the worst. It seems real sharp and quick in that rifle. Maybe it's because I'm used to them? I haven't shot a deer with a bolt action rifle since 2004. I've carried them, but the deer seem to flock to the 7600.

Nice big sight window on that scope & good power for a fairly flat shooting round.

My Grandad used to shoot a 7600 in 30-06 with no recoil pad. The only way I would consider sighting it in for him was in a standing position. Anything even close to prone was brutal. Of course that was 15 years ago when I was a wee little lad.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

haha sorry my dad was stilll loged in

You coulda run amuck on the interweb boy!!!

I don't usually use a recoil pad on them either. I asked redneck to put one on this when it came in. He called me and said I should look at it first, it was very nice and thought a recoil pad may ruin the value.

I may have him do it later anyway. We'll see. I'd like to keep it, but I always say that.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

haha sorry my dad was stilll loged in

You coulda run amuck on the interweb boy!!!

i should of, ill do it next time

Tom, for your 760 might I suggest an Aimpoint Red-dot. I got this one last year and can't say enough good about it. Quarter sized group at 100 yards. Super quick acquisition, 5 year continuous battery life, works crystal clear with or without my glasses!!

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4

Tom,The 760 is one of the best rifles ever made.The caliber you have is a real thumper.Almost as good as one of my 45/70's.
Dave,details on the old Ford.JUBUYIT?

Stan in SC

Stan, would you say the 760 might be one of the "best in the world"

And I would love to have something in 45/70, but the damn wabbits always jump up an put their finger in the barrel of my guns, and tell me it is duck season.

Yeah I have been drinking and watching cartoons........

Watch out for cartoon fingers in your gun barrels!

Nice new toys there Tom it seems as if you have Acquired a few this year nothing wrong with that.

I too have acquired a couple of new toys recently.

A ruger Super single six 22lr/22mag with a 9.5 inch barrel this is one nice pistol.
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And I also acquirod a Cobra model cb9 dillinger in 9mm that fits nice in the pocket so when ever illinois gets there heads out of there ass I will be ready.
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Nice!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Yeah I have been drinking and watching cartoons........

That sounds like every work trip I've been on too.

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't think the 760's 7600's kick bad at all. Of all the 760/7600's I've shot the .308 Win has been the worst. It seems real sharp and quick in that rifle. Maybe it's because I'm used to them? I haven't shot a deer with a bolt action rifle since 2004. I've carried them, but the deer seem to flock to the 7600.

Like I said my 06 was nasty. I traded it for a Ruger model 77 in 7MM Mag. The 7 Mag was actually more pleasant to shoot, so I know it was the stock on the 760 that made it a hard kicker.

Nice. I like the cobra.

I got a stainless Single 6 this winter. 4 5/8" bbl, with both cylinders. It is my favorite gun I have.

I'm heading to the bushes this weekend to cut wood, cut some grass, maybe fix a few stands, hang a trail cam. I'll be carring the single six for that work.

I'm going up with Gophergunner, his son, and my son. He is goin to join me and my BIL for deer hunting this year.

After that incident last year at Chickenbuck, dave said it's best if I stay home.

just kidding ND. I have an oportunity to hunt with my BIL and my Uncle this year and that doesn't happen very often, so I'm going to do that. My boy is going to join me for his first time on a real hunt too. I'm more excited than he is, I can tell you that.

If the Chickenbuckers will let me, I'll head up for muzzy ldr season.

Here's a couple pictures I took at work the last couple weeks. Kinda thought they were funny.

Somebody's husband isn't going be happy when she gets home. She actually stopped, which surprised the heck out of me. She wasn't very amused when I aske her how the ride across was, because we want it as smooth as possible.

I was trying to lighten the mood a bit in a 'sticky' situation....didn't work.
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Little help here.

What does a Dillinger like that run? My wife has always wanted one. I like the Ruger too.

I had a Colt Buntline, .22 back in the early 60's and of course I got rid of it. Still kicking myself in the butt over that one.

The dillinger cost me about $170 now the ruger was $450 I sold my gold necklace and doubled my money and turned in my spare change.

Old school vintage buck fever videos...circa 1949...

Kind of neat thought you all might like it.

Part one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHTdClG2XBg&feature=related

Part two

http://www.youtube.com/user/LookAboutYou#p/u/6/R7Xosz11WbQ

Part three
http://www.youtube.com/user/LookAboutYou#p/u/5/ueZpzHTGNt8

Thanks for posting the vids Bigdrift.

I got Buckfever

Really good older videos.Thanks for posting them.
Like Grizzly Bill I also had a Colt Buntline back in the 60"s.Absolutely BEAUTIFUL pistol.Nickle plated with both .22 and .22WMR cylinders.A bitch to carry in the woods in a holster.Somewhere along the way I saw something I wanted more and swapped it.I'm sure it would be worth a lot more today than I had in it.Ahhhh the 20-20 hindsight.

Stan in SC

I was messing a bit with the 760 last night. I really like it. I wish I could see irons worth a dang I'd leave it as is. I was trying to put some rings and bases on in, but the 760's have different hole placement than the 7600 does. I forgot that. I couldn't get my gunbroker order to go through on the computer either, so I'll have to stop at a shop somewhere and see what they have.

Stan, my Buntline was a .22 LR and blued. Your 100% correct about being a bitch to carry in a holster.

got my second batch of grape wine started today, I have 10 gallons brewing, in a year or two it should be delicious!

'dats a lot of wine.

So Ryan, how long does it take to get rid of the purple feet?

lol, well we talked of using the little mans play pool to crush them, instead we opted to do them a gallon at a time in two big pots. potato mashers kinda worked, we switched over to stainless steel water bottles, that worked slick.then put everything into a 6.5 gal bucket, added the yeast, a few lbs of sugar til the specific gravity was at about 1.1 and covered with an old T shirt. need to stir every 12 hours for 10 days while the yeast does its thing. then we rack it into 5 gallon glass carboys with the airlocks on top. then let it sit for a year pretty simple really. now the chore is going to be rounding up a hundred or two wine bottles. because when the plums get ripe here before too long, I'm gonna make 10 gallons of that. I figure I'll end up giving half of it away so it doesn't hurt to make a bunch

That sounds like fun Ryan, we plan on doing a batch or 2 of choke cherry wine this year. I have 11 gallons of cleaned choke cherries frozen in gallon bags. Pam is going to process a couple gallons of choke cherries tonight for jelly actually.

Well, I guess it's getting late so maybe she won't get to them today but I can see them in a big pot in the kitchen from my computer chair. I just love the smell of that choke cherry juice once you get into the process.

But 13 gallons for us this year, wow that's a record for us and they are still hanging on the trees in the forest too. We went to the cabin today to cut some poles for building a wood shed at home and I noticed the choke cherries were still hanging in there, not falling off quite yet.

Gophergunner, me and Jack hit the woods north of Duluth today to do a litte recon mission on the hunting area.

It was beautiful weather, not too hot, not too cold. There was just enough color to get the blood pumping. We didn't get the scouting done that we wanted to because it was a bit too thick. We got the trail in, cut open. Showed Jeff a few spots he can put up a stand or two and found one we need to rebuild. There was quite good sign in the woods and we even flushed 4 grouse.

Our Chauffer

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gophergunner's turn on the saw
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the victims
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time for a remodel.
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next best thing to buring an ant hill with gas...a 6 year old with rubber boots stomping the hell out of it, and loving every minute of it.
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We saw a few choke cherry trees ready for the picking but I flushed a grouse from under one of them, so I figure he needs it more than I do.

I've never had choke cherry wine, but it sounds like I'll get a headache from it.

We'll find out in 2012 season

Figured.

Any signs of deer'ish life at camp? We found quite a bit today by Island Lake. Trails and even a few scrapes from last year. Bugs weren't too bad, still biting but tolerable.

We're still getting pictures on Nate's trail cam but no horns on anything.

SIL was up at his camp Saturday putting up new stands. Their group had 3 ladder stands stolen this spring.

He said the bugs were pretty bad yet.

Wife took the oldest boy to the ER last night for a gash on the back of his heel, on the way she "startled" him when they passed a buck.

She laughed when he got all excited and started pointing out shot angles and how cool it would be to get one that is still in velvet.

Took all three to the range yesterday, shot the airrifle, .22's and the oldest boys new 20 gauge. Nothing like the youngest boy wanting to shoot the 20 gauge first to overcomes the oldests fears of the boom stick. Next thing I know Mr. Shy and Bashful can't tolerate his younger brother shooting his shotgun and I am two boxes of shotgun shells less than when I started.

Airrifle was a big hit even single shot like it is. There is already a safari being planned to go after big bushy butted grays if we can find anywhere up here out of the city limits. All in all a fairly destructive weekend was had by all.

I saw a big buck the other day at work,I'm gonna try to get him with a bow, but this is open hilly country and the WT are skittish. I have my work cut out for me, stick and string season is still 4 weeks away.

I have 2 batches of chokecherry wine that have been cookin for about a year, I hope they are about ready to try soon.

Pam got plates and registration for her 54 chevy car today. Of course it will sit until we have time and money to restore it but now it is a licensed registered car in her name. That's a big deal when thinking about restoring a car that's been sitting for 40 years or more.

It was a car that we got at a farm auction with no title and she finally got it straightened out. Now it's a 54 chevy WITH a title in her name

Will she roll to the State Fair grounds?...'bout mid June?

You can stay here, just sayin'.

Not too many things I could think of that would be funner than rollin down there to "the 50's" with the family and the 54 chev, and the 51 ford tudor...

You can park with us. Cars are in the shade and We have a shade tent set up, buncha coolers and lawn chairs. Pa cooks breakfast on the portable grill. The tent is set up in one of the main drags so most of the cars have to cruise by, you get to a lot of the cars. The ones you miss, you can see as you walk around. Everyone brings food, if you want something to eat, fire up the grill and eat. We don't go without, that's for sure.

You guys would love it.

The other nice thing is a HUGE mall is right up the road. If the ladies get tired of looking at cars they can get up the street to look at shoes.

There are tons of rummage sales along the street outside the grounds too. My step mom brings her car and parks it outside the grounds and they hit the sales and mall.

I'm typing this from 41000 feet, going 559 mph on a company jet and its -72* outside the winder.

On the way back from callyforny

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'm typing this from 41000 feet, going 559 mph on a company jet and its -72* outside the winder.

On the way back from callyforny

I thought for a minute you driving the Ford F-150 Raptor.

No way! Could only a Nash Rambler.

YUGO with a blower?

Stan in SC

I'd love to see that. Unfortuenatly, it would probably be a leaf blower.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

YUGO with a blower?

Stan in SC

How about a Nash Metropolitan with a blower? I saw one on a drag strip in southern Wisconsin many years ago.

Took the kids out scouting last night for geese and for schmidts and giggles drove by our deer stand on an uncut oat field.

Two deer were out on the field and I thought at first they were both does. Get closer and the one doe a good sized one trots off a little when the oldest boy gets all excited and yells in my ear "thats a buck". Sure is a smaller four point. Anyway he is all excited and just shaking to beat the band.

The doe takes off across the road in front of us and the buck follows but slower when he stops right in front of the truck and looks back at us from about 15 feet. By now my son is just shaking like you wouldnt believe. The buck takes off and into the woods.

My youngest who has taken deer before says he wants to get the doe cause she is the perfect size. My daughter just laughs and says go ahead cause she is sleeping in this year. But my oldest boy has this funny look on his face and in his eyes and says "I want that buck". He was still shaking 25 minutes later as we pulled in the yard.

Now this boy has been hunting with me since he was little, and just got over his fear of his shotgun, last two years he has had chances to shoot deer with his rifle but passed for good reasons and never showed the fire to really hunt for an animal until last night. I dont know what that deer did to him or what is going on but the last couple of weeks with him have been really cool watch something has turned him on and he is all go and no slow.

Sounds like another true hunter is about to join the ranks.

It's been a dark, stormy morning here. My sister who lives 30 miles East of me said they're out of power. My niece over in the Appleton area just posted a picture of a tree down outside of her office.

Have a good Labor Day weekend everyone.

Originally Posted by big drift

My youngest who has taken deer before says he wants to get the doe cause she is the perfect size. My daughter just laughs and says go ahead cause she is sleeping in this year. But my oldest boy has this funny look on his face and in his eyes and says "I want that buck". He was still shaking 25 minutes later as we pulled in the yard.

YES!!!! Get that buck boy! Get it. I want to see the fuzzy windchime at the BD camp, I want to see kids 'smilin' like heck' with blood on thier face from the the windpipe grunt tube and intestine jump rope. Get that buck boy.

I wasn't sure my boy had a lot of interest. He usually wants to go to the camp to ride the wheeler and that's about it.

The last few months he's really started asking hunting questions. He soaks up the answeres too. I took him to the woods behind grandpas and we identified tracks, old rubs, a few beds. I turned him loose on a deer trail so he could show me some things. He found track and could tell me which way they were going, showed me some rubs. We followed a trial for 5-10 minutes. Then I told him to take us back to grandpa's, I wanted to see if he even knew where he was. Kid never skipped a beat, marched us right back to Papa's house.

I don't think I stand a chance of getting to the woods without him. Truthfully, I hope I don't.

It's not the same going without him.

We're going to the cabin this weekend in WI. I'm going to bring the 22lr's up. I'm hoping to have the whole family shooting. Princess has been asking about a "pink gun" lately.

I'm going to put a call into Santa and see what he says.

You too Bill.

It was dark here all morning, but never really did much. Raied a little. The sun is trying to peek out. It's a nice day here. Mid 70's and the humidity has finally left the building.

I am heading to the north woods to put up trail cameras this weekend. Looks like nice weather to be out looking over the stand sites.

On another note, I got my South Dakota antelope tags. Got an either sex and doe tag. Look out Fall River County. If there are left over doe tags I might get two more.

This fall is shaping up rather well.

Hope everyone else has their plans working out.

Loved SoDak goat hunting even with suffering Montezumas revenge the whole time...the people are wonderful, the area gorgeous, but watch out for the access fees...we were up north of Camp Crook and just east of the state line.

We have a ranch lined up that lets us hunt. We are down on the Ne. state line. Have hunted this area the last two years but this the is the first buck tag. Three of us got 8 last year but our third passed away this spring so just two of us this year.

Lope goat hunt is on my list. Envious!

Well I'm heading to camp by myself. I might take one dog.

And I'm taking the "Morleen Diggler" to camp chickenbuck.

It's way overdue.

"Morlene Diggler"??????Vas is das?
Linda and I are going to the Virginia mountains this weekend.Some old friends bought a cabin hiiiigggghhhhh up on top of a mountain.Gonna sit on the rear deck at dusk and drink fine wine.We were there in July.It was 95 degrees down in the valley and 60 degrees up on the mountain then.Ought to be downright delicious this weekend.
We may go to the nearby Hillsville,Virginia labor day flea market.The whole town turns into a gun show.More guns that I ever saw before the last time we went.
I hope everyone here has a great Labor Day.
Stan in SC

What a beautiful night at camp. It's cooling off really nice tonight, gonna sleep good. The morleen diggler is finally at camp.

Bit of history on the diggler. It was given to me by a dear friend I used to work with. He was a business/career mentor to me and I miss him very much.

The "diggler" is actually a dagger. It was a joke really. We were looking at all the zoomy goofy knives in a "cheaper than dirt" catalog one day and we spotted a horrible knife called "the mongolian warlord dagger".

We laughed our asses off and joked about how we should buy them and show up sporting them as new hunting knives at our deer camps. Eventually we decided the mongolian warlord daggers would be sort of a punishment/prize for shooting the first deer at our individual camps. The guy to shoot the first deer would have to surrender his regular knife and wear the mongolian dagger until someone else shot a deer.

Well my buddy ordered 2 mongolian warlord daggers and didn't tell me about it. He surprised me one year when he gave me one as a Christmas present. He then told me he had got himself one as well for his camp.

The dagger is horrible and goddy. With a metal decotative sheath, gold chains, a tassel, serpent handle.. It's really something.

My oldest boy now 14 couldn't say "mongolian warlord dagger" when he was younger. He shortened the name down to "morleen diggler". And the name stuck like a chickenbuck. Lol!

So, that's the scoop on morleen diggler. Fellow chickenbuckers will have to compete with me for the honor of wearing the morleen diggler.

We have what we call a traveling trophy at our camp. It is a redneck jeep with two rednecks and a deer strapped over the hood. Push a button and you get a couple of country songs. Goes to the biggest deer killed. At camp this year will be a full sized deer target on the wall with arrows pointing to the kill zone and a big red circles with a line through them over the front knees and a sign to them saying "not here". If anyone remembers we had a knee shooting incident last year. I posted it last year after deer season, it is a good read for giggles.

This is posted from Lake McDugal N.F. campground and the day is beautifull. 72 and mostly sunny

Its cool and cloudy at camp chickenbuck this morning. I can see my breath.

I bet that gets the blood flowing ND!

this morning was cool here too, we went prairie dog hunting yesterday, and with the added trigger time, it really set the mood for fall and hunting season. I got my SD antelope tags in the mail today so I am PUMPED! bring on the cold weather!

What loper area did you get? I will be down in Fall county for the opener. Did you get a buck tag?

Deer cams are up. Wife and I put 5 out this morning and even saw a deer.

It is a very nice evening 56 degrees with a few clouds and a light wind. They say might get some frost tonight.

Sorry... That is Fall River County...

I'm tapped out. 2 days hard workin out at the cabin.

We got the road fixed up pretty nice (probably nicer than it's ever been). We got water coming out of our sand point/pitcher pump well, fixed the out house door and mowed the area by Pam's stand.

It sure was nice out there though, a hint of fall in the air for sure.

Some shots of our "well" project.

[Linked Image]

we hit water for sure.

[Linked Image]

dig a little deeper by hand..

[Linked Image]

our plastic garbage can drilled and filled with rock.

[Linked Image]

This is just for wash water at camp.

And a few shots of the pole frame wood shed project at home. Is this Ice auger abuse?

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_2136.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_2147.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by TJAY

Sorry... That is Fall River County...

I live in fall river county, zone 27A is where I drew

Day Light in the swamp boys! 45* here this morning with a high of 65*. I love it! The weather service has issued frost warnings for Northern WI tonight.

Rainy and windy here all weekend.

Interesting project Dave. We tried several times to drive a point at camp and failed everytime.

35 here at Lake McDougal this morning. Feels great..

Colorado1135. Maybe we can meet for a cup or cold one when I am out there. I will buy and you can meet my hunting partner from Rapid. He is always looking for hunting partners and places to go.

that would be great! always like to meet new people

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Its cool and cloudy at camp chickenbuck this morning. I can see my breath.

I could see my breath last night at my Mom's cabin. It was a fantastic night. Everone else went to be and I just sat out at the fire and listened to the quiet.

Lots of pics, will do so later. We had a blast this weekend. Shooting, fishing, 4-wheeling. I don't think we could have packed anymore fun into this weekend if we tried. Lots of tired people at our house tonight. They need to rest up, it's the first day of school tomorrow.

Cool Dave. What the heck were we doing wrong getting consistant water from that pump? How far did you have to dig?

I spoke too soon. I did something wrong when I downloaded my pictures from my camera and they're gone....all of them.

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

road improvements.

[Linked Image]

here's the once "muddy corner"

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

good lord, glad that wasn't much worse.

Sounds like you got lucky!

Pam got an awesome shot of this dragonfly eating a smaller bug on the cabin steps.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

Holy Crap. Glad you got out or it wasn't worse.

At least chick dig scars.

Looks good Dave!

Did I mention I was pizzed off that I deleted all our weekend pics? Damnit I'm mad. It was one of the most fun weekends I've had in a loooooong time.

There were a few ah-ha moments. Ah-ha, better think about staying alive. Ah-ha, it's a long drive to Bemidji. Ah-ha, this HURTS! Ah-ha, could be worse.

4

Nate's car came home.

[Linked Image]

I don't care for it much.

these next ones are action photos... we drove it

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/rollin1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/rollin2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/rollin3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/rollin4.jpg[/img]

Here's a picture for you. Picked this up for my kid last week. He likes retro! He'll be arriving at school in style - if his grades are good.

[Linked Image]

4

That is sweet Dave. Lucky boy.

4

Nice sled craig! we have a couple old xlt's.

Truth is I probably sprayed the clear coat on that sled.

I dig the ford.

Wow Dave that don't even look like the same road. I may even be able to make it in there now.

Pretty awesome car RWS!!!! Can't wait for the restoration thread on that one.

Dave,

Maybe even Ryan can get in there now.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

Ouch! That had to hurt.

How long did it take you to get it running Dave? I noticed it had new hoses, belt and distribitor cap and possibly a new generator.

Are you going to leave the 6 volt system in tact or convert to a 12 volt?

37* here this morning. 33* up in Eagle River. I was in a Sears store over the weekend and they were stocked up on snoblowers.

BTW, nice picture Pam.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave,

Maybe even Ryan can get in there now.

I knew that was coming! and yes I thought the same thing, lol

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

Ouch! That had to hurt.

I'm worried that's gonna hurt for weeks if not months.

The thing about a chainsaw is they don't cut you, they take a notch out of you.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

How long did it take you to get it running Dave? I noticed it had new hoses, belt and distribitor cap and possibly a new generator.

Are you going to leave the 6 volt system in tact or convert to a 12 volt?

We had it sputtering in less than a half an hour and we had it sustaining idle & pulling fuel on it's own in about an hour. We had a little trouble with the cork gasket on the sedement bowl for the fuel pump. It was sucking air past the cork gasket. Me and Nate made a new temporary gasket out of a tire innertube. Nice rubber gasket.

I don't know about converting, I need to research that some more. I need to know if the starter can handle the 12 volts and I also need to find out if a 12 volt conversion can still run possitive ground like the original 6 volt system does.

my hunch is that all I need is a single wire (internally regulated) alternator and a voltage drop to 6 for feeding the gauges in the dash.

But I'm not sure, there's probably more to it. Probably some ignition (distributor related) changes need to be made too?

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

Yikes!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This pic made ROR. Lemme guess the noise coming out of your mouth sounded somthing like this:

"BAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

Reminds me so much of Waylon.

Tzone,

That sucks that you lost all your pics! I have done that before and you feel like kicking your own azz!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

How long did it take you to get it running Dave? I noticed it had new hoses, belt and distribitor cap and possibly a new generator.

Are you going to leave the 6 volt system in tact or convert to a 12 volt?

We had it sputtering in less than a half an hour and we had it sustaining idle & pulling fuel on it's own in about an hour. We had a little trouble with the cork gasket on the sedement bowl for the fuel pump. It was sucking air past the cork gasket. Me and Nate made a new temporary gasket out of a tire innertube. Nice rubber gasket.

I don't know about converting, I need to research that some more. I need to know if the starter can handle the 12 volts and I also need to find out if a 12 volt conversion can still run possitive ground like the original 6 volt system does.

my hunch is that all I need is a single wire (internally regulated) alternator and a voltage drop to 6 for feeding the gauges in the dash.

But I'm not sure, there's probably more to it. Probably some ignition (distributor related) changes need to be made too? [/quote]

I've been out of the loop so long Dave that I really don't recall all that's needed to accomplish the voltage change. I'd definitly go for it though if it isn't to big a deal. A lot of the old 6 volt systems hated cold weather and would refuse to start once the temps hit zero. The old 6 volt batteries just didn't have the needed cranking amps to get the job done. I spent a lot of time as a kid helping my dad and grandfather jump start those old systems. Of course the fact that a lot of the old timers still had 20 or 30 weight oil in the crankcase didn't help either.

Originally Posted by tzone

I dig the ford.

x 2

Originally Posted by Muffy

Wow Dave that don't even look like the same road. I may even be able to make it in there now.

Pretty awesome car RWS!!!! Can't wait for the restoration thread on that one.

Happy day late birthday Missy!

I meant to shoot you a txt yesterday, don't know how I forgot. I guess I was sidetracked with all this old car business.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave,

Maybe even Ryan can get in there now.

I knew that was coming! and yes I thought the same thing, lol

Kinda funny but, it would be nice if you could drive in there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't know about converting, I need to research that some more. I need to know if the starter can handle the 12 volts and I also need to find out if a 12 volt conversion can still run possitive ground like the original 6 volt system does.

Hey Dave,

My Pa's done a few of them, I'd even wager a guess that he's done a bunch of them. He did it to my '55 before it was mine, in the 80's I think is when he did that one.

Give him a call and he'll be more than happy to help you out with that.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone,

That sucks that you lost all your pics! I have done that before and you feel like kicking your own azz!

Rooster, I was so pizzed off I didn't get to sleep until 2AM. It was an absolutely GREAT weekend with the wife and kids and I don't have any pics other than cell phone pics.

Then, I get to shaving today for the month and I have gray hair in my beard.

OK, not really on that one, but Ma's going to give me heck forever now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nate's car came home.

[Linked Image]

smilin' like heck!

Nice! You called it - running in an hour. How'd the stopping part go?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice sled craig! we have a couple old xlt's.

Truth is I probably sprayed the clear coat on that sled.

Be proud of that then. Look at her shine! Exuding a wierd purpleness. The purple bugs me, but my boy thinks it's a chick magnet. Retro I tell you.

Guy we bought it from says on straight trail and a thumb full, it's hard to believe what the speedo says. 2100 miles, should be good for a couple of seasons.

4

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I had a workout at the shack too. Was cutting a fenceline when I punched my Husqvarna chainsaw into my thigh. 18 stitches (three on the inside)and I was back the next day to finish the job. With Kevlar chaps this time...

4

Ouch! That had to hurt.

Yes. that F'n hurt. Day five and it still f'n hurts. Worst part was on day two when I pulled the saw out of the truck to start cutting again. Chain brake had fired. No comfort in that. Too little too late. And each tooth had a little piece of blue jeans and other undescribable horrors on it. I had to lop up a couple of oak tree branches just to floss the bar. Then I filed it and got to work. Creepy.

Boys, don't underestimate safety. Work slow and thoughtfull. Keep your first aid kit handy. A half mile is a little far to go. And charge your cell phone. Lonely when there's only one battery bar - and you're afraid to waste it on 911. You save it for your family. Chainsaw chaps are not for whimps. They're for men who work hard. Lessons learned. Let me learn for you.

4

We converted an H to 12 volt when I was in grade school. Bypassed the magneto with a 12 volt coil; kept the distributor as is. Replaced a gage or 2. Put in an AC Delco alternator. Replaced the foot activated ignition switch with a keyed switch. The starter was up for 12 volts in this case. Still runs ~ 30 years later. Don't think it's positive ground anymore, but it's been a long time. Why do you need to keep it positive ground?

A lot of the old tractors with the magneto had spring loaded kill switches. Supposedly, with positive ground, they could spontaneously start when struck by lightning. They were usually left in gear to keep them from rolling.

Had a fire at the property I'm working on today. ended up with over a dozen engine crews, 2 hotshot crews 2 or 3 SEAT planes and a helicopter doing bucket drops. the fire started right along the road, not sure of the cause yet but it could have been a careless cigarette or maybe someone set it intentionally.
here's a couple pics

within the first 30 mins or so of the blaze starting
[Linked Image]

initial attack crews
[Linked Image]

getting a little bigger
[Linked Image]

spreading up a steep ridge
[Linked Image]

staging area for water
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Chainsaw chaps are not for whimps. They're for men who work hard. Lessons learned. Let me learn for you.

4

Craig,

I'm real glad you're able to even write on here today, let alone give us safety tips. The older I get and see that my little boy wants to everything EXACTLY like dad, I find myself being more and more safe. I believe it is time for a pair of chaps.

WOW. You got your work cut out for you now Ryan.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY,MUFFY!

Dave,the car really looks great.Takes me back some years.
Keep up the good work.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nate's car came home.

[Linked Image]

smilin' like heck!

Nice! You called it - running in an hour. How'd the stopping part go?

Stopping?? yeah it don't do that yet lol!!

But I really got the engine running smooth last night.

Sounds great.

I saw a demo on the chain saw chaps years ago out in Maine and it was impressive to say the least. They do work.

Happy belated birthday Muffy!

Ryan, hope you have that fire out or at least under control by now.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice sled craig! we have a couple old xlt's.

Truth is I probably sprayed the clear coat on that sled.

Be proud of that then. Look at her shine! Exuding a wierd purpleness. The purple bugs me, but my boy thinks it's a chick magnet. Retro I tell you.

Guy we bought it from says on straight trail and a thumb full, it's hard to believe what the speedo says. 2100 miles, should be good for a couple of seasons.

4

They are good sleds.

Couple of retro triple tips for you.

You can sinc the carbs with your fingers reaching in the throats of the carbs. That's how the plant workers set them up at the factory. 2 carbs at a time with index and middle finger on the same hand, stick one finger in the center carb and one in an outboard carb and feel along the top of the air passage for the bottom edges of the slides with the thumb throttle held wide open. You want to feel the same amount of slide edge at WOT (wide open throttle) along the top sides of the carb throat. Get an outboard carb matched up to the center then use that center for a standard to match the other outboard carb to. That's your non racked cable drawn triple carb tip of the day.

Your sled looks late 90's, I don't recall exactly when it was everybody fell in love with purples again but I'm thinking late 90's. 1997 (or 98?) was the first year the xlt engine got direct oiling to the crank if I recall correctly, this is a good thing. These sleds were also famous for flooding the carbs when sitting or riding on a trailer and the fuel runs forward through the intake ports and fills the crank case with gas. This gas is straight gas, no oil in it since the oil is injected separately and only while the crank is spinning since the oil pump runs off the engine. You don�t want to flood that case too many times with straight gas because it washes your crank bearings.

So, when you go to pull the rope and it feels like it's hydro locking , your crank case is probably flooded. Reach under the exhaust ports on the very bottom front edge of the engine and you will find 3 10mm drain plug bolts. These will drain the gas out of the cylinders for you. If you get "good at draining your triple" then you might want a new set of float needles.

If you get new float needles (highly recommended no matter what) get a set of 3 viton tipped needles and you should be golden.

Check your chain case oil level periodically (like every outing) if the case gasket blows out down low you might not see a leak and it will go dry on you. Change that oil once a year, drain plug is on the bottom of the case accessible from a hole in the belly pan, they don't hold much oil so it won't break the bank. I'd run the polaris synthetic chain case oil.

Check your chain tension by loosening the jam nut on the tightening bolt and screwing in the tightening bolt with your fingers. Grab the driven clutch with your hand and rock the clutch and jack shaft forward and back as you finger tighten the tensioning bolt. Finger tight, no more than that then reset your jam nut.

Try to get some grease to the jack shaft bearing behind the driven clutch, almost impossible to do without pulling the clutch. If you do pull the driven clutch then take time to clean the shaft end and the shaft bore on the clutch, add a thin film of grease to the shaft end before reassembly. The driven clutch should actually have some thrust travel on the jackshaft. Basically what I mean is you should be able to slide it in and out on the shaft as much as a �� when the retaining bolt is on. This is a good thing because it can find it's true alignment with the drive clutch when engaged.

Check all the bearings and bolts in your rail too. It looks like an xtra 12 rear suspension. Those are cushy rides but it's hell when you get them stuck (he'll find out why)

If you find yourself adjusting the track tension when replacing hifax or whatever, you have to run that track a bit on the loose side. With the sled in the air supported by the rear grab bar that track should hang with considerable slack between the track and hifax. You want like an inch and a half to two inches of hanging sag (unweighted deflection). If you run an xtra 12 too tight you will stick the metal track windows to the hifax, and I do mean STICK, as in get out the pry bar to crack it loose.

And your skis, run about 1/4" toed out on the ski tips. That'll keep it from darting on the trails.

There ya go, way more than anyone ever wanted to know about an old sled lol!!

It almost sounds like you've had a lot of experience with the old sleds, Mr. Shaw....

Do you have a couple of your own?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This pic made ROR. Lemme guess the noise coming out of your mouth sounded somthing like this:

"BAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

Reminds me so much of Waylon.

I thought the same thing Rooster...I see glimpses of Waylon now and then too. He's still with us.

So.....If anyone had any doubt Dave knew about Polaris sleds, re-read above. You either know your stuff Dave, or are really good at BS'ing.

I never met Waylon, but I have met Dave..... I know he was making "vroom, vroom" noises.

Ridge Runners of Northern Minnesota ya yew betcha, gonna beh brinkging in dat canadian corn wheeskey and da choke cherry wine tew, yew betcha.

Whatch out fer dem der revnoors up der yew betcha, dey comen take dat rig away fer dat stuff nowdays.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

It almost sounds like you've had a lot of experience with the old sleds, Mr. Shaw....

Do you have a couple of your own?

Experience dear, obtained "the hard way" as always.

I could go on about coolant hose routings, checking for rubbing, voltage regulator, cold weather starting tricks for polaris triples etc, etc...

Yawn...

About 10-11 years ago, I was riding my buddies xlt triple, we called it Barney" when it blew the motor. My buddy wasn't feeling well and he offered it to me for the day. Everything was fine until the trail crossed a lake, we all fanned out and I cracked open the throttle Barney just got quiet and coasted to a stop. I checked the kill switch, yep still in the ON position. I knew it was bad when I grabbed the starter rope, gave it a mighty tug and the whole sled moved forward a few inches. I felt like crap, but my buddy was cool about it, it was fixed under warranty and I think he still has Barney.

That's why you never ever borrow a sled.

I know about that whole deal too.

Murphy's law runs hard and strong in borrowed snowmobiles.

So are you saying when I come up to ice fish, I need to buy a sled?

IIRC, I used the XLT when I was up there with you guys and it was running like a top, even with a fat guy on it.

I'd like to know more, but given the calories you spent typing that out, I'll refrain from asking. Printed all that and will give it to the boy. It's his mechanical project. I'll only help if asked.

He's pretty good with motors. he's predisposed to screwing with things that don't need screwing with, but I suppose we all took a little while to learn that.

Thanks for the info Dave.

4

Originally Posted by tzone

So are you saying when I come up to ice fish, I need to buy a sled?

IIRC, I used the XLT when I was up there with you guys and it was running like a top, even with a fat guy on it.

If the sled breaks down while the sled owner is with you then it don't count.

Good. I'm in the clear then.

I scored big today. I've been looking for this ripple profile tin in a plain galvanized finish for the ceiling of the cabin. We've talked about it quite a lot amongst the whole camp group and I think the general consensus is that it would go well with the barn boards on the walls. Hopefully it would help with the lighting in there too.

Well I found some today at a going out of business sale at a lumber yard!!

[Linked Image]

Nice score Dave! What u think of making some fake beams to cover the seams too.

we're on the same page buschy.

Actually I can get by with one beam basically over the "kitchen table" from the front wall where you walk in to the interior corner where the wood stove wall meets kitchen wall. About an 11-12 foot beam. We'll select a tree, possibly dead standing (because dry is good) and we'll square 3 sides, top side we'll square deep, sides will be shallow cuts barely enough to square the edges and the bottom or downdard facing side will be left round but peeled.

I got enough tin to cover the ceiling in the main part of the cabin, not the bedrooms yet. (it was on sale but it wasn't free

)

How long are those pieces, Dave? Our entire shack is covered in corragated metal on the outside.

Shweet score Captain Dave. When do you want me to come help putting it up?

Put another way, can I come to chickenbuck?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I got enough tin to cover the ceiling in the main part of the cabin, not the bedrooms yet. (it was on sale but it wasn't free

)

How much more do you need? Where did you get it and what size is it. I can sniff around here and try to grab some.

You come on up any time and we'll get r dun.

(except one weekend in sept, fishing tourney with Dusty, not certain when that is??)

I took an on the spot guestimation on what I bought yesterday, aiming to cover the ceiling in the living room and kitchen areas (if we call them that?)

I sure would like to cover the bedrooms as well, with the barn boards too, that would be great. (someday)

I don't think I can make it in Sept. anyway. Headed to Veags next weekend for our 10th annvirsary. It is in June, but falls on Jack's B-day so we celebrate it later so he can have his day.

The next weekend I'll have to work. The first weekend in Oct. is looking kinda good though.

fishing is looking good to that weekend Tzone. Can't wait to get bakc out to Chickenbuck for some suds! bout time! i think that ceiling will look cool Dave. sure to make things brighter and reflect that heat back down! win win.

Talked to one of the landowners we hunt with, he was out cutting oats when he saw a polished rack four point.

Last week we saw one still in velvet but it is coming soon.

Bushcy,

I love fishing but once fall rolls around it's hard for me to stay in the walleye mode. I feel like if I'm going to haul something up nort' it's going to be a 20ga.

Anyone wanna buy a Ranger?

FORD RANGER?? I may try more hunting in the woods this year as well, hoping to stay home next weekend and maybe show up at chickenbuck if all works out. should bring some walleyes with one day!

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't think I can make it in Sept. anyway. Headed to Veags next weekend for our 10th annvirsary. It is in June, but falls on Jack's B-day so we celebrate it later so he can have his day.

The next weekend I'll have to work. The first weekend in Oct. is looking kinda good though.

Huh....our 10 year anniversary was almost 10 years ago...didn't go anywhere that I recall.

WOOOT WOOOT WOOOT DANGER DANGER DANGER!!!!!!!!

Only had to say that as my wife was asking how come we didnt go anywhere for our 10th anniversary.....

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't think I can make it in Sept. anyway. Headed to Veags next weekend for our 10th annvirsary. It is in June, but falls on Jack's B-day so we celebrate it later so he can have his day.

The next weekend I'll have to work. The first weekend in Oct. is looking kinda good though.

Huh....our 10 year anniversary was almost 10 years ago...didn't go anywhere that I recall.

Oh....It isn't our Wedding anniversay. I'm sorry that's what you thought it was.

It's the anniversary of the...um... Well, it's for something.

Jeesh, I can't believe you thought it was for or Wedding. I wouldn't go on a trip for that.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

FORD RANGER?? I may try more hunting in the woods this year as well, hoping to stay home next weekend and maybe show up at chickenbuck if all works out. should bring some walleyes with one day!

Boat Ranger.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This pic made ROR. Lemme guess the noise coming out of your mouth sounded somthing like this:

"BAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

Reminds me so much of Waylon.

I thought the same thing Rooster...I see glimpses of Waylon now and then too. He's still with us.

Omg,I had to look twice at that picture. He does look like Waylon, especially with that expression on his face

Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a fun weekend. Went 4 wheeling. I left mine at home and got to ride in a Razor for the first time. I was suprised on how smooth it rode. Had to lift the feet a couple times but at least our butts didn't get wet.

We had a bonfire for our birthday's on Sunday, it was fun.

Where the heck you been Muffster? We miss ya around here. Uncle Dusty too. He can poke his head out everyonce in a while.

Got the topper ordered for my truck. It should be here just in time for hunting season, 'bout 3 weeks.

It is a Leer 100R. Same one I had on the Tundra.

Originally Posted by tzone

Got the topper ordered for my truck. It should be here just in time for hunting season, 'bout 3 weeks.

It is a Leer 100R. Same one I had on the Tundra.

Why didja order the same one you had on the Tundra? Wouldn't it have been easier just to take it off before ya went an traded it??

Sorry. Its been a LONG week.

Holy cow miss a day and you gotta catch up around here!! Lol!

Buschy, nobody would be mad at ya for bringing walleye to the chickenbuck shanty

Tzone, and whoever else. From here forward towards fall I really gravitate towards the camp so almost any weekend works

I have plans for the first weekend in October Dave.

Tonite....Drunk and disorderly would be an understatement. I never did figure out Octobeerfest in Sept, but I sure do like it.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Why didja order the same one you had on the Tundra? Wouldn't it have been easier just to take it off before ya went an traded it??

Sorry. Its been a LONG week.

Cuz the old one is gray, silly.

You didn't happen to stumble into the Busch Beer with the orange boxes like I did tonight? It must be getting close to hunting season.

Bubbajay, wondering how your St.Paul trip went... Did ya find Gabes by the park and Half time Rec???

I didn't really get out much, the class was for a state real estate license, and they really kept to the 1 hour lunch break, and 5 minute breaks. Lots of reading in the evenings, so I only made it out one night for supper. I did have to find a liquor store one night, and it took me over an hour to get my beer. I think I am better off away from the cities, to many people.

I have beer at my house...just sayin'.

I brought beer with me to the hotel, but I ran out and needed to re-supply.

Come on! Where's the camp pics?

Maybe the dingoes ate the camp pics.LOL.
Good morning,Tom.

Stan in SC

Oh no, I didn't know there were Dingos up there.

Hi Stan, how was your weekend?

Do you get to head out to Chickenbuck this weekend ND? i got it off for the most part and may be taking a ranger ride out that direction.

Really looking forward to a Chickenbuck weekend. Get something figured out. I think I only have plans for the weekend of Oct. 7th & 8th. It is our annual Mall trip.

skip the mall, head to chickenbuck!!

I'm headed up the first weekend in Oct.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

skip the mall, head to chickenbuck!!

I would but I already offered to drive, and it is a lot of fun.

Buschy, I can't this weekend we have a fishing tourny (Dusty and I)

Probably the following weekend though.

I wish I could make it, I have every weekend booked until mid november, and even then I am redoing floors in the house. A lady is Dangerous when you give her a pass to redecorate and then take her to home depot! good news is we found tiles we like for .65 a sq ft so that helps. but when she says "since we're redoing the bathroom floor how about a new shower and vanity....." don't get me started on the kitchen! but its great, I like what we have planned for the new place. we couldn't have decided to start at a worse time of year though.

good news is I have 5 deer tags burning a hole in my pocket

I agree skip the mall muffy

Yep, them wimmins can get your "to do" list long in a hurry. When I finished the basement in my WI house, tile was the cheapest finish for the floors by a good margin. I was surprised. Pleasnatly though, it changed the way I finished a few rooms and it looked great.

Kind fun too, if ya don't do it durring hunting season.

Linda and I are about to embark on a gut and complete re-do of our kitchen after several months of planning and getting quotes.My small office with the computer goes away and we moved the computer to a spare bedroom yesterday.The new appliances are sitting in the garage having been delivered the other day.Demo will start in about a week and I know it'll be a mess for awhile.As Colorado said above a lady is dangerous when you give her a pass to redecorate.I did manage to slip in a complete new energy efficient replacement of the 25 year old heating and air conditioning units.This is one of the gas pack units with nothing in the crawl space.It all comes out and the complete new unit sits outside.Of course we will be eating nothing but Ramen noodles for the next few years but we will be eating them in a new kitchen.
Seriously it's gonna be nice.
Muzzle loading deer season starts in a couple of weeks.I shot the .54 New Englander last week.We had one of the tracts planted in a deer attractant weeks ago.It ought to be coming along good.The .44 pistol is ready to go as is the old lever action.I'm getting excited.

Stan in SC

Good luck with the remodel Stan. We replaced all the windows and siding this year. Judy has plans for the kitchen, but that will have to wait a bit.

What a differnece a day makes. We were pushing 90* here on Monday. Today may get to 65* and we'll be lucky to see 55* on Wednesday. We are under a freeze warning for the next 3 nights.

Weather dude even used the "S" word. Looks like they might see snow flurries East of Dave, and in NW WI.

this is WAY too early to be talking snow. although now that I live in the banana belt of South Dakota, ya'll can say the S word whenever you want

we won't see any of the white stuff til december likely. our big snows come in march I guess with one or two big heavy snowfalls. we were in the mid/upper 80's yeasterday and they are calling for a high of 55 tomorrow, not sure what the night will bring but there were warnings to cover plants you didn't want to die.

Fall is in the air!

Stan- I'll be sure to take some pics as we do the project, would love to see yours as well

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Weather dude even used the "S" word. Looks like they might see snow flurries East of Dave, and in NW WI.

My daughter said it was snowing by Grandma's house, so Duluth must be getting some snow.

I thought I heard my old man swear from here.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Fall is in the air!

It sure feels like it, and it's fantastic!

I am starting to worry about my deer cams. That big forest fire is about 2.5 miles north of my most northern camera and 3.5 miles north of deer camp. Hope it stays north as a friend lives in a cabin a mile north east of camp. It is heading to an area where we like to camp and fish. They have the roads closed in that area and we could not get to camp now if we wanted. It is a waiting game now.

TJAY, as strange as it may sound we're getting the ash clouds and smell from the fires here in Central WI today.

I just talked to my wife, who is in Wausau, WI today. She said she could smell smoke as soon as she got to Throp. For everyone but Bill...that's about an hour west of Wausau.

I hope your stuff is OK TJAY, and your pal's cabin.

Update: The smoke smell has reached Milwaukee. Local news just reported that the size of the MN fires has quadruppled since this AM. Now up to over 60K acres.

Tom, your daughter probably saw ash from the fire, not snow.

Keepen our fingers crossed for ya TJAY.

What?? The iron range is burning???

I haven't heard anything about it!!

Here in Green Bay today the smoke was as thick as if the fire was just outside of town. The smell of smoke was actually strong inside our office this morning.Local fire departments were getting calls people thought they had electrical fires in the walls of the house do to the strong smoke odor.

Just heard on the news here that is is over 100,000 acres. KSTP just had some film from the helo. There sure were a lot of flames. Heard a fire guy saying it would get put out by snow or heavy rain. They have not even had a chance to put any firelines up yet as it is moving to fast.

my gosh that's terrible. I'm looking for news that might show a map of the fire path.

looks just east of ely in the lake one, lake two area basically. Lot of cabins in that area I think?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, your daughter probably saw ash from the fire, not snow.

Nah, she claims it was on the news. I try not to watch the news so I didn't hear it. I called my dad and he said it was 65*F and sunny. No snow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What?? The iron range is burning???

I haven't heard anything about it!!

Big fire in the BWCA. The high winds yesterday really stired it up.

Here is a link.
http://inciweb.org/incident/2534

Originally Posted by northern_dave

looks just east of ely in the lake one, lake two area basically. Lot of cabins in that area I think?

Crap! That was my neck of the woods.

Well, here is hoping for a little precision thunderstorm.

Brent

Oh Crap is right. Very good family friends have a cabin in that range. Theirs is near the Clara Lake.

Here are some pictures. This is the link.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/09/13/aerial-photos-of-the-fire-in-bwca/

Thanks T. That thing is reall rockin' ain't it?

Wow, some premo moose habitat, lots of moose in that area.

What a shame.

Best moose area in Minnesota I think. At least it was.

It will become even better eventually, but it will take a while.

Hoping the best for Isabella.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What?? The iron range is burning???

I haven't heard anything about it!!

Big fire in the BWCA. The high winds yesterday really stired it up.

I hadn't heard anything about it either, but that thing has been fixing for a burn since 2000 or so when they had the big blow down.

It's such a huge area (BWCA in it's entirety) I don't know for certain that this was a blowdown area.

It's very close to an area that we have taken the kids to several times on different trips over the years. Some of the fire's path overlaps previous burn areas. But I don't think this was a blowdown area. If it runs north and east it could reach a big blowdown area.

huh, I figured it was the big burn people have been talking about for years in the making. 10k acres is a huge fire for MN, and big by western standards too. hope everyone in its path are same

Not a whole lot in the path right now except the isabella area that has some homes and businesses. if it keeps going that direction it could leave BWCA, jump hwy 1 and run south east.

Either way, it's just not good.

They say it is getting close to the blowdown and do not know what will happen if it gets there. They are closing most of the BWCA. 100,000 and growing that is just amazing. If it hits the blowdown it could run to the Gunflint.

The late news last night said it was nearing 111K acres and heading towards the blowdown area. She'll go like...well like wild fire if it hits that blow down. Mostly lodges in the Isabella area, and one of the only decent beer/burger joints I know of up there, Tressel Inn.

I still dont know where u found the info that forestry lit it tom? link?

All I've heard is "lightning"

August 18th apprx. 1200 am lightning strike. They did a little backfire/control to keep it away from cabins and resorts by Ely.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I still dont know where u found the info that forestry lit it tom? link?

All I've heard is "lightning"

I edited the posts I can edit. That is my fault. Eveything I found says lightening as well. My dad told me it was from a controled burn by the DNR. My mistake for putting it up without checking first.

Ahh, I suppose local news may have gotten it a bit twisted with the backfire efforts as TJAY posted.

AAaaaahhhhh. Feel that? It's almost here. The low humidity, cripness in the air. It's coming kids.

The deer camp beard starts it's onward treck towards greatness on Tuesday. I might have to tape one on the boy because he wants one too.

It feels great this morning. Fall is the best.

I love sweatshirt weather!!!

Today was cool in the morning.Wednesday is my range day and I get up early to get there at first light.I tried something new today.I shot my 45/70 at 200 and 300 yards.It's dead in there at 100 yards and I was surprised at how well it did at the longer distances.The drop at 200 yards is about 20 inches and at 300 yards it is about 30 inches.It is a about a two second lag from fire until you see the dust at the 300 yard berm.Cool!!

Stan in SC

STan,
Think about that. If it drops 20" from 100-200yds, it is going to drop a whole lot more than 30" from 100-300.

For my .45-70, from a 100 yds zero it drops 25" at 200 and 79" at 300. Takes 0.8 seconds to get to 300 yds with a moderate .45-70 load. Just seems a lot longer.

Dave,

We were just at the gun shop by home here and the dude that runs it has a camp NE of Grygla. I thought that was kinda cool. He said he was up for the early goose season and put 400 miles on the truck in a few days looking for deer and saw 3.

He wasn't real impressed with the deer situation.

Looks like the fire has missed deer camp. Looks like it stayed north and east. Unless they get a strong NE wind my area should be ok.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave,

We were just at the gun shop by home here and the dude that runs it has a camp NE of Grygla. I thought that was kinda cool. He said he was up for the early goose season and put 400 miles on the truck in a few days looking for deer and saw 3.

He wasn't real impressed with the deer situation.

that will happen after several years of unlimited doe tags.

there is hope though, the remaining does will make babies, as long as the goddam wolves stay away from them

Originally Posted by TJAY

Looks like the fire has missed deer camp. Looks like it stayed north and east. Unless they get a strong NE wind my area should be ok.

good to hear your stompin grounds are safe, fire is bad in the short term but long term can and will work wonders. it will probably push a lot of deer your way since they lost their regular ground to the fire, could make for a great season!

We are hopeful but the fire is 0% contained at this time. Looks like they will get a couple of day to work on it before the weather changes.

Hope all the big bucks move to our area and the wolves all go someplace else.

First frost of the season here this AM.

Still have our fingers crossed TJAY.

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave,

We were just at the gun shop by home here and the dude that runs it has a camp NE of Grygla. I thought that was kinda cool. He said he was up for the early goose season and put 400 miles on the truck in a few days looking for deer and saw 3.

He wasn't real impressed with the deer situation.

I counted 10-12 deer in the section (square mile) that I live. Plenny of venny for my freezer this fall!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Looks like the fire has missed deer camp. Looks like it stayed north and east. Unless they get a strong NE wind my area should be ok.

Good news TJAY. The cold weather and SNOW/rain slowed it down to a crawl. As of last night it grew by a 1/4 mile yesterday.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by TJAY

Looks like the fire has missed deer camp. Looks like it stayed north and east. Unless they get a strong NE wind my area should be ok.

good to hear your stompin grounds are safe, fire is bad in the short term but long term can and will work wonders. it will probably push a lot of deer your way since they lost their regular ground to the fire, could make for a great season!

It will be silly with game there in the next few years. Relitively speaking.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

First frost of the season here this AM.

Frost on the pumpkin here this AM, Bill. That should just about do it for the mosquitos and ragweed. That makes me smile like heck.

A fine 22degrees i seen on the truck this morning. a bit of frost, pulled the pumpkin patch last night. got some treats for them critters now too.

My daughter informed me last night that some boys at school told her she couldnt deer hunt....well throwing that gauntlet down has gotten this girl all fired up to lay the smack down again.

She has just not had the interest in it the last couple of years. So now I have all three kids going. Hoping I can farm one of them off on the land owner to sit with or else the stand is gonna be quite cozy.

Then this morning she drops on me her friends and her want to go goose hunting with us. I am about to go find these boys who are telling her off and shuting them up permanently before they cost me more money...:)

ah, its good she's getting into it again, plus its an excuse to buy more guns

I dont mind her hunting again just the expenses, lol. Trying to get all these dang kids armed up and now my oldests possible significant other as well is getting a bit much.

May need to start ordering those three barrel sets from Rossi in single shots, lol.

Been seeing and hearing of a lot of rubs this last couple days. This morning it was like the deer were on crack runing all over the place. One of my buds was out goose hunting and had a small fork horn take offense with his decoys and stomped them pretty good hope the cell pics turned out.

Mmmhmmm frost is in the air....

Expenses...pfffft. I was at the gun/bow shop last night looking for a bow both of the kids could shoot until the get bigger. the dude was trying to sell me a Mission made by Matthew for $475. He was telling me how nice they are and how they can shoot them forever because they go up tp 70# draw weight and 29" DL.

He then wanted to set two for me, one for each kid.

I'm not dropping a $1K on two bows for a 6 and an 8yo. Of course the kids were with me and were concerned that I wansn't going to buy them on the spot.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Well dang if that doesn't sound like a bit of heaven on earth! Will they go for the trifecta and serve beer, too?

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Well dang if that doesn't sound like a bit of heaven on earth! Will they go for the trifecta and serve beer, too?

See if the puke stain is still there from my daughter, will ya Bill? It should be right on the emblem on the carpet when you walk into the pro shop.

Did a little range time this morning. Getting two ready for the loper hunt. Got the 264 Win. and the 6mm Rem set to go. Ran them both over the chrono and a final site in. Next trip will be to do a liitle shooting from the 200 off sticks or bipods. It 45 degrees at the range and felt great.

do you handload for the 264?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, I'm not a big guy, never been a big guy, but I was a very angry average sized guy with some pretty sharp boxing skills at the time & a fully lit raging temper...

So, I went through the place & cleaned house. kind of over did it actually. I could only see out of my left eye because my right eye vision was blocked by a bloody shard of glass stuck in my face. police & ambulance sirens were getting closer as the last man fell. They were loading beaten bullies into ambulances as i got into our rental car with my friends who so kindly drove me to the "good hospital"

OK, so every year I read this thing cover to cover, (don't ask) and when I get to this part ^^^^^^^^^^ I cracks me up to the point where I have to pee a little. I can picture ND going through the house knocking MOFO's out left and right, then looking at Ma and saying, "huh, kinda went a little too far on that one."

Makes me smile like heck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, I went through the place & cleaned house. kind of over did it actually. I could only see out of my left eye because my right eye vision was blocked by a bloody shard of glass stuck in my face. police & ambulance sirens were getting closer as the last man fell. They were loading beaten bullies into ambulances as i got into our rental car with my friends who so kindly drove me to the "good hospital"

I was in fair spirits when we arrived, at the er desk i jokingly requested "a room for the night"

This makes me ROR almost as much.

oh lord, me and my loose typing fingers...

That was literally decades ago you know.....

Oh I know. In fact you stated that in your post, but I left it out of the quote. It still makes me smile.

In case you'all are wondering why I read this cover to cover about this time of year is because this thread started at a time when I was pretty down in my life.

My job sucked, one of my best friends, Lucas was dying from a cancer at the age of 26, and I was pretty sure I was getting my walking papers from Mrs. tzone.

This thread made me smile at a time when it was tough for me to do so.

This is the time of year when Luke went into the hospital and didn't ever get to come home. I still get sad when I think about it, but I think about him and miss him nearly every day, so I read this...and it still works.

OK, enough sappy stuff. Get back to your regularly scheduled program.

Dave

I handload almost all my hunting ammo. For the loper hunt I am using 100 Nosler BTs. I got 1000 Hornady interbonds on sale earlier this year and have been trying to find a good load for them.

Have you loaded any for yours?

I don't think there are too many here that can't relate in their own way with their own losses.

Here's to your budy Lucas.

Litle Mr Chickenbuck and I just got back from checking on the cabin. All is well, the now 4 year old camp looks great. We found someone's rattle bag from last year in Pam's enclosed stand, it's in the cabin for the owner to claim. We got a few nice new pics off Nate's camera, I decided to load my old junker camera up with new batteries and a card and we set that one up too.

The trail looks better than ever, it's all just really good.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Have you loaded any for yours?

No, I have several boxes of once fired brass (from my rifle) a couple of donor presses, dies.. I purchased a box of 6.5mm TSX 130 gr, some remington magnum rifle primers, no powder and no other reloading equipment.

I'm going to take White Bear's offer to borrow me his RCBS equipment so I can try my very first reloading effort with my 264. I have collected other dies as well from generous campfire members. I believe I have 30-06, 300 wby, possibly 45 long colt... and it seems I may have a set for a fast .22 like 220 swift or 22-250.

Are you still getting the same does on the camera? Kennedy and I came home from a meeting at her school and a 2 does and 2 fawns ran right down the middle of our street and into the neighbors place. He has a few brushy acres that they hang out in a lot. He would love for me to come over and snipe a few of them off.

When your ready to start on those TSX bullets let me know and I will share my results. I have run a hundred or two down the barrel.

Have you? These are flat base I believe. The rifle is a stainless ruger M77. I don't recall barrel length or twist.

Tom, it seems we have a few new deer, more tracks now too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm going to take White Bear's offer to borrow me his RCBS equipment so I can try my very first reloading effort with my 264. I have collected other dies as well from generous campfire members. I believe I have 30-06, 300 wby, possibly 45 long colt... and it seems I may have a set for a fast .22 like 220 swift or 22-250.

It is my goal to set up my garage this winter to have a bench for reloading. What are you guys thought on reloading in the garage. As far as powder storage, will the summer humidity wreck it? I could always keep it in the house and bring it out when I load.

I also have a bunch of data on 06 and 22-250. Have not played with a weatherby 300 or a swift. I can help with.
223
243
6mm Rem
264
6.5x55
7mm x57
7RM
270
300 savage
300 saum
300rum
338 win
375 rum
9mm
40s&w
10mm
44 mag
7mm-08
I don't think I missed any.

That's good. Save one for me. I want to smokepole one.

have you guys seen the new TC black powder TC Impact? It looks interesting to me, especially at $225 ready to go.

TJay, what do you like in the .243?

I loaded for several years out of my garage. Basement now and I run a dehumidifier. I would keep the powder and primers inside in a more climate controled area.

Thanks. I have a good place to keep it inside. The A/C keep the humidity down. I have one of those 3 stall grages that you can't really use the 3rd stall for a car, so I'm going to make it into a "work shop" type spot in the garage.

T
For my 243s I have one that likes 85 gr TSX with 46 gr. Ramshot Hunter and a federal 210. It does not care which case. The other I just started working with and it likes Imr 4350 41.5 gr. & 95 gr. Nosler Partition. 1/2" but only 2680 fps. It also does well with IMR7828 45.5 gr and same bullet. This is 1 1/4" load but 2900 fps. Iam going to work with the latter one a little I think it will do a little better. Not that I need it for my area but I would like to shave 1/4 or more off.

That sounds like a great spot to set up.

I did miss three... 338-06 and 8mm mauser and 308 win

Tjay,

Where you headed to chase 'lopes?

It's been a few years since I've chased goats around and I really miss it!!

What are the details on the 338-06?

Jeff

Team chickenbuck has it's sights fixed on winning a 2 day fishing tournament at white earth lake.

Dusty is prefishing right now. Tomorrow morning this will be the site once again as we push off from shore and head for the registration point for boat check.

[Linked Image]

Wish us luck!

Good luck fitchin' Dave.....but that picture is missing something. I think a little Team Chickenbuck signage would enhance your luck a little.

So what kinda deer are you seeing on the trail cam? I have 10,000 pictures so far between the 3 we have out. 2,000 pictures are of waving grass. 7,500 pictures of does/fawns. and about 500 pictures of about 10 different bucks. Of the 10 bucks, 2 of them are really nice; 8 of them are 1.5 year olds. Where the 2.5 year olds are I have no idea

. We saw about a dozen 1.5 year olds hunting last year and didnt shoot any.

I prolly have 30 pics of a big 8 pointer and 9 of a big 10 pointer.

Undoubtedly you are thinking 10,000 pictures? What the...? There is a bean field that overlaps our woods just a little. So all the deer enter the field within about a 100 yard width of woods. I have a camera on the best trail and that generates 500 pics per 2 weeks. Oh, and they are bursts of 3 pics so a camera has been tripped about 3300 times. then, in august, I put some apples in front of the cameras....that really did it! 2,000 to 3,000 pictures per week!

The apples have been gone for 3 weeks because I might want to bowhunt there and it is illegal to have them there within 2 weeks of hunting.

Yep, I said bowhunt. I bought a bow. been practicing and everything. but i cant go this weekend because my company has awarded me with a trip to Chicago on Sunday for my birthday. A work trip. yuck.

does and fawns for us, nothing exciting.

Good luck Dave and Uncle Dusty.

Dusty, you have fantastic taste in motors.

Hey BM what kind of stick slinger did you get?

My FIL just bought a cross bow, 10 point I think it's called. he had been looking for one for a few years now and I found a decent price on one for him. He must be excited about it because he sent me a thank you card.

Are you sitting this weekend? Show us your pics if you do.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We found someone's rattle bag from last year in Pam's enclosed stand, it's in the cabin for the owner to claim.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Well dang if that doesn't sound like a bit of heaven on earth! Will they go for the trifecta and serve beer, too?

See if the puke stain is still there from my daughter, will ya Bill? It should be right on the emblem on the carpet when you walk into the pro shop.

One of my new favorite children!

Tzone,
Mathews stick slinger. I have to go to Chicago for work on Sunday, so I am not going this weekend. Dont wanna have to deal with a deer if I am gonna be gone for awhile. Plus I have to have a north or northeast wind or I am outta luck on this spot.

J elky
Lopers in South Dakota.

Berettaman
good luck with bow

I can not get to my cameras. The fire has the roads closed to that area. When they open the roads it will be road trip time to check them.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We found someone's rattle bag from last year in Pam's enclosed stand, it's in the cabin for the owner to claim.

I figured it was from muzzle loader season!

The 8 pointer...i dont like how his rack tips in...kinda ugly.

[Linked Image]

I think the next 2 are the same buck...the 10 pointer

[Linked Image]

PBR and 2 big butcher shop T-bones are heading to camp fishinbuck.

You sound like a chick.... "I don't like how the rack tips in, lets shoot a different one."

I kinda like how it tips in, but if you're doing qdm, I'd pass that guy up. He looks like he has a lot of growing to do. They tend to be bigger than you think when they curve like that.

What do you think, 14-15" wide? Hard to tell, your pics are kinda small on there. I'd like to see more of that bottom one.

i dont know how to make my pics bigger....all my pics are like that. genetics, I guess.

any ideas anyone?

well chic or not, i dont like tipped in racks...on deer. i might shoot him to get him out of the gene pool. the other one has a beautiful shape to my eyes. on the other hand, there might be 2 other ones. i hope so. they should wear name tags. more pics to come i hope. oh, see if anyone can tell me what happens to his rack....see these two pictures below taken 28 seconds apart.

[Linked Image]

The image on the computer screen can be enlarged by holding down the Ctrl key and the + sign at the same time to enlarge the image on the screen for viewing. To return to the orignial screen size, hold down the Ctrl and - keys at the same time.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

oh, see if anyone can tell me what happens to his rack....see these two pictures below taken 28 seconds apart.

It shrunk.

Hey Tzone you going bow opener tomm.. On that farm by your place...

Keep us posted...

Be cool if a guy got a nice buck in velvet....

No. That fell through. I had a feeling it would so I didn't even buy a lisc. I asked her if I could come out and take another look around and she told me her brothers said nobody could hunt there.

I just have a funny feeling that something like that would happen, so I didn't buy my tag. Not a huge deal. I'll be working more and more now that fall is closing in so I'm taking my time off for the gun season.

I'm going to hit the brush with my brother in law to fix up some deer stands and swat some grouse if we can, next weekend. I'd like to get two or three more spots pegged down for different winds and to see some different brush.

Gophergunner and his boy are going to hunt with my BIL and I so I'd like to get them a chance at a deer.

Good luck fishinbuckers.

We'er headed to Vegas. If I don't return I either won it big or I'm hog tied on a roof top baking in the sun.

Tom's been really busting his arse trying to make this a good hunt for us. In that vein, we're headed to the rifle range today with all our deer shootin' irons to make sure we do our part when the opportunity presents its self. We won't be headed up next weekend with Tom-my daughter's got a softball tournament in Iowa and we've been contacted by about a dozen schools who are interested in seeing her pitch next weekend. We're hoping she can play college ball, and this is the next step in her realizing that dream. I get a true rush out of watching her work when she's really got her pitches dialed in. There's nothing like a chin-high inside fastball at 65 m.p.h. to back a batter out of the box followed by a big breaking curveball that just screws her into the ground as she flails away at it. Can't wait to watch her work, and talk to the college scouts!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Tom's been really busting his arse trying to make this a good hunt for us. In that vein, we're headed to the rifle range today with all our deer shootin' irons to make sure we do our part when the opportunity presents its self. We won't be headed up next weekend with Tom-my daughter's got a softball tournament in Iowa and we've been contacted by about a dozen schools who are interested in seeing her pitch next weekend. We're hoping she can play college ball, and this is the next step in her realizing that dream. I get a true rush out of watching her work when she's really got her pitches dialed in. There's nothing like a chin-high inside fastball at 65 m.p.h. to back a batter out of the box followed by a big breaking curveball that just screws her into the ground as she flails away at it. Can't wait to watch her work, and talk to the college scouts!

I've always been amazed at how fast those girls can sling a softball. I remember Jenny Finch on the Letterman show. Dave took her up to the roof of the building and had her sling softballs through the windows of the building next door.

Yeah, Jenny's a beast, and easy on the eyes too. My daughter's had her poster up on the ceiling above her bed for many years now.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Well dang if that doesn't sound like a bit of heaven on earth! Will they go for the trifecta and serve beer, too?

They did!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heading to Green Bay Friday for Fleet Farms annual fall sports show over at the Lambeau Field attrium.

Well dang if that doesn't sound like a bit of heaven on earth! Will they go for the trifecta and serve beer, too?

See if the puke stain is still there from my daughter, will ya Bill? It should be right on the emblem on the carpet when you walk into the pro shop.

Didn't see it Tom. Maybe they change the carpet.

Picked up some great buys at the show, including a side of beed (Long story). Ran into 3 guys that my late brother worked with in the sporting goods industry. It was great to see them and spent a good deal of time with them rememising about my brother.

Originally Posted by TJAY

T
For my 243s I have one that likes 85 gr TSX with 46 gr. Ramshot Hunter and a federal 210. It does not care which case. The other I just started working with and it likes Imr 4350 41.5 gr. & 95 gr. Nosler Partition. 1/2" but only 2680 fps. It also does well with IMR7828 45.5 gr and same bullet. This is 1 1/4" load but 2900 fps. Iam going to work with the latter one a little I think it will do a little better. Not that I need it for my area but I would like to shave 1/4 or more off.

That sounds like a great spot to set up.

I did miss three... 338-06 and 8mm mauser and 308 win

TJAY, have you tried H4350? It eliminates the temperature sensitivity issue that IMR 4350 has. I switched my 06 over to H4350 and noticed a slight group improvement. Powder weights are slightly different so you would have to start over with load developement.

A couple of photos to share.

Scooping bait for the day with my little helper.

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Here we are departing for the boat check Sunday morning (day 2)

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It was a wet miserable day weatherwise while we were on the water Sunday. Pam and the kids met us at the dock as we came in with our one and only fish for the day. It was a repeat of day 1. Well at least we got a couple that measured long enough to bring to weigh in. Many teams went zero for both days.

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The little wanted to carry the fish bag up to weigh in for us.

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Up at the scale.

rflshtr will recognize the guy in the red sweatshirt, that's Denny.

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It was a great weekend and I'm already looking forward to next year's tournament.

Dusty got himself a new saw to keep his 45 year old Jonsered company.

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Dusty also wanted me to post up a picture of his new .223

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It's a savage with a Swift scope, I don't recall the exact model of the rifle but he offered this target as proof of accuracy.

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That's 6 rounds fired from 100 yds...

By his 11 year old grand daughter.

Not too shabby for the second youngest chickenbuck camp member and BWCA expert camper nicknamed "splashy".

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Yeah, Jenny's a beast, and easy on the eyes too. My daughter's had her poster up on the ceiling above her bed for many years now.

What a conincedence...

Dave -

What kind of rain gear are you and Dusty wearing? Does it breath well or does it make you sweat like a moose with a fever?

Also,
Details on the new Jonesred saw? I'm still in the market for a good light to medium use saw.

It was nice to see you guys yesterday. Hope we can get a wheeler trip set up.

Yesterday went to help Brad's friend put up his new deer stand. We called him when we left the lake and they were stuck (for about 2 hours). We got there and brought the handy man jack and finally got them out. The area where they were stuck reminded me of where Justin put up the Oh Sh#* stand, but more hilly. I drove the 4 wheeler in front of the Bobcat side by side (that had the stand on the trailer)to help pull them up some of the hills. Brad and Larry walked along to make sure the stand stayed on the trailer. Ryan had to cut down 2 trees along the way. We got it to the final destination, got the legs and braces on it. Tried numerous times to get it up, but no luck. We were out there till 8 and called it quits. He is going to take our advice and take the walls and roof off, stand it up, then reassemble it.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave -

What kind of rain gear are you and Dusty wearing? Does it breath well or does it make you sweat like a moose with a fever?

Also,
Details on the new Jonesred saw? I'm still in the market for a good light to medium use saw.

I had a rubber ducky suit on with a hooded light "rain coat" that came free with a bushnell 3200 scope. that jacket soaks up water like a paper towel, I have no idea why they called it a rain jacket.

I think Dusty's saw is a CS 2152.

Very nice power to weight ratio, 3.3 HP at 11 pounds. Really nice saw.

Originally Posted by tzone

Good luck fishinbuckers.

We'er headed to Vegas. If I don't return I either won it big or I'm hog tied on a roof top baking in the sun.

Good luck! The only reason for me to go back to Vegas would be to visit all the money of left there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave -

What kind of rain gear are you and Dusty wearing? Does it breath well or does it make you sweat like a moose with a fever?

Also,
Details on the new Jonesred saw? I'm still in the market for a good light to medium use saw.

I had a rubber ducky suit on with a hooded light "rain coat" that came free with a bushnell 3200 scope. that jacket soaks up water like a paper towel, I have no idea why they called it a rain jacket.

I think Dusty's saw is a CS 2152.

Very nice power to weight ratio, 3.3 HP at 11 pounds. Really nice saw.

I have been looking at a few different brands and most recently the Stihl MS290 Farm Boss. Lots of mixed reviews on every saw out there it seems.

probably can't go wrong with jonsered, stihl or dolmar.

You might not be familiar with dolmar as they seem more popular out west. But they have a strong following, built in germany.

Actually if you want a good deal check out makita chainsaws. The makita chainsaw is a dolmar saw with makita's name on it. A 50cc makita (dolmar) should run about $360

Just a thought, the dolmar PS 510 would be the equivelent of the makita 510 if you wanted to look them up.

Both are good mid sized 50cc 3+ HP saws

The 460 makitas and dolmars should run about $325-$330

They are a 45 cc right at or a hair under 3HP.

I am not familiar with dolmar nor had I ever heard that Makita has their name on a chainsaw.

The Echo brand seems to be up there in the rankings with Jonsered and Stihl too

I have a small Makita chainsaw (14") that I got from an employee gift catalog about 3 years ago. For being such a small saw, it's done an amazing job on trees that should have been too big for it. I dropped three ~25 year old pine trees out of my front yard. One ran about 30', one 25' and one about 20' (rough guesses on height). While it struggled here and there, it got the job done and has gone on to tackle various other smaller trees.

I've probably worked it harder than it's deserved, but it's been a good saw.

The local pawn shop is picky about what chain saws he takes in.He will only take Husqvarna,Stihl or Echo.He says that these are the only saws he can resell.I never heard of the other two mentioned above.

Stan in SC

Grizzly Bill

I have used H4350 with the 85 gr. TSX with good results. It is also my 7-08 powder with the 140 gr. TSX.

Dolmars are excellent saws. I used to be a stocking Sachs-Dolmar dealer and also ran them as rental equipment. Dolmar had been building Makita badged saws for several years when Makita bought them out. Makita cancelled all the old Sachs dealership agreements, and refused to allow parts and saw orders to be placed on our existing Makita tool account.

We ended up dropping the line because Makita was too unreasonable in their stocking requirements for a new dealership agreement, but the saws were still excellent equipment. I would have no problem recommending them IF there is a stocking parts dealer in your area.

Husqvarna's cut into your leg real nice. That's all I know.

4

Are you growing some leg meat back yet from where you hamburger'd a notch in yourself?

I nominate Craig as presenter for the next Chickenbuck safety meeting..."Don't do as I do, do as I say"

Hope your feeling better Craig!!!!!!

I second the nomination.

Hope you're feeling better too, are those stitches out yet?

I stabbed myself on a piece of barbed wire yesterday, middle knuckle on left hand, went to the bone. bled like a stuck pig and I can barely move it today. I'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere, maybe wear gloves?

I got my game cameras hung up yesterday while I was at work. one on a stock tank, and another on a place where we've seen a monster whitetail, I hope I get some pics of him soon. saw about 40 deer. I'll post some pics if I get them checked today. opener is next weekend, then its turkey, does, antelope the next weekend. woohoo! hunting season is here!

Ryan I hope your tetanus is up to date...barbed wire cuts aren't anything to fool around with, all kinds of nastiness.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Husqvarna's cut into your leg real nice. That's all I know.

4

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Husqvarna's cut into your leg real nice. That's all I know.

4

Hope you're healing right!

The Husqvarna 346XP is supposed to be a screamin demon. Overall probably has the most positive reviews I've read on any saw so far.

The only problem is the price.

I want a good reliable saw for medium-ish work. Don't know that I can justify $500 clams for one though!

You will probably do just fine with a 350-375 dollar saw.

My old jonsered 2150 would still be screaming if I didn't accidentally throw a log on it and bust the recoil housing. Could have just as well ran it over with the truck.

Can't remember off hand, I either have a Sthil 260 or 290. It cuts more than it should and is light enough to carry in the woods for cleaning up trails and shooting lanes.

I think I paid $325-350 about 6 years ago.

The next one will be considerable bigger though, there really is no comparison to the bigger CC/higher HP saws. They barely break a sweat for even what I'd call medium sized stuff.

How was Vegas?

It was a blast. I won a couple bucks on Craps and Roulette. Total, it was a couple hundred. Mama didn't do so hot, she was down a bit but she thinks it's about even, maybe ahead a few bucks. Neither one of are big gamblers. We each took $100 for gambling. I was down $95 last night, and hit a hot streak on the Craps table. When I started to get, the dealer looked at me and said " it's good to remember when to pull your money." Soon after, I lost a few hands and pulled my chips, thanked him, and threw him a couple chips.

We also watched a guy loose around $1500 in less than 2 minutes.

The casino held Craps lessons on Monday AM so we went and tried to learn a bit. I had no interest at first, but Betsy convinced me to go, and now I'm glad I did.

It was HOT,HOT,HOT. Saturday and Sunday it was 95, Monday was 98 and today was supposed to be 99, and stay that way the rest of the week. It was nice to come back to 70*

I'll post some pictures later.

There's a lot of pink meat where it just used to be pale Daddy leg. I took 5 of the last 6 stitches out myself Saturday morning with a pair of fly tying scissors and tweezers.

Sitting there about 0600 with a cup of coffee ripping out stitches. I had the bright idea I'd save the last one for my kid. Woke him up all bleary eyed and told him to grip the stitch with the tweezers - said I was having trouble with the last one. I cut one thread and told him to tug gently. Of course the stitch came out smooth, with a little tickle, but I jumped up screamed "What the F** Damn. Crap the bed that burns". Faked a little cry and everything. Poor guy looked like he was going to puke while I busted out laughing. Sucks to be my son. That's all I can say

4

I like your style.

Yeah stitches usually glide out pretty smooth but if he didn't know... yeah that's damn funny LOL!

If that scar don't stay pink for ever it will be at least a decade before it gets a fleshy tone. But it's gonna be an awesome scar for the rest of your life for sure. And chicks dig scars, congrats!

Deer stands have to have a name right??

We now have ten.

"Popple Valley"
"Pumpkin"
"Mitch's Green House"
"End of the Trail to Nowhere"
"Brandon"
"Grandpa Bill"
"Across the road"
"Duck Camp Road"

New stand last year - the ninth stand

"Hoppe's Number 9"

And this year?

Wait for it..

Wait for it..

"18 stitches"

4

NICE!

Sweet.

had my rest break tonight while shooting bow, opener is saturday and I get to start over from scratch tuning my bow. not good. oh well, thats life.

glad to hear the gash is healing up well, kudos on the scar and messing with the boy

gotta love a good joke

Got me beat. The most I've ever had was 5.

Some of our stand names are:

Kelly's Hill
Kelly's Stump
Fort Apache
Fort Balsam
The Annex
Beer Can Ridge
The Landing

The rest of the stands are unnamed.

When you coming up Tzone? the next weekend? We may have to try to get to chickenbuck. Going to be on the big lake for a couple days fishing the next weekend too.

Originally Posted by tzone

It was a blast. I won a couple bucks on Craps and Roulette. Total, it was a couple hundred. Mama didn't do so hot, she was down a bit but she thinks it's about even, maybe ahead a few bucks. Neither one of are big gamblers. We each took $100 for gambling. I was down $95 last night, and hit a hot streak on the Craps table. When I started to get, the dealer looked at me and said " it's good to remember when to pull your money." Soon after, I lost a few hands and pulled my chips, thanked him, and threw him a couple chips.

We also watched a guy loose around $1500 in less than 2 minutes.

The casino held Craps lessons on Monday AM so we went and tried to learn a bit. I had no interest at first, but Betsy convinced me to go, and now I'm glad I did.

It was HOT,HOT,HOT. Saturday and Sunday it was 95, Monday was 98 and today was supposed to be 99, and stay that way the rest of the week. It was nice to come back to 70*

I'll post some pictures later.

If you don't delete them

ZING! POW! BIFF!

The one and only time I had them was last year when I damn near cut the top of my finger off. It was 4 stitches, so 18 is no joke.

Stands where I'm hunting this gun season: these were named by my buddy, me, and his dad about 18 years ago (jeeze, I'm getting old

)

Pecker stand
Fort
Sleeper stand
Trail stand

I'm hoping to add a few more this weekend.

Buschy,

I'll be up the first weekend in October. I'm bringing my little guy if he can behave himself.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

If you don't delete them

ZING! POW! BIFF!

Some of them I probably should delete.

I no longer have that camera. It was crap to start with and that little incident put it over the top. The quickest way to get rid of something breakable is to give it to a 6 year old boy. I don't think it lasted 2 hours.

The little guy has a good chance for some serious learning from preacher boy!

We have five stands on a small 80 acre tract.
Squeaky stand
Big stand
Top of the hill
Round the corner
Down the road

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

The little guy has a good chance for some serious learning from preacher boy!

Speaking of Preacher Joe, aka PWM, what's he been up to Dave?

Well, him and I have been working together in the evenings on stuff around home. The big kids have sports activities after school so I don't see the middle kid (rund with scissors) until 6PM or later most nights. I don't see cries like baby some nights at all as she has swim practice right after school then either work or an out of town swim meet. Last night she was home just before 11PM. (worked last night after practice)

So, little PWM rides the school bus home. Then him and I work around home picking the tomatoes, cleaning up the yard, he helped be finish a wood shed we built... Last week him and I hopped in the truck and drove out to camp to check the trail camera and pick up a few items we needed to finish our wood shed at home. While we were out there we checked the hand pumped well which worked perfectly, he climbed up into his mom's deer stand "to see if it was ok" and we set up my old flash cam over a mineral block.

We play wi quite often while the rest of the family is out doing their thing. I can beat him at golf but he's quite a bowler. He bowled a strike from the toilet once, kind of like the blind "pinball wizzard". I believe he won that game.

He loves shooting the .22, his godfather gave him a spinner target for his birthday this year. He would sit there shucking rimfires in and out of that single shot marlin from sunrise to sunset if you let him. Dusty gave him a brick of remington thunderbolts to add to his stash of ammunition so he should be covered for quite a while with his single shot rifle.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We play wi quite often while the rest of the family is out doing their thing. I can beat him at golf but he's quite a bowler. He bowled a strike from the toilet once, kind of like the blind "pinball wizzard". I believe he won that game.

There must be something WII Bowling and kids. Jack can out bowl anyone in the family.

I highlighted the toilet part because both kids find it very funny they can roll strikes from the John and dad has a hard enough time doing from in front of the TV.

The old man can buzz the fastball by them pretty good in baseball and is still the undefeated champ in boxing.

Me and the kids built an 'old school' deer stand last night. By old school I mean the damn thing was crooked before it spent a minute in the woods.

I don't know what I did, but it ain't right.

Tzone, maybe once you get it in the woods it'll look straight and you won't have to wonder anymore. I started building the platform for a 6x8 stand we are going to get out soon. putting a pop-up blind on the top of it for now until it gets fully enclosed.

Maybe I can find a nice side hill to put it up on so it will be level.

You guys with all of your randomly named stands. We, on the other hand, prefer a theme in our naming convention:

Dad's stand
Brian's stand
Rollie's stand
Dale's stand
Denny's stand
Ryan's stand
Gene's stand
Dusty's stand and
My stand.

Can anyone figure out the pattern?

Spent the week in downtown Chicago. There is nothing like downtown Chicago (or Atago as my boys call it) to make a guy miss the country. I think I listed to "Take a Backroad" by Rodney Atkins about 5 times on the way home to try and cleanse my soul. I dont know how you can live in an apartment in downtown Chicago. Buuuuttt, someone likes it cuz there are a gazillion people there. Man, those buildings are TALL.

And yes, I did make it to the American Girl doll store to buy Lauren some incredibly overpriced accessories to her doll. I proudly toted that pink AMERICAN GIRL bag all afternoon. Dang near forgot to pick up my Man Card on the way back out though....

Our daughters must be close to the same age. We have several of those dolls in our house. Christmas and B-day's, it it tops on her list to American Girl Doll and pick one out.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

And yes, I did make it to the American Girl doll store to buy Lauren some incredibly overpriced accessories to her doll. I proudly toted that pink AMERICAN GIRL bag all afternoon. Dang near forgot to pick up my Man Card on the way back out though....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

And yes, I did make it to the American Girl doll store to buy Lauren some incredibly overpriced accessories to her doll. I proudly toted that pink AMERICAN GIRL bag all afternoon. Dang near forgot to pick up my Man Card on the way back out though....

That is awesome!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe I can find a nice side hill to put it up on so it will be level.

I like 'em a little off-kilter. It helps all the coon crap roll to one corner.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe I can find a nice side hill to put it up on so it will be level.

I like 'em a little off-kilter. It helps all the coon crap roll to one corner.

Well half the time on of the legs ends up on root so maybe it won't be so bad after all.

You like that? I was just going to type it in a reply but I figured this looked more official.

I have a feeling we may be seeing some of those certificates with different accomplishments hanging on the wall at Chickenbuck in the future.

never know...

Fantastic! The embarrassment is now worth it. I didnt share the whole story either, which makes the award so much better. I got on an elevator with 3 guys I didnt know. I just sat there and watched their eyes in the mirror and when 1 of them looked down and saw the bag the snicker was immediate on his face. I had to pipe up quickly with,'Yes, I have a daughter!'.

Of course the people at the meeting I DID know were not as nice. At least the men werent. I took a little heat about buying doll dresses for MY dall.. Now the women on the other hand....lets just say if I was single, I might tote one of those around quite often!

Gonna print the award out and hang it proudly here in the office!

PM you e-mail addy and I'll send you the full sized image file.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I might tote one of those around quite often!

I knew it!!!!

We still get catalogs from them. The wife mail ordered a doll for our granddaughter over 10 years years ago.

Good to hear PWM is keeping you out of trouble Dave. I believe my son is taking the grandson squirel hunting this weekend.

Me and mini-man got the deer stand built, straight this time and painted. All ready to hit the woods with it this weekend.

I'm hoping to find a decent spot for a south wind to get it set up. I'd also like to get the trail cams out. If we have some time left, it would be nice to swat a few grouse.

ND, are you heading to chickenbuck this fine weekend? sounds like a dandy. some stand building and tree trimming. maybe polish off some fine beverages around the campfire!

Nate and I talked about it last night and I do think we will head out there tonight. bring some tools and a couple rimfires and shotguns out. We are talking about starting work on a pole shed near the cabin for tractor and firewood storage.

We might even poke around for some grouse while we are out there.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

ND, are you heading to chickenbuck this fine weekend? sounds like a dandy. some stand building and tree trimming. maybe polish off some fine beverages around the campfire!

you better get out there to campchicken buck

bouts what time will you make it do you think? Putting doors on my ranger after work and me and lestifer might go for a cruise.

Well we might not leave home until 5 (gotta pack)

could be out there by 6-6:30?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nate and I talked about it last night and I do think we will head out there tonight. bring some tools and a couple rimfires and shotguns out. We are talking about starting work on a pole shed near the cabin for tractor and firewood storage.

We might even poke around for some grouse while we are out there.

Save me a few partridge for me will ya RWS? I'll be up with the monkey next weekend.

Save me a dumb one, I want to shoot it with my Single 6

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nate and I talked about it last night and I do think we will head out there tonight. bring some tools and a couple rimfires and shotguns out. We are talking about starting work on a pole shed near the cabin for tractor and firewood storage.

We might even poke around for some grouse while we are out there.

Make sure to have an empty beer bottle in the truck on the way out there.

Good idea. I'll look around and see if I can find one.

Nice. we will try to make it out to camp courage this evening. Hope to see ya there. Busy weekend in the forest too the way it sounds.

Of course there will be empty beer bottles. The full ones aren't as fun and they over penetrate.

Sounds like it hurts TOM!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Sounds like it hurts TOM!

A little at first.

picked up a couple trail cams this afternoon, I got the wildgame micro3 infrared ones (69.00 cabelas). Kendra got me one last week and I love it, does everything from video to several shots in a row. time/date moon phase the whole 9 yards. checked a couple of my cams today, foundout we have cattle trespassing on our property, those will be taken out monday. on the cam I put up where I'll be sitting tomorrow had a nice 10 pointer make a bed at the base of the cedar it was in, and caught a nice 8 pointer walking by yesterday afternoon, and lots of does. hoping i can fill a doe tag or two while waiting for the grandad to show up, he's a monster.
Good luck to everyone hitting the woods, hope you guys all spank some grouse, shamefully I have yet to get one in my life, one of these years though.

Good luck Ryan.

Whaddaya going to do with all that beef?

saw 21 deer this morning, no shots. lots of fun to be back out in the woods.

I'm gonna eat it, all we eat here is wild game and we have it for at least 1 meal a day. I'll probably share a little with my folks and brother if I fill all my tags. I only have 3 packages of meat left over from last year I'm saving until I get another deer.

How many cows do you have to wack?

LOL not shootin any cows, I'd like to though. when they wander onto our property, the owners of them aint too worried about getting them picked up. its free grazing as far as they are concerned, kinda irks me.

No grouse swatted today. We did get some stand repair in and some scouting.

For a while, I thought we found the mother of all deer trails until we got to some soft ground and saw what was making the trail.

My trail camera was out already, but I'm going to set one on that trail and see if I can see the moose that is making all the mess in the swamp.

It was a beautiful day in the woods, couldn't ask for better weather to be out messing around.

Weather here sucks!. Raining agian this AM. That makes 5 days in a row that it's rained. Supposed to rain right through Wednesday.

Talked to the grandson last night. He landed (With dads help) his first legal salmon Sunday. When I asked him how big it was he said it was about 11 feet. Wonder where he learned that.

Fish was in the 12 pound range. Caught it on the Columbia River near the Bonneville Damm. One of the other guys boated a 30 pounder.

His mother was at a BOW event Sunday and shot 3 pheasants. Not a bad weekend.

Well it sounds like everybody is enjoying the nice weather. We sure did. We got out to camp and focused most of our efforts on the area near Pam's deer stand. We limbed up branches that were blocking her view and we mowed a new shooting lane. I re-mowed the whole area and we dropped a couple dead tamarack trees.

Plays with matches did some more practicing with the little single shot marlin .22 and he took his first squirrel on Saturday! That's his first critter ever!! Boy that was a huge deal!

Here are a few pictures. Practicing from prone, Joe wanted to thank uncle Dusty again for the remington thunderbolts, Joe says they really go fast and they shoot straight too.

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Watching Joe and sharpening my saw.

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He kept that dinger spinning, he's quite a shot.

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One of the trees coming down out by Pam's stand.

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Hooking up to skid out for firewood.

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Straight out from Pam's stand, mowing for new shooting lane.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_2600.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_2612.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Weather here sucks!. Raining agian this AM. That makes 5 days in a row that it's rained. Supposed to rain right through Wednesday.

oops!

You posted that while I was working on my post talking about nice weather lol!!

That sucks Bill, we have sunshine in our forecast for the whole week again here.

Views to the north and south from Pam's stand.

North

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South

The glow of the bonfire lighting up the front of the old pickup.

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We're seeing a few of these tracks again.

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And finally the mighty hunter with his first kill.

All the work I put into teaching him muzzle safety and I look like I'm sticking my face over the little gun barrel

Well I do believe I was behind it, still looks bad in the picture though.

It was a busy weekend, lots of firewood cut, lots of limbing and mowing. Nate shot a grouse on the trails behind the Cabin Friday evening. We were cooking it when buschpilot and his sidekick came to visit. It was great seeing you guys, good luck on your big fishing trip this coming weekend.

You guys did quite a bit of work out there last weekend. Looks great around Pam's stand.

Went 4 wheeling this weekend. We put on about 60 miles.

Well Sounds like Brad and I are headed up north this weekend. But I first have to go in my storage building to get my caramel bar recipe. If I go up there with out them bars again I don't think RWS will be very happy with me.

Forgot to mention that the road held up very well too even with the rain we got last week. It held water in a couple of places so I'll work on improving those 2 spots.

The weather looks great for the coming weekend! Definately sweatshirt/light jacket weather but it's going to be great. And the fall colors should be in full swing by the weekend too.

Awesome weather here this weekend too and boy, did we get our money's worth! Saturday, Lauren and I hooked up with 4 other dads and their kids and went on a goose hunt. With 10 people and half of them kids, I was really wondering on chances for success. Turns out, there was 4 rows of standing corn to sit in. That made all of the difference as it kept the moving kids from being seen from above. And wow, what a hunt! We shot our limit of 15 in about 20 minutes!
[Linked Image]

Then it was off to Big Vehicle day where the kids got to sit in dump trucks, road graders, tractors, ambulances, etc. Then off to the Homecoming parade. Then off to the Homecoming game (we won 26-0). Finally back home to watch the Gophers football ga....debacle. Sunday was more goose hunting (different field and no luck), church, winterize the camper, and then pressure wash the driveway so we can seal it. By 9 on Sunday night, I was sleeping!

Brad is a name I do not recognize....

He's new.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Talked to the grandson last night. He landed (With dads help) his first legal salmon Sunday. When I asked him how big it was he said it was about 11 feet.

Well...he tells stories like a fisherman. lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That sucks Bill, we have sunshine in our forecast for the whole week again here.

[/quote]

Hows the weather looking for this weekend Dave? I have a very excited little boy. I'm pulling him from school early on friday and pointing north.

Originally Posted by Muffy

.

Well Sounds like Brad and I are headed up north this weekend. But I first have to go in my storage building to get my caramel bar recipe. If I go up there with out them bars again I don't think RWS will be very happy with me.

He ain't the only one woman.

Are you guys brining wheelers? I'm still trying to decide.

No rain, highs in the low to mid 60's.

Send that sunshine our way Dave. We're not on track to see the sun again until Friday.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Awesome weather here this weekend too and boy, did we get our money's worth! Saturday, Lauren and I hooked up with 4 other dads and their kids and went on a goose hunt. With 10 people and half of them kids, I was really wondering on chances for success. Turns out, there was 4 rows of standing corn to sit in. That made all of the difference as it kept the moving kids from being seen from above. And wow, what a hunt! We shot our limit of 15 in about 20 minutes!
[Linked Image]

BM, how many did Lauren get?

Sounds like all of you had a great weekend.Ours was very quiet.Now it's Monday and the kitchen contractor is here banging and sawing away on the kitchen remodeling.I think I'll go hide at the gun store for awhile.
We have a busy weekend coming up.Our oldest grandson is getting married to his long time(6 years) steady young lady.She finally graduated from UGA as a veterinarian so now they are going to settle down.We have to travel to the eastern part of the state on Friday for the wedding on Saturday.
Next week I'll be muzzle loader hunting for deer.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

.

Well Sounds like Brad and I are headed up north this weekend. But I first have to go in my storage building to get my caramel bar recipe. If I go up there with out them bars again I don't think RWS will be very happy with me.

He ain't the only one woman.

Are you guys brining wheelers? I'm still trying to decide.

We have not really decided between the Razor or the wheelers. I'm thinking probly the wheelers.

I talked to mom and asked if her and dad were going up there and she was going to talk to him about it.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Brad is a name I do not recognize....

Yep he is new. He is a good friend of the couple I'm living with. They introduced us the first part of August. He hunts, snowmobiles, likes to go 4 wheeling. He also drives GMC pickups (smart man). But I'm sure he will get no grief about that this weekend.

Originally Posted by Muffy

We have not really decided between the Razor or the wheelers. I'm thinking probly the wheelers.

I talked to mom and asked if her and dad were going up there and she was going to talk to him about it.

I really think Big D needs to come up. I haven't met your mom yet so I think she needs to come up too. I'm bringing the wheeler, I have to get some goggles for Jack. He's excited, heck, so am I.

Originally Posted by Muffy

He also drives GMC pickups (smart man). But I'm sure he will get no grief about that this weekend.

I'm sure we'll have to rescue him at some point.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

He also drives GMC pickups (smart man). But I'm sure he will get no grief about that this weekend.

I'm sure we'll have to rescue him at some point.

Good luck with that.

Griz,
Lauren, at 7 years old, is too young to shoot. She was just along to enjoy the hunt. She did great too. This was her 4th trip and first where we had any success. We got up at 5 am and she was a good little girl. Boy, did she squeal when that first goose hit the ground! She was soooo excited! Every flock that we shot at she would ask all excitedly, Did you get one? Did you get one??

it was 95 here today according to the truck. thursday its supposed to cool off to 68. no rain here for a couple weeks, my winter wheat is sure comin up, so are the oats but the deer are eating them off as fast. hoping for some cool weather! I did manage to see 5 nice bucks today, all over 8 points with a spread of about 16-22". I just need one of them to come by me when I'm huntin

wish I was comin up this weekend but I'm joining some other members out here for an antelope hunt, I've been stoked to go ever since eh76 asked me. I get to meet a few members for the first time, and I will be sporting my chickenbuck hat and shirt the whole hunt. standby for pics

we will be there you can count on it.

That's great!

Hey that lumberyard that I got the ripple tin for the ceiling of the cabin at... Well they are on the final days of the out of business sale. I stopped today to see what they have left and I found aluminum soffit an fascia for the cabin in brown.

I might be a couple pieces short on the soffit itself but I believe I have enough fascia, F trim etc. And I got it for less than half what it should have cost!

Now maybe we can keep the squirrels out of the attic!

I always thought you had a few squirrels in the attic.

Can't wait to see everyone. The boy will be bringing his new Marlin youth .22rf.

We had a litte issue with it out of the box, the stock is cracked. I called the shop and they're going to replace it asap. I'm pretty sure I was more excited than the kids were to get their present....they though they were getting a puppy.

I wish.

Just got home from Mahnomen. Went to try to win a trip to Vegas by playing bingo. Didn't win the trip. Christy did get a bingo but we had to split it with 6 other people, we got $13. Then I got one and didn't have to share with anyone (except for Christy). $590 WOO HOO!!!!!

Holy smokes lucky dog!! Good for you!

Won't be long until you're picking out a pink camo shotgun for her.

A win at the casino and a new man in your life. Things are looking up Muffy.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Brad is a name I do not recognize....

Yep he is new. He is a good friend of the couple I'm living with. They introduced us the first part of August. He hunts, snowmobiles, likes to go 4 wheeling. He also drives GMC pickups (smart man). But I'm sure he will get no grief about that this weekend.

GMC????????????? I dont know if u guys can make it in there with a GMC, i might have to pull you out with a 1951 ford!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Ryan, if you are going to wear your chickenbuck shirt the whole hunt, I hope either its a short hunt or it is made out of smartwool, or you are gonnna be a little stinky by the end! Good luck, and be sure to take lots of pics. Our PF regional biologist is headed out there on a deer hunt on Oct 6. he is pretty pumped.

Griz,
she still has aways to go before she jumps into the shotgun arena. but she has fun. I am seeing signs that she is becoming more of a mommy's girl too. Nothing big, but just here and there she is picking girl things to do instead of doing stuff with Dad. I guess that is inevitable. She will still hunt I believe, but might not be the diehard her daddy is. the boys on the other hand......Mrs Berettaman found a dead frog in her minivan the other day!

yes sir, its a short hunt, and lots of pics will be taken I'm sure of it.

way to go on the bingo Muffy! I used to play every saturday in crookston at the VFW and Eagles. bingo rocks!

Glad you will be representing the chickenbuck on that speed goat hunt Ryan. I'll make it on that hunt one of these years, assuming those guys would still have me after turning them down year after year.

great find on the soffit dave. good to get that done. thats always a fun project too.

Wow.
The brown truck just dropped off some brass.
200 7RM Hornady blems
200 243 Hornady Primed blems, they didn't say it was primed when I ordered.

So 400 pieces of brass with shipping came to 129 bucks.

I looked it over and can find nothing wrong with any of it.

Normal prices
7RM 42$ per 50
243 31$ per 50

So BM, what's your wife have against frog legs?

Stan, I'm sure you'll have a great time at the wedding.

TJAY,

did you make it up to the deer camp and see if you have all your cameras?

I haven't heard much about the fire in the last week or so.

tzone,
Have not had a chance to get up there. Yesterday they opened the area the cameras are in for travel. The roads have been closed. 59% contained as of this morning.

Heading for South Dakota to hunt lopers on Thursday. Will have to wait until after that to get up and see whats on the cameras.

Got a scouting report about an hour ago from my hunting partner and he is not happy with the numbers of lopers and says it is really dry out there. He called it a sea of brown grass.

Hope to meet Colorado1135

You'll like Ryan. He's good folk.

I just saw on the news it was 59% contained. I was up to duluth last weekend and the leaves were in 'change' mode. I stuck a camera out and hope to get a look in a few weekends.

Heading to camp with the big trailer loaded with ceiling tin, soffit/fascia and a 3 point disk to work up a food plot.

And I think I'm leaving work early to make sure i can get some ground worked up tonight before dark.

Have a good one, pics please. Us internet stalkers need something to tide us over.

It is a beautiful day here and it's killing me not to be able to slip into the brush with a pocket full of 20ga shells.

Tell me about it I look out the window right in the sky and see flocks of waterfowl going towards the lake I plan to hunt Sat. am.

I keep hearing how guys are doing really well on timber chickens.

Fall is as cruel as spring...it is just something in the air.

Originally Posted by tzone

It is a beautiful day here

Same here. Been a week since we've seen the sun. Temps are in the upper 60's. Got the lawn mowed and finished trimming the bushes. Only a couple of small outside projects left to do.

I would say the temps here were in the mid to high 70's, clear sky, nice breeze...perfect, for June.

we're hot out here still, hig h80's forcast til next week. yuck, this aint huntin weather!

It was 82 here I guess? Plenty warm enough for fall. I need frost.

same here

RWS, sorry to hear you're gonna lose your hunting season......

The way it looks, he's hunting now.

he probably is, I had to give him a ribbing though.

not what I meant... I was giving him some ribbing too.

I can't believe Ma hasn't been on here to do the same.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Heading to camp with the big trailer loaded with ceiling tin, soffit/fascia and a 3 point disk to work up a food plot.

And I think I'm leaving work early to make sure i can get some ground worked up tonight before dark.

Are we going to see pics of lil blue stuck to the top of the wheels again? oh please! oh please! oh please!!!

nope, all went well.

but i'll post those old pics anyways.

That's the fix I was looking for.

What in the heck were you thinking anyway? Did that loominum can by the back tire have anything to do with it?

long before hollywood embraced the swamp lifestyles by showcasing "swamp people" and "swamp loggers" I was out there doing my own swamp stuff.

Swamp mowing.

unfortunately swamp mowing never caught on.

Was Ma driving the tractor again?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nope, all went well.

but i'll post those old pics anyways.

wholey Crap, What were you thinking?

Hey ND, what were you thinking?

Okay, everyone can have a chuckle at my expense.....my boys gave me pink eye! Is someone missing their potato chip crumbs? If so, they are in my eyes.

WINDY here today...gusts to 45 mph.

It was all natural! (light) that is. You all have fun in the forest this weekend. Never know what may happen saturday night. we may be all fished out by then and need a break!

You know where we'll be, just don't take the swamp trail on the way in

I won't be up until Sat morning now. I have to work all day tomorrow. grrrrrrr.

I could damn near road hunt my way all the way over there.

4

I bet you could!

How is shooterville these days?

Pretty fine. Shot a limit of ducks last weekend. Got an uncle and cousin coming over for deer opener. Winter wheat should be sprouted 'cause old forky toes ate all the turnips and I had to go to plan b. Fence that cost me my saw confidence is done as well as a new gate and 72 yards of gravel. Thinking that for the first time I may head out to camp and just relax. Kid says I have a horrible flaw that way. Can't relax.

4

Ok I just got on here and saw that Tzone can't come till Saturday. But I got a text from him saying he can't come to CB. What's going on T?

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Thinking that for the first time I may head out to camp and just relax. Kid says I have a horrible flaw that way. Can't relax.

4

I agree with the kid

I know because I'm the same way.

Tzone's gotta work I guess. Bummer.

Sigh.... Work is going on. It is nearing the end of construction season and piss poor planning on contractors is causing me to miss scheduled vacation.

I have a little boy who is kinda mad, but took it much better than I though. I promised to take him wheeling on Sunday so I think we're going to go to Grampa's house. Gophergunner is going to be building stands where we're going to gun hunt so if he goes on Sunday, we might join him.

I'm just irratated and tired. I'll quit whining now.

Looks like it's a go Tom. I'll be pulling the seats out of the van and bringing up a load of wood for stands or ? I'm really torn as to bringing along a shotgun, or just calling it a work day. I know if I don't bring the 20, there's gonna be one incredibly stupid grouse up there sitting on a log looking at me sometime throughout the day, but it's a long drive, and there's work to be done, so it will probably just be a work trip.

I hate to state the obvious, but that's what pistols and shoulder holsters were made for. I think. Just saying.

4

Yep, that's what I do a lot.

Or carry an empty beer bottle.

The boys helped me pull a rear axle and change a CV boot on the wheeler tonight, good to get that machine going again.

I was still working out at the cabin last night after dark then got a call on the way home that a friend needed help tracking a bear. The bear was a very short track and very uneventful retrieve (just the way I like night time bear tracking

)

But I was still plenty tired this morning.

Ma is down in the cities for some work training, me and the boys are playing some wi and I think it will be a nice 9PM bedtime.

PWM and I will be heading to camp tomorrow after school gets out. Probably be out there by 5PM

If it's an incredibly stupid grouse, you can hit it with the hammer.

Any pics of that bear?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Looks like it's a go Tom. I'll be pulling the seats out of the van and bringing up a load of wood for stands or ? I'm really torn as to bringing along a shotgun, or just calling it a work day. I know if I don't bring the 20, there's gonna be one incredibly stupid grouse up there sitting on a log looking at me sometime throughout the day, but it's a long drive, and there's work to be done, so it will probably just be a work trip.

cant use it,if you dont take it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Any pics of that bear?

No, looked to be last year's cub. Still quite a trophy for the 14 year old boy that shot him though. Excellent shot placement. He done good.

Linda and I are heading out this morning for a town about 125 miles away.Our grandson is getting married Sunday and there are "must attend" women stuff goings on which will put us in a motel there all weekend.The rehearsal dinner is tonight.He's a good young man (mechanical engineer)and his intended just graduated as a Veterinarian.They'll do well.
Muzzle loader deer season starts Sunday.I will go either Monday or Wednesday.
I hope you all have a good weekend.Watch for swamp squids.

Stan in SC

Thanks, you too Stan.

Originally Posted by tzone

If it's an incredibly stupid grouse, you can hit it with the hammer.

Yeah, but I haven't had a chance to sight in my hammer yet-and apparently you haven't eve seen me shoot a hammer! I have a hard enough time hitting nails, let alone a grouse sitting in a tree!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Looks like it's a go Tom. I'll be pulling the seats out of the van and bringing up a load of wood for stands or ? I'm really torn as to bringing along a shotgun, or just calling it a work day. I know if I don't bring the 20, there's gonna be one incredibly stupid grouse up there sitting on a log looking at me sometime throughout the day, but it's a long drive, and there's work to be done, so it will probably just be a work trip.

cant use it,if you dont take it.

You're right, but the chances of unlimbering a shotgun and getting a shot off when I'm hauling a load of tree stand wood with both hands would be pretty slim. The gun would be more in the way than anything else.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I hate to state the obvious, but that's what pistols and shoulder holsters were made for. I think. Just saying.

4

Yeah-and that's probably what I'll do. I've got a Hi-Standard Sport King that hasn't seen the woods in a few years. It will most likely be making the trip this time.

We had the winds over here last night. We had gusts over 40 MPH. Sister Bay up in Door County had a gust of 70 MPH.

Over 25,00 homes out of power North of Wausau.

Waiting for the repair guy to call me back. The igniter went out on the oven. Found the orignal paper work. The stove came with a 10 year warrenty on the igniters. Problem is it's 13 years old.

dang bill, ya'll been havin a not so great fall thus far. last night we cooled off into the 40's, its warmin up today again or so they tell me. Talked to Tjay a few mins ago he will be getting into town here soon, hoping to meet up and have a cup of coffee with him before I have to leave for Wy. they are callin for an end to the indian summer here next week, and I'm ready for it. I like 80 degree days, but not when I want to be huntin.

Yeah Bill, what is going on with your weather over there? Its been sunny and perfect weather here for quite a spell now. Little too warm to bowhunt yet (for me anyway) but I'll take the nice days as long as we can have them. Plenty of bow season left.

Caramel bars are made, wheelers are loaded, and gettin things packed up. We will hopefully be able to head out of DL by 6:30 p.m. That will be great considering lastnight we didn't even know if Brad would be able to go.

Well after reading several chainsaw reviews on line I fell in love with the Husqvarna 346XP. Its a souped up pro series saw on steroids the way its sounds but unfortunatley its way more saw than I need and its $500.00 +. I don't burn wood for heat but if I ever do I know which saw I'm getting. I have settled on the the Husqvarna 435. It also had over 90% good reviews and its only $269.00. Its not a pro series but it should be plenty of saw for me. Even though I really want the the 346.

One dealer told me that the Jonesred and Husqvarna are the same saws. Just different color. Anybody ever heard that before?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Caramel bars are made, wheelers are loaded, and gettin things packed up. We will hopefully be able to head out of DL by 6:30 p.m. That will be great considering lastnight we didn't even know if Brad would be able to go.

I will meet you at the park & ride on hwy 32 for a caramel bar Muffy!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

One dealer told me that the Jonesred and Husqvarna are the same saws. Just different color. Anybody ever heard that before?

Kind of a GMC-Chevy thing.

There are differences. Many parts can interchange though.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

One dealer told me that the Jonesred and Husqvarna are the same saws. Just different color. Anybody ever heard that before?

Last I knew they are. But have not been in the market recently.
The small saws I use are a Jonsered 2050 , husky 345 , and a lil bigger sthil for when I need a bigger saw.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Muffy

Caramel bars are made, wheelers are loaded, and gettin things packed up. We will hopefully be able to head out of DL by 6:30 p.m. That will be great considering lastnight we didn't even know if Brad would be able to go.

I will meet you at the park & ride on hwy 32 for a caramel bar Muffy!

You know I would but we are going north on 59 so we are not going by the park and ride.

See you out there, I have to head home to pack the truck.

Everybody have a great weekend.

See ya Stan. Good luck with the wedding and have fun on the hunt.

T

Probably a good thing I didn't go north. I woke up with a head and chest cold. A nice litte return gift I got from my kids I'm sure. They were both sick when we got back from Vegas.

I usually get a Deer Camp Cold, so I hope this is it instead.

If I have to be at work, this a great day to do it. It is about 55* sunny and a breezy. Have fun in the woods Chickenbuckers.

dangitall, I hope to get there before muzzy season but it's not looking like it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Caramel bars are made,

I'm not sad you made em. I'm sad I can't eat em. Say hi to the crew for me, Muffster.

Ahhh, a beautiful fall afternoon, nice and cool, little wind, the leaves are turning colors big time....and I have a 2 hour conference call for work. I might buy a lottery ticket. at least the pink eye is clearing up a wee bit. hopefully it is enough that i can see to shoot those geese tomorrow again!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Yeah Bill, what is going on with your weather over there? Its been sunny and perfect weather here for quite a spell now. Little too warm to bowhunt yet (for me anyway) but I'll take the nice days as long as we can have them. Plenty of bow season left.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

dang bill, ya'll been havin a not so great fall thus far. last night we cooled off into the 40's, its warmin up today again or so they tell me. Talked to Tjay a few mins ago he will be getting into town here soon, hoping to meet up and have a cup of coffee with him before I have to leave for Wy. they are callin for an end to the indian summer here next week, and I'm ready for it. I like 80 degree days, but not when I want to be huntin.

It has been a strange fall weather wise here. Nice today. 55* and breezy. We did have a few sprinkles earlier. Supposed to be nice at least until next Wednesday. We're even supposed to get into the low 70's.

The repairman showed up 30 minutes after I called him this AM. $116 later the oven is working great. Now the wife can bake her muffins.

Crap.... My phone has no signal in Hot Springs and I missed Colorado1135 this morning. Will try again Sunday. Saw a bunch of lopers along the road today. Got the blood flowing. Gonna be a fun trip.

Good luck TJAY.

One of the nicest days of the year and I have bad cold. I took Nyquill and slept right through my alarm for work...or I shut it off and went back to sleep.

Every November we go on an annual deer hunt to a certain island out in the PWS. We use a Cabelas Alaknak tent with plenty of tarps for our cook area and hang out spot once it gets dark. The location of our main camp varies every year as we like to explore and hunt different parts of the island, but it always looks like this for the most part:

[Linked Image]

A deer trail next to camp:
[Linked Image]

Some inside pics:

[Linked Image]

It's important to stay hydrated on trips like this as well:

[img]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/bearstalker/078.jpg[/img]

The goal:

[img]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/bearstalker/085.jpg[/img]

Cool pics ! I agree hydration is VERY important !!

wow awesome camp!!

A quick trip to the woods to check my trail cam today.

I have 25 pictures of this guy....so I guess I'm done checking my trail cam until the season starts.

[Linked Image]

Sweet camp bearstalker. How do you like that Alaknack?

as some of you already know, Kendra got her first big game animal today! she took a HUGE doe antelope at 220 yards with her .243 after we stalked up a group. we saw tons of bucks, but alas no tags for horns.
[Linked Image]

Congrats to Kendra.

Where's the pic of her?

As my Neice would say....EEewwwwww, Dross!

Originally Posted by tzone

Sweet camp bearstalker. How do you like that Alaknack?

It works good. Usually there is four of us every year that go on this trip and it is roomy inside with all of us and some gear. Majority of the gear stays under the tarp section that we build.

How's the Troof Cam treating you Tom? I've been getting 1+ seasons out of one set of batteries per unit & that is a ton of pictures.

All I've got lately is coons on mine. I'm waiting for more of the fields to get harvested so the venisons move around more.

Remember the Troof Cam don't lie!

From the time posted on the camera that big fella is already nocturnal.

Stan in SC

So far I like it Scott. I've taken easily 1000 pictures. I had a bad SD card in the one in my yard but it wasn't the camera's fault. I think that's how I lost the pictures from our family trip over Labor Day weekend. I think it was the same card.

Have you used the "video" mode?

He could be Stan. That is part of the problem with the cams, you see bucks you might never lay eyes on durring hunting season.

One hot mama coming thorough and his "noctornal" goes out the window.

Nice camp. How long is the boat ride to get to it?

They usually are, that's how they get big.

Thank god for timber goat lust, and all we can do is cross our fingers that the rut lands in our season because love blindness is the only way we'll see those smart bucks during shooting hours

Great pictures Tom I'd be very excited if I was getting a decent buck like that in my cam.

Ryan and Kendra great job on the lopes, and I'm pretty happy you are representing camp chickenbuck out there too!

I uploaded some weekend pictures last night, I'll see about posting them this morning sometime.

I'm staying home from work today. It sure feels like I have pneumonia again. I've had a fever since Friday and I'm coughing up brown crud....yuck. Headed to the doc at noon today.

Ryan, me thinks you need to borrow Kendra's glasses. I see 2 speed goats laying on the ground.

I got 2 and she got 1, she still has 1 tag so we might go back in a couple weeks again. the two in the pic we got at the same time, hers is the one on the right.

How was the Chickenbuck weekend? I'm sorry I missed it, but now I'm kinda glad I did. I would have been miserable up there.

I did go for a ride with my dad and Jack. I promised Jack a wheeler ride so we headed up to where I have my trail cam. He and my dad rode while I walked in to change the card. I had about a 1/2 mile walk and it damn near killed me.

Did manage to swat on partridge with the shotgun and missed on with the Buckmark. I didn't have beer bottle.

Yuck is right, thanks for sharing.

Good Luck at the docs.

Sunday was incredible here. Blue skies, sunny and temps in the high 60's. The rest of the week is pretty much the same.

Got the fall projects done this weekend too. Fleet Farm has a big tire sale going so I special odered (They don't stock my size) 4 new tires for the Edge.

Temps were too warm for my liking. It was 80 here yesterday. More of the same for this week. This is October. I guess that's a sign to get my fall yard and house work done because we know the bottoms going to fall out of these temps any day now....I hope.

Saturday morning we tackled the food plot efforts.

[Linked Image]

We put in around 80-100 pounds of oats which was cheap and will hopefully pop up this fall yet. We also put in a clover blend wildlife plot seed by frigid forage. I can't remember exactly what was in there but it must have been around 5 different clovers, some rye and rape (canola pretty much).

This is all by Pam's stand. I plan on extending this plot opening towards Dusty's stand on the north end eventually which would make it a boomerang shaped plot.

Missy and Brad.

[Linked Image]

Brad is a great guy and we enjoyed his company very much. We hope to see him up at camp more often in the future.

Fall colors.

[Linked Image]

Bonfire back at camp.

[Linked Image]

Some smart talk happening here I'm certain..

My oldest baby, she actually made it out to camp with here mustang so the road is definitely better than past seasons.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_2896.jpg[/img]

Some firewood cutting Sunday morning

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And it looks like that's all that loaded for pictures last night. Our internet is slow at home so I queue up the pics and let them load but it takes the better part of the night to do it and some just don't make it.

It was a great weekend with lots of good food, great company and good times as usual.

It sure looks like a fun weekend all. Nice to see Weezy, haven't heard much from her lately.

Who put the fertilizer on the middle kid? He's taller than Lester! One year changes, he don't look like a young kid anymore, he looks like a young man...serious.

Big D looks pretty serious in that firewood pic.

btw, I think it's a good idea to shape that plot around towards Dusty's stand. Then it's not a typical 'box' shaped plot. It may give them some security when coming out.

Mabey not, just thinking out loud.

That's a great picture. he was on a mission with his new saw. I really like that saw by the way. Very nice handling saw and it chews the wood real good too.

Originally Posted by tzone

btw, I think it's a good idea to shape that plot around towards Dusty's stand. Then it's not a typical 'box' shaped plot. It may give them some securty when coming out.

Mabey not, just thinking out loud.

That was my thought as well, might give deer more options to apoach the opening with winch changes, cover etc.

Either way we'll be better off once we get something growing out there to help draw a few deer in.

I'm getting deer every day and night on my camera by Pam's stand, hopefully that continues.

We could use some rain now to help get that seed going.

Did you put any rye in there?

We re-plant on the sides of roads and landscape area, we use at least some rye becuase it comes up quick and stabilizes the soil until the grasses start to grow in 3-4 weeks. That is why you always see the deer on the side of the road on recently finished road construction.

With any amount of rain the rye is up and green within a few days of the rain. With the moisture back by Pam's stand you may not need much rain at all for it to take quickly

There was some rye in that frigid forage blend we put in.

Perfect.

I just re-read what you put in there. That rape is supposed to be good for northern cliamtes after it freezes. I guy I used to work with swore by it. He said once you got a heavy frost, it got sweet and the deer really seem to key on it.

We have used rape for about 4 years with great results. They love it after it freezes as it turns to sugars. I would highly recommend it. Just be careful how you go about telling people "rape is good"!

Had another great weekend goose hunting. Had our 3 each before 8 am again. They were trying to land in an adjacent field so we had to really work to get them over, but somehow we did. Then today, I went with a different buddy to another field and we got 2. Our layout blinds werent dug in though and we had a couple flocks flare on us. they are getting hard to decoy after having been shot at for awhile now. I was at work before 9 even! That is living!

Tomorrow I am gonna prolly bring the boys on their first ever hunt. There are some woodducks using the lake, so we will run down the shoreine about 50 yards and throw some decoys out. Looking forward to it!

It was a great weekend! Brad said thanks again for having him up there, he had a great time. I knew he would fit right in up there, he is full of it like the rest of us.

He learned a lot from PWM thats for sure. He was sure glad that PWM fixed his pickup after he took it out in the middle of the night hunting and rolled it.

Just got back from the doc with ...Pneumonia. Going to the doc here sucks. It is the second time I've had to do it, took 4 hours this time, 7 last time.

The doc said "have you had a lot of fluids today?" I said, "No, I've been sitting in the waiting room for 2 hours and 20 minutes and couldn't flag down the consesions lady." It got a chuckle out of her at least, I didn't think it was that funny.

Why does this always happen when you have so much to do?

You be dang careful with it man, I had it about five years ago and it dang near killed me....

Seriously it isnt something to take to lightly. Hope you get better man and next time bring a cooler with you so when they ask what it is for you can have all kinds of entertainment

I had it from the end of October 2007 to March 2008, which then turned into MRSA, which lasted until July. That was fun.

I don't feel nearly as bad this time, just run down. Mrs. Tzone went to get me the happy pills so I can start that. No work tomorrow for sure, possibly the next day.

I went to the Minute Clinic at the urging of the wife, and my BP was so high she was scared and sent me to the doc I wanted to go to in the first place.

Wow really sorry to hear that Tom, make sure to get that cleared out before you take to the woods or do anything you shouldn't be doing.

A couple more pictures.

Some the same but cropped.

disking

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My little helper was eager to run the broadcast seeder so I let him at it.

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farmers surveying the work.

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Pam, PWM and eener.

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little closer shot of this.

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And "sawzilla" as RWS calls it, I finally got that whole chain sharpening thing figured out lol!

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With Dusty's new hot saw and mine going at the same time it's short work with the cutting.

It's fun when you drop that chain into a tree and it almost pulls you over forward. Just rips wood noodles out of the logs

With the old trusty High Standard double Nine strapped on.Good pictures.

Stan in SC

Exactly! lol Sharp eye Stan!

One of my grouse plinkers.

You've got a better disk than me. But, you have exactly the same seeder. Here's a tip. If you use it to spread crushed lime, you're gonna have to take it apart and spray everything down with silicone to get it spinning again. And always look over your food plot for the little green hub caps. They have function, as well as form.

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I let the little guy use it to sling the oats seed. I seeded the clover mix by hand, we had a nice breeze so I could just sling handfuls in the air and let the wind distribute.

Sorry for the saw pics Craig,

hows the leg doing?

As you can see I still dont have chaps but I was thinking of your accident and a gouging encounter my older cousin had many years ago like your accident.

That hurts thinking about it.

My FIL got his saw caught in some unseen barbwire fence and the fence gouged the hell out of his leg. Cool scar, not so cool at the time. I can't remember how many stitches it was but it was a crap load.

I'm not sensitive to the saw pics. Heck, I've run 3-4 tanks through mine since then. Always with the chaps though.

About a week ago I woke up in the middle of the night scratching at one of the bigger scabs. Damn thing was just hanging loose, but itched like hell and I couldn't rip it loose. Trundled my way to the bathroom to put some light on it and discovered the damn scab was caught up in a stitch (which of course by now was bleeding). Not the black, slick type they put on the outside but the tan rough kind they put in deep that's supposed to dissolve. It migrated up and got dried into the scab. Trundled over to the fly tying room and got out the hackle pliers and scissors. Clipped one end but no dice was that sucker pulling through. So I just clipped it close to the scar on both ends.

Then, Saturday morning I was having coffee and got an unstoppable itch in the scar. Looked close and saw a little black spot just under the new pink skin. Picked at that with a needle and plucked up another of the black slick type stitch. It came out pretty kind.

So, after five weeks some stitches are still coming to the surface. And I can't keep anything in my left jeans pocket or it gets sore and inflamed.

It's America man, you do what you want. But I'm wearing the chaps.

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Jeez, the guy invites me up to hunt with him and then comes up with this lame excuse?! In all sincerity Tom, don't mess with this. This crap could kill you, man. Do what the doc says and get better.

We got the stand rebuilt, but never made it back to the other stand. I've got to either add some steps to that or hunt out of my portable. We'll see when we get up there. I'm not too crazy about going back in there the day before opener and making a bunch of noise. 'Doesn't look like we'll get back up again before opener, but we'll see. Jeez, we ran into Duluth on the way home. I think every single person from the Twin Cities that owned a car was in town. Heck, it took us an hour to get out of there. Can't wait for the opener. A huge THANK YOU again to Tom for inviting us to join him after we lost our spot. 'Hope he's feeling better by the opener.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just got back from the doc with ...Pneumonia.

Stay off our feet for a while Tom. Just remember what I told you. When your feeling better, you still have a long way to go. Don't go out and work up a sweat. If you relapse, it will make things worse.

I was off of work 3 weeks with pneumonia including a week in the hospital back in the day. Took 3 months before I was back to normal. Ok, I've never been normal, but that's another story.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

We'll see when we get up there. I'm not too crazy about going back in there the day before opener and making a bunch of noise.

I'm not crazy about that either.

We'll get it straightened out. I can't climb it very well either. Andy the monkey is the only one that can shoot up that stand the way it's built.

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Jeez, the guy invites me up to hunt with him and then comes up with this lame excuse?! In all sincerity Tom, don't mess with this. This crap could kill you, man. Do what the doc says and get better.

I'm laying low for a few days. Last time I had it, it was durring WI deer season, so I'm ahead of the curve this time. I hope it's gone before the hunt. Crap, it better be, thats a month away yet....but who's counting.

Get well Tom, I ended my weekend of fishing short just to run to Chickenbuck to see you and you werent their. It was fun though. I still owe Nathan a good one though. He got me with a little dew & water in a refresment can. That was a good one he pullled. he was full of it that night. Always fun at Chickenbuck

The kid catches on quick.

You'll get him back.

You guys are always talking about acquiring this gun or that one, going to the gunshop and seeing somethng you couldnt pass up, etc. You are a bad influence on me.

Just got back from The General Store (an old small town downtown type hardware/gun store), and I bought a gun. What gun? One I know well cuz I use one all the time. A Beretta 390 12 ga. It was on consignment and although it has been shot a little, there is no wear anywhere. They had it for $429 and I got it for $400. I LOVE my 390 and it has performed flawlessly for me for the last 16 years. In fact...

This morning, I took Hunter on his first ever hunt with my buddy and my brother (and of course, my beloved Beretta 390). We had hundreds of geese trying to get into our field and ended up with our limit of 9 in short order. 2 of the 9 were lessers, that was kinda cool. Man, are they small! My brother made the comment, "I didnt think there were this many geese in all of Minnesota!". Boy, have I had good goose hunting this year. The best part is, they just went over the road and landed in my buddies other field, so Saturday we are going out again!

I have sod fields to the north of me about 3/4. You can hear banging on them nearly all day. I drove that way a bit ago and they were covered in geese.

Loper report.

I filled out today with a nice 14" loper buck. Spotted him about 1/2 mile away down in a draw. Put the sneak on and found that he had 15 or so does with him and one smaller buck hanging around. Crawled up a dry wash to about 275 yards and popped him. The first day I shot a small fawn and my hunting partner got a big doe and the walked down the heard buck and shot him at 350 yards. Pictures to follow when I get home..

Another great trip.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Loper report.

I filled out today with a nice 14" loper buck. Spotted him about 1/2 mile away down in a draw. Put the sneak on and found that he had 15 or so does with him and one smaller buck hanging around. Crawled up a dry wash to about 275 yards and popped him. The first day I shot a small fawn and my hunting partner got a big doe and the walked down the heard buck and shot him at 350 yards. Pictures to follow when I get home..

Another great trip.

Sounds like an awesome hunt TJ! Congrats and good eatin!

Wow chickenbuckers, only 11 more posts away from hitting 15,000. And 2,400,665 views. Now that's a legacy!

holy...

With deer season nearing it's going to get busy around here for a while too.

I'm trying to hold off on my annual deer lunacy transformation, I'm really trying hard...

And the creator leads off the 1500th page of an outstanding post! congrats Dave!!

The leaves really changed here the last few days. A lady I work with brought my computer, camera, and field book to her house and I picked it up this morning. She lives on a lake and it as a perfectly beautiful drive around the lake.

I'm still feeling tired but not coughing nearly as much, so I think it's starting to come around.

Next week it's about time to start making camp food lists, dig out the gear, sharpening knives, the good stuff that leads up to the season.

Speaking of gear...

Do any of the Chickenbuckers need any hunting clothes? I'm going to be cleaning out my stuff. I'd rather give it to one of you guys, but if not somebody at Goodwill is going to get a ton of Gander Mt gear for $5 a pop.

Say the word, I might have it. I hope do start that project this weekend.

I'd be happy to take you up on some of that my self Tom, but I've got enough stuff all ready to equip a platoon. I'm sure somebody from C-Buck will take you up on this though. Those northern Minnysotie jackpine savages will do anything to keep from parting with their beer money!

Tom if you have teen or young adult sized stuff I have two more I am trying to outfit. Gloves, hats, whatever....

Not so much on the gloves and hats, but I have a sweet pair of Blaze bibs I think I've worn just a few times. Their nice, real nice. I'm 5'8" tall and round.

so there's some room for growth on a kid.

So I got this new bottle of shaving gel and it says "CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE-MAY EXPLODE"

I've never been so tempted to shoot something in all my life.

I now have a new target for the kids and their new Marlin youth model.

Jack shot it last week and hit the pop bottle a few times, so all is well.

it's a fun little gun to shoot.

When you do just make sure to shake the heck out of it before hand and film the results

Do it Tom but film it and use something bigger than a rimfire!

I have to shoot my .243 and sight in my .35 Rem. One on them may get the nod.

The only filming may be with a picture taker though.

I'm having a hard time getting fired up about deer season right now. I'm sure the 80 degree weather has a lot to do with it.

Too darn warm and windy today to head to the range. Leaves should realy be dropping this weekend.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I'm having a hard time getting fired up about deer season right now.

GASP! Bill, Bill, Bill.

That is almost blasphemy on this board or for anywhere in the USA for that matter. I think it must have been a slip of the tongue (fingers) on your part! Any more comments like that and you are going to have to give up your Man Card for a few days.

Here is a good example of what it is like to have little boys:

The boys and Mrs Berettaman made a HUGE leaf pile yesterday or the day before. Last nite, I asked Wyatt where his other shoe was (it is a camo Croc). His response?

"I can't find it Dad, it is in the leaf pile!" Unbelievably, I found it.

It is wierd to sit at the computer and watch the leaves fall by the truck load when it's 75* already. The clouds are coming in, so I'll be surprised if we hit 80 today.

I hear ya Bill, tough to get the real fire going, but if it's 99* on opening morning, I'll still be there.

I have one kid that wants to rake leaves into a pile and jump in them and one kid that keeps begging to "fire up the leaf blower."

Just blow tom! Lots of wind up here today, that 80's can stay away now. lots of fires happening and its dry. I had a guy light up my crp the other morning. We've had a lot of issues with the guy and it doesn't get any better. lucky for me i was leaving for work early and seen it, my neighbors had a 1000 gal water tank ready to go at their farm so they come help me put it out. saved the deerstands! take care and get better.

What the hell bucschy. Sounds like Guido needs to come out and bust some knees eh?

Does the sherrif help you out?

come on up! I just seen a big helicopter with a water bucket below it fly by here. have to be windy for them today trying to fight fires!

The top left corner of this link is the Juneberry 3 fire as of yesterday.

http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today...true&sector=USA3&resolution=250m

Lots of resources up that way now. Deep swamp where the track machines & goats are even having a hard time getting around.

I hear a couple Black Hawk choppers were heading up there this morning.

May have to click the "previous day" button to get the correct pic from Oct. 6???

Anyone hear from 4ster? Hopefully he isn't bbq'd on top of all the other fun he's had lately.

he's on the east side of upper/lower.

not to worry.

Wooo hooo. My luck is starting to come around.

I picked up a case of High Life bottles...yes, 24 beerz, for $12.50. I'm 1/2 tempted to go back and get another for next week already.

It was only $2 more than Betsy's coors light, 12 pack.

They didn't have camo cans yet, or I wouldn't have even seen the bottles.

Wind is dangerous up here. Power is out, got a lantern going in the kitchen. This is not good for the juneberry fires that are moving up into canada. Not good at all. Fire + this kind of wind, be on you toes my Canuker friends.

Any rain coming up that way? We were supposed to get some but it never happened.

Here is a picture of my lopers. The dink and buck

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Nice buck!
I wish we coulda met up while you were down here, next year maybe.
I'll hopefully find one to match that in the next few days

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Glad you will be representing the chickenbuck on that speed goat hunt Ryan. I'll make it on that hunt one of these years, assuming those guys would still have me after turning them down year after year.

So when ya gonna quit coming up with excuses?

I 4got my Chickenbuck shirt at home

WOW TJAY. Heck of a buck.

It is the best one I have shot. I have not shot that many but it sure was a nice stalk and shot.

Colorado1135.
We will get togther. I make a number of trips out that way. It is a good reason to do coyotes this winter. My friend will be in the area through Jan. this year so ya never know.

I got a coyote yesterday at work, he had mange bad, worse I've ever seen, no hair and covered nose to tail in scabs, 70 gr BT from my .243 did a number on him

Originally Posted by tzone

Any rain coming up that way? We were supposed to get some but it never happened.

I hope we got a shot of rain at camp but I know it missed us at home.

Wow Tjay, nice buck for sure! Congrats!

Nice Lope TJAY.

Found a private range close to home that has "public rifle" days on Saturdays. I made my way over to check it out. The two venison makers are ready to go.

Shot the Rem 760 .35rem at 50 yards with 200gr Core lokts touching. Sighted dead on a 50, which is what I usually do for the pumps. Should be good to 150 yds that way.

The M70 fwt .243win is 2" high at 100 with factory Federal loads, 85gr Barnes TSX.

Just got a text from my SIL. Granddaughter got a doe tonight (WI youth hunt) with the rifle. She can still take a buck this weekend.

They also had a bear up a tree close to their tree stand. Bet that got her excited.

Congrats to your granddaughter, Bill. 'Sounds like the apple didn't fall too far from the tree, did it?

Nice cooler fall day here, time for some firewood cutting and garage cleaning.

We still have hot weather.

I hvae to put grout in the bricks on the front of the house.

For some reason, I have headache.

raining since Thursday morning off and on here until early yesterday morning when it became steady. Just stopped! Glad we broke camp when we did. 37F when I got up. 39 F now. Foothills are white!

Gotlost called last night and said they had a bunch of snow over there, we're at a balmy 46 and steady drizzle right now. we had the same wind and cold since thursday as well. I've been wanting to go after some SD goats but they don't like the high wind any more than I do. I'm doing the grouting in our "wine cellar" this afternoon, since we tiled it a couple days ago

What kind of tile Ryan? I love tile, it makes stuff look nice and you can see your progress as you go.

I got the bricks on the front of house re-mortar'd this afternoon. It was a nice day to spend outside. I really haven't been out much since Monday.

Ms Ashlee has no quams at all about pulling the trigger on a deer. Field dressing is another story all together.

It's still 81* here. Can't remember ever wearing shorts in October before. Temps are going to start dropping Tuesday?

13" square tile, we're taking pics as we go, once we finish with the whole project I'll post the before and after pics. its looking good so far

its my first time tiling on my own and its a chore, but fun too

sprinklin here.

grow food plot grow!

Long day today. Left home 0500 and headed to deer camp. Checked all the cameras, 1700+ pictures. Then headed back home, got here 4.30 pm. When I get them sorted out I will post a couple of buck pictures. I think this is the most bucks we have seen on camera. Some are nice.

Been busy last two weekends!!!!!

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My daughters first duck hunt

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Little mans first hunting trip

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i love the pink bb gun!

Nice dog, no duck. Don't see many of those but I have a friend with 2. They are great bird dogs.

Couple of cute hunting partners you have there noduck!

You're going to have to change your name from 'noduck'.

Nice job, cool dog and I did the pink bb gun.

Talked with mt SIL this AM. Granddaughter's doe field dressed at 130 pounds. They had it weighed at the registration station in Catawba, WI.

SIL has the whole hunt on video. We're going to try and download it.

That's a nice doe, no spots on that one!

Here are a couple deer from my trail cams.

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Those will do.

#3 is a beast.

I have to beat this guy to them.

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This guy not so much

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Or this guy

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You don't have to beat that guy to them.You need to see that guy and lay him down.

Stan in SC

Wow great pictures!

I was out to camp tonight to check things over.

I saw a nice grouse on the way out to the new food plot on foot, let him walk because I was carrying one of those big salt blocks out with me on foot. Jumped a deer between Dusty's stand and Pam's stand.

Something is starting to grow in the new food plot.

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Something cloverish...

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

You don't have to beat that guy to them.You need to see that guy and lay him down.

Stan in SC

Yep, Stan's right.

did you burn stuff in that plot or is it just the picture?

Just disked up ground and it was raining when I took the pic so some stuff looks really black I guess.

I'm not sure what to do with this. Thought I'd put it here.

At our camp we sit right on the Mississippi/Red River divide. We have a dedicated "pee porch" on the back. It points to the Mississippi watershed. Often we recite, when heading out for a pee, "sending a little treat down to the Gulf". Year 2000. Age - 5.

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Perfect! lol!!

Priceless! Save it and give it to him as a wedding gift.

I think all of us with young boys can apprecieate that shot. That is one for the wedding slide show or the senior slide show at school.

....evil laugh.

I walked outside the other day and there was a my 3 1/2 yr old in much the same pose, except he was spraying side to side. A thing of beauty! I love having sons! The world is our urinal!

Went duck hunting today on the lake. Had about 50 woodies coming right towards me when then decided to turn in an land about 75 yards from me. So I started sneaking along in the reeds...slowly....being sure to make no waves....there they are, I can see a wing here a breast there....they are making a lot of noise, squeeking, splashing...creeping closer. Uh oh, my reeds are petering out. I cant go closer to shore as there are NO reeds there. slow down even more.....DANG, they took off right at the outer limit of range. KERBLAM! KERBLAM! KERBLAM! Still more coming....frantically reload...KERBLAM! KERBLAM! The smell of gunpowder in the air....the echo of KERBLAM! off the trees on the other side of the lake.....and no ducks down. They bested me. Trudge back to Lauren sheepishly. She asks excitedly, "Did you get one? Did you get one?". Uhh, no, Honey, I missed. But still a fun day and a great way to start a workday!

had 18 does coming in to kendra last night, at 300 yards they were a little too far for what she practiced, they were coming in when some road hunters drove all the way into the state game area 1/2 hour before sunset and scared every deer on their way in, including the ones we were watching. then they turned around and left. S.O.F.B. I said. but tomorrow we have permission to hunt on the private land they were coming from. hopefully we have pics tomorrow eve. she was so intent on getting a deer, she kept saying "man there's so many of them" and "honey you can get them from here, you shoot one, I want to bring one home tonight."
I told her to wait, there is always another day. I think it was a good lesson and the young patawan, learning she is.

It is not always about bringing home game. If I ever get to that point, one of you bonk me over the head. I have had some great hunts where I didnt bag any game. My hunt this morning was pretty fun without getting any.

She will get her deer I suspect, and to be honest, I think a few trips without getting anything is good for a beginner. It builds anticipation and makes them respect the game when they do get it.

It's pretty cool when the kids get excited about getting stuff.

When Jack and I were bird hunting last week, he was very fired up that dad got one.

Every Sunday at supper, Mom asks the kids what the best part of the weekend is...Jack said "when Dad shot the partridge." I was shocked because usually it's the 4-wheeler ride or campfire. I hope I created a monster.

It sure seems like today is the last of the warm ones. I can hope.

Big Drift, I didn't forget about you either, sorry. I just haven't dug out the stuff from the basement yet.

No worries T, I am semi recuperation mode right now, went to help Gav_Esq pull out his dads dock and decking broke sending my legs between the dock runners and my upper body between the dock and the boat.

Pulled something but good in my back and wrenched my knees pretty good.

Lots of Ibuprofin before this weekend I can tell ya, since both boys are twitchy for chasing ducks again.

Jeeze, Get better man.

I actually feel pretty good today, but I have to listen to grizzly bill and take it easy or he'll give me the business.

Hey Ryan, Lets see the pics!

Kendra got her first deer this evening, a nice big yearling doe.

We were laying in some grass at the edge of a winter wheat field facing west (into the wind). we saw a doe feeding in an adjoining field, then saw one walk into our field about 250 yards away. she thought that was a little far, so we waited and watched him. I made the classic mistake of focusing on the one deer we could see that I missed the 4 does and a buck that walked in from our left at 80 yards. Kendra saw them, whispered deer and gave a slow nod to my left (like a pro). I slowly turned and watched them slowly filter into the field, I pointed out the fork horn buck to be sure she passed on him (its doe only season). she picked the one on the left, I picked the big doe on the right. I told her to get on him, and take her shot. I was on mine and when she shot I jumped a little and shot just over the back of mine, hers flopped instantly, double lung bang flop. she jumped up, I gave her a kiss then we ran out to get it off the field quick. I drug it behind us and settled in again because we still had 2 tags left. we wait about an hour and I tell her she can make the call when to quit (we still had PLENTY of light) she told me she was ready to go, and I told her we could wait another hour because deer were still coming out in the lower fields. 5 mins later mine walked out at 250 yards. I looked at her and asked "you still want to go"? she told me to shoot it, then we can go. I watched for a bit and she told me to shoot already, so I picked up the rifle, settled in, and Bang, flop 2 deer down. we loaded them up, stopped at the land owners to say our thanks for letting us hunt and headed home. they are hanging in the garage and I'm enjoying a cool one. tomorrow the work begins. talk about a perfect first deer though. lots of action, lots of animals with the deer and turkey and mule deer. she was/is so Proud she won't let up on how I shot a button buck (yet again) and she took a perfect freezer pleaser. but thats ok, I'm proud of her.

Sweet story. Congrats Kendra!

Were you guys both usins the .243? What load/bullet? Don't forget to put your deer in Ingwe's thread.

Tell Frank I said "hey".

LOl I will

we were both using .243 shooting a 70 gr BT, pushing it at 3100 fps. I don't care what people say about the ballistic tip, they flat out kill antelope and does.

Congrats on the deers.

Hers is bigger lol!

The oats are coming up pretty good on the new food plot. The little guy and I went to the cabin to see if we could get him a grouse with his .22, no birds last night though.

We had a deer blow at us by Dusty's stand, seeing more tracks now.

We also cut and loaded some firewood for home.

For Dusty:

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That had to hurt. Take it easy and heal quick.

Originally Posted by tzone

Jeeze, Get better man.

I actually feel pretty good today, but I have to listen to grizzly bill and take it easy or he'll give me the business.

You bet I'll be on your case if you relapse.

Congrats to you and Kendra.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

...and Ryan scored a REALLY nice doe

Nce deer too there fella

LOL, good job Ryan congrats Kendra.

thanks guys, hers is definitely bigger, mine had little growths on its head. there were two of them right in front of the ears, almost on the forehead. they felt boney too, and it had a little wiener, odd for a doe.

hey at least I can enter him in the dink-a-thon

24 days

Nice job Ryan and Kendra. Ya got yer winter meat now! I think I see the start of a tradition in those pics....a kiss for every kill???

Ducks bested me again today. They fly out too far into the lake. Oh well, it is fun going.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think I see the start of a tradition in those pics....a kiss for every kill???

I hope not. It's a deer camp thread.

only 24 days away. Supposed to be making funny noises and not smell quite right.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

thanks guys, hers is definitely bigger, mine had little growths on its head. there were two of them right in front of the ears, almost on the forehead. they felt boney too, and it had a little wiener, odd for a doe.

hey at least I can enter him in the dink-a-thon

Congrats Kendra! And Ryan, don't feel bad. It takes a darn good shot to shoot little targets.

snort weeeeze...

I really feel the urge to pee on my knees....

urge?

so their's a choice?

It's begining guys & gals. The cold weather has come & ND is up & about more than usual. The activity level is up considerably.

I would guess there will be some of our favorite seasonal stories in the near future.

I just heard him grunt again....

ppppffft, ppppffft, fffffffffphhh

I don't have any stories.

I had my deer hunting memories erased to help me through the off season...

FIRST comment,Ryan, ya screwed up!!! The little buck is the DEER!

Second order,ND, my MZ seaon starts Saturday and I is taking my
Lancaster out for a "walk"

Good luck, ET!

Big deer track!!

[Linked Image]

REALLY nice rifle!

Did you build it? If not who did?

Good luck with it.

Built by B. Turner.

Not nice teasing me with pictures like that Jim!

Snow too??

I'm developing a twitch...

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

FIRST comment,Ryan, ya screwed up!!! The little buck is the DEER!

Second order,ND, my MZ seaon starts Saturday and I is taking my
Lancaster out for a "walk"

Nice. That's what muzzleloader hunting should be about.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not nice teasing me with pictures like that Jim!

Snow too??

I'm developing a twitch...

Oh great...a twitch.

I thought you always had that twitch?!?!

I'm leaving on sunday to chase ducks and roosters around NoDak. Did a quick inventory last night and I can shoot about 1-1/2 boxes of shells per day. Might need to stop and get a couple extra boxes just in case:)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not nice teasing me with pictures like that Jim!

Snow too??

I'm developing a twitch...

Never heard of B. Turner, but, at least from that photo, heck of a nice rifle.

How about the bag? That too is a far cut above average.

I built one years ago and have killed a lot of critters with it. An antelope this year so far. But I like your wood better.

Brian Turner. Got the bag from TOW. I like the game hangers. I use a New England fowler too and as soon as I master the follow through, I wanna get some grouse wid it.

Was just looking for a bag on Track's site but didn't see it. Better look again.

hmm, I see I was blind.

I need my orange hat.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I need my orange hat.

It's not your best color, but...

PS. Must be the fabled 20-pt buck that laid that track?

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh great...a twitch.

It's on like a light switch.

Didn't even have time to warn anybody.

I will be difficult to live with these next 3 weeks, more so than normal.

Pam needs a new rifle.

LOL way to change topics there......by the way wind is switching to the north, temps dropping mid 30's to high of mid 50's this weekend.

Should bring some northern ducks and geese, at least knock down some more leaves for grouse.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam needs a new rifle.

Now she's gonna get a twitch.

I haffta bring my boat up to storage on Sunday. No where near the deer camp...I'll probaly never get over that way since it so far out of the way.

Going to town to buy Pam a new rifle.

later!

Guuuurrrrpp. Grp. Grrrp.

Note to others: A balding head does not make for pleasureful rubbing on door jambs.

What kind of Thundermaker ND and Pam? C'mon, details!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

What kind of Thundermaker ND and Pam? C'mon, details!

fish on.

M70 compact FWT .243, USA Redfield 3-9X 40mm in talley one piece low mount.

Schweet!

PICS MAN PICS!!!!!! And very nice I am looking at one for Princess Pandemonium...

'tis one of my favorite Winchester offerings.

sounds like a deer-killer to me!

ND, are you trying to win the Dink-o-thon with the deer that left that little track? Musta been a fawn, huh?

Originally Posted by tzone

ppppffft, ppppffft, fffffffffphhh

If I sounded like that I'd have to change my underwear. Come to think of it, I do sound like that.

OK BM you can relax, I'm definitly in deer camp mode now. Started picking up supplies yesterday. The BP bulk plant jacked lantern fuel up to $6.50 a gal.. Still two bucks cheaper than buying coleman fuel, but it was under $5 last year.

We are getting new stands built and gonna get serious on more stuff this weekend....

Went to Fleet Farm while the kids had church stuff. Place was packed in the sporting goods section. Fleet has started selling some good handguns too. Fell in love with a stainless Ruger 2 1/2" bbl .357 mag. Sweet little carry gun.

Once the kiddos fall asleep, I'm heading to the basement to start digging through the good stuff.

Naw I'm just goofin.

Didn't buy no rifle.

But that'd be the sort of thing I'd want to get for maw if I could.

Well I just finished up cleaning a remington model six for a friend. Gummy, it's all better now though, nice rifle.

Now I smell like hoppes number 9

oats are coming up...

[Linked Image]

Dave, for some ODD reason, I have this URGE to wind you up

Gittin' ya all riled with the other pitcher gave me an Evilgasm,so......
[Linked Image]

The basement looks like a Cabela's threw up. Yep...still got all my stuff.

BD, I got a box loaded with treats and will be headed your way soon.

Fleet is running a good sale on Gen 4 Glock 17's. Did you check them out?

Tom looking forward to it and thanks, the young bucks are all in a tizzy they got a call from the land owner yesterday telling them they have 6 big does and assorted young ones along with two for sure bucks and an occasional third one. All feeding right in front of their stand.

They went upstairs after the call and since they were so quiet I went to check on them, they were upstairs sharpening their knives and talking smack to each other.

This morning on the way to work they were arguing over how bucks picked out what trees to rub on....lol, this is great entertainment.

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Dave, for some ODD reason, I have this URGE to wind you up

Gittin' ya all riled with the other pitcher gave me an Evilgasm,so......
[Linked Image]

Meaner!

ANUDDER EVILGASM!!!

Buck up Dave(punny

) yer time is coming SOON!!

I've got the blaze orange hat on my head and a piece of 264 brass in my pocket to carry around like a "worry stone"

I can take it out of my pocket and roll it around in my hand, it calms me...

Excellent!! I got ONE question. Seeing as how you gang are HUNTING deer to kill and eat, you are the Predators. Why is it that rut sign is showing??? Ya SHOULD be scratching trees to sharpen the claws!!

It's homecoming week for our little high school senior.

It was "nerd day" yesterday.

Dusty provided a nice suit for the occasion...

[Linked Image]

What's different?

It appears for some in my office, "I'm all redneck today." Something about a Polaris Racing hoodie and a blaze camo hat.

I'm breaking them easy for the next two weeks of madness. Soon...Chickenbuck hat.

They'll never know what hit em.

At least RWS isn't still wearing his PINK outfit he had on last week. The shirt was ok but the pink pants were a bit much!

Thanks Dusty for letting Weez use your suit and suspenders. Thanks Eileen for the glasses too. Dave was saying how he remembers you wear that suit a LONG time ago. You've got style Dusty!

Dave has a 264 brass in his pocket to carry around for his "worry stone", well living with him causes me to have a pocket full of "worry stones" that don't help me any.

New rifle? Uff.

Holy Wow!! even wid a dweeb uniform on, Weez is one gorgeous gurl!!! Dave, good ting she takes after her Mom

I think Mrs.NorthernDave DESERVES a new rifle

Wid all the exercise she gets from carrying around all dem worry stones, she can handle a powerful one

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

At least RWS isn't still wearing his PINK outfit he had on last week. The shirt was ok but the pink pants were a bit much!

Still mad cause he filled your beer can with water and mountain dew huh?

I think he learned that from me.

Weezy had a partially drank red bull in the fridge (opened). I spotted it, dumped it out in the sink, rinsed it and put nice clean water back in the can then put it back in the fridge.

Hours later when she went to take a drink of her red bull she had quite the look on her face..

A surprise, as in "hmm, this isn't nearly as gross as it should taste"

Lol!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

M70 compact FWT .243, USA Redfield 3-9X 40mm in talley one piece low mount.

Hey Ma! You should really reconsider this offer. You would really like the (USA) Redfield. I put one on my 22-250 and like it...A LOT!

I have a USA Redfield 3-9x40 I'd sell. It's nice but the new Redfield Revolution's made in USA as well are sweet scopes. Pretty much Leupold VX2.

Raining here all morning so I spent it cleaning up and replacing the mantles on the Coleman lanterns for camp.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have a USA Redfield 3-9x40 I'd sell. It's nice but the new Redfield Revolution's made in USA as well are sweet scopes. Pretty much Leupold VX2.

Yes. The Redfield Revolution is what I have. I thought Dave was pointing out that they are now made in the US again.

Thats what happens when a bowhunter tries to speak gun lingo.

Went night fighing on Tuesday night. Pullin cranks. We brought home our limit of nice eyes. They are going to be mighty tasty!

leupold purchase redfield and they are built in the leupold factory in oregon now.

Great reviews and great prices too!

And yes, Made in USA makes me pretty happy.

You're going to need a canoe to get in the camp Bill.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

leupold purchase redfield and they are built in the leupold factory in oregon now.

Great reviews and great prices too!

And yes, Made in USA makes me pretty happy.

I'll tell you what. I love the one I have. My Revo is a 2-7x33. I bought it last spring for $129. I think they're $149 now. They're so nice, Leupy is dropping the VX1 and VX2, and pumping out more of these Revolutions.

The click adjustments are precise and accurate, the glass is crisp and bright. MUCHO better than the Japaneese Nikon Prostaff. Just couldn't get used to that one.

I'll buy another of the new Redfields when I get a chance.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

leupold purchase redfield and they are built in the leupold factory in oregon now.

Great reviews and great prices too!

And yes, Made in USA makes me pretty happy.

Yep. When I found that out I started looking at them pretty hard. It is a damn nice scope for the money. I think I have a thread on it somewhere in the predator section.

Why did you make me learn that on my own you GSD?

Whats you all think about the new savage rifles? just thinking here.

I've always 14/114 series as well as the heavier 12's and the 16 series in a decent stock.

Of the 14/114 family the Classic is my favorite over the american classic because the finish on the american classic turns me off. Nice stock but the finish is not what I like, if I had one I'd be tempted to strip it and oil finish it.

The factory finish on the american classic looks like the stock wa dipped in a vat of molten milk jug plastic. And I don't care for laser etching on the bolt. Not when the rifle is so close to "classy"

Enough about styling.

You won't be dissapointed in the performance.

The nicest Savage I've seen and handled is Pam's. That is the only one of that model I've ever seen. I like it a lot....Euro, right? Remington had a Euro a 10-15 years back too. I like it but it had a detach-mag that didn't match the gun.

Yeah Pam's is a 114 classic Euro in 30-06. Pre accutrigger and the only other one I've seen like it went to the gun dealer I bought hers from.

[Linked Image]

I don't care dor the double offset millet rings but, it's held zero for many years... It aint broke so... hard to "fix it"

It's been years but if I recall correctly I glass bed this barreled action with the stock untouched. It was relieved nicely for the barrel from the factory, it just needed bedding. The finish is oil, just enough to seal the wood but as you can see it is not built high enough to burry the grain. I slicked the action and reworked the trigger to a crisp snap with a +3# pull since our hunting is cold weather with stiff fingers. I'm a firm believer that a nice trigger isn't necessarily a spooky 1/2 pound hair trigger.

Unique skip line cut checkering, faint cheek piece, straight comb and a mild schnabel forend. It all works pretty good for my eye.

Not bad for a savage.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Why did you make me learn that on my own you GSD?

Not sure what GSD stands for but it could very well be "Goofy Senile Dave." I do believe I told you about it in March when I bought the scope and your response was "Veddy interesting"

That is a beauty of a Savage!

GSD

Goofy Schit Dog

And you know it perfectly well.

As long as yer putting up GunPorn, I got my new Sharps from Shiloh today. 44/90BN.30" barrel, colr pack hardened finish,Hartford collar,DST,lovely rifle
The finish

[Linked Image]

Hartford collar
[Linked Image]

My new buffler gun
[Linked Image]

The original Sharps and [Linked Image]

the new Sharps.

Both are absolutely stunning Jim.

Sweet Buffler guns Jim.

I saw they are making a mini sharps in 22 hornet, I would love one of those

the big bright moon is not helping my condition...

I was thinking the same thing. This is the first cold night we've had in more than a month....that ain't helpin' either.

Who will stand with me in my movement to occupy deer stands?

(for future reference this is a spoof on "occupy wallstreet" which is a flash in the pan hippie and entitlement group effort which we will strain to remember a year from now)

I'm occupying one of mine at predawn Saturday. Best I can do to help. I'm protesting everything, but mostly, I'm protesting being one of the 99 percenters that end up shooting baby deer every year.

They are delicious.

I'll stand with you ND. I've got a couple 280 empties I'll be carrying tomorrow, one vanilla and one Ackley, for my worry(rut) stones.

I'll carry a 130 gr 6.5mm tsx in the stretched out 264 brass tomorrow too.

I been carrying a 450 marlin case around fer a week now.
Finaly took delivery of the rifle at lunch today.

with a bow or muzzle loader?

I'll stand post with my fellow hunters. I'll sit in rain, snow, sleet, heat, and whatever else Ma Nature throws at us.

I'm finally getting caught up on stuff around here. Boat got the final winterization tonight. Fishing gear put away for the season, garage looks like a garage. I have leaves to take care of and a snowblower to buy....then it's hunting season.

Man....it's close.

Originally Posted by j_elky

I'll stand with you ND. I've got a couple 280 empties I'll be carrying tomorrow, one vanilla and one Ackley, for my worry(rut) stones.

A .280 you say? I'm having Redneck build me a .280. I have to pick out the donor, which may happen this weekend, but I'm not going to push it.

If Dicks still has Remington 700 SS ADL's for $499 that will be the donor. Otherwise I think I'm going to do it on a Win M70 XTR action.

uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp,uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp,uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp,uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp,uuuuurp,uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp,uuuuurrp, uuuuuurrrrp, uuuuurp!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Who will stand with me in my movement to occupy deer stands?

(for future reference this is a spoof on "occupy wallstreet" which is a flash in the pan hippie and entitlement group effort which we will strain to remember a year from now)

Tell me more about this movement. Sounds like something I could get behind..

4

Occupy deer stands is mostly a weekend protest because unlike the wall street protestors... we have to work for a living and we support ourselves and our families.

Also unlike the wall street protestors we shower (sometimes) and we clean up after ourselves. We don't do drugs in the deer stand or any nonsense like that.

But we do carry high powered rifles instead of protest signs and peace symbols.

It's a silent display of freedom and rights, and god willing it can also put some food in the freezer for our family.

It's clean, quiet, responsible, respectable.... I doubt the mainstream media will cover it.

LMAO, oh I so needed to hear this. I actually had to cut off contact with two of my relatives over this Occupy crap.

I will also be occupying our deer stand in support of grilled venison loin marinaded in South American steak sauce with marinated mushrooms in sweet butter, and a smooth red wine.....

Tom, you having a plain 280 or 280AI built? The 280 is still my all time favorite.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Occupy deer stands is mostly a weekend protest because unlike the wall street protestors... we have to work for a living and we support ourselves and our families.

Also unlike the wall street protestors we shower (sometimes) and we clean up after ourselves. We don't do drugs in the deer stand or any nonsense like that.

But we do carry high powered rifles instead of protest signs and peace symbols.

It's a silent display of freedom and rights, and god willing it can also put some food in the freezer for our family.

It's clean, quiet, responsible, respectable.... I doubt the mainstream media will cover it.

Count me in Dave. I doubt that we'll get any union backing either.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, you having a plain 280 or 280AI built? The 280 is still my all time favorite.

Due to my lack of reloading skills and equipment, and space for said equipment and time to acquire said skills ...it is the .280 Rem

I'm trying to clear a space in my garage to set up a bench to reload. I really don't have room in the house I don't think. I may be able to convert a closet we don't use into a reloading area, but it seems tiny. How much space does a guy need to set up?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Occupy deer stands is mostly a weekend protest because unlike the wall street protestors... we have to work for a living and we support ourselves and our families.

Also unlike the wall street protestors we shower (sometimes) and we clean up after ourselves. We don't do drugs in the deer stand or any nonsense like that.

But we do carry high powered rifles instead of protest signs and peace symbols.

It's a silent display of freedom and rights, and god willing it can also put some food in the freezer for our family.

It's clean, quiet, responsible, respectable.... I doubt the mainstream media will cover it.

Count me in Dave. I doubt that we'll get any union backing either.

Well, in disease and overpopulated areas you might see some union guys showing up looking for some money in exchange for a union contract.

Because everybody knows that's where the money is in this deer hunting gig. Over populated metro areas and disease areas.

Those areas get attention, attention gets funding, funds in exchange for eradication efforts.

And the efforts last for as long as the money lasts.

When the money is gone, the DNR will claim victory, i.e. �the disease is gone� or �the population has dropped to acceptable levels�

As long as the money is still there, efforts rage on and your deer numbers actually drop.

So, in a case like this (I can�t believe I�m about to say this�) A union appearance is a blessed thing.

See, If a union shows up because they smell wildlife management funds you may see a shortcut to a DNR declared victory.

Union will take all the money for the program in one big scoop and they will occupy the deer stands union style (nap time).

So, no deer will be harmed, the money will disappear, the DNR will claim victory and eradication efforts cease.

The only bad part about it is that 90% of the program funds will be routed directly to democratic party election efforts.

Thank you, thank you� I�ll be here all day for questions.

As you can see, I am exceptionally intelligent today.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, you having a plain 280 or 280AI built? The 280 is still my all time favorite.

Due to my lack of reloading skills and equipment, and space for said equipment and time to acquire said skills ...it is the .280 Rem

I'm trying to clear a space in my garage to set up a bench to reload. I really don't have room in the house I don't think. I may be able to convert a closet we don't use into a reloading area, but it seems tiny. How much space does a guy need to set up?

A 12'x18' room with plenty of shelves for storage should be fine for your needs as a beginner in the art of reloading.

I hope Mrs. Tzone don't find out where I live...

In all honesty a good solid & level bench that WON'T wiggle will be your biggest asset.
Nothing worse than inconsistant powder charges, tipped over brass, and the frusturations that acompany them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thank you, thank you� I�ll be here all day for questions.

As you can see, I am exceptionally intelligent today.

Well I gotta question for ya. Can I still buy the cheap tags up in that area? Is there bonus tags up there? I wasn't thinking when I bought my tags this year. If I whack a buck here, I'll not have one for muzzy ldr season unless I can get a bonus or disease tag.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

In all honesty a good solid & level bench that WON'T wiggle will be your biggest asset.
Nothing worse than inconsistant powder charges, tipped over brass, and the frusturations that acompany them.

I can screw it right to the wall in the garage in the spot I have in mind. I built a few benches for my materials lab at my previous job that had to hold a few hunderd pounds of rock/gravel, so I'd use that model I think. It was a heavy bastard so if I have to move it I'm hosed.

I'm thinking I'll have to store the powder in the house because of the humidity and temp swings of the garage.

Two fiddy.

Dolla.

Limit, 5 each.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I been carrying a 450 marlin case around fer a week now.
Finaly took delivery of the rifle at lunch today.

fluffy, are you going to reload for the 450? I just ran across 20 once fired cases from my old 450. There yours if you reload.

I haven't shot a deer with my 450 yet. Shot a cow elk with it a few years back though.

Those of us stuck in states where cartridge rifles are not allowed have to carry flints in our pockets instead of once-fired brass cartridges. Cuts the hell out of the pockets though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll carry a 130 gr 6.5mm tsx in the stretched out 264 brass tomorrow too.

You finally got those loaded? What was your final load?

better than a broadhead I suppose...

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'll carry a 130 gr 6.5mm tsx in the stretched out 264 brass tomorrow too.

You finally got those loaded? What was your final load?

Open to suggestions. My powder id IMR7828, primers are rem 9 1/2M, bullets are the previously mentioned 130 gr TSX flat base.

Haven't loaded any yet, possibly this weekend.

IMR 7828 is a good choice. I've had luck with it in the 7mm RM. Just cross reference two or three sources for load data. You have a manual or two?

ND,

What do you have for sights on your 450? Scope? ghost ring?

My 1895M is bone stock. I use the sights that marlin put on it.

[Linked Image]

Azar, whitebear has a manual for me to borrow along with a bunch of cool RCBS gear.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Two fiddy.

Dolla.

Limit, 5 each.

5.should be enough.

Dave.

I have used 64 gr. of IMR7828 with the 130 TSX for 1.5" groups. Did not chrono that load but should be around 3100 fps. That is what I get with that load and 129 gr. Hornady IB's. I used Fed 215 primers.

Yeah I was really hoping to improve on my 1.5 -ish factory load groups with that rifle.

TSX is probably the wrong place to start for seeking accuracy but I might get lucky, never know.

Thanks for the info. I was thinking about loading a half dozen each in a range from 60 up to 65 gr of powder.

maybe 60-62-64, see how that goes.

Dave, I replied on your other thread about loads, your on the right track.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

better than a broadhead I suppose...

I didn't think of that. Thanks, now I feel better today already!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

I'll stand with you ND. I've got a couple 280 empties I'll be carrying tomorrow, one vanilla and one Ackley, for my worry(rut) stones.

A .280 you say? I'm having Redneck build me a .280. I have to pick out the donor, which may happen this weekend, but I'm not going to push it.

If Dicks still has Remington 700 SS ADL's for $499 that will be the donor. Otherwise I think I'm going to do it on a Win M70 XTR action.

Tom,

Mine started as a stainless 700 mtn rifle in 280. I tried like heck to get it to shoot and it just wouldn't group well. I tried different bedding arrangements, different bullets, different primers etc. I picked up a slightly used 7-08 factory tube and sent the whole work off to the 'smith. It came back as a 280 ackley and the first three shots went into an inch and it does that everytime now. Mine rides in a Ti stock and I just love the darn thing.

Jeff

Jeff

Consider me a participator in the Occupy Deer Stand movement. I will man my post until the venny is on the ground and the mission is accomplished.

stuck in the cities since yesterday for work. Had meetings with the Navy. I am sick of meetings. I need some gravel in my travel.

tonite, my brother is playing his first varsity football game in Buffalo, so i will stop there on the way back. My brother dislocated his kneecap, so he wasnt healthy until now in his Junior year.

I'll check with my brother to see if he has any 450 ammo left. He sold his Guide Gun last month. He had shoulder surgery that required removal of a piece of bone. Doctor advised him to get rid of any hard recoiling guns, so bye bye 450.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

stuck in the cities since yesterday for work. Had meetings with the Navy. I am sick of meetings. I need some gravel in my travel.

I bet you love this traffic huh? It is horrible. Takes me an hour to go 22 miles to work.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

Mine started as a stainless 700 mtn rifle in 280. I tried like heck to get it to shoot and it just wouldn't group well. I tried different bedding arrangements, different bullets, different primers etc. I picked up a slightly used 7-08 factory tube and sent the whole work off to the 'smith. It came back as a 280 ackley and the first three shots went into an inch and it does that everytime now. Mine rides in a Ti stock and I just love the darn thing.

Jeff

Jeff, I kinda forgot about the Ti stock route. I was going to run a McMillian Hunter on it. It all depends on what action I end up with.

I'm support the "occupy deer stands" movment. I propose we get out of deer stands after dark and unite in brotherhood at the shack for giant prawns and tenderloin on the grill. Then return to our deer stands every day until all our tags are filled.

We'll crap outside if we have to. And only shower if the wind is wrong. Until the third day. Then showers are mandatory. We'll have beer. Lots of beer. Poker too.

If we keep this up somebody will notice. Somebody will give us what we want. Which I suppose is to be left alone?

4

4- I would think that covers about everything perfectly.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Occupy deer stands is mostly a weekend protest because unlike the wall street protestors... we have to work for a living and we support ourselves and our families.

Also unlike the wall street protestors we shower (sometimes) and we clean up after ourselves. We don't do drugs in the deer stand or any nonsense like that.

But we do carry high powered rifles instead of protest signs and peace symbols.

It's a silent display of freedom and rights, and god willing it can also put some food in the freezer for our family.

It's clean, quiet, responsible, respectable.... I doubt the mainstream media will cover it.

Count me in Dave. I doubt that we'll get any union backing either.

Well, in disease and overpopulated areas you might see some union guys showing up looking for some money in exchange for a union contract.

Because everybody knows that's where the money is in this deer hunting gig. Over populated metro areas and disease areas.

Those areas get attention, attention gets funding, funds in exchange for eradication efforts.

And the efforts last for as long as the money lasts.

When the money is gone, the DNR will claim victory, i.e. �the disease is gone� or �the population has dropped to acceptable levels�

As long as the money is still there, efforts rage on and your deer numbers actually drop.

So, in a case like this (I can�t believe I�m about to say this�) A union appearance is a blessed thing.

See, If a union shows up because they smell wildlife management funds you may see a shortcut to a DNR declared victory.

Union will take all the money for the program in one big scoop and they will occupy the deer stands union style (nap time).

So, no deer will be harmed, the money will disappear, the DNR will claim victory and eradication efforts cease.

The only bad part about it is that 90% of the program funds will be routed directly to democratic party election efforts.

Thank you, thank you� I�ll be here all day for questions.

As you can see, I am exceptionally intelligent today.

wow dave i have read this thread for a long time, and thought you to be a better man than that. I am union Journeymen Wiremen, and find those comments not only off base, but very insulting. Ill be the first to admit that there are some useless unions (UAW is pretty high up there right behind teamsters) But dont lump skilled trades into that same cow pie, because some of the hardest working most ardent outdoorsmen i know are my local brothers, we take pride in the fact that we do the job Better, faster,and safer than the next guy, on time and under budget, or we get [bleep] canned and the contractor goes under. We care about our employers welfare because with out them we have no jobs, but they feel the same with, as without us, they wouldnt have a giant pool of excellent craftsmen to do thier projects like they are bid to done.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I'm support the "occupy deer stands" movment. I propose we get out of deer stands after dark and unite in brotherhood at the shack for giant prawns and tenderloin on the grill. Then return to our deer stands every day until all our tags are filled.

We'll crap outside if we have to. And only shower if the wind is wrong. Until the third day. Then showers are mandatory. We'll have beer. Lots of beer. Poker too.

If we keep this up somebody will notice. Somebody will give us what we want. Which I suppose is to be left alone?

4

Showers are Mandatory?!?!?

What self respecting deer camp doesn't have a good old fashioned, burn your azz on the planks, can't breath thru the steam saauuuuuuna!!!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Occupy deer stands is mostly a weekend protest because unlike the wall street protestors... we have to work for a living and we support ourselves and our families.

Also unlike the wall street protestors we shower (sometimes) and we clean up after ourselves. We don't do drugs in the deer stand or any nonsense like that.

But we do carry high powered rifles instead of protest signs and peace symbols.

It's a silent display of freedom and rights, and god willing it can also put some food in the freezer for our family.

It's clean, quiet, responsible, respectable.... I doubt the mainstream media will cover it.

Count me in Dave. I doubt that we'll get any union backing either.

Well, in disease and overpopulated areas you might see some union guys showing up looking for some money in exchange for a union contract.

Because everybody knows that's where the money is in this deer hunting gig. Over populated metro areas and disease areas.

Those areas get attention, attention gets funding, funds in exchange for eradication efforts.

And the efforts last for as long as the money lasts.

When the money is gone, the DNR will claim victory, i.e. �the disease is gone� or �the population has dropped to acceptable levels�

As long as the money is still there, efforts rage on and your deer numbers actually drop.

So, in a case like this (I can�t believe I�m about to say this�) A union appearance is a blessed thing.

See, If a union shows up because they smell wildlife management funds you may see a shortcut to a DNR declared victory.

Union will take all the money for the program in one big scoop and they will occupy the deer stands union style (nap time).

So, no deer will be harmed, the money will disappear, the DNR will claim victory and eradication efforts cease.

The only bad part about it is that 90% of the program funds will be routed directly to democratic party election efforts.

Thank you, thank you� I�ll be here all day for questions.

As you can see, I am exceptionally intelligent today.

wow dave i have read this thread for a long time, and thought you to be a better man than that. I am union Journeymen Wiremen, and find those comments not only off base, but very insulting. Ill be the first to admit that there are some useless unions (UAW is pretty high up there right behind teamsters) But dont lump skilled trades into that same cow pie, because some of the hardest working most ardent outdoorsmen i know are my local brothers, we take pride in the fact that we do the job Better, faster,and safer than the next guy, on time and under budget, or we get [bleep] canned and the contractor goes under. We care about our employers welfare because with out them we have no jobs, but they feel the same with, as without us, they wouldnt have a giant pool of excellent craftsmen to do thier projects like they are bid to done.

Sigh...

Originally Posted by j_elky

Showers are Mandatory?!?!?

What self respecting deer camp doesn't have a good old fashioned, burn your azz on the planks, can't breath thru the steam saauuuuuuna!!!

Sshhhh. Nobody show dave this part.

I'm at work today and get a call from a 6 year old boy, who is a bit mad because he can't get the leaf blower started.

Then I get a call from a really mad 6 year old boy because his mom made him shut the leaf blower down.

A proud moment...yes, yes it is.

I gave up on antelope, I hunted hard for 4 days and didn't see a goat I could have legally gone after.
ground meat last night til I was exhausted, still have 1 antelope and 2 deer to do, in addition to tiling the basement. I swear I work harder on my days off!

Welcome to home ownership.

Colo1135 sounds like you getting real educated about Fall River Co and Buffalo Gap Grasslands antelope hunting. To many people and too many tags. Back in the bad old days when folks could drive off the road anywhere they wanted it got worse even faster.Finished my grinding 1/2 hr ago and in awhile will go look for a doe or 2. Magnum Man

I suppose I'll go tomorrow just because. I didn't go opener, if I would have I would have done better, there have been too many folks hunting from the road and going after every visible goat, least thats my theory, I seen a bunch of them out and about. I doubt I'll go after SD antelope again anytime soon.

The boys and I are at camp. We screwed whitebear's RCBS press to a tamarack stump out here in chickenbuck and banged out some test loads for the 264.

We used barnse TSX 130 gr bullets, seated to 3.180" OAL and loaded with 3 test charges of IMR 7828.

6 rounds of each load, 60 gr, 62.5 gr and 65 gr.

Too damn windy to shoot today so no testing yet

No birds for us today, but we did cut a load of birch firewood with the old brown pickup, and now we are having a chili fart contest.

I'd have to say, pretty damn good day.

I finally went deer hunting this afternoon.My neighbor,my gun smith and I did a replay of opening day last year when all three of us got together and went.Except the season has been open for a week now.No one saw anything but there were three spaced shots on the property next to us right at dark.Two were pretty close together and one was a few minutes later.Sounded like perhaps a finishing off shot.
We plan to go again tomorrow afternoon.Now that I'm getting in the mood I might also go Monday.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Too damn windy to shoot today so no testing yet

Define Minneessoooota wind.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I suppose I'll go tomorrow just because. I didn't go opener, if I would have I would have done better, there have been too many folks hunting from the road and going after every visible goat, least thats my theory, I seen a bunch of them out and about. I doubt I'll go after SD antelope again anytime soon.

I still have a doe tag to fill. Elk opened for me but too warm, too windy (real wind & I hunt in a burn area) and too many crazies on opening day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No birds for us today, but we did cut a load of birch firewood with the old brown pickup, and now we are having a chili fart contest.

I'd have to say, pretty damn good day.

Who's winning?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I suppose I'll go tomorrow just because. I didn't go opener, if I would have I would have done better, there have been too many folks hunting from the road and going after every visible goat, least thats my theory, I seen a bunch of them out and about. I doubt I'll go after SD antelope again anytime soon.

Ain't that bad guy, the real trick is when you do your preseason scouting find and identify all the real rough relief around where you see goats and the places you can't glass into. once the shooting starts that is where they head to and so do you. Best a luck tommorrow. Magnum Man

Chance of snow developing on Wednesday and cold enough temps to possibly keep it a while...I really do miss white deer seasons.

My weather eye says not enough moisture and not cold enough. Yet. It's too early anyway.

Let me get my boat in the garage and snowmobiles out. That may happen today. I will not put the blower on my tractor until it actually does snow. Don't want to jinx it for you.

4

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My 1895M is bone stock. I use the sights that marlin put on it.

[Linked Image]

Azar, whitebear has a manual for me to borrow along with a bunch of cool RCBS gear.

gosh darn,dave,fluffster just picked a twin sister to your elk blaster.I had to mount a scope,though.
I can see all the sights ok,just not all at the same time.

Craig your bumming me out man

weather dude has my hopes up though....Almost done with building the land owners deer shack hope to get it out maybe this afternoon.

I have only lived here 6 months, and worked long hours often 6-7 days a week until recently when things have slowed down a little. once I get the chance to get out more and meet more people and get to know more of the area I'm sure it will be a different story. I had to wing it this year with a public lands map and going out every so often when I had the chance.

Fluffy, it's a quality rifle for sure, love the action on that thing, you will enjoy it!!

Wind must be gusting at 40-50mph, no test firing of our handloads and it's killing us!!

Maybe we can sneak up to the rifle range after work/school this week one evening.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

wow dave i have read this thread for a long time, and thought you to be a better man than that. I am union Journeymen Wiremen, and find those comments not only off base, but very insulting. Ill be the first to admit that there are some useless unions (UAW is pretty high up there right behind teamsters) But dont lump skilled trades into that same cow pie, because some of the hardest working most ardent outdoorsmen i know are my local brothers, we take pride in the fact that we do the job Better, faster,and safer than the next guy, on time and under budget, or we get [bleep] canned and the contractor goes under. We care about our employers welfare because with out them we have no jobs, but they feel the same with, as without us, they wouldnt have a giant pool of excellent craftsmen to do thier projects like they are bid to done.

If that is true, if you guys have the sort of ethics you described then I am very happy to learn about it and I stand corrected.

My apologies.

I clearly should have said SEIU

Originally Posted by j_elky

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I'm support the "occupy deer stands" movment. I propose we get out of deer stands after dark and unite in brotherhood at the shack for giant prawns and tenderloin on the grill. Then return to our deer stands every day until all our tags are filled.

We'll crap outside if we have to. And only shower if the wind is wrong. Until the third day. Then showers are mandatory. We'll have beer. Lots of beer. Poker too.

If we keep this up somebody will notice. Somebody will give us what we want. Which I suppose is to be left alone?

4

Showers are Mandatory?!?!?

Ours! Showers are for sissy's. Of course a bad scense of smell is a plus.
What self respecting deer camp doesn't have a good old fashioned, burn your azz on the planks, can't breath thru the steam saauuuuuuna!!!

Go Bears

Is anyone using a 444 Marlin ? If so pm me I have a new box of Remington Corelokts ( I may have another I will have to do some searching) that you can have. I bought the gun several years ago and sold it before firing it so I have no need for the ammo.

Had to work yesterday. Today, I hauled the boat up 'nort to put in storage. I figured since I was up there I should do some house keeping on the deer stands.

Here is the stand Jeff ane Eric built. Jeff said he's going to wire on some shooting rails because it's getting pretty late to nail them on. I agree. Very sturdy stand, even in the high winds we had today.
[Linked Image]

If you look just to the right of the steps, you can see the remnants of an old stand I built in 1994. The spot still seems to be good. Several trail and old rubs are in the area of the stand. It looks promising.

On the path to the stand I found this
[Linked Image]

I headed back to mine next and for some dumb reason didn't take a picture of it. I did pull the trail cam from it so we can move it to a different stand site. I put a chair up there and hauled out some older chairs that some other dude left from who knows how many years ago? And put on a rope to pull up the guns.

Hey! Is this thing on?
[Linked Image]

Had a familiar face there...
[Linked Image]

notice his neck starting to swell a bit.
[Linked Image]

A few new faces too...
[Linked Image]

It looks like this guy is trying real hard to be a 7pt.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/020-4.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/019-3.jpg[/img]

It was a long and awesome weekend.

Originally Posted by bigbrie

Go Bears

and take the Vikings with you.

jeez, Tom, Eric's gonna cream his jeans if that buck comes past him! Sure would like to see him notch his first tag.

Great pictures tom.

Jeff, if you are gonna wire a rail on, another suggestion or option is to grab a handful of small ratcheting straps and ratchet strap the rail on. You can get it nice and tight and it will flex nice with the wind without fatiguing the metal and breaking like sometimes happens with nails or wire.

One thing we figured out over the years building these types of stands on our own property is that screws and hard nails like the hardened ring shank pole barn spikes aren�t the best because they cant flex or bend very much at all, they snap. And you might not realize it right away because of course they break between your board and the tree.

Heavy pole barn nails that are the smooth shank or just heavy framing nails work well because they can bend a lot and not break.

here's a picture of the reloading bench at camp

One of my very first hand loads.

[Linked Image]

264WM, winchester brass, bullet is 130 gr barnse TSX flat base. Seated to cartridge overall length of 3.180, primers are remington 9 1/2M.

This one is charged with 65 gr of IMR 7828

I have 3 charges to test, half a dozen of each charge. 60 gr, 62.5 and 65.

I hope the wind settles down one night this week so I can get out to the range and try these.

Those .264's sure are sexy aren't they?

Yep.

It just broke my heart that the wind decided to absolutely howl all weekend. The boys helped with each step of the process and they also were pretty bummed that we couldn't test over the weekend.

I've got a pretty wide spread from 60 to 65 gr dont I?

Oh well, I'm a rookie.

You'll be fine with that spread.

Is it still windy there?

It was windy this morning driving to work, not as bad as yesterday though.

The forecast shows wind calming tues/wed.

Dave, you using that hammer to seat the primers?

Yes.

Bullets too.

Just tap them in and check em with the tape measure. About 3 inches is close enough for the 264.

Which buck?

I don't shoot a lot of bucks, so if the 7 comes by I don't know if I can hold off.

I could almost guarantee there is a spiker around too. We saw one in the ditch, Andy thought it may have been a 3pt.

That wind has been somthin' else eh? I found an old stand yesterday and climbed up about 3 steps. The wind started rocking it and climbed right back down.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

Bullets too.

Just tap them in and check em with the tape measure. About 3 inches is close enough for the 264.

Yep, you got reloading down pat.

I can not believe there's a tree with a leave still on it with the winds we've had and yet the neighbors maples still have over 3/4 of their leaves.

Rain/snow mix in the forecast for the northern part of the state the next couple of days.

Itching to shoot these...

[Linked Image]

I can't stop it. It's taken over my soul, my mind, and my house.

No use holding back now boys and girls... WHHHHHOOOOOOOHOOOOOO. It's on baby!

Looks like the rut is setting in nicely to the west. Been on the DL for a bit here. Got wired up with a new pacemaker last week so hopefully I'll soon build enough pressure to engage when the time comes....Rut On!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep.

It just broke my heart that the wind decided to absolutely howl all weekend. The boys helped with each step of the process and they also were pretty bummed that we couldn't test over the weekend.

I've got a pretty wide spread from 60 to 65 gr dont I?

Oh well, I'm a rookie.

yes,as a matter of fact,you do have a rather wide spread.More than I would.
I dont know what the recommended starting load for your situation is,but I normally wouldnt increase by more than 1 grain at a time.A 3 grain jump (from 62 to 65) could get you in trouble.
For instance ,my load for my 243 at present is 37 grs of 4320,and a 95 gr nosler.It is an extremely mild load,and I would be comfortable increasing the load 3 grains, 1 grain at a time .

62.5 to 65, but yes I see what you are saying.

I suppose a 2.5 grain jump is a much bigger deal % wise with a smaller case.

But still I probably should have went 1 grain at a time.

Didjewsee da turdy pointer?

dat betty loo, she's da one...

Originally Posted by SSB

Looks like the rut is setting in nicely to the west. Been on the DL for a bit here. Got wired up with a new pacemaker last week so hopefully I'll soon build enough pressure to engage when the time comes....Rut On!

Heal up Scott. There are wimmin to chase, beer to drink, stupid to talk.

I hope you're feeling better.

an ak-57 triple laser, double scoped, heat seeking shotgun.

http://www.reloadersnest.com/

Dave,try this website.I use it a lot in reloading.It is a good resource.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

62.5 to 65, but yes I see what you are saying.

I suppose a 2.5 grain jump is a much bigger deal % wise with a smaller case.

But still I probably should have went 1 grain at a time.

a 2.5 grain bump for your 65 grain powder charge in your .264 is a 3.8 % increase.
a one grain bump for my 37 grain charge is a 2.7 % increase.
Its probably not a big deal,just slightly bigger steps .The trouble could come only when you get close to maximum ,and make 4% increases.
It pays to be cautious,espcially for a new handloader.

The first time ND has to pound the bolt open with a mallet & the primer pocket is blown out, he'll say "I see what they are talking about now."

I would strongly suggest a Remington action if you are going to be so flamboyant with your reloading practices ND. You can never be too safe.

Yeah but then if I get a tight case the bolt handle will fall off when I try to extract...

Originally Posted by tzone

an ak-57 triple laser, double scoped, heat seeking shotgun.

But that "No brother in law good of mine from Illinois" ran off with it!

Fish to catch too Scott. How was fishing on the bay this year?

Heal up quick!

There are 2 kinds of reloaders. Old ones and bold ones. but there are no old bold ones.

Originally Posted by SSB

Looks like the rut is setting in nicely to the west. Been on the DL for a bit here. Got wired up with a new pacemaker last week so hopefully I'll soon build enough pressure to engage when the time comes....Rut On!

Scott, is the pacemaker something new for you or did you just get a new one?

I hope you aren't having any troubles.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah but then if I get a tight case the bolt handle will fall off when I try to extract...

I guess that I wouldn't know about that situation....

campfire 700's are famous for shedding bolt handles.

Skane has a collection of them, he hunt's remington 700 sheds every spring after the snow is gone.

He must have hundreds of them.

You'll have to excuse my lack of interweb prowess. I don't get out much.

Grunt, grunt, fart(oops how embarassing), grunt,

You're grunting too hard.

I can tell by the .... smell.

Thought he was testing out those deer pellet scent bombs for marking scrapes....

haha...you guys are something else..

Had a good weekend hunting. jumped a slew with hundreds of ducks in it. Awesome. My brother had to go swimming to get them as we didnt have waders (we were pheasant hunting). Ah, it is so nice to be the older (smarter?) brother!

One of the superintendants I work with and haven't seen for a while came into my office, gave me the "nod" and said, "you got the deer camp beard too eh?"

Yep, yep, I do.

I walked into my general foremans trailer today and told him i was taking off some time in november, (i havent had a day off since july 5, and was working 6-10s for 5months before that) he asked what dates i was gonna be off.... i said ALL OF THEM, he laughed his ass off and said good riddens your a cranky SOB anyway right now cause your havent got to go hunting yet, and see ya december 1st

very nice!

Today for work I drove by the grassland I was hunting for antelope, saw 2 sitting just over the fence, season ended sunday at dark. Dammit

What are you building Coop that you have to work so much?

I love November.

1,000,000Sqft addittion to a chrysler plant for some new fiats to be built. soon as we get the robots working property (idiot engineers) and it can run cars without turning them into crushed cars, were gonna start on the old body shop which could be another 2-3 yrs worth of work, fiat is really really throwing some money at chrysler corp.

Colorado1135

You have a second chance in late November.

I've had pacemakers for 10 yrs.....but somehow I let this one go totally dead and never considered it as the cause of feeling very bad for quite awhile. One night around a fire a friend's (boatboy on here) lady asked if I'd had the pacemaker checked lately and guess what? She was right on. Great things happen around campfire's I tell ya. Now just have to get back some muscle tone that escaped while I was dragging.
Grizzly Bill...the walleye fishing was very good here this year and I think will be on the upswing for the next few to come.
Thanks for the good wishes guys.....Rut On!

Glad to hear you are on a rebound.

Uuuurrrrp, uuuurrrp, clackity smack clack!

Hey Dave-

You boys got any snow up there yet? Seeing any scrapes yet? Tom's got me all pumped up with the buck pictures he posted.

Deer are definitely starting to move around in this area. Seeing a buck or two darting across the road every morning. Does and fawns eating the last green greens on the edge of the road early too. Starting to get a little brisk and frisky.

32 degrees right now.

Snort.

4

By contrast it was 84 degrees here in South Carolina on Sunday afternoon when I went hunting.Today is Wednesday and I have a day off from the gun shop but I probably will not go hunting this afternoon because I awoke to rain which started evidently last night.If it might happen to clear up during the day then I will definitely go late this afternoon because right after a rain has always been good for me.
I would rather deer season be cold like the seasons I remember back in the 1970's when opening day in late October was 12 degrees.Our season has progressively been warmer for the last 20 to 30 years.Not to any great degree such as the global warming crew argue but it has gotten somewhat warmer.
But...it is what it is and you deal with it.
As I sit here at the computer I can hear the very faint sound of the deer rifles in the safe moving around a wee bit.They really get antsy to get out when they know the season is in.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Dave-

You boys got any snow up there yet? Seeing any scrapes yet? Tom's got me all pumped up with the buck pictures he posted.

We saw a few flakes yesterday morning.

27 degrees when I left the house this morning.

Scrapes, rubs... heck if I know but I hope to put my eyes on some of that stuff this weekend. We have youth hunt this weekend for RWS.

I walked a lot on Sunday and didnt see any scrapes. The pics of the bucks I have, don't have dark hocks yet either. I think this week or the next.

I'm going back up on Sunday to hang a stand and fix up some if I have time. I fully expect to see some more rubs then.

Can weezy get in on that or is she too old? Good luck RWS.

fffffft, fffffftttt, ppphhssssssssh.

I saw a scrape last Sunday. Not a huge one, but without a doubt a scrape. complete with the gnawed on brance above it. And no, I didnt make that one! Saw a few rubs as well.

The doe visited my scrapeline in the hallway last nite! Urrrp Urp Urp Urp....URP URP URP!

Can the Youths (pronounced Utes) shoot only anterless this weekend?

I'm going to hunt tomorrow morning. Much cooler. Hopefully some bucks will be moving but this is still a semi-grocery shopping hunt so I will not be very picky yet.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Can the Youths (pronounced Utes) shoot only anterless this weekend?

they have choice in my area, if the boy sees a buck, he can shoot it.

Of course it still remains 1 buck per hunter no matter the combination of seasons/tag options. Still 1 buck per season per hunter, so if he burns the buck tag he'll be running on antlerless management tags through regular rifle and mzl seasons.

Which isnt a bad thing.

How old were you when you were allowed to sit on your own?

I am not there yet, but starting to think about it. My oldest will be ready before long the youngest has a longer wait.

They still don't let me sit alone either. I always have a grown up looking after me.

Laffin'

And rightly so......

LMAO...I guess I been sitting with kids for so long I didn't realize what I wrote...I have had a kid sitting with me in a deer stand for the last 14 years at least.

Oh.... yeah i was kidding too

of course I hunt by myself! Been doing it for a long time now.

It shore seems like the traffic has.....urrrp urp....picked up here lately....is something going on? Why are people writing....urp urrrrrrp...so much?

Ute hunt, I just got word we have a young female hunter coming up with Uncle Dusty this weekend to try her luck at this deer hunting deal.

She'll be shooting Dusty's new Savage 223. (If she sees a dang deer)

uuuurp, snort, weeze, scrape, scrape... rub, rub..

Originally Posted by tzone

Can weezy get in on that or is she too old? Good luck RWS.

fffffft, fffffftttt, ppphhssssssssh.

She too old.

Not a Ute by DNR's rules.

10 to 15 I believe

Nice to hear! Femails are growing exponentially in the shooting sports. As opposed to us crusty ole mails who are slowly diminishing.

I hope she shoots Ol' Forky Toes. now that would be funny!

That would be great, I'm not so sure he's around any more though.

Haven't seen a track from that guy for quite a while.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by BrentD

I'm going to hunt tomorrow morning. Much cooler. Hopefully some bucks will be moving but this is still a semi-grocery shopping hunt so I will not be very picky yet.

can you shoot buck yet or just the does?

Originally Posted by big drift

How old were you when you were allowed to sit on your own?

I am not there yet, but starting to think about it. My oldest will be ready before long the youngest has a longer wait.

I was 12. I got dropped off and was told "sit here til I get back"

I didn't see a deer while hunting until I was 14, which I promptly shot.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

How old were you when you were allowed to sit on your own?

I am not there yet, but starting to think about it. My oldest will be ready before long the youngest has a longer wait.

I was 12. I got dropped off and was told "sit here til I get back"

I didn't see a deer while hunting until I was 14, which I promptly shot.

Holy! You sat for 2 years your first time out!!???

I thought I was tough, wow!

Originally Posted by tzone

I was 12. I got dropped off and was told "sit here til I get back"

I didn't see a deer while hunting until I was 14, which I promptly shot.

That sounds pretty familiar.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by big drift

How old were you when you were allowed to sit on your own?

I am not there yet, but starting to think about it. My oldest will be ready before long the youngest has a longer wait.

I was 12. I got dropped off and was told "sit here til I get back"

I didn't see a deer while hunting until I was 14, which I promptly shot.

Holy! You sat for 2 years your first time out!!???

I thought I was tough, wow!

Beat me to the punch! Dammit!

Man, maybe I am overprotective or whatever but I am not leaving my kids alone on their own at 12. Next thing ya know I would be trying to drag a cow or a moose out of the damn brush.

Originally Posted by big drift

Next thing ya know I would be trying to drag a cow or a moose out of the damn brush.

I fail to see the downside to this....

LOL, freezer space.....

I suppose there is that...

You'd have to can it all I guess.

I'm stopping after work at the lumber yard to pick up supplies for a deer stands.

I sat alone the first time I went hunting...in NY, you couldn't hunt deer until you were 16 (archery at 14).

I sat in the stand for about...20 minutes and shot a doe at first light.

Wish it were always that easy!

I do too, my first deer was a doe in a cornfield. Everyone went in for lunch and a warm up during a high wind. I decided to walk crossways thru the corn rows and there she was laying down. Snuck in behind her and game over...surprised my dad and crew when they were coming out and here I was dragging in a deer.

I sat alone at 12. Didnt get one that year, but the next year at age 13, I shot the biggest doe our group has ever shot (since 1982).

I am taking the next couple of days off to hunt ducks, roosters and work on deer stands. Take that!

In my youth..hunting in Michigan started at 14. Similar to Tom...at age 11 I was installed in a stand..."This is your stand...no one will bother you here...don't bother anyone else...." So I didn't...until a fork horn walked by and I shot it.....then the whole camp showed up! I'll soon be back in that stand for the 43rd season.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Can weezy get in on that or is she too old? Good luck RWS.

fffffft, fffffftttt, ppphhssssssssh.

She too old.

Not a Ute by DNR's rules.

10 to 15 I believe

MN is the same as WI Dave for the youth hunt, which is 10 - 15.

Originally Posted by big drift

Man, maybe I am overprotective or whatever but I am not leaving my kids alone on their own at 12. Next thing ya know I would be trying to drag a cow or a moose out of the damn brush.

The old man was never very far away. 3-400 yards. I spent my nearly every day in the woods as a kid. Pa knew, that I knew what to do. I had been with my uncle and he from the time I was 3 or 4 in the woods. Learned how to light a fire, make a small shelter, stuff you like to do as a kid anyway.

i was on my own my first year, ive been going deer hunting since i was 3 yrs old, thats when my dad first carried me to a deer stand, and i STILL remember it, because it was snowing like a som beotch, and dad smoked a nice big 8pt at about 250yrds that was on a trot. At 12 i knew the woods better than most of the adults did.

my first hunt was when I was 12, that was when you did hunter safety in the fall a month before season, meaning you couldn't apply for a doe tag, mandatory buck for your first hunt. I didn't see a buck that year, but I did fill 2 doe tags for members of our party. my first deer was a button buck, who woulda thought......

I guess bagging to many kids has made me a worry wart...just scares the hell out of me thinking about one of them alone w/o me right there.

big drift...no one can blame ya for being carefull...I sure don't. Like some of the above mentioned...my woods training started before kindergarten. I could read a compass and find my way around by age 8...witnessed my first deer kill about that time too. I was running our dogs with grandpa and shooting pheasants on our own farms and I need to point out the early deer hunting was also on private property. This in a time without the distractions or outside influences of life today. It's just what we did in the fall. Damn I was lucky....

Oh if it was the days of when I was a kid I wouldn't be as concerned,growing up in the rockies we learned real quick what was what. Even later in the early 90's in Southern MN I had my ball cap shot off my head once when some idiot was shooting in a standing corn field, I was on the road watching and the slug went thru the brim of my hat. My dad, brother, and two friends piled on top of me while they got the idiot out of there and told him to never come back.

Nowadays there are way to many idiots out there, one dumbass put his deer stand 30 yards away from mine. I didn't even know he was there until he shot a doe out from under my youngest.

Azzholes taking potshots from the roads, CO's sneaking thru the bush and not wearing orange until they are right up on ya, it just scares me.

My youngest has taken his first deer at 8, but I was right with him. My oldest is pushing hard to prove himself but I am concerned with him rushing just to get his deer to show the big guys he can do it.

Maybe I am just not ready for them to grow up yet....anyway sorry for the rambling just some thoughts on mind I needed out.

Can't believe nobody gigged me on my typo "supplies for a deer stands"

It was a bit open to interpretation as to one stand or multiple stands...

multiple, as in 2

One for my daughter and one for my self.

(my first stand for ME at our camp

)

I'm pre fabbing them at home, screwing the floors/walls/roof together on site.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

. my first deer was a button buck, who woulda thought......

I see a trend.

I was going to build another, but I went to fleet and bought a ladder stand for now. If the spots are good, I'll build something in them, but for now the portable gets the nod.

I've got metal ladder stands that have been in the woods, attached to mostly the same tree for 12 years. They're in great shape. Visit every year, tighten up, seat ladder on a hunk of treated 2x4, good to go.

Most woods built stands aren't going to hold up that long. Some woods built stands scare the crap out of me.

The ladder stands have gotten so cheap, I don't know if I could build something as nice and safe for the price. You might grow fond of that ladder..

4

I hunt mostly out of ladder stands.

When I say I'm building a couple of stands I actually mean a couple of small shooting houses, little enclosed stands.

They will be 4'x4' floor, 3' high sidewall to a 1' high window slot then another 2' of sidewall to the ceiling. 6' high overall, a bench seat along the back wall about 16" high, 16" deep. For us medium sized people it works out really well, line of sight is centered in the 1' high window that goes all the way around, all 4 walls.

RWS helped me cut all the pieces last night, they are all cut and numbered, leaning against the wall in the garage. We put the 2 floors together and put one wall together.

All screwed together, low buck project.

I figure about $87 into each enclosed stand. They won't have windows quite yet. Plexiglass is expensive but it does work really nice for these stands.

Usually it's around 50 bucks worth of plexiglass per stand.

Weezy is very excited about having a nice enclosed stand, I guess I am too.

I'll be sure to post some pictures.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

seat ladder on a hunk of treated 2x4, good to go.

That's important.

If you can do something like that and anything else necessary to ensure the ladder legs can drain then you will be good for many years.

I've had ladder legs accumulate water inside the ladder tubes from rain etc, then freeze and expand the tubes. It turns square tubing into roundish tubing and eventually it will split the tubes open.

If you make sure your ladder tubes can drain in cold climates they will do well for many years.

ND, Lestifer and I just finished his enclosed stand last night, it was balmy t-shirt weather in there. its a 6x6 box about 6' high, so i can stand in there. 8x8 roof so its got overhang all the way around it. He snagged an old 7k btu camper furnace for it. 74degrees when i left about 7:30 last night. we've got 1-1/2" insulation floor to ceiling in this thing and then its all sealed around the edges. used a couple hinged basement windows on 2 sides and made a couple plexi windows for the other 2. on e of the nicest stands we have. and don't forget the little cooker for the beans in there too. 2 bar stools and good to go! He's got fascia all the way around a steel sloped roof on it. should last many moons!

Dave,

Where are you putting those stands up? I though weezy had a good enclosed-ish stand at the gate?

Enclosed-ish is about right.

Looks like a tree fort built by a couple of mentally challenged 12 year olds.

It's served it's purpose for 4 seasons. A couple of deer have been taken from that stand, but it's terribly noisy and it's becoming unsafe.

I'll be taking that stand apart this weekend. I will probably salvage the floor suport beams and just place one of these new stands on top of those supports. I'm also going to try to utilize the steps (ladder) that's already in place there.

Mine will either be placed where your ladder stand is at now (pam's spike buck spot). Or I will set up along our south property line basically straight ahead as you come through the gate.

There's some nice timber back in there, it's a transition from the tamarack swamp (north) to the spruce/cedar swamp (south).

Always deer sign back there but we've not hunted it yet.

It's a terrible place to go to just shoot a deer... But because it's so terrible, it's an excellent route for the smarter bucks.

What weve been doin the last few years is buy old gravity boxes put wood planks on the inside and the out pop up blinds where you secide to pull it to. We can get them arouns us dor 30-60$ usually

I'm not sure I've ever been back to where pam shot the spike? I think it was pretty wet when we tried.

The enclosed stands will sound pretty nice for the black powder season.

Jesus this smart phone makes me type awfully dumb lol. Just read my last post

Well I haven't been on here forever and WOW have I missed ALOT. I will have to catch up this winter when the snow flies.....
Reading the posts brought back alot of memories, some made me laugh out loud, some got me all sentimental and teary eyed but it's funny that something as simple as this can put life into perspective.

Mine does the same thing...stupid auto-correct.

The teary-eyed part was probably from Rooster_jim after the chilly.

Don't be a stranger special K.

Sure is nice to hear from my fellow catapult enthusiast friend.

Well RWS and I just finished our second night out in the shop building a couple of enclosed stands for me and..... Hmm, can't remember who the other one was for...

It might have been slated for someone that forgot to help me build it...

I just can't recall

I would say paint it pink, but she would think that was too cool.

you could build it, put it up and forget the door

Or choose a new spot and forget to tell her where it's at...

The possibilities here are endless.

or maybe throw a fake skunk up there that she can find in a couple weeks.

The extended forecast for Roseau on the day before opener shows 34* and cloudy. Duluth is 32* and cloudy.

I can't imagine the opener would be a lot different.

Damn near perfect for being in the woods.

I have to work an overnight today. (Yuck) 4pm-5am. I have 17.5 hours of OT already this week. (Yuck) November can't come soon enough.

Now that I can see...there's plenty-o frost on the pumpkin this AM.

Be back soon, I need to go make a scrape.

Originally Posted by tzone

or maybe throw a fake skunk up there that she can find in a couple weeks.

Why fake?

ROR!

Even one of the hanging skins if you know anyone that has one.

Meaners!

Well,

I bet she'll help on the next one.

Even miss Princess helped me put my new ladder together. The kids argued about who got to turn the ratchet.

MEA perfect time to get kids out to zero in boomsticks.....

MEA is a crock of crap we pay for with tax $$$. Do it in the summer. But....it's almost deer season.

No argument there but I do like a long weekend off in October to spend with the monkeys.

Cant wait till nov first be off for a month chasing the turdy pointer!!

I'm gonna git dat turdy pooooint buckch.

i just might ;-). we do have a non typical running around that the neighbors have been keeping quiet about, he is... umm.... B I G. Makes the big buck i posted in the deer camp names thread look SMALL

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm gonna git dat turdy pooooint buckch.

Wit Betty Lou-she the one! An AK57 triple barreled pump action semi auto lazer guided heat seeking shotgun!

a little teaser for ya'll

I got a Deere today.

how big?

10hp/28"

Mine is green and yellow though.

nice! at least its a deere

I got a brown one this morning.

[Linked Image]

Nice buck, even nicer gun.

Thanks, built it many years ago. It's killed two WT's and an antelope this year.

That's it for grocery deer this year, now I wait until MidDec to get after the big guys. Squirrels and pheasant until then.

Keep posting your progress. Allows some of us to live the dream through your stories....

dammit you got me!

My hat is off to you, most don't check the subject line

Nice!

Originally Posted by hack_shooter

Keep posting your progress. Allows some of us to live the dream through your stories....

Hello hack shooter. Welcome to the campfire forums.

We have one young hunter trying to connect with a deer. We have one enclosed stand up, need to find a spot for my stand now.

We'll have weekend pics to post up tonight when we get home.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Cant wait till nov first be off for a month chasing the turdy pointer!!

***bowing before you***

As I ask....

HOW IN THE $#%! DO YOU GET THE WHOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OFF?!?!?! How....HOW do you make this dream come true?!?!

I grin but seriously want to know...

Has the young hunter seen any deer yet Dave?

Nice freezer pleaser Brent!

Tom, The JD should do a great job for you. Local paper devovted the entire front page last week to how bad a winter we're suppossed to have.

Nice rifle Brent. What caliber?

Spent Saturday up at the camp. Didn't see much for deer sign yet. SIL put up a new ladder stand.

DIL and my son filled their Oregon whitetail doe tags over in eatern OR Saturday. My son also dispatched a rattle snake. The grandson was with them so he's getting quite an education.

I saw that....wonder if anybody else has?
Lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Cant wait till nov first be off for a month chasing the turdy pointer!!

***bowing before you***

As I ask....

HOW IN THE $#%! DO YOU GET THE WHOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OFF?!?!?! How....HOW do you make this dream come true?!?!

I grin but seriously want to know...

im a union journey men wiremen. I can take off as much time as i can afford i dont get paid when im not working but ive worked 700 hours of overtine so far this year so ill be ok

Broncos win!!! what an end to the game!

Dave just read the first entry again and realized we haven't heard much on CBF lately, how's everything going for him?

Vikings win!

er....

Well at least we may have FINALLY found a QB! I'll take that!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Cant wait till nov first be off for a month chasing the turdy pointer!!

***bowing before you***

As I ask....

HOW IN THE $#%! DO YOU GET THE WHOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OFF?!?!?! How....HOW do you make this dream come true?!?!

I grin but seriously want to know...

im a union journey men wiremen. I can take off as much time as i can afford i dont get paid when im not working but ive worked 700 hours of overtine so far this year so ill be ok

That would be awesome!

We had a pretty good day in the bushes today. Got a ladder stand put up in what I think is a good spot. Not a lot of rut sign yet though, a few rubs is about all. We wanted to get more done, but it started to rain and we called it a day.

Here is the ladder. We call it "Pine Stand" for obvious reasons.
[Linked Image]

View from the pine stand to the west.
[Linked Image]

View to the east...Uncle Andy (my BIL) cutting brush for me.
[Linked Image]

Not sure if this is a good or bad omen, but I found it at the bottom of the tree the Pine stand is in.
[Linked Image]

Here is where Andy plans to sit. We call it "The Fort."
[Linked Image]

The view north from The Fort and the trail to the stand.
[Linked Image]

To the west
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/028-3.jpg[/img]

To the south
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/030-1.jpg[/img]

To the east
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/031-2.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nice rifle Brent. What caliber?

it is a .54.

I was out today looking for squirrels. I found 3 and shot at and killed 2. But while I was at it, a pair of does came by - fast! Right behind them was a very nice, very symmetrical and well proportioned 8 pt. They pulled up at 15 ft while I just sat fully exposed at the base of a tree. Could have put a subsonic .22 behind is ear, but I was not legal for this location, and that rifle wouldn't have been legal anyway.

Lots of new scrapes down here. I hung some cameras, but I will not get to deer hunt again until about 19 December I think. Something like that.

I got 11 lbs of antelope/lamb burger ground tonight. Should be good.

Pheasants next weekend.

Brent

PS. you guys have the most awesome stands and shooting lanes etc. I just plunk my butt on a log here or there and hang out for a little while before moving on. Just lazy I guess.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Cant wait till nov first be off for a month chasing the turdy pointer!!

***bowing before you***

As I ask....

HOW IN THE $#%! DO YOU GET THE WHOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OFF?!?!?! How....HOW do you make this dream come true?!?!

I grin but seriously want to know...

im a union journey men wiremen. I can take off as much time as i can afford i dont get paid when im not working but ive worked 700 hours of overtine so far this year so ill be ok

That would be awesome!

its good and bad, i havent had ANY days off for months, and have been working at least 10hrs usually 12-14 hours a day. im exhausted, pissed off, and in desperate need of deer camp therapy and a nice big bottle of canadian club.

Bill,

Thanks. I hope it does a good job, the thing is a beast! It is wider than my other one by 4". I couldn't use the full width of the old one because it didn't have the power to throw the snow anyway. This should be nice. It is easy to start too, because the kid did it in 3 pulls.

Man what a read! Its taken three weeks but I've read all 1538 pages and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for letting me and others share this great thread. I lost my sister in 2006 so I can relate to the healing process. My hats off to you ND you are a great father. I have two girls 18 and 14 theyre not really into hunting but boy can they fish! Thanks Mrs.ND for allowing me (us)to tag along on all the adventures and putting up with Dave when all that stuff just follows him home from the hardware store! We dont have a camp here in Okie land we hunt about 25 miles from home but we would love to have a special place like yours some day . If I can figure out how to post pics I will share some of our hunts both old and new . Our muzzle loader season started yesterday and my wife got a 6 pt (she has killed a deer opening day the last four years in a row) and thanks to all the regulars for you post as well . With all the gun trading going on here I think a new 7mm08 may have to follow me home !

First, congrats to your wife on the 6 point!

And thanks for the nice words.

I have a few pictures of some stand work.

[Linked Image]

And the 264 is shaping up, liking the handloads.

[Linked Image]

That's great Dave, what loads you settling on?

Any of mine help?

Welcome to the fire mule1 and congrats to your wife.

Guess I should have bought some plywood stock with all the construction thats going on lately.

Tom, the JD uses a Briggs engine, correct?

Originally Posted by Tom264

That's great Dave, what loads you settling on?

Any of mine help?

Yes Tom you were extremely helpful with your experience and advice.

You are the one that suggested the IMR 7828 which I later confirmed as a quite popular powder for the 264.

Your 65 gr load is suspect of being a bit warm for my rifle though.

The 60 gr loads were typical accuracy for what I would see in remington or winchester factory loads. 1.5" to 2" groups.

The 62.5" load shot nice. We shot a 3/4" group which was high so I dialed the scope to bring the point of impact down. I repeated and the 2nd group got a little bigger on me but still much improved over what I had seen with factory loads.

The 1st shot with a 65 gr load was difficult to extract with the bolt. The primer had a shiny spot on it as well, and some extraction drag marks above the belt on the case.

I had 5 of that load left to shoot, I decided to shoot them but I put a light film of oil on the cases. I know that's not advisable but I wanted to shoot them out. The other 5 extracted effortless with no signs of overpressure so that 1st load may have been a bit of a fluke. My most likely contributor to that shiny primer was that I was having a hard time seating the remington 9 1/2M primers deep enough. I suspect I was a bit proud of the base with that primer.

Even still I think I will load some up at 64 gr of powder this week and head to the range to re-zero the rifle. I suspect I may have to bring point of impact up close to an inch when I drop a grain.

The 65 grain load shot really well though, 3/4" group with that load as well.

My next opportunity off a bench I may try a 5 shot group.

The big thing is I have gained a lot of confidence in the rifle.

It had been a consistent 1.5" - 2" rifle with factory ammo. And I was frustrated with not being able to achieve MOA consistently.

From whitebear's "troof cam"

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by grizzly_bill

Tom, the JD uses a Briggs engine, correct?

Yes, JD and Toro use the same engine. They call them "snow series." I think this one is the 1350? The 8hp is the 1050. The snow series are made for snow blowers, where the other motors are retro fitted to work on snow blowers.

I'll try to grab a pic when I get home tonight.

Why do we want Whitebear's pics from 2008?

Coupla nice one's WB.

yeah he took those pictures 2 years before he purchased that camera.

Actually I think I'm going to settle in on 63 gr of powder for my 264 load.

Whatever was in the load you posted the picture of would work for me.

62.5 and 65 gr both shot well.

But I'm a little worried the 65 gr is too hot for my ruger.

I think I'm going to back down to 63 gr of powder and do some experimenting with overall length.

I'm off the lands .046" right now. I think I'll repeat that seating depth and also try some at .020" off the lands, possibly some at .010 off the lands.

Either way, I know I'm pretty well set with what I've found already.

here's a group with the 62.5 gr charge.

[Linked Image]

Good glad to hear that Dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

Why do we want Whitebear's pics from 2008?

Coupla nice one's WB.

Dat Whitebear not so smart.....

Forgot to reset the time/date stamp after changing batteries.

They are from the past week. Will you forgive me if I go out tonight & change it?

It don't bug me none. You need a bear hat to do it properly though.

from the dusty cam

[Linked Image]

wow! very cool! is Nathan gonna try to trap him this winter? I caught one once many moons ago, neat critter

We don't have critters like that here!

Hey there's one of them new fangled Ruger single 10's in the classifieds page 12 I think. Tzone you need that !

Thanks Grizzly Bill Kinda sad now that I dont have a few hunert
pages to read its kinda adicting !

Originally Posted by mule1

Hey there's one of them new fangled Ruger single 10's in the classifieds page 12 I think. Tzone you need that !

Thanks Grizzly Bill Kinda sad now that I dont have a few hunert
pages to read its kinda adicting !

Just wait a day. This time of the year the pages pile on quickly.

Just returned from the Eagle River area. Helped my old friend close up his cottage. Beautiful day in the northwoods. Tamarks were just glowing in the sunlight.

I'm thinking that's a fisher, seems too big for a martin.

Originally Posted by mule1

Hey there's one of them new fangled Ruger single 10's in the classifieds page 12 I think. Tzone you need that !

I think you're right. The only thing cooler than a Single 6 is a Single 10. I carry that gun nearly every time I'm in the woods now.

For grizzly bill.

[Linked Image]

and as you can see by the antlers...this Deere is a buck.

Bill, I checed the specs now that I'm home. The engine is a Briggs 1450 Snow Series, 305cc. It's a bit of a beast at 242lbs. Ma said it didn't matter, because she's not going to be using it anyway.

I would tend to agree with Dave, looks like a fisher, martin are smaller and slimmer.

Could be good money for someone looking to put out traps.

For Tom264.

[Linked Image]

I said it was bone white before. The actual color is Oxford White, which to me is....white.

Is that a Fisher or a Martin? I can't tell.

Never mind....I found this after I read further.

Originally Posted by crazydave

I'm thinking that's a fisher, seems too big for a martin.

Originally Posted by tzone

For Tom264.

[Linked Image]

I said it was bone white before. The actual color is Oxford White, which to me is....white.

Dangit Dude that there's too purdy to take huntin

Quote

Dangit Dude that there's too purdy to take huntin

Wanna bet?

HAHA No I aint bettin! But I do wish I owned the car wash close to ya!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Vikings win!

er....

Well at least we may have FINALLY found a QB! I'll take that!

How bout that Petterson ? Aint he something? we sure miss him!

Originally Posted by mule1

HAHA No I aint bettin! But I do wish I owned the car wash close to ya!

I do wash it a lot.

Originally Posted by tzone

Quote

Dangit Dude that there's too purdy to take huntin

Wanna bet?

friend of mine took his new(1500 miles) chevy 4x4 on our trip to Montana one year.He drove it down one of my uncles ranch roads,and put a huge scratch down one side.I told him the damage was done,we might as well get some use out of it.About an hour later,he hooked his running board on a stump,and tore the entire thing off.

We had to drive my truck the next year.

Originally Posted by tzone

For Tom264.

[Linked Image]

I said it was bone white before. The actual color is Oxford White, which to me is....white.

Oooh sweet ride Tom, I like that white better than the off white.

Dave

Also try some seated deeper. Those TSX's like a run to shoot really well. Some shoot great seated to the front pressure relief ring.

Thank you sir.

I do want to get some different wheels. I just can't get into these. I'll get 33" tires when I wear these down.

I'm at the top ring now at 3.180

You can still see a little bit of the ring at the neck but I'm pretty much there.

I guess I'm .046 off the lands, I could go another .006 and make it 50 like many suggest for the barnse.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by tzone

For grizzly bill.

Bill, I checed the specs now that I'm home. The engine is a Briggs 1450 Snow Series, 305cc. It's a bit of a beast at 242lbs. Ma said it didn't matter, because she's not going to be using it anyway.

Tom, my 26" 8HP Toro weighs 236#. When both wheels are locked it can be a pain to turn.

Originally Posted by bill

When both wheels are locked it can be a pain to turn.

I really have no reason to lock the wheels. The driveway is 50' by 35' so there is a lot of turning.

Tom's gonna be the favorite neighbor when the big fall comes this year.....

I already am the favorite neighbor.

I think I'm the last in the 'hood to get a new thrower. Mostly because I'm too cheap. I was clearing my next door neighbor's most of the winter because he neglected to change oil in his thrower and she came apart during a heavy, wet, snow.

The older one will go on craigslist. It does still work but it's wearing out.

I don't think another 0.004" is going to make that much of a difference really. Once your sure your load is what you want try changing the COAL by 0.010" increments in either/both directions.

You're already on the right track with the load workup.

I think I'll play around with powder charges in the 62.5 - 63 area.

Settle in on something in that range, set the scope for the load and just go hunting.

(It's a hunting rifle, I have to keep reminding myself of this)

Even still... I think MOA should be achievable if it's going to be a "keeper"

Even my model 88 in .308 with a 46 year old 3-9 vari x II strapped in a in weaver tip away mount will do an inch at 100 yds.

If I can do it with that old lever action with it's horrid trigger and antique optics... Well it puts things into prospective a little, sets the bar for mildly accurized modern bolt actions with newer glass... ya know?

Given the reality that all ya need do is be able to reliably smack a paper plate size target at any hunting range, yez all sure like to split hairs

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Vikings win!

er....

Well at least we may have FINALLY found a QB! I'll take that!

How bout that Petterson ? Aint he something? we sure miss him!

Welcome to the fire Mule1!

Yes AP/AD is something else. I cannot even fathom where his stats would be if he had a decent run blocking O line and didn't have those years in Chili's "kick azz offense".

Alright enough football talk. The younger bucks are chasin fellas! Had a smallish 8 point chase two small does across the road in front of me yesterday morning on my way to work. I slowed down for the does and almost turned Mr. Horny into road pizza. Missed him by a frog hair.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Vikings win!

er....

Well at least we may have FINALLY found a QB! I'll take that!

How bout that Petterson ? Aint he something? we sure miss him!

Welcome to the fire Mule1!

Yes AP/AD is something else. I cannot even fathom where his stats would be if he had a decent run blocking O line and didn't have those years in Chili's "kick azz offense".

Alright enough football talk. The younger bucks are chasin fellas! Had a smallish 8 point chase two small does across the road in front of me yesterday morning on my way to work. I slowed down for the does and almost turned Mr. Horny into road pizza. Missed him by a frog hair.

Its getting close here too. I watched two little bucks spare all across my food plot. There was a doe present
and they looked likje a couple teenage boys trying to impress her- she wasent!

Dave do you or any chickenbuckers shoot a .300 Savage ?

I think gophergunner does.

My buddy does, but rarely hunts with it anymore. I believe his was made in 1939.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave do you or any chickenbuckers shoot a .300 Savage ?

not much different than the 30-30 Winchester is it?

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave do you or any chickenbuckers shoot a .300 Savage ?

My dad does sometimes.

Kinda falls between the 30-30 and the .308 Win.

Originally Posted by 22WRF

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave do you or any chickenbuckers shoot a .300 Savage ?

not much different than the 30-30 Winchester is it?

sort of like a 308-lite would be a better description.

Making a Cabelas run today. Meeting up with an old high school buddy in Oshkosh than on to the Richfield store just North of Milwaukee

Stay autta trouble down there and have fun.

Wow, I just got done catching up on the thread. I have not been on here for a while and had like 45 pages to read

Been pretty busy. There has been some construction work going on around here. Jon had an old fish house that he converted into a nice inclosed deer stand. It was put up in the air last weekend. It was mainly built for the 4 & 7 year old girls, they are showing signs of future hunters.

I went to my first stag a couple weekends ago. I was 1 number off in winning an over under shotgun.

Brad and his sister made out like bandits like they always do.

Went out to Brad and his brother's deer shack last weekend. We put a deck on it and finished the bunk beds and put some benches in there also.

Last weekend the friends I'm staying with had company from SD. He had bought a scope from a guy up here and wanted him to mount it on his rifle. Jon went to grab the scope(Leupold not sure the size, it is a big expensive one thats all I know) and it was gone. Here his 7 year old had taken it. She went to get it and then we hear this noise and look, our jaws just dropped. Here she was rolling it across the hardwood floor. Father was not very happy.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Last weekend the friends I'm staying with had company from SD. He had bought a scope from a guy up here and wanted him to mount it on his rifle. Jon went to grab the scope(Leupold not sure the size, it is a big expensive one thats all I know) and it was gone. Here his 7 year old had taken it. She went to get it and then we hear this noise and look, our jaws just dropped. Here she was rolling it across the hardwood floor. Father was not very happy.

yikes! I wouldn't be very happy either. kids can be very destructive when "playing" with stuff

Just a tad over a week left and I cannot decide on what I am going to use opening morning.

Handgun? .270? 30-30? They were all dead-on at the range today.

Decisions, decisions.....

Originally Posted by goalie

Just a tad over a week left and I cannot decide on what I am going to use opening morning.

Handgun? .270? 30-30? They were all dead-on at the range today.

Decisions, decisions.....

D. All of the above

That why Leupold is worth the extra cost because of their lifetime warranty even for stuff like this.

Agree. Nuttin' will be wrong with that Leupy.

It's on baby!!!

I can feel a bit of snow on the way. I got to work in a goofy mood so I rubbed the heck out of a door frame, made a scrape in the hall way, sniffed a few of the office does, which went better than expected. Chased some skinny punk intern out the door and down the road just for walking by my office...he didn't stand a chance against a rutty-smutty-schtinky sumbitch like me.

Grunt, grunt, grunt, snort.

I just saw some snow falling from the sky.

4

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I just saw some snow falling from the sky.

4

YES!!!!

1/4" of ice on the truck this morning. 24 degrees

It was snowing here at about 11:00 last night.

That was some pretty neat patterns that old Jack Frost left on everything last night.

We may see a few flurries here today. Good day at Cabelas yesterday. Used up all my points. Wife wasn't to happy with me, which means I dun good.

I'll be slaving away over a hot stove today making up a big batch of venison chili for camp.

I can attest to Bill's chili. It's some tasty stuff, one of the best I've had.

It looks like it may be a bit warm in the Duluth area for the opener. Warmer than I like to see anyway. 40's. That doesn't make for very good snow conditions.

Last night after work the plowed fields around my house were white. I thought it had snowed but later learned that it was hail from a thunderstorm that went through.

Strange weather

I'll officially be hitting the first 10 days of the season pretty hard. Ma has activities planned for the kids on the second weekend with the grandma's coming over, so I got the word to keep hunting.

I have a feeling there will be a lot of shopping involved.

The third weekend, I'll take Jack up with me and see if we can find a deer. I'm hoping I'm tagged up by then and have to buy a bonus tag, which is fine. I think he'll be more interested in a camp fire though.

Man, I wish we had 40* weather on our opener last weekend. It was in the high 60's when I was sneakin' through the brush last Saturday.

I've got tomorrow off and Saturday to try and bag me a wily wapiti (cow) and a buck deer. Wish it was going to be colder but the forecast is mid 50's. Better, but not great.

Chili is done and cooling down.

Was nice and suuny here this AM, no wind and 43*. Kicking myself for not going out to the range. Clouds just started rolling in.

Azar, what part of Utah you hunting in?

Where the heck is northern_dave? Deer camp is a few days away and he isn't on here to be found.

Must be out checking his scrape lines?

More likely the ND clan traquilized his azz.....making scrapes in the house and rubbing on the doorjamb....there is only so much a person can take. They gotta keep him in fighting trim shape for the squids, flying bears, leopard squirrels, etc. can't have the stamina stomped before season starts.

He is deep in thought & working on something BIG.

how big? inquiring minds want to know

nunya....

Mama gonna be sooooo proud!

I know that I am!

Hmmm, me likes a lot,kinda like holding a bbq bone up in front of the labradork.....

Holy [bleep] thats epic!

Bill,

Normally I hunt in southern Utah. Last year I did a late season cow elk hunt in the Plateau, Boulder unit and the year before in the "Southern" deer unit and Salina Canyon for spike elk.

I decided with the cost of gas I'd hunt closer to home this year. I have a cow tag for the Chalk Creek, Private Lands unit (first time on that unit) and a "Northern" deer unit tag.

I hunted the opener between Bountiful and Francis peak and saw nothing but 5 ruffed grouse and one bull moose (about a billion other hunters!). I've got tomorrow off and will chase both buck deer and cow elk in the Chalk Creek range tomorrow and Saturday.

Then my hunting season is over for the year.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Mama gonna be sooooo proud!

I know that I am!

Stripper poles for the ice shack? .... With bearings?

WOWSERS!

how fast will that puppy do? you thinkin vikings colors with horns on the side?

Where do the gun mounts go? Ma Duece would look nice.

Pam doesn't see the beauty in it like we do.

Please? You're like the Tucker king. My hero.

4

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ohhh boy. I couldn't see the picture at work. Now I know why she'll be proud.

You might need to live at camp.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam doesn't see the beauty in it like we do.

They really don't. I don't get it. We see the finished product, the goal, the light at the end. They see the stuff in the garage that takes up space.

Dave, I gotta ask, Does Mrs. ND even react anymore? Seems that by now she'd have just gotten tired of trying to figure out what you'll bring home next.

Hey guys. Please raise a glass to my friend Luke. He passed on this day in 2007 to cancer.

I'm heading to the basement to watch baseball, pack some gear, and split a 6-pack with Luke.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey guys. Please raise a glass to my friend Luke. He passed on this day in 2007 to cancer.

I'm heading to the basement to watch baseball, pack some gear, and split a 6-pack with Luke.

I will do that T. If I ever get out of here. (work)

Havin a High Life with ya Tzone, heard many stories about Lucas, he sounded like a really great man. I know how it feels to lose a friend that close

shot a huge mulie doe this evening right at dark, hit looked good, let her sit a spell and started tracking, found half an arrow covered in rich red blood. went 150 yards and heard her get up. [bleep], lettin her lay til morning, she didn't go far I know. still I hate it when I don't have a fast recovery. went out past my new ground blind I set up and saw a huge buck with about 20 does standing within 30 yards of it. maybe I'll sit there tomorrow evening.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I will do that T. If I ever get out of here. (work)

Do it at work...He would have.

you got it Tom.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey guys. Please raise a glass to my friend Luke. He passed on this day in 2007 to cancer.

I'm heading to the basement to watch baseball, pack some gear, and split a 6-pack with Luke.

I will have one for Luke and another for my dad, lost him to cancer August 25th of this year.

Originally Posted by AKBoater

Dave, I gotta ask, Does Mrs. ND even react anymore? Seems that by now she'd have just gotten tired of trying to figure out what you'll bring home next.

No, I really don't get a reaction anymore.

I need to step up my game.

But the actual news, the big news is a new toy that whitebear purchased tonight.

For us north border rednecks it's the ultimate machine....

He'll have to show you tomorrow.

You'll get her tomorrow. Hopefully you do before the coyotes do.

I'd like to see a close up with you and that big buck from your trail cam.

thats where I was sittin tonight, waitin for him. tempted to sit there again tomorrow or the new blind. hard choice. I only have 1 doe tag left after I find this one. we'll see. I'm gonna hunt him hard until rifle season.

Cracked one here for Lucas as well....and that package arrived tonight thanks.

Good. I hope you can use some of it. It's not cherry stuff, but it still works.

finished putting on the thin carsiding under the stairs in the cellar. I still have a bunch to do, but I misjudged and now the lady-friend needs to make a trip to rapid city to make up for it. she said it will be done before I get home from bow hunting tomorrow, and she wants to get a start on the tile in the next room. I think I have this figured out

It has arrived. The I can't sleep, tossing and turning, I have gear to pack and knives to sharpen and bullets to find and slings to put on and clothes to wash, lists to make, socks to buy, truck to get ready, cookies to bake, soup to make, buns to buy, pine boughs to cut, Tink's to sniff, scrapes to make, rattle bagin', grunt calls to blow, can call to flip, it's 1am and the week before deer season.

Yep. It's here.

you lucky son's of bishes! i gotta wait till the 19 of november to unleash 7mm & 30 cal terror on the deer woods.

You bake?

Dave, how about some info on the Tucker. Year, power plant, history etc.

If anyone wants to keep up with the Dave's, there's a Tucker for sale in the Polonia, WI area which is about 10 miles East of me. It's listed at $13,500, I believe the trail groomer is included.

I'm not too rev'd up about it bill, it's quite a project.

I'm working with the owner on a trade deal for an old tractor I no longer use.

That old tucker needs a lot of work.

It's a 1963 with a 6 cylinder chrysler industrial engine and a manual trans.

The only thing I'm really liking is the sedan body. You can fit 8 people in it. 6 would be more comfortable though, especially with winter clothing on.

Tzone BAKES????
Tzone bakes????
Tzone bakes!!!!
(snicker)
WOW!
Whudathunkit?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You bake?

Think he wears a pink apron while he bakes?

23* here this AM. Word is that they had snow on the ground in Merrill which is 50 miles North of here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You bake?

you read that?

You don't get to look like me without a few baked goods.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Tzone BAKES????
Tzone bakes????
Tzone bakes!!!!
(snicker)
WOW!
Whudathunkit?

Stan in SC

Yep, sometimes.

I can't even come close to Muffy's goodies she makes though. I was thinking of looking for jobs in her neck of the woods just for the deer camp treats.

found my deer, she didn't go more than 10 yards or so since I had last seen her. fuzzy windchime started

see if I can add to it tonight

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

found my deer, she didn't go more than 10 yards or so since I had last seen her. fuzzy windchime started

see if I can add to it tonight

Good Job Ryan! Pics?

Good job Ryan!

Made it out to the range this morning with the 06 and 6.5. The 6.5 surprised me this year. Grouped right in at one inch. Last year the best I could do was 2". Maybe getting more rounds through her helped.

The 06 did it's usual boring 1", but I did have to make a slight vertical adjustment. Damm Remington 700's are just plain boring.

only pic I have is from my cell, Tzone wanted one so I sent him one via text when I found her. tomorrow I might lay her out in the yard with my bow across her and do one up right, I'll post that one

here's the update on the home improvement projects. wanted to try out hand at sprucing up a room, so we decided our Cellar under the stairs would make a nice pilot project to see if we had what it took. decided to try our hand at tiling, and putting up some pine V notch (carsiding) on the walls. here are a few pics of how it went over the last couple weeks.

not a great "before" pic, but its all we have, the room is 10x7 for some reason the picture is coming in sideways, sorry about that.
[Linked Image]

Prepping for tile
[Linked Image]

Kendra workin her magic with the tile, she might lay it slow, but it is perfect when she's done
[Linked Image]

floor tiled, 2x2 framing up and some vapor barrier
[Linked Image]

Putting some of the V notch up, Kendra was nice enough to stain it all while I was at work
[Linked Image]

and the end product, took several evenings over the last couple weeks, juggling deer killin with home improvements on our time off, and a little "help" from little man.
[Linked Image]

all in all I think it turned out great, now on to the laundry room!

Good looking job!!

Stan in SC

Looks great Ryan. The problem is you start to like what you're doing, and try a little bigger project each time.

ask me how I know.

I love being able to see the progress when you begin a project though. It makes your house a home.

Nice job, both of you.

I started on the laundry room at 5 am instead of going hunting, I would say it is addicting!

I tend to only hunt during the week anyway, unless its an opening day for something.

It took me two years to completly finish my basement at our other house. We bought the house as an unfinished "spec" home and the basement was just a shell. The only thing that was done was partial plumbing for the bathroom, and the "hook ups" for the laundry, but no laundry room.

I was at Home Depot literally every weekend for 2 years, and probably twice during the week. I can't remember how many 2x4's I bought, it was over 200. Betsy remembers.

The only things I didn't do was the electric hook up to the pannel,the switches for the lighting, hvac, and plumbing for the bath/bar and the building the cabinets for the bathroom. My step dad did that, he builds them for a living. We saved probably $15K by doing it ourselves.

I finished it on Easter Sunday of 2010 and we put the house up for sale on the Monday after easter. I was nearly heart broke that we put all the sweat, blood, and cuss words into and listed it for sale the next day. I didn't go down there until I had to get my guns out of the basement to move. It was beautiful and I couldn't enjoy it.

I have some re-model ideas for this house, but Ma wants no part of it. I'm stating with the garage.

I'm at work so I can't access photobucket, but I'll throw on some pics when I get home.

Minne soda opens on the 5th? Dang we have to wait till the 15th. I can see this next week is going to be tuff on the crew. We have about 300 acres of corn and 250 of sugar beets to do yet...and it's too wet to do either today. We've swept the floor in the shop twice this morn....I think it's time to head to camp for a couple days and hope for drier weather.....Have a great weekend all!

Soggy Scott....neighbor to the east.

Originally Posted by SSB

Minne soda opens on the 5th?

It does? I haven't heard.

oh lordy it's on now.... next week this time we'll be into it full tilt!!

Wooooooooooo!

I got another 2 weeks I have to wait

I can't remember how many days we have to wait....oh yeah, 6.

I'm all "chickenbuck'd up at work today. Will be for the week now. I got a few thumbs-up on the blaze hat from the contracors on the job.

I've been killin a few ringnecks in my chickenbuck garb. This weekend is shot though. At work for physical inventory.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by SSB

Minne soda opens on the 5th?

It does? I haven't heard.

Meaner!

I've got to wait until the 19th, although we're going into camp on the 16th to take care of some things that need repair.

BTW, nice job Ryan and Kendra. Ryan, how were you lucky enough to find a women that can tile?

I believe it's time to start hunting from my deck.

Oh....btw, the rut...It's on! In a big way. I have had my camera out in the back for 6 days. I have 230 pictures, 1/2 are bucks and there area 7 different bucks I can see.

Don't cheat and jump to the last one.

Here are some of the cooler shots.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/102.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/101.jpg[/img]

that last one is a very nice buck, 3.5-4.5 yr old deer right there.

I'd say at least 4.5.

I got the ok to only work till noon on friday.

go to work with all my stuff,and hit the street running "up nort".
loading up a few more rounds tonite,got the clothes out last night,put the topper on for the winter tommorrow.
Checked the game cams at my blackpowder spot.(down here)They'll be fine till later.
Pick up some snacks and drinks thursday....what else?

i dunno sota' deer get big. his horns and relitivly lighter mass lead me to think he's no more than 4.5.

i say relitivly, but i would drop the hammer on him no questions asked, im mearly being subjective and using what i know from our farm. That deer is upper 140s

I come up with around 150'ish without adding mass.

those are some nice pics! the buck I missed tonight was like the 3rd picture. right over his back at 35 yards. I texted you about a minute after the folly. and to make matters worse I had lowered my pack to the ground because it was really windy and I couldn't get it secured in the right place, well my quiver was on my pack, I had to watch as 3 other bucks as big as the one I missed bassed by on that same trail. I guess ya better get out the shame stick.

Originally Posted by tzone

I come up with around 150'ish without adding mass.

i think your being a little generous especially with no mass. that would mean with mass he would prolly be 175-180. He isnt anywhere near that. Ive shot some big deer and ive shot deer the class of the one your showing.. last year in fact i shot a deer similar which ive posted af ew times. and he went 152.

At least you're hunting. I'm pacing. We're just going to a Halloween party. Should be fun.

again i mean no disrespect tzone. Im just stating my opinion, and im not trying to be argumentitive

Hey Ryan, do you think that catfish will still be biting during opener? I'll be hunting right next to the Boise De Sioux. They've been pulling some good ones out during the summer.

I might be. I'm comparing it to the 138" 8 sitting anove the computer.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

again i mean no disrespect tzone. Im just stating my opinion, and im not trying to be argumentitive

I didn't thonk you're being disrespectful at all. I gave him 12" tones for the 2's and 3's. 4"for the 4's.' 24" beams. 5" for brows, 18"'for spread.

im using the 7" ear method, i may be stingy i dunno, very possible. i only had hims at 9 and 8" g2's and 4" g1s with 22" mains

Either way. If I was hinting him, he'd have extra holes

I was gonna say easy 4.5 for a minnysoda deer, big ol' swayback on him heavy chest and neck, I think T may be overscoring him a bit at 150 but he is close, the side facing looks lighter then the other.

In any event he'd be jerky on the dryer and straps on the grill....:)

It's been 15 years since I had a WOP and I'm can't remember why.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Hey Ryan, do you think that catfish will still be biting during opener? I'll be hunting right next to the Boise De Sioux. They've been pulling some good ones out during the summer.

I have no idea, although I would say if you're going to go fishin for cats, use sucker minnows that have been dead a day and cut them in half. cats at this time of year love em, and they taste great. focus on deep holes, upstream late afternoon through late night. good luck!

A big [bleep] gob of worms will catch more cats than you know what to do with. Or rapala's

true, and you throw that in a river infested with carp and them cats will never have a chance to grab it

ask me how I know

deleted

deleted.

deleted

brb. I have to put the kids to bed.

WTH? was that a "brb?"

Fir real....i have to go to bed.

G'night.

deleted

The complete gut/remodel of the kitchen is done.It has taken right at a month.The old furnace has been hauled off along with the old HVAC unit and the new HVAC/heating gas pack is installed,the crappy oak tree in the back yard is gone,the stump is ground up.I'm tired as can be (from writing checks).I'm broke.Mama is happy.
NOW I can concentrate on deer hunting for the rest of the season.
This morning is the coldest of the year so far.34 degrees.The rut has started and they are moving.Monday morning I am going.Today is taken by other commitments.
In the words of my six year old grandson years ago, "Beware you tasty animals".

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I'm tired as can be (from writing checks).I'm broke.Mama is happy.
Stan in SC

Isn't this how it usually works, Stan?

Clean up a beeeeech too Stan.

Well "T" you're not the only one who can bake. Just finished up helping the wife make haloween cookies. She did the rollen and I did the baken. Managed to burn a few for me of course.

My daughter will be taking them to school on Monday for her students to frost and eat.

Have to run out later and pick up some candy for the trick-or-treaters which is tonight here.

I never understood why WI had Trick-or-Treat on the weekend, even if it isn't Halloween. I always thought that was wierd.

Beautiful weekend in the woods. I picked out a spot for my enclosed stand. Just having some breakfast at the cabin and we will head out across the swamp with the tractor to put the stand up in the cedars. We got plexiglass windows for these 2 new stands too. Refurb buddy heaters are on the way from cabelas, it's gonna be comfy!

Dave

Did you make the stands yourself or did you purchase them? What are you setting them on?

Just returned from a grocery shopping expedition for camp. Thank god for Aldi's they sure help keep the expenses down.

Rainy here today and no Packers to watch (Bye week). Think I'll catch up on my reading.

Made em myself. I'll post pics of the one we put up today.

Thes pictures show mostly me but I had help and I couldn't have done it without my help. Pam, runs with scissors and little plays with matches were excellent helpers. Thanks guys I wouldn't have a nice enclosed stand up in time for season without your help!!

[Linked Image]

nice.work on the color for next year,though.

Yeah, we used what we had.

big thing was to get that OSB sealed up tight, make it last a while.

We painted all this stuff ahead of time. I can go out now with spray cans and try to match it up to the cedars if I get a chance, not this year though, too close to opener for paint.

Nate on the limbing saw

[Linked Image]

One more shot of the stand.

[Linked Image]

The .45 looks ready incase of flying bears, leapord squirrels, or swamp squids.

Is that by the blind we built in the cedars...by the clear cut?

No it's on our property, same area we set up the ladder you donated to camp.

And it's looking like high traffic, grass all stamped down, lookin good.

No sign of rut though, nothing.

And that's not the big wheel gun, just the little 9 shot .22

I didn't look close enough. I saw that grip and thought it was the Vaquero.

I still can't remember if I was ever in that spot or not. I think we tried to get in there and got the wheeler stuck and tried a different plan.

I didn't notice any rut signs last weekend except a couple rubs that were 100 feet apart.

Come on winter! Let it snow!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Come on winter! Let it snow!

I dreamed it was snowing last night. Must be a good sign?

It really could snow any time now.

It hasn't been cold enough during the day to keep the snow around but it will be cool enough soon.

I'm really looking forward to Winter!

Since you tee'd it up...

I'll take a swing at it...

Say wite bare, why is it you are so anxious for winter?

DMD (dirty many diapers) will be here of course!

And also one more addition to the family that is coming this week.

A new snow machine??

[Linked Image]

wow that thing is bitchin! we don't get much for snow down here for something like that.

I saw Mr. Big last night in a new stand. 60 yards away, and wow he made my jaw drop. hopefully I'll have pics of him weds. still plenty of time if anyone wants to archery hunt this fall.

Mama wanted a van & I'm a sucker for anything with tracks so this should be a win/win for the whole team.

Very logical.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Come on winter! Let it snow!

I dreamed it was snowing last night. Must be a good sign?

Supposedta be in the da 50's and 40's here all week. No snow forecasted around here until possibly Sunday. Hopefully the forecast 150mi to the nort is different.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I saw Mr. Big last night in a new stand.60 yards away, and wow he made my jaw drop

I saw Mr. Big this morning from 2' away...after 34 years it still makes my jaw drop.

WB,

That rig is schweet! it needs a few poles in the middle, for something to hold on to while in route, of course.

Originally Posted by tzone

WB,

That rig is schweet! it needs a few poles in the middle, for something to hold on to while in route, of course.

It's confusing to me that they didn't have poles as standard factory accessories rather than optional equipment.

Poles are in the works.

been busy for the last few days. Went truckin' with Brad Friday morning to the cities for BTD. Got up at 2 a.m. and got back to DL before 1 p.m. His brothers 40th B-day party Saturday night. And went trucking again to Park Rapids lastnight. Team Industries is very busy and Brad's trucking company is picking up extra loads to be delivered to Wisconsin.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Poles are in the works.

I knew you'd be on it... They must have been a buyer "delete" when they bought it original.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I saw Mr. Big last night in a new stand.60 yards away, and wow he made my jaw drop

I saw Mr. Big this morning from 2' away...after 34 years it still makes my jaw drop.

You had that gut 34 years ago T??

I got a load for him to take to WI. We need to get some Viking shirts and hats for whatever he's bringing over there. Stick them in every package.

Dave the stand looks awesome! Is that in the cedars on the south side of the ditch where there was a ladder stand at one point?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A new snow machine??

[Linked Image]

Now THAT is a schwanky fishin rig WB!

Went to my storage building to get my hunting stuff together and I can not find my blaze orange Chickenbuck hat anywhere!!!!! UGH!!Going back today to see if I can find it.

I'm working on a new project for camp. The plan it to hang it between the trees above the gate at the entrance to camp. It is made of 1"x10" cedar. Just thinking of what materials I should use to mount it. I have chains but I'm wondering if the wood would be strong enough to screw eye hooks in the ends or if it or not. Any suggestions?

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave the stand looks awesome! Is that in the cedars on the south side of the ditch where there was a ladder stand at one point?

No it's east/south east of the cabin across the swamp.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Went to my storage building to get my hunting stuff together and I can not find my blaze orange Chickenbuck hat anywhere!!!!! UGH!!Going back today to see if I can find it.

I'm working on a new project for camp. The plan it to hang it between the trees above the gate at the entrance to camp. It is made of 1"x10" cedar. Just thinking of what materials I should use to mount it. I have chains but I'm wondering if the wood would be strong enough to screw eye hooks in the ends or if it or not. Any suggestions?

[Linked Image]

That looks great miss, I'd say pilot holes drilled just under size a bit then I-hooks would be fine.

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a load for him to take to WI. We need to get some Viking shirts and hats for whatever he's bringing over there. Stick them in every package.

. This last load he picked up were Polaris parts (carb's I think).

WB is that an old bombardier?

Kind of reminds me of an old Nash.

Well, I have been one busy feller lately. I was in Illinois for work then back late on Wed (thanks to a cancelled American Airlines flight). Early Thurs I was off to SoDak to hunt roosters in Platte. Shot them to ribbons. Dog was spot on all 3 days.

Then switched barrels on the scattergun and checked her out at the range. Had a 4 shot group that went 2 1/16 inches. I just couldnt get it under 2" no matter how many times i measured it. But basically 2 MOA aint too shabby for a shotgun. At 150 yards, it was a 3" group. It sure is nice to have confidence in your gun! The bad news is, any misses cannot be blamed on the gun.

Man, this thread is sizzlin' now! Lotsa posts recently to catch up on. Ryan, I am eagerly awaiting pics of one of those big bucks with your bow laying across it! Nice job on the house.

Yup. This is an early 50's Bombardier bus. 318 Chrysler & an auto tranny.

It will spend it's Winters up on the lake ice fishing with an ample amount of useage around home I'm sure. Anyone up for a trip to Chickenbuck this Winter?

I have wanted one of these for my collection since the first time I rode in one.

This machine is coming from your neck of the woods Grizzly Bill. About an hour away.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well, I have been one busy feller lately. I was in Illinois for work then back late on Wed (thanks to a cancelled American Airlines flight). Early Thurs I was off to SoDak to hunt roosters in Platte. Shot them to ribbons. Dog was spot on all 3 days.

Then switched barrels on the scattergun and checked her out at the range. Had a 4 shot group that went 2 1/16 inches. I just couldnt get it under 2" no matter how many times i measured it. But basically 2 MOA aint too shabby for a shotgun. At 150 yards, it was a 3" group. It sure is nice to have confidence in your gun! The bad news is, any misses cannot be blamed on the gun.

Man, this thread is sizzlin' now! Lotsa posts recently to catch up on. Ryan, I am eagerly awaiting pics of one of those big bucks with your bow laying across it! Nice job on the house.

Rifled slug barrel B man? What slug are you running through there?

For crying out loud... ok who's the John Deere fan?

And how long have we been replying to a thread title of "deere camp"?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You had that gut 34 years ago T??

I was a gifted child.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a load for him to take to WI. We need to get some Viking shirts and hats for whatever he's bringing over there. Stick them in every package.

. This last load he picked up were Polaris parts (carb's I think).

As long as it's stuff from MN...It'll do.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Yup. This is an early 50's Bombardier bus. 318 Chrysler & an auto tranny.

It will spend it's Winters up on the lake ice fishing with an ample amount of useage around home I'm sure. Anyone up for a trip to Chickenbuck this Winter?

I've been trying to get Mama up there for a few years now. I'm hoping this is the year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

For crying out loud... ok who's the John Deere fan?

And how long have we been replying to a thread title of "deere camp"?

I got a new JD snowblower, but I don't think I changed the title....fir real. TFF though, I didn't even notice.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

For crying out loud... ok who's the John Deere fan?

And how long have we been replying to a thread title of "deere camp"?

Good morning!

You really are Deer (Not Deere) Occupied.

I drove past a gas station that said "welcome outdoors enthusiasts" on an electronic banner.

I think they mean "welcome hunters"

Political correctness just looks plain stupid sometimes.

No, not hunters,

"Welcome Bambi Murderers!"

Even down here, we haven't stooped that low.

Surprising number of pheasant hunters out last weekend. As bad as it was predicted to be, we did alright and had fun while we were at it.

The rut is pretty much on down here - at least from the bucks' points of view. I should go back to Murdering Bambi with sticks so I could be deer hunting now.

I really haven't seen any rut sign yet myself. Of course our deer numbers are low too.

Nothing around here, only one guy reported a scrape about a week and a half ago.

The bucks on our field have dropped out of sight but the does are all still lounging out there like it is corona time on the beach.

Only found two rubs.

It doesnt matter though, cause in 4 and a wakeup we'll be hunting.

I have a Hastings fully rifled barrel with cantilever scope mount. I shoot Federal Premium Barnes Expander 1900 fps slugs. My dad has EXACTLY the same setup and it shoots exactly the same. Big ol'stinky buck has no chance vs these guns. Big ol' stinky buck may have chance against the shooters though!

So a cabelas package comes with 2 refurb buddy heaters that look like new, a truthcam 35...

And a tube of "toms of maine simply white" toothpaste.

Wtf? Cabelas trying to tell northern dave his teeth aint white enuff? Lol!

Ya don't need snow to kill deers.........................

http://www.missouriwhitetails.com/forums/viewthread.php?tid=160096

I kinda, sorta wish that deer was mine, but I ain't hardly one to get real jealous about that. I'm happy for the guy, really..................

heck of a buck, the one i saw last night was almost as wide, every bit as tall

Special agent norvern dabe, is now licensed to kill... Deers.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Yup. This is an early 50's Bombardier bus. 318 Chrysler & an auto tranny.

It will spend it's Winters up on the lake ice fishing with an ample amount of useage around home I'm sure. Anyone up for a trip to Chickenbuck this Winter?

I have wanted one of these for my collection since the first time I rode in one.

This machine is coming from your neck of the woods Grizzly Bill. About an hour away.

Where WB? I don't recall ever seeing one of that vintage in WI

My gunsmith and I went to the lease for an afternoon hunt.I set the chair blind up on an intersection of logging roads where I could see a fair distance down each road.There was a deer killed there last week but none were moving in that vicinity this afternoon.I don't get all baboon azzed any more when I don't see anything.I just REALLY enjoy getting out.
This afternoon I was hunting with my deceased friend's Winchester 94 in .32 Win.Special which rifle is now mine.Tom was like a brother to me and I to him for about 50 years.
The weather here is getting colder.My fleece jacket was very comfortable late in the afternoon.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Special agent norvern dabe, is now licensed to kill... Deers.

I'm licensed to chill. Beers.

4

Mind gone bad.

elaborate? hmmm...

mistakes... so many today...

Mind gone.

Stan,

thanks for sharing. How long does your season run? I too enjoy just getting out, even if I just sit. It's very cool that you can use your frends rifle. That is special. I hope you get to tag one with it.

Just got in from taking the gooblins Trick-or-Treating. It was a good walk for dad, a good haul for the kiddo's.

Ditto here, kids are going thru their haul and stashing a bunch for Saturday.

I'll just go to Fleet Farm and buy the good stuff on sale tomorrow.

I'm callin about that crotch for sale? I'd like to buy that croth and move it to my camp fir dat vood shet.

I love my wife. And because I love my wife I'm buying her a different vehicle and I promise to fix the kitchen faucet before I go hunting this weekend. Heck I'll even clean the garage!

(hhheeeeehhheeeee!!!!!)

i love my daughter too. wow(: big gifts for her 18th birthday!

well,mondays done.on to tuesday.

I have been hack ed.

Don't leave your computer while you are logged on... pesky females...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been hack ed.

Thank God. I thought it was something serious.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

i love my daughter too. wow(: big gifts for her 18th birthday!

I got a bill for rent on my 18th b-day. Be careful what you wish for.

So about that truthcam I was so excited about setting up tonight...

I head to the camp from home all excited about setting up my new truth cam.

The packaging and instructions say that primos has eliminated the noisy shutter, "zero noise" now, and they also say "200% better battery life"

Well the battery life was outstanding on the original truth cams so this must damn near charge batteries when you turn it on

SO I'm within a couple miles from camp when Pam calls. "You realize your new camera isn't with you right? It's at home here, I'm holding it..."

I turn around & head home for the cam.

Meanwhile, I had stopped at a little country store along the way and purchased 4 C cell batteries and a deer license.

So I have the camera now and I'm almost to camp again. I decide to rip open the batteries as I'm driving and load them into the camera..... Wrong batteries, it takes D cell batteries.

Turn around again, back to the country store, D batteries... off I go again...
Get to the cabin, take Dusty's prowler across the swamp to the new stand where I want to set the camera.

No SD card... SD card is back at the cabin....

Back across the swamp, get the card from cabin, cross the swamp again.. set the camera, with the card as it's becoming very dark.

Out of the swamp with the headlights on..

How'd that go for me?

I think it's deer week, my brain is fried.

Tzone,
South Carolina has one of the longest deer seasons in the country.
The southern part of the state,called "the low country" starts August 15th.for archery,then Sept. 15 for muzzle loader and Oct. 1 for gun.The northern part called "the upstate" which is where I live starts archery Sept. 15th.Muzzle loader starts Oct.1st and gun season starts Oct. 15th. and ends January 1st.Bucks are legal anytime during the season.In addition you can purchase up to four "use anytime" doe tags but there are set doe days when you don't have to use the tags.It is a good long season.

Stan in SC

Sr. Dave,

I do love me some truff cam. Euff to buy two of them. They do make a noise when they take a picture though. It doesn't do it every time, but there is a "click" before it takes a picture. I noticed it when it is on the sleep mode. once it is taking pictures and gets past the first "click" it seems fine.

That said, I only have one picture of a scared deer and it was from last week with the bucks were chasing the heck out of them. It could have been a buck or a Flying Bear. either one.

Stan,

I might have to move there.

Really, that is one of the places we're going to look at for retirement.

Tom,
Linda and I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta where I lived for 30 years and we have never looked back.This is a great place.Nice people,good climate,one hour north to the mountains and four hours south to Myrtle Beach,reasonably priced housing and prices of consumer goods are sensible.A recent study placed Greenville,SC in number six of the top ten places to live in the US.I live in Simpsonville which is a suburb of Greenville.

Stan in SC

We are starting to think of a trip out that way. I'd love to go to Myrtle Beach and run down to Savana,GA for a day. Lots of American History in that part of the country that I haven't been able to see.

Good luck stan! I hope you heat up the barrel of your friend's old rifle! Break the silence of the hunt with a bark from that gun.

[quote=Grizzly_Bill Where WB? I don't recall ever seeing one of that vintage in WI[/quote]

Green Lake I believe.

Thank you,Dave.Tom and I were kinda like you and Waylon.I firmly understand your feelings in that respect.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by White_Bear

[quote=Grizzly_Bill Where WB? I don't recall ever seeing one of that vintage in WI

Green Lake I believe. [/quote]

Big Green Lake is a popular fishing spot. Very deep lake. With the exception of the Great Lakes it's one of the few inland lakes in WI that has Lake Trout. The area is also close to Lake Winnebago.

Best of luck Stan. I carry the 45-70 that my friend gave me for a few days every season in hopes of taking a deer with it for him.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think it's deer week, my brain is fried.

Yep, it's November for sure.

I finally found my pants.

Originally Posted by tzone

I finally found my pants.

Wow, the visual that brought woke me up quicker than coffee

now keep them on!!! your at work!

Good point.

I pulled some packable camo rain pants out of my turkey hunting bin, tried them on and set them down. I tore the house apart for 2 days trying to find em. With the forecasted rain on the opener, I wanted them in my pack.

Somebody moved them into the garage. It couldn't have been me. There is no way I was distracted and needed something in the garage,then set them in there and was distracted again. No way...

I feel your pain in terms of looking for "lost" gear. My Leica rangefinder was in my golf bag. We won't go into how many places I looked for that thing....

I have that problem every year too. My hunting stuff seems to get scattered all over the place. Between totes in the garage to totes in the bedroom closet to (my wifes favorite "hiding" place) totes in the basement.

UGG I need a mancave!

Stan,

Best of luck! I hope you get a super duper bang flop with your buddy's gun!

Originally Posted by tzone

I finally found my pants.

Great, now you can come over here and help me find my Lacrose boots. Damm things seemed to have walked off.

Originally Posted by tzone

I pulled some packable camo rain pants out of my turkey hunting bin, tried them on and set them down. I tore the house apart for 2 days trying to find em. With the forecasted rain on the opener, I wanted them in my pack.

Somebody moved them into the garage. It couldn't have been me. There is no way I was distracted and needed something in the garage,then set them in there and was distracted again. No way...

If anyone can ever figure out how things transmorgify to places one has never been they will make millions.

I had a pounding headache on Sunday too, so it didn't help to add that to it.

I have a Rubbermaid bin labeled for each hunting season, with the right gear in each. It should be an easy snatch and grab, which it was. Then somebody moved em.

u should learn to lock things up T! u got your phone today? i got a message for you.

oh brudder, I wouldn't open that phone message if i was u tom.

More lost and found items:

Missing, my folding stool. Either left it at camp or my SIL borowed it.

Found, a new Duofold long john shirt that I forgot I bought last year.

My camp pile is growing. I swear I could outfit the entire Normandy invasion.

I lost my phone too.

Actually, it's completely safe, I got the message too.

Speaking of lost things I still have not found my CB cap, who knows where my long johns are, need to buy more ammo since I misplaced a full box of fusions last year. But who knows what else I will be missing when I start getting the rest of my gear together. I think I know where my rifle is.

Put out a demarcation line around the gear this year, had to warn the tribe to stay our of the area or face my wrath when i can't find something and the mama is absolutely verboten to help organize.

I hate getting stuff ready only to have it tampered with.

Must have been a load master in a previous life.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Speaking of lost things I still have not found my CB cap, who knows where my long johns are, need to buy more ammo since I misplaced a full box of fusions last year. But who knows what else I will be missing when I start getting the rest of my gear together. I think I know where my rifle is.

You have a full box of 270 fed fusion ammo at camp, I'm certain of it.

I'll go out there right now and check if you want me to...

Seriously, I'll leave work early if I have too.

just making sure junior not able to answer the phone tom.

I know I left them there last year but the last weekend I don't think I could find them. Although I was probly looking right at them. If you think they are there that is good enough for me.

I believe I still have 1/2 a box left. 1 for sighting my scope in, and the other 5 are for the 5 deer I'm going to get.

yeah I'm thinking there is at least one box, I thought there was more than one actually.

Of course I thought I had my game camera with me last night too, then I thought I had the right batteries, then I thought I had my SD card....

The wood burning is done on the sign. Just getting ready to put the 2nd coat of urathane on it. That cedar sure looks purdy after that is put on.

Kenna & I stopped over at CBF's lastnight and it sounds like he is headed up to camp earlier Friday.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Of course I thought I had my game camera with me last night too, then I thought I had the right batteries, then I thought I had my SD card....

Maybe I should just buy another box just to be safe.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Of course I thought I had my game camera with me last night too, then I thought I had the right batteries, then I thought I had my SD card....

Maybe I should just buy another box just to be safe.

Ya might want to.

Say hey to CBF for me. I haven't seen him since 2nd weekend last year. I can't wait until mzldr season to get up there.

Be prime Juice time by the time you get up T. u better get ready for it.

crapolaide!!

my head hurt just readin that

I quit drinking.

I just got a call from the taxidermist. He he. Christmas starts tonight. Honey? Check book please.

4

I dug in the freezer and introduced a 2009 Mn white tail to a 2009 Colorado elk.

I diced them and trew dem in dee stew pot. Carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, potato...

Got to empty the old meat from the freezer, make room for all the bangen floppens.

Originally Posted by tzone

I quit drinking.

Quit drinking what?

Hope yall dont mind if I do a little braggin the first pic is my grandson CJ he is almost 6m I believe in starting them early . I cant decide of he is saying " I think I saw the turdy pt buck !" Or " gramps you load your gun and I'll load my diaper"

Next is my wife she shot this buck on the first day of muzzle in Oklahoma she has filled her tag on the first day for the last four straight.

[Linked Image]

Thanks for letting me share !

cradle robber.

You might be gramps but she could hardly be a grammaw...

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

I quit drinking.

Quit drinking what?

I'm off the sauce.

since when?

Sunday morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

cradle robber.

You might be gramps but she could hardly be a grammaw...

Hahaha LOL you wouldnt believe how much see hears that! I'm pretty proud of her she loves to hunt and fish and eat critters all 115 lbs of. Her camp would be Stands with fist in a koi pond.

Still tacky in places. Smells nice. Snort.

[Linked Image]

4

Well, it still looks like a monster. Nice looking mount.

Waiting for this one yet.

4

just thought id let everyone know my MONTH LONG VACATION STARTED TODAY!!! getting my stuff packed as we speak, and leaving tomorrow for my western wisconsin property... :ROCKON:

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Still tacky in places. Smells nice. Snort.

[Linked Image]

4

Very nice work from what i can see in the pictures!

thats almost just like the one I'm gonna shoot tomorrow! heck of a buck

4-
That is an exceptionally handsome buck you have there. I've not killed anything to touch that one.

First deer I've had mounted. Weird really. Certainly causes me to re-live the moment over and over and over and over in my head. Only one way to fix this I'm afraid. BANG! Flop.

Kick.

Fffff.

4

Sleep hunting has started, I was sleep hunting last night. Woke up at 2 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep.

least I aint the only one then.
I took little man to daycare yesterday morning, he saw 3 small mule deer bucks in the back yard. first thing he said was "DEER! dad can we shoot em?" with a very serious look on his face. he feels it too.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

I quit drinking.

Quit drinking what?

I'm off the sauce.

Would that be Taco or BBQ sauce?

Thats a keeper 4.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sleep hunting has started, I was sleep hunting last night. Woke up at 2 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep.

I've been waking up at 4:00 for the last few days. That's wake up time at camp. Fourteen more days and we leave, 17 to the opener.

I have a cedar bow on my desk at work.

I have to smell that thing every 4 to 5 minutes to keep myself calm.

Wish we had a bunch of White Cedar in our area. Draws in deer like a magnet. I've only found one white cedar by us in 40 plus years and it's long gone.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sleep hunting has started, I was sleep hunting last night. Woke up at 2 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep.

I got it too. No sleep hunting, but my mind is racing and I can't sleep.

Sleep hunting? Check. Daydream Hunting? Check. Yep, I have all the afflictions. All my conversation start out, "So, ya going deer hunting this weekend?". Even to babies.

I just got The Call. On my phone. It rang, I picked it up and said Hello.

The guy on the line simply said, "I got something for you."

My legs trembled. I said, "I will be there shortly. Lunchtime. Do you have dimensions?"

He said, "yep,6 feet high by 4 feet wide by 3 feet thick."

I asked, "Heavy?"

His response, "you will need 2 guys".

Anyone know what da heck I am referring to? Any guesses?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

I quit drinking.

Quit drinking what?

I'm off the sauce.

Would that be Taco or BBQ sauce?

No the the other sauce. For real, I think I'm done.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Anyone know what da heck I am referring to? Any guesses?

Your skull?

no more crapolades for you?

Kegerator....and what is the recipe for this crapolade you guys keep talking of?

ummmm, a tree stand?

Tzone is the closest.

It is closer to lunchtime. My left eye is twitching uncontrollably. My right leg is bouncing. as soon as the wife gets back with the minivan....yes, the truck will not do for this task. I will need the minivan.

It's a mount of last year's trophy (buck?)

Yep, you've lost it. ...a mini-van. Now I've heard it all.

BrentD is closing in on it. But a 6 foot high buck mount? I mean, we grow deer big in Minnesota, but 6 feet high?

Yes, minivan. I said it. minivan. My wife drives a minivan. Own minivan does I.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Anyone know what da heck I am referring to? Any guesses?

Your skull?

If it's a gun safe you are gonna need more than 2 guys.

Gun safe was my guess too.

So T, I'm guessin saturday nights indulgence led to Sunday's headache that you spoke of?

full body bear mount

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

full body bear mount

Hey thats a good guess

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

full body bear mount

Hey thats a good guess

I'm likin' that too.

What else would be mounted in MN and need a 6 ft box? A bull snake mount?

Bobcat maybe - on a branch, mountain lion style.

tall blondes? they have a lot of em there.

you left yourself open for that one, and yes I prefer brunettes.

rrrrEEEEEEEEEEEEErr rrr rrr, Grasshoppas vedddy wrong. I have never hunted bear or you would have heard about it.

Not a gunsafe. The bear is much closer. Tzone was really close. Nobody has a memory around here, eh?

The chupacabra badger found down the road from ya, I'd still go for the kegerator....

I'm thinking elk mount. Just pm me for addy for the prize I win

Mule1, YOU ARE A WINNER! The rest of ya....not so much. The elk mount is done. THE ELK MOUNT IS DONE! I am now worried I cant get it in the door.....and the wife is not back from the YMCA with the minivan. I am climbing the walls here.

I don't recall hearing about your elk hunt, sorry or I woulda guessed that

I admit I forgot...if it doesn't fit stick it up at Chickenbuck and get the kegerator

oh dats right I remember the elk stuff now.

Ugh...this is not fair! I keep reading about your opening days starting soon. I gotta wait til November 19th!

However, this is the first year we can use rifle in my county, so I am super excited to finally break the 110 in on a deer. Had it for 10 years and the only blood it has is a bunch of woodchucks. Missed a small buck in the dacks the first year I had it.

it's so close, I can shmell it...

oh wait, that's the cedar branch on my desk...

Keeeeeeeeeeeep rubbing it in.

I'll curse your names this weekend! haha!

Dave, have you been making scrapes on your chair legs their at work yet this week?

Good news/bad news. The good news is, the elk mount looks great. The bad news is, the wife somehow thought I was getting just the horns done and she isnt too happy about the shoulder mount in her house. I never said horn mount, I dont know where she got that from. She wont even help me carry it in.

Berettaman in beeg twouble.

Just ask her "your trophy" wife if she would rather be just a horn mount or the full shoulder mount. only make sense you go all out, right! she's your keeper and you woulnd't want that to get away.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Dave, have you been making scrapes on your chair legs their at work yet this week?

They make me wear soft bunny slippers and a special helmet with the padding on the outside so I can't wreck stuff at work now.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Good news/bad news. The good news is, the elk mount looks great. The bad news is, the wife somehow thought I was getting just the horns done and she isnt too happy about the shoulder mount in her house. I never said horn mount, I dont know where she got that from. She wont even help me carry it in.

Berettaman in beeg twouble.

Uh oh! No estrous bleats in your house for awhile.

You might as well throw up some pics of the mount so we can see exactly WHY your rut is ruined.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

no more crapolades for you?

That is correct.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Gun safe was my guess too.

So T, I'm guessin saturday nights indulgence led to Sunday's headache that you spoke of?

That would be correct. I led to a complete waste of a day. It's happened too much, more than I'd care to admit.

My wife too was not a big fan of the elk mount....

GOOD luck to everyone this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been crazy busy myself, was in South Dakota pheasant and walleye,then was in vegas, now just picked up a wheelhouse for this winter... Looking forward to relaxing in a deerstand and looking for the thrity point buck.....

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Ugh...this is not fair! I keep reading about your opening days starting soon. I gotta wait til November 19th!

However, this is the first year we can use rifle in my county, so I am super excited to finally break the 110 in on a deer. Had it for 10 years and the only blood it has is a bunch of woodchucks. Missed a small buck in the dacks the first year I had it.

Mikey, you in Waupaca County?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Gun safe was my guess too.

So T, I'm guessin saturday nights indulgence led to Sunday's headache that you spoke of?

That would be correct. I led to a complete waste of a day. It's happened too much, more than I'd care to admit.

On a high note, just think how much money you'll be saving. Hint, buy the wife something nice first.

noduck,pardon my ignorance."Picked up a wheelhouse"????????

All you guys chomping at the bit up "nort".Move to South Carolina.I went deer hunting this morning.I saw nothing but scrapes and rubs and tracks.They are there.A bumper crop of acorns is giving them ample food without moving around too much.

Stan in SC

"wheel house"

Portable ice fishing house with it's own steel chassis and axle system under it. Pull it like a camper or enclosed utility trailer.

And... the wheels contract upwards on site so the "house" lets down tight to the ground.

"wheel house"

And I agree Stan, we all need to move in with you, then we wouldn't need such silly things.

Thanks for taking us all in!

A little more fuel for the fire.

A couple different bucks from the back yard cam.

[Linked Image]

Rooster7,
Here is the offending beast.

[Linked Image]

And to complete the view from my desk:

[Linked Image]

Anyone know why the pictures I post are so small?

what's not to like? I'd be happy with him.

Is that an ultra rare largemouth paddlebass in the upper right of the first picture?

Still no Chickenbuck cap. UGH!!

Hoping to get the sign done for this weekend. I was informed that the smell in the garage was too much and was asked if I could do it outside cuz he had to put a new fuel pump in the Suburban. So needless to say I didn't get any coats of urethane on it today because it was too cold.

I'm wearing my shickin buck hat!

I'm wearin Muffy's.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm wearin Muffy's.

I should have known!

Berettaman, nice elk.. I think the whole room looks great dont understand why the women get fired up about that kind of stuff..

The third picture with the pheasant, is it suppose to look like its just been shot, or am i looking at it wrong... I have never seen one done like that before... Cool looking ......

Tell brad to just put the gas tank on the roof of that chevy so the fuel can just gravity feed to the engine.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tell brad to just put the gas tank on the roof of that chevy so the fuel can just gravity feed to the engine.

We did that with our Pug, but it's on top of the engine cover since it doesn't have a roof. Works great.

Heading out to the rifle range this morning to site in the 45-70.

Good luck to all of you heading out for the MN opener this weekend. I'm sure Dave will be sending out regular updates.

I can try, every now and then I can get just barely enough signal to sneak an update out from camp with my phone.

Sometimes it works from an elevated stand, not sure if it will work from my new stand yet.

Berettaman,the whole room looks great.The new mount just sets everything else off.I like it all.

Dave,thanks for the definition.Yeah,we just remodeled the kitchen.C'mon down and cook some of your famous chili.We will convert the living room to a bunk house for the kids.

I wear my CB hat when I go hunting.I always have to explain what it represents.A good group of people bound together by one man's vision.

Muffy,want to buy back one hat?I have an extra.

Grizzly,my favorite 45/70 load is 40 gr. of REL7 and a 300 gr. jhp.Try it,you'll like it.

Stan in SC

Geez Dave, ya best minimize yer public outtings until AFTER ya git to go kill a deer

People see ya foamin' at da mouf like dat they tink sumpthin' mighty rong

Captain bang flop arrowed a deer a couple of days ago so I requested that he carve a big chunk off that fresh deer and bring it up to camp for the chili pot.

He's all rev'd up like the rest of us, he says he'll be up to camp pretty early on Friday (tomorrow

)

Good luck Chickenbuckers. I'd like to be up there with ya. I hope the deer sightings are pleniful, the food filling and the memories lasting.

I'll be thinking of the glow of the cabin lantern and the busy bodies running around gathering up last minute gear, as the sun starts to light the morning sky with the pink light breaking through the clouds as you climb into your stands.

Good luck to all the fellow hunters, be safe, shoot straight.

tom

Thanks Tom, back at ya!

I didn't think the Captain got rev'd up. He's a cool customer and a heckova hunter. Say hi to him for me.

I'll do that.

Nice mount BM. Did you sleep in the garage last night?

Stan, I'm using 50 Gr of Rel 7 and a 300 Gr Hornady HP in my #1. No pressure issues and recoil isn't bad at all.

My buddy's pushing 405 grain Remington SP's out of his Marlin at a little over 1800 fps. Recoil is on the stout side. He's piled up a lot of deer over the years with it.

I think I need a 45-70. I don't have a lever...I'll have to change that.

My 450 marlin will be going to camp tomorrow, and the 264, and probably the 88 winchester in 308

So I'll have 2 levers out there.

Bman,

That is a beautiful mount. You taxi does good work! The whole room is really nice.

Good luck to everyone going out this weekend and be safe! I myself have yet to decide if I'm going to buy a firearms tag (shotgun zone) or just hunt with my bow.

I did pick up some slugs last night just in case. I sure miss the days when our old hunting party was together.

It was made up of Uncles and cousins and nephews of uncles on the other side of the family. It was great times. Then the Uncles got older and quit and everyone else just kind of went their own way. I still hunt the land primarily with archery gear and I love that but there is just something missing at this time of year. Its not the killing of a deer with a gun that I miss so much. Its the comradery. The stories. The laughs. The hoping that your oldest uncle finally "gets his horns". The man could drop a bambi in its tracks from 150 yards with a shotgun but could not hit a buck to save his life in all those years. It made for alot of good natured ribbing every year but everyone in that party wished he could get his horns deep down. He passed away this year without ever getting his buck. I hope God see's to it that he gets the biggest buck in the woods upstairs this weekend.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Ugh...this is not fair! I keep reading about your opening days starting soon. I gotta wait til November 19th!

However, this is the first year we can use rifle in my county, so I am super excited to finally break the 110 in on a deer. Had it for 10 years and the only blood it has is a bunch of woodchucks. Missed a small buck in the dacks the first year I had it.

Mikey, you in Waupaca County?

No. I hunt in Western NY. Just love reading this thread and had to post that I am super jealous!

Beautiful elk mount, BM! Actually, I like the whole thing ya got going in that room!

The weather outside is so beautful right now before season, a bit brisk today, but come saturday morning in the stand it'll be super nice. Lots of hunting to be had in the next 2 weeks and alot of fun stops at deer camps. Good luck to all, and have a safe season. this will get the deers moving too!

I have a guy from CO, here convinced it's a MN tradition to make an intestine jump rope with the whitetail deer we get. He's says he's going to ask the guys at his camp.

I hope he does. Couldn't quite get him convinced that we tear the wind pipe out with our bare hands, stick it in our mouths and violently shake head side to side....Told him that was pretty common in the WI camps.

Got an intern (city kid) convinced the wolves were nearly extinct because of the "fanged" deer of pine forests of northern MN and Ontario. Those fanged deer tore the hell out of the wolves and actually learned to hunt the wolves down.

Hey Tom we still do apparently have fanged deer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyFS1eGfrzo

Dammit tom dont make me laff

Live report from stand. Had a pair of 2.5 yr olds come into the antlers a few min ago. Hopefully thiet dad is here soon

I'm in the witch doctors, with a g'damn IV in my arm. I'm not happy so don't nobody call me. I'm fine, just having some stuff checked out.

Stupid Pam found out about some pain I've been waiting out and dealing with. Now here I am. And I'm not happy about it.

Looking for kidney stones etc.

On a different note, white bear got his new toy.

[Linked Image]

Let me know if you need bustin out ND. I'm getting real good with those Dr. type people.

Get better soon. We got deer to kill & snow sheenery to play with!!!

Crap! Great timing Dave. Hope all turns out ok. I'm sure we could arrange to get you to your stand and hang the IV on a tree limb if need be.

Just talked to Tom and he said he heading up to Duluth early Friday AM.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm in the witch doctors, with a g'damn IV in my arm. I'm not happy so don't nobody call me. I'm fine, just having some stuff checked out.

Stupid Pam found out about some pain I've been waiting out and dealing with. Now here I am. And I'm not happy about it.

Looking for kidney stones etc.

On a different note, white bear got his new toy.

[Linked Image]

Isnt it funny....well maybe not the best choice in words....that things always have a knack of happening just before something you have been waiting for a long time.

Heck!
I broke a few of my ribs iirc the end of the first week of Archery....made climbimg in and out of my climber hurt something awful.

Starting to feel better now.

Just got off the phone with Tzone. Really wish he could be up there this season.

The sign is done!!!! It is not completely dry yet but it is going to make it's way up nort. Heading up there tomorrow(hopefully by noon) after I get the rest of my stuff done.

I will help you into your stand with your IV Dave. Get well!

Good luck hunting everyone!

Thanks for the offer on the hat Stan. I thought about going into the place that made them and tell her I have an emergency and need one now!!!! But mine has to be somewhere. Who knows maybe I left it at camp.

Alright, bad news is I'm fulla kidney stones. Good news is I'm almost home. Hate that place

I hope they were just putting an IV in you to give you contrast for a CT scan or something or some other diagnostic test and not to treat fluid or electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.

Have a great hunt Dave, and everyone else. I am completely packed, and hopefully will be grilling venison this time Saturday while my hunting partner is sauteing up the mushrooms and onions in some real butter.

Oh Doooood!

Whats the plan on getting rid of em?

Passing em?

Sound waves?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Alright, bad news is I'm fulla kidney stones. Good news is I'm almost home. Hate that place

Some flank pain can keep you awake and focused in the stand.

(on a serious note, stay hydrated)

Doc said to drink a lot, so I will.

Starting right now.

krpshkt!

glug, glug..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Doc said to drink a lot, so I will.

Starting right now.

krpshkt!

glug, glug..

and I thought I had it bad,getting a sinus infection just before season.
Come to think of it,my doc told me to get plenty of fluids,too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Doc said to drink a lot, so I will.

Starting right now.

krpshkt!

glug, glug..

Not beer dummy.......water!!!

Originally Posted by goalie

I hope they were just putting an IV in you to give you contrast for a CT scan or something or some other diagnostic test and not to treat fluid or electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.

Have a great hunt Dave, and everyone else. I am completely packed, and hopefully will be grilling venison this time Saturday while my hunting partner is sauteing up the mushrooms and onions in some real butter.

IV was for fun I think? fun for them?

Actualy they did a blood draw from it, juiced me with a milder pain killer than what they wanted to give me (at my request) then started pumping water to try and help force this wonderful stone thats on its way to my bladder.

Thats the one they say is hurting me right now, and there is no shortage of stones left in the kidneys waiting for their turn to pass.

Doc came in, said some doctor stuff, then pointed at the saline pump and said "you don't have to take that if you dont want it" I said "what's it do for me?" he says "same as drinking water.."

I reached over to my arm and snapped the clamp shut on the tube.

which stalled the pump and made it alarm out.

I'll just drink water the old fashioned way thanks very much.

He wants me back in right away to see my regular doc to come up with a plan for treating this I guess.

Maybe next Wed or so I'm thinking.

Here's the picture I tried to post from my phone earlier.

[Linked Image]

That mahine is so nice, pictures do not to it justice, it's really awesome!!

Nice snag white bear!!

I stopped at his house on my way to the ER...

Priorities.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Oh Doooood!

Whats the plan on getting rid of em?

Passing em?

Sound waves?

Passin one right now, wanna come hold my beer for me?

No thanks...

Have fun with it....maybe you will get lucky and pass it while in your stand.

After all the yelling and such everybody is gonna think you shot a turdy pointer....

I opened the hatch above the drivers seat & held my rifle as I stuck half way out, imagining someone else was driving.

Ohhh the dreams I'll be having tonight!

Don't worry bout ND. We will get him all fixed up at work tomorrow. Workin on a plan.

He'll be good as new for camp. If not, that stubborn old bugger will be right there with the rest of the crew.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Tom264

Oh Doooood!

Whats the plan on getting rid of em?

Passing em?

Sound waves?

Passin one right now, wanna come hold my beer for me?

2 bits the can of beer goes about a 1/2 mile high if/when you do pass a stone. Pleasant it's not.

I know about it Bill, this little bout has been torturing me for 3 weeks now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Tom264

Oh Doooood!

Whats the plan on getting rid of em?

Passing em?

Sound waves?

Passin one right now, wanna come hold my beer, and watch this

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I opened the hatch above the drivers seat & held my rifle as I stuck half way out, imagining someone else was driving.

Ohhh the dreams I'll be having tonight!

Don't worry bout ND. We will get him all fixed up at work tomorrow. Workin on a plan.

He'll be good as new for camp. If not, that stubborn old bugger will be right there with the rest of the crew.

That machine... wow, I wanna come see it again tomorrow on the way to camp from work.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's the picture I tried to post from my phone earlier.

[Linked Image]

That machine is so nice, pictures do not to it justice, it's really awesome!!

Nice snag white bear!!

I stopped at his house on my way to the ER...

Priorities.

Tuckers and Bombardiers? I'm in awe. You guys are truly my idol. Nothing one can do to top that for snow travel. Nothing. I will not be keeping up with the Joneses.

4

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm in the witch doctors, with a g'damn IV in my arm. I'm not happy so don't nobody call me. I'm fine, just having some stuff checked out.

Stupid Pam found out about some pain I've been waiting out and dealing with. Now here I am. And I'm not happy about it.

Looking for kidney stones etc.

On a different note, white bear got his new toy.

[Linked Image]

Dave, that wife of yours only cares about your health, I doubt she is stupid. You must of been real mad when you posted that. Remember she cares about you and your family, each year has a deer opening weekend. Many more to come.

I was being extremely sarcastic and yes I was unhappy when I wrote that. She did what she does, she takes care of me and it's a good thing she does because I'm too stubborn to go in on my own.

Good to hear that you're dealing with it at home & didn't end up in the hospital. I was just gettin ready to go work up a number 6 on them.
"Go a-ridin' into town, a whampin' and whompin.........."

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was being extremely sarcastic and yes I was unhappy when I wrote that. She did what she does, she takes care of me and it's a good thing she does because I'm too stubborn to go in on my own.

Well OK, just give her a big kiss when all the stones pass, the pain is gone and your healed. The big spark plug is the way to go when you get tired of the pain.
I have only had one IV in my life, didn't want it, didn't want to go to the doctor either, but she had been on my butt for 4 months. Now she's on my case as well as my friend to go back cause I have not been in 4 years. I happen to be diabetic.

The pain will make you want to get it over with sooner or later.

I got the sign loaded and some of my hunting gear ready.

[Linked Image]

I have made it to deer camp. The tents are up and the stoves are lit. Had southwest chicken from the oven for supper and am now relaxing. The hot spot seems to be working tonight so Iam checking in. Stands go up in the morning. It is 51 in the tent and 34 outside.

looks awesome Missy!

Good luck up there Tjay!!

Blender is going in the kitchen, must be banana bread!!

Do you suppose she'll bring it out to camp and share?

I hope you pass that sucker tomorrow.

and not Sat. am.

WB,

that sheenery is wicked awesome. Can't wait to try it out. Dave, I called you but it was long before I saw this message, so if you posted that for me...sorry, didn't know.

Quote

Do you suppose she'll bring it out to camp and share?

Do you suppose you'll save me a piece?

Without getting too much into detail.. I may have the worst behind me probably thanks to the saline IV they pumped so hard and I bitched about so bad.

The stone's trip from the kidney to the bladder can make you feel like you've been shot in the back with a deer rifle.

The second part, last leg out... can be fine, or it can feel like you are wizzing a length of barbed wire.

I'm hoping for "can be fine"

For the moment, I feel better than I have for nearly a month, and I wouldn't if it wasn't for Pam's persistance.

I sure hope she don't get tired of bossing me around anytime soon.

Originally Posted by tzone

WB,

that sheenery is wicked awesome. Can't wait to try it out. Dave, I called you but it was long before I saw this message, so if you posted that for me...sorry, didn't know.

They were doing the IV when you called and I was kind of crabby about the whole sittuation so I didn't answer my phone, sorry.

No I just posted not to call me about it because I was cranky and it was no big deal so not worth a call. Wasn't directed specifically at you or anyone.

I was in a bunch of pain and they made me empty my pockets for the scan, even my lucky hand loaded 264 bullet I had in my pocket.

I was just calling to see if you knew deer season was getting close....do you?

Sorry Dave.

dang I just got in from work, heck of a deal Dave, glad to hear its gettin better. if its in your bladder I'm guessin you'll pass it today or tomorrow. I've never had one myself but heard enough about em that I never want to. good luck to everyone at deer camp, you have no idea how bad I'd like to be there.

Dave. Hope everything come out allright.

Here is deer camp 2011 so far.
[Linked Image]

How long does you minnesotans deer season last (gun) that is?

Originally Posted by tzone

I was just calling to see if you knew deer season was getting close....do you?

Sorry Dave.

How close is it anyways?

Should I be getting ready?

depends on where you are.where I go,three weekends,then come blackpowder season,another 3 weekends

Tjay the camp looks fantastic!!

Originally Posted by Tom264

How long does you minnesotans deer season last (gun) that is?

Tom, It depends on what zone you are in, chickenbuck is lucky enough to be in zone 1 or "100" so we get the longest rifle season which spans 2 full weeks, 3 weekends.

Cool, sounds like you guys have plenty of time to get it done.

Good luck.

Thank you, we'll try like heck.

I went zero on the deer last season, zero!

That's no good, I haven't let that happen to me since the terrible iron range season's of the mid/later90's.

So I'm really anxious to see if I remember how to do it all this year.

yes she will.

no.

Great looking setup TJAY. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Tom264

How long does you minnesotans deer season last (gun) that is?

16 days in the north (good part). The rest of the state gets goofy. Some area are 9 days, some a split into a few weekends I think. It's wierd down there.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great looking setup TJAY. Good luck!

TJAY has one of the coolest camps I've seen. I love it!

Good luck up there TJAY.

G'night fellers, I'm lookin forward to a good nights sleep, long overdue.

Good luck with the stones Dave. Ouch!

Muffy the sign looks great!

Good luck everyone and be safe!

Be careful out there everyone....I just got a call from the Ohio DNR. Thery're on the lookout!

Dave, glad you're feeling better.

Good luck to all you guys out there this weekend, 2 more weeks to go here.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

yes she will.

Uncle Dusty I'm starting to think you are a man of few words!

Dang Dave this sucks ! I've hear'd that drinking vinager helps prevent them things . Hopefully when it blows outa ya it wont crack the porcilin throne !

Dave I hope you get to feelin better and things pass without much pain. You make me count my blessings as I was feeling sorry for myself as my daughter was home sick with diarrhea today and I figured I'd get a good case myself since I'm heading to the shack with no running water.

yes i I M.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dang Dave this sucks ! I've hear'd that drinking vinager helps prevent them things . Hopefully when it blows outa ya it wont crack the porcilin throne !

the best solution is for him to shave his junk and eat some frozen OJ.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

yes i I M.

Well I bet your like my dad (who is 82) you might not say much but when you do everybody sure as hell better listen !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mule1

Dang Dave this sucks ! I've hear'd that drinking vinager helps prevent them things . Hopefully when it blows outa ya it wont crack the porcilin throne !

the best solution is for him to shave his junk and eat some frozen OJ.

Haha. A guy I work with will proudly tell ya he shaves his junk and his brother does too. Now can you imagine that conversation!

I LIKE YORE DAD

Hey wait just a cotton pickin minute!

I know what Dave is up to! He's gone and figured out a way to have a back up weapon in the stand without having to carry another heavy rifle across the swamp!

Why that sneaky bugger is smugglin a rock shootin, pump action weiner wifle!

OMG that was funny Rooster, sorry Dave.

I was going to get my license at Holiday tonight but they were out of paper in the machine. She went in the back to get some more and was gone for about 5 minutes then comes back and told me that she didn't know where it is. So tomorrow I guess.

It is a relief to finally know what is ailing ya and how to fix it. I would proceed with caution however as my younger brother had stones. He was going along well with the treatment and passing stones when a near tragedy occurred. He was jerking off and shot the dog

I was thinking the exact same thing Rooster!! Pump action stone shooter.

It sure is nice of the crowd to cheer ND up like this.

The grunting & scraping has definatly increased in ND's office area. Good to get him back & running. Look out Mrs. ND. There might be some catching up to do!!!???

Snub nosed hand gun is all.

4

Wow rough crowd!!

Merciless scoundrels!!

lol!!

I was out loading up the truck this morning,looked up to find the constellation. Orion,and saw a shooting star pass through the three stars of his belt. Its an omen,I tell ya.

All the cool kids are doing it....

I slept so good last night.

I seriously didn't know what to do when I woke up not sick and not in pain and half rested.

Oh it's going to be a great opening weekend.

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

It is a relief to finally know what is ailing ya and how to fix it. I would proceed with caution however as my younger brother had stones. He was going along well with the treatment and passing stones when a near tragedy occurred. He was jerking off and shot the dog

Be safe everyone and have a great opener.

Thanks Bill.

Dave glad to hear you're OK..good luck on the hunt and send us some ducks and geese PLEASE !!

We've been sending them like crazy, are you sure they didn't maybe take a wrong turn??

[quote=tzone]WB,

that sheenery is wicked awesome. Can't wait to try it out.quote]

I'd say a trip to LOW this Winter is in order then. MAybe a nice mild trip to the Igloo after dark. he he

Don't think so our refuges were loaded with trash ducks a few weeks ago and the Blue Wings have all bugged out but no Mallards yet in any huntable numbers.Son called the other night and said he saw about 2K Snows/Blues go over but that's it so far.keep me updated as my group has wayyyyy too many steel shells piling up!!

Getting things packed up. Kenna said her & Uncle Dusty are about ready to head up there. CBF is on his way and he is going to check if my box of shells are up there, don't want to buy more if I don't need to.

Again good luck to all the hunters this season!!

Oh for cripe sakes.

They are on the little table between the orange chair and the gun cabinet.

So txt him and tell him to look there for them...

lol!!

Just a little something to get you guys all fired up for opener.

My friend on the right shot that one opening morning(either last year or the year before) in her stand. The guy on the left shot that one from that same stand that afternoon. They grow em big in that territory. Just goes to show what good deer managment will do.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh for cripe sakes.

They are on the little table between the orange chair and the gun cabinet.

So txt him and tell him to look there for them...

lol!!

Okie dokie than.

Glad to hear your OK dave, I will drink and be merry for your well being now. You all have fun at chickenbuck and you never know what you may find out your neck of the woods.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just a little something to get you guys all fired up for opener.

My friend on the right shot that one opening morning(either last year or the year before) in her stand. The guy on the left shot that one from that same stand that afternoon. They grow em big in that territory. Just goes to show what good deer managment will do.

[Linked Image]

Holy Crap!!!!

I've never had "buck fever" but either of those would have had the heart rate up into the 150's

thanks for the kind words on my mounts. I think my taxidermist is fantastic. my mounts just plain look real. no better compliment can be made, I believe.

good luck everyone hunting and hunt safe. pay particular attention to two things (this is the hunter safety instructor coming out in me): 1. Muzzle control and 2. Tree stand safety

Have a safe hunt everybody. Good advice above and remember, it's not what you shoot, it's about the experience. Appreciate nature. You'll gain from it beyond your dreams. Stay connected to the land. We all come from the land.

4

Originally Posted by Muffy

Just a little something to get you guys all fired up for opener.

My friend on the right shot that one opening morning(either last year or the year before) in her stand. The guy on the left shot that one from that same stand that afternoon. They grow em big in that territory. Just goes to show what good deer managment will do.

[Linked Image]

Holy Monkey Moly ! Dang what a couple horny bucks !

We are up nort here. We got gophergunner's shooting rail tied onto his stand. it is an absolutely beautiful day in the bushes.

We flushed a few grouse..of course they were easy flushes for the most part since we didn't have the guns with us. Jeff saw a deer while he was waiting for me to show up, so that is a good sign. He also had a rub 1 yard from the base of his stand...yes, 1 yard. I predict an 8:45am shot from his neck of the woods.

Good luck guys.

ps,

WB, I'll work on Ma for coming up. She will like the Igloo trip, so that will keep her interested.

Good luck chicken buckers. Im in my bow stand keeping tabs on tge thread here in beautiful west central sconnie land. No dead bucks yet but i did grim reaper a big ol stud yote this morning

good luck all you buckers out there. I will be "sleeping in" meaning waking up at first light, and staying indoors doing home improvement stuff with bubba. I have another week to wait for my rifle season. for now I want to work on my new bow to get it up and running, I got the replacement rest today at cabelas. we'll see what we can do with it.

I wish a safe and successful hunt to you guys this weekend.
Dave,leave no stone unturned.Yuk yuk yuk.
I bought a really nice Marlin 981TS today from a guy at the shop.It's a stainless bolt action .22 with a synthetic stock.Gorgeous rifle.

Stan in SC

Good luck everyone!!!

Good luck guys, my season starts thew 28th.

I'm guessin someone is up at camp, maybe stoking the fire and starting coffee. oh how I wish I were there. I get to head off to work in a few short hours.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave,leave no stone unturned.Yuk yuk yuk.
Stan in SC

Stan that literally made me ROR. Sorry Dave 'ol buddy.

I'm sitting here at 5:30 a.m. chompin at the bit to get out to my blind with the bow. I finally seen buck activity last night. Strange thing is they were chasing each other while the does and fawns just browsed and went about their business. It was really kinda goofy because the big buck tailed the somewhat smaller one just like he was a doe in heat. I'm guessin its a pre-rut thing and he is trying to run him off so he can come back and have the ladies to himself. Hope they decide to take a break by my blind this morning!

Good luck everyone!!

20 minutes of legal hunting time so far an NO pictures of big brown freezer pleasers? What's going on up there?

Well, I think I'll wander out into the timber and look for a few squirrels.

cool and breezy here, I have to drop off the tractor/mower at the shop and on my way back I'll pick up some lumber and sheetrock, shoot the bow some more (its shooting awesome) and hit the basement.

still no word from chickenbuck

I'm back in from the blind. Had one doe come by at sun rise. That was it. Heard a few shotguns going off in the area.

I text Dave and asked if he had shot one yet and he replied "no".

I hope one of the c-buckers can put 'ol forky toes on the ground. I want to see what kind of a buck makes a track like that!

got back from work and the lumber yard, now the real work begins

I'd rather be hunting!

Originally Posted by tzone

ps,

WB, I'll work on Ma for coming up. She will like the Igloo trip, so that will keep her interested.

Sounds good T. It's always good to have a DD on the way back from a cross-lake trip to the Igloo!

No brown down here yet. Bunch of does & fawns that I passed on. Just gettin ready to head out for the evening.

LET THERE BE BLOOD!!!

This bear is gettin hongry.

I had a blast last year doing the igloo run with WB, ND, RWS and a bunch of other folks, def a great time for all!
still anxious to hear from the chickenbuck crew. they are probably too busy skinning and hangin critters to post, least I hope they are

Just here sitting in deer stand w my daughter hoping to get her first deer. Very windy here north of chicken buck! Been real quiet as far as shooting. 1 buck this morning for our party. Hunt on n b safe!

Warm, 55* and windy here today. If it's that warm up by Tom and Dave not much will be moving.

Went to a gun show in Wausau this AM. Saw a nice old Savage 99 in a 22 High Power. There was a nice #1 in 250-3000 also. Both rifles were priced pretty decent.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Just here sitting in deer stand w my daughter hoping to get her first deer. Very windy here north of chicken buck! Been real quiet as far as shooting. 1 buck this morning for our party. Hunt on n b safe!

Congrats to the lucky hunter!

got half the basement sheet rocked and kendras cabinets and countertop in the laundry room installed. tomorrow I fill in the screw holes, sand and paint the walls. I need to go hunting this indoor work isn't for me.

Got one 7pt on the ground today. my BIL knocked it down. It is a heckova big deer. Normal 2.5yo rack. The deer is almost 6' long.

I saw a monster bull moose today. I have pics I'll put up when I get home. Very tired.

Sounds like a good day T. and good luck to all you chikenbuckers. Hay Grizzly bill did your camp have a lot of damage from that storm last Jully? I hear ares did but I havent been up to see it yet.

Here's what he looks like alive.I was pretty sure it was the same buck when I helped Andy today. Now, that I've checked, I'm 100% sure.

[img:left]http:// [Linked Image]

[/img]

Dead pictures to follow at a later date.

LOL I like the dead pictures comment

is that morbid?

I scored on a little forkhorn right at dusk.barely had time to take a few pics and field dress before it was dark.

[Linked Image]

G'mornin fellers. Just checking in from the deer stand. Another warm and very windy morning here. Wind chime is still empty at chickenbuck. I had deer come in about 5 minutes too late last night. Could make out a body but there was no shot. The deer hung around keeping me in my stand until long after shooting hours. Starting to rain now, I sure love my new weather tight stand.

Later.

least you saw one, anyone else seein any? any shots at all?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

G'mornin fellers. Just checking in from the deer stand. Another warm and very windy morning here. Wind chime is still empty at chickenbuck. I had deer come in about 5 minutes too late last night. Could make out a body but there was no shot. The deer hung around keeping me in my stand until long after shooting hours. Starting to rain now, I sure love my new weather tight stand.

Later.

Dang I hate when that happens. A couple years ago I was sitting in my stand under a full moon it was at least 45 min before shooting light. In a few minutes a huge buck sneaked out
of the timber behind my feeder he walked out to a scent post I had placed in the field. I could see his rack clearly in the moon light I wanted to smoke em bad but just couldnt bring myself to do it. I slept in this AM tierd of fighting this stinking wind. Good luck to all!

Oh yeah almost forgot I made some summer sausage last night it sucks bad really bad. Pass the crackers Maw!

Congrats to your BIL, Tom.

Originally Posted by bigbrie

Sounds like a good day T. and good luck to all you chikenbuckers. Hay Grizzly bill did your camp have a lot of damage from that storm last Jully? I hear ares did but I havent been up to see it yet.

Bigbrie, we lucked out, no damage to our camp and we only had one tree in our road to cut and move. Lots of downed trees in the area though.

My late brothers place, which is 25 miles SW of us had some minor damage.

Good job Joel. Should be some good eating.

Dave, one of the local weather gurus says we may see 60* here with very high winds today.

Suppossed to be a big weather change starting Tuesday. Much colder with a Rain/snow mix.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I scored on a little forkhorn right at dusk.barely had time to take a few pics and field dress before it was dark.If I could get the pic uploaded>:-( Id put it up.

Sounds like you healed in time after all. Two weeks ago, I was wondering if you would be still standing...

Congratulations.

Brent

Report from our camp is one doe taken by wifes youngest. He only had day and half to hunt so meat was the goal. Wife had a fawn wander around infront of her stand opening morning. Windy as heck here and now some rain.

Tzone, tell Andy well done from me.

Tagged out last at the Drift camp, little drift and mini drift both scored does, dad got a weird racked fork something or other, and now sister #2 has decided she is gonna go out and fill a tag while we are driving for the rest of our friends.

Wind is blowing 100mph up here, not even safe to sit in a tree stand because it feels like the trees will fold over flat at any time.

Same here, nasty bad out. Damn wind will keep them bedded down.

Misty precip is turning sleet/snowish though, so we,ve got that going for us anyways. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Misty precip is turning sleet/snowish though, so we,ve got that going for us anyways. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Woooooo Hoooooooooo!!!! SNOW!!!!!
Are we excited yet???

6 hunters and only 2 deer seen for the weekend at Bonehead Lodge near Floodwood. My buddy did manage to take the bigger of the 2 does. That darn wind sucked, kept wondering which tree was going to fall first. Headed to Camp 83 in Bigfork tomorrow as soon as the kids are on the bus.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wind is blowing 100mph up here, not even safe to sit in a tree stand because it feels like the trees will fold over flat at any time.

Yep,

We bailed early too. It was not safe to be out. Trees were falling around me today. I watched one and heard another and that was all I needed to hear.

Wow. I dont even know where to start. An unbelievable day on Saturnday and I never fired a shot. I will start out like this....from 11:00 to 11:30 I didnt have any deer in sight. From 6:20pm to 6:30 pm I didnt either. The entire rest of the day, I had deer in view from my stand at less than 50 yards! I climbed up in the dark and stayed all day until dark. The whole day, I had deer bedded or loitering around me. I passed on one really big 6 pointer (I figured 15 inch inside spread) pretty much all day. He was bedded within 30 yards for hours. he crossed my shooting lanes 34 times (ayep, I counted!).

At one point, I had the big 6 at 20 yards in my NE shooting lane...at the same time a small 6 was at 40 yards....at the same time another small 6 was at 60 yards....at the same time 2 does were outside the lane but inside 40 yards...and to top it all off, all the deer and I were watching a fischer at 20 yards! I couldnt tell you how many little bucks I passed on....5? 10? 20? Depends on how many I saw twice.

I passed on a dang nice 9 pointer early. He was about 15 inches inside and had about 7 inch tines. Didnt have good mass, so I passed. he was 2.5 years old. Boy, that was really hard to do, but I am okay with it. I know he was mine if'n I would have wanted as he was in the crosshairs, safety off, broadside at 40 yards in my shooting lane. he should be something really nice next year!

The big 6 (I named him Mr. Buford) kept falling asleep and jerking awake...it was hilarious to watch. At one point, he was curled up like a dog and his head flipped all the way over and WHUMP his rack hit the ground on the other side! I laughed out loud literally. The doe he was guarding (Mrs Buford) was not so impressed. She gave him a look that said, "And you want to breed with me?". He kept running off those little bucks, man was it cool to watch. I watched 8 rubs get made.

Today, not too much activity. Watched a buck fawn get scared by a grouse in the morning and my brother shot a doe from my stand in the evening. Brought one of the twin boys out with me and for a 3.5 yr old boy, he did GREAT. I did sit in Dad's new enclosed stand so he didnt get cold. We saw about 15 does, but all too far away.

I certainly can appreciate how lucky I am to have a stand like that. for those that dont get deer, remember, it is the experience and watching nature. You can have a great hunt without shooting a deer! as I think back on it, there were two highlights that really stuck out. #1 watching Mr. Buford whack his own head on the ground and #2 seeing that fischer.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Good job Joel. Should be some good eating.

Dave, one of the local weather gurus says we may see 60* here with very high winds today.

Suppossed to be a big weather change starting Tuesday. Much colder with a Rain/snow mix.

Thanks,Bill.I just wish I would have gotten a chance to try out the 450,but at least I will have plenty of time to get the right load worked up.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by fluffy

I scored on a little forkhorn right at dusk.barely had time to take a few pics and field dress before it was dark.If I could get the pic uploaded>:-( Id put it up.

Sounds like you healed in time after all. Two weeks ago, I was wondering if you would be still standing...

Congratulations.

Brent

I made a trip to the doc early last week,or it would have been close.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wow. I dont even know where to start. An unbelievable day on Saturnday and I never fired a shot. I will start out like this....from 11:00 to 11:30 I didnt have any deer in sight. From 6:20pm to 6:30 pm I didnt either. The entire rest of the day, I had deer in view from my stand at less than 50 yards! I climbed up in the dark and stayed all day until dark. The whole day, I had deer bedded or loitering around me. I passed on one really big 6 pointer (I figured 15 inch inside spread) pretty much all day. He was bedded within 30 yards for hours. he crossed my shooting lanes 34 times (ayep, I counted!).

At one point, I had the big 6 at 20 yards in my NE shooting lane...at the same time a small 6 was at 40 yards....at the same time another small 6 was at 60 yards....at the same time 2 does were outside the lane but inside 40 yards...and to top it all off, all the deer and I were watching a fischer at 20 yards! I couldnt tell you how many little bucks I passed on....5? 10? 20? Depends on how many I saw twice.

I passed on a dang nice 9 pointer early. He was about 15 inches inside and had about 7 inch tines. Didnt have good mass, so I passed. he was 2.5 years old. Boy, that was really hard to do, but I am okay with it. I know he was mine if'n I would have wanted as he was in the crosshairs, safety off, broadside at 40 yards in my shooting lane. he should be something really nice next year!

The big 6 (I named him Mr. Buford) kept falling asleep and jerking awake...it was hilarious to watch. At one point, he was curled up like a dog and his head flipped all the way over and WHUMP his rack hit the ground on the other side! I laughed out loud literally. The doe he was guarding (Mrs Buford) was not so impressed. She gave him a look that said, "And you want to breed with me?". He kept running off those little bucks, man was it cool to watch. I watched 8 rubs get made.

Today, not too much activity. Watched a buck fawn get scared by a grouse in the morning and my brother shot a doe from my stand in the evening. Brought one of the twin boys out with me and for a 3.5 yr old boy, he did GREAT. I did sit in Dad's new enclosed stand so he didnt get cold. We saw about 15 does, but all too far away.

I certainly can appreciate how lucky I am to have a stand like that. for those that dont get deer, remember, it is the experience and watching nature. You can have a great hunt without shooting a deer! as I think back on it, there were two highlights that really stuck out. #1 watching Mr. Buford whack his own head on the ground and #2 seeing that fischer.

geez,what part of the state do you hunt in? certainly not the same as me.
I saw ONE deer.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wow. I dont even know where to start. An unbelievable day on Saturnday and I never fired a shot. I will start out like this....from 11:00 to 11:30 I didnt have any deer in sight. From 6:20pm to 6:30 pm I didnt either. The entire rest of the day, I had deer in view from my stand at less than 50 yards! I climbed up in the dark and stayed all day until dark. The whole day, I had deer bedded or loitering around me. I passed on one really big 6 pointer (I figured 15 inch inside spread) pretty much all day. He was bedded within 30 yards for hours. he crossed my shooting lanes 34 times (ayep, I counted!).

At one point, I had the big 6 at 20 yards in my NE shooting lane...at the same time a small 6 was at 40 yards....at the same time another small 6 was at 60 yards....at the same time 2 does were outside the lane but inside 40 yards...and to top it all off, all the deer and I were watching a fischer at 20 yards! I couldnt tell you how many little bucks I passed on....5? 10? 20? Depends on how many I saw twice.

I passed on a dang nice 9 pointer early. He was about 15 inches inside and had about 7 inch tines. Didnt have good mass, so I passed. he was 2.5 years old. Boy, that was really hard to do, but I am okay with it. I know he was mine if'n I would have wanted as he was in the crosshairs, safety off, broadside at 40 yards in my shooting lane. he should be something really nice next year!

The big 6 (I named him Mr. Buford) kept falling asleep and jerking awake...it was hilarious to watch. At one point, he was curled up like a dog and his head flipped all the way over and WHUMP his rack hit the ground on the other side! I laughed out loud literally. The doe he was guarding (Mrs Buford) was not so impressed. She gave him a look that said, "And you want to breed with me?". He kept running off those little bucks, man was it cool to watch. I watched 8 rubs get made.

Today, not too much activity. Watched a buck fawn get scared by a grouse in the morning and my brother shot a doe from my stand in the evening. Brought one of the twin boys out with me and for a 3.5 yr old boy, he did GREAT. I did sit in Dad's new enclosed stand so he didnt get cold. We saw about 15 does, but all too far away.

I certainly can appreciate how lucky I am to have a stand like that. for those that dont get deer, remember, it is the experience and watching nature. You can have a great hunt without shooting a deer! as I think back on it, there were two highlights that really stuck out. #1 watching Mr. Buford whack his own head on the ground and #2 seeing that fischer.

Have room for one more?

A trace of snow this morning with more falling. Still way too windy but I'm headed out anyways.

Freezer pleasers and fuzzy brown wind chimes to you.

[Linked Image]

4

Haha them 2on the right are gonna be some good eatin did uou club tgem when they stopped to nurse? ( im kidding i flip fawns every year for camp meat)

The two on the right add up to 131 lbs. The spiker on the left is 132 lbs. We split the meat down the middle. Two fawns left with my Uncle and Cousin.

4

Ha! Congrats guys!

Hey, is the damn wind ever going to calm some? We're noticing more westerly winds this morning so at least the trees will fall in a different direction today.

With the west wind maybe our weather will return to normal now. The sun is up now, wind blowin like a mofo and a few tiny flakes of snow now and then.

Two fatalities this years guys from tree stands. Be careful out there. One north of us guys stand just collapsed and one over near Viginia guys clothes started on fire from lighting his heater and he fell out.

Some happy hunters. Congrats.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ha! Congrats guys!

Hey, is the damn wind ever going to calm some? We're noticing more westerly winds this morning so at least the trees will fall in a different direction today.

With the west wind maybe our weather will return to normal now. The sun is up now, wind blowin like a mofo and a few tiny flakes of snow now and then.

Another windy day here Dave with a high of 50*. Big changes come Tuesday for us. Rain and colder. Just heard 1" to 3" of snow for the area Wednesday morning. Unfortunately it won't last long because it's back up to 50* by the weekend.

The wind is supposed to die down and move to north'ish. Mucho better for most of the stands I have set up right now.

Learning lots about these woods. Figuring out stand locations just from being out in the woods. One of the biggest deals is seeing how the wind affects each area. I still haven't found any real bedding areas, but there is still hundreds of acres I've yet to explore. Hell, I might even see a deer soon.

4ster,
Look at the difference in oranges on the clothes of you three....what a variation! Some yellowish, some pinkish, some reddish.

Cutting up deer this afternoon. Then, mebbe a little sit with the other little boy to see if we can scrounge up a stinky ol rutty buck.

The day here is clear blue skies, but some wind. not as bad as the weekend, but still some wind.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Wow. I dont even know where to start. An unbelievable day on Saturnday and I never fired a shot. I will start out like this....from 11:00 to 11:30 I didnt have any deer in sight. From 6:20pm to 6:30 pm I didnt either. The entire rest of the day, I had deer in view from my stand at less than 50 yards! I climbed up in the dark and stayed all day until dark. The whole day, I had deer bedded or loitering around me. I passed on one really big 6 pointer (I figured 15 inch inside spread) pretty much all day. He was bedded within 30 yards for hours. he crossed my shooting lanes 34 times (ayep, I counted!).

At one point, I had the big 6 at 20 yards in my NE shooting lane...at the same time a small 6 was at 40 yards....at the same time another small 6 was at 60 yards....at the same time 2 does were outside the lane but inside 40 yards...and to top it all off, all the deer and I were watching a fischer at 20 yards! I couldnt tell you how many little bucks I passed on....5? 10? 20? Depends on how many I saw twice.

I passed on a dang nice 9 pointer early. He was about 15 inches inside and had about 7 inch tines. Didnt have good mass, so I passed. he was 2.5 years old. Boy, that was really hard to do, but I am okay with it. I know he was mine if'n I would have wanted as he was in the crosshairs, safety off, broadside at 40 yards in my shooting lane. he should be something really nice next year!

The big 6 (I named him Mr. Buford) kept falling asleep and jerking awake...it was hilarious to watch. At one point, he was curled up like a dog and his head flipped all the way over and WHUMP his rack hit the ground on the other side! I laughed out loud literally. The doe he was guarding (Mrs Buford) was not so impressed. She gave him a look that said, "And you want to breed with me?". He kept running off those little bucks, man was it cool to watch. I watched 8 rubs get made.

Today, not too much activity. Watched a buck fawn get scared by a grouse in the morning and my brother shot a doe from my stand in the evening. Brought one of the twin boys out with me and for a 3.5 yr old boy, he did GREAT. I did sit in Dad's new enclosed stand so he didnt get cold. We saw about 15 does, but all too far away.

I certainly can appreciate how lucky I am to have a stand like that. for those that dont get deer, remember, it is the experience and watching nature. You can have a great hunt without shooting a deer! as I think back on it, there were two highlights that really stuck out. #1 watching Mr. Buford whack his own head on the ground and #2 seeing that fischer.

That sounds like a great day!

Congrats 4 S ter!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey wait just a cotton pickin minute!

I know what Dave is up to! He's gone and figured out a way to have a back up weapon in the stand without having to carry another heavy rifle across the swamp!

Why that sneaky bugger is smugglin a rock shootin, pump action weiner wifle!

Wow !!! Here I am trying to read over a months worth of chicken buck posts . Trying to get to the end and say hi .
This one ...... Too funny . Rooster .... I'm still rolling , my stomach muscles hurt.

Dave , I hope this all passes as painlessly as can be and you all have a great season.
Now back a bunch of pages to see where I left off ..

A question .
Would a deer ( or any other critter like a coyote ) pee on a rub on a tree ?
Saw this last week , the leaves had been off the maple trees for a couple of weeks , this lil tree ( 5" or so diameter ) had a rub that didn't look "that day " fresh , no fresh shreddings on the ground. But a fair sized wet spot on part of it.

Any guesses ???

Mt lion

Maybe its leaking?
We should call the Amber lamps....

So probably sap still draining down and the rub was freshened up in the 2-3 hours after I walked by it on my way out ?

Originally Posted by M1894

So probably sap still draining down and the rub was freshened up in the 2-3 hours after I walked by it on my way out ?

I'm guessin its sap

Did it smell?

I really didn't pay much attention to the rub on the way out so I'm not sure what it looked like then. My goal that day was to hike out the several miles and visit the place where my Dads , and his friends ashes are. They started coming to this area around 1947 . They both asked to have their ashes put on this lil hill . ( in the adirondacks they call this a mtn lol ) I obliged and his friends son obliged .
Was not about hunting that day ,it was about taking time to visit , say hi , some prayers , and thanks for giving me the oportunity to be able to also enjoy that area.

[Linked Image]

A huge THANK YOU to T-Zone for having me up to hunt with him and his BIL. Man, that wind was tough. I rode that stinkin' tree stand around the whole first day, but unfortunately the wind was blowing into one of the areas I was trying to watch. 'Never saw a deer on Saturday. Boy, the northwoods hunting is a whole different critter from what I've been used to for the last 20 years when I hunted down by Brainerd. 'Did a little exploring Sunday evening-found a newer clear cut and spooked a deer in some heavy pines bordering the cut on my way out. No chance for a shot.

Congrats to those who filled tags. I'm hoping to get out at least for a couple day hunts yet, so my season ain't over!

Some Indiana boys got it done today, actually my bro and me so far but I'm still in a tree looking for a doe.

Pics soon

Congrats Tom. Hope it was a B&C turdy pt buck!

You guys ever still hunt up there? In stiff winds, it can be pretty productive. The wind covers a lot of movement and noise for you.

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Congrats Tom. Hope it was a B&C turdy pt buck!

No not mine it's just a dink 7 pointer but my bros is a mid 140ish 10
Free bucks that don't count against my regular instate tags so that's why I waylaid him.

Ok, here's my dink 7
[Linked Image]

And my bros 10,

[Linked Image]

I'm still in my tree waiting for a doe, we have an earn a buck program here at this place so if I check in a doe I can kill another buck.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Ok, here's my dink 7
[Linked Image]

And my bros 10,

[Linked Image]

I'm still in my tree waiting for a doe, we have an earn a buck program here at this place so if I check in a doe I can kill another buck.

If that is a dink, then I'll shoot dinks all day long!

Nice bucks!

Re-calibrtion. Here's my dink.

[Linked Image]

4

Tonight is the calmest I've seen the wind since last friday. This feels a little more like deer hunting.

Congrats Tom, nice pair of bucks.

Guess who put his outdoor Xmas lights up today?

Thanks, doesn't Dave keep his lights up all year round? Lol

Good luck, ND!

Still blowing plenty good here. It's got a little bite to it too. Starting to cool off now.

Blowing here from the west now. 37 degrees. Much better than the last couple days. Hoping to get some shootings done here shortly. Seems the timbers have really lowered the population out here. Definitely not seeing deer like normal! Good luck ya'll

Nice deer indeed tom. I need to log onto my computer at home tonight to catch up with everybody. My phone barely gets enough signal to trickle in an update now and then. I post an update and come to see a dozen posts with pictures and news when the page finally loads. I'll check it tonight at home.

Yeah, its time to go home after tonights post.

For a couple days.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice deer indeed tom. I need to log onto my computer at home tonight to catch up with everybody. My phone barely gets enough signal to trickle in an update now and then. I post an update and come to see a dozen posts with pictures and news when the page finally loads. I'll check it tonight at home.

Yeah, its time to go home after tonights post.

For a couple days.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Blowing here from the west now. 37 degrees. Much better than the last couple days. Hoping to get some shootings done here shortly. Seems the timbers have really lowered the population out here. Definitely not seeing deer like normal! Good luck ya'll

Are you guys at camp tonight BP? Me and the boy might stop in if you will be around.

Originally Posted by BrentD

You guys ever still hunt up there? In stiff winds, it can be pretty productive. The wind covers a lot of movement and noise for you.

I did a bunch of that today. I didn't so much as jump a bedder, but it was still funner than sitting in a tree.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by BrentD

You guys ever still hunt up there? In stiff winds, it can be pretty productive. The wind covers a lot of movement and noise for you.

I did a bunch of that today. I didn't so much as jump a bedder, but it was still funner than sitting in a tree.

Why's that?!

I love when the wind blows so hard the tree bends in half. Although, I kind of do that myself with I get in a tree!

Nothing new to report in the Isabella area. Wife had the fawn playing around infront of her again this afternoon. I saw the big 0 again. The winds finally went down about 3 PM. We will be back at it in the morning.

Good luck to all.

Those were a couple of nice deer tom, well done..

Originally Posted by BrentD

You guys ever still hunt up there? In stiff winds, it can be pretty productive. The wind covers a lot of movement and noise for you.

my favorite way to hunt,actually.Wont get a chance to this year,though.

hit a mule deer today with my vehicle. broke the grill dented the bumper, killed the deer. pretty bummed out, it was a nice buck.

Egg-zosted.

Need to go to work for a couple of days to rest up.

Well it was a great few days at camp despite the relentless wind.

Something was a bit off camp wise, maybe it was me I dunno.

It was a very mellow weekend, more rsting going on than anything I think

But that's ok, we had good food and we all took out to the woods with our ideas/plans for the day and we gave it our all.

I may have been the only one of our camp group to see a deer from my stand. But it was a bit after shooting time (evening) so it didn't work out.

We are looking forward to a less windy weekend next week, cooler temps would be good too, and a little snow wouldn't hurt.

Sorry about your car Ryan, that sucks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tonight is the calmest I've seen the wind since last friday. This feels a little more like deer hunting.

I rather enjoyed the 40-50mph wind gusts while 25 feet up in a Summit Viper climbing stand....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Something was a bit off camp wise, maybe it was me I dunno.

Probably because I wasn't there.

I'm still 0-fer on deer sightings. Not a tail. The wind died down about 3:30-4 o'clock just in time to hear the wolves fire up. I haven' heard that for a long time...10 years probably

I'm tired and almost headed to bed. I'm going to hit the woods tomorrow for a 1/2 day then head home to recharge and see the kids. Then on Thursday, going to be back at it, flying solo this time.

Andy went home last night. Jeff(gophrgunner) hunted a different spot and headed home this morning. I spent a lot of time pussyfooting around in the woods yesterday, since a stand was pretty pointless. I did sit in the evening for about 2 hours until trees and branches started to fall and then Andy and I called it a night and left the woods around 4.

Partner Larry connected at 12:30 on Saturday.
[Linked Image]

well boys, we cut up our freezer pleezers today and then I took out the other twin boy. First off, he doesnt have nearly the patience my other boy has. Ohmygosh, it was constant whispering. he couldnt sit still. very trying to dad's patience and I was doing fine until Mr. Big showed up...

There were 5 deer (1 little buck and 4 does) in the field when we arrived at my dad's new stand. This stand is in the middle of prairie grass and plowed field, but a travel corridor. 250 yards away, our newly planted native grasses start and of course, that is where the deer were. And boy were they there! I lost count at 25. at least 6 were bucks and 2-3 of them were big. one was really big. I do believe, it may have been the biggest I have ever seen while hunting deer. It only had 8 points, but he was really wide and really tall. At one point, he walked straight away from me with his head down and I could easily see both sides of his rack....thus he was quite a bit wider than his body. He got to within 275 yards. Why, oh why, didnt they draw the shotgun zone about 10 miles further south???? I really missed my 300 WSM. I will be sleeping with thoughts of him dancing in my head! I got to see two little buck fighting, that was cool.

I feel for you guys in the northern woods that dont get to see many deer, I feel so spoiled.

The plan tomorrow is to move the stand closer to where they were feeding. I might set my ground blind up on the other end. Man, what a buck. What a privelege to even get to see such a critter!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry about your car Ryan, that sucks.

twasn't the car...........

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I feel for you guys in the northern woods that dont get to see many deer, I feel so spoiled.

I saw so many deer in the northern woods this year it was freaking ridiculous. Especially considering the wind.

Of course, Buckzilla decided that he would tease me before legal shooting time then disappear AGAIN this year.

But, you are correct, the deer are not nearly as abundant up here as when I shotgun zoned it. Not even close.

Well, Ryan did u get a rack out of the deal. It sucks tho. We will c u later this w
eek dave. Still not much for deer around here. Beauty buck Grog!

Congrats to Larry at camp 99! That's an awesome photo Gary!

My phone line is burning up with calls this morning thanking me for the crispy 17 degree temp this morning. You are all very welcome. All I had to do is hang up my orange and head for work.

Nice buck and 99 Gary, Congrats to you're friend.

Snow moving in tonight. We're on the Eastern fringe of the storm. We're on tap to get anywhere from a trace to 2". Heaviest band (8") to hit NW WI. You can bet it will be wet and heavy.

Lucky buggers

Nice buck that Larry got!

Glad your ok Ryan. I've got 3 confirmed deer kills with a car. It's the rare person in WI that has not hit a deer a least once.

I might be heading over to white bear's hunting land to help him with his overpopulation issues after work today.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I might be heading over to white bear's hunting land to help him with his overpopulation issues after work today.

Need help?!

I whacked a couple with my car Bill. Both in WI, both very dead.

Lots of pics from this past weekend.

Andy strikes first
[Linked Image]

He made a hellova shot through the trees at about 75-80 yards around 9:25AM on the opener. The deer dropped in his tracks. Andy shoots a Rem M7 .308win/ Federal Fusion 150gr. Shot was through the leg, tearing the heart apart and exiting about 1/2 way back on the off side.
[Linked Image]

Chickenbuck was represented.

On the way out
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It was a 300yd drag to where we could get the wheeler to it. Through an old clear cut, so lots of logs and 'shin whackers' to deal with. We hung it up, grabbed a cup of coffee and a sandwhich and hit the woods again.

The afternoon sit was exciting.

[Linked Image]

At 2pm I decided to bang the horns together a bit. When I did all hell broke loose, nearly instantly. I thought the biggest buck in the world was coming. He started to work up wind of me, so I was nearly sure a monster was coming. He stopped in the thick stuff and I caught a glimpse of long tines. My heart was coming out of my chest. Then he stopped and made a rub. I could actually see the top of the pine whipping around in the brush. I rattled the horns once more and he started coming with fury....

Gun up in the shooting lane and out pops this guy.
[Linked Image]

He stood facing that way for a good 30 seconds, not moving a muscle.

He then looked at me and I could see the pine boughs hanging off his rack. I should have gone to look at the tree he ripped up.
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He looked the other way, trotted down the trail for about 100 yards and went into the swamp on the other side of the pic. I could hear him breaking brush for a long time. He wasn't shy about making noise. It sounded like.....well a moose.

Sunday morning was windy like the last few days.

Additions to the lunch plate.
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Uncle Andy stoking the fire for lunch.
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It was a fun couple of days of the 2011 MN Deer Opener. Gophergunner and I hunted on Monday without a deer being seen. Gophergunner left mid morning on Monday.

I sat this morning and it was 180* difference from the rest of the days so far. It was cool, and dead calm. I still had the same results...no deer.

Very cool Tom. Id give up seeing deer for a year to get to see a moose in da woods.

That's cool, Tzone!

Thats really cool Tom! Great pics too!

tzone

That will get the blood pumping.

Still no deer for me or the wife. Though she has the live decoy thing going every other day at her stand.

It is right near the top of the coolest things I've seen in the woods. He was the biggest moose I've seen that was in the wild.

I wish we could zoom in on the pics here, because his legs are just thick. Not long and gangly.

Originally Posted by TJAY

tzone

That will get the blood pumping.

Still no deer for me or the wife. Though she has the live decoy thing going every other day at her stand.

It did for sure. I was shaking like I just shot a big buck.

Big Swish,

Congrats to your buddy Larry on a great Iron Range buck.

Damn thats cool Tom, I had a close encounter with bullwinkle some years back at our old range camp.

You got pictures though, which is very awesome.

He stood there for a few seconds and I was all... "hey dummy, drop the rifle and grab the camera out of the pack."

I'm glad he stood around long enough for my brain to function right.

Didjaya get a freezer pleaser at WB's ranch?

Sadly, my surgical gloves remain unused.

The deers held tight tonight, big moon, clear sky...

Tell ya what tho, that white bare has a sweet setup. Very well thought out stand/lane arrangement for the lay of the land.

It was a very nice night to sit out there. I had a white weasel and a ruffed grouse under my stand, white bare reported the same sorta critters over by his stand, plus he had some deer activity closer by him. All sound, no show tho.

I'm still looking for my gunshot deer to practice my surgical skills on.

Grouse, ermine and moose!!! I love moose.

Sure wish I was up there again.

One good side to the slow action is it will keep you out there to supply us with stories and photos. Eventually though, there should be some blood red finger painting photos - I hope!

Moose are cool. I've seen cows and calfs while hunting them, but never a bull when I had a rifle in my hand. I did see bulls up in Alaska while flying in on a Caribou hunt.

TZone,

Great pixs, reminds me of the woods in Maine. About 5 yrs ago I had an encounter with a bull moose in Maine while deer hunting, looked like a box truck walking around in the woods. They may be loud but its amazing how quickly they disappear in the thick stuff considering their size.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey wait just a cotton pickin minute!

I know what Dave is up to! He's gone and figured out a way to have a back up weapon in the stand without having to carry another heavy rifle across the swamp!

Why that sneaky bugger is smugglin a rock shootin, pump action weiner wifle!

I just got done reading the kidney stone thread and feel the need to apologize after reading the testimonials in there. My God!

I had no idea that they caused that kind of misery and I hope I never find out!

So my friend Dave, I humbly apologize for making light of your situation. OUCH!

I too made fun of Dave concerning his kidney stones.I know how it feels tho,having had saliva gland stones.Sounds miniscule however it feels like someone pushing a sharp stick thru your jaw.The first one I self extricated by forcing it thru the tube membrane wall.The doctor said to NEVER do that again.
On another note I bought a really neat Ruger 96/44 at the shop today.A friend brought it in to taunt me knowing how weak I am in regard to ANY levergun,especially a Ruger.The serial number indicates 1997(second year of manufacture)as date it was made.It has an older Weaver 2.5X on it.I practically stole it.I gotta quit this.That's the second new toy in a week.
I am up early to go hunting this morning.I'll report progress in that respect (or lack of same) later today.
Snow???It is supposed to be 60 degrees and sunny here today.I'm trying to decide whether or not to put sunscreen in my day pack.
Wearing,of course,my Camp Chickenbuck hat today.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey wait just a cotton pickin minute!

I know what Dave is up to! He's gone and figured out a way to have a back up weapon in the stand without having to carry another heavy rifle across the swamp!

Why that sneaky bugger is smugglin a rock shootin, pump action weiner wifle!

I just got done reading the kidney stone thread and feel the need to apologize after reading the testimonials in there. My God!

I had no idea that they caused that kind of misery and I hope I never find out!

So my friend Dave, I humbly apologize for making light of your situation. OUCH!

Don't be silly rooster, what kind of guys would we be if we couldn't make fun of each other when we are enduring blinding pain? Lol!

Pam says I have to go in to see the gut pirates next week for a better assessment and a treatment plan.

Meanwhile I hope to harvest a few deer kidneys and save em in zip lock bags in case they figure I need new ones.

I'd love to see the look on the sawbones face when you bust out a zip-lock with a kidney in it and ask "will this help?"

Maybe I'll bring one in for a visual aid for when the doctor is trying to 'splain it all to me.

It's snooooowing! The ground is white.

Our forecast has done a 180. We were originally on the Eastern edge of the front with a trace to 2" forecasted. Now the front has shifted to the East. Revised forecast calling for 3" to 5" or 5" to 8" depending on what channel your watching.

I would follow the channel that predicts the most snow.

You can have it Bill. I'm hoping with the purchase of a new snowblower...it will skip us all together this year.

My FIL and MIL are on their way through it to come here today. That should be a fun trip.

It's a mess over here. About 3" of heavy wet snow so far. Heavy enough to snap off about a 12" birch just down the street and lots of limbs down.

We ventured out about a hour ago. There was a sale at Kohls and the wife had 30% off. Streets are very slick. Lots of accidents in the area. We saw 2 while we were out.

ND...wonder what the doc would say if you DID pull out a kidney!

haha!

I'm not sure I could surprise him... Small town.

Oh...well that's no where near as fun as if you went to a doc that didn't know you well.

well the big ol rutty stinky bucks are shutting us out. gave it a good try last nite. My right leg really fell asleep as I sat on a small stool in the canary grass...I must have looked pretty funny when I finally stood as that leg was about useless! But no confirmed sightings (there were a couple of big deer that entered the other end of the field but it was too dark to see what they were). Dad is going to move a stand and sit a spell tonite. Man, I hope he can connect. We hunt pretty darn hard and it sure would be nice for him to have some success. Plus, i just wanna close up view of that one big'un!

It is kinda funny how when I was a kid, he wanted me to be successful and offered me the best places, etc to hunt. Then we were equals for a long time. Now, I try and do what I can so that he gets the shooting. Pretty soon my kids will be old enough to hunt and the whole process starts over. I am looking forward to the day they....do my gutting and dragging for me!

We are in the homestretch now as our season ends Sunday. Saturday is the day. If I get one, it will be Saturday I believe. Although i think i will take the girl out tomorrow or Friday as she really wants to go.

supposed to be hot again this weekend. uuggh. That will shut the movement down again. I may just have a buck tag to burn up at northern dave's yet with muzzle ldr season coming up.

I'm going to be sitting it out with the stick and string again so I might just have a valid buck tag too! Man the deer numbers are down...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey wait just a cotton pickin minute!

I know what Dave is up to! He's gone and figured out a way to have a back up weapon in the stand without having to carry another heavy rifle across the swamp!

Why that sneaky bugger is smugglin a rock shootin, pump action weiner wifle!

I just got done reading the kidney stone thread and feel the need to apologize after reading the testimonials in there. My God!

I had no idea that they caused that kind of misery and I hope I never find out!

So my friend Dave, I humbly apologize for making light of your situation. OUCH!

Don't be silly rooster, what kind of guys would we be if we couldn't make fun of each other when we are enduring blinding pain? Lol!

Pam says I have to go in to see the gut pirates next week for a better assessment and a treatment plan.

Meanwhile I hope to harvest a few deer kidneys and save em in zip lock bags in case they figure I need new ones.

I dare ya to bring them deer kidneys to the doc!

I mean C'mon! I know you got the stones for it!

Oh geez! There I go again! DAMMIT! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Big Swish,

Congrats to your buddy Larry on a great Iron Range buck.

He called me today on his way home. He stayed up to more days to boil the head and hang out with grampa.

I had told him that the fellas up nort where not seeing much but When he stopped at the dear killing factory (Uncles place camp 99) ant there had only been one deer seen in 4 days, he realized just how lucky he was.

One day he will be forced out of the woods by RP (loosing his sight) so I cant hold it against him.....much

BTW ND, Passed one stone few years back. Worst pain Ive ever felt short of a boot to da nards. Sorry for ya man.

Myeahhh, it aint so bad.

There's nothing like a little pain to remind you that you aren't dead yet.

Troof.

ND, are you headed for camp tonight or tomorrow? the deer were really out last night.

Stop rubbin it in already!!

We'll be out tonight, probably me, runs with scissors and cap't bangflop.

the herds were on the loose last night, most i've seen all season. packs of 5 all over. i think they were huddling up to make a plan to stay away longer. its been very slow even out in our farm country.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Stop rubbin it in already!!

We'll be out tonight, probably me, runs with scissors and cap't bangflop.

I love the names!

Saw a nice 10 point standing along side US 54 West 25 minutes ago. Fairly certin he's score in the 130's.

I hear talk of the bucks chasing now this week... I hope so.

Tent camp Isabella reporting in.

0900 this morning a suicidal 7 point was found wondering infront of my stand. He was dispatched with a 7-08 140 TSX.

Pictures to follow as I get them uploaded.

Congrats TJAY.

I've yet to see a deer from a stand. Saw a doe on the way out earlier this week but thats it.

I'd like to shoot one tomorrow...11/11/11 would be a cool day to get a nice buck.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd like to shoot one tomorrow...11/11/11 would be a cool day to get a nice buck.

An 11 pointer of course - or an 11 x 11 even better.

tonite Lauren and I went out and saw 22 in that field. 2 of them were bucks, a little 6 that I passed up and a bigger one a long way off when it was getting dark. It wasnt big enough that I would have shot it, but it had a decent rack. Lauren had a blast! Man, does she have good eyes, too. She saw 2 does still in the canary grass at about 400 yards. I tell ya what, i was a pretty proud dad when I saw that in fact they were deer. It sure is fun sharing something like that with your kids.

So I got to thinking....would I rather share a very enjoyable evening with my kid(s) in a deer stand, see a lot of deer and nature.....or shoot a big buck? After a little contemplation, I easily determined I would rather shoot the big buck. What...ya thinkin' I am going soft on you guys or what??

Good job TJAY.

Getting to be crunch time. Need to get the BBQ and spaghetti meat cooked up today. My buddy called yesterday. He's leaving LA Saturday. and will be in WI Sunday.

BTW those missing boots showed up the other day. They were right where I saw them last.

I swear I looked in that spot several times. The sneaky bastids must have snuck back in when I was out of the house.

Its a little breezy in the woods this morning but nothing like last weekend. My trail cam picked up a nice doe in front of my stand at zero dark 30 this morning too.

Cap't Bangflop, Runs with scissors and I are giving it our best this morning.

HEY!! Dave, Have a GREAT Vets' Day and successful hunting!!!!!!!

Good luck hunting this weekend boys and Muffy! Plays with matches and I are off to watch Cries Like Baby aka Weezie in her last high school swim meet. Swim hard Weez, we are very proud of you.

Also wanted to say a big thank you to ND aka husband for serving our country, and to the past, present and future servicemen and women. For all you give up and all you do, I for one appreciate you more than you'll know.

Have a great weekend everyone.

I will echo those sentiments! Thanks Dave! Thanks others-who-served!

ND, I'm hoping a buck give it all today, in thanks for your willingness to give it all!

Good luck today!

A big salute goes out to all the vets and active duty service men and women.

Good luck to all you MN hunters this weekend.

I second Grizzly Bills post.

Thanks to all who serve and have served.

Tent camp Isabella

Things go better with Coke
[Linked Image]

.

Where he fell photo.

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Nice work TJ! Thanks everyone for the personal well wishes on veterans day, very nice of everyone. I echo those same sentiments, thanks so much those currently serving and the many that have come home and hung it up, and of course for those that gave everything.

Runs with scissors put a deer on the pole for us this afternoon! Good job boy!

What did he get?

A big thank you to all the veterans who served our country.

Congrats RWS...come on Dave, what did he get?

I'm still on the drought. Not a single deer sighted from a stand. I have seen them near the truck and at the road on my way to and from hunting, but nothing where I can shoot.

I'm giving it one more real shot tomorrow morning. Then I'm headed home to cut up my BIL's deer.

The good news is....I'll most likely have an open buck tag for forky toes in a couple weeks.

Originally Posted by Tom264

What did he get?

A deer silly.

Good Job Tjay!

Thanks Veterans for all you have done and continue to do.

What did RWS get?

Dave, do you have snow up there??

I wanted to be the first to wish northern dave good luck this morning hunting.

I don't think Daves going to make it hunting this morning. I tink he's celebrating res deer slaying! Good to see u tonight dave and crew. Hopefully make it there for crapolades tomorrow!

Congrats RWS!

TJAY, nice buck and a great camp.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I don't think Daves going to make it hunting this morning. I tink he's celebrating res deer slaying! Good to see u tonight dave and crew. Hopefully make it there for crapolades tomorrow!

Sitting on a stump out in da woods right now. Made it out hunt'n just fine this mornin

Not very nice of missy to take all the card playing money at your camp last night lol!

RWS shot a bumpy headed nubber for those asking.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Where he fell photo.

[Linked Image]

Good job Tjay ! I had to re-read sone post I first thought that coke can was the method of kill ! or maybe you have NASCAR contract lol but either way cool pics.

had some luck this morning, .243 70 gr BT, facing me at the bottom of a draw about 100 yards. not the shot I wanted but a doe snuck up behind me and blew the whistle so I had to take the shot or let him go. I squeezed and down he went. took out one lung and half his heart. not the biggest I've seen by a long shot, but he'll eat well.

[Linked Image]

way to go on your deer RWS!

Nice buck Ryan!

thanks! it was him or a spike or a doe. I opted for him, in the 2 hours we were out there hunting (public land) we had 7 trucks drive out there, through the property and leave.

Very cool Tzone. It's always nice to see something. I almost saw more moose this year than deer (no pics though). Opening day I had a large bodied, small racked bull moose feed about 25 yards away from me while I sat on a rock among the quakies. Nothin' the rest of the day but five grouse.

A week later, while trying to fill a cow elk tag my BIL and I stalked into a big ol' bull and cow moose. It was fun to see them as we didn't see anything else until about 3 minutes before the end of legal shooting light. And that was nothing more than a small herd of does with a few fawns.

The next day at first light my dad and I stalked into a feeding cow moose. We watched it and slowly tried to creep past it for about five minutes. It finally spooked and while running off it jumped a doe w/ a fawn. About 10 minutes later wily coyote bust out the brush about 80 yards above my dad. An hour later, I jumped three more does among the pines and quakies.

So, I saw less than 10 does and fawns and 4 moose while having a cow elk and buck deer tag in my pocket...

Good luck today chickenbucker's.

Nice buck Ryan.

Do you have any tags left?

Nice job Ryan! I'm sitting in my stand watching a pine martin below me. Funny little guy, brown fur on this one. He sure is a busy little guy.

Nice buck ryan! Just walking out to the stand a while ago we chased a buck n two does off the field. Should have been out a bit sooner but oh well. Hoping to get my daughter some shooting tonight yet. It was good muddy took there money. I had lost enough to them guys. Hoping to drive out tonight if all works out.

Last half an hour for the evening hunt, fingers crossed for my fellow chickenbuckers.

Good job Ryan. Nice to see you score on a nice buck.

Report from Tent Camp Isabell... DIL told me to go out and shoot one for her. So I went out to a stand at 1245 and at 1.20 a big doe came running by so I shot her. Called DIL on the radio and she came a gutted and dragged it to the truck. It does not get any better than that.

don't get any better than that!

thanks all, honestly its a little small for the area I hunt but I'm proud as hell of it, I care more about the meat than the horns.

buschy, I know your lil girl will get her a nice whitetail specimen

RWS,ND if ya'll need anymore steel jaws just let me know, they will be up there in a jiffy.

good luck everyone huntin, especially the chickenbuckers! wish I were there. tomorrow we're gonna try to get kendra a doe, hopefully with video footage, we'll see. if it happens I'll post it

Nothing happened for our group last night. I was quite surprised this morning when I grabbed the card out of my trail cam on my way to my stand though. I checked the card when I got up into my stand.I had a visitor at my mineral blocks last night...

Guesses?

Bullwinkle J. Moose?

Stan in SC

Who knew that black bears liked apple flavored mineral blocks with molasses deer atractant poured on top?

Sonofabich took the whole block!

That wasn't the little brick sized either it was the big size!

Stupid bear! That was for the deer!

Yogi Bear?

your 264 will kill him too ya know

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Who knew that black bears liked apple flavored mineral blocks with molasses deer atractant poured on top?

Sonofabich took the whole block!

That wasn't the little brick sized either it was the big size!

Stupid bear! That was for the deer!

Thieves should be shot on site!

Oh wait, I can see the block now, or at least part of it. He must have rolled it some and chomped enough to figure out it aint as good as it smells.

ND havent heard anybody mention wild pigs in your neck of the woods. Do you guy's have them yet? The block story made me think I have had pigs here carry off the small blocks . Hopefully its too cold up there for them .

No pigs up here. I'm not sure why, if the exist in Russia I'm sure our temps wouldn't be a problem for the right kind of pig.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Who knew that black bears liked apple flavored mineral blocks with molasses deer atractant poured on top?

Sonofabich took the whole block!

That wasn't the little brick sized either it was the big size!

Stupid bear! That was for the deer!

I had one out in 'sconny a few years ago and it was gone the next week. We couldn't figure out who would have taken an opened mineral block....I found it about 30 yards from my blind and about 50 yards in the oposited direction that it was supposed to be. Had to be bears. It was partially chewed or clawed up.

Back in the day, a Minnesota hunter could hang his deer tag on a beer if he so chose.

Is this still true?

Brent

Nope, you gotta get bear tag and the seasons do not overlap.

Used to be able to shoot wolves all deer season also.

too bad you can't anymore

Originally Posted by BrentD

Back in the day, a Minnesota hunter could hang his deer tag on a beer if he so chose.

Is this still true?

Brent

WI used to be like that as well. Not anymore. Seperate tags.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No pigs up here. I'm not sure why, if the exist in Russia I'm sure our temps wouldn't be a problem for the right kind of pig.

They have ferral hogs over in the SW cornor of WI. Haven't heard much about them lately. The DNR has a shoot on site, no limit order out on them.

Thats the way it is here to shoot on sight or at least you had better.

Hey wheres the fuzzy wind chime pics?

The count down has started; tick, tick....tick.

6 days to the WI opener. 3 days and we leave for camp. My clothes are all packed.

SIL wom a TC Pro Hunter FX .50 Cal in a raffle. The FX has a non replaceable barrle.

just got my new custom 700 in 7wsm sighted in, first group after sight in was .418" with factory ammo bwahaha. 24" pac nor barrel, vias break, lone wolf stock. weighs all of 6lb 15 oz... with scope and kicks less than my 7-08 hehe.

I like em .284s!

im turning into such a skeezer for the 284's ALthough i LOVE my dirty 30's this makes a hell of a companion to my 700 sendero 300 RUM :-D

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The count down has started; tick, tick....tick.

6 days to the WI opener. 3 days and we leave for camp. My clothes are all packed.

SIL wom a TC Pro Hunter FX .50 Cal in a raffle. The FX has a non replaceable barrle.

Those are nice...and not cheap. Though, I'm not sure why you'd want that style if you can't change out the barrel. There are better, lighter options IMO, if you're not going to swap barrels.

Originally Posted by mule1

I like em .284s!

Me too.

I fired 3 shots this season & ended up with 4 venisons. I have been accused of being frugal before but I think this is getting a little out of hand.....

Originally Posted by mule1

I like em .243s!

fixed it for ya

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I fired 3 shots this season & ended up with 4 venisons. I have been accused of being frugal before but I think this is getting a little out of hand.....

Fancy dang trick shooter.

Well another firearm deer season in Minnesota is in the books for me. It was a great season, yet I am eating tag soup. this last weekend was pretty anticlimatic....save for one brief period when i had Mr. Buford, the big 6 pointer, come chasing in a doe and i mistook him for a big'un. The heartrate accelerated a mite, but in the end, nothng.

I did see a snowy owl, which is certainly a highlight of this year's hunt. also, the pheasant population is much better than anticipated. I got the kids out, which was fun. All in all, a very enjoyable year.

On the bad side, my wife's gramma died last night. She was known as "The Fun Gramma". She once took the kids to Valley Fair...and stayed until midnight...with a 2 hour drive to get back home. Now that is a fun Gramma, eh? It was a blessing as she had dementia and didnt recognize anyone.

So Chickenbuckers, how are you enjoying the 2011 version of Deer Huntin' in the northwoods? Any good stories that need airing?

Hey Bill....are you sure you packed your knife? You better go through and repack everything again!

We're saving the best for last. The weather man says winter will be here by the weeks end.

So we're going to get out and do some of that old fashioned cold and snowy MN deer hunting during this "second week of deer camp"

I may take thurdsay and Friday off, get a jump on it and hit the woods harder than I have up to this point for 2011.

The deer haven't exactly been coming to me this year so I guess I have to put some miles on the boots and bring me to them.

Another fun weekend at camp. It was different though without the whole crew there.

BushPilot I feel real bad about taking your buddies money playing cards.

Trying to decide when to go back up. Thinking maybe Thursday afternoon. Will be interesting to see if there are any pictures on my camera in the cedars at the ground blind.

Hey Muffy, speaking of cameras, I still have 2 out. 1 of them had 252 pictures on it, but i didnt pull the card. For all I know, it might be 252 pictures of the sunrise. The other one....well....there is a lesson to be learned with the other one, and that is.....it is always best to turn them on!

I did that this year too, put it up in the perfect spot, and forgot to turn the dang thing on!

Condolances BM.

Hey Muffy, I am glad you took their money cuz they got all mine too! Was planning coming out Saturday night when we got bombarded by company all night. always this weekend again. Glad you all could stop by. I did see quite a few deer this weekend but had the daughter out and almost got a shot off yesterday when the barrel was going out the window adn we got spotted. Bummed me out. so we'll try again this weekned.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey Muffy, speaking of cameras, I still have 2 out. 1 of them had 252 pictures on it, but i didnt pull the card. For all I know, it might be 252 pictures of the sunrise. The other one....well....there is a lesson to be learned with the other one, and that is.....it is always best to turn them on!

Dang now you got me thinkin',I'm sure I turned it on.

Venison sausage, eggs, cheese, Texas Pete hot sauce = GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!!!!

Getting ready for opening day in NY on Saturday!!! These posts are getting me excited!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We're saving the best for last. The weather man says winter will be here by the weeks end.

I'm hoping to see some snow up there for the black powder. It was too dang hot in this direction this year so far.

I'm taking mini-man with me on Sunday so I don't think we'll have a bunch of deer sightings, but if we do I'm going to try to ventilate one.

Quote

The deer haven't exactly been coming to me this year so I guess I have to put some miles on the boots and bring me to them.

I've never been able to walk one up. Maybe that will change in couple weeks.

I walked up on one years ago. Wind was in my face and a light rain was falling. Turns out the deer was a late fawn and couldn't have weighed 40 pounds. I was so close I could have extended my rifle a touched it on the butt. Wind must have shifted a bit and it caught my scent. It snapped it's head around and saw me. Boy did it come unglued.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by mule1

I like em .243s!

fixed it for ya

At least you didnt fix it to .277 (gag barf)! I will prolly hunt with my Md 7 .243 this weekend some. The 7mm mag just seems like a bit of over kill since most of my shots will be under 150 yards .

Originally Posted by Muffy

Another fun weekend at camp. It was different though without the whole crew there.

BushPilot I feel real bad about taking your buddies money playing cards.

Trying to decide when to go back up. Thinking maybe Thursday afternoon. Will be interesting to see if there are any pictures on my camera in the cedars at the ground blind.

Muffy aka Muddy aka Anni Duke! I thought your avatar looked a lot like the pro poker player! HA

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I walked up on one years ago. Wind was in my face and a light rain was falling. Turns out the deer was a late fawn and couldn't have weighed 40 pounds. I was so close I could have extended my rifle a touched it on the butt. Wind must have shifted a bit and it caught my scent. It snapped it's head around and saw me. Boy did it come unglued.

Should have reached for your butt-out tool.

I just got done putting in 6 hours in the blind today hoping a big 'ol rutty buck would be cruisin the river bottoms. It was a combination of rain, sleet and snow for the early part of the sit. Then it cleared up and became nice for the latter part of the afternoon.

I seen a total of two crows and a bald eagle for the day. Man, where are the deer at??

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just got done putting in 6 hours in the blind today hoping a big 'ol rutty buck would be cruisin the river bottoms. It was a combination of rain, sleet and snow for the early part of the sit. Then it cleared up and became nice for the latter part of the afternoon.

I seen a total of two crows and a bald eagle for the day. Man, where are the deer at??

Dangit man! sorry about your day maybe its time for some

FOOTBALL!

I got another one.....

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just got done putting in 6 hours in the blind today hoping a big 'ol rutty buck would be cruisin the river bottoms. It was a combination of rain, sleet and snow for the early part of the sit. Then it cleared up and became nice for the latter part of the afternoon.

I seen a total of two crows and a bald eagle for the day. Man, where are the deer at??

Dangit man! sorry about your day maybe its time for some

FOOTBALL!

You know it! Came home and stuck my hunting clothes in the tote, switched into a pair of shorts and my Percy Harvin jersey, cracked a beer and now waitin for the game to start!

Making a certain team 8-1 would almost make up for a not so hot day of hunting!

Originally Posted by Tom264

I got another one.....

Darn rubber inner!

I went to the gun club today and shot the new-to-me Ruger .44 lever action.It has an older Weaver K2.5 which is perfect for a .44 magnum.Only took seven or eight shots to get it zeroed.I got a feeling it is going to be one heck of a pig gun.

Stan in SC

If there's one things the vikings CAN pull off once a year, it's a W against the pack.

Someone in southern Missouri killed himself a "tirdy-point buck", according to a post on another site. It was windy as heck, and warm, near 60, when he did it, too. The deer was so big, the local game warden wanted his picture taken with it. The warden is the cousin of the guy who posted the pic, to attest to it's honesty.
http://www.missouriwhitetails.com/forums/viewthread.php?tid=161533

See? You don't need snow and cold weather to kill some deers......

Attached picture buk.jpg

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I went to the gun club today and shot the new-to-me Ruger .44 lever action.It has an older Weaver K2.5 which is perfect for a .44 magnum.Only took seven or eight shots to get it zeroed.I got a feeling it is going to be one heck of a pig gun.

Stan in SC

Oh yeah 44 in da ribs = bbq tonight ! I once had a Browning lever action .44 mag (md 92 i thinks ) wish I had it back like the Ruger 77 7x57 I sold yeah I know stupid stupid stupid !

I always wanted a Ruger 44 auto .

Hey Stan you ever seen a Ruger red hawk in .357 ?

Nice buck.

Quote

See? You don't need snow and cold weather to kill some deers......

You need cold and snowy weather to kill them when they're built for it. If it gets much above 40* they ain't moving much up here.

If it gets below 40* you southern boys ain't movin much down there.

We winterized the 51 ford tonight by making sure the flathead was good on antifreeze for the winter.

Drained the water down and refilled with antifreeze, fired it up and parked it where it would be out of the way for the winter.

RWS got to drive his car one last time this year to park it out by the 54 chevy named Myrtle.

[Linked Image]

Cool pic Dave!

mule1,I have not seen a Redhawk in .357.I have a Super Redhawk in .44 magnum.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

mule1,I have not seen a Redhawk in .357.I have a Super Redhawk in .44 magnum.

Stan in SC

I bought one in 1983 or 4 I was told they only made them for about six months its a 5.5 I also have a .44 in 5.5 I'm usally told they never made a Redhawk in .357 I just grin !

Originally Posted by SamOlson

Cool pic Dave!

Pam saw us goofin in the yard tonight and I guess she figured it was a photo op.

She artsy smart dat way.

Originally Posted by Tom264

I got another one.....

See?
Told ya.

[Linked Image]

Hole eeee!

You wernt lying!

Congrats Tom!!

Tom, do you have the .358 WSSM?

Yes

Thanks Dave

Originally Posted by Tom264

Yes

PM Incoming

Originally Posted by Tom264

I got another one.....

See?
Told ya.

[Linked Image]

Nice!

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by Tom264

Yes

PM Incoming

Replied, going back out today to see if I can smoke a doe or two.

Nice buck Tom. Congrats.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If there's one things the vikings CAN pull off once a year, it's a W against the pack.

Wrong!

Not even a close game.

Well....

yeah I don't know wtf to say there.

If MN would dig in and develop their own qb, we could have a team some day.

But for decades they have been trying to "get rich quick" buy acquiring these old used up veteran qb's and driving the wheels off of them trying to get to the playoffs.

Ponder should have been starting from the beginning of the season and the money they wasted on mcnabb could have been spent strengthening our offense. Or on cheerleaders, or guns and fireworks, or booze or fast cars or just about anything but another has been veteran qb.

They have to hang on to Ponder, develop him and make him THE vikings brand qb.

He's young enough, fast enough, tough enough.

I hope they keep starting him and turn him into what the vikings have been missing for decades now.

The only fun part about last night's game was watching Allen get to Rodgers over and over again.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They have to hang on to Ponder, develop him and make him THE vikings brand qb.

I think that is what they said about TJack too...

{quote]The only fun part about last night's game was watching Allen get to Rodgers over and over again.[/quote]

Nice buck Tom. I like that rack a lot. Congrats

Originally Posted by northern_dave

He's young enough, fast enough, tough enough.

I hope they keep starting him and turn him into what the vikings have been missing for decades now.

The only fun part about last night's game was watching Allen get to Rodgers over and over again.

He better be tough enough with that O-line the vikes have. I figured they'd get whooped, but not that bad.

How many sacks did Allen get? I'm not gonna lie, I quit watching after the first quarter because I could see how that game was going to go.

Hey Ma!

Cool pic of the old Ford.

Dave,

Is that 51 going to be Back to the 50's worthy by June?

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Ma!

Dave,

Is that 51 going to be Back to the 50's worthy by June?

I think that would be a stretch.

It could certainly be road worthy and make the trip, but it wouldn't be show worthy.

There was a foosball game on last night?

No, there really wasn't.

She don't have to have no paint man. Just need to get it in there. You really have to come to that show man.

Thx guys, I went out this morning to fill 2 antler less tags but got flipping rained out....

I think I need to hunt WI next year. One hunting season isn't enough.... and

... I miss it.

Just got in from a morning sit. Seen two fawns at about 7:30. That was it. One thing I learned about ground blinds is that when they are cold, the zipper is LOUD. And stiff. The zipper teeth got out of line and it got stuck about half way up so I had to bend way over and squeeze through that hole with my bow while the sides acted like spring loaded traps trying to squeeze together. To an observing deer, it must have looked like winnie the pooh stuck in the damn honey tree!

Then when I was done in that spot I was going to go to my ladder stand in a different woods but as I came out of the river bottom I seen my uncle heading out there to cut wood today. I'm almost out of ideas and burning valuable vacation time. Time to start thinking out of the box.

Must have looked like the Jim Carrey jungle birth scene from the pet detective movie.

Allen did indeed get to Rogers. The defense is not where it needs to be either if there going to make it to the SB this year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Must have looked like the Jim Carrey jungle birth scene from the pet detective movie.

Lol, I bet

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Must have looked like the Jim Carrey jungle birth scene from the pet detective movie.

Ha Ha that too!

Rooster,

When I use the ground blinds for turkey hunting, I leave a few of the stakes out and just lift it up and sneak under. You're right on, that zipper sounds like you could hear it for miles in the early AM, especially when you're trying not to make any noise.

I've never seen a turkey with ears before.

But I suppose you know what yer doin...

Grizzly bill are you in a herd control unit? and if yes how many doe tags are you going to buy? Good luck every body lets control that herd.

Im in 59c i have 10 doe tags i feel like a market hunter........... and i like it hehe

I wish I had 10 doe tags! I only had 5

Colarado1135
You going back out goat hunting during the secon chance season?
That should be coming up soon.

there's a second chance season?

Originally Posted by bigbrie

Grizzly bill are you in a herd control unit? and if yes how many doe tags are you going to buy? Good luck every body lets control that herd.

I'm in unit 19 and it's a herd control unit. I only bought 1 extra tag. So I have 2 doe and 1 buck tags.

My buddy came up this PM and we loaded up his truck. We're pulling out around 6:45 AM tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone, I'm out of here. I'll be back on-line on the 29th.

Go get em Bill!!!

Good luck Grizzly_bill. Stack up a bunch of fuzzy windchimes wouldjaya please?

Good luck Bill! Be safe and shoot a rutty stinky cheese-filled buck!

Yeah, I am kinda sad the season is over, I had a lot of fun hunting those deers.

But now roodies.

Hey Ryan, is the job slowing down a little?

Hey Stan, any luck on those deers? I dont know how you keep all those guns in line. Dont some of them get jealous that your are dating the other ones?

define slowing down, lol. more like changing gears.
this week I'm winterizing equipment, securing our winter storage and making what little preps I can towards spring. starting next week I'll likely be tree thinning for the next few months, not looking forward to it considering it will be a lot of physical labor and my back just can't handle it.

Berettaman,nope.No luck yet.Here it is Wednesday morning and my buddies and I had planned to go today but woke up to rain.
My guns all get along well.They know I love 'em all.Each has a special place in my estimation.
The only one kinda chafing at the bit is the Mosin sporter I built a couple of years ago.It hasn't been out in the woods this year.I have taken it to the range.One of the most accurate rifles I own.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster,

When I use the ground blinds for turkey hunting, I leave a few of the stakes out and just lift it up and sneak under. You're right on, that zipper sounds like you could hear it for miles in the early AM, especially when you're trying not to make any noise.

Now why didn't I think of that??

I was seriously going to give up on the blind because of it. Thanks Tom.

Oh Stan, dont let the unrest invade your herd of guns. That stuff can spread fast. Guns can behave like a gaggle of wome.....nah, I aint gonna say it. But they can get jealous mighty easy. Best take that Mosin out for a drive if nothing else.

Ryan, it sounds like you are living the dream from here! Most of us get to do that type of stuff on the weekends if we are lucky! Good luck with the back though, that part is concerning.

So Bill is on the way to deer camp. he seems like a fun guy to pull a practical joke on....maybe someone can run up there and fill his stand up with marshmallows or something?

ND, any good jokes this year from Chickenbuck?

Myeahhh...

lemme see.....

You know those big boxes of milk duds that you get at the movies?

And when you open the box to shake out a handful of duds you sometimes get a gob of duds stuck together?

I gave it a name.

It's called......

"A dud clot"

Bahahahahahahaha! Good one Dave!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Myeahhh...

lemme see.....

You know those big boxes of milk duds that you get at the movies?

And when you open the box to shake out a handful of duds you sometimes get a gob of duds stuck together?

I gave it a name.

It's called......

"A dud clot"

Hey bud...... Um those "stuck together duds".....

I saw some deer playing a practical joke on you. They didn't think that you'd actually eat them...

Couldn't have been our deer. Our deers are are on too lean of a diet and are run too hard by the DNR for dropping clots.

Our deer poop out one dusty dry pellet every 15 to 20 days, and that's all.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster,

When I use the ground blinds for turkey hunting, I leave a few of the stakes out and just lift it up and sneak under. You're right on, that zipper sounds like you could hear it for miles in the early AM, especially when you're trying not to make any noise.

Now why didn't I think of that??

I was seriously going to give up on the blind because of it. Thanks Tom.

Not the greatest if the ground is wet, but you should be fine right now.

Colorado1135
My buddy in Rapid said unused loper tags could be used in late Nov. Lasty year it was in early Jan. but he said they moved it to last of deer season to maybe get more doing it. I looked on the website but didn't find anything. I would check with Fish and game if interested.

Things are looking up a little, well we will see at camp this weekend. I made lefsa to bring up nort this weekend and when I was diging in my storage building for the lefsa stuff I found something. MY CHICKENBUCK CAP!!!!!! I have felt lost without it.

I had a wierd dream lastnight. I got out to the ground blind in the cedars where I have my trail camera, sat down and checked the pictures. Here this guy was sitting in the blind and he had moved the camera so it was behind him and it had pictures of him shooting a 12 point buck! I was so mad! I woke up sweating.

Muffy, I hope you or one of the Chickenbuckaroos does nail a big ol' 12 pointer! C'mon folks, I am pulling fer ya!

Are you gonna have snow? It keeps trying to snow here, but there is no snow. It is cold however, with a biting wind out of the west. I hope you have cold, snow and calm conditions this weekend.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I had a wierd dream lastnight. I got out to the ground blind in the cedars where I have my trail camera, sat down and checked the pictures. Here this guy was sitting in the blind and he had moved the camera so it was behind him and it had pictures of him shooting a 12 point buck! I was so mad! I woke up sweating.

Talk about a nightmare!

Good luck on avenging that one.

If it the ground blind that Dave, Nate and I built, there ain't no 12 pointer there.

So you can rest easy.

got to do some recon work today for the local CO, report came to me of a dead deer so I was tasked to investigate. found the deer and enough evidence to know who caused his demise. when lion season opens in a few months, its payback! it was a nice 9 pointer, really heavy

We have snow, and more falling. It's going to be a great weekend!

gettem chickenbuckers!

I'm going to work for a bit tomorrow morning then I'm heading from work to camp. I'll probably get there about the same time as Dusty.

Hope you guys see more than I did during my 3 days off for bowhunting. I hunted my azz off in not so nice weather conditons (28* and 30mph west winds)and seen two fawns.

This includes in the ground blind that sits just off a premo bedding area, stand sits where I have shot nice bucks in the past, still hunting into the wind through the thickest stuff a human can walk through. Nothin. Not even a white flag to tell me that I screwed up. I was glad when it got dark tonight because I was plum sick of carrying my bow.

As I'm typing this, my dogs are out barking at the coyotes.

It has become my mission to kill every one of them sumbitches I can this winter, weather that be rifle, traps or snares! They's gots to go!

I truly beleive the coyotes are messing up the deer herd in farm country as much as the wolves and DNR are up north. I have not seen anything like it.

Good luck too all and hunt safe ! Our gun season opens this weekend gonna be hot and windy again. Uncle Dusty I excpet pics.!

Good luck to you too Mule!

Good luck Mule 1

Rooster, the yotes are out of hand up here too.

I think I'll have to do some coyote hunting this winter too.

Good luck to all that head out this weekend.

I'm taking Jack for his first trip to actually hunt for deer. We'll be in the woods on Sunday for as long as he cares to be there. I'm hoping he'll surprise me.

I'd love to knock one down when he's with me. That little guy would be talking a mile a minute.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Good luck Mule 1

Rooster, the yotes are out of hand up here too.

I think I'll have to do some coyote hunting this winter too.

I think the problem has gone beyond just hunting Dave. I think snares, traps and whatever else we can use to kill them bastids is what its gonna take.

On the bright side, I had 3 days off of work! Wooo hooooo!

Yeah he would be excited ! I'm sure you have heard this before but I belive in it "If you hunt with your kids now you won't have to hunt them later"

I hope you and Jack wack em and stack em ! (in the words of uncle Ted)

Wolves will get it done for ya...

A crispy 1 degree showing in my truck this morn.

Woop, there it is! Zero!

Wow! Must be that snowstorm coming. They say here we're just getting the chaff. Balmy 16 on Northome.

4

zero, absence of degrees above and below.... just plain ole zero...

Nice!

My swamp trail is becoming a nice walking path as we speak.

This also changes the deer routes as suddenly they too can walk on water.

And speaking of water....

The 6" thick mossy floor and heavy canopy of spruce/cedar bows keep old uprooted deadfall crater puddles from freezing for long into the winter. The deer will get their water from these sneaky water holes if they can't find moving water. Suddenly the forest is the place for deers to be...

Come on in out of that cold open farm country.

I'll hang up the welcome sign.

1 degree?Snow? I sure would like to be there with you this weekend.There have been a couple of times in the past that I have had snow during deer season and I love it.You can see forever in the woods when it snows.We have drizzle and 67 degrees here.My hunting trip yesterday got rained out.
mule1,much luck to you.
Tzone,I hope you and young one have a great time and success.
All Chickenbuckers,here's hoping Ole' Forkytoes pays you a visit.

Stan in SC

I have a couple chairs jammed under the door handles of ND's office to try & keep him in.

It doesn't sound pretty in there folks. I'd hate to be a deer when he busts out.

I'll slide a couple chunks of this farm country venny jerky under his door to tease him up a bit more.

This absence of temprature is a good thing. There is this little body of water up here we call Lake of the Woods that needs to freeze up so we can fill the other half of the freezer.

Dat's the cold hard troof.

punny guy....

Originally Posted by BrentD

Back in the day, a Minnesota hunter could hang his deer tag on a beer if he so chose.

Is this still true?

Brent

I'm guessin you could hang your tag on a BEER, but you don't need a tag...

Actually if we could take all the unused tags from past years in for a refund, I think we'd break the DNR.

+1 on that ND

I had a balmy 17* so it made it this was too. I'll have to put on the Carhartt's this morning when I go out to check on da crews.

10 here. we are 10 times warmer than ND was (well before the 1 flipped to 0 anyways).

I got the urge to hunt the wily ringneck, but the wife's gramma died so we have a funeral tomorrow. Prolly wont get out this weekend.

I think we should call NDs office while he is barracaded in there and grunt at him over the phone!

Hey ND! "urrrrrrp...urrrrrp....urp..urp..urp"

Hey BM,

Do you know anyone in my neck of the woods that does pest control? We have a critter in the walls. I think it's in the dryer vent, but I'm not 100% sure.

I called a few places and they want to get rid of it in an ECO-friendly way. I say B.S. on that deal.

Then I called a place and talked to a nice lady that is Ted's secratary.

At first it sounded like another ECO-friendly place, but when I told here I don't care if they have to drag it out of the house by it's teeth, then pull it around the yard in a ball of fire to show his little friends to stay the hell out of my yard, she chuckled and said "Oh! Then I'll call Ted. Make sure you tell him that,and he'll probably do it."

I told her I think I like Ted already and she said "some people don't really want to know what we have to do to get stuff out of the house."

Headed back home tonight after work!

I'm literally shaking with excitement about this weekend. It's opening day of rifle season for me and I can't wait!

Got the 30-06 sighted in, got a spot all picked out (with about 4 backups) and I am ready.

I spent last night and this morning going through my stuff to ensure that I have everything I need...thermos, knives, drag rope, back tag holder, jacket, bibs, vest, boots, warm socks, boolits, seat...

Ugh! Other than the rifle, I know I am missing something that is mega importante...I will figure it all out...as soon as I sit down in the woods on Saturday morning!

I think we are breaking camp Friday. Wife said she has had enough fun for one trip. It was been another grood season and we have even taken a few deer. Each family that comes to camp has deer for the freezer. I will post pictures and more info when I get home to a much faster connection. Good luck to all this weekend and for the rest of the season.

Heading to Chickenbuck after I drop the little one off at daycare. Hope to be on my way by noon.

Good luck everyone!!

Well I guess I better get out there and light the wood stove then.

When the heck did you get a little one? Is that why you don't post much?

Laterz.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey BM,

Do you know anyone in my neck of the woods that does pest control? We have a critter in the walls. I think it's in the dryer vent, but I'm not 100% sure.

I called a few places and they want to get rid of it in an ECO-friendly way. I say B.S. on that deal.

Then I called a place and talked to a nice lady that is Ted's secratary.

At first it sounded like another ECO-friendly place, but when I told here I don't care if they have to drag it out of the house by it's teeth, then pull it around the yard in a ball of fire to show his little friends to stay the hell out of my yard, she chuckled and said "Oh! Then I'll call Ted. Make sure you tell him that,and he'll probably do it."

I told her I think I like Ted already and she said "some people don't really want to know what we have to do to get stuff out of the house."

That is funny.

Eco friendly only goes so far anyhow. I'll never forget the neighbor that got pissed at me for using a pellet gun on red squirrels. Then, a few weeks after chastising me about hurting little furry animals, one chews into her wall through the attic vent and dies, stinking up the place.

The next thing you know, I have a plate of cookies and a "shoot to kill" request from the hippy neighbor. She even asked if she should put something out for them to eat so I could shoot them easier/faster/better/deader.

When real life collides with ideology, real life often wins......,

Well, now I have different issue. The vent isn't the dryer vent. I don't know what else it could be. I can hear it as I'm typing this and it's driving me nuts.

....short trip....

TZ unless you figure where it is getting in and out, killing the animal is pointless in the long run.

The "Simple" solution is find out where the entrance/exit is. Next, figure what it is (diurnal squirrel), nocturnal rat, whatever.
Wait until it removes itself to do its daily chores.
Seal the entrance.

Cheap, simple, but not necessarily easy. If you find the hole, I can probably suggest a few ways to seal it permanently.

IF you think it really is confined to the vent, run something like a plumber's snake down there and let it use that to climb out on its own.

Killing it is REVENGE for driving him nutzoid

Sewer snake I tell ya. Or throw an ECO-rope down there & let it crawl out.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, now I have different issue. The vent isn't the dryer vent. I don't know what else it could be. I can hear it as I'm typing this and it's driving me nuts.

Do you have bathroom in the basement? exhaust vent for the fart fan?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Sewer snake I tell ya. Or throw an ECO-rope down there & let it crawl out.

And then step on it...right?

or shoot it.

air exchanger vent?

No I dont know anyone there who is into pest control. My neighbor here does!

The wife gave me the okay to hunt roodies this weekend! Yippee! sposed to get some snow too. there is a long tail contest we might enter.

Dave, man, get out there! The bucks are running right now! I cant imagine you are worth a crap at work today anyway! And shoot one, cuz i want pictures! (I am sure that will motivate you to get out of bed tomorrow morning....thinking "I better get out there cuz Berettaman said he wants pictures and I cant let him down"!)

Little one, Muffy? Daycare? Huh?

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, now I have different issue. The vent isn't the dryer vent. I don't know what else it could be. I can hear it as I'm typing this and it's driving me nuts.

Do you have bathroom in the basement? exhaust vent for the fart fan?

Yeah, there is a bathroom down there. This isn't that type of vent. It has a cover just like you'd use for a dryer, it opens when the air blows it and when the air pressure stops, the vent closes. It's a louverd type. It is broken a bit, possibly chewed? So that is why I assumed that was the entrance spot. It is about 8-10' off the ground, but level with my deck and a short crawl for a squirell type to run across the siding. I'll have to do a better search of the soffit/fascia when I get home.

The sewer snake deal migh work.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Sewer snake I tell ya. Or throw an ECO-rope down there & let it crawl out.

What is an ECO-rope?

Sanitized organic sewer snake.

An idea I had from back when I was in the HVAC trade, use a 3/4" fitting brush, the kind to clean the inside of copper pipe fittings, and attach it to a cable or something fairly flexible, and chuck the other end in a cordless drill, the wire bristles should grab onto the hair of whatever kind of critter is in the duct, then you either pull out the critter, or a ball of hair.

I made up the ECO-rope. It would be a granola cruncher's way of humanly allowing this treacherous critter out.
It's a bad plan.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Sewer snake I tell ya. Or throw an ECO-rope down there & let it crawl out.

What is an ECO-rope?

Or maybe a black rat snake...

Originally Posted by bubbajay

An idea I had from back when I was in the HVAC trade, use a 3/4" fitting brush, the kind to clean the inside of copper pipe fittings, and attach it to a cable or something fairly flexible, and chuck the other end in a cordless drill, the wire bristles should grab onto the hair of whatever kind of critter is in the duct, then you either pull out the critter, or a ball of hair.

I like the direction you are going but maybe we gould go a wee bit further.

Take the tube off your gas powered weed-wacker. Most of them are cable driven from the engine to the attachment. Now make whatever sort of midevil torture device you can think of, attach it to the end of the cable & crank that bugger up. Arrow broadheads? Pack of blackcats? Endless possibilities.

Thanks for the feedback dudes, but I'm trying to get the critter out, not have to rebuild my house.

mini treble hook and a glob of either cheese or bread squished on it, then go fishin

I found it's the basement bathroom, fan vent. I haven't heard anything for a while, so I have it closed off. We'll see what happens I guess.

Think of all the money you saved, better than Ted.

This situation has escalated to a very interesting level. I think it would be inappropriate to let it die now. Please continue to feed the vultures on the campfire T!!!

Well the kid dropped a duce and turned the fan on, that's how I saw what vent it was....maybe he done killt it.

LOL, my boy dropped a doosie a second ago too, sadly there is nothing to kill in our vent

Good luck Northern Dave!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, now I have different issue. The vent isn't the dryer vent. I don't know what else it could be. I can hear it as I'm typing this and it's driving me nuts.

Do you have bathroom in the basement? exhaust vent for the fart fan?

Pass me a Busch Light please......

Be careful if you try to put anything sharp in the vent, most of it is made out of the same stuff as platic grocery bags. I had OK luck with pushing a shop vac hose into the duct, and then turning on the vacuum when it feels like you run into something.

I forgot to put this at the end...

quiet out there this mornin....

I'll get you a busch with the orange cans..that OK?

I haven't heard anything all night and Ma hasn't heard anthing so far this morning. She is working right next to the wall where it was.

I think the boy's duce killed it.

Not a single deer sighting for thurs friday.

Nevermind the PM I sent. I didn't read this before I sent it.

That sucks. It sounds like we have the same luck this year on the deers.

woke up this morning with a blanket of snow on the ground and its still snowing. saw a buck limping through the neighborhood, looks like one bigger beat up on him, he was with 3 does. looking forward to doin some hunting next week with the bow. but for now its time to hunker down and take it nice and easy

I've been in the wrong place wwrong time.

I woke up to a big blanket of lawn.

We must have 3"-4" in the woods. Its nice.

Are you in the woods right now Dave?

Yep

Beautiful.More pictures,please.
Oh,and what's that white stuff all over the ground?

Stan in SC

I'm on the edge of a cedar woods overlooking the edge of a swamp. Stand is nested in a cluster of 3 trees.

A couple other views

[Linked Image]

Almost time to hang it up for the morning.

Dang, I didn't hear a single shot from our group again this morning.

Wind is blowing pretty hard too.

Man I'd be totally out my element hunting there....no hardwood ridges just cedars..

.....and snow!! What's that?

Lol

Oh we have quite a variety Tom, last night I sat in a ladder stand on public land which was a large pine timber ridge in a rim shape that surrounded a shallow hardwoods bowl. Really nice spot, just add a deer and it would have been perfect lol!

I hear ya bro... Just add deer. Lol

Got my son out right now hoping.....and waiting.

Good luck! Wishing, hoping waiting here too. Firearms season is slipping away.

Do you have ml season?

ML starts next weekend. No rest for the wicked.

went out and put up a couple stands in the blizzard today.
hopefully,it will be a little nicer out tommorrow,and I can sight the ML rifles in.

High temp today was 75 with 35 mph wind no deer sighted during shooting hours for us but there's always tomorrow.

I'm really thinkin of getting a new ML, something cheap/simple like the traditions tracker. I need to kill me some deer! this sitting around waiting is killin me

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm really thinkin of getting a new ML, something cheap/simple like the traditions tracker. I need to kill me some deer! this sitting around waiting is killin me

Hey Ryan, if you get a muzzler stuffer and you shoot them plastic tipped bullets - be sure to get a ram rod extenstion that
is hollowed out so it doesnt deform the tip. The threads on mine
would sometimes pull the bullet out of the sabot. I first thought
it was just another thing they were trying to get you to buy but
my gun went from shooting a pattern to most excellent groups.

But your a smart dude and you prolly already knew this. I'm
stuborn, hard headed and spellin challenged. Hence the Mule
nick name .

Oh yeah smoked a eight pt this a.m. pics coming sometime or
other.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm really thinkin of getting a new ML, something cheap/simple like the traditions tracker. I need to kill me some deer! this sitting around waiting is killin me

Just keep using your truck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm really thinkin of getting a new ML, something cheap/simple like the traditions tracker. I need to kill me some deer! this sitting around waiting is killin me

Just keep using your truck.

Deductables suck!

The last hours of the last day of MN 2011 firearms deer season. Most of the camp has packed up and gone home. I'm in my stand for the 1 to 5:15 shift. One last hopeful go of it.

This was our 5th camp chickenbuck hunting season together. It was a great season even without the deer. I hate seeing the regular gun season end though, we really put our time in and all we have to show is the one deer RWS got.

Muzzle loader... Stick snapped, big stick, to my right in cedars.

Anyways, Muzzle loader season starts next week. So we will start getting ready for that tonight.

I ent up bringing mama to the Dr. on Friday night for some stomach cramps. After a couple hours, we found the cause.

Little baby DMD(Dirties Many Diapers) was wanting to come out!

[Linked Image]

We got home Saturday night after 30+ hours of no sleep with a very healthy little boy!!!

Git some venison ND! My jerky production just increased by 33%!

I'm gonna go mount the car seat in that red bus cause he wants to go for a ride already!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I ent up bringing mama to the Dr. on Friday night for some stomach cramps. After a couple hours, we found the cause.

Little baby DMD(Dirties Many Diapers) was wanting to come out!

Congrats! Glad every one is good and healthy!

[Linked Image]

We got home Saturday night after 30+ hours of no sleep with a very healthy little boy!!!

Nice human! Way to go!

You get him walking yet? They say its important to get them om their feet asap.

My sister had her baby boy last night as well. One more nephew for me to corrupt.

I'll be shooting a conical bullet, buffalo type most likely, or a REAL, that way I can cast my own later.
Way to go WB! and welcome to the earth DMD! ah to be born during hunting season, tis a good omen.

Sadness.

I just found out that the place I hunted last year, and would have hunted THIS year (if I'd had vacation time with the new job) offered up a 12 pointer to the guy who sat there. It wasn't as heavy as the big 8 I got there last year, but it was still a darned nice deer.

And if I'd been there, it maybe/mighta/coulda been mine......sigh.

Congratulations on the new addition,White Bear.Fine looking youngun!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I ent up bringing mama to the Dr. on Friday night for some stomach cramps. After a couple hours, we found the cause.

Little baby DMD(Dirties Many Diapers) was wanting to come out!

[Linked Image]

We got home Saturday night after 30+ hours of no sleep with a very healthy little boy!!!

Congrats on the new cub White Bear!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm really thinkin of getting a new ML, something cheap/simple like the traditions tracker. I need to kill me some deer! this sitting around waiting is killin me

you better call me.........

Nice goin' Mama Bear!

Congrats to all! Just a few more year to extra tags.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My sister had her baby boy last night as well. One more nephew for me to corrupt.

Are you still going baby gazing this week?

We had another fun but deerless day in the woods today.

It was a big day for a little guy and his dad. It was Mini man's first day actually in the woods for deer hunting.

The temp was a balmy 9*F when we left the truck.

Loaded up and ready for Da turdy pointer in the pre dawn darkness.
[Linked Image]

Beginning the trek to the stand.
[Linked Image]

Standing guard
[Linked Image]

and the deerless hike back to the wheeler
[Linked Image]

With an 8 o'clock hot choclate break he was able to make it to almost 9:30. So nearly three hours in the stand. Not too bad for the first time.

When asked what his favorite part was, he told me "using the buck caller," (rattle bag) and a very predictable "driving the wheeler."

even without deer, looks like a great day in the stand, congrats! you're raisin him right

It was a great day. Anytime I can spend with him is a great day. He was wore out from the long day though. Got up a 4:45 and got back to Grandpa's around noon. He slept 2hrs on the way home....which is the whole trip.

Originally Posted by tzone

It was a great day. Anytime I can spend with him is a great day. He was wore out from the long day though. Got up a 4:45 and got back to Grandpa's around noon. He slept 2hrs on the way home....which is the whole trip.

awesome pics tzone!

Thank you.

Man....I've never wanted to get a deer at any point as bad as I did today. Any deer, doe, nubbie, anything would have made that little boy's year so far. That would have been a better trophy than any other I've ever downed.

We still had fun though.

you need to bring him out here antelope hunting.....you and ND could make it a trip.

Ain't neer that cold here in October

I'm going to start a petition for the state of MN to reintroduce the white tailed deer to the bovine TB eradication area of MN..

We have no deer.

I think they should live trap those metro deers that everybody hates down by the twin cities and haul them up here to chickenbuck and turn them loose.

Having had the chance to spend some quality time with T-Zone and his son, I can tell you that he is a great kid. The fate of our sport is in great hands with the likes of Jackson forming the next rank of hunters. He's one neat kid. 'Can't wait to do it all again next year.

Originally Posted by eh76

you need to bring him out here antelope hunting.....you and ND could make it a trip.

Ain't neer that cold here in October

I would totally do that. We could both bring our little guys. You people wouldn't know what hit ya.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Having had the chance to spend some quality time with T-Zone and his son, I can tell you that he is a great kid. The fate of our sport is in great hands with the likes of Jackson forming the next rank of hunters. He's one neat kid. 'Can't wait to do it all again next year.

Of course the only tracks we cut on the way out of the woods were withing 50 yards of your stand. I didn't have a track by the wood pecker stand...not a one.

I would have done some walking if jack was up to it and found some. Those low temps were too much for that little guy to handle though. The last thing I was going to do was make him stay out when he didn't want to.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My sister had her baby boy last night as well. One more nephew for me to corrupt.

Are you still going baby gazing this week?

Uff-da T!!!! I read that as baby GRAZING the first time & got a little worried.

Thanks for all the congrats guys! Greatly appreciated.

well doggone it. i had high hopes for the chickenbuckaroos this rifle hunting season. you still have ML though!

My brother and I were in a long tail rooster tourney on Saturday and did pretty well. We ended up with 43 15/16 inches for 2 tails and 4th place. There were a lot of teams that hunted all over west central MN, so we felt pretty good. Especially considering the nasty weather. It was brutal out there in the morning. Saw quite a few roosters too, which was great!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Have you? These are flat base I believe. The rifle is a stainless ruger M77. I don't recall barrel length or twist.

What do you think of the gun, Dave?
I've got my eye on a Stainless/black laminate M77 Compact with the shortened fore stock and 16.5" barrel.
http://www.ruger.com/products/m77HawkeyeLaminateCompact/models.html
I've looked at the full size too, but I think would be a nice walking gun in 7mm-08

FWIW, the MS260 (now the 262 I think) is their small pro-line saw.
The MS360/1/2, and MS460/1/2 are the mid-size pro-line saws.
Without getting into all the exceptions, the 60-series (26x, 36x, 46x) is the pro-line. So a 260, 261 or 262 is a stronger saw (power to weight) than a 290, 291, etc.

When they updated the 026, it became the MS260, then the MS261, then I think the MS262....so if you're shopping for a saw now, the best saw in each respective size would be the MS262, 362 or 462.

MS262 will cut circles around the Farmboss (MS290) day in and day out.

Originally Posted by tzone

Can't remember off hand, I either have a Sthil 260 or 290. It cuts more than it should and is light enough to carry in the woods for cleaning up trails and shooting lanes.

Originally Posted by Keating

FWIW, the MS260 (now the 262 I think) is their small pro-line saw.
The MS360/1/2, and MS460/1/2 are the mid-size pro-line saws.
Without getting into all the exceptions, the 60-series (26x, 36x, 46x) is the pro-line. So a 260, 261 or 262 is a stronger saw (power to weight) than a 290, 291, etc.

When they updated the 026, it became the MS260, then the MS261, then I think the MS262....so if you're shopping for a saw now, the best saw in each respective size would be the MS262, 362 or 462.

MS262 will cut circles around the Farmboss (MS290) day in and day out.

Originally Posted by tzone

Can't remember off hand, I either have a Sthil 260 or 290. It cuts more than it should and is light enough to carry in the woods for cleaning up trails and shooting lanes.

I like the saw...It would get a lot of use around my place if I could ever get it away from my dad.

BTW, welcome to the fire. You picked a good place to start.

Originally Posted by Keating

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Have you? These are flat base I believe. The rifle is a stainless ruger M77. I don't recall barrel length or twist.

What do you think of the gun, Dave?
I've got my eye on a Stainless/black laminate M77 Compact with the shortened fore stock and 16.5" barrel.
http://www.ruger.com/products/m77HawkeyeLaminateCompact/models.html
I've looked at the full size too, but I think would be a nice walking gun in 7mm-08

I'm kind of a winchester M70 guy but there was enough about this M77 to like. I've been tinkering with it for a couple of years now, finally breaking into load development for the rifle. I am happy with it and I am also confident that I can become even happier with more hand load experimenting.

I'm a little dissapointed that I didn't get to shoot a deer with it this year. Guess I'll have to take it out and shoot a coyote with it.

The rifle did shoot a bear this year but not with one of my handloads.

It was a very effective black bear deadener with 140 gr winchester powerpoints.

Originally Posted by tzone

BTW, welcome to the fire. You picked a good place to start.

Thanks. Ironically, I'm not "new" to the fire. I discovered this thread back in fall of 08, after my uncle died in Sept 06, and my grandfather in Aug 08. They were my hunting buddies, and taught me everything I knew since I was younger than PWM. I'd moved away from home and hadn't hunted or spent anytime in the woods for a few years, but finding this thread got me back in things.
I went and got licensed up. Took all the courses required here in Canada to acquire and possess firearms as well as the hunter safety stuff. I registered on the campfire in 09 and have been following this thread ever since. I usually leave it over the winter and summer and catch up again every fall.
I've only got 5 posts on the campfire, and they're all on this thread.

Thanks again for the welcome. I feel like I already know all you characters!

Paul

I've got nearly 20K posts on the campfire and I bet more than half are on this thread.

Thats because you have no life.......

people in glass houses.......

Yeah, that was why I said it..

I cant speak.

I figured with the grin and all

I was hoping so.....btw look at your post count.

Yiiiii...bad numbers. 6666

not anymore

Well, busy night putting away der rifles, wiping everything down to prevent rust etc. Broke out my muzzle loader and white bear's muzzle loader which I borrowed for RWS last year (been meanin to get that back to ya white bear)

Both were loaded on clean bores last winter and never fired during ML season.

And they were still charged today a year later!!

both were loaded with last year's 100 grains american pioneer FFG under hornady 250 gr sst sabots.

The boy and I took them out in the yard and each set up an empty antifreeze jug and let fly from 50 yds offhand.

Both went bang and we both hit our targets (I hit mine better) lol!

We cleaned them both and they are ready for a fresh charge.

I also moved the varmint rigs to the front of the gunsafe.

I paid special attention to a ruger M77 standard blued in walnut 220 swift, and a savage 12BVSS in 22-250

That savage is a beast, topped with a Burris 6.5-20 power looking tube with turrets. It shoots what ever you feed it, tight.

I need to recheck zero for 100, 200, 300, 400 etc taking note of the elevation numbers, I'll make a data card to tape on the stock.

I'm gonna raise hell with everything that I can kill without going to jail in order to help the deer population rebound from what the DNR has done to them.

Coyotes are in big trouble.

You coyotes will pay dearly for Minnesota DNR's poor deer management.

Keating,welcome to the group.Dave has a way of bringing out the posting urge in people.When I first started perusing this thread wayyyyy back when it started I only had less than 10 posts,a fact which Dave commented upon.
This a good place to be with a lot of great people.
I went deer hunting yesterday and had one walk up behind me unseen and startled me when it scented me and blew.It quickly departed the premises with no chance for a shot.That's allright.I'm gradually getting their patterns down pat.
Dave,kill all the song dogs you can.

Stan in SC

so Stan, which gun went with you this time?

I have never shot a song dog, but would like to. I think my brother and I might try again for them this year. We tried last year, but it was a comedy of errors.

Finally got to break out my Camp ChickenBuck shirt.

[Linked Image]

Oh, great picture! Man, that looks like a great time. You are a lucky bugger, that is for sure.

Nice!!!

That looks like some damn fine eating there! Congratulations!

Nice fuzzy windchime! That's a big doe.

i hear your going to make the trek north this weekend to give your chance at a mighty fine deer? be careful out there. we are already planning on a trek into the woods. I got the OK to get a muzzleloader as well. will be bringing one home tonight!

I'll be there Buschy! I'm borrowing my BIL's muzzy ldr.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm kind of a winchester M70 guy but there was enough about this M77 to like.

I like the M70 as well, but my cousin got that one from my grandpa's cabinet, so I gotta get my own.

A few pictures [Linked Image]

Tent Camp Isabella

View from stand [Linked Image]

Deer taken from stand [Linked Image]

SIL took this doe
[Linked Image]

Breakfast

Kitchen intruder

[Linked Image]

Live decoy

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by TJAY

Breakfast

Dang! I missed it!

You know how to eat well.

Snow at camp before we broke camp.
[Linked Image]

celebrating SIL deer
[Linked Image]

My buddies brother called us sunday night said we had to come over and see what he got. We're thinking a monster buck that he'd been telling us he been watching. we get there and he grabs the horns to this buck in his truck and pulls it out. we thought and looked at each other and said whats so special bout that. He then grabbed the legs and flipped them open. hadn't been gutted yet. it was all Female between those legs, nips and all! No dinger on this Doe. Nicest rack i seen on a doe though!

It was a wonderful time with family and friends.

Hope all of you had as good a time as we did.

Awesome Pictures tjay

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Nicest rack i seen on a doe though!

I see a nicer one almost every night!

Berettaman,yesterday I was toting the old standard.My Remington Model Seven in .308.It's my all time favorite.

Stan in SC

Just got home with the new optima. Let's hunt boys! Getting pretty excited now..get rdy Tzone! See u guys this weekend. Happy thanksgiving ya'll!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by eh76

you need to bring him out here antelope hunting.....you and ND could make it a trip.

Ain't neer that cold here in October

I would totally do that. We could both bring our little guys. You people wouldn't know what hit ya.

Raised a couple of them myself....you just gotta work on Dave...he is being resistant!

Awesome pics TJAY!

What did you buy for bang flop ingredients? (powder/bullets?)

Once again, I'm jelous of TJAY's camp.

I love that tent set up. Beautiful up there.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Nicest rack i seen on a doe though!

I see a nicer one almost every night!

You better hide those magazines before Mrs. BM finds em.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What did you buy for bang flop ingredients? (powder/bullets?)

I know you didn't ask me but...

I have IRM White Hot 50gr pellets for the ignition, 250gr TC Shock Wave sabots, and Federal 209 primers for the go switch.

The gun is a TC Triumph (I think). I'm borrowing it from my BIL. The fiber optic front sight broke on mine and I replaced it with the factory one. I didn't get a chance to sight it in before the season, so he was nice enough to offer up his. This is a really nice gun. Light, real light. Simple to use, easy to clean, nice to carry. It's never punched anything but paper and I hope we can change that this weekend.

IRM white hot is new to me.

I'm still working on a can of american pioneer gold FFG.

Been pouring 100 grains, hornady SST 250 gr sabots and a rem cleanbore 209 primer.

When I empty the american pioneer can I'm working on I'm going to try BH209

I was looking at the White Hot last night. I got the 777 w/250 gr sabots in T/C and remington 209 Primers for my CVA. hopefully just get out and shoot it now. Looks simple to clean this gun which will be nice.

I got a tool box full of goodies from Andy to use and the White Hots were in it. All the stuff was/is. If I was buying it, I'd get the 777. It shoots cleaner than the Pyrodex. I've never had a problem with any of the primers I've used.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Looks simple to clean this gun which will be nice.

The newer inlines are pretty simple to clean. I have a Rem M700ML and it's not that user friendly to clean, but it shoots great and is a twin to a 700 rifle, if you're used to one it's a simple transition.

I was on cva's website checking it out yesterday and they were using the white hots on there. when are you coming up? hope to get out there for a visit!

Get outside and shoot that thing buschy! It's a hoot!

I'll be up on Friday afternoon sometime.

I am hoping between practices now and everything else going on i will be able to shoot by saturday morning. sounds like thursday or friday will be shooting day. where do you start off at. 50yds?

Stan,
Why is the Model 7 you all time favorite? I too, have an all-time favorite, and I enjoy listening to WHY others have a favorite.

So others, chime in as well, what is your all time fav and why?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

My buddies brother called us sunday night said we had to come over and see what he got. We're thinking a monster buck that he'd been telling us he been watching. we get there and he grabs the horns to this buck in his truck and pulls it out. we thought and looked at each other and said whats so special bout that. He then grabbed the legs and flipped them open. hadn't been gutted yet. it was all Female between those legs, nips and all! No dinger on this Doe. Nicest rack i seen on a doe though!

Hey BP, that's one of them picture moments ya know------------

I wasn't thinking. i think he took some pics of it. i had my phone in my hand but it was 3 degrees and i didn't want to be standing outside any more. i will check to see if he took any.

I still use gen-u-wine blackpowder,80 grains of 3f,used to use a 300 gr xtp,now with a 240 xtp.
"Flying sledgehammers"

Well, On Friday I'm heading to Chickenbuck for the first time this year. ND, RWS, and I are going to try to poke big holes in the deer shaped furry things. I'm excited because I really haven't been to camp this year, sooooo, I have a pot of chili cooking now. Got some breakfast stuff ready to go and my gear is packed except for my clothes.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanks for all the kind words on our deer camp.

Good luck to you cloud of smoke guys and gals.

Have a great Thanksgiving....

Originally Posted by tzone

We had another fun but deerless day in the woods today.

It was a big day for a little guy and his dad. It was Mini man's first day actually in the woods for deer hunting.

The temp was a balmy 9*F when we left the truck.

Loaded up and ready for Da turdy pointer in the pre dawn darkness.
[Linked Image]

Beginning the trek to the stand.
[Linked Image]

Standing guard
[Linked Image]

and the deerless hike back to the wheeler
[Linked Image]

With an 8 o'clock hot choclate break he was able to make it to almost 9:30. So nearly three hours in the stand. Not too bad for the first time.

When asked what his favorite part was, he told me "using the buck caller," (rattle bag) and a very predictable "driving the wheeler."

That's the REAL good stuff there TZone...Congrats

Berettaman,In 1991 my old hunting buddy Larry came in to camp with his new rifle.A Model Seven in .308.I fell in love with it.A beautiful light fast handling little carbine in a great caliber which seemed to me then to be(and still does) the perfect Eastern whitetail rifle.
Come Christmas of 1992 and I got one for Christmas from three very good friends.Since then I've killed a passel of deer and several coyotes with it.It has always been very accurate and has served me well.
At times I will hunt with other rifles but that's always my favorite and will never leave me.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

IRM white hot is new to me.

I'm still working on a can of american pioneer gold FFG.

Been pouring 100 grains, hornady SST 250 gr sabots and a rem cleanbore 209 primer.

When I empty the american pioneer can I'm working on I'm going to try BH209

Dave the white hots work well in my T/C Omega and is easy to clean, but the BH209 is the most accurate loose powder I have ever used, except the last two years I have not used it due to iginition problems. It takes a lot of fire to ignite it in my rifle so I switched back to the white hots until I can get it figured out. Maybe my breech plug needs drilled out some? Good luck to you and your hunting pals.

Thanks L2H. That little boy makes all my hunting better. One of these days we'll get one. He eats this stuff up.

On the way out I asked him if he knew the way. He looked at me like I was an idiot and said, "yeah, I can just follow the tracks."

Maybe that's not a big deal, but to me at least, it showed he's paying attention. That was a big deal to me.

I got to have a beer with Dflave and his lady friend tonight. They were in town for Thanksgiving. It was my pleasure to meet them. They're good people, like most of the folks I've met here.

I'm glad we could do it.

Originally Posted by BIGR

Maybe my breech plug needs drilled out some?

no,dont drill it out.if you do,you get alot of blow back when you fire.

Happy T-Bird Day to all I hope everyone has too much to eat,
sit around rub your belly pass a little gas remember past hunts
plan some future hunts with family and friends and be thankfull
we live in a country that we can !

Originally Posted by tzone

On the way out I asked him if he knew the way. He looked at me like I was an idiot and said, "yeah, I can just follow the tracks."

Coffee on the keyboard...Priceless!!!

You just can't make this stuff up, Thank God for the little ones!!!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by BIGR

Maybe my breech plug needs drilled out some?

no,dont drill it out.if you do,you get alot of blow back when you fire.

Gunsmith said a small number 59 drill bit would be ok, but I think I will try a new breech plug first.

Gobble gobble!

Happy turkey day ya'll!

HAPPY CHICKENBUCKER THANKSGIVING TO ALL !!!!

The amazing Mz. Linda and myself are leaving in just a few minutes for my daughter's house for dinner.All of the kids and grandkids will be at our house on Saturday as is our usual custom.

Stan in SC

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you enjoyed it as much as me and the family did. A great day all the way around.

Happy 18th birthday to my oldest baby!

happy birthday weazie!

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by tzone

We had another fun but deerless day in the woods today.

It was a big day for a little guy and his dad. It was Mini man's first day actually in the woods for deer hunting.

The temp was a balmy 9*F when we left the truck.

Loaded up and ready for Da turdy pointer in the pre dawn darkness.
[Linked Image]

Beginning the trek to the stand.
[Linked Image]

Standing guard
[Linked Image]

and the deerless hike back to the wheeler
[Linked Image]

With an 8 o'clock hot choclate break he was able to make it to almost 9:30. So nearly three hours in the stand. Not too bad for the first time.

When asked what his favorite part was, he told me "using the buck caller," (rattle bag) and a very predictable "driving the wheeler."

That's the REAL good stuff there TZone...Congrats

Great job T !!!! That is the future of hunting and off to a great start Congrats !!!!!!
Tough to go thru a couple weeks posts and comment on all of them , so no disrespect to those I miss :
Congrats on the new Bear cub WB
Congrats RWS on putting a deer in the freezer
Several nice bucks !!
Good luck all for the rest of the season
Happy B day Wheezy

ET , any good luck in the Adirondacks ?
I think I'm just a lil west of you in the sw corner of the blue line in Herkimer county .
Been too warm and food too plentifull for the deer to move around much in the big woods so far this year . Last week of rifle ,I'm headed back up Saturday for to finish the season out. That big adk buck and or , bear are on the menu .

Happy Birthday Wheeeeezzzyy

Where did the nick name come from ?

When she was born 18yrs ago today, I looked at that tiny little face and said "you're such a little weasel."

She's been stuck with it since day 1.

My 18 year olds name is Julia but her little sister coulnt pronounce that so we called her JuJu she hates it so we
call her JuJu!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,Weezy.

Stan in SC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEZZZZZY.

WOW!! Happy Berfday WEEZY!!!

You rate mighty high on my list of folks I admire for having sand

M1894,saw bucks,no shot presented. LOTS of does. Plenty of feed,beechnut plentiful this year. Best o'f luck to ya!!!

Happy birthday weezy! Just left chicken buck n poured lestifer out of the truck so I can hunt in the morning. Had fun dave! Good luck tom!

well tommorrow is the opener of muzzleloader.weather report for here is rain/snow,temps low 40s,high 30s,WNW wind at 20-30.
Perfect.

Might be a good day for stalking.

Opening of muzzle loader, a couple of hours into season and I haven't heard a single shot yet.

I'm watching a couple grouse under my stand. Easy rimfire pistol range. My pistol is back at the cabin on the kitchen table

Quick, drop your muzzleloader on 'em.

Dang birds.

Its snowing pretty good now, I'm thinking it might be time for breakfast at the cabin soon. Might be time to head that way.

Originally Posted by ruffcutt

Quick, drop your muzzleloader on 'em.

Hold on ND. Which one are you carrying today? lol

I had mine, but I woonta trew your at it eeder.

I'd rather have snow than drizzle .ich.

Well, at least you guys are hunting. I'd have a pistol for those grouse for sure. Heck, I'd give up on the deer for the grouse given what I've been hearing about both.

I spent the day stalking a Marlin 1893, but passed on the only one I saw. Then I bagged a good sized pignut hickory. Killed it deader than dead with a Stihl MS361. One cut kill. Bastard to pack out though. Those hickory are heavy.

All I seen this morning was a wolf n for this evening it was a doe and two fawns right at dark. Another day tomorrow!

weather man said it was gonna be BAD weather this morning, ice storm and high winds, so I slept in. woke up and it was calm and no ice. schitt, I coulda gone hunting. so I took the gal and went to menards for their weekend specials. got a few boxes of tile, a new crapper and granite vanity. guess who is remodeling a bathroom this weekend? I told her tomorrow we're going hunting and she was all for it. gonna be a late night tonight workin on the bathroom. she hates using the one in the basement, so I need to get this one up and running quick. I better get back before she realises I left her to tear out the old flooring while I was talking to you guys

good luck chickenbuckers, tomorrow is our last rifle day, the 1st is smokepole time!

Kiddo joins the mobile with a giant carbon footprint.

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Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Kiddo joins the mobile with a giant carbon footprint.

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Nuttin wrong wid dat!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

weather man said it was gonna be BAD weather this morning, ice storm and high winds, so I slept in. woke up and it was calm and no ice. schitt, I coulda gone hunting.

I quit believing those bastids long ago!

wish we had snow down here.
I never saw hide nor hair on the bp opener this weekend.
Alot of tracks,but the only ones on cam are in the dark.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Kiddo joins the mobile with a giant carbon footprint.

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96?

'94, 5 liter, 5 speed.

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damn, I wish I had me one of those! looks clean too!

well I spent the day (after my morning stand with the bow) redoing the bathroom upstairs. been takin pictures like last time, so I can show when we're done what we did. Kendra is the queen of laying..tile. and has another room under her belt. menards had a sale this weekend we took advantage of and got a few new things. the employees sure get a surprised look when you ask em where the thrones are, and then clarify with "you know, the [bleep]"

PA deer starts tomorrow, here we go.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

'94, 5 liter, 5 speed.

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must be from outa state.most from minny only have half a body left at that age.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Happy birthday weezy! Just left chicken buck n poured lestifer out of the truck so I can hunt in the morning. Had fun dave! Good luck tom!

How is old Lestifer.

He wern't doin' too good when you boys left da camp.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Kiddo joins the mobile with a giant carbon footprint.

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Least you got him set up right Craig. Congrats to the lad on passing the test.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

menards had a sale this weekend we took advantage of and got a few new things. the employees sure get a surprised look when you ask em where the thrones are, and then clarify with "you know, the [bleep]"

I bet they were even more surprised when you brought the Menards adds with you...sat on the [bleep] with your pants around your ankles, smiled like heck and said, "just tryin em out."

LOL, they had em up on a shelf at eye level, woulda been kinda hard to do. but that woulda been funny!

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Kiddo joins the mobile with a giant carbon footprint.

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I used to have a blue one like that Craig, I really miss it.

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mine was an out of state (southern) truck and was rust free, very simple XL trim level with front bench vinyl, 5.0 with 5 speed.

Tell your boy to watch for the other drivers, especially for little old ladies that run through stop signs out in the open country.

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I was lucky to walk away from that one. My brother inlaw too. I remember that morning, RWS wanted badly to ride with us as we drove out to the house I was building to do some roofing work, I told him no, it was too cold and he had to stay home.

I hate to think what could have happened if I told the little guy he could have come with us that morning.

That old lady wedged her taurus wagon under my drivers side rocker hoisting my truck, my rear tire hopped her passenger fender and we flipped end over end with a twist.

There was one piece of glass left unbroken, but not a straight body panel left on the whole truck. the new ATV in the back was catapulted and totaled as well.

Always keep your eye on the OTHER drivers out there. Be on the defense, especially these days with all the texting that goes on by drivers.

Some might remember "preacher Joe" at the historic forest church a couple of years ago?

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Well, Tzone and RWS had to give it a go.

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Not bad guys, not bad.

lol!

U should hav did some preaching too lestifer Friday night. He had a lazy day Saturday he said. Did u see any deers. I seen 6 yesterday. Nothing close tho

We saw zero.

We made the drive down to the forest church and took a creative route covering many logging trails, desperate to see a deer even if we couldn't shoot at it. We didn't see any.

We found 3 sets of fresh tracks after driving for 2 or 3 hours.

3 sets of deer tracks.

they should close the season down in that zone for a couple years, of course that would raise holy hell with hunters.

or do a live traps relocate program and switch the unlimited number of tags to wolf tags

Dadgumit, I had high hopes for you guys up there. But I am sure you had a good time, regardless.

My first job out of college was at a plumbing supply company.We had a row of "thrones" set up in the showroom.A lady came by to look at various fixtures for her new house bringing her three or four year old son with her.While the sales guy was showing her the various models the little guy decided he needed to relieve himself and promptly proceeded to do so RIGHT THERE in one of the models.It was hilarious.

Stan in SC

The bovine TB program has been far too aggressive.

I hope it doesn't take a decade to rebound to a healthy deer population, all my little hunters are going to lose interest.

The DNR will eventually come to terms with the fact that they have beat the dead horse for a couple too many years and we will see a 180 degree change in the management plan. We have been unlimited on antlerless tags for several years in a row, plus the DNR has slaughtered thousands over bait piles and from helicopters year round. They have extended hunts and opened special seasons including spring seasons when does are carrying fawns. Their eradication efforts have been year round, night and day. When the DNR finally realizes they have beat the dead horse a little too long, they will issue bucks only tags and it�s likely there will be no lottery option for antlerless for several consecutive years.

The deer population has been plummeting for years now with this bovine TB program in action. The DNR sets quotas for testing samples for the core area, but the truth is it has been several years since that test qty has been a realistically obtainable number for the core area of interest. The truth is that sympathetic hunters from outside of the core area have been hauling deer to TB test sites from outside of the TB area in order to help the hunters in the TB area in reaching test quota numbers. You see, If test quota numbers are reached the DNR says they will not slaughter deer via the �sharpshooter� method.

This year not as many hunters from outside the TB core area hauled deer in to our test sites to help reach the quota. I honestly believe hunters from outside the area thought the program was over with so they didn�t bother. Last I heard we were far shy of the quota number. I don�t know what they will do about it. I like to think they will look at registration numbers and accept the fact that there just aren�t any deer to hunt and that�s why they didn�t reach the test quota. I like to think they will just leave it alone, be done with it. But it�s very likely they will bait them into fields in areas surrounding the core area and shoot them with night vision scopes or with spotlights, fire up the helicopters and find where the few survivors are hiding and slaughter them from the air.

It was likely 3 years ago that the deer population was depleted to a dangerously low number in our area. I find that hunters are typically 2 or 3 years ahead of the DNR in realizing the impact of the DNR�s godlike efforts.

I�ve weathered poor hunting before in slow rebound areas following severe winter kill and heavy impact from gray wolves (MN iron range mid to late 90�s)

But I�ve never seen such an empty forest, seemingly vacant of deer. Everything else is doing fine, bobcat, fox, rabbits, martins, squirrels etc.

Everything that the DNR isn�t playing god with is doing just fine.

I made a drive through the forest mid day yesteday and seen very few tracks as well. the woods was quiet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The bovine TB program has been far too aggressive.

I hope it doesn't take a decade to rebound to a healthy deer population, all my little hunters are going to lose interest.

The DNR will eventually come to terms with the fact that they have beat the dead horse for a couple too many years and we will see a 180 degree change in the management plan. We have been unlimited on antlerless tags for several years in a row, plus the DNR has slaughtered thousands over bait piles and from helicopters year round. They have extended hunts and opened special seasons including spring seasons when does are carrying fawns. Their eradication efforts have been year round, night and day. When the DNR finally realizes they have beat the dead horse a little too long, they will issue bucks only tags and it�s likely there will be no lottery option for antlerless for several consecutive years.

The deer population has been plummeting for years now with this bovine TB program in action. The DNR sets quotas for testing samples for the core area, but the truth is it has been several years since that test qty has been a realistically obtainable number for the core area of interest. The truth is that sympathetic hunters from outside of the core area have been hauling deer to TB test sites from outside of the TB area in order to help the hunters in the TB area in reaching test quota numbers. You see, If test quota numbers are reached the DNR says they will not slaughter deer via the �sharpshooter� method.

This year not as many hunters from outside the TB core area hauled deer in to our test sites to help reach the quota. I honestly believe hunters from outside the area thought the program was over with so they didn�t bother. Last I heard we were far shy of the quota number. I don�t know what they will do about it. I like to think they will look at registration numbers and accept the fact that there just aren�t any deer to hunt and that�s why they didn�t reach the test quota. I like to think they will just leave it alone, be done with it. But it�s very likely they will bait them into fields in areas surrounding the core area and shoot them with night vision scopes or with spotlights, fire up the helicopters and find where the few survivors are hiding and slaughter them from the air.

It was likely 3 years ago that the deer population was depleted to a dangerously low number in our area. I find that hunters are typically 2 or 3 years ahead of the DNR in realizing the impact of the DNR�s godlike efforts.

I�ve weathered poor hunting before in slow rebound areas following severe winter kill and heavy impact from gray wolves (MN iron range mid to late 90�s)

But I�ve never seen such an empty forest, seemingly vacant of deer. Everything else is doing fine, bobcat, fox, rabbits, martins, squirrels etc.

Everything that the DNR isn�t playing god with is doing just fine.

And what's the reason for all the killing?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they should close the season down in that zone for a couple years, of course that would raise holy hell with hunters.

Watch yo mouth foo.

Besides, they don't have to close it. There's nuttin' to shoot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Everything that the DNR isn�t playing god with is doing just fine.

'magine that?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

U should hav did some preaching too lestifer Friday night. He had a lazy day Saturday he said. Did u see any deers. I seen 6 yesterday. Nothing close tho

I saw lots of deers on the way home, out of the TB eradication zone.

Originally Posted by Wtxj

And what's the reason for all the killing?

Bovine TB

A farmer's cattle tested positive, I don't recall exactly what year it started, probably around 2005. I think in the end there were 12 farms that tested positive. Area farmers with cattle had to go to high fences and take precautions to keep wild deer from feeding in the same area as the cattle. Then the DNR started testing deer for TB, I don�t have the exact numbers but I think since 2005 they have found a total of around 27 deer that they figure tested positive for bovine TB. As I understand it this test is somewhat subjective rather than a true positive true negative test. Sample quotas early on were large, like 1800 or so. I believe they were looking for 500 samples to test from this fall but I don�t think they have reached that number.

I spoke with a store owner (registration point) in our hunting area on Friday about registration numbers so far this year, he figured about 100 deer total. I asked him how many were actually from the forest where we hunt vs deer hauled in from out of the area to try to help reach the quota so the DNR doesn�t rev up the gun in the sky and kill the few deer we have left. He figured maybe half�

50 deer for this area? For the entire regular centerfire rifle season? That�s ridiculous, not too many years ago 50 deer would be tagged in the opening hours of the season as the sun came up.

I stopped by the same store last night and asked him how many deer were registered on this 1st weekend of muzzle loader season. He said none.

So, there ya go.

Tzone, RWS and myself were right on par with every other muzzle loader hunter in our area this last weekend.

A big old zero.

Come to think of it that�s pretty close to the number of shots we heard fired over the weekend too�.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Everything that the DNR isn�t playing god with is doing just fine.

'magine that?

I thought you guys said the woods was empty of everything?

Sounds a lot like deer hunting in The Arrowhead back in the last 60s and early 70s.

Right on the money ND. I pulled this off the DNR website:

Minnesota has taken aggressive action to eradicate bovine TB from the state's livestock and wildlife. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of state and federal agencies, cattle producers, hunters and landowners, the prevalence of bovine TB remains low and is confined to a relatively small geographical area.

No deer tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) in 2010, but surveillance efforts will continue in northwestern Minnesota when the firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 5.

"We are encouraged by last year's test results," said Michelle Carstensen, wildlife health program director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "If this fall's testing efforts do not detect any more positive deer, that will build confidence that TB has been eliminated or is at an undetectable level."

It remains vitally important to continue to obtain enough samples to draw conclusions about the level of the disease in deer. Future deer management will be based upon ongoing assessments until bovine TB is eliminated.

This fall's surveillance goal is to collect 500 samples for testing, Carstensen said. At least 200 of those samples should originate from within the core area of the disease management zone.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

At least 200 of those samples should originate from within the core area of the disease management zone.

Maybe if there were even close to 200 deer left in that area, they might get 10% of that sample. If their lucky.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Everything that the DNR isn't playing god with is doing just fine.

'magine that?

I thought you guys said the woods was empty of everything?

Hardly, although rough grouse population is also currently down, most everything else seems to be doing well. Bear, coyotes, wolves, snowshoe hare, cotton tails, weasels, martin, fox, bobcat, some lynx, red squirrels, some flying squirrels, raccoons, porcupines, wood chucks, beaver, muskrat, fisher cat, owls, hawks, ravens, eagles, blue jays, lumberjack birds, woodpeckers..... Plenty of critters in the woods.

A person could have a lot of fun with a trappers license out there right now.

The deer situation is rather frustrating though.

I can imagine it is frustrating in the extreme. I remember those days well. But now you have the DNR between rock and a hard place. If they allow the deer numbers to recover too soon and the TB comes back you will slaughter them (the DNR). If they hold the pedal to the floor to be sure they beat the TB thing once and for all (or at least for a while), you will slaughter them.

Meanwhile, they are trying to census for something that might not be there, or is at least damn rare, and yet they have almost no samples. That necessarily makes it all but impossible to make the right call scientifically, meanwhile, they get hammered on all sides politically and in the public media. It must suck to be a DNR guy doing his dead-level best. Take mercy on them. They cannot win.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they should close the season down in that zone for a couple years, of course that would raise holy hell with hunters.

or do a live traps relocate program and switch the unlimited number of tags to wolf tags

I thought the DNR killed all the deer due to an outbreak of Bovine TB in the herd or something like that? Maybe I was mistaken, but, while there wasn't a ton of deer like down in southern MN, there used to be a bunch of deer up there co-existing with the wolves.

EDIT: I could have just kept reading the thread before opening my yap. DOH

I dont know what the best path forward is, but I can tell you this.....I really feel for the Chickenbuckaroos! I wish I could export some of our deer up there.....well, the does anyway!

Hang in there folks, it will get better....I think.

I must confess, I am a rifle addict. Cabela's has the Vanguard on sale right now and I could not resist. I went to cabela's today and got a 257 Roy. For 350 I used some points and got it without anything out of my wallet. Now to start loading for it, 38 to 75 a box is crazy.

Dave, Hope they get that bovine TB taken care of so you folk see some deer #'s go up.

Cool TJAY. Did they have stainless ones yet?

You can't go wrong with the way you got that one. I did the same thing with my Browning Buckmark. I had a bunch of Gander cards that I got for Christmas and birthday's. No money out of my pocket. I like it that way.

Originally Posted by northern_dave[/quote

Yikes! Warning sent. Glad y'all got through that. Hopefully hew will too if he's so unlucky, God forbid.

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tzone

They have a SS package with a Cabela's scope for 650 I think.
They aslo have the new Vanguard for 452$.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

they should close the season down in that zone for a couple years, of course that would raise holy hell with hunters.

or do a live traps relocate program and switch the unlimited number of tags to wolf tags

I thought the DNR killed all the deer due to an outbreak of Bovine TB in the herd or something like that? Maybe I was mistaken, but, while there wasn't a ton of deer like down in southern MN, there used to be a bunch of deer up there co-existing with the wolves.

EDIT: I could have just kept reading the thread before opening my yap. DOH

wolves and deer did coexist (before we settled there), as long as the wolf numbers were kept in check by natural selection. around the turn of the century, man replaced the wolves. we killed the wolf, took his place and started to kill the deer. people reintroduce wolves, yet still try to hunt deer and are baffled when the numbers are down. coexist can be a dangerous word.

When I was home for Thanksgiving, I read an article in The Farmer that said that MN had been declared TB free. Hope it takes some pressure off of your area.

Originally Posted by TJAY

I must confess, I am a rifle addict. Cabela's has the Vanguard on sale right now and I could not resist. I went to cabela's today and got a 257 Roy. For 350 I used some points and got it without anything out of my wallet. Now to start loading for it, 38 to 75 a box is crazy.

Dave, Hope they get that bovine TB taken care of so you folk see some deer #'s go up.

I picked up a .257 Roy from SKANE a few years ago. It drops pronghorns like they're electrocuted.

Originally Posted by bucktail

When I was home for Thanksgiving, I read an article in The Farmer that said that MN had been declared TB free. Hope it takes some pressure off of your area.

Yes it's good for the beef business that we are again TB free as a state.

we just had a case of Bovine TB, first one since '82. heard it on the radio the other day.

God help you.

First day of PA deer season, wet and rain all day. Saw one in the middle of the road on the way home.

I feel for ya Dave and fellow Buckaroos. We are still under assault in the area that my property is in in NE Lower Michigan. It's been going on since the late 90's, albeit control attempts have mostly fallen on the shoulders of hunters. So far the state hasn't resorted to Government run extermination. I don't know what the policy is as far as antlerless permits anymore but at one time you could buy 10 a day, per person with no limit. I think there is a cap on them now. The only thing that has gave us a break is after about 3 yrs no one could find a deer left to shoot so everyone left the area to hunt somewhere else...Now we have much lighter hunting pressure and we are experiencing a very modest rebound in numbers. So many jobs exist with the state because of TB that I doubt they will ever let go..but I'd best not get started on that. The other thing is we don't have wolves in numbers yet, but thats just a matter of time too.
Hang in there friend, I don't really know what else to say.

Scott

On a brighter note, I got back from our camp yesterday after being there since the 10th. We managed 5 bucks for 9 hunters. Unfortunately I'm remiss on pictures this year. The deer were taken throughout the season and with the warm weather we skinned them and put in coolers as fast as they came in so no time for a group pic. I finally scored on the 7th day of season...and by then I was all alone. Much more fun when ya have someone to share it all with. I did get a couple of pics of my own....
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Not the best photo quality...I didn't have a camera (Mama went to Tx and took it) so I drove to town and bought the only one the drugstore had. Then it took me a while to figure out the timer....all in all it was a late evening all by myself...but a very satisfying one....:) Shot was 103 paces....350 Rem Mag....200 gr at a chrono'd 2730...Good medicine...

Very nice!! Congrats!

Great buck Scott! Congrats.

I see you haul them out un-field dressed. Where do you do it?

Thanks Guys. Tom I usually do field dress them in the woods...but I knew I couldn't wrestle him up on the quad alone and I didn't wanna drag him for a mile and a quarter opened up. So I waited till I pulled him up with the quad in my tree at tha cabin...put the wheelbarrow under him and did it then. It didn't work half bad...it was the first time I did that. If we'd have had snow I'd have dressed him before dragging...just didn't want the dirt inside.

Made it back last night. Another deer season in the record books.

We ended up with 1 small 8 pointer on the meat pole. My buddy hit a large 8 pointer at 4:10 PM on the opener. It was a head on shot and he pulled left breaking the bucks shoulder. Snowing heavily at the time. He tracked it as long as he could than went back on Sunday but no luck finding it.

He scored on the smaller buck Thanksgiving day. Weather was all over the place. Snow, rain temps around 50* than snow again.

I saw a number of deer, but they were either wmall does or this years fawns so I didn't drop the hammer. My 88 year old uncle saw 2 deer and he was happy.

We saw about 20% fewer deer compared to last year.

We also had a few lows.

My buddies pickup was hit while parked by a guy the took a cornor to fast and slid into Rick's truck. To the guys credit he hiked over a mile back to our camp to tell Rick what happened. Damage was to the front bumper and the hood.

The youngest member of our group received a text from his wife who is 3 months pragnant that there may be a problem with the baby so he had to head home. Tests were being run last week but we haven't heard anything yet.

Happy belated birthday Taylor.

WB congrats to you and your wife on your new addition.

Bill,

Thanks for your update. So sorry tho hear that your hunting partner's wife and the baby are not doing well. What a way to spend a deer hunt. Prayers sent for all those involved.

Originally Posted by SSB

350 Rem Mag....200 gr at a chrono'd 2730...Good medicine...

How did you get the buck to stand just perfectly behind the chronograph?

Hey Grizz, prayers out to that young family.

Bill,

Sorry I didn't call you last night. I didn't get a good look at the pictuers. I did get them loaded into photobucket though. I'll give you a shout tonight and we can talk about which ones you want me to put on.

Great buck Todd and the lady tag teamed on!

Thx guys.

Might as well add my DIL (Age 33) to your prayer lists. She had a byopsy on both breasts yesterday. Results won't be in for 3-5 days.

Waiting for Charter to show up this AM to install our new high speed internet connection (12 Mbps).

Best wishes for your daughter and your friend with the baby on the way.

DIL added Bill.

Okay fellers, Dad and brother Brian and I went goose hunting over the weekend with a couple buddies. There are thousands of geese around. So we got 2. Woulda limited out, but our setup just wasnt quite right with the wind direction, etc. It was a fun time. But here is the internesting part....we shot a goose that I dunno what it is for sure. It came in with the Canadians and I suspect it is half Canandian. Who the pappy is....? Anybody have any guesses? Note the big knob on his forehead, the grey beak and of course, the yellow legs.

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And just cuz I was in photobucket, here is a pic of one of my boys with a Lesser Canadian we shot earlier this year. I love his expression!

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Prayers sent Bill for your DIL and your friends and their baby.

Just got caught up on the thread. I have not been on here since I left for the last weekend of hunting.

The little one I was talking about is the 4 year old of the friends I'm living with. I bring her to school and daycare.

I almost smucked a big doe on my way home lastnight. It was within inches. It was actually pretty exciting since that was the closest I've been to getting a deer in the last few years.

Hey ND. Will you come shoot some of those deers that I almost hit on my long drive to work today? I hate paying attention for that 6 minutes.

Yes, I will.

B-man, that thing looks haff farm goose to me.

yeller legs and such.

Berettaman, I had to pet him some to keep him calm....lol
Is that goose one of those I've heard called a wavie?(sp) A few years ago we went to Missouri in January fowl hunting and we shot some geese the likes of that we've never seen in Michigan and some looked a little like that.

Bill...prayers sent from Michigan to all concerned.

I have no idea what that goose is. Our thoughts were along NDs thoughts, that there was some fraternizing betwixt a wild Canadian and a farm goose somewhere. We got checked by the CO and he didnt know either. Kinda interesting, that is for sure. I have never heard of a wavie...?

You got the prayers Bill. It sure would be nice if they could come up with a faster test. 3-5 days is an awful long time to make a family wait to get that kind of news.

Prayers sent from here too!

A buddy of mine shot a goose last year. It was leading a flock of canadians out of a wildlife pond to the fields every evening for a week. He came and got me and we checked it out on the wing with binos and couldn't figure out what the heck it was. He got it to come in to the decoys one morning and shot it. Its the darndest thing I have ever seen. It's better than twice the size of a normal canadian goose. It pure white, with some black under its wings, yellow legs and a yellow beak. It hangs from the ceiling in his house and its HUGE! The taxidermist called in several different people while it was in his shop and nobody could figure out what the heck it is exactly.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Prayers sent from here too!

A buddy of mine shot a goose last year. It was leading a flock of canadians out of a wildlife pond to the fields every evening for a week. He came and got me and we checked it out on the wing with binos and couldn't figure out what the heck it was. He got it to come in to the decoys one morning and shot it. Its the darndest thing I have ever seen. It's better than twice the size of a normal canadian goose. It pure white, with some black under its wings, yellow legs and a yellow beak. It hangs from the ceiling in his house and its HUGE! The taxidermist called in several different people while it was in his shop and nobody could figure out what the heck it is exactly.

he shot a trumpeter swan. Prolly shouldn't have got that mounted.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Prayers sent from here too!

A buddy of mine shot a goose last year. It was leading a flock of canadians out of a wildlife pond to the fields every evening for a week. He came and got me and we checked it out on the wing with binos and couldn't figure out what the heck it was. He got it to come in to the decoys one morning and shot it. Its the darndest thing I have ever seen. It's better than twice the size of a normal canadian goose. It pure white, with some black under its wings, yellow legs and a yellow beak. It hangs from the ceiling in his house and its HUGE! The taxidermist called in several different people while it was in his shop and nobody could figure out what the heck it is exactly.

he shot a trumpeter swan. Prolly shouldn't have got that mounted.

Its funny you say that Tom because that's what I gave him crap about too!

It is a goose of some sort or mix. At the time, I searched like heck on line to try and find something on it and the closest thing I found was on some forum where people in New York I believe (bird watchers?) were talking about the huge white goose matching that description leading a flock of canadians around.

Just back from the range. I am going to like that new 257 Weatherby. Factory 100 gr. Hornady chrono'd a little over 3500 at just under an inch for the first 3 shot out of a clean barrel. I tried several handloads and two loads shot under 3/4" at over 3400 fps. I also did some work with the 264 and a new powder, WC872, and think this is going to work well with 130 gr. bullets. I also used it with 140 gr. core-lokts with poor results. Have to work with it a bit moore as the speed was there and no pressure signs but groups were poor. Maybe try some other 140 gr. bullets.

That goose has a head shape like a white fronted/speckle belly male. The legs and feet match also.

so a speckle belly has yellow legs and feet? That might be it then. We may have a winner. Northern Dave will be sending you the prize in the mail!

Anybody been rooster hunnin'? I am feeling the need.....Friday is looking like a roody day more and more....the limit goes up to 3 tomorrow too!

Hey Dave, are the lakes froze over there yet? Our lake was almost froze, opened up and now is starting to freeze over again.

Specks have orange feet/legs

Whoa, hold off on that prize ND, it aint a speck I guess! Back to the farm goose that got molested, methinks.

Hey dudes, and Pam and Missy.

Grizzly_Bill wanted me to post his pictures from deer camp on here for you guys to see. I'd like to direct all questions concerns and commments to him.

So without further adu, here's a really cool northern WI deer camp.

Loading Da Pug.
[Linked Image]

Keeping warm
[Linked Image]

Bill and Uncle Phil
[Linked Image]

Rick's 8pt
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/YoungBear017.jpg[/img]

Squaring da camp
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/YoungBear011-Copy.jpg[/img]

I have some of Rooster Jim's 15pt (yes, you read that right) muzzy loader buck from last weekend. I'll have to get those tomorrow because I forgot to e-mail them home to myself.

A great looking camp.Man he got that buck right in the shoulder.
Thanks for posting those pictures,Tom.

Stan in SC

Nice camp and deer, but what's up with the ladder up to the back window? One of you planning to elope with the local bar maid in the middle of the night?

Originally Posted by BrentD

Nice camp and deer, but what's up with the ladder up to the back window? One of you planning to elope with the local bar maid in the middle of the night?

That would be our fire escape.

Wow awesome camp Bill.

I need that Pug!!

(didn't see that coming did ya?)

I always enjoy viewing deer camps...thanks for sharing Griz'

Wayne

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow awesome camp Bill.

I need that Pug!!

(didn't see that coming did ya?)

I mrsnorthern_dave isn't reading this today.

Oh I'm reading it Tzone...I'm reading it.

This too shall pass. Sometimes I look at living with ND like dodging bullets...this bullet I will dodge too just like some of the "other bullets" he has wanted.

nice setup Bill. i like the Stormy Kromer on Rick I believe it was. Got one just like it and love it. Mine is faded pretty bad now though.

Thats one sweet scooter! The camp is cool! gotta love that time of year! Daves ride will be much bigger than that though. 4 tracks and all i am hearing!

Good looking camp. That pug is an interesting vehicle. I think one would fit right in at Camp Chickenbuck.

That is a cool camp Bill! The pug would be a hoot to have!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh I'm reading it Tzone...I'm reading it.

This too shall pass. Sometimes I look at living with ND like dodging bullets...this bullet I will dodge too just like some of the "other bullets" he has wanted.

Your safe Pam. The Pug is not for sale for any amount.

The old Pug has been an awesome vehicle for us. We bought it used in 1977. We have no idea when it was made. It had a bad engine so we put in a rebuilt 17 HP Kohlar. It's slow, but is all power. The ride, however is terrible. No springs.

In case you didn't pick up on it the unit is articulated (Bends in the middle) and can turn around in it's own length.

Rest assured that I would never try to talk ND into any such toys. Not on the interweb anyway. It's a good thing that we are busy enough during the day that there is no time to scheme up any hairbrained ideas between the two of us...

Grizzly Bill.
How well does that Pug work for pulling? I'm thinking like dry tamarack logs out of the swamp in the Winter months on a packed trail? It looks like a fun rig.

Just got a call from my DIL. Her test results are in and everything came out normal.

She has to be retested in 6 months, but for now everything is great.

Great news GB!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Rest assured that I would never try to talk ND into any such toys. Not on the interweb anyway. It's a good thing that we are busy enough during the day that there is no time to scheme up any hairbrained ideas between the two of us...

Grizzly Bill.
How well does that Pug work for pulling? I'm thinking like dry tamarack logs out of the swamp in the Winter months on a packed trail? It looks like a fun rig.

WB, it works well for pulling. We've pulled some very large logs with it over the years. You'd want to put some weight in the box though if your pulling in snow. We went through 14" of snow with it loaded the first year we had it. We knew right away that we'd found the perfect unit.

I may know where there's other one. We've tried to buy it several times over the years for parts, but no luck. The guy that owns it didn't want to part with it as long as his parents were still living (No longer an issue). If he still has it, we'll try and snap it up.

We also have a tractor for our deer camp. It works great for hanging deer and taking off the hide, etc. Unlike the Pug, it is not white. It is green.....

I think my uncle uses it for other stuff too, when not deer season....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

nice setup Bill. i like the Stormy Kromer on Rick I believe it was. Got one just like it and love it. Mine is faded pretty bad now though.

It's a Stormy, BM. I've got one just like it, plus a black one. Surprised no one noticed I had on my Chickenbuck hat.

We can use the Pug to hang the deer. What we really need is a wood splitter. That big old Ash Rick was working on nearly killed us. It did not want to split. I had over half of it split when Rick took over. Worked my AZZ off. I think it was too wet.

I split one nearly as large back in late April that took 2 swings at the most to get it to pop. This one took as many a 7 hits before it would split.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just got a call from my DIL. Her test results are in and everything came out normal.

She has to be retested in 6 months, but for now everything is great.

That is FANTASTIC news Bill. Just great!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We also have a tractor for our deer camp. It works great for hanging deer and taking off the hide, etc.

Jeezsh. That's a little extreme. I just use a knife for taking off the hide.

Very glad to hear your daughter's tests went well Bill.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

nice setup Bill. i like the Stormy Kromer on Rick I believe it was. Got one just like it and love it. Mine is faded pretty bad now though.

It's a Stormy, BM. I've got one just like it, plus a black one. Surprised no one noticed I had on my Chickenbuck hat.

I had a Stormy BM at Chickenbuck last ML season. Pert near didn't make it to the outhouse!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Very glad to hear your daughter's tests went well Bill.

x 2

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just got a call from my DIL. Her test results are in and everything came out normal.

She has to be retested in 6 months, but for now everything is great.

Best thing I've read in quite some time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

nice setup Bill. i like the Stormy Kromer on Rick I believe it was. Got one just like it and love it. Mine is faded pretty bad now though.

It's a Stormy, BM. I've got one just like it, plus a black one. Surprised no one noticed I had on my Chickenbuck hat.

I like my Stormy's. I have 4 of them. Blaze orange, black, red/black with Gore Tex, and OD green.

Are those the ones Duluth Trading sells, or a different hat?

The one's I have are original Stormy Kromer's. There are a few different variants of them, other companies make. All seem to be fine. If you get a Stormy, skip the Gore-Tex lined ones. They are too hot imo.

Now that depends if you are follicly challenged. Since I am, the GoreTex models are not too hot for me! I have a camo one and a Blaze orange one. I will be donning the Blaze one for tomorrows rooster hunt. I hope some of you schmucks read that from work tomorrow. Read it again, I will be rooster hunting!!! Wahoo!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now that depends if you are follicly challenged. Since I am, the GoreTex models are not too hot for me! I have a camo one and a Blaze orange one. I will be donning the Blaze one for tomorrows rooster hunt. I hope some of you schmucks read that from work tomorrow. Read it again, I will be rooster hunting!!! Wahoo!

Rub it in why dont ya !

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now that depends if you are follicly challenged. Since I am, the GoreTex models are not too hot for me! I have a camo one and a Blaze orange one. I will be donning the Blaze one for tomorrows rooster hunt. I hope some of you schmucks read that from work tomorrow. Read it again, I will be rooster hunting!!! Wahoo!

I am jealous, but content knowing that tomorrow, if you want to "feel the wind through your hair" you'll have to take off your shirt and lift up your arms......

If (when) I get another, I think it will be the "Rancher" which comes down onto the neck.

I've hunted these last 2 nights out at camp, saw a couple grouse tonight but thats it.

any pics on the trail cams?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now that depends if you are follicly challenged. Since I am, the GoreTex models are not too hot for me! I have a camo one and a Blaze orange one. I will be donning the Blaze one for tomorrows rooster hunt. I hope some of you schmucks read that from work tomorrow. Read it again, I will be rooster hunting!!! Wahoo!

Send us a few pictures. I don't remember what a rooster looks like anymore.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

any pics on the trail cams?

Pulled my card tonight, nothing all week.

That's depressing.

That's GREAT news Bill!!

muffy about time we here from you

ouch, that does hurt

we still have muzzle loader season out here til jan 15th....
doe tags are cheap

just sayin

you're probably gettin tired of hearin the invites but I figure I owe you a hunt or two

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

muffy about time we here from you

I know, I have not been on here much. I miss a couple days and I have at least 10 pages to catch up on.

I can't find the cord to my camera battery charger. Was looking a little online but have not found just the cord. I could buy a new charger for $60. OUCH! Not done looking though.

I was also looking at new telephoto lenses too. Boy they sure know what they want for them.

Hey dad, are you going to Chickenbuck for muzzle loader this weekend?

I think he's on his way up this morning.

Which works great for me because the gate will be open and the wood stove will be a cracklin by the time I get out there tonight

And with any luck there will be a dead timber goat hanging from the fuzzy wind chime pole when I get there.

I will look really hard for that charger cord when i get out there tonight.

Is it just a cord or the whole charger?

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

muffy about time we here from you

You too.

How ya doin' Uncle Dusty?

he's on the road, headed to camp.

I saw a beautiful 8-10pt buck this morning chasing 3 does right next to our house when I backed out of the garage this morning. Ran between our house and the neighbor's, then down the road.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ouch, that does hurt

we still have muzzle loader season out here til jan 15th....
doe tags are cheap

just sayin

you're probably gettin tired of hearin the invites but I figure I owe you a hunt or two

If he gets one, you're not going to make him take a kissey picture with you area ya?

Hey Goalie, I said I was follicly challenged, not bankrupt!

So speaking of follicles....I have the receding hairline. No big deal, I am already married, I dont have to look good, right? But I do have a fear. A deep rooted (ah, no pun intended) fear about my hair or lack of. Going bald is gonna happen, so I can live with that. But I am deathly scared of The Island. My hairline is receding on the left aaaaand on the right. But not too much the middle. If the left and right get together further back on my noggin', I will be left with The Island. What do you do with an Island? Shave it every morning? I gotta believe that every single person, from infant to 92 year olds, will see that and smirk. Mebbe outright laugh. And justifiably so. Anybody ever dealt with an island? Anybody ever see someone with and Island and not break out into raucous laughter?

Enough on that for now. I am going hunting roosters. today. In a half hour when my buddy gets here. Roosters. me. my dog. my buddy. his dog. I will snap a pic if successful.

Good luck Chickenbuckaroos, I am pulling for a fuzzy windchime to grace your meatpole!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think he's on his way up this morning.

Which works great for me because the gate will be open and the wood stove will be a cracklin by the time I get out there tonight

That is pretty nice ain't it?

I see now why you get there when you do.

Sounds like last week too. Nice and warm when you get there Dave? I saw 4 deer come out last night as i was sitting in the stand, 350 yrds away though. couldn't get them any closer. R u coming up again Tom? I think its les' weekend to drive.

Nice pictures of the deer camp. Looks like you guys have a good set up and have alot of fun there at camp.

Keep that island....maybe a rooster will land in it.

Buschy,

No, i'm not making it up this weekend. We have work parties and family schtuff here this weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Buschy,

No, i'm not making it up this weekend. We have work parties and family schtuff here this weekend.

AKA Momma's puttin her foot down after two months in the da woods!

No, we have her work Christmas party and it's at the best place I've ever eaten at. EVER. Food is fantastic. German joint, Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit (pronounce that 3 times fast)

I have no problem skipping a weekend of muzzy loader season for that.

And we have stuff at my sister's place on Sunday. I haven't seen my neice's for a while so I want to go anyway.

She don't put her foot down for huting...no need. It only lasts for a few months. She's pretty cool about that. Hell, I take the kids if they want to go

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think he's on his way up this morning.

Which works great for me because the gate will be open and the wood stove will be a cracklin by the time I get out there tonight

And with any luck there will be a dead timber goat hanging from the fuzzy wind chime pole when I get there.

I will look really hard for that charger cord when i get out there tonight.

Is it just a cord or the whole charger?

It is just the cord. Which I don't understand, I always put the charger and cord back in my case when charging is done. Unless I charged it at the shack that weekend I was losing everything.

Originally Posted by tzone

Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit

Translation: We give you gas.

Griz, love the pics of your camp!...I gotta look into that Pug, never heard of such a thing, but I think we need one!

I think rws used the cord last weekend for hanging squirrels on the pole at camp to get some noise made for the chimes! it still may be blowing in the wind up there today!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit

Translation: We give you gas.

Maybe...The meats are unbelievably good. They brew their own beer, the place is just great. It is where I bring guests when they come to town. It is my favorite place to eat since my Grandma died years ago. (Nobody beats Grandma's cooking)

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit

Translation: We give you gas.

Maybe...The meats are unbelievably good. They brew their own beer, the place is just great. It is where I bring guests when they come to town. It is my favorite place to eat since my Grandma died years ago. (Nobody beats Grandma's cooking)

Sounds good!

Bambi's Mother met an untimely death today in Pa. No calling hours will be observed.

Here is Rooster Jim's muzzle loader buck. He asked me to put him on here for him. I finally remembered to send them to my other e-mail address.

I'll let him give you all the details, but it's a 15pt. Congrats again Rooster.

[Linked Image]

wow! heck of a buck! way to go rooster!

Tzone started another thread on this that I replied to so I'm going to be lazy and copy the story here. Thanks guys.

First, let me say a big thank you to Tom (Tzone) for posting the pics for me. I still haven't figured out how to do that. Probably because I don't ever do anything interesting enough to take pictures of.

Second, let me say thank you to all for the kind comments!

Here is the story and some details. I will try to keep it short:

The zone I'm in is "Hunters Choice" this year. Meaning you can shoot a doe or a buck but then you're done. One deer limit. This is a good thing because the deer population is WAY down. More on that later.

I have been bowhunting every chance I get since the opener in September on some river bottom/farm land of my Uncle's without too much luck. Pretty much all I have seen within range is does and fawns and the one time I did have a shooter buck coming on a string toward me, a bigger buck appeared out of nowhere and chased him across the river and out of sight. SO, on the eve of the MN muzzleloader season, I decided to go buy a tag.

I planned on hunting the same land. Afterall, river bottom bordered by farmland is where the deer must be right? I got up saturday morning and just had a feeling that I should go sit in a rock pile just a couple hundred yards north of my house. I live on 6 acres that is bordered by 80 acres of CRP grass. On the east side of the CRP field is a cut cornfield. I sprayed down real good with DDW and went and sat on the rock pile a good 1/2 hour before first light and second guessed myself the whole time. Mainly due to the strong NW winds that were blowing my scent over the majority of the CRP field. First light came and I sat still in the grass with my back against the rocks. 1/2 hour went by and I didn't see anything so I decided to walk up and sit by the one big lone tree that borders the CRP and the cornfield. As I reached the tree, I spotted a deer feeding with its head down facing away from me in the corn field about 150 yards away. It was to SE of me and the wind was from the NW. I had a hunch it was a doe so I decided to sneak closer on the edge of the 2 fields basically to see how close I could get. As I was doing this, I happened to spot the silouette of a deer head and ears in the tall grass of the CRP field and I was pretty sure I seen antlers. I quickly ducked back in the CRP and hunkered down watching the doe who was looking back in my direction now. After what seemed like 10 minutes she put her head back down and started feeding again. This told me that her boyfriend must still be up ahead. I belly crawled through the tall grass and thistle until I got to where I figured I could get a shot if the deer was still there. I slowly raised up and peeked over the grass and sure enought there was a buck and two more does. To be honest I don't think I even aimed down the sight when I shot. The buck and does leaped forward and I hit the dirt, fumbling for my reloads, tools and primers. I finally got it reloaded and slowly stood up. HE WAS STILL THERE! This time I settled the sights on his front shoulder, took a deep breath and released the smoke. He lunged, spun a circle and disappeared. The does stood looking around for about 5 minutes before they wandered off into the sea of chest high grass. I reloaded again and crept up to where they were and found my buck laying 20 feet in from the edge of the cut cornfield. I let out a woop, said a prayer of thanks and called my wife to tell her to bring the truck. It was a GREAT morning that I will never forget!

Main frame 10 point with 5 kickers/stickers. 18" inside spread.

Shot at 60 yards with a CVA Optima .50 cal Muzzleloader. 295 gr. Powerbelt hollow point bullets. 100 grains of Triple 7 pellets.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

wow! heck of a buck! way to go rooster!

Thanks Ryan! I was pretty stoked!

Great buck and great story.

Thanks Tjay!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh I'm reading it Tzone...I'm reading it.

This too shall pass. Sometimes I look at living with ND like dodging bullets...this bullet I will dodge too just like some of the "other bullets" he has wanted.

Your safe Pam. The Pug is not for sale for any amount.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/rvs/2718579452.html

Good huntin' story Rooster and very nice buck.Congratulations.
That Pug for sale is just the ticket.If'n I was in the area I would buy it.

Stan in SC

Great story Rooster! What a body on that thing ! (the deer)

That deer looks like 500.00 deer to me . (wall hanger)

Oh boy. Dave or Bill are going to buy that.

Hey Pam, need to do any last minute Christmas shopping?

That Pug is in NE Minneapolis. That's practically in your neck of the woods Tom. Dave will have a place to stop and rest on his purchase and recovery efforts!

Thanks Stan.

Mule,
Thanks. I'm still trying to decide between a shoulder mount and Euro. He's caped out and in the freezer.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That Pug is in NE Minneapolis. That's practically in your neck of the woods Tom. Dave will have a place to stop and rest on his purchase and recovery efforts!

I'd have to have a pretty good reason to go to Minneapolis. That might do it.

Originally Posted by SSB

Griz, love the pics of your camp!...I gotta look into that Pug, never heard of such a thing, but I think we need one!

Pugs have been around for quite awhile, but have been bought and sold at least twice. They were originally made in Bruce Crossing, MI than they were sold and made over around Cameron, WI. There now made down in Mississippi. Check out Pug Power on the Web. New ones are more UTV like and don't appear to be made much lighter than the old models.

Great buck Jim.

We're getting freezing rain here today. Just finished putting up the Christmas tree.

We're supposed to get 0-7" of snow.

If we get some it will be messy because it's 34* out now.

I hate sitting home knowing I'm not going deer hunting for 49 weeks.

Maybe I can sneak out next weekend for a pinch.

How 'bout a Sunday run somewhere Tom?

Deer stand report.

Sat this morning until 11:30, nuthin. Got back to cabin at noon. Dusty's chili is really good, had 2 bowls of that with 2 glasses of beer with green olives in the beer. Took a 1 hour nap, got up at 2 and headed back to my stand.

Lots of good fresh tracks on east side of my stand. Its been trying to snow all day but it just can't get going. Very cloudy all day.

White bear, lady friend and bear cub may come see us at camp tonight. I hope they do, I'm going to fry some northern pike tonight.

I forgot to take my underwear off of the wood spirit's face today. (Sorry rooster, I'll explain)

Rooster gave us this black walnut log with a carving of the wood spirit's face in it. Wood spirit is supposed to bring you good luck. Our wood spirit has been failing us this year so we decided to motivate him by hanging my underwear on his face until he comes up with a deer for us.

The idea was to pull the underwear off his face so he could see and breathe but threaten to put them back on if he didn't bring some luck.

Am I going about this wrong? We are considering waterboarding as well.

4PM, the magic hour. Be very quiet now please....

Maybe a jar of termites at his feet might wake him up .

36*, foggy and still raining at 5:15 PM. Supposed to turn to snow tonight, but it will be a slushy mess in the AM if it does.

Threaten wood spirit with fire, if that doesn't do it nothing will.

stayed out all day.started snowing about 3pm,hard.
never saw a thing ,except the biggest squirrel Ive ever seen.Damn thing looked like it was as big as a cat.Wonder how big the tenderloins would be on that thing

Probably a really fat squirrel is my guess. But they are about to start their rut, so the squirrel hunting is going to get good in couple of weeks, and it might be a more profitable way to spend time than more of the same deer hunting you guys are experiencing.

White bear, baby bear, lady bear...

They was all here at camp tonight and helped us eat some fried northern pike. Of course they brought so dang much stuff with them too. (Food and drinks)

So glad they stopped.

The sky is still trying to drop snow but it's just a teaser, no fair.

I pulled the underwear off the wood spirits face, we'll see how it goes.

He's on double secret probation.

One year we had a white plaster Budda about a foot high which someone brought to deer camp and sat in the cook shack.Every morning the ritual was to rub Budda's belly for good luck.After two weeks in the season with no one even seeing a deer I took Budda outside and applied a .308 bullet to him.After that we started seeing and killing deer.
I'm not advocating violence on the wood spirit.Just relating my former experience with appeasement of/reliance on anything other than skill and luck.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by gophergunner

How 'bout a Sunday run somewhere Tom?

Next Sunday maybe.

We ended up with about 4-5" of fresh fluffy stuff. Beautiful, really.

It is right about now that I hate living this close to the city. In WI I'd have been in the woods for a few hours by now.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great buck Jim.

Thanks Bill

The Legend of the Wood Spirit

It goes by several names: Wood Spirit, Wild Man, Savage Man, Woodwose. Whatever you call it, the next time you are strolling through the woods, keep an eye out for one of these elusive creatures.
Most often glimpsed as a green man with leaves for his beard and hair, the Wood Spirit is said to be Lord of the Forest and Natural Things. Seeing one is said to be quite a lucky thing, and European villagers used to go out on regular hunts, hoping to find a Wood Spirit to foretell the future of their village.
They are extremely strong. Wood Spirits can tear an opponent limb from limb and can tame any wild animal, including ferocious dragons and skittish unicorns. At the same time, they are gentle with the maidens, children, and men of good heart.
It is said that the forest will stand for as long as the Wood Spirit remains to keep order. And if you're lucky enough to see one, health happiness, and good fortune will be yours. However, that does not happen often. Wood Spirits would rather see than be seen. Most sightings are by children or by the pure of heart.
When you take your Wood Spirit home, give it a place of honor. Include the Wood Spirit in the audience when you tell jokes (Wood Spirits have a delightful sense of humor). If you do these things, your Wood Spirit will bring his gentle wisdom, humor, and luck into your home. Enjoy!

Unfortunatley the wood spirit is no match for the Minnesota DNR and their deer eradication efforts in the Bovine TB zone.

As the helicopters fly over the baited fields and the bullets rain down on the unsuspecting and hungry timbergoats you can be rest assured that a tear gently rolls down the face of the wood spirit and is quickly absorbed into Dave's underwear.

I pulled the underwears off his face, we'll try it for a while. He's still on double secret probation though.

He had YOUR pair of crusty's on his face!!???!!!

Doooood!!

You will never get another game animal as long as you live....

Might as well take up golf..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I pulled the underwears off his face, we'll try it for a while. He's still on double secret probation though.

TFF!

I was just trying to motivate him.

[Linked Image]

He's free now, we'll see how it goes.

[Linked Image]

mmmm....

I took a picture of breakfast this morning.

[Linked Image]

Did you eat the ml bullets too?

Gotta make sure you have all you nutrients and copper in your diet.

yes just one bullet.

And yes a dash of jim shocky endorsed american pioneer powder in my green olive beer too.

Sweet!! Hope you don't blow up.

You think I wont?

I think you will.

BOOM!!!!!!!!!

Who knew the Broncos sucked bad enough to go into overtime with the MN vikings??

Nevermind... lol!!

Why? Was the score 0 to 0?

Lol

That hurt my feeling.

Your 1 lone feeling?

How do you think I feel? I live in a state where we have the Dolts.....

But at least the dolts have completely commited to NOT playing football this year. The Vikings don't even have that option. They're that bad. I don't know how they've won 2 games, I really dont.

Lol

I've seen alot of things before like peanuts in Dr. Pepper or Grape pop, raisins in oat meal , Tabasco in V8 and the like but olives in beer ?

Thanks for posting the camp pics Dave it helps us Okies who hunt from the house enjoy camp life.

The Vikes are one of my favorite teams. Idk but theyre coach maybe on un-emploment soon .

Originally Posted by mule1

I've seen alot of things before like peanuts in Dr. Pepper or Grape pop, raisins in oat meal , Tabasco in V8 and the like but olives in beer ?

The olives in beer must be a midwest thing. The ex-president of the company I work for was from NC. She couldn't believe it when I ordered a beer with olives.

The best is to use the big jalapeno stuffed olives.

Did you guys see ANY deer this weekend Dave?

Got to hang out with my mom today, it was fun. Thanks for lunch mom!

Trying to stay warm but I am freezing!

I got a new battery charger and battery on Friday.

I was downloading pictures from my camera to computer and it stopped half way through and wouldn't finish. I hate computers. I got over 600 pictures to get off that card. UGH!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by mule1

I've seen alot of things before like peanuts in Dr. Pepper or Grape pop, raisins in oat meal , Tabasco in V8 and the like but olives in beer ?

The olives in beer must be a midwest thing. The ex-president of the company I work for was from NC. She couldn't believe it when I ordered a beer with olives.

Many many moons ago x 3 when I was a youngun a feller from Texas was having super with us my mom had just baked a chocolate cake this crazy Texan asked for a piece of the cake and then proceded to cover it with red beans . I never got over that !

The best is to use the big jalapeno stuffed olives.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Got to hang out with my mom today, it was fun. Thanks for lunch mom!

Trying to stay warm but I am freezing!

You have a heater in your stand. How can you be freezing?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Got to hang out with my mom today, it was fun. Thanks for lunch mom!

Trying to stay warm but I am freezing!

You have a heater in your stand. How can you be freezing?

I'm not even hunting. I'm in the house.

Well that's funnier yet then.

Did you go up to Chickenbuck?

When I walked around the trails behind the camp last weekend,most of the tracks were by Justin's stand and Uncle Dusty's.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Your 1 lone feeling?

Yes.

I'm really not complicated enough for more than the one feeling.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Got to hang out with my mom today, it was fun. Thanks for lunch mom!

Trying to stay warm but I am freezing!

You have a heater in your stand. How can you be freezing?

I'm not even hunting. I'm in the house.

It's a gurl thing

EVERY female type person I have ever known has/had cold feet and a cold butt. There is the reason guys die of cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. He's layin' there in a nice warn bed next to his sweetie,and at oh-dark thirty she presses her ice cold butt up against the small of his back and her ce cold feet up against his calf. The sheer shock of this ice cold attack in that nice warm bed causes sudden death by cardiac arrest

It ain't fair I tell ya

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Muffy

Got to hang out with my mom today, it was fun. Thanks for lunch mom!

Trying to stay warm but I am freezing!

You have a heater in your stand. How can you be freezing?

I'm not even hunting. I'm in the house.

It's a gurl thing

EVERY female type person I have ever known has/had cold feet and a cold butt. There is the reason guys die of cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. He's layin' there in a nice warn bed next to his sweetie,and at oh-dark thirty she presses her ice cold butt up against the small of his back and her ce cold feet up against his calf. The sheer shock of this ice cold attack in that nice warm bed causes sudden death by cardiac arrest

It ain't fair I tell ya

Is that what that is caused from.

I must have poor circulation. Hands, feet, and nose are always cold.

My new nickname is not only "Missy 2 Sweaters" but also "Missy 2 Sweaters & 2 Blankets"

Originally Posted by tzone

Well that's funnier yet then.

Did you go up to Chickenbuck?

When I walked around the trails behind the camp last weekend,most of the tracks were by Justin's stand and Uncle Dusty's.

No I didn't get up there. I should have, I would have definately been warm in the cabin.

Of course there were tracks there now, cuz I'm not there.

Thinkin bout taking friday off.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Of course there were tracks there now, cuz I'm not there.

There were several very large sets right under the ladder. I think I saw where one even stopped to point and laugh because nobody was in there.

My daughter is the only girl I know that gets hot at night. She is like me and wears shorts and a t-shirt around the house cuz the other woman folk is always turning up the heat or putting on 9 blankets.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thinkin bout taking friday off.

Me too.

I only have 7 weeks of vacation left though, I don't want to use it all up.

Come back up this weekend Tom, last weekend of muzzy! i was hoping to get out to chickenbuck to hear some stories this weekend. Next weekend for sure. Already got my day planned. Hunt hard, play hard!

You have worked for the state for what, a year? And you have 7 weeks of vacation LEFT? Holy cow, I am in the wrong business!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thinkin bout taking friday off.

Me too.

I only have 7 weeks of vacation left though, I don't want to use it all up.

No crap...7 weeks! Wow I work in the wrong department for the State. Been here almost 6 years, surely haven't acquired that much of vacation and probably won't even if I stay here for another 100 years.

We aren't even allowed to accumulate 7 weeks, I've lost that much vacation many times over.

TZ - get out there!

I tink he meant 7 days.

??

Quote

I tink he meant 7 days.

Yeah, we'll go with that.

Whew, I was just ringing up the ITeam to do an investigation!

I just got word from my dad about the guy who owns the house I stay at when I hunt on the iron range. His son came over to check on him because nobody had heard from him all day. He found him laying unconscious in the driveway and called 911.

Nobody knew how long he'd been there. It appears he slipped on the ice and konked his head. He also has 4 busted ribs, a very bruised hip, a kidney infection from laying there an not going to the bathroom so he must have been there a loooong time, and now has pneumonia.

My dad went to see him today in the hospital in Duluth, which is where they took him after the short stint in Virginia hospital.

He is a grumpy old dude, but we're are about his only friends, so it meant a lot to him for my dad to go see him. I'll probably do so on Sat or Sunday too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Whew, I was just ringing up the ITeam to do an investigation!

Call them. They won't know who I am. I'm on a double top seceret team.

BrentD,

we can carry up to 1000 hours, but who in the heck can accumulate that much? Not me... I use it up in the summer for family stuff and the fall for hunting. When they told me we could carry that much, I just chuckled. Really, why would you want to carry that much.

at a thousand hours you could almost take a half a year of vacation and then retire.......

Best wishes for the old guy, Tom.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

at a thousand hours you could almost take a half a year of vacation and then retire.......

I think that is what a lot of the retirement age folks do. It takes awhile to get your ret. check, so that 5-6 months worth of money before the checks start coming in.

Thanks Dave.

It sounds like there was a bunch of stuff the saw bones in Virgina missed that was discovered when he got to Duluth. Like the blood and pa-moania in his lungs.

Looks like he gets to come home in a day or two.

Good wishes for your old friend Tom...hopefully he prospers.

I found out today that one of our hunting camp members who is a 3rd cousin or so died this morning. Last Sunday I saw him at his cabin making fresh french fries and fried chicken...and he killed a nice 6 pt last Monday on my place. This morn he had a massive heart attack. He was 38. Sometimes I think there is a bounty out on us...we lost his grandpa in October...and Chris was left his cabin. Now he is gone. Some day I'll figure all this out......

Sorry to hear that Scott.

Tzone,pass on well wishes to your friend from another geezer.
SSB,sorry to hear about such a relatively young person dying.

I knew a guy in Atlanta who saved up enough vacation over the time span of his job career that he drew his salary for a year when he retired.The company had a plan to put unused vacation toward retirement.

Stan in SC

Tzone, in the end, there is really no vacation. No one does my work when I'm gone, so vacation is sort of a gimmick as far as I'm concerned. I've probably lost several thousands of hours so far. but when I retire, I'll get paid for up to 400 hrs of it. That's all. Part of the business I guess.

Sorry about your friend Scott.

Tom, hope your friend recovers fully.

You hit the nail right on the head about vacations Brendt. You could usually plan on 3 days of catch up for every week you took off.

I doubt I'll ever have enough built up to loose hours. I do loose floating holidays if I don't use them. Which won't happen this year.

Bill is a tough old guy, he'll be fine I think. He's a retired iron worker, you don't get much tougher than those guys.

best wishes to the tough old bird and the family of the guy who died way too young.

a balmy 1 degree here this morning. how about up nort?

ND, i heard there was a minor mishap this morning, do u want to elaborate on that? r u hunting friday? Tzone going to get away? nice weekend coming.

An ND mishap? Boy, I hope everyone is all right. Assuming they are, my ears are perked up and I am excited to hear this one!

And hey, has enough time elapsed that we can hear about the trailer????

Buschy,

I'm going up to Duluth to work on my '78 ford F-150. I need to get that truck finished and on the road.

I'll have the muzldr with because I'll be driving through some nice deer country.

There is still quite a bit of steam rolling out of his office.

I gave ND a roll of the giant bubble wrap to help him calm his nerves.

Between the bubble wrap & the wounded rabbit call, I think theropy is going well.

Come now...somebody spill the beans.

i just heard some rumors of missing parts and liquids.... to bad you can't make it up. i guess the deer are really moving through the forest too. reallys good huntings there this time of year....

Okay, White Bear obviously knows the scoop and there are no mention of injuries, so this is gonna be good....hold on while I get some popcorn!

Bubble wrap....steam.....wounded rabbit....oh I am like a kid on Christmas morning!

So speaking of Christmas morning, my wife bought a book and stuffed elf called Elf on a Shelf. Heard of it? We are having a ball with it!

Here is how it works, the Elf flies to the North Pole every night and reports to Santa how well behaved the kids have been that day. No one can touch him though. Now our particular Elf is a michievious little Elf. First night, he was very nice though; brought us some cinnamon rolls. Then the next night he showed his true colors! He got into the marshmallows and had them all over the living room.

Then he ramped it up. We decorated our Christmas Tree that day and he decided he needed to help I guess. So he went into the bathroom and grabbed the end of a full roll of TP and dragged it all the way to the tree and around the tree he went. So we had a TP trail from the bathroom all the way to the tree!

Last night, we all watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Elfy found a (washable thank goodness) red marker and colored all of our noses red while we slept!

the kids love it every morning waking up and racing to see what Elfy did that night. Sure is fun watching them. If anyone has any ideas, let me know as we have 18 more messes to come up with! 2 that I know that are planned are fishing for goldfish (the cracker) in the toilet bowl, and making snow angels in flour on the counter!

grumble.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

grumble.....

Uh oh. Did the red ford feel sorry for you again this year and tag another deer for ya?

Dave, you were not tooth raking the chocolate off the wraper of an ice cream bar were you?

Tom, hope your friend is alright.

Scott, sorry about your cousin. Way too young.

BM, fill a jar with cocoa puffs and have a note on there that they brought back some raindeer droppings.

Muffy. R u n dusty headed out to chickenbuck for last weekend of muzzleloader.

I don't think I am, not sure if dad is or not.

Oh, good one Muffy, we will have to incorporate some of those into the deal!

I should got a picture of the elf with the TP and our red noses.

Someone lost a traction device out of the back of their pickup truck this morning in town. Traction device was a 5 gallon pail filled with cement and gravel.

Weezy found it with the front of her car at around 35-40 MPH

Car is being towed to the body shop, we are looking for the owner of the lost traction device. We have several leads.

Although it won't do us any good (I don't think) but it may help us establish a no fault vs fault on this insurance claim.

It was certainly an accident, perhaps one that could have been avoided by closeing the tailgate on said pickup truck... But an accident none the less. The person probably didn't even realize it fell out.

These are odd things that happen.....

That's to bad dave! I didn't hear all details. To bad it was weezy that had to take it out on the pail! At least no one got hurt, that's the good thing.

It doesn't stop the fact that come thursday night I'm heading to camp, in my best truck.

For luck.

Wow...glad she's alright. Hope it didn't schmuck up the car too bad.

It's just stuff.

Originally Posted by SSB

Good wishes for your old friend Tom...hopefully he prospers.

I found out today that one of our hunting camp members who is a 3rd cousin or so died this morning. Last Sunday I saw him at his cabin making fresh french fries and fried chicken...and he killed a nice 6 pt last Monday on my place. This morn he had a massive heart attack. He was 38. Sometimes I think there is a bounty out on us...we lost his grandpa in October...and Chris was left his cabin. Now he is gone. Some day I'll figure all this out......

Sorry to read this. That is far too young.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's just stuff.

I know it's just stuff but I also know how frustrating it can be when "stuff" keeps happening to your stuff.

Well, my little crew went in to town and solved the mystery all by themselves after filing the police report.

Police said "needle in a haystack" then ma and the 2 big kids found the truck, by themselves. Called the popo with the plate number and there we have the responsible party for toting around a couple of 5 gallon pails full of quickcrete on the tailgate with flimsy straps securing the load.

Your welcome popo, go have a donut.

Dang that girl had bad luck. Glad she didn't didn't get hurt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It doesn't stop the fact that come thursday night I'm heading to camp, in my best truck.

For luck.

Which one is that? I think your best one was made in the mid 70's.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, my little crew went in to town and solved the mystery all by themselves after filing the police report.

Police said "needle in a haystack" then ma and the 2 big kids found the truck, by themselves. Called the popo with the plate number and there we have the responsible party for toting around a couple of 5 gallon pails full of quickcrete on the tailgate with flimsy straps securing the load.

Your welcome popo, go have a donut.

Should I call my people back home? ror.

I raised my own "people"

I'm pretty proud of them.

Sounds like the did pretty well. Nice job guys...er, girls and boy.

Good to hear u got it figured out. Not much faith in the local donut holers here. I think u need preacher at camp to stir those woods up out thr this weekend. He will get some critters moving for u.

Dave,Sorry to hear the young lady wrecked her car.I'm glad she was unhurt.As you said ,all the rest is just stuff.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It doesn't stop the fact that come thursday night I'm heading to camp, in my best truck.

For luck.

Are you going to bring your son.

For luck.

Would you like me to send my 4 year old niece up to deal with the perp? If anyone can put the fear of god in someone it's her.

She must be a red head.

Nope, dish water blond. Small for her age, but a real tiger.

She was exspelled from day care at 2 1/2 for telling the owner she did not take orders from anyone because "she was in charge"

Her nickname is "Vinney Gumba"

You know some redheads too, eh Tzone?

Well, I got my new starter for the old plow truck, got an oil change and WIX filter, but my Holley float bowl gasket that the parts store ordered for me was wrong.

So, no truck fixing for me tonight.

Should have the right gasket tomorrow.

Dang!!

I might not have my BEST truck out at camp this weekend after all.

Dang old parts store.

I want to see the blellow truck w the beacon on in the forest this weekend. I Gots a feeling deer r moving. We' ll b out for Friday confessions!

I think I'll be able to finish the floors this weekend if I can make good progress. Maybe not, but it will give me a head start on what I need over Christmas break.

I (we) need to put the pannels on the box sides too. That will be a bigger project for another day. I also need to order cab corners. I'll do that before I go up next.

"T" Brokaw mill will close by March. 450 folks out of a job.

That stinks. You can't say it wasn't coming though. That has been rumored for a few years now.

Is it just going to close?

Originally Posted by tzone

That stinks. You can't say it wasn't coming though. That has been rumored for a few years now.

Is it just going to close?

WAUSAU- Wausau Paper says it plans to close its Brokaw mill by March 31, putting about 450 people out of work.

The Mosinee-based papermaker said Wednesday it has approved the sale of its premium print and color paper division to Neenah Paper. That sale is expected to be finalized by Jan. 31.

Neenah Paper plans to incorporate the work now being down at the Brokaw mill into its plants in Appleton, Neenah and Stevens Point.

The mill's shutdown will affect about 450 hourly and salary workers.

The Wausau Daily Herald reports Wausau Paper recently said it was looking to sell both the division and the mill, but would consider other options

That news out of Wausau is just all too common in the midwest anymore....and the number of jobs affected will triple that do to the trickle down...Sad news indeed.

I did a bunch of work for the town of Brokaw. They built a subdivision up the hill from the mill because they wanted to expand the mill. In order to do so they'd have to buy the houses in town, so they built the sub-div, so the folks could have land to build on....guess that isn't happening.

Good luck in the swamp dave! Hang those windchimes!

We're gonna try. I got working at home tonight and it got late on me so I'm going to head to camp in the morning.

In the old truck with it's new starter, air cleaner, carb gasket, fuel filter, oil change etc...

Sweet.

She's gonna be a cold one here. 5* tonight, I imagine it's quite a bit colder up that way.

Negative 4 right now.

Hey Dave, I laid the smack down on a nice doe tonight....181 yds.

Good luck on your hunt.

With my muzzleloader.

Congrats!

I haven't seen a deer yet but I've only been at it since Nov 5.

So, just a little over a month so far.

I should see one any time now....

I don't know how you guys hunt in that cold weather. Wearing 50 pounds of clothing in 20F weather I can't take but about an hour before I have to find(or build) a fire.

Good shot Tom. What load are you using in the smoke pole?

Negative 6.5 degrees this morning, I'm headed to camp for our last weekend of deer hunting.

Later fellers.

Less than nothing degrees.....
That's awesome! We'll get that freezer filt with fish instead of that elusive & finicky venison!

Good Luck Dave!

WB,
How much ice is on the lake?

I've been hearing everywhere from 10" to nothing depending on the location. A bunch of people have been going out over the pine island area but one Geo did go thru as well.

I need a little more cold weather before I drive out there (I don't like walking

. It is a strange lake that never freezes over very evenly.

Nice cold nights with no snow cover so it's all happening fast now.

websterparish,
20 degrees here is now a warm front and shorts weather! In all honesty, 20 degrees is good hunting weather. as the temp drops below 20 degrees, one hopes the wind isnt howling too hard. When you get down toward that 0 degree mark, it gets hard to hunt for very long if it is windy. if it is calm, 0 is plenny doable.

But then again, most of us would melt in your summers. Don't know how you do that.

I'm rarely comfortable going out on the ice before Christams. It was a good rule of thumb in WI where I used to fish because most everything was a flowage. It's a decent rule to follow here too. No reason to die for a fish.

A guy doesn't need to be out on LOW on first ice because there's always fish, so it's not a major concern.

10* above here. Supposed to be up in the 30's by monday. I need 2 feet of ice befor I feel safe. Quite a few of the lakes around here have springs in them so there's either open water or very thin ice around the spring areas.

Got a call from my buddy that is headed to Dubay at 2pm. He's crazy! I would not be at all comfortable out there now.

You know it's damn cold when the brandy pours like 5 wt oil.

Damn cold in a deer stand, hot brandy for lunch.

keep the fires burning dave, do you have uncle dusty out there with you too?? all i seen today were a couple of 2 pointers!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Damn cold in a deer stand, hot brandy for lunch.

That'll warm yer innards!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Damn cold in a deer stand, hot brandy for lunch.

That'll warm yer innards!

I hope some innards warm your hands!

Mom and dad headed to camp this morning. I wish I could make it but it don't look like I will.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You know it's damn cold when the brandy pours like 5 wt oil.

Damn cold in a deer stand, hot brandy for lunch.

Uncle Dusty must be there.

Please say hi to him for me.

and me too, I sure miss his stories.

Did somebody say hot brandy?!?!? Yumm.......:)

Seems it was the right thing to have. Me and Ma had a Tom and Jerry last night and it hit the spot.

We went to a "ugly sweater" party last night. whew, it was fun, but I must be getting old! That time of year I guess.

I wonder how the 'buckaroos are doing today? Here's hoping a fuzzy windchime comes strolling along....closer to ND....closer yet. Almost in the open....there it is...in the clear...KERBOOOOOOOM! And the deer bounds away unscathed after a clean miss! Hehehehe!

Talking snow here mid week.

None deer sightings. We had fun last night anyways though.

Quite a swing in temp, sub zero yesterday and it must be close to 20 today, nice squirrel watching weather. Which is what I'm doing now. This aint a deer stand, it's a squirrel stand! Angry chattery squirrels.

Jeez Dave not seeing deer would get old.

Any other places you can go where deer are being seen?

Originally Posted by Tom264

Jeez Dave not seeing deer would get old.

Any other places you can go where deer are being seen?

My backyard.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Jeez Dave not seeing deer would get old.

Any other places you can go where deer are being seen?

I brought ND out to help cull my heard one day during rifle season but it was the only day I sat all season without seeing a deer.

I'm starting to think he needs to back off on the hunting a bit & maybe work on some hygiene.

HA HA HA HA!!! Just givin you a hard time ND!

Any new projects in the works there Dave??????

I know nothing yet...

I think it's because he threw a pair of his crusty's on the wood spirits head....

Dave is doomed forever.

Sad thing is I would like to invite Dave out here to Indiana for a crack at one of our bucks but I don't want to be cursed like he obviously is.

And I do feel sorry for a guy putting time in and not getting results.

Sorry Dave.

I have to give ND credit for having a lot of heart for the venison gettin. I don't think many could have stuck it out like he has.

The camp is second to none tho & that is what keeps everyone coming back. The cycle of the deer will change in time & many fruitfull hunts will come.

I think we should work on harvesting some tamrack this season & I'm more than happy to share my good fortune of the venison season with his family.

I really think ND needs a Christmas present to ease the pain of this fall.

hint hint..... It starts with a "T" click click click.....

I'd be out there with the guys drowning our sorrows & telling some great lies this evening but I have some other obligations at the momment.

Nothin like some smart joose to liven up the evening!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I have to give ND credit for having a lot of heart for the venison gettin. I don't think many could have stuck it out like he has.

Dave, as many of us...has the heart of a hunter. Us boys in MN are goofy breed of hunter. We only get a few weeks a year to chase windchime material and it isn't to be spent at home.

I didn't lay eyes on a deer in the woods. I love the shooting of the deer, the gutting, the dragging, the story telling. But that isn't all there is to the hunt. I know that, You know that WB, I'm just stating it.

Quote

The camp is second to none tho & that is what keeps everyone coming back. The cycle of the deer will change in time & many fruitfull hunts will come.

da camp is what it's about. I love that camp. I could not leave its walls and call it a successful hunt. There is NO WHERE on earth I sleep as good as I do at that camp.

Hopefully, 10 years from now, we'll be talking about how there were no deer around, but now we're over run with them. I remember it being like that on the iron range in the 90's when I first started to hunt. 1-2 deer maybe seen a year. I didn't shoot one until I was 14.

Troof be told by Tzone.....

Just did my end of season gun cleaning. Two .30-06, one .308, one .348, three 12 guages, one .22 pistol, two .22 rifle. I'm high on Hoppes No. 9! But sad it's over.

4

Originally Posted by tzone

Hopefully, 10 years from now, we'll be talking about how there were no deer around, but now we're over run with them. I remember it being like that on the iron range in the 90's when I first started to hunt. 1-2 deer maybe seen a year. I didn't shoot one until I was 14.

I hope you are right.

I won't ever forget my "lean years" when I could only muzzle-load public land, quite often alone due to my job. I think I went about 30% over 10 years or so. Been averaging over 1 a year for 10 years or so now rifle hunting private land in MN.

You really appreciate what you have when you have not always had it.

I did a lot of walking today, I sat in my stand until 9 this morning then I went walking. Did a sneak through 1/2 mile of cedar, then made my way back to a stand that none of us have visited this year yet. Its a shabby old ladder at the edge of some cedars overlooking an old tamarack cutting. Well I saw a deer across the cut from me. 100 yds, just saw the back and rump, for about 2 seconds then it was completely concealed again. I had the hammer back and the heart rate up for just a minute or so. But the deer was gone.

Oop, my ruff grouse just came back to see me and tonight I have my MKII target pistol with. I'm happy to report the grouse is dead now.

He'll make a nice snack.

There, finally got a kill this deer season and from my new stand too. Too bad he ain't a lot bigger and more deer shaped.

Twas my first muzzleloader season and its come to an end. I had fun though no deer had. Was up close n did alot of walking in the woods. A bit different than rifle season Whr the stands were nice n warm. Several trips to chickenbuck for some great times!

I has the sadness.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I has the sadness.

You watched the Vikes game eh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I has the sadness.

I know it well. But as you know, it will pass.

In the meantime, if you could get a tag down here, I'd get you on a deer in no time if you like. But I don't think you get one any more.

Hang in there.

still doe tags in SD until jan 15th for muzzleloader..........

Thoughts and prayers for Broter Les. It seems Mrs. Sassy has passed away tonight.

Thanks for putting this up Tom. I was thinking there'd be a few on here that might want to know this also.

Originally Posted by tzone

Thoughts and prayers for Broter Les. It seems Mrs. Sassy has passed away tonight.

No that just can't be true.

Oh good lord I hope that's not true.

It's true Dave. Several threads on the campfire about it. I hate to hear this.

I took the kids up to Grandpa and Grandma's today. The girls baked Christmas cookies and the boys worked on the "monster truck" which is what a certain 6 yo boy calls the '78 F-150.

We got the floors on the drivers side finished. Next time we go up, it will be a busy week. I'd like to tackle the rest of the floor which is the trans cowel, and a small patch on the pass. side under the seat where the floor pan didn't reach.

I even fired it up and took the little guy around the block a few times, with much dismay from the neighbors I'm sure because there is no exhaust past the manifolds. I can promise, they knew we were out.

If things go right, we should be able to get the box sides on...at least on side. Then, the fun stuff.

I haven't seen a deer all year either here in South Carolina.Hopefully that will change this morning.
Film at eleven.

EDIT:I just looked at the post concerning Les' mother,Sassy.I'm very sorry to hear of her passing.

Stan in SC

I feel terrible about sassy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Les and Greenhornet47.

I'm so sorry guys.

Great lady, what a loss.

Originally Posted by tzone

I took the kids up to Grandpa and Grandma's today. The girls baked Christmas cookies and the boys worked on the "monster truck" which is what a certain 6 yo boy calls the '78 F-150.

Dat's da good stuff

I feel bad too. I had a hard time falling asleep and I've never met her. I feel horrible for Les, Greenhornet, and the rest of the family. Sad day.

Since we're on the bad news stuff, I might as well say it now.

We had a scare a few weeks ago with my mom but I didn't tell anyone here until it was taken care of...mostly because I was scared. She was potentialy hours away from a stroke. She had some procedures done that were completed last week and so far so good.

The biggest one was she had to have Cardio Aversion, which shocks her heart into beating correctly. Only 1/2 of it was working and blood was pooled up on top of her heart, which clotted.

She already talks of having more energy. She didn't even know she was ill.She went to donate blood and they took the sample then told her they couldn't take blood because something was wrong with the sample and she needed to see the doc ASAP. So kids, do your regular check-ups even though we hate it, lord knows I do.

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by tzone

I took the kids up to Grandpa and Grandma's today. The girls baked Christmas cookies and the boys worked on the "monster truck" which is what a certain 6 yo boy calls the '78 F-150.

Dat's da good stuff

Yep it is. I let him start it, so it made his week. Me and grandpa had to move a '49 Merc pick up off the lift and into the body shop, which is sperated from the shop but in the same building...He got to steer. Between that and starting the '78, he should have stories for the teacher for the rest of the week.

Scary stuff Tom. Glad to hear she's feeling better.

I have my annual physical tomorrow.

Grizzly Bill,hope all goes well at the physical.

Stan in SC

Turn you head and cough Bill! hehehe!

Physical went well so far. Just waiting on lab results.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Turn you head and cough Bill! hehehe!

It's the "bend over" and snapping of gloves that I hate. Worse yet is when the gloves are shoulder length.

TMI!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Turn you head and cough Bill! hehehe!

It's the "bend over" and snapping of gloves that I hate. Worse yet is when the gloves are shoulder length.

Liar.....

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Turn you head and cough Bill! hehehe!

It's the "bend over" and snapping of gloves that I hate. Worse yet is when the gloves are shoulder length.

Even worse when the Doc says " Look Ma, no hands."

Dave,

Just heard about semi vs. schoolbus accident in Roseau, eight kids hurt nothing serious.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/12/13/semi-crashes-into-school-bus-in-roseau/

Yep, that one had everybody's heart stop for a while this morning.

Thank god nobody was seriously hurt.

Scary stuff

I was elected president of the clay county winter fishermans association last night. A 2 year term. I did not campaign for it. I didn't even ask to be on the ballot. And it sure is funny how nobody seemed to recognize the name of the guy I was running against.

I guess thats what happens when you have a buddy on the previous years board!

Revenge is a dish best served cold!

Nice job Prez! Are you going to "employ" any "interns"?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nice job Prez! Are you going to "employ" any "interns"?

Only if they wear extremely biodegradable blue dresses...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I was elected president of the clay county winter fishermans association last night...

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer gets elected to the head of the union at the nuclear power plant.

"So what does this job pay?"
"Nothing."
"D'oh!"
"Unless you're crooked."
"Wahoo!"

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Turn you head and cough Bill! hehehe!

It's the "bend over" and snapping of gloves that I hate. Worse yet is when the gloves are shoulder length.

Even worse when the Doc says " Look Ma, no hands."

This is why I have a small petite female Dr. with small fingers!!! Did I mention she's hot as hell too!!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nice job Prez! Are you going to "employ" any "interns"?

Think I can find you some Cuban cigars.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nice job Prez! Are you going to "employ" any "interns"?

Think I can find you some Cuban cigars.

Hi I'm RWS and I forgot to log out on the home computer.

My mom and dad are the coolest adult humans in the world, I love them like crazy.

My little brother PWM can be the meanest little ankle biter you ever seen but I still love him too.

And my big sister "Weezy" is mean as hell and twice as lazy but I love her too.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Hi I'm RWS and I forgot to log out on the home computer.

My mom and dad are the coolest adult humans in the world, I love them like crazy.

My little brother PWM can be the meanest little ankle biter you ever seen but I still love him too.

And my big sister "Weezy" is mean as hell and twice as lazy but I love her too.

Awwwe, thats so nice....

Where you been hiding?

Working on trucks and thunderchickens now I hope.

Foggy as heck here today. Temp is around 40* and it's starting to rain again.

Out coffee group (5) made a run to Wausau today to check out a new gun shop. The shop is small and appears to cater to the concealed carry crowd.

When we entered the shop there were 2 guys looking at handguns. Here's a recap of the conversation.

Guy #1, "Whats that curvy thing?"

Clerk, "That's the hammer, it's a single action"

Guy # 1, "You mean you have to cock it first".

Clerk, "Yes, we also have double actions"

Guy #2, "Whats that mean ?"

I'll end it here, but the conversation just kept going down hill.

BTW, they didn't buy a gun. I hope they can't reproduce either.

Those guys were in the wrong store.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

BTW, they didn't buy a gun. I hope they can't reproduce either.

sometimes, that is a good thing.

I'd say more than just sometimes......

was there a deer taken at chickenbuck this year?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Foggy as heck here today. Temp is around 40* and it's starting to rain again.

Out coffee group (5) made a run to Wausau today to check out a new gun shop. The shop is small and appears to cater to the concealed carry crowd.

When we entered the shop there were 2 guys looking at handguns. Here's a recap of the conversation.

Guy #1, "Whats that curvy thing?"

Clerk, "That's the hammer, it's a single action"

Guy # 1, "You mean you have to cock it first".

Clerk, "Yes, we also have double actions"

Guy #2, "Whats that mean ?"

I'll end it here, but the conversation just kept going down hill.

BTW, they didn't buy a gun. I hope they can't reproduce either.

Hey, at least the guy was asking the questions.

Ignorance can be cured with education. Stupid is forever.

Originally Posted by fluffy

was there a deer taken at chickenbuck this year?

RWS got a doe IIRC

Fair warning: Run Dave, right now. just start running.....

Hey Pam, I just LOVE that picture of you. Just in case you haven't gotten around to it, I counted 481 eyebrow hairs and 267 eyelashes. thought you might like to know.

Whatchu talkin bout Wills?

Tzone,
Man I am already 'fraid to get the door if the doorbell rings after my post above! Figure I got about 4 hours of peace, then I need to start worrying. You will have to find it yourself. You and ND are "buddies" right (hint)?

there's a campfire wives thing up in the hunters campfire section.

WOW! What a long lasting thread. No way am I going to read all of this one.

Originally Posted by Mauser_Hunter

WOW! What a long lasting thread. No way am I going to read all of this one.

You can do it.

I do it once a year... don't ask why but I do.

I like the fish pictures. Neither Pam nor Preacher will touch the fish.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Fair warning: Run Dave, right now. just start running.....

Hey Pam, I just LOVE that picture of you. Just in case you haven't gotten around to it, I counted 481 eyebrow hairs and 267 eyelashes. thought you might like to know.

B-man, I found the forum...ugh. Nice of Dave to post them I think, and I guess he does love me a little bit. So I better not yell and shake my finger at him too much (Note not the same finger as PWM though).

I do like our picture from 30 yrs ago especially because it isn't us! LOL. Guess the 20 yr pic isn't so bad either.

I now know why I like taking pictures instead of being in them. OMG that close up should be outlawed...OMG!!

BTW, just noticed ND's signature. I think that might be referring to me. Never a dull moment around here.

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the fish pictures. Neither Pam nor Preacher will touch the fish.

I LOVE to fish but will not touch them. I'll bait the hook with minnows and worms just can't bring myself to touch those fish I catch. So yeah, nice picture of me smiling and Dave's hand holding the fish.

That's funny stuff.

Mrs ND,
FWIW, I think it is a good picture and one you don't see that often. Some couldn't pull it off, but you do admirably!

Now, about those fish....

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

I LOVE to fish but will not touch them. I'll bait the hook with minnows and worms just can't bring myself to touch those fish I catch. So yeah, nice picture of me smiling and Dave's hand holding the fish.

That's funny stuff.

Those two are pictures are some of my favorites because I know the story. It makes me smile like heck.

I have the oposite problem in our boat. The kids will touch the fish but not the bait. Jack is getting better but the Princess won't even think about it. Betsy has no problem with the fish or the bait unless it's leeches, then I'm the baiter.

you're a master at it by now I'm sure Tom

Originally Posted by tzone

then I'm the baiter.

the master.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Thank you Jesus...

I knew if I served up a softball like that it would get drilled over the fence.

Yes, yes I am the master baiter.

Gee whiz, I am too late to the party. I was all over that, but I see I got beat to punch.

My wife will pretty much touch everything but a leech. But she doesnt exactly like it. A little tentative at times. When one of her offspring is in need of more bait, she caves and gets the job done!

Hey, we havent had much Christmas talk on here yet. What are the plans? Any great gifts that you are giving?

I will start. We are hosting Mrs Berettaman's Dad's side of about 40. It will be the first time most of them have seen our house, so I know I will be cleaning house like a banshee prior to.

and the best present I am giving....I bit the bullet and got the wife an Ipad2. She doesnt ever ask for much, so this should really surprise her. Oh, speaking of asking, she asked for a vacuum this Christmas! Really!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you're a master at it by now I'm sure Tom

Dang it Ryan, I was too slow with a response. That was my line too.

We're hosting two Christmas parties at our house. Christmas gets quite nuts in our family since both mine and betsy's parents are divorced and re-married. There is a lot of folks to cover.

We kick it off at our place on Sunday and it gets nuts-er from there.

I do have the week between Christmas and New Years off. I'm kinda looking forward to it.

yep, same here. lotsa parties, which is great for the kids. And i am taking that week off too; gonna shoot some rooster I hope.

folks are comin this weekend, we're havin an early christmas at our house.
I'm giving my mom bullets for Christmas

not loaded ammo, just bullets so she can reload for her .260

I'm that kinda son.

I might have done something that I'll regret soon.

We always have Christmas with the kids and grand kids the week or so before the day and this year it is this coming Sunday.What they do not eat,turn over or tear up they will take home.Love it!Love them!

Stan in SC

With our kids divided right now between Ft Sill and Ft Bliss its going to be an off Christmas for us....dinner with my sister and her family on the 23rd...dinner at Lisa's folks for us n them on the 24th. Christmas Day it's just us so we are hosting an "Orphan's Christmas" for some of the empty nesters around the neighborhood we know. I'm cooking a prime rib and a turkey in the smokehouse...so hopefully no one gets poisoned.
Outside of various female appreciation sundries...I've got Mama a new shooting iron. Going to try to get her into an Encore in .243. 12 yrs ago I practically destroyed a Ruger #1 trying to get it to fit her. She's only 5'0...so she has no reach....and she's all...ahem...chest so that shortens her reach even more so I am trying again. I've re pitched the butt and bobbed the barrel to 20". If in the end it doesn't work out I guess I'll have yet another truck/tractor gun.

Hope everyone's Chrismas Season progresses nicely,

Scott n Lisa

We get together with my brother, sister and SIL along with their families Christmas eve. The group is so large we were going to have it at a motel, but my SIL wanted it at their home for one more year. My daughter and her family will be at our house Christmas day. Our son is out in Portland so we'll most likely Skype with them.

You guys talk about this Christmas deal like it's right around the corner or something.... I'm just catching up on rest, cleaning guns and putting all the orange clothes away...

Say, what day is it anyways?

Must be getting close to December?

I put all the orange away but I haven't brought myself to clean the guns yet.

I'm going to use the .22 and the 20ga next week and the week after, so those two will stay ready. I don't have to shrpen any knives that's for sure...dang old things didn't get used.

thats what you did that you might regret?

no.

I think I have to buy a different boat.

Uh, fiberglass doesnt rot. So why would you need a different boat? I cant wait for this explanation.....I am almost as anxious about this as I am to hear what ND did to his trailer....

ND, dont put all that blaze away, you can still whack timber chickens. Oh, and this Christmas deal is a long way off, no need to get hurried. You can wait another week or so with no worries.

Got out rooster hunting today and a buddy and I shot 5. Awesome hunt. A couple ol' longtails (23.5") and one really young one. Berettadog had a good day afield and is now sleeping.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ka-chunk-a clank, Ka-chunk-a clank, Ka-chunk-a clank, Ka-chunk-a clank....That's the sound I'd make if I was behind the controls pretending to drive.

There is a certain 6 year old that said, "that's bad ass" when I showed him. So it must be.

What eeese theeeese now der den?

Damn,Dave!You're a tease.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Dave, could you zoom out - just a little?

4

Dave, did u n dusty come up with a plan for a trip? Let's see it!!!

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

[quote=northern_dave] [Linked Image]

Definatly looks Bombardierish......

Are you sure this is really something you want?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Definatly looks Bombardierish......

Are you sure this is really something you want?

Oh no, mrsnorthern_Dave got white bears account password.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Definatly looks Bombardierish......

Are you sure this is really something you want?

Oh no, mrsnorthern_Dave got white bears account password.

We will know for sure if his sig line soon says "White Bear is NOT crying!"

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

[quote=northern_dave] [Linked Image]

Definatly looks Bombardierish......

Are you sure this is really something you want?

bomberdeer?

bom bar dee aye?

bomb-a-deer

ND would have to see a deer before he could Bomb-a-deer!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Definatly looks Bombardierish......

Are you sure this is really something you want?

Oh no, mrsnorthern_Dave got white bears account password.

(Mrs. ND) That is definatly what happened & I give ND permission to aquire a machine that will help him provide for his family. Eye rolling will be kept to a minumum (Mrs. ND)

Troof.

Could this be the old Tucker Sno Cat that was sitting in Dave's workshop back in early fall? Color doesn't look right though.

A real nail-biter isn't it?!?!?!

I think he just needs to squeeze the trigger.

I'm waiting for some snow.

The chicken or the egg foo?????

Originally Posted by Mauser_Hunter

WOW! What a long lasting thread. No way am I going to read all of this one.

I'm with you! There's no way I'd read it either lol!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

The chicken or the egg foo?????

Go get it for me, I'll send the check. I'm too lazy for a 6 hour drive.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by White_Bear

The chicken or the egg foo?????

Go get it for me, I'll send the check. I'm too lazy for a 6 hour drive.

I know a place you could stop for a beer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by White_Bear

The chicken or the egg foo?????

Go get it for me, I'll send the check. I'm too lazy for a 6 hour drive.

As the sig line says "Don't feed the bear". You just may get a delivery. Don't want to miss out on that gem....

Heck I might drive that far just for the beer! How far are you from the Princeton area T?

Probably 20-30 minutes. Sumptin like that.

ha ha ha

Time for hot wings and football.

Love me some hot wings.....
You can have the football.

actually we're watching another channel, a string of westerns, outlaw josey wales right now

Just keeping tabs on scores is all.

we don't get the vikes game, watching the highlights/ stats on NFL.com

kinda watching the Vikes here while I am fixing a toilet. I hope they play well, but dont win. that would goof them up big time!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we don't get the vikes game,

Lucky bugger.

After watching this game... I'll just have some hot wings.

broncos game isn't bad though

Packers stunk up the field today. Offensive line is realy getting thin.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Packers stunk up the field today. Offensive line is realy getting thin.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Actually, it's probably just what the Packers needed in order to win the SB. Now the pressure to go undefeated is off and they can focus on the task at hand.

Going to be a brown christmas here. Any snow in Northern MN?

We got dusted last night with maybe 1/8", it will probably burn off today.

We had 1/2 inch or so on the ground which all melted away yesterday.

Sure was strange driving through mud puddles yesterday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Going to be a brown christmas here. Any snow in Northern MN?

Not a dang drop in our neck of the woods. It was 47* yesterday.

brown here too after yesterday. it was a great day to clean out the garage and stuff.

Hey ND. Do you have any new pikshurs to show us?

what ever do you mean?

Christmas toys or anything?????

Oh, photos of my remorseful anxiety?

Yeah that.....

It might be too soon...

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Yeah that.....

Not happy with you WB! NOT at all!

Yep....

Too soon.

It looks like I need to get at least one more Christmas present to help smooth things over....

So anyway.... About them pics.....

Just think ND. I'd let you throw me under the bus but you dont have one.

Yet......

LOL, lets see the pics

Share some more insight! looks to be an exciting christmas at Dave's house!!

Gas or Diesel?

ND is gonna be a swamp trail blazing foo! I've heard rumor of a TV series already....

Oh I have no doubt he could be in a TV series.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Share some more insight! looks to be an exciting christmas at Dave's house!!

Based on Mrs. ND's comment, it might not be the kind of excitement he had in mind.

I hope that thing runs on ass-whoop cause ND is gonna have a lot of it coming his way!!!!!

Does this think have tracks, wheels or rifling? I'm guessing the first.

Only two out of the three until we get the turret & 50 cal mounted. I'm just as excited as ND!!!!!

How about propellers? If you could engineer this to float as well, and get it to be a 4-season machine, well MrsND would be very happy that the cost-effectiveness I'm thinking....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Share some more insight! looks to be an exciting christmas at Dave's house!!

Me thinks it's going to be more like "Silent Night".

I sure am glad that ND's lady friend let him buy this machine because my lady friend would not have been happy with me buying a 3rd track sheen this year.

She thinks that 2 per year is enuf..... pffftttt......

Speakin of irratated lady friends, I need a boat. I'm open to suggestions.

Uhhh, what exactly happened to your boat Tzone?

Tzone.....I thought you had a right proper walleye killin' rig. What happened man????

Originally Posted by tzone

Speakin of irratated lady friends, I need a boat. I'm open to suggestions.

Man, and I'm going mini-van shopping....

Originally Posted by goalie

Man, and I'm going mini-van shopping....

Congratulations! Boy or girl?

Nuttin happend. It's time for a different walleye patrol boat.

I sold it to someone who wanted it more than I did.

Quote

Man, and I'm going mini-van shopping....

talk to berettaman. His wife doesn't like him either.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Uhhh, what exactly happened to your boat Tzone?

I tired to go ice fishing.

I'll post a picture when it's safe.

(it may never be safe)

Use your better judgement Dave. While God hates a coward he doesn't think much of fools either.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Speakin of irratated lady friends, I need a boat. I'm open to suggestions.

Sounds like you need a life boat Tom.

Ice fishing??Why do you guys go ice fishing?We buy ice in bags at the 7/11 around here.We go fishing for fish.
Dave I demand,do you hear me,DEMAND pictures.

Stan in SC

No fear Dave,post it!!

He's on the road now. I'm guessing pics will start rolling in mid-day.

I might be able to scrape up some teaser pics but I don't want to spoil the anticipation that ND has built. That would be like opening presents before Christmas.

Originally Posted by SSB

Use your better judgement Dave. While God hates a coward he doesn't think much of fools either.....

Ooh. I like that Scott.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Speakin of irratated lady friends, I need a boat. I'm open to suggestions.

Sounds like you need a life boat Tom.

That could be. I got some brownie points back for staying home with a sick Princess today though.

I can work from here, but I don't like her being sick.

Come clean Tzone. the picture I have in mind is that you wanted to use your GPS on your boat to find an ice fishing spot and the boat was....stolen? I would say it fell through the ice, but being as it is a boat, it would float. One thing I do know, is there is much more to this story.

And then we have NDs story of the trailer.

And NDs new thingamajig....or is it a whatchamacallit?

Oh man, this IS like opening Christmas presents!

Hey Stan, why would you pay for ice when we have lakes full of it? It is beautiful, clear ice this year too. You can skate all over the lake.

Think what you want Mini-van man.

oh, the gloves came off with that statement, eh 612er?

give us the goods, man!

I already did. You're trying to make something it's not out of it. I sold it.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by goalie

Man, and I'm going mini-van shopping....

Congratulations! Boy or girl?

He's a boy.

Originally Posted by SSB

Use your better judgement Dave. While God hates a coward he doesn't think much of fools either.....

Bravery and stupidity are often synonomous....

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by SSB

Use your better judgement Dave. While God hates a coward he doesn't think much of fools either.....

Bravery and stupidity are often synonomous....

Especially when there is a man-toy involved. This is a fact that I have proven many-o-time.....

Oh, sorry man. I missed that. I tried reading this on my phone the other night and then didnt know where to pick up on the confuser.

Kayak's are on sale up here if'n you are interested.

No kayak for me but I do want a canoe. There are 3-4 lakes close that are "no power" lakes. Lots of fish.

When we going fishing?

4

Specs? Looks good sitting on a trailer, but does it run?

looks to be a cold ride for the kids

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

looks to be a cold ride for the kids

Possibly a cold ride for Northern Dave!!!

Worse yet, a cold bed!!

home safe and sound, specs tomorrow.

used to see those alot back when I was a kid,pulling a trail groomer.

79 bombardier skidozer SV252

Ford 300 inch six cylinder gas engine, auto transmission.

750 hrs on the machine. Excellent condition, purs like. Kitten.

Factory 6 wy 8' blade that looks new.

Fuel economy will be much better than the tucker was. Tucker got 1mpg, 10 gallons took you 10 miles. With the bomber 10 gallons will likely go 50 miles.

Top speed for tucker was 12, I hit that once on hard pack wide open. Normal speed was 7 to 10.

The SV252 will do low/mid 20's.

White Bear approves!

Naw,no cold ride for Dave.He is married to a most understanding woman who supports and takes part in every decision.I know that for sure because any other woman would have gone zonkers on him long before now.Pam is second only to the amazing Mz. Linda who hasn't suffocated me in my sleep...yet.
I like it,Dave but it would seem to need some type of covering on the rear,perhaps such as a deuce and a half had.
Swamp squids beware!!!

Stan in SC

long term plans are to stretch the cab to either a 5 man cab or a full length 10 man cab.

The pictures I posted were taken in the parking lot of a Red Lobster (Pam's favorite)

The begging for forgiveness has begun.

(It's going to take a long time)

Jeeze. A tree huntret I-6. Pretty tough to break that, even for you. I know you can dave, but at least we'll know you were tryin if she breaks.

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The begging for forgiveness has begun.

(It's going to take a long time)

Every husbands creed.

Sweet Ride!

Very nice. The old 300 I-6 was a great engine. You could pull stumps with one if you had the right gearing.

I loved that 3 hunert 6. I had 3 of them and they were all awesome. Heck, if it goes mid 20s, you could take that sucker to work every day! Anybody who saw you park that thing in the parking lot would give you a wide berth all day.

So 750 hours....if a truck averaged what, 30 miles per hour? 40? That would mean that motor has the equivalent of 25-30,000 miles. Barely broke in.

If you cantilevered a little you could make it a 12 man cab. just sayin'.

Say Pam, what is it that you have your eye one these days?

What I have a tough time believing is that all this time, I scrimped and saved and begged to become a three snowmobile family. Yet now I'm coming to understand that there are families out there with multiple Bombardiers and occasionally a Tucker for their own personal travel. This in new to me. We have apparently held ourselves back from our full potential.

I'll talk to Mrs. 4 about this immediately. I have no idea what to expect, but with you'alls example I'm confident this will go down like honey-dew-vine water.

4

Good luck with that...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

Like a tuxedo T-shirt!

4,

I think from experience, you're better off to buy it, then begin the talks.

I made it home for at least 1min 30 sec before I got chewed out. That is up from yesterday. Things are looking up.

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

Quote

Like a tuxedo T-shirt!

Zebra stripes...just sayin.

Anyone notice Pam hasn't said a word, to us anyway. Probably still in a state of shock.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

Zebra stripes...just sayin.

The white bus on tracks with the black zebra stripes...Sell the sleds and load the wife and kids up

it would take a mighty big stick to beat that!!!

Grandpa had a Tucker for 10+ years, we tried every kind of torture imaginable and it never wavered. I know this is a Bomb-bar-de-ay but close to the same. What's really cool is how easily medium sized pines snap off in below zero weather!!

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

I like how the caption below the pic says "Full cab used as emergency rescue vehicle etc."

I wonder if they had party bus road trips across a big azz lake to an igloo bar out on the ice in mind when they added "etc."

Not only will I not post any pictures of my new mini-van, but I will put the man-card into the gun safe for a significant amount of time. At least until the jealousy subsides to tolerable amounts.

The minivan does seat 8 though.....

Originally Posted by goalie

The minivan does seat 8 though.....

Or 3 dressed out deer.

That is the only way you can get your card back from the safe.

My goofy neighbor at our old place, liked to brag about everything, and his stuff was always the best, was trying to brag up his mini van. a Honda Oddyssey. Had leather, hide-a-seats, two video screens, paid over $40K he says. "Yep, it's still a mini-van", I told him. It got pretty quiet in the garage there for a second.

They do have their uses. That is all my FIL will drive, and we have put 3 deer in the back of one before so I know it can be done.

Ok, I'm breaking my silence to tell all of you a funny story that happened today. I've often told Dave that he is causing his own problems by letting Weezie drive Carlos..aka the 77 Ford. Today is no different.

The text message went kinda like this:

Weezie: Hahahaha I just got asked to go eat dinner by a boy. All because of Carlos. Ha

Me: Whose the boy?

Weezie: An Erickson boy. Hahah I said i was busy.

Me: Was he cute?

Weezie: Yes. He stopped me on the road, just like his dad did this past summer to talk to me about Carlos.

Me: OMG that is funny!!

Only in small town USA. Funny, second time this week that Carlos has caused problems for Weezie.

Resume silence.

I don't think the attention bothers her.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't think the attention bothers her.

Are you impressed?

So she's playing hard to get eh? His dad probably told him to do it so he can get a better look at that truck.

There it is!!!!!

Thought I saw it up before..

Snafu.

Figured that or Pam made you take it down.

Me and the boys took the skidozer out in a farm field by the house tonight and run her up to top speed.

24MPH on the top end measured with the GPS.

That's great! Because I was really shooting for a 15-20 mph machine for traveling the surface of frozen lake of the woods.

Now if the damn temps would drop so the ice can form, then we need 2-3 ft of snow

veddy nice Dave. You must have just gotten a duplicate man-card in the mail because you bought that thing, huh?

It took me months of wearing camo to get my man-card back after the mini-van purchase. MONTHS I tell ya.

You all might wanna print this post out and mail it to me with $49.99 plus shipping & handling of $10. I will then personally autograph it and send it pack in your SASE. Why would you want my autograph you might ask? Well, I am now an award winning photographer! Consider it an investment on your part as I expect my autograph to hit a few hunert bucks by spring. Due to unprecedented demand, allow 4-6 weeks for delivery

Here is the picture that took 2nd place in the EchoPress (our local newspaper) hunting photo contest. It is one of my 3 1/2 yr old boys with a lesser Canadian goose I shot this fall.

[Linked Image]

Methinks the real star is the subject in the photo.

Well okay, send the money and I will have him autograph it!

WHEN he learns HOW to autograph.

Stan in SC

Merry Christmas to Dave and all the Chickenbuckers! This thread has taken on a life all it's own, and to those who stop by here, best of wishes for a great 2012.

Yes, Merry Christmas everyone. Let the holidays be a time for rest, relaxation, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[Linked Image]

A quick 2011 photo calloge we tossed together this morning.

And here's one for camp chickenbuck 2011 (a little funner)

very nice Dave. very nice. #36 is a halfback number, is it not?

sure is fun to look back at the pics a guy takes over the year.

Merry Christmas to everyone on this site. We picked up an inch of snow yesterday, so we have a white Chistmas after all.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

I like how the caption below the pic says "Full cab used as emergency rescue vehicle etc."

I wonder if they had party bus road trips across a big azz lake to an igloo bar out on the ice in mind when they added "etc."

Remamber the movie the Shinning?

And Merry Christmas Everyone

MMMM, I love these ham and cream cheese pickle rollups!

Omm-Nom-Nom-Nom!!

Originally Posted by bigbrie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Tom264

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's what the factory big cab options looked like, I guess they called them 6 man and 10 man.

[Linked Image]

That 10 man rocks.....

I like how the caption below the pic says "Full cab used as emergency rescue vehicle etc."

I wonder if they had party bus road trips across a big azz lake to an igloo bar out on the ice in mind when they added "etc."

Oh yeah ! I remember now ! HEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEESSSSS DAVE!

Remamber the movie the Shinning?

And Merry Christmas Everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Uncle Dusty, Eileen and McKenna

Great pics ND. Merry Christmas to all.

Pam got me a new sunpro tach for the skidozer. Doe that mean she's. Not mad no more?

Yep, you may be able to sleep indoors again!!! I think she wants a ride in the "Skidozer"

We need snow bad!

The tach was from the kids...I just added money, that's all.

Originally Posted by tzone

My goofy neighbor at our old place, liked to brag about everything, and his stuff was always the best, was trying to brag up his mini van. a Honda Oddyssey. Had leather, hide-a-seats, two video screens, paid over $40K he says. "Yep, it's still a mini-van", I told him. It got pretty quiet in the garage there for a second.

They do have their uses. That is all my FIL will drive, and we have put 3 deer in the back of one before so I know it can be done.

He paid about 1200 bucks for that dual screen video player. He could have gotten one at walmart for under 100 bucks.

I'm sure he'd love you to point that out to him......

Merry Christmas Everyone!

merry christmas to all.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Rooster7? Your post shows 3:40 am ? musta been putting toys together ?

God Bless everyone and their families this holiday season.

I asked my 3 year old as he woke up this morning what he wanted to do. he sat up and looked me right in the eye and said "go deer huntin". I reminded him that I heard Santa last night, then it dawned on him. he checked the plate of cookies, all were gone, then he got really excited. he's playing with new toys and eating M&Ms this morning.

Good morning and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Rooster7? Your post shows 3:40 am ? musta been putting toys together ?

Mule1,

It was actually 5:41 am central time. I am an early riser.....when I don't have to work...

Merry Christmas Ryan! Did you tell the wee one that he could have deer hunted from the roof last night?

It seems sainty clouse left a new squeeky toy for eener.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Merry Christmas Ryan! Did you tell the wee one that he could have deer hunted from the roof last night?

I thought about it, but I know if I do, then next year he will want to

That's not a bad thing you know.

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas everyone!

We've been crazy with the travel. Lots of Christmas cheer and good eats. Time to chill out and let the kids be kids.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

veddy nice Dave. You must have just gotten a duplicate man-card in the mail because you bought that thing, huh?

It took me months of wearing camo to get my man-card back after the mini-van purchase. MONTHS I tell ya.

We've seen you. It's still in the permit stage. It doesn't really ever get past that until you get rid of that van. My condolences.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam got me a new sunpro tach for the skidozer. Doe that mean she's. Not mad no more?

I don't know if it means she's not mad, but it means she's pretty dang cool. Nice job MrsND!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It seems sainty clouse left a new squeeky toy for eener.

Raffin.

Where da heck did everybody go?

I hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Originally Posted by tzone

Where da heck did everybody go?

I hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Man Zone I thought you had broke this thang !

Kinda looked like it there didn't it?

Dave and MrsND must be out cruizin around in that Bommer. To busy for us small folk.

No we're around. Just layin low, relaxing.

Us too. I have the week off and the kids don't have school. We're going up to Grandpas to work on the '78 f150 for a few days.

Hoping to get the floor all done. I'd like to get one of the box sides on too. I've yet to get all of my list done in time, since there's always something.

I'm taking one day to hit the woods for grouse and scounting with my BIL.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No we're around. Just layin low, relaxing.

Relaxing, Dave speak for I'm still hiding out.

Truth is I screwed up my back last week so that's slowing me down a little.

It'll be fine though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Truth is I screwed up my back last week so that's slowing me down a little.

It'll be fine though.

Gittin' older is a real mofo ain't it!!

guess so.

Been there, and it's a bish. Try walking, it does help. Sitting around only makes it worse.

i have this week off too and I love it! A feller could get used to not working pretty easy methinks.

Just got back from hunting roosters in my willow/cattail swamp. Man, I love hunting them there! Every bird is a trophy for sure. My neighbor and I got 3 this morning. Very fun day afield.

ND, take care of that back my friend. Mine gives me grief from time to time so I know what you are going through. Take care of yourself and do what you are supposed to do with it and dont do something stupid for machismo's sake. Best of luck.

I'll get it straightened out. Soon i hope.

Making a clam chowder with leftovers. I love left over ham!

Had a great day on the old Ford today. Floors are done but the carpet and bolting the trans. cowel back down. Got the rest of the patches in and welded. Welded the seams of the stuff that needed it. Some the panels I made while my dad was gone, I rived in, so I welded around the perimeter of those too. The floor should be solid as heck. Then I sprayed rust proofing all over the welded seams. Bird hunting/scouting tomorrow so the truck will have to wait until Thursday.

Thursday and Friday I should have a good start on the box sides.

Pics when I get home.

Originally Posted by tzone

Had a great day on the old Ford today. Floors are done but the carpet and bolting the trans. cowel back down. Got the rest of the patches in and welded. Welded the seams of the stuff that needed it. Some the panels I made while my dad was gone, I rived in, so I welded around the perimeter of those too. The floor should be solid as heck. Then I sprayed rust proofing all over the welded seams. Bird hunting/scouting tomorrow so the truck will have to wait until Thursday.

Thursday and Friday I should have a good start on the box sides.

Pics when I get home.

Do you still have a progress thread going Tom?

Over 24 hours without a post here. Eerily quiet....I wonder what ND is up to....

took my 7 yr old girl out rooster hunting yesterday afternoon. Hunted for an hour and got 2. She got to watch a great dog/rooster chase. The rooster hunting isnt as bad as people think it is!

I will be attempting to get my man-card back tomorrow night.

http://www.swcbulletin.com/event/article/id/19636/group/homepage/

I'll be one of the goalies on the NHL alumni team. I've been playing with the alum for years now, but am excited about this game, as I have not done a charity game with Walz or Housley before.

(excuse the bragging, but I can't brag about my mad hunting or shooting skillz on here, so I'm going with what I am good at....)

very cool.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Do you still have a progress thread going Tom?

Yeah Rooster I do. I'll update that one when I get home and get pictures up loaded.

We made great progress in the last couple days. The floor is completely done but the carpet. We got a wheel arch panel on the left side of the box, got it welded on, two coats of fiberglass on it and LOTS of sanding. Now would be the time to rob a bank because I don't have any finger tips left.

Tomorrow that side should be wrapped up and maybe starting on the right side. It's really starting to come along well.

Cool!!! That will help with the man card in a big way. BM is way behind now...well, he always kind was.

Man card reinstated!

Should be a great time.

The best part is that when the Alum do games like this, we get beer in the locker room between periods and after the game.

When asked about it once, one of the old North Stars said: "Son, hockey without beer is like sex without a woman, you can do it, but it ain't right."

Top-10 quote IMO

If anyone goes, I'm the taller goalie with the buzzed head who plays the 2nd half of the game for the NHL team.

I wish I could go, that sounds like a helluva good time!

Hey now Tzone, I have my Man Card firmly entrenched in my wallet! Hunting this late in the season solidifies it for a guy, when the girly-men are off working on trucks and stuff in heated shops.

Gonna try and get out today, one last time. We got an inch or two of snow and it should be good.

Oh, and since I can't "tell" anyone about this, I am gonna "type" it....if anyone alerts my wife in any manner, I am a dead man as I was sworn to secrecy.....but....

Yesterday she was touching up some spots with a half a gallon of paint in the living room. As she stepped off the stool, she stepped on one of the boys toys...that had wheels...and ass over teakettle she went. The paint was all over about 5 toys, 2 couches, 2 yards of carpet and 10 sq feet of wood floor. After both of us frantically scrubbing for an hour or so, you cannot find where it happened. whew. We can laugh about it now. Well I can laugh about it now. She hasnt found the humor in it yet.

I just love stepping on toys.

Those old solid plastic spiny backed dinosaurs are probably the best thing to step on in the middle of the night in the dark.

Legos and jacks rank right up there as well as some of the best steppin on toys. Thank goodness most kids now days don't know what jacks are.

Forgot about jacks, that's ninja stuff right there.

Bring a man straight to his knees.

Faster than the speed of gravity.

We have a good crop of pine needles right now from the Christmas tree. Ultra sharp little daggers that love to find my feet. Although they are not toys, they get quite the instant reaction.

Originally Posted by goalie

The best part is that when the Alum do games like this, we get beer in the locker room between periods and after the game.

That sounds like every hockey game I played in from 1992-current.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey now Tzone, I have my Man Card firmly entrenched in my wallet! Hunting this late in the season solidifies it for a guy, when the girly-men are off working on trucks and stuff in heated shops.

It's your dream, what ever helps you sleep at night.

The weasel got her mustang back from the body shop tonight. She can't do much driving though because she had a little repair surgery done to her wrist the other day. Damage from her wreck of the 65 stang over a year ago.

She'll be in a high cast for a while to immobilize the repaired area.

She ok? Taking away a 18 yo girls car has to be worse than nearly any torture she could get eh?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Do you still have a progress thread going Tom?

here ya go Rooster and anyone else that wants to take a look.

78 F-150

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Do you still have a progress thread going Tom?

here ya go Rooster and anyone else that wants to take a look.

78 F-150

Cool!

Tell Weezy to get better soon! She's got a Stang to high center on the sidewalk for cryin out loud!

Some one else post now so I'm not stuck here in limbo for the next 24 hours!

OK!

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all here.I greatly value your good will and friendship.
I think this coming year will be the year I make and start to work on a bucket list just cause I never have done so.I just always went and did chit.

Stan in SC

Happy New Year to you too Stan and also to all the fellow chickenbuckers!

"In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want"

Stepen on toys. That brings back some memories.

Heal quick Weezy.

Happy New Year to all of you. I'm starting a list of what I need for the coming soft water fishing season.

The Fords coming along right along Tom. Dads arm must be doing ok.

Happy new years everybody.

Happy New Year everyone.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The Fords coming along right along Tom. Dads arm must be doing ok.

He is doing better. He can't lift his arm much past his mid section. He can run the DA but can't hand sand (so he says

) and couldn't use the grinder. The grinder is a heavy beast that has to weigh about pounds. It seemed like 50 by the time I was done.

Happy New Year, everyone. We have a good heavy snow falling now. There will be a bunch of snowmen tomorrow in this neighborhood.

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy New Year, everyone. We have a good heavy snow falling now. There will be a bunch of snowmen tomorrow in this neighborhood.

we only got maybe an inch out of the deal.happy new year.

Happy New Year everyone! just starting to snow here now. I had 11 days off. It is down to 2. How does that happen???

Last day of rooster hunting, but I aint agoing.

Anybody here a big coyote hunter? I got a place where I know 2 hang out, but I dont know much about it. It is a big cattail swamp with a hill on one side. Is that a good place to set up? On the hill that overlooks the swamp?

Sounds like a good place to start Bman. Keep the wind in mind however and blend in to your surroundings.

Also remember, if you're calling, they will almost always try to come in down wind.

We had a combination of freezing rain and snow over night. About a 1/4 inch of frozen slush this morning. Temps been dropping all day and the wind is really blowing.

The Xmas tree came down and is stored away for another year.

We pulled the tree down this morning after my Dad and step-mom left. Wind is really whipping. It's a good day to sit on the computer and look for a new boat.

I even found a few that have jumped to the top of the list.

Don't keep us in suspense. What's at the top of the hit parade?

There are quite a few that I like. If I go new there are 3. Lund Classic, Alumacraft Classic, and a Crestliner Fish Hawk.

The two used ones that I really like are both Lund Pro-V's. One with Yamaha motors and the other with a Merc main motor and a Yamaha kicker.

I'm kinda stuck until I get final payment on my rig at the end of the month.

Starcraft are some nice boats too Tom

The Crestliner Fish Hawk offer more in the way of features than the other 2 models that you listed.

There's a boat show over your way in January that you should check out.

I have a Crestliner Fishhawk...

But its 22 years old

There is a long time to look at boats before I can use one, so I'll keep looking.

Today is my last day off. I've had 11 days off and believe it or not, I'm ready to go back to work.

Minus 1 here this AM. First below zero day of the season for us. We've usually seen at least 10 days below zero by now. Ground is barely covered with snow. We could see 40* by Friday?

Looks like camp is closed for the season?

Yep Bill, hardly looks like this thread has any staying power!

I think everybody is resigned to the fact that hunting season is over and now we have the long stretch of calendar until spring greenup.

Lots to do this time of year, i.e. Sport Shows.

Maybe ND, Whitebear or Bushy could give an update on LOW ice fishing...or lack there of?

White bear's your man, he been there done that on Monday I think.

I went up Monday with a friend of mine. We got set-up & were fishing by about 8:45. Let me tell ya. It isn't easy setting up a 6'x12' pop-out portable in high winds.

Anyway, for the first few hours it was as good as fishing gets. Reeling a fish up on one line while standing on the other rod so that one didn't go down the hole. I wish that we would have been there an hour earlier

Lots of 13"-14" saugers with a few larger wallys mixed in. We threw back many keepers in hopes that the catching would continue. It began to slow down about 10:30 I guess & was slow as heck by noon.

We were marking some fish after that but they weren't interested in biting. We prolly caught 6 more from 1:00-3:30 when we packed up with 14 in the pail. Overall it was a good day of fishing & I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to get up there again.

We were at Morris & the ice was about 14" thick. There were a few cars & small vehicles out there & of course the resort trucks with the plows. The must have been letting some 1/2 ton trucks out later in the day.

Zipple is letting trucks out & the igloo is on the ice! The crack seems to be freezing up now at Rocky Point but still white caps by Springsteel.

White caps.... Don't ya just hate white caps when you are ice fishing?

South Carolina deer season ended January 1.I killed no more deer than Dave did this year.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

White caps.... Don't ya just hate white caps when you are ice fishing?

Yes. Mother Nature & I are gonna have words when I run into that old hag.

I still have a few doe tags left, they are good til the 15th, lion season started sunday, they have already have killed 8 last I heard.

Thanks for the report WB!

I know a crew that is on there way home from Cyrus? now.

Sounds like they spanked 'em damn good out there. I've never heard of Cyrus but I guess its west of Adrians?

cyrus is a good place, right next to morris point. it is west of adrians and west of pine island.

Is it a newer place? I dont' recall visiting it on my tour of bars on that end of the lake.

It aint new.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Is it a newer place?

Yeah, they just built the new part of the lake last fall.

cyrus is actually one of the first ones on the lake,it has all updated cabins, just remodeled the bar last year and got new owners last fall too.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

cyrus is actually one of the first ones on the lake,it has all updated cabins, just remodeled the bar last year and got new owners last fall too.

^
^
^
^
Nice, helpful, mature response.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Is it a newer place?

Yeah, they just built the new part of the lake last fall.

^
^
^
^
Not so much!

Yeah but funny......:)

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Yeah but funny......:)

TRUE DAT!

WOW,what a great post!!! I'm up to page 75 and got to put it away until tomorrow.Dave you and you wife are instilling memories and morals that your children will carry with them thru life... GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Thank you, very nice of you to say that.

Let me be the first to say Welcome Gravestone! (When you get to this part in a couple weeks)

With new folks poppin in here once in awhile, it got me to thinking about past frequent posters.

What the heck ever happened to Wabo from MO?? His last post was on Page 609.

Hope everything is alright with him and his family...

That's a good question.

I sent him a PM nearly a year ago and haven't heard anything. I know he has health issues with his daughter. I pray that isn't the reason he's disappeared.

I just sent him an email, not sure if he'll get it but I tried.

I'll second that.

I've wondered about WABO too.

Set a record today. The earliest I've ever taken down the outdoor decorations. 45* here and I've got more grass showing than snow.

Originally Posted by tzone

I sent him a PM nearly a year ago and haven't heard anything. I know he has health issues with his daughter. I pray that isn't the reason he's disappeared.

I remember that. That is one of the reasons I started thinking about him. Hope they are doing well.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I'll second that.

I've wondered about WABO too.

Set a record today. The earliest I've ever taken down the outdoor decorations. 45* here and I've got more grass showing than snow.

55* yesterday in my neck of the woods. Approaching 50* now. It is making it really, REALLY tough to be at work!

We have lost most of the little snow we've had here. It's beautiful today with the sun shining.

I'm bailing early to go look at a boat.

Looks like Wabo was last online over two years ago on this forum.

65 for us Okies today time to start fishin.

I have no snow at all.nada.

Originally Posted by tzone

We have lost most of the little snow we've had here. It's beautiful today with the sun shining.

I'm bailing early to go look at a boat.

My son called. He just bought a 1991 18.5 foot AlumaWeld. No engines on it. Said he has a line on a 115HP/80 (Jet drive) Yamaha. He'll be running it on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Hey boys and gurlas. No snow and warm here too. I watched the NDSU Bison win the college football natiuonal championship just now! Way to go Bison.

I am off to Florida for work on Monday. I wonder if it will be colder down there than it is here?

Also watched the Bison win the title at my friends and fellow NDSU grad's house at Ottertail Lake and then went ice fishing for a few hours. Only caught small walleyes and eater size perch but had a great time. Only ATV's on that lake for now and several houses on smaller nearby lakes have sunk recently due to bad ice. Open water by the man made river mouth near where we fished.

No way I'm going on the lakes around here. The ice is dark and some of it is black.

Me and my #1 helper went on a boat search mission yesterday to look at new ones. I found a couple I really like. A Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 and two Alumacrafts. A 165 Classic CS and a Competitor 165 Sport and/or CS. If I get a new one, it will be one of those 3. Lots of used ones out there and will most likely be the route I go. There is a boat show here next week that I plan to hit and compare the prices to what I already have. Fun.

I had something really cool happen to me last night.

My BIL came over with my nieces so the kids could play. We were watching football and he brought a few guns to work on. He was messing around with an old Stevens 20ga SxS. He finished it up and handed it to me to take a look at.

Tonight my BIL came over to watch football and work on guns. He was putting a spring in the release of a Stevens 20ga SxS with double triggers. He finished it up and handed it to me to take a look. I shouldered it, and said it was pretty cool and didn't feel too bad.

He asked if I like it and I said "yes." He said, "keep it then."

I'm still kinda shocked. Nobody has ever given me a gun before. I'm not sure if he knows how much it means to me that he did that, but it's cool as hell.

I now have two 20ga shotguns and neither one of them will ever be for sale as long as I'm alive. My beat up Rem 870 express and now this one.

Hey Zone are therye many Stratos boats up your way? I have a 486sf that we really like. Have you looked at the 386xs? Looks
like it would handle some pretty good water.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Also watched the Bison win the title at my friends and fellow NDSU grad's house at Ottertail Lake and then went ice fishing for a few hours. Only caught small walleyes and eater size perch but had a great time. Only ATV's on that lake for now and several houses on smaller nearby lakes have sunk recently due to bad ice. Open water by the man made river mouth near where we fished.

My cabin is just north of you on Big Pine. Good walleye fishing so far up there.

I'm trying to stay away from glass unless I get a smoking deal on a Ranger 617. I'd consider that. To answer your question. No, we don't have may Stratos boats around here. Cabelas sells them.

Cabela's has a smoking deal on their 550 down jackets.Usually $59.99.On sale for $19.99.Just used my Christmas gift card to order one.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan haven't seen you post in some time.

Did you get it online or go to a store?

Hi Tom.I just made a post on Jan. 5th. about deer season ending.I read here every day.Sometimes go a few days without posting but I am here.
I ordered it online.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Cabela's has a smoking deal on their 550 down jackets.Usually $59.99.On sale for $19.99.Just used my Christmas gift card to order one.

Stan in SC

How do you like those jackets Stan? Have you woren them before? Heck of a price on them right now.

Rooster,I bought a Cabela's down jacket about 20 years ago and it has been great.I guess I didn't really need another one but I had a gift card from Christmas and decided to get another one.

Stan in SC

Well it finally cooled off a little bit.

Temps are in the teens above zero this morning, it's horribly windy and we are supposed to have some snow moving in today and possibly tomorrow.

get that rig ready to roll dave..might get to go to the igloo yet? maybe even next weekend fishing?

Lots of temp records broken yesterday. It was 49* here. We're going to hit 40* this AM than start cooling down. Rain/snow mix this PM than all snow. Highs in the teens Thursday and 7 to inches of snow by the time it quits. About time.

Everyone must have been outside enjoying the fall like temps. Over 36 hours between Stan's post and Dave's post. Even during deer season it is not usually that long between posts on this thread. Where has Tzone been? I was in Green Bay yesterday for their 50 degree temps. They hope it cools down so there will be home field advantage against the Giants this weekend.

I think they're all inside now warming up their hands. 5:00 PM temp at International Falls was 7*. Down to 20* in the Twin Cities. Still in the upper 30's here, but that's about to change in the next couple of hours.

3 above now bill.

Time to start feeding the woodstove the good cuts.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Everyone must have been outside enjoying the fall like temps. Over 36 hours between Stan's post and Dave's post. Even during deer season it is not usually that long between posts on this thread. Where has Tzone been? I was in Green Bay yesterday for their 50 degree temps. They hope it cools down so there will be home field advantage against the Giants this weekend.

Tzone's been in St. Cloud at the MNDOT facility for 3 of the most boring days of my life learning how to make better MN roads.

4.9 "above the dougnut" here in the banana belt.

4

Dang ole nanner belt.

3.2 here now.

3.0 in the belt. Man up.

4

-0 �F is what NOAA says here you guys got it good!

Bottomed out at 1 above. I take the temp and precip every morning and looked over records for this winter. We've only had 5 days below zero. None in double digits and one in
January. All the rest were in early December. Makes me want to get naked and roll around in he single inch of snow in the yard. I'm not sure if its happy or sad, but I want to do it.

4

You have a whole inch of snow?

Lucky....

Dang "T" I thought you were going to say you were learning how to make better "Beer"!!! Roads are a waste of good energy, concentrate on the beer!!!

We've picked up near 3" of snow so far. New forecast calling for up to 5" befor it quits. 21* here and falling.

Rub it in why dontcha?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Rub it in why dontcha?

I take it there's no snow up your way Dave?

It's starting to bother me.

I got to drive for 3 hours on glare ice with blowing snow in SD yesterday.

It was kinda fun!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Also watched the Bison win the title at my friends and fellow NDSU grad's house at Ottertail Lake and then went ice fishing for a few hours. Only caught small walleyes and eater size perch but had a great time. Only ATV's on that lake for now and several houses on smaller nearby lakes have sunk recently due to bad ice. Open water by the man made river mouth near where we fished.

My cabin is just north of you on Big Pine. Good walleye fishing so far up there.

Did a lot of ice fishing on Big Pine. Had the fish house out there for like 8 winters.

It has been a while since I posted. Have not been on the computer much lately.

We are taking a limo bus to Moondance Jam in Walker to see Kid Rock in July. Will be a great time. We will have the bus for 10 hours. Will be nice that nobody will have to drive.

Also been planning WE Fest. That is a ways off too (August) but gotta do something to get us through the winter (or lack there of).

howdy stranger.

It is 28 degrees here this morning.The wind blew an ungodly velocity all night bringing in a cold front.While you far north guys think 28 ain't bad,it's pretty damn cold for here.At least I get to wear my new Cabela's down jacket today.
Muffy you have been missed.

Stan in SC

Hey Stan,

It was 11* when I left the house this morning.

I like 28* and think with no wind, it's nearly a perfect winter time temp.

Muffster,

Keep sticking your head in. We missed you.

21 here, with a high of 43 today, this weekend its supposed to be in the 50's though so this cold snap won't last for too long

This I know: Tampa is warmer than Minnesota!
This I also know: I like Minnesota better!

Went for a couple of quick runs on the beach this week. Ate good food, had good meetings. Next up San Diego (for work)! I flew out of Fargo and I tell ya, that was one cooooold truck when I got in it. The radio knob even turned hard it was so cold!

-6 here this morning.

40s and 50s Ryan? Gee whiz, you can wear shorts in that weather! But please spare the other folks and leave your Speedo and Pickle Sling at home!

-14 here on the truck this morning. its a bit brisk out now. balmy -6 right now. quite a change from last week.

I'll be breaking out the banana hammock this weekend for sure

- 5* here.

55* degree temperature drop from Tuesday of this week.

Crazy chit I tell ya

Originally Posted by Muffy

Did a lot of ice fishing on Big Pine. Had the fish house out there for like 8 winters.

Nice. My brother in-law broke the 30-inch walleye barrier on Big Pine a few years ago. It's above the fireplace at the cabin now.

Wow, that would be a nice fish to catch.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'll be breaking out the banana hammock this weekend for sure

all ya need is the banana.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Muffy

Did a lot of ice fishing on Big Pine. Had the fish house out there for like 8 winters.

Nice. My brother in-law broke the 30-inch walleye barrier on Big Pine a few years ago. It's above the fireplace at the cabin now.

I got two 30+ in one day in an FLW Tournament. One 30 1/2" and one 31 1/2"r. We couldn't keep either one of them. We got 2nd place.

That is how I got my first boat.

Of course that was on Green Bay where the get bigger than that. But man was that a fun day.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'll be breaking out the banana hammock this weekend for sure

all ya need is the banana.

good point, I'll just go with bigger shorts

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Muffy

Did a lot of ice fishing on Big Pine. Had the fish house out there for like 8 winters.

Nice. My brother in-law broke the 30-inch walleye barrier on Big Pine a few years ago. It's above the fireplace at the cabin now.

I got two 30+ in one day in an FLW Tournament. One 30 1/2" and one 31 1/2"r. We couldn't keep either one of them. We got 2nd place.

That is how I got my first boat.

Of course that was on Green Bay where the get bigger than that. But man was that a fun day.

Wow, that would be sweet. I can't wait for opener this year. I finally told the guys that I am NOT playing the Walleye Chop hockey tourney, and it shouldn't be too hard to replace a goalie of my vintage so no whining.

Originally Posted by goalie

it shouldn't be too hard to replace a goalie of my vintage so no whining.

Vintage.

I like that.

I fished the opener last year for the first time since 1999. But I waited until 3 in the afternoon. I had the lake to myself, literally, because it was so cold and windy. I think everyone else was beat up and went home for the day.

I may go up to Leach this year with a group from work on the opener. There might be beer.

Originally Posted by tzone

I may go up to Leach this year with a group from work on the opener. There might be beer.

As one of the old North Stars likes to say: "Hockey without beer is like sex without a woman, you can do it, but it isn't right."

I would think that the same applies to fishing.....

I would tend to think he's right.

I was at the St. Paul Sports show today. I'm glad I didn't have to pay to get in, but I'm glad I went...if that makes any sense.

I did get a hellova price on an Alumacraft Classic 165 CS and a pretty good price on an Alumacraft Competitor 165 CS.

Competitor!

Lots more money. I could buy a hellova used boat for the price of the Competitor rigged the way I need it.

The Classic is the best deal going of all the boats I even looked at. The Competitor is 3" wider and 2" longer. It has center rod storage. Other than that there isn't a bunch of difference. It comes with fewer seats, no spare tires, etc...

I found two Pro-V 1775's that I like. One I'm going to look at next weekend up near Duluth. One is in St. Cloud

There are also two Ranger 617's that I like. Ma would approve of those as well, which smooths things over better.

Tom, you know I'm good a spending your money.

Congrats to the Giants. Now I'm going to go and pout.

Oh Boy.

Here's my new no-winter project:
[Linked Image]

Backside:

Inside:

4

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, you know I'm good a spending your money.

I'm pretty good at it myself Bill. Thing is with the Classic, I can get it rigged up and ready to go, out the door price for the starting price on the Competitor.

The good deals on the used rigs will start showing up now.

I did see a new Ranger 620 for the bargin basement price of $72,000.

Cool Craig.

Craig, I'll come down and drag your no winter house around with my no winter ski dozer if we ever get winter lol!

I was hoping you would Dave. Because of all this wacky weather I've got about a four foot ice heave along my beach. I'm wondering tonight how the heck I'm going to pull that little pig over it....

4

We're getting closer up here to having ice I'm willing to venture out on.

A chainsaw will knock those ice chunks down in no time flat. That is of course if you're out of dynamite.

Oh sure. The guys with the Bombardiers are full of advice.

Or was that a crack at my chainsaw skills?

Trouble with the saw is that there used to be a big sawmill right where my house sits. They pumped sawdust into the lake for 30 years. That, mixed with a little sand is churned up in the ice. I suspect I'd better put on old chain before I start.....

4

Make a heck of a deer blind 4, with a few changes to the basic plan.

bear pics from back in deer season (date is set wrong)

[Linked Image]

Is that from your stand?

yeah, I talked about that bear on my camera back during rifle season I think. I just got around to taking the camera down last night. Pam and I drove out to camp to chack on the cabin so I walked out to my stand and took the truthcam down.

I had over 400 pictures and my batteries were still ok.

I got a lot of deer pictures, mostly does and fawns but a couple of little bucks too.

We were very surprised at the overall lack of tracks down the driveway, no deer or wolf. We fully expected to see a lot of wolf tracks.

Once I got out in the swamp I started seeing deer tracks, lots of tracks in front of my camera where I have salt and mineral blocks out.

I'm impressed with the battery life on those truf cam's. I have mine up in the yard aimed at the bird feeder the deer clean out everyday. I get 100's of pictures a week of stuff that likes bird feeders and the batteries are still at 45%. It's been there since October.

I was organizing my pictures for my daily reports for work and found this one I took in November. I thought it was pretty cool.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

I was organizing my pictures for my daily reports for work and found this one I took in November. I thought it was pretty cool.

[Linked Image]

Many thumbs up Tzone. Thanks for sharing!!

Great Pic!

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by tzone

I was organizing my pictures for my daily reports for work and found this one I took in November. I thought it was pretty cool.

[Linked Image]

Many thumbs up Tzone. Thanks for sharing!!

Dangit ! I hope TOTO and the Tin man is ok see the whitches hat?

Coldest day of the year so far. Minus 8 this morning.

Great picture Tom.

We're headed for -25 tonight I guess.

You can keep it. It was +7 on my way in today. below 0 tonight is what the weather guesser is saying.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great picture Tom.

Thanks. I made it the background on my work computer. I wish I could get rid of the time/date stamp. I need it on there for work though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We're headed for -25 tonight I guess.

Around minus 10 here tonight. High Thursday of plus 2 or 3.

Talked with my DIL around noon today Oregon coast is getting 100 MPH winds.

Just booked our tickets to Portland for late March. Son says the OR DNR is predicting a large Salmon run this year.

-0 here tonight they are sayin

but it will be back in the 50's this weekend

Tic-toc. -12 and falling. And that's the coldest all year. Beyond bizarre.

4

-20 and dropping here.

The wood stove is keeping it nice and toasty inside though.

39 here

+5 now with about 1/2 inch of new snow this evening on the east edge of the Twin Cities.

Originally Posted by eh76

39 here

We had that last week.

-26 and dropping.

Good night all.

There was a bit of frost on the pumpkins here this morning. I had -27 on the truck coming to work. How's that shop coming Uncle Dusty?

Another -8* morning, but windy. Picked up a dusting of snow last night.

I was up at 3:30AM and tossed a couple sticks in the wood stove, house thermometer read -28.6 at that time.

When I left home this morning it read -28.1 but the memory had recorded -29.5 for the overnight low.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was up at 3:30AM and tossed a couple sticks in the wood stove, house thermometer read -28.6 at that time.

When I left home this morning it read -28.1 but the memory had recorded -29.5 for the overnight low.

Will we be needing an auger extension to drill through the ice on Lake od the Woods?

Some folks just hate making the long drive to lake of the woods with an auger extension....

A little explanation for the non northern climate folks.

These are web photos, not mine.

This is a gasoline engine powered ice auger

[Linked Image]

this is how you use it

[Linked Image]

It's a big gas powered drill for boring holes through the ice on frozen lakes so You can fish through the hole.

There are many engine types and sizes, 2 stroke gas engines of varying horse power, liquid propane powered and electric powered.

There are many sizes you can choose from for the drill itself, everything from 4" on up to 10" usually being the largest hole diameter.

These are auger extensions.

[Linked Image]

Late in the winter the ice can actually get so thick that your stock ice auger bit cannot drill all the way through the ice, so you have to put an extension on the auger shaft to drill through the really thick ice.

White bear and I get the biggest kick out of the ever popular winter fishing question "should I bring an auger extension?"

Lake of the woods MN is a border lake the US shares with Canada. That being said it is obviously a cold climate lake and the ice does get very thick.

We post on another forum specifically dealing with Lake of the woods and we always laugh about the most popular question "will I need to bring an extension?"

These are people that are driving 6 or more hours to fish lake of the woods and they want to know if it's worth bringing this little 10" long piece of pipe to be certain they can reach through the ice with the auger.

ND, does the ice get thicker on the top or the bottom? maybe you don't need the extension if you can drill from both sides.

I've always found that funny too! Most of the time the truck and often times trailer is loaded down with everything you would ever need and then some for a weekend of ice fishing.

Snowmobiles/wheelers, portable fish houses, sleds, auger, cookstoves, coolers, beverages, food, chairs, gear etc. but "geez do I really need to bring this thing that I could slip in the pocket behind my drivers seat???

I'm so crazy, I keep mine in the truck year round... I know its bringing down my mpg, but......

You're so CLAZY.

We've had winters that require auger extensions too.

Weatherman lied we never made it to zero today. minus 3 right now.

I saw +4 at one point today.

You know you're aclamated to the weather when you can go for a 2 block walk in a hoodie in +2 temps and think it's not too bad out.

My happines has improved greatly since I started using my extension.

4

Hey Tom, this is the kind of snow removal equipment you need to buy when you get to be my age.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

There was a bit of frost on the pumpkins here this morning. I had -27 on the truck coming to work. How's that shop coming Uncle Dusty?

She's all done Bushy!!! Now I have a place to go out and tinker.

It is Muffy, I'm at mom and dads and I was looking at some of my old pics and thought I would post some.

Hard to believe how good the road was on the way into camp this year compared to last year.

[Linked Image]

And have to post this one again, just because.

[Linked Image]

That would work Uncle D. My neighbor has that, which means I don't need it.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

My happines has improved greatly since I started using my extension.

4

Well I'm in for the night, -18 and dropping. We did some work on the track machine (just tinkering) and my ice auger that was last used as a dirt and rock auger.

Yeah that needed some work.

Man up.

4

Dusty, How does that rig handle? Neighbors had one just like it and it worked fine except that it had no ability to steer on the slightest bit of snow pack or ice. I have an X540 I think it is. And it would be nice to have a blower on it but the steering issue puts me off.

brent,

neighbor guy had to get some ballast for his. It doesn't go up hill very well with the "lawn" type tires. Chains helped some.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dusty, How does that rig handle? Neighbors had one just like it and it worked fine except that it had no ability to steer on the slightest bit of snow pack or ice. I have an X540 I think it is. And it would be nice to have a blower on it but the steering issue puts me off.

I'm not quite sure Brent, we have not had enough snow to use it yet.

This one gets 'er done. 4x4 Kubota.

[Linked Image]

4

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

I'm not quite sure Brent, we have not had enough snow to use it yet.

I would be seriously interested to know how it works if you get a chance this winter. We are getting our first real snow of the season.

My JD has some fairly well lugged tires and I have chains for the rear, but I can't find chains for the front. Might be able to make some out of 15" passenger car tires.

I think the 4x4 Kubota is probably the way to go, but I'm a cheap/poor bastard.

4, is the Kubota a gas or diesel?

We had a warm front move in over night. Only minus 4 at 6:00 AM. it was around minus 10 when I turned in last night. One to three inches of snow on the way.

Tom, looked like snow was on just West of you an hour ago.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Hey Tom, this is the kind of snow removal equipment you need to buy when you get to be my age.

NICE! I have the same setup on a Cub Cadet 2186. Weights for the back are a must. Even with chains you tend to get stuck if you're not careful. I.e. backing up and getting out of the path you just blew. The suitcase weights are expensive so I had a guy at work build me a weight box out of 1/4 steel and 3/4" bar that slides into the rear frame channels. Inside that I put several 12" x 12" x 1/4" Steel plates. I throw a car battery on top of that. With that setup, I have never got stuck.

The only problem I have now is that I bought a Universal cab for the tractor and the brackets for the cab are in front of the frame channels so I can't slide the weight box in. I'm going to have to somehow make some brackets that will attach to the box so I can have best of both worlds! I HATE snow in my beer!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I HATE snow in my beer!

Yeah, ain't that the berries when it happens?

The Kubota is a diesel. Little Bobcat motor. Supposed to go 10,000 hrs. I've had it about 4 years and have about 150 hours on it - so I figure it will last forever. Honestly one of the best little machines I've ever bought.

My driveway has a 12% hill in it. I had a lawn tractor/blower rig with chains and weights, but it just wouldn't cut it. Constantly stuck and wouldn't steer. On the flat I'm sure it'd be fine. My hill is just too much.

The Kubota will blow good consistency snow about 75 feet. I've blown 22" of the wettest crappiest stuff you've ever seen over 1/2 mile so me and my neighbor could get to the county road. No sweat.

4

Been gone awhile. First Florida....came back to 0 degrees in Fargo. The steering wheel was cold for a few miles. I even turned on my heated seat until I got to Moorhead, then it was too hot and i had to turn it off.

Then off to San Diego last week. Got back last nite to -7. Steering wheel was cold again.

I didnt do much for fun as they were both work trips with one exception. I toured the USS Midway Wed afternoon. Wow. That was really cool. I have all the respect in the world for those that served on a ship like that and the pilots who flew from them. I sure enjoyed the tour.

Dad had a JD with a blower and that thing was awesome in the snow. It was a beast and threw snow for a long, long ways. Now he has a plow on his truck, which is better for me!

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I've blown 22" of the wettest crappiest stuff you've ever seen over 1/2 mile

Now THAT is one heck of a blower!

Bman,

Did you take the tour through the submarine that sits near there? I think it was Russian and I believe its mission was to tail the USS Midway if I remember right.

Either that whole crew was midgets or they had a pretty good chiropractor on board. I coudn't believe that people actually lived in a space so small let alone under the ocean.

Crap. Post number totally wrong - need to fix. Wrong.

4

whew, nice catch! I did the same thing

ice fishing tomorrow. camera will be with.

sweet! I always like seeing your pics Dave. I don't think we have enough ice to get out yet

here's a few pics of recent home improvements. Kendra has really gotten the tiling thing down like a pro. we also have the dining room and kitchen tiled, no pics of that one yet but I'll get em up when we're totally done with that.

Before
[Linked Image]

After

I know the pics aint the best, but its a small bathroom so its hard to get much in a photo

Kubota makes a great product. Not cheap, but they last forever. I've only used my blower once so far this year. I usually won't use it unless we get over 3" or it's the wet heavy stuff. Neither Judy or I mind shoveling, good excercise for us.

Minus 15 this mornong. Coldest of the season so far.

Ryan, you'll have to hire Kendra out. Nice work.

Thanks Bill, I actually joked with her about it, she doesn't really like the tiling, but with my back being screwed up its hard for me to stay bent over to do it. so she volunteers to spare me and get it done. I do all the subfloor, plumbing, wiring and that stuff, painting and tiling is her thing. she is very meticulous with it and goes slow, but when its done, it looks perfect. then she will go back over it with me and point out the "flaws" she found after the fact. like one tile that was 1/32 off at the end of a 10' run.... I told her its still perfect like she is. gotta love her

Just pulled the new house out with the Kubota. Heading in for minnows and beer. Maybe get a movie for the DVD player..

4

Whr u fishing dave? Lestifer n I just got back from park rapids with a new to him wheel house

South tip, we did good yesterday, I guess we are headed back out now.

I'm uploading pic to photobucket but it's going really slow so I might have to file my photo report tonight when we get back.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Bman,

Did you take the tour through the submarine that sits near there? I think it was Russian and I believe its mission was to tail the USS Midway if I remember right.

Can't. His man card is still suspended from the mini-van incident.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Bman,

Did you take the tour through the submarine that sits near there? I think it was Russian and I believe its mission was to tail the USS Midway if I remember right.

Can't. His man card is still suspended from the mini-van incident.

Dang! Thats tough

Great pic.Thank you for sharing with us.

Ok I'm finally getting to a fishing report.

Here's an interesting lake rig se spotted on our way out to our fishing spot.

[Linked Image]

Here's a friend of ours pulling a big skid house behind a thiokol stryte.

[Linked Image]

Here we are dragging the trailer out from under our skid house. I drilled a hole through the 2 feet of ice behind the house and rigged an anchor with a chain and a bar under the ice, tied the anchor chain to the house and pulled the trailer out from under it.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_3779.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_3781.jpg[/img]

Late saturday morning we finally have lines in the water and begin fishing.

My appologies for so many pictures of ... me.

Pam was running the camera this weekend and I guess I must have been an interesting photo subject.

[Linked Image]

This is a fun photo set. The little guy hooks into a slot fish (we have a "slot" from 19.5" to 28" walleye that must be released. they sure are fun to catch though.

He did it all by himself too, all I did was grab the fish when it came up the hole.

[Linked Image]

you can pretty much sense the excitement here lol!
Y [Linked Image]

His face is actually turning red from screaming and laughing.

The famous "power grin"

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/joeandslotfishD.jpg[/img]

Your basic "eater fish"

[Linked Image]

RWS caught this one, I was just helping with the hook.

[Linked Image]

photo bombers... so annoying...

[Linked Image]

The old auger out for another season.

[Linked Image]

The kitchen.

[Linked Image]

They aren't always keepers.

[Linked Image]

Action photo..

[Linked Image]

Me and my friend Wally posing with minnows in our mouth, Wally looks ridiculous.

[Linked Image]

Sleeping through the action??

[Linked Image]

Another monster.

[Linked Image]

Nice pail of fish for half of a Saturday.

[Linked Image]

We cleaned 19 counting perch Saturday night.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_3868.jpg[/img]

We went out for a bit again yesterday too.

[Linked Image]

Doesn't this fish look huge when I hold it out like this?

[Linked Image]

We kept and cleaned 13 yesterday, it was a little slower than Saturday.

Out fillet bowl for the 2 days combined with a 2 liter bottle for scale.

[Linked Image]

At least half our catch was jumbo perch yesterday so that's why you see all them smaller fillets on top. Even the biggest perch don't give you as much meat as an average/smallish walleye.

But they all taste good.

That's all I got.

VERY cool beans Dave!

Great pictures!

Great pics Dave. I see Weezy still has a cast on. How much longer?

Welcome to camp elora12.

awesome pics Dave! I sure miss walleye fishing, especially the action ya'll get up there.

thanks for sharing

Well good news and bad news. The bad news is, I didnt even know about the submarine by the Midway. But we wouldnt have had time anyway. The good news, upon being awarded the Swamp Squid Badge of Courage, you get your man card back. Whew. So I have had the card since the Chicago incident where I had to carry around an American Girl doll bag full of doo-dads for the little girl all the while enduring merciless ribbing from my coworkers.

The funniest part of the Midway tour....for 24 hours after making a stop at a port, the doctor had to fix head lacerations from drunken sailors forgeting to duck!

Nice walleyes....dang, I felt pangs of jealousy looking at those pictures! I have a goal of catching 1 fish per year through the ice and have only achieved it once in the last 10 years.

Nice catch guys!

Dave, is South Tip out by Buffalo Point?

Yep, a snone's throw from Canada.

US waters south of buffalo point.

That is what I thought. Do you go out of Springsteel and make the trek across the ice?

Yep.

Some big ass perch man...looks yummy.

She was taking all those pics of you because of the hat.

Chicks did jarheads.

Originally Posted by goalie

Chicks did jarheads.

T'd up and just waitin for someone to hit it out of the park!

I think they call that a freudian slip?

Originally Posted by tzone

Some big ass perch man...looks yummy.

We were catching 14" perch yesterday. When they get that big they get the hump back shape to them and they bite just like a Walleye.

I meant DIG, but it works that way as well.....

It does.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great pics Dave. I see Weezy still has a cast on. How much longer?

Hey Bill,

Two more weeks in a cast...we hope. Then she will start therapy.

Weez is getting very irritated with this whole situation.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Two more weeks in a cast...we hope. Then she will start therapy.

Weez is getting very irritated with this whole situation.

Did you tell the doc that Dave is the one that needs the therapy?

Great pictures,Dave.Thanks for posting them.
Last Monday was Mz. Linda's birthday and I agreed to her getting a dog after 25 years of not having one.We had been talking about a pet for awhile lately.She did her research and decided upon a Bichon Frise.Small white teddy bear looking lap dog which does not shed.Found one from a reputable breeder.He's a real sweet heart.Linda is overjoyed with him.Probably the best birthday present she ever got.
I do not know how to post pictures but can forward one by email if someone can post it.Linda got a good one of Charlie and myself sleeping in the recliner.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great pics Dave. I see Weezy still has a cast on. How much longer?

Hey Bill,

Two more weeks in a cast...we hope. Then she will start therapy.

Weez is getting very irritated with this whole situation.

Bet mom and dad are getting a bit irritated too. Nothing like a cranky teenager.

ND

Looks like your "friend" Wally swallowed his minnow. Did you?

Hey Stan,
Did you name him Musky Bait? I double dog dare ya to mention that out loud!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

ND

Looks like your "friend" Wally swallowed his minnow. Did you?

No, but we're gonna cook wally in hot oil and eat him tonight.

If that's what happens because he stole your minnow, remind me to never steal your minnows.

Dont steal my minnows.

Thanks for the reminder, eat well tonight!

Great pix Dave, especially of the little guy! But screw some tin on your ice house, it looks like it's melting!!

The house, aint pretty.

But it does look warm, nice job on the inside too. But it looks like a giant piece of cake left out on the ice!

LMAO!!

get some of them huge candles you see at chirstmas, hmmmm. I'm thinkin White bear could have some fun with a rattle can can of paint and those huge candles.....

where is he anyway?

Stan check your PM's I sent you one way earlier tonight about your dog picture.

Played around with the '78 pick-up again this weekend and made some progress.

Started with this.
[Linked Image]

and eneded with this.
[Linked Image]

Not as far along as I had hoped but it's probress none the less. There is more work to be done here on the passanger side but I had to order the steel behind the arch. I was hoping to patch it, but it was too bad once we looked at it.

Here is the rest of the pics and a quick summary so I don't take up the deer camp thread.

'78 update

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

get some of them huge candles you see at chirstmas, hmmmm. I'm thinkin White bear could have some fun with a rattle can can of paint and those huge candles.....

where is he anyway?

I'm here. Still snooping around & keeping tabs on everyone.

Dave,I got your pm and sent a pic.
Tzone,dang man,you are making good progress.That's a good jon.
Berettaman,we named er,excuse me, Linda named the dog Charlie.

Stan in SC

stan.... check your PM's again...

Thanks Stan. I owe a ton of thanks to my Dad, who's been helping me nearly every step of the way. He's hanging back and letting me goof up, or not, depending on what I'm doing. Which is what I've asked him to do, so I can learn this stuff. The body work is actually pretty fun. I could do without the sanding though.

Looks like that new dog wore you out Stan!

I love the Crocs Stan! I, myself, am a Crocs wearer. They are fantastic. Something tells me that Tzone doesnt wear Crocs....You need to have a Man Card Premium to wear Crocs....and Tzone tends toward...well, you know!

Looks like you've got a new friend Stan.

My daughter's Boston Terrior, Ms Bella usually stops by every week for a play date. We really enjoy her company.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I love the Crocs Stan! I, myself, am a Crocs wearer. They are fantastic. Something tells me that Tzone doesnt wear Crocs....You need to have a Man Card Premium to wear Crocs....and Tzone tends toward...well, you know!

Looks like you're wrong again... I do wear them around the house. Quite comfortable.

Well i figured if you didnt, i was gonna catch heck. so i figured going on the offensive sure beat the defensive. Now that I now that we are both Crock loving fools, we can turn our ribbing to ND....unless he wears them too....?

Nice place Stan! You should show us some pics of your recent remodel.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now that I now that we are both Crock loving fools, we can turn our ribbing to ND....unless he wears them too....?

You're both gay.

Sorry.

Lol!!!

Actually I would use a pair out at deer camp for slipping my feet into at 3AM to walk outside the cabin to take a leak.

If I had some.

Gay or not, my feet get sore in the summer from standing 8-15 hours a day. They're nice when I get home.

Get the orange/camo ones for camp.

Orange camo??

Suddenly I have an honest interest.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Actually I would use a pair out at deer camp for slipping my feet into at 3AM to walk outside the cabin to take a leak.

If I had some.

If you have crocs, you don't wear them to go out to pee.

You pee in them so you don't have to go out. Works best if they are someone else's crocs

I have the brown camo ones and the lined black ones like Stan. I havent seen the orange camo ones yet. Plus, when you get a pair, we will teach you the secret handshake!

Once you try them, you will own a pair.

Mrs ND, here is a birthday/valentines day/anniversary/fathers day idea wrapped up nice and tidy fer ya!

I would like me some of them Crocs but can't find em in 15D

and I think that is a croc.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Actually I would use a pair out at deer camp for slipping my feet into at 3AM to walk outside the cabin to take a leak.

If I had some.

I got a pair of camo ones at Cabelas for 12 bucks. I like them enough that I have worn them around the hospital just before deer hunting. It pisses off the hippies when they know you are going to go out and kill something to eat.

+1 on the reason for wearing them at the hospital.

I have like 6 pair of Crocs and for about two years that's almost all I wore.The ones without holes are very warm when worn with socks even in winter,or what we laughingly call winter in South Carolina compared with northern winters.They're amazingly comfortable.The lined ones are called "Mammoths".I only use them for house shoes.Puppy loves to chew them.
I appreciate Dave posting the picture.Charlie and I were relaxing.
He was my birthday present to Linda.We haven't had a dog in 25 years and he has really made a place for himself very quickly.

Stan in SC

looks like a very lucky dog.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

He was my birthday present to Linda.We haven't had a dog in 25 years and he has really made a place for himself very quickly.

Stan in SC

It looks like you made a place for him pretty quick too Stan.

Originally Posted by mule1

I would like me some of them Crocs but can't find em in 15D

CRIKEY!! You could use real croc's for house shoes!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by mule1

I would like me some of them Crocs but can't find em in 15D

CRIKEY!! You could use real croc's for house shoes!

Might be a tight fit, but would probably go
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by mule1

I would like me some of them Crocs but can't find em in 15D

CRIKEY!! You could use real croc's for house shoes!

Yeah having a big foot is kinda bish but being 6' 3" # 295 a good foundation is a plus.

When I was younger and a chick would comment on my big foot I would say " Well if you think my foot's big.." and then worry about having to proof if haahaa.

Well you know what they say about guys with big feet....

big shoes.

Not a fun couple days at the tzone house... I have 2 kiddo's with ear infections, the boy one, had a double and they were so bad his ear drum burst.

Poor little guy. I managed to get a bout of the strep-throat. Fun stuff.

That aint good at all Tom, best of luck with all of that.

I think I'm taking RWS and a couple of his buddies out to the lake tonight to spend the night and fish all day tomorrow. We might bring the track machine to the lake too.

Oh that will be cool.

We're going up to my mom and step-dad's cabin to do a little ice fishing...maybe. The Princess was up most of the night with the stomach flu to top it all off. I don't know what the heck is going on around here?

Its cuz you dont' live the pure life like way up north. fresh air, cold beer and lots of fishies.

you and lester dragging the new wheel house out this weekend?

Best wishes to the Tzone household. We have some common colds (wife, boy 2) and my back went out last night, but all in all, no major complaints.

Busy getting ready for our Pheasants Forever banquet. Lotsa work, but I enjoy it.

we tried it out last sunday at zipple. i think he's pulling it out someplace this weekend. not sure where yet.

Hey BM,

Whats the word on the pheasant population? Last year I had dozens of them in the yard eating bird seed and corn from the bird feeders. This year I've only seen one. Though haveing plenty of other stuff to eat right now might have something to do with it.

Tryin to get the family up there fishing Buschy. The dude that bought my boat wants to come and get it asap too. I may have to come up for the soft water.

I found 3 used boat I really like. I hope they're still there when I'm ready in a week or so.

early soft water is a blast. i like staying at my place on the river in april when it starts to crack open and get in on the eyes.

lester you should drag it out by south tip

hows the crack going to south tip. i heard a big one opened up yesterday again. not sure if we can hang with you RWS? may be going on saturday and staying over night on the ice.

I like this thread and read it often!

The word on the pheasant population is a bad winter followed by a terrible spring drastically cut the numbers. Areas with poor habitat are devoid of birds. Areas with good habitat have a few birds and areas of great habitat have a decent population. Our winter so far has been great for them, but the spring weather is even more important. No cold rains or we are in trouble.

Sure is fun watching them, huh? Had 5 deer walk through the back yard just before dark tonite. kids loved it. Even this kid.

How's fishing dave. Be out tomorrow hopefully. How's the ice?

Ic is very good no worries

Did u stay on the lake? How thick is it. Still trying to decide if I m going tonight or not.

Over 24" thick, yes we spent the night. Me, tommy boy, rws and two of his friends. Catching some this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Over 24" thick, yes we spent the night. Me, tommy boy, rws and two of his friends. Catching some this morning.

I keep checking - hoping for pic's

Sorry, I didn't take a single picture.

Fishing actually slowed down quite a bit for us.

I cleaned 13 fish for saturday.

yesterday was really slow dave. we got a big burbot, 4 perch and a couple walleyes. had some furnace issues over the night saturday. stayed up all night to play cards and have snowshoe grog, we did have fun out there. got the furnace fixed last night, hopefully no more sleepeless nights out there.

Fishing been slow around here too.

Replaced the battery in my Edge this morning. Only got 2 1/2 years out of it.

I was fishing with the boy and my step-dad at thier cabin in Solon Springs, WI this weekend. It was slow to say the least. Mini-man caught the only fish... a 18" northern on a jigging spoon and a sucker. I'll try to remember to post a pic when I get home tonight.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

yesterday was really slow dave. we got a big burbot, 4 perch and a couple walleyes. had some furnace issues over the night saturday. stayed up all night to play cards and have snowshoe grog, we did have fun out there. got the furnace fixed last night, hopefully no more sleepeless nights out there.

mmm, grog - can't ice fish without it

Originally Posted by tzone

I was fishing with the boy and my step-dad at thier cabin in Solon Springs, WI this weekend. It was slow to say the least.

Try it on the lake next time!

The northern that mini man caught and others around us, didn't have any teeth. Is that normal?

Originally Posted by tzone

The northern that mini man caught and others around us, didn't have any teeth. Is that normal?

Yep. This is the exact time of year that northern fishing goes down hill because they are losing their teeth and their gums are sore.

Funny thing that I have experinced over the years though is that some do and some dont?

Obviously they still eat but I'm assuming that it is not as much. Do they put the feed bag on in a couple weeks when they start to grow back?

That is a totally loaded question, btw, I'm heading back up in a few weeks.

Are you finally coming up for the spring tip up fishin T?

No I've been going up to my moms cabin in Solon springs,WI.

I was hoping to come up but work is starting to ramp up.

I think I read it is a myth that they lose their teeth....? But it was awhile ago that I read that.

Well then the one we caught and those around us, had some dental issues.

After some serious research (about 6 minutes) it is true northern lose thier teeth. However, it isn't always in the summer or in the winter. It is different times through out the year.

I've got an old denture I could donate to the pike.

It's true Tom. I've done a a lot of pike fishing year round and it is my own personal opinion that jan-feb is where you see the most pike with the tender mouth issue.

It can really effect the bite, In these months I like to make sure we have some soft dead bait hanging under the ice for them because they might not feel like chewing on a tough live sucker minnow.

Into later march I find more sharp toothed hungry pike than any other month of the year.

If you research it you will find all kinds of bold statements about it being true or not being true.

I don't know how to put a scientific spin on it but I can tell you I've seen it and I've come to understand that it is a real thing what ever the cause.

And because of it, early ice pike bite can be awesome, mid jan through feb can really slow down and later march is generally awesome again.

yeah, it was a long time ago I read that and I sure couldnt tell you where or if it was a good source.

I do know that I dont think I have ever see them in the summer sans teeth, but I dont do much winter fishing (unfortunately).

Well, b'gawd, now ya went an' done it. Flushed me out of the shadows with all this talk 'bout toothless pike, don't ya know?
I swear (occasionally) I learn so much strange and unuseful (if that ain't a word, it oughta be) info on this site that sometimes I shudder ta think 'bout how dumb I was 'fore findin' this band o' merry Norsemen on the 'fire. Keep da smarts comin' boys. I'll stack 'em right next ta all the gems I'd already lerned 'bout whizin' off the camp porch for maximum distance, biuldin' ice shacks that look like they were coated in toasted Stay-Puff marshmallows, the names of machines with tracks and uses known only to those aforementioned merry Norsemen an' a few Eskimoes and, my all-time favorite, the pronunciation, composition, preparation, ingestion AND digestion of ........................Lutefisk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whew, this here was a tough post ta type. I had ta turn off spell-check ta type a few a' da words. I guess nobody helpin' in the dictioniary industry ever come across the word lutefisk. Spell-check didn't like it no way, no how.

Well, this is ol' Raystown signin' off from the land where blond hair comes from a bottle, not DNA and water only freezes in the refrigerator's ice maker and the vegetable crisper drawer.

Salut!

Ron

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

'bout whizin' off the camp porch for maximum distance

Why at my camp, I'm known as "The herd bull".

4

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Well, b'gawd, now ya went an' done it. Flushed me out of the shadows with all this talk 'bout toothless pike, don't ya know?
I swear (occasionally) I learn so much strange and unuseful (if that ain't a word, it oughta be) info on this site that sometimes I shudder ta think 'bout how dumb I was 'fore findin' this band o' merry Norsemen on the 'fire. Keep da smarts comin' boys. I'll stack 'em right next ta all the gems I'd already lerned 'bout whizin' off the camp porch for maximum distance, biuldin' ice shacks that look like they were coated in toasted Stay-Puff marshmallows, the names of machines with tracks and uses known only to those aforementioned merry Norsemen an' a few Eskimoes and, my all-time favorite, the pronunciation, composition, preparation, ingestion AND digestion of ........................Lutefisk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whew, this here was a tough post ta type. I had ta turn off spell-check ta type a few a' da words. I guess nobody helpin' in the dictioniary industry ever come across the word lutefisk. Spell-check didn't like it no way, no how.

Well, this is ol' Raystown signin' off from the land where blond hair comes from a bottle, not DNA and water only freezes in the refrigerator's ice maker and the vegetable crisper drawer.

Salut!

Ron

You're welcome!

Lol!!

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

........................Lutefisk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whew, this here was a tough post ta type. I had ta turn off spell-check ta type a few a' da words. I guess nobody helpin' in the dictioniary industry ever come across the word lutefisk. Spell-check didn't like it no way, no how.

finally me a spell-check agree on sumthin'!

Salut!

and I think you mean.......skol!

That is one hell of a post, in so many ways. Thanks.

4

Raystown, I applaud the effort that it took to write that thing! Darn funny ta boot!

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Well, b'gawd, now ya went an' done it. Flushed me out of the shadows with all this talk 'bout toothless pike, don't ya know?
I swear (occasionally) I learn so much strange and unuseful (if that ain't a word, it oughta be) info on this site that sometimes I shudder ta think 'bout how dumb I was 'fore findin' this band o' merry Norsemen on the 'fire. Keep da smarts comin' boys. I'll stack 'em right next ta all the gems I'd already lerned 'bout whizin' off the camp porch for maximum distance, biuldin' ice shacks that look like they were coated in toasted Stay-Puff marshmallows, the names of machines with tracks and uses known only to those aforementioned merry Norsemen an' a few Eskimoes and, my all-time favorite, the pronunciation, composition, preparation, ingestion AND digestion of ........................Lutefisk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whew, this here was a tough post ta type. I had ta turn off spell-check ta type a few a' da words. I guess nobody helpin' in the dictioniary industry ever come across the word lutefisk. Spell-check didn't like it no way, no how.

Well, this is ol' Raystown signin' off from the land where blond hair comes from a bottle, not DNA and water only freezes in the refrigerator's ice maker and the vegetable crisper drawer.

Salut!

Ron

Ha...Now dat's FF! Tanks for makin me smile like heck Ron!

yelp, yelp, yelp....GAAAAAAAAARRRRoobble, oooobbbble, ooooble!

Well I'm at mom and dad's tonight and thought I would log in.

I'm going up north for a wedding reception and dance this weekend. Thinking about going up Friday to see the cussins and maybe crash on their couch for the night.

Oh by the way I start online classes next week. I will be taking a 12 month course on dog obedience training. I will be able to train dogs for hunting, K9, etc. I'm pretty excited about it and I love dogs.

Ray, you are one damn funny guy! Best post I've read in a coon's age on the 'fire.

BTW, that lutefisk is damn good stuff. Don't you think otherwise!

About time Ray. Good to hear from you.

Originally Posted by tzone

yelp, yelp, yelp....GAAAAAAAAARRRRoobble, oooobbbble, ooooble!

Got my tag yesterday, April 18th - 24th.

Good luck with the classes Muffy.

You got the week before me. Save a bird or two for me will ya? I usually apply for the "C" time slot. I've had the best luck in that one. The coveted "A" slot is probly my least lucky one. I've been snowed on, froze out, poured on, wind blown out of the woods....everything I can think of. I did get a Jake one time in a mini blizzard on the A time. I see the season changed to a whole week now too. Good for you retired guys.

Cool Muffster. A new business for you maybe? That training will come in handy at Chickenbuck too.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well I'm at mom and dad's tonight and thought I would log in.

I'm going up north for a wedding reception and dance this weekend. Thinking about going up Friday to see the cussins and maybe crash on their couch for the night.

Oh by the way I start online classes next week. I will be taking a 12 month course on dog obedience training. I will be able to train dogs for hunting, K9, etc. I'm pretty excited about it and I love dogs.

You can take that big white dog of ours, train him up good on something, then keep him.

LOL!

Haven't been around much for a while. Hope to spend more time here in the future. See everyone is busy buying guns, boats, snow machines, etc. Not much has changed.

Ron

I would personally like to thank Dave for buying that snow machine, cuz we ain't got no damn snow....and I like it.

havent even had the snowblower out once this year.....nice.

We had about 5" in late October that made for some fun archery deer hunting, then nothing until a couple weeks ago when we got about 4". Today temp was 63 degrees!
Ron

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well I'm at mom and dad's tonight and thought I would log in.

I'm going up north for a wedding reception and dance this weekend. Thinking about going up Friday to see the cussins and maybe crash on their couch for the night.

Oh by the way I start online classes next week. I will be taking a 12 month course on dog obedience training. I will be able to train dogs for hunting, K9, etc. I'm pretty excited about it and I love dogs.

You can take that big white dog of ours, train him up good on something, then keep him.

LOL!

That about made me RMAO!!!

Originally Posted by fluffy

havent even had the snowblower out once this year.....nice.

Same here.

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, yeah... I'm thinking about hanging a for sale sign in the window of that machine. It's parked out on the lake for all the rich city foke to gawk at as they enter onto the ice.

As much as I love the machine, I have collector cars and muscle cars coming out of my ears that all need thousands of dollars in parts and supplies.

And I really love those cars.

White Bear will buy it.

How's that for "city foke"

This so called winter has sure been an easy one on the heating bill and the back. Temps are supposed to remain in the upper 30's through next Tuesday.

Got me thinken about soft water. Bought one of the new St Croix panfish fish series rods at Fleet this AM.

I really need to stock back up on panfish. Freezer is depleted of them.

I've got an 8x10 wheelhouse for sale for you tom, you could get lots of panfish in that one. cook them too!

I'm headed up north tomorrow, probly early afternoon.

Dave, when is the carshow up there? Brad was asking about it. He wants to bring his car up there and maybe his pickup. I'm going to try to work on my friends on bringing their Fairlane and Thunderbird up there too.

We meet next Friday to start talking about a date but if I had to guess right now I'd say June 16.

No thanks Buschy. I'm more of a soft water guy. I'm good for a few ice trips a year, not enough to get a wheel house.

Hmmmm The 16th that is Mini-man's B-day. That leaves you open to come down to Back to the 60's the next weekend...just sayin.

I know where you can stay too.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I've got an 8x10 wheelhouse for sale for you tom, you could get lots of panfish in that one. cook them too!

PM me the details Bushy

I just took my first exam. I passed!!

I got one wrong.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh by the way I start online classes next week. I will be taking a 12 month course on dog obedience training. I will be able to train dogs for hunting, K9, etc. I'm pretty excited about it and I love dogs.

Muffy..PM me if you have any questions along the way...I'm a trained professional....

Scroll to the bottom of the page on this link, that'd be me..

http://www.carroll.edu/academics/majors/hab/faculty.cc

Its big time phun!

Originally Posted by ingwe

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh by the way I start online classes next week. I will be taking a 12 month course on dog obedience training. I will be able to train dogs for hunting, K9, etc. I'm pretty excited about it and I love dogs.

Muffy..PM me if you have any questions along the way...I'm a trained professional....

Scroll to the bottom of the page on this link, that'd be me..

http://www.carroll.edu/academics/majors/hab/faculty.cc

Its big time phun!

That is awesome! I have been undecided for years about what I want to be "when I grow up" and this really got my attention. I love dogs, if I could I would have a 100 of them.

Any helpful hints would be appreciated.

Well, again..PM me if you have questions along the way...alot of the dog biz ( like anything else) isnt what you think...but the best part is if you tailor your training, you can make it anything you want it to be...pets, gun dogs, K9, service Dogs etc....

Feel free to use the PM feature...Best Of Luck!!

Originally Posted by ingwe

Well, again..PM me if you have questions along the way...alot of the dog biz ( like anything else) isnt what you think...but the best part is if you tailor your training, you can make it anything you want it to be...pets, gun dogs, K9, service Dogs etc....

Feel free to use the PM feature...Best Of Luck!!

Thanks!!

Hey Muffy~ if you beat me home, start cleaning my house for me would ya? Just kidding! LOL.

Taylor and I are headed to Grand Forks this morning, she's supposed to get her cast off. Keep your fingers crossed. Being squished between two cars on Tuesday might hold it up a week or so.

We should be home this afternoon sometime...just forwarning you that the house is messy. I wasn't sure if you were coming up today or Saturday so I took the night off and watched TV with the boys. (Well maybe took a nap in the chair too.

) Anyways see you later today! Drive careful.

Happy Friday everyone! Peace out. Mrs ND.

Originally Posted by tzone

White Bear will buy it.

How's that for "city foke"

What the heck would White Bear do with something like that? I there really a legitimate use for them?

" Being squished between two cars on Tuesday might hold it up a week or so."

OK Pam, care to explain?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by tzone

White Bear will buy it.

How's that for "city foke"

What the heck would White Bear do with something like that? I there really a legitimate use for them?

What does having a lefitimate use for something have anything to do with buying it? You know better than that.

Weezy iz a cat. She has 9 lives.

Originally Posted by tzone

Weezy iz a cat. She has 9 lives.

Well then she better start being a darn careful cat!

Just teesin weeze-meister!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

" Being squished between two cars on Tuesday might hold it up a week or so."

OK Pam, care to explain?

The poor girl has all the luck.

She was parked at a convenience store and getting out of her car when a carload of severely mentally challenged young men came flying into the parking lot on the iciest day of 2012 pretending like they were going to braodside her car....

He hits the brakes as he's aimed for her....

And guess the [bleep] what?

Cars don't stop on glare ice, he did exactly what he was pretending to do, he hit her.

He actually hit her with a damn car. She was stuck in her own car door with his front bumper pinning the door shut.

She was trying to get out of her car when the retardedness occurred.

Police, ambulance, emergency room, xrays etc..

All the normal precautionary procedures for getting hit by a damn car.

No broken bones, very black & blue on both knees, ankle, lot of swelling and she's got quite the limp currently with the ankle/knee pain.

Her soft casted surgery arm was also slammed in the car door...

I haven't mentioned any of it because when I talk or think about it.... I develop a burning/flushed sensation in my neck and face and I feel adrenaline building up in my death and dismemberment devices (my arms).

So, I think we'll just leave it at that.

Wow that sucks....I did a lot of stupid stuff when i was that age but do not know if i would of done anything like that.....

I hope she gets better ASAP....

On a lighter note...

Some of you here may remember talk about a local car builder friend of ours that was building a 1937 lincoln zephyr.

Several chickenbuckers were fortunate enough to see the car partially finished at larry's after show garage party a couple of years ago.

Well I'm proud to say my friend was recently named winner of the 2011 MSRA street rod of the year.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by noduck

I did a lot of stupid stuff when i was that age but do not know if i would of done anything like that.....

Hence the retardedness.

That is truthfully what happened, they thought they were funny.

Very funny boys.

Ok I have to stop talking about it now.

Best of luck to Wheezie

And you too Dave.

Damn

now boys that age are usually thinking about showing off to woo a girl. So, did it work? Was Weezy impressed?

Weezy: Oh, you are soooo cool. I would love to go out with you sometime. Sometime after I get unpinned and checked out at the ER because of your stupidass idiocy.

Maybe not, eh?

maybe not.

so far, it seems like the one who has a crush on Carlos has the best chance

I was/is dum. But not that dum.

oh, and tzone - UMD is here in Anchorage tonight. Can you spot me some points? I'm afraid it's gonna be a long night.

Carlos the ford pickup would have brushed it off as a love tap.

How bout that zephyr streed rod though guys, pretty sweet huh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well I'm proud to say my friend was recently named winner of the 2011 MSRA street rod of the year.

[Linked Image]

As he should have. That is a beautiful car. That is one of my fav's that I saw last year, and I only saw picutres of it.

Dave.

Was the idiot driver cited for reckless driving?

He got a ticket.... and hurt feelings...

Hell hath no fury like a girl struck by an idiot in a dodge neon.

Boy's feelings damaged.

Damage has been deemed temporary.

Glad to here she is ok. Boy is lucky it is only feelings that are damaged.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Damage has been deemed temporary.

Until his old man see's the insurance bill. Then Hell hath no fury like an angry dad with $30K doctor bill is retarded son caused.

I can't even comprehend trying that. The mere thought of it doesn't register in my brain. If it did, I still think my parents would pull that thought phycially from my head. I do mean actually reach in through my eye socket and pull that though out or there.

I remember one time my older brother and his friend were going to "meet at the fish house".
As luck would have have it,we arrived at the same time from different directions.Me with my brother in a new chevy blazer,and the friend in a small nissan sedan.They both found out that glare ice is hard to stop on,as they collided head on in front of the fish house door.
This was on a small metro lake,with dozens of houses in close proximity,most of which emptied to see what all the noise was about.
I still bring it up from time to time.

Dave, I know nothing about street cars but what is something like that worth in ballpark sort of way? Never seen anything quite like it. It is an amazing piece of work for certain.

I wonder what they would think if they were sitting in their car and all of a sudden a bombardier ran over the top of the car. Just for laughs of course.

Heal up quick Weezy.

That is a cool car Dave. Whats it have for an engine?

[quote=northern_dave]On a lighter note...

Some of you here may remember talk about a local car builder friend of ours that was building a 1937 lincoln zephyr.

Several chickenbuckers were fortunate enough to see the car partially finished at larry's after show garage party a couple of years ago.

Well I'm proud to say my friend was recently named winner of the 2011 MSRA street rod of the year.

[Linked Image]

[/quote

It was pretty neat to see the car in the process of being built. Very impressive!

Originally Posted by Pointbock

oh, and tzone - UMD is here in Anchorage tonight. Can you spot me some points? I'm afraid it's gonna be a long night.

PB what was the outcome? UMD has trouble in that neck of the woods...that's a hellova flight.

edited to add, I just checked the score. It sounds like the Offence only came from one dude. that won't work two nights in a row. The Dogs will have to step it up to use the broom tonight.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I still bring it up from time to time.

That's what brothers are for.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That is a cool car Dave. Whats it have for an engine?

I'm not dave but IIRC, it is a Ford V-10, from a 3/4 ton something.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dave, I know nothing about street cars but what is something like that worth in ballpark sort of way? Never seen anything quite like it. It is an amazing piece of work for certain.

I'd kinda like to know too. I remember seeing the pictures from last year. Know having a little idea what goes into body work....I have a feeling that car is more than I'd ever be able to afford. It's a beauty.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That is a cool car Dave. Whats it have for an engine?

It's a modern EFI Ford V10 with an auto trans with overdrive.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dave, I know nothing about street cars but what is something like that worth in ballpark sort of way? Never seen anything quite like it. It is an amazing piece of work for certain.

Anyone's guess is as good as mine.

Wow! Weezie is lucky her legs arene't broke! Stupid boys are even more lucky they aren't!

That is an awesome car! He deserves the reward.

Going to watch the Super Bowl on a flat screen in an ice castle fish house today. I'm glad I'll have fishing to occupy the time as I really do not care for either of the teams that are in it. Ravens - 9'ers would have been a more fun game.

one pan a hot and one pan a bbq.

[Linked Image]

damn that looks good!
I made smokies and beer batter fish (store bought) and mashed taters for supper. nothin fancy, but the game aint worthy of an all out effort for us.

Congrats to the Giants on a good game.

Many thanks to my BIL and sister for a nice party and a ton of tasty food.

I had no real favorite in Super Bowl 46 but my wife wanted the Patriots to win.I thought it was a good game.

Stan in SC

Glad the Giants won. If the Packers had to lose at least it was to the ultimate super bowl champs.

Dave - Those wings look incredible!

It was a good game and was really fun to watch from a fish house with good buddies while catching some jumbo perch unlike any I have seen come out of the lakes around here. I'm glad the Giants won but what really made the day was that safety at the beginning of the game made me $375.00 richer by half time!

Cool.

The only money I won was a $5 bet with my dad that Coke Zero has caffeine in it.... It does.

I didn't have any money on the game, but I did win $20 on a scratch off lottery ticket.

Hey weather its $5.00, $20.00 or $375.00, its all better than a sharp stick in the eye!

I historically NEVER win anything so this was totally unexpected. Especially with numbers like 9 and 0!

Originally Posted by tzone

Cool.

The only money I won was a $5 bet with my dad that Coke Zero has caffeine in it.... It does.

I believe I would have lost that bet to you too Tom!

I found two small antlers today that were freshly fallen. oen had 3 points and was barely 4" long. the other had 3 points and looked like it would have been a perfect basket. I did see one big buck still wearing his, so it must be just getting to be that time.

How's the remodel project coming Ryan?

I'm pretty excited, got the mail today and I got drawn for the spring turkey hunt.

Good for you Muffy. What time period did you draw or can you hunt the entire season in MN?

Cool Muffy. Where is your permit for? Can I come call for you? 'tis my favorite part of turkey hunting.

I didn't even apply for MN. I never have. I'll have to change that one of these days. I don't know where to go even, but that's no excuse. I'll do my homework and hopefully apply next year.

Heading out this eve to pick up a new (to me) rifle. Ruger Hawkeye LH 30-06. Satin SS w/grey laminated stock. Picked it up last week in the Classified forum. Needed (wanted?) a 30-06 bolt gun since I used the action from my Ruger MKII for a .280 AI project. Took my first muley and antelope with the AI so project was a success but I have felt an emptyness in my life w/o an '06 bolt gun. Life is now complete once more (unless a Ruger #1 RSI shows up in Classified).

Ron

I find myself needing a .30-06 too.. It will be a while for me though, I have a lot of irons in the fire. Really, I don't see it happening this year.

When it does, it will be a Ruger or a Winchester. I'm really starting to like the Win's.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

How's the remodel project coming Ryan?

its coming along, kinda hit a lull here lately since we're just kinda tired of it

I need to finish tiling the back entry and getting the trim on, then I'll post more pics

I traded a ruger 30-06 in sept for a 94 in 38-55. had it for 2 years and never fired it, so I got rid of it.

Ryan,

How is the SD antelope population? Is this mild winter going to help them recover some or isn't the pop. as bad as ND's?

20 years ago today a couple of kids stood together in a church.

[Linked Image]

Pam and I, we took it very seriously, neither of us wanted to fail.

We had family plans, both of us had goals to have children, raise children and live vicariously through them within the stability we hoped to provide for them.

Those were big plans, lofty goals for a couple of kids.

Well, we did it.

Thanks Pam, for the best 20 years of my life.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, we did it.

Indeed you did. Congratulations!

And you did it in grand style.CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary from Linda and myself.

Stan in SC

congrats to you and Pam, if only the rest of the country could follow your example we'd be in a much better position.

Rooster - the antelope around me have all migrated to their wintering areas so I rarely if ever see one. I haven't heard any reports of die offs, and the word I have been getting is landowners want more of them killed because they are eating too much. I know the northern part of the state has some limited licenses, but for the bulk of the state I think the herd is doing quite well. I can do some checking with the gfp guys and see what they know.

anyone get pheasants foreevr magazine? there is an article in there on me and the poperty I'm workin in this spring issue. in case anyone wants to see the area and what I do

Thanks guys.

Ryan I might have to look for that magazine, that's pretty cool. Congrats.

Congratulations on making it 20 years Dave and Pam!

Ryan, that is way cool about the magazine! When does the issue come out?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam and I, we took it very seriously, neither of us wanted to fail.

We had family plans, both of us had goals to have children, raise children and live vicariously through them within the stability we hoped to provide for them.

Those were big plans, lofty goals for a couple of kids.

Well, we did it.

Thanks Pam, for the best 20 years of my life.

The are lofty goals and there are few folks that can do it. After meeting both of you and your family, I have no doubt. Congrats to two of my favorite people.

Cool news on the magizine Ryan! Did they interview for the articel?

Can the magizine be purchased or do you need a subscription?

it comes with a membership to pheasants forever, I'm hoping to get a couple extra copies to send to my parents and grandparents. I'm guessing if you got a membership that they would send it out to you. The editor came out here and interviewed me and we spent a saturday going over what it is I do, taking pictures and stuff. it was pretty cool.

Congradulations Dave and Pam.

Ryan, I think a 38-55 would be a neat Eastern whitetail cartridge. As I get older I find those obsolete cartridges get more interesting to me. The gun safe currently holds a Savage 99 in .303 Savage, a Winchester 88 in .284 Win and a Browning BLR in .358 Win. The .284 and the .358 aren't as old as I am but they sure qualify as obsolete. Some might say I do also!

An 88 in .284 raises my eyebrows.... and stuff.

Congratulations Pam and Dave on twenty years of marriage. One look at that wedding picture and it is pretty clear who Wheezy, RWS and Preacher's parents are. Ya done good. Be proud.
Ron

I reckon it'll kill em out west here too

DocRocket took a shot at a white tail doe with it during Antelope Armageddon 2011 last fall. I think the rear sight might have moved a notch or two, as he said it hit low and under her. I'm starting to do some bullet casting and eventually I want to cast for the 38-55. problem is the gear is a little spendy, so maybe one day I will. its a pleasure to shoot

I just have a hard time reaching past my ruger 243 when it comes to going huntin

The ,.284 sort of fell into my lap about 5 years ago. I was talking to a fellow at the rifle range who mentioned he bought a number of guns from an estate. He was keeping the Colt revolvers for his collection but had one rifle he didn't know much about. Lo and behold it was a post-64 88 in .284. Looked like it just came out of the factory box. A little negotiating and it went home with me. It's very picky about bullet shapes and OAL length as far as feeding goes but when you find the sweet spot it works pretty well. I shoot Hornady Interlocks (140 gr) and stay a bit under the SAAMI OAL and it works well.
Ron

"Antelope Armageddon"? Now that sounds like fun.

Ron

Thank you everyone for the congrats on our anniversary.

It's so hard to believe it's already been 20 years, time sure flies when your having fun.

I can honestly say, without a doubt, that I'd do it all over again with Mr. Shaw. Threw the thick and thin, we've leaned on each other and stuck together, growing and learning and raising our family the best way we can. So funny how two kids made it this far even though some people didn't think we would. HA!

Thanks again everyone. And Mr. Shaw...I love ya man and thank you for a wonderful 20 years, I'm looking forward to the next 20 years.

Dito, lady friend.

Happy Anniversary to a very special couple!!
We are very proud of you.

Love,
Dusty and Eileen

ND, might I suggest the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your beautiful lady-a magnum of champagne, a dozen red roses and a trip in your tracked conveyance to the Sta-Puff Marshmallow House for walleye fishing by candlelight. It's sweet, sincere, potentially rewarding (walleye fillets, you guys!) and does not threaten your man card. (Just tryin' to be helpful, don't ya know?)
Ron,

Originally Posted by northern_dave

20 years ago today a couple of kids stood together in a church.

[Linked Image]

Pam and I, we took it very seriously, neither of us wanted to fail.

We had family plans, both of us had goals to have children, raise children and live vicariously through them within the stability we hoped to provide for them.

Those were big plans, lofty goals for a couple of kids.

Well, we did it.

Thanks Pam, for the best 20 years of my life.

Congratulations, Man is she HOT

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

it comes with a membership to pheasants forever, I'm hoping to get a couple extra copies to send to my parents and grandparents. I'm guessing if you got a membership that they would send it out to you. The editor came out here and interviewed me and we spent a saturday going over what it is I do, taking pictures and stuff. it was pretty cool.

That is really cool Ryan.

I Could like an 88 in .284.

Congrats on 20 years, may many more be in your future.

Happy Aniversary Cussin's!!

Gifts?

That is very cool Ryan. I will be asking everyone I know if they get the magazine.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Happy Aniversary Cussin's!!

Gifts?

Pam scored a couple of new lenses, the little guy shown on the camera here and the white lens on the left are both new.

[Linked Image]

The little lens is a fixed 50mm F/1.4 with elect focus, the white one is a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 with elect focus and 2 different image stabilization settings.

We went for dinner, came home, and she surprised me with....

[Linked Image]

Taurus 45 long colt/.410 shotgun.

We definately surprised eachother. I guess we were both thinking something special was in order to mark 20 years.

Weezy snapped this picture a few minutes ago.

[Linked Image]

There we are, starting on another 20.

Thanks for all the nice words, well wishes and such.

OUTFARGGINSTANDING!!!!

Pam,you are still waaayy purty ,Dave yer still way..........

Hope yez have anudder 50 or so ahead of ya!!!!

Congrats Dave! My wife and are are looking at 19 this June, trying to raise two boys now, and having the time of our lives!!!

Cool lenses Pam!

Dave, is that a Judge?

WOW! Stainless long barrel Judge.What a woman!
Grouse gun.

Stan in SC

I R jealous. Congrats again guys.

My buddy is trying to find a 99 in a 358. He has a 358 in a BLR, but grew up with the 99's. I wouldn't mind a 358, but it would have to be in a turn bolt. Both Ruger and Sako/Tikka chambered the 358 a couple of years back.

Cool gifts Pam & Dave.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

WOW! Stainless long barrel Judge.What a woman!
Grouse gun.

Stan in SC

grouse gun indeed!

I was plesantly surprised at the weight, it can't weigh more than the heavy barreled MKII I have often times carried for grouse when I'm out goofing around in the woods.

This is a very cool gun.

Well I missed a couple of days as I had to go to a 2 day meeting from hell in the cities. Man, was it dysfunctional. Anyway, a day late Super Congrats to the Shaws! Very impressive accomplishment.

I just read Ryan's article. Very nice. I am going to scan it but for some reason my pictures here are so very small.....can I email it to someone (Dave?) and you can post it so it can actually be read?

very cool! that will be the ticket for cutting wood, puttin up stands all that stuff where you want a gun handy, but a rifle gets in the way. I'm likin the .410 for grouse

let me know if you need any cast bullets, I'm experimenting with makin my own

I became an uncle a couple days ago, my brother and his wife had their first born, a girl. her Name is Sonora. mama and baby are doing great.

Email it to me bman, I'll try to post it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My buddy is trying to find a 99 in a 358. He has a 358 in a BLR, but grew up with the 99's. I wouldn't mind a 358, but it would have to be in a turn bolt. Both Ruger and Sako/Tikka chambered the 358 a couple of years back.

Cool gifts Pam & Dave.

Bill, I know where there is a Ruger Hawkeye, in stainless in .358 Win. It's dang nice and a decent price. Let me know.

You could always come up this way and we could do a gunshop tour.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I just read Ryan's article. Very nice. I am going to scan it but for some reason my pictures here are so very small.....can I email it to someone (Dave?) and you can post it so it can actually be read?

If you right click on a .jpg image here, you may be able to select "Oen image in New Tab" where it will be full sized. Or one can just copy the url from the image to a new browser window and the enlarge as needed. The resolution will be there if it is in the original file that was up loaded.

Nice gun Dave. Grouse are going to dislike it immensely I think.

Brent

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That is awesome!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But that is FREAKIN AWESOME!!! I need to get Special K to start reading the thread more often!

Emailed you the scan of Ryan's story, Dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My buddy is trying to find a 99 in a 358. He has a 358 in a BLR, but grew up with the 99's. I wouldn't mind a 358, but it would have to be in a turn bolt. Both Ruger and Sako/Tikka chambered the 358 a couple of years back.

Cool gifts Pam & Dave.

Bill, I know where there is a Ruger Hawkeye, in stainless in .358 Win. It's dang nice and a decent price. Let me know.

You could always come up this way and we could do a gunshop tour.

Tempting Tom. Unfortunately I'd most likely have to increase the cost of the Omega to help pay for it.

Hmm, pdf file, I'm not really sure how to post that. I'll have to think about it.

Dave, if you send it to me, I'll host it. But it won't post as an image. Just a hot link that one can click on and it will open or download as needed.

okay, I sent you 2 jpegs (alhtough they are upside down). Hopefully you can make that work.

I was trying to entice you over here so you could deliver it Bill.

You could use the money I give you and probably another 2 bill...you may be able to buy that gun. It's been in the shop for almost a year.

It is cut and crowned to 18-20". I'm not sure exactly, but it's shorter than the factory barrel. I do grab it everytime I'm in there. It is a handy little rig. I have too much going on right now or you'd have to buy it from me.

Most Excellent Ryan! Congratulations!

Man that country is beautiful! As I sit here at my desk, I am green with envy man. I truly am!

Thanks Dave for posting that up! It really gives a good description of what Ryan does and what Pheasants Forever is all about.

Shamelessly taking advantage of this, if anyone wants to become a member ($30 during our banquet season), contact me and I can help them get it done. Our banquet is coming up fast (Feb 18th in Alexandria, MN). Keep up the good work, Ryan, that has be be very rewarding.

Kewl Ryan,

Congrats!

Very cool Ryan. It looks like sweating out the job search really paid off.

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. ND, but I don't think Dave needs the .410 for grouse - he'll just sneak up and whack 'em with the long barrel. Something more than a .22 is probably good for flyin' bears, swamp squids and such, though.

Great read Ryan. Congrats.

Ryan

I looked over the Hill Ranch property last fall. It sure is a nice area. Now I know just where you are working. Nice write up.

How ya been TJAY?

hey Tjay! was wonderin where you got to, are you puttin in for 27L this fall?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Muffy

Happy Aniversary Cussin's!!

Gifts?

Pam scored a couple of new lenses, the little guy shown on the camera here and the white lens on the left are both new.

[Linked Image]

The little lens is a fixed 50mm F/1.4 with elect focus, the white one is a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 with elect focus and 2 different image stabilization settings.

We went for dinner, came home, and she surprised me with....

[Linked Image]

Taurus 45 long colt/.410 shotgun.

We definately surprised eachother. I guess we were both thinking something special was in order to mark 20 years.

Weezy snapped this picture a few minutes ago.

[Linked Image]

There we are, starting on another 20.

Thanks for all the nice words, well wishes and such.

Wow nice lenses!

Nice gun too. Pam let me in on the secret when I was there last Friday night. Congrats again you guys!

A group of us from our snowmobile club are headed up to Fortune Bay Casino for the weekend. Not bringing our sleds though, snow conditions are not great this year. Have a great weekend everyone!

Have fun, win big.

Hope you do better than I did last week at the casino Muffy.

We actually had snow this AM. Best guess is around an inch. Problem is the wind. It's blowing hard right out of the North. We're supposed to get down to around minus 10 tonight.

Tom, if the barrels been cut back on that .358 I wouldn't be interested.

- 10* here this morning with a strong north wind.

Cold here too.

We um, had a little trouble with the Taurus Judge....

So, Pam returned it, and exchanged it for.....

(excuse me because I'm still shaking a little...)

She upgraded it to this:

Springfield PX9109LP

Caliber: .45ACP
Magazines: 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel
Barrel: 5" Stainless Steel
Sights: Fixed Low Profile Combat Rear, Dovetail Front, tritium 3 - Dot
Trigger:Long Aluminum Match Grade, 5 - 6 lbs.
Grips: Cocobolo Hardwood
Frame: Forged Steel, Parkerized
Slide:Forged Steel, Parkerized
Recoil System: 2 Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Height: 5.5"
Length: 8.5"
Weight w/ Empty Magazine: 40 ozs.

[Linked Image]

I have a car show meeting to go to but I don't want to go, I just want to sit here and hold this gun....

I am freeking STOKED!!!

I have wanted a 1911 for many, many years, but I would have never bought one for myself.

And if I ever did, I wouldn't have bought one this nice...

Holy crap.

WOW! that is an awesome shooter right there! I bet you could even load some birdshot loads for grouse that are just out of bottle range

very cool! congrats! I love mine, I got one of the ruger 1911's last summer

Dave.

Very nice.

Ryan.

I am sure I will. It has became a yearly thing, wouldn't mind a Wyoming doe hunt either.

tzone.

Just hanging out at home. Have done a little shooting with the 264 and the new 257 Weatherby. Next month is trip down to the White river down In Ar.

DAMN!

Best that nobody runs over Weezy again...

Seriously, that's a very nice pistol and then some.

The happy energy hasn't worn off yet...

Dave,

That is beyond cool!! What I think is really neat about the whole thing is she went to no small effort to get you something she knows you really wanted. Shows alot about her and her thoughtfulness.

Congrats to the two of you and 20 years!!

Oh yeah....you also did well with the glass for her....shows the same thought patterns as your wife.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The happy energy hasn't worn off yet...

wait til you wake up in the middle of the night to take a leak and have to go pick it up and fondle it for a few minutes before sneaking back to bed.... its ok, we've all been there

I snagged a box of PMC 230gr FMJ, and I poked it out the back door and shot a bucket that was laying at the edge of the woods.

Otherwise I wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight.

I'm gonna start casting bullets for mine, see how they shoot. gotta love that .45! welcome to the club

WOW!! I had a very high opinion of Pam to begin with, but this put the pin out of the meter. I suggest that you take the time to teach Pam how to use that bullet launcher Dave

Dang Dave ! I bet that gets her "project" moved into the shop!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The happy energy hasn't worn off yet...

wait til you wake up in the middle of the night to take a leak and have to go pick it up and fondle it for a few minutes before sneaking back to bed.... its ok, we've all been there

What "gun" are you talking about here?

MY .45

Nice, very nice!

I can not shoot a 1911 worth a darn. I've tried severl times, but I just can not hit a thing with one. I have no problem with other pistols in 9mm or 40 S & W. Big revolvers in 44 mag and up aren't an issue either, but the 1911 in 45 is a jinx.

Bill,
I'm not much of a pistolero, but I've picked up a few friends 1911 and damn! I CAN hit with them. They seem like magic. I have my own bull-barreled TC single shots and some revolvers and I'm like a blind man, but those 1911s point themselves. Just go by feel - they seem to do the rest.

I'm wondering how many buckets have died by now...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have wanted a 1911 for many, many years, but I would have never bought one for myself.

And if I ever did, I wouldn't have bought one this nice...

Holy crap.

Holy Crap is right!

You have the second coolest wife in the world.

Nice job Pam.

I know you read this until Monday Dave....you'll be outside busting off rounds in the yard until you have to go to work.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

She upgraded it to this:

Springfield PX9109LP

Caliber: .45ACP
Magazines: 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel
Barrel: 5" Stainless Steel
Sights: Fixed Low Profile Combat Rear, Dovetail Front, tritium 3 - Dot
Trigger:Long Aluminum Match Grade, 5 - 6 lbs.
Grips: Cocobolo Hardwood
Frame: Forged Steel, Parkerized
Slide:Forged Steel, Parkerized
Recoil System: 2 Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Height: 5.5"
Length: 8.5"
Weight w/ Empty Magazine: 40 ozs.

Ironic.

Not sure what it is about the 1911's Brent, but I'd do better throwing it at the target. I've shot the 500 S&W and 454 Casuls and hit what I was aiming at. The 1911, not so much.

That might work Bill if you hit em with it. That gun weight could knock a borther right out.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Not sure what it is about the 1911's Brent, but I'd do better throwing it at the target. I've shot the 500 S&W and 454 Casuls and hit what I was aiming at. The 1911, not so much.

Probably just a grip shape and size thing for a particular hand or wrist. But I have been amazed by them. Their only down side is the brass chasing you have to do.

My FIL has a bunch of semis of all flavors and makes and I can't shoot most of them worth beans.

I still haven't found ANY pistol that lets me shoot like the movie stars though...

Cool gun!

So what problem did you have with the other one?

On our way home from the casino. Going to try to take a nap. We have a long way to go.

The judge was jamming up, cylinder was getting stuck after shooting it.

Happiness... Is a warm gun."

[Linked Image]

Wow!Even better than the Judge.Good going,Pam.
I went to a gun show in Greenville,SC today.For four or five years I've been looking for a bolt action 30-30.Today I found a Stevens Model 325C.Mirror bore.Very good overall condition.These were made from 1947 thru 1950.It came home with me.Range day Wednesday.

Stan in SC

I had a 30-30 bolt action with a magazine for about a day some years back.

Mine was marked "coast to coast" as in coast to coast hardware, I believe it was a stevens.

The springfield is so tight, what an awesome handgun, I am very happy with it.

Do you have any buckets left that will still hold water?

Looks like you have the rapid fire thing down.

The shells in the air are sweet.

RWS got to shoot it and so did Pam. Pam liked it but not as much as Nate.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The judge was jamming up, cylinder was getting stuck after shooting it.

Congrats on the Springfield ! They are definitely great shooters ! On the Judge was the cylinder not turning after firing it ? I was looking at a Circuit Judge today and I was wondering if there had been any problems on either model.

Nice shootin Pam!!!

After firing 3 shots of 2 1/2" 6 shot PMC brand shells the cylinder became stuck with 3 empties and 2 live shells remaining in the cylinder.

I was trying the gun out, target shooting to pattern the shot at distances of 10 yds, 7 yds, 5 yds..

I came to understand that to kill small game with shot shells out of the judge you would have to be closer to the game than you should be able to get.

If you get close enough to small game to kill the game with shot shells out of the judge, you could do it with a sling shot, a rock, a beer bottle, a stick, or just reach forward with your foot and step on the game.

I believe it would be fine for snakes just in front of your feet, but the judge is NOT a hunting gun or a trail gun.

After the cylinder bacame stuck, I was able to get the cylinder open but the empty shells had become stuck in the cylinder so the ejection spur couldn't push them out.

It's likely that the judge just didn't like this brand of shot shells, I don't know.

What I know for sure is the springfield 1911-A1 45 is a pure joy to own and to shoot.

I've killed grouse with a T/C Contender 410/45 out to about 40 feet.

My 1911 experience was with a Springfield long slide model and a Kimber. Both quality guns. Brent I agree with your comment about the grip shape/size. I do ok with Glocks and the Springfield XDM semi-auttos. Just seem to fit my hand better than the full size 1911's.

Pam, thoe are great stop action photos.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I've killed grouse with a T/C Contender 410/45 out to about 40 feet.

Gee thanks GB. Now I need another barrel for my Encore....

Was that the 15"?

That gun is sweet! That is legal for deer isn't it?

yeah but where the hell are we going to find a deer?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah but where the hell are we going to find a deer?

lol Sad but true

I bet RWS was smilin like heck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

yeah but where the hell are we going to find a deer?

Snork. ROR!

Those pics turned out really cool! Glad you got a gun that you really like.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I've killed grouse with a T/C Contender 410/45 out to about 40 feet.

Gee thanks GB. Now I need another barrel for my Encore....

Was that the 15"?

WB, I don't recall what the barrel length is. I don't think it's 15" inches though (Shorter). The gun belongs to my buddy and it's one of the original 410/45 barrels. I'm guessing that it's more in the 12" range. I've taken about a half dozen grouse with it over the years.

I got a left handed mini mauser action for Kendra's birthday today, I'm going to do a rifle build for her in 6x45 probably for deer/antelope. her savage is a little heavy she said after toting it around this fall. I figured it would be just the ticket, she is excited, so that's good

I love the action photos, very cool!

Happy belated birthday to Kendra, Ryan.

Da new one. I'll post better pictures tomorrow when I get to work.

[Linked Image]

2004 Ranger 617DVS Fisherman, 2004 Yamaha F150 4 stroke, 2004 Johnson 15hp Kicker w/a troll master. Lowarance 522gps, and a Minnkota 70#PD.

Sounds like quite a boat, and an upgrade.

Congratulations!

And I know just where we can break it in.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I got a left handed mini mauser action for Kendra's birthday today, I'm going to do a rifle build for her in 6x45 probably for deer/antelope. her savage is a little heavy she said after toting it around this fall. I figured it would be just the ticket, she is excited, so that's good

I love the action photos, very cool!

Ryan, have you give a 6.5 Creedmore any thought? Be great little deer/antelope cartridge.

I hope it's quite a boat. It is an upgrade from the year, went from 2002 to 2004. But I actually went down in size 2'. It will be easier to fish on the smaller local lakes around here. I'm looking forward to being able to hit them for a couple hours after work when I get a chance.

Still big enough to fish the bigger lakes too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

And I know just where we can break it in.

I'm guessing it's the same spot I'm thinking of Bill.

Awesome Tom!

Thanks. That picture kinda stinks but it will work. The color is pretty cool, I've never seen it on a Ranger before.
This one is nearly half the weight of the 619 that I just sold. The old one was 6000#, this one is 3200#. Big difference there. This one is also a single axle trailer so it will be much easier to move around. It is lighter than some of the alumanium boats I looked at.

The coolest part of this shop was what the dude had under the car cover. An absolutely beautiful 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340.It was as well taken care of as this boat appears to be.

Originally Posted by tzone

Da new one. I'll post better pictures tomorrow when I get to work.

[Linked Image]

2004 Ranger 617DVS Fisherman, 2004 Yamaha F150 4 stroke, 2004 Johnson 15hp Kicker w/a troll master. Lowarance 522gps, and a Minnkota 70#PD.

Damn, and I'll be on the water this opener in a pontoon boat.

Niiiiiiice

A very nice looking boat,Tom.Usually when I see kickers they are no larger than 9HP.Is 15HP "bring back insurance" for larger lakes?

StaninSC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I got a left handed mini mauser action for Kendra's birthday today, I'm going to do a rifle build for her in 6x45 probably for deer/antelope. her savage is a little heavy she said after toting it around this fall. I figured it would be just the ticket, she is excited, so that's good

I love the action photos, very cool!

Ryan, have you give a 6.5 Creedmore any thought? Be great little deer/antelope cartridge.

I haven't thought about it, didn't really know much about it til I just looked it up. it looks to be a pretty awesome little round, the only problem is I'm not sure the action is long enough for it. the bolt face is .223 and so is the magazine. I thought of converting to a 6.5 grendel or 6.8 spc, but all the extra gunsmithing would be spendy. she and I talked about it last night and might just go with the .223. its legal for deer/antelope and IF she ever did decide to sell it, we could fairly easily. I need to find a good gunsmith though now

Nice boat Tom!

Stan, I see a lot of 15HP kickers on the Columbia River out in OR. Usually the boats that have them are 22' or larger.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I got a left handed mini mauser action for Kendra's birthday today, I'm going to do a rifle build for her in 6x45 probably for deer/antelope. her savage is a little heavy she said after toting it around this fall. I figured it would be just the ticket, she is excited, so that's good

I love the action photos, very cool!

Ryan, have you give a 6.5 Creedmore any thought? Be great little deer/antelope cartridge.

I haven't thought about it, didn't really know much about it til I just looked it up. it looks to be a pretty awesome little round, the only problem is I'm not sure the action is long enough for it. the bolt face is .223 and so is the magazine. I thought of converting to a 6.5 grendel or 6.8 spc, but all the extra gunsmithing would be spendy. she and I talked about it last night and might just go with the .223. its legal for deer/antelope and IF she ever did decide to sell it, we could fairly easily. I need to find a good gunsmith though now

Ryan,

As I type this I'm getting gunsmith info sent to me from a colleague that grew up on a ranch near Rapid City. He is sending me all kinds of info. I'll shoot it to you in a PM.

Jim

***Edit***

PM sent. Sounds like the dude in Spearfish is the guy worth checking into.

Originally Posted by goalie

Damn, and I'll be on the water this opener in a pontoon boat.

Niiiiiiice

As long as you're on the water that is what counts.

If I had a place on a lake, I'd have a pontoon, no question. There isn't a better boat for farting around on a lake, especially if you have more than a few people out with you.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

A very nice looking boat,Tom.Usually when I see kickers they are no larger than 9HP.Is 15HP "bring back insurance" for larger lakes?

StaninSC

I'm not sure why he has such a big kicker on here. It's not needed thats for sure. It is for trolling for long periods of time, Stan. I don't use them a lot usually. This one has a "troll master" on it, so I can troll down pretty slow for pulling Lindy rigs. I've used the troll master before but never had one on a boat I've owned. I've never had a full windshield before either so we'll see how that goes.

Great boat Tom, That'll be fun to push off the ice for the early rainy run! lets see some more pics of it. i think you'll like that windshield.

Troll master, eh? Sounds like something that you found here on the campfire

Windshield suck until you have a long run in a hard, cold crosswind. Then they are lifesavers.

Have fun. I need another boat...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

lets see some more pics of it.

That color is cool! Thats gonna be purdy out in the sun

Very Nice Tom! You should love it!

thanks for the PM jim, I think we found our gunsmith!
now to decide on .223, 6x45 or 257 kimber

Ryan,
The .300AAC is based in the .223 casing.Basically it is a .223 necked out to .30 caliber.Vicious little round.

Stan in SC

geez, sporty new .45's, left-hand mini-Mausers, sparkly Rangers...

You guys have a special Christmas down there?

best thing we got goin' is that the snow covers the dog poop in the yard

enjoy the new toys!

the 257 kimber is a 204 necked up to a .25 cal
better than the 6x45 in many regards, plus I can get a shilen barrel from brownells reasonable in the contour we want (lightest possible) I'm hopin the whole rifle weighs in less than 5 lbs. and with the low recoil, I doubt there will be any excuse left for her when she misses

heck I might have to make one for myself, seriously

I could use a really light rifle that hits like the hammer of thor. wait I have one, its called my ruger 243

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

thanks for the PM jim, I think we found our gunsmith!
now to decide on .223, 6x45 or 257 kimber

I don't pretend to know anything about these modern chamberings except that one of them, the .223 would not be legal as a big game cartridge in a few states. So, for greater flexibility, all else being equal, you might choose something that is .23 caliber or better.

Just a thought in case you wanted to go to WY for antelope with it.

That's what I thought Rooster. Should really shine outside.

Happy 8th Birthday to PWM!!!! Life just wouldn't be the same without you.

You give me a chuckle at the end of a long day, a hug when I need it and love that is unconditional. Your cupcakes are made for school and your birthday cake is ready for your party tonight.

However I don't think dad and I can give you the "vacation and $50 ipod" for your birthday like you asked for. You are our little old man in a kid's body. Love you little buddy!!

Happy Birthday to a very funny little dude. You've made me laugh countless times.

I hope you have a great day PWM!

Happy Birthday PWM! Have a great day.

My bride has been complaining that her foot hurt for the past 2 weeks. She finally went in and got it checked yesterday. Seems that Ms Judy has a broken toe. She has to wear a special shoe for 2 weeks.

Happpppy Biiiirthday PWM! Make mom and dad wait on you hand and foot today!

Happy Birthday PWM! you're the coolest dude I know, when you're ready to be rid of Dolechin let me know, my little man will be ready soon.

Bill, hope your wife gets better soon. I guess she figured out why her toe was hurting, a broken toe would smart I would think

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Happy Birthday PWM! you're the coolest dude I know, when you're ready to be rid of Dolechin let me know, my little man will be ready soon.

Bill, hope your wife gets better soon. I guess she figured out why her toe was hurting, a broken toe would smart I would think

It finally hurt bad enough for her to go in and get it checked. At least the XRay showed she didn't break her ankle back in early December. Long story, but she refused to go in and get that checked out too. She was sure it was just a bad sprain. But her foot was swolloen and black and blue. Damn that women is stuburn.

I couldnt figure out what Ryan was talking about....then I went back and Bill and I posted at almost the same time, so I missed his post. Man, you gotta be quick around here!

Sorry to hear about the missus Bill. Happy wife = Happy Life is what I say, so mebbe you should offer to carry her everywhere while her toe heals??

just trying to help there buddy!

She's not letting a little thing like a broken toe slow her down. She's swims twice a wwek and excercises 1 day a week at the 'Y'.

We just had a quick snow storm come throuh. Dropped about a 1/2" of snow. Yep, Ms Judy took off her magic shoe and went out and started shoveling.

For the record, I was out shoveling too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

For the record, I was out shoveling too.

Suuuuure you were.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Damn, and I'll be on the water this opener in a pontoon boat.

Niiiiiiice

As long as you're on the water that is what counts.

If I had a place on a lake, I'd have a pontoon, no question. There isn't a better boat for farting around on a lake, especially if you have more than a few people out with you.

Yeah, you might have a "kicker" and a dedicated electric trolling motor, but I have a grill on my boat.

Happy Birthday LITTLE BUDDY!!!!
Have a fun party tonight, wish we could be there
Love You and Miss You!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,PWM!!!!

Stan in SC

I'm setting up a lead bullet casting bench in the garage tonight, its pretty cluttered and I see project after project I've neglected along the way. I have the weekend to myself so hopefully I can get a bunch of stuff done, and maybe get out and do some fishing since my shappell portable house came in the mail today

Dave or MrsNorthernDave, wouldja please tell PWM HAPPY BERFDAY for me please?? A bit late in the evening for him to hear it. Best o'Luck hunting the Flying Bears and Swamp Squids!!!

i dident no theer was ice in south dakota.

I found all the deer in WI. They reside on why 77 between danbery and Solon springs.

we have ice in the black hills on the reservoirs, we just get it later in the winter and its gone sooner because it doesn't get really thick

Thanks everybody for the birthday wishes for PWM. He got lots of cards and a new summer time fishing rod and reel from mom and dad.

Glad to hear you had a great Bday PWM.

We went to a Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby yesterday. It was a blast. We caught 5 northern. The biggest one was in the money for a while but got bumped out. They were all snakes. A 9-10 year old girl won the whole she-bang which I'm glad to see. She caught a 4# 5oz pike. Second place was a 3 1/2# LM Bass.

Happy Be-lated Birthday Joey!

I got my casting bench finished, complete with lights, vent/fan and outlets, and I didn't shock myself

casted bullets for about 2 hours then decided I better eat today. hope everyone else is taking advantage of this beautiful weather!

What kind of bullets?

I don't really like casting but I need to make about 2k bullets per year. Got a long long way to go.

Well, I sold the ski dozer. lol!

Might be a shock to some, not so much to others as sometimes I don't hang onto toys like that too long.

Yeah I came down with a sickness a while back, boat fever. Some of you may be familiar with the illness.

Well the ski dozer had to go if I was going to get a boat, so I sold it today.

I'm looking for something in the lines of a Lund pro V 1900 IFS or dual counsil, possibly a 19-20 ish ft ranger with a walk through windshield would doo nicely too.

I'm narrowing down the search, I guess I just became a real buyer rather than a tire kicker now that the ski dozer sold.

That's one way to get it to snow.

You just watch it snow friend, I guarandamn-tee it ha!

Get your snow shovels out everybody!!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOE DOG!!

I was pretty lucky at the Vintage Snowmobile Rally this weekend. Not at home to be able to post pics so I will do it later.

Boat fever you say?

A boat! Now you're talking! Lot's of summer fun and fish frys comin' your way. And, there will be more than enough tinkerin' and repairin' to go around. You won't miss that dozer much other than moving the marshmallow house on and off the ice.

Ron
P.S. Temps in the low 50's down here. No ice all winter. Crappie staging around shorelines pre-spawn. Big crappie.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

P.S. Temps in the low 50's down here. No ice all winter. Crappie staging around shorelines pre-spawn. Big crappie.

I could get to like a medium sized pile of big crappie.

well today since it was my first time I started on .50 cal round balls for my muzzleloader, after a dozen or so of them I switched to .380 since Kendra emptied some brass for me this weekend. I did a few hundred of those. maybe tomorrow I'll do some for the ol .45 acp. we'll see since I get my little man, I don't really want him out there with me with the lead and all

[Linked Image]

the white square is actually a vent for a bathroom. I had a blast building the bench and casting finally!

little surprised, but not that much. there will be another one next year I'm sure.

My dad bought an old army container that used to house/hold a radad, its 6'6"x 11' and at least 6' high on the inside, fully insulated and made out of an aluminum shell. he picked it up for 1100 bucks! I told him to put drop down wheels on it and cut holes in the floor. he laughed since none of the lakes ice over by where he lives in southern Co. I bet one of them would fetch 4k at least on LOW. he said its stout and light, and has cargo loops all over inside it with metal drawers built in. the pic he sent was pretty cool, I'll try to get it posted.

here ya go

[Linked Image]

Well here are pics of my toy I won today. It is a 1969.

[Linked Image]

Here I thought they were calling to tell me I won the waffle maker (cuz I have 2 of them).

Nice looking boat Tom!

I remember riding one of those in about 1971 and also the Viking sleds made in Twin Valley about the same time. Newer ones ride much smoother. Pretty interesting that they still exist in that condition though. Rode the Wild Rice river in the Ada/Twin Valley/Borup area.

ND,BOAT you say?Hmmmm.Interesting word which is actually an abbreviation for the term "BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND".
I've had boats.The largest one was a 33' Owens cabin cruiser.The smallest was an eight foot dinghy which hung in davits on the back of the cruiser.Boats are great.

Stan in SC

Nice retro sled Muffy. That's pretty darn cool. Never won anything even close to as cool at that. You need a little more snow to use it though.

Congrats on the sled, looks brand new.. How did you win that...

Originally Posted by Muffy

Nice looking boat Tom!

Thaks...I actually "un-bought" that boat. I'll explain later when It's all taken care of. So Berrettaman, don't ask.

ohh. that looks much nicer than the phone pic I got. Very cool Muffy.

The ice fishing derby we were at this weekend also had an antique sled show. It was pretty cool. There were no Polaris' in it, which I though was a bit odd. Lots of Artic Cats and Ski-doo's.

Way cool Muffy. Hard to believe how crude looking the old sleds were.

I bought some tickets on a Polaris ATV this weekend. Just maybe, I'll get lucky too.

Originally Posted by noduck

Congrats on the sled, looks brand new.. How did you win that...

They sold tickets for it at the local vintage rally this weekend. I bought 4 tickets. I think I won it cuz Brad filled out my tickets for me. He is very lucky.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Way cool Muffy. Hard to believe how crude looking the old sleds were.

I bought some tickets on a Polaris ATV this weekend. Just maybe, I'll get lucky too.

I hope you do Bill!

Hows the dog training lessons going Muffy?

That sled is in beautiful shape Muffy! Now you have something to show and ride (or sell) at the Old Timers Run next year!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You just watch it snow friend, I guarandamn-tee it ha!

Get your snow shovels out everybody!!

We cannot thank you enough for the large amounts of white flakes that are falling!

I'll come grab you for work in the morning with the bus bud.

Supposed to start snowing here around midnight, than again Thursday. Possibility of heavy snow next Sunday. Maybe Muffy will come and rescue us.

Wow, yeah that really worked. I should have sold that thing back in december, we could have had a normal winter.

DID YOU SELL YOU BUGGY DAVE?

Yep, it's sold.

[quote=northern_dave]Wow, yeah that really worked. I should have sold that thing back in december, we could have had a normal winter.
you diden`t have it that long.

No, I didn't have it long. I decided I wanted a boat again, haven't had a decent sized fishing boat for over 8 years.

Dunno if any of you like to read books, but I am reading a fantastic book right now. For some reason, this book has really gripped me. Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell is the true story of Operation Red Wing, a Navy Seal mission in Afghanistan. I remember hearing about it on the news, but didn't realize what really happened. I am not finished with it yet, but already it has filled me with .... I dont know if there is an emotion that describes it. A mixture of respect, admiration, sorrow, patriotism, awestruck, thankfulness...I just dont know. For the specific people involved...wow.... Thank you. For the thousands of people in the military they represent...Thank you.

I think I will put this up on the general forum too.

I read that book, I was in the Navy when it happened, and I remember it like it was yesterday. very powerful read, and its true.

Well then, part of my thanks is directed straight at you Ryan!

Over 3 million views. Is this thread some kind of record?

Mauser Hunter,
this thread has become a large family.

Stan in SC

I noticed that too just the other day, just about 4 million views.
pretty impressive.

I think it's silly.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think it's silly.

Yeah! Who started this thread.............Dave?

That just proves its siilly.

Not so silly.

I've met a bunch of great folks from this thread and become good friends with a good many of them.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Dunno if any of you like to read books, but I am reading a fantastic book right now. For some reason, this book has really gripped me. Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell is the true story of Operation Red Wing, a Navy Seal mission in Afghanistan. I remember hearing about it on the news, but didn't realize what really happened. I am not finished with it yet, but already it has filled me with .... I dont know if there is an emotion that describes it. A mixture of respect, admiration, sorrow, patriotism, awestruck, thankfulness...I just dont know. For the specific people involved...wow.... Thank you. For the thousands of people in the military they represent...Thank you.

I think I will put this up on the general forum too.

Bman I have read that book and I agree with everything you said it is a great read and Mr. Lattrel is a great person to boot. I have total respect for all our Vets but SEALS are plain crazy tough. If any hasnt one read this book please do so its hard to put down once you start . There is a sound clip out there of Marcus chaseing some fools that shot his Lab that he was given while recovering . Google it. Its a good thing the law showed up when they did

. He's also on Wild and Raw on the Outdoor channel.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That just proves its siilly.

Silly ? NOT! this is a great thread and with all the other crap that is currently going on, on this site this IS about the
the only sane place to come ! Thanks for keeping it going !

Sane? Sane you say? Holy cow, I think this thread is a lot of things, but sane is not one of them! Ha, just kidding.

Sometimes I peruse the Hunter's Campfire and before long I am reading about someone insulting someone else, yada, yada, yada. None of that here thank goodness.

there is one thing though. Hmmmm. Lemme think back....this fall? this summer? what on earth happened to the trailer Dave????

ICE CREAM!!

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That just proves its siilly.

Silly ? NOT! this is a great thread and with all the other crap that is currently going on, on this site this IS about the
the only sane place to come ! Thanks for keeping it going !

Yep, on some other threads people are spending a lot of time and energy bashing each other. The idiocy in the 'Hunters Campfire' forum never ceases to amaze me.

Yeah,exactly WHAT did happen to that trailer,Dave?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Yeah,exactly WHAT did happen to that trailer,Dave?

Stan in SC

Yeah dave its not good to keep it inside let it out. Your blood brothers and sistas will help ya recover from this tragic event >

Nothing silly about this place Dave. None of the crap on the other forums occurs here. We all understand the feelings expressed here and the events we all share with each other. There's a lot of friendship, respect, concern and (gotta say it) love shared on this site. I've never met any of the members who post here. I know most of them only by their forum names. But I can think of no better group to spend a little time with even if it's only via Internet. You, Dave are responsible for this. What an impact you and your thread have had on all of us. Thank you!

OK. Enough touchy-feely. What happened to that dang trailer. Don't make us go behind your back to MsNorthernDave.

Ron

To quote Cal Norton Jr from Talledega Nights....

"I'll just bury it down inside"

You guys are all wayyy too nice, but thank you.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sane? Sane you say? Holy cow, I think this thread is a lot of things, but sane is not one of them! Ha, just kidding.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

To quote Cal Norton Jr from Talledega Nights....

"I'll just bury it down inside"

"member that time when we were kids playing with the toy cars all the time and they thought we were dumb? Well, who's the retard now?"

Guess I'm gonna need to watch "Talledaga Nights" to decipher this puzzle!

Ron

You'll have to watch it a couple times to catch all the funnies.

It ain't for everyone, but if you like this thread, you'll do fine with it.

its hilarious! one of my favorites for sure. lots of subtle humor in addition to the obvious jokes

Well let's put the question directly to Mrs. Dave.

"Pam, what happened to the trailer"???

Anyone else here like ice cream sammiches? ND?

I like em enough that I even lick the wrapper when the sammich is gone.

that sounds dangerous...

There is certainly some things one never should do while eating an ice cream sammich.

Hey look, something shiny....

[Linked Image]

Like drive or tow a boat?

Is that a "Lund Fisherman" Dave? If so, my neighbor has it's twin.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey look, something shiny....

Yep...that's about how it works.

Hope you're felling better Bill.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Is that a "Lund Fisherman" Dave? If so, my neighbor has it's twin.

yep, fisherman 1800

18.5'

150 four stroke yamaha, 8hp yamaha kicker.

Better swear off them ice cream sammiches, Dave. In case you haven't noticed, that Lund is sitting on a........TRAILER!!!!!

Well almost it's twin. Neighbor has a 115 HP Yamaha 4 stroke on his.

Tom better get moving on locating a boat.

I had one witht the black yami 115,(merc)

Pam and I bought it new in 02.

Sold it in 04 When PWM was born.

8 years later, we're ready to get back into that sort of weekend fun again.

here's our old one we sold in 04.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Well almost it's twin. Neighbor has a 115 HP Yamaha 4 stroke on his.

Tom better get moving on locating a boat.

Tom has one located.

Gotta find one without holes in the bottom of it though.

Looks good Dave. Down-riggers too I see. Should get some decent milage from the 4 stroke Yamaha. With gas prices now days you have to take that into consideration. I figure 2 months until ice-out in your neck of the woods.

You'll like the 150 much more better. Nice boat Dave.

4

Yep, very sweet motor.

ND,
Is the 8 a two stroke? Is that enough of a kicker for that size boat? The reason I ask is that I owned an 18.5' Crestliner with their SST transom and a 150 with a 15 kicker and always had a hard time controlling it with the 15 kicker in wind or current. I never was so tired after a day of fishing on LOW in wind with that boat using the kicker. Hope yours works better. And I WAS NOT eating ice cream that day!!

I've seen the 8's do well for what I have in mind.

And yes it is a 4 stroke as well.

The way I see it, if the weather renders the 8 ineffective, then the 150 idled down will be the ticket.

Mine was an older 2 stroke and I could not idle it for more than a few minutes without problems. Hope yours works better. It is a great size boat for LOW. I used mine at White Earth also but it was too big for that lake size. It also worked great on Mille Lacs, Leech, Ottertail, Oahe, and the St. Croix river. You will enjoy it.

That 8hp will do well on that boat. Especiall if it's a T8 high thrust kicekr.

I've had them on a 19 and 20' boat and they did well. The tiller will give you better boat control the "tie bar" will make it a bit easier to fish but you will have to work the wheel a lot.

I have a 6hp evinrude that I used on my Alumacraft a few times that worked fine for that boat but not as smooooooth as the Yamaha 4 strokes are.

I'm surprised you had issues with the 15 hp kicker.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Mine was an older 2 stroke and I could not idle it for more than a few minutes without problems. Hope yours works better. It is a great size boat for LOW. I used mine at White Earth also but it was too big for that lake size. It also worked great on Mille Lacs, Leech, Ottertail, Oahe, and the St. Croix river. You will enjoy it.

I should have read further...

15hp 2 stroke was the issue. It probably needed to be run at a higher RPM than trolling would allow. That is the beauty of the 4 strokes.

Dave is right. You can motor down that 150 and pull cranks. It most likely wont troll down enough to pull crawler harneses, but maybe. I know Yamaha digital gauges and/or a trolling system that you can put on the big motor for that. It is probably as much as the kicker though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Well almost it's twin. Neighbor has a 115 HP Yamaha 4 stroke on his.

Tom better get moving on locating a boat.

Tom has one located.

Gotta find one without holes in the bottom of it though.

Holes are ok if you're buying swiis cheese. Boats, not so much.

What do you have your eye balls on?

Great looking boat,Dave.Did you buy it yet or just looking at it?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Holes are ok if you're buying swiis cheese. Boats, not so much.

What do you have your eye balls on?

I'm not jinxing myself until I give it the through thrice over. Then I'll tell ya.

We're all packing up and heading out later this morning to give it a good look.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Great looking boat,Dave.Did you buy it yet or just looking at it?

Stan in SC

We are planning on buying it. As long as we are not dissapointed when we get to see it, we will buy it.

When are you doing that? Cool man. I'll trade ya fishin trips. I'll take you on Mille Lacs, or where everelse you want to go.

I also had the tie bar that connected the two motors and used the steering wheel to try and steer. Much prefer the tiller style for boat control.

Aside from talking about boats...if anyone is interested there is a Win. Model 88 in .308 for sale over on Paco Kelly's lever forum.

Stan in SC

Those are nice guns, terrible triggers but mine is a really good shooter.

SO!! How good WUZ last nite's beer Dave???

well he looks to be up and about, so it couldn't have been that bad

I woke up this morning and there's all this white junk on everything. plus its cold out, I don't know what to make of it. if I didn't know any better I'd say it was snow. I did say we could use some moisture the other day but I meant I'd like it to stay warm and come as rain. oh well, we'll take it!

Snowing heavy here.

Looks like the northern part of the state is in for snow today. Flurries for us and maybe some rain mixed in.

We may be in for something more significant on Tuesday.

Snowing heavy here! Like!

4

I'd sure like to get one but I'm about full as I can get on guns right now, dangit.

Blowing hard here, no snow....perfect.

Originally Posted by tzone

Blowing hard here, no snow....perfect.

Same here, but it is clouding up.

I have to finish snowblower maintenance and mount that on my cub cadet today. Then put the chains and weight box on. I have procrastinated doing it all winter and now I have no choice.

Were getting dumped on pretty good.

Oh well its almost March.

I think at this point, unless we got so much it was a PIA to get in/out of the driveway, I'd leave it.

Oh, it's already a PIA on the driveway here. And they're already warning of a foot or more on Tuesday/Wednesday. I think I'd better get out the Kubota!! Not a chore really, but something wifey can't do. So it makes me a hero..

4

It has missed us all day, just snowed for athe bit this morning. But I have got to drive south of sauk centre tomorrow morning.

I drove from Moorhead to Bloomington today, I-94 was wet and slushy until about Fergus Falls, after that it was a bit wet in the passing lane.

Dave I am 25 miles up the freeway from Sauk centre, if you get time give me a call and we can meet for a beer or something!

We'll see B-man, its going to be a 12 hour round trip but i'll see how it goes

If I didn't have the fam with me yesterday Bman, I'd have called you...I was in da Centre yesterday. Neat country out that way.

Long day on the road

Well it is looking like I'm going to get my snowmobile out of storage and actually use it this weekend. Friends of ours are staying by Pelican lake Saturday, so not sure if we are going to ride around there or by Pinehurst area.

Sounds like Brad and I are going to check out the Sportsman Show at the Fargo Dome on Sunday. That is always fun.

Muffy,
Call me a little kid, but I always enjoy the sportsmans shows. It is become more fun now that i can take my kids. They have a blast. Yeah, a lot of it is the same, but we enjoy it. I do get a little bored while the kids fish for-ev-er at the trout pond though!

Yep, gotta run into town and get the snonobeel registered before tomorra.

ND and tzone, you guys are in an almost dead heat on post count considering you are each over 21,000! Lets see, 21,000 times an average of what, 30 seconds per post? That is 10,500 minutes or 175 hours or 7.3 days!

Glad you're keeping track.

Hey, that short of post is driving your average down! No fair! Well it is over 8 years, most of us havent been around that long. Notice I didnt do the math on mine...I dont wanna know!

I enjoy the Sportsman show too. Yes it is pretty much the same every year but still fun to walk around.

I have a funny story from the Copenhangen/Skoal bass tank at the show. The guy was up there demonstrating and pitching his lures and told a story of a bass tournament they were at. He said it was the strangest/funniest thing he has ever encountered.

Seem they were out on a lake fishing a tourney and heard some commotion coming from a pontoon aways off. They looked over and thought something doesn't look right. There were about 10 people on this pontoon and the deck was right at the water. The water started to come over the deck and the voices got louder and more distressed so they decided to head over to see what was going on. When they got closer they could see it was a bunch of japanesse tourists. They were running back and forth, looking over the rails of the pontoon and chattering like crazy in japaneese while the water was flowing over the deck and across thier feet. The guys in the bass boat couldn't figure it out because even though there was quite a few people on board, the pontoon shouldn't be sunk in the water like that. They pulled up next to them and figured out the problem right away. The pontoon was still on the trailer! Apparently they had backed it in, unhooked the hitch from the tow vehicle and took off across the lake!

I'm over 21000? Hole eee!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm over 21000? Hole eee!

You sure age well!

Towing a boat north.

That's why you were in Sauk, eh? Gee, you coulda had me go look at it for ya before you made the trip! Looks like it worked out though!

I actually went through alex instead of sauk centre

Make it home yet dave? Are u trolling in the shed yet?

Sounds like we're all going to need the snow removal equipment.
Big storm heading our way tomorrow night. Early estimates are for up to 18" of snow in NW Wisconsin. Northern MN is probably in line for the same.

Here in central WI they're saying 4" to 8" plus freezing rain.

I was towing one south yesterday,right through the middle of the storm.
nice little 16' catamaran.
You should have seen the looks I got.Hey this IS minnesota.Havent you ever seen a sailboat in a blizzard before?

Been a long day studying. Just took another exam. Got 100%. This was one on the sensory abilities of the dog.

It is amazing how much I actually remember from high school as far as the parts of the eye and the structure of the skin which are similar in dogs and humans. It is going really well.

Nice job muffster!

Dave, you should have called man! But I know how when you are on the road, you just wanna get home. I could have pointed you to some open water around here....

Last night we started teaching this year's firearm safety class. this is the first class that I get to teach with my dad (he finally got certified as an instructor last spring). It was kind of weird teaching with the guy who taught me! he was a school teacher when he was younger and he said it brought back a lot of memories. We have 32 kids in our class and luckily this year, we dont have a class clown or the "kid who asks a million questions". Just good kids who want to learn. I gave them 9 minutes for a break and all of them were back in their chairs in 6 minutes! 2 of them came up to me after the class and said they had a lot of fun. that sure makes it rewarding. we have a lot of girls in this class, i love seeing that. when i first started teaching we would have a couple of girls in the class, now it is easily a third or more of the class.

My son starts safety training on thursday :-)

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Dave, you should have called man! But I know how when you are on the road, you just wanna get home. I could have pointed you to some open water around here....

I saw a couple open rivers

The Sauk was open when we drove by but it looked a little shallow to be launching a boat when I drove by. Well, mine anyway, I'd be OK if we tried yours.

The Wisconsin is open below he DuBay Dam, but still locked up here in Stevens Point.

The Wolf River is starting to open up in the Fremont area.

I might tow it over to WI when I come for turkey hunting. It depends on how long I decide to come over for. I might have a littly guy with me, then it will be a long weekend and probably hunting only.

When is the WI opener?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Last night we started teaching this year's firearm safety class. this is the first class that I get to teach with my dad (he finally got certified as an instructor last spring). It was kind of weird teaching with the guy who taught me! he was a school teacher when he was younger and he said it brought back a lot of memories. We have 32 kids in our class and luckily this year, we dont have a class clown or the "kid who asks a million questions". Just good kids who want to learn. I gave them 9 minutes for a break and all of them were back in their chairs in 6 minutes! 2 of them came up to me after the class and said they had a lot of fun. that sure makes it rewarding. we have a lot of girls in this class, i love seeing that. when i first started teaching we would have a couple of girls in the class, now it is easily a third or more of the class.

I remember when I took it in school. There were only 2 of us girls. Checked into permit to carrry classes for me & my dad. Hope to get that done this year.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Last night we started teaching this year's firearm safety class. this is the first class that I get to teach with my dad (he finally got certified as an instructor last spring). It was kind of weird teaching with the guy who taught me! he was a school teacher when he was younger and he said it brought back a lot of memories. We have 32 kids in our class and luckily this year, we dont have a class clown or the "kid who asks a million questions". Just good kids who want to learn. I gave them 9 minutes for a break and all of them were back in their chairs in 6 minutes! 2 of them came up to me after the class and said they had a lot of fun. that sure makes it rewarding. we have a lot of girls in this class, i love seeing that. when i first started teaching we would have a couple of girls in the class, now it is easily a third or more of the class.

I remember when I took it in school. There were only 2 of us girls. Checked into permit to carrry classes for me & my dad. Hope to get that done this year.

When I took my class in 1961 there wasn't a single gal in it. I feel gyped!

Originally Posted by tzone

I might tow it over to WI when I come for turkey hunting. It depends on how long I decide to come over for. I might have a littly guy with me, then it will be a long weekend and probably hunting only.

When is the WI opener?

May 5th.

I bought an Ithaca model 37 featherweight in 12 gauge today.Older gun from the original Ithaca factory.Good condition.I'm pleased.A check of serial numbers indicates a manufacture date of 1974.
Ran across this which takes several hours to see all 29 pages and then days to explore fully if you click on each one.
http://freecabinporn.com/
Dave particularly will like it.

Stan in SC

Very nice pump guns those 37s. Congratulations.

Cool gun Stan...I like those 37's.

I looked thru 4 pages of cabin porn and found none from MN...NO camp chickenbutt... What the hell...

Those cabins were awesome looking very beautiful...

Thanks for sharing the site..

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I bought an Ithaca model 37 featherweight in 12 gauge today.Older gun from the original Ithaca factory.Good condition.I'm pleased.A check of serial numbers indicates a manufacture date of 1974.
Ran across this which takes several hours to see all 29 pages and then days to explore fully if you click on each one.
http://freecabinporn.com/
Dave particularly will like it.

Stan in SC

Just exactly what were you searching for when you found that site STAN?? HAHA Just Kidding

I like those Ithaca featherweights too. Good score! I've always wanted the Deerslayer.

Stick to the lighter loads Stan. Those old 37's kicked like a mule with the heavy loads.

How much snow did you get Bill?

Rooster7,the site was posted on another forum.Yes the name would seem to be misleading.LOL.

Grizzly Bill,this one will only chamber 2-3/4" shells.
My NEF will chamber up to 3-1/2".OUCH!!!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by bigbrie

How much snow did you get Bill?

Best guess is around 3", plus a whole bunch of rain. It was a slushy mess this morning. More rain since and now turned back into snow.

Northern WI got slammed, I haven't heard the numbers yet as it's still snowing. Looks like the Eastern portion of Hwy 70 was closed this morning between Fifield and Eagle River.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Rooster7,the site was posted on another forum.Yes the name would seem to be misleading.LOL.

Grizzly Bill,this one will only chamber 2-3/4" shells.
My NEF will chamber up to 3-1/2".OUCH!!!

Stan in SC

Stan the 37's are so light that 2 3/4" heavy or mag loads are nasty in one.

We didn't get a single flake out of that terrible storm.

Yeah we really got skrewt on that deal. Mother Nature & I aren't on very good terms after this miserable Winter.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We didn't get a single flake out of that terrible storm.

Crandon, WI in the NE had 23", Minoqua and Rhinlander got 18".

They can have it.

heck we even got 4"

You guys have deers and fish there in SD right?

I think I want to move there some day.

Also SD has lots of pheasants, prairie dogs and no state income tax! What is keeping us in MN?

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Also SD has lots of pheasants, prairie dogs and no state income tax! What is keeping us in MN?

Jobs.

Would guess the unemployment rate is lower in the Dakota's than MN now.

I really like that whole "shall issue" thing too.

We have the "shall" thing down here if you are of a mind.

South Carolina is "shall issue".North Carolina is an open carry and concealed permit state.

Stan in SC

How about death penalty?

I do love me some death penalty.

South Dakota has it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

How about death penalty?

I do love me some death penalty.

Ok....that cracked me the heck up.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

How about death penalty?

I do love me some death penalty.

South Dakota has it.

Yeah, it's great when they get it right. But they sure get it wrong way too often in many states.

we have a new bill that went to the governor, its waiting to be signed. it says that anyone who has a drivers license and fulfills the requirements to carry a concealed weapon can in south dakota, no more permit or license required. not sure if it only applies to residents or not, but what a huge step in the right direction huh?

and yes Dave, we have two species of deer and lots of fish here. also elk, sheep, speed goats, lions and many kinds of upland game birds such as hungarian partridge, sage grouse, sharptail grouse and pheasant. not to mention many reservoirs that contain everything from crappies to lake trout all within an hour from where I live... but don't tell anyone else, don't want it fillin up like colorado

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

and yes Dave, we have two species of deer and lots of fish here. also elk, sheep, speed goats, lions

Some of the those lions have been showing up here in Wisconsin...have you been chasing them?

They stopped and pooped in MN on their way east. I read a story about it, true.

Ryan,

What's the public land situation like out there? Some buddies and I are thinking on a Black Hills archery deer hunt in a year or two.

Jeff

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You guys have deers and fish there in SD right?

I think I want to move there some day.

Dave, if you do are you going to close down this thread and start another? Birth of a deer camp II or would you title it Birth of a deer camp - Western division?

quote=northern_dave]You guys have deers and fish there in SD right?

I think I want to move there some day.
[/quote]

So chickenbuck is coming up for sale? How much? I want!

[/quote]

So chickenbuck is coming up for sale? How much? I want! [/quote]

I would ask for 2 discounts-

1) the "no sauna" discount and
2) the "no deer" discount

but he may leave some old trailer parts behind for you

Chickinbuck not for sale.

The " no deer discount" was kinda funny.

Might a renaming be in order? ChickenNoBuck?

Pam and Dave inspired me to get my family a treat today.

[Linked Image]

4

NICE!!!!

A certain young chickenbucker is slightly interested in the new boat.

[Linked Image]

Good looking Rig Dave.

Looks like the Preacher has a new pulpit! Good looking boat.

man that looks big! I like the preachers new perch.

"The blessing of the fleet".Chickenbuck style.Services performed by the Reverend Joe.Please notice the time honored "raising of the finger" which is a HECKARWE indian ritual which keeps away the dreaded swamp squid(also works on deer evidently).
Please feel free to contribute to our "float the family" fund.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Also SD has lots of pheasants, prairie dogs and no state income tax! What is keeping us in MN?

Jobs.

4.3% unemployment rate and the oil boom slowly moving south from north dakota. we got jobs too

Originally Posted by northern_dave

NICE!!!!

A certain young chickenbucker is slightly interested in the new boat.

[Linked Image]

Sweet! Very Nice !

We just changed the water pump impeller on my Yammi 150 v6 piece of cake ! parts run about 50.00 took less than an hour

Stan, hope the tornados are missing your area.

Snowing here this AM. Looks like we're going to get a couple of inches befor it quits.

Good to see a happy kid on a nice boat!!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

"The blessing of the fleet".Chickenbuck style.Services performed by the Reverend Joe.Please notice the time honored "raising of the finger" which is a HECKARWE indian ritual which keeps away the dreaded swamp squid(also works on deer evidently).
Please feel free to contribute to our "float the family" fund.

Stan in SC

Too funny Stan!!

Dave,are you familiar with the HECKARWE indian tribe?
Well,I'll tell you anyways.They are a very nomadic tribe who live in the great North woods.They are so nomadic that they do not even sleep in the same place every night but continually move about.Being nomads you would think that they innately have a good sense of direction.Alas such is not the case.They are continually lost and you can tell when the are nearby as you can hear their plaintive yells."Where the heck are we?"And from this call they get their name....HECKARWE.
The HECKARWE indians were featured in the old TV series "F Troop".
They are not to be confused with their southern cousins who live in the woods and swamps of the deep south,the FUGARWE.
And THAT is your lesson in Indian lore for today.
Ole Ranger Stan signing off,buckaroos.Watch yore topknots.

Stan in SC

Good stuff!

Ahhh Dave, aint you a Jeremiah Johnson fan? That is not the correct response to someone who says "Watch your topknot".

The correct response is "Watch your'n."

A little background to set the stage for what follows.True story.
In Georgia in 1986 my friend Fat Larry had an uncle named Al Johnson,now deceased,who got positively obsessed with killing a large,big racked, dark coated deer which he saw in his woods.We would all be standing around the fire at deer camp and Al would drop by and recount his latest adventures in the quest for this deer.Al,God bless him,got really wrapped up in killing this deer.The ending which he related to us one evening in early December,1987 almost had the old man in tears.A week or so later I wrote this,framed it and gave it to Al.He proudly hung it in his den.I hope you like it.

THE TALE OF THE BIG BLACK BUCK
Around the fire on a cold black night
The old man told of an awesome sight
A large buck deer with a wide spread rack
and a shiny coat of glistening black.
The other hunters listened in awe
to the tale of the big one the old man saw.
And each in his own mind would be the one
to grab the glory and shine in the sun
and push to the limit his hunter's luck
and slay with his gun the big black buck.
But none were such hunters with eyes and ears keen
for this was a smart one and seldom was seen
except for the old man wise to his ways
and he hunted and sought for days upon days
and dreamed in his bed of having the luck
of raising his gun on the big black buck.
Several years went by and the others gave up
and scoffed at the old man still in his quest
of finally proving who was the best.
One day on a clearing it almost went down
the old man hearing a familiar sound
of tall proud antlers scraping a tree
ran to the cut and raised his gun
but when it was over the black buck had won.
The old man was left holding his aim
and the big black buck wise to his game
circled the cut and escaped in the pines
that bordered the edge of the power lines.
As life would have it fate was the one
and not the old man intent with his gun
to step in and end with the front of a truck
the long proud life of the big black buck.
In a waning moon on a roadway bed
blinded by lights the black buck was dead.
But the game as of yet is still to be won
for deep in the woods in the morning sun
the product of the black buck and a ready doe
learning to be equally proud and smart
endowed of equal size and heart
to test another man's skill and luck
Lives the son of the big black buck.

Written by hand by Stan
December 15,1987.

Awesome piece of writing there Stan! Gave me goosebumps

You are too kind,Rooster.Thank you.

Stan in SC

Great stuff Ranger Stan! Great stuff!

Great writing Stan! I couldnt have written that if I had been working on it SINCE 1987!

Very cool Stan! very well written and it flowed and painted a picture that was a pleasure to read. thats what it takes

I used to dabble in poetry once, haven't in a while, although I did write one book and started on another before I gave it up. I have a poem or two online, all cowboy stuff though from life on the ranch. thanks for taking me back to a memory.

Great writing Stan. I passed it along to my hunting buddies.

Thank you all.My inspirations come all to infrequently.When they do I just have to sit down and write.

Stan in SC

It is good Stan, it reminds me of a writing my grandpa did for my dad and his moose hunting party in the early 80's.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It is good Stan, it reminds me of a writing my grandpa did for my dad and his moose hunting party in the early 80's.

Post 'em if ya got 'em!

I will someday when I can copy it all down. It's framed like Stan did with his. Nice big frame with a photo from the elk hunt and then the story my ole gramps wrote.

All the poems I know start with a man from Nantucket.

Nice read Stan.That was a good year, the year I graduated from high school. And how the heck is that little puppy?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I will someday when I can copy it all down. It's framed like Stan did with his. Nice big frame with a photo from the elk hunt and then the story my ole gramps wrote.

So that's where you get your skill with the pen!

I would be interested in seeing that for sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

All the poems I know start with a man from Nantucket.

I'm a bedder edumacated T. I no's one that starts with "Down by the Old Mill Tree"

Hi folks I have been reading this forum for a couple of years and really enjoy it. Through your posts I almost feel like I know each of you characters personally. We had a gorgeous late winter day here yesterday, so I did a walkabout and tooks some pictures, which I think you might enjoy.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/misterb_photo/Winter%20scenes%202012/IMG_0046.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/misterb_photo/Winter%20scenes%202012/IMG_0059.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/misterb_photo/Winter%20scenes%202012/IMG_0057.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/misterb_photo/Winter%20scenes%202012/IMG_0037.jpg

bigbrie,
Thanks for the inquiry about the puppy."Charlie" is doing excellent.Each day we see him maturing from puppy to dog.The scenario of this is quite interesting because it is quite accelerated from a child's development.He has made quite a lot of progress as well as being an absolute joy to the amazing Mz. Linda and myself.
Naturally he has won our hearts as good dogs do to their chosen humans.He has us trained pretty well to date.He goes for a good walk in the local park every day which is beneficial to us all.
Our life has been quite altered by his being here and we enjoy every minute of it.

Stan in SC

Great pictures misterb. Is it time to tap the maples already?

Guess what happened 40 years ago today everybody?

My lady friend was born 40 yearsago today !

It's Pam's birthday !

Hey everybody!!!

Great pictures misterb!! Love to hear about your puppy Charlie, Stan!! Funny how those dogs become a part of the family so quickly.

In case everyone was wondering what day it is...IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm the big 4 - 0 today....whhooooppp!!!

I have the most wonderful family ever. Last night after going out for supper with some really good friends I was able to open one of my presents. It is an amazing camera bag that fits all my stuff! So now I can have all my stuff in one spot and still have the other bag in case I want to go lighter for certain occasions. Then this morning PWM talked Dad into letting me open my "other" presents...Dad was pretty "hard core" according to PWM and wanted me to wait. PWM has a way because this morning I got a new fishing rod and reel and another camera memory card. WHAT A GREAT DAY!!! This is one day that I truly enjoy and will always at any age I happen to make it too.

Well everyone have a great day! I'm heading to the big city tomorrow for the night because I was picked for a "future manager" training the State is doing. I was one of 30 picked out of 100+ applicants. So quick trip for the kick off.

Anyways, happy day everyone! And thanks again for the presents husband, you did good when you found me! (HAHHAHAHA, Just kidding you did good on the presents)

Happy Birthdays Pam!! I would have never guessed it. 29 all the way. have a great day! Dave make sure you do's something special for her! Breakfast in bed should have been.

Happy Birthday Pam. Enjoy the day.

Nice photos misterb, but what's all that white stuff?

It's 44* here this morning. Snow, is going fast.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Great pictures misterb. Is it time to tap the maples already?

It's Pam's birthday !

Yes we tapped on Monday when it was about -15 all day. Today it is +5 and getting warmer. We should get a run within a couple of days if it stays like this.

Happy Birthday Mrs ND. I had a birthday on the 28th but it was for 40 and a half.

How do you paste the pictures so they show up in the post? (not just the links)

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Nice photos misterb, but what's all that white stuff?

It's 44* here this morning. Snow, is going fast.

Thanks, it's SNOW SNOW SNOW. We started the winter with very little, but have been getting plenty this last month. We will lose a fair amount in the next couple of days as we are heading for +8 ourselves!

Happy Birthday Pam!

Misterb, at your photobook account there will be several data fields below your little pictures in your photobook album display. The very bottom data field will be labeled "IMG code" for image code. That is the data field you want to copy and past into your web posts to display pictures instead of just links.

Happy Birthday Young Lady...Enjoy!

Here is something that may interest you guys in the wolf country. Bagged by my hunting pard on a recent foray we took to Ontario....Dang it was cold there before we left....

[Linked Image]

Oh wow! Big congrats to your buddy!!

I certainly have big hopes to be selected for a MN tag in the future and I really hope for an opportinity to take a wolf like that.

That is a big Wolf Scott.

WI is trying to put a Wolf season in place. It made through the state senate on Monday.

Happy Birthday Pam!!!

I don't know alot about wolves, but the outfitter said this one was outstanding for a female. It was the only one seen in the 3 days we were there. -37 degrees the morning we left. Glad I didn't have to hunt that day....lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Misterb, at your photobook account The very bottom data field will be labeled "IMG code" for image code. That is the data field you want to copy and past into your web posts to display pictures.

Thanks and AhaaAAAAA!

What a difference 2 days makes. 23 degrees warmer, working outside today had to go down to a tshirt! Gotta go check for the drip, drip, drip.

good luck with the pancake water!

It was 53 here this morning when I got to work. 53!

Happy B-DAY miss Northerndave

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM!

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday Pam!

I guess ND's days of having a 30something lady friend are now over...

REAL GLAD I tuned in!!! Happy Berfday Pam!!! Pleased to see ND gave good thought to yer gifts!!

Happy Birthday Pam!

Happy Birthday Pam. I hope it's as good as you wished it to be.

I like the pics very much. thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by SSB

Here is something that may interest you guys in the wolf country. Bagged by my hunting pard on a recent foray we took to Ontario....Dang it was cold there before we left....

[Linked Image]

Hell's yeah. Great wolf!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

good luck with the pancake water!

I was up in the bush today thinking it might start to flow, as it was 11 degrees. Nope, nuttin, Looks like we will have a couple of cool days and then warm again for the weekend. Maybe then. We are ready a bit early this year but with the way the weather has been going wanted to make sure we did not miss any.

db

Happy Birthday Pam

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!!

It truely was an AMAZING day!!!! Now to drive to St. Paul today for work and back tomorrow afternoon. The husband and babies better be good while I'm gone...that means don't mess up the house too much either.

Have a good day everyone.

Reports say it's going to be a bad year for maple syrup here due to the warm winter. Looks like it's going to be Mrs Buttersworth at camp this deer season.

Drive safe Pam

they are saying winterwheat crops around here could be damaged, I know I lost all of mine, but the deer cleaned me out, almost like I planned it that way

I wonder if I can get depredation tags? LOL

I got sunburned on Monday when it got up to 70. definitely a strange winter to say the least

Ah, dangit, I was down at the mothership yesterday and missed Pam's birthday.

Happy Belated Birthday Pam!

Nice photos there Mr B! Makes me miss winter.

Just booked my plane tickets for my next business travel. Where you might ask? California? Nope. Colorado? Nope. Arizona? Nope. The Netherlands? Yep.

I will have a day to explore too. Prolly gonna just tour Amsterdam. anybody know anything about The Netherlands???

I here there is a couple of things you can do in Amsterdam

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ah, dangit, I was down at the mothership yesterday and missed Pam's birthday.

Happy Belated Birthday Pam!

Nice photos there Mr B! Makes me miss winter.

Just booked my plane tickets for my next business travel. Where you might ask? California? Nope. Colorado? Nope. Arizona? Nope. The Netherlands? Yep.

I will have a day to explore too. Prolly gonna just tour Amsterdam. anybody know anything about The Netherlands???

Yup! They've got windmills, cheese and a few things that are illegal in the states but, legal there.

I already told you this but Happy Birthday Pam!

That is a beautiful wolf! It looks huge!

My sister was in Amsterdam this week too BM. She was there for work as well and toured it for one day.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Reports say it's going to be a bad year for maple syrup here due to the warm winter. Looks like it's going to be Mrs Buttersworth at camp this deer season.

That is the talk here too. We need a couple of weeks with nightime temps about -5 and daytime +5, minimum wind and lots of sunshine. Tall order this year.

We had a good year last year so still have some left.

Funny thing though I am misterb (utterworth) So I am always having mrs butterworth's syrup.

Tzone, you gotta ask your sister what the highlights (and lowlights) were for her in Amsterdam and let me know. I will actually be in Utrecht for most of my stay. I have done a little research and we can feel most fortunate for where we live...and heres why-

Population density! The Netherlands - 1,000 people per square mile. the US? 80-some. Minnesota? 60-some. Let that sink in a bit. 1,000 people for every square mile. that includes lakes, rivers, roads, parks, etc. more than 16 times the density of people we have. In simple terms, for every person you see here, you would see 16 in The Netherlands! wow. And most of us live in rural MN or WI and our density is probably much lower yet! Kinda puts it into perspective, eh?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, you gotta ask your sister what the highlights (and lowlights) were for her in Amsterdam and let me know. I will actually be in Utrecht for most of my stay. I have done a little research and we can feel most fortunate for where we live...and heres why-

Population density! The Netherlands - 1,000 people per square mile. the US? 80-some. Minnesota? 60-some. Let that sink in a bit. 1,000 people for every square mile. that includes lakes, rivers, roads, parks, etc. more than 16 times the density of people we have. In simple terms, for every person you see here, you would see 16 in The Netherlands! wow. And most of us live in rural MN or WI and our density is probably much lower yet! Kinda puts it into perspective, eh?

Talk about road/sidewalk rage!

Even in the low population density, ya have to figure there is at least one complete idiot out of every 10 people

When are you headed out. She's still there. I think she comes back next week sometime.

I leave March thirty-oneth. or 31st if you prefer!

The old plow truck had to get a new set of locking hubs tonight. The old ones were slipping.

There is a certain mechanic that will not be too impressed with the lockout choice, but I was limited on what I could find locally. I just found out after work that we need the plow truck to rescue a large fish house off of lake of the woods tomorrow for cap'n bangflop.

[Linked Image]

Those are the standard OEM style WARN locking hubs... Couldn't find milemarkers on the way home or warn premium.

But these damn sure lock up tight inside so we'll have 4 wheel drive tomorrow when we need it.

they will work just fine.

but i have switched hubs side for side and that has worked to.

A track machine would have worked nice too!!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

they will work just fine.

but i have switched hubs side for side and that has worked to.

Yeah, that's a damn good idea! I think I might be putting a little extra load on these now that I have the posi differential in that front axle.

I actually think now that I might have been slipping in the lockouts for a long time and it may be what took out the spider pin in the open differential case.

Know what I mean? If I was slipping one side then all the rotetion would have went to that slipping axle, really would have spun the hell out of those spider gears.

Anyways, we'll see how it goes.

The guts on these new ones look strong, it's just the outer cap and the switch that's maybe... light duty. I'm like you and not a big fan of plastic, especially in cold temps.

The outer cap body is steel but the switch of course is plastic.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

A track machine would have worked nice too!!

Yeah I know...

But have you seen the boat??

i'm sure that the posi axel puts way more preasure on the hubes.
good luck on your venture, say hi to captain bang flop. tell him to stop and see us sometime.

I'll tell him, He's almost here. Staying at the house tonight.

we might have to drive up there shortly and take a look at that boat.if that would be ok.

I think you know that would be just great.

it was 75 here today, although I do wish I coulda been out on the ice doin some fishin

good luck out there, you been hittin any northerns on tip ups?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you been hittin any northerns on tip ups?

Not yet, maybe soon.

I like the standard Warne's better than the Mile Marker, even the premium Mm's. You made a fine choice, IMO.

The mile markers seem cheap to me. Maybe different now, it's been about 10 years since I needed to put some in.

I need some on the 78 at some point before fall.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Those are the standard OEM style WARN locking hubs... Couldn't find milemarkers on the way home or warn premium.

But these damn sure lock up tight inside so we'll have 4 wheel drive tomorrow when we need it.

One of your coworkers has a set of like new MM lock-outs like you were looking for in his shop plus some used Warns. Coulda just had them.
You're gonna love that front posi on the ice!

What kind of Warn's WB? I need a set for my 78 F-150 4x4.

We got r done, pics and wordage tomorrow.

All is well with things that smash snow on frozen lakes and little houses that keep fisherman warm and safe on said frozen lakes.

We arrived at the lake and traveled out about 17 miles from shore on a resort plowed lake road to where we could see CBF's fish house. His house was a half mile off of the lake road with his "driveway" plugged with drifted snow.

[Linked Image]

The old plow truck chipped away at a trail, smashing away with an average of a 20 foot push at a time in order to clear a narrow path to the broken fish house. Then the ole truck made several widening passes with the blade angled to wing the snow out.

[Linked Image]

The boys began work on the skid that had came off the house during efforts to move the house several weeks ago. One skid ripped off the house completely and the nose with the hook point busted off the other skid.

[Linked Image]

We built these steel brackets and hook loops in my shop Friday night with the idea that we would drill through the timbers (skids) and use through bolts to attach them.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_4216.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_4217.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_4219.jpg[/img]

It all worked really well, it just took a little time.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_4225.jpg[/img]

Chainsaw was used to cut new ski toes on the lead edge of the skids and also to cut a 2X10 brace for inbetween the leading edge of the skids.

[Linked Image]

Here we had cut the new ski toe on the other side of the house and we were drilling to install the new tow hoop.

[Linked Image]

Pounding the support into place between the ski toes which holds them from ripping loose and coming in towards eachother while pulling on the tow hoops.

[Linked Image]

Here we were positioning for a double truck tug on the heavy fish house. We wanted a strong pull but we also wanted to avoid a slamming jerk which could quickly destroy all the work we had just done.

[Linked Image]

Prior to the initial pull we had jacked the house up and laid a small block under both skids. This reduced the surface contact between the rough timber skid and the ice/snow. It makes it easier to get that initial movement started.

The boy kept steady pressure on the house with his white truck and I gave a little tug with the plow truck to help initiate the 17 mile slide

The old inside joke "You're coming with me, fish house!" was muttered a few times about now.

And away we go.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_4251.jpg[/img]

The house was moved in many miles closer to shore, I helped the boys get the house set up off the main lake road so they had a nice straighy shot back onto the road. They spent the night out there last night. Me, Pam and little PWM made the 75 mile drive home in the old snow bully. We met Weezy at home and we all went out for a burger.

RWS sent me this phone picture this morning of a 25 incher he got this morning.

[Linked Image]

If only someone had a SV252.......

Too slow.

Heading to camp, kind of a photo shoot day and maybe a little wood cutting, hopefully we can find some wildlife for some shutter practice for ma.

Beautiful day here. Upper 60's.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The house was moved in many miles closer to shore, I helped the boys get the house set up off the main lake road so they had a nice straighy shot back onto the road. They spent the night out there last night. Me, Pam and little PWM made the 75 mile drive home in the old snow bully. We met Weezy at home and we all went out for a burger.

RWS sent me this phone picture this morning of a 25 incher he got this morning.

Nice !

[Linked Image]

oh I love that' your coming with me. and a very nice walleye. Northerndave I noticed Your hat and I was at my buddys house the other day and he was showing me his scrap book from nam and he had the riflemans creed in it and I thought I would post It brought a tear to my eye. thanks to all are vets

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit.

My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy.

Ha! Well thanks Brie, now I'll try going to bed with the creed droaning through my head just like boot camp 22 years ago.

Hey guess what? there is a deer in the woods by chickenbuck, we saw it.

[Linked Image]

Hey Dave, I am gonna wear my official Chickenbuck T-shirt to the pig hunt in Tennessee this week. Mebbe I can christen it wid the blood of a Russian boar

Do it!!!

So shall it be written, so shall it be done

I wonder how many animals have fallen to someone wearing chickenbuck apparel.

I know I have taken 4 deer and 2 antelope, a few prairie dogs and a coyote while wearing my chickenbuck hat.

I've shot two...my last two, one was while I was at Chickenbuck.

Cool pic Pam.

So it stands to reason that "preacher's" blessing of the fleet wards off Swamp squids but NOT deer.Oh,good.I was worried about that.
Great picture.Looks like this year's deer.The new PAM CAM(oooooh.I invented a new one there.The PAM CAM.)works great.All future pictures will have to be properly credited if by PAM CAM or other.

Stan in SC

We walked the trails by the cabin and noticed in some of the fresh deer tracks that we would find a long deer hair here and there laying on top of the snow.

I'm thinking they are already shedding that shaggy winter coat.

Shedding their coats? Heck my half crazy BIL claims he saw a doe and two spotted fawns last week. I told him, this conversation was useless without pics...........

Great photo essay of the ice house adventure Dave. RWS is growing up fast.

65* here yesterday, new record. Light Rain here this AM.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The house was moved in many miles closer to shore, I helped the boys get the house set up off the main lake road so they had a nice straighy shot back onto the road. They spent the night out there last night. Me, Pam and little PWM made the 75 mile drive home in the old snow bully. We met Weezy at home and we all went out for a burger.

RWS sent me this phone picture this morning of a 25 incher he got this morning.

[Linked Image]

Very nice reward for all that effort!

Great story too.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Great picture.Looks like this year's deer.The new PAM CAM(oooooh.I invented a new one there.The PAM CAM.)works great.All future pictures will have to be properly credited if by PAM CAM or other.

Stan in SC

I do believe you made a new "term" Stan. and I like it!

Well we got our fish house off the lake today, the ice is going to go bad really fast with this weather. Glad to have ours off the lake and at home.

There was about a dozen crappie fisherman on a local lake I saw the last few days....they must really LOOOOVE 9" crappies to be out there with the ice conditions we have around here. I wouldn't venture out on it around here. Up nort maybe, but not here.

There's not a dang fish worth me falling in the drink.

Well,this evening,NH K9 (George) is gonna be pickin' me up and we head out to Tennerrsee to kill some boars. I will be the SOLE representative of the Camp Chickenbuck cult on scene and will christen my Chickenbuck T-shirt wid boar blood and wear it proudly.

awesome! sounds like the trip will be a ton of fun! I wish I could go, but alas we have field work to do. good luck and take lots of pictures!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ha! Well thanks Brie, now I'll try going to bed with the creed droaning through my head just like boot camp 22 years ago.

Hey guess what? there is a deer in the woods by chickenbuck, we saw it.

[Linked Image]

Hurry Dave, get back to camp! Mom says you gotta fence that deer in at camp so we can see one during hunting season!

I guess I better do that.

Strange winter,eh? Unbelievable that you need to pull your fish house off LOW in early March! 72 degrees here in PA. Had a fish fry with crappie fillets tonite for our grand daughters. First of the year and about a month ahead of schedule. Headed to cabin Thurs. afternoon for 3 days of probing back bays for more slabs. Guess there is a benefit to a winterless winter.

Happy belated Birthday, Pam. You and Dave got it goin' on! Nice to see it and feel the vibes. Gotta go hug Sara. That'll surprise her!

Ron

Mom, dad, and I are at the lake. Dad is fixing the rain gutter. I can't believe how beautiful it is out! The ice is getting kinda dark on Little White Earth.

Firing up the charcoal grill for some burgers, nice evening here too.

Ok, put a few extras on there for us. Got beer too?

77* here at 4:00 PM. Unreal day. Papa Murphy's for us tonight.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ok, put a few extras on there for us. Got beer too?

Oh I might have some around here.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

77* here at 4:00 PM. Unreal day. Papa Murphy's for us tonight.

74 when I got home from work at 5:45. You just don't get more beautiful days than we had here. Had chicken on the on the grill tonight.

I had today and the rest of the week off because if I don't use the vacation, I lose it.

Spent the day on the 4 wheeler exercising the dogs and looking for sheds since the snow has pretty much vanished.

I checked out a small island of woods in the middle of a field that no one hunts but I have seen a nice buck hanging by in the summer. (He's always gone by the time bow season starts it seems)

Anyway, I pull up to this patch and its nothing but brush and twisted and/or downed trees. A real mess. I walked it and holy crap is there deer sign in there. Rubs, scrapes and poop all over this little island of trees. Most hunters won't look at it twice. I'll be sitting in the middle of it this fall!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ok, put a few extras on there for us. Got beer too?

That's like askin' a buck squirrel if he's got nuts.

At 2:30 PM here in South Carolina today the bank temperature sign read 87 degrees.

Stan in SC

I'm not sure I'm ready for those temps Stan, but the 77* it's supposed to be today is welcomed by me.

Let's all say it together.... MELT THAT ICE, MELT THAT ICE, MELT THAT ICE.

Yeah I'm done with the ice too, it can go away now.

Ice is good Dave! it keeps the refreshements cold in the cooler and the glass! going to look for that new Ice house tomorrow. hopefully its been started!

Yes the ice can go away now and with this weather it won't be long. I imagine you are chompin at the bit to try out the new boat 'eh Dave? That will be exciting!

Anybody finding any sheds yet?

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Muffy

Ok, put a few extras on there for us. Got beer too?

That's like askin' a buck squirrel if he's got nuts.

ROR

I'm putting my serious face on to ask for some prayers.

A dear friend to us all is in for a consultation on a serious health matter at this moment.

We haven't said anything up to this point, but I'm asking anyone that reads this now.

Say a little prayer, hope for the best, I have to think god will know who you are praying for, even if you don't at this time.

It's very important to me.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Anybody finding any sheds yet?

Der's one in my back yard.

You got it Dave. Sent from down here.

I'm on it. I hope it goes well.

Prayers have been sent and I'll continue to add more

I'm enjoying the sunshine.

What sort of animal flesh will hit the grill this evening?

Prayers on the way Dave.

Beef.

Lamb

Originally Posted by tzone

Beef.

Its whats for dinner!

I'm batching it this weekend. I'm thinking about thawing out a nice big T-bone to put over the coals.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'm batching it this weekend. I'm thinking about thawing out a nice big T-bone to put over the coals.

No self respecting t-bone should be thawed...fresh baby!

That being said, I had left overs.

Dryland fish!

Cheese grits and fried morels tonight.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'm batching it this weekend. I'm thinking about thawing out a nice big T-bone to put over the coals.

No self respecting t-bone should be thawed...fresh baby!

That being said, I had left overs.

When you buy a 1/4 of beef, its kind of hard to eat all the T-bones before they spoil.

true dat.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'm batching it this weekend. I'm thinking about thawing out a nice big T-bone to put over the coals.

No self respecting t-bone should be thawed...fresh baby!

That being said, I had left overs.

When you buy a 1/4 of beef, its kind of hard to eat all the T-bones before they spoil.

true, but its fun to try

I made some antelope burgers on the grill last night, mixed in a little breakfast sausage to make em stick together better, seasoned just a lil bit and man were they good. I had a double with 2 layers of bacon and cheese.

Prayers sent Dave

happy St Patty's day everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

I'm working today, but fishing isn't open so I might as well do it eh? And it has to be +60* already.

Right now its only 38* but the high is 80 today so is gonna be nice here too, I have the morning to myself before taking Kendra to the winery this afternoon, I have hot coffee in my hand and turkeys are gobbling in the yard. today is good.

it's a pork rib smoker day here, wow what a beautiful day. Ribs are on and the oak smoke is rollin!

Ran the truck and boat to the car wash.

Got some ribs going too.

[Linked Image]

Looks good dave. Prayers out to u man! I ran to check the lake n river today. Be fishing the river next week for sure. Hope my new ice house is ready soon. Wasn't done today when I was there. Neat operaion tho

Which river buschy? East side, west side?

Prayers sent from here too Dave. Nice day here too. Gonna get some rain it sounds like.

River will be open east of baudette in next couple days. I would say all the way to gap by the weekend the way ice is.

Should I?

Oh hell yeah I should!!!

[Linked Image]

Wooooo!!!!

[Linked Image]

Local lakes are open here. Earliest I can recall.

I'm going to work on getting the boat ready today. Won't have time to get it on the water though until after we get back from OR.

Boy would my grandson like to get hold of that bike. Looks like someone was having a ball.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Should I?

Oh hell yeah I should!!!

[Linked Image]

Wooooo!!!!

[Linked Image]

That's Awesome!

Those pictures of Joe are priceless.

I'm making my first post from my IPAD. Loving this thing so far.

Dad got a new laptop. I had my wi-fi card at the lake yesterday and we were both online.

Ipads rule. It's like my phone but 3 times as big.

Angry Birds is full size is fun.

Well my friend Cory had some issues about 400 yards off of Springsteel this morning.

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...0-23-1295637.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...t=0318121022.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

Sorry, not doing this from my laptop so pics didn't come up.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well my friend Cory had some issues about 400 yards off of Springsteel this morning.

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...0-23-1295637.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...t=0318121022.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

Sorry, not doing this from my laptop so pics didn't come up.

OH snap!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well my friend Cory had some issues about 400 yards off of Springsteel this morning.

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...0-23-1295637.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/...t=0318121022.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

Sorry, not doing this from my laptop so pics didn't come up.

Yes, yes he did. Is he alright?

That sucks, especially since he knows better. Ouch!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That sucks, especially since he knows better. Ouch!

Must have had a brain fart.

I made sure that Northern Dave got this first. Campfire Boar hunt complete, 1 500lbb sow down blooding my new 44/90 Sharps. Note that I have properly christened my Camp Chickenbuck T-Shirt wid da blood of the sow

excellent!

I like this picture.

[Linked Image]

The Tiger got fed too!!

Thanks for posting those pics for me Dave. Yeah he knows better, he lives right on the point there. He is ok. He had the wife & 2 girls with them too. Christy & Jon were just out there Friday fishing for northerns.

Awesome Evil Twin!

Glad to see you're happy about it too ET.

Sweet rifle. guessin that pig didn't think so.

Lot of bacon ET.. Good job!

What bullet and powder weight were you using?

450 grain paper patched slug,95 grains GOEX Express FFG. The one on the far left
[Linked Image]

That's cool ET!

Hey! If you catapulted that sucker would it be called the swine flew?

I deeply apologize for that...

Rooster7, that was really bad. Really bad. But I laughed!

ET- Whatcha gonna do with all that bacon?

Oh, and I saw a bunch of wood ducks last night...that is a sure sign of spring in case you were still thinking it was winter!

BM,

Do you ever fish Bald Eagle Lk?

Tzone what are you looking for in Bald Eagle lk....Maybe i can help..

I fish bald eagle.

Up in the BWCA

I can't see how this can end well. I've run a wrecker and it's been driving me nuts all day as to how I would try to retrieve it, intact.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That sucks, especially since he knows better. Ouch!

The one near White Bear Lake/Lino Lakes area.

Originally Posted by ruffcutt

I can't see how this can end well. I've run a wrecker and it's been driving me nuts all day as to how I would try to retrieve it, intact.
[quote=northern_dave] [Linked Image]

Think "fish habitat"

For summer fishing??????? Muskies..?????

The house on the island is for sale 9,000 square ft...

Yeah, it would be spring/summer fishing and probably muskies. You can pm me if you don't want to pass out info here.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That's cool ET!

Hey! If you catapulted that sucker would it be called the swine flew?

I deeply apologize for that...

Why!!! Fact is that being the environmentally INcorrect guy that I am, the hog died of acute lead poisoning and toxic smoke syndrome!!

Originally Posted by tzone

The one near White Bear Lake/Lino Lakes area.

I have a lake? That will save me from building the one I had in the works for this summer.

Yes you do.

Maybe you can explain why the water level is receeding every year. Nobody can seem to answer it.

I'd say cause it's been too dry.

Or we could blame the water hogs over at devils lake ND, they been stealing everybody's water.

I have been hauling a little home in my boat every trip. I also grab as many little bugs & other critters to transplant to my other lakes. I hope that isn't a problem.

I didn't think you guys would notice or care.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'd say cause it's been too dry.

Or we could blame the water hogs over at devils lake ND, they been stealing everybody's water.

That's funny, cuz I waz going to say he's been sneaking it to devils lake.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I fish bald eagle.

Up in the BWCA

I've heard that they taste like a cross between a Trumpeter Swan and a Loon. Is this true ND?

No silly, bald eagle lake, north of snake river, connected to gabbro lake on the north, just west of turtle lake...

Full of big northerns and some nice walleye...

And enormous snapping turtles...

Ever eat one of those suckers?

My bro and I used to run turtle lines down in Ohio. Our volunteer fire dept. did a turtle soup stag every year, and there was a restaurant in North Lima that specialized in turtle soup. We had a good little racket going selling turtles. They paid us .25 cents a pound on the shell, or .50 cents a pound if we cleaned 'em. We would catch between 20 and 30 every year. It was good money for a couple kids that loved to be outside getting dirty and having fun. 'Never got any real monsters, but we had a couple that pushed 20 lbs.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ever eat one of those suckers?

I believe I did try it but I was very young. I remember the older fellers cut the big turtle up and the meat was in some water in a large stainless bowl. I remember watching that bowl as it seemed that cleaned meat was never going to stop moving.

I don't remember what it tasted like but I'd try it again.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Ever eat one of those suckers?

I believe I did try it but I was very young. I remember the older fellers cut the big turtle up and the meat was in some water in a large stainless bowl. I remember watching that bowl as it seemed that cleaned meat was never going to stop moving.

I don't remember what it tasted like but I'd try it again.

I've eaten quite a few suckers. Usually smoked or pickled.

Turtle I'd love to try. I'll bet ND knows where to find some big ones next to Chickenbuck.

Early Big Game success:
[Linked Image]

Nice!!

That's about the size of the one we found by the cabin last year.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I've eaten quite a few suckers. Usually smoked or pickled.

How did you keep them lit?

His shell still resides on my trophy shelf in my office. Some of the turtle biologists (we have 4 no less) ain't so amused I suppose.

The B & C snappers always eluded me, but they are out there - lurking in the dark waters

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I believe I did try it but I was very young. I remember the older fellers cut the big turtle up and the meat was in some water in a large stainless bowl. I remember watching that bowl as it seemed that cleaned meat was never going to stop moving.

I don't remember what it tasted like but I'd try it again.

A older fella I used to work with love them. He'd take everyone we could catch. There was a spot where I turkey hunted you could catch big snapping turtles. I showed him and love it. He got a damn big one out of there, I don't remember how much it weighed, but it was big...big enough that there was no way I was going to grab it.

He had a habit of cleaning them into a bucket, and not emptying the bucket for weeks. Which wouldn't have been a big deal other than he took his truck to work with the bucket in the truck.

That is something you can't unsmell.

You got him in the rear shoulder.

Cool.

Originally Posted by tzone

You got him in the rear shoulder.

Cool.

???

He was head shot - once with a .22 and then several times with that Benjamin air rifle. But those things don't die like normal animals. Tied him to a tree overnight.

I had turtle soup once. It was like a creamy vegetable beef. Very tasty!

Tzone,
Sorry, was down to the mothership yesterday. yes, I fished Bald Weagle a few times for 'skies. There is some good habitat around the island....off the NW and NE sides are underwater points/flats. A nice inside corner between them. They are really green there.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

You got him in the rear shoulder.

Cool.

???

He was head shot - once with a .22 and then several times with that Benjamin air rifle. But those things don't die like normal animals. Tied him to a tree overnight.

the pictures looks like he was shot a bunch of times at the back of the shell.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

They are really green there.

BM, thanks.

That lake gets pretty green about late june doesn't it? I'll probably try it out a few times this year.

yeah, if you like fishing in a bathtub of split pea soup, this is the lake for you!

Originally Posted by tzone

the pictures looks like he was shot a bunch of times at the back of the shell.

That's just beach gravel - pea gravel - that dried stuck to his shell. No holes in his carapace which is sitting on a shelf a few feet from me right now.

Had a good time yesterday. Took a tour of the Ranger boat factory. Interesting to see how they are made. They also make Stratos and Champion boats there and it was nice to see the differences in the boats. If you get near Flippin Ar. it is worth the time to see how they are made.

Did you buy a Ranger TJAY?

I like the 621 but its a little more, ok a lot, more than I want to spend. The wife tells me the boat we have is working just fine for our use and I do agree with her.

What? You don't want to spend $70K on a boat?

I think I would rather go on 7 10,000 dollar hunts.

I'd like to go on one.

But that is a great way to look at it.

Been to Africa twice - hunting once. Boats have better resale value. Lots better.

Chickenbuck north is headed to chickenbuck south for some fish camp seasonal chores.

Dusty needs to have his boat dock back in the water along with some other little springtime chores that we hope to accomplish.

Chickenbuck way south is headed to work tomorrow.

I do plan to take a play from the chickenbuck north playbook and smoke some ribs on the grill tomorrow. I have to go in and do paperwork all day,

so I might as well do something I like to go along with it.

Going to try some Memphis Style. Preparation tonight.

Chickenbuck midsouth is hosting a birthday party for a couple of newly minted four year old boys. I will have ten kids who are around four yrs at my house tomorrow midday. Please say a prayer for my ears and my sanity! Then gonna do the RMEF banquet in the evening.

Good Lord are the ribs starting to smell good. I have them going with apple wood and chopped up Jim Beam Whiskey barrel chips. It is hard to control the temps on the webber grill though.

I spent 6am-11pm on a prescribed fire yesterday, improved LOTS of habitat for pheasants, saw over 400 on the property. woke up today exhausted still and kept my promise to my son that we would fix up his battery powered 4 wheeler. I added a 6v battery to make it a total of 18v to give it a little more oomf when he kicks it down. I heard for can take it to 24v if you want to, but we're trying the 18 for now. I also got some 12" bike tires I can cut and stretch on the back for more traction (he'll need it with the speed upgrade) there is a whole website devoted to this, you should see the things people do to their kids' powerwheels, lol its pretty cool. all this rib talk is making me hungry, we have thawed out chicken breasts so I might fire up the grill and see if I can turn them into something edible

Quote

all this rib talk is making me hungry, we have thawed out chicken breasts so I might fire up the grill and see if I can turn them into something edible

Shoulda roasted a pa-feasent on the open flames yesterday.

they are too smart for that.
the last fire wrapped up at 9pm, it was a HUGE inferno, the night sky was lit up and you could see ditch parrots (pheasants) flying out all over the place in the glow, it was a pretty cool sight.
had folks from all over lined around the section to watch the show. I've heard a lot of folks complain how bad fire is and thinks its devastating to habitat and wildlife, but once it grows back in, aint nothin better. its quite a sight, I love it.

turkeys are out in full force this morning, had 6 toms between the front door and kendra's car. they were showing off to the 30 hens down the alley. Cale yelped to them and made em gobble about a dozen times, he thought it was the best to make them "talk".

Mission accomplished at chickenbuck fish camp. We got dusty's boat docks set in place and laveled. Beautiful day yesterday, much cooler today though.

Yesterday our morning was beautiful. I was sweating in a t-shirt while working in the yard. Then a cold front moved in and I was in a winter jacket with the hood up and gloves on.

What?? Does mother nature think its MARCH or something???

Cooler here but still beautiful. 60* for the high today. Going to grill Chicken Kabobs tonight for dinner.

What time should I be there?

Anytime now. There's dishes to do.

Jeez-that's just what my wife was telling me!

They were good too.

Plenty left for a lunch tomorrow. That reminds me, I need to make a lunch for tomorrow.

Dag Nabbit! I forgot my lunch

Well I found a house to rent. Nice little 3 bedroom. I can move in after the new hot water heater, toilet & vanity are installed. A friend of mine has it and I was doing some painting for him to get it ready to rent. I was kidding and said "I will rent it", he said really? He lowered the rent, no deposit, and he will pay the water, sewer, & garbage. Very excited!

Sweet deal! Good for you.

Good deal Missy! Where at?

I just got the official go ahead from the wife.....Berettaman is going elk hunting in Idaho this year! Wahooooo!

Man am I looking forward to it too. Berettawife said it will "cost me". That is the not-so-good part.

I am thinking bedroom set. She is sick of the garage sale, mismatched parts we have now methinks.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be pretty busy and then off to the Nether Regio.....errr the Netherlands. Dunno if I will have access over there, so this may be hasta la pasta for awhile! Hold down the fort whilst I am gone. Oh, and Stan...doggone it, try and behave yourself for once, would ya?

don't let your arms get tired!

Have a great trip,Berettaman.I will try to behave but it is just so doggone difficult.Especially when you hang with this bunch.Dave is just such an influence.
We look forward to your return.

Stan in SC

Not to be a rain cloud but when I bought a bull tag in ID it was first come first served december 1 for the following fall.

Have a safe trip B-man!

Greetings from rainy Portland. Rained everyday so far. Might make it out S
almon fishing if the weather clears. I'm using ny DIL's Mac Book and the keyboard is giving me a problem. No backspace key, and deleting is a bit troublesome.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Have a great trip,Berettaman.I will try to behave but it is just so doggone difficult.Especially when you hang with this bunch.Dave is just such an influence.
We look forward to your return.

Stan in SC

Stan's been giving old Blackheart a run for his moeny...:) Don't worry Stan, I got yer back.

Don't worry Bill, I have trouble with a regular keyboard.

Hi guys, I have a little news and a favor to ask.

Dusty has been treating for cancer for a week now. (our uncle dusty)

He was just recently diagnosed.

He says he feels good, and he truly does display a positive attitude.

He also told me it was ok to share this information, he said he'd just as soon be open about it as he doesn't care to hide it. It was just tonight that I asked him and got the ok to share this news here.

He has cancer in the top of one lung, in the lymph nodes and in 3 spots on the brain.

He has been doing radiation treatment on the brain for 7 days, he has one week left of radiation then the plan is to switch to chemo for the lung and lymph nodes.

That is the roadmap right now and that is as far as we can see ahead on the map.

Dusty is in excellent shape, he exersises regularly with lengthy walks and he is just generally active overall.

He is strong physically, strong mentally and seemingly fearless.

I really don't know what else to say on the matter. I wanted to get that out there and I wanted to invite your prayers and supportful words as Dusty checks in here quite regularly.

I'll leave it at that for now, other than the fact that I'd like to express my best wishes and prayers for a man that is dear to me.

And I get to be the first to do so (here)

Prayers will be sent from Oklahoma ! Really sorry to here this.

Dusty you hang in there and do what them Doc's tell ya and you'll be back to hunting and fishing in no time !

I just sit by the fire and drink your coffee and don't say much, but let me say that my God is a big God. Prayers are being sent for Uncle Dusty.

Uncle Dusty, I'm sure you know I consider you a good friend and that you are in my prayers.

Quote

He says he feels good, and he truly does display a positive attitude

I've never know Dusty to be any other way. In fact, he's one of the happiest people I know. There really isn't a better person to spend time with in a camp. You are one of the reasons I make the trip.

I do believe we should go fishing Dusty, if you feel up to it.

Tom

I saw this on the other thread, Dave. Prayers sent to Dusty and your whole gang. When one of us hurts, it hits us all.

Best wishes and prayers from Alexandria Uncle Dusty! Pinch a cute nurse for me, will ya?

Thanks everybody, Dusty called me this morning and wanted me to know he has been told his cancer type is non small cell, which is slower and easier to treat as I understand it.

Good news indeed.

Excellent...

Glad to hear it Dave. Thanks be to God.

Prayers and thought to Uncle Dusty from our camp.

Scott and Lisa

Thinking of you Uncle Dusty and Dave, I have gotten to know you at camp and have had alot of fun out there with you guys! You make every trip memorable and keeps us coming back. Dave, Prayers go out to both of you! We are all hoping for the best, We know Dusty has the power and mite to pull out of this and be ready for deer season. Live Strong!!

I just saw an old school pimp. Including in the green suit, green pants, green top hat, white shoes and fully equipped with a pimp cane.

Best thing I've seen on this job yet. Ranks higher up than the guy we saw peeing on the sidewalk earlier this morning.

R u sure that wasn't a leprochaun?

Naw...I could tell, he was tryin to keep his pimp hand strong.

Originally Posted by tzone

I just saw an old school pimp. Including in the green suit, green pants, green top hat, white shoes and fully equipped with a pimp cane.

Best thing I've seen on this job yet. Ranks higher up than the guy we saw peeing on the sidewalk earlier this morning.

If someone was dressed like that AND peeing on the sidewalk I would say it was a PACKERS FAN.

Tzone what wonderful city was this in i'm hoping you say Minneapolis.. Not St.Paul..

Originally Posted by tzone

I just saw an old school pimp. Including in the green suit, green pants, green top hat, white shoes and fully equipped with a pimp cane.

Best thing I've seen on this job yet. Ranks higher up than the guy we saw peeing on the sidewalk earlier this morning.

What the hell do you do for work?

Beargrease, that was horribly mean.

But funnier than all get out.

And true!

Originally Posted by noduck

Tzone what wonderful city was this in i'm hoping you say Minneapolis.. Not St.Paul..

Good ol St. Paul my friend.

Heavy civil construction.

been out of town for 2 days so I'm catchin up on the reading. Uncle Dusty, sorry to hear the news. my prayers will go out for you daily. good to hear its not as bad as it could be, and if anyone can beat it, you will. I've never met a man as upbeat and full of life and what matters as you. hang in there and get through it.

I like this thread!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Good deal Missy! Where at?

It is in Frazee. Cute house. Mom and dad were there to see it. Just waiting on the electrition to finish, and to get the fridge and stove. Very excited. Went to Fargo today shopping for stuff for when I get to move in.

I was in the Rooster7, BM neck of the woods today picking up the boat. She's home, pulled nice. Dealer put new batteries in it, and a full tank of gas. I like that.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Good deal Missy! Where at?

It is in Frazee. Cute house. Mom and dad were there to see it. Just waiting on the electrition to finish, and to get the fridge and stove. Very excited. Went to Fargo today shopping for stuff for when I get to move in.

my mom is from frazee! I always liked that town. my grandparent are buried there. grandpa was a WW2 vet who drove a tank. mom still has a pistol he "captured" off a dead Nazi officer.

I got some work done on my roadrunner today then took Pam out scouting for critters to shoot... with her camera

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/scenery/cranes6.jpg[/img]

I hope you shot the porcupines

nice pics of the cranes!

I picked up kendra's action today for her new rifle. its a charles daly mini mauser. looks awesome, can't wait to get it back from McGowen in a few weeks

Great pictures,Pam.

Stan in SC

Prayers have been sent from our household for a couple weeks now Dusty and they will continue to be.

You hang in there and stay positive and keep chasin those White Earth walleyes.

Dusty, prayers and good thoughts from Portland. Hang in there and make the doctors earn their money.

Those are some really great pictures!

I picked out the fridge and stove today, going to order them tomorrow. I made a deal with my friend (the owner of the house). I will buy the appliences and when I move out he can buy them from me or I will take them when I move out. It is set up for electric but I'm getting it changed for a gas stove. I like cooking with gas better. Hope the electrition can get there this week.

So it that crane doing some sort of mating dance ritual?

I guess they will do that dance at any time of the year but more often and most frequently now during their mating season.

It's tough to get decent shots of them because it seems 80-100 yds is as close as we can get to them.

My compliments!!! You obviously hit a clean 10X with the gift of the PamCam

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's tough to get decent shots of them because it seems 80-100 yds is as close as we can get to them.

That's nuthin for your .220 Swift!

Hell I could pick em off with a .22 long rifle at that range

Pretty good drumsticks on em too.

I do believe you could beat the hell out of a set of drums with those ... sticks.

lol!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I do believe you could beat the hell out of a set of drums with those ... sticks.

lol!!

Thats about what they would be good for. I had crane at a game feed once.

Howdy from Holland! Got online here after tons of trouble. My impressions....they ride a TON of bikes. pedal bikes. Tons. Thousands. Hundreds of thousands. I am not exagerating. THey have a parking RAMP for bikes. And the funny thing is, you would think they would have really nice bikes, right? Nope, total junk. Take to the dump type of junk. AND THEY SELL FOR $600 OR MORE! we could all retire if we could sell a shipload of bikes over here.

because of that, you see very few fat people over here. graffiti everywhere. everthing is expensive and there a people everywhere. food is okay at best. 4 people were all excited that I try the frites. It is their signature food, they are awesome...yada yada yada. They are excited about french fries. No kidding. I didnt have the heart to tell them McDonalds has already built the french fry empire.

I have seen thousands of cars...and 1...count it...1 truck. They all drive little teeny cars. $8/gallon gas (almost all taxes) will do that to you I suppose. I have been taking the train, which works reasonably well for me here, but it isnt my style. ND, would you wanna give up your truck to ride on a train everyday?

Talked to a guy who lives in a $1.3 million dollar house in Amsterdam. It is 2800 square feet including the teeny tiny garage where he has to fold in his mirrors on his teeny tiny wannabe car. He has to pay big bucks ($1000) to get a permit to park his car and another permit to park in his own garage! I couldnt help but tell him I can park 6 cars in my garage for free. or 30 in my driveway for free. or anywhere in 98% of the state for free.

Be glad you live where you live. Well except for Bill. Bill has to live in Wisconsin......

How are the hookers? Pricey as everything else I 'spose.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Be glad you live where you live. Well except for Bill. Bill has to live in Wisconsin......

You're just jealous BM.

Just remember, in Holland they have Dikes and Dykes. Don't get the two mixed up.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Thats about what they would be good for. I had crane at a game feed once.

I've learned that anything called a "feed" is a good thing to avoid when hungry. That said, I don't much care for crane either based on the one time I've had it.

Any of you guys chase spring white-geese up (over) there?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I picked up kendra's action today for her new rifle. its a charles daly mini mauser. looks awesome, can't wait to get it back from McGowen in a few weeks

lefty, correct? Jealous as green-suited pimp over this one! Pics as it comes along, please.

You and tzone with your green suited pimps. And tzone and berrataman for the comments about hookers. I thought this was a wholesome family oriented thread and that kind of stuff took place on the Hunters campfire thread! We need a moderator here!

That was the moderated version.

Must be the self moderated version since ND is engaged in car modifications and Mrs ND is busy taking pictures of cranes. Just shows your self restraint!!!

She ain't out takin pictures.... Mrs. ND is in the shop making sure Dave gets the road runner done so she get her truck in there.

The group here reminds me of that group of Vikings in the Capital One commercial.LOL.
Linda and I took Charlie dog to the county humane society to get neutered and micro chipped today.The cost of having this done there is less than half of what our vet charges.While we were there we looked at the rescue dogs for adoption.We wound up adopting an almost double of Charlie.Al though this one is not a Bishon but is a Maltepoo,he is almost a twin except for a narrower face.Five years old and VERY obediant.A rather settled dog who has bonded to me like Charlie did to Linda.I cannot take a step but he is right behind me.The two of them will do well together and we are tickled to have both of them.
Linda took the obligatory picture of me in the recliner with both.
I hope the trip to Amsterdam is good Berettaman.The taxes and cost of permits to park in your own garage astound me.What are "frites"?The food in different countries is very interesting when you get down to the local stuff.

Stan in SC

Cool Stan! That seems to be the deal with most rescue dogs. They know you WANT them with you.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I picked up kendra's action today for her new rifle. its a charles daly mini mauser. looks awesome, can't wait to get it back from McGowen in a few weeks

lefty, correct? Jealous as green-suited pimp over this one! Pics as it comes along, please.

yes sir it is a lefty action, I should be sending it out to McGowen sometime this week. not sure on their turn around time but I know its not very long and I really like those guys up there. I tried the trigger on it, and it is a little stiff, though she says its not bad. I'll see what I can do about it anyway.

Cool Stan, I want to see that picture. Rescue dogs are the best! Mom and dad got one from the humane society a couple years ago. She is a great dog, loves kids. She has her wierd quirks though, some kind of funny. Who knows what she went through before they got her. She didn't even know how to climb stairs.

Well something got acomplished today that I never thought would happen. I got all my stuff out of my storage building and in my rental house and garage in less than two hours. With the help of great friends and 6 pickup loads later, it was all cleaned out.

Good friends will help you move. Great friends will help you move a body.

When we bought built our house in WI, that we moved from to here I had to move stuff in record time.

They wouldn't let us in the new house until we closed, which was at noon. I convinced them to let me stack stuff in the garage starting at 8am the morning we closed. We had to be out of the house we sold at the time of closing...I don't think I've ever packed that much stuff into two trucks that fast in all my life.

My buddy Lucas took his work truck to my place and we filled that truck and mine each about 4 times. The garage at the new place couldn't have held an extra cookie crumb. It was tight.

I told Luke that I'd buy him all the beer he could drink and feed him when we were done closing. I would have been better off $ wise to hire a mover. At 6'5"/300# that boy could drink and eat!

Ah,the good old younger days of friends getting together to move one another.You could have built several Volkswagens from the empty beer cans.
I'll never move again.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I'll never move again
Stan in SC

Good plan.

Back home at last. Long travel day yesterday. Tornados in Texas and snow in Denver realy messed up air travel. Also had a electrical issue with our plane that cost us another 2 hours.

Have fun with the new dog Stan.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Ah,the good old younger days of friends getting together to move one another.You could have built several Volkswagens from the empty beer cans.
I'll never move again.

Stan in SC

Thats the truth Stan and now it starts all over again as us 40 somethings have kids ready to leave the nest.

Glad you're home safe Bill!

Glad you're back Bill. Did you get any fishing done?

Didn't make it out Tom. They've had record rains in March that really messed up the fishing . The Columbia river salmon season is being shut down this week.

My son's buddy caught his first salmon of the year on the Willamette last week.

Hey, I didnt say anyting about hookers!

Stan, frites are french fries. Just regular old french fries. Did you say Maltepoo or something like that? We might have to have a Chickenbuck vote to see if you get to keep give up your Man Card for a week for adopting anything that ends in -poo! The adopting part is cool....that might save your card for ya!

Had my first good meal today since I have been here. The colleague that I am visiting invited me over to his house for dinner and it was very good. Funny part was, he waited until he got to know me before he invited me over. Sure fooled him! He had a nice house and a nice family.

I now know more about the railroads in Europe than any American should rightfully know.

Grizzly Bill,welcome home.
Berettaman,a Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a poodle.Beau is a slim very athletic solid white male.He and Charlie have quickly become best friends forever.Being five years old he is more settled than Charlie who is five months old but still young enough to be able to keep up and play hard.Some of his better habits are already showing up in the younger Charlie.Learning from your peers.Good medicine.
We are more than happy with the mix of the two.Charlie bonded very quickly with Linda and Beau seems to have bonded more with me.Between the two of them I am,as Dave is fond of saying,as happy as a sped in a room full of bouncy balls.

Stan in SC

Quote

We might have to have a Chickenbuck vote to see if you get to keep give up your Man Card for a week for adopting anything that ends in -poo

Couple things here....1) You can't pick on Stan. b) We haven't forgot about the Mini-van incident, so I'm not sure you can call to vote a man card issue.

Quote

I now know more about the railroads in Europe than any American should rightfully know.

I'm starting to know more about trains here than American's should know. But....building them is pretty cool.

We don't really have to call it a malti-poo Stan, perhaps we could man it up a bit by substituting something for the poo portion?

Barbone is an alternate name for poodle....

perhaps a maltone?

See what the dog thinks.

Thanks Dave and Tzone but my man card is quite secure and has weathered a hell of a lot more than kidding about the breed of dog I bring home.All in good fun between friends anyhow.I thought it was funny.Hmmmm,how about Mal-t-rex as in T-Rex.

Stan in SC

P.S. I wear Crocs also.

This should get some good answers. So here I am sitting at the computer and my wife comes in and asks my to take the dogs out to do there duty. I look out the window and count 23 Mule Deer in the front yard some within 20ft of the house and some bedded down. This should get the heart moving. Deer don't take kind to dogs. Any ideas?

I like it Stan...t-rex

Let the dog out... See what he thinks.

mal-t-rex, NICE!!

Gets my vote too.

Worked on the mower this AM. Fired off on the first pull. There are 2 times a year that I look forward to mowing the lawn. The first and last times. The first because it's the beginning of spring and the last because deer season is just around the cornor.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

There are 2 times a year that I look forward to mowing the lawn. The first and last times. The first because it's the beginning of spring and the last because deer season is just around the cornor.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

There are 2 times a year that I look forward to mowing the lawn. The first and last times. The first because it's the beginning of spring and the last because deer season is just around the cornor.

I like that.

Probably could mow ours now but I haven't raked it or anything. I'm debating if i want to or not.

Didn't rake mine. Just blew out the shrubs and bagged up the leaves with the grass.

What's is this "rake" think you speak of? I've never heard of such a process.

I was thinking about firing up the riding mower so ma can chop the winter's dog logs and misc garbage in the yard. Once we get all the garbage chopped up I'll sprinkle out some lawn fertilizer so we can grow that grass out good and tall. I like it about a foot or so high. It's nice if you can get the grass a little taller than the dandelions, I'm fussy that way with my yard. I like to have the place looking nice ya know.

Mulching dog poop....why didn't I think of that...?

It's fine til it plugs the mower chute.

Well you're probably just not as fussy about lawncare. You're just not one of "those guys"

I was unhooking my mower (think large 3 batwing) from the tractor yesterday, the jack peg was broke so I used a handiman and was going to put it on a black of wood. as soon as I lifted it and pulled the hitch pin. I saw it start to shift sideways and thought "thats odd but it shouldn't go far" at that moment I remembered the handiman and jumped to the side, it whacked my right arm so hard I'm bruised from my shoulder to below my elbow and it hurts to bend it, I doubt anything is hurt bad, but it sure is sore. I'm so thankful it didn't hit me in the back, it would have likely pinned me against the tire or 3 point and really hurt me. little man is sick today with a fever over 101 so I have to stay home with him. probably need to rest the arm too. shoveling after I did it was painful.

Funny how heavy stuff that ain't even alive or powered can reach out and hurt ya so bad. Logs have a way of doing that too. Sounds like you were just barely quick enough.

I've got a lot more trees to play with this spring. Always have to be paying attention.

Ryan, you need to get the jack pin replaced now, befor it can grab you again.

Hope the little guy gets better fast so he can enjoy what the easter bunny brings him.

Dave, I passed your solution to the dog logs on to my son.

yes sir I know I do, I have a replacement I just need to weld in place, I won't need the mower for a while now, maybe I can get it fixed when I get spring work done. couldn't have picked a worse time for my boy to get sick and me hurt.

Them riding mowers work great on Horse road apples too, grinds them to powder and fertilizer.

yeah, smells good too......

Three weeks ago I had six scoops of top soil placed and leveled in the back yard.I then limed and seeded and covered with wheat straw.We have had sun and rain mixes which is great for grass growing and I now have an outstanding looking new grass crop in the previously disheveled looking back yard.
My wife and myself pass on to each of you the wish for a nice nice Easter weekend.

Stan in SC

You and your family have a nice Easter too Stan. I'm at the office grabbing a bite to eat before I head back out in the rain...Not my favorite activity at work, for sure.

Tom,

Here they are, both from D2 steel. Top one is Blackwood with white liners and the bottom is Mopane wood with red liners.

[Linked Image]

Jeff

Very nice Jeff.

Looks like it's going to start raining any minute here.

Happy Easter everyone.

Ohh. I like em Jeff. Nice work.

Jeff's knives work too! I've had a couple of his knives along elk hunting on 2 different trips.

Well i put the frame connectors in the roadrunner today. She's rock solid now.

I'm taking a break but i might go out and do some sanding on the body yet tonight.

Happy easter everybody!

Just finished snarfing down some ribs. I almost hurt myself on them, pretty easy to do with smoked/grilled pork.

I'm nearing the final stages of a room remodel. Hung the new door today and picked up the sheetrock yesterday.

Happy Easter to all!

Happy birthday Bill!

Happy Birthday Bill! I hope it was a good one.

Happy Birthday Bill.

Just getting caught up on the thread while I wait for the 2nd bottle of liquid plumr to hopefully take care of the clog in my tub drain. I don't know much about plumin', but it is not good when the tub don't drain and the toilet don't flush. And no I didn't plug the toilet.

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY,Bill.

Stan in SC

I spoke with dusty this morning. He called to say happy easter and to visit a little. He is done with his radiation treatment and he's actually been working a little this week.

Dusty asked that i help express his gratitude for all of the prayers and well wishes he's recieved from the campfire forums.

He says "i dont know how an old guy can have so many great friends from all over the world praying for him and saying such nice things."

He says it has helped him a great deal, he told me the screen gets a little blurry from wet eyes when he's reading it all "but thats ok" he says, then laughs a little.

I want to thank you all as well. I jump on a lot of the prayer request stuff myself but you dont realize how meaningful it all is until you are on the recieving side.

Thanks very much everybody.

Thanks be to God. Glad to see the flame of the 'Fire burning brightly in the hearts of our many great members who so willingly pray for others well being. Easter wishes to the whole Chickenbuck family, and all our members as we reflect on the resurrection of Christ.

I don't think uncle dusty knows how much he means to some of us!

Happy Easter to all. It's a great day here. Me and my bil sat in the boat and dram beer till dinner.

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone.

Dusty if we can help in any way just ask.

Muffy, good luck with the drain. I hate plumbing issues too.

Muffy, you could have a venting issue. I think we have one here too. The drains, drain slow, but there's nothing plugged in them...at least not in the house.

Originally Posted by tzone

Muffy, you could have a venting issue. I think we have one here too. The drains, drain slow, but there's nothing plugged in them...at least not in the house.

Jim is coming back tomorrow to do some more work on it. I will mention the venting thing to him. What do you do about that? I'm totally plumber retarded.

Mom, dad, and Brad just left a little bit ago. The parents brought supper. Thank you!!! It was very nice since I can't really cook anything till I get my fridge and stove on Thursday. I can't wait to get them so I can make them a nice home cooked meal. I guess I could have made them Swedish pancakes, I have a griddle.

Going to Sears tomorrow to see what they would charge to deliver the appliances. My friends said they would help, but they have already done so much for me. Plus the doors have to be taken off and the freezer drawer has to be taken out to fit in the door. Might be much easier that way, if they deliver.

If you bought the appliance from Sears, it's probably free. I'm not sure though. When we bought the appliances for the house we built, the furniture/appliance store delivered and installed them.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Muffy, you could have a venting issue. I think we have one here too. The drains, drain slow, but there's nothing plugged in them...at least not in the house.

Jim is coming back tomorrow to do some more work on it. I will mention the venting thing to him. What do you do about that? I'm totally plumber retarded.

I'm not sure how it all works, I'm also plumbing retarded. I can hook up the drains and water lines but that's about it.

It has to do with getting the air out of your drains or the water (and other stuff

) won't go down the drain.

T and Muffy, on windy days do you notice the water in your Toilet moving at all? If so your venting is fine.

It is somewhat rare for venting to be the cause of slow drains.

The purpose of the vent is to allow air into the drain system. The air entering from the roof is to prevent the flow of waste-water from siphoning the water out of the P-trap under the sink.

Are you losing the water (trap seal) from your P-traps? Are you getting any odor in the house?

Muffy, have someone get up on the roof and make sure the vent is clear. Birds have been known to make nests on vent pipes.

Well I am back in the good ol' USA. God Bless America. I didn't think much of the part of Europe that I saw. Lots of smokers, rude bikers (bicycles), tons of littering, not very good food and so very crowded. People everywhere and narrow streets make for an environment I dont like that much. Some do I guess, but not me.

I am so very glad that we have Stan's dog breed named properly, that was weighing heavy on my mind!

Ryan, take care out there, you only get on set of arms!

Muffy, are you sure Tzone didnt use your new bathroom? that would explain a lot actually....

Originally Posted by Kenneth

Are you losing the water (trap seal) from your P-traps? Are you getting any odor in the house?

Actually, yes. When we wash clothes, ocaisionally the drain in the laundry room does emit an odor.

No problem with the toilets or kitchen sink though. Just the bathrooms.

There is no odor in the house. The local handy man went on the roof and he said the vent is fine. The landlord was here about 4 times today. Didn't do much. Poured acid down the tub drain twice. That didn't do the trick. After all that and a whole wasted day, he is finally going to call a plumber. Hope he can get here soon and get it taken care of. Sick of going to the laundry mat to go to the bathroom. Tonight I think I will use the lavitory at the local watering hole.

Tom, when I bought the appliances they said it was not free delivery. But with all the help I have had, I don't want them to have to do that too. Plus with having to take the doors and freezer drawer off the fridge, let Sears worry about it.

They can deliver on Saturday.

When is early turkey opener? Is it this weekend? Oh boy, if so I better get my butt in gear. Need license, gun (borrowing from dad and never been shot), talk to guy to see if I can hunt on his land (where turkeys are thick).

When we moved into our 11 year old house 15 years ago we had a drain problem.It turns out that the drain pipe to the sewer was clogged with an invasive root branch from the maple tree in the front.They had to dig a ten foot deep hole four feet wide and six feet long to get to the problem.The man explained that once a root gets in thru a crack or joint in the pipe it gets beau coup nourishment from all the human waste and from the phosphors in the detergents and just goes wild.It was quite a problem but they fixed it.We have never had another problem.I also later had the maple tree cut down.
Turkey season started here in South Carolina last Sunday,April 1st.I have tags and a place to go but just have not gone yet.

Stan in SC

Muffy, you don't have a venting issue, you have a clogged line issue. You need a service man with a power snake.

And you're just wasting time and money with most chemicals.

Call a service shop that knows what their doing, roto-rooter or such.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Kenneth

Are you losing the water (trap seal) from your P-traps? Are you getting any odor in the house?

Actually, yes. When we wash clothes, ocaisionally the drain in the laundry room does emit an odor.

No problem with the toilets or kitchen sink though. Just the bathrooms.

T, if you are getting a sewer odor in the house, you very well could have a venting issue.

IF the venting is not working properly in your Drainage system, then as the wastewater flows down the pipe, this wastewater can pull (syphon) the water out of your p-trap.

The purpose of the water in the trap is to form a liquid seal which prevents sewer gas from entering the house.

The only other reason to lose your trap seal is from evaporation, but this takes some time to happen. If your smelling the odor in a room which has water running on a normal basis ( laundry room included), then evaporation is not likely the issue. Most likely improper venting is sucking the trap seal downstream with the wastewater.

If you smell gas in a room, or floor drain that doesn't get used often, add water as needed to the trap, or add 1 cup of cooking oil to the drain,oil doesn't evaporate like water.

T, 1 last question, as far as this "smelly odor", Is Jared Allen or Brett Favre living with you?

Originally Posted by Kenneth

Muffy, you don't have a venting issue, you have a clogged line issue. You need a service man with a power snake.

And you're just wasting time and money with most chemicals.

Call a service shop that knows what their doing, roto-rooter or such.

I'm not the one wasting time and money, it is the landlord. If it was up to me I would have called someone right away to take care of the problem. Since I am not the one "in charge" it was not up to me. Now the plumber can't make it here till Friday. I told him about it on Sunday. Trust me, it sucks. If it was up to me (which it was not) It would have been acted on right away.

I had a plumber come do mine around the first of the year, it sometimes needs it.

Must be the season. My daughters hot water heater just sprung a leak.

Originally Posted by Kenneth

If you smell gas in a room, or floor drain that doesn't get used often, add water as needed to the trap, or add 1 cup of cooking oil to the drain,oil doesn't evaporate like water.

Kenneth,

That is exactly what I do. I dump a bit of water down the drain before I wash clothes. If I remember that is.

Quote

T, 1 last question, as far as this "smelly odor", Is Jared Allen or Brett Favre living with you?

That is quite possible. I'll have to check the gutter for Favre.

I had a smell I was sure was "sewer gas smell" soon after building our house. Turns out it was the zinc anode in the water heater reacting with iron bacteria or some such thing. Plumber replaced the anode with an aluminum one and to this day - no odor. New to me. Thought I'd share.

4

That is very common in this part of the country. Most people have never heard about changing out the rod.

I thought they were magnesium?

I screwed mine out, cut the rod off and screwed the plug head back in the tank many years ago, the rod is still leaning in the corner next to the water heater.

Be very careful that magnesium rod doesn't catch on fire ND.

Threads a little slow...

Any thoughts on when the crappies will turn on for the spring bite?

when the water temp is right i reckon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

when the water temp is right i reckon.

Right. Its still around 48* on the lakes around here.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Threads a little slow...

Any thoughts on when the crappies will turn on for the spring bite?

Are the lilacs blooming in town? They are down here. Crappies are on.

lilacs? That's crazy talk.

The freeking penguins haven't left yet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

lilacs? That's crazy talk.

The freeking penguins haven't left yet.

You aren't THAT far south...

Anyway, that's the cue around here. Everything is way out of whack this year however. Last 4 nights have been hitting 25F and all the oaks, apples, serviceberry and paw paws are in full bloom. Or they were. Now they are full whatever. It is going to be a really ugly year for mast crops around here.

Turkey season is probably going to be more or less a bust too.

I bet on you to pick up the south pole thing.

Sorry to hear frost is wrecking spring bloom down your way.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I bet on you to pick up the south pole thing.

Gotta do what I gotta do...

Quote

Sorry to hear frost is wrecking spring bloom down your way.

Besides a lot of folks loosing fruit crops, this will be the second year running that the acorn crop has failed. It will do nothing good for squirrels and turkeys and lots of other things. And we are just getting turkeys expanding onto our property too. I hope they can find something else to eat this fall.

I understand the whole "mercy of the frost" effect.

You wish you could talk the fruiting tree's bushes etc into holding off a bit sometimes.

No kidding. We had ours wrapped in shirts and tarps and whatever we could get around them for 4 days in pretty strong winds. I think we saved a bit of it, but the paw paws are totally shot for the year and at best we will get maybe a dozen apples and plums.

The commercial guys are the ones that really took the hit.

You could see this one coming and nothing could be done. Most of the fruit crop guys in this state have no crop insurance so they are going down hard. The corn/bean guys didn't plant because insurance brokers wouldn't sell them coverage to start before a given date.

We are going to have brown oaks and hackberries this year. I'm hoping they will releaf. Not sure if they can though.

The oaks are more robust up here and seem less effected by the tricks of mother nature in the spring.

I see it more in our wild blueberries, they flower too early. Plums and pincherry trees flower too early too, chokecherries seem a little safer, highbush cranberry seem pretty safe too.

Although winds will wreck any of the high stuff, and of course you need water...

It's all got to come together to give a good crop of anything but early bloom can really end it before it can start.

We might have saved 1/2 of our blueberries. With luck the basswood will bloom well this year. My honeybees make the world's finest honey when that tree blooms hard. Right now, all the marbles are on the basswood bloom coming in hard.

Yeah, we need water bad too. Supposed to get some tonight through the weekend. Good soakers I think.

The upside to weather so far is that there must have been great overwinter survival for hen turkeys and pheasants. If we have a nesting/brooding season with moderate rain we might get good productivity heading into the fall. Pheasants have been hammered by hen-killing winters for 5 yrs running til this one, and then followed up each year with flooding rains. They really need some luck.

What's the prospects for grouse up there? I know they sometime crash hard in snowless winters. Any sign of that? I need to head north with Gus and chase a few again.

Numbers were down last fall (ruffed and sharpies)

Actually sharpies were way the hell down.

I havent been out enough this spring to know anything other than that the resident house grouse made the winter and he drums hard day and night close to the house. The silly bastard does it all year long.

Well my drainage problem is taken care of. The roto rooter guy was there and got a huge hunk of roots out of the pipe. Works great now.

The plumber was there and ran the gas line for my stove and hooked up the dryer. Fridge and stove are being delivered Saturday, so the electrition better get there and put the outlet in for the fridge.

Good deal, bathroom first, kitchen second, the rest falls into place.

Tzone, I'm looking for the pictures of that boat. And yes a fishing trip would be great!

Well how about that....

I'm so glad I hung in here for a few more minutes.

An uncle dusty post just sort of hit the spot tonight.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Threads a little slow...

Any thoughts on when the crappies will turn on for the spring bite?

Are the lilacs blooming in town? They are down here. Crappies are on.

Same report I'm gettin too.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tzone, I'm looking for the pictures of that boat. And yes a fishing trip would be great!

Uncle Dusty. You got it.

It's an 04, she's pretty clean. My bro in law thought it was new. No scratches, carpet has seen some use, but not much. I haven't had time to set it up yet, but I might get to it this weekend.
[Linked Image]

wow Tom, she's purty!

I won't likely make it out fishing for a while. work has been keepin me really busy. is that an old pic or are the lakes still froze up there?

Awful good to see Unk Dusty chiming in.Glad to see you back,sir.

Hey Brent,you keep mentioning conditions where you are but your avatar space shows eight states.So where exactly are you?I'm confused.

Here in South Carolina we had a low yesterday morning of 34 degrees.This morning it is 38 degrees.We have had such an early spring.The hen turkeys seem to already be on the nest and the gobblers and jakes are grouping up again.Veddy strange season.

Beau,the new dog and the pup,Charlie have really bonded in the week or so we have had Beau.They are almost inseparable.I'm very very pleased with the new dog.Probably one of the best animals I have ever had the pleasure to be around.Just as the pup seemed to bond more to Linda,Beau goes everywhere I go and when I sit in the recliner he is right there in my lap.

Stan in SC

That's a really nice boat Tom, I still haven't gotten ours wet. Supposed to be low 60's tomorrow and LOW is wide open, no ice left...

Thanks guys. The only time this one's been wet since i've had it, was when it rained.

I need to do a shakedown run before I take the kids out in it. Rumor has it we're supposed to get snow on Monday...fun.

Coolest thing happened last night...I looked in my garage and there was a boat! I prolly need to get that sucker out! I use it as a storage unit all winter, it is fun to climb in and see what is in there.

Spring here is a little early, but within the realm of normal I would say. When we get some rain (today?), it will really pop and the grass will explode. Nasty weather here today; coldy, rainy, and windy.

That is a sweet lookin Pro V Tom!

I'm confused though. Didn't you just buy a different Ranger? What am I missing?

OH I think I got it. Someone said "Hey Tom! You have a nice big Yammy!"

And you thought hmmmmmm......

Nice boat Tom, be a dandy for catching sturgeon right now. Hello to you Uncle Dusty! Good to here from you!

It's a loooooooong story rooster, but yes, I did.

So you had a big Yammy and now you have a little Johnson!!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Awful good to see Unk Dusty chiming in.Glad to see you back,sir.

Hey Brent,you keep mentioning conditions where you are but your avatar space shows eight states.So where exactly are you?I'm confused.

Here in South Carolina we had a low yesterday morning of 34 degrees.This morning it is 38 degrees.We have had such an early spring.The hen turkeys seem to already be on the nest and the gobblers and jakes are grouping up again.Veddy strange season.

Beau,the new dog and the pup,Charlie have really bonded in the week or so we have had Beau.They are almost inseparable.I'm very very pleased with the new dog.Probably one of the best animals I have ever had the pleasure to be around.Just as the pup seemed to bond more to Linda,Beau goes everywhere I go and when I sit in the recliner he is right there in my lap.

Stan in SC

It was 50 degrees in Ulen Minnesota this morning.

I went to the doctor today. I start my first round of chemo next Friday. One of us (me, Dave, or Muffy) will keep you informed on how everyting goes.

Tzone, I REALLY like your boat!!!!! But I'm a tiller guy myself.

Good luck Dusty. I'm sure all the Chickenbuckers, and the wannabe Chickenbuckers have you in their thoughts and prayers.

Prayers sent from the southern 'burbs.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tzone, I REALLY like your boat!!!!! But I'm a tiller guy myself.

So am I. Don't get me started.

The kicker is a tiller, so that will have to do.

We're here praying for a fast recovery Uncle Dusty. I will come up and go fishing with you, so you have to get to feeling better. I'll probably have to bring my shadow with me though. He won't let the boat out of his sight.

tom that would be great i think the shadow will be a lot of fun

Good luck Dusty and we'll be praying for you.

Tom's shadow is a pretty cool kid. You'll like him.

Took a trip Friday over to Green Bay (Lambeau Field) for the spring Fleet Farm Sports show. What a zoo. The special of the day was a off brand great lakes trolling rod and reel combo for $29.95. The rods had a floresant green color so you couldn't miss them. In the time we we're there I'll bet we saw close to 250 combos sold.

We didn't buy and of the combos, but did manage to score on some other items.

Now the mystery of the day. What did Bill and his brother buy at the show that is currently black, has 4 legs and will weigh around 700 pounds???? Let the guesses begin.

He's called me twice already today so I can come home and play.

that makes it tough to work. Well, that and it's 70* here and it's going to get better.

72* here. I just summerized the snoblower. It better not snow, but I wouldn't bet against it.

Could be some rough weather heading our way on Sunday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

72* here. I just summerized the snoblower. It better not snow, but I wouldn't bet against it.

We're supposed to get some tomorrow night into Monday.

It was 74* here today. Me and the kids took a couple hour bike ride around a few lakes in the area. It was a great day.

Peaked at 63 today. But is was damn, damn nice.

4

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What did Bill and his brother buy at the show that is currently black, has 4 legs and will weigh around 700 pounds???? Let the guesses begin.

Pig?

Bought you a beef cow I bet.

it is coming at ya!

http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Current.aspx?animate=true

What a day! Daughter had b- ball tourney and won. They will be going to state in june now. She had 7 games today and played great! Super proud of her n her team! Now let's fish!

had a bunch of rain fall this weekend so far, we needed it bad. all this fishin talk has got me wound up! I want to get out there and fish!

7 games in a day?!?! wow that is a lot, I bet she's tired, congrats to her and her team for making state! good luck to em!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Now the mystery of the day. What did Bill and his brother buy at the show that is currently black, has 4 legs and will weigh around 700 pounds???? Let the guesses begin.

You bought a GB Packer Cheerleader!!!! Congrats BILL!!!!

ROR!

in case someone was looking for a good laugh, check this out

too funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwwBdSIPvWA

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Bought you a beef cow I bet.

We have a winner! Black Angus Steer. You should have seen the look on the cashiers face. Took her an hour to find the bar code on it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Now the mystery of the day. What did Bill and his brother buy at the show that is currently black, has 4 legs and will weigh around 700 pounds???? Let the guesses begin.

You bought a GB Packer Cheerleader!!!! Congrats BILL!!!!

Nope...It was a Viking (Remember them) cheerleader.

Awesome boys. 3"-5" new snow tonight. Tracking snow. Nice.

4

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Awesome boys. 3"-5" new snow tonight. Tracking snow. Nice.

4

Pfththfhthtfhtt!

what do you need to track this time of year?

Skunks ?

WS

Trying to find a bright side - you're not helping!

4

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

You bought a GB Packer Cheerleader!!!! Congrats BILL!!!!

Nope...It was a Viking (Remember them) cheerleader.

No, Sir. THIS is a Vikings Cheerleader.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Now the mystery of the day. What did Bill and his brother buy at the show that is currently black, has 4 legs and will weigh around 700 pounds???? Let the guesses begin.

You bought a GB Packer Cheerleader!!!! Congrats BILL!!!!

Thanks Tom! I need that ROR today!

OK, 1 out of 2 aint bad, but the steer is better looking than the one with the glasses.

I didn't know Tzone was a Vikings cheerleader. The other one's prettier.

It's been a helluva weekend. A real grind on the 69 Road Runner.

Long story short, the main body is now in epoxy primer.

[Linked Image]

I'm very sore and tired lol!!

And I'm not the only one, Pam was a huge help, I guess I have to let her drive it when it's done.

When you get that finished yuo have to drive out and let me try it out. BTW I turned my 2004 F250 6.0 L into a Corvette eater...

Good thing this aint a corvette.

them pics sure make me miss my 63 Falcon I had when I was in the Navy, I sure wish I still had that thing, even though it was a ford

Dave,

I'm just curious-when do you find time to actually work for a living? 'Must get in the way of all the fun stuff-and yes I'm very jealous!

Honestly the car building isn't half as fun as it was when I was younger, in better shape and had lots of energy/enthusiasm for it.

The older I get, the more I understand the rediculous barret jackson auction prices.

Owning a classic car or truck is great fun, restoring them, not so much fun.

I have pain today in spaces I didn't even know I occupied.

Fishing, hunting, shooting, tinkering with deer camp stuff, grilling on a sunny day.... Those are fun things, and I haven't had time for much of any of that for a while.

But I have to stay on this project and push as hard as I can and hopefully finish up early in June.

Then I can have some fun.

Whatever you're doin' sure seems to work for you Dave. Keep on keepin' on there man!

Once you get back into rolling-on-the-floor, upside-down welding, squat-down, kneeling to shoot primer & paint shape, you should probably just keep going and finish Mrs. ND's pick-up and the '50.

Next time Ma is down here, remind me to track her down and get that leveling kit up to you. Car is looking great.

Been awhile Dave. What color are you going with?

T7 mopar bronze metallic.

with a white vinyl top.

My brother had a 1969 Cougar convertible. Pretty damn near same color. Bronze for sure with a white top. Hot car. Then later in life I had a girl friend with a 1970 Lemans Sport - mint condition in about 1979. Same damn color except it was re-painted. Bronze with a white painted top - I suspect the white paint replaced an original vinyl top.

Can't wait to see it Dave.

4

Keep working on it Dave.

before you know it ,autumn will be here,then it will be time to take some time off.

Ha...You've never met Dave. He don't take time off. He might go da camp, but he's always doing something.

Dave, i had dreams last night of the road runner being all done. it looked great in that color! I had dreams of my new fish house being done too! i think that was just a nightmare though. Keep up the good work. hope to see it soon! Take Care Dusty! Hello everyone!

Windy and rainy here today. Lawn need mowing, but that's not going to happen.

Taking a Concealed Carry class tomorrow night.

Good news on the CC class Bill. Maybe now you have some form of weaponry for those attack turkeys.

leopard squirrel

[Linked Image]

swamp squid

[Linked Image]

The leopard squirrel may look innocent but even the honey badger is afraid of him.

Bad dude that leopard squirrel.

You can tell by his red eye that he has been drinkin' heavily.

He's creepy.

And the squid... wow, dangerous.

Is that Ingwe's thong material "on the hoof?"

I well remember that day.That's me with the hatchet in the South Carolina swamps.Tough critter!He did escape that fray and moved "up nort" after that I heard.I wondered where he went.Now I know.Chickenbuck territory.

Stan in SC

I try not to go into the swamp without my 30hp tractor spinning a brush mower. He seems to shy away from the spinning blades.

But when I get stuck, I break out the hatchet.

That leopard squirrel looks more dangerous than the swamp squid. You'd better carry some serious fire power when you're in the woods, Dave.

32-48-70 knife gun is what I prefer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

32-48-70 knife gun is what I prefer.

That would do it, but don't forget to wear kevlar shorts. If you miss those leapard squirrels go for the family jewels first.

About a 1/2 inch of snow on the ground this morning.

Yuck. Beautiful here today. Sunny, in da 50's. Perfect IMO.

ND Leapard squirrel and swamp squid are good
I got my new knife yesterday and its a real dandy, even Kenna says so!!

Jeff,
Im really happy with my new knife, THANK YOU

That's great! I can't wait to see that knife in person!!

I've had knives made by Jeff in my hands on 2 different Colorado trips and both times I drug those knives through some wapati and the knives were fantastic.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

Here they are, both from D2 steel. Top one is Blackwood with white liners and the bottom is Mopane wood with red liners.

[Linked Image]

Jeff

Dusty fell in love with this black handled knife Jeff made, and now it's Dusty's knife. I think that's great.

Dusty,

I'm glad you like it. Now you just need to shoot something to get it bloodied up!!!

Jeff

Very nice indeed.

Now dont get Uncle Dusty all excited to bloody that knife lest he go shoot the neighbors cow! Just kidding, the fall will be here before you know it....I hope as I dream about my elk hunt daily. I am sitting in MSP airport waiting to go to Indianapolis for a railroad conference. Bored already. I am just glad my traveling is in the spring and not the fall.
Big new purchase for me this week.... I now own a John Deere! Bought a small zero turn lawn mower. First rider ever! So far I love it!

Berrettaman,

If you send me a reminder when your trip gets closer, I'll lend you the campfire knife than NorthernDave has taken on a couple of his elk hunts. Maybe it will bring you good luck!!

Where is your elk trip and when?

Jeff

Started in the flower beds again this week. Friday was a tough day. Worked at one of our clients (the largest one we have) and I cut down over 50 grasses. We have about another 3 hours there cutting down sedums, hydrangias, ect. The arms and shoulders were pretty sore today. Also my right knee is bruised up from kneeling on the rocks. Next year going to get knee pads for that job.

The electrition was here today and finally got everything done. YEAH! Will do some stuff outside here tomorrow, then I have to organize the garage.

Railroad, shmailroad. I can school ya on everything you need to know about it....I should be able too anyway. I've been in class for over a week on the dang things. I know a lot more about it than I should, really.

Originally Posted by Muffy

! Will do some stuff outside here tomorrow, then I have to organize the garage.

Boy, do I EVER have to do that. It's autta hand. It will have to wait though, because this coming week is my turkey hunting week.

Speaking of garages getting outta hand......ours is terrible!! Car parts and pieces everywhere, paint and primer cans here and there, air compressor humming now and then. Skinned knuckles, no fingerprints left, used sandpaper on the floor, revealing that the Roadrunner is getting closer and closer to being back on the road.
Sitting and waiting for the boys to be done with Sunday school, headed in for a little churchin' and sermon notes for Nate then back home for another full day of work on the RR!
Graduation is coming soon so the car needs to wrap up and massive cleaning for much company...then maybe we can take a weekend to RELAX!!! Don't get me wrong though, wouldn't change this for the world, its fun and good time spent with ND and my babies when they come help now and then.

Pam, you got a good excuse for a messy garage. I doubt the rest of us can say the same.

Cool and sunny here this morning. I managed to get most of the bare spots in the front lawn seeded and watered.

Tom, I haven't heard a whole lot of turkey sucess stories so far. My SIL hasn't reported in yet so I don't know how he's doing.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, I haven't heard a whole lot of turkey sucess stories so far. My SIL hasn't reported in yet so I don't know how he's doing.

Got my first down here, yesterday morning. This is not great hunting weather and I think the "rut" may be effectively over, but I found a talkative jake and decided to take him after waiting for him to leave for 45 minutes.

A friend of mine called last night and said that he shot his first turkey and it scared the crap out of the people in the frozen foods section at Wal Mart.

Stan in SC

Congrats!

Congrts on the bird. I'm not one to shy away from popping a Jake. I think I've got 2-3 of them, maybe 1 more, I can't remember for sure.

I'm optimistic, but haven't seen many turkeys around. Not even in the yard. I think I've seen 2 in the last week, which is rare this time of year.

Ha! I'll be they jumped eh Stan.

This little honey hole I have has given up 5 birds over 25# in the previous 3 yrs. I am no turkey hunting guru, just a good spot where even I can't screw up too much. I would have held off normally but time is short for this (second) season and I have a bad feeling that most of the action is over. I'll have another tag get hot in a week or so and I'll work harder and hold out for bigger.

Good luck up there. Turkeys are a godsend here. Just enough of a bridge to make it to fall hunting without losing too much of what little sanity I still have.

j elky,
My hunt is in mid-October in Idaho. Pretty pumped about it. Looks like probably 3 of us. I have been doing lots of research on it and getting more excited by the day.

Tzone,
whatcha learnin' 'bout 'roads?

Welcome Blunderbuss!

+ 1.

My SIL only saw hens yesterday.

Talked with my grandson last night. He along with mom and dad spent Saturday shooting a 40 target 3-D archery course. The little guy is really getting good with a bow.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone,
whatcha learnin' 'bout 'roads?

I've been building them rail roads for two years, so I guess they figured I should go to school and learn it for real now.

Sitting in the room with dad as he is getting his first chemo treatment. He says he feels good. He has been giving the RN grief so that is good also.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Sitting in the room with dad as he is getting his first chemo treatment. He says he feels good. He has been giving the RN grief so that is good also.

Thinking of you guys Muffy.

I hope it goes well.

Good for him. A good attitute goes a long way.

He didn't pinch their butts yet did he?

Praying it all goes as planned. Looking forward to hearing from Uncle Dusty on the Nurses.

ND and family and all my chickenbuck friends,
I had my first chemo today, everthing went excellant no side ef
fects yet.

Tzone
How the hell can I pinch the nurse in the butt when the wife and daughter are sitting there watching everthing I do!!

(ya but he looked pretty happy when him and the nurse came back from the bathroom, who knows what happened in there)

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tzone
How the hell can I pinch the nurse in the butt when the wife and daughter are sitting there watching everthing I do!!

(ya but he looked pretty happy when him and the nurse came back from the bathroom, who knows what happened in there)

Dangit...that do cramp the style a bit doesn't it.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

ND and family and all my chickenbuck friends,
I had my first chemo today, everthing went excellant no side ef
fects yet.

Tzone
How the hell can I pinch the nurse in the butt when the wife and daughter are sitting there watching everthing I do!!

(ya but he looked pretty happy when him and the nurse came back from the bathroom, who knows what happened in there)

Me & ma did take a couple bathroom breaks. So we were not in there the whole time.

Send the women out shopping the next time Dusty so they don't cramp your style.

I'm officially on vacation. Only for a few days, but I'll take what I can get.

Hopefully a turkey will be lovesick enough to come into my sweet nothings.

I have a few spots to try....The Buick field (used to have an old Oldsmobile in it), Roosting Ridge, Oak Ridge, Da Orchard, The Garden. Somewhere they'll pop out, it is usually where I'm not.

Good luck tom. I'd like to try that someday. Been busy cleaning the boat though! Have fun out thr! Take care Dusty! Good to c u back again

It's fun. For pure hunting aspect, I like turkey hunting better than deer hunting. I enjoy deer camp much more though.

I got the tackle and gear loaded into the boat. I still have to put the rods in. I may move the battery charger too. We'll see how much time I get.

Good luck Tom!

Good luck Tom!!!

Talked to mom tonight and dad still feels good. They were at the lake all day today. The well guys were there and got it all done. That will be nice to not have to carry water from the neighbors, right RWS.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Good luck Tom!!!

Talked to mom tonight and dad still feels good. They were at the lake all day today. The well guys were there and got it all done. That will be nice to not have to carry water from the neighbors, right RWS.

ya it'll be alittle easier then walking over to the neighbors and getting water.

now i can go down there again

Pretty good day in the bush. I saw 13 turkeys, two were legal. This morning I had a Jake and a gobbler come in with 5 hens. The Jake was possibly close enough to shoot bit I wasn't going to with the Tom in the field. The Tom never came close than 60-70 yards.

The Tom was kinda goofy looking. Big bird, 10-12" beard, but it was about as thick as a pencil.

Well another afternoon to watch RWS RUN, better bring my blanket along on this one though. It's gonna be a chilly one!!

The meet on Tuesday hosted 8 teams. RWS overall placed 2nd in the 100, 4th in the 200, 2nd in 4x100 relay, and 8th in long jump!! Not too shabby.

ND, PWM, CLB and I had alot of fun watching the boy run.

So track meet tonight, prom preparations tomorrow and prom tomorrow night for Cries Like Baby. Somewhere in all this chaos I should help work on that car too. Weekends just aren't long enough, I'm already tired and it hasn't even started yet.

Have a good one everybody!

Bit cool this morning Tom? 22* here.

Pam, sounds like a busy weekend. Take pictures.

Originally Posted by tzone

Pretty good day in the bush. I saw 13 turkeys, two were legal. This morning I had a Jake and a gobbler come in with 5 hens. The Jake was possibly close enough to shoot bit I wasn't going to with the Tom in the field. The Tom never came close than 60-70 yards.

The Tom was kinda goofy looking. Big bird, 10-12" beard, but it was about as thick as a pencil.

you shoulda had the two barrel savage. A 223 woulda worked nice.

Too bad rifles are not legal here for turkeys.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Too bad rifles are not legal here for turkeys.

I've often thought the same, but wouldn't it make it just way too easy?

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Too bad rifles are not legal here for turkeys.

I've often thought the same, but wouldn't it make it just way too easy?

Head/neck shot at 100 yards isn't the biggest target in the world. Not to mention that they move them too.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Too bad rifles are not legal here for turkeys.

I've often thought the same, but wouldn't it make it just way too easy?

Head/neck shot at 100 yards isn't the biggest target in the world. Not to mention that they move them too.

I'm doubtful that many would voluntarily restrict themselves to head/neck only.

I didn't count today, but saw a bunch of em. 3 toms, two were very "chatty" this am. One gave me best hunt I've had to date but I couldn't drop the hammer.

When I get to an actual computer, I'll describe it.

Fun day!

Awesome. Good to hear they are still working. I go hot again on Wednesday for almost two weeks. I'm hoping they will still be chatty down here. I'm not optimistic though.

Did Jackson tag along?

we're in full swing and then some with turkeys here, I've noticed they have quieted down some, I was hearing gobbles all day everyday last weekend. we still have a pile of hunters out here chasing them, everyone I've talked to have gotten their birds, some groups were 5 for 6 and were heading home without one, but that's not bad.
this weekend is looking like it will be a cool one, so I'm hoping to get a bunch done in the garage, it looks like a mess.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Did Jackson tag along?

Nope. I gave him the option, but he didn't want to miss baseball. The kids LOOOOOOOOVES baseball. First games today for both kids. I'm looking forward to it as much as they are, maybe more.

No. Turkeys were shot on my watch. It was another fun season and it remains my favorite hunt.

Here is the great hunt I had on Friday. Bare with me, it's long and probably needs to be told by a camp fire while imbibing but here goes...

On Friday I never went more than about a half hour without a turkey near me. It was cool, but at the same time I wanted to move locations. Finally at 11am, after sitting under the same tree since 4:25 am I couldn't take it anymore. I was cold, and needed to move. I didn't seem to bump any birds on the way to the truck.

I walked about 1/2 mile to my truck and drove another 1/2 mile to the farm house. I was going to tell the owners I was done for the day and I'd be back in the morning.

I took 2 steps past the barn and saw a HUGE tom strutting 300 yds away at the back of a hay field. I was surprised for two reasons, one, I've never seen any turkey in that field. Two, it's close to their house, so we don't hunt it.

He must have been facing away from me at that moment because he didn't move. I dropped, and crawled back past the barn to where I could stand. I got my gun and a call from the truck and snuck to the edge of the field, and gave a few calls. He wasn't interested in what I had to say so I figured he had a girl friend down there I couldn't see. I left my bino's on the seat of the truck and wasn't going to go back at this point.

There was no way I could sneak down the edge of the field and not bust that gobbler out of there. I figured I had two options. One, the field was on a hill, I could try to sneak back the way I came and use the hill to my advantage. Or two, I could scurry north 100yds, past a strip of woods, and sneak up another 40 acre hay field until I got close to where I figured the bird would be on the other field.

I choose #2 because it would be difficult to get to the other side of the hill without being busted, especially if there were hens I didn't see with the tom.

I trotted down the field about 250-300 yds, and got over a rock pile and under a fence. After all that racket I had doubts the bird would still be on that field. It was heavy brush and thorns to get between the fields. I took a few steps and 'yelped' on the diaphragm call I was trying not to swallow. Take a few more, 'squawk' a few more times. I did that until I could see the rock pile on the fence line I was headed towards. Then, I belly crawled up to the rocks. I've never been on the field, so I had no idea what was over there...it was the typical rock pile fence line with barb wire fence around it. I guessed perfect and was starring at the NE fence corner, just where the bird was.

From my belly I yelp sweet nothings in the general direction and the tom answered me. I was shocked. I made so much racket getting there I couldn't believe he was still there. I could then see his 'fan' above the rock but it was just too brushy to shoot, so I crawled 10 yards west to an opening. I was face to face with his girl friend...She came through the opening to see who was talking to him. I was literally 10 feet from her, laying on my belly. He came over and was strutting, never broke it, I couldn't shoot without hitting her first. At that point he was 15-20 yards from me. He strutted further west, and she went back through the fence and followed. I couldn't see either one anymore and had to move again.

I backed out and head it...the noise none of us turkey hunters want to hear. The "put, put, cluck, cluck, put" alarm. I saw them both boogieing top speed, south across the field, over the hill, and out of my life.

Simply the best turkey hunt I've ever had....THAT is why I do it. I was jazzed up for the rest of the day. Simply GREAT.

Now that was a good read! Thanks.

Doesn't sound like you could have done much different, although I never call when I'm sneaking on one. I don't want him looking my direction until I'm good and ready. But in your case, sounds like you didn't have any options and it worked - except for the hen getting in the way. Had that happen with elk once or twice.

I don't usually call either. I was yelping as I walked because it was just so dang noisy. The brush was thick as tag alders, but i think it was choke cherries or somthing. It was thick and thorny. If you got low you could get through it, but the grass, dead leaves, and sticks made it noisy.

It worked...kinda.

If it was thorny, it may well have been prickly ash, a common understory shrub that rips a guy up pretty well.

I wanted to see how this thread compared to known long threads. We have some work to do. There's one out there with almost 2 million posts. Cripes!

Wow! What a hunt, buddy! Too bad Jackson wasn't there, but at least he missed for a good reason. 'Gotta send me a game schedule Tom-I'd like to come watch him play. Ellie's game nights are Monday, Wednesday and some Thursdays. They play at Lakeville South tomorrow night.

Originally Posted by Mauser_Hunter

I wanted to see how this thread compared to known long threads. We have some work to do. There's one out there with almost 2 million posts. Cripes!

Quality over quantity...

Thought i'd drop in and show a pic of my new kubota on the trailer behind my dodge straight 6 smoker. I love this thing b3200 loader, bushhog, ripper plow etc. :-D

[Linked Image]

Awesome coop!

yea i love that darn'd thing, i was brush hoggin at my brothers and turn'n up some dirt for a big garden for him, thinkin i was born in the wrong time period, i wish i was a farmer

Well I better get in gear for turkey season. Shotgun still not sighted in yet, and my season is the 3rd through 7th.

PM sent woman.

Have fun and good luck.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Nate!

HBD Rooster.

yeah happy birthday Jimbo!

Happy BD Rooster.

Thanks guys!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,ROOSTER!!!!

Happy Birthday Jim!

Thanks guys. I didn't do anything too exciting. "Makes no Patties" came to visit and a neighbor couple stopped over for a little while. But that was about it.

Funny how the older you get, you're birthday just becomes more and more like just another day...

Well unless you're Mrs ND that is! That girl loves her some birthday!

enough is enough, it's time to see if this thing floats.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

enough is enough, it's time to see if this thing floats.

[Linked Image]

It is time Kemosabe.

I'm guessing it does.

It floats gooder than heck.

nice and quiet, both motors run and perform great, controls on main motor a little sticky but I'll fix that.

Lake was calm enough to open it up. Had the whole family (5 of us), a weeny dog and 3/4 tank of gas. 47 and change on the gps topped out and trimmed as good as it got. 5300 RPM

That exceeded my expectations.

It'll be a 50mph boat on a good day with a couple guys and gear in it.

Happy Belated Birthday Rooster!!

5300 seems a bit shy of what it should do. Could be all the weight in the boat though. You should be able to see 55-5700 out of her.

Glad it worked well. Pretty tough to beat those Yammmi's.

Oh yeah I will get 5500 RPM out of it with a lighter load in the boat.

I didn't get a good look in that pic. Is that a stainless or aluminum prop?

I agree, with a non-family load you'll hit 5500. 47 ain't nuttin' to shake a stick at though. That's good IMO. I'll be happy as a puppy with two peters if I can hit 40 on the gps.

Had yours in the water yet Tom?

Looks fun Dave, where did you go run it? I had my 10 yr old out sturgeon fishing in the river last saturday. He reeled in his first sturgeon! 38". nothing big but quite a fight for him. he may be hooked at that! I got the new Ice House last night! it is going to be a lot of fun!

Dave,

18 footer? How big is the Yammie? Assuming 4 stroke?

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Happy Belated Birthday Rooster!!

Thanks Dusty!

47 with a full load. Thats haulin. Easy 50 + with two guys.

18.5', 150 EFI yami 4 stroke. And a T-8 kicker

Very nice boat Dave.

You guys put more stock in what the gps says for speed vs. the speedo on the dash?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Very nice boat Dave.

You guys put more stock in what the gps says for speed vs. the speedo on the dash?

A buddy of mines boat reads 55 - 56 on the dash and the GPS tells him he's doing 50 - 51.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Had yours in the water yet Tom?

No not yet. I have too much going on here right now for that. I NEED to do it soon though. Opener is next weekend, which I have to work on, but I should be able to use it the Sunday of...Then the next weekend I'm taking the kids to Mille Lacs.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Very nice boat Dave.

You guys put more stock in what the gps says for speed vs. the speedo on the dash?

GPS IS the speed. Speedo can vary a bunch.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by j_elky

Very nice boat Dave.

You guys put more stock in what the gps says for speed vs. the speedo on the dash?

A buddy of mines boat reads 55 - 56 on the dash and the GPS tells him he's doing 50 - 51.

Mine does the same thing. Dash says I'm doing 50, GPS says 42.

Trust the GPS. Boat speedos are notoriously inaccurate.

I did glance down at my dash mounted speedo after observing a consistant 47 and change on the gps. Dash speedo was reading close to the same, maybe reading a bit faster.

I go with what the GPS says.

ND trusting government satellites? That is an odd twist to me.

Did you forget the foil hat as well?

i thought maybe he was wearing the armadillo helmet myself again! get that boat to the river this weekend for some sturgeon action Dave!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I did glance down at my dash mounted speedo after observing a consistant 47 and change on the gps. Dash speedo was reading close to the same, maybe reading a bit faster.

I go with what the GPS says.

Heck I go with the GPS on my Ford Diesel. Seems the speedo is about 10% slow.
Need to run 74 to get a true 70mph. Always wondered why the heck everyone passed me on the HWY. One of the benefits was no tickets for a long time but I do want to run at least the speed limit.

FWIW, all three of my Fords run their speedos well above the GPS estimates. At highway speeds, (70-80 mph) the speedometers are reading 4-7 mph higher than the GPS. The Edge is the worst and the F150 is the best. It's annoying.

Brent, my Edge runs about 3 MPH high Vs the GPS and radar.

I wonder why so much variation? I don't know what it did with the original (crappy) tires that it came with. They are long gone but the replacements are nominally the same size and this discrepancy has been the case the whole time.

Do you like your Edge? I hate the thing for some reason, but it is reliable, overpowered (is that possible), and runs great, but feels like I'm driving a bathtub or something like that. I'd never buy another. Oh, the brakes on these do truly suck.

Sorry for the digression...

Nice boat Dave. Real nice boat.

My speedo in the truck is two MPH slower than the gps. It could have something to do with the size of tires on the truck. The truck speedo's are probably all set the same, but you can get different tire/wheel packages for them.

Maybe not, but it's a thought.

I don't have an Edge but my rental car in FL last year was an Edge and I liked it.

For a family vehicle, it worked and had room to spare. If I ever got rid of the truck or needed a spare vehicle, I'd look towards the Edge.

tz, I believe that modern vehicles are programmed for the different wheel and tire sizes now. So, if you went from 17" to 18" or or larger wheels and correspondingly larger tires, the shop punches in new codes for the speedo.

I've got an Edge, Escape and F. The F is the favorite of course, the Escape an easy second, the Edge last. Just not my cup of tea I guess.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I hate the thing for some reason, but it is reliable, overpowered (is that possible), and runs great, but feels like I'm driving a bathtub or something like that. I'd never buy another. Oh, the brakes on these do truly suck.

You hit the nail on the head about the brakes Brent. Backing up is an issue too due to the poor side visability. I like the car, but don't think I'd buy another one. If I were in the market for a replacement I'd take a hard look at the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee. That's assuming I could talk the wife into a pickup.

Take a look at the Escape. It's been a damn reliable vehicle for use (170k miles) and it has more usable (emphasis on usable) room than the Edge. I'd never touch a Jeep and the Toyo dealers suck 'round here so I'd only consider used Toys.

We've replaced Edge brake rotors all around at least once. This week I was told that the front rotors are warped again (I knew that) and that the pads are only 4mm at the bottom but almost 10mm at the top. Something sucks about the brakes on this thing.

Originally Posted by BrentD

tz, I believe that modern vehicles are programmed for the different wheel and tire sizes now. So, if you went from 17" to 18" or or larger wheels and correspondingly larger tires, the shop punches in new codes for the speedo.

I've got an Edge, Escape and F. The F is the favorite of course, the Escape an easy second, the Edge last. Just not my cup of tea I guess.

My mom has an Escape. She bought it the first year they came out, I believe it was '01 or '02. She LOVES it. The only trouble she's had with it was a few weeks ago when she was at our place for a visit, the fuel pump went out. That was the first repair she said she's ever had to do to it. The rig has 145K on it and still runs strong. When it's time to replace it, she said it will be with another.

I do like the 4 runners. The newer style is based off the Tacoma frame and a pretty dang good rig for hunting/fishing. I think some of them can be had with a v-8 if you need it.

Toyota is proud of them and their price tag reflects it. I'd get a Certified Used Toyota before I bought new. That is what I did with the Tundra and had 0 issues with it. The Certified vehicles have a better warranty than the new one's do on the power train. You only get the remaining factory warranty on the rest of the vehicle.

After 18K on the new F-150, the Tundra is still my favorite truck I've had, strictly from a reliabilty stand point. Tundra was very 'no frills', but everthing worked every time.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Take a look at the Escape. It's been a damn reliable vehicle for use (170k miles) and it has more usable (emphasis on usable) room than the Edge. I'd never touch a Jeep and the Toyo dealers suck 'round here so I'd only consider used Toys.

We've replaced Edge brake rotors all around at least once. This week I was told that the front rotors are warped again (I knew that) and that the pads are only 4mm at the bottom but almost 10mm at the top. Something sucks about the brakes on this thing.

Wonder if you have a caliper problem too with a wear pattern like that. Bottom of the pads are making more contact than the top. I've got 48K on mine and haven't had to replace the brakes yet.

My son may be getting a all wheel drive Escape for a company car. Problem is the new 2013 Escape is very different than the current model. Only engines available are 4 bangers. Two of them are turbo charged and the other is the same 4 Cyl that is currenly in use. Hopefully he can get a left over 2012 with the 6 cyl. He has a lot of mountain driving to contend with and the 6 cyl was a peppy engine.

That little Eco-boost 4 banger should run good.

TZ, your mom is a smart gal. Listen to her

Griz, I got caliper problems on top of just plain bad brakes. Never been good. In fact, the brake system delayed the introduction of the model for about a year in the beginning.

I have a 6-cyl Escape but the next one will be a 4. But in the mountains the 6 might be worth it. I live in the flats. When I'm in the Mountains, I'm generally in my F.

My DIL has the 4 cyl and a 5 speed manual trans in her Mazda Tribute (Same as the Escape). It's a dog in the mountains.

The 2013 Escapes look more like a Honda CRX. The std engine is a 1.6 Eco Boost (Turbo). Optional engines are a 2.0 Eco Boost (Turbo) and the original 2.5 DuraTech (Non-turbo). Personally I'd stay away from the tubo engines until they have a few years in production to get the bugs out of them.

I'm looking for a new vehicle along those lines. I really liked my Rodeo, but I know they are known to have engine failures and a few other problems like that. I'm going to look hard at the escapes after reading the good things on here about them.

also, my computer hard drive crashed last night, so I'll be looking for a new one of those today as well, oh joy.

What kind of gas mileage do the Escapes get?

My 6-cyl gets 18-20 being driven 75-80 mph. I drive it hard when I'm on road trips and that's the only time I really look at mileage.

Today, it puttered out to the turkey killing fields and hauled back a nice one for me. TZ, you better get out there again. There were a goodly number of birds working this morning. I had some help from a yearling doe that pushed the tom into my gun. Had to hold off for a bit to avoid hitting the deer too. Crazy.

Originally Posted by BrentD

. TZ, you better get out there again. There were a goodly number of birds working this morning. .

Congrats on the bird. I can't get back out. I only had one tag.

I took the boat out for a run and it worked great. It started to rain so we came back before trying EVERYTHING, but the motors were good.

Got 40.9 on the GPS which is as good as I can expect from a 115hp. With a 150 that it's rated for, she'd really scoot I think.

We got off the water right when the rain started and got the boat on the trailer right when the lightening started.

My DIL's 4 cyl gets 26 on the highway.

Raining here too. More of the same Sunday - Monday.

General fishing season opened in WI today. Cold/wet/windy here in central WI this morning. Not a fun start to the season.

In October of 2011 I bought Mz. Linda a 2012 Escape with the 2.5L four cylinder engine.The auto transmission is a six speed.We get 28 MPG on the road.It has about 14,000 miles on it now and runs great.Very happy with it.
I was a GM person for many years with one or two Fords thrown in but preferred GM. No more!They capitulated to the stimulus crap and Ford did not.I am a Ford person fully now.
I do however still drive the 2002 Trailblazer which we bought new and which was Linda's ride until she got the Escape.I traded my 2006 Colorado pick up in on the Escape.Therefore I inherited the Trailblazer which now has 117,000 miles on it and runs great.

Stan in SC

Those little ecoboost motors are bulletproof, they're direct injection like a diesel motor and extremely strong, Im not to sure how fords electronics and thier transmissions are around them, but those engines in 20 yrs will be regarded as some of the best. Im not a 4cyl-6cyl guy (except for my cummins truck) but im looking VERY hard at that 2.0 ecoboost for my commuter/work car so i can really turn the wick up on the dodge (like 683hp/1431tq arent enough)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

18.5', 150 EFI yami 4 stroke. And a T-8 kicker

my uncle just got a boat identical to that his a 21' and i think its got a 200 merc on it, pretty sharp boat i thought, but im not much o the fishing boat. I heard those Lunds are the cats meow though! looks awesome dave!

I'd be tickled with a little 12 or 14' with a 15 hp evinrude on her. those are some nice rigs ya'll have.

Hey...I got the motor if you have the boat. I have an Evinrude, I think it is a 15hp but I'm not sure. It is still in a box from when we moved. I was going to use it as a kicker on my Alumacraft when I had it. I think it's a 1972 or 75. Whatever it is, it's a 25th Aniversary edition. Kindof a cool motor.

I'd make you a special deal.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

get that boat to the river this weekend for some sturgeon action Dave!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE BETTER

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

get that boat to the river this weekend for some sturgeon action Dave!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE BETTER

Walleye opener is this weekend in MN isn't it?

yep

Yep. I gotta work Saturday, which is OK. I might get out on Sunday.

Next week, I'm heading to Mille Lacs with the kids to see if we can fill a cooler. Well, I'm going to empty one.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey...I got the motor if you have the boat. I have an Evinrude, I think it is a 15hp but I'm not sure. It is still in a box from when we moved. I was going to use it as a kicker on my Alumacraft when I had it. I think it's a 1972 or 75. Whatever it is, it's a 25th Aniversary edition. Kindof a cool motor.

I'd make you a special deal.

what do you have in mind? I'm very interested!

the last 3 weeks have been brutal. 12-14 hour days much of the time, in bed by 8 and up at 3-4am again. but its worth it, the project is coming along really well, some recent changes have been very welcome!

I'll have to see what I got back there. I'll take a look this weekend if I can. I'm not sure what it's worth. Less if it doesn't start.

least then you'd have the anchor covered

I need beer.

agreed.

I need sleep. back to the salt mine for me

Salt makes a guy want beer.

We sold Pam's SUV, now what?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We sold Pam's SUV, now what?

Prius

Get her a motorcycle?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Get her a motorcycle?

I know! I know!

She gets the Road Runner!

Hey dusty, is this a good work car?

[Linked Image]

On the ten days a year when the weather is good enough in northern MN it is a great work car. Otherwise not so good for a lady who works in an office!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey dusty, is this a good work car?

[Linked Image]

Nice, but where are the pedals??

Just found this in my emails:

Congratulations Bill!

You have been randomly selected as this weeks' winner in the Okuma/Lake-Link Dead Eye Rod Give-A-Way promotion.

You have won the DE-S-762M Slip Bobber/Cranking 6-12, 2-piece rod.

Hmmm, if that's real and not some kind of scam, then congrats! That's awesome!

Cool. It looks legit. I've not seen a scam from Lake-link. Doesn't mean there isn't one, but I think you won. Congrats.

Me and my little buddy are going fishing later today. I have to buy a license though. I can do that when we go get bait.

It's for real.

Ahhhhah. First fishing trip of the year and it feels great! Took mini-man out with me and we had fun. Caught a few perch and we each lost a sizable fish at the boat. It felt "pikey" but I didn't get a look at it.

Great day!

Congrats Bill!!!

Looks like a good work vehicle to me Dave.

Someone better ask Uncle Dusty about his new toy.

Ask him what he bought after selling ma's car.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Someone better ask Uncle Dusty about his new toy.

Ask him what he bought after selling ma's car.

Do tell??

Signed dad up for photobucket & showing mom how to use it.

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I DO like that Uncle Dusty. I was thinking about you today when we were fishing. How ya been?

Oh boy! Thats a might perty gun there! I like it!

I would"nt dare sell moms car!! She said she would call the car dealer to bring her a new one, then who the hells gonna pay for that??

Nice 1911 Dusty.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Signed dad up for photobucket & showing mom how to use it.

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Is that Preacher Joe up on the post?

Sure is.

Same message, new church.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Nice Pistola Dusty!

At the hospital for dad's second round of chemo. Going good.

I hope these days that follow go better than the first round. Hopefully those meds are all figured out now.

Please tell him I'm thinking of him and we need to do that hwy 1 ride up by ely on the bikes.

Heel up quick Uncle Dusty! We're thinking of you here.

Good thoughts headed your way Dusty.

get back on your feet quick uncle Dusty, been thinkin of you lots and prayin for a speedy recovery

Talked to him last night. He sounded good. Said he was going to try going to work for a while this morning.

I told him to bank up his sleep this week, he's got a big fishing tournament on saturday which is also his birthday.

Where is the tourney? Are you his partner in crime this weekend?

No not this time, he's got a good partner for this one. A good friend and fishing partner of many years. Together they have a real shot at winning or placing in the money anyways.

I certainly wish them luck!

Dave should not fish this weekend.

Dave should sand.

Dave will ride his new bike and fish this weekend.

Is this a multiple choice thing?

No multiple choice. Weezy needs to drive the tin chicken home from graduation.

negative...

Sand Dave sand! Get the busch lite power behind you!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey dusty, is this a good work car?

[Linked Image]

Maybe I should think about this model cause when I tell poeple I'm gonna get a fatboy to ride around I get really strange looks

Maybe you should get a wide girl instead of a fat boy?

Here's a pic ma took for me.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Maybe you should get a wide girl instead of a fat boy?

Here's a pic ma took for me.

[Linked Image]

Dave, for those of us that are Harley challenged, what model is it??

BTW, whens the graduation party?

Cool pic. I think we need to see more of the shoebox behind it though.

Road king classic.

The car behind it is Pam's 54 chev s dr.

Graddyation stuff is like... June 2nd-ish??

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Road king classic.

The car behind it is Pam's 54 chev s dr.

Graddyation stuff is like... June 2nd-ish??

Yes that's my '54, her name is Myrtle.

UGH....Dave!!!! My mind is so full of details and planning, I'm exhausted with all of this plus the Roadrunner. How much can a woman take? I was hoping you could remember the date of graduation.....June 3rd is the big day! Ceremony and open house following. Dave should post the invite CLB made, it's pretty cool.

Have a great day and weekend everyone!

Well I did say "-ish" which implies sort of a 2 day blanket either direction before and after...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well I did say "-ish" which implies sort of a 2 day blanket either direction before and after...

Is that what that means? I will remember that Mr.

As soon as I posted 'shoe box' I knew I was going to wrong.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Road king classic.

The car behind it is Pam's 54 chev s dr.

Graddyation stuff is like... June 2nd-ish??

Yes that's my '54, her name is Myrtle.

UGH....Dave!!!! My mind is so full of details and planning, I'm exhausted with all of this plus the Roadrunner. How much can a woman take? I was hoping you could remember the date of graduation.....June 3rd is the big day! Ceremony and open house following. Dave should post the invite CLB made, it's pretty cool.

Have a great day and weekend everyone!

I'm sure the invitation I got said the 2nd....? I'll look what I get home to be sure.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Road king classic.

The car behind it is Pam's 54 chev s dr.

Graddyation stuff is like... June 2nd-ish??

Yes that's my '54, her name is Myrtle.

UGH....Dave!!!! My mind is so full of details and planning, I'm exhausted with all of this plus the Roadrunner. How much can a woman take? I was hoping you could remember the date of graduation.....June 3rd is the big day! Ceremony and open house following. Dave should post the invite CLB made, it's pretty cool.

Have a great day and weekend everyone!

Don't fret Pam it will all come together.

I spoke with a women at the credit union the other day that has over 300 people coming to her daughters graduation party.

Both she and her husband come from very large families. Can't imagine what it's going to cost them. She did say that the daughter told her dad that when she wed, she would elope.

Happy birthday dusty!!

Go get em in the tournament today!!

Happy Birthday Dusty!

Fill the boat! good luck in the tourney

Dusty and Lonny need a bag of fish like this to bring to weigh in.

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Happy Birthday Dusty. Good luck fishing.

Happy Birthday Dusty! Good Luck fishin!

Don't let Lonny do his famous "trick" in the boat and start your tackle box on fire!

I posted in a seperate thread but.. We had some good fishing last night.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_5364.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_5374.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_5375.jpg[/img]

Looks good Chickenbukers!

We're headed to Mille Lacs tonight after softball, but I've recieved two texts today that the Mayflies hatched so I'm not holding my breath.

I'd like a couple in the bucket for the ride home.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Just got a text from mom and no word on how the guys are doing in the tournament yet. Sounds like some of the other crew are going to the lake for dad's birthday today. I made dad's rhubarb cake so he should be happy.

Looks like you guys had good luck fishing lastnight Dave, looks like fun!!

Most tournaments there don't allow cell phones in the boats so we probably wont know anything until weigh in.

Lucky devils. How'd the boat work out Dave? A little hard to tell, but it appears that RWS is passing dad up in height.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Lucky devils. How'd the boat work out Dave? A little hard to tell, but it appears that RWS is passing dad up in height.

Dad's just shrinkin!

Originally Posted by tzone

but I've recieved two texts today that the Mayflies hatched

the june bugs were out in force last night here.

Happy birthday uncle dusty. I hope you were rewarded with a great day on the water!

June bugs were iun-buggin on my front porch last night.

We made it to Mille lacs. A stormy drive so we stopped for supper and took our time. Party was rocking strong when we arrived. Lots of hoots and hollers.

Sounds like were going to need a long boat ride tomorrow to find the fish.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.DUSTY!!!!

Dave,it looks like you and Pam and the boys had a great fishing trip.

Stan in SC

I've checked about 20 times this morning, looking for a tournament report. any news?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I've checked about 20 times this morning, looking for a tournament report. any news?

I'm waiting too.

We're home alread.

it was deemed unsafe by the ship captain for a family outing on that water. Wind, lots of rain, and 3 inexperienced family people in the boat. Several went out in front of us and were back by the time we were packing the truck.

I probably would have fished myself or with someone that can handle that type of situation but it wouldn't have been fun for Ma or the kids.

Mille Lacs does have that reputation. Sounds like a good move, even if not what you hoped for.

Sure would like to see some more walleye pictures. Been a long time since I fished for them seriously.

91* here Saturday. Very windy all weekend, but only a couple of drops of rain. We really need the rain right now. Cold front just passed through and the temps dropped over 10 degrees.

We need rain too. We put up 186 bales of hay on Saturday but we need another 200ish maybe, and I'm worried that they might get hard to buy pretty soon, dry as it is.

Cool today but headed up into the 90 this week.

I heard from Dusty last night, sounds like they placed around 10th-9th in their tournament.

Good job guys!

Not to bad. Good job Dusty.

Originally Posted by tzone

We're home alread.

it was deemed unsafe by the ship captain for a family outing on that water. Wind, lots of rain, and 3 inexperienced family people in the boat. Several went out in front of us and were back by the time we were packing the truck.

I probably would have fished myself or with someone that can handle that type of situation but it wouldn't have been fun for Ma or the kids.

Bravery and stupidity are often synonymous. Sounds like you made the right call.

There is zero chance I'm going to risk it with a kid in the boat. There will be lots more days to fish, hopefully with him too.

Thanks alot for all the birthday wishes. It is greatly appeciated

Happy Birthday Uncle Dusty! good job on the fishing tournament Too. Hope your feeling well.

Nice job on the Tourney Uncle Dusty. I'm glad you did well.

Figued I'd post at least once so I can say I did.

You can't post until you read it all.

How's it goin' Doc?

Wild weather here Friday. Hot and extremely windy all day. I don't recall ever seeing so much dust and dirt in the air here. Finally got some much needed rain last night.

There was a confirmed tornado up in the Wausau area. Fortunately there was little damage.

Have a great holiday weekend.

We got the rain, that's for sure. Had to be over 2" but I didn't check. There was even some roads closed here yesterday from the washout.

Jeesh, I guess I was wrong. We had nearly 4" of rain in my neck of the woods. Andover had 5.5". That's enough.

Have a great Memorial weekend everyone! Be safe!

Originally Posted by tzone

We got the rain, that's for sure. Had to be over 2" but I didn't check. There was even some roads closed here yesterday from the washout.

We may have gotten a half inch.

I'm prepping bout 42 lbs of pork for smoking/cooking on Monday. This is for Weezy's grad party next Sunday. I have to cook it ahead of time because it will take all of 12 hours to cook it down to pulled pork for sandwiches.

There are 6 pork shoulders averaging around 8.5 lbs each prior to trimming. I trimmed off most of the fat and removed veins, glands, membranes etc from between the muscles.

I mixed an apple cider based injection with balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire, soy sauce. Then I rubbed on a brown sugar based rub with a variety of seasonings such as paprika, old bay, tex joy, black pepper and such.

Now the 40+ lbs of trimmed, injected and seasoned meat will sit in the fridge until Monday when I will start it at about 7AM.

I'm going to smoke it HEAVY from the start and then gradually transition into just charcoal heat. Shooting for around 12 hours of 225-250 range for the heat.

For those of you that are going to make it to the party, I'm trying hard to make this my best batch ever.

That looks very, VERY yummy!!!!

oh just wait till monday when I start posting pics of it actually smoking/cooking.

Dang!I get heartburn just looking at the pictures.
Dave,you're a good and loving father to do all of this for your daughter.I sincerely hope that the graduation party is a resounding success.
I'm attending my grand daughter's high school graduation next Friday.
I hope everyone has a GREAT Memorial Day weekend.

Stan in SC

Oh my, I took a peek in the fridge this morning, pork is still marinating, I can smell it all through the house, it smells awesome!!

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Looks good Dave. My late brother cooked up some great pulled pork in his smoker. I think my BIL still has the recipe.

Quote

I'm going to smoke it HEAVY from the start and then gradually transition into just charcoal heat. Shooting for around 12 hours of 225-250 range for the heat.

Thick white smoke billowing out of your chimney can and will leave what tastes like ( and is ) a layer of creosote on your meat. A line I crossed a few times

A stronger flavored wood if you want more smoke taste is OK , just try and keep the smoke in the thin and blue range rather than your cooker looking like an old steam train engine

Congrats to The grad weezy and the proud parents !!

I've ruined meat before with a side firebox type of cooker... Yeah, been there done that

Now I place a few of these oak wafers on top of my charcoal fire for my smoke. It's much more discrete, controlable.

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I was pretty sure I didn't need to post that.

Just the wording got me ???
Again Congrats to Weezy and the proud parents

Over 5 million views here , great place this thread is.

Looking good Dave. Maybe should have a pre-party and trial run with that goodness.

It's very much an appreciated reminder Phil.

A couple things are easily hosed up with bbq, one is that you can always add salt but once it's too salty you can't take the salt out of the meat

And another is the smoke like you say.

uh.....when you going to come to antelope camp? open invitation you know...you can bbq here

I'd really like that Keith, it'll happen.

Have you ever tried Hickory, Dave? That's what my brother used.

I'd have to go buy some. I cut oak most times right here at home, or cherry wood from wild pincherry trees in the woods around home.

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BBQing with no beer?

Hi Ryan!!

Well the oak is NOT on the fire. A couple of friends (Mike and Keith) seperately urged me to try something different. I have chips from a wild pin cherry tree on the fire now.

And it smells great!!

ya still need a beer, I don't care what time it is

I'm with Kendra in williston visiting family, had to spened some more time with em before they would signoff on me poppin the question

Dave, do you cater?

you dog....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ya still need a beer, I don't care what time it is

I'm with Kendra in williston visiting family, had to spened some more time with em before they would signoff on me poppin the question

Dave, do you cater?

Ryan, did you?

This stuff looks horrible. Nobody is going to want to eat this junk, might as well toss it out.

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my little smoking blocks cut from a wild cherry tree.

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Pert near haff ways cooked...

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Still no beer?

Looks good. Maybe you can make a tour of antelope camps. We will be in Central WY. You can cater there, and then on down to Colorado - you could probably make a living doing that or at least pay for your gas money

PS. We always have good beer in substantial quantities...

getting pretty delicate.

[Linked Image]

And the beer is cold and wonderful.

Junk.

Originally Posted by eh76

uh.....when you going to come to antelope camp? open invitation you know...you can bbq here

Smoked antelope...sounds mighty tasty!

We had a great weekend of wheeling, fishing, and general goofing off. Weather was touch and go but we made the best of it. The kids were completely wiped yesterday from a FULL day of play. Kids put some gills on the stringer.

Today was dad and grandpa fishing. It was all pike, small ones but they were still fun. I hooked a very large walleye off the dock while waiting for my step dad to come down to the lake. I was fighting it when he got there and he almost messed himself. There is not many walleye in the lake at all and this one was a beauty. It was WELL into the high 20's for size. I'd guess 28-30".

Fun for about 1 minute until Grandpa knocked it off with the net.

He felt a lot worse about it than I did.

The kids slept from the driveway of the cabin to the driveway of the house tonight. I'd say that means it was a heck of a weekend!

Ribs look mighty good Dave.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This stuff looks horrible. Nobody is going to want to eat this junk, might as well toss it out.

I agree. See if you can toss down this way.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm with Kendra in williston visiting family, had to spened some more time with em before they would signoff on me poppin the question

Nooooooooooo.

Congrats if you did tho.

I haven't asked yet, but we've talked about it. we just made it home. time to unpack, do some paper work and get ready for 6am, it will get here mighty early

So you've talked about it Ryan? Meaning it's not gonna be a surprise?

I say, take her on a prairie dog hunt and pop the question on one knee with rifles smokin!

Maybe even keep her after dark and have "Will you Marry Me?" spelled out in Christmas lights on a distant hillside. Make sure you have a buddy and a generator though.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So you've talked about it Ryan? Meaning it's not gonna be a surprise?

I say, take her on a prairie dog hunt and pop the question on one knee with rifles smokin!

Maybe even keep her after dark and have "Will you Marry Me?" spelled out in Christmas lights on a distant hillside. Make sure you have a buddy and a generator though.

Wow Rooster, very romantic. Is that what you did for Karen? The lights I mean.

ready for sandwiches.

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Send some ny way Dave. Lookin gooooooood!

Ryan, quit talken about it and getter done!

Mmmmmm.... Dead pig sammiches..... I maybe see if I can git over to your area for some sammiches.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Send some ny way Dave. Lookin gooooooood!

Ryan, quit talken about it and getter done!

Or just save yourself the trouble and buy her house. It'll be cheaper in the long run.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So you've talked about it Ryan? Meaning it's not gonna be a surprise?

I say, take her on a prairie dog hunt and pop the question on one knee with rifles smokin!

Maybe even keep her after dark and have "Will you Marry Me?" spelled out in Christmas lights on a distant hillside. Make sure you have a buddy and a generator though.

Wow Rooster, very romantic. Is that what you did for Karen? The lights I mean.

No. We got engaged on Christmas Eve in front of my family but it was something I would have liked to have done.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Send some ny way Dave. Lookin gooooooood!

Ryan, quit talken about it and getter done!

Or just save yourself the trouble and buy her house. It'll be cheaper in the long run.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So you've talked about it Ryan? Meaning it's not gonna be a surprise?

I say, take her on a prairie dog hunt and pop the question on one knee with rifles smokin!

Maybe even keep her after dark and have "Will you Marry Me?" spelled out in Christmas lights on a distant hillside. Make sure you have a buddy and a generator though.

Wow Rooster, very romantic. Is that what you did for Karen? The lights I mean.

Anybody care to guess how ND proposed to me? It was in true ND fashion that's for sure.

Would it be appropriate for children of all ages? We have some really old, immature children on this site...

What ever she says, don't believe her. I never asked her anything, she's been following me around for 20 years. She's like a stalker, it's creepy.

Alright, lets pass the cup and tell the engagement stories.

We had been dating since high school (I was 22). I tied the ring with FISHING line around my HUNTING dog's neck and asked her to pet the dog. Yes, I hear that collective groan from all the womenfolk on the forum

. I would prolly do it different today, but at the time it sounded like a swell idea. Oh, and it worked! Almost 18 years going strong!

So everyone knows ND has a streak of originality in him. Thus I am fairly anxious to hear how he pulled that off. ND, the anticipation bar is set high for you!

I wonder how well a pork sammie would hold up in the mail???

I knew my wife for three years before we started dating.Our first date was on a Friday and on Monday I called her long distance to North Carolina from Georgia and asked here if I could ask her to marry me the next time I saw her.We were married six weeks later and it has now been 24 years and I swear it is true that we have NEVER had a bad argument.We have had differing opinions on certain subjects but we are lucky in that we both believe in communication.I'm a lucky lucky guy.

Stan in SC

You're a blessed man, Stan.

BM, I do believe ND should send us a pork sammich so we can fully decipher your question.

I know the story on how ND proposed to Pam, it was told at chickenbuck I think or in the fish house. I won't spoil it, I'll let folks keep guessin on that one.

I am getting her a pink camo wedding ring set though. and she's cool with it, actually liked the idea!

actually now that I think of it, Pam told me the story, Dave was there to chime in too, it was at Camp.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I know the story on how ND proposed to Pam, it was told at chickenbuck I think or in the fish house. I won't spoil it, I'll let folks keep guessin on that one.

I am getting her a pink camo wedding ring set though. and she's cool with it, actually liked the idea!

I want to see a picture of that! Didn't know they made such a thing.

www.camoring.com they have a service where you send in the band you want and they dip it, or you can buy one of their ready made ones, which we don't want to do.

Cool website. My wife would kill me. I mean she would KILL me if I did that to my ring!

Are you going to do both (yours and hers) like that or just one? Exciting times that is for sure!

no pink camo for me

C'mon,Pam. Those of us not in the know are anxious to hear the story.

Stan in SC

She's very busy, she took the rest of the week off of work to get ready for weezy's graduation party this coming weekend. So she probably wont be signing in.

And I'm not going to help answer this question. I'm pleading the 5th.

No,you DRANK the fifth.
We attended my grand daughter's high school graduation exercise last night.I am so happy to see that girl graduate.She looked great.Later we all went to dinner.Had a great evening.

Stan in SC

We're going to our grand daughters 8th grade graduation Tuesday.

We're going to pull the carpeting in 2 of the bedrooms and have the hardwood floors redone. Hallway will get done also. I wouldn't be surprised if I have to repaint at least one bedroom.

Once that's done it will be new carpet in the master bedroom, dining/living rooms, and tile in the entry way.

It sounds like you have a summer full of projects Bill!

I have to work Saturday or I'd be trying real hard to get up to southern Canada for a young lady's grad party up there. I hope you all have fun with that pork.

My dad is coming down early Sunday morning with his 64 Merc Maurader, and we're going to an all Ford car show in Apple Valley, MN. I plan to take a lot of pictures.

Planting trees here this weekend. We need to replace some of the ones that died last year on our hunting land.

I will think of the big grad party tomorrow and I hope you have a nice event.

Long time since I gave a Cole update: all is good! Last scan was clear and things are going smoothly.

Hey Griz, are you gonna be selling your fishing rods? Sounds like you wont have time to use them!! Hehehe!

Dave, I can't believe Weezy is doing it so quick. Congrats to weezy on the graduation and Hopes the best for her future. Ma & Pa brought her up right and have a great family. Good luck to Nd & Mrs as well. Keep up the great family times you have, Hope to see you all on sunday.

It does seem fast. I remember reading on here years back about her first season at Chickenbuck, shooting her first deer, getting a Mustang stuck on the sidewal.

Seems like yesterday.

Originally Posted by tzone

It does seem fast. I remember reading on here years back about her first season at Chickenbuck, shooting her first deer, getting a Mustang stuck on the sidewal.

Seems like yesterday.

Time does fly and the older you get the faster it seems to pass.

Congrats Weezy, have a great weekend!

BM, thanks for the update on Cole. Glad to hear things are going well for him.

As to the rods. Fat chance you'll ever see them.

Yeah, I knew it didnt look good for me getting the rods, but will you get to use them? I hope so, but that is a lot of work you are getting yourself into.

So, big downer of the day....the paper today says they are putting 2 apartment complexes about 300 yards west of me. 63 units each. Then later, the plan is to add 8 more complexes. Great, just where I want to live, surrounded by apartments. So 630 units is what, 2,000 people? All less than a mile from me. Paradise is lost. We had it sooooo nice here too. Country living close to town.

Wow...this thread had a bit of everything...cooked piggies, pink rings, engagement stories.

Ya'll over here like to have your fun, don't ya!

ND, I'm wondering if everyone were to pitch in some $$, would you be willing to send some cooked piggy our way?

I'm drooling looking at those pictures!

BM, great news about Cole. Thanks for the update.

Yes,great news concerning Cole.So glad that he is doing well.

Stan in SC

Has the party started yet?

I don't think it ever stopped.

The pork is loaded into 2 roaster pans, garage is deccorated, we're heading to the school in less than an hour.

wishing the young lady well.
" go forth,and do great things."

I bet ma and pa are feeling some mixed emotions as they watch their oldest pass one of the largest thresholds of her adult life.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Big Swish, you are the man!!!

I'll get started on the deer pole expansion project this weekend!!

One pole, what the heck was I thinking????

That's frickin awesome.

But did you have to show it to me on a pre deer camp Friday with over 7 hours left to go in the day????

Well, it's off to camp tonight, it's still raining too though.

My daughter is hunting this weekend (youth hunt) with her Ruger 77 standard/walnut in .243, free float, glass bed, tuned trigger, slicked action & now a new bushnel elite 3200 3-9 x 40 to help her point it at the sweet spot.

she's a shooter too, that girl can really shoot that thing.

After taking a brand new rifle out of the box & reworking it to my liking, I sighted it in & let her shoot it. I tought her to shoot starting out fairly young with a single shot youth model rimfire borrowing some of the basic fundamentals taught in USMC marksmanship courses. Body & skeletal alignment/support, breathing control & basic trigger handling, sight/target focal point do's & donts.... (girls are so easy to train with this stuff)

here, check it out. these are the first two shots she ever took with the rifle after I sighted it in for her. I made a black dot in the center of this basic 1" grid type target & explained to her that the smaller the focal point, the tighter she would group if she could stay on true through her trigger pull.

this is without a rest, it was off of a wooden shooting bench & the only support she used was a very large gym sock I have over filled with whole kernel dried feed corn (kind of a tight bean bag of sorts) that we placed under the forend for her.

the only reason I stopped her at 2 shots is because I couldn't see her holes in the target through my spotting scope, target lasered at 105 yds.

when we approached the target it was pretty clear that things were going to be ok in the way of accuracy for little miss hunter & her new M77.

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Now if we can get a deer in front of her this weekend we'll be in business.

This I think was the first post that you talked about her in this thread. Amazing how a few years ( that seem like forever to a youngster ) pass by so quick.
Congrats and enjoy the celebration and party

I hope is all going well up Nort'. My mouth is watering thinking about that pork!

Congrats Weezy! You did it. We knew you would, but it's still a great feeling of freedom and a new one of responsibly. You have the family and support to stand behind you and help you when you need it, and the smarts and stubbornness to do it yourself.

I wish you well in whatever direction you choose to take. It's OK to screw up....you will. That is how you learn. Good luck Ms. Shaw.

Tom

Well said Tom.

Weezy just remind your folks that they need to be real nice to you now, since you're the one that will be taking care of them down the line.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I bet ma and pa are feeling some mixed emotions as they watch their oldest pass one of the largest thresholds of her adult life.

No doubt . My oldest graduated last year and my youngest will be driving soon and that REALLY scares me .

The dead pig was awesome! It was a great party & good to see all the folks that I haven't ran into for a while.

Congrats again Weezy!

Thank you everybody that came and to those that sent cards and for all the well wishes here. It was a great day yesterday, lots of good company and the rain held off too. It looks like tzone routed a collection from some frequent posters here to our mailbox. Thanks guys, that was a really nice surprize for weezil.

PICTURES! We want pictures.

Congrats Weezy! You will do great in whatever you decide to do!

Bman that SUCKS about the apartment buildings! We had a scare similar a few years ago. I live on 6 acres that are surrounded on the 3 sides by 80 acres of CRP. One day I came home and seen trails through it that were made by a large backhoe with tracks. I went and checked it out and found multiple "test" spots where they had dug testing for gravel. The landowner works part time for a gravel company and had them test the land around our house. Thank GOD they didn't find what they were looking for!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

PICTURES! We want pictures.

Here, here....and not of the damn pork. Everytime I'm hungry I think of that pulled pork sammich I missed out on.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats Weezy! You will do great in whatever you decide to do!

Bman that SUCKS about the apartment buildings! We had a scare similar a few years ago. I live on 6 acres that are surrounded on the 3 sides by 80 acres of CRP. One day I came home and seen trails through it that were made by a large backhoe with tracks. I went and checked it out and found multiple "test" spots where they had dug testing for gravel. The landowner works part time for a gravel company and had them test the land around our house. Thank GOD they didn't find what they were looking for!

When we were looking for houses in 2010 when we moved here, there was one that was decent but it had a 7 car attaced garage. I couldn't care less about the house but I wanted that garage. The asking price on the house was under what it should have been for the area and the ammenities....I finally google map'd it and saw it was surrounded by a gravel pit. It HAD to be the owners place or the folks that lived there couldnt' take it anymore and wanted out.

Oh I think Pam took some pictures and I saw Missy with her camera too, there must be some pictures we can post up. Be patient, we'll find something.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats Weezy! You will do great in whatever you decide to do!

Bman that SUCKS about the apartment buildings! We had a scare similar a few years ago. I live on 6 acres that are surrounded on the 3 sides by 80 acres of CRP. One day I came home and seen trails through it that were made by a large backhoe with tracks. I went and checked it out and found multiple "test" spots where they had dug testing for gravel. The landowner works part time for a gravel company and had them test the land around our house. Thank GOD they didn't find what they were looking for!

When we were looking for houses in 2010 when we moved here, there was one that was decent but it had a 7 car attaced garage. I couldn't care less about the house but I wanted that garage. The asking price on the house was under what it should have been for the area and the ammenities....I finally google map'd it and saw it was surrounded by a gravel pit. It HAD to be the owners place or the folks that lived there couldnt' take it anymore and wanted out.

Can you imagine living right in the center of something like that? On the plus side when the pit dried up and it got all over grown, it would make for some good deer hunting but I would lose my mind LONG before that happened.

A SEVEN car garage???

Originally Posted by tzone/quote

[quote=tzone
Here, here....and not of the damn pork. Everytime I'm hungry I think of that pulled pork sammich I missed out on.

I had two T. One for each of us! Lemme tell ya...... I'll eat there anyday!

Well, thanks for thinking of me.

me and the boys got away for a little fishing last Friday too.

[Linked Image]

Nice stringer! That perch looks like a linebacker too. Your Pa's lookin good too.

Did Uncle Dusty make it up? How's he doing?

Dusty and the whole crew certainly did make the trip up. His fight is not an easy one but recent scans have shown considerable shrinkage of the cancer in the lung and other areas sound as if they are responding to treatment as doctors have hoped for.

I believe he goes for chemo treatment number 3 today.

This chemo business is for the birds I tell ya. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

10-4 will do. Hang tough Uncle Dusty!

Still sending prayers Dustys way.

Spend a good part of Sunday working on the boat. Think we may have fixed the leaks. Found 2 leaks in the live well system. The pump was cracked plus we also found a small leak in the filler hose where it connected to the well. Replaced the pump and repaired the connection.

Thanks for the pics Dave.

Grandson (Age 7) called Sunday all excited. Told grandma to get on the computer because he wanted to SKYPE. Once we connected there he was holding up a large metal for taking 1st place in his age group in a 3D archery shoot. He was just beeming with pride. Turns out he actually out scored the winner of the next age class too. His mom took 2nd place in the womens division. Our son didn't even come close to placing.

FIRST!!! Congrats WEEZIE!!! She is one beautiful gurl!! Takes after her Mom (CLEARLY!!) for looks.

Dave ya gots a KICKASS great family!!! ALL of ya are very lucky!!! Second: Don't know your Uncle Dusty, but he has my best wishes coming his way.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This chemo business is for the birds I tell ya. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

He is...everyday.

It is good new the treatments are working as planned. The chemo is tough, tough, tough. He's a strong man with lots of friends and family here for him, praying and thinking of him.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Thanks for the pics Dave.

Grandson (Age 7) called Sunday all excited. Told grandma to get on the computer because he wanted to SKYPE. Once we connected there he was holding up a large metal for taking 1st place in his age group in a 3D archery shoot. He was just beeming with pride. Turns out he actually out scored the winner of the next age class too. His mom took 2nd place in the womens division. Our son didn't even come close to placing.

Cool! Something tells me your son wasn't bothered a bit that mom and boy did well and he didn't.

I think I need to get the boy into wrestling or boxing.

The neighbors had a grad party for thier son on Saturday. Lots of kids of all ages. Mini-man is an easy boy to get along with, plays with kids from 2 years old up to 14-15 years old all the time while playing ball in the neighborhood, he is 7. He is good at baseball so the bigger kids let him play with them, but he also knows this and is a bit cocky about it, which I'm working on

I just got home from work and was finding a 'soda' for me an Pa who was here for the "all ford car show" the next morning, when my daughter came over and said some big kid trying to hurt Jack. My first thought was that he was cocking off to one because they were all playing baseball when I got home a few minutes before.

She said no, he was some kid that was there for the party and he is 12 or 13. Jack grew a bunch over the winter and this spring, he's built like a tank and retard strong,(70 pounds) but probably no match for a kid that is probably twice his size.

So I walked over to the neighbors back yard to find an almost 7 year old kid on the ground on his back, with choke hold from behind on a 12 year old kid, who is begging for Jack to let him out of the head lock he's in...Jack is yelling "I told you to stop, I told you to stop, are you gonna stop?" My dad started laughing his arse off and says, "I guess his dad taught him not to take any crap"...which I did.

We got the boys apart and the Jack said "he kept stomping on my toes Dad, look at them." He NEVER wears shoes and his feet were bleeding. I guess the kid got mad and stomped on Jacks feet. He told him to quit, and he did it again and cut his foot.

When I asked what happened next. He said I kept trying to punch him in the belly but he kept hitting my hand away so I punched him in the face instead, and then in the junk, then he bent over and grabbed his head to pull him down to the ground like you're supposed to do.

But now I think he's going to leave me alone.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Thanks for the pics Dave.

Grandson (Age 7) called Sunday all excited. Told grandma to get on the computer because he wanted to SKYPE. Once we connected there he was holding up a large metal for taking 1st place in his age group in a 3D archery shoot. He was just beeming with pride. Turns out he actually out scored the winner of the next age class too. His mom took 2nd place in the womens division. Our son didn't even come close to placing.

Cool! Something tells me your son wasn't bothered a bit that mom and boy did well and he didn't.

I think I need to get the boy into wrestling or boxing.

The neighbors had a grad party for thier son on Saturday. Lots of kids of all ages. Mini-man is an easy boy to get along with, plays with kids from 2 years old up to 14-15 years old all the time while playing ball in the neighborhood, he is 7. He is good at baseball so the bigger kids let him play with them, but he also knows this and is a bit cocky about it, which I'm working on

I just got home from work and was finding a 'soda' for me an Pa who was here for the "all ford car show" the next morning, when my daughter came over and said some big kid trying to hurt Jack. My first thought was that he was cocking off to one because they were all playing baseball when I got home a few minutes before.

She said no, he was some kid that was there for the party and he is 12 or 13. Jack grew a bunch over the winter and this spring, he's built like a tank and retard strong,(70 pounds) but probably no match for a kid that is probably twice his size.

So I walked over to the neighbors back yard to find an almost 7 year old kid on the ground on his back, with choke hold from behind on a 12 year old kid, who is begging for Jack to let him out of the head lock he's in...Jack is yelling "I told you to stop, I told you to stop, are you gonna stop?" My dad started laughing his arse off and says, "I guess his dad taught him not to take any crap"...which I did.

We got the boys apart and the Jack said "he kept stomping on my toes Dad, look at them." He NEVER wears shoes and his feet were bleeding. I guess the kid got mad and stomped on Jacks feet. He told him to quit, and he did it again and cut his foot.

When I asked what happened next. He said I kept trying to punch him in the belly but he kept hitting my hand away so I punched him in the face instead, and then in the junk, then he bent over and grabbed his head to pull him down to the ground like you're supposed to do.

But now I think he's going to leave me alone.

CLASSIC! Way to go Jack!

New Nickname?

BILLY Jack!

Stay strong Dusty! Were pullin and prayin for ya!

You done good Jack. Not that I condoan fighting, but sometimes you just have to take a stand.

Fox news is calling is for Walker.

Way to go Wi voters!!!

You did it!!

Good news for all of us.

We be very happy this morning.

There is a guy that has an office next to mine, from Mil., WI. He is a HUGE anti-Walker dude.

Somebody put up a 12x12 sign in bright colors that says I "Stand With Wlaker" on his door.

I can't imagine somebody would do that, but they did.

We need a trail camera set to see the insuing hijinx.

Excellant!

that's some nice work.

I got this emailed to me and thought you might want to give it a quick read:

>Pictured below is a young physician by the name of Dr. Starner Jones. His short two-paragraph letter to the White House accurately puts the blame on a "Culture Crisis" instead of a "Health Care Crisis". It's worth a quick read:
If you doubt any part of what Dr. Jones says, go visit your local
> hospital emergency room as an observer for an hour or so some Friday or Saturday night.
>
> Dear Mr. President:
> During my shift in the Emergency Room last night, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient whose smile revealed an expensive shiny gold tooth, whose body was adorned with a wide assortment of elaborate and costly tattoos, who wore a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and who chatted on a new cellular telephone equipped with a popular R&B ring tone.
>
> While glancing over her patient chart, I happened to notice that her payer status was listed as "Medicaid"!
>
> During my examination of her, the patient informed me that she smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and somehow still has money to buy pretzels and beer.
>
> And, you and our Congress expect me to pay for this woman's health
> care? I contend that our nation's "health care crisis" is not the result of a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses.
>
> Rather, it is the result of a "crisis of culture", a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on luxuries and vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance.
> It is a culture based on the irresponsible credo that "I can do
> whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me."
>
> Once you fix this "culture crisis" that rewards irresponsibility and dependency, you'll be amazed at how quickly our nation's health care difficulties will disappear.
>
> Respectfully,
> STARNER JONES, MD

Well written.

Hey look what me and Pam found under a pile of road runner parts in our shop.

[Linked Image]

Looks like the RR gave birth to a Cheby?? What the heck is going on in that shop of yours Dave???

hoowee! lookin good Dave!

what do you have left to do on it, or is she done?

That's our first car together. (Pam and I)

It was a daily driver, and it shows. 1966 chev caprice, 2 dr coupe. Original 327 and powerglide trans still function perfectly.

It needs a lot of TLC but we hauled it out of it's corner in the shop so we could run it a little.

I've told it many times but I'll say it again. All 3 of our kids came home in this car after being born. It was also our wedding day car, it's been all over the place. I used to have a reciever hitch on this thing, I pulled a 20' deep V fiberglass boat behind this car. Big heavy I/O boat with a 351 ford V8 engine.

This is one tough old car.

We aren't running it over to the car show this weekend but we will drive it to the after show party which is just as fun if not funner than the car show itself.

Hey Dave, How is the RR coming?

It's taking a break from me.

Or i'm taking a break from it, or something like that lol!

But it is looking very good. Things arent happening really fast at this point but stuff is getting done correctly.

Hey it looks good all shined up!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's taking a break from me.

Or i'm taking a break from it, or something like that lol!

But it is looking very good. Things arent happening really fast at this point but stuff is getting done correctly.

Much better that way.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well written.

Hey look what me and Pam found under a pile of road runner parts in our shop.

[Linked Image]

Love those wheels!

you can have em lol!

i hate em.

no reason to force it. get it done when time will let it. No reason to rush it and get realy burnt out from it. you got lots of cars to keep doing.

My buddy had a 78 chev pick up with those wheels.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you can have em lol!

i hate em.

For FREE???

SWEET!

lemme replace em first foo!

It would look etter with just break drums.

I had the same vehicle style in dark blue as a company vehicle in 1966/1967.It was FAST.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I had the same vehicle style in dark blue as a company vehicle in 1966/1967.It was FAST.

Stan in SC

I bet it had wheels like Dave's does. That's what made it so fast!

Was at the car show in Hawley today. Will post some pics later. Gonna take a nap and put aloe on my sunburn.

I'm up isle tonight. My buddy and I are headed to the Mille lacs casino to watch some of our co-workers that are fighting in a MMA fight there tonight. They are two oft best on the country and one is the headliner tonight.

I heard there is a lake up here too so I might see if it holds any fish.

Just a nasty rumor Tom....there's no fish in that lake. Unless you've got some gill nets......

Looks like the MN contingent is in for some nasty weather today.

well Kendra changed her mind on the pink camo ring, that white gold was just too perty to cover up she said. I can't fault her for that I guess.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Just a nasty rumor Tom....there's no fish in that lake. Unless you've got some gill nets......

I might agree with you after today.

I did catch a hellova small mouth. Almost 21". Biggest I've ever caught and probably ever will catch.

Man, that's a big ol' smallie! Bet she put up one heck of a fight.

No kidding, that would be awesome.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Just a nasty rumor Tom....there's no fish in that lake. Unless you've got some gill nets......

I might agree with you after today.

I did catch a hellova small mouth. Almost 21". Biggest I've ever caught and probably ever will catch.

Wow! That must have been close to 6 lbs!

She pulled some drag for sure. I was Lindy rigging with 6# test so I had to be gentle.

My friend took some pics with a real camera so hopefully he sends me those tomorrow. If not I can post the off my cell phone.

We were trying to figure that out Jim. I have no idea and I don't carry a scale in the boat. It was 20 7/8" so not quite 21. I do have a bump board that the Tournies use, so that should be right on.

Would sure look nice on a piece of drift wood!

Tom-were you down on the south end in the rocks?

My son caught one that was 19 3/4" and weighed 4.75 pounds on a certified scale 6 hours after it was caught. Fish was kept on ice, but probably lost few ounces in weight. One of the prettiest smallies i've ever seen. It went on the wall.

Tom, your fish was certainly in the 5.5 pound range.

My best todate is 19", 4.5 pounds.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Would sure look nice on a piece of drift wood!

It might....but someone else will have to do it cuz she be swimmin again.

I think the only fish have mounted would be a big pike or muskie. I caught 2 walleyes that were over 30" and as far as I know they're still swimming. They were both caught durring tournaments so I didn't have a choice. One was 30 3/4", pretty sure I'd have kept that one.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Tom-were you down on the south end in the rocks?

Obligatory bass photo
[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

[img:left] [Linked Image]

[/img]

Nice!!

Thanks.

It was a pretty fish. Lots of green and brown. If I ever wanted to have a smallie mounted, that was probably my chance I guess. I'm kinda second guessing myself...

I would recommend a replica. I will never mount another fish, the replicas are better all the way around. I have 2 replicas and a real mount in my office and NOBODY has ever guessed correcty which is which. They all look good, but the replicas never go bad. If you decide to do it, call Matt at Artistic Anglers in Duluth, he is the best and if you tell him you are a friend of mine, he will only charge you a little extra! Nice fish!

You need to get a smaller dude to hold your fish. My brother is 6'-7" and 270# so I don't let him any where near a photo.

My 5'-2" wife has been in a few.

Very nice, Tom. My son's smallie had some purple hues. What a beauty it was. HOw's the Lund doing for you?

Nice!

Looking at the pics, I actually caught one similar through the ice several years ago.

I released that one without measuring or weighing it because the season was closed on them. I can't remember for sure if it was a closed season or catch and release only season? I just remember I couldn't take it home and she went back in the lake.

It definately put up a fight with the hand over hand method of retrieval!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I would recommend a replica. I will never mount another fish, the replicas are better all the way around. I have 2 replicas and a real mount in my office and NOBODY has ever guessed correcty which is which. They all look good, but the replicas never go bad. If you decide to do it, call Matt at Artistic Anglers in Duluth, he is the best and if you tell him you are a friend of mine, he will only charge you a little extra! Nice fish!

Matt did a Walleye for me, he's VERY good.

Tzone has driven past his shop many times i'm sure.

That dude is getting smaller. 25 pounds smaller than he was in January.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Very nice, Tom. My son's smallie had some purple hues. What a beauty it was. HOw's the Lund doing for you?

The Lund is fine but it ain't no Ranger. The next one probably will be...whenever that is.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I would recommend a replica. I will never mount another fish, the replicas are better all the way around. I have 2 replicas and a real mount in my office and NOBODY has ever guessed correcty which is which. They all look good, but the replicas never go bad. If you decide to do it, call Matt at Artistic Anglers in Duluth, he is the best and if you tell him you are a friend of mine, he will only charge you a little extra! Nice fish!

Matt did a Walleye for me, he's VERY good.

Tzone has driven past his shop many times i'm sure.

I know the place. I'll skip that telling him I know you. That didn't work out last time real well.

Truth is, I don't have the extra cash right now to pay attention, let alone get a mount done.

Originally Posted by tzone

That dude is getting smaller. 25 pounds smaller than he was in January.

Congratulations Bud! Thats awesome!

Now if I could just drop this pesky 30lbs that I need to...

Originally Posted by tzone

I know the place. I'll skip that telling him I know you. That didn't work out last time real well.

Truth is, I don't have the extra cash right now to pay attention, let alone get a mount done.

That's ok, because if he's anything like he was/has been.... he won't get around to your stuff for 15 years anyways lol!!

Beautiful day here. Feels like fall.

It was the same here. Loved it.

I was scheduled for jury duty today, but the trial was cancelled. Two more weeks and I'm off the hook for at least 4 years.

I was on it twice. It as during the winter both times, back when I was on a seasonal lay off. It passed the time and I got paid.

I've done it befor and don't mind it. If you're selected under the current plan your on-call for a month. Than it's 4 years befor your name can be pulled again.

Under the old plan, you served for 6 months and your name went right back into the pot.

I just got done with jury duty. I got elected foreman right away and I wasnt too thrilled with that. The trial was about a guy shaking a gun while driving down the road at another car. Bad luck for that guy....the other car had 2 off duty deputy sherriffs in it! The defense attorney admitted he was guilty of reckless driving...so when we took the first poll of the jury, you can imagine my surprise when some knucklehead said he was innocent of that! I knew it was gonna be a long afternoon. All in all, I am glad I got the chance to do it, I learned a lot and did my service.

I am thinking about adopting a dog. I went to the Humane Society today and they have a 2 year old springer mix. Her name is Avery. She is so sweet, but I think I am going back there tomorrow to get to know her better. She is a strey that showed up with a little St. Bernard puppy.

Muffy that dog is waiting for you. I hope you post some pictures of her when you get her all situated at home. Good luck by the weekend Avery will be snuggeled in bed with you. Glad to hear you are about to give a poor dog a good home.

Muffy,In April we adopted a 5 year old Maltese/Poodle mix.Absolutely one of the best dogs I have ever had the pleasure to be around.
Good of you to rescue a stray and get a nice dog who will bring you a lot of fun and pleasure.
Be sure to get the dog micro chipped in case it ever got lost.The cost at the humane society here for this is like $7.
Most humane society rescue animals come with a 30 day health insurance policy just in case there is an unforseen problem.
Get a good dog and you'll never regret it.

Stan in SC

get that little St Bernard too.

It will probably stay little.

Here are a couple of pics of Avery that are on the website.

[Linked Image]

She is 34 pounds.

Ya Dave, I saw the picture of the St. Bernard puppy right away and thought "what a cute little dog". Then I saw the breed.

Get that puppy.

Quote

get that little St Bernard too.

It will probably stay little.

Yeah, that might happer.

Muffy, a very nice thing you are doing. Do you know what the "mix" part of the equation is? It doesnt have a lot of Springer look to it, but I will be doggoned if I can figure out what the other part is....the white must come from the Springer part. It is taller and lankier than a typical Springer, thus likely that the other part is a bigger dog. Possibly lab? Setter? Pretty neat looking hound dog if ya ask me. I wish you the best of luck with it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

that's a nice lookin dog you got there!

After further studying the eyes, I detect a mischevious streak. For example, I can see you giving her a bath only to have her go out and roll in some dead thing! I can see that dog really capturing your heart.

Muffy,

What you have there is some sort of sled dog mix.

The sled dog people have enough outcrossing going on that I wouldn't even begin to guess what all might be there.

The site said it is a spaniel mix. Probly will never find out what it actually is since it is a stray.

Gotta go, going to see Avery!!!

Looks like a good find Muffy. Hope it works out.

what it actually is .... is a good friend and companion!

Originally Posted by MILES58

Muffy,

What you have there is some sort of sled dog mix.

I would agree.

Bring that dawg up to shickenbuck, we'll get her trained in on ATV riding and such.

I like that dog...

Happy birthday to my best little buddy today. Jack is 7 today and is VERY excited about it.

We rented a "bouncy house" at the YMCA to wear out him and a dozen 7 year old kids. He is also all smile-y because two of his girlfriends are coming to the party, but hopes they don't get him girl presents.

Well here are some pics of Avery.

[Linked Image]

Rough day kinda pooped.

[Linked Image]

Woke up this morning and she found a nice place to sleep.

[Linked Image]

She is a wonderful dog! I made a very good choice.

Awesome! Good for you Muffster!

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy birthday to my best little buddy today. Jack is 7 today and is VERY excited about it.

We rented a "bouncy house" at the YMCA to wear out him and a dozen 7 year old kids. He is also all smile-y because two of his girlfriends are coming to the party, but hopes they don't get him girl presents.

Happy Birthday Jack!

7 was the best year of my life so far!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

After further studying the eyes, I detect a mischevious streak. For example, I can see you giving her a bath only to have her go out and roll in some dead thing! I can see that dog really capturing your heart.

I hope that is not the case. I gave her a bath today, she didn't like it at all. I got more wet than she did.

Went to Walmart today and left her in the truck for about 30 minutes. She was a good girl, didn't do any damage.

Happy Birthday Jack!!

great to hear the new dog is working out!

Happy Birthday Jack! here's to many more to come!

Also, if anyone is thinking of maybe hunting in SD some time, deer applications for Preference Points are available online. cost is $5 for a point, per season. put in for west river and black hills deer and or antelope.

or if anyone wants to come out and hunt this fall, let me know.

Happy birthday Jack!!!

Happy birthday Jack. Dads BD is right around the cornor too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,JACK !!!!

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday Tzone, and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy birthday Jack. Dads BD is right around the cornor too.

Thanks Bill! You're right...it's today.

There is a lot of secret plans going on here today. The only one I know about it we're going to the Twins game today.

Later guys. Have a great Sunday.

Happy Birthday Tom!!!!!

happy fathers day to all the dads

heading to camp chickenbuck to check things out, might snap a few pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!!!

Happy Birthday to ND and RWS!!!!!!!! RWS gets to start driver's ed today too...on his 15th birthday. Where does the time go?

Oh and Uncle Dusty or Muffy, can you pass along a "happy birthday" to Aunt Eileen too? It's a great day to have a birthday!!! Whoop.

lots of June babies around here! Happy birthday Dave and RWS!

Happy Birthday Nate, Dave and Eileen!

Happy Birthday to the Shaw men and Aunt Eileen. Hope everything was ok at Chickenbuck Dave.

My nephew says the woods are underwater in NW Wisconsin. Still very dry here in the central part of the state though.

Thanks everybody.

The grass was 3' high, the food plot didn't take at all, and there was a giant spruce tree down across the trail behind the cabin.

We got the grass nocked down around the cabin and moved the tree off the trail, maybe we'll make another attempt at the food plot thing this summer.

well im alittle late but happy birhtday tzone,jack and northerdave

thank u every buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy berfday boy.

I'd have given you your gift this morning if you were awake when I left for work.

I guess you will have to wait till I get home now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom, Dave, & Nate!!!!!

Happy Birthday everyone. I hope you all have a special day!

ND, for your food plot, give some thought to planting rape. We have had a lot of success with that and you plant it in August, so you have plenny of time to do it.

Happy birthday to everyone!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to all who are having their special days.

Stan in SC

Thanks guys. Nathan (RWS) got a leatherman wave from Pam and I.

He's working for a famer up the road now and I figure that Wave will come in really handy at work as well as for all his other interests (fishing/hunting/tinkering)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE and NATE and TOM!!
Eileen says thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a great day, Missy and Avery came for the afternoon and brought alot of good food THANKS MISSY!!

Happy Birthday Eileen from your 2 birthday buddies up north!

I've carried a "Wave" on my belt for the past fifteen years.Before that I had the original Leatherman which now resides in my hunting fanny pack.That was a great present.

Stan in SC

Yep, I have an older Wave too, my dad gave it to me one year for Christmas.

This new Wave is really great, the only problem Nate and I see with it is that the sheath seems to be design influenced more by a styling group than by a functionality minded group.

There is no way I would carry my new Wave in that sheath. That's some kind of mocha latte sipping, fancy dead snail eating, metro sexual city boy design on that sheath. Someone that obviously doesn't know that some guys work hard and play hard. Some guys crawl around on their back under vehicals, climb trees and hang upside down if necessary, ride ATV's and snowmobiles, crash ATV's and snowmobiles...

That new sheath is junk, I'd call it "unpractical tactical". A zoomy styling attempt, functionality FAIL.

low sides... this is a leatherman tool ejector more so than it is a safe place to carry your leatherman.

[Linked Image]

So we'll be looking for a better sheath soon.

For now I think I have one like this at home that he can use:

[Linked Image]

I have the "Core" and the original Leatherman. The "Core" was free so I couldn't turn it down, but it's heavy. like carrying a small workshop on your belt.

ND, I am a little unclear, how do you feel about the sheath that came with the Wave?

Fantastic present! Just think how much our forefathers would have appreciated a Leatherman back in the 1800s or early 1900s.

Hi Uncle Dusty! How have you been?

Stan,

I have the original Letherman as well. I've put a lot of miles on it and it keeps working. I've probably had that thing for 15 years or more.

The sheath I have is leather. It fully encloses the tool and the snap would have to pulled pretty hard to pop loose.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ND, I am a little unclear, how do you feel about the sheath that came with the Wave?

Same way I feel about the sheath that came with my buck alpha hunter folder.

A really nice knife in a risky, poorly designed knife ejecting sheath.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

The sheath I have is leather. It fully encloses the tool and the snap would have to pulled pretty hard to pop loose.

I have the same sheath on my original Leatherman. I have had the flap pop loose a couple of times.

Leatherman is made in Oregan and has an outlet store in the Portland area. I need to have my son take me there on one of our visits.

It has been raining here most of the morning, even a little hail. My neighbor has been working on a project in his garage and has his old car sitting outside, if he was home I would have told him he can park it in my garage before the hail hit. It is an old Studebacher(not sure how to spell it). Don't think the hail was big enough to cause any damage.

Avery is doing very well in the storm. There were a couple cracks of thunder that scared her a little, but not bad. She is such a good girl.

A couple funny things happened when we visited mom & dad. Avery followed me up the stairs and wouldn't come down. Babe (mom and dad's dog) come up the stairs, looked at Avery, turned around and Avery followed her back down. Then we were outside and Babe just jumped in her pool (mom has been trying to get her to do that on her own for 2 years). She did it like 3 times trying to get Avery to go in there with her.

Sounds like you're really enjoying Avery, Muffy.

Areas just North of us had storms roll through early this AM. Quite a few trees down in some spots. The worst of the storms have been going around us. We have picked up some much needed rain.

Going to be hot (90* plus) and humid today with a chance of storms through Wednesday.

That's cool! It's funny how dogs play, fun to watch.

Tzone,

I heard a blub on KFAN that part of the Twin Cities got hammered with a storm last night. Downed trees and telephone poles etc.

75 mph winds in some spots. Hope your place didn't get it too bad.

We got a lot of racket but that's about it. I live 25 miles north of that zoo. It sounds like the big mess was about 20 or miles south. We got just under an inch of rain.

It's been wet to say the least.

Getting a tiny bit of rain here too, unfortunately not enough. I wish we could get an inch in the next week, but I doubt it. irrigation time it looks like

we're thinking Sylvia if its a girl and James if it's a boy.

both names have family significance, so we think they are fitting, classic names.

I like Sylvia. Tom has a nice ring to it.

OK guys and girls. We need to have a name the baby contest. Everyone submit a boys and girls name. The names go into a hat, make that 2 hats and the lucky parents pull the winning name.

My picks are: Marsh for a boy and Sydney for a girl.

I always liked Oliver. For a boy of course.

OK Chickenbuckers,

My dad and step mom need your prayers. They're getting flooded out in Duluth as you read this. The water in their basement is belly deep and rising.

They don't have flood insurance becasue they're not in a flood plaine. Ins rules are if you're in one, you can't get it anyway.

He's pretty sure a few cars are lost like mom's daily driver and his '64 merc.

As of now they can stay in his newr (07) shop because he built it up, but is still coming so he's not sure.

My BIL is trying to get into their place with a 4" pump to at least get the water out and keep up with the water coming in.

So send all the prayers you can north to them. ND and MrsND's dad may or may not be in some of the nasty too.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Getting a tiny bit of rain here too, unfortunately not enough. I wish we could get an inch in the next week, but I doubt it. irrigation time it looks like

we're thinking Sylvia if its a girl and James if it's a boy.

both names have family significance, so we think they are fitting, classic names.

I like James. I think that is a fine, fine name.

Originally Posted by tzone

OK Chickenbuckers,

My dad and step mom need your prayers. They're getting flooded out in Duluth as you read this. The water in their basement is belly deep and rising.

They don't have flood insurance becasue they're not in a flood plaine. Ins rules are if you're in one, you can't get it anyway.

He's pretty sure a few cars are lost like mom's daily driver and his '64 merc.

As of now they can stay in his newr (07) shop because he built it up, but is still coming so he's not sure.

My BIL is trying to get into their place with a 4" pump to at least get the water out and keep up with the water coming in.

So send all the prayers you can north to them. ND and MrsND's dad may or may not be in some of the nasty too.

Wow! What the heck?! Are they getting THAT much rain up there?

Prayers sent

*Edit* Here's a link

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47888220

Dad said 5" yesterday, 6" last night and it's still coming down with no soon end in sight.

Does he have flooding problems Dave?

I missunderstood my dad. The daily driver car he was able to move up to the shop, which is not flooded yet.

BIL still hasn't been able to get down to them though. The County is supposed to be on the way to clear the blocked creek, which is causing most of the flooding in the valley part he lives in.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Does he have flooding problems Dave?

He said he has ducks swimming on what should be his driveway...

I'm not sure if any of his belongings are in trouble, sounded like the sump pump was keeping up the good fight for now but I suppose his outbuilding probably have some water in them.

He's not really into the sand country at his place yet either is he? That seems to be down the road more towards the lakes.

Even so, that is too much rain for any soil type to get rid of quiclky.

The radar didn't look promising for that entire area either.

Add nsaqm(campfire member) to the list of well wishes, prayers, whatever you have...He lives in a high area of Duluth and is flooded out bad too.

Prayers on the way. Sure hope it quits raining up there.

Originally Posted by tzone

My BIL is trying to get into their place with a 4" pump to at least get the water out and keep up with the water coming in.

Just a note of caution. Some basements will cave if they are pumped dry while the surrounding ground is saturated. Hydralic pressure can be pretty high. Block walls would worry me the most.

Because of where I live, I have specially reinforced poured concrete walls so I basically float the place.

Anyway, just a word of caution. Caved basements are worse that flooded basements - by far. Dangerous too

Dad txt me, says he's building an ark.

He needs a good generator to run all the freezers he'll need to carry 2 of every kind of critter.

Thanks Brent. I don't think he'll have to worry about it becasue there is no way my BIL is going to get there now anyway. That area is under evac acoording to the Duluth news, which is the only info I'm getting.

I'm no longger able to contact my dad and stepmom, which has me a bit concerned.

Though I haven't talked to my dad, it sounds like they were evac'd by the fire department when my BIL got there with the pump.

It's not good. It sounds like the entire city and many surrounding areas are being declared a disaster area. Many areas haven't even been checked on yet becasue it's too dangerous.

Prayers sent to everyoone in the flooding area. I only have one local chanel and they didn't say too much of that on the news lastnight. I've pretty much been home since Monday, this week has not been a good week for work. I only got 2.47 inches of rain so far. At least I got lots of homework done.

I talked to my dad, FINALLY! They got evac'd out by a hovercraft up to the "copper top church" on top of the hill in Duluth and my BIL picked them up and took them to his place, not too far from daves dad.

My dad said water in the yard was neck deep and water in the house was 3-4' and climbing. I don't know what to say even...I'll be up there as soon as they let us back in though.

It sounds like anything that was outside is a loss of some sort....at least he got out of there.

Wow! That is bad news about the house. Good news about your folks though.

Duluth isn't the sort of place I would imagine this happening.

I hope the water will leave fast. Western Iowans had their homes flooded for a couple of months last year. Flooding is no joke at all.

Brent

I don't think anyone was prepared for it. I don't know how they could be. It's not really concievable in a city like that.

Hey Dave, I'm sitting having a beer with my friend Tanya and she started talking about this Mary trying to get out of Duluth for her mom's funeral. The more we talked here it is your step mom Mary. Mary's mom Aggie is Tanya's great grandma.

Small world.

Send rain our way!!! I'd take 3" tonight and 3" the next day. .

Tried going up to Voyaguers today. Could not get north of Cloquet. Spent a couple of hrs trying all the different ways but no luck. Drove through water on 35 just before they closed the road. Then after giving up and heading home had to do work around the 35 closing. Used county roads from Black Bear Casino, we were directed off the freway, to Moose Lake and back on the freway. Left home at 8 am got back home at 3 pm. Wife is not happy as she was really set on camping in Voyaguers NP this weekend. Might try in the morning if the roads are OK.

To those dealing with this mess, Hope it all goes well and gets better soon.

I talked to my dad again tonight. He didn't have a lot of new news. The neighbor he talked to said water looked like it was 18" high or so in the smaller garages, which surprised my dad because that's where it was approximately when they left around lunch time.

The river isn't expected to crest until Saturday, so it could and probably will get worse.

The whole city is a disaster.

He says thanks to all who sent prayers and well wishes his way. That stuff means a lot to him and my step mom.

Saw a some of the flooding on national news this morning. They mentioned that several homes have been lost. The main focus seemed to be on the zoo and not the people that may have lost everything.

Remember not to stand in the water when the power is on. I know it sounds simple but people get killed everytime there is a flood because of it.

I noticed that too Bill.

The older I get, the more I see a pattern. An association between liberals, aggressive anger and bunny hugging. Usually a condemning anger that seems to challenge the audacity of human existence while pandering to the creatures a few rungs down the food chain ladder.

No matter what, you can guarantee they will be raging mad about what some humans failed to do when a squirrel drowns in a freakish, natural disaster.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw a some of the flooding on national news this morning. They mentioned that several homes have been lost. The main focus seemed to be on the zoo and not the people that may have lost everything.

I know. That pissed me off too. It was difficult to actually find news about something that mattered when I looked on like.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Remember not to stand in the water when the power is on. I know it sounds simple but people get killed everytime there is a flood because of it.

VERY valid point!

They were complaining about the damn Ravens in the display that died...Seriously. Frickin Raven. Throw a McDonalds wrapper on the ground and you can catch 5 more in minutes. It ain't hard. Ravens!!! We're takin 'bout Ravens.

Not the 15,000 people that don't have flood insurance because they live on a city built on a hill that shouldn't flood. Ravens.

Just heard a story on the Duluth floods down here. Not a single word spent on zoo animals or animals of any kind. Just went on about property damage and the hardship that people were facing today.

That's crazy. At least you can fill us in.

Crazy? Not sure how you mean, but all they talked about was damage to housing and something about lots of sink holes full of cars. It was national news, not local crap.

I saw a brief video clip somewhere last night, must have been on the 'puter somewhere. No mention of zoo animals or any other animals other than humans there too.

You must be picking up just a local thing.

Hope your dad's place is okay. I did the multiple feet of water in the basement thing in my first house back in the Iowa floods of 93. Had to leave for a month of field work that way, but when I came home all was okay. I have no idea how or why. But the water heater and furnace both checked out fine and worked fine for years until I sold the house. Maybe your dad will get that lucky. We can hope anyway.

I have never been to Duluth but have seen plenty of pictures etc.

How that city flooded like it did is beyond me

Originally Posted by BrentD

Just heard a story on the Duluth floods down here. Not a single word spent on zoo animals or animals of any kind. Just went on about property damage and the hardship that people were facing today.

Please share Brent. What I saw was on national news too, but focused on the Seal that ended up on a down town street and talk about the polar bear that broke free and had to be tranquilized. Only saw a few shots of the raging water.

I would hate to be one of the residents that live at the bottom of the hill. Must have looked like aa tidal wave coming at them.

It was just NPR - National Public Radio. Of course, that's a hyper-liberal news program, but there ya go. After the news, they had some other talk program on that was ripping Obama/Holder a few new ones while I washed my brass. Only heard about the seal and the bear here on the 'fire - where it seemed to attract a lot of attention in the thread Tom started.

It's crazy because I live 100 miles from it and find mostly stories about how horrible it is the zoo animals drown. When I found a title without the mention of zoo animals, the lead and 65% of the story was about the dang zoo. I like animals as much as the next guy, and I wonder as much as you do how what a tranquilzed polar bear tastes like with steak sauce, but I've heard enough about the zoo.

You live 400 miles away and get actual news coverage.

How about a link?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I would hate to be one of the residents that live at the bottom of the hill. Must have looked like aa tidal wave coming at them.

My mom lives in a completely different part of the city, but on the hill in the middle of a block at the bottom of the hill. She said the house is fine but you can't go anywhere because there aren't any roads left in front of the house. The stretch of road that is left looks like an earth quake because it's "rippled."

No doubt the seal and the bear are attention worthy. I just don't think they deserved the attention they got.

I'll be surprised if 0.5% of those folks have flood insurance and no doubt more than a few of the houses will be complete losses.

Brent, I have to give NPR credit for reporting on the human side of the flood damage.

Originally Posted by tzone

How about a link?

Allow me...

screen shot, google search "NPR Duluth flooding"

[Linked Image]

story 1:

zoo headline

[Linked Image]

Story 2:

not a zoo headline but the story reports mostly zoo content as outlined in red.

[Linked Image]

Story 3:

Zoo headline

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Brent, I have to give NPR credit for reporting on the human side of the flood damage.

oh really?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Brent, I have to give NPR credit for reporting on the human side of the flood damage.

oh really?

Looks like there much have been another story too. Not down here though. At least not that I heard this morning.

I have an observation I feel like sharing.

Famous Dave's signature spicy pickle spears.

They are NOT spicy.

However, it is "un-possible" to not eat a whole jar of these damn things in one sitting.

They are actually a large pickle spear, a sweet pickle with a hint of "zing" ever so faint IMO.

but damn I can't stop eating them.

lol!!

the sliced ones are every bit as tasty, and yes I have eaten an entire jar.

My Mother In Law Loves them and she couldn't find them in Thief River, but found them at the Menards in Moorhead, she bought a case of pickles.

Just had another one Lol!!

There isn't much that I find un-tasty at Famous Dave's.

Who here has heard of keg window boxes? Show of hands.

hanz!

(you told me)

a couple shaggy tall grass chickenbuck pics

[Linked Image]

Holy wow, the grass is tall. We have to plan a wheeling trip soon! When is blueberry pickin?

That boy is growin.

I need me some wheelin' trip.

Hey Muffy you want to help me build a keg window box?

I wanna see Dave ride that Honda.

You know where one yes, I said one, as in...there should be more than one) of the window keg boxes should be?

Whoever said outside of the sauna window wins the first cup of beer from the new window keg planter.

We'd have to look back at previous years but I think blueberry picking for us can be at the end of july and can sometimes go into august.

Originally Posted by tzone

There isn't much that I find un-tasty at Famous Dave's.

I'll 2nd dat.

It's not as good anymore, but the Famous Dave's in Hayward has a Sunday Brunch buffet. They have the best waffles I've had, second best pancakes, made to order omlets, and lots of tasty bbq. Very good but it's very busy.

I make a trip or two the the Hayward one a few times a year. There is usually some sort of party going on since it's on Round Lake.

Hey all, i hope all is well, been swamped lately. I was at famuous daves in st. cloud last weekend and it was my first time. wasn't bad. Daughter won the 7th grade basketball state title last weekend. now we are off to play in target center again on the 8th. dave, looks like you need a good mowing out in the woods. need an atv brush mower it looks like to trim down some greens.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We'd have to look back at previous years but I think blueberry picking for us can be at the end of july and can sometimes go into august.

A scouting trip could be in order to confirm this. You know...so we know for sure and stuff.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey all, i hope all is well, been swamped lately. I was at famuous daves in st. cloud last weekend and it was my first time. wasn't bad. Daughter won the 7th grade basketball state title last weekend. now we are off to play in target center again on the 8th. dave, looks like you need a good mowing out in the woods. need an atv brush mower it looks like to trim down some greens.

Congrats to your daughter Bushy! That is WAY cool!

Big high 5 to your daughter, Buschy.

CNN has a few photos of the flooding in Duluth at http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/22/us/midwest-flooding/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

looks pretty bad.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

dave, looks like you need a good mowing out in the woods. need an atv brush mower it looks like to trim down some greens.

Dave gots tractor mower. Does not float.

Hey Buschy...look me up when you come down.

Maybe I'll be able to bring the kids down to watch a game.

Heading to a little panfish lake with the whole family. It's a beautiful day!!

I spent the morning with my dad at the Back to the 50's Car Show. He came down for the swap meet but mostly to get away from stress for a while since he can't go into his house yet.

He said there is as much stuff in his yard as there was before. But 1/2 of his was swept away and replaced with someone else's.

Here are a few pictures of my truck. There are a lot more of the house, but I don't have permission to put them up yet...it's bad. Lots and lots of mud and sticks, and sand.

[Linked Image]

nice dent from whatever floated into the fender

[Linked Image]

notice the 'sand line' across the door. Hopefully that'll buff right out.

I need more thoughts and prayers from y'all tomorrow. My mom is having heart surgery at 0800.

One day soon I'll be able to breathe....jeesh. Lots of stuff happening in my family the last few months.

You got it Tom.

Thank in there Tz. You've had a run of really tough times, but it has to get better. I'm pulling for ya.

Thanks guys.

I don't go on facebook a bunch, but was able to link my sisters pics to my page so if you log on there you can see them.

Here is a pic of the basement on friday afternoon. It came up some more, or went down to that point at some time. They could see the mud line up the wall just below the floor joists.

[Linked Image]

[/quote]

That sucks. Looks bad for anything that was down there.

Tom , I don't post a lot , but your parents and the others affected by this have been in our thoughts and prayers. Will extend another round for your Mom for tomorrow .

thanks Phil.

Brent,

Yep. Pretty much anything down there was lost I'm sure. Thankfully, it wasn't a bunch but it was big ticket items like water heater, furnace washer/dryer, deep freeze, etc.

They were able to move some stuff upstairs before it got real bad.

That looks really bad Tom.

Not what you call a small problem.

This Heron was fishing along side us today.

[Linked Image]

Pretty awesome bird.

Our methods were different but we were after the same kind of fish as the Blue Heron.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_5908.jpg[/img]

I agree.

My BIL and dad pumped some out today, slowly. They're going to do more tomorrow.

Lots of clean up this weekend. If any of you have tips on this type of clean up, I'm all ears. I'm bringing my power washer(gas) and a pile of shovels and brushes. I'm assuming there is some sort of chemical to clean the basement with? I'm more concerned about getting the house livable more than the rest.

He told me the good news is there is as much stuff in the scrap pile as there was before. the bad news is, it's not his stuff.

I playground showed up in the yard, barrels, a lot of trees and brush. They lawn is gone, replaced with silt. I'm sure it's under there somewhere.

Tom,Is your mom having by-pass surgery?
I cannot imagine the destruction flooding causes.

Stan in SC

Hang in there Tom, I've been through it. Its a long process of cleaning. When we were able to get to our house we had 5ft on our main floor, it was horrible. ending up losing the whole house. Alot of pressure washing, u can use bleach but after the flood here i've heard not too in the house. get fans circulating as soon as you can all over.

Prayers on the way for your mom Tom.

Check with a professional cleaning company Tom. Mold will be a major concern and they can tell you what to do to kill it before it gets a toe hold.

Great pics Dave! Looks like a beautiful day up there.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Tom,Is your mom having by-pass surgery?
I cannot imagine the destruction flooding causes.

Stan in SC

No, she's having a Cardio Ablasion(sp?). Where they have to scar her heart. Her heart goes into A-fib, where it beats really, really, fast. Sometimes for no reason. She has tried meds, and other less invasive surgeries, and this is one of the final ways to stop it.

My FIL had the same thing done, but he also needed a pacemaker and a defibulator put in. She doesn't need that yet. Hopefully, not at all.

Prayers sent Tom. Man I can't imagine the stress you guys are under.

Let us know if we can help in anyway.

Great pics Dave! How far away from the bird were you? Normally those cream chitters don't stick around too long when humans are nearby.

I'd guess 35 yards or so.

And of course it was Pam that got the pictures.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'd guess 35 yards or so.

And of course it was Pam that got the pictures.

Nice job on the pics Pam! You're getting pretty dang good with that camera!

Great pics Pam!

Tom I hope everything goes well for your mom. Those pics are not good, amazing how fast everything can change. Hope cleanup is not too lengthy of a process.

Tom, I have never seen keg window boxes. Sound cool.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tom I hope everything goes well for your mom.

It did go well. My step dad talked to me last night and said things went well.

I talked to her this morning. She will most likely go home tomorrow, but maybe this afternoon. She's a tough cookie, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is today. Of course she's most concerned about playing with the kids on our vacation in a bit over a week.

Quote

Those pics are not good, amazing how fast everything can change. Hope cleanup is not too lengthy of a process.

They're doing some clean up now, but Gophergunner (Jeff) is coming up and a few other guys from the fire here, Miles58, Nasqam, and maybe more, plus I got some boys in Duluth coming down to help out. That goes to show you what a great place the campfire is. Full of wonderful folks, and I'm a bit overwhelmed by it truthfully. This is the second time in a few years folks have come to help my family out, and I really don't know what to say or how to repay them...

In the hospital with mom & dad for dad's 4th chemo treatment. He has not been feeling very good lately (the last couple weeks). Very tired and it feels like he has a constant hangover, eventhough he has not had a drink for about 4 months. Hope he starts feeling better soon.

Originally Posted by Muffster

Tom, I have never seen keg window boxes. Sound cool.

That is beacuse I've just invented them. Patent pending of course. I'm awaiting final approval from the camp boss before I make em.

I might as well spill the beans on the keg window box.

I think we could be well served by a keg at the camp. My thought was this.

make a planter box type thingy that can hold a keg. It will have to be stout enough to hold ice if it is a warm season, or we could insulate the heck out of it. (Developments haven't gone that far yet) We'll need to run a line into the cabin, like the gas lights, so we can run the hose in. I'm thinking small pvc, so it can be capped when not in use to keep undesirables like bees and skeeters out.

The reason I was thinking window box, is becasue we'll have to pump the pumper at some point. That way we can crack the window, reach out and do it, and close the window.

I think we need two, but could get by with one that could be moved later. It could be by the kitchen or table. By the sink might be good. Then when the bar/BS room is complete it could be moved over, or add another. One would prolly work tho, now that I think about it.

The chemo will wear you down. It's tough, tough, stuff but it works. I hope he is feeling better too. Tell him I'm thinking about him.

I remember my uncle saying the same thing, feeling like he had a hangover. My dad and I almost got kicked out of the hospital in Duluth in 1988. My uncle was in there with Leukeima, getting treatments. The Vikes were on and their deal was watching the game together with pizza and a brew.

The worlds best pizza is at a bar in Superior, WI called Shamrock. My family has been going there for over 40 years. So we picked up a Shamrock pizza and Pa got a bottle of Blackberry brandy and we went to see Rick and watch the game.

We got it into the room and got busted when the nurse was doing her rounds. Rick sweet talked the nurse to let us stay and it obviously picked up his spirts (in more way than one).

Get better Uncle Dusty!

Tell Dusty to keep hanging in there. I'll likely see him this week.

Hang tough Dusty, the chemo a bish, but it does work. We're all pulling for you.

Hang tough Dusty! Hope you feel better really soon!

Originally Posted by tzone

The reason I was thinking window box, is becasue we'll have to pump the pumper at some point. That way we can crack the window, reach out and do it, and close the window.

Tom - a CO2 tank and tap system will eliminate the pumping so you can save your energy for more important things like tipping the glass back and stuff.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom - a CO2 tank and tap system will eliminate the pumping so you can save your energy for more important things like tipping the glass back and stuff.

Very clear and quick thinking there.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom - a CO2 tank and tap system will eliminate the pumping so you can save your energy for more important things like tipping the glass back and stuff.

Very clear and quick thinking there.

It is indeed. How realistic is that at da camp? I've never set one up.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom - a CO2 tank and tap system will eliminate the pumping so you can save your energy for more important things like tipping the glass back and stuff.

Very clear and quick thinking there.

It is indeed. How realistic is that at da camp? I've never set one up.

Very realistic.

Google CO2 keg tap. The best part is that besides not having to pump the keg, your beer will not go flat with CO2.

Tom -prayers sent to you and your family on the flood and your moms surgery.
our prayers go out to Dave and Mary, that flood really sucks.

Don"t worry everyone I,m gonna hang in there!!

You just made my day!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Tom -prayers sent to you and your family on the flood and your moms surgery.
our prayers go out to Dave and Mary, that flood really sucks.

Thanks Uncle Dusty. It is much appreciated, and needed.

My family will be fine, we'll get it cleaned up. Dad already is planning what to do with the damage and how to repair.

Dave are your parents OK. Cuz we can get some help that way too.

No they are good Tom, out of the wet zone. Thanks much for the thoughts though.

No problem Mon...They's good people.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom - a CO2 tank and tap system will eliminate the pumping so you can save your energy for more important things like tipping the glass back and stuff.

Very clear and quick thinking there.

It is indeed. How realistic is that at da camp? I've never set one up.

It is realistic enough that we have a CO2 setup in my dads shop, with a Co2 system the beer stays fresh quite a bit longer than using the pump on the top of the keg, just in case you dont finish the keg in one weekend.......

Originally Posted by bubbajay

just in case you dont finish the keg in one weekend.......

heaven forbid...

Originally Posted by bubbajay

just in case you dont finish the keg in one weekend.......

I am unfamiliar with this technique as well......

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by bubbajay

just in case you dont finish the keg in one weekend.......

heaven forbid...

I'm not sure if that's a good goal to have or not.

But I don't see that happening. I was thinking we'd need two on a 4 day hunt, but that's only if we have the usual 3 guys in camp.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

not to interupt the butt kicking but.....

look what i found!

[Linked Image]

Anyone wanna guess what page this is on?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

not to interupt the butt kicking but.....

look what i found!

[Linked Image]

Anyone wanna guess what page this is on?

Oh gosh Tzone, are you reading the WHOLE thread again? Uff...

742?

cripes... who knows lol!

Is this kinda like the "Guess the number of Jelly Beans in the jar" and win a Ham game?

Tzone the co2 works great just bring an extra co2 for backup...I use to have a kegerator.. Use to have alot of other cool things before noduck settled down... Oh sorry flashback to my younger years..LOL..... Then when done clean the lines with hot soapy water..

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

not to interupt the butt kicking but.....

look what i found!

[Linked Image]

Anyone wanna guess what page this is on?

Sure could use some of that cool air. 92* and humid here.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Oh gosh Tzone, are you reading the WHOLE thread again? Uff...

I am Pam. I do it once a year or so

Originally Posted by northern_dave

742?

cripes... who knows lol!

Depending on how you have your settings, you're not that far off. It was like 370'ish. (I forgot already)

It's funny, the things that make me happy... silly things, very telling.

Country boy, guilty.

[Linked Image]

new truck feet.

[Linked Image]

Love IT!

It was 357 with my settings . Always a good re - read this thread is .

Them fancy wheels have some toothy shoes on them !!!!

Going to bring Avery to the vet tomorrow to get fixed. Hope she don't get too mad at me.

Looks like some serious kidney busting tires. Dang tires are prices. Those must have an extra couple barrels of crude in them just due to their size. Hope the bank didn't bust.

Tire prices have really jumpe in the last 18 months.

dang, nice tires dave, nathan should have a good time with that truck after his test on friday! watch out!

Originally Posted by tzone

Tire prices have really jumpe in the last 18 months.

Don't I know it. Put new Goodrich TAs on the F150. Ouch!

Nate might have to settle for the ole brown "carlos" pickup.

I like the tires. They will be good for what that truck is tasked to do. I look at that truck and envision frosty mornings, a grouse crossing the road, a cup of coffee and good times with friends and family.

We got the girl a bunny and it sure was a hit! she loves it and is taking responsibility for it. Last night, she put it in the outside cage before supper and about an hour after supper went to see it. No bunny. Full blown, 100%, certified panic ensued. After checking my dog twice for evidence of bunny fur in its teeth, my little boy found the bunny. After a while, I checked the bunny and it was wet from the girl's tears! But a good lesson was learned (make sure the lock is closed on the cage).

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

Tire prices have really jumpe in the last 18 months.

Don't I know it. Put new Goodrich TAs on the F150. Ouch!

Oh yeah. Goodyear is proud of their stuff! I have not had good luck with the Goodyears until the last F-150 I had. In the 2000-2002 range the Wranglers they put on the F-150 I thought were junk. I wouldn't have taken a set if you gave them to me.

I had 4 flats in 3 days, including 2 in one day, just from rocks on a gravel road! I was not happy.

I've seen improvement since.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

After checking my dog twice for evidence of bunny fur in its teeth, my little boy found the bunny.

Today is a landmark calendar day. Today marks 5 years since we lost our dearly missed Waylon.

This weekend on Sunday he would have turned 42.

This week swings around once a year. We think of him so often, but these annual landmarks in time bring an intensified focus on our lost friends and family members.

I�ve written so many words on this topic in previous years, I�d like to deliver a shorter expression or message this year.

I guess I�m just celebrating what we had and what we still have because of him. Specifically his 3 wonderful children, what wonderful young people they all are. And of course we have the memories as well, mostly funny, lots of happy stuff.

Hoist a glass when it�s appropriate today if you care to join me in celebrating the life of a great man and a dearly missed friend.

We sure miss you buddy, and we�ll never forget you.

To Waylon!

To Waylon!

One of the best friends a guy could ever ask for! I treasure the time he was with us and I hope I never quit hearing that big goofy laugh in my head.

Miss you man!

Also, thanks Dave and Pam for creating a place to share good times here at the fire and out at Chickenbuck. You have touched many lives in the last 5 years and Waylon would be very proud.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Going to bring Avery to the vet tomorrow to get fixed. Hope she don't get too mad at me.

Muffy,

When my dog got fixed, I helped her in the pickup the next day at the Vet and she turned and faced the passenger door all the way home from Pelican. Then she got out and gave me a dirty look and went in her dog house. About an hour later she came out all wiggly tailed and started licking my hand. I think she thought she had got her point across and that I had learned my lesson!

Dogs are funny!

Heres to ya Waylon. Can't believe another year has passed so quickly.

Here's to Waylon! I wish I could have known him.

Ryan, how's Kendra doing?

funny you should ask, we went in for her first ultrasound today and foundout we are having a little baby girl, and not in november/december like we thought. she will be gracing us with her presence around sept 11th according to the ultrasound measuring estimating baby delivery day thingy (yes thats the technical term) the guy said plus or minus a week from there.

I observed a moment of silence for Waylon.I know exactly how you feel.

Ryan,congratulations.

Stan in SC

We miss Waylon here also.........

This time of year is always difficult. Today being the date of the accident, and the 1st being his birthday. Lots off good memories, never to be forgotten. Miss you Waylon!

Avery did very well at the vet today. She was not mad at me at all.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

We miss Waylon here also.........

We'll probably have to fish sometime.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

We miss Waylon here also.........

Hey! How've ya been?

Life is good and the fishing is great!! And it won't be too long before the hunting starts again...

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

funny you should ask, we went in for her first ultrasound today and foundout we are having a little baby girl, and not in november/december like we thought. she will be gracing us with her presence around sept 11th according to the ultrasound measuring estimating baby delivery day thingy (yes thats the technical term) the guy said plus or minus a week from there.

Better start watching for sales on pink camo.

A day late, but heres to you Waylon! Never met you but I have a sense for the kind of person you were from all that has been shared here.

I need to find me another set of pink camo leupold yosemite binoculars. thankfully her mama has a good start on pink camo stuff, and her grandma will spoil her with pink hunting stuff

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Life is good and the fishing is great!! And it won't be too long before the hunting starts again...

Don't I know it! I'm getting antsy already. I really, really, need to go.

She has your smile.

Make sure she checks her boot for mice.

Very nice Ryan, very nice. Have you got one of those pregnancy books where you track the stages of the baby? pretty cool to see how they develop and change on really a daily basis.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nate might have to settle for the ole brown "carlos" pickup.

Did Nate take his driving test yet?

He's taking his written "permit" test right now.

I'm waiting to hear if he passed.

Just recieved word from Pam.

"THE BOY PASSED HIS TEST!!!!!!!!"

I know who's driving on the way down to dusy's tonight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just recieved word from Pam.

"THE BOY PASSED HIS TEST!!!!!!!!"

I know who's driving on the way down to dusy's tonight.

You down for the weekend?

It's lookin dat way. Maybe we'll see youse over the weekend?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just recieved word from Pam.

"THE BOY PASSED HIS TEST!!!!!!!!"

Daddy's lock up your daughters. The kid's on the loose.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's lookin dat way. Maybe we'll see youse over the weekend?

Aight Lunger! Lets do it!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just recieved word from Pam.

"THE BOY PASSED HIS TEST!!!!!!!!"

I know who's driving on the way down to dusy's tonight.

Way to go Nate....

Good going,Nate.

Stan in SC

driving home from farming. (he works for a farmer)

Brownie?

nope, blacky.

(we gotta come up with a name for this thing!)

Does the Feature car look familiar to anyone?

http://www.wheelsofthunder.net/

Cool!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nope, blacky.

(we gotta come up with a name for this thing!)

Jerome.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Does the Feature car look familiar to anyone?

http://www.wheelsofthunder.net/

Ha! Thats our buddy up the road! Way to go Larry!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nope, blacky.

(we gotta come up with a name for this thing!)

Jerome.

Toby.

Victor.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nope, blacky.

(we gotta come up with a name for this thing!)

Jahmal?

Moostie

Moostie best so far

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Moostie best so far

Bufus!

You could call it the B.A.T.

Bad Azz Truck

I`m not even a Ford man but I really love that truck !!

Uff-dah!

I hope I never have to do the flood clean up thing again. It's not pretty.

The Campfire again proved how great of a place it is with gophergunner and Miles58 driving up from the Twin Cities to Duluth, to help my parents out...and they needed it.

The house is livable with the basement being cleaner than it has been since they moved there according to my step mom.

3 of 4 garages were packed FULL of muddy, silty, river bottom stuff that we got cleaned out and dumped as well. Each garage took a group of folks all day to clean out. Between the muck and the tools and car parts in each one, it was a mess.

I can't express how much I appreciate the help and well wishes from everyone on the fire.

Return to your regularly scheduled goofyness.

Tom

We had a very productive day up at Tom's dad's place yesterday. There were plenty of strong backs and willing hearts available. We shoveled mud all day. I was impressed by the efforts of the ladies shoveling out one of the garages. They got a LOT done before the guys showed up to help! Those are some strong willed ladies, Tom.

I'm sure Tom and his folks appreciated all the help you guys provided. Bet you sweated off a few pounds if it was as warm there as was it was here this weekend.

Already 94* here today.

My 10 year old TV took a dump Saturday so the wife and I had to go shopping for a replacement. Ended up buying a 37" HD set from Wally World. Went out to our cable provider this morning and picked up a HD receiver. What a great picture.

Just a note, you can "float" down on your interest rate on your house by refinancing and having the lender pay the closing costs....and NOT have them add it to your loan but rather, they charge you a little higher interest rate. For example, I could get a 3.375% if I pay closing costs, or a 3.625% and they pay closing costs. I chose the latter today. Just thought I would throw that out there in case you havent refinanced lately. Those were actual rates as of 20 minutes ago. I was at 4%. So it doesnt have to be a huge drop to make sense to do it.

Paid my mortgage off four years ago.Feels great!

Stan in SC

I'm getting 3.5% for a conventional mortgage right now.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Paid my mortgage off four years ago.Feels great!

Stan in SC

+1 on that Stan. Been closer to 10 years for us.

hailstorm on a harley is... non good.

what's everybody doing for this odd mid week 4th?

I was trying to work, but nobody wants to so I'll have to stay home. I might be able to find a beer if I check the fridge.

Neighborhood fireworks show tonight with several campfires in different yards.

Tomorrow, I'm probably going to take the kids to the pool since it's supposed to be the hottest day of the week...yesterday was 99*

busy day in the alex area. first I volunteered for traffic control during a 5K run (notice I am not running the 5K run). Then a little parade at the south end of the lake with all the neighbors. then doing the lake thing all afternoon followed by a boat parade. then off to watch fireworks across the lake followed by falling exhausted into bed. Lotsa lake activities in this heat.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

what's everybody doing for this odd mid week 4th?

Trying hard not to melt.

Heading over to my uncle's cottage for a family get together.

Staying home. Went to our place in Oregon over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

About 7200ft.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

hailstorm on a harley is... non good.

what's everybody doing for this odd mid week 4th?

Were you on the Harley during said hailstorm?

We have been at my inlaws lake cabin since Sunday. Just made a quick trip home to grab some clean clothes etc. Then up to my hometown to help my Dad celebrate his 77th birthday this evening. I think we are going back to the lake tonight so we are ready for the boat parade tomorrow morning. We have watched the parade for years. This year I want to decorate the pontoon and participate.

Have a GREAT and SAFE 4th of July everyone!!!

Here are a few pictures pam took last weekend.

[Linked Image]

Skimming along the water looks great right now. This hot spell has 3 more days to go. 100* predicted for Friday.

Great photos Pam.

Have a great 4th everyone.

Great pics Pam!

Bill, we just watched the news and the forecast is for 101* tomorrow. We plan to spend the day at the pool for sure.

6:45am and it's already 82* with predicted temps of 100 today and tomorrow.

Stay cool today Chickenbuckers!

Linda and I are sponsoring our usual "gathering in the park" with activities for the kids.We have a park in our sub-division and every year we have a small kids parade with decorated bikes,trikes,baby strollers or whatever.Prizes for the best kid's vehicle decorations.Cookies,water melon and assorted goodies for the kids.It's always a blast.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

6:45am and it's already 82* with predicted temps of 100 today and tomorrow.

Stay cool today Chickenbuckers!

Thsy've changed the forecast. Thursday is now the hottest day. Only upper 80's for Friday. Tom, when are you heading to Hayward?

Bill,

I'm heading over on the 14th. I hope this weather doesn't follow us there.

I don't expect the daytime walleye fishing to be that great, but I think the bass and gills will jump in the boat.

If the weather is hot, hot, hot, I expect a lot of time around the pool.

I do have a musky fishing day trip planned over to Spider Lake.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Were you on the Harley during said hailstorm?

I drove into heavy rain with hail on monday, it wasnt nice.

we're getting clobbered at home here right now.

Storm has passed, grill is lit.

Happy 4th everyone!

BIL is coming over and we're going to fire up the grill. I have ribs sitting in the fridge now. Tasty pork goodness.

Got up and started mowing at 7 a.m. this morning. By 7:15 I could all ready tell the temp was going up. Usually I take a break after doing the front yard, but today all I wanted to do was get done. By the time I finished it was pushing 90 degrees. 'Glad I started early, I guess.

Send the rain this way Dave.

102* on my SIL's truck thermometer this PM. It is just nasty hot/humid.

well,finally got the brother patched up and sent home to Brainerd after having quadruple bypass surgery.They went home on the 4th,after spending a week in the hospital.

Suddenly, my boring rainy 4th doesn't seem so bad.

Wishing your brother a speedy recovery.

Hope he heals fast Fluffy.

Hey Fluffy. Give my best to you brother and I wish him a speedy recovery.

I've seen a lot of amazing recoveries from a by-pass like that. I hope your brother will be another one.

fluffy,
In June,2008 I had quadruple by pass.Your brother has quite a bit of healing to do but he will feel much much better after it is all healed up.The quicker he starts a walking habit without rushing things the better off he will be.Been there,done that.

Stan in SC

Heading to camp, goung to do some mowing, trimming, general cleanup and then go scouting for blueberries.

Going to ride my 4 wheeler up town to put gas in it, going riding tomorrow. 3 of my other friends were told yesterday by the jerk cop in town that they couldn't ride them in town. Cletus called the head city guy and he said he sure can ride up to the gas station to put on gas. I'm hoping the same cop would say the same thing to me.

Kick his ass Sea Bass!

I have to work tomorrow. Kids will be at grandmas house so I'll prolly work all day. If it's still hotmill probably grab a movie?

Uff Dah. I just saw two bucks, one was a dandy, dandy buck that came right through the yard. Smaller guy looked to be a 14" 8 with nice tall tines. The other guy was a whopper of the first order. It was at least an 11, possibly a 12 but I didn't get a good look in the fading light.

I'm going to guess they are a pair of the dudes I had on the camera last fall.

A front moved through and the temps dropped 20-25 degrees, that may have had something to do with it.

pics or it didn't happen!

been redoing the kitchen, its coming along but I think I bit off all I could handle and a little extra.

Pics of the kitchen or it aint happening!

Well, I dont carry a camera on my hip 24/7. Especially when I'm making dinner. There is a small (very small) chance they're on the camera in the yard. But I'd bet your paycheck the batteries are dead in it.

cut the opening in the wall, finished it and layed the tile

Dang fella,you gots some skills there.Looking good.

Stan in SC

Don't dare show this to the wife. She wants to open up our kitchen too. Looking good Ryan.

Floor contractor stopped by Friday to give us a quote on restoring the original oak floors in 2 bedrooms and the hallway (Currently carpeted). We're going to do it sometime in early September.

We're going to start looking for carpet for the living/dining rooms along with the master bedroom this coming week. A small area by the front door will get tiled.

That sounds like what I did at our first house Stan. If you can wait a bit for the carpet sometimes you can get a great deal.

When I finished the basement at the last house I had, I bought the carpet from Home Depot and they installed if for $39 per floor!

I had all the carpet installed in the basement for $39. It was a heckova deal.

Looking good Ryan.

We are counting our blessings today at the Rooster household.

Yesterday, our oldest daughter was coming to spend the afternoon with us on the pontoon at "Makes no Patties" house.

About the time she should have been turning off the hi-way on to the gravel road that leads to the lake a mile away, we heard a loud crash. My wife said "OH MY GOD that was Courtney!" (mothers intuition)so we ran up the hill, jumped in the truck and took off towards the hi-way. When we got there we saw one car (not hers) smashed all to heck in the front. We jumped out of the pickup, running and searcing for our daughter. Her car was down the opposite ditch with the front end smashed to pieces. She was turning left below a hill on the hi-way and the other driver came over the hill and they hit head on. Thank God that both cars air bags deployed and both girls (the other driver was a girl about Courtney's age) had their seat belts on! Both walked away from what could have been a terrible tragedy. Courtney has a bit of whiplash and will be in a neck brace for a few days but other than that, she is fine.

Hug your kids a little tighter today. It really puts things in perspective.

Holy smokes Rooster...Thank God everyone is alright Jim. How's she feeling today?

Scary, scary feeling. I'm real glad that it worked as good as it could have.

We can buy new cars...not little girls.

Glad she's ok Jim.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

We are counting our blessings today at the Rooster household.

Yesterday, our oldest daughter was coming to spend the afternoon with us on the pontoon at "Makes no Patties" house.

About the time she should have been turning off the hi-way on to the gravel road that leads to the lake a mile away, we heard a loud crash. My wife said "OH MY GOD that was Courtney!" (mothers intuition)so we ran up the hill, jumped in the truck and took off towards the hi-way. When we got there we saw one car (not hers) smashed all to heck in the front. We jumped out of the pickup, running and searcing for our daughter. Her car was down the opposite ditch with the front end smashed to pieces. She was turning left below a hill on the hi-way and the other driver came over the hill and they hit head on. Thank God that both cars air bags deployed and both girls (the other driver was a girl about Courtney's age) had their seat belts on! Both walked away from what could have been a terrible tragedy. Courtney has a bit of whiplash and will be in a neck brace for a few days but other than that, she is fine.

Hug your kids a little tighter today. It really puts things in perspective.

damn, thats every parents worse nightmare, I'm very relieved to hear she is ok. whew, it goes to show you how life can change in a heartbeat. good thing you taught her to wear her seatbelt.

Rooster, I'm so glad they are ok.

very scary, we're so glad to hear both kids are ok.

A car accident has always been my greatest fear for the kids and now the grand kids.I'm so glad your daughter was not seriously injured,Rooster.

Stan in SC

Well I took last Friday off from work and had a really good day with the boys. It was raining most of the day so we pulled the "new" 77 f250 into the shop and tore into the front axle which we were told was "making noises and not working right" by the previous owner of the truck. I verified this by locking the hubs in and trying 4 wheel drive at home turning a circle in the driveway, yeah, bad noises. Noises occurred when turning a corner, which lead me to believe spider gear problems. Which can be bad, or horribly bad.

In our case it was just a couple of bad spider gears in the differential, the carrier itself and the cross pin where still good.

And of course I had a spare set of spider gears laying around in the shop. Still, it�s a big job since the cross pin for the spiders won�t clear the ring gear when the ring gear is assembled to the carrier. So, the differential carrier has to come out of the axle housing to fix it. Pull the wheels, brakes, lockouts, hubs, unbolt the spindles, pull the axles out a few inches, then finally you can pull the carrier out of the axle housing. It�s kind of a big job but it went well for us. The best part is that the repair didn�t cost us a penny, just some time but that wasn�t so bad because the boys got some experience out of the deal and I got a really good evaluation of the front end on the truck as far as bearings, seals, joints etc. (remind me I need brake pads soon

)

The rain stopped Friday afternoon, the boys and I hitched the trailer up to the truck we had just fixed and began loading ATV�s, coolers, chainsaw, weed whacker, tools, clothes etc for the weekend. When Pam got home we all headed out to camp.

[Linked Image]

Everything was grown up with tall grass and weeds out at camp. I started mowing Friday night, Pam and the boys lit a fire in the fire ring, we got all settled in to cabin mode complete with bonfire and a star filled sky.

Saturday morning we had the typical deer camp big breakfast, pancakes, sausage, eggs etc. Then we had to make a run to the nearest gas station to get some diesel fuel for the tractor. RWS with his new drivers permit got to drive the big black gear jammer 4x4 for that little trip out of the forest and back to camp. Once we got back we started on a couple little projects like the outhouse door which got beat up in the wind last year. We got some decent torx head wood screws and beefed up the door itself and re-hung the hinges so the door opens and closes nicer.

[Linked Image]

The better part of the day was mowing and trimming with the weed whacker. Saturday afternoon, Weezy joined us when she got done with work. We all went for a trail ride and checked some of our common blueberry picking spots. None of our regular berry spots were any good, we actually chacked a lot of spots Saturday evening and just couldn�t find any blueberries. We headed back to the cabin with plans to make some chili over the campfire. We couldn�t find any blueberries but we did just fine with the campfire chili plans, it was some good stuff.

[Linked Image]

Sunday morning we did the usual breakfast thing again and set out on another trail ride. This time we were headed further north in the forest because I wanted to check for berries at a little higher elevation. Thinking frost may have been a factor this spring with the blueberry plants I wanted to check a few spots that might have been out of that frost zone. We did find some berries, I�m still not super excited about berry picking this year but it does look like we could do ok.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ds/Resampled_2012-07-08_10-58-22_422.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ds/Resampled_2012-07-08_11-01-06_468.jpg[/img]

Probably the funniest thing we saw all weekend was The 2 older kids riding together on Nate�s little 250 honda. Weezy was driving, and she wasn�t shy about hitting a few water holes along the trail.

I have more pictures, but it took forever to load these from our computer. Maybe I�ll load a few more tonight.

Great pics of the kids and the water hole. Just got an email from my wifes cousin. The black raspberries are ripe and they just started picking. We need to get up to their place and get some.

Sweet action shot through the puddle!

Originally Posted by tzone

Holy smokes Rooster...Thank God everyone is alright Jim. How's she feeling today?

Scary, scary feeling. I'm real glad that it worked as good as it could have.

We can buy new cars...not little girls.

Thanks Tom. She is still pretty stiff and sore. She got some pain meds from the doc on Saturday and basically has not moved from my recliner since. She was still sleeping in the same position this morning as she was for the last 36 hours. Must be good drugs!

Thanks you ALL for your kind words. It was a very scary moment and one that Dave and Pam can relate to all too well...

Dave - The camp pics are great! Do you have a lot of deer flies and horse flies in the woods? I took the kids on a wheeler ride through the woods by the cabin to climb the fire tower and the deer/horse flies were unbearable. The woods sounded like a million tranformers humming.

Ryan - Your kitchen looks good! I like that archway you put in.

There seems to be a fair amount of those flies in certain areas in the forest but we didn't exactly get bit up. Come to think of it I don't think there was much bug spray used at all over the weekend.

We were getting attacked by small biting flies (Not horse flies) on the 4th. Normally they're not a problem here until mid August.

Talked to a farmer about the same subject this morning. He said he's been seeing insects that normally don't show up until late summer. Wonder if it has anything to do with the early spring?

It almost seems like we're going to skip the whole mosquito thing this summer.

Sadly....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It almost seems like we're going to skip the whole mosquito thing this summer.

Sadly....

You clearly haven't been to my house.

The appraisal guy came for the refinance and gave me a card for MN Mosquito Control. He said call, the WILL come here and spray. It was bad. Now it only gets bad at night. We can actually use the back yard now without a can of bug spray each.

Dave,it appears that you and family had another great weekend at Camp Chickenbuck.Good pictures.The picture of the chili made me hungry as can be.

Stan in SC

I agree Stan. That camp chili looked dang good.

Our appraiser came on Friday for our re-fi. Of course I was smack dab in the middle of a bathroom remodel when she showed up. It was a little more work than I origianlly thought or I would have left the lake a day earlier.

I am the King of biting off more than I can chew on home remodels. Not that I can't do it, but my time estimating ability seems to be a bit off.

Dave I read the opening post on this thread you wrote and it was as well written as a reflective piece in a Wing Shooters magazine. To be honest it choked me up pretty good.

I have been reading this thread for the last two years but never bothered to see how it started, and I am real glad that I did.

Well written Dave

Capt Kirk

Thanks Kirk.

I suppose it's in early august or late July here we will hit 5 years of this silliness. I noticed that we must have hit the 6 million mark on views sometime recently. That's seriously crazy.

5 years changes the kids quite a bit.

My 3 for instance. 5 years ago:

[Linked Image]

look at the 2 boys now.

[Linked Image]

And the girl.

[Linked Image]

Huh... Looks like we are way better at taking pictures 5 years later too, lol!

They have had this cabin adventure for 5 years of their childhood now. Between construction, trail cutting, upkeep, stand building, hunting, trail riding, blueberry picking, snowmobiling and fun weekend get togethers.. There's quite a lot that has taken place out in that shack in the woods already in 5 years.

And as with every single thing I build... It went together fast right up to the point of finishing touches such as trim, soffit/fascia.... lol!!

Well maybe we can do something about some of that junk yet this summer.

As to the tone and writing in the opening post nearly 5 years ago. Yeah I was crushed, we all were.

I still miss my cousin terribly, I know we all do, the whole lot of us that knew him. The bond we all formed is part of his legacy.

We all still fight our little lessons in life as each kid grows, us adults too.

Some of us fight big fights, like Dusty with his cancer.

That's a serious battle, and it makes me very grateful and proud of these past 5 years in which we all have experienced a higher quality of life in some degree by being active members of this camp. The shack in the woods was a launching pad for the group which would eventually bond well enough to do many things together away from camp.

I don't like the battle Dusty faces now but I feel we are better equipped to cope with the fears and support him since we really are a tightly knit camp.

It looks like this deer camp stuff is kind of working like it was supposed to.

Alright, I've exceeded my limit for seriousness.

back to your regularly scheduled nonsense.

Farts, boogers, poop

(regularly scheduled nonsense)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

As to the tone and writing in the opening post nearly 5 years ago. Yeah I was crushed, we all were.

I still miss my cousin terribly, I know we all do, the whole lot of us that knew him. The bond we all formed is part of his legacy.

We all still fight our little lessons in life as each kid grows, us adults too.

I remember reading this thread for the first time...seriously. It was a rainy Tuesday morining in August, 2007. I was sitting in a leaky job trailer reading about a terrible family tragedy and loss of Dave's best friend. I remember being choked up about it because I knew before long, I was going to lose one of mine.

With out this thread, I wouldn't have met this family who have become dear frineds to me. People I can talk to about anything...everything and they don't criticize or judge, just be friends. A guy really can't ask for more than that but they've given me so much more. A place to stay, support when I've needed it, a camp to hunt from, a get-away to relax and solve the worlds problems, and somebody to put up with my out right goofy-ness.

The first day I met Uncle Dusty and Missy was the day before deer opener in 2009. Uncle Dusty got out of the truck and shook my hand and we BS'd like we'd know eachother for years and in truth, it was just minutes. Missy got out and gave me a hug and I helped her unload her the truck and same thing...like we'd know each other forever. And again a great friendship,a nearly family like bond.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's a serious battle, and it makes me very grateful and proud of these past 5 years in which we all have experienced a higher quality of life in some degree by being active members of this camp. The shack in the woods was a launching pad for the group which would eventually bond well enough to do many things together away from camp.

I don't like the battle Dusty faces now but I feel we are better equipped to cope with the fears and support him since we really are a tightly knit camp.

Have you heard from Missy? It was pretty damn good news last I talked to her.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I noticed that we must have hit the 6 million mark on views sometime recently. That's seriously crazy.

Crazy, nope. Crazy is 1/2 those views are probably mine dude.

Well that takes half the crazy out of it then.

I did hear from Missy and that was great news, I have a half an hour before a meeting this morning and it's break tome besides. I'm going to try to call dusty right now to check in.

Well said, Dave.

The wife and I picked 10 pounds of Black Raspberries yesterday. Man, are they ever good. I think I ate as many as I picked.

Oh those are great. How was the bugs and bears sittuation?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well that takes half the crazy out of it then.

I did hear from Missy and that was great news, I have a half an hour before a meeting this morning and it's break tome besides. I'm going to try to call dusty right now to check in.

Report back in.

I seen the Muffy report the other day and that is indeed good news!

I did talk with him this morning. It was a good talk, I gave him the update from this end on cabin status, trails, blueberry report etc. He gave me the lowdown on his recent visit with radiologist. It sounds like they have observed some gains with the radiation he's received so far and at this point there are no plans to continue with radiation but rather to observe and hopefully all cancerous areas will stay as they are rather than progressing.

The idea that no radiation is currently scheduled for him is a very encouraging thing I think.

I'm hoping for the same sort of report and plan on the chemo side of the treatment plan. I really do hope they find that a break from treatment is the right thing, he could stand to gain a little back as the treatments have taken strength and energy from him. Not to mention the other side effects, being horribly sick and the sensitive skin from radiation. All of the bad things that one must endure as they attack the cancer with the treatments.

More than anything I'm praying that he can be afforded a break from it all so he has a chance to rebound from the side effects.

The mayo appointment is Aug 7 I think.

Basically a second opinion and evaluation of treatment up to this point as well as advice on plans from here out.

10-4

Thanks Dave.

Dusty you hang tough and we'll keep sendin prayers and good wishes your way!

I think of Dusty every day.He seems to be handling this whole thing pretty well.Good for him.
Regarding this thread...it helped me tremendously when I underwent heart by pass surgery in 2008.I couldn't wait to get back to the computer.It also helps me every day.We are a family of sorts.
On to regularly scheduled silliness.
For my impending birthday I went to a friend's gun shop today and gave myself an early present in the form of a Rock island 1911A1.Been wanting one for awhile so loaded up some trading fodder and some stashed wampum and off I went.
I made the deal and went to the gun club.At 12 yards I put the first shot in the center ring right on top of the bull at 12 O'clock.What a great shooter!(does happy dance).I've had a good day.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh those are great. How was the bugs and bears sittuation?

No bears and the bugs were managable. Did see a lot of deer on the trip home.

Sounds like a nice birthday gift Stan. I'm not a great pistoleer, but I can usually manage to put 50% of my shots into the traget with most handguns. The 1911 is the exception. I can not hit squat with one.

Dusty, hope all your reports are good.

Stan, that sounds like a very fun day and I laughed out loud at the "stashed wampum" comment! I would like to get a handgun some time but haven't pulled the trigger yet (pun intended)! I hope you get to punish some more targets soon.

Keep up the good fight Uncle Dusty!

Griz, how are black raspberries different than the red ones.....and don't say the color!

I think they taste a bit sweeter with less of an aftertaste.

And they are seedless....

Just kidding.

But that would be awesome huh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

And they are seedless....

Just kidding.

But that would be awesome huh?

Actually they are nearly seedless compared to the reds. They also have a much better flavor.

yeah the red ones are fulla seads.

We find the black ones here and there but they are definately not the dominant variety around these parts.

Yellow ones are good to. I remember eating them at my Grandfathers' cabin as a kid.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Yellow ones are good to. I remember eating them at my Grandfathers' cabin as a kid.

The yellows I've had didn't have much flavor to them, but they make a darn good brandy cordial. Cousins husband makes all kinds of brandy cordials fromm their berries. We had to sample them when we were there.

The yellow raspberry cordial was very mild and concealed the brandy flavor. My personal favorite was elderberry.

Going 4 wheeling this weekend. Hope it is as fun as last weekend.

[Linked Image]

Uncle Cletus and Gladys were having issues. You always send the guinea pigs in first so you know where not to go

Thought this car for sale was pretty cool.

[Linked Image]

Ouch!

Muffy, looks more like they were fishing for cat fish.

that car is way cool.

Some goofy car show coming down the road from me again this year , weekend after next . Bunch of old scrap iron and such.

13 years and folks keep dragging stuff up here .

The music is , well you can decide , but about 8 min of vid in the link.

http://www.newyorkscarshows.com/2012/syracusenationalscarshow2012.aspx

I love me some old Pontiac. And Buick. Someday I will have have a '55 Buick.

Originally Posted by M1894

Some goofy car show coming down the road from me again this year , weekend after next . Bunch of old scrap iron and such.

13 years and folks keep dragging stuff up here .

The music is , well you can decide , but about 8 min of vid in the link.

http://www.newyorkscarshows.com/2012/syracusenationalscarshow2012.aspx

The Iola (WI) car show is on the week. The Olds in Muffy's photo is a 55 or 56.

Is it an olds? Man, I'm glad I got newmglasses after work today.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is it an olds? Man, I'm glad I got newmglasses after work today.

now all you need is new fingers

I guess...I did it from my phone.

I guess I love me some Olds too.

Sorry Tom, we're even for the screaming from the mouse in the boot

People will forget my bad typing.

Speshly cause there was no mouse...

lol!!

sounds like an inside (the boot) joke

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Speshly cause there was no mouse...

lol!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by M1894

Some goofy car show coming down the road from me again this year , weekend after next . Bunch of old scrap iron and such.

13 years and folks keep dragging stuff up here .

The music is , well you can decide , but about 8 min of vid in the link.

http://www.newyorkscarshows.com/2012/syracusenationalscarshow2012.aspx

The Iola (WI) car show is on the week. The Olds in Muffy's photo is a 55 or 56.

The owner come out to talk to me after I took the pictues. He said it was a 56 Holiday.

I love the red/white interior.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by M1894

Some goofy car show coming down the road from me again this year , weekend after next . Bunch of old scrap iron and such.

13 years and folks keep dragging stuff up here .

The music is , well you can decide , but about 8 min of vid in the link.

http://www.newyorkscarshows.com/2012/syracusenationalscarshow2012.aspx

The Iola (WI) car show is on the week. The Olds in Muffy's photo is a 55 or 56.

The owner come out to talk to me after I took the pictues. He said it was a 56 Holiday.

Here's a bit of auto history some of you aren't aware of: "56" was the first year that Olds put the "Park" position in their auto transmission. Up till than the shift patern was "N, D, L, R". Than in 56 it went to "P,N,D,L,R". Bet you'll all sleep better know.

Did it start in gear or did you have to put it in "N"?

The interior is nice. The old cars sure had some classy interiors. Stuff that would be very expensive to duplicate or put in cars of today.

My dad has had the ins. adjuster out to his place a few times to look at his car, which has what I'd call a normal looking interior for cars of that era, and it's going to be $6K for just that.

Them dang new fangled column shift auto transmissions.

I know about an old guy back in the day, got his first column shifted automatic transmission. Previously he had the manual trans, clutch pedal, brake pedal, column shifter 3 speed.

You get used to what you have.

Some yuns know what I mean.

It was said that old Joe could be seen proceeding from the stop sign next to the Ulen Bank only to make it barley across the street, picking up speed... then he'd smash the brake pedal and slam the car into park.

Shifting into second... or so he thought! LOL!!

(My grandpa)

You see, my donkey ears go back at least 2 generations

Well we took our first ever trip salmon fishing....

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Them dang new fangled column shift auto transmissions.

I know about an old guy back in the day, got his first column shifted automatic transmission. Previously he had the manual trans, clutch pedal, brake pedal, column shifter 3 speed.

You get used to what you have.

Some yuns know what I mean.

It was said that old Joe could be seen proceeding from the stop sign next to the Ulen Bank only to make it barley across the street, picking up speed... then he'd smash the brake pedal and slam the car into park.

Shifting into second... or so he thought! LOL!!

(My grandpa)

You see, my donkey ears go back at least 2 generations

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well we took our first ever trip salmon fishing....

[Linked Image]

Who, what, when, where??

Looks like fun!

Lake of the woods?

Originally Posted by tzone

Did it start in gear or did you have to put it in "N"?

Neutral (N) although most of them could be started in gear after a few years when the neutral safety switch went out. Ford used the "P,R,N,D,L" pattern from the get go. Eventually it became the industry standard.

So how many trannies did Grandpa Joe go through?

The GM hydromatics of the 50's could be shifted into reverse at high speeds. Needless to say the results were not good. We had a customer that did it to his 57 Pontiac.

I know a guy, Dusty knows him too.

As a young man, he was quite fond of the push button shifted automatic transmission in his old car.

(mopar I think)

Stomp the gas pedal to the floor in "P", hold it to the floor and press the "R" button.... Then the "D", then the "R", Then the "D", repeat, repeat, repeat!!

Smoke filled the air, tires howling, transmission, ring and pinion gears clunking....

Oh my god.... What an A-hole!! laffin!!

who: Dad, brother, uncle, cousin, cousin-inlaw
when: early this week
where: Algoma WI/Lake Michigan
What: Kings and steelhead
Why: to feed the grill

It was a quick trip, left at 330 am and was back at 7 pm the next day. Used a charter called Kinns Katch and I would recommend them again (in fact we rebooked for next year). Best bite happened between 3:45 am and 5:00 am. brought back 32 of them, prolly 2/3s kings.

Awesome!

Just kidding about the lake of the woods thing.

The water color is way off for LOW.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know a guy, Dusty knows him too.

As a young man, he was quite fond of the push button shifted automatic transmission in his old car.

(mopar I think)

Stomp the gas pedal to the floor in "P", hold it to the floor and press the "R" button.... Then the "D", then the "R", Then the "D", repeat, repeat, repeat!!

Smoke filled the air, tires howling, transmission, ring and pinion gears clunking....

Oh my god.... What an A-hole!! laffin!!

Don't doubt that you could do this with the early auto trans. My uncle would let me use his 57 Merc, which had push buttons and it was great fun to back out of a spot (fast) and pop it in drive without stopping first. Kinda hard on the trany and the tires.

Looks like it was fun BM. I need to get hold of an old class mate. We talked about making the salmon run this year.

it was fun, but it was also a little different. it was brainless fishing (I joked that to practice, just go winch up a boat). having everything done for you (put out the lines, take the fish off, clean the fish, etc) was weird. This isnt a replacement for a good old Canadian DIY trip, but it was fun nonetheless.

Speaking of Canadian DIY trips, I am going to take the 8 year old girl on her first Cananda trip soon. I am really looking forward to it and I really hope she can tie into a 10 pound northern!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I really hope she can tie into a 10 pound northern!

If it's under 20 lbs, you might not be in Canada.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know a guy, Dusty knows him too.

As a young man, he was quite fond of the push button shifted automatic transmission in his old car.

(mopar I think)

Stomp the gas pedal to the floor in "P", hold it to the floor and press the "R" button.... Then the "D", then the "R", Then the "D", repeat, repeat, repeat!!

Smoke filled the air, tires howling, transmission, ring and pinion gears clunking....

Oh my god.... What an A-hole!! laffin!!

How many transmissions did you go through Dave?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

who: Dad, brother, uncle, cousin, cousin-inlaw
when: early this week
where: Algoma WI/Lake Michigan
What: Kings and steelhead
Why: to feed the grill

It was a quick trip, left at 330 am and was back at 7 pm the next day. Used a charter called Kinns Katch and I would recommend them again (in fact we rebooked for next year). Best bite happened between 3:45 am and 5:00 am. brought back 32 of them, prolly 2/3s kings.

I went out of Kewannee, to the south of where you went. My buddy's dad took me out.

We headed out about the same time in a 17' lund pro sport. It was "sporty" to say the least we came back in when the small craft warning alarm sounded. Even the big ass guide boats were coming back. It was a beautiful day on the water, but windy. Waves had to 6'.

Here is my one and only salmon I've ever caught. They boys on the dock called it a Jumbo, which is a 5 year old. Most die at 4 years old...so they said.
[Linked Image]

It took a grand total of 45 seconds of the line being in the water before it hit.

It quickly peeled 900' of like. Yes, 900'. I asked Jim if the line counter was right and he said "YES...REEL you have 100' of line left!"

I gained a bunch on him then he ran back out to about 500'. I got him back in, when he hit the floor of the boat, he was done. Like as in never moved again. The tail on that fish when it was spread out was as big as my head. Flat out the most fun fish I've caught to date, including muskies. Muskies give up, that King didn't. Bad ass fish!

The best part was, I left later that morning to go back home and they stayed for the rest of the week. They gave me all the fish they caught the two days prior. We had salmon for most of the year. God was that good fish.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I know a guy, Dusty knows him too.

As a young man, he was quite fond of the push button shifted automatic transmission in his old car.

(mopar I think)

Stomp the gas pedal to the floor in "P", hold it to the floor and press the "R" button.... Then the "D", then the "R", Then the "D", repeat, repeat, repeat!!

Smoke filled the air, tires howling, transmission, ring and pinion gears clunking....

Oh my god.... What an A-hole!! laffin!!

How many transmissions did you go through Dave?

Oh no it wasn't me, not my style.

I had my own methods for destroying transmissions.

Dave , kind of behind the subject but those pics of the family were great. Shack looks great. It is really fun to see the kids change. I have teen age girls and love the comparison pictures myself.

Some time when I get around to upgrading my cell phone I can then load up a photo bucket and join in on the picture festival on this thread .

We have two hunting shacks in NE MN. One we own with my dad and brother and the other just my wife and I. We spend all fall hunting and every weekend all winter snowmobiling at ours. The winter is the best with all of our little hidden shack community up on weekends and talking on the CB's and gathering somewhere regularly. I am glad to see others have the privilege of a shack as well.

Kirk

Hey Kirk, welcome to the fire.

I'd love to see your cabin when you get some pics uploaded.

Thanks for the welcome Tzone.

My iPhone needs to be synced. I have never plugged it in to a computer so it has an old operating system. All of the photo bucket apps are to new now for me to use.

I have been reading this forum for years, only joined it to ask some questions on a PM to one of the gunwriters. I have been afraid to comment on much here. A lot of attacking takes place, and that is not my style.

This seems like a good place to hang out since my entire life has revolved around hunting shacks.

Kirk

Welcome Kirk. We can always use some new blood around here.

Have a good time at the Chip Tom.

We won't attack you here. I don't think there has been any on this thread, ever. Pretty amazing when you think about it.

About your phone, it's easy to do. Use your USB cord and plug the one end into your phone, then the other into your computer. It will also charge your phone while you do it. Open an Itunes account while you're at it. Thousands of songs that are $1. Then you don't have to buy a whole album to get a few songs from it you like. Trust me, if I can do it, you can.

Thanks Bill. Not leaving for a while yet. Had to get the trans fluid flushed before I towed the boat that far.

I get to fix the wheel bearing and CV boot when I get home. So I have that going for me, which is nice. (bill murry voice)

Welcome Kirk!

Like Tzone said, we would love to see some pics of your shacks.
Its always fun to see what makes them unique.

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Bill. Not leaving for a while yet. Had to get the trans fluid flushed before I towed the boat that far.

I get to fix the wheel bearing and CV boot when I get home. So I have that going for me, which is nice. (bill murry voice)

Assuming this is your new truck T, my ex boss had those problems with his F-150 too. More than once. Wonder if its a flaw?

Hey Kirk, thanks for the compiments. Cant wait to see you photos.

Yeah this odd thread is a civility fefuge for some reason.

I don't know why, but it works.

Our hard working farmer boy bought himself a nice used trail bike last night. Well he's paid for about 2/3 of it so far, mom and dad floated him the balance and he'll likely have it paid full in 2 weeks.

Pretty proud of him, setting a goal and working hard for this bike.

Nice little bike.

[Linked Image]

Hate to bust the boys bubble, Dave, but in case you haven't noticed the pedals are missing.

We already uncorked the exhaust, re-jetted and opened up the air box.

He's taking a day off from farming so he can ride with his buddies.

Nice to see him having some fun.

Good kid.

Glad to see Nate got his dirt bike.

This was the best weekend ever!! 4 wheeling was great. Only one got stuck (not me), though afterwards his wheeler didn't want to run right. He worked on it for a while yesterday and he said it is running much better. Something about the hose to the carb or something like that.

Mom and dad had Avery for the weekend and they said she was very good. She was sure glad to see mom yesterday.

I would love to get a camper so she could go with,

Grandson took another 1st place in his age group in 3D shoot over the weekend. Son is taking him to the achery shop today to get his draw length adjusted. Said he's in another growth spurt.

Went on craigs list today & found a smaller toy hauler camper very cheap. Waiting to hear back from the guy, hope he still has it. If so I will probably be making a trip to Grand Forks to look at it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Grandson took another 1st place in his age group in 3D shoot over the weekend. Son is taking him to the achery shop today to get his draw length adjusted. Said he's in another growth spurt.

Thats awesome Bill! He must have one of the new(er)youth bows that they make now where the draw length and weight is adjustable all the way to young adulthood?

That's what he has Rooster. Wyatts shooting a Bear bow. Son said he's having a problem with one of the pullies or cams popping out when he pulls hard. Wouldn't surprise me if my son springs for a different bow for him.

This is his last year in his age division and the kid in the nesxt age group out shot Wyatt by 100 points.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That's what he has Rooster. Wyatts shooting a Bear bow. Son said he's having a problem with one of the pullies or cams popping out when he pulls hard. Wouldn't surprise me if my son springs for a different bow for him.

This is his last year in his age division and the kid in the nesxt age group out shot Wyatt by 100 points.

Bill,

Tell your son to take a serious look at the Diamond by Bowtech Razor Edge bow for your grandson.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/2011_Diamond_Razor_Edge/youth_kids_bows_compound.htm

I'll second the nod for the Razor. I picked up a used one so I could still shoot after a shoulder injury. Shoulder is better now, so I made a few adjustments and now the wife can shoot it.

Jeff

Funny you should mention Bowtech Rooster. My son has a contact that can get Bowtech Blems at a great price.

Had a costly day yesterday. Spent the better part of the afternoon picking out carpet and tile.

poor bastard....

Going to the Kid Rock, Skid Row, and Hinder concert today. Like 30 of us are taking a limo bus there. Perfect, nobody has to drive. Christy & Jon are going to have a house full, all but 4 are staying at their place.

Party on!

wowsers, sounds like a party!

Bill, you'll get no sympathy from me, aside from the cost, picking tile is kinda fun. I've been irrigating in 100+ degree heat all week. got home after 9 tonight, and saw we have a heck of a wildfire burning down the road.

here are a few teaser pics I got off the cam when I checked it today. you sure noone wants to come huntin out here? draw deadline is tomorrow.....
[Linked Image]

Nice bucks, Ryan. Working in that heat is a bish. We were in the high 90's.. Cooled off into the 70's the past 2 days and it feels great. Unfortunately it's back into the oven for us.

Heading to Deer Fest in Oshkosh tomorrow and temps are going to be in the low 90's.

Duct Tape Night at the Alex Beetles baseball game, can't miss that!

also getting my shed done in the backyard. man is that gonna be nice!

Heading for garden island on lake of the woods, an epic LOW destination, it should be a blast.

There be big fish there.

Big walleyes.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Bill. Not leaving for a while yet. Had to get the trans fluid flushed before I towed the boat that far.

I get to fix the wheel bearing and CV boot when I get home. So I have that going for me, which is nice. (bill murry voice)

Assuming this is your new truck T, my ex boss had those problems with his F-150 too. More than once. Wonder if its a flaw?

No rooster, not on the new truck...the new truck is a 2004 4-runner.

Bill,

What kind of bow does your grandson shoot? My daughter wants to start shooting. She can't pull much back. I'd just get a regular "kids" bow but she is left handed and it throws a wrench into the plan a bit.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you sure noone wants to come huntin out here? draw deadline is tomorrow.....

Yes, I want to come hunting out there, but this year is not in the cards. Next year is a good possibility though.

Good day, words tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you sure noone wants to come huntin out here? draw deadline is tomorrow.....

Yes, I want to come hunting out there, but this year is not in the cards. Next year is a good possibility though.

at least put in for a PP, they are only 5 bucks. online app deadline is tuesday 8am

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

What kind of bow does your grandson shoot? My daughter wants to start shooting. She can't pull much back. I'd just get a regular "kids" bow but she is left handed and it throws a wrench into the plan a bit.

Tom, he shoots a Bear something or other. Check out Diamond (Bowtech), Mission (Mathews) too.

Great day at garden island with the kids and my folks. The forecast was completely wrong wind wise, which made for some swells up where we fished. Nate boated a 27" walleye pictured above which was quickly released after a picture. Lake of the woods has a release slot on walleyes 19.5" to 28". We released 3 in that slot size yesterday.

Great Eyes, Dave.

Spend the day at Deer Fest Saturday and had a great time. I did score a new pair of Muck Boots at a great price. Granddaughter did well on the clothes too.

The new WI bow record buck was on display. All I can say is WOW!

You'll like those boots Bill. "Swampers"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You'll like those boots Bill. "Swampers"

Two of our camp crew have them and love um.

Looks like the preacher was having a great time.

"preacher" had the wrong digit raised.Good pictures,Dave.Looks like you guys had a great time.Good.

Stan in SC

Took the boy and my dad to the Car Craft Summer National car show today in St. Paul. LOTS of bad ass cars. I still enjoy back to the 50's a bit better, there are a lot more cars there.

CCSN, though allows any year of vehicle in so you get to see some great cars from the mid 60's and newer, where back to the 50's only allows 64 and older models.

I have some pics but they're on my cell phone. Dave saw most of them, I texted him some all day.

ND et al

I think that is the first pic of soft water you have had in any of your posts.

Nice fish!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

]

OK, crazy question...what the heck is Preacher holding onto with the Leatherman in the background?

Bait just removed from Nate's fish???Just a guess.

Stan in SC

Big crayfish (crawfish)

That big walleye spit out a couple of them when she got up in the boat.

OK, makes sense. On my phone, it looked like a dinosaur, but I couldn't zoom in clear enough to tell what it was.

That dang ol walleye thinks it's a small mouth.

Gotta love it when you catch a fish and it brings you bait

Friends of mine had some of their solar lights stolen about a month ago. They found the kids who did it. Last weekend 6 more were gone. Lastnight when I got home I noticed the 3 I had by the little garage were gone. I called the sheriffs dept and they are coming over this afternoon when I get off work. If this is the same bunch of kids they need to make them do some community service or something. On their last spree they also broke into the pawn shop and stole a bunch of knives. My friends tire on their camper was slashed, and the same ones who stole their solar lights admited they slashed the tire too. Where are the parents? They need to make sure their kids are not running around town after cerfew.

That sucks.

It's very frustrating dealing with kids that do this stuff. Very few of them would act like this as individuals but you put a few of them together and it almost seems like they have to try to prove themselves to each other by doing the stupidest things imaginable.

And the parents.... Well, my opinion is that they are to blame.

Dave hit the nail on the head with this one. My son had his solar lights riped off and I've had mine pulled out, but not taken.

Muffy, did you ever check out the toy hauler you were interested in?

We had problems with "kids" (17 year olds)breaking into our garage when we lived in town. Started off with them taking beer etc. out of the fridge, which led to stealing fireworks and other misc small items. Then they made the mistake of taking all my tools and my fishing tackle.

I had to do my own investigating that summer because the town "police" were too worried about "upsetting anyones parents" and told me these kids all have a pact and would never talk so I should just let it go. Well golly gee officer, that is just not in my nature to "just let it go" when I feel I have been violated.

Its amazing how bad they want to talk when you have one of them lifted off the ground by his neck and pinned up against a brick wall in an alley! Got the theifs name and tried talking to his Dad who was a worthless slob that told me that "his kid gets in a lot of trouble but its never his fault. Just like the time he broke an entering and stole someones prescription pills off their table. He just did that because he thought it was payment for the $20.00 he lended to help the poor pregnant woman put gas in her car so she could get to the doctor. Thats how nice my kid is"

I got a county detective involved after that and ended up getting all my stuff back minus some rapala's. The kid got juvy. The detective told me that he wished more people would stand up and do something like I did because they ended up solving 27 burgalry cases in the county just off the info I obtained in the alley that night.

love a happy ending.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Its amazing how bad they want to talk when you have one of them lifted off the ground by his neck and pinned up against a brick wall in an alley!

As my friend ND says....Sometime violence IS the answer.

ok. seriously now. any thoughts on differences between .270 and 30.06? just found a dandy i was thinking bout picking up. help me out. i got a .270 i am thinking about trading for 30.06 if all goes well

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

ok. seriously now. any thoughts on differences between .270 and 30.06? just found a dandy i was thinking bout picking up. help me out. i got a .270 i am thinking about trading for 30.06 if all goes well

270's are great, but you just can't go wrong with an 06.

Let the fireworks begin.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave hit the nail on the head with this one. My son had his solar lights riped off and I've had mine pulled out, but not taken.

Muffy, did you ever check out the toy hauler you were interested in?

Not that one. I sent a guy an email about another one. Waiting for a response to see if I can look at it tomorrow if he still has it

Golly gee whiz, I thought everyone knew that both 270s and ought sixes were no good fer nothin'!

Here is my best honest answer: Both are fantastic calibers for everything up through a whitetail...nothing is better IMO (although there are a lot of other calibers equally as good). Both will work very well for everything up through a moose if you are smart about bullet weight and selection and do not attempt less than ideal shots (nor should you with other calibers either). I think the biggest key with those 2 calibers on the larger game end of the spectrum (elk, moose) is buy a good quality boolit like a TSX or equivalent. Also, know your ballistic charts both in terms of drop but also in energy. A 270 shooting a 150 grain bullet may not have the ooomph (that is a technical term there..."ooomph") out at long ranges (400 yards +) for some of the larger game. There are a gazillion (that is an accounting term there...."gazillion") bullet style/weight/manufacturer options out there for those calibers.

Good luck and I for one would love to see pictures of the new purchase!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

ok. seriously now. any thoughts on differences between .270 and 30.06? just found a dandy i was thinking bout picking up. help me out. i got a .270 i am thinking about trading for 30.06 if all goes well

What do you mean "trade"?

You need both.

if all works out well, i won't have to trade, it was just a quick thought that went through my mind. i didn't like it either. can always use another.

If they made a 31-06, I'd buy one.

Check with the Preacher, he may have one of the experimentals laying around from the Swamp Squid arms testing

I tried a bunch of calibers for deer and pigs before settling on the .308 about 20 years ago.Been my mainstay ever since.
If you ever get into 45/70..well let's just say it is highly addictive.Notice my tag line.
Between the .308 and the 45/70 I'm covered for anything.
I bought and installed a panel for my sliding glass door that has a built in doggie door so that the pups can come and go at will.What a neat contraption!!
As to the comparison between .270 and 30-06,the 30-06 has the greatest amount of bullet weights available.You can go from 125 grain bullets all the way to 225 grain.
Hot ad the dickens here today.

Stan in SC

how much western hunting are you going to do for elk or moose? If it is a whitetail gun, I dont know that there is a substantial difference. If you are going to do a lot of elk hunting....slight edge to the 06.

You can go to Federal's website and compare the ballistics side by side. That might be helpful. I think you can pick 3 to compare, so pick another one too(7 mag? 300 Mag? 308?).

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

if all works out well, i won't have to trade, it was just a quick thought that went through my mind. i didn't like it either. can always use another.

What you really need Bushy is a 280 or 280AI. Still wish I had my 280.

Redneck is buildingmme a .280 Rem. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I think he said mid august last time we talked.

Buschy, I've shot nearly all my deer with an aught 6, a few with a .280, thee or four with a .308, and one with a .270

The one with a .270 is the fastest kill I've ever had. I shot and could see legs in the air before the recoil was done. It was stone dead, on his back with feet in the air. The only thing missing was the sunglasses and cigeratte.

Originally Posted by tzone

legs in the air on her back . The only thing missing was the sunglasses and cigeratte.

You know my old girl friend??

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

legs in the air on her back . The only thing missing was the sunglasses and cigeratte.

You know my old girl friend??

Going to Hankinson to look at a toy hauler camper this morning. Hope it is as nice as the pictures!!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

legs in the air on her back . The only thing missing was the sunglasses and cigeratte.

You know my old girl friend??

Muffster,

Is it a camper too? I should look into one of those...not now though.

I talked to Dusty a couple times this week. He called me on Monday, sounded great. He told me he just had another chemo treatment. So, I called him today to see how this latest treatment is going for him. So far so good.

Do me a little favor if you would, If you wouldn't mind refreshing those nice words and prayers.... I don't think it would hurt any.

He has told me before how uplifting it is to have such good people from all over the country encouraging you.

We say one for him at our supper time prayer.

It seems to be helping.

It seems so.

Well, it sounds like Missy got her toy hauler camper! I saw a picture, it looks really awesome!!

Dusty, just a quick note to let you know you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It seems so.

Well, it sounds like Missy got her toy hauler camper! I saw a picture, it looks really awesome!!

Bill, bought carpet and tile today. Toy hauler sounds like a heck of a lot of more fun.

Well, PWM is mad because he wants his sister's room when she moves out tomorrow. But I said RWS should get it because he's older. And now... Pam's making tater tot hot dish for supper.

He's really mad now... says he's not sleeping in the house unless he gets his way.

I told him I'd set up a cot in the shop next to lucy the basset hound.

He said no.

He's moving to Africa.

I asked how he's getting there, he said he's riding his 50cc dirt bike there.

We live in Minnesota.

Is that possible?

Where is Weezy moving to?What have I missed?

Stan in SC

Growing up, going off to school.

Maybe he has tamed a couple of the swamp squids and they will fly him there!

Hey ND check your pm for me, need some advice...

Knee mail sent for Dusty!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

He's moving to Africa.

I asked how he's getting there, he said he's riding his 50cc dirt bike there.

We live in Minnesota.

Is that possible?

Well, if there is anyone that will try it, it's PWM.

Did he yell out "Uncle Dusty, I'm not happy!"

What's he more mad about, Weezy's room or the Tater hot dish?

Well here it is, a 2003 Northwood Desert Fox.

[Linked Image]

I'm going to put a fresh coat of paint on the inside, change some lightbulbs, & take out the makeshift bed system they have in it and that is about all I have to do to it besides cleaning. The bed used to be mounted in the back but the guy I bought it from couldn't get his motorcycle in it. He took it down and made it so it folds up & down on the one wall. I am taking it out because it is very heavy, akward, and If I take it out I will be able to haul two 4 wheelers side by side, or three 4 wheelers if I need to.I'm really happy with it. I also purchased the guys equalizer hitch, it pulled really nice.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well here it is, a 2003 Northwood Desert Fox.

[Linked Image]

I'm going to put a fresh coat of paint on the inside, change some lightbulbs, & take out the makeshift bed system they have in it and that is about all I have to do to it besides cleaning. The bed used to be mounted in the back but the guy I bought it from couldn't get his motorcycle in it. He took it down and made it so it folds up & down on the one wall. I am taking it out because it is very heavy, akward, and If I take it out I will be able to haul two 4 wheelers side by side, or three 4 wheelers if I need to.I'm really happy with it. I also purchased the guys equalizer hitch, it pulled really nice.

Nice, now get someone up on the roof with a tube of caulk (white roofing RV type) and caulk over the old cracked caulking.

Before your rainy season---

Trust me on this one----------

Good idea on the equalizer hitch. Especially, if you still have the blazer to pull it with.

Sweet toy hauler!

Well today is one of those day's in my life that I didn't think would come here so quickly. Today PWM, RWS and I will head south with a truck load of CLB's things, CLB following with her car packed also. Her room is cleaned out and she's ready to go.

I can see she's excited, terrified and already missing her dad. As he hugged her and walked out the door this morning, she turned to me with huge tears streaming down her face...that's my dad she said.

This is one hard day for me, I'm gonna miss her...alot. I know it's not the end and simply just the beginning of the possibilites for her and her life. She hasn't been the worst of kids nor the best as I look back and think "where has the time gone". I also know that there will be more trials and happy times to come because she is a girl. LOL. And yes she's only a little over an hour away, but maybe what's hitting me is that I need to let go just a little more today and that she's growing up.

Now I'm left in a house with a bunch of boys......ugh.

Have a good day everyone. And like my signature lines says, I AM CRYING I usually just say that when I am and don't want anyone to know.

Mrs. ND

Mrs ND, you and ND wear the Titles "MOM" and "DAD" like well polished Medals of Honor. Now Weezy has to go out and learn how to stand on her own. I think you and Dave have done a Helluva good job raisng her and that Weezy will do alright. I hold her in very high regard (Dave can explain that to you). The Best for ALL of ya!!!

I've been gone all week at a national staff meeting, so I had some catching up to do.

ET hit the nail on the head, you two done good, the rest is up to her and she can't do it from home.

Uncle Dusty, Prayers sent up, hope you're feeling well and continue to.

buschy- get the 06, a 270 will just bounce off most game I read it on the innernets, so it has to be true

Missy, I love the toy hauler! congrats!

now I get to go catch up on a bunch of stuff from the rest of the week. Kendra's about ready to pop and has a time of it getting comfortable much of the time, I think little sylvia will be coming early, we'll see. Have a great friday everyone!

BTDT, Pam. Tough on parents when the kids leave the nest. However, you've got the 2 boys to keep you on your toes.

Mrs. ND you did what you're supposed to do. You raised a little girl into young lady, and now into an adult. That is our job as parents.

We're supposed to prepare them to be on their own. You did it! Be proud of yourselves and be proud of her.

Weezy,

I wish you luck on where ever this new chapter in your life takes you. You've grown up and taken a HUGE step in a positive direction. Be smart, be safe, have fun...you're still a kid ya know.

Good Luck Weezy,

Tom

Yep Weezy have fun....but remember this...your mom and dad are a lot smarter than they look so take their advice on things to heart!

Pam and Dave(mostly Pam) have done an exemplary job in raising a fine young lady.She will do well and be a credit to her upbringing.

Stan in SC

I have been thinking about you Dave & Pam. I know it has to be hard to have your first child going off on her own. She will do great, she has grown in many ways and should be very proud. Good Luck Weezy!

Thanks for the advice on the caulking. There are no leaks in the ceiling and I would like to keep it that way.

I have to order a new vent cover for one because it is cracked (put tape on it till I get one), but the other 2 look brand new. We are taking the bed out today and flushing out the lines. Did I mention that there were 2 brand new boxes of Armstrong vinyl floor tiles left in there. Yep I am going to but them down, a box of each black & white. I also got textured paintable wall paper for the walls. Figure it would be better than spackeling all the holes from when he took the bed off the wall. Now I am getting excited to get started!!!!!

sounds fun! I just finished painting the kitchen, doing to put the backsplash final trim on and grout the top seam and the kitchen will be done for the most part. I like small scale remodel jobs, its fun to see the change a couple days can make.

Wheew!

Had a heckova long weekend but very productive. Worked until 4 on Sat, headed up to Duluth to see Pa. We hit the town for pizza and some frosty beverages. I swung into the grocrie store and picked up a few racks of ribs for his new smoker I spied when I got to his house.

Today we got the drives side cab corner and the pass. side rear box rocker(on the box behind the wheel) panel on the truck. There is a small hole to fix next to the cab corner, on the door post, then it's time to sand, sand, sand. Primer and sand, sand, sand.

See a pattern here?

I'm so wiped out I can't post pics tonigh.

I brought my little bear cub out to visit the crew at Chickenbuck Saturday afternoon. There was a lot of energy amongst the young folks out there. It wore me out just watching. It was a good time but we'll have to bring some machinery with next time so we can play outside. Ben was eyeballing the preacher's 50cc dirtbike pretty hard!
Thanks, guys! I would love to visit again next time I'm in the area.

Got some work done out there too.

I think Pam took some pictures, mostly mowing by deer stands.

I'll take a look tonight and see what she's got for pictures

I could use a chickenbuck run. I'd like to get this truck done before fall hunting type festivities start, to be honest, I'm getting a little burnt out on it.

That happens with those projects.

Had a great weekend fishing Walleye on Devils Lake in ND. What a fishery!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That happens with those projects.

Part of it is I know it's not going to be as nice as I want it to be just because of the shape it was in when I bought it. I'm only willing to put so much money into a $3K truck.

I also have a vision of what I want for the next one, which would cost WAY too much to put into this truck at this point. I'll find a nicer truck to start with the second time.

I bought to learn how to do some of this stuff. I've learned not to buy one in the shape this rig was in when I got it, I've learned that you need to have a plan before you start or my ideas are all over the board, I got to spend many, many hours with my dad and son, and I learned these old Ford trucks still kick ass.

That sure sounds like fun.

Nort dakoda eh??

I hear they have prairie dogs that needs shotting.

That would be an awesome trip, if a feller had a new 8x20 ice castle camper/ice fishing house.... You could tow that out to ND and do some prairie dog shooting....

But I don't know anybody that has one of them.

or do I?

What did the walleyes run for size Rooster.

Spent a good part of the morning making reservations for our upcoming Montana trip. We'll finally get to see the house my son and DIL bought in Three Forks. Grandson will be coming back with us to spent a few days in WI. Than we have to take him to O'Hare to fly back home.

do you have a new ice castle dave?

Not me.

Another feller I know...

Name rhymes with "rusty"

Prairie dogs would be a blast!

Dusty get a new fish house?? Atta Boy! Those ice castles are way nice!

Bill,

The walleyes ran from 13" to 16" mostly. But there was A LOT of them. We ate like kings and took home our possesion limit each.

can't wait to get out on the ice with rusty! I can't wait to use my new one out there too. fish house city. can't wait for the cold to come. mine isn't that big though.

You aren't tho only one looking forward to ice season! I love Winter! Time to relax and enjoy the best that Northern MN has to offer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not me.

Another feller I know...

Name rhymes with "rusty"

Originally Posted by White_Bear

You aren't tho only one looking forward to ice season! I love Winter! Time to relax and enjoy the best that Northern MN has to offer.

Wish it would cool down here too. 90's again today.

Well I've got a couple pictures. Here's Joe showing some campfire building skills.

[Linked Image]

My boys.

Saturday night, the boys are playing cards, dad is at the stove cooking hamburgers.

[Linked Image]

Sunday, the boys are checking out the new view from Weezy's stand while I cut a shooting lane with the bush hog mower.

[Linked Image]

And, some mowing by Pam's stand.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_6450.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_6453.jpg[/img]

plant some crimson clover, right now would be a good time, it will come up about 3-4 inches, maybe a little more. another option would be Brassica for a food plot.

lookin good!

Pam's stand is looking good.

Is the 4th from the bottom weezy's stand?

Yes it is.

Yeah dad's Ice Castle is pretty nice (I just saw pictures). Him & mom stopped by
on Saturday, and he said he was just looking at them. Then I noticed his new cap he was wearing. Even Scott thought they don't usually give them to people who are "just looking".

I guess they went and picked it up today.

Where is Weezy moving to?What have I missed?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Him & mom stopped by
on Saturday, and he said he was just looking at them.

If I had a dime for everytimg I said that....I'd have a lot of dimes, and more money from not buying the stuff i was "just looking" at.

Quote

Even Scott thought they don't usually give them to people who are "just looking".

Truff.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

plant some crimson clover, right now would be a good time, it will come up about 3-4 inches, maybe a little more. another option would be Brassica for a food plot.

lookin good!

Turnips work too, but it may be to late to plant.

we have had a lot of success with rapeseed. ours will be planted pretty soon.

I finally have 2 ripe tomatoes.

So, it's BLT night.

FINALLY!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Sweet! My daughter picked some green peppers and said a red one is red now.

Getting to be about that time.

Muffy, Hows dusty doing? tell him HI, i think you need to post some pics of his new shanty as well for us.

found out I drew for the area I'm working, my dad drew also and there were only 2 nonres tags available. first time I'll get to hunt deer with him in 15 years or so. I'm super excited, and so is he.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Muffy, Hows dusty doing? tell him HI, i think you need to post some pics of his new shanty as well for us.

Talked to mom yesterday and he is feeling pretty good. He has been able to work some so that helps.

I only have one pic of it and I will post it when I get back from Walmart. Figured I would go there early while all the WE Festers are still partying or sleeping.

Ryan, what's the rain situation out there? We're on the verge of going from "moderate" to "servere" drought conditions here.

Pretty dry here too Bill. Rain threatens, but doesn't happen.

we are about right for rain. we were in need a week or so ago and then we got about 2 inches and I would say we could use some in another week or two. Crops look excellent....which is not that common these days.

Fantastic Ryan. I cant wait to see pictures of a nice Sodak buck with your smilin' face hovering over it! And another one of your dad and his buck.

how is work going? Did you enjoy the staff meetings?

We are really dry in spots. My lawn was brown but last Tuesday a spotty rain came through and I was fortunate enough to get 3.5" where others just a few miles away got much less or nothing at all. There are two cornfields near my house that are burnt up but across the road from them the corn looks great. Really strange.

Originally Posted by tzone

Pretty dry here too Bill. Rain threatens, but doesn't happen.

Same here. We had less than an inch the entire month of July and June was hardly any better. It rained last night, but harding got the deck wet. Farmers are irrigating like mad if they can.

One of the coffee group has a deer camp just South of here and his well pump is starting to suck air. He's going to have to add another section of pipe and drive the point down deeper.

meeting went well, always good to see the whole team together. we've been VERY hot and dry, although irrigation has helped our fields and they look amazing, took lots of long hours to do but we made it happen. haven't heard what the next month will bring, I'm guessing more of the same. our fall fields will all be irrigated as far as I know so they should come in nice.

Our sandpoint is sucking air too.

have you had the water tested that comes out of it?

Dave, did yuo get any propane lights from the ace store yesterday. they had them for 20.00. i picked up 2, one for deer stand, one for fish house. heck of a deal.

speaking of lights, I just picked up a set of 6 LED wireless lights that come with a remote for $30 for my shed. Man, is that slick. I mounted the remote by the door and it is just like my shed is wired for electricity. Not as bright as 100w bulbs, but plenty good enough for my shed. You can add more if you like too. Just a thought if you need light but dont want to do the propane thing. They run off AAA batteries.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Dave, did yuo get any propane lights from the ace store yesterday. they had them for 20.00. i picked up 2, one for deer stand, one for fish house. heck of a deal.

You bish, why didn't you txt me??

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

have you had the water tested that comes out of it?

Tested for what? Wetness?

(we don't drink it)

Speaking of propane lights, Dave; how are the ones you installed at Chickenbuck working out? How much propane are they using?

BTW, someone I know just filled his 500 gal. propane tank for 89 cents a gallon. My buddy in LA paid $2 a gallon for his last fill this spring.

Hey Bill,

Pete had 17 pounds of fluid drained from his stomach. He's been complaining for two years about feeling full all the time. They kept telling him it was something else and he finally demanded to have it looked at because he couldn't stand it anymore.

Cause....sleep apnea.

Hey Bill, I'm not sure on fuel consumption with those lights, they seem pretty easy on the LP though and the light is very bright.

Good point on the LP prices, we have a pair of hundred pounders at camp and I should fill them now while the price is so low.

they had one left on the table there when i left. i am sure its still there. i was in there at 7 last night. those led's sound good for the fish house.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

speaking of lights, I just picked up a set of 6 LED wireless lights that come with a remote for $30 for my shed. Man, is that slick. I mounted the remote by the door and it is just like my shed is wired for electricity. Not as bright as 100w bulbs, but plenty good enough for my shed. You can add more if you like too. Just a thought if you need light but dont want to do the propane thing. They run off AAA batteries.

Where did you get them at Bman? I would be interested for my shed as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Bill,

Pete had 17 pounds of fluid drained from his stomach. He's been complaining for two years about feeling full all the time. They kept telling him it was something else and he finally demanded to have it looked at because he couldn't stand it anymore.

Cause....sleep apnea.

Are you kidding? Sleep apnea caused that? hmmm might explain some things...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

they had one left on the table there when i left. i am sure its still there. i was in there at 7 last night. those led's sound good for the fish house.

But the "crazy day" is over...

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Bill,

Pete had 17 pounds of fluid drained from his stomach. He's been complaining for two years about feeling full all the time. They kept telling him it was something else and he finally demanded to have it looked at because he couldn't stand it anymore.

Cause....sleep apnea.

Wow! That's a new one. I've heard of fluid build up in the lungs and around the heart, but never the stomach.

Gas prices jumped 15 cents over night here. We're up to $3.799 for regular. One Mobile station was $3.949. We were at $3.399 3 weeks ago. What the "H" is going on.

I put 4 1/2 gallons in my harley 2 days ago and did a little head scratching when I saw the price was around $3.75

Price here was $3.49 this morning here.

I know one thing for sure, the motor on the boat, 115 Johnson EFI, SIPS fuel. I think the tank is 30 gallons, and I haven't filled it since the first time. Fished everyday on the big Chip, a few long runs, a couple days on Mille Lacs with reletivly short runs for that lake, and a few jaunts on the local hole, and I still have 1/4 tank left.

I'd guess Dave's is probably close to the same, but you're pushing a lot deeper boat.

I wish cars could have the same emmissions as boats, we'd all get 30mpg's.

Well, our 115 efi 4 stroke merk was like that. But this 150 efi 4 stroker yami does drink a little more fuel.

But it will push the boat along at 45-50mph if you feel like going that fast too.

Dat's right...I was thinking you had the yammi 115.

I can't hit 45, but I get a sniff above 42 with just me and Jack in it. 40mph with 3.

She's rated for a 150. That sucker would scoot with 150.

I am pleased with the fuel usage on my 115 Yamaha. It is a long time and lots of fun between fillups!

I got the LED lights at Costco.

Originally Posted by tzone

Price here was $3.49 this morning here.

I know one thing for sure, the motor on the boat, 115 Johnson EFI, SIPS fuel. I think the tank is 30 gallons, and I haven't filled it since the first time. Fished everyday on the big Chip, a few long runs, a couple days on Mille Lacs with reletivly short runs for that lake, and a few jaunts on the local hole, and I still have 1/4 tank left.

I'd guess Dave's is probably close to the same, but you're pushing a lot deeper boat.

I wish cars could have the same emmissions as boats, we'd all get 30mpg's.

I feel your pain my yammi 150 Vmax gets maybe 1.5 miles per gallon . Spent 10 dayes at Texoma this spring and used about 75 gallons

All the stations are up to $3.949 today. Our upcoming trip to Montana is going to be expensive.

I buttoned the engine back together on my "new" hunting truck.

She was clappin and slappin, misfire.. had some bad valves.

So I refurbed a spare set of heads, tore them down, cleaned the castings, cleaned the valves. Hand lapped the valves with grease based valve compound, ordered new stem seals and springs, a gasket set...

Yeah, anyways, it's back together and it runs really nice now.

Sounds good!

boogidy.

a stone's throw from home...

[Linked Image]

dropping into the atv playpen..

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/highboy5.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/highboy6.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/highboy7.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/highboy8.jpg[/img][/

A boy and his toys.

Looks like fun Dave.

Border looks wide open there.

Did you get a visit up there?

Nope, pretty quiet.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

All the stations are up to $3.949 today. Our upcoming trip to Montana is going to be expensive.

just take 90 all the way across SD to the black hills

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

All the stations are up to $3.949 today. Our upcoming trip to Montana is going to be expensive.

just take 90 all the way across SD to the black hills

We'll be taking 94 through ND on the way out. It's almost 200 miles shorter. If the kids want to see Devils Tower ot Mt Rushmore we'll come back through SD.

MN regs for 2012 are online

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/2012/full_regs.pdf

Both of those stops are definatly worth it. Devil's Tower was something I passed on several times. Once I made the trip, I wish I had long before. The Black Hills area can consume a person's time for many days.

Did you spin some American mud over to the Canucks?

Looks like the Hankooks are working well.

I think I'm going to take the kids to the Black Hills and possibly Yellowstone next year.

They've been asking about it.

I felt it today boys and girls.... There was a hint of it in the air. Just a tease, but it was enough.

I'm smilin like heck about it too.

I been smellin it the last few mornings, been changing my routine and pawing the ground some...

That is not changing your routine.

Crops are coming off like crazy around here, yeah it's probably time to start thinking about it I guess.

Boy that stupid old truck runs great. Drove it to work today.

Wishing Dusty the best of luck on his trip to the mayo clinic today.

our thoughts and prayers are with you Uncle Dusty

We're prayen for you Dusty.

46* here this morning. A hint of things to come.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Both of those stops are definatly worth it. Devil's Tower was something I passed on several times. Once I made the trip, I wish I had long before. The Black Hills area can consume a person's time for many days.

I too passed up Devile Tower a number of times. My wife finally put her foot down and said she wanted to see it. Sorry I didn't do it earlier. It was a great place.

I've been to Mt Rushmore 4 times and I never get tired of it. Never been to Crazy Horse though. I'll have to check and see how far along they are with it now.

Crazy horse? Meh.... I can leave that out of my vacation plans for a number of reasons.

My opinion... You can see crazy horse from the highway as you drive past it, good enough.

lol!

Needles drive is a must do, wind cave is pretty cool, devils tower very cool..

I'm jealous, sounds like a fun trip.

Don't overlook the Badlands National Park. I find them a 100 times more interesting than the Black Hills. Bighorn, bison, pronghorn are all very abundant and there are some huge mulies out there too. Just a cool place to hike around with lots of fossils to see as well.

August, I believe, is the rut for bison so be especially careful around the bulls. They have no sense of humor.

Good luck Uncle Dusty! Praying for you here and wishing you the best!

We are at Mayo right now. Very ahead of schedule. Waiting to get the CT scan done. It is 9:10 and bood work is already done & that appointment wasn't till 9:30. This place is very amazing. It is HUGE! Everythiing is marked really well, there are many people here to help you find your way where you need to go.

Good Luck Dusty!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Both of those stops are definatly worth it. Devil's Tower was something I passed on several times. Once I made the trip, I wish I had long before. The Black Hills area can consume a person's time for many days.

I too passed up Devile Tower a number of times. My wife finally put her foot down and said she wanted to see it. Sorry I didn't do it earlier. It was a great place.

I've been to Mt Rushmore 4 times and I never get tired of it. Never been to Crazy Horse though. I'll have to check and see how far along they are with it now.

Actually, Crazy Horse was one of the more memorable parts of our trip. Not so much for the view but the documentary video of the man that started it and how he would lug his pick axe's and dyanamite and jack hammer and air hose up a make shift ladder, get half way and his old crank start generator would quit. He then would crawl all the way back down and crank it back up, crawl up and load his tools back on his back and climb a little bit and the generator would quit. Down he would go again.

It was an amazing tale.

Check out Cabelas at Owatona on the way home Muffy. Your not that far from it.

Agree on the Badlands Brent. We've gone through several times. The last time we were there we saw half dozen Big Horns grazing right by the entrance. Neat welcoming comittee.

One advantage to being a senior is that we get into the national parks and historical sites free if we have the senior pass, which costs a one time fee of $10. It's saved me a lot of money over the years.

Chickenbuck at the Mayo Clinic.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Check out Cabelas at Owatona on the way home Muffy. Your not that far from it.

Dad pointed that out on the way here. We will have to see what time we get done tomorrow.

We are back at the hotel. Dad is resting, lots of walking today. I went to Walmart and got him microwave mac & cheese. That & soup is the only thing that sounds good to him so i picked up both.

He had bloodwork and a CT scan done today. We meet with the doctor in the morning to find out the results. Will keep you posted. Thank you everyone for all the support and well wishes for my dad through all this.

Good luck with Mayo. They do incredible things there from all I have heard.

Brent
PS. There is an interesting Marlin 1897 in the gun library there...

Take care of Dusty today, are you in the motel right across from the entrance at mayo? stayed there last year, they had a cool street fair that happens every thursday right there.

Thanks for the update Miss. Still thinking about you Uncle Dusty.

Joe and I just returned from the cabin. We put out 2 cameras, on on a pond and one on a salt block by Pam's stand.

Cabin looks good, need to mow again soon though.

I checked my trail cams today, saw some good deer and then this guy

[Linked Image]

S S S...... S S S...... S S S ....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I checked my trail cams today, saw some good deer and then this guy

[Linked Image]

Did you find any of his poop, mn dnr might be able to tell you if he has hung out here.

this is about as exotic as I get on mine

[Linked Image]

no poop, we've got cats all over the black hills, state opened the quota up to 100 this winter. then we shoot, stuff and celebrate.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

That's actually pretty cool Ryan.

Thanks Tom! I got a pic of this guy too, I think this one's pretty neat as well

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I checked my trail cams today, saw some good deer and then this guy

[Linked Image]

Did you find any of his poop, mn dnr might be able to tell you if he has hung out here.

So true, every large cat dropping to hit MN soil is collected and cataloged for cat mapping purposes.

lol!!

bubbajay is refering to a story a while back where a large cat was discovered east of MN and DNR claimed that they had cataloged scat from the lion someplace in MN.

They recognized the poop.

we use scat out here for DNA analysis as well, and since cat data is recorded everytime one is killed, they CAN at times determine its genetic origin such as where its ma or pa was killed. there are a few researchers out there who do collect the poop and try to map migrations or something with it. which is a little, well.... I guess some could argue the data has its purpose, I just don't know what it is. I'm with you guys, it seems a little silly to chase cat poop, but to each their own I guess. I just hope they are using private grant money rather than state or federal funds.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we use scat out here for DNA analysis as well, and since cat data is recorded everytime one is killed, they CAN at times determine its genetic origin such as where its ma or pa was killed. there are a few researchers out there who do collect the poop and try to map migrations or something with it. which is a little, well.... I guess some could argue the data has its purpose, I just don't know what it is. I'm with you guys, it seems a little silly to chase cat poop, but to each their own I guess. I just hope they are using private grant money rather than state or federal funds.

I'd say they had a chitty job.

They're using cat poop to trace the migration of the cats seen here in WI. Most seem to come from MN, but at least one was traced back to the Dakotas.

DNR can map and track a cat with it's poop as if it was microchipped at birth.

We have 13 million illegal immagrants that we can't seem to track down.... But we can tell you where a mountain lion... (a wild animal) has been by looking at his magic poop?

Pass the tin foil, I need another layer.

DNA is used to determine where the cat was born. Almost all the midwestern cats that I know of were hatched in the Black Hills. There is a distinctive genotype that can identifies this population. They are all young males, so don't expect a big population of kitties to break out unless some females get the wanderlust - rare in female mammals. Either that, or some black helicopter work will be required. However, most black helicopters are currently too busy hauling wolves and cats will have to wait until after the grizzlies too. So don't expect imported lady cats for quite a while.

The poop can be used to do DNA analyses of the pooper, but it can also be used in stable isotope analyses and even DNA analyses to determine the origins of the poopee.

Knowing where they disperse and how they get there, gives folks some idea into where and how the populations MIGHT spread and a little bit of info about where they are unlikely to show up or what sorts of barriers might stop them.

Originally Posted by BrentD

The poop can be used to do DNA analyses of the pooper, but it can also be used in stable isotope analyses and even DNA analyses to determine the origins of the poopee.

Having never been pooped upon by a large cat, I can confidently say that I am not the poopee.

You are if they say you are.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

bubbajay is refering to a story a while back where a large cat was discovered east of MN and DNR claimed that they had cataloged scat from the lion someplace in MN.

They recognized the poop.

I got a chuckle out of that too. WI DNR did the same thing when they REALLY, REALLY didn't want to admit there being bit cats in WI. There were photos popping up on the news, my FIL was even interviewed because there was one in his yard and the neighbors...DNR said NOPE, you saw a bobcat.

He's been in the woods for 60, pretty sure he knows what Mt. Lion looks like.

One of the cats was killed or photographed in north central WI and the DNR finally said, "well based on DNA that particular cat was passing through from the Dakotas."

All you can do is shake your head.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

DNR can map and track a cat with it's poop as if it was microchipped at birth.

We have 13 million illegal immagrants that we can't seem to track down.... But we can tell you where a mountain lion... (a wild animal) has been by looking at his magic poop?

This place is always good for a chuckle in the morning.

Quote

Pass the tin foil, I need another layer.

I had to re read that. I thought it said "need another liver" RoR.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Thanks Tom! I got a pic of this guy too, I think this one's pretty neat as well

[Linked Image]

^
^
^
^
Future Cat Poop

Originally Posted by tzone [/quote

...DNR said NOPE, you saw a bobcat.

There's no one, I mean no one, as smart as a DNR biologist. Just ask 'em, they'll tell ya.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by tzone

...DNR said NOPE, you saw a bobcat. [/quote

There's no one, I mean no one, as smart as a DNR biologist. Just ask 'em, they'll tell ya.

Oh, I don't know. Mr. Armchair Joe Citizen is pretty damn smart too.

And Mr. Common Sense is a sharp cookie also.

So, there is a lot of competition for top dog on the IQ ladder. You should ask'em. They hang out over on the Campfire all the time.

I was indoctrinated right along beside them. Sometimes Mr. Common Sense was hard to find.

Come on Brent. The guy might bs from time to time but to pretty much be told " you didn't see that, it was something else, just so they could push their own agenda, sure makes one sound like a pompus ass. That is the type of crap that puts the dnr in poor standing with the citizens.

I'm curious to hear about the agenda?

4

Tom,
I hear ya. Really I do. But I've seen folks sent out after an escaped Komodo Dragon that was "as big as my golden retriever"
[Linked Image]

It came back in a Nike shoe box - size 10 iguana.

I've seen black bears reported in Lawrence Kansas (black lab)

And the list goes on and on and on. How many alligators in the NYC sewers?

So you can imagine that the always hated and wrong DNR might get a little tired of everyone's claims. Meanwhile, Wisconsin and Minnesota DO NOT have a lion population. And no one lists lions as residents of the state.

You might just put yourself in their shoes once in a while. I have to work with the guys and they get pretty darn tired of being shot up in public by people running around making claims of this than and everything else, all the while claiming that the DNR has some sort of secret and subversive "agenda".

You know, those guys really are on our side. We still pay their freight and make their livelihoods possible. Why does everyone here hate them so? Everyone of them that I know are pro-hunting. even the nongame biologists. The vast majority are hunters - rabid hunters. But damn hunters hate them. I have no idea why the continue to do their jobs when they get this kind of treatment every single day.

Sorry for the rant, but really think about it before your condemn them all out of hand like that.

Without them, your hunting wouldn't even be as good as it was back in the 70s. You don't want go there again.

We need a few cool mornings to straighten everybodies heads out.

Hey i'm reporting great news from Dusty. His visit to the mayo went very well. Dusty is certain that all the prayers and well wishes here are to thank, and he asked me to let everybody know that.

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I'm curious to hear about the agenda?

4

Me too.

This reminds me of a story I heard from an attendee who was at a meeting in Thief River Falls, MN a few years ago. The meeting was presided over by MN DNR who were hosting a public meeting. One of the attendees inquired if there was a hunting season on cougars/mountain lions in MN. The reply was the official "There are no Mountain Lions/ Cougars in MN". The questioner then asked if it would be okay to shoot the big long tailed cats and babies that were denned along a ditch on a local gravel road outside of town. The response was a prompt and emphatic "NO, we have been watching them".

I'm not talking about all cases brent, just this one. There were pictures, video, and actual folks that know, seeing this cougar.

These aren't people in NYC looking down their sewers. These are people that live in the country, work in the woods and live there and they know what they saw. Then the dang cat was captured by a crew with dogs the DNR hired. Guess what? It was a mt. lion. Not a bob cat, or a house cat, or a gopher. It was what the folks said it was.

For some reason or another the WI DNR didn't want to admit ther e were Mt. Lions in WI.

I like them. I think we could use a few. What is it going to hurt for the DNR to admit we have a few?

Not to mention that MN doesn't have any, but I have held in my hands a picture of one being held by the police officer that killed it in a city park in Bloomington, MN.

since I do what I do I can't/won't comment. those here who have shared a fire with me know I will play the devils advocate from time to time for conversation sake, but my feelings are solid, and I think I have a pretty good grasp on BOTH sides of the arguement.

I don't think any DNR has an "agenda".Sometimes they might make mis-speaks and an occasional mistake.
In Georgia,my former state of residence,there are no mountain lions.Plenty of private citizen sightings but "there are no mountain lions in the state of Georgia".
A couple of years back near my home town of West Point,Ga. a guy was deer hunting and a mountain lion walked under his stand.He shot and killed it.Started a real chit storm.The carcass was confiscated and he received a very healthy fine.I would have done the same thing he did and still will if the situation arises.S.S.S.

Stan in SC

thats great news Uncle Dusty! Keep it up and take care.

Tom, if it is just one incident by just one person, then I don't see what the "agenda" pushing is all about.

Here are some pretty reasonable statements about lion populations in MN and WI. I don't see an agenda in them or behind them and I don't think they are hiding anything from you.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/cougar/index.html

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wiscon...dwest-study-shows-hn5pd03-159061635.html

I would like to see documentation of a lion breeding in Thief River Falls. In a road side ditch, there just has to be photos and lots and lots of documentation if it were real, but I think that is just more internet legend. And for a DNR to say as much in a public meeting would put it all over the news. I know I know, they put up fences and surveillance and turned the place into a mini- Area 51...

Back when I was a grad student in Kansas, I had a black bear in my garden. Heck I even found perfect tracks that I made textbook plaster casts of the tracks. Yes indeed, a huge black bear right there in my garden. Of course I didn't believe it, nor did anyone else but my lab mate who had spotted a "for sure" Black LabraBear Retreiver the day before. She would believe anything. Maybe she works for MN DNR now...

Stan, be careful you don't poach a chickenbuck by mistake when you think you are poaching an agendized lion...

It has been out in the open and undisputed for several years now in MN, we have big cats. DNR does not try to deny it. I believe the first public statement in which MN DNR shared the confirmation with the general public was in a Duluth news paper several years back. That's the first one I knew of anyways where they openly and clearly confirmed the existence of big cats to the general public with a prepared statement.

That broke the ice, and since then there have been many cat stories in the news all over the state. Some recent ones that come to mind are the cat that was hit by a car by Bemidji and the guy that's in trouble for shooting one inside a culvert with an AR-15 in southern MN.

I don't believe there is any agenda with most of these things. I believe it's more of a political culture that representatives of wildlife offices abide by. I believe this is all mapped out by those a little higher up the ladder. And I believe this political culture is ever developing and changing with best intentions. Just as with any business.

Lets say it's an electric cooperative (power company). The company doesn't want a lineman or field serviceman out there interacting with the general public any way he pleases. He represents the company. You might have an employee that is personally completely off the grid, independent with solar panels, a small wind turbine, wood heat, a shack in the woods with an outhouse and maybe a half a dozen hamsters on a wheel powering a water pump.... whatever, this is America, each to their own. But you don't want that employee out there on calls jibber jabbering with customers like some crazy hippie preaching independence from "the man" and such. It just doesn't look good. You want that guy echoing the company�s planned public dialogue.

Same reason for a dress code, same reason for haircuts etc. For many years I�m sure the DNR was in a spot something like this : �Yeah we've got some cats, not we're not ready to talk about it yet, we're still trying to learn as much as we can so we can speak intelligently about it and not accidentally create a witch hunt or a panic throughout the state.�

I'm sure the considerations are layered pretty deeply.

So, I think I understand the structure, methods and reasoning for some of these contradictory interactions with the public.

That's fine. I actually sympathize.

Now, If the sumbiches could figure out how to flatten out the game licensing cycles and their effect on deer numbers.....

I swear that�s probably my only gripe. They issue too many tags for too many years then it seems they realize a little too late that they need to shut it down. It�s feast or famine with the deer tags in MN, god I wish they could learn to flatten that out a little.

Adgenda is probably not the right word. But the DNR really didn't want to admit for some reason or another there were big cats in that part of WI.

I worked with a few wardens and they gave me a the same reason on different occaisions why but I'd have to start a different thread...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

a shack in the woods with an outhouse and maybe a half a dozen hamsters on a wheel powering a water pump....

I've been thinking about the hampster thing...do you think it will work?

Saw my first tree with "color" yesterday. A Maple.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I would like to see documentation of a lion breeding in Thief River Falls. In a road side ditch, there just has to be photos and lots and lots of documentation if it were real, but I think that is just more internet legend. And for a DNR to say as much in a public meeting would put it all over the news. I know I know, they put up fences and surveillance and turned the place into a mini- Area 51...

No need to play either side of the middle too heavily on the cat topic.

Seriously, there is no need to mock the locals as if they are crazy for talking about a cat den. Also there is no need to mock the DNR right now for refusing to consider it as a reality.

It is actually straight down the middle.

Cat sightings are quite common in this area. We're not talking about bigfoot, we're talking about cats, they do exist. And the DNR doesn't deny it.

We do not have that struggle, that hunter/DNR struggle does not exist. It did at one time but not right now.

There are cats north of TRF, I hear about them quite often and there is no longer a bigfoot/UFO type of weirdness our doubt that goes along with it.

It has been clearly communicated between local hunters and local DNR, yes there are some cat's around, no you cannot shoot them just because you see them. It is illegal to shoot them.

If one of these cats should happen to be clearly hunting you, looking at you like you are lunch up in a tree..... actively pursuing you... Yeah that's different, shoot the damn thing. (be prepared to prove your case to a conservation officer though)

Same as if you find yourself in a life threatening situation with a crazed hunter named Chai Vang that is enraged and actively hunting you and your hunting party, shooting you, shooting your friends... You better shoot back, you better.

Likeliness of either scenario has got to be about equal.

Well said ND.

That area of MN from TRF north to the border has a diverse animal population including elk, moose, white tailed deer, black bear, wolves and big long tailed cats. There are even ocassional caribou that wander south from Canada although not many lately.

Well, all you cat hunters can come to Iowa. We have the same long-tailed cats that you do, but here they can be shot on sight. Bears too. No limit, no tag, no caliber restrictions, no method restrictions. Anyway you want'em, you can kill'em.

I know a few guys that try tracking the black helicopters at night - sort of like the other guys that follow the hatchery trucks.

No crazy person has shot at me lately though one stupid deer hunter did a few years ago. He missed, fortunately (or not, depending).

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah that's different, shoot the damn thing. (be prepared to prove your case to a conservation officer though)

Or internet biologists.

Originally Posted by tzone

Or internet biologists.

Man, there must be several hundred of those types around here

Everyone is a biology expert.

I lit this match, and it was a little tongue-in-cheek. I have a degree from the UW - Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, one of the bigger programs around.

I think Brent is right about the dedication and commitment of most DNR Biologists and employees in general. Most of them have to scrape by on short-term jobs/assignments with little pay and few/no benefits until they get a permanent position. There's easier money to be made, so the ones that stick really are committed. The hard science they perform is necessary to provide proof and reliable data for mangement decisions, etc. Some of it might seem like minutiae but it's where real discoveries are made.

Tom is also right in that there has seemed to be such a dismissive attitude from many state DNR offices about citizen input. I'm sure there are BS calls all the time, but when the anecdotal evidence adds up, or if the DNR employee has gotten to know the people in their area and they know who to trust, then they have to believe that something is going on. I think there are people (farmers, loggers, hunters/fishers/gatherers) that spend most of their time on the land that regularly see things that would amaze most of us, biologists and technicians included.

Fish and wildlife management is a tough game. Multi-faceted, fluid, with numerous unpredictables, and funded by a group that sometimes doesn't know what it really wants, I don't envy the job. But those who do sign up for it need to understand what they've taken on and who they need to work with. I think Wisconsin's "Deer Czar" idea was a good one, and it may point to ways to rebuild the trust that's been lost between the DNR and the people. Rebuilding that trust, and more willingness to give and take, might keep them from the slippery slope of legislated management goals and practices.

Now, can we talk about game wardens that wait for a crime to be committed or create opportunities to violate (read "Robo-Deer") rather than work to prevent a crime in the first place?

and "Cheers!" to Uncle Dusty

NOW MUFFY! WHERES DUSTY'S HOUSE!

Looking good Uncle Dusty !!! ( from NDs pic )

Thoughts and prayers continue for you and your family .

The puddy tats . A fine line they need to walk , say yup we have one and get folks all upset , vs making sure there is a breeding population and letting folks know so they can be prepared.

Originally Posted by BrentD

No crazy person has shot at me lately though one stupid deer hunter did a few years ago. He missed, fortunately (or not, depending).

How do you handle that?

I wonder what the ROI is on the Robo Deer? They cost a bunch to make. Do they make up the $ in fines?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

No crazy person has shot at me lately though one stupid deer hunter did a few years ago. He missed, fortunately (or not, depending).

How do you handle that?

Well, I didn't shoot him - or at him even. Duck loads at 75 yards vs scoped slug guns wasn't much of a match. The rest - you don't really need to hear. Have to trust me on that.

Brent,I for one am glad that no harm came to you.I'm sure you handled it in a forthright and decisive manner.
I will beware of agendized puddy tats.Thanks for the admonition.LOL.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BrentD

Well, I didn't shoot him - or at him even. Duck loads at 75 yards vs scoped slug guns wasn't much of a match. The rest - you don't really need to hear. Have to trust me on that.

I get the general idea.

One of the only reasons I'm in the forestry field and not the wildlife biology field is I was smart enough to see how weirdly biased the public was against biologists. I get general support from my customers. Sometimes more than I want.

I do tire of the "agenda" or "don't know what they're doing" BS that Minnesota and Wisconsin are particularly proud to offer to professionals who frankly are trying their best to get you what YOU need. I don't see an agenda. Sometimes they work pretty hard to protect sportsman from themselves - and it's warranted.

For goodness sakes. If you wanted to be a wildlife biologist, why didn't you pursue that? It was available to you. Get to know the ones's you have and I think you'll have a different opinion.

4

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I do tire of the "agenda" or "don't know what they're doing" BS that Minnesota and Wisconsin are particularly proud to offer to professionals who frankly are trying their best to get you what YOU need. I don't see an agenda. Sometimes they work pretty hard to protect sportsman from themselves - and it's warranted.

+1,000,000 Especially that last sentence.

I can't resist.....
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What is everyones thoughts on wolves?
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BANG!

Couple things. 1) I said before, agenda was the wrong word in this case and I apologize for that.

I didn't say they don't know what they're doing. But at times the DNR, has flat out lied to the public. They've ignored suggestions and many times take a "high horse" attitude toward the folks that pay their salaries. I haven't noticed it as much in MN but in WI it was and still is a problem.

MN DNR is going a bit nuts on the boating regs recently though with things like pulling over boaters on the highway into "check stations" to look for weeds. I won't even get started on it, if you want to discuss it, start another thread and I'll be more than happy to partake in it.

2) I did want to be a biologist. I was enrolled in UW St.Point and was recruited to play on the football team. Then I had a change of heart when I did more research and decided it wasn't worth my time to invest all that time in school, and earn what the agencies were paying grads. I also didn't think I'd get to hunt and fish as much as I wanted to do. It turns out I was right on both accounts. They pay got better and the retirement is good, but I get that part anyway.

I'm sorry if I offended you Craig, it wasn't my intention.

Dave, I'm sorry your thread went off the tracks and headed in this direction.

Tzone,

Now that's why this is my favorite thread. Folks can disagree about all kinds of important (and trivial) matters, but there is always someone who mans up and acts like an adult, when things start to get a little out of hand. Mind you, I didn't think things were all that out of hand anyway.
I was kind of enjoying the back and forth. I sure wish I could have a chance, however remote, of seeing a big predator in my neck of the woods (OH). If I saw a bear or cougar while I was sitting in my stand, first I'd pee my pants and then I'd tell everyone who would listen, no matter who said I was hallucinating!

Oh I don't think it was out of hand, but it was headed in that direction and this thread isn't about that. There are 100 other ones on this site I can argue with someone on.

Have a good night dudes...and Ma and Muffy.

mornin! I don't think it was out of hand either, but it is a touchy subject regardless of the state. and honestly, both sides are right. mostly has to do with who they have interacted with in the past.

anyway, I need some help with something.
I've been watching a doe whos ears are messed up
here is a pic, does anyone know what might be causing this?

[Linked Image]

it look s to me like they could have froze off. I had a cat that it happened to once.

if you zoom in you can see they are folded over. I have several pics of the same doe (she kinda stands out). freezing was my first thought too but it doesn't get that cold down here, and it just doesn't quite look like freezing to me, I could be wrong but thats why I asked

Happy 5 years chickenbuckeroos.

This thread is 5 years old today.

Wow how time flies when your having fun and such a great place to drop in on! Thanks Dave!

How about a toast to our hosts.

Thanks for letting us share the adventure, Dave and Pam.

Latest news on the WI wolf season is that a group is trying to file an injunction to stop the hunt. Surprise!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

it look s to me like they could have froze off. I had a cat that it happened to once.

That was my first thought too Buschy.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Latest news on the WI wolf season is that a group is trying to file an injunction to stop the hunt. Surprise!

I'm sure it will work....AGAIN.

Five years. That has to be some sort of record for the longest internet thread ever.

Has to be a record for the best one too.

Trying to plan a weekend, Pam suggests "giving it heck" at the cabin, try to tackle soffit, fascia, the rippled tin for the ceiling inside the cabin.. Some mowing, trail clearing, wood cutting...

I'm all in.

We have Got to get that stuff done.

It looks like really nice weather for the weekend too, not too blazing hot.

sounds like a good plan. when you heading out there?

If I get my way, it will be Friday evening.

Happy Anniversary Birth of a Deer Camp!

Ryan, the last time I saw a deer with the droopy ears like that, it was cut tendons caused by a cat attack......

Ok ok ok. I'll quit.....

Work at the cabin you say? I heard rumors of some excavation projects out there as well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy 5 years chickenbuckeroos.

This thread is 5 years old today.

Happy B-Day to yer camp too ND, and many more deer hangin falls of hunting to come.

Gunner

Thanks guys.

Ryan, that deer has skills. I can wiggle my nose and curl my tongue but I can't make my ears do that.

She's just showing off, I'd shoot her if I was you.

That's a lot for one weekend. Don't forget to take some time for goofin off too.

Originally Posted by tzone

But at times the DNR, has flat out lied to the public. They've ignored suggestions and many times take a "high horse" attitude toward the folks that pay their salaries.

I'm sorry if I offended you Craig, it wasn't my intention.

I shortened the quote - not to put words in your mouth, but just to point to what I'd like to address.

First, you didn't offend me. I work freaking hard for the people that pay my rent. Most of the biologists I know do to. You couldn't offend me if you tried! I stand on my record. 25 years of ass busting hard work. Under paid? Yup. I do it because I love it and it is necessary. I honestly love that the forest I leave to my children is better than the one I started with. I don't need any ego stroking about that. And I can't be offended about it either.

"But at times the DNR, has flat out lied to the public." Really? Even the old tired "DNR said there weren't no mountain lions" doesn't really mean they lied. If you had 50 reports of gremlins in the attic, and one came through that was real, would your first answer be that "Yes. On all accounts. There are gremlins in your attic!! Move out! RUN. HIDE!" Think about that. Especially if you previously had valid accounts of gremlins, then trapped a few live ones that were pet releases. How would you respond??

As to "high horse attitude", all I can say is that there are some biologists, foresters, ecologists that have a poor bedside manner. No doubt. However, if you're the deer biologist and you have been ridiculed by "deer shack biologists" for a few decades, do you really expect a thank you note? I respect the biologists I know for just still being here. I'd have quit a long time ago. I'd let the shackoligist give it a stab.

4

Tom u should come up to chickenbuck this fine weekend. Be a hoot!

Originally Posted by tzone

That's a lot for one weekend. Don't forget to take some time for goofin off too.

NO goofin this weekend...WORK!! If we get the work done, we goof then.

Come on out Tzone, if your not scared of a little work. I dare ya!

A very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the Camp Chickenbuck thread and to the extra fine people who started it.Never have I enjoyed more thoroughly any internet group.THANK YOU,Dave,Pam and group.

Stan in SC

5 years ago we started with a tandem axle trailer full of lumber, a compass, some string and line levels, shovels and rakes.

CBF and I used a compass and stretched a string line for reference. We decided to set the cabin north and south to help everybody in understanding their directions since the trail leading in really throws your directions off.

We started this time of the year and we used the cabin that fall for deer hunting.

That was an ambitious pace.

I think we should be able to get a few things done this weekend if we use that ambitious pace from 5 years ago as an example of what can be done.

so its best to stop after dark right otherwise we gots to work?

Let your ninja skills guide you.

we could have the ceiling done by the time we leave tonight dave. anything we need to bring?

Having a hard time locating my cordless drill. I'm hoping it's out at the cabin.

I'm getting a compact generator from white bear for the weekend so we can run corded power tools and battery chargers too.

Give it a rest Craig or send me a PM.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by tzone

That's a lot for one weekend. Don't forget to take some time for goofin off too.

NO goofin this weekend...WORK!! If we get the work done, we goof then.

Come on out Tzone, if your not scared of a little work. I dare ya!

No Ma. I'm not scared of any work. That is what I'll be doing this weekend, like I have for about the last 4 or 5 or whatever it was since I went on vacation with the kids. And I have to do the house buying thing too.

I told ND yesterday that I'll come up in a couple weeks Labor day weekend, and we can punch out a bunch of it. I have to plan at least a little bit ahead since I have to get someone to work for me on the saturdays.

Build another one like 3 hours close and I'll be there every sunday.

I'm thinking of buying one of them there compact generators. I can use it at camp for stuff like my cpap so I don't have to wake everyone up when I run out of juice in the middle of the night on the deep cycle.

Many other uses of course.

I plan on getting a 2000 watt for the fish house. be a very handy tool to have. i have to wait and see whats coming though. it won't be long. i will throw my dewalt case in. i got a paint mixer too for those lemonades.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by tzone

That's a lot for one weekend. Don't forget to take some time for goofin off too.

NO goofin this weekend...WORK!! If we get the work done, we goof then.

Come on out Tzone, if your not scared of a little work. I dare ya!

No Ma. I'm not scared of any work. That is what I'll be doing this weekend, like I have for about the last 4 or 5 or whatever it was since I went on vacation with the kids. And I have to do the house buying thing too.

I told ND yesterday that I'll come up in a couple weeks Labor day weekend, and we can punch out a bunch of it. I have to plan at least a little bit ahead since I have to get someone to work for me on the saturdays.

Build another one like 3 hours close and I'll be there every sunday.

Just kidding ya a little Tzone, I know your busy.

I can help with the house buying thing....LOVE looking at houses!!

Have a good weekend everyone.

And Happy Anniversary Camp Chickenbuck! Boy the time sure has gone by fast. Thanks to everyone for stopping now and then and partaking in our "somewhat" boring life. Thank you everyone for the kind words and for the friendships that have come about from a single post 5 years ago.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Just kidding ya a little Tzone, I know your busy.

I can help with the house buying thing....LOVE looking at houses!!

I know you were kidding. I really feel bad when I can't come up as much as I should.

I would love help. Another set of eyes would be great since the other two sets are only worried where their bedrooms will be.

Happy 5th Anniversary Camp Chickenbuck !!

Haven't posted in a dogs age, but thought the occasion very worthy !

Wishing you all the best, from a little further nort !

Paul.

Paul,

I was just thinking of you! How have you been? What's new in your neck of the woods?

Glad to see you posting.

Tom

I checked one of my trail cameras today 1200 pictures of grass blowing, one pic of a bob cat and 6 of a small mulie who only comes to drink at night. that was a boring 45 minutes looking at each picture.

Tom, do you buy a new house every year?

seems like it

Kendra and I are looking to get a bigger place, too many little feet will be running around soon for the little place we got now. at least we fixed it up nice for whoever buys it

Cheers Tom,

Been a different 2 years for me. I got laid off, just after you were looking for work. Manager the local ski hill the last 2 winters & odd stuff through the summer. Bought a business this February & have been going strong ever since. No more working for somebody else. Well established auto repair shop. 3 full time mechanics + myself. I had been a customer for the last 7 years, so knew the business had been built the right way & that their customer service & reputation were first rate. Big change from the general manager of a commercial printing & newspaper facility, but, then again, so much is the same.

Daughter has completed her 1st year of University, so understand Pam & Dave's current situation !!!!

Glad to be back in-touch ! Have always been reading along & keeping up with the trials & tribs of camp Chickenbuck.

Anyway, keep up the awesomeness.

Paul.

Well, I've lived in this one for two years, the one before that for 6 years, and the privious one, my first, for 4 years.

2 years already? man my sense of time has gone out the window.

did you hear back on your offer you made? the waiting is like the day before opener, at least it was for me because I really liked this house

Hey Tom-

How many guys have you got going up for deer hunting this year? I know you said you had some fresh blood going. My new store is opening in October, so I don't even know if we'll get out at all. 'Might be just a day trip or two up to Emily again for us. Junior's bound and determined to build an AR chambered for .308 by the opener.

300 blackout would get my vote

We had a productive weekend at camp. We got moved in on Friday evening, And I do mean moved in, fridge full of food, power tools, clothes for the weekend, tandem axle trailer full of lawn mower, weed whacker, chainsaw, generator, ATV, a little dirt bike, gas cans, coolers...

It was all about work this weekend, no big ATV rides.

Pam brought her 48" john deere mower along and she started cutting grass right away Friday evening as me and the boys hauled coolers, bags and tools into the cabin. Oh yeah, can't forget about the 7 guns I drug along too, all rimfires. 17HMR, 22 mag and 22 long rifle. Levers, semi autos, bolts, a revolver and a pistol. Plinko-rama.

We got a bonfire lit Friday night just as Buschpilot and Les showed up. Then it was time for smart talk around the fire that eventually migrated into the cabin. A fun night as always, we got to hear about the new ice fishing shacks that the guys had got for themselves, they will be fishing in style this year!

Saturday morning I made omelets for breakfast, each one probably weighed about a pound

Pam started again with mowing and trimming. Nate and I looked over the soffit and fascia materials and came up with a plan. We started marking and cutting, framing and boxing the corners etc. Very time consuming.

Backwoodsbrian came out to scout for a spot to set up a bear bait, he settled on a spot on the south end of the property close to a water source. If he sets up on our land it will be legal for him to use a barrel for his bait station. It also helps his confidence that someone won�t come in and set up right on top of him a couple days before season which often happens on public land. So, he'll be set up just inside our property line bordering state land. We'll put a camera on his bait station once he gets set up.

The big surprise of the weekend was when Dusty and Eileen showed up Saturday afternoon! We had no idea they were coming, they made a quick trip to drop off a bunk bed set that they purchased for the girls room in the cabin. Nate was supposed to set that up but I kept him busy helping me all weekend so he hasn't started on that project yet.

Nate and I got back after the soffit and fascia project on Saturday evening while Pam relocated a pile of boards we had stacked on the east side of the cabin.

[Linked Image]

We cooked a whole chicken with potatoes, carrots, celery & onions on the old barrel cooker, we tore into that Saturday night after a hard day of working.

Sunday morning I was instructed to take little Joe out and do some plinking with the assortment of rimfires we brought along. (He had been bugging me from the moment we got to camp on Friday night)

He started with the single shot marlin model 15YS, he ventilated some soda cans then we moved up to the Remington nylon 66. Then he ventilated soda cans with rapid fire

His eyes got bigger with each different gun I brought out for him to try. After the nylon 66 was my Winchester 9422M (lever action 22 magnum). This one has a fixed 4 power leupold scope, he figured that was pretty sweet. Next was the Bolt action Savage 17HMR with a Burris 3-9 power scope. He really liked that one too. Later in the day he got a chance to shoot a High standard 9 shot .22 revolver and a MKII Ruger pistol. I think his favorite of the whole lot was the high standard revolver.

Breakfast was a typical camp chickenbuck special (more than anybody should try to eat in one setting

)

We got back to work after breakfast. Here we are, the old guy up on the ladder and the kid on the ground holding said ladder

Mid day on Sunday we got some fun company, White bear came out with white bear cub.

[Linked Image]

A rain shower chased us inside for a couple hours but that's ok. The timing was about perfect as we needed a break and it gave us a chance to sit down and visit.

We eventually packed up yesterday and pulled out of camp. Pam got the place mowed nicer than it's ever been, we got a heck of a good start on "un-junking" the place, and we got over half of the soffit and fascia up.

It's quite a change, a huge improvement actually.

[Linked Image]

The trail cameras had over 800 pictures all together, lots of does and fawns and even a couple of bucks. Nothing big, little 6 & 8 point baskets, but it's really nice to be seeing a few deer on the cameras.

It was a great weekend, lots of good company dropping by camp and a really nice surprise visit from Dusty and Eileen. We'll all be wishing Dusty the very best of luck with his 6th chemo treatment today. I really hope it goes well, I can't wait for him to get a break from the chemo. It's terrible stuff, I know it's working and the results have been amazing, but this has not been an easy walk in the park for Dusty.

We'll stand by him all the way through this fight. He's made progress that basically has doctors scratching their heads in disbelief. But that progress didn't come easy, I'm praying for better days in the near future. He certainly deserves it.

Camp is looking good Dave.

Dusty, glad to hear things are moving in the right direction. Bet it felt great to be at Chickenbuck.

I need to get up to our camp and check out a better location for my blind. Going to be a pain in the butt to move, but I think a move is needed.

Gee whiz, take a week vacation to take the daughter on her first ever Canadian fishing trip and miss a ton! Puddy tats, new houses, trail cam pics, work weekends....a busy time of year.

The nights are cool and fall is in the air. I do proclaim it okay to have fall fever (I have a bad case already).

My 8 year old daughter caught her first northern and walleye on this trip and we had a lot of fun, even thought the fishing wasnt that good at the beginning.

Chickenbuck is looking fine these days! Although one thing that hit me looking at the pictures is that you need a porch! Porches are a big help fighting the worlds problems ya know. Just add beer to the porches and all is right with the world. Any future plans for one ND?

ND and i were talking about a nice covered porch on the cabin this weekend. have some good ideas for one. i think it will look good and keep the ice off the coolers when its snowing. make a nice gun rack out there too.

Wasn't Tom or someone designing a porch/planter/beer kegorator? Someone around here was. That accomplishes everything except serving as a benchrest.

With a few modifications, it could be a benchrest.

Yeah covered porch is in the future. we can keep a little stack of firewood out of the snow just outside the door that way too.

Sauna is also part of the plan... someday..

Well, I'm officially out of money.

My offer was accepted on the house, I close in the end of September, and here is the new "Alimony Pony"

[Linked Image]

WOW!

Lotsa work got tackled at Chickenbuck this weekend. Nice job guys. Little Joe has good taste in rimfires, that high standard would have been my favorite pick too.

Great to hear Uncle Dusty made it up to camp. Doctors are scratching their heads, but we know why he's doing well.

You got a pile-o-folks praying for you Uncle Dusty!

what is an alimony pony?

Nice looking rig Tom! be good to see if that'll make down chickenbuck lane!

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, I'm officially out of money.

My offer was accepted on the house, I close in the end of September, and here is the new "Alimony Pony"

[Linked Image]

I like it. Specs?

Congrats on the house Bud!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah covered porch is in the future. we can keep a little stack of firewood out of the snow just outside the door that way too.

Sauna is also part of the plan... someday..

We added a covered porch 18 years ago. Don't know how we got along without it.

Think about it for a minute....it'll come to you.

It's what one has to buy when he trades in a new truck so he can buy a house for him and his kids to live in.

Whr did u find a house tom? We will be down that way this weekend. Taking in the lynx game on sunday for daughters birthday.

HI EVERYONE!
Had my 6th chemo today,everthing is going good, am responding very well to treatment.A little weak but that is to be expected.There is nothing more powerfull than prayer, this is proof of that, it means alot to us knowing so many wonderfull people are praying for us.I am very lucky to have friends all over the world. THANKS A MILLION EVERYONE!!!

Congratulations and keep it up!

Hang in there Uncle Dusty, not a day goes by where I don't think of you and keep hoping for a speedy recovery. keep the good news coming!

Dusty,

Glad to hear your spirits are up!! Keep up the good fight!! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff

Awesome to hear from you uncle dusty!

We pray for your recovery to be quick everyday here. Glad th see you made it up to Chickenbuck too!

DUSTY,good to see you feeling so positive about everything.Keep up the good fight.We are all on your team.

Stan in SC

Good to hear from you Dusty. We're still praying for you.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I like it. Specs?

Congrats on the house Bud!

2001 Ford F-250 xlt 4x4, 5.4l V-8, 85,000 miles. Pretty plain-jane. Power windows and locks, but that as fancy as she gets. Everything seems over built, it's a monster.

Good to hear from you Dusty! Prayers and good wishes continue to go your way!

did you really just say "overbuilt" with respect to a truck?

You dont hear that type of comment very often.

I had a 2002 F250 and they are awesome. I had 120,000 on the brakes and had half left. I have a 2008 now and I really like how tough they are.

Way to go Dusty, keep pinching the cute nurses!

To me it's over built for anything I need. It's a beast.
If gas doesn't kill me.

Oops, I sold my boat.

what da heck dave? what are you tinking!

It slipped away... accident...

how did that generator work for you? are you going to get another boat, i seen about the same thing for a good price.

That generator worked great.

No, I'm done with boats for a bit. I put it in lake of the woods 3 times this summer, that was it. We just dont have time to fish in the summer.

We do in the winter though.....

you getting an ice castle now then?

Buschy.. You want to buy mine?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We do in the winter though.....

Heh heh

I bet I know what THIS means....

Buh bye yellow marshmellow!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you getting an ice castle now then?

mayyyy bee.....

Hey rooster, you want to buy a boat?

me need no boat tom. just a little generator for the new house.

That boat will generate all the power ya need.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you getting an ice castle now then?

mayyyy bee.....

What did Uncle Dusty start?

Oh it started a long time ago... sometimes a person just needs a little nudge...

Lets just say the chickenbuck ice fishing team will be ice camping in style this winter.

It's contagious, Buschpilot and Les did it too.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Buh bye yellow marshmellow!

Want to buy it?

we have our only little village on the ice. better get a flag!

pictures!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

we have our only little village on the ice. better get a flag!

I've got dibs on the beer concession.

I just wrapped up a very pleasant 1/2 hour of reading the last several pages. Very nice thread to cruise through.

Glad to hear Uncle Dusty is doing well. I remember reading some time ago about his diagnosis. Give it heck, Dusty.

Dave, the cabin is looking great! Congrats.

Nice looking truck, tzone. I asked you a couple weeks ago why you were looking for a different truck when you already had the '11. Now I understand-bummer. Congrats on the house, though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey rooster, you want to buy a boat?

Not quite in the market yet Tom but a PM with the specs never hurts!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Buh bye yellow marshmellow!

Want to buy it?

Not quite in the market yet Dave but a PM....

Naw. My next house will have wheels.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

My next house will have wheels.

Rooster's movin on up.... Jayget a raise rooster?

ND does the yellow marshmellow come with storage and putting it out on the ice...

Tzone any closer to Prior Lake...

Actually, Yes. About 3 miles closer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

My next house will have wheels.

Rooster's movin on up.... Jayget a raise rooster?

Not since April.

I just want a fish house I can hook up to and go and not have to worry about loading on a trailer. I had a skid house for too long. I found that I was pretty much stuck to one lake all winter with that unless I wanted to borrow a trailer all the time.

Originally Posted by noduck

ND does the yellow marshmellow come with storage and putting it out on the ice...

No storage, mom don't want "sponge bob square house" in the yard any more.

Go figger.

Chicks....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh it started a long time ago... sometimes a person just needs a little nudge...

Lets just say the chickenbuck ice fishing team will be ice camping in style this winter.

It's contagious, Buschpilot and Les did it too.

-be handy if a guy had a trackrig or somethin' to pull them things with

baby steps....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

My next house will have wheels.

Rooster's movin on up.... Jayget a raise rooster?

Not since April.

I just want a fish house I can hook up to and go and not have to worry about loading on a trailer. I had a skid house for too long. I found that I was pretty much stuck to one lake all winter with that unless I wanted to borrow a trailer all the time.

There is more than one lake to ice fish on???? Hummm...

Originally Posted by Pointbock

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh it started a long time ago... sometimes a person just needs a little nudge...

Lets just say the chickenbuck ice fishing team will be ice camping in style this winter.

It's contagious, Buschpilot and Les did it too.

-be handy if a guy had a trackrig or somethin' to pull them things with

oh oh ho. pick me!!! pick me!!!!!

White Bear have big heap cool tow rig!

Let me know if you and the kids make it to the ice this Winter T. I'm guessing they will love a ride in the 318 chrysler powered snowmobile.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

There is more than one lake to ice fish on???? Hummm...

If I lived where you do WB, the answer would be NO.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Let me know if you and the kids make it to the ice this Winter T. I'm guessing they will love a ride in the 318 chrysler powered snowmobile.

That goes for all of you goofballs on here.

Originally Posted by tzone

White Bear have big heap cool tow rig!

Yes, the ultimate in ice travel.

Slow down folks, it is a mite early to talk ice fitchin'. We got a lot of fall to enjoy before we get all excited about winnertime!

I thought this was pretty cute and thought I would share it. My 4 year old boy Wyatt crawled in bed with me early this morning and the conversation went like this:

Wyatt: Is it morningtime?
Me: Yes.
Wyatt: Why are you still in bed?
Me: Cuz I was sleeping and you woke me up.
Wyatt: How long are you going to stay in bed?
Me: Just a little longer.
Wyatt: Til its more morningtimer?
Me: (chuckling) ah....yes.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Let me know if you and the kids make it to the ice this Winter T. I'm guessing they will love a ride in the 318 chrysler powered snowmobile.

So would their dad.

I'm going to try to make it up theer WB. I think the kids would too, they'd have a blast.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Slow down folks, it is a mite early to talk ice fitchin'. We got a lot of fall to enjoy before we get all excited about winnertime!

Speaking of fall....I looooooved my drive in this morining. Windows down in the big red wagon, tunes on, exhaust leak playing it's song. It was so nice to drive in with the cool air knocking on the door.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Slow down folks, it is a mite early to talk ice fitchin'. We got a lot of fall to enjoy before we get all excited about winnertime!

I thought this was pretty cute and thought I would share it. My 4 year old boy Wyatt crawled in bed with me early this morning and the conversation went like this:

Wyatt: Is it morningtime?
Me: Yes.
Wyatt: Why are you still in bed?
Me: Cuz I was sleeping and you woke me up.
Wyatt: How long are you going to stay in bed?
Me: Just a little longer.
Wyatt: Til its more morningtimer?
Me: (chuckling) ah....yes.

That's awesome.

you got new pics yet dave you can share.....

No, I'll wait till it's in the yard at home.

whens you going to find it.

This weekend I think.

Nice. Whr did u find it. How big

I'll "hook yew up wit a text messedge..."

Geez !

Your Killin Me !

You gonna put a stoop or awning on the front?

Sits too low for a stoop.

that thing is awesome dave, thats the layout i would get. between that and a tracker. they are so close to the same. great finD! off to mpls today! take care ya all!

Laterz.

I have been insulating a 75''X560' turkey barn. Last week 2 of us gals got the walls done. The last couple days we have been blowing insulation and will be next week too. Kinda fun.

Putting new tile in my camper now. Want to get it done and the recovered folding couch in before we camp in mom & dad's yard Saturday for Turkey BBQ.

Can't wait to see pics of the fish house Dave. Gotta get flags made, that would be cool.

We'll be down to your folks place tonight. Headed to pick up the fish camper Saturday morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We'll be down to your folks place tonight. Headed to pick up the fish camper Saturday morning.

So what are we gonna do for engine mods on this camper thing?
How about tire sizes? Do I get to help pick the size?!?!?!

I am a very good tire size picker and have aquired an eye for that sort of thing.....

inline 6 ford, 4 spd, 72" tires.

How they bitin'?

Slow.

speed up the trolling speed or switch to red tails

More pictures.What's the inside like?

Stan in SC

Hey Stan! Where you been hidin'?

wow! that looks amazing!

I like the urinal holes right by the table. Then you don't have to get up from a good beer drinkin/bs session. Good thinkin Ice Castle.

That is really sharp looking Dave. Congrats. Cooler than a boat for sure.

Awesome shack ND. I'm confused on one missing item. Do the support legs on the bottom of the table interlock to make one long pole or is it just tucked away in another location?

Awesome ND.. Me jealous..

Bearings, WB. They need bearings!

Nice looking rig fo sho!

You should see Dusty's.

Only thing I missed is the wood stove. How are you going to heat?

LP furnace, an RV type furnace. Vented, 20,000btu, forced air 12 volt.

They have deep cycle batteries and a regular rv plug to power the house. 12 volt converter and onboard automatic charger tends the battery.

The unit is multi season, can be used as a camper in the summer months.

Well it kind of looks like an RV for the ice. Nice.

Hope your area gets real cold for more than several months so you and family can use the heck out of it.
I don't believe I have ever even seen ice on a lake in the winter, except pics.

Well thank you. Usually wishing a cold winter on someone wouldn't be a nice thing, but in this case I appreciate it very much.

Yes it's basically a winter RV to hang out in and pull a few fish up through the floor while we're playing cards, watching movies, drinking beer and visiting.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

to hang out in and pull a few fish up through the floor while we're playing cards, watching movies, drinking beer and visiting.

And that folks, is ice fishing in a nut shell

P.S. Got to throw a Vikings game in there on Sundays too. Especially when they play the most hated packers!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well thank you. Usually wishing a cold winter on someone wouldn't be a nice thing, but in this case I appreciate it very much.

Yes it's basically a winter RV to hang out in and pull a few fish up through the floor while we're playing cards, watching movies, drinking beer and visiting.

I for one wish the rest of this Summer stays beautiful like it has been then you get -20*F on November first for the entire month. It then can begin to snow record amounts for the remainder of the Winter. A man can always dream.....

We're due, I wish the same for u.

lol!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The unit is multi season, can be used as a camper in the summer months.

I was going to ask you that. It looks like there is an A/C unit on top. Is there?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

to hang out in and pull a few fish up through the floor while we're playing cards, watching movies, drinking beer and visiting.

And that folks, is ice fishing in a nut shell

P.S. Got to throw a Vikings game in there on Sundays too. Especially when they play the most hated packers!

Actually, I that wraps it up Jimmy.

WB, since you're wishin, could it be -20 until the friday before deer opener, then warm up to like +15, drop 3" of fresh fluffy snow that night, and stay about +15 through, like maybe Wednesday?

Dave,awesome rig.Appears to be non-commercially built??

Tzone,I am here every day just don't always comment.

This wonderful thread has crossed Seven Million views!!!!It has a life of it's own.

Stan in SC

[/quote]

I was going to ask you that. It looks like there is an A/C unit on top. Is there? [/quote]

It is for late season ice fishing, when the ice gets thin you turn that on to re-freeze the ice. If it is really late, the wind pushes your little ice fishing island to shore.

Stan, it is a manufactured unit. I wouldn't say hugely mass produced but they are becoming quite popular up north here.

They seem to have become hugely popular with my friends too. 3 of them in the last week bought Ice Castles. Which is good for me, then I don't have too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Stan, it is a manufactured unit. I wouldn't say hugely mass produced but they are becoming quite popular up north here.

Yeah..I know about that.They have been popular.

.

Dave,the finished product looks VERY well made.The design was what prompted my question.I like it very much as I am positive that you guys do also since you bought it.I am sure that the versatility of it will suit your family lifestyle very well.
A new chapter in the adventures of the Chickenbuck family begins.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

WB, since you're wishin, could it be -20 until the friday before deer opener, then warm up to like +15, drop 3" of fresh fluffy snow that night, and stay about +15 through, like maybe Wednesday?

I'm easy to get along with so why not!

kinda quiet today huh?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

kinda quiet today huh?

We're all busy getting our A/C units operating properly and opening windows to try & cool this joint down. The ice can't come fast enough!

it was 97 today when I picked up the little man from daycare. I'm tired of this dadgum heat!

I just saw a bear with 4 cubs.

Four!

wow! my dad saw 3 one year, thats the most I had ever heard of. amazing that 4 survived. too bad you didn't get pics.

Wow. That's plenty. I've never seen more than 2 cubs, but I think Skane posted a pic of a mama bear and five cubs from their northern WI cabin this spring. May have been 4 but I think it was 5???

I tried taking a picture with my phone, but it's very poor. looks like black dots in the distance.

sweet! to bad you couldn't get a close up dave. sneak up on them. We got a mama and 3 cubs by my place this year. lots in the area though it sounds like.

Was it near the bait station you have going?

One of these days I'm going to get a bear permit. I have a few spots I'd call really good for bear, just don't have the time to bait as much as I would need to.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

We got a mama and 3 cubs by my place this year.

Where do you think he was?

They were actually a mile from home. They were crossong a CRP heading for a chunk of woods.

sounds just like my place dave!!

That's ice fishing in style Dave.

Made it back from MT, Friday night. Put on 3,400 miles. Son's house is a winner. We saw mulies and speed goats while sitting on the porch. DIL woke up at 3:00 AM to a mulie doe staring in their bedroom window.

Did a 1 day tour of Yellowstone and saw a few Elk. Buffalo were out in force. Saw one young one using a new Ford Explorer as a rubbing post. The owner was standing up through the sun roof taking pictures. Might come in handy for the claims adjuster.

Speking of claims, I'll be calling our insurance company to turn in a glass claim. Had a semi throw a rock into the windshield.

Watched a park ranger use his F150 to move a buffalo off the road by nudging it with the bumper.

If any of you have plans that involve travel through western ND and eastern MT and need a motel, better make reservations well in advance. The oil boom has motels booked up.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw one young one using a new Ford Explorer as a rubbing post. The owner was standing up through the sun roof taking pictures. Might come in handy for the claims adjuster.

Little bit deers activity by pams stand.

[Linked Image]

shooter!!!

Son of "forky toe"

Bang!

nice buck!!!!!

go get him Pam!

Heckova buck there. If that is a doe he's standing next to, he's a monster on the body size too.

Anything being planned for a 4 wheeling trip up nort for Memorial weekend? Just trying to figure out what is going on for next weekend.

Got a good deal on an aluminum snowmobile trailer this weekend. Will be nice to actually have my own and not have to borrow one to haul snowmobiles or 4 wheelers.

Oh, and I may have bought something to haul on the trailer too.

Bring that stuff up!! We finished another side of the cabin today (soffit fascia)

I have over a hundred pictures of that buck, 10 pointer.

Those are fawns that are playing around him. But he splays his leg stance way out to reach the ground with his mouth.

kind of like a long legged old buck we chased around up here some few years ago that we never caught up with.

I might have something to bring on a trailer too.

The little guy if he doesn't behave on the ride up.

Do I need to bring tools up ND? I got some other goodies for ya too.

Was just looking at MN Dnr and to apply for lottery doe tags must be in by Sept 6... I looked at the map alot of areas are lottery this year... I'm in zone 172... I dont get it 2 yrs ago it was lottery then last year management now lottery again....

Just keep it lottery so we can build up the points like it used to be... Or keep it management with no bonus tags... Quite changing it every year....

Personally they should of keep it lottery for the next 5 yrs..

Rebuild the herd back up and never have it again were you can shoot 5 deer each ever again....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

kind of like a long legged old buck we chased around up here some few years ago that we never caught up with.

Spose thats the one we jumped up that night driving out on the trail Dave?

This is a younger deer here I think.

172 should be a lottery. There's not a bunch of deer there from what I've seen the last few years.

Nice un' dave! 264's make a purty whuuump sound when they hit sumthin like that. looks like a 135" or better buck to me

Originally Posted by tzone

172 should be a lottery. There's not a bunch of deer there from what I've seen the last few years.

hey!!
I been hunting in 172 for years and years!
Although ,this year I have my son going with,and I put in for 197,so I could be by him this year.
His tag is either/or for a few more years,no matter where he goes.

172 is lottery this year.

2012 Lottery Deer Areas - 103, 108, 110, 118, 119, 122, 169, 171, 172, 183, 184, 197, 199, 234, 235, 237, 238, 250, 251, 252, 253, 258, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299.

When do we need to have wolf applications in?

Sept 6

Wow, thanks for bringing that up.

I get to start hunting in 2 days!

granted it's only for doves, which I never saw the point of before. why shoot such a dang little bird? well this year I'm going. probably only once or twice, but dammit I need to hunt!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I get to start hunting in 2 days!

granted it's only for doves, which I never saw the point of before. why shoot such a dang little bird? well this year I'm going. probably only once or twice, but dammit I need to hunt!

Doves are actually fun to hunt. Their deceptive speed provides a great challenge with the scatter gun. Unfortuanely around here, hunt-able flocks are few and far between.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I get to start hunting in 2 days!

granted it's only for doves, which I never saw the point of before. why shoot such a dang little bird? well this year I'm going. probably only once or twice, but dammit I need to hunt!

Us too, 'cept we open for archery deer.

It's our 24th anniversary on Monday & the missus & I are gonna spend the entire long weekend trying to let the air outa a couple of deer, together !!

Hoping the warm temps pass before the weekend, don't fancy hanging animals in 30c !

Paul.

We meet with the radiologist this morning. As far as we know it is just to plan what is next. Then we are Chickenbuck bound. Woo hoo, it has been way too long since the last time there. Have a great Memorial weekend everyone!

muffy, its labor day. summer is over! Hope all goes well, thinking of you Dusty and prayers out to you. Sounds like a lot of fun at chickenbuck this weekend. Iffn i was around i'd have to stop for a sasparilly with the gang! All have a great weekend, i'll be at fishenbuck camp! hoping to get some nice eyes for the eatins!

I stand ready to defend my AO against flying bears and Swamp Squid

Excellent!

The damn knife gun laws in Canada make it hard for citizens to defend themselves.

You're not going to be around buschy? Me and the mini man are pointed north way too early tomorrow morning. He wants to leave at 0400.

he's a bit excited. Little bugger almost has me talked into it.

I may talk myself into it. we could get there just in time for breakfast.

ET, you obviously got the knife gun package from Joey. We're safe and loaded pretty well down here. For awhile he was giving them away so I got two right away. I picked up one more a couple deer seasons ago. the this shoots great. MOFB (minute of flying bear) out to 2503 meters. after that she really drops.

it would be fun to come see you and everyone else Tom, but got some family coming up to do some fishing with me. i haven't been out in quite a while. I did get a food plot done this week and have seen a ton of nice bucks.

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

I stand ready to defend my AO against flying bears and Swamp Squid

Nice ! I need a frog sticker for my Garand

Been a hectic week. Our grandson (7) came back from MT with us and we spent the time trying to keep him entertained. Spent Friday with my niece in Elgin, IL and took grandson to OHare on saturday for his flight home. He made it safe and sound. Returned to WI today.

elgin... eeew lol. On a side note you drove home right past my place, probably saw the rock cut state park exit on the way back north.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

muffy, its labor day. summer is over! Hope all goes well, thinking of you Dusty and prayers out to you. Sounds like a lot of fun at chickenbuck this weekend. Iffn i was around i'd have to stop for a sasparilly with the gang! All have a great weekend, i'll be at fishenbuck camp! hoping to get some nice eyes for the eatins!

Oops, just a few months off.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

elgin... eeew lol. On a side note you drove home right past my place, probably saw the rock cut state park exit on the way back north.

Yep. I think my IPass recharged on this trip.

The floor refinishers are coming Wednesday, so we've been emptying closets, pulling up carpet and moving furniture. I'll have to disconnect the PC Tuesday PM so I'll be off-line for 4/5 days. We can't move the furniture back in for at least 2 days after they've put the final finish coats on.

Well, time for a camp chickenbuck photo report for labor day weekend 2012.

Missy, Scott, Dusty, Eileen and Kenna were at camp by Friday evening.

We already had quite a collection of toys in the yard...

[Linked Image]

Then Tom and Jack showed up on Saturday.

[Linked Image]

After Tom and Jack showed up we saw a lot of this:

[Linked Image]

Saturday was also a big work day. We had a crew putting together a new set of bunk beds inside the cabin:

[Linked Image]

Me and Kenna were outside working on soffit and fascia.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/davekenna2.jpg[/img]

Dusty and Eileen checked on a deer stand and put a trail cam out.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_6784.jpg[/img]

The boys found this beaver skull over by a ladder stand that Tzone has set up.

[Linked Image]

We're thinking it must have been a kill that was drug into the area by another animal because it really makes no sense for a beaver to be in that area on purpose.

With a lot of projects complete or near completion we put a chicken on the grill and took off from the cabin on a big trail ride.

[Linked Image]

Great pictures,Dave.Looks like a fun time was had by all.
Did you complete the soffit and fascia?That's a time consuming job.

Stan in SC

We found a little mud too.

Scott.

[Linked Image]

Nate.

Pam.

Me.

Missy, one handed with the fancy power steering...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/missymud.jpg[/img]

Tom and Jack.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/tomjack.jpg[/img]

A few "stucky" situations that required some help from Scott's winch.

[Linked Image]

A content bystander holding his dad's beer lol!!

Another content bystander that threw the chain off his little dirt bike about 30 times on that ride.

[Linked Image]

A goofball on too small of a bike.

[Linked Image]

A trailside repair (chain tightening)

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7017.jpg[/img]

With the little man's chain fixed he was ready to give rides again.

[Linked Image]

Yesterday we got back after the soffit and fascia.

[Linked Image]

And with the help of my amigos, we got it finished.

[Linked Image]

Pretty good weekend. It was great to see everybody, a big thanks from me, Pam and the kids for all the great company that traveled up to see us.

Great pics Dave. Looks like everone had a great time. Hope you had a power washer to hose off the boys.

Nice pictures ND, very nice. A good mix of work and fun.

And just like that it is fall! Lauren and I went goose hunting for the first time and even though the geese hadnt been using our field, we got one flock to kinda come in and I shot the first goose of the season. The ice is broken boys, let the good times commence!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A content bystander holding his dad's beer lol!!

This is one of those moments that we don't tell mom about at the deer camp.

Too bad young Jack didn't have any fun!!

My favorite part was when he told me it was more fun than Disney World.

Thanks Dave & Pam we had a great time! Scott really understands why I love it up there, he had a blast. We took our wheelers to the carwash when we got home. Mine didn't need it so much, but his was a different story.

Those are really great pictures. Can't wait to get back up there again.

It took me about an hour tonight after work to get it cleaned and I could probably do it again to have it look nice. That muck was weird.

I love it there too and I'm always grateful when I get to come up. I plan on heading back up again before deer season starts. I'll try to remember to dump the pics I have from the work on the shooting lanes. Nate earned his keep for sure!

Hey just a reminder to all the Minnesotites, deadline to apply for a woof permit is tomorrow(the 6th)

I put applications in for a few of us at home here tonight.

I put myself in for the late trapping option.

I threw mine in for the gun hunt time period. Fingers crossed on that one.

I have to get my doe permit in. Is the cabin in 101?

oh jeeze, do we have to apply for doe tags this year?

we're managed area, no drawing for us, we're automatic 2 deer area.

Good deal. Do we just buy tags like in the past? I'll have to look.

It looks like both areas I hunt are "Managed". Good deal.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey just a reminder to all the Minnesotites, deadline to apply for a woof permit is tomorrow(the 6th)

I put applications in for a few of us at home here tonight.

I put myself in for the late trapping option.

Applied for late season hunting. My brother applied for late season trapping. Last year there were a couple of wolves eyeballing my brother's hunting dog about 50 yards from the cabin. Could see them from the kitchen window over the sink.

I figure late trapping is my best possible chance. I've never seen a wolf while I'm hunting deer, I suppose there can always be a first. It was a bit of a tossup for me, late hunt or late trap because I also considered trying to call for for them, but I haven't read the rules yet so I'm not sure if you can use electronic calls, decoys or any of that. I'll try to study up on the rules today.

I wanted to do the late season woof hunting thing, but I dont really have a place to go that has woofies, so I am gonna sit this year out. I really hope you guys get tags as I would love to read about your adventures.

Our deer area went to Hunters Choice...1 deer of either sex. That has me scratching my noodle a little as deer populations throughout the zone are fine. They must know something I dont know.

I did see 4 deer this morning on my run and we have got a flock of 10 turkeys that live around us. The kids love seeing that wildlife. Roosters are looking good in the area and on our land in particular. Been seeing quite a few on our trips out there.

37 days until the Elk Hunting Express leaves town. ND are you able to go this year?

I saw a nice doe this morning on my way in this morning too. She look nice and healthy, winter hair had more than started to come in.

Leaves are starting to change and I'm getting excited!

No, we're sitting out the elk hunt once again this year.

Tzone check your pm when you get a minute...

EHD reared it's head in the last couple days, found 5 deer today, one really nice buck. hope it doesn't last long. shame to see healthy deer just laying dead.

[Linked Image]

Now that's a bummer of a picture Colorado. Hearing a lot about this problem all over the Plains. Eastern KS seems to have it bad

Jeeze Ryan, sorry to see that!

Are they all on your farm? Is that they guy you were seeking out for bow season?

Is it usually accelerated by drought?

from the reports I've heard it's all over unfortunately.

this isn't the big ten I've seen, we have several that are in this age/size class.

drought really amps up the disease because it concentrates the deer more as water holes dry up, many of them could be stagnant which is where the midge that transmits the disease live/reproduce.

midge bites an infected deer, then bites 2 or 3 others before it lays its eggs. usually kills the deer within a few days, some do survive and can become immune to it, most just tip over and die even though they appear fairly healthy otherwise. it's not a pleasant death to say the least.

Heard tonight that they have/had 18000 apps for wolves as of this afternoon.

Thats a bummer on the EHD.

I think half of those people were at Gander Mt. tonight.

I went there with my daughter to check out a bow for her. The line was nuts. I'd rather not shoot a deer than wait in that license line.

That's okay buddy-I'll shoot yours for you.

I heard the DNR was having issues with this wolf lottery, they were getting the rights people coming buying the licenses to try to get more people involved and less hunters. i got mine applied for!

they need to have an unlimited license with a quota. once the quota is reached the season is closed. it's up to the individual to check the status of the season at the start of each day and an email or text notification is sent out with reports of numbers harvested and season closure. that's how they run the lion hunt out here. the day the last lion is registered the season closes at midnight. sure on occasion an extra one or two are killed on the same day, but to hit a target number within 2 or 3 is pretty specific, and hard to do

Quote

That's okay buddy-I'll shoot yours for you.

No need. We don't need em in 180. You get two deer there.

I think people used to do that with the doe permits back in the 80's and 90's too Buschy.

Did you get yours TOm? I will call you today too. busy night last night in the kids sports world. we can only get one deer this year too in our zone. used to be able to hunt different seasons and still get a deer in each season, not this year. only one deer for all seasons.

Guys has EHD always been around? It seems to be getting worse and worse each year...I have been hunting since 1994 and never heard of it until a few years ago. Also where did this originate from?

I got my wolf application in, on line a few days ago. I can buy a my deer tag over the counter and I don't think I need to apply, I think I can just buy an antlerless permit.

Originally Posted by AllisonXTB

Guys has EHD always been around? It seems to be getting worse and worse each year...I have been hunting since 1994 and never heard of it until a few years ago. Also where did this originate from?

Alright, I'll admit I have no idea what "EHD" is either.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.

Disease in deer is getting worse because deer herds are in general too large. That allows easier transmission of disease which is the limiting step in most epidemics.

Think about measles in kids that are in school, or avian cholera in white geese, plague in prairie dogs, etc.

Yeah, I had to google it too!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.

I see why they call it "EHD"

Yeah, I have to look it up so spell it too. Besides, that name is not that specific - it suggests more of a general class of diseases

Dave, are you heading to chickenbuck this afternoon? nice frosty night out to get some projects done.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Dave, are you heading to chickenbuck this afternoon? nice frosty night out to get some projects done.

Don't matter, we just thank you guys for sending a cool front down to Tex tonight.

Nice and cool here today too. 60's probably.

The reason I Thanked you guys. Supposed to be 104 here today. 80's tomorrow.

80's is way more better than 104.

I'm not sure what's up for the weekend, no plans at this point.

23,477 applications for 6000 wolf permits.

104 & work to do can lead to a bad case of "monkey butt" !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

104 & work to do can lead to a bad case of "monkey butt" !!

I've heard of that before.

That's actually not too bad of odds. 1:4 I thought it would be more than that.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I heard the DNR was having issues with this wolf lottery, they were getting the rights people coming buying the licenses to try to get more people involved and less hunters. i got mine applied for!

you have to show proof of a previous hunting liscense to apply.

EHD aka Blue Tongue were getting pounded here in Missouri may have to go to Minnesota to hunt.

Blue tongue is caused by the Blue tongue virus (BTV). not sure why that one has a practical name, but anyway.

BTV can be spread through many species such as sheep and cows, it's very similar to EHD aside from that it crosses many species and EHD targets white tailed deer. very rarely will it (EHD) be found in mule deer apparently.

I've talked with a few people out here who look at me funny when I say EHD, then try to correct me by telling me blue tongue. they are different, and I know the difference.

tried something yesterday, after doing some research I found something that might inhibit the midge's life cycle that transmits the disease. like a big mosquito pellet used to treat stagnant water in places. these are safe and can be used in stock tanks. since that's where 99% of the standing water is on the place. so I tracked some down, made the trip to pick it up and treated every tank on the place. crossing my fingers, losing sleep over it. funny thing is, if it works, no one will ever know I averted disaster besides me.

how will YOU know?

Originally Posted by Beargrease

23,477 applications for 6000 wolf permits.

So i got a chance... I thought way more people were going to apply... Kinda surprised...

well if the deer stop dying that would be a big clue because that's what the objective is. the disease won't stop or go away on it's own, not until first frost anyway.

regardless, doing a good job where I work is like peeing yourself in a pair of black pants. it gives you a warm feeling but no one notices.

Originally Posted by noduck

Originally Posted by Beargrease

23,477 applications for 6000 wolf permits.

So i got a chance... I thought way more people were going to apply... Kinda surprised...

I'm not. Wolves aren't going to be easy to hunt and I think people know that. What will surpirse me is if the goal is actually reached.

I think the majority of the folks that applied for a tag did it just to do it. I actually want to shoot a wolf. That is a great trophy IMO.

That's why I applied for trapping, I'd love to shoot a wolf too but I think it's unlikely I will get an opportunity. I think a snare is my best chance.

But I still need to read the rules to see what is allowed.

let me know if you need some big leghold traps, I have several with drags and everything. I think they are number 4's?

are you at chickenbuck today dave?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by BrentD

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.

I see why they call it "EHD"

Any chance the Woofs could catch something similar? I wouldn't want it to spread up north into Canadia or AK, but it'd surely help around these parts, and couldn't be vetoed by the Huggers.

Didnt know they where two different disease's. Learn something new everyday. Thanks

Back on line.

Mange can take out a wolf.

Floor refinishers were here Wed - Thur. Found out our floors were made out of Black Ash, Hickery and Maple. Realy looks great.

Carpet people will be here a week from Monday to install the slate tile and carpet in the rest of the house.

Bear season opened this past Wednesday and it sounds like some good bears have been taken.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Back on line.

Mange can take out a wolf.

Doesn't mange usually crop up with over-population? If so, starvation will probably kill them first......

The temp is 35 degrees and dropping this morning as the sun comes up over northern MN.

Originally Posted by 222Rem

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Back on line.

Mange can take out a wolf.

Doesn't mange usually crop up with over-population? If so, starvation will probably kill them first......

Don't know about the relationship between mange and over population. The pack near our camp was hit by it about 10 years ago.

Upper 40's here this AM. We managed to pick up 1/2 inch of much needed rain Saturday. WI bow season opens the 15th.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by 222Rem

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Back on line.

Mange can take out a wolf.

Doesn't mange usually crop up with over-population? If so, starvation will probably kill them first......

Don't know about the relationship between mange and over population. The pack near our camp was hit by it about 10 years ago.

All diseases that are contagious, "crop up" when populations become large (or dense). Mange, plague, blue-tongue, white-nose fungus, CWD, etc. all have dynamics that are dependent on the densities of their hosts.

Anything that acts to concentrate animals - like water in a drought, or feeders, etc, act to increase the prevalence of contagious diseases has the effect of increasing densities, and hence disease transmission.

It's all part of the mathematics. And part of that mathematics is that it is very very unlikely that a disease that specializes on one or a very few species will be able to drive that species to extinction.

I would like some 40's. No rain here. It's supposed to be in the high 70's today, upper 80's Monday and Tuesday, then cool off. We need rain...bad.

99 they are calling for tomorrow, then cooling into the 70's towards the end of the week. SOB I'm tired of this damn hot weather!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The temp is 35 degrees and dropping this morning as the sun comes up over northern MN.

Of course, because I had to take out the dock and boat lift this morning. Brrrrrrr

calling for 99 today for the high, anyone wanna switch weather?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

calling for 99 today for the high, anyone wanna switch weather?

39* here this morning, Ryan. High of 75* How's Kendra holding up?

strangeness.

low 50's on the Harley this morning, expecting mid to upper 80's and strong south wind today.

We checked trail cameras on a quick trip to camp yesterday, nothing exciting to report, does and fawns. Dusty's camera certainly takes the nicest pictures of the 3 cameras we have out right now.

she's about ready to pop, due date originally was the 11th, then they bumped it back to the 22nd. she had a hard time sleeping saturday night cause the baby was moving SO much. I think her hormones are off the charts as well. feet swollen even though she stays off of em and it looks to me like the baby has settled a little and lowered, I predicted 48 hours, we'll see. we're getting close now though I know that.

What kind of cameras do you have Dave? I'd like a couple more and The Moultrie I have is unimpressive, the Primos TC46 is a bit better. I'd be interested to hear recommendations.

Better stay close to home.

We have a Moultrie (IR 65?), a primos truth cam 35 and dusty has a bushnell trophy cam.

I would rank them in that order from least to most impressive.

I would put a half blind, narcoleptic abstract artist with a dull crayon and some wet paper slightly above the moultrie in that ranking.

Most bang for the buck I think is the truth cam 35 (if you can still find them) they should be at or just below $100, they trigger, they flat out capture. IR is fair, night captures out to� I�d say close to 35 feet are clear enough to make out. (not sure if that�s why they call it 35, or if 35 is the bulb count)

The images aren�t as nice as Dusty�s bushnell trophy cam which also triggers just as it should. But for the money, if you want multiple cameras out that won�t break the bank and have great battery life I like them truth cam 35�s.

If you want one good camera out there that takes great pics, triggers excellent and does great IR night captures too, Them Bushnell trophy cams are pretty sweet.

No budget? Well, the possibilities are endless.

But I damn sure get a hundred bucks worth of capture and clairity out of my cheap trophy cam 35.

It does better than I expect it to for the $

I think I took your advice on the Truth Cam 35 and bought 2 last year and the are just as you describe. Maybe not the very best, but pretty darn close to the best and at a very good price. Got mine at Cabelas. Matter of fact.....I just pulled my SD card yesterday and forgot to look at it.....

Thanks! The TC 46 that I have is supposed to be good to 46' and has 46 bulbs. So, I guess that they must work one bulb per foot.

Anyhow, on Friday I found a website selling TC46 refurbed for $65 each if you bought two or more.

This morning, I decided to buy and now I can't find or remember the damn site. He who hesitates is lost and and all that crap...

The TCs seem to be right in my price range and they do work well so I'll stick to looking for more. If I find that website, I'll post it.

Thanks again.

I bought two Truth Cam 35's last year. They were recommended by the staff at Cabela's. I had no clue what to buy and they suggested the TC35. First one was $100. I put it up in the yard to play with it and liked it so much I bought another a few weeks later for $79. The tell me everything I need to know... picture, time, temp, moon phase. The daylight pics are clear, the IR pics are good enough.

If I had a complaint it would be the video. The footage doesn't trigger as fast as the photos. So i got a lot of real short videos of deer, or tails moving through. If you could set it in a spot to caputre coming and going you may have better results.

My 35 will trigger at night out to probably 60 feet. I just threw 35' out there as a rough guess for actually getting a helpful photo, one that you can make out as to doe, fawn, buck, coyote, bear etc.

Wow, 65 bucks for trophy cam 46 refurbs is amazing. That would be a really good deal.

Ha! I found it by shooting almost blind. It occurred to me that Natchez has a habit of selling refurbed stuff. So, here it is. http://www.natchezss.com/specials.cfm?contentID=specials&spcGrp=19

I bought two of the TC46s for $65 each. You can't often beat that price on Ebay buying them used. So, I figure it's a good deal, even if "refurbished" just means wiped down with a damp paper towel.

Never tried the video part, but I do set it to take 3-shot bursts. That generally works pretty well.

Originally Posted by tzone

If I had a complaint it would be the video.

Yeah I haven't even tried the video mode on mine.

Wow thanks for the link, I'm going to show that to Nate, I see they have a "2 for" deal on the truth cam 35's for $49 each!

Hundred bucks for a pair of em! Wow!

Don't hesitate, I can't believe they will stay in stock at that price.

I doubt they will either.

If you havn't used them before, I'd recommend not setting them on 10sec tirgger if you're going to use 3 shot burst. You'll have more pics than you can sort through in a sort order.

I switched to 1 shot after a few weeks of 600+ pictures/week. Some are of nothing, chipmunks, birds, all 3 at a crack.

I know the TC 35's have a sensitive trigger because on a windy day, it snaps a ton of pictures of moving trees.

I think I have 1 minute between bursts of 3. I have never tried the video. So far never come close to filling a card, but I have had mind-numbing numbers of shots showing a leaf dancing at sunrise more than once. How long is a video shot and how many before the fill up at 4M card?

I found the cameras were useful in figuring out who was dining on the wife's garden too. Useful tools they are, but so far, I've had one stolen, and I'm not anxious to spend more and have them stolen too. Luckily it was a Moultrie - so that is almost like punishing the thief in absentia.

Troof cam don't lie. Best bang for the buck IMHO.

Vids are pretty short. I think they're 30 seconds. I used a 8gM card and it didn't fill it with a few nights videos. Most were useless because they were at night. Unless they're real close, the vid didn't work well at night at all. I do have one of a buck following a doe at day break that is pretty cool though.

There's probably better cameras for video if that is what you're after.

I think with regular pics, it would be pretty tough to fill a 4M card in a week unless you have a lot of traffic.

I mostly want to see what sorts of bucks and other non-deer wildlife are lurking. I only check the cameras every 2-3 weeks however, so I need to keep capacity in mind and I definitely want night photos. I'll stick with stills I think.

If I had just a bit more pocket change I'd buy another pair of them.

Brent

I use the wildgame innovation W3X, I have 3 of them. they run off 8 AA batteries and after last season they still had half of their battery life. you can set the resolution, do video and it time/date stamps moon phase all that jazz. you can set the delay and if you want it to work 24 hours, just night or just day.

mine gives pretty dang good pictures and a 4Mb card will store over 2000 pics of blowing grass on a windy day when I mount it low to the ground, and still have room on the card.

Here are a couple of examples of bushnell trophy cam and primos truth cam.

Day:

[Linked Image]

Night:

Day:

Night:

Wow! That Bushnell does knock out the photos. That fawn shot is spectacular.

But I have to be a miser.

I feel this disease coming on. When I had no camera I thought 2 would be great. One for my property, one for the other place I have permission to hunt.

But when I had 2 I thought, I would really like to have two on each property to cover a couple different areas on each.

But now that I am about to have 4, I think, damn! 6 would REALLY let me check out some areas on that other property where I sometimes wonder if big bucks are not holing up in tight cover.

Does this problem go away, or does it get worse?

Anyone make a "fish cam"?

I bought the blackout truth cam last year pretty happy with that one.... I might have to pick some more up pretty good deals...At that site....

Oh they do make fish cams too. It's a different disease though, it goes with ice fishing lol!

Yeah I still just have one cam but it helps that nate has one and dusty has one.

I really should go for that 2 for one deal.

I need more.

One more from the bushnell trophy cam. We have it set on the lowest quality setting for the camera so the files arent so big for e-mails, uploading etc. Even with it set as "crappy" as it goes, it takes great pictures.

[Linked Image]

I can't get over how good that photo is. It's not all the pixels that matter, it is the focus and the exposure. Really amazing.

If I was spear fisherman in the winter, I think some fish cams would be really cool.

Well, back to fixing dinner. Wild turkey (the nonliquid version), don't in true Minnesota style (cream of mushroom soup of course).

Dave, buy those cams. Tell Pam it was my fault - I'm safe (I think)

It is a sickness. I have 7 cameras out and I'm 250 miles away. Will check them about Oct. 5th. I have lost only one to a thief in over 5 years. This year I upgraded with 2 Bushnell trophy and one Spy point. These go with 4 Moultrie that have worked well.

You guys bad influence i pulled the trigger on 2 cameras... From the Natchez website....

ND, Yes icefishing is a disease.. A disease that i am proud to have...LOL

We're will those 2 cameras b no duck.?

Not by your stand... You dont need any help deer killer...

O come on!

Ok deer killer... Let's see some pics.

it's time for deer pics I say!

Here is my deer pic.. Kinda a bad pic 11 pointer kicker on the right side.....

nice! You're gonna haffta change your name unless that's a Loon on the shelf to the right of the buck.

p.s.

Is that a knife gun I spy on the mantle?

He is loony alright

Tzone, that is not a knife gun, its a gun for the kids Wi. LOL...

Anie, i am not as loony as the guy we know that used to live in a box car in the woods.... LOL....

Quote

Anie, i am not as loony as the guy we know that used to live in a box car in the woods.... LOL....

You guys know my friend Paul, from Silver Bay, too?

Nope this guy used to live just south of Lake Wabedo.. In the woods... Somebody burned it down on him.....

Anie why dont you charm in and tell some of the stories.. In which you had him believe that there was wine and cheese in the woods... Or that White Castle was going to put in a restaurant at the end of the road...
Or after the box car burned down you told him you were from the electric company looking for the cause of fire.. Even thou there is no electric lines around for miles.... LOL

wabedo.....havent been on that lake in years.

Don't b to hard on box car willy, his pa
Told me he was hit in the head with a
Lam-beam when he was breast feeding
And was never right of mind since, still
Likes his mother!!

Itasca st park this weekend with the kids in the new "fish camper"

Sweet! Bringin the little boat? It should be good weather for that.

I have work and little guy football. Mini man keeps asking me when we can go back to chickenbuck and play with his new friend Joe.

Oh, I almost forgot. Is there going to be any more chicken buck clothing orders going in?

sconnie bow season opens up sat am. Im headin up tomorrow, anyone crossin the big crick and trying to get a warm weather whitetail

We were at Itasca last w/e, great park.

I'm headed to Floodwood tomorrow after work for bow season opener at Bonehead Lodge.

I'm headed for work this weekend. Someone's got to do it I guess.

I'm not going to get to hit the bushes until next weekend, which we'll be chasing birds and fixing/building deer stands.

The wife and I are attending our first high school grand reunion, 50 plus years. Going to be strange attending a HS reunion with my 89 year old uncle.

Sunday is furniture moving day. We have to move all of the furniture out to the garage so the carpet/tile folks can do their thing.

I could see my breath this morning when I left for work...and it wasn't becasue I forgot to brush my teeth either.

I think we're gettin one last blast of hot weather this weekend then we have highs in the 50's and 60's.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

sconnie bow season opens up sat am. Im headin up tomorrow, anyone crossin the big crick and trying to get a warm weather whitetail

Open's saturday in MN too. It's supposed to be 85* outside. I'm going to wait for cooler weather.

I had 26 up north here this morning on the way to work. bits of frost, going to warm up to 80 tomorrow again though, then a cool down.

Man, the weather changing sure stirs the hunting bug in me. 'Gonna walk up across the street and watch the guys banging the geese. They hunt a field near us and have a pretty good spread. They cut that field a couple days ago, and the geese come out of a nearby park just like someone rang the dinner bell. The guys have a full set up with lots of decoys, layout blinds, flags, and the most hyper black lab, goose catching machine I've ever seen. She's one tough dog. Watched her chase down a cripple for them last year. The goose wasn't hit real hard and could get off the ground for 10 or 15 yards and then back down again. She chased it clear across the field and then actually knocked it down out of mid air and hauled it. back. 'Beats watch a video any day.

Probably heading to the range next weekend. Just gotta go shoot something!

Huh. You'll be within a few miles of Shooterville. Get my number off of FB if you want to stop in. We'll be there doing some stand work.

4

Are you heading to the camp this weekend Craig?

Fish camper at itasca.

Way cool Dave, but I don't think your going to catch any fish at that site.

Well, we did about 17 miles on bikes today, did the wilderness loop around the park. Oh my, the legs ar quite rubbery. Lol! Beautiful park, Pam is taking lots of pictures.

Can't wait to see Pam's pictures! They're getting better with each shot.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Way cool Dave, but I don't think your going to catch any fish at that site.

it's hell on the auger too

Cool! We went to the lake cabin (which is not real far from there) last weekend and went four wheeling. The trees were starting to turn color. What were they like this weekend?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Way cool Dave, but I don't think your going to catch any fish at that site.

it's hell on the auger too

Have to put on the dirt bit! They don't bite real good when they are feeding on worms however.

Leaves are turning more but not full color yet. I'm not sure they will get as bright and colorful this year, so dried out before the frost started in the mornings.

mama is getting real close to droppin the baby, my guess is today or tomorrow.

took my Pa out scouting for deer yesterday am, he stopped on his way home from elk hunting in MT. he was kind enough to drop us off 25 lbs of meat too

he and I saw about 8 or 10 bucks, mostly basket 8's maybe a little bigger, but nothing BIG. had a nice hike though and I enjoyed being out with my dad again, it's been many years.

we did fine another dead deer, which makes 3 that have died since I treated the water tanks. considering we lost 5 in 3 days before that, and only 3 in the week that followed the treatment I would say it helped. too many factors to know for sure, but I think it did. total dead 3 does 5 bucks. archery opener is next weekend, between that and the baby coming, my head is abuzz and it's hard to concentrate!

Good luck to you and Kendra with the new human, hope all goes well.

Our leaves are changing bit not really bright colors. I think they're going to be brown and down this year.

Beautiful morning here, sitting on the deck drinking coffee, checkin the fire.

Good luck to you and Kendra! What does the big brother think of all this?

he is super pumped, he keeps talking to Kendra's tummy and telling everyone his baby sister is in there and he loves her very much, it's too precious. every so often he'll tel us all the things he will teach her, and he digs in his toy box and brings me a toy or two saying "I really love this toy but I want to give it to my baby sister so she has a good toy too"
he really has a big heart.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he is super pumped, he keeps talking to Kendra's tummy and telling everyone his baby sister is in there and he loves her very much, it's too precious. every so often he'll tel us all the things he will teach her, and he digs in his toy box and brings me a toy or two saying "I really love this toy but I want to give it to my baby sister so she has a good toy too"
he really has a big heart.

That's awesome

Sounds like a proud big brother.

Starting to see some color here too. Unfortunately a lot of trees have been hit by the drought and the leaves have just dried up and falling.

Some pics from itasca.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/itasca%202012/IMG_7197.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/itasca%202012/IMG_7223.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/itasca%202012/IMG_7270.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/itasca%202012/IMG_7292.jpg[/img]

Great weekend it looks like.

I pulled my troof cam 35 off the popple in the back yard and the batteries were corroded into the unit. I had to use wd-40 to get them out.

I cleaned it up, slapped some fresh "D's" in her and it fired right up. Just like an old Ford.

Tom,
You know if your batteries poop on your machine, most companies will replace the unit for you. I've done this once with a flashlight. Sent in the light, the batteries, and a receipt for a replacement that I bought because I couldn't wait for their refund. They sent me a check for the price of the new light. It was Duracell. I try to stay loyal to that brand for that reason.

I didn't know that. I actually still have the receipt, which is rare for me.

Why is that? I'm surprised the rig still works. It was strapped to that tree since this time last year. I remember pulling the card last winter and never put it back in.

looks like Eener was lovin the ride!

Dave,by what means does the camper raise/lower?I like the way it sits low.
EDIT:Never mind,I saw the explanation on the Hunter's Campfire section post.
The pictures were great.Thanks.Looks like all of you had a great time.

Stan in SC

Tom,
Grab another pack of the same batteries of the same brand and look for some small print. I haven't looked in a few years, but it was there.

I'll check. I still have the package with batteries in it.

My nephew received one of the WI wolf tags.

Pics of wolf soon to follow I hope.

How do the tags work in WI, Bill? Is the hunt during the gun deer season or is there another season for the wuff's?

Tom, the wolf season runs from Oct 15, 2012 to Feb 28, 2013. You can hunt them 24/7. Hunting methods are very liberal. You can use guns, bows, knieves, spears, traps, and last but not least knieveguns. There is however, an injunction on hunting them with dogs.

The humane society cozied up to a big name law firm (H,H and R) and found a bleeding heart judge that ruled it was inhumane to the dogs to let them chase wolves. The dnr is going to have to come up with better evidence to prove minimal risk to the dogs.

BTW, coyotes are once again legal during the deer gun season. Yote season has been closed for a number of years during the deer gun season, because hunters could possibly mistake a wolve for a yote.

I think the yote season has been closed during the gun season since I've been going to hunt in WI which would be about 1996.

Are you out for a tag or is there still a chance you get one?

Originally Posted by tzone

I think the yote season has been closed during the gun season since I've been going to hunt in WI which would be about 1996.

Are you out for a tag or is there still a chance you get one?

I didn't even apply Tom. If I had been lucky enough to draw a tag it would have set me back $99. Odds of bagging a wolf are too slim for the investment.

I applied. It was $4. I've only seen a few wolves while actually hunting, but one of my hunting areas has them present for sure, so ya never know.

Great day here today! I took a big breath of fresh air this morning. It was nice and cool. Looking to be a great day.

Ryan,
Today is the day! Then I can share a birthday with the little tyke!

Kendra says not today, her guess is next week sometime. I told her that I'm hunting saturday regardless! (archery opener) she was ok with it.

Happy Birthday BM!

Guarranteed that kids coming the minute you hook on your safety strap.

Ahh heck. What does she know anyway!

Maybe it will sneak up on her! I am hoping for a nice easy birth for her and a convenient time of birth for you!

Pizza Ranch tonight to celebrate. Pizza Ranch rocks by the way. Blueberry desert pizza is as good of cuisine as exists on earth!

Originally Posted by tzone

Guarranteed that kids coming the minute you hook on your safety strap.

don't use one, they get in the way

No they don't.

Mamma, and the kids will appreciate it.

Ryan,
I thought they were a pain too, but I got a new one and they are effortless and you feel so much safer. Tzone nailed it. You aren't doing it for you, you are doing it for them. Hey, Deana is a nice name!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Guarranteed that kids coming the minute you hook on your safety strap.

don't use one, they get in the way

If you are going to be a responsible parent, you ought to start.

I know I know, I have one in the basement I've been meaning to take out and try so I get a feel for it.
already have her name picked out remember?

Well, it is always nice to have a backup in case the other one falls out of favor because the neighbor names his dog your first choice.....right? Something tells me Deana did not even make the top 10 however.

nope, there wasn't even a debate, we took the names from our grandmas who have passed, Sylvia Marie goes well together.

I thought it was Camo Princess

thats her nickname

Happy Birthday BM.

Dad had the Steriotactic radiation on his brain today. It took about 2 hours. He said it wasn't too bad but the specially made mask he had to wear was very tight. Not sure of the doctors exact words when he asked dad "if he wanted to finish the last part on Friday or if he wanted to finish it today", and dad chose to get it all done today. It was pretty cool though what he said to dad. He has been feeling real good lately.

I lost a classmate of mine to her battle with cancer today. Her attltude and faith through everything was very inspirational. Prayers go out to her husband (who I also graduated with) and their 5 children.

Sorry to hear about your friend Miss.

I'm very glad to hear good words about Uncle Dusty. I pray for him a lot. I can't wait to see you guys soon!

Great news about Dusty. Condolences on the loss of your friend, Missy.

Found out Friday at the grand reunion that one of my old drinking buddies had passed last Wednesday at his home in SC.

Happy belated BD, BM.

Carpet and tile are in. I get to move all the furniture back in today. Thankfully, I'll have help.

great news for Uncle D! not a day goes by I don't think about him or send a prayer up for him.

Condolences on your friend, always saddens me to hear of someone taken too early.

Bill, get some pics! I want to see what a finished project looks like! all mine seem to stop at 95% complete

Yeah Bill, what do they say....pics or it didnt happen?

Good news on Uncle Dusty! Sorry about your friend Missy.

The geese found our field....Saturday morning should be fun!

I saw a moose last night on my farm. It was a decent sized bull. I haven't seen one of those in a few years. No I wasn't drinking....

Oh, it happend, and I've got the empty check book to prove it.

No pictures, no proof!

Pfthththt

Moose he says.

Damn thing must be lost!

I wish I could have seen it, I miss seeing them big dummies. We had so many of em up here 20 yrs ago.

Just catching up on things here, missy, very sorry to hear about your friend, that's terrible.

Talked to Dusty on the phone again last night and wow, what a difference in his voice. there is a new level of energy and life in his voice that I haven't heard all summer. He sounded very much like himself again. He's been fighting a brutal fight with this cancer and this recent break from chemo treatments shows that there is a lot of rebound left in him. His treatments now are the precision radiation treatments that muffy mentioned in a previous post. I believe they have a plan to string about 30 of these treatments in a row, basically every day with weekends off.

I'm sure there will be side effects but I'm hopeful and optimistically confident that they can't be as bad as the effects of the chemo.

Now for a little additional twist on current health status for team chickenbuck. We have a young female chickenbuckeroo on her way to Grand forks medical center this morning to have a kidney stone removed. Weezy has been in the hospital and at home under our care for the past 30 some hours and Pam is bringing her to Grand Forks to have a kidney stone removed this morning which is very much past the limits for "passable"

It's very strange I think for such a young person to have these troubles, I deal with kidney stones myself but I'm in my 40's. The stone she is dealing with right now is much larger than anything that's ever given me trouble.

Anyways, I guess a little prayer this morning wouldn't hurt. I know it's a common procedure but I also know she's scared just the same as I would be.

I'll update as soon as I hear anything from Pam this morning.

Prayers are on the way Weezy!

Sick kids is no good, no matter how old they are. Recover quickly, we'll be thinking about you here.

Knee mail sent! (I love that term!)

prayers sent from SD, hope she has a full speedy recovery

Hope all goes well with weezy! i know its common but you still worry about your kids. Great to hear about Dusty, hope he can make it for deer camp.Fun to hear all his stories. Ryan good luck to you as well once the new one comes. Life goes so quick, take the time to do it well!

Prayers sent for Weezy and Dusty!

Great to hear he's got some spring back in his step!

Well, complications in Grand Forks. I'm really not sure why they scheduled us for a day of travel when they aren't prepared equipment wise of staff wise to deal with this stone. It sounds like a machine used to break up a stone like this will be available tomorrow. Until then they will use a stint to allow the kidney to drain which will relieve pain and address nausea etc.

The stint will remain in place until tomorrow's return visit

at which point they will blast the stone and hopefully remove the stint and release her all happy and healthy.

Yep, they 'shock' the stone is the way it was explained to me. I was so doped up though, i really couldn't tell you the process.

Prayers for Ms Weezy on the way. Sure hope they get it taken care quickly.

Step one of the kidney stone challenge is done with, they will blast the stone tomorrow.

The boys and I pulled camera cards tonight at the cabin, we got some new deer pictures and a few bear pictures too.

Nothing too exciting as far as the deer pics and the bear pics are night captures so they aren't real good but it looks like a decent bear.

Any luck over on the bear bait, Dave?

I don't think brian has seen this one come to bait yet while he's in the stand.

He looks pretty stocky. Might be some size there.

Ryan txt me, it seems they are working on increasing the human population by (1) person in South Dakota this morning.

They plan to take delivery of one brand new female human, size extra small, very soon.

Well congratulations, but I do feel bad for his deer hunting aspirations set for tomorrow

Not me, I think it's freeking hillarious. That'll learn him for thinking he gonna go and play tree monkey warrior with a baby about to hatch.

LMAO!!

Well, it sure won't be the first time it happens, but the girl did get started early!

I got one too. He's pretty excited, and said he's going to sneak into the woods tomorrow.

Better not tell mama that one.

We'll see how that goes for him.

[/quote]

That looks like one of those big furry cats. ND.

Some catching up .

Prayers that all goes well for Weezy today and a speedy recovery.

Great to hear Dusty is on the upswing

Congrats to Ryan and family !!!

Dave I hope someone gets a chance at that bear !

Originally Posted by tzone

I got one too. He's pretty excited, and said he's going to sneak into the woods tomorrow.

Better not tell mama that one.

She wasn't happy when I brought it up

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

She wasn't happy when I brought it up

It's a process...

Seriously though, congratulations to you and yours. I wish you all the best.

The bucks will wait (maybe :))

Great news, Ryan and keep us posted.

Anyone know where Ryan can pick up some camo diapers?

Those diapers will turn brown soon enough on their own. Congrats ryan!!

So what's going on Ryan? Updates?

10 cm baby will be here within the hour is m
y guess with what they are saying

Yahoo! Hope everything turns out well Ryan! Thinking about you here.

Hunting tomorrow? Good luck with that. But if you pull it off, we will all be impressed.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hunting tomorrow? Good luck with that. But if you pull it off, we will all be impressed.

If he tries to go hunting Saturday, this will most likely be the last child he fathers.

Tell mama to hurry it up, you'd like to have a look see before you head out for the evening hunt.

Early congrats Ryan & Kendra!!!

On my way out the door to go camping & 4 wheeling for the weekend. Going to be a chilly one!

Have a great weekend everyone!

I gots the txt from Ryan, it has happiness...

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

I got one too. He's pretty excited, and said he's going to sneak into the woods tomorrow.

Better not tell mama that one.

She wasn't happy when I brought it up

I just told ya not to bring it up!

Congrats on the princess.

America

Sylvia marie was born at 11:36 she weighs 7 lbs1 oz and is 20.5 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great , dad is full of emotion

Ryan,

Congrats to you and Kendra!!!

Glad it all went well.

What does big brother think of his new sister?

Jeff

Congrats to the new parents.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Sylvia marie was born at 11:36 she weighs 7 lbs1 oz and is 20.5 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great , dad is full of emotion

CONGRATS ON THE NEW JR. CAMPFIRE MEMBER!

That's a fine looking baby Ryan, looks nothing like you, thank god.

A late report on the weezil, she's doing fine, everything went as planned today.

Tomorrow will be a firewood cutting day, we're taking a couple of old trucks out to the cabin, both with 8' beds and we want to fill them both with firewood for home.

Congratulations to Ryan and Kendra.Lovely child!

Dave,glad Weezy is ok.

Stan in SC

Well done Ryan and Kendra. You have been blessed.

Dave
Good to here all is good with your family.

we (she) did it! I'm so proud to be in my shoes. I still don't know what she sees in me, but she's my world and I'm hers, so I reckon it works. truly blessed.

[Linked Image]

on a side note, my dad woke up this morning at 1 am and decided to say a little prayer for kendra and us. at that moment we were leaving for the hospital. we never even saw a deer or elk or antelope on the road the whole 60 mile trip (up hwy 79) which is RARE for the middle of the night. I did almost smudge two coyotes but they were quick. Prayer works!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we (she) did it! I'm so proud to be in my shoes. I still don't know what she sees in me, but she's my world and I'm hers, so I reckon it works. truly blessed.

[Linked Image]

on a side note, my dad woke up this morning at 1 am and decided to say a little prayer for kendra and us. at that moment we were leaving for the hospital. we never even saw a deer or elk or antelope on the road the whole 60 mile trip (up hwy 79) which is RARE for the middle of the night. I did almost smudge two coyotes but they were quick. Prayer works!

Congrats Ryan and Kendra!! Welcome little one!

Dang Ryan! She's even hot after she has a baby! You better hold on to that one!!

Congrats to Kendra and Ryan.
Glad everything is going great.
Barry

thanks Barry, You'll be getting a phone call tomorrow

thanks Jim, I know she is one of a kind.

That's great Ryan! Glad you are settled in at home.

We're off to the woods to get a start on annual firewood cutting (for home, the cabin wood pile still looks good)

But I have to post up this picture for Dusty.

It looks like someone is waiting for you to come visit your deer stand.

[Linked Image]

They're both keepers Ryan.

We had our first snow of the season. According to the manager at the local Hardee's they're were big wet snow flakes mixed in with the rain around 5 AM. I had to clear slush off the windshield.

I'll be moving the boat around this morning so I can get my car in the garage. Time to start doing the fall projects.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's great Ryan! Glad you are settled in at home.

We're off to the woods to get a start on annual firewood cutting (for home, the cabin wood pile still looks good)

But I have to post up this picture for Dusty.

It looks like someone is waiting for you to come visit your deer stand.

[Linked Image]

Look like a nice healthy mature doe! Good to see some timber goats showing back up around there.

Managed to haul a couple loads home tonight.

[Linked Image]

Did some scouting down around Duluth at one of T-Zone's spots yesterday. 'Can't get over how much a clear cut grows in one year. It was my self, my son (JustOneGunner) and his girlfriend, The Skirt. Sign was pretty thin-no rubs, tracks, or recent browse nippings.

Heard Duluth had a 10th of an inch of snow on the ground Saturday. Earliest measurable snow ever recorded there.

Everythings covered with frost here this AM.

Ryan, are you bringing Kendra and the little one home today?

we got home last night around 6 or so. we could have stayed longer but mama just wanted to be home, can't blame her there. baby is sleeping soundly now, I made sausage eggs and english muffins for breakfast. Baby is sleeping with a full tummy, Kendra is just now laying down for a much needed nap.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we got home last night around 6 or so. we could have stayed longer but mama just wanted to be home, can't blame her there. baby is sleeping soundly now, I made sausage eggs and english muffins for breakfast. Baby is sleeping with a full tummy, Kendra is just now laying down for a much needed nap.

I'm glad to hear you've got the baby on good solid foods already.

Does she have a job yet?

she has her first interview tuesday

she gets the solid foods after they are converted to liquid form via mama.

the breakfast I made was for HER, not baby

after I re-read it, yeah sounds like baby got the sausage and eggs

couple more baby pics, then I'll let the thread get back to normal.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we got home last night around 6 or so. we could have stayed longer but mama just wanted to be home, can't blame her there. baby is sleeping soundly now, I made sausage eggs and english muffins for breakfast. Baby is sleeping with a full tummy, Kendra is just now laying down for a much needed nap.

I'm glad to hear you've got the baby on good solid foods already.

Does she have a job yet?

Beat me to it. I was going to ask if she was going for a drive when she wakes up.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

she has her first interview tuesday

she gets the solid foods after they are converted to liquid form via mama.

the breakfast I made was for HER, not baby

after I re-read it, yeah sounds like baby got the sausage and eggs

couple more baby pics, then I'll let the thread get back to normal.

[Linked Image]

The look of a proud papa! Thumbs up!

can't stop smiling and i get choked up for no reason. not sure if it's normal or when it goes away. gets worse when i hold her, and that i want to do all the time, heck i'm doing it now!

And a proud big brother.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Baby is sleeping with a full tummy, Kendra is just now laying down for a much needed nap.

One thing about babies is that you have to learn to sleep when they do, otherwise you're in for some long sleepless days/nights.

yup, however I have to look after big brother and pick up the house before Kendra's mom gets here.

need the points if i want to hunt this evening. and yes i sat in my stand opening morning, saw 18 mulies and 6 whitetails.

You DA MAN! All the guys here who cant seem to find time to go hunting and Ryan manages to get out right after a bundle of joy arrives! Nice family you got there Ryan!

Rocked the geese this weekend. My shoulder is sore! 22 geese and 8 ducks over the two days.

Nice doe pic ND, she looks tasty. Glad to here Weezy is okay, I was wondering about that over the weekend.

We got the fresh firewood hauled home Saturday night and we put it all up in the wood shed yesterday, A lot of it needed to be split. I finally managed to bust the fiberglass handle on my 8 lb maul yesterday, lord knows I hated that 8 lb maul. I didn't miss and hit the handle or anything like that, it broke up inside the maul head. It was so blunt it was like swinging an 8 lb sledge and expecting the wood to pop. It's no wonder it broke, you really had to swing that thing if you wanted to split with it.

On our last elk trip Dusty picked up a nice 6 pounder in a feed/hardware type store in Craig. We've been very impressed with that 6 pounder and credited it's success to the shape of the head, much more axe shaped than my 8 lb wood smasher.

So yesterday afternoon we went into town and I found a nice 6 pounder with more of an axe profile like that one Dusty got in Craig. The handle section through the head is twice the diameter of the handle section thorough that 8 pounder too so it shouldn't break on me.

I finished splitting with that new one and wow, what a difference. It's got a little longer handle so I had to adjust my "aim" a bit, but swinging 6 pounds instead of 8 is a big difference. And the shape of the head helps it get into the wood and pop it open way better than the old 8 pounder.

That's all I got this morning, a wood splitting maul review.

Truper brand 6 lb maul: Good.

40 degrees windy and dark this morning on the bike. I might hang up the bike commute due to deer concerns rather than cold temps this fall. It's white knuckle riding at deer dark thirty in the morning.

Never heard of Truper, but I agree the head shape is everything. Weight can't fix a bad head. Finally broke the handle on the Plumb that my dad bought 45 yrs ago. I've broken dozens of handles on the others, but that handle just kept on going. It is my favorite and most used maul. And I use it a lot. We heat with wood and everything is hand split.

The best maul handle I've found is a 12" I-beam mounted to the 3pt. arms of my tractor. Slow & steady. Hydraulic fluid pressure is an amazing thing.

You know I'm trying to get some exercise white bare.

I gotta keep up with the young guys this fall deer hunting.

You see� I'm performing an experiment

I haven't had a beer or drink of any sort since labor day when we finished up the soffit on the cabin. I'm cutting back on the food intake... And doing everything I can to work my old mushy body into shape

The firewood bidness and hand splitting the wood goes nicely with that exercise plan.

lol!

Jeezus, I have a feeling I shouldn't have told anybody I was tryin to get into better shape...

ok, flame on, I'm ready.

[Linked Image]

I thought round was a shape

good for you man, keep it up year round if you can, although I know you stay pretty active.
I don't know if I would have given up the beer completely. you could always start drinkin that 64 calorie stuff

64 calories? What's the point? lol!!

Saw a couple THICK old WI bruisers on saturday night. One had a good rack, tall looked like an 8, the other had a med. sized 8 pt rack, but were real big bodied deer. In the River Falls area. Got the blood pumping and the binders on the truck working OT to slow her down too.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I don't know if I would have given up the beer completely. you could always start drinkin that 64 calorie stuff

Might as well lay off the beer instead of that. Drink water instead, it tastes the same and is free.

I did that this spring and it worked. But like Frank the Tank in Old School...
"ooh once it hits the lips it's sooo good. Just one more beer."

I'm in the market for a new maul too, Dave and a 6 pounder sounds great. Do you recall what you paid for the Truper?

I'm heading up to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage next Saturday for 5 days of fishing. Really looking forward to it.

"Fat guy in a little suit...."

One of the best movie lines ever!

Pants tucked into the boots to I see. Classic ND style.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I'm in the market for a new maul too, Dave and a 6 pounder sounds great. Do you recall what you paid for the Truper?

I think it was around 32 bucks at a hardware store, nice fiberglass handle with grippy rubber overlay. I noticed they grippy handle will pretty much force you to wear gloves because you will get blisters, unlike a bare wood or bare fiberglass handle there's no sliding in your grip. It really smears your skin around so gloves are pretty much a must.

Never mind Dave, I found a Truper on Amazon with free shipping.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Pants tucked into the boots to I see. Classic ND style.

yes, you will also see from the photo that I am asian and I have a flashlight and also what looks like a prison shank?....

So, you better watch it!

Spealing of prison "stank". How does it go to pass a little gas in that suit?

I gave that up with the beer.

I'm so pleasant and proper, I can hardly stand myself.

Pam got onto ND's campfire account again I see.

No beer. No odor. ND is just a shell of the man we once knew...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I gave that up with the beer.

I'm so pleasant and proper, I can hardly stand myself.

Looks like we're all going to be needing hip boots. Sure is getting deep.

Who are you,stranger,and what did you do with Dave?

Stan in SC

Hey, I like the new Dave. The other one was so overbearing and the stank was bad eminating out of his posts.

i am doing the getting in shape thing too for my elk trip and for a new health program we have at work. Lost 8 pounds and my legs are a lot stronger than they were. I have been hiking and running once or twice a day. Keep up the good work, I hope it goes well for ya.

Our home PC is in at the nerd shop getting a tuneup. I drove around last night scouting the sharp tail grouse sittuation. Managed to pop one out at 100 yds with the 17HMR. I figured out that they are hiding in ditch bottoms that are typically wet, deep ditch bottoms with tall grass for cover.

Maybe tonight Nate and I can walk a few of those ditches with shotguns, see if we can kick them birds out.

ND, how do you prepare the sharpies? I have never had good luck with them.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ND, how do you prepare the sharpies? I have never had good luck with them.

I usually just surprise them.

I tried preparing them once for my impending doom, and they just flew away.

Sonofa!!

So from there forward I have decided that a surprise is attack the best way.

Okay, enough of the new Dave, bring back the old sucker!

For the table, how do you prepare them for the table? What type of cooking method do you employ prior to presenting said sharptail to your family for their culinary pleasure?

Oh....

Well, last year I had an idea to shot a pile of sharpies, breast them out, cube, brown in fry pan and dump the meat in a pot of chili.

I still might try that... but the rabbit population has exploded so suddenly my sharp tail meat has been benched for chili duty, rabbit chili?

The most likely method for these sharpies will be to breast and cube, brown in butter, then add to a hearty homemade chicken soup with carrot, celery, onion and big egg noodles or wild rice. (and a few cans of chicken broth)

What time is supper ND?

No kidding!

Since you guys are multi Truth Cam owners, maybe you can help me parse out a problem I just encountered. I now have 3 of these, where I used to have just one. So, my pictures on the cameras were numbered from 1 to whatever and they seem to continue with the numbering system when I swap cards out. However, now I have 3 cameras with a PRMS0001.JPG. So when I copy the photos to one file on a hard drive, I have a collision of sorts.

so my question is, can you program a different numbering sequence into these things? I don't want to have to go in and change file names all the time.

Here is one that was just behind the house about 200 yds or so, but I've never seen him.
[Linked Image]

And here is another question. These two pictures were taken in my yard where something was digging up the grass every night (time stamp is wrong). Tearing up palm-sized junks of sod and flipping them over. The soil is bone dry and I can't guess what the heck they are after. Any guesses? They've been out there about 4 nights straight now. and they are only working a patch only slightly larger than what is in the photo. They are there for about an hour or so digging away. For what? I can't find anything.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by BrentD

Since you guys are multi Truth Cam owners, maybe you can help me parse out a problem I just encountered. I now have 3 of these, where I used to have just one. So, my pictures on the cameras were numbered from 1 to whatever and they seem to continue with the numbering system when I swap cards out. However, now I have 3 cameras with a PRMS0001.JPG. So when I copy the photos to one file on a hard drive, I have a collision of sorts.

so my question is, can you program a different numbering sequence into these things? I don't want to have to go in and change file names all the time.

Here is one that was just behind the house about 200 yds or so, but I've never seen him.
[Linked Image]

And here is another question. These two pictures were taken in my yard where something was digging up the grass every night (time stamp is wrong). Tearing up palm-sized junks of sod and flipping them over. The soil is bone dry and I can't guess what the heck they are after. Any guesses? They've been out there about 4 nights straight now. and they are only working a patch only slightly larger than what is in the photo. They are there for about an hour or so digging away. For what? I can't find anything.

[Linked Image]

They are digging for grubs. I have the same problem in the fall when the yard dries out. Only I thought it was skunks doing the damage as they are grub hungry little critters. After seeing your pic, it just might be coons. hmmm

I would think the lawn is too dry for the grubs - and hard. But I sure don't have any better idea. They were back again last night and that one part of the lawn is starting to look like a herd of bad golfers went on a rampage.

I would suggest watching "Caddyshack" before deciding on the best way to proceed with your lawn management plan.

I do have a lot of extra blackpowder - the ends of odd lots and what not. hmmm....

How well do you like your lawn? I'm a big proponent of excessive amounts of petroleum poured down the holes and a match thrown it.

If you get lucky, the first hole will have a critter in it and he will run out of the hole with his tail on fire. This of course will have a some squealing sounds with it, some from the wife but mostly from the critter. When he runs into the next hole (tail still on fire) it will set off a chain reaciton of sizzling critters and really, a pretty cool volcano-like show of flame from various spots in your yard.

Just a suggestion.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I do have a lot of extra blackpowder - the ends of odd lots and what not. hmmm....

Add that into the mix and the possibilities are endless.

tarp it and put vegetable oil all over it, that will really mess with them.

Tom, I don't give a damn about my lawn. for years, I rarely cut it and when I did, I used a bushhog on my tractor. But there are no holes here. Just divots. Sorry but your firebug fantasy isn't going to work here.

The tarp and oil would definitely mess with them - and with my dogs, which would then mess the house, which would mess with my wife, which would definitely mess me up but good.

I'll just let them do their thing. It sure is strange however.

an old fish in a live trap followed by a .22 short to the noggin will solve the problem but wont be nearly as entertaining as the veggie oiled tarp. that Ryan....always thinkin'!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

an old fish in a live trap followed by a .22 short to the noggin will solve the problem but wont be nearly as entertaining as the veggie oiled tarp. that Ryan....always thinkin'!

The live trap is a good start. Then you crank up a generator and clamp 220V to the trap, 480V is even better if the generator is big enough. Worked great on rats over in Nam.

Just got a call from one of my hunting partners. He was going to go back into camp and set up a new tree stand. Beavers have our road flooded out. I'm meeting him tomorrow to see what we can do. Appears they built part of their dam right on the road.

Been at least 5 years since we had a problem and now the little Bast###ds are back.

I've livetrapped a good many coons - they have been the bane of my existence for a long time. But when they run in packs like this, you catch one. The others stand around and get educated.

So, then you can get another with a leg hold (and hopefully not my dog). And the rest get educated.

Anyway, I don't really care one way or the other about what they are doing, I just want to understand what it is. Might go digging in my yard myself tonight.

Wish we had water for beavers to dam. My river is just about dry.

Nuisance coons
Nuisance beavers
Gun powder
Tarps
Traps
Oil
Vengeance

I see a heck of a plan unfolding here.....:)

Needs beer.

Wait..

Sonofa...

that doesn't sound good Bill. Do you have any C-4?

Just a shell of the man........
I might be able to help you out there.

Don't forget about gasoline...

Since it has snowballed to this level of seriousness, I see no reason to hold back on manpower or firepower.

We will need gps coordinates & some arial photos of the affected area to properly plan this attack.

I am compiling an arsenal of possible destructive devices that we can use for this operation.

Should we give it a name? "Operation _________"

"Fireball"

Hard do go wrong with fireball.

Although, "beaver plow" has a nice ring to it....

I'm a little concerned about giving out coordinates but somewhere just South of Story City, on the river is more or less the area. My two neighbors, however, would GREATLY appreciate it if could resist carpet bombing and or general cover fire for effect.

Personally, if I was going to do the search and destroy thing, I'd just tape a Surefire light to my Scott 10 bore, damascus double gun and put half a pound of #4 lead and maybe 300 grs of 1.5fg down range on them.

Beaver Retriever

I got one of those - he also retrieves rabbits, squirrels woodchucks and any other mammal he can sink his teeth into. But then, that might not be where you were going...

we must punish the beaver.

If you pull out the damn will the current wash out the gravel?

live trap beaver and relocate to spruce forest with nothing but a natural hot spring to dam up.

they'll get nasty sap tooth and work in hot conditions year round. That'll learn em.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hard do go wrong with fireball.

Although, "beaver plow" has a nice ring to it....

that name is taken

Plowing beavers....... I like where this is going ND!

Then carpet bomb. Then relocate. I have a feeling that we may have missed a few steps in the process.

With a blocked road and all, I just figger'd. V-plow, take a run at it?

I have a heck of a "beaver plow" that I would be willing to donate to the cause.

Ha, ha, ha, ha.......

I don't get it?

Be glad you aren't a beaver.

Nuff said.....

It must be a big people joke, maybe someday when (if) I grow up I'll understand.

I'd buy a bunch of laffy taffy and wrap it round the trees in the area, when the beavers bite the trees they'll get stuck.

That might be the best plan yet. Ror!

Speaking of beaver plowin. On my way to 'sconny.

See ya tomorrow dudes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hard do go wrong with fireball.

Although, "beaver plow" has a nice ring to it....

"Beaver" anything has a nice ring to it, not mention that it woke everyone here up.

Beaver...AKA flat tailed rats.

Stan in SC

Anyone get drawn for a dog tag yet? Results on line.

what???? results are out?

yep.I got one.
now to see one.

Sonofa....

None of us where drawn.

Originally Posted by fluffy

yep.I got one.
now to see one.

WHAT!!???

You lucky bugger!! Congrats!!

Hopfully,my dog comes in to heat that week.

Id have her sleep on some towels,take them with.
the choclate lab at work,last time she was in heat he climbed right in my lap whenever he could.

"Congratulations! Your number (xxxxxxxxxxxx) was drawn as part of the lottery in area A zone A."

sweet.

wish I would have drawn an antlerless,too.

"DOG TAG"?????

Stan in SC

Dang it no wolf tag.. But i did get a doe tag....

Originally Posted by fluffy

"Congratulations! Your number (xxxxxxxxxxxx) was drawn as part of the lottery in area A zone A."

sweet.

wish I would have drawn an antlerless,too.

Did it come in the mail or did you find in online?

Nuttin for me either. dangit!

I'm new at this, so it feels weird saying stuff like this...

I've never uttered the words "I've lost ____ lbs" because quite frankly, I've never cared and never tried to lose ____ lbs.

But, As I stated earlier, I want to be a little lighter and more active in the woods this fall. I want to put some miles on my boots, climb trees etc during deer season like I did in my 30's.

(I want to keep up with the boys)

3-1/2 weeks into this, 6 lbs.

That doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment to me, but again, I'm new at this.

I�ve got the whole month of Oct to hopefully keep it going in the right direction.

Way to go man. Keep at it.

1-2 lbs a week is normal, healthy, genuine weight loss. You're right on schedule.

Now, in other news. This post had me ROR'ing....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we must punish the beaver.

are you headed out to camp this weekend dave to try accomplish some of those feats. if you are we may be right there to shake your hand and congratulate you with a cold one! no pressure. we will still have a cold one for you!

Originally Posted by HugAJackass

Now, in other news. This post had me ROR'ing....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we must punish the beaver.

I don't get it??

[Linked Image]

If all goes acording to plan, yes I'll be out there working on something.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by HugAJackass

Now, in other news. This post had me ROR'ing....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we must punish the beaver.

I don't get it??

[Linked Image]

thumbing through my 5th grade roll-a-Dex of comebacks, I found this gem...

"That's what SHE said!"

.... and yes, I do have a roll-a-Dex...

Now I AM laughing!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm new at this, so it feels weird saying stuff like this...

I've never uttered the words "I've lost ____ lbs" because quite frankly, I've never cared and never tried to lose ____ lbs.

But, As I stated earlier, I want to be a little lighter and more active in the woods this fall. I want to put some miles on my boots, climb trees etc during deer season like I did in my 30's.

(I want to keep up with the boys)

3-1/2 weeks into this, 6 lbs.

That doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment to me, but again, I'm new at this.

I�ve got the whole month of Oct to hopefully keep it going in the right direction.

Keep it up. The best thing I ever did was get back into the shape I was in 20 years ago in the Corps. I feel about a zillion times better, I don't hurt the morning after a hockey game, and, most importantly, I can wear my dress blues again if I feel the need to dress up for the wife.

Remember, nothing tastes as good as a healthy body mass index feels. Especially out in the woods climbing a tree or dragging a deer.

or punishing a beaver.

Originally Posted by goalie

I can wear my dress blues again if I feel the need to dress up for the wife.

Oh there is no way I'm ever fitting into my blues again lol!!

Those things were fitted for a 19 year old boy.

There is NO way.

lol!

yep,done went ahead and drew the wolf tag.
thinking today I should call that" howling for wolves" place,and offer up my tag for say,$50,000.

tell them to put up or shut up.

Originally Posted by tzone

or punishing a beaver.

Spent the morning rippin out the beaver dam. They put the dam on the upstream side of our road and plugged the culvert. Dam ran 50 yards to the East and 5 to the West. We had a good 18 inches of water screaming over the road when we opened it up. What a mess, Mud and sticks everywhere.

Sounds like we may have a couple of guys that will come in and trap them. Not much sense in trying to fix the road back up too good untill we get rid of the critters.

Just as we finished up, I managed to fall into the creek. My left foot was stuck in the mud and it threw me off balance when I went to move. Down I went. Seat of my pants was a muddy mess. I dumped about a quart of H2O out of each of my hip boots.

Good thing I had brought along a change of clothes.

Originally Posted by fluffy

thinking today I should call that" howling for wolves" place,and offer up my tag for say,$50,000.

tell them to put up or shut up.

there ya go!

I woke up this morning with beaver punishment on my mind.....

Welcome to my world white bear...

Sounds like you got beaver fever... if youve had it for more than 4 hours you should see a doctor immediatly..

I wanna see a pic of a wolf in your hands Fluffy! Preferably a dead one.

Now in the mail yesterday I got something too. Two things actually. One said, "Tag nonres gray wolf" and the other said "nonres McCall elk B". So it might not be a Minnesota wolf, but I got a chance to shoot one boys and girls!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by goalie

I can wear my dress blues again if I feel the need to dress up for the wife.

Oh there is no way I'm ever fitting into my blues again lol!!

Those things were fitted for a 19 year old boy.

There is NO way.

lol!

C'mon, where's the fun in easy?!?!?!?!?

It actually took too much time and training when I did it. I signed up for the ironman triathlon in Madison and then got my wife pregnant a few months later. By the time we knew, I had an expensive bike, and had lost 20 pounds (lost a little over 40 total).

Did the race with a two-month old at home.

In hindsight, doing the training for something like that would have been ok without children, but doing it with a pregnant wife or with kids on purpose is about as self-absorbed as you can get.

Now, 5 years later and still in the mid-180's for weight (at 6-1) I'm glad I did it, but don't plan on doing it again.

Goalie, I don't think my skeleton would fit in my dress blues.

What did you get for a bike?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Goalie, I don't think my skeleton would fit in my dress blues.

What did you get for a bike?

A QR triathlon bike with Dura-Ace and a nice wheelset. The best thing about the tri was that it got me into biking. I bike to work year-round now, and it keeps me in-shape.

I also, allegedly, have too many bikes now. I try to explain to the commander-in-chief that you need N+1 for bikes, with N=the bikes I have now, but she isn't buying it.

Biking > running for exercise IMO. I have a 104 mile mountain bike race in AZ next year to train for, and it's waaaay better than trying to run, bike, and swim.

Coupla Mt bikes would be good up at the cabin dave.

I've seen ND bike to work on nice days to....

I'm kind of looking at a few "hybrid/comfort" bikes.

Won�t be doing any events, it would be strictly leisure, fun, exercise.

Something like a Trek Shift 3 (dork bike

)

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I've seen ND bike to work on nice days to....

Yep, and I did it again today. 25 miles.

Didn't even break a sweat.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm kind of looking at a few "hybrid/comfort" bikes.

Wont be doing any events, it would be strictly leisure, fun, exercise.

Something like a Trek Shift 3 (dork bike

)

What's next? Are you gonna have granola bars in your lunch box? You no beer drinkin, weight losing, bicycle riding, granola crunching, fool.

What's next? Are you gonna start a beaver farm to rescue those beavers?

I need to find some new bad influences.

Phththt!

What ever, stick boy.

What have you lost recently? 20 lbs?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I wanna see a pic of a wolf in your hands Fluffy! Preferably a dead one.

Now in the mail yesterday I got something too. Two things actually. One said, "Tag nonres gray wolf" and the other said "nonres McCall elk B". So it might not be a Minnesota wolf, but I got a chance to shoot one boys and girls!

I still have my unfilled Alaska Wolf tag. Never saw a Wolf the entire time we were there. I did see 1 on my trip to BC though.

UPS just delivered my 6Lb Truper Maul.

Dave, did you sharpen yours befor you used it?

Sharpen? I figgured they were self sharpening?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Phththt!

What ever, stick boy.

What have you lost recently? 20 lbs?

Close to 40 actually.

I blame it on beavers. They can be some stressful critters.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Phththt!

What ever, stick boy.

What have you lost recently? 20 lbs?

Close to 40 actually.

I blame it on beavers. They can be some stressful critters.

Tru dat! Beaver is most likely the leading cause of high blood pressure in men.

I don't get it......

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I wanna see a pic of a wolf in your hands Fluffy! Preferably a dead one.

Ill even wear my chicken buck tee shirt

Speakin of Chickenbuck wear... Is there going to be an order? I could use some stuff. Miss Princess wants a pink chickenbuck shirt too.

When I ordered Chickenbuck hats I ordered two.I really only need one.The one with my name on it is the one I wear hunting.The other has no name on it and has never been worn.Does anyone need a Chickenbuck hat?

Stan in SC

I guess we could put something together again. (chickenbuck order)

I need some tiny stuff and some stuff for a young man.
can you believe my little man is 42 lbs, is almost 4' tall and can identify mule deer from whitetails and tom turkeys from hens. you guys weren't kidding when you said they grow up fast.

anyone know of a good place to find camo for kids?

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I wanna see a pic of a wolf in your hands Fluffy! Preferably a dead one.

Ill even wear my chicken buck tee shirt

If you're taking requests, I'd like to see video of you (or anyone for that matter) with a live wolf in their hands.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I guess we could put something together again. (chickenbuck order)

I'd be in.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I need some tiny stuff and some stuff for a young man.
can you believe my little man is 42 lbs, is almost 4' tall and can identify mule deer from whitetails and tom turkeys from hens. you guys weren't kidding when you said they grow up fast.

anyone know of a good place to find camo for kids?

Yes Sir ! any Wal-Mart in Oklahoma !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I've seen ND bike to work on nice days to....

Yep, and I did it again today. 25 miles.

Didn't even break a sweat.

[Linked Image]

Man Dave that bike makes me drool sumbtine terrible !

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I guess we could put something together again. (chickenbuck order)

I'd be in.

Me too!

Thanks Mule1

I do really love that bike.

Little Mr Chickenbuck Joe drove around earlier this morning in the old black truck and managed to pop another sharptail grouse for the soup kettle.

3 birds breasted off, trimmed and cubed, browning in butter as I type this. We'll swing through town on the way out to camp and pick up celery, onion, carrots, wild rice and a few cans of chicken broth. It's gonna be wild chicken/wild rice soup later today.

Do we need a new chickenbuck logo? New artwork?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks Mule1

Do we need a new chickenbuck logo? New artwork?

I get alot of comments whenever I wear the old one .

Ill be in for some more stuff,too.

Ive been wishing I had gotten a hoodie in orange last time as well.

I'm in for sure.

With a bunch of help, me and the monkeys are in the new house tonight. Long, long day. We're wipped and relaxing with a movie now.

Lots of work to do yet.

And the reason I didn't get a call to help with the move was......... You're in trouble, T. I was off and available yesterday too!

had a shot last night, nice tall 8. at one point I had 7 bucks within 20 yards of my tree. one wide 8 with short tines was right below me, he had a huge body, really grey in color and his face was almost white and had what looked like scars on it, I figure he was over 7 years old. was tempted to shoot, but there are younger bucks that had a rack like his or better that would taste a whole lot better. the buck I missed came in following that lop eared doe I posted a pic of a while back. 24 yards and I shot an inch over his back. surprisingly I didn't get bummed out too much. it happens I guess. I'm pretty sure it was this guy.
[Linked Image]

Thanks Jeff,

We got it handled. It wasn't a situation that I'd want my friends to be in anyway.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't get it......

Do we need to start drawing it out for you, or posting pics??

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Jeff,

We got it handled. It wasn't a situation that I'd want my friends to be in anyway.

Understood, buddy. Just know the offer's always there.

We had a really nice weekend. I'd call it a grouse hunting and small projects combo weekend.

We got the the cabin Saturday morning and we learned that the flies are in full deer camp mode. Yep, its that time of the year where you visit your cabin to find that it's been taken over by black flies, yuck. With a combo of removing screens and simply letting the flies out along with many fly strips and a dust buster we got it under control. Pam started removing storm windows for the first time in 5 years so she could clean between the storms and regular windows. I began clearing a spot on the edge of the "yard" with the tractor. Between all these separate little tasks we found time to shoot a few birds (Ruffed grouse).

Here's one Pam got on Saturday.

[Linked Image]

I had bagged 3 sharp tail grouse earlier and had them prepped for a wild rice/grouse meal. We added a pair of ruffed grouse to the meal on Saturday. This was some really good stuff. We thought for sure we'd get visitors that we could feed, but nobody came out.

(cell phone pic)

[Linked Image]

Sunday morning came and the little hunter was ready to go at sunrise. So we got dressed and headed out down the trail as planned. Joe wanted to carry the 410 shotgun. I had my doubts about that, I had a nice little youth bolt action .22 for him to carry but he wanted the shotgun. I had him shoulder it and point it. It was pretty long for him but he seemed to be able to hold it pretty well regardless.

We didn't quite make it out of the sight of the cabin and I spotted a bird, pointed it out to Joe, helped him get his little shotgun snapped shut, hammer back, and told him to shoot when ever he's ready. The bird was standing on the ground 20 yds ahead of us, I covered it with a 20 gauge and waited for Joe to shoot.

BANG! Joe shot and he hit the bird!

That was a big deal, Joe's very first game animal. Got his first grouse, at age 8.

He couldn't wait to show his mom

Joe and I continued our walk and managed to pick up one more bird. We returned to the cabin, had breakfast and then it was time to get back to work.

Pam painted the outside of the cabin door which was a burgundy/red color, she got brown paint to match the fascia. (looks way better now)

[Linked Image]

Us boys continued to work on the site we began clearing on Saturday. We figured it looked like a good spot for the sauna. Once we got the site cleared and fairly leveled we detached that 5 year old empty sauna frame from the cabin and moved it over to it's future location.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7390.jpg[/img]

Those that know the camp will see pretty clearly by this shot where the sauna is going.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7412.jpg[/img]

As I'm working on removing a joist from the cabin that belongs to the sauna frame, the boys found a grouse back in the tags behind the sauna site.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7399.jpg[/img]

While we were playing in the dirt, Pam was painting the kitchen in the cabin.

It's just the first coat but it helped lighten it up in there already.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7403.jpg[/img]

We planned for a deck out the front of the cabin, and sort of planned the layout for the sauna too.

We'll be busy with materials lists this week now, trying to figure out what we need for this deck and sauna project and seeing how much of it we can get done this fall yet.

I just love fall, fantastic weekend, can't wait till next weekend.

Actually we got 8 ruffed grouse total over the weekend, that isn't bad for the little effort we put into it.

Misc pics from the forest.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That is one happy kid.
And Dad.

an impressive weekend indeed, but I have to ask. In addtion to bagging his first grouse, did Joe also take that pickup for his first drive? Seems to be taking that right turn a might early...

We had 2 old trucks out there again, I was in the black truck with Joe, no he wan't driving. I pulled to the right so Pam could have a shot at those deer with her camera.

I thought maybe she had the big 300mm lens on but she had the 24-105 on.

These roads can be a very pretty and scenic drive but it's so dangerously dry that all the leaves, grass and bushes are coated with gray road dust.

Forecast shows some rain on Wed, snow on thurs and friday.

Any kind of moisture will be very good, we're nervous about fires out in the forest, very nervous.

There will certainly be no bonfires at camp and hopefully no other camps until things get a LOT wetter out there.

It could rain for 2 weeks straight and I'd be fine with it.

It's way too dry. Water table is down 5 feet now.

It's out of reach for our sand point even.

I have never seen it this dry up here. No water to be found in the swamps. I've been helping a neighbor fight wildfires up here this fall. We can usually draft water from the low spots in the swamp but it's just powder. We were out on Saturday night with 3-4 tanker planes, 2 choppers, & a couple spotter planes. All the water for our rigs had to be hauled from town.

Even when I'm out with the excavator and dozer it is dry. Dry & HARD. Good year to get some of those wet jobs done but I sure get nervous being close to the grass & brush.

Originally Posted by BrentD

an impressive weekend indeed, but I have to ask. In addtion to bagging his first grouse, did Joe also take that pickup for his first drive? Seems to be taking that right turn a might early...

I was sure Wheezy was driving again when I saw that pic! hahaha

Ryan,
To answer your question from way back, we have the Cabelas berber fleece camo for our boys and it is awesome. If you can wait til they go on sale, the price isnt bad and it works for everything.

Nice pics ND. I love the second one down, the one of the curve in the road. I can smell the leaves from here!

We worked on deer stands all weekend. I did sneak in a quick goose/duck hunt in before church on Sunday. This wasnt the normal place I go cuz my buddies wife was having a baby. How inconsiderate huh? Having a baby on a hunting weekend? the nerve! The place we went was good for some early wood duck shooting and I shot prolly the biggest, most impressive drake woodie I have ever seen. The geese were a no show.

It is incredibly dry here and I half expect to wake up one day to a foot of white stuff on the ground - not snow but popped corn. Farmers are racing to get the crop (what there is of it) in as fast as possible and we ae all hoping to avoid any disasterous fires. I'm amazed that this entire state isn't burned to crisp. My river that is usually running well enough to float flotillas of canoes, is right now, just a series of small, stagnant puddles.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That was a big deal, Joe's very first game animal. Got his first grouse, at age 8.

He couldn't wait to show his mom

Absolutely PRICELESS !!

Keep up the good Parenting.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That was a big deal, Joe's very first game animal. Got his first grouse, at age 8.

He couldn't wait to show his mom

Absolutely PRICELESS !!

Keep up the good Parenting.

Paul.

I'm not sure who has the biggest smile but I bet I know who is the proudest !

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That is one happy kid.
And Dad.

That picture makes me think Dave's been cloned... Just print it out and scribble a little beard on the smaller version and you will see what I mean.

That smile on your son's face is priceless. I can't wait until my 4 year-old is a little bigger.

Its a good thing little joe shaved that day. We may not know whos who! Congrats joe! We will come for the details one evening. Missed u out thr friday.

Rough sample of a new shirt/hoodie design.

[Linked Image]

Thoughts?

It's got the 3 main forest creatures. Flying bear, swamp squid and chickenbuck.

YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's got the 3 main forest creatures. Flying bear, swamp squid and chickenbuck.

Love it count me in!

I am in for a hoodie.

Needs to be cleaned up but...

I got a whole new brood to buy for what with all the new family additions and all. count me in for a tall order. can you get it in real small sizes? like 5T and 3-6 mos? (ma can interpret those sizes for you if you need her to

)

I'm for some hoodies. Let me know when/what you need.

This is a little cleaner but I'd really need someone with the right software to fix it up correctly. It started as a pencil sketch on the back of one of Joey's math tests from school.

I think you should add in an outline of your cabin in the background too! thats where it all started.

for cripe sakes buschy...

lol!

work with me here!!thats what you get for not being there friday night. i walked all the way from home to hear joey tell stories and got turned around in the dark of the forest again.

We saw that you guys had been there.

I got some feedback on the 2007 - 2012 vs the original "EST. 2007"

so...

[Linked Image]

Good god I hope I never run into that squid, he'll beat a man's ass with them cat tails.

If you haven't yet, send it to Skane. He does that for a loving. He'd be the beat one to clean it up.

I went to the gun show at the state fairgrounds Sunday,wore my orange chickenbuck t shirt,got several comments on it,One guy who wanted to look at a gun I was carrying,yelled out"hey chickenbuck" to get my attention.
Been wishing I had gotten an orange hoodie since the first go-round.

Originally Posted by tzone

If you haven't yet, send it to Skane. He does that for a loving. He'd be the beat one to clean it up.

Poor Scott...

I blame you, (your idea)

The "EST. 2007" is the best.

Stan in SC

I'll take the blame.

He's probably cool with it, he's a real cool cat, even for a Packer fan.

He already sent me an idea and it's really cool.

Yep, I really, REALLY like that flying bear. That there is the shiznit. I like the est 2007 as well because the other design will be out of date in a few months. Count me in for something....prolly a tshirt. maybe long sleeve.

Looking at rain heading our way today, snow tomorrow and friday!! Woooo!!

Let it snow!!

I just sit around the fire and drink the coffee, but I would really like a hat or hoodie.

TopGunBill

Alright guys, I'll let everybody know when we've got something set up. Either a bulk order or some sort of online option for people to place their own orders directly. I'm looking at both options, I'll let everybody know when we get it figured out.

On a completely unrelated topic.... 2 more pounds went away from me. Total of 8 so far.

Down from 200 to 192.

Ever so slowly... lol!

We NEED snow!!!!

I'm ready...
[Linked Image]

ND. Are you gonna drive your track rig to work tomorrow to?

Oh yeah........
Nevermind.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

ND. Are you gonna drive your track rig to work tomorrow to?

Oh yeah........
Nevermind.

That's not very nice now Whitebear......play nice please.

Love the new camp design. I think the Est.2007 would be better also. Can't wait!!

We were in the Dr. office this morning and the nurse had to ask about dad's Chickenbuck tattoo. He told her the story of Joey and how it all came about. She thought that was pretty cool.

Uh-oh. Mama Chickenbuck just slapped my fingers. I'll leave ND alone...

:P

I'd bet that ND has already been online - "just looking."

but the "new" highboy should do in the meantime

Mrs. ND would hang me if I were to send ND links to track machines for sale, so I won't do that.....

Skane is working with the character drawings for chickenbuck, flying bear and swamp squid. He's got some good ideas, plus he's got the skill and the software to put something together for us.

It's starting to rain, thank god.

Smokes bad down here all kinds of critters are coming into town, deer, bear, coyotes, dang fire is 100 miles away moving east to northeast. Estimated at 8 miles wide and 30,000 some acres.

Heads up chickenbuckers...

Where is "here"?

Bemidji, looks like the storm is going to hook north of the fire. Not sure where Dave's camp is but it can't be to far from there.

google the "Minnie wildfire" near fourtown MN.

(I'm assuming this is the one)

We're still about 30 miles from it. Fingers crossed, rain is on the way, snow too.

Does not sound good but winds up there look to be from the north and shifting to the East tonight. That would blow the fire back on itself and at least slow it down. One can hope anyway.

That's it...sounds like the wind is kicking the guys rear ends and their looking to bring in the guard to help out. Problem is accessing portions of the fire thru the bog and blow down.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's starting to rain, thank god.

No rain here. Beautiful fall day. Low humidity, high blue skies, temps in the tolerable range. Snow would be nice...on Nov. 2nd.

It is a $600 dollar fine here right now for anyone seen flicking a cigarette out the window.

Water sources are gone or severly shrunk.

Deer are running all over the place where we wouldn't see them for at least another month.

Gonna get bad if we don't get something going up here soon. Folks in town won't even have a fire pit going and those that do have buckets and hoses ready.

Hopefully this winter will refill us but lots of people are thinking it will just be cold and little snow.

Been a long time since we've dared have a campfire out at deer camp. Labor day weekend was the last time for us.

I turned the sprinkler on last night about dark and forgot to shut it off, so it ran all night. By the time I got home this evening you couldn't even tell it had run at all. This is as dry as I ever remember seeing it.

Originally Posted by big drift

That's it...sounds like the wind is kicking the guys rear ends and their looking to bring in the guard to help out. Problem is accessing portions of the fire thru the bog and blow down.

The equipment, manpower, & desire is available to fight these fires in whatever conditions that might be encountered. The problem is when the fires get too big. There are too many "chiefs" in charge and politics get involved. I saw a lot of valuable equipment and talented people get turned away because of it. That is a discussion for a different thread tho.

The amount of volunteers and donated supplies has been nothing short of amazing. It's too bad that it takes a disaster such as this to bring out the good in people.

We are going to need a disaster around here to "prevent disasters" apparently. We've had county-wide burn bans in place in my part of Iowa since July and yet my neighbor to the south is, right now, burning his garbage and yard trash. Stinks like hell, so it's impossible to not notice but apparently burn bans are not enforced around here. We need to have someone's house burned down to change attitudes around here. Hope it's not mine.

There was something different about the drive to work this morning... Can't put my finger on it though...

[Linked Image]

Oh yeah that's right....

zero viz, sloppy mess, cars all over the road, some in the ditch, 4 wheel drive... white knuckles...

It was...

AWESOME!!!

Here's one of Skane's logos.

[Linked Image]

That one ROCKS!

that's cool! let us know sizes and how to order, and if we can get stuff for little uns too. this girl has WAY too much pink, I'm thinking blaze orange is in order

glad you're getting some moisture dave, they are calling for snow here friday, I head to antelope camp saturday, I can't wait!

welcome to the drought guys! it aint rained here more than a few hundredths a month since June. no outside fires of any kind, can't even use charcoal grills, tiki torches nothing of the like. scary how wide spread this is. start stocking up on food now for next year, there were LOTS of failed crops across the plains. and with the shortage of bacon supposedly coming, say it aint so!

Man I like that logo.

No moisture here, just cold and wind. Going up to where my BIL and I hunt on Sat. to fix some deer stands and hang a camera or two. I'd really like to get the moose on camera that is leaving tracks and rubs around the area.

Just doesn't seem right without the Est. & Up Nort on there.

Helps tell the story I guess.

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

Just doesn't seem right without the Est. & Up Nort on there.

Helps tell the story I guess.

I kinda agree.

Gang-

I forgot to put that on there. The Chickenbuck superintendent was all over me for that one.

Will update.

Scott,

Great work on that logo. I really like it!!

Originally Posted by SKane

The Chickenbuck superintendent was all over me for that one.

Oh come on now, you know that's not true. Lol!

Here's another one Skane put together.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh come on now, you know that's not true. Lol!

No, it's not. Just havin' some fun.

Playing with Skane's ideas here.

[Linked Image]

Both are cool. I like the first one you posted this morning.

nasty here, keep losing power, lots of snow. schools closing all over. should be fun trying to use the boat tomorrow!

Yeah I like that first one Skane did too. It's fun to play with different ideas tho.

6 to 8 inches at work. (so far)

[Linked Image]

Nice! I'm glad you have it.

shield version in orange.

[Linked Image]

I think you need a new tat of the shield version.

Probably that size too huh?

lol!

Pam dont like the "deer camp"

"up nort MN" or??

[Linked Image]

I think I like the first one skane did.

How about

"Almost Heaven"

the "almost" part is a bit of a stretch but....

I liked all of the designs, Dave. Hope we can get them in youth sizes so I can get some for the grandkids.

Just spent 5 of the greatest days outdoors in years. Weather was absolutley great. Fishing on the other hand was tough. We earned every fish we caught. Walleyes were running on the small side. We caught some decent crappies and perch and a few smallies.

The flowage (Turtle Flambeau) was down 4 feet, so you had to go very slow or risk losing our lower unit.

Beaver update. We got a trapper set to go in on Sunday to start trapping.

Looks like we left just in time. Snow moving in Friday in the North with up to 6" on the ground by Saturday morning.

I think they are all pretty cool. I like Skane's first one too with the est.2007 on it. This is so exciting!

Been snowing on and off here today and very windy. Nothing staying on the ground though. I hope the weather is not crappy for our drive to the Cities tomorrow. It is the annual Mall of America shopping trip.

Originally Posted by Muffy

. I hope the weather is not crappy for our drive to the Cities tomorrow. It is the annual Mall of America shopping trip.

???

What time are you going to stop by for a beer?

Power has been out all day at home here. No prob, woodstove is lit and we have candles. Winter storm is still howling.

I just love this old POS.

[Linked Image]

To think that I was getting 72 holes of golf in last weekend with the guys up at my cabin. 80 degrees during the day by Perham last weekend.

I guess that is called a "change" in the weather.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"up nort MN" or??

how about "camp chickenbuck,the promised land"?

Maybe you should include another character,have your son do one for a "camo chicken" (grouse)

Originally Posted by fluffy

how about "camp chickenbuck,the promised land"?

There's a winner!

Well we do have the leopard squirrel too.

"He will lep on you."

Power is back on, dang.

It was kinda like the cabin for a while.

Lucky dog...

you can always trip the main breaker and not tell anyone

make your own outage, that 264wm to the nearest transformer should work wonders :-D

yikes! might be a little too permanent, neighbors might not like it either!

This one gets my vote..?

[Linked Image]

Let's not forget about the humping turkeys too.

TOO MUCH INFORMATION TOM! 'You wanna hump a turkey, you're on your own on that one!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just love this old POS.

[Linked Image]

I just love this older POS. It got me to work for a service call last night.

[Linked Image]

With my copilot of course! I can't leave him out of the action.

[Linked Image]

We sure do love this weather. I'm hoping it's a prelude to the Winter.

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

This one gets my vote..?

[Linked Image]

Mine to.

I think it's the winner.

Skane said he was gonna plop the ETS. 2007 and work the up nort MN in there I think.

If you do decide to do something with the X symbol get rid of the straight lines and put crossed antlers on it instead, that should look pretty nice.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

TOO MUCH INFORMATION TOM! 'You wanna hump a turkey, you're on your own on that one!

Oh there's a back story to it but there are others that can tell it better than I can.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think it's the winner.

Skane said he was gonna plop the ETS. 2007 and work the up nort MN in there I think.

That is a great design. Use guys did a fine job on it!

This weather has me feeling a little 'giddy' today. I'm going to the Duluth camp tomorrow to fix a stand so I can have a co-pilot with me. I'm going to hang a few cameras too.

I'm also going to try to fix gophergunners stand for a few reasons. In case he wants to come up and sit again, it's a great spot, and it's big enough for two if I have a helper with me.

I know we had this discussion a few weeks ago but does anyone have the Primos Truth Cam 46?

I have two 35's and picked up a 46 on Wed. night. It was on sale at Fleet Farm for $139 and that seemed like a decent price. The package says it will take 50K pictures on 8 AA batteries. I told Dave 30K but what's 20K among friends right?

I'm using 3 TC46s. They run all season on one set of batteries. I don't know or care how many photos. I got 2 for $130 incl. shipping. They are factory refurbs but look and work like new.

What's everybody think? Does it need the ""Up Nort MN" added or does that get too busy?

Nice work Skane, excellent!

wow looks awesome! I like this one the best, but it does need the "up Nort" on there IMO. even if it's just below the 2007.

Looks like this is going to be a big, bulk shirt order like we did last time.

I spoke with the printers this morning.

I have asked for medium to heavy weight sweatshirts and hoodies as well as T-shirts in ranges from youth sizes up to 3X adult and color range to include hunting orange.

I have also requested option for white ink as well as the black ink. this way people can now order something like a dark green or black shirt and get a white logo if they like.

I'll post up ordering options, pricing and ordering instructions ASAP.

This way we can hopefully have this stuff by or before the first week in NOV.

I got popped for federal jury duty. On-call for November and December......

BUT

....the court clerk was awesome and gave me a deferral for rifle-season. ALL of rifle season.

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

This one gets my vote..?

[Linked Image]

+1

I think this year we need a competition.

The Quemado Get Together Vs. The TN Boar Hunt.

The get together with the most Camp Chickenbuck gear wins!

Oh boy, we might be in trouble up nort here lol!

When I get pricing and option details I will put some instructions up in the main forum as well as here.

We'll include flat rate shipping (USPS)in the pricing, we did that last time and it seemed to work out well.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

wow looks awesome! I like this one the best, but it does need the "up Nort" on there IMO. even if it's just below the 2007.

Agree Ryan, "Up Nort MN" might even be better.

Dave, how much snow did you end up with?

white ink on black would look like this.

[Linked Image]

Bill, Hard to say, it's still coming down but settling as it piles up.

Yesterday I was saying 6 to 8 as it came down in one rapid fall.

But it's been settling since the ground is still warm.

Maybe 4 to 6 if you measured now? hard to tell, it's blowing and drifting too. Many of the county ditches in open country are full of snow, level to the top.

It would have been over 12" but a LOT of it melted as it hit the ground. It was a heavy snow obviously. Powerlines, trees, etc. are down everywhere. I'm still without power.
I kinda like the situation myself.
#1 I got to take the bus for an early ride.
#2 It's like camping but I can sleep in my own bed.

Lunch hour fun.

Originally Posted by SKane

Lunch hour fun.

Good lord!!

Now I'm conflicted!

Laughing!

Skane, can we see that in black ink on empty (white) background to simulate on shirts etc?

Anything else I can get ya? Beer? Slippers?

Be sure to put Tzone down for a pink one.

Do you really have beer and slippers?

Why you gotta make it so hard to choose?

That is really a nice one there.

Originally Posted by SKane

Be sure to put Tzone down for a pink one.

I do need a pink one...My daughter wants it. A hoodie.

That one is great too. I still like the "banner" the best.

Originally Posted by tzone

Let's not forget about the humping turkeys too.

Holy Crap! Between the turkey humpin and the beaver plowing this place may need a PG-13 rating soon !

side by side, banner and shield.

[Linked Image]

I think I like the new one better....no wait....they are both very good. I like the new one better, but just barely. I gotta remember the Tshirt I have when I go out west. I would enjoy posting a picture of me in that shirt bear-hugging a wolf! Preferably a dead wolf.

Need a laugh at my expense? Did I mention we got the daughter a rabbit? Movie night tonite and it was jumping all over me. Kinda cute really. Until it peed on me. What parents dont do for their kids!

that shield is bad ass! I want a hoody in black with white, and prolly a blaze orange one too.

We like both

The shield version might be cool with an antique white or cream color for the print. (on black)

[Linked Image]

thats what im thinkin scott

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think I like the new one better....no wait....they are both very good. I like the new one better, but just barely. I gotta remember the Tshirt I have when I go out west. I would enjoy posting a picture of me in that shirt bear-hugging a wolf! Preferably a dead wolf.

Need a laugh at my expense? Did I mention we got the daughter a rabbit? Movie night tonite and it was jumping all over me. Kinda cute really. Until it peed on me. What parents dont do for their kids!

Dave had a live jackrabbit once, not for long, and once he picked it up... well he can tell the story.

Yep, very cool.

Well we are working on the pricing stuff, trying to estimate shipping etc and taking wild guess on qty etc...

Pretty good range of colors, It looks like Gildan is the brand on the shirts.

Really it's maybe too soon to say but we are taking a stab at the adult S through XL pricing, with shipping.

Hoodies will likely be about $30 Sweatshirts $25, T's $15

I'm not real happy with this as it seems these are all up in price from when we did it 2 years ago.

We're in a range from 5 to 6 bucks on shipping each, which seems high but looking back at notes from last time around, I guess it is what it is.

I'll keep working on the pricing. Ink wise we'll do either black or an antique white like this if I can get it.
(we'll offer both)

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave had a live jackrabbit once, not for long, and once he picked it up... well he can tell the story.

Crazy ass sabre toof radjit.

Dave, I can't turn it off.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

It would have been over 12" but a LOT of it melted as it hit the ground. It was a heavy snow obviously. Powerlines, trees, etc. are down everywhere. I'm still without power.
I kinda like the situation myself.
#1 I got to take the bus for an early ride.
#2 It's like camping but I can sleep in my own bed.

According to this mornings Milwaukee Journal Sentinal you had 14 inches of snow.

Originally Posted by SKane

Dave, I can't turn it off.

That's cruel, you know I love bottle caps lol!!

I'm diggin all the logos. they look awesome! wait a little on placing the order though, I'm leaving at noon and I won't be on here until after tuesday. I have the honor and privilege to hang out with a couple old warriors and friends, shoot the breeze, some antelope and partake in fashionable adult beverage consumption. been looking forward to this for a LONG time.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's cruel, you know I love bottle caps lol!!

I'll probably make a sign based off that one.

Ohhhh, I just got a better idea for that one. Gonna keep it under my hat tho...

Kendra was wondering if she could get a pink one with black lettering, do you by chance have a pic of one?

I'm in for a couple t-shirts and another if 3 T is an option

I'm in for a banner t shirt in black with antique white in size XL.
I also have an extra unworn orange cap from last year if anyone needs one.It still has the tags on it.My cost was $12.50.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by SKane

Dave, I can't turn it off.

Oh Lordy! That's the one for me!

Any chance we can bump the size to 2x?

Some of us are a bit Beefier than others.

+1 on the 2X

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ohhhh, I just got a better idea for that one. Gonna keep it under my hat tho...

Door badges on the Tin Chicken!!!!! I LOVE the idea ND!

I knew something would come!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I'm in for a banner t shirt in black with antique white in size XL.
I also have an extra unworn orange cap from last year if anyone needs one.It still has the tags on it.My cost was $12.50.

Stan in SC

\

I'll take it if not all ready spoken fur !

Guys, the shirts are available up to 3X I think.

There is an up charge for XXL and again for XXXL.

Is the bottle-cap logo going to be available? That is beyond awesome.

Weekend report.

Recent heavy snow and wind tore things up at the gate.

[Linked Image]

Luckily the sign was NOT broken.

We'll have to fix the gate and re-hang the sign.

Now, up at the cabin.

Wiping down some tin to go on the ceiling.

[Linked Image]

Yep, we finished it.

[Linked Image]

We also hung a 3rd gas light which can be seen ib this photo.

[Linked Image]

Pretty happy with our little projects over the weekend.

Pam snapped some photo's of this "house grouse" after we got home today. Me and the boys aren't allowed to shoot house grouse.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/grouse.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/grouse1.jpg[/img]

Looks great dave, good to see the progress never slowed down, looks like Tom just shifted seats. Good projects to getd one. Keep it up. Maybe some nice knotty pine laminate on the floor next.

Shifted seats?

Mule1,The hat is yours.You have a PM.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by SKane

Dave, I can't turn it off.

Oh Lordy! That's the one for me!

Me too,3x to fit over all my hunting clothers,orange,with black lettering.
where do I send the check?

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by SKane

Dave, I can't turn it off.

Oh Lordy! That's the one for me!

Me too,3x to fit over all my hunting clothers,orange,with black lettering.
where do I send the check?

Dave,can we get one on front,and then a different one on back?

huh, that's not a bad idea....

Oh wow! The cabin celing look great.

...and the "house grouse" looks tastey.

Well since everybody is throwing ideas around... How bout some truck decals... Be kinda cool to be rolling down the highway and see another chickenbuck truck decal... Just a thought......

Originally Posted by noduck

Well since everybody is throwing ideas around... How bout some truck decals... Be kinda cool to be rolling down the highway and see another chickenbuck truck decal... Just a thought......

Or some homebrew bottle labels. Dave would have to get off his beerless diet though.:)

Had a fantastic wood duck/goose hunt last night. Wow. It all happened in the last half hour of shooting time, but we were swarmed with geese and woodies. It was so fast and furious the last 10 minutes that I was reloading as fast as I could and ended up shooting BBs at woodies and #3s at geese a couple times. As soon as shooting time ended, we just watched as 400-600 woodies circled and landed among us....well a few landed cuz my little boy would get excited when the big flocks were on top of our heads and move. What a spectacle though. ended up with 7 geese and 8 woodies and a memory that will last a long time. If you havent been dive bombed by 100 woodies at a time, it is an experience to say the least. I ducked more than once thinking I was gonna get a drake in the noggin. By the way, hitting a woodie as he comes screaming in doing his acrobatic flips and flops is a mite on the tough side!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Or some homebrew bottle labels. Dave would have to get off his beerless diet though.:)

Yeah that's not a problem anymore...

thank god for small wonders. Meanwhile Chickenbuck Brew seems like a surefire winner.

Dusty has been all over that project for some time now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dusty has been all over that project for some time now.

I hope you can ship that outa state !?

Maybe you'll haffta come "instate"

One from this weekend.

No tag for this guy.

big wuff there TJay.

Is that a wolf or a coyote? I'm thinking it's a coyote but I wouldn't bet a lot on it.

My favorite and much more of the norm. Lots of does and fawns.

looks like wile E coyote

skinny beak.

Well if it is a yote he is in the middle of wolf land and must be running for his life.

They do that you know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAoszVLRP6U

Sometimes, it goes the other way too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx8DJiliIoc

Yep, dat's a yote.

If that's a coyote....he's in big trouble. I give him until the end of the week to live.

He's in woof country and won't be there long if it's a coyote.

Originally Posted by SKane

Yep, dat's a yote.

If so, I misjudged the size by a long shot. I have a pretty good idea where TJAY's camp is. Never heard of a coyote up there, but I'm sure there are some.

Tom,
Wolves and coyotes really do coexist and always have. It may be an uneasy coexistence but they manage. Just like foxes, skunks and coons survive in coyote country.

Originally Posted by BrentD

They do that you know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAoszVLRP6U

Sometimes, it goes the other way too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx8DJiliIoc

Jeesh...that first guy didn't stand a chance.

Nope. Not a very pleasant end to that coyote. Coyotes will often do the same to red foxes, which are also found in the same country.

Oh I figured they'd coexist. I've seen it in WI. Where TJAY's camp is I've never heard of anyone even seeing a coyote. I'm sure they're there, but oof-dah, tough way to make a living up there if you're a coyote.

coyotes just get a lot more scarce when wolves are in the area. They don't move around as much and they stick to heavier cover (usually), so you don't see them as often. Coyotes have always been in the Arrowhead country and yet, you hardly ever see them up there. The wolves keep them in line.

FWIW, the first coyote known to Europeans was collected in Iowa by Lewis and Clark. They were not found east of the Mississippi until late in the 20th century. But north and west, they extend to the coasts and always have.

hit reply so I could view the picture full sized... yeah I'm not so sure that isn't a female woof.

someone once told me that man tried to wipe out wolves and in the mountain states pretty much did it. we tried to wipe out coyotes and didnt make a dent.

I sure hope I get a chance to put Mr. Woof in my scope next week....

It will be interesting to hear how the wolf hunting goes up there this fall. What is the ratio of tags sold to quota to be killed?

It is my thought kowing how tall the vegetation is there that that critter is to big to be a yote, but hay I've was wrong once before. This is from an area have seen and photo'd wolves the last three years.

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe you'll haffta come "instate"

Never know we like road trips . Got some turkeys in the trail camera but they werent humpin

Doesn't a wolf have a shorter broader muzzle?Looks like a coyote to me.

Stan in SC

Wish I had this one in profile....the markings look real [Linked Image]

close.....

There were 6k tags for 400 wolves to be killed. I don't think there will be anywhere near that many killed, with the trappers doing the most damage.

Turkeys you say???

That works out to about a 6.7% chance - if all 400 are killed. Tall odds indeed.

I've been wanting to find a used electric golf cart for awhile to use both in our neighborhood and on the hunting lease.It's a long walk to the backside there.
Yesterday I was in the local gun/pawn shop where I work part time several days a week and got in on a conversation of someone wanting to sell a used cart.I went over to their house and looked at it and wound up taking it home.I spent all of yesterday afternoon cleaning it up to my satisfaction and charging the batteries.Still got a bit of light work to do but it is going to be a dandy I think.

Stan in SC

Cool Stan. Show us pics when you get a chance.

I think ND has some "ripped metal" graphics designs in mind for that hot rod!!!

Old school "scallops" would look cool on it Stan. Flame throwing dual exhaust out the back, 32 Coupe looking front grill area, 1/4 fenders on the front, big wide meats on the back giving it a big rake...just sayin.

Originally Posted by tzone

Old school "scallops" would look cool on it Stan. Flame throwing dual exhaust out the back, 32 Coupe looking front grill area, 1/4 fenders on the front, big wide meats on the back giving it a big rake...just sayin.

A neighbor of mine had one like that once just to go back and forth to the mailbox.

Saw some in Vegas years ago that looked like mini Humm Vees.

Originally Posted by tzone

Turkeys you say???

Yes lots of Turkeys. I will post some pics after I pull the card this weekend I bet there will be some long beards at the feeder . Last fall I would see 50 to 100 at a time .

I saw two strutting in a pasture on Sunday? Unfortuately, I don't have a fall tag for them.

I saw a turkey running down the highway just a few hundred feet from leech lake a few weeks ago.
buggers are spreading like rats.

Got my first and only leech from that area. Neat hole in my leg. Great uncle had a lodge and cabins right off of Leech Lake on an adjoining small lake.

What a wonderful thing. Great for you. Wish I had it.
Please post pics when you get a chance.

yep, that sounds downright handy.

made it back from antelope camp last night, any word on the sizes for chickenbuck attire?

uhhh...

Yeah I suppose I better put something together huh?

We saw 3 flocks of them near the TFF last week. We were only 20 miles South of the MI border. If you had told me 20 years ago that we would have turkeys in northern WI I'd have said you were nuts!

I am nuts. However, a few year ago...jeeze, more like 5 or 6 now I guess. I could swear I heard turkeys gobble in the evening while I was on stand in Butternut, WI.

Thought I was loosing my mind. On the walk out, I busted about a dozen from the trees, scaring the hell out of me. I saw about a bunch of them the next moring. It seemed they liked to roost next to the swamp I was sitting on.

ok here it is. (chickenbuck shirt order thread)

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/6956098#Post6956098

Ryan I don't know what to say about infant/toddler size yet. It's a seperate set up to resize for printing on items that small. I have a request in to the printer asking if we size for printing on can cozies if we can use that same print set up to print on infant/toddler items. Haven't heard back yet.

We're getting snow fluries!

we're supposed to get a couple inches.

Dave PM on its way.

Back at ya Bill.

Very nice here. Cool, clear. Mid 60's by early next week.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ok here it is. (chickenbuck shirt order thread)

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/6956098#Post6956098

Ryan I don't know what to say about infant/toddler size yet. It's a seperate set up to resize for printing on items that small. I have a request in to the printer asking if we size for printing on can cozies if we can use that same print set up to print on infant/toddler items. Haven't heard back yet.

10-4 Dave, it it happens to work out that's great, if not, no big deal.

Is it a good sign when you see deer at the rifle-range after a great morning of re-re-re checking the zeros on all the stuff for deer-season???

seems like a good sign to me, but these are better signs I hope

These two guys are for two weeks out when the rut starts and I can get after them with the recurve (never mind the time stamp - I didn't get it set right obviously)
[Linked Image]

And this weekend, I'll be on my property hoping for a look at this guy with my flintlock and the landowners tags in hands.

[Linked Image]

Wow, Nice!

Whoa!

The top one is nice but that second guy is a bruiser!!

Only in America

Get back to your school work scissor boy.

Thats a 10 4 papa shaw

I was wonderin how long that was going to take.

its alright nate, your a pretty bright kid,take the day off!! head out to chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

its alright nate, your a pretty bright kid,take the day off!! head out to chickenbuck.

. I kinda like that idea

Beaver update. 4 Beaver so far. Buddy had to move the traps yesterday since the water is now off the road. Means that we caught most of the buggers since they haven't come back to repair the leaks.

He's making one more check today. He'll pull the the traps if they're all empty.

A beaver is really just a saber toothed platypus when you think about it.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

A beaver is really just a saber toothed platypus when you think about it.

bahahaha, this kid has been learn'd well

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

A beaver is really just a saber toothed platypus when you think about it.

Can't say I ever thought about it.

Maybe we should add a beaver to the chickenbuck logo. Let the design competion begin.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

A beaver is really just a saber toothed platypus when you think about it.

But platypuses are venomous turkeys (they have poisonous spurs IIRC), which makes beavers just sabertoothed venonmous turkeys.

That doesn't work too well for me.

In the Duluth area for the weekend. Helping out at dad's.

Have fun. Say hi to your dad for me and save me a few birds.

Originally Posted by tzone

Have fun. Say hi to your dad for me and save me a few birds.

Here's few Tzone

I thought this wa a neat pic Deer and Cow at the feeder at the same time.

[Linked Image]

Almost a shooter

[Linked Image]

3" of rain here since Saturday. More than we had in July and August combined.

2 more beavers have been trapped for a total of 6.

There ain't no "almost" about that one. He's a shooter to me. Thanks for the pics.

I am officially ready for deer season. I got this baby free with points and free shipping:

Jacket

I don't know what I am going to do with my 16 year-old LOUD jacket. I've been layering with other stuff and a vest more lately anyhow, so it was about time.

C'mon season, GET HERE ALREADY!!!!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

A beaver is really just a saber toothed platypus when you think about it.

Originally Posted by goalie

C'mon season, GET HERE ALREADY!!!!

I'm gettin the itch. The good itch, not the one Rooster gets. I'm chompin at the bit to get up and check my trail cam's too.

Swinging into Fleet Farm this week to pick up a few things. I need to sort through the blue bin's in the basement to see where I jammed all my gear for the move. Break out the knive sharpening stone and whittle away on the blades...lots to do,it's coming fast.

Deer season is already hear as of last weekend. Everything was ready, except the deer. Never saw one.

[Linked Image]

Already started here, sharpening blades, oiling the boys boots, digging out tubs, making a final batch of last years jerky...

Oldest called and said she was coming home from college that weekend. Wanted to make sure we were gonna be staying and hang out with her instead of deer hunting. The boys were laughing as soon as she said it...

Originally Posted by BrentD

Deer season is already hear as of last weekend. Everything was ready, except the deer. Never saw one.

[Linked Image]

Cool pic.

I was waiting for the pictures and report from one of the "trail cam" bucks.

You and me both TZ. There is one nice buck out back here, but I'll take any deer I see in my backyard. This is grocery shopping, not really hunting. I need about 5 deer per year, so I can't be too choosy.

I have a late season muzzleloader tag and a bow tag that I can use where those trail cam deer are living. I'll be holding out for a good one there.

This weekend, however, I'm supposed to head down to KS for a rifle match - if I can make contact with the right folks about lodging.

Extended forcast for our hunting area north of Duluth, shows cool temps for the first few days of the season.

I'm smilin like heck if they hold true. It's been a while since we've had good hunting weather temps for opener, and the weeks to follow really. A little snow wouldn't hurt either, but I'll take temps in the 40's and lower. Last year was pushing 70 for the first 3-4 days and it was windy as heck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Extended forcast for our hunting area north of Duluth, shows cool temps for the first few days of the season.

I'm smilin like heck if they hold true. It's been a while since we've had good hunting weather temps for opener, and the weeks to follow really. A little snow wouldn't hurt either, but I'll take temps in the 40's and lower. Last year was pushing 70 for the first 3-4 days and it was windy as heck.

Yeah, I don't mind the temp so much, but the 20-30 mph winds make it a lot harder IMO.

I would LOVE sub-freezing opening day with no wind and just a little overcast and cloudy.

One good thing is a lot of the crops will be out and gone by then also.

There ain't no crops where I sniff around.

One day I'd like to hunt a farm. It's nice to see deer every once in awhile.

19 days if anyone is counting. I'm not of course.

I wish the crops were still in. It's killing my deer hunting right now (must be a pun in there somewhere). But that's just a local issue.

For Pheasants, probably 80-90% of the season's take will come on the first two weekends when the crops are out before opener as is the case here. We are over a month ahead of schedule for corn and bean harvests.

Tzone just wondering what website you are on to get the weather that far out.. Most of the ones im on are just 10 days out...

Originally Posted by BrentD

Man I like that picture.

Accuweather.

It has a few tabs at the top of the page for 5, 10,15, and month long forecasts.

They're hit and miss like the weathermen, but they give you some sort of idea anyway.

Originally Posted by tzone

Accuweather.

It has a few tabs at the top of the page for 5, 10,15, and month long forecasts.

They're hit and miss like the weathermen, but they give you some sort of idea anyway.

I think when they get that far out they go by averages but I'm not positive.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

Man I like that picture.

Glad you like it. Anyone can make one. All it takes is a drill press, a few handtools and about 2 yrs of your life

The drill press may even be optional.

I think it looks better like this:
[Linked Image]

Or this

We were pretty lonely out in the timber last night and this morning for the short times I was out. According to the wife, apparently there were deer right behind the house that were scared my way by the dogs last night. I never saw them however. We need better teamwork...

I have a question for the shirt order people.

Of the 80 some shirts total, we have around 17-18 shirts ordered with the white ink for the logo.

Many have requested an antique white. I can't seem to get an antique white but the screen printer suggested a light gray.

So, should we go light gray or straight up white?

Brent, get that deer an "amberlamps", he leaking.

Order what's easiest for you.

amberlamps or Amber Lamps? I had to google that one. I'm definitely NOT hip... - like that is news.

Originally Posted by BrentD

amberlamps or Amber Lamps? I had to google that one. I'm definitely NOT hip... - like that is news.

Meat wagon

Straight up White for me.

Made it up to camp to try and clear the culvert now that we've taken care of the beaver issue. Not good news to report. The plug is so far in that we can just barely reach it on the up stream end. We can't reach it at all on the down stream end. We managed to get a little water flowing through, but not much.

Not sure how were going to clear ir yet. Water is too cold and deep to go swimming.

Forgot to mention that a semi lost it's load of cranberries just out of Wausau. South bound I39 was backed up for about 5 miles. There was a good 1/2 mile of road covered in berry relish and juice. Looks like the trailer split in half. That's the 2nd load of berries that has been lost in less than a week.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Forgot to mention that a semi lost it's load of cranberries just out of Wausau. South bound I39 was backed up for about 5 miles. There was a good 1/2 mile of road covered in berry relish and juice. Looks like the trailer split in half. That's the 2nd load of berries that has been lost in less than a week.

I bet that goofy kid in the commercials was driven

What easier for you? Thats the way to go.

I asked for white or antique white on a black shirt.If everyone else goes to gray I'm ok with that and will accept it but I really prefer white of some type.
Regarding deer season,our muzzle loader season ran Oct. 1 thru Oct. 10 and gun season started Oct. 11 and will run thru Jan. 1,2013.We can and I do hunt even in regular gun season with the muzzle loader a lot.

Stan

have you been out yet Stan?

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Forgot to mention that a semi lost it's load of cranberries just out of Wausau. South bound I39 was backed up for about 5 miles. There was a good 1/2 mile of road covered in berry relish and juice. Looks like the trailer split in half. That's the 2nd load of berries that has been lost in less than a week.

I bet that goofy kid in the commercials was driven

Right, for sure it was that kid, he's always messing up.

I'll stick with white for the ink.

WI wolf season opened Monday. Four wolves taken so far.

Well that's great. I just never thought we'd see the day where we had a management based legal means to hunt them in the midwest here. Granted, the chances of getting drawn are slim, and the chances of getting a gray in the crosshairs is even slimmer... But i'm glad there is a legal means provided for those lucky enough to draw a tag and I'm glad the states (MN-WI) can now manage as they see fit.

tzone,
I have been muzzle loader hunting three times to the 87 acre property we regularly hunt but not anywhere else yet.I've not seen anything.
I plan to go this afternoon.
I'm going to the gun club this morning to see how the scoped .22 auto pistol does.I mounted the scope week before last but this will be the first time I've had a chance to get over there.I did laser bore sight it.

Stan in SC

Happiness last night was coming home to find that my new blaze-orange hunting jacket was delivered from Cabelas. My first new hunting jacket in 18 years.

Welcome to the 21st century and "waterproof breathable" outerwear.

I hunted many years with a regular winter coat and an orange zip hoodie or orange zip up vest over the coat.

And sometimes I still do, more often than not now that I think about it lol!

I have a few different blaze wool jackets I use regularly. But both are too hot if it is mid-30's or warmer. One is a nice light weight coat that Columbia makes. It's the only one I've seen like it. The other is a Bemidji Woolen Mills coat that is really heavy. I've only worn it a few times because it's that warm! I got it about 6-7 years ago for Christmas.

Most of last season I wore a fleece 1/4 zip pull over with an orage vest over it. I only remember wearing my lighter wool coat on the last day of gun season and then again during the muzzle loader season.

The fleece is surprisingly quite. As quiet as the wool. I didn't expect that. It's much easier to take care of as far as cleaning goes too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I hunted many years with a regular winter coat and an orange zip hoodie or orange zip up vest over the coat.

I think it was 2009 when it was sleeting rain on opener weekend. I finally wanted to get something waterproof and breathable, and the stuff I have like that now I don't want to use hunting. Plus, it came to less than 30 bucks delivered, so even my wife thought I should get it. Who am I to argue????

When it's really cold I wear the Carhart jacket and bibs with an orange vest, and probably still will. That isn't really a good setup for wet weather though. Especially 30's-40's and wet.

I couldn't let this thread go a whole day without a post.

Carry on.

Carrying on is suddenly difficult.

Because of the wind and rain and lack of sleep last night, I decided to not sit out in the timber behind the house for an hour like I have been. But I did walk the dogs.

Guess what we saw...

He was GINORMOUS (technical new-age term for effin' HUGE)! Makes all the bucks I've seen on trail cams look like dinks. He was less than 150 yds behind my backdoor.

Tonight is my last chance with a flintlock. I'm off to KS this tomorrow to shoot the last match of the season and then I'll only be able to use stick and string where this guy hangs and it is not habitat conducive to that. By late muzzle season he will be long gone (and probably dead of a shotgun blast or someone else's arrow.

Yep, that's how it works. For me (and you) anyway.

Maybe you'll get him tonight? Good luck.

No luck. Not a thing moving except one wren, one squirrel and some sort of bird that I've never seen and could only silhouette against the post-sunset sky. I think it was a goatsucker of some sort. It was fun to watch though flipping around in the understory catching something (moths I think).

Might sneak out for a few minutes tomorrow morning, but success would screw up travel plans. Would be worth it though.

Good bless us all and be safe out there....

T,
How's your neck feeling lately....notice any swelling....barely over 2 weeks until rifle season.

Jeff

I've been chasing does since September.

Neck is swollen, shoulders are in better shape, haven't been eating, I've been peeing in odd places, I grunted twice at work today, and chased the younger interns for no reason.

A flip of the switch on this weather and it's a crap shoot from there.

Dave,

I just saw that The Island Lake Inn burned last night. I don't know how badly or if anyone was hurt though.

Picked up my wolf tag last night,and a bonus tag for my son,in case we see a nice doe this weekend,in the youth hunt.
Also found out I am very short on orange outerwear,now that I have another hunter in the family.

Got all our stuff ready(except some orange for me),and a short day at work today,heading for the woods as soon as I get home.
Its 320 am,gotta get up for work in an hour,except Im wide awake,and ready to go.
The season is upon us,guys.

Tom, I heard it was a "small fire" hopefully they didn't lose anything and hope nobody was hurt.

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

I talked to my BIL that lives that way and he said it started in the kitchen hood, and the employees put it out. Then a bit later, they had to evacuate because it was in the walls.

That is all I know.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

Good luck boys!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

is that a doe only season? or can Nate put the smack on Pam's buck?

Originally Posted by tzone

I've been chasing does since September.

Neck is swollen, shoulders are in better shape, haven't been eating, I've been peeing in odd places, I grunted twice at work today, and chased the younger interns for no reason.

A flip of the switch on this weather and it's a crap shoot from there.

I know another gent with the same affliction T.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

Good luck boys!

Ditto!

Heading back up to camp Sunday to attack the culvert issue again, I broke down and bought some waders. Waters too deep for hip boots.

Reinforcements coming up from Louisiana to assist.

Me thinks explosives

Culvert Cannon. It would be super cool! and, of course, not my problem to fix afterwards. Be sure to take video!

I do have some extra odd end lots of blackpowder. One of these days...

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

is that a doe only season? or can Nate put the smack on Pam's buck?

Here are the regs Ryan:

Youths ages 10-15 are eligible to participate in a special deer season that runs from Thursday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 21, in 28 permit areas of southeastern and northwestern Minnesota, plus the 601 area of the metro area, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

�School is out in many communities during this long weekend,� said Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring program coordinator. �The extended break is an ideal time to put aside your gun and plan a hunt with and for a youth.�

Deer permit areas open to the hunt are 101, 105, 111, 114, 201, 203, 208, 209, 256, 257, 260, 263, 264, 267, 268, 338, 339, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 601 and 602 area in the Pine Island area.

Youth must meet all firearms safety requirements, purchase a license and use the appropriate firearm for the permit area in which they are hunting. Youth may take a deer of either sex. An adult mentor must accompany the youth but may not hunt or carry a firearm.

Public land is open as is private land, provided the youth hunter has landowner permission.

Participating in the youth deer season does not preclude the youth from participating in the regular firearms deer season, but any deer harvested do count against the youth�s season bag limit.

Best of luck to you guys. I don't doubt you will have fun, but a little freezer filling and wall decoration collecting would certainly add to it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

Good Luck Nate!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

Good Luck Nate!

+1

Originally Posted by BrentD

Me thinks explosives

Culvert Cannon. It would be super cool! and, of course, not my problem to fix afterwards. Be sure to take video!

I do have some extra odd end lots of blackpowder. One of these days...

Brent, I like the way you think.

Originally Posted by M1894

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The MN deer youth hunt started yesterday. Nate and I will be headed to camp this afternoon so he can hunt tonight and through the weekend.

Good Luck Nate!

+1

Yup, lookin' forward to a photo essay, with the appropriate captions !

Good luck "men".

Paul

With the youth hunt under way we finished the first day we hunted with my daughter shooting her first doe! A great job and am very proud of her. She was in one stand w her mother and i had my oldest boy with me in another stand. We had seen lots of deer but were hoping the 3bucks would come closer. They stayed out past 500yards. Then a coyote came out and all deer left. The coyote never did leave. Just happened to lay down for good. 230 yards and lights out. Fun hunt so far will go back out tomorrow for another try.

Congrats to Busch lite!!! Buschy is you email me some pictures I can post them for you but not until Sunday night.

made it out pheasant hunting today for the first time in over 14 years. a guy I've gotten to know well has 300+ acres he manages for birds. saw over 100 roosters today, had an amazing time with his group, all of them top notch and it was a perfect day. saw lots of deer, he asked me if I would help him with his "whitetail problem" as he called it, I told him I would with my bow and muzzle loader, he even thanked me! what an awesome day

Congrats to your daughter Buschy. No matter how many deer she takes in her lifetime, this will be the one she will always remember.

Heading back up North to tackle the culvert again Sunday.

There's sumpthin weird about a guy that works for pheasants forever, but just started to pheasant hunt.

yeah I figure someone would bring that up

I used to hunt when I lived in MN, though that was a long time ago.

Now I know why my camera always has slime on it .

And other stuff we call used hay .

For Tzone

I have a pic somewhere of a bobcat dropping a deuce smack dab in the middle of my camera shot.

I've seen some funny stuff on a trail cam

representin!

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

representin!

[Linked Image]

Speed Goat!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

representin!

[Linked Image]

Couple of guys with chickenbuck shirts doing stuff I'd love to do!

That's great stuff, nice work guys.

Originally Posted by mule1

For Tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

representin!

[Linked Image]

Couple of guys with chickenbuck shirts doing stuff I'd love to do!

That's great stuff, nice work guys.

You have a standing invite don'tcha know!

Goats would be sweet to shoot!

We had a fantastic day in the woods today. I'm too tired to tell all the stories but I popped a couple grouse, had 100's of trail cam pics, and we found two 1/2 racks off 10pt bucks. Both are nice sheds, but one dwarfs the other. A true MN monster buck.

Here is the only pic I got from my stand. A new stand and a new camera.
[Linked Image]

Second stop was much more interesting.

BIG!
[Linked Image]

Woof?

Buck deer...CLOSE
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by eh76

You have a standing invite don'tcha know!

I know, and I appreciate that.

Some day I'll make it.

That's a really nice bear, Tom.

Two guys in Chickenbuck shirts out on the western plains.
This thread is over five years old and had has in excess of TEN MILLION hits and almost twenty thousand replies.
Shirts and hats are being ordered as we read this.
MANY friendships have been made here.
I saw it from the first in 2007 when I pm'ed Rick Bin to please sticky this.
Damnit Dave, this is marketable.I can see it now.The book,the blog,the (dare I say it?)the TV show.Better than "Duck Dynasty","Deadliest Catch" or "Pawn Stars".Dave and Pam quit their regular jobs and revel in the new found wealth.New (BIG POWERFUL)tracked toys.A vintage car collection to rival Jay Leno's.Each shows starts with "Preacher" pointing upward.
Think about it.The possibilities are there.

Stan in SC

could be a book for sure, I'd buy a copy. interlace some of Dave's stories, and the ones Pam has to remind him of

Lord knows there are plenty of pictures to go along with it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's a really nice bear, Tom.

I'm not good at guessing weights on bears, but I know this is a bigger than average, especially for the public land it wanders.

There are only pictures of him/her on one night.

That camera is on what I thought was a deer trail, but it appears to be more of a "game trail" beacuse of all the animals that were on it.

Pretty cool, and the reason I now have 3 cameras instead of the one I had last year.

I don't know what you boys and girls are seeing in the woods, but there wasn't much at all for rut sign. I saw a scrape, which was there on the weekend of 10/6. I put my trail cam on the trail that is near the scrape.

We put miles on in the woods yesterday and found no other scrapes an 0 rubs.

We saw lots of rubs this weekend.. I got 3 right by my stand.. The first one i saw was thursday, then on Saturday saw two more... Between my dads stand and mine saw another 2 more.. Hes got a scrape by him little old leaves in it...On the trail camera i got 3 differ bucks by me......

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't know what you boys and girls are seeing in the woods, but there wasn't much at all for rut sign. I saw a scrape, which was there on the weekend of 10/6. I put my trail cam on the trail that is near the scrape.

We put miles on in the woods yesterday and found no other scrapes an 0 rubs.

We have some good signs around where we hunt. The locations are going to make stand placement decisions a little difficult.

Hard to see i tried zooming in but looks like a nice buck..
[Linked Image]

Were pretty excited this year lots of sign in area compared to the last 3 years... Will see what this year brings....
These are refurbish camera from Natchez that you guys made me buy...

I like me some Truff Cam turty fives!

I also have a 46 (See pics above). The quality of the picture on the 46 is much better imo, but the simplicity of the 35 can't be beat.

Noduck, that first pic is a hellova buck!

Looks like two different bucks for sure, possibly 3?

Love that first one especially.

The 46s are doing well for me. I'm having a great time with them.

My four year old son asked me today: "Daddy, when I'm a little bigger, can I go deer hunting with you? We could both catch a deer and I could have my own knife to make mine into food with you."

Life if freaking GOOD!!!!!

Me and the boy spent the youth hunt weekend out and about,but never saw a thing with hair on it,not even a squirrel.

Time to get ready for rifle season now,armed with the knowledge that the boy is an absolute fidget monster! Looks like I need to buy some sort of blind material to keep the boys movements concealed.

Yep its 3 differ bucks i got more pics but there not the greatest...
That first pic deer does look nice i know some guys would think its no big deal, but up in northern Minnesota big woods, big swamps no food plots. We get excited when we see something like that.......

Originally Posted by goalie

My four year old son asked me today: "Daddy, when I'm a little bigger, can I go deer hunting with you? We could both catch a deer and I could have my own knife to make mine into food with you."

Life if freaking GOOD!!!!!

Take him!

I took my boy on an actual hunt last year. He was 6. He eats it up now.

He came to the camp when he was four but I thought he was too young to come on a hunt. I'll be taking him on the 3rd weekend for sure, possibly the second too.

Originally Posted by noduck

Yep its 3 differ bucks i got more pics but there not the greatest...
That first pic deer does look nice i know some guys would think its no big deal, but up in northern Minnesota big woods, big swamps no food plots. We get excited when we see something like that.......

Don't sell yourself short. That first buck is a big'un. Real big. Too big to drag yourself big. I'm tellin ya da troof!

I'm taking mine with me this year and he's 4, we'll be in a ground blind so hopefully that helps with noise/movement on his part. he's been begging me to go, so I decided to get a ground blind and take him. I'm figuring it will be a deer watching trip, with the likelihood of putting one down being low, but you never know.

Finally got the culvert open. Took a 12 foot homemade rake and a lot of hard work, but we did it. You should have seen the s#@t fly when we punched through.

We dropped the water level over a foot in 24 hours.

We were 3 very tired old guys when we finished. Next step is to repair/improve the road and either replace the existing culvert with a larger one or to build a bridge over the creek.

Being in the bridge building business...I vote for a bigger culvert.

UuuuurrrP! Uuurrp! uurrrrrp!

phffffffffft, phffffffffft, phffffffffh (snort wheeze)

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm taking mine with me this year and he's 4, we'll be in a ground blind so hopefully that helps with noise/movement on his part. he's been begging me to go, so I decided to get a ground blind and take him. I'm figuring it will be a deer watching trip, with the likelihood of putting one down being low, but you never know.

Just a friendly reminder Ryan because I'm not sure its SD law or not but remember to throw something orange on the exposed sides of that blind. Especially in a (more) open country rifle zone.

And Good Luck too!!

Originally Posted by noduck

I don't care where your from. Thats a nice buck right thar!

thats a big buck right there, bigger than he looks,cause he's got a tank of a body

Originally Posted by tzone

Being in the bridge building business...I vote for a bigger culvert.

My vote was a bridge.

Yep. That's how they are up here. Decieveing on the racks.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Being in the bridge building business...I vote for a bigger culvert.

My vote was a bridge.

Actually, I would too if you can build one for a reasonable cost and the DNR doesn't lay the clamps to ya.

Whether it is to be a bridge or a culvert, can I suggest pre-planting your demolition charges for future beaver intrusions?

That is a BIG buck with the North Country body style and all.

urrrrrrrrp!

crash, crash, ratlle

You need a gate to keep the beavers at bay.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Being in the bridge building business...I vote for a bigger culvert.

My vote was a bridge.

I would build a ramp and jump it.

The coat rack and the secretary will never be the same.

Apparently, the rut hasn't completely started here yet.

Sadly, I feel nothing yet.

Too busy with other stuff i guess.

I don't know about that T, my youngest and our lab have been headbutting like crazy the last couple days and tearing up the lawn like you would not believe...

And with the amount of bathroom cleaning I have been doing of late seems like they don't seem to care where they make their scrapes dangit...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sadly, I feel nothing yet.

Too busy with other stuff i guess.

I used to hear that when I was married.

I'm unusually testy. Been tearin up door frames and coat racks all morning. You can follow the line right to my desk...
Weird.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by noduck

I don't care where your from. Thats a nice buck right thar!

Actually, I take that back. I DO care where you're from.

GPS coordinates please!

Originally Posted by noduck

This is a DANDY buck. The others would get a pass - this guy not so much.

Ha HA HA , Ya no problem just go south of that one lake ya know were they got those limits of eyes in 09. Then take that first left where that barn blew down.. Now when you reach the woods this is where gets a little tricky....

I will say Zone 172 public land.... Our numbers of hunters in that area has dropped off big time.... We need more people in the woods to push the deer around....

Originally Posted by noduck

Ha HA HA , Ya no problem just go south of that one lake ya know were they got those limits of eyes in 09. Then take that first left where that barn blew down.. Now when you reach the woods this is where gets a little tricky....

I will say Zone 172 public land.... Our numbers of hunters in that area has dropped off big time.... We need more people in the woods to push the deer around....

Seriously though, that is definately a nort woods bruiser buck. Hope you get a crack at him!

well no duck, maybe that buck will stop by my stand 2 say hi

I hope be does Anie!

I'd rather see you smilin' like heck than noduck!!

Like the way u think tzone

Anie, i think the night before deer opener were going to have lots of cocktails... And i hope somebody named Anie does not over sleep and miss opening day.....

And Tzone, Anie is smilin' plenty he got a sheep in Alaska this year......

NODUCK dont like the way you guys talk,, this is to much for me.. I need a hunting trip to clear my head... I think I'll go to North Dakota tomm and kill some mallards and pheasants.... HE HE HE..

Cya all later i'll be back Monday maybe i will have some pics....

If you kill mallards, you'll have to change your name.

Got done cleaning out flowerbeds for the year. All we have left to do is clean out the car and get the tools cleaned. So I better start the job hunt. Well maybe after hunting season.

Can't believe how hunting is creaping right around the corner.

Dave I have my 2 person ladder stand now, so if you can think of a good place to put it.

It's around the cornere alright! 10 days of pacing, kinfe sharpening, clothes warshing, food cooking (bring goodies on the second weekend.

), rubbing door frames, chasing secrataies, picking fights.

Yep, it's almost here.

Originally Posted by noduck

And Tzone, Anie is smilin' plenty he got a sheep in Alaska this year......

Shoot. I thought Anie was a chick. Nevermind then. Noduck shoot that big sucker.

I am starting to think I need to put in safety restraints on the boys every time we drive around town in the evening there are deer all over. I half expect one of them to jump out and try for one hand to hand.

Hand to hand with a deer is easer said than done.

but go ahead and have em try it.

The Joint Commission is auditing my hospital this week. Because of my job, they have followed me to some Dr Blues and Rapid Response calls to see our stroke and heart-attack process in action.

My boss pointed out that my Oct 1st quit-shaving for deer-hunting date was about perfect. I was referred to by the auditor following around as "the experienced nurse with the beard" a few times.

She said if they had come two weeks ago I would probably been referred to as "that homeless guy you just hired" or something like that.

I am SOOOOOOOO ready for the season!!!!

Hey T I can attest to hand to hand with a deer is not for the faint of heart.

Several years ago I was home on leave and got to go out deer hunting. Well it was pretty dang cold and after a while I had to get down and start moving around.

Just as I got on the ground I got slammed and hard. Kicked in the head, chest, stomach, and upper legs by a little four or six point. Apparently per my dad who was watching from down the fenceline I had just gotten between a doe and a buck who jumped the fence as I was climbing down.

I was so beat up they brought the tractor down to drag my carcass back to the house. Spent the rest of the day cruising the fields looking for the little bastage...no luck.

Recalling that has brought back some other memories of Sherpa Kurt that should be put down for posterity...

Quote

Recalling that has brought back some other memories of Sherpa Kurt that should be put down for posterity...

I say we need some Sherpa Kurt stories...'tis nearly deer season after all. Let's hear em BD.

Wow. I usually check here first then the rest of the threads. I see a Sherpa Kurt thread started and I thought someone was playing a joke on me. Funny.

took my buck knife to work and put 'er on the diamond stone today.
going to drag out the box of hunting clothes,and see what I need to get to have both me and the boy outfitted.

It always amazes me that I could possibly need anything, but even after 30 plus years of accumulating hunting gear, I manage to find something I just GOTTA HAVE! This year it's a new flashlight and headlamp, a box of ammo, and there's always a list of stuff to keep the muzzleloader up and running.

I'm pretty set on what I NEED. The list of what I want however....

For some reason I'm thinking about a scrape driller. I don't need no stinkin s rape dripper

Originally Posted by gophergunner

and there's always a list of stuff to keep the muzzleloader up and running.

MZL is a real trinket sport, wow.

And I'm a junkie.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

and there's always a list of stuff to keep the muzzleloader up and running.

MZL is a real trinket sport, wow.

And I'm a junkie.

right now, I have 5,with one or two bins of accoutrements to go with them.

Once the season is over I'm going set up a "gun room" in the basement. Start the reloading bench I've always wanted to do but had no space for. Build a little room for gear, shelves, try to keep it organized, ya know?

I'm thinking about building a rolling type closet for the hunting clothes too. What do you think or aromatic cedar? Do you think it would work or be too much?

Hey! We're on page 1000 of this thread. At least the way I have it set up. That's over 20K posts on this thread. Pretty amazing when you think about it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Once the season is over I'm going set up a "gun room" in the basement. Start the reloading bench I've always wanted to do but had no space for. Build a little room for gear, shelves, try to keep it organized, ya know?

I'm thinking about building a rolling type closet for the hunting clothes too. What do you think or aromatic cedar? Do you think it would work or be too much?

sounds like a damn fine idea to me.when you want to start?

you won't regret that gunroom! I have one, and I LOVE it! full reloading bench and all.

on another note, I let my dad talk me into moving my stand to where I was seeing more deer, I take it down, climb the ridge and can't find a tree that works, so I hunker in a ground blind I made from a couple limbs and proceed to get soaking wet in the snow and freeze. so I decided "screw it" I'm going home, I crest the ridge overlooking where my stand WAS, and I see 7 bucks around the tree it was in. they looked at me and took off. I said a few words I learned in the Navy and tromped back to my car. wasn't a good evening for me, til I got home and saw my little girl. then all was forgotten but her smile

Little things.

Payday today so I'm off to Wally-World (not too far a commute considering I work there! after work to pick up a few must haves. I always mix up my own trail mix-granola, m&m's, raisins, peanuts, ground jerky, dried fruit and whatever else ends up in there. Flashlights, batteries, maybe another box of ammo for the old Savage. That's about it for this year. Man, am I chomping at the bit to go shoot something! Dave, have you got all your firewood cut and the stands all fixed up? Did you guys draw any of the wolf tags? I heard something the other night that there were left over unclaimed tags? Anybody know anything about that?

Hey gopher, I think we are ok on stands. There is always the last minute strategy changes with some of the ladder stands but our permanent stands are in good shape. I got some carpet to put on the floors of our permanent stands, and one of the stands I built last year has plexiglass cut and ready to go in, just never installed last year.

Firewood, well we still have a pretty decent firewood pile at the cabin from previous years. I have dozens of storm blown trees down in the woods around the cabin that need to be cleaned up and cut into firewood, all large pine. I am sitting here this morning contemplating a 90 mile run to a lumber yard (menards) for some deck/porch lumber. We�ve been talking about putting a deck on the cabin the full width of the front (24�) and going 6� out. This would be really nice for everybody�s coolers and gear that can sit outside.

I�d also like to pick up lumber for the sauna but I have just plain run out of time this fall. This weekend is our last weekend before opener and I just don�t have time to build a deck and frame up that sauna. I think I�ll maybe concentrate on the deck and if anything, maybe we can pick away at sauna construction mid day during season.

Or not at all.

I have the old black � ton pickup today, 8� bed, 10� with the tailgate down�.

Could probably do the whole deck project with 12� lumber.

oh, and no wolf tags for us.

I think that porch idea would be a great thing dave. You'd never regret it and it would add even more character to you humble abode! Its great out there at Chickenbuck, too bad i missed out last weekend though. i still kicking myself but had fun hunting with the kids. I think we are opening our shack this weekend adn going to start to get it all cleaned up and clean off the griddle. got a few helpers coming up so it shouldn't take too long.

We added a covered porch to the shack 15 years ago. Best thing we ever did.

I need to pick up some new hunting socks. I bought 2 new pair of boots this past year so I'm good there.

The rifle range is now open every day and I need to get out there to sight in the rifles.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey! We're on page 1000 of this thread. At least the way I have it set up. That's over 20K posts on this thread. Pretty amazing when you think about it.

Page 2000 for me. Who woulda thunk huh Dave?

Had to get on this page...well just cause, 2k here as well. Long way a lot of history already on these pages.

Originally Posted by fluffy

sounds like a damn fine idea to me.when you want to start?

After deer season of course.

After shooting my rifles last weekend Bill, I sure miss that rifle range in Mosinee. Man that's a nice range. I was spoiled at that range, that's for sure!

Bucks are on the move today...I can feel it. Light snow, even down here this morning. Cool temps and dropping by the hour.

and I have the best beard I've had in years. This is the year. I'm on a dry spell. I feel a change for that!

It is definitely changing T. The does have become much more receptive as of late. Now the work begins.

When are you coming to chickenbuck Tom? i need to be ready. Just picking the deer up from the locker today that my daughter shot. hoping to get a bunch of jerky made now.

I'll be up Second weekend Buschy.

Just came home from work for a while. Saw a BIG doe crossing the street in front of me. Man, that gets me pumped! Hey Dave, if you ever have a summer work week planned at the cabin and need some help, give me a yell, I'd be more than happy to come up and pitch in. Talk to Tom-we had a good day helping his dad dig out after the flood this spring. 'Be happy to do it, and a road trip's never a bad thing.

I have another month to wait for rifle season! It's always first Monday after Thanksgiving. Of course bow hunters are out there mow.

Knew without even looking to see where you were from when you said "the Monday after Thanksgiving" you were talking about Pennsylvania, and the great tradition that is the Pa. opener. I haven't been back out east for a while, and man, do I miss it. Sitting with the guys on Sunday watching the Steelers play, the traffic jams in all the little towns on the way to camp. The crowds at every bar, restaurant, gun shop and hardware store. We always made the trip over to Grice's in Clearfield. The guys would be lined up 10 deep at the counter. There was always a guy set up in the parking lot sharpening knives. You could shave on his edges. Sure brings back the memories.

I have a 24' x 6' cabin deck in the back of the old black truck. Some assembly required.

I'll see what I can do about that this weekend.

Here is a 3D drawing I made for the new "porch"

I worked on this drawing for days, I think I have it perfekt.

[Linked Image]

looking good dave, almost there! that would be a great addition. one thing we did when we made ours too is built a table type system bench along the house so you could double up the coolers. those elder peoples wouldn't have to bend over for their coolers and saves you some more floor space as well.what about your water system. is that far enough out?

If you ran those steps the whole length of the deck, they would be really functional. Might not look quite as good however.

Steps are 12' wide

As good as my drawing is, I may just wing it, freestyle construction ya know?

The guy at the porch store sold me a bunch of Joyce hangers.

I don't get it?

Who the hell is Joyce?

Freestyle construction - my favorite.

Have fun.

Joyce was a guy that hung poems on hangers in his closet and got famous. I guess you have some of his old hangers I suppose. good luck with them

I figgered maybe it was some kind of new slang term for girl deers.

I believe the technical term is "does".

Unlike the "butt out" tool, there is no obvious picture that comes to mind for how to use these hangers.

And they didn�t come with any instructions.

You going to add a roof to the porch?

Not right away. We want to stretch a tarp across the front of the cabin at covered porch roof height, simulate a roof so we can see how it affects the lighting during the daytime inside the cabin. We don't want to do anything that blocks the sunlight during daylight hours.

ND, I went 6' deep on the deck of my cabin...wish I would have went 8'. Firewood, chairs, benches, coolers, storage bins, etc. and occasional 4-wheeler gets pretty crowded at times.

Yeah, I hear ya. We have considered all of that and for various reasons we kept defaulting back to 6'. one of the biggest reasons being that we like having the fire ring out in front of the cabin and don't want to crowd the ring with he porch, we also don't want to move the ring out any further because then it affects our parking and vehicle turn around area.

Dad put a table off the edge of his deck...I could see that on the left and/or right sides. It hangs out over the lawn. I agree on the 6 feet, my porch out front varies from 5-8 feet and it is tight in some places, some times.

In any event, you will love it I am sure. If nothing else, it should reduce the dirt tracked inside a great deal.

How are you gonna keep critters from homesteading underneath it?

If Joyce wants you to use his hangers, he better dang well be there to help with them I would say.

dave, i think that you should take and keep the steps wide and then 45 them back to the deck so you got full swing stumbling stools to getup. be a nice addition. can always trim out for posts if you wanted to dig them in the dirt.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

those elder peoples wouldn't have to bend over for their coolers and saves you some more floor space as well

Come ON Buschy...I'm not that old!

10-4

Urrrrrrp urrrrrrrp urrrp urrp

Urrrrrrp urrrrrrrp urrrp urrp

pfffffft pfffft pffffhhhh

rattle rattle rattle

urrrrrrrp urrrp urrp

Somebody get the secretaries out of T's office and bring in a new coat rack leave the interns to fend for themselves....it's happening....again....

Dave,

You are giving me deck building flashbacks. Even got my stuff at Menards. The best part was that the next year they opened one in Detroit Lakes, after several trips from Perham/Big Pine to Fargo.

Are you going treated wood or the synthetic? I went with the Menards house-brand synthetic (solid stuff) and other than being heavy as hell and having to pre-drill pilot holes, I am really satisfied after 8 years of no-maintenance.

Well, I do power-wash it once in a while I guess.

Dave don't forget to send in for the 11% rebate. You bought the stuff at the right time. 11% don't seem like much, but it adds up.

Planning a working day at the shack next summer sounds like a great idea!

when are you coming up muffy. are you going to be all deer season? have to get into some cards out there. take some change back.

Originally Posted by big drift

Somebody get the secretaries out of T's office and bring in a new coat rack leave the interns to fend for themselves....it's happening....again....

We don't even want to talk about the intern. I'm not allowed.

She'll clean ya out again bushcy!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Not right away. We want to stretch a tarp across the front of the cabin at covered porch roof height, simulate a roof so we can see how it affects the lighting during the daytime inside the cabin. We don't want to do anything that blocks the sunlight during daylight hours.

Skylight tube(s).

thats fine. we'll just have refreshments then. Picked up my daughters deer from the locker last night. wasn't too bad. will have lots of eats for some time with that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I figgered maybe it was some kind of new slang term for girl deers.

I believe the technical term is "does".

Unlike the "butt out" tool, there is no obvious picture that comes to mind for how to use these hangers.

And they didnt come with any instructions.

"Butt out Tool" ?

Do people really use them things ?

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dave don't forget to send in for the 11% rebate.

Right, I think we'll get around $45 back.

That's like... 2-30 packs or sumthin...

Dave, you gotta upgrade your brew menu

Ohhh. you're hittin the premium stuff.

Has anyone see the camo cans from High Life?

Last two cases were American Flag clors. No camo on em?

Well that was Tuesday already, I'll have to buy more today.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dave, you gotta upgrade your brew menu

(yoda voice)
Hmmm, some truth here there might be...

I found blaze orange busch light 12 packs last year but who wants to drink that crap?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by BrentD

Dave, you gotta upgrade your brew menu

(yoda voice)
Hmmm, some truth here there might be...

I'd be happy to work on this with you. You need to approach this cautiously or you could be swept away in a wave of euphoria with tragic consequences. There are soooo many good beers these days, so little time.

I have alwasy thought a Butt-out Tool would be hilarious at a white elephant gift exchange. Especially if the audience contained some citified folk.

Originally Posted by BrentD

[ There are soooo many good beers these days, so little time.

THAT!!!! is something we agree on whole heartedly!

Citified folk will probably take it home and try it.

My BIL, (citified) has one and uses it.

I might buy him the "upgrade" for Christmas.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when are you coming up muffy. are you going to be all deer season? have to get into some cards out there. take some change back.

"I remember playin' poker, that Muffy musta won.
She's wearin my new swampers and sleepin' wit my gun"

dave, that stuff is like heaven in a can with extras! i had a vikings bud light the other day.

A vikings bud light?

Were you able to hang on to the can?

Did you "choke" on it?

Did you get into the last 1/4 of the can and then throw it away?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A vikings bud light?

Were you able to hang on to the can?

Did you "choke" on it?

Did you get into the last 1/4 of the can and then throw it away?

TFF!

He tried to toss one ot Lestifer and it hit the ground 6' from him.

you guys are beginning to sound like traitors or maybe something worse like Packer fans

Traitors? No. Just realistic. Tired of mediocre at best football for 50+ years so I try not to get worked up it anymore. Even Tampa lucked into a superbowl for chrissakes.

Here's a couple more pics from last weekend that I didn't get a chance to upload.

[Linked Image]

A shed I found near my old stand

[Linked Image]

[/img]

This years opening day stand...I think
[Linked Image]

Hopefully by this time one week from now somebody from MN will be posting their awesome success pictures from opening morning.

No way I'll be doing it this fast. I'll be in the bushes.

I did hear something interesting on the wolf tags. They didn't sell em all!

Yeah, I heard that too. They were all accounted for, but a lot of folks never picked them up, so they were going back up today ( I think) on a first come first served basis.

Received a email this PM from one of our hunting group. His brother got a 10 pointer this morning (Bow kill) on their land in Waupaca County.

Today's results. Actually, only part of them. We got an even dozen (limit for 4 hunters) in 3 hrs. Perfect day all around.

[Linked Image]

Very nice soup starter there Brent.

Tomorrow night in that creamsause recipe of ND's and laid over wild rice. That's the plan anyway. And another limit in the bag would be nice too. This isn't the north country but it is pretty darn nice down here right now.

Where's "down here" ?

Stan in SC

We got a fresh blanket of snow on the ground this morning. Looks to be about 2" or so. Might have to do some still hunting through the woods with the stick and string today.

You'll shoot yer eye out!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Where's "down here" ?

Stan in SC

Central Iowa - far below the boreal forests and the Hudson Bay watershed (my personal definition of "up there", aka, "the best part of planet Earth")

Mrs Mule1 continues her tradition of killing a deer on the first day of front stuffer season . This makes the fifth year in a row she has killed something on opening day . On her behalf she would like to thank her sponser (ME) for the stand,the blind the feeder the gun ect. If she reads this I'll be deader than the deer .

Congrats to your wife. My SIL's nephew (12) got a spike yesterday with his bow.

Just got back from the rifle range. Rifles are all sighted in and ready to go hunting. Think I'll use the 45-70 most of the season.

Originally Posted by mule1

Mrs Mule1 continues her tradition of killing a deer on the first day of front stuffer season . This makes the fifth year in a row she has killed something on opening day . On her behalf she would like to thank her sponser (ME) for the stand,the blind the feeder the gun ect. If she reads this I'll be deader than the deer .

Wow that's awesome! congrats!!

I went this afternoon.I got chilly since I carried no jacket,the wind was blowing and the temperature dropping.No deer were seen.I carried my 45/70 Handi rifle.It has yet to be bloodied.

Stan in SC

New porch

Looking better and better every time you go to camp

Originally Posted by mule1

Mrs Mule1 continues her tradition of killing a deer on the first day of front stuffer season . This makes the fifth year in a row she has killed something on opening day . On her behalf she would like to thank her sponser (ME) for the stand,the blind the feeder the gun ect. If she reads this I'll be deader than the deer .

Congrats to the Mrs... but that was a funny post.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

New porch

Ooooh. I likey!

Next year...wrap it around the side.

With the proper amount of fluids and a proper sight in, we can hit the fire ring from the porch now in the middle of the night.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when are you coming up muffy. are you going to be all deer season? have to get into some cards out there. take some change back.

I will be up Friday, I'm riding up with dad & Kenna. Get the cards out, I feel real bad about winning all the money at your camp.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I will be up Friday, I'm riding up with dad & Kenna. Get the cards out, I feel real bad about winning all the money at your camp.

Yeah, I bet.

I can't wait to see you guys on weekend #2 Muffy. I'm looking forward to that more than opener

sounds like you will now have a third son,congrats,and hope all goes well with the project ,sounds like you and the fire have it under control

norm

mule1,great picture and great post.You should have let her wear your chickenbuck hat for the picture.
Perhaps all future deer harvest pictures posted here should have a chickenbuck hat in them.

Stan in SC

Stan, are you getting the storm where you are?

The porch looks great. Did you just level it on cement blocks?

I did one on three-sides of my cabin, and left it all free-standing on blocks without attaching it to the cabin. It worked out really well, and it's been 8 years.

I attached to the cabin and the front is resting on railroad ties which Nate and I leveled.

The most difficult part was getting the decking boards placed and gappe correctly so we got the coverage we needed without too much gap.

Looks really nice. You do good work.

Did you buy some 5/4 decking or use stuff you had around the house?

In my experience, that 5/4 decking shrinks a good bit. The last two I built, I used no gaps and cut the last board to fit.They shrunk up about 1/4-1/3". Fitting them to all work out is a good idea.

I can't tell on the end there Dave, are the posts on the corners cut off RR ties? Open on the east and west ends?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I attached to the cabin and the front is resting on railroad ties which Nate and I leveled.

The most difficult part was getting the decking boards placed and gappe correctly so we got the coverage we needed without too much gap.

I used the Menards house brand synthetic on my cabin, and gapped the decking with a cheap plastic square. I notched the square in two places and used it as a jig allowing me to drill all my pilot holes in the same location on each board. The edge of the square slipped between the boards made the gap even as well.

I really like the looks of the railroad ties in front. I wish my stairs were wider like yours too.

Yeah Tom, the east and west ends are open. railroad ties stacked 2 high support the front and I didn't place the ties perfectly to the outside corners to those corners are basically trimmed out with some really rustic looking cedar timbers, I think they were cross arms for telephone poles or something.

They aren't supporting anything, the just square up the ends a little bit. Just for looks.

Decking is 5/4 pressure treated and I had to gap the boards pretty generously to get the 6' of coverage from the cabin out to the front face of the deck.

So, for that reason I'd suggest leaving your stiletto heels at home this year.

Very nice and it looks designed very well to be a place to solve all the worlds problems!

I can just see ND tipped back on that white chair, brew in one hand, jerky in the other, extolling the virtues of his opinion!

We also had a great rooster hunt this weekend. a 3 guy, 6 bird limit in under 2 hours. I had to yell for everyone to stop as there were more roosters getting up and I didnt want to be over the limit. Best part was, both my boys were along!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, for that reason I'd suggest leaving your stiletto heels at home this year.

Every year you come up with a new excuse as to why I can't wear them. Last year it was becasue my fish net stockings didn't mathc the red pumps. I'll never get it right.

Jeeze that seems like a lot of work for two dang birds.

I got 2 things to share with you folks that I am kinda proud of. the first is that I made my long time goal of 179.8 pounds this morning. Tucking under 180 has been tough. How are you coming ND?

Second thing was I was talking to a distant cousin that I barely know in church. he is a Jr in high school and has a really big interest in hunting. However, his parents dont hunt and his other relatives that do wont take him deer hunting because they already have too many people. So we have a place that doesnt hold a ton of deer (it is a pheasant and duck hunting paradise though), but we do see deer there and is within a quarter mile of his house. I got him lined up to deer hunt out there and yesterday went over the property boundaries and where I thought the deer would be. I really hope he can connect as he is a really nice kid without a lot of mentorship from an experienced hunter. Feels pretty good to help out someone like that!

Good for you BM. I hope he taggs a monster and gets to show it to the family that wouldn't take him hunting.

I think I'm stuck at 192 lbs. I'll go see what the scale says today. Good job sliding under your 180 goal!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

New porch

That looks great! Can't wait to see it!

Are you going to seal up the ends or put chicken wire or something on there to keep the critters out?

I'm leaving it wide open. For 5 years now we've went with the whole underside of the cabin left open at the north and south ends. It doesn�t
create any shelter that way so it's just not been an attractive location for any critters.

looks really good dave. i agree with you on leaving it open. we put screen and lattice around ours and we've been trapping skunks there all summer long and wood chucks that have busted through our lattice and screen that we dug down 2 feet and everything. you'll like it. just remember, nice to have a table on the side too to put coolers on and be able to have them under it too. best thing we ever did with ours other than the roof which we added a couple pull chain lights to it as well. maybe if you peeked a roof just under your other one and came out the same way with it you could still leave the front open and get that daylight to come in. or maybe a hole through the wall for another gas light tied in out there. keep up the good work, we'll get out there sometime to check on your hunt.

That porch looks great !!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm leaving it wide open. For 5 years now we've went with the whole underside of the cabin left open at the north and south ends. It doesn�t
create any shelter that way so it's just not been an attractive location for any critters.

That makes sense.

I have a........

WOLF TAG!!

Wooop! I bet I was the first sale as I snatched up one of the 600-ish left over tags that went up for sale at noon today!!

I got one!!!

Awesome!

Excellent!!!

I was #8 in line at the DNR office and it took less than one minute, yes that's correct, one minute before the system shut down because they sold them all. Online would have been the way to go but I didn't have access to it at the time.

I hope you get one ND.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when are you coming up muffy. are you going to be all deer season? have to get into some cards out there. take some change back.

"I remember playin' poker, that Muffy musta won.
She's wearin my new swampers and sleepin' wit my gun"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Is that your wolf decoy/call?

Urrrrrrp Urrrrrrrp urrrrrrrrrrrp urrp urrp urrp

"HEY!!!! You shot my cow!"

So, Dave, how will you hunt them? Or are you just going to fill the tag as targets of opportunity allow?

Originally Posted by tzone

"HEY!!!! You shot my cow!"

Who shot your cow? Not me. I missed

An icy breeze is blowin in tru da tongue and groove. My pants are frozen to da floor 'n I'm too sick ta move.

Ah didn't drink too many...only turdy canse of beer. It must been dat lass shot dat put me vunder here.

Originally Posted by BrentD

So, Dave, how will you hunt them? Or are you just going to fill the tag as targets of opportunity allow?

I'm not really sure, started reading the regs after I got the tag this morning.

It looks like you can call and also bait but there are some specific rules for bait and calls.

Not sure if I will put a specific effort into wolves or not.

Urrrrrrp Urrrrrrrp urrrrrrrrrrrp urrp urrp urrp

snif, sniffff, snif

urrp urrp urrp

(whoever hung the scrape dripper at the fridge is gonna get it)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm not really sure, started reading the regs after I got the tag this morning.

Wow. You're a couple steps ahead of me. I don't usually read those til I get somethin.

Back from North Dakota.. Now packing for deer opener..

Did good on the birds.. Timed the mallards perfect had thousands mallards flying around.. Pretty cool.. My dog did good, got lots of Roosters up for us... I left my camera at buddies so no pics yet...

Speaking of cameras...

Do any of ya'll know about the Cannon PowerShot SD500 IS?

I picked one up yesterday afternoon. I needed a different camera and wanted a decent zoom, but didn't need a DSLR type camera. They have more features than I'll use. Realistically, so does this one.

Dave, what did the tag cost? WI is $100.

Dave the front porch looks great.Good job!

Grizzlybill,We are only getting sporadic overcast skies and some brief rain.Thanks for asking.I had to cut short my walking the two dogs in the park today due to a brief rain storm today.The wind is gusting like crazy.

I too have been on a weight loss regimen.After the heart surgery in 2008 I started walking during recovery.I got up to 4 miles a day but quit walking at the start of cold weather and did not resume when Spring came.A year ago I topped out at 228 and 44 waist.Since January of this year I have been walking again.I take the dogs to the park every day possible.My stamina is much better,my waist is down to 39 and my present weight is 202.8.I'm chasing 199 which is what I weighed in 1997.I feel much much better.I know I eat healthier foods these days.

Stan in SC

Your right about the hat Stan I was wearing it and didn't see a deer all weekend . I'm blaiming the moon! I will make sure the next deer harvest pic has the hat in it . I should get one for her too . Stay safe!

Stan, good to hear that the worst of the storm is missing you.

Just returned from the neighbors. He shot a nice 10 Pointer this afternoon. Didn't put the tape on it yet, but outside spread looks to be over 20".

Bill, the woof tag was $30.

Stan, nice work on the weight loss. That's really good.

The wife picked up a wolf tag at noon today and a hunting friend has one for the late season so I will be helping out a bunch...

Tom,
I have had a Cannon Power Shot SD 1400 IS for over 3 years and find it very easy to use and it takes good pics with a good zoom. Mine must be an older version of the one you got. You will like it.

Good to know, thanks. Playing with this one, it shoots a bit slow since it's 16 MP. But it takes better pics than anything I've ever had.

Nice job on the exercise program Stan! But did you say you stop when it gets to be cold weather? Uh, when exactly do you get cold weather down there again? Just teasing ya! Stick with it.... It's good for the dog too.

No deer yet Stan?

ND, has your group ever had a wolf they would have been able to shoot at during deer season? Or are you gonna have to manufacture one another way?

Bman, did you get a woof tag?

I have two on the trail cam and 1 coyote I think. If I got one I was going to get one on opportunity. I don't know how to hunt them. If I was lucky enough to get a deer, I was going to drive the clear cuts and try to call some in, but I'm not sure how that would work with the blaze ornage.

Next year, I may have to rethink the tag and apply for the late season.

Is anyone here a "bone collector?" Why does 80% of the camo sold at GM say "Bone Collector" on it? I just wanted a fleece jacket perferbaly camo, so I can throw a vest over it this weekend. I refuse to buy anything that says "Bone Collector" on it. I was ready to punch Micheal Wadell in the neck.

I had to go to Fleet Farm instead, which is where I should have started in the first place. They didn't have exactly what I was looking for but I'll be dialed in anyway.

I'm starting out with focus on deer, if by some odd stroke of luck a wolf walks past me while I'm deer hunting, I will shoot it.

If I finish up with the deer hunting early, then I'll switch to a wolf effort wit a little different set up and some locating/calling efforts.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is anyone here a "bone collector?"

I'm a little more of a meat harvestor than a bone collector.

Originally Posted by tzone

I was going to drive the clear cuts and try to call some in, but I'm not sure how that would work with the blaze ornage.

Orange won't make a damn bit of difference. Wolves are as colorblind as deer. Maybe more.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

I was going to drive the clear cuts and try to call some in, but I'm not sure how that would work with the blaze ornage.

Orange won't make a damn bit of difference. Wolves are as colorblind as deer. Maybe more.

Really? Thats good to know. Learnt something today, thanks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Is anyone here a "bone collector?"

I'm a little more of a meat harvestor than a bone collector.

You should come out with a "meat harvestor" series of clothing, knives, gun stocks, plastic cups, thermos', lawn chairs, tupperware...

TZ, I think you would be better off driving the forest roads looking for tracks and then following them and/or calling when close. Sort of a hybrid between coyote hunting, winter ditchchicken hunting and mountain lions.

I'd just buy something Carhartt or Duluth that fits, and keeps you warm and call it good. I try to avoid camo wherever possible myself.

That's what my plan kida would have been if I got a deer first. Drive the forest roads, and clear-cuts and call, coyote style and see if it worked.

I have plenty of Carhartt gear. I need it for work.

Good read on hunting wolves:

http://www.huntwolves.com/how-to-hunt-wolves/

Granted it mostly western hunting but the same principals apply.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is anyone here a "bone collector?" Why does 80% of the camo sold at GM say "Bone Collector" on it? I just wanted a fleece jacket perferbaly camo, so I can throw a vest over it this weekend. I refuse to buy anything that says "Bone Collector" on it. I was ready to punch Micheal Wadell in the neck.

I had to go to Fleet Farm instead, which is where I should have started in the first place. They didn't have exactly what I was looking for but I'll be dialed in anyway.

I hear ya Zone ! Bone Collector sounds like something a hooker should wear !

I have some experience in locating and bringing in wolves for what it's worth.

Walk the forest service roads or tote roads with a bird dog ranging side to side in known wolf range. Fire some shots and keep your eyes peeled as there is a good chance a wolf or wolves will show up.

Or in our case, find a deer. A wolf will be following shortly behind the deer.

If you find dead deer with the guts ripped out, you found the deer too late.

Find a non dead one.

I vant to find a non-dead von, and make it a dead von.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by tzone

Is anyone here a "bone collector?" Why does 80% of the camo sold at GM say "Bone Collector" on it? I just wanted a fleece jacket perferbaly camo, so I can throw a vest over it this weekend. I refuse to buy anything that says "Bone Collector" on it. I was ready to punch Micheal Wadell in the neck.

I had to go to Fleet Farm instead, which is where I should have started in the first place. They didn't have exactly what I was looking for but I'll be dialed in anyway.

I wouldn't buy that crap just on principal. Somebody's making a bunch of cash just by buying the rights to that phrase and putting it on a bunch of junk. I won't pay to advertise for them, just like I refuse to buy a shirt that says Realtree, or anything else on it. They want to give me one, or pay me to advertise for them, so be it, but I don't work for free.

I hear ya Zone ! Bone Collector sounds like something a hooker should wear !

the more they do that to hunting the more I try to simplify it to offset the stupidity.

I have a few sets of camo I've had since high school that I use. during rifle season it's usually blue jeans, jacket with orange vest and chickenbuck hat.

screw that they are doing to the sport of hunting

I did my part....

Done voting last night!

2 days to go and then the insanity peaks. I am sitting in my home office, all alone, with my blaze orange hat on.

I learned me a good trick this year. Tie a 6" piece of thread or dental floss or something to the end of your gun barrel. Perfect wind indicator. It works awesome and is always in front of your face when needed most. Much better than wind powder. Why you might ask? Because those evil bastards that make the caps for the wind powder bottle design them to come off in your pocket. My right front pocket was full of very fine, white powder and now looks like a drug deal gone bad

.

Originally Posted by tzone

I did my part....

Done voting last night!

I voted on Monday.

You early voters, I'm jealous. Voting is my only reason for crawling out of the woods next Tuesday.

You can crawl back in on Friday when I get up there.

Beretta,
YOu can glue, tie or tape a small piece of down feather (stolen from someone's jacket or plucked from a goose) on your barrel or bow for the same purpose. Marabou jigs also are a good source.

yep, anything works as long as it is light. better than looking like a cocaine addict!

Tink's tink's tink's. Yep. Still tastes good after all these years.

Nope. I don't mind a bit that I have Hoppe's #9 spilled on my pants. Nope...why would I wash them? Weird question.

Of course my knife is sharp, but I just wann be shore of it.

I certainly do not need pants to eat at this table, weird that you'd even mention it.

Pee'n in the yard is not normal? Since when?

Aahm gonna git dat turdy poink buckch.

Chicken-buck shirts are done.

We'll mail em out tomorrow.

Yust hang on to mine. I'll git when I git nort.

Thanks for coordination all that Dave. 'preciate it.

We'll have yours out at the cabin then.

No prob. I hope they turned out ok. I'm picking them up at about 3:15 today.

Pocket T-Lee got his logo printed on da back I guess...

oops, hope that's ok T.

Oh he can yust flip it around any hows. Some times it good to have a pocket on your shoulder. Keeps yer smokes out of da vay ven you do other stuff.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Chicken-buck shirts are done.

We'll mail em out tomorrow.

Maybe ya could send mine back with the little, brown haired, female deer slayer?

Or the Muffster?

I am really looking forward to seeing the shirts.
My homework assignment tonight per my wife is to get acquainted with my new I phone.So much more stuff than the other phone!
I just got thru ordering some 110 grain 30 caliber bullets to reload for my bolt action 30-30's.2761 FPS.Wow!
Did I already mention that I voted Monday?

Stan in SC

Stan,

I've had an iPhone for almost 3 years and I still haven't figured it all out yet. It does waaaaay more than I know how to make it do, but I like it. You probably will too.

So who's taking a newbie out for a snipe hunt Friday night?

Originally Posted by tzone

Stan,

I've had an iPhone for almost 3 years and I still haven't figured it all out yet. It does waaaaay more than I know how to make it do, but I like it. You probably will too.

Our cell contract is up and I was looking at phones yesterday. All I want is a basic phone. Our provider (Cellcom) now only carries 4 basic phones. According to the sales person, the manuafactures have cut way back on basic phones in favor of the smart phones.

That sucks Bill. My boy has a basic phone, I think they call it the rock or something such... casio brand? Anyways, I think "the boy" Justin has one too. They are tough phones, almost boyproof.

They don't float, so if you drop one down the ice fishin hole it's just gone. But they are waterproof so you can call the fishes and have a talk about bait, lure choice, fishing depth etc if you like.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So who's taking a newbie out for a snipe hunt Friday night?

Haven't pulled that stunt since I was a teenager.

that's funny.

Isn't there actually regs in the MN rule book for them?

Great job there Dave

yes, they are actually a shore bird, about the size of a sparrow, maybe a little bigger with a long beak. some folks shoot them I guess. I've eaten them, not bad.

they can't be taken with a gunny sack and flashlight no matter what call is used, unless it is dark out and spectators have plenty of fluids.

There is a seperate pre hunt thread on deer hunting with a goofy fun theme to it. I posted this advice in that thread but I'd like to share it here as well.

(read it with your sven and ole voice)

You fellerz make fer sher to remember da little tings now eh?

Buy a dam license why dont'cha eh? And put it in your wallet wit a piece of string or wire eh?

How bout a compass and a flashlight eh? Book a matches and a few bullets too. Clean dem scope lenses eh fellerz? Turn dat big scope down low why dontcha? Check your sling hardware, remember how dat sling swivel squeeked like a sucker last year when you put da creep on dem fresh tracks trew da cedar woods eh? How bout a drop of oil on dat sucker eh? Member da time Muttee's sling broke cause da little screw came out and he bent his scope on dat big rock? Maybe check dem screws eh?

You got dat grunt tube? Keep it inside your 7 layers of clothing eh? So dat reed don't freeze, udderwize you sound like a goose when you toot dat buck horn eh?

You got dat knife sharp eh? How bout put it in your pocket dis year instead of on da table back at camp eh? And a pair of dem slippry little gloves too eh? Keep that deer fluids from drying under yer finner nails.

Member dat time you had to take your belt off to make a choker strap to drag dat skinny neck doe trew da swamp? And den you had dat sagen saw on dat belt but you dropped it in da swamp when you took dat belt off and now it's gone? How bout a new sagen saw and a rope too eh?

And about dat tinks bottle, how bout put it in a zip lock bag dis year before you put in in your pocket eh?

I did when I read it, made me raff out roud, I mean Laff oooot loud

Originally Posted by Sven

You got dat grunt tube? Keep it inside your 7 layers of clothing eh? So dat reed don't freeze, udderwize you sound like a goose when you toot dat buck horn eh?

use fellers dontcha know how many times I goose tooted instead of buckch snorted eh? Dey put dem tails of der's up 'n da after-drive in gear 'n hi tail it over dat clear cut faster den Lena on a apple pie.

Gradually getting things packed in my rig. Lefsa, chocolate chex mix, and caramel bars made. Don't worry Tom, I will bake more for next weekend too. Any suggestions?

I am headed to mom and dad's this aftenoon. Dad & I are going to shoot our rifles. I am just going to stay there tonight because the folks, Kenna, and I are headed to Chickenbuck in the morning after dad's radiation treatment. By the way, his last treatment is on the 8th, then more tests to see where we go from here. Good luck hunting everyone!!!!

Lefsa! Do you make your own? Damn, I miss that stuff.

Oh boy!! I am soooo glad to hear about those goodies heading nort eh?

If you talk to Justin, tell him to toss what ever predator call he has in the truck before he heads nort.

Got dat woof tag, might as well try to punch dat tag eh?

Hopefully he has an electronic caller like a foxpro or something.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Lefsa! Do you make your own? Damn, I miss that stuff.

She do, and it's good stuff.

(don't worry Miss, I won't tell your secret)

Damn, man, now don't tell me you will have lutefisk to go with it.

I'll have to suffer with pheasant in cream sauce again - mighty good by the way, but not in league with lefsa.

Good luck. I'm going to try to stick one of those big bucks I have on camera, but I'd rather be eating lefsa.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Lefsa! Do you make your own? Damn, I miss that stuff.

Oh boy does she make her own. It's worth making the drive just for it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Gradually getting things packed in my rig. Lefsa, chocolate chex mix, and caramel bars made. Don't worry Tom, I will bake more for next weekend too. Any suggestions?

The peanut-butter or butterscotch bars with the chocolate on top.

I'll bring some goodies up too. I have sloppy-joes made. Was thinking of running to Sam's Club and grabbing some ribs? Whatchu think Dave?

Good luck wit dat buck brent.

Oh lordy... yep, that does it. I'm retiring the old barrel cooker at the cabin. I'll bring out a better cooker from home, something to make it easier to do things like ribs, turkeys, chickens, roasts etc.

We can park it up on the new deck. That will be nice to be able to run out there with just a pair of socks on to tend the grill.

I'll keep the grate out of the old barrel grill so we can use it to cook over the fire ring if we want to.

10-4 on da ribs den.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Damn, man, now don't tell me you will have lutefisk to go with it.

God Brent! You actually eat Lutefisk? Tried it once, never again.

B4 I forget; Good luck to all the gang in MN. Be safe and shot straight.

Bill, of course I eat it! I love the stuff.

Well, it looks like no one will starve this weekend.

Brent

[quote=Muffy]Gradually getting things packed in my rig. Lefsa, chocolate chex mix, and caramel bars made. Don't worry Tom, I will bake more for next weekend too. Any suggestions?

I am headed to mom and dad's this aftenoon. Dad & I are going to shoot our rifles. I am just going to stay there tonight because the folks, Kenna, and I are headed to Chickenbuck in the morning after dad's radiation treatment. By the way, his last treatment is on the 8th, then more tests to see where we go from here. Good luck hunting everyone!!!![/quot

What is this "Lefsa" stuff you speak of ? I'm from Oklahoma so we don't know about these " up nort" things

Originally Posted by mule1

What is this "Lefsa" stuff you speak of ? I'm from Oklahoma so we don't know about these " up nort" things

Sinful...

What a shame...

Someone send this man some pa-tater tortillas ASAP.

He'll never be da same eh?

Yahh...

wit' sum sweet butter and brown sugar too....

Or a little bit of real butter and a good plump, hot polsa. Found at every corner kiosk in Oslo.

But rolled around lutefisk and mashed potatoes - nothing better, ever, anywhere. this is killin' me.

I have the fondest memories of my Norvegian grampa teachin me how to roll my own lefsa with copious butter and sugar. You bettcha.

Now I am needing to get down to Ingebretson's for some fat guy food stocking

Spekachek, kumla, glooklub, and of course need to get some good herring.

Hell I need to get herring for this weekend...

yahh, dats da way eh?

I think I had some last year with a thin layer of choke cherry jelly and butter... rolled it up... Mmmm.

Heaven.

You do need the herring!

Club crackers or ritz?

Sonofa... now I got the deer camp munchies.

Vell der David, ya know I jest hafta git bot' der, jes' cause dey each werk vell vit differn' biers doncha know...

The club cracker is nice but if the herring is wet the cracker gets too soft.

The ritz is more robust and more of a general purpose cracker ya know?

I do like the ritz as a foundation for the heavier multi story creations such as the summer sausage, block cheese, spicy peper slice presentations.

I headed north last year with 3 lbs. of jerky with me. It didn't even last past Hinkley. Nothing downwind of me was safe from olfactory warfare for the next two weeks. As fer the lutefisk, yous guys kin haf mine! Now dat lefse, oy vay, dat's anutter matter!

I would have to concur on your assessment, but I do think it is necessary to mention that the soda cracker goes well with certain beverages than the Ritz.

While the Ritz is a definate beer cracker the soda cracker, and this is only my opinion, goes much better with a nice bourbon or scotch.

And I would opine that is the only time other than what is on sale that would dictate my decision of which one to use...

If you can't afford some time - don't look at this thread. If you have to hurry, just scroll through for the pictures and their captions.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=121023;p=1

My wife is out of town, so it looks like cheese, crackers, summer sausage, herring, beer, and lefse for dinner!

Oh, and Beer Nuts.

She's in Deer River, and I'm in Anchorage. That seems backwards.

Two statements from a hybrid Norwegian:

No self-respecting Norse would eat lutefisk. It was just a cruel joke played on the emigrants when they left the homeland and it stuck.

Lefse is a savory - that means ketchup and meatballs, beef or pork roast if you must, but no sugar and cinnamon. Buttermilk gets sugar and cinnamon.

Deer river...

Wild rice!!

I have family in Deer River...............Mn

Hook us up with some dat rice foo.

To be honest I didn't know it was a big wild rice area. Its one of those relatives that I say I should always go visit and never make the time for. They are my aunt and uncle so I really, really should. It's one of those deals where I see them when they come here to visit.

I would really like to go visit them though. The mighty mississippi runs through their back yard and the bear hunting is second to none the way it sounds.

I may have to hook us up with some rice so we can make grouse/pheasant beds.

There ain't nuttin like a big pull off a fresh Tink's bottle.

Whhhooooo Eee. That's some stinky stuff.

That there is called Man perfume...lol

Take it easy on da tinks eh?

My lady friend say it wreck my breath for days.

If a feller care about such tings...

Take an extra pull off th tinks for me, my 2012 season yust went the way of my 2011 season..and my 3 of em under 2, and 2 under 1 just don't leave no room for me to take the time off. Thought I had enough squirreled away but one of the boys is sick again.

Shiiiiit

Don't mean to be a downer here so.....I am making a small sacrifice to add 3 future deer hunters, and hopefully some grandchild hunters someday....I am just looking out for future deer hunters by me staying home.

Best of luck to all of you, have fun, be safe, have more fun
and then some beer, and some more beers, and lefse with sugar.

I'm gonna have some beers...

Originally Posted by noduck

That there is called Man perfume...lol

A litle dab behint da eers an ya mite haff dat fonzy character show up!

Well, it's about 6 a.m. here. I gotta run my daughter to school in about 45 minutes, and then throw a few things in the Deerwagon, point it north, and let the games begin! I heard that the Swampsquid forecast for the Chickenbuck boys is hot and heavy this weekend.

Good luck to Dave, all the Chickenbuckers, Skane, T-Zone, For S ter and all the other Minnesota boys. Every play nice, keep all the aces on the table, and come home safe.

Good luck guys. Hopefully lots of success stories are to follow.

In a western Wisconsin tree. Bucks are all rutty. Had a 140"8 come to da horns last nite. Its on by golly!

Thanks for that encouraging report coop.

Yeah it's a dark morning, I've got around $7000 worth of guns piled into the cab of a $2500 truck. Clothes are packed, wollies, 7 gallons of water, 10 gallons of canned and bottled beer... A generator, a gun cleaning kit....

The weezy and I made a run to the cabin last night with the old 77 F250 gear grinder (she drove, hence the grinding)

I can honestly say that the drive out to camp and back home was good practice for a young lady trying to master the manual transmission. And by the time we got back home, she was still no better off then when we departed. lol!!

Manual transmissions are not for everybody.

We hauled an ATV and a large bbq grill out to camp last night, the grill is on the deck, yahoo! That's gonna be awesome!

We're lacking deer pics guys. Nothing too impressive but I caught this guy red-handed stealing my garden produce.

[Linked Image]

I might skin & deep fry this one whole then wrap him in a huge sheet of lefsa for saturday evening meal.

I would shoot him in da eye.

Tall bugger huh?

Is that rack shape something you would call typical or a trait, an area genetic trait?

I used to hunt a spot by the Mud river where the main beams would curl around out front sometimes to a closed circle and sometimes past each other.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I might skin & deep fry this one whole then wrap him in a huge sheet of lefsa for saturday evening meal.

fill a wash tub with maple syrup for dipping, sounds delicious...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by mule1

What is this "Lefsa" stuff you speak of ? I'm from Oklahoma so we don't know about these " up nort" things

Sinful...

What a shame...

Someone send this man some pa-tater tortillas ASAP.

Lefsa is good.

Lutefisk, not so much.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Deer river...

Wild rice!!

I already have my wild rice for camp. I've heard rumors that the crop wasn't too good this year.

Heck my boys are doing cartwheels about their big sister coming home from college to make them doughnuts for deer camp, some Escanaba in da moonlight with some beers and beverages, a bit chili to help ward off the morning chill tommorow, yah it is gittin gudt ya shur

I've never seen this movie you're talking about.

Oh Dave you gots'ta watch it, it is all about the buckless youper. It is on netflix if you have that.

There are burning cars, monster deer, ghosts, guns, whiskey, beer, porcupine pee, the list goes on...

Wow, the title really threw me. I guess i'll try to rent it.

Just want to wish all you up norh boys a good hunt. Be safe.

Dave, here is a sample...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDaFyCjw5kk&feature=endscreen&NR=1

130"8 ptr i prolly shoulda kilt him. He was 15yrds away but i thout yous guys could use some blood pump grin hehe

To you all i wish you good luck and may you all of you have good luck. do you want me to bring the movie out to you dave. I got it on dvd. we'll see you uout at camp sometime on our runabouts.

yeah bring it out buschy, we have a mini dvd player out there, that might be fun to watch at camp.

Good luck to all my fellow MN hunters and others taking to the field this weekend.

Another eve of a deer camp season is right here. Unscripted, unplanned, mother nature will do what she does and we will do what we do.

Stories? Yeah who knows what we can pry loose out of the memory vaults. Some will be very old stories heard for the first time for some listeners, some will be fresh stories, some will be repeat stories that the listeners know by heart but still bust a gut laughing anyways.

The food, it will be fantastic and inventive as usual, also very much unscripted, unplanned.

Pour us all into that shack with whatever we all bring and see what happens. What ends up on the stove, what ends up in the bbq? Who shoots a buck? Who shoots a doe? Who misses clean and gets the shame stick? Will the meat pole break? Damn I hope so.

I just love it, ya know?

Good luck everybody and be safe.

I'll file a progress report if I get a chance and if my little smart phone can reach the outside world from camp chickenbuck.

Have fun. I was out warming up the bucks behind my house this morning. I rattled in a 6 pt. I had no shot but would have let h him walk anyway. They are definitely moving. You will have fun.

Yup theyere really coming to the horns. Ive seen 6 bucks since 9 im pullin an all dayer

Good luck to the Chickenbuckers...and all Minne Sodans. We've about 12 days to wait here...but ya got my blood pumpin'.

Originally Posted by big drift

Oh Dave you gots'ta watch it, it is all about the buckless youper. It is on netflix if you have that.

There are burning cars, monster deer, ghosts, guns, whiskey, beer, porcupine pee, the list goes on...

"MY CHEFFY SHOOK A SHIIT"

Lol

LONG LIVE JIMMERS!!!!

Big snow blob on the radar, it's the size of the dakotas combined and it's sliding our way.

What color will the hunt be tomorrow?

I think white..... with brown hair.

Good luck to everyone and more importantly have fun and be safe!!

I was in the stand at 'O dark turdy dis morning. Once again not a deer spotted but about 8:20 I had a big prime coyote at 12 yards. Just as I was drawing my bow to lay the smack down on the fawn killer, he scooted behind some thick brush. I lip squeaked at him and he stopped but wouldn't come out from behind the brush. Dang! I really wanted that fuzzy hat!

With all this talk of the bucks running around, I'm going to go back out with my decoy and the rattle bag. Maybe that will bring me the luck that has escaped me so far. I hope. I was thinking though, on the walk out of the stand this morning, the fresh dug field that I cross is literally covered in coyote tracks. Could this be why I haven't seen a deer out of this stand?

Originally Posted by big drift

LONG LIVE JIMMERS!!!!

+1. A true classic.

Deer are difinitly on the move. We saw a a good dozen fresh road kills between Appleton and Stevens Point last night. The body shops are going to be real happy.

May all your outhouse seats be warm, and fuzzy windchimes to all!

Good luck to all from the big woods near Isabella. It is 20 degrees outside and 60 in the tent. The latest deer cams show the bucks are moving, even a wolf or two. The hot spot is spotty here so no pictures but will post the hunt later.

PS Hope a wolf walks infront of the wife and she shoots strait.

Isabella- nice country over there. Any mooses?

Good luck.

Well...where's the reports, boys?!

Talked with the neighbor this AM. His buck had an inside spread of 19 1/4 and an outside spread of 21 5/8. Taxidermist said it would scored in the 150's.

Than a coffee buddy called to tell me he had a buck in his back yard.

My mail person delivered my Chickenbuck t shirt today.Awesome.
Thank you Dave and crew.

Stan in SC

Yahey yous guys vuts goan on up der. Is der any vuzzy vind chymes yet

I got my Chickenbuck hoodie today, looks good.

Thanks Dave

SIL took a 4 pointer with his bow Saturday.

I had a little luck Saturday and got blood on the Chicken Buck hat I got from Stan

[Linked Image]

The bounty is out for these boy's

[Linked Image]

These two are routinely photoed 150-200 yds behind my backdoor but I can't get catch up to them. In the past 24 hr, I've had full draw on a doe, spike and a forky. Let them all walk. Killed a nice branch when I missed a fox squirrel last night.

[Linked Image]

Well, we're back from up north. No luck for us. Eric (JustOneGunner) had a doe standing right in front of him broadside yesterday afternoon, but alas no doe tags! We went to check out my first choice for a spot Friday afternoon, and there was a portable stand up in there. He got a buck yesterday about 8 a.m. My second spot yielded a button buck this morning. The guy was a newbie so I helped him gut it and drag it up to the trail head. He is part of a group of 19 that hunt a Potlach lease in there. They were 3 for 19 counting his little nubbie he shot today. Very little shooting. We'll be back at it again next Sunday for one of those lovely "day trips" that leave the house at about 3:30 a.m. to make the woods by first light.

Congrats. You'll have some great eating.

Maybe in the next two or three weeks the girls will drag them boy's out in the day light !

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Congrats. You'll have some great eating.

Yes Sir! have a pot roast perking right now !

Good going,mule1.Looks like you put that Chickenbuck hat to good use.

Stan in SC

I hung a couple trail cams and put up a ground blind tonight, took little man with me. second spot as we were hanging a camera a doe ran right up to us, a good omen since I'm only hunting does to help a land owner manage his herd a little.

No deer were harmed in the Isabella area, at least in our camp. None seen on Saturday and one doe and two fawns Sunday morning. One of the fawns busted me or I would have pop the doe.
Brent. Have not seen a moose in two years but they are around.
Back at it in the morning...

thought I'd put up a few pics of my hunting spot,not your typical up nort deer hunting,pretty wide open,found a place where the deer cross what used to be beaver dams between ponds years ago ,but now are dry land ,what with the water levels down a few feet.

northern view.
down in the corner is where the crossing is.range to the woods in the corner is just under 100 yds.Notice the next beaver pond behind,also almost no water ,except around the lodge.about 3-4 deer been taken here over the years.

[Linked Image]

southern view
actually this is where an Island comes close to shore.At least,it used to be an Island,there is no more water left.range to the opening between shore and island is about 170 yds.
[Linked Image]

western view
over there in the low spot is where most of the action happens,right off the other end of the island and shore.Probably close to 20 deer been "harvested" crossing here by family members
range is about 125 yards.range to the hillside in the background is around 450 yds.
[Linked Image]

eastern view

pine plantation .very poor visibility,where I expected to see the deer when I put up the stand.Havent seen one here yet,although I found a spot from the stand where I can see my truck parked through the trees about 100-150 yards away.(its red)

[Linked Image]

oh,and the obligatory fuzzy wind chimes pic. A spike,a fork,a 6 point ,and an 8 point.not too bad for a group of six hunters on first weekend.

[Linked Image]

We've seen ZERO deer in two full days in the woods. I saw two wolves on Saturday at 1030 and one this morning at 0630. Different stands.

Prior to this hear I've seen two in the woods while hunting since 1991.

Nice work Fluf. Looks like pretty country up there. Hear or see any wolves? TZ seems to be in a wolf hotspot.

Nope,no one in my family heard or saw any wolves.

I am hunting in area 172
edit.
actually,Im in 197 this year.

We heard them right away yesterday before light on Saturday. They were loud and close so I figured one of us would see them. I guess I was the lucky one. No tag of course.

Originally Posted by tzone

We heard them right away yesterday before light on Saturday. They were loud and close so I figured one of us would see them. I guess I was the lucky one. No tag of course.

what doe permit area are you in,t?

Originally Posted by big drift

Heck my boys are doing cartwheels about their big sister coming home from college to make them doughnuts for deer camp, some Escanaba in da moonlight with some beers and beverages, a bit chili to help ward off the morning chill tommorow, yah it is gittin gudt ya shur

I watched that crazy a$$ed movie last night on Netflix. It was a bit quirky, but I laughed myself to tears throughout.

Looks like a decent area fluffy. Did you use the 450?

Fluffy, I'm in 180

I saw lots of wolf schidt full of deer hair down by Emily. Only talked to two other hunters and none of us saw one. 'Heard a dog barking Sat., but not sure if it was a wuffie, as it came from near a house. Not much action around us. There's a lease off to the north of us. 19 guys took 3 deer. 'Saw a few scrapes and rubs. JustOneGunner had a big ol' doe in front of him broadside Sat. afternoon, but no doe tags. Of course, I flew 2 grouse-both would have been pretty easy shots. I swear them danged woods chickens know when you're carrying a rifle instead of a shotgun!

'Don't have another day off till next Sunday-hoping to get out then if Momma says okay.

Hey dere fellers. I shot a doe on last nights post. 4:50 i think. She came in behind me, i had to shoot lefty, awkward but it worked. My TSX blew through so i didn't get to recover that 130 grain bullet, dang. But we have one on the chime. I'll try to post up a picture. Missy txt me that she got a nice little buck this morning too! She's hunting closer to home away from camp. She'll have to tell her story when she gets a chance.

Well the first weekend is in the books in Central Minnesota. The short version? A funny story and Brother Brian shot a nice buck.

The more detailed version? We will start with the funny story (at my expense). Opening morning I sat in my "money" stand. I always see a dozen or more deer and pass on a few small bucks, at a minimum. Not this year. at 10 am, I had to really pee and hadnt seen a deer. Decided to wait a while longer. At 1030, I cant stand it anymore and look all around. no deer. Stand up, put my gun on the holder, dig out the gatorade bottle....now is a good time to let everyone know that it takes somewhere around 30-40 seconds to pee. I know, i have since timed a few.

I had been in the stand for 4 hours or 240 minutes. Now as I am peeing, I am filling up the bottle and it starts to make that gurgling sound. I think to myself, that is too loud, it will scare a deer! My next thought, approximately half a second later, is that no way would a deer have the timing to show up now...mathematically it is about 1 in 500 odds. before this thought is finished, I hear a deer stomp and snort behind me. Yes, at the 15-20 second mark in my journey, a doe is standing in my lane watching an orange blob make gurgling sounds up in a tree!

Luckily, I wasnt after a doe at this point in time and let her go. I didnt however, appreciate the amused smirk she had on her face at all. View from that stand....the doe was in the lane to the left.

[Linked Image]

My brother Brain was reading a book at 130 pm. Heard a step behind him. Peeked back over his right shoulder and a buck was walking right at him 20 yards away. I am kinda proud of him for his next move...which was not moving at all. he didnt move a muscle and let that buck walk right by him at 8 yards. Once it was about 20 yards out in front of him, he put up his gun and dropped the hammer on it!

[Linked Image]

I switched stands and saw some does, fawns and one little buck, but didnt see anything I wanted to shoot (yet, come next weekend, does are gonna be in the line of fire!). They get right up on you in this stand that is for sure. You gotta use your ears for a slight whisper of grass against their body.

[Linked Image]

I did get the little boy out, but hunting is hard work!
[Linked Image]

Oh, and despite Brian's buck, we felt the bucks were NOT moving. We all saw does and fawns, but only 2 bucks the whole weekend, which is prolly about 10% of what we usually see.

Congrats to everyone that got a deer this weekend.

Anyone with a Wolf tag needs to be sitting by Tzone. Apparently he's a Wolf magnet.

Fork buck with da turdy-turdy and a doe with a handgun. Tenderloins on the grill Saturday and Sunday.

Just got off the phone with Tzone. He got a nice 8 pointer this afternoon. He'll post the details later.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just got off the phone with Tzone. He got a nice 8 pointer this afternoon. He'll post the details later.

Two wolf sightings and an 8? NICE!!!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just got off the phone with Tzone. He got a nice 8 pointer this afternoon. He'll post the details later.

WOO LOO LOO LOO!

BIG JELLY!!!

BIG JELLY!

Lol!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like a decent area fluffy. Did you use the 450?

No,I never chambered a round.Its my sons first year hunting,and I am just along for the ride.He and I are the two who didnt connect.Next weekend I am taking the 450 out,its all sighted in and ready.
He had a very good oppurtunity Sunday morning,three does came out to the west,and he rattled off three TSXs,out of a cz 527,but they all stood there and wondered where all the thunder was coming from.

We are going to do some offhand practice with a pellet gun this week,and make another try next weekend.

Tuckered out tzone checking in. Got a 15-16" wide 8pt, with big ol body on him. He'll go 200 pretty easy. I'd say 350 if you asked me after the drag out.

I'll get him weighed tomorrow and post pics tomorrow nite.

Shot was 90 yards, 7x57 Mauser, 145gr power points. Shot him through the front axles and still ran 30 yards. He did the heartshot mule kick and crashed through the tag alders.

Excellent TZ! I'm mostly scaring squirrels with arrows myself. Not doing much to the deer population.

Fluffy, what sort of .450? Marlin? Rigby? etc etc. Whichever it is you will not be undergunned for sure.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Excellent TZ! I'm mostly scaring squirrels with arrows myself. Not doing much to the deer population.

Fluffy, what sort of .450? Marlin? Rigby? etc etc. Whichever it is you will not be undergunned for sure.

1895 marlin guide gun,non ported.

Light snow here this morning.

Get out and vote today!

Originally Posted by fluffy

1895 marlin guide gun,non ported.

I've got the shorter ported version of that gun, I might dust it off and take it along this week.

I shot a cow elk with it once but I haven't shot a deer with it yet.

Good job Tom!!

Congrats to those who scored this year so far!

Nice job Tom !!

Paul.

Here's all I have to share.

I left her out on the deer pole at camp for "seed" hoping it will help bring us more.

[Linked Image]

Nice doe Dave.

My uncle drove up this AM and I took him out to the range to sight in his rifle (Model 7 CDL in 308). First group wa 5 inches high. Adjusted the scope and the next 3 printed 1 inch high. Good enough. Not bad for a 89 year old shooter.

congrats dave, thats a good size doe right there!

Nice deer Dave, but then any deer hanging from the meat pole is a nice deer.

Where I hunted I thought it was one of the quietest opening weekends in Minnesota that I have ever been a part of.

There was very little shooting for the first two 1/2 days that I hunted, where in normal years there would have been a lot of shooting.

I did not see a deer until late on the second day, and was able to take a rather large buck at about 9:30 A.M. on the third day.
While working most of the rest of the day to get him out I didn't hear any other shooting. This in an area where the bonus tag was over the counter (not lottery).

I wish I would have taken a photo of the deer. In over 45 years of deer hunting it was the first deer I have taken with the palmation type of antler on one side. almost like a minature moose antler.

I'm all most wondering if the DNR needs to rethink this whole doe tag system. Our area was a lottery area this year, but there sure weren't very many deer taken. Granted, we could have used some snow, and the warm temps kept guys from getting up and moving around, which would have moved some deer in front of the guns, but it just seems like the numbers are down. 'Might just be my observations in my area, but I'm wondering. 'Heading back up for a day trip this Sunday. 'Hoping for better success this time.

Originally Posted by 22WRF

I wish I would have taken a photo of the deer. In over 45 years of deer hunting it was the first deer I have taken with the palmation type of antler on one side. almost like a minature moose antler.

Did you throw the rack away already?

Originally Posted by tzone

Got a 15-16" wide 8pt, with big ol body on him. He'll go 200 pretty easy.

I connected with tzone in Duluth yesterday morning and got to see his deer - nice buck.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by tzone

Got a 15-16" wide 8pt, with big ol body on him. He'll go 200 pretty easy.

I connected with tzone in Duluth yesterday morning and got to see his deer - nice buck.

Thanks SKane. I think you should post a pic or two of yours.

Well, he's 14 1/2" wide and 204 pounds according to the registration station in Island Lake. Dave knows the place I'm sure.

I hung it in the garage last night and came in to the house to put stuff away and heard a CRASH! in the garage. I didn't even have to go look..I knew what it was. The rope broke on the pulley and the whole shot came down.

It didn't seem any worse for the wear.

The shot was 90 yards or so. Shot behind in the "crease" of the leg when he was stepping forward. Exited on the leg on the far side, destroying the heart. Winchester M70 xtr 7x57 Mauser, 145gr Win Power Point bullet. He did the typical heart shot "mule kick" and plowed about 25-30 yards into the tag alders.

Here's a couple shots. I didn't take many, kinda disappointed in myself for that.

Here's where he was standing when I shot. The stand is in the big Cedar at the far end of the picture. Shot was 100 paces, so I figure 90'ish yards.
[Linked Image]

Where he ran after the shot.
[Linked Image]

Where he ran through. You can see him laying next to the big tree in the center of the pic.
[Linked Image]

Tangled mess I pulled him out of. The mark on the tag alder is from him plowing I think.
[Linked Image]

After I pulled him out of the tangle. He buried himself in the tangle next to the ash in the center of the pic. Note all the broken brush.
[Linked Image]

One more a bit closer. Then the work started.
[Linked Image]

Very cool TZone!! Congrats

Way to go Tom. Nice buck

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's all I have to share.

I left her out on the deer pole at camp for "seed" hoping it will help bring us more.

[Linked Image]

Congrats Dave!Fantastic fuzzy windchime. Hopefully we can add to it this weekend.

Originally Posted by 22WRF

Where I hunted I thought it was one of the quietest opening weekends in Minnesota that I have ever been a part of.

Agreed. It was quite. There were about a dozen shots in our area on Saturday AM, probably one 3 that were reasonably close.

Sunday, less than that.

Nice buck Tom. Nice fuzzy windchime Dave. Venny in the freezer for you guys, mmmm-mm.

I interrupt this deer season banter to give a quick good news election update (the good news part makes this rare today unfortunately). My wife won the election for a seat on the school board! It was close; she won 6725 to 6670. Whew, it was a nail-biter all evening and we didnt get much sleep.

And one more interesting tidbit, you think your vote doesnt count? My state representative seat was won by the Republican 6812 to 6811. Yes, by 1 vote.

Alrighty, back to the more important topics like the virtues of fresh doe-in-estrus pee.

Real nice buck TZ. Real nice.

Thanks brent

Nice Buck T....what a body on that bad boy!

Really cool Tom, the pictures help make you feel like you are there getting ready to drag that ole boy out.

It was very quiet around our hunting area as well, not very much shooting.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Really cool Tom, the pictures help make you feel like you are there getting ready to drag that ole boy out.

I wish you were there to help me.

My BIL went home Sunday afternoon, so I was wingin it... Too bad for him because I shot it Monday at 1300, from his stand.

I was out scouting new areas in the morning on Monday because there was very little deer sign around. At 1100 I decided to go sit for the rest of the day. Got settled into the stand 1130-1145.

Good Job Guys!

On a side note, I got my chickenbuck clothes and man I REALLY like that Hunter Green sweatshirt. Glad I chose that for one of the colors. Veddy shnazzy

Yes, thank your for handling the Chickenbuck apparel order ND. I wore mine yesterday. it brought about our good luck last night!

good job on the deer boys! i am still waiting. been seeing some but picky. more hunting with my boy than anything on his first year. I think we'll have to celebrate with some crapolades this weekend. will dig out some more minute maid lemonade and be good to go!

Nice Northern Minnesota swamp buck. Congrats.

TZ now that you have your deer on the ground, I think you should hire out as a wolf-hunting guide for Fluf and Dave. You seem to be in the thick of it.

TZ, you had to drag him out yourself? I got one about that size body-wise (smaller rack) a few years ago and stopped at Cabela's on the way home to buy a game-cart. Shoulda done it years ago......

Really nice buck. It looks like exactly the same stuff we hunt in, which makes me more impressed.

Originally Posted by BrentD

TZ now that you have your deer on the ground, I think you should hire out as a wolf-hunting guide for Fluf and Dave. You seem to be in the thick of it.

I have a great spot. They can sit in my stand or park at the road. I saw the two from the stand on Sat, and one crossed the road in front of us when I parked on Sunday AM at about 0530.

Originally Posted by goalie

TZ, you had to drag him out yourself? I got one about that size body-wise (smaller rack) a few years ago and stopped at Cabela's on the way home to buy a game-cart. Shoulda done it years ago......

Really nice buck. It looks like exactly the same stuff we hunt in, which makes me more impressed.

I did.

I brought my Otter Sled and that helped a lot. I'm not sure a cart would have been much of a help on this deal. I do have one. A Gander Mountain version.

The sled helped a TON the first few hundred yards. Then there were a lot of stumps and the brush was too close together for the sled to fit through.

I've shot two deer that weighed more, but they were accessible by wheeler immediately.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

TZ, you had to drag him out yourself? I got one about that size body-wise (smaller rack) a few years ago and stopped at Cabela's on the way home to buy a game-cart. Shoulda done it years ago......

Really nice buck. It looks like exactly the same stuff we hunt in, which makes me more impressed.

I did.

I brought my Otter Sled and that helped a lot. I'm not sure a cart would have been much of a help on this deal. I do have one. A Gander Mountain version.

The sled helped a TON the first few hundred yards. Then there were a lot of stumps and the brush was too close together for the sled to fit through.

I've shot two deer that weighed more, but they were accessible by wheeler immediately.

With the law the way it is now, if I get stuck way back ever again with a really big deer, I am calling in my registration, then quartering and packing it out. I brought up a huge frame-pack this year just in case.

This year I had to go probably 30% further with the cart to get one of the deer out, but it was well worth it for my back. I also had the luxury of having my hunting partner head back and grab the cart while I dressed the deer and relaxed.....

I look forward to hearing the stories out at camp in person Tom. Very soon.

Tom, maybe you already use one, but I made myself a simple x-chest harness out of some 1" webbing and I tied some 3/8" rope to it with a carabiner. It fits in a coat pocket. I use it to drag deer out of hells like that alder mess you had to deal with. Works pretty well, esp, if you keep the rope pretty short. You could hook it to your sled too. I have a snow sled that I use in the winter sometimes.

I look forward to the food.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Tom, maybe you already use one, but I made myself a simple x-chest harness out of some 1" webbing and I tied some 3/8" rope to it with a carabiner. It fits in a coat pocket. I use it to drag deer out of hells like that alder mess you had to deal with. Works pretty well, esp, if you keep the rope pretty short. You could hook it to your sled too. I have a snow sled that I use in the winter sometimes.

So, taking your belt off to use as a choker strap..... aint the right way?

Originally Posted by tzone

I look forward to the food.

It will be a priority, I have a really good cooker ready for those ribs you are bringing, and a new rub too.

Might even be some chili fixins we can goof with.

No, I haven't used one, but it's a good idea.
I used to have a strap and a rope attached to it.

I was thinkin about bringing some sloppy joes too.

When are u coming up tom. Need to schedule in my visit. We r doing a fish fry one night. Not sure which night yet tho.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, taking your belt off to use as a choker strap..... aint the right way?

Dave, after last night, I don't think you should be allowed near anything that could choke. Your wife should probably take away your belt for 6 months or so...

I think Tom has your wolf all patterned for you.

I'm coming up Friday Buschy.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by 22WRF

I wish I would have taken a photo of the deer. In over 45 years of deer hunting it was the first deer I have taken with the palmation type of antler on one side. almost like a minature moose antler.

Did you throw the rack away already?

no, not yet

He was taken with a Win M 70 SA .308 using a 180 gr. Nosler Partition. Shot was a measured 151 yards. Went through the lungs and exited. Bullet not recovered.

Trying hard to find a happy place.

Im holding out for a tre-mendous weekend coming up. second weekends almost always are good for me.

Congrats on the buck. Applause on the cartridge.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im holding out for a tre-mendous weekend coming up. second weekends almost always are good for me.

That's the sort of tone that lifts a guy up a little.

Yeah, second weekend is good.

Originally Posted by big drift

Heck my boys are doing cartwheels about their big sister coming home from college to make them doughnuts for deer camp, some Escanaba in da moonlight with some beers and beverages, a bit chili to help ward off the morning chill tommorow, yah it is gittin gudt ya shur

After reading this, I HAD to watch it. Just did watch it on Netflix...laughed my azz off!!!

"you wants us ta drink zis too?!"

Nice buck Tom! I can smell the woods in the picture, I sure miss that country.

I made it out tonight with my archery gear one last time before I go with a rifle this weekwnd with my dad for opener. was in the stand about an hour when I was made by a small fork horn when I was answering a text from daycare about a crabby baby I have. 5 minutes later I had about 4 or 5 does come charging in and they stopped and started milling around my stand. pertty soon I heard the uuuuurrrrppp of a buck on their trail. he came in at a dead run and hit a scent line I put out of some golden estrus. 20 yards and I zipped him through the back and out the brisket. lost blood at 200 yards looked like a single lung hit. flash light died, going back in the morning. I could smell bloody deer when my light died so I know he was right there, hopin the coyotes don't get him. he's a nice 4 point, biggest deer I've taken to date once I find him.for now just playing with the baby and enjoying a shock top. might be a restless night for me til I can get my tag on this guy. I'll text out a pic when I find him.

Originally Posted by roundoak

Congrats on the buck. Applause on the cartridge.

Thanks. That was a first with that cartridge. Bullet didn't expand much, if at all but deer is dead.

The gun is really sweet. M70 fwt, xtr push feed (wood), Leupold VX-1 2-7x33.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im holding out for a tre-mendous weekend coming up. second weekends almost always are good for me.

That's the sort of tone that lifts a guy up a little.

Yeah, second weekend is good.

We've always done better on the second weekend than the first. This time the second weekend happens to fall on the few days I love to be in the woods. Good stuff seems to happen on the second week of Nov. Sure seems the season started early this year, lets take advantage of the deers runnin this weekend.

heck second weekend is so great they made a song about it!

Moon is going darker, talk of snow coming... goodness.

We can't ignore the point Ryan made here. We have the second week of deer camp is coming up here.

I see a "good" woof in the future.

I'm about to head out tracking, hope the coyotes left him alone

tzone,good deer,good story and good pictures.You did well,pilgrim.

Colorado,I sincerely hope you are successful in finding the deer unmolested.

Good morning to everyone.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm about to head out tracking, hope the coyotes left him alone

Good luck! Must have been a long night - hell it still is night.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm about to head out tracking, hope the coyotes left him alone

Good luck Ryan.

All this talk about the 2nd week of deer camp and we haven't had our first week yet.
Gotta wait till the 17th in WI.

Making chili this AM.

Good luck Ryan. I hope you find him now with light coming up.

Bill, I can smell that chili. Mmmm
Boys and girls, Bill has a great recipe for chili...very tasty.

Thanks Stan!

Hope the recovery is going well.

Well da oldest der he crumpled a doe on Monday night, but both da boys had to learn a lesson about hunting.

We have been watching a huge deer all summer, 15 points, and a massive body. Well the gents across da road der dey shot it about 300 yards from the boys stand on the trail that leads right to them.

They were a bit bummed out but like i told them it's hunting not killing and they have three more nice bucks that come into our area.

Now I'm fighting a nasty sinus cold but wanted to tell all those still going good luck, shoot straight, and keep da beer cold ya yewbetcha

good luck Ryan, I cant wait to see that buck!

Accomplished my goal last night. I have officially brought all 3 of my kids goose, duck, pheasant, and deer hunting! They love it and I sure do enjoy bringing them (most of the time!). They are twin 4 year old boys and an 8 yr old girl.

I hope this weekend is cold, blustery and all out nasty. I love hunting in that weather! I'm pumped!

Good luck everyone!

Anybody get a text from Ryan yet? Did he find his buck?

The weekend is supposed to be nice. But of course its one more week into the rut and the bucks may be moving around a bit more than they did the first weekend.

It will be 70F here on Saturday. What the hell that is about I don't know but I don't like it.

That's rough all around BD, sounds like you are doing a great job with the boys. Pick up some "emergen-C" packets and pour them into water bottles, pound em steady, morning to night.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's rough all around BD, sounds like you are doing a great job with the boys. Pick up some "emergen-C" packets and pour them into water bottles, pound em steady, morning to night.

Yeah. Contrary to what Waylon told me years ago, massive amounts of Windsor Cokes do NOT kill a bad cold. You just wake up with a bad cold and a bad hangover.

You're doing great with the kids BN and BD. We need all the young hunters we can get.

We may have a 10 year old in camp with us for the first couple of days. Sure will be great to have some young blood around.

50's here for the weekend and thunder storms on Sunday. Supposed to drop into the 30's for Monday/Tuesday.

Yeah last night I took them over to a friend who got a three point, helped him hang and skin it.

Had an impromptu lesson on knots, pulleys, knives etc.

Boys asked why they didn't teach them that stuff in school....

Originally Posted by big drift

Boys asked why they didn't teach them that stuff in school....

because boys have dads. Sounds like you did a good job too.

sad news, lost the trail and after many hours of looking I had to give up, I searched a huge valley, over 2 ridges and the bottom of a steep ravine. no idea what happened to him. first deer I've lost in 15 years. pretty bummed out. gonna punch my tag and call it an archery season

oh man, sorry to hear that. go back in a day or two and look for crows, might as well go see him and recover the rack. I have heard of some guys doing this, not for the trophy part, but rather to stick that in your garage and every time you see it, you will be reminded to make sure you have a good shot. Not saying you didnt this time by any means, but 5 years from now it will be a good reminder.

Too bad, Ryan, but unfortunately it happens. I lost one 10 years ago. Neighbors found it a week later with a young bear sitting on it chewing away.

Priority change today. Need to buy a new frig. The old one (31 years old) is on it's last legs.

just reread your last sentence Ryan. I commend you for that decision. Not many can do that.

On a separate topic, have you been seeing/shooting some roosters?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sad news, lost the trail and after many hours of looking I had to give up, I searched a huge valley, over 2 ridges and the bottom of a steep ravine. no idea what happened to him. first deer I've lost in 15 years. pretty bummed out. gonna punch my tag and call it an archery season

It happens Ryan and I know how you feel. It sucks to say the least. I once found one that I had thought was lost by finding the nearest water source from last blood. I knew he was hit a little far back and the blood was bright red so it was a liver shot. They burn up when hit in the liver and head for water. I found him laying half submerged.

I commend you for wanting to punch your tag and be done but don't let it get you down too bad.

yes, seeing lots of pheasants, had a chapter meeting tonight actually. our new southern hills chapter is really taking off! I'm excited, can you believe they named me as the habitat chairman? who woulda thought!

Dave-

How many do you have up at Chickenbuck for the 2md weekend? JustOneGunner and I will be up at 3:30 Sunday and heading for Emily to hunt for the day and then turn around and come home. 'Just about impossible for me to get two full weekends off work in a row, and I all ready put in for the 1st weekend of ML season.

Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers this week! Tom's coming up, isn't he? Be sure to tell him I said GFY!.

I hope you guys are doing well up there. We had hail at 0500 here in the cities.

Report from Isabella area.
A 6 point, no brow tines, came by my stand at 0905. He was moving fairly fast and shot was a back of lung and liver hit. Tracked him about 75 yards, bleeding good, into heavy cover. Called the wife on the radio, she was in camp taking the morning off, and she came with the truck and drag rope.
Rifle and bullet info.
Rem. model 7 SS 300 SAUM
Barnes 150 gr. tsx
Leupold 3.5x10

Pictures when I have better conection

A first. The game warden stopped and check us just as I posted. First time in 13 years. Nice young guy just starting. Said he has been working this area for 5 months. That means he just finished his training.

Congrats Tjay. Did he help you dress it out and load it into the truck?

Kids gave me a early Christmas present today, a Moultrie D55IRXT trail camera. It will be put to good use this coming weekend.

My first "Chickenbuck" apparel action shot. I didn't have my shirt or hoodie for the season, so this is as close as either is getting to venison this year:

saw lots of deer today, passed up on 4 or 5 nice bucks. hard for me to do, but this tag is a very rare draw in an extremely limited area, so I'm holding out for mr. big. never done that before this year. I've had a blast hunting with my dad though!

Update camp Isabell..
Game warden came by yesterday about 1100, first time ever. Nice young guy just starting.
At 2pm the wife shot a spike and our deer tags are now full. Son and DIL are in camp so the hunt goes on.

Ryan. Good luck on getting a big one.

PS And good luck to all still hunting and getting ready to hunt.

well I couldn't resist anymore, this guy came by and I took him. I saw 2 bigger ones this morning but they were either too far or it was dark and I couldn't get a real good look at him. dad still has a tag so we're going to hold out for a bruiser buck. saw probably 30-40 deer this morning, about half of them were small bucks.
this was the biggest of the main group that came by. we watched him for about 30 minutes before I couldn't take it anymore and dropped the hammer. 243 pushing 95 grain NBTs at a little over 2900 fps. bang flop DRT. one of the most memorable hunts to date because I was with my dad in the same blind. he's never been with me when I took a big game animal like that so it was a blast.
here is the only pic I have so far.
[Linked Image]

Congrats, Ryan. Nice buck.

thanks Bill! he's my biggest to date, coulda probably held out for a bigger one, but I'm happy and he's only 2.5 so he should taste great!

How much snow do you have Ryan? Rain coming down in buckets here. 55* now , but supposed to drop to 19* tonight.

we have about 2 inches, warming up later I heard.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well I couldn't resist anymore, this guy came by and I took him. I saw 2 bigger ones this morning but they were either too far or it was dark and I couldn't get a real good look at him. dad still has a tag so we're going to hold out for a bruiser buck. saw probably 30-40 deer this morning, about half of them were small bucks.
this was the biggest of the main group that came by. we watched him for about 30 minutes before I couldn't take it anymore and dropped the hammer. 243 pushing 95 grain NBTs at a little over 2900 fps. bang flop DRT. one of the most memorable hunts to date because I was with my dad in the same blind. he's never been with me when I took a big game animal like that so it was a blast.
here is the only pic I have so far.
[Linked Image]

That sounds like some real, quality family time. The priceless kind that gains value as the years go by.

Congrats.

Fluffy scored on a woof!
pics later,going back out for a buck now!

Holy crap! Stories and photos are definitely required.

Quick story,since the wind was blowing at 25 knots,i forgo the deer stand and went still hunting back in an old spot i hunted in years ago,down in zone 172.
The 65 lbs female had the misfortune to be seen by me on its travels.
No real skil involved,just luck.

Now if i can just sneak up on a buck.....

Good job Fluffy.

Great job Fluffy.

Excellent going both Ryan and Fluffy.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by fluffy

Fluffy scored on a woof!
pics later,going back out for a buck now!

Not just YEAH!!! but HELL YEAH!!!!

Great job Fluffy, got any pictures of her?

I'll be up in Bigfork for last w/e with my wuff tag.

Jeff

Originally Posted by fluffy

No real skill involved,just luck.

Luck = opportunity + preparation.

Downplay it all you want, but you put yourself there and then made the shot when it presented itself.

Congrats!!!!

Way to go Fluffy,,,, way to take one out of zone 172... Take more out of zone 172...

chickenbuck! even got a little woof blood on my new chicken buck orange hoody

Congratulations! I hope you get a good pelt out of it.

Me too,Brent.Actually,had a few offers to buy the pelt already,but it raw fur can only be sold to a fur buyer,per state law.
I had the local deer processor skin it for me.

it was their first wolf ever.

Congrats on your trophy, fluffy. That's wayyyyy cool.

Most taxidermists send their pelts out to be tanned. I know of one in Iowa that does it "in house". He did a beautiful job on a friend's grizzly and I visited his shop to pick it up for him. He is awesome with bears. So, if you can't find someone you like up there, I'd be happy to get contact info for the guy here.

Brent

Like I said previously,I never thought I would be drawn,then,never thought I would even see one while hunting,first time I had seen one since about 1986.
(I was talking to the processor and he told me another party who brought in some deer to be processed, saw six in the same permit area(172) but none had drawn a permit.)
So,since I never thought I would actually tag one,I never had plans on what to actually do with one,if I got one.
Im not going hunting this morning to see if I can get the pelt and carcass inspection done before I leave,otherwise I may have to take time off work tommorrow to drive an hour to have it inspected in forest lake.
After that,I will consider what to do with the pelt ,and remains.
Steaks,anyone?

I wonder what Wolf steaks taste like...

hey, you shot it - you eat it!

Do you have the pelt salted? It will collect a lot of moisture when you do that but it will keep the fur from slipping.

Thats awesome fluffy.

Originally Posted by BrentD

hey, you shot it - you eat it!

Do you have the pelt salted? It will collect a lot of moisture when you do that but it will keep the fur from slipping.

Its only about `17 degrees here right now,it should be pretty frozen already.
Im making phone calls about getting it inspected ,then off to a taxidermist somewhere.

You gonna at least try the meat?

Congrats though! One less bastid to terrorize the deer...and cattle...and everything else those fuggers do!

Hip Hip Hooray for Fluffy! That is a very impressive trophy. To shoot it while stalking is really impressive. Fantasic job!

Brought the daughter out to the stand with me on a meat trip on Sunday afternoon. She was really excited to see her first deer get shot. She did a great job sitting still and being quiet.

[Linked Image]

make no mistake now,stalking consists of mostly standing by a tree and watching.
it was luck,pure and simple,good for me ,bad for woof.

Good job, BM.

Dave, how about a chickenbuck report?

Did you see anything of the rest of the pack? I would not think a young female would be out and about on her own.

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

You gonna at least try the meat?

Congrats though! One less bastid to terrorize the deer...and cattle...and everything else those fuggers do!

Honestly,no joke,it has a most foul odor.Imagine a wet,dirty dog times ten,and you got it.
I was wondering if it was in heat or something.
Im going to ask at the inspection.
I dont think I could eat any if I tried.
maybe when I get home, I will hang it in a tree for the birds to eat.
That ought to get the bunny hugger neighbors riled up.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Did you see anything of the rest of the pack? I would not think a young female would be out and about on her own.

no,but 6 others were seen that morning a few miles away.
A young female is not a dainty specimen like in our species.

Hard living makes daintiness a low priority I suppose.

Some of our species aren't so dainty either.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

You gonna at least try the meat?

Congrats though! One less bastid to terrorize the deer...and cattle...and everything else those fuggers do!

maybe when I get home, I will hang it in a tree for the birds to eat.
That ought to get the bunny hugger neighbors riled up.

THIS!

I want to see pictures!

Great job fluffy...

Update camp Isabella.. Son missed doe yesterday and wife filled DIL tag with 8 pointer this morning. They have headed home so now just on a wolf hunt for the wife.

Pulling for you here TJAY! Best of luck and have a great hunt.

Any Chickenbuckaroos out there with a report for us cyberfans? How did it go out there? Was there enough food or did you go hungry?

Congrats on the wolf Fluffy. That's a rare trophy for MN. How far was the shot and what did you shoot it with?

It was a 50yd shot,at a trot,and i had a 30 30 marlin 336

Well finally, here are pics of the buck I shot last Monday (my first buck)

[Linked Image]

I had to post a pic of my new knife I got for X-mas from my mom & dad. It worked awesome!
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Pulling for you here TJAY! Best of luck and have a great hunt.

Any Chickenbuckaroos out there with a report for us cyberfans? How did it go out there? Was there enough food or did you go hungry?

BM we definately did not go hungry. Tom brought ribs, lots of ribs. Dave will post pictures, it was so good. Thanks Tom!!! Dad even ate a little, which is great cuz he is really watching what he eats so his esophagus doesn't get irritated because of the radiation. He said it was very good, I know he would have liked to eat more cuz that is his favorits.

DAD HAD HIS LAST RADIATION TREATMENT ON THURSDAY!!!!! He rang the bell (when you finish treatment) at Roger Maris Cancer Center wearing his Chickenbuck shirt!

Nice buck Missy. Talked with Tom this afternoon. Doesn't sound like anyone saw much at all this weekend.

my son got a fawn this morning!turned out to be quite a weekend for the fluffy clan.

Originally Posted by Muffy

DAD HAD HIS LAST RADIATION TREATMENT ON THURSDAY!!!!! He rang the bell (when you finish treatment) at Roger Maris Cancer Center wearing his Chickenbuck shirt!

I didn't know this until now! I'm smiling like heck! If you told me this weekend, I'd be smilin like hecker!!!!

Took a while to get home. Roads down to about Bermidji were not that great. Not even good, actually. After that they were fine, from Hwy 2 all the way home. Got back about 630, left at 1130.

Ryan, Congrats on the buck and the hunt with your Pops. It looks like he'll eat! Really a nice rack on him!

Fluffy, Congrats on the wolf! You got a rare trophy indeed. It sounds like the quota on the wolf kill has a chance of being filled by this coming weekend. I thought I heard 139 killed so far or something like that. That is more than I though would get shot, they're damn smart and crafty.

BM, congrats on the doe and taking your daughter out. I bet she'll tell all the kids at school! I'm taking my boy with me this coming weekend. I hope we can at least see one so he can get some excitement. Or I may have to resort to other stuff like building a campfire, cooking hotdogs, and breaking out a thermos of hot chocolate.

We can't do the fun stuff like grunt and rattle cuz I forgot all my stuff at Chickenbuck

Oh well, I guess it wouldn't be a trip to Chickenbuck if I didn't forget at least something...I always do.

Missy is right. Dave made a FINE batch of ribs and spare ribs. I think the crew ate 10 pounds of ribs in 15 minutes. We don't starve up there, thats for sure. He also made a great deer camp chili that we ate the heck out of yesterday.

It was fun had by all of us I think. 50 weeks to go and we'll all be back right here!!

Originally Posted by tzone

50 weeks to go

Aaaaack!!!!

Excellent Buck Missy! Quite a first deer....Pat Dusty on the back and tell him we are praying for him here in Michigan...

Originally Posted by SSB

Excellent Buck Missy! Quite a first deer....Pat Dusty on the back and tell him we are praying for him here in Michigan...

^^
And Oklahoma !

If I was at Chickenbuck and I needed a sandwhich...what would it have on it?

probably some jelly....

but what kind?

BIG?

Sometimes these 2 guys come to visit the chickenbuck camp.

[Linked Image]

Tumor buck and Big jelly.

Big jelly (aka rooster....)

Somehow I cannot connect "BIG" and "JELLY".Hmmmm.
Pray tell us more.Inquiring minds want to know.

Stan in SC

Things are so iced up out at chickenbuck, look at this birch tree.

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It looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss cartoon.

Looks like something to be added to the next round of Chickenbuck gear. I've got a pretty good idea who tumor buck might be.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Somehow I cannot connect "BIG" and "JELLY".Hmmmm.
Pray tell us more.Inquiring minds want to know.

Stan in SC

Rooster and another friend of ours that doesn't post here on the campfire came out to visit the camp last week. They ended up spending the night.

The next day around breakfast time there was a misunderstanding about a reference to a big jar of jelly... I thought Pam had called Rooster 7 "big jelly". The name stuck instantly and the other guy that was with "big jelly" was instantly given the name "tumor buck". They had been getting trail cam pics of a buck with a basketball sized tumor. Big Jelly felt there were similarities between the tumor buck and his friend Shane.

Well, Shane doesn't exactly have a basketball sized "tumor" but it's still fun to tease him as if he does.

It was a good time, aint that right Big Jelly?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Somehow I cannot connect "BIG" and "JELLY".Hmmmm.
Pray tell us more.Inquiring minds want to know.

Stan in SC

Rooster and another friend of ours that doesn't post here on the campfire came out to visit the camp last week. They ended up spending the night.

The next day around breakfast time there was a misunderstanding about a reference to a big jar of jelly... I thought Pam had called Rooster 7 "big jelly". The name stuck instantly and the other guy that was with "big jelly" was instantly given the name "tumor buck". They had been getting trail cam pics of a buck with a basketball sized tumor. Big Jelly felt there were similarities between the tumor buck and his friend Shane.

Well, Shane doesn't exactly have a basketball sized "tumor" but it's still fun to tease him as if he does.

It was a good time, aint that right Big Jelly?

I haven't laughed that hard in a looooooooong time!

Preacher sure got a kick out of it too! I think I will now call him "Little Jelly"

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like something to be added to the next round of Chickenbuck gear. I've got a pretty good idea who tumor buck might be.

I already have a name.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Preacher sure got a kick out of it too! I think I will now call him "Little Jelly"

He'd get a kick out of that I think. We laughed too. Mostly at the "Big Jelly" picture. We smiled like heck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like something to be added to the next round of Chickenbuck gear. I've got a pretty good idea who tumor buck might be.

I already have a name.

OK, I blew that one.

My buddy Rick came up early from Louisiana to get in some bow hunting before we head off to camp. He arrowed a young 10 pointer last night. Recovered it this morning.

The doe I shot a week ago is the first deer I've had a set of sights or cross hairs on since 2009.

That's a pretty sorry situation.

I sure wish she would have happened across one of the other hunters in our group instead of me. Preferably one of the kids.

We didn�t have a deer sighting last week.

Not so much as a fleeting glimpse of a white tail or an ear, nothing.

It's not just up there Dave, the deer were just not moving much at all after Saturday opener.

The DNR has no clue really of deer numbers and they have admitted it after the comment by the lady here in Bemidji last year.

Lou Cornicelli the DNR big game coordinator is really trying to improve the population I believe. We had to many years of surplus tags, the CWD, and lower enforcement on archery and ML.

These are all factors that have a screwed up population. None of the does we have seen or talked to others were freshened. They were all dry. Which seems very odd maybe Brent has insight on that.

I still think the MN DNR needs to be more open with their management programs and let folks know what is being done beyond the annual report.

Originally Posted by Muffy

DAD HAD HIS LAST RADIATION TREATMENT ON THURSDAY!!!!! He rang the bell (when you finish treatment) at Roger Maris Cancer Center wearing his Chickenbuck shirt!

GREAT NEWS!!!!!

The only tracks I saw yesterday on my way out were in the State Park. That was only two sets at that. They must be laying tight with all the ice.

The last couple years if it isn't wind, rain, heat, or heavy ice it isn't deer season

Well, the move where the food is, but that shouldn't be a problem at Chickenbuck. There's clear cuts all over, and they're not old. Just a few years.

The area I hunted in on opener...well, there's just not a lot of deer there don't think. There wasn't much sign, but not just on opening weekend. I was up there a lot this fall and just didn't have the camera pics even. It was the same few deer over and over on the cams.

I'm going to be doing some scouting this weekend if I get a chance. I'll have the boy with me and I'm sure he'll want to warm up at some point. I'll take a drive on some clear cuts and look for more potential areas. I also like to hunt by a creek, stream, river, swamp. We'll walk some trails and see what's out there. A dusting of snow would help a ton for that.

But the drving around is two-fold. I want to see where the other guys are too. I know the last weekend isn't the best time for that, but if they're in there on the third weekend, they're in there on the first one.

Good luck with your boy this weekend, tzone!

Hope you can get some shooting in!

Has he ever been there when you got a deer yet?

BIG JELLY!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by big drift

These are all factors that have a screwed up population. None of the does we have seen or talked to others were freshened. They were all dry. Which seems very odd maybe Brent has insight on that.

No, I can't help I'm afraid. I'm not even exactly sure what you mean by dry (not lactating?) or freshened.

For the most part, the timing of breeding and rut activity is driven by day length which is invariant relative to weather conditions. Nonetheless, I know some species do make some small adjustments for breeding season as a function of the year's growing conditions and habitat quality, but it's usually pretty minor.

So, if deer are not moving for you, I don't know why. They certainly are moving well down here and right on schedule.

I don't know why there would not be a good sized herd up there either, but then I associate "normal" conditions in that part of the world with the state of the herds in the 60s and 70s. That was pretty much what you seem to be experiencing now. Certainly , it should be better than that, but with TB, Blue tongue, EDH, CWD, Wolved, Hunters, recent weather, etc. making any guesses about your herd from down here is a big shot in the dark.

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Good luck with your boy this weekend, tzone!

Hope you can get some shooting in!

Has he ever been there when you got a deer yet?

No, he hasn't. He's only been deer hunting once so far. I was VERY proud of him (he's 7 and can't legally hunt), he sat with me in 9*F temps for 3 hours before he had enough. Frankly, so did I.

He has been along on a few trips when we popped a few grouse. His excitement level then tells me, if we get one...he'll be the talk of the 2nd grade. He has a hunting friendly teacher as well. My daughter had her for 2nd grade. She let me come and talk to the class about fishing/hunting safety and tactics for some of the Science lessons. I hope I get to do it again!

We're going to sit on some property a family friend owns and there is a decent chance of seeing a deer. We've been given the OK to shoot whatever deer we'd like, and I'm going to take that offer.

I have kiddo's to feed and they like venni.

I'll have a blind set up (turkey hunting style) that we can have some freedom for movement(remember he's 7

). I will hunt as long or as short as he wants to. He runs the show this weekend. My daughter is welcome to come as well, but so far has decided to hang with Grandma.

I've never wanted to shoot a deer so bad as I do this weekend. But, he knows the gig. It's not a gimme no matter where we go. He also knows he gets a bit spoiled when it's time to play in the woods. Wheelers, campfires, sweets, hot chocolate... I'll make it worth his time either way.

What he doesn't know is the little lessons he's learning along the way. Like "what makes that track? Which way is it going? Why do you think he went there. Let's find something to start a fire with. Do you remember how to get out? you lead the way".... stuff like that, that the little bugger hangs onto like a steel trap.

I don't know why we're not seeing them either. What I do know is that in the late 80's and early 90's, it was something to see a deer. Then in the mid 90's- a few years ago, they were everywhere. Seems to be running in a cycle. Preaditor realated? Maybe. Probably a factor of tags, preaditors, food availabilty..the normal factors.

I know one thing. I like hunting and spending time in the woods better than most anything else, deer or not.

tzone, I am hoping and pulling for you to get a deer this weekend...just to see a smile on that 7 year old's face!

I think it is amazing when they want to get out there...and you are right; it is up to him what happens this weekend. I have a friend who was told by his father to "sit down and shut up" while out deer hunting with him.

Needless to say, that friend has NEVER wanted to go deer hunting.

Brent, I was asking why we would be seeing more "dry" or non lactating deer then normal. Some of the guys have wondered if a lower than normal buck population may be the reason, to many does and not enough bucks.

It is just a guessing game as to what is going on. We were seeing all kinds of deer right before season then the weather changed and little to nothing being seen.

T, I took my youngest deer hunting at 8 and he took his first deer. Kids are restricted as to when they can hunt on their own and required firearms classes but I don't recall seeing any listed youth date. They would have have to hunt on your tag prior to age 10 when they can get their own tag but would still need to be within physical and verbal control of you until the safety class is completed.

Does that are not lactating at this time of year are the result of their not having fawns that need to nurse. Bucks won't have any effect on that. So, if you have a lot of does that lost their fawns or didn't breed in the first place, those does would be dry. Not breeding COULD be due to a shortage of bucks in the previous rut, BUT it would take a mighty big shortage. Excessively so. With mammals, one male goes a long ways to inseminating all the females and I have never heard of a mammal species whose population was limited by a shortage of males.

Down here, another reason does might be dry could be because they had a banner year and the youngster grew fast and quit suckling early, but I don't know if that is the case here or up there this year. I would guess this year is not that unusual in this respect. The super early spring got females into excellent condition very early on, before the fawn-dropping commenced, but I don't know how much effect that would have on the number of does nursing at this time.

I've yet to kill anything but a few birds, so I don't know what the does are like. But I have seen some HUGE fawns this year, and I seem to be seeing fewer does with twins. Does with single fawns have more milk for that one so they grow bigger, faster, and, perhaps, wean earlier.

Whew! That is all a bit of a stretch so don't hold me to any of it.

BD,

He'll be with me but won't be shooting. He's just getting into shooting his .22lr a bit. We'll work our way up to the deer sized rifles at his pace.

I don't have a problem letting him shoot one on my tag. Hell, I'm all for it.

Dry doe, no fawns, simple as that I think.

My doe was not "dry".

I feel kind of bad about that with our deer numbers as dangerously low as they are.

I have trail cam photos right up into deer season of fawns nursing on does. So I don't think the fawns quit early, not around here anyways.

Coyotes, wolves and even bears take a toll on fawns.

So either we had a large crop of weaned doe early or a bunch of unbred ones just based on what we are seeing from the field.

Of note the fawns we are seeing are also fairly large.

I stopped by one of the local lockers at noon, and they are seeing way below normal processing and hide turn ins. Not a consistent or accurate measurement to be sure but something we kind of follow.

Sounds like the food shelf won't be getting much venison this year.

T, I may be having a Ruger UL in .257 Roberts coming up for sale soon if your shopping around, dies, brass, etc.

last deer I shot previous to this year's doe was a 2009 doe, she was a bigger doe body wise, but dry.

Who knows?

Here's to wishing the kids and the ladies the best of luck going into this final weekend of our 2012 rifle season.

Because I wanted to procrastinate, I wandered down the hall and asked someone about deer numbers who is in better position to know than I.

Of the does born last spring, about 80% will be impregnated this month and give birth to 1 fawn next summer. But up in the Northwoods, this would be more like 15% of those animals will breed as 6 month old deer.

Of the older, adult does, nearly all will breed and down here, they will average twins with a few barren does and a few triples. Up there, expect something more like 1.6-1.8 fawns per adult doe.

Of the fawns born this year, maybe 50% or a bit more are still alive down here. Up there, probably more like 40% maybe a bit less.

Those are just ballpark figures and local conditions, year to year variation etc. will modify those numbers in either direction.

Brent

I can't doubt or dispute any of that.

Remember it is just ballparking. Very roughly. That 40% fawn survival in particular seems a bit high. Might be quite a lot lower where coyotes and esp. bears matter a lot.

Originally Posted by big drift

T, I may be having a Ruger UL in .257 Roberts coming up for sale soon if your shopping around, dies, brass, etc.

I'm all ears on that one.

Originally Posted by BrentD

bears matter a lot.

I don't think this is given enough credit in most areas.

Lots of good insight there. Thanks brent.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

bears matter a lot.

I don't think this is given enough credit in most areas.

I suspect you are right. I know bears are the #1 killers of moose calves in most parts of the continent. But lately, wolves get all the blame.

Bears take a lot of fawns in northern wisconsin.

Black bears tear up on spring fawns like you wouldn't believe. I've heard of both coyote and bear dens being excavated only to find some pretty shocking piles of fawn remains.

some chickenbuck photos from Pam's cam.

This here guy:

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Brought us 3 varieties of home brew.

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But we think the dog did all the work, and that's why the dog was so tired.

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Gathered around the table for some smart talk.

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With an overfilled gun rack...

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As the ribs wait to hit the grill.

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Tom and Dave man the pork charring station.

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Young eaters of smoked pork ribs approve of these actions.

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Tom's range buck head on a lawn chair approves of these actions.

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Tumor Buck and Big Jelly approve as well.

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About half ways done...

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Finally!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_7631.jpg[/img]

Nobody was available to run the camera once the eating started.

Misc ice/cold day pictures.

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A couple of cool trucks.

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A view across the icy swamp.

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The welcoming sight and smell of the wood stove as you come in from a cold morning of looking at grass, trees, ice, squirrels and birds.

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Then you got this. Natures little moments... I like it.

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Dave,

Great pictures!!!!

When did you steal my folks old brown couch from Camp 83 in Bigfork?!?

Jeff

Hey, that one guy's got a pretty big wiener....dog.

The Ruger UL in 257 (tang-safety) is a rifle I'd own if I was right-handed.

Good luck on your last few days. I'm fixin to head that way tomorrow night for the opener across the river.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nobody was available to run the camera once the eating started.

LABATT BLUE! That is the way to go!!!

had an interesting thing happen today. had a run in with some folks yesterday who were in the wrong area, hunting on private land (that only I had access to) and managed to screw up my dad's hunt (again). there was a heavy 10 or 12 pointer headed for us when one of these guys shot a small 10. I headed over to them, found the guy on private land, he tried hiding etc, denied he was there over the line, even though his tracks were in the snow. long story short he almost hit me shooting at a wounded deer as I was walking up the road. I had enough and called him in. cost him and his buddies a bunch, I can't disclose it, but they will likely have empty wallets and bellies.

anyway, after that dad and I kept hunting. this morning I was on kiddo detail so I couldn't go out, but when dad got to the spot we park he found a fresh skull from an 8 pointer that was heavy. fit the description of the one I lost. he showed me the pics and sure enough, fits him to a Tee and time of death fits for decomp/freshness. I couldn't believe it, seems as though the deer gods rewarded us for protecting their deer with bringing at least the head of the deer I lost. kinda struck me as odd how it all happened, just one of those things you nod in appreciation, not try to figure out how it happened and appreciate that it did. I'd sure like the meat more than the rack, but if thats all I get for my punched tag there's no sense in all of it going to waste. as BM said he will get a spot on my wall and serve as a constant reminder of how fragile life is and how much we need to appreciate these critters we harvest for food. thats about all I got for now. just felt compelled to share that.

Dave, the pics look awesome! wish I were there. Tom, I wish you coulda spanked ol forky toes. looks like a great time was had by all. seeing those pics, I can smell the smells and feel the feels if that makes sense

Originally Posted by big drift

Lou Cornicelli the DNR big game coordinator

Lou is not the big game co-ordinator anymore,he took a higher up job,and now there a woman in his old position.

Originally Posted by big drift

So either we had a large crop of weaned doe early or a bunch of unbred ones just based on what we are seeing from the field.

Another possible scenario,is that the fawns were lost to predation,or some other cause.

Took my wolf in and had it inspected today.thought some may be interested.
1 1/2 old female,never bred.Very large lymph nodes,probably due to heavy lice infestation,also probable cause of unusually strong odor,as I noted before.No mange.Samples taken of muscle ,kidney, a tooth,reproductive organs,etc.
I noticed there was almost no external body fat,but inside the abdominal cavity it was stuffed with it.
Stomach contents consisted of a snowshoe hare.
another item of note is all of the errors the dnr has in the paperwork.In various places it was stated that the entire carcass would be taken(not true) and that the inspections could be done by CO,or by most any wildlife office by appointment,also not true,only certain ones have the inspection tags available.
Also was an omission in the paperwork sent out that they didnt want the carcass to be field dressed,internal organs intact,something only seen online.Alot of them are brought in with the organs missing.
Overall,alot of growing pains for the first season.
I also picked a taxidermist,and dropped off the pelt and skull,should see it back in 6 months or so.We think we want a euro mount skull,and a rug,or possible just the pelt tanned,not decided yet.

http://www.wildernesstaxidermy-mn.com/index.html

I also have a tang safety ruger 77 rsi in 243 I will probably sell ,as I think my son should have one with a synthetic stock in stead.
Spent a little time looking at some replacements on the way home yesterday,liked the way the Ruger american felt,and priced,although the T/C icon seemed nice also.

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

LABATT BLUE! That is the way to go!!!

Holy Crap!!! You guys drink hockey beer!!!!!

Great pics Dave.

We're loading up the truck this afternoon. Leaving for camp early Thursday AM. Temps in the 40's through next Tuesday.

Tzone's rifle blends in quite well.

Right... blends in like a pink AR-15 at a civil war reenactment...

Like a northern weasel in a winter without snow.

speaking of weasels, we had one scampering around outside the cabin last weekend. He was out on the wood pile, headed for the cabin, milled around by the deck for a while, then went under the deck. Pam grabbed a camera and went outside to try to get a picture of him. But when the little feller poked his head around the corner of the steps it scared her so bad she ran for cover and forgot about the picture.

TFF.

The snow snake is one of my favorite north woods animals.
Though they do seem a bit uptight and fidgety.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Misc ice/cold day pictures.

[Linked Image]

Cool pics, Dave. I've got to ask you and/or anyone else who knows-what kind of plant is that in the pic? My property is lousy with them. The stalks tend to be greenish yellow until late in summer/fall, then turn this bright red. I've tried to find them on the 'net-I think they're Ossier Dogwood.

Anybody know for sure?

I think we'd call them "dogwood" or "snowberries"

They very well may be the same thing, I'm not sure though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Then you got this. Natures little moments... I like it.

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All the pictures are great but this last one is really something. Pam is very very good with the camera now and obviously has gift to grab pics when the time is right.

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

LABATT BLUE! That is the way to go!!!

Used to be my alltime fav...I still grab a half-rack every now and again. Good stuff.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

LABATT BLUE! That is the way to go!!!

Holy Crap!!! You guys drink hockey beer!!!!!

Take off eh? Who do you think brought it?

But I should play hockey now...I take up the whole net.

Originally Posted by SKane

Tzone's rifle blends in quite well.

How did you know it was mine?

My M70 OTOH blended in quite well. I darn near grabbed Nate's 06 a few times, which prolly woudln't have fired the 7x57 round with much accuracy.

It's nearly a twin. Scopes, action length, same type sling...very close.

I like the pimp'n silver scope on the one rifle second from the right in the rack.

In my own little slice of deer-camp heaven, a buddy of mine moved to Arizona. He was storing a bunch of stuff at his parents up here. After hunting, he came over for our annual sausage making session, and, upon completion, said I could have everything for a hundred bucks.

3/4hp Cabelas grinder. 6 pound stuffer. Food tubs, Metal trays for freezing meat before grinding. Pretty much everything you need to process a lot of meat efficiently.

My wife ran off to get the checkbook ASAP when I popped open a Cabelas catalog to the page with the grinders......

Jeeze heckova deal there Goalie.

Why do you freeze the meat before you grind it?

Originally Posted by goalie

I like the pimp'n silver scope on the one rifle second from the right in the rack.

VXII 3-9 40mm on a stainless M77 MKII .264WM, gray lam stock, black montana sling. Free float/accra gel bed action, improved factory trigger, mild action slickifications.
Handloaded 130 gr barnes TSX 64 gr of 7828.

It doesn't shoot deer often.
But when it does, it overpenetrates.

You did very well on the meat processing equipment.

How long is the farthest shot you guys have taken at deer up there? When I hunted up there, an 80 yd shot would have been a really crazy-long shot due to conditions. Do you have a lot of open habitat?

If I go "all in" and venture out to the "longest drag" formerly named the "oh schit" stand... I could get a 300 yd shot.

This would be a terribly punishing thing to do to myself. But I'm close to doing it, I'm very close.

The longest shot I've made on a deer in MN or WI is 90'ish yards. That was on the buck I got a few Monday's back. Most have been 15-40 yards.

That's a long ways. Never made a shot over 100 yds in the Midwest anywhere. I guess I find myself in the thick stuff all the time. In Wyoming I once shot an antelope at 260. That was a pretty far piece for me.

Great pics ! That lil marlin looks lonely though

Observations from central Minnesota (a few hours south of Chickenbuck), the bucks were not moving like in year's past. The doe I shot was lactating, but had no fawn with her.

It is sooo good to hear that you guys had enough to eat, I was really worried about that!

Ryan, great buck and good job turning those guys in. that is what more people should do.

Griz, I am pulling for you this weekend, shoot a big'un, have fun, and of course be safe.

Headed to SD pheasant hunting this weekend with the daughter. She is 8, so might not last all day, but that is fine. We will go at her pace and will have no problem finding birds I am sure.

Tzone, I hope you can drill a deer with the little guy. It is pretty fun watching their excitement. Lauren was even really interested in the field dressing process. Pretty proud that she will grow up being able to take part in that type of stuff without being freaked out.

Still darn proud of fluffy to shoot that woof. And for the official record, I think you are selling yourself a little short saying it was luck. You shot a wolf from the ground. That is impressive. Sure luck may have played a role, but many people would have goofed it up!

Muffy, NICE buck! Whatcha gonna do with the antlers? I hope you are preserving them in some way. Every time you look at them, you will get a warm feeling all over (and hopefully not because you just wet yourself!).

Interesting note: My average sized doe resulted in 36 pounds of deboned, de-fatted meat. Dad's doe fawn resulted in 15 pounds. Really, 15 pounds. Yes, many a jackrabbit joke has flown in his direction!

We are in the transition zone between the North woods and farm country so we have the potential for long shots....but....BUT...we are barely in the shotgun zone. My longest shot to date is 120 yards. Most are in right around 50.
Now elk hunting is a different story. Big country out there.

Originally Posted by tzone

Jeeze heckova deal there Goalie.

Why do you freeze the meat before you grind it?

You cube it up grinder-size, then put it on a metal food tray and throw it in the freezer for a half-hour at least. It goes through the grinder much better that way. No clogging or sticking, and it is much cleaner on the worm-drive. Enough so that you notice it when you are done and tear-down the grinder to clean it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by goalie

I like the pimp'n silver scope on the one rifle second from the right in the rack.

VXII 3-9 40mm on a stainless M77 MKII .264WM, gray lam stock, black montana sling. Free float/accra gel bed action, improved factory trigger, mild action slickifications.
Handloaded 130 gr barnes TSX 64 gr of 7828.

It doesn't shoot deer often.
But when it does, it overpenetrates.

You did very well on the meat processing equipment.

A pimped-out, silver-scoped .264WM?!?!?!?!

I don't know whether to cheer or cry.....

Oh I've got another silver scope kickin around here somewhere too... lets see...

Ahh yes, a silver Burris FFII on a thumbhole stocked .17HMR

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

LABATT BLUE! That is the way to go!!!

Holy Crap!!! You guys drink hockey beer!!!!!

Grew up about an hour or so SW of Buffalo...Labatt Blue was and definitely IS the beer of choice!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Then you got this. Natures little moments... I like it.

[Linked Image]

All the pictures are great but this last one is really something. Pam is very very good with the camera now and obviously has gift to grab pics when the time is right.

Reminds me of the road we take to camp. I've seen this look many times over the past 40 years. Never gets old.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Then you got this. Natures little moments... I like it.

[Linked Image]

All the pictures are great but this last one is really something. Pam is very very good with the camera now and obviously has gift to grab pics when the time is right.

Reminds me of the road we take to camp. I've seen this look many times over the past 40 years. Never gets old.

Looks like a Christmas Card don't it? Really cool!

Fluffy you were correct the new big game coordinator is a leslie mclnenly. I have no clue who she is or her background but hope somebody does something to figure out what is going on, LOL.

We had quite a few fawns this spring with a mild winter and milder spring.

Saw a bunch of fawns up until opener and then they went to ground.

My longest shot here was 406 yards, my youngest took his first at 300 yards even, average is about 100 yards or less. We happen to sit on an alfalfa field but also hunt pastures and thick wood lots.

Originally Posted by big drift

We had quite a few fawns this spring with a mild winter and milder spring.

Saw a bunch of fawns up until opener and then they went to ground.

Well, then I'm thinking they're holding tight while Ma is getting chased around. If you had them up to opener, I'd wager your paychek on it.

i frequently shoot across a 60 :-D the woods is 400-450 depending on where, to the right the swamp is 600, many a nanny has been dispatched down there to. this is 300 Remington ultra mag territory, or as the neighbors call it ( dat gawd dam;d cannon in coopers coulee)

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this here i can shoot maybes 200 yards, but last time i hunted this hillside i saw 36 deer before noon, and shot a nice 10. this will be my 7wsm with 160 accubonds.

200 in that timber! Hard for me to imagine if it looks like that in all directions.

It looks like it is pretty open from the pictures, you can pick out some pretty clear lanes. Love that woods type. We have a lot of overgrown popple mixed in with semi old growth, it is a pain to walk thru much less think of shooting thru.

Those are the kind of woods I love to stalk thru.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

this here i can shoot maybes 200 yards, but last time i hunted this hillside i saw 36 deer before noon, and shot a nice 10. this will be my 7wsm with 160 accubonds.

This is what most of my hunting looks like. I LOVE this time of year!

Hey BD. Feel free to PM the specs on that Ruger .257R. I have a half chub for that cal for some reason or another.

Coop what do you use for a shooting stick in the blind?

For crype sakes hang an orange ribon or 2 on that camo tent so you don't get accidentally shotted sitting in that thing.

That's why I like my blind...it has a flap on all 4 sides that folds down to reveal a patch of orange.

Can't remember who made it, but I will dig it out and see...

I just just a gander mountain bipod type, ive got a technique for locking my gun elbow in the corner of the arm rest, and pulling the gun into my shoulder, its very steady. Dont need any orange, both those stands are over 800 yards from the nearest propery line :-D.

The woods are more open than they look, below that it was logged roughly 10yrs ago and thick doesnt begin to describe it, this is part of the "old growth" that is left on the farm, its scheduled to be logged in 2014 per our MFL plan

ac, you are trusting. I tend to find that folks that are likely to take a poke at a big box blind are also not likely to be inhibited by small things like property lines. Be careful.

Brent

haha i get on well with the neighbors, most of them dont hunt, the ones that due know where the field stand is, they'd have to be 500 yards over thier property line to have line of site at it.

If i get shot in the woods by a stray bullet, well i guess it was my time to go

We just had that happen here opening weekend guy standing next to his truck shot by an acquaintance. Sad and not really talked about much. Sounds like the shooter was shooting blind at noise

yeeesh, that kinda stuff is scary.

Used to hear about sound shooting, holy crap I can't believe it still happens

My dad almost got shot 30-35 years ago by a drunk 2nd cousin when walking to his stand and O dark 30 opening day, well my dad was what one would say is, a guy you wouldnt want to meet in a dark alley or surely not shoot at in the dark woods, scout sniper in nam' etc etc. He proptly scuttled up in our 2nd cousins box blind and beat the ever living piss out of him :-) Dad died in 2006 but that story gets brought up by the old timers that are left, every year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Used to hear about sound shooting, holy crap I can't believe it still happens

You'd be shooting in the general direction of a squirrel about 99.9999999% of the time in the area I hunt, and the random shots would ensure that you wouldn't have to worry about actually seeing any deer.......

Closest I came was deer hunting about 20 years ago, had a young guy in our group. We were dealing with warm weather, high winds and no crops picked.

Got permission to drive a cornfield.

Drivers were told not to shoot at all as the plan was to just get the deer out of the corn into an adjacent woodlot.

Kid got all excited as three doe started running up the rows towards us.

Fired three shots out of his 12 gauge with slugs. One went over each shoulder and the third thru the brim of my cap. I went to ground. My brother and a couple friends grabbed his ass and threw him in a truck while a couple of others held me down and my dad took the guns away.

Needless to say I was done hunting for the day.

You'll never forget that sound.

Off-dah. Did you leave your shorts in the corn field?

Nah, did have a few hot chocolates and peppermint schnapps though.

Id have wore that boys ass out with a switch. I stopped doin drives for kind of the same thing. when i was young it was unthinkable for a kid to a stander on a drive, my spoiled whinny ass 2nd cousin pitched a fit about walking through his own property so they let him stand, luckily he was in a tree stand had a doe come out 50 yards from him and started hammering on it, at 12 yrs old. That was the final straw for me, no way a young kid should be a stander on a deer drive, and IMO no reason for them to have a gun with them by themselves as a walker.

Originally Posted by big drift

Closest I came was deer hunting about 20 years ago, had a young guy in our group. We were dealing with warm weather, high winds and no crops picked.

Got permission to drive a cornfield.

Drivers were told not to shoot at all as the plan was to just get the deer out of the corn into an adjacent woodlot.

Kid got all excited as three doe started running up the rows towards us.

Fired three shots out of his 12 gauge with slugs. One went over each shoulder and the third thru the brim of my cap. I went to ground. My brother and a couple friends grabbed his ass and threw him in a truck while a couple of others held me down and my dad took the guns away.

Needless to say I was done hunting for the day.

You'll never forget that sound.

I'm pretty sure it would have taken a few guys to hold me down in that situation.

That is a very scary story.

That is insane!

I'll admit that I came close to being on the other end of that situation once...however, this was completely the other guys fault, admitted by him, his group, as well as the farmer who owned the land I was on.

We were done with a drive, and ALL of the drivers said over the radio: "I am OUT of the woods". As I'm walking up the hill along the fence row, I hear a shot above me, and the farmer yell "MIKE! BUCK COMING DOWN!!!"

I pull up to get ready as he burst out of the brush. I fire off 2 shots from the 12 gauge, and then see an older man come out from behind a tree (still VERY MUCH in the woods!) right where I was getting ready to fire a 3rd shot. At 19 years old, I was freaking out, sure I had done something VERY stupid, apologizing profusely, wondering how I ever thought I was safe enough to even carry a gun...

Then I remembered that this man himself had said that he was OUT of the woods and headed to his truck...

When the farmer asked him about it, he said: "I was basically out, and I could see the trucks!"

He was hunting in the group with some friends of the farmer, and it was the first time he had ever hunted there before.

It was his last time hunting there, too. Meanwhile, I still hunt this farm a bit when I am home.

Scariest situation I have ever been a part of while hunting...almost enough to make me hang up my gun forever, honestly.

I don't do traditional drives. I just don't like them.

I'll get down from posting and make a route through areas I think I might be able to kick a deer up towards one of our other hunters. But I won't take part in a traditional party drive with posters.

It's never been my cup of tea.

Tell ya what Dave, it's been probably 6 years since I have participated in a drive.

Didn't know if I'd like them before I did them there, and I know that I don't like them now.

I still hunt there...just not on drives.

I have participated in deer drives since the 1950s and nothing has happened to deter me from continuing. Know your target and what is beyond is certainly appropriate, but most importantly know who you are hunting with.

The traditional deer drive is just another arrow in the quiver.

ive got no problem with a deer drive as long as its experience hunters, i do have problems with kids on deer drives.

I've never done a drive of any type until last weekend with chickenbuck crew and that wasn't a drive. It was 2 guys in stands and 2 guys a 1/4 mile apart looking to see if anything was moving.....it wasn't.

But I got caught in the middle of a drive in central WI during one of the early Tzone (doe hunt) periods. It was Mosinee Paper Co. land and I had seen a lot of does in the area so I headed there afte work one day.

No cars or trucks were around so I thought I was in the clear. Needless to say, the drivers came from a river about 1/4 mile from me and the standers were about 1/4 further past me. I was literally in the middle of it when the shooting started. I could hear shots hit trees yards from me. I have never been so scared of anything. I hunkerd down below the boulder I was leaning on and started shouting so they knew where I was.

They passed me and I got my ass back to the truck and got the hell out of the woods. I'd seen enough for one day.

This kid was 17 and all hard up to "prove" himself. Worse part he tried to blame another guy we were hunting with who only had ten slugs at the start of the day. He used two on a doe that morning and another sighting his shotgun in when he thought he bumped the sights off, afterwards he was still at 7.

Didn't matter how safe we were, went thru the whole safety discussion and plan, pointed out on aerial photos how and where people were to be, when it came right down to it he got all fired up and didn't think.

Group we hunt with now don't quite understand why my boys are not allowed to have rounds in their rifles during a drive or if they are posted have to have an adult with them but they understand that is how it is with my kids until I decide they are ready. My oldest was complaining about it this year and I just let him go until we got home then I dug out that hat and put it on the table in front of him, he just got real quiet and said ok.

Kids on a deer drive? Kids of various ages join in our drives and they have various stages of experience. The youngest kids start out with their parent or mentor by their side to get them accustomed to the activities of a drive. Most don't even carry a gun. They advance within the group based on their attitudes and experience. We don't tolerate anything less.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't do traditional drives. I just don't like them.

I'll get down from posting and make a route through areas I think I might be able to kick a deer up towards one of our other hunters. But I won't take part in a traditional party drive with posters.

It's never been my cup of tea.

The guy I hunt with and myself will do that sometimes as well. One person will stay in their stand from 0500 until late, and the other one of us will stay there from 0500 until 0900ish, then get down and walk around still-hunting a little hoping to get them moving if they have hunkered down, especially opening weekend Sunday morning.

The guy I hunt with walked a 10-pointer into me in 2009 doing that, and I have walked a few nice big does to him.

Much safer than driving the tree-line and ducking for cover when 10 dudes empty their shotguns at running deer......

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't do traditional drives. I just don't like them.

I'll get down from posting and make a route through areas I think I might be able to kick a deer up towards one of our other hunters. But I won't take part in a traditional party drive with posters.

It's never been my cup of tea.

The guy I hunt with and myself will do that sometimes as well. One person will stay in their stand from 0500 until late, and the other one of us will stay there from 0500 until 0900ish, then get down and walk around still-hunting a little hoping to get them moving if they have hunkered down, especially opening weekend Sunday morning.

The guy I hunt with walked a 10-pointer into me in 2009 doing that, and I have walked a few nice big does to him.

Much safer than driving the tree-line and ducking for cover when 10 dudes empty their shotguns at running deer......

Hardly seems fair! haha!

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Hardly seems fair! haha!

Deserves got nothin' ta do with it......

Seems like deer-drive horror stories are every bit as common up there as down here. We will see a bunch of guys shot in the first two weeks of December. Also every one of them will be on deer drives. That is the normal mode of deer hunting here, and it pays little respect to property lines or safety to participants or bystanders.

Like all of you, I have my deer drive story. Only I was lying on my back on a mudbar in the Des Moines river while duck hunting. I walked up the bar after chasing down a wayward decoy and watched guys across the river in orange converging from up and downstream. The ones along the bank saw me for sure so they knew we were over there (~150 yds away at that point).

Got back to my position and sat down when the guy upstream started shooting and I saw the first slug hit water in the middle of the river out in front of us. Then I saw the buck that was trying to make it to our side. The guy kept shooting and the buck kept coming attempting to reach land right above us. The second shot hit water on the outer edge of the dekes. The third it in the middle of the dekes, and by the time the fourth was on the way, I was hunkered as flat as I could get. That slug and one more hit mud somewhere really really close.

The deer died and floated away downstream with no attempt to recover it.

Originally Posted by roundoak

Kids on a deer drive? Kids of various ages join in our drives and they have various stages of experience. The youngest kids start out with their parent or mentor by their side to get them accustomed to the activities of a drive. Most don't even carry a gun. They advance within the group based on their attitudes and experience. We don't tolerate anything less.

I should have expounded but thats how i feel as well. To many kids get to excited when a deer jumps up 10' in front of them and tries to go back through the drive thats generally when people get hurt.

The way I look at it is like this: There isn't a deer on the planet I want to shoot bad enough that I will participate in deer "drives" to get a shot.

We seem to do just fine with the occasional person still-hunting through the thick stuff to get them moving, and often even that isn't necessary.

Then again, I hunt northern woods, so an actual drive would just lead them to a road at best, because we don't have any open country to drive them out into.

This is the view from our "open" stand with the good "long" shooting lanes.....

My very first year deer hunting was almost my last in more ways than one. My future BIL took me out to a pasture he had permission on with river and woods running through it and we set stands a month before season.

Opening morning came and we walked in well before daylight. We came across a make shift camp that had about 8 - 10 guys sitting around a campfire passing a bottle of whiskey around.

They bragged that they had been up all night and they already had two fawns hanging from a tree that they poached. After some slurred and obnoxious conversation from them and them asking us for our doe tags so they could tag their illegal fawns, we found out they were from the city closest to us.

My BIL and I knew this was trouble so we made our way to our stands. He made sure I got up in mine ok and then went to his. Just as the sky started turning gray, a fawn came running down the path directly at me and went under my stand. Then the shooting started. I heard 3 slugs wizz past me and then THWACK! The fourth hit the tree about 8 inches above my head.

I don't even remember jumping but I jumped 10 feet down to the ground and hit the dirt and started yelling. My BIL came over to see what was wrong and I showed him where the slug hit. We couldn't find the guy doing the shooting but we found one of his drunken partners gutting that fawn after it ran to him. My BIL told the guy that if we find his buddy he is going to get the butt of his gun in his teeth. I just said "lets go".

We never hunted there again and I almost gave up deer hunting after that. And to this day, I think its a big reason why I prefer bowhunting.

if that kind of wanton disregaurd for saftey happend to me, id have a heckuva hard time not shooting back.

I remember when I started deer hunting at age 12.
They handed me a Remington 742 in 308,a box of shells,and pointed at the woods.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

if that kind of wanton disregaurd for saftey happend to me, id have a heckuva hard time not shooting back.

I hear ya. I was just a scared kid at the time. I went from being more happy and excited than I could remember to being scared to death in matter of seconds.

Me and Scott are headed to Chickenbuck tonight when he gets off work. CBF got up there yesterday. Dad & Kenna are going tomorrow cuz she has to put in 1/2 a day of school. Hope we can get more on the meat pole.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I remember when I started deer hunting at age 12.
They handed me a Remington 742 in 308,a box of shells,and pointed at the woods.

Those were the days, some 55 odd years ago with a Win 30-30, shells in your pocket and pops saying, "We need to get up there, to get ahead of them, but watch our back trail!"

good luck to you all!
my dad still hasn't gotten his deer yet, he's seen plenty every time he goes out, but not one he wants. he's seen a nice big one come to a fence line right at dark the last couple nights, but the wind has always been wrong to sit there, today hopefully the wind is in his favor and he'll put him down. I've been sick the last 2 days and have to work today so he's by himself. good luck to all! go forth and slay deers!

Our season is done I am taking the kids down to the cities to see my mom who is visiting from CA.

Hope you all do well this weekend and get more fuzzy windchimes swinging in the breeze...

Originally Posted by Muffy

Me and Scott are headed to Chickenbuck tonight when he gets off work. CBF got up there yesterday. Dad & Kenna are going tomorrow cuz she has to put in 1/2 a day of school. Hope we can get more on the meat pole.

Good Luck!

Good luck this weekend to everyone hunting those fuzzy wind chimes.

Good luck everyone!

I still can't believe how early your seasons begin and end. Any idea why the MN season is so early, compared to quite a few others?

It seems like your season is ending at the same time ours is starting.

PA doesn't even start gun season until the Monday AFTER Thanksgiving.

Minnesota like to put rifle hunters on top of the rut. Wisconsin hunters start just as the rut ends and some states, like Iowa, don't let out the bulk of the gun guys until December when there is a sort/maybe secondary rut kinda.

gun hunting on top of the rut is probably not widely considered a good way to sustain a crop of big bucks.

Hello everybody. I'm out at camp tending to the cooking stove. Fixing some brunch.

I've got a little secret i've been keeping under my hat.

Many of you know i have this old plow truck that used to be uncle dusty's truck. Well the truck has been through hell and back with it's original body being eithe smashed or rusted off for the most part. Well, nate and i have been secretly working on the ole truck. We gave it a quick makeover bringing it back closer to former glory with a few little changes. We are going to surprise dusty with the bright yellow truck today when he gets to camp chickenbuck. We drove it out to camp last night with the paint basically still wet.

We went yellow with a white roof and white wheels like dusty used to have it. But i sprayed the whole truck with matte clear and we put a Skane designed chickenbuck logo on the doors. I lightly distressed the logos to make them look older and the matte clear keeps the glare down and it will survive the brush and snowbank scratches without showing so bad.

I've waited to post this, making sure dusty is on the road heading this way before i post. That way i know the suprise wont be ruined. It will be fun to see his reaction. I'll post more detail on the truck's history and project details next week when I'm back home.

[Linked Image]

SWEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!

Cool stuff

Dusty should get to the cabin between 3:45 and 4PMthe (guessing). I'll get out of the stand early tonight so i can see him when he pulls into the cabin yard where the truck is parked.

Gonna be a fun night.

Nice job

Hunters that do not hunt where the wolves roam unchecked will never know the devastation they can cause! It is unreal. I have hunted the same area since I was 13 (1983). The family has hunted here since 1936. And it has gotten so bad that we can't even find droppings ! For 40 years this was one of the best places to hunt deer in Minnesota!!
I don't want to find A new area since we have a wonderful deer shack. I guess all I can do is live in the past !
Kirk
Any one else with this horrible problem??

Might not be wolves. Might not.

Just spent a couple of hours with Carter Niemeyer today.

Believe me! It's is wolves!
I am a trapper and spend 100's of hours of in the woods here. They are so bad here it would make your head spin.

Carter is a trapper too.

If there are no deer there, what are the wolves eating?

and here we go!

wolves = bad

if we could somehow resurrect the indigenous species that used to inhabit these areas, then we would be ok. instead we imported a larger variety and must reap what we sow.

sorry to hear about the wolf problem, maybe some mountain lions would help? we can spare some!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

and here we go!

Not here. Just asking for some simple logic answer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hello everybody. I'm out at camp tending to the cooking stove. Fixing some brunch.

I've got a little secret i've been keeping under my hat.

Many of you know i have this old plow truck that used to be uncle dusty's truck. Well the truck has been through hell and back with it's original body being eithe smashed or rusted off for the most part. Well, nate and i have been secretly working on the ole truck. We gave it a quick makeover bringing it back closer to former glory with a few little changes. We are going to surprise dusty with the bright yellow truck today when he gets to camp chickenbuck. We drove it out to camp last night with the paint basically still wet.

We went yellow with a white roof and white wheels like dusty used to have it. But i sprayed the whole truck with matte clear and we put a Skane designed chickenbuck logo on the doors. I lightly distressed the logos to make them look older and the matte clear keeps the glare down and it will survive the brush and snowbank scratches without showing so bad.

I've waited to post this, making sure dusty is on the road heading this way before i post. That way i know the suprise wont be ruined. It will be fun to see his reaction. I'll post more detail on the truck's history and project details next week when I'm back home.

[Linked Image]

Dave, you da MAN !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by BrentD

.

If there are no deer there, what are the wolves eating?

the one I got had been eating wabbits

Dogs?

Capt Kirk, you must hunt in the same woods i do...

Oh well , hate to be Debbie Downer, but if you guys could witness what has happened here your jaw would hit the floor,. I actually have no problem with wolves. I'm simply pointing out that they are devastating on animal heards if not controlled. Ask the boys in Idaho how their elk heard Is doing? Canada traps and shoots them like crazy and hardly dents them. But they try and it does help things out! If no one here believes me, PM me and I'd be glad to give you a tour of 100 square miles of devastation .

Just venting after another depressing hunt.
Shack life was great as usual. Lots of good laughs and great memories.

Sorry it is 600 square miles. I was multiplying poorly.
Kirk

NoDuck I bet we are neighbors as far as hunting goes.
Very sad game management! What do you do other than stare at the photo albums. 1936 to 1994 great. Since then dismal.

Would love to see a wolf in the wild...

Mind you, I'd only watch it for a few seconds...or as long as it took me to line up the crosshairs!

Oh, and Dave...that is a very cool thing you have done with the truck!

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Would love to see a wolf in the wild

We just saw 2 with our head lamps as we were walking in...15 yards tops. Gave me th willies. They were howling last night. We are 7 miles out of Duluth today.

2 of them 15 yards from you?!

Bang! Bang!

Sorry for the negative post last night. I posted here because there are a lot of Minnesota hunters on this thread. I promise not to bring it up again.

Dave outstanding job on the truck! I had a 78 and a 76 short box step side.

Kirk

Tzone we hunt north of Island lake. Just so you know the area I'm talking about.

Kirk

No can shoot. I have a little boy with me I'm trying to show how to hunt the correct way. It was pitch black, I had a pack and my gun on my back and trying not to make any noise.

He also rattled in a fork about a half hour ago. It came in VERY sneaky down wind of us.

Little stinker... I bet I rattled for 3 years before I got it to work, he does it on the first try. He was all smiles though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Dogs?

ehhhh.........come again?

At the dnr "wolf inspection" they examined the beasts carcass,including its stomach contents.
contents were one snowshoe hare,or at least parts thereof.

We just saw the dumbest rut struck buck ever. I could have nudged him with the truck at any given time. He finally moved to the ditch, grunting at our grunts to him, from 5' and the truck running.

It was a nice 8pt but Duluth doesn't like gun fire in the city limits

Fluffy my wife is from Staples. Not far from
You. Just to make a connection. Close to you.
Kirk

here's a better pic of my deer and my dads, with my mini me all proud

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Capt_Kirk

Fluffy my wife is from Staples. Not far from
You. Just to make a connection. Close to you.
Kirk

Staples is about an hour south of leech lake,actually.
I live south of da metro these days,close to Northfield.

it was a good opening day here in the couleee country of west central wisconsin, I shot this big fella bout 11:30 am. brow tines are both over 8 inches.

[Linked Image]

Obligatory wisconsin buck in trucks pictures

[Linked Image]

I sent pics to mr skane, he remarked that the bucks he saw this morning didnt make up the left side of mine haha, i told him he was all shot out after that sota' buck

for the gun loonies

7wsm 24" pac nor super match
vias brake
squared trued 700
lone wolf stock
vx3 3.5-10

160 gr NAB
63gr rl-22
215 magnum match primer
3060mv

nice buck!

Ryan,
Good picture of two fine deer.Having little man in the picture is good.

acooper,
Very nice buck,good pictures.What?No Chickenbuck hat or shirt?

Stan in SC

i forgot to send my check in to dave to get a chicken buck sweatshirt DOH!

I'm still getting through all 800 pages of this thread, but it sure looks like you have something special going on. Thanks for sharing!

Believe me.. It takes a while!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dave - that turned out awesome! Looks like some of the old time pics of that beast.

What was Dusty's reaction???

Originally Posted by jdohio

I'm still getting through all 800 pages of this thread, but it sure looks like you have something special going on. Thanks for sharing!

Welcome to the loony bin JD!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

This looks like the guy version of some high-school girl's yearbook photo shoot pose.

Nice bucks Ryan and Papa Ryan!

Nice buck Coop!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by acooper1983

This looks like the guy version of some high-school girl's yearbook photo shoot pose.

Ziiiiing

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ziiiiing

It was fueled by jealously, and that makes it ok.

That's one of the more handscme bucks I've seen posted this year. Congratulations.

thanks guys, he grossed 163 3/8. Darn'd good buck for me. those brow tines were 8 1/2 and 9 3/4s !

Nice buck, cooper!

That's really cool Cooper.

Congrats!

Ok I've got updates, but I'll break it up in a couple posts.

First the truck stuff.

It has been a "work in progress" and it remains a work in progress.

This was Dusty's truck in the 70's. He purchased it from a farmer in the Dakotas in the early 70's when it was still close to being new. (it's a 1970 model)

The farmer was afraid of the truck because it had a knock in the engine, Dusty drove it and decided he'd take a chance on the truck since it was such a good price for how new the truck was. He drove it home very carefully and decided to drop the oil pan from the engine before pulling the engine out of the truck. He found a main bearing cap bolt in the bottom of the oil pan. For whatever reason it had come loose and worked it's way out. He decided to just put the bolt back in and torque it, give it a try. That was all it took, the knock was gone and he had himself a heck of a good truck for little money. His uncle Bill needed a truck, Bill worked up in the woods logging. Dusty sold the truck to Bill and bill used the heck out of it. Some years later Dusty purchased the truck back from Bill. At this time the truck needed some work, rust had started eating the truck along with whatever mechanical things that needed repair. Dusty never liked the original tan color of the truck so he decided he'd paint it yellow with a white top.

This is a scanned photo from 1979.

[Linked Image]

That's how I remember the yellow pickup from when I was a kid.

Over the next 25 years from when this picture was taken the truck was used for all kinds of things, family vacations with a camper/topper on back, some truck pull off mischief, logging, snow plowing etc. Lot's of memories, lots of hard work and upwards of half a million miles later....

I heard of the truck coming up on auction and I knew it had a snow plow on it and that it would work well for me as Dusty was a mechanic his whole life and I knew the truck would be mechanically sound.

I asked Dusty's son Waylon if he was going to buy the old truck. He laughed and said something like "Hell no!!" I said ok then, would you bid on it for me? He bid it on Missy's card actually. He got the truck and we drove down to Dusty's house with a car trailer behind a 1 ton crew cab superduty truck.

When we got there to load the truck Dusty looks at the trailer and tow rig and says "I think you better put that diesel on the trailer, Yeller aint used to riding on no trailer."

Oh god we laughed!

For the simple fact that the diesel had more cab room for the family we decided to give yeller his first ride on a trailer.

We put the truck to use in winter months clearing snow at home, out on the frozen lake for ice fishing and out at the cabin too.

Yeller was rough, but still functioned mechanically.

[Linked Image]

The "Snow hammer" out on 5 mile reef, lake of the woods.

[Linked Image]

Time, salt and abusive work had taken it's tole.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/a8.jpg[/img]

A couple years back I picked up a parts truck with no engine. It was a 1968 I believe, the grill would be different but the body panels would be the same as the 1970.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/b5.jpg[/img]

I turned the boys loose on the parts truck "Take that truck apart" I told em.

They did a fine job and had a lot of fun doing it.

I wanted to keep Yeller's original cab but pretty much everything else would be replaced. Some of the blue parts needed patching so we "skin grafted" from the old yellow tin.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/d1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/d3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/d4.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/ole%20yeller/d5.jpg[/img]

Eventually we got the blue box on the truck and actually I think we used the truck for 2 winters like this.

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In these past 3-4 weeks between hunting weekends we've been replacing cab corners, patching lower door areas & other minor patching that was needed to make the body solid again.

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Finally we were ready for some paint prep.

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Cab in epoxy prime with the roof white.

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The replacement wheels painted white.

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some yellow..

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first door logo...

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I sprayed the matte finish clear Tursday night, we peeled all the tape, bolted the new wheels on, loaded the truck and drove it to camp with the paint still drying.

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Nate driving the truck home yesterday.

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Hey Missy, you should have checked the card in your trail camera yesterday.

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Thats so cool Dave, looks like dusty had a huge smile! great job. are the stacks coming back to it as well? how was the hunt this weekend?

The boys saw some deer but no shots fired, fleeting moments, waving white tails etc.

We might put a set of stacks back on the truck some day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Excellent!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Boy is he a swelled up bugger eh?

We saw more rut activity in the last 3 days than I've seen all season. The 'Sconny boys might be in for a heckova season.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We might put a set of stacks back on the truck some day.

Nooooooo!

My '55 has/had them from when my dad restored it in 1977. They're coming off as soon as I get to working on it. Maybe the first thing.

Need to modernize that bugger...maybe even put brakes on it that stop the truck.

We had quite a crew over the weekend.

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It was a lot of fun, I sat with this 12 year old hunter Saturday morning and evening.

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Sadly, no deer were out "galavanting" by our hunting spot.

(that was our word for the day)

We also both had terrible belly growling issues which we think may have scared the deer off.

I took the wrapper off this doe and cobbed her up into quarters and straps to finish cutting at home.

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Eener took a liking to deer fat, which we regretted horribly later last night

We had "lumber jack birds" begging for scraps as I was cutting.

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Flying off with a big chunk of deer fat.

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It's always sad to close up rifle season, especially with only one deer taken by the whole camp.

But we loved the company of family and good friends and we were especially thankful that Dusty was able to make it up all 3 weekends.

Muzzle loader season opens this coming weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We might put a set of stacks back on the truck some day.

Nooooooo!

My '55 has/had them from when my dad restored it in 1977. They're coming off as soon as I get to working on it. Maybe the first thing.

Need to modernize that bugger...maybe even put brakes on it that stop the truck.

So yer saying you might have a set for sale?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's always sad to close up rifle season, especially with only one deer taken by the whole camp.

I felt sadness that I haven't felt in a while when we left the woods on Sunday. I wanted more...I need more. I'm not muzz ldr hunting this year. I think I'll have to next year.

Me and Jack scouted on mid-day Saturday and I really like what we found on a new "walk-in" area in a recent clear cut. More deer sign than I've seen and we only looked for a few hours.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We might put a set of stacks back on the truck some day.

Nooooooo!

My '55 has/had them from when my dad restored it in 1977. They're coming off as soon as I get to working on it. Maybe the first thing.

Need to modernize that bugger...maybe even put brakes on it that stop the truck.

So yer saying you might have a set for sale?

Sale...hell no. You can have em.

They're painted flat black so hopefully nobody see's em.

Great pics, Dave. 'Love the "Jacks". They always seem to find me every year. 'Can't count how many sandwiches and snacks I've shared with the "camp robbers" or Whiskey Jacks as we call them. The only problem is, once you give them the least little tidbit, you're stuck with 'em all day weather you want them around or not. I don't mind-it breaks up the long spells of nothing going on while on stand.

Dave,

You never cease to amaze. Good on you my friend.

Great pictures, Dave!

Looks like your dog really enjoyed that fat!

Tom you should come up for black powder.

Heck, half your stuff is already up here lol!

There's a nice heavy brown sleeping bag in the boys room, we figured that was maybe yours too??

Thats what i say too Tom. come on up and enjoy the weather. i will be making it out to tour the camp this weekend. i can finally get more into hunting. had the boy out last night to get his first deer! what fun that was. 2 out of my 3 kids got there first deer this year. my youngest he was feeling somewhat left out so my daughter walked him out to a stand yesterday so he could have his luck with a deer call. said he got a doe and fawn to come out too. now that the pressure is off i can have more fun muzzleloading.

Wow congrats on the kid deer stuff, that's great.

These last few pages have been a pleasure to read and look at.

That's cool!

Good luck with the muzzle stuffers! I'm headed home to go hunting on Thanksgiving morning...missed opener for the first time in a LONG time...maybe ever.

Have only a few days to go, so I'd better make it work!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom you should come up for black powder.

Heck, half your stuff is already up here lol!

There's a nice heavy brown sleeping bag in the boys room, we figured that was maybe yours too??

True it is mostly there...I can' come up for muzzy season, I have to work weekends again.

I left that bag there on purpose. It can stay if youse guys give the OK.

No prob, it can stay.

My bear cub is one year old today. We had his birthday party yesterday.
Lots of fun toys but this was my favorite.

I just happen to be turning one on Wednesday, you don't have to make a plaque for mine. But a decent padded hard case would be nice.

Would you like a cake to? It's all edible.

Yellow of course.

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Maybe sumtin with tracks would be desirable!

I probably never told the story here but the bus in my avatar was bought for him. It got delivered a few weeks before he was. I wasn't even sure if we were having a boy or girl but I was sure that he/she needed a snowbus.

He'll have a good head start on track rigs by the time he can drive in a few more years.

And yes I built the cake myself. I have a competitave streak in me.

That is cool Whitebear!

I like Ben's track bus.

Happy B-day Ben. I hope you like your shotgun because I sure do!

Man I got to tell the wife we need to step it up...For our kids B-day....... Guns and snowtracks for B-days... Whats it like for xmas... Tanks and Flamethrowers.....

That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

ND great job on the truck.... Now take a break and relax.....

Whitebear,
congratulations on your son's birthday.May he have MANY more.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by noduck

Man I got to tell the wife we need to step it up...For our kids B-day....... Guns and snowtracks for B-days... Whats it like for xmas... Tanks and Flamethrowers.....

That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

ND great job on the truck.... Now take a break and relax.....

Tanks.... Flamethrowers......
Hmmmm....... I like the way you think!

Originally Posted by noduck

Man I got to tell the wife we need to step it up...For our kids B-day....... Guns and snowtracks for B-days... Whats it like for xmas... Tanks and Flamethrowers.....

That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

ND great job on the truck.... Now take a break and relax.....

No kidding, eh? I guess I can tell the wifey it was "peer pressure" that made me start on the 4-year-olds's first deer rifle this year....

Gotta buy that rifle for him now, goalie! haha!

Originally Posted by mikeymjr23

Gotta buy that rifle for him now, goalie! haha!

Well, I picked up one of those 3-9x40 Conquest scopes for "his" rifle when Cabelas had them for 299, minus 20 dollar coupon, plus free shipping. It's a start I guess.....

That Citori was way above my pay grade but I wanted something he could have with him for his entire life. There will be lots of opportunities for the little single shot 22's & .410's etc. down the road.
Outdoors and guns are a huge part of my life and I want Ben to enjoy that opportunity if he chooses. I don't remember my first gun but I wish that I did so I still had it to pass on. That was the whole idea of a finer gun that "should" last his lifetime to do with it as he pleases.
I'm sure his "first gun" that he shoots will have .177" projectiles!

I might have to hock that old junky M54 in 220 Swift to pay my credit card bill! hahaha

Just wait for the credit card bill on the tank w/flame thrower system that you'll have to install.

At least he'll be able to kill it and grill it all in one shot.

It was a great hunting season for me eventhough I didn't shoot anything up nort. It is good times with friends and family. Although I must be getting old, obviously can't stay up as long as I used to.

Time went way too fast.

Dad was very suprised about the truck. Heck I was too, didn't know it was being worked on till Wednesday. Looks awesome!!

Guess I should have stayed out at the stand till 10 PM & I may have shot that buck.

Bushy, I had a stash of quarters with me every weekend, but you never showed up to win it back.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Guess I should have stayed out at the stand till 10 PM & I may have shot that buck.

That's what I was thinkin. We were doin it wrong the whole time.

Quote

Bushy, I had a stash of quarters with me every weekend, but you never showed up to win it back.

Never can trust him... He told me quite a few times...Yah shore I'll be der dontchya know. Never showed. I had to resort to taking money (and two Tootsie Rolls) at the Yahtzee table. 'course it was mostly from kids.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just wait for the credit card bill on the tank w/flame thrower system that you'll have to install.

At least he'll be able to kill it and grill it all in one shot.

That's not a problem T. I have most of the components for the kill & grill tank at home and I'm always up for a shop project.

Sounds like fire trucks may soon be rolling out!

We have the fire trucks covered. Of course they are on tracks already. Two of them ready to roll and one more in the works.

I can get a firetruck if we need to borrow one. It's an early 50's unit but it's still a fire truck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I can get a firetruck if we need to borrow one. It's an early 50's unit but it's still a fire truck.

For some reason, this don't surprise me at all!

haha!

Me either. Including the fire truck on tracks. Ror.

well, muffy, i had very good intentions but it ended up we kept getting company and never got away. come on out for muzzle loader season, then i'm ready. i played it easy this year as i really wanted to get my 10yr old on a deer and every night we were out we seen deer, but he finally got a good shot off on the last minute of the last day. he got a nice doe. now its my turn. kids 2, dad 0.

All joking aside, it would have taken you the whole weekend to get in to da camp on the second weekend. It was an icy nasty mess...White Bear figured it out though.

...and brought food.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

well, muffy, i had very good intentions but it ended up we kept getting company and never got away. come on out for muzzle loader season, then i'm ready. i played it easy this year as i really wanted to get my 10yr old on a deer and every night we were out we seen deer, but he finally got a good shot off on the last minute of the last day. he got a nice doe. now its my turn. kids 2, dad 0.

Sounds like we will have weekends this summer to play cards. We were discussing of all the things to get done at camp, we just have to set the weekends for it. Tom wasnt kiddin, the roads were terrible the 2nd weekend. I don't think I have seen gravel roads like that before.

Winter weather is moving in on us, 3-7" of snow and winds in the 30 mph range forecast for tomorrow.

Just in time for smoke pole season.....

those roads were nasty. it was even dangerous trying to climb up into the stands after that crap. Paul and I are hunting this weekend also. i told him we will be traveling south to camp this weekend. when are you going dave.

65* for temps here today.

I'm not sure when I'm going, I should cut firewood out there on Friday.

Getting excited here, next Monday opener in Pa, will be headed to Warren Monday morning. Can hardly wait to sit the gas line.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Getting excited here, next Monday opener in Pa, will be headed to Warren Monday morning. Can hardly wait to sit the gas line.

It is pretty cool when you say that Bill. I have been to PA once and can picture exactly what you're talking about when you say "sit the gas line"

I stayed in Clarion and worked in Brookville for a week. It looks like Warren is just west of there.

Rooster, actually more north. Just follow the alleneghy all the way to rt 6 and he'll 2 mile west, park at the parking area and head right the mountain. We are right outside go Youngsville, so close that we hear the fire siren went it goes off.

FYI,

Menard's has Portable Mr Heater "Buddy" heaters on sale for $67. I just picked one up. I've been meaning to and the cheapest I've seen until today was $99

I'm manning the grill today at field office. Got a bird on coals and spuds on the gas grill. Should be ready in about an hour!!!

I made deer chili.

Just to be clear, I did not make chili for the deers, I made chili out of the deers.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I made deer chili.

Just to be clear, I did not make chili for the deers, I made chili out of the deers.

I bet they'd eat chili. I seen a trail cam video of a deer eating a bird. Might have been on this site? So I bet they would eat chili.

sounds tasty tom, fleet farm had them for 64.99 a few weeks ago. i got one buddy and 2 big buddys. luv them. deer chili sounds good too. i just had some at genes for lunch.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Rooster, actually more north. Just follow the alleneghy all the way to rt 6 and he'll 2 mile west, park at the parking area and head right the mountain. We are right outside go Youngsville, so close that we hear the fire siren went it goes off.

That is really neat country out there. I heard the hills are like a swarming ant pile of orange though come deer season.

5 hours of cooking for 15 minutes of eating.

There was about 3 pieces of potato left. We're all stuffed and ready for a nap.

I have deer sausage and ground pork thawing.Large peppers from my friend's farm and cut open,cleaned,washed and ready to be stuffed with the meat mix after I season it and then put the stuffed pappers on the grill.Did some last week and they were great.The seasoning is worchestershire sauce,salt,pepper,minced onion,a wee tad of Tabasco and gourmet burger seasoning.My wife came up with this recipe and it really really makes the meat outstanding when it is cooked in the pepper.Incidentally these are not hot peppers.They are bell pepper grade of tasty although they are long and look like hot peppers.
I'm leaving in a few minutes to go deer hunting for the evening.Wearing my new Chickenbuck shirt and hat.Film at eleven.

Stan in SC

Go get em Stan!!

Can't wait to see that film Stan. Good luck sir!

When you cook the peppers, do you cook the meat then stuff them? or is the meat put in the peppers and then all cooked at once on the grill?

The seasoning sounds great!

Happy Thankgiving everyone!

Happy Turkey Day to all the Chickenbuckers, and here's to the hope that every last one of you has somebody FLIP YOU THE BIRD tomorrow..................and I ain't talkin' about no danged TURKEY!

Thanks Jeff!

That's true, but they do move the deer for you.

I saw nothing.Had a great afternoon just getting out.Took the 45/70 Handi rifle as I'd really like to get it bloody.
Tom,the meat is cooked in the pepper on the grill.Outstanding.

Stan in SC

Just put a Williams peep on the .50 encore.

Ready for MZL season.

Plus I "winterized" the cab of the yellow truck with some weatherstripping, also did some brake work. But just as we were getting good pressure to the rear brake cylinders a line burst. Luckily I had new lines, but then we ran out of fluid and I don't feel like going back to town tonight.

I'll get some in the morning and we'll hang the snow plow on the truck before the snow starts.

How far are you from town, Dave? Us yuppies down here in the city get pizzed if we have to go all the way to the store which is all of 5 minutes from home. (Hey man, that's a long ride when the cappuccino's not ready for the trip!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

How far are you from town, Dave?

10-15 min

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Well another day in plow truck tuning.

I sealed up the cab really nice with weatherstripping and .....

spray foam in a can.

I set the choke, tuned the carb, shortened the throttle linkage so yeller can get a full pull on that carb with the peddle. Holy smokes she runs nice! Starts excellent cold too and just sits and idles with no fussing.

We bled the brakes and set up the shoe tensionors, she's got really nice brakes now. Plow is mounted, box is bolted to the frame...

It's all good, we're more ready for plowing than we've ever been before.

Dave,

Just as well that you're ready !

We're getting hit, to your north.

Nasty, ice pellets & going to turn to snow !

Paul.

we got wind here like you wouldn't believe. I saw whitecaps in the toilet because we got so much wind. it's crazy windy.

Happy Thanksgiving all!
I made pheasant gravy over mashed taters with stuffin, cranberries and rolls. no turkey, but all of my brood is happy with the layout.

getting a little snow,just in time for BP season.

A beautiful mild day here in South Carolina with plenty of sunshine.I sincerely hope all Chickenbuckaroos(hey,I invented anew word) had a great Thanksgiving.

Stan in SC

Hope everyone here had a nice Thanksgiving. Mama and I are here in the cabin...with a nice fire, and a 4 pt in the freezer from opening day. Yep, I'm thankfull......

Scott n Lisa

Time to dust off the frontstuffer and go chase Bambi again. Who's headed for Chickenbuck this weekend?

Me and Nate, not sure who else.

We left Solon Springs, WI last night to 2.5" of snow and it was coming down fast! Got a text from my step-dad this morning. Over 12" fell between 7pm and whenever he shoveled this AM.

It was over 50* when we got there yesterday. The whole way home, all I could think about was how nice it would be to be hunting in this tomorrow.

I'm guessing Grizzly_Bill got a good blast of it too. Good luck to all the dudes hitting the woods tomorrow!

fairly nice here today. went shopping for all of 20 minutes with the kids. that was enough for me.
hoping to hit the pivot field tomorrow evening to hopefully fill one of my 2 archery doe tags before muzzleloader starts on saturday.

stuck working tommorrow,fluff's gonna be close to Snelling and University on the BP opener.
First BP season opener Ive missed since `92.

Going out tomorrow AM for whitetails with my son and a neighbour kid. -20C and windy, lots of snow for this time of year, but the rut is in full swing and some action seems likely.

Hey me too Fluffy. I work there almost every day. Whatchu workin on?

it's that time of year again!
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Troof.

It's a cold opening morning for MN muzzle loader. Must be close to zero.

Buschpilot stopped inn to see us at camp last night. It's just me and nate out hunting this morning. Dinner last night was meat. An all meat dinner.

I'm guessing there was more to dinner than meat, judging by the photo

We're making ice this morining... 7* when I left for work.

high of 60 today here

It's in the 20's here with lots of wind. The wind is really screwing up my last couple days of rifle season. I braved the gusts yesterday evening and sat in my elevated box blind. 14' off the ground and gusts between 30 and 40 mph. It was like being in a plane and flying through turbulence.

Strong winds kept me in bed this morning, but I'll be out this afternoon. Winds are down to half what they were and there's a bit of snow on the ground and I've still got a doe tag and a restricted tag to fill. Think I'll don my Chickenbuck shirt for luck.

Good luck to all!

Sat this morning until 9:00 and then did some still hunting through the fresh snow on the river bottom. One fawn track in that entire bottom and about a 100 coytote tracks.

On my way home I noticed some sets of tracks going into the CRP that surrounds my place. One was a BIG set of tracks so I followed them for about an hour and they ended up going into a little one acre woodlot clear on the other end of the crp field. I backed out and am going to sit out in the tall grass tonight in a chair and see if I can't get lucky.

Good Luck everyone!

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey me too Fluffy. I work there almost every day. Whatchu workin on?

I back working at one of my old jobs,the place that makes church pews and altars.I work a few blocks off snelling on thomas ave.

Snowing like heckk, heading out to a deer stand for the evening.

Do you get a lunch break?

You can buy me lunch sometime.

cool.
where are you at?

Jim, you make contact last night?

I sat with my bow in a piece of private farm ground. the owner wants me to thin out his white tails. saw a big heavy 4x4 white tail walk by at 20 yards, alas no more buck tags for me.
missed a doe at 35 yards, had another small buck at 20. going back tonight with a little fresh snow on the ground, hoping to connect. good luck everyone!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Jim, you make contact last night?

Nope. No deers last night or this morning. Its incredibly slow.

Originally Posted by fluffy

cool.
where are you at?

Minnehaha/Prior

I layed next to a log tonight where I had shot a 9 point before during shotgun season. Had two nice does and a fawn at 10 feet for a little bit. The fawn sort of winded me and bolted but came back 5 minutes later and walked right up to me and stood there. It was pretty dang cool.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by fluffy

cool.
where are you at?

Minnehaha/Prior

not far at all.
Im at Thomas and Wheeler

Monday is the first day of rifle season, here we go.

Good luck!

Good luck Bill! Stay safe!

Stan I read about your stuffed peppers a couple of pages back. I bet you are expecting me to say how good they sound, eh? They dont. I hate, HATE peppers.

The meat part sounds good, then you gotta go ruin them with the pepper thing...whatcha thinkin'??? You better enjoy them now, because in 4 years when I am elected president, I am gonna outlaw green peppers.

Good luck to the muzzle stuffers. I did some pheasant hunting this weekend....we got 3 on Saturday in about 2 hours. Saw close to 50. On Sunday, got out with the boys and saw about 40 at a different place, but no shot opportunities. Which brings me to a question.....

My twin 4 year old boys love to go hunting with me. Just love it. Except 50 feet into our walk, they all of a sudden are "tired". They of course really arent tired as they can play at warp speed all afternoon, but ask them to walk in a straight line for 50 feet and they walk at 0.00001 miles per hour. Expecting this, I had them walk down the field road...same problem. I tried everything, but one of them was the pokeyist fella on earth! Any ideas on how to get them to walk at a normal pace? Bribes didnt even work (a trip to Cherry Berry).

Leave em behind...they'll catch up.

Originally Posted by tzone

Leave em behind...they'll catch up.

I officially would like to nominate tzone for "Parent Of The Year"

Berettaman, I too have the same problem,must be something with
4 yr old boys....
What works for me is i'll say hey Ty i bet you cant walk to that downed tree.. Or lets walk and check out the beavers chewing on the trees.....
I make big deal about stuff in woods keeps him going...

And sugar, with of course "dont tell your mother"..

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Leave em behind...they'll catch up.

I officially would like to nominate tzone for "Parent Of The Year"

I have the oposite problem. I can't catch him!

BM...Truthfully, if they do that. The kids may not be ready to hit the woods with you on a hunt like that yet.

I brought my little guy out whlile building blinds, cutting wood, short grouse hunts, when he was 4, but I knew he wasn't ready to be on much else other than that.

Last year when he was 6 we went on a "real" deer hunt where he got to come in the woods with me to a stand. It was nasty cold and I asked him if he still wanted to go and he did. This year we went the entire last weekend. I was lucky and he weather was great.

He/we had a blast and he even rattled in a fork buck, which he still talks about. I try to get him more and more involved each year and it seems to be working.

My daughter (9) had NO desire to even go in the woods until this fall when she began asking about bow hunting. She wants to turkey hunt...which we will.

This reminds me of the time my boys begged and begged for me to take them fishing in the boat. I was happy that they were finally showing interest so one beautiful summer day I took off work and got some things done around home in the morning. About 11:00 I made the boys and I a big lunch, sammiches, chips, assorted snacks, beverages...everything you would need for a great day on the water with your sons teaching them to fish from a boat. We went to a nearby lake and launched the boat at 11:30 or so. I had to pull the boat up to shore and run back and drive the truck and trailer to the parking area which is a ways away. Get back and start fishing and I let them use my rods while I rigged up their's. At about 11:47 they started asking if we were done yet and "can we go home now?" I said "boys we just started fishing...you just got your own rods to fish with....we......we havene't even had our lunch yet....nope...we are stayin out here longer than this!"

This is when the youngest one welled up in tears and put his head down on the opposite side of the steering counsel and said "This is offically the WORST day of my life!"

UP goes the trolling motor, ON goes the big motor and we head to shore to load 'er up for the day. I think we were home by 12:10.

The moral of the story is: Wait until they are ready.

the funny thing is, they are veterans...well for 4 year olds anyway. They have already been duck, goose, pheasant, and deer hunting this year. In fact, they walked the very same field road to get to the deer stand at a normal pace! One was quite a bit worse than the other.

We kept it fairly short yesterday. I think I will chalk it up to them being young and unpredictable. As it gets colder, it might be the end of the their chances to get out this year.

On another note, I brought my 8 year old girl to SD on a 3 day pheasant hunt and she hunted all day, every day without 1 single complaint! she loved it!

Stan, green peppers? Really? I am sooo disappointed in you!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

This reminds me of the time my boys begged and begged for me to take them fishing in the boat. I was happy that they were finally showing interest so one beautiful summer day I took off work and got some things done around home in the morning. About 11:00 I made the boys and I a big lunch, sammiches, chips, assorted snacks, beverages...everything you would need for a great day on the water with your sons teaching them to fish from a boat. We went to a nearby lake and launched the boat at 11:30 or so. I had to pull the boat up to shore and run back and drive the truck and trailer to the parking area which is a ways away. Get back and start fishing and I let them use my rods while I rigged up their's. At about 11:47 they started asking if we were done yet and "can we go home now?" I said "boys we just started fishing...you just got your own rods to fish with....we......we havene't even had our lunch yet....nope...we are stayin out here longer than this!"

This is when the youngest one welled up in tears and put his head down on the opposite side of the steering counsel and said "This is offically the WORST day of my life!"

UP goes the trolling motor, ON goes the big motor and we head to shore to load 'er up for the day. I think we were home by 12:10.

The moral of the story is: Wait until they are ready.

This is why I love the pontoon. It even has 2 live-wells, one for beer, one for fish or bait.....

Since were talking about kids and hunting here is us on duck opener..
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GREAT pics noduck!

Great stuff!

Hey Stan! I love stuffed PEPPERS!

Well since i didnt get a deer this year, I will show some North Dakota pics instead... Maybe i should change my name from
NODUCK to NODEER...
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Got these in 1 and 1/2 hours 5 guys 25 greenies....
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We did pretty good, was happy with my wirehair...We could of gotten more pheasants but was short a guy or two for capping the birds.... I got to start taking alot more field pics....

Those are REAL Ducks? I swear, I haven't seen one in ages. They have become more rare down here than ND's deer have become up there.

About all I have to show for the weekend is now half eaten - after fixing it per ND's grouse in cream sauce recipe.

Not a very good picture I'm afraid.
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NoDeer is more fitting...Noduck sure isn't true after looking at these pictures!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Not a very good picture I'm afraid.

I disagree.

That shotgun and puppy make it worth the look.

Great job with them ducks!

I'll start a thread on the fire as well but I have a question for y'all...

I have a Primos Truth Cam 35 that the LCD screen doesn't work. This is the same camera that the batteries leaked and corroded into last winter. The camera worked a few weeks ago and stopped. It was in my boss' back yard to capture a big buck. He changed cards and it didn't work so he changed batteries. Still didn't work.

I took it home to play with it, thinking it was junk, but I saw the lights coming on that show it was taking pictures but nuttin shows up on the screen.

I'm going to throw a card in it to see if it still works.

Do any of you know if Primos will refurb them and send it back? It's over a year old.

Tzone,

I don't know the exact answer to your question but I do know they sell Primo's refurbs. I'm assuming the refurbs were defective cameras that were returned to the stores and then sent back to Primos. Not sure if you can send the camera directly to them or not.

I'll haffta try. I don't have the recipt anymore. I bought them at Cabela's in Rogers.

When I get a change, I'll try to contact Primos direct.

Monday was a good first day, saw 7 deer, shot at 1, missed 1. Must say it was a 300 yard shot on the gas line. Great day overall.

tz, this may be too late for you, but in the past, when I have had an appliance damaged by battery leakage, I have rounded up a new package of the same brand and model of battery and, in small print, found a guarantee and address to replace anything damaged by leakage from their batteries; sent in a nice letter and the damaged unit with leaky batteries, and receipt for replacement. Been refunded the cost of the replacement each time (2x).

I choose Duracell for that reason. Been years since I have done this though. Things may have changed.

I get the best trail cam battery life from duracell, especially in cold weather.

Ditto

Brent,

You're probably right, it may be too late. It was March when I discoverd the batteries were junk.

When I get a chance, I'll try to get a hold of someone at Primos either on the phone or e-mail and see what they have to say.

I do like the 35's and 46's. They're pretty easy to use.

Made it back Monday night. We had 2 bucks an 8 and 6 pointer for the crew of 5. The 6 pointer was wearing a radio collar. According to the DNR the buck was 2 1/2 yeara old and was captured in January of this year for a mortality study.

I didn't see a deer this year, but captured plenty of them on the trail camera at night. lost 2.5 days of hunting due to a bad back. Weather was warm for the first 6 days with temps running from the high 40's to low 60's. Front finally moved in Thanksgiving evening. We picked up 3" of snow and had temps doen into the single digits at night and upper teens during the day.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Made it back Monday night. We had 2 bucks an 8 and 6 pointer for the crew of 5. The 6 pointer was wearing a radio collar. According to the DNR the buck was 2 1/2 yeara old and was captured in January of this year for a mortality study.

I didn't see a deer this year, but captured plenty of them on the trail camera at night. lost 2.5 days of hunting due to a bad back. Weather was warm for the first 6 days with temps running from the high 40's to low 60's. Front finally moved in Thanksgiving evening. We picked up 3" of snow and had temps doen into the single digits at night and upper teens during the day.

Mortality: check

Sorry to hear about your back Bill. Do you have more time to hunt or are you done?

I'm hanging it up for the year Rooster.

I hope you had an enjoyable hunt, sounds like you had all kinds of weather to hunt in. sorry to hear about the back pain, mine has been acting up here again lately as well.

So, did the deer test possitive for mortality?

When I was at Thanksgiving dinner at my parents cabin in Solon Springs, it was snowing like heck. They ended up with a foot! I was grizzly_bill was getting pounded with snow and was going to wake up to a bunch. All I could think about was how nice it would be to hunt in the new fluffy stuff.

Dave, what kind of battery life is normal once it gets below freezing?

Well on my other two cam's, the batteries haven't died yet. They last a long time.

The Troof cam 46 says 50K pictures!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, did the deer test possitive for mortality?

Yep! It got a 'A' in dead!

yeah a lot of these new cams are really good on the batteries. truth cam with it's (4) D cells goes a year for me. I've had the truth cam 35 for 2 overlapping deer seasons, actually prob a year and a half now and I just changed the batteries for the first time a couple weeks ago.

Had great time despite the back problem Rooster. There's nothing like deer camp.

"I woner what people do for memories that don't hunnt or fish" (Patrick McManis)

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, did the deer test possitive for mortality?

Yep! It got a 'A' in dead!

Did you have to bring it in and have it tested for "dead"?

Did they check for a pulse or just touch it's eye with a rifle barrel?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, did the deer test possitive for mortality?

Yep! It got a 'A' in dead!

Did you have to bring it in and have it tested for "dead"?

Did they check for a pulse or just touch it's eye with a rifle barrel?

In my house, proof of dead is served on a plate - grilled to about 125 degrees F.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Had great time despite the back problem Rooster. There's nothing like deer camp.

"I woner what people do for memories that don't hunnt or fish" (Patrick McManis)

Yeah Bill. As they say "Thats why its called hunting and not killing"

Now, would we all like to shoot a trophy buck or even a doe every year? You bet! But the memory is in the hunt and experience itself.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

So, did the deer test possitive for mortality?

Yep! It got a 'A' in dead!

Did you have to bring it in and have it tested for "dead"?

Did they check for a pulse or just touch it's eye with a rifle barrel?

You have to register it first. Pretty sure that confirms death since the organs are missing. Than you call the DNR and provide them with the ear tag numbers and some other boring stuff. DNR will than send someone to your home to pick up the transmitter collar. Probably stick around and have a venny burger if you offer.

I dont think this is your problem Tzone, but I cant get SDHC cards to work in my Truth Cam 35. Only the older SD versions. I learned this the hard way of course.

Noduck, nice pictures and way to go getting the girl out. She is about the same age as my girl. Pretty fun viewing the hunt through her eyes, huh?

I think my TCs only take up to 8 meg cards. I stuck in a 16 meg and it shot about 10 pictures or less and then said "memory full" which was ridiculous for that card. Might have been the card itself though.

I have had hit and miss with the SD cards in that cam. I've had good luck with 2 and 4 meg cards. I think the 2meg will hold 700 pictures or something. That is enough unless the cam was in my back yard when I got 6-800 a week.

I'm a firm believer in the wildgame innovations cameras, I love mine. I use the 4 gig cards, I can fit close to 2000 pictures on mine, more if I use a lower resolution. cameras are about 80 bucks (less on sale) a piece and run all year on 8 AA batteries.
pictures are good quality as well. never had much luck with using the video feature on them

I know next to nothing about cams. Wife got me one last year for Christmas...it's a Wildgame and uses 6 AA batteries. Earlier on when the weather was warmer I got about 3-1/2 weeks out of a set. That was over 10,000 pics...the squirrel and racoon traffic was amazing....lol. I only need it out for another couple of weeks...then I think I'll pull it for the winter, It's been pretty neat entertainment.

since Im gone most of these short daylight hours most days,thought I'd put out my cams,and see what kind of birds I get in to my feeders this winter.
That thistle seed is pretty spendy.Hope it draws better than the "mix" stuff.
I just put them out yesterday,and the ckickadees found it today.

I'm heading up this Sunday to set out a couple in a new area I found. I'll go back up in a couple weeks and get them. I scouted a clear cut on the last weekend of the season a bit and found a promising spot. We'll see how promising it is, I guess.

I'll have a Truth cam 35 and a Truth cam 46 out.

My Moultrie 55 takes up to 16 gig SD cards. The manual doesn't say anything about the SDHD card s, so apparently they will not work in this camera.

what are SDHD cards?

Actually, it's SDHC (Secure Digital/High Capacity). It's a newer format that increases the throughput (speed) and storage size (space) of the cards.

SD cards are typically found up to 2 or 4GB. SDHC go from 4 to 32GB. SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) go up to 2TB (2,048GB).

The SDHC cards are the same as SD cards in many ways, but older devices designed for the original SD cards may not read them. Devices that support the SDXC and SDHC standards should be able to read a regular SD card as well.

thanks. I wonder if that was my problem before. I had some issues with SD cards not storing pictues. I wonder if it was a camera not designed for them.

tomorrow is our great state's muzzle stuffer opener. and sadly in a short 6 weeks it will be over. good luck to ya'll who are blowing smoke and lead at deers this weekend! hopfully I get a picture or two of slickheads down. I'm taking my boy with me in the blind, he promises he's ready, I think he is, we'll see.
good luck all!

I'm stuck at work taking inventory all weekend.

got a doe with the smokepole last night, going back this morning to see about getting another one. woke up at 2 am and can't sleep. figured this is better than sleeping in and missing a mornings hunt

I got a doe last night also.
I was using a 250 grain,T/C shockwave bullet,90 grains of 3fffg goex blackpowder,range 110 yards,Knight wolverine.
Dang bullet didnt expand one bit,just the little plastic tip broke off,found it under the hide on the far side,shot was a bit high,took out the arteries that run along the underside of the spine,DRT,but no expansion at all.A double lunger ,it would have sailed on through.
I didnt think I was getting much velocity,maybe 1500 fps or so,gonna have to check that.

Fluffy, how old is your Wolverine? I think I bought mine over 15 years ago. I never actually saw another hunter using one.

Edit: Mine is the old MK-93 with the stock similar to an old Ruger boat-paddle.

Mine is an lk-93,with a boat paddle stock.
I dont know how old it is,I bought it a few months ago,in very good condition, for $100.
The trigger is so good,its become my #1 choice.

Well me and Nate went to the cabin and tried a little hunting, didn't work out. But it was a nice test run for the yeller truck after some recent tuning, cab weatherizing and a new u-joint.

Truck works awesome.

[Linked Image]

Then while visiting with a friend last night I made a trade, I gave him a stainless MKII target .22 for a stainless single six with .22 and .22 magnum cylinders. It matches my old frame vaquero .45 really nice.

[Linked Image]

Dave I am worried about you and the vehicle addiction....

It's a terminal condition.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Mine is an lk-93,with a boat paddle stock.
I dont know how old it is,I bought it a few months ago,in very good condition, for $100.
The trigger is so good,its become my #1 choice.

Yeah, I always wondered who made the triggers. Mine is pretty nice, especially for an inexpensive firearm. I also actually like the screw-in/out safety. It is easy to manipulate with gloves on, and makes it impossible to strike the cap.

I use that safety when pulling up /down in the stand,crossing fences,etc.
I actually could buy another tag for zone 338for myself,in fact my son has an unused bonus tag from youth season,if I buy him another tag,he would then have two.hmmmmm......
If only I have time.Sometime this week,I need to drive to Bemidiji and back,and try to keep up at work.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I got a doe last night also.
I was using a 250 grain,T/C shockwave bullet,90 grains of 3fffg goex blackpowder,range 110 yards,Knight wolverine.
Dang bullet didnt expand one bit,just the little plastic tip broke off,found it under the hide on the far side,shot was a bit high,took out the arteries that run along the underside of the spine,DRT,but no expansion at all.A double lunger ,it would have sailed on through.
I didnt think I was getting much velocity,maybe 1500 fps or so,gonna have to check that.

I've killed a few deer with the same bullit they shoot good but don't expand . I'm going back to Barnes 250 gr I think they call em Expanders or something like that . They flat out work and most deer I've shot with them have been a "Bang Flop" kinda deal . My first inline was a LK93 IIRC Knight used Timmney triggers ?

Our dang internet has been down for over a week . Had a Netgear DSL motem router combo . Netgear customer service sucks like really bad so we payed 12.00 to Staples for a service plan so we can talk to an OKLAHOMAN in TULSA instead of Osama's brother in Iraqnadbadistan or some friggen where . Whew man I feel so much better now .

i love children that are mine. more than beer and I'm going to buy them anything they want!!

yay me.

Hacked!!

Yeah, it was the part about loving kids more than beer that gave him away

LOL, too funny!

I took my boy hunting tonight, boy what a fiasco. he was restless in the blind, but it's a pop up so it is very forgiving. we got out there early and decided after we got settled in we both had to pee. he unzipps the "tent" as he calls it we clamber out there and drop trou next to a barbed wire fence, as we're talking I look across the river and see a 4 point white tail and 2 does staring at us from 50 yards away. oh crap. they absconded in the fashion that whitetails do, taking the meat we were after with them. we settle back in, watch a few mule deer go to water, the buck was wide and tall, but lacked points, still a nice deer, fun to see.
after a cinibun and gatoraid, little man plays angry birds while I watch for deers. low and behold a doe and fawn make their way across the river and up past our blind, at 25 yards I drop the hammer on the doe, flop she goes. little deer bolts and then turns back for mama, and walks back, I reload super fast in a minute and a half while this "medium sized deer" is standing at 25 yards. little man covers his ears again and BANG, down goes the fawn. little man is stoked, I'm thinking "cool! now the work begins" we drive home at 35 MPH because we broke a strut on my car on the way in, long story. but now we're home, little man had the time of his life and thinks I'm the greatest hunter that ever walked the earth. deers are hung up, mama's making supper and I have a fashionable adult beverage to help me unwind after a long day. life is good.

* disclaimer, usually I don't Intentionally shoot fawns, but the landowner I'm hunting for wants the does/fawns thinned out. so if it's brown and not wearing head gear it's down. I've seen several nice bucks, been really fun.

Awesome day in the bushes of northern MN today. Scouted and hung some cameras. I'll post pictures tomorrow, I'm pretty wiped.

Dave,the single six is a good companion piece to your Double Nine.
I recently purchased a Smith&Wesson .22 auto pistol.Model 22A.It has a rail on top so I mounted a 2X Tasco pistol scope.What an ACCURATE pistol with a great trigger pull.At the range the other day I hit a small plastic aspirin bottle eight straight times at 50 yards.
The Camp Chickenbuck truck looks great.

Stan in SC

Wow that's impressive accuracy and even more impressive shooting Stan!

Nate and I spotted a bobcat in the forest yesterday.

We didn't get a shot opportunity but it was really cool to see one. Good sized too, he looked like a medium sized dog.

Here's a better pic of that single six.

[Linked Image]

We also cut a charlie brown xmas tree yesterday.

The women folk are pretending to be impressed with our Christmas tree.

Looks like you might have to raise the ceiling Dave.

Muzzle loader season ended in WI yesterday.

Yeah, no room for an angel.

We might rig up a string for the angel so we can dangle her from the top like a bungee jumper or a mountain climber.

Can we get a stick drawing of that please?

I'll just post a picher when it's done.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Then while visiting with a friend last night I made a trade, I gave him a stainless MKII target .22 for a stainless single six with .22 and .22 magnum cylinders. It matches my old frame vaquero .45 really nice.

[Linked Image]

Is that the Ruger .22 that has caused you to utter many profanities?

I love my Single Six. It's my favorite gun by a good margin and one of the last one's I'd let go of. You'll really like yours. I like the grips on it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

* disclaimer, usually I don't Intentionally shoot fawns, but the landowner I'm hunting for wants the does/fawns thinned out. so if it's brown and not wearing head gear it's down. I've seen several nice bucks, been really fun.

Congrats on the hunt of the suicide deers. I've never even seen one with a smokepole in my mitts and you get two in 90 seconds. Nice work.

Can you shoot mulies or do you need a seperate tag?

Stan, those S&W's are great. My bil has one as well. I'm in love with it but so is he and won't part with it. The triggers on the S&W's can't be matched on a revolver as far as I've been able to tell.

LOL!!

"I don't always shoot fawns... But when I do, I call them small does."

Here are a few pics of my scouting expedition yesterday. It was great to be in the woods. There are a ton of deer where I was. Something about food being available...

Here's my favorite pic of the day. Heading down the logging road to a new spot I'm going to try next year opening day deer season. I really like this pic for some reason.
[Linked Image]

Grouse tracks from bird that ran in front of me on said logging road. I didn't have a big desire to chase him through the pines with a .22lr rifle.
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Big Red Wagon at the turn-a-round.
[Linked Image]

Wider shot.
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big woof hoof
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Been awhile since I stumbled onto a pile of these but I did. I was smilin like heck at the bedding area.
[Linked Image]

Fresh specimens of both...also near beddig area.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/0062.jpg[/img]

Bedding area is right on the edge of the tall pine/ "buggy whip" popple edge.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/0092.jpg[/img]

The taller pines in the background is where the terrain starts to drop into the "beaver bog". The trees further back are the other side of the bog.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/0102.jpg[/img]

This is a hole on a beaver hut. No beaver tracks anywhere around, but they were there...the evidence was left in the destruction to a lot of the trees. For some reason in all the excitement of my new found area, I didn't snap a pic from the new stand site. I'll be surprised if I don't at least see a dandy from it.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/0072.jpg[/img]

I'll grab one in a few weeks when I go back to get the trail cam's. I'm keeping my fingers crossed the SD cards worked in them and nobody finds the cams.

and... mandatory pic.Ruger 77/22 w sights (kinda rare) w/ Nikon 2-7x32 Prostaff
[Linked Image]

Nice!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

* disclaimer, usually I don't Intentionally shoot fawns, but the landowner I'm hunting for wants the does/fawns thinned out. so if it's brown and not wearing head gear it's down. I've seen several nice bucks, been really fun.

Congrats on the hunt of the suicide deers. I've never even seen one with a smokepole in my mitts and you get two in 90 seconds. Nice work.

Can you shoot mulies or do you need a seperate tag?

any antlerless is what the tag says, so whitetails, mulies it don't matter. I try to avoid the mulies, they don't taste as good

"Woof Hoof"

Nice pics Tom

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

* disclaimer, usually I don't Intentionally shoot fawns, but the landowner I'm hunting for wants the does/fawns thinned out. so if it's brown and not wearing head gear it's down. I've seen several nice bucks, been really fun.

Congrats on the hunt of the suicide deers. I've never even seen one with a smokepole in my mitts and you get two in 90 seconds. Nice work.

Can you shoot mulies or do you need a seperate tag?

any antlerless is what the tag says, so whitetails, mulies it don't matter. I try to avoid the mulies, they don't taste as good

I shot a mulie buck with my bow and brought all the meat into a processor and turned the whole thing into jerky. In one weekend my neice and nephew ate it all. Little stinkers!

Thanks Rooster. There were some damn big woof tracks in there. As far as I could tell it was a pair. Male/feamale? I saw lots of woof tracks but it seemed to be from the same two.

I'm pretty excited about this area. It's a "walk in only" so no motorized vehicles. The human foot traffic ended at approximately 200 yards. That gave me a chuckle. It's not like I'm going on a big expedidtion but I walked in 1/4 mile on a very easy trail and it was devoid of human traffic....more smiling like heck.

The swamp area gave me three obvious tree stand/blind options without even digging in too much. I was on the north end of the logging road and all the stands were good for anything but a south wind.

I haven't even begun to dig on the south side of the cut yet. There are litteraly miles and miles to scout. I doubt I'll have it to myself but I don't think it will be crowded by any stretch either.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I shot a mulie buck with my bow and brought all the meat into a processor and turned the whole thing into jerky. In one weekend my neice and nephew ate it all. Little stinkers!

Two kids ate a whole deer??????????????

Big kids, with big belly aches I would imagine.

Nive pics Tom. No snow left in our hunting area. 54* here this PM.

Dont know if I mentioned this or not, but did you folks see the 2 monster bucks shot this year in MN? One was the kid from Sebeka and the other was in Todd County? The Todd County one was less than mile from my stand. I still tear up thinking about it.

So far this winter is stacking up to be good for wildlife. Keep your fingys crossed!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I shot a mulie buck with my bow and brought all the meat into a processor and turned the whole thing into jerky. In one weekend my neice and nephew ate it all. Little stinkers!

Two kids ate a whole deer??????????????

Big kids, with big belly aches I would imagine.

Pretty much! It was in my parents freezer because I lived in an apartment at the time. I had brought some back with me but pretty much all of it was still in the freezer at the folks. My neice and nephew got to grandma and grandpas on a friday and the neice called me on Sunday night and asked if I had any more of that yummy jerky that was in the freezer. I said "what do you mean WAS?! There should be A LOT in there!" She said "nope we ate it Unca Jim"

I would be a little upset, even if it was Mule deer.

I never understood the fascination with them stinky yucky deer. sure they are bigger and the bucks grow bigger racks (when allowed to). but on a whole they are on the decline and are stupid as a whole.

with my job I get to see many out of state hunters come out after the "elusive" mulie. problem is they see a 140" class buck and think it's big so they shoot them. sure the rack looks nice (compared to their white tails) but its actually a small deer by mulie standards. ok maybe not "small" but it aint the bruiser they think when they shoot him. the problem lies when those bucks don't get the extra year or two to mature and get to a "trophy" level. I'm not a trophy hunter by any means, but I understand it, so I try to let young bucks pass that have potential for those who do. I get it, it's just not my cup of tea. ok rant off. sorry to get sidetracked. any of ya'lls want to come hunting either species out here just let me know, I have a few spots set aside just in case.

My little buddy just hit his first home run! He plays in an indoor league. Pretty cool!!

We don't have wolves in Oklahoma but we do have songdog's

[Linked Image]

mule1,that doggone hat is getting a good work out.I LIKE the looks of that rifle.Details and more pictures.PLEASE!!!

Stan in SC

Nice!

Hey Mule1 I have a twin to that encore. I don't see too many stainless/walnut stocks. Mine is full time muzzle loader now, I sold my only centerfire rifle barrel and fore end a while back.

Tom, tell Jack I said good job on the home run!

Way to go Jack. My grandsons basketball season starts this Saturday.

Mule1, I liket that front stuffer. Stainless/walnut looks great almost always. Congrats on the coyote.

Originally Posted by mule1

We don't have wolves in Oklahoma but we do have songdog's

[Linked Image]

Wisconsin DNR is adept at introducing animals. What is your address and how many wolves do you want? Does a ship date of February 15th work?

How many can ya round up?

I can send him a mated pair of Wisconsin's "kinder, gentler" wolves.

[Linked Image]

If he wants some real bad ass wolves, as shown below, he would have to contact fish and game in ID, MT or WY.

[Linked Image]

that first woof is pretty tame, i see he's a fenced in kind!
great job on the home run Tom, congrats to jr.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

mule1,that doggone hat is getting a good work out.I LIKE the looks of that rifle.Details and more pictures.PLEASE!!!

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan and Dave when I bought the gun T/C only offered the SS in Black or Realtree synthetic stock and forend I made a commit about I wished I could get it with wood the store owner told his helper to get him a screwdriver and he swiped it off another muzzle loader . I later bought a blued 7mm08 T/C barrel but it never grouped like I wanted so this year I bought a 7mm08 Pro Hunter barrel which I used to "bang flop" the coyote. This barrel shoots much better that the standard contour barrel.

I also added the Redfield Accu Range 4x12 this year which seems to be a very good scope for the money and I like the made in USA part .

Originally Posted by tzone

Mule1, I liket that front stuffer. Stainless/walnut looks great almost always. Congrats on the coyote.

Thanks Tzone

Hey don't make the mistake of telling your son 20.00 a homer he might break ya !

Originally Posted by roundoak

Originally Posted by mule1

We don't have wolves in Oklahoma but we do have songdog's

[Linked Image]

Wisconsin DNR is adept at introducing animals. What is your address and how many wolves do you want? Does a ship date of February 15th work?

Yeah I could trade you some bred female feral hogs!

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by tzone

Mule1, I liket that front stuffer. Stainless/walnut looks great almost always. Congrats on the coyote.

Thanks Tzone

Hey don't make the mistake of telling your son 20.00 a homer he might break ya !

I'm not doin that.

I'd rather give him $20 for good grades...but they're required so no money for that either.

I'm adding another rifle to the deer hunting rifles I own.Several months ago I purchased a Stevens model 325 at a gun show.The model 325 is a light weight bolt action magazine fed in 30-30.This is the second one of these I have found this year after a four year search.And incidentally I bought both of them.The last one I bought was really pretty.Like new.Both of them are very very accurate but being a late 1940's manufacture they are not drilled and tapped for a scope.I did my research and found the mount I wanted,ordered it and when it arrived I took scope and the newest best condition rifle to my gunsmith to get it drilled and tapped.Having no receiver rear bridge,you are forced to use a side mount which also allows you to see the iron sights with the scope mounted.
I had a nice 3X9X40 Cabela's Redhead scope which I mounted and yesterday I went to the gun range.
A bolt action 30-30 allows you to use 30 caliber pointed bullets unlike a lever action in which you have to use flat point bullets.Add to that you have a great variety of bullet weights from which to choose.Heck I could load a 225 grain bullet if I wanted provided I do not exceed certain chamber pressures.
A friend of mine who has the same model rifle had given me the load info for some 110 grain bullets with which his son has already killed two very large bucks this year.This little bullet is really zipping along at about 2700FPS.I had already ordered some of the bullets and gotten them loaded.
It only took me about eight shots after bore sighting to get the scope zeroed the way I wanted it.I them proceeded to absolutely eat the very center out of the 8" shoot'n see target.I have had very few rifles in my life that shoot as consistent a point of impact as this rifle does.I'm very happy with the final results.
So now I have two bolt 30-30's.One has irons and one wears glasses.Both are really good shooters.

Stan in SC

Looks like you found a winner Stan.

Is your deer season still open?

Great find Stan. MY ex-wife's uncle has one of those and it shoots lights out. He uses it for his still hunting rifle. He, like yours, if VERY accurate. I've been in camp when he's killed about 8-10 deer with it. None have been more than one shot. One in particular I can remember was an old beat up 7pt that was nearly #200 dressed weight.

Whoa,

Good to see you guys back at it !!

I was missin my daily read !

Paul.

That sounds pretty cool Stan! Can you put up some pics of them?

last weekend of black powder... last weekend of deer hunting all together really (since I don't bow hunt)

yep,I have to miss the last weekend ,even though I have unfilled tags,to attend a funeral in Bemidiji.

Grizzly Bill,our season is open till January 1st.

Stan in SC

I need to buy a muzzle loader again. I sold mine because I didn't like it, and borrowed one last year to head to Chickenbuck.

Maybe Santa will be good to me?

Are you going to make in to the woods this weekend Stan? Good luck to all that are.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

last weekend of black powder... last weekend of deer hunting all together really (since I don't bow hunt)

I have a compound bow with all the accessories that could use the dust knocked off of it. Arrows, release, broadheads. It's ready to roll!

More than just seeing Stan's new rifle, I want to see it laying next to a deer!

Lake froze over last night. No more swimming, dang it.

Pulling for some Chickenbuck deer shootin' this weekend. Gonna call up my Pastor and see if he wants to chase a rooster around with me.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Gonna call up my Pastor and see if he wants to chase a rooster around with me.

Runj Rooster, run!

Hopefully, he doesn't give you the Father Nelson.

well Dave how did you do tonight?

Originally Posted by tzone

Hopefully, he doesn't give you the Father Nelson.

what's the father nelson? do I dare ask?

Not worth a chit, Keith.

But the inside temp in the cabin is up to 60, cubed venison is cooking on the stove for a batch of chili. outside temp heading towards zero. And the propane lights are flicckering like the tank is going empty lol.

But my beer is cold and i got my good buddy and number one camp hand Nate out here and we're planning tomorrows hunt in spite of the terribly low deer population.

If it is any consolation I got everyone else pretty much filled and need a recipe for tag soup for me

dang weather turned nice after they left

BTW You can run over and borrow one of my propane bottles

Seriously sometimes when they get too cold they just don't generate gas well.

Good friends, cold beer and hunting camp...does it get any better?

I'm going out for one last hurrah with the muzzleloader tomorrow afternoon. Gotta take the kids xmas shopping in the morning, then it will be time for venison chasing. Hopefully they are up and moving before the snow rolls in tomorrow night.

Keith....did you get any wild game this year, elk, deer ot antelope? Or zip, zero, zilch on all three?

Jeff

No it dont get much better Keith. If you find a recipe for them tags I can contribute about a bushel of unpunche tags.

I have 2 from PA.

Originally Posted by j_elky

I'm going out for one last hurrah with the muzzleloader tomorrow afternoon. Gotta take the kids xmas shopping in the morning, then it will be time for venison chasing. Hopefully they are up and moving before the snow rolls in tomorrow night.

Keith....did you get any wild game this year, elk, deer ot antelope? Or zip, zero, zilch on all three?

Jeff

Jeff,

I got a buck antelope

I ate 5 other tags because our weather was real wierd. just how it goes sometimes.

Still have a lion tag

I haven't been 'lope hunting in at least 6 or 7 years. I love it out in the sage brush country!!

Where do you do your goat hunting?

I like to hunt the southwest corner when I can draw a tag. I have to be honest..I didn't fill the 2 doe antelope tags by choice..iffy shots as the bucks were still rutting... and deer hunting just sucked here this year. EHD went through the whitetail herd and it was too warm during mule deer season so they were pretty nocturnal. Passed on little bucks so they would have a chance to grow up. Never even cut a fresh elk track...last year the dang things were everywhere and I didn't have a tag for the unit. I think my pard sprayed my tags with elk repellant

I don't normally do this but I would like to take the time to ask you guys and gals for some thoughts and prayers for my Uncle Gene.

Gene is the nicest, funniest man you will ever meet. Always full of life and energy and an extremely quick wit. A farmer by trade that just doesn't know how to sit still. If he's not in the field, he has some some piece of equipment torn apart in his shop or he's ice fishing in the winter.

On thursday he was cutting wood for his son and my cousin/best friend. Wood that didn't need to be cut because there is plenty for this winter and most of next. Wood that his son told him not to mess with while alone.

My cousin got off of work and noticed the loader tractor was gone from the farm. He knew right away that Gene had gone to cut wood so he drove across the field and down to the woods to help like he would any other day. He found his Dad lying on the ground with his arms out stetched and blood all over his swollen face and head. He was concious and said that he thinks he had a stroke becaue he can't move. He said he cut a tree down and stepped back out of the way and that is the last thing he remembers. It appears that a different tree came down at the same time and landed on top of his head. He was life flighted to the hospital where he currently is awaiting surgery for crushed vertebrae and spinal cord injuries. He has regained movement in his legs and feet but still cannot move his arms. He has stitches in his head and his eyes are all but swollen shut but he still has his sense of humor. Even though its a chore to speak, he has had the nurses and doctors laughing their heads off and when I went to see him one of the first things he said to me was that he was due for a check up anyway.

Well anyway...sorry this got long but if you could just send a little prayer his way, it would be greatly appreciated.

prayers sent for uncle Gene, hoping for a full recovery, at least he's talking and joking.

I knocked myself cold yesterday with a sledge hammer at work. I was tearing down some old corrals and hit a board and was on the ground with loose teeth. it was over my head and I think the handle bounced straight down into my right cheek, swelled up good, still sore. did make it out hunting this morning, saw lots of bucks but that season is done, least for me.

Prayers sent for Uncle Gene.

Prayers on the way for Gene, Rooster.

Ryan, there's an old saying about hitting yourself on the head with a hammer. "It feels great when you stop".

Bet Kendra had something to say about it when you got home.

Prayers on the way for your Uncle Gene, Rooster.

Thank you guys.

Ryan - you're lucky you still got your chiclets! Ouch!

Prayers on the way for uncle Gene. Couldn't believe it when I read Janelle's post on FB. Hope for a speedy recovery, keep us posted.

Indeed, praying for Gene.

I jumped 2 deer at my stand tonight, no shot, damn it.

Snowing up there yet Dave?

We're supposed to get 3 to 6 inches Sunday.

Yeah its been snowing all day, we've got around 3" so far i think.

finally got some termination dust here...but damn little.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Prayers on the way for uncle Gene. Couldn't believe it when I read Janelle's post on FB. Hope for a speedy recovery, keep us posted.

I will Missy. I can't believe it either. Gene is one of those guys that you just think will be around forever and never get in to trouble like this.

Don't know you or Gene.. Rooster but you guys have been on my mind all day.

Prayers for Gene.

Thanks. If you met Gene, you guys would no doubt say he's the most fun person you have ever met. He is just one of those incredible people that would give you the shirt off his back and make you feel good about it. He is not doing so well today. He's talking "jibberish" so to speak. We hope its the drugs he's on.

Originally Posted by eh76

Don't know you or Gene.. Rooster but you guys have been on my mind all day.

Thats very nice of you. Thank you for saying that.

Prayers sent, sir.

Hope to hear some good news soon...

prayers for Gene.

One last try, legal shooting starts in 10 minutes

Boy Dave, no one can ever accuse you of not putting in your time. 'Too bad the hunting's so tough up there. 'Sure seems like you guys deserve to see a couple hanging from the game pole once in a while.

Hmm, icicle whiskers, fluffy snow that screeches under my feet.... gotta be below zero.

Prayers, and a PM sent for Gene.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

One last try, legal shooting starts in 10 minutes

I hope we see some pictures of 'ol forkey toes as a fuzzy windchime before this day is over Dave!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Prayers, and a PM sent for Gene.

Got it and thanks again Jeff

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hmm, icicle whiskers, fluffy snow that screeches under my feet.... gotta be below zero.

4 below here and the wind is blowing. Went out with the dogs for a bit...we all came in pretty quick

13 here, was going to go hunting this morning, but the couch is more comfortable. supposed to warm up to 20 today though, maybe I'll go out this evening

I'm afraid its time to turn the page. 2012 deer hunting is behind us. We stayed in it to the end and we still hold hope as we exit the woods today. But it's over and thats fine. On to other things. Nate wants to build an ice spearing house for spearing northerns. We have snowmobiles to fix up, some final prep work to do on the new sleeper ice fishing house... Christmas is almost here, there is plenty to do and now that hunting is done i can concentrate on these other things. Only one deer for the whole camp was taken, repeat of last year. I hope the deer population comes back soon.

Rooster prayers sent .

Dave sorry about your season man I wish I could send you some doe's

[Linked Image]

And some Turkey's !

[Linked Image]

Rooster, prayers sent for Gene, hope everthing turns out OK.

I hope Gene is doing well. Sent a few upstairs for him.

Thank you all

Pulling for Gene here too.

The offer still stands Rooster. Just let me know.

Updates rooster? We're hoping and praying for the best.

Lots of snow here today. It has to be 10" or better. I haven't actually dropped a tape down to check though.

Pretty day, lots of fluffy snow, quiet, pretty, warm. I'll be sick of it by Tuesday.

Originally Posted by mule1

And some Turkey's !

[Linked Image]

Now your just teasin me!

Still pryayin for Gene here.

Originally Posted by tzone

Lots of snow here today. It has to be 10" or better. I haven't actually dropped a tape down to check though.

Pretty day, lots of fluffy snow, quiet, pretty, warm. I'll be sick of it by Tuesday.

Ive got to have at least a foot here.

We don't quite have enough snow to push around with the plow truck yet. I guess that's ok actually, because we want good ice on Lake of the woods. -21 degrees this morning, we're making ice now!

(Snow on the ice sheet insulates the ice, then the ice forms slower.)

We got about 5" down here. Gull Lake was steaming pretty good this morning.

Steaming????

That sounds like a problem.

I'm no expert, but I'd say that might not be safe to drive on yet.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Ive got to have at least a foot here.

Weather man said we got 13.5" in this neck of the woods. I beleive him. I'm surprised how well the big red wagon handled the snow for being such a front heavy truck.

Lotsa goofies stuck in wierd places from driving too fast to work this morning though. Screws up the drive for the rest of us that remember how to drive in snow.

I shake my head year after year at how people "forget" how to drive in the snow.

I didn't realize you lived over there Jeff. I love Gull. I used to go to Craigun's as a kid and fished that lake a lot. No way I can afford to rent a cabin there now. I can't remember what the price was but it was $2k+ for a weekly rental when I checked in 2004.

No wind and 4 below right now. I wouldn't be surprised if it was froze over on the drive home tonight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Updates rooster? We're hoping and praying for the best.

They moved Gene's surgery out to wednesday now. Yesterday he did move one arm just a little so that is a good sign! He is getting pretty fed up with lying motionless in the hospital. In fact he told his daughter the other day that when help arrived he assumed they were going to bring him back to the farm, not the hospital. I will keep the updates coming as we get them but so far it appears like our prayers are working!

Again thank you all!! Classy bunch on here for sure!

I have fished the big Gull Lake ice tourney a few times. That is a sight to see. I remember in '98, the tourney was the day before the NFC Championship game between the Vikings and the Falcons. (It's still hard to think about that game

)

The ESPN helicoptor flew over and filmed the 14,000 plus ice fisherman out on Gull Lake that day and they showed it on the pre-game show the next day. I tried to pick myself out on TV but everyone looked the same in camo and fuzzy hats!

Originally Posted by tzone

I didn't realize you lived over there Jeff. I love Gull. I used to go to Craigun's as a kid and fished that lake a lot. No way I can afford to rent a cabin there now. I can't remember what the price was but it was $2k+ for a weekly rental when I checked in 2004.

Tzone - You would be better off renting a camper and staying in the campground. $2k a week for a cabin is ludicrous!

Five inches of snow for us. I cranked up the Toro this morning and it fired right off. Blew out a large area in the back yard so the grandpuppy could do her thing when she comes over.

Tom,

We've been in our house for almost 14 years now. Best move I ever made was getting out of the cities. I stay off Gull on the weekends. I tried fishing it once on 4th of July w/e, it was just stupid with all the people. Nothing like trying to jig a 'eye spot and have a power cruiser run past you at 50+!!

For the record, I can't afford to stay at Craguns or Maddens or Grand View or etc.. either.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I didn't realize you lived over there Jeff. I love Gull. I used to go to Craigun's as a kid and fished that lake a lot. No way I can afford to rent a cabin there now. I can't remember what the price was but it was $2k+ for a weekly rental when I checked in 2004.

Tzone - You would be better off renting a camper and staying in the campground. $2k a week for a cabin is ludicrous!

I know...That's why I didn't do it.

We rent one in Hayward, WI now. I love the place and it's cheaper, kinda, but long story.

Originally Posted by j_elky

For the record, I can't afford to stay at Craguns or Maddens or Grand View or etc.. either.

We got priced out of there when I was young too. We moved to Breezy Point, on Pelecian, and the price of that got nuts too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We don't quite have enough snow to push around with the plow truck yet. I guess that's ok actually, because we want good ice on Lake of the woods. -21 degrees this morning, we're making ice now!

(Snow on the ice sheet insulates the ice, then the ice forms slower.)

23�F here this morning

supposed to be 50�F by Wednesday

Knee mail sent for Uncle Gene. Too few people these days have a good sense of humor.

-10 this morning here. the snow was crunching on my way to the Y.

I think everyone on this here thread should send a doe to Dave. I think all of us could spare at least one, eh?

Hey, is it nice in Scottsdale AZ in January? Got a work trip there.

Anybody here had the freakin Shingles ? I'm too young for this crap !

Rooster,

My cousin and I fished that tourney as kids and he won a boat/motor/trailer combo by catching the 101st fish or something like that. It took about 45 seconds of fishing to have that fish number, it was nuts.

They wouldn't let us take the boat home because neither of us was 18. We were both 16. His parents had to come get it for him.

No, but i had a truck load of aluminum siding once.

Seriously, sorry man. That does not sound like any fun.

Originally Posted by mule1

Anybody here had the freakin Shingles ? I'm too young for this crap !

I didnt get the chicken pox until I was 25.
I have never been sicker.I can only guess what shingles is like.

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster,

My cousin and I fished that tourney as kids and he won a boat/motor/trailer combo by catching the 101st fish or something like that. It took about 45 seconds of fishing to have that fish number, it was nuts.

They wouldn't let us take the boat home because neither of us was 18. We were both 16. His parents had to come get it for him.

Do you ever think about what the fish are thinking when all of the sudden 10,000 hooks drop in front of them like a huge buffet restraunt.

Rooster,Uncle Gene is in our thoughts and prayers.Please keep us posted.

mule1,my wife had shingles about ten years or so ago.After going thru that and seeing how it affected her I just hope I never get them.I feel for you,pardner.

Stan in SC

No...Never thought of that. I'd like to see the view from an underwater camera when the whistle blows for the start.

Jeff( my cousin) litteraly fished for less than a minute before he caught the fish. I think it was a perch. It had to be longer than our ticket to be "legal" for entry. He RAN to the check station and it was long already. It was pretty cool. He had that boat/motor/trailer for a long time. 15 years I bet until he got a differnt one about 5 years ago because he has a pile of kids.

I have actually thought about what the fish must think when all of a sudden there is more food in front of them then they know what to do with.

And I believe it was 45 seconds for the 101st fish to be caught. I can't remember the exact number that they announced was brought in in the first minute and a half last time I was there but it was well over a hundred. Maybe two hundred fish.

Originally Posted by mule1

Anybody here had the freakin Shingles ? I'm too young for this crap !

Sorry to hear that mule. There have been a lot of TV adds about shingles lately for some reason. It does not sound pleasant.

I had to laugh the other night, Scott had just come home from selling his 357 mag. Smith & Wesson to his cousin. He sold it for $450, and he paid him with a box full of quarters.

Better than a sock full of nickles I guess?

I keep all my change in a gallon jug for a rainy day. It's almost full, I should see how much money is in that sucker.

Mini-man thinks I should buy a hot rod with it. It's not THAT full.

Some of those quarters may be worth $4 each just in silver content. Don't be hasty in getting rid of them!

They are rough that's for sure. Makes me glad that I got the shingles shot.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by mule1

Anybody here had the freakin Shingles ? I'm too young for this crap !

I didnt get the chicken pox until I was 25.
I have never been sicker.I can only guess what shingles is like.

I had the Chicken pox 10 years ago at 37 it was bad . But this hasent been that bad yet.

And besides I'm tougher than wood pecker lips !

Hey Stan they're is a Vaccine for shingles you can get somewhere between 50-60 apparently not all ins. will pay for it though.

Thanks to all of you in this thread who mentioned the Primos refurbs on sale at Natchez. I finally got around to using the 46 I bought and love it!!!!

They seem to still have more of them - for anyone that is thinking of a good X-mas gift.

Originally Posted by goalie

Thanks to all of you in this thread who mentioned the Primos refurbs on sale at Natchez. I finally got around to using the 46 I bought and love it!!!!

The 46 is pretty good eh? I'm going to have to check that out.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Thanks to all of you in this thread who mentioned the Primos refurbs on sale at Natchez. I finally got around to using the 46 I bought and love it!!!!

The 46 is pretty good eh? I'm going to have to check that out.

Keep in mind I am a total game-cam noob and have nothing to compare it to, but it does everything it says it should, and it is easy to use and set up.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Thanks to all of you in this thread who mentioned the Primos refurbs on sale at Natchez. I finally got around to using the 46 I bought and love it!!!!

The 46 is pretty good eh? I'm going to have to check that out.

The pictures are noticible better than my 35, and the 35's are decent.

how much was it?
I've been using the wildgame innovations ones and have had good luck

The Troof cam 35's are $79 at Cabela's and I got the 46 for $139. Those are not refurbs. The refurbs sounds like they're cheaper.

Originally Posted by tzone

The Troof cam 35's are $79 at Cabela's and I got the 46 for $139. Those are not refurbs. The refurbs sounds like they're cheaper.

$64.99 for one and $59.99 if you buy two.

I just went and looked again and you can get the Troof Cam 60 7.0mp refurb for $84.99 for one and $79.99 for two. They are $179.99 at regular price.

What the HECK?! In the 5 minutes I was on the natchez site looking around, the cameras went up in price and now say they are sold out and will not be available in the future. So disregard the prices I listed I guess. They just changed and are no longer available.

*EDIT AGAIN* I was looking at the regular cameras not the refurbs.

Carry on. Prices are the same as I listed and are in stock.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

how much was it?
I've been using the wildgame innovations ones and have had good luck

Refurb 46 with warranty for 65 bucks. I wanted to try one out without investing too much cash, and it seemed better to go with a "nice" refurb instead of a new one at that price-point.

Uncle Gene update:

He had surgery yesterday to fuse the vertebrae in his neck and open up the area around his spinal cord between the shoulder blades. The surgeon said the surgery went very well and was a complete success!

Now he is able to sit up in bed at least and they can start working on movement and PT excercises. He moved his left arm a few inches today so that is a real good sign. He is sharp as a tack but still has it in his head that he's going home this afternoon now that the surgery is over. I wish that could be the case but I think it will be awhile before he can leave the hospital. He is still in the ICU.

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts and prayers and keep them going for a full recovery!

Rooster, we are still in prayer and I did place him on our church prayer line.

Yep, knee mail sent from Alexandria routinely as well for Uncle Gene.

How is Uncle Dusty doing these days?

Thanks for the Uncle Gene update. I'm betting for a man like him to be cooped up in the hospital, is far worse than any injury he'll ever get. I know the type.

He's climbing the walls I'm sure.

More prayers and well wishes for ya Gene.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Yep, knee mail sent from Alexandria routinely as well for Uncle Gene.

How is Uncle Dusty doing these days?

I was in and had an MRI and they found a small spot by my tail bone. They do not know if it is cancer or not. I am starting radiation for that on Tuesday.

Other than that everything is really really good. Fish house is prit-near ready!

Rooster,thanks for the update.Please let us know of further progress.We continue to keep Uncle Gene in our thoughts and prayers.
Dusty,praying for you too,man.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Yep, knee mail sent from Alexandria routinely as well for Uncle Gene.

How is Uncle Dusty doing these days?

I was in and had an MRI and they found a small spot by my tail bone. They do not know if it is cancer or not. I am starting radiation for that on Tuesday. \
\
Hang in there Sir ! hope to see some fish pic's soon!

Other than that everything is really really good. Fish house is prit-near ready!

Hang in there Sir ! hope to see some fish pic's soon!

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Fish house is prit-near ready!

I'd say shortly after Christmas at the rate the ice is forming.

Portable fishing will be wide open this weekend, hard sided houses will start heading out pulled by light rigs as well.

I'll call you soon.

Praying for you Uncle Dusty. Please keep us posted.

Good to hear from you Dusty. Keeping both you and Gene inour prayers.

Not much ice here Dave. Temps were in the low 40's yesterday. Freezing rain in the forecast for Saturday.

Been making chex mix the past couple of days and helping the wife bake cookies. Need to get packages mailed out to my son and his family in OR.

I'm going to hopefully finish up my Christmas shopping this weekend and get the presents wrapped since the kiddos will be with Mom this weekend.

I'm planning a trip to Cabelas tomorrow too. I need to get some stuff to start the reloading room in the basement.

We're supposed to have freezing rain switching to snow sometime tomorrow and pretty nice on Sunday. So far anyway. We were only supposed to get 8" of snow last weekend and ended up with 16.

Continued prayers Dusty! Good to hear from you!

Are you going to use that flat screen TV sized Lowrance to locate the best spot on LOW to set that new house?

Nice to hear from you Uncle Dusty!

I was wondering how the ice was up there. I saw guys fishing here over 2 weeks ago on the little bit of ice we had.

i am finally getting the Pastor to our church out pheasant hunting with me on Saturday. Talk about a fun way to help a guy get into heaven.....

Tzone, I did my Cabelas trip last week. Bought the boys a cute towel that has deer horns on it and you wear it over your head. They have some coupons out now T, I saved $45 on a $300 purchase.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm planning a trip to Cabelas tomorrow too. I need to get some stuff to start the reloading room in the basement.

Man, I'm jealous! It would be awesome to have a room dedicated to reloading, gun storage, and the like. I have a half decent setup in a garage with radiant heated floors, but I'd love to have more room. Especially a room dedicated to it.

Put up picks when it's done!

I will Azar. It will be a whole process.

Probably more of one than I want it to be. But there is a beer frige already that I'll be building the room around.

I can tell you from a friend's experience that mixing liquor and reloading is not a good idea. He loaded some ammo while enjoying one too many beers and ended up with too hot loads that fried his bolt action rifle. Required a gunsmith to fix the problem with the bolt. Be careful.

Does your friend have a stripper pole in his reloading room? I may have to rethink this...

Not that I know of but that sounds like a better idea unless you are easily distracted!

I recently heard, "You can judge your trust in a man if you're willing to shoot the ammo he loaded when drinking".

4

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

I recently heard, "You can judge your trust in a man if you're willing to shoot the ammo he loaded when drinking".

4

Maybe more like judge your sanity or intelligence...

I cut the top of a propane tank off tonight and it didn't blow up..

[Linked Image]

Because I wasn't drinking.... ok maybe I was....

But I filled the tank with water before cutting.

[Linked Image]

I'll weld this nice flat plate on top now....

[Linked Image]

Because this old 30 lb tank with a small pinhole in it (yes Dusty, it's that tank)

Will soon be a small pot belly wood burning stove for Nate's new spear house.

How big is the new spear house? That should keep it toasty warm if not too big.

how's he gonna get wood in it when you weld it shut again?

seconds on the zero drinking when reloading, except for resizing.

also let me know what you need, I might have seconds on some stuff

House is a little 2 person, 4'x8'.

I'll maybe post some project pics, the stove will be cool when it's done.

looks like it!, can't wait to see it! I used to love building ice houses

Years ago, I built a heavy wooden one that size and it was crowded for two but workable. Had a 2'x4' opening for the spear hole and a tall old kerosene heater in the rear. Got so hot we sat in T shirts. Used a cast iron fry pan on top of the heater to cook up our mistakes. Brings back lots of good memories. Good luck with the project.

Neat idea!

We converted our wood burning stove to propane back in the mid '80's in our 4 x 8 spearhouse that Uncle Gene built. It was just too hard to regulate. It would either get so hot in there we had to crack the door constantly (letting light in) or we were freezing. Propane keeps it nice and steady. But knowin you ND, you'll come up with a way to regulate that wood burner just right.

Can't wait to see the pics of the house build. As you know, I'm thinking of doing the same but me and Daren still have that same house we have been spearing out of since about 1977 or so. Maybe we'll just give that some TLC and build a new one together next year.

*Edit* Come to think of it, Uncle Gence converted it to kerosene before he converted it to propane for us. The kerosene was not a very good option. Stove would either be roaring or would go out. Kind of like the wood did. It also stunk up the joint pretty bad if I recall.

I'm not much for flames inside small spaces. Might just be me, but Oxygen is my favorite gas I guess. Anyway, will you vent the stove so that it burn outside air instead of sucking from inside?

Good luck with the spearing. I've never tried it but it does seem to be a pretty interesting hybrid between hunting and fishing.

Good luck!

No ice being made here. 38* and raining.

The wife and I are going to buy a tablet, Ipad, Kindle Fire or ??. Anyone have any experience that they'd care to share

I use the IPad, I looked at them all when buying. Really like the IPad.

Griz, go with the iPad. They are the best. My wife has one and she loves it. Works flawlessly. I dont have any Apple stock, but it seems to me that there is the iPad and then everything else is way behind it.

Got my Pastor out pheasant hunting today. We got 4 and couldnt find the 5th after he knocked it down in the cattails. Good day, we saw about 70 birds. Hunted in the snow all day and got pretty wet, but what a fun day. Well until I got home and found out that Mrs Berettaman thought I was gonna be home sooner. I am in the doghouse now. Brrrr, it is cold in here.....

There are worse places than a doghouse with wet dogs and several roosters after a good day of hunting in Dec. How much snow did you get in your area?

Blame it on your Pastor, LOL.

my Cousin Zach and his wife came over tonight, we had a couple glasses of wine and cut up a bunch of deer.
discussed the season and how many tags we could fill, looks like I'm alone for the next 2 weeks, but after that I may get my partner back

pretty cool our season goes til the 15th of jan

Here are a few pictures of the wood stove coming together.

Door cut out and framed with additional steel from inside.

[Linked Image]

chimney hole.

[Linked Image]

chimney stub and cook plate installed.

[Linked Image]

door and draft vent.

[Linked Image]

Turn the T handle to open and close the draft, it seals up really tight.

[Linked Image]

there we are, legs on, a couple of ford truck valve springs for the dampner and door handle.

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pkg mine neatly please........and Dave you suck.........

We lit it up to burn the old paint off, it will be easy to hit it with a wire brush tomorrow and paint it hi temp black.

It's goofy looking but we like it

Not goofy looking at all. Obviously, it will work like a champ.

Humm... Out hunting with your paster and your wife is mad ?

You might as well have stopped at the nudy bar on the way home.

You'd still be in trouble but at least you'd know why !

Know a few of the pastor's I do....they did.

LOL, thats a good one!

stove looks awesome Dave! wow!

cleaned up and ready for a coat of hi temp black paint now. We did a stove pipe with an internal collar plug welded into the long pipe section, it fits like a glove.

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Painted

Looks great. What brand of paint did you use? I need to repaint one of my tent wood stoves.

**shaking head**

You amaze me Dave! That looks awesome!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Looks great. What brand of paint did you use? I need to repaint one of my tent wood stoves.

it's just a can of hi temp rustoleum we picked up at hardware store.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

**shaking head**

You amaze me Dave! That looks awesome!

Thanks bud.

Well I have the boys working on the floor. This is how we're doing it.

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Here's where the wood stove will go.

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Nice work in progress.

A couple of chips off the old block Dave.

Stove looks great.

That's a big hole Dave! Better tether the boys. I got my spear and saw today. Hopefully watching the big aquarium next weekend.

4

Good luck 4!

Looking good guys.

Me any my BIL spent the day up north on the new iron range spot. We grabbed the trail cams I put out a few weeks ago, checked on a beaver bog set up that rocks, and scouted the heck out of new clear cut that is at least a section in size.

About 4pm he jumped up on a stump in the cut and said "there's a deer looking at me." I climbed up on the stump and glassed it and said "it's a buck." He looked like a basket 6, possibly a fork.

We also jumped a doe and tonight discovered we were about 3 minutes behind her on the trail cam too. Kinda neat.

I'll post pics tomorrow after I get them all loaded.

I'm also becoming a big fan on the Primos Truth Cam 46. The picture quality is great!

Damn Dave, you sure are a creative [bleep]...that stove is sweet!!,

I've never tried spearing but I love the old decoys that some guys collect. Do you guys make your own?

How deep can you reliably hit a fish?

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm also becoming a big fan on the Primos Truth Cam 46. The picture quality is great!

The one I got convinced my hunting partner to buy a few for the property we hunt.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I've never tried spearing but I love the old decoys that some guys collect. Do you guys make your own?

How deep can you reliably hit a fish?

Most spear fisherman try to keep the house in 10 feet of water or less. You hang the decoy (weather that be a fake or live large sucker on a harness) about 3 to 4 feet below the ice depending on water clarity. When a pike comes in, you slowly lower your spear into the water so you do not make a splash when you throw it. Aim for right behind the head and give it a toss. Most of the time the spear only travels a couple of feet before hitting the fish. The desired hit is right behind the head because it usually breaks the "neck" and you don't have a flopping fish at the end of your spear which can slip off. That shot also saves the fillets.

I should also add that there is rope tied to the end of the spear and secured to an eyebolt or something inside the house. This allows you to retrieve your spear and fish.

Sorry, been busy, but to answer the question, we got about 8-10" in the big storm and 2-4 this last weekend just after some rain.

I got myself out of the doghouse with a late night run up to Target to buy the Sound Of Music for my daughter (the wife was already in her PJs). For sure it was worth it. I just love December rooster hunts in the snow!

Did they change the spearing rule so you could have the sucker on a hook now? I thought they did that. I used to spear a lot, but havent for years. You always want to throw the spear straight down due to the refraction of the water. The fish is not where he looks like he is at when there is an angle. Sometimes they come in so fast it is a blur and your sucker is gone and you dont even twitch a finger. Other times they glide in and stop in the middle of the hole. other times they sit out about 4 feet and watch. It was always fun watching other fish as well. It will scare the heck out of you when a muskrat comes up into your hole. Or I have heard of beavers doing that too. On really cold days, it is possible for the ice to crack....right through your hole. There is a certain pucker factor associated with that. Oh, and the first date I ever had with my wife? Spearing!

You left a lot to be said on your last line BM

yeah, sometimes things are better left unsaid! Once it is out, better start elaborating.

Love the pics of the spear house and stove...etc. We used to spear pike on Saginaw Bay when I was young (40 yrs ago) and I haven't done it since.
The life skills you are equipping the boys with (whether they realize it yet or not) is simply amazing Dave. You are doing stuff with them constantly that will help carry them thru life in fine fashion. This thread could illustrate more about what to do than any "parenting" magazine that I've ever seen on the shelves.
Carry on Men.....

Had to take a break from homework and get caught up on the thread. Very cool stove Dave. There has to be a story behind the propane tank though.

Nate, spear house is going to be nice!!

Scott has his spear house all ready to put out. He should get laid off for the winter (hopefully by mid-week) so we can do some fishing. He also bought an angleing house last week. Pretty excited about that cuz I love to ice fish but have not done it for a couple years or so.

Awwww yes. The wily muscrat popping up in your hole and giving you a hiss is always a heart starter. One weekend my cousin that I spear with, took his cousin on the other side spearing. He had two muscrats popping up in his hole and scaring the crap out of him so he speared them and threw them out the door. When it came time to leave they were surprised to see the two rats shaking and shivering underneath the pick up. My cousin felt sorry for them so he put on his gloves and picked them up by the tails and put them back down the hole that they had been speared out of. The next day they went down to fish and my cousins hole was clean as whistle while his cousins hole was plugged so tight with weeds it took him an hour to clean it all out.

I've also heard of a guy from a neighboring town that made a brand new exit in his house when a beaver came flying up the hole and landed on the floor, spraying water all over the hot stove.

I think I would probably just chit myself right there on the spot.

Well I promised pics so...

I'm not sure what clicked the trigger but here's a shot of one of the swamp crossings.
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Found this on the way to the beaver bog. It was not there on Dec. 2 when I was there last.

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Here is a shot from where a stand/blind will be. Looking to the north.
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Looking back into the woods from the stand. The way I walked in.
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About 1/2 way across the bog on top of the dam, looking west. It's about 300 yards to the tall pines in the top of the picture.
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Same spot, looking east.
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North end of the damn, looking back south to where the stand will be on the finger of Spruce coming down to the swamp. About 150-175 yards across the whole thing.
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This was at the north end of the beaver dam. I'm also pretty sure this wasn't here last time, because you HAVE to walk past it to get off the dam and it's not hard to see at all.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/185_zpsed5b6d19.jpg[/img]

Well now, what happens in a spear house stays in the spear house!

It was our first date though. But there is a good story that happened that day. Now imagine a very nervous 17 year old kid with this girl he has had his eye on for a long time, FINALLY out on a date with her. It was a small house, 4X6 if'n I remember correctly. I got the fuel oil stove behind me and she is on my left facing sideways. The dumb stove keeps going out and since it is behind me, I cannot see it. So finally I just asked her because it was easier for her to see, is the stove going? She says, "Yes". Well doggone it my back starts getting really warm and I hear something and turn around to find flames coming 2 feet out of the stove! The only pail I had was the minnow pail, so I quick grab the sucker out and hand it to her and say hold this and proceed to use the bucket to get water out of the hole and throw on the stove. We got it under control and back to ... umm... spearing....yeah we were spearing right? Yes, I do believe we were spearing. Somehow we didnt see a fish the whole time we were out.

That folks, was our first date. We have now been married 18 years, so I guess I didnt goof it up too bad!

Originally Posted by Muffy

There has to be a story behind the propane tank though.

I don't know. It was your dad's tank. I'm sure it's been on many adventures. He gave it to me, told me it had a pin hole in it that he had peened at one time. It had the old style valve so I'd have to switch that out just to get it filled, and I never bothered because of the pin hole.

3 walls up in Nate's fish stabbin cabin.

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Nuttin like a good stabbin cabin.

Looking good boys!

Is this thing on?

Can anybody hear me? If you can't hear me, just say some-ting.

huh?

I think Dave and the boys are digging the basement for Nates shack.

Major snow event on the way. Parts of the state are under a blizzard warning and may get 12" to 16". We're in the 5" to 10" range with high winds.

Hey Bill it's supposed to be 75 down here today----------

Originally Posted by Wtxj

Hey Bill it's supposed to be 75 down here today----------

What part of Texas? I used to get down to Dallas quite a bit, back in the day.

It was beautiful,a mild 66 degrees with puhlenty of sunshine here in South Carolina today.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

It was beautiful,a mild 66 degrees with puhlenty of sunshine here in South Carolina today.

Stan in SC

I'll trade weather with you Stan. They've dropped the 5 to 10" estimate and are now saying 10" minimum. Looks like we'll be getting a lot of snoblower time on Thursday. Most of the area schools have already announced that they'll be closed.

Dave got skills!

Rooster I haven't kept up lately...how is your Uncle?

Snowing hard here, complete with lightning and thunder on a hard East Wind. Temps will drop and the winds will increase tonight. Should be interesting tomorrow morning.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Wtxj

Hey Bill it's supposed to be 75 down here today----------

What part of Texas? I used to get down to Dallas quite a bit, back in the day.

/dfw

Pam and I were on the road today picking up my Christmas present. Pam bought me this nice used sled, low miles and very well kept. She surprised the heck out of me.

We did our shopping for the kids today as well, lot of driving today, tired out and glad to be home.

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Huh. Not sure I've seen to many of those red ones. Looks like a cream puff though. I think my '95 Trail Deluxe was a 40th aniversary edition, so a 2000?

4

Yes this is a 2000, 45th anniversary model.

700 liquid cooled twin, elect start, reverse, push button ride adjustment (soft/firm)

Mirrors... it's exactly what I want in a sled these days.

I'm real happy, she did a great job finding this thing and got a great deal too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam and I were on the road today picking up my Christmas present. Pam bought me this nice used sled, low miles and very well kept. She surprised the heck out of me.

We did our shopping for the kids today as well, lot of driving today, tired out and glad to be home.

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ya got to have snow to run those things on....1st time in 30 years I am doing this in December...

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Hey EH...we do the same thing.

Not for me in December though, not this year anyway. We did last year.

We have snow, a good amout of it too. ND has a nice little lake he can ride on if there isn't much for snow.

Little Lake....

Wonder how long before RWS is testing the limits on that new ride

Originally Posted by eh76

Rooster I haven't kept up lately...how is your Uncle?

Unfortunately I don't really have any really good news yet. He is doing about the same in the movement department. He moved his left arm a little and squeezed his sons hand a little the other day but thats about it. He has been talking goofy too. Last saturday he thought he was up on Lake of the Woods fishing. His son told him he was going to go home and get things done and Gene said "yeah I'll probably pack it up and head back to the room too. Nothings biting anyway" and then Sunday he thought he scored a touchdown for the Vikings and he's convinced they heat the hospital with chicken shiit. We were concerned that his head had more damage than previously thought but then they informed us they had him on some medication to help with his therapy. They started weaning him off of that yesterday so hopefully he comes around. Funny that they decide to wean him off the meds when he starts saying they heat the hospital with chicken shiit! Don't want that rumor going around I guess!

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Dang! Thats a NICE Christmas present!

MrsNorthernDave appears to be rather fond of Northern Dave IMHO

I betcha she loves to go for a ride wid him!!!

Nice sled. A friend of mine used to have one like that. After the twins were born he figured he wouldn't have much time to ride so he sold it. It was a very good sled.

I picked up a new battery for my sled. It will be nice to have electric start agin. "LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW!!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Nice sled. A friend of mine used to have one like that. After the twins were born he figured he wouldn't have much time to ride so he sold it. It was a very good sled.

I picked up a new battery for my sled. It will be nice to have electric start agin. "LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW!!

Bring your sled Muffy. We have about 10" of fresh snow for you to play in.

I did a wee bit of trading at the gun shop today and feel that I came away much the better.I got a Ruger Model 77 Hawkeye in .223 with a Bushnell 6X18X50 scope.Good looking like new rifle.Can't wait to get to the gun club and shoot it.

Stan in SC

Nice find, Stan. Wouldn't mind one of those myself for yotes.

I was going out to blow snow when I remembered that according to the Mayan calendar, the world is going to end tomorrow (21st). So I said the heck with it.

had a shot at a doe tonight, got excited and rushed it, think I shot under her. went and looked for 15 minutes, no blood and I watched her run a long ways, it happens. my best friend from high school is coming to hunt with me first weekend in January, haven't seen him in many years, so I'm pretty excited!

Nice lookin sled Dave! lucky man you are! hows Nate coming with da stabbin cabin?

Everything happens for a reason, sometimes that reason is that you're stupid and make bad decisions.

^^

I resemble that remark

Originally Posted by Muffy

"LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW!!

what is this snow you speak of?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

had a shot at a doe tonight, got excited and rushed it, think I shot under her. went and looked for 15 minutes, no blood and I watched her run a long ways, it happens. my best friend from high school is coming to hunt with me first weekend in January, haven't seen him in many years, so I'm pretty excited!

Nice lookin sled Dave! lucky man you are! hows Nate coming with da stabbin cabin?

Hey! you figgered out that fan yet?

Nice work Stan! I did some gun trading today too. I wanted to trade my Benelli (Super 90) for a an AR, but I ended up trading it on a different Benelli.

No snow here but there is a nasty wind that kicked up and cooled it right down.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I was going out to blow snow when I remembered that according to the Mayan calendar, the world is going to end tomorrow (21st). So I said the heck with it.

Originally Posted by eh76

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

had a shot at a doe tonight, got excited and rushed it, think I shot under her. went and looked for 15 minutes, no blood and I watched her run a long ways, it happens. my best friend from high school is coming to hunt with me first weekend in January, haven't seen him in many years, so I'm pretty excited!

Nice lookin sled Dave! lucky man you are! hows Nate coming with da stabbin cabin?

Hey! you figgered out that fan yet?

burning the midnight oil on it as I type this!
actually I forgot all about it with hunting season and all. I'll see if uncle Dusty or Dave can remind me how to make them, I think it's a laptop fan and a battery? I'll get it.

Darn Mayans. Ended up having to blow snow. Glad I didn't max out the credit cards!

We ended up with only 8". Middleton (Near Madison) was the winner with 19.5".

19.5" IS Plenty. They can have it!

A lot of ours melted last weekend with the rain. I'd say we're probably down to about 6-8" left on the ground. Maybe a bit more.

My dang step-dad is trying to talk me into one of those snow scooters like ND just got. It's been many moons since I've actually owned one. There is a lot to choose from in about any price range you can think of.

I lost interest in them years ago. My dad sold SnoJet, Rupp and Wheel Horse so we could ride anytime. Gor bored with it and never went back.

Speaking of backs, I don't think mine could handle the pounding anymore. I know the new machines are much better riding, but your body still pays a price.

Well there is NO WAY i'd get a new machine. Lotsa $ for those babies. I realistically won't be getting one this year.

The new(er) machines ride a lot nicer and are lasting longer and longer.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Darn Mayans. Ended up having to blow snow. Glad I didn't max out the credit cards!

We ended up with only 8". Middleton (Near Madison) was the winner with 19.5".

my snowblower is a Yamaha 660 with a plow on it...funny thing tho...when I have the plow mounted it never snows

How well does it work with heavy snow? My uncle just bought a Grizzly 550 w/ a Moose plow.

pretty well..you just don't take too big a bite. my plow manually articulates left or right. it is a cycle country.

Originally Posted by eh76

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Darn Mayans. Ended up having to blow snow. Glad I didn't max out the credit cards!

We ended up with only 8". Middleton (Near Madison) was the winner with 19.5".

my snowblower is a Yamaha 660 with a plow on it...funny thing tho...when I have the plow mounted it never snows

My son out in OR just bought a 660. Don't think his has a plow though.

I don't think his articulates left/right but it moves up and down with the winch. The plow is big, too big for a wheeler IMO.

My plow is a little bit wider than my Grizzly...also uses the winch.

Every winter I toss around the idea of getting a plow for my wheeler. I have a cub cadet 2186 with a 42" blower on the front. The mower deck is wore out so its strictly a blower tractor now. I have a cab for it. Just need to modify it because my homemade weight box is in the way for where it mounts in the rear of the tractor. I really need to get that cab on because beer freezes way too fast in the wide open.

Well, that and it's cold out.

Uncle Gene update.

I went and seen him last night after work. He was moved across town to the rehab facility. He is in a really nice room and they took him off the meds that made him so goofy. Strange thing is though, everything that he did in his hallucinations or whatever they were are so real to him still that he kept asking me if they were true or not. He said its so real to him that he can't tell reality from what he thinks happened in the week he was on those meds. He told me lots of stories of everything he did that week. Most of them really bad experiences. I assured him that none of it happened and he is not in all the trouble that he thinks he got into while fishing up on Lake of the Woods. His pickup is not all smashed up and he didn't sleep on top of the chairs and barstools at zorbaz pizza resteraunt while waiting for his DUI class to start.

Really strange stuff because Uncle Gene has never been in trouble in his life but he sure thought he was in deep. He told me that he didn't even feel like trying anymore because he knew the trouble that awaited him when he got out of the hospital. My question is why in the HELL would they put him on that crap if thats what it does to people?!

OH and he wiggled his right pointer finger for me!

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, that and it's cold out.

Smartazz!

Kinda smart assy, but man is it cold out. I wasn't kidding. I had to work outside the last few days and I've not been that cold in a long long time.

Glad to hear Uncle Gene is doing better. The meds are sometimes worse than the sickness. When I had a staph infection in 08, the meds made me sicker than anytime during the infection or the surgeries. It was nasty.

The Doc's cut my Grandpa Bud's meds in half, then 1/2'd the doseages. He said he's not felt this good in years. It's all about getting them right.

Rooster,thanks for the update on Uncle Gene.He continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Stan in SC

good to hear Gene is improving! got company here this weekend, always enjoy having Kendra's family here, but I was allowed a pass to go sit in the muzzleloader blind this morning so with coffee brewing, people sleeping throughout the house, I am getting ready slow and quiet.

supposed to be in 20's and 30's today with wind dying down this morning, should be a good sit.

Good Luck Ryan!

Rooster, glad to hear Gene is improving.

Cold here this morning. Internet is giving me 3 differnt temps, zero, 2* and 3*. Take your pick.

Rooster, good to hear about Uncle Gene. Isn't God good?

saw lots, jumped a doe at 20 feet I snuck up on (without knowing). she trotted slowly away from me without giving me a shot. I don't do tx heart shots, so I watched and whistled and grunted and even said hey! but to no avail. had a spike buck bedded by my blind, still only have doe tags. saw TONS of pheasants and a bald eagle. had a blast just being out. got a little nippy at sunup, but I think it was still in the 20's. a beautiful first day of vacation!

We just got back from the clinic with a little boy who has strep-throat. Poor little guy looks miserable. We're going to have a lazy day here to heal up. Tomorrow is Christmas at my sisters.

Indeed!

Tom,
Tom that stinks. Strep is NO fun! Poor little guy

He just woke up and he even looks better. Fever is gone obviously. He still has a sore throat but will for a day or so the doc said. I've already been asked if we can go drive the wheeler in the snow.

Glad he's feeling a bit better. Sucks to be sick at Christmas time.

Tom,

Sorry to hear about T-Zone Jr. Hope he gets to feeling better real soon. Great way to spend Christmas, huh?

Thanks Jeff,

Yeah, he seems to have inherited my Christmas sick gene. My sister an I used to be sick EVERY Christmas break, like clockwork.

He has a fever again but is sleeping soundly. I hope he feels much better tomorrow. His sister had this mess last week and responded quickly to the meds. I'm hoping he does as well. He still wants to play outside but I can't let him do that.

Nathan is sick too.

Problem is, he won't tell anybody when he's sick.

He was wiped out after working on his spear house yesterday, laying on the couch, not looking so hot. We had both asked him if he's ok "yeah, I'm fine".

Pam sticks a thermometer in his mouth, 102*.

So, he's still in bed this morning, I better check on him before I head back out to the garage to work on his little spear house again.

It's getting closer.

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Wow, a 2 door!

Yeah, it's basically a 2 man house with room for an extra kid or 2 if they wanted to tag along at watch. We figured it would be nice if each guy had his own door. Those of us that have spent some time fishing on the ice in shelters know that it is bothersome to have to stand up and move out of the way so someone from the other side of the house can get out the door.

Some sealer work, paint and some metal fab to build the steel skid frame and hitch today.

I found some bright red paint out in the shop, it's gonna be sporty.

Sporty. (snort) I hope Nate feels better.

Jack found a yellow Chickenbuck shirt, I'm assuming it's Preachers.
So if you're missing one, let me know and I can send it your way.

Yellow shirt... sounds like something the preacher usually has on hand, we'll check it out.

Jack doing any better today?

Nate still has a fever.

He is doing better. He's bouncing around pretty good today.

Tell Nate to get better fast. He's got some spearing to do over Christmas break.

Glad to hear Jack is feeling better! I hope Nate feels better soon. We've been lucky in the sick kid dept. so far this winter. Hope it stays that way.

I get a flu shot every year and it seems to even keep the colds away. I used to get colds a lot that would settle in my chest and I would end up with pneumonia but since I have been getting the flu shot, I don't even get the sniffles anymore. (knock on wood)

the spear house is getting redder than heck.

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Tomorrow morning I'll weld the steel frame/skis together.

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very cool! that is something I've always wanted to do, hoping to get out on the ice here soon as well. temps have been fairly mild so it's iffy to go out.
made it out hunting today, saw more deer in one day than ever before, musta been 300. unfortunately they were all on the neighbors fields yarding up. managed to sneak up on a WT doe this morning and found a dumb mulie doe this afternoon at the edge of the cornfield. had fresh heart as a snack before supper. yum.

hope the boys heal up to enjoy their break. I've felt a sore throat coming on so using the airborne emergen-C stuff to ward it off. tonight I'm gonna try whiskey, see if it helps.

Well that sounds like good hunting!

I went back out to the shop and welded that frame together. Put the house on top of it and slid it outside so I could put Pam's truck in the shop tonight. -6* and dropping.

had a blast with my Bro in law, first time he's hunted in over 10 years he said.

-6 is too cold for me, I have to be in the mood for cold weather, and I aint ready yet!

-16* last night, we may be headed for -20* tonight.

Brrrrrrrrr!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Every winter I toss around the idea of getting a plow for my wheeler. I have a cub cadet 2186 with a 42" blower on the front. The mower deck is wore out so its strictly a blower tractor now. I have a cab for it. Just need to modify it because my homemade weight box is in the way for where it mounts in the rear of the tractor. I really need to get that cab on because beer freezes way too fast in the wide open.

you need something a bit more freeze resistant...you know...higher octane. Glad to hear about your Uncle Gene

back in my younger days,spent a few hundred miles farther north than I am now,beer freezing during ice fishing was a real problem.
regular fare such a michelob or miller or bud would freeze instantly upon opening.(if it was cold enough)after much testing for suitable product,
the only beer that would stay liquid was.......grain belt.nothing else even came close.

Originally Posted by fluffy

back in my younger days,spent a few hundred miles farther north than I am now,beer freezing during ice fishing was a real problem.
regular fare such a michelob or miller or bud would freeze instantly upon opening.(if it was cold enough)after much testing for suitable product,
the only beer that would stay liquid was.......grain belt.nothing else even came close.

I have found this to be true as well. Grain Belt Premium would last much longer without freezing than the other beers.

Grain Belt brings back some memories. First beer (Under age)I ever bought. Must have a higher acohol content then the others mentioned if it didn't freeze.

I lived off campus my freshmen year. Rented a upstairs room in a private home.Used to set the beer on the window ledge. If you didn't time it right you would have beer cicles.

Merry Christmas to everyone here at deer camp! Enjoy your time with your families.

-10 degrees, test run for the stove.

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Nice and warm inside with a little smoke rolling out the pipe. A metal camping plate turned upside down for a stove pipe weather cap.

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Need to finish welding today, make a hitch, paint the frame and bolt the house down.

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Looking good!

Merry Christmas everybody.

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Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

I hope all the little-guys and gals are feeling OK. My son (4) has been sick and coughing, barfing, and running a fever off-and-on for 6 days.

I think he's getting over it just in time.

Merry Christmas to all.

I decided to toss together a pitch fork for fish today with some junk out in the garage.

Cold rolled 1/4" rod, I rolled the bends and cut the pieces..

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I bent a strap to captivate the center section of the tines.

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dry fit befor drilling and notching the strap for plug weld.

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strap welded, tines cut to length.

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a little while later...

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shank is heavy black pipe.

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handle is thin wall pipe, inserted and plug welded, a short chunk of rod plug welded at the top of the handle with a ring for a rope.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ds/Resampled_2012-12-24_16-49-30_990.jpg[/img]

I know it's not the best of materials of the best spear, but I'll heat the spear head red and quench it to try to harden the tines a bit.

It's a starter spear.

My Christmas gift to Nathan.

OK. Now you've gone over the top. Over the tippy top. You're amazing Dave. Amazing. Hope you and the boy enjoy.

4.

very cool Dave...Merry Christmas to all of you guys and gals!

wow, I was just gonna ask if you made your own spears too, that thing looks awesome! makes me want to take up spearing, I'm really thinkin about it

Merry Christmas to all !

Playing with my new Nexus 7 my wife bought me for Christmas!

I like the color on that stabin cabin makes me want yell Boomer Sooner!

I can't imagine the winters you guys have its been in the 60s
Here

Originally Posted by mule1

Merry Christmas to all !

Playing with my new Nexus 7 my wife bought me for Christmas!

I like the color on that stabin cabin makes me want yell Boomer Sooner!

I can't imagine the winters you guys have its been in the 60s
Here

Boomer Sooner? WTF is THAT? You obviously meant to say GO BUCKEYES!

Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers and everyone here at the fire.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

You too Dusty, I hope you all have a great Christmas down there!!

Good work Dave. How is Nate feeling these days.

Neat spear Dave!

Merry Christmas everyone!

We were on the way to my parents for Christmas Eve and my truck suddenly lost power and started dinging like crazy. The message board alternated between "stabilitrak is off" "service traction control" and "engine power reduced". I pulled over and messed with the button but that did nothing. Then I limped it the last 3 miles to my parents house and it shifted REALLY hard. Its a 2007 Silverado. (spare me the chevy jokes. Its Christmas!)

The check engine symbol was also on. Anybody ever hear of this?

Originally Posted by GW708

Good work Dave. How is Nate feeling these days.

He was back to normal today. Thanks for asking.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Neat spear Dave!

The check engine symbol was also on. Anybody ever hear of this?

Sorry Rooster, but that's Chevy speak for "Your screwed".

The wife and I are playing with our new Kindle Fire HD 8.9. So far so good.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Neat spear Dave!

The check engine symbol was also on. Anybody ever hear of this?

Sorry Rooster, but that's Chevy speak for "Your screwed".

Nice to hear on Christmas morning! Thanks Bill! LOL!! I've been doing some research on the internets and it sounds like a common problem without a common answer.

I may need to rethink this newer chevy thing. My '96 went 250,000 miles without any problems but this '07 sure has way more than it should.

I honestly thought The engine light on a chevy just means it's still working, I've not seen one that didn't have the light on.

Hope it's nothing major, hopefully just a cold glitch.

Thanks. I started another thread on it and one guy said his '09 did it too and it was the throttle positon sensor. This was one of the many causes I found on the innerwebs last night.

It seems like the chevy engine lights come on for very little or nothing. Ford lights, they never come on. Not unless there is a huge problem.

Chevy truck is like a little girl with a sliver in her finger. "Bwaaaahhhhhh!! Ohhh it hurts!! Waaaahhhhh!!! I'm dying!! Take me to the emergency room right NOWWWW!!!"

Ford truck is like and old man that wont admit he's not feeling well. Rod hanging out of the block, engine on fire, sparks, carnage, oh the horror... "I'm ok, I'm ok, really, it's nothing, I got this..."

Not sure that one is better than the other in that respect, just 2 different extremes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Chevy truck is like a little girl with a sliver in her finger. "Bwaaaahhhhhh!! Ohhh it hurts!! Waaaahhhhh!!! I'm dying!! Take me to the emergency room right NOWWWW!!!"

Huh...imagine that...our 19 year old daughter is a chevy...

Ours too.

What I'm trying to say is, it seems like the chevy lights come on for the littlest things. (hopefully minor)

Seems like if you see a light on a ford, i's too late for cheap repairs. lol!

first post from the kindle. typing is a pain, but at least I CAN stay current when we`'re travelling.

Thats great Bill! I'm posting from my phone right now. It's clumsy but it works.

Merry Christmas to all of you! We just unwrapped presents and are now playing with them. There is RC car/truck parts and Barbie toys all over the house.

I have happy kids, which is all I can ask for!

The check engine light on my Ford's been on for over 100,000 miles.

One of my more useful Chriistmas gifts:

[Linked Image]

Peestol rack!!

4

Originally Posted by tzone

Merry Christmas to all of you! We just unwrapped presents and are now playing with them. There is RC car/truck parts and Barbie toys all over the house.

I have happy kids, which is all I can ask for!

So Tom, you're saying the kids got you a Barbie for Christmas?

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

The check engine light on my Ford's been on for over 100,000 miles.

One of my more useful Chriistmas gifts:

[Linked Image]

Peestol rack!!

4

Nice!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

So Tom, you're saying the kids got you a Barbie for Christmas?

Nope. I got a barbie for my favorite girl in the world.

She also got a left handed hot pink Fusion (by Mission) bow. Mini man got a young man's bow from Fleet Farm. They're both very happy, as am I.

Going to sign them up for lessions?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. My whole family has been sick for the last 3 days. It was pretty sad to watch a 4 year old little boy sitting listless on the couch while we were opening presents.

I scored a Boyt Gun Case that I need (the last one dates to 1996).

ND, I must ask.....(here it is fellas, a fastball over the middle of the plate)....who is the ass on your Christmas Card?

In all seriousness, a very nice card that really captures your year. We do a letter with some pictures and it sure will be fun to sit down and read them all some time.

Our Elf on the Shelf is finally gone. He sure got into a lot of mischief this year!
-painted all of our noses red when we were sleeping
-turned the milk green
-was smooching Barbie
-got captured by the boys' hunting guys in an upside down water glass
-decorated the tree with a roll of toilet paper
-hung out on a zip line in a pair of the boys underwear
-took my muskie down and had him hooked on one of my ice rods
-painted the kids toe nails

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It seems like the chevy engine lights come on for very little or nothing. Ford lights, they never come on. Not unless there is a huge problem.

Chevy truck is like a little girl with a sliver in her finger. "Bwaaaahhhhhh!! Ohhh it hurts!! Waaaahhhhh!!! I'm dying!! Take me to the emergency room right NOWWWW!!!"

Ford truck is like and old man that wont admit he's not feeling well. Rod hanging out of the block, engine on fire, sparks, carnage, oh the horror... "I'm ok, I'm ok, really, it's nothing, I got this..."

Not sure that one is better than the other in that respect, just 2 different extremes.

So for all of you that fish on ard water.

How do you decide to locate your "spot"?

Year after year the same spot.

Find it during soft water season.

seen it both ways, usually I would put my house in a known area where fish are.
in college my sweet crappie spot was 50 yards out from the point of shore line between a large pine tree and the boat ramp across the lake. had my house there many years in a row and always had good luck.

now-a-days I know lots of folks use GPS and go off mapping programs, summer spots and even guys who head out to the vicinity where fish are reported to be caught and "troll" their house to several locations before they settle on one and it will sit there most of the winter.

depends on the house one owns as well. now I have a small compact portable so I will go to several different reservoirs and fish many kinds of fish. depending on time/mood and weather.

others might have varying opinions, in my experience these are the ways we've done it in the past, or I've seen it done. YMMV

I think you did a pretty good job of explaining that Ryan.

We all might have locations in our mind that we'd like to be set up on. These locations would be based off past experience both summer and winter. The locations may also be influenced by what services are available in which areas of a particular lake (bait, food etc)

Then mother nature comes into play, ice thickness, smoothness, ice heaves, ice cracks etc.

And also the type, size and weight of the house.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I honestly thought The engine light on a chevy just means it's still working, I've not seen one that didn't have the light on.

Hope it's nothing major, hopefully just a cold glitch.

Yeah I know dad's has been on for a while. Mine come on so I brought it in and they said it was the thermostat. They changed it and it was fine for a while. But it come on again about a month ago. It is running fine and all the gauges are good so just may let it be for a while.

The one and only Chevy I've ever had....I'm not sure the light was ever off? But it was mostly always broken so who knows? In case you can't tell, I'm still bitter about it.

I've been up at my dad's place the last few days to work on my 78 F-150. It's been awhile and I've kind of got the spark back to work on it. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now and that probably helps.

I got new exhaust put on my red truck today and the boy kid is pouting because it's quieter, not louder.

He's got a bit of his Grandpa in him.

But I like it because I can hear inside the cab of the truck again. The old exhaust was completely shot so it was loud.

Skid frame is done

[Linked Image]

I see that while we were working on this tonight I missed a call from Dusty. I'll call you in the morning with the ice report.

RIP General Swarzkopf.

What a sad bit of news.

I'm so proud to be able to tell my children that I met you.
May god keep you close, you big mean bastard... Sir.

God bless.

I too was saddened by the news of the death of "Storming Norman".
He really understood how to fight in the middle east.He knew the people.I liken him to Dwight Eisenhower.

Stan in SC

My biggest worry for Stormin Norman now is that our history and our schools will not carry his story correctly. Because we've lost our spine, we're too PC and "tollerant" to tell it like it is, to tell it like it was.

RIP General Swarzkopf.

I was pretty young when he was running the show, but I remember thinking the was a heck of cool guy after watching an interview with him on one of the morning news shows.

And I've heard a story about him that concreted that thought.

Truly one of the great ones. RIP, Bear.

RIP General.

Truck is fixed(hopefully)Throttle position sensor.

I'm heading out the door to go spear some water woofs.

Good luck Big Jelly!

What do you guys do with those bony snot rockets?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

RIP General.

Truck is fixed(hopefully)Throttle position sensor.

I'm heading out the door to go spear some water woofs.

Better throw a bike in the back so you can get home.

Originally Posted by eh76

What do you guys do with those bony snot rockets?

Eat 'em man!

Northern Pike is some of the finest eating fish you can get IMO. Like Tony Dean from Tony Dean Outdoors used to say "I'll take a northern over a walleye any day. A walleye just tastes like what you put on it"

I don't know if I'd go THAT far but I sure don't dislike northern. I speared two yesterday and one today. The boy missed two. (His first time out) They are not real big so I'm going to keep saving them up until I get enough to make a big batch of pickled fish. YUMMY!

Dave - When do you think you'll have the stabbin cabin out and where are you going to put it? I'm assuming LOW is way too cloudy?

LOW is way too .... "slotty"

One bad thing about spearing. You can't spear and release.

Right.

Right! So where are are you going?

Photo bomber...

[Linked Image]

some black paint on the skid.

[Linked Image]

Big loops in the back to lift with a handi-man jack if it should freeze down. Also some skate plate sections welded to the insides of the runners in back, to help it track straight.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by eh76

What do you guys do with those bony snot rockets?

Eat 'em man!

Northern Pike is some of the finest eating fish you can get IMO. Like Tony Dean from Tony Dean Outdoors used to say "I'll take a northern over a walleye any day. A walleye just tastes like what you put on it"

I don't know if I'd go THAT far but I sure don't dislike northern. I speared two yesterday and one today. The boy missed two. (His first time out) They are not real big so I'm going to keep saving them up until I get enough to make a big batch of pickled fish. YUMMY!

Dave - When do you think you'll have the stabbin cabin out and where are you going to put it? I'm assuming LOW is way too cloudy?

Now pickled would be good. I got to hang here more often....the general forum has been infested by freaks as of late.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Eat 'em man!

Northern Pike is some of the finest eating fish you can get IMO. Like Tony Dean from Tony Dean Outdoors used to say "I'll take a northern over a walleye any day.

You and Tony Dean are right on Big Jelly!

Originally Posted by eh76

Now pickled would be good. I got to hang here more often....the general forum has been infested by freaks as of late.

Right on both accounts!

You really want to try something GREAT that will make almost any MN guy cry? Try pickled walleye. It's damn fine eating.

I like that photo bomber ND!

Had a neighbor that picked Suckers every spring. Pretty darn good eating too.

I got a buck last night who already dropped his antlers, really early for this area. thought it kinda odd but he appears healthy otherwise.

Pickled walleye?? Thats just crazy enough to work!! Pickled sunnies are awesome too!

Ryan - A buddy of mine called me yesterday and said he seen a buck up close while bowhunting that had already lost his antlers too. Strange...

I saw one a week or two ago close that had dropped them, I passed him up. I would have let this one go too but he was at 150 yards and I couldn't tell. longest ML shot to date. got a yearling doe 20 mins later coming to the same field he was in, it was a good night!

You're going to need a bigger freezer man!

I have 2

I've given a few of them away to some friends who really needed the meat but couldn't make it out hunting, or didn't have any luck. I'm still going to try and make it to new mexico in January to cow elk hunt as well

we'll see how that goes. I have the OK from my wife, and I can take a few days vacation time.

Research your pickled northern before you get started. Northern pike can carry a parasite that cold process salt pickling will not kill. Use a heat process for pike.

And don't eat any if you don't know how it was processed.

Oh so now the troof comes out...nordern pike have space herpes!

I knew this when I was a kid growing up on the iron range, it's true. Most people don't know about it and pike is probably the most popular fish to pickle in MN. (personally I like pickled sucker)

google "northern pike pickling parasite" or something similar. I've found data on this right on the MN DNR website in the past.

how nasty of parasite is it? how common? I suppose I can look it up myself

It's probably why you're so damn skinny Ryan, you're full up with the pike worms.

I've never heard of that Dave. Good to know. Here is the first thing I found when I googled it:

Pickled Northern Pike Recipe

This recipe can be used with any fish but northern pike works best. Before using this recipe be sure to freeze the fish at least 5 days. This will destroy any parasites that are present in the fish or bacteria that may have been picked up during the cleaning process.

So it sounds like it will be ok if you freeze it first?

Quote

Broad Fish Tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium latum
Adult broad fish tapeworms are found in the small intestine of fish-eating mammals such as bears, cats, and otters. They are huge worms, often more than several yards long. Several species of fish, primarily northern pike, carry these tapeworm larvae. If you eat improperly cooked fish infected with these larvae, they are likely to grow in your intestines too.
Life Cycle: 1 The eggs pass in the droppings of the host mammal to water, where they hatch into free-swimming forms called coracidia.
2 Coracidia are eaten by microscopic crustaceans called copepods. Inside the copepods, they develop into larvae called procercoids.
3 When a fish eats an infected copepod, the procercoids move into the fish tissues. They develop into wormlike forms called plerocercoids.
4 When a mammal eats an infected fish, the plerocercoid attaches to the wall of its intestine and grows into a mature tapeworm.
Effects on Fish: A broad fish tapeworm does not weaken a fish or stunt its growth. If a healthy northern pike, for example, eats an infected fish, the plerocercoid will migrate into the pike's flesh and encyst again. The plerocercoid will not develop into an adult tapeworm until a mammal eats the fish.
Effects on People: Warning�if you eat an infected fish, tapeworms are likely to grow in your digestive tract. They are not only gross, but they also can cause a nutrient deficiency, especially a vitamin deficiency. People have died after getting this type of tapeworm from sources such as inadequately cooked or cold-processed pickled northern pike.
To avoid this tapeworm, only eat thoroughly cooked fish. Cold-process pickling does not kill tapeworms or cysts! If you pickle fish, be sure to use heat in the processing.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

. thought it kinda odd but he appears healthy otherwise.

Not anymore.

Here is a quote from U of M extension
Caution: the broad fish tapeworm

The broad fish tapeworm infection can be contracted by humans from eating raw or undercooked species of fish found in the Great Lakes area.

Those who wish to prepare raw pickled fish should first freeze the fish at 0� F for 48 hours.

The larvae of the broad fish tapeworm pass through smaller fish until they lodge as hatched small worms in the flesh of large carnivorous species of fish, like northern pike, walleye pike, sand pike, burbot, and yellow perch. This worm, if eaten by humans in its infective stage, can attach to the small intestine and grow to lengths of 10 to 30 feet.

The infective worms are destroyed readily either by cooking or freezing. Two recent outbreaks of this tapeworm in Minnesota were related to eating uncooked pickled pike. Those who wish to prepare raw pickled fish should first freeze the fish at 0� F for 48 hours.

Yeah...I don't think I want a 30 foot worm in me.

One of my neighbors at the cabin has me bring him any slimers I catch by accident when trolling for walleyes. He smokes them, and they are REALLY tasty.

I love smoked and pickled fish. Growing up in eastern South Dakota my grand parents canned a lot of stuff but my favorite was smoked bullheads and carp.

Any of you Norwgeian wannabes ever have rokkefisk?

It is a crock or buck of small trout that have been gutted and then layered in a bucket or crock with a little water and pinch of salt, and then left there for a month or three.

To serve, simply drag out the crock, rinse and serve. Pretty good actually. I had it only one time when I lived in Oslo, but it was good stuff. Never had the courage to try making it myself.

Never heard of it.

I love to spear ,its my favorite way to ice fish.
Back when the wife and I were dating,my BIL had a few ice houses for rent on Leech.
He had one that a 30 lb or so muskie would visit almost every day.
Lets just say,it made a big impression on my city girl,about 6 inches below the ice.

I bet it would!
had a nice visit with my aunt and uncle in Rapid City, Rooster knows them.
tomorrow I get to take Kendra out with my 243 and see if we can get her a deer or two. I'm more excited than she is and it's her tags

also in case anyone is thinking of coming out here for a special day, we're planning on it be June 22nd. WAY better than her first plan of sometime in october

I'm calling it done, It's out of my garage lol!

Each end has a boxed bench like this with hinged tops for storing firewood and gear.

[Linked Image]

We are bringing the new fish house (the big one, not the spear house) out on Lake of the woods for the first time today, we plan to stay for 2 nights. News years on the ice.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We are bringing the new fish house (the big one, not the spear house) out on Lake of the woods for the first time today, we plan to stay for 2 nights. News years on the ice.

Stay warm. We're suppossed to see minus 7 on New Years Eve.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm calling it done, It's out of my garage lol!

Each end has a boxed bench like this with hinged tops for storing firewood and gear.

[Linked Image]

Uhhh Dave, hate ta tell ya this but yer supposta put holes in the seats in the red outhouse

Do ya have lotsa Norwegians in Minnesoty?? JPB said the Norwegians invented the toilet seat and the Swedes improved it by putting a hole in it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We are bringing the new fish house (the big one, not the spear house) out on Lake of the woods for the first time today, we plan to stay for 2 nights. News years on the ice.

That sounds awesome!!

Haaa!!

Hey we're bringing the dish receiver so we can watch the Vikings/Packers in the fish house!

I am about at the point where I just want AP to have a GREAT game regardless of the outcome.

The poor guy's run for 200+ yards on days that his team LOST.

What a waste of talent. Imaging the Vikes with a QB and an actual passing threat, or AP with a team that had one.....

I don't think it is the quarterback. I think it is the receivers. Not a one would start on a contending team.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Haaa!!

Hey we're bringing the dish receiver so we can watch the Vikings/Packers in the fish house!

You're never going to leave.

You're probably right about that. Well, Harvin would when he wasn't in the docs office.

I think Jay Wright will be pretty good too once he gets a little more acclimated to the NFL and the system.

Any of you fellas know anything about porta-band saws? I picked up a Milwaukee at the pawn shop for use in my knife making hobby. I used it today for the first time and all was good for the first 5-6 cuts. After that I can't keep the blade on. I'll put the blade back on and it will run for 5-10 seconds before it spits it back off. Any ideas? Is there a tracking adjustment somewhere?

Jeff

There should be an adjustment on there somewhere Jeff.

Is this a saw for wood or metal saw? If the former, there will be two adjustments, one that puts tension on the blade be moving the top pulley vertically, and another that will adjust the angle of the top pulley, probably using a screw adjustment from the back of the top pulley.

More than likely you can google the owners manual for the very model of saw that you have. (and parts too).

Brent

Good luck Dave ! Go Vikings!

Hey Mr.Stan

The shop you hang around have any Tc contender or encore barrels ?

Pm me if you would like .

mule1,funny you should mention that.We usually do not but about a week ago the owner bought a really new looking Contender pistol with a 14" 30-30 barrel.I kinda ogled it but I'm so caught up in my bolt action 30-30's and besides I have a scoped Super Redhawk in .44 magnum.I just don't need another big pistola.
If you are interested give me a PM and I'll find out a price on it next week.

Stan in SC

Need a Contender .44 mag barrel?

I would like to find either a .44 or .45 barrel 21 or 23'' long . I know they made a few of them .

What you have Mr.D ?

It is a short barrel. Probably 10". Light too. condition excellent. I don't think it is tapped for scope, but I could be wrong. I've only shot open sights with it.

That Vikings / Packers game was E.P.I.C.!

And now they play in the 1st round of the playoffs in Lambeau next week. WOW!

It stinks that Adrian Peterson came only 9 yards from breaking the all time single season rushing record (he needed 208) held by Eric Dickerson but I'll take the W and so will he. He's a special player indeed! The Vikings, in a rebuilding year, were not expected to do much at all. Win or lose next week, it was a good season for the Purple!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Win or lose next week, it was a good season for the Purple!

Exactly right. We got a lot to cheer about and a lot of excitement. And the team seems to be reasonably well behaved off the field as well. At least I can't remember any arrests or other public embarrassments this year.

Hope Dave had as much luck with the walleyes as the Viking did with the ball.

it was a great game!

hope to hear the fishing was just as good

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Stan in SC

Back at you Stan

AP should get MVP, but they'll probably give it to Payton Manning.

Well gee-golly, with Stan jumping the gun, the gates are now open for a Happy New Year from me as well! I hope Chickenbuck is filled with happy, healthy, and safe people in 2013!

Let me jump in here, Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

dave and family are on LOW spending night in new big fish house
talked to dave about 4:30 and they were catching fish like crazy
we are spending tonight at home in Ulen
maybe get our house up there next week-end
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

Big D!!! Great to hear from you. How have you been. When I heard from Dave, they were doing well and having fun.

Happy New Year to you Uncle Dusty.

Good time.

Happy new year everybody!

Looks like fish chips for dinner!!

Happy New Year to all!!

good morning and happy new year everyone!

Kendra and I celebrated last night by falling asleep early, waking up at 2 am with the baby, giving a kiss and a happy new years and going back to bed

Pretty lively crowd at our place

That's really roughing yet Dave.

Quite an ice shack.

Minus 16 here this morning.

Happy 2013!

high of 27 for today here, hoping my deer aren't too frozen to cut up today. might need to fire up the heater soon

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

That's really roughing yet Dave.

Quite an ice shack.

That is no ice shack, that's an ice HOUSE.

Happy New Year everybody.

We're cold here, not like Bill though, only -8 here.

Cold on the lake too.

[Linked Image]

That right there folks is a thing of beauty....

Way to get some LOW eyes ND.....

Save some for me.... LOL....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Good time.

Dave- That is the coolest thing I've seen in a long while. Even a southerner could tolerate ice fishing in a rig like that.

How do you drill the holes? Set the rig down and mark the holes and then pull it up and drill, and them back it back into place? I can't see running a 2-stroke auger inside a rig that nice.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Scott and I (well me anyway) had good luck fishing the other day. I caught an almost 10 pound 32 1/2 inch Northern. Biggest one I have ever caught angling. It put up a good fight. It got to the hole and I saw the size of its head and it took off. I was not sure if I would get it in or not. We lost a couple good ones before they got to the hole. I let it get played out and brought it in. Scott was right there and was not going to let it get away.

Good job cuz! We saw your txt photos, Nice fish!!

Hey Gadfly, I'll try to cover your questions with a little photo essay once pam gets her pictures in order.

(that bucket got fuller, I have a pile of fish to clean while she works on her photos)

Thanks Dave, I'll be looking forward to it.

Dave, any chance we could trade walleye for deer meat?
I'll even let you come shoot your own..........

dead serious.

season is open for another 2 weeks, don't make me call your wife and make you come shoot deer......

Good job Muggy.

Looks like you're not used to the iPad yet.

Here we go!

Setting up on Sunday just before noon.

[Linked Image]

Drilling the (8) fishing holes. We drilled the holes with the house up, then let the house down on the frame. the drill (auger) is an electric one with low rpm and an aggressive bite. It worked really well.

[Linked Image]

We have special gear for drilling with the house down on the ice too, a special catch tub for containing the ice shavings and allowing the water to flow back down the hole you drill through. But we got by drilling with the house up, raking the slush out from outside the house then setting down.

Pam caught the first really nice keeper.

[Linked Image]

Then Nate.

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And they kept coming, lots of throw backs to get keepers. We kept small fish if they werent't going to survive after release.

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A group of houses on a reef area I sometimes fish.

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Joe got a nice "slot fish" which needed to be released, (19.5" - 28")

Hook popped out right in the hole, I was able to catch it though.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7851.jpg[/img]

Little bit happy lol!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7856.jpg[/img]

You have to measure the fish with the tail pinched, this one went 20.5" with the tail pinched.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7861.jpg[/img]

A couple of smiles.

Very similar teeth, neither of us ready for Hollywood

And the timely release.

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A tiny walleye coming up on a line.

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A dandy perch by Mr Joe.

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A kid we know, setting up the way we used to ice fish... We don't miss this method.

We called it today at 2pm, started cranking the house up, here's our fish bucket.

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Ready to pull the house off the lake.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7961.jpg[/img]

Our typical kitchen shot back home..

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7963.jpg[/img]

Then it's my job to turn this:

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_7964.jpg[/img]

Into this:

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ds/Resampled_2013-01-01_20-57-04_122.jpg[/img]

How do you get the Mercury out of them Dave??

Nice shanty! Doesn't look like anyone even got their slippers wet...lol...

lol!

Thank's for putting up the photo-essay, Dave. This is all kind of fascinating to me. I do most of my fishing in 90 to 100+ degree weather.

Speaking of which, is that an AC unit on top of your fish house? Also, how big a generator do you need to run the auger?

The auger is 12 volt so you hook it up to a 12 volt battery. The house has a deep cycle 12 volt in it that's wired up for 12 V lights and to an inverter/charger like most RV's would gave.

Yes it's an AC unit, we use the whole rig year round, it's a camper in the summer months.

Thats for sure!

Great pics, Dave. Some fine eating as well.

How thick is the ice?

WOW! That's fishing in STYLE.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great pics, Dave. Some fine eating as well.

How thick is the ice?

We had 16" of ice under our house.

Originally Posted by ken999

How do you get the Mercury out of them Dave??

Nice shanty! Doesn't look like anyone even got their slippers wet...lol...

Yeah the "perry the pltypus" slippers were funny.

I'm not sure how you get mercury out of a fish, I don't recall what exactly the consuption advice/guidlines are for LOW walleye but I don't think it's too bad.

I think it's one meal per week or something like that.

Originally Posted by ken999

How do you get the Mercury out of them Dave??

?

With a atomitizer like everybody else.

Mercury accumulates in fats as I recall and removing that roll of blubbery stuff that lies in against the ribs will remove most of it. Some folks remove the ribs as well.

I do that, when I'm done cutting walleye the rib liner, ribs and "belly meat" are gone.

A lot of folks leave that little strip of what I call "belly meat" under the rib cage, I don't.

Been way too many years since I've filleted a walleye. I need to retire.

Great pics! Looks like fun! We had good luck spearing as well. I have enough to make a batch of pickled northern now in the freezer.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Been way too many years since I've filleted a walleye. I need to retire.

You could just go fishing...just sayin.

years ago, I decided that when I took this job, I was going to either hunt or fish, but not both. I chose hunting. I do it a lot and I travel to hunt as well as hunt local. My rods have been put away for years. I think I've fished maybe 3 times since 92 and all of those were out of state (Minnesota mostly). In the meantime, I took up competitive shooting and that really cuts into time and budgets to do it seriously. So, fishing waits and I have to make do vicariously, swooning over pictures of buckets of frozen walleyes and perch.

My day will come.

That is not nearly enough fishing. It's a new year, time for a new plan.

It's not a new paycheck or a new job though. So no new plan yet. I am going to buy a canoe this year. I have one but it has to go. So, I'll be on the water. But fishing in Iowa - not worth it. If I get up to MN, and esp, the BWCA, then certainly. But I will probably focus on running a river out west instead. Most are not so fishable.

Of course, that is assuming there is water - somewhere!

Originally Posted by ken999

How do you get the Mercury out of them Dave??

eat em,how else?

I got interviewed at work today about my wolf ,by a kstp 5 reporter.
Im supposed to be on during the 430 and 6 report.
If they use the photo I gave them,Ill be wearing the chickenbuck orange.

Congrats Fluffy

Originally Posted by fluffy

I got interviewed at work today about my wolf ,by a kstp 5 reporter.
Im supposed to be on during the 430 and 6 report.
If they use the photo I gave them,Ill be wearing the chickenbuck orange.

Someone MUST youtube this video! Fluff could be the first 24hr Celebrity! And besides, I don't get KSTP down here.

Please someone, grab this and post it on Youtube.

Cool fluff! Fun stuff.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cool fluff! Fun stuff.

chicken buck!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by fluffy

I got interviewed at work today about my wolf ,by a kstp 5 reporter.
Im supposed to be on during the 430 and 6 report.
If they use the photo I gave them,Ill be wearing the chickenbuck orange.

Someone MUST youtube this video! Fluff could be the first 24hr Celebrity! And besides, I don't get KSTP down here.

Please someone, grab this and post it on Youtube.

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S2884419.shtml?cat=1

Awesome!! Fluffy! I like the highlife shirt too.

Congrats again on the wolf, you're in the history books now, and it looks like Chickenbuck if Hollywood bound.

That is too cool! Thanks for the link.

You did a great job in the interview, fluffy. You came across really well and made hunters look good, as opposed to how some comport themselves on this website.

Next time, you gotta take better pictures in the field though

Maybe Mrs ND could give lessons. I could use them too.

Thanks guys,its been a fun day.
I had no time to get ready,from the first time I talked to him,it was only an hour before it was all over.
The high life shirt is just an old comfortable shirt.I use alot of waterproof glues,and once it gets on your clothes,its there for ever.That one just hasnt been worn for too long.
I guess my fifteen minutes is over now.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cool fluff! Fun stuff.

chicken buck!

LOL!! I see that!

Hey great job in the interview!.

Good job Fluffy!

Heading out fishing again. We'll be out there tonight, Dusty will meet us on the ice tomorrow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Heading out fishing again. We'll be out there tonight, Dusty will meet us on the ice tomorrow.

Show em how its done Dusty!

Fluffy,

Just got a chance to watch the video. That is way cool man!

Hey Chickenbuckers! good news for those of us that hunt out of the chickenbuck camp... I read in the Duluth News Tribune, there was no TB found in deer this season. The DNR seems to think it was eradicated.

Translation: The program funds have dried up.

Thank god.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Chickenbuckers! good news for those of us that hunt out of the chickenbuck camp... I read in the Duluth News Tribune, there was no TB found in deer this season. The DNR seems to think it was eradicated.

WI DNR just announced that they found a case of CWD here in NW Portage county. It was only a matter of time.

Can I just fish with you guys?

I'll bring the beer........

today marks the first day of "my" fishing season. deer hunting ended with a bang yesterday at 10 am. my best friend I grew up with came out hunting for a weekend. he got 2 and I got 2 finishing out my season. had an awesome time, even managed to stumble on a couple tom turkeys that volunteered to ride home with us and reside in a freezer. overall it was a great time, relaxed and laid back. this is the first time he and I hunted together since we graduated high school in '98, relived many hunts and times I had forgotten about. we decided to make this an annual event.

sounds like a fantastic time Ryan! wow, 4 deer and 2 turkeys in one day is a good day in anyones book.

ND/Dusty good luck fitchin'!

Good times with good friends,Ryan.It doesn't get any better.

Stan in SC

Sunset on lake of the woods

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Pout.

Dusty coming to meet us on Saturday.

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Drilling holes with Dusty's new super awesome auger.

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[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_8010.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_8016.jpg[/img]

Fish camp!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_8020.jpg[/img]

White bear's 63 year old hot rod.

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Going for a ride.

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A slot fish Nate got.

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Awesome .... I think that sums it all up.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was gonna say "who's the old guy with the beard" but I see it's Dave.

Looks good guys.

did you block up your houses dave? wish i could have made it. just got to late coming from park rapids saturday night. sounds like it was a lot of fun out there. hoping to clear the schedule this weekend and get out. Good to see You dusty!! lots of fun!

Great pictures, Dave.

Dusty looks like a happy camper being back out on the ice.

Dave, is that the new honda 4 stroke from strikemaster? Paul said my electric worked good but caught right at the bottom of the ice. I had that same problem with my gas strikemaster and they sent me a new set of blades that weren't made in china. quite a difference.

Great stuff! Lookin good guys!

White Bear - That rig is just plain sweet! What does it have for a power plant?

318 mopar & a 727 auto. They originally came with a flathead 6 & 3spd manual.

I bought it with the engine upgrade already done. The sound of straight pipes right out the back would be worth the trouble of a swap all by itself! The extra power is very nice in the deeper powder.

I'm gonna have to get up there and get a ride in that sucker this year!

finally got the table done I was working on in the wolf interview video.

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Wow! Nice!

That is a beautiful table man! I love that massive top.

BTW, I was going to ask, how did KSTP know to contact you about your wolf? I always wonder how these news folks find their "real people".

Pretty cool woodwork. I wish I was that good. I have a king sized bed in my shop that is almost done. Doesn't have half the class of that table.

Originally Posted by BrentD

That is a beautiful table man! I love that massive top.

BTW, I was going to ask, how did KSTP know to contact you about your wolf? I always wonder how these news folks find their "real people".

they called my taxidermist looking for one with a wolf pelt.He was the first one they found with a wolf.The name of it is "wilderness taxidermy".they made it almost all the way throught the phone book.
I guess most of the wolves are up north.

Originally Posted by BrentD

That is a beautiful table man! I love that massive top.

Pretty cool woodwork. I wish I was that good. I have a king sized bed in my shop that is almost done. Doesn't have half the class of that table.

I have a set of things to make like that,for a monastery here in town.That is a table,there is a tabernacle stand,an altar,and a pulpit,all of solid walnut.

AWESOME! Fluffy. I love the leg supports and how the legs go through them, or they at least look like they do. The thick massive top is great too.

Originally Posted by fluffy

[quote=BrentD]they called my taxidermist looking for one with a wolf pelt.He was the first one they found with a wolf.The name of it is "wilderness taxidermy".they made it almost all the way throught the phone book.
I guess most of the wolves are up north.

I'd never make a detective....

I'd be interested to see the other projects you are making as they get done. Pretty cool stuff. I'm just an amateur hack with a forest worth of lumber.

Sure ya can Brent just a bunch of cross refrencing, elimination, and thinking outside of the box. Your analytical and could easily sum up the evidence before and identify what should or shouldn't be there.

Sitting with mom and dad while dad gets his treatment of chemo. It is a different kind than he has had before. So lets hope everything goes ok.

The one nurse got quite a kick out of his Chickenbuck tattoo on his forarm. She even went and got another nurse to look at it. She said she was going to look the website up.

Only in America.

Shudda showed her your foot.

RWS said he wants a face tat of a swamp squid.

Greetings from Portland. Just gathered up our luggage and waiting for our ride. Get to spoil our grandson for 10 days.

make sure you make those miter cuts accurately.

a tabernacle stand top,mitered walnut.
not glued together yet.

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Originally Posted by tzone

RWS said he wants a face tat of a swamp squid.

That and a extremely big flying bear tat on my back!!

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by tzone

RWS said he wants a face tat of a swamp squid.

That and a extremely big flying bear tat on my back!!

Not till your 37 or in the Corps little Mr.

Right mom ?

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by tzone

RWS said he wants a face tat of a swamp squid.

That and a extremely big flying bear tat on my back!!

Not till your 37 or in the Corps little Mr.

Right mom ?

YES PLEASE! Wait a little longer RWS before you go inking up. Heck I was probably 30 before I got my first tattoo.

Fluffy-my birthday is coming up and I sure like what I'm seeing on the pictures you are posting...hint, hint... And I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! (all of you know that though, lol)

Muffy-hope the chemo went well! Keep us posted please. I'm so glad the nurses like Uncle Dusty's tattoo, but why wouldn't someone like it. I hope they read the thread too, we are quite a bunch. HAHAHAH.

We are waiting to see if we are going to get hit with this winter storm, possibly 6 to 12 inches of snow. So we'd better get the snowmobiles out and dusted off, looks like we may be riding very soon!!! Whoop!!!

Have a great day everyone, and Fluffy I'll be waiting for my present.

Been raining here since about 5:00 pm yesterday. Winds are supposed to switch to the north and rain will turn to snow later this afternoon. Temps to drop below zero after being close to 40 above. Should be a fun and slippery drive home from work. Which is nice.

Dusty - continued good luck! Thoughts and prayers are with you!

rained all the way back from the cities last night. that wasnt a fun drive. icy here this morning. ick.

Still raining here a little. Drizzle, mist, whatever you want to call it.

Not icy though, pretty warm.

full blown blizzard here, outside of town the wind rages, here in town it's just a lot of small fluffy snowflakes. supposed to get 6" or so through tomorrow. I hope roads are clear in the morning, I got me a lion tag burning a hole in my pocket

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

full blown blizzard here, outside of town the wind rages, here in town it's just a lot of small fluffy snowflakes. supposed to get 6" or so through tomorrow. I hope roads are clear in the morning, I got me a lion tag burning a hole in my pocket

I seen that on the radar and web cams. I was supposed to be about 40 miles from you on Monday afternoon to meet up with a rancher. Don't think it will happen. Going to get cold here the next few days...fifteen to twenty below.

Originally Posted by eh76

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

full blown blizzard here, outside of town the wind rages, here in town it's just a lot of small fluffy snowflakes. supposed to get 6" or so through tomorrow. I hope roads are clear in the morning, I got me a lion tag burning a hole in my pocket

I seen that on the radar and web cams. I was supposed to be about 40 miles from you on Monday afternoon to meet up with a rancher. Don't think it will happen. Going to get cold here the next few days...fifteen to twenty below.

Here too. Makes me wish I hadn't procrastinated so much on getting the cab mounted on my snow blowing tractor. Needs mods and I'm not a welder.

we're only supposed to get down to 5, but for some reason it feels really really cold when it's in the single digits. maybe I'm getting soft?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we're only supposed to get down to 5, but for some reason it feels really really cold when it's in the single digits. maybe I'm getting soft?

No, just old.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we're only supposed to get down to 5, but for some reason it feels really really cold when it's in the single digits. maybe I'm getting soft?

No, just old.

There is a lot of truth in that!

The weather forced me to drive my "good truck" to work today.

Many are advising that if I care about our fish houses, I should head up to the lake tonight...

They might be right, or they might be trying to trick me into having fun.

Unsure.

If I did go, the plow truck (good truck) would have to go with me.

They're old fords. They're all "good trucks".

Any ford is a good truck and that's that.

Get back to class you little fish rat!

Big lake tonight?

Plow truck?

Spear house?

ice fog and black ice here this morning. Lots of accidents and delayed school openings. Went to grandsons cub scout meeting last night.

Basketball practice tonight and 2 games on Saturday.

I'm gonna be by the wood stove with my labs tonight!

Bill, you're going to be wore out with all that basket ball playin' you're doing.

We have our "holiday celebration" tonight. Should be a hellova party since I have to buy my own drinks, appitizers, and dinner.

[quote=mrsnortherndave}
Fluffy-my birthday is coming up and I sure like what I'm seeing on the pictures you are posting...hint, hint... And I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! (all of you know that though, lol)

Have a great day everyone, and Fluffy I'll be waiting for my present.

[/quote]

Please please,I need more notice that that!

What day is you birthday? mines Tuesday,the big 50 for me.

heres the octagon all glued together and mostly sanded.Didnt get time to glue it down to the tabby stand top today.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by fluffy

[quote=mrsnortherndave}
Fluffy-my birthday is coming up and I sure like what I'm seeing on the pictures you are posting...hint, hint... And I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! (all of you know that though, lol)

Have a great day everyone, and Fluffy I'll be waiting for my present.

I do have this Oak,raised panel(the lock side is flat panel) change bank I made a year or two ago.

It has an old Bloomington,MN PO box door for a lock.I havent ever installed the lock ,so technically,its new.I can never remember the combination,but its easily opened ,if you can see the back of the door.
I made a similar one for a friends mom,with her old po box door,and commented it was a neat little door.
She saw one at a garage sale one day ,and bought it for me.I did a cabinet job around the same time,and misfigured a set of drawer fronts.Rather than burn them,I made this out of them, put some poly on it,but never installed the door.
Dave,you listening?

Beautiful work fluffy!

DANG!! Fluffy. I like that a lot. You're doing great work there.

Wow great stuff fluff!

the post office box door really tkes me back, wow.

Well, me and Nate spent all night fighting mother nature on a frozen lake in a blizzard, with a 43 yr old pickup truck and a snow plow blade.

We are so lucky we decided to brave the weather because both ours and Dusty's fish houses would have been frozen in bad by tomorrow. They were both sitting in ice depressions with water up nearly high enough to come up inside the houses above the floor.

They would have been frozen down solid. They actually were freezing in as we worked to free them. We cranked them up and pullled them out with the plow truck. We are on fresh spots with both houses high and dry only 50 yds from the old spots. What a damn night. It's terrible out here. Full blown blizzard.

yuck, that doesn't sound like fun, but it's a damn good thing you guys did that! I've come out to my house and found it with ice over half the floor and the door barely to open. swearing doesn't begin to describe the language I used. it sucks.

Nice work Fluffy! That PO box really takes me back too. I think my parents still use one like that in my hometown.

Dave that would have sucked if those new ice castles would have froze over the floor. Yikes!!!

I went out to check on my 6 x 8 angling house one time and for some reason the ice had opened up all the way around the house. I could see right to the bottom of the lake. The only thing that kept it from sitting on a frozen island was a section of ice by the door that was still attached to the main ice. The rest of the lake had 18" of ice but it opened right up around most of my house. I still can't explain that one. A spring maybe??

My step dad drive out last night to the cabin to check his too. Same issue as you gentlemen. He pulled his completely until next weekend.

GREAT work Fluffy. Reminds me of the mail boxes we had in the service.

Son went over to the coast this morning to duck hunt. Limited out. Season is open till the end of the month.

Originally Posted by tzone

My step dad drive out last night to the cabin to check his too. Same issue as you gentlemen. He pulled his completely until next weekend.

we would always put wood blocks under the house to help keep them from freezing in.
certain smaller lakes were always real bad for that

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow great stuff fluff!

the post office box door really tkes me back, wow.

Well, me and Nate spent all night fighting mother nature on a frozen lake in a blizzard, with a 43 yr old pickup truck and a snow plow blade.

We are so lucky we decided to brave the weather because both ours and Dusty's fish houses would have been frozen in bad by tomorrow. They were both sitting in ice depressions with water up nearly high enough to come up inside the houses above the floor.

They would have been frozen down solid. They actually were freezing in as we worked to free them. We cranked them up and pullled them out with the plow truck. We are on fresh spots with both houses high and dry only 50 yds from the old spots. What a damn night. It's terrible out here. Full blown blizzard.

for us that know nothing of ice house fishing...what is the cause? you guys warm up and then get cold again?

Hi keith. The ice will actually bend into the shape of a bowl if it doesn't stay cold enough. But water always finds a way of leveling itself. So, that bowl will fill with water and refreeze, locking the house into the ice sheet.

(They don't call her MOTHER nature for the heck of it, she's all female..)

So if our outfit freezes down, what do you do? Put pontoons on it and wait for the spring thaw?

lol, well you can, but that can be bad news too.
usually a chisel, some jacks and some rebuilding of the floor is in order unless you're lucky.

I've seen it even when the house is blocked up.

Originally Posted by BrentD

So if our outfit freezes down, what do you do? Put pontoons on it and wait for the spring thaw?

You burn the sucker! Actually, that's probably easier than getting it out.

When I was a kid in HS, ours did that on a local lake north of Duluth. We chipped, and chipped, and chipped at it. Fun it was NOT.

Back in the day they used to just burn the houses where they sit frozen in. Now the DNR maps them with GPS and you get fined big time. Not that you would wnat to burn an ice castle!

I actually looked at an ice castle today. Not that I was going to buy one, but if a guy camps and ice fishes...that's a smart way to do it. It was nice and open inside. Unlike a lot of the campers that are "camping only." They're stuffed with amenities. I don't need a camper like that. I'd be out fishing or around the campfire anyway.

You might as well have a dual purpose rig.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Back in the day they used to just burn the houses where they sit frozen in. Now the DNR maps them with GPS and you get fined big time. Not that you would wnat to burn an ice castle!

Same thing in WI. Shanties have to be off the ice by early March.

Guys, I know this isn't the kids or rifle forum, but it is a bunch of people who hunt the same type of terrain that I do, so here it goes:

My little guy is going to be getting a .223 for his first "real" rifle. I was really considering a Savage and chopping the stock and barrel. Easy to change calibers/barrels later as he grows.

So, I'm at the range and this guy has a single-shot handi-rifle, some ultraligh/youth model in .223. It shot well, was light, comes with iron sights, and has a LOP less than 12" already.

Thinking about it, I kind of like the idea of a single-shot, especially if it is what he will use for deer at first.

Any of you guys go the single-shot route with your kids? I know I am missing something, so help me out......

I went the singleshot route when I was a kid. I think it's a great way to go. Less chance for mistakes in some ways.

Youngsters have awesome eyes that I would love to have back. So, I think they can forego the scope easily and that makes the rifle much easier to handle and carry. At least, you can begin that way.

There are many, older singleshot cartridges and rifles out there that may be very suitable for hunting as well. Some come with switch barrels, which may be advantageous. They are more expensive than the handi-rifle but they also hold their value extremely well and can become heirlooms. One of the better options is the Stevens 44.5 model. Made new as well as easily available used. You can even get a new one in the raw and put some sweat equity into it.

Is the .223 to be used for deer as well, or just as a training cartridge?

goalie,The Handi rifle is a great rifle for anyone,especially a young person.I personally have had them in .243,30/30,.270,45/70 and .223.At present I hunt regularly with a Handi in 45/70.My grandson got a 30/30 Handi for his first deer rifle.You can not go wrong with these.The .223 or 30/30 would be a good choice for your little guy.

Stan in SC

Get him a Ruger Compact in .223. They are a great gun easy to shoot and when they out grow them the are easy to get your money back. The Handi rifles that I have been around have been less than desirable. Its easy to make the Ruger a single shot just load one cartridge.

couple'a shots from the weekend.

Snowstorm fish house moving... House was cranked up in this shot.

(already out of the water.)

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Standing in this stuff:

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But that didn't last long and we were set up and fishing.

37" pike (slot fish, had to be released)

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We caught a strange little pike with a split tail too.

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I been busy....

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Originally Posted by BrentD

I went the singleshot route when I was a kid. I think it's a great way to go. Less chance for mistakes in some ways.

Youngsters have awesome eyes that I would love to have back. So, I think they can forego the scope easily and that makes the rifle much easier to handle and carry. At least, you can begin that way.

There are many, older singleshot cartridges and rifles out there that may be very suitable for hunting as well. Some come with switch barrels, which may be advantageous. They are more expensive than the handi-rifle but they also hold their value extremely well and can become heirlooms. One of the better options is the Stevens 44.5 model. Made new as well as easily available used. You can even get a new one in the raw and put some sweat equity into it.

Is the .223 to be used for deer as well, or just as a training cartridge?

I am going to have him use it for deer. I had some good results with TSX bullets on deer this year. Well, actually, a friend that I loaded them up for did, but the results were impressive, and the recoil almost non-existent.

The thing is, I had always thought of the Handi's as cheap, but the one I shot was put together reasonably nice, and it shot MOA at 100 with a trigger that could use some work. The overall length of the rifle is great, and I can put a normal LOP stock on it as he grows up.

We'll see. I just sold some PMags and BX-25 magazines on Gunbroker, so it isn't really an issue of the money. The Ruger would be nice as well, but the 20 inch barrel of the Handi would give a little more velocity to push the TSX's for deer.

Decisions.....

I have never heard anything but good about handi's. Not my kind of singleshot though. .223 for deer I suppose is the way of the future. I'm back a bit further in time - I'd get him a .32-40. but what do I know?

Originally Posted by BrentD

I have never heard anything but good about handi's. Not my kind of singleshot though. .223 for deer I suppose is the way of the future. I'm back a bit further in time - I'd get him a .32-40. but what do I know?

I have thousands of pieces of primed .223 brass from when I used to shoot service-rifle. It kind of made the caliber decision easy.

Goalie,

Check out the remington youth model 700's as well. They have a 20" and a short stock, but the same great action.

Yes you have,Fluffy.

Will they be stained light or dark?

Originally Posted by BrentD

I have never heard anything but good about handi's.

Everybody like a good handi.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I been busy....

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Can I talk you into coming to Wyoming for a kitchen remodel

Money talks. :-)

Originally Posted by tzone

Goalie,

Check out the remington youth model 700's as well. They have a 20" and a short stock, but the same great action.

I don't want a 1/12 twist, which is what their .223 has.

What about Contenders? A highly versatile action with whatever barrels you want. Not too heavy. (not too pretty either :()

I think Contenders are lighter and perhaps cheaper than Encors or whatever they invented after the Contenders.

Brent

Safety First !

One thing that always worries me with kids and a lever action or single shot .is lowering the hammer after its been cocked back. Think hammer block safety . Contenders are a very good choice later you get a 7x30 or 6.8 .

Hey Stan I can't remember do them handi's have a safety?

I suppose but I think of the dozens of purpose-made "boy's rifles" from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that really were made for boys. They include my personal Hopkins and Allen 722 and Winchester 1890 and how they taught me and several other generations good gun handling.

While I hear you on the hammer let-down issue, they also excel at instantly telegraphing their condition from almost any reasonable distance. Are they cocked?

The singleshot break actions have the advantage of being easily unloaded w/o cycling the action also.

Lots of choices and lots of trade offs.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Yes you have,Fluffy.

Will they be stained light or dark?

dark brown stain,in fact,the bases are already stained in the picture.

Fluffy, do you do cabinets for a living? My wife wants to re-do our kitchen soon...

(that sound you hear is money being sucked into a vortex....)

Originally Posted by goalie

Fluffy, do you do cabinets for a living? My wife wants to re-do our kitchen soon...

(that sound you hear is money being sucked into a vortex....)

yes,I have been doing it since I was 22.Tommorrow,Ill be 50!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by goalie

Fluffy, do you do cabinets for a living? My wife wants to re-do our kitchen soon...

(that sound you hear is money being sucked into a vortex....)

yes,I have been doing it since I was 22.Tommorrow,Ill be 50!

Well happy Birthday!

(A day early)

Happy happy happy birthday Fluffy!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoohhhoooooooo, enjoy your day and treat yourself! It's YOUR day!

BTW...my birthday is March 7th...hint, hint. LOL! Just kidding.

I wish you a grand day filled with laughter and happiness. There's nothing better than one's birthday!

(well there are things that rank about the same but I really like my birthday)

Happy Birthday,Fluffy.

mule1,the Handi rifles do not have a safety but the Rossi single shot rifles do.

Stan in SC

happy birthday Fluffy

Happy Birthday Fluffy

Happy Birthday, Fluffy.

Happy Birthday Fluffy!

and you're right.
money talks, but all mine says is goodbye.

Happy Birthday Fluffy! Make it a good 'un.

Originally Posted by mrsnd

BTW...my birthday is March 7th...hint, hint. LOL! Just kidding.

Pam, you share a b-day with my sister!

Fluffy, somehow I know that it is your birthday. I dont know how, but the secret got out. Happy Birthday!

Do you folks know what pure terror is?

My wife is attending school board meetings in the cities starting tonite and going through Friday. I have the kids this week. No, no, no, not what you are thinking. I am not terrified of being with my kids. We will have fun with Mom away. Pure terror what what my wife will be feeling when she thinks about how messy her house is gonna be when she gets home!

Planned on hitting Pizza Ranch, but the wife made us lasagne and pot pie so we wouldnt starve! What a wife!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BrentD

I have never heard anything but good about handi's.

Everybody like a good handi.

I couldn't let that slide without acknowledgement. I see what you did there.

And Happy Birthday Fluffy!

I saw it too, but I was trying to be good....

just happy I dont live in new york,today.

No kidding. I really hope that the conservative judges on the Supreme Court are around long enough to hear the case that I hope will soon follow.

Tomorrow's Obama announcement will be interesting. Uh, what happened to those around here that said that the Democrats and Obama in particular will not pass any gun control laws? ND, your post the day after the election has many times come into my thoughts recently.

Hey, I feel like poking Stan. Stan? POKE!

Poke?Wha'd I do???

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Planned on hitting Pizza Ranch,

they just opened one of these a mile or so from my house.
havent been there yet,but I hear its good?

Stan better start hoarding up single shot rifles to sell to his Chicken buck family !

We don't need em here unless we want them.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Planned on hitting Pizza Ranch,

they just opened one of these a mile or so from my house.
havent been there yet,but I hear its good?

There's one in Perham. The lunch buffet is EVIL!!!!!

Good, but evil.

Oh, the evils of Pizza Ranch! Their blueberry dessert pizza is sooooo good! We love that place and every good report card or birthday gets celebrated there.

Stan,
What did you do? Nothing man, a poke is a Facebook term I just learned. I believe it is just saying, "hey, whats up doc?". Just a friendly jab in the ribs to see what you are doing. Soooo, what's up doc? Are you still hunting deer there?

We are gonna make some ice soon. High here is supposed to be 10 below the donut (zero) Monday I believe. The weather we have coming is what keeps the riffraff out of Minnesota and why we dont have homeless people on the streets like our southern counterparts I believe. I can only imagine what ND and crew are going to see on their thermometer....

Every time I watch the news the "high" on Monday keeps dropping. Down here it is now forecasted for -6* for the high.

Ya still want to come visit Stan?

We'll be heading your way.

Big Jelly!!!!!

ROR.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Big Jelly!!!!!

Intermediate Jelly!!!!!!!

Berettaman,I wasn't aware of the term "poke".OK now I get it.
Our deer season ended January first. No deer for me this year.
We have rain all day here with a forecast of from 2 to 8 inches of snow.Ain't gonna happen.Wet ground and only a low temp of 39 degrees forecast.It might snow but will melt on the wet ground at less than freezing ambient temperature.Our snow is a joke every year.We get the self shoveling kind.
Actually we had no winter to speak of last year and none to speak of this year so far.

Stan in SC

Hey Fluffy!

Were you driving north on 35W this afternoon? Near Lino Lakes about 1:40 PM?

If you were, I saw you.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Fluffy!

Were you driving north on 35W this afternoon? Near Lino Lakes about 1:40 PM?

If you were, I saw you.

nope,not me.farthest north I get is snelling/university.
Im curious,though,why did you think it was me?

Because it looked like you and he was driving a new 2wd Toyota Tacoma. Not too many guys have one of those AND look like you.

gee whiz, a 2WD Tacoma driven by Fluffy? That outta stop traffic!

Sorry to hear you went deerless Stan. I am confused....SC has very liberal bag limits for deer, yet it doesnt sound like you have many deer. How does that work?

We are right in the middle of picking out guns for our Pheasants Forever banquet. Anyone (Stan?) have any idea on what is really in demand in the $200-$450 price range? Any good ideas on something that someone will see and say, Ohhhhh, I need to buy a ticket to that raffle? For example, NOBODY will see an 870 Express and get excited. I know in that price range it is a little tough, but we have our higher priced guns pretty much done already.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Anyone (Stan?) have any idea on what is really in demand in the $200-$450 price range? .

Nope. Unless it's a muzzle loader I can't think of a new gun in that range that makes my socks go up and down.

Why such a low price. Get 1/2 the guns and make em good ones...

It took 3 years but I was finally able to convince the others when I was on the board for the NWTF many moons ago. We sold nearly 2x the tickets for half the guns because they were guns people would use.

Scrap 5 of the guns and get a couple Citori's or Beretty O/U's.

I'm with TZ on this. When I was a PF board member, we wrestled with the same issue. And since many of the attendees had been around a long time, and many that were the biggest spenders also had deep enough pockets to buy much of what they wanted, I always advocated more exotic stuff. Side-bys and single-shot rifles, etc. but we never really got brave enough of as a group to take the leap. Now, I personally find the PF banquets pretty boring because it's the same ol' stuff every year. Makes it hard to get my money out of my wallet.

In the cheap end of the spectrum, something that might be different would be, perhaps, a half-decent air rifle for instance. Not sure what make or model, but it would be something that a person might not have but would be willing to throw down a Jackson on a raffle ticket for it.

Brent

Berrettaman,

How about a decent 22, like a 10-22 or a S&W 15-22?

Jeff

Has anyone here ever gone to a banquet where a raffle item was a nice vintage rifle, and not some new-in-the-box modern thing?

I am probably in a huge minority here but I would rather buy tickets for something old, made well, used but well cared for than something new. I'd much rather have an old Marlin 93 than a a new 336 Rem/Marlin for instance.

Someone I know is, for instance, a great fan of Ithaca 37s n 16 gauge. There are many available in excellent shape but well used. Not too expensive. I would throw down green for something like that long long before I would toss money at a chance at a new 870 for instance.

Just an idea.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Berrettaman,

How about a decent 22, like a 10-22 or a S&W 15-22?

Jeff

That's a good idea if you have to stick to that price.

Hasting gun show this weekend!
Think Ill go see how much a box of 22 ammo costs this week.
Any bets?

Berettaman,a good item for a gathering such as that is an S&W .22 caliber AR.The model sells for around $425.It went over really good at our Friends of the NRA dinner auction this year.

Stan in SC

Gun raffle today, KofC. Bayfront Convention Center downtown Erie. Starts at noon. In the area stop and say hi.

Well guys, I am in your camp. But like Brents PF chapter, the guys dont want to take the dive and get really nice guns. Now in our defense, we have a Browning Silver Auto ($1000), a Browning Buckmark .22 ($600 or so) and some type of pistol, and we havent decided on our dinner gun yet (but that will be over a grand), so there will be some nice ones and we need the cheaper ones for our general raffle (just cant put much $ into the 7 guns on the general.

We will have a couple Ruger 10/22s there for sure. Sometimes we do a Henry Golden Boy .22 Lever. Other ideas? How about other prizes? In TZs words, what other prize would make your sox go up and down? Oh, we already have an iPad2 and our banquet package from corporate has some nice stuff. We have quality things at our banquet...we try really hard to have a bunch of stuff you cannot get at Cabelas or Fleet Farm. We have a custom carving of a fish coming too and a German Shorthair puppy will be there. Oh, a $300 DeWalt drill too. Didnt do the custom fishing rod this year for the first time ever as it kind of ran its course.

Where are you buying guns? You should be able to get two Buckmarks for $600!

Tell you the truth, the guns the banquets sell now don't do anything for me. I usually spend my $ on the auction stuff.

How about some sweet knives, USA made tool kit, dog training gift certificate?

A raffle on a tool gift certificate a place like WoodCrafters would get me movin'.

But here is another idea. I was in at least 6 gunshops today looking for .22 long rifle ammo. We found 4 boxes total, and they were not what I wanted. However, that's a nother story.

We stopped in Gander Mt. and I saw a super skinny .410 O/U. I don't much like O/Us actually but it looked interesting and I played with it a little bit. It as really darn solid and handled not bad at all. It was only $639 as I recall and I thought it was pretty much a steal at that price. I wouldn't buy one at retail but I'd invest a pair of Jacksons on 2 raffle tickets for it.

I'd also recommend a CZ .22 bolt rifle. Quality guns at a very good price. Much more interesting than a 10/22.

Brent

Where the heck is Dave?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Where the heck is Dave?

He's not fishing so I'm positive that he's working on the tin chicken.

Am I right ND?

I'm keeping warm by the woodstove.

Yesterday we used a 45 year old belleview winch mounted on a 36 year old truck to drag a 17 year old polaris snowmobile out of the bushes behind the shop. And I do mean drag, it came sideways for the entire 100 ft drag.

We then used the plow blade on ole yeller to push the snowmobile into the shop. (then we pushed snow for us and our neighbors)

Needed to thaw that old snowmobile out and get it running. 1996 polaris XLT special with xtra 12 suspension.

It needed a recoil rope and a voltage regulator along with regular seasonal service.

It needs a new recoil rope pretty much once a year, because that SOB has been punishing me for all the years I've owned it. That rope does NOT pull easy, but it does get pulled a LOT.

We got the old sled put together and Nate was out smashing snow drifts with it last night. We serviced the other sleds as well, greasing bearings, checking chain tension and fluid levels etc. Applying new trail stickers and all that. I finally got to take my new sled for a ride last night, I really like it.

Pam was busy cleaning the shop while we were fixing on sleds yesterday. I can actually walk around in the shop without tripping on stuff now.

It was -20 degrees here this morning, supposed to get even colder tonight.

I have 4 of the 5 snowmobiles up and running. Number 5 sled needs some drive parts, possibly an entire chain case assembly.

Big Joe learned to ride a big man sled today.

[Linked Image]

Joe's got the controls.

[Linked Image]

Meanwhile, Nate is rockin the big triple.

[Linked Image]

As Joe masters the massive fan cooled twin cylinder with it's 27 year old air and fuel smashing power plant scooting him around in the yard.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_8089.jpg[/img]

His face was stuck in smile mode and he rode the sled till it ran out of gas. lol!

Maybe not as fun as grinding rust & sanding paint but those jobs need to be done too!

It would almost be worth the drive over there to hear Joe's stories about his snowmobiling adventures today!!!

The mighty triple crapped a coil today, that took some trouble shooting, but we robbed one off the "spare triple" lol!

Joe is full of stories and he's ready to go on a big family adventure ride now.

(about a 3 mile loop close to home)

I like that triple. Is that the one I used a few years back? Fun and quick.

I used grandpas "new" yamaha ovation yesterday. A 1996 fan cooled 340. Good sled for letting the kids drive around with help from dad. I was brave enough to let them try it on their own. Especially after my princess decided shed like to try some jumps.

I think back then you were riding the blue triple, the 94 model which is a 580 with the 10" suspension. (actually a nicer trail sled IMO)

The black one that Nate is on is a 96 with a Frankenstein engine, bottom end is 97, top end is 96. Better bottom end and crank in 97.

Seeing those pics brings back memories of riding a 440 Cheetah at the River Bend outside of East Grand Forks.
Good times.

Yep, that's the one. The 580. Is that suspension the "m 10? Why did they stop with the 12"?

If you ever get an "xtra 12" stuck in deep snow, you'll understand why they stopped making it. lol!

-29.7 this morning.

I might try to plug my old pickup truck in today when I get to work.

(block heater)

Minus 6 here. Wind chill is in the -35 range.

I just heard from Pam, she is still at home and says the temp is showing -30.1 now.

a balmy -21 here this morning. With a refreshing 20 mph breeze. I even put my coat on to take the garbage out to the end of the driveway.

It is a long story how we ended up with the Buckmark, but Reeds lists the laminate one for $599.99....?

It was -12 when I went out to fire up the red wagon. It started fine but wasn't happy about it.

Cold enough for me. Yuck.

They must have really taken a jump in price in the last year or so.

I bought one in the spring of 2011 from GM with gift cards I'd saved up over the years and I bought it for right around $300.

Temp dropped 2 degrees. We're to -8*.

-19* when I left ND this morning. Now I'm in SE South Dakota and its a balmy 1 above.

Broke out the down parka this morning. Didn't wear it at all last year.

brought my dad out to lunch and it was -12 on the truck thermomoter. Windy too. I wonder how far a guy could make it in a pair of boxers and flip flops?

Good ideas on the banquet prizes fellas, I will float some of them to the committee.

Let us know how far you get on your walk BM.

Nice warm 21 in erie, pa this. Almost warm enough to go to the beach. We did get 10 inches of snow and more expected.

Uh,scuse me.It was 60 degrees and bright sunshiny here today.Mz. Linda and myself got out and did some yard work.I was in a t shirt.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan. I feel warmer already.

Bright and sunny here too, except our high was -6*.

Schools North of us are already announcing delayed start times or closures due to low temps and wind chills for Tuesday.

I don't recall schools ever closing for cold when I was a kid. Rural kids may not have made it because they canceled the bus runs, but we city kids were expected to show up.

warm this morning, 46 an sunny

of course I was in Colorado

back in SD today at 3, still not bad here at 25*. I don't miss those negative temps at all, just the guys living in em.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Uh,scuse me.It was 60 degrees and bright sunshiny here today.Mz. Linda and myself got out and did some yard work.I was in a t shirt.

Stan in SC

Alright Stan...that's enough out of you.

That's like 80 degrees warmer than it is here. Jeesh.

Did I hear correctly that in I-falls it is supposed to be -34 tomorrow? Good lord!

Next 6 hours

Mostly clear with temperatures warming rapidly to -14 to -18F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Good Grief! It's 0 here and I think it's the coldest nite so far....

i had -31 on the truck this morning on the way to work. still a couple hours of coold down coming yet before warming up for the day. i think the high is looking at -14 or so.

Minus 13 here this morning. Received an email from my uncle in Tucson informing me that it was 80*. We might make it up to zero today.

We were showing -31.7 when I left home this morning. The man on the TV said we were at -36 though, he also said Warroad MN was at -40.

How the hell does he know? He's standing in front of a TV camera wayyyy down south, Fargo ND.

Here in the banana belt, it was -22. Prolly going to weed the garden today.

Stan, you need to visit MN in January to appreciate your weather!

I didn't even want to start the car this morning and it was only -12. I don't even want to feel -31, I'm getting too old for that.

Ah, yeah Tom,

-34c here today : factor in wind chill & it's -44c !!

I'm 2hrs north of Int Falls.

Friggin cold feet man !

Paul.

Talk about cold weather, over 50 years ago I worked in the woods in ( north mn.) got up one morning, went out to cut wood with ax and chainsaw,I slambed the ax into tree stump so i wouldnt loose it in the snow, the handle broke, couldnt understand why it was a new ax. Went to start chainsaw and I couldnt even pull the rope so I took the saw and went back to the shack.I had to walk a half mile each way to get where I was cutting.When I got in the shack I put saw by stove to warm up, after it warmed up awhile I could pull it over.Then I went outside and looked at thermometer, it showed -53 below

That's plenty cold.

Well Uncle Dusty.... That's friggin cold. That's one of those days when the cold air hits you in the face and says "get back inside!"

Holy cow dad, that is cold!!!!!

On days like this I am kicking myself in the butt for not having everything in the garage organized so I can park inside. Brrrrrrrr!

Got me beat Dusty. Best I can do is -40 back in 1963.

I've seen -43 when I was in MN. -38 is the coldest I've seen here - not that many years ago either.

I got softened up after last year where we never reached 0.

For some reason I think it was 96 Pam and I saw the thermometer flirting with that -50 range.

If I remember right we had a 2 week stretch where -20 seemed "warm".

Missy, what's the birth day for white bear's new dog?

He's already planning for the dog's 1st birthday party, but he needs a day to mark on the calendar.

I don't know what the coldest temps I've been out in but I can sure as heck say it wasn't anything in the -40 range. My butt would be inside trying to find more long johns to put on.

Oh yeah well its been up to 113 here before!

That's all I got.

Seriously I don't know how you guys do it that's just too freakin cold!

I remember way back when ( early 80's)I was lumberjacking ,we would have to start a fire,boil water in a metal tub to warm the bar oil,otherwise it was like molasses.
They would unplug the special fittings on the pickup heater core hose,connect with the same fitting on the skidder,and let the truck pump the hot coolant through the cold engine on the skidder to get it warmed up.
Also remember the deer standing behind me waiting for me to move off ,so they could get at the tree tops I had just cut down so they could eat.

Layers my friend, layers....and beer.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

Talk about cold weather, over 50 years ago I worked in the woods in ( north mn.) got up one morning, went out to cut wood with ax and chainsaw,I slambed the ax into tree stump so i wouldnt loose it in the snow, the handle broke, couldnt understand why it was a new ax. Went to start chainsaw and I couldnt even pull the rope so I took the saw and went back to the shack.I had to walk a half mile each way to get where I was cutting.When I got in the shack I put saw by stove to warm up, after it warmed up awhile I could pull it over.Then I went outside and looked at thermometer, it showed -53 below

I love to hear stories like this! Care to elaborate Dusty? Where / why were you working there? What were you doing etc.? Or do I just need to come up to chickenbuck during rifle season to find this stuff out?

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well its been up to 113 here before!

That's all I got.

Seriously I don't know how you guys do it that's just too freakin cold!

How do we do it?

Thinking about that.........really the biggest pain in our azz when it gets this cold is vehicles not starting but with good batteries and block heaters that is not a problem. Also, any weak component on your vehicle is going to show itself at minus 20 or below which is the worst time to have it happen. But that also applies to furnaces too.

Maybe God just makes it this cold so we fix our chit!

Troof Rooster. The cold is very tough on the vehicles. They like to creek and pop even before you start them in this cold.

I had a 86 Ford Ranger that DID NOT like the cold weather. That sucker was the most cold blooded rig I've ever owned. I even had to start a fire under it once to get the oil pan warmed up. Too bad it didn't burn.

It warmed up to -10 this morning. I can't take these temps for too long, I might have to move up north.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It warmed up to -10 this morning. I can't take these temps for too long, I might have to move up north.

It's not the heat. Its the humidity...

It's a crazy +13 here. Walked the dog while barefoot.

Originally Posted by BrentD

It's a crazy +13 here. Walked the dog while barefoot.

Traded the down parka for T-shirt this morning. Temp up to plus 2.

I went out to start the super neon before work and it was a balmy +8. I got a little sweated up in my crocks.

I've heard that zero is a nice neutral temp, not too hot, not too cold. Simply neutral, no temp.

I think it would take some getting used too, zero sounds kind of muggy to me.

Does firewood split very good at zero or above?

It does but the wood is usually very wet and stringy.

You boys ain't right.

It was so cold last night, I dropped a big round chunk of firewood while carrying it to the house. It hit the sidewalk and shattered into what looked like a half bushel of wooden match sticks.

The white dog was standing in the driveway barking as hard as he could but there was no sound to be heard, just steam. Not till this morning when it warmed up to -10, then the barks thawed out and all hell broke loose. Barking noise was coming from everywhere, some had froze and blown into the woods, some were under the truck, some were up on the roof of the house....

I thought we were under attack!

The dogs come flying out of the shop through the doggy door with the hair up on their backs. An intense exchange of current and day old barking went on for about a half an our.

This must be very confusing for the dogs.

They finally went back inside the shop, very much on edge� skittish.

its cold enough out in that north wind to freeze the nuts off a steel bridge

A hour ago it was -4 here. I just looked and it is -2 now. Exactly double the warmth in one hour or twice as hot as it was. That is a pretty big shock to a person's system.

Dave, I know what ya mean about the barks...have you had any howls (either coyote or woof) drift into your yard? They are so stinking long they get wrapped around things and I am telling ya, you dont want to hear a howl wrapped in circle.

Might go down to the lake tonight to cut a hole in the ice to float the air mattress in and get some relaxation in my speedo.

It's so cold the hommie's in st.paul are leavin their pant up.

Originally Posted by BM

Might go down to the lake tonight to cut a hole in the ice to float the air mattress in and get some relaxation in my speedo.

With this cold, I'm going to say there will be a lot of "relaxation" in your speedo.

Made it up to 10* above today. Wind picked up again with light snow.

Originally Posted by Uncle_Dusty

its cold enough out in that north wind to freeze the nuts off a steel bridge

I was out in the forest tonight getting firewood for home and I saw a raven fly over the truck with a set of steel bridge nuts hanging from his beak.

So I guess you're right about that.

felt like durn near tropical today.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's so cold the hommie's in st.paul are leavin their pant up.

Holy smokes?

Pants NOT on da ground?

Holy cripes, even the snowman in da front yard is bicthen about the cold....... Hes knocken on my door, he wants in....

Not falling for that one again........

"Ya keep on knockin' but ya can't come in"

It was +61� F here today

dave, congrats, you really do a good job,nice plan, good luck to you~~~

It didn't quite dip into the negative 40's last night. Just a balmy -31.

We're going fishing this weekend! Woo Hooo!

I feel slighted!! Only -10 last nite

Only -8* here this moring.

Nutha cool one, -42* here this morning.

Had square wheels for the trip into work !!

Paul.

Don't you love those flat sided tires?

lol!

wompa, wumpa, wompa !!

Cold has been good for business though.

Musta sold/changed 25 batteries this week so far, coupla starters, numerous block heaters & lotsa busted power steering stuff !

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

wompa, wumpa, wompa !!

Cold has been good for business though.

Musta sold/changed 25 batteries this week so far, coupla starters, numerous block heaters & lotsa busted power steering stuff !

Paul.

Oh yeah...the good 'ol thump, thump, thump of the winter tires.

People don't let their stuff warm up enough before they leave in the mad dash for work. Wrecks stuff, but makes you smile.

How do you guys warm up your tires?

Never had a square tire, even down to -38, they stayed round. Lots of other stuff had issues, but not that.

This frozen dog barking thing has me worried though. By spring, it could be so bad as things are thawing out that you guys will need earplugs. Damn that was funny!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

wompa, wumpa, wompa !!

Cold has been good for business though.

Musta sold/changed 25 batteries this week so far, coupla starters, numerous block heaters & lotsa busted power steering stuff !

Paul.

Back in the late 50's and early 60's, tire manufactures were using nylon cord in tires. These realy took a set in extreme cold. 10/15 mph was the best you dared do until they warmed up enough to round back out.

I had a 56 Chevy with a straight stick that sat outside at night. When I parked it for the night I left it in low otherwise the gear lube was so stiff that you couldn't shift it into gear. That car started every morning even after sitting in minus 30's temps all night. My dads 53 chevy pickup failed to start more than once, even though it was in the garage.

i get sq tires all the time...and a frozzen seat that has u stare'in thru the visor... u slowly sink into your seat as your "bottom" warms it up.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

For some reason I think it was 96 Pam and I saw the thermometer flirting with that -50 range.

If I remember right we had a 2 week stretch where -20 seemed "warm".

Missy, what's the birth day for white bear's new dog?

He's already planning for the dog's 1st birthday party, but he needs a day to mark on the calendar.

I am not sure when the puppy was born, I will ask when I see the previous owner. Things with the new pup must be going well huh? What did they decide to name it? Not Ben right, hope not anyway.

Yep, had that too !

& an extremely heavy clutch, but that 99 F150 just wanted to get me to work !

Paul.

Originally Posted by BrentD

How do you guys warm up your tires?

After you go down the road a bit the warm up. You don't have to go very far before it's fine.

I start my 77 ford pickup with the clutch in, I let it run for a while before i dare let the clutch out and load the engine with the drag of that heavy cold gear oil. The truck actually rolls forward with the transmission in neutral when the gear oil is cold. If I really want to make things easier rolling down the road after an extreme cold start I'll put the transfer case in neutral, put the transmission in second gear and let the clutch out. This way the engine can spin that transmission all the way through it's output shaft and loosen up that oil before I try to go anywhere. And the truck won't go anywhere because the t-case is in neutral.

I do the same with the plow truck.

That, right there is why you are "Northern Dave" !

Walked out side this morning and found a dead Robin right out side the garage door. Yes. I said Robin. January 24th. In Minnesota. -17* and a freakin ROBIN is / was hanging around. That dang Robin ain't got no durn bidness being up in these here parts.

I wonder if it is the mentally challenged Robin that has showed up two years in a row to attack our patio door over and over and over again all summer long? Would get so bad that you couldn't even see through it anymore because that igit had the glass so marked up.

I warm up the rigs in neutral for a long time, even the auto trans. The truck like me more better for this.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I wonder if it is the mentally challenged Robin that has showed up two years in a row to attack our patio door over and over and over again all summer long?

Retarded robin...odd he's show up at your place.

Sorry Big Jelly. I couldn't resist.

BIIIIIGGGG JELLLLY!!!!

Fair and Windy

56�F

13�C

Humidity32%
Wind SpeedW 33 G 48 mph
Barometer29.91 in (1012.2 mb)
Dewpoint26�F (-3�C)
Visibility10.00 mi

So I have a heated garage. Love it. Keep it at 50. Problem is, in this cold when you go out you have a cab full of warmer air (50 degrees) which holds more moisture. So you park your truck for a few hours outside and the cab cools down resulting in frost on the INSIDE of your windshield! The wife had to drive home in the van the other day with every window frosted up terrible. Luckily she was only down the road at the neighbors. Pretty funny looking really.

But we have no snakes around here these days and the mosquitos are manageable.

Check the humidity level in your house.

Sometimes newer houses are so tight that you drag that humidity into your car in your clothing.

We used to deal with that in the winter until I got the humidity in my house under control.

My shop is at 50 degrees right now and we go out of that heat with our trucks into -20, -30 with no frosting problems like that.

We used to have that prob though.

humidity is at 20% right now in my house.

TONIGHT...SNOW LOWS 15 TO 40 BELOW...COLDEST IN THE NORTH AND WEST. LIGHT WINDS.
FRIDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING WITH A CHANCE OF SNOW.
PARTLY CLOUDY AFTER NOON. HIGHS 15 TO 30 BELOW...COLDEST ON THE
VALLEY FLOOR. LIGHT WINDS.
FRIDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 20 TO 40 BELOW...COLDEST ON
THE VALLEY FLOOR. LIGHT WINDS.
SATURDAY...INCREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS AROUND 25 BELOW. LIGHT
WINDS.
.SATURDAY NIGHT........MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 45 BELOW

spring time yet?

Doesn't sound like it.

Originally Posted by atvalaska

spring time yet?

Soon. 5 more months.

My gosh it is sooo cold here.I got up this morning and it was 31 degrees outside.Whatever will I do? How can I make it thru the day with the temps forecast for lowering temps all day?It's supposed to get down to an ultra bone chilling 28 degrees by this afternoon and the prospect of light snow drizzles is on the tv.(giggle,snort)
I may even have to (shudder) turn on the heater in the car today.I wonder if I remember how to do that or even remember where the heater controls are.
Have a great day people.I'm going to find me a blanket to wrap around me all day.

Stan in SC

remember the red means warm, the blue is cold. you'll be fine stan, we're behind you!

it was so cold here on tuesday that I saw a democrat and he had his hands in his own pockets! that there is COLD!

Very funny Stan! Veerrrrry funny.

It's actually pretty nice here. +16 so far.

We are right at 0*

Like Dave said. That is a neutral temp. Kind of a strange temp actually. I'm not sure how to dress for it. Should I wear my Big Jelly cat woman suit under my work clothes? Or should I just wear normal work clothes sans cat woman suit?

I wish it would just go to 1*

Roody7,
What happens if it goes to 1....then by some weird circumstance, it doubles and goes to 2? You will not be prepared for a doubling of the temperature. 1 is a very dangerous temperature in my opinion.

ND, I believe we do have a humidity problem. Because of the warm garage, the snow melts on to the floor and goes to the drain. But in the meantime, a wet floor produces humidity. I have my exhaust fan running all the time i have a wet floor, but it still happens. Guess I just have to live with it.

Your house and garage are pretty new. It could be from the concrete garage floor.

IIRC, you have some type of hydronic heat in there too? It could also be that the contractor put a vapor barrier under the conc. slab and your moisture isn't going into the ground. It sounds back-asswards, but it happens. A real possibilty since you live in sand country (assuming since you live near a lake).

most of the time it when there is water on the floor from the vehicles. It just takes a little while to get rid of that even with the in-floor heat and it results in high humidity at 50 degrees. then outside and it cools down and I am surprised it hasnt started to rain or snow in the cab! Yep, I live on a lake.

A couple of ceiling fans in the garage might help too

finally getting some of these projects done at work. altar

[Linked Image]

tabernacle stand

[Linked Image]

lecturn

table

[img]http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/062_zps8b3f5549.jpg[/img]

of course,the first one doesnt have the top on yet.

the top,still clamped

[Linked Image]

damn glad I dont sit in an office and do cad anymore,even though it pays better.

Getting all those angles to mate up so perfectly, esp on the octagon top, that's pretty incredible.

What will you use for a finish for this - poly or oil or, suppose an oil-based poly.

Well anyway, more photos as you go would be great. That is great work!

its getting just a natural danish oil finish on all of them.
I decided life would be easier if I used my own personal miter box to make that octagon top,because it is spot on.

its nice when you have tools that make it easy.well,relatively easy,anyway.

along time ago,an old cabinet maker told me," a good cabinetmaker knows how to hide his mistakes"
holds true even today.

the customer was in today( a fransiscan(?) monk) (in his robe and sandals,even),to have a look.

They are due to be picked up next friday.

Originally Posted by fluffy

damn glad I dont sit in an office and do cad anymore,even though it pays better.

sounds like I may have to start doing some actual old fashioned hand (paper and pencil)drafting soon enough,though.

That is beautiful work Fluffy! What are the "compartments" inside the altar for?

Or is that a jig to hold everything true?

Those sandals must really suck in this sort of weather.

I know what you mean about tools you can really trust. But that sort of compound angle stuff takes more than just the perfect tool. Some real skill there.

Rooster, those compartments are for a hideout gun

Just kiddin'.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Rooster, those compartments are for a hideout gun

AWWW YES! The 'Ol Fransiscan Monk Sandal gun. Forgot about those.

silver bullets only

the compartments are actually just supports for the top.the outside edge and insides are all the same level,(see the stick across the corner)to support the top,which has to have 5 smallcrosses and an altar stone inletted,and a "relic"boxed inside .A relic is a religious artifact,sometimes a bone fragment from a saint.

All these items are designed to be way overbuilt.
guess they want them to last for awhile.

turns out the octagon top will be mostly covered,its 24" inches
diameter,the tabernacle is 16".I probably could have used a sharp rock to do it.

Fluff...u could start your own thread with all those masterpieces...

Awesome stuff!

Fluffy, you are a true craftsman.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Fluffy, you are a true craftsman.

thanks.Ill try to impress that to my employer.

Looks really nice fluffy.

This remains my favorite thread here.

So what's the fish stabin count ?

Tom, you getting the freezing rain over there?

We picked up around 4" of snow that has turned over to sleet and freezing rain.

Bill- we got it mid day today in the southern suburbs. (Prior Lake) Turned to snow-those gigantic flakes that could just about knock a horse over. I just came in from doing the driveway. We only got about an inch but very wet, and very heavy.

Still coming down here in the form of a very light mist. Going to be interesting in the morning. Glad I don't have to go anywhere.

Wow fluf, it's got to feel good to create something that will likely be around for... who knows? hundreds of years?

Excellent stuff!

you guys still cold? I got a hose out yesterday and watered my trees

Here's me and Nate pulling his house behind my sled to a spearing spot about 3 miles away from out walleye fishing spot.

Notice the chimney smoke? The stove is lit while we were pulling it lol!

[Linked Image]

Here's our home made wood stove, damn thing cooks us right out.

[Linked Image]

The home made spear.

[Linked Image]

The view.

Mr spear chucker...

[Linked Image]

Nate took this picture himself, I left him alone to go back to the walleye house and he stuck his first pike. a nice 25" eater.

[Linked Image]

Anybody can catch big walleyes. it takes skill to get a hook into a micro eye though lol.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_8138.jpg[/img]

Moon rising over the lake, random house under it.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_8146.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by eh76

you guys still cold? I got a hose out yesterday and watered my trees

No, it was terrible hot today, like 20 above the zero. Ridiculous!

Awesome pics Dave!

Uncle Gene update:

He was moved to a nursing facility in Detroit Lakes, Mn on Friday. He said "well at least I'm gettin closer to ice fishin"

The wife and I went and seen him today and he is doing much better than he was. Part of his therapy is walking with a walker now! He has some movement in his left arm but still not much in his right. His legs seem to be good. He can move himself around in his wheel chair. And his sense of humor is still there. He had us laughing like crazy. Like usual!

Bill,

We got rain first then about 4" or so of the fluffy stuff.

Awesome job Nate. Throwin spears like that, Red lake will be knocking soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow fluf, it's got to feel good to create something that will likely be around for... who knows? hundreds of years?

Excellent stuff!

thanks,Dave.
all this stuff is going somewhere up nort.

Way to go Nate!

Mid 30's here today a mid 40's on Tuesday with rain. Than it's back to the deep freeze.

My old buddy agreed to sell me his stainless TC 410 Contender. Has a 21" barrell and full butt stock. It will be going to my grandson.

Went to the gun show up in Wausau Saturday. One of the local TV stations caught me walking past the camera so I made the 6 and 10 O'clock news.

Wow, 410 TC contender, that's a nice catch.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wow, 410 TC contender, that's a nice catch.

I'll even try to post a picture of it after I get it. It's a neat little gun. Don't recall if it's an original contender frame or the newer G2 frame.

Nice weekend !!

Spent it at the local ski club, after snow blowing the driveway, Saturday morning.

This morning has been pleasant, however, it has just started raining !! That ain't going to be pretty !!

Paul.

Haven't been on the 'Fire for quite some time. In hindsight the reasons for that don't seem as important as they did then. Got caught up last nite. Gonna try to keep current from here on out.

Prayers and good thoughts to Dusty and Gene. You two keep fighting and we'll keep praying.

Got an iPad for Christmas. Wife good-me keep her!

Test-driving it as we speak! (I'm talking about the iPad, you perverts!)

Ron

This is a family show fer gosh der it.

Dat's how tah getta family don't cha no?

Good to hear from you Ray. We got A Kindle Fire HD for Christmas. Realy like it.

The TC is a original Contender not the G2 Frame. Had it in my hands yesterday.

That will be a good grouse swatter at the deer camp Bill!

Welcome back Ron! And thanks for the prayers for Dusty and Gene!

Back to winter here....4�F here this morning...it was over 60�F on Saturday

Rooster that is good news about your Uncle Gene!

Originally Posted by tzone

That will be a good grouse swatter at the deer camp Bill!

Yes it is. It's been to camp and is a proven grouse getter. It will be in my grandsons hands long befor grouse season here though.

DIL, just emailed me. She bought a new Tikka T3 lite in 270 WSM.

Originally Posted by eh76

Back to winter here....4�F here this morning...it was over 60�F on Saturday

Rooster that is good news about your Uncle Gene!

38� and foggy here. Temps to start dropping this PM. Heavy snow on the way. We're in the 6" to 12" band

We picked up about 10 - 12" last night. I'm kinda looking forward to going home and blowing snow after work. Its been awhile.

Thanks Rooster and Griz. Just had a week of high temps below freezing. Everyone was complaining (well...OK....I was complaining). Today high was 50*. Bottom line-ice fishing in Southeast PA is a sometimes thing. Course, having one of those Ice Castle Fishing House sauna/camper/audio/visual/sleep therapy huts with semi-detached spearing house can make -10* ice fishing bearable. Just sayin'!

Beautiful Fluffy!

Good news on Uncle Gene.

We got over a foot of snow. Thank goodness Uncle Cletus plowed out my driveways.

Finally some snow to ride snowmobile! Poor Scott bought a new sled over a month ago and has patiently been waiting for snow so he can ride. It is going to be hard for him to ride it this weekend cuz he has to go to Vegas for work.

Going to try to ring the ol' Ski-doo to the old timers run in Lake Park on Saturday. Probablly won't ride it, just bring it for show.

The quickest way to stop the snow from coming is to get a new sled or a snowblower.

If I break down the dollars/use on my snowblower I bought last year I'm into it $350/use so far.

Spent a little cash at cabelas in rodgers tonight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Spent a little cash at cabelas in rodgers tonight.

your a-ways from home.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Spent a little cash at cabelas in rodgers tonight.

That's gettin awfully close to your friend tom for not calling him......

Whatchu buy foo?

Wonder if it' s got tracks?

Fishin sticks n hooks. And a nice leather holster for my 1911

i was down that area too dave. missed cabelas though. stopped at gander in forest lake. definetly not like cabelas.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i was down that area too dave. missed cabelas though. stopped at gander in forest lake. definetly not like cabelas.

So Dave is in the clear, but you were 5 miles from me. You're in trouble...

Sadly, the Forest Lake GM, is the best around. Best one I've been to in the area, though I don't go to the cities unless it's for work, so I can't judge it on all of them.

They don't have squat for guns. Mom and pop shops around are a lot better.

I spent some cash at Cabela's in Mitchell, SD last week. I picked up a Cabelas Pro meat grinder/stuffer.

What were you doing in Rogers Dave?

And are you coming down for the Old Timers run this weekend?

Tzone all Ganders Suck, but i have heard the FL is the best out of all of them.... I go to the Lakeville one, looking for a TICA reel and some P-LINE... Nope we dont carry Tica reels anymore..
I said to the guy well that makes sense cause you guys always sold those out every year.. He said yeah i dont know why we quit selling them..... He was setting up summer fishing display said they told us it has to be set up by Feb 1st.. WTF.........

Dont know how they stay in business...

I have heard there might be a CABELAS going in Woodbury.. Will see...

The Fargo GM sucks and the Sportsmans WH had to close the doors.

I like Scheels better than any of them including Cabela's.

The GM up in Wausau is the best one I've ever been in.

The Scheels in Appleton is a good store.

Cabela's is building a new store in Green Bay that will be opening some time this year.

Agree on the Wausau GM store. I usually make a stop there when on my way to/from Green Bay for work. Scheels is good but not as good for used firearms as they were before they adopted the new larger store formats. Most GM stores in the Twin Cities are not worth stopping for me. The proposed Woodbury Cabela's is to be a free standing store at Radio Drive and I-94 and start construction this fall. I wonder if they will go forward if the MN sales tax is changed to tax clothing. That is a huge driver for retail sales in MN stores near borders where adjacent states tax clothes.

Originally Posted by tzone

The quickest way to stop the snow from coming is to get a new sled or a snowblower.

If I break down the dollars/use on my snowblower I bought last year I'm into it $350/use so far.

or mount the plow on your 4 wheeler....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I spent some cash at Cabela's in Mitchell, SD last week.

that one reminds me of a K Mart

Oregon does not have a state sales tax, which is really great.

5.6" of snow so far and temps are dropping.

Yeah its not the nicest store by any means and judging by their prices, they feel its pheasant season year around.

Originally Posted by noduck

Tzone all Ganders Suck, but i have heard the FL is the best out of all of them....

Truthfully, the best GM I've ever been to (and it's a lot of em) is the GM in Wausau, WI.

I've spent a fair amount of time in the Lakeville one as well. My sister lives down there. It's OK. They lost me when they set up the 1000sf, scuba area.

HA HA i remember that.... That was right after they got rid of the boats... And then they got rid of the pool were you could kayak...

You know just 2 blocks north there was that landscaping place that is out business.....

Bass pro shop almost bought it, they were like 5 acres short of what they needed.. There is a little lake in the back..They were going to use the lake for customer field test gear.. Would of been cool.. Try out differ reels by casting..Fire up some augers.....

I've actually canoed on that lake with my BIL.

The Gander Mountain in Eden Prairie is freaking hilarious.

If I am every grumpy or in a bad mood, I can go look at gun prices and be giggling in about 2 seconds flat.

I have bought a few things there, but, in my defense, I had a gift card.

I don't see myself buying a gun there again. They've gone nutz on prices. Last gun I bought there was a browning buckmark camper, and like goalie, it was with gift cards.

All these new guns showing up in members' hands lately has made me a bit envious. New (to me) "bang-bang" coming to the RaystownRon household in the near future. Rumor has it that there might be some Native American references on the weapon. Envy pangs receding quickly.

Ron

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't see myself buying a gun there again. They've gone nutz on prices. Last gun I bought there was a browning buckmark camper, and like goalie, it was with gift cards.

actually ,I went to GM Lakeville for some archery stuff,and their prices were the same as everywhere else I looked.
Of course I didnt bother to look at anything in the gun dept,but it sure as hell was busy over there.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

All these new guns showing up in members' hands lately has made me a bit envious. New (to me) "bang-bang" coming to the RaystownRon household in the near future. Rumor has it that there might be some Native American references on the weapon. Envy pangs receding quickly.

Ron

Inquiring minds want to know, Ron. What Savage are you getting? Saw a fair number of 99's at the gun show last weekemd, including 2, 358s and a 284. Both 358s were tagged at $1,325 and the 284 was marked $1,200.

We ended up with just over 8" of snow. Snomobliers are going to be happy.

No new guns for me since...December. I'm on a dry spell.

I have bought or traded for three this last month.A S&W Model 10 HB in .38 special,a KelTec P3AT (daily carry) and a Ruger Hawkeye in .223 with Bushnell 6-18X50.My exposure to temptation is probably greater than most since I work part time in a gun shop.

Stan in SC

was just outside helping the neighbor with his car.

Man is it cold! temp is a balmy -4,but the frigging wind is brutal. nnw @ 23,gusts to 29. wind chill is -29,
dropped 4 degrees in the last half hour

Sold a car tonight. It's cold here too. Probably good. The car started just fine while dead cold but the weather kept the guy from looking at it too much I suppose. Still, he got a good deal and I suspect he knew that, or he will when he looks it over better in warmer weather.

We did not get below zero F last winter so now that we are headed for -10 or a bit worse, we are all whining like Southerners.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Sold a car tonight. It's cold here too. Probably good. The car started just fine while dead cold but the weather kept the guy from looking at it too much I suppose. Still, he got a good deal and I suspect he knew that, or he will when he looks it over better in warmer weather.

We did not get below zero F last winter so now that we are headed for -10 or a bit worse, we are all whining like Southerners.

Hey I resemble that last line! Its dang cold here at 42!

Yeah there are days that 42 seems freezin' cold, but hell, we used to see -30 pretty often and -25 on a really regular basis. Now we cry like babies if it gets into the single digits ABOVE zero. I think global warming and the media are to blame. ----

naw,I think we are getting old.
I wasnt outside for 10 minutes,and my finger was damned painful!
I injured it last week,and have a bandaid and some tape on it,and it must have the circulation cut down a little.

down another 2`, to 6 below.

You guys just keep the cold cold up in that country, OK.

The last two years, when it gets cold the top of my thumbs get super cold. Just the tops about 1/2 way down the fingernail. Both hands. Senility side effect I think.

Were at 2* above right now heading to minus 15 tonight.

Originally Posted by fluffy

naw,I think we are getting old.
I wasnt outside for 10 minutes,and my finger was damned painful!
I injured it last week,and have a bandaid and some tape on it,and it must have the circulation cut down a little.

My thumbs got cold holding down the controls on the snoblower this morning. Think I'll see if you can add heated grips, and yes, I am getting old.

Well, until someone from further north chimes in, I guess we're "winning" at -23 and dropping.

I talked to Dusty just now.

They had a scare on Tuesday as Dusty had a bit of an unexplained spell. This resulted in a stay overnight at the hospital and many tests.

He's back home now but had a busy day with a chemo treatment and more tests.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, I know that everybody's kind support is much appreciated.

We plan to ice fish this weekend and I will be calling Dusty throughout the weekend with the live fishing reports.

Only 13 below down here right now. Gotta be careful at 20 below, that will slush up your beer.

Good to hear Dusty is back home and doing okay. One of my father-in-laws is battling cancer right. He had a heck of a rough stretch around xmas. In and out of the hospital several times.

Griz, I'm buying a Savage 99-DL from another member here on the Campfire. It's a .308. It has a tang safety which makes it better for a lefty like me. The older lever safety is about the most lefty-unfriendly safety I have used.

Dusty, sorry to hear you had some problems. Hope things are better for you today. Maybe an Ice Castle weekend would help.

ND, best of luck this weekend. Can't wait for the pictures. Gonna do some spearing too?

Ron

Did you sell the edge?

If I could sell the red wagon for what I have in it, I would. I'd like another 4runner or and explorer...Used of course.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My thumbs got cold holding down the controls on the snoblower this morning. Think I'll see if you can add heated grips, and yes, I am getting old.

I'm a bit spoiled on the snow blower. The dang thing locks the auger "in" when you're in drive and it has heated grips.

I figured it would last me until I can't snow blow anymore so I might as well get grip warmers and a head light.

If it wasn't such a beast it would be perfect. It was fine for the old driveway but now that dropped down a size it goes pretty quick.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, I know that everybody's kind support is much appreciated.

He's always in my thoughts. But I'll send a few extra his way tonight.

Originally Posted by tzone

Did you sell the edge?

If I could sell the red wagon for what I have in it, I would. I'd like another 4runner or and explorer...Used of course.

No, I sold the 2001 Escape with 175k on the clock. The Edge gets handed down to me

and T gets the 2013 Escape. The F150 gets mostly vacation. Too pricey to run that rig to work every day carrying just me.

Prayers for Dusty and J Elkys fil on the way.

Ron, your getting a great rifle. A true classic.

Only made it down to -10�. Minus 1� for a high today.

thoughts and prayers going for Uncle Dusty and Jelky's fil as well.

supposed to be in the 40's today, be glad to be rid of the teen temps we've been having.
bottled some wine last night, second batch for the season. this one had some blue berries from up by chickenbuck that were in the freezer. we're calling it "northern lights" tastes pretty good!

[Linked Image]

Thoughts and prayers are always with you Dusty!

-29* on my way in to work this morning. This may be the first season in my memory that we have to use the extension (normally reserved for late ice on LOW) on the ice augers down this way. It's got to be well over 2 feet thick by now. We did get a bunch of snow though so that will insulate the ice some.

I really like the new Escapes. Can you tow with them? All i've seen didn't come set up to tow and they are all 4cyl eco-boost motors. I don't have an issue with the 4cyl but if I can't two a 4-wheeler type trailer, the rig won't do me a lot of good.

Now that I drive the car to work everyday, I find I have less and less need for a truck for everyday use. My plans keep changing in my head because I love trucks but I'm leaning towards an SUV and just use my 1978 f-150, when I need a truck. Which means I need to get crackin on it.

I like "northern lights" Ryan. Cool.

Uncle Dusty, you know you're one of my favorite people and I'm always thinking about you and praying for you to get better.

Jelky, sending some your way too for you FIL.

Griz, here's the posting for the Savage I bought if you want to take a look. Seller also has an EG in .300 Sav. for sale if you need to scratch an itch!

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7321520/Savage_99_s_FS#Post7321520

Ron

Over 24 million views on this thread! Wow!

And you thought you were just building a cabin, Dave!

Too cool!

Ron

The craziness of it has not escaped me.

From Further Nort !

-33 here this morning ! With wind chill, -41, so the radio said.

Thinkin' about, & praying for "Unca D" & Family.

Too Bloody cold to even think about fishing.

Morelike, mmmm, deer chilli for the game on Sunday, & back straps, wrapped in bacon, roasted taters with fixin's & steamed brussellsprouts with horseradish hollandaise sauce, for tonight.

Paul.

It's so cold out my 4 year-old got his hat and mittens on without me reminding him.

Originally Posted by goalie

It's so cold out my 4 year-old got his hat and mittens on without me reminding him.

You win!

we had -33 and change this morning when I left for work. It was still dropping, not sure if it hit -34 or not.

plenty cold.

Nice looking gun, Ron. It will serve you well.

Not in the market for anymore rifles at the moment, but one can never say never.

We bottomed out at minus 12. Looks like it made it up to 3 above.

Heading over to the Iola Winter Festival Saturday. Looks like my wife is finaly going to get a chance to try Lutefisk. Although she did say something like "No way in H@#l".

Originally Posted by tzone

I really like the new Escapes. Can you tow with them?

Yes and no is the answer. We bought the tiny 1.6L eco-boost version. It will not have to tow, though it might tow my ubiquitous 14' aluminium fishing boat and 9.5 Johnson just fine, it will never have to. We run a pair of smallish draft horses that go about 1250# each so the F150 does all of our towing, from big stuff like Rusty and Adler to little stuff like hay racks or boats. The Escape ferries dogs and wife. Easy stuff. If I'm lucky I'll steal it a few times this summer to fit it up with my shooting gear and roll off to New Mexico and such places to shoot rifle matches, but otherwise, it's the wife's transport. Friggin' pricey bastards too. But then they all are.

Yeah, they all are now. Explores it seems, leave a bar of gold in the garage for what they want of them.

It was -25 on lake of the woods this morning. We put one sauger in the pail at 8:15 last night. 2 small throw backs so far this morning.

And now a tulipee......

OK Dave, I'll bite......what's a tulipee? I'll guess it's a free-form yellow design in snow outside an Ice Castle.

Ron

The kids and I are headed out today to watch our very own Goalie in a hockey game. Reports to follow.

First we're going to FINALLY pick up Ms. Princess' bow she got for Christmas. It took forever since she's a lefty.

Originally Posted by tzone

The kids and I are headed out today to watch our very own Goalie in a hockey game. Reports to follow.

First we're going to FINALLY pick up Ms. Princess' bow she got for Christmas. It took forever since she's a lefty.

What did you end up getting her Tom?

I got a Mission Craze. Pink Camo of course. I'll post some pics later. Off to hockey.

I forget what i reportrd last. But we are only at 3 keepers in the walleye/sauger category, kept one pike and released another.

Ray, tulipee is a whitefish. Good for smoking, oily.

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a Mission Craze. Pink Camo of course. I'll post some pics later. Off to hockey.

Thanks for lunch. An open-faced meatloaf sandwich is my new go-to game-day meal.

Anyone familiar with Marlin Model 9 9MM carbines commonly known as "camp 9's"?I picked one up at a gun show today.I'm looking forward to shooting it.Ought to be fun.

Stan in SC

Gophergunner PM'ed me and told me about tulipee also, Dave. They seem similar to whitefish found in Lake Erie. Turns out Jeff (Gophergunner) is from PA and we traveled some of the same trails. We had quite a trip down memory lane. Good people, good times here at Deer Camp!

Ron

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a Mission Craze. Pink Camo of course. I'll post some pics later. Off to hockey.

Thanks for lunch. An open-faced meatloaf sandwich is my new go-to game-day meal.

Well it worked!

Dude, lunch was the LEAST I could do for you. That was great a great game and a great way to spend a day with the kids.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Anyone familiar with Marlin Model 9 9MM carbines commonly known as "camp 9's"?I picked one up at a gun show today.I'm looking forward to shooting it.Ought to be fun.

Stan in SC

Stan-they're neat little guns. Marlin doesn't make them any more. I believe if I'm not mistaken they'll take Smith And Wesson Model 59 magazines. I spotted for several guys shooting these at the range over the years. I'd say they were more accurate than the average Ruger Mini 14. At 100 yards when watching the target from the right angle I could actually see the bullets impacting the targets. They're pretty well out of juice at that range, but I still wouldn't want to stand in front of one. Can I ask what you had to spend on it?

Gophergunner,
Thanks for the info.
I think I got a good deal at three bills.I saw them last night in doing price research on Gunbroker.com at twice that.
They use either S&W model 59 or 69 magazines.
Marlin made them from 1985 thru 1999.

Stan in SC

Three hundred for a Camp Carbine is, IMO, a steal if it isn't somehow destroyed mechanically.

My next toy is going to be the Ruger SR1911 .45 ACP. My problem is I can't find one anywhere. You can get on a waiting list on some of the gun sites but it sounds like the average wait is 8 months. Does anyone know where I can get one sooner?

You could call Little Crow in Hutchinson. They had LCP's when no one else had them.

Picked up a huge eelpout last night on a rattle reel and Pam pulled up a nice sauger this morning.

It's slow though, very slow.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Anyone familiar with Marlin Model 9 9MM carbines commonly known as "camp 9's"?I picked one up at a gun show today.I'm looking forward to shooting it.Ought to be fun.

Stan in SC

I ran across this forum while looking into a camp 45 in the local swap sheet.
IIRC there is something about a plastic follower that gets brittle with age and may should be replaced before it breaks.
PS I wish I just bought the one instead of researching first. It sold while I was looking it up

Fresh feesh! About a month ago in Virginia.

[Linked Image]

4

Thats no guppy!

Here's your sign.....er.....site, Dave.

www.eelpoutfestival.com

You'll especially love Eelpout Festival video and theme song. It's either hip-hop or rap. I can't tell the difference.

Ron

Youse guys up der shure noz howda have good times, don you no?

Oh we know all about it Ray, it's the mardi gras of the north.

lol!

Dang it, I gotta move to Minnesota. All we got down here is a stupid groundhog. That celebration is so short you don't even need to miss work. What kind of party is that!

I confess I've never been to the poutfest but it's coming soon, withing the next 2 weekends I think?

A few of our MN posters are probably going.

It's too wild for this family type dude.

I like sipping a cold beer and watching my bobbers with the family lol.

Dave, watch the Eelpout Festival video. It's educational. There is more than one definition for the word "bobber". 'Nough said!

Ron

I have been to the Eelpout Festival a couple times. It is a blast! You see all kinds of stuff there from people sitting in shorts dangling their feet in the water while they fish, to a guy stripping down to his one piece long underwear to Neil Diamond on top of the Eelcatraz bus.
One of the big party tents had newbies (who had never been to the poutfest before) take a shot from a frozen pouts mouth. Some people were actually stupid enough to say they had never been there before.

Yuck!

hacked.

HACKED!!!

Yep, hacked. lol.

I'm back now though, damn kids.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep, hacked. lol.

I'm back now though, damn kids.

"It's too wild for this family type dude."

I could tell it was hacked...

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Dang it, I gotta move to Minnesota. All we got down here is a stupid groundhog. That celebration is so short you don't even need to miss work. What kind of party is that!

Ron, Ron, Ron........

I can't BELIEVE you'd diss Punxatawney Phil like that!

Dave, i really think u should come down to the poutfest with us. Be lots of educational enjoyment it sounds like.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep, hacked. lol.

I'm back now though, damn kids.

"It's too wild for this family type dude."

I could tell it was hacked...

I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker (and bobbers too):)

I used to be a regular at the pout festival,being from Walker.It used to fall on my birthday,years ago.

Jim, I have a ruger 1911, actually Kinda thinking about selling it, long story. i love it, it is amazing, I just feel guilty carrying it everyday and the abuse it has to go through.

Don't do it Ryan, you will regret it later. Carrying it and getting a few scratches is just character.

Jeff, it's hard to have respect for a furry rodent that lives in a library. I mean REALLY!!! lol

Ron

Thanks J, I think I will keep it, I still owe you a knife for a sheath, it woulda come way sooner, but I had a LOT of deer to process this year. for any chickenbuck friends out there who are looking for a place to come shoot deer out west, I might have a place for you. no Trophies, but a great meat hunt and a good time.

Well it was a good weekend. I won the 1967-1969 class in Lake Park at the old timers run. The club who sponsors it took pics of my sled alone cuz they are going to put it on their plaques and buttons for it next year. Super excited!

Nice!!

Thanks Ryan but like we spoke about last night, you just hang on to that 1911. I'll find one soon enough.

Muffy that is pretty cool and that sled look like its mint.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Thanks J, I think I will keep it, I still owe you a knife for a sheath, it woulda come way sooner, but I had a LOT of deer to process this year. for any chickenbuck friends out there who are looking for a place to come shoot deer out west, I might have a place for you. no Trophies, but a great meat hunt and a good time.

I'm in.

Awesome Muffster! Congrats!!

Congrats Muffy. Great looking sled.

Way to go, Muffy!

Ron

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Thanks J, I think I will keep it, I still owe you a knife for a sheath, it woulda come way sooner, but I had a LOT of deer to process this year. for any chickenbuck friends out there who are looking for a place to come shoot deer out west, I might have a place for you. no Trophies, but a great meat hunt and a good time.

Sounds like something I'd like. It would be nice to get a group together, put faces with names and spend a few days chasing the fuzzy wind chimes!

Ron

Ryan,

Are you talking bucks or just slickheads?

Jeff

Originally Posted by Muffy

I have been to the Eelpout Festival a couple times. It is a blast! You see all kinds of stuff there from people sitting in shorts dangling their feet in the water while they fish, to a guy stripping down to his one piece long underwear to Neil Diamond on top of the Eelcatraz bus.
One of the big party tents had newbies (who had never been to the poutfest before) take a shot from a frozen pouts mouth. Some people were actually stupid enough to say they had never been there before.

Yuck!

Sounds like fun!

Michigan has something similar called Tip-up Town. It's considered a successful event if the number of arrests is larger than the number of sleds and quads and riders that go through the thin spots in the ice.

Well folks, it has been a busy past week or two. Spent a week in Scottsdale for business meetings. By golly, their weather was warmer than here. Hard to imagine I know. I went for a run and was commenting to my running mate that it is too hot (prolly 70) and an old guy in a jacket heard me. Man, the look I got....

Now I am working on our Pheasants Forever banquet. If anyone is going to be in the Alexandria area Feb 23rd, let me know!

Had to get the snow rake out and clear off part of the roof this morning. There was close to 2' feet of snow. Supposed get 3 - 4 inches of snow starting this afternoon.

we're getting it right now, looks like about 3-4 inches of fluff so far.

Nothing further North & I don't think they are calling for it ?

Paul.

Just starting here.

So while in Scottsdale I sat next to a business colleague who lived in the adjoining town to New Town, Conn. We had a discussion about firearms. What a clueless guy. Absolutely had swallowed every gun control talking point. No compromise whatsoever, and then he had the gall to tell me I wouldnt compromise...when I pointed that out, he huffed and puffed about saving kids.

Most of us here live in the central or west. I tell you what, the east coast is different than we are. way different. I did burn him pretty good when he said we should change the constitution because the forefathers couldnt have known about ARs. I said they couldnt have known about the internet either, so we better open up a conversation about restricting the 1st Amendment with regards to the internet. And I really roasted him when I said, what if there was 1 common thread between all mass killings of more than 2 people since 1950. If we could find something like that, should we look really hard at that and make appropriate changes? I said it like someone should research it....he bought in 100%. I said, well there is a common thread. They were all gun-free zones. That got him pretty mad and that was the end of the conversation as we were in a business setting.

The point of all this is that many of us run with like-minded people. Believe me, there are a lot of people out there that are extremely passionate and unfortunately they have been brainwashed by the liberals. If you find out yourself in one of these situations, especially in a business setting, sometimes descretion is the better way to go...you aint gonna change their mind.

Of note though, the next day I was sitting with the CEO of my firm and we were talking about team building activities and the topic of trap shooting came up and he loved that idea. An East Coast liberal said that some people might be offended by that and my CEO, bless his heart, said that during a team building event some people have to get out of their comfort zone! I loved it!

I'm hearing and agreeing with everything you are saying Bman.

But we can find those arm chair qb's in our own hometowns. Those that buy in 100% to the whole idea that gun laws somehow control criminals.

You found one from "out east", but they are everywhere (unfortunately)

Good point. I am sure we have some here as well, but from what I saw the east coast is stocked with them. Quite the times we are living in.

For us MN guys, the MN House of Representatives held the first hearing on MN HF 241 today and tomorrow will have the first hearing on HF 242. 241 proposes to ban virtually all semiautomatic firearms of all types and 242 proposes to ban all magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds. The NRA spokesperson who testified said that this would the most onerous of any state law governing firearms in the country if it would be passed. Please contact your legislators immediately.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Good point. I am sure we have some here as well, but from what I saw the east coast is stocked with them. Quite the times we are living in.

I suppose you guys already practice this but taking these people to the range is really worth the effort. When they find they can't hit diddly with a semiauto anything they stop worrying about the capacity issues. Of course handing a total novice (or worse an out-and-out gun phobe) a semiauto pistol is a bit dangerous so you gotta watch what you are doing and maybe start with single fire, But in the end, give them 4-5 targets and let them see how hard it is to hit them shooting "as fast as you can squeeze the trigger" is pretty enlightening for them.

I have four of them now gun owners and weekly trap shooting partners in the summer time.

Only way I know how to deal with these folks and make progress.

Good point Brent

a very good point, I too have done this. sometimes it's not even someone way left, it could be someone who just never used a gun and quite often they said guns were scary to them and they just avoided them, but didn't care if other people had them. they are quite fun to take to the range. I know several who have went on to purchase their own guns and started to teach others.

If I had a dollar for every anti-gun nurse who, after going shooting, now owns a gun (and often has a permit to carry) I could buy us all a beer.

Well...You should buy us all beer anyway.

I used to help teach the "shotgun" classes for Becoming an Outdoors Woman, through out hunters safety group. The number of ladies from a big city that were afraid of gun, but came along because their frineds "dragged" them with was in the dozens.

By the end of the day, they were asking where to buy shotguns. I even stopped at GM on the way home from one of them and two of the ladies were in there buying guns! They both bought Browing Citori's!

The one thing about newbies to shooting, is they have no sense muzzle control. With pistols, plan accordingly. They seem to change direction way way too often and unexpectedly.

Good work on the BOW work. It really helps and lots of women are willing to attend with other women, but not willing to do it with just their husband or boyfriend.

Our Local PF sponsors a lot of them

Minnesota Nice..

I think these guys are Dave's heroes. In fact, I wonder if that isn't Dave himself adding in the falsetto

Admittedly, at 2minutes, 58 seconds, this might be about 177 seconds too long.

It is so true.

Youth IS wasted on the young.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Good work on the BOW work. It really helps and lots of women are willing to attend with other women, but not willing to do it with just their husband or boyfriend.

Our Local PF sponsors a lot of them

The ladies are really a good time. They have fun with it, which is what shooting is supposed to be about. It's pretty cool when you take someone who's never even held a shotgun, to hitting trap and/or skeet a few hours later. Many of them come back year after year.

I am firmly convinced that if you could get the most rabid PETA member to pull the trigger on a sod rat just once they would be hooked

Originally Posted by rflshtr

For us MN guys, the MN House of Representatives held the first hearing on MN HF 241 today and tomorrow will have the first hearing on HF 242. 241 proposes to ban virtually all semiautomatic firearms of all types and 242 proposes to ban all magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds. The NRA spokesperson who testified said that this would the most onerous of any state law governing firearms in the country if it would be passed. Please contact your legislators immediately.

A buddy of mine watched this on line. Here is his take. (An email he sent me a bit ago)

"Have you been looking at the gun laws they are trying to put in place in Minnesota? I have been watching the house committee meetings on this crap and its absolutely absurd what they are trying to do. I watched online the State house hearings on the new proposed gun laws last night, or at least one of them, HF241 about assault weapons, I cannot believe the absolute absurdity of the people that are proponents of this bill. This woman starts presenting this bill and what is the first thing she does, plop a bunch of pictures of the sandy hook kids on the podium. Every bit of testimony was completely irrelevant to the real problem. They are so unwilling to blame the criminals for crime. I am so upset with myself that I didn't go down there and testify in front of that committee. There were some good speakers on the opposing side as well, but I sure would have like to have been one of them. Oh and get this, the woman that authored the bill, presented a short introduction to it and then left, for a 'prior engagement', so the opponents couldn't even challenge her or ask her to answer questions. During the opponents time to testify there were a bunch of members of the committee that they were testifying in front of that GOT UP AND LEFT ! They didn't find it important enough to arrange their schedules so that they could listen to the people that were opposing this bill. By the way the bill was drafted and co-sponsored but 8 people, all D-F-L."

Does anybody have a link to all the legislators that need to be contacted?

Never mind. I found a list I used for the Vikings stadium:

List available if you want it.

Give me back that list rooster.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Never mind. I found a list I used for the Vikings stadium:

List available if you want it.

I feel for you guy's and all this gun crap you are going though.

There will be the last hearings on these bills in this committee tonight from 6-10 pm in Room 10 of the MN State Office Building for anybody who wants to attend and offer testimony.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Give me back that list rooster.

I got alot of undeliverable replys from people no longer in office. I emailed you a current list of the reps on the committee and this petition to sign:

https://www.change.org/petitions/mn...and-the-future-omnibus-gun-violence-bill

I urge everyone to sign the petition and email your reps.

Thanks Jim, I sent them all an email explaining that I'm hanging on by a thread as far as my interest in being a MN citizen. The crazy dayton taxes and other stupid liberal agendas are quite enough, if gun control gains traction in MN I'd pick up my family and move to SD or ND.

How's that for a message? I wasn't just saying I'd be upset with MN government, I told em I'd move.

Actually, I think they'd get a lot of that in real life. I hope the Dakotas can handle all of us 2A MN refugees.

Dave, I don't know if politicians believe people when they say they will leave, but consider that if you leave, you won't be there to vote against them. You may not vote for them, but you aren't voting against them and thus, your leaving isn't as problematic for their personal future as your voting "for the other guy".

Just a point to think about.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks Jim, I sent them all an email explaining that I'm hanging on by a thread as far as my interest in being a MN citizen. The crazy dayton taxes and other stupid liberal agendas are quite enough, if gun control gains traction in MN I'd pick up my family and move to SD or ND.

How's that for a message? I wasn't just saying I'd be upset with MN government, I told em I'd move.

Dave,

The thought has certainly crossed my mind a lot in the last few months. I'm not in a situation where I can do that for about 10 more years. But I think I need to start preparing myself for the inevitable.

The folks that represent Dave most likely do just that. He lives in a rural area of MN where the congressmen represent what we believe in.

The issue lies in the southern 4-5 counties. and the voters in northern St. Louis Co. that seem to control the rest of MN.

That's right Tom.

My rep introduced HF169

You want to know what HF169 is?

Are you frightened?

Sounds bad right?

HF169, he wants us to be able to put scopes on our muzzle loaders.

That's my rep.

And yeah, he does know I'm serious. And no it's not supposed to be a threat in any way towards him. He has hometown support, he has nothing to worry about on election day.

My hopes are that he can use statements such as mine when he converses with his fellow reps to express the gravity of the situation.

From what I heard at the hearings yesterday they key to stopping this will be outstate/rural DFLers willing to cross party lines and vote against the metro DFLers introduced bills. I spoke with the woman Senator from Brainerd who is the most northerly Republican in the MN Senate as she was walking through the waiting line shaking hands and thanking people for being there.

I think that there are enough pissed-off people that are expressing their anger right now to make a difference.

The metro-area liberals don't have to worry about re-election based upon these proposed draconian laws and how they vote on them. Outstate DFLers, on the other hand......

I am just worried about how pressure is being applied to pro-gun DFLers behind the scenes. The president coming here did NOT give me warm-fuzzy feelings at all.

Happy 21 years lady friend!

Happy anniversary Pa!! Never a dull moment even after 21 years, that's a good thing...right?

Who knew a couple of kids would make it this long?

I will always love you and will still make your lunches every morning up until you retire. (Then you can make my lunches until I retire...deal?)Only another 25+ years until that happens.

Have a great day everyone!

YAAAAAYYY! Happy Anniversary to two VERY KOOL people!! If'n yez don't mind,I'll hoist one for ya later today!!

Happy Anniversary Pam and Dave!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

From what I heard at the hearings yesterday they key to stopping this will be outstate/rural DFLers willing to cross party lines and vote against the metro DFLers introduced bills. I spoke with the woman Senator from Brainerd who is the most northerly Republican in the MN Senate as she was walking through the waiting line shaking hands and thanking people for being there.

Would that lady have been, Carrie Rudd?

and i wanna also add to my last post, i love my oldest son the most out of the 3 kids and 37 dogs, im a dog lady. he is the bomb

ooo thanks mama

nicely done! too obviously hacked though, good try RWS

Happy anniversary you two!

Happy Anniversary Guys!

Happy Anniversary!!!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

nicely done! too obviously hacked though, good try RWS

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

nicely done! too obviously hacked though, good try RWS

haha thanks I try

Happy Anniversary ND & MND! Well played!

I love my mom more than life itself...I should work and give every one of my paychecks to her...because I love her sooooo much.

Payback me boy!!! (thanks for not logging off

love, mom)

Oh my...

She got you good boy.

Happy Anniversary Pam & Dave !

Awesome achievement, in todays world !

Must be the "country" thing. Deb & I are up for 25, this September & have booked an Alaskan cruise to celebrate.

Keep up the good work.

Paul.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Happy anniversary Pa!! Never a dull moment even after 21 years, that's a good thing...right?

Who knew a couple of kids would make it this long?

I will always love you and will still make your lunches every morning up until you retire. (Then you can make my lunches until I retire...deal?)Only another 25+ years until that happens.

Have a great day everyone!

Quote

Happy 21 years lady friend!

Congrats to two of my favorite people.

Congrats Pam n Dave! Hope you enjoy many, many more!

Happy Anniversary, Mr. & Mrs. Shaw!

Ron

So are the kids making you guys dinner tonight? I would think that would be appropriate. Just sayin'!

Toasted cheese and Spaghetti-Os comin' right up!

The snowstorm that you guys in Minnesota and Wisconsin got has just arrived in central PA. lots of wet, sloppy 36* flakes melting as they land. Forecast is for freezing temps tonite and 2-4 inches of snow. Stores are selling out of bread and milk as the populace panics. LMAO!!!!!! People are funny!

Ron

Heard Boston was in for as much as 30".

Happy Anniversary you two, will be 45 for us in June.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

So are the kids making you guys dinner tonight? I would think that would be appropriate. Just sayin'!

Lah-zonn-yahh.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Heard Boston was in for as much as 30".

They can have it!

A very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to two of the most unique and finest people I have ever come in contact with.

Stan in SC

Thanks for all the well wishes everybody. I'm taking Pam out to the forest with her camera, see if we can find some wildlife to shoot.

Good timing,Dave.Sounds like you'll be getting a foot of new snow in the next 24 hours.
At least,thats what theyre saying right now.

Looks like we're in for freezing rain. I'd rather deal with the snow

Went on a firewood run

[Linked Image]

Things are pretty well covered up with snow.

[Linked Image]

Saw a few critters but I couldn't get the photographer close enough to get any really good pics, but it was fun to see a pair of cats working together on a rabbit.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/IMG_8221_zps5eb4ce14.jpg[/img]

Holy Crap! That is awesome!!!

You don't get pics of Bobcats everyday!

Thats really neat.

I've only seen one Bobcat in my life.

AWESOME pics Dave! bobcats are beautiful, but hard to get on camera, got a trail cam pic of one last summer. bobcats are a pretty cool critter!
a 220 conibear in a bucket with some good call lure and half a beaver carcass will hold them

I've caught a pile of skunks this last week.

woke up this morning to no snow on the ground.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I've only seen one Bobcat in my life.

Me too Bill.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

woke up this morning to no snow on the ground.

Wish I could say that. Plenty of snow here Ryan. Farmers are going to be happy. It will help make up for last years rain shortfall. Just starting to rain here. Going to be interesting tomorrow morning.

Heavy snow here. Very low visibility. When the wind picks up its going to be a mess.

Lots of snow here. GREAT pics Ma.

Making chicken noodle soup...great day for some home made soup.

didnt end up with much here,a few inches at most.very wet heavy stuff,though.

Mostly rain here all day. It came down hard at times. You can play hockey in my driveway. Roads are a mess.

No work or school today for us.

Thank you to everyone for the anniversary wishes! It was a quiet and uneventful weekend as ND and I took a trip to the forest to maybe find some critter to take pics of. Guess we found something, huh? That was fun and about the extent to our weekend, sometimes a quiet weekend is much needed.

Well I'm headed out to shovel off the sidewalk in my boots and jammies before getting ready for work. We didn't get much for snow as it started snowing around 8 pm with just a dusting. Have a great day everyone!

Getting light snow now.

There are a few school closings and delays in the area. I'll be headed out to salt the sidewalk and driveway shortly.

We got somewhere between 16 and 20+ inches of snow in our area. Everything is shut down.

Ended up with about 6'ish inches. It snowed hard then quit, snowed hard then quit, snowed hard then quit. If it would have been steady the whole time we'd have a bunch!

Ice underneith made the drive in crappy though.

still nothing here, I'm home with a sick little 4 month old girl, dr confirmed it is RSV, tough on a little one but she is still her sweet self, lots of smiles and a real snuggle bug, so I guess things could be worse.

wish we would have gotten some heavy wet snow, we could use the moisture. least my traps didn't get buried, hopefully I have a few yotes and bobcats when I check them at 5

Ryan,

Sorry to hear about your little one. All three of my kids have had it (the oldest had it twice and pneumonia once in his first 18 months!). Our 5 1/2 week old baby has it right now. Not fun at all and can be a bit scary.

Hope she gets better quickly Ryan.

Hope she gets well quick. A sick child just yanks those heart-strings.

That sucks Ryan. I hope she pulls out of it quick.

Good luck with the trap line.

Sorry to hear you have sick kids today, Ryan and Azar. Sick kiddies make me sad.

hope all are well soon.

Ron

I hope all the kiddo's are feeling better today! Little buggers don't even know what's going on.

Ryan, keep an eye on that RSV. It can be a not so good deal. One of my kids had it. we were in the hospital for days hooked up to air tubes and what not. so hard to see the little ones that way. Tom, whats your plan this weekend. BIg EELPOUT Festival happening. it shall be fun!!

I'm up to the cabin for a little fishing derby/old timers snomobile show. And from what I hear, there may be a beer bash afterwards. All rumors I'm sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm up to the cabin for a little fishing derby/old timers snomobile show. And from what I hear, there may be a beer bash afterwards. All rumors I'm sure.

Fishing derby....old timer snowmobile show.......in northern MN?

Ya.....there won't be any beer within MILES of there....

Actually, it's in 'Sconny. So the beer is rumored to be within several feet.

I was working in st paul today,thought I might witness a shooting!
we were installing some doors in a church,and across the parking lot,and on the other side of the street was a residence,where there were some natives,obviously having a disagreement.
Alot of screaming and yelling,pushing and shoving,lots of "ebonics" being spoken.
no gun play,though.
happily,I dont have to go back for several days.

Baby is doing ok, getting a little better I think, sure is rough on the tiny ones though. when my boy had it he had to spend a night in the hospital. this little girl is pretty darn tough though, I'm impressed, she doesn't fuss much and always has a smile on her face

Kendra turns 25 today! I was planning on taking her to Olive garden in Rapid city (her favorite) but with baby being sick and her having to stay home, she said I can just make supper for her.

homemade shrimp alfredo with garlic bread and salad. maybe one of our bottles of homemade wine to go with it.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Happy Birthday Kendra.

Hope the little one keeps improving.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I was working in st paul today,thought I might witness a shooting!
we were installing some doors in a church,and across the parking lot,and on the other side of the street was a residence,where there were some natives,obviously having a disagreement.
Alot of screaming and yelling,pushing and shoving,lots of "ebonics" being spoken.
no gun play,though.
happily,I dont have to go back for several days.

Fluffy,

We work in the same damn neighborhood. It was a shooting. The cops popped a guy for killing their police dog. It was near Dale St. I knew something was up when there was 15-20 squads at a house and no meat wagon.

It's possible we're looking at two different things. The guy the cops killed was wanted for a sex crime and was from Missouri. Details are still unclear if it was against the police dog or not.

Glad to hear the wee one is doing better Ryan. Tell Kendra Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Kendra! Glad the little one is feeling better!

Ron

Just got the call from my FFL. The Savage 99DL is in. Picking it up Friday evening. Pictures to follow.

Ron

Good news all around!

Babies on the mend, birthdays, "new" guns...

What's next????

(no really, what's next?)

[quote=tzoneWe work in the same damn neighborhood. It was a shooting. The cops popped a guy for killing their police dog. It was near Dale St. I knew something was up when there was 15-20 squads at a house and no meat wagon. [/quote]

I was near Dale and Thomas.
If there had been any shooting where I was ,I would have know.

I heard there was a shooting in Woodbury too. Man there are some messed up people out there.

Pheasant Fest for me this weekend. Gonna be a pretty neat event. Anyone going?

Glad to hear the little one is getting better Ryan! Treat Kendra to a nice backrub for her birthday.....!

For my sons and I, the what next isn't too good, Dave. Just found out about an hour ago that the 48 acres we've been hunting for over 20 years is no longer available to us because of a dog bite. Someone was walking on the property and was bitten by a stray dog. Victim sued landowner, landowner posted property on attorney's advice. Bye-bye archery hunting. Property was 500 yards from my driveway. Bummer!

Ron

That's no good.

Is he a drinking man Ron? Can that wife of yours bake? Does he have firewood that needs cutting?

All may not be lost. Give him some time to cool off than wander over with a plate of cookies, a cooler of beer and a chainsaw.

How do you think I got to hunt at Chickenbuck? I didn't even know dave and pam. I just showed up with miller high life and a bag of licorice. Next thing you know I'm eating ribs with bbq sauce from ear to ear. Shootin all the doe fawns that walk by my stand.

Sound advice Tom...Let things lie for a bit Ron...if you've been a good neighbor there is a good chance you are still golden. If someone showed up at my place with a chainsaw and beer I know they'd be wellcome...:)

That's what we hope. Once the dog issue is over we might be able to talk our way back on. Owner was actually upset he needed to do this when he told us. PA actually holds landowner harmless for injuries to hunters on private property as long as no criminal activity on landowner's part was involved. In other words, if a tree falls when you are in a stand on that tree the landowner ins't liable unless the tree fell because he cut it down while you were in it and he knew you were there. But his lawyer doesn't trust the law because it is fairly new and there isn't much case law to evaluate. So we keep in touch with him and wait. Such is hunting in the 'burbs.

Ron

Ron, we have similar landowner protection here, but most landowners either don't believe it or pretend not to believe it to give them an easy way to say no. The world just isn't friendly anymore and no one wants to share. Sounds sort of childish, but it is also true.

Really, the problems you are having revolve around the handshake. A handshake used to be good for a man's word (most of the time). Nowadays, it seems like it is rare that a man sticks by his word and does the right thing. So enter the lawyer. Now people have to worry about litigation over someone hunting on their land.

A few years back, a lady I knew from work attended my Pheasants Forever banquet. On the way out, she slipped on some ice and broke her ankle. Her insurance company wanted to come after us. What did she do? She refused to tell them who put on the banquet. She said we had nothing to do with her breaking her ankle. Talk about being a stand up person! Not that common these days unfortunately!

My advice is to approach it slowly. Bringing a case of beer and immediately asking for permission wont work. Hang out with the guy for awhile and he will bring it up....I am sure you know all that.

The lawsuit thing is a lot like gun crimes and school shootings. They are not really as common as folks would have you believe ("folks" being the media, the internet forums, email lists, etc.). But when one does happen, big deals are made of it immediately and everyone runs for cover.

A couple years ago, some organization surveyed lawsuits and found that the vast majority of them are between corporations; not individuals suing individuals, which ranked about last on their list.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Good news all around!

Babies on the mend, birthdays, "new" guns...

What's next????

(no really, what's next?)

The cold's back after a week of beautiful temps !

-24 here this fine, clear & frosty morning.

Paul.

It's on the way here too because I have outside fun for this weekend.

Yeah, me too !

Long weekend, so was hoping to go skiing & snowboarding, with a little snow machining thrown in !

Paul.

Speaking of Chickenbucks, snagged a Fishenduck.

[Linked Image]

Cool! I can't tell on my phone. Are those paddle fish?

Ya, sporting my Camp Chickenbuck hoody.

Originally Posted by Badley

Ya, sporting my Camp Chickenbuck hoody.

Some where by Miami I bet ?

Originally Posted by Badley

Ya, sporting my Camp Chickenbuck hoody.

Awesome!

Whats up for me is an April Bear hunt in Idaho with my hunting buddy from in Rapid City. This will be a first for us. I am searching the gun safe for the proper rifle. Thinking the 300 RUM might get the nod.

Tjay, spot and stalk or sitting on bait?

Everyone knows the .223 is the magic stick for thost Tjay.

I'd think a 300rum would be up to the task.

Spring bear huh?

Well, I like a .450 marlin or a .300 WBY.

Depends on if it's a leaf spring bear or a coil spring bear.

Spot and stalk. We were told shots could get long. We both have 2 bear tags.

Dave, Is a leaf bigger than a coil I would hate to get the wrong one.

I could break out the 375 RUM but I think it might be too much of a good thing.

tzone, I would use the 223 but it is way to heavy to haul around. I am thinking the back up might be a 264 Winny or heck it could be the primary.

So dang many decisions oh well back on the stair stepper.

Good idea using that steeper machine. I was in Idaho about 11 years ago for an elk/deer hunt. Steep is a good word to describe that place, damn pretty country as well. The drive out of Lolo, MT on hwy 12 into Idaho is very scenic.

From the looks of my texts, Lestifer and Buschpiolt are having a good time at the ellpout fest.

Is everyone hibernating, or are you partying at the eelpout festival? It's lonely out here all alone!

Ron

Must be the winter doldrums (sp).

My BIL/SIL have been with us for the past 4 days. Returned to PA today.We did manage to recover our dining set chairs with their help.

Guess I'll curl up and hibernate for a few days. Or watch some NASCAR. Or do my taxes.

Ron

I need to start pulling my tax stuff together. One of my 1099's won't even be mailed out until the end of Feb.

Minus 17 here this morning. Might head up to Wausau later to the sport show.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Might head up to Wausau later to the sport show.

Wausau sure has a lot of events like that don't they?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Might head up to Wausau later to the sport show.

Wausau sure has a lot of events like that don't they?

Yep! Seems like there's something new every year. Next week it's the Deer Classic (Formerly in Green Bay) the week after it's a all Musky show.

Cool! Wish we had stuff like that around here. About all we have is a boat and camper show and a pretty lame sportmans show that has, for all intensive purposes, turned into a boat and camper show.

Just returned from the show. It was decent. Learned there's also a RV and Home & Garden show on the schedule too.

New fish camp location (we moved)

[Linked Image]

Sometimes a hole like this,

[Linked Image]

will give up a fish like this.

[Linked Image]

And sometimes, a hole like this...

[Linked Image]

Will give up...

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_8278_zpsadc5a238.jpg[/img]

A birthday boy fish like this!! Good job Joe!!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/IMG_8281_zps67155baf.jpg[/img]

Joe got a new Daisy pellet gun that he is shooting redneck style out the house window lol!

[Linked Image]

Those last two photos are unbelieveable.

Has Joe ever met a camera he didn't like?

Looks like lots of fun - in slippers no less.

Good Job guys! Looks like fun!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I HAVE to ask though. What in the Sam Hell is that on the side of the hole??

That's the dog! I think he was used for bait.

OMG ROR!

I see that NOW! I thought the dogs neck was a wrist and the head/ears was the hand of some rabid mongoloid trying to steal Preachers fish!

LOL!!

Took me a minute to figure it out too. Not fair using a pup for bait though! :!

Dave, how is Joe's shooting? Has he got that rifle running under 1 MOA yet?

I thought everybody would like the weeny dog looking on. That damn dog got his head in the fish hole all day! He literally waits for the fish, impatiently I might add.

Yes Joe is shooting well. He's shooting minute of squirrel.

Squirrels are in a world of trouble up there. But that dog needs a life jacket. Or maybe just a cross piece on his collar that's longer than the hole is wide.

How is the stabbin' going?

Spearing is coming to an end. One more weekend left and we're trying a new lake.

A nice little lake close to camp chickenbuck that does a fishing tourney next weekend. So, we're cabin bound next weekend for some snowmobiling, ice fishing and cabin living.

Very excited about it.

Happy Birthday PWM!

Happy Birthday Joe. Looks like you all had a good time.

Man Joe is getting big! There is nuttin like fishing in your PJ's and slippers.

Happy B-day little man!

We didn't have the luck the northern crew did on the ice. Well, my step dad did. He won a Jiffy 8" Pro4 ice auger. The hole it cuts is 8" not the size of the auger.

It's a propane rig and a by the looks of it, a dang nice one!

Fun weekend up north with my BIL and step dad. We're headed back up next weekend to pull the ice shack for the year.

Originally Posted by Big Jelly

I HAVE to ask though. What in the Sam Hell is that on the side of the hole??

That's the wiener!

We are getting hammered with snow, I took the old brown ford this morning, deeeeep snow and deeper drifts all the way to work. The old engine is so tired and clapped out, she barely had enough snot left in her to get me here in the deep stuff.

Wow. We got nuttin yet. I have ice dams on the roof to try to figure out today. Kids are off of school so I'm home with them.

We are in full blown blizzard. I could have just as well drove the 35 miles to work this morning with my eyes closed. Zero visibility much of the way. My wife made her 30 mile trek to work and her boss told her to go home because its going to get worse. She juuust about made it and got stuck on the road not far from our driveway. I had to leave work and drive blind all the way home again. I hooked on the tow strap and pulled her all the way to the garage. The driveway is plugged solid. I'm working from home now.

I ordered the parts I need for my snowblower. Sure wish they would get here!

Silly goose. U spose to fix the snow blower before it snows.

Mostly sunny here! And windy, holy cow it is windy. Cold too. Usually we get this on the back side of a storm.

I love me a good snowstorm. lucky dogs!

ND is the house safely off the lake?

EELPOUT was a hoot! you would have fun dave. lots of action and swollen minds!

Sounds like everyone had a good weekend. We did too. We were at Fortune Bay casino on lake Vermillion from Thursday till yesterday snowmobiling, It was lots of fun but the trails were really beat up and rough Saturday.

Oh yeah, I got engaged on Wednesday.

oh yeah, CONGRATS! just drop that little bomb on us at the end, huh? Wahoo!

Originally Posted by Muffy

Sounds like everyone had a good weekend. We did too. We were at Fortune Bay casino on lake Vermillion from Thursday till yesterday snowmobiling, It was lots of fun but the trails were really beat up and rough Saturday.

Oh yeah, I got engaged on Wednesday.

Congradulations, Muffy!

Hope you have a friend with a plow Rooster.

Very mild here, 38*. We're supposed to get about an inch of snow tonight, but the temp is going to drop like a rock, plus get windy.

Tom, good luck with the ice. Best get it taken care of before you have a leak.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh yeah, I got engaged on Wednesday.

HEY!!!!

Congrats Missy.

It was not a fun project Bill. I had to chip, chip, and chip, ice off the sidewalk. I really don't know what to do with the gutters. I bought some "puck" ice melter thingy's that seem to be working in some way. The gutter downspout was froze shut and that is the culprit. So far, there is just a lot of ice in them. Not on the roof yet.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Oh yeah, I got engaged on Wednesday.

We had the inside scoop on that one lol!

Congrats again!

The fish houses are 5 miles closer to shore than they were before, we moved fish town Saturday morning.

Which reminds me... Dusty, Missy.... did you realize there was an unsecured 22 inch flat screen tv/dvd up on a shelf inside that house?

Yep, we're shopping for a new tv

The houses will be snowed in pretty good after this blast, but it isn't anything ole yeller can't handle, no problem. Especially with yeller's new tire chains.

[Linked Image]

gitty up yeller.

Congratulations Muffy! Gonna be a vintage snowmobile in the wedding?

Ron

Is it just me, or are those chains a bit small?

How do you make an old bad ass snow crusher even more bad asser? Tire chains baby.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Is it just me, or are those chains a bit small?

Nope, not just you

Rooster, did you dig your way out yet?

We picked up an inch of snow overnight. Strong winds a problem now. snow has drifted into 6" to 8" piles in the driveway.

We probably didn't even get a half inch. LOTS of high winds though and drifts.

It was 0* when I got to work this morning.

Temps been dropping all morning, down to 5*. Wind is 30 MPH. Glad I'm not up in a tree stand.

Tom,

That's because it belted us !

Over a 48 hr period, Saturday afternoon - Monday afternoon, we got about 14" of heavy white stuff.

Everytime I finished snowblowing, it would start again.

Beautiful & clear again now, but it's windy & cold.

At least, with the snow, the long weekend temps were warm enough to get out side. Snowboarding on Saturday, snowmachining Saturday night, Snow boarding Sunday & Monday.

Had a blast, but feeling my old mans legs today !

Happy Birthday PWM & Congrat to Muffy & Co.

Paul.

-12 and windy here this morning, but that wind pushed me right to the cities for work!

Interesting tidbit: Federal makes 70 .22 shells per second!

They better bump it up too 140.

they run 24/7!

Can they do 30/7?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster, did you dig your way out yet?

The plow finally cleared the roads and a nice neighbor farmer sent his hired hand over to blow out the driveway today. That was pretty cool of him! I called him to thank him and see what he needed as payment and he said "no no no its our pleasure! When we had the cows, we didn't have time for stuff like that but now we do so don't worry about it"

So here is my dilema. I don't want to offend him by insisting money payment. I know he doesen't drink beer too often. When he does drink its a special occasion and I think he drinks hard liquor. SO what can I buy the guy for doing that for us?

If he has a local restaurant that he likes, arrange to have the bill covered, or get him a gift certificate perhaps.

What's he running for a plow? Maybe a gift card for somewhere nearby where he gets his equipment serviced or buys parts.

Gas card.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster, did you dig your way out yet?

The plow finally cleared the roads and a nice neighbor farmer sent his hired hand over to blow out the driveway today. That was pretty cool of him! I called him to thank him and see what he needed as payment and he said "no no no its our pleasure! When we had the cows, we didn't have time for stuff like that but now we do so don't worry about it"

So here is my dilema. I don't want to offend him by insisting money payment. I know he doesen't drink beer too often. When he does drink its a special occasion and I think he drinks hard liquor. SO what can I buy the guy for doing that for us?

Fuel.

I plow for a bunch of folks, have for years. And when someone does toss 10 bucks my way.... on the rare occasion... It goes right in the fuel tank, which is like... 2 gallons of gas lol. But it helps.

Fill a 5 gallon can with the right fuel for that tractor and set it where he�s got to trip over it getting in the tractor, maybe a note or your name on the can so you get your can back. I�m sure he�s probably got a bulk fuel tank on the farm but still, it will be appreciated.

I would second the fuel idea. But in addition, a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies goes a long way too!

28,855 attended Pheasant Fest. Man that was a fun day. Picked up a little wooden boxy maybe 6"X6"X4". Inside is candy or so you think until you pull off the lid and a mouse comes out at your hand. OHMYGOSH do my kids love it. The reactions are awesome.

Well some peope are just nice.

Offer to pay for some gas for his rig and if he refuses, leave it at that.

I clear the neighbor's driveways if I'm out and thiers aren't done. I don't expect any sort of payment. At some point they'll have something I need to borrow or I'll be gone and they'll do mine.

I'm pretty sure thats how neighborhoods are supposed to work.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Picked up a little wooden boxy maybe 6"X6"X4". Inside is candy or so you think until you pull off the lid and a mouse comes out at your hand. OHMYGOSH do my kids love it. The reactions are awesome.

Have Ryan try it. He likes mice.

Good thing I wasn't there. I'd have given you run for you money for that box

I so need to get my boys out after some ditch parrots. They are planning on spending a lot of time at the trap and skeet range this spring and summer.

Might have to be looking at a new pup before to long also as mine is getting pretty gray and the boys are just now hitting their teens and are primed to go hunting every waking chance they get.

My oldest boy is talking about being done deer hunting already. He is more into chasing birds then horns and prefers to stalk and do drives then tree sit. We may just focus on run and gun hunting in NoDak for the next couple of years. The pressure is to heavy here for any reasonable enjoyment.

I like chasing birds at least as much as deer, for grouse anyway.

I'll take turkey hunting over deer 10 of 10 times. I've never duck hunted, I'm afraid to try...I'll go broke.

Tzone you will go broke if you go waterfowl hunting... I got a whole rafter full of decoys.... LOL

Exactly my point.

Originally Posted by tzone

I've never duck hunted, I'm afraid to try...I'll go broke.

Nonsense! You just tag along with guys that have a rafter full of decoys!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I've never duck hunted, I'm afraid to try...I'll go broke.

Nonsense! You just tag along with guys that have a rafter full of decoys!

And a dog (and a boat (and a good duck call (and...)))

Originally Posted by gophergunner

What's he running for a plow? Maybe a gift card for somewhere nearby where he gets his equipment serviced or buys parts.

He's running a newer John Deere tractor with a loader on the front and at least a 7 foot blower on the back. For what I could afford to get for a gift certificate, he'd MAYBE be able to buy a "Diesel Fuel Only" decal at the local JD dealership.

This guy is not hurting for money by any stretch. In fact, they throw a bash twice a year in one of their big sheds that are attented by 100 - 200 people. Live band, pig roast and all the booze imaginable. All FREE to everyone that comes. They even hire designated drivers for the night.

Maybe I'll just offer to help out over there if he needs it. He owns and farms a TON of good hunting land and he don't hunt. Win win?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Maybe I'll just offer to help out over there

There you go. That is just about perfect I would think.

Yep. Great idea. Just don't be one of the designated drivers.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I've never duck hunted, I'm afraid to try...I'll go broke.

Nonsense! You just tag along with guys that have a rafter full of decoys!

And a dog (and a boat (and a good duck call (and...)))

Yes. Make sure whomever you tag a long with is a good caller too.

I have a buddy that can turn a leary flock of honkers around on a dime. Its fascinating to watch.

I rarely hunt waterfowl but it sure is fun when it's "on"

Hey dont sell MN pheasant hunting short. I have a 70 acre piece that we shot 25 roosters on this fall and a 140 acre piece we shot 20 on. Both had plenny of roosters at the end of the year. Find good habitat and you can shoot some birds.

Hey Ryan, you want some free candy??

I have started doing more and more waterfowl hunting. Kinda fun and I have this itch now to buy decoys....but I cannot call ducks or geese worth a dang. I am horrible at it.

I'll pass on the candy!

I found 11 shed horns today while mowing, one set was 3" spikes laying almost touching, thinkin they might need to go on a hat in chickenbuck fashion!

Mowing? My mower won't see sunlight until April.

We're in for more snow late Thursday into Friday.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey Ryan, you want some free candy??

For those of us that are ignorant of the pheasant's forever lingo, what does that mean?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'll pass on the candy!
I found 11 shed horns today while mowing, one set was 3" spikes laying almost touching, thinkin they might need to go on a hat in chickenbuck fashion!

Mowing Ryan?! As in you had to MOW grass? Or have you just had to much of that delicious looking wine that you think snowblowing is mowing grass??

Me and Nate took ole yeller out to chickenbuck tonight to open the winter trail.

It took 5 hours.

Never pushed that much snow before, that was a new record.

We didn't spend a second of those 5 hours stuck, or resting, or goofing around.. it was 5 hours steady of crushing snow.

We did stuff with that 43 yr old pickup that you're not suppose to be able to do.

I'm wore the hell out, that old truck is awesome, but it doesn't drive itself lol!

Chickenbuck winter camp is open, snowmobile paradise. There is a LOT of snow out there.

we finally got snow! must be 1/4"! might see a half by noon, we'll see if this onslaught continues. Yes I was mowing, alfalfa food plots actually, couple fields are native grass seedings. I use a large landpride batwing mower. I have another 20 acres or so to do today, we'll see how the weather holds. we only get about 15" of precip a year down here. winters are usually pretty mild, been in the low-mid 30's for the highs this week, was in the 40's and 50's last week. quite a bit different from ya'll

Nothing to do with PF. I got a small wooden box that my boys like to tell people is full of candy. Then, when they open the lid, a fake mouse comes out at their hand. It is pretty funny watching their reactions. You have to hold the box or the box would be flying almost every time. One of my 4 year old boys especially loves it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We didn't spend a second of those 5 hours stuck, or resting, or goofing around.. it was 5 hours steady of crushing snow.

Now I've heard it all.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

. we only get about 15" of precip a year down here. winters are usually pretty mild, been in the low-mid 30's for the highs this week, was in the 40's and 50's last week. quite a bit different from ya'll

SONOVA....

Dave, just think what ole yellow would do with a V plow.

We're in line to pick up around 6" Friday/Saturday from the storm that's hitting the plains today.

I don't do this often but this thread has epic potential.

Farts

we got about an inch today much of it has melted off, had to wear long johns as it got to below 20 today for a bit!

did you say "below twenty"?

we usually switch those words, makes more sense.

"twenty below"

You guys can keep those minus temps up there. We had 10* with wind chills near zero one day a couple weeks ago and that was plenty cold enough for my old bones. I am not bred to handle what you deal with up there. I bow to your toughness.

Ron

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll take turkey hunting over deer 10 of 10 times.

thats just crazy talk there.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll take turkey hunting over deer 10 of 10 times.

thats just crazy talk there.

Until I did it, I would have agreed with you.

I couldn't agree with that. turkeys are fun to shoot, but I hunt for meat, I aint bought beef in years thanks to deer. I gave up waterfowl, fun but too damn expensive. pheasant tastes great but takes a lot of time and I don't have a lot of extra so I invest my time in chasing whitetails. got tons of mule deer around but they taste like poo IMO. I'm sure once things slow down a little I'll get into chasing them B-52 grouse. I always buy tags and will shoot them if I get a chance, but I know it aint the same.

I love me some Deers!

I have to let Missy know that the solar lights that she installed on the out house and on the front of the cabin are working. It was below zero the other night when Nate and I opened the road to the cabin. We finished up out there at around 11:45PM and the lights on the cabin and on the out house were both working.

We're heading out there tonight to take the chill out of the place and stay the weekend.

-1 degrees this morning felt nice. What a heat wave! They say we are heading for that 20 degrees above the zero tomorrow! Wow!!

did you see much for tracks when you were out there?

Yeah...from the plow truck.

Well I don't hunt deer or turkeys strictly for meat. I enjoy deer camp WAY more than actual deer hunting or spring turkey hunting. Fall turkey hunting in central WI a guy could fill a freezer if he wanted to.

I enjoy turkey meat but I love the hunt. Trying to see how close I can get them to me. Lots of folks like to talk of thier 60 yard turkey kills. Anyone with a tight choke and a 12ga can do that. I like shooting or not shooting them at 10-15 yards. I like to get them in close and see how fired up I can get them Bright red/blue/white head, full strut, spittin' and drumming in a cirlce. THAT fires me up.

Low 20's and lots of white stuff today. It's very pretty out right now. Nice, "snowy quiet", beautiful hunting snow today.

tz,
I like turkey hunting and after a few years of good success, I think I really should do this with a bow because the gun is too easy. Then after a couple years of failure, I go back to the gun. Ever tried a bow hunt for turkeys?

Turkeys are only "easy" for me because I have a little honey hole where I can't help but whack a couple on most years. Hard hunted turkeys are in a class over my head, even with a gun.

I have shot about a dozen with a bow. Two in the spring and the rest in the fall while bow hunting for deer. In WI (only place i've done it) you can shoot hens in the fall. I'd sometimes see dozens at a time on deer hunts so I'd buy OTC tags. I think I shot 4 or 5 one fall, including a tom. It's not in the same league as spring hunting. Not as fun. More of "right place-right time" deal.

I have also shot several fall birds while grouse hunting and come across them. After the first one, I carried #5 Federal phesant loads in my 20ga when I thought I may have a chance at a turkey in the same area.

I've shot one tom and one jake with a bow in the spring. Both from blinds. The jake was 7 yards and the tom was just under 15. I dont head shoot with the arrow,so you do lose a little meat, but nothing serious.

Hard hunted birds are something else. The best trukey hunt I've ever had was last srping in a hard hunted area and I never fired a shot. Here is a link below if you'd like to read the story.

Best Hunt Ever

4.3" of new snow here at 7:30 AM. 2 - 3" more before it ends Saturday morning. They must have picked up quite a bit more South and East of us based on the school closings.

"T", I saw 3 large Tom's under a bird feeder yesterday South of Wisconsin Rapids.

Don't worry about the TV Dave, not your fault. We meant to get a mounting bracket for it, but have not been up there.

The lights were really working? I had kinda given up on them, so that is awesome!!

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Congratulations Muffy! Gonna be a vintage snowmobile in the wedding?

Ron

Thanks! Won't be snowmobiles, but probably 4 wheelers.

Would like to do it up nort, but around here would be closer for most people. Talked about gettin er done in the middle of this big mud hole where we go riding. Most usually get stuck in that spot. Tried to tell our friend Glen (Gladys) to go online and get ordained so he could perform the ceremony, but he didn't think that would be a good idea. So we made him the flower girl instead.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

"T", I saw 3 large Tom's under a bird feeder yesterday South of Wisconsin Rapids.

That's where I usually hunt. Under the bird feeders, not WR. I seem to be a much better caller when I'm by the bird feeders. The lady at library seems angry about it all the time and chases me out with a broom.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Tried to tell our friend Glen (Gladys) to go online and get ordained so he could perform the ceremony, but he didn't think that would be a good idea. So we made him the flower girl instead.

ROR!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

"T", I saw 3 large Tom's under a bird feeder yesterday South of Wisconsin Rapids.

That's where I usually hunt. Under the bird feeders, not WR. I seem to be a much better caller when I'm by the bird feeders. The lady at library seems angry about it all the time and chases me out with a broom.

That's the trouble with libraians, no since od humor.

TZ, that was a great hunt! I can imagine that happening.

I see turkeys while bow hunting and I can get a fall, any-bird tag but I never do. This year I regretted it as I was slinking along in plain sight of about 18 birds and some were under 20 yds away. But it's always easy when I don't have a tag.

I pretty much suck at calling so I do not call much - just an occasional yelp or two is enough. I use my homemade box call or a mouth call when they are in up close and tight.

It will not be too much longer before the season is on again and my hotspot is looking really good this winter. Should be excellent again this year.

Muffy,
They have a TV show for people like you. It is called My Redneck Wedding and your mudhole nuptuals would fit right in! That is just too funny. If I tell my wife that I frequent a thread where one of the WOMEN have suggested a wedding at a mudhole she will make me take a class to get "cultured" I fear.

I'm counting on ole yeller to teach this here thing how to push snow.

[Linked Image]

The plan is to ease yeller into a partial retirement. Or easier work anyways. Haul a load of wood now and then, haul a deer home, go grouse hunting etc. Hopefully it works out ok.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Congratulations Muffy! Gonna be a vintage snowmobile in the wedding?

Ron

Thanks! Won't be snowmobiles, but probably 4 wheelers.

Would like to do it up nort, but around here would be closer for most people. Talked about gettin er done in the middle of this big mud hole where we go riding. Most usually get stuck in that spot. Tried to tell our friend Glen (Gladys) to go online and get ordained so he could perform the ceremony, but he didn't think that would be a good idea. So we made him the flower girl
instead.

LMAO!!!

A male flower girl named Gladys and a wedding in a 4-wheeler mud hole! Now dat dere gun be sum bitchin' wedden don't cha no?

Too bad I live so far away. I gotta see this! You absolutely MUST post the wedding photos on here!

Ron

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm counting on ole yeller to teach this here thing how to push snow.

[Linked Image]

The plan is to ease yeller into a partial retirement. Or easier work anyways. Haul a load of wood now and then, haul a deer home, go grouse hunting etc. Hopefully it works out ok.

It's got a V-plow!

Specs please. Gas? Diesel? Brakes?

Dave, bring it down here to test out. I've got a large pile of snow between the neighbors and my drive way thats getting way to high. More snow on the way Monday night.

Plow really blocked us in this morning. Snow was over the top of the blower housing. I cleaned out 4 driveway approaches before breakfast.

The wedding dress should be camo, the question is what pattern.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The wedding dress should be camo, the question is what pattern.

ghillie suit style?

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The wedding dress should be camo, the question is what pattern.

ghillie suit style?

We have a winner!

Dave, is that truck a new purchase? I thought it was another of your orphans you pulled out from behind the garage. Come to think of it, you really don't ever "own" a vehicle, do you. You're more like a foster parent. You clean them up, play with them for a while and send them on down the road. Poor little unloved trucks!

Ron

No, the "new truck" is 23 yrs old.

It's something i happened across that i figured we needed. I mostly got it for the V plow. It's a Boss RT3 series, pretty serious stuff. The truck is a one ton crew cab long box. unfortunately it's a gasser, a 460 with an auto trans. 4.10 gears with limited slip rear. No rust or dents, interior is nice. 83k miles, i'm thinking that trucks like this stay low miles because nobody can afford to drive them.

I like!

Them 460's do like gas. 10-12 mph will probably be the best you'll see.

I'm thinking you are right, that is if I can get overdrive back.

I lost overdrive on the way home with the damn thing!!

So now I'm researching E4OD transmissions.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Them 460's do like gas. 10-12 mph will probably be the best you'll see.

Thats pretty dang slow.

Me and ma did some trail widening for the cabin road yesterday with the new V plow.

Wow, impressive, that thing is a dozer.

Our big wheel houses out on the lake are pretty safe now, I can't wait to bully the snow out on the lake.

Hey guys and gals.I haven't deserted you.My antique desk top machine finally gave up the ghost.The new lap top is being downloaded.I'm on my wife's laptop here.Still reading just can't get on to post much right now.
Muffy, a very heartfelt congratulations to you from Linda and I.
Be back soon.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Them 460's do like gas. 10-12 mph will probably be the best you'll see.

Thats pretty dang slow.

It sure is.

10-12 mpg! Definitely not a grocery getter. Unless, of course, you need to plow your way there and back. Good luck with the OD. Hopefully it's just a linkage problem. Can't remember if back then Ford had shift solenoids in their trannys or not.

Ron

That truck is a beast. I like it. The Boss plow will make you smile like heck on the cabin road.

ND got a question for ya.... Heading up to the angle on Weds... Was wondering from Cass Lake is it quicker to go up Pennington way to Baudette then to Warroad.. Or from Cass Lake to Bemidji take 89 up to Grygla to Warroad.....

Thanks....

Originally Posted by noduck

Or from Cass Lake to Bemidji take 89 up to Grygla to Warroad.....

Thanks....

That is how I go. Skip the rez if ya can help it.

warroad mn ...

i dated a girl from there once when i was stationed in Grand Forks

man I dont miss the weather up there

Originally Posted by noduck

ND got a question for ya.... Heading up to the angle on Weds... Was wondering from Cass Lake is it quicker to go up Pennington way to Baudette then to Warroad.. Or from Cass Lake to Bemidji take 89 up to Grygla to Warroad.....

Thanks....

I think either way would work.

You might be a little better off heading towards "bermidji" then take 71 up to 72, north to baudette then over to warroad. Pretty straight running that way, more straight line travel, less stop and turn and stop,turn and stop,turn and stop, turn...

I was just down 72 to Kelliher area to buy that big damn plow truck. 72 was nice running as was 11 from warroad to baudette.

It's east of baudette that 11 can turn to crap.

On the way to the tournament from the cabin.

[Linked Image]

Out on the tournament lake...

[Linked Image]

Didn't catch a single fish, but it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Sunday morning at the cabin.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8363_zps0dd14709.jpg[/img]

Okey dokie thanks for the advice..... Hope the fishing is good up there been hearing mixed reports.. But the weather looks pretty stable compared to what its been so i think we should be just fine.... If not the beer will still be cold....

Part of the winter trail on the way out Sunday.

[Linked Image]

A stop at the sliding hill on the way home.

[Linked Image]

Looks like a great time Dave...good on you guys!

The smiles say it all

Looks like shirt sleeve weather (Temp above -10) in MN.

Used to do a lot of sleding as a kid, even into HS. We had a steep bank behind the school and would use cardboard to slide down it at lunch time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like shirt sleeve weather (Temp above -10) in MN.

Up at the cabin this weekend (WI) we were ice fishing in long sleeve T's and bibs. It was dang nice out for ice fishing.

Cool pics! Looks like lots of fun!

Here is one of our groups on our local club ride

Here is Gladys, stuck again. At least he didn't go over the windshield this time.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here is Gladys, stuck again. At least he didn't go over the windshield this time.

Muffy, wanna explain why there's someone crawling down the road on their hands and knees?

Looks like a smiley face on their butt!

Stephen King has announced an updated version of "Christine". In the new version an old truck called "Old Yellow" has evil powers which it uses against it's replacements.

Old Yellow has apparently struck already. Word is that the replacement just puked it's transmission.

Well that's a lot better than what "Christine" did!

This is all true, and you can't blame ole yeller.

Still sucks though.

Can't believe no one else has mentioned this, but we have a preacher amoung us. Preacher Joe could get the job done for you Muffy.

That church would be a cool place to get married. You could ride wheeler to it I think.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Muffy, wanna explain why there's someone crawling down the road on their hands and knees?

Jeez buddy, haven't you ever been on a fishing trip in Wisconsin? Someone always ends up like that!

Sycamore

Originally Posted by Sycamore

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Muffy, wanna explain why there's someone crawling down the road on their hands and knees?

Jeez buddy, haven't you ever been on a fishing trip in Wisconsin? Someone always ends up like that!

Sycamore

Yah, I have, but I could never make it out of the ditch onto the road.

Originally Posted by Sycamore

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Muffy, wanna explain why there's someone crawling down the road on their hands and knees?

Jeez buddy, haven't you ever been on a fishing trip in Wisconsin? Someone always ends up like that!

Sycamore

Fishing trip..........Church..........same smell

Good luck with the tranny, Dave. Repairs can get salty very quickly. Not good to tick off "Old Yeller".

Ron

why is everyone blaming old yeller? twernt his fault!

it was the gnomes, damn gnomes.

I found an F350 V plow voodoo doll with a spike stabbed into the underside. It was in yeller's glove box.

Your call....

Sounds like ol' yeller is being framed

I'm with Brent, he's being framed.

or he's caught red handed

The question is who would have a motive for framing ol' yeller?

I think Sherlock and Watson need to draw up a list of suspects and investigate.

Send 'Ol yeller to me if he needs some space.

Not a good idea Tom. Ol Yeller will probably have separation anxiety and cause more damage. Think Dave needs to contact Click and Clack, the car doctors. Maybe they can cure Ol Yeller.

I'd like to ask everybody to keep Dusty in your thoughts and prayers. Let him know you're thinking about him.

He's quite a guy, and he's been fighting a hell of a fight with his cancer.

He's on the ropes, and he needs to hear good things from his corner of the ring.

Thanks.

Well Uncle Dusty you know how I feel about you. You know that I pray for you every day and that's not going to stop. I'm still pulling you up from down south here.

Dusty,

We are pulling for you and praying every day here too! You are thought about very often.

I still tell the story of when you and Lonnie took me and waylon to LOW fishing and that night in the hotel room you told Lonnie to "show us his trick". Lonnie rolls over on his back, tucks his knees up by his chest and puts a lighter by his azz. The next thing you know this 2 foot long methane flame comes out!

I've never seen (or smelled) anything like it in my life! Cracks me the heck up to this day!

Unca D,

& Myself & Family, from further Nort !

Paul.

Dusty, you are one of the good guys. Prayers sent from WI.

Dusty, best wishes to you. We're all rooting for you beat this and be back at deer camp soon.

Ron

I don't know you Dusty, but you seem to have a lot of mighty good friends, so I'm definitely pulling for you too.

Wishing you the best,
Brent

Ill send a prayer for anyone fighting cancer whether I know them or not. You seem to be a well loved guy Dusty keep up the good fight. I am pulling for you from Missouri.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dusty,

We are pulling for you and praying every day here too! You are thought about very often.

I still tell the story of when you and Lonnie took me and waylon to LOW fishing and that night in the hotel room you told Lonnie to "show us his trick". Lonnie rolls over on his back, tucks his knees up by his chest and puts a lighter by his azz. The next thing you know this 2 foot long methane flame comes out!

I've never seen (or smelled) anything like it in my life! Cracks me the heck up to this day!

I like the LOW story when him & Lonnie went up there & they got in there room & there was only one bed. Dad went to the front desk & said he reserved a room with 2 beds. They said they were all booked up. Dad's reply was " I have done a lot of things in my life but there is one thing I will never do. I will not sleep in the same bed as a queer!" Lonnie didn't know for a long time after that why people ata the front desk were looking at him funny.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Muffy

Here is Gladys, stuck again. At least he didn't go over the windshield this time.

Muffy, wanna explain why there's someone crawling down the road on their hands and knees?

That is Mona. She went to help but the snow was waist deep. She couldn't get out so she had to roll out onto the snowmobile trail. Wish I would have got that on video.

Dad had a bad day yesterday. But he woke up this morning and felt better than he has in a year. He said "If there was a grizzley bear in the room he would have nocked it down and kicked its arss."

Uncle Dusty,
I've enjoyed your company more than a few times, you held my son and fed him blueberries before he was out of diapers. you have been in our thoughts and prayers daily for a long time and will continue to be. I expect you to get a deer with that mini-14, let me know if you need some ammo, I loaded up some 60 grain partitions for my AR and never got to use them.

I also hear the other day my cousin is married to a nephew of yours, so in a way you really are my uncle

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dusty, you are one of the good guys.

If you knew how right you are with that statement. Good morning Uncle Dusty.

Originally Posted by Muffy

I like the LOW story when him & Lonnie went up there & they got in there room & there was only one bed. Dad went to the front desk & said he reserved a room with 2 beds. They said they were all booked up. Dad's reply was " I have done a lot of things in my life but there is one thing I will never do. I will not sleep in the same bed as a queer!" Lonnie didn't know for a long time after that why people ata the front desk were looking at him funny.

If there is a time when I laughed harder during a story, I can't remember when. I listened to that story around the table at Chickenbuck and almost fell out of my chair.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Dad had a bad day yesterday. But he woke up this morning and felt better than he has in a year. He said "If there was a grizzley bear in the room he would have nocked it down and kicked its arss."

Well the Uncle Dusty I know would have shot his ass with one of the revolvers.

Best Wishes and prayers from Alexandria Dusty. Somewhere there is a deer running around that needs you to shoot it!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Best Wishes and prayers from Alexandria Dusty. Somewhere there is a deer running around that needs you to shoot it!

And a White Earth Lake Walleye that needs catchin!

prayers coming your way Dusty, been a while since been here, your in our thoughts each and every day! Always had fun with you while at chickenbuck, the stories just keep coming! take care.

I have yet to hear or read a story told or typed by Uncle Dusty. When you get better, I would enjoy hearing/reading one. Preferably one that embarasses Northern Dave just a little bit!

That content does exist.

Well, ND, do you have a diagnosis on the Ford tranny? Is it fixable or are ya gonna have to put 'er down?

Maybe ya need to change brands and get a Dodge RAM. Come to think of it, Dodgin' and RAMin' are important aspects of truck operation up nort der. Just sayin'!

Ron

P.S. Gotta run. Need to spruce up a bit, put on some party duds. Takin' wifey to dinner and then to see the play "Jersey Boys". Earning those always needed good hubby points for upcoming fishing season!

That has got to be worth A LOT of points! lol!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That content does exist.

I thought it might. Please elaborate....dont feel that you NEED to wait for Dusty as he will probably just choose a different story.

Saw the "Jersey Boys" a year ago. Great play.

Prayers from Oklahoma for Dusty ! Maybe Dave could YouTube that ass gas trick for us !

Well I'm home from the play. Many "good hubby" points have been earned by yours truly tonight!

Actually the play (Jersey Boys) was pretty good. It's about the music and the back story of the Four Seasons. I enjoyed it a lot. Well worth seeing if you enjoy the music of the 60s and 70s.

Thanks Grizzly Bill for admitting you went to see the play and also liked it. I think we have proved something here, to wit: one may publicly admit to attending and enjoying musical theater without loss of one's man card.

Must now hurry off. Need to exfoliate and apply cucumber agave facial cream before beddy-bye time. ta-ta!

Ron

Ron, you can keep your man card as long as you didn't shave your legs.

Dave did you get the truck to the tranny shop?

Excuuuuuse me, but Grizzly Bill, as part of your probation for going to see a play, you do not get to determine the Man Card privileges of other men. It is in the Book.

Ron, I believe the exfoliating tipped you over the edge. Please mail your Man Card to Tzone who will return it after you have earned it back. Be best if you could shoot something within a calendar week. At the very least, start farting, scratching and "adjusting" in public!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Excuuuuuse me, but Grizzly Bill, as part of your probation for going to see a play, you do not get to determine the Man Card privileges of other men. It is in the Book.

Ron, I believe the exfoliating tipped you over the edge. Please mail your Man Card to Tzone who will return it after you have earned it back. Be best if you could shoot something within a calendar week. At the very least, start farting, scratching and "adjusting" in public!

I don't recall Dave being put on probation or his man, or whatever card pulled when he caught the gay!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Excuuuuuse me, but Grizzly Bill, as part of your probation for going to see a play, you do not get to determine the Man Card privileges of other men. It is in the Book.

You only say that because yours got taken away a few years ago with the mini-van purchase... Remember? We do.

Ron, BM is right. You can't mention those things on a hunting fourm and expect to keep that card.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave did you get the truck to the tranny shop?

Yep.

Sometime next week the transmission witch doctor will put on the face paint and the feathers. He'll smoke a deer hair filled, dried, white wolf turd, he'll do his dance.... Then he'll shuck a hand full of dried chicken bones out into an old turtle shell for a reading on why the magic is broken inside the housing known as "auto-matic-transmission"

I expect a call from him telling me he needs a spark plug wire from a cummins 12 valve, a hens tooth and a pint of turnip blood to mix his anti venom for the evils that have killed the magic in the E4OD.

That there is a lot of voo doo.

Something tells me that the tranny mechanic is gonna ask for 1 more thing.....just a small piece of paper really....with a number printed on it. Worst part of the deal is that HE will print the number on it, YOU will just sign your name.

Heck yeah I remember losing the Man Card, thank goodness I was able to kill some stuff that fall to get it back.

Ron, eating red meat helps too!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Heck yeah I remember losing the Man Card, thank goodness I was able to kill some stuff that fall to get it back.

I don't remember voting on that.

Red meat does help though.

So does copious amounts of hopps and barley in a liquid form.

In defense of my man card I offer the following:

1. I drive a pickup truck with muddy floor mats and no mud flaps;

2. I have twelve pair of pants-11 are jeans, two of which are camo.

3. I have filleted a 2 gallon bucket of jumbo perch in 45 minutes without using an electric fillet knife.

4. I can't spell "filleted".

5. I took my wife to a buffet today where I consumed 2 dozen fried jumbo shrimp (shrimps?) and 3 helping of prime rib washed down with Yuengling Lager, never touched the salad bar, belched twice at the table and broke wind while exiting the restaurant.

6. I'm a little shakey on the plural of "shrimp" also.

7. I am facing the dilemma of buying a second gun safe or curtailing purchase of additional firearms. ( Gunsafe is on order).

8. I have three spring/summer vacations planned, as follows: Lake Erie in May, Smith Mountain Lake (VA) in June and, 1000 Islands in July. Sense a theme here?

9. As to my earlier post, I exfoliated with emery cloth and ate the cucumber agave facial cream, washing it down with a Black and Tan. Buuurrrrrrrrpppp!

The defense rests, Your Honor.

Ron

#4 is the clincher. I say you're good

(I don't get a vote in this however

)

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

In defense of my man card I offer the following:

2. I have twelve pair of pants

Ron

*basketball buzzer*

Ehhhhhhhh...........

Man card still revoked until further notice

Rooster7, I object. I wear each pair for 1 month, then stand them up in the basement. Each January, after deer season ends, they get washed. Simple. Should have 13 pair so I have a pair to wear when other 12 are being washed but 13 is unlucky so I just go commando until the dryer beeps.

Ron

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Rooster7, I object. I wear each pair for 1 month, then stand them up in the basement. Each January, after deer season ends, they get washed. Simple. Should have 13 pair so I have a pair to wear when other 12 are being washed but 13 is unlucky so I just go commando until the dryer beeps.

Ron

ROR!

#3 saved your card.

Northern Dave, best wishes for the exorcism of your tranny. I,m afraid the only mojo that will help said E40D involves green slips of paper with dead presidents printed thereon. You could try a multiple chicken sacrifice. Even if it doesn't work you are well on the way to a chicken barbecue. Just remember to invite those who have offered support.

Ron

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Rooster7, I object. I wear each pair for 1 month, then stand them up in the basement. Each January, after deer season ends, they get washed. Simple. Should have 13 pair so I have a pair to wear when other 12 are being washed but 13 is unlucky so I just go commando until the dryer beeps.

Ron

Haha.

can't argue with that

I just realized my last post could be placed randomly anywhere in this thread and it would most likely fit. huh, who woulda thought. anyway, good night everyone!

Originally Posted by tzone

#3 saved your card.

Man, has the world changed. I'd have thought you would get huge demerits for using an electric knife. Nothing other than a Rapala filet knife was acceptable back in the good old days. I've got a lot of catching up to do.

Dave skip the transmission therapy and get one of these. I think it will plow in a pinch

536 ponies and 6-wheel locking differentials

[video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hEA02kfdh8o[/video]

Wow! can't imagine what that Mercedes costs!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

#3 saved your card.

Man, has the world changed. I'd have thought you would get huge demerits for using an electric knife. Nothing other than a Rapala filet knife was acceptable back in the good old days. I've got a lot of catching up to do.

That thing changed the world of filleting fish man. It's a wizard.

I still like my fillet knife though because I don't ever have to clean a bucket of fish.

Muffy, it goes for just under $500k

I'll keep my Rapalas. I have 5 of them I use for boning big game. Someday - maybe not to far off, I'll get back to walleyes and I'll stick with the same knives.

Now that is one bad azzz machine.

Brent, #3 is WITHOUT using an electric fillet knife. I have the scars to prove it!

Ron

A 2 gallon bucket of jumbo perch? whats that ,like 10?

man card rescinded. buy everybody a beer,and we'll let you stay at the fire tonite,but no talking allowed,unless spoken to first.

Originally Posted by fluffy

buy everybody a beer,and we'll let you stay

Ill have high life,in long neck bottles.Fetch!!

same for me, make it two. it got warm here today *60, need to cool down

I could use a couple of 60* days. I spen most of my afternoon getting rid of ice dams on my roof.

Little guy had his first baseball practice of the year today too. He was pretty fired up!

Minus 3 here this morning. Not going to be much ice melting.

18 above here. Supposed to be 36 and partly sunny. I hope spring will be sprung and we can get back to T-shirst and bare feet!

Originally Posted by tzone

18 above here. Supposed to be 36 and partly sunny. I hope spring will be sprung and we can get back to T-shirst and bare feet!

supposed to be a big snow tonite and tommorrow.Snow storm "Saturn". 6" -12"

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

18 above here. Supposed to be 36 and partly sunny. I hope spring will be sprung and we can get back to T-shirst and bare feet!

supposed to be a big snow tonite and tommorrow.Snow storm "Saturn". 6" -12"

Looks like it will miss us. We may see flurries Late Monday into Tuesday.

Originally Posted by tzone

18 above here. Supposed to be 36 and partly sunny. I hope spring will be sprung and we can get back to T-shirst and bare feet!

The wife and daughter stood in line at Belts (Softserve) Saturday night in 18* temps. They brought the first Flurries of the season home. Sure did taste good.

*58 for a high today, better cut the grass before it gets too tall. chilly tomorrow and the rest of the week looks nice.

looks like spring is here, unfortunately we need more moisture bad

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Northern Dave, best wishes for the exorcism of your tranny.

Tom, thanks for sharing. We're in line to get 4 - 6" of snow.

They are saying 6" to 12" for us from now into tomorrow morning.

A 1 ton crew cab with a V plow would be just the ticket for that.

even we're going to get weather. 15 tonight with flurries before getting back into the 50's on wednesday. I guess jack frost is rearing his ugly head once again.

The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We were supposed to get 6-12" and so far all we have got is flurries. I get a little frustrated with all the hype about storms and then we get way less than predicted. I am convinced it is a ploy to get you to listen to the radio/watch TV more. All disquised under the public safey mantra. This really affects peoples plans. 2-3" of snow should not invoke a rush on milk and bread!

Also, I have noticed, if at first they predict the snow will start on say, Wednesday night, it gets moved back and back and back until it actually starts Friday morning. This one was at first supposed to start Sunday afternoon, then Sunday evening and our first flakes started falling Monday morning.

IMO it's meant to place more dependance on uncle sam. never before have I ever heard of them "naming" winter storms. we used to get a lot of snow and blizzards for 2 days or more without anymore than a "bad weather is coming, expect lots of snow and drifting, travel is not advised" and we survived just fine.

LaCrosse may see a foot or better.

They can have it!

The snow is starting to come down pretty hard here in St. Paul now.

Originally Posted by tzone

They can have it!

The snow is starting to come down pretty hard here in St. Paul now.

My neice is on her way down there from Warroad. I hope the roads hold out for her. Her 10 week old daughter has a hole in her heart and the doc's wanted to let her grow some before doing surgery. Last night she was taken by ambulance to Grand Forks and now is enroute to the cities via helicoptor. She has congestive heart failure.

She could use some prayers today.

you got it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you got it.

Thanks!

Now I just found out that her boyfriends (baby's father) truck is having oil pressure issues. Hope they make it ok.

Rooster,

Prayers sent, for your niece's surgery & speedy & full recovery.

Paul.

Prayers on the way Rooster.

Prayers for the little one. The snow has stopped for now. Driving conditions for someone from Warroad should be no problem.

prayers sent.

And a thanks to modern medicine. I had a cousin who died a few years back from a heart issue that she didnt know she had. She was just set to begin her freshmen year in college.

To get this fixed as an infant will let her live a normal healthy life!

Prayers for old men and little girls.

and Bill, I love me some Belt's - hot fudge and raspberries if you please

Thanks everyone

Prayers from PA for your niece Rooster.

Ron

Panic buying for a snowstorm isn't surprising Baretta. Seems like people are looking for any reason to go wacko! Try to find a box of .30 cal Hornady Interlocks. I spent two hours calling gun shops and doing an Internet search before finally finding them online. Obama finally found a way to stimulate the economy, or at least the shooting sports segment!

Ron

I went to the Scheels super-market-amusement park across the river from me, they had a some 22 hornet bullets and some 6mm bullets, about 200 of each. That was it for reloading components. I went and had a 3 beer lunch and took a nap.

Sounds like you managed to salvage some good from the trip, Bubbajay!

Ron

So much for the snow. All we've had so far is a few flurries. Appears the storm went South of us.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I went to the Scheels super-market-amusement park across the river from me, they had a some 22 hornet bullets and some 6mm bullets, about 200 of each. That was it for reloading components. I went and had a 3 beer lunch and took a nap.

I was there on Friday. I picked up some bulk 22-250 shells and an extra 25 round 10/22 clip but it's pretty ridiculous that they didn't have ANY .22 lr bullets. I also put my name on the list for a Ruger SR1911 .45 ACP but I'm not holding my breath that I'll see that anytime soon.

We got your storm here Bill. 8-10 pretty easy.

35 today, tomorrow it's supposed to get up in the 50's. I envy all you guys that have snow

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I went to the Scheels super-market-amusement park across the river from me, they had a some 22 hornet bullets and some 6mm bullets, about 200 of each. That was it for reloading components. I went and had a 3 beer lunch and took a nap.

I was there on Friday. I picked up some bulk 22-250 shells and an extra 25 round 10/22 clip but it's pretty ridiculous that they didn't have ANY .22 lr bullets. I also put my name on the list for a Ruger SR1911 .45 ACP but I'm not holding my breath that I'll see that anytime soon.

I see you knew better than to go on a Saturday, what is hard to believe is that is the only place in town that really has any components, Gander used to but I think they quit selling them when the went to their new less friendly layout. I'm working in Garrison ND now and may take a drive up to Minot this week just to check out what is available there.

Rooster, is that the commander sized Ruger?

Originally Posted by tzone

We got your storm here Bill. 8-10 pretty easy.

Better you than me Tom. We ended up with less than a 1/2".

Originally Posted by SSB

Rooster, is that the commander sized Ruger?

No. It's the full size. The commander will probably be next though. It would be cool to have both.

Williams Gunsite near here got 3 dozen of the commander sized ones about a month ago and a bud of mine got one. I got to run a few mags thru it and it was pretty sweet. Being all steel it is still a bit heavey for everyday carry but still...it has my wheels turning. Very nicely finished and functioned like a champ. You will love it Jim....:).

Originally Posted by SSB

Williams Gunsite near here got 3 dozen of the commander sized ones about a month ago and a bud of mine got one. I got to run a few mags thru it and it was pretty sweet. Being all steel it is still a bit heavey for everyday carry but still...it has my wheels turning. Very nicely finished and functioned like a champ. You will love it Jim....:).

I can't wait to fire one for myself!

I am back and have caught up on posts I missed.New laptop takes some getting used to.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan. Glad you're back! What did you end up with?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MA SHAW!!!

Happy birthday lady friend!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy birthday lady friend!

Its your birthday? Hope you have a very special day!

Happy Birthday, Pam!

Any truth to the rumor that Dave wrapped up the Chia Pet they found in the transmission case and is giving it to you as a BD present?

Happy birthday Pam. Dave got you a Chia Pet, huh? Was it the Barack Obama Collector Edition?

Ron

Happy Birthday Pam,

Hope the family are spoiling you, like you deserve.

Paul.

Happy birthday Pam.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Happy birthday Pam. Dave got you a Chia Pet, huh? Was it the Barack Obama Collector Edition?

Ron

It was the overdrive planetary, sun gear and sprag edition...

Yikes! Sorry man

That has to be so frustrating to lose the tranny in less than a week after purchase. I know it wouldn't do any good but I wouldn't be able to help but be PO'd.

Should make a beautiful centerpiece for the dining room table. You can set Barack on top.

Even with the tranny repaired you may want to have that exorcism performed. The timing of the failure so quickly after purchase seems to suggest evil intentions. Think of it as preventive maintenance for the soul (the truck's, not yours).

Ron

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes!

It wasn't a great day but the night made up for it. Dave and the kids made me supper, my favorite...shrimp. They were amazing!!!

And now we can get back to talk of hunting, fishing, camping, oh yeah and that transmission. Ma not happy about that one...still stings worse than a bee sting and that's only happened to me once.

Have a good weekend all!!!

Met with the tax man today and went as far as we could with the taxes. Still waiting for some form K's.

Glad you had a good evening Pam. I seem to remember you really enjoyed birthdays.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I am back and have caught up on posts I missed.New laptop takes some getting used to.

Stan in SC

I hear ya Stan. I just got a new laptop too and it is quite different than my old one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,PAM!!!!Tzone,the new laptop is a Toshiba.

Stan in SC

Well my little 10 week old great neice had her heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They patched a nickel sized hole in her heart and closed up a smaller one. By all accounts she is doing great so far.

The wife and I drove 3 1/2 hours up to Warroad, Mn this morning to get her brother and sister to stay with us until they can release thier little sister in 10 days or so. I stopped at ND's ACE hardware store and actually found some .22lr ammo. I bought a brick and some 50 round boxes. They were only allowing one brick per customer and they only had 3 left. They said they did not know when they would get more. This is getting ridiculous.

On the way back I stopped in to a gun shop and told them I was looking for a Ruger SR1911. The guy laughed and said "good luck." He said they have had a few but the longest they last on the shelf is 15 minutes.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes!

It wasn't a great day but the night made up for it. Dave and the kids made me supper, my favorite...shrimp. They were amazing!!!

And now we can get back to talk of hunting, fishing, camping, oh yeah and that transmission. Ma not happy about that one...still stings worse than a bee sting and that's only happened to me once.

Have a good weekend all!!!

Outstanding! I love this thread and you guys and gals!

Happeeeeeeee Berfdayyyyyyyyyy Ms. Pamela!

That's great news Jim! glad to hear she is doing good.

can you get on a call list for the ruger? I've heard of guys getting them that way.
also wouldn't hurt to check gunbroker, I see they have a bunch of them there, and not too high priced considering how hard they are to find and what a normal 1911 goes for. I just checked and they have a bunch on there. trust me when I tell you they are AWESOME. worth every penny. they are the only factory firearm I have never wanted to alter, it was perfect out of the box

Great news, Rooster!

Ron

Glad you enjoyed your birthday, Pam. I figured Dave and kids would come thru for you and it sounds they did.

The tranny deal is a bummer. I've been there. Breathe in, breathe out, move on.

Ron

Ryan,

I'm on a call list at Scheels. I will have to check Gunbroker. My cousin just told me he has one coming from there.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Great news, Rooster!

Ron

Thanks man

Take his

problem solved!

So sorry I missed the birthday wishes Pam. But I wish you the best.

You also share a birthday with my sister.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Met with the tax man today and went as far as we could with the taxes. Still waiting for some form K's.

Don't even get me started on the tax man!!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,PAM!!!!Tzone,the new laptop is a Toshiba.

Stan in SC

Stan/Muffy, what do you think of Windows 8? What little I've heard so far hasn't been too complimentry.

Great news about your niece Rooster. Hope she continues to improve. You too Uncle Dusty.

Tom, you getting rain over there? Just started snowing here, but is supposed to turn over to rain. Could be getting ugly soon.

I'm in cheese land at my lady friends house bit it rained this morning. Not now though.

Snowed for about 15 minutes, but they were the biggest snow flakes I've ever seen. Some of then were over 2" inches. Looked like sheets of TP coming down.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm in cheese land at my lady friends house

You holding out on us stud muffin?

Grizzly Bill,
I bought this one used and it has windows 7.I like it so far but it is a big change from the old desk top unit.

Stan in SC

It must be new computer time, I picked up a factory refurbished Dell for my wife, so far I like it.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm in cheese land at my lady friends house

You holding out on us stud muffin?

I think he is!

Muffy: I havent checked into this thread in awhile, did you pursue the dog training?

Originally Posted by ingwe

Muffy: I havent checked into this thread in awhile, did you pursue the dog training?

Yes I did. I just finished and sent in my last written graded exam. They have received it but it is not graded yet.

Veddy Cool! Good on you!

My nephew was in town last Friday to help get his grandmother and grandfather (my parents) to some appointments . While they were at my house he pulled two gun cases from the back of his car and asked me to "pick one "

[Linked Image]

He found two Rem 1100 sporting 28 gauges at Cabelas
and GAVE me one of them . Yes he is my favorite nephew .

Sorry about the poor gun porn pics I promise to practice !

The wood grain on this thing is incredible.

You have done incredibly well in the nephew department Mr. mule1.

Thanks we are incredibly proud of him but his mother gets the credit for his raising . She passed in 06 just after he finished his MD resident . A few years later he married a MD so he gets to buy lots of toys.He really spoils his grandparents as well.

Cool!

You know mule1,you are very lucky to have such a nephew and it is a tribute to your relationship to him to have obviously earned such a specisal place in his heart.Good going!

Stan in SC

That's very cool.

Very nice indeed. Does he need another uncle?

Sloppy mess here this morning. Started raining Saturday and most of the day Sunday before turning to snow. We had a little over .5" of rain and 3" of snow. Makes for a wet heavy slush pile. Just got through snowblowing and the snow started up again.

pam managed some nice shots on an owl. Forum member "jeffbird" down in photography section says it's a great grey.

[Linked Image]

If you hit the "reply" button the page will pop up in the reply window with the photos full sized, they are pretty cool.

I like this shot too.

[Linked Image]

That's a beautiful bird. Great Grey indeed.

Great photos Pam. You've become a first rate photographer.

Wow MA!! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL pictures.

Please tell me you've considered puting these in a book of some sort?

Great pics !

Stan I wish we lived closer we could burn up the case of ammo that came with it .

Come on dove season .

i seen that critter along the edge of the road saturday dave. It almost looked like it had been hit when i was headed to the ice. didnt see him when i came off the lake. Looked for your ice shanty. didn't see it. I did see the old Spongebob Squarehouse though. i was out at south tip. Very slow fishing.

I plowed a rescue road to sponge bob square house and pulled him up to shore. Then we plowed a rescue road to our wheel house and moved it over to the sponge bob spot.

We didn't fish, just smashing snow around and moving houses.

This owl wasn't hurt, we watched him take flight and land several times. He was very focused on the road edges, there must be some mice or rabits coming out of that swamp/brushy area there.

Dave, do you have to have your ice castle off the ice by a certain date? Ice shacks have to be off the ice in Northern WI this coming weekend. Earlier in the South.

End of the month.

We'll likely take ours home at the end of next weekend.

The feathers on an owl are so cool. I have always wondered, if you plucked them like a chicken what they would look like! I bet nothing like they do with their feathers. Not having ever touched one, I bet that head shape is all feathers. Anyone know?

I do know.

It was quite a few years ago a friend brought one over to the house. Something had killed all the mice up in Canada so we had a crazy number of great greys around home. the time of year was right for the roads to be covered up with frogs in the evening so owls were getting hit by cars at night while grabbing frogs off the roads.

Anyways, yeah, they are like a large ermine or small pine martin under those feathers. You grab hold by the neck or mid body and it's all fluff. Put together like a feather duster.

But the claws... oh my....

If photobucket wasnt so screwed up I'd show ya.

Chainsaw experts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, the wife has had me sofa shopping for the last 2 weekends.. I feel like i am losing my manly edge.... So what better way to feel manly again then go out and buy a chainsaw...

I know its been talked about on this thread.. Looking at getting a Stihl... I need to cut up a whole bunch landscape railroad ties.. And I have big oaks in the yard in cause of a storm..... Maybe a MS271.. Any thoughts?????

Will be on later tonight.. Thanks....

The three absolute best chainsaws around here are Husky,Stihl and echo.I have acquaintances who do tree work and those three brands are all they will buy.

Stan in SC

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

Originally Posted by tzone

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

I think Dave has a Jonsered?

I've got a Husky 435 and while I don't cut "alot" of wood, I like it very much so far.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

I think Dave has a Jonsered?

I too think Dave has a Jonsered, I remember the day he bought it quite well. Actually I remember the day he bought the first saw and the day he bought second "bigger" saw.

I think Dusty remembers the one day too, he was there when Dave broke the news to me. LOL!

Thank you everyone for the kind words on the owl pictures. It was a fun picturing adventure. (That's what Dave says...picturing.) Last night I loaded some pictures on a new site I found, Capture Minnesota. I was quite surprised to see people liked them. HAAHAHAH!!!!!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

I think Dave has a Jonsered?

I too think Dave has a Jonsered, I remember the day he bought it quite well. Actually I remember the day he bought the first saw and the day he bought second "bigger" saw.

I think Dusty remembers the one day too, he was there when Dave broke the news to me. LOL!

Thank you everyone for the kind words on the owl pictures. It was a fun picturing adventure. (That's what Dave says...picturing.) Last night I loaded some pictures on a new site I found, Capture Minnesota. I was quite surprised to see people liked them. HAAHAHAH!!!!!

only in America!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

I think Dave has a Jonsered?

Yep, Jonny red.

2165.

[Linked Image]

It's a really good saw, really good starter cold or hot, pulls big, full chisel chain through anything I care to cut and does it with power to spare.

Cons:

It's heavy.

I'd love to have a size smaller for limbing the trees once they are on the ground, for climbing work or just for general purpose.

Like around a 50cc saw.

I've got a busted one at home that I just haven't bothered to shop for the parts, a log fell on it and busted the recoil houseing.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I like stihl, but Dave has a pretty BA Husky. It cuts wood with anger!

I think Dave has a Jonsered?

Crap you're right. Whatever it is...I like to cut with it. That thing is a hot rod.

All you chainsaw jockeys are welcome at my place all next week. We are clearing timber to make an orchard. Bring your favorite saw and we can have races

My favorite is a Stihl 351 (I think) and the back up is a smaller Husky. I like'em but huskies do object to falling out of trees.

That's a great idea! I'll bring another red saw that you guys can try out and a couple trailers to haul all of that pesky wood away.

I like my big saw for cutting in the piles or showing off but like ND said, something in the lower 50cc range would be handy.

Well if you guys don't mind the Stihl saws for a smaller unit, I'd recommend the Stihl 250.

That little saw I have has cut WAY more wood that it is supposed to and it keeps on chugging. Perfect for limbing but I've cut some bigger timber, just not very quickly.

The only thing I don't like about it is the quick "open" gas cap. I had to replace one because the springs wear out inside and it won't close. I bought two, so I have a spare in the woods with me. They're cheap, $6-8.

White Bear, hauling that pesky wood away is the biggest part of the job. I'd love ot have it disappear. I've got 3 yrs of wood cut and hand split and stacked. I just want this stuff to go bye-bye.

Then I get to fence it all and build 4 gates and plant all the trees and mulch, and then maybe I can turn it over to the good wife to take over from there.... I'm tired already and my beer supply is low.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I'm tired already and my beer supply is low.

It's from all that cutting.

Well pulled the trigger. Got a Stihl ms261 18 inch bar. Just like the farm boss ,same cc but 2 1/2 pounds lighter.

Feeling manly again. Now wife needs to find a couch. Lol.

My Echo 500 series has been a great saw. Comes with a 5 year parts and labor warranty.

Originally Posted by BrentD

I'm tired already and my beer supply is low.

Ah, that rules me out then. I only work for beer !

Paul.

Originally Posted by noduck

Feeling manly again. Now wife needs to find a couch. Lol.

If ya don't like it, now ya have something to chip it up with.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by BrentD

I'm tired already and my beer supply is low.

Ah, that rules me out then. I only work for beer !

Paul.

Well played.

Hey, I'm restocking guys! I promise!

And it is always best quality only. Really.

Seems like the manly art of turning trees into wood chips has pumped some life into tho Camp crowd. I think I can hear Tim Taylor grunting in the background.

Ron

Arrrgh, Arrrgh, aaarrrrgh.

I was saying some pretty manly words when I was changing the belt on the snowblower!

Tzone,
Booze, blood and bitching; the manly way to spend the day. Extra points awarded for gas, gears and grumbling. Hope you got the belt installed without too much physical damage to you or the snowblower.

Ron

How'd you go through a belt so fast? I'm still on the original belt and my blower is 4 years old.

Major fish kill being reported on the Big Eau Pleine, DNR is saying that 60% - 70% of the fish could be lost.

Out of oxygen?

That sucks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Out of oxygen?

That sucks.

Yep!

Ron,

The only damage was to my knuckles and my pride. I have to get a different one tonight if the John Deere store has them. I called last night but they closed 10 minutes after I called. It would take me about 15 to get there and he wasn't willing to wait for me, so I have to go up tonight. He said they should have on it stock.

Bill,

I'm not sure how that happened? I'd be willing to be the blower doesn't have 10 hours on it. I'd not be surprised if it has less than 6 actual hours on it. The belt was pretty chewed up. It almost seems like it is too wide for the pulleys but I'm not expert on this stuff.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Out of oxygen?

That sucks.

Yep!

Didn't they spend a [bleep] of money on an aerator system? I have a good friend that lives on there, Bill I believe you've met him... he's not impressed to say the least. There was a big kill on the EP about 5 years ago and fishing was just starting to come back?

This is disappointing to hear. I wish the DNR could figure out what's going on in that lake. Well, I guess they do know, it doesn't have oxygen.

Here's what I could find so far.

Fish Kill

I just emailed my friend Jim and he was thinking something was goofy with oxygen when his minnow were dying under his tip up's. This is actually what he just sent me.

Quote

I was made aware of this a couple weeks back when my minnows started dying beneath my tipups. I looked into the isopleths (dissolved oxygen charts) and saw that the fish were in big trouble. typically, about 4 ppm is required to sustain a healthy fishery. even the aerator isn�t able to boost the oxygen to that level. for some reason, there is some oxygenated water up by the spindler bridge.

OK that link isn't the greatest but Brent will be able to decipher something out of it...

There is an artilce which is what I thought I linked. Bill, I forwarded the articl to you. Do you think you could get it to link up to us? I couldn't for some reason on this computer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ron,

The only damage was to my knuckles and my pride. I have to get a different one tonight if the John Deere store has them. I called last night but they closed 10 minutes after I called. It would take me about 15 to get there and he wasn't willing to wait for me, so I have to go up tonight. He said they should have on it stock.

Bill,

I'm not sure how that happened? I'd be willing to be the blower doesn't have 10 hours on it. I'd not be surprised if it has less than 6 actual hours on it. The belt was pretty chewed up. It almost seems like it is too wide for the pulleys but I'm not expert on this stuff.

"Nothing Runs Like a Deere"

Originally Posted by tzone

OK that link isn't the greatest but Brent will be able to decipher something out of it...

There is an artilce which is what I thought I linked. Bill, I forwarded the articl to you. Do you think you could get it to link up to us? I couldn't for some reason on this computer.

Must be something in the air, I'm having problems getting emails from the SBC account. Tom, resend to my Charter email address.

Originally Posted by tzone

OK that link isn't the greatest but Brent will be able to decipher something out of it...

Not a whole lot except you ain't got much oxygen up there and it's getting worse.

I don't know that river, and it looks like it is really are reservoir which means not much current, not much open water. Lots of sediments and therefor lots of O2 eating bacteria.

Here in IA we get fish kills when a farmer makes a "deposit" on his personal sewer (generally a small river to most people). The big load of organic matter kicks the bacteria into high gear. They chew up the manure and all the O2 doing it, and that kills the fish. It's not the sewage that is toxic, it's the O2 deficit that the sewage causes that is the killer. Luckily around here, the farmer only pays for the fish he kills, so he generally has a big 1-time start up fee, but after that, if he is regular about it, there aren't any fish left to kill, so the cost is effectively zero.

Big sudden runoffs over frozen ground will sweep a lot of manure and other organics into the river unintentially and this same thing can happen but it's usually less dramatic. My river just jumped 12 vertical feet last Saturday, and we might be seeing low O2 but all the fish died last summer anyway.

Originally Posted by roundoak

Originally Posted by tzone

Ron,

The only damage was to my knuckles and my pride. I have to get a different one tonight if the John Deere store has them. I called last night but they closed 10 minutes after I called. It would take me about 15 to get there and he wasn't willing to wait for me, so I have to go up tonight. He said they should have on it stock.

Bill,

I'm not sure how that happened? I'd be willing to be the blower doesn't have 10 hours on it. I'd not be surprised if it has less than 6 actual hours on it. The belt was pretty chewed up. It almost seems like it is too wide for the pulleys but I'm not expert on this stuff.

"Nothing Runs Like a Deere"

Being chased by a CAT.

as we say in the construction trade.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Big sudden runoffs over frozen ground will sweep a lot of manure and other organics into the river unintentially and this same thing can happen but it's usually less dramatic. My river just jumped 12 vertical feet last Saturday, and we might be seeing low O2 but all the fish died last summer anyway.

This very well could be the case. It is smack in the middle of central WI farm country. The resivior is a dam where the Big Eau Pleine River dumps into the WI River. The whole area is really neat. The fishing is usually good, the fishing on the WI is beyond good at the right time of year.

Originally Posted by roundoak

Originally Posted by tzone

Ron,

The only damage was to my knuckles and my pride. I have to get a different one tonight if the John Deere store has them. I called last night but they closed 10 minutes after I called. It would take me about 15 to get there and he wasn't willing to wait for me, so I have to go up tonight. He said they should have on it stock.

Bill,

I'm not sure how that happened? I'd be willing to be the blower doesn't have 10 hours on it. I'd not be surprised if it has less than 6 actual hours on it. The belt was pretty chewed up. It almost seems like it is too wide for the pulleys but I'm not expert on this stuff.

"Nothing Runs Like a Deere"

......until it doesn't!

Ron

"Nothing runs like a deere"

Or smells like a john.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by tzone

OK that link isn't the greatest but Brent will be able to decipher something out of it...

Not a whole lot except you ain't got much oxygen up there and it's getting worse.

I don't know that river, and it looks like it is really are reservoir which means not much current, not much open water. Lots of sediments and therefor lots of O2 eating bacteria.

mostly this - Eau Plaine is wide and shallow (flooded plain as the name implies) and pretty eutrophic/hypertrophic. Significant algal blooms. It's just too much decomposing organic matter and nothing to inject more oxygen. The water level and draw-down come into play, too.

You pretty much just described the Big Eau Pleine. Add in the snow pack and you have end up with a major fish kill.

wow, work late a few days and get behind 3 pages. was 70 yesterday, got sunburnt. today is supposed to be the same, little warmer. our reservoir is way low, worried we won't have irrigation water.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

was 70 yesterday, got sunburnt. today is supposed to be the same, little warmer.

I hate you a little bit this morning.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

wow, work late a few days and get behind 3 pages. was 70 yesterday, got sunburnt. today is supposed to be the same, little warmer. our reservoir is way low, worried we won't have irrigation water.

Thanks Ryan.

, a balmy plus 3* here this morning with a high of around 30*. Sub zero North of Wausau. A year ago today we were in the upper 70's. More snow on the way for Friday/Saturday. Possible heavy snow on Monday. I'm really getting sick of Winter.

I'm working in Mitchell, SD and its supposed to be almost 50* today. Then I get to drive back to the great white north with its wind blown ice covered roads and level ditches. Then hopefully head up to Lake of the Woods sometime next week. I have to burn vacation so starting tomorrow I'm off for 10 days.

I think ND should suddenly get sick for a couple of days next week. Cough...cough....

We'll see buddy, we will see....

It will be in the 80s here the next few days. Oh by the way we are roofing our house this weekend so any of you northern folks want to thaw out and eat some pulled pork samitches head south a few states and bring a hammer ! I might have some barley liquids as well. Dave we ll find you something maybe some I ice chest tea .

I like ice tea.

Me too. With vodka and rum in it.

Fine with me.

I like sweet tea, ice cold...with nothing added to it but a lemon as well.

I get to become a foster dad to an awesome dog this weekend. he'll be with us for a year. the sweet tea does sound good though!

*71 today and I am feeling the sun.
lookin like *69 tomorrow and then snow possible for saturday, crazy.

I got to sample spring today and now back in the heart of winter but very glad to be home. I'm watching the episodes of Duck Dynasty that I missed last night. Man I love that show!

Well we are headed up to LOW tomorrow to catch some monster Northerns (or I hope so anyway). Uncle Dusty is pretty excited to get up there. I guess we all are.

Hope you put some big pike on the ice Muffy.

Mmmmmmmm, smoked northern pike sounds good right now.

or...baked/grilled in foil pack with onions, garlic, butter, potatoes. Oh boy my mouth is watering now!!

Grizzly_bill,

It's raining on this end of cheese town. Here in St.Paul too.

Snowing here Tom.

sunny and 50 or so here, saw the local mule deer when I went to start the car to warm it up

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sunny and 50 or so here, saw the local mule deer when I went to start the car to warm it up

Aw...blo...nevermind lol

x 2

(If your friends with us on facebook, you will get that)

Hey Bill! Greg Jennings is in MN today

Originally Posted by Muffy

Well we are headed up to LOW tomorrow to catch some monster Northerns (or I hope so anyway). Uncle Dusty is pretty excited to get up there. I guess we all are.

Muffy,

Are you going out in the channel? Shane and I are thinking about going up next week. Good Luck! Let me know how you do!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Hey Bill! Greg Jennings is in MN today

I saw that on the news Rooster. Jennings has been injury prone the last couple of years and didn't play all that well when he did get in a game.

Word on the street toward the end of last season was that the Packers didn't feel he was worth the money he was getting and he was going to be cut.

Times must be really tough. The Ford CEO's salary dropped to 21 million last year.

poor guys probably have to go on food stamps.

Packers will resign Jennings. He's using MN for leverage. I think there is a snowball's chance he'll be a Viking.

It would be kinda sweet to rob from the packers garden though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Packers will resign Jennings. He's using MN for leverage. I think there is a snowball's chance he'll be a Viking.

It would be kinda sweet to rob from the packers garden though.

Don't think so Tom. Jennings put his house in Green Bay up for sale before there was an official announcement. Himbeing gone also frees up a lot of money.

Was just working in an area when we heard tires squealling, plastic breaking, and metal crunching, then a SMASH!

Some cat was starting early on St. Patty's day and hit two cars, then jumped the median and slammed his new Chevy truck into a power pole near us.

Popo's were there instantly! He blew a 0.35 BAC at 215 PM! That's drunk!

The tow truck guy also found it ironic he had an "agressive driver" insurance discount thingy plugged in under the dash as well.

Nobody was hurt.

I know that sound all too well. It is a bad bad sound. Last time I heard it well, I ran out to the road to find 6 young people strewn along the roadway, a car upside down, across the creek from the road. Nobody dead, but some might have been headed that way. The only unhurt was drunk but not driving. The rest were sober, but not belted. It was a sorry night, even for those of us not in the car at the time.

At least this guy didn't hurt anyone. Just plain luck it seems.

holy crap! at what point does someone decide its a good idea to drive after drinking that much? I'm all for fun, but that seems a bit extreme

Originally Posted by tzone

Packers will resign Jennings. He's using MN for leverage. I think there is a snowball's chance he'll be a Viking.

It would be kinda sweet to rob from the packers garden though.

Well the Vikings signed him to a 5 year deal. I really like this move. Jennings has great character and is a team player. He really showed a lot of class in his press conference by thanking the packers org and fans for everything they have done for him. Also, his recent injuries were not really of the "injury prone" variety IMO. (Concussion and sports hernia) He is 29 yrs old and still has immense talent but the leadership that he will bring to a very young receiving core in MN will be huge.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Packers will resign Jennings. He's using MN for leverage. I think there is a snowball's chance he'll be a Viking.

It would be kinda sweet to rob from the packers garden though.

Well the Vikings signed him to a 5 year deal. I really like this move. Jennings has great character and is a team player. He really showed a lot of class in his press conference by thanking the packers org and fans for everything they have done for him. Also, his recent injuries were not really of the "injury prone" variety IMO. (Concussion and sports hernia) He is 29 yrs old and still has immense talent but the leadership that he will bring to a very young receiving core in MN will be huge.

47.5 million for 5 years with a 18 million guarantee. Packers freed up a lot of salary cap money when they let Jennings go. They'll use it for contract extensions for Rogers, Matthews and Raji.

The fishing is slow, wind is high, damn cold out here. Only one pike for team chickenbuck so far. A 33 incher.

4" of snow here overnight. Sun came out about 10:00 and was a decent day.

Wow. I'm pretty surprised by the Jennings deal.

we got snow yesterday, heavy wet snow we needed badly. supposed to warm back up into the 50's for the week and chance of thunderstorms today, weird.

Hope you get lots of moisture Ryan. Need to kill off that blue tongue before your deer herd is wiped out.

the deer could use a break after last year that's for sure, still seeing good numbers locally so hopefully this year is a good year for them.

What's happening in the twin cities, Tom? The snow is getting closer to us. They're calling for a little over 4" by Tuesday AM for us. At the rate we're going, we'll still have snow on the ground on the 4th of July.

I'm jealous of the snow ya'll are getting, not so much the cold though.

i get a day off because I'm training this weekend and I wake up with a cold and probably a sinus infection. if it weren't for bad luck I'd have none at all I swear

It's snowing here bill, but nothing terrible. We're supposed to get 4-6" by this afternoon, but high winds after the front passes through. 50+ mph.

I-94 is closed from Alex-ND.

Ryan, we'd be happy to share with you. Take care of that cold.

Just started snowing here, Tom. Really coming down right now. We're supposed to be getting the high winds also.

just plain nasty here. As Tzone said, the freeway is closed from here to Fargo. Schools are closed and even the Tech College is closed and they never close that sucker. 50 mph winds on top of 4 inches of new snow and some other fluffy we had the ground and it does not look pretty out there. This is one of those days I am so thankful for having a home office. My commute was from the kitchen to the office, a distance of 23 steps.

The schools weren't closed here, but I did stay home late and take the kids to school. It was pretty nasty out and I didn't want them to wait by the road for the bus.

Add to that I'd have got to work about the same time as I did leaving late because of the goofies out driving, it was a no brainer.

they closed the MALL today! it is just plain nasty out there. i shiver just looking outside. there area some people that are really snowed in big time with drifts. did I mention the ice went out on our lake last year on March 21? We are still making ice this year.

Channel 7 out of Wausau says Stevens Point has 4.8" so far. Must be a female weather person. I'd say more like 3".

Wind isn't an issue yet, but is on the way. I'll get out there shortly with the blower.

The wind has arrived. Just finished with the snow blower when it hit.

that figures. now it will blow all that stuff back in!

I had a couple errands to run today, I was glad I put on my hooded sweatshirt, I woulda got chilly in just a Tee.
at least the sun was out and the wind was nil, saw water running down the edge of the street, went and investigated and it was just the municipal company flushing out a fitting or something. in the afternoon it warmed up, I threw an antler for the new pup to fetch, he sure liked that. foolishly I wore just a Tee shirt and was chased back inside by the cold after 10 minutes. I wish spring would just get here already. Hope ya'll north and east of me are staying warm tonight. made some chicken noodle soup and got caught up with "the walking dead".

Went out this morning and dealt with what the plow left. Wind is still an issue here.

May be off line for awhile. Need to take the Dell in for repair. Found 5 infected files and have lost a couple of drivers. May still be able to check in on the Kindle.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

The wind has arrived. Just finished with the snow blower when it hit.

Taht happened to me last night. I wanted to get it done quickly before the wind hit. It got nasty about the time I was 1/2 way finished with the driveway. I'm still cold!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Went out this morning and dealt with what the plow left. Wind is still an issue here.

May be off line for awhile. Need to take the Dell in for repair. Found 5 infected files and have lost a couple of drivers. May still be able to check in on the Kindle.

What the heck have you been looking at on that computer Bill? You don't happen to eat a lot of cheet-o's do you?

well we got quite the storm. Piles are huge! My dad has a new V-plow that will articluate to a scoop, etc. He spent 45 minutes getting through the mother of all drifts. 150 yards of 5 feet of snow....before it was plowed! he couldnt just V through it, the truck would go up and he would get stuck. he has a Ford Super Duty with a diesel, so it isnt a light truck either. And to complicate it, some putz was stuck in the middle of the road from last night and just let his car sit there. that articulating V plow is the shiznit he says; no way would he buy anything but that for sure.

They're awesome plows. I often wondered if it would be possible to make one for a 4-wheeler?

Hint, hint, northern_dave.

If anyone can do it, it would be you.

Well the wireless is still up so I can use the Kindle. Don't know what's up with files but there were 5 Trojans in the boot file. I'm using pretty good security program,but they made it through.

Found them when I ran scan.

I used my new (new to me) 9' 2" Boss V plow last night to clean our little rural neighborhood for the first time. It was great, yes the scoop feature is awesome for moving big piles of snow.

It can be tough stabbing your way through the deep stuff as the V acts like a barbed hook, goes forward well but doesn't always want to pull out nice. I've found that sometimes I have to try backing up while hitting the fold forward switches for both sides of the plow, fold the blades forward to the scoop position for backing up when pounding the V through really tough spots.

I also found that if you feel like you are possibly stuck, again fold those plow sides forward all the way before spinning yourself down, the extra weight/leverage of having the plow in the scoop position really helps anchor some traction on the front tires.

yep, he does the same thing to back up. there is always the fear of you plowing....the truck comes up as you get into the pile and then goes down. stuckaroo unless you can "scoop" your way out of it.

we got bad weather headed our way, freezing rain, might even snow on saturday.

I just want to take this opportunity to say.......

Haaaa-haaaa-haaa-haaa!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just want to take this opportunity to say.......

Haaaa-haaaa-haaa-haaa!!

+ 1

Mid April before all our snow is gone. My snoblower is now my largest asset.

I'm thinking we might still have traces of snow left in shaded/wooded areas in June.

I don't know if it will be that long down here, but it will be May I bet. There is A LOT of snow on the ground.

U should have a good water supply for the mud minnows at chickenbuck this year then dave. maybe be able to run the canoe up the moat.

Mud minnows are a GREAT walleye bait on the Chippewa Flowage and they're tough as hell.

We have lots in the moat for some reason Tom, some are pretty big too. Joey has a minnow trap.

Ma shot a bird.

[Linked Image]

with the camera

Been spending much time at the dairy case in Walmart, Dave? Things that make you say....waz dat, homie?

Ron

More great photos Pam.

Nice Iggle pics Pam! It always looks to me like bald iggles are angry...

A year ago yesterday the ice went out on my lake. what a difference a year makes. Nice to have a good old fashioned winter!

Ma's talaent with the camera amazes me. You truly have a gift with that camera Pam. Very beautiful shots...of my favorite bird I can't eat too I may add.

Pam
Great photos

Pam, you must go sneaking around in ghillie suits to get these shots. You seem to get close to a lot of wildlife - and then make some great shots.

Hey, she's got a good scout.

Dave, you must be part Indian then.

How's the fishing up there? Haven't heard many reports lately.

Just killin' trees down here. Hickories mostly. I need to make a smoker.

Fishing? It's been terrible. We've turned the page, thinking about spring.

Smoker huh? That sounds like fun.

Never had a smoker. Always on my "to do" list.

But at least now, I have enough hickory cut and split to last through 2016 so I think I could spare a little for a smoker.

I like the outdoor smoke houses. My buddy built one, it's like a little shed with a bunch of racks and dowel rods to hang or rest your stuff in/on. fish, sausage, jerky, whatever. He's got a metal box for the fire that's like a lowboy wheelbarrow. light the fire in the box outside of the smoker shack, get a good bed of coals going, open the door and roll it in. Then there's a little access door for feeding in chunks of wood as needed and a thermometer that's read from outside the shack.

It's pretty sweet and he threw it together out of scraps he had laying around home.

Smokers are great. Some of the best ribs and chicken I've ever had were done in a smoker.

Made an even up trade today. My Tikka for a Ruger Mark II in a 257 Bob.

Pretty cool cartridge.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pretty cool cartridge.

I thought so too, Dave. The rifle will go to my grandson in a few years and will make a great speedgoat and mule deer rifle for him when they move to MT.

That's even cooler.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Smokers are great. Some of the best ribs and chicken I've ever had were done in a smoker.

Made an even up trade today. My Tikka for a Ruger Mark II in a 257 Bob.

My step-dad has chicken on a smoker mastered down flat! I've never, and I mean NEVER had better chicken than he can on the smoker. I can whoop him on the ribs though.

Dave had me beat on the ribs, I'll eat all he makes.

That's a cool rifle Bill. I had one for a couple of years when I dislocated my shoulder, I bought if for the recoil or lack there of.

I killed a couple of deer with it. The best load I could find was Winchester 117gr RN bullets. I could cover 3 holes with a nickel at 100. 1 deer dropped on the spot.

The second one, a very large Iron Range doe, in 2007 I think, (151# dressed, I remember because I posted it on this thread I think). I shot her in the ribs at about 40 yards, and she stood there like nothing happened. I thought I missed. She turned 180* and I shot just behind the shoulder on the right side. Then I could see her "jump" a bit at the shot and she ran right at me, passing by me at about 5 yards. It was all too fast to shoot again...which turned out pretty good, because she stiffend up just past me and tipped over.

I got down and checked her out and there were 4 holes in her behind the shoulder. 1 in and 1 out on each side. I was surprised by her reaction simply because the shot placement was nearly perfect, not ruining any meat and both shot were all lung. She was a big deer but ate just fine.

Has anybody here ever gotten a patent? My cousin and I are working on an idea. I cannot divulge the idea quite yet, but when our patent attorney gives us the nod I will. If anyone has any advice, I am all ears....or I guess eyes!

Meanwhile, I am researching yachts and private planes cuz we plan on getting filthy rich....

Too late BM. The Hula Hoop has already been invented.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Too late BM. The Hula Hoop has already been invented.

Ouch!

Seriously it has? Oh doggone it. Well, i have an idea for this hard candy with a stick in it. Hmmmm....what could I name it????

I just dropped $500 at the patent attorneys office. It is pretty real right now.

As soon as I can tell you, I will. But at this point, I am under a gag order from the attorney. Nobody can know without signing a non-disclosure agreement. He said not even my dad!

Patents are expensive.In 2005 I developed the LT-2 sight adjuster for Mosin rifles.After finding out how much patents cost I decided to masnufacture and market without one which I did for 6 years.Sold them all over the world.Finally I decided to give the thing to a young friend to market.
Point is that you have to have a product that is going to bring in enough money to warrant the high cost of a patent.

Stan in SC

Stan, I have wore a bald spot in my already hair-deficient head trying to figure out if there is enough need for this product. It came down to this....if you dont try you will never know. Someone will come out with this I am confident. Might as well be us. I think there will be a lot of people that want this. The patent attorney liked the idea...of course he is getting paid to like it!

I cant wait to tell you folks. Could be in as little as 3-4 weeks.

I went as far as patent search and initiated listing... it got too expensive and I said the heck with it.

There's really nothing you can do to fully protect your stuff. China doesn't give a chit about patents.

That being said, they do have their place and I wish you luck with your idea.

If it helps get rid of snow, I'll be one of your first customers.

I know ! I know ! Its a camolodged Butt Out Tool so your buddies won't see ya use it and laugh at ya. !?

Originally Posted by mule1

I know ! I know ! Its a camolodged Butt Out Tool so your buddies won't see ya use it and laugh at ya. !?

I borrowed a Food Saver from a friend and used it this morning to package up my venison that wasn't wrapped. I had 2 packages of sausage in 10# sticks, that I broke down into approximately 1# packages, put the brats, smoked polish, and hot polish into 1# packages.

There are a ton of things I can find uses for one of these. I'm considering getting one. Do any of you folks use one? Do you like it? I liked it immediately, as soon as the first package of polish was sealed up. For those of you that use one, do you freeze the meat or keep it in the frige? I have it in the beer frige now but can put some in the freezer if I have to.

They work well Tom, but there are a few tricks. Whatever you seal should be as dry as possible otherwise blood, water etc. can mess up the sealing process.

Berries should be frozen first.

Bags are expensive. Even if you buy the bulk rolls and make your own, there still pricy.

Bill,

It had a setting for "dry" or "moist" if you bagged something with marinade or a sauce. I didn't try that though so I'm not sure how well it would work.

I bought a couple packages of bags to replace the one's I used and an extra roll. They were $10/package.

I'm pretty sure you can reuse/reseal them if you open it. There is only one way to find out.

I have and used a vacuum sealer a bit, they are really nice. I would say to get the commercial one from cabelas they are a little pricey but last WAY longer than the cheaper food saver brand. also buy bulk bags from a butcher supply store or something similar, they are cheaper.

BM- someone already made a beer launching fridge, I looked it up. great idea though! maybe they haven't patented it yet? good thinking

Negatory on the Butt Out tool Ron, try again! Supposed to have a call this week with the attorney.

So about 8 years ago, Dad bought a vacuum sealer and brought it up to Canada on our fishing trip. He sat there for about 2 hours trying to get that to work and the rest of us were literally in tears we were laughing so hard. At the end, cousin Shane sucked out all the air from a ziplock and it was way better than anything the sealer had produced. That was it, as soon as he did that, we had 5 guys in stitches...falling out of the cabin we were laughing so hard the neighboring cabin guys who we had never met came over. Pretty soon they were laughing too! What a cool memory.

Ironically, Dad just bought another one. Round 2 this year!

I'm no Ron ! I'm Sam ! :-)

My apologies Sam I am Mule1! I had just read something he wrote and had him on my (pea) brain. Sometimes, the only things that keep me on the right side of the fence at the zoo is my upright posture and opposable thumbs!

Lol hey you can call me whatever you want I'll answer to anything.

I been trying to come up with a another guess but I need a clue does it have something to do with hunting or fishing ?

Yes, hunting.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mule1

I know ! I know ! Its a camolodged Butt Out Tool so your buddies won't see ya use it and laugh at ya. !?

I borrowed a Food Saver from a friend and used it this morning to package up my venison that wasn't wrapped. I had 2 packages of sausage in 10# sticks, that I broke down into approximately 1# packages, put the brats, smoked polish, and hot polish into 1# packages.

There are a ton of things I can find uses for one of these. I'm considering getting one. Do any of you folks use one? Do you like it? I liked it immediately, as soon as the first package of polish was sealed up. For those of you that use one, do you freeze the meat or keep it in the frige? I have it in the beer frige now but can put some in the freezer if I have to.

We got the "nice" one from Costco a few years ago. It makes the venison processing much better, and is very useful for saving other foods during the year. I would put it's utility value right up there with the commercial Cabela's grinder.

I freeze, then thaw it out when I want to use it.

These foodsaver coupon codes never seem to run out ( even the ones with today's date on them )

http://www.stoorz.com/store.aspx?site=552&did=5874&d=C&z=GFbags2&gclid=CPnZ9ZLslJkCFRDyDAodHTHQbQ:bounce:

Not sure why it won't come out as a clickable link

Just copy and paste into address bar in a new window .

Been considering a "one" combo gun for awhile. Did a bunch of research.Read lotsa reviews. Today I ordered a Baikal MP94.It's a superposed with 12 gauge on top and a .308 on bottom. It will be at the shop hopefully on Thursday since it was in stock at the distributor.If all works out this will be the only rifle I need for all types of hunting.We will see.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

If all works out this will be the only rifle I need for all types of hunting.We will see.

Stan in SC

What would possess you to do such a thing?

Sweet Stan ! We expect a full range report !

Picked up the 257 Bob yesterday.

I hope my wife never finds out there is on gun out there that will do everything I need. I enjoy standing at the safe the night before pondering which gun to carry.Good luck with your new gun Stan.

How does it look Bill?

Some new shop toys.

Plasma cutter.

[Linked Image]

And an awesome band saw made over wiskony direction.

[Linked Image]

cool toys, what are you going to build (or cut up) with them?

metal.

who woulda thought

love me some metal.

Originally Posted by tzone

How does it look Bill?

Like new, Tom.

Whats the specs on the new Plaz Dave? I'm amazed at how compact the new units are. Technology has really come a long way. My old HyperTherm is the size of a 300 amp Miller welder. Thinking of upgrading and a report would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Some new shop toys.

Plasma cutter.

[Linked Image]

And an awesome band saw made over wiskony direction.

[Linked Image]

I like where this is headed!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

cool toys, what are you going to build (or cut up) with them?

Plasma silly. It's a plasma cutter.

Originally Posted by SSB

Whats the specs on the new Plaz Dave? I'm amazed at how compact the new units are. Technology has really come a long way. My old HyperTherm is the size of a 300 amp Miller welder. Thinking of upgrading and a report would be appreciated.

What's the scoop on the band saw Dave? Is it a Jet? The coloring looks like it but I couldn't make out the manufactur on the label.

I do smile like heck at the "Made in USA" sticker on it. But I know that's how you roll. I've really been going out of my way to get things made here lately. Clothing and electronics aren't the easiest but I'm surprised by the rest. It's out there if you look.

Ellis brand, top notch in my opinion. Made in Wisconsin.

The head miters 45 degrees both ways and she'll do a 10" round cut at 90 degrees. (that's a pretty healthy sized cut).

You should be able to cut and cook the venison all at once now. not just for metal anymore!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ellis brand, top notch in my opinion. Made in Wisconsin.

The head miters 45 degrees both ways and she'll do a 10" round cut at 90 degrees. (that's a pretty healthy sized cut).

Sure are going to be able to slice some cheese with that thing Dave.

Thanks Dave, Amazing how compact that is. You'll never regret the Ellis either. A friend here has one that lives in Stainless Steel 8 hrs a day. Great Machine!

That little plasma cuts aluminum too I guess.

Ok everyone, I need some good thoughts directed my way.

At 1:15 pm I will be in an interview for our 3 County Supervisor position. It's between myself and another co-worker in the office.

So far the other girl's interview lasted about 1 1/4 hours and I hear she interiews like a rockstar! I'm trying to keep in mind that I've been here 7 years and that I'm experienced. I bring alot of laughs and energy to the office. You could say I'm an open book with all my stories I tell of our "redneck life" we lead. Uff this is tough especially since my eye has been twitching ALL morning long, I'm dizzy and I could just puke right now.

I'm a shoe in...we hope.

Thanks everyone!

Oh, I know that feeling. Just plow into and have have a good time and you will do fine (easy for me to say from way out here).

Good luck and have fun.

Well they didn't ask me, but you are a shoe in. If I'd have know this before, I'd have let the air out of two of her tires this morning.

You already know you're the "man" for the job, so all she was doing in there was jibber jabbering. Because it was a long interview, doesn't mean it was a good one. I had two interviews for this job. Since I didn't try to dazzle them with BS, combined they took about 45 minutes.

Make sure they're aware you know your job inside and out. You bring a lot to the table, besides knowing the job, your attitude is great and you keep office moral up. Give them examples of why YOU are the one they NEED to fill that job.

Have confidence that you can do the job. It will show in the interview. If they gave you questions or a job over-view. Go study it at your lunch break. Or take 10-15 minutes before the interview and go hide in the can, and review it so you know what's up.

GOOD LUCK MA!!! We're pulling for you here!

We're pulling for you, Pam. You'll do great.

Plasma Cutter ! I dream of those ! Northern tool has nice looking unit idk if its USA made or not .

Well Pam ? What's the verdict !

Well after 1 hr and 45 minutes, my interview was done. Phew!! That was the hardest interview I've ever been in and after many pages of questions answered I left my boss with this. "Thank you for letting me interview for this position. In the end it is ultimately your decision. If that decision is me at my current position or me in the supervisor position, I am here to do a job and do that job at 100%. You have a very hard decision just remember I'm here to help, support, and do whatever job I'm here to do, I will do my best".

End of interview.

Glad it's done but now the waiting begins, probably a few weeks to a month. Thanks for the support everyone!! I appreciate it.

Whatever happens, it's meant to be.

Hey Pam, If they call me, I am going to tell them you are the one to hire. I wonder if they have my phone number?

Best of luck to you and I will send a little prayer upstairs for ya!

Fingers crossed Ma, good luck!

47* here today. The wife hung out laundry and opened up a few windows. Major snow melt taking place.

65 here today

We're still driving 1 ton trucks on the ice to go fishing.

The polar ice caps are melting... so maybe some of that melting will come south so we can have spring thaw?

Maybe we should ship some our lake ice north for those polar bears?

been warm here, upper 60's yesterday, looks like spring finally is sticking around. remember Dave, it's easier to hide easter eggs in the snow, just throw them off the front step of the house!

Lots of ice here. Our problem is the ice in the street along the curbs. It's keeping the water from the melt from reaching the storm drains. Everyone has a large pond at the drive way entrance.

Have seen a few flocks of geese heading North.

We have 4 dogs.

They process a 50 lb bag of ole roy in about 2 days.

All that ole roy.... it's out in the yard. Different shape, different smell... but it's out there.... everywhere....

I think we'll hide the eggs inside the house.

Geese are showing up here too. Dumb bastards.

They are going to have to wait a while to find any open water.

They stayed here all friggin' winter. Never seen anything like it. Now they up there with you, or at least spread out across the small streams and pond that have just iced out, looking for nursery rooms to be.

geese are a pain, Angostura opened up a couple weeks ago, saw a boat out there yesterday. still awfully low, Jr. water rights people are already cut off for this year from what I heard. fire danger is expected to be high. this will be a hold onto your seats summer me thinks. I have the day off so I am doing spring cleaning and enjoyin the down time

We are melting snow fast. 48 yesterday and "really nice" today.

The dang battery was dead in the explorer today. I haven't used it all week. I've been using the Neon since it's such a gas miser. It could have something to do with the remote start, I'm thinking.

I was playing football in the street with Jack (too much snow in the yard) and we saw a flock of geese were flying over.

48* here, now. We may hit 50* for the first time this year. Too bad the university is on spring break. There would be 50 degree parties going on.

Back in the dark ages it was the custom when the temp hit 50 to jump off the bridge in Iverson Park into the Plover River. Alcohol was normally involed. I am living proof that it can be done.

Okay folks, I need some help from the creative side of your brains! Yes, I do realize I prolly cant fill a thimble with the collective creative smarts here, but my creativity isnt even visible on the head of a pin!

I am thinking about starting a company and need a name for it. I would like to name it something that sounds mountainy, animaly, woodsy, etc. The best thing I have so far is Elk Meadow Enterprises. The name should be generic so it can be used for anything. Maybe something more scarier...Grizzly Mountain Enterprises? Help please!

I had 50 on the explorers thermo this afternoon. It's very nice out! And JEESH....the geese are here. All over today.

Alptimbermoosebattle Enterprises ?

Bear timber explosion mountain Inc. ?

Savage rock hammer elk bomb valley services ?

You really should use Hammer, Bomb, Battle or Carnage in the name.

The Woody Beaver

The wife and I saw a sign on a muffler shop that read

"No muff too tuff"

It's like he doesn't want our help...

Turtle mountain apocalypse enterprises?

Mule1, we are good helpers.

Well, I can see our creative juices are really flowing today....or not so much. Sure, carnage instills exactly the image I want to portray....on second thought...

I am thinking I might exclude beaver from the options. just sayin'.

Name it something that will google well. Whatever you are going to sell, folks need to know exactly how to google when they first know that they want it. Probably needs to have something about what your product does or is to make that work.

Yeah a feller could get in bad trouble googling Beaver .

Dang that didn't come out right. I better quit before ladies get me !

Not looking good for our Thunder your Timber Wolves is gonna whup
Us

Is that soccer?

Thunder Chicken Ranch. (kinda like the Bunny Ranch only different)
Dickinson Cider Enterprises
Heywood Jablome & Sons

Just let me know...I have a lot more.

Soccer pffffftt

Originally Posted by tzone

Is that soccer?

I think it's the other large round ball sport.

You know, volleyball.

morning mountain wood napalm enterprises

This sort of advice really shouldn't be free.

We should start a consulting bidness.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This sort of advice really shouldn't be free.

We should start a consulting bidness.

But, don't quit your day job.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

morning mountain wood napalm enterprises

What's wrong with just plain old Morning Wood?

Light rain here this AM. Have about a 6' foot circle of grass showing in the front surrounded by 3' high snow banks,

I always wanted to start a sporting goods/ lumber yard called Sport 'N Wood.

We lost a lot of snow here in the last 24 hours. It began with a thunder storm at 4am, then rain into about 11am, then sunny and 53 according to the temperatue teller in the car.

We celebrated my daughters 10th b-day today along with the family Easter. A pretty big crew for this house, including my 91 year old grandpa.

Best wishes for a happy Easter to Tom, Dave, and all the Chickenbuckers. Here's to the hope for a great day spent enjoying the company of friends and family.

He Is Risen!

Amen!

Happy Easter all!

Happy Birthday Kennedy.

HAPPY EASTER everyone. Heading over to Fremont today for a EASTER buffet. Will also get a first hand look at the Wolf River, which is just starting to open up.

Happy Easter everybody!

Happy Easter all!

The kids were a hoot this morning looking for Easter eggs. Pure excitement; it was great fun to watch. Although something got into some the ones I put outside!

I told the kids to look for eggs and was laughing my tail off. The longer they looked the more we laughed...we didn't hide any.

In case you were thinking of using it, there's a billboard on westbound 94 kind of in the Alex vicinity that indicates that wedocows.com is taken. I suspect that wedosheep.com is taken as well, but I'm afraid to look.

Originally Posted by tzone

I told the kids to look for eggs and was laughing my tail off. The longer they looked the more we laughed...we didn't hide any.

Lol Zone dude you ain't right !

Originally Posted by tzone

I told the kids to look for eggs and was laughing my tail off. The longer they looked the more we laughed...we didn't hide any.

You do know that they will prolly be the ones that pick the nursing home you go to right?

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by tzone

I told the kids to look for eggs and was laughing my tail off. The longer they looked the more we laughed...we didn't hide any.

You do know that they will prolly be the ones that pick the nursing home you go to right?

There was one sitting on the t.v. stand with some candy in it. I'm not sure where it was from but my son woke me and told me he already found one. I told him to find the rest.

Mean?...probably. Entertaining? Absolutely.

Anybody home?

Dave's out in the shop working on the Road Runner. Tom's hidding from his kids who are plotting revenge for his Easter pranks. BM's still inventing. Colorados probaly out mowing fields.

Me, I'm waiting for the snow to melt. As for the rest of you, ??????

Working actually.

Big news in Erie PA, Cabalas is opening a store about five miles from my house. WooHoo!!

BIL should be happy. He lives in Cranberry.

you were close Bill! I was discing fields getting ready to plant, got sunburnt pretty good it was 75 yesterday. today is supposed to stay cooler thankfully, high of about 57. makes it nice for working in the dirt

Berettaman started a company and you will like the name Bill!

Grizzly Mountain Enterprises LLC. is official. I hope that my product is available sometime at that new Cabelas! Been busy with drawings and product descriptions. I have learned that I have the drawing ability of most 7 year olds. But it is shaping up after a lot of pencil lead and erasers. I am sure the attorney and illustrator will get a good laugh at my expense, but oh well.

On another front, I bought some stock in a local company here that is publically traded (but not on an exchange). They are growing like crazy. they make gun barrels, accessories and even some single shot rifles and target pistols and sell a bunch of aftermarket accessories. Go look at eabco.com and see what ya think.

These are worth every penny. Get the 4-row version and mount it in your variable speed, reversible drill.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...less-steel-brushing-wheels-prod6762.aspx

Since you named it after me, BM I get 10%, right??

Yes, Bill, you get to pay 10% of the startup fee in order to have the company named after you. Kinda like naming rights for a stadium. I will get back to you on the amount, but go ahead and send a blank check to me now!

Nicely played, Berettaman, very nicely played.

Elder abuse.

I have bought some T/C stuff from that Ed Brown place Berettaman. They make good stuff.

6 degrees this morning, this is getting old.

global warming is a beesh.

I can't believe it's still that cold up there. we're almost ready to plant here, probably going to irrigate next week. I saw a bunch of pheasants yesterday, so my efforts are working. found another couple shed horns the other day. still worried about rain this year, not looking good.

Nice here today. It looks like rain coming down this way, lots of wet heavy snow up Nort.

I toured their place the other day and it is impressive. His name is Eban Brown and he used to rent my dad's shop. I go to the same church as his daughter who runs the investor relations piece. Very nice folks. It was fun to see what good old hard work can do for a person. The owners lunch is coming up and I am looking forward to that.

We're supposed to get 1" - 2" of snow late Friday into Saturday, than turning to sleet and rain.

snowing here right now. ick. although it is a decent day for ...January.

Grizzly Bill, I just set up my bank account, so it would be nice if you could start it out with a little seed money!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

snowing here right now. ick. although it is a decent day for ...January.

Grizzly Bill, I just set up my bank account, so it would be nice if you could start it out with a little seed money!

OK, I'll run out to Fleet Farm and pick up some lettice seeds. What's you're address?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

snowing here right now. ick. although it is a decent day for ...January.

Grizzly Bill, I just set up my bank account, so it would be nice if you could start it out with a little seed money!

Sure. Just post up you account number and we'll get right on that.

Heck, I might as well. You cant get less than 0 in an account can ya?

Sure, you guys can make fun of me now, but when I own my very own island in the Carribean, will you even come visit??

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Heck, I might as well. You cant get less than 0 in an account can ya?

Sure, you guys can make fun of me now, but when I own my very own island in the Carribean, will you even come visit??

Island? You want to buy an Island? Have I got a deal for you! I bet I can even get you a bridge too. Think I still have one off the coast of Africa.

Happy birthday Bill!

I'm getting some good work done on the roadrunner this weekend!

Dave-what's your weather like up north? I was kind of surprised to see a few guys out on the ice down here yet yesterday. They must be laying planks from shore, as the ice is pulled back several feet from the bank.

I don't think there would be a problem driving 1 ton truck from shore out onto lake of the woods right now, I'ts been damn cold.

We started out at 29 degrees this morning so it might not be too terrible for some sandblasting that I need to do outside later today.

Thx Dave.

Woke up to snow yesterday. Most of the snow in the front yard is gone now, but it will be better than a week yet before the back is clear.

The Wolf River is open and some Walleyes are being caught although you still have to dodge the ice chunks.

My computer is still acting up and will be going back to the shop on Monday. I'm begining to wonder if the problem isn't in the wireless router. It's going in too.

only ice we have is in trays, I think I need to sell my ice fishing stuff, I doubt I'll get to use it out here

I just left the Keweenaw Bay area in the North Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over three feet of ice on the inland lakes and two to four feet in spots in the bay. The ice goes out for nearly thirty miles on the bay and that was on the 4th of April when I left. I don't foresee it leaving until mid May this year. So, if you're looking for ice.......

Brinky-

I spent a couple summers in U.P. when I was younger. Beautiful country up there. We fished from Little Bay De Noc in Rapid River all the way up through the Paint River and up into the Porcupine Mountains. That's some stunning country up that way. My dad worked pipeline work up there for a couple years. We'd leave in late August to head back home for school for me, and he'd start catching the browns when they'd run into Little Bay De Noc. 'Caught big browns on Johnson Sprite spoons till his arms and back hurt. Great memories!

Ryan, hope you stocked up groceries. Weather Channel is calling for up to 2 feet of snow for the Black Hills.

Hey bill. Happy B-lated Birthday. I didn't check in much this weekend.

Been holed up with a dang old cold and finally feel human again.

We don't need no stinkin snow. It's almost melted out of the yard. One or two more days like we had yesterday and it will be gone.

GG,

Johnson's Silver Minnow is still a great trout spoon. I've caught a few myself out of the "The Big Lake" in Duluth as a kid near the mouths of a few local rivers. Lester, French, Knife and a few seceret creeks that I'll never tell about.

... Unitil I take the kids down there.

Thx Tom. We're getting light rain over here and the forecast is for rain and snow flurries most of the week. Probably be at least another week before all our snow is gone.

Plan on heading over to Green Bay Friday for the Fleet Farm spring outdoor show at Lambeau field.

Going to be taking the Dell and wireless router in to be checked out today so I'll be off line for a bit.

well Happy Birthday GB! Good luck with the confuser.

Lotsa snow around here yet.

Happy Belated Birthday Bill!!!!

I Finally got a chance to check in, it has been a while.

Got my diploma in the mail the other day. Now thinking about getting into dog grooming too.

I guess I will see what happens.

I am so ready for the snow to be gone!!! Our house plans and blue prints are all done. Once we can start on the dirt work it is a go!

got up to 20" headed our way in the next 2 days, crazy.

found this mowing today on some public land. not a bad deer

[Linked Image]

What the heck? I missed something. You're building a house? Congrats and very cool!

Ok question for you parent type folks. My baby girl had a big birthday, finally into the double digets...and got an Ipod. she can text and call from. (sounds like a phone to me but what do I know?

) Did any of you find it weird to get a text from your kids the first time?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

found this mowing today on some public land. not a bad deer

[Linked Image]

You found a dead deer mowing? How did he get the mower started, let alone be able to cut with it?

you see some weird stuff out here

Tom, get used to it. It won't last long.

I spose not. I have another one that is working his way towards that I guess. He's more interested in hitting the ball over the fence right now. For now at least.

my oldest is 5, so he doesn't text really.

my daughter will tap Morse code on my face with her hand sometimes, it means daddy get up.

we woke up to a winter wonderland this morning, weather channel says 7.3 inches of snow and more is scheduled to come. funny how our biggest snow day came after the first day of spring

Let him do it as long as you can. they grow up way too fast. My daughter was in st.cloud saturday for State Free throw contest, ended up 3rd place shooting 22-25. 1st was 23. so she did very well i thought. Trying to talk her into doing AAU basketball now but just talk my head off. kids are great!

Well he says he's going to play for the Twins, so it sounds like he'll be playing for quite a while. If they held a try out for the Twins, that might be a team he could actually make.

wind is howling,and pouring rain.
sure glad it s not all snow.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, hope you stocked up groceries. Weather Channel is calling for up to 2 feet of snow for the Black Hills.

over 18" in the last 48 hours and it's still coming down lightly.
equal to just over an inch of rain. we needed it BADLY!

Assuming your ground isn't frozen, you'll get a nice slow soak this way too rather than a run off.

it was in the 70's all last week, our ground is thawed and dry, it should soak in nice. supposed to be in the 50's and 60's next week. snow through the end of the week warming to 40's for a high, teens and single digits at night for a low. just what we need.

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone.

Well the Dell is back but they really couldn't find anything. He did remove my Yahoo toolbar, because he said he has seen the Yahoo toolbar totally lock up Explorer 9. Time will tell.

Muffy congrats on getting your license and keep us posted on the house.

Tom, my 8 year old grandson told his mom he wanted a cell phone because all the other kids had them. Mom said, NO!

Rained all day Tuesday, we had better than a 1/2 inch. Woke up this morning to an inch of snow on top of half inch of ice. Not fun removing it. They're calling for more rain, sleet and 2 to 4" inch of snow by Tursday. Snow in the forecast for Friday.

Well, my 8 year old son isn't getting one either. I wasn't real impressed when the text from a 10 year old little girl came to my phone either. I'm not paying for it I guess, but there are some rules that WILL not be broken if she likes that thing very much.

Looks like Minneapolis is getting dumped on this morning. Just started raining here. Windy as heck too.

Nasty here too. Will we get our 2 weeks of summer this year or not?

Summer was fun but fast this year. It seemed lime it just flew by

did i miss it?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

did i miss it?

Yep! we just went from winter to winter.

damn, we never saw 50 here.

Barely hit 40...

sadness...

sigh...

only about 4" here, far short of projected amount.

I turned on the air conditioning yesterday and have already cut my grass once and you guys are getting snow.Is this a great country or what?

Stan in SC

Stan, I am almost ready to drive down to cut your grass for you, once... but you have to come up and chase my snowblower this weekend.....

Grass? That's the stuff that gets smoked, right?

Picked up an inch of snow overnight. Looks like we'll have light snow most of the day.

light snow here and upper 20s. just a nice February day. got about 4-5" yesterday.

Starting to daydream about taking my daughter to Canada fishing already. We have reservations at Lac Seul. Every night she asks me about it at bedtime. When will we leave, Dad? When will we get there? How long will it take? Will we see a moose? Bear? Wolf? What time will we wake up? Can I read in the morning before we go fishing since I get up at 6 am every day? How many fish will we catch? I love it!

Originally Posted by fluffy

only about 4" here, far short of projected amount.

Are you talking about snow?

There's always one in every crowd, T!!!!

Someoene had to.

I only kid because I'm jealous.

warmed up here today, snow is melting pretty good and soaking into the ground, VERY GOOD! calling for rain next week, keeping our fingers crossed

No kidding, 11 more inches forecast for this weekend (of snow). People are getting kinda edgy about it. I dont know that I would talk about supporting Global Warming around here too much these days if you prefer all of your teeth. Heck, I am thinking about letting my truck idle in the driveway all night just to speed it up.

The sun, the sun. Actually saw the sun this morning along with about a 10th of an inch of fresh snow.

I am sooooo freaking sick of this weather. First off, my "summer" hockey group started. It was too cold, wet, and snowy to drink beer in the parking lot after our skate.

Hockey without beer is like sex without a woman. You can do it, but it ain't the way it's supposed to be done!!!!

My next whining is that I let a friend in AZ talk me into a mountain-bike race June 1st. A long one. 104 miles actually. I am so sick of biking indoors that I am close to buying a "spin" bike just to bring up to my cabin and shoot with every firearm I own. Seriously.

[/rant]

SIL shot a bearded hen turkey with his bow Friday.

haven't heard how the turkeys are doing around here, I wonder if they got any birds

getting more snow Ryan?

Our daughter's softball team had shoveled off the complete varsity field two weeks ago. Now, there's 8 inches of slop on it again. 'Heard the lacrosse wussies haven't started either because of the snow. That's crap-if your man enough to put on the pads and beat on each other like they do, you ought to be man enough to play in the snow-heck, snow never stopped football season.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

SIL shot a bearded hen turkey with his bow Friday.

Do you think the bearded hens feel self conscious of have a complex about that beard?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

SIL shot a bearded hen turkey with his bow Friday.

Do you think the bearded hens feel self conscious of have a complex about that beard?

Nope. They're too busy with their circus gigs to be self conscious.

Snowing like heck right now. Supposed to turn to rain. We're on tap to get over an inch of rain by Monday.

Wife suggested that I put the Christmas lights back up.

This is the start of the next ICE AGE... LOL....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

getting more snow Ryan?

Nope, it rained last night, windy today I'd say it's about 40 out now. rumors of some snow later this evening, but I figure it will be flurries if its anything. I'm glad I aint turkey hunting this weekend!

Ended up with 2.6" of snow and a little rain. Fog here this morning. Upper 40's for temps today. May see 50� Tomorrow.

this week is supposed to be cold with temps just above freezing with intermittent rain and snow. so much for spring.....

We're getting the blowing snow now. Just when it was starting to dry up a little.

Oh well, at least I got some work done on the roadrunner.

looking more car shaped with the fenders back on.

A few pics pam took yesterday as Nate and I were gapping fenders, doors and hood.

[Linked Image]

This is my happy face.

[Linked Image]

the cartoon hood bird is being sanded off the car this week.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/roadrunner%20stuff/roadrunner9_zps5ae6f142.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/roadrunner%20stuff/roadrunner13_zps50feef99.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

the cartoon hood bird is being sanded off the car this week.

[Linked Image]

Why?

The weather bug finally hit me yesterday. I couldn't possibly be grumpier than I was yesterday.

Save the cartoons Dave.

Pam, did you get the job?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

the cartoon hood bird is being sanded off the car this week.

[Linked Image]

Why?

To be replaced with the chicken buck logo and however you type the sounds a chicken buck makes

They say....

[Linked Image]

"Buck-buck-buck!"

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Pam, did you get the job?

She kind of did.

Well, she was selected, given the job... now waiting to see if a union worker's grievance filing will upset the apple cart...

(wreck everything and reverse her tentative promotion)

She's in total limbo... nerve racking.

Mid 50's in NE Wis today; warmest since December according to GB weather. I'm as cabin fevered out as anyone, but with all the snow we did have this winter, the slow melt is a blessing. Also, I usually buy a case of quarts of maple syrup yearly. Last year was so warm the season here (50 miles north of Green Bay) was only about 7-10 days long, instead of the usual 3-6 weeks. Seems like the slow spring should do wonders for that season. Anything to keep my simple brain from getting too uptight about too long winters. I should probably move 500 miles south when I retire.

Is it just me if is Nate taller than Dave :-) ?

We checked the other day, I still got him by 1.5 or 2 inches.

Of course that was like 2 weeks ago so, he's probably got me by an inch or so the way he been growing.

He'll be grinding gears off that plymoth 4-speed in no time.

not if he keeps getting it stuck as he seems to have a knack to with other vehicles..........

That sounds more like the girl child.

My thought when I saw that picture was that Nate is taller than Dave.Won't be long.
You're correct Dave.The bird must go.
I got the scope mounted on the 12Ga/.308 and went to the gun club and sighted it in.It shoots great.I have 5.5 inches of eye relief on the scope so I won't get "eyeballed" with the scope when shooting the 12 gauge barrel.

Stan in SC

LOL, hows college life treating her?

She wouldn't know much about that.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

You're correct Dave. The bird must go.

scrub

a dub

dub

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e..._2013-04-15_19-08-35_241_zps08fd71a8.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e..._2013-04-15_19-08-56_879_zpsd80a95cb.jpg[/img]

Not sad.

looking real good dave. keep it up, can't wait to see that car. you got so much talent!

Dave,

Car looking good !!

Trying to stay positive about the protracted weather & the weekends snow dump.

I decided the 8" of fresh white stuff was a good thing.

Covered up all the "barkers eggs", in the yard !

Paul.

I like the optimistic spin that tjk put on it, tying it into the maple syrup thing was pure genius!

Originally Posted by tjk

Mid 50's in NE Wis today; warmest since December according to GB weather. I'm as cabin fevered out as anyone, but with all the snow we did have this winter, the slow melt is a blessing. Also, I usually buy a case of quarts of maple syrup yearly. Last year was so warm the season here (50 miles north of Green Bay) was only about 7-10 days long, instead of the usual 3-6 weeks. Seems like the slow spring should do wonders for that season. Anything to keep my simple brain from getting too uptight about too long winters. I should probably move 500 miles south when I retire.

Car is looking good!

we got more of that damned white stuff falling today, 4 inches so far and they are calling for a lot more. the moisture is good but I'm ready for spring

Back in January at a firearm dealer show I ordered a Chiappa "Little Badger".It's a rather neat looking minimalist .22 single shot break open.I got it in today.Neat neat little gun.Looking forward to shooting it.

Stan in SC

Last week we got just about an even 5" of rain here in Mid Michigan.....We had about 190 acres of beets freshly planted when it started so the jury will be out for a while on those. Recieved another .8 last nite...and now it's supposed to rain for 5 out of the next 7 days. Late plantings for us here. Very ready for the sun to shine....lol.
Grand Bird you have there Dave...very nice project!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Back in January at a firearm dealer show I ordered a Chiappa "Little Badger".It's a rather neat looking minimalist .22 single shot break open.I got it in today.Neat neat little gun.Looking forward to shooting it.

Stan in SC

let me know how you like it, is it light? I would be very interested to hear your take on it once you get it out in the field. I might like to get one, what do they go for?

The sun was out yesterday while I was at work and it was great. So great i fired up the weber and cooked some veni-burgers. They were great.

Back to crap weather for a few days. I don't have a boat right now, so I can live with it.

Ryan,
It only weighs 3-1/2 pounds.Retail is around $180 or so.
I put an NCstar red dot on it.

Stan in SC

Good luck finding .22 ammo if you don't have a supply Stan. None to be found in this area. Last I heard is that a brick of .22's was going for over $50 if you can find any and that was the lower quality stuff.

I hate to say it Bill, but I'd consider paying $50 for a brick.

BTW...I'm headed your way in a few weeks to try and deflate a few turkeys. Did you pick up a tag? I didn't get drawn, but went on-line and saw there was 21K tags still available? I'm not sure how that all works?

but I picked up some for the week of 5/1-5/7

I'll be down with my BIL and maybe my shadow.

You can troll Gunbroker for .22 ammo. I sold some there a while ago that I could not use. I got $37/brick but with postage it cost the guy $53.50.

Gunshow prices seem to start at about $70 and go up to as much as $200, though no one seems to be buying it. Where the currently manufactured stuff is going, nobody really knows.

I won a Stoeger Uplander 16 ga at a PF banquet last weekend. I would like to sell it if you know anyone interested. Otherwise, I am looking to trade it in on something. Hmmmmm. Need a slug gun for the kiddos pretty soon. Dont have a pistol. A tack-driving .243 or .25/06 would be nice. Doggone it, my wish list is longer than that gun will bring in trade methinks!

I should be around Tom. I didn't put in for a tag this year.

One source says the gobernment is buying up all the 22 and other pistol calibers along with 223 and 7.62 X 39 ammo to keep it out of the hands from all of us crazzies.

I'll grab a box for ya at the local mom n pop country store next time i'm on my way to chickenbuck.

I always keep a good supply of all ammo on hand and I reload so I am not hurting in the least for anything I shoot.

Stan in SC

In the last couple weeks I've been able to pick up 240 rounds of Tula 7.62x39, but .22 has been very tough to come by. Shotgun shells seem to be available. I'm buying a couple boxes of ammo for each of my deer rifles now so I don't have to worry about having ammo this fall. .223, 22 LR, 45 a.c.p. and 9 mm are very tough to find right now.

I bought a 150 rounds of .223 at fleet farm a week back.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I always keep a good supply of all ammo on hand and I reload so I am not hurting in the least for anything I shoot.

Stan in SC

smart man!

BM, I have an old colt 1903 pocket hammerless 32 ACP it was made in 1918 IIRC.

I'd be interested in that 16 ga, I have a PF member here who is looking for a sxs 16

The Fleet Farm here hasn't had any 223 on the shelves in a month. I picked up some 165 grain Federal Fusions Monday in 06 for under$20 a box. Gander was charging over $40 for them. Gander did have a sign stating they would match competitors price if you brought in proof..........

Gander has always had that policy. I just figured I'd go to the cheapest spot and buy it. They should be the ones to keep their prices competetive, not us. I'm pretty much done with GM unless I really can't find it somewhere else.

They're turning into a clothing store that sells guns and fishing rods. I can get better deals on fishing gear from Fleet Farm 10 of 10 times. GM does have a better selection of ammo though.

Gander did have ammo for my 257. Fleet of out of it. Gander is the store of last resort for me.

The gun store I work part time at has puhlenty of .223 and 7.62X39.

Stan in SC

I was out in the driveway this morning when I felt something tugging on my pants leg. When I looked down, there sat a squirrel looking at me with a sad look on it's face. Than to my amazement it spoke. "Mister when will it warm up? My nutz are still frozen."

Trace of snow here this AM. I heard they got dumped on in the far Northern part of the state and could get up to a foot of snow today.

We got a good 10" in neighborhood and more was falling when I left for work.

Keep it over there please.

Further east of us are getting belted at present & the Trans Canada Highway has been closed 3 times in the last 24 hours.

Starting to wonder if the ice is going to be out for walleye opener

Paul

breezy here but warmer. snow is mostly gone. going turkey hunting in a few hours. enjoying a day off!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Further east of us are getting belted at present & the Trans Canada Highway has been closed 3 times in the last 24 hours.

Starting to wonder if the ice is going to be out for walleye opener

Paul

not likely here.
18 inches of snow,on top of 36 inches of ice,hard to melt that in 2 weeks.
that snow amount was before the last snownami,probably 24 inches now.

We ended up with about a foot down here on the south end of the Cities. Ammo update-none to be had at Wally-World today. Nothing came in on the truck. Went to Fleet Farm after work, and picked up a second box of Federal Premium '06 165 gr. BTSP. I've got two boxes now so set for deer season. 'Gonna pick up a couple boxes of Remmy 180 gr. loads for the Savage. I don't want there to be any chance of having to hunt for ammo this fall. They had no .22 LR. A good supply of .223 if you don't mind paying a buck a round for it. Too much for me.

14" to 18" of snow in the Lake Superior snow belt of WI according to the 10:00 PM weather report.

Nice and sunny here this AM.

Walleye season opens the first Saturday in May. I doubt that some of the more popular Northern lakes will be ice free.

My favorite "lake" in WI will be ice free.

Oh joy, it's snowing

You poor guys.

It's all missed us, we are in a slow melt here. Our gravel driveway is actually shaping up pretty good. (gets messy in the spring every year)

Good progress of the road runner

[Linked Image]

That's a special surfacing primer, I get to hand sand on the whole car again today. This is the part you don't see much of on the reality hot rod tv shows. A good paint job on a 44 yr old muscle car is 95% surface prep/sanding and maybe 5% "painting".

Saw some flakes landing here too bill. It appears to be finished for now.

It's starting to look "racy." I can't wait to see the final product.

The ground is covered in white stuff. Supposed to turn into rain later this AM.

Really shaping up Dave. Can't wait to see the finished product.

its been raining here since about noon-one pm.

You must have sent it out way.

My supervisor just told me we could be in for 6+ inches of snow tonight/tomorrow. I've officailly had enough!

Up to a foot around Lake Superior. They just had 2 feet dumped on them last Thursday/Friday.

Looks like all we'll get is a few flurries?

Yeah,

Went out to a splake lake on Saturday. Still down to te powerhead before breaking through !!

Still almost 4 weeks here till opener on May 18th.

Fingers crossed !

Paul.

woke up to 6" this morning, snowed most of the day, it's warming/melting now. we even got rain this weekend! my yard is soaked! woohoo!

Weather Channel said Rapid City set a new April precipitation record.

blizzard here now.
wet,heavy snow.

Yep, so wet that my sump pump is running.

it did, at one point they got 28 inches in 2 days or something like that. we needed it badly!

Weather station said Duluth has had 50" of snow so far in April. Their April average is 5".

Getting light rain here this AM.

Last year a bunch of folks here seemed to be interested in trail cameras. Anyone that is still interested might want to check this sale at Midway.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/269241/product?cm_mmc=M_Spop-Email-_-Clearance-_-Clearance_20130423_1-_-Product2&[email protected]&cm_mmca2=CustNum=100128434

I don't know anything about this particular model, but the price is attractive. I think the Primos Stealth Cam 46, however, might be a better deal for about the same money from Natchez.

Anyway, just info, if anyone is interested.

did you read the reviews?

No, I'm sorry I didn't. I just saw the advertisement and remembered that some here had been interested recently.

Were they not too favorable?

not on the midway site, I checked it out cause my dad was looking for some. weren't the other ones we talked about before from grafs or another place? I believe those reviews were favorable.

Check out Natchez Shooters Supply http://www.natchezss.com/

They have refurb cameras of several types in the same price range.

Brent

The Midway deal that I posted before is already gone apparently
This is the camera I've been using along with others here
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=PY63020RC&src=tpMfg

Originally Posted by BrentD

Check out Natchez Shooters Supply http://www.natchezss.com/

They have refurb cameras of several types in the same price range.

Brent

I think this was the one. are we the only ones reading this thread anymore or what?

Hey Dave, you might need to break out the new fish house for opener this year!

I think they are all worried about blocking their cars. Noble, but hell, it's turkey season here. Actually, I'm between turkeys.

That Primos 46 is pretty good in my book.

Brent

I've been checking on you guys. Not much going on right now. My Dell is back the shop so I'm using the Kindle. Hate typing on it.

I'm here too. It got very busy at work and baseball started so I have 13 little guys to coach. My daughter isn't playing softball and I'm not coaching that team...one is better than two in this case.

I was down at the Mothership for work, but I keep tabs on this place to make sure you folks arent getting in too much twouble. I worry about Grizzly Bill and Stan the most, those are 2 twouble makers that need some monitoring! Lest you forget, remember the dancing on the table with the lampshade on his head in his speedo incident???

We are right at the snow line. Just east and south of us....no snow. Here we have snow. But by the end of the day or weekend for sure, we will see grass! Yippee!

spring has.... sprang?

The last piece of ice in my yard melted today. It made it up to 70* today. Darn near passed out from the heat.

Saw an interview with a sport/bait shop owner up in Minocqua. He said no way were the lakes going to be open for the opener next weekend.

They busted loose in a big way today down here.

How would Grizzly Bill and I ever get along without Berettaman to watch over us?
It has been very warm here.I am planning on going into summer uniform(shorts) next week.I only wear long pants from November until the end of April.The rest of the time it's shorts.

Stan in SC

Stan, we have one local character that wears shorts year round. You'll see him walking around in the winter with a fox fur hat, parka,sandals and shorts in below zero temps.

Want to start some yard work but have to give it another couple of days to dry out.

Think we've finally isolated the problem with the Dell to the mother board. Not good. Looks like we're going to have a new computer built. Need to determine if we'll go with Windows 7 or 8.

Our varsity football coach wears shorts year round too.

Well Stan, to answer your question, you and GB would be in trouble a lot if I didnt watch over you fellers. Who knows what hairbrained scheme you would come up with next? The only thing I know, is that the scheme would start out with, "Hold my beer and watch this...."!

Actually, come to think of it, I believe ND has been known to utter those words!

House windows are open (on purpose) I really like the non winter weather.

65* here, and it feels gtreat. Windows are open.

Vaccuumed out the car for the first since November. Need to find some carpet shampoo that will clean off the road salt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I really like the non winter weather.

Blasphemy!

Went to the cabin to get our 4 wheeler and our bbq grill. Everything looks good at chickenbuck.

Glad to hear it Dave. 'Ever had any problems with break-ins or animal intrusions?

Not yet, (fingers crossed).

Going to cook outdoors on the grill at home today to celebrate weezy's first week at her new job. She's making us pretty proud with her responsible efforts lately.

Have a good day everyone.

New job? What have I missed? Update please?

Stan in SC

Congrats Weezy.

Anyone using windows 8? If so what do you think of it. We're going to have a new computer built and have the option of Windows 7 or 8.

Weezy is building Polaris ATV's, at a Polaris manufacturing facility. It's hard work, but it's a good job. Very respectable I'd say and good pay too.

So don't be hating on the Polaris stuff, because she's feisty! lol!

She's not siting at home waiting for some kind of obama check to show up because the world somehow owes her money. And she's not bichin and wimpering about anybody "keeping her down", nor is she claiming "there are no jobs out there."

She's out there doing it, sleeves rolled up and working hard for her money. Working hard for her money and sending a good percentage of her earnings along to the government so they can spoon it out to all the slugs that choose not to work.

She's towing the line, and I'm proud of her.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Congrats Weezy.

Anyone using windows 8? If so what do you think of it. We're going to have a new computer built and have the option of Windows 7 or 8.

There's a windows 8?

Mercy, we are still struggling along with stinky old vista.

Yep there's an 8 and 8.1 will be out sometime this summer to fix all the problems in 8. We're currently running 7.

We're most likely going to go with 7. If 8.1 proves to be stable we'll upgrade.

Yes, there is a Win 8. It is designed to turn your computer into a cell-phone like device. If you run a smart phone, I think Win 8 will work on it. But if you don't and you don't care to have a cel phone clone for a computer and you don't use touch screens. well...

Let's put it this way. I bought a new laptop last week that came with Win8. It now has Win 7 on it.

Brent

We have a Kindle, Brent so we're used to the touch screen. Wondows 8 is not very desk top friendly if you don't have a touch screen. Lots of extra mouse clicks I've been told.

OK you guys we're all going to have to buy Polaris products from here on out. Maybe Weezy can get us a deal?

up to about 80 miles on my mountain bike so far this spring.
Ive noticed that the frogs are out in force "already",although there is still snow around,and lots of ice,although its going fast.

Mountain bike? They have mountains in MN?

Yep...Eagle Mt.

Clmib it and tell me it's just a hill.

Just happened to glance out the kitchen window last evening and saw a Red Tailed Hawk tearing away at something. Couldn't tell if it was fur or feathers littering the lawn. Turned to be feathers. When I went out to check all that was left was a small piece of a crop with a few seed in it. Appeared to have been a Dove.

New computer has been ordered.

Yeah for Weezy ! We have a Polaris dealership here and a

Kawasucki

Neighbors dog chased a turkey out her pines around 5:30 PM. She didn't know if it was a Tom or a hen.

I saw a bunch of em this morning on the way into work. One strutter and a few hens. One hen tried to commit hari cari with the explorer.

There must be something in the air because last night it was a black bear that tried to do the same thing but it was with my Neon. The bear was in an odd spot...in the middle of I-94 E just over the St. Croix river in WI. To say it got my attention would be an understatement.

MN is slated for upto 5" of white stuff between wed/thursday night. GROSS!

Been a number of bear sightings around here also.

We may see some of the white stuff over here too. I was going to change the oil and drain the gas on the blower today, but I think I'll hold off.

Talking of bear I even saw a few on my bear hunt. No pictures of the the bear but I did shoot a small one on the last day last hour of the hunt. I will say the hunt was a lot of fun but I am still recovering. Here is an example of the area hunted.

PS that tiny group of trees in the center of the picture had a small heard of elk grazing. I saw a lot of elk a few deer and a total of 7 bears.

Wow, looks like tough country, beautiful though. Where were you?

We were at the Shepp Ranch on the Salmon River. 26 miles by road east of Riggins and the 18 miles by jet boat. Tough country would be an understatement in my opinion but I'am an old guy. Brutal was my thought and I still hurt to go along with that thought.

I had a dang suicidal deer running wide open smoke the side my truck last night at 7:10 in broad daylight. Dang thing blended in with the grass and the cut cornfield it was running out of so well, I didn't even see it until a split second before impact. Pretty bad damage to the front fender and drivers door resulted in a dead deer and police report and soon to be insurance claim . Just what I needed...

I've heard of the place TJAY and have seen some photos of the area. Rugged country is a bit of an understatement. I think Idaho has some of the steepest terrain in the country.

What were you doing back in there?

I've been in Hells Canyon (Aptly named) and in the mountains North of McCall.

Griz

I was doing a black bear hunt. There were 4 hunters in camp and everyone saw bears and had good shots. I missed a real nice one and ended up with a small one. One of the guys shot a wolf but I got the only bear.

The starting point.

Jeeze Terry... rough looking country. Congrats on the bear!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I had a dang suicidal deer running wide open smoke the side my truck last night at 7:10 in broad daylight. Dang thing blended in with the grass and the cut cornfield it was running out of so well, I didn't even see it until a split second before impact. Pretty bad damage to the front fender and drivers door resulted in a dead deer and police report and soon to be insurance claim . Just what I needed...

Time to dump that chebby and come over to the right side Big Jelly!
Sorry to hear it though. A PITA to deal with any damn way.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I had a dang suicidal deer running wide open smoke the side my truck last night at 7:10 in broad daylight.

Been there, done that - does keep the freezers topped off at least.

Yeah, ya may want to hold off there Bill, rain is now turning to snow, up here !!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Paul.

Could have used more of this transportation, only one day.

This was at the end of the trail, well most of it was a trail.

This was the final canyon we came but its was without a trail.

This was the first days hike from the river. There was no trail, very steep and a lot of side hilling.

Looking the other direction.

Originally Posted by TJAY

We were at the Shepp Ranch on the Salmon River. 26 miles by road east of Riggins and the 18 miles by jet boat. Tough country would be an understatement in my opinion but I'am an old guy. Brutal was my thought and I still hurt to go along with that thought.

So, not over by Bagley?

Awesome pictures Tjay, congrats on such a rugged and successful trip.

Not sure where Bagley is located. Riggins is south of Orofino an north of McCall. I was in the Frank Church River Of No Return and Gospel Hump Wilderness areas. The country is just beautiful and the folks at the Shepp Ranch were great.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by TJAY

We were at the Shepp Ranch on the Salmon River. 26 miles by road east of Riggins and the 18 miles by jet boat. Tough country would be an understatement in my opinion but I'am an old guy. Brutal was my thought and I still hurt to go along with that thought.

So, not over by Bagley?

The terrain kinda looks like rural Ada Dave.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Not sure where Bagley is located. Riggins is south of Orofino an north of McCall. I was in the Frank Church River Of No Return and Gospel Hump Wilderness areas. The country is just beautiful and the folks at the Shepp Ranch were great.

We're narrowing it down, so... not in Minnesota? lol!

If I remember right, it's has a good sheep population, even a few goats.

Seeing quite a few road kills around here too, Rooster. Too bad about the truck but at least you're ok and trucks can be repaired.

I did see some sheep by the river.

The river ride in.

Idaho? Western Wyoming?

(I'm throwing darts now)

Idaho, Dave.

my guess is Idaho

Originally Posted by TJAY

I did see some sheep by the river.

The river ride in.

this picture makes it look like one hell of a pontoon.

That is really close to where I hunted elk this year. I was north of McCall and SE of Riggins. My legs hurt just looking at those pictures, cuz I know how it works! Beautiful for sure. We saw wolves, but no bears (I could have shot either).

What these jet boats look like.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Seeing quite a few road kills around here too, Rooster. Too bad about the truck but at least you're ok and trucks can be repaired.

Very true Bill. Thanks

Originally Posted by TJAY

What these jet boats look like.

That would be a blast. The whole trip looks like it would be a lot of fun!

Happy birthday big jelly!

[Linked Image]

+1. Have a great day Rooster.

HA HA Thanks fella's!

So Dave, Are you getting ready for the fishing opener? How much ice have you guys got up there yet? I went by our local lakes yesterday and they were ice free. I'm guessing the 'Cities lakes will be a little crowded this year if no one can get out north of town.

Who's getting snow today? I heard parts of MN got 9"so far. Nothing here in central WI. West and NW WI are getting dumped on.
Going to be a rain event for us.

We are getting dumped on right now in Central Iowa. Also supposed to be as cold as 18 F on Saturday.

I'm really not a fishing opener guy. It's a circus for one thing, rookies at the boat ramps, and even boat ramp veterans can have a bad time on that first trip due to unexpected mechanical troubles or forgotten items or just due to being 6 or 7 months removed from the whole thing.

Then there's the weather.... almost guaranteed to be miserable.

I gladly sit it out.

I am with you Dave....I get all sorts of weird looks from the people who know I love to fish when I tell them I may not get out on opener (mostly coworkers in the Twin Cities). I tell them, I live in lake country, I can fish on Tuesday night!

Garage sale weekend here. I have about 110 muskie lures to sell, I hope they go well. And then a purge of junk. I smile every time someone walks away with something.

I think I've only fished on MN opener...it was 1999. I was leaving for WI to live a few weeks later, so I figured I better at least do one opener. A group of guys from work went up to Kab to camp in Voyagers Nat. Park and fish. We didn't do well on the fish.

On the WI openers, I always went to the WI river because I had it to myself, since the lakes were open.

At that point, I'd been fishing the river for about a month anyway so I had a few spots sniffed out.

BTW...Not a drop of snow up here.

14.3" of snow in Sawyer County as of 11:30 AM today. Our deer camp is in Sawyer County.

Only had a few sprinkles here.

By the way, I just noticed that this thread has over 40 million views. 40 million. That is kinda a big number, eh? Just think if Dave could collect a measly dime per view!

How bout a penny?

Half a penny?

lol!

we supposedly got 8 inches here,but there was only an inch on the ground this morning when I went to work,nothing at all a few miles north of here.
It was all gone when I got home.

18" in Hayward and 17.2" in Rice Lake .

I used to be a die hard MN opener guy. But like Dave said the weather is usually terrible. Windy, cold and snow/sleet is not uncommon on the opener. That is just not fun to fish in anymore. Must be gettin old.

It's fun listening to you guys go on about the opener. Brings back lots of memories.

I doubt there was a moment I looked forward to more than The Opener. and the ones I remember best and most warmly were the coldest, most fishless Openers. I'm damn glad to have been there, freezing in an aluminum boat, busting ice with an oar to get across the lake, hoping my minnow was still useable after a strike or a snag because I couldn't bear to stick my hand in the minnow bucket again (but I always did anyway), and hauling up the anchor getting even colder. No, those were the best times and I'd do them again in a second if I could, and especially if my dad was there. Probably the best times we ever had.

Know what you mean Brent.

The last opener I fished with my son before he headed West was in 1990. It had snowed 6 or more inches several days before opening day and stayed cold.

We drove up to Price county to trout fish on Price Creek. The temp was below freezing when we got there and I had to constantly clear the ice out of the rod guides. I started out using spinners, but decided to try crawlers around 9 AM. When I opened the container and grabed a crawler I got a big surprise, it was frozen stiff.

If I remember right my son caught 2 trout and I caught none, but we still had a great time.

BTW...This is the first post from the new computer.

Brent, how is your wifes new Escape working out? My son picks his up today (Company car).

I vaguely remember one opener when the weather was stunningly good and we caught a ton of fish that year. But you know, I don't have a single visual memory of it. Not a single remarkable event except that it happened and it was fun. All the important memories are tied into those cold, miserable fishless years. Damn I miss that stuff.

Bill, the wife really really likes the new Escape. I drive it about once or twice per week, but I am liking it too. It isn't exactly powerful, but has enough zip for passing cars on two-lane with ease and I do that a lot when I drive it.

Mileage was not what I had hoped at first but it improved quite a bit. I don't know if that is breaking in (I thought new engines do not require a break-in period anymore) or if turbos really suck more gas when the weather is cold.

Sort of cold now ~34F and it finally quit snowing after over 30 hrs of nonstop snowfall.

I've had several people tell me they didn't get advertised mileage until around 5K miles. Different makes were involved.

Read an article on the Ford 4 cylinder eco-boost engines that stated that you have to use premium fuel to get the maximum advertised HP.

I never get advertised mileage in any vehicle. But I did hope to get better at first. I'm happy now, so all is good.

Originally Posted by BrentD

It's fun listening to you guys go on about the opener. Brings back lots of memories.

I doubt there was a moment I looked forward to more than The Opener. and the ones I remember best and most warmly were the coldest, most fishless Openers. I'm damn glad to have been there, freezing in an aluminum boat, busting ice with an oar to get across the lake, hoping my minnow was still useable after a strike or a snag because I couldn't bear to stick my hand in the minnow bucket again (but I always did anyway), and hauling up the anchor getting even colder. No, those were the best times and I'd do them again in a second if I could, and especially if my dad was there. Probably the best times we ever had.

That is a very good point Brent. I do have some GREAT memories of those cold, fishless days...

Like waiting at the access for the snow to let up a little so we could see well enough to back the boat in. Once in, the white caps were splashing over the side of the boat and we laughed and laughed at how crazy it was. Blinding snow. Strong NW wind and we are out in the middle of a lake because it was...The Opener.

Thanks for putting a positive spin on it.

our season never closes here, but I remember what "opener" was like. my friends and I used to be out there at midnight. I remember when I was about 15 or so night fishing at grandpa's lake and it was warm, like 60 that night. Then the next year I was huddled against a bridge with snow flying thinking WTH am I doing here?

Don't miss opener at all. I don't even fish much anymore really, and I work next to a reservoir that is one of the best in the state. sad

Me and the little guy got a big bird down this morning. 20'ish pounds, 9 3/4" beard, 7/8" spurs, 42 yards. I like them closer but he was nervous from a lot of movement and excited chatter from a 7 year old.

Working on bird number two now and trying to get BIL his

Good going Tom. Hope you guys can put 2 on the ground.

Brent, sons' Escape has the 1.6 eco-boost also.

Originally Posted by tzone

Me and the little guy got a big bird down this morning. 20'ish pounds, 9 3/4" beard, 7/8" spurs, 42 yards. I like them closer but he was nervous from a lot of movement and excited chatter from a 7 year old.

SWEET !

All those turkey pics I posted and I haven't been one time

shame shame shame

I haven't been in a while either, I see them every day and hear them gobble, just aint been chasin them. I should as I only have a few weeks of season left

We've lost Dusty.

I can't pull the words together at the moment, I just wanted to ask for some prayers and thoughts for his wife Eileen, Daughter Missy (Muffy,) his grandchildren and all of his Chickenbuckers.

He went peacefully, Missy called me this afternoon with the news.

I talked to Missy on facebook last night, been prayin a lot for him and the family. tonight I'll raise a glass to one of the most kind hearted men I've had the pleasure to meet. got to get off now, starting to cloud up.

RIP, Dusty! We have lost one of the truly great ones.

Muffy and Eileen are prayers are with you. You too, Dave. I know what Dusty meant to you.

Damn Cancer. Best wishes to the family.

Very sad news. I wish all of you the best.

Brent

Dave,

Very sorry to hear about Dusty. Prayers for peace and comfort to your family from mine.

Jeff

We love you dusty, but you knew that. I'm glad I got to meet you, even though we only knew each other for 4-5 years, you're family. A kinder soul will not be found down here, and we won't be the same without you Uncle Dusty.

Very sorry to hear about Dusty will say a prayer the family

To all the Chickenbuckers with heavy hearts today, a simple wish that you hang on to your best memories of Dusty. I never knew him, just heard of him here at the fire. Prayers to all the friends and family as we lose another one of "us" here at the fire.

RIP Dusty

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family

I am very saddened to hear that Dusty Has passed away.Condolences to the entire family from both Linda and myself.

Stan in SC

Rest in Peace Dusty . Prayers to your family from ours .

Dave, you and all your family are in our prayers. Never had a chance to meet Uncle Dusty, but feel like I lost a good friend.

Sorry to hear of your loss missy and dave! I know he will be missed alot. He was a super guy and i still laugh daily about the stories he told us at camp. I heard alot of them and i'm sure there are lots more. We will be praying for u all! Take care!

Prayers from here as well. Celebrate his life and the contributions he has made to all of you. I wish I could have met him, from all I have heard, he is one of a kind.

Dave and family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.

While I never met Dusty in person, I am saddened by the news of his passing. If you can judge the quality of a man by the friends and legacy he leaves behind, then it tells me Dusty was top-tier.

RIP Dusty.

Very sorry to hear this. Sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.

Bad news for everyone left here but Waylon got some good company.

Time to take that yeller truck for a drive.

Thanks everybody, I was able to meet up with Eileen and Missy today, nice visit. I helped missy put the bags back onto Dusty's beloved Heritage springer classic, we charged the battery, Missy wiped it down and we took it for a little ride around town.

It occurred to me that it was the first time our 2 bikes were in the same place at the same time, so I wanted to get some pictures (I drove my blue bike down to visit Eileen and Missy today) Dusty's is the white bike.

[Linked Image]

Missy has some pictures on her good camera too, these are just off my phone.

300 or so miles for me today on the bike. I caught hell about the onion skin back tire on my bike from the ladies.

Very observant females.

Very,very cool Dave and Missy.

What is an "onion skin" tire?

onion skin tire is a tire that is so worn out that it's thin like the skin of an onion.

non safe.

A pair a classics bikes for sure !

Dave your better get that tire fixed before you can see the air in it ! What years are the bikes ?

the white bike is a 97, the blue one is a 2001

I posted this up in the main forum, copied and pasted here.

If I could please ask of all out honorary camp chickenbuck members abroad, a small favor.

Could you all please do your best to contact other friends and members here that you know of who have ordered camp chickenbuck shirts, please help me spread the word quickly. I'd really like it if I could collect photos of all of our chickenbuck supporters out there wearing their shirts. Some have posted hunting photos over the years of an animal they have taken while wearing their lucky shirt, those older photos are perfect. They don't have to be new photos. But if I could collect a bunch of pictures of the good folks of the campfire proudly wearing their chickenbuck gear I'd like to display those photos at Dusty's funeral service this week.

Camp chickenbuck was probably more important to Dusty than anyone else I know, he was just crazy about the whole thing. He loved it when people would ask him about his shirt or his hat, or about his tattoo on his arm (chickenbuck). Because then he was able to tell his fun story about his deer camp and the little boy with the imagination that dreamed up the chicken-buck etc.

There will be lots of chickenbuck attire at the service this week and I do think it would be fun to show people (locally) that Dusty's chickenbuck really is kind of a big deal.

If you feel so inclined to wear your shirts this week on Thursday in honor of Dusty, well that would be really nice as well.

So, if you could, post up here, or PM me, or email me at [email protected]

Hit me with your pictures if you have one, maybe include your name and state or country of residence as well. First name is fine.

[Linked Image]

ND,
You will be happy to know that today was the first day I went with a short sleeve shirt and I picked a red Chickenbuck Tshirt in honor of Dusty! I will take a pic and pass it along.

Dave
Pic emailed.

Dave, of course I didn't know Dusty except from this site.
Cancer is a terrible thing.
Bet he was a very strong person in his life with a good humor.
Rip Dusty.

Dave and family, Missy and her mom. Your uncle/dad/husband is at peace now. No more pain.

Thanks guys.

I just caught up here and saw the news about Dusty....condolences thoughts n prayers from us to all of you....

Lisa n Scott

For Dusty

I never met him or talked to him just a few E-chats now and then but I know he was the kind of man you could count on in a pinch .

See you around the campfire Sir!

Sam & Vickie Hardin Ada Oklahoma

Well that's really nice.

Thanks so much Sam and Vickie for the nice photo.

And to everybody for such nice words.

Dave, I sent a few pics to your email at work. I don't think I had them in photobucket to post here.

Originally Posted by mule1

For Dusty

I never met him or talked to him just a few E-chats now and then but I know he was the kind of man you could count on in a pinch .

You got that right. Dusty was a very kind man. I only knew him for a few short years but I was always excited to get up to camp and see him and his big smile....he always had that on. I don't think I ever saw him upset at anything. He could fix anything that was broke and has forgotten more stuff about the outdoors than I'll even know.

He liked to get his little buddy "Preacher Joe" fired up getting the stories of the mythical woods creatchers floating through camp. As a bit of an outsider to knowing him for long...it was clear, camp was a place that made him happy. Seeing him there, made me happy.

I'll never forget the big jovial laugh that would come from his spot at the table when a story full of BS would come out of somebody.

Hey all, we've been kinda sad with all that's been going on with Uncle Dusty so I thought I'd post this story I put over on the Turkey Hunting thread.

It's copied from there...

I got to share a great WI turkey hunt with my boy this past weekend. It was a big deal because he got to skip school on friday to come with his dad and uncle on a hunt. He has been doing well in school and he'd learn some lessons on our trip anyway.

On Saturday morning, we set up at the bottom of a ridge I call Roosting Ridge...well they weren't there. At 5:15 there was a gobble 40 acres to the west, then a jake a bit closer. With Jack sitting with me, a jake would have bit the dust. I waited a bit a longer and gave him a few soft yelps.

A gobble sounded a bit closer, so I waited about 10 minutes and hit him again. Gaarooobleoobble! He sounded off within 300 yds so I put the call away and told Jack he was coming, but "DUH" he already knew that.

I saw him cross the road toward us about 200 yards out and he went in the woods. I was tempted to hit the call but I held off and he popped out of the bushes into a hay field by us and strutted a bit. I had two feeding hen dekes out and then "soft yelped" a few times to turn him our way. It worked!

He picked his way from about 100 yards to what I thought was about 30. My boy was getting pretty antsy so the tom was nervous and started to "half-strut" then looked like he'd seen enough...so I told Jack I was going to shoot and hit the go switch. Down he went!

All I could hear as I kept the bead on him was "YES, YES, YES!!!" and a 7 year old jumping up and down.

I had a VERY excited littly boy and a pretty happy dad. The hunt took about 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for getting a boy hooked, not so good because he thinks "turkey hunting is easy." When I asked him his favorite part about turkey hunting he replied exactly like I expected...We got to go for pancakes.

He has a 9 3/4" beard, 7/8" spurs. I don't know the weight other than he was heavy.

Very cool Tom and Jack, great story and a fantastic photo.

Granddaughter got her Turkey, Sunday around 12:45 PM. It was a Jake with a 4 3/8" beard and weighed 19.5 pounds. My SIL has it on video. This is her second turkey in 3 years.

every day when I go to work I see turkeys when I don't have a gun with me. those dumb birds sure can be a lot of work!

I have a job interview today for maint sup at the school. got my fingers crossed!

Good luck Ryan!

+1, Ryan.

Nice story Tom and a nice bird. You must be a turkey calling savant to bring them in from such a distance. Today, I looked up and saw one in a roost tree 50 yds away and when he finally flew down, he didn't give me a second of attention. Just walked away. I'm pretty sure turkeys in my area are deaf.

I was hunting with one of my student's dad. It would have been just perfect to get him on a bird, but not to be.

short and sweet, at the end of the interview the superintendent said he was very impressed by my resume and more after meeting me, so I'm taking that as a good sign! now time to get BACK to work, tonight will be a late one to play catch up!

That is way cool Tom and Jack. You made a lasting impression on that boy for sure! And great calling!

Ryan,
New job? I thought you have the best job on earth already?

Dave,
I'll see you tonight at the service.

Hey Mule1,yoiu left off your Chickenbuck hat.LOL

Stan in SC

Even a blind squirrel gets a nut. That, gentlemen is what I like to call good luck and good timing. We got a lone Tom or a Tom and a Jake...never did see the Jake, that I was hoping was within ear shot of my calls.

I set up in the middle of the hay field because over the years,I've seen them strut there, always out of range from the edge of the woods.

It was a hunch and it worked. Luck

Originally Posted by tzone

...I set up in the middle of the hay field because over the years,I've seen them strut there, always out of range from the edge of the woods.

It was a hunch and it worked. Luck

I don't know. That sounds like observing your game, making adjustments, and putting yourself in the right place at the right time. Sounds like good hunting to me. Maybe a little luck...

Prayers Sent.

Ryan, sounds like you may have a new job.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Hey Mule1,yoiu left off your Chickenbuck hat.LOL

Stan in SC

Yeah dangit I did . I thought about it once but turned around twice and the thought was gone . you ever do that ? Lol

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, sounds like you may have a new job.

I sure hope so Bill, Yes Jim I have an awesome job already, but this one is a big bump in pay and allows me to cut my hours down to 45 or so a week, which would be nice.

Originally Posted by Azar

It was a hunch and it worked. Luck

I don't know. That sounds like observing your game, making adjustments, and putting yourself in the right place at the right time. Sounds like good hunting to me. Maybe a little luck... [/quote]

I had been thinking about that "center field" sit for about a year. Since I had a beauty at 100 yds last year and there wasn't a thing I could do about it...or two years before when I called one in on a string for my step day that strutted in nearly the same spot, 60-70 too far out for a shot.

The luck was he/they were without hens at this time in the spring and that my squabbles on the slate call sounded enough like a mama bird for him to come investigate. We left one for next year...that Jake. For those that don't turkey hunt, The Jakes have a very distinct gobble. Almost like a practice gobble. It doesn't sound quite right but once you hear it, you know what it is.

Hey Ryan,

Good luck with that job. A bump in pay and less hours is perfect!

Proudly wearing my other Chickenbuck shirt this day.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Ryan, sounds like you may have a new job.

I sure hope so Bill, Yes Jim I have an awesome job already, but this one is a big bump in pay and allows me to cut my hours down to 45 or so a week, which would be nice.

Well heck. More pay and less hours is what we are all striving for right? Good Luck! I hope you get it!

Tom,
Did you sit in a ground blind in the middle of that hay field?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom,
Did you sit in a ground blind in the middle of that hay field?

You bet your arse I did.

Right smack in the middle of it!

In the past when I used one (I don't like to) I tucked it in the woods at the bottom of the ridge or in to some brush somewhere. Usually I roost them and sit on the ground against a tree w/in 100 yds. Like I said, in years past, I've seen them fly down on the ridge and walk out into the field and strut 100-200 yds from where I was usually set up.

I figured what the heck...if I didn't get one that way at least I tried it.

We set it up 40 yds from each wood line where they roost, 200 yds from the west tree line (rare to see one there) and about 200 yds from the road the bird came across. I figured I could poke one on the edge of the wood in either spot with in 40 and would try my range estimate if one happend from across the road( which has happened several times).

The tom was getting nervous when I shot, which I figured 30'ish yards. He was 42 former surveyor measured paces.

That's quite a bit further than I like them to be but he was about 10 seconds from bugging out of there.

you can't use a rifle in the spring?

Nope, shotgun or bow for all seasons.

Anybody going fishing this weekend?

Originally Posted by mule1

Anybody going fishing this weekend?

Not this cat.

I'd like to show off a picture of a bike that I got to ride and you guys did not get to ride (neener-neener-neener).

It was an honor, a privilege and much more (haven't found words for it)

Dusty's Heritage Springer Classic.

[Linked Image]

Not sure if we made mention of this prior here, it's been a helluva week. Missy and I got the bike running last monday. She shined and I attached bags and other items to the bike as a battery charger worked on the battery.

The bike was displayed at the church where the funeral was held for all friends and family to see. I think it was a really good idea, it makes people feel good when they can look at an item that the associate so strongly with a person.

The funeral was in the next town over, about 12 miles.

It was a wonderful service and we had 20 pictures of fellow campfire members wearing chickenbuck clothing items, the pictures were on display in an area where other picture boards and also a video slide show was on display.

It was all done very nicely.

The girls (Eileen and Missy) did such a wonderful job. First in the trying task of caring for Dusty to his peaceful departure in the comfort of his own home. God bless you ladies for the unbelievable strength and absolute selflessness you both posses.

Then for the decisions that depicted the structure of the celebration and farewell for Dusty's life here with us on earth.

It was a wonderful and fitting service. All of your decisions were perfect and so fitting. I am certain Dusty approves.

That's about all I've got for this morning.

I'm working my way to the bottom of a big cup of coffee and planning my day out in the shop working on my old Plymouth.

Have a great weekend everybody and happy mothers day to all the mama's out there.

Also, Tzone. Your flowers made it, they are very nice.

We took them home with us after the service.

Thank you.

Eileen and Missy, My hats off to you for the care that you gave to Dusty.

I'm glad they did Dave. I was hoping Missy or the Shaw's would grab them. They're supposed to be pretty hearty so I was thinking maybe the could be re-planted in honor of a hearty, wonderful man, for all to see. Chickenbuck maybe? I don't know much about plants.

I don't know much about em either Tom, we'll let the girls handle that one.

Todays weather.. gale force winds, rain, sleet and....you guessed it snow! Freeze advisory for tonight.

Windier 'en heck here too. Cold and out of the NW. Typical MN opener.

Very nice bike hopefully it will stay in the family.

He Dave what's the latest on Captain bag flop ? Haven't heard anything about him lately.

Looks much nicer today! Happy Mothers Day to the Chickenbuck mom's.

Have a great one.

Happy Mothers Day to all the awesome Mom's out there!

22� this morning. A new record.

BRRRRR Bill! supposed to get into the 90's today, I'll be planting seed like there is no tomorrow. irrigation pipe is en route. hope you guys thaw out up there. heard some parts of Wis got snow over the weekend. dang global warming lol

Saw a few flurries here on Saturday, Ryan. Supposed to be 80* here Tuesday.

Heck we got snow bursts up by me on Saturday.

The boys learned how to ride a bycicle without training wheels last night! I tell ya what, that is just plain fun watching two 5 year old boys learn that. Hunter won a bike over the weekend and that kind of spurred it. Only 1 bandaid used!

I didn't think my grandson was ever going to get rid of the training wheels. Family friend was at their place one day and he took Wyatt across the street to the chruch parking lot and had him riding in 5 minutes.

BM, how's your venture coming along?

When our son was three (now 15) he rode his little bike over to Grandpa's house, pointed at his training wheels and said "I want these off gampa" Grandpa took them off and the little fart rode his bike home without them with no help. The other son (now 14) was 5 when I took his training wheels off. I grabbed on to his seat to get him started and he started peddling so fast I couldn't keep up. Down the driveway, across the street and into the curb. Over the handle bars he went. He got up and said "that was FUN!!"

Both of our boys took off on the bikes with no training wheels without dumping the bike. Like they had been riding without the trainers all along.

It sure is fun watching. Just pure excitement on their little faces mixed in with some determination and concentration. Big smiles all around.

The venture is going in spurts. The manufacturing part has me stumped right now.

My daughter got her training wheels off when she was 6 after a long fought battle to get them to come off...He brother (4 at the time)didn't want to be left out so his came off too. He rode as fast as his little legs could peddal and completely wiped out. He got up and saw everyone waiting for his reaction and kicked his bike like it was the bikes fault...he climbed back on and now rides all the time.

I just realized I haven't had a drink in over 2 1/2 months, I stepped on a shipping scale at work and it looks like I'm down 15 or 20 lbs too.

A shipping scale at work? Tell me that thing aint rigged to read low! Just kidding, that is fantastic. I wish I could do that but I am not a drinker. I have never finished a beer in my life....just cant stand the stuff. I do have a wine cooler 3-4 times per year though. I know, that is pretty manly, aint it?

Just when the weather go nice enough to start running, I got sick and just couldnt get out there for the last week or so. Congrats to you there Dave, that is quite the accomplishment!

Your weight loss is quite noticable as well Dave. I belive I commented to you on that at the service for Dusty.

I should do the same but man I like drinkin beer!

Maybe I'll just cut it back to saturdays only though. I hate drinking on friday nights. Something about the long work week mixed with a few beers makes for a partially wasted saturday feeling less than par.

Good for you for sticking to it this long!

Funny thing is I haven't missed it at all.

Maybe because we haven't exactly had springtime weather yet, maybe because I'm too busy working on my road runner, I don't know but it just hasn't been something I've missed at all.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The venture is going in spurts. The manufacturing part has me stumped right now.

Talk to ND..Bet he can answer your mfg questions.

I doubt that I go through a 6 pack a year. Not like the old days when I could do a 6 pack a day.

Congrats Dave. Next you know you'll be signing up for 1/2 marathons.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

A shipping scale at work? Tell me that thing aint rigged to read low! Just kidding, that is fantastic. I wish I could do that but I am not a drinker. I have never finished a beer in my life....just cant stand the stuff. I do have a wine cooler 3-4 times per year though. I know, that is pretty manly, aint it?

Yep... you can give it back... just when you got your card back for buying the sweet minivan you get it snatched right back.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Funny thing is I haven't missed it at all.

Maybe because we haven't exactly had springtime weather yet, maybe because I'm too busy working on my road runner, I don't know but it just hasn't been something I've missed at all.

Man...working out in the shop would have me missing it. Really, congrats the weight loss.

2 more finished and with their new owners.

Dave....good job on the weight loss. I'm not much of a drinker, maybe one a week. It's the sweets that get me.

Very nice knives.

Dusty certainly cherished his j elky knife.

Great work, J.

Very nice knives there. I need to make a few, though I have more than I can possibly use. But I like the simple style you have there. I could put on to use right now.

This is from about an hour ago.

[Linked Image]

Excellent! That bird looks like it has a lot of interesting color.

And as usual, a beautiful shotgun! Details on the hunt and the bird please.

Something I tried on a hunch on Saturday...

I seasoned 1/2 of the turkey breast from the bird Jack and I got the week before. Then baked it at 350 for 1hr, shredded it, and put it in the crock pot with Cream of Celery soup for a few hours. Then served it on buns, for pulled turkey sandwhiches. It was a "crock pot" type of day here so it really fit the bill.

Something different if you're looking for a way to serve it.

Tom,
That sounds pretty tasty. I've been cooking them in cream sauce with a little bacon and misc stuff and served over wild rice (real wild rice). I sort of make it up as I go. Your idea sounds pretty good and easy too.

I've been cooking pheasant in mole sauce and that is just about incredible but I'm addicted to mole.

The bird was one of a group I call The 4 Amigos. I have seen them often. Today, I set up in the corner of a field that hangs over a small river. I knew they, and maybe a big solo gobbler would be roosting somewhere along the edge. As it turns out, just 100 yds away, maybe less. On the roost they sure sounded like gobblers, but this guy has only a 5" beard and nubs for spurs, though well worn nubs they are. I'd almost say this is a second year bird, but probably a jake. He weighed 18 lbs on my antique fish scale. Not sure if it is even close to accurate.

Anyway, they flew down and were supposed to walk down the deer trail to me where I was lying underneath a fallen tree. But instead, they crossed straight out into the grass on the edge of a bean field. 35ish yds out, maybe more but on my right side, and with no cover. I switched the shotty to the other shoulder and fired. He went down but then got back up and started running at an angle away. Got the gun back on my right shoulder and hit him again and he was down for keeps. That second shot was a carefully paced 40 yds. The first, maybe just a little closer, but not much. He was not well shot.

Saw lots of birds in Wisconsin last weekend when I drove up and back to Lodi for a match. Looks like it should be good hunting up there too.

Next year, the Three Amigos will be nice birds for sure.

Brent

Thanks Brent. It sounds like a great morning and some excitement with the opposite shoulder shooting.

How does non-res turkey hunting work in IA? Any idea of the odds and public access birds?

Ryan, any word on the new job?

Tom I really don't know how non-res works. There is public access birds - they can be super tough. I would go second season to get at them with as naive as possible. Private land is all I hunt. I'm very lucky but I hunt a very small place (~200 acres, mostly crop) very carefully.

teh best hunting is along the Mississippi to the East, or in the Loess Hills to the west. Also decent in the south. Where I am, it is pocket hunting, but there are good birds populations along rivers, esp. the Des Moines, Boone, but also the smaller streams like the S. Skunk (my river) and Squaw (where I was this morning). But most of the smaller rivers and streams will be private. Access is about like elsewhere, hit and miss, and best if cultivated ahead of time.

Brent

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The venture is going in spurts. The manufacturing part has me stumped right now.

Talk to ND..Bet he can answer your mfg questions.

Yep, That's fer sure !!

& it seems like he needs money to buy beer !

Paul.

Hey, when it gets tight... A guy has got to cut something from the budget.

Beer got cut.

Dave,
PM sent.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ryan, any word on the new job?

not yet, I jump everytime the phone rings though

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Dave,
PM sent.

Did i not reply?

thought i did but my pc may have fritzed out.

just found out I didn't get the job, bummer because I really wanted it. oh well, such is life. taking little man fishin I think

Well it may have been MY confuser fritzing out cuz I never got the little flashing envelope, but then I double checked and it was there.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Very nice knives there. I need to make a few, though I have more than I can possibly use. But I like the simple style you have there. I could put on to use right now.

This is from about an hour ago.

[Linked Image]

Very nice !

Sorry about the job Ryan. Keep your chin up and enjoy what you do until something else comes along.

thanks Jim

Just remember Ryan, "Good things come to those that wait"!

I agree but I wish the good things would hurry up a little bit.

Things like this happen for a reason Ryan, it will make sense when the right job finds you.

I hope so, thank guys

Wow, I've got some pretty neat friends here at the campfire.

Couple of guys in particular come to mind at the moment, I've got lots of extraordinary friends here, but I have to share with you a couple of gifts I received this spring. Pretty cool.

First, it was gophergunner who took a particular interest in my alcohol free experiment. (I'm coming up on 11 weeks now, don't miss it) Gopher and I have had some pretty meaningful conversations in private. I had made mention of the idea of picking up a new pocket knife for myself with money I was saving by cutting out drinking.

Gopher sends me this:

Kershaw leek

[Linked Image]

Very cool, I've carried it every day since I got it.

Now today I get home from work and there's a package in the mailbox.

Some years ago, like maybe 08? I took one of Jelky's knives on a Colorado elk hunt, the knife got used, really nice knife. Then again in... 09? Jelky sent another of his creations along on another elk hunt with me.

This one.

[Linked Image]

It got used a lot, It cut up 3 elk on a ridge as the boys did not have their knives with them on the day we scored on 3 elk.

[Linked Image]

Well that knife came back to me today. It was like seeing an old friend. When I held it, it all came back... the fall aspen air, sage, the cutting of 3 elk, the whole trip. It was pretty neat.

He put a note with the knife saying it was just laying around (Isn't that what most of our knives do with most of their time?

)

He figured I'd give it a good home. Well I damn sure will, I'll put it to use.

Now, I have 2 scoundrels to get even with rather than just one...

lol!

Thanks very much guys and sorry if I've embarrassed you by posting it but it's pretty cool.

I will get my "revenge"

Ha ! That's pretty neat.

Well it's pretty neat for me anyways, I'm the guy with 2 awesome new knives lol!

Dave, that's what good friends do.

No need to get even at all Dave. I was glad to be able to share with you what we have talked about. You did all the heavy lifting, and it's not done yet.

Very cool indeed.

Dave, You've got a couple of really nice knives, but a pair of even better friends.

"Well that knife came back to me today. It was like seeing an old friend. When I held it, it all came back... the fall aspen air, sage, the cutting of 3 elk, the whole trip. It was pretty neat."

That right there makes us even in my book.

I hope you use the hell out of that thing and pass it down to one of your kids.

There are friends. And then there are FRIENDS. FRIENDS are hard to come by and appreciate every one you have! Then again, there are knives and there are KNIVES. KNIVES are hard to come by and appreciate every one you have! To get a KNIFE from a FRIEND is indeed a good day! Way to go Gopher and Elky!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This one.

Well that knife came back to me today. It was like seeing an old friend. When I held it, it all came back... the fall aspen air, sage, the cutting of 3 elk, the whole trip. It was pretty neat.

Hmmm. That makes me smile. I can smell the Aspen, feel the crisp cool air on my face, see the glow of the camp fire, and hear uncle Dusy's chuclke as he's sitting around the fire with a brandy and a big smile.

Tom.....thanks for the help.

Oh sure...Just what I need. Dave's revenge.

What do we have here?

An accomplice?

Apparently I wasn't the only to get Dave's address off of Tom......

I Never said Tom gave me Dave's address....

Hmmmmm.....the plot thickens!

Didn't get it off me Dave.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Apparently I wasn't the only to get Dave's address off of Tom......

Scoundrels!

That's the way it goes. Quit drinking and they all start plotting against you. That's all right,Dave. Hang in there.

Stan in SC

He!He!He..........

Trees are sprouting leaves, things are greening up finally.

our alfalfa is 8" tall and the trees are starting to bud and put on some leaves too, I reckon spring is here for real this time.

woke up this morning to my right eye crusted shut and swollen. I think I caught the pinkeye that was going around. I promised to take little man turkey hunting cause tomorrow is the last day, so I drove with one eye to the ranch. hunted an hour and saw a young jake, I figured I might as well take him. hard to see through the scope with the bad eye, but at 200 yards the 243 dumped him like a fat prom date. the boy was sure pumped and can't stop talking about it. not a bad day

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What do we have here?

An accomplice?

I knew gg was going to send one. I didn't know jelky was going to. I plead the 5th to prevent further indecitment.

Sure would be nice if we could use rifles on turkeys here in WI.

Here in South Carolina we can only use shotguns on turkey.

Stan in SC

it's kinda like cheating I admit. all you have to do is get a gobble to locate them, then get within 300 yards. I was gonna use my .22 hornet, but I sold the scope a couple weeks back and haven't replaced it yet. out here you can't use a rifle or bow to shoot turkeys in the ditch, you have to use a shotgun.

I'll take at 30 over 300 any day of the week. Hunting turkeys is my favorite...shooting the is the easy part.

It might be fun to try it once though.

Tom, you can't hunt turkeys with a rifle here, but you CAN hunt pheasants with a .22 rimfire if wish. Come on down and try it if you want.

Turkeys with a centerifle seems hardly sporting to me in the Midwest - maybe it would be okay the western states, but here, it seems mighty easy. .22 rimfire might be sort of sporting I suppose.

We're talkiing head shots with a rifle, correct? Body shots would be to easy and waste a lot of meet.

Put down the first mosquito of the season. Anyone have any good squeeter recipes.

Agree Brent. I don't want to shoot them with a rifle.

I'm not hardly good enough to smack a pheasant with a .22

I shot mine in the body, spine shot with clipping the wing. didn't waste any meat since I just breast them and take the legs/thighs. I agree, it isn't hard to shoot one, but with the season closing tomorrow and hunting with a 4 year old, it was the only way to efficiently fill my tag. the boy had a blast, and if he hadn't wanted to go i would have just let my tag lapse and not given it a second thought.

and it was a monster 14 lb jake, lol. Little man thought it was godzilla and was super proud. I guess you could call it a successful hunt?

Apparently, the .22 pheasant thing is a hold over from walking and driving the gravels shooting birds for the pot. A decade ago, they tried to make it illegal but ran into a small bunch of angry road hunters that apparently still did it. Never seen anyone try it here, but road hunting for birds with shotguns is legal and not uncommon.

I saw a huge bird this morning less than a mile from my place. I'm tagged out so I wasn't about to go after him but if he survives through tomorrow, he might decide to move up here for next year. We rarely have turkeys on the property for some reason.

I used to hunt shelter belts for pheasants with a .22 in MN, spot and stalk within 80 yards and plink em. only ever got a handful over the years, but it was fun late winter.

after I shot the jake I drove by a quarry I had permission to hunt and saw 4 big toms strutting in the open field, such is the luck. looks like I'll have to wait until antelope season now to shoot something besides paper.

We had a great weekend of 4-wheeling once the thunderstorms ended we headed up to the Nemadji State Forest, just south of Duluth, in Gophergunner's talked about Pine County.

Here are a few pics...

Ms. April getting ready

The trail we followed, an great honor to ride on the trails named after a fallen veteran who enjoyed the same trail we did yesterday.

No great skill needed to ride here, but fun was there to be had.

Even a little place to stop for a rest.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/018-4_zpsc73085d0.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/022-4_zps3ff4aa9b.jpg[/img]

Even a big water crossing wide and deep enough that someone placed baseball sized rock in it
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/026-3_zps083ede12.jpg[/img]

Handy work of the beaver...check out the logging in the background they did to build that hut!
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/024-3_zpsd52c196e.jpg[/img]

It was a blast. We have plans to head up again soon to check out the other trails. We put on 30+ miles and were cut short by a flat on the wheeler. There are many, many miles to cover out there and I'd like to hit them all.

There is a 62 mile loop we'd like to go hit next time!

The ice finally came off of Big Pine Lake in Ottertail County.

Originally Posted by goalie

The ice finally came off of Big Pine Lake in Ottertail County.

BOY!! I guess it did, didn't it? Nice stringer Goalie!!

Awesome!! Wow that's quite a stringer of walleye!

I'd guess them to range from 16 to 19 inches? Nice work!!

Nice stringer of Walleyes. That would be a 5 man limit of Walleyes on many WI lakes.

Tom hope you carry a tire repair kit with you on the quad.

I do now Bill.

It wasn't completly flat. But enough to cut the ride short. The tires are probably due to be replaced with something more serviceable to trail riding but they cost as much as dang car tires!

we've had 2" of rain in the last 3 days, almost unheard of around here, everything is SO green! I bet my corn and beans are loving it!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Awesome!! Wow that's quite a stringer of walleye!

I'd guess them to range from 16 to 19 inches? Nice work!!

A tad less than 18 was the biggest due to the slot on Big Pine.

There were 4 of us, but it is one-day's "work" from a pontoon.

Those are great eaters, envious.

Looks like you had fun Tom!

Nice stringer of 'eyes Goalie!

Man the woodticks are THICK this year! Even in mowed lawn grass the dogs were covered in them. I finally bought some Frontline and got them treated yesterday.

I'm in SD for work. On my lunch hour, I went to a new sporting goods shop that just opened. They have four bricks (325 count) of .22 lr on the shelf for...............$50.00 PER BRICK!

When is this madness going to end?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

When is this madness going to end?

2016?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

When is this madness going to end?

2016?

We can only hope!

by my new rain guage,we got 3 1/2 inches of rain since last thursday.

Well I'll say it, since all of our hearts are there already...

Thoughts and prayers with the tornado victims in OK. Among the casualty report which unfortunately still grows, 20 some school children, the worse kind of loss imaginable.

We've got a lot of members down in that area. Hopefully all are accounted for and out of harm's way. Prayers sent.

As someone who's lost a young niece and nephew, the only greater loss I can imagine is my own childeren.

My heart and prayers to out to those famlies that need it most. Hug your kids and nieces and nephew's a little tighter this week.

I tought a few guys or gals here would like to see this... My dad is fully restoring his 1949 Merc M47 Pickup. This is kind of a rare truck but a really rare resto for him. He's putting back to bone stock because he has all the orginal parts, including the Canadian flat head motor. The Merc trucks from this era were all from Canada.

I'd not be surprised if he has over 1K hours in it. He's been working literally full time on it since Jan. to get it finished by the Back to the 50's car show in mid-June. But he doesn't think he'll make it in time.

Here are a few pics.

My favorite part is the interior. He spend so many hours on this. Including rebuilding the orig. heater box and duct work.
I love these gauges though.

Tom let me know if there are any particular pieces I might ba able to scavange for your dad off my 51 ford.

It sure is looking good.

I just saw that the OK death toll has been corrected in a very favorable direction, they cut the number in half! A counting error! Thank goodness for bad counting! It is still a horrible disaster, but seeing that number drop by about 52% is NOT a bad thing.

Wow, what a great truck, Tom! I'm amazed at what all these car cranks can do.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the people of OK. My heart is heavy today with thoughts of those poor kids and all the others affected by this tragedy. I cannot even begin to imagine what the parents of those children are going through right now.

Wow Tom! That is a really neat truck. Where did he ever find it?

I am too Brent. I wish I had 1/2 the talant on this stuff as guys like dave and my pops.

He keeps saying he doesn't have many left in him at 63...I don't buy it!

He's been saying that for 10 years.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wow Tom! That is a really neat truck. Where did he ever find it?

Acutally Rooster, he found it in a field over your way.

Tom, when I was a kid, there was a Chevy pick-up, maybe a 35 or a 37 - I don't really know - that was parked more or less abandoned a few miles outside of Ely. I dreamed of owning that thing and getting some paint over the primer and polishing the big brass headlights. Begged my dad to buy it. 15 yrs later or so I bought a '55 F250 and learned that truck restoration is not my gig. I admire the results but fixing them up is not for me. Old rifles became my passion instead. But I sure lust after old pickups like that one.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wow Tom! That is a really neat truck. Where did he ever find it?

Acutally Rooster, he found it in a field over your way.

I bet I know which field. Is it just off off I94 on the south side?

by that one tree?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

by that one tree?

Smart AZZ!

There is a field on the south side of 94 between Moorhead and the Downer exit where a guy keeps things that he's selling like old tractors, old trucks, old pickups, old equipment etc.

And yes there is a tree nearby too!

I'm not actually sure where exactly he got it...but if I was, I wouldn't put in on here.

Kinda like good junk yards, and fishin holes... you can't give all your spots away.

Tom, your dad is doing a great job on that truck. The only Merc trucks I ever saw were in Canada back in the 50's.

I think the sign by the tree says to call first, If anybody wants the number I could write it down when I visit my parents next time.

say hi from dave.

Came to check on whats going on for today,, nobody posted yet..
So here goes the post for today LOL...

Not one of the usual guys, but Happy Birthday noduck, have a good rest of your night, and celebrate on Sunday, then you can have the headache at work........

Dave, just caught up on this month's posts. I'm so sorry to hear that Uncle Dusty passed away. Best wishes to you and all of Dusty's family. Just want you all to know that you have a lot of extended "family" on this site who care.

Ron

Happy belated birthday Noduck.

Happy belated Noduck. we can tell spring is in full swing! not a lot of posts means folks must be busy. I make it at least once a day to read up, but been too busy for that. have a great day everyone!

Those with kids can appreciate this little story. I brought my 3 kids out with me the other night to plant a few trees at our hunting land. Just as I was getting done, I look up, and here comes the rain. I figure we can all get back to truck just barely....if we hurry....and then.....Hunter says, "Dad, I gotta poop! Real bad!". So there we all sit as the rain pours down on us. About every 1.6 seconds, one of us would wail, "Are you done yet Hunter????". Ahh, that is being a dad, huh?

BTDT.

Sounds pretty normal.

Have you ever had a dog wreck stuff? Yeah, usually shoes or maybe a nice soft seat off an ATV or something similar right?

Ever had a dog destroy a riding lawn mower?

Gus was after a wood chuck inside our storage shed this morning, the chuck was under the deck or possibly under the hood of the mower.

(Gus is a black lab)

Well Gus ripped the hood apart on the mower, heavy molded plastic hood with the air duct for the air cooled engine..

[Linked Image]

So, the old JD will be retired to deer camp and I'm looking for a replacement mower for home.

We were going to eventually upgrade mowers at home and retire this one to deer camp... but not just yet.

Thanks Gus, A-hole.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds pretty normal.

Have you ever had a dog wreck stuff? Yeah, usually shoes or maybe a nice soft seat off an ATV or something similar right?

Ever had a dog destroy a riding lawn mower?

Gus was after a wood chuck inside our storage shed this morning, the chuck was under the deck or possibly under the hood of the mower.

(Gus is a black lab)

Well Gus ripped the hood apart on the mower, heavy molded plastic hood with the air duct for the air cooled engine..

[Linked Image]

So, the old JD will be retired to deer camp and I'm looking for a replacement mower for home.

We were going to eventually upgrade mowers at home and retire this one to deer camp... but not just yet.

Thanks Gus, A-hole.

'Ol Gus probably just did you a huge favor Dave. He just wants you to have a zero turn. Once you get one of them (like a Hustler FasTrak) or something similar, you will be cookin that dog New York Strips for supper!

There is a rental house, on the neibours 1/4 section.

Neibours have 4 dogs.

Last spring, new tennants move into the rental & park their lovely new car out front.

Dogs chase a ground hog outta the field & it runs up into the engine compartment of said new vehicle.

Outcome was an insurance claim for upwards of $5k for wiring harnesses & a new paint job.

The couple moved out of the rental 1 month later !

Paul.

side view.

[Linked Image]

Looks like Ricky is the background laughing! lol

Only thing worse than a smiling canine vandal, is 2 smiling canine vandals....

But did he get the woodchuck???

From the look of the damage, I think it was a chipmunk that incited the riot, crawled in under the hood and the dogs went in after him.

Just a guess - but I have dogs, JD mower, chucks and chippies too.

That is not the work of a black lab... CUJO is what comes to mind, good gravy the dog did a number.....

I've seen dogs do some strange things, but nothing like that. My son's Visula likes to eat rose bushes.

Now you get to fab a new hood and practice painting flames w/ that fancy new paint-shooter gun!

You could pull a Tim Allen and drop a V8 in that mower...RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR MORE POWER!

I think he just freed up the air intake for you.
Now you can mow the yard in half the time.

Sent an email the insurance company.

Got a reply back asking if I meant "act of god" rather than the suspected typo "act of dog"

Reply, "no typo.... act of dog is correct."

No response.....

Sooooooooo, how did the dog ribs taste on the smoker?

I didn't think ol Gus could move fast enough for that kind of damage.

At last it weren't a sknunk!

Turns out it wasn't a chuck either.

It was a weasel.

Weasel! The dog probably saved your life!

LOL I've never seen a weasel do that much damage! all kidding aside that's crazy damage.

the other day I had my 2 dogs outside and we had a little thunderhead blow through, nothing much. but it freaked out Bailey and she climbed up on her carry kennel and broke out the window and shredded the screen on my bedroom window.
I know what you're feeling dave when you look at the damage and the dog and say "What the ____ were you thinking!?"

28� this morning. New low temperature record.

I had that same lawnmower and I wanted to do the same damage that Gus did to it.

It wasn't my favorite, it gave me fits at times.

My Daisy dog (lab) used to freak out during storms too. She's mostly just hide for about a day, no screen ripping. She did chew through metal fence ties to escape from a kennel once though. I still don't know how she did that?

Never underestimate the ability of an adrenaline filled lab to do damage. When I had the tool and die shop in Saginaw I always had a lab for a shop dog. One night one of the local perps of African heritage broke in the back door and Killer chewed and clawed his way thru 3/4" of drywall to get him. He was found treed the next morning in the steel rack with Killer camped out below smiling happily and wagging his tail. In 25yrs that was a close as we had to a breakin when no one was there.

Down in my neck of the woods folks would get some rusty sheet iron and roll of Alabama chrome fix that mower right up .

Dare I ask, what is "Alabama chrome" Silver spray paint?

Might be Duct Tape?

I was thinking tin foil, but I bet you're right Bill.

Kinda thought Duct Tape was a 'bama bandaid, but what do I know?

I'd be unhappy in the extreme if Gus takes apart my JD today after a chipmunk. The odds that it happens are not as small as I would like.

Heck yeah Duct tape !

as soon as I read it I chuckled, figured it had to be duct tape. too funny.

had the tongue snap on my seed drill today, looks like I'll get to work all weekend after I get a new one welded up. rats.

Back a few years,the wifes twin sister and family went to yellowstone with their neighbors,and asked me and the wife to house,and dog sit for them.We were to watch two black labs,and the house,just sleep there at night.
First day,came back from work,and the two labs had completely
de-nuded the entire leather couch,right down to the wood frame.

They don't like it when master is gone. That's mainly when my dog would chew stuff up too. If I was gone for more time than she thought I "should" be gone, sumptin got wrecked. Crazy critters

Hey Ryan I just bought 40# of black oil sunflower seeds I'm going to plant them for a Dove hunting plot . Think it will work ?

Pam and I just got home with her replacement mower.

Damn dog better not eat this one.

Best park it in a weasel-free shed!

What is it (the new mower)?

Very similar to the old one, green and yellow.

Maybe we'll get some sunshine over the weekend so Pam can give it a try.

yes it will work just fine. I like to put some millet in part of the field if I can as well. a solid stand of millet with lots of annual sunflowers is also great. but you can't go wrong with regular old sunflowers. plus later in the year the deer will be in them. we got another 400 trees to plant today with the Pheasants Forever chapter I started here. I did that many or more on thursday, have shovel will travel!

EVER hear back from your insurance company or are they still laughing?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

EVER hear back from your insurance company or are they still laughing?

I might have made that part up.

"act of dog" makes me laugh.

we went with another big box variety of the JD. (got this one at Lowes) The other one was probably 10 yrs old, figure we got our money out of it, plus it will still cut grass out at the cabin.

Here's the new one, 54 inch deck, 26 HP. waiting for some sunshine to dry the grass a little.

[Linked Image]

It came with a free poly dump cart too, the boys are assembling that right now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

EVER hear back from your insurance company or are they still laughing?

I might have made that part up.

"act of dog" makes me laugh.

Dave, I worked in the insurance industry for 26 years. You wouldn't beleive some of the stuff that claims has received.

If that's the same poly cart I have, they are damn handy. But the floor will bust out if you habituatally toss firewood in it. A piece of ply graces mine now, along with stake sides doubling the volume.

Hope it is weasel proof.

Well we got another one done and graduated today. 2 down 2 to go and then we will be empty nesters. Sometimes I look forward to it and sometimes I dread it.

Nice mower Ma!

Get the grease hot !

You know I been thinking (scary I know right) if a person (DAVE)
Ate the wrong type shroom it could cause them to become delirious and imagine a dog attacked their lawnmower......

I picked those in a short time before dark tonight. I plan on picking a whole bunch tomorrow.

are they close by the house? or did you have to go looking for em?

I didn't go too far, about 25 yds behind the house

Do you can them, Dave ot just fry them up?

We don't have Morels down here that I am aware of.At least I have never seen one in the woods.I understand they are really good.
I am originally from Alabama and yes an Alabama used car dealer does call duct tape chrome.
My wife returned from a Caribbean cruise with her three sisters yesterday afternoon. They had a great week. This is the second time they have all gone together and I am very happy that they have had the good health to be able to have had the experience.
One sister passed away five years ago and that's when they decided to take the first cruise together.
The dogs were super happy to see her return. Although me and said dogs had a good week they are always happy to see "Mommie".
Speaking of dogs,our oldest,a Maltese,suffers from "separation anxiety" when we are both gone.He exhibits by turning over bathroom waste baskets and strewing dog toys all over the house.
At least so far he has done no real damage to anything.

Stan in SC

been shopping for houses again, we're outgrowing our little 2 bedroom starter house. found a few we like, but waiting for "the one". figured since it was 2 years ago today we moved into this one we can sell and move.

anyone want a colt 1903?
Uncle Dusty and I went back and forth on these, he had a perfect specimen that put mine to shame. I think I've held onto it long enough. I'd prefer to trade it for something. I know baby could use a walker. anyway thought I'd throw it out there.

this is crazy. 100 people viewed this within 4 minutes. Dave, this thread has gotten out of control, LOL.

Yes I checked, just to see. it's impressive

If you still have it in a couple and a few months I can trade you 6 car seats......I just bought a second set of 3 now that we have 2 vehicles to transport little people.

Whatchu gotta have for it?

A seasonal snack tonight.

[Linked Image]

cleaned.

drag em through some flour...

[Linked Image]

got the butter going.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5950_zpscdbd5a88.jpg[/img]

slightly crispy exterior.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8788_zps68cda236.jpg[/img]

some ranch dressing for dipping.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9342_zpsbcb3d649.jpg[/img]

Dang those look good Dave! I remember eating those a bunch growing up

Thanks Dave. Now I have a craving for mushrooms.

Helped my uncle put his pontoon boat in, on Sunday.

Nothing to do with deer camp but, that's kind of how this thread goes I guess lol.

[Linked Image]

Looks amazing to me. You certainly have put to shame those guys that "restored" Kyle Busch's 18 car last night, albeit, they have 15 minutes.

Is there a lot of interior work to do, or engine/drivetrain restoration that is needed?

Is that that dang Geico lizard in the floor ?

chunk of tape.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Is there a lot of interior work to do, or engine/drivetrain restoration that is needed?

I have everything, just need to put it back together.

The car looks awesome Dave maybe you can give us a sound clip or video when it hits the road .

Dave the car looks great!!!

Now for a change of topic, how do you get rid of pocket gophers?! The little bastids are destroying the yard and garden. I've herd of trapping, are there any poisons that can be used?

Please help?!?!?!?!

I've not poisoned them but I've trapped hundreds of them growing up

The car looks great Dave!

Rooster, are you 100% sure they are gophers and not moles? Moles are far more common (and not as destructive as they appear).

Dave that car looks amazing and you haven't even put the shine on it yet! Contests, it's beautiful

Originally Posted by BrentD

Rooster, are you 100% sure they are gophers and not moles? Moles are far more common (and not as destructive as they appear).

Well..since I have not been to J Elky's house to observe first hand, I can't answer that with 100% accuracy.

I can tell you this. If it's pushing up dirt mounds in the lawn and garden that are a about as big around as pizza pan, its a pocket gopher. Their tunnels are closed. You have to poke around the mound with a stake (I used rods off of old potato diggers with one end cut off so its straight) until the rod/stake falls through the top soil easily. This is the tunnel. You can either use pan traps and cover the tunnel back up or death grip traps and leave the tunnel open. When they come pushing a load of dirt to close the hole, they walk through the open jaws and trigger the trap. With pan traps, you dig a trap bed so the open jaws are the same height as the tunnel floor. Then sift dirt over the trap being careful not to get too much under the pan. Stake your trap chain outside the hole and cover the hole with a board, piece of tin or a large rock and seal the edeges with dirt so no light can get in. Sometimes, if the wood has a peculiar smell to it, the gopher will plug your trap tight. They will do the same if they feel your trap before stepping on the pan.

moles push up mounds too. the mounds are generally just a little smaller on average, but not much.

If there are tunnels that have been pushed up in long lines that you can stomp down flat with your foot, then it is moles. They are harmless to the garden. If you can find no evidence of tunnels anywhere, then gophers are more likely.

Your trapping method is right on the money.

I trapped them for money as a kid. The townships will pay you for turning in the front feet. You cut the feet off and store them in a jar of salt to keep them from spoiling while you work on getting enough to turn in. I think I got $2.35 per set of feet. If the gopher chewed one leg off and escaped, they would pay half of that.

Your story brings back memories of growing up near the border of MN and ND about 35 miles north of Fargo/Moorhead. We could turn in part of the gopher to MN for money and different parts of the same gopher to ND for money since the county seats of the two counties were only about 30 miles apart. Used the money to buy many rounds of .22 rifle ammo. Gas was only about 25 cents per gallon so it made sense to do the driving.

rooster7,

Did you have better luck with the pan trap or the death grip?

Jeff

Dave, the Road Runner looks awesome.

Originally Posted by j_elky

rooster7,

Did you have better luck with the pan trap or the death grip?

Jeff

Can't speak for "big jelly" but I trapped gophers down in that area as a kid too.

We used the little victor pan traps. Like Rooster said, look for the tell tale ring in the mound, dig with your hand to expose the tunnel, careful to not disturb the mound. Get down in there a ways, in the tunnel, and hollow out a little crater for the pan trap to lay in. like rooster said, you want the top edges of the trap jaws level with the floor of the tunnel. Turn the spring whichever way it fits the best. You can dust in a little dirt but we never did.

I used to carry a bunch of old shingle tabs or shakes to cover the hole back up. Stake the trap chain, many times you have to dig the trap out as they will plug the trap cavity with dirt even if they are in the trap. Sometimes they will be outside of the mound in the trap.

If you want to really wreck their day just stick the garden hose down the hole and flood the bastards out. You can tail pipe gas em too.

Lots of options with them being right there in your yard.

If all else fails, rent the movie Caddy shack, it's a gopher tutorial of sorts.

Guess I will stop at Fleet and pick up some traps and get after the little buggers.

Originally Posted by j_elky

rooster7,

Did you have better luck with the pan trap or the death grip?

Jeff

Jeff,

I had much better luck with the little victor pan traps. The reason being is because they are less suspecting of something being wrong in their little underground domain. With a death grip, the tunnel is left open so the little suckers are already coming with a load of dirt to plug that hole tight and it often springs the trap before they can get caught it in it.

Dave pointed out one thing that I forgot to mention. The ring of the mound. The ring is where they last plugged the mound and where the tunnel will start. With pan traps its best to find the tunnel a little ways back so you have a tunnel that runs both ways. If you buy new traps, you will want to boil them to get any scent off from shipping oils etc.

Another tip: When preparing your trap bed, reach your arm down in the tunnels as far as you can and pull out excess dirt so they don't have as much to push on to your pan and spring the trap. This can get intersesting when a salamander or two decides to take up residence down there.

OH...and once you catch one and wack it over the head, don't forget to feel inside the little pockets (hence the name pocket gopher) on its cheeks. It's always fun to see what they have stored in there.

I always had better luck with the pan traps on the 1000's of gophers I caught as a kid.

Build a T-handled poker to find the tunnels. A dull end works way better than a point.

All of this advice is if the explosives don't solve the problem of course.

+1 on the Caddyshack tutorial.

You guys have seen the propane solution right? No Caddyshack deal, though one might guess the original inspiration came from there.

Never saw that one Brent.

Temps in the low 50's with a steady rain right now. The Jr. High, 3 blocks South of us is having a track meet. What a sorry looking bunch they are. Bet they're going to be some sick kids tomorrow.

Go to youtube.com and type in "gopher propane"

If you fill your basement with gas and launch the living room, you never heard it from me

Watched it. Sure got the job done.

I guess I'm the odd man out here; I always had better luck with the death clutch, but that's what I used the most. You have to find the end of the tunnel and set it there. The trigger has to be set so that it can be set off with the slightest bump. I always covered the hole with grass or alfalfa.

I always used the death clutch traps as well, had a dozen and used the heck out of them. I checked traps 3 times a day when I had them, and kept a gallon freezer bag that would fill up with feet by the end of the summer. funny, I never turned them in, but the rumors of bounties were gonna make me rich I just knew it. when my folks moved 10 years ago they found bags of gopher feet in the deep freeze

ahh those were the days

Brent,
Moles are fairly uncommon up here. We had a few in Andover when I lived there, but I have never seen their evidence in West Central MN. However, pocket gophers are everywhere.

Funny story, I caught a pocket gopher once and my daughter helped me. She was about 3 or 4 at the time. After I pulled the ticked off gopher out of the hole, I reached for my shovel to give it the ceremonial wack on the head. Lauren starts yelling, "No, No Daddy, Don't do it!!". I am thinking oh no, this isnt good. I dont want my daughter growing up to be like that. How am I gonna handle this now? I put down the shovel and she picks up here little pink shovel and says, "Let me do it!" and proceeds to beat the living hell out of that gopher!

Both my girls were right there last night when I was setting traps. The oldest asked if she could shoot it if the trap didn't kill it. Gotta love kids!!!

---hacked---

It looks as though I am at the mercy of a young human that is logged in on my home PC under my user account.

Shouldn't he be at school?

Originally Posted by tzone

Shouldn't he be at school?

See Remote Desktop under your Accessories folder?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Seems everyone has had a busy weekend . Hate to see this thread go 3 days without a post

Your right, sure has been quiet.

Watched the grand daughter run in a 5K mud run on Saturday. She did manage to get muddy.

oh it's been busy with work on the road runner, yard work, local graduation parties...

Wet sanding and buffing the sides on the plymouth.

[Linked Image]

dang that car is looking good Dave! I picked up my camper this weekend, she's a 79 trailblazer. old but sound.

for those counting it's just 4 months til archery deer season and rifle antelope opener!

looking good dave.

Yep, busy weekend. Work and a quick get-a-way to hayward for a night to visit family. Back at 'er today.

I'm working in the SD office today. Spent Thursday night through Sunday at Lake Sharp near Fort Thompson, SD for a company fishing tourney. It was windy, cold and wet but fun!

While Dave was putting paint on steel, I was trying to take it off down in Missouri.
[Linked Image]

What were you shooting Brent; rifle, pistol or muzzle loader.

Cool picture BTW.

Need to redo the garage roof this month. Spent the morning out shopping for shingles.

I was shooting a .45-70 custom highwall. Blackpowder and paper patched bullets. Like most guys, I was using ironsights (Soule style tang sights and front aperture). There was also a scope class and a smaller number of guys were in that group. These are externally adjustable, non-click scopes such as Malcomb styled scopes.

It is a great game. The Nationals are coming up in about a month in Raton.

What distances are the targets at for black power and what weigh bullet are you shooting?

GB, the targets are at standard NRA highpower silhouette distances Rams-500 meters or about 565 yds, Turkeys are 385 meters, Pigs 300 meters, and Chickens (not in the photo) at 200 meters. At this particular range, the distance are off a little bit because of issues caused by topography.

The rams are far enough away that I can pull the trigger and then look up or roll into the scope and for an instant, fear that I missed, only to see the ram slowly topple over. It is the greatest feeling - when you hit'em.

I was using 82 grs of Swiss 1.5fg and a 514 gr paper patched bullet of my own design.

Here is a poor picture of what the ammo looks like.
[Linked Image]

Those are some impressive rounds Brent.

Da-um!I LOVE 45/70!Great looking ammo.

Stan in SC

Stan, those are just target loads. They are 4" long so they look big but they are pretty simple. The hunting loads are a bit more complex, shorter and not quite so elegant.

Here is a .45-100 load with a recreation of the original Sharps Long Range bullet. The overall length here is 4.500" and the bullet weighs 550 grs. The powder charge is 107.5 grs of Swiss 1.5fg.

[Linked Image]

very cool! I got to see an old sharps up close and personal last fall, EvilTwin even gave me a case from his 44-90 for my collection. that is a hunk of lead to send down range!

I like shooting targets where you have time to get to the spotting scope to see the hit. thanks for sharing Brent! always neat to get a glimpse into someone else's hobby.

Ran across this today.

"ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Outdoors officials say a woman in northern Minnesota was injured this week in an attack by a black bear.

The Department of Natural Resources says the woman suffered non-life threatening injuries in the attack Monday night. The DNR says a conservation officer killed the bear after it ran toward him.

The agency didn't say where the attack occurred or release other details ahead of a planned news conference to discuss it.

The DNR says it's the fifth documented bear attack on a person that resulted in injuries since 1987."

that's almost as bad as a beaver.

Beavers kill people...

Like that fitness junky/beaver photographer Timmy Treadmill

What's the matter with you guys? You know there's no such thing as a bad beaver. Right?

Headed to Stan's neck of the woods tomorrow. Grandson graduation on Saturday in Lexington SC.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What's the matter with you guys? You know there's no such thing as a bad beaver. Right?

That's a loaded question.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Headed to Stan's neck of the woods tomorrow. Grandson graduation on Saturday in Lexington SC.

Some day I'll be out that way. It's beautiful country and I need to see it.

Topgunbill,
Congratulations to your grandson on his graduation.
Bring your umbrella.We have been having beaucoup rain showers.I mean REAL frog chokers.

Stan in SC

Sounds like the frog choking is only going to get worse this weekend with the new storm headed up the Eastern seaboard this weekend.

Seems like were living in a rain forest here in WI. Been raining for the past 3 days. Really creating problems for the farmers with the heavy soil.

I don't think the sun has been out here since Sunday afternoon. More clouds and light rain called for on this weekend. Ma Nature must be saving up all the sun for the Back to the 50's car show and Fourth of July weekends? We can hope any way.

We had a beautiful sunny day yesterday, it's clouded over this morning though, hoping for nice weather for our little car show tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ma Nature must be saving up all the sun for the Back to the 50's car show and Fourth of July weekends? We can hope any way.

Gosh Tom, I forgot about your dad's carb linkage for the old merc pickup truck. I'll pluck that thing from my parts truck and give the addy to Pam today, it prob wont hit the post office till Monday though... maybe today if I can get Taylor to run it to town.

No problem Dave. He's got plenty of other stuff to do on it!

I may be getting some much unwanted free time coming up here. My daughter's summer softball season is to start this Tuesday. Only problem is she came up with wrist pain last week. X-rays reveals a partially healed broken wrist. Of course it's on her pitching hand, which mean's she's been keeping this under wraps for at least several weeks. I always said her arm would just about have to fall off to keep her off the mound, and unfortunately it looks like that is true. We get more results on Monday. She's most likely done for the summer though.

That being the case, I may actually get a chance to get reacquainted with my fishing gear. How's the fish biting up north, Dave?

I wouldn't know personally but I've heard it's been quite good.

Sorry to hear about your daughter's throwing arm, I sure hope that heels properly.

Too bad about our daughter, Gopher. Going to be tough for her to rest that wrist.

My wife all ready caught her out in the back yard with the wrist brace off warming up to pitch. I might have to crazy glue the danged brace on her wrist to keep her from pitching.

Sorry to hear about your daughter's arm Gopher. She sounds like quite the competitor!

Ahhh, to be young again! I'm sore when I wake up and can't do much until I stretch out and get moving, let alone try to sneak a few picthes in with a broken wrist.

Sorry to hear about Ellie. I hope she pays attention to Ma and Pa and the Doc and takes it easy.

You know you are getting old when you get up in the morning and anything that doesn't hurt DOESN'T WORK.

Stsn in SC

Even worse is what hurts in the morning still hurts when you go to bed.

Before I put it in the classifieds,does anyone here need a Redhead 3X9X40 scope for $25 plus shipping?
That's what I paid for it on another forum from a gun writer who did a test and wrote and article on it and then sold it to me.I had it on an AR briefly but took it off when I sold the AR last winter in the big AR price jump.
It will be more $$ in the classifieds.Chickenbuckers get first shot.

Stan in SC

Stan: are there any wma's in the area of Lake Secession? I may be spending Thanksgiving at my daughter's house and I need a place to sit with my bow in the mornings to keep my sanity (wife, four daughters, son-in-laws, grandkids all attending).

They pulled this stunt a few years ago but we stayed north of Clemson. I had a nice little spot close by and saw turkeys and deer so I was happy in spite of never drawing my bow.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Before I put it in the classifieds,does anyone here need a Redhead 3X9X40 scope for $25 plus shipping?
That's what I paid for it on another forum from a gun writer who did a test and wrote and article on it and then sold it to me.I had it on an AR briefly but took it off when I sold the AR last winter in the big AR price jump.
It will be more $$ in the classifieds.Chickenbuckers get first shot.

Stan in SC

I have one on my .223 Contender carbine . Somebody should grab this up

LostArra,
I'm not familiar with that area.Look up SCDNR.Sorry I couldn't be of assistance.

Stan in SC

Scope is spoken for.Thanks Scott.

Stan in SC

sometimes things just line up. I have to go to Boise for work. My cousin lives in Boise. My cousin has an unfilled bear tag. I can come back a couple of days later.

We are chickenbuck bound for the weekend.

Woop!

better bring some bug spray dave, them flying critters are getting nasty out. i am hopefully headed to the lake as well to finish my projects. i may get the boat out yet this year.

Sweet. Jack was just asking me about Joe and Chickenbuck!

Bushy, the skeeter-bugs arrived in force here last weekend. I had May Flies all over my explorer this morning too. Wierd.

Just received this:

"Try spraying the area including chairs and standing water with LISTERINE. Store brands apparently work also. Kills mosquitos."

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We are chickenbuck bound for the weekend.

Woop!

Have a good one, Dave. Hope it's not too hot up there. A break from all this rain would be nice too.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i may get the boat out yet this year.

That makes 2 of us. Finally found the leak in my boat. The hose from the live well pump was cracked. Picked up new hose at FF today.

I'd like to get a boat, hoping to find a 12-14' aluminum with about a 10-15 horse outboard. been looking for a while. keeping my fingers crossed.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'd like to get a boat, hoping to find a 12-14' aluminum with about a 10-15 horse outboard. been looking for a while. keeping my fingers crossed.

Speaking from experience, go no less than 14'. A 16' footer is even better.I started with a 12' and outgrew it real fast.

a 12' would be nice though for just the boy and me to take on some of the small reservoirs for trout, we don't have many big lakes out here. the one we fish the most is less than 100 acres in size and its trolling motors only

I'll stand by 14' as the minimum Ryan. Your boy will not be small for long and a 14' will give you a larger safty factor.

Ideally yes, but there isn't a lot available out here, but I'm lookin

Picked one of these up at Cabela's a couple years ago for small lakes and carry down lakes. Works great.
http://www.loweboats.com/2012/utility-boats/v1457/

Ryan,

There is a 12' Aluminum boat on the Fargo Craiglist for $300. Its located in Dilworth.

http://fargo.craigslist.org/spo/3872022940.html

that one would work, but it's about a 10 hour drive for me to pick it up. I'd spend more on gas to get it LOL. seen a few around here but I'm not going to "settle" for close enough. I'm thinking a 14' with trailer and perhaps a trolling motor or 10 hp outboard would be great. not in a huge rush to get one since I just bought a camper, but I know it takes time to find the one I want.

ours is a 14' lund tiller with a 15 hp Johnson, got a nice little trailer for it, we really like it. We're using it today without the gas motor, no gas motors allowed on the little lake we're fishing today so we have the elect tiller mounted on it.

My 1st two boats were both Alumacrafts. The first one was a 12' car topper called the EZ Loader. The 2nd was a 14' Kingfisher. Both were great boats. My current rig is a 16' foot Smoker Craft.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'd like to get a boat, hoping to find a 12-14' aluminum with about a 10-15 horse outboard. been looking for a while. keeping my fingers crossed.

Picked up a 14' Sylvin yesterday w/ 15 HP Evinrude and an #45 thrust minnkota troller and a new battery. Should hold plenty if fish

Tom-

When are we going fishing anyways? With Ellie out of ball for a while I've got time on my hands. Her grad partie's next weekend. After that I'm a free man.

Should serve you well Tom.

I hope so Bill and its paid for.

Jeff, let me know when. Plenty of fish up here and lakes I haven't tried yet.

Soon as we get past her grad party next week I will most likely have some time unless she's released to pitch after her Dr's appt. on Tues.

taking little man fishing at cold brook reservoir this morning. he loves pulling in those 12-14" rainbow trout. hoping we can catch a 2 man limit. here is us last thursday

Nice stringer of trout, Ryan.

Happy fathers day to all the dads.

Happy fathers day to all... Nice stringer Ryan!

Kiddo's are taking me to the Twins game this afternoon. First one of the year for me, I cant wait!

It's also my little buddy's 8th birthday today!! Best fathers day present ever!

thats awesome Tom!

Little man caught 3 nice keeper trout, I got two small bass and a bluegill. I heard about it the whole ride home and when he told mama and baby sister he laughed how he outfished dad. sometimes with my own rod because he saw it get a bite.

great morning!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he told mama and baby sister he laughed how he outfished dad. sometimes with my own rod because he saw it get a bite.

great morning!

Happy Birthday, Jack! Tom, your BD's right around the cornor too.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's also my little buddy's 8th birthday today!! Best fathers day present ever!

Be sure to tell Jack I said Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,JACK!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,TOM!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy birthday Jack and Tom!

Happy Birthday Jack and Tom!

Happy Birthday, Tom.

Thanks guys! Ususally I take the day off and go fishing, but I have some days off this week to go to Back to the 50's with my dad, so I can't. Since I have to be at work...it's a great day for it so far. 70* and sunny skies!

Happy Birthdays all around!

No bears on my Idaho bear hunt. Saw a beautiful cinnamon, but it was gone before we could see if it had cubs or tell if it was a boar.

Ryan, I picked up 14' Alumacraft this year with a trolling motor for $250 as a price reference. I think this was a very good price, probably could sell it for a couple hundred more. More than 14' gets a little hard to manhandle. I just put it on my snowmobile trailer and pull it off. It is at the dock for the summer now though.

Lac Seul coming up! Bringing the girl. Optimism running rampant around here.

Happy Birthday!

Thanks dude.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Happy Birthdays all around!

No bears on my Idaho bear hunt. Saw a beautiful cinnamon, but it was gone before we could see if it had cubs or tell if it was a boar.

Ryan, I picked up 14' Alumacraft this year with a trolling motor for $250 as a price reference. I think this was a very good price, probably could sell it for a couple hundred more. More than 14' gets a little hard to manhandle. I just put it on my snowmobile trailer and pull it off. It is at the dock for the summer now though.

Lac Seul coming up! Bringing the girl. Optimism running rampant around here.

I'd be happy as a pig in poop if I could find a deal like that, nice snag!

I had a pretty cool birthday!

I hate to be the parent that brags about his kids but Mr. Jack made me smile with pride tonight. I got pulled into coaching a Little League team this year and wasn't sure I could make the commitment, but I'm really glad I did. We have a great bunch of boys that have REALLY come a long way since the first few games.

My little buddy hit a home run in his baseball game tonight. We've been working on his skills almost everyday in the yard, and then a bit before every game. After the game he thanked me for helping him with the hitting.

It made my day!

Happy Birthday Dave and Nate!

Happy Birthday RWS AND DAVE! hope you guys get out and have a blast

That's really cool Tom, tell Jack good job.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, no special plans but we'll try to figure something out.

Tom - That is a memory that will stay with Jack for a lifetime. I still remember my first Little League homerun and that was eleventy billion years ago

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy birthday Jack and Tom!

Happy Birthday Dave and Nate!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom - That is a memory that will stay with Jack for a lifetime. I still remember my first Little League homerun and that was eleventy billion years ago

I remember my one and only...

He wants to play for the Twins. If the game we watched on Fathers Day was any indication, he should get the call any time now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks for the birthday wishes, no special plans but we'll try to figure something out.

One of these days we'll have to have a "birthday boys" fishing trip or something.

If you're headed to back to the 50's this weekend, I have room for ya.

That would be fun tom (back to the 50's) someday.

Yeah we should do a fishing trip for the birthday boys, that's a great idea.

Happy Birthday, Dave and to Nate also.

The UPS man is bringing some stuff for Nathan today.

Wow, lots of birthdays going on.

Happy belated birthday Tom and Jack!
Happy birthday Dave and Nate!

It's my little boys birthday as well today too...

Popular few days for a birthday...

Happy Birthday to your son, Azar.

Originally Posted by tzone

He wants to play for the Twins. If the game we watched on Fathers Day was any indication, he should get the call any time now.

Coffee. On. Keyboard.

Tzone, happy belated birthday wishes to you and your son. Here's a birthday song for you.

And it's up against the wall Redneck Mother,
Mother, who has raised her son so well.
He's thirty-four and drinking in a honky tonk.
Just kicking Cheesehead's asses and raising hell.

As always I feel compelled to remind you guys that IF any of you wish to hunt in SD in the future, please go to the state website and purchase your preference point now for the 2013 year. anyone wishing to hunt this year, now is the time to put in for tags. Tom, PM me for specifics if you're putting in this year. anyone else interested in hunting west river, feel free to let me know. also where I go is unlimited for archery, so feel free to inquire.

Dave, this is the third year I'll be inviting you, this time on an open forum. I have already told your wife previously, that you and Nate need to come out and hunt. I figured I'd do it in front of everyone this time

Les is coming this year if it helps!

Happy Birthday Dave,Nate and Azar's son!!!!

Stan in SC

Umm, if'n I forgot exactly who I said happy birthday too, can I just get away with saying Happy Birthday! to everyone who has had a birthday in the last 2 weeks and be covered? Pretty sure I missed Dave and Nate, so a special Happy Birthday to them. I have been traveling so much, I cant keep up here as much as I would like!

I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy some fishing this summer. Seems like the fish are biting pretty good everywhere.

Ryan,

Is that unlimited archery for non-residents too? And for mule deer as well as whitetail?

Rooster Jim and ND...and Nate.

I'm planning on going fall of 2014 if possible. hint, hint.

Could be fun Chickenbuck west for a week.

yes for nonresidents and residents both, but for archery only. rifle is limited draw. and you need at least 1 PP to have a chance in the draw, there are only 2 nonresident tags.

the regular tag is for any deer, so whitetail, mule deer it doesn't matter. I did see some nice mulie bucks the other morning, out past their ears a ways and not growing up yet, so they should be really nice.

that is for the 27L unit only, for the main units there are LOTS of tags available. double doe tags are only 80 bucks if antlers don't matter

Ryan,

When is bow season and is there a lot of public land to hunt?

Jeff

archery is the last saturday in september til january 15th or so. after january 1 it's does only.

there is a TON of public land, I think you can request a public lands map from the SDGFP it breaks it down by region. plus I might know of a few spots that are good

I have no issues popping a doe, but if I'm going to drive 12 hours....I want some horns.

Sure we all want nice racks, so I'd like to come then, but taking a doe home won't bother me a bit!

I'm a meat hunter, along for the ride, the company, the scenery and to bag some meat.

you're coming too Dave? woohoo!

we'll see.

I'm putting in for a point this fall....next fall Ryan's going to have to buy a bigger tent for us.

Better start plans for a fuzzy windchime.

I have a camper that will sleep 6

if guys want to put up a pile of meat muzzle loader season is the time to do it. 6 weeks long and you can buy a lot of tags if you wish

BRING BUG SPRAY !!!!!!!!

Paul.

And wear the fox hat!

good morning everyone!

Good morning Ryan.

Pam and I are looking at a couple of different homes. More room and more private. We fell in love with one yesterday and now I'm taking inventory of the items I could possible sell to make this possible.

Basically all of my stuff is on that list, short of guns. Road runner, harley, the big crew cab one ton V plow truck...

no, we'll need that.

(if it all works out)

Really worried about all the folks down at back to the 50's car show event here in MN. Bad weather down there. I hope Tzone and his dad did ok with the weather, as well as several other folks I know that headed down that way.

we had marble sized hail last night for a bit, some nasty weather everywhere this year, but we have had lots of rain. everything is lush and green.

for those interested, nonresident youth tags are $10. doe only but they can have up to 2

We faired OK here last night. Hail seemed to miss us. I'm not going to the show today, but my dad, his buddy, and BIL all did this morning.

We have baseball games today we can't miss, but tomorrow we'll be back at the show.

Pa didn't report this morning about damage but I don't think we got hail anyway.

They did drive through real heavy rain early yesterday morning on the way to the show. They picked up Jack and I at 6am and the rain quit. It turned out to be a great day.

Good luck on the move Dave. I wish I could buy that truck from ya.

Dave-If you do a move and need another strong back to help with the move, let me know. I need a good excuse for a brief road trip and would be more than willing to help out.

South Western WI got dumped on. Eight inches of rain in some areas.

Good luck with the house hunt Dave.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-If you do a move and need another strong back to help with the move, let me know. I need a good excuse for a brief road trip and would be more than willing to help out.

Thanks man.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

South Western WI got dumped on. Eight inches of rain in some areas.

Good luck with the house hunt Dave.

8 inches??? holy smokes!!

Bill, the hunt is over for the house, we just have to make it work now.

We've spent all day buying, cutting staining and nailing up trim that has been unfinished in our house for 12 years. Getting it as ready as we can to sell.

Dave, your going to make it look so good you won't want to sell!

Nope, that is NOT going to happen.

It's time to move, simple as that.

Did you buy a place all ready Dave? Up in your area or elsewhere? I missed it in the thread here.

Up in our area, maybe 5 miles from our current home. We havent purchased yet but we are scrambling to do so, working on our home to sell it. We've got the financial plan in order now and I will be selling my harley as part of the deal. But we plan on keeping the road runner. I can get another bike someday down the road.

Clear thinking,Dave. More "toys" can always be obtained.
Pics as soon as possible please?

Stan in SC

Oh the new place is beautiful. We really hope and pray we can make it all happen. We love our current home but we have been having some serious issues with a neighbor for about 3 years now and it's just time to move. We have about 7 neighbors total, we are sort of surrounded by them. We do very well with 6 of the 7... and those 6 have troubles with the same one that gives us trouble.

The problem is, we are extremely close to the trouble source, and we just can't take it any longer. The other 6 neighbors will have to come together as a group and persuade local law enforcement to help them, but they will have to do it without us because we are simply finished with it. Life is too short, we choose to relocate and be happy.

A bad neighbor can truly make life miserable.
I gave up pretty much all target/practice shooting where I live to keep peace with a neighbor that lives one and a half miles away. He would come over and complain and get another neighbor a mile away to complain also. He let me hunt his land exclusively so to keep the peace I do my load work someplace else.
Also people from California moved in a mile away and stopped in one morning. I was in the process of setting up a tree stand in the yard from ground level to make sure it was ok. They asked me what I was doing so I told them. The woman said I shouldn't hunt deer, just watch them. No problem!!

I'll be starting over with no work shop for my restoration and metal fab/welding projects. So I'll be out of that for a while, until I can afford to build a new shop. But that's ok.

Well I know you and your family well enough to know you'll land on your feet. Starting from scratch on a shop won't be bad either. You can build it the way you want....I know you did with your current one, but there has to be something you want to chance. Now you'll have that chance.

Finding peace is worth the trouble I'm betting.

Had no idea you were having neighbor problems all this time. Nothing worse than a bad neighbor.

Hope this deal works out for you Dave. How much land is involved?

I used to have neighbors across the street, that were card carrying PETA members.
The didn't like my fuzzy wind chimes in the garage with the door open,told me so, they even went to the cops about it.
Cops told them to not look in my garage,

they moved soon after. cant say as I miss them.

best of luck to ya ,Dave. anything we can do to help,just say so.
I could probably still find a few places to hide the bodies.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Hope this deal works out for you Dave. How much land is involved?

Same as we have now, 10 acres.

Just a wayyyy nicer house than what we have now, our current house is nice as in clean and in excellent shape etc. New one is bigger though, more bathrooms, bigger rooms, attached garage, just a really nice place.

We'll keep our fingers crossed that the deal goes through.

My son and his family did well at the SCI banquet yesterday. DIL won a $100 gift certificate from Warne. Timely win as she needs a good set og mounts for her Tikka. Son won a scope wrench?

The big winner was my grandson. He won a Henery AR-7 .22 survival rifle.

Good luck Dave. Hoping it goes through seamlessly for you.

Thanks gophergunner.

Well, I listed my Harley for sale this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks gophergunner.

Well, I listed my Harley for sale this morning.

Dangit man if it was 23 months from now you could mark that bike sold .

Took the family camping this last week fished five nights and cleaned 161 crappie and sandbass .

Ha! 161 panfish!!??

How did you clean them?

Crappies eat mighty fine, but what's a sand bass? I know of a lot of different basses, but that's one I haven't heard of. Does it have another name and do you have a picture?

I gotta get back to fishing one day soon.

I wonder if it's what we'd call the ole red eye'd rock bass?

they eat just fine.

That's what I was thinking. They eat fine if you can deal with the big bones. I generally tossed them back however. Loved that red eye too.

When a little boy catches some rock bass over the side of a canoe in the boundary waters.... There's a good chance a man is going to end up cleaning some rock bass for the fire grate and brag up how the boy saved the day with his food catch.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When a little boy catches some rock bass over the side of a canoe in the boundary waters.... There's a good chance a man is going to end up cleaning some rock bass for the fire grate and brag up how the boy saved the day with his food catch.

Oh yeah! And my dad cleaned a bunch of them. I don't have a little boy, but I do know how that works.

They are fun to catch too.

Speaking of little boys and rock bass, I was fishing up at the north end of Fall back in the Days of Yore with my dog in the boat as usual. Another boat pulled in with a Wisconsin sticker on it to fish the small channel in the entrance to the outflow that I was fishing. Dad and Big Brother were fishing like mad men, throwing big plugs and spoons as far as they could and ripping them through the water, and frequently getting hung on a hidden reef. I was laughing because they weren't going to catch anything that way. This was "my water" and that just wasn't going to work. Meanwhile, Little Bro was at the front of the boat dunking a worm and being ignored by the other two. Of course, he hooked a rock bass after a little while. He was in a honey hole for them, though I doubt Dad realized that.

Anyway, he yelled and howled about his fish, and the other two glanced at him and then went back to flingin' and crankin'. And that's when his rod tip took a hell of a dive straight down. It seemed like a long time after that the kid finally cranked the last two or three turns, and I called over to Dad that his kid in the bow might need some help. They glance over again and then everything turned upside down to get the landing net in the water.

Later that night, I was listening to the Fisherman's Hqtrs Fishing show on WELY radio when they announced the winning fish of the day (and later the week), as a 12# northern caught by a 6 yr old on a rockbass and a worm. I thought that was pretty cool, and I suspect that Little Bro, still gives Big Bro grief about that to this day.

I have never landed a northern that way, though I had a few take after my catch. But that little kid managed it by good luck and hard work. It is a fun memory to this day and I generally don't think well of folks that crowd my honey holes

Ah, those were good days for sure.

Good luck with your move, Dave.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:White_Bass.jpg

Electric knife fillet them suckers !

Originally Posted by BrentD

Crappies eat mighty fine, but what's a sand bass? I know of a lot of different basses, but that's one I haven't heard of. Does it have another name and do you have a picture?

I gotta get back to fishing one day soon.

Sand Bass is another name for White Bass.

That's right bill grizzly !

White bass I've heard of, thanks! And Stripers, Wipers (hybrid?), Silvers and a few others that I can't recall at the moment. The electric knife thing I've heard of too, but seems like sacrilege to me. I am getting too old for this brave new world

I hear ya on the e-knife but when your cleaning 50 or more at a time its the only way to go but I skin catfish first then fillet.

Is this thing on?

Well...it happened. First one of the year. Yep, you guessed it. Deer hunting dream. Now with the days getting shorter it's that time of year to start getting serious about deer camp.

I like your way of thinking Tom...

Its kinda hard for me to think about deer huntin when its 97� outside:-)

Well, there is that, but I just got back from the range. More about some last minute adjustments before blasting off for 2 weeks of shooting matches in New Mexico. But it is all relevant. And when I get back, I will go to work in earnest on the .38-72 for a better elk load for the fall. Just enough time

family reunion of sorts this weekend, got my folks and nephew with me tonight. tomorrow we head north and have a cabin in lead/deadwood for the weekend. looking forward to seeing some family I aint seen in a spell. amazingly I'm leaving the fishin poles home for this one. been looking forward to this weekend for the last 6 months, even more than hunting. have a great weekend ya'll!

Can't ask for a better early summer day here. 69* breezy, clear skies... Beautiful day to work outside.

Looking forward to 5 much needed days off of work next week!

Family reunions are awesome Ryan, have fun.

6 years everyone, today marks 6 years from that terrible day June 28th 2007 when we learned that we had lost a man so dear to many of us. A father, husband, brother, son, a best friend.

It was a terrible day.

And in this 6th year we've lost his dad, Dusty. Oh it makes it tough, you feel like you are dragging your feet along through deep heavy mud as we carry on forward in our paths through life.

But I congratulate my family, my whole chickenbuck family. You are all doing great.

Here's to the beginning of our 7th year together, these past 6 have been wonderful. I see no reason to stop.

I'm not saying this god awful thread will continue, but camp chickenbuck will continue. We may fade off the page here, but our camp will continue with business as usual.

I say a prayer, I tip my hat, raise a glass, and sneak a smile to them as they look down. They know we're OK down here.

From getting to know you all, I know how dear he was to all of you. If Waylon was 1/2 the man his father was he's better than I'll be.

To Waylon. To Uncle Dusty. We'll keep a spot in the rack for your rifle, a spark in the wood stove, and the lantern on for you.

This is far from an awful thread though. As far as I've seen it's the best one on the internet...anywhere.

Without it, I'd not have met you or your family, who have become great friends with...who'd I'd do anything for.

I've written here many times and will again today. I met you to give you the treestand and it was like we've know eachother for a long time. That didn't change the next year when I met Uncle Dusty and Missy up at Chickenbuck. Missy got out of the truck and gave me a big hug and it was like we were family right there.

Dusty got out, shook my hand, patted me on the back said something and his smile lit up the place...and always will.

Chickenbuck is a magical place. My boy has been there once and talks about it at least once a week, asking when we're going again. Always trying to get me to find him a dirt bike so he can ride with Joe and Nate. The boy was hooked right out of the gate...just like the rest of us that have been there.

I lost my sister to cancer 2006 she was only 56 and its been tough every family gathering she is missed and especially at Christmas. But we carry on and are great full for the time we had together.

Dave I hope this thread doesn't go away I visit it daily and really consider those that post here like friends or family . I wish we were closer so it would be easier to lend a helping hand when needed. Plus I feel like I have missed a bunch of "hold my beer and watch this" stunts .:-)

Pretty neat cast of characters here. I imagine they will approach Dave at some point about the movie rights. Sam Elliot would play Grizzly Bill I am thinking!

Here's to Waylon and the legacy of this thread that he inspired!

Sam Elliot!

I was thinking something in the line of Channing Tatum.

Who would play Stan? Wilford Brimley?

Got back from Canada. Had a great time. Weather was really unsettled, but we still beat up the fish. Biggest pike was 44.5 and biggest 'eye was 25.5. Just couldnt find the big 'eyes this year. Found quantity though. Lauren had a blast.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Who would play Stan? Wilford Brimley?

Brad Pitt

I got Ryan played by Brad Pitt!

Who is the guy who played Norm on Cheers? Cuz I think I got a role for him!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I got Ryan played by Brad Pitt!

Who is the guy who played Norm on Cheers? Cuz I think I got a role for him!

George Wendt I think I know where your going with this

What about Dave ? Tim Allan ? Johnny Depp idk
But I'm thinking Shrek for myself

Who would play Stan???Hmmmm.Thanks Berettaman,Grizzly Bill and my old buddy Mule1 for the suggestions.
I think Jeff Dunham's "Walter" would be most appropriate to portray me.
I love this thread.I've met a lot of good people here.It has helped pull me thru recuperation from heart bypass surgery in June of 2008.
As far as losing relatives I lost my older sister in June of 2008 just two days after I got out of the hospital.I was under doctor's orders of "no travel" so I could not go to her funeral in Georgia.Losing folks ain't easy.
Chickenbuck forever!!!!!

Stan in SC

I don't say much on here, just throw out a comment every now and then, but I don check several times a day to see what everyone is doing. From hold my beer and watch this, to the little guy preaching. Feels like everyone is family. Nuff said, now let me finish my coffee.

Oh by the way the best team in baseball right now is the PITTSBURGH PIRATES. Raise the Jolly Roger they won again today.

I keep this up and I will have 150 posts before deer season

Slow down on the posts ther topgun....ya gotta ease into these things.

Dave,

I've been reading this thread for over a year, maybe two. I've read it through cover to cover a few times. It's high time I registered to let you know how much you've helped others.

We watched Chickenbuck become a place of healing, watched your family and Chickenbuckers grow, looked on with anticipation with the building of the marshmallow fish house - the new fish house trailer - the Mustang - the yellow Ford - the Roadrunner - the grills- the fish house stove - and everything you've done to make your camp a true blue deer camp.

We've prayed with Chickenbuckers during Dusty's courageous fight, we are happy that Muffy has found happiness in her new profession and love life, we wonder about Captain Bangflop and how he's doing, we're glad young Cole is better, we wonder how many boats T-zone has owned in the past 5 years, we saw Stan flourish after his heart surgery and become the 45-70 guru, saw Grizzly and his deer camp buddies have a great time year after year, how cool it is at CO1135 graduated and is building a new life
in SD with his new family, we think about the fella from Missouri that we haven't heard from in a few years, but most of all we read to see what's around the corner for everyone and to keep in touch, just like family.

I hope this thread never ends. It's life with all it's ups and downs...mostly ups. When life gets a little rough around the edges the good people here always bring a smile to my face. 2300 pages and 46 million views can't be wrong. Give my best to the Chickenbuckers and Waylon's family on this solemn day.

God Bless,

Steve

Well done, Steve. Well done. This thread has turned into something very special, that's for sure. Dave has a whole cottage industry going here selling t-shirts to those of us who've taken up the Chickenbuck story and want to be a part of it, even from afar.

Best wishes to Dave and all the 'Buckers. As for Tom and his boats, well, everyone should have their own v-hulled fleet! Next he's going to branch out into Aquacars!

Welcome Steve. Aleways good to have a new voice around the fire.

BTW BM, I've got you being played by Pee Wee Herman.

You nailed it foxtrotter were addicted please don't take away our drug :-)

Hey berrattadude you could be Bob Newhart or one of the Daryls not sure which :-)

I can see Will Ferrell playing ND. Running down chickenbuck road nude. Arms flailing & swatting skeeters like crazy!!!

"We're streaking!"

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I can see Will Ferrell playing ND. Running down chickenbuck road nude. Arms flailing & swatting skeeters like crazy!!!

"We're streaking!"

Pass the eye bleach.

Bob Newhardt or PeeWee Herman? Holy cow, I hate to dissapoint, but a young Tom Selleck has already accepted my role!

Will Ferrel and Tim Allen, both good suggestions for ND. Other ideas? If they made a conservative Jim Carrey, that would be a good one, eh?

By the way, Cole was in Canada with us and had a great time. he outfished his dad and grandpa even. He caught a lot of walleyes and his biggest was around 24. He is doing great and is a baseball fanatic. He played catch with my daughter or his dad every day, multiple times.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

we wonder how many boats T-zone has owned in the past 5 years

Steve, HELLOVA first post my friend. Pull up a stump.

You flat out cracked me up with that question...It's 5 by the way.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I can see Will Ferrell playing ND. Running down chickenbuck road nude. Arms flailing & swatting skeeters like crazy!!!

"We're streaking!"

Wait. You mean again right?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bob Newhardt or PeeWee Herman? Holy cow, I hate to dissapoint, but a young Tom Selleck has already accepted my role!

Will Ferrel and Tim Allen, both good suggestions for ND. Other ideas? If they made a conservative Jim Carrey, that would be a good one, eh?

By the way, Cole was in Canada with us and had a great time. he outfished his dad and grandpa even. He caught a lot of walleyes and his biggest was around 24. He is doing great and is a baseball fanatic. He played catch with my daughter or his dad every day, multiple times.

Good to hear Cole is doing well .

Now listen you better edit that Jim fairy crap out before ND reads this .

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I can see Will Ferrell playing ND. Running down chickenbuck road nude. Arms flailing & swatting skeeters like crazy!!!

"We're streaking!"

You only say that because you know me. lol!

Hey Steve, "charliefoxtrot".

Wow, very nice.

Don't know what else to say other than thank you.

Steve,
welcome to Camp Chickenbuck.Damn good first post.Stick around,Kid.

Stan in SC

We hopped in the roadrunner mid day yesterday, Pam, Joe and myself. We burned through the humid summer MN air in a 44 yr old hot rod Plymouth.

We made the rounds, visited great people. We saw my mom and step dad, we saw Missy and Eileen, we saw all the chickenbuck "kids" and mama "makes no patties", we saw tumor buck too!

We had electrical problems in Ulen MN, bad old wiring, we gimped it through the day yesterday, almost smoked a deer, fixed the wiring this morning, did a smokey burnout with my little brother riding shotgun in Felton MN... Oh it was just a busy little unplanned day and night that spilled into today.

Today we burned a 165 mile road runner sized hole through that heavy summer air again, headed north this time, back home.

It was a good little trip.

I come home and finally sit down at a computer and here you knuckleheads have been jabbering about movies and actors, talking about how you like to come here to check in and shoot the breeze.

Ok, why not?

They'll kick us out when they've had enough of us.

Until then, I guess this is ok huh?

Excuse me while I build a lego kit with my 9 yr old.

or...

"hold my beer and watch this" if you like.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Steve,
welcome to Camp Chickenbuck.Damn good first post.Stick around,Kid.

Stan in SC

yes, please do stick around.

I don't know about the rest of you,but I have a long weekend coming up. Headin' "up nort."

When Im not fishing,im going to be testing loads in the .450, the 30-30,and a couple of muzzleloaders.
the days ARE getting shorter, you know.
I heard on the radio the other day that the state fair is only 57 days away.
that means bow deer season is 76 days away!

I gotta get busy!

I also see the dnr has a wolf season listed for this year.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I don't know about the rest of you,but I have a long weekend coming up. Headin' "up nort."

When Im not fishing,im going to be testing loads in the .450, the 30-30,and a couple of muzzleloaders.
the days ARE getting shorter, you know.
I heard on the radio the other day that the state fair is only 57 days away.
that means bow deer season is 76 days away!

I gotta get busy!

I also see the dnr has a wolf season listed for this year.

My gang is heading west today for a late fathers day fish fry . Thanks for sending some cooler air down south !

We're headed to the market to stock up on food. My son and his family will be arriving on the 4th for 5 days.

We don't know what our plans are yet. Ellie's 18U fastpitch team is on the call list for openings for the Ring Neck fastpitch tournament in Sioux Falls. We may get the call as late as Friday morning and have games Friday night, with us being here in the Twin Cities, it will be a mad dash to get out there in time. The girls have been told to be packed and ready to go if the call comes. We'll worry about hotel rooms when we get there, or have someone working the phones while we're driving out there to find lodging. If nothing else, someone will put us up out there. The folks we know would never turn their backs on a team in need. Coaches screwed up and forgot to mail our entry fee, so we're "on the bubble." We've made some great friends out there over the last 10 years, and hope we end up going, but if don't, plan B appears to be a couple day trips around our area down here and some work on the house.

My and my lady friend were going to go fishing this morning but we found a dresser she wants to restore so we're headed out to pick it up before we hit the lake.

Then I'm wetting a line for the first time this year. Couldn't care less if I catch a fish today. It's 75*, light breeze, sun is shining....Yep, I'll be on the lake!

Spent yesterday shooting the BB gun with the kids....well rather they shot, I coached. Then a first time solo on the Polaris 90 four wheeler for the boys. I had that governed down until it barely ran! Then hit the lake for some fishing and came home with a mixed bag of walleyes and crappies. Good times with the kids. Today, off to the Vikingland Band Parade. Not exactly my idea of a good time, but the wife wants to go so I will be there.

Ahh, summertime in Minn-e-sotah! good times for sure!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Ellie's 18U fastpitch team is on the call list for openings for the Ring Neck fastpitch tournament in Sioux Falls. We may get the call as late as Friday morning and have games Friday night, with us being here in the Twin Cities, it will be a mad dash to get out there in time.

so your daughters been cleared to play?

GREAT day today!! Picked up a dresser for ms. April to restore, hit the lake for some boat trials and wet a line. Boat landing was absolutely nuts but man...what a day on the water! Caught some bass, pike, and even a bluegill on a no. 11 jointed rapala. First time for that!

Just a perfect day

Thanks for the kind words! It's nice to feel welcome.

I've kinda felt a kinship with you guys since I first read thisnthing all the way through the first time. I lost my little brother 3 months before Waylon's tragic accident. It was one of those early April days where we got some light blowing snow after a couple of days of rain. The roads were a bit greasy in the morning. Jeep Cherokee vs. fully loaded cement truck. I got the call and had to tell our parents, my other brother who was in Florida on vaca and my sister who lives on the other side of the Big Lake. Not fun. He hung on six days for us. He left with us around him telling him it's OK and that we'd be together further on down the road.

Corey was a good man. He was a month younger than Dave and Waylon. We hunted together, fished and camped, you name it-anything outdoors is where he wanted to be. He went into the Army to pay for school. Little did he know Sadam wanted to own Kuwait. Only he found himself in Korea for a year instead. He thought he was good, but upon his return he went into 5th Group SF. He never would share anything he did when he was with them. He got out and went to college, got his biology degree and
set forth trying to clean up environmental disasters. He said he'd never be a millionaire, but he was happy what he was doing.

His passing was the slow death of our deer camp as he was an integral part of our 30+ year deer, duck, and trout camp. Every camp has a guy who is sort of the "glue". He was that guy. The first season after he passed one of the guys put his boots and hat on the fireplace mantel. It was too much for my dad. He never hunted again. Another guy couldn't lay off the bottle while hunting and we had to give him his walking papers; he took another guy with him. Sadly, our 30 year camp is falling apart. My other brother and a few others are left.

But I am a "glass is half full" kind of guy. We still have a good core group. I have a couple of boys, one who is 11 and loves duck hunting. When I read the first dozen pages of this thread it gives me hope. When I read it all the way and then the day to day posts, well by god, there's healing going on. And it all seems to center around
Chickenbuck. One picture says it all and that's Uncle Dusty's tattoo.

So I have ten acres up north in the middle of nowhere deer country with nothing on it...

I think the family is staying in a yurt for the Fourth. Not exactly sure what a yurt is other than some sort of Mongol tent...I think. The Boss set this one up. I'm bringing an extra tent just in case. If we're living like Mongols, then we're going to eat like Mongols. I see plenty of meat on the menu. And if we need veggies I'll go the potato chip route.

First time camping this year and the mosquitos are so thick they need landing clearance from the FAA. Wonder if the Mongols used Thermocell?

Charlie,

Thanks for sharing your story here. So many deer camps go through this process. Our camp has been doing the slow fade for quite some time now. When my dad passed, it was just a matter of time. I hope you are able to keep your camp going, as there is nothing like the bonds and traditions that come with deer camp. Welcome to the Fire.

If Mongols had thermocells, they'd use them.

Charliefoxtrot,
"Nuther" damn good post. Thanks for the background.
You gonna fit in just fine here.Stick around.

Stan in SC

It's my best friend's birthday today.

He would have been 43 today.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Not exactly sure what a yurt is other than some sort of Mongol tent...I think. The Boss set this one up. I'm bringing an extra tent just in case.

Ahhh yes, someone who's been to the dance before.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I see plenty of meat on the menu. And if we need veggies I'll go the potato chip route.

I like where your head's at on this one.

Happy Birthday Waylon. Keep your tip up and your line tight up there.

Steve, I'm sure many camps have faded away like yours did. I'm sure a few started like Dave and Pam's did as well.

I'm not sure if I've ever shared this on here or not. If I have, sorry, if not...sorry anyway.

My uncle Jeff had a camp in Alborn, MN in the late 70's-mid 80's. Camp was Jeff, Uncle Rick, and my Dad. It was a cool place on 40acres. It was an octagon, had water(well)/electrical, but still pretty "rustic." No plumbing, the water was heated on the stove and the dish water ran outside into 5 gal pails, out house, deer racks on the facia...typical MN camp.

Jeff decided to sell the camp to pay for his wedding

and my dad and Rick could not afford to buy him out. The new owner was going to build a house on the property but said they could use the place for a few years to hunt.

My uncle Rick was like a father to me. We were very close. He would be at our house at 6am wheter we wanted to go or not... Rick was there. I was not able to legally hunt yet, but I had a bb gun was was in the deer stands, walking the trails, clearing brush, pushing bush for deer, scouting...everything that one does for hunting without carrying a gun. We were fishing, bird hunting, deer hunting, camping, anything outdoors.

In 1986 Rick was diagnosed with Leukeima. We were devestated, me especially. He went through a long treatment process and it went into remission In 88 he was once again able to hunt. The "camp" was gone but we had a camper that we used and hunted the same area in Alborn. We didn't get a deer that year, but I remember almost everything we did together that season. It sounds weird, but I do. I remember it like yesterday. I remember setting out mock scrapes on the firday before the season started in the back of the gravel pit the camper was in, the campfire we had that night, the brats we cooked over the fire, going to bed and waking up to 4" of fresh fluffy snow...like it happened yesterday. I remember the excitement of walking with him along the woods line early the next day (opening day) and seeing the dirt of the scrape "glow" from the snow that was scraped off it sometime in the last few hours.

Rick's cancer came back with a vengance later the next spring and he was dead by May of 1989. A few weeks before my 12th birthday, the year I finally got to hunt for real with him... I didn't know what to do, where to turn, or how to handle any of it...Hell I was 12.

My dad didn't have any desire to hunt anymore. He took me, but didn't want to go. Dad hasn't hunted since 1990. He called a buddy that had some land on the Iron Range and he said I could hunt there and I did, for the next 20 years.

I shot a lot of deer there and some dandy bucks through the years. But as things happen the land owner's adult kids started to hunt there. They were grown up when I started and they didn't have an intrest then but did 15 years later. I was only allowed to sit in one stand and not move around because I'd "spook" all the deer. They started to bait their stands (not legal) so I'd not see deer, silly games like that. Well the last two years I hunted there, I shot a 9pt and 6pt even though they tried everything to not have deer by me. They got mad, and it wasn't fun anymore.

In 2009 I was invited to hunt up at Chickenbuck and I think I've hunted at least one deer season of some sort ever since. I'm pround to be allowed there. Happy to be part of a camp and have been inviting myself back to eat Dave's ribs ever since.

I'm thankful to have met Dave and Pam. Uncle Dusty, Missy, Preacher Joe, Weezy, Nate, Justin, Kenna, Makes no Patties, Big Jelly, Toumor buck, White Bear, Busch Pilot, Lester, Tommy, Colorado1135and all the other boys and girls that come up.

It is something I truly look forward too every year. Even when we work up there, its fun. I wish I lived closer so I could go a lot more...but maybe Dave and Pam did that by design.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's my best friend's birthday today.

He would have been 43 today.

Happy Birthday, Waylon.

Dave, I'm sure Waylon is looking down from above and saying "Cuz, I'm proud as hell of you for what you've done".

we drove out to the cabin yesterday with the old yeller plow truck, parked it at the cabin. Then we loaded the blue tractor on the trailer to bring home for some work we need to do before selling our place.

I kept a sharp eye out for berries, scanning the blue berry and choke cherry situation. Both look fantastic. Especially the blue berries.

I'd say another 3 weeks and we'll be in berry picking mode.

I wish there was a way to get a gallon of berries out here. man I miss those!

I suppose I could put them in a cooler and drive them out there.

Next weekend I'm going to start a push to get the old blue 78 ford finished. I'd like to have that on the road by mid September. I think I can do it If I bust ass for a month of weekends I think I'll have it.

I'd like to work the bugs out and haul the wheeler up to Chickenbuck in the back of that old truck.

That'd be great, I'd like to get a weekend planned for wheelin and berry picking before then too though.

Pretty hot workin' @ present. You guys need to protect against the dreaded "monkey butt".

Just saying 'cause I care about all of you !

Paul.

Good point, I will take precautions.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I suppose I could put them in a cooler and drive them out there.

if you freeze em, you can bring them out while a hunting season is going on

Heading home from Minot, hauling my uncle's camper, at a stoplight in MN who do I pull up behind but none other than Chickenbuck cousin Muffy.

I chuckled all the way to Bemidji.

No joke?

Damn that's funny!

Was she in her new little white car?

Yeah, it was a little white thing.

She zoomed away before I could take a pic.

The strange things you come across on a 2200 mile round trip.

I'll be damned.

That's what I said when I saw it.

Happy 4th everybody!

May your cracker go boom

Your sparkler sparkle

You beer be cold

And the potato salad not make everyone sick

:-)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That'd be great, I'd like to get a weekend planned for wheelin and berry picking before then too though.

That'd would be great. Let me know!

Happy 4th of July everyone. And a special thank you to all the Vets that read this ad well. Without you we couldn't celebrate this country today!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That'd be great, I'd like to get a weekend planned for wheelin and berry picking before then too though.

That'd would be great. Let me know!

Oh Oh Me tooooo!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy 4th of July everyone. And a special thank you to all the Vets that read this ad well. Without you we couldn't celebrate this country today!

A huge +1 on that!

Happy forfa-jooly everybody!

Time to prep the pork roast for the charcoal grill.

Happy 4th to all of you..

Picked starwberries this morning. Fresh strawberry shortcake tonight.

Pick up the kids at 3:00 today.

Happy Independence Day to all the Chickenbuckers, and the hoards of honorary Chickenbuckers too.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYBODY!!!!

Stan in SC

Whew, pegged the fun meter yesterday. Lots of lake activities, parades (the neighborhood kind with lawn mowers, four wheelers, golf carts, bikes, etc, then later a boat parade), patriotic food and good times with friends. Celebrating the 4th on the lake is as good as it gets!

Today, we go over to my uncles lake place and restart the whole experience again at a different lake! Hope everyone else is enjoying their break and the summer.

We painted our house today! It looks good enough to sell now lol. Sold my Harley yesterday too.

I saw that. you might get the house so spruced up you won't want to leave!

Good deal on the painting! Bitter sweet about the harley but there will be more.

Wow it has been quite some time since I have been on here. I just got caught up like 30+ pages.

Been busy I guess with moving, work, and I don't know what.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July.

Went wheeling yesterday. Finally took my new wheeler through the big mud hole. I was going to post a video of Scott going through it but I am kinda computer illiterate. I even drove my friends CanAm through it. That was a blast even though I got pretty soaked.

I let my friend drive mine home cuz she wanted to drive one with power steering and I drove Scott's. Well the front of the pack stopped quickly over the top of a hill and she couldn't stop in time. She ran into the back of me. We just thought the mount for the front rack broke, but once we got home and started looking we found:

Both of the radiator mounts were completely broke off.

Scott's hitch hit and broke the motor of the winch.

The bumper is pushed in pretty good. Bringing it in for an estimate tomorrow. But I was driving.

Material things can be fixed, at least nobody got hurt.

Good to hear from you Muffy. Too bad about the quad. Son and family arrived Thursday and we've been on the run since. Had our own fireworks display in our driveway on the 4th. City fireworks are tonight over the river.

Put the boat in the water for the first time this year and no more leaks. Kids caught a bunch of small gills and Northerns.

Heading down to Waupaca shortly to set up for my uncle's 90th birthday party.

Looks like we start replacing the garage roof this coming Friday. Neighbor has a long weekend and says we're going to do it. I'll help with the tear off and that will be the extent of my involvement.

Wow! Great neighbor Bill. We have had a fun day on the lake for the last fee days. Today me best little buddy and I got up early and did a little fishing. He caught a 16" large mouth that have him a good tussle.

Car show later today.

Uncle, Uncle! I dont think we can take any more fun-filled, lake-playing days. The kids are shot and the parents are too.

I just cannot fathom the kind of person who would be a neighbor to ND and family and create enough problems to have them want to move. I just dont get it.

ND, if you have any bad neighbor stories you would like to share, they usually bring about a good chuckle for those of us who didnt have to experience it.....

Nothing i'd care to share out in the open.

We're making good progress on our house though, really looking good around here.

He's getting paid, Tom. But still nice of him to take it on.

Had a ball at the Uncles party yeaterday. Grandson got to spent time with cousins he hasn't seen in several years. Son, SIL and DIL were out fishing and brought back a mess of panfish. Fresh panfish and scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nothing i'd care to share out in the open.

We're making good progress on our house though, really looking good around here.

Dave-my offer still stands. Let me know when you're ready to move and I'm on my way up. JustOneGunner doesn't even know he wants to help too, but Dad has a way of convincing him of that, so just let us know.

thanks man.

Spent all day Monday in Wisconsin Dells with the kids. A full day of Water Parks, mini golf, archades and the famous Duck rides.

Humidity was awfull, temp around 90*

Kids flying back this afternoon, but weather not looking good. Thunderstorms going to hit shortly.

98 here today humidity 55% 100's next 5 days

went down to the cities today and it rained cats and dogs all the way down. wow, did it rain!

You are gonna get it soon I think Griz! Tie a life jacket on the dog!

Low 80's and still very humid here right now. Just starting to sprinkle.

Kids made it to Chicago this PM in between storms there.

Tornado touched down in the Antigo area about 15 minutes after their flight left. Antigo is about 45 miles from the airport the the kids flew out of.

Update. There have been 3 more confirmed tornados just South and East of us. All between 5:55 PM and 6:20 PM. No damage reports yet.

dang Bill, I'm just getting on to read, I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. we've been getting lots of rain this summer too, and we sure needed it. crops all look green as can be. corn is almost chest high, beans aren't super, but doing good. cameras go out today for my annual survey. I'm getting anxious for deer season!

We're good, Ryan. Doesn't sound like there was much damage on the ones to the South. The North was hit harder but mostly trees and power lines.

Kids made it back to Portland late last night.

good to hear! weather is not to be trifled with, ma nature can get nasty sometimes.

beautiful day to play outside here. 65, low humidity, clear...great. It feel like september.

I'm headed up to Duluth to play around with my 78 4x4 pick up this weekend. I'm hoping to leave work early on Friday and get a good long weekend in on it. I think with a month of weekends, I'll have it licked. Or at least ready to paint.

Mechanicals shouldn't be bad. Breaks, rear shocks, fuel pump leak, rear diff fluid leak. The shocks I have. The fuel pump is should be easy enough, rear diff leak is a redneck but simple fix, and the breaks will take me a full day....at least. I have to run break lines for the whole truck.

I (we) may be able to finish most, if not all the body work this weekend if things go right. Lots of sanding and small dent repair.

I figure a full weekend for the interior prep as well if I don't paint the truck blue.

Wouldn't you rather help put on a garage roof? I'm sure I could round up another hammer for you.

Well...that's still playing outside. If there was anything I could do for your garage roof from the ground, I'd be your guy. Roof's are not my thing. There is a reason people make a living doing them.

I think it's time for a cabin weekend, camp shickinbuck.

I could see spending a bunch of weekends out there between now and fall time. The blueberries will be very good this year. All the berries will be, especially choke cherries, wow.

Bill, glad to hear the kids made it home and the storms missed you.

Hey everybody, little "runs with scissors" got his drivers license yesterday.

He's not little anymore though, I think he might be taller than me now lol!

He's driving the 77 F250 4x4 the kids named "black betty"

Congrats RWS. Won't be long and Preacher Joe will be driving.

Received an email from my wife's cousin. She says their Black Raspberries will be ready in another week. Love Black Raspberries. Going to be a bumper crop of Red Raspberries too. They make both Black and Red flavored Brandy from the berries and we have to sample last years efferts.

Only 2 weeks until Deer Fest down in Oshkosh. Man this year is flying.

Pretty tough to beat Choke Cherry Jam on my toast at Chickenbuck...just sayin.

You know it's getting late in the year when you have to send in for your doe license.

rifle applications are due the 19th for SD. if anyone wants a preference point now is the time to sign up and buy one for $5!

I'm in of the preferance points. I went in for West River deer and Black Hills deer. So hopefully that will be enough for a fall of 2014 draw on one of the two?

I hope to get up north this weekend. Ready for a Chickenbuck weekend!

Should be a great weekend up there Muffster! Did you get the Polaris fixed already?

Not yet. They ordered the parts. At least the only damage that was done is what we could see. The radiator is fine.

This weekend I won't be able to go up there. I just found out that there is a party and I have to go.

---AMERICA---

hacked

damn kids....

Hope all had a good 4th. Been swamped up north here. Daughter played B-ball at target center last weekend in a great 8 4-state tournament for 8th graders. The won the whole tournament. what a fun experience for the kids to play on main court. Dave, hope all is going well. I have yet to get the boat in the water yet either.

going to have to start fishing in the evenings i think. Was hoping you were at chickenbuck last friday, we drove through the woods. dont think you were there though. anyone need a ranger, got one for sale.

we'll be out there soon buschy, no this weekend but probably the following. It's possible I could make a day trip out there this weekend but it would only be to haul some stuff out there to get it off the home property as we prepare to list our house.

We started on the garage roof at 6:00 this morning. Had it stripped and new felt paper down by 8:45. God, does my neighbor fly. Said he did his first roof when he was 13.

Shingles will be delivered around 3:00 PM. Not looking forward to lugging them around at nearly 90 pounds a bundle. My back hurts already.

knew a guy that modified an old belt style hay bale elevator for bringing shingle bundles up onto roof tops. Some of you farmers know what I'm talking about, basically a very long conveyor belt/ramp for loading the old small square bales into hay lofts in the upper levels of barns.

It worked great for shingles, way better than throwing a bundle over your shoulder and heading up the ladder.

Building supply just deliverd the shingles. They used a conveyor to put them up on the roof. We had to grab them as they came off and place them around the roof.

Going to hold off until around 5:30 to begin shingling to let it cool down. Will shingle till dark.

pouring rain here, hail in some areas.

Hope it stays away from us Saturday.

Garage is 1/2 done. Andy started at 5:00 and finished at 7:15.

Beautiful here in Duluth. An unheard of 85*.

I got the roof of the 78 ford DA'd with 120, filled a few small dents, and then hit it with 220grit. Sand it again tomorrow and get it ready for primer on Sunday with the rest of the truck.

Tom-

How's your dad doing? 'Haven't heard you mention him much lately.

He's doing well Jeff, thanks for asking. He's very busy on his own car projects. He is trying to finish up a 1949 Merc pick-up.

got 3 3/4 inches of rain in the last few hours.

Man the life rafts!

Humid as heck here, but they took the rain out of the forecast.

Finished the roof at 9:45 AM. We ended up with 1 shingle to spare. Thought I was going to have to make a trip to the building supply store for mote.

We got 9 inches of rain in Prior Lake. Basement flooded-sewer backed up, carpet in basement ruined, sheet rock soaked. It's gonna be a long weekend. Just taking a break from pulling the water off the floor down there.

What a mess, Gopher.Good luck with the clean up.

We could use some rain right now. Lawn is starting to show signs of stress. Need to break out the sprinklers.

Thanks, Grizzly. Dumped 4 buckets out of the shop vac on the first round. Just ate some lung and going back at it again here.

how do you cook lung? I've never had it before.

I spent all week irrigating as we have been hot and the showers have dwindled out here. crops all look fantastic though! temps in the 90's and 100's makes the ground cook pretty fast. lost a lot of my new trees planted

Oh gopher, that sucks. best of luck with that.

I'm putting down carpet.

Gophergunner,I sincerely hope that you get it all straightened out.That is probably one big mess.
I am going shooting with an old friend tomorrow whom I have not seen in 28 years. Really looking forward to it. He lived next door to me in high school and we did a lot of hunting and fishing together even after we both got married. It's going to be fun.
My wife took me out to supper tonight on the occasion of my 72nd. birthday.

Stan in SC

Stan, did I miss your birthday?

Happy belated birthday if I did.

Happy birthday Stan!!

Jeff, oh man! Let me know if I can help! I'm in Duluth right now. Did it hit the north burbs? I'll be home tomorrow night, let me know what I can do?

Do you have a sewer back up clause on ins? I don't know how that works?

I did get the roof, cab except the doors, hood, and fenders on the 78' pick up in primer today. LOTS of sanding on that sucker today. Had to fix a bunch of tiny rust spots that didn't make it through the pain yet, but showed up when I striped the old paint off.

Happy birthday Stan!

Gopher, any updates? Wet basement is a terrible situation. I sure hope you can get it dried out without scrapping a bunch of materials. Is insurance going to help you on this?

Happy birthday Stan the Man!

Happy Birthday Stan!

Dave hows the house project coming? is the dream house yours yet?

Originally Posted by tzone

Steve, I'm sure many camps have faded away like yours did. I'm sure a few started like Dave and Pam's did as well.

I'm not sure if I've ever shared this on here or not. If I have, sorry, if not...sorry anyway.

My uncle Jeff had a camp in Alborn, MN in the late 70's-mid 80's. Camp was Jeff, Uncle Rick, and my Dad. It was a cool place on 40acres. It was an octagon, had water(well)/electrical, but still pretty "rustic." No plumbing, the water was heated on the stove and the dish water ran outside into 5 gal pails, out house, deer racks on the facia...typical MN camp.

Jeff decided to sell the camp to pay for his wedding

and my dad and Rick could not afford to buy him out. The new owner was going to build a house on the property but said they could use the place for a few years to hunt.

My uncle Rick was like a father to me. We were very close. He would be at our house at 6am wheter we wanted to go or not... Rick was there. I was not able to legally hunt yet, but I had a bb gun was was in the deer stands, walking the trails, clearing brush, pushing bush for deer, scouting...everything that one does for hunting without carrying
a gun. We were fishing, bird hunting, deer hunting, camping, anything outdoors.

In 1986 Rick was diagnosed with Leukeima. We were devestated, me especially. He went through a long treatment process and it went into remission In 88 he was once again able to hunt. The "camp" was gone but we had a camper that we used and
hunted the same area in Alborn. We didn't get a deer that year, but I remember almost everything we did together that season. It sounds weird, but I do. I remember it like yesterday. I remember setting out mock scrapes on the firday before the season started in the back of the gravel pit the camper was in, the campfire we had that night, the brats we cooked over the fire, going to bed and waking up to 4" of fresh fluffy
snow...like it happened yesterday. I remember the excitement of walking with him along the woods line early the next day (opening day) and seeing the dirt of the scrape "glow" from the snow that was scraped off it sometime in the last few hours.

Rick's cancer came back with a vengance later the next spring and he was dead by May of 1989. A few weeks before my 12th birthday, the year I finally got to hunt for real with him... I didn't know what to do, where to turn, or how to handle any of it...Hell I was 12.

My dad didn't have any desire to hunt anymore. He took me, but didn't want to go. Dad hasn't hunted since 1990. He called a buddy that had some land on the Iron Range and he said I could hunt there and I did, for the next 20 years.

I shot a lot of deer there and some dandy bucks through the years. But as things happen the land owner's adult kids started to hunt there. They were grown up when I
started and they didn't have an intrest then but did 15 years later. I was only allowed to sit in one stand and not move around because I'd "spook" all the deer. They started to
bait their stands (not legal) so I'd not see deer, silly games like that. Well the last two years I hunted there, I shot a 9pt and 6pt even though they tried everything to not have deer by me. They got mad, and it wasn't fun anymore.

In 2009 I was invited to hunt up at Chickenbuck and I think I've hunted at least one deer season of some sort ever since. I'm pround to be allowed there. Happy to be part of a camp and have been inviting myself back to eat Dave's ribs ever since.

I'm thankful to have met Dave and Pam. Uncle Dusty, Missy, Preacher Joe, Weezy,
Nate, Justin, Kenna, Makes no Patties, Big Jelly, Toumor buck, White Bear, Busch Pilot, Lester, Tommy, Colorado1135and all the other boys and girls that come up.

It is something I truly look forward too every year. Even when we work up there, its fun. I wish I lived closer so I could go a lot more...but maybe Dave and Pam did that by design.

See what I mean about this thread? What a great post! Sorta sums it up and makes a guy feel better about things. We're having a "changing of the guard" too. I see better days ahead.

Steve

Happy Birthday Stan!

Had water in the basement problems this spring. Sump was going constantly along with 3 of us dong the shop vac thing. We got ahead of it after about 4 days. Put a coupla dehumidifiers down there and sealed off the basement from any other air flow. Dried out nicely in a few days. Good luck!

Got done yurting last week. I am now an affirmed yurter...yurtee? The Mongols had it good. The meat extravaganza didn't pan out as it rained the whole time - unless tube steaks grilled in a wood stove counts. Anyway, if I figure out how to get pics from my phone to this site, I'll post em up.

Steve

Tom-

We did pretty good yesterday. 'Got the floor dried and bleached. As for the insurance, we filed a claim, but it's very doubtful that anything will come of it. Haven't heard back from the adjuster yet, but we're on high ground, not in a flood plain, and don't have the flood insurance rider. All he can do is say no, I guess. I doubt that the damage will cover our deductible even if we can get some help.

I too am a member of a dying camp. My dad and 4 other guys built a simple deer camp in Central Pennsylvania shortly after WWII. Camp Opa has been my home away from home for over 5 decades now. Time moved on, all the original members passed away. None of the other guys had any kids that showed any interest in the camp, so it came down to me and my brother. I'm up here in Minnesota now, and don't get back home much any more. My brother is in his 60's and in failing health, so hasn't hunted out of camp in a few years now.

It's so hard to see this great little camp slipping into history. Man, there are some great memories from hunts gone by. The deer, bears, turkeys, and trout that came through that camp made for some great stories for sure. Fall is a very bittersweet time for me, as I think about the 5 guys that made this camp possible, and how we have failed to honor their sweat and hard work by keeping this camp going. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us-the camp across from ours, Camp Bozo just sold. Same thing. All the older guys either died or quit hunting. 'Shame to see this happen to these great camps. Here's to the hope that others are more fortunate and can keep their camps going for generations to come.

Gopher gunner i live in prior lake as well, crazy rainfall yesterday.. Went to Home Depot yesterday morn there were streets closed..

What part of PA?

I am going to have watch it, I am going to break 150 on number of posts.

Originally Posted by noduck

Gopher gunner i live in prior lake as well, crazy rainfall yesterday.. Went to Home Depot yesterday morn there were streets closed..

Hey Noduck-'no idea I had a Campfire neighbor. We should match up for coffee some time.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

What part of PA?

Clearfield County off Beers Road on Boone Mountain between Penfield and Sabula.

Glad you got your basement at least workable Jeff. Let me know if I need to come down...for real!

Sorry to hear that about the basement Gopher!

Happy Birthday a day late Stan! I figured you were 27, not 72!!!

Nice to hear you got the roof done Griz.

Hope the house is rounding into shape Dave and that you find a buyer asap. You dont wanna be moving during hunting season!

My deer camp is chugging along. We have some older guys and they are still hanging in there. Our next generation is just my cousin and I and he might be fading a little. The next generation has some promise though.

My PF chapter is hosting a Parent/Daughter shoot so I am bringing my daughter with me. It will be her first time shooting a shotgun. I am really looking forward to it.

Made the old 78 4x4 go from this...

to this....

[/quote]

over the last few days. I have a growing appreciation for what Dave does more and more every time I work on this sucker. The goal is to test run this baby on some logging roads early this fall!

Tom-we actually did pretty good. The problem was we had to get the basement somewhat put back together by this morning, as Cathy has 12 kids coming for pre-school. Because of the sewage overflow, everything it contacted had to be pitched or sanitized. We filled the little dumpster full, and got the floor addressed, including bleaching it. She'll have to run it just with the concrete floor until we get another set of the rubber matts. Those things were a life saver as they don't soak up the water, so were easy to remove.

I woke up about 3:30 with my back just killing me. Finally got back to sleep around 5-heck, that's when I usually get up. Oh well, a couple handfulls of ibuprofen helps. 'Gonna be a long day, I gotta work 10-8 today and still have to help Cathy haul all the cleaned up stuff out of the garage and back to the basement. We need to come up with one set of shelving, as one got wrecked by the flood-it was that particle board crap which is shot once it gets wet.

Originally Posted by tzone

Made the old 78 4x4 go from this...

to this....

over the last few days. I have a growing appreciation for what Dave does more and more every time I work on this sucker. The goal is to test run this baby on some logging roads early this fall! [/quote]Truck's looking good, Tom. Is that one of the garages we shoveled all the silt out of?

Looks good Tom, you'll have fun this fall on forest trails idling around looking for grouse and scouting deer hunting spots.

Really taking shape Tom.

No jeff, this the new shop that was built higher. It was parked next to the garage you, Dave, and I shoveled though. Where my '55'was parked it and swamped.

I hope so Dave. It will far from a show truck but it will still look nice. There are more pics over on the 4x4 thread I started many moons ago in hunting trucks/4x4 section of the campfire.

Truck looks good Tzone, me and a couple buddy's went out to the forest this weekend and rode around. We stopped to let the bikes to cool down and I walked around and looked for blueberries!!! Most of them in that spot were blue but some were still a little white, I think next weekend would be the perfect time to pick.

I do plan on being out there next weekend boy. We better charge the battery on that little red wheeler. Maybe Joey can ride that one. I hope Missy and Scott can make it up, hope they drag some passengers along for the ride too.

It should be a great time!

Be sure to pick a couple gallons of berries for me too, Dave. If they're the size of the ones we get in Pa., you should have about a cup full by the time the snow starts flying!

We used to pick berries in an old abandoned farmstead up on top of the mountain by our camp in Pa. Dad always told me to keep my eyes open for bears up there, and sure enough, we were up there picking one time and all most stepped on a bear, sound asleep in the middle of the berry patch. Must have gorged it's self on the berries and laid down for a little siesta. It was laying flat on it's back, snoring like a chainsaw. We just quietly backed out and let him have his beauty sleep. 'Decided it was best non to disturb him-he might wake up on the wrong side of the bed and be none too pleased with our intrusion.

haha! Yeah we never know what size they will be. I really think it will be good this year and I expect some decent size (decent for wild berries anyways)

We have everybody pick and fill little Styrofoam coffee cups then dump the cups into a centrally located bucket in the picking area. It makes it feel like you are getting somewhere that way since them little cups fill up way faster than if everybody had a bucket.

I cant wait!

We're always watching for bears too.

If you wear the bear head you may see a few more. Just sayin.

Sounds like the bear population is up this year in WI. My nephew saw 4 near his place about a month ago.

Originally Posted by tzone

If you wear the bear head you may see a few more. Just sayin.

Maybe we'll bring the bear head along on the trail ride.

Hey Nate, I forgot to tell you congrats on the DL! How did the fores look? Did you check out my deer stands?

Gophergunner we should meet up.. The problem is i dont know when LOL.. Running the kids around almost every day.. All these summer camps man when i was a kid growing up in St.Paul we went to the playground. Times have sure changed...

I drive a 2010 black chevy 2500 crew cab, with a black topper and black rims.. There is always a wirehair dog riding shotgun with me..... Probably seen my truck cause all i do is run errands around Prior Lake and Savage... LOL.

On the black bear sittings, they tranquilzed a 125 pounder in the middle of Erie PA last week.

PM sent

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Truck looks good Tzone, me and a couple buddy's went out to the forest this weekend and rode around. We stopped to let the bikes to cool down and I walked around and looked for blueberries!!! Most of them in that spot were blue but some were still a little white, I think next weekend would be the perfect time to pick.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

I have every intention of making it out there for some berry picking. I just had the Ranger completely gone through and also put brakes and fresh fluids in my diesel.

Should be good to go! I've missed the blueberries for a couple years now.

You didn't miss anything last year but this year is looking good.

I'll be in Fargo the weekend of the 17th of august. mama says I'll have a day or so to burn if I want to.......

gives me an idea

White Bear, do you still have the monster truck ranger? Is it street worthy? You should bring that sucker up to chickenbuck. My little guy would LOVE that truck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

If you wear the bear head you may see a few more. Just sayin.

Maybe we'll bring the bear head along on the trail ride.

Maybe if we paint the bear head white we will see a white bear?!

Just some white skunk stripes down the back.

Originally Posted by tzone

White Bear, do you still have the monster truck ranger? Is it street worthy? You should bring that sucker up to chickenbuck. My little guy would LOVE that truck.

It's in the process of being totally rebuilt. Next time it rolls out of the shop it will be a '75 F250 hiboy. A slight lift with 57" tractor tires and a built 473ci BBF of course.

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

If you wear the bear head you may see a few more. Just sayin.

Maybe we'll bring the bear head along on the trail ride.

Maybe if we paint the bear head white we will see a white bear?!

RWS- I can just about guarantee that you'll have a white bear sighting out there this weekend.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

A slight lift with 57" tractor tires and a built 473ci BBF of course.

Of course.

You don't tug on Superman's cape. You don't spit into the wind. You don't pull the mask off the 'ol Lone Ranger and don't mess around with Northern Dave..

TZONE i just saw this... One word.. AWESOME.....

LOL........

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to notice.

Goofball.

Is it the weekend yet?

It is for me, but when you retired every day is Saturday .

it's been like that formmore than a week.

Weekend not here.

My dad rocks! Woooo Go dad!!!

Awesome!!!

(hacked, payback)

So is Dave the guy in them beer commercials?

You know "Dave once parallel parked a train"

"His .02 is worth 37.00$"

Chuck Norris has been replaced by Northern Dave.A legend is born.
OK let's hear the Northern Dave stories.How about "Blueberries do not ripen unless Northern Dave tells them to."

Stan in SC

I once saw northern dave throw a deer into the sun

Chuck Norris couldn't pass the physical to get into camp chicken buck.

No, that was into my sons. Not sun.

Shot, butchered, trimmed, slightly seared over a charcoal fire and tossed to my sons.

looking forward to a little cooler day today, hot again tomorrow then highs in the 70's is forecast for Fri-Sat. Woo!

Gross hot here. Low to mid 90's and humid. Yuck.

Same here Tom. Hit 93* yesterday and warmer today.

Northern Dave once shot at a deer. howver, the deer moved just as he shot so he knew he was gonna miss. he quickly caught up to the bullet in mid-flight and redirected it so it would hit the deer.

Northern Dave's head is so big, Mrs Northern Dave had to install bigger doors!

I can't wait for Friday. Friends, dead critters on the grill and BLUEBERRIES!!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Northern Dave's head is so big, Mrs Northern Dave had to install bigger doors!

You should see my pillow! It's a pair of king sized mattresses stacked, I had the davis tent company make a set of pillow cases for me.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I can't wait for Friday. Friends, dead critters on the grill and BLUEBERRIES!!!

Did you say Blue Barry?

[Linked Image]

I won't touch that on this thread.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Northern Dave's head is so big, Mrs Northern Dave had to install bigger doors!

You should see my pillow! It's a pair of king sized mattresses stacked, I had the davis tent company make a set of pillow cases for me.

You should see the custom trailer he pulls behind the roadrunner to carry that head back & forth to work! He puts his normal head on for pics so people don't make fun of him.

All those amazing thoughts need space to rumble around I guess.

I better quit while I'm "a head".

oh geeze....

Custom helmet? Ahhh...never mind, it could go wrong in so many ways.

Anybody have the recipe for the blueberry topping that goes on ice cream?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Anybody have the recipe for the blueberry topping that goes on ice cream?

Yes... Blueberries.

Dave just hollowed out the moon and wears it for his helmet.

95* here.

There are no northern lights until Northern Dave turns them on.

There are no window tint citations until dave drives his old snow plow truck to work in a rainstorm and gets pulled over by a 15 yr old, lop eared, punk ass, rookie trooper.

Worse part is, I HATE that window tint! The bubba that I bought the truck from put it on there and I haven't had time to peel it.

Was it a money ticket or a fix it ticket?

Did you say "come meow, is this necessary?" "you have a nice day meow"

(think Super Troopers)

For real.... I didn't think anyone got those tickets anymore.

If it was a fix it or warning... I would have referred to the officer as a nice young man, rather than a lop eared punk ass rookie super cop.

But I'm over it.

Life is too short for anger, cant hang on to that stuff, it's toxic.

Sad that the trooper was a a--hole. FNG's were a pain in the a-- to work with, trooper school fries their brains and generally puts them on a power trip. Most grow up and out of this phase.

Dave has failed in his bid to become the next Chuck Norris. Otherwise, the kid would have offered to clean Dave's windows for him by hand.

Did he pull over for the window tint? Never heard of that. Down here they just fail your inspection if its too dark. Sometimes it takes me a while to get over stuff like that and once I calm down I realize it wasn't that big of a deal.

We have a lot of cops and very little crime.... So.... yeah.

Troopers in my county will pull you over for a dirty license plate, they will pull you over for a receiver and ball plugged into your receiver hitch port on a pickup and claim that it partially obstructs clear view of the license plate. They will pull you over for "suspended objects" hanging from rear view mirror, even if the item is as small as a cross hanging from a string, or in my case... a few elk teeth hanging from a string. And yes they will pull you over for window tint or suspicion of window tint.

If they feel the need or are instructed to bring in more revenue, they will find an excuse to pull anyone over.

Hey, the weekend is nearly here and I'm looking forward to it.

Revenue procurement. That is the purpose of 50%+ of LE in this area. Crime tends to take care of itself. Thanks for going above and beyond ND. There will be a welfare case somewhere eating lobster while you peel tint. :P

Suppose Chickenbuck got 2" of rain as well? That should help keep the dust down on the trail.....

Send some of that rain my way will ya. Getting mighty dry around here.

92* here at noon and very, very humid.

We might have to put the water wings on to get into camp tomorrow.

It's hot here but I'm not complaining....after the winter and spring we had, no way. I'll take it. I'll sweat my balls off at work but I'll take it. I get to wear shorts when I get home anyway!!

Well I am complaining. I hate hot weather. I wont complain about the cold, but I will about the hot.

Of course I am in shorts and a tshirt in my air conditioned office....

95.4*. I don't like the heat.

96.3 here. I don't like it either. Time for beer and retreat to a cool basement to do some reloading and trigger mods.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Of course I am in shorts and a tshirt in my air conditioned office....

Hey....don't forget about the mini-van

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Dave has failed in his bid to become the next Chuck Norris. Otherwise, the kid would have offered to clean Dave's windows for him by hand.

when chuck Norris gets pulled over he lets the cop off with a warning, usually.

was 99 today at work, hot and dry, wish we could get 2" of rain! I'm glad I irrigated last week, food plots are loving it.
I'll be home alone all weekend, be kinda weird having no kids or wife around. part of me says it will be awesome guy time, the dad in me realizes I'll be wishing they were home before the taillights are out of view

How was the shoot Brent?

Tz, it was GRAND! It was a series of National championship matches of different disciplines over a 2 week period. I shot poorly in some of them (lever gun silhouette) and fairly well in some others. But the big match for me is BPCR silhouette. Basically it is buffalo rifles on the high power silhouette range with iron sights over 2 days. That was the last match and I did well there winning my class and coming in 5th over all I believe. Had a sudden death shoot off and won that on the first shot. So, it was a great time.

For you guys with kids that like to shoot, the Whittington center is available to all NRA members. They have full service campgrounds, primitive campgrounds, and even some small cabins that they rent to individuals or families. You can go and just have fun shooting at the different ranges or you can shoot in the national matches (depending on the disciplines you aspire to).

At the Cowboy Lever Silhouette matches there are lots of families - some are 3 generations and everyone from grandma to little sis shoot and compete. They come year after year. The .22 BPCR silhouette is similarly attended by families and mixed generations, etc.

People come from all over - including 4 people from Australia this year. All that way for a single 2-day match. Great fun and the Whit is something like 60,000 acres of beautiful SW oak/pinion/grassland with mountains to the north and plains to the south.

Go for a day, a week, a month or all summer. You just can't beat it.

This commericial will now end - with a few picts from several years of shooting there every summer.

A view from the 1000 yds line - the funnest shooting ever
[Linked Image]

1000 yds and 3.5 seconds from muzzle to target
[Linked Image]

Mike Venturino (well known gun writer and author) bearing down on a jumping steel chicken at the silhouette range
[Linked Image]

Wildlife wander with impunity around the Whit like here in the middle of a relay on the silhouette range. Deer and antelope and bears are dime a dozen. There are 324 steel targets on this range alone.
[Linked Image]

This woman is showing my shooting partner some pins she won at matches at Bisley (she came over from England). She is hell with a flintlock, but the buffalo rifles were no so good to her.
[Linked Image]

Well, that's all that I have handy. Not many scenery shots but there is beautiful scenery in all directions. and many more shooting ranges than just the few shown here.

Sorry for all the lengthy commercial, but you might get the idea that I sorta like going there.
Brent

Very cool.

Not much to report here, Joe and I drove out to camp and tried to mow the grass but the old dog damaged mower just wouldn't run for us. So we sprayed for bugs and lit the refrigerator, then picked some berries on our way out.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7409_zps9f9ee62c.jpg[/img]

You guys are killing me with those blueberry photos. I might eat the screen in a minute.

Awesome Brent.

Dang Dave...Preacher look like RWS did more and more. Nice to see some camp pics again.

Congratulations on your win, Brent.

Great pictures guys.

Trying to rain here. Heat is supposed to clear out tonight.

Dave,

Really enjoyed the berry pictures. There's just something special about deer camp in the summer, surrounded by friends and family. You guys are bringing those kids up right, buddy.

I got a sample of those very berries this morning. nom nom nom!

Tomorrow looks to be sunny and a high of 70*. A perfect day to go for a Ranger ride and pick some berries with good friends.

You�re right about that Gopher� in this time of Benghazi, IRS, Zimmerman, Rolling Stone Mag�. where does it end.

I come here for �wholesome��..can�t think of very many stops along the way that provide that any more. Long live the BOADC thread.

We have a potential buyer that wants to look at our house on Sunday, and we haven't even listed it yet.

Gearing up for the weekend here, I wish I could have got the grass cut at the cabin last night so the ground could dry up better today. We've experienced a couple of real soaker down pours lately. Ground is a little soggy.

sure, rub it in.

we're getting a little rain this AM, have the day off so hoping to get some stuff done around the house with the wife and kids away

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We have a potential buyer that wants to look at our house on Sunday, and we haven't even listed it yet.

This is excellent news! No paying a Realtor if that works out. Better yet! I wish you guys luck on the potential sale.

Have a great time at camp this weekend. I'm seriously counting the days until I can get up there.

111 days until deer opener btw....in case anyone is interested it that.

By the way, new developments in yesterday's window tint citation from "super cop jr"

Super cop jr didn't put his name on the ticket, he left that line blank. He just filled in the badge number.

I didn't think much of it....

One problem, he used another trooper's badge number...... The badge number he used belongs to a female trooper that works up in our area.

So.... why?

Does he even have a badge?

LMAO!!

Yeah I don't think I'll be paying a window tint fine.

That is hilarious Dave. Maybe you have regained some of your Norris Swagger!

Cooler here today as well. Very nice. Home improvement mode in full swing here too. Putting in a gas fireplace and built in cabinets. Built a 5X10 section for the end of our dock. Thinking about fall a little more every day. We can shoot geese in what, 3-4 weeks? Our Pheasants Forever Parent/Daughter shoot held last Tuesday was a huge success with 23 girls shooting, over half of which had never shot a gun. Some really big smiles on their faces, I will say that. They even shot a flintlock shotgun. The delay between trigger break and the bullet leaving the barrel seems to run about 15 minutes, but I am sure is well less than a second. Pretty neat gun to shoot.

is there a court date? I'd fight it for sure

It's afternoon now, becoming difficult to stay here... (work)

Drove by the CarCraft Summer Nat's car show for lunch. LOTS of muscle in there man...It was hard to keep driving.

I'm hoping I can talk the kids into going tomorrow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's afternoon now, becoming difficult to stay here... (work)

Yes it was.......

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Anybody have the recipe for the blueberry topping that goes on ice cream?

Yes... Blueberries.

Nice.

I found the recipe and it's very easy.

2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 pint blueberries

Melt butter in saucepan.
Add berries and sugar.
Simmer until berries release their juice.
Let cool and serve slightly warm over ice cream.
Optional: add more berries for garnish

DELICIOUS!!!!

The saga continues......
Law enforcement types who issue a ticket to Northern Dave are AFRAID to put their name and badge number on the ticket.
You don't pull the mask off the Lone Ranger,step on Superman's cape or give Northern Dave a citation.

Stan in SC

Is it true that Minnesota now has a beer can grouse season ?

Beer cans are legal year round in MN and WI.

This is kinda tacky but being a sliver Cherokee I can say it

There's a joke that says its illegal to pick up beer cans or bottles in Oklahoma

Because they are Indian artifact's :-)

Can you make arrowheads out of em?

Dream catchers

My dad turned 84 this week so we are getting together tomorrow. I have 15 lbs of pork roast to smoke for pulled pork and firecracker slaw sammiches . His favorite pie is hot or cold with raisin coming in second so I might make one .

Originally Posted by mule1

Is it true that Minnesota now has a beer can grouse season ?

Bottles

I spent my Friday working, drove to Chicago, temp was 95, heat index was 100, worked for 6 hours, and drove back.
[Linked Image]

on the clock for 22 hours. Nice place to work, anyway. Wonderful people, by the way.

[Linked Image]

I got home,showered, and the second my head hit the pillow, the alarm went off, set the day before to go off at 300 am.

Had an awesome time at Chickenbuck with the crew. Blueberries, canned beverages, laughs, and best of all, great company with wonderful people.

I'm sure ND will be along later today or tomorrow with pics.

Fluff,
Were you installing that pulpit you showed us you were building a while back?

Good to see you survived the trip.

I've had some good times in Chicago. Hate the traffic.

60* and light rain this morning. Love it.

I don't know what the temp is here other than damn near perfect! Light rain as well.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Fluff,
Were you installing that pulpit you showed us you were building a while back?

Good to see you survived the trip.

no,this trip it was pew installation.

the things I was building awhile back went to a monastery in northern Minnesota.

Was it "pew" or was it "pew, pew, pew, pew" ?

[Linked Image]

HAHAHAHA that made me laugh out loud!

well mama was gone since thursday, she's due to be home in the next 30 mins, while she was gone, I refinished the hardwood floors, painted 2 accent walls, bought curtains (with my ma's help) and hung them. finished texturing one of the walls that was painted, and still managed to fit in an auction and buy myself a marlin 22 mag bolt action

I rearranged the upstairs, did all the laundry (mine) and cleaned the whole house. I'm sure hoping she's impressed, cause I busted my butt to get it done. I'm glad my folks were here to help me, cause it was a huge project to take on. I even washed all the dishes. I think I scored mega points with this one.

I'm sure pooped out, that's for sure

what'd you have to spend for the marlin?
I tried to buy one on gun broker last year,it ended up selling for over $700.
it had a nice stock,but no way I'm going to spend that much.
ended up with a henry lever.

Dave, did the potential house buyer show up Sunday?

Yep, I kinda think the place is sold....

Now what the heck are we gonna do? We're homeless!

I think the only logical solution is to move to Chickenbuck!

YES!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I think the only logical solution is to move to Chickenbuck!

I really don't see any other way to handle it.

Chickenbuck would work.

Where you going to store all the gear in your shop Dave?

It's going to be tough.

We are looking at a couple of different homes, some with outbuildings and some without. Hard to know what to do.

Originally Posted by fluffy

what'd you have to spend for the marlin?
I tried to buy one on gun broker last year,it ended up selling for over $700.
it had a nice stock,but no way I'm going to spend that much.
ended up with a henry lever.

225 so I thought it was a deal, saw one like it on GB starting was 400. I can't find ammo though that isn't 12-14 bucks a box. I like it because it doesn't have any plastic parts on it 'cept for the follower in the mag might be. it was kind of an impulse buy, oh well. I'm sure I could put it to use

mama was sure impressed with the house, scored mega points, I shoulda asked her about a 2014 new mexico elk hunt.

Dave, you're not the only one, my folks sold their house and are staying with me most of the summer off and on while they take an extended vacation/ house hunting trip. not a bad way to do it. I definitely agree with living at chickenbuck!

Some berry pickin

[Linked Image]

A trailside hot dog stop.

[Linked Image]

Joey, being Joey......

I've reloaded the page 4 times and still can't see any pics Dave, I'll try again.

here's the house project after pic, I shoulda taken a before one.

So how did the berry picking go Dave?

Ryan, floors look great.

There are long lines of blueberries that jump off the vine and single file, march to jump in Chuck....errr Dave's cup!

Beautiful morning here...in the upper 50s!! I smell fall!

Same here. It was 60* at 10:00 AM with a light wind. Sure feels great.

Originally Posted by Beretta

Beautiful morning here...in the upper 50s!! I smell fall!

Sorry, that was me. I had Hamm's beer for breakfast.

Just got back from a walk...nice and cool outside now. Is the end of July too early to get fall fever? Cuz with this beautiful weather, I can feel a case coming on. Then I remember we gotta deal with August. Hot, sweaty, smelly old August.

getting close to being food plot time for you isn't it?

I can deal with August. It usually cools off enough at night in August that it's not too bad. August is fine because September is just around the corner...and November is just around the corner from that.

well here is the food plot update. We have a total of 7 food plots on 2 farms. Farm #1 is all pheasant/duck hunting and both plots (mix of corn, beans, and sorghum) were planted this spring and doing well. On Farm #2 we planted the first one last Sunday (to rape) and sprayed weeds on the rest. Maybe this weekend we can get the rest into rape as well as it is to late for anything else really. The pheasants out there will have to survive on neighboring fields. the deer better not eat the rape either or I swear, we will shoot them.

I have about 2000 acres of food plot planted in Popple.

Popple would be a lot less work, that is for sure.

What the heck is "popple"?
Here in South Carolina we just put out piles of corn.It's legal.

Stan in SC

Out west it would be called "aspen".

Poplar is another term that is used too.

It pops when it burns. I don't know if that is where the name comes from but that works for me.

Yep...brent is correct. Quaking Aspen, Popplar, Popple...whatever you want to call it, it's what the deer eat where I hunt.

Stan,

Typically on State and County land in norther MN, large tracts of land are logged. Poplar grows relatively fast and thick. The deer love it for food when it's young and for bedding cover. It typically is used heavily by deer for about 10-15 years for food.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

What the heck is "popple"?
Here in South Carolina we just put out piles of corn.It's legal.

Stan in SC

Yeah Stan, well us Northern folk just ain't gotten that lazy yet.

I've known it to be spelled poplar and pronounced "popple" in MN. Aspen or "quakies" out west.

Then we have our low land, punky, stringy, junk version that folks call "bammys" or Balsam poplars, "bomgalian" poplars. (balm-of-gilead)

That stuff is junk.

populus tremuloides is the scientific name, but all above are generally accepted depending on where you are.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

What the heck is "popple"?
Here in South Carolina we just put out piles of corn.It's legal.

Stan in SC

Yeah Stan, well us Northern folk just ain't gotten that lazy yet.

Lazy? Its a lot of work keeping three feeders full of corn ( and expensive) :-)

Gents,thanks for the clarification of popple.
gophergunner,
keeping corn out means carrying it from source to vehicle,from vehicle thru woods to point of consumption.At least twice and sometimes three times a week.Tain't easy when it is hot as blue blazes out and you are ,ahem,shall we say older.I wouldn't call it lazy.

Stan in SC

Sounds like way too much work to me Stan. I'm ultra lazy though. I don't even build tree stands and the like. Just toss a few branches next to a tree and call it good, if I am bowhunting. For rifle hunting, I just park my butt wherever there is a nice view.

Folks work WAY too hard at deer hunting sometimes.

That is part of why I like to build blinds. I use what Ma nature has laying round, it's cheap, and I don't have to haul it in. I have built a few stands recently but the newer ladder stands are pretty comfy.

I don't build enclosed stands, but the few chances I get to hint them, they sure are nice when a guy needs it.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by gophergunner

[quote=Stan_in_SC]What the heck is "popple"?
Here in South Carolina we just put out piles of corn.It's legal.

Stan in SC

Yeah Stan, well us Northern folk just ain't gotten that lazy yet.

Lazy? Its a lot of work keeping three feeders full of corn ( and expensive) :-) [/quote Just pullin' yer chain!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Gents,thanks for the clarification of popple.
gophergunner,
keeping corn out means carrying it from source to vehicle,from vehicle thru woods to point of consumption.At least twice and sometimes three times a week.Tain't easy when it is hot as blue blazes out and you are ,ahem,shall we say older.I wouldn't call it lazy.

Stan in SC

Stan-just trying to get a rise out of you guys-no real offense intended. Our neighbors in Michigan hunt over bait too.

No sweat Gophergun this place is too much fun to get very serious about anything !

I get the whole bait debate . Two years ago the acorns didn't make here I would scare deer away from the feeder while walking to my stand in the a.m and they would be back under it crunching corn before my rear hit the seat in my stand . If I remember right I didn't kill deer at that stand . I do like to watch them and feeding keeps them in the area longer .

I think its also a "When in Rome " thing everybody puts out some sort of attractant here .

Archery season is 67 days away !

Originally Posted by BrentD

Sounds like way too much work to me Stan. I'm ultra lazy though. I don't even build tree stands and the like. Just toss a few branches next to a tree and call it good, if I am bowhunting. For rifle hunting, I just park my butt wherever there is a nice view.

Folks work WAY too hard at deer hunting sometimes.

I would argue that my Summit Viper is the ultimate stand for the "lazy" hunter. I can either hunt OR nap, and it's awesome for both......

Oh, those summit's are nice! I have a Loggy that will make me fall asleep as well.

Nice to see you back on here Dave! Where ya been?

Have you been in the woods much? On the bike? I have been getting back on my bike a bit and really forgot how much I like it. We have a pretty good trail system up here and these cooler days/evening have been great for a ride.

Gopher...How's the house coming along? Are you dried out? Please let me know what you need down there.

And it's getting to be time to dust off the shotguns and maybe take the rifles for a ride. Let me know if you have any plans for that. I do have to pop some rounds off on both rifles.

Originally Posted by tzone

Oh, those summit's are nice! I have a Loggy that will make me fall asleep as well.

Nice to see you back on here Dave! Where ya been?

Have you been in the woods much? On the bike? I have been getting back on my bike a bit and really forgot how much I like it. We have a pretty good trail system up here and these cooler days/evening have been great for a ride.

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Now I am just going to the beach with the little-guy 1-2 times a day on my days off and working 2-3 days a week.

Originally Posted by goalie

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Jeezus...what's wrong with you?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Jeezus...what's wrong with you?

Apparently a lot.

What's important is how did you do? a 104 mi off-road race sounds like a hell of a battle.

Originally Posted by BrentD

What's important is how did you do? a 104 mi off-road race sounds like a hell of a battle.

It was horrible. It made doing an Ironman seem easy. I did get in great shape though.

I was thinking that you ought to be ready for a deep-country elk hunt now. I'm not going to be in half the shape you are this fall, but I'm going anyway. Just slower...

Originally Posted by BrentD

I was thinking that you ought to be ready for a deep-country elk hunt now. I'm not going to be in half the shape you are this fall, but I'm going anyway. Just slower...

I would be a damn good pack-mule right now for an elk hunt. Between the running, biking and the "daddy shoulder rides" my 5-year old gets, the legs are ready for anything.

I'll bet I could fit a lot of elk in my Kelty Yukon external frame pack.

Well, if you want to try it out - 2nd week of October above Dubois... I'll be happy to fill any backpack you bring. somewhere between 10000 and 12000 ft elevations.

That's nose bleed country. Pass the O2 please.

Wife and I picked a little over 2 gallons of Black Raspberries this afternoon, plus a couple of quarts of Reds. Time to break out the ice cream.

Gophergunner,
I certainly took it in the fun manner you threw it out.We are all friends here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by mule1

No sweat Gophergun this place is too much fun to get very serious about anything !

I get the whole bait debate . Two years ago the acorns didn't make here I would scare deer away from the feeder while walking to my stand in the a.m and they would be back under it crunching corn before my rear hit the seat in my stand . If I remember right I didn't kill deer at that stand . I do like to watch them and feeding keeps them in the area longer .

I think its also a "When in Rome " thing everybody puts out some sort of attractant here .

Archery season is 67 days away !

I really don't even think it's a debate. What works in one area doesn't work in others. I know the guys in Texas hunt over bait too, and I see why. That brush looks like you'd need a howitzer to fish a round through it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Gopher...How's the house coming along? Are you dried out? Please let me know what you need down there.

And it's getting to be time to dust off the shotguns and maybe take the rifles for a ride. Let me know if you have any plans for that. I do have to pop some rounds off on both rifles.

House is doing well Tom-thanks for the concern. Things might be changing around here. Eric might be going back to Ohio with his girl, and if that happens, I'm definitely gonna want to come up and hunt with you. We should have a little clearer picture here in a couple weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Jeezus...what's wrong with you?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Don't candy coat it Tom-just come out and say how you feel!

Yeah, Stan. No harm meant. I'd like to try that sometime. I'd also like to try hunting 'em over dogs with buckshot some time too. 'Sure sounds like a fun, different way to get a deer.

Originally Posted by BrentD

Well, if you want to try it out - 2nd week of October above Dubois... I'll be happy to fill any backpack you bring. somewhere between 10000 and 12000 ft elevations.

Man, I wish the commander-in-chief would give me a pass to do some "real" hunting.

She would, but I would have to give up something. You always have to give up something.....

(I am just whining. She actually lets me do quite a bit, but we do have a five-year-old)

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Jeezus...what's wrong with you?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Don't candy coat it Tom-just come out and say how you feel!

He's met me, so it's OK. From what I've been told, not everyone is dumb enough to strap on goalie gear and let ex-NHL players shoot pucks at their head.

Wow been a while again. Just got caught up.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I did a 104-mile mountain bike race outside Flagstaff June 1st, so I was super-busy between training and working.

Jeezus...what's wrong with you?

Ha! Ha! Ha! Don't candy coat it Tom-just come out and say how you feel!

He's met me, so it's OK. From what I've been told, not everyone is dumb enough to strap on goalie gear and let ex-NHL players shoot pucks at their head.

Your a better man than me! I can't even stand up on a pair of skates, let alone even think about letting someone take shots at me!

Gopher gunner,
I have hunted on dog driven deer hunts.You sit and listen to the dogs run for a long time.When it sounds like they are coming your way the excitement level is wayyyyyy high.The deer are really moving fast ahead of the dogs so when and if you get a shot it is a quick proposition.AND you don't shoot just once.You empty the gun so as to stop an adrenalin charged deer being chased by predators.There's them that really like it.I prefer still hunting or stand hunting.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

He's met me, so it's OK. From what I've been told, not everyone is dumb enough to strap on goalie gear and let ex-NHL players shoot pucks at their head.

Your a better man than me! I can't even stand up on a pair of skates, let alone even think about letting someone take shots at me!

Don't let David fool you. He's a lot better at it than he leads on. He's very good actually.

Gophergunner,

You already know that you can come up and hunt with us. I've been thinking about making a run up there soon to build a few blinds/hang some stands and some cameras.

Just let me know.

The lady friend tell him it's time to go back?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Gopher gunner,
I have hunted on dog driven deer hunts.You sit and listen to the dogs run for a long time.When it sounds like they are coming your way the excitement level is wayyyyyy high.The deer are really moving fast ahead of the dogs so when and if you get a shot it is a quick proposition.AND you don't shoot just once.You empty the gun so as to stop an adrenalin charged deer being chased by predators.There's them that really like it.I prefer still hunting or stand hunting.

Stan in SC

Does that change the taste of the venison? I have only shot one big deer that ran a long ways, and it had a much more gamey taste than other deer from the same area of similar size. I always wondered if the fact that the deer was all jacked-up and had adrenaline pumping through it made the difference?

The combination of adrenalin,dried blood in the meat and the fact that they usually are pretty shot up does not make for tasty meat.You can even soak it in vinegar/water/ice for three or four days and it still is gamey bad tasting.I just do not care for the meat obtained in that manner nor the type of hunting.
I'm not knocking it because as I said before there's them that REALLY like the method.It just is not for me.

Stan in SC

Yeah, I'd just like to give it a try some time. 'Grew up running beagles for rabbits, and really enjoy hearing the hounds bawl when they get a snootful of scent.

Stan, when I lived and worked in SC, I saw these hunts regularly. What I never figured out was how it was that more deer died than people. I'd see these guys lining a dirt road across a swamp or river bottom and they would all be waiting for the dogs and drivers coming towards them. They were spaced maybe 150 yds at most, usually closer. How they miss the drivers and the standers and hit deer, I'll never know. Couldn't see more than 20yds off the road so I figure most of the shooting would be in the right of way.

We have shotgun deer drives that are not a whole lot different - just no dogs. Too many guys get shot and I don't do it. But I still was almost hit while laying on a mud bar in a river duck hunting at the time when a gang came by and a deer jumped into the river. We had slugs in the mud behind us and slugs splashing in the decoys. Now I try not to even leave the basement during shotgun season.

Yeah, that dog hunting is sure different, but man, I don't understand it.

never hunted deer over dogs, had a chance to when I lived in virginia for a spell, kinda wish I had done it just to say I did it.

SD draw results are posted. Kendra drew one of the coveted 27L tags! I'm so excited for her! woohoo!

big goose egg for my black hills tag, I did draw 27B though, so that's good!

That's the same way I feel-I'd just like to try it once just to say I did it.

could use prayers for my grandpa, he's en route to the hospital

Fall has arrived? New low temp record, 46* this morning. Saturday we tied a 100 + year low high temp of 56*.

Spend Saturday at Deer Fest in Oshkosh. Lots of TV personalities there, Lee and Tiffany, Pat and Nicole plus a number of others. I was to distracted by the booth babes to pay any attention to the others.

Grand daughter got a pair of Muck boots and my SIL and I picked up a few things we needed.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

could use prayers for my grandpa, he's en route to the hospital

Sent

thank you! just got word he's doing better, adjusting his medication and keeping him overnight.

he got really pale this morning and fainted. took an ambulance to the hospital and we've been waiting hours for an update. glad to hear it's not nearly as bad as it could have been.

Prayers sent, and please keep us posted.

Glad to hear he's doing better. Ryan. Prayers sent.

Prayers sent Ryan.

Glad to hear he's doing better Ryan!

We hope he gets well soon,Ryan.

Stan in SC

today was the first day of my vacation. first week off since I started this job a lil over 2 years ago. whew I'm glad to have it! had to have a procedure done today, so I'm recouping with xbox and frozen peas, should be fine tomorrow. some of you may have had the same thing, so now I'm in the club. my best friend from college is coming for the week and I'm very happy to have some days of enjoyment with his family and mine. maybe some pics to come later. have a great week everyone!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

...! had to have a procedure done today, so I'm recouping with xbox and frozen peas, should be fine tomorrow. some of you may have had the same thing, so now I'm in the club.. maybe some pics to come later.

Um, Ryan, I think I can speak for everyone in that you can take a pass on the pics.

On a serious note, good to hear your grandfather is doing better. Hope your frozen giblets feel the same.

Steve

LOL thanks! pics will be of our kids playing together, giblets are under wraps

Welcome to the naval orange club, "All juice no seeds".

Finally decided to check this thread out, since it has always been comfortably at the top of the most viewed threads list, and wow! What an amazing thread! Funny how I can remember where I was on mot of the events that happened. Since this thread started I have been to Iraq for my second tour, Afghanistan, and am now reading this thread while in Qatar. Awesome to see a thread here on the Campfire that there is no name calling ('cept in fun!), nothing vulgar, and just good people sharing their lives. Definitely reminds me of my memories of growing up at our Deer camp, my grandparents ranch in Northern California.

(BTW took me about 3 weeks to get through this whole thread!)

welcome wahunterinrok! If you are gonna stick around and pull up a hypothetical chair to the fire, you gotta get a shorter handle!

Ryan, I about laughted out loud at the picture comment. My advice, DONT overdue it and watch out going down stairs. Enjoy the time off and save some for hunting season!

Welcome to deer camp and thanks for your service. Stay safe.

Ryan, you might want to skip jogging for a few days too.

I'm taking it very easy this week, not too bad really. my friend has a daughter who is a month older than our little sylvia, so those two have met for the first time. so cute to see them together, enjoying the downtime for sure!

wahunterinrok,

Oops, I forgot to say thanks for your service as well. Thanks for the reminder Griz.

It's not too bad Ryan. Mine was easy as far as recovery. I guy I worked with had a rough go of it though. your timing was way off though. You need to do it during football playoff season or NCAA March Madness.

Welcome, wahaby! Thanks for your service. When you get back stateside, if you find yourself in Minnesota for any reason, you've got stop to make. Porch light's always on, and the coffee's not far behind.

Wahunterinrok thank you sir for service along with all Veterans here!

Welcome new guy in Qatar with long name.Thank you,sir for your service.Welcome to Camp Chickenbuck.Stick around.It is nice here with great people.

Stan in SC

Welcome to the loony bin and thanks very much for your service to our country.

I bought a new house.

pics dave pics. Congrats. When you start out to do something you dont mess around.

Maybe pics tomorrow, haven't signed yet, don't want to jinx it

Originally Posted by wahunterinrok

Finally decided to check this thread out, since it has always been comfortably at the top of the most viewed threads list, and wow! What an amazing thread! Funny how I can remember where I was on mot of the events that happened. Since this thread started I have been to Iraq for my second tour, Afghanistan, and am now reading this thread while in Qatar. Awesome to see a thread here on the Campfire that there is no name calling ('cept in fun!), nothing vulgar, and just good people sharing their lives. Definitely reminds me of my memories of growing up at our Deer camp, my grandparents ranch in Northern California.

(BTW took me about 3 weeks to get through this whole thread!)

where you been man? say hey to my kid over in Bahrain....when you coming up to hunt since Dave won't?

Originally Posted by wahunterinrok

Since this thread started I have been to Iraq for my second tour, Afghanistan, and am now reading this thread while in Qatar.

(BTW took me about 3 weeks to get through this whole thread!)

First of all, a HUGE thanks for serving this great country.
Second, welcome to this great thread Dave started. We're glad to have you here.

At least once a year I read this thing cover to cover. Somewhere in it, you probably read about my friend Lucas that passed. When I get to missing him, I read this thread from the beginning. It was about this time in 2007 that we learned he didn't have much time with us any longer.

Weird as it may seem, this thread has helped me get through that.

Welcome to the camp, my friend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I bought a new house.

Really?

Awesome news guys!

Originally Posted by eh76

Originally Posted by wahunterinrok

Finally decided to check this thread out, since it has always been comfortably at the top of the most viewed threads list, and wow! What an amazing thread! Funny how I can remember where I was on mot of the events that happened. Since this thread started I have been to Iraq for my second tour, Afghanistan, and am now reading this thread while in Qatar. Awesome to see a thread here on the Campfire that there is no name calling ('cept in fun!), nothing vulgar, and just good people sharing their lives. Definitely reminds me of my memories of growing up at our Deer camp, my grandparents ranch in Northern California.

(BTW took me about 3 weeks to get through this whole thread!)

where you been man? say hey to my kid over in Bahrain....when you coming up to hunt since Dave won't?

Bahrain? and I thought I had it "rough" here in Qatar! People try to come here for vacation from Kuwait, AFG, places like that, and people stationed here try to go Bahrain for a vacation! Been staying busy here, working towards my degree, hitting the gym alot. I really wanna make it up there in 2014 to hunt some speed goats. don't think the wife would appreciate me using my leave from here to go to Wyoming to hunt!

Ah yes, Bahrain.

A couple decades after the first gulf war and it's still an R&R hot spot for servicemen... Some things never change I guess lol!

I never got to go myself, I was selected 3 times and each time I gave my spot to one of my buddies as I was supposed to be some sort of leader... So I did my best to try to pretend to be one.

They always came back happy from Bahrain. But I think I can do without, I'd much rather go see Keith in Wyoming if I get a chance for some R&R some day.

Ok so here's a couple pictures I snapped this morning as I drove past the new place.

where is that dave? all i see is you not speeding.

I slowed down as I went by.

I'll shoot you an email.

Nice place Dave. It's in the 4th tree from the left, right?

Good luck, hope it works out.

Pfffffffftttttt

congrats on the house you guys!

alright I guess I can show it because we signed with our buyers and we sign with the sellers of our new place tomorrow.

Front

[Linked Image]

Back

We are excited and terrified at the same time, lol!

Wow! Looks like a big place. And nice too!

Good luck with it, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks.

WHOA! That is sweet ! Congrats

Who's the chick on the patio ?

Thats my sugar mama.

lol!

"sugar mama?" You must be moving South of the Mason-Dixon line!

That yard looks way too nice for a Redneck Riviera, Dave. Get some weeds growing out there, park a couple shot up Ramblers and a couple broken down Arctic Cats out there, (oh yeah, I forgot-all Arctic Cats ARE broken down)take a 77 Ford 1/2 ton, cut the bed off and shove a couple washers and driers in there.....ahhhhhhhh, the ambiance!

Nice looking place, buddy!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

That yard looks way too nice for a Redneck Riviera, Dave. Get some weeds growing out there, park a couple shot up Ramblers and a couple broken down Arctic Cats out there, (oh yeah, I forgot-all Arctic Cats ARE broken down)take a 77 Ford 1/2 ton, cut the bed off and shove a couple washers and driers in there.....ahhhhhhhh, the ambiance!

Nice looking place, buddy!

Don't forget the blue tarp on the roof.

Do you get to keep the flag pole and the eagles at the new place?

Give it a few months and you can properly decorate and landscape the yard with all the stuff you formerly had in your sheds at your old place!

Make sure you invite all the Chickenbuckers up for an open house so you can properly break in your new neighbors so they treat you better than at the old place.

Nice place, congrats.

Wow, I was just going to go with pink plastic flamingos. you guys are pro's!!!

The eagles go, flag pole STAYS!

Might have to ad a USMC flag under old glory.

can we get a picture next year at this time, with all your dogs the lawn should have some really nice green spots, and a lot more yellow/brown spots...

Congrats on the new house, and whenever your moving date is, I am sure that several people you ask will have something going on that weekend.

ETA I have helped lots of people move, and only one showed up to help me move the last time, so I may need better friends.

Congrats again it looks like a really nice place.

Dave,
The new house looks great.I'm sure you all are going to enjoy it.
How much land comes with it?

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan, it has 10 acres like we have now. The land is different than we now have, more open with a tree row picture framing the land and open fields bordering the outsides of the property. We'll miss our old yard and being deeper in the woods so to speak, which was great for slowing down the wind.

But the yard on the new place is very nice.

Good thing you bought Pam a new lawn tractor. She's going to need it to take care of a yard that size. Great looking place, Dave.

that place looks amazing Dave! congrats to you guys! you're gonna need a bigger mower it looks like!

that looks fantastic. I didnt see any outbuildings...no shed? Or is a shed in the planning only stage?

How is the inside of the house? any neat features? and most importantly, how big is the garage? Is it heated? speaking of heat, how is the house heated?

How do you spell "Iigh, yigh, yigh..."?

garage is heated, as it the house lol. Under floor hydronic heat by off peak elect boiler. This one is actually a very large boiler unit with heat storage tiles inside of it for extended heat retention, very cool system. But it also has LP fired high eff forced air furnace with an AC chiller, (central air), an air to air exchanger and a large gas fireplace in the living room.

And it's kind of full of neat features. Prev owner was a custom cabinet maker, so top of the line cabinets throughout the house. Nice construction with very cool features like these pullouts inside most of the lower cabinets.

[Linked Image]

Kitchen is pretty cool, the layout is to our liking, we really like the big center island.

[Linked Image]

The cook stove is pretty unique. It's a new unit but styled like an antique wood fired unit. Combination of gas burners and oven with elect warmer surface on the right side and a convection oven under that warmer area. Actually all of the kitchen appliances have a decorative antique looking fascia, dish washer, fridge, even the microwave. They all kind of match the cook stove.

[Linked Image]

Family room

[Linked Image]

No outbuildings, but the attached garage is about a 28 by 38 with vaulted ceiling.

Plans for detached shop for all of my red neck work is... a pipe dream at this point but... we'll figure something out.

Really nice, Dave. I love the stove.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But the yard on the new place is very nice.

Congrats Dave and family !!!!

But regarding that pretty lawn .....

After the closing , who gets to be the first one to go out back and do some donuts while screaming " WHOOOOO, HOOOO !!!" ?

Looks like a great place and I'm sure you all will make it an awesome home !! Again congrats !

Originally Posted by M1894

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But the yard on the new place is very nice.

Congrats Dave and family !!!!

But regarding that pretty lawn .....

After the closing , who gets to be the first one to go out back and do some donuts while screaming " WHOOOOO, HOOOO !!!" ?

Awe what the heck. I'll swing over this weekend & get that lawn looking a little more redneckish.

I'd hate to leave that daunting task to the boys with their dirt bikes & go-karts.

ND- Have you been eyeballing any new mowers for that mega lawn?????

it's practically a mower proving grounds, if only I knew a place that made commercial mowers that needed some testing done.....

wow, some great features. I sure am glad I didnt have to pay for that stove new!

The heating systems are the same as I have pretty much! Our most cost effective is the air to air heat exchanger on off-peak electricity. You will love the in floor heat in the garage....I think I read that correctly. Does it have an exhaust fan? You need one to vent the humid air out in the winter or things get musty/moldy/even rusty.

That looks like a just plain gorgeous house. Congrats. it didnt look like there are many close neighbors either....which I guess is good and bad.

The hydronic unit is a steffes brand, its massive.

Originally Posted by M1894

But regarding that pretty lawn .....

After the closing , who gets to be the first one to go out back and do some donuts while screaming " WHOOOOO, HOOOO !!!" ?

My money is on Weezy.

I think you'd win that bet.

altoz he will go....let her buck dave.

Dave-

I've got the perfect Redneck contribution to make to the yard. We have an old garage on the back corner of our lot that's just about ready to cave in on it's self. I figure if a spray it down with a couple gallons of crazy glue, wrap it several times in duct tape, and head north with it, it ought to make the trip just fine. The door's all busted up, but I "fixed" it last year, so if it looks too good for you, I can take the sledgehammer to it again.......

Beautiful looking house, buddy-good luck at the new diggs.

Nice Dave. Hope you and the family will enjoy.

Front

Are those Eagles????
When Northern Dave buys a house Eagles greet him...
Take that Chuck Norris..
Congrats on the new house looks great, digging that stove...

I'll bet if you welded a couple I-Beam brackets onto that flagpole, you could haul a small camper up there to use as a deer stand. Ahhhhh, the posibilities........

New Chickenbuck Corp. headquarters.

Stan in SC

The dang pictures make it look bigger than it is.

TGIF!

I ran some air and fuel through the old 383 this morning and cooled the bronze paint on the old Plymouth with a sustained air molecule massage of aprox 120-ish mph.

It was better than a cup of coffee.

To the man with the large silver SUV with the chrome decorative testicles hanging from the receiver hitch..... That 44 year old brown car with the white top that literally blew your doors off this morning was cool and manly... Your receiver hitch decoration.... not so much.

LMAO!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I'll bet if you welded a couple I-Beam brackets onto that flagpole, you could haul a small camper up there to use as a deer stand. Ahhhhh, the posibilities........

I was thinking a second flag pole with the I-beam spanning the two for a meat rack.

YES!!

I suppose that's one way of getting out of building that addition Pam wanted.

Just buy a whole different house instead.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I'll bet if you welded a couple I-Beam brackets onto that flagpole, you could haul a small camper up there to use as a deer stand. Ahhhhh, the posibilities........

I was thinking a second flag pole with the I-beam spanning the two for a meat rack.

Fuzzy wind chimes

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

I suppose that's one way of getting out of building that addition Pam wanted.

Just buy a whole different house instead.

YES! lol!

Originally Posted by M1894

Fuzzy wind chimes

It's chime time!

if you added the other flag pole dave and polished them so they shined like stainless then you may get away with a fancy dancy meat pole in the front yard. or you could go brass and people might stop all the time.

Nice casa Mr. & Mrs. Dave! Well done.

Heading to the land of cheese tomorrow with the family for a week. Relatives, Dells, Waterparks, Packers, Oshkosh Flyers, beer...too much to mention!

Shout out to my little brother. He would have been 42 today.

Had the traveling vietnam memorial wall pass through Hot Springs this weekend, went today with the wife and baby. kept my sunglasses on the whole time. actually had lots of memorials with it, including the most recent conflicts. read some names I was familiar with and knew, was pretty hard. when I looked at the desert storm billboard I thought of our own northern Dave.

I have been to the original in DC, and after serving, this one was beyond words. as I walked I read names and names and names. some folks were there and just didn't know or appreciate the magnitude, I felt sorry for them. every line was families who would never be whole again, unspoken valor that no one knows. very powerful experience to say the least. makes a man thankful.

I've seen the wall in DC as well, very humbling to say the least.

Visited the traveling Wall in Erie, as a Nam vet it was a very humble experience seeing the names of friends on the wall.

+ 1.

There's also a Nam memorial just out of Nielsville, WI called the "High Ground". very humbling as well.

Yesterday we picked 4 gallons of blueberries in 2 hours.

Wow!

Solon Springs, WI area is reporting lots of berries as well.

Is this later than normal?

I think there's another week left and that might put it a little later than normal.

These cool nights and mornings are getting me excited for September. Of course, I'm getting to be VERY busy at work.

All the crops seem to be about 2 weeks behind this year around here.

Highs only in the 60's today. Love it.

SIL was up at his camp this weekend. Bears damaged the door on his box blind and have been chewing on the ladder. Looks like they climb the ladder to get to the blind.

Cool! somewhere I have pictures from last year that happened to one of our stand on the iron range. Claw marks up the wooden steps.

Before we resided the shack with galvanized tin, the bears would tear the tar paper off every year. First thing we did upon arrival was to put new tar paper on.

Dave,

Congrats on the new place!!! Looks really nice!!

We finally decided to add-on instead of moving. We like our location and with the addition, we can fix a few things about our place that we don't like.

We spent the w/e up in Ely at a State Park. Beautiful weather and scenery.

Jeff

This just for you Tzone: We upgraded the wife's minivan so I will have a few more years of that sitting next to my truck in the garage. I have noticed that the side of the truck closest to the minivan seems a little more girly. Think I better go eat some raw meat or something.

Well finally got my 4wheeler back. Oh how I have missed it. Driving my old one was not as much fun. Guess it didn't take me very long to love my power steering.

I suppose I better clean up my old one and actually list it for sale. Should have done that last fall, but glad I didn't so I had something to ride while mine was in the shop.

I really need a trip to Chickenbuck!!!!! Hoping this weekend. Even if I have to come alone.

Come on up!

We should still be able to pick blue berries next weekend if you want to. You should bring your mama and "Falls in water" with you.

if there are berries in 2 weeks I could make it, could really use it. going to be in fargo the weekend of the 17th for a wedding, mama is in it so I have to be there for 3 or 4 days twiddling my thumbs.

got a couple cool bucks on the trail cams, here's one. hopin mama can get a whack at him

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Come on up!

We should still be able to pick blue berries next weekend if you want to. You should bring your mama and "Falls in water" with you.

Will have to figure something out. Are there going to be lots of people out there?

Nice buck! Did you set that camera with a hellicopter? Lol

no I climbed a tree and put it about 15' up since it was on public land. didn't want anyone seeing it or taking it.

Originally Posted by Muffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Come on up!

We should still be able to pick blue berries next weekend if you want to. You should bring your mama and "Falls in water" with you.

Will have to figure something out. Are there going to be lots of people out there?

Nope, heck we don't even plan on going out there ourselves unless you come up.

Hey Ryan shoot me a txt when it gets closer to your Fargo wedding week.

will do! man this year is flying by, can't believe it's into august already

3.5" of rain last night, gonna be a soupy one today!

That's too much, DNR should have shut it off when it hit 1.5"

We picked up around an inch here. Needed it.

Bad storms East of us. 2 confirmed tornados, wind damage and major power outages. Church was destoyed in New London.

we needed it badly too. Dave you know how fast they are to make a change on something

I never knew 1.5 lbs of antelope burger mixed with 1/2 lb of breakfast sausage would only yield 3 burger patties. that and I've never figured out why they sell "hamburger" buns at half size either. strange

found a pic of my wolf on my sons phone.
nice woof .lay down,stay.

talked to the taxidermist this last week,should have it back in a few weeks now.

[Linked Image]

looks like a good woof to me!

Dead wolf, equal good wolf.

Ohhhh. Look at that sleepy woof.

When blueberries attack.

Film at 10.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When blueberries attack.

Film at 10.

It isn't going to be a bathroom film is it?

LOL!

how you guys coping with the skeeters this year?
I was out at my hunting area last night to check a camera( which malfunctioned), and the skeeters were en masse.
in the minute it took to get the camera and leave,I must have got bit 30 times easy.the camera was on the edge of the homeowners lawn,and I was only in the woods for a few seconds.
aint putting up any stands till frost this year.

Same here. I'm not doing much till we get a good frost. 'Might break down and go try to swat some early grouse and timberdoodles, but other that that, I'm leaving the woods to the skeeters.

we did ok bug wise by the cabin yesterday but when we picked blueberries on our way out we got tore up pretty bad by the skeeters.

I got bit 3 times the other day at work and saw 2 by the light of the house when I got home too, they are bad this year for some reason.

oh my, that does sound bad.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Same here. I'm not doing much till we get a good frost. 'Might break down and go try to swat some early grouse and timberdoodles, but other that that, I'm leaving the woods to the skeeters.

Geeze you guys are wimps. They make bug spray ya know.

The 98% deet, Deep Woods Off stuff you buy at Fleet Farm in the pump spray bottles works wonders against skeeters and ticks.

No way I'm going to let skeeters keep me out of the woods.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Same here. I'm not doing much till we get a good frost. 'Might break down and go try to swat some early grouse and timberdoodles, but other that that, I'm leaving the woods to the skeeters.

Geeze you guys are wimps. They make bug spray ya know.

The 98% deet, Deep Woods Off stuff you buy at Fleet Farm in the pump spray bottles works wonders against skeeters and ticks.

No way I'm going to let skeeters keep me out of the woods.

You go ahead and give 'em that transfusion, Tom! I heard they don't like cold blood any ways!

Couple of trees in the neighborhood starting to turn. Good sign.

I saw that here too Bill. Neighbor dude has a few on the edge of his property that are turning yellow. Nights are cooling off, humidity seems to be a bit lower, and these cooler August temps are fine with me!

Just got back from a business trip to Coeur d'Alene Idaho. Very nice place. They have a nice lake there that you can a lot of activities on. Of all the places I have travelled for business, this was definitely one of the nicer areas.

The cool days and nights have started to give me the fever as well. That and a trip to Game Fair. The kids sure had a great time there shooting pellet guns, bb guns, slingshot, archery, etc. One more weekend of that for those of you that are interested.

Congrats on the new mansion, Dave & Pam.

Sorry to be late, to the table, but just arrived back from 2 weeks in Alaska, with my best buddy. Married 25 years in September !!

Paul.

Did you get any fishing in while you were there?

The old ford 78 ford truck is getting closer to running logging roads....

I'm half tempted to put the interior in, trim on, and run it as-is.

Dave! Oh Dave! I got something in the mail today-check your PM's.

Just got back from a vacation in the land of cheese. Dells are a beautiful place once you get away from the tourist trap. We took my uncles pontoon in the many inlets off the WI river. Awesome.

Just missed that big storm that went by you Grizz. My relatives friends had extensive storm damage. Also missed Family Night at Lambeau. Sold out. Try telling that to an 11 year old. Partially redeemed myself by taking him and the rest of the family to a Dells waterpark. Nothing like getting a 40mph enema with a 100' drop down a waterslide.

Also found out officially that I'm probably bald. Oh sure, I've felt rain drops on my noggin for more than a few years now, but this week I got my first documented cranial sunburn. Hurts like someone is pulling my phantom hair. Thinking about drinking heavily in my depressed, negative follicle laden condition.

The Ford is really taking shape, Tom.

Have the kids named it yet?

We were lucky here CFT. Storm missed us. One of my nephews lives at Freedom and they had a lot of damage. Nephew lucked out, no damage. But a neighbor lost a pole building and had substantial damage to their home.

Heading to Green Bay Friday for the Fleet Farm fall sport show. A stop at Cabelas is on the schedule too.

Yep. The Beaver Retriever.

Be careful there Tommy Boy-there's nothing worse than a pizzed off beaver! -But then again it's better to be pizzed off, than pizzed on!

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep. The Beaver Retriever.

I don't think the kids came up with that.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Be careful there Tommy Boy-there's nothing worse than a pizzed off beaver!

And I have an ex-wife to confirm that!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep. The Beaver Retriever.

I don't think the kids came up with that.

Well, they just call it the monster truck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep. The Beaver Retriever.

I like it!

Hey Dave, Barrett-Jackson Auction had a 69 purple Road Runner sold for $26,400.

Oh yeah? was it on tonight?

I saw that. Daves is nicer.

Think it was Friday.

Dave,

So the first thing my wife says when I get home is, "What did you order now Jeff?" I looked around and see a package with a return address that looked vaguely familiar. Nothing I ordered, that's for sure, but a very nice surprise anyway.

Thank you sir..................you scoundrel!!!!

Tzone - what color are ya puttin on the Beav?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Dave,

So the first thing my wife says when I get home is, "What did you order now Jeff?" I looked around and see a package with a return address that looked vaguely familiar. Nothing I ordered, that's for sure, but a very nice surprise anyway.

Thank you sir..................you scoundrel!!!!

Well we had some left over shirts, I have no idea what size you wear since unfortunately we've never met. The sutton spoon is for fishing ot just for a keepsake. I ordered a few a while back directly from sutton in naples NY. A grumpy old timer "helped me" with my order over the phone. lol!

We've got a few of those sutton spoons at home here, anyone who likes nice knives and such will probably be ok with some almost extinct iconic American fishing junk.

Wow, we're at the midpoint for the week, finally!

Pam has been packing boxes every night, the walls are starting to get bare at home here.

I was wondering what Pam was up to. She hasn't posted in a long time.

Dave, when do you close on the new house?

37� here this morning.

37? wow! we're a scorching 44 degrees up nort.

Supposed to close mid sept.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I was wondering what Pam was up to. She hasn't posted in a long time.

Dave, when do you close on the new house?

37� here this morning.

I'm still around Bill, ND hasn't chased me off yet!

I've been lurking a few times a week to make sure everyone stays in line on here. Way to behave everyone, I haven't had to come on and straighten anybody out for a long time. LOL!

I've been packing and packing. Figured I better start since we have about a month til "moving day", that is if all the closings fall into place. With our sale, there are three others. That domino affect I guess.

It's good and bad packing up a house. Good because WOW do you get rid of garbage. Bad because I'm really gonna miss this place. It hits me sometimes just how many memories this place holds. Funny how when ND and I built this place, (yes I did help, stand up walls, insult, paint, etc) we thought we'd never move again. A place to "raise our little family and grow old together in". But I am excited for the new place, don't get me wrong. It's an amazing place and yes we will bring our memories with us as ND reassures me. And we'll make new memories in our new place too, probably the "female sentimental emotions" kicking in again.

Unfortunately I've been too busy to get out and take any pictures too. Maybe after the move, ND and I can go picturing.

My ultimate retirement goal is to have ND go on hunting trips and me tag along to take pictures. Pictures of the hunt and pictures of scenery and wildlife....maybe some day it will happen.

Well enough of my ramblings, it's not all that exciting either. Everyone have a great day. Banana bread baking in the oven this morning for the kids, I best get ready for work now too. Take care all and we'll keep you posted on the BIG MOVE!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

37? wow! we're a scorching 44 degrees up nort.

Supposed to close mid sept.

Ok I need to catch up on the posting...229 to ND's 26299? HOLY PA!

Good to hear rom you Pam. I feared that Dave had you chained up in the basement.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

37? wow! we're a scorching 44 degrees up nort.

Supposed to close mid sept.

Ok I need to catch up on the posting...229 to ND's 26299? HOLY PA!

Where does he find the time????

I enjoy me some 37* mornings! I can't wait for them here!!!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Tzone - what color are ya puttin on the Beav?

Well...it was going to be copper. I thought my dad bought the paint already and I was set to go. He didn't, so I wanted to go see the color he had set up to order. I made the mistake of looking at paint chips.

I have a few in mind. So far the front runner is a factroy Ford "burnt orange," copper, and a millitary "sand" color as well. Crap...I don't know now?

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Funny how when ND and I built this place, (yes I did help, stand up walls, insult, paint, etc)

Is that an abbreviation for "insulation" or were you there actually insulting them?

Tzone,that truck BEGS for a sand color paint job.Imagine riding a logging road in an orange truck.Echhhhhhh!!! Oh well,it's your truck.

Miss Pam,it is nice to see you posting on here.

It is 88 degrees here.I just finished weed eating the yard and driveway.Dripping sweat and came in to cool off under the fan.

Stan

Everyone has a favorite color. I'd just paint it white. All trucks should be white in my opinion. Green is a distant second choice. "Sand" sounds like "beige" and beige sounds like a grandmother color - but that's just my way of seeing things.

Do like that yellow chickenbuck truck though. Damn nice.

Whatever color you make it, it will be a darn nice truck and and one to be proud of since you did the work.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Miss Pam,it is nice to see you posting on here.

Stan

Stan, I love the manners down there...."Miss Pam" is great!

Well Pam and ND, I wish I was closer so I could help you move, but I bet you will have plenny of help. If you get in a bind, let me know, I could run up there with my enclosed trailer. Speaking of moving, I have one small piece of advice that you need to keep in mind. Don't hurt your back. Moving is bad enough without a back all out of kilter, so lift with those legs, look up and dont try and do too much yourself, okay? Matter of fact, that is one of the reasons you had boys, right? To help with lifting?

Dave-

really hopoing you take me up on my offer to help with the move. Keep me posted.

I kind of like the grey primer, then you wont feel quite as bad about the first scratches.

I've been sort of partial to a flat OD green with flat black bumpers, trim and wheels.

Someday.

green, grey, red...I am easy, just not a big fan of really shiney, heck I would be ok with some rust holes, and horsepower...

Dang, I didn't draw antelope again for SD, but I did for wyoming. hmmm I think I need to move a little further west! now if only I could!

Dave,

I have a small collection of old lures from the Marathon Bait Company of Wausau Wis. My Gram worked there for many years and most of what I have she made personally. So, yes I think that spoon is pretty darn neat!!! Oh....you nailed the size on the shirt perfectly.

thanks again, even though you didn't need to do anything.

Tom,

In high school I ran around with two brothers, both drove old fords. One was a 79 F250 and the other a 78 hi-boy, both were blue. Whenever I see a truck of that vintage I naturally think of those two blue fords.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

green, grey, red...I am easy, just not a big fan of really shiney, heck I would be ok with some rust holes, and horsepower...

I've had enough with rust holes thank you very much.

But don't you worry, they'll be back soon enough.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

In high school I ran around with two brothers, both drove old fords. One was a 79 F250 and the other a 78 hi-boy, both were blue. Whenever I see a truck of that vintage I naturally think of those two blue fords.

Everyone seems to paint them blue. Heck, it WAS blue. It would have been much easier to pair it blue. It would probably be finished now if it was. Much less sanding and I wouldn't have to mask off the interior twice.

Everyone seems to paint them blue.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been sort of partial to a flat OD green with flat black bumpers, trim and wheels.

Someday.

Now yer talkin'! Ultimate off-road paint job and practical too.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

In high school I ran around with two brothers, both drove old fords. One was a 79 F250 and the other a 78 hi-boy, both were blue. Whenever I see a truck of that vintage I naturally think of those two blue fords.

Everyone seems to paint them blue. Heck, it WAS blue. It would have been much easier to pair it blue. It would probably be finished now if it was. Much less sanding and
I wouldn't have to mask off the interior twice.

Everyone seems to paint them blue.

That green one in your Avatar looks pretty nice! Yours?

I had a 77 ford and she was yellow, got the nickname the hornet because of the rusty wheelwells on it, made it kinda look like a hornet. had the 300 straight 6 in her, man that engine purred.
we also had a red one that was 2wd when I was growing up.

Since we are voting to decide the color of Tzone's truck, I'll have to go with the OD green & black bumpers as well. It fits those old Fords so well. That is my favorite body style of any truck ever btw.

Congrats on restoring some old iron whatever color you choose to squirt on it.

-Come on guys! IT'S A FORD! Could there be any other colors besides rust and primer? Maybe a huge oil stain on the back bumper? (Let the hating begin!)

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been sort of partial to a flat OD green with flat black bumpers, trim and wheels.

Someday.

Now yer talkin'! Ultimate off-road paint job and practical too.

That's kind of where I was headed with the "OD" sand tan. It already has flat black bumpers and wheels. It's not going to be "shiny" type of truck.

I wouldn't pick OD green because I know dave has mentioned that in the past....I'll let him do it, it will be nicer anyway.

Options are still wide open at this point since no paint has been purchased.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

That green one in your Avatar looks pretty nice! Yours?

No, but it will look like that. I have a 73-77 grill for it. The 78-79 came with a more open grill and square headlight bezels. The 78's had round headlight in the bezels or square. The 79's had square headlights only.

Mine is a 78 with round lights and I think they look better in the earlier style grill. The grill with this truck was shot (along with the rest of the truck). I got a great deal on the grill that will be going in it and I can keep the round lights.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

-Come on guys! IT'S A FORD! Could there be any other colors besides rust and primer? Maybe a huge oil stain on the back bumper? (Let the hating begin!)

Leak oil is something she doesn't do. The truck runs and drives great. It has a 351M V-8, with a granny low 4sp trans. I thought it had 3.50 gears as many of them did. But, I recently made a goof while moving the truck and instead of putting it in 2nd, I put it 4th gear. I was able to move the truck the short distance. I thought I was out of gas because it was "lugging." When I shifted to reverse, I reailized what I had done. IDK...maybe it just has that much torque? Dave and WB could probaly answer that one for us?

Quote

had the 300 straight 6 in her, man that engine purred.

I love that motor. They do purr.

Just pulling your chain, bud.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

-Come on guys! IT'S A FORD! Could there be any other colors besides rust and primer? Maybe a huge oil stain on the back bumper? (Let the hating begin!)

Leak oil is something she doesn't do. The truck runs and drives great. It has a 351M V-8, with a granny low 4sp trans. I thought it had 3.50 gears as many of them did. But, I recently made a goof while moving the truck and instead of putting it in 2nd, I put it 4th gear. I was able to move the truck the short distance. I thought I was out of gas because it was "lugging." When I shifted to reverse, I reailized what I had done. IDK...maybe it just has that much torque? Dave and WB could probaly answer that one for us?

Quote

had the 300 straight 6 in her, man that engine purred.

I love that motor. They do purr.

You answered your own question. It's a Ford. Of course it has that much torque.

I prefer the 300's or 400's but I usually run what I brung anyway.

I know you were bud. It does leak a little gas from the fuel pump right now tho.

Pretty common for 1/2 ton 4 spd trucks to come with 3.5 gears. check the door tag next time you see the truck.

Pam's 79 F150 came with a 351M, 4 spd and 3.5 gears. Very nice combo IMO, 33x10.5 tires with those gears and a 4 spd should get you 14 mpg. (or better)

Ford had a chocolate brown back in the day that wasn't too bad. It hid the rust for a while.

That's what color my '55 pick up is Bill. It will be black when that is done.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pretty common for 1/2 ton 4 spd trucks to come with 3.5 gears. check the door tag next time you see the truck.

Pam's 79 F150 came with a 351M, 4 spd and 3.5 gears. Very nice combo IMO, 33x10.5 tires with those gears and a 4 spd should get you 14 mpg. (or better)

It was hard to find them without that gear ratio but there were a few 3.72 or something close to it in the F150's

I had a '77 F150 with a built 400M, 4.56 gears & 38" super swampers but it didn't get 14mpg very often.

Did you even see 10 MPG with that set up? Bet you could pull stumps

Haha. Or ever.

14 miles per gallon. Let's see that's eight on the road and six in town. Yeah,that makes fourteen. LOL.

Stan in SC

Knew a guy back in the early 60's with a big block Ford Galaxy 500 that got 6 MPH on a good day. Of course there was a Hardware store owner with a 59 Olds that only did 4 MPH. Needless to say he didn't keep it to long.

Originally Posted by tzone

I know you were bud. It does leak a little gas from the fuel pump right now tho.

I take it the fuel pump isn't inside the tank on this one, huh?

Nope. She's right out in front with easy access like it should be. Whoever decided they need to be in the tank needs to groin kicked.

Bill, I had a 76 ford 4x4 full-time, with a 390 that got about 8mph and a 79 bronco with a 400 that got 10 on a good day.

Yeah, I had a full size Bronco with the 351 that did about 13-14 on a good day.

Nate's 77 F250 with 351, 4 spd and 4.1 gears with 35" tires will do 12 mpg hwy.

He's taking good care of it, he put in a new starter a couple weeks ago and the other night he replaced the alternator. It was still charging but the front bushing/bearing was out. He's pretty handy with the wrenches. We will likely replace inner spindle bearings this weekend, the little needle bearings that carry the axle ends centered through the spindles.

I have nightmares about those little needle bearings. I was changing them on my 85 f150 4x and droped the bearing before I got the grease in it.

It was much easier to go buy a new one than to try to find all the needle bearings.

I had no doubt the boy would wave the wrenches like a magic wand.

These are pretty well retained by the race/sleeve. They can be a bugger to remove because you have to drive the race out from the outer end of the hollow spindle, but the new ones go back in pretty nice.

So glad my lady friend talked me out of selling this car.

[Linked Image]

She does look good in it.

I want to see a video of Ma speed shifting the thunderchicken.

Originally Posted by tzone

Nope. She's right out in front with easy access like it should be. Whoever decided they need to be in the tank needs to groin kicked.

That's because they were mechanical pumps, Tom and needed to be mounted on the engine. Once they switched to electric pumps, they could mount them anywhere.

Spent Friday over in Green Bay. Started out at Lambreau for the Fleet Farm fall sports show/sale. The place was a zoo, but we really did get some great deals. This show gets bigger and bigger every year.

The ammo vendors all had signs saying "No 22 ammo". One vendor pulled me and my brother aside and told us Fleet had purchased 2 million rounds of 22 LR from Sellor & Belloit (SP) and they would be available in about 2 weeks. So if there is a Fleet Farm near you you will be able to get some 22 rounds.

Later that afternoon we hit the new Cabela's. 3 PM on Friday afternoon and it was packed. Can't say they had any great deals, but I did pickup a windshirt on close out. My granddaughter bought a camo jacket and pants (Scent Blocker).

When you think about it, 2 million rounds isn't that much. I have enough 22 now for awhile. Gander gets theirs on Thursday and puts it out Friday. They said it's been on the shelf longer and longer each time before it's sold out.

You're right Tom. I haven't done much with a 22 in years, but I'm sure that I've shot well in excess of 10K rounds in my lifetime.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

You're right Tom. I haven't done much with a 22 in years, but I'm sure that I've shot well in excess of 10K rounds in my lifetime.

When I was younger,I used to target practice with a Ruger mark 2 semi auto 22 pistol,5" heavy barrel everyday.I would shoot at least 100 rounds a day, for weeks on end.
If you figure 100 rounds a day for a year, that would be 36,500 rounds.
I would say I came pretty close to that round count for about 5 years in a row.
The first mark2 I owned was very well broken in,to say the least.

still functioned perfectly,but very "loose",probably mostly from being taken apart and cleaned.

So I'm at a hunting show in Texas this weekend and stop in a booth to look at a what's called a traveling tower
http://www.travelingtower.com/home.php#sthash.LnAyZtx2.dpbs

Started talking with the guy, he must of been the owner of the company. Said he came up with the idea cause there are lots of swamp land in Mn. where he hunts and just couldn't get close to this one deer he wanted. So this idea was born. A stand that fits on your ATV and is raised by a cable/gearing system on the spot where you park your ATV.
Nice guy. I said you must be a ME with the design of the stand, he said ya. Anyway in the conversation we had I talked about this thread and all the guys up in MN and said he should find 24hour and this thread to meet up with many Mn. hunters. I believe the drivable stands are made in Mn.
Show is still open today, so if he shows up later you guys be nice, he seems like a good guy and lives in your country.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Spent Friday over in Green Bay. Started out at Lambreau for the Fleet Farm fall sports show/sale. The place was a zoo, but we really did get some great deals. This show gets bigger and bigger every year.

The ammo vendors all had signs saying "No 22 ammo". One vendor pulled me and my brother aside and told us Fleet had purchased 2 million rounds of 22 LR from Sellor & Belloit (SP) and they would be available in about 2 weeks. So if there is a Fleet Farm near you you will be able to get some 22 rounds.

Later that afternoon we hit the new Cabela's. 3 PM on Friday afternoon and it was packed.
Can't say they had any great deals, but I did pickup a windshirt on close out. My granddaughter bought a camo jacket and pants (Scent Blocker).

When I was in Wisconsin last week. I went to one of these Fleet Farms you speak of. Holy Moly! If they don't sell it, you don't need it. This one was in Janesville and must've covered 10 acres...on the inside! Coulda bought a tractor or a gallon of milk. We used to to have Quality Farm & Fleet, but they went belly up. Now we only have Tractor Supply and its nothing like Fleet Farm. I could live there and the wife would never miss me. <actually I could live about anywhere and I'm not sure she'd know I'm gone>. JK, she's fast asleep next to me as I type this.

We've got a Fleet Farm here in Lakeville, and they too have just about anything one could need. There's two ladies working the sporting goods counter who are both very well versed on firearms. They really do a good job and are very knowledgeable. A nice switch from going into a shop where the guy behind the counter doesn't know the difference between a 7mm Mauser and a 7mm Mag.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

When I was in Wisconsin last week. I went to one of these Fleet Farms you speak of. Holy Moly! If they don't sell it, you don't need it.

Yep... you were at Fleet Farm.

If you can't buy a tractor there, you can get the parts to make one.
Near my place, it's the best place to buy non gun related hunting gear. Their firearms selection sucks imo, but oh well.

Unfortunately, I'm very familiar with the one near my house becaue it's only 2 miles away.

About 15 years ago I saw a something like this only more elaborate. It was a hydraulic tower and had a gas engine to run the hydraulics. It required a truck or tractor to pull it. It was so large that it could only be set up on the edge of a field. The price was well over 10K.

On the way to work this am I saw a tree in the ditch that was in full color. It wasn't a maple...sometimes in Aug, I've seen maples start to chance, but this sucker was full color. Looked like a ash, but at 60 mph, it was hard to tell.

Some of the ground brush is starting to change as well. I'm starting to get a bit excited for fall...the 90* temps coming this week aren't helping, but boy am I ready.

I also took notice of some color on some lower brush this morning.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

About 15 years ago I saw a something like this only more elaborate. It was a hydraulic tower and had a gas engine to run the hydraulics. It required a truck or tractor to pull it. It was so large that it could only be set up on the edge of a field. The price was well over 10K.

I thought it was a different idea being it mounted on and around the ATV driver. Used battery power to raise the stand off and around the ATV.

Many trailer mounted hydraulic raised blinds sold in Texas. All seem to run on the boat battery for the hydraulic power.
Long way to drive for a show.

Picked up my buck tag today along with a doe tag.

Received an email from the owner of the front 40. He hauled a couple of truckloads of road fill and rock. He's been using it to repair the road damage caused by the Beavers last year. Says we can drive a truck right down to the creek now.

that's great news on the road!

awesome! I got my west river turkey tags in the mail this afternoon, feeling more like fall every day. this morning was cool and the dew was heavy.

had a long day at work even though I took off a little early, this weekend was a lot of fun crammed into a little amount of time. sorry I couldn't make it up and see the chickenbuck clan, I really really wanted to. ended up not even seeing family I had in the same town I was staying.

Happy birthday Ryan.

Happy Birthday, Ryan.

thanks guys! man this morning sure is feeling like fall.

Not here today Ryan. Humid as heck and on the way to 90* for the next 3 days.

94 today and sticky gross humidity. No fall here other than leaves changing. We need rain pretty bad. Tomorrow hopefully!

temp jumped to 101 today in the shade, definitely feels like july around here now. this morning was so cool and heavy dew, bummer

Happy Birthday,Ryan.

Stan in SC

thanks Stan!

luckily it was much cooler today

Not here, Ryan. We hit 90* before the storms rolled through. Quite a bit of wind damage East of us.

It will be cooler today.

starting to plant winter wheat on friday, fall is just around the corner!
you guys sure have had your dose of heat this summer huh? we've been pretty mild really, only a few days over 100, most have been in the 80's and 90's. which for us is pretty mild, especially since we don't have the humidity and we get cool nights because of altitude. with the intermittent rains we've gotten, this has been an outstanding summer!

Actually been pretty mild here too, Ryan. Had 3 days in the 90's back in early July. The past couple of weeks were running below normal temps which was great. The week ahead looks like it will be hot and muggy though.

yuck, not fun.

had a run in with a rattler today, he was laying in a piece of pipe I wanted, scared the poo out of me and made me jump as I was almost on him before he buzzed. only about a 24 incher, but man was he mad after I drug the 6" PVC pipe out. crazy how a snake can lose their head like that.......

I'd have left a pile of poo. I hate snakes.

Yuck. I hate snakes!

I hate em too, give me the willies everytime. thats the 4th one this year I've run into, the last 2 were small, number 1 was about a 3 footer and thick. hate them damn things

A shout out to our Minnesota members:

Does anyone hunt that early doe season? I'm thinking about giving it a try but have no idea where to even think about going. Can anyone give me some pointers? Anyone interested in matching up for a Campfire doe hunt? Let me know.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I hate em too, give me the willies everytime. thats the 4th one this year I've run into, the last 2 were small, number 1 was about a 3 footer and thick. hate them damn things

How did they taste?

Like poo!

SIL drew a wolf tag.

Heck I didn't even know we had one. I used to hunt the "tzone" a lot in WI. I'd take time off work and everything. It was great. I virtually had the woods to myself.

Cool Bill.

That reminds me...I have to apply for mine here.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

A shout out to our Minnesota members:

Does anyone hunt that early doe season? I'm thinking about giving it a try but have no idea where to even think about going. Can anyone give me some pointers? Anyone interested in matching up for a Campfire doe hunt? Let me know.

I sure would be interested.

I don't know where they might be doing early antlerless this year either. In past years I'd have heard about it up here by now. We are a lottery area this year so I doubt there will be any early season for chickenbuck.

According to the MN DNR website there is a youth antlerless deer hunt from Oct 17-20 in about 25-30 permit areas listed on the web site. In the north central part of the state in zone 100 it includes permit areas 101,105,111,and 114. Also virtually all of NW MN north of Hwy 2 in zone 200 is included as are most of SE MN in the 300 areas.

I get to have an early doe hunt just because I turn 65 this year. Oct 24, 25, 26. One of the perks of getting old.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

I get to have an early doe hunt just because I turn 65 this year. Oct 24, 25, 26. One of the perks of getting old.

WI has a youth hunt, but no old fart hunts.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I hate em too, give me the willies everytime. thats the 4th one this year I've run into, the last 2 were small, number 1 was about a 3 footer and thick. hate them damn things

How did they taste?

taste ok, little chewy though. they curl up in the frying pan when you make em. aint et one since 03 though. kilt one next to an antelope camp on the ranch, the guys wanted to try it so I cleaned it for em. goes good with PBR

I'd be up for it, but I don't have anywhere to go either. I can't figure out why they don't include 601.

If you are talking about the youth hunt in MN, 601 is included as is 602.

I've got a busy weekend, but I'll try to do a little research and see what I can figure out. Maybe this would be a good excuse for a Campfire get together guys.....

There's a anterless early season for adults, but it's only in zone 345 &346 this year.

Where the heck is that? MN makes the deer season pretty complicated. Split seasons, some 9 day, some 16 day, opening day different in different areas....

I am a big proponent of the youth season but why the heck is it antlerless only? Let the kiddo's shoot bucks, the bowhunters get to do it.

the problem that other states have run into was Dad getting their kid a youth tag and then goes and shoots a big buck before others can be hunting. or the dad takes the gun from the kid and shoots a big buck if it comes in. rare, but it has happened, does more harm than good to the youth. although not ideal, I do understand the doe only rule. if only people could be accountable again and strive to do the right thing.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the problem that other states have run into was Dad getting their kid a youth tag and then goes and shoots a big buck before others can be hunting. or the dad takes the gun from the kid and shoots a big buck if it comes in. rare, but it has happened, does more harm than good to the youth. although not ideal, I do understand the doe only rule. if only people could be accountable again and strive to do the right thing.

We had a deer check station at our store for many years and I saw this first hand many times . Dad would be all excited and and wouldn't shut up and the pour kid would kid look at the ground and rub his toe in the dirt and when asked about the hunt the kid would just shrug his shoulders it would just piss me off Royal

Doesn't take much to figure that one out does it mule? pizzes me off, bad enough that some camps treat the youth tags like extras that they race to fill... But to take a kids early season tag? That's low, slum dog, spineless dirt bag low.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Doesn't take much to figure that one out does it mule? pizzes me off, bad enough that some camps treat the youth tags like extras that they race to fill... But to take a kids early season tag? That's low, slum dog, spineless dirt bag low.

Worse than selling a F350 crew cab with a V-plow? That is low.

Sell an F350 with a V plow and replace it with a buick car.... now that would be horrible....

IIRC, there is no "youth season" tag, but any other valid tag can be used by an eligible youth in that season.
last year I bought my son a regular deer tag, and a bonus permit, so we could hunt in the early youth season,and would have used the bonus tag,so we would still have the regular season tag for "up nort".

Okay, so I picked up a copy of the regs and the deer season map, and here's what I've figured out so far.

The Early Antlerless season is Oct. 17-20th.

It's held in limited areas in Areas 345 and 346.

Limit is 5 antlerless and those 5 don't count against your limits during the regular deer season.

345 and 346 are in Winona County. This si far southeast Minnesota. Beautiful country along the River.

I didn't specifically see it, but I believe it would be shotguns or muzzleloaders.

My first question is will any regular deer license (besides the early antlerless permit) suffice, or must you have a Series 300 license? We hunt during the regular season in Zone 1. Does anybody know the answer to this? I might call the DNR tomorrow and see what they say.

I've never hunted down there, so don't know if there's State Forest or public hunting areas down there. If it's all private property it may be hard to get in.

If anyone has any info on these questions, it would be greatly appreciated. If we can make this work, is anyone interested in a Campfire doe hunt?

Let me know. I'll have to start looking for hotels.

A little more research-Richard Dorer State Forest appears to fall withing the Early Antlerless hunting area, so we wouldn't have to worry about obtaining permission to hunt. Anyone interested? T-Zone-what say you?

Thunder storms rolled through town around 8:00 AM today. We picked up 1.7" of much needed rain. On it's way to 93* today.

Good lord we need some rain...but I don't thing we're going to get it.

It's hotter than a cheap pistol here today.

Jeff,

Check your PM's, but I'm not sure yet.

Looks like it's going to stay hot right through the Labor Day weekend.

A scorcher, right through chickenbuck get together.

Good thing I have a secret weapon. "Wite Bare" brought a little window mount AC unit out to the cabin that will run off our little suitcase Honda generator.

I can not believe nobody asked about the Buick!!!! Are you all slipping a little?

Check your fone kussin.

Hey Missy, what about the buick?!?

Originally Posted by Muffy

I can not believe nobody asked about the Buick!!!! Are you all slipping a little?

Buick?

Knew a old farmer that referred to his outhouse as "The Buick".

I saw some old blue hair drive some fancy Buick to work this morning. A Lucerne I believe.....

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I saw some old blue hair drive some fancy Buick to work this morning. A Lucerne I believe.....

I think blue hair is a minimum requirement for driving a Buick

Did you guys see that a 16-year old kid got attacked by a wolf at a campground on Winnie? I have stayed at that campground a lot some years back.

That kid has more of a man card than someone with a minivan in the garage.

I used to have a Buick. A 1988 Regal GS. It was a fun car and fast at the time. I sold it to a family friend and totaled it within a week. It was a great car when I had it.

I didn't even know I was a blue hair.

I guess it kind of snuck up on me.

Just be glad you HAVE hair. Blue or otherwise.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I didn't even know I was a blue hair.

I guess it kind of snuck up on me.

Blue hair is one thing. When you have blue hair and wear polyester...well, you've definitly made it to old age.

Or...you and the Mrs. head to the store in matching "sweat pant" suits.

Just applied for my wolf tag. Hopefully, the second time's the charm on this deal.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I didn't even know I was a blue hair.

I guess it kind of snuck up on me.

Blue hair is one thing. When you have blue hair and wear polyester...well, you've definitly made it to old age.

Does it count if ND covered those beautiful leather seats with polyester seat covers? Oh. also a couple of those wooden bead cover things.

WB, are you coming to Chickenbuck this weekend?

I'm finishing my pole shed on Saturday so that's off but I might try to load up the kid & some toys & wander on out that way for a visit.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I didn't even know I was a blue hair.

I guess it kind of snuck up on me.

Blue hair is one thing. When you have blue hair and wear polyester...well, you've definitly made it to old age.

Does it count if ND covered those beautiful leather seats with polyester seat covers? Oh. also a couple of those wooden bead cover things.

Yep! He'd be on his way to geezerhood for sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just applied for my wolf tag. Hopefully, the second time's the charm on this deal.

My nephews buddy drew a WI wolf tag this year and he had one last year as well. He should invest in a lottery ticket.

Hey now, my geezer mobile aint so bad.

[Linked Image]

I do not have any goofy stuff on the seats.

[Linked Image]

And I got my first kill with the new hunting car today.

[Linked Image]

Is a kill with a Buick a step up or down from a beer bottle?

Applied for my woof tag too. Lets hope someone here gets one and is successful....like last year.

Hey Griz, do they make polyester in green and gold? I am betting you have some if they do! c'mon, fess up! How are those Packers looking this year? It will be a miracle if we even score against them.

Now I know you've gone of the deep end Dave. Not a single bobble head on the dash,

If I get a tag, I'm going to hunt the campgrounds around Grand Rapids.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is a kill with a Buick a step up or down from a beer bottle?

it was easier than the beer bottle kill. lol.

We only give you a hard time because you don't work at a post office & can handle it. The car is beautiful & will fit in with your plan perfectly.
OTOH, if you come to work with polyester pants, you can fully expect to see pics of said occurrence all over the interweb.

Bear head, fine. Polyester, no.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Applied for my woof tag too. Lets hope someone here gets one and is successful....like last year.

Ill prime the pump for you guys.

[Linked Image]

once more,for good measure.

I love that pic

I just did my good deed for the day. mama is out mowing the front yard and it's getting dark so I flipped the porch light on for her. I hope she appreciates it. wasn't even a commercial break.

Originally Posted by fluffy

once more,for good measure.

I'm not a northern MN cattle farm kid anymore and now a gentlemen farmer (rent out the farm), but that picture really brings a tear of joy to my eyes. Get a few more... especially west of Bemidji.

Fluffy, where you get one of them woof strollers?

Did I see an AARP bumper sticker on that Buick? Geez, next thing ya know he's gonna be watchin old Lawrence Welk reruns and poppin Geritol. I hope this phase passes quickly.

That woof looks awfully sleepy...oughta back off on the cough syrup a bit.

Our state approved having a wolf season, they just can't figure out how to go about it, so we have to wait and wait and...

Woof strollers.... Snork.

Fluffy, how come you didn't bust out those pics last year?

I'm getting pretty excited to get my gear set up so i can hit the woods. Thunder chicken season is around the corner and I have to set some cameras out. Lil Mike Tyson has a football game on Sunday of small game opener so it will be a short trip north.

Dove season starts here the 1st, never been one to chase tiny birds, gotta shoot a pile of them to feed a family. but it is the first sign of fall!
I need to start shooting my bow, season is a month away, yikes!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Applied for my woof tag too. Lets hope someone here gets one and is successful....like last year.

Hey Griz, do they make polyester in green and gold? I am betting you have some if they do! c'mon, fess up! How are those Packers looking this year? It will be a miracle if we even score against them.

I think there's a law against polyester clothing in any color. So no, I don' have any.

Green Bay has a tough schedule in the early part of the season. Their first game is against SF in SF. Ask me at the end of the season how they made out.

As of last night I have 90% of my trails, shooting lanes & fields mowed.
The other 10% will have to wait for repairs to my brush mower or next year after I build a new (& much better than can be bought) one.
The cameras will go up this weekend.

There was a pack of wolves a couple miles down the road from me the other night howling to beat heck. Must have had something exciting going on back in the woods. Spooky sound. Nothing even close to yotes or fox.

I wish this weather would settle down so I had more ambition. It's hard on a fat guy who lives in A/C 80% of his day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fluffy, where you get one of them woof strollers?

Looks a lot like my cabelas super mag bambi stroller .

Originally Posted by tzone

Woof strollers.... Snork.

Fluffy, how come you didn't bust out those pics last year?

They were on my sons phone, I didnt know he had them till I needed to change his phone to a new one.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dove season starts here the 1st, never been one to chase tiny birds, gotta shoot a pile of them to feed a family. but it is the first sign of fall!
I need to start shooting my bow, season is a month away, yikes!

Deer bow season starts here this Sunday ~!

Camera are out & lanes trimmed.

Couple with definite potential (read: if they stroll by, I'll be releasing !), but it's still 30+C here, think I'll wait for significant temp drop. Love to drop one in velvet, but will not waste the meat, just to do so. Too bl00dy hot to hang & process in my shop, yet.

Good luck guys.

Paul.

Where the heck have you been!?!

In case any of the Minnesota boys might be interested in a get-together/doe hunt, I did a little more research. The early antlerless tags don't have to be purchased by the Sept. 5th antlerless deadline-they're available over the counter, and a Zone 1 license works for the hunt. I am going to buy my tag and put in for my antlerless permit for up north, and plan on going down to do a couple grouse hunt/recon trips to the early antlerless areas. If anyone's interested in tagging along, or going down for the doe hunt, let me know. If no one wants to go down there for the doe hunt, I'll just do it as a day trip, but if anyone wants to split a motel room, that would be fine too. Anyone interested?

5 deer (antlerless) limit, tags are $7.50 each, and any deer taken don't count against your regular season limits.

I sure would if I was closer.

checked some cameras today and got pics of deer losing velvet, in full velvet and some with bare horn. mama looked them over and picked her buck out, I concur, he's a nice one, and bigger rack than any I have. saw 2 with goofy racks and one with a little nub of a kicker. hoping to have a great season. with it being so hot and dry now it's pushing them to water, I'm sure hoping the EHD doesn't come out again

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fluffy, where you get one of them woof strollers?

I replied this morning ,but forgot to send it.

it is my brothers woof stroller, on its maiden voyage, either a Cabelas, or gander I forget which.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

In case any of the Minnesota boys might be interested in a get-together/doe hunt, I did a little more research. The early antlerless tags don't have to be purchased by the Sept. 5th antlerless deadline-they're available over the counter, and a Zone 1 license works for the hunt. I am going to buy my tag and put in for my antlerless permit for up north, and plan on going down to do a couple grouse hunt/recon trips to the early antlerless areas. If anyone's interested in tagging along, or going down for the doe hunt, let me know. If no one wants to go down there for the doe hunt, I'll just do it as a day trip, but if anyone wants to split a motel room, that would be fine too. Anyone interested?

5 deer (antlerless) limit, tags are $7.50 each, and any deer taken don't count against your regular season limits.

I'd love to!
I know from past expirence that the Richard J Dorer state forest gets pretty crowded in deer season.

Some friends and I went down there in blackpowder season back in the mid 90s.
Before season the shooting range was empty.
weekend before season, there was literally dozens of people, kids running around unsupervised, complete chaos.mostly non English speaking folks present.
I would guess an early season would be similar.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

In case any of the Minnesota boys might be interested in a get-together/doe hunt, I did a little more research. The early antlerless tags don't have to be purchased by the Sept. 5th antlerless deadline-they're available over the counter, and a Zone 1 license works for the hunt. I am going to buy my tag and put in for my antlerless permit for up north, and plan on going down to do a couple grouse hunt/recon trips to the early antlerless areas. If anyone's interested in tagging along, or going down for the doe hunt, let me know. If no one wants to go down there for the doe hunt, I'll just do it as a day trip, but if anyone wants to split a motel room, that would be fine too. Anyone interested?

5 deer (antlerless) limit, tags are $7.50 each, and any deer taken don't count against your regular season limits.

I'd love to!
I know from past expirence that the Richard J Dorer state forest gets pretty crowded in deer season.

Some friends and I went down there in blackpowder season back in the mid 90s.
Before season the shooting range was empty.
weekend before season, there was literally dozens of people, kids running around unsupervised, complete chaos.mostly non English speaking folks present.
I would guess an early season would be similar.

Sounds like a definite possibility. PM sent

Originally Posted by tzone

Where the heck have you been!?!

Hi Tom,

Busy summer at work + 2 week tour of Alaska, but I'm always lurking (reading my favourite thread) !

Got the itch bad, but still way hot up here !

You might say ready, but not willing.

Paul.

Got the John Deere mower & 4 wheeler loaded, Special K bars made, few things to get done in the morning, then off to pick up mom, Kenna, & Babe for our trip to Chickenbuck!!!!!!!! Going to be a great weekend. Hope to get lots of odds & ends done at camp before hunting season.

Have a great Labor Day everyone! its been a hot short summer here and been so busy at work, need soem time off. soon i hope. Get chickenbuck ready, i am almost ready to trek to the forest. maybe when i come back from india, my other lake projects will be complete so i can stay home and relax. Lots of deer sightings this year already. have fun at chickenbuck!!

Putting the final coat of paint on the new garage service door this morning. We'll be spending the weekend with my brother and SIL in their new camper.

Have a great weekend everybody!

worked hard all week to have today off, doing some errands this morning, working on the garage a bit and tomorrow heading to the lake! have a great weekend everyone!

HEY DAVE- Will there be a Chickenbuck Nation shirt order this fall? I'd like to get a sweatshirt. Lemme know.

Jeez, did everyone curl up in the fetal position this weekend?

I think everyone is at Chickenbuck.

Yeah, I bet you're right. I think this was the Early Swamp Squid opener this weekend.

Well,here it is, the labor day weekend Monday,in my book, today is the last day of summer.
Bow season starts in twelve days.
permit apps deadline in three days.
here we are hunting season.

Tuesday 9/2
Just for comparison:
South Carolina-Upstate portion
Archery starts Sept. 15th
Muzzle loader starts October 1st.
Rifle starts October 15th.
Season ends January 1st.

Gophergunner,
I LIKE "Chickenbuck Nation".I have a camp chickenbuck t shirt.Now I want a "Chickenbuck Nation" t shirt.

Dave,please have your people get on this.Who else wants one?

Stan in SC

The Okie's are in !

Stepped out the door at about 5:45 to turn on the sprinklers. A motion in the neighbor's yard caught my eye. They're not early risers so the hackles went up on my neck a bit. My eyes are adjusting to the low light, and I see it's a big deer under the apple tree standing up get at the low hanging apples. I stand still for a couple seconds as my eyes adjust to the low light. It's a friggin' buck, and a big one at that. No way to know for sure, but it looks like a big 6 or 8 point. Just then a dog yips in the next yard over and the deer takes off for the bean field across the street. All I can see is horns. I'm thinking it's more like a 10 point or bigger. How has this guy hung out literally in my back yard all spring and I haven't seen him? Oh yeah, it's time to go hunting!

The good news is you will not have far to go to be hunting unless you have a huge backyard!

put up a trail camera and get some pics!

Hey, I'm Kenna aka falls in water aka splashy. I'm Waylon's daughter. I finally decided to sign in on the thread! So HEEELLLLLOOOOOO!!

Hey Kenna! It was a great weekend and I
Glad we got to share it with you!

Splashy is a great nickname, especially after watching you on the 4-wheeler yesterday.

How was your ride back? Did you make it through the road on the way out of Chickenbuck?

Hey Kenna! been a while, welcome to the thread!

ND is going to have to build a bigger sand trap at the gate if he's going to catch this white bear!

Good to see you folks again even if it was only for a short visit.

Welcome Kenna!

yeah this weekend was the most fun I have had in a long time and I am happy I could share it was such amazing people!!!!!! We had Nathan go before us on the way out and it was a good thing cause yes of course we got stuck at the gate so Nathan and the monster truck had to pull us out!!!!

Nate went before us but the old blue explorer made it through with the proper combination of air/fuel mixture and a fair amount of sliding sideways through the mud while pulling a trailer.

Kenna benna.

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Makes a big splash!

I love you kid!

Great pics! You could tell she was having a blast. I'm glad she had fun.

It took two car washes to get the mud off the car.

It was pretty bad, but fun. It was stuck in 4lo. I was having visions of riding back 300 miles with a top speed of 40 mph. After driving about a mile down the forest road, I got it to come out.... whew! I was relived to say the least.

Thanks everybody for coming up, it was a great weekend even though rain kept us in the cabin for a while.

We ate very well, these ribs are just one of the many great meals that were devoured.

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All in total we had 15.5 lbs of pork ribs.

Saturday morning a bunch of us rode wheelers out a 1/4 mile from the cabin and we picked our own blueberries for blueberry pancakes.

I still can't believe we got blueberries in Sept. (granted, Saturday was aug 31 but we were still picking berries here and there all weekend)

More to come in a while.

Dave, great looking ribs.

Question. You have a pitcher pump in the background of one of the pics. Did you drive a sand point? If so, how deep?

Wayne

Looks like you guys had a great time. I'd probably have died laughing at the ATV riding, and then missed out on the ribs.

Dave, what do you use for a rub on those ribs? - they look excellent.

Hi Wayne, yes we drove a sand point down. It plugged the fine screen with light silty sand, couldn't draw any water. So we pulled it up and I dug a hole with the tractor, then got down in the hole with a shovel and dug it deeper, then we buried a new plastic garbage can filled with rock to keep it from collapsing. The can was drilled full of 1/4" holes. The idea was to create a rock cavity as a water reservoir and draw from that with the sand point. It does work but the pitcher pump seal dries out really fast being out in the weather with no roof over it. Also we run out of water during dryer periods because it's not deep enough. I really need to redo that whole well thing a 3rd time and hopefully get it right this time. It's hard to dig anything very deep because it's all sand and the water starts coming in and the sides cave in faster than you can dig. I need to rig up a drill that can put a casing down around 16'. any deeper than that I believe you need a little better pump than the little pitcher unit.

But if we need some wash water, we can prime that pitcher pump and draw up some fairly clear water for cleaning up around the cabin.

For the ribs, it's never really the same twice. We use what ever we have on hand, usually end up making something with the best rib friendly seasonings we have on hand. I try really hard to stay away from "seasoning salts" because they really are like 99% salt and it's way too easy to get the pork too salty. I've used a mix of things like old bay seasoning with some additional paprika, maybe a little dry mustard and a bit of garlic and black pepper.

But this batch was easy as we had a bottle of "famous dave's rib rub". So we just shook a light coating of that on both sides and started slow cooking/smoking. I slowly ramped up through the smoking temps into around 220 F and held there. These ribs got about 4 hours that way bone side down before I flipped them and placed them in foil with an apple cider bath in each pack. They simmered in the apple cider for 2 hours before I opened the foil packs, poke a hole in each pack so the cider drains down into the coals. Then I brushed a coat of sweet baby rays bbq sauce on the back sides, then carefully flipped each rack leaving them in there foil packs, then brushed on a coat of sauce on the meat side. I let them go like that for another 45 minutes to an hour to glaze the sauce a bit.

Welcome Kenna.

We had a storm roll through that took a top limb off a dead tamarack out by the deer pole. This bat was found out by that limb on the ground, stunned but alive. (seemingly unhappy I might add)

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We set him out on a stump and he was gone after a while so we're assuming he made it.

Pam got these firey sky pictures after the storm rolled through.

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One of our projects over the weekend was to improve our fire pit seating.

We�ve had some large trees go down north of the cabin in recent years, I had cut this log out of a big jackpine that went down over one of our trails a couple of years ago. I have been meaning to skid it up to the cabin and split it in 2 halves for benches. We decided it was time to get that done this weekend.

Surfacing a side of the log to make it easier to rip.

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This was kind of a lengthy and unskilled process. Lol.

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�pine noodles�

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Finally�

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/bench7_zpsb6ed1e7d.jpg[/img]

Meanwhile, Missy is taking apart the old �benches�

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/bench8_zps8e141e27.jpg[/img]

The boys do the heavy lifting.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/bench9_zps4958aaaa.jpg[/img]

And there we have it, 2 new fire ring benches.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/bench11_zpsa3c4bc81.jpg[/img]

This guy was a good helper as always, but he's thinking "can we go riding now?"

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yeeeee-ha!!

[Linked Image]

Nice benches Dave. The last step is butt sanding to make them smooth! That gives me the itch to make some for our fire pit.

A great weekend it was. A little bit of everything, including...my first hunt of the year. Got out to do a bit of goose hunting and although it wasnt too productive, we got 1. Just to be out was fantastic with temps in the 50s. Oh man, the air smelled so cool and fresh! I love fall!

I trued the flat surfaces up a bit after we got the log open in 2 halves. But it's still a chainsaw cut.

A friend of mine is going to loan us his band saw sawmill so we can make some posts and lumber out at camp. Maybe then we'll throw these logs up on the rack and cut them flat and straight.

I haven't been seeing any geese migrating south yet.

ummm....where did you go grouse hunting? You're a few weeks early on that.

goose, geese.

Ooops...sorry BM!

If you're a goose whacker, boy do I have a place for you to try. How do you feel about shooting them off sidewalks?

Great pictures Pam.

We need to start a pool on who is going to be the first one to get a sliver in the butt.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Those ribs look Chickenbuckalicious!

Fallsinwater, pleased to make your acquaintance. If memory serves, your handle comes from a Boundry Waters adventure? Good stuff up there at Chickenbuck.

You fellers placed that bench awfully close to Preacher's peein' rock. Now that he's older, I think he's got range on you guys.

Good call, we didn't think about the rock.

That's really funny !!

Looks like a great weekend was had, & work done to boot.

Yep, you guys are doing it right.

Keep up the good work/parenting.

Bow season opened here Sunday, but still way to hot to hunt. Rode my wheeler into our double stand on Friday night to check the trail cam. Got off the bike, walked to the tree where the cam is located, took it off the tree & was minding my own business, checking out the photos, when a spike buck & small doe walked outta the bush & started using my salt lick.

There I am, standing beside a tree, trail cam in hand, less than 25 yards from these 2 young deer. What to do. I stand there, fire the camera back up & hand hold it pointing at the 2 deer.

5 minutes takes forever, when your sprung like that with no where to go & nothing to do but stand still. Eventually, they sensed me, or that something was not right & casually made their way back the way they came in.

Pretty damn cool experience !

Paul.

Preacher is more than likely at maximum range. I could shoot a stream with the best of them at his age.

The problem with getting with getting older is going from an overbore to an underbore. Volume increases but velocity and distance decreases.

I'm feeling bad about missing out on more of the Chickenbuck activities (especially ribs) but I did get my new pole shed done on Sunday so that is a relief.

A couple of trail cams went up on Monday as well.

Plenty of weekends this fall.
Then comes...
.
.
.
.
.
.
ICE FISHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, it was goose huntin' not grouse. And it wasnt as much about the harvesting as just getting out. Man, did it feel gooooooood!

The geese are actually down here locally. and part of that is our past few seasons as we have done well locally. They wanted to reduce the population, so we did!

Dave, How big of a tree is necessary do ya think for the bench? I might have some that are around a foot in diameter, but that seems kinda small...?

On the big end of this one I barely got through with a 20" bar. I would think 16" would be ok.

Just got news that we can start moving into our new home tonight if we like.

Awesome! Last Friday would have been perfect timing! We'd all have had you moved in a night.'

Great news Dave,

Will the boys still be in the same school district?

Dave-I'm off tomorrow. Say the word and the old Explorer's heading north.

lol!

No guys, it's not worth anybody's trip north. I certainly appreciate it though Gopher.

It's a quick little move, we've really got it covered.

We have about 10 days. One bite at a time in the evenings this week, then the entire weekend, and all of next week.

Wont be a problem. We loaded up boxed household items into the ice castle tonight and also hauled over the little 14' boat and some lawn furniture.

The ice castle is 20' long, filled it with lots of boxes. Some garage items will be going over tomorrow. Band saw, welder, plasma torch etc.

Maybe the old allis chalmers WD 45 will go over tomorrow too.

Dave,

Really now, let's get to the serious stuff here-DID YOU PUT A TREE STAND UP IN THE FRONT YARD YET? I'm thinking a really tacky camper up on posts made out of 4 big ol' pine trees? Come on buddy, you gotta bubba the place up a bit!

I'll have a secret stash of classic car projects behind a tree row, other than that, I don't think my lady friend is going to let me bubba the place up too much.

Maybe a charcoal grill on the front porch.

Probably add a USMC flag to the pole, under old glory.

Deadline for wolf applications is tomorrow.

Same for lottery antlerless tags.

Kids can still shoot either sex so no need to bother applying for the kids, but if adults want a "doe tag", you need to apply in most areas of MN this year.

Best be careful Dave!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Deadline for wolf applications is tomorrow.

Same for lottery antlerless tags.

Kids can still shoot either sex so no need to bother applying for the kids, but if adults want a "doe tag", you need to apply in most areas of MN this year.

just did all three online.
cost $3 extra, less than gas to the store, and faster.
shot a few rounds of archery with my son instead,in the back yard.

Yeah I did mine today online too.

We made our second haul to the new house tonight.

A young fox was in the field the the east, a coyote howlin real close to the west.

Awesome!

I did mine online too. It was worth the extra $3 to not stand in line.

can nonresidents hunt that season? I think I'd put in for PP now if possible so in the future I could hunt if the opportunity arose and not be mad at myself to start applying when I'd rather be going. anyone know or have a link?

How does the whole preference points thing work in the States ? Always wondered.

Starting to get some decent cam photos - what say you ?

Paul.

I'm pretty sure you can. They don't have PP's. It's a total lottery.

Last year you could buy left over tags over the counter, which is how I think Dave got his. I tried to go to the DNR station and was #8 in line for the extra tags. They were gone after the 3rd guy was done.

Your best bet would be on line, and I also think your best bet would be the late season. I should have applied for the late season.

Here's your link.

Wolf Shootin

I think it's different for each state Paul. But generally you apply for a lisc. and you get a pp if you're not drawn. Sometimes, like in SD, you can just buy PP's until you have enough. That is what I did to hunt with Ryan next year(if i get a tag). I can't go this year, so it didn't even make sense for me to try for a tag, so I bought a pref. point.

I'm not sure for other states. I applied in Iowa two years in a row for a bow tag and wasn't drawn. Life got in the way and I stopped. That was probably 8 years ago.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Starting to get some decent cam photos - what say you ?

I'm going to put some cameras out on my new spot in a few weeks I hope. I coach football on my son's team so that takes up at least one day of the weekend until mid-October. I'll sneak up there in a couple weeks and drop a few out.

I'm pretty excited about seeing what I can find on my beaver dam spot. It's a heckova hike in to it, about a mile. I'm hoping that will keep other hunters away from it. It's also not that easy to find.

I'm hoping that with that combo, if there are other hunters around, they'll push deer to me, as it's in a bottle neck area.

Trying to decide if we should build a blind or put a portable up in a tree there? My boy Jack is going to come on a few hunts with me, so I'm leaning for blind. But I'd really like to be up and able to see the whole area? Heck, maybe there is room/time for both in the one spot. There is still a lot of scouting to do as well. Time's a commin and I'm pumped. (incase you couldn't tell by the book of a post I just wrote)

Thanks Tom,

Yeah, it is certainly nice to be high. Can Jack be still enough to be in a good double ladder ?

That's what I have, & used to get my wife & son involved. I get a hoot out of sitting there with them, when their hunting. I, typically don't get buck fever, except when with them. Without the gun/crossbow in hand, I start hyperventilating when a deer is coming for them !!!

That said, we did buy 2 ground blinds this year & one of them will be tucked away reasonably close to the double ladder that those photos came from.

2 trains of thought here, 1: gets bloody cold in December & 2: Deb wants to be able to sit all day, every day of the week before gun season opens, with the crossbow. With the ground blind, it will allow her some movement, some sent protection, as well as being able to be a little more comfortable, read a book etc.

Good luck.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Tom,

Can Jack be still enough to be in a good double ladder ?

Not a chance.

He can't sit still in a blind. He's 8.

I would build a ground blind out of natrual materials back there. Then only a saw is needed and maybe a hatchet.

How do the non-resident huters get a tag in Ontario? Do you need to hunt with a guide? That is also on my list of places to hunt.

Cheers

I'll have to check the regs, to be sure. I know an outfitter is the only way in certain WMU's, but I think where I am, you can use a land owner as a guide.

I'll check it out further & get back to you.

I do know our tags, even for residents, are waaayyyyy more expensive than you guys pay. Roughly $50 for each & every tag, to a maximum of 7 per person, but a maximum of 2 additional tags, per WMU.

All additional tags re antlerless, & are WMU specific, where as your first tag (Buck), is valid in all WMU's with an open season.

Paul.

Forgot, you can also use your only buck tag, if entered in the residents antlerless draw, to "pop" a doe, or button buck with less than 3" of antler.

Between my wife, son & a buddy from Thunder Bay, we nearly always take 8 deer off this property.

Paul.

Wow Paul. I didn't seethe pics before I was on my work computer and they were blocked. Shoot that nice 10 pt fir me will ya?

That thar is why little mamma wants to sit, comfortably, all day in a ground blind, armed with this !

Good caliber of deer for our little back yard patch.

Paul.

Danger! Danger! Danger, Will Robertson.
My granddaughter got her temp drivers license.

Thanks for the warning Gramps.

We apply for our doe permits back in August. Results came out today. I got blanked.

Got a buddy who's family owns farm and the deer are like vermin. His dad is an old school farmer and wants them dead. My family likes venison and it's a staple in our menu. I'd love to see my boy fill the freezer. So maybe a meat hunt is in order.

Meat hunt, that's all I do. Can't eat the horns... Well I suppose you could grind the horns into a fine dust and make a broth of sorts... but I think it would taste like chit.

I like the meat hunt. I don' see a lot of bucks and don't usually hunt for big horns. If I know there is a big one around, I may try to wait on him, but I'm not usually very good at that. I get too excited when I see a deer.

I like both meat hunting and trophy hunting. I love the challenge of a mature whitetail buck. There is just something I really enjoy when you finally get one in your sights. But toward the end of the hunt, it is time to fill the freezer and does start to take on the look of walking steaks and hamburger!

The time is near folks. Despite the 90 degree temps today. My trailcam in getting some good pics of does and small bucks (and turkeys and sandhill cranes). No hard antlers as of 9/2.

Nothing wrong with meat hunting. I do a lot of it, but I don't really call it hunting. It is more like grocery shopping with a gun rather than a cart. If I settle for the first good doe walking down the trail, it is not very challenging because the number of deer around here are so ridiculous. Hunting horns makes it a bit more interesting.

Still, I will kill two or three meat deer every October in my grocery shopping mode out behind the house with a flintlock before switching to looking for a big buck in the late season of Dec-Jan.

I usually chase a particular deer with my bow because I have more time to. this year I have a couple I'd take if they walk by, one is a goofy antlered buck that just needs to be removed, the other has 2 brow tines. neither of them is the biggest out there, just different, like me

my focus right now is on Wyoming oct 1. I have an Any antelope, an antlerless antelope and a WT doe tag, and I have the week off from work. meaning I'm going to Antelope camp in 3 weeks! woohoo!
let the Fall begin, and to hell with this HOT weather!

In South Carolina we have designated "doe days" when taking of antlerless deer is legal without any additional type of tags or licenses. In addition you can buy up to four "use anytime" doe tags. I buy four every year but rarely use one. It gives a wee bit of money to DNR and also gives me some leeway if I choose to use the opportunity. I have bought four each year for the past ten or twelve years and in that time have used only four.

Stan in SC

I too buy more licenses than I use. last year I had 4 archery doe tags go unfilled, a mountain lion and a turkey tag.

Colorado1135

Do you hunt public land in Wyoming?
I will be down your way for the opening of the SD loper season as a helper for my hunting partner from Rapid City. To that secret ranch we all have hunted.

I ask about Wy. because wife and both have doe tags for area 23. No idea how we will do but will be fun look around the area.

I don't hunt much public in wyoming, but I have seen lots of lopes on walk in areas and public land out there. I'd say get a public lands map, lay out a route and drive til you see em and then try and put a sneak on. might even just stop and ask ranchers if you can hunt, many don't care if it's does you're after.

I didn't draw this year for lopes in SD, second year in a row I didn't draw. my bro and sis in law drew doe tags, I was thinking of hitting up the secret ranch, but if ya'll are going we'll hold off and maybe try some of the grasslands by edgemont, now that the numbered roads are open for vehicles, makes it a little easier.

My hunting partner was down visiting with the rancher the other day and said there were not many seen. Said today he thought he would go back and do some more scouting.

I have the maps for the area in Wyoming and we are just doing an armed scouting mission with tags. We are not hunting the first few days or the first weekend, hoping for the rush to subside.

I'm a little bummed with the way antelope season here has turned.

wyoming opens on a tuesday, this is one of those rare times you can hunt BEFORE the weekend rush. a couple of does shouldn't be hard to find. most guys pursue the bucks first, then does later in the season. I'd go after the does asap while they are still stupid. I've seen them later in the season when they run as soon as you spot them regardless of distance. just my .02 though.

That is a good thought. We are not locked into any plan so we will consider going early and then doing our touristy stuff. Thanks for the thought.

PS I would hit that secret ranch whenever you want, might even see you there.

Mini-man had a heckova first football game of the season today. On the first play of the game he got a qb sack and knocked out a fumble, which we recovered. A few plays layer he got his second sac of the game. He made a fee tackles on the RB as well.

On offense he stood his ground as a guard and we managed to score 4 touchdowns. We missed one extra point and won 27-0. Our D was great only giving up one first down the whole game! I'm proud of our little guys

the woof hide is back from getting tanned.

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probably how it will be displayed, though not in this spot.
[Linked Image]

and the bleached skull with a 16 oz can of nectar for scale

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Great game, Jack!

Haven't heard for sure, but I think my GS may have missed his first game. DIL had him in to the ER Tuesday night with a 103.5 fever. Diagnosis was 'A virus", which is medical speak for "Don't have a clue". He's better now but missed most of the first week of school and football practice.

Good job Jack!

Fluffy, the wolf rug and skull looks great.

We found this 14x20 one car garage or "shed" as I'd call it.. for sale.

Nice little building. White bear helped us move it.

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I also scored this nice little fuel oil stove, 35000 BTU, gravity feed, coleman brand. I thought it was pretty neat.

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That's awesome! Fluffy

Cool Dave!

Nice rug Fluffy.

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

FYI to all of you with Fleet Farm access. Fleet is now carrying reloading supplies for both rifle and shot gun including dies, bullets, primers, powder and brass, etc. Powder is somewhat limited right now, but more is on the way.

Nice. Thanks bill. I did notice SOME stuff a few weeks ago but didn't know they were going to carry a full set up.

After five years of trying I gave up on finding a REALLY accurate .44 magnum rifle.I have bought,traded for ,tested and sent on their respective ways,three Ruger semi auto carbines,one Ruger lever action carbine,a Ruger 77/44,two NEF Handi rifles and a Rossi single barrel.Surprisingly enough the one which came closest to my expectations was the Rossi.
During this time I also acquired a Ruger Super Redhawk pistol.The Super Redhawk outshot all of these aforementioned rifles.I would not miss a bowling pin at 100 yards with it.
BUT,yesterday a gent offered me too good a cash amount for me to keep it.
Now I am out of the .44 magnum end of things and will concentrate on my all time favorite caliber,the 45/70.
I sold all of the brass and bullets with the pistol but still have dies for .44 magnum.I'll put them up for sale but if anyone in Chickenbuck nation is interested before I do post them just pm me here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Mini-man had a heckova first football game of the season today. On the first play of the game he got a qb sack and knocked out a fumble, which we recovered. A few plays layer he got his second sac of the game. He made a fee tackles on the RB as well.

On offense he stood his ground as a guard and we managed to score 4 touchdowns. We missed one extra point and won 27-0. Our D was great only giving up one first down the whole game! I'm proud of our little guys

Way to go Jack! 'Can't wait to see you in action, buddy!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

FYI to all of you with Fleet Farm access. Fleet is now carrying reloading supplies for both rifle and shot gun including dies, bullets, primers, powder and brass, etc. Powder is somewhat limited right now, but more is on the way.

noticed that the other day. I was surprised to see several pound cans of powder on the shelf, as well as dies and presses,let alone "boolitts"

By gosh, with a handle like the fluffster, I thought for sure you'd make a big fluffy wolf toque to wear on the coldest of cold days in Many-sodas. Nice skin friend.

Dave-- that's cool. I want one...seriously. Where does one find one? Zoning would kill me. Cover of darkness is the ticket.

T, too bad little t didn't play for the queens today. For the love of all that is holy...The Lions? Really? 40s are the new 30s, red is the new black, and the queens are the new lions. Ugh.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was really hoping this would turn into a fish house but then I was reminded of the fancy shack they already have so a storage shed it will be...

Cripe sakes it looks like I need to clean Ma's truck.

Here's a picture of the old Plymouth rolling into it's new home for the first time last night.

[Linked Image]

Safe and sound.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

No fan, no power needed, my first thought when I saw it was "elk camp"

Heat our base camp tent with it.

Why is it that weekends this time of year go soooo fast? So many things going on that it is crazy.

Dave, how big is the garage? We need more garage pics. I dont really care about the house

, but the garage now, that is what is important in a domicile! Is it heated?

Also, what are you going to do for a floor in the shed? What are ya putting into it? My shed is 12X20 (You just had to 1-up me!), and it fills up fast. Can you put lofts in the shed? I have them in mine and a LOT of stuff goes up there.

I just graded a nice flat spot on a gravel parking area to set that shed on for now. We will likely move it to a spot we have picked out behind the house next summer but I will need to do a little dirt work and pour a slab for it before moving it.

There is some storage space up in the rafters, I'll fill it up pretty good with shop items that I don't care to have in the attached garage. The attached garage is right around or a hair shy of 30x40 if I remember correctly.

Yes, it's heated.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

That will be sweet when it's cold out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No fan, no power needed, my first thought when I saw it was "elk camp"

Heat our base camp tent with it.

Good...when are we goin?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

[quote=Grizzly_Bill]

No fan, no power needed, my first thought when I saw it was "elk camp"

Heat our base camp tent with it.

Good. When are we goin?

Jeesh... I'm so excited about it I posted twice. Or from my phone while we get the pile hammer put together. One of the two.

Originally Posted by mathman

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

That will be sweet when it's cold out.

^^^I laughed.^^^

Originally Posted by mathman

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

That will be sweet when it's cold out.

Thanks! All morning, I've been fighting the urge to say something like that.

I saw it too, I let r slide.

"sweet" would be the correct reply indeed.

Here are some pics of the progress last weekend.

[Linked Image]

The neighbor dog only put a couple prints in the fresh concrete.

[Linked Image]

Finishing.

[Linked Image]

It went really quick. It helps when that is what Scott does for a living & had 8 of his co-workers to help.

Bonfire afterwards with guitar music. I got a guitar and I am going to teach myself to play so I can jam with them.

.

Awesome progress! That's a huge step!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by mathman

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, is there a blower for the stove or is it strickly confection?

That will be sweet when it's cold out.

^^^I laughed.^^^

Perverts!

As an inspector of all things concrete...I see a few flaws.

Kidding. Looking good muffster. When do you get to start putting up walls?

I'm no expert, but I figger when the cement dries?

Maybe I missed something somewhere but what is that slab for?Dave's new garage?

Stan in SC

You've passed the first test towards becoming an expert.

Stan, that slab is for Missy and Missy's man friend's new house.

Originally Posted by tzone

As an inspector of all things concrete...I see a few flaws.

Kidding. Looking good muffster. When do you get to start putting up walls?

Lumber comes tomorrow. So he will probably start tomorrow or Wednesday.

Cool. You're not messin around. I like that.

The building next to the one I'm working collapsed today and killed the operator in the excavator. It's not pretty. It's very bad actually. Emergency response is still trying to get the building off the backhoe, which is completely crushed. The windshield of the hoe flew 100'.

Damn! That's ugly news for sure.

I drove by the building that collapsed in Phillie last summer and killed about 6 folks. I was surprised how small the area was compared to what I had see in the news beforehand. Doesn't take much to cause a disaster.

Oh man Tom, sorry to hear that.

I watched the guy delivering the lumber today and this is what he did. It happened in slow motion so it seemed like he tried to do it. He said he can't help me with that cuz it said it was a "driveway drop off". I said I don't think they literally meant to drop it on the driveway.

[Linked Image]

man, that is a bummer. That is not a really big deal this time but you might make a comment because there will be more deliveries and sloppy unloading will be more of a problem when the sheet rock and some of the other stuff comes. You need to get these guys trained apparently.

When we built (albeit the contractors built), we got daily deliveries of just what was needed that day - all very carefully selected and then unloaded as we went along.

Building is exciting and fun stuff. Though I admit, I only drove a small percentage of the nails myself.

Make it fun!

Brent

Originally Posted by tzone

The building next to the one I'm working collapsed today and killed the operator in the excavator. It's not pretty. It's very bad actually. Emergency response is still trying to get the building off the backhoe, which is completely crushed. The windshield of the hoe flew 100'.

Where at Tom?

Call them and tell them they need to come and get the lumber. It's unusable unless they come fix the pile. A few times of that and your pile should be right.

I had 6 huge oaks cut out of my front yard on Saturday due to Oak wilt. They didn't finish because of daylight and said they'd come back Tuesday and finish up. Well, the dropped the biggest one in my neighbors yard and left a 4' stump.

I called and asked when they'd like to come back and finish it. He sounded puzzled and said we just did. I texted him a picture and he said, "I'll be right over to clean it up."

At the site of the new St. Paul Saints Stadium in down town St. Paul Check channel 5 and/or 11. They were hovering with choppers all morning and into the afternoon.

hate to hear about a work site accident like that.

It's bad news man. He was going to retire next year, his daughter was getting married next summer. Bad news all the way around.

There was a "2 million biker" rally in DC today in protest of the "million muslim march" planned for today... wow this was the event of the day.

Literally a handful (less that 2 dozen?) showed up for the muslim march.

I've heard that over 800,000 attended the bike rally in DC.

Think about that, they planned this thing back in august. This is basically a collective knee jerk "hell yeah I'll go" list of attendees.

Nearly a million... wow, simply awesome.

And the MSM wont give it any air time.

I hope that all are safe with their families on this landmark day.

I believe that is over double the attendance of the 60+ year old Sturgis rally.

I love what people will do for a cause. I also regret not being able to attend.

This time.....

Thinking the same here, kind of ashamed of myself for not being there.

Anywho...

We only have a couple nights of moving left. My shop is empty, many house items have moved already, only large furniture items and some food and clothes are left to move.

Makes me want to get out and join them. A fantastic show I'm sure.

Last weekend there was a "remember the troops" ride that went through my town. Jack and I were at the crossing when it rolled through the stop light. There HAD to be 5-600 bikes. It moved me a lot.

Jack rolled the window down so he could hear the pipes, I got out so I could watch.

That said, yesterday I saw one of the sweetest bikes I've ever seen. It was a Victory. Racy looking bike, kinda like a Harley V-Rod. It was flat black on every surface except the sides of the gas tank where it was painted white and said "Victory" on it.

Absolutely beautiful bike!

Getting closer Dave. When is the actual closing date? Or did you guys do that already?

It was 51* here on my ride to work this AM. That's the coldest it's been in a while and it feels great! Inching closer to fall.

60 days til deer season opener in case anyone is wondering.

We close on Friday.

Latest estimates are 1.2 - 1.3 MILLION bikes in DC yesterday !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWMksT4_GOI

Wow, that is simply incredible.

+ 1.

I see that Polaris Industries is making the new Indian Cycles.

Rant time. I took my old Burris Signiture scope out to one of the UPS franchise stores to return to Burris for repair (Forever Warranty).

The store would not accept it because it was firearms related. So I ended driving over to the UPS terminal on the other side of town. No problem shipping it from there. I told the clerk what had happened and she said she had no idea why the franchise store would not accept a scope.

that's crazy.

13 min vid of the thunder rolling into DC .

http://ammoheads.com/video-2-million-bikers-dc-9-11-13-part-2-impressive/

I haven't used UPS since 2010 and I and my family, never will again for the rest of our lives.

Originally Posted by tzone

I haven't used UPS since 2010 and I and my family, never will again for the rest of our lives.

Tom-doesn't that make it kind of hard to ship the kids the grandparents for summer vacation?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I believe that is over double the attendance of the 60+ year old Sturgis rally.

I love what people will do for a cause. I also regret not being able to attend.

This time.....

I have 20 more ex-wife payments and the same amount of truck payments they both stop right around my 50 th bday . So Mrs mule1 knows we are going bike shopping all that to say we should have a "Chicken buck " rally

Surly Dave will have another bike by then ?

I'll work on it.

I'll work on a bike for then.

I've not really had a desire to get one until this year. The type of weather we're having is feeding fuel into the fire for that too!

How do you put training wheels on a Harley, Tom?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

How do you put training wheels on a Harley, Tom?

Trike kit.

I have no problem with bikes or bikers (although they could use their turn signals a bit more!). I just have absolutely no interest in owning one or even riding one. More power to you folks that do though. I am sure you enjoy it, it just doesnt appeal to me. If I ever feel the need, I am going to roll down my window and stick my head out for awhile. that outta cure it!

Sure is nice that a statement was made....even if the MSM ignored it.

Hey, who added the extra "e"? I like green.

hahaha. I didn't notice that. but you can go back and look at which post it was right on if you really have too much time on your hands.

We are moved into out new house, the deal is closed. Now to unpack. What a scramble.

Congrats Dave. Hope it works out well for your family, and screw the crazy neighbor you had at the old place.

I made it home from Estes Park, CO this evening, got stranded at the YMCA there after a national staff meeting. wow was the flooding crazy. roads washed out, no internet or phone service of any kind. Glad to be home, had a long detour after plowing through a swollen river that was over the road. I was coming home today come hell or high water.

bow season starts to-day.
have to work till noon, then me and the boy are going, weather permitting.
nice that the temps have dropped twenty degrees this week.
Now if only some leaves were changed.
fresh loin chops, here we come.

went out to a friends house last evening,and helped pick up some acorns.
its like walking a bag of marbles
Off a 30' x 40' part of his lawn,we got 2 55 gallon barrels full.

he has already picked them up there this year.
twice.
anybody want some?

The "Dirth of a Beer Camp" is brilliant.

It's one of those phrases that I wish that I had thought of, but was not smart enough.

Doesn't mean that I can't enjoy your creating it.

Congrats, and thanks.

Steve

Saw a tshirt at fleet farm the other day
"In dog beers, I've only had one"

Watched the sun rise from the new house. Happy humans here.

Missy is coming to see us and do some painting for us today.

Great way to start the day, Dave.

It's always a great start to the day when someone else comes over to paint!

I have no doubt it will look great. Muffster is a wizard with he paint brush.

looks like bow opener is a rain out this year.
I'd be more disappointed if any leaves had changed yet.
still hoping this evening hunt will work out.

No rain here Saturday for the WI bow opener. SIL only saw 1 deer.

We're getting some much needed rain this morning.

we're still 2 weeks out from our archery opener. opens the same day as antelope for SD.

well,it is still way too early to be hunting.
No leaves have changed,lots of bugs,and very low visibility.
plus that,I would have had to take it to a locker to get processed,way too warm yet.

34* on my way to work this morning.

We're at 33*. Light frost on the garage roof.

I had ice the roof of the buick this morning. not a white frost but a frozen dew, thin little sheet of ice.

Was 89 with 70% humidity at 5 am this morning here, think I am in the wrong place!

I concur.

In the mid 30's here. The sickness has started.

I'd like to thank my Niece for choosing November 2 to get married instead of November 9 as well. Lucky for me it's in Duluth so I will arrive early morning before the wedding so I can do some last minute scouting the week before deer season starts.

Thanks Cassy.

I'd also like to thank my boss for allowing me to only work 9 days in November.

On a serious note...I'd really like to thank Gophergunner (Jeff) for coming to Jack's football game and bringing my little buddy forearm pads so he doesn't get so beat up. It was a great gesture from a great guy. Thanks Jeff.

Jack wasn't feeling very well yesterday but said he felt good enough to play. He usually plays offense and Defence but I decided that was too much so he just played Offense and did pretty good considering. He is going to the doc later this morning.

Get well fast, Jack.

I tend to grow at beer camp.

Especially Chickenbuck!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I had ice the roof of the buick this morning.

Buick? Are your folks or in-laws up for a visit? That's nice.

it was 37 here this morning.
I saw a row of trees over by gopher gunners place
( south of 42 on texas) that had changed color but that's it.
I have a ton of work to do now,so Im going to concentrate on that for awhile and see how it goes.

Spent a fun weekend up at a buddies place hunting....are you ready for this?.....sharptails in Minnesota. Good times were had. Played a bunch of poker as well. It has really been a long time since I played poker...and it showed.

Got the boys out this morning and shot a goose too. Ahhh, fall is here, boys and gurls!

Things are going to change in our house a little as the wife got a full time job! I told her she will now have to get up earlier...to make my breakfast. That did NOT go over well! She will be a public health nurse (RN) again.

I'm cleaning rifles and organizing my stuff for speed goat camp in a couple weeks. woohoo!

I spent 4 hours at the range yesterday. Everything is sighted in and ready to go. The only major chore left to do is get some ammo loaded for my 300 Savage. Thanks to MILES58, I've got a good load that was very accurate. Matching up with him to run a box of shells and go terrorize the local grouse population.

It's time to get this stuff started. Early doe season's coming soon. The clock is ticking.......

water heater crapped out sometime while I was gone this last week. went downstairs and it felt like a sauna down there. thought the drier vent might have came unhooked, til I saw the water.....
so much for getting the deck painted before saturday for my daughters first birthday. time sure flies!

I think water heaters come from the factory pre-programmed to crap (*) the bed when there is absolutely positively something else you would rather be doing, or are absolutely not going to be home for a few days........

.......to find out what (*) means, PM me and I will un-sensor how I really feel about water heaters....and I used to get paid to replace them.....

LOL, I already know what (*) means. Especially when it looks like the guy who put it in was likely a family "friend" who did it for nothing and they got their money's worth.....

taking half the day to get a new one and put it in, likely it will turn into a 2 day project with my luck.

Naw... if it's electric, it's easy. So easy I got to do one on my daughters 1st birthday as well.

Funny how that works out.

it's LP, I think I'll get it, because there is no other option really. it HAS to work, regardless of time it takes.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm cleaning rifles and organizing my stuff for speed goat camp in a couple weeks. woohoo!

...and ya have a nice new hunting knife to work with!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Spent a fun weekend up at a buddies place hunting....are you ready for this?.....sharptails in Minnesota.

Hey B-man, We have tons of sharpies but season typically doesn't open on them till a week after it opens on ruffed grouse.

Are sharpies tasty? I've never shot at one, much less eaten one. I was guessing there were sort of like a spruce chicken.

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm cleaning rifles and organizing my stuff for speed goat camp in a couple weeks. woohoo!

...and ya have a nice new hunting knife to work with!

I do at that! there's a little hold up on the return one, but it's coming, I aint forgotten

Originally Posted by BrentD

Are sharpies tasty? I've never shot at one, much less eaten one. I was guessing there were sort of like a spruce chicken.

I like them. It's dark breast meat but it's good (In my opinion).

The birds are generally larger than a ruffy, very fast, whistling wings.

The field expedient field dress practice of stepping on wings and pulling the legs doesn't work for sharpies. You need to clean them more like a chicken, it's a little more time consuming. Unlike the handy feather covered walking meat snacks we call ruffed grouse. They seem to be packaged in an easy access wrapper for our convenience.

I like sharp tail cubed and prepared as a home made chicken noodle soup or even in a chili or as meat for a stew.

I've wing shot my share of sharpies but I honestly like ground sniping them from a distance with a rimfire.

I'm a little bit more of a meat collector than I am a challenge seeker.

A little tip though, for the magnum rimfires I like a solid nose, sometimes even an FMJ (especially in a .17)

Poke a hole, the bird dies and eats just fine. Hollow points make for mechanically separated chickens.

If I want chicken pieces I like intentional clean cube cuts rather than a meat/dirt/feather/lead slurry.

I haven't shot or eaten sharptails, we have a bunch around here I just aint shot any. yet.

a lot of folks around here say they taste bad, but they are a game bird, so can't be too bad. I'm anxious to get out and get some this year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Spent a fun weekend up at a buddies place hunting....are you ready for this?.....sharptails in Minnesota.

Hey B-man, We have tons of sharpies but season typically doesn't open on them till a week after it opens on ruffed grouse.

I take that back.

I looked at the book this afternoon. this year they opened it all on the 14th.

Ruff, , spruce, sharp and huns all opened on the 14th this year.

They usually hold till the 3rd week in sept for sharpies.

Interesting, this just means that legally I could have and should have shot up that covey of sharpies I saw last Sunday...

oh well.

How do you get all that black ink out of them? LOL!

whew, for a minute there, you had me worried! They arent as good as ruffed, that is for sure.

We cleaned them by just taking off the skin on the breast then pulling the bottom of the breast away from the innards until all you were left with was a breast and 2 wings in one hand and innards, back, head, etc in the other. all of ours were shot on the wing. I got into a nice little flurry and ended up with 4 on the ground. Took some good dog work to find them as my marks were a little lacking cuz I was busy shooting! fun for sure.

If any of you ever get the chance to get up to BC during the fall take a .22 along. I have never seen so many grouse, both roughs and sharpies in my life. They were all over the logging roads. It was nothing to see 25 at a time.

Locals pretty much ignore them, so they're dumb as heck.

One of the guys in our moose camp shot better than 30 of them.

He roasted a couple on a stick over the camp fire and we all got to sample them. Not bad at all.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

If any of you ever get the chance to get up to BC during the fall take a .22 along. I have never seen so many grouse, both roughs and sharpies in my life. They were all over the logging roads. It was nothing to see 25 at a time.

Locals pretty much ignore them, so they're dumb as heck.

One of the guys in our moose camp shot better than 30 of them.

He roasted a couple on a stick over the camp fire and we all got to sample them. Not bad at all.

Now my co-workers can hear my tummy rumbling......

I went to thunder bay, OT as a kid. On one of the logging roads to old fort William, we mush have seen dozens in just a few miles.

We have a few sharpies in the UP. Even have a season on them. Never seen one in the wild, much less et one.

Got 64 kids through Hunters Safety class last week. Still don't have my voice back. Pretty cool though. All those little hunters will be out this weekend after deer for our Youth deer hunt now called our "Liberty Hunt". Includes youths under 16 and Vets with 100% disability.

Interesting factoid: State says the youngest person to buy a deer license last year was 18 months old.

Hey Charlie,
Are you aware of the discounts you get from being a firearm safety teacher? Beretta, Tikka, Sako, Burris, Leupold, Savage, Marlin, Tritronics and many others. It is usually about 45% off retail. I have taken advantage of the Sako and Leupold ones and they are smoking good deals.

Shot 3 geese this morning on my birthday hunt! Have I ever told you guys I love fall?

Cool. How do you do that BM? I have my card...just give them the #?

IHEA.com. International Hunter Education Association IIRC. Last I checked it was like 55% off Luepy and Burris, 30% off Weatherby, Ruger, Beretta, Sako, Tikka. They have Columbia, Thermocell, real good deals on harnesses from Treestand Safety? Like 80% off.

Funny, some of the larger American companies like Rem and Browning won't or don't participate. Its a nice thing for those who volunteer their time, but that's obviously not why we do it.

yep, that is the place. I have the password if you need it (PM me).

Lots of companies there and I agree, that is not why I do it, but is a darn nice perk for putting in a lot of effort teaching those young'uns. The fact that they recognize us for our efforts also makes me brand loyal to those companies.

I actually like Ruger rifles, so that's good! I'll have to take a look tonight. I need to get a littly guy safety harness too. That may work out well! Thanks!!

I will PM you the login info.

Browning, Buck Knives and Primos are all there as well as many more.

I was in Wally World Sat afternoon after the class. Thought I'd get a sixer for after watching the game after cutting the grass. Lo and behold the two twin HS students I just had a hour earlier come around the corner! Hi Instructor Steve! As said instructor literally throws unknown parcel into potato chip display!

There are eyes everywhere!

I'm thinking of dusting off the Matthews after a 4 year hiatus. I talked to the local PD and they me some areas I can bowhunt in, within city limits.

He also told me of a few special city hunts I can get on next year. On of them is behind the PD building and the shot a 150, 2 140's and a tall 8pt with a drop tine. The city draws 10 names out of a hat.

Happy bday bman

Fargo is doing the in town deer hunt, and has expanded to an in town turkey hunt, bows only but it is kind of a neat program. The people that are chosen to hunt do have to prove they are able to shoot a bow and make the arrow go where it is supposed to go, and the property owners are the ones who put their names in to let the hunters into the areas where the deer or turkey's are a "problem".

I think Duluth has a program going as well.

Yeah, Duluth has a similar program. I may try to get on that one next year as well. My dad lives in a great area of the city to hunt, but I think you have to get drawn to hunt in an area.

I can hunt anywhere here I get permission and I'm 500' away from a neighboring building....unless I have permission to hunt there too.

As soon as I heard that from the PD, I bolted to a neighborhood I know is full of deer. I also happen to have a deer stand in the back yard of one of them in the form of my kids playground. My ex-wife's neighborhood is over run with deer.

and the "stand" is about 30 feet from this deer trail.

Hey,

Any of you guys know anything about reasonable priced($2-3k) moose hunts north of the border? My hunting partner has been talking about it for a few years and I think it's time to start gathering some info. Would much prefer something we could drive too vs having to get on a commercial flight.

Jeff

Son was playing soccer two weekends ago and was on a breakaway when everyone started cheering. He thought it was for him. Never saw the doe he was 15 feet from and was running like her life depended on it. Goofy.

Did he score?

Jeff, let us know what you find out will ya? I believe my dream of shooting a MN moose is now gone to the history books.

Jeff, A while back I did a couple of moose hunts on the peninsula in the middle of LOW from the Canadian side on Crown Land. It was a grand time and while the three or four of us never killed a moose, we did have see a few. Tags were a bit odd in that there were a couple of bull tags for the camp and then a bunch of calf (not cow) tags and it was sort of first-come first-served as if it was party hunting. Never mattered since no one pulled a trigger but anyway, the trips were dirt cheap and a good time.

I would still be doing it but the moose population out there crashed. The number of whitetail has gone up dramatically and with it that parasite that whitetails host w/o a problem but which is mortal to moose. So, the hunting came to an end for though there may be one guy still running a camp out there. Deer, bear, and grouse are great out there, but moose are all but extinct.

Tom, I'll keep you in the loop.

My buddy drew his MN moose tag on his second try, really pizzed off his FIL who had been applying for 20+ years.

I bought my 450 marlin(on the fire) expressly to go moose hunting.
soon after, they decided there wouldn't be a moose hunt for awhile.

Fluffy, go shoot an elk with it then.

That's what I did with mine.

Far as I can recall, that's the only thing I've shot with my 450 marlin.

Sadly, I don't think we'll be able to hunt them here again. I will shoot a moose someday, but it won't be in MN I feel.

Don't be so pessimistic. We were never going to be able to hunt alligators, turkeys, whitetailed deer, elk in Arizona, wolves, bobcats in Iowa and many others, and yet all those and more have come to pass.

A counsin of mine threw his name in the drawing for a once in a lifetime North Dakota moose tag, the very first year he was legally old enough to hunt in North Dakota. He drew a moose tag. It can happen I guess.

Originally Posted by tzone

Did he score?

Naw, chip shot right to the goalie.

Applied for an elk license here in Michigan for the first time in '98. Drew a tag right outta the gate. Best tastin meat I ever had.

On a special MN state elk hunt in NW MN (not far from me) A guy shot a dandy record bull elk. I know the guy that was bugling for the shooter.

I saw pictures, it's really something. 6X7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Best tastin meat I ever had.

I will agree with that! Elk is my favorite.

Guys, please, dont get me going on elk. I have a passion for elk like nothing else in the hunting world. And I ain't a-going this year.

I am going next year though. Man, I love every part of elk hunting. I have been driving my family nuts playing with my new bugle call I got for my birthday. Now at this point, having owned it for 36 hours, I sound like cross between an injured holstein and squealing brake pads, but I am getting there! grreeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeii unk unk!

I shot a moose in MN in 1987 up by Hallock. It was a 44 inch bull.

Elk hunting is also on my bucket list... That is the birthday hunt I keep bugging Dave about for us and our boys that all have a Bday with in two days of each other.

Course the ladies should come along and take pictures.

I had a 45-50" bull come out on my shooting lane in 2011 ( I think). If there ever was a time for it....that would have been it! He was big, like a D9 coming through the brush, but not quite as quiet as a D9 would have been.

anybody got the deer camp beard goin yet? Mine's getting scruffy already.

Did somebody mention MOOSE.

Here is my one and only moose hunt. Manitoba 2007

Originally Posted by tzone

anybody got the deer camp beard goin yet? Mine's getting scruffy already.

10-4

Cool. I wish I had pictures of the moose my dad and his buddies got up in Isabella in 82.

Nice bull, Tjay. I've been moose hunting once, BC in 2006. Saw cows and calves, but no bulls. My son shot a mature bull. It weighted a little over 900 pounds, but only had 38" horns.

I do not know the live weight but I got 500 pounds of meat back from the processor. It was the best wild game I have eaten. I would go moose hunting again in a heartbeat it was a lot of fun.

Tjay,

Nice moose!!

I was the one looking for info on a moose hunt. Would you care to share some details of your hunt, like who was your outfitter? What did you like, didn't like?

thanks....Jeff

I hunted with these folks.

www.burntwood.com

Camps was very good, food was as well. Guides were local cree indians and were very good. Equipments first rate. When I was there one moose ran off into the woods after being shot, whole other story, and the guide found it way back off the lake. Called the owner/outfitter who sent a helicopter to retrieve the moose. There was an extra guide the last couple of days and the camp manager ask if he could split my hunting partner and me up so we would have a better chance. This led to two moose taken the first day we hunted alone, my friend in the morning and mine in the afternoon.

The take for the season 10 moose for 14 hunters. This was 2007. I would go back and hunt with them again.

Here is the moose that popped out in my walking trail/shooting lane. It was in 2011.

Couple more.

Looking away

Looking at me. Check out the pine branch hanging from his rack. I'm sure the racket I heard was him rubbing his antlers before he came out of the bush.

He's about 50 yards away but I'm using a tiny pocket sized point and shoot.

we didnt get good pictures, but I will try and find what we did get. The hunt wasnt that great....a friend saw him and came and told us about it and we drove down the road til we saw him and i shot him. But it was a moose and it was a bull and it was in MN. My grandkids may talk about that some time. Maybe as I get older, the story will get better....

...and I was crawling through the underbrush with my knife in my teeth...yeah, that is a good start!

It was dark and stormy, and a blizzard was blowing....

We could all add a few lines and help you with that tale.

I envy your moose no matter what the story, but I'm finally going after mine, two years from now. It's a paid commitment so it will happen. It will be hard to wait.

Bow or gun? Where? When? You can't tell part of a story like that!

TZ, it will be out of Bethel AK - a drop camp 4-14 Sept 2015. Hopefully no dark and stormy blizzards like Berettaman's moose hunt

My hunt will be rifle for sure. Probably a vintage BPCR singleshot. But I'm snooping for just the right vintage Marlin 95. Either way, it would be blackpowder cartridge hunting for me. My buddy will undoubtedly be using his trusty 9.3.

anyway, my story is just starting. But its a big deal to me because with the deposit I just spent, it's really going to happen at last. This is after over 45 yrs as the number one thing on my bucket list.

Meanwhile, in two weeks I am after a Wyoming elk. That I have done before however. Still damn exciting and fun though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fluffy, go shoot an elk with it then.

That's what I did with mine.

Far as I can recall, that's the only thing I've shot with my 450 marlin.

I was going to apply for a bear permit this year, but thought about it a few days past the deadline to apply.

Ive decided to make mine my primary weapon for deer this year.Ive bought up a bunch of 300-325 gr bullets and have enough stuff to work up a load,but will probably end up just picking a load out of the book and going with it.
I did that last year with the 350 gr and it shot pretty good,although only about 1500 fps,but would still shoot through the trees that the target was stapled to. Tagged out before I could use it,though.
im pretty sure,the 300 gr hollow points, or the 300gr tsx flat nose( huge hollow point),or the 325 gr cast lead swc, or even the 325 ftx bullets,any of them at even 1200 fps will get the job done at the ranges I typically see.
I was thinking about getting some of the 250 gr bullets I see for the 450 bushmaster, but haven't run across any yet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

anybody got the deer camp beard goin yet? Mine's getting scruffy already.

10-4

yep.havent shaved for a week already.
kinda early maybe,as we still might see 80+ temps down here,but I have noticed a few trees starting to turn yellow.

I too threw away the razor a week ago. I have a presentation for work on monday and I don't really care how scruffy I am when I go into it.

Bummer on the bear tag fluffy, I did that for antelope last year. missed the deadline by a day. and then missed the deadline to purchase a PP by a day later in the year. it's frustrating for sure

Mama is kicking us boys out of the house for the day. So, we're grabbing an armload of shot guns and rim fires and headed for the woods.

Can't think of a better idea. Jack has a football game in about an hour, so that's what we're doing. Had to work for a half day.

There will be lots of weekend work from here on through November now.

No Joy here. I now have 2 points for the next draw for a wolf tag. Wife now has 2 points also. Oh well off to the Black Hills next week and then on to Wyoming for lopers. Life is still good.

no wolf tag for me either this year.

here is where to check to see if you were drawn

wolf lottery

Originally Posted by tzone

Can't think of a better idea. Jack has a football game in about an hour, so that's what we're doing. Had to work for a half day.

There will be lots of weekend work from here on through November now.

Dang, Tom! Sorry I couldn't make his game. Ellie got released for light workouts and was with the team for two games against Century College today. She didn't even dress, but I wasn't about to miss her first appearance at a college game. How'd Jack's game go today, and is he feeling better?

He is feeling better. The game went well. They won 33-0. They still haven't been scored on. I think the only first down they've given up was in the game you watched.

I'm suffering major withdrawal, I haven't been able to make it to the woods at all. Weekend work sucks!

I didn't get drawn either. I didn't think they used PP's but it says my preference level is 2. I thought it was a straight lottery since it's called the "wolf lottery".

Originally Posted by fluffy

no wolf tag for me either this year.

here is where to check to see if you were drawn

wolf lottery

Thanks for the link, I didn't get drawn either.

I got drawn

Take off eh?

Originally Posted by tzone

Take off eh?

You Hoser!

Where the heck you been Rooster man?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I got drawn

git em rooster!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I got drawn

congrats big jelly.

On Saturday the boys and I made a quick trip to camp. The boys walked the trail route north of the cabin with a couple of shot guns while I went south with the tractor and fixed up the camp access trail with the 3 point box blade. I finished that up and we dropped the box blade and mounted the bush hog mower. I mowed the trail loop north of the cabin for the first time this year and we cut many storm damage trees that have gone down over the past couple of years. It's limbed, cut to firewood length but still laying up north of the cabin so next time out we'll have to haul it down to the cabin.

After covering myself in chain saw shavings, ants, bark, dirt etc.. I finished the trail loop which took me past Dusty's deer hunting stand.

Boy I miss that guy.

Coming by that stand with the seasonal task of trail maintenance, usually followed by other seasonal activities that lead up to hunting... Such as mineral and salt blocks being placed where he would want them, strapping his camera to a tree to capture all the critters that visit his hunting spot, trimming of branches etc.

Well it was another reminder, we're moving closer to deer season and it will be our first season without Dusty. It's going to be difficult.

I saw no reason to simply abandon efforts for that stand. Quite the opposite actually. I thought about Missy and Kenna, or who ever may choose to occupy the Dusty stand this fall. No sense in just stopping our annual improvement efforts. Each year I try to do something to improve each hunting spot we have. I thought about the Dusty stand location and how all the traffic (deer) comes from the dark spruce timber to the NW of the stand. I decided to cut a new trail through that dark and sheltered deer route. Offer the deer a clean and quiet route leading out towards Dusty's stand. This will also be a good grouse hunting path.

Keep it up dave, dont ever give that up. He was a great person and was a lot of fun to be around. So many stories that I heard from him and laughed at everyone. Really like the Ice fishing one at the motel he told!

I did draw a wolf tag this year!!

Congrats on the tag Buschy, you guys can see a long ways from your Hilton like deer stands, hopefully you get an opportunity!

I got for the long season so i will have lots of time. get out into the woods a bit more after regular season for them. we do have lots out there.

Well I know Uncle Dusty is smiling like heck. He would want us to use that stand. Heck, I use it a lot. It's a good spot with plenty of deer trails going by it. It's also a good spot to get to for a quick hunt and for the most part is out of the cold and wind.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Really like the Ice fishing one at the motel he told!

That's a classic!!!

Congrats on the woof tag Buschy. Check out "deer camps" thread. I got the grainery pics up for ya.

i seen that. i should really get some new updated with the porch and whatever else we updated. its always a work in progress which is the fun part about deer camp. More new stands this year and a couple hundred more acres to hunt. i really hope i can stay here the whole season. i already miss out on most of the youth hunt which i am really bummed about.

Dave, Dusty will always be with you and the family.

Been a bad couple of weeks for folks we knew. Had 3 funerals in that time. Cancer took all of them.

Heading up to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage this coming weekend for a 5 day fishing trip.

Are you after the big ones with teeth Bill?

Originally Posted by mule1

Where the heck you been Rooster man?

Oh I have been lurking once in awhile. Work has me so busy that I dont' get a chance to get on very often.

As far as the woof tag, I deer hunt primarily in west central MN out of the woof zone but a buddy of mine has 400 acres of hunting land south of Baudette and he got drawn too so me thinks we will spend some time chasing Canis Lupus up there.

I planted a food plot for the first time this year. Planted it at the end of August and it is growing like crazy! The last two weeks I have averaged over 350 pics per week on my Truth Cam 35 of deer using the plot. Mostly at night. I've bow hunted over it twice now and have only seen a doe and fawn but the pictures are showing LOTS of small bucks and some with very good potential. I'm really digging this Trail Cam over a food plot thing! I even went out and bought another Truth 35 and set that up yesterday so I have 3 cameras out now. Its a hoot seeing what goes on when your not there!

Dave - I'm sure it will be very different and a little difficult without Dusty at camp but he would like nothing more than to see Kenna and/or Missy sitting in his stand. He would be smiling like heck!

The dang trail cams are addicting!

You ain't a kidding T!!!

Toothy critters or gummers, don't care as long as I bring back enough for deer camp.

I havent gotten my card out of my trail cam in 3 weeks and it is KILLING me! I am just sure it is full of wall hangers! In truth, I will be pleased with one mature buck. I know the turkeys like my food plot.

Good duck hunting weekend. 3 of us got 13; mostly mallards. woodies on the grill are really good eating!

ON the trail cam thing last Friday night, the first scrape appeared on the back of my property. Seems mighty early but it was an obvious, well-worked scrape so I hung a camera on it. I'll have to check some of the other places and see what else is going on out there, but the game is at least in the warm-up stages right now.

scrapes this early are typically made by mature bucks, so that is encouraging.

Spent half the morning trying to find generators for our camp lanterns. Of the 2 types I needed, I could only find 1. Ended up ordering direct from Coleman.

what mix did you go with Jim?

checked a camera today, swapped cards. came home to find 1500 pics, about 12 had deer on them, apparently one small tree branch likes to move a lot in the very corner of the camera's range. lol oh well. some pics of decent bucks, I'll try to get out on opener this weekend if I can

A branch by itself shouldn't cause a problem because it should be at ambient temperature. But if it is shading and the exposing a bright sunspot as it moves, that might cause a problem. I have found that when I can find a way to point my cameras in a generally Northerly direction, I can reduce false positives by 75% or more. East and West are the worst directions and South is a little better but not as good as north.

Wild asparagus, growing on the new property, pretty happy to find it.

[Linked Image]

I like my seasonal treats from nature, I wont have the high bush cranberries anymore like I had on the old place but the asparagus is a nice trade.

Any ideas on what I can do to make it do better in the spring? Cut it off at the ground, pluck the old dead stalks?

Originally Posted by BrentD

A branch by itself shouldn't cause a problem because it should be at ambient temperature. But if it is shading and the exposing a bright sunspot as it moves, that might cause a problem. I have found that when I can find a way to point my cameras in a generally Northerly direction, I can reduce false positives by 75% or more. East and West are the worst directions and South is a little better but not as good as north.

it was pointed straight north and it was 12' off the ground pointing across a small gully at a water tank that was 25 yards away.

Then it sounds like there isn't much you could do. Was it getting reflection off the water? That would probably have been pretty obvious, if it was the case.

What make and model is your camera and how was it set for sensitivity?

Wind make branch wave in wind, camera snap heap big picture.

Yep. I have 100's of pictures of branches and grass waiving in the wind.

I doubt it's the water, the branch on the bottom looks suspect IMO

it's a wild game innovations one I got at cabela's 2 years ago.

takes great pics, but I have noticed it's sensitive to movement (who woulda thought?

)

same camera got me 1500 pics of blowing grass last year when I mounted it to a rock. it happens, infact I KNOW it is likely happening right now. next time I check it, I'll cut the branch.

Well, I don't have the branch problems that you do, but in this instance, I'd wager it was the deer

lol, yes I could agree there

Dave, let your wild asparagus grow and go to seed and dry up...clean up the debris in the spring. Sprinkle some rock salt around it before winter...and before it comes up in the spring give it some 19-19-19 fertilizer....moderate amount. It doesn't take much from the ground. I swear the salt makes it more tender.

Ok, so right now I've got old woody dry stalks with this years green stalks sprouting up through the old dry stuff.

A lot of the green plants now have the red berry looking... seeds? on them. Should I just let it be for a while yet? wait for this years green plants to die before doing anything?

These are at the edges of my tree lines in some tall grass and weeds. I don't know that anybody has ever noticed or messed with them before.

I wouldn't even have known what that was. I'd probably have hit with the weed whacker!

I had a crazy idea this morning. I was thinking of getting my gear ready for deer season in the next few weeks. I've never done this before. Can anyone give me any tips? I don't need tips on how to do it...I'm good at that. I'm ususally doing it at 4am the friday before deer season.

I'm looking for tips on what to do for the month after I have my gear ready? Usually I'm starring at it, trying to get it into pile tele-conneticlly, without actually touching the gear until the day before the season. In 24 years, I've yet to see that work.

Like I said, any tips will be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

what mix did you go with Jim?

In the center of the plot I went with Hunters Specialties Vita Rack E-Z Grow and around the perimeter I went with Bio-Logic Hot Spot. PM me your email addy Ryan and I'll send you some pics. I'm extremely pleased with how this stuff came up and the activity I'm getting on camera!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Wild asparagus, growing on the new property, pretty happy to find it.

[Linked Image]

I like my seasonal treats from nature, I wont have the high bush cranberries anymore like I had on the old place but the asparagus is a nice trade.

Any ideas on what I can do to make it do better in the spring? Cut it off at the ground, pluck the old dead stalks?

Mmmm asaparagus soaked in salt water and then wrapped in bacon and grilled along with a fine T-bone. It don't get much better!

Originally Posted by tzone

I had a crazy idea this morning. I was thinking of getting my gear ready for deer season in the next few weeks.

See you on the 3rd floor T.

Take your meds, be a good boy and you can sit in the TV room for a half an hour before bedtime.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

I had a crazy idea this morning. I was thinking of getting my gear ready for deer season in the next few weeks.

See you on the 3rd floor T.

Take your meds, be a good boy and you can sit in the TV room and lick the cat for a half an hour before bedtime.

Fixed it

PM sent Jim.

Tom, go bow hunting! that's what I do, if there is an open season I have a tag, regardless if I make it or not, just having the option is mind settling. good luck, there is always the cat thing too I guess

Originally Posted by tzone

Like I said, any tips will be appreciated.

get all your butchering knives sharp (hide them from wife if necessary), all the meat wrapping and bagging supplies bought and stored. Get your cutting boards cleaned up. Clear freezer space. maybe lay in a supply of beer in the shop if that's where you do your butchering. Get the chain hoist in place.

Usually I prepare pretty well go leave for hunting. I don't prepare so well to return from hunting.

Check your camera batteries.

Email and PM sent back Ryan.

That good advice Brent. I really should prepare for more than the hunt itself. I'm normally scrambling once I get one on the ground.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Mmmm asaparagus soaked in salt water and then wrapped in bacon and grilled along with a fine T-bone. It don't get much better!

Butter melted over medium heat in a sauce pan.
Diced onions added and cooked until translucent.
Add a wheel of Garlic and Fine Herb Borsin cheese.
Add heavy whipping cream.
Continually stir slowly until hot and thickened.
Allow to cool slightly, thickening a bit more.
Pour over rosemary marinated lamb or T-bone steaks grilled medium rare/medium and steamed asparagus with cracked pepper.
For the win!

This has become our customary New Years Eve dinner. Fantastic every time.

Wow, can you just come to the house and do that for us? lol!

Count me in!

I have a friend/coworker (ex-coworker now) who's brother is a professional chef. He shared that simple recipe with me. It's not difficult, but it is awesome.

Just throwing it out there that this time next week I will be in Colorado enjoying a couple weeks off from the fun here in the sandbox. Gonna surprise the kids by picking them up from their last class of the day at their schools. Can't wait!

Oh wow, that is awesome!

Excellent!!!

Video it and share it here on the fire! Those soldier surprising their kids videos never cease to put a lump in my throat. Thank you for your service!

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Mmmm asaparagus soaked in salt water and then wrapped in bacon and grilled along with a fine T-bone. It don't get much better!

Butter melted over medium heat in a sauce pan.
Diced onions added and cooked until translucent.
Add a wheel of Garlic and Fine Herb Borsin cheese.
Add heavy whipping cream.
Continually stir slowly until hot and thickened.
Allow to cool slightly, thickening a bit more.
Pour over rosemary marinated lamb or T-bone steaks grilled medium rare/medium and steamed asparagus with cracked pepper.
For the win!

This has become our customary New Years Eve dinner. Fantastic every time.

Or there is that! YUMMO!

Originally Posted by The_Yetti

Just throwing it out there that this time next week I will be in Colorado enjoying a couple weeks off from the fun here in the sandbox. Gonna surprise the kids by picking them up from their last class of the day at their schools. Can't wait!

I hope you get to stay home too, but I am guessing from the sound of it that you will have to go back.

Take care and thanks,
Brent

I started changing out the generators on my Coleman lanterns. Took me a good half hour yesterday to get one changed.

Anybody have any helpfull hints for installing lantern generators. Getting the cleaning rod to hook is a B#@$%.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I started changing out the generators on my Coleman lanterns. Took me a good half hour yesterday to get one changed.

Anybody have any helpfull hints for installing lantern generators. Getting the cleaning rod to hook is a B#@$%.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhb8TMh4_g8

OR do like I did and buy propane lanterns. WAY less hastle.

Thx Rooster. That video makes it look much easier than it really is. The problem is that you're working with almost zero clearance between the generator and the bottom fitting. I finally got the cleaning rod to hook with the aide of some scotch tape and a small set of tweezers. Maybe the next one will go easier. I've got 5 more to do.

I'd be thrilled if I could talk my buddy into installing propane cabin lights. He's concerned about the fuel cost. He's basing this on the propane lanterns that use the 1 pound tanks. We run through around 5 gallaons of lantern fuel a season. Last year I spent about $35 for fuel. I'm sure the permanently installed propane lights would use less fuel.

Our new neighbor is thinking about putting in solar panels.

Originally Posted by The_Yetti

Just throwing it out there that this time next week I will be in Colorado enjoying a couple weeks off from the fun here in the sandbox. Gonna surprise the kids by picking them up from their last class of the day at their schools. Can't wait!

I hope it goes well for you!!!!

Originally Posted by BrentD

Originally Posted by The_Yetti

Just throwing it out there that this time next week I will be in Colorado enjoying a couple weeks off from the fun here in the sandbox. Gonna surprise the kids by picking them up from their last class of the day at their schools. Can't wait!

I hope you get to stay home too, but I am guessing from the sound of it that you will have to go back.

Take care and thanks,
Brent

I do go back, this is just a break, this is a unique assignment I have, not easy to get. I'll be home for a couple weeks, come back over here, then be home for good in March. 2.5 years after that, I'll be Mr, not SFC!

The Yetti,
Thank you,sir for your service and congratulations on your upcoming retirement.
Stick around here and enjoy the company of some fine people.

Stan in SC

My sentiments exactly.

Dave, the swamp is rising. good thing you got the road fixed to where you did.

yep, tis the season.

Swampsquids? Yer gunna need more firepower!

Anyone ever try to fix a trail cam? I took apart my Truth Cam 35 because it hasn't worked for over a year. I left it out and the weather got the best of it... It didn't work but it was worth a shot.

never tried, I know I couldn't fix one. I have been looking for a broken one to use as a decoy camera though.

archery season opened this morning about 45 minutes ago, I'm at the kitchen table eating cereal with my son. we'll be going antelope hunting this after noon with his uncle. should be a good time

why didnt you send it in, usually they will fix them?

Colorado1135

Do the secret ranch. We got two this morning by 0813. We found them way down on the south part near the border. Good luck.

I left a POS moultry out and ants took up resident's

So its done. Colorado man if you want it pm your ady and its yours.

Well it's about 3 years old and it was pretty much my fault and I didn't really think of it. I should order a refurb. Was that nachez that sold em?

Are you guys up north seeing any scrape activity yet? I've got two young bucks that have been going hot and heavy on a scrape out back for about 10 days or more now. Seems awful early, but if they are doing it down here, I would think they would be doing it up there. I need to get some more cameras out.

I secured permission to hunt a tract of land south of Lakeville, Mn. Landowner seems like a real nice guy and really wants me to kill some deer out there. I tried to offer up some sweat equity labor in exchange for letting me hunt, but he said no-just go shoot some deer. He say's he's crawling with deer and turkeys, so if this pans out, I'm in pretty good shape. Hoping to scout it next week. Thinking this will be for muzzleloader season. Can't wait to check it out.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Colorado1135

Do the secret ranch. We got two this morning by 0813. We found them way down on the south part near the border. Good luck.

I heard you guys got some, figured we'd wait til you were done. we stopped there at 4, saw LOTS of goats all afternoon, the most were south east of smithwick along the BGNG. we're gonna try again next weekend after I get back from Wy. fun to get back out again. saw LOTS of bucks!

Originally Posted by mule1

I left a POS moultry out and ants took up resident's

So its done. Colorado man if you want it pm your ady and its yours.

are the ants gone?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I secured permission to hunt a tract of land south of Lakeville, Mn. Landowner seems like a real nice guy and really wants me to kill some deer out there. I tried to offer up some sweat equity labor in exchange for letting me hunt, but he said no-just go shoot some deer. He say's he's crawling with deer and turkeys, so if this pans out, I'm in pretty good shape. Hoping to scout it next week. Thinking this will be for muzzleloader season. Can't wait to check it out.

Congrats!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Anyone ever try to fix a trail cam? I took apart my Truth Cam 35 because it hasn't worked for over a year. I left it out and the weather got the best of it... It didn't work but it was worth a shot.

T - Wally World has brand new Truth 35's for $79.00

I have a POS Moultrie D55 IR that took three pics when I was setting it up and has not taken ONE pic in the field. I can't believe that company is still in business

Yes Colorado ants are gone :-) at least they weren't fire ants!

Rooster I'm hear ya my first moldedtree camera didn't
work straight from the package I returned it and after about a month of hassles I finally got it back .

I've got a house fulla ladies. Young chickenbuck crew.

Thinking about taking Joe and Kenna out to the cabin this morning for a grouse hunt.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I secured permission to hunt a tract of land south of Lakeville, Mn. Landowner seems like a real nice guy and really wants me to kill some deer out there. I tried to offer up some sweat equity labor in exchange for letting me hunt, but he said no-just go shoot some deer. He say's he's crawling with deer and turkeys, so if this pans out, I'm in pretty good shape. Hoping to scout it next week. Thinking this will be for muzzleloader season. Can't wait to check it out.

Sounds great. Do you know if you can still muzzle-load if you tag-out in rifle-season? Having something so close to the cities sounds like a great way to get more hunting in.

Lakeville might still be in the metro zone, so you could still buy doe tags for it I believe.

leavin tomorrow for the 24hcf antelope Armageddon 2013, so I'll be gone for the week, don't make me read 9 pages to get caught up.

It's getting close to deer season. We could punch out 9 pages in a day.

Good luck out there Ryan!

Grizzly Bill reported in from his fishing trip on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage today. They were able to get the Vikings game on so the trip was looking up after the motor trouble they had this morning.

Sorry about the motor trouble Bill, that does throw a stink into a fun trip. Good luck to you the rest of the way.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

leavin tomorrow for the 24hcf antelope Armageddon 2013, so I'll be gone for the week, don't make me read 9 pages to get caught up.

crap I forgot to tell you...the antelope packed up and moved

Originally Posted by tzone

Lakeville might still be in the metro zone, so you could still buy doe tags for it I believe.

Yeah, I'm hoping, but I think it's going to be a few miles south of the border.

Raise a glass to an old friend of mine that I just got word...passed yesterday in a 4-wheeler accident on the iron range. Prayers to his family for a horrible time. He left behind a wife and two small kids.

RIP Beaker.

dang tough news..sorry to hear it

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Lakeville might still be in the metro zone, so you could still buy doe tags for it I believe.

Yeah, I'm hoping, but I think it's going to be a few miles south of the border.

good for you gopher!
the border is cty rd 70 / cty rd 8.

the area I have permission to hunt is in area 338,which has antler point restrictions, but does allow 2 antlerless.
at least it did last year, havent had time to look this year.

Sorry to hear about your friend Tom, I hate getting those calls.
condolences to those left behind.

Originally Posted by tzone

Raise a glass to an old friend of mine that I just got word...passed yesterday in a 4-wheeler accident on the iron range. Prayers to his family for a horrible time. He left behind a wife and two small kids.

RIP Beaker.

Prayers sent

sorry to hear of your friend,T.

are these high bush cranberries?

[Linked Image]

Sorry to hear about your friend Tom. Prayers sent to the wife and family and all those that knew him.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Lakeville might still be in the metro zone, so you could still buy doe tags for it I believe.

Yeah, I'm hoping, but I think it's going to be a few miles south of the border.

good for you gopher!
the border is cty rd 70 / cty rd 8.

the area I have permission to hunt is in area 338,which has antler point restrictions, but does allow 2 antlerless.
at least it did last year, havent had time to look this year.

Yeah, I haven't had a chance to look yet, but I'm pretty sure he's south of there.

Thanks guys. I don't have anymore details on the accident. My mom told me the news. She and my step dad knew him well because he was a member of the 148th fighter group, ANG base in Duluth.

Originally Posted by fluffy

are these high bush cranberries?

[Linked Image]

I believe they are dogwood. But I find that identifying stuff from photos is pretty tough sometimes. Dogwood berries are white and abundant at this time of year.

Really sorry to hear that Tom.

Originally Posted by fluffy

are these high bush cranberries?

[Linked Image]

No.

the leaves would be a 3 point leaf like a maple leaf and they would be getting a lot of red on them by now.

That looks like dogwood, people call them "snow berries"

Grouse like em, a lot.

some plinking at the cabin yesterday.

[Linked Image]

The wind was blowing a bit too hard for any grouse to be out, so we had a little contest with a couple rimfires.

The kids did really good.

Sorry to hear about your buddy Tom

ND, Wow, that camera takes some fantastic pictures! Extremely crisp images.

Spent last week in Phoenix. it is hot down there.

Got back late Friday night and was in the duck slough Sat morning with the boys. another good duck hunt with 7 mallards in the bag. i made a big mistake on where we set up. If we would have been about 40 yards to the right and out a bit, we would have had ducks landing on our hats!

Now I have a really good pheasant dog, but a brittany is not really a duck dog and I havent trained her on that skill so she stayed home and I was the retriever. Our slough has that sticky mud that wont let your foot go and it had a mat of some type of cattail/weed mixture on top. OHMYGOSH was that hard walking! My brother fell twice...that was really funny! Maybe beyond really funny even. And to answer the question in your minds, NO! I did not bring the ducks back in my mouth.

Did the girls beat you this time dad?

Maybe someday.

I tell ya, it isn't pictured above but we competed with the pink 10/22 (Taylors) as well as the nylon 66.

That little pink gun is a real shooter.

I really should get one of those little 10/22's. I have a 77/22 I don't think I'd part with.

And as usual I see the old High Standard Double nine in the holster.I have a Sentinel which I carry a lot.

Tom,sorry to hear about your friend.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave
[quote=fluffy

are these high bush cranberries?

No.

the leaves would be a 3 point leaf like a maple leaf and they would be getting a lot of red on them by now.

That looks like dogwood, people call them "snow berries"

Grouse like em, a lot.

huh.landowner told me they were cranberries.
he sure has a lot of them.

oh gosh no.

The high bush cranberries are the brightest red you can imagine. And about now the berries are nice and soft. They grow in clumps that hang downwards from thin stems. The bushes can get very tall and on a good year you can fill a gallon bucket very quickly.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

And as usual I see the old High Standard Double nine in the holster.I have a Sentinel which I carry a lot.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan, it was actually a convertible Ruger single six on my belt that day.

I sure wish I could get it to shoot decent, lol.

I do far better with the high standard actually.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi Stan, it was actually a convertible Ruger single six on my belt that day.

I sure wish I could get it to shoot decent, lol.

I had one about 10-15 years ago.I thought it would be the last twenty two pistol I would buy.
then I tried to hit something with it.

I'm kind of shopping for a replacement.

I'd love to try a model 48 S&W

Finally got time to post some pics of my caribou hunt..

First pic we went fishing on Kenai River, about a 24 inch rainbow..

Landed in Kotzubute then 110 miles into the tundra.. The good looking gentlemen on the left is (Anie) whos on here...

Camp..

I got lucky and found this guy...Very happy

That looks like a really, really good time.

All and all was a good trip.. It was my first trip to Alaska.. The fishing was awesome we caught around 100 rainbow trout and dollys..
It was my first time in a little plane i thought it was fun, more leg room then i thought there was going to be LOL.... I shot mine about 1 mile away from camp...We hunted close to camp first couple of days.Then realized there was more caribou further away.. By that time one guy in our party was having a hard time walking around the tundra.. Bad boots... So we wasnt to amped up to race up the hill and go after them....

I'd say over all the trip was physical packing the meat out while navigating thru the tundra..And very mental it got down to 14 degrees at night..Was suppose to be 28 at night.. Layer up layer down all day long kinda wore me down a little bit....

I picked up a Beretta neos,because it has built in scope rails.

fluffy,
I had a S&W model 22 which is very similar with the rails.Great shooting pistol with a 2X scope on it. You are gonna really like this one.

Stan in SC

Mr. Jack's team won another game last night under yhe lights, moving to 4-0. I'm not sure of the final score but I think we had 8 touchdowns and a safety. We were only able to convert on 3 extra points for some reason.

The got punched in the mouth early by giving up a touchdown, the first time this year they've scored on. The other team was a VERY firsty and dirty playing team from our same league, who were obviously coached to play that dirty because kids just don't do that or even know how to play that way, truthfully.

We didn't try to run the score. We had kids playing running back that have never done it, running 60 yard touchdowns. Not much we can do for that.

My little buddy played great by getting a sack, a fumble recovery, a kick return, and "eating a beast of a linebacker for dessert." (his words)

We have 4 more game in the next 10 days so we will be busy!

Hey noduck, that looks like a trip of a lifetime.

Thanks very much for posting those. Great job! You guys even packed the ribs, that's awesome.

Hey Ryan,

What the heck is a decoy camera ?

Paul.

Leaving on a fly-in moose hunt tomorrow afternoon.

Getting pretty excited.

Swapping labour (camp end of season shut down), for a 3 day opportunity at a bull. Hoping for a one & a half year old "eater", as we will be in extremely "rough", but beautiful lake country.

Paul.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey Ryan,

What the heck is a decoy camera ?

Paul.

At my old house I had reason to be concerned with vandalism and theft. I did keep trail cams on the place well concealed, but I also had an old junker that didn't function strapped to a tree in plain open sight. That was a decoy. People tend to behave themselves if they know there's a camera out. If there's one camera in plain view, it's likely there is at least one more hidden. They can steal the one in plain view, but all they get is a broken camera, meanwhile you get a picture of them stealing it on your concealed camera.

The decoy keeps 99% of would be thieves and vandals at their best behavior. That other 1%, that's your "stupids" that can't be fixed. But they can be prosecuted.

Thanks Dave,

Makes perfect sense, after hearing your logical thought process.

Who'd a thought:

Logical & analytic, as well as a good bloke, father, husband, friend & mentor.

Keep up the good work.

Paul.

I know how to trim hooves and butcher chickens too.

lmao!

Good luck on the meese hunt!!! Take lots of pictures!

38 days tell Deer season

I think

Aint you spose to be learnin the school book smarts?

Paul,

That is my dream hunt. A moose. Doesn't have to be a monster, just a cool moose hunt.

I was waiting for that question to the boy.

Cheers Dave & Tom,

Will try & do the blurry picture thing & share on my return.

Last trip in to close up this camp (3 years ago), got a bull calf, after an early spring & great summer, feed wise. Needless to say, he was a big calf & I remember how much work that retrieval was !

Can not imagine the work involved with a mature Bull, in a truly rough & remote area.

Paul.

Originally Posted by tzone

I was waiting for that question to the boy.

Yep, me too !

Paul.

Book smarts, ya my favorite book

Yeah, book smartness, right after lunch smartness.

My Joey boy is 9, too young for this year's white tail youth hunt. But next year I can take him deer hunting.

I started thinking about what I should have him use for a rifle, a light kicker for a little guy. Then I remembered it's legal to hunt deer in MN with .223, well I don't have one. But I do have a 22-250 and a 220 swift.

The 22-250 weighs over 13 lbs and is very long, very bulky and the scope is too big, 6.5-20.

But, the 220 swift is new, Ruger standard M77 MKII... has a nice burris FFII 3-9 on it, perfect.

I have a year to work up a deer load for it, for now I picked up a box of the only 220 swift fact ammo I could find. Winchester 50 gr soft points.

I'll run a rod and patch down the tube to measure the twist, I'm not sure what it would be, hoping it's 1 in 8 but I suppose it's a little slower.

I'll tell him my plan tonight and show him the rifle, get him all excited about it and next time I get a chance I'll help him shoot it so he can see what center fire is all about.

for some reason I think it's a slow rate, like 1 in 14.... crap, can't remember.

Well I am not going to put a custom barrel on it, the rate will be what ever it is, I just need a decent deer bullet for it that shoots acceptable groups.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My Joey boy is 9, too young for this year's white tail youth hunt. But next year I can take him deer hunting.

I started thinking about what I should have him use for a rifle, a light kicker for a little guy. Then I remembered it's legal to hunt deer in MN with .223, well I don't have one. But I do have a 22-250 and a 220 swift.

The 22-250 weighs over 13 lbs and is very long, very bulky and the scope is too big, 6.5-20.

But, the 220 swift is new, Ruger standard M77 MKII... has a nice burris FFII 3-9 on it, perfect.

I have a year to work up a deer load for it, for now I picked up a box of the only 220 swift fact ammo I could find. Winchester 50 gr soft points.

I'll run a rod and patch down the tube to measure the twist, I'm not sure what it would be, hoping it's 1 in 8 but I suppose it's a little slower.

I'll tell him my plan tonight and show him the rifle, get him all excited about it and next time I get a chance I'll help him shoot it so he can see what center fire is all about.

I picked up an H&R Handi youth-stocked model in .223 last fall for when my kid is old enough. He is 5 now, so it will be a while. 1/9 twist lets you shoot the medium-heavy bullets just fine. Bushnell 3-9 4200 on it.

It shoots the factory 55 grain TSX ammo into a few inches at 100, but I have yet to try the 62 grain TSX in handloads.

Let me know if you want to try it out.

Dave, if you can get your hands on some 55gr'ers I think you'd be more than fine in a NP or a ttsx

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My Joey boy is 9, too young for this year's white tail youth hunt. But next year I can take him deer hunting.

I started thinking about what I should have him use for a rifle, a light kicker for a little guy. Then I remembered it's legal to hunt deer in MN with .223, well I don't have one. But I do have a 22-250 and a 220 swift.

My y

The 22-250 weighs over 13 lbs and is very long, very bulky and the scope is too big, 6.5-20.

But, the 220 swift is new, Ruger standard M77 MKII... has a nice burris FFII 3-9 on it, perfect.

I have a year to work up a deer load for it, for now I picked up a box of the only 220 swift fact ammo I could find. Winchester 50 gr soft points.

I'll run a rod and patch down the tube to measure the twist, I'm not sure what it would be, hoping it's 1 in 8 but I suppose it's a little slower.

I'll tell him my plan tonight and show him the rifle, get him all excited about it and next time I get a chance I'll help him shoot it so he can see what center fire is all about.

My youngest is going to hunt this year for the first time . Ive had her shooting my .223 contender carbine but I think I'll have her shoot my 243 MD 7 with some 80 gr bullets she's 16 so I think she can handle it .

Dave I have a set of RCBS 220 swift dies that I got in a trade I have no use for them . I would be more than happy to send them to you. Also a set of 300 savage dies and some brass if ANYBODY wants them pm me they're just gonna collect dust here.

Assuming he would be hunting from an elevated stand, very short range, seated and well rested rifle, you could probably use a heavier rifle and thus a heavier caliber if you have something reasonable.

How about a pistol caliber lever rifle, like a .357 or even .25-20?

I suppose you probably don't have one of those in your closet, but there's time to shop

I have a standard barrel Ruger M77 in 22-250 with a 3 x 9-40 Redfield (Leupold made) that shoots 55 grain factory loads like nobodys business. Preacher is more than welcome to use it to hang a fuzzy wind chime if he wants.

I have a similar dilema....but different. the daughter is 9 so next year may be her first year. But we are in the slug zone. I have thought and thought and in the end, I think I am going to go with 1 shell in a Beretta 390 with a rifled barrel/scope. I have that setup already. Or I go buy a 20 ga slug setup for her. Remember, I have 3 kids!

This sure seems more complicated than when I was a kid shooting a H&R break open 20 ga that only had a bead for a sight and shot 2 feet to the right and 16" low at 75 yards! I can still remember aiming at my first deer.....

Okay, right behind the front leg, 1/3 of the way up....now, compensate for the gun so go 2 feet back, up 16" and....right there...uh, I am aiming at this deer's tail...pull the trigger....right through the lungs!

I want her to be set up with something better than that.

There is time to shop.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave I have a set of RCBS 220 swift dies that I got in a trade I have no use for them . I would be more than happy to send them to you.

Dang, we should talk about this.

I started Nate on reduced recoil loads for 30-06, but he was 12.

They opened it to 10 yrs of age after Nate was already 12.

Does Joe have any favorite types of rifles from his Swamp Squid and Flying Bear days?

I can't remember for sure, but I think gophergunner was looking for .300 savage "stuff."

Maybe send a pm his way?

Hey BM, I would get her a youth model 870, an rifled slug barrel andmall
GOOD recoil pad. The 20 with slugs kicks more than a guy thinks. When I took my sister to hunt, it was too much for her at 12, and she actually preferred the 30-30 to the 20ga. The 20 I had her shoot was an H&R single shot. Pretty light weight stuff.

870 is a heap better.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have a similar dilema....but different. the daughter is 9 so next year may be her first year. But we are in the slug zone. I have thought and thought and in the end, I think I am going to go with 1 shell in a Beretta 390 with a rifled barrel/scope. I have that setup already. Or I go buy a 20 ga slug setup for her. Remember, I have 3 kids!

This sure seems more complicated than when I was a kid shooting a H&R break open 20 ga that only had a bead for a sight and shot 2 feet to the right and 16" low at 75 yards! I can still remember aiming at my first deer.....

Okay, right behind the front leg, 1/3 of the way up....now, compensate for the gun so go 2 feet back, up 16" and....right there...uh, I am aiming at this deer's tail...pull the trigger....right through the lungs!

I want her to be set up with something better than that.

If you want to hold off on buying something for her, I've got a 20 ga. Youth Model 500 you're welcome to use. It's just a smoothbore with choke tubes, so you'd have to play around with it and come up with something that would group through it, but you're welcome to use it if you want. Just let me know.

Originally Posted by tzone

I can't remember for sure, but I think gophergunner was looking for .300 savage "stuff."

Maybe send a pm his way?

Thanks for putting out a head's up Tom, but I think MILES has me covered.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My Joey boy is 9, too young for this year's white tail youth hunt. But next year I can take him deer hunting.

I started thinking about what I should have him use for a rifle, a light kicker for a little guy. Then I remembered it's legal to hunt deer in MN with .223, well I don't have one. But I do have a 22-250 and a 220 swift.

The 22-250 weighs over 13 lbs and is very long, very bulky and the scope is too big, 6.5-20.

But, the 220 swift is new, Ruger standard M77 MKII... has a nice burris FFII 3-9 on it, perfect.

I have a year to work up a deer load for it, for now I picked up a box of the only 220 swift fact ammo I could find. Winchester 50 gr soft points.

I'll run a rod and patch down the tube to measure the twist, I'm not sure what it would be, hoping it's 1 in 8 but I suppose it's a little slower.

I'll tell him my plan tonight and show him the rifle, get him all excited about it and next time I get a chance I'll help him shoot it so he can see what center fire is all about.

I have a nice little 722 (short action bolt) in .244 in the closet if you're interested.

Easier to handle a shorter shooting stick for them younger folks.

And maybe a spare knife gun or two for the other critters.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have a similar dilema....but different. the daughter is 9 so next year may be her first year. But we are in the slug zone.

Get a decent muzzle loader and mess around with lighter bullets and charges until you find something that addresses the recoil concerns.

I believe muzzle loaders are legal for shot gun zones in MN?

I think it's also legal to scope them up if you use them outside of the muzzle loader season.

Right on both counts, dave.

The muzzle loader in shot gun slug zones idea doesn't always bode well with water fowlers and shotgunners in general because many of them are of the "bang-bang-bang-bang-bang" style of hunting.

For me, it's a no brainer. I'd get a decent muzzle loader, scope it up and practice/experiment with different loads until I had something really accurate that reached past the range of a shotgun slug.

Because I'm more of a single "Bang!" style of hunter.

I know some guys that would probably quit deer hunting if they couldn't burn up at least 1 whole box of shells during deer season because they need to "get some shooting in".

Man, that is so NOT me.

If I want to burn up a box of shells, it's gonna be prairie dogs or bench shooting at a range.

Spraying and praying at a running deer ...... no thanks.

But now I've drifted off subject.

I agree 100%.
I think I'm at 7 deer with the same box of shells. That box will go with me this year as well.

Dave,

I'm no expert on the .220 Swift but 1:14" twist rate is pretty universally standard. Unless it's a custom tube on that Ruger it's not going to be 1:8"...

Some factory built .220 Swift's may have a 1:12" twist, but I don't think you'll find any factory tubes twisted faster than that.

It's a 14, I checked it last night.

Fishing trip was interesting. First day out my buddy George's s Evilrude (Not a spelling error) 115HP Ficht took a chit 3 miles down the flowage. Our best guess is that it's a power head issue? Good thing he has a great trollong motor (24V, 70 pound thrust Minkote). We limped back to the cabin, recharged the batteries and went fishing.

Even though we lost the big motor, we managed to boat some fish. Caught some nice crappies and Perch. Only kept 2 Walleyes. The rest were to small to keep as were the Northerns.

We hit peak color up North and had great weather. A couple of very windy days, but we used the islands to stay out of it.

George is on his way to the Evinrude dealer to buy a new ETEC as I write this. Expensive trip for him.

Be home for a week than the wife and I are going to head West. Going to see her brother in Utah and than on to Oregon to see our son and his family.

Tom, sorry to hear about your friend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have a similar dilema....but different. the daughter is 9 so next year may be her first year. But we are in the slug zone.

Get a decent muzzle loader and mess around with lighter bullets and charges until you find something that addresses the recoil concerns.

I believe muzzle loaders are legal for shot gun zones in MN?

I missed this the first time...that's a great idea. And yes, they're legal for use in shotgun and rifle zones.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I agree 100%.
I think I'm at 7 deer with the same box of shells. That box will go with me this year as well.

'course it's been a long time since I missed a deer until the first year I hunted with Dave.

First year I was at chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

George is on his way to the Evinrude dealer to buy a new ETEC as I write this. Expensive trip for him.

It'll be real expensive now. They're not much different. He's from WI he should have a Merc.

or a Yamaha if he never wants to buy another motor.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Be home for a week than the wife and I are going to head West. Going to see her brother in Utah and than on to Oregon to see our son and his family.

Geez, Bill perfect timing! You should grab yourself an OTC spike elk or "any bull" tag and hit the hills why you are here. Take home some tasty elk venison.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I agree 100%.
I think I'm at 7 deer with the same box of shells. That box will go with me this year as well.

'course it's been a long time since I missed a deer until the first year I hunted with Dave.

First year I was at chickenbuck.

If you want that bullet back, I think I remember which tree it's in.

Sure! That was really a good shot. That tree isn't that big.

I missed one on the range camp in 02. Shot at a 6pt chasing a doe and hit a BIG black spruce. It he thought it was funny to point it out to me...It didn't bother me a bit because I shot a beauty of an 8 there later the next morning.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

George is on his way to the Evinrude dealer to buy a new ETEC as I write this. Expensive trip for him.

It'll be real expensive now. They're not much different. He's from WI he should have a Merc.

or a Yamaha if he never wants to buy another motor.

Cheaper for im to stay with Evinrude. If he changes to Merc or Yamaha he has to change out all of the controls.

If I had the time I'd do it. I'll have to rely on my buddy Rick to provide the Elk meat. He's leaving for CO on the 8th.

Dave, you mentioned being a one shot guy. Most of deer season I hunt with either a Handi rifle in 45/70 or with a combo gun(12Gauge over .308). I seem never to get follow up shots.

Stan in SC

I will beat you someday!! Haha (hopefully soon)

Originally Posted by Fallsinwater32

I will beat you someday!! Haha (hopefully soon)

Who is this that dares to challenge the Great and Noble Sir Captain Dave Norris ??

That would be the one and only Kenna! Or as I call her "Tries no chili"

She is Waylon's youngest daughter and a very awesome girl! Welcome kenna lou!

Oh by the way, Ryan has something to report.....

Originally Posted by Fallsinwater32

I will beat you someday!! Haha (hopefully soon)

Ahh, I assume we are talking about the rimfire challenge?

I look forward to our next competition!

(evil laugh)

I've been looking for a range finder and I posted this in the bowhunting thread but thought I would share it with my friends here also. Cabela's has a heck of a deal going on right now that I took advantage of since I was at one today.

"Welp, I pulled the trigger. Since I was was working in a town with a Cabelas, I searched their website last night in my hotel room. They had a combo pack on sale. By combo pack, I mean Bushnell 1000 ARC Rangefinder, 10x42 binos and a field processing kit that includes a skinning knife, a gutting knife with gut hook and a bone saw for $249!

The binos are ok. (nothing close to Nikon) The knives seem very sharp and come in a pretty cool belt attached pouch that carries them all.

BUT this rangefinder seems like the sh*t! It has standard mode. Bow ARC and Rifle Arc modes. What really makes my socks go up and down is that it has the ballistic technology built in with the Rifle ARC.

By that I mean, you look at a ballistics chart for the caliber you're shooting, make and grain of bullet and set the rangefinder from a pre-programmed list. Once this is done, it will calculate degrees of angle and tell you how high to hold on a game animal. I do plan on doing another antelope hunt and hopefully elk someday so I decided I would get one that does it all.

I'm tickled pink and hope I get to use that skinner on a MN wolf this year, since I got drawn for a tag! WOOO"

You guys are a bunch of rifle nuts so I thought this would interest you!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Fallsinwater32

I will beat you someday!! Haha (hopefully soon)

Ahh, I assume we are talking about the rimfire challenge?

I look forward to our next competition!

(evil laugh)

Be careful ND, she's very competive. Was very angry when this fat kid beat her in "HORSE" LOL
J/K Eats No Chili!!!!

Your tribal name for her is flawed, she's eaten my chili.

I was going to lay a bet out there for the kids that if they beat me with my own rifle, they can have the rifle.

But I have a feeling that splashy would take my nylon 66 away from me if I put that deal out there.

I guess I'll have to purchase something a little more expendable, like a 10/22.

Then I can put the bet out there.

sorry guys, I had to go down to the mothership yesterday so I was out. I have thought about the youth model 870, but they pack a pretty good punch too for a small framed 10 year old girl. I remember my brother who was a big 12 yr old boy getting beat up a bit with one. It is the old conundrum of light gun vs big kick to a little person.

I like the muzzleloader idea cuz you never know, there could be other uses for said muzzleloader, eh?

I saw a picture of deadwood, SD this morning....full blown 100% blizzard with about a foot of snow so far. I hope Ryan is tucked in somewhere warm and cozy!

I saw something on facebook today that really cracked me up. I will describe the picture:

Picture a very large racked whitetail buck looking at the camera with only his head and rack in the picture. You have seen a million pics like this.

The caption says: Ahem, ladies? My eyes are down here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Your tribal name for her is flawed, she's eaten my chili.

"A starving man doesn't argue"

Bman - Are you serious? A blizzard already?? YUCK

Yep, I got forwarded a pic. Ryan is probably buried in snow somewhere. Hey Ryan ol' buddy ol' pal, how is it going out there?

Honk, Honk. Tomorrow is getting closer....gonna be a great hunt!

Ryan is burried in antelope backstrap.

still too soon to turn the floor heat on but I fired the furnace in the new house for the first time just now.

we might get our new fireplace fired up with fire too tonite.

pics Ryan, or it didnt happen!

Real wood burner or a faky like mine? (gas)

Originally Posted by Berettaman

pics Ryan, or it didnt happen!

I got the picture yesterday, Ryan is probably still celebrating today, I would be.

I hope the other guys did as well as Ryan.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

still too soon to turn the floor heat on but I fired the furnace in the new house for the first time just now.

Still running a/c here 89 today 68 tomorrow

I checked the DNR website-no doe tag for me this year. Gonna have to make sure I shoot 5 down in South East for the early antlerless season.

No antlerless for me either.

I saw the pics from Rapid City. News said they could get over a foot of snow. Even Nebraska could see snow.

Been raining here since Friday morning. Still haven't turned the furnace on.

Heading down southeast this morning to scout for the early antlerless hunt. Tags available over the counter, 5 doe limit, and it doesn't count against your limits during the other deer seasons. 'Just gotta give this a try. Hoping to figure out the boundaries of where I can hunt and find a couple promising spots. Momma's tagging along as we get very little time alone and away these days. Hope this danged rain holds off.

Whoop whoop! My weekend work got canceled! I have a little guy football game today, then I'm heading up north to put out some cameras and maybe swat a few grouse. Small bit of scouting.hell I just want to be in the woods.

Good luck jeff! If for whatever reason you don't get a doe, when you come hunt with Jack and I, it's an either sex zone, so you have your choice.

I'm working.

On what?

Hey gophergunner if you are planning on hunting public land forget it.They are all closed.

Stan in SC

Not in CO, and Walker isn't playing the fed's game in WI either.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

On what?

Hey gophergunner if you are planning on hunting public land forget it.They are all closed.

Stan in SC

Would that apply to State Forest?

Only if Dayton feels exceptionally insane, which is very likely.

Possible shooter

Nice!

Returned from Wyoming Thursday night. Left Buffalo at 1030 in the morning, in the rain. Got home 1130 PM. Drove in rain the entire trip. I got two lopers opening day. Dropped them at Big Horn Meat Cutting Wed. morning and they said they would be ready at 10 am the next morning so we could get out of town before the snow. We went back out hunting but the wife did not find anything to shoot and did not want to try too hard as she wanted beat the snow more than get anymore lopers. Called the friends in Rapid City and told them we were heading home to avoid the blizzard they were going to get.

A great trip, good hunt, fun in the hills and great service at Big Horn meat cutting.

PS Thanks colorado1135 for advising to hunt the opener !!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Your tribal name for her is flawed, she's eaten my chili.

I was going to lay a bet out there for the kids that if they beat me with my own rifle, they can have the rifle.

But I have a feeling that splashy would take my nylon 66 away from me if I put that deal out there.

I guess I'll have to purchase something a little more expendable, like a 10/22.

Then I can put the bet out there.

Is this kid included in that bet?

Been a while since I posted any house pics.

[Linked Image]

It only took a little over an hour to put all the trusses up. Thanks to Uncle Cletus for the use of his boom and skid steer.

[Linked Image]

Interior walls done on south side.

[Linked Image]

We're going to get ready for shingles today but it was raining so we worked inside instead.

wow, very cool.

Very nice, Muffy. Hope they get the shingles on before the weather turns nasty.

got a few more pics of camp and before and after the storm pics. had 2' of snow on the level. had an awesome time, and was truly blessed to share a camp with some of the finest people I have met. Dave, you gotta come out!

tuesday

Thursday

Glad we didn't get any of that.

Congrats on the hunt Ryan!!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Very nice, Muffy. Hope they get the shingles on before the weather turns nasty.

We got over 1/2 of one side shingled today. Hope to get the rest done by the end of the week. Going to be slower during the week cuz Scott is working in Grand Forks.

[Linked Image]

Wow muffster, it's coming along quickly! When do you think you'll be in it?

We got up north yesterday and got some trail cameras out. It was a beautiful day north of Duluth! It was wet from the previous days rain but we didn't get rained on.

I think we were at peak color too. Maybe even a little past. Most of the poppels lost their leaves, bit the maples, sumacs, dogwoods....they were all on full on color. A perfect day in the woods.

I'll post some pictures tonight.

I went muzzle loader hunting for deer yesterday at my neighbor's new hunting lease.Nice place with lots of deer and pig sign.
He got a shot at a deer but the cap misfired.No boom.
About half an hour later the same deer or another appeared and he shot but missed. I saw nothing but two beavers in the pond which my stand was near. A beautiful day and I got out and enjoyed it.
Ryan,congrats on the antelope.
Tjay,you did well.
Muffy,rather large looking house.How many square feet?

Stan in SC

Congrats on the speed goat Ryan. How much snow did you gegt at home?

Temps warming up into the 50's in SD. Weather Channel says they're worried about flooding from the snow melt around Rapid City.

Muffy, you're really going to town on the roof.

Bill are you out here in SD?
here at the house we got an inch of rain and 6" of snow, it was all gone yesterday afternoon. spearfish got 40 inches. what a difference from the northern hills to the southern.
today highs in the 60's and then dipping into the 50's for the next 2 weeks. perfect october weather

It was a nice cool morning here. 43 on my way into work. Yesterday in the north country it was a high of about 45 and man was it refreshing. I REALLY neede that day up there to reset myself...and it worked.

We got two trail cams up, started a to build a blind on a new stand I call the "beaver pond" because that's what it over looks. the deer trails are tighter that a guy really wants but there are a few of them. Two trails converge on a point the blind is on and pass either side of the blind at 5 yards.

We checked out the safety on a few other stands and they looked good. There is another weekend of work to do but we'll get it. It was good to be in the bushes again!

I carried a shotgun but didn't see any birds. We did hear one drumming near a stat that gophergunner built a few years ago, and there was also a deer rub about 5 yards from that stand.

thanks everyone! this was my first antelope buck. I missed him at 780 yards that morning, wind was a little stiffer and more from the west than I had figured, blew the bullet just to the right of him. went back that evening and belly crawled to get into range, he had about 15 does with him. I laid in the grass for about 35 minutes, til he stood up. crosshairs on the closest shoulder to me, double lung shot he tried to run 20' before ass over teakettle. I heard the bullet whop him moments after I fired. It was an awesome hunt.

Congrats Ryan, I was texting with Keith a bit yesterday. He sent me a few pictures of the hot rods you guys were shooting.

Some very impressive rifles, serious stuff there.

I do seriously plan on making it next year unless it overlaps with CO elk hunting.

[quote=Colorado1135I missed him at 780 yards that morning [/quote]

Well DUH!

I can't even see 780 yards.

Nice Ryan! Very good looking buck. I was wondering how it was going out there for you with the storm.

Dave, to answer your question of a few pages back, we have a gas fireplace. But Mrs Berettaman....or I wonder if I should call her Berettawoman?....anyway we both sat on the couch and watched the fireplace fire away after the kids went to bed.

We pulled off another epic goose hunt on Saturday. I got my dad out and we had 8 adults and 7 kids. We were all done by 826 am with 24 geese. Could have probably shot 75 or so as they just kept piling in. Dad got the bug and we went out duck hunting that evening and ended up with 7 ducks. That is a great Saturday in my book.

Scary week for me as the wife signed the boys up for a hockey camp. Fingers crossed they dont like it! I do not want to be a hockey dad.

Colorado elk next year huh ND? We have a Wyoming trip planned. I cant wait!

The house looks nice and straight Muffy! no sag in the roof either! Keep the pics coming.

Headed for St Lewy MO tomorrow for a coupla days.

Bidness.

Nice Loper Ryan. What did you reach out and touch him with?

I made my longest shot on the doe loper. 500 yards measured with the range finder. Used my newly barreled 264 Win. with a new 4.5x14 leupy CDS. Running 125 Nosler Partitions at 3350 fps. The wind is always the issue....

We left before the snow. Again thanks for getting me out on the opener..

Well you can check out those ribs there in st. Louie, but ours are still better.

[quote=Colorado1135]Bill are you out here in SD?
[quote]

Nope, still here in WI Ryan. Just finished mowing the lawn for what may be the last time this year.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well you can check out those ribs there in st. Louie, but ours are still better.

They cook ribs in St Louis?

Well it could be just a rumor. I've not actually been there.

Tjay, you're welcome! I shot mine with a ruger 243 m77MKII sporting a burris signature 3-9x40 with a spec-tech adjustable trigger set to 1.5 lbs. I was shooting hand loaded 95 NBT with RL22. it was moving at a balmy 2900 fps at the muzzle. it as also rocking a harris tilting bipod 9-13 I believe. only thing I would change is not forgetting my sling at home!

I missed him with a 260 AI, I actually have the video of my miss

32* here this morning. Kicked the furnace on for the first time this season to get the chill out.

Flew into mpls in a coors light can with wings. I could see out the windshield from my seat lol!

Next stop, St. Louis

did you fly from forks?
I've been on one of those planes before, I even heard the pilot say "ah [bleep]" at one point. made me a little nervous, but we made it safe and sound

Thief river, the flight attendant was also the pilot.

Lmao!

Turbo prop

Ryan,
Were the guns you were shooting at that range just your regular hunting rifles or did some of you guys have a particular set up for that type of shooting?

I can't even fathom shooting that far. A long poke to me is 200 yards.

Ya buzzed right over my head then. I'm working by the airport today.

St lewy

I think my cab driver has Parkinson's.

Holy chit.

They are all just really excited that the Cardinals won yesterday in Pittsburgh and get to play at home tomorrow against the Pirates and former Twins. Eat hearty when you enjoy the ribs.

Just got back !

Here's a teaser.

I'll create a separate threat for more photos & the whole story.

Paul.

Nice Ryan,

Congrats, from north of the Border.

Paul.

thank you! I'll trade you a goat hunt for one of them big guys!
might have to wait til SD opens the nonresident season again.

Tom- with the long range stuff we had both. some (like mine) were set up for long range primarily 200-850 was the range I had mine set for.
our hosts rifle looked like a regular fluted rifle with a scope, but he could dial his all the way to 1200 IIRC. my little ruger 243 I used up north for deer is the same as it always has been, thats what I used for my buck. using a regular rifle out to 600 yards is actually pretty easy once you learn how to spin the knobs and learn your MOAs of drop for your load.

Nice Paul! Way to go!

A link to your thread would be great!

Ryan,

You already know how I feel about that goat of yours! He's a dandy!

You have to go to the game and root for the BUCS!

In my stand for the first time this
year. Feels great!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

thank you! I'll trade you a goat hunt for one of them big guys!
might have to wait til SD opens the nonresident season again.

Dude, I'll trade you the "WORKLOAD" !!

Paul.

Now we all know Dave is a busy guy, but I bet you didnt know this about him. He is the head football coach of the Stanford Cardinal! Dave, man, why didnt you tell us about this sideline job of yours??

Nice moose!

Beautiful moose Paul! I can't wait for the story. Can you post a link to it?

Nice moose, dave have fun on the trip. I am in Faridabad, India right now, i cant wait to get back home. about 95 and humid working in an old building. now that was a long flight coming over here. i will end up missing 2 days of the youth season next week in minnesota but hoping to be awake enough for saturday to get out with the kids. Great speed goat ryan. is it going on the wall too? never seen a euro mount with a goat before. that might be cool too.

Nice moose, Paul. No easy task field drssing one of those critters.

Thanks everyone,

Having "sporadic" internet issues, way up nort here & still trying to upload the 148 photos to damn Pbucket !

Will post link to story & photos, once up !

Later.

Paul.

I guess they have a baseball team here in St. Louis or something.

I met up with an old military friend that I served with in the gulf war. Hadn't seen him in 20 years. He coaches high school football south of St. Louis. He's doing very well. We had a couple of beers and some wings at hooters (cause we classy)

We picked up our old friendship so naturally and comfortably it was as if we had seen each other every week over the past 20 years. It was great seeing him, we both agreed to try to not be such strangers in the next 20 years.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I guess they have a baseball team here in St. Louis or something.

I met up with an old military friend that I served with in the gulf war. Hadn't seen him in 20 years. He coaches high school football south of St. Louis. He's doing very well. We had a couple of beers and some wings at hooters (cause we classy)

We picked up our old friendship so naturally and comfortably it was as if we had seen each other every week over the past 20 years. It was great seeing him, we both agreed to try to not be such strangers in the next 20 years.

Thanks for making me feel old. I have not seen any of my buddies from the corps in at least ten years.

Cool! Tell him to join the fire.

Does anybody know why 24 hour campfire isn't supporting windows exploer any more? Man it gets frustrating when it shuts down constantly.

I'm having the same issue Rooster. I'll have to try Fire Fox more often to see if the problem disappears.

Google chrome locks up and loses the campfire too

St louis has some of the biggest hummingbird feeders in the world.

[Linked Image]

Actually they put red die in the fountains downtown because the cardinals are playing a big game tonight a few blocks from where we are staying.

tzone and nordern dave....pm sent

Cards won, the city just erupted in celebration. Good for them, fun stuff.

sneak down to the hotel bar and get a free beer....

I'm working on a surplus of dos equis in the room right now. Lol

About a year ago I was in this same hotel bar, where I made a hooker cry....she was begging for drinks, (and other things) so I told her I would buy her one drink if she took her diseased and large backside to the open chair at the other end of the bar......one would think prostitutes would have thicker skin...

I watched some of the game. It was pretty much a blowout. I've always like the Cards, but will admit I was pulling for the Pirates last night. It's been something like 20 years since they've been to the playoffs. And Justin Morneau from the Twins was traded there earlier this fall.

Fun game though.

And, in a "real" sport, the Blues beat Chicago with a last-minute goal last night as well.

Goodbye St. Louis, I'm heading home.

Picked up 6 pounds of 7 year old cheddar for deer camp.

Started Packing for the trip West. Need to take light, medium and heavy weight clothing this time of the year. Looks like we may see some showers in Wyoming Saturday.

Just heard from my fishing buddy with the bad Evinrude. Piston took a chit. He has a new 115HP ETEC on order. The other fishing partner just bought a new 50 HP ETEC.

It's good to have fishing partners like that...then you don't have to buy a boat.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks everyone,

Having "sporadic" internet issues, way up nort here & still trying to upload the 148 photos to damn Pbucket !

Will post link to story & photos, once up !

Later.

Paul.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8143363/2013_Moose_Hunt#Post8143363

Paul.

Great photo essay, Paul. You sure earned those Moose steaks.

Wow! Great story.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Picked up 6 pounds of 7 year old cheddar for deer camp.

Started Packing for the trip West. Need to take light, medium and heavy weight clothing this time of the year. Looks like we may see some showers in Wyoming Saturday.

Just heard from my fishing buddy with the bad Evinrude. Piston took a chit. He has a new 115HP ETEC on order. The other fishing partner just bought a new 50 HP ETEC.

where you headed out here?

remember the snow storm we had a week ago? well I saw the effects today. estimates are cattle losses of 10-20K in western SD. I saw thousands today while I was working with crews to clear dead cows from the ditches. we didn't even try to clear pastures, there were too many. 25% of the western SD cow herd is gone. some families had a 100% loss, many over 200 head of cows in a single pasture. it sickened me to see it, I broke down when I got home. there is a fund set up, I don't have a link, but if you want to contribute it won't be hard to find. I know some of the affected families, and these are good people, so if anyone or everyone could send a prayer their way, it would mean lots.

Ryan

That really sucks for the ranchers. Thanks for the post.

I was going to post a picture of my doe loper but I think I will wait a couple of days.

Going north to check deer cams in the morning.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

remember the snow storm we had a week ago? well I saw the effects today. estimates are cattle losses of 10-20K in western SD. I saw thousands today while I was working with crews to clear dead cows from the ditches. we didn't even try to clear pastures, there were too many. 25% of the western SD cow herd is gone. some families had a 100% loss, many over 200 head of cows in a single pasture. it sickened me to see it, I broke down when I got home. there is a fund set up, I don't have a link, but if you want to contribute it won't be hard to find. I know some of the affected families, and these are good people, so if anyone or everyone could send a prayer their way, it would mean lots.

I met with a gentleman today, he has a friend who has lost over 500, they were cow/calf pairs. I asked him how a rancher recovers from something like this, he said insurance may pay for half of what they lost, but they will more than likely have to start over, with half of what they had.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

remember the snow storm we had a week ago? well I saw the effects today. estimates are cattle losses of 10-20K in western SD. I saw thousands today while I was working with crews to clear dead cows from the ditches. we didn't even try to clear pastures, there were too many. 25% of the western SD cow herd is gone. some families had a 100% loss, many over 200 head of cows in a single pasture. it sickened me to see it, I broke down when I got home. there is a fund set up, I don't have a link, but if you want to contribute it won't be hard to find. I know some of the affected families, and these are good people, so if anyone or everyone could send a prayer their way, it would mean lots.

dayum....just dayum...

Originally Posted by TJAY

Ryan

That really sucks for the ranchers. Thanks for the post.

I was going to post a picture of my doe loper but I think I will wait a couple of days.

Going north to check deer cams in the morning.

Don't let my post stop you from sharing, drop a prayer if you can.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Going north to check deer cams in the morning.

I'm anxiously awaiting the "up north" pics. I have two cam's out and I can't wait to see what's on em.

Then we'll move them to a few more spots. The good thing about being 180 miles from the cameras is we don't go check em very often.

T ya should check out the trail cams that send images straight to your computer it is a trip.

Guy I know has one and he spends hours just watching his site lol. A bit spendy though I think this is the one he has...

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=691330

Originally Posted by big drift

T ya should check out the trail cams that send images straight to your computer it is a trip.

Guy I know has one and he spends hours just watching his site lol. A bit spendy though I think this is the one he has...

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=691330

That is cool as hell, but, sadly, I would probably not be able to hunt if I bought one and added it to our cell plan. My wife (a CPA, and a little retentive) would likely break one (or both) of my legs.

She rolled her eyes when I got a regular game-cam and said " you seem to shoot a deer or two every year, will this help you shoot more?"

I have the one woman who uses LOGIC?!?!?!?!? Need has nothing to do with deer hunting. If only she had 200 pair of shoes or something, then she'd understand.......

I resolved the issue by getting mine into deer hunting. she admits she's not as gung-ho as I am, but it's given her an understanding.

I would LOVE one of those cameras, but I don't think it's feasible where I'm at.

Originally Posted by goalie

She rolled her eyes when I got a regular game-cam and said " you seem to shoot a deer or two every year, will this help you shoot more?"

My wife rolls her eyes everytime I buy camo. I always get the same line. "You shot a deer wearing jeans, a blue flannel shirt, red hat with sunglasses on top with a BOW from the ground! Why do you NEED all this stuff!" (Referring to the time I snuck up on a doe that was feeding behind an island of trees in the middle of a hayfield)

Hey! Hunters need STUFF Maaaaaaan!

I saw pics yesterday of the cows in SD. Poor things. Made me sick to my stomach.

Prayers to all those affected in SD. Just plain frustration that there was nothing that could be done.

On a better note, we are preparing for another epic goose hunt this weekend. If all goes well, it will be like last weekend where we shot 24 by 830 am. With the poor pheasant numbers I am expecting, this might be the best hunt of the year! Good luck to anyone who will be chasing the wily ringneck this weekend and I am looking forward to some reports. Dave, since you dont have them up there, how about a timber chicken report?

Sharp tail numbers seem fine, huns are on a rebound as well, ruff grouse seems down considerably.

Woodcock numbers average or better.

(personal observances)

I would agree with both of your assessments on the the thunder chicken and woodcock. Last weekend in the woods we didn't see a grouse, flush a grouse, or even hear a flush. But even just driving on the logging roads, there were woodcock everywhere. Possibly the most I've ever seen.

If a guy wanted to, he could have filled a few limits just walking down the road without a dog.

Ruffie numbers, north of the border report !

8 hours spent chasing them this season, only 2 seen (other than the 4 in the neighbours front yard) & only 1 n the bag !!

Never known it this bad.

Have seen 3 spruce grouse, but we usually pass them up.

Luckily, lots of deer !!!!!!

Maybe, we don't need 8, this year, now though !!!

We did donate a hindquarter to our outfitter buddy, though.

Got to keep that guy happy !

Paul.

Speaking of pheasants, I bet the storm in SD did them no favors either

We put on several miles on the ATV's up by Blackduck last weekend and did not see one grouse. I was surprised.

I did the same thing in the Bigfork area and never saw a bird.

Cool misty day up nort.

I'd like to send out a huge thanks to Mule1 for the 220 swift dies and the sample pack of 224 bullets.

He even included a shell holder, these are very nice dies.

Thank you very much.

Here too. I worked this morning then Mr. Jack had a football game. They won 26-0 against a tough Andover team. I think Andover only got two first downs on us. Things got chippy from Andover. Probably because they've not lost before. We have one game left and if we the Centennial Falcons are undefeated. It was a fun game to watch, but burrrrr, it was chilly with the wind and drizzle.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cool misty day up nort.

I'd like to send out a huge thanks to Mule1 for the 220 swift dies and the sample pack of 224 bullets.

He even included a shell holder, these are very nice dies.

Thank you very much.

you got a swift?

Here a few pictures from out trip to put up some trail cams and build a blind.

This is from the blind looking over the beaver pond. There is a heavy trail to the NW, which is across the pond you can see there.
[Linked Image]

More from the same area. Looking all the way across the pond, there is a dead tree, kind of left-center, with some orange leaves above it... that is where the camera is hung with a trail running along the pond and another intersecting it coming off the hill in the background.
[Linked Image]

A big, wet, bear crossing the clear cut on the way out of the woods.

I think the rain pants I had on made me hotter and wetter than if I didn't wear em.

] [Linked Image]

Here are a couple shots April took on the way out.
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Her favorites.
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T if those pics don't get everyone fired up for hunting season then nothing will

Thanks. I'm hoping the ones I put up next week will be better. The one's with a big, rutty'ish, stinky, turdy point buckch, on them.

Here are a couple of deer Cam Pictures from our area of the Superior National Forest.

I also got some deer pictures but they are all forks and spikes and does..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cool misty day up nort.

I'd like to send out a huge thanks to Mule1 for the 220 swift dies and the sample pack of 224 bullets.

He even included a shell holder, these are very nice dies.

Thank you very much.

You welcome Dave. We'll all be waiting for a pic of the little man and his deer!

Here is the Loper doe from Wyoming. As you can see this was two days before the snow.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Here are a couple of deer Cam Pictures from our area of the Superior National Forest.

Oooooh, puppies!!!!!

Is that a dead deer or a wolf laying on the ground?

Did you have any pictures of deer?

tzone

That is a wolf rolling on the salt block.

Lots of deer pictures. This is about the biggest.

Utah and Oregon.

Ryan prayers send to all the families that lost livestock. May come through SD on the way home.

Made it to Utah on Saturday. Took I90 to I35S to I80 West. Saw gas as low as $2.99 in Omaha to nearly $4.00 in Wyoming. Made it to Sidney,NE the first day. Hit dense fogr, black ice and snow just East of Cheyenne.

Will stay in Ogden until Thursday with my BIL than head over to Portland.

Well, we're 4 days away from deer hunting! Minnesota's Early Antlerless season opens this Thursday morning down in Southeastern Minnesota. JustOneGunner and myself will be making an assault on the deer herd down there. Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to scout, so Thursday will be "recon while hunting". Maybe the Red Gods will smile on us and bring a couple baldies in front of our 870's. I was going to buy at least one extra tag, but decided to hold off, being we didn't get a chance to go down and scout.

Oh yeah, it's started all ready-waking up in the middle of the night, wondering where I put my compass, did I ever find the cup for that Thermos bottle? Where's my danged drag rope?

On the way to work, I find my eyes searching the woods lines more intently for that flicker of movement, that flash of white bone as that little 6 point I've been eyeballing all spring slips back into the cornfield. My world is changing before my very eyes, as the geese move in ever larger flocks, the squirrels prepare for the onset of cold weather. I'm noticing the buck rubs right out along the road now too.

The eye of the hunter doesn't miss these things. Good times and great memories can't be far behind.

Originally Posted by eh76

you got a swift?

Ya mon.

Hey Tom, great pictures! You found some fall color that the wind hasn't ripped loose from the trees!

well the dadgum geese overslept on us this weekend. we waited until 11 am and finally gave up. when we got back to the truck, they were pouring into the field! Such is hunting.

The day was rainy, so we only hunted a 15 acre field for pheasants. This field has great habitat so if we were going to find birds, there would likely be some here. Saw 13 and got 1. I passed up 2 others that were pretty young. They got up before I found the one I shot, so I gave them a pass. All in all, pretty optimistic for a half hour of hunting!

Oh, and my dad shot a fantastic wood duck he is going to have mounted!

Dave,

I'll bet the color is gone now! it was real windy that day. The maples were the only thing with color left. The popples were bare already.

I'll be in the bushes on the youth hunt/doe hunt, but I'll be scouting. Wearing orange of course. I'll try to flush some birds so I can pop one if I'm lucky. April and I are going to be tent camping at the deer camp. It'll be a chilly one but I'm excited. I haven't done that for a long time.

Gopher, good luck to you both. As you know, there is a stand being maintained for you guy in my country too, if you don't connect in either spot. Our are is either sex, so if we have an open tag we can fill it. Jack will be up on the second weekend too. He's excited becaue I bought him some camo insulated bibs.

Jack and I got up early yesterday and moved the wood from the oaks that had to be cut in my yard, from the front yard to the back. There was frost on the roof of the house. It put a bounce in my step thats for sure.

The sun hangs low in the sky for a lot of the morning, the leaves here are on fire, the grass is turning brown, the geese are meeting their demise in the lake across the road from my house, deer tracks are present in my yard....

I can't think of anything but where they're crossing the trail. How am I going to hunt the NE wind in the Pecker Stand? Will Andy pop one early from The Fort? Is Jeff's stand still going to have the hot rubs? Am I going to have to drag the 230 pounder across the beaver dam myself?

These things are going through my brain instead of concrete and steel!

Originally Posted by TJAY

tzone

That is a wolf rolling on the salt block.

Just a wild guess here but I bet you get no more pics of deer licking that block until you get a good hard rain!

Cool pictures!

Rooster7

The deer were back around the salt block that evening. Took a couple of days before they licked the block.

I screwed up and got an H&R Talo-Trapper handi-rifle in .44 mag.

Now I have to choose what I want to use opener morning. Logic and reason tells me the Tikka .308 is a no-brainer. It is very accurate and has a Zeiss on it, but those flying ashtrays coming out of the little .44 mag have me intrigued, and with the Weaver Classic 4x on it, I could hold about and inch-and-a-half at 100, which would be a longish shot where I hunt.

I'll need to shoot the .44 a few more times and make sure it holds zero before I hunt it, so I guess I have some time to decide.

Buy a doe tag and use both!

See, that was easy!

I need me one of those .

Uuuuurp. UuuuuuuRRRRp!

Flying ashtrays-I like that! I've got a Marlin lever in .44 Mag that just may see some woods time this fall. I've once again been invited to join T-Zone for an invasion of the Duluth area for the 2nd weekend. Considering 6 feet is a long shot up there, the little .44 is well suited to that kind of hunting. 'Can't wait to bleed this little gun, as I haven't done that yet. I'm just debating putting a bayonet on it for the close shots.....

snort...a bayonet.

I like that gun Goalie. Actually, I like Jeff's too. I had a Ruger 77/44, that I fell in love with the first time I held it. The problem was I couldn't get it to do more than pattern with factory ammo. Groups were unheard of.

I'd like to congratulate my little buddies on the Centennial Falcons little league football team. They had their final game tonight in adverse weather conditions, against the best team they faced yet, out of Andover. The Andover football program has a tough group of kids. They really play tough, old school football. But the Falcons brought them a little something the last two games.

We finished 8-0 with pretty much the same group of kids we had last year when we went 1-7.

My little buddy had his best game as well tonight. He had a pile of tackles, 3 sacks, and knocked out a fumble that the Falcons recovered. After a booming hit that made all the parents oooh and aaah, and cringe, Jack ran off the field and announced " I introduced him to some grass!"

All the boys played great this season and it was a blast to be a part of it.

Originally Posted by tzone

snort...a bayonet.

I like that gun Goalie. Actually, I like Jeff's too. I had a Ruger 77/44, that I fell in love with the first time I held it. The problem was I couldn't get it to do more than pattern with factory ammo. Groups were unheard of.

I REALLY wanted a 77/44, but a buddy had the same issue. And he couldn't mess around with COL and re-load anything that wouldn't fit in the damn magazine either.

This thing is super compact, and a 100% hunting gun. It shot my re-loads for my Super Blackhawk revolver great. I wasn't going to screw around with loads (240 grain Hornady XTP, 23.5 grains W296 and a CCI magnum large pistol primer seems to work fine) but, in a moment of weakness, I ordered a few hundred of the 44mag leverlution bullets to try out as well.

I need to try the leverlutiong bullets because I need to make this puppy into a 150-200 yard gun.....since my longest shot out of the last dozen or so deer is probably 85 yards......

Originally Posted by tzone

After a booming hit that made all the parents oooh and aaah, and cringe, Jack ran off the field and announced " I introduced him to some grass!"

Sweeeeeet!!!!!

Tell him congratulations.

Tom-I talked to you about this before. THAT'S the way the game was meant to be played. I got the opportunity to see Tom's boy in action this season. The boy's just got a nose for the ball. Gotta love the toughness and attitude. This kid's gonna but the hurt on some kids and make them think about playing badminton instead of football!

He was full of funny last night. We were playing in the yard before we left for the game and he was playing QB and told me this; "dad I know you can run very well but you're going to really have to hustle on this play, there is a lot of moves."

Congrats to the boys Tom! 8 - 0 wow! What a season!

Hey when you were up at the beaver pond, did you see anything on your cameras that make your socks go up and down?

Originally Posted by TJAY

Here is the Loper doe from Wyoming. As you can see this was two days before the snow.

Mmmm, bet that guy will "eat" !

Congrats,

Paul.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats to the boys Tom! 8 - 0 wow! What a season!

Hey when you were up at the beaver pond, did you see anything on your cameras that make your socks go up and down?

I haven't checked them yet, but the whole damn place makes my socks go up and down. I will check cameras this weekend, finish building the blind and get the hell out of there til I hunt it.

It's the type of place I think that needs a little pressure around it to get hot. It's NASTY to get into. Easy mile walk. It isn't that far from highway 44, probably about a mile. I really think this will be a hot spot mid-week, into the second weekend when there is hunting pressure around.

It's a funnel in the true sense of the word. There are several of them there actually. The small ridge coming down to the beaver pond, the beaver pond itself, and the transition beteen the clear cut and the swamp, funnels them to the beaver dam. If I don't screw it up, it's a good spot.

I'll not be a bit surprised if I have bears on the cam either. Im not a bear hunter, but that place scream bear country.

nice loper Tjay!

way to go Jack! keep up the hussle and putting points on the board!

I learned a valuable lesson on sunday, when in a hurry to get into the stand, don't leave arrows on the kitchen table. I had a nice evening of deer watching anyway

saw 24 does and 2 small bucks. had 11 mulie does/fawns right under me for a good 5 minutes.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

After a booming hit that made all the parents oooh and aaah, and cringe, Jack ran off the field and announced " I introduced him to some grass!"

Sweeeeeet!!!!!

Tell him congratulations.

Yah, I love it, too !

Paul.

I had my best bow stand to date figured out about 6 years ago. It was a beautiful funnel on a powerline right of way.

I got to the tree, shimmied up, pulled my bow up, and reached into my pack for the release. "crap, where's my release, I put it right in the...."

Back down the tree, spooking several deer on the way back to the truck and went for coffee.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

nice loper Tjay!

way to go Jack! keep up the hussle and putting points on the board!

I learned a valuable lesson on sunday, when in a hurry to get into the stand, don't leave arrows on the kitchen table. I had a nice evening of deer watching anyway

saw 24 does and 2 small bucks. had 11 mulie does/fawns right under me for a good 5 minutes.

BTDT,

3 weekends ago, to sight in / check rifles, in a local pit, arrived without the magazine for my Savage 99 & then opened up my wife's 7mm-08 case................ Trigger lock still on & keys in my undies draw, back home !

Went again yesterday & left the brick of ammo, for 1 rifle, in my hunting tub/tote from my moose hunt !

Did get to attend to the 7mm-08 this time though.

Paul.

Man I feel better I thought I was the only one did this stuff:-)

Thanks

Wife and I both like antelope meat. We think the only better wild game is moose but we do like it all.

Number 2 loper was a fawn someone had shot the front leg off and let get away. Did not get any pictures of that one. Knew something was wrong when it stood about 220 yards away just looking at us. Then it limped a couple of steps at stood broadside.

Have to make a trip to the range also to get the deer guns ready. We have put the long range ones away although I do have to bloody the 257 Weatherby.

You've got lots of company. Several years ago I was setting up on the range. Reached into my range bag for my shells only to discover that I left them at home. Very short sight in cession that day.

The boys at Hill AFB here in Ogden have sure been burning up the jet fuel today.

I hear that Rapid City picked up 6" 0f fresh snow.

Originally Posted by mule1

Man I feel better I thought I was the only one did this stuff:-)

Paul.

I really like certain calibers of the NEF Handi rifles. The 45/70 and 30-30 seem to be the best of them accuracy wise.Two years ago I went thru three Ruger auto carbines,one Ruger lever carbine,two NEF Handi rifles,one was a trapper,a Rossi single like a Handi rifle and a Ruger 77/44. I NEVER could get any .44 magnum rifle to shoot decent accuracy at 100 yards. My Ruger Super Redhawk will shoot a bowling pin every time at 100 yards.I just never could get any .44 msgnum rifle to shoot like I wanted it to. I wish you better luck.
Now my 45/70 Handi rifle is a dream and will drop a deer on the spot.
I like single shot rifles.Right now I have a Rossi single shot in .308 which I have been considering selling if anyone is interested.
Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Two years ago I went thru three Ruger auto carbines,one Ruger lever carbine,two NEF Handi rifles,one was a trapper,a Rossi single like a Handi rifle and a Ruger 77/44. I NEVER could get any .44 magnum rifle to shoot decent accuracy at 100 yards.

What do you consider "decent" accuracy? I didn't do anything to the Talo Trapper other than float the forend with a neoprene washer and a little sanding, and it is going a little under 2" at 100 with no load workup at all, just shooting my Super Blackhawk ammo. I am hoping the leverlution bullets tighten it up a little.

Were you shooting cast? I only shoot jacketed, and I've heard that they shoot less finicky with jacketed bullets.

Stan, have you looked at E. Arthur Brown single shot rifles? They are a local gun manufacturer and I have heard nothing both positive things about them. They have a website (eabco.com). Look for their Model 97D rifles. They can make it in 44 mag. Give them a call as they are supposed to really be shooters.

Berettaman,yes I have looked at EAB rifles. Fine good looking pieces they are.
goalie,I shot both jacketed and cast bullets. 2" would be acceptable to me and I am proud that you can achieve such good accuracy with the trapper. Hang on to it. You got a good one.

Stan in SC

Early antlerless starts tomorrow. JustOneGunner and I will be heading south at about 4 a.m. for an assault on the baldies down southeast. Haven't scouted, so we're going blind. Any day in the woods beats any day at work!

You got that right! Are you coming home each night?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Early antlerless starts tomorrow. JustOneGunner and I will be heading south at about 4 a.m. for an assault on the baldies down southeast. Haven't scouted, so we're going blind. Any day in the woods beats any day at work!

Good luck guys I hope you put the smacking hammer down on some slick heads and become strap assassins kill em and grill em ( there I got the Waddel/Nugget out of my system)

Good Luck Gopher!

Originally Posted by mule1

Man I feel better I thought I was the only one did this stuff:-)

You're not the only one that feels better! I once found a new spot on public land that the DNR planted a corn field plot on for the pheasants and deer. It was surrounded by red brush and willow. It looked prime and no sign of man in there. I hurried home, de-scented, threw on the camo and grabbed my bow and drove back over there. I got ready to go for a stalk with my face in the wind and realized my quiver and arrows were at home in the garage. Wa Wa Wa Waaaaaaaah

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Berettaman,yes I have looked at EAB rifles. Fine good looking pieces they are.
goalie,I shot both jacketed and cast bullets. 2" would be acceptable to me and I am proud that you can achieve such good accuracy with the trapper. Hang on to it. You got a good one.

Stan in SC

Yeah, I am happy with it. After figuring out the forend thing with the youth model .223 I bought, and seeing how seating depth made the difference between 4-5" 100 yard groups and 1-2" 100 yard groups, I figured I would try the .44 mag. I am not into casting or shooting hard-cast, so I figured why not?

I had read that the "overbore"/accuracy issues were older ones, and usually related to shooting cast bullets, so when I saw the Talo I jumped. Sounds like I landed "lucky."

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Early antlerless starts tomorrow. JustOneGunner and I will be heading south at about 4 a.m. for an assault on the baldies down southeast. Haven't scouted, so we're going blind. Any day in the woods beats any day at work!

Good luck. Stalk silent, shoot straight.

True dat !!

Wishing you guys luck & hoping you put the smack on a couple of baldies !

Paul.

Finances dictate those lovely one day "power trips" so we'll be back home tomorrow night some time around 8-9 p.m. Hopefully with a roof rack full of slickies.

It sounds like you'll have a nice cool morning too.

best of luck gopher!

Good luck Jeff!

Possible snow on Friday lows of 28 up here...finish fixing stands and go shoot rifles. Just enough teasing to get the blood flowing in young teen boys

gophergunner

Shoot strait and shoot often.

Good Luck

We are actually tent camping this weekend.

Originally Posted by TJAY

gophergunner

Shoot strait and shoot often.

Good Luck

Thanks guys! The gear's all packed. The sammiches are made, the coffee's ready to go. 4 a.m. can't come soon enough! All most feel like I'm cheatin' on everyone by going this early! Reports to follow.

The Chickenbuck Nation will be represented tomorrow, as I will be proudly wearing my Camp Chickenbuck T-shirt as I search for slickies. Actually, I'd be much happier if JustOneGunner would fill his tag. This WILL be the year. He's following in his dad's footsteps, as it took me 10 years to fill my first tag, and this is his 10th seaon of deer hunting. Good luck son!

Good luck Eric!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

The Chickenbuck Nation will be represented tomorrow, as I will be proudly wearing my Camp Chickenbuck T-shirt as I search for slickies. Actually, I'd be much happier if JustOneGunner would fill his tag. This WILL be the year. He's following in his dad's footsteps, as it took me 10 years to fill my first tag, and this is his 10th seaon of deer hunting. Good luck son!

it took me a few years to even see one.

The Chickenbuck Nation was represented in South Carolina on Wednesday. My neighbor invited me to hunt with him on his new lease. I had a good spot but he had a better one. I was really tickled to be there when he got his second ever deer. A frontal shot at 30 yards with a 7MM/08 and she dropped like a rock.
Later when we dropped her off at the processor they found the bullet just under the skin around the ribcage.
Yes,I WAS wearing my Camp Chickenbuck hat.

Stan in SC

Perspective observation of the week.

Obamacare rolled out over 2 weeks ago.

It's kind of a big deal. What I mean is, everybody knows about it. Very few Americans do not know about obamacare.

This thread here, nestled into a specific category within a forum that appeals to a specific lifestyle and specific interests...

This thread is hidden, people have to happen across it like a 4 leaf clover that they found on accident.

This silly thread tucked away in an outdoorsman discussion forum got twice as many views in one week than Obama care has for total enrolment to date. Let me say that again. The total enrolment number for obamacare to date is a number that is less than half the amount of one weeks views for this thread. This thread, which is basically nothing more than daily small talk like you might have at a quiet small town caf�... a dozen old "regulars" talking about weather or what the grandson did yesterday.

It's just a perspective thing I thought I'd share.

Studies are showing around 36,000 folks have actually enrolled.

I'm just saying... That's a tiny number, don't you think?

Yep it is. Most don't know how to sign up. When they do the site is screwed up.
This site more fun anyway.

Kids are off of school today and tomorrow. We are going to the archery range (indoor) in a while. They can shoot here but wanted to try something different.

Oh how i cant wait to come back to some cooler temps and get into the deer stands with the kids this weekend. what an experience i've had the last 2 weeks in India, but i really miss my family and friends back home. Life is great in the U.S.A. good luck to those out hunting this weekend and be safe, i should get to touch down in minnesota in roughly 21 hours. I almost got attacked by a monkey today as well. only wildlife i seen over here almost.

We'll be glad to have you back bud.

checkin out my handy dandy long range forcaster and its sayin SNOW for my area of west central wisconsin the entire week leading up to rifle season.... well hey jack.... thats all right with me :-D, now comes the 4 weeks of finger crossing hoping it comes true haha

Do the Heikki Lunta.

Make it snow, snow, snow.

lmao. we need to be able to like posts on this forum...

"like"

I am starting to get the bug, senior doe hunt next week. Will be in the woods Thursday trough Saturday. Going to try a new area.

How do you tell the senior does from the younger does?

They have to be at least 65, so they don't run as fast.

Blue hairs?

Are you building wheelers in India?

We missed your posts. Gald you're back.

Blue hair and glasses hanging around their neck on a chain. It's usable as a drag chain.

Gotta hand it to you senior hunters, you have stuff figured out.

NEVER mess wit o'peeps.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Oh how i cant wait to come back to some cooler temps and get into the deer stands with the kids this weekend. what an experience i've had the last 2 weeks in India, but i really miss my family and friends back home. Life is great in the U.S.A. good luck to those out hunting this weekend and be safe, i should get to touch down in minnesota in roughly 21 hours. I almost got attacked by a monkey today as well. only wildlife i seen over here almost.

So I have to ask

Did you spank the attacking monkey?

Hello Group-my name is Gophergunner, and I'm a Flatlander....

Man, those river bluff hills kicked my azz yesterday. No slickies to show for our efforts, but had a great time trying not to fall off the sides of those hills. Not much public land to be found down there for the early antlerless hunt. 'Saw lots of sign, when I wasn't stapling my self to a tree to keep from rolling down the hill. We had a good time, but heard little shooting. All most all the "Zone" is private property. If we do this again I'll go down and knock on some doors beforehand. Left at 430 a.m., and back home at about 9 p.m. A long day, and my old muscles are aching, but it's a good hurt.

Goph,

Hard yards ='s effort; effort ='s success !

Back @ 'em & spank one for us !

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

How do you tell the senior does from the younger does?

They are driving Buick Lucernes.

wah-wa-wahhhh...

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hello Group-my name is Gophergunner, and I'm a Flatlander....

Man, those river bluff hills kicked my azz yesterday. No slickies to show for our efforts, but had a great time trying not to fall off the sides of those hills. Not much public land to be found down there for the early antlerless hunt. 'Saw lots of sign, when I wasn't stapling my self to a tree to keep from rolling down the hill. We had a good time, but heard little shooting. All most all the "Zone" is private property. If we do this again I'll go down and knock on some doors beforehand. Left at 430 a.m., and back home at about 9 p.m. A long day, and my old muscles are aching, but it's a good hurt.

ANY day hunting is better than a good day at work.

Sound fun. And like a reason to keep going to spin class.

(Before anyone rips me for spin-class, I would like to point out that I go to the 0930 class, and am usually the only guy there)

What the heck is spin class?

is it like this?

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What the heck is spin class?

More like this:

[Linked Image]

I wanna sit behind the one that has hair.......and eyes

So that's what a spinster looks like? Who'd have thunk?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

So that's what a spinster looks like? Who'd have thunk?

In Minnesota. In 'Sconney they look like cows on unicycles.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by eh76

you got a swift?

Ya mon.

Hey Tom, great pictures! You found some fall color that the wind hasn't ripped loose from the trees!

grouse gun?

Only if they are out past 17HMR range.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

So that's what a spinster looks like? Who'd have thunk?

In Minnesota. In 'Sconney they look like cows on unicycles.....

Just thought id let everyone know I made a fuzzy windchime last night doe came in and caught me moving started stamping her feet so I decided to put the kilt on her. Both lungs hit shoulder and and angled out the throat cutting the corotted artery. Bloody does describe. Made it all of 15 yards

Way to go! Hoping to do the same in a few minutes, just about prime time!

Hey I found you guys a buck...

[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Jh8ZjQuNfRg[/video]

Originally Posted by eh76

Hey I found you guys a buck...

[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Jh8ZjQuNfRg[/video]

Good Job Coop!

I'm sitting here debating if I should go sit in a tree in the rain and sleet and cold north wind or if I should just wait.

Timing: getting one's dock and boat lifts out less than 16 hours before the first real snowstorm of the year.

I need new waders that don't leak. I REALLY need new waders that don't leak.....

Oooh, I bet that was chilly!

We just got back from camping and scouting/camera hanging, and some of it was in a snow. We got about an 1" that stuck for a while.

The camera pics are a bit disappointing unless you have a wolf tag. We had a lot of woof's howling around us while camping, both Friday night and Saturday morning. A fair amount during the day on Saturday as well, which surprised me.

I have a spike buck on the "beaver pond" stand and a a doe or does every day on the "pecker stand." Along with wolves on the "pecker stand" nearly every day. A few of the doe pics are in daylight though...all of the wolf pics are in daylight.

Sissies...we had a heavy frost on Oct 4....

someone ought to recognize that pickup and trailers

I'd say the sissies are the guys that had to use campers.

If our frost would have been any heavier the tent would have collapsed.

...hey we have chupacabras

We got the camp set up and headed out for a little wheeler ride and to walk some trails for grouse.
[Linked Image]

Somebody else was out looking for dinner
[Linked Image]

Say "cheese"
[Linked Image]

She caught me.

This was a beautiful trail that screamed "grouse" but we didn't even flush one. Supposedly they're on a down year, and if this 3 mile walk we took was any indication....they are!

Ms. April wanted to take this pic of me.
[Linked Image]

We knew what this sky meant...it was cold already so we figured we were in for a long night.

Hot cider with vodka and a grilled cheese was waiting for me when I finished chopping wood.
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/008_zps342fb64f.jpg[/img]

Here are are a few trail cam pics.

Only a few deer I had at the "beaver pond" and I have about 30 pics of this first one from several days.
[Linked Image]

Hey! At least it's a buck.

Here is a mama deer crossing through the same trail.
[Linked Image]

I'm a bit disappointed with the date/time stamp on the Truth Cam 46. It worked for about 10 shots, then it crapped the bed.

Here are a few from the "pecker stand"

Nice big mama deer.
[Linked Image]

I'm not the only hunter in the area I guess.
[Linked Image]

Looks like a good weekend in spite of the weather, Tom.

Son left for elk camp in central Oregon today.

We're heading back to WI Monday.

Originally Posted by eh76

Sissies...we had a heavy frost on Oct 4....

This was about 16 hours after we got it all out of the water. We got about two inches before I left, this was right after it started falling.

It was 38 degrees out, water temp 49 degrees, and my waders were leaking.

I took a puck in the junk tonight from a guy who was considered to have a "heavy" shot when he played in the NHL. Didn't hurt a bit, as my nuts are somewhere between my navel and my nipples, and I probably won't see them for again until Thursday.....

I'll take any of it over a "heavy slap shot to the junk"

It was fun Bill. I also got the deer rifles dialed in as well, so now it's time to wash clothes. Lots of washing!

Looks like a great weekend Tom,

Glad somebody else still "tents".

Got about 3" here between Saturday evening & mid afternoon yesterday. Had all but disappeared by nightfall, however, all was white again this morning.

Deb sat in on of our blinds on Saturday. In before dawn, out at 10:30, back in before noon, out again at 2:30 & back in from 4:00 till 7:pm. Quite the hardcore hunter.

Saw 1 doe & got a glimse of a relly big bodied "deer" sliding across the far end of one of the trails, right on last shooting light.

Uuurph.

Paul.

Hot alcoholic Cider - now there's an excellent idea !

Paul.

Tom, what foreign land was this you were camping in? I know it can't be up by Duluth, as I can see clearly at least 10 feet in any given direction!

Is this that clear cut I hunted, or maybe the one further down the road from where we hunted a couple years ago?

Great pics! Looks like a fun weekend!

That looks awesome Tom.

I couldn't believe how many deer I saw up at the cabin. The Perham area is known to have some large-racked deer, but I usually see tons of does and a few medium-ish bucks. I saw a 7x7 on our back lot that has me considering some serious bow-hunting time in the near future.

That's a nice area.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's a nice area.

Yeah, it makes me wish we had more than 6 acres behind the cabin. It is actually set up nicely to bow-hunt, but would only really work with 2 people max for rifle. Muzzle loading is back on the table. I may try to get up and hunt my own land a little instead of only rifle at my friend's place.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Tom, what foreign land was this you were camping in? I know it can't be up by Duluth, as I can see clearly at least 10 feet in any given direction!

Is this that clear cut I hunted, or maybe the one further down the road from where we hunted a couple years ago?

It's at the end of the logging road that leads to the "beaver pond" stand. Yes, it's a large clear cut, about 3 sections deep in various stages of cut.

It's about a mile from where I normally hunt. I don't think you've been down there.

My "walk in only" has been compromised by a knuckle head. There was wheeler tracks around the boulders and sign placed in the trail. I'm sure I'll get the blame since I was camped there and had the wheeler with me. Pizzes me off. That was the big attraction for me to that spot.

I'm still 100% positive nobody will find my blind or stand sites because it's a bitch of a walk. Like, I really don't want to get in there type of walk, but I know there are deer in there, even if there are only a few on cam there. It's a classic funnel and once the shooting starts, I have no doubt the deer will be in there.

Daughter says we had snow flurries today back in WI. We pulled into Butte, MT for the night. Snow in the mountains around Butte. Think we're going to drop down into into WY and SD tomorrow. Motel rooms are easier to come by in SD. Rooms in Eastern MT and Western ND are hard to come by due to the oil strike.

Bill what part of SD will you be swinging through? my guess is way north of me unfortunately.

went out bow hunting tonight, saw lots and drew 3 times on different bucks, the one I want didn't show, so I'll be going back tomorrow to try again. it does make it nice to see critters every time I go out. Dave, I think you should dust off the old bow and arrow and come out.... you and Tom can share gas

I even know a place you are welcome to stay!

We share a lot of gas. Usually around the end of November.

LOL, I have seen and contributed to this!

perhaps I shoulda said fuel?

youse guys keep your gas in hot springs...

Spent some time in your guys neck of the woods last week. Went to NoDak ducking with 3 other chaps for 5 days due east of Fergus Falls about 100 miles. Took 94 all the way up through Minnysoda. Made the obligatory stop in Rogers at Cabelas for more unnecessary hunting accoutrements. Hit Moorhead and started to remind me of my mom's little hometown a ways northeast of there. Got a ton of kin up there.

Shot 120 ducks and 16 geese between 4 of us. Had to eat A LOT of duck to stay within possession limits. Duck fajitas, duck gumbo, bacon wrapped duck, blackened duck, BBQ duck, duck chili...And while it was good, I can't eat anymore for a while. I also had some German chicken noodle soup with dumplings in it. I think they call it nepthla? Anyway, I had two bowls for lunch 3 days in a row at the cafe...it's that good.

Gonna hit it again on big water on the other side of my state this week with my son. Sort of a father/son duck camp. Special for him cause he has no school for a few days. I think the Minnysoda folks do to. Got him a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 that I cut the stock down with sort of a poly choke. I'll shoot backup with the SBEII. Looking forward to spending time together and eating duck fajitas, duck gumbo...

Ya drove right by me! Sounds like you had a good duck swatting fest! I'm not sure I like duck enough to eat it that much.

. Is "blackened duck" the stiff that was left on the grill too long during the baseball game?

We're going across MN on I90, Tom. We're in Murdo, SD tonight. There are 2 boxes of rags in the motel lobby with a sign "Hunters, these rags are for cleaning your guns and birds".

gotta love SD! you were about 60 miles from me when you went through Rapid

Originally Posted by tzone

Ya drove right by me! Sounds like you had a good duck swatting fest! I'm not sure I like duck enough to eat it that much.

. Is "blackened duck" the stiff that was left on the grill too long during the baseball game?

Yeah, we had some of that too. Actually some cajun spices on the breast then flash fried on a smoking hot cast iron fry pan for 30 seconds each side. Quite tasty. After 5 days of the stuff, duck farts kinda clear the room.

You don't even need to bring a call in the field after day 3.

I don't know what's gotten into me today. On the way into the office the new young guy was talking to a lady friend here at work. He looked at me funny so I snorted at him. He looked like he wanted to go so I chased his ass all over the office til he ran outside crying like a punk. My lady friend thought it was weird that I came back and started sniffing her.

Grunt...snort...wheeze...

don't do it...

You wanna try me punk?

Ppphhhhht, phhhhhht, fsssshhhhhhh.

grunt, grunt, rattle, rattle

darn it you guys, now i have to re-stain the door jambs again!

Getting close, eh? should we start the countdown? 17 days to go!

I just don't understand it.
If I was seeing deer everyday,
there would be venison happening.
chop, chop, sizzle, sizzle.

Thanks for the big "Welcome to MN, Bill". Rained from the time we left the motel until we hit the MN border, than it turned to snow. Some of the flakes were as large as post it notes. Ran out of the heavy stuff about 15 miles East of Worthington. Than it was occasional flurries the rest of the way.

That'll learn ya.

Y'all come back now, ya here.?

Every year I am amazed by the sheer volume of hunting stuff that I have.

It's all in the downstairs bedroom. Washed, de-scented, and in scent-lock storage bags.

My only thing left to really do is decide what rifle to use opening morning. It's all fiddle-farting around for the next few weeks. Maybe go shooting a few more times.

Opener is the 43-year old guy's Christmas.

Opener? What is this opener you speak of? Is there a ball game starting or something?

Originally Posted by tzone

Opener? What is this opener you speak of? Is there a ball game starting or something?

It's the "or something" one.

I am happy to say that I broke a seven year dry spell last evening. I used my new combo gun (Baikal 12 gauge over .308)to take a nice 8 point buck.
The last deer I got prior to this was two years before the heart bypass surgery which occurred in 2008.
Naturally I was wearing my Chickenbuck hat and got a picture of the deer with hat laying on top of him.

Stan in SC

there was nothing moving here last night, I did see one small 4 point (8 pointer for you easterners) whitetail that was 500 yards off. nothing on the road either. we'll see if I can get one tomorrow.

way to go Stan on the deer! hopefully I can shoot a WT doe in Wyoming this weekend, I'm out of deer meat and I hate to burn through all my antelope right away.

getting closer to rifle season!

That is excellent Stan!

Congratulations!

This is excellent news Stan! Very good to hear. Congratulations!

Do you have any pictures for us? I'd love to see this buck.

I'm very excited for you Stan! I had a buck drought from 98-04 and man, did it seem like forever. I'm glad you broke that spell!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there was nothing moving here last night, I did see one small 4 point (8 pointer for you easterners)

You are an easterner you knuckle-head.

maybe once upon a time....

Congratulations Stan!!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there was nothing moving here last night, I did see one small 4 point (8 pointer for you easterners)

You are an easterner you knuckle-head.

It is funny.

Even though Ryan is basically within slingshot range, once you cross the red river you count one side.

Or you do the modified version "4x4"

slingshot range of wyoming you mean?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It is funny.

Even though Ryan is basically within slingshot range, once you cross the red river you count one side.

Or you do the modified version "4x4"

I always figured that, since I have shot odd-numbered bucks before (7 and 9 total points) that the "add them up" method makes more sense than the "one side" method. 4x3 or 5x4 does work too, I guess.

Well they can't count that high over there so they go for the small numbers.

Do you ever regret not shooting a deer just so you could test out a caliber?

In 07 I had a new rifle, a Ruger 77 SS, in .358 Win. I was having a rough year. My best good friend just died, I lost my job, and I had pneumonia. On the last day of my hunt on the iron range, I had two does come in curious as heck to my coughing spells. One spooked, but the other kept coming back every time I coughed. I had the cross hairs on her a few times, but didn't have the energy to get it done.

I still wish I did.

Dangit! Now I need another .358 Win.

Good Job Stan!

I remember your heart surgery and recovery very well. Your post this morning made me smile like heck! WOOOO

Congrats Stan. Bet you were on cloud 9.

Originally Posted by tzone

Do you ever regret not shooting a deer just so you could test out a caliber?

In 07 I had a new rifle, a Ruger 77 SS, in .358 Win. I was having a rough year. My best good friend just died, I lost my job, and I had pneumonia. On the last day of my hunt on the iron range, I had two does come in curious as heck to my coughing spells. One spooked, but the other kept coming back every time I coughed. I had the cross hairs on her a few times, but didn't have the energy to get it done.

I still wish I did.

Dangit! Now I need another .358 Win.

I'd like one too. Too bad the 35 caliber isn't more popular.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

slingshot range of wyoming you mean?

Ryan, we saw quite a few speed goats and deer on Tuesday when we came through Wyoming.

Congrats Stan,

Looking forward to pics & the whole story !!

Paul.

Originally Posted by tzone

Do you ever regret not shooting a deer just so you could test out a caliber?

In 07 I had a new rifle, a Ruger 77 SS, in .358 Win. I was having a rough year. My best good friend just died, I lost my job, and I had pneumonia. On the last day of my hunt on the iron range, I had two does come in curious as heck to my coughing spells. One spooked, but the other kept coming back every time I coughed. I had the cross hairs on her a few times, but didn't have the energy to get it done.

I still wish I did.

Dangit! Now I need another .358 Win.

358wins are skookum. just picked one up off the fire a month or 2 ago, shoots in the .6's mauser x action douglass barrel :-) slapped together a generic load using 200gr interlocks 2535fps avg i can wait to smack something with it

Congrats Stan.

I've had a few of em. I just never seem to decide to shoot a deer with one in my hand. I'll have another someday. The areas I hunt here in MN are pretty perfect for one. I can only thing of two spots where I could shoot 200 yards.

gotta pack up tonite, and head out tomorrow night for the hunting grounds.
gonna take about 20 guns,and sight them all in.

probably check some spots, move a few stands,bow hunt.
Im planning on using the 450 this year,or bust.I meant to load up a few different loads,but still have some factory I got from grizzly bill that I should use.

Also going to visit Reeds sporting goods,( my mom used to babysit the owner )see whats new.
also have the last two packs of venison from last year thawed in the fridge for dinner tonite.

And,I have 18 pints of high life at my disposal.

Gimme a price check on sig P938 with walnut grips (black with walnut) Please? Looks like a baby 1911 in 9mm, single stack.

Reeds is one of the biggest Sig dealers in the state.

Originally Posted by fluffy

gotta pack up tonite, and head out tomorrow night for the hunting grounds.
gonna take about 20 guns,and sight them all in.

probably check some spots, move a few stands,bow hunt.
Im planning on using the 450 this year,or bust.I meant to load up a few different loads,but still have some factory I got from grizzly bill that I should use.

Also going to visit Reeds sporting goods,( my mom used to babysit the owner )see whats new.
also have the last two packs of venison from last year thawed in the fridge for dinner tonite.

And,I have 18 pints of high life at my disposal.

Holy cow 20 guns I had to read that three times to make sure that was right anyway sounds like fun .

Well our youth season is over took my youngest girl out Sunday . We were only able to hunt that evening (16 yr olds are busy these days) . A young spike came in down wind dispite the hair gel, lip gloss and make up she took a quartering away shot and missed cleanly
But I think she's hooked . She got pretty excited. I'm off work the first week of gun season so we'll try again.

You know what dude...I may know a guy selling one. I'l check for ya.

Sorry, I guess I don't. He said Sig is waaaaay behind on production and it may be a while until you get to see one.

Well I know where there are several on the gun shop shelf... I guess I should have acted when I saw them a week ago.

Thank you all for the well wishes.I was pretty pumped up to end the dry spell. Now my leg muscles are sore from pulling him out.
Kinda reminds me of the first few days of football practice in high school when you were sore all over for a few days.
I have a pic on my phone but I don't have pic posting savvy. I could send it by text to someone who knows how to post pictures.
Dave, as you know I work part time in a gun shop and SIG is wayyyy behind production. You might want to look at Gunbroker or one of the auction sites to find what you want. Armslist is a good one also.

Stan in SC

Dave,

A couple years ago I was looking for a p228 or p229 and Reeds had the best prices of anyone around. They used to match or beat anyones price, not sure if that is still the case.

Jeff

Stan, you need to borrow or buy a small 4 wheeler. They're great for getting deer out of the woods, where legal.

I have a sig 938 coming to me as partial trade for a classic car.... so i'm pretty excited about it... it's just that they are hard to find.

What kind of classic car?

15 days.

Originally Posted by tzone

15 days.

14 until I am up north.

I'm going with the smaller number.

15?

wow.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have a sig 938 coming to me as partial trade for a classic car.... so i'm pretty excited about it... it's just that they are hard to find.

Check that gun shop / gas station in black duck where I found my Ruger SR1911 for 6 ant a half

I like your number better. Lets go with that. I'm going up next weekend for my niece's wedding...You think I ain't going in the woods.

I went from not being up north at all this fall to being up there like 5 weekends out of 6.

My oldest daughter and I are heading to Bigfork to hang a stand or two and try to find her first grouse. I already shot two of the rifles, may bring another along to sight in. Can't hurt to have a back up to my back up.

Or...you could be like northern_dave and have a backups, to your back up, for your back up.

His truck triples in value the day before deer camp.

Way to go Stan!

I was pumped to read you dropped the hammer on one. PM me if you want me to post your pictures for ya. I only hope that your ugly mug doesnt break my photobucket account!!!

Okay, officially we are modifying the countdown to Friday the 8th as nobody is gonna be on here on Saturday anyway. 14 to go boys and girls. 14. Two touchdowns.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

14 to go boys and girls. 14. Two touchdowns.

As a viking fan, I'm not sure what this means?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

14 to go boys and girls. 14. Two touchdowns.

As a viking fan, I'm not sure what this means?

Ain't that the troof

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

14 to go boys and girls. 14. Two touchdowns.

As a viking fan, I'm not sure what this means?

Ain't that the troof

Hey we sent you Peterson we're not giving up the coach

Dave,

I was just in the local Gander and they have a 938 with the carbon fiber looking grips priced at $750.

Jeff

750 huh?

ok, that's a good reference... maybe this little shop down the road aint priced too bad then.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

14 to go boys and girls. 14. Two touchdowns.

As a viking fan, I'm not sure what this means?

Sure you do. It's when the other team's cornerback intercepts the ball and runs it into our end-zone. Twice.

gunbroker has them in the 550-600 range starting, they go up from there

Well you gotta knock off $150 if it's for sale anywhere but Gander Mt.

Dave, check out a place called Gun Stop, in Minnetonka,MN. Best gun prices I've seen.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well you gotta knock off $150 if it's for sale anywhere but Gander Mt.

Dave, check out a place called Gun Stop, in Minnetonka,MN. Best gun prices I've seen.

Good guys there. The reloading side doesn't suck either.

Ive bought 3 or 4 guns there now.I still haven't seen anyone come within $90 of what I paid for my ss ruger single 6 with both cylinders.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Well you gotta knock off $150 if it's for sale anywhere but Gander Mt.

Dave, check out a place called Gun Stop, in Minnetonka,MN. Best gun prices I've seen.

Good guys there. The reloading side doesn't suck either.

The guy that runs the reloading counter there is a total azz. I went in to ask him some questions about reloading, as I'm just getting started in it and he refused to give me any info-told me I "had to learn from my own experiece." I watched him take two phone calls, acting like he was totally annoyed that they had the audacity to call him in the first place-never said thank you or goodbye-basically hung up on both of them. He was acting like a jerk, and he'll never see another penny of my money.

I sent an e-mail to the shop detailing his total lack of customer service, and asked for a reply. Never got one of course. After I get set up for reloading, I plan on sending them copies of the receipts so they can see how much business they lost out on. I'll go buy the stuff at Gander if I have to before I'll put up with that crap.

The guy at the gun counter seems like a good person, but they lost my business due to the douche bag at the reloading counter.

that sucks to hear, I've seen cases like that where the manager goes and talks to said employee and he puts everything on the customer. saying they were the rude ones etc. manager can't really do much unless repeated complaints come in.

if you have any reloading questions I'd be happy to help you out with my limited knowledge, I've been rolling my own since '08. still have all my fingers and eyes.

all this countdown talk has made me itchin to kill a deer, but SD rifle isn't til the 16th

but then I remembered I have a deer tag in wyoming, so I'm headed there today to kill me some venison. enjoy the waiting guys!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Well you gotta knock off $150 if it's for sale anywhere but Gander Mt.

Dave, check out a place called Gun Stop, in Minnetonka,MN. Best gun prices I've seen.

Good guys there. The reloading side doesn't suck either.

The guy that runs the reloading counter there is a total azz. I went in to ask him some questions about reloading, as I'm just getting started in it and he refused to give me any info-told me I "had to learn from my own experiece." I watched him take two phone calls, acting like he was totally annoyed that they had the audacity to call him in the first place-never said thank you or goodbye-basically hung up on both of them. He was acting like a jerk, and he'll never see another penny of my money.

I sent an e-mail to the shop detailing his total lack of customer service, and asked for a reply. Never got one of course. After I get set up for reloading, I plan on sending them copies of the receipts so they can see how much business they lost out on. I'll go buy the stuff at Gander if I have to before I'll put up with that crap.

The guy at the gun counter seems like a good person, but they lost my business due to the douche bag at the reloading counter.

His name is John, and I've heard that he's been an ass ever since the "panic" started. Regardless, it isn't excusable behavior.

That said, the gun shop and reloading shop are two separate entities. They only share a space, but are owned independently.

Don't let the fact that you have to walk through the reloading area to get to the gun counter stop you from going. The guy being an ass isn't getting any of your money if you buy guns.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

if you have any reloading questions I'd be happy to help you out with my limited knowledge, I've been rolling my own since '08. still have all my fingers and eyes.

Same here. I am in Minnetonka, so actually close to Gunstop, and have not blown myself up......yet.

I started in about 1994 or so.

I have a bunch of reloading manuals etc....

Berettaman,thanks for the offer. You have a PM.
Guys, reloading is no great sorcery. You just have to be careful and pay attention to what you are doing. I would be happy to share my meager knowledge of it with anyone who needs it. If I don't know the answer WE can find it. When I started reloading my gunsmith told me it was like a hobby within a hobby and I have found that to be profoundly true.

Stan in SC

That sucks; he used to be a pretty good guy.

John at the Gun Stop is a good guy, just overly cranky. If you give it back to him you will get along just fine. He is knowledgeable and has the best inventory in town and operates over the web too. I have known him for over 20 years since when they were west of downtown Excelsior and his attitude has not changed much over that time.

gophergunner,

I have been reloading since 1964 and would be happy to be of help.
I am also in the area, Eagan, so give a holler if I can be of service.

Sorry to hear that Jeff. To tell you the truth, I think the reloading and the guns are almost two separate business. I'm not positive on that though.

I've never dealt with the reloading side since I've just recently got a kit.

ND,

I sent you a PM with three potential sources of the Sig pistol you are looking for. Several were at the MWCA gun show at the State Fairgrounds today.

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry to hear that Jeff. To tell you the truth, I think the reloading and the guns are almost two separate business. I'm not positive on that though.

I've never dealt with the reloading side since I've just recently got a kit.

They are two completely separate businesses. That is why the gun side was shut down when the owner died until the spouse sold the business, but the reloading side was still open.

You won't be giving John any money if you guy guns there.

Thanks for the info and support guys. I will be having questions once I get set up. MILES58 has been mentoring me and has got me set up with a great load for my 300 Savage. The last group I shot at 100 yards had all shots touching each other. 'Best group I've ever shot out of the 99, and that's with a K4 Weaver sitting on it.

Howard died?

It's going to be a slow process of procurement as I round up the needed equipment. I guess next on the hit list will be a case trimmer or a powder measure/dispenser. I don't have to load for anything "weird". Will be looking for dies for 30-06 and 7mm-08. I'll be bugging you guys with questions as I get a little closer here. Do any of the Minnesota boys know where I can get a pound of Varget? I owe MILES58 a pound of powder and some bullets for his components that I used. I checked Fleet Farm the other day, and they carry Varget, but are out of it. My son JustOneGunner runs a couple AR platform rifles, so I suppose I might end up loading for that some day too.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

It's going to be a slow process of procurement as I round up the needed equipment. I guess next on the hit list will be a case trimmer or a powder measure/dispenser. I don't have to load for anything "weird". Will be looking for dies for 30-06 and 7mm-08. I'll be bugging you guys with questions as I get a little closer here. Do any of the Minnesota boys know where I can get a pound of Varget? I owe MILES58 a pound of powder and some bullets for his components that I used. I checked Fleet Farm the other day, and they carry Varget, but are out of it. My son JustOneGunner runs a couple AR platform rifles, so I suppose I might end up loading for that some day too.

I have some nice 30-06 dies for you that have been sitting on the shelf since I quit shooting a Garand in service rifle matches. PM me. They are RCBS and the price is your gas to get 'em.

I use a manual case-trimmer, and the RCBS powder measure that comes with the Rock Chucker reloading kit, with a micrometer attachment. For most of my rifle rounds, I throw the charge a little low and use a trickler to make them all uniform.

I have an unopened pound of 4064 as well, which is a great all-around powder for 30-06 (not sure about 7mm-08, as I don't load it). I am more using RE15 for rifle and W296/Power Pistol for .44mag and 9mm these days. Varget has been a PITA to get, and RE15 was good enough for the AMU to load with for a long time, so I doubt if it's holding me back in .223

Originally Posted by bucktail

Howard died?

http://www.dingmannfuneral.com/obits/obituary.php?id=56589

I have an extra case trimmer you can have. It just needs a new cutter, and it might be missing a pilot or 2. I'll look if your interested. I live in St Michael, so I can meet you at cabela's if you're in the neighborhood.

Jeff, I got my Varget from Cabela's. There is a place up here I can check for you too. I'm guessing they have it, since it's Mile's favorite gun shop.

I can take a look tomorrow if I think of it. It's on my way home from work.

If you get it from Gun Stop, I'm going to piss myself laughing. Sorry Jeff....but that would be good humor.

Some folks are always looking for an excuse to piss themselves...

I'll probably be doing it enough tonight during the football game

[quote=Stan_in_SC]Berettaman,thanks for the offer. You have a PM.
Guys, reloading is no great sorcery. You just have to be careful and pay attention to what you are doing. I would be happy to share my meager knowledge of it with anyone who needs it. If I don't know the answer WE can find it. When I started reloading my gunsmith told me it was like a hobby within a hobby and I have found that to be profoundly true.

1 + I started reloading when my dad ordered a Lee Load All shot gun loader when I was 12. I wore that dang thing smooth out got a MEC for Christmas several years later then started metallic loading. I've never kilt a deer with factor ammo . I use IMR 4350 in my 7mm08 and 243

]

Went smoke pole hunting this am this is the 8 pt I have posted pics of.

Stan the mans lucky hat ! I'll be guiding for the Mrs. tonight .

Lost access to reloading equipment when my old buddy hung it up. Still have about 100 rounds of 06 to go through.

Raked leaves for the second time today and mowed the lawn for the last time.

Trick Or Treating just started and goes to 7:00 tonight. Have to run and hand out candy.

Thanks for all the generous offers guys. I'll be in touch soon. I posted on this early, but what pushed me down this path finally, was the fact that Remington discontinued their 180 gr. Round Nose loading for my 300 Savage. Of all the factory loads I tried, that one always shot the best. Now, I see 300 Savage ammo is in the $34.00 to $40.00 per box range. Time to roll my own. When the stuff starts getting as expensive as Weatherby ammo, it's time to make a change.

ALL ammo is getting almost prohibitively expensive and hard to get. A further reason to start reloading.
The only lead smelter in this country just shut down according to what I have heard. Where does that leave us?

Stan in SC

Nice buck Mule! Congrats!

Hey B-man where is Stan's buck pic??

Nice buck! Congrats

Dave,Reeds didnt have that sig in blue/walnut,but they did have "most other flavors", the one he showed me had a tag of $759.

I picked up a Ruger American in 22-250 for my son for $320.mounted a scope and shot a few times to get it close before I handed it over

[Linked Image]

I'm starting to really like what I seem from those ruger Americans!
Do they make em in a lefty version?

I picked up a tc impact muzzle loader ot fleet on Friday. The had a good price on just the rifle. I have all or most of the other gear a guy needs for them. I don't know if I'll be able to go during black powder season or not, but at least now I can.

The black powder deer season in South Carolina is sandwiched in between archery and rifle season. Archery first for 30 days, black powder for 15 days and then gun season. Is it the same there, Tom? I know some states put archery and muzzle loader after rifle season.

Stan in SC

Muzzle-loading is after rifle here. Bow starts early and runs through the end of the year

Hi Stan.

Did anybody post your deer pictures yet?

Stan, our archery season opens mid Sept and stays open until nearly the end of Dec. It remains open through rifle and black powder seasons. Rifle comes first, typically the second Saturday in Nov is opener. Different parts of the state have different length of rifle season. The longer rifle zones are typically 2 full weeks plus a couple days. Black powder opens usually the weekend after rifle is all closed up. You can legally hunt with black powder during the rifle season. During rifle season there are no optics restrictions for black powder. But during black powder season you have to have a medical reason to legally hunt with a scope on a mzl loader.

MZL loader season usually runs till around Christmas, archery typically stays open a little beyond mzl loader.

Stan,

Goalie nailed it. Blackpowder season starts the weekend after rifle/shotgun season ends. It's a nice time to be in the woods. It's nearly void of hunters. The problem is a lot of the deer are pretty skittish by then.

Hunting out in the winter wonderland is some of my favorite hunting though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

. Rifle comes first, typically the second Saturday in Nov is opener.

It does? I wasn't aware of this. I need to get going. Why didn't anyone tell me about the season you speak of?

muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp murp murp.

Lanterns are filled, and the bacon and other tasty meats have been ordered.

Going to have Elk steaks and roast on the menu this year.

I have a couple pounds of thick cut bacon in the freezer, one pepper and one maple.

I have a lot to do before opener. I think I'll start chipping away at my to do list this week.

Originally Posted by bucktail

I have an extra case trimmer you can have. It just needs a new cutter, and it might be missing a pilot or 2. I'll look if your interested. I live in St Michael, so I can meet you at cabela's if you're in the neighborhood.

Boy, that's a generous offer. PM sent.

Tzone, when are you coming to chickenbuck hunting? muzzle season? dave, hows camp coming?we cleaned ours this weekend to start getting ready. alot to do yet for some. tis' almost like crhistmas season theres so much to do..why doesnt this ever change. suppose to get easier, always more to do.

Getting so that my family loves deer opener more then christmas.

Been trying to get ready for the last couple weeks, stands all ready, gear washed and ready, guns sighted in, licenses paid for, landowner chatted with, one big buck scouted out

Even scattered about 3 out of 4 kids are really into opener. The 4th well she likes to sleep in and prefers to just walk and help on deer drives...

I am gonna start pre cooking stew, chili, and chicken and wild rice soup before opener so we just have to leave it in the crock pot

Lord I do love this time of the year...mmmmrppp snorrttt grrunnnttt...

Buschy,

I'm not sure when I'm coming up. I'm hoping to make if for black powder. Money is a bit tight right now, so we'll see.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

. But during black powder season you have to have a medical reason to legally hunt with a scope on a mzl loader.

well.. technically.
All you really need to have is presbyopia,which means you need reading glasses,or wear bifocals.
Ive had a scope permit for years.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

. But during black powder season you have to have a medical reason to legally hunt with a scope on a mzl loader.

well.. technically.
All you really need to have is presbyopia,which means you need reading glasses,or wear bifocals.Hey-I gotta check into that. The open sights are getting challenging for me too. (Well, at least it's a good excuse......)
Ive had a scope permit for years.

Dave, I haven't heard from Berettaman.He must be busy. I will text a picture to your cell.I hope it is still the same number.Thank you.
Deer Seasons in South Carolina.
Bascially we have low country and up state.
Upstate is where I am and basically we run 30 days behind low country.Our rifle opened October 1st.
You may hunt with bow or muzzle loader during rifle season if you prefer and there is no optics limitation rule on muzzle loaders.

Stan in SC

Here is Mr Stan's streak breaker!

Nice work Stan! He looks DELICIOUS!!

Thank you,Dave.I WAS wearing my lucky Chickenbuck hat.

Stan in SC

Heckova a nice looking buck Stan!

Hey Dave-
Will you be doing another Chickenbuckwear order this winter?

Dang, everybody who wears a chickenbuck hat are getting deer.. Me thinks i see a trend starting...

ND if this continues you might have to have a quick order before MN opener.. To help the guys out who have not been so lucky in years past.. HINT HINT LOL..

Congrats Stan....Looks like Tender Vittles...:)

Ppphhhhht. pppffffffftt. phfhhhhffffff.

uuuuuuuurrrp! UuuuurrrrrrP!

At first i taught it vas vone of da boys, but it vas a no good brudder in law man, from Ill-a-noise.

Does anyone else have the newest trend going. I think I just started it.

Yep, you guessed it. The deer camp uni-brow. Who's with me? Ernie? Bert?

I am blond. When I burned my eyebrows off in a Webber grill accident, nobody noticed......

Originally Posted by goalie

I am blond. When I burned my eyebrows off in a Webber grill accident, nobody noticed......

I wonder if that's what happened to all my hair? All I remember was telling Ole, "hold my beer while a light the fire". Next thing I knew the SOB's dumping steak sauce on my head......

Great buck, Stan. Good eats and memories.

My propane tank is filled, loaded in the back of the truck. As are my salt blocks, trail cam, some camp supplies...

Heading to the shack after work today.

get that road fixed up dave, we want to come out and visit. Nothing better than getting out in the woods, another week to go. First time ever i took a week off to hunt, i cant wait. i wouldnt now but i gots to use my vacation time up. what better time to use it.

My humble apologies Stan. I was busy out hunting with the boys this weekend and just didnt get a chance to check the forum. then yesterday, I got called out to a site in the cities and couldnt check. I am glad you got that beast posted! Nice buck!

Da buckhs ve vone in pocker are da only buckhs ve got. Ve spent two veeks in deer camp and nevar fired a shot.

Originally Posted by SSB

Congrats Stan....Looks like Tender Vittles...:)

+ 1,

My thoughts exactly.

Stan, you da Man !

Seeing that hat over the exit wound (?), reminds me of my Mum & our (grown up now) children in the bath pics !

She would always, discretely place a face washer over their "privates" !

Smiling while recalling this memory.

Paul.

an icy breeze is blowin in tru da tongue n groove. Mah pants are frozen to da floor n am too sick ta move

Why are your pants on the floor ?

Inquiring minds .........

Paul.

Rufus stumbed tru da door he say he got a buckh. He killt it by da wayside, he hid it wit his truckh. Moostie cracks a been and says "its time to cell-a-brate!!! Rufus got da first buckh since 1968.

Youpers ?

Bingo.

Mucko's in da vood box, Eener's passed out on da stove... His flannel shirt is smoking, I vunder if he knows?

"It's the second week of deer camp, and we ain't got no deer....."

I woke up in dab outhouse wit two tousand empty beers. I came looking fir a cold one an musta passed out here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My propane tank is filled, loaded in the back of the truck. As are my salt blocks, trail cam, some camp supplies...

Heading to the shack after work today.

Hope yar takin' this ole gurl ?

Paul

She's sitting out there, parked in that same spot. Battery is out of her and she needs a new clutch really bad.

ole betty lou, she vas da vone. An ak57 double laser, triple barrle, uzi-scoped, heat seakin shot gun.

Originally Posted by tzone

At first i taught it vas vone of da boys, but it vas a no good brudder in law man, from Ill-a-noise.

eaaaaaaaaaaaaasy now!!! were not all bad!

Originally Posted by tzone

ole betty lou, she vas da vone. An ak57 double laser, triple barrle, uzi-scoped, heat seakin shot gun.

heavy emphasis on "heeet seeeeking shot gun"

Are you a no-gooder-inlaw brudder?

bedder den a no gooder inbred n law i tink!

I interrupt this tribute to deer camp to bring you a rooster update:

[Linked Image]

Okay, carry on folks. 10 days to go! Wahooooooooo! Got a decent buck, maybe 2 on the trail cam.

No ducks down here yet. Dave, do you have any up there?

Didcha see da turdy pointer, didcha see da turdy pointer?

The chebby tok a chit!

I remember playing poker-dat veasel must have won! He's wearin' my new swampers, and sleeping wit my gun!

bucks as big as buicks! the venison off one superior buck will feed da whole state of wisconsin

I'm a deer hunter how do you do. I got a deer hunting rappin tale for you.

Ice in da svamp eh? Yah.

Just not enuff to holt a man up.

hahaha!! dave you poor bastard, i shot a good pipline porter out of my nose when this picture pulled up! only cause i did same damn thing last weekend at the farm. I betcha you said... how is it possible that this water feels colder than a bath tub full of ice cubes... cause it always does :-D

Lucky those swamp squids didn't bite your ass.

I felt it this morning. It's in the air. The humid breeze blowing. The mist falling, the sun that wants to stay in bed longer. The smell of the dying leaves that are now blowing around.

The mouse or squirrel that was moving around in the leaves near my car this morning put me on high alert. Immediately I was scanning the yard for horns until the noise was nearly under my feet.

The knife in my pocket is sharp, the rifles are moved to the front of the cabinet so I can grab them at a moments notice. The ammo is packed and ready.

My step has bit more gidd-e-up as I dress in the early morning. The alarm is set earlier to get used to the wake up. My work has taken a back seat to weather schedules, I'm talking to people that have no intersted in deer hunting about deer hunting. I don't care, they're going to hear about it. They keep asking why I smell so funn and why I have a beard so they might as well hear about it.

It's in the air, it's on the way, it's deer season boys!

MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURP bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. kaBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

I feel an urge to pee on my knees....

And last night there was a small tree in the back that really, I mean REALLY made me mad. I beat the heck out of it though just to show it who was boss of this here land.

deer don't make a kaboom sound.

For a guy dat weigh tree huntret pound dat ooop can reeallly fly.

So I'm leaving the house to meet up with Goalie (thanks for the '06 dies!) and less than 200 yards from the house, I see a big doe, standing in the middle of a cut bean field. I actually felt kinda sorry for the old gal knowing deer season's coming soon. 'Didn't take me long to get over that though when she crossed the road. I thought I had her for a moment, but she was just a little too fast getting across for me. I only bounced three or four times when I jumped out the door with the knife in my mouth!

Man, I gotta shoot something pretty quick here.

You'll pop one when you come up with me dude.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So I'm leaving the house to meet up with Goalie (thanks for the '06 dies!) and less than 200 yards from the house, I see a big doe, standing in the middle of a cut bean field. I actually felt kinda sorry for the old gal knowing deer season's coming soon. 'Didn't take me long to get over that though when she crossed the road. I thought I had her for a moment, but she was just a little too fast getting across for me. I only bounced three or four times when I jumped out the door with the knife in my mouth!

Man, I gotta shoot something pretty quick here.

Your neck did look a little swollen this morning.....

I gotta get that crosshairs mounted on the windshield.....

my trigger finger is getting itchy.

That would be awesome.

If I can swing it, anyone interested in a little muzzle-loading by Perham?

I was talking to gophergunner, and it came up. My private land wouldn't support a bunch of hunters, but there is public land as well in the area.

I'm always game for a Campfire hunt.

It's possible. I'm not sure I can afford to get up to chickenbuck again this year.

So something weird has gotten into me. I started getting my gear ready a full week and a few days before season starts. In the bin of goodies was a bottle of Hoppe's No.9. I shouldn't have sniffed that. There is ZERO chance of me performing at work for the next 7-9 days.

Of course I had a chance, but when I drank it, it was over.

It goes really good with a shooter of Gun Scrubber.

I was in Flee Farm last night and sniffed all the gun cleaners and oils. Pretty soon another guy joined me, then another, and another. A pretty woman walked by and that led to some pushing and shoving, then all out head butting....

My trigger finger really does itch. Literally. Damn those skimpy made-in-China carving kits with the cheap saw. It broke and I cut my trigger finger. Oh, you should have heard the wailing. I CUT MY TRIGGER FINGER! I CUT MY TRIGGER FINGER! Luckily some antibiotic and a camo band aid and I am well on my way to recovery. But it does itch like crazy.

Antibiotic? Band aid?

Man card please.....

Wimp.

I was in FF last night and got a kick out of all the dudes filling their carts with corn.

It must be for their bird feeders.

I really did sniff the Hoppe's last night. I shouldn't have done that. It made this sickness worse.

Some of the smell went away when I found my thermos and opened it to find some hot chocolate left in there from last deer seaon. Wheeeew.

Ya sure youbetcha'! You's gotta do like da guy in the Turdy Point Buck song donchaknow, and shoot wit' your toes!

I was walking through Gander Mountain looking at all the enormously overpriced hunting stuff, when I heard the unmistakeable sounds of antlers rattling. My neck swelled up, the guard hairs in my nose went up as I dashed forward, trying to see how TWO bucks had dared to invade MY AREA............

You guys are getting downright silly .................

& I'm lovin" it !!

Saturday is rifle opener, up nort.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Antibiotic? Band aid?

Man card please.....

That was gone with the Mini-van purchase.

Dude don't diss da mini van...sliding doors, lots of cargo space. Can fit four peoples gear and five deer in there donchaknow....

Yeah, but you're more manly that BM. You probably don't wear band-aids.

That's what tape is for, but only if it's really bleeding and you need to keep the body part on until you get home from camp on sunday night.

Originally Posted by tzone

I was in FF last night and got a kick out of all the dudes filling their carts with corn.

It must be for their bird feeders.

I really did sniff the Hoppe's last night. I shouldn't have done that. It made this sickness worse.

Some of the smell went away when I found my thermos and opened it to find some hot chocolate left in there from last deer seaon. Wheeeew.

Did you happen to see the "Corn Hole" display? I chit you not, that's what the stuff is called. A mineral lick with corn that is sprial shaped.

Don't worry BM, you can have your man card back when your finger falls off. Since the blade came from China there's a better than even chance that it will.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did you happen to see the "Corn Hole" display?.

No. You cheese heads have an entirely different set of toys in your FF.

I've seen them. You pound them into the ground and the deer dig around them.

Hilarious, I wish I'd have come up with it. The name alone will help sell thousands.

Marketing genius.

It goes to show even the deer like a good game of corn hole.

I am not a band aid guy. But when it involves your infected trigger finger a week before deer season, you do what you have to do. The redness, puss, and swelling is down now, thanks for your concern guys! Dont forget it was a camo band aid too!

any other finger would have been allowed to fall off or I would have gnawed it off. But there is no honor in losing a trigger finger.

Originally Posted by tzone

It goes to show even the deer like a good game of corn hole.

Yep, I can just see a couple them with hoodies doing their version of Bevis and Butthead the great corn holyio

Last year I took a doe with the 264, wrong handed shot, over my right shoulder, literally shooting behind me, wrong eye in the scope, buttplate anchored inside my elbow rather than my shoulder because of the backwards contortionist shot posture.

Pretty sure I touched it off with the tip of the longest finger I had on my left hand, which was my middle finger.

"trigger finger" = overrated.

Just take some concentrated OJ with a little vodka sterilizes everything...no worries...

Truth.

I lost my man card once.

No really .

I let my wife (at the time) talk me into going to a friggin craft show on opening day of black powder season . It was at the state fair ground in 16 buildings we went though all of them and she never bought a friggen thing. Never happened again .

I must say, shooting a stationary doe wrong-handed is one thing, especially given the lack of intelligence does along the border have

, but shooting grouse and pheasants on the wing without a trigger finger would be downright tough. at least for me.

My boys and I got into a buck fight this morning. We all crawled around banging heads! The wife just rolled her eyes as she watched her husband display the behavior of a 5 year old. Ha!

You're supposed to bite the bullet out of a 22 shell, pour the powder into the cut and touch it off with a match.

Sho' nuff'... but ya gotta use a blow torch for man card effect

Personally, I don't bother with any wounds that can be filled with rimfire case capacity.

If it will hold 45/70 case capacity it might be worth fussing with.

lol!

Now where did I put my John Wayne eye patch...

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I must say, shooting a stationary doe wrong-handed is one thing, especially given the lack of intelligence does along the border have

, but shooting grouse and pheasants on the wing without a trigger finger would be downright tough. at least for me.

Or as ND does, just smack em with a beer bottle. No trigger finger needed.

If'n I run out of shells, I also use that trigger finger to pluck dem dar grouse right out of the air. You can have all my digits but 2...my trigger finger and the associated thumb! Wait, I need my middle finger on that too. Make it 3 I need.

Man, are my kids excited for Halloween. I have a vampire, a fireman, and Bumblebee (a transformer dude). Dentists must love this holiday.

Crosshairs on the windshield, I love that idea!!! Someone has to market that!

Originally Posted by tzone

It goes to show even the deer like a good game of corn hole.

As do the boys in Iowa.......

When they're not playing with their favorite sheep.

Just received this from one of our camp members.

"Just got back from putting corn out. Saw 4 scrapes. Also saw an Elk rub - the 3 inch sapling was broke off about 5 feet up and the rub went up another foot or so. Took a picture with my cell phone."

nice

I'm hovering over a candy bowl waiting for tricker treaterz...

Went and picked up my deer from the processor tonight. First one I have ever had done. I always used to do them myself. You get older you get lazier.
Found a rifle in the safe that I had about forgotten I had. Pre 1964 Winchester model 94 in .32 Win. Special. Probably need to get out and shoot it some.

Stan in SC

Sounds like a dandy rifle!

Hey, WTF is wrong with these trick or treaters?

I got 5 jars of spicy pickles, a gallon of pickled fish and 20 cans of smoked oysters and I haven't got a single trick or treater yet.

Throw in a jar of pickled peppers and a few boxes of crackers and it will look the kitchen table at deer camp next w/e!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds like a dandy rifle!

Hey, WTF is wrong with these trick or treaters?

I got 5 jars of spicy pickles, a gallon of pickled fish and 20 cans of smoked oysters and I haven't got a single trick or treater yet.

your spread is missing aged brick cheese, and more age = more better

oh, and blood sausage

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds like a dandy rifle!

Hey, WTF is wrong with these trick or treaters?

I got 5 jars of spicy pickles, a gallon of pickled fish and 20 cans of smoked oysters and I haven't got a single trick or treater yet.

Just passed this on to the village of Iola. You'll have about 900 Norwegens on your door step tomorrow morning.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sounds like a dandy rifle!

Hey, WTF is wrong with these trick or treaters?

I got 5 jars of spicy pickles, a gallon of pickled fish and 20 cans of smoked oysters and I haven't got a single trick or treater yet.

Well duh......you forgot the sauerkraut and lutefisk!

Why not? in my younger years, we use to go out trick or treating after the kids were in with a beer mug... neighbors got a kick out of it, if they weren't out doing the same thing...

hit each mug full of beer with a shot of Rose's Lime juice and ya don't have to worry about a hangover the next morning...

I didn't get a single trick or treater.

Dammit.

Yeah sure I'm out in the country but I'm right off a county road now. I mean, you don't even need 4 wheel drive to get up to the house!

Next year I'll put a couple big orange flashing pumpkins out by the mailbox.

vell ima deer hunter how do you do i gotda deer huntin' rappn tail for you, i get so xcite itz my favrit time o' year i luv to freeze my buns a chasin trophy deer so clap ur handz to da stopin of da beat cause yahays like me ya we kant keep a steady beat no..

Y'all don't get no man card til you get your lady-friend to take loooooong, deeeeeeep, pull off the Tink's 69 bottle.

Let's just say it went a bit better than I thought. Mostly because there was no way on hell I actually thought she'd do it.

Bet I can't get her to do it again.

I've been informed there is more going on than deer hunting.

My mind can't get itself wrapped around that statement. I'm not even sure what it means.

Who told you this?

Don't believe them they are just terrorists trying to subvert da deer huntin' traditional passage of time before opener....

Walk away from the dark side and embrace the all encompassing warmth that is blaze orange...

Or sumthin' like dat'...

The same lady that took a HUGE wiff off the Tink's bottle. Sombody who will remain nameless told her it smelled "sweet."

Dat won't be a problem BD. Yesterday at work, a guy I've seen but never talked to came into my office and sat down with a cup of coffe. He said "hey Tom, gettin ready for da opener?"

We B.S.'s for two cups of coffee about MN, WI, and MI, deer openers. I think that means.... It's ON!

I'm giddy as a puppy with two peters.

More going on then deer hunting????

Must be one of those trick questions....

Reminds me of a story wifes friend got married on opener.. My wife was in the wedding she asked me are you going??? I said nope cause theres two weekends in the whole year in MN you dont get married on.. I said its the golden rule and if you do get married on those two weekends you better except people not to show..Momma was not happy,after the wedding she told me some of the brides family didnt even show up.. I was like well yeah told you so..

Yah...my goofy niece (not really goofy) is getting married tomorrow. She asked if I was going to make it and I said yes. She said "WOW, on deer opener?"

I told here it wasn't deer opener. If it was, I would not be attending. and I wouldn't have. I may have caught the free dinner after the ceramony though.

Man Card played & accepted !

Deb got a freezer pleazer last night. Her first ever with her crossbow !!!! YEAH

Valiant knight pulled her out & dealt with da dirty work ! She did hold the legs for me & clean up afterwards.

Paul.

My wife's b-day is November 9th. Thankfully, she understands that, while I can celebrate her birthday with her at a different time, I cannot hunt opener on a different day.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Man Card played & accepted !

Deb got a freezer pleazer last night. Her first ever with her crossbow !!!! YEAH

Valiant knight pulled her out & dealt with da dirty work ! She did hold the legs for me & clean up afterwards.

Paul.

Nice work Deb!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

She did hold the legs for me & clean up afterwards.

Yours or the deers?

You married the right one then Goalie!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

She did hold the legs for me & clean up afterwards.

Yours or the deers?

Paul.

Ok boys. Who's going to be the first to post the intestine jump rope video?

Thanks Dave,

Deb was "vibrating", when I got there !!

I got a text, when I was in the grocery store.

"I've got 2 does coming in".

5 mins later, I'm at the checkout & next text comes in.

"I just let her have it". "think the shot was good". "should I go look for the arrow".

I text back, give her 20 mins & then go see if you can find the arrow. I leaving now & should be home about then.

Next text - I'm 2 mins from home.

"found arrow, covered in bright red blood".

I'm home now, run in the house, change clothes, kick the 3 legged dog & fire up the wheeler & head out.

When I reach Deb, I get the biggest, strongest hug possible & am then handed the "bloody" arrow". I check, smile, kiss her & say, "lets go find your deer.

Super cool evening !

She's still smiling & trying to provoke her lady friends, by posting on facebook !

I LOVE THAT LADY.

Paul.

Awesome!

That's the coolest. I hope I get to experience that with Pam again this year, she really gets amped up when she shoots a deer.

It's way funner being around her after she shoots one than it is to shoot one yourself, lol.

Nice deer Deb.

My buddy's wife birthday falls during the WI deer season. He told her before they were married that he would only be home for her birday once every 6/7 years. If that was going to be a problem call off the wedding. They're still married, but it does cost him a very expensive night out when he gets home.

Is there a "Like" button around here somewhere???

Very nice story.

Had to take a little break from deer fever for candy gatherin' last night. Every time I saw a Snickers go in one of their tubs, I thought, that will be good on the deer stand!

I will throw out a best buck picture challenge to all. All the losers have to do 10 repititions of the excercise of their choice while chanting the 24HRCampfire name of the winner in front of at least 1 other person. No cheating. I will pick 3 finalists and then we will have a vote. Criteria is best overall picture, buck size is not important. Does can win. Chickenbuck-wear visible in the picture brings added points. Game on and you need to say your in! Deer already shot in 2013 are eligible so New 2 99s wife and Stan (and any others) have a lead....if they play!

do antelope count? probably not.

I'm still in!

Bonus points for the most visible band-aids?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

She's still smiling & trying to provoke her lady friends, by posting on facebook !

I LOVE THAT LADY.

Paul.

I bolded the part that made me laugh. AWESOME!!!!

meaner.

Only if said band aid is on your trigger finger or your....well you would lose a bunch of points if that was in the photo....

Heck yeah Ryan, lets open it up to all critters near and far as long as they are legally taken game aminals. Run it through November 30? By then everyone should have had a good chance at a critter.

Side bets are welcome!

my rifle season runs to dec 1 then ML til jan 15.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Is there a "Like" button around here somewhere???

You're shooting for a full on revocation of your man card and going straight to rainbow lifetime card carrying memeber.

BTW...I'm in on the photo contest.

Ha, I laid that out there for bait, I didnt think it was gonna get hit!

Best part about the bet is we get to see a lot of pictures!

That makes you a master baiter.

99, that's about the coolest deer story ever! Congratulations, not so much for the deer - those are consumed before we know it, but for finding such a fine lady. Well done for the both of you.

My wife has been with me for over 23 years and she's never been with me on my birthday. My birthday falls the day before the opener here in MI. In fact, not even my mom has seen me on my birthday since 1975...I guess that's 38 years now. No big deal - neither are hunters but they understand it, grew up with it - though it took some serious negotiations in the early years.

She's still a keeper.

Just returned from the rifle range. The 45-70 was shooting 5" to the left. Must have gotten bumped somehow?

Shooting facory loads in the 06 this year. 165 Gr Federal Fusions. They shot to the same point of aim as my reloads. After firing 2 fouling shots with some old ammo I had I tried the Fusions. Fired 2 shots and they were touching each other. Two inches high and 1/2" to the right of the bull. Good enough for me.

nice shooting Bill!

"I was throwing the cows over the fence some hay, the chores were all done it was opening day. Orion the hunter was fadin in da sky, it was almost time for da lead to fly!"

5 days to go!

12 here

Just got out of the bushes with good and bad news. Bad news is, there aren't many deer around I don't think. The good news is....there is PLENTY of buck sign in the woods.

I did have so does on camera, just not a lot of them. I am confident in the stands tho, and the will produce if a guy sticks it out.

Jack and I also found an old stand in a hellova spot. We fixed it up with high hopes.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just got out of the bushes with good and bad news. Bad news is, there aren't many deer around I don't think. The good news is....there is PLENTY of buck sign in the woods.

I did have so does on camera, just not a lot of them. I am confident in the stands tho, and the will produce if a guy sticks it out.

Jack and I also found an old stand in a hellova spot. We fixed it up with high hopes.

I wish those of you hunting areas with low, scattered populations luck. You have a hard time swinging a whiffle-ball bat without hitting a doe where we're going.

Hopefully, like recent years, the hardest part is the patience to NOT shoot until you see one you really want.

I read the Duluth paper when I got back to my mom's place. The warden in the area I'm hunting said the numbers are way down. He said he'll see 50-150 deer a night on the roads. All year he's been seeing 3-5 a night.

We did see a HUGE buck with his nose stuck up a does bootie on the ride back Lino though.

Just checked the trail cam's on the computer. I did get some pictures of does. Probably 4-5 does on two different cams. I did get a lot of pics in daylight which I'll take as a good sign. There are a couple of pics of a 4 or 6pt. I can't tell with the camera angle. They're all at night, but it's a healthy looking deer.

If I get time I'll post some pics tonight. Jack and I found an old deer stand along a rive that we fixed up. It has potential. He had a great day in the woods. He got to shoot a shotgun for the first time, and even hit the pop can. He also shot the .22 Buckmark pistol. No hits but he thought it was fun.

And the topper...he got to drive down a logging road, without sitting on my lap. I think that made he year so far.

Deer have been very thin were we hunt south of Wabedo lake....
Has made the last five years hard to sit all day.... I see the extended weather forecast looks promising...
Seems like every year we hear less and less gunshots around us.. Hoping wolves dont move in like last year,push the deer out... I think one big problem we have is everybody around us have left and now hunt somewhere else cause of the wolves... Seems like the deer for the last 5 years are not on the patterns they used to be prior...
Will see what happens...

No woofs showed up on film either. They must have moved to somewhere with deer.

Bucks are starting to prowl around and starting to show signs of rutting . When do they rut for you guys up "north"?

Tom,

I'll just put in my order now for second weekend. Please tie me up a nice little 6 point buck-about 2 1/2 years old, and make sure you check him for tenderness, as I don't want to have to make 150 lbs. of stew out of him. Feel free to just tie him by the first turn in the trail-that way you don't have to drag him too far for me. JustOneGunner will only be satisfied with a big bruiser, so feel free to tie up a 12 point for him. In a pinch, an 11 point would be okay-he'll not be too disappointed. Be sure to leave plenty of good snacks, hot coffee, and a Thermos of soup at each stand. What time will you be bringing the pizza to us, as we don't want to spoil our appetites..............

Here in MI I think it has to do more with photoperiods than just about anything else. We usually peak about Nov 10-16 or there abouts. Lots of rubs and scrapes in the woods now. Bachelor groups are gone and there's been some woman chasing going on.

What an exhausting but productive weekend.

Whitebear was good enough to sell us a partially completed sauna for our camp at a bargain discount price. He even let us use his flat deck trailer to haul it to camp.

Here's Nate and I unloading the "sownah maki"

[Linked Image]

We set it in it's spot and put it up on 1 row of railroad ties.

[Linked Image]

We'll cover more of that project soon. I've ordered the cedar boards for the inside. It will be a mid day tinkering project through deer season.

We had the old sauna floor frame kicking around and I decided to use it as a shed roof for our wood shed project. Our horribly clownish jackpine savage wood shed project.... which involved a gas powered ice auger drilling holes in the ground for posts, some chainsaw work and some tractor work.... And some grunting/lifting noises.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/shed4_zps5c092905.jpg[/img]

Dropping in the last corner post, ear flaps deployed.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/shed5_zps47546af5.jpg[/img]

Success!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/shed6_zps59727a19.jpg[/img]

8x16 roof, a true "slanty shanty"

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/shed7_zpsd2698f05.jpg[/img]

We'll sheet up 3 walls and leave the front open.

Hauled some wood down from some cutting piles I have in the woods north of the cabin.

I put my biggest, strongest man on chopping duty.

[Linked Image]

Ruts supposed to peak in northern WI Nov 17th. Rifle season opens the 23rd.

Great pics Dave! That wood shed is going to add a nice rustic touch to Chickenbuck. Nate is turning into quite the young man isn't he?

Originally Posted by mule1

Bucks are starting to prowl around and starting to show signs of rutting . When do they rut for you guys up "north"?

Pretty much right now. There were some rubs I found, and a 1/4 mile stretch of walking trail that had about a 1/2 scrapes on it. The goofy part is, where I found rubs there were no scrapes, and vise versa.

You may get your request, but JOG in on his own.

If he finds a 12 pt, I'm going to start following him around the woods. I've been looking for a spot for him with regular deer activity. I found one or two.

There are a few pics of a 4 or 6 pt buck. I can't tell based on the camera angle, but if I was using my money to bet, it'd be on forkie. Which, depending on the day he were to walk by me, may or may not be still available for you.

There aer does and fawns in the area so we all know what that means here in the next coming weeks. Bucks from anywhere could come marching by!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Nate is turning into quite the young man isn't he?

and a fine one at that. He's a great kid. All 3 of em are.

My bowhunting vacation has been interupted by a pesky 5 day stay in the hospital. I was treating lower back / leg pain (sciatic nerve) at the chiropractor for the last couple of weeks. It wasn't getting any better. Just worse. Last wednesday my leg hurt so bad I could hardly walk. I then noticed my right calf was swollen and hard so I went to the walk in clinic hoping to get some pain killers and muscle relaxer to take the edge off for my vacation that started on friday Nov. 01. The next thing you know I'm at the hospital getting an ultra-sound. Turns out I have a blood clot in my right leg that goes from mid thigh to my ankle. They then gave me a CT scan and found "significant" blood clots in my lungs.

They admitted me to the hospital and I've been laying flat on my back hooked up to Heparin IV's and heart monitors for the last 5 days. I just got released last night after they got the blood to a "therepeutic level". Man did they take blood out of me. 12 viles the first day and two viles every four hours for the whole time I was in there.

I have to go back this morning to pick up my prescriptions and make an appt. at the coumadin clinic where I will have to go quite frequently until they can get my pills regulated to my body type and diet.

It's a pesky interuption but its better than the alternative I guess.

Jeezus Rooster, I'm glad you're alright. That is NOTHING to mess around with. I know we all say sometimes 1/2 jokingly that we'll "get checked out after season" but may, you're a lucky dude actually.

Thanks Tom. It surprised the heck out of me. Last Monday was my last chiropractor treatment. It didn't help so I got a deep tissue massage on Tuesday. When I told the Doctor that his eyes got big and he said "you're damn lucky you didn't die on that massage table from the clots breaking loose"

It was at that point I knew it was pretty serious.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

8x16 roof, a true "slanty shanty"

[Linked Image]

We'll sheet up 3 walls and leave the front open.

"Hello, hello? Yah, hi der. I'm calling about a crotch for sale. I'd like to move it up to my camp and make a vwood sched out of it."

Well lemmie tell ya, times like dat make me feel like movin up nort ya know?

Good idea.

Yaah I'd do it too.

Hey rooster, sure glad you're on the mend. I didn't say anything here because I didn't know the details.

I hope you can still make it up for muzzle loader.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well lemmie tell ya, times like dat make me feel like movin up nort ya know?

Good idea.

Yaah I'd do it too.

'course den I'd miss Da packers. Gotta love da packers. who can forgit da Vince Lombardi years eh?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

99, that's about the coolest deer story ever! Congratulations, not so much for the deer - those are consumed before we know it, but for finding such a fine lady. Well done for the both of you.

My wife has been with me for over 23 years and she's never been with me on my birthday. My birthday falls the day before the opener here in MI. In fact, not even my mom has seen me on my birthday since 1975...I guess that's 38 years now. No big deal - neither are hunters but they understand it, grew up with it - though it took some serious negotiations in the early years.

She's still a keeper.

Cheers Charlie,

She's a keeper, for sure & my bestest buddy.

While on the subject, I can't believe nobody commented on me "kicking" our 3 legged dog !!!!!!

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey rooster, sure glad you're on the mend. I didn't say anything here because I didn't know the details.

I hope you can still make it up for muzzle loader.

I'm sure gonna try! I'm hoping my leg will be much better by then. If not, well I guess I can be camp cook and wood stover keeper goin er.

*Edit* Aw who am I kiddin. If I can limp to a stand I'll be in it! Or maybe you could pull me in one of those little red sleds Dave. ROR!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Great pics Dave! That wood shed is going to add a nice rustic touch to Chickenbuck. Nate is turning into quite the young man isn't he?

Rooster,

I was just thinking the same thing !

Dave & Pam,

You're obviously doing things right. Feel free to keep up the good work !

Preacher shoulda jumped offa the "peeing rock", to add more force to the blow of da axe

Paul.

Was a pretty quiet weekend up nort.

Great food & company, for sure, but just 2 deer sighted.

My buddy, Joe, took this nice eater buck, about midday Saturday.

With Deb's doe, that makes 2 hanging now, so no complaints.

Will butcher Deb's doe Thursday & Joe's buck Friday.

Had the does tenderloins, wrapped in bacon, with garlic mash & gravy & fresh white bread for Friday nights dinner. With a coupla refreshments, it was a great start to opening weekend.

Paul.

Rooster,

Prayers sent for a speedy & full recovery.

Paul.

Thanks Paul!

Looks like your opening weekend was a success in my book!

ok lets hear about the 3 legged dog?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

While on the subject, I can't believe nobody commented on me "kicking" our 3 legged dog !!!!!!

Paul.

I think it's such common practice amongst this crowd that it slipped off unnoticed.

I was assuming it was a 3-wheeler.

I had that thought too... but not many are kick start, unless they were race wheelers.

Btw...that "eater buck" would be at least getting a horn mount on my wall. It's pretty nice!

We have 7" of snow forecasted for this area for tomorrow into Wednesday.

none for the hunting area.

Holy crap Rooster, you had a close one. Clots aren't anything to mess with. Take it easy for a few days so you can go deer hunting.

Boy, Nate and Joe are sure growing, Dave.

Paul, I was thing the same thing about Joe jumping off the rock to put more into his swing.

This will be our year to cut wood for the camp and I'm not looking foreward to it. Swinging the maul is getting tougher with age.

Rooster glad to hear your out of the hospital take care man.

I just read about this today. We had a new South Carolina state record bear kill. 609 pounds. I saw the picture of the thing. It was ginormous looking!

Stan in SC

Thanks guys.

Depending on my leg pain, I'm going to try to get out in the bow stand every day this week but I will be taking it pretty easy.

Deer season is upon us!

Sent txt to daughter, she put me on da fase books.

[Linked Image]

Rooster glad your feeling better my brother in law had the same thing with the blood clot like a month ago....
Took him awhile to recover...

By gosh Rooster you have an angel on your shoulder! You were smart and paid attention to your pain. Probably saved your own life!

Coumadin isn't so bad, just takes some getting used to. You're gonna be good as new! I know you're on the road alot. You might have to stop every couple hours to get out and move around to get the blood flowing. Happened to me when I used to travel for business all the time. My dad has it too. Just gotta get those legs moving.

So I took my son for a 3 day father/son duck camp last week. Had a great time. Went out on big water in Saginaw Bay and got blown off. 30 mph wind, gale and small craft warnings wouldn't let me hold anchor. Not wanting to be a Darwin award nominee we headed back to port and field hunted the rest of the time. Sag Bay is a storied waterfowl hunting area with old camps lining the shore since the 1800s. The Bay is also very shallow and the wind will literally blow the water out in a few hours leaving your boat high and dry. Conversely, it can get real deep, real quick.

So the boy and I hunted flooded corn fields. They flood them anywhere from 6" to 2'. It was his first time in hip boots. His first shot with the 20 gauge 3" sent him backwards off his stool into the drink. "I'm good" he says. I told him we could leave at any time if he was cold, but he's a gamer. I made him some hot soup and he wanted to hunt. I shot strictly clean-up and we downed 5 birds. Had duck on the grill that night after some hot showers.

Second day the wind blew harder, we were in the same corn field, and it took nearly a box of shells, but he got one. After he cleaned the duck, we had a burger and a root beer at the bar to celebrate. The final day was bitter cold blue bird day. We shot a Redhead early on, but that's it. He was starting to get cold so we called it. On the walk or wade back, he was behind me when I heard a yell, then it stopped just as suddenly. Yep, down goes Frazier! The boy took a header in thigh deep water. Complete faceplant with his hat floating. I got him upright and we double timed it to the truck. I fired up the heater to 80* and stripped him as he was getting hypothermic. I stripped and put my dry clothes on him to warm him up. Broke the basic speed law back to camp. Interesting scene with me in my longjohns and him in my XXL clothes rolling up to the showers. Another long hot shower, some warm food, and he was good to go.

This is our first real hunting adventure together. And he's already planning on joining me for Fur & Feather weekend where I avoid Black Friday like the plague and hunt ducks and deer that weekend. I'm pretty excited. I haven't had a such fun with a hunting partner since my brother passed in '07. It's a good thing.

Rooster7,take care of that leg. You are very lucky to have caught it in time. Clots ain't nothing to fool around with.

Stan in SC

I was following your updates on FB Rooster, thought about calling you but I figured you had all kinds of stuff going on.
thoughts and prayers will continue for a speedy recovery!

there's always a late season muzzlestuffer hunt out here!

I'm waiting for the day I can tell a story much like yours.

Yep, very cool.

Great story Charlie. Bet your son never forgets his time with in in the duck marsh/fields.

Stan 609 is a big bear. The past several years there were bears taken over 700 pounds. I haven't heard much about this years hunt. Numbers seem to be down.

+ 1 Charlie,

Thems gunna make cool memories !

Paul.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

This is our first real hunting adventure together. And he's already planning on joining me for Fur & Feather weekend where I avoid Black Friday like the plague and hunt ducks and deer that weekend. I'm pretty excited. I haven't had a such fun with a hunting partner since my brother passed in '07. It's a good thing.

It's fun isn't it?!!

My son Jack has been joining me more and more on expeditions into the woods. We spent all day Sunday in the woods and he loved it. He too took a header into the wet muck and swamp water. His rubbers were too high for him to step over all the logs and crap you can't see until it's too late.

He was a great trooper. He got to shoot his shotgun for the first time. A H&R single shot .410. He even hit the pop can. They he BEGGED to shoot the pistol I was carrying. I wasn't real sure about it since it was a Brownign Buckmark. Usually I carry a Ruger Single Six revolver and not a pistol. He was persistant so I let him shoot it. He LOVED it.

The topper was when I pulled over on the logging road and got out. He asked, "what are you donin?" I told him it was his turn to drive. He hasn't smiled like that since he called in the turkey we shot this spring.

He's 8 so he can't shoot a deer yet, but he'll be along for the hunt on our second weekend. Gophergunner (Jeff) and his son Just one gunner will be up for camp too.

The DNR said bear kills are down here too Bill. I was wonderign about WI. There is usually a big SOB killed that tops 700 somewhere up there.

I remember the owner of the gas station in Tripoli popped that one a few years back that was sniffing 800 pounds and they had to get it out of the woods with a skid steer.

T, my youngest shot his first deer at 8, 300 yards with a .243 and 100 gr. Hornady Interlock, one shot.

I would love to have a CO cite me for that one and take it to a Northern MN jury any day of the week.

He has since taken a deer every year he will 13 next month,but that deer is the one he talks about the most.

Deer opener is more exciting then Christmas

Ok...Lemme take it a step further. He's not ready to shoot a deer yet.

We are still working on the safety of guns, where to shoot, and how to shoot.

I do know, there isn't a red squirrel that is safe now if he has a box of .410 shells in his pocket.

Quote

I would love to have a CO cite me for that one and take it to a Northern MN jury any day of the week.

Do you just use your tag or did you buy the little guy a lisc? you can PM if you don't want to talk about it here.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ok...Lemme take it a step further. He's not ready to shoot a deer yet.

We are still working on the safety of guns, where to shoot, and how to shoot.

I do know, there isn't a red squirrel that is safe now if he has a box of .410 shells in his pocket.

Quote

I would love to have a CO cite me for that one and take it to a Northern MN jury any day of the week.

Do you just use your tag or did you buy the little guy a lisc? you can PM if you don't want to talk about it here.

My grandpa did this for me when i was 9-12. I killed a deer sitting with him each of those years in wisconsin. There'd be a doe in the field and he'd hand me his 30-06 with some NASTY stout handloads. Second deer i shot I had to get out of the stand and shot her offhand in the neck at 300 yards, I thought that tought old marine almost shed a tear, to say he was proud of his 10yr old grandson was an understatement :-D

Ah that is a different issue, JD was all ready to go on that aspect.

We had multiple tags that year and he used one of mine, when he turned 10 They started to use the apprentice tag or some such thing.

We tried for two years to get his field day done for the new stupid online firearms safety class. Finally I found an actual instructor based class that I took both boys to. So now then get their own licenses.

Honestly I believe it is the parents who need to decide when their child is ready. I think it helps to bring confidence and a real understanding of life and death to them.

Just my opinion. I don't allow the kids to do "drives" with loaded weapons nor am I allowing them to stalk around with a round in the chamber. Heck I am having issues with letting the oldest boy sit on his own, he just turned 14 however that is more of a dad issue

I'm with ya BD. Having taught hunters safety for 10 years in WI, I've seen a bunch of kids that weren't ready even at 12 to shoot a deer. But they were 12 so dad says they're going to do it. I'm talking flat out scared to hold a gun. We did fail some of those kids becasue of that and the dad's flew off the handle.

Mini-man I'd say could/would be ready next year. He needs some trigger time and that's on me.

Originally Posted by tzone

The DNR said bear kills are down here too Bill. I was wonderign about WI. There is usually a big SOB killed that tops 700 somewhere up there.

I remember the owner of the gas station in Tripoli popped that one a few years back that was sniffing 800 pounds and they had to get it out of the woods with a skid steer.

That brute is on display at the BP "C" store in Tripoli. It's mounted standing up in a display case. Very, very impressive. Tripoli is on HiWay 8 between Thomahawk and Prentice. Don't blink or you'll pass it.

3 years ago there were 3 bears taken over 700 pounds in WI.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I was following your updates on FB Rooster, thought about calling you but I figured you had all kinds of stuff going on.
thoughts and prayers will continue for a speedy recovery!

there's always a late season muzzlestuffer hunt out here!

Yeah everytime I fell asleep or woke up the wife was updating facebook it seems.

I can't say too much about it. I did sincerely appreciate all the thoughts and prayers I received. Very humbling...

You know you have a good woman when she doesn't leave your side the entire time you're in the hospital. She even slept in a chair next to me every night even though our daughters have an apartment two blocks from the hospital. Everytime the IV pump alarm would go off she was up with me, everytime they came in to check vitals she was up with me, everytime labs came in for more blood, she was up with me. I have to love her for that.

For those of you guys that have experienced blood clots or know someone who has, how long does it take for the pain to go away? My leg is still killing me when I stand and move about.

Charlie - Your boy will remember that first duck hunt for the rest of his life. That will be a campfire story that he will tell in the future. Good on you! And "fur and feathers" weekend...I like that! I might steal that phrase and substitute pheasants for ducks.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

For those of you guys that have experienced blood clots or know someone who has, how long does it take for the pain to go away? My leg is still killing me when I stand and move about.

It depends on how bad the clots were, and where. With arterial clotting, reperfusion pain can last a long time.

Charlie
Sounds as if you were near Fish Point in the floodings?

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

For those of you guys that have experienced blood clots or know someone who has, how long does it take for the pain to go away? My leg is still killing me when I stand and move about.

It depends on how bad the clots were, and where. With arterial clotting, reperfusion pain can last a long time.

Ok. I guess I was just asking to find out if its normal to still have a lot of pain even after they get the INR levels in the blood regulated. Sounds like it is so I won't worry about walking to the stand later.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

For those of you guys that have experienced blood clots or know someone who has, how long does it take for the pain to go away? My leg is still killing me when I stand and move about.

It depends on how bad the clots were, and where. With arterial clotting, reperfusion pain can last a long time.

Ok. I guess I was just asking to find out if its normal to still have a lot of pain even after they get the INR levels in the blood regulated. Sounds like it is so I won't worry about walking to the stand later.

Getting your INR theraputic stops the clots from getting bigger and stops you from getting more clots. Heparin and coumadin do not break up existing clots. If your INR is >2.5 or so, you should be good for not getting new clots.

Me thinks "Goalie" does some moonlighting in the healthcare field?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Me thinks "Goalie" does some moonlighting in the healthcare field?

Yeah, I'm an ICU nurse at Abbott in the Twin Cities.

Very cool.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

For those of you guys that have experienced blood clots or know someone who has, how long does it take for the pain to go away? My leg is still killing me when I stand and move about.

It depends on how bad the clots were, and where. With arterial clotting, reperfusion pain can last a long time.

Ok. I guess I was just asking to find out if its normal to still have a lot of pain even after they get the INR levels in the blood regulated. Sounds like it is so I won't worry about walking to the stand later.

Getting your INR theraputic stops the clots from getting bigger and stops you from getting more clots. Heparin and coumadin do not break up existing clots. If your INR is >2.5 or so, you should be good for not getting new clots.

I was at 2.3 Sunday night when I left the hospital. They gave me a shot in the stomach to carry me over. I go the coumadin clinic at 8:15 tomorrow morning. Thanks for your insight!

P.S. The wind was wrong for my stand tonight so I stayed out. Probably doesn't hurt to get a little more rest.

Snowing like crazy here tonight!

I got a smoking deal on Artic Shield boot blankets. $19.95 at gander of all places!
My little buddy will have warm feet now but I think they'll get a test run next week.

This.

Yep, that's where we were. Stayed in Sebewaing. Cool place.

Charlie, for a different but cool experience check out Fish Point Lodge. Doug n Chris are great people and give you the whole "Duck Camp" experience. BTW I live in Quanicassee...maybe you passed by there...

Originally Posted by SSB

Charlie, for a different but cool experience check out Fish Point Lodge. Doug n Chris are great people and give you the whole "Duck Camp" experience. BTW I live in Quanicassee...maybe you passed by there...

They were booked.

We stopped there to take look at the Bay and the boats in his canal were floating, tied up to the docks. Stopped by the next day and the boats were on dry land still tied up to the dock! Water had gone completely out. Very cool place. We want to try it there next time. Quin is supposed to be good hunting too, but I haven't tried it yet. We took 25 to 75 to 69 to 96 to get across the state. Long ride.

All rain here.

Well, it's Wednesday morning, and we got our first snow last night. I'm sure there will be a slew of accidents this morning as folks tend to forget how to drive when the least little bit of the white stuff comes down.

The pile of gear in the gun room is taking shape into bags, back packs, and other carriable totes. Sleep comes in bits and pieces for many of us now. The mass exodus heading to the deer woods has all ready probably started. We will joing the Orange Army Friday morning, snaking our way up 371 towards our home base in Cross Lake.

The Chickenbuck Nation will be represented in our group, as I will wear Chickenbuck gear into the woods this fall.

Here's to the hope that first of all everyone comes home safe and sound, and that we all manage to find a few deer in the process. Special thanks to Northern Dave for running this incredible thread, which has taken on a life of it's own. We all may not cast a shadow on Camp Chickenbuck's door, but will be there in spirit, and looking forward to hearing from Dave and the guys.

Good luck to all the Minnesota boys, and a special shout out to T-Zone and Mini-Man. Make sure your dad gets a big one, Jack.

Good luck and be safe guys.

gopher, I will be up at the Cross Lake Zorba's Friday night.

The population is up in the area.

And you saw what a cluster my downstairs bedroom is. The pile's about twice that size now......

Good luck, and stay safe everyone

The gear is in the clothes are in the dryer, the wool will be hung tonight, and sleep has been non-existent.

The 2" of fresh snow doesn't help ease my mind. In fact it makes it worse.

The Explorer will be pointed north very early Friday morning to stash the wheeler in the woods, and walk a fee trails looking for grouse in an area I haven been in years.

Friday night we are getting the band back together. One of my best good friends, the best man in my wedding is going to be up from Atlants,GA to hunt his family land. Our other buds have a camp 5 miles from there so we are going to meet in Cotton and have a burger, swap lies and I don't cares, talk about chicks, and maybe buy some beer if they've heard of that type of thing.

Well said Gopher, best of luck and safe wishes to you as well.

Ok some things have gone just to far...one of the local grocery stores in town have decided to bake and sell blaze orange bread.

For safety reasons...just cannot make myself go there.

On a better note just before dark last night saw two sets of two does each getting chased by a basket 6 and the other group was chased by a big bodied average racked 8 or so.

Not breeding but the boys are out cruising.

Must make gun go bang....twitching starting again....spasm.....trigger finger clicking mouse....grrrrrunnnnntttt....snortttttt

Itchy itchy itchy

I dropped the kids off at their mom's this morning and there were two deer in the yard.

I pointed my finget at them and said "bang" and my daughter asked if I got one.

They're starting to move in the daytime kids.....I'm getting a bit excited.

BD, I totally would have bought some of that bread if I had he dough with me.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Itchy itchy itchy

Spend less time at the noodie bar.

I just can't eat it man...

Sounds like the Funkley bar is all set up and ready for "entertainment" just take your penicillin pills as you walk thru the door...

LOL!

I can't find any beer packaged in orange cans... WTF?

This has me bothered.

(not really)

One might think a blaze can koozie could work till something better comes along.

Good call, I happen to be equipped with such a device.

Originally Posted by tzone

Snowing like crazy here tonight!

I got a smoking deal on Artic Shield boot blankets. $19.95 at gander of all places!
My little buddy will have warm feet now but I think they'll get a test run next week.

go buy a few more pairs, that is dirt cheap!

I was just told Keystone Lite puts the odd orange can in with the blue.
As for me, I'd go with the koozie for my Pepsi.

Good call, and a good example too.

dave, are you saying that you cant find the orange cans of busch light? WTF is this world coming to!!!! [bleep] OBAMA!

Originally Posted by tzone

The gear is in the clothes are in the dryer, the wool will be hung tonight, and sleep has been non-existent.

The 2" of fresh snow doesn't help ease my mind. In fact it makes it worse.

The Explorer will be pointed north very early Friday morning to stash the wheeler in the woods, and walk a fee trails looking for grouse in an area I haven been in years.

Friday night we are getting the band back together. One of my best good friends, the best man in my wedding is going to be up from Atlants,GA to hunt his family land. Our other buds have a camp 5 miles from there so we are going to meet in Cotton and have a burger, swap lies and I don't cares, talk about chicks, and maybe buy some beer if they've heard of that type of thing.

God is great, Beer is good and People are crazy, my friend.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

dave, are you saying that you cant find the orange cans of busch light? WTF is this world coming to!!!! [bleep] OBAMA!

I haven't seen them yet.

Maybe I will stop and look tonight or tomorrow night after work.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

LOL!

I can't find any beer packaged in orange cans... WTF?

This has me bothered.

(not really)

I can't either. I did find Diet Mt. Dew "camo" cans though so I bought those.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by tzone

Snowing like crazy here tonight!

I got a smoking deal on Artic Shield boot blankets. $19.95 at gander of all places!
My little buddy will have warm feet now but I think they'll get a test run next week.

go buy a few more pairs, that is dirt cheap!

They had two left. I know it's a smokin deal because I was set to buy them from Amazon at $29.99 and thought that was good since it was like $10-15 less than I'd seen them in stores.

These are the smaller more compact ones. Not the giant fluffy ones, but they'll fit in the pack a lot better.

T,

I think I paid about $75, for the set of plain black ones, purchased in 2008 !!

That's not a good deal, it's smokin'

Paul.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by tzone

Snowing like crazy here tonight!

I got a smoking deal on Artic Shield boot blankets. $19.95 at gander of all places!
My little buddy will have warm feet now but I think they'll get a test run next week.

go buy a few more pairs, that is dirt cheap!

They had two left. I know it's a smokin deal because I was set to buy them from Amazon at $29.99 and thought that was good since it was like $10-15 less than I'd seen them in stores.

These are the smaller more compact ones. Not the giant fluffy ones, but they'll fit in the pack a lot better.

Which Gander? Probably the opposite side of the cities from me.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Originally Posted by tzone

Snowing like crazy here tonight!

I got a smoking deal on Artic Shield boot blankets. $19.95 at gander of all places!
My little buddy will have warm feet now but I think they'll get a test run next week.

go buy a few more pairs, that is dirt cheap!

They had two left. I know it's a smokin deal because I was set to buy them from Amazon at $29.99 and thought that was good since it was like $10-15 less than I'd seen them in stores.

These are the smaller more compact ones. Not the giant fluffy ones, but they'll fit in the pack a lot better.

those are the onese i have, make the kid wears his boots LOOSE in them, pretty much untie his boots toss a handwarmer in each one, and he;'ll be fine,

I'll have to try to make it to the Wausau Gander and see if they have any.

Just returned from shopping for camp. Have most of the canned goods we need. Things like eggs, milk and bread have to wait to the last day so they're fresh.

Will spend Saturday making Chili and BBQ. Wife, daughter and GD are taking a chartered bus over to MOA for the day, so the kithchen is all mine.

Originally Posted by big drift

I just can't eat it man...

Sounds like the Funkley bar is all set up and ready for "entertainment" just take your penicillin pills as you walk thru the door...

Ha ha! I just vistied the Funkley bar for the fist time about a month ago during a 4 wheeling trip up in Blackduck. There was only one "entertainer" but it wasn't bad talent. Not as bad as I've heard anyway!

Originally Posted by goalie

Which Gander? Probably the opposite side of the cities from me.

Forest Lake.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

those are the onese i have, make the kid wears his boots LOOSE in them, pretty much untie his boots toss a handwarmer in each one, and he;'ll be fine,

I'll try them out this week before he comes with me next weekend.

If they work that well, we might have to share them.

They wee marked $29.99 on the shelf and when I got to the counter they rang up $10 cheaper. I should have sent the boy back to grap the other pair. Maybe I'll try tomorrow night.

Went to the doc this morning and finally got some pain killers that work! My leg finally feels some relief so I'm gonna jump in the rain room and de-scent and hit the bow stand by 3:00. Woo hoooo!

I sincerely hope that you all have a safe and successful hunt.
Linda and I are leaving Friday morning to drive to Port Canaveral, FL. We will arrive there Saturday AM to board the big white Carnival cruise ship for seven days on the Caribbean. This is in celebration of 25 years of marriage.
I am indeed a fortunate man to have found such a great person to share my life with me.
I won't be around next week and will check in on my return.
You might be surprised where a Chickenbuck hat shows up.
Dave,watch for messages.

Stan in SC

Good luck rooster! Be careful man, don't cut yourself.

10-4 Stan!

Have fun!

have fun stan!

I'm home sick with a little girl today. poor girl has a ragged cough

I scraped the bathmat back with my feet and made a scrape on the floor, then shredded the shower curtain. grunted for a good 5 minutes. urrrp. urrrrp. it's starting here now too.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

You might be surprised where a Chickenbuck hat shows up.

Awesome Stan, have fun on the cruise!

I can't wait to see where the chickenbuck hat shows up!

Have a great time Stan

well,lets see.
the 450 has 300 gr Barnes tsx.
the 22-250 and the 223 have 52 gr barnes tsx,
and the 30-30 has 160 gr ftx hornady.
me and the boy both have doe tags.
I can barely sleep.

I picked up a doe tag last night too. The zone next to the one I hunt in has available tags. It's where the "beaver pond" stand is.

I'll fill that out if I need to.

Saw about a dozen turkeys in a pasture on the way to work, which is nothing new, but across the road I saw a nice buck chasing a doe-he was on here like flies on schidt. Looked to be a good 8, maybe more. In the words of former
Gophers coach, Jim Whacker, "my heart is jumpin' and corpuscles are thumpin".

Originally Posted by goalie

gopher, I will be up at the Cross Lake Zorba's Friday night.

The population is up in the area.

And you saw what a cluster my downstairs bedroom is. The pile's about twice that size now......

Good luck, and stay safe everyone

What time are you going in there, Goalie-I just might look you up. I'll be the ugly one in the Chickenbuck shirt.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

gopher, I will be up at the Cross Lake Zorba's Friday night.

The population is up in the area.

And you saw what a cluster my downstairs bedroom is. The pile's about twice that size now......

Good luck, and stay safe everyone

What time are you going in there, Goalie-I just might look you up. I'll be the ugly one in the Chickenbuck shirt.

Depends. We are leaving early to get up there and do some stuff on the hunting land. We usually head out in the 5-6pm range, eat, then go hit the grocery store in Cross Lake.

Call or text me when you are there or heading there. It's just me and one other guy, unless the neighbors join us this year. I have not gotten any prettier since you last saw me, and I'll have a Chickenbuck hoodie on.

Have fun Stan

Good luck Rooster

The little bucks are running everything in sight around here reminds me of the old joke about the old bull and the young bull standing on the hill looking down on the cows ... I know y'all have heard it .

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

gopher, I will be up at the Cross Lake Zorba's Friday night.

The population is up in the area.

And you saw what a cluster my downstairs bedroom is. The pile's about twice that size now......

Good luck, and stay safe everyone

What time are you going in there, Goalie-I just might look you up. I'll be the ugly one in the Chickenbuck shirt.

Depends. We are leaving early to get up there and do some stuff on the hunting land. We usually head out in the 5-6pm range, eat, then go hit the grocery store in Cross Lake.

Call or text me when you are there or heading there. It's just me and one other guy, unless the neighbors join us this year. I have not gotten any prettier since you last saw me, and I'll have a Chickenbuck hoodie on.

How 'bout PMing me your phone number again?

I saw 3 wild turkeys on my way home from work today. Which is absolutely and entirely new for up here. G'damn things were pert neer in Canada!

It is off to set up deer camp in the morning. Two truck loads and the stands are on a trailer. I do love deer camp. Good luck to all.

It will look like this again.

Have fun on the cruise Stan!

Well I didn't get anything to shoot at tonight but I do have a little story:

A few weeks ago, I bought a deodarant type stick called "evercalm" and I also ordered a product called "upwind" scent control after reading good things about both. The evercalm is supposed to be made from the scents of an actual deer bedding area. The theory is that deer are relaxed by the smell. I've been testing it the last few weeks via trail cameras and it seems to not bother deer at all. Well I put both to the test tonight and it passed with flying colors. I had 5 does and fawns directly down wind of me and they fanned their tails and ran off. I thought oh crap. Then I heard the tractor coming. My cousin was trying to scoop up the last little bit of hay he could for his cows this winter.

After the tractor went by they all came back out. The wind was going dirctly from me to them and they fed just as calm as could be with my scent blowing directly at them. Their was even a big nanny doe in the group and she didn't even look my direction. Might be something to this combo...

As far as rut activity....I'm seeing some scrapes but no chasing yet.

Did u really? That's pretty cool!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I saw 3 wild turkeys on my way home from work today. Which is absolutely and entirely new for up here. G'damn things were pert neer in Canada!

That's cool Dave! It was just a matter of time before they got up that way. We have had wild turkeys around here for quite a few years now. Tonight, I got to listen to them in the woods cluckin and purring. Didn't see them but you could hear them. It was pretty cool!

Nice to hear they're making it up that far, Dave. The danged things are like pigeons down here around the cities. Heck, there was one chasing the kids up and down the street on their bikes last summer! If I wanted one bad enough, I could walk out the door on any given day and cap one with a well placed head shot from a pellet gun. (that's if I'm capable of a well placed shot!)

This may be my last post here before heading off to deer camp. Gonna be a busy night between the grocery run and final packing. Good luck to all the Minnesota boys. 'Can't wait to hear the stories, especially from the Chickenbuckers. I'll be wearing my Chickenbuck shirt for good luck. So to Northern Dave, T-Zone, Goalie, Skane, Runs With Scissors and all the other cast and crew, good luck, have fun, and come home safe. NOW GO FIND THE TURDY POINTER!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Have fun on the cruise Stan!

Well I didn't get anything to shoot at tonight but I do have a little story:

A few weeks ago, I bought a deodarant type stick called "evercalm" and I also ordered a product called "upwind" scent control after reading good things about both. The evercalm is supposed to be made from the scents of an actual deer bedding area. The theory is that deer are relaxed by the smell. I've been testing it the last few weeks via trail cameras and it seems to not bother deer at all. Well I put both to the test tonight and it passed with flying colors. I had 5 does and fawns directly down wind of me and they fanned their tails and ran off. I thought oh crap. Then I heard the tractor coming. My cousin was trying to scoop up the last little bit of hay he could for his cows this winter.

After the tractor went by they all came back out. The wind was going dirctly from me to them and they fed just as calm as could be with my scent blowing directly at them. Their was even a big nanny doe in the group and she didn't even look my direction. Might be something to this combo...

As far as rut activity....I'm seeing some scrapes but no chasing yet.

Jim, just so you know... I am going to tease the chit out of you over your magic deer cologne. You sly devil you...

I love to tease you about all your high tech hunting trinkets, but this one will be my new favorite.

lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I saw 3 wild turkeys on my way home from work today. Which is absolutely and entirely new for up here. G'damn things were pert neer in Canada!

Not entirely. There have been a few flocks around here for the last 4-5 years that I know of.

You need to get out of the heavy timber to see them.

hell, I'm gonna try it! got winded twice this year despite taking precautions. dang wind swirls out here in the evening.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Have fun on the cruise Stan!

Well I didn't get anything to shoot at tonight but I do have a little story:

A few weeks ago, I bought a deodarant type stick called "evercalm" and I also ordered a product called "upwind" scent control after reading good things about both. The evercalm is supposed to be made from the scents of an actual deer bedding area. The theory is that deer are relaxed by the smell. I've been testing it the last few weeks via trail cameras and it seems to not bother deer at all. Well I put both to the test tonight and it passed with flying colors. I had 5 does and fawns directly down wind of me and they fanned their tails and ran off. I thought oh crap. Then I heard the tractor coming. My cousin was trying to scoop up the last little bit of hay he could for his cows this winter.

After the tractor went by they all came back out. The wind was going dirctly from me to them and they fed just as calm as could be with my scent blowing directly at them. Their was even a big nanny doe in the group and she didn't even look my direction. Might be something to this combo...

As far as rut activity....I'm seeing some scrapes but no chasing yet.

Jim, just so you know... I am going to tease the chit out of you over your magic deer cologne. You sly devil you...

I love to tease you about all your high tech hunting trinkets, but this one will be my new favorite.

lol.

Tease away! I expected it! lol

I know NOTHING will beat a mature whitetails nose completely but as a bowhunter if you can reduce your scent to levels that deer will somewhat tolerate, you have increased your odds of getting a shot within 30 yards. And besides I like to play around with different stuff and observe deer behavior.

OK....

My Name is Jim and I'm a gimmick / gadet-aholic. It's true. But I have lots of fun doing it!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hell, I'm gonna try it! got winded twice this year despite taking precautions. dang wind swirls out here in the evening.

Ryan -

Just an FYI. The evercalm is deoderant "like". You don't rub it under your pits. You rub it on the trees etc. around your stand area. Just thought I better clarify before you crawl in to bed and snuggle with your lady friend. lol

Good Luck Gopher Jeff!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hell, I'm gonna try it! got winded twice this year despite taking precautions. dang wind swirls out here in the evening.

Ryan -

Just an FYI. The evercalm is deoderant "like". You don't rub it under your pits. You rub it on the trees etc. around your stand area. Just thought I better clarify before you crawl in to bed and snuggle with your lady friend. lol

tink's don't bother her, this shouldn't either! lol J/K

Originally Posted by Rooster7

My Name is Jim and I'm a gimmick / gadet-aholic. It's true. But I have lots of fun doing it!

"Winning"

I was drawn for a wolf tag this year and missed the deadline for purchasing the license because I was in the hospital. I KNEW I should have bought it right away.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Jim, just so you know... I am going to tease the chit out of you over your magic deer cologne. You sly devil you...

I love to tease you about all your high tech hunting trinkets, but this one will be my new favorite.

lol.

Big Jelly has a lot of trinkets but he shoots bigger deer than I ever will. But have no fear, I'll tease him right along with ya.

All the gear is packed and ready to go. I was pretty proud, I really cut back on the stuff to bring up this year. All in all I got packed into 4 large rubbermaid bins.

Why do we need all this stuff?

I guess next year I'll cut back some more.

No I won't.

Told my boys that they best start to looking for summer jobs cause the State Bank of Dad is gonna be drying up with all the stuff they "have to have" for deer hunting.

At this rate it is gonna take a dang delivery van to get out to the wood with all this stuff.

Sure was simpler when I was younger.

And now the girls want womens designed hunting gear...told my oldest's boyfriend that he best start making more coin to keep her in her comfortable hunting ways

In the last week my offspring have been discussing in addition to MN deer hunting that we go on a Antelope hunt, an elk hunt, and a island hopping Lake of the Woods ontario side deer hunt....

Not sure I am up for all of that anymore

Originally Posted by Rooster7

OK....

My Name is Biiiiggg Jelly and I'm a gimmick / gadet-aholic. It's true. But I have lots of fun doing it!

In stand since 0600 0915 now 2 hot does tails flat piss8n on their hocks. Chits about to get real

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ryan -

Just an FYI. The evercalm is deoderant "like". You don't rub it under your pits. You rub it on the trees etc. around your stand area. Just thought I better clarify before you crawl in to bed and snuggle with your lady friend. lol

This story could have been a lot more awesome if you didn't tell him that.

It may have gone worse then when I convinced my lady friend to take a big sniff of Tink's on Halloween night.

"Really get it deep" says the fat man..."take a good hard pull, it smells sweet."

She called me naughty words.

Originally Posted by big drift

Not sure I am up for all of that anymore

Oh sure you are.

Fueled by youthful enthusiasm, it's amazing what we can still do when we have excited young people looking to explore and charge forward on new adventures.

The island hopper hunt would be pretty cool.

I was walking the little-guy to the bus-stop this morning. A bunch of deer go running by, chased by a buck.

Me: "Matt, look at the deer!"
Matt: "Daddy, it's too bad you don't have your gun so you could shoot them."
Me:

I will take that as a good sign/omen/whatever.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by big drift

Not sure I am up for all of that anymore

Oh sure you are.

Fueled by youthful enthusiasm, it's amazing what we can still do when we have excited young people looking to explore and charge forward on new adventures.

I like the youthful enthusiasm. They ask stuff that makes you think about what you're doing and why you're doing it "that way".

There were deer tracks all over the place in the snow when I picked up the kids off the bus yesterday. I brought them to church and in the row of pines along the cemetry....a pile of does. Probably hiding from the bucks that have been hauling all over the butts the last couple days.

We may hit this stage of the rut just right here boys.

Rut is cool, if you have deer.

otherwise, it's hard to notice.....

I have lost all ability to focus and concentrate....

Did you say locust and constipate?

Sorr, I'm having ufft ime taying apension.

Oh look there goes another shickenduck....

Only one 12-hour shift left at the hospital, then I am off to Upper Whitefish. I am not exactly focused on work, so I think I'll take the monitored transport pager instead of the rapid/dr blue one.....

Gopher, the pile of crap in that downstairs bedroom is literally twice as big. And the PM is sent.

At 5 tonight I start making venison stew with bacon, venison chili, and cream of wild rice and chicken soup, all with hard bread and beer for those of appropriate ages

I am sure the deer stand, vehicles, and house will be quite fragrante delecto by the end of the weekend....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

OK....

My Name is Not Quite So Biiiiggg Jelly and I'm a gimmick / gadet-aholic. It's true. But I have lots of fun doing it!

Fixed it. Down 28 lbs as of this morning!! It feels great!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

In stand since 0600 0915 now 2 hot does tails flat piss8n on their hocks. Chits about to get real

Good luck Coop! I'm gonna go sit from 11 - 2 and try and catch up with a mid day cruiser bruiser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V39poP1Hoc

A little Fred Bear....

1!

1 day to go! Everyone have a safe and enjoyable hunt. Remember, getting into and out of stands is the most dangerous part of deer hunting. here's hoping that we come back a success group of hunters.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hell, I'm gonna try it! got winded twice this year despite taking precautions. dang wind swirls out here in the evening.

Ryan,n I've been using a product called "Nose Jammer" the past 2 years. Seems to work quite well. I've had deer directly down wind from me and they didn't seem bothered at all.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

1!

1 day to go! Everyone have a safe and enjoyable hunt. Remember, getting into and out of stands is the most dangerous part of deer hunting. here's hoping that we come back a success group of hunters.

I'm jealous! Two more weeks for me.

Good luck everyone.

Deb's heading to her stand in an hour.

Takin dem "Blue tipped, death rays", this time !

It's killing me sitting at work.

argh.

Paul.

2.25 hrs for me.

Hopefully, I'll be getting a call about then.

"Honey, can you come home & gut my deer".

Paul.

that's not a bad call to get.

Yeah, here's hoping !

PM inbound.

Paul.

are you off all day tomorrow too dave? hows the road in? do we need wheelers or a bus? dont think the limo will make it though. Good Luck to all and be safe.

Good luck to the lady Paul.

The gear is officially ready to go. It's not in the car but it's in a pile by the door.

Going to hit a movie and some BBQ with the lady friend then hit the sack so I can get up and head north early!

Be safe chickenbuckers. We all have families to come home to. Can't wait to get back to read the stories and see the fuzzy wind-chime pictures.

Good thinkin' T, earn dem brownie points before ya head out !!

Good Luck Tom !

Paul.

Getting snow flurries here.

Great timing-my Division Head is in town touring stores. So far the visits have went pretty well with not too many notes. 'Wonder how he's gonna like it when he hits my store and I'm out from work with the dreaded Buck Fever?

I just got back from the grocery run. How can we feed a family of four for a week on less than $75.00 but it takes me $125.00 worth of chow to get through the first weekend of deer season?

Good luck to all!

My elk and deer season have already come and gone. You'd think I wouldn't care that others are just starting their hunting season and get to look forward to the upcoming hunt. But admittedy, I'm still a little jealous.

We've got a week to go over here in MI and the old .308 model 100 Winchester is NOT cooperating. The target looks like I shot with my eyes closed. It has always liked the blue box 180gr Federals. I've tried just about everything I know to get it to tighten up. Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

ND has an 88

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

We've got a week to go over here in MI and the old .308 model 100 Winchester is NOT cooperating. The target looks like I shot with my eyes closed. It has always liked the blue box 180gr Federals. I've tried just about everything I know to get it to tighten up. Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but the only experience I ever had with an 88 was a bad one. Picked one up in .243 and just never fell in love with it. Very heavy trigger, and poor accuracy with every load I tried.

The best advice I can give you is to add 11. Buy a 99 Savage and be done with it.

Good Luck to all the Minne Soda boys! We have a week to go so light the fires for us.

good luck, guys.
take lots of pictures.

Originally Posted by SSB

Good Luck to all the Minne Soda boys! We have a week to go so light the fires for us.

Backatcha SSB-Gonna be rockin' some Youper talk?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

We've got a week to go over here in MI and the old .308 model 100 Winchester is NOT cooperating. The target looks like I shot with my eyes closed. It has always liked the blue box 180gr Federals. I've tried just about everything I know to get it to tighten up. Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

If it shot well in the past it could be a bad scope,loose scope rings/bases or a bedding issue. Check the barrel crown too.

Good luck guys. Wear your harness, and shoot straight.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

We've got a week to go over here in MI and the old .308 model 100 Winchester is NOT cooperating. The target looks like I shot with my eyes closed. It has always liked the blue box 180gr Federals. I've tried just about everything I know to get it to tighten up. Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

If it shot well in the past it could be a bad scope,loose scope rings/bases or a bedding issue. Check the barrel crown too.

Saved me some typing. If it used to be fine, look for something that has loosened, broken or swelled. Don't forget about bench technique, too.

Good luck with it.

As other Michiganders have said, we've still got a week to go so I'm living this next week vicariously through you guys.

Be safe, shoot well and check in with your stories.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

I think I've been shooting 165 gr fed fusion in my 88 in .308

I believe the bullet is a boat tail soft point.

I use an old mid 60's leupold 3-9x40 fine flex mounted very low in a weaver tip off and I make 1" groups with it on cool barrel.

I've never tried heavy bullets in mine, not sure what the twist is, never checked.

You sumbich... I was gonna leave the 88 at home today.. Now I have to find a case for it.

lol.

I'm not workin today, or tommorow, or da next day, or da day after dat....

I'm heaping the old single cab of Nate's 77 ford hi-boy with clothes, food and guns. Making a swing through White bear's area to pick up about 190 8' T&G cedar boards from his lady friend's lumber yard, then through the White Bear sheenry yard to drop off his flat deck trailer and I'm off to the wilderness.

Gonna be an awesome day, It's even supposed to snow!

Wood stove will be cracklin inside the cabin before noon today!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm not workin today, or tommorow, or da next day, or da day after dat....

I'm heaping the old single cab of Nate's 77 ford hi-boy with clothes, food and guns. Making a swing through White bear's area to pick up about 190 8' T&G cedar boards from his lady friend's lumber yard, then through the White Bear sheenry yard to drop off his flat deck trailer and I'm off to the wilderness.

Gonna be an awesome day, It's even supposed to snow!

Wood stove will be cracklin inside the cabin before noon today!

Git 'er done Dave !

Hoping the Shaw family & friends make some great memories, this weekend.

Paul.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

I think I've been shooting 165 gr fed fusion in my 88 in .308

I believe the bullet is a boat tail soft point.

I use an old mid 60's leupold 3-9x40 fine flex mounted very low in a weaver tip off and I make 1" groups with it on cool barrel.

I've never tried heavy bullets in mine, not sure what the twist is, never checked.

You sumbich... I was gonna leave the 88 at home today.. Now I have to find a case for it.

lol.

Edit, I just found my clip for the 88, it has a few in it.

Brass is remington, these are 150gr core-lokt.

I know it likes the 165 gr fusion too but apparently the last time I sighted it in I had some 150 core lokts

IIRC the POI was very close to that of the 165 fusion I had been shooting previously.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

We've got a week to go over here in MI and the old .308 model 100 Winchester is NOT cooperating. The target looks like I shot with my eyes closed. It has always liked the blue box 180gr Federals. I've tried just about everything I know to get it to tighten up. Anybody with a model 88 or 100 and have any suggestions?

I like the old girl, but if she doesn't settle down, she's gonna have to stay home.

If it shot well in the past it could be a bad scope,loose scope rings/bases or a bedding issue. Check the barrel crown too.

Saved me some typing. If it used to be fine, look for something that has loosened, broken or swelled. Don't forget about bench technique, too.

Good luck with it.

Charlie,

Good advice above, but I'll add my .02 !

How long since you've cleaned the barrel ?

Only reason I ask, happened to me this year in my pre mil Savage 99, .308.

Target looked like a splatter gun, took it home, checked every thing for tightness, thorough cleaning (solvent) & tried again.

Back to minute of deer.

Wet out & shot my moose with it the next weekend.

Like Dave, I'm using Federal Fusion 165 grain.

Good luck with it.

Paul.

Good Luck everyone!

As others have said, wear your harnesses and stay safe! Most of us here could not recover quickly from a fall from the stand. We're not invincible anymore fella's. Live to teach your grandkids how to shoot.

But most of all have FUN!

I no verkin' dis day eeder!

Went out duck hunting this morning and whiffed on some geese that happened along. Told my buddy, Man am I glad I got my missing out of the way already this weekend!

You guys and your rifles. We are stuck with shotguns here and although they shoot very good (2-3 MOA) out to 150, they arent rifles. Man, to think of some of the bucks I would have had with a rifle. And we are about 15 miles south of the line. Uggg.

Muzzle control boys. Both for safety and augering dem der deers!

OHH, one more thing. The boys and I went out at sunset last night looking for deer around the house. We saw 8 bucks chasing does! One dandy; 7 smaller ones. But man, were they chasing! We werent gone an hour! IT IS ON! We are hitting it perfect!

The chosen ones (for opening weekend)

[Linked Image]

(only 3 are mine)

Plus a coupla shotguns for grouse.

My buddy got a flat tire this morning. We will be leaving an hour or so later than expected now.

It's just the hunting gods teasing and testing me.....

On a happy note, my son asked how many deer I'm going to shoot this weekend, not IF I was going to shoot one.

Thanks for the help guys.

Crown is good.

Running a Leupy Vari X II 3X9 and it's like new.

Mounts might be iffy. They're tight, but in keeping with the vintage of the gun, I have a Marbles Game Getter low see throughs. They're so low that you really don't see the target very well. Grew up in the UP near Gladstone and this is sort of a nostalgia thing. They've been on there for at least a decade.

The other variable with these guns is the front sling swivel. It screws through the one piece stock into a lug welded on the bottom of the barrel. Some guys say crank it down some say leave it a bit loose with some blue Loc-Tite. ???

I clean it after each season with Butches, brass brush, patch until clean, and then one oiled patch. To sight in, I shoot a fouling shot, then get down to business. When I have my zero, which has never been better than 1.5", I run a dry patch and it's ready to hunt.

I'm going to try the 165 Fusions. Technique is the same since I used to shoot competition in high school (literally in the basement of the school :)) so I think I'm good there. I have my 300WM A-bolt if it doesn't work out, but I kinda wanted to take the old girl out, she was getting lonely in the cabinet when her friends got to play every year.

More & more, I turn to the "old girls".

Not the most accurate, but definitely gives me the biggest smile !

Paul.

bagged and ready to roll. Had a slight delay as I had to tear down an old High standard double nine 22 revolver. Decided I wanted to take it along but the trigger spring was hosed up. All better now.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Thanks for the help guys.

Crown is good.

Running a Leupy Vari X II 3X9 and it's like new.

Mounts might be iffy. They're tight, but in keeping with the vintage of the gun, I have a Marbles Game Getter low see throughs. They're so low that you really don't see the target very well. Grew up in the UP near Gladstone and this is sort of a nostalgia thing. They've been on there for at least a decade.

The other variable with these guns is the front sling swivel. It screws through the one piece stock into a lug welded on the bottom of the barrel. Some guys say crank it down some say leave it a bit loose with some blue Loc-Tite. ???

I clean it after each season with Butches, brass brush, patch until clean, and then one oiled patch. To sight in, I shoot a fouling shot, then get down to business. When I have my zero, which has never been better than 1.5", I run a dry patch and it's ready to hunt.

I'm going to try the 165 Fusions. Technique is the same since I used to shoot competition in high school (literally in the basement of the school :)) so I think I'm good there. I have my 300WM A-bolt if it doesn't work out, but I kinda wanted to take the old girl out, she was getting lonely in the cabinet when her friends got to play every year.

If the mount is tight I doubt that its the problem. I'd be inclined to go with a swellen stock adding add'l pressure to the barrel.

Dave, you are taking 11 guns to camp? man, i will NEVER get a deer cuz I am only taking 1.

I knew dem deers were sneaky bastiges, but I didnt know you could fool'em with different shootin' irons.

This will be my last post until next week. Heading up to my uncles farm (which is our "camp") to drop off ATVs, stock in some wood, lay a thin layer of BS and drive the roads looking for Mr MackDaddy.

Stupid Vikings. They screw up and win. Stupid Washington, they didnt win. I think you could say the 2 victories over Wash in the last few years have set this franchise back many years (the first victory cost them Robert Griffin III).

Good luck all you MN hunters.

Sitting in the tent and it is snowing. The stands are up and the hunting clothes are layed out for morning. We are supposed to get four inches of snow, all the better to see the deer. Good luck to all.

First post from my tablet/nook

Have a great hunt TJAY.

It is on, go get 'em!!!!!

Just enough snow here to make the ground whitish.

One wind chime hanging here so far. I'm expecting the lead to be flying later as I set-up a neighbor kid in a great evening spot.

Good luck to all!

One hanging is a good thing.

Made 2.5 gallons of chili and fried up meat for spaghetti so far today.

grey day,never saw or heard a thing.didnt help the wind is blowing 15-20,with huge flakes falling horizontal. had a smaller tree almost fall on me in my stand,gave up early.

cell phone view

[Linked Image]

to the left of the first

[Linked Image]

Super windy day.

I didn't see anything shootable in the am with the Tikka, so I took out the single-shot 44 mag and got a buck and a doe in about 15 seconds.

Figures......

Pics when I get home. Good luck tomorrow everyone, looks like great hunting weather the next few days.

Originally Posted by goalie

Super windy day.

I didn't see anything shootable in the am with the Tikka, so I took out the single-shot 44 mag and got a buck and a doe in about 15 seconds.

Figures......

Pics when I get home. Good luck tomorrow everyone, looks like great hunting weather the next few days.

Awesome! I bet that was some cowboy action reloading!

I was xbow hunting today saw six but to far away for me .

Killt a 235lb dressed buck with double drop tines tonight in Wisconsin with a bow. .. [Linked Image]

Deer is 8yrs old have himbon camera from that far back. He iw definitely the old man. Shot him at 41 yards

What a beaut! Good shootin'.

Good Hunting Goalie.....Look forward to the pics!

Great Buck Coop! Congrats!

nice buck! that is one old deer! I'm hoping to get one like that really soon! I decided to start a jawbone collection with different age classes of deer on it, over 5 they get hard to find!
congrats on an awesome buck!

Good job coop and goalie!

We have more deer sign than we have had for several years. I have been seeing deer and Nate has seen some too. I enjoyed watching a doe and fawn at very close range for about 15 minutes yesterday at 4:30.

Good luck everybody!

GREAT buck, Coop.

That thing is a beast. Deerantisaurus rex!

It looks like the sun will shine bright today. Nothing like watching the sunrise from a deer stand. It's windy though, and it's crunchy noisy in the woods. Hard to sneak up on anything.

The glow of the sun is just crowning above the spruce and cedar tops behind me and casting its light out ahead of me. The wind is still high, treetop level and it's blowing pretty good. It can't really be felt at ground level too much yet, but as the sun goes up, the breeze will reach lower. Chilling my neck.

Gonna be one of those days.

Windier than heck over here too, Dave. Sucks having windy conditions for the opener, I hate it for you.

Thanks for the visual of the sun rising at your back. My main stand is situated facing West too, and I always enjoy watching the first rays of sun touch the tops of the trees across the meadow from me and then gradually creep downward, casting their yellow light on the trunks before finally reaching the ground where it burns off the night's frost.

I've tried to get pics of it, but none ever seem to do it justice.

Good luck to you and the rest of the Chickenbuckers out there.

Congrats guys!

Coop that is big 'ol bruiser! Good Job!

Yesterday evening, I had decent buck come hauling azz by me while I sat in a little ground blind I built. I took a quick shot and another when he stopped behind some trees. The 12 ga slug hit a branch and all I got was a pile of hair. Had does and fawns within 10 yards last night. Nothing today so far except some far away does.

At least your seeing deer Rooster.

Windy here Saturday and today. Major weather change coming tonight. Temps dropping into the 20's and snow. 1" to 3" predicted. Highs Monday/Tuesday only in the 20's. Warming back up Wednesday.

Worked on the snoblower this AM and fired it up.

Sleeping bag is outside airing out.

Congrats Coop and Goalie. Good job, guys! A little snow at sunrise for us yesterday, but never saw a deer. Windy, spit rain or ice crystals about half the time. Very little shooting. The other group that hunts by us got two and missed two. One of our guys hit a spike yesterday morning, but didn't get it. The stinking rain was coming down, which washed away any blood, and the snow was gone by then. A tough pill to swallow.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Congrats Coop and Goalie. Good job, guys! A little snow at sunrise for us yesterday, but never saw a deer. Windy, spit rain or ice crystals about half the time. Very little shooting. The other group that hunts by us got two and missed two. One of our guys hit a spike yesterday morning, but didn't get it. The stinking rain was coming down, which washed away any blood, and the snow was gone by then. A tough pill to swallow.

Hang in there man that's why they call it hunting and not shootin !

No luck here at camp Isabella the wife missed a small buck this morning. I have seen nothing but tracks. It is snowing again as I type this report. Good to see someone has had some luck. Shoot strait and let see some more hit the ground.

nada,

maybe next week.
it was a bad weekend.
first,payroll check was rejected.( damn atm said it was altered, which it isn't)
next, drove off with out my suit case,left doe permit on bulletin board. had my hunting clothes, and guns, anyway.
forgot to put on my orange on opener morning,had to drive back and get it.
30 mph wind, never saw a deer.
glad that is over, really.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Congrats Coop and Goalie. Good job, guys! A little snow at sunrise for us yesterday, but never saw a deer. Windy, spit rain or ice crystals about half the time. Very little shooting. The other group that hunts by us got two and missed two. One of our guys hit a spike yesterday morning, but didn't get it. The stinking rain was coming down, which washed away any blood, and the snow was gone by then. A tough pill to swallow.

Hang in there man that's why they call it hunting and not shootin !

Heading out tomorrow to check out a farm in Lakeville I got permission to hunt. Another group hunts it on the opener, but not thereafter. Might end up being a ML spot. Planning on taking T-Zone over there for ML season. Hunting his spots next weekend up in Duluth. Hope to make at least one or two day trips middle of this week too. 'Can't get a deer sitting on my butt watching the TV. As a last resort, the place we stay for the opener would like us to shoot a couple deer there, as they've got "neighborhood" deer that eat everything they try to grow. The problem is, it's going to be really tough shooting there from a safety standpoint. Too many buildings and roads around. It wouldn't be really hunting-more eradication than anything else. Might go back up with the ML and see if I can help them out a bit. Meat's meat when it comes right down to it, and they've asked us several times. I just don't want to have an errant shot go somewhere I don't want it to, or for a deer to go die on the neighbor's front porch.

Well done Goalie and Coop! Coop I assume it's a no-brainer that's going up on the wall.

Rooster, good on you too! You're a gamer coming off that scare last week and hitting it hard for the opener.

yea he's at the taxidermist. She's got another one of mine she's finishing up for the wisconsin deer turkey expo this year. she might try and get that one done to take with 2. She's ordering a custom form for him cause the mackenzie forms dont have a neck/head combo that does him justice. his head was 15" from nose to ears. looked like a yearling steer

Woke up to a dusting of snow this AM.

Coop, Is that the Madison show you're talking about?

Originally Posted by acooper1983

yea he's at the taxidermist. She's got another one of mine she's finishing up for the wisconsin deer turkey expo this year. she might try and get that one done to take with 2. She's ordering a custom form for him cause the mackenzie forms dont have a neck/head combo that does him justice. his head was 15" from nose to ears. looked like a yearling steer

So, our big issue is just seeing a damn deer to shoot, yours is getting a form big enough to mount yours.......

Sweeeeeeeet!!!!!

It never fails.......

'Drove 3 1/2 hours north to hunt, and never saw a deer. Sitting on the couch in my Prior Lake home this morning. Pixie the Wonderbeagle goes absolutely apeschidt. I look out the window and there's a nice forkie standing about 20 feet away just looking at us through the picture window.

Man I want to shoot something!

On my way home from deer camp. Kinda sad it is over, but kinda glad it is sausage-time.

Came in for lunch on day 3. No deer sighted but they're around. This wind is nasty and I think has them laying tight.

I did help a lost guy on Saturday morning. He was more than happy to see me. I'm over in my buddies camp in Cotton. They got a 7pt opening day but nothing since.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Rooster, good on you too! You're a gamer coming off that scare last week and hitting it hard for the opener.

Well I'm either a gamer or an idiot or both!

Ended up in the ER last night with my leg all swelled up again and some pain in my chest. They did all the tests and basically told me to rest and not over do it. Got out of going to the Coumadin clinic today though because they checked my INR levels last night.

Good luck to those still out hunting! I'll be back out next weekend but will probably drive just a little tiny bit closer to my spots instead of hiking to them.

Cooper - I shot a buck back in '07 that the taxi needed to order a special form for as well. It looked like a steer hanging in the garage. It's amazing how big those deer will get when they make it to adulthood!

Originally Posted by tzone

Came in for lunch on day 3. No deer sighted but they're around. This wind is nasty and I think has them laying tight.

I did help a lost guy on Saturday morning. He was more than happy to see me. I'm over in my buddies camp in Cotton. They got a 7pt opening day but nothing since.

Anything at the Beaver Pond Tom?

Take it easy, Rooster. Don't need you back in the hospital.

Just came back from lunch at Chili's. Free to vets. Had a Pearl Harbor Surveyor in attendance.

Deer Camp Report as of Monday noon:

My tree swayed so much I am contemplating a career in bull riding. Cant be much harder, can it?

about 730, a fork horn showed up in my shooting lane. Pretty soon another fork and a couple does showed up and it was fun watching the interaction. The new fork was clearly dominant; they must have had it out earlier to determine who was boss.

Then about 830, a nice 8 pointer stepped into my shooting lane and we had a staring contest at 15 yards. He was as wide as his ears with good mass, but tine length wasnt really great. He looked like another year would make him a Cooper-esque type buck, so I decided to pass. He then spent about 15 minutes in 4 different lanes just trying to change my mind! I told him to stick around me cuz if he waltzes in front of anyone else in my party it would be venny sausage for him. Finally, after a sniffing my scent wick for about 3 minutes, he sauntered away. Passed on another fork later that night.

Sunday morning was calm and I thought they really might move, but they didnt. Saw one forky that I couldnt have shot. Sunday night, I had to dissapoint one of my boys as i can only bring one in the stand at a time. Man, that about broke my heart. But Wyatt was pretty pumped he got to go. We saw yet another fork horn that we passed up (I should say I passed up as if it was up to Wyatt, he would have got drilled!). Wyatt made me feel really good when he said out of the blue, "that was a great hunt Dad!".

This morning I could have spit on a doe, but no bucks. Gonna break Hunter out of school early and go sit again.

Rooster,

I'm going to check that spot out tomorrow.

A pictorial essay of Deer Camp 2013:

the tools:

[Linked Image]

Deer #1:

Deer #2 (about 15 seconds later):

[Linked Image]

The coolest '48 pickup to haul any deer:

[Linked Image]

Saturday night dinner:

[Linked Image]

And proof that I wore Chickenbuck attire while dropping deer:

[Linked Image]

Almost forgot the "dink" contest submission picture

[Linked Image]

Well again a day with no deer. Such is deer camp. It was 10 degrees when we got up and it 10 again on its way to about -5 tonight. It is a balmy 50 in the cook tent as I type and the little diesel stove is working overtime.

That is the latest from camp Isabella. Hope everyone is snug and warm tonight.

Goalie

Nice going and great pictures.

Thanks TJAY. I hope you are just enjoying not being somewhere other than deer-camp.

I'll be at work tomorrow....

The little-guy is jacked-up about turning the deer into "food" though.

Did a recon/hunting run to a new near-home spot in Lakeville. Lots of sign, and looks like a good spot. Going to hunt it again on Wednesday, and maybe in ML with T-Zone.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Woke up to a dusting of snow this AM.

Coop, Is that the Madison show you're talking about?

I believe so, im not sure for certain though. she used my 2010 bow buck for one as well

Jeff, scout it out good.

I'll be there god willing! I hunted at my buddy's camp today. No deer but it's a cool spot.

Tomorrow I'm going to hunt the beaver pond spot. I'm hoping the spot gopher, JOG, myself and my mini-hunter will cool off and fill up with deer.

It's usually a good 2nd weekend spot.

Stay warm TJAY!

Thanks to all you MN hunters for your posts and good luck to ya all. Your posts are getting me revved up for our opener this Friday. My rifles (3 of 'em) are zeroed and so is my scoped revolver. I'll be trying to use the revolver to put a home cast, home loaded bullet through the clockwork of a MI white tail. Got a fewore things to get gathered up and in place, but otherwise I'm pretty much ready for daybreak on Friday. Big grins!

Tom-

The Lakeville spot show some definite promise. Lots of tracks on the trails I walked. Found one older permanent stand and one portable. Both on good crossings. I only scouted part of the property. One side of it borders some land in some kind of trust or something-I can't figure out if it's huntable or not. Lots of wheeler trails through the property, so will be easy to walk and drag deer out of. Going out again tomorrow morning. Hope to stand by the portable I saw for a couple hours and then recon another one of the trail systems.

Howdy do buckaroos.

Well I'll try to catch up here on everybody's hunting status and I'll post up a bit from our first weekend.

I started out Friday at camp with kitchen duty. Jelky's knife chopping onions and peppers, cubing up some meat for a batch of chili.

[Linked Image]

We got some snow throughout the weekend, big fluffy flakes at times.

[Linked Image]

And it really cooled off, the kind of weather that makes you put your hood up to keep the ears warm.

[Linked Image]

A hunter coming in from his morning post.

[Linked Image]

Some promising buck activity spotted on a walk I took Sunday morning.

[Linked Image]

The 264 posing on an old cedar stump.

[Linked Image]

Back at the cabin, we now have this beautiful shanty for wood storage. Also inside the shed is a skid of T&G cedar boards for our sauna project!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/album%202/woodshed_zps01175fed.jpg[/img]

More in a bit.

The woodshed and golden boy rifle are sweet!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Coop,

Great buck !!

CONGRATULATIONS.

Paul.

Great pics, Dave. We need build a wood shed at our camp. Should have done it years ago.

Nice pics Dave. Love the lever-gun.

My step dad gave Nate that rifle. Henry oct barrel 30-30.

He actually fired a shot with it yesterday, clean miss on a running doe he jumped up by his mom's stand.

You know what happens when you miss at camp chickenbuck....

You get shamed.

[Linked Image]

This was the fancy twirling joust shame method of shame stick ceremony.

[Linked Image]

He took it in stride.

[Linked Image]

Shame, shame, shame!

lol.

Missy comes up with the coolest ideas. This is something she had seen at a friend's place so she showed us how to do the bag omelet.

[Linked Image]

Here we have zip lock freezer bags with omelet contents that we each made for ourselves. Missy had all the meat and veggies pre diced and sliced for camp breakfast. Mine for example, has 3 eggs in it, green peppers, onion, hash browns, mushroom, sausage and ham. Our bags have our names on them.

I'm assisting the cook out on the porch here. The bags are dropped into a turkey fryer pot filled with boiling water.

[Linked Image]

The girls all teased me for putting way too much stuff in my omelet bag....

[Linked Image]

Rightly so.

I almost finished that plate though.

I am stealing the "shame stick" idea. We had a guy who shot a poor spike 4 times on the land next to us. The deer ran off, then one of my buddies-relatives had to finish it off with a fifth shot after it ran right up to his stand and stood there with, as he put it, a "just shoot me, and do it right this time" look.

The joke that night was "you missed one of the legs Joe....."

We showed my sister and BIL the bag omlet trick on Saturday too! We had ham, chopped onion, green, yellow and red pepper, pork sausage, bacon bits and shredded colby monteray jack cheese. Man that makes a quick delicious breakfast. Toss the bag in a pot of boiling water and 20 minutes later wa laaa you have yourself an omit!

I'm glad to see the shame stick in action. That means one thing: The deer are coming back!!!

That voo-doo looking shame stick looks to be a kinder, gentler way of dealing out shame.

In Grandpa's deer camp you got your shirt tail cut off.

We do a helluva breakfast at chickenbuck. Sometimes it's blueberry pancakes and bacon, could be eggs, sausage, hash browns, could be bag omelets... Sometimes we just freestyle and make it up as we go along.

[Linked Image]

Yesterday's breakfast.

[Linked Image]

Pepper bacon, ham, hash browns, onion, green pepper and eggs all mixed together, sprinkle some cheese on top.

We had company Sunday night, two of our favorite young ladies made the trip up to camp to visit with us. Justin's sisters "Runs in Darkness" and "Falls in Water". This is one of RID's fav breakfasts so it had to be done.

"Falls in water"(age 13) got a nice 8 pointer on a special state park hunt closer to her home on Saturday.

Very happy for her and couldn't be prouder.

She joined me on a walking route Sunday evening to a ground blind in the cedars that Tzone set up a couple of years ago. The deer did not cooperate.

We did see deer throughout the weekend though. Probably saw more deer in the fast few days than we have seen in the past 3 years combined. Not bad considering we had a very small group this year for opener.

It was very different not having Dusty at camp this year, I think everybody is doing their best to adjust to that void. Eileen and Missy brought a small urn to camp that they had arranged for delivering a portion of Dusty's ashes up to deer camp. It's resting on top of the gun cabinet for now. That was very nice of the girls to go through the trouble, the act in itself is very meaningful and symbolic of Dusty's enduring drive and enthusiasm for the camp and being with this group of family and friends that he loved being part of.

When the time is right, when we have more members of camp together, we plan to spread his ashes on the ground below his deer stand.

Overall, it was a good weekend. Our sails weren't entirely full.. we're down one very important camp member and it shows. Justin also isn't making it to camp this year as he is an expecting daddy that needs to stick close to home.

We're kind of a small group and our "fun meters" aren't pegged out like they have been in previous seasons. I'm looking to change that next weekend though, boost the fun, elevate the excitement and laughter levels a bit. I can tell you that hunting wise things don't look too bad. I do believe we have a good shot at filling a couple of tags.

There is plenty of fresh tracks, good sign and we are actually seeing some deer.

Before we left camp yesterday, I moved a ladder stand to what I think is a better stand location for an area that has been seeing heavy deer traffic. Hopefully better for the wind, concealment, sun glare... Quicker to get into without stirring up the area, it's just all around goodness.

Looks like this from the stand.

[Linked Image]

That's about 14' up in a big gnarly jackpine.

I'm hoping for Nate to pop one from this new spot.

(Or Missy, or Pam, or me...)

Man I sure muss it up there!

dang old bills why do you need payin!

At the rate we're going here, I'll need to go to Chickenbuck to eat venni.

And one more thing...if you're going to hunt beaver ponds, you're going to have to deal with some beavers!

Same thing holds true here as I've learned over the years. Some beavers are nice and some just don't tolerate me!

Originally Posted by goalie

I am stealing the "shame stick" idea.

That stick has a .308 notch in the side of it. Nature got a hand on my pass, tipped my bullet enough to deflect my shot on a doe 4 or 5 years back. It's an old dry, springy jack pine branch that resulted in a miss of my own. It actually does have a bullet notch in it. We had a shame stick at our old camp and I was meaning to put one together for this camp, I figured why not use that stick that helped me miss on a deer?

We are due to add to the decorations on the stick, it needs a coon tail or something. I think the3 one at the old camp had part of a coyote hide on it and some feathers, some other junk too.

Ours has some feathers from a big road kill bird of some kind, cant remember if it was a hawk or an owl, something that got smoked by a car anyways. Also has a few grouse feathers and some kind of blue feather that one of the kids found.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That look on your face looks like the one I had when I was a kid and peeked at my present under the Christmas tree to find a radio control A-Team van! lol

*Edit* Come to think of it, that is actually a bad memory. The dang thing didn't work so we took it back to the store and my Mom got her money back and I never did get a differet present! SUMBITCH!!

Originally Posted by goalie

A pictorial essay of Deer Camp 2013:

the tools:

[Linked Image]

Deer #1:

Deer #2 (about 15 seconds later):

[Linked Image]

The coolest '48 pickup to haul any deer:

[Linked Image]

Saturday night dinner:

[Linked Image]

And proof that I wore Chickenbuck attire while dropping deer:

[Linked Image]

Great stuff there goalie.

I agree, very cool chevy deer hauler.

Dave,

Thanks for bringing us all up to date.

Great story & photos, as usual.

Keep up the great work.

Glad you`re seeing deer & sign this year & looking forward to the results.

Photo of Nate & the golden boy reminds me of Doug. H has bin totin the old Remmy 1895 (replica by mirkou (sp) Japan circa 1985), .30-06 and open sights, this year so far. Pretty cool when the youngens want to do it old style.

Paul.

Congrats to "Falls in Water". She'll always remember that first deer.

Great tribute to Uncle Dusty, Dave. We did the same thing with my brothers ashes.

I've had to carry the stick od shame several times. Funny, I remember the misses better than I recall some of my kills.

My first miss was the most memorible. 1971 season. Last morning, temp was around minus 20 and the wind was howling. For some unknown reason I decided that I should go out and give it one more try. I had so many clothes on I waddled out to my stand. Ten minutes on stand and my eyes were nearly frozen shut and the snot running out my nose was forming ice cycles. Looked to my right and here comes a heard of deer trotting my way. Had to be at least a dozen. They were about 100 yards out in front of me and not a horn in the lot that I could see. Than at the very back of the heard was a small fork horn. I pulled up my model 94, 30-30 with open sights and tried to hold on the buck. I was shaking from the cold so bad that I missed big time. All I had to show for the season was my empty case and my name in the camp log with the notation "One bad shot".

That's great Bill, I love hearing old hunting stories like that.

Win model 100 update - first, thanks for the help everyone.

I cleaned the bejesus out of the barrel. Used some of that Flitz shaving cream and let er soak a good hour, then scrubbed with a brush. Patch, then bore snake. Then Butches Bore shine, multiple patches and a couple of passes with the snake again. Tightened everything up, but most were rock solid already. Took her to the range and fired a fouling shot. Then I talked real nice to her and said if she'd do her part, I'd do mine and if everything works out, then she could come to camp. Well, we won't be invited to Sniper School anytime soon, but she did give me 1.25-2.00" groups and that's all I can ask of her. She's cased and ready to leave with me to camp tomorrow at 8:00am. I told her big brother, 300WM, is coming along just in case. Probably the .44 or .357 too. I think she was cool with that.

That will do.

Especially considering the 1/4 mile of creep in these triggers lol!

Good luck at camp!

It was very different not having Dusty at camp this year, I think everybody is doing their best to adjust to that void. Eileen and Missy brought a small urn to camp that they had arranged for delivering a portion of Dusty's ashes up to deer camp. It's resting on top of the gun cabinet for now. That was very nice of the girls to go through the trouble, the act in itself is very meaningful and symbolic of Dusty's enduring drive and enthusiasm for the camp and being with this group of family and friends that he loved being part of.

The first deer camp after my brothers passing, my dad put took my brothers Sorels with his blaze orange Fudd hat on top and placed them on the fireplace mantel. No words were said, but the pollen in that place really affected this grizzled group of deer hunters. Now both are gone from camp and that void is never really filled; it's just a new normal.

Good work Charlie,

That is minute of deer !

Did you try the fusions, or stick with what you were previously shooting.

Either way, great result.

I'm pullin for ya to drop one with the old girl.

Paul.

Camp Isabeela update.

In a word cold and still no deer. Did not even see any fresh tracks in the snow. It only got down to 3 last night so not as cold as they forecast.

I hope it is not like last year for me as I went to day 8 before seeing any deer.

Nice update Dave.. That food sure looks good..

Will report again tomorrow.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

It was very different not having Dusty at camp this year, I think everybody is doing their best to adjust to that void. Eileen and Missy brought a small urn to camp that they had arranged for delivering a portion of Dusty's ashes up to deer camp. It's resting on top of the gun cabinet for now. That was very nice of the girls to go through the trouble, the act in itself is very meaningful and symbolic of Dusty's enduring drive and enthusiasm for the camp and being with this group of family and friends that he loved being part of.

The first deer camp after my brothers passing, my dad put took my brothers Sorels with his blaze orange Fudd hat on top and placed them on the fireplace mantel. No words were said, but the pollen in that place really affected this grizzled group of deer hunters. Now both are gone from camp and that void is never really filled; it's just a new normal.

Man that would be tough.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Well, we won't be invited to Sniper School anytime soon, but she did give me 1.25-2.00" groups and that's all I can ask of her.

That's about what my 44mag Handi Rifle shoots at 100 yards. It's more than enough for deer hunting.

Good luck with it.

Minute of deer accurate-that's for sure. Dead's dead, and the deer that's unfortunate to step in front of that 100 will never know the difference. Good job on the back to basics troubleshooting.

well I punched my archery tag for the year. had this guy come in at 20 yards, he had a little bit bigger buck with him but he was the only one who game me a shot. took out one lung, clipped the liver and put a gash in the heart. arrow went in just behind the last rib and out right behind the off shoulder. went 10 yards and I watched him do the dizzy spin and keel over about 20 seconds after the shot. went home and got the game cart and an excited 5 yer old. he rode the cart out to the deer and carried the light on the walk out. a great hunt for sure. this rack seems alittle odd don't it?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good work Charlie,

That is minute of deer !

Did you try the fusions, or stick with what you were previously shooting.

Either way, great result.

I'm pullin for ya to drop one with the old girl.

Paul.

No luck on the Fusions. I went to 5 different stores and there's hardly any ammo of any caliber at all. Guess the shortage along with 750,000 hunters hitting the woods Friday kinda wipes out inventory. So I have to use what I have on hand. I'll work with her after the season, but for now she's fine for anything within 100 yards. Minute of Deer...I like that!

Good shooting Ryan! It's been a good year for you. Yer gonna need a bigger freezer!

Congrats Ryan.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good work Charlie,

That is minute of deer !

Did you try the fusions, or stick with what you were previously shooting.

Either way, great result.

I'm pullin for ya to drop one with the old girl.

Paul.

No luck on the Fusions. I went to 5 different stores and there's hardly any ammo of any caliber at all. Guess the shortage along with 750,000 hunters hitting the woods Friday kinda wipes out inventory. So I have to use what I have on hand. I'll work with her after the season, but for now she's fine for anything within 100 yards. Minute of Deer...I like that!

Good shooting Ryan! It's been a good year for you. Yer gonna need a bigger freezer!

Would you like me to check around up here in the Twin Cities for you today? I certainly could. Next day ship them so you'd have them in time for this weekend. Let me know.

Thanks man, but I think I'm good. If'n I see da turty poinner, he's a gonner! Lol!

Leaving for camp in an hour. Hope not to see any computer or UPS man for a week! Although the latter will probably show up at my house delivering all the trinkets my wife orders while I'm gone. Last deer season I came home to seventeen decorator pillows on our bed. That does something to a man.

seventeen pillows? wtf do you need a bed for if you got that many pillows?

LOL

Nice Job Ryan,

Bet the little fella was as stoked as you !

Good eating there man.

Paul.

he sure was. kept asking if we could have deer for supper when we got home.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he sure was. kept asking if we could have deer for supper when we got home.

Good Job and deep fried tenderloin sprinkled with garlic salt is the shizzit! I believe they call that chislic in South Dakoty

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Last deer season I came home to seventeen decorator pillows on our bed. That does something to a man.

That is freakin hilarious! WTF would you do with 17 pillows on the bed? Throw them on the floor every night?

So I hit this property in Lakeville I recently got permission to hunt again this morning. Lots of cut trails running everywhere-still doing recon to sort things out. Posted for about an hour and a half this morning, and then walked a couple more trails. Come around a curve in this trail, look to my left and there's a buck standing eyeballilng me. 'Unsling the 870 off my shoulder and bring it into position just as I hear "please don't shoot the decoy!" Never even saw the guy. I was just about shaking from an "Oh Schidt" moment. Took about 5 steps towards the decoy and finally saw the guy up in a portable stand. He had camo burlap up around him and dropped it down so I could see his orange. Rut's done around here-why's he hunting over a decoy?

'First time I ever encountered a decoy in the woods, and I was probably within less than a second of shooting it. 'Gotta be much more careful from now on. Lesson learned.

Freaky moment for sure. I'll have to respectfully disagree that the rut is over. I believe its just getting started. Now is the time to be rattling and grunting and using decoy's if that's your thing.

Sorry gopher but... that's pretty damn funny. lol!

Decoys are evil and can damn near get ya killed!!!!!

I'm having trouble typing this....I need a Kleenex. Much laughter here.

sorry Jeff, but that's funny. Crazy to do that on public land. Plain dumb to wrap yourself in burlap on public land or landmotjers are hunting.

I can't make fun of you too bad though. If I saw a buck in the woods while I was hunting, I'd raise my gun on it too!

I got my hands on a muzzle loader last night. A smoking deal would even begin to do the deal justice. It's a TC Impact. A low end line of muzzle loader from tc.

So today I picked up some bullets, powder and I had some primers from years past. It's windy as hell again today and I didn't have a lot of time or high hopes for getting dialed in on a short time frame. I used 100gr of 777, and 300gr TC bullets. Shot 1 at 50 yards was just off the 4" circle. I almost adjusted the sights but thought I'd take one more first. Shot 2,3,and 4 were in the black, about 1" high of center. I cleaned it and took one more poke...1" lower than the others and about 1" left of center. I never touched the sights. It's minute of deer as far as I'm concerned.

So find us a REAL buck Gopher!

I will also agree with Rooster. The bucks should be gettin pretty riled up this weekend. Mr. Jeff and I are going to pop one.

I just went to Gander and got the paperwork started on a Rem 870 12 ga slug gun.

I have shot counteless deer with my old Winchester ranger smooth bore bird barrel with improved cylinder choke and rifled slugs but last Sunday I had a BIG coyote at 40 yards facing away. 1st shot - Miss. Now he running back towards me and out about 20 yards. Next 4 shots. MISS, MISS, MISS, MISS. The shots were close and kicking dirt on the dog as he ran but it was frustrating.

SO I'm finally breaking down and buying myself an actual slug gun with a rifled barrel that will shoot sabots accurately out to 100 yards. I can't be missing coyotes for cripes sake!

Originally Posted by big drift

Decoys are evil and can damn near get ya killed!!!!!

I have a Boss Buck decoy that I have tried bowhunting without much success. I don't use it during gun season and tried it for muzzleloader last year in a low spot in the middle of a CRP field behind my house where nobody can see it from the road.

Using one on public land during gun season is just asking to get shots coming in your direction.

Just heard from my son. He shot a heavy horned 4 X 5 Muley in CO this morning.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just went to Gander and got the paperwork started on a Rem 870 12 ga slug gun.

What do you mean "paperwork"?

Did you have to order it or something? That should be an in and out purchase, like buying a pack of smokes or a 6 pack of beer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry gopher but... that's pretty damn funny. lol!

So after hunting all week, I finally see a deer, and it's a fantastic plastic! Yeah-it's kind of funny! I just wish it hadn't happened to me!

Originally Posted by tzone

I got my hands on a muzzle loader last night. A smoking deal would even begin to do the deal justice. It's a TC Impact. A low end line of muzzle loader from tc.

So today I picked up some bullets, powder and I had some primers from years past. It's windy as hell again today and I didn't have a lot of time or high hopes for getting dialed in on a short time frame. I used 100gr of 777, and 300gr TC bullets. Shot 1 at 50 yards was just off the 4" circle. I almost adjusted the sights but thought I'd take one more first. Shot 2,3,and 4 were in the black, about 1" high of center. I cleaned it and took one more poke...1" lower than the others and about 1" left of center. I never touched the sights. It's minute of deer as far as I'm concerned.

So find us a REAL buck Gopher!

I know where there's one that won't be too hard to hit, but as for the REAL part......... I bet that guy's still either swearing at me or laughing so hard he fell out of the danged tree.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry gopher but... that's pretty damn funny. lol!

So after hunting all week, I finally see a deer, and it's a fantastic plastic! Yeah-it's kind of funny! I just wish it hadn't happened to me!

A lot of things in life are funnier when they happen to someone else.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry gopher but... that's pretty damn funny. lol!

So after hunting all week, I finally see a deer, and it's a fantastic plastic! Yeah-it's kind of funny! I just wish it hadn't happened to me!

A lot of things in life are funnier when they happen to someone else.

Gee, thanks Goalie!

Yeah, like Herpes.

Was it a set of 8 deer and a sleigh with a jolly good fellow at the reins or was it just a single buck deer?

Red nosed or "regular"?

LOL!!

Ok, I'll stop!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just went to Gander and got the paperwork started on a Rem 870 12 ga slug gun.

What do you mean "paperwork"?

Did you have to order it or something? That should be an in and out purchase, like buying a pack of smokes or a 6 pack of beer.

They still have to run the background check and I didn't have the 45 minutes to an hour (according to the clerk) that it takes to come back.

Those guys are slow then.

I'm in and out of a hardware store on a long gun purchase in minutes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Those guys are slow then.

I'm in and out of a hardware store on a long gun purchase in minutes.

This is Gander Mountain we're talking about here....

ahhh, well at least the prices are good....

Yep, keep you hanging around the store so you'll buy something else.

any pics of the colorado buck Bill?

tell your boy congrats!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry gopher but... that's pretty damn funny. lol!

So after hunting all week, I finally see a deer, and it's a fantastic plastic! Yeah-it's kind of funny! I just wish it hadn't happened to me!

A lot of things in life are funnier when they happen to someone else.

Gee, thanks Goalie!

You are quite welcome

Hey dave, i regret to inform you dat der' pre 64 264 of mine upn gotted bought. some feller is awfully happy, and about 15 other fellers in my PM box that waited are gonna be awfully mad.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ahhh, well at least the prices are good....

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Hey dave, i regret to inform you dat der' pre 64 264 of mine upn gotted bought. some feller is awfully happy, and about 15 other fellers in my PM box that waited are gonna be awfully mad.

That was a real beauty coop.

I would have hunted with it, where a lot of folks would have safe queen'd it.

Camp Isabella update

Well it did warm up today, got to 36.

Now for the bad news. Sat on the stand until 11 this morning and then went to camp for lunch and to do some camp chores. Headed back at 1 and there was a deer track in my footprints not 50 yards from the stand. Nothing seen or shot so everything is normal.

I did sneek up on some duck decoys once but they would not fly so I did not shoot.

Oh man TJ, that stinks.

The first or second hear at Chickenbuck I came in for lunch and the scrape my blind was near was clearly freshened between the time I left and the time came back.

It's a bad feeling.

We had that happen at our camp too, TJAY. Not just one track, but deer followed our trail out to the logging road.

Ryan, I sent you a PM.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

seventeen pillows? wtf do you need a bed for if you got that many pillows?

This is what I'm saying. She's nuts. Same ritual every night. Take the damn pillows off so I can go to sleep. Trip over pillows in the dark to go to the bathroom. She makes the bed, no way I'd do it. Next day: rinse, repeat.

When she's gone, I like to pick a different one each time and have a nice drool nap.

I'm a glutton for punishment-gonna go hunt Lakeville again tomorrow. If that guy left his robo buck out there and he's not around I might shoot the damned thing out of spite!

Go for it gopher! Texas heart shot on that plastic buck!
lol!

An ounce of Remington Slugger would sure make a mess out of that styrofoam azz, wouldn't it? Anyone got a good recipe for robo-deer?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Take the damn pillows off so I can go to sleep. Trip over pillows in the dark to go to the bathroom.

I aint got it so bad then. I confess I toss one pillow on the floor every night. See, my main pillow is this jell thing that weighs 137 lbs and has an impressive resistance to the crushing weight of my ogre skull. I prefer a bag of sand but Pam wont have it because there are no actual pillows filled with sand and it needs to technically be a "real pillow" to be allowed on the bed. So, the jell thing works.

The one I toss on the floor is a weightless sack of fluff. Completely worthless.

If your pillow can't deliver blunt force trauma, it's not the pillow for me. I could seriously defend my home armed only with my pillow. LOL!

Sounds like Norturn Norris Dave uses a concrete block fur a pillow

lol

Ive been watching the news and waiting to hear that a guy from SC is fighting off them Smallie pirates with a 45\70

Poor Stan, he txt me that he forgot his chickenbuck hat.

I bet he's having fun regardless.

lol

I like my 137 pound pillow. It's a tempur pedic type material. It probably does weigh 10 pounds.

I have a thin down pillow, love it, and it's dense and fairly heavy for it's size. nothing like dave's though it sounds like

Mine isn't holding up.

I twist and fold and bunch a pillow throughout the night. I'm a pillow mangler.

Super pillow is already going downhill, not long for this world.

I'll have to switch to a burlap sack full of old blue jeans once this thing is ruined.

I got mine for Christmas a few years ago from my ex-wife. It's seriously one of the best presents if ever recieved. One of most useful anyway.

Week from today and I'm on my way to camp.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Week from today and I'm on my way to camp.

Cool. Wisconsin's season always starts on the third Saturday in November, right?

Ours starts tomorrow. I've just got to make it through this last day of work. Friggin clock is reaaallly dragging.

I have a pillow I bought from the chiropractor's office. It's got a water bladder in it. Need it more firm, add water. Want it softer, drain some water. That sucker is not blowing away anytime soon!

Good Luck to the WI and MI hunters on your upcoming openers!

You guys are making it hard on me, can't hunt deer with rifle until first Monday after Thanksgiving. Good luck to all, by the way don't shoot at the decoys!! LOL

Camp Isabella update..

8 pointer bit the dust at 0835 this morning. I was sitting on the stand we call the new cut watching all the little critters when I decided I needed to stand up. I turned and looked in the far back corner of the cut and saw this deer walking down the edge. Saw a rack and threw the rifle up just as he turned to go into the thick stuff.
The cross hairs found found his front shoulder and the 257 Weatherby roared. Mr. deer fell on his nose and slid about 5 yards down the hill. The shot was about 125 yards.

This is the first blood for the 257. It is a Weatherby Vanguard in a hi tech stock with a Burris 4.5x14 c-4. Load used was Weatherby brass, Fed 215M primer, R-22 71 gr. and 100 gr. Barnes TTSX at 3500 fps.

Wife had a doe and fawn walking around her this morning but no shots were taken, too much brush.

Everybody around me is getting bucks and seeing does...all I am seeing is tracks.

About ready to start setting claymores and tripwires at this rate.

Need the lake to freeze so I can get back to the cattails and do some sneak and peak or bumps to get them out of there.

Frustrating as hell when deer come out just after shooting and go back in half hour before legal shooting. Grrrrr.....

Congrats Tjay!

Good job TJAY!!!!

Nice work Tjay!!

I'm confident gophergunner or I will have on on the ground by Saturday evening. Deer are there, they didn't move last weekend, I'm sure because of the wind.

Keep it up Tjay!

Originally Posted by tzone

Nice work Tjay!!

I'm confident gophergunner or I will have on on the ground by Saturday evening. Deer are there, they didn't move last weekend, I'm sure because of the wind.

Keep it up Tjay!

Are you guys hunting down here or up nordt???

I am 55 miles north of Two Harbors.

I have the rest of the crew coming tonight. Two step sons and daughter in law.

Thanks to all.

Oh I had your camp north of Ore for some reason...

Good luck with the rest of the tags, I'm heading back out tonight.

GREAT news. Congrats TJAY.

Nice TJAY! Although....pics or it didnt happen!!!!

Dad and I are brining my twins 5 year old boys out to the stand tonite. Let that sink in. We will each have one boy. A little prayer for my mental being would be appreciated. and to see some deer!

Good luck with the rest of the tags, I'm heading back out tonight.

[/quote]. Are you going to give that megabuck the powerball right up the ol' bingo hole LOL

gonna put dat terdy pointer, right in his coffin.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

gonna put dat terdy pointer, right in his coffin.

. LOL I hope you do!!!! Good luck to everyone up nort!!!! Our season opens Saturday and I am cocked, locked and ready to rock! LOL

Berettaman

I do not have a good enough signal to get pictures to post. I will give it a try tonight but no promises.

northern dave
I did hunt north of Orr in the late 60's. But I must have been very young or I am getting past my prime.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Nice work Tjay!!

I'm confident gophergunner or I will have on on the ground by Saturday evening. Deer are there, they didn't move last weekend, I'm sure because of the wind.

Keep it up Tjay!

Are you guys hunting down here or up nordt???

We're hunting up by Duluth.

Ok here goes

I did get told I was using up all the band width.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Ok here goes

I did get told I was using up all the band width.

Very

Love those chocolate antlers.

Nice looking buck and rifle, TJAY.

Won't be long, just about 9 hours from now I'll be sitting in my blind, waiting for dawn to break on opening day of Michigan's 2013 firearms deer season.

I'm going to attempt a first this year - I'm going to try taking a deer with bullets I cast myself, probably from my Redhawk, but I also have my handy little Marlin 1894P sighted in with them. New APRs make it pretty unlikely that I'll get a buck this year, but I did get a landowner doe tag again this year, so I should be able to get some meat st the very least.

Good luck to all you guys this weekend. Be safe and score big.

good luck!

way to go Tjay!

Oof da! Too much pillowtalk!

Alarm goes off in 5 hours for the opener! Everything is ready to go. No APR for us Scott.

I'm taking the Old Girl with me tomorrow. She earned it. Took my first buck with her in '86. Feeling a little nostalgic. My birthday today and I hit fiddy. I am now in the Buick target market - sorry ND, no offense.

Goalie,

Jeff and I will be 22 miles north of Duluth. Not quite the God's country TJay and Norther Dave hunt, but you couldn't tell if you were in Canada or northern MN.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nice TJAY! Although....pics or it didnt happen!!!!

Dad and I are brining my twins 5 year old boys out to the stand tonite. Let that sink in. We will each have one boy. A little prayer for my mental being would be appreciated. and to see some deer!

You guys takin the mini-van?

Oh man TJAY. I love those chocolate horns! Great buck!

Time to go throw some stuff in the old truck, point it north and match up with Tom. The old "itch" is back big time. 'Nothing better than time spent in the woods.

Happy Birthday Charlie.

MI season opens today. Good luck to the MI hunters.

Good luck gopher and TZONE.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oof da! Too much pillowtalk!

Alarm goes off in 5 hours for the opener! Everything is ready to go. No APR for us Scott.

I'm taking the Old Girl with me tomorrow. She earned it. Took my first buck with her in '86. Feeling a little nostalgic. My birthday today and I hit fiddy. I am now in the Buick target market - sorry ND, no offense.

Happy birthday to ya, Charlie. Glad you got the kinks worked out of your rifle. Good luck and be safe!

BTW, it's been a pretty slow morning as far as deer sightings go. I bumped 3 deer on my way to the stand in the dark this AM, then, around 7:45 I saw what I believe was that goofy looking 9 pointer that I had seen about a week and a half ago. Stay tuned for the rest of the story...

Thanks Goalie! Good luck MI chickenbuckers. A safe and successful hut to you.

Gopher will be here in about an hour. My explorer is re-packed with little guy stuff this time ready to roll!

Happy b-day Charlie.

And don't forget MN boys.... It's the second week of deer camp!

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Goalie! Good luck MI chickenbuckers. A safe and successful hut to you.

Gopher will be here in about an hour. My explorer is re-packed with little guy stuff this time ready to roll!

Happy b-day Charlie.

If it doesn't look like this (with a rull rack on top), it isn't packed......

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Considering that there were only two of us, the amount of rifle cases we brought this year makes me laugh.

Originally Posted by tzone

And don't forget MN boys.... It's the second week of deer camp!

Yah, fur sure, eh?

Any updates ND? Hows the road in. Can we make it?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh I had your camp north of Ore for some reason...

Good luck with the rest of the tags, I'm heading back out tonight.

I believe it's Orr, but close enough.

My crew got a ten pointer, eight pointer and four pointer at our place 30 miles north of Two Harbors. Had about one inch of snow on Friday night so conditions were almost perfect on opening day. A little windy though. No wolf tracks so that was an improvement. Last year there were lots of wolf tracks and 12 guys ended up getting only one deer over the whole season.

Congrat TJay! I too love the chocolate racks!

Happy Birthday Charlie!

Good Luck everyone! Have fun and be safe!

I'm stuck at work today but tomorrow its go time again!

Gander Mtn still has not called me back on that 870 slug gun. I'm not a felon so I know the background check went through.

Could I call them? Sure. But at this point it's too late to sight the thing in unless I want to do it in the dark tonight after work.

So I say pizz on 'em! If they can't call me, the customer, back like they said they were going too then they don't deserve the sale or the commission. I'll buy one elsewhere for next year and use my muzzleloader this weekend. I knew there was a reason I don't buy things from that store

Dad and I each took a boy last nite and sat for the evening hunt. All we saw was does, but Hunter and i had one hang out for a long time 15 yards from us. He did a great job staying quiet. Back out tonite with the daughter. Sat will be by myself probably and Sunday grab a boy and shoot a doe is not nice bucks volunteer for my freezer.

Tzone, I rarely drive that minivan since it is the wifes. Instead, I drove my Super Duty. You remember those right? The kind that drives over any Explorers that get in their way? You know Explorers, right? Those are driven by city dwelling men!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Any updates ND? Hows the road in. Can we make it?

A reliable source has lead me to believe there is a deer down at Chickenbuck.

I'm guessing ND will chime in on the road conditions. I haven't been out there lately but plan to this evening or tomorrow.

Good news WB. Now we have to wait to find out who put the hammer down?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Tzone, I rarely drive that minivan since it is the wifes. Instead, I drove my Super Duty. You remember those right? The kind that drives over any Explorers that get in their way? You know Explorers, right? Those are driven by city dwelling men!

Nice try Sally. My man card is still inmy wallet, your la is on the old lady's purse.

. Yep, I know what a superduty is. I sold mine for the explorer
since I have two other trucks. No mini vans though.

.

I'm hoping jack can stay quiet if we have one as close as you boys did!!

you forgot I retrieved my man card. But every day you drive that explorer, a sliver of yours gets removed! Prolly about the size of a quarter right now.

Yeah, staying quiet and still was a chore. Especially when he got hungry when it was 15 yards away and wanted his oreos!

Now get off the computer and get going! I pick up the girl in an hour for her first trip this year to the deer stand.

Being a male nurse, and driving a mini-van, do I just consider mine permanently revoked????

No. You play hockey.

Any word on the Chickenbuckers and a possible critter down???

Originally Posted by tzone

No. You play hockey.

I stand there and hope pucks don't hit me. I guess that does count for something....

Originally Posted by big drift

Any word on the Chickenbuckers and a possible critter down???

Word has it there is a spike down. Any guesses as to whom the succesful hunter is?

Fuzzy wind chime.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Fuzzy wind chime.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by big drift

Any word on the Chickenbuckers and a possible critter down???

Word has it there is a spike down. Any guesses as to whom the succesful hunter is?

One of the boys?

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Fuzzy wind chime.

Congrats!

No just no brudder good in-law from ill-a-noise.

Young mr "runs with scissors" put the boom-whack on a spiker at 8:30am today. I have very spotty reception on I phone and will post more later. Fine shot, 125 yds, 2 deflated lungs, catastrophic heart failure.

Buschy, the road is fine, frozen hard. Mind the old froze ruts and you could drive a 2007 Buick leucerne in here.

Cool Nate !!!!!!!!!!!!

Was it wit da leber gun ?

Dave, dams gonna burst now, git ot & gitcha one dem dees.

Hope the rest of the weekend is filled with fun, bloody hands & gut piles.

Gunna put a hurten on em misself tomurrah.

Paul.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Fuzzy wind chime.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!

+ !

Excellent Scott,

Details ?

Paul.

Way to go Nate!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Young mr "runs with scissors" put the boom-whack on a spiker at 8:30am today. I have very spotty reception on I phone and will post more later. Fine shot, 125 yds, 2 deflated lungs, catastrophic heart failure.

Buschy, the road is fine, frozen hard. Mind the old froze ruts and you could drive a 2007 Buick leucerne in here.

Cool,..good job "runs with scissors".!

Did he use that Henry 30-30.?

Thanks, guys.

It's an oddly shaped 9 point. Normal height, but really narrow. Pretty heavy antlers with a double brow tine on the left. He only weighed 105 lbs, so I suspect that he was a 1 1/2 year old deer. (We've taken a couple 7 pointers from my place that were both 1 1/2 year olds)

He was the first deer I saw today. He just sort of popped out of the pines about 45yds away and I gave him a 120gr Sierra softpoint in the near shoulder from my 7-08. Bullet punched and broke the shoulder, separated the heart/lung plumbing and exited just behind the far shoulder. He ran about 35 yds and piled up.

[Linked Image]

Exit hole. This is the third deer I've shot with these 120s from my 7-08 with a MV of 2,960 fps. Each time I've gotten full penetration and clean kills.

[Linked Image]

My quad is on the fritz so I drove the truck out to pick up the buck and managed to get stuck. I had to walk up to the house and get my wife and my work truck and a shovel to get it out.

[Linked Image]

All told I saw about 8 deer today with 3 of them being bucks. It was a good opener and I'm thankful to be successful. Now that the pressure is off I'll start taking the kids out and get them used to sitting and being patient. My little boy is especially excited to go out with me and I'm looking forward to it.

Congrats to your son, Northern Dave. Looking forward to seeing some pics.

Nice one BR...

That is a funky rack. Looks like somebody got after him with a belt sander...

Contrats.

Congrats to Nate and Scott.

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

Nice one BR...

That is a funky rack. Looks like somebody got after him with a belt sander...

Contrats.

Thanks, DW and Grizzly Bill.

Yep , a really weird rack. Probably good that he's out of the gene pool.

Dave
Give your son big thumbs up from us at camp Isabella.
Well done...

Bruinruin
Nice buck. I realy like the odd racked bucks.

Thanks, Tjay.

Been a slow morning here o day 2. Saw one little forky and heard some deer splashing in the swamp off to the South of me, but couldn't see 'em.

On the upside, I just dropped the hammer on Wile E. so I've got that going for me, which is nice.

Nice work Scott!

Nate's first time field dressing by himself. He did a nice job.

Awesome! Congratulations to you both.

Good Job Nate and Scott!

Me and my BIL went out and sat this morning until 9:30 and seen nothing until we drove out and had a big doe come running down the road at us. No doe tags.

Nice one Nate...

Did he take it with that 30-30?

Probably walking around on clouds now...

I was going to post a pic of the 'yote, he isn't very photogenic. I had shoot him twice and lets just say he no longer has a good side.

Nate had his M70 fwt 30-06, VXII 3-9, federal fusion 165 gr. it over penetrated.

nate needs to enter that freezer pleezer in the dink a thon. INGWE will be having kittens if he sees it! Fine job to young nate, great shooting, great gutting, and great deer! Great deer camp and great parenting.

Was that buck from the new set-up Dave?

Nope, Pam's stand. Lol!

Chickenbuck bound soon!

Camp Isabella report.
No deer today. I did find a grouse this afternoon so I am 2 for 2 on shots taken.

On another note the wolves came through the area last night.

Good job Nate. You. Always remember that first field dressing.

Congrats to Nate-nice to see the young bucks showin' us geezers how it's done! Was he carry that Golden Boy? Huge points for cool factor on that one by the way Dave.

Took my daughter out to sit with me this evening. She turned out to be good luck - we saw 6 deer. That's the most I've seen so far. Best part was that most of them came in right near us so she got to see them up close. She did pretty well for a 7 year old, keeping about as quiet and still as I could expect.

We picked up a doe this afternoon! Well, I shot it, then we picked it up.

We got it in a clear cut about half way home. The deer never even twitched. Boom! and down, not a wiggle. Shot it with the Redneck built custom .280 rem, 140gr Fed Fusions. Fuzzy windchime be thumpin!

Originally Posted by tzone

We picked up a doe this afternoon! Well, I shot it, then we picked it up.

We got it in a clear cut about half way home. The deer never even twitched. Boom! and down, not a wiggle. Shot it with the Redneck built custom .280 rem, 140gr Fed Fusions. Fuzzy windchime be thumpin!

Sweeeeeet!!!!

Congrats Tom.

RAINED here all day.

HEAVY MIST until around 2:00 than the heavy stuff arrive along with thunder and lightning. 55� at 9:00 PM. More rain on the way Sunday.

This morning I passed up 2 six pointers. Then I decided to bring one of my 5 year old boys with for the afternoon hunt. I told him I would shoot a doe if we saw one. About 315, he said he was tired so he laid down and went to sleep in the stand. Of course that was like a magnet to the does as they immediately came out into the food plot. I tried to wake him up twice, but no way, he was gonna nap and that is all there is too it. Finally, about 445, i got him up.

There was a doe in our food plot about 125 yards away. He said SHOOT IT! But it was so foggy and rainy that I couldnt get a good sight picture. Then about 5 oclock, a bigger deer that was obviously a buck came into the food plot like he owned it. It was hard to see him through the fog, but I could tell he was a buck and that is all. So based on how he was acting and since I could see some type of rack, I decided to shoot it. At the shot, he took off across the food plot and into some CRP grass. Boy, did I have an excited young lad on my hands!

After we got some help, we were coming back down the road to look for him and saw a huge 8 pointer. He ran into our swamp. We found my buck about 10 yards into the grass. He is a small 8 pointer. It was a special buck since I shot it with Wyatt. Hunter was there too for the field dressing and drag. He will be good eating. Final tally for 6 days afield:

41 deer seen. 32 does, 9 bucks. Could have shot 8 of the bucks and passed on 7. Ironically, I passed on a bigger one than I shot, but that is okay. he will be a wall hanger for someone (likely the neighbors) next year!

Way to go everyone! I will get a picture up soon.

Congrats BM

Way to go, Berettaman!

I'm sitting in my usual spot on morning 3 and am being serenaded by - frogs! We had rain overnight and it's so warm that the bug-eyed little chits have taken up singing again.

We're supposed to get thunderstorms and wind later today with a and overnight changing to snow tomorrow.

Nice job BM and Wyatt! It's way more fun with the kids! Jack took a nap from 145-245. That little turkey was in a deer stand for almost 10 hours yesterday. He said the whole day was fun.

We are going to get the wheeler this morning and he's going to shoot his .22.

I really screwed up my knee last night gutting the deer. Bad enough that I had to tag it, drag it to a rock pile a few yards from where it fell and have my dad come help me go get it last night. After several rounds of ice and meds it feels the same or worse.

Originally Posted by tzone

We picked up a doe this afternoon! Well, I shot it, then we picked it up.

We got it in a clear cut about half way home. The deer never even twitched. Boom! and down, not a wiggle. Shot it with the Redneck built custom .280 rem, 140gr Fed Fusions. Fuzzy windchime be thumpin!

Congrats Tom! Wish I'd been there to share in the festivities.

Linda and I arrived home last night about 7PM after a steady 8 hour drive from Port Canaveral. I don't care where you go or how much fun you had it is ALWAYS good to get home.
The two white boy dogs were happy as hell to see us.Much tail wagging,happy bark-whines and face licking.
We went to Cozumel,Belize,Mahogany bay on Isla Rotan and Costa Maya.Food was great.The weather cooperated except on the last day and that was at sea all day.We enjoyed the slot machines greatly.People we met were great.
We were serenaded at dinner on our 25th wedding anniversary by the table waiters.
I just spent two hours catching up on this thread.
Happy birthday,Charlie.
Very hearty congratulations to those of you who got a deer.
I was about fifty miles from home when I realized I had forgotten my hat.We had no cell phone service all week anyhow unless you wished to tie into the ship's system at $1.99/minute.
My phone was off all week.
I missed this thread and my friends thereon.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by acooper1983

nate needs to enter that freezer pleezer in the dink a thon. INGWE will be having kittens if he sees it! Fine job to young nate, great shooting, great gutting, and great deer! Great deer camp and great parenting.

Ingwe is lovin' seeing this! I second the motion ND, great parenting! Again�.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

am being serenaded by - frogs! We had rain overnight and it's so warm that the bug-eyed little chits have taken up singing again.

Holy crap this struck me funny! I laughed out loud! Dang near December and you got frogs croakin in Michigan! lol

Congrats eveyone on the fuzzy windchime success. My BIL shot a 7 point out of my double ladder stand yesterday about 3:15. I'm happy for him and I have that buck on cam so its pretty neat! I got skunked again. Saw a couple of does right at dark but no bucks. I think I'm going to take it easy today. The leg is pretty swollen again.

Sorry about your knee Tom. That sucks!

Stan - Welcome home! It sounds like you had a fantastic trip! Share some photos! Happy 25th Annivessary as well!!

Kendra took her first buck this morning at 7:04 am. 125 yards straight on.
using a lefty mini mauser in 6x45 shooting a 70 grain NBT over 27 grains of H335. got about 2' of penetration. liquid lung and hole in the heart. buck ran about 10 yards before piling up.

here's her pic in the field, it was really windy so you can't see the CB beanie under her balaclava. I have this buck on trail cam before he broke off 2 tines fighting.

and the family pic

Congrats Kendra! That's a fine first buck!

congrats to everyone else on their deer! Tom sorry to hear about the leg. have you tried whiskey?

Way to go Kendra. Congrats on your first buck. Your daughter is really growing Ryan.

Tom, I was going to suggest you go see a vet, but they'd just want to put you down.

Welcome home Stan. Sounds like you and Linda had a great time.

Congrats to Kendra that is a very nice buck.

Colorado1135 that is a great looking family.

Wow! Awesome buck Kendra!

thanks everyone, she says she's still in shock and it doesn't feel real. BUT she also said she remembers now why I love hunting so much, it's awesome. so hopefully she can give me a pass on many mornings and evenings to come

who wants to come hunting out here next year?

Awesome deer Kendra.

I spent the day indoors.......

..........making 60 pounds of sausage and vacu-packing it all.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Congrats Tom! Wish I'd been there to share in the festivities.

Ya me too. We had to leave it so I could get my dad to help me load it. I dicked up my knee pretty good and have been fairly useless. Driving home about killed me.

Awesome job Kendra. Hellova buck if I must say so!

Mom and little guy are smilin like heck.

Ryan great looking family! Congratulate your wife on a fine buck!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

who wants to come hunting out here next year?

oooh ooooh PICK ME PICK ME!!

I want to bowhunt muly's though

My hand is up too. I do believe I'll have enough points next year. A buck that size should fit just fine.

Either that or gophergunner is going to tie one up for me

then come bowhunt mulies, Tom I'm banking on you drawing next year, fingers crossed.

filled my doe tag today.
22/250,53 gr tsx 3400 fps,40 yards quartering away to the left.
no exit.
bullet broke a couple ribs on the way in,turned lungs into slush,cut two arteries off the top of the heart,and lodged in the off shoulder. she ran about 100 yards or so, shoulder was not broken.

[Linked Image]

entrance wound

[Linked Image]

exit wound

[Linked Image]

no they are not backwards,the smaller hole is the exit.
I wont get to recover the bullet until next weekend,when we go back up for the last weekend.

Well I got out today again with the boys. We pushed a little willow lined ditch that we had success on before and would you believe it, we jumped another BIG buck. Wall hanger material. Within 10 yards of where I jumped a buck my brother shot 4 years ago that was a big 5X4. It ran pretty much the same way and pretty soon we heard BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG from my dad. However this time, we werent as successful. he had a running shot at 150 yards and didnt pull it off. Fun to see a big one though. Great rack on that buck.

Here is my Foggy Buck.

[Linked Image]

Couple happy boys there Dean. Smilin like heck!

Congrats Fluffy!

Wind is blowing like crazy over here. Lost power for about 45 minutes this morning.

Berettaman

Having those two guys with you makes any deer a trophy.

Hey BM. Is all the "stuff" you guys hunt as grassy and brushy as the terrain in your picture?

A rifle hunt wouldn't be bad thing either.

A Wyoming antelope hunt would be awesome too!

Fluffy,

Nice doe! The 22-250 makes 'em dead that is for sure. I shot one quartering to with a 55 gr soft point once and it made a mess of the lungs and off shoulder.

BM thats a great pic with your twins!

Congrats to Kendra, RWS, Ton, BM, Bruin, Fluffy and any others I may have missed. Great times all! As of day 4 we have had 3 bucks on the pole and more miscues than I can fathom. Wild weather...60 mph winds and raining sideways. Been pretty wild but we have 11 days remaining. Good Luck all!

Looks like everyone had great weekends !!

Congratulations to all that got one hangin'.

Crazy weather up, north, here this weekend.

Called for 2-4 inches of the white stuff. Started raining Saturday night before bed & we awoke to 3 inches of wet heavy snow by deer 30 next morning. Kept on snowing all day & by Sunday night we had over 12 inches.

Broke the drive pin on the snowblower, 2 passes in, so had to drag it through the snow to the neighbours shop. 30 minutes later, fully clothed for the conditions, I arrived at the shop door, dripping sweat everywhere !!!!

Quick repair job & back at it.

Thus endeth the northern, north report.

No deer were harmed during the making of this precious moment.

Paul.

Like to see 3" or 4" on the ground for next Saturday, but it doesn't look to promising. Might get a dusting on Friday.

Don't need 12" like you had Paul. Although we did get 16" of snow the day before the opener back in the late 70's. What a mess that was to get around in.

It's gettin close Bill! I have to get back up to WI to hunt soon. I miss the tradition and the different woods than we have here.

MN boys... only 50 weeks to go ans we'll back right here!

Originally Posted by tzone

It's gettin close Bill! I have to get back up to WI to hunt soon. I miss the tradition and the different woods than we have here.

MN boys... only 50 weeks to go ans we'll back right here!

How's the knee? Bourbon helps. Trust me, I am a medical professional.....

So does viccodine.

It still sucks actually but the range of movement is improving. In and out of a truck, which I do all day, about drives me through the roof though.

tzone

I have posted pictures before of what they do to your knee if you complain to much, I will again if you need a reminder.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Like to see 3" or 4" on the ground for next Saturday, but it doesn't look to promising. Might get a dusting on Friday.

Don't need 12" like you had Paul. Although we did get 16" of snow the day before the opener back in the late 70's. What a mess that was to get around in.

Bill, feel free to bring a truck up & I will unload my driveway into it !

Thought it would make Sunday a great hunting day. Sat for 8hrs, no deer sightings & only cut 1 set of small tracks on my way out.

4 weeks t go, though.

Paul.

I probably should have a doc look at it. It'll be about a year in Dec that it's been buggin me

Thanks for the offer Paul, but I'll more than likely have all the snow I can handle here.

just bought a lucas forge knife off the fire, in 01 HCS cant wait to use it :-D

Originally Posted by tzone

I probably should have a doc look at it. It'll be about a year in Dec that it's been buggin me

It's probably time

Tzone,

Not everywhere is that grassy. That is a CRP field in the photo and we have about 200 acres of that. Prolly 150 acres of swamp and 60 acres of hardwoods and the remaining 200+ acres of fields. A nice mix.

Congrats everyone! Looks like a good year for deer hunting.

Cutting up meat tonite. We had the tenderloins Sunday night and boy were they tender!

Is this thing on? Hello?

If you can't hear me, just say some ting!

Its HUmp DAy Tzone!!

Well I hope so!

Camp Isabella report.

Still trying to get the wife a deer. She is out on the stand as I type. This is the last of this years hunting. When she gets in we start breaking down camp. She said she is ready to go home. We have been living in the two tents since the 7th of Nov.

Good luck to those still hunting and those who are waiting for their season to start.

Good luck Mrs. TJAY! I'm jealous of your living quarters!

Grizzly Bill,

Do you have the Edge packed up? I bet you're chomping at the bit for the train to start rolling tomorrow?

Taking my buddies truck Tom. The Edge couldn't pull the trailer with the pug and other assorted gear. He'll be here around 11:00 today to load up. We head to camp around 6:30 tomorrow morning.

Good Luck Bill !!!

Paul.

Just read a news report that Wisconsin closed their deer season this year. Sorry to hear that Bill!

Just kidding! Did I have you for even a millisecond?

With the completion of cutting up my deer, my season is officially over. Next up: Roosters! Fair warning: if you are a rooster that lives on land I hunt, I am coming after you!

They were all ovet the higway by forest lake last week. You could have filled out in 15 seconds just north of Columbus.

Roosters....yep reaaaaaal tough to get.

Unfortunately, that is the exception, not the rule in MN this year (unless you are talking about domesticated chickens!). Pretty tough last couple of years for the wily ol' ringneck. We will still have some good hunting, but it will be tougher than in years past.

Any Chickenbuck update? ND where ya been man?

Just checking in tonight here, nothing new to report. Snow is coming tonight, I may head to camp tomorrow after work to hunt the evening, then spend the night, take friday off and hunt, hunt, hunt.

Thx Paul. Truck is packed and ready to roll. Looking forward to a good season.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just checking in tonight here, nothing new to report. Snow is coming tonight, I may head to camp tomorrow after work to hunt the evening, then spend the night, take friday off and hunt, hunt, hunt.

That sounds like a good plan, but, remember, if your plan is working......

.....it's probably an ambush.

How much snow are you supposed to get????

If yr taking friday off dave so am i. Tried to get to chickenbuck last weekend but ran out of time. And i hunted as much as i could with the kids. Trying to grt them filled out so i can just muzzleload and wolf hunt. Keep in touch!

Good luck up der fellas! Duh snow vill help you up der hey.

Camp Isabella report

The hunt is over, no more deer. We ended with an eight pointer and a spike.

Half of camp is in the trucks and the rest will be loaded in the morning. Looks like lunch will be at Culvers in Two Harbors tommorrow.

Good hunting to all still at it and you guys and gals just getting started.

Snowing here now. May get 1". Might see another couple of inches at the camp by Saturday.

To quote SSB, "Congrats to Kendra, RWS, Ton, BM, Bruin, Fluffy and any others I may have missed." Nice job!

Good luck to Mr. Grizzley on the upcoming Sconny opener!

Thanks for the kind birthday wishes!

We went 2 for 5 at our weather shortened camp this year. 2 six points with my brother breaking a 7 year drought. 60 mph winds and rain kept us out of the woods the evening of the second day and the 3rd and 4th day altogether. Had a good laugh after helping my buddy drag his buck through a young aspen stand as thick as a jungle for a half mile. When we finally got to the truck, I dropped my drawers to air out the boys (yes, I was still wearing long johns) and my buddy lit up a smoke. Right about then, another truck comes around the bend of the 2 track, gets a gander at us, and can't find reverse fast enough. Good times.

We have 10 days with 2 more weekends left. I think I'm heading up solo for a few days, then have Turkey day with the Fam, then Fur & Feather with my boy up north.

Good luck to all!

Hitting the road in a few minutes. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Good Luck Bill!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Just checking in tonight here, nothing new to report. Snow is coming tonight, I may head to camp tomorrow after work to hunt the evening, then spend the night, take friday off and hunt, hunt, hunt.

That sounds like a good plan, but, remember, if your plan is working......

.....it's probably an ambush.

I'm always friendly and polite to all the deer I meet, but I also immediately develop a kill plan for each and every one of my fuzzy forest acquaintances. Heaven forbid it should come to that.

We got maybe 1 to 1.5 inches of fresh snow. Things will be very nice and white in the forest for tonight's hunt .

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Hitting the road in a few minutes. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

best of luck friend.

Good luck Grizzly_Bill and northern_dave!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Next up: Roosters! Fair warning: if you are a rooster, I am coming after you!

Heading to deer camp 2014! Hopefully a double taxidermy year

Rooster7, yes that includes you! You better do some fast talkin' to convince me udderwise! Well, on second thought, you are a Chickenbucker so I supposed on can move you just this once on to the protected list.

Headed for camp

Good luck, men.

[quote=northern_dave]Headed for camp [/quote

Last weekend for the Minnesota boys. Kind of a melancholy time. Great memories, still fresh on the brain. The weather's changing now-it's really winter this weekend. To all those out working hard to fill a tag, or just spending some time in the woods, good luck folks. 'Sure hope to hear some more success from the Chickenbuckers-Nate's got the hot hand, you better put a rifle in his hands and get him on stand somewhere up there Dave.

I don't know if I'll hunt Sunday or not. 'Gotta work Saturday, and then have a long ride bright and early Monday morning to go mentor another Vision Center Manager in New Ulm. Something about getting up at 2:30 Sunday morning to be in the woods at first light, and then having to drive home from there the same day just isn't real appealing to me right now, but deer season's only 2 weeks long, and it only comes once a year so......

Best of wishes for the Tail End Charlies amongst us heading out this weekend. Special thanks to Dave and the Chickenbuckers for running this great thread.

Good luck guys.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Headed for camp

Go gettem' ND.

I'll be perched up high before first light tomorrow. morning. Hope the winds die down a bit and the snow gets 'em up and moving around.

Hi Guys,

Well Deb's having a great season !

Story to come.

Paul.

Oh it's not over yet GG! There will be BP tags to fill. Tho word on the street is I may need to work a partial day of Friday. I'd like to get in there and set up a blind for me and the mini-man

Took today off drove up to go hunt.temp is 8, with the nw wind at 15.manage to see three and a bobcat, but couldnt get a shot off.maybe tommorrow.

After a week of getting up with the alarm clock, I'm not really looking forward to doing it again tomorrow. I just keep reminding myself it's for a better cause.

I jumped a small buck on a ridge today. offhand shot at 313 yards, took a lung and the heart, he went 30' and piled up. he had a convenient dragging handle rack! time to focus on the does, season is just getting started!

Congrats and good shooting!

That's quite a rack. Do you have any other pics of it? What's sprouting from the other side?

other side was broke off at the base. it was a pretty weird antler. it really did make dragging him out a lot easier, it was a comfy handle!

I don't have anymore pics right off hand, I can get more tomorrow for you if you like.

Nah, don't go to any trouble. I was just curious wbether the other side looked anything like the side visible in the picture. Quirky, but i can see what you mean about a comfy handle with the way it's turned like that.

Nice chootin Ryan!

Thats quite the carry handle on der

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hi Guys,

Well Deb's having a great season !

Story to come.

Paul.

Thats great Paul! I bet she was excited! Can't wait to hear the story.

Now the REAL test will be if she helps you process those deer all the way through. Including cutting all the silver skin off each piece of meat.

Little Hint: If she doesn't like doing it, don't make her. I almost ruined my wife on deer hunting that way when I told her, "You shot it. You have to help cut it up"

Lesson learned

Those bucks look like twins!

It's about -10 out in da woods this morning. Trees are popping, wow it's a chilly morning!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's about -10 out in da woods this morning. Trees are popping, wow it's a chilly morning!

That sounds fairly miserable.

I be freezing my white tail off on stand, too, but it's not that cold here. It's 17F rigbt now (was 24F at 6AM). It's the wind that's getting to me this morning. It's gusting into the upper 30's and the few deer I've seen have been real skittish.

Stay warm everyone.

Neat buck Ryan. Congrats!!

Pretty cool Ryan! Looks like you shot Elliot from the cartoon movie "open season" lol!

Dave, I think you're on to something...

Elliot!

Lol!

I can't believe Ryan shot Elliot.

Wow.

The folks at Pixar are gonna be so pissed.

I've already been getting calls, apparently they will have to change the next movie drastically now. hey at least its SOME form of fame right?

You'll be famous now.

Or is that infamous..

Congrats to everyone on they're resent success .Our gun season started today and after the eighth doe came by I couldn't stand it anymore .

Smited this turkey a few days back .

Weener dog got some new deer camp duds.

[Linked Image]

He looks like Marty Feldman

[Linked Image]

No more deer yet but the kids sure surprised us this weekend, we have a full camp of chickenbuckers! We have 5 surprise attendees at camp including one very pregnant little chicken mama lol! It's going to be a super fun night. Even the WEEZY is going to be here tonight!

I do believe we have enough chicken buck members here at camp to be able to place Dustys ashes on the ground at the base of his deer stand tomorrow.

That chickenbuck gear is just deadly!

Nice work!

Dave what you so serious about ?

Well the boy scored on a nice doe today about 930.the 22\250 has two notches already.this time the tsx passed on through, about a 50 yard broadside shot.
Ill put up photos after bit.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave what you so serious about ?

I'm very serious about my Weener.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Well the boy scored on a nice doe today about 930.the 22\250 has two notches already.this time the tsx passed on through, about a 50 yard broadside shot.
Ill put up photos after bit.

Nice!

I would say your Weener is very lucky to have a fur cap.:O

I'm not sure Weener Dog is as impressed as you are.

Have fun Chickenbuckers!!

here we are ,with an 53 gr TSX exit hole visible.

bang flop,by the way.

I like the Ruger american so much,I bought another one today.

This time in 7-08.

Holy crap I made a good batch of chilli! Even the kids are devouring it!

The Ruger American will be the next one I get.... For the kids.

Sweet ! I like the 7 ought 8 its been my medium range white tail caliber for the last few years.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Elliot!

Lol!

New nickmame for Ryan?

"Elliot?"

"Shoots Cartoons?"

"Cartoon Bangflop?"

Good Job Fluffy Jr.!

I have some stuff to tell everybody about. But we need to process some photos first and I need to assemble the words to explain this last week of 2013 rifle season.

I'll work on it tonight, probably post tomorrow.

It's very cool.

Can't wait to see it!

Originally Posted by tzone

The Ruger American will be the next one I get.... For the kids.

well I bought one for the kid first,but then seeing how the thing is bedded in the stock,how well it shoots,how light it is ,plus has an adjustable trigger,detachable magazines,and how much it costs...I decided I wanted one more than I wanted a bolt action I owned made by a competitor.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have some stuff to tell everybody about. But we need to process some photos first and I need to assemble the words to explain this last week of 2013 rifle season.

I'll work on it tonight, probably post tomorrow.

It's very cool.

waitin here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have some stuff to tell everybody about. But we need to process some photos first and I need to assemble the words to explain this last week of 2013 rifle season.

I'll work on it tonight, probably post tomorrow.

It's very cool.

gotta hurry and get ready for blackpowder next. good thing Im off Thursday and Friday.

Originally Posted by mule1

Sweet ! I like the 7 ought 8 its been my medium range white tail caliber for the last few years.

my BIL ordered his Ruger 77 7-08 in 1980,not even the dealer had heard of the chambering yet.
It accounted for a lot of dinners since then.

anxiously waiting dave!

my muzzlestuffer season overlaps my rifle season on the first. decisions decisions!
still a lot of time left to kill deers

I don't really know where to start. I took half a day last Thursday and all day Friday off. I hunted Thursday evening with no success.

I returned to the empty cabin which was nice and warm now as I had lit the stove several hours earlier before I went out to hunt. I was cooking myself a lousy meal.... Couldn't find any hot dogs so I had to settle for this junk:

A 1 lb loin steak with saut�ed mushrooms, bell pepper and onion.

[Linked Image]

Covered it up in thinly sliced pepper jack cheese, it was just terrible. The sacrifices a man makes, oh well, I managed to choke it down.

[Linked Image]

As I'm suffering through my meal, I see headlights coming up the trail to the cabin. I figure it's buschpilot and company coming for a camp visit. So I continued on, suffering through my task with knife and fork.

The cabin door opens, in walks our very own captain bang flop and his side kick Tucker. Holy cow I was surprised! He got the ok from mama to make the trip up to the cabin and she was actually coming up herself on Saturday! (she is very pregnant so they have been sticking close to home)

Well we clicked into party mode immediately, then buschpilot and his crew showed up and the evening escalated with stories and laughs. It was a great time.

Missy and Eileen showed up on Friday, then it was Nate and chickenbuck Joe, then Weezy, then Me and Pam (we had a Christmas party to attend at my work place)

Saturday our crew grew as we added 3 more girls, We had all of Dusty's grand kids at camp, it was really cool.

No hunting success Friday or Saturday.

But then came Sunday....

Dude,

You're killing us !

Paul.

I am sitting here hoping that the buck was so big it required a panaramic picture and it is taking a long time to load.....doggone it, I hope NDs job isnt getting in the way of this most important of posts.....!

Oh & it looks like with all the surprises, you over cooked that steak !

I'll wait to post Deb's story, till after your photo essay.

Paul.

Originally Posted by fluffy

well I bought one for the kid first,but then seeing how the thing is bedded in the stock,how well it shoots,how light it is ,plus has an adjustable trigger,detachable magazines,and how much it costs...I decided I wanted one more than I wanted a bolt action I owned made by a competitor.

Well, I really don't need one for myself. I have a couple rifles I use and like a lot. My boy does need a rifle though. I'm thinking .243 for him.

gotta love the .243 great on anything deer size and smaller. I got one when I was a teen and loved it so much I've stuck with it. tried a few others but settled back on the old .243 I saved up 4 months to buy. killed Elliot with it in fact!

I don't know how to go about explaining the events of Sunday morning without the back story. So I guess I'll recap to be sure I am explaining this in a way that people can fully and correctly comprehend.

As you all know, Dusty was a staple in our camp. A senior member that provided an unexplainable level of joy and enthusiasm for the entire camp. As well as his sage wisdom being a life long woodsman, a father, grandfather etc.

We lost Dusty last spring to his battle with cancer. This was our first year at camp chickenbuck since it's beginning in 2007 that we didn't have our Dusty at deer camp.

Here's a few facts to help set the stage for my report on yesterday's events.

Dusty was cremated, the majority of his ashes were handled in a traditional fashion being placed at a grave site next to his son's grave back home. But the girls, Missy and Eileen felt strongly enough of Dusty's love of camp chickenbuck that they had a portion of his ashes placed in a separate urn which they brought up to deer camp. This small urn has been sitting on top of the gun rack at camp since the beginning of our season this year. We have been waiting for the right moment before spreading these ashes at the base of Dusty's deer stand. We felt it was important to have all of the kids in attendance, we really wanted our core group all there. This is actually a pretty tall order.

Now, a couple of other facts.

Missy has been a member of the camp since it's beginning and she's been hunting just as hard as the rest of us for many years. It's been tough hunting, it still is tough hunting, deer numbers are very low. She's never shot a deer up at camp chickenbuck before. She's taken deer before, but she's not taken one at chickenbuck. Dusty's stand, it's a nice spot, nice stand, but nobody (including Dusty) has ever taken a deer from that stand before.

Missy has been hunting from her dad's stand exclusively this year, putting in some good hours too.

Well there, I believe I have the stage set as best I can.

Sunday morning I hear Missy shuffling around inside the dark cabin, she's putting on all her warm clothes, including an old pair of her dad's wool bibs which she has been wearing this season.

Missy slips out of the cabin before sunrise with her 270 slung over her shoulder, as it turns out..... She will be the only hunter to venture out on this last morning of our rifle season.

Fast forward several hours, I've got pancake batter mixed, I'm cooking bacon and sausage, we're all there in the cabin wondering how long Missy is going to stay out in the stand.

10:20 am, "Boom!" from right behind the cabin. Wow!

I'm crossing my fingers and doing a little silent plea with god, hoping for a nice clean successful shot. Everybody is just amped up, excitement through the roof. The whole crew scrambles for coats and boots, some grab rifles, knives, pelvic saw, a drag strap... We begin our orange migration north through the woods. 10 of us in total. I asked Eileen before we left the cabin if it would be ok to bring that little urn up there with us. She figured that would be ok. I didn't have a plan and it was short notice for Missy but when we got up to where she had found her deer I gave her a big hug first off then I handed her that little urn and suggested we might want to take advantage of the moment we had there with all in attendance. It gave her a few moments to think about it anyways while Justin field dressed her doe.

Here's Missy with her first camp chickenbuck deer.

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The sea of orange that surrounded the successful hunter:

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Here's a first, field dressing with a live audience, lol.

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Us boys pulled the deer over to the base of Dusty's stand for a "look what I did, dad" type of photo.

[Linked Image]

At this point Missy said some nice words about her dad and how much the whole deer camp and crew meant to him. I tossed in a couple words about how happy and honored I was that the girls thought enough of us all to do this, I explained how wonderful it would be to be able to walk part this old deer stand for all the years to come and know that Dusty is literally here with us all in all of our seasons to come. Missy spread her dad's ashes at the base of his old deer stand, next to her deer.. Her first at chickenbuck and also the first deer taken from the stand.

There were some leaky eyes, grandkids, my own kids, I think my eyes were a little glossy as well. It was a really cool moment, there's just no other way to explain it.

A person could live a lifetime of church on Sundays and not experience something as spiritually fulfilling as what we had at that moment. You couldn't have planned it, you couldn't ever duplicate it, it was just a natural moment that simply unfolded perfectly. It was an excellent way to close the 2013 rifle season.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dude,

You're killing us !

Paul.

I'm very sorry, it's a busy Monday morning so it's hard to complete this in a timely manor. lol.

We hung Missy's deer up for her, it's not really a chime with only one deer you know?

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Ah yes, the heroes of 2013 admiring their work.

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And that moment when you realize the girl deer is bigger than your boy deer on the meat pole...

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got choked up reading this, a perfect way to end a season.
Congrats to Missy and the gang for an awesome hunt!

It doesnt get any better than that!! Congratulations to all, it was good to visit chickenbuck again. This was some good reads that happened this weekend!!

Missy 270'd her deer quartering towards her, forward left shoulder entrance, diagonal wound channel exiting mid rib cage on right side. It all stayed in the boiler room, very nice shot placement. She went maybe 30 feet and piled up.

It's Weezy's birthday today.

She's 20.

Wow, we're old.

lol!

God works in mysterious ways. I can't see it working out any better than it did.

Chickenbuck is a special, special place. Dusty helped make it that way.

It's a camp. It make me feel wonderful even when I know I'm going there.

PERFECT !!!!

I prayed it would end this way.

That someone would take a deer from Unca D's stand !

Remember, back in the lead into the season, I asked who was going to hunt which stand ?

I was hoping you or Pam, but ..........

Couldn't be more fitting that it was Missy.

Paul.

Also........

Couldn't be more fitting that Dusty was honoured on Thanks Giving weekend.

Misting up, gotta go !

Paul.

Stupid allergies this morning......

Most Excellent!

Good Job Missy! I'm positive your Dad and brother were looking on and smiling like heck when you took that doe.

Allergies here too....

Happy Birthday Weezmeister!

Wow...not sure how I could be happier for all the ChickenBuckers. Good job all around!

Nice shootin Muffy! Where'd that deer come in from Dave or missy? I've put some hours in on that stand myself. It's in a good spot with lots of sign, but I've not seen a deer from it.

I'm so happy Missy got a deer there and from Dusty's spot. I'm smilin like heck.

That is the very definition of a trophy deer in my book. That is as good as it gets right there and why deer hunting is so much more than hunting deer.

And I vote for the ladder/Missy/deer pic as the winner for our photo contest.

What a great story.
A really wonderful end to 2013 deer season.
Stan in SC

ND, great story!

Originally Posted by goalie

Stupid allergies this morning......

Yah, hay fever seems to be bad over here too! Well done guys.

Dusty is surely proud of all his Chickenbuckers.

At the start of this thread Dave talked about he and Pam bought the land to start a camp for family and memories.

This is truly what a deer camp is about. The bonds that keep everyone together.

None of those folks present will ever forget the story, the memory of Dusty, and the shenanigans.

Someday I expect to see PWM or RWS posting up here talking about remember back when....

Congratulations to Missy, Dusty, and the rest of the Chickenbuckeroo's and thanks again for letting us all be a part of it.

Northern Dave, as a middle-aged man who wears his love of family, tradition, hunting camps and their history on his sleeve, your telling of the closing of deer season at Camp Chickenbuck 2013 really hits home for me.

I've always enjoyed your tales about Camp Chickenbuck. Enough so that I have the t-shirt to prove it.

I'm tickled about the way the 2013 season worked out for the camp and for Missy (Muffy?) In particular.

I not saying that this has anything to do with the success from yesterday, but how weird is it that yesterday morning is the first time in close to a year that I've worn my Chickenbuck t-shirt? It was the first layer I put on while getting dressed to go hunting yesterday morning.

Anyway, I'm happy for you and your whole circle of Camp Chickenbuck friends. It sounds like the Fates smiled on you all.

Congratulations to Missy on her deer, Uncle Dusty for the impact he had on so many people and to you, Dave for keeping family and hunting camp tradition alive.

Long may the memories last!

Amen to that !

Paul.

Awesome Dave thanks for sharing.

Happy b-day Weezer !

I agree with Berretta dude Missy wins hands down!

Congratulations to Missy, and what a blessing for all who were in your camp. Those times when we feel our people close to us again are hard to put into words.

Congrats to Missy...and to Dave on a momentous difficult season well concluded. I for one am glad to see you got your Mojo back...and you can bet Dusty is too!
My camp update can wait a couple of days...it pales in compairison....

Congrats!

Scott and Lisa

Well done Chickenbuckers........ Well done..

Nate ant I ripped the hide off his lil deer tonight, quartered and such. Back straps are trimmed clean, packaged and in the freezer. We'll process the rest later this week.

Originally Posted by 7mmMato

Well done Chickenbuckers........ Well done..

What he said....Well Done Dave....Well done!!!

Now it's time to break out the muzzleloaders!

Dave,

This is the stuff great books are made out of. You've got to sit down, put pen to paper and write the story of the Chickenbuckers for all those unfortunate enough to not follow the story here on the fire.

I am at a loss for words after reading this, and it's not too often that happens.

Thanks so much for keeping all us honorary Chickenbuckers in the loop, and sharing this very special season with us, Dave.

Congrats to all the Chickenbuckers, and special thanks to Dusty for bringing that doe into range. Gone but not forgotten, Dusty. Gone but not forgotten.

ive seen 70+ deer and 12 different bucks since saturday, one shooter buck, but i had no shot at him, bunch of almost shooters but not quite. Does up the rear end, havent killed any of those cause i ddint want to drag uphill for a doe... today tuesday.. slick heads are gonna roll :-D

I was so very happy to be a part of that event on Sunday morning out at Dusty's deer stand with Missy and the whole group.

When I say it was spiritually fulfilling, that's the only way I can think of to describe it. I've never thought to use those words together, not ever before in my life.

I just feel better now, hard to explain I guess.

I don't know if it's "closure" or what to call it, but I feel much better.

And I thank Missy and Eileen for that.

We did other stuff throughout the weekend too.

As I mentioned, Justin and his little mama lady were up, we sure enjoy her company when ever we get together for a visit. She had asked Pam to shoot some pre-baby photos for them. I am sure there's a nice name for what the pictures are called but it certainly escapes me lol. All I know is that she had some very clever ideas and they took some very nice photos while out at camp. Pam has a whole set prepared for them, I stole one that I like to show off here.

I dare say, they are a very cute couple.

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I also enjoyed setting this young lady up for an evening hunt one night as she timidly expressed interest in actually hunting. As in "have gun, will shoot", real live hunting. She sat with my old model 88 and a buddy heater in Weezy's enclosed stand. She didn't have any better luck than I had deer wise that evening. But it was very interesting that she had serious intentions, I do believe she would have taken a deer if she had an opportunity to do so.

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Also, Missy has been toting around this little brown gun case all season. She brings it because she really wants to take a deer with that gun.
Inside the case is her prized hand gun, a stainless revolver. A 5 shot single action in 450 casull. It wears a nice fixed power leupold and dark walnut grips. It was her dad's.
She wanted very badly to take a deer with it, and I feel bad that we didn't get around to setting out a target and practicing with it until a few hours after she shot her deer on Sunday. She did finally get a chance to shoot it though, and with her dad's hand loads nonetheless.

It's an intimidating firearm. But it proved to be an absolute joy to shoot. I observed as she fired her first shots with the beastly revolver, she handled it amazingly.

She didn't get to hunt with it this year, but I have a feeling we will see her practicing more with it before next deer season. It will likely be with her in the deer stand next year.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

slick heads are gonna roll :-D

Good luck coop! Go get em!

Little mama has a belly bigger than mine. Lol. Sadly, hers is going away soon.

Roll a few Coop!

Dave, you are very correct. The 454 Casull is a handful to say the least. I shot one at a range when I lived in WI. I jumped like a retard on a trampoline with the first shot and the the ground infront of the target. After that it was AWESOME.

Just got back from deer and pheasant hunting in the Dakotas and catching up... What a great, great story with a fantastic ending Dave. Each and everyone of you at camp are special individuals.... Congratulations to all of you on a very special and highly emotional day.

I'm very lucky for these great people that care to hang out with me.

I've been told I'm a fair cook, that must be it.

How was the hunting trip mmgravy?

Considering the gloom and doom prospects it was darn good. We filled our deer tags easily and had excellent shooting on pheasants. However, both deer and pheasants were down. There were pockets of both and we were lucky to find those areas.

First the book, then the movie. I think we all get a say in who plays Dave! Maybe Vince Vaughn? Too bad John Candy passed away!

And seeing that nice picture of the pregnant woman reminds me....just a little advice for you men out there. NEVER ask a woman if she is pregnant. Ask me how I know (very luckily, it was a buddy who made this colossal mistake!).

Pam had a lot of fun with people while she was pregnant. Her favorite gag was to waddle up to a check out counter at a store where she'd hope like crazy for the cashier to ask her when the baby is due or how far along she was.

She would look them right in the eye, scowl and claim "I'm not pregnant!"

LMAO!!

The truth is she was VERY pregnant and she always let them off the hook with a laugh.

fair to midlin.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam had a lot of fun with people while she was pregnant. Her favorite gag was to waddle up to a check out counter at a store where she'd hope like crazy for the cashier to ask her when the baby is due or how far along she was.

She would look them right in the eye, scowl and claim "I'm not pregnant!"

LMAO!!

NEVER, EVER, EVER, ask the Walmart cashier either.

Especially the Blaine Walmart.

Well it is time for me to chime in with a little of what I experienced on Sunday. Dave hit the nail right on the head with everything he said. Although I didn't realize all the excitement back at the cabin.
It seems like a dream. I was just getting ready to get out of the stand thinking this is the end of the 2013 hunting season. With no deer, but so much fun was had by all. I was lifting the burlap that is above the door, and I heard something in the brush. I waited for a short time and out come 2 deer. They were making their way toward the west. At this point I wouldn't be able to make a good sit-down shot, so I slowly stood up. She looked toward me, once she looked away I was able to lift my rifle and make the shot.
Shortly after Pam and Justin come down the trail. Pam walked toward her stand and Justin walked the trail a ways hoping the other one would go in her direction, but no such luck. I look up and see the most important people in my life walking through the woods in their blaze orange, to share this exciting moment with me. It was very emotional. Before I got back to dad's stand they had the doe by the ladder, ready for pictures.
I am not very good at making speaches, didn't really know what to say. But I just know that Camp Chicken Buck was very important to dad. He was looking down on us and happy that we were all there together. Very special moment. Thank you Dave and family for making a place that holds so many wonderful memories, and one that will make many more in the future.

[quote Thank you Dave and family for making a place that holds so many wonderful memories, and one that will make many more in the future.[/quote]

And that is what we all would like to say. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

Originally Posted by TJAY

[quote Thank you Dave and family for making a place that holds so many wonderful memories, and one that will make many more in the future.

And that is what we all would like to say. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.[/quote]

Yes thanks Dave

I'm going AWOL if I get one more thank you. It's nice and all, but it rubs my beard the wrong way.

lol.

Lets talk about, other people.

Capt bangflop skewered a dandy mature, one sided buck yesterday from the ground, 20 yds with his bow.

He was on his way to his stand and big fella was just hangin around, gave him a shot and he took it.

Pretty cool huh?

Fairly heavy 4 or 5 point on one side and a stub base, like a forked tree stump on the other side. I'll see if I can load a picture.

Cool. Seems the captain can usually find big deer to just "hang around" for um while the rest of us can't see a buck.

he's shot more big bucksthan I have deer. Nice work Justin!!

Big weekend for muzzleloading coming up. Whos headed out. YOu tom? Dave? anyone? CHickenbuck?

I'm on the fence. I really could use a weekend of rest and I do need to put a new clutch in the plow truck. I may drive out to the cabin tonight to try and get the plow truck home for service and repairs. Could end up just working on that at home all weekend. I also have to finish cutting nate's deer.

you got 2 days before hunting to complete that dave. i could use a rest from it too but barrel of fun' has a weekend pass so we gotta hunt.

I'm actually headed south for black powder Buschy. Gophergunner has invited me to his hot spot near his house for the weekend.

It's also a sad day for me. Real sad.... Somewhere as a parent I've gone seriosly wrong. I'm not even sure what to say here but I got the Christmas list from the kids this morning. My son has asked for a Packers jersey.

Can you really blame him... though. I can't even get mad at him.

At least he's come out and wants to see a winning team Tom. Dont be so hard on yourself. you just may not have learned yet what happiness is. Packer Backer man!! your days coming!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

you got 2 days before hunting to complete that dave. i could use a rest from it too but barrel of fun' has a weekend pass so we gotta hunt.

How about tuna can?

Is he hunting this weekend?

Tuna can said he has a date this weekend and will be busy. not sure what he's thinking.

Well, he was born in WI, so he gets a pass.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tuna can said he has a date this weekend and will be busy. not sure what he's thinking.

what a man whore.

Me and Big D will be heading to Chickenbuck for 2nd weekend of muzzleloader. What kind of tasty eat's should I bring ND?

What ever you like, dood.

We'll give the deers a rest until you guys get up here.

Justin's one sider.

[Linked Image]

Nice,

As always, good work Capt.

Paul.

This buck was a wanderer. I do not have this buck on cam and neither does Justin. He's a newbie.

They say that when racks get screwed up like that on one side its due to an injury on the opposite side of the deer. Like a bounce off a vehicle would create.

Wonder if thats what happened here?

I have a couple of friends that raise penned freak deer.

I have absolutely zero interest in the penned deer freak show but they seem to like it so, each to their own.

One of these guys was telling me about concern for the pedicle on one of his prized pen freaks that ran into the fence and screwed up it's rack early in velvet. He said that pedicle damage is permanent and once damaged, that side of the rack will never fix itself.

So, as I understand it, if they bust one side early in velvet and damage the pedicle, they gonna be a goofy spike or stump on that side for ever.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have a couple of friends that raise penned freak deer.

I have absolutely zero interest in the penned deer freak show but they seem to like it so, each to their own.

One of these guys was telling me about concern for the pedicle on one of his prized pen freaks that ran into the fence and screwed up it's rack early in velvet. He said that pedicle damage is permanent and once damaged, that side of the rack will never fix itself.

So, as I understand it, if they bust one side early in velvet and damage the pedicle, they gonna be a goofy spike or stump on that side for ever.

Interesting. I wonder if it affects the next generation or if his fawn buck deer come out "normal"?

Wouldn't it be sumptin if that was a direct descendant of Waylon's one sider? Same exact area where it was shot.

That one (Waylon's), was busted off, and seemed to be post velvet break with the base intact, just broken. (you'll see when you come up to camp)

But no, It's not going to effect offspring, not pedicle damage.

Dave's right on, Physical damage to an animal won't be passed down, it doesn't change the genetics in anyway.

Makes sense. Hopefully he bred a lot of does!

Cool buck. So he wasn't busted off, just grew that way? No wonder henwas hanging around the captain....just wanted to be put out of his misery.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave's right on, Physical damage to an animal won't be passed down, it doesn't change the genetics in anyway.

I think humans are the only critters that have figured out how to screw up our offspring with damage to ourselves.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave's right on, Physical damage to an animal won't be passed down, it doesn't change the genetics in anyway.

I think humans are the only critters that have figured out how to screw up our offspring with damage to ourselves.

That's because deer can't smoke

Or drink.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Makes sense. Hopefully he bred a lot of does!

Rooster...

I read this in too much of a hurry...I thought you were referring to Mr. ND.....you just about got a lecture, but now I'm simply laughing.

Carry on everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving! I don't think I'll be back on tomorrow.

This past year has me reflecting on a lot of things that has happened, or maybe that just happens when you get older and yes I'm feeling old all of a sudden. Anyways I'm so thankful for this life I've been given, for my husband-my rock, my opposite, my best friend of 20+ yrs, our kids-what a blessing each of them are in their own goofy ways, for all the family and friends that takes the time to come up here and visit us, for our new place, for our jobs, for our laughter and tears. Thankful for our health and thankful for a place where we can go to make memories...Camp Chickenbuck. Thank you everyone for being with us on this journey we've taken the past 6 years.

Well said Ma

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Big weekend for muzzleloading coming up. Whos headed out. YOu tom? Dave? anyone? CHickenbuck?

I am too lazy to find my regs book in the pile of crap I need to put away, so, dumb question time: when I used to muzzle-load, you could only do that OR rifle. Now you can do both, but can you buy a muzzle-loading tag if you've already shot deer with rifle?

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Big weekend for muzzleloading coming up. Whos headed out. YOu tom? Dave? anyone? CHickenbuck?

I am too lazy to find my regs book in the pile of crap I need to put away, so, dumb question time: when I used to muzzle-load, you could only do that OR rifle. Now you can do both, but can you buy a muzzle-loading tag if you've already shot deer with rifle?

yes you can,but you can only tag one buck a year.
some areas you can only tag one deer, period.
I tagged my doe in area 197,(Lottery)so I cant tag any more deer in lottery areas, but I can tag another deer in a different area,even more than one in some.
I am BP hunting in area 338 (managed)this weekend,and can tag two more deer there ,even a buck if he has 4 or more points on one side.
My son ,being a "youth" doesn't need to abide by antler point restrictions, and can tag any deer, two even, but only one buck.

perfectly clear?

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Big weekend for muzzleloading coming up. Whos headed out. YOu tom? Dave? anyone? CHickenbuck?

I am too lazy to find my regs book in the pile of crap I need to put away, so, dumb question time: when I used to muzzle-load, you could only do that OR rifle. Now you can do both, but can you buy a muzzle-loading tag if you've already shot deer with rifle?

yes you can,but you can only tag one buck a year.
some areas you can only tag one deer, period.
I tagged my doe in area 197,(Lottery)so I cant tag any more deer in lottery areas, but I can tag another deer in a different area,even more than one in some.
I am BP hunting in area 338 (managed)this weekend,and can tag two more deer there ,even a buck if he has 4 or more points on one side.
My son ,being a "youth" doesn't need to abide by antler point restrictions, and can tag any deer, two even, but only one buck.

perfectly clear?

OK, gotta grab my book from the pile I guess.

So, since I shot a buck and a doe in 242, and that is all I was allowed in 242, I would have to muzzle-load a different area?

In the old days, you just got one either-sex muzzle-loader tag for the whole state, but you couldn't rifle hunt AND muzzle-load.

Now you can do both. I'm yet to shoot a buck so I'm hopin for horns with GG but I believe there is antler point rest. where we are going as well. It may ne the same unit as Fluffy actually.

Fluffer.... You didn't have a buck decoy up during gun season did ya?

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm actually headed south for black powder Buschy. Gophergunner has invited me to his hot spot near his house for the weekend.

It's also a sad day for me. Real sad.... Somewhere as a parent I've gone seriosly wrong. I'm not even sure what to say here but I got the Christmas list from the kids this morning. My son has asked for a Packers jersey.

Tom,

This is a serious problem. 'Leads me to believe he's being influenced by someone..............maybe a FATHER FIGURE......boy I gotta find that guy and STRING HIM UP! No friggin booger green slackers schitt shall appear under that Christmas tree this fall buddy-GOT IT? I'd hate to have to go Postal on yer sorry azz!

Can you really blame him... though. I can't even get mad at him.

Originally Posted by tzone

Now you can do both. I'm yet to shoot a buck so I'm hopin for horns with GG but I believe there is antler point rest. where we are going as well. It may ne the same unit as Fluffy actually.

Fluffer.... You didn't have a buck decoy up during gun season did ya?

nope,no decoy here.

I hunt" up nort" in rifle season
IIRC ,gg is in Lakeville,I am going to be in Elko/New Market area.

Happy Turkey Day to Northern Dave and the cast of characters that is the Chickenbuck Nation. Dave, will you be flipping the bird to everyone at your place today, or does Mrs. Dave get the honors?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

happy thanksgiving everyone!
I'm thankful that even though were I live now my hunting is day trips from the house, I still get to experience deercamp right here.
to those braving the snow and cold with a muzzlestuffer, good luck! our season starts sunday, and I have a few tags all set to go.

As I sit here watching the Macy's parade I would be remiss if I did not say HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone.

Just back from the Turkey Day 5K run at the YMCA. Whew, that running is a lot of work! But now, I can pig out with no remorse!

Have an enjoyable and reflective Thanksgiving everyone.

Good luck to those still going afield and remember to hunt safe and be extremely careful and deliberate while climbing into the stand.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Just back from the Turkey Day 5K run at the YMCA. Whew, that running is a lot of work! But now, I can pig out with no remorse!

Have an enjoyable and reflective Thanksgiving everyone.

Good luck to those still going afield and remember to hunt safe and be extremely careful and deliberate while climbing into the stand.

I just did a mile swim and a 3-mile run myself. BRING ON THE TURKEY!!!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm actually headed south for black powder Buschy. Gophergunner has invited me to his hot spot near his house for the weekend.

It's also a sad day for me. Real sad.... Somewhere as a parent I've gone seriosly wrong. I'm not even sure what to say here but I got the Christmas list from the kids this morning. My son has asked for a Packers jersey.

Can you really blame him... though. I can't even get mad at him.

Smart boy, young Jack. He'll go far.

Heading up to camp in the morning at 4:00am to get up to the north woods for my solo 3 day deer camp of one. Nobody else wants to go...oh well. Sometimes it's good to get away and enjoy the solitude.

My sympathies for GopherGunner. He's a Vikings fan AND a Buckeye(hairless nut for the uninformed)! Hopefully, thru medication and extensive therapy, he'll pull out of this.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Well it's official, T-Zone and Mini-Man will be joining me in an assault on all things whitetail in the Lakeville area this Saturday. Tom runs one o' those newfangled in-line jobs, and I'll be running my .54 Hawkins. Mini-man will take be taking care of eating everything that resembles food, and trying to stay still. Tom's boy is a great kid and I look forward to seeing him again, and joining him when he carries a rifle for the first time in the near future. Nothing greater than being there to see a kid on his first hunt.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well it's official, T-Zone and Mini-Man will be joining me in an assault on all things whitetail in the Lakeville area this Saturday. Tom runs one o' those newfangled in-line jobs, and I'll be running my .54 Hawkins. Mini-man will take be taking care of eating everything that resembles food, and trying to stay still. Tom's boy is a great kid and I look forward to seeing him again, and joining him when he carries a rifle for the first time in the near future. Nothing greater than being there to see a kid on his first hunt.

Good luck you guys. If you get one, let me know if you want to borrow the grinder......

I'm hunting for GG. He gets the meat if we get one, he has a freezer to fill. If it's a buck, it'll be pretty nice since we have APR to work with. I've never hunted with those before, so I hope we don't see a nice fat 6pt onless he has 4 on one side and 2 on the other.

It will be nice to get in the woods again though!

Happy thanksgiving everybody.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck muzzle stuffers!

We went to my neices house for her first time hosting turkey day. As it turns out, she lives spittin distance from our very own ND and Mrs ND's new house. We ventured over and got the tour. It's a very beautiful home.

OH and I finally got to see the '69 Roadrunner in person. I'll just say that the pictures you see on here do NOT do that car justice. It's beautiful as well!

It was awesome to see you rooster and roostette.

Thanks so much for stopping to see us.

I hope y'all had a nice Thanksgiving. We headed to northern WI to the lady friends parents for a FANTASTIC spread. Her dad smoked the bird throughout the day and man, was it ever great. I could smell it as soon as we pulled up and our mouths were watering until we ate.

I'm still stuffed

It's repacking the gear time. Re-washing the gear again. Loading the packs. Though, it's a smaller pack this time. I really need to carry this amount of gear during the gun season because that's all I need. The bigger backpack is nice for stuffing an extra shirt and a pair of socks in there though. I did find two salami sandwiches that are now 2 weeks old. Anyone want em?

Couldn't find any takers here either.

I never thought I'd purchase liverwurst but.... All the times I fished all day with Dusty, he packed liverwurst sandwiches on buns. Liverwurst, cheese, and a buttered bun.

Your sandwich comment made me think of this.

I honestly don't care a huge bunch for liverwurst. But I kind of miss it. Lol

Guess I'll go buy some.

Chickenbuck next weekend Tommy??

I can dig the sandwiches out of the garbage...they'll taste the same.

Liverwurst and shrimp, two things I can't eat. Yuck!

No Rooster. Not this year. I couldn't get it to work out. I'm going to hunt south of the Cities tomorrow, with Gophergunner and my little buddy Jack.

Gopher needs some meat in the freezer so we're going to see if we can help him out. I've never poked one with a muzzle loader, so it would be cool to fix that issue as well.

Are you headed up or sticking around home?

Home this weekend. Chickenbuck next weekend.

Good Luck to you and GG this weekend! Be safe guys. Watch out for decoys!

Today might as well be thanksgiving. I'm very thankful. I'm sitting on an oakwood ridge with my best buddy snoring at my side, looking for a deer dumb enough to come close enough to poke with a black powder rifle.

I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning!

awesome Tom!
I took my boy out this morning, had a deer shot before light from the road on the food plot we were hunting on public land. he didn't know what happened, he was just bummed we didn't get a chance at a deer. our muzzleloader season starts tomorrow, we'll likely go to a private ranch. I've had it with the public land crazies.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well it's official, T-Zone and Mini-Man will be joining me in an assault on all things whitetail in the Lakeville area this Saturday. Tom runs one o' those newfangled in-line jobs, and I'll be running my .54 Hawkins. Mini-man will take be taking care of eating everything that resembles food, and trying to stay still. Tom's boy is a great kid and I look forward to seeing him again, and joining him when he carries a rifle for the first time in the near future. Nothing greater than being there to see a kid on his first hunt.

I'm so friggin' mad, I want to hit somebody. Tom and I hunted my spot in Lakeville I got permission for earlier this year. No luck, but that was okay. I had left a message with the owner earlier this week letting him know we would be in there. I always do. Called him this afternoon to thank him again, and let him know we'd be back after lunch. I reached him on his phone, and was informed that we would not be able to hunt there any more, because the other group that had permission to hunt there had ruined things for us. One of their guys took a "guest" in there who in turn showed up on another day with several uninvited "guests". As it turns out, they shot a deer, right next to his neighbor's horse stable (not on property they had any permission to be on.) There were multiple trespassing issues with his neighbors, so basically, he's been made out to be the bad guy because of the actions of these unscrupulous hunters. No wonder he doesn't want anyone to hunt there any more. I spent a full year cultivating this relationship so I'd have a nice place close to home to hunt, and now these azzholes screwed it up for everyone. No wonder property owners post their land. This really sucks. I hope they get arrested for trespassing if they ever have the balls to go out there again.

My apologies to Tom for how this got screwed up.

that definitely sucks. lots of slobs out there.

That sucks man.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I never thought I'd purchase liverwurst but.... All the times I fished all day with Dusty, he packed liverwurst sandwiches on buns. Liverwurst, cheese, and a buttered bun.

Your sandwich comment made me think of this.

I honestly don't care a huge bunch for liverwurst. But I kind of miss it. Lol

Guess I'll go buy some.

Try it with a slice of raw onion & some salt & pepper.

YUMMY!

You know what? I will eat one like that with mustard. Only at hunting season tho. Same goes for bologna.

hooooowee! you guys watching the vikes game?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hooooowee! you guys watching the vikes game?

Rhett Ellison has screwed up the Vikes chances to win this game TWICE now!

but they still won!

not a great game, but it was intense!

now time for the real game, GO BRONCOS!

They are so horrible they've even managed to screw up a draft pick.

LOL

They would just pick a QB in the top three that every other team had rated in the 5th round anyway.

I got a little one sided 4 point with the muzzle stuffer yesterday morning at 9. I've passed up bigger deer this year but hey it's getting cold. lol

I gotta find a place to hunt with the front stuffer. I may have found an area. There were no cars there today. I'm going to bring it up on the Google and give it a look.

you could come out here, 80 bucks for 2 tags..

our season opened today, didn't make it out, but I have 6 weeks to hunt.

that will be next year.

When does the gun season start there.

week after MN usually

Funny...that may work.

I may be able to sneak in a thanksgiving day hunt in WI too.

what are you gonna do with all that venison?

I'm hoping dave puts in for preference out here this next year.... I'm about ready to sign him up myself and buy the stupid $5 point just incase!

Is it pretty much an every other year deal?

Man, I need to start muzzle-loading again. And bow-hunting.

Tom - it can be, you need a PP just to have a chance at drawing. this year it was about a %70 chance of drawing if you had one point.

Ok, good deal. I have one point for West River and one for Black Hills then.

So odds are pretty good I'll draw on or the other I hope?

you have a good chance. the BH you might draw if you put in for whitetails only. if you put in for an ANY deer, you might have to wait a few years. there are chances at mulies with the WR tag you're going for too.

I'll put in for whities in the BH's then. That's what I really want this first time around anyway. I want to hunt some different country, take some great pictures, and maybe shoot a buck. Preferably one like Kendra got.

I don't apply again til June right?

PM sent Tom

ND,

I sent you an email today as well. It looks like Big D and I won't be making the trip up next weekend. My work schedule has me getting back late friday and it looks as though the temps are going to drop into the basement anyway. Like -12* for a high. Maybe the following weekend we can see what it looks like or just reserve a fishing weekend?

Tell work they don't know who they're dealing with. It's ND fer chrissakes!

Yeah I understand.

I told Nate that "team big" wont be making it... He scowled a bit and said something about "wussies", then he ran outside naked and made a snow angel out in the yard.

Kids these days... go figger.

Just got caught up on everything.

Dave great read on the last weekend.

Muffy, congratulations on taking the deer off Dusty's (Now your) stand. I know Dusty's proud of you.

Happy belated birthday, Weezy. Can not believe your 20 already.

We had a good year. Ended up with 3 bucks. A 4, 7 and 9 pointer.

Our youngest hunter (11) got his first deer, the 7 pointer. Let me tell you he was one excited boy.

My buddy Rick got the other 2. Me, I saw 3 does and passed on them. I share the venison with Rick and we already had 2 deer.

Opener was cold and windy. Six above on the opener and minus 6 the next day. Sure glad I had my box blind to stop the wind.

I know. Nate was the first person I thought of when we made the decision.

Sorry Runs with Scissors. We WILL make a trip to spend a weekend soon!

I heard that same rumor about Labor day... Didn't see you there big jelly for the 4-wheeling activities.

I'm just funnin ya.

We'll be ice fishing before you know it.

I'm seriously thinking about just skipping muzzle loader altogether this year.

For some reason this year I feel like my hunting was cut short. Like I need more. I'm not sure why. I went at least as much as I usually do? I'm not sure what it is. Maybe because I didn't get to spend very much time in the woods before hunting season? Maybe becasue in the past I've hunted MN and WI? Like I said, just can't put a finger on it.

April and I are going to head up north of Duluth on the last weekend of BP season. We're going to sit a morning and do a little woods work and scouting. There is a ladder stand I'm going to pull down that is in an area that looks good, but didn't have much deer sign in it. So I guess scouting is sometimes for where not to find deer as well.

There are 6 stands that two of us maintain, and mostly I end up doing it. I'm going to just maintain a few of them, the best ones and scout a lot more on the clear cut where the beaver pond stand is. The beaver pond is cool but VERY hard to get to. Almost making it unhuntable because of the racket getting to the stand. Possible though.

We got a big 'ol storm headin our way. Warning starts at 3:00 pm today and goes until 6:00 am Thursday. And then the temps are supposed to dip to -20* which probably means -30* where Dave lives.

Finally.

I was worried that winter would never get here!

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Happy belated birthday, Weezy. Can not believe your 20 already.

This CAN'T be so!

I still fee like a Newbie to the Campfire and I can remember her tooling around with pops in the garage building her mustang...

Geez Bill, way to make a lad feel old...

Next thing I know, somebody will be telling me that Runs-with-scissors is voting...

20 years old... Brace yourself Dave, within the next 10 years, it's likely you'll be walking her down the aisle and then we'll be calling you grandpa!

Time flies....

Congrats on the bday wheezy. Hang in there dad.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Finally.

I was worried that winter would never get here!

Going to be makin ice now by cracky! Just hope we don't get too much snow on top of the stuff we got already

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

We actually went ice fishing on Thankgiving day. By FAR the earliest I've ever been out. There was an easy 5-6" of ice. Set out some tip-ups. Caught a few small largemouth bass, a snake piker, and a 19" walleye if you can believe that!

The ice and the water were so clear you could see the walleye flash about 30' away up near the bottom of the ice. Pretty neat. You could also see the weed lines, and the bottom down to about 6 FOW.

The snow would be nice, but Ma Nature can keep the cold.

They're saying minus 10 here for Friday AM. High of 5*.

We had a rain/snow mix last night. Picked up 1.75" of wet heavy snow. Light rain this AM. Going to be a skating rink if the temps drop.

Put away the last of my gear. Still need to clean the rifles.

snowing here, *21 and falling. -10 here thursday for a low, in the 10's for a high the next week before warming back up into 20's and 30's not fun for muzzleloader season, I might have to break out the blind heater.

Started snowing around 2:00. Roads are slick as all heck. Traffic is just crawling along.

Tom, they had to close Bridge St. up in Wausau due to accidents. Ch 7 reported that traffic was backed up for several blocks.

Left Moorhead in snow at 9:30 yesterday morning, went through snow, ice, freezind drizzle and heavy fog, 400 miles and 7.5 hours later I arrived in Baker, MT. It has been snowing here all day, hopefully Friday is only really cold for my return trip to Moorhead, but I get to come back to Baker on Monday.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

We actually went ice fishing on Thankgiving day. By FAR the earliest I've ever been out. There was an easy 5-6" of ice. Set out some tip-ups. Caught a few small largemouth bass, a snake piker, and a 19" walleye if you can believe that!

The ice and the water were so clear you could see the walleye flash about 30' away up near the bottom of the ice. Pretty neat. You could also see the weed lines, and the bottom down to about 6 FOW.

The snow would be nice, but Ma Nature can keep the cold.

Tom, you are one crazy sob! Too early yet man-was the lake even completely ice covered? Do you realize if the wind picked up you could easily be trolling in short order there? Startin' to wonder about you bud..............

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Started snowing around 2:00. Roads are slick as all heck. Traffic is just crawling along.

Tom, they had to close Bridge St. up in Wausau due to accidents. Ch 7 reported that traffic was backed up for several blocks.

I suppose they were coming down that big hill and couldn't stop at the bottom.

It's like Duluth.

We have only rain here so far. It's pretty warm, 33 or so. It's supposed to switch over to snow tonight and we're slated for 6-8".

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

We actually went ice fishing on Thankgiving day. By FAR the earliest I've ever been out. There was an easy 5-6" of ice. Set out some tip-ups. Caught a few small largemouth bass, a snake piker, and a 19" walleye if you can believe that!

The ice and the water were so clear you could see the walleye flash about 30' away up near the bottom of the ice. Pretty neat. You could also see the weed lines, and the bottom down to about 6 FOW.

The snow would be nice, but Ma Nature can keep the cold.

Tom, you are one crazy sob! Too early yet man-was the lake even completely ice covered? Do you realize if the wind picked up you could easily be trolling in short order there? Startin' to wonder about you bud..............

The lake was frozen solid all the way across.. It was a good 5-6" of ice. More than enough for even a fat man such as myself to go on. It was so smooth, I'm 100% sure I could have shot a hockey puck all the way across. It's not like the lakes here gopher.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

We actually went ice fishing on Thankgiving day. By FAR the earliest I've ever been out. There was an easy 5-6" of ice. Set out some tip-ups. Caught a few small largemouth bass, a snake piker, and a 19" walleye if you can believe that!

The ice and the water were so clear you could see the walleye flash about 30' away up near the bottom of the ice. Pretty neat. You could also see the weed lines, and the bottom down to about 6 FOW.

The snow would be nice, but Ma Nature can keep the cold.

Tom, you are one crazy sob! Too early yet man-was the lake even completely ice covered? Do you realize if the wind picked up you could easily be trolling in short order there? Startin' to wonder about you bud..............

Bawww....you're missing out if yo don't fish early ice Gopher! Stupid work is getting in my way

Went up solo again for my annual Fur & Feather weekend. Ducks and deer in NLP. My brother used to be my faithful hunting pard, but after his passing, it's just been me for this hunt.

I left at 0400 on Fri. Temps were dropping fast the further I headed up north. A kind of snow fog settled in and when I tried to use my wipers, one snapped in half. Ordinarily this would be no big deal, but the only thing open at that hour was one of those big box 24hr places...and it was Black Friday. I have never seen such a bunch of caffeine crazed mutants buying anything that wasn't nailed down in my life. Two gals ahead of me were arguing over one of those Kuerig (sp?) coffee deals. I think they were sisters. Anyway, I just quietly whistled Silent Night and waited to check out.

Got t my hunting spot just at daylight and the temp was -6* below. Ouch. I didn't last long-a couple hours. Headed back to camp for a hot shower and some left over turkey. Took a nap and hit it again at 1300. Still cold, but bearable. No deer seen that day. Another HOT shower and some more turkey, then sleep.

Sat I tried a different area, higher- more oak ridges. Saw a few, but couldn't put horns on any of them. Made it til 1100, then went in for yet more turkey. I watched the first half of the UM/OSU game, but then decided to go out and finish the last afternoon of rifle season in MI.

I was tired of waiting for deer, so I intended on taking the fight to them. So I stripped down my gear and heavy clothes. Just me and my rifle. Stalking. Put my nose into the wind at the top of the ridge and take it slow. The woods and brush were fairly thick, but the snow background helped. Then after a few hours I thought I saw something on the far hill that looked like a deer...or a stump. I dialed it up and by god there was an eye. I could tell it was bedded, but not much else. I stared at it for 20 minutes before I thought I saw an antler. But then again wasn't sure. Had to take a kneeling position as my arms were burning. Another 10 pass and I think I see horns again...maybe a spike. So I stay on it and it stands up. Nothing. Keep looking and another 10 pass, he puts his head down to feed and I saw it again. That's it. Safety off. I send one. Nothing. Must've hit some brush. Send another. DRT. Walking over to it and having second thoughts about seeing that antler. Make my way up the hill through the brush and there he is, a 6" spiker, a real dink...but he'll eat. Especially with only 90 minutes left in the season. 300 WM with 180 AB did it's job too.

So I tag and gut him then check the GPS for the truck. Uh oh. Been walking further than I thought. I have to drag this thing over two big ridges. Two feet up one foot back. Go twenty yards, tie off buck, go retrieve my stuff. Rinse, repeat, for a quarter mile, mostly uphill. At one point, I thought I was going to have a chest grabber so I called my brother to tell him where I was. Next thing I know I'm getting dozens of texts from my friends telling me to take it easy and checking on my progress. 3 1/2 hours later I'm at the truck. Beat. Too beat to get the deer on top, so I just throw it inside and head back. I get there and some kid had shot a beautiful 8 PT that was hanging. I mumble some congratulations and humbly throw a line over the pole, hook it to the hitch and pull the deer up next to his. Mercifully, I ate the last of the leftover turkey for lunch. I head over to the local watering hole for a steak and three fingers of JD. I don't really care that I'm dressed like a very bloody pumpkin. Sleep comes easy.

Alarm goes off at 0400 Sun morn. Coffee's on, gotta hurry up and pack the truck plus get the deer loaded. Yesterday was the last day of rifle deer season and today is the last day of duck season. I've got an hour and a half drive to the last inland lake that's not froze. Expectations are high. Even with the ibuprofen I'm still not able to get the deer on top, so I throw him inside again and off we go.

I'm sore and half asleep, but it seems like my steering is a little sloppy. No matter, I'll just take it easy. I arrive at the very calm lake. So calm it's not moving. Crap. The water turned hard overnight. I put my waders on and start busting ice. It's a little nerve wracking busting ice in the dark 'cause you really never know where the drop off is. I found it...twice. So I got a 30' X 30' hole and throw in a few dekes on a jerk string. I'm wading back and 2 fat mallards land right there. Those were the last two ducks I saw until I picked up 5 hours later. Too much ice and the ducks bugged out south.

I have a 4 1/2 hour drive ahead of me on little sleep. Grab some more coffee and go. Buck-buck is still in there with me. I named him buck- buck because we've been spending so much time together. Turns out we were going to spend some more. About 2 1/2 hours in, I hear a grinding noise in left front at 77 mph. I immediately apply brake and it damn near sends me into the ditch. Yep. Wheel bearing. My buddy with the wrecker business arrives a couple hours later and I get more quality time with buck- buck. He was still in my truck on top of the flat bed for the two hour ride home.

Thus ends another eventful Fur & Feather weekend. Oh, when I got home, my lovely wife was making, you guessed it, leftover turkey soup. I'm good with turkey for another whole year.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Saw several people ice fishing on Sunday.

We actually went ice fishing on Thankgiving day. By FAR the earliest I've ever been out. There was an easy 5-6" of ice. Set out some tip-ups. Caught a few small largemouth bass, a snake piker, and a 19" walleye if you can believe that!

The ice and the water were so clear you could see the walleye flash about 30' away up near the bottom of the ice. Pretty neat. You could also see the weed lines, and the bottom down to about 6 FOW.

The snow would be nice, but Ma Nature can keep the cold.

Tom, you are one crazy sob! Too early yet man-was the lake even completely ice covered? Do you realize if the wind picked up you could easily be trolling in short order there? Startin' to wonder about you bud..............

Bawww....you're missing out if yo don't fish early ice Gopher! Stupid work is getting in my way

Just call me King Chickenschidt, I guess. There ain't a bucket of fish in the workd that's worth going through that ice for . Seriously, one of my biggest fears.

CFT you really earned that buck.

Dang it! Guess you won't be thrilled with the smoked turkey I sent you for Xmas.

sounds like a great hunt CFT. and a great write up, detailed yet to the point. pictured it in my head as though I were there. congrats on a nice buck that will eat well. sorry about the troubles but that's life as you know. keeps us tough

congrats on a great hunt, thanks for sharing

Ice isn't safe yet, already had some idiots go thru with vehicles, and on foot.

I have gone through three times and twice almost died from hypothermia trying to get back in the vehicle.

A spud bar, some spikes, and length of rope will save a lot of heartache.

Wow Charlie, you worked for that meat! lol!

Congrats!

Holy Cow Charlie! I bet that is going to be the best tasting deer.......like EVER!

lol

Originally Posted by big drift

Ice isn't safe yet, already had some idiots go thru with vehicles, and on foot.

I have gone through three times and twice almost died from hypothermia trying to get back in the vehicle.

A spud bar, some spikes, and length of rope will save a lot of heartache.

We had 8" of ice around here as of last weekend. I wouldn't drive on it though. I like a good solid 14" before doing that.

Our "big storm" turned out to be wimpy snow and it really just started. I guess we got about an inch over night and its snowing pretty good now.

CFT,

WOW! What a great write up! Thanks for giving us that to read it was great reading.

You earned you venni on that guy. Are you sure you'll be able to eat him after you've named him Buck-Buck?

CFT, thats one heck of a write up and solo adventure! What area of the NLP were you in?

Originally Posted by big drift

A spud bar, some spikes, and length of rope will save a lot of heartache.

That's what we used. We used it to chop the holes actually.

I'm a big chicken about gettin on the ice early. This is the first time I've ever done it before Christmas. There wasn't a drop of snow on it and it was plenty thick. Trust me...I'm too fat to be walking on thin ice. But there was NO WAY in hell I'd take a vehicle of any kind on it.

I walked around our lake last Sunday in about 4-6 feet of water looking at the fish. Prolly had about 6-8 inches of ice.

WOW, my story cannot compare to CharlieFoxtrots. I just worked my way to the gasline, sat down and fell asleep. Hey give me a break it was 55 degrees and the sun was on my face, LOL. Woke up and saw a deer on the line, pushed my glasses up and checked it out with the bino, doe. Picked up my rifle and took a shot, not realizing my glasses were on my forehead. Miss, pulled the glasses down, and watched it walk off, wait there is another. Glasses down in proper position, shoot and DRT. Nice doe, meat in the freezer.

Congrats.

TGB,

You're not the first cat to take a nap on post. lol.

I may have done that a time or two. Congrats on the deer. Sometimes it's nice to be lucky.

made venison tenderloin stroganoff tonight
Kendra LOVED it!
super easy recipe, can't take credit, got it from Bobcape here on the 'fire. thought I'd share
2 venison tenderloins
1/3 cup burgandy cooking wine
1/3 cup water
1/2 stick butter
1/4 chopped white onion
4 oz (half package) of mushrooms
season with garlic, pepper and salt.
saute until reduced

add
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
4oz sour cream

thicken to desired consistency

put over egg noodles or rice

Originally Posted by SSB

CFT, thats one heck of a write up and solo adventure! What area of the NLP were you in?

SSB, I deer hunted state land by Lovells about 12 miles east of Grayling and Fredric. That land is used by the National Guard the other 50 weeks of the year, but during deer season our army is bigger than their's.

. Duck hunted the south arm of Lake Charlevoix.

Interestingly, the day before season we were near the Air to Surface Range watching 2 A-10 Warthogs doing low passes firing at surface targets, then pulling up while dropping chaf and flares. One guy came by pretty close as we could clearly see him in the cockpit turning his head. That 30mm Gatling gun sounds like a very loud burp and I would not want to be on the receiving end.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

WOW, my story cannot compare to CharlieFoxtrots. I just worked my way to the gasline, sat down and fell asleep. Hey give me a break it was 55 degrees and the sun was on my face, LOL. Woke up and saw a deer on the line, pushed my glasses up and checked it out with the bino, doe. Picked up my rifle and took a shot, not realizing my glasses were on my forehead. Miss, pulled the glasses down, and watched it walk off, wait there is another. Glasses down in proper position, shoot and DRT. Nice doe, meat in the freezer.

Congratulations! My hunts are generally pretty boring. And I assure you that I enjoy a good nap too. In fact, it's one of the things I'm good at!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by SSB

CFT, thats one heck of a write up and solo adventure! What area of the NLP were you in?

SSB, I deer hunted state land by Lovells about 12 miles east of Grayling and Fredric. That land is used by the National Guard the other 50 weeks of the year, but during deer season our army is bigger than their's.

. Duck hunted the south arm of Lake Charlevoix.

Interestingly, the day before season we were near the Air to Surface Range watching 2 A-10 Warthogs doing low passes firing at surface targets, then pulling up while dropping chaf and flares. One guy came by pretty close as we could clearly see him in the cockpit turning his head. That 30mm Gatling gun sounds like a very loud burp and I would not want to be on the receiving end.

It feels like forever ago for me, but 20-25 years ago, makes me about 11-16 years old at the time, I remember being in Arizona visiting my grandparents, and seeing these A-10's. They were the loudest, and just plain bad-azz looking airplanes I had ever seen.

Love the A10's. Wish we would have had them in Nam for ground support. Although the old Douglas A1E's did a fair job with their six 50 Cals and rockets.

33" of snow at Two Harbors, MN. Sure wouldn't want to be shoveling that. Even a big walk behind blower would grunt.

Bubbajay,

I was pretty into planes as a kid too. The A-10 was my favorite. They're pretty BA and can carry a big load of weapons. So ugly they're cool lookin.

Jeezus! they can have it! Back in 91 (i think) Duluth and the surrounding area got 38" or snow on Halloween, then 3-4 more inches the next day. It was crazy. A buddy and I made over $400 snowblowing and shoveling driveways and sidewalks over the next few days. People kept flagging us down and we kept coming. We ended up about 5 blocks from my mom's place when the snowblower blew the motor because I never put more oil in it.

Guess where my $400 went? Live and learn, but that was an expensive lesson. That was an OLD Aerins blower. It was 25 years old at that time. My mom still used it up to about 4 years ago when my step-dad bought a new Toro.

Suddenly, I have use for a walk behind snow blower again. I haven't owned one for well over a decade.

The new house has sidewalks all the way around and an apron off the garage. I can only do so much with back dragging in the plow truck.

I moved snow last night, probably averaged 8" snow depth. It went well, I'll need to redo it again tonight when I get home.

we got 2" over the last 2 days. -2 here today, we usually don't get this cold, brrrr. sounds like next week at this time it will let up.

it was so cold last night I saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets!

did you get the new clutch in the plow truck dave? Hows it working? We got plenty of snow now for awhile. we need to build ice. Are you headed to Chickenbuck this weekend? shoudl be some snow out there too.

CharlieFox....As the crow flies you weren't too far from my place. I am about 2 miles east...and then 6 miles north of Lewiston. For future reference the door is always open here for a 'fire member. May help with those long one day hunts....

We ended up bagging 6 bucks in camp for the season after a very slow start. Once the cold set in our deer movement picked up dramatically and luckily my wife and I were there to take advantage of it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bubbajay,

I was pretty into planes as a kid too. The A-10 was my favorite. They're pretty BA and can carry a big load of weapons. So ugly they're cool lookin.

A-10's are BA.

Some pretty cool combat videos on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaQPpgaY4Y

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

did you get the new clutch in the plow truck dave? Hows it working? We got plenty of snow now for awhile. we need to build ice. Are you headed to Chickenbuck this weekend? shoudl be some snow out there too.

No I haven't changed the clutch yet. It was pretty easy work last night with the truck, I hardly touched the gas pedal.

There was plenty of snow but it wasn't hard pushing.

I doubt if I will be at camp this weekend.

Here are a couple of pics from our season....

Two bucks bagged by my cousins on Nov. 15....

Lisa and Trina with our late season Bucks....My 8 pt in the middle

We were blessed with good luck and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors once again....

Congrats on a successful hunt!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Bubbajay,

I was pretty into planes as a kid too. The A-10 was my favorite. They're pretty BA and can carry a big load of weapons. So ugly they're cool lookin.

A-10's are BA.

Some pretty cool combat videos on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaQPpgaY4Y

Pretty cool to see those bullets hit seconds before you hear the "burp" of the guns. if you hear the burp, it's too late to change your shorts.

Cool scott! Congrats on the hunt!

Thanks guys! Speaking of A-10's, the range that CharlieFox was speaking of....the route to it from Selfridge Field ANG runs right over our farm. It's pretty cool to see those bad boys with all the gear hanging going over at 1500 ft. The Apache's are pretty bad business too.

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Originally Posted by SSB

Here are a couple of pics from our season....

Two bucks bagged by my cousins on Nov. 15....

Lisa and Trina with our late season Bucks....My 8 pt in the middle

We were blessed with good luck and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors once again....

Well done, SSB! There was a time when no one was shooting deer in the TB zone. You guys are getting after it!

Are you in the area of McCormick Lake? I was going to hunt near Avery Lake, but my knees can't handle those ridges anymore. Little did I know I'd pop one and have to climb out of there. I'll take you up on your offer if you allow me to buy the libations. We can hydrate and tell lies about the one that got away. Trina looks very familiar. Did she spend any time on the west side of the state? Will you be going back up for muzzleloader?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Love the A10's. Wish we would have had them in Nam for ground support. Although the old Douglas A1E's did a fair job with their six 50 Cals and rockets.

GB- I'll bet that old piston engine was music to GI's ears as well as any downed pilot. Sandys were tough old birds and so were the men who flew them. I believe one received the MOH. GOD BLESS and Thank you for your service!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Love the A10's. Wish we would have had them in Nam for ground support. Although the old Douglas A1E's did a fair job with their six 50 Cals and rockets.

GB- I'll bet that old piston engine was music to GI's ears as well as any downed pilot. Sandys were tough old birds and so were the men who flew them. I believe one received the MOH. GOD BLESS and Thank you for your service!

They were CFT. So was Puff the Magic Dragon. Cobras were just starting to make an appearance. Saw my first Cobra as it was being off loaded a C140 as I was boarding my plane back to the states.

Thank you for your service Bill!

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Woot Woot? As in like what girls say on the facebooks when they are going shopping or something??

I'm calling man card violation!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Woot Woot? As in like what girls say on the facebooks when they are going shopping or something??

I'm calling man card violation!

Yep next thing ya know ol Zone will be drivin a Astro van lol

Snowing here have 6" so far and gonna be 5 degrees in the am .

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Yeah, that was a GREAT game. Tying it with less than 5 minutes left, then scoring the GWG with less than two minutes left.

At least one team in MN doesn't suck. They still have a ways to go before they are an elite team in the West though.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Woot Woot? As in like what girls say on the facebooks when they are going shopping or something??

I'm calling man card violation!

Yep next thing ya know ol Zone will be drivin a Astro van lol

Woot Woot....As in I had beer and whiskey during an important MN hockey game. Since it was during a hockey game, there was beer, crown royal, and venison chilli, the boad approved the "woot whoot" since all other things involved were manly. If I had a mini-van it would have been full revocation for a year.

CFT, my place lies 1 mile west of Avery lake as the crow flies. The Avery Lake ridges end about a 1/4 mile east of my back door. Beautifull hardwood area there and with the acorn crops this year I'm sure the deer were using it pretty hard. Rough country for us old guys tho. We've got 240 Acres in the section to the east of McCormick Lake...off Co Rd. 489. Due north of the gun club a mile and a half.

Trina sells truck accessories and does work a route on the west side. That and we spend a month in Manistee every summer chasing salmon. Who knows...maybe we've crossed paths...lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie.... Did you see our boys beat up on the Blackhawks?

Woot Woot!!!

Woot Woot? As in like what girls say on the facebooks when they are going shopping or something??

I'm calling man card violation!

As in I had beer and whiskey during an important MN hockey game. Since it was during a hockey game, there was beer, crown royal, and venison chilli, the boad approved the "woot whoot" since all other things involved were manly. If I had a mini-van it would have been full revocation for a year.

Yep next thing ya know ol Zone will be drivin a Astro van lol

Wellll, I don't know.....

The beer, crown royal, venny chili and hockey are indeed manly activities but you would still be in violation if you put on a ladies thong and did the tuck dance in the mirror after said activities.

Using the woman term "Woot Woot" after annoucning they are going shoe shopping, girls night out or picking up a herbalife shake for lunch is not far behind a tuck dance IMHO. You didn't lose the card YET but their is definatley a strike against your record! lol

Originally Posted by mule1

Snowing here have 6" so far and gonna be 5 degrees in the am .

My truck read -20* this morning

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wellll, I don't know.....

The beer, crown royal, venny chili and hockey are indeed manly activities but you would still be in violation if you put on a ladies thong and did the tuck dance in the mirror after said activities.

What you do on your time is up to you Rooster. Keep us out of it.

Since I'm posting these from a construcion site where we're erecting a steel builiding, I'm actually gaining points. No strikes...only balls.

and I have hot peppers on my pastrami sandwhich, and I'm not wearing long johns's in -1 temps.

Hey, I love my mini-van. It's a Toyota Sienna. It's the Cadillac of mini-vans.....

Strike one.

We already talked about this...you play hockey. You're safe.

Originally Posted by tzone

and I have hot peppers on my pastrami sandwhich, and I'm not wearing long johns's in -1 temps.

-1. No long johns. You won't need to "tuck"

you're pretty worried about my junk. I'm getting nervous about you.

Originally Posted by tzone

you're pretty worried about my junk. I'm getting nervous about you.

Woot Woot

lol

ok Jim, give up the man card.

skipping hunting because it's cold, worrying about another manks junk, and using woot woot all in the same week. you are hereby on mancard suspension for a week, and probation to follow

My thoughts about muzzle-loading this weekend sure didn't last long.....

About as long as the Wild's win streak.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ok Jim, give up the man card.

skipping hunting because it's cold, worrying about another manks junk, and using woot woot all in the same week. you are hereby on mancard suspension for a week, and probation to follow

Didn't skip due to cold for the most part. Work got in the way more. Never worried about another man's junk in my lifetime and the woot woot was giving Mr. T crap for using it earlier.

*Edit* It is really freakin cold out though!

the probation stands.....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the probation stands.....

You gotta few more years 'sperience to go before you can put me on probation youngster! lol

Are you shooting does tomorrow with BP Ryan?

yes, taking my cousin. The goal is 4. fingers crossed!
-10 out now, gonna be a brisk morning!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the probation stands.....

You gotta few more years 'sperience to go before you can put me on probation youngster! lol

lOL thank you for the compliment sir!

When we first bought our property we "OKed" the neighbor and his sons hunting (small game) When the pitifully small covey of quail dwindled to nothing and we found that they had approved guests to come hunt who then approved guests, the hunting privileges ended for ALL.

Quail have NEVER came back in 15 years.

I don't understand that mentality. There are places I'm welcome to come hunt and I still ask or I don't feel right about it.

no deer down today, coulda filled out on mule deer but I prefer them corn fed whitetails. wow was it cold! -7 with a north wind at 8-10 mph. glad I was in a blind for most of it.

Jim I apologize. full man card restoration, you were smart enough to stay out of this cold weather!

Minus 6 here at 9:00 PM. we'll see minus 10-12 tonight. Dave will probably be much colder.

I broke out the heavy duty down parka this morning.

supposed to warm up to 9 tomorrow, I think I'll wait on hunting til later in the week when we hit the 30's again

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Jim I apologize. full man card restoration, you were smart enough to stay out of this cold weather!

Well now Ryan, not so fast. I was dumb enough to order this today. It was -13 and I was itchin to be in the stand. AND it is a heck of a sale.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/sear...tt=stand+hunter+extreme&WTz_l=Header

I know....I know.....I'm Mr. Gadget Tzone and ND. lol

Originally Posted by LouisB

When we first bought our property we "OKed" the neighbor and his sons hunting (small game) When the pitifully small covey of quail dwindled to nothing and we found that they had approved guests to come hunt who then approved guests, the hunting privileges ended for ALL.

Quail have NEVER came back in 15 years.

That sucks! Why can't people just respect the privileges they have given to them? I don't understand it...

I would raise quail and pheasants and release them on your property if I were you. Colorado1135 man can help you out on the "how to's" I'm most certain

Great price, Rooster.

I lied, it warmed up over night. It was only -1* and snowing at 5:30 AM. Forecasting 2"-5" of snow by Monday morning.

We warmed up to -3 supposed to hit 9 today!

Jim, when are bibs considered gadgets? that is a good price on them.

yesterday I used a mr heater little heater cooker

had to or we woulda froze

Northern Dave Thank you so much for this wonderful thread. I have been cruising the Campfire Forum for a year or so and had never really got into the Birth of your Deer Camp thread this week. This week has been our shotgun deer season. I hunted a couple of days then on Thursday it rained and I only hunted till about noon, and went down to the neighbors shop. (He gots a walk in cooler) His hired man has several friends who come down every year for gun season and we all kind of hang out in the evenings and do the usual deer camp things (eat well and once in a while drink a little too much. Any way we cut up the 5 deer that had been harvested. I went home about 2100 hrs to get ready for Friday hunt when we planned to drive my 100 acres. I got up around 0300 with a terrible ear ache that has kept me in the house for the past three days reading your thread. I have made it through 669 pages so far and since the ER Dr. says I have shingles in my left ear and most of the left side of my face
I have at leaast three or four more days to keep catching up. Once again Thank You, Mrs.ND and all the Chickenbuckers for a wonderful place to stop by.I plan on being by regularly. This has gotten so lengthy I will stop back and do a proper introduction later, for now I am going back several hundred pages and keep catching up

Bill

Bill_55, welcome to fire, get cup of coffee and sit a spell. You will enjoy the conversation.

Welcome to the fire Bill. Shingles are the pits. Hope you can get rid of them in short order.

welcome Bill, this thread doesn't do MR and Mrs northerndave justice, they are the finest hosts and friends anyone could ever hope for.

how about that Vikes game? kinda boring til the 4th quarter. talk about swings! glad I stayed home to watch it. today is a LOT warmer than yesterday

Great to have you here Bill_55. Sorry about the ear shingles. Welcome.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

how about that Vikes game? kinda boring til the 4th quarter. talk about swings! glad I stayed home to watch it. today is a LOT warmer than yesterday

Packers finally won one. Little over an inch of snow so far and it's been snowing since early this morning.

Hey Bill_55, I hope they get your meds correct for you right away. I have no experience but I have friends older than me and some have had bouts with shingles that are horrible an others say no problem. I think the medical advancements are remarkable for shingles but they still have to use the right meds. I hope they got yours correct right away.

Thanks for the nice words, if some of these rambling a can entertain somebody then that's great, makes me feel good.

Wow I am up to page 819 probably won't take more than another year or so to catch up. Thanks for the good wishes on the shingles, never thought I would get them. I know they say people over 50 are prime candidates. I guess I just dodged them for 12 almost 13 years. Crappy part was I missed the last 2 days of gun season and we had 4 inches of good guiet walking snow.We don't often get many days like that here in S.East Ohio. Our gun season always starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year it only ran from the first to the eighth. I gan always get back out in the mornings for the 3 or 4 day muzzle loader season in Jan. I hunt gun season with a muzzle loader anyway, since we can't use rifles only shot guns, certain hand guns or muzzle loaders. I haven't usec the shotguns for 15 or 18 years. I did dig out a shoulder holster and carried a 629 Smith Classic on Thursday when we had monsoon rains.Well I am headed back to page 819 and keep trying to catch up. The Prednisone they put me on wires the heck out of me besides mightily screwing up my sugar so I probably can get in another 60 pages or so before I crash. Have a good one
Bill

Welcome to the 'Fire Bill. I'm a former Buckeye from the Youngstown area. Took a work transfer up here to Minnesota a long time ago and never looked back. You'll find Northern Dave and the Chickenbuckers to be a pretty darned good bunch of folks considering they're Jack Pine Savages and all talk kind of funny. If you get to the point you're eating Lutefisk and looking for Swamp Squids, you know you're an honorary Chickenbucker. (Dave's got some really cool Camp Chickenbuck T-shirts if you want to buy one.)

Speaking of former buckeyes.... Did you see that football gophergunner?

They choke and cause more fan heartbreak than the queen.

I can't say that I'm sad about it, though it was a fun game to watch.

Welcome Bill!

Sorry to hear about the shingles. That is something I hope I never have to expericence!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Jim, when are bibs considered gadgets? that is a good price on them.

It really is a good price for quality cold weather clothing. I put them on my Cabelas card where I get 2% back in Cabelas points.

Just bought the wife's Christmas present, 4 new tires. They get installed on Thursday. The old ones still had good tread, but they're 7 years old and the rubber compound has hardend to the point that they loose traction.

She'll be impressed.

If I had a wife, I think I'd buy her a new snowmobile that I can use.

Well speaking of cold, I went out pheasant hunting in North Dakota Friday and Saturday. The warmest temperature we saw either day was -9. Hunted at -21 on Saturday and never got cold even once! There was 7 of us and none of us had a problem with cold either day. We dressed carefully and had good stuff and it just wasnt a problem. I wouldnt hesitate to hunt down to -30 if needed. After our first walk the first day at -15, I came back with my hat off and head steaming and had to take off some layers even! I wore 2 Smartwool long sleeve Tshirts, a light Smartwool sweater and a zip up sweatshirt. A facemask was essential and I wore a stocking hat over that, but more often than not, my head was sweating. I thought my feet might get cold, but Smartwool (sense a trend??) socks and 400 gram leather Danners was all that was needed.

Now I will say, there wasnt a lot of chatter around the trucks. We were either actively hunting or driving to a new area. Lots of birds seen and we got 32 in our 2 days. Dogs did great with a neoprene vest on. I did plug the Ford Super Duty in at night, but I think it would have started with no problems if I wouldnt have. All in all a great trip!

This here baby, trying to come out (right now).

[Linked Image]

Coupla prayers and well wishes for the young couple wouldn't hurt.

goodluck to mrs. Bangflop,bangflop and and CBFjr. ! Wishing all of you the best from here!! Prayers for healthy mama and baby.

I love me some Smartwool! That stuff works great. Sometimes too good, as you found out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Coupla prayers and well wishes for the young couple wouldn't hurt.

Clarification, everything IS going fine, waiting to hear more.

Hey guys hep a dummy out. I got a flashing envelope on my tool bar that I assume is a PM but when I click on it there is nothing there says I have used 0 of 1000. If someone sent one it doesn't seem to have come through.By the way I am up to page 975 now.sounds like Camp Chickenbuck is a whole lot like my camper on the lake, you just never know when a severe drunk front may blow in off the lake

Originally Posted by tzone

Speaking of former buckeyes.... Did you see that football gophergunner?

They choke and cause more fan heartbreak than the queen.

I can't say that I'm sad about it, though it was a fun game to watch.

Oh yeah, my tail's between my legs today. Just hoping they cover their bowl game at this point.

Prayers for a speedy delivery and well wishes on the way for the couple. Life as they knew it has just taken a major change.

Smart wool is some good stuff. Don't want to stand around for long at minus 20 though or things can start to freeze up fast.

Ladies and gents, we have a beautiful healthy baby boy.

Great!! Granny was soooooooooo excited.......

Name yet? Congratulations on the ever expanding family.

Congrats CBF and new family.

I hope you hate sleep

be prepared to love more than you ever thought you could, have your heart strings pulled like you never imagined, and to have the most and hardest fun of your life. welcome to the club new mom and dad!

Congrats to the bangflop family! Your life just changed for the better!!!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Great!! Granny was soooooooooo excited.......

I bet she is!

Congrats to Mr & Mrs CBF.

Congrats!!!

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Hey guys hep a dummy out. I got a flashing envelope on my tool bar that I assume is a PM but when I click on it there is nothing there says I have used 0 of 1000. If someone sent one it doesn't seem to have come through.By the way I am up to page 975 now.sounds like Camp Chickenbuck is a whole lot like my camper on the lake, you just never know when a severe drunk front may blow in off the lake

I PM'd you instructions on how to open messages. JK.

Go up to the top, click on my stuff which will pull up a drop down. Select drop down.

A very sincere congratulations to the new parents.
And on my daughter's fiftieth birthday.

Stan in SC

Congrats!

Happy belated birthday to your daughter, Stan.

Thank you,Bill.

Stan in SC

Just heard that the Arizona elk hunting crew of 2013 went two for three on the last day and are bringing home elk. My Dad, who is 80 years young this coming February, is excited. While cancer has certainly slowed him down, it is good to see him get out and about for a few days...He was the only one, using my rifle, to not get an elk..The other two both took 4x4s'...

Sarge!! Good to hear from you and great to heard your dad is up and around the woods. It sounds like you'll be eating elk steaks all year. You lucky bugger!

Sorry to hear about your dad but I'm real glad got in the bushes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ladies and gents, we have a beautiful healthy baby boy.

Judging by the pics, he's cuter 'en heck too!

Congrats on the new baby CBF! Going to bed now and again at 8 pm is not shameful, in fact, I encourage it!

Congrats on the new baby....

Congrats to the new parents! A virtual cigar for everyone! (do they still do that?)

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Congrats to the new parents! A virtual cigar for everyone! (do they still do that?)

Box of cigars must cost about the same as a 4 year college education these days.

Where is everybody??? It says yesterday as the last post is this possible??????

Felt like a heat wave today 18 degrees for the high......LOL...
No wind for once...

Outside with my son. Finally warm enough to be out for more than an hour sledding.

Not if you're working outside it didn't.

I was cold anyway, but it was nice, yes.

We made it up to 15* today. Wind had a bite to it and the streets were greasy as heck. Salt that had been laid down before the cold snap finally started to work.

IF was minus 25* at 5:30 this morning. Dave was probably colder.

Pretty steady at zero for a high, but I saw my temp reading in my car tease around with 1 degree above zero in several spots on my drive home today.

But Bill was colder this morning, I think it was only 9 or 10 below here when I left for work this morning.

A real heat wave up there.

What kind of boots do you Gents wear to keep your footsies warm? I was in a layout blind hunting ducks/geese Sunday and even with Sorel pac boots and toe warmer stickies I thought I had frostbite. Took my boot socks off and my toes were white. Hurt like the dickens as they warmed up. There's gotta be something warmer.

12* above this this morning. Talk about a heat wave.

Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers. Muzzleloader season ends this weekend, and if it stays in this relative heatwave mode again, I might actually go out for a few hours on Sunday.

Guys, I need some help here. A couple weeks ago I posted a thread asking for prayers and donations for my best friend from high school, Bill. He and his beautiful wife were visiting their daughter in Ohio when they got a call at 4 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Their house had burned to the ground. It was a total loss. They could salvage nothing. When the firefighters learned there was no one in the house, they pulled back and just let it go. When the first truck arrived on scene, the fire had all ready breached the roof and the north wall. It was an old wood-framed farm house, and went very fast.

Bill and Lori lost everything, including Bill's hunting gear. I have mounted an effort to replace Bill's gear. Through the generous donations of many of our members here, Bill will have a full set of gear by the time deer season rolls around next year.

I will be sending him a pellet gun (to shoot with the grand kids) a .22 semi-auto Marlin out of my stuff that I don't shoot much any more, and Leighton has graciously donated a Winchester 1300 12 gauge for him. I am working on a deer rifle and hope to have that bought for him within the next couple months here.

Our members, in true Campfire form, have stepped to the plate and covered most everything Bill will need to hunt next fall. The only things I'm still looking for are a pair of sz. 13 hunting boots, and sz. XXL long johns. Used gear is fine. If you have anything to spare, please contact me at your convenience.

Most of the small stuff has all ready been covered, but if you have anything you'd like to contribute, it will be going to a good cause.

They lost everything-nothing inside the house could be salvaged. The fire burned so hot, they couldn't even get near the foundation by Friday night. Other efforts have been mounted to help them out. I wanted to help the best way I could, so Bill will not want for any hunting gear for the foreseeable future. It's just friends helping friends-he'd do the same for any one of us, I'm sure.

If you have anything to donate, please PM me.

Thanks Guys!

Best Regards,

Gophergunner

CFT, Are you boots too tight? Too tight reduces the blood supply and you end up with cold feet.

What material are your socks? If you're wearing cotton, your going to end up with cold feet. You should be using a polypro liner and wool blend heavy boot socks.

Some years ago Sorel went to a thinner 9mm liner. The old liners were thicker, something like 3/8". What size do you wear? I might have a spare liner (Old style) in a size 10 you can have.

I currently have a pair of Muck Artic Pro's that say they're good to minus 30. Maybe if you're moving, but not sitting on a stand. My feet were getting cold after a couple of hours. I also have a pair of Thorogoods with 1000 grams of Thinsulite. They were a bit better than the Mucks.

Cabela's has a boot with 2000 grams of Thinsolite that should work.

Thermacell makes an electric foot warmer that apparently works, but costs $125 or more.

CFT,
I have a pair of boots from Cabelas that I sorta got by accident. My sister ordered the wrong ones as a Christmas gift. They are rated to -130. They have 1200 gr of thinsulate plus a felt pack that has inserts for warmers. I don't wear them alot but when it gets brutal I dig them out and my feet have never been cold in them. They are the only boot I can say that about and I've had many. Plus I have never put handwarmers in the liners. They are very light and easy to get on. Hope this helps...

Scott

Sorry to hear about your friends loss Gopher. If I find anything that will help I'll let you know.

CFT,

When I'm working I'm wearing Redwing Model 1412, inuslated (200gm) steel toe boots. I wear wool socks most everyday in the winter. At work my feet stay pretty warm as long as you're moving around. On Saturday AM when it was -15F I was frozen stiff and it didn't matter what the hell I had on my feet, in steel toe boots, it's friggin cold.

While hunting, I have a Lacrosse 800gm thinsulate goretex boots. They're about wore out though. They're probably 8 years old. On really cold stand hunting days, I wear Lacrosse, Ice Kings.

I'm actually thinking of getting a lighter weight pac style boot for deer hunting next year. The Ice Kings stink for any type of walking. Rocky makes a nice smaller pac type boot, though they're Chi-com and I like to try to keep that stuff Made in USA.

GG,

You know what I have for you but we need to get together so you can take it. Do you think you could come up Sunday? I have a TON of spare stuff in addition to what you "need."

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Sorry to hear about your friends loss Gopher. If I find anything that will help I'll let you know.

Thanks Bill. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Tom-Sunday will be doable. I was kind of holding out on the weather, thinking I might hunt, but I don't think I'll be going. When would be a good time for me to run up, and will Jack be there?

Afternoon would work the best. Jack will be with him mama on Sunday.

Tzone,
Check out Schnees. They make a light pack boot that laces all the way up and is great for walking. Maybe not the equivalent of leather boots for walking, but way better than Ice Kings.

Those sizes are much bigger than I am Gopher. I dont have anything close to that.

I had a house fire in 91. It sucks. Tell him to not settle with the insurance company until the last day (it was 6 months back then). They want you to settle early so the things you forgot dont get paid.

Hate to hear about the fire, we had one in 89 lost most everything. What part of Ohio was it? We have had several fires here recently including a couple of fatalities, one being a ten yr old. We were lucky as they were in no one was hurt. Things are replacable people aren't

Did you still need that jacket? I do have one that will fit.

I re-PM'd you my phone.

We lost our house north of Duluth, in '88. Total loss. Kids were at school and dad was in the hospital after back surgery. My stepmom was at the hospital with my dad. My uncle drove by on the way to work and saw the smoke, called the FD. We lived in the country, so by the time the FD was there, the house was pretty much done.

Most stuff can be replaced, but stuff like pictures and family heirlooms can't be. It was pretty rough on my step mom for a lot of years actually.

I probably have other types of jackets that will fit, non hunting related. Just stuff to keep warm. We can look when you come up. I may have extras of tools, and home supplies as well. Stuff they're probably not thinking of right now.

Sorry to hear about your buddy and his wife's loss. That would be terrible but at least nobody was hurt. Prayers sent.

Do you have an updated list of what he is getting and what he still needs?

I might have a "gadget" or two laying around.

I lost an older cousin in a house fire in '86. My Dad was the Fire Chief in our small town and my cousin Ron was the Asst. Chief. They were really close. My folks and his folks were out at his house the night it happened. After they left he fell asleep in a recliner with a lit cigarette in the living room. They figure it laid smoldering in the carpet until the furnace kicked in and the air from the vent ignited the fire. The house was a total loss.

My Dad was the one who found him in the kitchen the next morning while the house was engulfed in flames. If Ron would have crawled to the left instead of to the right he would have made it to the door.

I remember being there on that cold rainy fall day while my Dad and the rest of the fire dept. fought to contain the blaze. I remember thinking how brave and strong my Dad was when the rest of us were shattered. I remember being SO impressed with the local Red Cross Chapter for all they did during that time and I have donated to them through the United Way for 20 something years now because of it.

After Ron's funeral we got into the car to go to the cemetary and my Dad completely lost it. That was the first time I ever saw my Dad cry and it had a profound affect on my life. House fires are an awful thing all the way around...

Sorry I went off in another direction. That just brought back a lot of memories.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

They want you to settle early so the things you forgot dont get paid.

Our experience was quite the opposite. They were helping us all along. They even gave us a HUGE thick book to sort through for typical house hold items that you wouldn't normally think of becasue of all the emotions at the time.

Our experience was a knock-down, drag-out fight to the end. They came waving a checkbook saying they will write out a check right now.....for about half of the value. Then they argued about replacement costs vs depreciated value. They said your Sorel boots are 10 years old, we will give you $4 for them. Dad went to Cabelas and bought $200 boots and said this is the replacement, pay it, and I will do that with every item on this list if you dont get real. Man, just thinking about it brings back a lot of memories. How ironic, that insurance company is out of business I think. MSI.

We forgot about the ax. Never did get paid for that sucker!

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Hate to hear about the fire, we had one in 89 lost most everything. What part of Ohio was it? We have had several fires here recently including a couple of fatalities, one being a ten yr old. We were lucky as they were in no one was hurt. Things are replacable people aren't

North East-New Waterford/East Palestine area.

Originally Posted by goalie

Did you still need that jacket? I do have one that will fit.

I re-PM'd you my phone.

Goalie-I'm not passing up anything for him. If he ends up with duplicates, I figure he can swap for stuff he needs. I'll be in touch.
Thanks,

Jeff

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sorry to hear about your buddy and his wife's loss. That would be terrible but at least nobody was hurt. Prayers sent.

Do you have an updated list of what he is getting and what he still needs?

I might have a "gadget" or two laying around.

I lost an older cousin in a house fire in '86. My Dad was the Fire Chief in our small town and my cousin Ron was the Asst. Chief. They were really close. My folks and his folks were out at his house the night it happened. After they left he fell asleep in a recliner with a lit cigarette in the living room. They figure it laid smoldering in the carpet until the furnace kicked in and the air from the vent ignited the fire. The house was a total loss.

My Dad was the one who found him in the kitchen the next morning while the house was engulfed in flames. If Ron would have crawled to the left instead of to the right he would have made it to the door.

I remember being there on that cold rainy fall day while my Dad and the rest of the fire dept. fought to contain the blaze. I remember thinking how brave and strong my Dad was when the rest of us were shattered. I remember being SO impressed with the local Red Cross Chapter for all they did during that time and I have donated to them through the United Way for 20 something years now because of it.

After Ron's funeral we got into the car to go to the cemetary and my Dad completely lost it. That was the first time I ever saw my Dad cry and it had a profound affect on my life. House fires are an awful thing all the way around...

Sorry I went off in another direction. That just brought back a lot of memories.

Tom (T-Zone) has some stuff for me to pick up this weekend. Once I do that, I'll update the list again. Thanks for the concern guys. I really do appreciate the outporing of support. I am giving him a pellet gun, so he's got something to shoot with his grandkids, a Marlin .22 semi-auto, and after the first of the year will be looking for a deer rifle to take down for him. I've got a Mosin Nagant, but those things are so butt-ugly, I just can't stick him with it. I'll be looking for a used bolt gun in any conventional caliber that I can get for as close to $200.00 as possible. A pump or lever would be fine too, I just think I'll have a better chance of finding something in a bolt. That being said, if anyone's got a beater 760 that's still minute of deer accurate, I'd be interested. If anyone has a tired old dusty gun in the back of the cabinet that could work, please let me know. I won't be able to do this until after the first of the year, but it never hurts to put the word out there.

Thanks again guys. Bill was my neighbor 2 houses up the street from me. We were very close in school, and this is really tough on everyone involved. Your thoughts and prayers, as well as you contributions are greatly appreciated, and I won't forget them.

Best Regards,

Jeff

Thanks gophergunner, I'm in the Coshocton, County area and have been out of touch for almost 2 weeks now, so I wanted to make sure it was not someone in my immediate area that I need to try and help out right away. I remember how good neighbors were to us and do my best to help where I can

Originally Posted by gophergunner

The only things I'm still looking for are a pair of sz. 13 hunting boots.

pm sent

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

CFT, Are you boots too tight? Too tight reduces the blood supply and you end up with cold feet.

What material are your socks? If you're wearing cotton, your going to end up with cold feet. You should be using a polypro liner and wool blend heavy boot socks.

Some years ago Sorel went to a thinner 9mm liner. The old liners were thicker, something like 3/8". What size do you wear? I might have a spare liner (Old style) in a size 10 you can have.

I currently have a pair of Muck Artic Pro's that say they're good to minus 30. Maybe if you're moving, but not sitting on a stand. My feet were getting cold after a couple of hours. I also have a pair of Thorogoods with 1000 grams of Thinsulite. They were a bit better than the Mucks.

Cabela's has a boot with 2000 grams of Thinsolite that should work.

Thermacell makes an electric foot warmer that apparently works, but costs $125 or more.

Bill- I usually wear a Cabelas boot sock with some wicking capabilities - wool or poly. Sometimes, like last Sunday, I wear a liner sock under the wool. I'm a stickler for boot fit, my feet won't tolerate tight fitting boots. I have Mucks (Wetland I think), Cabelas Whitetail 1200, and a Cabelas 800 field boot. They work if temps aren't too low, say 25* or better sitting, 10* moving. Sorels, which are fine for +10* and above - (they may be finding a new home) were my go to for anything colder and they aren't cutting it for me. They are a size bigger to accommodate 2 pair of socks. Honestly, I think it's my feet. I couldn't even feel warmth from the chemical toe warmers. $125 might be a little spendy, but if they work...

SSB & Bill, these Cabelas 2000 you speak of - are they called Infernos? If so, I heard good things about them. Christmas is coming. Dropping hints to the wife like the 8th bombed Dresden. We'll see.

T-zone - wearing steel toes in this weather? That should qualify for hazard pay!

FWIW guys, I've had real good luck with the Herman's Survivors boots sold at Wal-Mart. I've got a pr. of 800 gr. and a pair of 1200 gr. The 1200's are all most too warm. I wear them for very cold deer hunting and for ice fishing. Had both pairs for over 5 years, and no leaks, cracks, or broken laces. I bought both pr. on spring clearance at Wal-Mart and don't think I spent more than $35.00 for either pair. Very comfortable boots.

GG- I too often use the walmart specials, spray em with waterproofing agent, wear wool socks and they are as good as anything I've found. can't beat the price either!

a little off topic, but does anyone know a ball park price for concrete by the yard?
I'm putting together a proposal and need a general idea.
100-150? something like that I'm guessing? I know there are "extras" that can be added, I'm not worried about that. just need a baseline.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

a little off topic, but does anyone know a ball park price for concrete by the yard?
I'm putting together a proposal and need a general idea.
100-150? something like that I'm guessing? I know there are "extras" that can be added, I'm not worried about that. just need a baseline.

Not sure exactly what the going rate is Ryan but this is a nifty little site for calculating concrete

http://www.calculator.net/concrete-calculator.html

TZone would most likely know. The last I heard it was about $95 a yard, but that was a couple of years ago.

Dragged the snow blower out this morning. All the snow we've been getting as been falling in small amounts, anywhere from 1/2" to 2" so we've just shoveled it. Well it adds up and the piles were getting high, so attacked them with the blower.

Thanks Jim, I already have the yards figured, I just need to put in my proposal the estimated cost for a series of dams we'll be pouring, just need a ballpark figure on concrete. already have the rebar, diversion gates, forms and all that figured. I'm guessing if I figure 125/yd on concrete it will be close enough to be approved.

Ryan, We poured 72 yrds this summer around the farm at 102.00, for what thats worth. For a proposal 125 should be in range.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

a little off topic, but does anyone know a ball park price for concrete by the yard?
I'm putting together a proposal and need a general idea.
100-150? something like that I'm guessing? I know there are "extras" that can be added, I'm not worried about that. just need a baseline.

Ryan, you can call me if you'd like and I can help you get the mix that will best suit you, but you're on the right track.

You're on the right track. $110-120/cu. yd is about right with air-entrainment which I recommend if you're building dams because of the freeze/thaw they'll potentially face.

IIRC, Brettaman got the stuff for like 9 cents a yard when he did his driveway. (not really but it was close to that) Obviously, the more you order, the less it will be. If you order a small load say 1-5 yards, you'll get charged more. If you're ordering 100 yards in a day, you may get a deal of sorts. Figure anywhere from 9-11/truck on a full load. If you have sketchy areas, you may want to get the front wheel assist (4wd) trucks. The front discharge trucks are great and MN seems to be the only place that doesn't use them now. I don't understand why, it's ssssoooooo much easier for the driver and the labors on the front discharge.

This may be one of the cases where you should call around and get some prices too, it's a competitive business and they'll fight for a dollar to get your order.

CFT,

any chance you're feet are sweating and you're getting cold from that? That was my issue. I've been wearing a light wool sock, nearly every day in the winter. They wick sweat and keep your feet warm anyway. In cold or hunting situation, I throw a medium or a heavy wool over the light wool/smart-wool blend that is on my skin.

It works great. I've been a much happier hunter the last few years since I've found the right combo of socks/boots.

Thanks Tom!
each dam will contain 2.5 yards and we have 6 of them to make. going to do it in stages, pour a footer for each one, then come in a day or two later and pour the walls. it's going to be an open system with a dirt core. 4' high, span is 13' with a 3' spillway, so pretty small.

+1 on the sweaty feet. I used to think I had cold feet, I wore several socks big thick boots you name it. found out my feet got warm easily, then wet and cold. so now I wear either a thick homemade wool sock in a thin boot, or a thin wool dress sock in a good boot. made a huge difference.

If you're not real experienced at pouring concrete, I'd try to pour one at a time per truck. It NEVER goes as easy as you think it will.

Get your steel for the walls up and tied before and have them tied into the dam. Keep them off the edge of the forms 2" so you can get the mud down past them with the stone in it.

Make a "key way" for the walls to sit on the dam. You can do it easily enough with a 2x4 placed on the top, center, of the dam when you pour it. Pull it out later in the day or even the next day. That will help lock the wall into the dam.

Wow I just finished reading the whole thing. Seems to me to be the finest book I ever read, and it ain't done yet. It is a perfect mirror to lives well lived, ups, downs, great sorrows, great joys, kids growing up to be well adjusted soon to be adults. New generations being born that will one day take their rightful place by the fire at camp. My hat is off to all of you. This is how things are supposed to be. I only hope to bew able to tag along and continue tracking the lives of some very special people. Gotta go for now, the shingles have about run their course and I gotta go back to work tonight.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

If you're not real experienced at pouring concrete, I'd try to pour one at a time per truck. It NEVER goes as easy as you think it will.

Get your steel for the walls up and tied before and have them tied into the dam. Keep them off the edge of the forms 2" so you can get the mud down past them with the stone in it.

Make a "key way" for the walls to sit on the dam. You can do it easily enough with a 2x4 placed on the top, center, of the dam when you pour it. Pull it out later in the day or even the next day. That will help lock the wall into the dam.

thanks Tom, I like the keyway Idea for walls, I was going to pour the footer with just rebar through it, but I'll do both I think.

here's a rough sketch of what I have planned. I might make the wingwalls straight instead of angled out. with a 3' width it should be more than stout enough.

drawing doesn't show it, but I want to do a 6" x12" footer under the wing walls that will be exposed on the bottom center where the flow goes through. stoplogs will be used to back the water up so it can go out the 12" outlet pipe into the fields to irrigate through gated pipe.

You're probably on to something with the sweaty feet Tom. I have nearly a 1/2 hike to my deer stand and my feet do get sweaty on the hike to it.

Not even winter yet and I'm already tired of it. Our high today was plus 1* with a strong North wind. IF hit minus 32* this morning.

I'm with ya Bill. I'm sick of this cold crap already.

Here I sit in my living room watching football and goofin around on the computer and I've seen more deer in my yard in 2 hours than I have in 6-7 days in the deer woods. That's the way it works eh?

Ryan,

Are you going to put some fill behind those walls? You might want to consider just filling them with concrete and making it a bit block. At least get some fill back there or you'll be building those walls every year. That water has a lot of power.

yes Tom, we have a ditch that is 13' to the crown on both sides and is 4' deep on the middle, so the wing walls will be half buried in both sides of the ditch and the core filled/packed, the volume of water flowing through it will be a max of 2700 Cubic feet per minute, so when the stop logs are absent the flow will be roughly 10" x 3'. we will likely have some rip rap incorporated on the edges as well.

here's a pic of part of the ditch (only pic I have on photobucket), I texted you a pic of the old system

Thanks Tom for the return text so quick! I might send you a final plan to look at if that's ok. I highly value your input!

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Wow I just finished reading the whole thing. Seems to me to be the finest book I ever read, and it ain't done yet. It is a perfect mirror to lives well lived, ups, downs, great sorrows, great joys, kids growing up to be well adjusted soon to be adults. New generations being born that will one day take their rightful place by the fire at camp. My hat is off to all of you. This is how things are supposed to be. I only hope to bew able to tag along and continue tracking the lives of some very special people. Gotta go for now, the shingles have about run their course and I gotta go back to work tonight.
Bill

That's a lot of reading Bill! Welcome to the loony bin! Lol

No problem dude.

Ryan, Are you sure bubble gum wont work? Lot less work than concrete.

A bit cheaper too.

already tried it, big league chew bought me a new pool table I used so much of it, I found the wildlife eats it more than they would concrete though. great minds think alike!

I went ice fishing on Saturday. Caught a lot of walleyes & saugers. One decent burbot and a 43.5" sturgeon.

That was a fight to pull a 30# fish through an 8" hole with 6 or 8# test & a 24" pole.

I couldn't get photobucket to work but when I do I'll post some pics.

Sturgeon are sweet cool fish. That thing was awesome. How much ice was out there WB?

12" with a tape measure.

I'll try this.

Nice!

You know how we all have been singing the praises of Primos Truth Cams for trail cameras? I have loved mine. Well, both of mine failed me this year. Didnt take any pictures and they were both carefully set up properly. I also got some funky error messages. I won a Reconnyx at a PF banquet and that one worked flawlessly. Doggone it, dunno what to do now.

On another topic, I am pretty excited that I got invited to the MN DNR roundtable this year! It will really be interesting to understand that process and give feedback on DNR issues. I think I will tell them we dont yet have enough wol..

...na, just kidding, I cant event type that whole word!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

12" with a tape measure.

The ice I meant.

Do you have the right cards in those cams B-man?

I know these cams can only handle SD's up to a certain capacity size.

Toss an awesome high capacity card in there and it might not work. I think you are safe up to 5GB and maybe a little more, maybe 8?

Nice fish WB. What brand of line were you using?

I caught a 36", 15 pound White Sturgeon on the Columbia about 5 years ago and it was a tussle. Can't imagine a bigger fish on a small ice rod and light line.

Yeah, I know that. I had 2 GB cards in there that had worked before. Arrrrggg.

BM,

Did you have SD cards that were too big in it? I'm not sure how all that stuff works but I think they're only supposed to take a 8mb card.

My TC46 took great pictures but the time/date stamp was goofed up and all the pictures read 1/1/00 1200hrs. I didn't reset the date when I moved the camera, but I didn't think I'd need to either. On my TC 35, the time/date doesn't have to be reset until the batteries are removed.

That Reconnyx should work out for ya...they cost $500+. The only way I'd get one is by winning it to.. If I had a spare $500 I'd buy a rifle.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Do you have the right cards in those cams B-man?

I know these cams can only handle SD's up to a certain capacity size.

Toss an awesome high capacity card in there and it might not work. I think you are safe up to 5GB and maybe a little more, maybe 8?

Oops. ND beat me to it. I shoulda read further.

Do you have the 46's? once you turn them on, they do a little countdown 12-20 seconds before they're set to take pics. Did you make sure it did that? Since I have to drive a few hours to check the cams, I make sure they snap a pic before I leave the site. Learnt that one the hard way too.

Good looking fish WB. Reading the whole thread in the last week or so while I was off has me wanting to get out on the ice too, except we don't have enough to even think about it. It has been a couple of years since I got out, and about 15 years since I got out on big water. A friend nd I used to drive to Port Clinton and fly out to the island and fish Lake Erie a couple of weekends every year. He moved away and I started working at the Sheriff's Office in 1991 so I haven't been to Lake Erie on the ice since at least 1989. Don't get old guys you just can't find the time to do the fun stuff that you made time for when you are younger. At least that is how it worked out for me.

The lady friend and I were up in Duluth on Friday night and the amout of snow they have from there north is crazy. Some spots have almost 3' of snow.

The Duluth news paper said deer are already yarding up and pushing snow when they're out of the yard. Things aren't looking good for the deer population in the NE area of MN. It's snowing there almost everyday. My dad has a bunch of cedars in his yard and the deer have them mowed up as far as they can reach now... That's not a good sign in December.

Fireline Crystal micro ice.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

12" with a tape measure.

The ice I meant.

That's the nice thing about this time of the year. Same measurement.

I set one and my brother set the other TC35 up just like we have for the last few years. I just dont know what happened. I will have to test around home.

Yeah, those Reconnyx are spendy, I wouldnt have one either but the $10 raffle ticket was the lucky winner. It went from August 15 to Dec 14th on 6 AA batteries. Wow.

Had the nice buck my dad missed on there the night he missed it! He shot at it about 2 pm and at 830 it was back cruising across the same food plot.

white bear, how did you get out? sled or wheeler? I am going wedsneday again. thanks nice fish. Good starter for the year!

Ranger w/o chains. Pulled a 8x8 trailer with 2 portables. It was pretty tough going that way. Chains would have gotten us around a lot better or even just pulling the ports.
Dragging that trailer & no chains was not the hot ticket.

I'm going to have to get some sort of tracked machine for the lake.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I'm going to have to get some sort of tracked machine for the lake.

Where on earth would you find a contraption like that?

BM,

Did you reformat your cards after transferring pics to another device? I have a Moultrie card viewer that I transfer my photo's from my TC 35's on to. When I put the card back in the camera, I have to push and hold the up and down arrows simutaneously for about 5 seconds. This will reformat the card to the camera.

Be careful if you have pics on the card that you want to save though because reformatting it will delete all the pics.

Nice fish WB.

What were you using for bait that a sturgeon would take?

I know nothing about sturgeon fishing but I thought I heard that you have to have the bait laying on the bottom (like a mess of crawlers on a treble hook) and they come along and suck it up?

I caught one....or I should say, had one on in a walleye tourney on Lake Winnebago near Appleton, WI. It was a on a planer board and a crawler harness, about 10' down in 15' of water. That sucker stripped that line so fast you'd thought I hooked Moby Dick. It was fun for about a minute.

I've also caught a couple of small ones while Walleye fishing on the Wolf River (WI) in the spring. You can really end up with a mess on your hands if the Sturgeon runs across other fishermen's lines. What a tangled up mess.

It's general practice to shout out "Sturgeon" to get the other fisherman to reel in their lines.

Just a regular old walleye set-up. I will say that I lost a slightly larger one earlier that day on an identical hook on the same rod, in the same hole. I definitely wasn't targeting sturgeon but it sure made my day to hook onto one. First one I've ever landed, open water or ice.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I'm going to have to get some sort of tracked machine for the lake.

Where on earth would you find a contraption like that?

I've been keeping my eyes open. If I look hard enough, something will show up.

Rut's over so 'ol Dave must be layin low in the thick stuff munchin on acorns trying to put some fat back on!

WB, pound on your wall and wake his azz up!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Rut's over so 'ol Dave must be layin low in the thick stuff munchin on acorns trying to put some fat back on!

WB, pound on your wall and wake his azz up!

More like he's crawled into his den and gone into hibernation for the winter. Can't say that I blame him.

It's like when you eat a whole bunch of candy & pop then crash. He's crashed now after hunting season. I hear some rumbling over there so he should be back on track by the time the ice is ready for his ice hotel shack.
I wouldn't be totally against going over there & giving him a kick if you guys think it's necessary.

yes please

Grumble...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Grumble...

Looks like you woke Grumpy up, WB.

ND's ice fishing game is getting revved up as we type. It should be full-on sometime next week.

He'll have his fantastic stories of snow hammers, ice shanties & widetrack snowmobiles before we know it. Wait. Does ND have a widetrack snowmobile yet? Sorry for bringing it up if not..... :P

ND isn't the only one that wants a snowmobile...just sayin.

must be nice,actually having a use for a snow mobile.
Ive had to pass on two nice ones in the last year or so,
after careful consideration,I figured they would sit about 50 weeks a year.

You have to get out of your little liberal hole down the fluffer. There's a big world nort of 694.

. It looks like we'll get to use the about 30 weeks this year. There is a snowmobile trail that runs about 200 yards from my house.

I have a nice snowmobile. Elect start, reverse, nice cushy ride that I can adjust the softness/firmness with a switch on the handlebars, plenty of power, I like the sled I have.

If I should happen to sell and buy a different one someday, I will try to get one of these current model wide tracks, they are awesome for an ole man like me.

I'm really liking the new Indy's. I'm hoping the tax man doesn't taketh too much away and I just may have one. It may not be til next season, but I'm going to try.

The LXT 550, is what's making my socks go up and down.
[Linked Image]

as doest his one...
The Indy Voyager
[Linked Image]

Speakin of winter toys anybody seen the forest river Cherokee cascade fish houses? I've been thinking about biting the bullet and buying a wheel house/camper. The Grand Rapids model looks really nice

Never heard of it. But I strongly suggest you get one. I'm strongly suggesting all my friends get one.

Those r some dandy sleds. Don't cae what u say! I love the widetrak tho just for my use now may just go lxt! Da Bomb! Oh! I just got off the lake and we kept 19 eyes today and had our own bombadier! Bright yellow!

Rooster7, I saw them at the Ice Show.. They are nice... If your a handy man maybe think of getting a Yetti and finishing it off yourself.....

For fun check out Custom Cottage.. They had a house at the show a 24footer for 45k....

Originally Posted by noduck

Rooster7, I saw them at the Ice Show.. They are nice... If your a handy man maybe think of getting a Yetti and finishing it off yourself.....

For fun check out Custom Cottage.. They had a house at the show a 24footer for 45k....

GULP

$45k......for a FISH HOUSE?? WOW!

Where is the Ice Show at? I wonder if they will have the Cherokee's at the upcoming shows at the Fargo Dome?

Thursday was clean out day. Had to prep for this mornings colonoscopy. Procedure went great. No polyps or other bad things, so I'm good for another 5 years.

Good news Bill!

Glad everything came out ok Bill!

Originally Posted by SSB

Glad everything came out ok Bill!

Oh it came out alright.

lol, good to hear all is well Bill.

I went out hunting with a fire member today, Boise is his handle. we got some shooting, I took a nice WT doe around 11:00 and a mulie fawn around 3:30. he got a couple shots, but no hits. it was cold and the deer weren't cooperating with us. we saw maybe 40, but with the snow and wind they were holed up in odd places and blew out as soon as they saw you. had a blast anyway. takin my nephew out tomorrow to get him his first deer, I'm super excited for that!

Glad to hear things are fine Bill. You really have to watch that nowdays.

Ryan,

Is there no shortage of deer tags out there?

Another busy week is upon us all as we get closer to Christmas. I'm sure all the kids will be bouncing off the walls waiting for the big day so they can open all those gifts. This thread has taken on a life of it's own, and special thanks to Dave for making us all a part of the Chickenbuck Nation. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers, and the honorary Chickenbuckers too.

Here's to the hope that we all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014.

Best wishes and prayers sent for all our friends here on the Fire.

Sincerely,

Gophergunner

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ryan,

Is there no shortage of deer tags out there?

tags are easy to get, deer on the other hand....

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Another busy week is upon us all as we get closer to Christmas. I'm sure all the kids will be bouncing off the walls waiting for the big day so they can open all those gifts. This thread has taken on a life of it's own, and special thanks to Dave for making us all a part of the Chickenbuck Nation. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers, and the honorary Chickenbuckers too.

Here's to the hope that we all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014.

Best wishes and prayers sent for all our friends here on the Fire.

Sincerely,

Gophergunner

Merry Christmas to you sir !

Busy time for us as well .Our 2 1\2 yr old grandson is living with us know so the house is quite no more !
Man that kid is loud lol . He really hasn't figured out the hole Christmas thing yet but I'm sure he will real fast .

Been raining here since about 4 pm yesterday everything is covered in ice .

Thx Rooster.

A very Merry Christmas to all of you and your families from me and mine. Hope the weather doesn't mess up your holiday travel plans.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Another busy week is upon us all as we get closer to Christmas. I'm sure all the kids will be bouncing off the walls waiting for the big day so they can open all those gifts. This thread has taken on a life of it's own, and special thanks to Dave for making us all a part of the Chickenbuck Nation. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers, and the honorary Chickenbuckers too.

Here's to the hope that we all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014.

Best wishes and prayers sent for all our friends here on the Fire.

Sincerely,

Gophergunner

Merry Christmas to you sir !

He really hasn't figured out the hole Christmas thing yet but I'm sure he will real fast .

Oh I think he's about to real fast.

Merry Christmas to all. I hope it finds all of you and your families well. We wish you all safe travels if you make them and may Santa bring you what you've asked for!

So what Santa gonna bring you Mr.Zone ?

Merry Christmas to all from cloudy rainy South Carolina.

Stan in SC

Snowing here Stan. They're saying 3"-6" today. Another 3" on Monday and more snow Christmas day.

Originally Posted by mule1

So what Santa gonna bring you Mr.Zone ?

Coal.

Santa can bring me a Merry Christmas for my kids. That's all I'm asking. I don't need anything....they don't either really, but to me Christmas is about family and kids.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mule1

So what Santa gonna bring you Mr.Zone ?

Coal.

Santa can bring me a Merry Christmas for my kids. That's all I'm asking. I don't need anything....they don't either really, but to me Christmas is about family and kids.

I agree 100% with this.

Merry Christmas everyone.

What a wonderful family pic! Merry Christmas everyone.

We decided to distribute this shot on our mailing list. Our little photo bomber with his "power grin"

I like it. I like how the big kids are kinds off on their own, like teen agers prefer to be. The photo bomber cracked me up.

REALLY like the picture, Dave. Merry Christmas.

Stan in SC

Great Christmas Card, Dave. Enjoy your first Christmas in the new house.

Pretty quiet from her neck of the woods. She's probably still buying me Christmas presents. I have enough coal from the pile you gave me last year...enough already.

Plenty of snow here last night. It can stop now!!!

We need more snow.
I have a new toy coming home hopefully Thursday. I have to go to Duluth it get it.
Excited.

Well, all right, if we are going to start the parade of "Merry Christmas's" I better get in line.

Merry Christmas everyone!

As the father of a 9 year old and two 5 year olds, I totally agree with Tzone, Christmas is about kids. The anticipation, the look of joy, the squeals of excitement...it just is a time to relish.

Chirstmas is also about giving. I so enjoy giving someone a really neat present.

a rather balmy -19 here this morning, I bet ND is close to -30?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

We need more snow.
I have a new toy coming home hopefully Thursday. I have to go to Duluth it get it.
Excited.

When you goin WB? What is it?

I think we probably did hit -30

I snapped a photo of the temp readout in my car this morning, -29 before the sun started to rise. I'm betting it dipped to -30 as the sun rose.

I was squawking when I started my car and it was -3 this morning. Makin ice now!!

I hope to have pics & the story on Friday. We'll just have to wait until then! I sure do love me some tracks.

A balmy 35 here this morning in Erie, PA.

-27 on my pickup mirror when I came to work this morning.

Merry Christmas Everyone and here's to a happy and HEALTHY new year!

Rooster

-33 on the way to town this morning. should be chilling the pond quite well.

jeep said it was -17 this morning, weather.com said it was -8, kinda thinking it was between the two, it was COLD!

I went baha-ing through the snow yesterday in my truck to retrieve my two trail cam's that I still had out. There as fresh deer sign everywhere by my stand. They have obviously herded up and are digging down to get at the new hay field. I was pretty excited to check them since I had not done so since the gun season in november. I was disappointed to find that neither one has taken a single pic since then and there are tracks all over the place in the plot they overlook.

TruthCam 35's. It appears B-man was on to something when he said his didn't work.

Guess I'll have to put my Cabelas extreme stand hunter bibs and parka to work and see for myself what's out there this time of year. My warmest boots are LaCrosse Ice Kings and I'm not looking forward to tromping a half mile through the snow with them on though

Originally Posted by Rooster7

TruthCam 35's. It appears B-man was on to something when he said his didn't work.

I have ran into the same thing with mine. It's not consistent with any certain card or location. Just like someone cam & erased the pics. Sometime it shows a few hundred pics but the card is unreadable when I pop it in the computer.

That stinks. I wonder what the best cold weather cam is?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Another busy week is upon us all as we get closer to Christmas. I'm sure all the kids will be bouncing off the walls waiting for the big day so they can open all those gifts. This thread has taken on a life of it's own, and special thanks to Dave for making us all a part of the Chickenbuck Nation. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers, and the honorary Chickenbuckers too.

Here's to the hope that we all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014.

Best wishes and prayers sent for all our friends here on the Fire.

Sincerely,

Gophergunner

Gopher,

+1 to all of the above !

Merry Christmas to all Chickenbuckers & prayers for a safe, Happy & prosperous New year.

It was 18* Above here this morning but has been dropping all day. Been snowing all day too, although we've probably only had a little over an inch.

WB, if you're looking for snow to try out your new toy come down my way.

Spent about an hour with the snow blower this morning moving snow around so we had more room to pile it.

Merry Christmas everyone. I am working 11a-11p tomorrow and Christmas, but I can't complain. I have Christmas morning with the little-guy before I head in.

I hope everyone has some great family time over the holidays.

Yesterday we had all the kids and grand kids here at our house for our annual Christmas get together. It got so warm in the house that I had to turn the air conditioning on.
I feel kinda guilty saying that when you are all experiencing such low temps.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I feel kinda guilty saying that when you are all experiencing such low temps.

Stan in SC

No worries Stan. We're a hearty lot. And as long as you have a warm house and work place and a good battery in your vehicle, most of us are not exposed to the elements for long. I do feel for the guys that are outside working in this weather though. That chill's to the bone in no time. I did it for a year in an unheated lumber warehouse. I enjoyed the work but wow did it get cold in there.

Currently erecting a steel building with a steel stairs and steel elevator hardware...it gets cold.

Foam insulation tomorrow. That should help.

Well, I've got about 6 lbs. of beef roast going in the slow cooker. A big roaster of cheesy potatoes baking in the oven. The spirit of the season is upon us. We will travel to my father in law and The Wicked Step Mother's casa this afternoon. I've been strictly forbidden by my wife from baiting the old witch into any discussions on the merits of hunting. It's so fun though, and she's such an easy mark....... I still don't think she ever got over our discussion about bunny hunting.

There are just some things one looks forward to this time of year, but out of respect for my wife, I guess I'll play nice this Christmas. 'Guess I'll leave my I Support PETA-People Eating Tasty Animals shirt on the hanger. Sigh..........

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, I've got about 6 lbs. of beef roast going in the slow cooker. A big roaster of cheesy potatoes baking in the oven. The spirit of the season is upon us. We will travel to my father in law and The Wicked Step Mother's casa this afternoon. I've been strictly forbidden by my wife from baiting the old witch into any discussions on the merits of hunting. It's so fun though, and she's such an easy mark....... I still don't think she ever got over our discussion about bunny hunting.

If it does come up ask her where she stands on abortion . I've found that most bunny huggers are all for it .

I have two pig butts and a loin in the smoker and just finished up wrapping gifts .

Merry Christmas and happy travels !

There are just some things one looks forward to this time of year, but out of respect for my wife, I guess I'll play nice this Christmas. 'Guess I'll leave my I Support PETA-People Eating Tasty Animals shirt on the hanger. Sigh..........

I have an almost 10# pork loin that is going to be cooked in various ways for new years. My step-dad is firing up the deep fryer and we're going to have turkey tonight. He's a heckova wizzard with the birds on the grill or the fryer.

Merry Christmas all. Safe travels if you have them. May Santa treat you well.

My boy is gone tonight but asked that I leave pizza and Redd's Apple Ale for Santa and some carrots for the deer.

Ain't no doubt who's boy he is...

Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy your time with loved ones. My New Year's wish is health and happiness for everyone!

Regards,

Steve

Dave,Dave,Dave,Dave,Dave.....

Guess what day Christmas comes on this year.

OH YEAH!!! Whoo hoooo

Stan in SC

I'm no saying it Stan.

Ashland, WI has had 36" inches of snow since Sunday and it's still snowing. White Bear, are you paying attention?

3" overnight here. BTW it was minus 21* here early yesterday morning. It was up to minus 9* when I got up at 6:00 AM.

Bushy,

Didn't you buy a carsella(sp?) fish house a couple of years ago?

If so, how do you like it?

I was up there last night and this morning. That..... Is a lot of freakin snow!

Merry Christmas all off you.

A great Christmas was had in the Berettahouse. Leupy binocs for the kids along with snowshoes and a ton of other kid stuff. I scored some motorola walking talkies and some spinning wing decoys, oh, and a backcountry tent for spiking out for elk. A great Christmas. We did the traditional ham. My diet starts Jan 1. I need it.

Happy Christmas, and Merry New Year humans!

Grandson was up at 1:45 AM. grabbed a flashlight to open his gifts, than went back to bed.

Bill, that's freakin' hilarious!!! How old is he? You tell him you got some buddies that really like his style!

Originally Posted by Splashy32

Happy Christmas, and Merry New Year humans!

Welcome Splashy!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Grandson was up at 1:45 AM. grabbed a flashlight to open his gifts, than went back to bed.

THAT is funny! What a cool kid!

I don't know how to post pics but I'm going to take a looksy at this on Saturday. Dude buys the frame and custom builds the house. Wife wants a camper so I'm trying to make it a year round investment. Trust me when I say it's the nicest fish house I've ever seen. I'm pretty excited.

A new 22ft by 8ft 6in with 4ft 3in V front hydraulic fish house for sale:

Construction:
Spray foam walls, ceiling and floor insulation
Double pain, Aragon filled windows
Tebben Enterprises Hydraulic tandem frame
Tandem torsion axles
40mm rubber roofing
Stainless steal exterior screws
Wired for 110 and 12 volts
Pine interior walls with cedar cabinets, trim, couch, dinette
One peace rubber roofing
3/4 marine grade treated plywood floor

Exterior Features:
Smooth aluminum siding, Satin machine black in color
Aluminum tread bright / diamond trade
Four wheel electric brakes with brake away box
LED clearance and brake lights
Double door for toy hauler
Tank holder with double regulator
Two exterior lights
Satellite hookup
Chrome wheels

Interior Features:
30,000 BTU forced air furnace
3 burner cook top/stove
Bathroom
Dinette that seats four and turns into a bed
Twin size bunk / bed
Couch that turns into a full size bed
Refrigerator
Microwave
LED Interior lighting
Sink
AM/FM CD/DVD player with a 6.5in screen with Bluetooth
Four Kenwood 6.5in 3-way speakers
Power converter with circuit breaker protection
Electric Fireplace with remote
Carpet and rubber flooring
Acrylic tinted plexiglass cabinet doors
Hole lights
10 holes with catch covers
Key fob push button hydraulic control
Air conditioning
TV Mount
12 volt acc Plug/ outlet
Solid surface counters

Originally Posted by Splashy32

Happy Christmas, and Merry New Year humans!

Same to you Splashy!!

When are you going to come and fish with us?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Bill, that's freakin' hilarious!!! How old is he? You tell him you got some buddies that really like his style!

He's 8.

that's great.

just got caught up, we were up by Rapid City for a few days. I tried to get my nephew his first deer, he had shots and saw lots but couldn't connect. it happens, he still had a ball though which is what counts, and he can't wait to come back next year.

my Boy got a pair of carhart bibs in size 6 (he's 5) and they are awesome! a few toys and the rest camo clothes. when grandma asked him a couple months ago what to get, he said camo huntin stuff. he got it. I got a few things and some cabelas gift cards I can put together to get me a nice new rangefinder after mine crapped the bed in sept days before my antelope hunt. mama got some girly stuff and baby has a mountain of toys that you can ride on, make lots of noise, take up a bunch of space AND hurt when you stub your toe going to the bathroom at 1am. but she loved it as well. went sledding with grandpa yesterday, had a great family Christmas. I'm still smiling

time to get serious about deer again, second rifle opens saturday and I still have ML tags!

Merry Christmas Splashy!

Hey rooster, i did buy a carsella shack. Just a small one 7x16. Its warm and cozy. Seems to work well. Overall quality seems to be decent.

We got out fishing a little yesterday, but it was just for bluegills. It must have been a good idea because it was packed out there.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey rooster, i did buy a carsella shack. Just a small one 7x16. Its warm and cozy. Seems to work well. Overall quality seems to be decent.

Dang bank just called me and said that since they don't know anything about fish houses that they would only do a 48 month loan at 6.5% with a payment over $500 / month.

I wonder if any other lenders do special loans for fish house campers?

Are u looking at new or used rooster? Seems high for that. Must be alot of lenders out their borrowing for fish houses. Lots of them out there

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey rooster, i did buy a carsella shack. Just a small one 7x16. Its warm and cozy. Seems to work well. Overall quality seems to be decent.

Dang bank just called me and said that since they don't know anything about fish houses that they would only do a 48 month loan at 6.5% with a payment over $500 / month.

I wonder if any other lenders do special loans for fish house campers?

Maybe have them process the loan as an RV instead of a fish-house?

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey rooster, i did buy a carsella shack. Just a small one 7x16. Its warm and cozy. Seems to work well. Overall quality seems to be decent.

Dang bank just called me and said that since they don't know anything about fish houses that they would only do a 48 month loan at 6.5% with a payment over $500 / month.

I wonder if any other lenders do special loans for fish house campers?

Maybe have them process the loan as an RV instead of a fish-house?

Or...just fish out of Dave's and Wb's like I'm going to do.

When r u coming fishing tom? Heard some good reports yesterday as well

I needed to be fishing today. Going up and down the tubing/sledding hill kicked my ass today. Granted, the little-guy was down before the first book was finished tonight, but I'm about as tired as he is.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Are u looking at new or used rooster? Seems high for that. Must be alot of lenders out their borrowing for fish houses. Lots of them out there

I was looking strongly at the ice cabin toy hauler and then I ran across this other one that has all the bells and whistles. I have since decided that it's "too much"

It would be great for camping but you would need A LOT of ice to get it out fishing. The bank orginally said for an RV that it would be 3.9% for up to 10 years if I wanted but the "fish house" part of it scared them off and they came back with that 6.5% for 48.

It's actually a blessing. I don't need a house that big and fancy just to park my butt in and try and catch a fish.

I'm back to the Ice Cabin toy hauler model.

Got the load home last night. This was at the dealer.

One in back is mine. The other is for a friend of mine.

Polaris Widetrak FS.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Got the load home last night. This was at the dealer.

One in back is mine. The other is for a friend of mine.

Polaris Widetrak FS.

Looks nice!

Yep, I'd need a wide track and a wider seat.

Nice looking sled, WB.

Very nice WB! That will give you many hours of comfort I do believe.

Well a friend of mine came up for a long planned pheasant hunt today. OHMYGOSH, I have never had a hunt as physically tough as this hunt. We hunted fields, we hunted willows and then we hit the cattails. The snow was nipple high on me and you had to just plow through them with no trails to walk on. Then we donned snowshoes and ran a ditch and some more willows. I spooked a bald eagle eating a pheasant and it took off with the pheasant. Didnt mean to, but I didnt see it until it took off. I was taking a picture of the marks in the snow that the eagle left while trying to get airborne with the pheasant and right in the middle of it, a rooster got up. Oh well. We ended up with 4 roosters which is a great hunt for this time of year in deep snow.

Well it is a little late , but Merry christmas everyone. We had a keyboard malfunction and I couldn't post. It has been a good Christmas here as out son and his family are here. This is the first time since he left for the Navy 21 years ago. His wife and daughter are delightful. Last evening we went next door to the dairy farm and let the gdaughter watch them milk, then she got bottle feed a couple of calves. She loved stomping around in the cow poop. New experiences for a city girl from San Diego. The son is an ex seal who now has a GS job doing base security at the Naval base there. He is trying to get a job closer to home and that would be great. Sorry this got so long. I will be back later.
Bill

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Well it is a little late , but Merry christmas everyone. We had a keyboard malfunction and I couldn't post. It has been a good Christmas here as out son and his family are here. This is the first time since he left for the Navy 21 years ago. His wife and daughter are delightful. Last evening we went next door to the dairy farm and let the gdaughter watch them milk, then she got bottle feed a couple of calves. She loved stomping around in the cow poop. New experiences for a city girl from San Diego. The son is an ex seal who now has a GS job doing base security at the Naval base there. He is trying to get a job closer to home and that would be great. Sorry this got so long. I will be back later.
Bill

Sounds like the best Christmas you've had in 21 years Bill. Good for you!

congrats Bill, tell your Son thank you for his service!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Very nice WB! That will give you many hours of comfort I do believe.

Well a friend of mine came up for a long planned pheasant hunt today. OHMYGOSH, I have never had a hunt as physically tough as this hunt. We hunted fields, we hunted willows and then we hit the cattails. The snow was nipple high on me and you had to just plow through them with no trails to walk on. Then we donned snowshoes and ran a ditch and some more willows. I spooked a bald eagle eating a pheasant and it took off with the pheasant. Didnt mean to, but I didnt see it until it took off. I was taking a picture of the marks in the snow that the eagle left while trying to get airborne with the pheasant and right in the middle of it, a rooster got up. Oh well. We ended up with 4 roosters which is a great hunt for this time of year in deep snow.

Bman,
The dogs and I gave the pheasant's a break around here this year. The numbers are down big time so I didn't hunt them. The other day, there was about 50 flocked up together feeding just down the road from my house so that is a good sign. I think I'm going to make a feeder and put out in the CRP behind my place. I was thinking of a 55 gallon plastic drum upside down in one of those rubber calf feeders like you can get at tractor supply. Cut "mouse doors" in it and a hole on top to pour corn into. Think that would work or do you pheasants forever guys have a better option?

well officially I must say that supplemental feeding of wildlife isn't recommended, they become dependent and no longer able to think for themselves (think "social programs").

I have seen a couple different ways when people do it however. make a cylinder out of the large square mesh, like 2"x3" or similar. make it about 8-10" in diameter and fill with field corn still on the cob.

another way is to take a piece of 4" pvc and drill a few 3/4" holes right on the bottom around it. stand upright on a board and tie it to a fence post or tree to keep from being knocked over. raccoons may empty it when they are out. deer can't get their tongues in but a small beak will peck out the corn. fill it at regular intervals, but don't keep it full all the time.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

well officially I must say that supplemental feeding of wildlife isn't recommended, they become dependent and no longer able to think for themselves (think "social programs").

I have seen a couple different ways when people do it however. make a cylinder out of the large square mesh, like 2"x3" or similar. make it about 8-10" in diameter and fill with field corn still on the cob.

another way is to take a piece of 4" pvc and drill a few 3/4" holes right on the bottom around it. stand upright on a board and tie it to a fence post or tree to keep from being knocked over. raccoons may empty it when they are out. deer can't get their tongues in but a small beak will peck out the corn. fill it at regular intervals, but don't keep it full all the time.

I understand and agree with the "offically" statement most of the time but when you get the snow and cold that we do, wouldn't it be beneficial to save a few breeders by feeding them?

If they dont have a good food source, I think it helps them quite a bit. Our chapter has taken a 55 gallon drum, put a cone in the bottom and either drilled 3/4" holes in the bottom or cut a rectangular hole and used a wire mesh screen over it. I also spread some around by hand to get them to find it.

We have also used a chicken wire fence to make a circle and filled it with cob corn....that is susceptible to deer however. But it works well and in my experience pheasants like cob corn better than shell corn.

One last way to do it is to plow a "road" in the field next to good winter cover and hand throw out cob corn. be sure to do this often and especially after snow. If you arent committed, dont even start any feeding method or as Ryan said, you hang them out to dry. I like the plow/hand throw method the best if you can keep at it as it is the closest to their natural feeding method.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

If they dont have a good food source, I think it helps them quite a bit. Our chapter has taken a 55 gallon drum, put a cone in the bottom and either drilled 3/4" holes in the bottom or cut a rectangular hole and used a wire mesh screen over it. I also spread some around by hand to get them to find it.

We have also used a chicken wire fence to make a circle and filled it with cob corn....that is susceptible to deer however. But it works well and in my experience pheasants like cob corn better than shell corn.

One last way to do it is to plow a "road" in the field next to good winter cover and hand throw out cob corn. be sure to do this often and especially after snow. If you arent committed, dont even start any feeding method or as Ryan said, you hang them out to dry. I like the plow/hand throw method the best if you can keep at it as it is the closest to their natural feeding method.

Makes sense. I do not have a plow or access to the field where they tend to gather next to some red willow but I thought about throwing some corn out there every week or so. Would that be sufficient or do more harm than good?

Holy balls its cold out! -16 here in the north country without the windchill. We got a lot of work done on the old 78 ford truck. VERY close to paint on the body now. The frame is painted with rust resistant paint, rust proofing on back of newly installed steel, tje rear bumper is coated with bed-liner, and the interior is painted. The doors and jams are final sanded ready for paint. Just clean, mask and spray the body color. Tomorrow I'll put the visors, seat belts, headliner, mirror, and whatever else I can't think of, back in.

Getting close now!

Tom, keep the cold up there please. It's minus 18 here. Might drop another couple of degrees at sun rise.

It's -24 right now. I saw on the news a bit ago it's -31 in park falls, wi. Yuck!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

Rooster7,
Yes, I think that will work. Pay attention to snowfall and make sure you dont leave them without food for long as they will come to depend on it. The more you can spread it out close to those willows the better....not too close to them either; give it 15 yards of clear so they can see a predator coming.

I have 1 more hunt coming I think. A little hunt at a buddies place tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's -24 right now. I saw on the news a bit ago it's -31 in park falls, wi. Yuck!

Most likely about the same at the camp than as we're not all that far from Park Falls.

Got the furnace repair dude coming over. Furnace is acting up. We've got heat, but it doesn't always want to light. New pressure switch was installed last year when it did the same thing.

Our weather has been up and down here the week that the kids have been home Gizzard Lips the 6 yr old gdaughter keeps watching for enough snow to build a snowman. They are here until the 3rd so maybe they will get lucky. Yesterday the neighbors had a party for the last regular season football game. We went down to the farm maintainence shop wheere we set up a 55 inch tv, and put a half a hog in the smoker. Everyone showed up with a crockpot of goodies, and lots of their favorite beer and a rousing good time was had by all. I have never seen a group of kids have that much fun chasing farm dogs, pushing each other around on the bottom half of an old desk chair, and generally acting like a pack of little savages. The granddaughter was so worn out by 7pm she could barely stand up but fought going home. It took 2 washes to get all the hay chaff, soybean hulls etc out of her hair and her jeans will probably never come clean. When asked this morning if she had more fun at Disney Land or in the garage yesterday she said Disney Land but only a little. Her dad Chicken Lips told the neighbor he doesn't know if he can get on the plane to go back to San Diego. He doesn't get home often but it is harder everytime to go back to the big city. He is trying to get transferred to Mechanicsburg Pa. We are praying it will go through. Thanks for letting me ramble it is just so good to have them home and Pa is so much closer than Californiastan.
Bill

Sounds like an igniter switch maybe?

Sounds like you had a great Christmas, Bill. My son and family are out in Portland so we only see them 1 or 2 times a year.

Tom, no parts replaced so far. Just cleaned everything. He said the flame sensor was a bit dirty. So far so good.

You guys getting enough ice to put the houses on the lake yet? The pond in my front yard is only 3/4 acre. It has frozen completely over three times now and never got thick enough to get out on. It is 26 right now and supposed to snow all night. Temps are supposed to drop all week. Chicken Lips had hoped to be able to get on the pond and catch a few of the big gills in it but I don't think that is going to happen.
Bill

Bill 55 we got ice ..In the metro we got like 20 inches of ice, we didnt get the snow like they got up north.....

Not sure about the ice thickness around here. There was better than 6" at the beginning of December. I'm sure it's over a foot now even with the snow cover.

I was on the ice on Angostura on saturday and it supported 2 guys dragging a deer. pretty uncommon for here. ice was crystal clear for the most part and looked to be 5" thick. I may have to drag out my house and auger for the first time

Just wanted to jump on here to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the Chickenbuckers!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Not sure about the ice thickness around here. There was better than 6" at the beginning of December. I'm sure it's over a foot now even with the snow cover.

Grizzly Bill,

My buddy Jim was out on Half Moon a week ago and had 14." The buddy he was with took his 3/4 ton Chevy out there. I was out on Upper Twin on Christmas day in northern WI and there was way over 12". I drove the explorer out there, and a Dodge 2500 Cummins came past driving with a giant Ice Castle

Bill55,

I'd not walk out on the ice when it was only 26* if it was open recently.

Neither would I tzone. We ice fish here when we get enough ice but that sure has not happened much lately. I have gone out on 4 inches but you don't want to have groupes very close together. Here we mostly fish farm ponds and old strip pits that have been stocked. Mostly bluegills and bass. Occasionally a couple of the larger lakes freese enough we can get out after walleyes and saugeyes, but that is not frequent. If we want to really get after them we have to drive up to Port Clinton and fly out to Put In Bay and fish Erie.
Bill

I wish I would have kept a few million mosquitos alive in some sort of... bug-quarium...

So I could release them outside today.

[Linked Image]

Happy new years everybody!

Back at you, Dave.

That's cold.

In duluth the last few days, we started the cars but they sure argued about it. -5 here now south of you.

I'm sick of having to watch the weather to see when it will be warm enough to take my little-guy sledding/tubing again.

we still haven't reached -20 today.... (we've been below that all day).

Just got back from the last pheasant hunt of the year. It was nice to end the year on a good note as I got the last rooster I saw. But it was sad that another year of hunting has come to an end (although I might get out coyote hunting yet).

Today was pretty cold, -10F, but again, I was sweating soon after starting even though I really didn't dress that warm. Man was the walking tough, I think I burned 459,859,587,234 calories.

Everyone have a Happy (and responsible) New Years!

Minus 2* here for a high.

it's 1* above freezing here.
high today was 8* above freezing. maybe I shouldn't say anything, I just didn't want Stan to feel guilty all by himself

Happy New Years everyone!

52� for us Okie's

Okay, there's cold...and then there's COLD! Me thinks yous guys got the second kind. We have a big humidifier 1/2 mile west and it usually keeps us above zero.

Sitting here with the family 10 minutes before ball drop. Have safe and happy 2014 everyone!

amen! I tried calling Dave tonight but I'm guessing he was hooking up with a big walleye, or baiting ma's hook and opening a beer.

happy new years everyone! 2 hours til midnight in God's time!

Good morning and Happy New Year everyone!

Big warm up over night. Hayward, WI was minus 26* at 10:30 last night and was heading for minus 35*. It was up to minus 13* this morning. We were minus 11* and now minus 7*. Not supposed to happen as far as I know.

Happy New Year from balmy South Carolina where it is a clear New Year's day and 37 degrees(above).High today expected to be in the fifties.
We have NO ice on the ponds and lakes.In fact my neighbor is going fishing tomorrow and is getting the boat ready today.

Stan in SC

Happy New Year!

I know one thing! It's butt cold out heeere....and I'm FRESH out of BEEEEEER! (Grumpy Old Men ice fishing)

I wish that was the case. I have to drive 350 miles today to our SD plant to manage the physical inventory tomorrow. Our ownership out of Chicago is going to be there doing audits along with another independent auditing company from Chicago. This oughta be a blast...

I've been working on this for months. At firt I was told it was mandatory that all 777 employees at both plants were to take part in the physical inventory so I built the plan that way knowing that it would be a "CF". The night before I was to start training everyone, I was told by senior leadership that "it's too many people. Just use first shift employee's".

Really?? You mean what I have said from the beginning???? But I digressed, pushed the training out a week and reworked my entire plan to accomodate a couple hundred less people. I put together color coded teams in color coded areas of each facility. Each color has a Group lead and the 5 count teams in each color has a team lead. Their count areas are balanced by the number of SKU's and inventory value. I put together standard work for all processes and procedures and trained every employee twice. Every item will be counted twice by different teams and then 20% of each area will be audited by internal salary personnel. There will be no excuses this year for screwing up counting! lol

After this, I'm taking a week off and going fishing

Yuck. Inventory is no fun. I used to have to do that at the sports shop I worked at. Nothing near what you're doing Rooster, I don't envy you a bit!

doesn't sound fun to me either. too bad you don't have time to drive a little further and shoot some deers

I helped my dad and grandfather do inventory at the garage. Had to count by size every nut and bolt, muffler clamps, belts, hoses etc. What a pain in the azz.

Just finished taking down the Christmas tree.

Happy New Year to everyone. I had to go back to work last night, the week with the kids has been great. They fly back to San Diego Friday. It was a fairly quiet night. Two drunks and a female who doesn't think she should have to pay child support. Life at the County Jail is always interesting. In the past 23 years I think I may have had 5 New Years off and maybe 6 Christmases. We work a 6 on and 2 off week so holidays don't usually fall on my day off. Enjoy the day, it is pretty close to bedtime for me.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Yuck. Inventory is no fun. I used to have to do that at the sports shop I worked at. Nothing near what you're doing Rooster, I don't envy you a bit!

Ya I'm not looking forward to it at all but I can't get it over with without doing it. I'm so sick of working on it I could puke.

Ryan,
Trust me I would love to keep right on driving on I 90 than do this.

hmmmmm....

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Happy New Year to everyone. I had to go back to work last night, the week with the kids has been great. They fly back to San Diego Friday. It was a fairly quiet night. Two drunks and a female who doesn't think she should have to pay child support. Life at the County Jail is always interesting. In the past 23 years I think I may have had 5 New Years off and maybe 6 Christmases. We work a 6 on and 2 off week so holidays don't usually fall on my day off. Enjoy the day, it is pretty close to bedtime for me.
Bill

I have a customer who is a bail bondsman. He was in the other day and told me that New Year's Eve is basically his Black Friday. Between all the drunks getting rounded up, and the cops trying to pick up guys with warrants, he's busy all night writing bails. 'Never thought of it, but I suppose that's right. Happy New Year's to all the Chickenbuck Nation.

Happy New Year to all. I just burned all the Christmas cardboard and threw on a couple of oak logs. They didn't even want to go...

I'm about 3 minutes from firing up the grill for the pork loins. I have a one stuffed with bacon, brown sugar, apples, garlic, a sweet mesquite rub, and some salt/pepper.

Another one marinating in a pineapple mixture that April made up. They both smell fantastic and we haven't even put them on the grill yet!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy New Year to all. I just burned all the Christmas cardboard and threw on a couple of oak logs. They didn't even want to go...

I'm about 3 minutes from firing up the grill for the pork loins. I have a one stuffed with bacon, brown sugar, apples, garlic, a sweet mesquite rub, and some salt/pepper.

Another one marinating in a pineapple mixture that April made up. They both smell fantastic and we haven't even put them on the grill yet!!

~DROOL~

Mmmm. They were very good. It was tough to keep the temps up on the grill though.

Originally Posted by tzone

Mmmm. They were very good. It was tough to keep the temps up on the grill though.

WHY were you low on propane or something?????? LOL

Ummm, no. It was like -3 for the high.

Actually Gophergunner New Years Eve is usually pretty quiet unless it falls where there is a long weekend. Lord knows I hate the long weekends. The slackjawed slobbering fools that I deal with on a daily basis can't stand family togetherness for a 3 or 4 day stretch without trying to either kill each other or stealing something to pawn so they can get more booze or drugs. See you later it is time to head home and watch a little girl go sledding. THis is the last full day before they go back to San Diego and it has snowed for the past couple of hours.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Ummm, no. It was like -3 for the high.

Yep, once the temps drop into the teens seems like the cooking time doubles with a gas grill.

Looks like we're going to be flirting with 30* below next Monday and Tuesday. Highs Tuesday are predicted to be minus 16*. Hate to think what Dave is going to be faced with.

We just had -37 on the truck this morning. I am sure it colder than that now with daylight here. Its cold!! Happy New Years everyone!!

Buschpilot and I are in the same county, his morning drive might have been a little later in the morning that mine.

I saw -35 in the buick this morning, I'm certain it dipped to -40 as the sun came up.

[Linked Image]

Supposedly we will be treated to temps in the teens ABOVE zero tomorrow.

Fingers crossed.

This has certainly been the coldest winter we've had so in a long time and there's a lot more winter to go yet.

There sure is Bill. I'm hoping we get the cold out of the way so it warms up in January-April. Wishful thinking I guess.

So far we don't have a bunch of snow down here, but man is there a bunch up north. The deer at my dad's place were already eating the Blue Spruce branches from trees in his yard. The deer did look health so far though. They havea trail system between his house and the neighbors and they're wandering around pretty much all day.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ummm, no. It was like -3 for the high.

Oh i know i was just kidding around....
I did 24 4 0z filet mignon for xmas on the grill it was tricky....

Do you guys have to plug your grills in to get the to light when it gets that cold?

Yes...to propane.

BRRRRR! I feel for you guys up north, that is some cold bitter weather!

Anybody going to the gun show this weekend? It's in Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center I believe.

No sir. Not a gun show guy at all and we have a baseball clinic this weekend.

Looks like a white out is on the way for Northern half of MN. They have blizzard warnings out for ND and MN for later today and Saturday.

Sounds like it is gonna get even worse Sat-Tues. Be careful folks, a small mistake at -35 degrees turns into broken parts really fast!

A lady at work yesterday really put this time of year into perspective. She said, "our next day off is Memorial Day"!

And I get to try to make it home from Mitchell, SD today. Oh Joy!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sounds like it is gonna get even worse Sat-Tues. Be careful folks, a small mistake at -35 degrees turns into broken parts really fast!

Yes it does, a small pile of really hard snow at the end of the driveway, at -20 will destroy the plastic bumper cover on a Chevy Tahoe.....

This weather officially sucks.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sounds like it is gonna get even worse Sat-Tues. Be careful folks, a small mistake at -35 degrees turns into broken parts really fast!

A lady at work yesterday really put this time of year into perspective. She said, "our next day off is Memorial Day"!

My next day off is MLK day. We're not even allowed in the building...but we can work on Christmas if we want. Bassackwards if you ask me.

Originally Posted by goalie

This weather officially sucks.

Well....

on 44 weeks til deer camp. Or 308 days but who's counting?

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sounds like it is gonna get even worse Sat-Tues. Be careful folks, a small mistake at -35 degrees turns into broken parts really fast!

Yes it does, a small pile of really hard snow at the end of the driveway, at -20 will destroy the plastic bumper cover on a Chevy Tahoe.....

Don't even get me started on Chevy Tahoe's and broken parts!

Take it easy out there Rooster. visibility going to be down to zero if they're right. Wouldn't be surprised if they close I94.

I'm not sure it's supposed to snow this far south, but man the north sure doesn't need anymore snow!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Take it easy out there Rooster. visibility going to be down to zero if they're right. Wouldn't be surprised if they close I94.

Thanks Bill. I'll be traveling I 90 and then I 29 North. Some of the most wide open, desolate country in the region. This is gonna be a real treat.

You might be ahead of it Jim (Hopefully). Keep checking on the conditions.

Update, wife just told me schools will be closed in most of MN on Monday?

Yep. -60*F windchills. As a dad to little kids...I do agree with this move. Though I would have just brought them to school if they didn't close it. I wouldn't make em wait for the bus in those temps.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep. -608F windchills. As a dad to little kids...I do agree with this move. Though I would have just brought them to school if they didn't close it. I wouldn't make em wait for the bus in those temps.

I was actually planning on doing something that used to make me laugh when I saw it: Driving the little guy a block to the bus stop and having him stay inside it until we saw the bus.

Granted, I laughed at it when I saw it done and the temp was 20-30 degree ABOVE zero, but still......

Daughter just called. She teaches in the Mosinee school district. They're closed Monday along with Everyone else in Marathon and Portage counties.

I am getting ready to go to work and just looked at the temp. It is 5 above, maychance I orta go start the truck and let the old girl warm up a wee bit.I know it ain't anything like you guys are having, but it is the coldest we've had this year. Another week or so and we might even get out on the ice. See you later, nearly time to go babysit halfwits.
Bill

Made it!

It was a combination of high wind and drifting snow. High wind and pillow drifts. High wind and streaky ice. High wind and rain. High wind and glare ice. High wind and snow. It was an interesting trip!

That said, the inventory went smoother than it ever has in this companies 40 year history. From all accounts, it appears that the powers that be are very impressed and happy.

So, I'm having a drink the size of my head right now! lol

P.S. There was LOTS of cars in the ditch in that stretch. Why can't people just learn to slow down?

Glad you made it safely. I grew up between Fargo and Grand Forks and know what you are talking about on the highways there. Family still lives in that area and said it was bad all day.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Glad you made it safely. I grew up between Fargo and Grand Forks and know what you are talking about on the highways there. Family still lives in that area and said it was bad all day.

Between Grand Forks and Fargo is always bad. Especially when you hit that one bridge by Hillsboro I think it is. I deer hunted by Grand Forks one time and 3 of us in 4wd pickups were following each other driving home in this kind of weather. We came over the bridge and there was a state tropper sitting there in a blind spot because someone had hit the ruhbarb and was way down the ditch. The trooper was blocking half the damn lane. While, I see him at the last second and played Dukes of Hazzard around him completely sideways going downhill and got straightened out somehow! I looked in my mirror and seen both my buddies trucks turn sideways and straighten out just like I had done. I laughed and thought now THAT's boys that know how to drive!

Yeah, the only way one leans to drive in it, is to drive in it.

Goofin around in the trucks in fields, parking lots and snow filled back roads is about the beat way to figure out how your rig reacts.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Glad you made it safely. I grew up between Fargo and Grand Forks and know what you are talking about on the highways there. Family still lives in that area and said it was bad all day.

Between Grand Forks and Fargo is always bad. Especially when you hit that one brige by Hillsboro I think it is. I deer hunted by Grand Forks one time and 3 of us in 4wd pickups were following each other driving home in this kind of weather. We came over the brige and there was a state tropper sitting there in a blind spot because someone had hit the ruhbarb and was way down the ditch. The trooper was blocking half the damn lane. While, I see him at the last second and played Dukes of Hazzard around him completely sideways going downhill and got straightened out somehow! I looked in my mirror and seen both my buddies trucks turn sideways and straighten out just like I had done. I laughed and thought now THAT's boys that know how to drive!

I was curious if you made the trip safely, I went from south Fargo to North Moorhead for lunch today, the trip back to South Fargo was slippery as hell with 2 vehicles on their side and another 3 had got together at the 25th street overpass/onramp...and this was all within a couple miles.

I believe the bridge is near Buxton ND, and I have seen many vehicles with the shiny side down...

Yep Tzone, that is so correct. My cousin and I had a great time learning to drive in a bean field that had froze one year and then we got some warm weather so it was greasy on top. I really learned a lot that day. For one, I learned that my cousin's hands were strong enough to leave permament marks on the dash from grabbing on so hard in fear of his life from my driving skills (at the age of about 13)! I did make it across the approach over the deep ditch though. Somehow. He still talks about it....with fear evident in his voice.

The bridge that was worst for me was the one north of the road to Mayville over the rail road tracks on a curve that is up in the air without any protection. That bridge over the Goose River at Hillsboro is always an adventure too.

I still enjoy the occasional opportunity to spin out in open parking lots to stay in practice with the turning skills. Taught my three sons to drive at a very early age(8) by having them steer while driving around asphalt parking lots in the Twin Cities area on Sunday mornings after church when there was virtually no traffic and spin outs were relatively safe as long as you missed the light standards!

Another good way is on lake ice that is thick enough before too much snow.

Lake ice and small towns sliding sideways around every block. It's what the kids call drifting now a days. lol

Dang traction control in my truck won't spontaneously allow me to do that anymore and it makes me look way more responsible then I am!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I believe the bridge is near Buxton ND, and I have seen many vehicles with the shiny side down...

Yep I believe you're right. That's a wicked SOB in the winter

You can shut that traction control off rooster. At least in non-chevy's you can.

Yep, I can turn it off on my Edge.

Glad you made it home safe Rooster.

Just got back from the Brooklyn Park Gun Show. About what I expected. Most of the ammo was fairly priced, with the exception of 22 RF, of course. Only saw one table with any ammount of it, and he was pretty much double of retail at Wal-Mart, but he did have some. Didn't see him sell any while I was there. Lots of militaria to look at, from guns to web gear, etc. 'Saw on 99EG priced at $575.00 in 300 Savage. I thought it was a little high. Wood was decent, bluing pretty much gone in all the usual spots. Junk something or other scope on top of it. Picked up on .50 cal. ammo can for $16.00, but that was it.

Glad you made it safe.

BTW, my brother just showed me a Remington 81 in 300 savage that grandpa gave him.

I am sooooo hunting that thing next year.

You suck, Goalie, and yes I'm jealous!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You suck, Goalie, and yes I'm jealous!

It is in sweeeeeet shape. Gramps bought it new in the 20's or 30's.

Man, if that gun could talk!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You suck, Goalie, and yes I'm jealous!

It is in sweeeeeet shape. Gramps bought it new in the 20's or 30's.

One of the old timers (Older than me) still carries a Rem model 8, in 30 Remington. He also has a Winchester model 95 in 30-40.

Originally Posted by tzone

You can shut that traction control off rooster. At least in non-chevy's you can.

Yeah I can turn it off but I always forget when I get the urge to "drift" lol

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Glad you made it home safe Rooster.

Thanks Bill! How far below the donut are you guys over there in sconnie? I think we are around -20 and dropping.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Man, if that gun could talk!

It does. It says "BANG" every time you pull the trigger.

So, gramps bought the 81 new in 1940.

Pretty cool, I can't wait to hunt it.

We are at -13. We've shot past our high of -9 and are shooting down to our low of -28. Which is probably your high tomorrow eh Rooster?

Probably. Once you get below zero, it doesn't much matter anymore. I know one thing...that new furnace has been a dang good investment!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You suck, Goalie, and yes I'm jealous!

It is in sweeeeeet shape. Gramps bought it new in the 20's or 30's.

One of the old timers (Older than me) still carries a Rem model 8, in 30 Remington. He also has a Winchester model 95 in 30-40.

Refresh my memory boys...are those the semi-auto's?

I keep thinking about the Rem M 141 pump in .35 Rem, I passed on a few weeks back. I'm sure it won't be around long. It was absolutely flawless. Too pretty to D&T for mounts/rings/swivels. I could put a peep on it. I don't have any gun I wouldn't hunt, so it would see the woods, but I guarantee it hasn't seen the woods.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Glad you made it home safe Rooster.

Thanks Bill! How far below the donut are you guys over there in sconnie? I think we are around -20 and dropping.

We're only 5* below, Jim. It was zero at 6:00 AM. Temp will be on the slide all day long. Low tonight will be anywhere from minus 27* to - 33*. Some reports say the front is stalling out and the extreme cold is going to stick around for at least another day. Could be worse, like 110* in the shade.

So is anyone fishing? I need to get an icefishing fix since I don't have enough to get out. I got nearly enough to get on my pond but it is supposed to hit nearly 40 today and then rain before the frigid air gets here in the morning. Probably will about ruin it again.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You suck, Goalie, and yes I'm jealous!

It is in sweeeeeet shape. Gramps bought it new in the 20's or 30's.

One of the old timers (Older than me) still carries a Rem model 8, in 30 Remington. He also has a Winchester model 95 in 30-40.

Refresh my memory boys...are those the semi-auto's?

I keep thinking about the Rem M 141 pump in .35 Rem, I passed on a few weeks back. I'm sure it won't be around long. It was absolutely flawless. Too pretty to D&T for mounts/rings/swivels. I could put a peep on it. I don't have any gun I wouldn't hunt, so it would see the woods, but I guarantee it hasn't seen the woods.

Yep, the mod 8 and 81 were semi autos Tom. Came in .25, .30, .32 and 35 Remington. The 141 was a great rifle. My buddies dad used one in 35 Rem.

Pete has/had a Rem 141 that he wanted to sell me but you know Pete...

I'm going to try to save some money for that rifle. I like it, a lot. I went in to the gun shop to see if they had any 7600's in 35W or a 30-06 carbine. They know me well and know I like "odd" guns. He bought the 141 for me. Along side the 141 he had an absolutely spotless NIB, 7600 30-06 carbine. Exactly what I went in for.

I've never had a carbine, and this one was too good to pass up at $425 and I had the extra money. I didn't have the $200 more I needed to get the 141 and it's worth it at that price too.

The 7600 doesn't have swivels put on it, or a bases on it either. If it had a round in the chamber, I couldn't tell. Came with two mags, neither had any scratches on them from even being put in the gun. They are marked on the bottom with a sharpie for some reason.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

So is anyone fishing? I need to get an icefishing fix since I don't have enough to get out. I got nearly enough to get on my pond but it is supposed to hit nearly 40 today and then rain before the frigid air gets here in the morning. Probably will about ruin it again.
Bill

\

Yeah Bill been fishing alot so far.. I got 20 inches of ice on my lake.... Fishing has been hard with the temps up and down... I need to move my icehouse, but need to hole hop around find a new spot but its to cold out for that.....
I think you need to drive up to the great white north eh and fish some safe ice..

Judy saw Pete being interviewed at Packerland the other day.

Originally Posted by tzone

Pete has/had a Rem 141 that he wanted to sell me but you know Pete...

I'm going to try to save some money for that rifle. I like it, a lot. I went in to the gun shop to see if they had any 7600's in 35W or a 30-06 carbine. They know me well and know I like "odd" guns. He bought the 141 for me. Along side the 141 he had an absolutely spotless NIB, 7600 30-06 carbine. Exactly what I went in for.

I've never had a carbine, and this one was too good to pass up at $425 and I had the extra money. I didn't have the $200 more I needed to get the 141 and it's worth it at that price too.

The 7600 doesn't have swivels put on it, or a bases on it either. If it had a round in the chamber, I couldn't tell. Came with two mags, neither had any scratches on them from even being put in the gun. They are marked on the bottom with a sharpie for some reason.

I used a Remington 141 in .30 Remington one year hunting. A friend's dad's rifle. They had no ammo, and let me use it after I reloaded some for them.

I would love one in 35 Rem.

-32 windchill now,and the pack aint looking to good yet.

Yeah he called and told us all about it.

He likes that stuff. The Pack's not looking too good right now!

Originally Posted by fluffy

-32 windchill now,and the pack aint looking to good yet.

YAY!!!

Wait....what?

Rodgers is starting to put on a passing clinic in this drive at the 7:20 mark in the 2nd quarter

Touchdown GB

it's chilly out there today!

nice drive by the niners! what was that 3 plays? something like that? I get up for a beer and to let the dogs out and I missed it, it was that fast! got the makings for a good game. glad the packers showed up in the second quarter

Me too. Got up to take a wizz and the niners scored in that time. Crazy! Wish I would have seen the drive.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Glad you made it home safe Rooster.

Thanks Bill! How far below the donut are you guys over there in sconnie? I think we are around -20 and dropping.

We're only 5* below, Jim. It was zero at 6:00 AM. Temp will be on the slide all day long. Low tonight will be anywhere from minus 27* to - 33*. Some reports say the front is stalling out and the extreme cold is going to stick around for at least another day. Could be worse, like 110* in the shade.

Come visit us around July 30 we'll thaw you out .:O

Ditto that! GB 17, SF 13

Lacy and Kuhn are carrying the mail. I think this one is going to come down to a big play, maybe a turnover or a huge offensive play. Niners D are gassed. Key on Kap and the good guys win!

Game/season over. SF kicks a FG with 3 seconds left to win 23/20.

Time to hibernate.

Is it sad that the highlight of my day was that my car started after my Sunday night skate????

Is it sadder that i was excited that mine started a while ago?

Whoever said -26 is too cold to snow is FOS by the way...

But it's a dry snow, Tom.

Minus 25* with minus 47* wind chill here this AM. Looks like the high will be minus 15*. Dave and crew are laughing. They're probably minus 40* or lower.

No it really isn't that bad Bill.

I saw -29 overnight, about -25 this morning and I suppose it probably flirted around the -30 mark at it's coldest this morning. We do have a bit of wind out of the north west though so that makes it less fun.

Looks like we might warm up before the weekend, wow that would be nice for ice fishing.

supposed to warm a bit later in the week for us as well. -8 right now. brrrrrr. even our cars have become sissies and complain about these temps when started

-27 was the worst here. I really enjoyed my commute today....from the dining room to my office is about 18 steps!

I was really looking forward to one of NDs pictures of his car thermometer reading -40! I forgot to do the boiling water thing last night. Good thing we have another night of this....

Truck said -29* on my way to work. It warmed up to -25* by the time I got here. Some dude's got a noisy azz diesel running right outside my office window. He works in the shop so I assume it will run all day long. Oh well, I would run it too if I had a diesel.

It's funny listening to all the sissy's around here. You in MN for godsake.

It's a vortex.

A "Polar Vortex"

Wow, that does sound serious... Here I thought it was just winter time.

lol.

I got an email on "how to stay safe in historic cold!"

Ummm, how about stay inside or put on an extra t-shirt. I decided to pass on the steel toes this morning though.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's funny listening to all the sissy's around here. You in MN for godsake.

Exactly! lol

It's not like this is the first time it's ever been cold in MN

Originally Posted by tzone

I got an email on "how to stay safe in historic cold!"

Ummm, how about stay inside or put on an extra t-shirt. I decided to pass on the steel toes this morning though.

I'm wearing my steel toes.

Granted, my office is 70* but I'm still wearing them!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's a vortex.

A "Polar Vortex"

Wow, that does sound serious... Here I thought it was just winter time.

lol.

"Polar Vortex" must be the politically correct term for "[bleep] Cold".

Still minus 25* at 10:35 AM. Went out and started both cars. Took the Edge out for a coffee run. Sure is dead out. Even the Kwik Trip was empty.

I just took some loads of stuff over to a storage unit. It really isn't that bad out right now.

As a bonus, my wife is no longer laughing at my "poor fashion sense" she says I had when I got some Riggs Workwear Thinsulite lined jeans.....

My polar vortex meter says it's still -18.

-21* here.

I got sucked into the vortex and now it's 1962.

I like it here, I think I'll stay.

And I bet some kids going to school are still wearing shorts!

My grandpa used to plow the roads in Red Lake County in northern MN in the 40's with a grader that had a big V plow with a wing. His son, my uncle, would follow behind with the dump fulla gravel with another wing mounted to it. They could do a pretty good job in one pass of the road.

Well one morning at 4:00am it was -50 below actual and that old diesel grader's fuel was gelled up again and the roads were drifted shut. So gramps threw some wood under the old beast with a splash of diesel and lit a fire to warm it up. About 5 minutes later he's yelling to my grandma, mom, and sisters, "Girls! Get up! The grader's on fire!" So my mom and my aunts who ranged from 12 to 2 tried filling buckets with water from the old hand pump in the kitchen and running them outside, sloshing all the way. The water froze hard on the kitchen floor, steps, and outside to the point they couldn't even stand up anymore. Gramps got the fire knocked down enough with water and shoveled snow to get the rig running up and driven off the fire - not too much worse for wear. The kids and grandma? Not so much. My old Norwegian grandma gave him hell about that for 50 years.

We still laugh about it. I bet gram and gramps would get a real good chuckle out of this "Polar Vortex".

I Needed a good smile tonight CF, I have 3 little people, all 3 are under 3, and 3 ears have ear infections, but it is only effecting 2/3rds of the kids.......

this is one of those how much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood kind of puzzles.

Glad all you like the chilly weather, prtty nice today in India again. flirting with 70 i think. would much rather be ice fishing though.

We're warming up. -17 this morning.

High of -5� here today.

Great story CF. My grandfather was one of the first Ford mechanics in Waupaca,WI and would tell us stories of how folks delt with cars and winter. Many drained the radiators and put the car up on blocks for the winter then switched back to horses and sleighs.

Those that drove their cars would usually remove the battery and take it in the house. Radiators were often drained too as the antifreeze was alcohol based and wasn't that great. Need the car, reinstall everything, put a pan of coal or burning wood under the oil pan and wait. Then hope you could get it to start.

I have one of those outdoor thermometers that records the lowest temp until you reset it. Going in to this cold snap, it said -25 was our low. Now? Why it still says -25. So according to my backyard thermometer, this was NOT the coldest it has been this year. the weather on my phone said -27 was the low. all in all, not that bad really, a little overblown really. Plus, if you think we have it bad, just look north, others have it worse.

couple of possible answers I can think of to that riddle. First, one of your unlucky kids has an ear infection in both ears. Secondly, either you or the wife has an ear infection. In any case, I feel for your family as those are not fun to deal with. Especially when it involves little kids.

Twin boys, one has the infection in both ears, the other is only having trouble with his left ear. Our daughter has avoided it so far.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Need the car, reinstall everything, put a pan of coal or burning wood under the oil pan and wait. Then hope you could get it to start.

I had a 1986 Ford Ranger 4x4 w/2.9l V6 that was hell to start in the winter. One cold day, couldn't get it to jump start, pa pulled me around the block and I tried to start it in gear. No go there either. Finally he dug in the garage for some cardboard that didn't have paint on it and lit a small fire under it. After about 3-4 minutes, she started. I haven't had to try that since and hope I don't have to but it's good to know the tool.

Got my application in for spring turkey today. Deadline is Friday the 10th.

If you need a helper let me know Rooster.

Little off-topic, but any of you local (Twin Cities area) guys know of a good person/place to use to strip and paint cabinets for a kitchen? They are just finished wood right now, and she who must be obeyed wants them painted white.

My wife wants to sell our place, and I have two bathrooms to do work on before we can sell (tile work, etc...), so I am looking to have our cabinets painted, so I don't have to do it all myself.

Check with Fluffy. He does that mess for a living I think. Well... He builds em, but he may be able to help you.

and not off topic... when has this thread ever had a topic except for when Dave started it? lol.

Hmmmm, if he builds them, he has to either finish/paint 'em, or know who does.

Originally Posted by tzone

and not off topic... when has this thread ever had a topic except for when Dave started it? lol.

usually around the middle of November.......

Im not much into refinishing,but ,usually a good scuffing with sandpaper ,and you can paint over the old finish.
restrictions apply of course ,but a good paint store should be able to set you up.
if you want somebody to come over and do it,I can get some phone numbers for you.

Fluffster,

I have a railing, a couple actually, in my house that I want to paint. It has the wonderful hi-gloss finish everyone liked in the late 80's early 90's. Is a good sanding good enough on that or do I need to strip it? It could be a good excuse to buy a detail sander.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im not much into refinishing,but ,usually a good scuffing with sandpaper ,and you can paint over the old finish.
restrictions apply of course ,but a good paint store should be able to set you up.
if you want somebody to come over and do it,I can get some phone numbers for you.

Hmmm, I may get back to you. the surfaces are all flat, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal if I take all the doors off and use a palm-sander. I just want the paint job to look pretty good when I'm done.

Would you use a brush, or a roller do you think?

brush or spray gun.

sponge?

Broom?

Mop?

polar vortex?

snorkel?

Baboon's a$$

Originally Posted by tzone

Fluffster,

I have a railing, a couple actually, in my house that I want to paint. It has the wonderful hi-gloss finish everyone liked in the late 80's early 90's. Is a good sanding good enough on that or do I need to strip it? It could be a good excuse to buy a detail sander.

depends on what you want to put on it.
same stuff but low gloss,just hand sand it , and brush it on.
some old finishes ,with certain paints,just scuff sand ( no power sand needed) and paint away.
Of course it depends,but normally stripping isn't needed.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im not much into refinishing,but ,usually a good scuffing with sandpaper ,and you can paint over the old finish.
restrictions apply of course ,but a good paint store should be able to set you up.
if you want somebody to come over and do it,I can get some phone numbers for you.

Hmmm, I may get back to you. the surfaces are all flat, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal if I take all the doors off and use a palm-sander. I just want the paint job to look pretty good when I'm done.

Would you use a brush, or a roller do you think?

unless the old finish is in real bad shape,you probably don't need a power sander.Like I said in answer to tzones post,complete stripping isn't needed,unless you want to put a clear finish back on it,maybe not even then.
the right paint goes a long way,as does a painter who does that a lot.

Ive seen people tape thin plastic all around a room ceiling,spray paint the ceiling,and not disturb the room full of furniture,all before noon.

"Would you use a brush, or a roller do you think?"

of the choices given,a roller,but I wouldn't do either,if I had a choice, I would rather make new ones,and just finish,rather than re-finish.
but make no mistake,it is possible to do a first class refinish job.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Fluffster,

I have a railing, a couple actually, in my house that I want to paint. It has the wonderful hi-gloss finish everyone liked in the late 80's early 90's. Is a good sanding good enough on that or do I need to strip it? It could be a good excuse to buy a detail sander.

depends on what you want to put on it.
same stuff but low gloss,just hand sand it , and brush it on.
some old finishes ,with certain paints,just scuff sand ( no power sand needed) and paint away.
Of course it depends,but normally stripping isn't needed.

Just paint.

you may be able to just use a sanding sponge,and scrub off the dirt.

Gloss remover is the answer or chit will not stick.

Hey Dave, is that ice castle out on the lake yet? Are you going to take it to EELPOUT festival this year. Feb 20-23. Going to be a fine time again. I cant wait to be back in the snow zone, 65 in India is actually feeling quite chilly now days. 9 more days to go. turn the heat up a bit before i get back.

Originally Posted by fluffy

of the choices given,a roller,but I wouldn't do either,if I had a choice, I would rather make new ones,and just finish,rather than re-finish.
but make no mistake,it is possible to do a first class refinish job.

I am only doing it so it looks "nice" when we sell it. I've already re-done the windows and trim. I don't want to install new cabinets to sell.

Now, if I have to re-do the cabinets at the new place, I'll talk to you.....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Dave, is that ice castle out on the lake yet? Are you going to take it to EELPOUT festival this year. Feb 20-23. Going to be a fine time again. I cant wait to be back in the snow zone, 65 in India is actually feeling quite chilly now days. 9 more days to go. turn the heat up a bit before i get back.

Buschy, where is that pout' festival?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Dave, is that ice castle out on the lake yet? Are you going to take it to EELPOUT festival this year. Feb 20-23. Going to be a fine time again. I cant wait to be back in the snow zone, 65 in India is actually feeling quite chilly now days. 9 more days to go. turn the heat up a bit before i get back.

Buschy, where is that pout' festival?

leech lake,Walker,my home town.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

of the choices given,a roller,but I wouldn't do either,if I had a choice, I would rather make new ones,and just finish,rather than re-finish.
but make no mistake,it is possible to do a first class refinish job.

I am only doing it so it looks "nice" when we sell it. I've already re-done the windows and trim. I don't want to install new cabinets to sell.

Now, if I have to re-do the cabinets at the new place, I'll talk to you.....

Hey,you asked my preference.

I would give the cabinets a good scrubbing with a few sanding sponges ,enough to remove all dirt and oxidation,and give them the best paint job you can.
make sure your paint is compatible with the old finish( most are) and your results should be great.

^^^^^ That is exactly what you want to do. Stripping can turn into a disaster if not done properly.

Wait....

Stripping....

Disaster....

Did White Bear actually say that out loud???? Oh my. This cold must have gotten to me.

Just cover them with wallpaper. Problem solved.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Wait....

Stripping....

Disaster....

Did White Bear actually say that out loud???? Oh my. This cold must have gotten to me.

OH it can happen! Ever been to Oriska, ND back in the day? *shudder*

All this brush/roller talk.

I cant help but think this could be handled with a moderate acetylene gas charge centered in a 3 gallon plastic bag of paint. Open the windows so they don't blow out. Put all the food away, take the wall calendar and clock down. Go outside and spark it off.

Boom!

Done.

Go fishing, you are a hero, you deserve it.

Your country thanks you.

I like the way.... I think.

The polar vortex has left the building. We we're minus 27* at 7:45 AM. We're up to zero now. 27 degree warm up in just 4 hours.

We now return to your regular program.

We're having a heat waaaaave! A tropical heat waaave...

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just cover them with wallpaper. Problem solved.

Don't even get me started on that Bill! I have a lot of work to do in my kitchen and removing wallpaper that was painted over is part of it!

We're in the teens above zero here. Pretty happy too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

All this brush/roller talk.

I cant help but think this could be handled with a moderate acetylene gas charge centered in a 3 gallon plastic bag of paint. Open the windows so they don't blow out. Put all the food away, take the wall calendar and clock down. Go outside and spark it off.

Boom!

Done.

Go fishing, you are a hero, you deserve it.

Your country thanks you.

I like the way.... I think.

I am going to propose this to my wife. It will probably take her 10 seconds or so to realize I don't actually want to try it.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Hey,you asked my preference.

I would give the cabinets a good scrubbing with a few sanding sponges ,enough to remove all dirt and oxidation,and give them the best paint job you can.
make sure your paint is compatible with the old finish( most are) and your results should be great.

Yeah, I would definitely go new, built to the space boxes if I was staying here.

Thanks for the painting advice. I think I am just going to do it myself. The surfaces are flat, and (famous last words) it shouldn't be that bad.....

Guys, guys..... say it ain't so...

[Linked Image]

Drink beer and take pictures!

44 here today, 24 for tonight. icy roads galore!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Just cover them with wallpaper. Problem solved.

Don't even get me started on that Bill! I have a lot of work to do in my kitchen and removing wallpaper that was painted over is part of it!

If I remember correctly it took the wife and I nearly 2 weeks to get the wallpaper and glue off of our bathroom wall so we could paint it. We would work on it for 2/3 hours at a time than quit for the day. I swear we could have put up new drywall and painted it in less time. We tried everything on the glue and what worked best was a mixture of Dawn dish soap and warm water. A steamer might have done the job too.

Just ordered Cabelas Predator Extreme Pac Boots. They have a good online sale going right now. I have heard great things about them.

I may actually just gut the whole kitchen Bill. It won't be done for at least 1 year, but more like two. I could make it pretty modern with a full gut.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Got my application in for spring turkey today. Deadline is Friday the 10th.

Just got mine in about 10 minuets ago! Could be my first MN turkey hunt. I'm pretty pumped about that.

Make sure you guys doing the Spring turkey hunting treat your cloths and look out for the ticks.

We've seen a lot of Lyme's the last few years.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Just ordered Cabelas Predator Extreme Pac Boots. They have a good online sale going right now. I have heard great things about them.

I owe you a beer or two. I really need new "cold" weather boots, and they had my size, so I got a pair as well.

Between points and the sale, the reviews have me thinking that they are going to be worth what I paid and more.

I don't mess around with the spring tick's Goalie. I use the deep wods 98% deet. I don't remember having a tick when I use it.

Have had good luck with SAWYER clothing spray... No scent to..

Turkeys don't care about scent.

Apearantly deer don't either. A few years ago while turkey hunting in WI, a buck deer with about 8" of horn growth, literally sniffed my boot. I was sitting against a tree on the edge of a corn field. He walked the edge of the field and came up with in a few feet and sniffd my boot. Didn't seem to be bothered until I twitched my foot...the he turned himself inside out. As did I.

Were you having a good nap and he interrupted your sleep??

51 degree temp change since yesterday morning. We've gone from minus 27 to 24 above. Not sure I can handle the heat.

No it was early enough in the morning.

went and got another job today.
that's eleven in the last 4 years.
half the commute ,more money.
booked solid for the next two years

Originally Posted by fluffy

went and got another job today.
that's eleven in the last 4 years.
half the commute ,more money.
booked solid for the next two years

Starting in high school I've had three jobs 3 years then 15 years and so far 14 years . I don't care much for change I spect.

Good luck on the new job, Fluffy.

good luck on the job! I almost took a job with the VA here in town, and now they are shutting it down, that woulda been a bad deal! gonna dry this place up I'm afraid.

Today is my last deer hunting day. season ends the 15th but I have one tag left and am hunting with my dad to finish the season. we saw a bunch yesterday when we were out, fingers crossed for a tag out, short drag last day

Any of you boys know anything about hardwood flooring? I'm looking for some prefinished stuff for our addition which is family room, dining room and hallway. Which is better engineered or solid? I want something with contrast in the wood, such as hickory or maple, or maybe birch. Anything good or bad about one brand or another I'm all ears?

lumber liquidators usually has some pretty darn good prices on wood flooring. We have had both engineered and solid wood and the solid wood has held up better....but....that is a sample size of 1 so take it with a grain of salt. You can refinish the solid wood more than the engineered, but realistically I dont know many people who are going to refinish their floor more than once or twice.

One big decision is if you want the sculpted or textured (it looks like there is a very slight longitudinal wave) vs the perfectly flat. I have had the flat.

Sorry, that is not much help, but that is what I know.

I refinished our wood floors, that's about all I know when it comes to them.
my folks had the hand scraped in their house in Colorado and I really liked the look and feel of that. plus it wasn't as noticeable when it came to being dusty or a little dog hair like perfectly smooth floors show.

I put in prefinished hickory. Got it from Menards.

It looks great but it seems to have lost some of the color contrast.

I plan on refinishing it at some point to seal up all of the joints. I'm very careful about wiping up any spills immediately so they don't soak into the cracks.

It seems pretty durable but I'm sure a quality coating would be better.

If I were to do it again I'd sand & coat the surface after installation.

Ever try that murphy's oil soap?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Any of you boys know anything about hardwood flooring? I'm looking for some prefinished stuff for our addition which is family room, dining room and hallway. Which is better engineered or solid? I want something with contrast in the wood, such as hickory or maple, or maybe birch. Anything good or bad about one brand or another I'm all ears?

We had the original wood floors restored 2 years ago ( Had been covered with carpet for years). We discovered that we had a mix of Black Ash, Maple, Hickory and a Oak. The result was awesome.

You might want to consider a mixture of woods to get the contrast you want.

My little buddy had his first wrestling dual up in Pine City yesterday and he placed 3rd and got his first pin. He was pretty excited.

It's fun to watch him and learn. I know absolutely nothing about traditional wrestling and it's neat to see him progress.

Originally Posted by tzone

I know absolutely nothing about traditional wrestling....

Perzactly what kind of wrestling do you know about? Mud rastlin'?

Send him up here for wrasslin boot camp this summer. We'll get him whipped into shape.

It looks like Joe is giving a clinic on fish catchin.

Yep, showing old school techniques. Hand over hand, mono line, back to the basics.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Preacher,

What cu doing wit a feesh in Momma's new kitchen ?

We released it through the living room floor.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We released it through the living room floor.

[Linked Image]

My favorite Preacher fishin story was when we were in WB's fish shack. Joe was about 4 or 5 and a bobber in the shack started to go under. Preacher points it out and WB says "you know what to do Joe?" Preacher says "OH YEAH, I got IT!" and reels up the fish with a [bleep]' grin only the Preacher can have.

That still makes me smile like heck.

What kind of boot camp WB?

We breed according to genetics to make good wrestlers up here. It's that serious.

If I remember right, we just walked into the house to visit, they had been watching dead bobbers. Joe walks over, grabs a rod, sets the hook. Scott tossed it in the pail and Joe said something like "Well, that was easy."

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by White_Bear

We breed according to genetics to make good wrestlers up here. It's that serious.

He's not kidding.

lol.

Yep! I forgot the "easy" part. That's right.

Well the boy has bear paw hands so that's a start. Seriously, they're monsters. nearly as big as mine.

How'd you do on Walleyes, Dave?

It was pretty slow, Bill.

But all it takes is one good fish to make the whole trip very memorable.

That's for sure. Kinda like walleye tourney's. Same theory.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It was pretty slow, Bill.

But all it takes is one good fish to make the whole trip very memorable.

A "bad" day of fishing is better than a good day at work.

Even with ZERO fish.

OK, considering what I do to myself playing hockey, how can tiling a stupid bathroom floor have me so sore????

Was the wife flipping the tiles to you with a stick? Were you trying to block them into the tub?

Originally Posted by tzone

Was the wife flipping the tiles to you with a stick? Were you trying to block them into the tub?

Nah, it's just that I am pretty flexible and in good shape, yet I am really, really sore from kneeling down so much.

Thanks for sharing, Tom. We've got about 4" of the white stuff that you sent our way.

Here too. Still coming down.

Same here. Looked like it quit for a while, but it changed to a fine mist. Now it's back to snow. Looks like it going to be at least 5" before it's all done.

My dad is in Mexico and I had to plow 8 different places this morning. Rusty does not begin to describe how I felt about my plowing skills with gas pumps and customers all around. I havent plowed for a long time. But it was pretty fun to do it again. Managed not to hit anything or anyone, despite customers not having any awareness.

Dave, I really liked the ability to scoop and vee. Man, that really helps a guy avoid dingleberries.

BM, if you need more practice head over our way. We're at 9.2" so far and it's still coming down.

20 car pile up on I39 about 10 miles North of us this afternoon.

Jeesh! You can have it Bill. I think we got 4 or so. The snow plow must have come by the house at 55mph. The snow was 1/2 way up the driveway!

Griz,
Nah, I am quite content to have it all done for me without having to lift a finger. Thanks Dad! But this time, I had to give the payback. He said it was 85 and so sunny he had to come inside for a while down there!

55 mph winds here on Thursday, yikes! Can you imagine the drifts? We are supposed to get an inch or two more snow too.

Dave how come you be letting that fish go with its fillets still on it ?

There were pretty good drifts here today BM and the wind wasn't even bad. 55mph will make things interesting to say the least.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dave how come you be letting that fish go with its fillets still on it ?

Stupid rules....

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Just ordered Cabelas Predator Extreme Pac Boots. They have a good online sale going right now. I have heard great things about them.

I owe you a beer or two. I really need new "cold" weather boots, and they had my size, so I got a pair as well.

Between points and the sale, the reviews have me thinking that they are going to be worth what I paid and more.

Got home from fishing tonight and my boots were here. After supper, I took a little nap while the fish were thawing and then cleaned them. Now I'm typing on the pooter while wearing my new boots.

I'm on vacation this week so I'm up later than usual.

So far, they seem pretty snug with the extra liner in but according to the reviews they loosen up. They are a half size bigger than I normally wear so they should be fine. Definately can feel that they are going to be extremely warm!

Going to head outside and crank up the Toro in a few minutes and deal with remaining snow plus what the plow deposited.

headed to New Mexico in a bit, gonna maybe try to kill me a wapiti if I can

been stuck in the office all week coming up with the materials for the irrigation system I'm designing. grants all submitted, invoices received, next will be waiting on them to show up. I'm pretty excited!

Good Luck Ryan!

Good luck Ryan!

Good luck, Ryan.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Going to head outside and crank up the Toro in a few minutes

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

headed to New Mexico in a bit, gonna maybe try to kill me a wapiti if I can

Ryan wins.

fantastic Ryan! i am jealous! PLEASE keep us up to date as I want to live vicariously through you!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Just ordered Cabelas Predator Extreme Pac Boots. They have a good online sale going right now. I have heard great things about them.

I owe you a beer or two. I really need new "cold" weather boots, and they had my size, so I got a pair as well.

Between points and the sale, the reviews have me thinking that they are going to be worth what I paid and more.

Got home from fishing tonight and my boots were here. After supper, I took a little nap while the fish were thawing and then cleaned them. Now I'm typing on the pooter while wearing my new boots.

I'm on vacation this week so I'm up later than usual.

So far, they seem pretty snug with the extra liner in but according to the reviews they loosen up. They are a half size bigger than I normally wear so they should be fine. Definately can feel that they are going to be extremely warm!

I wore mine outside today for a while. I really, really like them.

Again, I owe you a beer. My wife couldn't even give me crap about buying them when she saw how much "regular" price was.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Going to head outside and crank up the Toro in a few minutes

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

headed to New Mexico in a bit, gonna maybe try to kill me a wapiti if I can

Ryan wins.

Yes he does!

Living the dream ain't he.

Right now, he is on his way or there, eh? That lucky knucklehead! He is living MY dream! I really hope he has some good stories and gets one for the freezer.

WINDY here. Holy cow. still saying gusts to 55 mph!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Just ordered Cabelas Predator Extreme Pac Boots. They have a good online sale going right now. I have heard great things about them.

I owe you a beer or two. I really need new "cold" weather boots, and they had my size, so I got a pair as well.

Between points and the sale, the reviews have me thinking that they are going to be worth what I paid and more.

Got home from fishing tonight and my boots were here. After supper, I took a little nap while the fish were thawing and then cleaned them. Now I'm typing on the pooter while wearing my new boots.

I'm on vacation this week so I'm up later than usual.

So far, they seem pretty snug with the extra liner in but according to the reviews they loosen up. They are a half size bigger than I normally wear so they should be fine. Definately can feel that they are going to be extremely warm!

I wore mine outside today for a while. I really, really like them.

Again, I owe you a beer. My wife couldn't even give me crap about buying them when she saw how much "regular" price was.

I'll take you up on that beer someday Goalie! mmmmmmmmmm beeeeeeeeeeeer

A few weeks ago, I scored on the Cabelas stand hunter extreme bibs and parka they had online for 55% off regular price. Now I believe I'm ready for some all day late season sits with the bow or muzzleloader. Cabelas really draws a guy in with the points back program don't they?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

WINDY here. Holy cow. still saying gusts to 55 mph!

Just about a total white out here. Schools closed. My American Flag is sticking straight out from the pole. I probably should have taken it down before this crud moved in.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

[quote=Berettaman]
My American Flag is sticking straight out from the pole.

I really hope you're actually talking about your American flag.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'll take you up on that beer someday Goalie! mmmmmmmmmm beeeeeeeeeeeer

A few weeks ago, I scored on the Cabelas stand hunter extreme bibs and parka they had online for 55% off regular price. Now I believe I'm ready for some all day late season sits with the bow or muzzleloader. Cabelas really draws a guy in with the points back program don't they?

Yeah, my feet are going to be toasty in these.

We should set up a muzzle-loader hunt next season. I have a place up by Perham that could house a bunch of us, but my property isn't big enough for more than a few hunters. There is private land reasonably close though where I had success muzzle-loading before falling into private land to hunt.

I'm up for that

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

[quote=Berettaman]
My American Flag is sticking straight out from the pole.

I really hope you're actually talking about your American flag.

A welcome side effect from the blood thinners perhaps?

How ya been doing since your scare? Thinking good thoughts.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I'll take you up on that beer someday Goalie! mmmmmmmmmm beeeeeeeeeeeer

A few weeks ago, I scored on the Cabelas stand hunter extreme bibs and parka they had online for 55% off regular price. Now I believe I'm ready for some all day late season sits with the bow or muzzleloader. Cabelas really draws a guy in with the points back program don't they?

Yeah, my feet are going to be toasty in these.

We should set up a muzzle-loader hunt next season. I have a place up by Perham that could house a bunch of us, but my property isn't big enough for more than a few hunters. There is private land reasonably close though where I had success muzzle-loading before falling into private land to hunt.

Goalie-if you've got room, I'd be interested.....and I really suck at poker.....

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

[quote=Berettaman]
My American Flag is sticking straight out from the pole.

I really hope you're actually talking about your American flag.

A welcome side effect from the blood thinners perhaps?

How ya been doing since your scare? Thinking good thoughts.

I'm doing pretty good. Thanks for asking.

Had a couple of scares where my chest tightened up and started hurting really bad in the heart area and it felt like I was trying to breathe through a plastic bag. The first time it happpened I was driving on interstate at 75 mph. I pulled over thinking I didn't want to become a 4,000 lb missle if I passed out....or worse. While I was sitting there debating if I should call 911 or try to get to the ER myself, it kind of subsided so I took off for the ER. It happened again when I was only a few blocks away so I chanced it and got to the ER. They hooked me up to everything they had and said everything was fine and they don't know what caused it. It's happened a time or two since but not near as severe as that first one. I would think that someone who is about to drown would have the same things going through their head that I did that day.

I can only think of one other time in my life that I've been that scared but that one didn't involve anything physical with me.

Just got in from blowing snow with my cub cadet. No cab and 0 degrees. I decided to try out my new parka, bibs and boots.

I was out there for 2 1/2 hours and I'm sweating like a feverish moose in a sauna! Holy crap that stuff is WARM!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

[quote=Berettaman]
My American Flag is sticking straight out from the pole.

I really hope you're actually talking about your American flag.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Just got in from blowing snow with my cub cadet. No cab and 0 degrees. I decided to try out my new parka, bibs and boots.

I was out there for 2 1/2 hours and I'm sweating like a feverish moose in a sauna! Holy crap that stuff is WARM!

I had to break the blower out this morning. Only had an inch of new snow, but the wind had a ball with the 10" we picked up earlier in the week. More snow on the way Saturday than again Monday and Wednesday. At this rate I'm going to have to bring in a truck and loader to haul it away.

I was over in the Western part of the state Thursday and the trip home was not fun. Total white outs from the blowing snow across Hwy 29.

Yuck! Back in Duluth to help my dad on his car and the snow is stacking up! Not many places to put it from plowing anymore.

got about 5-6 inches so far,as of 700 am Saturday.

Looks like it's going to miss us, yeah.

I need to get the snow rake out today and pull as much off the roof as I can.

Bill,

When you post your weather reports, I can't help but notice that your weather patterns are nearly identical to ours here in west central MN.

Just like when I spent a week in Brookville, PA for work. I learned that the guys I worked with paid attention to the weather in Fargo because whatever Fargo was getting they usually got 2 - 3 days later.

I find that fascinating

How is the new job going Fluffy?

Thanks for sharing Rooster. What ever weather you get, we normally do get about 6 - 8 hours later.

Did pull quite a bit of snow off the roof on the North side. I use a 6' step ladder a 16' snow rake. Not fun. The worst was the flat roof over the porch.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How is the new job going Fluffy?

this Friday is my last day at my present job.
the manager told me it felt like getting kicked in the nuts when he found out I was leaving.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How is the new job going Fluffy?

this Friday is my last day at my present job.
the manager told me it felt like getting kicked in the nuts when he found out I was leaving.

Well I would certainly think so. I've seen your work on here. Good luck on your new endeavor!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How is the new job going Fluffy?

this Friday is my last day at my present job.
the manager told me it felt like getting kicked in the nuts when he found out I was leaving.

He felt real bad but couldn't come up with any more $ ? Typical management.

Shot two ol boar squirrels this am gonna make squirrel and dumplings maybe. They've been boing since noon and still as tough as a rubber ball .

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How is the new job going Fluffy?

this Friday is my last day at my present job.
the manager told me it felt like getting kicked in the nuts when he found out I was leaving.

Typical.

Good luck on the new job.

made it home, exhausted. had an awesome trip, brought meat home although I didn't get a chance to hunt elk, they had already moved off the ranch. killed some prairie dogs and spent time with a good friend.

You brought prarie dogs home for meat? Gross!

Glad u made er back safely.

Originally Posted by tzone

You brought prarie dogs home for meat? Gross!

Glad u made er back safely.

Couldn't be any worse than that squirrel we ate tonight the dumplings were most excellent but I swear one of them suckers was on the boat with Noah.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How is the new job going Fluffy?

this Friday is my last day at my present job.
the manager told me it felt like getting kicked in the nuts when he found out I was leaving.

He felt real bad but couldn't come up with any more $ ? Typical management.

I have a feeling they are going to try,but Im not sure I want to stay.

Originally Posted by mule1

Shot two ol boar squirrels this am gonna make squirrel and dumplings maybe. They've been boing since noon and still as tough as a rubber ball .

pressure cooker.

I cooked up some lower grade beef cuts the other day to make stroganoff,total time to cook the 2 lbs of cubed beef?

25 minutes,and it was falling apart.

fluffy, best of luck on your new employment. Knock 'em dead.

Stan in SC

You are right Fluffy a pressure cooker will make the toughest of old fox squirrels fit to eat

Man, I need a pressure cooker. I want to can some venison next year.

Going to take a bunch of them to make a meal. You might want to get a pressure cooker.

I went to a wild game dinner at church Sat night. Must've had 30 different kinds of wild game there. Most if it was pretty good. Lots of venny and fish, but some muskrat, beaver, bear, pheasant, duck, goose, rabbit, caribou, and elk too. Don't remember any squirrel. I had a 1/2 tablespoon of coleslaw for veggies to make sure I completed my food pyramid.

Bad news is I was praying to the porcelain god big time at 2:30 in the morning. Me thinks it was the dang cabbage.

that doesn't sound fun. that's why I leave them veggies up to the ruminants, they can handle that stuff. I reckon God gave me sharp teeth for a reason, and carrots and the like aint it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

that doesn't sound fun. that's why I leave them veggies up to the ruminants, they can handle that stuff. I reckon God gave me sharp teeth for a reason, and carrots and the like aint it.

at some point in time, you'll need to learn about "fiber" in your diet,and venison steak don't have much.

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

heck I had homemade baked beans beans and tenderloin last night, I reckon them count as veggies. there's the fiber right there!

even had a package of bacon in it to grease the gears.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

If that were to happen today, everyone would have had a video camera and posted it on U Tube.

My mother used a pressure cooker all her life with no problems, but she warned all of us about the possible dangers. Mom gave us one as a gift, but my wife was always to afraid of it to use it.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

That is why I plan to go American-made, from this place....even if it is made in Wisconsin.

http://www.allamericancanner.com/allamericanpressurecanner.htm

There is a difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner. Both work on the same basic principal but are used for different purposes. There are basic safety procedures for both, and the owners manuals will go a long way to getting you started safely. We use both cookers and canners.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

I often wondered how mechanically separated chicken was made.

I try to learn something significant everyday and this will definitely be the highlight of the month.

I honestly always figured sharp rotating blades were used in the process.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

There is a difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner. Both work on the same basic principal but are used for different purposes. There are basic safety procedures for both, and the owners manuals will go a long way to getting you started safely. We use both cookers and canners.

I plan on using it mainly to can venison.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

I often wondered how mechanically separated chicken was made.

I try to learn something significant everyday and this will definitely be the highlight of the month.

I honestly always figured sharp rotating blades were used in the process.

We have discussed the mechanical separation of chickens at great lengths and somehow we have failed to consider steam power in our theories.

I feel so foolish now.

Think power. Like the old steam engines and first tractors!

Does anyone ever ponder what the other types of seperated chicken are? Chemical? Manual?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Mom and Dad used to use a pressure cooker a lot until the occurrence of The Great Exploding Chicken beset us. Mom's cooking a whole chicken in the pressure cooker, and something went wrong because the emergency check valve blew-and so did the entire chicken bones and all right through the pencil-sized check valve hole.

The check valve blew with such force, it went through the sheetrock ceiling and up into the attic somewhere. The entire carcass blew through that little hole. We had chicken piece/parts from one end of the kitchen to the other. Bone fragments were actually stuck in the sheetrock. Talk about a mess. Had anyone been standing there at the time they would have been scalded and possible worse. We never used a pressure cooker again.

Ive only used them since deer season ,so Im not an expert, but the owners manuals all talk about making sure the vent pipe doesn't get plugged,and not to overfill it ,so as not to obstruct the pipe.

I went to the local supermarket chain last weekend,and bought an entire beef fore shank and canned it,just to see how it would work out. ended up about $3.00a lb, after paying for the bone.
next time I may try the stew meat,buy a few pounds and can it.same stuff,just cut up by them,and no bone.
round steak looks to be the best deal to can with
something else I want to do,is make some dilled cauliflower.
I like it a lot,but its just outrageous to buy.

I've got some venison to can, hopefully gonna do that one of these days. having a friend come down to show me how so I don't screw it up and blow a hole in the roof

We canned some venison a week or so ago. Awesome stuff. You can make a killer gravy for over french fries.The evil One is getting ready to make a roaster full of vegetable soup and can it. We haven't done that for a while. Fluffy the stew chunks will work just fine. I don't know what the canning process does to meat but it is darn good

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I've got some venison to can, hopefully gonna do that one of these days. having a friend come down to show me how so I don't screw it up and blow a hole in the roof

Video it in case you do so we call all see what's going on.

Can?? Can??
We doan need no steekin cans.
We got FREEZERS.
(With apologies to the original "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" movie)

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Bill_55

. I don't know what the canning process does to meat but it is darn good

pressurizing allows the temp to go higher ,for one thing .15 psi pressure means about 260`.higher temps cook faster,and also tenderizes.
I read somewhere online recently where KFC uses a pressure frier to cook their chicken,and can cook a chicken done in 9 minutes.
Don't know if that's true or not,but mine cooks tough beef to falling apart tender in a half hour,something that can take hours otherwise.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I've got some venison to can, hopefully gonna do that one of these days. having a friend come down to show me how so I don't screw it up and blow a hole in the roof

Video it in case you do so we call all see what's going on.

I'll see if I can webcam it, my video camera broke. apparently on a late season muzzleloader hunt when it is really cold, you can break them things carrying them in your pocket. who knew!

Originally Posted by fluffy

I read somewhere online recently where KFC uses a pressure frier to cook their chicken,and can cook a chicken done in 9 minutes.
Don't know if that's true or not,but mine cooks tough beef to falling apart tender in a half hour,something that can take hours otherwise.

Well they do sorta. Like the chicken you'd buy from the hot case in your deli at Cub Foods or Super Value. It's deep fried/pressueized. Except they do it at about 325-350 in hot oil. I worked in the Cub Food deli for quite a while.

News Flash!

The WI DNR has approved the elimination of in-person deer registration by 2015. Hunters will now be able to register deer kills via phone or the internet.

sounds easier! self registration is a huge step in making things a lot easier for you guys. congrats. do they still have those backtags they make you wear? next will be getting rid of those!

end of the year here we fill out a survey. when/where deer was shot. species/sex etc. then we can leave comments and suggestions.

That's how we do it here now Bill. I think it saves the state money as well. Or it does after they set up the system. At times it was fun to haul all the deer in to register and others it was a pain in the butt.

Ryan,

I don't think WI will ever get rid of the back tages. Maybe Gov. Walker will though. I know the DNR is STRONLY against it. Really, it's pretty useless imo.

I agree. Never really understood the back tag thing but I believe it helped identify the Hmong that ran amuck with an SKS shooting all those hunters a few years ago.

Rooster, my dad recently had a conversation with the guy who was hunting next door to that shooting at the time (some of his group testified at the trial). WOW, what an interesting conversation. The story that was NOT in the media really paints the picture of what happened out there and why.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Rooster, my dad recently had a conversation with the guy who was hunting next door to that shooting at the time (some of his group testified at the trial). WOW, what an interesting conversation. The story that was NOT in the media really paints the picture of what happened out there and why.

Yeah I got the feeling that it wasn't all one sided...

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sounds easier! self registration is a huge step in making things a lot easier for you guys. congrats. do they still have those backtags they make you wear? next will be getting rid of those!

end of the year here we fill out a survey. when/where deer was shot. species/sex etc. then we can leave comments and suggestions.

Still have the back tags (For now) although the DNR would vote to keep them. As BM and Rooster stated they did help ID the shooter in that incident awhile back.

DNR is saying that eliminating in person registration will save about $185K per year. They still have concerns though about getting samples for CWD.

Our clan wasn't too far from that either really. It was a troublesome day in the WI deer woods for sure. It was covered a lot more in WI than it was here. That dude was on a mission, no question about it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

DNR is saying that eliminating in person registration will save about $185K per year. They still have concerns though about getting samples for CWD.

I think there will be enough if they need to take samples. They could still require the areas with CWD to register them at a station.

If anyone wants to hear the story on that day from people hunting next to it, let me know. I dunno if I should post it here or not. I suppose I could private message it or something. Suffice it to say, the story starts a year before and it does not start with Chai Vang.

I would like to know

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

DNR is saying that eliminating in person registration will save about $185K per year. They still have concerns though about getting samples for CWD.

I think there will be enough if they need to take samples. They could still require the areas with CWD to register them at a station.

here they have drop boxes where hunters can voluntarily drop the heads off to be tested. I wish there was one closer to me than rapid city though

Originally Posted by Berettaman

If anyone wants to hear the story on that day from people hunting next to it, let me know. I dunno if I should post it here or not. I suppose I could private message it or something. Suffice it to say, the story starts a year before and it does not start with Chai Vang.

I'll take a listen. Or a read.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

If anyone wants to hear the story on that day from people hunting next to it, let me know. I dunno if I should post it here or not. I suppose I could private message it or something. Suffice it to say, the story starts a year before and it does not start with Chai Vang.

I'll take a listen. Or a read.

Id be interested also.

Hey Goalie! How about that Kuemper! Beatin those world champs!

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Goalie! How about that Kuemper! Beatin those world champs!

Awesome.

Sad that the shutout got blown with a half-minute left though. Did you see where Kane had to put that shot to score even though it was back-door?????

He was really not-good his first several NHL games. It makes one wonder just how many goalies just needed some time to get rid of the butterflies but never got more than a few game shot in the show?

I'd be interested in hearing the story.

In South Carolina we used to have check in stations for deer killed. They got rid of that ten years or so back. Now we don't have any type of notification required.
When I lived in Georgia the DNR would send each big game license holder a form at the end of the year to fill out and return to them regarding deer kills while hunting.
Back tags??? We have to my recollection never had such here.
B,man, I would like to hear the rest of the story also. Group PM in order or can you do that on this forum?

Stan in SC

I completly agree with you. I've not been a fan of Backstrom and we knew Harding was on borrowed time as far as playing. MS can be pretty agressive with some people. If he doesn't come back, he can go out knowing he was the best in world this year.

I'm hoping to see that version of the Wild from here through June.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

If anyone wants to hear the story on that day from people hunting next to it, let me know. I dunno if I should post it here or not. I suppose I could private message it or something. Suffice it to say, the story starts a year before and it does not start with Chai Vang.

I would like to know as well

Originally Posted by tzone

Our clan wasn't too far from that either really. It was a troublesome day in the WI deer woods for sure.

That was a troublesome day for hunters everywhere. I remember the sick feeling I had in my gut when the reports started coming out about what happened to those men

Congrats on your last day of work Fluffy and Good Luck at your next job!

okay, i am doing a group PM that includes Stan, Tzone, Col-a-rad-a 1135, Gopher, Rooster, and fluffy. Hope it works.

B-man,

I'd like to hear the story as well.

thanks....Jeff

Add me to the list.

My late brothers property wasn't all that far from where it happened. Two of our camp members live in Rice Lake and knew the victims.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I typed up this big long story and then tried to submit it to the group without a subject and lost it all. Then I retyped it and tried to add j elky and lost it again! when you hit "back" you lose what you typed!

I will do it again, and copy the dang thing before i do a dadgum thing this time.

By the way, go to widipedia and search for Chai Vang for the story that was told in the media. It is a good refresher.

put me in there b-man

I'd like to hear it too, BM. We have 750,000 +/- hunters in the woods opening day and there's a large percentage who carry a sidearm with extra mags because of this. I may or may not be one of them.

I wish we had deer checks. Our DNR has no clue how many deer are harvested or how many deer there are to begin with. Makes managing the herd a guessing game.

We got rid of back tags many years ago. I don't know what good they are although you know at a glance if a guy has a valid tag or not. Funny, hunting coats and vests still come with that holder on the back so you don't have pierce the fabric. My mom used to sew those on for us back in the day.

I figured I'd wait and see if you'd post it publicly first, but if you're doing a group PM then I'd be interested as well.

Thanks for taking the time to write that up for us BM.

I would like to have the story also.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Thanks for taking the time to write that up for us BM.

Yes, thanks - much appreciated.

B-man please include me

Thanks BM. Quite the story.

Yes, thanks for sharing!

Very interesting indeed. I passed it on to my buddy up in Rice Lake.

BM, thanks for sharing the story.

It sure is interesting. It is a different viewpoint from what the media portrayed. Which one is closer to the truth, we will probably never know for sure.

Grizzly Bill made a good point. a couple years prior to this event, a WI hunter was shot in the back and a white Toyota was seen leaving the scene. Vang had a white Toyota at that time and was in WI, but couldnt be placed near the scene of the crime. Circumstantial for sure, but quite the koinkydink at the same time.

I posted this in the PM thread too but thought I would share it here as well because this shooting bothered me then and still does when I think about it.

I don't know why this one sticks in my craw so bad. It literally makes me feel ill when I think about it. We hear of shootings and murders everyday but this one, this one is just different for some reason.

I don't know if its because it involved our beloved sport of deer hunting or if there was just pure evil tied to it but it stands out as one that bothers me to the core.

I'd like to hear it also, I was only a few miles away at the time thanks

Please include me on the list
Thanks
Phil

Thanks for the story, sad that it would go to the point that someone had to lose they life.

I always figured there was more to it than made the news. If it isn't too much trouble I would like to read it too.

I feel like the odd-man-out, but I have zero interest in that whole story/tragedy.

A few things have changed about my mindset/thought process while hunting because of it, and not in ways that make me happy.

I understand. Ltest talk about hot rods!

Here is a 1955 Ford F-100. I have a 1955 Ford f-100 but it doesn't look like this.... yet. In my brain I want it to so I looked up some pics. This is very similar to what I want.

So far it has a 351w/c-6 auto trans and no interior due to a flood so I pulled it out. I'm putting on a drop axle to lower the front 3-4" and new springs in the rear to do make it sit level. I don't like a big hot rod rake, or not much of one anyway.

[Linked Image]

This is also what I'd like the exhaust to do. Out the back in roll pan instead of a truck bumper. I'd like to find some stainless steel or brushed aluminum "cut outs" that would go around the exhaust tips through the roll pan.

[Linked Image]

Oh hell yeah. That would be awesome for throwing buckzilla in the back and driving in to a big-buck contest in town.

well unless I run over buckzilla in September, there will be no deer in the back of that truck.

I butchered the last deer of the year today. shot it 2 weeks ago, temps were perfect to let it age, super tender and the backstraps are cooking in the crockpot right now. yum yum!

oddly enough I never got into the hotrod or sporty car game. most of the time I have no idea what engine is in the vehicle I drive or own for that matter. to me they are a tool to move things from point A to point B. nothing against those who like it, I just never got into it. restoring a vehicle I can kinda see, I don't have the knack to do it. small engines I can fix like nobodies business, but cars never did it for me. kinda wish they had, I always feel like the odd man out when it comes to talking cars with guys.

Well I'll tell ya what. I like the restoring part a lot more than I like the engine work. I know enough about both to get me in trouble but I like the welding and shaping of the metal more than getting it to move.

I can fix basic things on an engine and do routine maintenance, but after that I have to refer to someone else.

The 1978 Ford f150 4x4 I'm working on has taught me a lot about body work. My dad has been a great teacher in the regard. He's there if I get stuck but for the most part, turned me loose on it.

That '55 really won't have much custom body work or rust to fix for that matter. The roll pan would be the biggest custom work. It will be getting power disc break on the front for sure, and possible the back.

There will be another 1970's Ford truck after this one is finished. It's kind of a wish since I was a kid to have the ultimate hunting rig with one of those trucks. Truthfully, today's trucks are probably better suited for it. Fuel injection, better suspension, breaks, heat, air, but they don't have the cool factor I'm looking for.

RWS' 77 High Boy sure does though. I love that truck!

The 2001 Super Duty I got rid of last spring was close as well.

I hung up my tools when points disappeared.

Rooster, what are you sending my way? I see MN and the Dakotas are under a blizzard warning.

Roads have been bad around here since last Wednesday. Black ice has been a big issue. Low temps, high winds and fluffy snow have just polished the roads.

We were going to meet up with my brother and sister Friday night, but turned around just a couple of miles down the road due to the wind driven snow. When semis are only doing 40 mph you know it's bad.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster, what are you sending my way? I see MN and the Dakotas are under a blizzard warning.

So far so good BUT:

Snow totals from last night into this morning are adding up to about 5 inches in some spots. As we go through the morning, the developing windy conditions will start picking up this fresh snow and blowing it around to create yet another GROUND BLIZZARD. Blizzard conditions will first impact the north and west, then spreading southeastward through the morning hours. We could see wind gusts above 50 mph at times, especially this afternoon. With several inches of fresh snow to work with, travel will be hazardous, if not impossible. Please rethink any plans you may have for Sunday. If you must travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, you have a survival kit with you, and let someone know your route and estimated travel time. The wind will likely not diminish until late tonight into early Monday. Getting stuck out this weather will prove extremely dangerous, as temperatures drop throughout the day and wind chills reach -50. Better stay home and stay safe. Subzero conditions will be here to stay first half of the week

Lovely...

I say that not because of the so called "blizzard" but for the cold that is to follow. That is getting old. Just like the saying "nothing good ever happens after midnight". Nothing works right below -20* F

I wish that I had the skills to do bodywork. I can see how to do it but not the patients.

I do enjoy working with metal but I prefer 1/8" or thicker.

I don't have the skills of our very own ND, not even close, but I do enjoy it. I have ideas, just need to practice with them.

You need this: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/4252636594.html

No blizzard warnings for us (Yet) but the temps are going to take a dump tonight. High Monday is around minus 15 and the low will be in the minus 30 range. Winds will be picking up too.

My brother is leaving Wednesday for 5 weeks in Texas.

Well....the wind has arrived. With authority!

Pictures look decent. I can see cab corner work already.

I do like that 300 inline 6cyl. Nearly bullet proof.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well....the wind has arrived. With authority!

Picking up here, too. Most of the school districts in the area are closing Monday/Tuesday.

Been a complete white out here for a few hours now.

had to drive about 50 miles today- not fun.

It's 35 years old. You aren't going to find too many around here that don't need cab corners. And it's a 4 speed.

If I was looking for a project truck for myself, that would be a very good candidate.

I'd be curious of the gear ratio, likely 3.5:1

With 33.10.5's you might likely get 15 mpg.

Plus, you could always upgrade the engine with late model efi or just go a mid 90's efi swap.

That truck gives me the impression it is simply an original survivor. Those are the ones you want to get hold of rather than something that has already been "fixed up" once or twice.

That really would be a good hunting rig. 79 had better steering geometry, the half ton's ride much nicer than the 3/4's. Lighter in the front with the 6 vs the V8, less displacement equates to better potential for economy. The long stroke of that 6 gives good towing/lugging torque.

What's not to like?

I know bucktail. You should have seen the on I'm working on now. There isn't much that wasn't repaired or replaced. The interior is now painted and the exterior needs a final sand, then it's ready for paint.

Didn't mean to give the impression that I didn't like it. I do, quite a bit. And I agree with you. It seems to be a survivor rather than one that was fixed up. I am a fan of that 300-6. I had a 85 f-150 4x4 w/300 i-6 and a 4sp manal trans. I took that suceker all over the place. I don't remember gas mileage other than it was better than my 79 Bronco.

With a muffler on a smooth running 300, you could hardly tell it was on.

Though,, a second look at that truck looks like it has as older box on it. I see two fuel caps without doors. I believe 78 and 79 has the fuel doors with the filler caps behind them.

could be Tom, Unless maybe the "custom" level didn't have doors? I dunno.

That could be. I dunno either. I do know on my 76, I lost about 5 fuel caps because I kept forgetting to put it back on when I was done at the pump.

With full time 4wd and a 390, I was at the pump a lot.

I'd also like to know about this. Thanks for offering.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

If I was looking for a project truck for myself, that would be a very good candidate.

I'd be curious of the gear ratio, likely 3.5:1

With 33.10.5's you might likely get 15 mpg.

Plus, you could always upgrade the engine with late model efi or just go a mid 90's efi swap.

That truck gives me the impression it is simply an original survivor. Those are the ones you want to get hold of rather than something that has already been "fixed up" once or twice.

That really would be a good hunting rig. 79 had better steering geometry, the half ton's ride much nicer than the 3/4's. Lighter in the front with the 6 vs the V8, less displacement equates to better potential for economy. The long stroke of that 6 gives good towing/lugging torque.

What's not to like?

Throw a flux capacitor in there and run, oh, say 3 million jigowatts through it. By gosh now yer talkin'. Putting in a reverse diflanginator would take it to a whole different level!

I love talkin' cars wit da guys. Arghhh!

Be careful for the vapor lock.

it'll get ya.

Does that lock keep out the polar vortex?

Only if the giggle rod and ifling pins are properly installed.

Griz, I thought you needed the stainless steel conifner pins for that?

Here is my pearl of wisdom for the week: Don't fly if you have a cold. OHMYGOSH, I have never been more miserable. My right ear didnt pop and I had so much pressure that it affected my optical nerves and my eyes.

I am in Houston now and observing a total PANIC over their winter weather. Shops and business are closed and people are dressed in so many layers it is comical. How bad of weather do you ask? 35 degrees with light rain and the fear of snow or ice. Winter weather adviseries, the news crews are out on location filming roads, and people are freaking out. I just shake my head. oh, and they canceled all the flights in here today. I had to come in yesterday to Austin and drive over.

Stainless wont cut it. Conifer pins need to be titanium,

I was in Dallas back in the late 70's when an ice storm hit. It wasn't pretty folks. The roads went from zero to total gridlock in less than a minute.

A lot like Atlanta, GA a few years back when I went to visit my buddy and his wife a few years back. First time in 30 years it snows there in a measurable amount, is when we go there.

Goalie. You have this game on? She's a beauty! I'm REALLY starting to like Kuemper.

Hell, I'm really liking the whole damn crew! Up 4-1 on the Ducks, with 10 to go in the 3rd. I'll take it.

Two inches of snow here. Nothing for you "up nort" guys and gals but schools are shut down for Wednesday, offices announcing closings, not a damn loaf of bread or bottle of milk left in any grocery store. Incidentally what's up with the bread and milk thing? Happens every time we get snow. I live here and don't understand it.
My gun/pawn shop part time job is not affected since we are normally closed on Wednesday anyway.
We don't usually get much snow. It is really pretty. The two little white boys are constantly in and out the pet door. Little doggie tracks all over the yard. They love it.
I have a lot of suet feeders and bird seed out all the time so our feathered ones are ok. I noticed yesterday that they are going at the suet a lot. Quick body heat builder I guess since it contains mucho tallow type fat.
It is 5:30AM here. I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't sleep so got on here. I call it " Geezer sleep".The older you get the less you sleep. Remember that.
On the subject of Ford 300 cubic inch six cylinder engines, I believe that is a real solid and dependable engine for a working style truck.I had a Ford van with that engine once and I thought it would last forever. One thing I remember was that it ALWAYS started. Never let me down in that respect.
OK,I am chatty as all get out this AM. Have a great day my friends.
Fluffy, much luck on the new job.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Goalie. You have this game on? She's a beauty! I'm REALLY starting to like Kuemper.

Hell, I'm really liking the whole damn crew! Up 4-1 on the Ducks, with 10 to go in the 3rd. I'll take it.

That was a rhetorical question, right?

He's playing great. At that level, all the goalies have the tools in the toolbox, it's all about that seven inches between their ears.

Those were two points we NEED if I am going to be at a playoff game drinking 12 dollar beers this Spring.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Incidentally what's up with the bread and milk thing? Happens every time we get snow. I live here and don't understand it.
Stan in SC

Maybe it's because the southerner's heard that most northerners's are conceived during snow storms when there is nothing else to to do but get bred?

Originally Posted by goalie

That was a rhetorical question, right?

He's playing great. At that level, all the goalies have the tools in the toolbox, it's all about that seven inches between their ears.

Those were two points we NEED if I am going to be at a playoff game drinking 12 dollar beers this Spring.....

Of course it was a rhetorical question.

They came out a little flat but, then BAM, kicked it up several notches in a hurry.

Do you have tix? I'd buy on or maybe two and split the beer with you this spring. Something to think about...

Stan, when I worked at Cub Foods in HS and college, it was the same thing. The day before a storm the place was packed with people stacking up on bread. The difference being we usually get nearly a week of cold behind the storm, where you guys will have that snow melted pretty quickly.

Talked with my buddy in Louisiana yesterday. He's from Wisconsin and knows how to deal with the weather. The problem in the South is they don't have the equipment or experience to deal with snow and ice. Rick relayed the following to me about a salting operation on a bridge that was televised.

One of the Parishes had salt but no equipment to spreads it properly on the bridge. They loaded a dump truck with salt, cracked open the gate and drove across the bridge letting the salt spill out. A work crew followed the truck using rakes to help spread the salt. Rick said that when they finished, the salt was ankle deep on the bridge deck.

Stan I am pretty close to geezerhod status myself and I believe it isn't that we don't need as much sleep it just eludes us. I could use a lot more sleep than I get.

That will keep guys like me in business for long time fixing bridges.

I stayed home with the kids yesterday since school was cancelled. I took a nap. Man did I feel good the rest of the day. I'm going to have to look further into this.

Originally Posted by tzone

I stayed home with the kids yesterday since school was cancelled. I took a nap. Man did I feel good the rest of the day. I'm going to have to look further into this.

My goodness, Tom. you just jumped right into geezer hood.

Fine with me if I can have a nap!

Originally Posted by tzone

Do you have tix? I'd buy on or maybe two and split the beer with you this spring. Something to think about...

Hmmm, let me see. I used to have season tickets, but don't anymore due to schedule and the little-guy making it not really feasible.

I may be able to score us tickets to a game though. There is a little lounge on the club level where the beer is free. All you have to do is tip the ex-North Star goalie who runs it during games, so I would buy you one there and you can buy me one of the 13 dollar ones in the concourse......

But I will PM you. I need to get to some more games.

Originally Posted by tzone

I stayed home with the kids yesterday since school was cancelled. I took a nap. Man did I feel good the rest of the day. I'm going to have to look further into this.

I consider it a sign of good parenting when I can get my little-guy to nap. The bounce-house at the health-club's kid area got me a nap yesterday.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Fluffy, much luck on the new job.

Stan in SC

so far the new job is spectacular. they give me blue prints and go away.

Im now working for one of the premier home builders in Minnesota.
looks like a first class operation all around.
sent me down to corporate office yesterday to fill out paper work.
started Monday,first check is due on Friday.

start at 500 am,work till 330 pm.
unlimited hours,vacation,holidays ,401k ,health insurance,aflac.
room for advancement.
Im liking it.
should go buy myself a new rifle to celebrate.

Sounds like you have gotten into something good. I am glad for you.

Stan in SC

My DIL just posted this on her Facebook page:

"My son just asked me, "Mom, if the people voted Obama in to office, can't they just vote him out of office, too?" I love the way my kiddo thinks!"

Sweet! Even the GF is into hockey now. She's never been to a game but wants to. Ifigure it can't get much better than a Wild playoff game to start off.

Good morning everyone!

Fluffy-congrats on the new job! It's always good to hear that someone is excited about their job and made a good move.

I'm surprised nobody has asked Dave about all the hard work Ol' Yeller has done lately....I'm sure he has some pictures.

Good Day Maam', I met ol' Yeller on the highway after dark last night. must have went back for the fish house again. i seen some pics. looks pretty wild out on the lake after these last few weeks of blowing.

Old yeller has seen a lot of action the past 2 nights.

Out of retirement and put to hard work on frozen Lake of the woods MN.

Chained up, growlin and howlin, old yeller performed a retrieval rescue for our big tandem axle ice fishing house last night. It looked to be impossible, recent storms have left hundreds of ice fishing houses stranded far out on the lake. The drifting winds erased any existing ice roads, plugged them shut. And the berms from the previous ice roads make plowing nearly impossible.

Herd to explain all that took place last night but you'll just have to trust me, it was impressive. lol!

Here's the truck and fish house safely parked on a new ice road after the rescue.

[Linked Image]

And here's the new fishing spot, room for the house and a truck.

[Linked Image]

Pam,great to see you posting. Been awhile.

Old Yeller, the Timex of trucks. "Takes a licking, but keeps on ticking".

Like to have seen a video of what you and that truck went through Dave. Would have made a great commercial for Ford.

24* above here this morning, but up to 5" of new snow expected to start shortly.

So does that mean 'Ol Yeller has a new clutch? Or does it need one more than ever now?

Hi Pam! Are you getting settled into the new house? We haven't heard from you for ever....don't be so shy. Heck, even Dave hasn't posted much. Hope you guys are doing well up there.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

24* above here this morning, but up to 5" of new snow expected to start shortly.

It was 26* when I started on my way to work this morning. Snow was a flyin. 22 miles and 2 hours and 40 minutes later I got here. It's now 16*. Isn't winter great?!?

Man I was starting to thikn Dave had retired and was just vegetating. I hadn't seen a picture of the fish house, old Yeller or anything forever. Good to see he is still active.Need more updates, lost of fishing pics ant the like. I'm off today so I think I will take a short nap and then bore some holes in my pond and see if I can catch a few gills. Been way below 0 all week and I finally got enough ice to try it. It is supposed to get to almost 30 today so I picked up some maggotsnd wax worms on the way home. Let you know later how it went.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

24* above here this morning, but up to 5" of new snow expected to start shortly.

It was 26* when I started on my way to work this morning. Snow was a flyin. 22 miles and 2 hours and 40 minutes later I got here. It's now 16*. Isn't winter great?!?

Nearly 3 hours to go 22 miles? Either traffic was at a standstill or you drove in reverse.

Snowing here too. Back to below zero at night for us for at least 4 days. According to the weatherman we've had 33 below zero days so far this winter. The record was 46 set in 2008. Looks like we've got a good shot at breaking the record.

Traffic was a freakin parking lot on the freeway's.

On 35w South, there was about a 30 car pile up by Forest Lake.

I had the best commute EVER today. [/sarcasm]

I did get to laugh at the people who don't understand how a 4WD vehicle helps in snow.....and, more importantly, how it DOESN'T help....

Originally Posted by tzone

So does that mean 'Ol Yeller has a new clutch? Or does it need one more than ever now?

Still running on borrowed time with the old clutch.

I just drive it like it's got a bad clutch, lots of low gear operating.

Originally Posted by goalie

I had the best commute EVER today. [/sarcasm]

I did get to laugh at the people who don't understand how a 4WD vehicle helps in snow.....and, more importantly, how it DOESN'T help....

Yep. Saw PLENTY of that!

Hi Pammy! How are you feeling?

Bet your trip home wont be fun either. Stopped snowing around 2:30 here. We got 4.5".

The wife and I have it all cleaned up. Didn't wont to wait as temps are going to be dropping to the sub zero range tonight.

What a workout my Toro has gotten this year.

if i ever move south, im taking my old plow truck, and a salt spreader with me. Ill be rich. The ol' 85 w150/250 snow commander dodge moves mountains :-D so much snow i bent the damn'd factory meyer blade lol

nah...trip home was fine. It stopped snowing by noon. There wasn't much going on today anyway so I bailed at 330

we got a shot of snow yesterday, must have 1/4" overnight. temps are barely in double digits. I can't wait til spring.

Me and ma, fighting the bubonic sniffles up here.

I just tried to blow my nose, must have pinched too hard, snot came out my ears and a little out from under my lower right eye lid.

Other than that, I feel pretty great.

Yuck. Sorry guys.

that just made me throw up in my mouth a little. yuck.

sorry you feel so crappy guys

Dave and Pam - It sounds like you have what we got. Wife has had it bad for 3 days and I started the sneezing thing yesterday. This morning on the way to work it felt like my head was growing. This isn't going to be fun.

On the bright side, I get to pick up my Ice Castle today!

Sorry to hear you guys have the creeping crud. Did you get I from the kids, or are you going to pass it on to them?

Son and grandson were down with something a couple of weeks ago but it was more of a stomach virus. Took them a week to get over it.

Rooster, are you getting a new or used unit?

what kind of ice castle you get rooster? lets see some pics. get it ready for the 20th. EElpout festival is a fine time to try it out.

It's a 2014 Ice Castle Spirit. Charcoal Gray Exterior. Basically new. It has only been used 3 times this winter. A friend works for an RV dealership and buys a new one every year.

It was a deal I couldn't pass up.

I have always wanted to go to the pout festival. I've always heard it's real good time. Not sure if this year would be in the cards or not but I have the option now.

Do you go every year Bushy?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

lets see some pics.

I will get some pics when I get it and have somebody post them for me.

Actually, it's just like the one in this link. Except more gray than black.

http://www.outletrecreation.com/IceHouse.aspx?qs=6BkLA1eG9yeNFoQu3tCGew==

I have the sinus issues too. Man, have I went through Kleenex's in the last week. I feel physically beat up dealing with this for a week. I hope you folks get over it faster than I have.

I am boat shopping! Somewhere, there is a boat that needs to spend its life in my garage (and of course the water).

I was on my way way to work this am,stopped in to holiday for some coffee.and started to sneeze.
been at it regular since.
Another new job perk,off at noon on Fridays.

Shazam!

Whaddyoudo? get a job with the government.

Hey Tom-I scored another spot to hunt in Lakeville. Right back behind the theatre across from my store down there. 'Just crawliin' with deer and turkeys. He just about begged me to come kill some deer-they're eating everything in sight.

Does he have any decoys set up?

I remember when the theatre WAS Lakeville! I'd say about 1996.

Originally Posted by tzone

Does he have any decoys set up?

Ha ha ha. That really sucked, didn't it? He told me he does have two tree stands, so I hope that's not an bad omen.......Didn't work out very good last time. When are the spring turkey apps due?

Spring turkey app were due Jan 10th I believe. You may be able to buy some OTC, I'm not sure how MN works. I'd be interested in that. I did apply for the area up by Stacy. One of the guys I coached football with has some property up there. The tags haven't been awarded yet, so when they do, we should be able to find out about OTC tags.

we got lots of turkeys out here Tom if you wanna come shoot a few. lots of tags available.

Too bad it isn't legal to hunt them in my back-yard. There is a huge flock of turkeys that hangs out around the SW-LRT trail.

Well...in a few years, I'll shoot em from the train.

The creamy green snot jello infections have been in our house since late December. With the little man living with us now its a new round every week brought home from day care . Antibiotics get you feeling betterbut never completely over it.

Daycare is a perti-dish of sickness! When the kids were in it, I don't think I was ever not sick. It sure seemed like it anyway.

I think I kicked my cold. It wasn't looking pretty for a couple days but now I'm fine. Wife is still sick.

This is how it's been ever since I started getting the flu shot. My cold's don't ever last more than two days and never get severe.....knock on wood...

Rooster, do you have a recipe for Groundhog stew? The rodent is predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Who'd of thunk?

Same here-they are the bullies of the neighborhood. They actually roost on my neighbors roof. They fight with the crows over roosting space in a big pine tree across the street. The crows are the only thing that can run 'em out. They kind of guard that pine tree, cuz they'll be nesting in it again this spring, as usual.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster, do you have a recipe for Groundhog stew? The rodent is predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Who'd of thunk?

Somebody outa shoot that devil rat!

Be careful, It might shoot back!

Howdy fellerz.

We just got back from the lake a while ago, we decided there was probably very little difference between being miserable at home or out at the lake, so we went fishing. I believe we are about done with our colds.

Here's a look outside in the area we were fishing.

[Linked Image]

Here's my fishing station, my rods hangin on the wall, rattle reel ready to go for night fishing.

[Linked Image]

This here baby walleye attacked me.

[Linked Image]

Weeny dog is always right there when a fish comes up the hole.

[Linked Image]

This was our best walleye of the weekend.

[Linked Image]

And the best sauger.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/fishweeknd6_zpsf79cd317.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/fishweeknd7_zps50f69727.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/fishing%20stuff/fishweeknd8_zpsd6efcb33.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dat sauger was hungry he ate right up to dat bobber!

Looks like a fine weekend dave! I thought about driving out today but got stuck doing other things again.

Dave what kind of rig was that on the sauger? Looked like a slip bobber but the spinner blade has me confused. I use crawler harnesses with blades but can't think of a ice rig I have seen with a blade that size.

I love the shot of Einer looking down the hole waiting the fish to come out. Cute little mutt you've got there, Dave.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Dave what kind of rig was that on the sauger? Looked like a slip bobber but the spinner blade has me confused. I use crawler harnesses with blades but can't think of a ice rig I have seen with a blade that size.

Correct on the slip bobber.

But it's a jig that uses a spinner blade as a jig head.

Similar to this one.

[Linked Image]

^^^^ One of my top three go to lures on LOW. ^^^^

I caught a bunch of nice fish on one yesterday.

Geeze...I was just thinking it's been 5 years since I fished up there. How in the hell did the time go by like that?

Awesome pics!

What size hole sleeves are you using Dave?

You mean length?

Yes

I cant remember, they came long and I measured and cut them to a good length with the house set down on the ice.

I used a cordless dewalt circular saw right out on the ice to cut them to length.

Thanks Dave I never saw a jig quite like thar but can see where it would work. it ought to flutter real good on the drop. I envy you guys. It is a 3 hr drive to Erie to fish big water plus the wait at the airport to fly out to the island to fish Put In Bay, and we haven't had dependable ice for several years.

A coworker & I took snowmobiles on a northern adventure Sunday. We unloaded at took off towards ND's shack which is about 6 miles from the resort I think. From there we went another 19-20 miles across the lake until no other house could be seen.

A little slow in the morning but we filled out on walleyes and saugers. We also caught 5 perch over 12", one slightly under and a regular one. Back to the truck & loaded by 4:00pm.

We ended up with a dandy pail of fish & had a good time on an adventure to a place not many would wander to in the dead of winter. It was -20*F when we began our trip.

How is that new sled White Bear?

I really like it. Perfect machine for what I do. I'm still a little torn between two or four stroke but it has plenty of power.

I am usually happy with my purchases because they are well thought out. This one has really exceeded my expectations.

I'm working on an intake heater to make sure they will start at -20*F or even colder when not plugged in. I might look for a set of wider skis for the deep fluffy powder conditions. I believe there are some in the works.

I see. How are the ice roads up there for wheel houses now? Did they get them all cleaned out again?

yes it looks good at the moment.

what's the ice thickness, Dave?

24" to 33"

Probably support me then.

Law enforcement is advising ice fisherman not to leave any equipment in their shacks when they leave the ice. Numerous break ins are occurring. Propane bottle are the number one target of the thieves.

Propane is going for as much as $7 per gallon in some locals.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

24" to 33"

thats it?

I remember we used to need a 12"extension to get all the way through the ice,but I dont remember for sure how much ice there was,but the auger was right down to the handles before it got through,with the extension.

Ah yes. The auger extension.....

I never take mine off of my ice auger.

Also, we try not to mention extensions around ND. It's a bit of a sore subject for him and some of the other locals up here so shhhhh.

we're in a cold snap that might make enough ice for me to take the little man out this weekend and try to get some trout through the ice

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Ah yes. The auger extension.....

I never take mine off of my ice auger.

Also, we try not to mention extensions around ND. It's a bit of a sore subject for him and some of the other locals up here so shhhhh.

Be careful White Bear! You don't want to get Dave going and get himself banned off his own thread!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

lets see some pics.

I will get some pics when I get it and have somebody post them for me.

Actually, it's just like the one in this link. Except more gray than black.

http://www.outletrecreation.com/IceHouse.aspx?qs=6BkLA1eG9yeNFoQu3tCGew==

Here you go Rooster,

[Linked Image]

[img:center]http://www.outletrecreation.com/Auction/NewFiles/IceHouse146/5-8%20pics%20020.JPG[/img]

Hey thanks man! It's pretty much exactly like that only with charcoal gray exterior. 6 fishing holes in it. I might put one more in myself.

really nice Rooster, you didn't want the black one cuz I think I may have drooled all over it anyway....

I like the black too but could't be fussy in this case

After seeing the inside, I can see why I saw a bunch of people camping in them on the North Shore when I took the little-guy up for some tent-camping.

That ain't your grand-daddy's fish house. No sir.

sure is cold here today. -1 for the high. we aint used to it! it was -15 when I tried to leave for work, alas my pickup would not start. tomorrow we're supposed to be up in the 20's, thank the Lord for that. I lost my thick skin for the cold.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa -30 F here this morning and the old girl protested but she started! Got up to -4 I believe and is now -16 and falling

as you stated so eloquently to the southern brethren....it is winter bitches...deal with it!

See you Saturday pard!

Today is our 42nd below zero day of the season. The record is 46 days. Pretty sure we're going to break it.

Frozen water pipes are a problem in some cities. At least 4 cities/villages are telling people to run a small stream of water from their faucets.

I don't even count anymore. I just keep putting my wool socks and LJ's on before I go to work. Probably have had more coffee in the last 3 months than in the last 3 years combined though.

My Carhartt coveralls are really getting a workout this year. My wife put her foot down when I wanted to wear them to church.

what's wrong with wearing designer labels to church?

I Wear flannel.

So what's on taps for today ?

Took my youngest to local college to take ACT

Taking MIL to her grand daughters b-ball game

Wife says were going to Home depot later for new binds

EH76 and Bobcape are coming over and we're gonna can some venison, it's my first time, so I'm excited to learn this new way of preservation. I suppose I'll be deemed a "prepper" for long term food storage LOL. I just hate paying to run 2 freezers half the year.

Not a lot here. I'd like to go check out a few trucks and maybe fire up the cross country skis. Tomorrow is a wrestling meet for the Mini Man.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I suppose I'll be deemed a "prepper" for long term

Better than a Fluffer!

I'm going to spend the afternoon getting to know the new fish camper before I take it out on the ice. I want to get a good feel for how everything works.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

EH76 and Bobcape are coming over and we're gonna can some venison, it's my first time, so I'm excited to learn this new way of preservation. I suppose I'll be deemed a "prepper" for long term food storage LOL. I just hate paying to run 2 freezers half the year.

I just canned 14 quarts of v this past week.

cant hardly wait to eat it now.
but I can store it in a cabinet in the basement for free.

OK, you guys convinced me, I am jumping on the canning bandwagon next season.

why wait? thaw it out and can it man.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

why wait? thaw it out and can it man.

The stuff that isn't going right onto a grill as-is is already sausage.

you got me there. I'm glad I learned how to do this, it's a little involved but no more than reloading, once you learn why and how, it's a no brainer. pretty cool actually!

why wait?
beef cans pretty well, too.
I made a big batch of stew and canned it a few weeks ago, to take for lunch at work.
just pop open a pint jar and microwave, home cooked lunch .
I plan on getting my technique down before next season. Take for instance, my stew.
not bad, but needs tweaking.
I saw a website that had a lot of recipes I want to try,and tips on how to do it better, some I have already saw the need for,
like the stew, she prepares the ingredients separately, then places an equal amount in each jar, something I wish I had done.
Ill put the link up here when I can later today.

here is the links

http://iowasue.blogspot.com/2010/03/some-basics-of-home-canning.html

http://iowasue.blogspot.com/2011/07/home-canned-beef-stew.html

Oooh, thanks fluffy.

Goalie the sausage cans well to. You can mash some up and make gravy to put over the ones you didn't mash up. Good over homefries, hashbrown, or frenchfries. Canned meat is some of the best eating you will ever get.
Bill

Everyone must be at Ryan's and fluffy's eating up the canned venison.

Minus 26 here this morning.

18 below here at sunrise. For some unknown reason the power is out to an outside cattle waterer and it froze up. Turned 52 heifers out to water at the creek. Called an electrician.

Wife and I are sitting here at the kitchen table sipping hot coffee wondering how far the cattle will scatter. Most likely clear to the back forty.

Originally Posted by roundoak

18 below here at sunrise. For some unknown reason the power is out to an outside cattle waterer and it froze up. Turned 52 heifers out to water at the creek. Called an electrician.

Wife and I sitting here at the kitchen table sipping hot coffee wondering how far the cattle will scatter. Most likely clear to the back forty.

Sorry about the trouble but I still envy you!

This desk job is for the birds...

I agree. I had one of those desk jobs once.

I wonder how bad it was this morn for my neighbors to da nort.....we had -19 this morning in the lowlands...:(

We had -18 here as well. Got my MN turkey tag in the mail late last week. It's almost too cold to think about that... almost.

Didn't get one for WI, but can buy OTC like we did last year. Both kiddo's want to tag along so that will make things interesting to say the least.

Got my tag too. I put in for season C with the hopes that I won't be trudging through 4 feet of snow.

Got a WI turkey permit for April 30-May 6. With all the snow piled out there I am just wondering if I will have to shovel out a spot for my blind.

Be sure to tell us about the hunt with the two young'ns.

I got my MN tag for the "A" season. I'm sure there'll be snow. For WI, It'll be a later tag, I like the first and/or second week of May actually. For whatever reason, I've killed more turkeys between May 4-8 than any other time.

'Oak, my boy came with me last year to central WI (Tigerton), at the age of 7. We set up in the middle of a hay field at the bottom of a ridge the bird like to roost on. They either fly down to the field or disappear over the ridge where I don't have permission to hunt.

Here is the story from the turkey hunting forum last srping.

Turkey Hunt

-7 here this morning. We don't have as much snow on the ground as you guys because it all melted off then came back. I think we got about nine inches with about 2 inches of ice under it.Supposed to warm up a little the next couple of days then they say we get more freezing rain and more snow. Someone kill that damn groundhog
Bill

Forgot to add I am sitting here eating a canned venison samich. Left overs from the canned venison gravy and fried taters I had for breakfast last night about 2030. Just as good with a cold Busch Lite as it was with Iced tea and coffee last night.
Bill

About 6AM today it started snowing here. Came down steadily all day and have about 4 inch accumulation. Has quit now but will start up again later tonight and snow all day tomorrow for a forecast total of 10 inches.
The roads are clear but ought to ice up a bit all during the day tomorrow since it will drop below freezing about dawn tomorrow and snow a lot then.
Nothing like what you guys "up nort" get but a a fair amount for here at this time of year.
The gun shop I work in is closed on Wednesdays so it will not bother me tomorrow but Thursday morning just might be a bit of a problem.
I don't have problems driving in this stuff but I am so wary of a lot of other people who just seem to go beserk when it snows and ices a bit.

Stan in SC

Stan,

10" of snow is a lot "up nort" or in South Carolina. Just stay home and let the crazies drive in it and wreck their stuff.

Go with Tom's suggestion, Stan. Take a snow day Thursday.

Thought I'd send this out to my northern Minnesota brethren. I'm sure you know this feller. He kind of reminds me of my grandpa who's folks help settle those parts. Enjoy!

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2014/02/11/5382333/

Charlie, I have met and or know most of the people in that news clip. I think the only ones I don't know are the ones that have long since passed In some of the old photos.

Dave, I kinda figured you might know a few.

Good folks to be sure!

I love the fact that he still rides those older machines and that he put the first one together because they were "a bit lazy" to snowshoe 18 miles to deer camp! That made me laugh out loud. Great American product put out by great American workers. Cool stuff!

Thanks for posting that!

And that ladies and gentlemen is an American success story !!!!!!!!! Great video !!!!!!

CFT,
Thanks for posting that. One of the local news channels ran that story on him on Sunday in a piece called "Land of 10,000 Stories". It was great.

Did you catch the part about why he built it? Snowshoeing or skiing 18 MILES into deer camp?

I believe the saying goes "the best inventions are created out of necessity." I'd say it holds true in this case.

Looks like he was riding around on White Bear's sled too.

I know most of you guys don't drink beer but has anyone tried the new Busch Copper Ale?

I've never heard of it until today when there was an ad on the top of the deer camp thread.

Might have to give it run.

Thanks for posting, Charlie. I've mentioned this before, but back in the late 50's someone from Polaris shoed up at my dad's garage with 2 machines. He was trying to set up dealers. Dad turned him down. 10 years later dad was selling snowmobiles.

Thats copper Lager Tom. Not Copper Ale. Good thing to see David in that news article. He still comes walking by and says hi here in the office a few times a week to visit. Definetly super guy and came up with a great product.

Does that mean you tried it buschy?

Not to be confused with "copper logger" which is is when dave socks the chainsaw into a tree for camp firewood and he hits one of Tzone's 270 bullets in the middle of the tree.

lol

-He always was better at hitting trees, than hitting deer!

This story can only be partially true.... tzone hasn't had a 270 since 2001. I shot that tree in 2009.

And it was with a 7600 30-06, 165gr core-lokt

I did shoot that dang tree tho.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

-He always was better at hitting trees, than hitting deer!

Tell us that story about the decoy's again. I like that one.

Originally Posted by tzone

This story can only be partially true.... tzone hasn't had a 270 since 2001. I shot that tree in 2009.

And it was with a 7600 30-06, 165gr core-lokt

I did shoot that dang tree tho.

Needed some fiber in your diet did ya?

I figured I was mistaken when I wrote 270. I do remember it was a 30-06.

I've been meaning to cut that tree down and take the chunk with the bullet hole for a trophy to hang on the wall at the shack.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

-He always was better at hitting trees, than hitting deer!

Tell us that story about the decoy's again. I like that one.

Dadgummit, Tom! Now I gotta go get another keyboard!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I figured I was mistaken when I wrote 270. I do remember it was a 30-06.

I've been meaning to cut that tree down and take the chunk with the bullet hole for a trophy to hang on the wall at the shack.

Let Tom mount it! HE'LL MOUNT ANYTHING!

I do love the decoy story too.

lol!

I just may buy a few decoys just too keep things interesting around camp during these low deer population years.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I figured I was mistaken when I wrote 270. I do remember it was a 30-06.

I've been meaning to cut that tree down and take the chunk with the bullet hole for a trophy to hang on the wall at the shack.

I'm kind surprised it wasn't done that day. That was a good shot, that tree wasn't a very big diameter.

Bill,
We needed a little more fiber in the schickenbuck diet.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I figured I was mistaken when I wrote 270. I do remember it was a 30-06.

I've been meaning to cut that tree down and take the chunk with the bullet hole for a trophy to hang on the wall at the shack.

Let Tom mount it! HE'LL MOUNT ANYTHING!

Well...now I have the ability to do so with a clean conscience.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I do love the decoy story too.

lol!

I just may buy a few decoys just too keep things interesting around camp during these low deer population years.

Then Ryan needs to come back. My money is on him shooting the first one. As long as there's not a mouse anywhere near it.

I got a new Chickenbuck swamp walking stick. A 7600 carbine, 30-06. I was thinking of the blind we build by the clear cut when I shouldered it at the gun shop.

LOL I might be able to come back when the kids are a year or two older, I figured Dave has to come out here first, wouldn't seem right if I don't share too.
Tom you have a good chance of drawing this year right?

anyone else buying preference points for SD? they are only 5 bucks

It was the biggest buck I saw all season.......come to think of it, it was the ONLY buck I saw all season!

Did any of you guys ever run across the DNR boys set up with the stuffed "robo deer" trying to nail guys shooting from trucks? I hunted up by Bay Lake one time and they had a sting set up. Never heard how many they nailed on that one.

They actually have "robo grouse" for road hunters too.

Has the robo grouse ever been beaned with a bottle?

Not by me.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

LOL I might be able to come back when the kids are a year or two older, I figured Dave has to come out here first, wouldn't seem right if I don't share too.

Tom you have a good chance of drawing this year right?

Well I hope so. I put in for a PP last year. There is a possibility I can't come this year. I'm starting school in march and may not be able come out for a stretch of time....If I get drawn, are my points burned up or should I apply for another PP this year?

Wacha goin ta skool fer?

Robo-grouse would be safe around me too! I'd probably get the bottle closer to the Dudley DoRight hiding in the bushes!

And NO! I don't throw like a girl.

I know the "robo grouse" would be a big tool here for the DNR, especially in the UP. While setting up at the gun club for a charity shoot a few years ago, we got an old pick up door hung up at one of the stations and set the clay birds propped on a stump. It became the UP Grouse Station..and a big hit.

Pro-jeekt management. I already do it so I might as well get paid fer it. Right?

Good for you Tom. You will like parts of managing projects....and there are some parts that will suck, but hey all jobs have parts that suck so might as well be paid more to deal with them!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

LOL I might be able to come back when the kids are a year or two older, I figured Dave has to come out here first, wouldn't seem right if I don't share too.

Tom you have a good chance of drawing this year right?

Well I hope so. I put in for a PP last year. There is a possibility I can't come this year. I'm starting school in march and may not be able come out for a stretch of time....If I get drawn, are my points burned up or should I apply for another PP this year?

you can put in for another PP if you're unsure, just increases your odds for the next go round when you can make it. and no you don't lose em, but might as well add one, heck it's only 5 bucks

Tom,I was a project manager for 14 years for a world wide construction company. It was/is a good position.

Stan in SC

Cool Stan. Who did you work for?

I'm technically a construction inspector, but I've been managing a few projects for the last year and half.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

LOL I might be able to come back when the kids are a year or two older, I figured Dave has to come out here first, wouldn't seem right if I don't share too.

Tom you have a good chance of drawing this year right?

Well I hope so. I put in for a PP last year. There is a possibility I can't come this year. I'm starting school in march and may not be able come out for a stretch of time....If I get drawn, are my points burned up or should I apply for another PP this year?

you can put in for another PP if you're unsure, just increases your odds for the next go round when you can make it. and no you don't lose em, but might as well add one, heck it's only 5 bucks

Well I'd really like to go this year. Looking forward to it actually. I'll pm you soon about it.

I stopped in to gophers store for the first time last sunday morning. gopher wasn't around( not surprising as it was before 7 am)but they had a Savage axis in 223 for $289.

hmmmm.

The axis is a nice rifle for an extra nice price. I have several friends who have them and really like them for accuracy and price.Mainly accuracy.
Tom, I worked for The Austin Company out of Cleveland,Ohio. The company was bought by another one in 1981 and is now defunct.It's is amazing that Alan Austin and Allen,Jr. ran the company for almost 100 years and National Gypsum only took about 10 years to bankrupt it.There are some few offices of it still open but it is nothing like what it once was.
I later was to become national facilities manager for Allis Chalmers when the corporate office moved from West Allis,WI to Atlanta,Ga. They had been bought out by Deutz after the bankruptcy and Deutz moved it all to Atlanta.Then management bought Deutz out and it become AGCO.That was then an exciting time to work for that company as we began to buy other companies.
We bought Massey-Ferguson in Des Moines,Ia. among others.
Didn't mean to ramble on so.Anyway Project Management is exciting and can lead to other more lucrative positions.

Stan in SC

Very cool Stan!

How is that weather? Are you and the mrs. Holding up alright?

Originally Posted by fluffy

I stopped in to gophers store for the first time last sunday morning. gopher wasn't around( not surprising as it was before 7 am)but they had a Savage axis in 223 for $289.

hmmmm.

Fluffy-I've been looking at that one too. They've got a couple in .308 in back too.

Hey Tom-any interest in going to the gun show in Mpls. on Sunday?

To the Minnesota boys near the Twin Cities-the gun shop out in Shakopee is likely going away in the near future. I stopped out there Wednesday and spoke to Terry's wife. After 30 plus years in the business, they're retiring. It sounds like the shop might be done. Terry can be a little quirky, but he's got a lot of used guns out there with a good selection of high end double barrel shotguns. You might want to make a run out there and see what he's got before he shuts out the lights. It's right in down town across from the old river crossing.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Tom-any interest in going to the gun show in Mpls. on Sunday?

Can't do er, I'll be up in Wis-conny on Sunday.

Which gun shop is closing? Not Gun Stop, I hope.

Tom, if you're in Wausau there's a sports show at the Patriot Center this weekend.

Hi bill! Where the heck you been? I won't be to Wausau are until turkey season. How is that show? I haven't been there for a long time.

Never know what you're going to get with that show, Tom. First year it was great, the 2nd not so much. Last year was a bit better. Checked out the home show there last weekend and it was a major dud.

Tom,Thank you for asking.We are doing fine.The snow we get is the self shoveling kind with the help of the sun.As of today most of it is gone.
We had no inconvenience at all. In fact I went to work Thursday.

Stan in SC

Trying it

Verdict?

He sure is milking that beer. Must be either really good or really bad. Almost 2 hours now....

Taint bad.

I finally got a chance to spin off a cap and sip one, taste it and such. Wish I had a glass out here in the fish house to pour one into. From the bottle, I guess not bad. Need more to be sure.

what's it comparable to?

I opened the fridge last night and found a grainbelt that was in the door behind the ketchup. no idea how it got put there, nice little surprise, figured I'd save it for this afternoon when I'm canning more venison.

5.7 % alcohol?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Tom-any interest in going to the gun show in Mpls. on Sunday?

Can't do er, I'll be up in Wis-conny on Sunday.

Which gun shop is closing? Not Gun Stop, I hope.

Sports Stop on Lewis St.

'Been shopping E Bay pretty hard for fishing gear for my buddy down in Ohio that lost all his stuff in the house fire. Picked up a pristine Ambassadeur baitcaster for $23.50 including shipping. It's one of the newer, smaller ones, but it will be fine for a replacement. 'Hoping to get one more baitcaster, one spincast outfit, and possibly some spinning gear.

Gopher,

I've not heard of that one. It sounds like a good shop though from what you're saying. Too bad they're closing shop, we need as many good ones as we can.

Check out the "low profile" bait casters if he's a bass fisherman.

ABU _5600c4 the blue ones they are the bomb used to 99$ now 139:(

Mule1, I got one of those for my 30th birthday, almost 14 yrs ago. Still my favorite reel, I love it.

I had a Campfire Encounter today. I had the pleasure of meeting our one and only Fuffy. He stopped by at work to say "hi" and we talked guns and hunting for a few minutes. As usualy another top-shelf guy from here at the 'Fire. 'Hope we get a chance to share a pot of coffee over a campfire sometime in the near future.

Originally Posted by tzone

Gopher,

I've not heard of that one. It sounds like a good shop though from what you're saying. Too bad they're closing shop, we need as many good ones as we can.

Check out the "low profile" bait casters if he's a bass fisherman.

Don't get me wrong he's got his fare share of junk in there, but he does have some very interesting used guns too. If you go in, always dicker with him, as the "tag" prices are pretty relative-throw him a decent price and he'll play ball with you.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mule1, I got one of those for my 30th birthday, almost 14 yrs ago. Still my favorite reel, I love it.

I've had several Diawas and Shimanos but I keep going back to ABU

I have my mom's 5000. It's got to be at least 30 years old. I fished it hard for several years when I got the miss-guided notion that I could be competitive as a professional bass angler. I have never replaced a single part in that reel, and it's as smooth as the day it was bought. They make a darned good reel.

Been a long time since I've used an Abu. I have a bunch of diawa's. Mostly sealine 27's and 47's for trolling rod set ups.

used a baitcaster back when I was in the Navy for shark fishing, used them short "boat" rods and fished from a kayak. had a bunch of fun, caught some nice sharks, wouldn't let my kids do it if they asked. other than that, never had much use for a baitcaster, I prefer spinning reels myself. to each their own

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I had a Campfire Encounter today. I had the pleasure of meeting our one and only Fuffy. He stopped by at work to say "hi" and we talked guns and hunting for a few minutes. As usualy another top-shelf guy from here at the 'Fire. 'Hope we get a chance to share a pot of coffee over a campfire sometime in the near future.

looking forward to that Jeff,it was nice to finally meet you.

I finally found some of the Copper Lage from Busch. The carry out about a mile from the house has 24 ouncers since yesterday. I drank one while chasing cows in a blizzard a little bit ago. Not bad stuff. I know that if you drink a 24 oz and 4 Busch Lites it can be hard to type a post without doing a lot of editing.
Bill

I just picked up another Ambassadeur on E-bay for my buddy. This one's a 5500 and it cost me $18.00 and change including shipping. It's scratched up, but otherwise looks good. Think I did okay. Need a couple graphite or composite poles for these now. Kind of holding off until garage sales start. I can usually find them pretty cheap at the sales.

That sounds like an awesome deal

fishing reels? It is February 16th, 3-5 inches of snow expected, windy and it is 13 degrees out and we are talking fishing reels?

Well I have and use baitcasters quite a bit for northerns and muskies. I have Abus and Shimanos. They have all been good, but the one that I find in my hand more than anything else is a Shimano Calcutta. Dont know if they even make them anymore cuz this is a late 90s model. I have a 6500, 5500, 5600 and another one or two in the Abu line. Good stuff, but generally not as smooth as the Shimano line. I really wonder how many casts I have made in my life. All those reels have stood up to a lot of casting. I used to sell rods and reels on the weekends for 6-8 years. Good way to earn extra money to buy equipment!

I've never tried the Schimano's but know many that run them and they say their very good reels. I've just found the Ambassadeurs to work well for me, so I stick with them. I'm headiing to Ohio in May to drop this stuff off for my buddy, so instead or running around a week before I leave and dropping a bunch of money all at once, I'm spreading out the expenditures. Works better for us and our finances.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

fishing reels? It is February 16th, 3-5 inches of snow expected, windy and it is 13 degrees out and we are talking fishing reels?

If you can't get out in the boat, dreaming about it is the next best thing. They're calling for 6" here on Monday.

B-man its been in the 60's here for almost a week .I'll prolly have the boat on the lake within the next two or three weeks .

March 1 is our county live stock show my daughter has a cross barrow to show if she does better than third we'll take it to the big show in OKC in mid March .

I have two Quantam low-pro's that I have set up for Lindy Riggin too. They have a "flippin" switch on them so I can feed line to those little light biting cross eyed suckers.

They're a hellova reel but at $200 a pop, you may not find any on the cheap.

Hah!! For me baitcasters = birdsnest. Never quite got the hang of it. Screwed up my reels and a few of my buddies

. Spent more time untangling, cutting, and respooling than fishing. Dumb enough to keep trying for awhile, but perhaps smart enough to know to know when I'm licked. Spinning for me. Been running Cabelas Prodigys, old Mitchell 300s and yes, even a few Zebcos.

I'm mainly a spinning reel fisherman. I do have a couple of bait casters, a Abu 5500C and a Shimano. My uncle gave me his 6500C that we gave him as a birthday gift back in the early 70's. It's in like new condition.

Looks like I'm going to be booking a Moose Hunt in BC for 2015.

Good morning everyone!

Stepping on briefly to wish a special little guy happy birthday.

Plays with matches is in the double digits today!!!! Happy happy birthday Jophiss David (Joseph David-he could never say Joseph when he was little), aka our old soul aka our little old man in a boy's body aka my baby. You bring so much joy, happiness and laughter to our family and you truly are a blessing. The way you look at each day and your perspective is one that reminds me to look at things in a different light.

You are growing up way to fast for this mom but you are a great kid. We hope you like your birthday present!

Have a great day everyone!! I have the day off so I'll be preparing supper, lasagna-Joey's request of course, and a chocolate cake/chocolate frosting with sprinkles. It's a great day, enjoy!

Wishing you a wonderful day "Preacher Joe"!

I purchased a nice little item from John Barsnes in Nov of 2009. Been saving it for today, the day Joey turns 10.

Happy Birthday Preacher Joe!

They still make em BM. They are top of the top IMO for muskies/northerns. They're smooth as glass.

Happy Birthday Preache Joe! 10...man u were a tiny little 3 year old when i first saw you. Gettin big FAST. Have a great day Joey.

Bill, that's my dream hunt my friend. Somewhere, someday... I can't wait to see those pictures!!!!

Ma Shaw, the kids and I have work/school off today too. We borrowed a snowmobile so we will fart around on that most of the day.

HBD Mini-Dave! Another Junior Chickenbucker coming up throught the ranks! Hide the beer and Lord help us all!

Tzone-have a great day! The boys left for school a little bit ago, RWS decided to drive Black Betty instead of his Honda. It's been snowing for awhile now and Dave said the roads are not great.

Quiet house, uff not sure I can take it. Mini Dave kept asking if I was going to wrap his present. Hmmmm, I told him I would later today.

Happy Birthday Joe. Have a great day!

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill, that's my dream hunt my friend. Somewhere, someday... I can't wait to see those pictures!!!!

I'm fairly confident that it's going to happen, Tom. We'd be going with the same outfitter (Lobo Peak Guides) that we used in 2006. We'd even have the same guide. My son met with them last Sunday out in Portland and got the details. They're going to let the grandson come along for free. He can hunt grouse.

They have 2 openings. Early September and mid October. Son wants to take a bear so the early season would be best for that. The late season has been the best for moose though.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My son met with them last Sunday out in Portland and got the details. They're going to let the grandson come along for free. He can hunt grouse.

Are you old enough to have a 37 year old grandson?

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Tzone-have a great day! The boys left for school a little bit ago, RWS decided to drive Black Betty instead of his Honda. It's been snowing for awhile now and Dave said the roads are not great.

Quiet house, uff not sure I can take it. Mini Dave kept asking if I was going to wrap his present. Hmmmm, I told him I would later today.

Pam, if I know Joey, he's pretty fired up its his birthday....maybe not as much as you get but I'll bet he's excited.

I can't wait to see the pictures of his present.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

My son met with them last Sunday out in Portland and got the details. They're going to let the grandson come along for free. He can hunt grouse.

Are you old enough to have a 37 year old grandson?

I hope not!

Bill,
You will have to keep us informed of all the prep and of course a detailed account of the trip itself. Is the hunt in the mountains? If so, are you planning on an exercise program of some sort? I just started one for my archery elk hunt this fall (if we get drawn-find out really soon!).

Happy Birthday Joe!

Happy Birthday Joey!! Man you're growing up WAY to fast!

Charlie - I have the same problem with bait casters. Cast and untangle. Repeat.

I do run a Shimano on a Scheels Outfitter Tournament Series rod but I only use it for jigging and trolling.

I use spinning reels for casting.

Bill - Color me jealous! I would LOVE to do that!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,JOEY!!!!
Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bill,
You will have to keep us informed of all the prep and of course a detailed account of the trip itself. Is the hunt in the mountains? If so, are you planning on an exercise program of some sort? I just started one for my archery elk hunt this fall (if we get drawn-find out really soon!).

Happy Birthday Joe!

What are you doing? I highly recommend biking/spinning mixed with running/stair-climbing. You get GREAT cardio benefits without trashing you knees too much.

I wish I had started biking twenty years ago.

And, no, you don't have to wear spandex or lycra. Mountain biking cloths are baggy and usually have muted colors.

As a bonus, the scenery in spin class doesn't suck.

Big lures with spinning reels gets bothersome after a while. One you get it down, you can go a long time between rat's nests. If you are going to throw big lures, you will be better off learning to use a properly set up baitcaster. That makes a huge difference. Start by increasing spool tension until you get no backlashes and you can tell it is too tight. Then slowly work your way looser. Your thumb is your backlash control. Once you get it, you will enjoy it.

The terrain is quite varied BM. Extremely steep in some areas and flat expanses in others. I won't be hunting the steep stuff I can guarantee you. Lots of swamps, lakes and rivers. I will have to do some conditioning for sure. Craig (Our guide) told my son to tell me he has a side by side UTV that he and I will ride in. My son will use a quad.

A heavy braided line helps as well. Find something with little or no memory & a large diameter. It saves a lot of tangles & they are easier to untangle if/when it happens.

I like 70# braided Kevlar on my baitcasters. Northern pike & catfishes with that set-up.

Happy Birthday Joey, have a great one.

OK here's the skinny on baitcasters

Use good guality line but only put about 50-60 yards on it while you practice and learn how to set the break. Hold the rod tip at about one a clock position and push the button with your weight or lure tied on when the weight hits the floor it should not back lash it it does tighten up the break .

And don't cast into the wind ! Always use your thumb to slow down the spool . Get outside and practice !

You can do it heck my wife uses them too!

Once you get used to them, you will have the spool much looser so that if you let it hit the floor, it would backlash. But that takes a little practice.

Casting into the wind is dependent on the lure thrown to a great degree. Throwing a bucktail into the wind is frought with danger of a backlash. Throw an aerodynamic lure that is fairly heavy and you can get away with it after some practice. If you plan to do a bunch of casting, I would recommend baitcasters wholeheartedly!

It's definitely and acquired skill. Working into the wind you learn to keep your casts a little lower and shorter, use your thumb a bit more, and tighten up the spool brakes a bit. There's not a better platform for big fish, and also for speed work, like buzz baits and fast spinnerbaits. Hearing you guys talk about the Schimanos and Diawas, I just might have to pick a couple up and see what I think. I just had such good luck with my Ambassadeurs, it's hard to change. A good 5000 with a set of speed gears installed is a pretty tough reel to beat.

That is a happy face. You did good he will enjoy that for years. Happy tenth Birthday young man.

GREAT present!I am presuming that is a 30-30???
I have a friend whose son hunts with one and he uses a hand rolled 110 grain load. He killed two 8 point bucks this past year. Bang,flop.
I have his load and have loaded some of these. They are very accurate in my bolt action 30-30.

Stan in SC

Looks like an 'enry!

Very nice. Joe is going to really enjoy that rifle.

Son is looking at a Ruger American Compact in 243 for the GS.

Actually it's a rimfire. a Winchester 9422M (22WMR)

Pam got me one 10 or 12 years ago.... 12.

I've always liked the 9422's, buttery smooth, very well made little rifles and accurate too.

I started stock piling and stashing them away after I learned that they were no longer making them.

Nathan got one when he turned 10 as well. (almost 7 years ago)

From the bottom to the top, my 9422M, Joey's 9422M, Nate's 9422M and oddball Taylor's pink 10/22.

veddy nice

The 4th pic is great. I always liked those rifles but NEVER seen one for sale in a shop. Does Winchester even make them anymore?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Very nice. Joe is going to really enjoy that rifle.

Son is looking at a Ruger American Compact in 243 for the GS.

I played with one in a GS a few weeks ago. For what it is... it was a good gun.

Quote

Does Winchester even make them anymore?

Nevermind... I see where you answered that.

What did Joey think?

Nice looking collection. I would seriously like a Henry Golden Boy, but the way these old eyes shoot open sights it would be a waste of time. Hwck I had to scope my .32 muzzleloader to be able to shoot squirrels.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Quote

Does Winchester even make them anymore?

Nevermind... I see where you answered that.

What did Joey think?

Joey is very excited, I told him we could shoot it tonight when he gets home from school.

Mine is scoped with a little 4X leupold, I really like it. I've shot plenty of grouse and rabbits with mine, an occasional wood chuck. Coolest thing I've taken with mine is a red fox.

The browning BL22 is very close to the Winchesters in that they both have super smooth little actions and fit/finish is very nice.

And I believe they still make the brownings.

Sweeeeet birthday gift.

I may need to start planning ahead like that. I just got my little-guy a "real" bow for his 6th B-day next July, since he is loving the toy bow with suction-cup arrows.

We need prayers for one of our own here... I got a text from gophergunner. He's in the hospital with heart issues. Send prayers and good thoughts in his and his families direction.

Originally Posted by tzone

We need prayers for one of our own here... I got a text from gophergunner. He's in the hospital with heart issues. Send prayers and good thoughts in his and his families direction.

done.

done here as well.

done

I talked to his wife awhile ago. He has congestive heart failure and pneumonia. A pretty tough thing to deal with when you have one at a time...let alone both at the same time.

He's doing as well as can be currently. I'll keep you guys updated as I find out more. As of now, she said they don't need anything as far as meals or snow cleaning.

Got your txt Tom, wow, where the heck did that come from? Very concerned, Jeff is in our thoughts and Prayers.

Originally Posted by tzone

We need prayers for one of our own here... I got a text from gophergunner. He's in the hospital with heart issues. Send prayers and good thoughts in his and his families direction.

Prayers sent, from north of the Border, for you & your family Gopher.

Prayers for Gophergunner sent.

Happy Birthday Preacher Joe! Great presents come in boxes named "Winchester"!

Prayers on the way.

Prayers from the Okie's

I have talked to Jeff via text and he say's he's feeling OK and will be fine. He'll get online when he feels up to and give us an update.

Good news Tom! Too often in the case of those two problems, one masks the other...

Done.

Prayers sent to the big guy

Good to hear he is doing ok. Will continue to remember him to the man upstairs.
Bill

Thoughts and prayers sent.

I PM'd him a link to the thread on the "campfire" forum. If you guys haven't, post something on there and let him know we're prayin', pullin, hopin, whatever'n for him. I think he'll like that a lot.

Prayers sent for Jeff

Prayers sent.

A little news from GG.

He sent me a text saying this.

"find Deflave and tell him to GFY from me."

I like his spirits and style

good to hear, thanks for the update! been wondering how he's doing

Get well soon GG! Prayers sent.

I have never posted here before, but I have read this thread from the beginning, and Lived it with ya,GG has hunted near my home, hope to meet ya someday
Get well soon, Gophergunner! Prayers Sent.

Welcome groudhawg! She's a good read ain't she? I do it once a year.

GopherGunner if you need anything at all let me know i live in Prior Lake Be more then happy to lend a hand....

I hope your doing better and speedy recover..

Prayers sent...

Yes it is!

Hope to meet all you guys

You buy beer....anything's possible.

Originally Posted by tzone

You buy beer....anything's possible.

You are too easy. We need dancing girls and lots of beer!

Welcome to deer camp.

What's the weather over in the cities, Tom? They're predicting over a foot of snow for NW WI.

Predictions for my area are all over the place. Started out at 6" - 12". Now it's 1" -3" but rain and sleet first. It did rain a bit an hour ago, but is now snowing. Supposed to get ugly by late afternoon here.

As of this A.M. I heard double digit snow fall east of I-35 in the Cities and around 6ish to the west up to about B-man's town of Alexandria.

This one is going east of us THANK GOD! They also said the storm is going to circle around WI and MI and come back and hit the northern end of the red river valley so ND might get in on the action too.

Welcome Groundhawg!

No snow as of yet, they keep changing the snow totals..We will see what we get.....

It is raining and about 34 here right now. The biggest end of our snow has melted. The gravel road I live on is getting sloppy but has some thick ice left in places. We are killing seven pigs tomorrow and will be cutting them up saturday. It is supposed to rain and then start getting colder with snow sunday. I am about sick of this and we haven' had any ways near what you hard core guys have had.It has been as hard a winter as we have had heere for several years, but not hard as when I was a kid but that was almost 63 years ago and I ain't got a lot of nostalgia for this crap.

Here in paradise, we have had just flurries so far. I was supposed to go to the cities today, but they called and told me to stay home. Didnt have to twist my arm.

Been super busy here preparing for the PF banquet (some of the $$ we raise goes to pay Ryan's salary I might add, so he better say something nice about me!!). Lots of work, but I am really looking forward to it. All my kids are going, that could turn into a circus! It is also a small barometer on the economy. So far, I would say things are better than last year.

Yep,
Snowing like a mofo north of the border.

They say 12-15" coming !

Rain/snow stopped for now, but the wind has picked up.

We're really "socked" in up here & the radar looks nasty !

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What's the weather over in the cities, Tom? They're predicting over a foot of snow for NW WI.

Predictions for my area are all over the place. Started out at 6" - 12". Now it's 1" -3" but rain and sleet first. It did rain a bit an hour ago, but is now snowing. Supposed to get ugly by late afternoon here.

Pure craziness here now Bill. I'm supposed to be headed to the cabin but with up to 16" of snow that way... I doubt it!

It was raining, then freezing rain, and now snow piling up as fast as I think it possibly can!

Over 120" of snow so far this year and now it's raining. So I'm on flood watch for my house and my folks house too. Supposed to freeze tonight with big winds and snow tomorrow. Can't wait.

Did the splits this morning -or whatever a middle age, moderately overweight guy does- on the ice we got from freezing rain last night. Trying to take my young son to the bus stop. Yep, I took him down too. Pulled something in my nether region that's got me walking awfully gingerly.

I'm all done with winter now.

Stop pulling your nether region.

Wind is in the 20's now, but 50mph possible. This is the heavy wet, spring snow we have here fellas.

Kids are loving it, outside making snowmen in the yard.

I do have an update from our buddy gophergunner.

He had an angioplasty an no blockage was found but had a virus. He can explain it a lot better than I can but he's hoping to come home tomorrow and will let us all know what's up then.

Holy Cripes,, this snow is HEAVY..

I had to put the snowmobile helmet on to plow the driveway with the wheeler i could barely see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thunder, lighting and rain so far. Very, very windy. Hard
To believe that the snow is missing us.

must have at least 6-8 already, maybe more.
don't really feel like going out to see.

How you guys doing weather wise? It rained all day and most of the night here. Most of the snow is gone and it is about 45 right now. Gonna be sloppy as hell killing pigs today! Hope you can catch a break in the weather soon.
Bill

Have fun on the piggy hunt. Weather looks pretty gross from my window. Wind is blowing pretty hard and i got a call at 545 that school was cancelled.

Doesn't look like we got more than an inch of snow so far. Still snowing and wind is a howling.

Temps have fallen into the mid teens so all the rain froze on the roads and it's a big skating rink.

we only got about 2 inches of snow max, but plennnnny windy. must have got a tiny bit of drizzle as the roads last nite were icy.

Speaking of snow, I have 2 neighbors that live about half a mile north of me. I dont really know either of them. One I have nothing in common with, the other is just kind of weird and lazy. Nice enough people I guess, but have only seen them at neighborhood get togethers.

Both have east-west driveways and for the past few years, I have laughed because both of them pile the snow up on the north side of their driveway. We get a half inch of snow with a 10 mph wind and they have 2 foot drifts. Nobody else even shovels and they are snowed in. This year, they have piles up to 7 feet high on the north side of their driveway. I am starting to feel bad for the one guy that I have nothing in common with as he is just not an outdoors type of guy at all. His wife called the tow truck to get her car out of their driveway the other day.

My question to you is, how do I let them know that all of this is their own stupidity? I never see them. Seriously, I bet that guy has blown his driveway 50 or more times and I am NOT exaggerating.

B man, you can't fix stupid.

Just enjoy the show, smile and wave.

Tie a note to thier dog?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tie a note to thier dog?

Good idea, Jim. Than the dog can explain it to them.

lol that's funny. I'd just enjoy the show, especially if they are liberals.

any word on Jeff?

I haven't heard from him today. He had a few set backs yesterday. Fluid back on his lungs. He's in the right place though, they'll square him away.

We are at the cabin in northern WI on the sleds and there is A LOT of snow!!

I heard that Winchester has 13". Haven't heard anything about Rice Lake and North.

Originally Posted by tzone

I haven't heard from him today. He had a few set backs yesterday. Fluid back on his lungs. He's in the right place though, they'll square him away.

We are at the cabin in northern WI on the sleds and there is A LOT of snow!!

I was at his store today,asked his co-workers if they had any news,they told me they aren't allowed to comment on his condition.

Kind of a scary day snowmobiling. My step dad got stuck on the lake and I stopped to help him. As I was walking to him, I broke through the ice and ended up to my waist in water. I was pretty shook up for quite awhile. The adventure didn't end there. He was stuck in slush and we were both wet. It took about an hour to get back. We have had enough fun for one day.

You were lucky, Tom. It could have been real bad.

Just got a text from my DIL. My GS shot his first limit of pheasants today using the T/C 410 that I gave him. DIL set up the hunt for him and my son. I'm waiting on the pictures.

tzone it weren't much of of a hunt, we backed the stock trailer up to the pen and ran them in. Hauled them up to the workshop and killed them one at a time. Skinned, gutted, cut them in half and hung them in the walk in cooler and cut them up today. Eight 250 to 275 lb pigs makes a lot of meat. I sent 1 ham to be cured, cut and packaged about,50 pork chops. I stuffed 75 lb of sausage into casings for be and 55 lbs for another guy. Tomorrow we will fire up the smokehouse and get it smoked before we package that. I still have two sides of bacon to rub the cure on tomorrow and get it in the fridge to cure then next weekend I will run it through my propane smoler and get it sliced and packaged. It looks like I should end up with about 30 to 35 lb of bacon. It is a lot of work, but it is a lot of good eating too.It seems like it takes a long time to clean up. but it doesn't take any longer to clean up after 8 than it does for one.
I'm about beat so I am going to bed. Hope you guys survive the storms. We lucked out and didn't get rained on.
Bill

Just spent four hours clearing off the roof.
Damn ice dams.

I've seen a number of roofs being shoveled off here too. I need to move some off the North side of my home.

we got an inch of snow today, told the kids they had to stay inside, it is still below freezing as I type this.

It was supposd to rain and then snow here today but we didn't get it. There is supposed to be another cold front moving in tonight.I am glad we don't get it like you guys do. I'm too old to shovel that stuff any more.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Kind of a scary day snowmobiling. My step dad got stuck on the lake and I stopped to help him. As I was walking to him, I broke through the ice and ended up to my waist in water. I was pretty shook up for quite awhile. The adventure didn't end there. He was stuck in slush and we were both wet. It took about an hour to get back. We have had enough fun for one day.

Uh, T, don't do that. Creates unbelievable shrinkage.

Seriously, glad you're alright. Had a good friend up north snowmobiling with a bunch of our buddies. He had some new go-fast sled that would do three digits. About a dozen of them took off in a race down the lake and he blew by everyone. Was going so fast he crossed a huge patch of open water near the River mouth. Stopped to see if the other guys were going to try it and the ice gave way. He managed to get to the ice edge and hang on. The boys called 911. Rescue tried to get to him from the closest side, but the ice was too weak, so they had to go all the way around to the other side. By that time it was dark and his screams had stopped. Next morning all they saw was his helmet and gloves on the edge of the ice. That was about 10 years ago. He left two beautiful twin two-year old daughters. Tough funeral to go to. I'm still pissed at him.

Any word on gophergunner? Sending good thoughts his way.

Gopher has had some setbacks and got transfered to a different hospital. They are doing some more testing on him. I get broken updated from him but know he's frustrated and wants to go home. So continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Will do, Tom.

Prayers on the way
Bill

That's not good news. Continued prayers.

Tom - You are lucky that water wasn't deeper man! Holy bats that must have been a scary couple seconds as you were going down!

Thinking of Goph here and at prayer time. As bad as he wants to go home he needs to stay right where he is.

Well as long as we are on not-so-good medical updates, Cole had a scan last week that showed an abnormality on his lone remaining kidney. It isnt necessarily a bad thing yet, but he could use some prayers. Will find out more this week.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That's not good news. Continued prayers.

Tom - You are lucky that water wasn't deeper man! Holy bats that must have been a scary couple seconds as you were going down!

You got that right! And, it was cooooooold water. My Ice Kings were literally filled. I'm glad I was wearing wool socks and LJ's.

They are on the way BM.

Very sorry to hear this B-man

Sent

Hopefully its nothing to worry about!

You bet BM. Cole has been through more than enough in his young life.

Originally Posted by tzone

They are on the way BM.

+1

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

You bet BM. Cole has been through more than enough in his young life.

So very true, breaks my heart.

Best wishes for Cole and Gopher. Hope things go well for both of you.

prayers sent for all .

Sorry to hear that Bman prayers sent.

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow is the test.

Now some other bad news (although not on the same scale). What we thought was an almost sure tag to draw for archery elk in WY this year, wasnt such a sure thing. 6 pretty bummed guys here in Alex tonite. The odds were in our favor, yet we still got shut out.

Not all bad. Still time to apply in CO.

We'll send an extra special one upstairs for Cole today.

That's not bad news BM...that's good news. Now you're nearly a shoein for next season! Cole will be in my thoughts and prayers today.

GG had his tests yesterday but I haven't heard back other than he REALLY wants to go home instead of the hospital.

Prayers sent for Cole and GG.

I got a text from GG today. His heart isn't working like it should and will have some hills to climb. He was thinking he may get to come home today or tomorrow thought, which is great. I'll refer to him to give you guys the full update, if he chooses, on what's going on though.

Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

BM... any word on Cole?

It was sure nice to get on here and see all the kind comments, and concern expressed on my behalf. I am home now. It was a tough week. This started as me not being able to get my breath, fatigued, couldn't lay down and get to sleep without breating issues, swollen ankles-all textbook symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure.

'Went in last week on Tuesday to the ER at Fairview Ridges-Burnsville. Kinda got the feeling it was serious when they immediately went to work on me and had me hooked up to about every monitoring device they had in emergency. Admitted me Tuesday afternoon, and by Tuesday night was told it was Congestive Heart Failure. Started in with meds, and got an angiogram. Angio showed no blockages. It appears a viral infection I had about a month ago led to this. 'Got an ambulance ride to Fairview Southdale the day before yesterday for an MRI of my heart. MRI revealed my heart was pumping at 11% of capacity, while normal capacity is 50-55%. CHF causes fluid to accumulate because the heart can't move enough of it around to be processed by the organs. They've had me on a diuretic to make me pizz more, and more often, and blood pressure meds which help heart function. The scary side of everything here, is I've been fitted with a vest-mounted defibrillator. I have to wear this thing 24 hours a day for at least the next two weeks, and probably longer, depending on how my heart function improves. I am feeling better now-I can get up and move around a bit without getting winded. All I know for sure is, I'm glad to be home. My wife's been a true saint. I can't correctly put into words what her care for me the last week even means. No work, no driving until we get me back on track, so she's stuck with me for a while. I've got a whole bag full of meds, and about 10 appointments with the doctors and specialists in the next few weeks. It's truly a blessing to know you guys were thinking about me. I will be aggressively looking for chances to return the favor, guys. Special thanks to T-Zone for passing along info to you guys. For those who haven't had a chance to meet Tom, he's top shelf all the way.

Thanks again, guys.

Glad you are home and in good care. Keep doing what the doc's say and get back in the saddle as soon as you can.

We are all happy that you are able to come home. Just take it easy and don't try to rush things. When I had by-pass surgery 2008 I tried to "speed up the system". Found out real quick you don't do such.
We are all concerned and we care and ask you to keep us informed as to your progress.

Stan in SC

That's a detailed report gopher, thanks for that.

Remember what I said in my PM, nothing wrong with working off the radar on this, don't put yourself out by keeping us all up to speed. Take care of yourself and focus on your immediate surroundings as a priority.

And stay off the main forum where the trolls can test the endurance of a perfectly healthy heart.

"And stay off the main forum where the trolls can test the endurance of a perfectly healthy heart."

Sound advice there Dave.

Hang in there Goph, this is nothing to mess with.It can be managed tho.....best to ya!

Thanks for the update and welcome home, GG. Make sure you follow your doctors orders as frustrating as that can be.

Keep us posted when you can, but don't make us a priority. Your health is your number one priority.

In the mean time, we'll all keep you in our prayers.

I'm glad you're back home Jeff! Nothing adds to your stress like wanting to be in your cave and you can't. Chf can and is handled to the point where you can return to your previous activities. My ex-fil has it and still hunts, fishes, travels, works, all the normal stuff. He just can't do it at the pace of a 25 year old anymore.

Take care of yourself first and foremost. Then come BS with us on the fire. We'll still have a stump for ya.

I've all ready talked to Cathy about the need to get a lighter rifle, and an ATV. If I gotta be sick, I might as while hunt in style. Tom-gonna be hitting you up t go ATV shopping with me. Used, of course, and hopefully a 4 WD Honda. I like your ATV-hoping for something along those lines. As for a new rifle, I'm thinking a Model 7 chambered for .243 or some other lightweight option. Junior's all ready got his eyes on my 99. Maybe this is the year he gets it.

Glad to hear you got home. Everything is better at home. Good to hear you are making plans for the future. Don't give the boy the gun yet wanting and waiting are good for him, anticipation is a wonderful character building experience. Take care and geet well.
Bill

Very good to hear GG. Did you pinch the butt of any cute nurses while in the hospital?

Great news on Cole. Whew, no issues. Passed with flying colors. A HUGE sigh of relief. I dont know the details of it, but it was a nonissue. good enough for me!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Very good to hear GG. Did you pinch the butt of any cute nurses while in the hospital?

Great news on Cole. Whew, no issues. Passed with flying colors. A HUGE sigh of relief. I dont know the details of it, but it was a nonissue. good enough for me!

Half the time, I was so far out of it, they could have had 7 green heads and I wouldn't have known the difference. My wife was at my side constantly, and I am reminded why I married this phenominal woman in the first place, but to answer your question, I did have a couple real lookers.

Great news B-man!

Gopher good to hear your home! A week in the hospital easily seems like a month! My wife never left my side either. Day and night she was right there. We got good ones!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Great news on Cole. Whew, no issues. Passed with flying colors. A HUGE sigh of relief. I dont know the details of it, but it was a nonissue. good enough for me!

Well that just made my day! Good for Cole!

CG, my dad has had CHF for 20 years, his brother even longer. It's a new normal, but nothing you can't handle. Good to hear you're home. PM sent.

They put me on a reduced sodium diet. It's really surprising when you start reading labels how much salt there is in everything.

Good news about Cole BM.

great to read the good news all around. Prayers work.

GG I would strongly suggest a ruger M77MKII in 243, and get a drop in adjustable trigger from spec-tech. it is my go-to rifle and it will kill anything I tell it to. load it with 95 grain NBT's and forget about needing another rifle unless you go moose or brown bear hunting. I will disagree with any other suggestions

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I've all ready talked to Cathy about the need to get a lighter rifle, and an ATV. If I gotta be sick, I might as while hunt in style. Tom-gonna be hitting you up t go ATV shopping with me. Used, of course, and hopefully a 4 WD Honda. I like your ATV-hoping for something along those lines. As for a new rifle, I'm thinking a Model 7 chambered for .243 or some other lightweight option. Junior's all ready got his eyes on my 99. Maybe this is the year he gets it.

Glad you're home. Nothing more stressful than not being home when that's all you want to do!

Hey!! I'm in for wheeler shopping. Spending other peoples money is something I'm REALLY good at!

I know you're in love with those honda's... You've seen how hard mine is to start.

I can't think of many deer rifles that would beat a M7/.243Win combo. Especially sine you're a reloader.

Really glad you're home.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Great news on Cole. Whew, no issues. Passed with flying colors. A HUGE sigh of relief. I dont know the details of it, but it was a nonissue. good enough for me!

Made me smile like heck my man!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

great to read the good news all around. Prayers work.

GG I would strongly suggest a ruger M77MKII in 243, and get a drop in adjustable trigger from spec-tech. it is my go-to rifle and it will kill anything I tell it to. load it with 95 grain NBT's and forget about needing another rifle unless you go moose or brown bear hunting. I will disagree with any other suggestions

My hunting buddy, who happens to be my pastor, is a total Ruger loonie. He hunts a 77 and has made some very impressive shots with it. His happens to be one of those dreaded .270's. Weight will be a determining factor. Looking for a rifle in the 6 1/2 lbs. or less range.

mine is nice and light, not sure of the exact weight. I have it scoped with a burris signature 3-9 which is a heavy scope, but Its the only rifle I own that I actually enjoy carrying, especially since it has proven itself time and again at ranges out to 600 yards. plus it will be 1-200 cheaper than the model 7.

Rugers are nice but there is nothing light weight about em. Might want to take a look at a Win M70 fwt compact as well. I'm a huge fan of those.

I have Ruger M77's in 7mm Rem Mag and 22-250, Ruger MKII Stainless in .22, Synthetic Stainless 10-22 and most recently a SR1911 in .45 acp.

I love my Rugers but the rifles aren't particularly light.

Know what you mean about not being light. My number 1S is so heavy I can't have it in the car when load limits are on the roads.

Jut been playing catch up !!

Great news about Jeff & Cole. Couldn't be happier for either family. Continued thoughts & prayers from further North.

Anybody else a little chilly this morning ?

As the sun rose this morning, we were registering -45*C, including wind chill. This was a new February 27 record.

Fired up the old girl & drove to work on "square" tires.

Whumpity, womp !

Chins up, only 2 days till March.

It was -16 when I fired up the exploder this morning.

If you need something, I have a single-shot .223 that, with the TSX bullets, is compact, light, and hardly recoils.

You can use it if you don't have something next season.

Minus 11 here this morning. Was still minus 4 at noon. Will it never end.

Not this week it won't. Weather guesser said we were 33* below normal today.

Originally Posted by goalie

If you need something, I have a single-shot .223 that, with the TSX bullets, is compact, light, and hardly recoils.

You can use it if you don't have something next season.

Thanks for the offer, Goalie. I'll have something put together by this fall for sure. I'm actually thinking about just swapping my 99 for my kid's Model 7 7mm-08. I all ready talked to Mickey Coleman about doing some work on it for me. Just might do this. Kinda waiting to see how all this medical BS plays out. Gonna be looking for a 20 ga. slug gun too. I've been looking for a good excuse to put my damned shoulder-crushing 12 ga. 870 aside. Thinking one of those bolt action jobs everyone's raving about.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Thinking one of those bolt action jobs everyone's raving about.

The Savage 220? I was looking at those also. I quickly changed my mind when I saw that they don't have open sights on them. They must be scoped. (At least the ones I've seen) Where I hunt with shotgun, a scope could hurt you as much as help you.

I decided to purchase the 870 in 20 ga but have not pulled the trigger yet. No pun intended

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Thinking one of those bolt action jobs everyone's raving about.

The Savage 220? I was looking at those also. I quickly changed my mind when I saw that they don't have open sights on them. They must be scoped. (At least the ones I've seen) Where I hunt with shotgun, a scope could hurt you as much as help you.

I decided to purchase the 870 in 20 ga but have not pulled the trigger yet. No pun intended

A buddy of mine bought a Savage 220 and had me mount a scope for him. After shooting it, I have to say I was rather impressed.

It shot darn close to MOA at 100 yards, and that was just with some random slugs.

Ya hey dere, what aboot dem Tikkas? MOA or better and dey weigh next ta nuttin'. Dem Finns make a dang fine rifle, you betcha!

I second the Tikka Stainless Lightweight recommendation. Throw a set of Talley One Piece Lightweight rings on them with a decent scope. Will out shoot rifles costing over twice as much. Smoothest bolt action I have ever used too.

blasphemy all of it. ruger is the only way to go!

Like both of them, but if I could only have one it would be the Tikka.

Hell, I forgot about the tikka. That's a cheap, light option! Sorry Ryan, when I think of light carrying rifle, Ruger ain't it.

I have a MD 7 .243 ss laminated stock I hunt with sometimes . Grandson will use in few more years.

Daughter got Reserve Grand Champion with her Yorkshire pig today at the county show .Will show in OKC next month.

I have a Tikka in .243 Shoots better than I am capable of anymore, and it has the smoothest action I have ever ran.
Bill

Nothing fancy but Ruger American is very light for a Ruger. New SS model out next month.

BM, great news about Cole. Glad for you both.

GG, glad you are home. Sorry you need to deal with health issues. Noticed you are getting lots of help with your search for a lightweight rifle. Gun talk tends to pump up the post count around here. Just sayin.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hell, I forgot about the tikka. That's a cheap, light option! Sorry Ryan, when I think of light carrying rifle, Ruger ain't it.

mine is lighter than my ruger SS 223 (laminate stock) it's the lightest rifle I own in fact. my ruger is the ultralight, I just looked up it is 6.5 lbs. Ruger made 14 variations of the Hawkeye (I didn't know that). the all weather UL new one is a tad lighter than the older ones like mine.

Glad to hear Cole is doing better. Sorry I'm so late getting back on this. With my restrictions, boredome is rapidly setting in. I just posted a thread in the freshwater fishing section about building fishing rods. I need something that's not strenuous to occupy my time. If anyone builds their own fishing rods, I'd like to talk to them. Check out the thread and shoot me a reply. A couple days home and I'm all ready climbing the walls. Thought about getting my reloading ambitions going, but I'm going to wait and see where this crap takes me, plus I couldn't do any load testing at this point any ways.

Fly some ties why dontcha?

Originally Posted by TJAY

Nothing fancy but Ruger American is very light for a Ruger. New SS model out next month.

My son is talking about getting a Ruger American Compact in 243 for the GS. Said it fit him perfectly.

Set a new daily low temp record at 4:00 AM this morning, minus 25. It's up to minus 10 now, 7:00AM.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fly some ties why dontcha?

OOOOO, yahsureyoubetcha!

How bout runnin to walmart and picking up one of the model cars, some glue, and a shiny paint color and work on that. I was thinking of doing that the other day when I was there. It's been a long time since I played with a model car.

I used to LOVE that, but then they changed the glue

Ruger UL in 257 Roberts BFD in there steps at 200 yards.

You know Jeff I was thinking...

If you're looking for a 20ga slug gun, you could just use that for everything.

The last time I was at The Gun Stop, they had a Browning Gold, semi-auto, slug gun. The recoil would be way down because of the action. The gun was light, and fit me like a glove. It had a cantileverd barrel for a scope and swivels mounted. It was a matte finished wood stock as well, I know you like wood handles.

That was one hard gun to put down and I often wonder if its still there, but I know it isn't becaue they are so competetive on their prices.

Knowing you and what you like, I think you'd walk out the door with that gun. You could get a bird barrel and be good for anything from woodcock to black bear.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fly some ties why dontcha?

Hit the library.actually, you can browse the catalog from your home computer, and have the wife/son\daughter pick them up for you.

Originally Posted by tzone

You know Jeff I was thinking...

If you're looking for a 20ga slug gun, you could just use that for everything.

The last time I was at The Gun Stop, they had a Browning Gold, semi-auto, slug gun. The recoil would be way down because of the action. The gun was light, and fit me like a glove. It had a cantileverd barrel for a scope and swivels mounted. It was a matte finished wood stock as well, I know you like wood handles.

That was one hard gun to put down and I often wonder if its still there, but I know it isn't becaue they are so competetive on their prices.

Knowing you and what you like, I think you'd walk out the door with that gun. You could get a bird barrel and be good for anything from woodcock to black bear.

Tom-after the experience I had with the azzhole in the reloading department over there, I wouldn't buy it off them even if they were paying me to take it. I have a 20 ga. Mossberg for upland game, so that's covered. I want a dedicated slug gun, and I've heard a lot of good things on the 220, so that's the way I'm leaning.

The Gun Stop reloading department and the gun department are two different businesses run out of the same space but owned by different people.

Not anymore. One guy died I think.

You don't have to buy one there Jeff, lots of spots to buy. They're not for people that get hurt feelers easily though, I'll agree with that. If you can seperate the bull from S, they'll warm up to you.

I've spent plenty in there, that's for sure.

Howard died and his wife sold the gun business but I understood it was sold to somebody other than John who owns the reloading business. That place is much like the campfire but face to face.

agreed. I like it. It's my favorite gun store. Lots of cool stuff there.

Sorry guys-I had a terrible experience with the reloading guy. He was a total jerk. I don't need to spend my money there-there's lots of others willing to take it who are also willing to help and understand how to treat people. I don't know if they are separate entities or not, but you walk in through the same door, and that reloading guy cost them some money, at least from me.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

You know Jeff I was thinking...

If you're looking for a 20ga slug gun, you could just use that for everything.

The last time I was at The Gun Stop, they had a Browning Gold, semi-auto, slug gun. The recoil would be way down because of the action. The gun was light, and fit me like a glove. It had a cantileverd barrel for a scope and swivels mounted. It was a matte finished wood stock as well, I know you like wood handles.

That was one hard gun to put down and I often wonder if its still there, but I know it isn't becaue they are so competetive on their prices.

Knowing you and what you like, I think you'd walk out the door with that gun. You could get a bird barrel and be good for anything from woodcock to black bear.

Tom-after the experience I had with the azzhole in the reloading department over there, I wouldn't buy it off them even if they were paying me to take it. I have a 20 ga. Mossberg for upland game, so that's covered. I want a dedicated slug gun, and I've heard a lot of good things on the 220, so that's the way I'm leaning.

Why not just pick up a rifled slug barrel for the Mossberg?

Or...trade the mossberg and the 12ga 870 in on a Rem 870 20ga and be done with it.

I've had HORRIBLE luck with Mossbergs.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

You know Jeff I was thinking...

If you're looking for a 20ga slug gun, you could just use that for everything.

The last time I was at The Gun Stop, they had a Browning Gold, semi-auto, slug gun. The recoil would be way down because of the action. The gun was light, and fit me like a glove. It had a cantileverd barrel for a scope and swivels mounted. It was a matte finished wood stock as well, I know you like wood handles.

That was one hard gun to put down and I often wonder if its still there, but I know it isn't becaue they are so competetive on their prices.

Knowing you and what you like, I think you'd walk out the door with that gun. You could get a bird barrel and be good for anything from woodcock to black bear.

Tom-after the experience I had with the azzhole in the reloading department over there, I wouldn't buy it off them even if they were paying me to take it. I have a 20 ga. Mossberg for upland game, so that's covered. I want a dedicated slug gun, and I've heard a lot of good things on the 220, so that's the way I'm leaning.

Why not just pick up a rifled slug barrel for the Mossberg?

Not interested in that-I want a dedicated slug gun with the barrel permanently mounted on the frame.

Originally Posted by tzone

Or...trade the mossberg and the 12ga 870 in on a Rem 870 20ga and be done with it.

I've had HORRIBLE luck with Mossbergs.

The 870's been in my family for over 30 years. It started life as a 30" full choke plain barreled shotgun. I don't part company with my dad's guns. Also, I had a lot of work done on this gun to get it to be a very accurate slug gun. It should serve my son admirable for decades to come. This gun will shoot 2" groups at 100 yards all day long. Pretty good for slinging Foster style slugs out of a smoothbore slug barrel. The barrel's been permanently mated to the frame, and there's a Leupold base and rings holding a Weaver scope. It's a very accurate, dedicated slug gun now.

Then the Savage 220 is the way to go if you always want to have a scope on your slug gun. I did quite a bit of research on them as well as the Rem 870 slug guns and both get very good reviews for accuracy.

I have a Rem 1187 20 ga I've been thinking about buying a rifled slug barrel for. They are NOT cheap though

Originally Posted by tzone

Or...trade the mossberg and the 12ga 870 in on a Rem 870 20ga and be done with it.

I've had HORRIBLE luck with Mossbergs.

Yeah, I'm not overly crazy about 500's either, but for all the more I'll most likely use it, at least for now, it's good enough. I can see a nice little double barrel in my future.

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

Noticed you are getting lots of help with your search for a lightweight rifle. Gun talk tends to pump up the post count around here. Just sayin.

Ron, it's what we do best.

Where else on the internet can you go where a bunch of guys will tell you exactly what you need and help you spend your money?!

Originally Posted by tzone

Or...trade the mossberg and the 12ga 870 in on a Rem 870 20ga and be done with it.

I've had HORRIBLE luck with Mossbergs.

I have no love for mossberg.

I'm not sure I feel the same about any other firearms manufacturer.

lol

Yeah, I'm not overly attached to this gun, and see it being replaced at some point in time, but for right now it serves a purpose. The cheap side of me says it's okay for it to darken my gun rack for a couple more years. In a perfect world, I'll find a nice little 20 gauge double, maybe an old Fox Model B or something like that. If so, the Mossy's going down the road, unless Eric wants it back. We did try running slugs through it. It's drilled and tapped for a Weaver strip base. Even with a scope on it we were hard pressed to keep all the slugs on the same target at 50 yards. Just not worth messing with.

For some unknown reason a 20 gauge (.52 caliber) slug shoots so darned accurately. They shoot like a rifle.I have never had an inaccurate 20 gauge slug gun.
12 gauge (.72 caliber) slugs are finicky in some guns and hard to shoot sccurately in most.It is just hard to explain.
GG,you would be well served by what you have your mind set on.We have had several model 220's go thru the shop and there are never any bad remarks for them.
Hope that you are well on the road to full recovery.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan, and nice to hear from you as always.

Even my 870 20ga shoots them to an acceptable level in my bird barrel with an IC choke.

Damnit, now I'm going to find that fang browning. Thanks guys.

I'd also like to thank the MN DOT, I had to replace my front sway-bar link, both of em, on the exploder this morning.

Originally Posted by tzone

Even my 870 20ga shoots them to an acceptable level in my bird barrel with an IC choke.

Damnit, now I'm going to find that fang browning. Thanks guys.

I'd also like to thank the MN DOT, I had to replace my front sway-bar link, both of em, on the exploder this morning.

I'm thinkin POT HOLES!

Roads are in bad shape here too. Front End/Tire shops are probably jumping up and down with the increased business.

I'm sure it was/is due o the pot holes Bill. They're horrible right now and too cold for patching them. It wasn't too bad, two long bolts and some poly bushings.

I hit one awhile ago that I can't believe didn't cut my tire.

There's one down at the next intersection here that's big enough to stock walleyes in.

A guy should grab a cheapie tip-up and throw it on there.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd also like to thank the MN DOT, I had to replace my front sway-bar link, both of em, on the exploder this morning.

I'm feeling your pain and then some. Seems I hit the mother of all potholes and broke my left rear shock. Okay, I'm not happy, but these things happen where we live. So I go to the garage that my buddy owns and IT'S $600 FOR 1 FRIGGIN' SHOCK!!! Whaaa? Says I. "Sorry", says he, "I shoulda toll ya ta sit down first."

Seems there's some eelektronik load leveler. BS. I'm not gonna fix it outta general principle. It's a bit of a buck-board ride, but I gots my limits.

$600 to replace one shock? What kind of vehicle are you driving,CFT?

Stan in SC

We went over to my Wal-Mart to fill an rx and for me to check in with my opticians, and the road is really rough. The concrete is cracked and heaved about every 10 yards. Gonna be a lot of road work for the operating engineers and laborers this year.

09 Tahoe, Bill. Last 12 months I've replaced the tranny, new rear diff., x-fer case, front right bearing and now this shock...all just out of warranty. 4wd is acting up too. I think I might have to put it down like an old Calvary horse; one bullet behind the ear. My next Tahoe will be a Ford.

It won't be work for the operators.

The laborers maybe but everybody knows operators don't do much.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

09 Tahoe, Bill. Last 12 months I've replaced the tranny, new rear diff., x-fer case, front right bearing and now this shock...all just out of warranty. 4wd is acting up too. I think I might have to put it down like an old Calvary horse; one bullet behind the ear. My next Tahoe will be a Ford.

I know lots of people that have just had nothing but trouble with the Tahoe.

Well I'm one of those people! Don't worry, the front diff is coming next!

I had all my services done at GM and they tried to pin the wrong fluid in the diff on me. I also had so many electric issues, I can't list or even remember them all. The motor gave me no issues though. The mpg while pulling the boat was horrible though, 9mpg, and it was rarely over 14 without pulling anything.

I'll not buy a newer GM because of that not political reasons.

I'll still buy the Silverado's just because I like them. I did have that oil consumption issue with my '07 but after I convinced them to put the new pistons and rings in while it was still under warranty, I have had no troubles. (knock on wood)

The Tahoe however, is one vehicle I would stay clear of.

The best suv GM ever made was the Trailblazer. I drive one that I bought new. 126,000 miles and still running good.
I'll never buy another GM product.FORD will be my marque from now on.
Stan in SC

Ford has their own set of problems. Just like everyone else...

Don't know if I should keep it or dump it before it bleeds me dry. Kinda hard to put all that money into it and just get rid of it. When do you draw the line?

May trade the Edge off this year. My short list includes the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse and the Toyota Hylander. Any one have any experience with the Traverse. I should include the Honda Pilot, but just don't like the looks.

So what do you boys figure the chances are that the walleye opener will be an ice fishing event this year? Gonna need about a 10 ft. extension on the old auger!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So what do you boys figure the chances are that the walleye opener will be an ice fishing event this year? Gonna need about a 10 ft. extension on the old auger!

The way his winter is going we won't see open water until around August. Wolf River Walleye run is usually on around the middle of March. Not going to happen this year.

BTW it was -28* here this morning.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So what do you boys figure the chances are that the walleye opener will be an ice fishing event this year? Gonna need about a 10 ft. extension on the old auger!

It pert near was an ice fishing event last year. This year could be come a reality

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Don't know if I should keep it or dump it before it bleeds me dry. Kinda hard to put all that money into it and just get rid of it. When do you draw the line?

Yeah that's a tuff one. You could keep it and not have anymore trouble or it could bleed you dry. There is no way to tell.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ford has their own set of problems. Just like everyone else...

Hey, I've got no problem if you want to drive inferior products.

I will probably be getting a truck in late summer/early fall. Top of the list so far is the Ram 1500. I drove one a few weeks back and liked it a lot. A lot more than I thought I would.

The explorer is great and I like that more than I thought I would as well. But I need a truck for the stuff we like to do after school. The Explorer just isn't built for the type of playing/hauling/ I do.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Gonna need about a 10 ft. extension on the old auger!

I won't.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Don't know if I should keep it or dump it before it bleeds me dry. Kinda hard to put all that money into it and just get rid of it. When do you draw the line?

Yeah that's a tuff one. You could keep it and not have anymore trouble or it could bleed you dry. There is no way to tell.

There's a pretty good indicator right up on the grill it will bleed you dry. Hop out and go look at the grill. If it has a "bow tie" on it, break out the wallet.

Weren't you the guy that bought a 2011? F-150 and complained about it?

Hi everyone! First and foremost BMan great, great news on Cole!!!! And GG I hope your recovery goes fast and smooth. I apologize for the long winded post but I told myself if I finished all 2600 + pages I would post. They say people cross paths for a reason but it hits home here. I have been reading this thread for the last month and a half and boy let me tell ya. This has been some of the best therapy a person could ever get lol. The laughs the losses the stories. It really is just like sitting up at camp or hell around the table at Christmas. I am a 35 year old city kid that runs to the north central mountains of Pennsylvania to get away from all the creepiness down here. I am unfortunately stuck in this mess until I figure out how to be an IT Director for a decent sized law firm and not be in a city somewhere. I have had a bit of a kick in the a$$ this year with mom getting diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer on Christmas. I am an only child since I was 6 years old and my 12 year old brother was killed by a drunk driver. My dad split when I was 2 didn�t know him so no worries there lol. Dealing with it is overwhelming at times while trying to maintain a normal life as a newlywed. Her spirits are great and has good days and bad. But it�s tough watching your hero fight such a horrible disease.

Finally got mom out of the hospital in the beginning of January which was great and had a trip lined up to Mexico with the wife and some friends that was an awesome diversion of reality for a week only to come home and get a call 5 minutes after I landed that my 43 year old cousin/ hunting partner took a nap and never woke up. He was the reason I started hunting as a kid. With no real male role models I didn�t have the chance but then Freddy changed all that. We had our ups and downs as usual but as the years wore on he stopped hunting and spent his time in the bottle and we stopped hunting together quite a few years back. I stopped hunting for a long time but got back up on the horse three years ago and couldn�t be happier. I did manage a nice buck this year and will attach a couple pics. I just wanted to thank you Dave for creating this hideout and all of you guys and girls for sharing the tough times with the good. It may seem like ramblings at times but I guess ya never know who�s reading it and whose day you are helping along. I think I am going to stick around for a while if that�s ok� you guys seem like some good eggs�

Kevin

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Welcome Kevin!

Wow that was a heckuva first post! Very sorry to hear about your Mom. I'll send some prayers her way.

OH and NICE buck!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Weren't you the guy that bought a 2011? F-150 and complained about it?

Nope. I sold the 2011 F-150 they wouldn't let me cut it in half. Same reason I sold my boat, and two sweet guns.

Throw a log on and stay awhile Kevin.

You certainly are having a rough go of it. It gets better, but it takes a long time man. I lost my hunting partner and best buddy...My uncle Rick when I was 11. Leukeima took him too soon, 36. Then my buddy Lucas. Hell, everyone on here has had a lot of the same issues.

We're a cool group. Swap a lot of stories, never any lies though. Those are for the fishing forum.

Originally Posted by tzone

Throw a log on and stay awhile Kevin.

You certainly are having a rough go of it. It gets better, but it takes a long time man. I lost my hunting partner and best buddy...My uncle Rick when I was 11. Leukeima took him too soon, 36. Then my buddy Lucas. Hell, everyone on here has had a lot of the same issues.

We're a cool group. Swap a lot of stories, never any lies though. Those are for the fishing forum.

Thanks for the welcome guys. Definitely been a rough one so far but just have to take it day by day. I think reading this thread pretty much daily and seeing so many go through it over the last few years and come out on top helps some but also some of the shenanigans are just too funny.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Weren't you the guy that bought a 2011? F-150 and complained about it?

Nope. I sold the 2011 F-150 they wouldn't let me cut it in half. Same reason I sold my boat, and two sweet guns.

Oh suuuure. Shut down my chit given with a dose of reality before I can even get started!

I thought you did have some mechanical issues with that truck though didn't you Tom?

Nothing mechanical. I had some work done on the rear doors that kept rattling like a mofo once I hit about 10k miles.

I didn't have it long enough to have mechnical issues. I sold it afte 10 months and 21K miles.

Kevin-

Welcome to the fire, my friend. Anyone who's been through some rough times will find lots of company here. We all have our ups and downs-some discussed and known here, some we choose to keep to our selves or have chosen to share with a select few who we have come to trust. You will find that Dave and his crew of merry men are top shelf all the way. Some of us are just hanger's on here-knowing a good thing when we see it, and just going along for the ride. Dave doesn't care, all are welcome here.

Where about's in Pa are your stomping grounds? I've got a deer shack in Clearfield County between Penfield and Sabula on Boone Mountain near Finley Hollow.

Dvagain8orsomthingerother that's a nice buck!

I kilt its twin all the way down here in Oklahoma Sooner territory!

Sorry about your mom dude that's tough for sure . My parents are in they're mid 80s both are tougher than woodpecker lips but I see them slowing down daily .

Originally Posted by mule1

Dvagain8orsomthingerother that's a nice buck!

I kilt its twin all the way down here in Oklahoma Sooner territory!

Sorry about your mom dude that's tough for sure . My parents are in they're mid 80s both are tougher than woodpecker lips but I see them slowing down daily .

And if you get nothing else off this thread, you will get a good quote to steal/borrow once in awhile! LOL tougher than woodpecker lips! I love it!

Welcome Kevin. Darn nice buck.

Hi Kevin!

Welcome to Deer Camp. Sorry for your Mom. Hope for the best for her. If you read this whole thread you know how/why it was begun. You are where you need to be.

Congrats on that nice buck. That's a fine buck for PA. I've been looking for one like that in PA for many years.

Ron

Welcome Kevin! And nice buck! Good stuff here...you'll like it.

BTW, I prefer to shoot smaller deer. Less of those pesky antlers being caught on saplings during the drag that way.

Any you boys runnin a late model F-150? If so, what kind of gas mileage are you getting? Had an Expedition with a 5.4 and I might as well had direct deposit go to the gas station. Anything to avoid?

Momma is fed up with all the Tahoe bills lately. Especially when it comes at the cost of new carpeting for you know who. Never had a pick-up before because I've always needed an enclosed cabin for business - still do. Plus, I'm not sure if my knees can take crawling around in the back. What cartilage I have left is like kneeling on gravel. But I took a look at one of those Lariats and they sure are purty.

II didn't see that buck until I got off the work computer. She's a Beaut Clark!

Know a guy with a 2013 Ram with the small hemi that gets 22 MPG. Downside of the hemi is the plugs last only 30K and there are 2 per cylinder.

Also have a friend with 2013 F150. No idea what he gets for mileage, but I'll email him and let you know.

Howdy Kevin, thanks for the nice post and intro.

That's a fantastic buck you got in the back of the Ford there.

welcome Kevin! sorry to hear about your mom, I'll send a prayer up for her. nice buck you got in the back there too. don't be shy now that you've introduced yourself

GG,

Up in Sullivan county not too far from Worlds End State Park.
Been going up there my whole life. Its funny you say Clearfield My wif is from Indiana County right next door.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Howdy Kevin, thanks for the nice post and intro.

That's a fantastic buck you got in the back of the Ford there.

Thanks Dave! It didn't dawn on me that deer was in the back of my uncles truck right smack in the middle of the truck questions lol. Had to put him in there as he wouldn't fit in the trunk of the Mustang...

Thanks again everyone for the prayers and warm welcome. It's funny when reading this thread for so long it's like you know everyone lol. As for the buck that's my first one since 1997 and what a pain getting him out of the woods. Would have been nice to score him in the driveway or something but that's not how I do things. I made damn sure he was as far away as possible and as high up the mountain as I could go even had to row him in a boat for 300 yards or so...

Nice deer Kevin. I know what you mean about feeling you know everyone. I read the whole thread before I even registered. I have been there with the situation with your mother. I lost my dad to lung cancer about 10 years ago. They were going to remove half a lung and thought he would be fine, but he had a stroke and they had to do other procedures first. By the time they got around to the lung surgery the cancer had advanced to the point surgery could not save him. I will tell you you need to look into Hospice care. Dad spent his last two months in a Hospice center in Zanesville, Oh. Those people are fabulous. they take care of the patient and really support the family as well.can't say enough good things about them. Hang in there. It isn't easy but there is help out there.
Bill

So Dave ! Any projects your working on ?

Pretty funny Dave... way before I found this thread I was reading about your RR over at bbodiesonly. Cant forget that art work on there when you got it... I read Propwash's thread on his rebuild and and found a link to here then was surprised as I was reading through this coming across your daughters Mustang and your RR which I read about like a couple years ago. Then getting to those parts of this thread and putting it all together lol.
I am a fan of the E body cars mostly 70 Challenger's but don't have to room to rebuild one at the moment. I have an 07 Mustang GT with a bunch of goodies on it in the garage and am looking at a 13 GT500 or 11/12 Z06.

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

Does she decorate it with tulips?

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

LOL Gotta get it in before we attempt to have kids. After that I'll probably have to ride my bike or something HAHAHA!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

Does she decorate it with tulips?

occasionally, not nearly as much as asked though

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

LOL Gotta get it in before we attempt to have kids.

hell aint nothing wrong with the "attempt" part. it's when you get it that you have to start saving and budgeting, kids are spendy! we spend over 7 grand a year on daycare alone.

take your rent/mortgage payment and match it into a separate account. once you can do that without missing it you're "ready" for kids. the kicker is they come when you're not ready, and you make it work. I love mine with all my heart and wouldn't change a thing. I don't even think about the "stuff" I could buy with what I spend on them a month, a new truck won't call you daddy and climb up in your lap and kiss you goodnight.

life is what happens when you're busy making plans.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Nice deer Kevin. I know what you mean about feeling you know everyone. I read the whole thread before I even registered. I have been there with the situation with your mother. I lost my dad to lung cancer about 10 years ago. They were going to remove half a lung and thought he would be fine, but he had a stroke and they had to do other procedures first. By the time they got around to the lung surgery the cancer had advanced to the point surgery could not save him. I will tell you you need to look into Hospice care. Dad spent his last two months in a Hospice center in Zanesville, Oh. Those people are fabulous. they take care of the patient and really support the family as well.can't say enough good things about them. Hang in there. It isn't easy but there is help out there.
Bill

Thanks Bill, Definitely will need to look into hospice. When my father in law was suffering from Parkinsons and alzheimers they were a blessing up until his passing. We Live in Philadelphia and her parents were out by Pittsburgh so we were making that drive ever 2 to 3 weeks and it was insane. My moms is only 10 minutes away which makes it easier but with a demanding job its still tough.

As for the deer he wasn't a very smart one. In hopes of saving my non existent reputation here I will say when I missed him the first time he didn't even look up when the gun went off. We'll just say he was close enough that I probably could have hit him with the butt of the gun.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Any you boys runnin a late model F-150? If so, what kind of gas mileage are you getting? Had an Expedition with a 5.4 and I might as well had direct deposit go to the gas station. Anything to avoid?

Momma is fed up with all the Tahoe bills lately. Especially when it comes at the cost of new carpeting for you know who. Never had a pick-up before because I've always needed an enclosed cabin for business - still do. Plus, I'm not sure if my knees can take crawling around in the back. What cartilage I have left is like kneeling on gravel. But I took a look at one of those Lariats and they sure are purty.

I had my 2011 with the 5.0l V-8 and let me tell you...it ain't your daddy's 302! 365hp and 17mpg combined. I sniffed 20mpg but never quite got it there. I got 19.9 several times hand calc'd on the highway driving the speed limit.

It's nothing like the 5.4's I've had.

As far as needing the covered cargo, I've always had a topper and don't see myself having a truck without one. You have the cab for people and the back for "whatever". You can get some fancy ones with carpet and LED lights if you want to.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

a new truck won't call you daddy and climb up in your lap and kiss you goodnight.

life is what happens when you're busy making plans.

No but with a properly placed craigslist ad, you can find what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

LOL Gotta get it in before we attempt to have kids.

hell aint nothing wrong with the "attempt" part. it's when you get it that you have to start saving and budgeting, kids are spendy! we spend over 7 grand a year on daycare alone.

take your rent/mortgage payment and match it into a separate account. once you can do that without missing it you're "ready" for kids. the kicker is they come when you're not ready, and you make it work. I love mine with all my heart and wouldn't change a thing. I don't even think about the "stuff" I could buy with what I spend on them a month, a new truck won't call you daddy and climb up in your lap and kiss you goodnight.

life is what happens when you're busy making plans.

Ryan the attempting part is the best part it's all that craziness after that worries me LOL. I am trying to "convince" her that a baby seat will in fact fit in a vette so that won't be an issue lol. I am terrified of having kids just because I don't want them to be little me's running around. I kid with her saying I am definitely not sharing my childhood with some other brat

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

a new truck won't call you daddy and climb up in your lap and kiss you goodnight.

life is what happens when you're busy making plans.

No but with a properly placed craigslist ad, you can find what you're looking for.

No doubt Tom! Just gotta hope it ain't no "he" that responds lol

thought you said you were a newlywed, why would you be placing CL ads?

you'd be surprised, I was the last one who wanted little "me's" running around. once I had em, it's the perfect way to atone, by teaching them what NOT to do. besides, they are fun as hell.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

thought you said you were a newlywed, why would you be placing CL ads?

you'd be surprised, I was the last one who wanted little "me's" running around. once I had em, it's the perfect way to atone, by teaching them what NOT to do. besides, they are fun as hell.

LOL Tom's placing the ad's not me. After getting all my brewing equipment this past summer she monitors my toy purchases lol

Got back from Lake of the Woods man it was COLD -50 windchill YIKES... We did good considering the weather, everybody had a good time.. 25 inch eye

Cousins 24 inch eye first walleye ever thru the ice!!!!!

Wow congrats real nice fishies!!! no idea how you guys do that crazy a$$ cold like that.

Nice Walleyes Noduck.

they look delicious! love me some walleye.

it's not the cold so much as the humidity

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

Are you sure that's not you?

I'm really happy to see you guys got some nice fish. I know that a long drive for a fishing or hunting trip can be rewarding just for the adventure factor and seeing and doing new stuff. But I always feel bad when guys trek 6 or more hours to lake of the woods and the fishing is poor.

Glad you guys got some slot fish (the ones too big to keep) That's great.

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

Pretty funny Dave... way before I found this thread I was reading about your RR over at bbodiesonly. Cant forget that art work on there when you got it... I read Propwash's thread on his rebuild and and found a link to here then was surprised as I was reading through this coming across your daughters Mustang and your RR which I read about like a couple years ago. Then getting to those parts of this thread and putting it all together lol.
I am a fan of the E body cars mostly 70 Challenger's but don't have to room to rebuild one at the moment. I have an 07 Mustang GT with a bunch of goodies on it in the garage and am looking at a 13 GT500 or 11/12 Z06.

Wow that's pretty wild.

I have an interesting story to tell about the road runner.

It's sold.

(short story)

that was a short story, new project coming down the pike?

Yes.

A really BIG one.

Nice way to break it to us.....

The new project will definitely be bigger & better.

Hopefully there will be a lot of new projects!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah well my old lady has a antique organ !

Are you sure that's not you?

Well I do hear "Fossil" a lot!

I've had the road runner for around 4 years now. The major work is complete, it's fun stuff from here forward. Like bolting on a person's choice of wheels and tires, collecting all the factory reproduction decals to apply under the trunk lid, under the hood etc. Detailing things, washing and waxing, changing oil and checking tire pressure, driving it to local car shows etc.

I get a txt a week and a half ago from a car club friend. He says there is a guy been txting him and calling him like crazy. This guy is looking for me, wants to talk to me about my 69 road runner.

My buddy dint want to give out my number to a stranger without checking with me first.

So, I get the number for the guy and I call him. Turns out there is a search effort going on for this road runner I've got. This guy is like second or third owner of the car and he's trying to help the previous owner to himself in finding the car.

(This really is a short version to this story too, I was on the phone with this guy for 2 hours)

A couple of days pass and I'm put in contact with the guy that's searching for his old car. He's been wanting it back for about 40 years.

He launched a serious search effort for it about 7 years ago.

He was shocked by the idea that the car still existed.

He was even more shocked by the fact the car was still numbers matching, still retains it's original engine, transmission, it's still all there.

He was further shocked to learn that it doesn't look like this:

[Linked Image]

Rather it looks like this today:

[Linked Image]

It's been his dream to find his old car from his high school days. He knew that was a lofty dream as 4 decades have passed. So he's been searching for a similar one, he would have settled for another T7 bronze hard top with white vinyl roof, 383/4 speed, air grabber hood.

One problem, there aren't any. He's been trying for years, they just don't exist.

Anyways, to the point here...

The guy is simply wild with excitement as I have agreed to sell him his first love from 40 years back.

It truly is an unbelievable story, who else could something like this happen to?

Yeah, probably nobody.

Feels like it was meant to be, as hard as it is to part with it. The gentleman is offering above fair price due to his sentimental attachment to the car.

I have a dream myself. A dream that will take some money to pull off. I'd like to pursue that dream and this sale will really help that dream become a reality.

This is a nice story, everybody wins.

The end.

Now if only someone would come looking for their long lost prize basset hound that keeps crapping in my garage.... I'd gladly reunite them, for free.

lol.

Such a cool story! And as we spoke about last night, its kinda like another piece of the puzzle is being put together.

Really makes you believe in the old "everything happens for a reason" theory.

Great story, Dave. I know you have a lot of blood, sweat and tears in the RR restoration. The good news is that you and Pam got the enjoy the end results.

The even better news is that the car is going back to someone with an even greater sentimental attachment to it. Going to be quite a reunion for that gentleman.

Can't wait to find out what project is coming down the pipe.

Well if a guy is looking for a car for 40 years, he probably wants it worse than you do! You saved him money! No way he could get that car looking like you did, for the money he bought it for and I don't even know how much he bought if for. But I do know the work you put in that car.

Figure a shop rate of $75-100/hr and he got a hellova a deal!

The best part is, you have one HELLOVA story now about that car. I can't wait to hear the long version!

Pray to the car gods for me ya'll. On the weekend of March 16th, I'm hoping and praying I can get some paint on that '78 Ford f-150 4x4.

It's taken waaaay longer than I wanted it to but it is what it is. I've owned it since August 2009. The more I dug into it, the more that needed repair/replacement.

Common sense says I should sell it before it starts to rust away again but my blood, sweat, and little buddy say, keep it until it's a pile!

So far it runs great so that may happen.

Originally Posted by noduck

Got back from Lake of the Woods man it was COLD -50 windchill YIKES... We did good considering the weather, everybody had a good time.. 25 inch eye

Cousins 24 inch eye first walleye ever thru the ice!!!!!

Nice 'eyes NoDuck! What are they...hazel?

We are heading up to LOW this weekend. Where abouts were you fishing at?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Great story, Dave. I know you have a lot of blood, sweat and tears in the RR restoration. The good news is that you and Pam got the enjoy the end results.

The even better news is that the car is going back to someone with an even greater sentimental attachment to it. Going to be quite a reunion for that gentleman.

Can't wait to find out what project is coming down the pipe.

First off, WELCOME KEVIN!! Glad you decided to post and join us on our adventures.

Thanks for the words Bill, I've had a hard time with this. In my heart of hearts, I know reuniting the Roadrunner with this guy is in the cards. this is all part of the bigger picture that we don't know what it is yet. Unfortunately I cried many a tears after Dave told me it was sold...poor guy he didn't see that one coming. I can't help it, I'm a girl. My attachment started right when Dave and I took that test drive the day we went to look at the car. Shortly thereafter followed more memories of all the hours of work, taking food out to the shop for Dave, a little sanding and cleaning and yes me sitting there watching Dave work and rambling on and on about nonsense just to hear myself talk while Dave did the "yep, uh huh, yep" husband responses.

I am very excited and very happy for the original owner. What an amazing find and how nice that he can again enjoy his car. I'm sure it will be quite the reunion when he finally sees the car in person.

So yes I'm ok with this now, it took me a little bit but I'm comforted by knowing that this is all a piece of the bigger plan. We have our memories, our laughter, our test drives and that one car show we were able to take the Roadrunner to. Yes we have other projects, a lot in fact, so many that one of Dave's friends starting calling him Sanford. LOL! Thank you everyone for all the words and for sticking with us on this ride we call "life".

Stay tuned, I'm sure whatever is in store, it will be a good one!

Here's to hoping that helping someone fulfill a dream like that results in many happy returns for you guys.

gotta hand it to you,Dave,Ive never had the desire to try to restore old cars.(rifles,yes.)
I would much rather have a truck I don't have to work on.
just picked this one up last weekend,traded in my '10 Tacoma 2wd for a '12 4wd.
now I need another set of rims,and a set of knobby tires for hunting season.

OOOOOOOOO!!!!! Nice truck, Fluffy.

Stan in SC

Hi! Sitting in a St Paul motel room bored to tears. Haven't stopped by here for it seems like years. Dave, very nice about the Roadrunner. I sort of fancied myself in that car someday. Anywhoo.. Off to the mall for some white t-shirts. Maybe a tie. Sigh. Lots have changed for me.

4.

Quote

Pray to the car gods for me ya'll. On the weekend of March 16th, I'm hoping and praying I can get some paint on that '78 Ford f-150 4x4.

Nobody prayed eh?

I can't paint it yet. Pa's got a car in the shop waiting for the interior. There is a chance, but it's slim, that I'll get to paint. I can probably jam it and get the carpet,headliner, seats, seat cover, shifter boot, and trans case boot on.

Tie, white t-shirts ? Sounds like a job interview to me...
4, if you're up for lunch to coffee tomorrow, let me know. I work in St. Paul.

Tom

DAVE'S OPENING A HARLEY SHOP!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have an interesting story to tell about the road runner.

It's sold.
(short story)

Good Bye '69 Roadrunner,...You WERE the Wind beneath my Wings..!

Rooster 7, we were up at the angle.. Went out of Angle outpost...
Used to ice fish the south side for years on our own, got to be to many people in our hot spots.... Less pressure up there....

Ahhhh...lest we forget the sound of American Muscle.

Thanks Dave.

[video:youtube]v=Z0C2vsBvP-s[/video]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

A really BIG one.

Am I detecting a hint of Impala?

Nice truck, Fluffy. Another winter like this one and you might want to consider something with tracks to get around in.

Originally Posted by 43 2N

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

A really BIG one.

Am I detecting a hint of Impala?

No, but we'll be able to fit a lot of impalas inside of it.

Nice truck fluffster! I like the Taco's a lot.

Originally Posted by Big Jelly

Nice 'eyes NoDuck! What are they...hazel?

Ok... I missed that the first time through and it's a classic.

Nicely done Big Jelly.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by 43 2N

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

A really BIG one.

Am I detecting a hint of Impala?

No, but we'll be able to fit a lot of impalas inside of it.

Like a clown car but you use Impala's instead of clowns. I like it!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by 43 2N

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

A really BIG one.

Am I detecting a hint of Impala?

No, but we'll be able to fit a lot of impalas inside of it.

Sounds like a new workshop is on the drawing board?

are you moving to africa dave?

How did you guess?

Probably your accent.

Cool about the RR. The first car I ever worked on when I was a pretty tough little 5 year old lol was a 70 Challenger and I would go nuts if I was ever able to find the original one I worked on. So many memories from that car. That is one lucky guy getting his car back. As for the BIG BIG project. Hope its a massive shop with with the classic ND build thread we've all become accustomed to...

Good talking to you, Tom.

I did manage to get up the courage to wade through the snow and clear off part of the roof. Pulling the snow off was the easy part. Getting through the snow that was up to the top of my thighs was a whole different story. Took over 5 minutes to get me and the ladder a max of 15 feet.

A snow rake is your friend! I'm going to have to shovel out the window's on the lower level. The damn snow is 1/2 way up them and I don't want water to come in that way.

Dave....really nice story on the roadrunner, thanks for sharing.

On the new shop......in-floor heat in the plans? It'd be really nice to lay down on the creeper in January and that floor is a nice warm 70deg.

On another topic, how is the deer herd doing up there? Article in the paper says they are finding dead deer already from winter kill.

creeper?

I'll just use the hoist, no sense crawlin around and rolling in and out from under cars on a dang skate board.

The deer, yeah I dont think this brutal winter is doing them any good.

Oh by the way, this new busch copper lager is junk.

Goes flat as soon as you open/pour it. Flat as water, amber colored beer flavored water.

Junk.

Hoist!!! Holy crap batman, you is going high class!!

I sense a good old fashioned barn raising coming for the summer at the Shaw compound.

Stupid copper beer. Boooo. There, I got that out of my system. I have 4 more 16oz cans to get rid of. Tonight I will try during the hockey turn-e-mint.

I am SUFFERING through my last three copper waters.

you don't have to drink them guys. give em away or use em for targets if they are that bad. starting to sound like college students!

During my first couple of months in Nam we were faced with a beer shortage, soda too. When available, it was rationed out at 6 cans per man.

The only beer available during one period was a beer called "Tiger Beer" out of Singapore. Stamped on the can was the phrase, "For Her Majesty's Troops Only" The queen obviously didn't give a darn about her troops. The stuff was awful. Several months later the NCO club still had a bunch of it. They were trying to sell it for 5 cents a can without much luck.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

you don't have to drink them

Does not compute...

Well choked one down but I have bad news. There was a can in the fridge I didn't see so NOW I have 4 left. 1.5 periods to go in this hockey game, so there will be 3 left soon.

Same here, I guess I had 4

You two both are hard to convince, wishfully thinking you had fewer left than you actually did. Good luck toughing it out.

I've had worse problems.

Lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Well choked one down but I have bad news. There was a can in the fridge I didn't see so NOW I have 4 left. 1.5 periods to go in this hockey game, so there will be 3 left soon.

Prayers sent......

did you try a couple olives or a pickle in the glass?

I call those "salads"

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

did you try a couple olives or a pickle in the glass?

I call those "salads"

we call that "catching the gay"

Originally Posted by tzone

Well choked one down but I have bad news. There was a can in the fridge I didn't see so NOW I have 4 left. 1.5 periods to go in this hockey game, so there will be 3 left soon.

Dude, you better separate those cans! Sounds like they're multiplying. If you're not careful, you'll have a 24-pack in there waiting to be suffered through.

Gee whiz, take a small vacation and this thread explodes with new people (welcome Kevin), cars sold, pickups lusted after and all sorts of things.

A shed, eh? I think I asked about that when you first purchased the compound. Very nice. Cant wait to see the progress.

I just got back from southern WY on a last minute snowmobiling trip right where we plan to hunt elk. Pretty cool. I havent ridden any of the new mountain sleds before. Wow. I used to think I was a half-way decent snowmobiler. I am not. Minnesota skills are worthless out there. I was with a 16 year old kid that was unbelievable. Where he could go and what he could do where simply spectacular. Have you seen some of the videos out there of mountain snowmobiling? Wow.

i know a guy who has a '13 F150 I think and he raves about his mileage, but I dont know what it is off the top of my head. I looked up new trucks the other day and saw that a F150 is about $1,000 less than the comparable F250.

Uff-duh, I couldn't do a 24 pak of that stuff. It's really pretty bad beer. I'll drink it, probably finish it tonigh, maybe tomorrow. I'll cook brats with it or something. Though the brats don't really deserve that.

my buddy sent me a pic of a new ski-doo mountain sled. 174" track and 3" lugs. The T3 Summit.

you guys must be amateur beer drinkers.
buy a case of your favorite beer,drink it, then drink the copper stuff.
they will slide right down easy.
thought you would have learned by now.

Originally Posted by fluffy

you guys must be amateur beer drinkers.
buy a case of your favorite beer,drink it, then drink the copper stuff.
they will slide right down easy.
thought you would have learned by now.

Miller..."you can't see the forest for the trees."

Our group had Summits with 154 and 163 inch tracks and Pro RMKs with 155s along with a couple of Renegade Outbacks. It boggles the mind what these machines can do these days. Basically, no hill is too steep and no snow too deep. Watching them carve on a steep mountainside is something to behold.

Hey guys just for poops and laughs I just bought the wife 4 new tires for the car tonight. Discount tire is running an ebay sale if you spend 400 bucks they give you a code for 100 bucks off and free shipping. If anyone needs tires...
Got 4 goodyear assurance tires for 360 delivered

Discount tire has the best prices around. Well, ford will match them but DT has free lifetime balancing, ford wants $40 for it.

I was at DT just this morning.

bought my last several sets there, dont see that changing.

I heard that some of the stores are matching the 100 bucks off which is awesome as well. I was looking for some new drag radials for the mustang for the upcoming season but they didn't have what i was looking for...

Damn near 10 inches fresh white snow, here yesterday & over night.

Before yesterday, official records stated that the average snow "on ground" depth to be 38", a full foot more than normal.

They are also saying that we are going to receive as much snow in March, as we already have !

[bleep]:

I'm scared for the deer herd!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I'm scared for the deer herd!

Me too. At lesast where I normally hunt north of Duluth. I can't remember ever seeing that much snow there.

I'm not sure what the situation is at chickenbuck, but I'm sure there's plenty of snow in the bushes up there too.

We had 5' so far this winter. Talked to a couple from Lady Smith, which is in NW WI about 30 miles SW of our camp. They said they had way more snow than we did. Deer and turkeys are paying the price.

It's even getting rough down here around the Cities. You don't see random tracks much along the road-they're sticking to the traditional heavily traveled trails and don't venture far off of them. They're really working the apple trees hard where they can find them too.

Happy birthday wife, you are nice to have around and stuff.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy birthday wife, you are nice to have around and stuff.

Boy,you really outdid yourself on that one, Dave. 'Gotta think that any woman that can put up with your redneck azz must be pretty special! Now me on the other hand, I'm much more refined than that-my wife is LUCKY I married her! (I've got some swampland for sale in Florida, too!)

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

We had 5' so far this winter. Talked to a couple from Lady Smith, which is in NW WI about 30 miles SW of our camp. They said they had way more snow than we did. Deer and turkeys are paying the price.

Grizzly Bill, my parents live west of Ashland a couple miles about 1/2 mile from Lake Superior and my dad said "this year 5-7" of snow is just a dusting" LOL

Their deer population has been decimated in that area but is only getting worse this year.

Happy birfday Pam! What did you do on your day off?

Happy birthday, Pam! Have a great day and don't bother to share your cake with Dave.

Happy birthday Pam!!!

HBD Pam!

Happy Birthday Pam, make Dave take you out to dinner.

happy birthday

Happy Birthday to the Shaw Matriarch! Make Dave pay wait on you hand and foot tonight. I think he should be made to rub your feet!

Happy birthday pam. Hope you had a good one
Bill

A very sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM from Linda and myself .
Stan in SC

Happy Birthday, Pam!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think he should be made to rub your feet!

I'd rather rub her feet than mine, mine is nasty, lol.

So I took the boss lady home occupant out to dinner at our most classyass pizza joint here in the city. Had some delicious beers while she had 3 girl drinks that took charge right quick. came home and dumped her in bed and am now into some Stone Arrogant Double Bastards watching a show on ??? Coywolves in which they say are in our cities in the US. I'm thinking when i head in to center city Philly tomorrow to check on some servers I should take some protection and calls but I probably think I may stay home and brew a batch or two since I'm out of home brew. Any tips lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think he should be made to rub your feet!

I'd rather rub her feet than mine, mine is nasty, lol.

Dave they have powders an creams for that i heard once

through a person i met who said it one time

i think

So how much snow you boys got up there Dave? Beautiful weather down here in the Cities today. Would be a great day to go ice fishing if I had about an 8 ft. extension for the ice auger. Might have to go to the sportsman's show this weekend to get out of the house. This forced R&R is getting really boring, but the danged doctors won't release me to go back to work yet. 'Really getting tired of wearing this defibrillator vest. The positive side is, if anyone needs their car jump started, all I have to do is stand in a bucket of water, suck on their exhaust pipe, and start their car!

I don't who your are ... that's funny!

Damn Gopher that's funny. Good to see your sense of humor is intact. Hang in there it'll get better. Grass is so much prettier on the top side.
Bill

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I think he should be made to rub your feet!

I'd rather rub her feet than mine, mine is nasty, lol.

Dave they have powders an creams for that i heard once

through a person i met who said it one time

i think

just a razor and frozen OJ, you should know that by now

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Damn Gopher that's funny. Good to see your sense of humor is intact. Hang in there it'll get better. Grass is so much prettier on the top side.
Bill

Gotta have some fun at my own expense. Really hoping they at least let me go back to work half time at my next visit. I've never been one that avoided work, and while having paid time off is nice, it's not for me. I just want to go back to being productive again.

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!!

If I wouldn't have had to work, it would've been the most perfect of perfect days.

Carry on...

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't who your are ... that's funny!

+1 Coffee out the nose!!!

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't who your are ... that's funny!

+1 Coffee out the nose!!!

Happy belated birthday Pam!

Jobs are highly overated...Just retire and have Dave take care of you, I think we all approve!!

Today is my ma and pa's 64th wedding anniversary! I think they both earned a metal of some sort . Not for making it that long but putting up with they're friggen kids

WOW! Congrats to them! I just hope I live that long!

Happy Birthday Pammy!

Well we took the Ice Castle on it's maiden voyage to Lake of the Woods this weekend. The fishing was slow but we got a few walleyes to eat and Special K got to catch and release a slot fish. About a 25" or so. (Couldn't find my tape measure at the time)

A good time was had by all

Glad to hear that I was going to ask you if you had it yet when I logged on, and lo and behold you posted you used it. How do you like it? The fanciest I ever got is a six gallon bucket to sit on cause it is just a little taller than a 5 gallon bucket. I can't imagine a castle like that.
Bill

Originally Posted by Bill_55

Glad to hear that I was going to ask you if you had it yet when I logged on, and lo and behold you posted you used it. How do you like it? The fanciest I ever got is a six gallon bucket to sit on cause it is just a little taller than a 5 gallon bucket. I can't imagine a castle like that.
Bill

Bill,

It was great! We really like it! The best part is, our youngest son (who has never shown much interest in fishing) actually had a good time too!

If it took getting this fish camper to make him want to crawl out of the basement and away from the play station, well thats just a bonus!

The reason we haven't had it out sooner is because there is just too much snow on the local lakes and it's been brutally cold. Up on LOW, the resorts plow roads and spots for wheel houses to set up so it makes it pretty conveniant.

Oongrats to your folks, Mule.

The wife and I have our 50th coming up this fall.

45* and sunny, today. vacuumed out the car this morning for the first time since thanksgiving, If I empty out the vacuum I could sell a ton of salt to the county.

Even got the Xmas lights off of the porch eaves Can't get close enough to the rest of the house to get the other strings off yet.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

The fanciest I ever got is a six gallon bucket to sit on cause it is just a little taller than a 5 gallon bucket. I can't imagine a castle like that.
Bill

Sit outside in the wind and -22*F temps and you'll imagine all kinds of things.

Beautiful day here too. I saw two different signs with thermometers on them that said 53*. Woo whoooo.

We're up to 52* now. Feels great.

Our dog went out yesterday afternoon to do her business. We blew out an area under her cable run for her, but for some reason she decided to venture out into the deep snow yesterday. 'Looked like something out of a cartoon-one second she was up on top of the snow, the next she just dropped entirely into the stuff-all that was sticking up was the tip of her tail! Pixie the Wonderbeagle's kind of spoiled-she really doesn't like getting her belly wet-she set a new world's speed record busting out of there and running back to the house!

Sounds like out grand pup, Bella. We keep an area blown out for her or she wont go.

I'm the same way.

She's a very spoiled dog. Won't go if there's a strong wind either?

Yesterday was like getting to third base at prom.

I just figured out I need to burn 40 hours of PTO before April 3rd. (My Anniversary date at work)

Looks like 4 day weekends for the rest of the month for me! Fishing is only about to get better up Nort...

Hmm.........whatever shall I do??

Learn to bake?

Rooster, hope the Rainy River opens early this year and go catch some big ones during the week.

It is 67 right now. Most of the winows are open and the fresh air is great, but it is supposed to start raining soon, and turn to snow by tomorrow about noon. Temps are supposed to be down to the single digits in the net couple of days. I'm sick of this crap.
Bill

Damn,I worked in the yard yesterday in a t shirt and flip flops and got sun burned on my face. I just HATE sweating in March.
It got all the way to 79 degrees yesterday.

Stan inSC

82 here today . A week ago in the teens and 2" of sleet on the ground .

Meaners.

it's -4 here this morning

Snowing here.

Gross.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Snowing here.

Hoping it's not contagious!!

74 and sunny here now, going for 80 by sunday. then it should really bring the smell out in india.

Got me a new deer killin' machine yesterday at Cabela's. Ruger All American, .243, stainless steel for $299.00. Gotta get it scoped up and see how it shoots.

Have fun with that, the smell.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Got me a new deer killin' machine yesterday at Cabela's. Ruger All American, .243, stainless steel for $299.00. Gotta get it scoped up and see how it shoots.

Nice!

GG, The Ruger All American is a really NICE rifle. I have looked at a few of them. You did well, grasshopper.
What kind of scope do you plan to use?

Stan in SC

I like them as well. I don't think you can get a better rig for the price. We are going to get my GF's boy one soon. He earned half of it and got the other half from birthday money.

I'm thinking of getting Jack one in the compact version. If I can get the princess interested in firearms, I'll get her one in lefty. She's a fan of the Savage Axis in pink though.

Buschy,

That doesn't sound very fun. do you smell like curry when you get home?

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm thinking of getting Jack one in the compact version.:)

Son is going to get the compact in 243 for the GS.

Originally Posted by tzone

Buschy,

That doesn't sound very fun. do you smell like curry when you get home?

More like open sewers.

GG, I just bought that same rifle, the Ruger American in .243. i am going to use my discount as a Firearm Safety Instructor to buy a Leupold VX3 in 4-14X40. The discount is 45%, so it is pretty affordable. I am really looking forward to shooting it. We should collaborate on what boolits are shooting well or not in it.

it pretty much does smell like open sewers. a lot of their what they call septic tanks are above ground and most leak. doesnt help that it doesnt matter where people stop and go to the bathroom either or all the wildlife running around the streets. i dont do the curry here. i tried the first trip to say i did. the second i tried a few more things, this time, i just hope to make it home not sick. i like the american food way better!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GG, The Ruger All American is a really NICE rifle. I have looked at a few of them. You did well, grasshopper.
What kind of scope do you plan to use?

Stan in SC

For now, I have a Cabela's Pine Ridge 3x-9x to put on it,but will be saving up for a Redfield Revolution 2x-7x or a Leupie II.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG, I just bought that same rifle, the Ruger American in .243. i am going to use my discount as a Firearm Safety Instructor to buy a Leupold VX3 in 4-14X40. The discount is 45%, so it is pretty affordable. I am really looking forward to shooting it. We should collaborate on what boolits are shooting well or not in it.

I'll start with factory ammo, as I have no brass to reload anyways. If I can't find a factory load I'm happy with, as soon as I accumulate 100 rounds or so of brass, I'll consider reloading. I always start with the cheap stuff first until I work into a load I'm satisfied with. Probably start with standard grade Federal, Remington and Winchester, and move on from there if needed.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG, I just bought that same rifle, the Ruger American in .243. i am going to use my discount as a Firearm Safety Instructor to buy a Leupold VX3 in 4-14X40. The discount is 45%, so it is pretty affordable. I am really looking forward to shooting it. We should collaborate on what boolits are shooting well or not in it.

I'll start with factory ammo, as I have no brass to reload anyways. If I can't find a factory load I'm happy with, as soon as I accumulate 100 rounds or so of brass, I'll consider reloading. I always start with the cheap stuff first until I work into a load I'm satisfied with. Probably start with standard grade Federal, Remington and Winchester, and move on from there if needed.

Really look the Redfield over good before you buy . I have a Revolution in 4x12 not real happy with it .Its definitely not the same quality as the old Redfield stuff. I will either but a Loupy oy a Nikon next time I know they're or better scopes for the same money .

Just 1.5�

From what I've handled at stores, I agree with you on the new redfields, non impressed.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG, I just bought that same rifle, the Ruger American in .243. i am going to use my discount as a Firearm Safety Instructor to buy a Leupold VX3 in 4-14X40. The discount is 45%, so it is pretty affordable. I am really looking forward to shooting it. We should collaborate on what boolits are shooting well or not in it.

Holy Smokes... I always forget about that. I can and should do that too.

I'm a bit surprised by that comments on the revolution. I have one, bought in 2010 I think. I like it a lot! It's a 2-7x33. I like it better than the VX-1 I have. I think the Redfields have the same warranty as the Leupolds as well, they're made by Leupold.

I handled a 3-9 40mm in a store and I thought it felt... gritty...

I don't know. I sure want to like them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I handled a 3-9 40mm in a store and I thought it felt... gritty...

I don't know. I sure want to like them.

I'm surprised too. I have the 3-9 40mm with Accu-Range Reticle on my Ruger 22-250. I love that scope and it was half price of the Leupold. VERY clear and the eye releif is great on it. Now when Redfield was made in China, they were JUNK but now that their made in Oregon by Leupold they are much better IMO.

The accu-reticle doesn't do much for me but I don't shoot all that far to find it useful. maybe I got lucky on the scope.

Surprises me about the Redfields. Quite frankly, I've never been impressed with the Refields, especially the older ones. I think the Weavers were better products. I've looked through a couple Revolutions and was impressed with the quality of the view and just plain liked the scopes. We've got a Leupie I on one of our rifles and it is very hard to adjust the magnification on it.

well if you guys like em, i'll have another look. maybe I was fumbling with a dud.

I have a bunch of leupys and love them. Plus, the pricing is so good. $380 for the VX3 4.5-14X40. and just the fact that they support Firearm Safety Instructors makes me loyal to them as well.

I may have a lemon too and I may send it back and have it check . I have a Redfield 4x12 Golden Five Star that's about 17/18 years old and it's the best scope I've ever had .

I had a rev for about 2.5 hours. what a POS. Only thing going on my rifle (in my normal budget) in order are 1. Leupy vx3, Bushnell elite, vortex viper

Originally Posted by acooper1983

I had a rev for about 2.5 hours. what a POS. Only thing going on my rifle (in my normal budget) in order are 1. Leupy vx3, Bushnell elite, vortex viper

Key words there were "in my normal budget" For me, the Revolution fits a little better in that area than the VX II and I don't care for the VX I. Got one of those on my son's rifle and am not overly impressed with it.

I also have an old school USA made Redfield. A Partner I think it's called. That scope was the first "expensive" scope I ever bought. It was over $200, iirc, and I boxed a lot of doughnuts, and sliced a lot of bread to get that sucker! It's a 3-9x40. It's a tough, steel tube scope that weighs in at just less than the rifle.

I never can seem to part with it. It goes on all the rifles I get that I can't afford to scope at the time.

I've had 3 different Redfields over the years and never was overly impressed with them. Leupies are usually out of my budget a bit. I've got an ancient Weaver 3x-9x Accutrac on my old Mauser that's never let me down. It's a big, heavy scope, but it's done good by me. I don't begin to think it's as bright as some of the newer stuff, but it's held up fine for what I've needed it for.

Dave,

I stopped in at your (former) favorite gun store on Sunday and I literally had to ask a guy if I was in the right place. It's gone from a kick ass gun/ammo/hardware store to a homo paint store or sumptin. WTF over?

As far as scopes go, you're not going to beat the Leupy's for quality IMO. I have a Vari-x ii on my 7mm that I really like too. The reason I went with the Revolution on the 22-250 was because it was cheaper and very good quality I think. That gun is in the back seat of my truck all winter long so I didn't want to break the bank on optics.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Dave,

I stopped in at your (former) favorite gun store on Sunday and I literally had to ask a guy if I was in the right place. It's gone from a kick ass gun/ammo/hardware store to a homo paint store or sumptin. WTF over?

WTF is right. Saddened I am.

I used to love buying from a local store that a neighbor worked at. Great to deal with. That went downhill a few years back.

Can always bring the wifey there to shop for curtains & the kids for skates I guess......

There are still some good local hardware stores that a person can get very close to the same deal as purchasing from a box store in our area.

The guy did say that they would be getting some guns back in the fall when people are more apt to buy.

Yah, even the cheapies are brighter than some of the older stuff we liked.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG, I just bought that same rifle, the Ruger American in .243. i am going to use my discount as a Firearm Safety Instructor to buy a Leupold VX3 in 4-14X40. The discount is 45%, so it is pretty affordable. I am really looking forward to shooting it. We should collaborate on what boolits are shooting well or not in it.

I'll start with factory ammo, as I have no brass to reload anyways. If I can't find a factory load I'm happy with, as soon as I accumulate 100 rounds or so of brass, I'll consider reloading. I always start with the cheap stuff first until I work into a load I'm satisfied with. Probably start with standard grade Federal, Remington and Winchester, and move on from there if needed.

Really look the Redfield over good before you buy . I have a Revolution in 4x12 not real happy with it .Its definitely not the same quality as the old Redfield stuff. I will either but a Loupy oy a Nikon next time I know they're or better scopes for the same money .

Just 1.5�

Interesting, particularly as Redfield is now owned & made by "Loupy" !

checking gunbroker,I see 223 in blue/black, but not any stainless yet.

Well guys, turns out I gave out some bogus information here. The rifle I picked up was actually a Savage Axis, not a Ruger All American. I'm still satisfied with the deal,but wish it was the Ruger. There was a whole rack of Rugers and Savages mixed together, and the one I grabbed was a Savage, not a Ruger. Didn't come to light until I went to pay off the lay away last night. My bad-they have very similar styled stocks. I knew what I was getting, I just posted the wrong info here. They did have blued Ruger All Americans for $299.00. I saw them in .308 and there was another one there in 25-06, but that may have been a Savage too now that I think about it. Still happy with my buy. Can't wait to get some glass on this gun and put a few down the tube. Sorry for my rookie mistake guys.

Nothing wrong with a savage, unless you got something against tiny groups.

Who was looking for the pink camo .223? I saw one come up for sale in my area.

Bolt action, may have been an axis as well.

Savage makes some nice shooting rifles, I wouldn't be skeert of it.

I was looking for a pink one but it needs to be a lefty. I have one of theirs backward kids.

ah... yeah I don't think it was lefty but i'll try to find the ad for sure.

GG,
THAT changes everything. here I thought we had this special bond that only owners of the same gun share and now.....nothing. A Savage? You will be lucky to hit an 8 foot circle at 50 yards with that thing! (just kidding of course, they are fine guns).

I am gonna go into town later in my Chevy truck....oh, wait...I looked at it closer and it is a Ford!

Now that you are back at home and out of the hospital, I kinda figured you needed someone to jerk your chain a little!

I'm just feeling dumber than a fence post for booting my description. Still looking for a scope, bases and rings. I have a scope to put on it, but not what I ultimately plan on topping it with.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ah... yeah I don't think it was lefty but i'll try to find the ad for sure.

I think I'm going to have to buy a black lefty and paint it. She wants it VERY pink!

Look at some of those places that wrap the stocks in whatever color/pattern you want.\

Sorry but the name of the process evades me at the moment.

I have a terrible amount of ice fishing thoughts on the brain. Heading out for the first time in THREE WEEKS here shortly.

you sure it is a fence post or maybe it is a tree?

Hey man, it happens to all of us. I could tell you about the time I....no, I wont! But I have been there, believe me.

Look on the bright side, now you know what someone from California feels like every day!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nothing wrong with a savage, unless you got something against tiny groups.

+ 1 to that !

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG,
THAT changes everything. here I thought we had this special bond that only owners of the same gun share and now.....nothing. A Savage? You will be lucky to hit an 8 foot circle at 50 yards with that thing! (just kidding of course, they are fine guns).

I am gonna go into town later in my Chevy truck....oh, wait...I looked at it closer and it is a Ford!

Now that you are back at home and out of the hospital, I kinda figured you needed someone to jerk your chain a little!

Hey, who was the guy that almost shot that deer decoy ?

I'm currently doing a 280AI build in a savage action. I've had great luck with them, more so than the remingtons. they are only good for tomato stakes and kindling.

Not me. I dont have any deer decoy stories in my background.

I do have a story about seeing an otter that turned out to be a rooster pheasant though. Hey, running through the grass....they look kinda alike from the back!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Berettaman

GG,
THAT changes everything. here I thought we had this special bond that only owners of the same gun share and now.....nothing. A Savage? You will be lucky to hit an 8 foot circle at 50 yards with that thing! (just kidding of course, they are fine guns).

I am gonna go into town later in my Chevy truck....oh, wait...I looked at it closer and it is a Ford!

Now that you are back at home and out of the hospital, I kinda figured you needed someone to jerk your chain a little!

Hey, who was the guy that almost shot that deer decoy ?

That was me-not one of my finer moments!

Picked up bases and rings for the Axis tonight. Splurged on the stainless rings. Should look nice on the rifle. Going to go ahead and set it up with a Cabela's Pine Ridge I have. The money tree is drying up a bit. I will upgrade the scope later. Can't wait to get to the range and put this gun through it's paces.

Standard Weaver bases space out too far apart for this short tubed scope, so back to Gander for a set of extended bases. Going to hang onto the shorties just in case I need them when I switch out the scope. Can't wait to get to the range!

With Dave�s new ManZone on the way it seems fitting that we offer up suggestions for a moniker� after all a workshop (like a deer camp) should have a name attached. I�ll start it off� how�s bout�

�Camp ChickenBuick�

No�ok

�Northern Cave�

Last one

�Plays with Ratchets�

I�m out� let�s hear some more..

" the Shaw shack"

Fluffy, Shaw Shack......'Redemption" ?

That was my suggestion for Chickenbuck.

Plays with ratchets is a great Indian name tho.

Bent Pole Lodge

Texas has Gas Monkey Garage

Dave can have Baboon's Ass Garage

Too bad Dave's so good natured. If he wasn't we could call it "Crabby's Shack".

This winter has got the best of us. Just booked 5 weeks on the Texas coast for next year.

Just got back from Devils Lake.. Lots of holes drilled finally got into some JUMBOS..... The one on the right is almost 2lb!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by noduck

Just got back from Devils Lake.. Lots of holes drilled finally got into some JUMBOS..... The one on the right is almost 2lb!!!!!!!

HOLY! Nice perch! Those are bigger than the walleyes I caught at LOW this weekend

Rooster where did you fish out of on LOW?????

Patience and persistence finally paid off. I recently bought a Savage Axis down at Cabela's on clearance. After 3 trips back and forth to Gander Mountain for mounts and rings, it's got a scope on it. Started with standard Weaver bases-they were too narrow for the short-tubed Pine Ridge scope I had available to put on it. No problem-went back and got the extended bases, but figured I'd better hang on to the standard bases "just in case." I ended up using an extended base on the front, and a standard base on the back to make it work. Start mounting the scope only to realize that with 1" low Weaver rings, the bolt handle won't clear the back bell on the scope. 3rd trip to Gander. Ended up going with a set of Burris medium rings, as they appeared to sit a little higher than the Weaver's did. Finally! Everything went together, and the scope is bore sighted. 'Can't wait to shoot it this weekend. Patience and persistence, and thank God I wasn't trying to throw this together on the Friday prior to deer season!

Originally Posted by noduck

Rooster where did you fish out of on LOW?????

Noduck,

I fished out of Cyrus. About 3 miles out after you cross Morris.

Deer decoys all over MN are shaking in their hooves now!

Beauty perch Noduck.

Fantastic perch Noduck! That is the biggest perch I have seen in a very long time. I bet that was fun when you started pulling them in.

I am finishing my bonus room (man cave) above my garage and am in bad need of a name there as well. It is going to be finished space with a couch and TV and maybe even a small fridge. Knotty pine on the ceiling, hand scraped wood floor, sheetrock walls. If any of you creative minds have an idea, I am all ears. the best I have so far is the Rooster Perch. I would prefer something woodsy, elky, deery, roostery or the like. I have very little in the way of a creative mind, so all suggestions welcome.

I had to laugh at Camp Chickenbuick, that was fantastic!

GG, nice to hear you have got it set up. Anxious to see some targets. You get yours dialed in, then I will get mine dialed in. Then we will compare targets. Your target at 300 yards and mine at 50 yards! I need to get my scope ordered!

The Roost?

Originally Posted by tzone

Deer decoys all over MN are shaking in their hooves now!

I heard .243's WAY overpenetrate on decoys!

Wasting away again in Berettaville??

Stan in SC

Stan, you crack me up! Any time spent with a Beretta is definitely not wasted! I thought you worked in a gun store!!!!

Hey, I need your opinion. I have a Ruger .243 that I am gonna get a scope for. I am going to do a 4.5-14 Leupy VX3. Do I need to go to a 50mm objective or is 40 enough? Quite a price difference. I am really shading towards the 40. What is your opinion?

40

Yes.40. 50 is cool looking and is necessary in some cases but I think a 40 would be sufficient for your needs.It's hard to do better than Leuopold.

Stan in SC

40.

50's are for kids that work at gander mountain and shoot beretta's.

I prefer the 32 mm objectives, myself.

Well, I dont work at Gander, but I do shoot me a Beretta if you can believe that!

Good, I am glad it wasnt an overwhelming consensus that I needed the 50.

As far as light gathering goes, (especially with good glass like VXIII would have) the returns diminish pretty sharply in objective size above 40.

That's my understanding I guess.

^^^ What he said. ^^^

The larger glass just brings your point of aim farther away from your rifle's bore.

I have a 44 mounted on one gun, the rest are 40's. A 50 sits in the gun closet unused.

Originally Posted by tzone

Deer decoys all over MN are shaking in their hooves now!

That is mean....

....and funny.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Deer decoys all over MN are shaking in their hooves now!

That is mean....

....and funny.

It's not like I didn't have it coming........at least I didn't shoot at the decoy and miss it!

Or shoot at a deer and kill a tree...

Hey, that tree is doing just fine thank you.

it was a good shot, that tree was pretty small.

I'm pretty sure that was with a 40mm objective too.

......After all, Tom was a BEAVER in a previous life.......

Pondering dropping a Timney trigger into the new rifle. I don't like the trigger pull on the Axis, and have had great luck with Timney triggers in the past. From what I've read looking around on the web, I could cut the spring on the factory trigger and lighten the pull to about 4 lbs, but you end up with some creep. I hate that trigger creep. Think I'll just do the Timney and be done with it.

My initial thoughts are: Don't bubba mod your brand new rifle by cutting springs and such. Do an aftermarket drop in trigger if you feel it needs improvement.

Probably gonna have a 'smith do it. Just don't trust my self that much.

Just curious, how much is a Timney trigger?

Don't modify that rifle in any manner until after you have shot it and make sure that it has no problems. Warranty on modified rifles is not fun to deal with.
The voice of experience is speaking.

Stan in SC

Depends on what you get one for BM, but usually $100-$125. They're nice, I have one in my .280 that redneck built for me.

I'm home today with 2 very sick kiddo's.

Gopher,

I thought the new axis came with Savage's Accutrigger, which is adjustable down to 2 lbs ?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Don't modify that rifle in any manner until after you have shot it and make sure that it has no problems. Warranty on modified rifles is not fun to deal with.
The voice of experience is speaking.

Stan in SC

Good point Stan.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Gopher,

I thought the new axis came with Savage's Accutrigger, which is adjustable down to 2 lbs ?

I'm guessing this was new old stock as it doesn't have the Accutrigger.

maybe it leans more towards the stevens side of the house?

features and options wise?

If so, that's been on the shelf quite a few years. Accutrigger is what, 4-5 years old? Either way, the trigger can be replaced.

Are you sure it's a savage?

Goph, you need an axis2 to get the accutrigger.
Thats why I didnt get the 223 at the store.

I've owned my oldest accutrigger for about 10 years now I think, and it was a used rifle when I got it.

I posted this on the main Campfire forum. Not 1 response so far. Kinda ironic that every kind of degenerate topic can get tons of responses, but ask a question about a very worthwhile cause and all you hear is crickets. Anybody here have any ideas?

I am the president of our local PF chapter and we are going to hold a Youth Outdoor Activity Day late this summer. This will be a free thing for kids to come out and experience a lot of different outdoor hobbies like: trap shooting, BB/Pellet gun, archery, orienteering/geocaching, shoot/don't shoot course, mock blood trail, trapping demos, slingshots, casting clinic, etc. We are going to ask conservation orgs to come out and host a youth activity of their choosing. We cannot shoot rifles of any kind at this facility, but we have plenty of room.

My question to the 'fire is can you think of an outdoor activity that we could put on for kids to do? All ages of kids will be participating and we need things for young kids as well as old kids. Prolly looking at 200 kids is my guess. If you have any ideas of things we could do, I would really appreciate hearing them. After all....it's for the kids!

How about a Pocket Gopher trapping clinic? Teach them something that they could go out and make a few bucks doing and help out the farmers at the same time. That could build relationships for future hunting access on private lands as well.

I added it to my list Roody7! anybody know of any groups that i should include? I believe I have all the major ones on my list.

Could you get away with slingshot or archery shoots? How 'bout a clinic on building fishing rods? A basic compass use course? Not everyone owns a GPS. Wood duck or blue bird box building?

Wild life track identification?

Build some wood duck houses.

That's a good one wabigoon.

Maybe to expand on that idea a bit...

You'd have to split the kids up into groups but you could do a nature walk where the kids could be shown:
1) How to identify any local wildlife tracks*
2) Local edible wild plants
3) Local poisonous wild plants
4) Keep a scorecard of various local wildlife that the kids can check-off when they spot them on the walk.

*Although you might not have any guaranteed tracks to work with unless you cheat. Get a hold of some plaster molds of real tracks and either leave them along a trail for the kids to find or use them to make a fake animal trail. Then have the kids identify them using a simple photocopied sheet with local wildlife prints on it.

Have a display of various animal pelts that the kids can handle and identify.

A firearms display with a variety of different types and descriptions: Muzzleloaders, falling block single shots, lever action, bolt action, pump action, semi-auto, etc.

Let the kids make pine cone bird feeders that they can take home (fun for the little ones).
1) Make a small hole in the pine cone
2) Run a string through the hole
3) Smear with peanut butter
4) Roll in bird seed mix
5) Hang on tree at home

Steps 1 & 2 can be done before hand so the little ones only have to do the rest.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Could you get away with slingshot or archery shoots? How 'bout a clinic on building fishing rods? A basic compass use course? Not everyone owns a GPS. Wood duck or blue bird box building?

Slingshot and archery are already on the docket. building rods....that takes some specialized equipment and materials. Dunno if I have access to that. Yes, orienteering and geocaching are both included (tentatively). assuming we have the manpower to staff them. that will be the next thing, can we get enough people to staff all these things! Bird houses are covered in a separate event later in the year with a local group really well. Great ideas!

wildlife track id....hmmm. How am I going to get all those stinkin' critters to parade by the booth in an orderly fashion and lay down tracks? Just kidding. I plan on having our naturalist from the DNR come out and I think he may have some cast tracks. that is a good idea.

Great ideas guys, keep them coming. The event is Aug 24, so plenny of time. And if anyone wants to bring a carload of kids, it will be a good time. I will update you more as we get closer.

Hey, maybe Stan can run a boot for us! Stan, you up for a MN roadtrip?

By the way, not one stinkin' reply on the campfire main forum. All talk over there, nobody walks the walk. I knew you guys would be better!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've owned my oldest accutrigger for about 10 years now I think, and it was a used rifle when I got it.

Oh wow! Time flies I guess. I had a savage/stevens 200 in .243 that was a lights out shooter. I traded it to get a win push feed m70 fwt, in .243 which I sold to pay for a divorce.

BM,

Trying to think of things kids like.... atv riding, fishing stuff, learning survival stuff like shelter (forts), fire stating (safely of course), casting, cooking... even if it's hotdogs over a fire, making a still for water, tree identification, animal and/or animal track i.d., trapping, pan-fishing, canoeing, climbing rocks or rock wall, ropes courses, fishing lure making.

Sling shot stuff is cool, set up targets and have contest of some sort?

Check with Capra's in Blaine. They're good people.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Could you get away with slingshot or archery shoots? How 'bout a clinic on building fishing rods? A basic compass use course? Not everyone owns a GPS. Wood duck or blue bird box building?

I like those ideas. All relatively easy and informative. The compass course is a big deal. When we had hunters safety classes,even a lot of adults didn't know how to use a compass. Set up a course with tokens or "treasures"?

When are you going to have this? If the timing is right, I could help you out.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

By the way, not one stinkin' reply on the campfire main forum. All talk over there, nobody walks the walk. I knew you guys would be better!

It's getting loony over there. Harder and harder to go on there every day.

BM, check with Geocaching.com for help with GPS, there should be members in your area that geocache. If I were a little bit closer would love to help with that.

Map reading and compass use. teach them to shoot an azimuth.

I like the bird house ideas too.

Not to change the subject but I am down in Cotter Ar. and hit a gun store today that was selling 22 ammo. Blazer 40 gr. 57.00 a brick and no limit. They had about a 100 bricks sitting out. My buddy thought it might be a ok deal but my thought was it was about double what it should be going for. I / we did not by any but I did buy a couple pounds of Varget this afternoon at another gun shop.

Cool! I snapped up a pound of varget a fee weeks back as well. My .22lf spot dried up though.

BM-
We have soemthing similar called Sportsmen for Youth. Upon entry every kid gets a t-shirt. We have raffle prizes donated by local businesses too. Fire Dept. and EMS bring their rigs down for tours, local Steelheaders have a fishing simulator. Hunter Safety has treestand with harness set up. LaPorte skeet throwers rep brings by a machine that throws foam "frisbees" up for archers to shoot at. Kayak company brings a half dozen boats for the kids to try. There's various wildlife and taxidermy displays. Conservation Officers are there. Boy Scouts camp out and show the kids how it's done. We have some mountain men there camped out and they bring throwing hatchets and a big cross section of a stump to throw at. Our live fire has trap, .22, archery, 3-D archery, BB guns, turkey shoot with 20 gauge, and shotgun shell reloading. I'm just hitting the high points, but we've been doing it for over 20 years and we get about 2000 kids each year.

Ok, now I wanna come and throw some hatchets! Nuttin like a good hatchet throwin!

BM, anyone mention Biking related events, off road, on road, safety, maintenance etc...

Originally Posted by tzone

making a still

While not appropriate for children, I would like to come and learn this too!

I said for water knuckle-head.

... but me too.

Did you say pellet guns were an option? The CMP has used, rebuilt Daisey 853 SSP rifles for 115 bucks shouted shipped.

Let me know if you want one to use, or a GPS unit to use.

Originally Posted by goalie

Did you say pellet guns were an option? The CMP has used, rebuilt Daisey 853 SSP rifles for 115 bucks shouted shipped.

And tell them to bring their Playstations and Xboxes to use as targets...

yes pellet guns will be part of it. I may be able to get the pellet guns from 4H. working on that.

Charlie, did you hear that thump? that was me fainting when I read 2,000 kids. I want a lot of kids, but 2,000 our first year is prolly too much. I would like to do the Tshirt thing too, but $$ may inhibit that. I have 2 conservation orgs (Viking Sportsmen and Douglas County Pheasants Forever) that are putting this on. Depends how much $$ they can float for the Tshirt thing. anyone who wants to help is more than welcome. I have been making a list with all of these really good ideas.

I was thinking about a couple of other activities:

How to shoot a Tree (Tzone will run this one)
Mice are your friends (Ryan)
The art of determining the manufacturer of your gun (Gopher)
Harvesting grouse with a beer bottle (Dave)
Loving the MN Vikings (Bill)

I am sure there are a few more ideas like this out there!

Thanks guys!

Smoky burnouts by uncle dave?

Trails in the sand by Peter Dragon?

Wait...what

You guys pitch me an idea and if it is approved by the board of directors, you can do it. I have already rejected beer and hookers and operating a still. But, hey, you never know!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Map reading and compass use. teach them to shoot an azimuth.

Dave, what's the bag limit on those azimuths? Would a .270 over-penetrate? I suppose they'd taste good wrapped in bacon and grilled?

T, hatchet throwing is the activity the adults like the best. Nothing like going all Davy Crockett on a pine stump! Or maybe it should be: going all Northern Davy Crockett!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

How to shoot a Tree (Tzone will run this one)
Mice are your friends (Ryan)
The art of determining the manufacturer of your gun (Gopher)Harvesting grouse with a beer bottle (Dave)
Loving the MN Vikings (Bill)

I am sure there are a few more ideas like this out there!

Thanks guys!

Shouldn't gopher be taking that class?

I could surly teach a class on tree shooting. I hate to admit it, but that wasn't the first tree I've shot!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

You guys pitch me an idea and if it is approved by the board of directors, you can do it. I have already rejected beer and hookers and operating a still. But, hey, you never know!

Hookers, stills, beer, smokey burnouts? Yoots of Northern Minnesota will be in fine shape. Better yet, it sounds like it could be the fund raiser adults like me would attend to raise $$$ for said yoots. Who's in?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

You guys pitch me an idea and if it is approved by the board of directors, you can do it. I have already rejected beer and hookers and operating a still. But, hey, you never know!

Well I guess I'm out then. There's no fun left in these things anymore.

Sorry B-man...got off track. Start out slow and build it. We started nearly 20 years ago and now it's a huge undertaking with over a hundred volunteers and lots of donations. Everything for the kids is free.

The most popular event is our trout pond. A local fishermans group sponsors it. Kids put a piece of corn on a Zebco rig and catch themselves a Rainbow. They can take it home, we'll clean it, or they can release it. I think they donate the rod & reels too.

Get other outdoor groups involved like DU, NWTF, Delta, Boy Scouts, NRA Foundation, WU, etc., all who will bring volunteers and $$$ for the kids. It's really a very easy sell. Even WalMart, Gander, and Cabelas like to get in the game...it's all about the kids. Win/win.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

BM, anyone mention Bikini related events, off road, on road, safety, maintenance etc...

Fixed it for ya and HE!! YES I'm there !

Hows about teaching them the art of Amish Rake Fighting? You know...just in case...

You never know where these kids will end up for Chriss sakes!

Get Play it Again Sports to donate the bike helmets so the wee ones dont get hurt too bad and then get Home Depot to dontate the rakes.

Chit you're in bidness!

A comment like "Quit crying PhhKer and "rake" him back!" goes a long ways towards a shy kids self confidence. Just sayin...

The Savage Accu trigger was developed in 2002.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Map reading and compass use. teach them to shoot an azimuth.

Dave, what's the bag limit on those azimuths? Would a .270 over-penetrate? I suppose they'd taste good wrapped in bacon and grilled?

T, hatchet throwing is the activity the adults like the best. Nothing like going all Davy Crockett on a pine stump! Or maybe it should be: going all Northern Davy Crockett!!

Not Davy Crockett, You want to go Ed Ames on the target. If I have to explain, you're way to young to be throwing hatchets.

The Board of Directors has met and rejected Amish Rack Fighting as we dont want to be protested by the local gardening club. However, the Board feels a Bikini Olympics for the moms has merit and will need to be investigated further!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The Board of Directors has met and rejected Amish Rack Fighting

Quote

However, the Board feels a Bikini Olympics for the moms has merit and will need to be investigated further!

Are these two related? Are there weight classes?

FWIW, I'll take a look at amish rack fighting, you guys can have the rake fighting.

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=Berettaman]

Quote

However, the Board feels a Bikini Olympics for the moms has merit and will need to be investigated further!

Are these two related? Are there weight classes?

We should consider several divisions also. Stock and custom. I mean with some of today's bolt on products, some of things are barely legal.... er, I mean street legal.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Map reading and compass use. teach them to shoot an azimuth.

Dave, what's the bag limit on those azimuths? Would a .270 over-penetrate? I suppose they'd taste good wrapped in bacon and grilled?

T, hatchet throwing is the activity the adults like the best. Nothing like going all Davy Crockett on a pine stump! Or maybe it should be: going all Northern Davy Crockett!!

Not Davy Crockett, You want to go Ed Ames on the target. If I have to explain, you're way to young to be throwing hatchets.

For Bill: Mingo...and yes, I am too young, but I did watch all the reruns after school.

[video:youtube]v=0L5QC9ZJkM8[/video]

CFT, go to Utube and find the video of Ed Ames throwing a hatchet on the Johnny Carson show. ONE of the funniest segments ever.

All jokes aside Bman I think your doing a great thing and I wish I was closer to help.

Right above your last post Bill.

Saw it to late. Thx for including it.

Helloooooooooooooooo................

Anybody here???

Figured they were all in that 61 car wreak Monday over in the cities.

Dave is most likely drawing up his plans for the new shop.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Figured they were all in that 61 car wreak Monday over in the cities.

Dave is most likely drawing up his plans for the new shop.

Oh THANK GOODNESS! I thought it was the second coming and I wasn't called! The rest should be along shortly then. Unless, we are both screwed Bill

I'm still lurking !

Hope none of you guys are in insurance ? You don't want to know what I'm thinking about you, if you are !

Anyone like to guess the insurance estimate to have my 99 F150 repaired ?

99' they probably totaled it!!

Yes, they did !

Give 'er a wild guess !

Oh year, & they want to give me $2k for it.

Not right, some lady slides through a stop sign, 100% at fault & I get bent over & boned !

Driveable, damage to drivers side front door, suicide door, rocker panel underneath both doors & a bit of panel beating for the box damage + paint = $??????????

$3520

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Driveable, damage to drivers side front door, suicide door, rocker panel underneath both doors & a bit of panel beating for the box damage + paint = $??????????

To get it fixed? Hmmmm, $5K?

I know a guy.

Word is...if you bring him some Monkey Butt powder, Busch Bronze or Copper (can't remember which), and some walleye filets he'll put you at the front of the line. He does pretty good work too. Has some sort of cheap labor working for him and that's why the price is so low. I think one of them is a midget -- good for doing that rocker panel detail. He's building a new place, so there might be a bit of a wait. I'll try to get more details but he's a very mysterious fellow.

Any opportunity to take the money and buy it back for pennies since it is now worthless according to them?

Not sure about the insurance laws in Canada. Can you appeal the offer. What does your insurance carrier say? Would they repair the damage then subrogate the claim against the other carrier?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

$3520

Close........................................................................................................................ $7529.52 hard earned Canadian dollars !

$3778.45 materials
$2865.20 labour
$866.27 taxes

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Any opportunity to take the money and buy it back for pennies since it is now worthless according to them?

Yes, but the buy back is $800 + taxes !

Doesn't leave me much to repair the old girl.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Not sure about the insurance laws in Canada. Can you appeal the offer. What does your insurance carrier say? Would they repair the damage then subrogate the claim against the other carrier?

Yes, I'm in no rush, what so ever, to settle this claim for what they are offering.

I now have to supply "my" market valuation, based on research & logic and they will review.

Along with this, I can also supply copies of any, non maintenance invoices incurred in the last 12 months.

Just frustrating & infuriating !!

What I can't seem to make them understand, is that this is not a typical, 15 year old, Northern Ontario rust bucket.

I purchased it out of British Columbia, where they do not used salt one their roads, hence its condition & that through my business (Automotive repair garage), the vehicle has been treated to everything it deserves & more. Again, not typical Nth Ont stuff !

Basically, if I can get them to $4k, less the buyback figure, we'll be in the realms of being able to fix it properly.

Then, my only issue will be if the "write off" will be affixed to the title. If so, I'm up for a $700 tow bill to Thunder Bay & a further $350 for a structural safety, that I already know it will pass.

Actually, rereading my above post, I need to establish the Clear title, before accepting any offer !

Speaking of trucks... The 1978 Ford 4x4 is getting closer and closer to seeing the road.

Here are a few pics.

Probably my least favorite part of this project, the masking of parts I don't want it painted.
[Linked Image]

Putting in the carpet wasn't as easy as I thought it should be.

I goofed too, I have to pull the front half of the carpet back and put the shifter and trans case boots in correctly.
[Linked Image]

Here is a shot with some color. It's actually Desert Tan, but for some reason, it looks yellow in these pics.
[Linked Image]

You can see the paint a bit better here. The running lights even work.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0168_zpsd2ec10c7.jpg[/img]

cant wait to see it up at camp chickenbuck!

looks very similar to my first pickup, mine was a 79 I think, yellow and BAD rust, we called it "the hornet"

lookin good Tom!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

cant wait to see it up at camp chickenbuck!

Me either!

i was thinking tom it looks like the start of a rainbow. hope the tan comes out brighter. may be the grey holding back the manliness of the tan pictures. Looking very good though. Great Job. You going to move in with dave and work with him?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

looks very similar to my first pickup, mine was a 79 I think, yellow and BAD rust, we called it "the hornet"

lookin good Tom!

Well... it used to have bad rust. Now all the rust is good rust.

My goal is to get it running/driving well enough to get to chicken buck. I want to use it for at least one hunting season. Then, I'm going to sell it and use some of the money to start going on my 1955 F-100.

There WILL be another 1970's Ford 4x4 in the driveway. I already have a list of stuff that will be done differently and better than this one.

One thing will be a new suspension. all around 4" lift. It will ride better for one thing. The next one will also be a long box. With a regular cab, it's just more useful. Finding one with a 300 I-6, or putting one in is a strong possibility on the next one as well.

Looking good. Whatcha gonna do when you are done with this project???

My project of finishing our bonus room is going well. Sheetrocking today....no, not me...I am hiring that part out! Everyone should sheetrock and tape once and I have done that. I dont want any part of that again!

So far the naming committee thinks The Roost is maybe the best name. Simple, a nice gamebird connotation, rolls of the tonque easily. So far that is the best.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Great Job. You going to move in with dave and work with him?

We haven't discussed this possbility. I'm thinking he has some live-in help already and he's probably a lot better at it than I am.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Looking good. Whatcha gonna do when you are done with this project???

My project of finishing our bonus room is going well. Sheetrocking today....no, not me...I am hiring that part out! Everyone should sheetrock and tape once and I have done that. I dont want any part of that again!

So far the naming committee thinks The Roost is maybe the best name. Simple, a nice gamebird connotation, rolls of the tonque easily. So far that is the best.

I can put up sheet-rock like a mofo. Taping/finishing though is best left to the mexicans. They're really good, fast, and relitivly cheap.

That said, being a poor dude, I'm going to be doing my own here this summer. It can't look any worse than what is in the house now, that I know.

Truck is looking good Tom! I can't wait to see it at Chickenbuck either!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

So far the naming committee thinks The Roost is maybe the best name. Simple, a nice gamebird connotation, rolls of the tonque easily. So far that is the best.

Free beer in exchange for royalties?

Nope, but you should just go ahead & move in !

Rooster's Roost, has a great ring to it.

Heck yeah Rooster, you can come down for a Men's Night! But be forewarned, 2 of the guys are pilots and thus have many days off in a row. So they dont go by Mon-Tues-Wed, etc. For them it is Sat-Sat-Sat, etc. This leads to the weeeee hours of the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Uffda. Good times will be had in the Roost though, that is for sure!

Building that goes a long way to getting your man card back... but the board of directors will take point away for a "mens night".

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Heck yeah Rooster, you can come down for a Men's Night! But be forewarned, 2 of the guys are pilots and thus have many days off in a row. So they dont go by Mon-Tues-Wed, etc. For them it is Sat-Sat-Sat, etc. This leads to the weeeee hours of the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Uffda. Good times will be had in the Roost though, that is for sure!

I would need to take a PTO day me thinks!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Looking good. Whatcha gonna do when you are done with this project???

My project of finishing our bonus room is going well. Sheetrocking today....no, not me...I am hiring that part out! Everyone should sheetrock and tape once and I have done that. I dont want any part of that again!

So far the naming committee thinks The Roost is maybe the best name. Simple, a nice gamebird connotation, rolls of the tonque easily. So far that is the best.

I can put up sheet-rock like a mofo. Taping/finishing though is best left to the mexicans. They're really good, fast, and relitivly cheap.

That said, being a poor dude, I'm going to be doing my own here this summer. It can't look any worse than what is in the house now, that I know.

Let me know when you're readyto do that Tom. If I'm released from my restrictions, I'd be glad to come up and help.

If the board of directors understood men's night, they would award extra credit points. It is all testosterone, my friend! When the Burgen Brain Trust meets, Chuck Norris serves us.

More points lost for doubting Chuck Norris.

Amen, I own 19 total gyms because every time the commercial comes on I obey chuck and buy one.

the man has counted to infinity twice.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the man has counted to infinity twice.

Backwards...

Originally Posted by tzone

That said, being a poor dude, I'm going to be doing my own here this summer. It can't look any worse than what is in the house now, that I know.

At least you're waiting until summer.

I just finished remodelling two bathrooms, a kitchen, and replacing all our trim. We want to move before the little-guy starts first-grade, so I had to do it all this winter.

It was awesome. [/sarcasm]

At least I will finally get a big garage and a basement. The little-guy said I need a workshop so we can invent things together. First on his list is a cat-robot, since I am allergic to cats.

Cat-robot = awesome.

I have to finish my landscape project first. Last year, I put in two gardens with retaining wall block. Then, a retaining wall/planter garden in my backyard, around the pattio, then up the slope in the back. I'm going to build another short wall and have a fire -pit off of it. The current fire pit, if you can call it that is right on the back pattio. I'd like it to be away from the house. I'll need to rent a skid loader for the R/W work I have now though. I wish WB lived closer for this work, but it's been awhile since I played with a skid steer, so that will be fun.

The current pattio will then be for grillin/chillin.

The interior work list is much longer, so I doubt I'll get to it by summer.

I'm on the 5 year plan. I plan to be out of there in about 5 years. Sell the house, buy some land up nort, and either buy a town-home or rent here til the kids graduate...then I'm autta here!

Originally Posted by tzone

Cat-robot = awesome.

I have to finish my landscape project first. Last year, I put in two gardens with retaining wall block. Then, a retaining wall/planter garden in my backyard, around the pattio, then up the slope in the back. I'm going to build another short wall and have a fire -pit off of it. The current fire pit, if you can call it that is right on the back pattio. I'd like it to be away from the house. I'll need to rent a skid loader for the R/W work I have now though. I wish WB lived closer for this work, but it's been awhile since I played with a skid steer, so that will be fun.

The current pattio will then be for grillin/chillin.

The interior work list is much longer, so I doubt I'll get to it by summer.

I'm on the 5 year plan. I plan to be out of there in about 5 years. Sell the house, buy some land up nort, and either buy a town-home or rent here til the kids graduate...then I'm autta here!

Are you sure we couldn't con you into moving a little sooner? It really sucks to live down wind of you buddy-just sayin'

The Boss just informed me that I'm building a new deck this spring. She has "pictures". Not happy. Fishing plans are quickly evaporating.

B-Man, where did your he-man woman haters club meet before? Was it in your mini-van? "hey guys, don't spill any beer on the floor mats, my wife will kill me!" OR "will you guys pleeeease use the cupholders?!"

JK! Gotta have some fun with ya!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Are you sure we couldn't con you into moving a little sooner? It really sucks to live down wind of you buddy-just sayin'

Oh it wouldn't take much to get me to move sooner, but I want to stay here until the kids graduate.

There are a few areas I'm real interested in.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

That said, being a poor dude, I'm going to be doing my own here this summer. It can't look any worse than what is in the house now, that I know.

At least you're waiting until summer.

I just finished remodelling two bathrooms, a kitchen, and replacing all our trim. We want to move before the little-guy starts first-grade, so I had to do it all this winter.

It was awesome. [/sarcasm]

At least I will finally get a big garage and a basement. The little-guy said I need a workshop so we can invent things together. First on his list is a cat-robot, since I am allergic to cats.

you too huh? Kendra and I are listing our house monday (IF i get the last 3 projects done) so I've been scrambling to get everything cleaned and freshly painted. nothing like selling your house when you're planning for a wedding 3.5 months out!

All this project talk has me itchin for the ground to thaw. I have my D65 dozer in the shop getting the hind-end worked on right now. When I get that put back together it's time to do some track work on the old hoe.

There will be fire pits & horse shoe pits EVERYWHERE!!!!!

Hey Tzone. Since you work with all of those construction guys you must be able to pull a few favors????

The Brain Trust meets on one of the guys pontoon in the summer and another guys basement man cave during the winter. Sometimes, we are forced to meet in another guys living room as well. We gotta have options! matter of fact, we are about due for a meeting here purty soon. There will be wood floors in The Roost to accommodate muddy boots and beer.

I gotta get a small frig so Chucky doesnt have so far to go.....

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Hey Tzone. Since you work with all of those construction guys you must be able to pull a few favors????

Yeah, I can get one and/or someone to use it but I want to play with it. I don't need a D6 though.

I wish I did.

I'm looking for a smaller finish dozer now. I need something to follow me around & clean up my path of destruction that I tend to leave behind with the bigger rigs.

The skid steer is just clumsy to grade with especially in poorer soil conditions.

I really only need to grade a 15x15 area. about 1/2 of it is into a hill that's sloped pretty good or I could do it with a shovel. I still can do it with a shovel, it'll just take longer. If the project could be completed in 2 weekends it would be ideal.

How big of a dozer?

Big, really big!

[Linked Image]

I got a fiberglass handled shovel Ive been trying to break for 20 years.
Your welcome to try it ,if you want to.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Big, really big!

[Linked Image]

How much you askin?

How much you got?

Lol... Probably not enough.

Slightly larger than that but the kid would enjoy it.

17,000# give or take.

Dave and WB are you in line for the dump of snow heading to MN?

20" they say.

Even 6" will be bad if the wind picks up like they are suggesting. A lot of the roads still have high drifts along the sides & this will plug many of them up pretty tight.

we're getting it now, most of western SD is shut down by the governor. least the state offices are. I made it 2 miles out of town before I had to turn back. so it looks like I get to enjoy a snow day. temps are hovering at freezing so everything is heavy and wet, when they drop it's going to be an ice nightmare here. kinda feels like atlas again.

Bout time you got some crappy weather...

ND/WB, I read 14" for you today with 50mph winds.

That's not good. Not even a little bit.

LOL, we're trying to get all our stuff finished so we can sell the house, this will delay us a bit on the outside stuff, least I can finish a couple inside things.
it's crazy how having a baby can shrink your house. I also need to finish my address book for the invites on my side. blessing in disguise I guess

Yeah,

Nasty to da nort of dem guyses too !

12"+ over the next 24 hours & it's coming in sideways at present !

March 31 =

March. In like a lion, out like two of em!

Going to be mainly a rain event here.

I was in SD Saturday, for about 25 minutes. Plane stopped in Rapid city to take on fuel. Didn't see a whole lot of snow cover left.

Flurries are starting here now. The wife said it's pouring rain in our town.

heck Bill you were only an hour from me! mama and baby were up in rapid saturday, I was fixing a window on the house.
most of the snow was gone by saturday, it was almost 70 for the high. today is a different story. I'm gonna have to shovel my yard if I want to get any mowing done today.

Went to a gun show this weekend and thought I hit the motherlode - but it turns out it was a gun-knife, not a knife-gun.

There's only one way to get a Kinfe-gun. Joey has to give it to you. The good news is.... he's pretty liberal with them. I got 4 or 5 of em one night at deer camp. Turns out that particular season, we were covered in Flying Bear, and Joey wanted us to be ready.

I remember that, I always checked my knife gun in with Joey when I got back to camp, he was sure serious on how to use them against the flying bear. no joke, that stuff is serious. saved my bacon when I needed it.

spent the past hour rolling around in 16" of new snow, digging under a buick with a winch cable hook and dragging said buick around on it's belly with Nates 77 Ford.

wow, miserable.

(and that was just at home in the driveway)

Will we see Old Yeller the snow hammer out & about tomorrow?

I don't know if I'll take it to work, but I'll be cleaning snow with it here at home in the morning.

If I don't, nobody will get out of our driveway in the morning... well, nobody except Nate.

lol

16" already? I thought it wasnt coming until later in the day and tonight? Just sprinkles here so far. You can keep that stuff though.

well, I don't know what the accumulation average is, but I know I was laying in a good 16" of that crap on my driveway.

We're in for a long night, wind feels like 30-40 mph out of the NW.

It's suppose to keep on like this until midnight before it begins to taper off.

I guess it's back to work about midnight for me to make sure ND's Buick has a clean spot to park. YEAH!!!!

Super Nate saves the day again!

Is that boy graduating this year?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

It's suppose to keep on like this until midnight before it begins to taper off.

I guess it's back to work about midnight for me to make sure ND's Buick has a clean spot to park. YEAH!!!!

Does he still make you put the flashing beacon with the lighted arrow to his parking spot?

We have a "seniors parking" that ND uses.

as it should be.

Why can't this beautiful white goodness come towards the end of December when we want it?

At least it would have been useful then. Now it just adds to the sloppy mess that is on it's way. Temps nearing 40* by the weekend.

I think Nate has a year to go, otherwise my graduation invite got lost in the mail......

we're supposed to be in the 50's this weekend, 30's all week means icy mornings and sloppy afternoons.

Spending a good chunk of the winter next year in TX is looking better all the time.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Spending a good chunk of the winter next year in TX is looking better all the time.

Sounds hot!!!

I do enjoy our winters. Until I get older I guess......

Ryan, Nate has a year to go.

That's what I thought

I know time goes by fast, hard to believe my little man will be 6 in a few months.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Spending a good chunk of the winter next year in TX is looking better all the time.

Sounds hot!!!

I do enjoy our winters. Until I get older I guess......

This winter got to me, and I am older. Time to get out of dodge while we can still travel. The wife and I we're in Wendover, NV for a few days and we had temps in the 60's. Sure did feel great. Down side is I came back with a major cold.

My youngest daughter will be a senior next year too.So it looks like around 5000.00 should cover all the stuff that goes with it .;(

Snow stories! My lord, this winter has to end. I find myself bragging about the excessive snow, ice and low temps I have endured and survived this winter. (Yeah, I know. I can hear the "up north chorus" singing "If you want to experience winter come up here". Red Green would be proud.)

SE Pennsylvania trout season opened this past Saturday. One group of "potential" anglers were reduced to tossing quoits tied to rope onto the ice of a state-owned lake in an attempt to break open enough space to fish. Story in the local paper stated that 2 quoits were lost to the lake and no trout were caught. I'm eagerly awaiting the YouTube video!

Last March I was killing the Crappies from the first week of the month at another local lake. This year the ice just broke up last Wednesday and there are still large ice floes floating on the surface. Water temps are still in the mid 30's and the crappies remain AWOL. I verified this by fishedng the shallows Friday. I caught one 4 inch bluegill who evidently wasn't equipped with a GPS and wandered into my mylar jig. I don't know which of us was more surprised by the encounter.

Ray-I talked to my brother and he was heading up to his camper on Lake Erie. Way too much ice to even think about going out yet. By this time last year, he'd all ready gotten on the perch and walleyes in good numbers up there. We've still got a lot of ice up here in Minnesota, and it's looking doubtful that a good part of the state will have open water for the walleye opener in early May. The ice is getting bad on top, but guys were still driving on it last weekend.

We saw some clowns out on the lakes in Chisago Lakes area on Sunday. Not a chance I'd be out with a vehicle now!

Green Bay TV station showed a truck being pulled out of Lake Winnebago near Oshkosh on Monday. Guy drove out to pull his brothers truck out after one wheel broke through the ice.

Wolf River is starting to break up. Northern lakes will not open up until sometime in May. Same as last year.

Dave, how much snow did you end up with?

ND's spot has been cleaned since 5am but it's still empty???????

Been pushing the white fluff since 1am & just now took a break.

I'm guessing well over 12" & heard a lot of local reports of 18".

I have drifts in my yard over 6' deep but bare ground in other spots.. That wind really did a number.

I was in no hurry this morning. I slept in until the sun was coming up, then I got up, had some coffee, started the ole plow truck and cleared a path out to the hwy so we could all get out to the world today.

I'll finish up with the plowing tonight.

I like to have some daylight when I'm running that machine. It's always been a busy job inside the cab of ole yeller. Manual steering with a posi front axle, manual trans, dash mounted plow controls... It's hard to keep a hand on the right stuff at the right time, your feet stay pretty busy too.

But it's gotten more challenging after I broke a motor mount out on the lake this winter.

I have to be careful not to load the drivetrain and lug the engine because the old FE will raise up off the drivers side motor mount and start climbing out of the truck.

You know when the engine is trying to get out of the truck because the mechanical throttle linkage comes over center (self loads) and the big 4 barrel opens up.... It's what you call a compounding issue.

When the old FE starts climbing out of the truck frame, she opens herself up and really wants to run.

It's a handful.

Dang ol FE's. Old Yeller needs some tlc.

It's official, just sent in my deposit for next years moose hunt. Lookout Bullwinkle.

Congrats Bill, were will you be hunting thee elusive Bullwinkle???

British Columbia, NE of Quesnel

SWEET! I can't wait to see those pics! Have I mentioned I'm jealous?

Hey Bill! I'm headed your way in a month to chase birds with the kids. We'll probably be staying at the Best Western in Wittenberg.

hunting all 4 species of moose is my holy grail. I highly doubt I'll get an opportunity to take one of the beasts, but oh what a dream to have. I'm green with envy bill, you better take lots of pics and have a detailed story for us! at least then i can live vicariously through your moose hunt. good luck!

Dang Dave sounds like you need to take a couple of days and do some work on the old yeller beast. I'm a good one to talk, my old ford 901 tractor thatI need to grade some lanes on the farm is sitting out there with no battery the new battery has been sitting on a couple of twobys in front of my workbench for two months now. I need to lengthen the cables about six inches. Always too many projects and not enough time. Hope you got it all plowed out.
Bill

I am officially ,really sick of winter now.

supposed to get another 3-9 inches later this week.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

It's official, just sent in my deposit for next years moose hunt. Lookout Bullwinkle.

That's awesome Bill. Got that on the bucket list. Someday.

Just got my CO elk app in this evening...4 minutes before the deadline. I have got to get this thing rolling sooner next year!

I need to cut my grass today. It is getting too thick. I almost feel guilty when you guys are getting all that snow and we are well into Spring. Having lived in the South all my life it is hard to conceive snow at this time of year. Actually it is hard to grasp a lot of what you do in the frozen nort. Driving trucks with trailers out onto lakes??? Skim ice is about all we get.
Amazing experiences!

Stan in SC

I'd like to mow some grass. At this point though, I think my lawn would be hell on the mower.

Originally Posted by tzone

SWEET! I can't wait to see those pics! Have I mentioned I'm jealous?

Hey Bill! I'm headed your way in a month to chase birds with the kids. We'll probably be staying at the Best Western in Wittenberg.

Give me a shout, Tom. I'll try and catch up with you.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I am officially ,really sick of winter now.

supposed to get another 3-9 inches later this week.

Same here, Fluffy. Friday is supposed to be real messy.

As of now we will have the same guide, Greg, that we used in 2006. Greg already told my son that he is going to work his butt off to see that dad gets a moose. Think I'm going to get a Wolf tag also. They're plenty of Wolves there.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I need to cut my grass today. It is getting too thick. I almost feel guilty when you guys are getting all that snow and we are well into Spring. Having lived in the South all my life it is hard to conceive snow at this time of year. Actually it is hard to grasp a lot of what you do in the frozen nort. Driving trucks with trailers out onto lakes??? Skim ice is about all we get.
Amazing experiences!

Stan in SC

I'm with you Stan I've stated before I don't know how you Nortern guys do it . We started mowing yesterday only 28 more weeks of cutting grass to go . Went fishing Sunday caught 11 nice cats !

I like snow one week and two days a year. The opening week of deer season. Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It can melt Christmas night as far as I'm concerned and never come back.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Actually it is hard to grasp a lot of what you do in the frozen nort.

Well Stan,

I'm going to be in the Sunny South as soon as I can get my fat ass down there. Unfortunately, it won't be for about 25 years.

my buddy was ice fishing this last weekend, he drilled through 52" of ice which is alot of ice for this time of year here even. then we get another 16" of snow which turning to all slop. its really no fun at all to work with this stuff. i got banks along my drive way now over 10ft high from drifting. first time in 18 years there that i have not been able to make it out in the morning. had to wait for a tractor to come in cuz the v-plow on the one-ton couldnt touch it.

Sure glad I made the decision to bring the Ice Castle home on Sunday instead of leaving it up there like I have for the last month or so. What a mess!

Bill - That is great! I hope you guys get some trophy meece!

Trophy Meece... I love it!

We got something heading our way starting late tonight into late Friday.

North could see up to a foot of wet snow. Think our area is going to see mainly freezing rain. It is getting old.

we got 6" today, wet stuff too. hopefully we have a wet spring. it's a little tougher on the birds, but our native prairie plantings could use the moisture.

the official forecast
"* SNOW ACCUMULATION... 8 TO 14 INCHES... WITH THE HEAVIEST AMOUNTS EXPECTED ROUGHLY ALONG A LINE FROM REDWOOD FALLS AND NEW ULM TO MONTICELLO AND CAMBRIDGE. SNOW AMOUNTS WILL BE LOWEST SOUTH AND EAST OF THE TWIN CITIES METRO WHERE A WINTRY MIX MAY PERSIST THE LONGEST."

Great!

Bill,I applied for MN moose for few years with a guy from work and wasn't drawn. It's a once-a-lifetime deal here. Last year there was no season due to low numbers. DNR hasn't said what the plan is yet for this year. The Bois Forte Injus did say they're not going to hunt them though.

I bought a Marlin guide gun in 450 marlin, just to go moose hunting.
shortly after, they canceled moose season.

You guys think they will ever have a MN moose hunt again?????

Sure be nice, but i don't know...

Go north. This is my Manitoba moose.

Originally Posted by noduck

You guys think they will ever have a MN moose hunt again?????

Sure be nice, but i don't know...

I hope so. It's been my dream to hunt one since I was 4 and I saw my neighbor bring one home.

What TJAY said. Check out Ontario too.

Its snowing.

It was snowing when I left home but when I got to the cities, it wasn't. Could get anywhere from 5-18" of snow. Great!

Snowed some over night, but most of it melted already. They're calling for up to 3" of snow here when it's finally over Friday night. As I said earlier we'll see mostly freezing rain.

The area North of Hiway 8 could get well over a foot of snow.

just got to love this white stuff dave!! as much snow as we have this year and normally likeing snow, its time for it to end and warm up!!!

Yep, I just got my shop site free of snow and back to bare gravel showing again yesterday following Monday's storm.... Now it's getting covered up again.

Non happy.

1-3" here is the forecast. really, you guys can have it.

I shot a moose in Minnesota in 1987. 44 1/2" bull. It wasnt that great of a hunt though as we saw it from the road and drove up and shot it. But it was a moose, it was a bull, and it was in MN.

My dad and his party got one in .... 82 I think?

Isabella area, BWCA, it was a canoe trip hunt. That's how they got Bullwinkle out too.

Mid 80's we had tons of meece. The Felton refuge was full of 'em. When I first started deer hunting, I hunted in that area and it was not uncommon to run into a few moose on deer drives. Now there is nuthin. It sucks.

What would MN have to do to bring the moose back? Transplant them?

Ryan should be able to answer that. He's a Marine Biologist...

Dave, what's the size on the shop?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Snowed some over night, but most of it melted already. They're calling for up to 3" of snow here when it's finally over Friday night. As I said earlier we'll see mostly freezing rain.

The area North of Hiway 8 could get well over a foot of snow.

Well I'm right in line with HWY 8 so I'm on the border or eh... or holy christ I'm moving.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Mid 80's we had tons of meece. The Felton refuge was full of 'em. When I first started deer hunting, I hunted in that area and it was not uncommon to run into a few moose on deer drives. Now there is nuthin. It sucks.

What would MN have to do to bring the moose back? Transplant them?

Ryan should be able to answer that. He's a Marine Biologist...

Rumor has it the population increased from last year to this year. The DNR wasn't sure if they mis-counted last year or the pop. grew. That said, the Bois Forte tribe declined to hunt them this coming fall. So I'm guessing there won't be a hunt for the common folk either. But we can still hope.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, what's the size on the shop?

12x14. He's going to start small and work his way up.

that's right.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave, what's the size on the shop?

12x14. He's going to start small and work his way up.

That sounds like the size of the overhead door.

Been looking at Manitoba meece and Ontario as well..

Anybody know anything about Newfoundland meece... Been doing a little research.. I got time thou Elk and mule deer hunting this fall and then have to take some time off cause of the contract with the wife....

Just started sleeting here!!!!!!

I know they have a good moose population and you have the option of caribou as well. Be worth looking into.

Been raining here for about an hour.

got to 41 today, lots of melting, pretty greasy on the gravel roads

Having thunder snow right now. Kinda neat if there wasn't 5" of crap!

It was 83 degrees here today.(snicker)

Stan in SC

Were do you find thermometers that read that high, Stan?

Rained most of the night here with a little snow mixed in. Ice cycles hanging off of everything. Surprised they didn't close the schools because the roads can not be good. Some schools in NE WI have closed.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

It was 83 degrees here today.(snicker)

Stan in SC

84 here

I'm not sure how much snow we got but it's a lot. It was the type of snow you really need to drive your vehicle too. No dropping it in "D" and going. You really had to get up on the wheel, work the pedals, shifter, the whole works.

how about the radio? wipers?

I don't need no stinkin wipers!

Radio was full bore on Polka til I found a guy with a crotch for sale, so I called him on the drive in.

using the blew tooth on dat crotch for sale call? Hanz free?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

using the blew tooth on dat crotch for sale call? Hanz free?

Well mah hanz froze when I cleart dat wintshield, but I don't got no blew teeth.

Hans quit our euchre club -

now we're Hans-free, too!

Hans free is good way to go.

Look Ma. No Hans!

Is this some of that "Smart talk"?

No... I don't think there was anything smart about it. Just a buncha goof balls eh.

Rooster's meece pics

[Linked Image]

Thanks Dave! Saw these Meece 3 miles east of my house last night. Coincidentally, It's the exact same spot I seen a small bull about 3 years ago

What do you think. No food up north pushed em down? Or they're local and just got spoted?

Some of your better fed moose.

Very cool. They look healthy.

Originally Posted by tzone

What do you think. No food up north pushed em down? Or they're local and just got spoted?

Local. We used to have a bunch around here but a sighting is very rare these days. I got excited just taking these pics! lol

Also, those pics were taken with my cell phone off the road so me and wifey poo were pretty close to them. They were not scared in the least.

Rabbit population is about to explode. I have 2 bunnies in the back yard playing leap frog.

should hit 60 today.

62* here. Windows are open.

Turned off the heat a week ago. Almost shorts weather. The other part timer at the shop is already in shorts.
Turkey season opened here April 1st.Runs thru the thirtieth. I have four tags. I hope I get a chance to use at least one of them.

Stan in SC

Beautiful day! Spent the day running around in the woods scouting for turkeys. I drew my first mn turkey tag. Found a clear cut, a big one, on state land that was logged this winter. Saw 2 dozen turkeys probably, 2 long beards, and no less than 75 deer. Probably hiked 2 miles or so in by the time I realized it. I'm beat!

Tzone just curious were you scouting up north??? Thinking you were cause of the logging... I dont turkey hunt, just wondering i keep on hearing about more and more turkeys up north...

I saw several turkeys last spring ,driving down hwy 200,about 200 yards south of leech lake.

I didn't know turkeys could drive? Amazing what you learn here.

Hey Griz, Is it your birthday today? If so, Happy Birthday buddy! I hope you get a nice present!

Happy B-day Bill.

I hope its a good un.

Originally Posted by noduck

Tzone just curious were you scouting up north??? Thinking you were cause of the logging... I dont turkey hunt, just wondering i keep on hearing about more and more turkeys up north...

Kind of... Up by Hinkley. Not really up north unless you're from the Cities. I have seen a wild turkey as far north as Carleton, which is by Cloquet. It was picking grain/corn off the railroad tracks near Hwy 23.

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy B-day Bill.

I hope its a good un.

Thanks, guys.

Might be an expensive one. I've had my Ford dealer trying to find me a 14 Explorer equipped the way I want, not how the dealers like to load them up. Looks like he found one. Waiting to find out if the dealer that has it will do a dealer trade.

Happy Birthday Griz,

Hope you get looked after !

Happy Birthday Bill!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

I didn't know turkeys could drive? Amazing what you learn here.

happy b-day,Bill!
yes,that turkey ran straight down the middle of the road for 50 yards or so before it turned and saw me behind it.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy B-day Bill.

I hope its a good un.

Thanks, guys.

Might be an expensive one. I've had my Ford dealer trying to find me a 14 Explorer equipped the way I want, not how the dealers like to load them up. Looks like he found one. Waiting to find out if the dealer that has it will do a dealer trade.

I think the tranny on my 06 explorer just crapped the bed...or someond put a 2800 stall converter in it last night.

Couldn't find anyting on a recall but there were ltts of "issues" with them.

I have 4k mi left on an extended warranty, so i'll get to try it out it sounds like.

Looks like we just missed out on it. Another dealer was about an hour ahead of us. We still have a slight chance, as the other guy hasn't given a confirmation that they want it. In the mean time the search will continue.

Bill, what makes it unique? What do you want that most dealers dont have? I know sometimes dealers order a lot of vehicles that are basically the same. It can be kind of frustrating.

I remember going to a dealer looking for my 08 Super Duty F250 Lariat 4X4 Crew Cab. They had like 30 XLTs and 1 Lariat. Then they had the infinite wisdom to say they didnt sell many Lariats. Huh? Lariats are all over the road, maybe if you had some you might sell some??? Not exactly out-of-the-box thinkers so I went elsewhere and they still didnt sell a Lariat.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like we just missed out on it. Another dealer was about an hour ahead of us. We still have a slight chance, as the other guy hasn't given a confirmation that they want it. In the mean time the search will continue.

What options are you looking for on the Explorer Bill? Well....besides a functioning transmission that is...

Bill,
Just face it buddy, not many people want a green explorer with a big yellow G on it!

You guys get the snow down to where you can find the mailboxes yet?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I remember going to a dealer looking for my 08 Super Duty F250 Lariat 4X4 Crew Cab. They had like 30 XLTs and 1 Lariat. Then they had the infinite wisdom to say they didnt sell many Lariats. Huh? Lariats are all over the road, maybe if you had some you might sell some???

No kidding eh? I hate going to the dealership.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

What options are you looking for on the Explorer Bill? Well....besides a functioning transmission that is...

I'd like the same thing.

Actually, on the way home it didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I'll just have to find some time to take it in.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,GRIZZLY BILL!!!!
Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Looks like we just missed out on it. Another dealer was about an hour ahead of us. We still have a slight chance, as the other guy hasn't given a confirmation that they want it. In the mean time the search will continue.

What options are you looking for on the Explorer Bill? Well....besides a functioning transmission that is...

Not much really, XLT with towing , heated leather seats, rear camera and the BLIS system. Problem is that the dealers add on other options that just jack up the price. If I order one I won't see it until July and we'll be in Oregon most of July. Plus our trade would be reduced because we'll have more miles on it. There's one more out there that's a possibility. It has 20" wheels but I think I found a another rebate that would take some of the sting out of the $1K price jump.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Bill,
Just face it buddy, not many people want a green explorer with a big yellow G on it!

You've got it backwards BM. It will be yellow with a big green G

Thx Stan and all the rest of you for the BD wishes.

Most of our snow has disappeared. Be at least a week before it's all gone though.

well,another installment in the saga of my life.

I quit my job today,after getting hired back at the job I had before.

I took the day off ,and went back to my old job,and was welcomed back,everyone from the owner,to the foreman and fellow co workers.
start Monday.
went and picked up my tools and quit present job afterwards.too much drama.
Also,no more getting up at 330am to be at work by 500am.
going to take this week "off", and try to get caught up on some projects.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

What options are you looking for on the Explorer Bill? Well....besides a functioning transmission that is...

I'd like the same thing.

Actually, on the way home it didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I'll just have to find some time to take it in.

Well if it is the tranny going, I hope they repair/replace before your warranty is up. Good Luck T

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GB!!!! Hopefully, you get the Explorer you want with GB colors, a GB Superbowl, and a 5th silver trophy named after the Old Man in GB!!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,GRIZZLY BILL!!!!
Stan in SC

Hey Stan! Down in your neck of the woods. Drove down and stayed in Knoxville last night. Missed Woodford Reserve Distillery by 10 minutes.

Today in a driving rain we came down 26 through Spartanburg before heading west on 20 at Columbia. Gorgeous country!! And WARM!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GB!!!! Hopefully, you get the Explorer you want with GB colors, a GB Superbowl, and a 5th silver trophy named after the Old Man in GB!!

They're going to name a trophy after Favre?

Charliefoxtrot, Welcome to the South.That drive down I-26 is some pretty country and out I-20 east of Columbia is pretty flat and different cause you are headed toward the coastal flat land.
Where are you headed?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by fluffy

well,another installment in the saga of my life.

I quit my job today,after getting hired back at the job I had before.

I took the day off ,and went back to my old job,and was welcomed back,everyone from the owner,to the foreman and fellow co workers.
start Monday.
went and picked up my tools and quit present job afterwards.too much drama.
Also,no more getting up at 330am to be at work by 500am.
going to take this week "off", and try to get caught up on some projects.

Congrats on the new/old job. If you're off for a week, we should get together for coffee some day. I'm still off with this heart stuff, so I've got plenty of time.

lets do it.Ill pm my phone number.

Stan-

Headed west to Augusta. After this winter and leaving a bunch of snow I think I just might be in heaven. Actually saw real flowers and grass here. Evidently the talk of the second ice age was just rumor.

The Knoxville / Smokey Mountain area of TN is one place I could easily see myself living someday.

we can be neighbors. I'm thinking hard of moving that way when the time comes as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

we can be neighbors. I'm thinking hard of moving that way when the time comes as well.

there goes that neighbor hood.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Stan-

Headed west to Augusta. After this winter and leaving a bunch of snow I think I just might be in heaven. Actually saw real flowers and grass here. Evidently the talk of the second ice age was just rumor.

Is there a golf course you might be visiting there Charlie????
Been there awesome even if you dont like golf, the landscaping is unreal....

Yeah, kinda like Disney World. Even if you're not an amusement park type person, the landscaping is worth the time you spend there. Simply beautiful.

That surprises me Tzone! I had you pegged as a guy who would move west, not SE.

I aint movin'. But if I had to, it would be Montana, Wyoming or possibly Colorado.

Well, the west is apealling as well. But I want somewhere with no state income tax. Which leaves SD and NV. NV is just becasue. SD is not out and is considered in the running, but I'm looking for pretty damn warm in the winter. I will be buying land in MN or WI to have a "summer" place on. Probably WI because as much as I love MN....this state is screwed up!

Originally Posted by noduck

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Stan-

Headed west to Augusta. After this winter and leaving a bunch of snow I think I just might be in heaven. Actually saw real flowers and grass here. Evidently the talk of the second ice age was just rumor.

Is there a golf course you might be visiting there Charlie????
Been there awesome even if you dont like golf, the landscaping is unreal....

Hmmmm...there might be something to that.

Busman's holiday. My work will be finished here early Sunday evening.

I'm thinking Stan should change his handle to Stan in Paradise. I've hit all the lower 48 and this right here is top 5 for sure.

Of course, enduring over 11 feet of snow with record cold this winter might have something to do with it. It was sunny and 55* here last evening. The good folks who live here were wearing jackets. I considered just a Speedo. Probably have laws against pasty white overweight northern boys wearing such garments.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

That surprises me Tzone! I had you pegged as a guy who would move west, not SE.

I aint movin'. But if I had to, it would be Montana, Wyoming or possibly Colorado.

Those 3, western SD and maybe Oklahoma are very appealing. I've just been to east TN several times and really enjoyed it. Truth be told however, I don't know if you'll ever get me out of MN as screwed up politically as it is. It holds a lot of beauty as well when you get away from the liberal chit hole

I can't take it. I can come back and visit the beauty. I don't have to shovel sunshine.

In 1997 after 30 years of living in Atlanta I came home one day and announced to Mz. Linda that we were moving to Greenville, SC.
Three months later we were here. Been here 17 years now. Love it.
I retired in 2002. Three years later I was bored a wee bit and started helping out a couple of days a week in the local gun/pawn shop. I wish I had gotten into this business many years ago. I was a good project manager for 14 years but didn't enjoy it the way I do what I do now. The down side is...I buy too many firearms.

Charliefoxtrot, you are headed for the Master's golf course?

Stan in SC (Paradise)

Yes'm

Charliefoxtrot.. Have fun place is awesome.. I was thinken Masters when you said Augusta..

I was there just Mon and Tues.. Next time i want to do Weds and Thurs....

How did you get to go?

Payed our way..The wife and I took the farther in law.. As i'm sure you have heard tv doesnt do it justice.....

That is why we went Mon and Tues those are the cheapest days....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Berettaman

That surprises me Tzone! I had you pegged as a guy who would move west, not SE.

I aint movin'. But if I had to, it would be Montana, Wyoming or possibly Colorado.

Those 3, western SD and maybe Oklahoma are very appealing. I've just been to east TN several times and really enjoyed it. Truth be told however, I don't know if you'll ever get me out of MN as screwed up politically as it is. It holds a lot of beauty as well when you get away from the liberal chit hole

Come on down ! And you know we do have some pheasants in parts of the state .

I knew you could pay your way on the early days, but on thursday/friday, I was always under the impression you needed an invite or a coorperate ticket. Cool that you get to go. I'm not a golfer but I do like to watch the masters.

I bought clubs in an attempt to become a golfer a year ago. Went out about 5 times. The progression of my skill set went like this:

1) I sucked
2) I did ok
3) I sucked
4) I sucked
5) I sucked

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I bought clubs in an attempt to become a golfer a year ago. Went out about 5 times. The progression of my skill set went like this:

1) I sucked
2) I did ok
3) I sucked
4) I sucked
5) I sucked

Change #2 to "I sucked" and you have my golfing skills.

Mon thru Weds its ground passes.. Thurs thru Sunday its badges..You have to turn them in at the end of the day.. You can still buy badges expensive ive heard a Sunday badge can go for 1k.. We bought our Mon and Tues passes thru stub hub. I was freaken out that they might be fake.. People in front of us had fake tickets. They got kicked out.. They scan your ticket 3 differ times in line... The merchandise tent unreal people were throwing thousands of dollars on stuff... I would love to see there profit on merchandise at the end of the tourney..

Cool thing sandwiches were 1.50, candy bar .75. Water i think was a 1.00. Beer was like 2bucks..No porta potties..Regular bathrooms..
There is not one branch or leaf or pine needle out of place on the whole property.. The grass where spectators walk was cut the same as the fairway.. People were walking around barefoot..
Even saw grown men crying... LOL...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I bought clubs in an attempt to become a golfer a year ago. Went out about 5 times. The progression of my skill set went like this:

1) I sucked
2) I did ok
3) I sucked
4) I sucked
5) I sucked

When I was a kid, my mom and I took a golf lesson as we were both interested but never played. The golf "pro" literally told us we should check other sports we were interested in.

I'm not kidding!

Bill,

Did you get your new ride?

Originally Posted by noduck

Mon thru Weds its ground passes.. Thurs thru Sunday its badges..You have to turn them in at the end of the day.. You can still buy badges expensive ive heard a Sunday badge can go for 1k.. We bought our Mon and Tues passes thru stub hub. I was freaken out that they might be fake.. People in front of us had fake tickets. They got kicked out.. They scan your ticket 3 differ times in line... The merchandise tent unreal people were throwing thousands of dollars on stuff... I would love to see there profit on merchandise at the end of the tourney..

Cool thing sandwiches were 1.50, candy bar .75. Water i think was a 1.00. Beer was like 2bucks..No porta potties..Regular bathrooms..
There is not one branch or leaf or pine needle out of place on the whole property.. The grass where spectators walk was cut the same as the fairway.. People were walking around barefoot..
Even saw grown men crying... LOL...

Truth.

Crying is a bit extreme, but I believe it. Heard that a Masters devotee passed away. He was cremated. One of his buddies got a ticket, went with his buddy stuffed into both front pockets of his pants. When he got on the course he spread the ashes through holes in his pockets. Nuts if you ask me.

The amount of $$$ being thrown around here is staggering. Rich boys and their toys.

Ahh golf. I am actually a pretty darn good driver. But after that, it ends in a big way. I am beyond horrible with irons. My favorite thing to do is hit line drive after line drive after line drive over the green. And if by some stroke of luck I eventually get on the green, I cheer wildly if I make it in the hole in less than half a dozen putts.

I have heard, but never witnessed, that some people even watch golf on TV!

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Did you get your new ride?

Pick it up on Friday. Goodbye old red Edge; hello new red Edge. SWMBO didn't want an Explorer, too large. She wanted to stay with the Edge.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Did you get your new ride?

Pick it up on Friday. Goodbye old red Edge; hello new red Edge. SWMBO didn't want an Explorer, too large. She wanted to stay with the Edge.

I will bite. SWMBO???

Originally Posted by tzone

How did you get to go?

They have a ticket lottery every year.

Cheap beer and food there too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill,

Did you get your new ride?

Pick it up on Friday. Goodbye old red Edge; hello new red Edge. SWMBO didn't want an Explorer, too large. She wanted to stay with the Edge.

I will bite. SWMBO???

She who must be obeyed

Isn't golf for when you are too old to hunt and fish?

I donno... I was just at the MN wild game and man are they looking good!!

Originally Posted by mule1

Isn't golf for when you are too old to hunt and fish?

z

Exactly, and I'm too damned young to take up golf.

My dad was an avid golfer and I played some when I was young but could never get into the game. He loved going to the Master's Tournament every year. Being a newspaperman he had press passes to get in.
The course itself is a beautiful place I hear.
On another subject I see that this post has passes 80 MILLION, that's MILLION views. WOW!!! The place has a life of it's own.
I am proud to be here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I will bite. SWMBO???

She who must be obeyed

I love it!

Laughing here!
hahahaha!

Glad to bring a little laughter into your dull boring life.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

My dad was an avid golfer and I played some when I was young but could never get into the game. He loved going to the Master's Tournament every year. Being a newspaperman he had press passes to get in.
The course itself is a beautiful place I hear.
On another subject I see that this post has passes 80 MILLION, that's MILLION views. WOW!!! The place has a life of it's own.
I am proud to be here.

Stan in SC

well in all fairness I do check it a couple times a day...

thats pretty amazing! I wonder how many aren't even registered users who read from work to get their "deer camp" fix all year long? pretty cool nonetheless. Dave, you're a celebrity!

Hey guys-I got some good news today. The heart doctor says I can go back to work and has cancelled my driving restrictions. Back to the grindstone bright and early Monday! 'Can't wait!

that's awesome news! congrats!

Ya know reading Gopher's news and particularly his statement got me to thinking. Compare his attitude that he is excited to go back to work vs all the people that are too lazy to work. Attaboy Goph! Great news on the health and great attitude!

Great news Gopher.

Good on ya, GG.

just wanted to tell you guys about my neighbor.
he asked me a few weeks ago,if I knew anybody that wanted his truck,an 02 gmc sierra extended cab, 212k.( he just bought a newer escalade)
well,today,we went to the dmv,and he signed over the title to me,just had to pay the transfer fee, new plates, and tax.($86)
now my son has a truck for when he gets his DL in a few months.
leather ,heated seats,auto,cruise,air,trailer brakes, bose speakers.
It has newer tires ,alternator,fuel pump,heater fan motor,and a new battery ,HE put in today.

needs a few things,but not over a few hundred.( tail gate lever( $18),window tracks and motor($65 ea)washer fluid reservoir($20),new shocks probably.

guys 28, an Iraq veteran, national guard member, new father( 6 weeks old daughter).wouldn't even take a case of his favorite beer,(bud lite),a twelve pack was enough.( I snuck another 12 in his garage fridge when he wasn't looking). as if that wasn't enough he completely rebuilt the engine awhile back, and put a 3/4 ton tranny in it.runs and drives perfect.
what a great neighbor to have.

Amen fluffy!

That's really cool Fluffy. Every kid ought to start with a good ol' beater, and the fact that it's a truck definitely elevates the cool factor.

that's a nicer truck than I have!

What a neighbor.

Picked up the new Edge on Friday. Really like it. Ford made a number of refinements over the 09 version. Much smoother ride. quieter.

Dash is like a video game. I've got the major features down, but there's a secondary info screen that I need to work on.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey guys-I got some good news today. The heart doctor says I can go back to work and has cancelled my driving restrictions. Back to the grindstone bright and early Monday! 'Can't wait!

Good lord! Finally eh? I bet you've never been so excited to get back to work?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What a neighbor.

Picked up the new Edge on Friday. Really like it. Ford made a number of refinements over the 09 version. Much smoother ride. quieter.

Dash is like a video game. I've got the major features down, but there's a secondary info screen that I need to work on.

Cool! The interiors on the new vehicles I've driven are really like a video game. The Ram 1500's I liked a lot. Even the radio was touch screen. I thought my 2011 f-150 was hi-tech. It is nothing to the new stuff.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What a neighbor.

Picked up the new Edge on Friday. Really like it. Ford made a number of refinements over the 09 version. Much smoother ride. quieter.

Dash is like a video game. I've got the major features down, but there's a secondary info screen that I need to work on.

Cool! The interiors on the new vehicles I've driven are really like a video game. The Ram 1500's I liked a lot. Even the radio was touch screen. I thought my 2011 f-150 was hi-tech. It is nothing to the new stuff.

Radio, climate controls and phone all managed through the touch screen. Mine doesn't have GPS but it functions through the same screen. There are some manual controls also for the radio and climate control. You can also use voice commands to activate and change functions as well. I haven't played with that yet. I love the backup camera and the Blind Spot/Cross Traffic warning system.

I'm going to sound like a Ford commercial, but if you're looking for a crossover vehicle that's great in snow it's will be tough to beat a AWD Edge.

Anybody know if Oakdale's open for public shooting on the weekends this time of year? I want to go shoot that new Axis.

Take 'er out on some public land and let 'er rip!

Oakdale Gun club opens to the public the first full weekend in June which this year is June 7/8. Public shooting hours are from 8 am until 4 pm at that time.

Good news about your ticker Gopher!

I will be looking into the Edge when it's time to update wifey's vehicle. I tried and tried to convince her to get an AWD at the time we got her '09 Impala but she wanted nothing to do with it. A few times of being stuck has changed her mind though.

AWD is not only good in snow it's good in rain also. Reduces risk of hydroplaning.

Going to need the AWD this morning. We have 3.5" of wet heavy snow and it's still snowing.

Jeeze. You can have it. We're supposed to get some as well later this week. Just in time for my turkey season.

Never fails. When I have the first season, I've had everything but nice weather. Blizzards, out-right monsoons,winds, sleet... everything but sun. Now from the 3rd week on, I've been pretty lucky. The year I moved back to MN 2010, there was some crap weather but it was short.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey guys-I got some good news today. The heart doctor says I can go back to work and has cancelled my driving restrictions. Back to the grindstone bright and early Monday! 'Can't wait!

That's great Jeff!

The thing I worry about with those high tech touch screens is how much it is gonna cost when they fizzle just out of warranty. I would imagine that is only warrantied for 3/36,000 right? They are nice when they work but if they should ever quit....

Also, when we went out west in a Dodge truck earlier snowmobiling, it was a major distraction to go through all the touch screen stuff. The drive had to spend a lot of time with his head down in the screen to manipulate it at all. Kinda dangerous. Voice activated seems better.

Fluff,

That's great.

Nother $1k for custom dual exhaust & he's got a chick magnet !

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Going to need the AWD this morning. We have 3.5" of wet heavy snow and it's still snowing.

Yep, we got 10cm of wet heavy stuff yesterday !

Woke up to -12*c this am, it's like a skating rink. Everything froze stiff as morning wood !

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The thing I worry about with those high tech touch screens is how much it is gonna cost when they fizzle just out of warranty. I would imagine that is only warrantied for 3/36,000 right? They are nice when they work but if they should ever quit....

Also, when we went out west in a Dodge truck earlier snowmobiling, it was a major distraction to go through all the touch screen stuff. The drive had to spend a lot of time with his head down in the screen to manipulate it at all. Kinda dangerous. Voice activated seems better.

Ford is voice activated along with the touch option. I've only had mine for 4 days and I don't find the screen distracting at all. You make a good point though about repairs. Might have to shop the internet for a extended warranty.

We were out of power for 2 hours this morning. I also managed to plug up the blower twice with slush. We're supposed to get down to 17* tonight so it's going to be slick as heck in the morning.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Fluff,

That's great.

Nother $1k for custom dual exhaust & he's got a chick magnet !

I'll do all the $1K custom exhausts you want! Holy cow that a lot. You can get a good sounding one for 1/3 of that.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Fluff,

That's great.

Nother $1k for custom dual exhaust & he's got a chick magnet !

I'll do all the $1K custom exhausts you want! Holy cow that a lot. You can get a good sounding one for 1/3 of that.

My 2012 Dodge Ram has dual exhaust w/chrome caps and a cool rumble sound. Anybody know a good place to pick up chicks, say 55-62, already tucked and lifted w/large annuities?

Tom,

Way to cheap, down there, then.

Single in (3") & dual out (2.5"), MagnaFlow stainless muffler, custom bent pipe & manufactured hangars, everything welded + 2 x 2.5" in x 4" out stainless MagnaFlow tips ='s $750+ taxes @ my shop.

Cat back, MagnaFlow true duals ='s $1200 + taxes

Big part of our business in Spring. We build & install for the local GM, Ford & Dodge dealerships.

Single in, dual out takes my technicians approx. 5 hours & true duals about 7 hours.

That cracks me up Ron! Something tells me dual exhaust isnt high on the list of attributes of a 55-62 yr old with large annuities.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

That cracks me up Ron! Something tells me dual exhaust isnt high on the list of attributes of a 55-62 yr old with large annuities.

Dang it! Women and cars! Neither comes outfitted just the way you'd like them to be.

Ron

Originally Posted by RaystownRon

My 2012 Dodge Ram has dual exhaust w/chrome caps and a cool rumble sound. Anybody know a good place to pick up chicks, say 55-62, already tucked and lifted w/large annuities?

Hell, I'm interested in that myself.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Tom,

Way to cheap, down there, then.

Single in (3") & dual out (2.5"), MagnaFlow stainless muffler, custom bent pipe & manufactured hangars, everything welded + 2 x 2.5" in x 4" out stainless MagnaFlow tips ='s $750+ taxes @ my shop.

Cat back, MagnaFlow true duals ='s $1200 + taxes

Big part of our business in Spring. We build & install for the local GM, Ford & Dodge dealerships.

Single in, dual out takes my technicians approx. 5 hours & true duals about 7 hours.

I actually don't know what the turbo's are.... but they're not Magnaflow's. LOL. Then I understand what you're saying. Most guys here just get the exhaust shop to do it and it's 2 into 1, into 2 with with plain old chrome tips. I'm not a fan of the chrome myself though. Heck, most are probably Cherry Bomb glass packs.

Yours is a real exhaust. Much different.

here is the boys ride.(or at least it will be his ride)

[Linked Image]

T,
Best sounding factory exhaust I've ever owned. Reminds me of the custom dual exhaust with Thrush mufflers I had on my '57 Chevy back in the day. Bucket seats, 327 corvette engine, 4-speed w/ Hurst floor shifter, deep emerald green metal flake paint. Talk about a "chick magnet". Back then girls DID care about vehicles. That car screamed "status".

Once, when I was young..........

Ron

Cheers Tom,

MagnaFlow also make "cherry bomb" resonators.

Local kids want them on their dual exhaust trucks. Loud as heck !!

Had one Mom pick up her kids truck, after we finished. You shoulda seen the smile on her face when she fired it up !!

Building 2 for GM this week.

I'll take some pics & a sound grab & post them.

Both on lifted, 2014 6.2 liter Sierras.

Straight pipes, Hollywood's and other glass packs those were the days. Now I like quiet.

Oh like loud! Maybe I'm spoiled from the deal i get on exhaust. I would like to see the pictures.

4* above this morning. I wonder what this did to the trees that are budding. Could raise heck with the fruit trees.

More snow Wednesday. Up to 10" up around Park Falls. We may get an inch or two then it turns to rain/sleet.

It was 19* here when I left for work. 21 now. I think the trees will be fine, it's my sanity I'm concerned with.

Ron sent me a PM in which he sort of asked me to reflect and give my thoughts as to where I feel we are today in the �deer camp experience� compared to my initial vision and intentions which I shared on page 1 of this � post, thread, story or whatever this is.

It�s not a bad idea and I don�t mind doing so.

This past year, possibly 2 years in particular have been very trying. Very trying times.

Sometimes in life we get derailed, you get enough stuff happening all at the same time and it can just sort of throw the train off the tracks. It�s happened to me.

Our children are growing up, entering adulthood, which doesn�t always go well. My employment in recent years has been nothing short of miserable and mentally torturous, to no fault of anybody in particular, it�s just simply evolved that way. We lost a dear family member, a primary fixture in our deer camp structure and overall chickenbuck group adventure/lifestyle. That doesn�t seem to be getting any easier to deal with or to even think about. We were also basically forced from our home of a dozen years which we literally homesteaded, cleared by hand and built ourselves. We did our best to make the move an improvement, but it still wasn�t easy to do.

Lots of changes, lots of serious changes recently.

And we�re not done yet, for close to 2 years now, Pam and I have felt like the contents of a snow globe that someone has been violently shaking. You know it takes a while for everything to settle down after the shaking stops, but the shaking hasn�t stopped yet. That thing will be shaking for another 3 months, then maybe we can start trying to settle in, see where all the pieces fall.

That is a vague snapshot of the current state of �chickenbuck central command�. lol.

Now I�ll try to touch on Ron�s question.

The initial goals for this camp effort were designed around healing, mentoring, uniting and strengthening family. Fun, was a priority. Laughter, memories, tradition.

As for the hunting portion of the plan, It was never about QDM, never competitive, never really all that serious about hunting success. More so it was about the effort, the experience of the effort, the sharing of the experience and the support of each other�s efforts. Learning as we go, passing on what we know and sincerely wishing each other well in our efforts. That was the initial intent and that is now an established camp culture which we continue to maintain.

The sense of belonging is something I wanted to provide from early on. I think that has gone rather well.

Here�s how I see it from where we are today.

Huge success, I mean home run. We achieved more than I ever thought possible. The unity portion of the goal exceeded expectations, that is the understatement of the year right there. The physical occupant members of the group far exceeded expectations with participation coming from cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, parents, friends of relatives, friends of friends� even friends made here on this site that became actual members of our camp.

Then there is this, this �. thread or whatever we call it. 80 million views? Why? It boggles the mind.

All of our virtual camp member regulars that interact here in such a civil manor. Like a group of old men that gather at a small town caf� daily, chit chat about the weather, the world, kids and grand kids, whatever.

I don�t know if moderators have been simply quick and diligent in removing any sort of cyber bully/troll efforts here or if it�s just somehow existed as some sort of �clean zone� all on its own. Regardless, it fascinates me. The fact that people actually can get along just fine on the internet.

Now, as to the activities and adventures we�ve taken on as a group. Once again, exceeds expectations.

Seriously, annual gatherings at deer hunting time would have been a successful accomplishment. But we�ve not limited ourselves to deer season for our �deer camp�.

Let�s see�. We have deer hunting, we have small game hunting, ATV rides, snowmobile rides, firewood gathering, general camp construction/improvement projects including deer stand and trail work. Blueberry picking, bbq cooking and summer night bon fires (all seasons actually).

Those are just the things we do around camp.

As a group away from camp we�ve done boundary waters canoe trips, walleye fishing tournaments, sturgeon fishing, Colorado elk hunting, ice fishing, pontooning� (that is a thing right?)

I�m declaring huge success all around.

Now back to current day. We all suffered a great loss last spring, we lost our Dusty and it�s simply knocked the fun and enthusiasm out of many of us. It�s hard to figure out how to proceed forward without him.

But we have to pause for reflection, think back and ask ourselves why did we start this thing in the first place? It was for healing, it was for forging a path forward out of the darkness of great loss.

It worked back then, and it can work again now.

Somewhere up on a cloud there�s a short guy with a big smile, hair slicked back 60�s style, chained wallet in his blue jeans pocket. And he�s waiting for us to figure it out, we built the tools to deal with this sort of thing almost 7 years ago. Why aren�t we using those tools?

He helped build it all, I mean he really towed the line. And we�re not using it, not correctly anyways, not to its full potential.

It�s as simple as that.

So, I challenge all chickenbuckers that might be checking in here and reading from time to time. Those that find themselves in a bit of a slump like me, get up here. Let�s get out there and dust things off, pick up our old ways, the enthusiasm, smiles and laughs. We don�t need a plan or an agenda, let�s just get out there and do something. The great part about deer camp is that there is ALWAYS something to do, something always needs fixing or improvement lol.

Let�s throw some logs in the fire ring and catch up on each other�s lives. Let�s plan a few adventures/get togethers for this upcoming summer. Call me, txt me, what ever. Lets pick a date, we'll all call/txt each other and who ever can make it will make it. Not everybody can always make it, but that's fine. We just have to get something rolling again.

Ok, now back to our regularly scheduled weather groveling.

Count me in!

As far as a date... I'm on board for Memorial Day weekend. I might have a crew of kids, it might be me. But I'm in for that, or whenever.

Taylor also suggested that weekend, we were talking about this late last week.

Sounds good to me.

Dave,

You and Pam know how I feel about you, her, and your family. You also know how I feel about chickenbuck. It's the only real camp I've been a part of. The total camp experience. The one true place that I'm relaxed COMPLETELY at. Even when there's work to do. The work isn't really work, it's fun work.

I saw this guy I only traded posts with on a thread, working his butt off to get his camp ready for deer season, worrying about everything and everyone but himself. I offered a tree-stand to him. He was going to be in Duluth, the same weekend I was so it was a great time to hand it over.

Little did I know we'd be sitting in a tavern sipping beer and chewing burgers, for over a few hours. Just shooting the breeze like we'd known each other for years. Then the rest of your family showed up and it was the same feeling.

The next year I was invited to hunt with you and your family and it was the same...felt like family.

The truth is, that place saved me, and my path in life. In 2007/2008 I had a go of it like you are now. One thing after another, "stuff" piled up. Including losing one of my best friends to cancer and losing my job of 10 years.

My wife was going to school, and we had ZERO money. I mentioned on here I'd lost my job and Dave says..." you're like water. You'll find your level. A man like you will know what to do, and find a way to do it."

That little bit of motivation, might have sounded like somthing you say to a friend, but I took it to heart, and made it work. I went out on a limb and got a job doing something I'd never thought of... and LOVED it. With that work experience, it led me to where I work now, which is truly a dream job for me. It's also motivated me to go to school, and try to earn a better living for my family. Snowball...

As goofy as it sounds, I've made a fair amout of life decisions on what you or Dusty or Pam or Missy would tell me, and guide me.

A big one was how I handled my divorce. I could either mope around and pout about it, or I could pick myself up by the boot laces, and move on with life. I chose to act like an adult, move on, and raise two great kids in the process. Raise them the best I know how, the way I know how, with what I have, not what I want.

Another example is working on my old 78 pick-up. When fixing stuff I think to myslef...Dave would never approve of this repair. And then I have to repair my repair.

Being part of Chickenbuck has changed how I look at many things. Living "now" is one of them. It's clich�, but it's true. We don't know what's going to happen. EVER. We can plan, hope, and pray all we want but tomorrow is no guarantee. That is pushing me in a direction that is good for our family...I think.

This post is a long way of saying that Dusty put his hands on this Chickenbuck project because of love. Love for family, love for the woods, love for hunting, and for happiness. I only knew Dusty from Chickenbuck. I didn't know him from when I was a kid, but I'll bet my house on the fact he'd want us to stop being concerned with him and get our asses to camp and have fun.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Taylor also suggested that weekend, we were talking about this late last week.

Sounds good to me.

Will the snow be gone by then?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ok, now back to our regularly scheduled weather groveling.

Beautiful today, rain/snow tomorrow. Grovel, grovel, grovel.

Amen to that Brother !!

When life throws you the curve ball, & it will/has, it's in your attitude whether you let it beat you, or hit it outta the park.

From an observer, to the north, I have always admired the way You & Pam continually make the "good" choices.

Our family has been through lots too, not the least of which was a falling out over a family business. This, in turn, caused us to sell everything we owned, in Australia, pack 2 suitcases each & immigrate to a small town, in the middle of nowhere, in rural Canada.

Challenges are just that. A challenge to make us stronger.

I have been informed by my mature adult counterpart that memorial will not work. a graduation, track meet and a 90th birthday party that weekend.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been informed by my mature adult counterpart that memorial will not work. a graduation, track meet and a 90th birthday party that weekend.

You have to be talking about me.

I'd call myself more like the organizer of dates, money and activities.

In between tears and laughter, I got threw the last couple posts. It's all true how Dave put it, all of it. I'm so thankful he can put those words on a page and know that I'm thinking the same thing.

I cherish all that stop by our camp, either on here or in person! What an amazing group we have.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been informed by my mature adult counterpart that memorial will not work. a graduation, track meet and a 90th birthday party that weekend.

Good thing the wimmens keep track of stuff for us huh??

Originally Posted by northern_dave

and a 90th birthday party that weekend.

you forgot your own birthday?

Well... that's pretty old you know.

I think I was looking for the word "responsible" rather than "mature"

Women can interpret the word "mature" as an insult. We wouldn't want that.

lol.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have been informed by my mature adult counterpart that memorial will not work. a graduation, track meet and a 90th birthday party that weekend.

Good thing the wimmens keep track of stuff for us huh??

Well, I got the time off, so we'll have fun without you up there.

Time to step away from the snow globe Dave, gain some distance and perspective, think things through. That sounds like the perfect use for a secluded north woods deer camp! The mind can accomplish almost anything if you give it time and space, like while building a sauna or a porch roof, for example.

I find this old tenet humorous but strangely inspiring: When you are up to your ass in alligators it is sometimes difficult to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp. However, if you persevere in draining the swamp you will often find that your alligator problem has also been resolved.

BTW, why the h___ is Minnesota so far from Pennsylvania? A Chickenbuck weekend sounds like serious fun.

Ron

Thanks for putting stuff in perspective Dave.

My wife had me remodel our townhouse this winter so we could move and get the little guy settled before first grade. The long winter allowed us to go on the market last weekend at about the perfect time, and our place sold in 3 days for more than we thought it would. We are stressed about not having another place bought yet, etc.... and we're closing end of May.

First-world problems.

Sometime you need that snap-back to reality with some perspective.

Wow Sno Globe is the perfect way to put it. My wife and I lives have been like this also the last few years. Everytime you get a little settled someone pics it up and gives it a shake. I think it is just the way things are at this period of our lives. Early to mid forties. Kids growing up spreading there wings. Parents and siblings getting older and having there own issues and it seems like everyone looks to you for answers or support. I think this is why some people have mid life crisis issues. Some of us just soldier on. Great thread Chickenbuckers.

Dave,

What a heartwarming recap of Camp Chickenbuck and what it means to each of us who've been touched by your stories here. We are very lucky to have this thread as a sounding board, and a place to call home. I used to always wear my dad's old red and black plaid Woolrich shirt during deer season to honor him, and keep his memory alive. Now, I have this butt ugly orange t-shirt with a picture of a chickenbuck on it that covers my fat hide on opening day. I wear it with pride and am proud to be an honorary Chickenbucker. I know it's been a tough year on you. Dusty must have been really special. I'm certain he was one I would have liked to share a campfire and a cup of coffee with. I was 21 when my dad died, and the first year of deer season without him at camp was excruciating. My brother and I were the only ones in camp, and we were literally just going through the motions. My solemn vow was to make Dad proud of my efforts that year. The Red Gods cut us a break. My brother and I both tagged out the first morning on clean one shot kills on spike bucks. I'm sure Dad smiled about that.

You have a very good thing going here Dave, and we truly appreciate being a part of it here on the bandwidth of the Campfire.

Thanks for including us, Dave.

That is the Captain Chickenbuck I had been wondering about cause I really hadn't seen him all winter. Good to see you back Dave. I hope things smooth out for you. If the snow ever melts get your butt to Chickenbuck. Kill a swamp squid or kill a grouse with a beer bottle. It will make you feel better.
Bill

That was a very touching post Dave.

I think we've all been where you are at one time or another. Something that helps me get through the day is that I remind myself that someone has it worse off than me and I should count my lucky stars that I have my family, my health, and a roof over my head. The rest will figure itself out. As they say, the pendulum always swings back the other way.

As for Dusty, it's ok to feel loss. His legacy are the nails that hold Camp Chickenbuck together. You gave him life again. Chickenbuck gave him purpose. My father lost his youngest son three months before Waylon. For seven years my dad has been a shell of the man he once was. Gave up hunting, golf, just about everything. He has essentially stopped living after my brothers passing. Chickenbuck was Uncle Dusty's renewal and he grabbed it with a passion, as evidenced by the art on his forearm.

This thread helps my healing, even though I've never had the pleasure of meeting any one of you in person. I hope we can have many more talks over "coffee at the cafe". It certainly brightens my day.

Dusty would not approve of giving up anything. He'd pull out a new pistol or wheel gun, have that gleam in his eye and his dang smile. Once you saw that smile, it changed your mood to good, no matter what.

Here he is, doing what he did...
[Linked Image]

I remember that top pic Tom, if it's the day I'm thinking of, didn't Missy fall in the swamp and almost spill her beer?

Chickenbuck welcomed me in while I was in need of a home away from home. I was in college, just out of the Navy. I had a 5 month old and was miserable in my marriage. Dave invited me up to LOW for a fishing excursion. even though I broke one of his favorite rods, he invited me back up for hunting and berry picking. I honestly don't know how I would have made it back then without the support of ma and pa chickenbuck. I don't even think they know how much good they did for me and my soul. they hold a special place in my heart and I hope they can make it out here sometime so I can return the favor in being the host.

We are in the same boat. snowglobe sums it up nicely. we're trying to get our house on the market so we can upgrade to something bigger, 10 hours a day at work, then soccer practice and make supper while mama does homework (last class thankfully), try to work on house projects after. both of us unhappy with our jobs in one way or another in a small town that is a little....off we'll say. planning the wedding for july and still trying to stay sane with it all. and that doesn't include personal stuff thrown on top of it.
Is it hunting season yet? Dave, you coming this year?

A Chickenbuck meeting will surely be dictated by road conditions. Anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting will know that!

I'm in for whatever & am close enough to ND to even give him a hand preparing. I'm sure we'll figure out some way to get down that road......

Oh we'll make it in there, no prob.

Even if we have to park trucks out at the old logging landing and ride ATV's in the last 3/4 mile or use black betty as a shuttle we'll get in to camp.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

even though I broke one of his favorite rods,

Seriously, you gotta let that go man..

LMAO!!

I think it broke before you even touched it.

Made me laugh this morning, I forgot all about that stupid rod and how bad you felt, lol.

If I've learned anything over the years it's that life is not easy for anyone. We all face adversity of one kind or another our entire lives. It's how we handle the adversity that either makes us stronger or beats us down.

I had to say good bye to my long time friend RC this past weekend. We shared many a deer camp and grouse hunts together, until failing health forced him to give up hunting. That was 8 years ago.

Since than RC and I met with others on almost daily basis over a cup of coffee reliving old times and ragging on current issues.

Unfortunately RC's health continued to decline to the point that he had to go into a nursing home. Several weeks into his stay he no longer recognized us when we came to visit. That was a real kick in the teeth.

I miss my friend, but I know that he's in a much better place and refuse to let his passing drag me down. I know he's up there watching with that big smile on his face waiting for me to muff a shot so he can say laughingly "ya missed, dumb chit".

Now for todays weather report. It snowed. Rain/sleet on the way.

Very sorry for your loss Bill.

And for the gloomy weather too.

Here, Pam captured some neat images of these kwack berds yesterday. They are copies of her facebook posts transferred from my iphone to my photobucket so the image quality is reduced, hopefully they don't suffer too bad when I post them.

These two seem to think spring is coming.

[Linked Image]

That pic was about an hour before she sunk in the mud and made a new "mud camo" pattern on her new blaze orange jacket.

I have a picture of that somewhere.

The lady has a real talent with a camera. Pam and my DIL, Michelle should get together and compare notes.

Is that photo (muddy missy) rotated the right direction? It's sideways on my screen but I edited in photobucket before posting, rotated it correctly, looks right in photobucket but it shows up sideways for me here.

What the heck happened to that road? Is the state in there logging again?

Oh it's just always a mess in the spring. I really don't expect it to be that bad.

It wasn't horrible last fall at freeze up, and when the frost goes out, the ground out there takes the surface water in really fast. (sand)

I won't be very well equiped for the spring trip, but by fall I should be.

I'll have the 78 or some other truck. The plan is to get a truck in late summer. The exploder is shrinking as the kids are growing.

and you don't realize how much you use a truck bed until you don't have one.

Those are fantastic pictures. That drake is so clear it looks fake. Amazing Pam!

If the quality is reduced on those pictures the originals must be absolutley amazing. They look like they are about to take off.
Bill

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

That was a very touching post Dave.

I think we've all been where you are at one time or another. Something that helps me get through the day is that I remind myself that someone has it worse off than me and I should count my lucky stars that I have my family, my health, and a roof over my head. The rest will figure itself out. As they say, the pendulum always swings back the other way.

As for Dusty, it's ok to feel loss. His legacy are the nails that hold Camp Chickenbuck together. You gave him life again. Chickenbuck gave him purpose. My father lost his youngest son three months before Waylon. For seven years my dad has been a shell of the man he once was. Gave up hunting, golf, just about everything. He has essentially stopped living after my brothers passing. Chickenbuck was Uncle Dusty's renewal and he grabbed it with a passion, as evidenced by the art on his forearm.

This thread helps my healing, even though I've never had the pleasure of meeting any one of you in person. I hope we can have many more talks over "coffee at the cafe". It certainly brightens my day.

Charlie,

Here, here.

Could not agree more !

Thanks again Camp ChickenBuck.

Sorry for your loss Bill.

Greenheads in the spring are awesome. The green is so vibrant. My late cousin in-law/taxidermist once told me (tongue in cheek) that if I want a good Mallard mount to get one in the spring. I never did of course but I see where he was coming from. He was about as good a guy as they come and died way too soon from a brain tumor in his forties. Crazy how the really good ones are the first to go sometimes.

Originally Posted by Bill_55

If the quality is reduced on those pictures the originals must be absolutley amazing. They look like they are about to take off.
Bill

Yeah, no kidding!

Doze berds look tasty !

Thanks Rooster.

80 million views, eh? dat der is a purty big number! With that many views and posts, it is a wonder that we are insulated here from all of the internet shenanigans that go on most other threads/forums. I think that a tone was set early and that made a lot of difference.

As I have gotten older, I have decided to make an official bucket list. Things that I would like to accomplish in my life. Finding an arrowhead is one of them. I would also like to add a visit some day to Chickenbuck to that list. God (and the Shaws) willing, maybe sometime that can happen!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

80 million views, eh? dat der is a purty big number! With that many views and posts, it is a wonder that we are insulated here from all of the internet shenanigans that go on most other threads/forums. I think that a tone was set early and that made a lot of difference.

As I have gotten older, I have decided to make an official bucket list. Things that I would like to accomplish in my life. Finding an arrowhead is one of them. I would also like to add a visit some day to Chickenbuck to that list. God (and the Shaws) willing, maybe sometime that can happen!

A tone was set and also trolls are too lazy to read this many posts to figure out what they can troll about. Either way I'm glad they're not here to muddy up our coffee hour.

Heck Bman you're not THAT far away. You and Tzone could practically ride together from your door step. That is...if you don't argue about minivans and cut each other up with your man cards.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

That was a very touching post Dave.

I think we've all been where you are at one time or another. Something that helps me get through the day is that I remind myself that someone has it worse off than me and I should count my lucky stars that I have my family, my health, and a roof over my head. The rest will figure itself out. As they say, the pendulum always swings back the other way.

As for Dusty, it's ok to feel loss. His legacy are the nails that hold Camp Chickenbuck together. You gave him life again. Chickenbuck gave him purpose. My father lost his youngest son three months before Waylon. For seven years my dad has been a shell of the man he once was. Gave up hunting, golf, just about everything. He has essentially stopped living after my brothers passing. Chickenbuck was Uncle Dusty's renewal and he grabbed it with a passion, as evidenced by the art on his forearm.

This thread helps my healing, even though I've never had the pleasure of meeting any one of you in person. I hope we can have many more talks over "coffee at the cafe". It certainly brightens my day.

Charlie,

Here, here.

Could not agree more !

Thanks again Camp ChickenBuck.

+1!

Ron

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Berettaman

80 million views, eh? dat der is a purty big number! With that many views and posts, it is a wonder that we are insulated here from all of the internet shenanigans that go on most other threads/forums. I think that a tone was set early and that made a lot of difference.

As I have gotten older, I have decided to make an official bucket list. Things that I would like to accomplish in my life. Finding an arrowhead is one of them. I would also like to add a visit some day to Chickenbuck to that list. God (and the Shaws) willing, maybe sometime that can happen!

A tone was set and also trolls are too lazy to read this many posts to figure out what they can troll about. Either way I'm glad they're not here to muddy up our coffee hour.

Heck Bman you're not THAT far away. You and Tzone could practically ride together from your door step. That is...if you don't argue about minivans and cut each other up with your man cards.

I can see them pulling up to camp in a mini van, bickering the whole way. they roll out the doors and hit the ground, exhausted and scratched to bits from a vicious 5 hour man card battle.

Man cards all over the inside of the mini van, thousands of them. Stuck into the door panels and headliner like ninja throwing stars.

lmao!

All of those man cards you talk of would have to be from someone else cuz he hasn't had his in many, many years! I still have my original one; it hangs next to my Swamp Squid Badge of Courage! And of course we would be late cuz Tzone would see some salon and have to stop to get his nails done while I waited at the local gun store!

All in good fun guys, all in good fun! I would ride up with Tom anytime!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Heck Bman you're not THAT far away. You and Tzone could practically ride together from your door step. That is...if you don't argue about minivans and cut each other up with your man cards.

Well we know one thing. Bman won't be cutting me up with a man card. lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Man cards all over the inside of the mini van, thousands of them. Stuck into the door panels and headliner like ninja throwing stars.

lmao!

That made me laugh so hard my eyes watered.

Ninja man cards. Awesome.

4-5 inches of snow here but it is stopping. I dont think the wood ducks are too happy right now. I imagine there are some hens that are nagging on the drakes about coming up north too soon.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I imagine there are some hens that are nagging on the drakes about coming up north too soon.

"Dammit Louie! I told you you were on quack!"

I just got a call from my dad today. one of those calls you don't want to get. My uncle passed away today suddenly. looks like I'll be heading to MN in the next few days. I was fortunate enough to be snowed in last year right after antelope camp in the same town he was in so we got to hang out for a little bit. never miss a chance to tell loved ones how much you care about them. that snow globe never stops shaking, it just slows down at times.

Really sorry to hear that Ryan.

When are you heading over to lakes country?

in the next few days likely, be in the DL area

Yeah, I kind of know where your headed, I remember that.

Let us know if there's anything we can do.

Thanks Dave

The snowglobe just keeps on shaking. Good good post, Dave.
I have been here from the first. Been here thru my heart by pass surgery in 2008.Seen the young'uns grow up. Seen the parents get more mature.
This is LIFE SHARED people. We ARE ALL FAMILY.
Thank you all for being part of my life and for letting me be part of yours.

Chickenbuck militia.

Stan in SC

and here I thought I was the only one whose life was in a state of flux.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

4-5 inches of snow here but it is stopping. I dont think the wood ducks are too happy right now. I imagine there are some hens that are nagging on the drakes about coming up north too soon.

We are getting it here now. Coming down like crazy!

Sorry Ryan. Please let me know if you need anything. You're welcome to stay here, though it's about 3 hours from where you need to be.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

4-5 inches of snow here but it is stopping. I dont think the wood ducks are too happy right now. I imagine there are some hens that are nagging on the drakes about coming up north too soon.

We are getting it here now. Coming down like crazy!

it is only raining here in the south metro

Nothing here now, but calling for rain snow mix over night. Some areas to the North, including Duluth could see as much as 18" before it ends.

Tom and Bman in the same van, what an image that brings up. Could even make a reality series out of it. Think I'll name it the "Bickersons".

I would offer up my mini-van for Berretta and T since I laughed so hard reading about them driving up.

It's a Toyota Sienna, the Cadillac of mini-vans.....

Ryan,

Very sorry to hear about your Uncle. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Jeff

Want to add my condolences as well Ryan.

Originally Posted by goalie

I would offer up my mini-van for Berretta and T since I laughed so hard reading about them driving up.

It's a Toyota Sienna, the Cadillac of mini-vans.....

I'm still laughing about ninja man-cards.

I am laughing too about ninja man cards. If I was more creative than a oak tree, i would try and design one!

I call I get to be the driver! We will even stop at Dairy Queen. Your treat!

On another note, we are trying to decide where to vacation this summer and Wisconsin Dells has risen to the top of the list. anybody have any advice?

Dave ,Ryan ,Chickenbuckers, when times were tough and the chips were down my best friend who died of pancreatic cancer a few years ago would say 'This too shall pass"

I miss him every day as well as my sister all of my uncles most aunts ,all my grandparents and a whole bunch of other good folk .But he was right !

OK now this man card thing if your a "Father" to your children and I know you two are . It don't make two [bleep] what you "drive" or if you play golf or whatever that's in question in my book YOUR a MAN .

Berettaman you want advice on the dells???

Stay at the Wilderness, go see Tommy Barlett ski show, Ride the ducks, Mini Golf, eat a burger at Monks Bar at the downtown bar..

Spendy in the summer try to go during the week if can...

Dells is fun. Go on the super fast go-cart thingy's. They're fast. 60+ mph!

BM, the Dells is awesome. We were there last summer with my son and his family. They raved about the Dells. They had been at Disney Land in January and said they had a much better time at the Dells and it was much less expensive.

If you go, you have to do the Duck tour. Riding in one of those old relics is a hoot.

My wife, and I rode a Duck in 1968.
I had not thought about them in years.
Still going in 2014?

Maybe it's time for chickenbuck to head over to the Dells, check it out.

I wonder if Chickenbuck has risen in fame to the point where we could get a discount at the Dells?

I want to go west on vacation. The mountains are calling me. Or maybe screaming and yelling at me is a better way to put it. But I think the kids would have a blast at the Dells, so that is prolly where we will go. Now we just have to figure out some details. We kinda like those little, sparsely furnished cabins and there are a bunch for around $80 per night. Could bring the camper, but that is $50 per night. Looks like rooms there are north of $175 per night.

Sorry to hear about your loss Ryan.

Originally Posted by wabigoon

My wife, and I rode a Duck in 1968.
I had not thought about them in years.
Still going in 2014?

My then 8 year old GS got to sit up with the driver, who happened to be a very attractive college coed. He was still smiling the next day.

The Dells is not cheap, but it was about a 1/3 of what a day at Disney would coast.

Sorry for your loss Ryan. I should be around all weekend if ya want to give me a shout. I know times like this are best spent with family though.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I want to go west on vacation. The mountains are calling me. .

Me too. My daughter as well wants to hit Glacier and Yellowstone. I've never been to either so next year that is the Vacation plan. This year I rented a cabin in Hayward for week of musky fishing... the kids should like that.

Actually, I don't care if they do... but I will. They'll be able to have a blast with all the other stuff. Jack will like the muskie fishing. He likes to catch the big pike so Muskie should be equally as fun.

I also want to say congrats to my lady friend and her daughter. They both passes Hunters Safety a few weekends back. We went to Scheels and tried on about a dozen different shotguns. She liked the way the Remington 870 Express synthetic 20ga and the Browning BPS Youth 2oga fit her. I really like that BPS youth myself.

She's wanting to help add to the pot of wild rice/grouse soup.

that's cool.

Cool Tom. Don't overlook the Rem 1187. That is one sweet shotgun. I bought it for Karen. YEP! That's right. I bought it for my wife. That's my story and I'm stickin to it!

For scenery you can not beat Glacier. The Canadian side is even more scenic. You will not, however, see the amount of wildlife that you will at Yellowstone. More for the kids to do there also. Only been to Glacier once, but I've been to Yellowstone 4 times and still haven't seen all of it.

Well she doesn't have a gun safe so I'll have to keep it at my place.

Griz, did you mean there is more for the kids to do at Glacier or Yellowstone? Cuz we went to Yellowstone last year and Glacier is prolly #2 on our list this year (behind the Dells).

Tom, as I am sure you know, gun fit is extremely important in a shotgun. It was smart to have her try some on for size and see what she liked and felt the best. How about her daughter, did she find one she liked?

I was kicking around the thought of a new shotgun with my Cabelas points but as I thought about it, I realized I like my current one so much I am silly to even think about getting new one! So now what to do with the Cabelas points....?

Who the heck was going to shoot that Axis & report back ?

Didn't check for her daughter. I'd be surprised if she'll ever hunt but it was important that she took the class. Her whole family hunts so she should know about them.

Yellowstone would have more for the kids.

Berettaman, something to consider for the Dells.. If you stayed somewhere like the Wilderness..

If it rains you still have inside water parks, also you can just walk from your room to the outside and inside pools.No parking the car, no locker rooms, change differ clothes....

Also i know they have rooms with full kitchens they are spendy, but you will save alot of money on eating out. Plus the restaurants are way packed, expensive and just average food...

P.S. i own 20 percent of the Wilderness resort thats why i keep bringing it up.. LOL. There are other resorts that are just as nice... Hopes this helps what ever you end up doing the kids will have a blast...

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Who the heck was going to shoot that Axis & report back ?

gophergunner

Yeah, I would love to stay at the Wilderness as it sounds like a great place. I just have to see if we can swing the $$$.

Yikes, $250 per night at the Wilderness.

The boys and I are heading out to camp today. They don't have school and I took the day off from work. Going to bring a couple guns, do some target shooting. Main reason for our trip is to get an ATV home so we can drag the driveway at home. Also bringing the big BBQ grill home.

Good luck boys!

Supposed to be turkey hunting today but I'm working a 1/2 day then going to head up. 14" of snow fell where I'm going so it will most likely be a Bon fire and beer fest.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The boys and I are heading out to camp today. They don't have school and I took the day off from work. Going to bring a couple guns, do some target shooting. Main reason for our trip is to get away from work. . Also bringing the big BBQ grill home.

I fixed it for you.

Have a great weekend Dave. Good luck to all the 'buckers heading out chasing turkeys this weekend, and Happy Easter to one and all.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The boys and I are heading out to camp today. They don't have school and I took the day off from work. Going to bring a couple guns, do some target shooting. Main reason for our trip is to get away from work. . Also bringing the big BBQ grill home.

I fixed it for you.

Thanks!!

By the way... How is work?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

By the way... How is work?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Looks like another great photo from Pam.

SIL and GD are going to be chasing turkeys this weekend.

Very nice pic! Hooded mergansers are pretty ducks.

Kids home here too. I took the day off as well. Nothing too exciting here though. I actually gotta do a little work.

We brought home the tractor instead of the 4 wheeler. Also brought home some logs which we will use to skid our storage shed to a new spot.

We took black betty and an empty trailer.

[Linked Image]

There was a lot more snow in some spots than we expected. So, we walked in to the cabin

[Linked Image]

Cabin is fine.

[Linked Image]

Joe did some plinking with his new 9422M

[Linked Image]

Great shot!!

We got the bbq grill out in the bucket of the tractor, made another trip back in for these logs, then loaded up and went home. Great day.

[Linked Image]

Great pics, Dave. Happy Easter to all the Chickenbuckers. For those having turkey, be sure to FLIP 'EM THE BIRD HIGH AND HARD AT THE TABLE!

Best wishes, everyone!

Thanks Gopher, back at you!

For us, It's a grilled/smoked whole chicken tonight, a grilled/smokes pork roast (pulled pork) tomorrow....

And a warmed up boring ole ham on Sunday.

Lol.

I really missed having my grill all winter.

Good pictures. Camp looks good.It is hard to believe how that boy has grown.Enjoy the holidaysounds like you gott the grub covered.
Bill

Well done! Those pics are a sight for sore eyes after this winter. Especially like the new marksman in the family!

My buddy from 30 years of deer camp had a brain tumor removed this morning. Only 42. Been hunting with him since he was Preacher's age. Prognosis is very good, Docs are very optimistic. It's a blessing...we couldn't have asked for better news.

Every day is a gift.

Happy Easter everyone.

Cool pics! That snow has gots to go though!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Well done! Those pics are a sight for sore eyes after this winter. Especially like the new marksman in the family!

My buddy from 30 years of deer camp had a brain tumor removed this morning. Only 42. Been hunting with him since he was Preacher's age. Prognosis is very good, Docs are very optimistic. It's a blessing...we couldn't have asked for better news.

Every day is a gift.

Happy Easter everyone.

That is great news Steve! Not to many get such an optomistic prognosis with that. Happy Easter to you as well!

Dave,
Do you take the battery out of that tractor and bring it home for winter or does it just start every spring?

This little tractor, we purchased it new in 07. I've never had the battery out. It always starts, 7 yr old battery.

Charliefoxtrot, that's great news about your friend!

I got my tractor running today and bladed the driveway. As usual, I had to clean every dang connection on the thing to get it to fire. Stupid 6 volt system is so finicky. I really need to convert it to 12v.

Good to see the camp again. Hope ours came through ok too. It will be awhile before we can get back into it.

Is the tractor a diesel, Dave?

CFT, good news on your friend.

Rooster, What kind and year tractor do you have? Must be an older one if it's a 6 volt.

Happy Easter all.

6 volt? I would guess that it's a Ford 8N or 9N.

CFT, good news on your hunting buddy.

Happy Easter, All.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rooster, What kind and year tractor do you have? Must be an older one if it's a 6 volt.

It is a IH240 Utility tractor. Not very commmon around here. They were more common on the east coast where mine came from. It is rated at 32 hp and was only made from '58 - '62.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Is the tractor a diesel, Dave?

Yes, it's a little 30 HP front wheel assist.

It's here! Finally!!! Spring has arrived!!!

Maple tree buds are opening, grass has greened up, daffodils are in full bloom and the flower beds are full of grape hyacinths!

Of course the planned trip to Camp Mental Floss was delayed until this coming week by freezing temps and 30mph winds. Crappie fishing this year is looking, well...........crappy!

Ron

I'm optimistic, I reserved a power rake/thatcher for Tuesday.

SIL and GD both got turkeys this evening.

Bill,
Good luck with that thatcher rental. The way this weather has been this year I give you 50/50 odds on using it Tuesday.

My local crappie lake has suffered a severe winter kill of gizzard shad. Lake shore is carpeted with 6"-10" shad slowly ripening in the sunshine. Gulls, terns, ospreys, eagles, crows and buzzards are all feasting on the carcasses. Smell can be overpowering! I"m worried what the lake by our cabin looks like. It also tends to experience shad winter kill when lake completely freezes, as it did this year. The last time this happened our chocolate lab loved eating the sun-dried carcasses every time we left him out on shore to run around. Some of the stuff he has dragged back to the boat over the years would gag a maggot!

Ron

Lakes in central WI are just starting to open. I'm sure some of them are going to have some winter kill, especially the shallow ones.

Very unlikely that most of the Northern lakes will be open for the May 3rd opener.

Happy Easter to all!!!! Hope everybody enjoys their day!!!!

Raining here so hope you had your egg hunts on Saturday.

Super sun shiny niceness here.

Happy Easter!

A buddy and I were down to the Lake of the Arbuckles this past Friday and saw a rather large bird floating around it rode kinda low in the water had a black head and silvery/grayish body and was bigger than a duck smaller than a goose figured it was a loon . Didn't know they came this far south ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Super sun shiny niceness here.

Happy Easter!

Here too. It's Easter Sunday and I've been sitting around a campfire in my overalls and no shirt since 200

Pert near t shirt wedder all day here.

shorts and tshirt all day for me.
worked on the kids truck, put on a new tailgate handle.
sheared both the dogs,
went for a 10 mile bike ride,
and did some raking,oh and had a big ham dinner.

Was beautiful here today also. Had a great egg hunt and ham dinner, Easter baskets for all 4 grandkids followed by announcement of grandkid #5 arrival scheduled for Nov 5, 2014. No more room at the dining room table. Time for an auxiliary card table in the family room. We'll need to round up a high chair, 22lr youth model, bassinet, fishing rod, life jacket, youth bow & arrows, 20ga shotgun. Everything in Realtree or Mossy Oak camo patterns. Grandpa's work is never done.
Ron

You're going to need a bigger lap grandpa Ron.

Rained on and off this morning than cloudy in the PM. Temp was up to 60*. Rice Lake up to the NW hit 72* today.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Rice Lake up to the NW hit 72* today.

Huh? That's funny you mention Rice Lake. One of our sister company's is in Rice Lake and they needed work so we gave them our Tag and Utiliy line of trailers. My employee's are not too happy about having to babysit them all the time for parts. lol

We hit 74* today. After the compnay left, we went over to Makes no Patties and the first thing she told us was that it was too hot on the deck. We should sit in front in the shade. lol One of the worst winters for cold in my life time and people are already bitching about the heat. That's MN for ya!

Contests Ron!!

I do like your style of items needed for the new young'in

Just wait until the skeeters show up. Then you'll really hear some squacking.

BTW, the turkeys the SIL & GD shot Weighed 20 & 22 pounds.

Nice Birds! We saw 0 turkeys but had fun doing it! And you will NOT hear me complaining about the weather yesterday! It was beautiful! I got a sunburn on my shoulders.

We had quite the adventure actually but it's best told around a campfire. It involved a lot of mud, stuck ford explorer's (not mine) and a stuck Dodge Ram with mud tires (inside joke, and catching a theif.

Quite the weekend.

Catching a thief sounds good.

It happened to be the kid with the "big dodge ram and mud tires"

No turkeys Tommy? Did you hear any?

71 here yesterday! I like the catching a thief part. love to hear the details on that!

Every year, a guy in the SE corner of my lake doesnt bother to take in his dock, boat lift or even his boat. It just sits in the ice all winter. He has been really lucky as the ice hasnt went out in his direction in past years. This year I think his luck ran out. 20-30 mph winds out of the NW. Ice is starting to pile up on his shore. the bad part is, I am sure he will just turn it in to insurance.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

No turkeys Tommy? Did you hear any?

The 2 birds the SIL & GD shot were the only ones they saw in 2 days of hunting.

Be sure to tune in folks to the new series "To Catch a Thief" staring TZone and company.

My youngest and I are going to give it a whirl this coming weekend. I have found sign (with the help of Tzone's advice) but I have not seen any yet. Except for a hen my dog kicked up when we were 4 wheeling 2 weeks ago.

We did get some gobbles in the big winds on Saturday morning. It was tough to tell where they were coming from. Tough to pinpoint for sure to even make a move to them.

Yesterday morning the birds were blasting off pretty well. But on land we couldn't hunt. We didn't see any turkeys anywhere. Not even on the fields. It was pretty typical for what usually happens to me on the first season. Some guys love that first season but I like the 3rd week the best.

I wish you lived closer because there are three spots that I think might be good to set up on opening morning but I can't decide which would be the best one. How far will a turkey travel to a call?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

How far will a turkey travel to a call?

That's a big question and I wish I had a good answer for you other than this one.

They're all different. The bird Jack and I got last year came across about 60 acres to us, including a road and two weedy ditches. That's not very typical that they'll cross that much "stuff". Often times when they need to cross all that, they hang up on one of the obsticals and will stop, gobble his fool head off at you and strut til he gets bored.

Turkey hunting is backwards from nature. Normally, the gobblers are calling to the hens, and the hens go to him. Not the way we try to make it, as we sit and call to get him to come to us.

Some won't even give you a second thought. Those are usually the birds that are "hen'd up". He has his herem and doesn't need to come to you, but is letting you know where he is and you're welcome to the party.

Some will come to you until they're distracted by a hen that was in between you and he, often times unseen. This happes A LOT! But sit tight for a bit if you have that happen. Because sometimes a jake, a group of jakes, or a few toms that just have been beat around by boss tom's or jakes, will sneak to you, withough making a peep. THOSE are dead birds IMO. If you have that happen, they'll usually come right to you, but without making a sound. You'll get them!

Some will literally come RUNNING to you on a string. You'll think it can't be this easy (and it isnt

). But that's what happened last year from me and jack. That sucker REALLY wanted to kiss us goodmorning.

The best possible set up I can get (IMO) is to find where they roost, find where they eat in the morning, and get in between them. Call, if you get a gobble or two, smile, sit quite, and wait. If you hear hens answer you, stop calling. They'll come find you, and guess what follows them? If your tick off the hens by being too agressive and/or loud, they'll pull that tom around you or in different direction all together.

Drive around after work and look for birds eating. They'll typically be pretty close to there in the morning at flydow. Or, get up really early and see if you can get one or two to gobble at you a few days before your season starts. You can do the same thing just before dark, sometimes called "putting them to bed".

Good info! Thanks!

I was just thinking, your boy is going to hunt with you right? You guys could sit together, or nearly so facing oposite directions and cover 180 degrees each. That way, you'll know if you have a bird coming in silent. It happens to me every year. There's not much you can do if you don't see him.

Or you'll move to another area a few hundred yards away and hear one gobbling where you were. it will happen. All you can do is laugh then.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I like the catching a thief part. love to hear the details on that!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Be sure to tune in folks to the new series "To Catch a Thief" staring TZone and company.

I'd like to hear the story too!

We need a campfire for that story.

I'm in!

I all most made speed beef out of one of those wily turkeys here yesterday. The stupid bird got up off the road in front of me and flew right down the middle of the road at about 4 1/2 foot high. It was interesting at first, but after following this bird for a good 200 yards and waiting for him to get the [bleep] out of my way, I'd just about had enough. He finally ran out of gas and veered off the road and landed in of all places, a pasture. There's one big gelding in that pasture, and it failed to see the humor of that big ugly bird invading it's turf, so proceeded to chase it half way across the field. 'Guess it just wasn't a good morning to be a turkey.......

A gal I worked with, husband had one come through the windshield of his truck. Looked like a 20 pound bowling ball hit the hood than through the windshield. Did about $4K in damage. I've had a couple of close calls.

Power raked the yard this morning in a half hour. What a mess when you finish up. Took me a good 3 hours to manually rake and bag all the dead grass.

Bill, Pete, my ex FIL for those of you who don't know him, hit two in two weeks with his catering van. Man was he ticked after the second one! Both broke the windshield.

just made a drive from MN to home, saw LOTS of turkeys in the lakes area around lake park/DL was surprised at how many i saw. also saw lots of pheasants along the way. there were about 20 strutting toms in rapid city when I drove through. glad to be home, it was a tough weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Bill, Pete, my ex FIL for those of you who don't know him, hit two in two weeks with his catering van. Man was he ticked after the second one! Both broke the windshield.

I hit one back in 2000 with our Chevy Lumina. It was standing along US 10 and jumped up just as I got along side of. It hit the "A" pillar on the passenger side. Scared the crap out of my wife. Didn't do any damage to the car. The turkey on the other hand didn't fair to well.

bout 5 years ago I was up on CTY "W" in Sawyer county heading for Winter. Saw a turkey high in a tree off to my left. Darn thing came out of the tree and crossed right in front of me about windshield high. I just barely missed it.

I've seen a few pheasants around too Ryan. More than in the past few years. The winter of 2010/2011 I had dozens at a time in my back yard.

We saw a few at the golf course where my sisters wedding was in st cloud a few weekends back too.

I got a broken windshield from hitting a crow one time on Interstate. It didn't even hit the car. It hopped off a road kill and hit the antenna which slapped the windshield and broke it.

I still remember looking in the rearview for the bird and after a few seconds it came crumpling back down to earth. It must have really got catapulted.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

just made a drive from MN to home, saw LOTS of turkeys in the lakes area around lake park/DL was surprised at how many i saw.

PM sent

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

just made a drive from MN to home, saw LOTS of turkeys in the lakes area around lake park/DL was surprised at how many i saw.

PM sent

I bet.

Back in the 1990's I was ,along with other duties,fleet manager for Allis. We lost a lot of windshields to pheasants in the mid-west. Sometimes two to three a week.

Stan in SC

I need some Northern Dave type advice on parenting.....

I have a pair of 2 year old little boys.......recently they started sticking their little hands in their diapers to make sure they have not lost anything....assumption on my part, and honestly I can understand cuz sometimes I need a little adjustment myself.

However they are also bringing their own little fellow out the top of the diapers......and walking around the house letting everyone know "wee wee out....wee wee out"

At first I did think this was kind of funny, but cleaning carpets is getting a bit old. So I need some sort of a garage type fix for this, I have thought about those Chinese finger trick things placed somewhere other than a finger, but that idea was met with a stern NO from my wife....

If nobody has any good solutions I will be having a carpet cleaning party at my house in the near future, you are all invited...

Sorry man.... it's funny as hell. Let em do it. They're proud of that thing. My boy used to drop treau no matter where we were. Back when I was married, we had a camper at a campground in Hayward. We had some friends over and we were sitting around the campfire in early evening and here he comes, naked as a jay bird.

Didn't have a care in the world but that pecker.

They'll get over it man. Don't worry.

When it comes to little boys and comical inappropriate behavior, laughter is like praise and encouragement on steroids. One giggle outweighs a thousand stern faced no's and at least a dozen swats on the hiney.

Therefor, you are simply screwed on this one. Because it is not possible to iliminate the giggles in this situation.

I'd look into a bissel upright carpet cleaner. We like ours, use it a lot.

My three sons did the same thing when little and in diapers. We were lucky since we had sculptured carpet with different colors and shades. Would not have liked to have low nap single color carpet then. Best advice is to get a good carpet cleaner as ND suggested and enjoy the show.

Hell, WB still likes to do this and he's adult'ish.

I am at a continuing educatfon class tonight....my boys need to pee on white bear....

bot ti

My 6 year old boys still pee outside at every opportunity. And why not? as boys, the world is our urinal. Everytime it happens, I say, "that's MY BOY!". The wife doesnt find it quite as comical.

We did have moderate success with saying that birds eat worms and if that thing is hanging out too long, a bird might get it.

I still pee everywhere.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hell, WB still likes to do this and he's adult'ish.

Who do you think taught my 2yo how to do it?

Mama bear & I both have a hard time containing the laughter when that stuff happens.

If you can keep the praise to a minimum the phase will pass & there will be a new trick to show off.

my son loves to pee in the yard and tells me I should. I told him we live in town and the neighbors wouldn't think it was as funny if I did it

he'll be 6 in august. I'm proud of him, he'll even drop his pants to his ankles and laugh while he twists like he's shooting down imaginary fighter planes, kinda makes me jealous.

thankfully he never had a problem whipping it out on the carpet. he did like it when I tumbled brass though. he realized if he stood right next to the tumbler and leaned forward a little, that vibrating action felt really good. I'd always catch him standing there. I got a picture somewhere, it was freakin hilarious! I think he was about 2 at the time.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm proud of him, he'll even drop his pants to his ankles and laugh while he twists like he's shooting down imaginary fighter planes, kinda makes me jealous.

If I did that, I'd twist my knee, throw my back out, and pee all over myself!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he did like it when I tumbled brass though. he realized if he stood right next to the tumbler and leaned forward a little, that vibrating action felt really good. I'd always catch him standing there. I got a picture somewhere, it was freakin hilarious! I think he was about 2 at the time.

Monkey see monkey do!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I need some Northern Dave type advice on parenting.....

I have a pair of 2 year old little boys.......recently they started sticking their little hands in their diapers to make sure they have not lost anything....assumption on my part, and honestly I can understand cuz sometimes I need a little adjustment myself.

However they are also bringing their own little fellow out the top of the diapers......and walking around the house letting everyone know "wee wee out....wee wee out"

At first I did think this was kind of funny, but cleaning carpets is getting a bit old. So I need some sort of a garage type fix for this, I have thought about those Chinese finger trick things placed somewhere other than a finger, but that idea was met with a stern NO from my wife....

If nobody has any good solutions I will be having a carpet cleaning party at my house in the near future, you are all invited...

Duck tape

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm proud of him, he'll even drop his pants to his ankles and laugh while he twists like he's shooting down imaginary fighter planes, kinda makes me jealous.

If I did that, I'd twist my knee, throw my back out, and pee all over myself!

that's what happened to me!

Does anybody want to talk about the fresh blanket of snow we all got yesterday?

What?

You mean it was just us?

Oh I do feel special now.

roads are crap, some houses lost power, the trees in the yard look like they are going to break over from the weight of the snow.

that's just a hard spring frost Dave, just seems worse because you've had a pretty easy winter this year

Sounds like Northern WI picked up some snow too, Dave. All day rain event here.

71* in the forecast today, we're getting that rain/snow mix stuff sunday.

It rained all day wednesday and thursday. Today is supposed to be decent and then high winds and rain sat - tues at least. Great weekend to be out in the turkey woods.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Does anybody want to talk about the fresh blanket of snow we all got yesterday?

Sure. Was it a fuzzy blanket? Electric? Did it have cartoon looking cows on it?

no, it was cold and sloppy.... don't really feel like talking about it....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

no, it was cold and sloppy.... don't really feel like talking about it....

Sounds like my ex gf...

I don't want to talk about that eefer..

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

"Lest we Forget" !

Lest we forget.

Every year the Barossa Light Horse Troop in Adelaide remembers the service of their horses in what is believed to be the only Anzac service of its kind with a dedication to the animals.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

It rained all day wednesday and thursday. Today is supposed to be decent and then high winds and rain sat - tues at least. Great weekend to be out in the turkey woods.

Is this your week Big Jelly or is it next week? If it's windy and rainy, sit the fields first. Rain brings those birds to the fields. Don't feel too badly if you don't see them by 7am. They may still be in the trees. That happens a lot on windy, rainy days. Like us, they sleep in and fly down later in the morning on gross days.

Wind...well wind sucks. Do what you can.

Yep. It starts tomorrow morning for me and the boy. After I had that big Tom gobbling at my crow call from my truck last night I am pumped up! I have a friend in real estate looking up the landowner for me where he was strutting around. I can't seem to find the birds on my cousins land where I deer hunt. Not sure where they went but it happens every spring. They just disappear for some reason.

just got home from a burn 559 acres, it was planned so no big deal, had plenty of resources. I'm beat though! time for refreshments I think.

good luck huntin tomorrow!

My 14 foot Lund Deep V is actually starting to look like a boat again instead of a lawn ornament. It sat unattended for 10 years while we chased our daughter all over the upper midwest for the last decade as she played fastpitch. The critters had their way with my boat. I've taken two whole garbage cans full of black walnuts, and a garbage can full of chewed up styrofoam which used to be floatation from the bench seats. The wiring's destroyed. The bunks on the trailer need replaced, and I haven't gotten near the trailer wiring yet. Hoping to get the seats put back together and go to work on the motor this weekend. It's a long road back to a useable boat.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

and I haven't gotten near the trailer wiring yet.

do yourself a favor,Goph.go to northern and get the led trailer lights kit for about $59.
no more hit or miss trailer lights.
I love them.

actually,I think I saw them at your store,too.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

My 6 year old boys still pee outside at every opportunity. And why not? as boys, the world is our urinal. Everytime it happens, I say, "that's MY BOY!". The wife doesnt find it quite as comical.

We did have moderate success with saying that birds eat worms and if that thing is hanging out too long, a bird might get it.

What type of bird might that be, BM?

Could it be...........

Would it be.......................

Might it be...................

(Wait on it)...................

(It's almost here)..................

( Not long to wait).................

(Just a bit longer)................

(Here it is).......................

Woodpecker??????????????

Ron

Paul, your ANZAC day is something I'd like to raises glass to. I hope that's acceptable.

We of course have our days of remembrance in the US. It is important.

Here's to the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Here, Here! Salute to Brothers in arms from Down Under.

Heading up north at first light for 5 days of turkey camp and trout drinking. Got the wall tent packed with the cylinder stove, cots, bags, bourbon, some Buschy Cubes, venny tenderloins, duck, perch, salmon, and pheasant. No veggies, just man food. Unless of course you count Cheetos...and maybe Bloody Mary pickles. It's been a long winter...can't wait to pour 3 fingers of Woody Reserve, fire up a nice cigar, and relax with my two pards over a roaring fire. See you guys next week-

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

and I haven't gotten near the trailer wiring yet.

do yourself a favor,Goph.go to northern and get the led trailer lights kit for about $59.
no more hit or miss trailer lights.
I love them.

Fluffy-I'm putting the boat back together "on the cheap" as I plan on upgrading to a 17 footer next spring, so I'll go whatever route's gonna be the cheapest, but the LED's sound like a plan for down the road when the next rig needs re-wired. I can't believe how bad the critters tore up the boat's wiring. Whole runs of wire are completely gone-as if they actually ATE the wire.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Here, Here! Salute to Brothers in arms from Down Under.

I'm with cft and nd on this one. A glass is raised.

I will admit Paul, I had to look up what it was but I thank you for sharing it with us.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Here, Here! Salute to Brothers in arms from Down Under.

A big +1. I had the honor of working with Aussie troops when I was in Nam. Great bunch of guys.

Sorry for the late reply Ron, but it took me this long to quit groaning.

Drove over to the Wolf River in the New London. WI to observe the Sturgeon Spawn. This is one of just a few place in the country where the public can see the ritual.

Saw over a 100 fish some over 6'. Quite a sight.

How long does the spawn last at that location? Might be worth a road trip.

Well the Little League Mets had their first game today against the Pirates. The Mets won 6-4 in the top of the 5th. Yes, that's correct. The Pirates ran out of pitchers.

My best buddy Jack led off the game with a hard hit single up the middle. He stole second, then scored on another single hit up the middle.

The Mets had great fielding today. Several double plays between the first baseman, who happened to be my best buddy Jack, and his friend Vincent, on second. They've been playing on the same teams for a few years now and they play great together.

It was fun. Congrats little Mets!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

How long does the spawn last at that location? Might be worth a road trip.

Up to 2 weeks depending on the weather. Been going for about a week now.

Way to go Mets.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well the Little League Mets had their first game today against the Pirates. The Mets won 6-4 in the top of the 5th. Yes, that's correct. The Pirates ran out of pitchers.

My best buddy Jack led off the game with a hard hit single up the middle. He stole second, then scored on another single hit up the middle.

The Mets had great fielding today. Several double plays between the first baseman, who happened to be my best buddy Jack, and his friend Vincent, on second. They've been playing on the same teams for a few years now and they play great together.

It was fun. Congrats little Mets!

Tom-I need a schedule so I can come up for a game. Does he need any new gear? I'd like to get him something.

way to go Jack! congrats Mets!

In case anyone is wondering, elk tenderloin stew made from scratch smells and tastes as good if not better than your imaginations

had walleye for supper tonight, but started the stew for tomorrow. YUM!

Tenderloin stew? So konfrusing for me... No kompryhend...

Well me and the boy put in one hard long day of turkey hunting. We started out with decoys and calling blind with no results. Then went to another area and did the same thing. Nothin. So we drove to the SE where there are hardwoods and hills and immediately come across two HUGE Tom's. They were on posted land but headed right for public so we hurried and tried to cut them off but they didn't cooperate and continued into the thick stuff on private land. We drove another mile and there was two jakes. We snuck up on them and started calling and the darn things disappeared across the road. All in all, we seen over 20 turkeys today and had a chance at 4.

The best part about it was seeing the boy totally excited and shaking when we were trying to cut off those Tom's. I must have been excited too because afterwards he told me he had to "run his butt off" to keep up with me. haha

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tenderloin stew? So konfrusing for me... No kompryhend...

it's more like 2 big tenderloins in the crockpot with a few veggies. it was thawed in the fridge a couple days ago and something had to be done with it before it went bad. I wanted to wrap in bacon and put on the grill, mama said no

smells awesome though!

that's what it's all about! least you had some action, good luck today guys!

Another thing to try which I have found quite tasty is a venison meat loaf done in the crock pot.

Stan in SC

recipe Stan?
all we eat is venison so the more recipes we have the better

I got my Tom about 45 minutes ago and I'm still trying to catch my breath. I had to run my fat azz off and jump over a 5 strand barb wire fence to intercept him as he headed down a draw toward a thick stand of willow. I'm home registering it on line at the present. Now we have to get the boy his.....if I live....

You're supposed to shoot them.

What did the boy think? Contests rooster!!

Congrats Jim. I remember a time I had to chase one through the woods after I shot it.

Miracle I didn't have a coronary.

Let me tell you that bird was extra dead when I finally caught up with it.

way to go Jim!

Originally Posted by tzone

What did the boy think? Contests rooster!!

He was pretty pumped up. We've been out in this miserable wind and rain for the past 5 hours trying to get him on a bird with no luck yet. My whole plan was to get him his bird first but circumstances didn't allow it. But he can hunt all the seasons until the end of May so plenty of time to get him one.

If I knew how to post pics, I'd put one up.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Congrats Jim. I remember a time I had to chase one through the woods after I shot it.

Miracle I didn't have a coronary.

Let me tell you that bird was extra dead when I finally caught up with it.

Thanks. Yeah, I thought I was going to keel over walking back to the truck and back over that fence. Stupid desk job has not kept me in sprinting, jumping and climbing shape that is for sure!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

way to go Jim!

Thanks Ryan!

How's the weather by you today Jim? Rain and gale force winds here. Supposed to rain all week.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

How's the weather by you today Jim? Rain and gale force winds here. Supposed to rain all week.

Exactly the same here Bill. Miserable weather.

The boy and I decided to come home about 4ish and take a break and then go out again. At about 4:45 he says "do you really want to go out hunting again Dad?" I said "not really" He says "oh good. I'm going to bed" lol

Rooster,congrats on the bird.

Ryan, the recipe for a crock pot meat loaf is the same as any other venison meat loaf. Bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms. The only difference is the manner of cooking it.
It tastes about the same as if done in an oven but has a wee bit different texture. I like it done both ways.
I found out this year how much better antelope tastes than venison when a friend brought me both antelope steaks and ground.
As much as I like venison I never thought I would find something that tastes better.But I did.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Rooster,congrats on the bird.

Ryan, the recipe for a crock pot meat loaf is the same as any other venison meat loaf. Bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms. The only difference is the manner of cooking it.
It tastes about the same as if done in an oven but has a wee bit different texture. I like it done both ways.
I found out this year how much better antelope tastes than venison when a friend brought me both antelope steaks and ground.
As much as I like venison I never thought I would find something that tastes better.But I did.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan! Antelope is amazing! The wife and kids even loved it! It all depends on how you treat them after the kill. We butchered ours in fhe field without even opening the gut sack, packed the meat in game bags and hauled them out on pack frames to a cooler full of ice in the truck. That meat is the best I've had. Elk is very good but a properly handled antelope is some of the very best eating you will ever get.

I was bowhunting mule deer in the ND badlands one year and we met this vehicle over and over again that had one of them receiver hitch game carriers on the back. He had an antelope in full skin on there when we first seen him in the morning and it was still on there at 5:00 pm that night. It was 90 some degrees out and the antelope was covered in the red scoria dust from driving around all day. That speed goat must have had maggots in it by the time he took it off that carrier. ICK

Ryan,

I just saw on the news that you are under a winter storm warning.

We are at 39* with high winds and rain. Lovely day...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ryan,

I just saw on the news that you are under a winter storm warning.

We are at 39* with high winds and rain. Lovely day...

Same here, Jim. Not raining now, but the winds are strong. Good thing the trees aren't leafed out yet or there would be trees/limbs down.

Same thing here Bill. Get this crap out of the way this week. I'll be there next weekend with the monsters chasing our own birds. This will be different... I'll have to keep two kids from moving around and getting antsy. We'll see how it works out I guess.

Congrats again on the bird Big Jelly. The boy has all season to track one down, so wait for a better weekend. this weekend or the next, they'll be out gobbling their heads off. Then, hopefully you can take their head off.

no winter weather here, some places in the hills reported a little snow, we were in the 40's and 50's and got pert near 2" of rain.

mowed the lawn on saturday for the first time this year

Ray,
That was pretty original! As crummy as the weather is, I am not going to complain. It isnt tornados or floods or hurricanes or forest fires or mudslides or any of a number of things.

Brought the boys crappie fishing on Sat night. Everybody got cold and we decided to head home. That is when they started biting. A friend caught 22 slabs in 45 minutes until it was too cold for even him. Oh well, another day we will get them.

Huh....goofy news guys said the Black Hills were in a winter storm warning. The dummy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Paul, your ANZAC day is something I'd like to raises glass to. I hope that's acceptable.

We of course have our days of remembrance in the US. It is important.

Here's to the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Dave,

Thank you.

Both acceptable & mandatory !

To all who have served their country, I salute your courage & appreciate your sacrifice.

Thank you.

Cheers & thank you, Tom.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

recipe Stan?
all we eat is venison so the more recipes we have the better

Ryan,

Been making this one, lately & the family loves it !

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/hunter_style_venison_meatloaf.php

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll be there next weekend with the monsters chasing our own birds.

Congrats again on the bird Big Jelly. The boy has all season to track one down, so wait for a better weekend. this weekend or the next, they'll be out gobbling their heads off. Then, hopefully you can take their head off.

Thanks Tom and good luck next weekend!

Post some pictures.... you can do it.

Do I just need to sign up for a photobucket account or whatever that is?

yes you do.

I'm at the very southern edge of the hills, higher elevations could have seen snow, weather.com said we got .1" of snow last night, but that coulda been higher up. saw a few Toms strutting around at work today, they better stay off the road sides if they want to survive. road hunting is legal out here for them!
Bought my tags this morning, should be here in a couple days, looking forward to hunting with a friend I grew up with, he'll be here friday.

Out of the blue my son says to me this morning " hey dad, guess what I found at grandpa and grandma's? I'll give you a hint, it's made of bone and is a deers face"

made me chuckle

That could be almost anything....

let me think on that one, I'll get back to you.

TFF.

haha that made me laugh

So I signed up for a PB account. Is it normal to take a VERY long time to upload pics? I have 52 pics in the folder on my computer and its been uploading them for over an hour and it's only half done.

Never mind. I found the How to post pics sticky in the photography forum and I see that I didn't click the right thing in PB.

HEYYY check it out! lol That was easy!

This is the boy toting the decoys out of our first sit.

Here is one of our setups:

Found a dead eagle and called the game warden. Not sure what killed it. I think maybe the big golden eagle that lives in the same area might have did it.

Me sitting behind the boy and calling for him after I filled my tag. I wish the cirumstances would have worked for him to get the first bird though.

My first Wild Turkey. 9.5" beard. 1" spurs and 20.2lbs.

Cool Jim,

Just goes to show you can teach on old Rooster new tricks !

haha thanks Paul. If I had known how easy it was to post pics, I would have done it years ago. lol

Here is the boy in our first setup.

Swear to god Jim, I saw this guy on tv the other day and I thought it was you.

[Linked Image]

Some bbq cooking competition show.

Really fun show to watch actually (for me anyways)

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Swear to god Jim, I saw this guy on tv the other day and I thought it was you.

[Linked Image]

Doooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So I signed up for a PB account. Is it normal to take a VERY long time to upload pics?

It does take awhile on computer too.

I like the BBQ competition shows. The one I see the most is called Pit Masters. Cool show but makes me hungry.

That's the show!!

Sorry Jim, maybe I picked a bad picture.

It would be fun to on there and win. Good 'ol MN boys bringing BBQ to the south.

Drinking Hi-life while we do it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

That's the show!!

Sorry Jim, maybe I picked a bad picture.

haha last time I checked I had a NECK for pete's sake! lol

Well, maybe it was mannerisms or something.

Dude could certainly cook.

Then it couldn't have been Rooster

Could be the same guy....one of your chins is down in the turkey picture.

Funny phuggers aren't ya?! lol

Took the boy out this evening. Thought this was a pretty cool pic. It's a little blind I slapped together for deer hunting last year. I've had Turkeys on trail cam in this area before but no luck tonight.

That thing looks real.

Try the set up with hen dekes, no jake or tom. See what that does for ya. EVERY time I've used toms or jake dekes, I've scared off birds.

Maybe different in your neck of the woods, but mix it up a bit. Did the wind die down there yet?

It's slowed down some but it's been a pecker for the last 3 days

Being weak willed in the matter of firearms and working part time in a gun/pawn shop seems conducive to "stuff" coming home with me. Today I acquired for a reallllyyyyy GOOD price a Winchester 94 in 30-30 with a 3.6 million serial number which means a manufacture date of 1971.The early seventies were when Winchester committed the awful mistake of using a steel alloy for receivers. This stuff surface rusted and would not take a reblue. It had an awful side mount scope mount with a Tasco 4X.This came off immediately.The receiver has mucho "PATINA".
It is what it is. I intend to clean it really good and shoot it iron sighted.
I love a good 30-30 and hunt a lot with my 1947 dated Stevens Model 325 bolt action in 30-30.
There's just something good about the feel of a good lever gun.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

EVERY time I've used toms or jake dekes, I've scared off birds.

I've been wondering about that. But you have to have birds around to scare off. When I actually see Tom's I get them to gobble on the crow warning call but there has been nothing here. In the fall, they are all over this place.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Being weak willed in the matter of firearms and working part time in a gun/pawn shop seems conducive to "stuff" coming home with me. Today I acquired for a reallllyyyyy GOOD price a Winchester 94 in 30-30 with a 3.6 million serial number which means a manufacture date of 1971.The early seventies were when Winchester committed the awful mistake of using a steel alloy for receivers. This stuff surface rusted and would not take a reblue. It had an awful side mount scope mount with a Tasco 4X.This came off immediately.The receiver has mucho "PATINA".
It is what it is. I intend to clean it really good and shoot it iron sighted.
I love a good 30-30 and hunt a lot with my 1947 dated Stevens Model 325 bolt action in 30-30.
There's just something good about the feel of a good lever gun.

Stan in SC

Way to go Stan! I have a Marlin 30-30 that I bought on a bordem trip to scheels 25 years ago. I have shot it maybe 2 times but like you, I just seem to like that little lever gun.

Hey Stan, would you consider one of the new coatings for that receiver rather than bluing? I'm not up to date on what's the best these days but I know some of these new coatings are amazing. This kershaw knife that gophergunner gave me over a year ago has a black coating on the steel blade as well as the aluminum body. I have it one every day, use it every day. The clip is the only thing showing any wear, anodized steel clip. I don't know what the coating is on the rest of the knife but it's amazing.

Dave, the Ceracote is really good, quite durable and easy to apply. I considered it but right now I think I will leave it in the "used" look. It isn't bad. I rubbed it down good with quad ought steel wool and oil. The wood has some little dents and dings but looks pretty good. I will load some good 170 grain round nose bullet loads for it. It will be a good companion piece for my .357 Blackhawk which I bought earlier this year.
Like I said working in a gun/pawn shop stuff follows you home.

Stan in SC

That combo sounds like a great woods hunting set up Stan! I like it a lot. I'm going to spill the beans here.... I've never had or hinted with a 30-30.

I had a bolt action 30-30 for 1 day over 12 years ago.

I've never owned a lever 30-30

Not for lack of interest, I'll have one some day.

I will too. I'm 3 deep in deer rifles right now and will loose one in the next year or two for the boy. Maybe then.

My first deer rifle in 1974 was a Marlin lever action 30-30. I hunted with that rifle for over 20 years. Killed a lot of deer with it. Went to a bolt .308 in 1995. Didn't use the 30-30 much for a long time and like a goof sold it.

Stan in SC

Only 3 deep, you better stock up Tom!!! Best to have at least 3 back-ups, never know what might happen.

We've got a Marlin 30-30 that was my wife's before we got married. It hasn't been touched since I brought home a Model 7 in 7-08.

Well I had to rebuild.

I have a pre-64 Win 94 with a Lyman peep sight. Very handy woods rifle but just do not use it much. I do not plan on selling it but would consider loaning it to some of the MN members of this thread if they wanted to try it out. I have a Marlin 336 ER in .356 Win that I use when I want a lever rifle for MN deer hunting. PM if interested.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I had a bolt action 30-30 for 1 day over 12 years ago.

I've never owned a lever 30-30

Not for lack of interest, I'll have one some day.

Let me know if you are interested in a Marlin 336 LTD stainless 30-30. It's the 16.5" barrel, straight laminate-stocked special run. It came with fire-sights too. It has a Wild West trigger and ejector.

I like the rifle, but I have too many deer rifles right now, and it would fund some nice homebrewing stuff for my shop.....

336 with a straight handle would be cool.

I have the big brother, 1895M in 450

Well I'm slightly over 3 deep on deer rifles but another lever gun wouldn't hurt.
I only have a MXLR in 450 Marlin right now. A 30-30 or something might be fun.

Maybe I can trade off my crappy old model 54 Whinny for one.....

Tom, if you're coming over turkey hunting this weekend make sure you and the kids have rubber boots and water proof clothing. The wood are water logged.

Been raining every day since Sunday here. Only had about 2" total but combine that with the snow melt and you've got a soggy, muddy mess.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Maybe I can trade off my crappy old model 54 Whinny for one.....

Cruel, cruel man.

Flag on the field! Taunting! 15 yd penalty, repeat first down!

(Whitey has a pristine Win 54 in 220 swift that he taunts me with regularly)

Cause he knows I love Winchesters, especially old ones.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Tom, if you're coming over turkey hunting this weekend make sure you and the kids have rubber boots and water proof clothing. The wood are water logged.

Been raining every day since Sunday here. Only had about 2" total but combine that with the snow melt and you've got a soggy, muddy mess.

Bill,

We are coming the weekend after this one. We do all have rubber boots. I just bought some Muck Boots last weekend. My Lacrosse Burly 800gm thinsilate were too heavy. These muck boots are sweet!

Weather guesser said we've had 7" of rain is 5 days. That's plenty!! My sump pump is getting a workout.

Mucks rock. I bought my first pair last fall & am planning on a couple more pairs for the seasons.

How many pair does a guy need? I can use the Burly's if it's cold. The Burly's are also longer up the leg than the mucks, but the Muck's are 100% easier to put on and take off. That was the big reason for getting them. The Burly's were killing my knee.

I've got a pair of Muck Artic Pro's that I use for deer hunting. They are great. May pick up a pair of uninsulated ones for early fall use.

Still have my old Lacrosse Burleys that I used in Alaska in 2001.

I bought my burly's in 99 or 2000. Literally thousands of hours in them and no leaks. I used them 40-50 hours a week for about 5 years when I was a surveyor.

Good boots!

Tom,

Sorry, I forgot about the downsize and rebuilt program. Just another chance to go buy some guns, always a good thing!!

Dave,

I'm good friends with two brothers that inherited some where north of a dozen pre-64 model 70's. Gramps used and shot them a lot, now they just sit in the safe, untouched for years. Every once in a while, I renew my offer to buy the 300 H&H, but it always falls on deaf ears. There is also a heavy barrel 22-250 in the bunch that I have shot and it shoots very well.

Jeff

I know a guy that has a pushfeed M70 .300 H&H for sale'ish. It's minty and I'd like to buy it if I have spare income when I see him next.

I have no real use for a 300 h&h other than it's cool as hell.

That's reason enough.

I don't have a use for a 300 H&H either, but that's never stopped me before:)

I'll use it for the long shots at chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Found a dead eagle and called the game warden. Not sure what killed it.

Im no doctor,but Id guess the big hole in the middle is what did him in.

Fluff,

WTH you doing up @ -2:30 ??????

Drinking. Same as the rest of us.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Fluff,

WTH you doing up @ -2:30 ??????

I think he was building cabinets for the Widow Thurman in exchange for some fine china and his wife Caroline thinks he's up to no good...

OH wait that might have been Chuck Ingalls. (Who was also a fine craftsman if I recall)

I was wondering the same thing?

GS had his first game last night. Earlier games rained out. He pitched 3 out of the 4 innings. Game called due to darkness. His team lost, but he did have a 2 run RBI.

My sleep schedule is still screwed up from my last job.asleep by 7\8, up at 2 sometimes. Its getting better, slowly.I couldnt get back to sleep till probably 4, then up at 515.

Mini man had another game last night too. It was ugly. They lost 11-2. He did strike out 2, and throw the 3rd guy out at first. He only pitched one inning, now all the kids have pitched and we will put the better guys out on the mound.

I was frozen by the end of the game!

DIL didn't say how many hits/runs he gave up. It's his first time out, so he'll get better. Pitching seems to run in his mother's family. Both of his aunts went to college on baseball scholarships as pitchers.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The buddies came over last night. First night in The Roost. Although it isnt done yet, we couldnt wait to have a "meeting" up there. They left about 1:30 am.

OUCH!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The buddies came over last night. First night in The Roost. Although it isnt done yet, we couldnt wait to have a "meeting" up there. They left about 1:30 am.

So a early evening then.. LOL...

Any of you guys waxing nostalgic for a 30-30 Marlin have a sporting shotgun to trade?
I have a nice 1986 336 cs,I never use,and a 17 yo son who is looking to join me for trap league this summer.

I went to our local small plane city airport this evening. My daughter had her 49th. birthday yesterday and her boy friend surprised her today with a 45 minute flight in an actual 1943 model Bi plane.Yup a two winger,fabric covered with a really neat sounding radial Lycombing engine. It will take her weeks to get the silly grin off her face.It was something she had on her bucket list she said.
The only thing I have on my bucket list is my 100th. birthday.Only 27 years to go.

Stan in SC

I got back from trout/turkey camp yesterday. The three of us tagged out, 9" beard, jake, & another jake. Birds were goofy. Hens bunched up, Toms talking - but not committing, rain, wind, snow in the woods, just a weird season...like it's really the 2nd week in April instead of May. Trout didn't cooperate at all. Water was high, fast, and cold. Too early me thinks. All the cold temps, rain, and wind kept the bugs at bay. Made the 5 days of tenting a little sporty.

We ate well. Venison tenderloins grilled and deep fried nuggets, bluegill and perch, venison brats, duck breasts wrapped in bacon and grilled, goose with habenero pepper (I don't recommend this with outdoor plumbing - jess sayin'), backstrap grilled with plum jelly, homemade pickles, venison hash, and I'm sure I'm missing some. We also made sure the American Brewing industry was safe from economic collapse.

Found out when I got home that mom needs to go to Mayo's in Rochester pronto. Dad is too weak to drive, mom can't, other siblings are tied up, so I guess it's me leaving in the a.m. 12 hour hole shot. No idea for what duration. Barely have time to get clean underwear. Add that to the wife asking me to change brakes this evening and life's been a bit hectic. Friggin' snowglobe...

CFT,
I'm glad you had a successful turkey safari. Hope your mom does ok. Please keep us posted. Hang in there.

Stan in SC

CFT,

Your mom is going to the best health care facility in the WORLD. I'm sorry you have trouble with her health though. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.

Congrats on the bird and what sounds like a heckova week.

Dang CFT, you have had quite a week. prayers for you and your family.

I had a friend from back home call me the other day and say he's coming to hunt turkeys. I buy my tags quick and they show up the day he does. juggled work and showing him around, he got his first black hills bird, it had a 10" beard and weighed 21 lbs. he had an absolute blast. now it's time to do some last minute chores before the house goes on the market tomorrow, all while squeezing in a soccer game in Custer and the Circus in rapid city.

Congrats on the birds CFT. Prayers on the way for your mom.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Any of you guys waxing nostalgic for a 30-30 Marlin have a sporting shotgun to trade?
I have a nice 1986 336 cs,I never use,and a 17 yo son who is looking to join me for trap league this summer.

I happened to talk to one of my older brothers today,mentioned my son needing a shotgun.
Brother said he had a few he wasn't going to use for some time,why don't we come over and have a look.
ended up bringing home 2 Remington 12s, a 870 special field, and a 1187 special purpose.
hoping to find time to go to the trap range tomorrow,and try them out.
we have the option of buying either,or both ,if we choose to, for market value.

opened up the hoppes cleaning kit I got for Christmas last year,gave them a quick scrub.

[Linked Image]

Two very nice shotguns,fluffy.

Stan in SC

Like the special field.

Took a big risk Saturday and put the snoblower in storage.Now I need to get the mower ready.

Hey Dave-are you guys going to have open water up there, or will you be ice fishing for the opener?

I'm in northern wi right now and folks are fishing. I don't thing there is open water at the cabin in Solon springs though.

Sounds like a heck of a week CFT. Congrats on the birds.

I sent and will continue to send prayers for your Mom. Like Tzone said, she will be in the best health care faciltiy in the world.

Fluffy,
Report back on those shotguns. I have an 1187 in 20 ga and absolutely love that gun. I would like to find a slug barrel for it for deer hunting. With the improved cylinder choke it's a crap shoot where the slugs will go.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Dave-are you guys going to have open water up there, or will you be ice fishing for the opener?

I kind of doubt it

Man that really sucks! I'm hitting a bit of a snag here too-been working on getting my boat ready-it sat unused for 10 years and needed a lot of work. Everything's been going fine until I got to the tow hitch on the old Explorer I bought last year. It's got a 2" ball on it, and of course my trailer's got an 1 7/8 hitch. The ball is rusted on tight. Gonna have to find someone with a torch and get the 2" ball removed. 'Still have to re-wire the trailer too, but that's not going to be too big of an ordeal. Probably gonna take the truck in Wednesday somewhere to get the ball cut or heated off.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Man that really sucks! I'm hitting a bit of a snag here too-been working on getting my boat ready-it sat unused for 10 years and needed a lot of work. Everything's been going fine until I got to the tow hitch on the old Explorer I bought last year. It's got a 2" ball on it, and of course my trailer's got an 1 7/8 hitch. The ball is rusted on tight. Gonna have to find someone with a torch and get the 2" ball removed. 'Still have to re-wire the trailer too, but that's not going to be too big of an ordeal. Probably gonna take the truck in Wednesday somewhere to get the ball cut or heated off.

I had to use a sawz-all to remove one last year.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sounds like a heck of a week CFT. Congrats on the birds.

I sent and will continue to send prayers for your Mom. Like Tzone said, she will be in the best health care faciltiy in the world.

Fluffy,
Report back on those shotguns. I have an 1187 in 20 ga and absolutely love that gun. I would like to find a slug barrel for it for deer hunting. With the improved cylinder choke it's a crap shoot where the slugs will go.

the 870 proved difficult to hit with,just like the 1100 SF I used to own.I only managed to get 14/25 with that,as opposed to 22/25 with my normal BPS,which I have used for the last few years.

the 1187 worked flawlessly for my son,he actually did better than I thought he would, 8/25 one round,10/25 second round.

I was hoping to let my son try all 4 shotguns we had,but as usual,a few other club members stick their nose into everyones elses business,and try to run the show.An elderly gent started to tell everyone which trap range to shoot on,and who they would shoot with,and then once he got it all screwed up,and erased everyones position and got himself to the top of the list,he went out to shoot a round and left everyone else standing there with a blank board,and no idea who was in line to shoot and who wasn't.
We shot only two rounds,and left.My son stuck with the 1187 and likes it.that will probably be the one he ends up with.I just may get both,as that 870 sure handles nice.

Fluffy, might be easier to change to coupler on the trailer to a 2".

or get another receiver stinger and get a 1 7/8" ball so you have both when you need em.

Originally Posted by fluffy

the 870 proved difficult to hit with,just like the 1100 SF I used to own.I only managed to get 14/25 with that,as opposed to 22/25 with my normal BPS,which I have used for the last few years.

I had an 1100SF for about a day and a half. Once I started to shoot it, I couldn't stand that thing. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough! I sold it for $50 less than I bought it for and considered it a hellova deal on my end.

I LOVE the 1187 though. I'd like one in a 20ga.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Fluffy, might be easier to change to coupler on the trailer to a 2".

That's what I was thinking too Bill.

I was up in Amery, WI with the GF at her folks place. They live across the street from a lake. For opening fishing, there wasn't squat for people out. I saw 4 boats on the lake all weekend, and it's a decent lake to fish.

I talked to a parent of a kid on my ball team tonight. They have a camper up on Mille Lacs and he said the lake won't be open next weekend. Maybe some launches, but there is a TON of ice on it yet.

Uff-da. Not to belittle the situation but I wish you were closer. I knock off many problems way harder than that every day.

Warm up the nut with a propane torch or whatever heat you have but try to stay away from the bolt part.

Spray with penetrating lube while hot but be careful for fire. Aim for the center "bolt" area to cool that first.

Repeat a couple times then put the wrench on & whack it with a heavy hammer a few times & see if it will break loose.

The heat/cool cycles will help to break the corrosion.

Good luck!!!

870 is my all time favorite shotgun.

They fit me like a dream & NEVER fail under adverse conditions.

That said, I might be in the market for a Benelli semi-auto when the funds come available.

We just put a new winch motor on Nathan's old Bellevue winch. It's ready for another 45 years of action now.

We visited with Muffy & Aunt Eileen earlier today as well.

They stuffed us with awesome food.

1 year ago today we lost Uncle Dusty.

Having a beer.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Man that really sucks! I'm hitting a bit of a snag here too-been working on getting my boat ready-it sat unused for 10 years and needed a lot of work. Everything's been going fine until I got to the tow hitch on the old Explorer I bought last year. It's got a 2" ball on it, and of course my trailer's got an 1 7/8 hitch. The ball is rusted on tight. Gonna have to find someone with a torch and get the 2" ball removed. 'Still have to re-wire the trailer too, but that's not going to be too big of an ordeal. Probably gonna take the truck in Wednesday somewhere to get the ball cut or heated off.

I had to use a sawz-all to remove one last year.

That might not be out of the question....

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Fluffy, might be easier to change to coupler on the trailer to a 2".

It's actually my rig-and I had thought of that, but the tongue on the trailer's welded not screwed together, and I'd rather avoid cutting it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Fluffy, might be easier to change to coupler on the trailer to a 2".

That's what I was thinking too Bill.

I was up in Amery, WI with the GF at her folks place. They live across the street from a lake. For opening fishing, there wasn't squat for people out. I saw 4 boats on the lake all weekend, and it's a decent lake to fish.

I talked to a parent of a kid on my ball team tonight. They have a camper up on Mille Lacs and he said the lake won't be open next weekend. Maybe some launches, but there is a TON of ice on it yet.

Why waste the time to drive up to Mille Lacs? The friggin' slot is ridiculous, and they took away night fishing. It's gonna be a bad year for the resort owners up there I think.

Originally Posted by tzone

I LOVE the 1187 though. I'd like one in a 20ga.

Tom, next time we have the chance to get together, I will bring it along. It's just a pleasure to shoot!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

and they took away night fishing.

Seriously?? How can they do that?

Arrived in the land of 10,000 lakes. Thanks for the kind words fellas. I'll be sure to tell mom. She's been here before...sister with breast cancer, another sister with breast cancer, her mom with breast cancer, she's had breast cancer, and her dad had colon cancer. Just her and her younger sister survived. All were from a small town that great grandparents homesteaded just south of where Northern Dave resides. Weird time in life going thru this stuff with your parents. I'm sure everyone has to do it at sometime. Circle of life and all that.

I will proudly raise a glass to Dusty this evening. A life well lived and not forgotten.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

870 is my all time favorite shotgun.

They fit me like a dream & NEVER fail under adverse conditions.

That said, I might be in the market for a Benelli semi-auto when the funds come available.

I might have one you're looking for. Has had 7 rounds through it. I'm hoping for round 8 on Saturday evening. But, I'd sell it.

Benelli American, SBEII. Black synthetic.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We just put a new winch motor on Nathan's old Bellevue winch. It's ready for another 45 years of action now.

We visited with Muffy & Aunt Eileen earlier today as well.

They stuffed us with awesome food.

1 year ago today we lost Uncle Dusty.

Having a beer.

I miss him. I think about him nearly every day.

Can't believe it's been a year already since we lost Uncle Dusty.

I have always said that the true mark of a man is how he lives on in the memory of those who held him dear. Dusty proves that.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I have always said that the true mark of a man is how he lives on in the memory of those who held him dear. Dusty proves that.

Stan in SC

Spot on Stan

Well said Stan. I never met him but get a very clear picture by the comments here of what kind of man he truly was.

Amen, I think about him often and can picture his smile and hear his laugh. can't believe it's been a year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

1 year ago today we lost Uncle Dusty.

Having a beer.

Well said, sir. I'm heading to camp tomorrow morning for a bit of crappie fishing. Will have a few sips for Uncle Dusty and a few more for Dad, who never made it to camp. RIP

Ron

CFT,

Best wishes to you and your mom. I hope things turn out well for her.

Ron

I'll be thinking about Dusty and our other departed friends, family and campfire members this weekend. Saturday morniing starts out as a walleye run for the opener, but will end up being a crappie fishing trip by about 9 a.m. I'm really anxious to get my boat back on the water.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Any of you guys waxing nostalgic for a 30-30 Marlin have a sporting shotgun to trade?
I have a nice 1986 336 cs,I never use,and a 17 yo son who is looking to join me for trap league this summer.

I have a synthetic 870 express from the 90's I would sell cheap.

Where you headed for fishing gopher?

Pam got this shot of the boy at a track meet a week or so ago.

They are in Detroit Lakes today.

[Linked Image]

He looks built for speed. Cool shot Pam!

Very cool indeed. How's Nate doing in track, Dave?

Fishing this year has been hot and cold. Here are a few we got on Saturday. Proud of my daughter who caught one of these 4. We got 27 slabs with the smallest being 11". Almost all of them were over 12". Hard to read, but yes, these are 14"ers!

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hard to read, but yes, these are 14"ers!

[Linked Image]

14" Crappie are some dang nice slabs! Hard to come by too!

I don't fish much, looking to change that, but have never caught a crappie. I grew up in south central North Dakota, caught lots of bullheads, pike, perch, and the occasional walleye. My little people are probably sunfish age (3,2, and 2) so I think I need to buy a few little fishing rods, life jackets....somebody is going to end up in the water... and some patience.....anyone know where I can find that last one?

Patience is what replaces youth/energy/ambition/hopes/dreams.

You sort of transition into it.

lol.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Very cool indeed. How's Nate doing in track, Dave?

He's doing very well Bill.

He's no kenyan, so the super long distance isnt really his game, and he's no kirby pucket either so the short sprint isnt really where he's at either.

The 200 is a nice race for him I think.

Although he is a solid anchor for a 4 X 100 relay too.

You aint a kidding they are hard to come by. Pretty proud that my daughter caught one of them too. Made my day. I had to call and have mom bring her out when I saw they were biting. After she got there, I never reeled in another fish, I would set the hook and hand her my rod if the bite was on my rod. If her bobber went down, she did it all herself.

Oh, and also proud to say one of my 6 year old boys is already baiting his own hook! That is going to make Canada easier by golly!

heres what they look like,for those that don't know.
heres a limerick an old friend used to say.
In honor of the MN fishing opener

fishy fishy,in the brook
come and bite upon my hook
bite it quick and bite it hard
so I can fry your sides in lard.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

Any of you guys waxing nostalgic for a 30-30 Marlin have a sporting shotgun to trade?
I have a nice 1986 336 cs,I never use,and a 17 yo son who is looking to join me for trap league this summer.

I have a synthetic 870 express from the 90's I would sell cheap.

define "cheap"

I saw three yearlings yesterday on the way home from work. Boy, are they scruffy looking right now as they shed their winter coats. The boat is getting close to completion. Cost me $15.00 to get the 2" ball removed from my Explorer. I'd have never gotten it off with my limited tools-he had to heat it up quite a bit before the impact wrench finally broke it loose.

Gotta grease the trailer bearings, rewire the trailer, scrub the boat, and I'm ready to go. Kickin' it old school this weekend-no depth finder. No big deal, as I'm staying home on Prior Lake, which I know very well. Hit the water about about 4 a.m. fish for walleyes till about 9, then go fill up on crappies and sunnies. The sunnies are running nice this spring from what I hear. First time I'll have fished in 10 years. Can't wait!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Patience is what replaces youth/energy/ambition/hopes/dreams.

You sort of transition into it.

lol.

Ain't THAT the truth!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Oh, and also proud to say one of my 6 year old boys is already baiting his own hook! That is going to make Canada easier by golly!

Well soon he'll be a real master baiter!

Really nice Crappies BM. My personal best is 13.5" and I caught it last year.

Fish the shallow weeds my friend. You'll be alone but you'll find the walleyes. Pitch jigs with minnows, maybe leeches, and YES, use your cranks in the weeds.

I saw two strutting tom's in a wetland preserve last night on my way home. It got me pretty fired up. They were the first one's I've seen all year. The kids and I are going to try for one or two this weekend. They're excited as I am but it's because they get to skip school on Friday.

Make sure you've got your tick spray.

Storm going through the area right now. Lightning/thunder, wind, rain and pea size hail.

I hope it disappears before Friday.

looks like rain for the next few days here, starting tonight.

We didn't have any during Jack's ballgame. They won 16-3. He pitched the 3rd and 4th inning. He struck out 5 and a kid hit a pop fly that was caught the first basemen. The kids have a good game all around.

Now, it's time to get gear ready for turkey hunting. Trying to keep two kids from wiggling too much will be my biggest challenge!

Originally Posted by tzone

We didn't have any during Jack's ballgame. They won 16-3. He pitched the 3rd and 4th inning. He struck out 5 and a kid hit a pop fly that was caught the first basemen. The kids have a good game all around.

Now, it's time to get gear ready for turkey hunting. Trying to keep two kids from wiggling too much will be my biggest challenge!

Handcuffs, shackles, duct tape and sleeping pills........

So who's fishing this weekend? Man, am I getting pumped! I'm not doing the midnight thing, but I should be on the water by 4:30. I'll be happy just to put some panfish in the boat, but if a walleye or northern finds it's way into my little Lund, all the better.

went fishing last weekend with the boy, no luck. our fishing season never closes so I don't have to worry about an "opener"

They way it sounds, you also don't have to worry about "fish."

LOL! maybe so!

I went outside and there is all this white stuff on the roofs around here. it melts when it hits the ground though. reminds me of that crap we get in the winter time. thought we were done with it.

GS team has lost all 3 of their games.

GS told me Sunday night, "Yeah know grandpa that you learn a lot more from your losses than you do from your wins".

Hahaha!

Jack was pitching warm ups last night and the other coach was catching, the kid hitting BP, foul tipped one right into coaches forehead. Which immeaditealy turned it into a 5 head. It sounded like a 22 went off, dropping him on the spot. Man that looked like it hurt.

Prolly no fishing for me unless I hit the crappie hole again late Sat night. We will see what the wind does. Matter of fact, that does sound kinda fun.

The plan for this weekend is to prime and paint The Roost.

I love when guys call on a Thursday to see if you want to play in a hockey tourney that coming weekend:

Friend: "So, you wanna play in the Walleye Chop tourney in Blaine this weekend?"

Me: "Why, yes, I think I will miss all the mother's day weekend stuff we have previously set up with family. Telling my wife about it today will be a bonus. I am sure it will go over great. We will be staying out late and drinking after the games too, right????"

Oh, and opener for me is the week after opener. Perham, here we come!!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

LOL! maybe so!

I went outside and there is all this white stuff on the roofs around here. it melts when it hits the ground though. reminds me of that crap we get in the winter time. thought we were done with it.

We had thunder snow last night. Everything but the roads was covered in white this morning.

My daughter made me proud today. She asked if we could get up really early on Sunday morning so we could make Mom an omelet for breakfast.

Dave,
How are the kidney stones coming along? Been thinkin' of ya!

It's all good Bman.

No troubles at the moment.

Strangely enough... sigh... cant believe i'm going to say this...

In the main forum here, guys have been talking about apple cider vinegar. I didn't know anything about taking this stuff daily for various health benefits. But apparently I've been living under a rock because it's very popular.

Anyways, a week and a half ago I got up one morning and dug around in the kitchen for some regular white vinegar. It's all we had at home.

Found some, poured a little in a glass, then diluted with about 4 oz of water and drank it down, chased it with more water.

The relief began shortly after. Coincidence? I don't know, but I picked up some ACV later that day and took it every morning and a couple different nights for the rest of the week.

I think I over did it because last Friday came and when I took some it upset my stomach so I quit.

I don't know if that's what helped me with this last bout of the kidney stone trouble or not, but I will give it a try again next time I have kidney stone problems.

Since you have been taking the vinegar, can you leap buildings in a single bound?

My Gramma always touted vinegar for whatever ails a person. Upset stomach? Drink some vinegar. Losing your hair? Drink some vinegar. Wart on your foot? drink some vinegar. Stub your toe? Drink some vinegar. getting audited by the IRS? drink a LOT of vinegar.

Dave,

did you mix it with ginger ale?

Bman, my grandma was the same way. She had a fix for everything. Vinegar was on "the list." Dirty stuff-vinegar, tooth ache- vinegar, back-ache- vinegar

Cold and sinus issues- honey, mint, and hot brandy. I don't know if it made me feel any better, but man did I sleep!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So who's fishing this weekend? Man, am I getting pumped!

I'm going with a crew of crazies

to Ottertail Lake. Staying in a cabin for fishing opener weekend. I've never fished Ottertail before but have heard it can be a very good walleye lake. We shall see. Hope the wind stays down.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

but I will give it a try again next time I have kidney stone problems.

Maybe if you take a little everyday, you won't have a next time?

Knew a guy that drank cactus juice every day. Swore it cured everything.

Vinegar has quite a following around here too.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So who's fishing this weekend? Man, am I getting pumped!

I'm going with a crew of crazies

to Ottertail Lake. Staying in a cabin for fishing opener weekend. I've never fished Ottertail before but have heard it can be a very good walleye lake. We shall see. Hope the wind stays down.

It is a great walleye lake. Good luck.

Ottertail should be a good place. The PWT and FLW have had plenty of walleye tourny's there.

I'm staying home this year. Heading out on Prior Lake around 4 a.m. Gotta get off the lake by 9 unless you want to get buzzed by the skiers and jet skis. Starting out for walleyes but won't hesitate to move to crappies to put some fish in the boat.

I will also be at Ottertail at a friends house on the north side near the false river mouth or on Buchanan for panfish.

Prior Lake sounds like both Minnetonka and the St. Croix.

Oh yes vineager cures everything from cold sores to sore azzholes .

Cider vinegar is really good. For a lot of years I have been using rice wine vinegar as a salad dressing and I really like it. Nankato is the brand and they have several different mixes from mild to hot.

Stan in SC

Can't get the Braggs ACV at any drug stores around here, a lady told me the pharmacies had to take it off the shelf. Now can only be found in larger grocery stores, and I don't have any of those close by, lol.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I'm staying home this year. Heading out on Prior Lake around 4 a.m. Gotta get off the lake by 9 unless you want to get buzzed by the skiers and jet skis. Starting out for walleyes but won't hesitate to move to crappies to put some fish in the boat.

I don't think you'll have to worry about water skiers this weekend dude.

I can get you some and send it dave.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I'm staying home this year. Heading out on Prior Lake around 4 a.m. Gotta get off the lake by 9 unless you want to get buzzed by the skiers and jet skis. Starting out for walleyes but won't hesitate to move to crappies to put some fish in the boat.

I don't think you'll have to worry about water skiers this weekend dude.

There's a ski club based on the lake-they'll be out in wet suits. Every year the Prior Lake paper runs a picture of the president of the clug skiing on Prior along the edge of the ice where it has pulled back from the shore.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Can't get the Braggs ACV at any drug stores around here, a lady told me the pharmacies had to take it off the shelf. Now can only be found in larger grocery stores, and I don't have any of those close by, lol.

I bought the Heinz all natural ACV. I'm assuming it's like the Braggs since it even has the floaties in it.

I was telling the wife about the ACV thread on the main forum so she wanted to try it with me. She went first well I was getting ready for work. She came flying in the bathroom gagging and puking. I looked at her and said "well I guess I'm not doing that crap!" And since this is a family thread I won't repeat what her reply was. lol

Well anyway, I decided to try it and had the same results as her but I managed to keep more down than she did. That is some awful awful stuff.

wow...

doing it wrong?

mix with water and plug your nose to make it go down.
if it tastes that bad it HAS to be good for you

Well, if it makes you puke, I think maybe it's the wrong stuff or there is something wrong with it.

I've seen Big Jelly drink down some harsh fluids before and not throw up until the next day....

So, I think he got him some bad vinegar.

Hmmm I'd say it was a bad bottle then.

isn't vinegar just wine that has gone bad?

so bad vinegar must be REALLY bad. I've never seen it with chunks before....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

mix with water and plug your nose to make it go down.
if it tastes that bad it HAS to be good for you

Thats what we did and when you unplug your nose it hits you like a bag of hammers.

I don't think it was bad (as in spoiled) vinegar. I think its just plain azz nasty. A freind of ours said she started out gagging on it (Tee'd one up for ya Tzone

)but it gets better with each day. We also might have over dosed for the first time. 2 heaping tablespoons / 8 oz of water.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've seen Big Jelly drink down some harsh fluids before and not throw up until the next day....

Well maybe somebody should put Mr. Yuck stickers on the harsh fluids they leave laying around camp...

Walleye opener is next weekend, for us north of the border.

Not a sure bet yet, still have 24" of ice !!!

My Dad has stomach issues most of his adult live. We'd shop at the local grocery store after our shift at work.

Anyway, he HATED the taste but it worked so well that he dumped two spoonfulls in his first cup of coffee every morning.

One night we were getting groceries & he said that he needed another jug of vinegar. As we walked down that aisle (I needed some for pickling) he eyed the apple cider vinegar.

Dad looked at it with much curiosity and turned to me.

"How does this stuff taste and work compared to regular vinegar?"

I couldn't resist. With all my power I proclaimed that it was very much like apple cider & nothing like vinegar but it would work just as well.

The stage was set. The rest of our 45 minute ride home all he could talk about was how excited he was to not have to drink that darn vinegar anymore.

We parted ways and I made sure to be at his place to wake him up for morning coffee.

He poured two cups and we each got one. Dad then went into the fridge & grabbed the ACV.

He opened the lid & tore off the safety tab. I could hardly contain myself but sat two quick steps from the door.
He tipped that jug back & chugged it like a homeless drunk with a new bottle of mothwash.

A volcano of ACV spewed from his lips as a firey gaze headed my way.

It was epic to say the least. He didn't see the humor with it.

Later he admitted that it was slightly better but still terrible.

There's the end of my longest interweb post ever.

Awesome!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

He tipped that jug back & chugged it like a homeless drunk with a new bottle of mothwash.

New keyboard PLEASE!!!

ROR!!

Hey Big J, I just took a swig of that braggs ACV with the "mother". (Chunky and cloudy).

It kind of tasted like home made wine that didn't turn out.

I bought a gallon a few years ago,with the intent to take a spoonful a day.
I took one.

I bought a litre, drank it all tonight.

I feel like I'm 12 yrs old.

But you don't look a day over 40 fool!!!!!!

That stuff is amazing!

If I don't look a day over 40 that means it's working!

lol

Any fishing reports? I fished from 5 until 11:30. One bass, one walleye, no crappies. They're not tucked in tight to the trees yet. 'Boat ran pretty good-the old 18 h.p. Evinrude really pushes my little 14ft. Lund at a good clip.

no fishing here.
was going to spend the day working on the honey-do list,but ended up going out to my metro deer hunting spot and helping the owner cut trees around his house.

Had JR Noduck baseball game today..(coaches pitch)LOL... Nice sunny morning.. Had about 6 boats on the lake this morning.. This afternoon was doing yard work down by the lake, and saw a guy catch a Walter his buddies were fired up for him. Fun to see..

It was really nice just to get out. First time on the water in 10 years for me. Talked to a few guys fishing the same area I was in. Some boats had at least one fish, no body more that that though. 10 years of chasing my daughter around for softball took up all my fishing time. Nice to be out and just see all the critters waking up, hear the boats running down the lake, and smell the water. Putting the boat back together was very therapeutic for me also. Echo in June followed by a consult regarding the defibrillator.

Glad you got out jeff! Even better that you caught fish!

How big was the eyeballer?

The kids and I had a nice day in the woods. We didn't connect yet but they learned some, worked some birds, and had some fun!

Probably about a 2 lbs. fish. Just a nice sized eater. My little boat really scoots with that old 18 hp. Evinrude. Was surprised to see it come up on plane. I set the little angle bar thingie on the transom on the highest notch, and as soon as I opened it up to full throttle the bow flattened out and she really scoots. 'Forgot to turn my cap around backwards and had to go back and fish it out of the lake when it flew off. Just a good day to be out. Did you see any birds?

HAPPY MOM'S DAY !

Smoking a pork loin for mine.

Special Mother's Day for our family. We got back from a week at Mayo with my mom. They figured out that she had been mis-diagnosed with end stage renal failure. She simply had a lot of health issues going on at once and that brought her kidney function way down. Mayos team sorted it all out after a ton of tests and consultations. We got to know the Mayo and Gonda buildings very well. World class folks at a world class facility.

So thank you for all the prayers and kind wishes. That meant a lot. A special lady in our lives has a quite a spring in her step on this special day. We hope you all have a special Mother's Day too!

Great news CFT. This is indeed a special Mothers day for your mom and family.

Received a text from one of Tom's kids a couple of hours ago that read, "The turkey got a turkey". Wonder what that meant?

CFT,great news.

Stan in SC

Great to hear this CFT. Happy Mother's Day to all our red hot momma's out there.

Very glad to hear your good news CFT!

that's awesome news CFT!

Great news CFT!

We got skunked fishing but so did all the other guys we talked to. They just were not biting. Not sure if the water is still too cold or what?

Good to hear CFT

We went out & got a bunch of suckers yesterday in the ditches around my place.

The smoker & pickling jars will be busy this week!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Did you see any birds?

(sorry, this is long winded)

We did. I'll post some pictures up tonight when I get home. I was too whiped to do it last night and I can't do it from work.

It was a great weekend with the kids. Turkey hunt aside. Weather was great, kids had a blast and I got to teach them some outdoor "stuff" and some life lessons. Not to mention, it was my daughters first time in the woods, that she remembers. I took her when she was 4 but she hadn't wanted to go again until this week. She's 11 now.

They got to skip school on Friday and we headed out on a 4 hour treck. We arrived at the place we stayed, got our gear situated, and headed to the farm to set up and try some hunting.

Friday afternoon we set up a blind at the bottom of a big maple/oak ridge I call "roosting ridge." The birds really like that spot for some reason. They either come down the ridge on the side we can hunt, or they go the other way where we can't hunt. It's a totally crap shoot, but usually a lot of turkey talk, so it's exciting none the less.

So, we set up the blind, went over some rules for hunting the next morning. Then I walked them around the farm to show them the lay of the land, where the turkeys like to go, where we can't hunt and why....normal stuff. Jack has been in the woods a fair amount with me and knows how it all works. Kennedy was excited and taking it all in.

Saturday morning we got into the blind at 4:45 am and waited a bit for the sun to come up, and the turkeys erupted all over the place. Well, all over except where we were. I suspect there was a bit too much movement by us in the early morning excitement. Noise usually shuts them down, even if they're there. We had a hen work her way down the ridge to within 20 feet of us, then off to the south to a swamp. We all thought that was pretty cool!

Shortly after 6am, we finally got a gobbler to talk to us, but he was across a 40ac pine plantation, and a road. Jack and I had confidence though, since that's exactly what happened last year and it worked to perfection. Didn't happen this time. He hung up at the road about 200 yards from us.

The kids wanted me to break out and go after him, but I decided to let him wander off and we would sneak out of this spot and hunt somewhere else. It turned out to be a good move.

Then, we hunted "Oak Ridge", which is a HUGE (3/4 mile long) tall ridge coverd in big, old oaks that the turkeys love. I've never been able to figure this ridge out as far as the birds go. I did get a Jake there about 8 years ago, but that's it. It's a tough nut to crack. It's coverd in birds in the morning, but I can't get in there without busting them out. We hunted there until 1030, then went into town, ate a terrible breakfast, then headed back to "camp" for a siesta. After the rest, we headed back to the woods for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon we hunted from 330pm-630pm. That's all we could take, we'd been up since 3:30am.

Sunday morning was tough to get up for all of us, but we did it! The kids slept on the 1/2 hour drive to the farm, and again as soon as we got into the blind. That made it easier to keep movement down.

Their nap was short though. 15 min. after we got in there, a gobbler started blasting off on the ridge about 200 yards from us. Kennedy woke up, but Jack slept right through it! He gobbled about 100 times, no exaggeration. I yelped 3 times on the slate to let him know we're here and put it in my pocket.

At 5:15 the hens started to yelp from the trees...A LOT! Then we could hear some fly down on the ridge but couldn't see any of them. I caught a glimpse of one walking around on the ridge, then I saw it... The strutting fan of a gobbler. He was waaaaaay up top. I told K but she couldn't see it. Then J started to wake up with all the excitement. I thought I caught a glimpse of two tails fanned out actually, but wasn't sure.

Then we could pick out hens walking around on the ridge, we could see 3-4 of them. They started working their way down towards us, which I kind of didn't expect. I figured with the tom on top strutting, they'd go off the other way.

A hen flew down out of the trees at 5:30 and landed in the field. That was the best decoy we could have and we didn't even have to make a call. She just picked around in the field, which I think helped. The other hens started to come down towards us. I told the kids "I see 4, no 5, no 6,7, shoot! theres a bunch!" The tom was bringing up the rear.

It was a big turkey train coming down the ridge on a tractor path. They got to the edge of the woods and walked parallel to us. At the tree line, they were about 40 yards away, within range, but it was brushy and the kids still hadn't seen the tom. They were coming right at us, with the tom strutting the whole time. I kept whispering "don't move, don't even twitch." The tom and hens were within 20 yards of us, but the kids couldn't see him due to their angle and I told them not to move, so again, I held off.

At 25 yards, just inside the woods, they finally saw him and got excited. I knew where they were headed and decided to wait for a shot in the open field, instad of the woods. The fence was down and they seem to pop out there, we were 30 yds from it. So, again I held off. (i was getting antsy and nervous at this point)

The first bird out on the field was a jake, but with the tom still strutting, bringing up the rear, again I waited. The hens started pouring out into the pasture, I finally go the gun up and on the tom. He was in a full strut, and it's hard to hit them that way, their neck is tucked into the body and a small target. He broke strut, and chased a hen up the field 10-15 yards. I thought I blew it...waited too long to shoot. He was 40'ish yards away and strutting. That's a pretty fair poke, and real fair poke for a 20ga.

I yelped with my mouth, and he stuck his head up and I shot. Down he went! J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?" I couldn't keep a striaght face on that. The birds scattered and I noticed that one of the "hens" was a long beard. I didn't see that before because I was focused on the strutting tom.

He was flopping a bit and K didn't like that so I shot again and missed. I got out and took about 20 steps towards it and realized it was a lot further than the 40 yards I thought. It ended up being 48, which is a jump IMO for a 20ga on a turkey.

He was 23#, 9 1/4" beard, and 3/4" spurs. Nice bird and the heaviest I've shot by a good margin.

It was a blast and both kids are ready to do it next year. K will be able to shoot one on her own if we can get into a hunters safety class.

Excellent CFT!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Great news CFT!

We got skunked fishing but so did all the other guys we talked to. They just were not biting. Not sure if the water is still too cold or what?

My buddy fished Leech and they got a few. The biggest was the only one he caught at 24.5" and he said it was full of eggs. Water surface temp was 42*, so if that's the case, the spawn hasn't even started yet.

way to go Tom! sounds like an awesome trip!

Congrats Tom. Extra special because both of the kids were there.

to all those people who think you cannot be successful with small kids along, let Tom's story be a reminder that you can still have great success! I have many examples as well. Good job Tom! you will remember that bird forever.

Yes, will remember it forever. I will also remember I can get both kids to sit still and quiet, just can't get either of the lm to do it at the same time.

. Pre-teen girls are, let's say, chatty.

Originally Posted by tzone

J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?"

That made me bust out laughing! Excellent!

Tom and CFT, you guys made my monday.

great story Tom!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?"

That made me bust out laughing! Excellent!

Me too!

I'm a bit surprised he was so excited because he was in on the action last year too. It makes it more fun when they're excited though.

K said when we were out to go get him, "I'm shivering but I'm not cold." That made me smile like heck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?"

That made me bust out laughing! Excellent!

Me too!

I'm a bit surprised he was so excited because he was in on the action last year too. It makes it more fun when they're excited though.

K said when we were out to go get him, "I'm shivering but I'm not cold." That made me smile like heck.

Ya done good there Tommer. Congrats, slap on the back, and thanks for the great story! When are we going fishing any ways? No crappies this weekend-I don't think they're spawning yet.

It will be a while before I'm able to fish. I've been informed I'm working sat and sun, including Memorial Day weekend.

Yuck. The OT will be nice though.

Here are a few pics of the turkey hunt.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0195_zpsf91cb251.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0193_zps22b0b321.jpg[/img]

Good looking Kids with an excellent bird. You done good. I love seeing people get their kids involved. Even if they don't follow through and become hunters those memories will be treasured after we are gone.
Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

It will be a while before I'm able to fish. I've been informed I'm working sat and sun, including Memorial Day weekend.

Yuck. The OT will be nice though.

Most weeks I get Wednesday and Sunday off. How 'bout a Wednesday?

I've never met Tom's daughter, but Jackson is one cool kid. 'Been in the woods with the little guy a few times and he's a really good kid. He's welcome in my camp any time, as I'm sure Kennedy is too.

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=gophergunner] Down he went! J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?" I couldn't keep a striaght face on that.

Oh my gosh!! I laughed out loud so hard my wife had to read it too! Priceless!! What a great day TZ!

Tom, great pictures. The kids sure are getting big!

Yeah, they're growing fast. Too fast. The girl one is still my princess for now. I know that probably has a term limit though.

.

The boy one is getting strong. And he knows it. He can hurt me now when we wrestle.

K wants to take hunters safety and seems genuinely excited to hunt. She is a hellova shot with a bow. She's been shooting a compound bow now for a few years, just never wanted to hunt. She wants to shoot a tom with her bow. If that happens, you'll hear me hootin' through the trees. I'd be one pumped up papa.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Did you see any birds?

(sorry, this is long winded)

We did. I'll post some pictures up tonight when I get home. I was too whiped to do it last night and I can't do it from work.

It was a great weekend with the kids. Turkey hunt aside. Weather was great, kids had a blast and I got to teach them some outdoor "stuff" and some life lessons. Not to mention, it was my daughters first time in the woods, that she remembers. I took her when she was 4 but she hadn't wanted to go again until this week. She's 11 now.

They got to skip school on Friday and we headed out on a 4 hour treck. We arrived at the place we stayed, got our gear situated, and headed to the farm to set up and try some hunting.

Friday afternoon we set up a blind at the bottom of a big maple/oak ridge I call "roosting ridge." The birds really like that spot for some reason. They either come down the ridge on the side we can hunt, or they go the other way where we can't hunt. It's a totally crap shoot, but usually a lot of turkey talk, so it's exciting none the less.

So, we set up the blind, went over some rules for hunting the next morning. Then I walked them around the farm to show them the lay of the land, where the turkeys like to go, where we can't hunt and why....normal stuff. Jack has been in the woods a fair amount with me and knows how it all works. Kennedy was excited and taking it all in.

Saturday morning we got into the blind at 4:45 am and waited a bit for the sun to come up, and the turkeys erupted all over the place. Well, all over except where we were. I suspect there was a bit too much movement by us in the early morning excitement. Noise usually shuts them down, even if they're there. We had a hen work her way down the ridge to within 20 feet of us, then off to the south to a swamp. We all thought that was pretty cool!

Shortly after 6am, we finally got a gobbler to talk to us, but he was across a 40ac pine plantation, and a road. Jack and I had confidence though, since that's exactly what happened last year and it worked to perfection. Didn't happen this time. He hung up at the road about 200 yards from us.

The kids wanted me to break out and go after him, but I decided to let him wander off and we would sneak out of this spot and hunt somewhere else. It turned out to be a good move.

Then, we hunted "Oak Ridge", which is a HUGE (3/4 mile long) tall ridge coverd in big, old oaks that the turkeys love. I've never been able to figure this ridge out as far as the birds go. I did get a Jake there about 8 years ago, but that's it. It's a tough nut to crack. It's coverd in birds in the morning, but I can't get in there without busting them out. We hunted there until 1030, then went into town, ate a terrible breakfast, then headed back to "camp" for a siesta. After the rest, we headed back to the woods for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon we hunted from 330pm-630pm. That's all we could take, we'd been up since 3:30am.

Sunday morning was tough to get up for all of us, but we did it! The kids slept on the 1/2 hour drive to the farm, and again as soon as we got into the blind. That made it easier to keep movement down.

Their nap was short though. 15 min. after we got in there, a gobbler started blasting off on the ridge about 200 yards from us. Kennedy woke up, but Jack slept right through it! He gobbled about 100 times, no exaggeration. I yelped 3 times on the slate to let him know we're here and put it in my pocket.

At 5:15 the hens started to yelp from the trees...A LOT! Then we could hear some fly down on the ridge but couldn't see any of them. I caught a glimpse of one walking around on the ridge, then I saw it... The strutting fan of a gobbler. He was waaaaaay up top. I told K but she couldn't see it. Then J started to wake up with all the excitement. I thought I caught a glimpse of two tails fanned out actually, but wasn't sure.

Then we could pick out hens walking around on the ridge, we could see 3-4 of them. They started working their way down towards us, which I kind of didn't expect. I figured with the tom on top strutting, they'd go off the other way.

A hen flew down out of the trees at 5:30 and landed in the field. That was the best decoy we could have and we didn't even have to make a call. She just picked around in the field, which I think helped. The other hens started to come down towards us. I told the kids "I see 4, no 5, no 6,7, shoot! theres a bunch!" The tom was bringing up the rear.

It was a big turkey train coming down the ridge on a tractor path. They got to the edge of the woods and walked parallel to us. At the tree line, they were about 40 yards away, within range, but it was brushy and the kids still hadn't seen the tom. They were coming right at us, with the tom strutting the whole time. I kept whispering "don't move, don't even twitch." The tom and hens were within 20 yards of us, but the kids couldn't see him due to their angle and I told them not to move, so again, I held off.

At 25 yards, just inside the woods, they finally saw him and got excited. I knew where they were headed and decided to wait for a shot in the open field, instad of the woods. The fence was down and they seem to pop out there, we were 30 yds from it. So, again I held off. (i was getting antsy and nervous at this point)

The first bird out on the field was a jake, but with the tom still strutting, bringing up the rear, again I waited. The hens started pouring out into the pasture, I finally go the gun up and on the tom. He was in a full strut, and it's hard to hit them that way, their neck is tucked into the body and a small target. He broke strut, and chased a hen up the field 10-15 yards. I thought I blew it...waited too long to shoot. He was 40'ish yards away and strutting. That's a pretty fair poke, and real fair poke for a 20ga.

I yelped with my mouth, and he stuck his head up and I shot. Down he went! J yelled out "holy schitt!!, two in a row!" Then K says " can I say schitt too?" I couldn't keep a striaght face on that. The birds scattered and I noticed that one of the "hens" was a long beard. I didn't see that before because I was focused on the strutting tom.

He was flopping a bit and K didn't like that so I shot again and missed. I got out and took about 20 steps towards it and realized it was a lot further than the 40 yards I thought. It ended up being 48, which is a jump IMO for a 20ga on a turkey.

He was 23#, 9 1/4" beard, and 3/4" spurs. Nice bird and the heaviest I've shot by a good margin.

It was a blast and both kids are ready to do it next year. K will be able to shoot one on her own if we can get into a hunters safety class.

Kudos Tom !

Hunting with your family is the "best".

Only thing that will beat this experience, will be next year when Kennedy gets her first bird.

When I'm in the stand with Deb, or one of the kids, I almost hyperventilate, as they bring the gun up in preparation for the shot. Nothing beats that rush.

Originally Posted by tzone

Here are a few pics of the turkey hunt.

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0195_zpsf91cb251.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0193_zps22b0b321.jpg[/img]

Dude, that right there is totally awesome !

Way to go Dad.

I saw the videos of Jack's "song" on that "other" site this morning. HAHA what a little character!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Only thing that will beat this experience, will be next year when Kennedy gets her first bird.

When I'm in the stand with Deb, or one of the kids, I almost hyperventilate, as they bring the gun up in preparation for the shot. Nothing beats that rush.

While we were taking pictures, the tom and the jake came back to the ridge and were gobbling like crazy. She got that gleam in her eye, and asked "can we?". I'm telling you man, she's a hunter now. I've seen that look. I've had it, you've had it, we all have it. She WANTED that tom! Damn near begged me to go after them.

I told her no way can we get those birds, we're making too much noise. She called with her mouth, no call, just her mouth. Both of those suckers answered her. Sevearl times!

She's in...we got another recruit.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I saw the videos of Jack's "song" on that "other" site this morning. HAHA what a little character!

Huh?

Nevermind. I got an email.

I rarely go on there anymore.

Alright,what's the "other site"? I gotta hear Jack sing.
Either that or bring it here.

Stan in SC

I think they might be talking bout "the face books"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think they might be talking bout "the face books"

snitch

WI DNR may suspend antlerless permits in the 17 county Northern Forest zone due to winter kill. Ruling to be made by the end of May.

Wow! Probably not a bad idea. Are they still trying to put the kibosh on the baiting/feeding too?

Yeah, it was a pretty rough winter.

Was?

I didn't realize it had ended.... Serious?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Was?

I didn't realize it had ended.... Serious?

Know what you mean Dave. Frost warnings here for the next couple of nights and the far North could see snow flurries on Friday.

Tom, still talking about a baiting ban.

Did mow the lawn yesterday, for the first time.

frost and snow here yesterday morning, frost again this morning...

it's getting very old.

Just had ice pellets hitting my windshield on the way in to work.

Yep, getting very tired of the colder weather.

had ice/rain hit me in the tractor yesterday afternoon. wouldn't be so bad but it was a compact tractor with no doors

I'm tired of the cold mornings too. dang global warming anyway

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Did mow the lawn yesterday, for the first time.

Me and Jack mowed the lawn yesterday too. He did pretty well for the first time. He begged me to do it. Lets see how long that lasts.

I love mowing and making the yard look nice until about the 4th of July then it's all down hill from there

Dave, are the lakes open in your area?

Some, not Lake Of The Woods though.

Red lake is open, and that's a big one.

LOTW will be open soon I think

Originally Posted by northern_dave

frost and snow here yesterday morning, frost again this morning...

it's getting very old.

Guessin' that means no 'shrooms yet, either ?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I love mowing and making the yard look nice until about the 4th of July then it's all down hill from there

Oh, you mean the 4th, & last day of summer !

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I love mowing and making the yard look nice until about the 4th of July then it's all down hill from there

My yard is pretty small. I'm good til about September then the cool nights and color change starts calling my name.

I have 6 acres and mow the majority of it so it can get old after awhile. The Hustler zero turn helped immensely and added to the fun factor but it still gets old. That is where the wife and kid come in.

Well, I keep making my yard smaller too. I'm one of the goofy people that actually like landscaping, so I'm doing a project of some sort every summer.

More landscape = less mowing.

win/win.

I'm getting to the point where I could care less if I never mowed another blade of grass. Townhouse, or a cabin in the woods is sounding more appealing every day.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I have 6 acres and mow the majority of it so it can get old after awhile. The Hustler zero turn helped immensely and added to the fun factor but it still gets old. That is where the wife and kid come in.

Rooster i just bought a Hustler Zero turn myself like 3 weeks ago. Did a lot of research for a 42inch mower I think for what they cost and the quality pretty decent little machine..... I've cut the grass once so far happy with it....

I'm looking at a new push mower, mine decided to not recoil the cord when I pull, and no matter how many times I take it apart and fix it it gets progressively worse after being agreeable for a short time. I've had it, I want a new mower.

Originally Posted by noduck

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I have 6 acres and mow the majority of it so it can get old after awhile. The Hustler zero turn helped immensely and added to the fun factor but it still gets old. That is where the wife and kid come in.

Rooster i just bought a Hustler Zero turn myself like 3 weeks ago. Did a lot of research for a 42inch mower I think for what they cost and the quality pretty decent little machine..... I've cut the grass once so far happy with it....

Noduck, seriously you will be thinking about where you can plant more objects to spin around. The long passes with no trees, clothesline poles, flag poles etc. kinda suck but whipping around objects is fun as heck on them mowers. I got the Fastrak. What model did you get? I cut my mowing time from 4 1/2 hours to 2. Worth every penny

Originally Posted by tzone

Well, I keep making my yard smaller too. I'm one of the goofy people that actually like landscaping, so I'm doing a project of some sort every summer.

More landscape = less mowing.

win/win.

More landscape = more landscape work...bleh.

Thought I'd be smart and open up the canopy some with the chainsaw yesterday. I kinda got carried away and shoulda paid closer attention to the property line. Neighbor hasn't said anything yet, but he sure is giving me the stink eye. Oh sure, it's fun whacking trees down, but now the weekend is going to be spent cutting up the trunks, chipping the tops, and base cutting stumps. Real smart...shoulda thought this one through some more.

Jim, 6 acres? Put in alfalfa, hay, or corn. If you've got to put in that much work might as well make some money off it.

I bought a Toro personal pace, when I bought this house and it's been great so far. I got it used on craigslist for less than 1/2 price of new and it was only 2 years old.

Quite a few decent mowers out there Ryan. Determine how much you want to spend and go from there.

Kendra's Brother works at sears, might see if he can pick one up for me, our whole lot is .25 acres and the house and out buildings take up half of that, so lawn is small.

we're going with a cheapo one, I only need the grass short enough so we don't lose the kids

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I only need the grass short enough so we don't lose the kids

Reminds me of the Fuggarrwee tribe...

It was an ancient tribe of midget indians that used to run and bounce up through tall grass yelling "FUGGARRWEE?" "FUGGARRWEE??"

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Jim, 6 acres? Put in alfalfa, hay, or corn. If you've got to put in that much work might as well make some money off it.

I tilled up around the south and east and put in a row of silver maples, a row of black walnut and a row of alternating red and white flowering crab. Did the same on a mostly clay hillside at the end of the driveway but also planted a bunch of ponderosa pine too. I plan on tilling up more on the north for more trees as well. The people that built the place in 1985 planted poplar trees and ash for a grove. The poplar trees are starting to drop like flies so I figured I better get a start on a new grove of longer lasting trees.

I'd like to find a tree that I could plant in between the poplars that would grow rapidly in the shade but I don't know if one exists. Quaking Aspen would be my 1st choice but I think they need full sun

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Kendra's Brother works at sears, might see if he can pick one up for me, our whole lot is .25 acres and the house and out buildings take up half of that, so lawn is small.

we're going with a cheapo one, I only need the grass short enough so we don't lose the kids

My John Deere mower is a commercial model that I got used from a landscaper that was downsizing. I paid $125 for it. Had it 5 years now and it still runs great.

I got a Toro several years ago and like it a bunch.

On a side note I will give ya a rundown on Regions surgery dept. and ICU.

Went in Wed. morning to get an aortic repair. Did the EVAR route. By 10 am I was in the OR and by 1.33 pm I was in recovery. At 2.30 I was headed to ICU. At 5.30 I had Roast beef and mashed potato with gravy. And LOTS of good percocet. About 1030 pm I got the nurse to unhook me from the unending # of monitors and took the stroll to the bathroom. Took forever to locate my unit as I was painted with massive amount of orange sticky stuff from my knees to my nipples and I think it went into hiding when they started waving sharp scalpels around the area.

Good news is everything is still there.

By 11 pm I had a new nurse on duty and she got me a diet coke I was craving.

Then the fun of ICU reared it head. Every 30 min. the blood pressure cup would inflate, the NA would take my temp. and the monitors for everything would beep away. At 0400 am the nurse said "you seemed to be sleeping ok" my response through my drug and sleep deprived state was "I am a good faker and if that damn monitor would quit beeping I might actually get some sleep".

A 0600 I was up for the day and the day nurse came in. I should say marched in like a drill sgt. and said this is what we are going to do today and listed off a bunch of stuff. I replied "what I am doing today is going home so she could amend her list."

I was then saved by my surgen who came in look at the fine work she had done and said "lets get you out of here" and she went to do the release paperwork. That was the last I saw of the drill sgt. nurse. A different nice young lady/nurse came in started getting me unhooked from every and found my clothing and said I could get dressed. By 10 am I was on the home.

The day at home was not a lot of fun but better than ICU. I then slept for 12 hrs. and feel human today. Just a slight buzz from the pain meds.

That's my story and I am sticking to it..

Hope everyone has had more fun than me the last couple of days.

So now I have goretex or something made by gore medical in my aorta.

I forgot to add that I had my blood sugar checked at least 8 times during my 24 hrs. of fun. The night nurse said they were on some mental crusade concerning blood sugar levels.

Geez TJAY, you had an interesting time. Sure glad everything is going well for you. Doubt that they want you yanking on a mower starter cord for a while. You now have a good excuse to get a rider.

Jeesh, TJay! You had a hellova week. I'm glad you're back and in working condition!

Dang Tjay, I thought I had a bad week!

work has been 'interesting' to say the least this week. meeting on tuesday to try and remedy it, we'll see how it goes.

glad to hear all turned out well for you Tjay!

I wonder if Dave is in tears yet over the RR?

Rooster, I bought the raptor 42 inch.. I have just 2 acres.. With lots of landscaping and a lot of trees.. I average 25 hours of leaf work in the fall....

And yes it is fun whipping around on it.. Once in awhile i'm still ripping up the grass when turning....

TJay i hope your aorta is not to serous, my farther in law almost died from that was really bad....

Tjay, wow what a whirlwhind!

Didn't know you were going in, but I'm glad you are out!

Keep us posted!

Glad to hear your coming through this TJAY. Keep us posted.

Heading out fishing again tomorrow. 'Told TZone I could use a good net man, but he'd do in a pinch if he was willing to work cheap. Funny-I haven't heard back from him yet.......

Speaking of mowers my wife has a antique Snapper that came over on the Mayflower she bought it used from a rental place. If I get the camera charged I'll put up a pic .In the last 15 years beside air filters and oil changes and a belt 0.00 has been spent on it .

Going to the lake in a week for a week so here's today's to do list

Buy oil,filter,air filter,break pads for truck

Check RV for plumbing leaks from this winter

Make sure trailer breaks work

Wash and wax boat

Clean carpet in boat

Change line on 6 crappie poles

Get jug lines ready,repaired

Find grandsons life jacket and make sure it still fits

Find and fund tires for daughter # 2 car

Get propane bottle filled

Take dog to vet for rabbies vac.

And then after lunch.........:O

Wow TJay!

You've been through the mill! Glad you're on the mend!

just got home from turkey hunting, .243 win pushing a 95 grain BT at 250 yards on a running bird, lead him a foot and a half. it's pretty cool to hear your 5 year old holler "way to go dad!" while you're walking back across a canyon carrying a dead bird.

pics to come.

Ha! gutted and tenderized in one shot lol

Congrats.

I like getting em in close. That's the fun part for me. Pics?

we snuck up to them within 15 yards, hen we didn't see spooked and they glided across the canyon. I missed the first shot as it was running up the rocks, second poked a hole in him and he flopped dead. took him across the back and liquified his boiler. didn't lose hardly any meat to damage, I've seen was worse bloodshot from shotguns.

in the pic you can see the flowers he picked for mama while I jogged down the canyon, up the other side and back. I'm pooped!

Awesome pic !

Bubba aint no toddler no more, he's a little boy!

A big-little boy!

aint that the truth. I came across some old pics of camp when nate was prolly 12-14ish, bubba was in diapers. he starts school this year.

That tail is awesome. I like the color on those merriams.

come kill one then!

it aint like you haven't been invited.

I'm still harpin on dave to at least buy a preference point for deer

Campfire friends,

I need a favor from you all. Yesterday we had the funeral for my wife's stepdad, Bob Guidi. He lived a long and very full life. He was a Marine in Korea, receiving two purple hearts. Yes we miss him, but yesterday was filled with many laughs. So, Please raise your glasses in toast to a very good man.

Jeff

done

TJAY, what a bummer. Glad you are better!

j_elky, glass raised to your FIL. URAH!

Ron

T and Colorado, congrats on the thunder chickens AND doing it with your kids. Great memories for both you and them. I salute you both.

Central PA crappie report: Lake Raystown temps are 67* at surface and 53* at 15 ft. Crappies just beginning to show up on wood and in mud-bottomed bays. Son #2 and I picked up 2 slabs Thurs. measuring 14 and 12.5 along with several smaller ones. Headed back to cabin for a few days at beginning of week for further "research". Hopefully, more detailed report and photos will follow later if fish and Photobucket cooperate.

I fish, therefore I am.
Isaac Walton

Ray-I looked for 'em up here last weekend but they're not up in the wood yet. Heading out tomorrow and hoping for better results. Did manage to find one very stupid walleye, but not nearly enough for a respectable fish fry.

GG, I checked my notes from last year and I was catching my first crappie at Raystown on March 29! What a difference from this year. The alewives are just moving shallow to spawn and the yellow perch just spawned within the last two weeks. Both those spawns are typically in April. And you Minnesotans are still looking for open water up north!

What happened to global warming?

Ron

RIP, Bob.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

come kill one then!

it aint like you haven't been invited.

I'm still harpin on dave to at least buy a preference point for deer

It's not the invite I'm concerned with. It's the getting time off to get there part. I'm REALLY hoping school doesn't screw up my tag this year for the deer type animals. But I'm thinking it might. Depends when your season opens. It looks like it's not consistNt hear to year unless I looked wrong.

You got it Jeff. Will do. Very sorry for the loss to your family.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Campfire friends,

I need a favor from you all. Yesterday we had the funeral for my wife's stepdad, Bob Guidi. He lived a long and very full life. He was a Marine in Korea, receiving two purple hearts. Yes we miss him, but yesterday was filled with many laughs. So, Please raise your glasses in toast to a very good man.

Jeff

Semper Fi Bob Guidi

Here's what we did yesterday

What a great story this has been. Thanks for sharing it with all of us Dave and Pam.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What a great story this has been. Thanks for sharing it with all of us Dave and Pam.

somehow,I don't think it is over yet.

Dave your last post the picture didn't show for me. I am guessing you broke ground for the new shop. I hope it works out for you. I don't know of anyone more deserving. I wish only the best for you and your wonderful wife. I love to see pictures of her. She has the most life filled eyes I have ever seen. You can see her love of life in her eyes in every picture I have ever seen of her. The youngest boy has that same gleam in his eyes. You can just see his love of life in his eyes.
Bill

Thanks Bill.

There should have been a video that showed up in that last post.

Your a good man Dave

Originally Posted by j_elky

Campfire friends,

I need a favor from you all. Yesterday we had the funeral for my wife's stepdad, Bob Guidi. He lived a long and very full life. He was a Marine in Korea, receiving two purple hearts. Yes we miss him, but yesterday was filled with many laughs. So, Please raise your glasses in toast to a very good man.

Jeff

Done.

Semper Fidelis

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by j_elky

Campfire friends,

I need a favor from you all. Yesterday we had the funeral for my wife's stepdad, Bob Guidi. He lived a long and very full life. He was a Marine in Korea, receiving two purple hearts. Yes we miss him, but yesterday was filled with many laughs. So, Please raise your glasses in toast to a very good man.

Jeff

Done.

Semper Fidelis

A little late, but will be done tonight Jeff.

Dave & Pam,

That was a super cool moment & story.

One you can be very proud of; Just like all of your "offspring" !

Thanks.

Yesterday was Dusty's birthday, We didn't forget, it was just kind of a quiet day I guess.

On a lighter note, wow do I have birds at the bird feeders. Dozens of gold finches at once, a few orioles, grosbeak, a very pretty scarlet tanager, some doves picking around on the ground, dozens of pesky blue jays... still no humming birds.

Cool, damp, cloudy day here, high in the mid 50's.

Not seeing much for birds, but do we ever have the squirrels. We have nearly a dozen black squirrels in the neighborhood now. They're actually quite common in this part of the state.

Picked up 2.5 inches of rain yesterday.

We've had a group of cedar wax wings at the koi pond .

I set up one of my tripod deer feeders in my mom and pops yard this winter it was amazing the number of doves that fed under that thing. They are in therye 80s so it gave them something to besides watching Nancy Grace !

I feed birds year round. I buy suet cakes two dozen at a time and they go thru 6 to 8 a week.I have six out at any one time.
I really enjoy my bird feeding and watching.
I used to have trouble with squirrels raiding my bird feeder when I put bird seed in it. Now I put safflower seed and the squirrels don't go near it.The bnirds like safflower as well as bird seed.

Stan in SC

We've had a family of crows nesting in our neighborhood for years. We enjoy seeing and hearing them around. Funny thing is, a flock of turkeys tried to roost in the pine tree the crows nest in every year. Well, the crows were having none of that, so now we have 6 turkeys roosting on my neighbor's roof every night looking longingly at that pine tree. Man, if our neighbors could just get along!

Dave,

We have a couple of humming birds coming already.

Maybe, they bypassed your place !

Originally Posted by j_elky

Campfire friends,

I need a favor from you all. Yesterday we had the funeral for my wife's stepdad, Bob Guidi. He lived a long and very full life. He was a Marine in Korea, receiving two purple hearts. Yes we miss him, but yesterday was filled with many laughs. So, Please raise your glasses in toast to a very good man.

Jeff

Done. I hoisted a glass for your FIL after you posted this but was on my phone so didn't post.

RIP Bob Guidi. May your memory live on in the hearts of those you have touched.

Semper fidelis

Everyone's heading out for their Memorial Day weekends pretty soon here. Best wishes for a happy Memorial Day to all the Chickenbuckers, and us honorary Chickenbuckers. May we not forget the reason we celebrate this weekend. To all the men and women who answered the call to serve, especially those that are no longer with us, we say "Thank You" and send our best wishes. Here's to the hope that everyone has a great weekend filled with friends, family, and fun.

Nicely put Jeff.

My hummingbirds finally showed up.

Pam and I are taking the day off to prep for the weekend which will involve some travel for a nephew's graduation and a birthday party for Pam's grandmother.

I have to drag the big tape measure around a little this morning out in the yard. We're going to square up the job site stakes for the new shop with the house, so it looks straight from space, lol.

I also might get started re-decking my old car trailer.

Coffee time.

No big travel plans here. We are going to stick around, do some grilling, some yard work, landscaping, and truck shopping. Probably visit with my parents for a few hours on Monday.

I finally have a weekend where I don't have to work. I'm not sure how this works anymore .

No plans here either other than obeying orders from high command on planting flowers and shrubs. I see an all day rib smoking in my near future as well along with throwing the baseball around with the boys. I have to get the flag up and make sure my brother has one up too.

We'll take time to remember those who gave all for their country and the freedom we enjoy today. No words can ever repay their sacrifice. May God bless each and every one.

No plans here either, May rip out some winter killed shrubs.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone and take a minute to remember those that gave all.

We are sticking close to home as well. I'm getting off work at noon today and bringing my truck in to get a new passenger side mirror put on. Had a little mishap when I was pulling my stuck snowblower tractor out of a snow bank this winter.

I also have to get an estimate for some rear end damage that somebody was nice enough to give me in the whalemart parking lot and not leave a note.

Tonight our friends and neighbors have a grad party for their daughter. Live band and the works.

Tomorrow me and the boy are going to chase turkeys, although it doesn't look promising. Since the breeding season I have not seen ANY around. I'm not sure if they receeded into thick cover or what but we'll be looking for them.

Happy Memorial Day to all and remember those who served and sacrificed it all for our freedom.

Rooster, don't be surprised if they come running to your calls! Late season can be fantastic!! Remember, they'll be tougher to hear because of the plant and leaf cover. They may not be out strutting as much, and you may find them not as grouped up, but they'll still gobble in the morning. Don't forget to hunt I'm mid day as well.

I hope y'all have a good weekend.

I am working Monday-Tuesday, and have movers coming Wednesday, so have a lot of packing to do.

Originally Posted by tzone

Rooster, don't be surprised if they come running to your calls! Late season can be fantastic!! Remember, they'll be tougher to hear because of the plant and leaf cover. They may not be out strutting as much, and you may find them not as grouped up, but they'll still gobble in the morning. Don't forget to hunt I'm mid day as well.

So do you think I should start out in the river bottoms since I have not seen them out in the fields?

that's what I would do

Wouldn't hurt. They gotta eat too though. Now they'll start to pick bugs and clover as well as sitting in the corn fields.

If you get one to answer you....sit tight, he's probably coming.

had some excitement at work today.
a black bear walked by on the sidewalk,between the parked cars in the lot,and into the Eagle Creek reserve.

the Minnesota river valley is probably 1/4 mile north of there.
the police said there have been numerous sightings nearby over the last few weeks.

Cool. Too bad for the bear, somebody will probably shoot him tho. Who the heck calls the cops when they see a bear? Dang city folk.

Was on Kare 11 last night black bear spotted in Savage...

Was heading to Valley Fair, for rides and cotton candy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just put a slap o ribs on the smoker . Anybody else cooking today ?

Yep, Cooked up some pork chops with some Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. The Mrs made some of her great potato salad to serve with it.

I shouldn't have salted the ribs before I put the Head Country rub on. they were a little salty.

I Sweet baby rays its pretty good . Head Country is awesome but a little pricey .

We are cooking tomorrow. Linda invited a mess of friends over. Gonna have beef hamburgers, hot dogs and hamburgers made with antelope.A good friend gave me some antelope burger and it is great.
Remember our fallen heroes.

Stan in SC

Amen Stan

Thanks to all that have served !

with my antelope burgers I mix a little breakfast sausage in there about a 1:4 ratio, they stick together better and are juicy as heck.

my girls will get home this evening and hopefully I am done with the garage, the last big project to cross off my list. all renovations are done, rooms painted, trim put on and I can finally relax and breathe! just in time to sell the house LOL.

if anyone is curious here's the link to the virtual tour to see what we've done on upgrades. I'll take the link down in a day or so.

Tomorrow is a day we remember those who gave all, most are from before my time. some I know and served with.

Friday morning I am leaving to go to my part time job at the gun shop. Walk out into the garage and hit the button to open the garage door(double wide door) and it will not open but about an inch.I looked to see if anything is blocking it in some way and see nothing.Hit the button again and it does the same thing.
Upon closer inspection I see that the lift assist spring has broken.Disengage the lift and try to open the door manually.Too heavy.Call my neighbor and with two of us trying we cannot open the door. I call my lift guy and he says no use trying to open it without the spring.Too heavy.
So here I am with two cars in the garage which I cannot get out.
What a helpless feeling.
I borrowed my neighbor's truck to get to work and lift guy came and put in a new spring in the afternoon.
I am almost tempted to park one car outside from now on.

Stan in SC

I have to fix those stupid things all the time at work Stan they can be a pain . They cable backlashes on the spool and that makes it hard to lift and a four person job on a big door .Wish I was closer we would fix that dang door!

Thanks,Mule1. The lift guy was very prompt in answering the service call. He had it fixed in just a couple of hours.

Stan in SC

Looks good Ryan. Looks like you need a new roll of TP though.

I too have fought the battle of garage door springs. Not something I ever want to do again.

LOL, I'm sure it has been changed since the photo

I'm actually in the process of starting a side business specializing in garagedoors. my dad did that when I was growing up and I just leanred from him. I bet I've installed and repaired over 400 doors at least. if I was closer Stan I woulda come and helped. sounds like you had a tech there in less time than a flight for me

Why did u pull the link down?

Thanks,Ryan. Yes he was pretty quick in his response.
The house looks great.

Stan in SC

ok Tom, here ya go

http://www.trulia.com/property/3048206525-312-Canton-Ave-Hot-Springs-SD-57747

Thanks Stan, we've sure worked hard on it while balancing raising two little uns.

Originally Posted by tzone

Why did u pull the link down?

So he could run to the store and buy some TP..

Did you go truck shopping?

I did go truck shopping. I'm not quite ready to buy but want to know what I want going in so it's as quick as possible. I looked at the f150 super crew and 2 different Ram 1500's. Let me tell you there's quite a difference between the two levels of Ram. The first one was a 1500 express. Nicely equipped, crew cab 4x4. Then the Ram Big Horn. Well....that was flat out the nicest truck I've ever driven and not really comparable to the Express. Or the f150, really.
That said, it was $4k more than both of them.

The f150 was nice and the interior was quite different than even my 2011 was. I liked it better than the Ram Express, but nit better than the Big Horn.

I have a while. The salesmen both said rebates and programs will get better with summer. The said there isn't much right now, but all 3 trucks could be had for $7k less than sticker, and with me telling them out of the gate I wasn't buying today.

T

Thanks Ryan.

Very nice place!

Got the garden finished yesterday with retaining wall blocks and caps. I loaded and in loaded 6k pounds of retaining wall stuff yesterday. I'm sure I'll be paying for it today!

How are the skeeters over there? They we're bad here last night.

I aint seen a skeeter this year yet.

The skeeters have picked up their pace. At my parents cabin in Solon Springs yesterday, the meeting place was apparently my legs.

Skeeters were horrible here last two nights.

Pass the Calamine lotion please. I've got a couple of skeeter bites that itch like heck.

Lot of rain in the North Monday. Some spots had nearly 4". Highway 29 West by Marathon City was closed last night due to flooding.

Wow! that's plenty of rain!

I have 2 bites on the top of my foot driving me nuts. It was fine when I didn't have to wear work boots.

No skeeters here yet, I am crossing my fingers that for some reason they wont be here this year!

Big work weekend here around the house. Lets see, we bought 32 feet more of dock and put all 120 feet in. Lotsa work there trying to match up 3 docks. Then we cleared down by the lake Sunday, did a little bit of fishing Sun night and caught some crappies. yesterday was food plot work and electrical work in The Roost. Pretty darn productive weekend.

The place looks great Ryan! Good luck selling it. What is the plan when it sells?

You put a food plot in the roost?

Yeah tzone that way any thing that wanders in to graze is fair game.

Yep, any wild game that wanders into The Roost to dine on my food plot is gonna be in bigggg twouble.

The Roost is coming along well. Still work to do, but the end is in site!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Pass the Calamine lotion please. I've got a couple of skeeter bites that itch like heck.

Lot of rain in the North Monday. Some spots had nearly 4". Highway 29 West by Marathon City was closed last night due to flooding.

Put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or Kleenex then dab the bite area. It'll fix you right up. That's what all those fancy pants bite and sting relievers are made of.

we had a tornado touchdown in the black hills just a little bit ago. took out an acre of trees and did a little damage to a cabin. crazy!

I kilt my first skeeter this morning. he was hiding out in my work truck

I had a skeeter free environment last Sunday on Prior Lake. The eye candy is starting to come out. Them thar' girlies look a lot more intristin' when they ain't covered up with snowmobile suits! 'Gotta love bikini clad babes on paddle boards!

Easy there dude don't overload the ol ticker !

Oh it was definitely a heart rate increasing moment!

Originally Posted by mule1

Easy there dude don't overload the ol ticker !

All I can think of is Toby Keith singing "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was"......

Start fishing with no pants and see if any of em take the bait.

That even scares me, Tom!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we had a tornado touchdown in the black hills just a little bit ago. took out an acre of trees and did a little damage to a cabin. crazy!

Actually saw a number of them in Texas when I was in the service. Been just ahead or behind a few in my travels over the years. Nothing to mess with.

Check out the footage of the tornado that touched down in the ND oil fields on Monday.

http://www.weather.com/news/tornado-central/tornado-watford-city-north-dakota-20140526

seen several twisters on the prairie, but this one was in the black hills in some of the most rugged part. everyone says tornadoes can't form in mountains.

I heard about that one on the radio yesterday. had some good sized hail in parts around here. pingpong ball size they said. saw one someone found that was almost the size of a snuff can. thems will do some damage if they hit ya.

4/03/1964 an F5 tornado hit Shepard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. I was supposed to arrive there from San Antonio later that same week. Ended up staying in San Antonio for another week.

Never forget the destruction that we saw when our bus got near the base. The one thing that still sticks in my memory is seeing a railroad tie bent up and twisted like a pretzel. If I live to be a 100 I'll never forget that sight.

The x and I got stuck in one in Wausau. It was Labor Day 2001. It drove twigs through our garage door. A house near my office was completely destroyed and the one next to it had the roof. Completely tore off. The one next to that had no damage whatsoever.

I'll never forget that day as long as I live either. It was flat out the beat day fishing I've ever had. We literally caught 100's of walleyes and largemouth bass.

In May of 64 I was pulling KP working the clipper which is a large dishwasher. Around 11:30 one of the cooks went out into the the mess hall and found it empty. He came back into the kitchen and alerted everyone that something was up. Just than one of the guys working on the loading dock came running shouting to come out to the dock. We did and when we looked up a large black cloud with 3 funnels on the trailing edge was passing overhead.

Two of the funnels were small the 3rd one was larger but inverted. One of the small funnels dropped down in a field about 10 miles away in OK and hit a machine shed.

Turns out the AP's (Air Police) had come into the mess hall and evacuated everyone there, but didn't come back and alert those of us in the kitchen area.

Hmmm, sounds about right for KP duty.

"You fellers stay here and guard the taters and such."

lol.

Never heard what happened, Dave, but the mess Sgt. was majorly PO'd and went to his commander about the incident.

In hind sight what we did was dumb. A whole bunch of us standing on the loading dock staring up at funnel clouds going golly gee whiz. Look at them tornado funnels Bubba.

little update

Bear shot, wounded by police near busy Savage campground has yet to be found

Police shot and wounded a black bear after it ambled about in a crowded campground in Savage, and the injured animal was spotted three days later as the Memorial Day weekend wrapped up but has yet to be tracked down, authorities said Wednesday.

The bear, described by police as 18 months to 2 years old and weighing up to 200 pounds, was confronted by police Friday night behind a home just south of the Town and Country Campground, which sits along Boone Avenue south of 125th Street, said Chief Rodney Seurer.

�The campground was full to capacity,� Seurer said. �Everybody was outside grilling.�

Officers shot and wounded the bear � which had been spotted in Savage several times earlier that day � �and it just took off running,� the chief added. It was last seen Monday morning about a mile to the east crossing Hwy. 13, police said.

Campground owner Dave Olmstead said the bear was seen twice on Friday in the campground.

�Most of our campers were kind of excited to have a bear on the property,� said Olmstead, adding that this is a first for the 46-year-old family-owned business.

Police were called after each sighting, and officers shot and wounded the bear behind a home about 50 to 75 yards from campground, Olmstead said.

Seurer said his department has been in contact with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the message was clear: �When there is food involved and [the bear is] near people, you need to put it down.�

Greg Salo, an enforcement captain with the DNR, said bears �are not like squirrels and rabbits that can coexist with humans in the metro.�

Shooting a wayward bear with a tranquilizer gun and transporting it into its natural habitat is a common suggestion from the public but not practical, Salo added.

�In the big picture, there are a lot of bears,� he said. �Once it�s habituated, eating out of garbage cans and bird feeders, it�s a �problem bear� and it will always do that. Relocating them will not work.�

The fact that the bear is wounded and in a densely populated area does not increase the public's risk, Salo said, "as long as people leave it alone."

Jason Meyer lives about a mile from the campground but didn�t catch a glimpse of the animal.

�My neighbor had seen the bear crossing Hwy. 13 heading towards the campground and posted a photo on the private neighborhood Facebook page I manage,� Meyer said. �After I saw [the photo], I immediately called the campground, who was unaware of the bear�s presence.�

While acknowledging that he doesn�t have specifics about the potential threat that the bear was posing, Meyer said, �I�m disappointed that the bear had to be shot as it did not seem to pose immediate danger.�

Salo said there are typically one or two bear sightings in the metro area by this time every spring, but there have been three or four so far this season.

The DNR says black bears usually try to avoid people, but sometimes clash with humans when eating crops or scrounging in garbage cans and bird feeders.

Chief Seurer said his officers were in the areas Wednesday of the earlier bear sightings hoping to spot the wounded

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

\ everyone says tornadoes can't form in mountains.

Oh ya?

last Friday....

http://trib.com/news/local/casper/p...ign=hot-topics-2&utm_medium=internal

I hear people around here say it, I say don't tempt fate by saying what mother nature CAN'T do

That's just a few miles from us. There was a cougar hanging out down in the river bottoms a few years ago. Not sure if it ended up being the same one, but they shot one in Bloomington by Nine Mile Creek the same year.

Hey gg, you might know a guy that was involved in the cougar deal in Bloomington.

I was involved in a cougar deal once.

GG, what's the story on yours?

There was a cougar spotted on a Game Cam somewhere down in the river bottoms in the Savage/Burnsville area. A bowhunter (I believe) had a game cam out and got pics of a cougar feeding on a deer kill. That same season, one was shot in Bloomington by Nine Mile Creek near a popular walking path. I'm not sure if it was police or a game warden. It was near a paved walking trail I believe, and they had to shoot it, as it appeared to be staking out the trail looking for dinner.

was it your trail cam?
I get them on mine every so often, but out here it's expected

No not mine. It was on the local news for a couple days though.

I csme face to face with one once very late at night.
Oh, you mean a REAL animal cougar!

Stan in SC

it cracks me up something fierce when the city folk get their undies in a bunch over a bear. All of sudden, it is too dangerous to have a bear around. Ohmygosh, those are wild BEARS, better shoot them before people get et by the bar!

Hey, uh, what about all the millions of people that live in bear country? If they shot every bear that they saw walking around, we would be bearless. Same with cougars. By gol, we cant have cougars where we LIVE! Kill them on sight.

Now the flip side.....those city dwellers sure want the wolves to live in the country. I really wish they would plant a pack of wufs in the cities!

I think what Tzone was trying to get at is that HE had something to do with the cougar in bloomington.

Probably was photographed nekkid on the ledge outside her winder...

No, it weren't me. A guy gg and I know is on was in on the ordeal though. It was "stalking" joggers on a path through a park.

In that situation, it probably did need to be shot.

That bear deal is a crock though. Bears be bein bears. You leave food out, they're going to come eat it. Hell, if I'm in a campground and you leave food out, I'm going to come check it out.

Originally Posted by tzone

That bear deal is a crock though.

No kidding. I don't get this part...Police shoot the bear and its seen crossing a hi-way 3 days later? What the heck did they shoot it with and where?

So now you have a wounded bear running around...which is nice

We see a couple of bear in the city reports every year. They love dog food that folks put out for their pet, not to mention garbage. So far no bears have had to be put down but several have been tranquilized and moved.

We broke ground on the new shop project today.

Wooo-loooo-loooo-looou!

Not much got done, they showed up with a 60 HP ASV type rig, their dozer is still down for repair. Started coring, but the ground is too heavy for the little machine. They will be back tomorrow with the dozer (I hope)

Originally Posted by tzone

Wooo-loooo-loooo-looou!

Although I applaud your exuberance, with a quote like that you shall be stripped of your Man Card for 10 days!

Great to hear the project is started Dave! Congrats.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by tzone

Wooo-loooo-loooo-looou!

Although I applaud your exuberance, with a quote like that you shall be stripped of your Man Card for 10 days!

Pish posh, that's the chickenbuck war cry!

Pish posh? Pish posh????
Been watching too much Winnie The Pooh?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We broke ground on the new shop project today.

Nice. I am homeless now, but the good kind, where, after two weeks with my mother-in-law, I will have a house with a 4-car tandem garage with the back two stalls converted to a heated shop.

Great news, Dave.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Pish posh? Pish posh????
Been watching too much Winnie The Pooh?

Stan in SC

No, I got it from hanging out with white bear. He was on a pish posh roll a couple years ago.

I bet you're excited huh Dave! I know I would be!

I just got home and ate some supper, I tell you what, these 14 hour days are for the birds!

literally, for the birds

Great news Dave! Big things are happening!

I got hosed on the CO elk draw. Something to the effect of UNSUCCESSFUL - REFUND WILL BE MAILED. Geez, didn't even get my second choice which should have been an automatic. Guess I'll wait for leftovers to come out.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Great news Dave! Big things are happening!

I got hosed on the CO elk draw. Something to the effect of UNSUCCESSFUL - REFUND WILL BE MAILED. Geez, didn't even get my second choice which should have been an automatic. Guess I'll wait for leftovers to come out.

Seriously?

Oh boy, now I'm nervous. I submitted 3 of them for Co elk.

Ours should be automatic though, one youth tag and a couple rubber nosed cow tags.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We broke ground on the new shop project today.

Nice. I am homeless now, but the good kind, where, after two weeks with my mother-in-law, I will have a house with a 4-car tandem garage with the back two stalls converted to a heated shop.

I hope you get along better with your MIL than I do with mine. I would NEVER heat the garage for the old bat to live in! She doesn't need (or deserve) much any ways-just an outlet to plug her broom into so it's charged up when she wants to go for a ride!

Originally Posted by gophergunner
[/quote

I hope you get along better with your MIL than I do with mine. I would NEVER heat the garage for the old bat to live in! She doesn't need (or deserve) much any ways-just an outlet to plug her broom into so it's charged up when she wants to go for a ride!

Tell us how you REALLY feel GG!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No, I got it from hanging out with white bear. He was on a pish posh roll a couple years ago.

You might be hanging out with me even more if they don't get cracking on that dirt for you.

That does it, I'm going to the hardware store to get a pick axe, a shovel and a wheel borrow.

Time to get r done.

I did most of the dirt work for my shop that way.

That was before I realized just how amazing earthmoving equipment was to operate.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I did most of the dirt work for my shop that way.

That was before I realized just how amazing earthmoving equipment was to operate.

WB, you forget, Dave has 2 strong sons at his disposal. All he has to do is give them the tools and sit back and crack the whip once in awhile.

I found a better way

[Linked Image]

Now that's a dirt mover! Just think of the fun you could have with that out at the camp.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I hope you get along better with your MIL than I do with mine. I would NEVER heat the garage for the old bat to live in! She doesn't need (or deserve) much any ways-just an outlet to plug her broom into so it's charged up when she wants to go for a ride! [/quote

Tell us how you REALLY feel GG!

Yeah, I've never been accused of mincing words....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Great news Dave! Big things are happening!

I got hosed on the CO elk draw. Something to the effect of UNSUCCESSFUL - REFUND WILL BE MAILED. Geez, didn't even get my second choice which should have been an automatic. Guess I'll wait for leftovers to come out.

Seriously?

Oh boy, now I'm nervous. I submitted 3 of them for Co elk.

Ours should be automatic though, one youth tag and a couple rubber nosed cow tags.

Yup, we went for cow tags too. Both our first and second picks should have been automatics. Oh well. You can check yours here:

http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/DrawResults_PreferencePoints.aspx

Fingers crossed for you and your group.

All 3 of us were successful!

Wooooop!

awesome!
let me know if you all need a halfway point to stop and stay

Great! What time period did you draw, Dave?

1st rifle season.

usually opens 2nd week on oct? I haven't looked for exact date yet.

WI DNR finalized the Deer regs for 2014. No antlerless permits in 19 northern counties with a couple exceptions; i.e. youth and military. So we be hunting bucks only this year.

Speaking of bears in the city. Channel 7 in Wausau posted a photo of a bear at the entrance of the court house in downtown Wausau early Saturday morning.

kinda wish we had bears here

The more I think about it, it was probably there for a court appearance for;

Wait for it!

Wait!

Being bare in public.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Speaking of bears in the city. Channel 7 in Wausau posted a photo of a bear at the entrance of the court house in downtown Wausau early Saturday morning.

When I was working on Hwy 64 through Merrill in 03 or 04, there was a bear in town that was showing up at the Hardee's entrance a few times in a few weeks. It was pretty cool. The cops didn't even think about shooting the bear either. They'd usually block the road, so people would leave it alone and it would wander on it's way.

I made it out on Prior Lake again today. Caught my 10 crappies and three wayward bass. The nice thing about rainy weather, is it keeps all the idiot pleasure boaters off the water-god forbid they'd ever get wet. 'Think I'm gonna put a bilge pump in the boat again-I accumulated a pretty good bit of water today from all the rain. 12 volt wiring's easy-should be about a 1 hour job if that.

Just got back from the lake for a few days of fishing and relaxing . Fished at night under floating lights
Caught 65 crappie and 68 sand bass, one garr and one soft shell turtle .

I've got enough fish for a good fish fry now. Can't wait to do it. One of my favorite dishes of summer. We're heading up to Emily for the 4th of July weekend and hope to put enough fish in the boat for a good fish fry while we're there. I've got a little lake up there that doesn't get fished much and is full of hammer handle northerns that seem to have a love affair with chartreuse spinnerbaits, so if need be, we'll be eating pike. Plan on taking one day and going over to fish somewhere on the the Whitefish chain-anybody got any pointers or hotspots for me? 'Never fished those lakes before.

Bear update. The bear at the Wausau courthouse made it into the parking garage where it was tranquilized and relocated.

My son bought the GS a Ruger American youth model in 7mm-08.

That bear just won't learn.

Bill, Pete has moved up to his new place in Sayner. He's loving it so far.

He does winter in Fl, correct?

This was 1.5 miles miles from our house.

"A performer in the Steven Point Air Show is dead after his plane crashed while performing an aerial maneuver at the show Sunday afternoon.

One witness tells us the pilot was making what appeared to be a question mark in smoke trails when it sounded like the engine failed.

"The single plane was performing aerial maneuvers when it went down in a wooded area approximately 1,000 feet east of the airport runway. The 47-year was pronounced dead at the scene,"
The male pilot was the only one in the Yak 55M at the time of the crash. He is believed to be from Wisconsin.

Police say at this point they do not know what caused the plane to crash. The investigation will be lead by the FAA."

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Bear update. The bear at the Wausau courthouse made it into the parking garage where it was tranquilized and relocated.

Did they shoot him in his bear ass?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

He does winter in Fl, correct?

Naw... just goes there for a few weeks at a crack. I think when they sell their house in weston they will buy a place though.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Bear update. The bear at the Wausau courthouse made it into the parking garage where it was tranquilized and relocated.

Did they shoot him in his bear ass?

More than likely.

You getting all this rain?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Bear update. The bear at the Wausau courthouse made it into the parking garage where it was tranquilized and relocated.

Did they shoot him in his bear ass?

More than likely.

You getting all this rain?

Sure are! It can quit any time now too

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Bear update. The bear at the Wausau courthouse made it into the parking garage where it was tranquilized and relocated.

My son bought the GS a Ruger American youth model in 7mm-08.

Excellent ! One of my favorite caliber's

GS got to try one out the week before and told me it didn't kick any worse than his 410. When he said that I told his dad to forget about a 243. Son said he already had.

too bad, the .243's lethality is amazing. I am and always will be a big fan.

243 is fine for deer and antelope, but elk are a real possibility for this kid. 7mm-08 much better choice with elk on the menu.

Got a bunch of class 5 that's going under my new shop.

Last night while it was raining.

[Linked Image]

Perfect time for it to get put on. Especially if they compacted it. Hopefully they'll stay off of it for a day til it dries out. Be a good solid pad then.

They don't seem to have a problem staying off the job site.

lol

What's a "class 5", Dave?

sized (screened I suppose)to a spec and mixed with a percentage of clay as binder. I think it's maybe between 5 and 10%

Tom probably knows. Around 7%?

Hell I dunno.

It's like, engineered gravel.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

What's a "class 5", Dave?

Road granite for you WI kids.

Gotcha

So I need some advice from the crew . A guy I work with has a Ruger 77 tang safety 7x57 for sale he is the second owner its in great shape 450.00 . Having a hard time making up my mind.

Oh yeah almost forgot its sporting a Leopold 3x9x50 vx- 1 and comes with RCBS dies.

Any you have not bought it yet?

Originally Posted by mule1

Oh yeah almost forgot its sporting a Leopold 3x9x50 vx- 1 and comes with RCBS dies.

That puts it in the "no brainer" category.

Any idea how accurate it is? Ruger used a number of different barrel manufacturers for the old 77's. Some great, others not so much.

Nothing wrong with a tang safety ruger. I free floated and bed the action on one for a guy many years ago. I cant remember for certain but I want to say it was a 7mm mag.

The angled recoil lug had me nervous, but it popped out very nicely when it was time to crack it loose for cleanup. Turned out really nice.

Unless I didn't have the money, I'd have bought it already.

Bill, I don't remember if it you that was shooting with me or not.... But I had a ruger 77 with a tang safety, in 7x57. It was shooting fantastically, but would hang the spent casing up when it was ejecting.

I ended up trading that and $1700 for the Honda 4-wheeler I have now. Another "no-brainer". I told the guy about the casing hang ups but he really wanted that rifle.

White bear on his way to Wausau to look at some "sheenry" today.

Which place?

That was me, Tom.

I had a top tang 77 in 7mm mag. It didn't shoot worth a darn. Never played with the bedding or angled screw though. My buddy from LA had one in a 300 Mag and it didn't shoot either even though he had it worked over by a gunsmith.

Another friend had one in a 300 mag and it shot great right out of the box.

Don't recall when Ruger started making their own barrels, but the Mark II Ruger 77's were all pretty good right out of the box. The 257 Bob that I bought for my granddaughter is a Mark II and it shoots great. My #1 Ruger is a awesome shooter.

I will buy it and if it shoots "minute of softball" it will be fine for now . Timing is not great I just spent 1300.00 on a new Mission xbow oh well time to sell calves anyway .

M1,

7 x 57 Cartridge is old & gay !

Much like Ingwe !

Here we go....

Sorry Dave.

But somebody had to do it !

IIRC,the tang 77 in 7x57 is pretty rare,and collectible.

We just had to go to our designated storm shelters here at work due to a tornado warning. It appears to have gone SE of us.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

We just had to go to our designated storm shelters here at work due to a tornado warning. It appears to have gone SE of us.

where is that at?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

M1,

7 x 57 Cartridge is old & gay !

Pffftt !

You better pass me a beer so we can talk this over !

That made me laugh out loud.

Much like Ingwe !

Cass County (includes fargo) had a tornado warning, nothing spotted the weather guys were justifying their fancy equipment......the warning was 1/2 hour west of here.

Any updates on the new shop Dave?
Bill

I spent 19 hrs on the road to go inspect a piece of equipment.

Salesman sent some pics & it looked fine to me.

Dealer had someone do an equipment appraisal which looked great.

He ensured me many times of the great condition of the rig.

I get down there & could tell in a couple of minutes that the drive was a complete waste of time. An excavator with a welded boom & stick is a big deal. It's something to disclose. That & overall a sloppy machine. The appraisal was false.

What the heck happened to honesty? He knew I was driving all that way to inspect. Did he think I was blind?

I hope he goes broke. Rant off.

It was a pleasant drive though. I had a neighbor/friend come with for company.

My new to me F350 is SOOOOO comfortable. The cooled leather seats really cut down on the swass.

16.6mpg round trip. 6.2 gas with nothing being pulled. I'm not disappointed with that either.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Cass County (includes fargo) had a tornado warning, nothing spotted the weather guys were justifying their fancy equipment......the warning was 1/2 hour west of here.

Yeah and work took the opportunity to test the new warning alarms and cram everyone into little rooms for 1/2 hour

that sucks to hear. he probably figured if you drove all that way you would buy it regardless. people are funny.

this morning ended up being a sad one for me. the last of my blueberry jam was used

I made a bunch 3.5 years ago when Dave invited me up to pick.

bubba was a little guy then!

he at so many blue berries his poop smelled like them for 2 days

Originally Posted by White_Bear

My new to me F350 is SOOOOO comfortable. The cooled leather seats really cut down on the swass.

16.6mpg round trip. 6.2 gas with nothing being pulled. I'm not disappointed with that either.

Wow. That's impressive WB.

Sorry your trip was a total waste of time and money though. You never really can trust those kids from WI.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he at so many blue berries his poop smelled like them for 2 days

You didn't use that for the jam did ya?

That is a heck of a long drive for nothin WB. I would have been a wee bit irritated with that feller too

I remember those pics Ryan. Man he's grown since then!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by White_Bear

My new to me F350 is SOOOOO comfortable. The cooled leather seats really cut down on the swass.

16.6mpg round trip. 6.2 gas with nothing being pulled. I'm not disappointed with that either.

Wow. That's impressive WB.

Sorry your trip was a total waste of time and money though. You never really can trust those kids from WI.

As soon as I saw the "go packers" sign, I knew it was a bust.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

he at so many blue berries his poop smelled like them for 2 days

You didn't use that for the jam did ya?

nope, I had my mom make the jam, I didn't know how to then, now I do all my own canning. everything from jam to venison I can myself, with the family of course. canned venison is amazing! unfortunately a lot of the deer tags are going to be cut this year, so my late season muzzleloader meat hunts might be going away

WB, who was the dealer?

We'll leave that one alone on here. It wasn't a terrible machine but it was misrepresented.

I had a couple of overgrown spruces in the yard fairly close to the house. Wife wanted them gone and so they're history. Now I got a couple of stumps that I've been chopping the roots for a few days now. These things have a heck of a tap root. Hooked them up to the truck and they barely budge. Any ideas how to get em out? And no, I don't own a Cat. Or dynamite.

Just got back from Canada fishing fellas. Good trip. Took my twin 6 year old boys. They did great! Biggest pike I caught was 40" and the biggest walleye my dad was the lucky angler at 28". Boys both caught 32" pike and 22" walleyes. Lots of fish, lots of 20"-25" walleyes. I got a 38.5" pike on a jig. Saw moose and bear up close. Great time was had by all. Tired though! Pics another time.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Any ideas how to get em out? And no, I don't own a Cat. Or dynamite.

have a small fire on top of them for a few days.

once they are below grade,fill the hole up and plant grass there.

To kill small tree stumps,drill a couple of large (3/4")holes about 4" deep in them and periodically fill the hole with Roundup concentrate.It will permeate the roots and kill it all.
I went to a gun show yesterday in Columbia,SC. Brought home a Handi rifle in .223 with the extra .410 barrel.Neat little gun.

Stan in SC

I tried that years ago on a Elm stump using a different product Stan. Don't recall the product, but it was advertised for stump removal. Took about 5 years but the stump finally came out like a loose tooth.

Question for you Stan. Any idea who made the choke tube for the TC 410 barrel? Not the 45/410 barrel but, the 22" actual shotgun barrel. I'd like to find a more open choke for my grandsons TC 410.

I would just cut it off flush with the ground and wait a few years beforedigging it out, let time and ma nature take care of it. maybe drill some holes in there so water can work at rotting it some.

I did the exact same thing with two big pines in my front yard. I hired a guy out of the classifieds with a stump grinder. He lives 60 miles away and only charged me 100 bucks. I had everything gone and seeded into lawn in 2 days. It was well worth it

Grizzly Bill, the Handi rifle is made by NEF(Harrington&Richardson) not by TC. It has no choke tubes. It is chambered for up to 3" and has full choke.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I had a couple of overgrown spruces in the yard fairly close to the house. Wife wanted them gone and so they're history. Now I got a couple of stumps that I've been chopping the roots for a few days now. These things have a heck of a tap root. Hooked them up to the truck and they barely budge. Any ideas how to get em out? And no, I don't own a Cat. Or dynamite.

Coming from a guy that works in the "dig them out business", have a stump grinder over & be done. Easy in & out. Seed your grass the next day.

Thanks guys. I do like the cut off flush and wait idea, but the wife? Not so much. Stump grinder it is. My arms are so sore from chopping, I can't lift them high enough to pick my nose.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

My arms are so sore from chopping, I can't lift them high enough to pick my nose.

That's what the wife is for.

That explains a lot!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Grizzly Bill, the Handi rifle is made by NEF(Harrington&Richardson) not by TC. It has no choke tubes. It is chambered for up to 3" and has full choke.

Stan in SC

I'm looking for a TC tube Stan.

just heard my Mom and my great aunt who is 89 just drew their south dakota cow elk tags. I'm getting my (recently deceased) Uncle's 30-06 and putting a decent scope on it for mom so she can shoot her first elk with her big brother's rifle. my aunt will be using her 30-06 that she used to hunt with when my uncle would come out every fall. they have been taking it hard since he passed and I urged them to put in for this tag. they are shocked that they drew it their first time. I have already lined up a private farm, not big but it frequently has elk on it. I sure hope they both get their cows and truly have a hunt of a lifetime. I'll keep everyone updated as the year progresses.

Wow! That's great Ryan! I hope if I'm lucky enough to see 89 that I will be able to hunt elk!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

That explains a lot!

For some reason, she didn't find the humor in it that I did.

Cool Ryan! I wish them success and more elk than they can eat... mostly so you can cook some steaks for me when I get there.

Absolutely awesome, Ryan. I wish them both all the luck in the world. It would be great if they can fill their tags.

It now appears that my son and GS will be joining us in camp this fall. My GS was given the choice of hunting in Idaho with a family friend or Grandpa. Gramps won.

Awesome Bill!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I had a couple of overgrown spruces in the yard fairly close to the house. Wife wanted them gone and so they're history. Now I got a couple of stumps that I've been chopping the roots for a few days now. These things have a heck of a tap root. Hooked them up to the truck and they barely budge. Any ideas how to get em out? And no, I don't own a Cat. Or dynamite.

I took 3 evergreens (and a 4th stump) from my yard a few years ago. I rented a very large stump grinder. It took about 1/2 a Saturday to get the stumps out, but that grinder got down deep. I can't imagine trying to chop it out. Ooof!

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

M1,

7 x 57 Cartridge is old & gay !

Pffftt !

You better pass me a beer so we can talk this over !

That made me laugh out loud.

Much like Ingwe !

Then I got the desired result !

Originally Posted by Azar

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I had a couple of overgrown spruces in the yard fairly close to the house. Wife wanted them gone and so they're history. Now I got a couple of stumps that I've been chopping the roots for a few days now. These things have a heck of a tap root. Hooked them up to the truck and they barely budge. Any ideas how to get em out? And no, I don't own a Cat. Or dynamite.

I took 3 evergreens (and a 4th stump) from my yard a few years ago. I rented a very large stump grinder. It took about 1/2 a Saturday to get the stumps out, but that grinder got down deep. I can't imagine trying to chop it out. Ooof!

I left for work and had stumps and came home from work and had no stumps. Sent the guy a check in the mail. The older I get the more I like having "stuff" done when I get home. lol

Me too without a doubt rooster!

Originally Posted by tzone

Me too without a doubt rooster!

I've had a couple of other things done recently where I never even saw the people that did the work. Just spoke over the phone. One was a new tub/shower and the other was my furnace. I left home with bad, older stuff and came home to good, new stuff and the bad stuff hauled away and everything cleaned up nice.

I did have to put new sheetrock around the new tub surround myself but that was pretty easy peasy.

I really like it that way! haha

I re-did the bathroom in my first house and realized very quickly that it sucked and I spent more $ pizzing around then had I hired someone.

it's nice to upgrade once in a while. we're liking ours more and more, just limited by the square footage. I do almost everything myself or with the help of a good friend who is an excellent carpenter/electrician you name it! otherwise I would be hiring someone to do it for me. next big task will be cutting an egress window in the basement and finishing the bathroom. showed the house again yesterday, so we'll see if we get an offer, if we do then I won't have to worry!

Oh I can do most of the stuff myself. some of it I have to because I can't wrap my mind around paying someone $100/hr to work on something.

Vehicles is something, around here, now shops are getting $130-$140/hr. Which is what they can charge because most can't work on thier own stuff anymore, these days.

I didn't say I don't have the ability to do "most" of that stuff.

It's just the desire and the time is more limited these days.

The furnace is one thing I would not have known how to do correctly and is better left in the hands of the experts. The new tub/shower was also re plumbed to code. Technically, I could have done that and spent a lot of time doing it or I could have had the experts in and get it done in 4 hours. I chose the latter and am much happier.

I think its an age thing

Ed-Zachary!

Reports from a 10 yr old that is keeping an eye on construction at home. Several machines operating, including a "digger".

According to joey, "there's lots of teamwork going on right now"

Is the viewing stand set up yet Dave? We'll all need a place to sit ya know when we come up to supervise.

we'll get working on that, lol!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we'll get working on that, lol!

Think I'll send Tom up. He can be the RAM rod to get things moving quicker.

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Gotta take some of these;

& turn 'em into this;

To get this reaction from the family !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Oh my.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Tru dat! I hear he's pretty good at DODGEball too.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Gotta take some of these;

& turn 'em into this;

e]

Please give me the recipe to turn walleyes into french fries.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Tru dat! I hear he's pretty good at DODGEball too.

I can think of 1500 other things I'm better at.

Oh man Paul, that is some fine eating there. Didn't see any baked beans though.

That's our Friday night meal in deer camp, walleye, fries and Bushes Best baked beans.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Tru dat! I hear he's pretty good at DODGEball too.

I can think of 1500 other things I'm better at.

I can think of 4 X 4 of them.

Griz,

On this occasion, beans were swapped out for coleslaw & greek pasta salad !

Helps keep the wimmin folk happy.

That looks like a great time, Paul!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would agree, that is within his HEMIsphere of knowledge and experience.

Tru dat! I hear he's pretty good at DODGEball too.

I can think of 1500 other things I'm better at.

I can think of 4 X 4 of them.

Bill, did you apply for a sheep tag this year? Big horn?

Hey, while I'm at it, got some news !

Our youngest, Doug has been accepted to play football at a College in North Dakota next year.

After his 2 year college stint, he has a partial scholarship to Wisconsin Lutheran University, unless snapped up by someone else, &/or a better deal is offered.

Sorry for the bad cell phone pics, in advance !

Major High School football awards.

He was also selected to play in the regions senior bowl match @ the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stadium, 2 weeks ago.
One of only 80 out of about 9,000 players from the NW Ontario & the SE Manitoba regions, selected to form the 2 teams.

PROUD MAMMA & PAPA !

very cool!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Did anyone guess that the footballer is the one filling his plate, while Dad tries to take a photo ?

Awesome Paul! Tell the young man congrats! Please let us know if you're coming down to watch.

Will do Tom !

I believe about half of their games are in Northern M.

He's madly trying to bulk up, but his metabolism is like mine once was !

He's 6'1" & 170. Not really enough for an outside line backer, but man, can he hit !

They'll bulk him up. Actually at that size, and if he can hit, he'll probably play corner back.

Yeah,

We had that talk the other night. He'll play where ever they want him & whatever is best for the team.

First 2 years of HS, he was a wide receiver, moved to defense grade 11 & 12.

This sly old fox, can take him in an arm wrestle, through cunning & technique, but that's about it !

[/quote] Bill, did you apply for a sheep tag this year? Big horn?

[/quote]

No I didn't Dave. Guess you might say I Dodged the bullet on the sheep tag.

Congrats to your son, Paul. Wish him the best in his college football career.

Cheers & thank you Bill & everyone.

I will pass it/them on to Doug.

just got a knock on the door, I told em to CUMMINS it a spell.

congrats to Doug!

I didn't draw my sheep tag

don't know how I didn't, it's only the whole state after 2 tags, sheesh.

Y'all trying to us Tzones gots a new truck ur sumbtin ?

Yep!

Well Dodge trucks are pretty sweet for sure .

Time will tell I guess. So fat it's pretty sweet. I've ne'er been a dodge guy so it was a bit tough to make the switch. But I drove several fords and several rams. I tried to consort apples to apples when i drove them and the ram won in almost every catagory. Including warranty, I have a 5yr/100k mi number to bumper warranty.

It's a ram 1500 big horn, quad cab, 4x4, hemi, 8-speed auto. You can hear almost zero outside noise when the windows are rolled up.

If Bill or Dave could post a picture it would be cool. I can't do it from work.

congrats Tom!

Congrats on your boy playing college ball Paul. That's pretty cool!

So Tzone bought a head hanger huh?

J/K they are pretty sweet now days!

I seen a Tundra the other day with the very back window rolled half way down. Like an electric back window. Never seen that option before on anything.

Oh that's old technology.

[Linked Image]

Damn right whitey.

They called it the "breezeway" window.

I'm crazy bout a Mercury.

Some progress on the Shaw classic auto works site.

[Linked Image]

It's going to rain for 2 days now

But next step is to trench the water line over from the well to the new build site, then form for concrete, set all the drains and pluming, dig the thickened footing edge, also the footing areas for the 2 post hoist.

Then I am considering something relatively new in slab construction (new to me anyways)

We are going to heat this slab with water tubing inside the concrete, that's nothing new. We are also going to put foam insulation down before we pour the slab, to reduce heat wicking effect from the cold ground below and around the slab, this is also nothing new for heated slabs.

What is new (for me) is the idea of using spray foam for that insulation below the concrete. I learned about this yesterday and I like the idea. There will be no seams or cracks, the insulation will be very tight right up to the drain pipes and around all the edges.

I'm checking into that option vs the original plan of 2" foam board (4'x8' sheets)

That would have been handy back in the day when you needed to give the adopt a highway folks something to do...

The electric rear window that is...

Dave,
How thick of a slab are you pouring?

You kids & all of your new technology. That's many of cans of Great Stuff.

I'm off to the Sturgis/Rapid City area next week to visit family & friends. It is kind of a halfway point between here & my family in CO.

Mama bear & the cub have never been to the area before so we'll have to see some of the sights I suppose.

I might toss a rifle or two in the vehicle & whack some PD's. I don't think mama will allow my dirt bike in the suburban or I'd have that with too.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

So Tzone bought a head hanger huh?

J/K they are pretty sweet now days!

.

Yes, I did buy a head hanger. In 2006 I bought a 2004 Chevy. THAT was embarrassing, and I'm going to try everything in my power for it to not happen again. Not one newer than a mid-80's 4x anyway.

I'm not gonna lie, this thing has balls like no other vehicle I've ever had. VERY easy to speed because everything is so smmmmoooth. I'm not supposed to use the cruise until there is 300 miles on it to vary the speed for break in. The speed was varied plenty last night... That's for sure.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Damn right whitey.

They called it the "breezeway" window.

I'm crazy bout a Mercury.

Pa had a beautiful 65 merc breezeway. Baby blue, 390/auto... A real crossways breezer! Some clown rear ended my step-mom while she took it to get gas. They were going about 60 and she was slowing down at the stop light on hwy 2 in Proctor. It had a lot of breezeways then because there were no windows but the windshield after that.

Now for a quick story.

Joey has been supervising the construction crew at our place.

He's been giving the crew a lot of instructions and also simply filling their heads with things that he thinks construction workers should know about. (These guys are really getting an education.)

Joey loves all the gravel piles, it's great fun for toy trucks and for prospecting of fine high quality stones that a 10 yr old boy likes to collect.

I saw a little bit of what these workers have been putting up with yesterday when I got home.

I was speaking with one of the construction guys. The guy is in his early 30's, big beard, sunglasses, he fits right in on a construction site.

Anyways, we're talking and Joey comes up and hands this guy a rock that he picked out of a gravel pile. I can tell that this guy has been putting up with this all day, he's a good sport, he plays along.

I observe that it's kind of a rose quartz looking stone, hard to tell though as it's pretty dirty. Joey says to the man "know what that is?"

The guy is holding it, looking it over really good, I can tell he's searching for a technical answer... He's trying to recall high school lessons... I can about imagine the word samples rolling through his head... quartz, granite, mica etc... He doesn't want to give the wrong answer because obviously this 10 yr old knows his stuff.

After about a minute of studying it, he hands it back to Joey. In a defeated tone, he mutters "I guess I'm not sure exactly what it is."

Joe, about half the man's height, looks up at the man with a straight face and says: "It's a rock."

LMAO!!

The guy doesn't even crack a smile, he just turns and looks at me and says:

"chit, I guess I should have saw that one coming." then he laughed.

Well... Don't sell yourself short. With a sense do humor like that, Joey is going to fit right in on a construction crew as well.

ND i think heated slab and spray foam is the way to go.. We are remodeling our house and i watched them spray foam the new addition. I was really impressed.. I cant wait to see the difference this winter.. I know it costs more but i think in the long run its worth it....

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Oh that's old technology.

[Linked Image]

My uncle had a 57 Merc and he let me use it on weekends. 16 years old with a chick magnate. Life was good.

did it have the big 430 engine?

Merc had some hellacious power plants at the time, big power for 50's cars, like 360 HP.

Way to go Joey.

Forgot to mention, but if I think the 57 Merc has push button auto transmissions.

Yes, I believe they did. It was different than the mopar push button trans controls though. I believe there were selection modes such as "performance mode" or "economy mode" or something to that effect.

I think economy started you out in 2nd gear?

Spray foam is THE way to go. My parents had their house worked on after the duluth flood a few years back. They had it sprayed and the differece is hard to measure. You can't hear outside noises when the windows are shut, there aren't any drafts in the house, the house is evenly heated for less money.

He LOVES it!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes, I believe they did. It was different than the mopar push button trans controls though. I believe there were selection modes such as "performance mode" or "economy mode" or something to that effect.

I think economy started you out in 2nd gear?

With the torque of those big 'ol hog motors, they could have started you out in high gear.

ever heard of anybody spraying it on the ground inside the forms before pouring cement?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

did it have the big 430 engine?

Merc had some hellacious power plants at the time, big power for 50's cars, like 360 HP.

I know it didn't have the 430 engine, Dave. Don't recall what engine it had.

There is a turnpike cruiser, 2 door hard top for sale not far from me, I think it's a 57.

I'd like to go look at it, they are definitely "different"

Dave,

Pretty sure Joey would have sprayed the area down already !

My uncle's was a Monterey.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ever heard of anybody spraying it on the ground inside the forms before pouring cement?

No, I haven't. I'm not sure if that will gain you anything but it may. What you don't want to happen is the water to suck up off the pad, into your slab. You'll have a permanently damp slab on humid days.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ever heard of anybody spraying it on the ground inside the forms before pouring cement?

wouldnt that be prone to move?

Not anymore than sheet foam.

Tom, I was hoping that either way, foam sheets or sprayed under the slab would act as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture wicking?

I heard tell of an old walk in freezer that was dozed out and had over a foot of dirt frozen to the bottom of the slab so I would definitely do one or the tother .

Good to see progress being made
Bill

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom, I was hoping that either way, foam sheets or sprayed under the slab would act as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture wicking?

I would think it will have that effect. Spray may be better that way because of the gaps, or lack of gaps.

Rarely, but sometimes... The vapor barrier traps moisture and the slab never gets rid of it.you're on plenty of a high spot there it looks like and should be ok.

If you're using fiber mesh in the floor, make sure it's mixed on site properly, to avoid "clumps" and they don't bring it to the top with the cream, while finishing.

I have the sheets down under my garage slab and the only thing I have noticed is that one really excessively humid days, the slab turns a darker color. I dont think that is from the bottom, but rather the air above the slab. I might even think about insulating around the outside down the edges of the foundation so the cold cannot come in from the sides underground.

Oh, and make sure you put the whole families initials (or something) in the wet concrete somewhere!

We are going with fiber mesh, I've done all my concrete slabs that way since about 96.

I don't know if it's really that big of a help but, what ever.

I won't pour a slab without fiber mesh especially in our harsh climate.

Definitely want to insulate around the outside face of the slab & I'd highly recommend 4' out from the edge as well. The only issue you'll have is getting your gravel to set-up over insulation.

White dog already has plans for paw prints in the wet concrete.

It helps with strength, it sucks to finish and seal. If they pop through your finished floor, and they probably will... You can burn them off with a torch if you want to. Obviously do that before you seal the floor.

The fibers that this contractor uses is a fine version. More like horse hair I guess. It isn't the big coarse strands they say can replace rebar.

I noticed a little when I did my shop for the first couple months but then it wore off. It isn't noticeable for the other projects I work on unless it is a broom finish.

white bear has it right. go vertical with it along the slab. maybe 2' down, also then add at least 4' out from the slab and have it sloped as well. I would suggest also tying the apron in to the other slab so they can move together. with the addition of insulation under the apron. I have seen the aprons move up here and if they are really close just push the steel up on the outside of your new building.

Right on BP. Absolutely insulate under any aprons or sidewalks.

The 2' down and/or 4' out kind of cover the same area.

You need to imaging the heat that is escaping from under the slab as opposed to the cold going down into the ground. Cold is a relative term for lack of heat. Anyway.......

The heat will escape at ROUGHLY a 45* angle out from under the concrete. Down or out will both stop this loss of heat.

Yards & such I tend to go out & slightly down. For buildings, slabs, parking lots, etc. I like to go down so there isn't the loose gravel issues.

June 12, digging a waterline trench. We just hit frost 8' down.

I heard of two separate waterlines at local farms just thawing out. One earlier this week & one last night.

I told you to sink that bugger deep. That or more insulation.

We're putting 2" blue board over the top of it.

Put 6" of it over the top!

Especially if you're going to be driving over it. I'm sure you know all that already but easy things get lost in the busy-ness

none of that sounds fun.

It wasn't. I just came back inside the house. Water line done, I jacked up the 14x20 shed, rolled a couple logs under it, rigged a header log with chains and drug that sumbish around behind the house so it's on it's new spot. Really good to get that little shed out of the way, clear of the building site.

Lots of good work done today.

What's the date you'd like to be in and working?

That date has passed.

(like to)

Shooting for mid July now.

Oh... that's fast yet.

I have a boy chomping at the bit to get to chickenbuck to go wheeling.

I told him you're going to be pretty busy this summer. I'm on board for whenever though

I'm trying to get the old '78 ready to get up there.

First 400mi Ram 1500 fuel report. 19.9 mpg mixed driving. That's better than the explorer did on the highway!

wow, I'd be very happy with that.

I was thinking about chickenbuck, I sure would like to get out there. I may try to get out there to mow the grass if nothing else. The bugs have got to be insane out there.

I need to grab some old boards and some plywood from out there, Joey and I are building a tree house at home and there's a bunch of stuff at the cabin that I could use for a tree fort.

How about placing that shack you moved last night in a tree?

Maybe I'll just plant a tree inside it and wait for the tree fort to be done in a hundred and seven years?

Hybrid poplar would be tall enough by the end of summer.

I do need some of those.

My unlce is a contractor in the cities and a couple years back built a treehouse for a wealthy couple. $42,000. Really. Maybe you could make one like that?

I think ours will be... not like that.

I hunted with an eye doctor I used to work for one time. He had a whole bunch of very comfortable deer stands throughout his property and then he had the one he hunted out of. It was three stories, with electricity, baseboard heaters, phone, internet, and even a phony electric fireplace. 'Wouldn't want to rough it you know..... The guy was just a workaholic, and I kind of felt bad for him that he couldn't even drag himself away from the paperwork long enough to just hunt-he had a three story office in the woods so he could get a little hunting in while running his many businesses. Man, I just want to get away from that stuff when I go hunt. The township finally caught on to his "tree stand" and told him if he made any more additions to it, they'd fine him for not getting a building permit and make him start paying taxes on it!

Happy Father's Day to all you dads.

Stan in SC

Yes, happy Father's Day to the dads out there!

Omelets this morning, steak on the grill later today.

It looks like the miserable weather will keep us inside today.

Happy Father's day right back at ya,

All three of my kids came home yesterday...surprise. They got up early with me this morning and helped me do chores. Having them here today is the best gift they could give me.

Wayne

Happy fathers day to all! My kiddo's just got here from their mama's so we are going to spmend the day together and maybe go see grandpa this afternoon.

Tomorrow my little buddy turns 9!

This weather is depressing. The rain is needed for the crops but still depressing for those of us trying to accomplish tasks.

How's the slab working out for ya ND?

Sorry. I had to ask.

I'll come give you a hand after I get back from vacation next weekend.

Have fun and behave yourself on your SD/CO trip.

Please tell me they didn't pour that slab in the rain!?

Happy Father's Day to everyone. It is not only Father's Day, but also 46th Weddding Anniversary. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Happy Father's Day to everyone. It is not only Father's Day, but also 46th Weddding Anniversary. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Congrats to you and your wife. We've got our 50th coming up this fall.

Tom, tell Jack, Happy Birthday for me.

We had a little rain here today, but it barely settled the dust. We could use some moisture. Rain in the forecast Tuesday through next Sunday.

Tom, birthday wishes to little guy from me.

Stan in SC

Same here Tom, tell the dude I said HBD. I was going to shoot with the son today, but we called it off based on the looks of the weather. Looks like we could have gone. Instead, went to the FIL and the crazier than batschidt step MIL for the day. A relatively good time was had by all, even if I did have to spend the afternoon with the old witch.

My Father's Day gift from Pam and the kids, with a bunch of help from Mr Skane.

[Linked Image]

Those are awesome Shaw's!

I'll pass on the b-day wishes to the little guy. He's pretty excited! Not as excited as Pam though.

Tell the little man happy birthday from us too.

I can't believe all of these huge wedding anniversaries.

No cement yet Tom. But our gravel pad is certainly packed now after this rain.

Dave-if you want some long distance advertising, why don't you get us a price on that stuff. I'd be happy to wear a coat or hat with your logo on it.

Like the shirt.

Talked with my son last night. The GS has outgrown all his shoes. He's up to a size 7. Dad had to go shoe shopping on Saturday.

I can try, Jeff.

I really have no idea as this was Pam's doing.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Happy Father's Day to everyone. It is not only Father's Day, but also 46th Weddding Anniversary. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Our anniversary as well Tgbill. Although only 18 years, I'd do it in a heartbeat again too.

Happy birthday Tzone!

Thank you sir!

Always gotta be a day ahead of me and Nate huh?

Happy birthday!

Well... you were first.

Happy birthday Tom!! Hope it's a great day for you!

Dave. How'd you like to had this had Shaw Classic Cars?

"A 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible was sold at auction this past weekend for $3.5 million, setting a record for Chrysler vehicles.

The ultra-rare muscle car is one of two produced for the U.S. market with a 426/425 hp V8 and 4-speed manual transmission, and the only one that still exists.

Just 11 convertibles with the 426/425 hp engine were built that year.

Fully restored, the Bright Blue car has a numbers-matching motor and most of its original bodywork. Performance options include a Dana 60 4.10 rear end, Super Track Pack, 26-inch radiator and the Barracuda�s iconic Shaker hood."

Happy Birthday, Tom.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Dave. How'd you like to had this had Shaw Classic Cars?

"A 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible was sold at auction this past weekend for $3.5 million, setting a record for Chrysler vehicles.

The ultra-rare muscle car is one of two produced for the U.S. market with a 426/425 hp V8 and 4-speed manual transmission, and the only one that still exists.

Just 11 convertibles with the 426/425 hp engine were built that year.

Fully restored, the Bright Blue car has a numbers-matching motor and most of its original bodywork. Performance options include a Dana 60 4.10 rear end, Super Track Pack, 26-inch radiator and the Barracudas iconic Shaker hood."

I saw that on "Fock snus"

I have to read it in little bits at a time or I hyperventilate.

Nice car, this.

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014...-convertible-sold-for-record-35-million/

Wonder what it costs to get a door ding fixed? I guess if you have $3.5 LARGE, you don't get door dings at WalMart.

Jeez, Tommy! I'm surprised you still celebrate birthdays at your age! The epsom salts and milk of magnesia are on the way buddy!

Happy Happy Happy Birfday Tom!

Thanks Dudes!

Jeff,

I'm young enough to not know what you're talking about.

Good morning Everyone!

Sending out a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two of my men today, Dave and our oldest boy Nate!! How has our 9 lb baby grown up to be a 17 yr old already?! I'm so proud of my guys and our little family.

This is such an exciting day, you all know how I love birthdays! The cake is in the oven and food is ready for grilling tonight. Sure hope the boy likes his birthday present.

Thank you everyone for sharing today and the past years with us. There's more to come.
Have a great day everyone!

Morning Pam. Must have got up extra early to get all of that baking and meat prep done.

Happy Birthday, Dave and Nate. Have a great day!

good morning Ma Shaw!

Happy Birthday to Runswithscissors!and a hearty Happy Birthday to Pa Shaw!

Happy Birthday to the Shawsuzuz men!

Happy Birthday Nate and Dave! We wish you the best from down here!!

Thundered and lighting all night here. 1.6" of rain so far. Plover, which is 5 miles South had 2.75" and some areas received 3". Hope it's dry up by Dave so he can get his slab poured.

Wow, Missed lots of birthdays & anniversaries !

Happy Birthday &/or happy Anniversary to those deserving.

Pam, 9lbs ! Really !

Happy Birthday to Nate,Dave and Tom.

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday to Nate, Dave and Tom.

Happy birthday boys! Many more to come!

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Dudes!

Jeff,

I'm young enough to not know what you're talking about.

Yeah sure........

I'm still at least 3 years away from being old. My friend Angie told me so yesterday... so HA!

wow, dave starting his own business! that is awesome, ive been off the fire' for a bit trying to keep this nuke plant up and running (the sheer stupidity of "smart" people is unbelievable), all while trying to sell my house and buy the new 3000sqft future home of all my shoulder mounts (er the wifes photography studio) Best of luck Dave, if anyone can make it doing resto's its you, I might be in contact with you about a certain 66 nova that i've been thinking about getting done.... :-D

been traveling for work, so I have not been on here. Happy belated birthdays to the Shaw boys. Hope it was a good day.

Some random thoughts:

Oakland, CA is not a nice town for anybody wondering.

I went to a winery. The last person on earth who has any interest in a winery is me. It was a work thing. I am happy to report that activity has been crossed off my "to do" list.

CA traffic is unbelievably bad. How 7 lanes of traffic can be so bad is unfathomable to this rural MN dude. 1 hour and 40 minutes to go 26 miles.

Kobe beef is just beef. I didnt find it special in any way.

The CA climate is overrated. So many other things trump the climate that I wonder why so many people live there.

Is there deer hunting in heaven?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

been traveling for work, so I have not been on here. Happy belated birthdays to the Shaw boys. Hope it was a good day.

Some random thoughts:

Oakland, CA is not a nice town for anybody wondering. - Agree. Pure chit hole.

I went to a winery. The last person on earth who has any interest in a winery is me. It was a work thing. I am happy to report that activity has been crossed off my "to do" list. - GAYYY

CA traffic is unbelievably bad. How 7 lanes of traffic can be so bad is unfathomable to this rural MN dude. 1 hour and 40 minutes to go 26 miles. - Can you say "road rage"

Kobe beef is just beef. I didnt find it special in any way. - Apparently neither did that girl in the Colorado hotel room! Ba ziiing

The CA climate is overrated. So many other things trump the climate that I wonder why so many people live there. - The bay area is chill ya to the bone cold....and GAYYY

Is there deer hunting in heaven? - Yep I tink so

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, Nathan and I had a great birthday yesterday.

Cover your eyes boy.....

[Linked Image]

M70 CRF classic sporter in .300 WM topped with a burris fullfield 3-9 for the 17 yr old on his birthday.

Gee, I wonder what Nathan is going to bring along on our oct elk hunt?

, very

Outstanding Dave!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cover your eyes boy.....

M70 CRF classic sporter in .300 WM topped with a burris fullfield 3-9 for the 17 yr old on his birthday.

Gee, I wonder what Nathan is going to bring along on our oct elk hunt?

Excellent! I'm sure he'll sport a grin that just won't stop when he sees it.

Excellent!

Outstanding gift!

I'm sure Nate will put it to good use.

Good job Dad!

Well done, Mom & Dad!!!

Congrats to all, birthdays,anniversary, getting a rifle, which is way cool..

Been gone had the floors redone, almost done with the remodel.. Started end of March want it to be done.....

South Dakota deer draw is open! if anyone is interested in hunting SD in the future, buy your preference points now. $10 for nonresidents.

I've been busy moving.

I hope everyone survived the torrential rains without getting wet.

I want to hug the dude whe bought the house from. He had Standard do the drain tile and sump-pump.

A dry basement is a happy basement.....

So Dave, any updates on the boomstick gifted to a young man? Pics? Reactions?

flip back a page, it's here.

He's a happy boy. He's a bit too cool for a full smile in a picture, but he was happy for sure.

There are pics on there bud.

I'll try to call you Sunday on the tags Ryan. I have a few ??'s for ya. I'm really hoping I can get out there with timing for school. REALLY hope!

Has it dried out over in the cities, Tom? I see part of a cliff slid into the Mississippi due to saturated soil?

Sorry, it must be my connection. I'll check back in later.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

South Dakota deer draw is open! if anyone is interested in hunting SD in the future, buy your preference points now. $10 for nonresidents.

Like I said remind me!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Has it dried out over in the cities, Tom? I see part of a cliff slid into the Mississippi due to saturated soil?

I went for a ride today around Prior Lake. Everyone who had a shed down by the lake now are the owners of some very large bobbers. I saw two sheds floating in the lake. The smaller public access, known as the DeWitt Ramp is close to being unuseable. The dock is unaccessable without wading out to it, and the turnaround lane is all most completely under water. They have had a bad mud slide down at the U of M which is endangering the School of Medicine. Lots of localized flooding and mudslides. There's a small town called Blakely down stream along the river that's pretty much cut off. The only way in and out of town is on a Police dept. ATV.

Happy first day of Summer!

We start losing daylight tomorrow. Your welcome.

Ah, the down hill slide to deer camp. Always looking at the bright side.

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Has it dried out over in the cities, Tom? I see part of a cliff slid into the Mississippi due to saturated soil?

I see there are few landslides along the road over where 494 meets hwy 7 and 12.
areas of the hillsides about the size of a large house broke away and slide down the bank to the roadway.
that section of road was under construction a few years ago,all the hills are " engineered" ,to have the proper slope and drainage.
must be bad if they are giving out.

I've seen a couple out here too. I think they are more prevalent on wet years. or it could mean someone cut a corner.

we got a decent shot of rain last night. I suppose I'll go turn off the irrigation pump this morning.

We've actually had a pretty nice weekend. More rain predicted for this week though. My yard and sump pump could use a break. A week without rain would work wonders for drainage around here.

My uncle is a farmer in northern MN. I talked to him yesterday and he said he'd really like to start cutting hay, but can't get it because it's so wet. Usually, he has the opposite problem.

We've had a busy weekend here. The Back to the 50's car show is in the MN State Fairgrounds. My dad and his buddy stay with us, and get up and 5am to get in the show. There are over 12K cars there. Nearly impossible to see them all. We set up a tent for shade, have a cooler full of frosty treats, a cooler full of food. The cars are allowed to cruise so we sit and watch them come by us. We'll get up and go for hike's a few times as well for a few hours at a crack. You see from mild to wild and everything in between.

I bought one of these for my 1955 f-100. A Mustang II front suspension, power rack and pinion, power front disc's I'll have to talk to Dave about coatings but it's BIG piece of the puzzle for this truck.

[Linked Image]

I'm excited about it.

Originally Posted by tzone

I bought one of these for my 1955 f-100. A Mustang II front suspension, power rack and pinion, power front disc's I'll have to talk to Dave about coatings but it's BIG piece of the puzzle for this truck.

[Linked Image]

I'm excited about it.

that looks "uber"

Originally Posted by TJAY

Ah, the down hill slide to deer camp. Always looking at the bright side.

I like your way of thinking TJAY. Deer season just can't come soon enough. I sure am jealous of these guys that get a month or more of gun season when us northern boys get a couple weeks.

Originally Posted by tzone

I bought one of these for my 1955 f-100. A Mustang II front suspension, power rack and pinion, power front disc's I'll have to talk to Dave about coatings but it's BIG piece of the puzzle for this truck.

[Linked Image]

I'm excited about it.

Very cool.

Since you're a coatings guy, do I need to powder coat this stuff or will paint be sufficient? The frame is going to have to be sand blasted I'm sure.

Here's a secret for ya.

I HATE powder coating.

lol!

There is NO superior magic and wonderment that is exclusive to powder.

Powder coating is a buzzword phrase that has been experiencing a free ride in it's perceived awesomeness for far too long IMO.

Sure it's ok, but it's not magic by any means.

To be honest with you, most powder job shops are going to screw up the cure and or the pre treat on those parts and you'll see flaking, chipping, rust blisters galore etc.

You can coat this thing properly on your own.

We can have a chit-chat at camp or over an email or phone call or what ever.

It's far too boring and technical to get into here.

Son and GS spent part of the weekend getting the GS rifle sighted in. They also booked their flight to WI for the Nov deer hunt. Going to be a great camp with 2 boys to keep us on our toes.

Griz,

Thay is uber

!

Good things just seem to pop up.The contractor who redid our kitchen two years ago became a good friend in the process. The other day he dropped off a rifle at the house while I was at the shop. Linda was getting an estimate from him on some additional work which she wanted done(groan!). Anyway he left the rifle and when I got home she was all excited as to how nice it looked.
It is a beautiful little Winchester Model 94AE ,trapper,saddle ring in,of course, 30-30.Topped off with a Nikon fixed 4X with see thru mounts. VERY nice. I called him tonight and made him an offer which he took.
I have two other 30-30's.A Stevens bolt action and another 1970's vintage Winchester model 94.It's a great caliber to reload and I can use pointy bullets in the bolt gun.
I have never deer hunted with a short Trapper model.Guess I will have to correct that oversight this year.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Since you're a coatings guy, do I need to powder coat this stuff or will paint be sufficient? The frame is going to have to be sand blasted I'm sure.

Prep then skwirt some of the runny stuff on it & call it good.

PC isn't a magic potion.

Have you ever had one of those days that you look back on & think "that was a really amazing day"?

The great feeling about that is tomorrow will be even better.

My two-year slump may be over. A great weight has been lifted & I feel free again.

I'm so giddy that I can hardly sleep.

Hey ND. I'll be in your area tomorrow. Will the coffee pot be on or will you be at the salt mine?

Whitebear,
Been there, done that. Congratulations. Don't it just feel GOOD?

Stan in SC

Did you get a new job WB? Glad you had a great day and I hope it was a slump buster for ya!

I need a slump buster...

Bill - I'll bet your counting the days until deer season even more now!

Stan - Throw up a pic of that new toy you got! Sounds nice!

Really looking forward to this season. Will be the first time I get to hunt with my GS. If WI hadn't put the mentor program in I'd have to wait another 3 years.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Will the coffee pot be on or will you be at the salt mine?

salt mine

Hows the shop coming dave, Lets see some updates.

You're looking at it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You're looking at it.

Judging by this response, I don't think we would be too far off to assume that you are not to happy about it either

Dave,
I had a thunk about your shop construction. I have seen a few places that have lights in the floor that shine up. Have you thought about installing any of those?

Darn rain is holding up a lot of building projects. The contractor that is going to replace our back door was going to put it in Thursday. Called yesterday to cancel because of the rain in the forecast.

damn rain...

But in other news I will be heading up Northern Dave's way for my first fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, not sure if we will catch any fish, but the soon to be Brother-In-Law has a boat he really wants to get in the water again this year. And my wife's sister has volunteered to watch my little monsters for the day.........

You should have an awesome trip. The area is flooding now & the lake is WAY over full which might disrupt the catching. A lot of docks under water & sandbagging efforts in the area.

The biggest issue I've heard is catching too many slot fish & not being able to keep a limit of keepers.

Good luck!

Heard a bit about the flooding, ironically after I posted this, we will be leaving out of TRF and driving up for a late moring early afternoon fish. I will be driving most of the way across North Dakota, and then to TRF to kiss my wife hi and goodbye....

we thought about taking the kids with us but he built a house this year, and I have not left mine other than work....so it will be an adult and me

Hope the fishing is great. Make sure you have lots of mosquito repellant with you.

bubbajay, drop me a pm and I can get you my phone number if you guys want some local fishing "numbers" (coordinates) to try.

It's going to be interesting getting a boat in the water, water is flooded to tops of ramps, they have steel barrels full of dirt or water or something on top of docks holding pressure down on them.

Be careful up on plane, help your boat driver watch for floating junk, lots of crap out there floating around now.

Ill bet you are right about the high water Dave, last Friday the parking lots at Rainy Lake were hubcap deep in lake water.

Gov crazy eyes is going to be in Warroad today. I suppose they will have him hold a sand bag for a picture, then he'll spew some political nonsense and be on his way.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why he's coming. He has no "people" up here. There is very little union structured work in our area unless it's state or county. Very low unemployment in Red colored Roseau county, we all work for our money, we hate paying taxes for him to give to his non working supporters, and we also love our guns and gun rights up here.

He must be lost or something.

It will be like a Mini Pearl appearance at a Metallica concert.

Everybody would be polite, but they would also be very puzzled as to why she is there?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

He must be lost or something.

I've been thinking the same thing for a long time. Not just this trip.

We decided to postpone the fishing trip, flooding really sucks, I see it every couple years.....the BIL and I will reschedule for later in the year or find somewhere else to put a couple lines in the water.

Happy belated birthday to the Shaw men, been out of circulation for a week or so. Computer died at home and then I came down with a blood clot in my left calf. couple of days eating ungodly bad hospital food, 42 bruise me and make me bleed like a stuck hog pills that cost $124 they said I will live and sent me back to work. Dave could you adopt me. You give the best birthday presents I have ever seen.
Bill

Take it easy on the leg and do what the docs tell you, Bill. Clots are nothing to mess with.

^^^what Bill of the Grizzly variety said^^^

My boy has been mowing lawns to earn some money this summer. He finally earned enough to get himself a new baseball bat for little league. So we headed down to the local sporting goods store to peruse their selection for this momentous purchase. We both got sticker shock at the prices...up to $500 bones for a freakin' bat!

Anyway, we went to a few other stores before he found one in his substantially less price range. He asked me if I thought it was as good as those others and I told him it had just as many hits in it as the expensive ones. Saw him quietly smile. It's the first thing he's ever purchased with money he's earned, so of course he is very proud of it...the wife saw that he had it lying next to his bed after he fell asleep.

Well last night was his first game with it and he's been in a no hit slump for the past few games...Sam went 4 for 4. It wasn't so much that he did well with it, but something about having pride of ownership in something earned. The boy was beaming. The smiling old man had quite a lump in his throat too.

That's awesome.

Ah yes.... The little league bat. I have 3 pages in a rule book that talk about what kind of bat the monkeys can use.

What ever happen to the wooden Louisville Sluggers? My how times have changed. Of course I remember spending $18 for my glove back in the early $50's. Had to order it from Sears, because none of the stores in my home town carried decent gloves for lefties. I mowed a lot of lawns to earn that money.

I hear ya Bill. There's something satisfying about hearing the crack of the bat in summer, not the "tink" of aluminum. The old wool uniforms have been replaced by polyester, kids wear batting gloves - some even wear sliding pants! Helmets, hitting sticks, and coaches who make Lombardi look like a nun. Gatorade is the drink of choice, not water. Oh how the times have changed.

Like Tom said, the rules are are like the government tax code. Overbearing parents who want their kid playing in MLB spend thousands on equipment and travel leagues. They yell at their kids like a Marine D.I. Sadly, it's not the gentle summer pastime it once was.

But take all that away and it's just kids playing a game. And it's fun to watch that part of it.

When our daughter was serious with her softball, we had about $600.00 worth of bats riding around in her bag. She liked the Easton bats, to the tune of over $200.00 a crack. The funny thing is, when she was younger, she swung a $40.00 Worth bat that all the girls on her team liked, just because it had cool graphics-no other reason.

Glad to hear he had a good night and can take pride in the fact that he earned that bat and those hits.

Yep, the boy has a bat I bought for $5 dollars. He seems to hit just fine with it.

I was talking to a mens league softball player and he told me his bat is carbon fiber and you can't use it under 65*F. Really? Has it come to that?

When i used to play softball, we cracked bats all the time. The cold and the thin walls of the bats dont mix...

The bats are crazy, Ive seen so many people get hurt over the years.. Got so bad nobody wanted to play 3rd....

Then they started outlawing certain bats,it got better.. Once in awhile a guy would come up and hit it so hard your like thats gotta be illegal bat.... Turned out people were airbrushing over the banned bats....There was that big of a difference people were willing to go that far......

Probably the same dudes that showed up to beer league softball with two batting gloves, eye black, new shiny cleats.... you know the cat.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yep, the boy has a bat I bought for $5 dollars. He seems to hit just fine with it.

I was talking to a mens league softball player and he told me his bat is carbon fiber and you can't use it under 65*F. Really? Has it come to that?

A lot of the girls keep an old bat or a specific "cold" bat for playing in cold weather. The new composite bats really don't hold up well in cold weather, especially for the power hitters. 'Saw one get busted up at a tournament one time, and saw several that came apart inside the end cap. Hard to justify tearing up a $200.00 plus bat just because it's cold outside.

Well its been awhile since you bought a bat.

$200 would only cover the handle on the new composites.

You know what holds up in cold weather? Wood.

some wood!

Originally Posted by tzone

Well its been awhile since you bought a bat.

$200 would only cover the handle on the new composites.

You know what holds up in cold weather? Wood.

So, back to my question. Why aren't wood bats still used? have they been outlawed?

Well, i know when i played if we were up like 10 to 15 runs a couple guys would break out the wooden bats... That was fun!!

I dont think wooden bats have been outlawed, I just think composite bats have a huge advantage.....

Also, in Mens league they use a softer softball because of the composite bats.......

Adult softball is crazy, I used to play in tournaments, where they would fly guys in for the weekend,or drive form other states.. They were getting paid 1k or more a month...

Originally Posted by tzone

Probably the same dudes that showed up to beer league softball with two batting gloves, eye black, new shiny cleats.... you know the cat.

This reminded me of the douchebag on this team we played against in league softball. He had the eye black on under his sun glasses, his hat on backwards and wore a NY Yankee jersey. (No one else on his team did)

He was constantly screaming and taunting. Even when he was up to bat he would scream chit at the pitcher. He was yelling at us that no one has ever thrown him out when he ran bases because he was so fast. Which was true. He was very fast...until he took off from 1st to 2nd on a short grounder that our pitcher scooped up and fired right into the side of his head when he was half way between the bases. DOWN GOES FRASIER! lol

We were ready for the brawl that was surely going to commence but his teammates were laughing just as hard as we were!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

He was very fast...until he took off from 1st to 2nd on a short grounder that our pitcher scooped up and fired right into the side of his head when he was half way between the bases. DOWN GOES FRASIER! lol

We were ready for the brawl that was surely going to commence but his teammates were laughing just as hard as we were!

That made my morning.

My experience with slow pitch has mostly been Church League, and ours it pretty civilized. I've seen some other leagues play where it's very intense. Ours is more my speed. Fun, and at the end of the night, the guys share a beverage or two up in the parking lot.

My daughter's fastpitch was a whole different game. The girls played hard, and played for keeps. Ellie was a pitcher, and a pretty good one too. If the opposing pitcher hit one of her girls, Ellie wasn't the least bit afraid to return the favor. If a girl stood in on top of the plate, you could bet Ellie'd pitch her a high inside fastball right under her chin. Running the bases, if she made to second in time to break up a double play, there'd be a shortstop or a 2nd baseman laying on the ground. She wiped out a couple catchers at home too. It was the only way she knew to play the game. She hit one catcher so hard at the plate, she knocked her glove and her mask clear off of her.

Gunner,

That sounds like PA Coal Region softball rules:

Rule 1: Show no mercy

Rule 2: Take no prisoners

Rule 3: Make no apologies

Three simple rules. There was never a need for a 4th.

Proper etiquette did require that beer be shared with the opposing team after the game.

Ron

That's a given.

Back in the day...way back now I used to play pretty seriously. I'm getting too old for hard slides to second and home, with throat punches and wrestlin' matches.

I'll stick to coaching fourth grade football and little league baseball.

I'm not above arguing with a 16 year old ump on a bad call though.

It wasn't the 16 yr old ump that was the problem when I coached. It was the frustrated jock father and helicopter mother who thought their child was playing the wrong position, should be playing more than their 3 innings per game, shouldn't suffer the agony of disappointment, yada, yada, yada. Eight years old and we should be grooming them for a college scholarship when they don't yet know where 1st base is. I don't miss coaching at all.

Ron

Oh yes, there are a few like that. This year I coached 9,10, and 11. According to most parents, a try-out with a big league club is just around the corner.

Seven years ago today....feels like it was just yesterday, we lost Waylon.

It's one of those days I guess.

Guys were here yesterday and did the foam and pex tubing. Now waiting on concrete, which I thought was going to be today but now rain is threatening so not til Monday...unless something else comes up then who knows when. I understand the whole construction deal having grown up with my dad being a heavy equipment operator for over 30 years. Just you know...

Think I'll go plug in my music and mow lawn.

Have a good day everyone, sorry I'm just frustrated.

Originally Posted by tzone

Did you get a new job WB? Glad you had a great day and I hope it was a slump buster for ya!

Yes on the new job. It will be a complete different career for me. NO MORE TIMECLOCKS!

It is going very well so far and the benefits are really starting to show up.

The best part is that I got out before ND. hehehehe

I remember that day clearly.

Pam, I'll raise a glass in memory of Waylon.

The weather as sure messed up the cement contractors this year, which in turn backs everything up.

WB congrats on the new job.

Will be leaving Tuesday for Oregon.

Raising a sweaty aluminum can filled with cheap beer, for my amigo.

I miss him so much, my heart just aches. Overall, as they say it gets easier with time.

But some days that's just not true.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But some days that's just not true.

I hear ya.... I'll tip one of him.

It'll be 7 years since Lucas passed in Oct. It must take longer than 7 years to heal.

The passing of these two men have changed my out look on life. I never did get to meet Waylon, but I know he went FAR too young. Life is to live... so lets get after it!

In February of 2008 I lost my best friend of fifty years.We had been room mates in college. Walked parts of the Appalachian Trail together. Did a lot of stuff together. I loved him like the brother I never had. I miss Tom every day.
The true measure of a man is how he lives on in the minds of those he left.

Stan in SC

I shall raise a glass as well. This tugs at the heart. Sending good thoughts to Dave & Mrs ND and family as well as Muffy and her family. May you find peace.

As most of you know, I lost my brother to an accident a few months before Waylon. They were nearly the same age. Like Dave, I miss him every day. Time may fade the memory a bit, but I'm not sure it gets any easier.

So I try to focus on the positive. On August 2, his 43rd birthday, my boy and I are going to put up a half dozen wood duck boxes. My brother and I spent our best times together in the marsh. The wood duck nests will bring new life there...sort of completing the circle.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Probably the same dudes that showed up to beer league softball with two batting gloves, eye black, new shiny cleats.... you know the cat.

This reminded me of the douchebag on this team we played against in league softball. He had the eye black on under his sun glasses, his hat on backwards and wore a NY Yankee jersey. (No one else on his team did)

He was constantly screaming and taunting. Even when he was up to bat he would scream chit at the pitcher. He was yelling at us that no one has ever thrown him out when he ran bases because he was so fast. Which was true. He was very fast...until he took off from 1st to 2nd on a short grounder that our pitcher scooped up and fired right into the side of his head when he was half way between the bases. DOWN GOES FRASIER! lol

We were ready for the brawl that was surely going to commence but his teammates were laughing just as hard as we were!

In the late '70's we had a pretty intense intramural Navy league at Barber's Point NAS. There was a guy like that on one of the teams. Just an A number one a$$hole! We were playing them one afternoon and he was trying to score from second base on a hit to left field. I was playing third base and set up for the relay to home. As I took the throw and whirled to throw home, in the back of my mind I'm thinking, "that sucker is either gonna be 'out' or 'out cold' ". The ball whizzed between his ear and his shoulder...I'm guessing it missed his ear by no more than inch and he flinched big time!

OUT! After the inning was over our catcher came up to me and asked with a smirk, "you were trying to hit that guy weren't you?" I just smiled.

The shortstop on our high school team (drafted right out of high school) was really good at turning double plays and used a side armed throw to first to get the runner to slide. In a game one afternoon, the runner going to second was a bit slow to slide and the ball nailed him right above the bill of his helmet. Out cold! The ball ended up going over the bleachers along the first base line.

Ellie had a heated rivalry with another pitcher from our same town. They were always vying for top honors in our program until they both went to club teams and didn't cross paths much any more. In a dome game one winter, the other pitcher hit one batter all day, and it happened to be my daughter. This girl had good control, and it was no accident. It was a fastball, and drilled her right in the ribs. Ellie sneered at her, and told her "nice change-up!" as she took her base. She ended up coming all the way around to score the winning run. They were only up by one going into the last inning when the other pitcher came up. Ellie knew she couldn't risk hitting her with the game close, but she sure made it an interesting at bat. Three high insdie fastballs, all aimed at her head. By the third time diving out of the way, she wanted nothing to do with Ellie. The coach was just going beserk, yelling from third base that Ellie was trying to hit her. A curve ball across the outside corner for strike one, a fastball right down the middle, and a low out side change up that she was a good three feet in front of as she flailed at it. Ellie's catcher said to the opposing pitcher, "now THAT'S how you use a CHANGEUP!"

There are no bugs today, because the wind is blowing 40 mph.

Here too. It's really nice out though. We had to have gotten about 2" of rain yesterday.

Originally Posted by tzone

Here too. It's really nice out though. We had to have gotten about 2" of rain yesterday.

Put in perspective with the recent weather, that's darned near a drought.

I will also tip one to those we have lost.

I used to be as competitive as any in my younger years, but I havent been in any league or competitive game for a few years now. I am not sure how that happened. I am not sure I miss it.

How many of you look forward to the week simply from the standpoint that you can now rest up a bit? Man, we sure peg the fun meter on the weekends! I have always thought about taking some sick time to just sleep!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I miss him so much, my heart just aches. Overall, as they say it gets easier with time.

But some days that's just not true.

I hear ya man. Saturday started out kind of tough but we went and spent time with Makes no Patties and she had the grand baby for the day. He sat in my lap and I gave him a kiss on the top of his head and told him that was from his grandpa and he got a huge smile on his face. It cheered me up too.

7 years...hard to believe

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I will also tip one to those we have lost.

I used to be as competitive as any in my younger years, but I havent been in any league or competitive game for a few years now. I am not sure how that happened. I am not sure I miss it.

At some point around 30-33, stuff started to hurt after those games. In 2007 I dislocated my shoulder diving for a ball in our company volleyball team, playoffs on the line. Beer league quality of course... It kinda sucks the fun out of that stuff, when you tough it out through the night and need help to get out of bed, getting dressed, pain meds, etc.

Especially, since now I can't throw a ball worth a damn because of it and I used to have a darn good throwing arm.

That's a long way of saying, I don't miss it.

I haven't played a competitive hockey game since 1999. I can't saw I miss that either. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hockey, but I'd rather play with the neighbor kids on the street and pond.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I miss him so much, my heart just aches. Overall, as they say it gets easier with time.

But some days that's just not true.

I hear ya man. Saturday started out kind of tough but we went and spent time with Makes no Patties and she had the grand baby for the day. He sat in my lap and I gave him a kiss on the top of his head and told him that was from his grandpa and he got a huge smile on his face. It cheered me up too.

7 years...hard to believe

We wanted to come down and visit, but we were at home waiting for the concrete guys to show.

It's Monday now, and I'm still waiting for the concrete guys to show.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I miss him so much, my heart just aches. Overall, as they say it gets easier with time.

But some days that's just not true.

I hear ya man. Saturday started out kind of tough but we went and spent time with Makes no Patties and she had the grand baby for the day. He sat in my lap and I gave him a kiss on the top of his head and told him that was from his grandpa and he got a huge smile on his face. It cheered me up too.

7 years...hard to believe

We wanted to come down and visit, but we were at home waiting for the concrete guys to show.

It's Monday now, and I'm still waiting for the concrete guys to show.

I imagine they are backed up big time with all the dang rain we have been getting huh?

They fail to act when opportunities open up.

We have basically sacrificed the month of June for these clowns, they have strung us along with promises of "tomorrow" for about 6 weeks now.

Time for new clowns...

Can you send them a formal letter explaining you're loosing business because of their lack production?

And with loss of business due to their incompetence in scheduling, lack of production on a signed contract, and lack of "good-faith" effort to complete said contract work on good weather production days within a reasonable amount of time, you'll be forced to send assessed damages of business lost, to them in a "net10" billing. And be forced to seek another competent contractor that is willing to completed contract work on time?

^ that.

They're getting quite a reputation for this around the area. They feel like they are "locked in" because they started & even have their forms in place.

A letter like T referred to should spark a fire. They will be familiar with the terminology.

Have to agree with Tom. I know the weather has been an issue, but some folks use it as an ongoing excuse. If you happen to talk to them, ask them how the fish are biting.

Speaking of weather, you can cut the air with a knife here. Supposed to have heavy storms coming through this afternoon.

There is a system spinning in on us the size of Montana.

I think we gonna get wet, and my 50' by 60' foam sprayed shallow pool will finally get filled.

Free swim tomorrow.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They fail to act when opportunities open up.

We have basically sacrificed the month of June for these clowns, they have strung us along with promises of "tomorrow" for about 6 weeks now.

I would be pizzed. Maybe Tzone is on to something

Take a picture tomorrow too. Send the both in the letter with the nice day picture highlighted. Hold the responsible for any and all damages that occurred since they were not there to pour concrete or didn't take measures to protect the work they were scheduled to cover with said concrete.

Pictures and documentation are your best friends in this situation. If you have a lawyer friend in town to send the letter, or have official letterhead already, even better.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There is a system spinning in on us the size of Montana.

I think we gonna get wet, and my 50' by 60' foam sprayed shallow pool will finally get filled.

Free swim tomorrow.

[Linked Image]

It looks like you are getting some nice sunny days over there.

Yep, real nice concrete weather.

What is the foam/pex thing gonna be? A swimming pool or a pond? I couldn't find it going back a few pages sorry.

I've enjoyed what I've read on this thread tremendously.

If it rains tonight... It'll be both.

Hook up the boiler and make giant a hot tub.

Originally Posted by Paradiddle

What is the foam/pex thing gonna be? A swimming pool or a pond? I couldn't find it going back a few pages sorry.

I've enjoyed what I've read on this thread tremendously.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8983637/1

That will get you up to speed Paradiddle

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Paradiddle

What is the foam/pex thing gonna be? A swimming pool or a pond? I couldn't find it going back a few pages sorry.

I've enjoyed what I've read on this thread tremendously.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8983637/1

That will get you up to speed Paradiddle

perfect. Thank you!

Originally Posted by Paradiddle

What is the foam/pex thing gonna be? A swimming pool or a pond? I couldn't find it going back a few pages sorry.

I've enjoyed what I've read on this thread tremendously.

The foam is a combination of 1" foam sheeting plus another inch of sprayed foam which creates an insulation liner between the ground and the concrete which will be poured inside that foam area. It's sort of like a foam lined mold for a concrete slab that my new shop will be built on. The maze of small white tubing on top of the yellow foam will circulate hot water. The entire concrete slab becomes a heating element.

That is how we will heat this new shop in the winter months.

Assuming it's poured by the winter months. Don't get over-confident, ND.

Ron

Happy birthday to my dearest friend.

I hope you and your dad found yourself a nice fishing hole up in heaven. I can almost hear the conversation from the 16 ft aluminum fishing boat as the waves slap away at the sides.

Dusty is on the tiller, kicks it into gear to position the boat towards a couple of guys that are getting too close to his fishing spot. The motor dies, he calls the motor "Newt"

"Well... Come on now, what's the matter there Newt?" Hits the starter button and hits his shift with a hair more RPM this time and Newt holds idle.

He takes a bite of his sandwich. It's a buttered bun with a slice of liverwurst in it.

Waylon's rod tip is tapping... donk-donk-donk... he leads into the fish, takes up the line.. waits to feel the weight of the fish hanging on as the boat drift tightens the line further. He's there... a swift line set...

"Dang it!"

Dusty: "What's the matter with ya? Poor fisherman? Haa! Haa! Haa!"

Waylon: "He got my minnow"

Happy birthday Waylon. 44 today.

Fishin on Waylons birthday, in heaven?

You think they ain't?!!!

I can hear uncle dustys laugh when Waylon misses that fish. Man I miss him!

Spot on! lol

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Our church is doing a series on heaven and I have found it really interesting. It sounds like it will be a lot more like earth than I had previously thought, only better. My question is, will we miss fish in heaven or will we catch them all?

And here is why I struggle with that....using this example....in Waylon's version of heaven, he wouldnt miss that fish! In Dusty's version, Waylon would also miss the next 7 fish! So which is right??

Lol... That's funny.

In my version, I don't care if we catch fish, but I would like the river current to slow and the wind at my back so I can get the boat on the trailer straight.

That is funny B-man! And as each fish was lost Dusty would laugh harder and harder. I've been the subject of that. I know! lol

Dave, your concrete crew is working in SD. Wind was unreal today. MY mileage dropped from 24 to 18.5. Spending the night in Gillette, WY.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Our church is doing a series on heaven and I have found it really interesting. It sounds like it will be a lot more like earth than I had previously thought, only better. My question is, will we miss fish in heaven or will we catch them all?

And here is why I struggle with that....using this example....in Waylon's version of heaven, he wouldnt miss that fish! In Dusty's version, Waylon would also miss the next 7 fish! So which is right??

I have no doubt whatsoever when I get there that the results will be the same. Dad will have 5 fish in the boat before I get the bird's nest out of my damned baitcaster. That wicked little grin will come across his face as he looks at me in amusement. Things will be normal once again.

So who's got plans for the 4th? We're heading up to Emily for Thurs.-Sunday. Hoping to knock the Whitefish Chain off my Minnesota bucket list. It's about 25 minutes from where we're staying in Emily. Should any of our members be up in the Emily area for the weekend, how 'bout stopping by for a hot dog on the grill one night?

Best wishes for a happy and safe 4th to all the Chickenbuckers.

I think we're going to the rodeo, little man is going to try the mutton bustin. After that who knows, probably do some BBQin and getting ready for the following weekend, mama is all a flutter with what needs to be done before the big day.

been busy as heck this summer, food plots are looking great, even seeing some broods the last couple weeks. saw a bobwhite yesterday, they are pretty rare here.

We will be celebrating my Dad's 79th birthday on the 3rd. Than on the morning of the 4th, we are hauling the fish camper up to the in-laws cabin. My sisters and BIL are coming down from up 'nort to spend the weekend with us. My oldest sis is bringing my great nephew along. I can't wait to see him. We pretty much raised that boy in his infant and toddler years while my niece got her life straight. He is 6 now and we don't get to see him much so really looking forward to teaching him how to fish etc.

Have a safe 4th everyone!

We will be busy "laking" it. We have a kiddie parade on the south end in the morning, then a boat parade with everyone on the lake that ends in a potluck that evening. Lots of tubing, skiing and swimming in between. A 5K starts our Saturday morning off before Survivor Day at my uncles.

What is Survivor Day? You know the TV show Survivor? We all come up with stupid games, form into 2 teams and compete like crazy. Some great games have been thought up over the years. Like finding an M&M with only your mouth (no hands) in a diaper full of chocolate pudding. The fun meter is primed to be pegged this weekend. Everyone have a fun and safe 4th!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

been busy as heck this summer, food plots are looking great, even seeing some broods the last couple weeks. saw a bobwhite yesterday, they are pretty rare here.

Keep those food plots high and tight. I'll be there in a few months.

saw a nice buck yesterday, main beams are well past his ears and are 12" high off his head. tines were about 4-5" and there is a lot of time to grow yet. I'm thinking this will be a year of really good deer

We got a nice one on our trail cam too! Stoking the fire!

I'll be putting my cam out today, hopefully I can get a pic of the big boys

2nd day of July today.

This morning I was out inspecting the rainwater situation on the foam liner for our future shop slab. The Styrofoam liner is holding a little rain water. There was ice, the water out there froze last night.

I have pics on my cell phone, I'll upload in a bit.

[Linked Image]

Does all the water need to off of the foam before they can pour the concrete?

They tell me a lot will get displaced (pushed off) as they pour but they will blow/vac as much as they can off prior to pour.

(This means I will be doing that)

The old story on concrete, is the more water, the weaker the result.

yep, that's why I want it mixed thick and I want that water gone. That's why I say I figure I'll be doing it, I figure that's how I will spend my Sunday. Supposed to pour on Monday now.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We got a nice one on our trail cam too! Stoking the fire!

Speaking of those, I picked one up last weekend. A Wildgame Razor6. It came with batteries and an SD card as well for $89. I thought that was a pretty good deal. I have 3 now that work...for now.

mine are all out in the woods tied to trees with dead batteries and full memory cards (from last deer season)

lol!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They tell me a lot will get displaced (pushed off) as they pour but they will blow/vac as much as they can off prior to pour.

(This means I will be doing that)

Construction speak for.. "we are too lazy to get that water off of the foam, so if you want it gone, do it yourself."

I got the boat nearly ready for the weekend. First time on the water this year. Registered it this morning. BTW, I don't think the DNR wants us to have boats on their precious water anymore with how difficult they're making it just to register the damn things.

Picked up a new Lowrance color locator. Kind of a cute little sucker.

New lights, put in a battery charger, seat extensions, fresh gas.

After sitting since August of last year, the old 1976 Evinrude 15hp popped right off on the 4th pull. I'm getting pretty excited to wet a line. GG has been asking me to get down and out with him. Well, now that work has slowed, I might have to.

I may have missed it, rebar, or mesh in that floor?

Yes.

(Both)

Fiber too.

To more questions, air entrained?

How much is a cubic yard?

Originally Posted by wabigoon

How much is a cubic yard?

27 square feet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes.

(Both)

Fiber too.

Jeesh.... that's floor ain't movin!

You won't need air so don't pay for it. As long as you'll have the roof on the entire time you'll be OK.

All right, how many US Dollars does that "yard" cost?
One cubic yard of ready mix concrete that is.

"Now days everyone is a comedian", but I would not quit that day job.

I'm not going to answer that question for Dave, but where I live, on a daily basis, 1cy of mix with air entrainment and 3/4" or 11/2" stone is $130/yd. That price is for ordering 1000's of yards a month. It's not cheap anymore, but asphalt is just as bad.

Thank you for a straight answer.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by wabigoon

How much is a cubic yard?

27 square feet.

I don't think anyone here expected anything less from T.

But it's 27 cubic feet Mr. engineer. Sorry, I had to correct.

I sure wish I could help ND push this project along. I may have some legal ideas. The better ones won't be spoken of here.

I never in 100 months figured that I'd be self-employeed before my good bud ND. Such is life I guess. This will give me more time to get a head start on him I guess.

I don't think my patients would have lasted this long. Something to be said about that.

"Chickenbuck Restorations". What a great potential for a reality TV series we have here. It would be like a combination of "Duck Dynasty" and "American Restorations" with a touch of "American Pickers" and "Deadliest Catch" thrown in. The show would start out with "preacher" pointing the way north or "up" cause that's where the Chickenbucks are.

Stan in SC

what is the new venture WB?

this bug must be going around,I'm actually today setting up my new (side) business. I'll be doing it on the side of my regular wildlife job, because that one is just too fun

but without a raise of any kind in years, I figure I have to do something to get ahead. there isn't a company that repairs/installs or sells garage doors for 60 miles. I've had people contact me to help them with theirs and all have said I need to start a business because no one else is. So I'll hang out my shingle and give it a go. hardest part will be figuring out what all I have to do legally for licensing/insurance/taxes etc. but I have all day with a sick little girl so I'm sure I can figure it out (I hope).

I'm doing equipment appraisals and sales for an online auction company. Ag, construction, trucks, vehicles and RV's but very heavy on the AG & construction end.

I'll be putting in a bunch of hours but it will be a very flexible schedule. No timeclock. That's right. No timeclock. That's still sinking in for me.

I have some other good investment opportunities on my plate that I wasn't able to pursue with a 9-5 job.

I've also been approached with some project management and product development gigs but I'm going to settle into this first & take on more if time allows. I don't want to get spread so thin that the bear cub forgets who I am.

ah, the times they are a-changin'!

Sure is nice to see some people chase their dreams. I really hope it works out for everyone. I know that any time I hear someone talking about restoring an old car, I will pipe up with, "Hey, I know a guy who is really good at that!"

My daughter is in 4H and is doing the shooting sports. She shoots BB gun and archery every Wed. Pretty fun to watch her learn and it gave me the bug too and I have been shooting the bow the last few nights.

Youth Day Update: Things are rolling along and coming together. Lots of organizations have committed. Gonna be a great event on Aug 24.

Excellent news BM. When is the Game Fair? That's on August right? When that kicks off, it usually sets my hunting bug into overdrive!

Yes, WB... Ya got me on the cubic feet.

I would guess Gemefair is Aug 9 and 16. That is one of the reasons I moved our Youth Day to Aug 24.

Thats great WB! be careful with the no time clock thing, it's easy to overwork yourself.

am I the only one who gets giddy when they have a trail camera out and feels like time is crawling by between checking it?
I catch myself thinking about what might be on it several times a day. it's too early to be feeling the fever isn't it?

I am right there with ya Ryan! We have been getting pictures of bucks during the daytime, so right this very minute there could be one in front of my camera. And my brother has the fever worses than me. I also love seeing the other types of critters out there. Although I am worried to death I might see a wolf.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yes, WB... Ya got me on the cubic feet.

Sorry but it comes with the business as you know very well.

Have a great 4th everyone! We'll keep the politics to the campfire fourm. Bless this great country's birthday of independence & the conditions we all live in. We know it could be worse.

I feel fortunate that we can all base our decisions on our own thoughts & desires. We can still make our own choices.

Go to a parade, salute a soldier or vet, enjoy the day & celebrate safely.

Happy 4th to all!! I'm Gfabbing the geR and my line will be wet by 5:15. The weather is perfect, kids are happy, grandma is happy the kids are at the cabin... Pretty dang good right now!

Than you to the vets that make this still the greatest country in the world to live in.

Happy Birthday to our great Nation! on this day our forefathers decided to carve out a better country for all of us. most were wealthy men, and they sacrificed everything they had to the cause and this great nation. most lost their families and businesses and died with nothing more than a legacy of this country we call home.
God Bless America now and forever.

Have a safe Independence day everyone!

I'm sipping coffee, sitting on a wooden swing overlooking a small lake. Calm water, occasional fish jumping, loons laughing.

It's great.

Thanks guys for the nice patriotic posts on the 4th. It's important to express these traditional patriotic values. It's the only way we can expect our kids to pick these values up. Lord knows they won't get it in the schools these days.

Have a safe and happy red white and blue weekend everybody!

From the battlements of Fort Ticonderoga!

Happy Fourth of July!!

Very cool ET.

Have a GREAT 4th everyone.

Gas is up to $4 a gallon here in Portland.

GS IS having a great time teasing grandma Judy.

Hope everyone had a great Fourth!

ours was perfect, I mowed the lawn, kids played with a few sparklers, some bottle rockets. Mama and I enjoyed a couple of beers while grilling and we let the kids stay up, eating ice cream and watching the fireworks over town.

Had neighborhood fireworks going off until 2:30 this morning.

Son left for the coast at 2:30 to crew on his buddies boat for tuna. The tuna run just started. Todd's buddy is licensed to sell fish this year so they hope to get into the fish and make few bucks.

that would be so fun! I would volunteer to do a stint catching tuna like that! tell him to take pics!

Son's group only caught 16 tuna. Two of the guys wanted to keep their fish, so kept one and gave the rest to the others. Quite few boats had no tuna. Friday was the hot day with most boats bringing in 40 or more.

Silver salmon were hitting and the guys limited with 2 each.

They also set crab pots and trapped 18 legal Dungeness crabs. Guess what we're having for dinner tonight.

Brats?

Originally Posted by tzone

Brats?

with cheese,and beer?

It's concrete day.

(Fingers crossed)

Good luck!

Great ND! I have been telling people about the ice up at your place and they are amazed.

Man, what a weekend. 3 days on the lake swimming, tubing, skiing, etc. My kids are completely worn out. In fact, they are still sleeping, which NEVER happens with my kids. They are all early risers so to have even 1 of them sleep to 7 is rare. To have all of them sleeping at 7:55 is unheard of!

When I hear of something like tuna fishing, I am reminded of all the things there are to do in life that one never gets to do!

Now that the 4th has passed, do we get to look forward to fall?

Our remodel is done,had our first weekend of everything back to normal..
Kids had a great 4th as well...Been on the lake everyday since Thursday..Just swimming were still no wake here. I think pretty soon they will lift it. My daughter got a pair of learning water skis for her B-day.. Shes itching to go...

I will be elk and mule deer hunting in WY this fall...Cant wait to run around in the mountains...

I got a message from the gopher that he's not doing well. He's trying to get to the doc today. I'll give an updated when I get one.

Now that the 4th has passed, it's time to start looking at where to sit in the bushes. The days are getting shorter, so it's creeping up on us!

I put in for my lisc. app for SD to shoot one of Ryan's monster bucks he's tied up for me. If I don't draw, it should be HUGE next year.

I have a young lady that is going to hunt with me this year. You may have seen her in the turkey hunting pictuers. I'm pretty excited because my little girl has never shown much interest in deer hunting. She'll be taking hunters safety this fall.

Just heard some good news for ND, Nate told me the pour should be complete as of now....Lets see some pics Dave!

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Have a GREAT 4th everyone.

Gas is up to $4 a gallon here in Portland.

GS IS having a great time teasing grandma Judy.

Bill,

We are @ $1.40 per litre, up here ! That's $5.32 per USG !

OUCH!

youth tags out here are $10 I believe. season runs from sept 1 - jan 15th I think as well.

goes for anyone who has kids and wants to take them on a hunt they will never forget. it's antlerless only. I can steer folks in the right direction

Are the youth tags over the counter as well. Great way to get the kids hunting!

not OTC, you have to buy them through the mail or website. but there is no limit. statewide any antlerless (deer mule deer or whitetail)

http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/deer/youth.aspx

Buschy - if you want to come out here by me send me a PM, I'll hook you up.

I was wrong, season is sept 13- jan 15th age 12-18.

I saw the slab today!

They had the buffers out putting on the finishing touches when I stopped by.

The project will go fast now.

I fully expect to have a cup of coffee poured from the shop coffee pot this weekend.

saw the pour pics, that sucker is huge!

While ND was distracted I carved my name in the wet concrete.

Shhhhhh. Don't tell him.

Pics tomorrow.

"Winning"

Did you sneak this year's penny in?

I'm to "tight" for that old trick.

T, any word on gopher? Sending good thoughts.

ND - I'm sure that's a load off your mind. Good things are happening!

Gopher, if you read this, we are pulling for ya here. Oh, and could you do me a favor? Find a cute nurse and pinch her in the butt!

Awwww back at work. NOW I can rest...

Gopher sending thoughts and prayers your way man.

Dave and Pam - Good to see the slab finally poured. About time huh?

We had a good weekend at the lake. Lots of sun in the day and lots of lightening and thunder and rain at night. We had a heck of storm push through on Saturday night. 2 3/4" of rain and constant lightening and thunder from 1:00 am to about 2:00 am. The yard at the cabin had ankle deep water all over it on Sunday.

I got a message from the gopher. He's home with a fever and on meds. He has a virus and not heart related issues. Keep sending well wishes his way.

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a message from the gopher. He's home with a fever and on meds. He has a virus and not heart related issues. Keep sending well wishes his way.

Will do. Glad it's not heart related

Gopher, good thoughts coming your way.

We're looking at 5 days of 90� temps and no a/c starting Thursday.

Are you still out west Bill?

Good news on GG,get well soon, thoughts and prayers your way

ND, are you going to put a coating or sealant on that slab?

Yep, be here until the 25th.

Just talked with my DIL, over in South Africa. She says it's cold there. Not sure if she's started her hunt yet. GS grabbed the phone to talk to her. Son was on a business call so she's calling back.

Hey Bill,
I just noticed your sig line. I like it!

A quick update for everone on our Youth Day that my PF chapter is organizing. We have around 30 businesses/organizations that are on board with a bunch more that I expect will commit. Our activities so far are trap shooting, BB gun, archery, shoot/dont shoot course, casting clinic, dog training (two different trainers), bike safety, DNR Cons Officers, DNR Wall of Shame, Tomahawk/knife throwing, duck calling, Fur identification, turkey calls and blinds, Food plot prep, the PF shooting trailer, a professional exhibition shooter, boat safety, and ATV safety. I am almost positive we will also have a mock blood trail, taxidermy, shelter building, orienteering, geocaching, outdoor cooking, fire building, tree stand safety, gun cleaning and maybe a few more.

That is a pretty good lineup, eh? If you know anyone with kids within driving range of Alexandria, it will be Sunday, Aug 24th from 11 am to 4 pm. it is completely free and we will provide lunch and tshirts for the kids!

Gophergunner is going to help I believe, so it will be fun to meet him for the first time in person.

nothing on trapping?

that's quite a line up of activities!

I didn't realize I was a topic of discussion here. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. Over the weekend I became very listless and lightheaded when ever I'd stand up or bend over. With the recent heart issues it's a concern. We were up north of Brainerd, and I decided to wait until I could get back to my care team in the cities. I also was getting sick with some kind of crud, which is a concern because they said I got the Congestive Heart Failure from a virus.

I went in right away yesterday and saw my heart specialists, and after a battery of tests, they said whatever virus I had was causing the problems, not an heart issues. Still running a fever this morning, but it seems to be gone this afternoon. I'll be back to work tomorrow. I'm very lucky that my work isn't physical-I'm an optician. You guys that are working more with your backs and hands really have my respect. I would have missed much more work if I was a laborer or tradesman.

Thanks for everyone's concern, and I am looking forward to getting up to see Berettaman in August to help out with his youth day project. I get the impression he would never ask for help-I volunteered to pitch in. If you guys have the time available, I'd be willing to bet he could use the help. Just the kind of stuff us Campfire guys do for one another.

Hang in there!

Trapping will be there too, Ryan, I just missed listing them!

whew, ok

Dave, any pics of that finished slab? or are you building on it already?

GG, sorry to hear you were sick. I'm relieved that it's not another heart problem. Are you up and about again?

Ron

Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a concern when it's a virus, as that's what got me in the hospital in the first place. No dizziness yesterday, so I guess whatever it was, I'm over the hump.

Goph,

Just caught up. Glad it wasn't ya ticker & that you are on the mend.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dave, any pics of that finished slab? or are you building on it already?

Dave's obviously busy. Either that, or he's working so hard that's he's developed a severe case of "monkey butt" !!

Shop slab is a sensitive subject at the moment.

Sorry to hear that Dave.

Didn't mean to spray brake clean on an open wound !

It's alright, Paul.

I know that a business man has to roll with issues everyday.

This particular issue happens to be pretty important as we are talking about my floor. I do NOT want floor issues in my shop, not now, not 5 years from now and not 20 years from now.

Putting the little 30 hp tractor on our trailer tonight. Joey and I will head for chickenbuck tomorrow when I am done with work.

Haven't been there since we had too much snow to drive in there.

Our mission, mow some tall grass if possible with the 3 point brush mower mounted on the tractor. The mower is at camp, we will bring tractor and mower home after our work out there.

We have some serious mowing to do at home as well.

But as for tomorrow, it will be the first cutting of the year at the cabin, it will be ugly mowing. But we'll hit it again shortly with the good mower and straighten it out.

Bring lots of bug spray!

Dave,I have a ATV brush mower and was mowing my fields at home last night, did about 8 acres i think. was quite a bit. Lots of bugs, Grass was higher than my RZR in alot of places. Good luck at camp, RWS said bug party out there next weekend!

That is true, bring your own bugs!

Or not, we may have plenty to go around.

Change some batteries in the trail cams too! Get those suckers up and running.

I'm itchin to get to chickenbuck. It's been waaaaay too long. I have to get up there for one season or another this year. Muzzle loader at the very least.

I'd like to bring some lumber up and put a decent stand up where my ladder is. I have one hunter that can hunt now and one that won't leave my side so, I'm gonna needs some room!

It's a good problem to have as far as I'm concerned.

That leads me to another good problem. I need a left handed rifle for a pretty little girl. I'm thinking .243 is the animal, but woudn't be opposed to a .223, 7-08. Something light recoiling.

She's 5' tall now and growing. I like the Savage Lady hunter a lot, but they don't come in lefty.

Hmmm... this reminds me I need to work with a certain 10 yr old practicing with a certain 220 swift for this years deer season.....

Oh yeah... I forgot, he's old enough! Holy crap!!

ND still has some connections to get some awesome brackets for building deer stands. Makes it way easier & not so much figuring angles & stuff.

but you dont have those connections?

I will need some no matter what. pm, call, or text me with some details please.

Dave I need 4 brackets.....

Been a bad 3 days. Had a bad case of constipation. Went to the ER and got flushed out. Hopefully took care of the problem.

Uff-da Bill. My sympathies. That can be REALLY painful. And dangerous. Are you home yet? Hope you're feeling better.

I had the opposite problem the other night. Cheap beer and habanero goose sticks.

No more needs to be said.

Tom - I got mama a mini mauser lefty in .223 and rebarreled to a 6x45. she LOVES it. it's 4/5ths the size of a regular rifle and fits her perfectly. wish we were closer I'd loan it to you to try.
I see them go up for sale on gunbroker every so often. usually .223 but sometimes 7.62x39. that would wollup some deers.

sorry to hear of the troubles Bill. sounds like it hurts!

Still in Portland.

Bill,
It would have been chaper to go eat some bad Mexican takeout!

What do those brackets look like? Could we possibly see a picture if it isnt too much trouble? Is it something that can be shipped?

Originally Posted by Grizzly_Bill

Still in Portland.

It's not fun feeling crappy (or not crappy, if you'll pardon the pun) on the road. Hope you're feeling 100% now.

cf

I think I'm going to get her a savage lady hunter or a savage axis. We will see what fits her I guess. I want her to start out with a bolt action. I'm still keeping an eye open for a browning micro in a lefty as well.

T-

I have both of those, a LH Micro-hunter in 7mm-08 and an Axis youth LH in 223. I'm not looking to sell but could tell you a little about them.

I might know where there's a LH Micro-hunter in 223. I'll see if I can hunt down the guy's #.

Originally Posted by tzone

That leads me to another good problem. I need a left handed rifle for a pretty little girl. I'm thinking .243 is the animal, but woudn't be opposed to a .223, 7-08. Something light recoiling.

She's 5' tall now and growing. I like the Savage Lady hunter a lot, but they don't come in lefty.

I have a .223 Handi, scoped, that you can use if you need something.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Gopher, if you read this, we are pulling for ya here. Oh, and could you do me a favor? Find a cute nurse and pinch her in the butt!

If he is at Abbott Northwestern and pinches my ass, it's your fault.....

Wait, you said cute.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

T-

I have both of those, a LH Micro-hunter in 7mm-08 and an Axis youth LH in 223. I'm not looking to sell but could tell you a little about them.

I might know where there's a LH Micro-hunter in 223. I'll see if I can hunt down the guy's #.

Point, I guess I'd be real interested in that .223! Please let me know what you come up with.

Dave, I'm not to thatpoint yet, but don't put it away too far back inthe safe. Thank to you and PB for the help so far.

Well, I was into the ER at Burnsville 3 times in 24 hours. The leg pain has kept getting worse, to the point I coulnd't sleep at all. They've got me pretty doped up at this time. I'm on dilautid and valium. Told me to quit taking the oxycondone they gave me the night before. Hoping we don't make a 4th visit to the ER tonight. Really sucks spending so much time over there. I got kinda feisty last night. 'Told 'em they'd better get this right, that I was getting pretty fed up with the results, and was about ready to go find another care facility. We'll see what happens. 'Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm so sick and tired of watching TV I could just puke.

Sorry to hear of this,Jeff.
What is the leg pain from?
best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Jeff,

Take care of yourself. Watch all the TV now. Rest up and shut it off in mid-September and leave it off til deer season is over in Dec!

This is but a blip Jeff. Get healthy! Go find some Fresh Tracks with Randy Newbert or On Your Own Adventures shows to watch.

Went out to the hunting land last night and saw over 30 deer including 1 really nice 10 pointer. Way beyond his ears in width and nice height. He will now invade my dreams nightly for the next, oh, say 115 days!

But who's counting right?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, I was into the ER at Burnsville 3 times in 24 hours. The leg pain has kept getting worse, to the point I coulnd't sleep at all. They've got me pretty doped up at this time. I'm on dilautid and valium. Told me to quit taking the oxycondone they gave me the night before. Hoping we don't make a 4th visit to the ER tonight. Really sucks spending so much time over there. I got kinda feisty last night. 'Told 'em they'd better get this right, that I was getting pretty fed up with the results, and was about ready to go find another care facility. We'll see what happens. 'Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm so sick and tired of watching TV I could just puke.

Jeff,

Did they do an ultrasound to check for blood clots in that leg? As you may remember, I had a bout of that last fall right at deer season. Clots in my leg and both lungs. I had no symptoms in the lungs but my leg hurt like hell! I hope they checked for it or ruled it out already.

Yeah, they ran an ultrasound, and it revealed nothing.

Jeff,

You are bumming me out. Get better soon so ya can come over and check the new place out. It's coming along nicely.

We moved in last month:

I built a rolling workbench to compliment the built-ins:

We did the turtle races in Perham:

Built a rocket:

Lost a rocket (fourth launch, bigger engine, high wind):

Grilled a bunch:

Wore the little-ones out on the backyard play set (they seem to always get the high ground against me for nerf-gun wars):

[img]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/823/vnf1j.jpg[/img]

And finished cleaning up/unpacking the shop:

[img]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/853/xvh5.jpg[/img]

Awesome!

I can't take it anymore... I'm going to the deer camp in a few weeks. I'm brining some lumber, trail cams, a tent, oak-wood, a wheeler, and as many guns as I can jam in the back seat.

July 15 and Tzone broke!

Good man!

It's this weather. It feels like September. Of course when I go up it will be 91* and 99 7% humidity.

I think we will all snap before long. I am hanging by a thread. Only the threat of August is keeping me from serious fall fever.

Ahh... August is fine. The nights are cooling off, and the next month is September.

I saw an ad for the game-fair today. August 8,9,10 and 15,16,17.

Well, my buddies daughter just said she wants to go this year. She took the hunter-safety course, and we are hitting the range next week to see what she likes.

Of course, I had to go out and make sure that the deer rifles are properly zero'd, and now I am getting Fall Fever.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome!

I can't take it anymore... I'm going to the deer camp in a few weeks. I'm brining some lumber, trail cams, a tent, oak-wood, a wheeler, and as many guns as I can jam in the back seat.

"as many guns as I can jam in the back seat........" You been sniffin' Ingwe's leopard spot thong again Tom?

No. Why wouldn't I bring a lot of guns to the place I shoot guns?

Only reason I can think of is if you were concerned about needing new springs or shocks on the restored truck you have been working on. Otherwise no reason not to bring all of them to where you shoot.

I was just giving Jeffy-boy a rough time. I know for a fact I can get more guns in the back seat than I own. Has anyone ever hunted with northern_dave and helped him unload at camp.

He brings a few.

guilty.

I never have less than 40 guns while at hunting camp.

I mean if I actually owned that many.......

any updates on shop dave? wheres some pics.

Nuthing to show bud.

whens the restoration going to happen?

The restoration of the brand new slab?

Answer: Not soon enough.

Me thinks you need a road trip. Chickenbuck, meat, libations, blueberries, gunpowder, wood. Not necessarily in that order.

I agree.

doubtful on the firewood cutting, but I'm thinking some trail riding on/in ATV's and some blueberry picking.

Yeah, I agree.

Firewood cutting, at this time of the year, is a precursor to a case of monkey butt !

I'd say! I cut some for my dad last weekend and I was soaked to the bone with sweat because of the humidity and my fatness.

Well I just put the boat up for sale. If anybody knows anyone who would like a great boat, lemme know. 2006 Ranger Reata 1750 with Yamaha 115 4 stroke.

The good news is, I put it on Craigs list. I figure I got about 15 minutes before Mujibar contacts me telling me that I was in his Dad's will and he left me $12 million.

You couldn't wait til next year eh? Damnit!

Send me a PM with what you're asking.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The good news is, I put it on Craigs list. I figure I got about 15 minutes before Mujibar contacts me telling me that I was in his Dad's will and he left me $12 million.

Holy crap! I gotta find sumptin to put on the craigslists STAT!

Why are you selling your boat BM? Are you like the rest of us 40 somethings that have literally NO TIME for the things we used to do religiously?

Well after 5 years... She's painted! I'll post some pics later bit my 78 f150 is painted. It was my first crack at it. My dad did a spot, stopped, and said "here ya go!" I was a bit surprised, but ran with it.

It looks ok. Not great, or even good IMO, but I learned a hellova lot al of the way.

I think tomorrow is a good day to load up the family & Ranger & visit Chickenbuck.
Friends, wheelers, blueberries.... What more can a guy ask for?????

Do you guys get any decent sized berries up there? We used to go pick berries at our camp in Pa., but they were tiny. You had to pick for about an hour to come up with enough for a respectable blueberry topped sundae. Dad always warned us to be careful about running into bears up in that berry patch, and sure enough, I stumbled on one sound alseep laying on it's back snoring like a chainsaw right out in the middle of the patch up there one time. 'Beat a hasty retreat and let him get his beauty rest. 'Never went in there again without a shotgun and made sure we made lots of noise while we were picking. 'Have never seen one in there since.

Recon it was from the fowl oder that you left behind ?

The best part about blueberries at Chickenbuck is the pancakes that follow!

Blackberrys are ready but I'm scared of the chiggers that live by them !

The cardboard boat captain (grandson) declared today that the vynal sea ( kitchen floor) was infested with purple squid's and spider crabs sounds kinda familiar me thinks .

Another great trip to Chickenbuck.
Mama bear, bear cub & myself got there just in time for blueberry pancakes. Trimmed a little brush (not enough), rode wheelers & picked a few of the blue colored berries.

It was very relaxing as expected.

Thanks gang!

Did it look like there would be any deer WB?

Not sure about there but around my place a little west there are twins EVERYWHERE. The closest set I saw was near #9 on my way there.

I'm guessing they will filter in soon.

Well, I sold my boat to the first guy who looked at it. Man, do they hold their value. I sold it for $3500 less than I bought it new for....after 9 seasons of use! It was a good boat though, I hope it serves him as well as it did me.

Now, trying to decide on the next boat. Will look for a used one first. Should be fun shopping!

Roos7, I need a bigger boat with the crop of kids I got coming up!

Bman YouTube "worlds fastest pontoon boat "

Playcraft boats

Dont say PONTOON around my wife! She wants a pontoon, no way do I want one of those dumb things! We have a good friend/neighbor who has one, that is good enough for me! My boys are developing into great little fisherman, so I want a crossover boat that leans more toward fishing.

Good weekend at the cabin.

Kenna and I had to do some work to the little red Honda ahead of our riding day. Fuel problems, we had to take the carb off and clean the main jet, also unseat the float needle which was stuck closed.

[Linked Image]

Here's the kid gang with their machines.

[Linked Image]

typical blueberry bush.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6631_zps63f4ad3d.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0258_zpsff40ac36.jpg[/img]

I guess that's about all I've got for pics, I haven't gone to the "pam cam" yet, I'm sure she has more, like these shots of this goldenrod spider on a wild rose.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7572_zpsd02c9329.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0331_zps60b6208c.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by Berettaman

My boys are developing into great little fisherman, so I want a crossover boat that leans more toward fishing.

You just sold one goofball. It was the perfect "cross-over".

Yes in theory, but I needed a few more ponies. The new one will be very similar, but bigger.

mmmm, blueberries. Nice pics there Dave.

Get the 1860.

You probably already know that a fish n' ski, doesn't do either very well. Get a fishing boat you can pull a tube with. You'll be happier.

I did see a pontoon at cabelas with a 300hp Merc on it last Friday night though.

Tom here's the pic I tried sending on my "smart" phone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Tom here's the pic I tried sending on my "smart" phone

That's a dandy!

How about some pics of your "life event" from a couple weeks back Ryan?

still waiting on pics from our photographer! it's only been 9 days!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dude... She's not a little girl anymore!! She's as tall as you, or it looks like it in that picture.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Tom here's the pic I tried sending on my "smart" phone

I'd be happy with the one in front.

you mean like this?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Dont say PONTOON around my wife! She wants a pontoon, no way do I want one of those dumb things! We have a good friend/neighbor who has one, that is good enough for me! My boys are developing into great little fisherman, so I want a crossover boat that leans more toward fishing.

B-man, I hate to break it to ya, but pontoon = minivan of the sea. You were so close getting that man card back too.

my ring is made out of elk antler, no one was surprised at this

Cake stand was a wooden ammo box surrounded by deer sheds.
we had grain belt from a can (brought by a groomsman from MN)
and camo can coozies with our names and date on them.

and the cutest flower girl the world has ever known

and a handsome ringbearer who danced with all the ladies there

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Good weekend at the cabin.

Kenna and I had to do some work to the little red Honda ahead of our riding day. Fuel problems, we had to take the carb off and clean the main jet, also unseat the float needle which was stuck closed.

[Linked Image]

Here's the kid gang with their machines.

[Linked Image]

typical blueberry bush.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6631_zps63f4ad3d.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0258_zpsff40ac36.jpg[/img]

I guess that's about all I've got for pics, I haven't gone to the "pam cam" yet, I'm sure she has more, like these shots of this goldenrod spider on a wild rose.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7572_zpsd02c9329.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0331_zps60b6208c.jpg[/img]

That's what I'm talking about! Great pics and looks like a great time. Your Rx is to do this on a regular occasion until deer season. Can't wait to see Mrs. NorthernDave photos!

ps you can skip anymore spider photos....creeps me out!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Ryan & Family!!!

Fantastic pics Ryan.

The little dude is a lady killer with the shades on.

BMan i might be selling my pontoon.. Let me know if your interested!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only 3 yrs old, low hours,sea-legs.. Momma wants something else.......... He He HE

Congrats Ryan!

Just watch the video the thing will do like 100 mph . I saw one at the lake last month they sound like a race car .

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Tom here's the pic I tried sending on my "smart" phone

I'd be happy with the one in front.

The one in back is thinking the same thing. You might have some competition there T.

Congrats on the new events Ryan!

Nice Job Ryan! I was wondering about the ring as soon as I saw it. That is really, really cool. Nice looking kids too.

Just so we are clear on the pontoon thing, I aint getting a pontoon if it was brand spanking new and free! I did watch that video with the 3-300 HP Mercs. That guy has a death wish. 100 mph is too much for that hull/pontoon design methinks. He hit just a couple of tiny waves and it looked pretty squirrely.

Nice buck there Ryan. Really nice. I have 2 dandy bucks on my trail cam. One (we named him LaCarpetron Dookmarriot) is for sure a little smaller than yours and I think the other one (Stickers) is too (but I havent gotten him since June 1 so I dont know how big he is now).

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you mean like this?

Yes. Exactly like that. Congrats you two!

+ 1

CONGRATULATIONS !

Great pictures, Ryan. Congrats to you both!

Thanks everyone! it was an awesome time! I married the absolute love of my life and don't know what I would do without her. I held it together pretty well the whole time. the only time I got misty eyed was when my kids were walking down the isle, punkin had to hold her dress with one hand and her brothers arm with the other, so he had both the ring pillow and her flower basket in his hand so he could help her. it was adorable. I think that's the only time I can use those words and keep my mancard.

Congratulations!!!!

You just keep raising those kids and you man card will be safe !

Congratulations Ryan. Great looking family. I had three sons and by the looks of yours, you are in for some adventures.

ND, Where do you find a hill that big to bike on in your flat, wet, bog country? Is that near Bemis Hill?

Yes it is.

thank you all again for the kind words.
to those who might be interested, today is the last day to apply online for SD west river and black hills deer. if anyone thinks they might want to hunt years down the road (NorthernDave/MrsND) I urge you to buy a preference point now, start accumulating.
I will do the best I can to help anyone who wants to make the trek.
youth season goes on at the same time, anyone under 18 can get a doe tag for 10 bucks.

To boost deer herd,MN hunters face conservative deer season.

details here

Question.. What do you guys consider to be 98 percent grade for quality of a shotgun....

Just had a epic fail, 6 hour roundtrip to look at a gun.. Saw pics online looked good, price seemed right for the quality the seller was saying over the phone... Get there not even close in my mind what a 98 percent gun should look like....Guy said he take 40 bucks off if i paid cash... Told him i just drove 3 hours for this!!!!Ive never done FFL before. IM thinking if i would of bought it paid for the gun then return the gun paid for all the shipping and FFl fees,tank of gas is probably cheaper...

GRRR vent over.....

for some reason,I cant click and paste from the red stars website any more.

It's the DNR "on/off switch" right on schedule. Been fully on for too many years. Now it's time to shut off the antlerless and bonus tags until the deer are severely overpopulated. Then they will flip the switch to full "on" mode, all you can shoot.

The Wisconsin DNR must read the same play book.

happening all over, SD cut their tags by 60%

remember all the muzzleloader deer I could shoot the last couple years? max tags was 10, this year = zippo. same for antlerless archery.
we do have it better in the regard that I can shoot a deer with each method of take (possibly), IF I draw.

Tjay - Did you see SD is allowing nonresident antelope hunting this year?

Michigan had their's reduced as well. The U.P. really got hammered with winterkill this year. Last time I remember a winterkill this bad was the winter of '95. We lost 250,000 deer in the U.P. alone. Couple this year's winterkill with the wolf kill and venison is gonna be slim pickens for hunting season this year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's the DNR "on/off switch" right on schedule. Been fully on for too many years. Now it's time to shut off the antlerless and bonus tags until the deer are severely overpopulated. Then they will flip the switch to full "on" mode, all you can shoot.

This about sums it up. God forbid we, as a state, are proactive instead of reactive. I guess we'd miss the extremes......

Well I can apply for a permit at Chickenbuck, but bucks only north of Duluth.

So the MN DNR Big Game Coordinator is about a year or so into her job. She is NOT a deer hunter. Never has been. That doesnt give me confidence. Doesnt mean she cant do it, but it does throw up a red flag.

i talked to her at the Roundtable one on one. She didnt grasp what I was trying to say. I kept telling her to manage the deer herd for the overall health of the deer herd and the deer hunters will be happy in the long run. In other words, chop off the tops of the peaks and fill in the valleys of the deer population.

Some of the problem lies in the bellyaching of the average deer hunter. It is a subtle difference, but we shouldnt be screaming for just "more deer". It shouldnt be about numbers. It should be about a healthy herd for the carrying capacity of the area. If you manage to this, you dont get the wild swings like we are now seeing.

Now IMO part of a healthy herd is a decent age structure throughout. If an area slaughters the bucks, and only young bucks are out there as a result, we need to slightly put the brakes on the buck harvest to get into a better ratio. Not over 1 or 2 years, but just tap the brakes a little so as not to get a wild swing (and big opposition).

How to do this? Here is my thunk. How about a modified antler restriction where there is a lottery that results in 75% of the people can shoot any buck. Or maybe 50%. i dunno, someone smarter than me can figure out the number. A preference point to the people that have to shoot 8 points or bigger. The next year they get to shoot any buck. Tapping the brakes. Maybe only 1 in 4 years do you have to have antler point restrictions. Would the meat hunters go for this? I dunno, but I bet they like it better than antler restrictions for everyone across the board.

Oh, and get rid of party hunting. At least for adults. If a kid wants to fill an adult tag, fine, but adults should be content with filling only their license(s).

For the does, when we get back to a little more stable population, you ease back into extra doe permits and stay away from each hunter shooting 5 deer each.

If you have a healthy age structure, the herd will be able to withstand more of mother nature's winters and our hunting pressure.

Sorry for the long post. But just like ND, the DNR (mis)management of the deer herd really bugs me. Fire away boys and girls at my idea. Maybe someone can make them better.

Pulled an all nighter on a slab re pour for shop. The crew is cutting lines and knocking off the forms right now. It looks very good. Sleep coma soon.

Get some sleep and then post some pictures. I am excited to see them!

There was a firestorm in Pennsylvania when antler restrictions were introduced, but now we are starting to see the results of bigger bucks with larger antlers.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pulled an all nighter on a slab re pour for shop. The crew is cutting lines and knocking off the forms right now. It looks very good. Sleep coma soon.

so,they tore out the first one,re-foamed , re-plumbed and
re-poured?

ditto on getting rid of party hunting. it's not allowed in most western states for good reason.

I really don't think party hunting is that big of a deal. You're not filling more tags than are available.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ditto on getting rid of party hunting. it's not allowed in most western states for good reason.

and what would those reasons be?
its allowed here mostly so people can make drives.Probably not much of that going on in the wide open west.

I agree with Tom. Party hunting is not the cause of these problems.

problem is Joe crackpot buys a tag for his sister, wife, grandparents and whomever else and goes out hunting, shoots a few deer, goes back to get the family and then they go out and tag them and head home. I knew several people who used to do this with archery. stick a deer and go home to get the family to help track. once they find it, anyone can tag it. he/she goes out to do it again. I know for a fact that happens up there.

Originally Posted by tzone

I really don't think party hunting is that big of a deal. You're not filling more tags than are available.

I didn't know they had a limit on tags per area, I thought they were all OTC.

what if zones were limited to x number of licenses?
out here they go by county. take a population sample of the deer, figure out how many can be killed and still sustain a healthy population and allow hunters that many deer tags. how would you guys feel about a system like that?

not trying to stir the pot, putting it out there for actual conversation

No fluf, we re-formed over the 2 week old slab after chipping off all of the questionable surface areas. I made extensions for the floor drains and dropped a new water closet flange for the toilet which extended it up about 4" as well.

We laid out panels of steel road mesh, then before the pour we wet the old surface with a bonding agent, then sprinkled the surface with Portland powder and broomed it all together to a paste/slury.

The pour was 3.5 to 4", aggregate was pea rock, 3# fiber mesh per yd and I guess I can't recall the other details of the mix design right now (5 bag?) I'm still a little fuzzy in the brain housing from lack of sleep.

The last of the concrete was in the forms at around 10pm wed night. This was an intentional night pour for cooler temps to aid in a slow finishing process. And it cooled off plenty, it was low 50's.

It was an all nighter, with the last power trowel being pulled off the slab at around 9:30 am thurs.

I am very happy with the new surface, I'm confident in it's strength and I'm now looking forward to seeing some walls go up hopefully starting Monday.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

problem is Joe crackpot buys a tag for his sister, wife, grandparents and whomever else and goes out hunting, shoots a few deer, goes back to get the family and then they go out and tag them and head home. I knew several people who used to do this with archery. stick a deer and go home to get the family to help track. once they find it, anyone can tag it. he/she goes out to do it again. I know for a fact that happens up there.

Originally Posted by tzone

I really don't think party hunting is that big of a deal. You're not filling more tags than are available.

I didn't know they had a limit on tags per area, I thought they were all OTC.

You need to read the rules on party hunting in MN and understand how OTC sales work here. There are rules in place to keep these things from happening. We have a call line called TIP (turn in poachers) to handle people doing what you reference.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

So the MN DNR Big Game Coordinator is about a year or so into her job. She is NOT a deer hunter. Never has been. That doesnt give me confidence. Doesnt mean she cant do it, but it does throw up a red flag.

i talked to her at the Roundtable one on one. She didnt grasp what I was trying to say. I kept telling her to manage the deer herd for the overall health of the deer herd and the deer hunters will be happy in the long run. In other words, chop off the tops of the peaks and fill in the valleys of the deer population.

Some of the problem lies in the bellyaching of the average deer hunter. It is a subtle difference, but we shouldnt be screaming for just "more deer". It shouldnt be about numbers. It should be about a healthy herd for the carrying capacity of the area. If you manage to this, you dont get the wild swings like we are now seeing.

Now IMO part of a healthy herd is a decent age structure throughout. If an area slaughters the bucks, and only young bucks are out there as a result, we need to slightly put the brakes on the buck harvest to get into a better ratio. Not over 1 or 2 years, but just tap the brakes a little so as not to get a wild swing (and big opposition).

How to do this? Here is my thunk. How about a modified antler restriction where there is a lottery that results in 75% of the people can shoot any buck. Or maybe 50%. i dunno, someone smarter than me can figure out the number. A preference point to the people that have to shoot 8 points or bigger. The next year they get to shoot any buck. Tapping the brakes. Maybe only 1 in 4 years do you have to have antler point restrictions. Would the meat hunters go for this? I dunno, but I bet they like it better than antler restrictions for everyone across the board.

Oh, and get rid of party hunting. At least for adults. If a kid wants to fill an adult tag, fine, but adults should be content with filling only their license(s).

For the does, when we get back to a little more stable population, you ease back into extra doe permits and stay away from each hunter shooting 5 deer each.

If you have a healthy age structure, the herd will be able to withstand more of mother nature's winters and our hunting pressure.

Sorry for the long post. But just like ND, the DNR (mis)management of the deer herd really bugs me. Fire away boys and girls at my idea. Maybe someone can make them better.

Jeez... some of your proposed antler restrictions and rule derivations get hard to manage. Remember only 1/3rd or so of the hunters get a deer so driving in all sorts of restrictions gets hard to handle/enforce and will probably encourage more rule breaking than ever. People sitting here posting about deer hunting are passionate and will study the ules, but most people just want to know what they can harvest because they are casual hunters that hunt for different reasons.

I grew up in mn, memorized the rules before I could hunt. Though the rules state that you can't do that, doesn't mean lots of folks don't. As you clearly stated in your second post, folks don't always follow the rules. I have hunted many states and one thing I have seen over and over is most sloppy hunters I have encountered have plates from great lakes states. I don't say that to be inflammatory, just my observation. It's definitely not a majority of the hunters from there.

I don't like antler restrictions either. To a point, we already have that in place with the definition of a "legal buck" with the spike length description. For me, that's enough. It gives the definition of what is antlerless and what is a "buck" which allows hunters to use their tags correctly.

Antler restrictions above the verbiage that directs us on what gets an antlerless tag and what doesn't, would not be a good thing IMO.

If a group or individuals wish to practice some of the QDMA theories I totally understand that and I totally respect it.

I myself do not put priority on trophy status. That is not to say I wouldn't be happy about taking a very nice buck while practicing fair chase DIY hunting. I certainly would be very happy. But my personal interests and feelings about hunting wild game is much more primitive in function. To me it is a respectful harvest of meat, as natural as possible, without my personal influential efforts for genetic guidance or antler growth supplements, or selective harvest in hopes to preserve a potential "trophy" for a coming year.

I have zero interest, absolutely zero. Polar opposite would possibly be a better way to describe how I feel about QDMA structures and intentional enhancement efforts geared towards "trophy" hunting. No thanks, I'll wait for mother nature to provide me with my "trophy" opportunities. Perfectly aware and perfectly happy with the idea that it may never happen for me.

My hunting interests are in the respectful harvest, proper care for the meat, cutting, packaging, cooking and enjoying the whole thing from field to dining table.

I have let many deer walk, antlerless and young bucks. The reasons are very fluid, never exactly the same from one season to the next. My deer hunting mind set can range from "take anything I can get" to "If I don't see a decent buck, I'm ok with not shooting a deer this year."

It's very fluid and there are too many contributing factors to list but it changes with the deer population, it changes with who I may be hunting with, where I may be hunting, the weather itself, the current inventory of my freezer at time of hunt.. etc, etc.

Many things together form my intentions for a hunt on any particular day. And even then, they are simply intentions, and it takes a lot more than intentions to fill a tag.

That's a lot of jibber jabber and I'm sorry for that. My point was to shed some light on my personal deer hunting values which I inherited from the basic culture I was raised in. More of the hunter/gatherer mindset, and it is important to me to expose and express that sort of culture, those sorts of beliefs and that set of reasons for hunting. Sometimes I feel it is becoming lost and forgotten in the shadow of game/sport/trophy mentality.

My roots are still loyal to the "necessity" mind set. Which has nothing to do with antler scoring. I know I am far from being alone in my sentimental connection to "the old days". Also I am far from being alone in the hunter/gatherer mind set with priority and respect for whatever comes down the trail completely wild and completely natural.

I believe it would be unfortunate for trophy oriented structure to be imposed on hunters such as myself.

As far as "management", I tend to draw the line at overall population management. That's all I want. Simple goals, simple rules.

I just want the DNR to limit their extreme knee jerk management practices. Especially when the pendulum swings in the population reduction direction. Please, go easy on the tag issuing.

^^^That's how I roll as well^^^

Party hunting.... What if a family of four, parents & two young kids, really enjoy eating venison. They are not wealthy & also raise a large garden to help feed the family. Mama doesn't really like the killing of the deer but really enjoys the end result.

Is it unfair for dad to shoot a deer for him & one on mama's legally bought license?

Glad to hear you finally got a good foundation to build your dream on.

I'll have to swing by & take a look on my way to the place where the carnies hang out.

I agree the DNR mismanagement of the deer herd is very frustrating. "hey Frank lets let people shoot 5 deer a piece for 5 years straight." "Yeah good idea Bill" says Frank. 5 years later..."WTF there are no deer left Bill!" exclaims Frank. "I wonder why?" Bill says. (To be clear, I never took part in the 5 deer slaughter. We didn't have a population to support it. Not even close.)

For me personally, hunting is like this. I will usually bow hunt all season and pass up doe after doe, buck after buck waiting for a "nice" one to come along. I pass up smaller bucks in hopes that they are bigger next year and I also don't want my deer hunting to end right away unless its a nice buck. (1 and done on bucks in MN) Many times I have eaten bow tag soup and I don't care at all. I just love the experience of being in the woods and watching nature up close.

Now during shotgun and muzzleloader seasons, I'm not nearly as picky. I turn into a meat hunter then.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just want the DNR to limit their extreme knee jerk management practices. Especially when the pendulum swings in the population reduction direction. Please, go easy on the tag issuing.

I guess I never considered their style really "knee jerk" from what i observe in my zone 184. When the population is high, they have managed or intensive and then a couple years down the road they pull back to lottery. Up in the arrowhead, its bucks only now because there are less deer and more timber wolves so they made it buck only and increased the wolf quota. Part of the problem is timber harvest is down too so the older forests can't sustain the population boom from a few mild winter years. The population has a lagging reaction combined with the winter wild card.

I don't believe what the postman or farmer when they say there is more or less deer by what the see. It just tells me there is more or less feed in the woods and when the deer are out visible on the fields during the day, we have an overpopulation issue. At least that is what I observe on my family farm with the hunting land behind it. ;-)

So in my rambling - I think the DNR handles the deer better because they have the data and they can make the call better than us. In the end, if you don't have data, all you have is an opinion.

And if you put the opinion on paper, then you have "data".

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I agree the DNR mismanagement of the deer herd is very frustrating. "hey Frank lets let people shoot 5 deer a piece for 5 years straight." "Yeah good idea Bill" says Frank. 5 years later..."WTF there are no deer left Bill!" exclaims Frank. "I wonder why?" Bill says. (To be clear, I never took part in the 5 deer slaughter. We didn't have a population to support it. Not even close.)

Now this is a good question to ask the MN DNR is how many people did harvest multiple deer and how many per hunter?

I asked the local meat processor about intensive harvest and he said a lot of people took advantage of it the first year and not much after that. The people that process their own deer are the wild card, but they get tired of cutting deer up as much as people get tired of eating too much venision.

Originally Posted by humdinger

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I agree the DNR mismanagement of the deer herd is very frustrating. "hey Frank lets let people shoot 5 deer a piece for 5 years straight." "Yeah good idea Bill" says Frank. 5 years later..."WTF there are no deer left Bill!" exclaims Frank. "I wonder why?" Bill says. (To be clear, I never took part in the 5 deer slaughter. We didn't have a population to support it. Not even close.)

Now this is a good question to ask the MN DNR is how many people did harvest multiple deer and how many per hunter?

I asked the local meat processor about intensive harvest and he said a lot of people took advantage of it the first year and not much after that. The people that process their own deer are the wild card, but they get tired of cutting deer up as much as people get tired of eating too much venision.

Speaking for my immediate area only. There is one party of up to 40 people that took full advantage of the 5 deer thing. If it was brown its down. Didn't matter whose land they snuck on to fill their tags either. And I've heard from more than one guy, whose got a friend or two in that bunch, that they threw out more venison each year than they ate. Their own land borders my uncles and we caught them driving all the deer off my uncles to their land well before daylight. When confronted, the elder of the group said "we didn't think you minded because we do this every year"

After 5 years of that it didn't take long to decimate a deer population that couldn't support a 5 deer limit in the first place.

You want to see me do my disappearing act? Just mention "deer drive".

Hey, where did Dave go?

That is an excellent post.

Almost me, to the letter.

I've said it before, the experience of being in the wild, hunting with either Deb (Wife), or Doug(Son) is where I get the most enjoyment.

Next is the communal meat hanging, cleaning, cutting & packaging in our neighbours shop.

Finally, it's enjoying hormone, antibiotic & steroid free natural protein.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You want to see me do my disappearing act? Just mention "deer drive".

Hey, where did Dave go?

Uhhh....I dono? I tink he vent to da chitter den der

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by humdinger

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I agree the DNR mismanagement of the deer herd is very frustrating. "hey Frank lets let people shoot 5 deer a piece for 5 years straight." "Yeah good idea Bill" says Frank. 5 years later..."WTF there are no deer left Bill!" exclaims Frank. "I wonder why?" Bill says. (To be clear, I never took part in the 5 deer slaughter. We didn't have a population to support it. Not even close.)

Now this is a good question to ask the MN DNR is how many people did harvest multiple deer and how many per hunter?

I asked the local meat processor about intensive harvest and he said a lot of people took advantage of it the first year and not much after that. The people that process their own deer are the wild card, but they get tired of cutting deer up as much as people get tired of eating too much venision.

Speaking for my immediate area only. There is one party of up to 40 people that took full advantage of the 5 deer thing. If it was brown its down. Didn't matter whose land they snuck on to fill their tags either. And I've heard from more than one guy, whose got a friend or two in that bunch, that they threw out more venison each year than they ate. Their own land borders my uncles and we caught them driving all the deer off my uncles to their land well before daylight. When confronted, the elder of the group said "we didn't think you minded because we do this every year"

After 5 years of that it didn't take long to decimate a deer population that couldn't support a 5 deer limit in the first place.

Sounds like you need to build fences and put up some no tresspassing signs and work with your neighbors. Thats not really a DNR thing for the whole region. 5-wire barb is very effective because people know they are tresspassing and can't hide behind the fuzzy borders excuse. Back it up with traile camera footage and you have them.

Now to add fuel to the fire... and this comes from someone who grew up rural and now works in the cities and still owns property up there....

Is it "city hunters" tresspassing or is it the "locals" who know someone who is a friend so "its OK to hunt there"? It sounds like the later in your case.
I've had more issues with the locals tresspassing than "city hunters" personally.

These are locals and it was addressed by me at a community event. As far as I know it has not happened since. They are not bad people by any means. Just greedy hunters IMO.

We don't get the "cities" hunters around here too much. I think you'll find that further north and east of here.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

problem is Joe crackpot buys a tag for his sister, wife, grandparents and whomever else and goes out hunting, shoots a few deer, goes back to get the family and then they go out and tag them and head home. I knew several people who used to do this with archery. stick a deer and go home to get the family to help track. once they find it, anyone can tag it. he/she goes out to do it again. I know for a fact that happens up there.

Originally Posted by tzone

I really don't think party hunting is that big of a deal. You're not filling more tags than are available.

I didn't know they had a limit on tags per area, I thought they were all OTC.

It's not OTC tags that are a problem. In MN not everyone can can shoot a doe, and unless the rules have changed, you cannot fill someone's doe tag in MN. Just the buck tag.

Problem areas are in a situation like 101 where chickenbuck is, where for 4,5, years, tags were virtually unlimited for $2. Or where GG and I hunt, were there really are not many deer, but you can still shoot 4 does according to the DNR. Living on the edge of mother nature, when everyone KNOWS dispite 3 or 4 warm winters in a row, we're going to get back to normal with average or above average winter kill, wolves, and coyotes.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

out here they go by county. take a population sample of the deer, figure out how many can be killed and still sustain a healthy population and allow hunters that many deer tags. how would you guys feel about a system like that?

It wouldn't bother me really. Its better than the current system the MNDNR employs; Shoot off enough deer until hunters complain for 3 years, then cut antlerless tags, to all, including youth, to virtually nothing in most northern zones, until insurance companies complain of too many road kills. Then start process all over again.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I have let many deer walk, antlerless and young bucks. The reasons are very fluid, never exactly the same from one season to the next. My deer hunting mind set can range from "take anything I can get" to "If I don't see a decent buck, I'm ok with not shooting a deer this year."

It's very fluid and there are too many contributing factors to list but it changes with the deer population, it changes with who I may be hunting with, where I may be hunting, the weather itself, the current inventory of my freezer at time of hunt.. etc, etc.

Agree 100%. If I get a chance to go on a special hunt, I may refrain from popping the first legal deer that walks out, but when it comes down to it...I have 3 people in this house that eat the heck out of venison and my management goal is to keep the freezer full of meat. I haven't bought burger since I've moved into this house. It's all been from deer.

I'm OK with not shooting a deer in certain areas, but I will then buy tags in places or seasons that I can shoot a deer, which to make meat for my family.

My reasons to pass on deer depend on how I feel on that day. I've passed on a shot at a nice buck, to later that day shoot one that was smaller. Several times it was who I was with, once it was the situation, and how much more it got me excited.

I did once shoot a 5pt buck exactly 3 minutes into the 2010 MN deer season. That was it, season over. I was the only one hunting. My hunting was done. I don't want to do that anymore. I didn't like having vacation to hunt and not being in the woods hunting deer.

I'm more of a "hunt" guy. if I have meat, I couldn't care less if I get a deer. To me, it's about teaching the younger generation the RIGHT way to hunt, teach them the way of the woods, a bit of survival, start a fire, cook some weenies on over a couple of cut cedar chunks. Watching a red fox chase mice in a clear cut. See the grouse drumming on a downed spruce log, beer with the crew and the BS that ensues... That's how I roll.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You want to see me do my disappearing act? Just mention "deer drive".

Hey, where did Dave go?

Uhhh....I dono? I tink he vent to da chitter den der

To me, there is a difference between a deer drive and push. And I know Dave understands what I'm taking about. I'll take a different route to someone's stand, maybe a zig-zag or walk through a stand of cedar or tags to move a deer in your direction.

What I got stuck in the middle of, unknown to me during the 2008 TZONE hunt, was a good old fashion WI Deer Drive. I was posted on a dry creek bed for about 4 hours that deer used a bunch when I was bow hunting.

I hear cars, trucks, wheeler, tractors, and more people than I care to know about. They surrounded me and no BS, bullets were going every where. I sat down on the ground with my back against a flat, large boulder and prayed I didn't get caught in the cross fire. and THAT was my last ever TZONE hunt.

Yep, you know from first hand experience that I will walk an extra mile after getting out of my own hunting blind or stand or maybe finished with a still hunt route. I'll make an effort to stir something towards a fellow hunter within our group if possible. But I don't do the 10 man wide line drives to a poster or posters.

Yep. I knew what you were talking about.

I've never really seen the huge drives in MN but I've also hunted in mostly smaller groups.

In WI, even on public land I've seen up to 30 guys on a Thanksgiving Day drive.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yep, you know from first hand experience that I will walk an extra mile after getting out of my own hunting blind or stand or maybe finished with a still hunt route. I'll make an effort to stir something towards a fellow hunter within our group if possible. But I don't do the 10 man wide line drives to a poster or posters.

I haven't done a drive during regular rifle season in many years, although I do participate once in a while in blackpowder season.
then it is usually just immediate family.
I still remember the firing of a 30-06 with the end of the barrel about 18 inches from my ear.
and he missed,besides.

Hi guys! I know you won't believe me but I have been working long days...you guys drive deer? Is that like riding a horse?

Yes, it's exactly like that.

But I'm not really a horse person so I don't do it.

Ever since our party broke up In the mid 90's I have been hunting on my own for the most part. We used to do drives and it was kinda fun but now I much prefer going it alone and sitting. I would love to have a hunting party again if everyone had their own spot. Not into drives anymore.

This is the most important thing I will do all weekend.

[Linked Image]

This and a batch of deerwhacker444's baked beans!

For now, a local delicacy snack.

[Linked Image]

This is the bacon that is going into Okie Andrew's "mama beans"

[Linked Image]

Damn you Dave! That's some good looking chow. Unfortunately with me on the low salt diet, it's all pretty much off limits for me.

Beans are ready to bake.

[Linked Image]

My heat started fading, coal bed is getting skinny.

[Linked Image]

No prob, slide the drawer open and stack on some more fire nuggets.

[Linked Image]

Ribs are about ready for the next stage.

[Linked Image]

I'm cooking for 6, possibly 7.

I'm cherishing the day, cherishing my time with family and friends. Every now and then we are reminded of how important it is to laugh and love, soak in each other's company.

Ain't that last sentence the truth!

You know that it is.

Well sir, meat done cooked and ready for foil.

[Linked Image]

Well...

It's all cookin real fine. The family is about to arrive at home here to share in this meal, to catch up on each other's news, laugh, joke, plan things....

Tom, we're just sick here.

I've never dedicated a family BBQ to anybody before, but we've got a guy in mind as we charge forward through this day.

Would you, Tom? Carry the burden?

If you don't care to, I could.

Your call.

I will do it here.

Guys, what Dave is talking about is sad news I hate to say. But our good friend of the fire and a great friend in person has passed away.
Guys I'm just sick about this but we've lost Grizzly Bill. Bill got sick on his family trip to Oregon to see his son, daughter in law and grandson, and he died in the hospital. His wonderful wife Judy told me this afternoon.

Please keep our friend Bill in your thoughts and family prayers. He was a heck of a man, a veteran, and a great friend.

RIP Grizzly Bill.
You are missed ready.

There is no easy way to do that, Tom.

You did good.

Grizzly Bill Bodenheimer, was our friend.

I only met Bill once in person, but I'm so grateful for the privillage.

Would these be Brats for those of us down South..? I imagine you guys have tons more Sausage(I type that in the voice of the Superfans!) choices than we have down here.

Yep, we'd call em brats too.

I feel like I got punched in the gut. Just shocked. I never got the privilege to meet him in person, but we conversed through pms and I always enjoyed his posts here, especially his deer camp. He was a good man. It's a very sad day.

Godspeed, Bill.

Us too Charlie. When I get home, I'll see if I can post up a pic or two of our adventures.

Very sorry to hear this. I too enjoyed his post very much .

Originally Posted by tzone

Us too Charlie. When I get home, I'll see if I can post up a pic or two of our adventures.

That would be nice.

Dang, he was a good guy.

RIP

he always had a good thing to say and PM'd me many times. he will be missed, I wish I had the honor to have met him in person.

was saddened to read of his passing

Dang...I just got on the fire and read this sad sad news about Bill. There is a pit in my stomach and I'm kind of in shock right now. Grizzly Bill was a great guy and will be missed very much around here.

RIP Bill and May God Bless your family and friends.

Jim

You can sign Bill's guest book here:

http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/st...dolences/171842435?#sthash.Ucs4iDtJ.dpbs

I hate reading about any hunter who's passed. I especially hate to read about someone I've come to know through the bandwidth here at the Fire. I never had the honor of meeting Bill in person, but like many others, spoke to him a few times here. He will be greatly missed. Our little group is a lesser place with his passing. Rest In Peace Grizzly Bill. Godspeed and prayers sent for the family.

Originally Posted by tzone

Us too Charlie. When I get home, I'll see if I can post up a pic or two of our adventures.

Would like to see those pics Tom. Sorry for YOUR loss as well

I guess Uncle Dusty and Grizzly Bill are sitting with Waylon on a log "up there" having a good old time.

Stan in SC

It's been a tough time for those on this thread. Here's to the hope that we never forget those who have gone before us. May their memories bring a smile to our faces this fall when the north wind blows, and we gather to continue the tradition that is deer season. Lest we ever forget.

I dont know what to say. Saying I feel ike I got kicked in the gut does not do it justice. I didnt get to meet him either, but shared PMs and just really enjoyed his posts. Doggone it, I will miss him!

RIP Grizzly Bill!

I don't think I have visited the fire in a month...and this morning I click on and see this. Very saddening and a reality check at the same time. Bill was a true gentleman of the 'fire. He will be missed....Calm winds and following seas Grizz....

I don't comment here much, but mostly just enjoy reading and seeing the camaraderie and banter. Bill truly did come across as a gentleman and knowledgeable woodsman. My condolences to his family and all that knew him.

The fire will burn a little dimmer with his loss.

I bought a few boxes of ammo from Bill a few years ago,and was really looking forward to meeting him in person.

I've kind of been in a funk ever since heard about Bill. I never met this man in person. Talked to him a few times here. It's different how we get "close" to one another here on the fire, and even more so on this thread. It just hits me like a brick to see another good gun gone from our ranks. Those of us that come here to Dave's little corner of the world are all hurting today. We lost a darned good one, and it hurts a lot. Now another camp's gonna be a man short this fall. A tree stand on some windswept ridge, or on a funnel between two swamps will sit empty. A bunch of guys will be just going through the motions this fall, and missing their dear friend. For those of us who've gone through this, the hurt never fully goes away. We just try to block it as best we can, remember our friends, and do as they would want us to, and pick up a rifle, stand a post, and hunt hard in their memory. Rest in Peace Bill. Heartfelt prayers to all his friends and family.

Well said, Jeff. Thank you.

And thank you Tom and Dave. That is not an easy post to type. I'm sure the screen blurred a bit as it did for the reader.

My sincere condolences to Bill's wife and family.

Steve

Agreed. Sad time and well said from the last two posters.

Here is the a pic from the first time Bill and I went fishing. Big walleye slayer he was, it was a rare release for him, but he felt he had to do it.
[Linked Image]

This is a hot spot I had on Lake Dubay near Bill's home town of Stevens Point, WI. We literally caught over 100 walleyes in this spot on that morning. None were smaller than that one.

This was a bit later in the day.
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A pic of his SIL with a bear near Bill's deer camp.
[Linked Image]

And where the Grizz really shined, his deer camp. Man...He lived for this camp, like many of us. But Bill did it up right. He got there two days before the season opened, to cut wood, get the goods in the camp and settled in. Bill was the last to leave. He left the Monday after the season ended. He was one of the younger guys in camp, believe it or not? He was there for the comradery of the camp and the hunt itself. He's shot some big buck, but was there for the other and to make sure their hunt went well.

[Linked Image]

Bill and his uncle, 90+ years old, at camp.
[Linked Image]

Leveling up the cabin.
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A nice buck.
[Linked Image]

Thanks Tom, those are great.

I thought I had more, I must have them on my computer but not on photobucket. I'll check on that.

Any progress on the shop?

Walls start going up tomorrow.

Prayers of peace to the family & everyone Bill touched through his great humour & stories.

It's my son's going away to college party tonight, so I'll quietly raise a glass and salute a great man.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I guess Uncle Dusty and Grizzly Bill are sitting with Waylon on a log "up there" having a good old time.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan,

First time I've smiled since I read the sad news !

I needed that.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

It's been a tough time for those on this thread. Here's to the hope that we never forget those who have gone before us. May their memories bring a smile to our faces this fall when the north wind blows, and we gather to continue the tradition that is deer season. Lest we ever forget.

Perzackly !

This is the first time I remember seeing a picture of Grizzly Bill and I wish he was still around cuz I would call him out on that Grizzly thing. He dont look so Grizzly to me! He just looks like a plain old nice guy. I had some mean ol' ornery ogre in my mind....

Lol...he is one of the least "grizzly" people I know.

Prayers for Bill, his family, and friends.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Walls start going up tomorrow.

Nice to see progress Dave. We really need something else to talk about around here too. Good luck with the day's work.

Hey fellow Chickenbuckers, here is a nice article on our Parent/Daughter night that we hosted a week ago. I have a nice quote in there and my brother's picture is the main one helping the girl shoot the slingshot. Pretty cool. Our Youth Outdoor Activity Day is coming up Aug 24 and will be much, MUCH bigger. We have over 25 activities planned right now with more on the way for kids to do.

Echo Press Article on Parent/Daughter nIght

Wow B, your brother is sure better looking than you !

Great article.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey fellow Chickenbuckers, here is a nice article on our Parent/Daughter night that we hosted a week ago. I have a nice quote in there and my brother's picture is the main one helping the girl shoot the slingshot. Pretty cool. Our Youth Outdoor Activity Day is coming up Aug 24 and will be much, MUCH bigger. We have over 25 activities planned right now with more on the way for kids to do.

Echo Press Article on Parent/Daughter nIght

That's pretty cool Dean! Better be careful though...You keep doing cool stuff like that an 'Ol Tzone might just give you your man card back...

Maybe after the kids camp.... IF the mini-van stays in the garage.

SD deer draw went on today. Tom and I will have to wait one more year it looks like. I didn't draw my first or second choice deer. so it looks like hills and archery for me. fingers crossed for muzzlestuffer.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey fellow Chickenbuckers, here is a nice article on our Parent/Daughter night that we hosted a week ago. I have a nice quote in there and my brother's picture is the main one helping the girl shoot the slingshot. Pretty cool. Our Youth Outdoor Activity Day is coming up Aug 24 and will be much, MUCH bigger. We have over 25 activities planned right now with more on the way for kids to do.

Echo Press Article on Parent/Daughter nIght

Dean-can't wait to come up to help out with your Youth Outdoor Activity Day. Really looking forward to helping the kids and meeting up with you. Anyone else interested in pitching in to help a good cause?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Hey fellow Chickenbuckers, here is a nice article on our Parent/Daughter night that we hosted a week ago. I have a nice quote in there and my brother's picture is the main one helping the girl shoot the slingshot. Pretty cool. Our Youth Outdoor Activity Day is coming up Aug 24 and will be much, MUCH bigger. We have over 25 activities planned right now with more on the way for kids to do.

Echo Press Article on Parent/Daughter nIght

That's pretty cool Dean! Better be careful though...You keep doing cool stuff like that an 'Ol Tzone might just give you your man card back...

Okay now, let's not get carried away...

good morning everyone!

Hello. Kinda slow on here but I think we're all pretty busy now. I'm pretty excited for next weekend. Headed to devils lake for some walleyes! Woooo-loo-loo

why would you go to devils lake for walleyes, i've heard that fishery isnt that good anymore for eyes. i dont know for sure, just what i've heard from others that use to fish there.

It is amazing as ever from what I'm told.

I was just talking to one of my employee's from SD on the phone who just got back from Devils yesterday and they hammered 'em. Nice ones too. Also, got 9 northern over 15 lbs.

Ironically, Tzone text me for a fishing report as I was talking to him. lol

He did say though that they didn't see that many other boats. I don't know if that was because it was a "during the week" thing or what.

Well I've never been there so I'm excited anyway!

Good luck and have fun. I know they have had good fishing just been told its nothing like it used to be. As long as your fishing its still a good time.

Well I don't know how it used to be.

I went ice fishing with the chickenbuck crew a few years back. Had more fun there and caught a good pile of walleyes. Found out later the fishing wasn't very good.

I owe you a phone call too, Buschy. Are you around this weekend?

I m around most days and nights. Heading to rock harbor tonight but will be around all week too.

we just got back from Wisc Dells. I felt like a cow in a herd of cattle. Man, were there people there! Kids had fun, that is what counts!

Thanks for the nice comments on our Parent/Daughter shoot. The next event will be much, MUCH bigger. Thanks to Gophergunner for helping us out, he seems almost as excited as I am for this thing! Looks like close to 30 different activities now. We are going to do Tomahawk/Knife throwing. I wish I could have done that when I was a kid! Heck, I may push all the kids out of the way and hog that station myself! Does anyone wanna volunteer to put an apple on their head while I chuck a tomahawk at it?

B-man, did you go on the Duck Rides!!!..

Bman can I send my ex wife up for that tomohack event ?

For this deer season I will be constructing two 5x6 deer blinds .

The wife and I have been hunting out of ground blinds more each year.

She has balance issues and its just not safe for her to climb a tree and our grandson may go with us some this year . He is only three so a shooting house will help hide his noise and movement . I have not built a box blind before so any advise would be appreciated

Originally Posted by mule1

Bman can I send my ex wife up for that tomohack event ?

Uh, yeah, sure....I see no reason why ex-wives wouldnt be good at balancing apples on their heads. How nice of you guys to include her!

We are advertising 34 different ways for this thing from South Dakota to St Cloud.

Kinda of funny how I didnt think too much of the crowds at Wisc Dells, but I am hoping for one for this event!

Nope, didnt do the duck boats at the Dells.

Good on you Bman for spending so much time on a very worthy event

If we were a few hundred miles closer I would bring our little Mr.

mule1,every shooting house I ever built was 4'X8'.Good size and easier to build since it is multiples of 8.Use solid sheets of "Norboard" and paint them heavily.Use corrugated translucent sheets for the roof to give you more light inside.Put it on 4"x4"
treated and skid it.

Stan in SC

Mule1,
I suppose you could slap a shippng lable on the little Mr. and FEDEX him up here....

I am sure you have thought of these, but maybe one of these ideas will be new...On your box stand, line both the floor and walls with old carpet. It makes it soooo much quieter. if you touch your binocs to the plywood wall, it makes a loud sound. If it is carpeted, you can almost hit it with a hammer and not make a sound.

really think about how you are going to keep water out of it. Are you going roof/windows? Cheap windows make noise and dont open nice. Another thing we like is putting the ladder at an angle and havine a tiny porch. It makes getting into the stand way easier and much safer.

My uncle built the stand (legs) out of 2" pipe welded together. Oh man, that thing disappears in the woods (other than the box part). Rock solid, it will never rot. it is also easy to make the skid and tow wherever you want. Lastly, lots of hooks and little shelves for gloves, binocs, water bottles, minivan brochures, etc.

Stan I had to look up that "Norbord" we call it waffer board or OSB and yes that's what I'm using t111 would be better but I'm on a small budget .

I have some OSB that's already stapled to 2x2 so the first one will be 5x6 . I got a bargain on five sheets of camp OSB so the second one could be 4x8 we'll see how it goes .

Carpeted floors is a must I know and already have some also thinking of painting the inside black.

What about spraying it with Thompsons water seal this year and painting it next year ?

I have some tinted plexiglass so I'll be making my own windows

And for this season both blinds will be on the ground I just don't have the time or resources to get the elevated this year .

Here's one of the most recent elevated 4'x4' enclosed stands I put together.

[Linked Image]

I pre built these modular style so they could be carried to the location easier and put together with screws. And not those whimpy ass Philips head sheet rock screws, use decent construction screws with a thick shank and a torx head is a plus.

[Linked Image]

I went with slider windows in these, the plexi runs side to side in the grooves of some old T&G boards that I have screwed into place with the tongue grooves retaining the plexi glass edges.

You will need some young helper slaves to help carry the modular sections out to the stand location.

[Linked Image]

These are the "wafer board/OSB/norboard" that you guys both mentioned. I painted the crap out of it with some left over gray automotive grade urethane. oil based exterior enamel from the hardware store would work well too.

Just try to do a better camo job than I did and you will be golden.

I know another spot you can put one of those up!!

Originally Posted by mule1

What about spraying it with Thompsons water seal this year and painting it next year ?

Thompsons water seal is JUNK. Do not use that. TWP 100 Series is one that is pretty highly recommended for outdoor water proofing.

Dave, I see the Double Nine at your waist.
At age 73 I don't get up in trees anymore.
It would take too long to heal if I fell.
I use a portable tent like ground blind with built in stick chair. Twelve pounds. Rainresistant.Great sleeping.

Stan in SC

I have hunted a lot out of a ladder stand, but don't want to worry about falling. Have a permanent 4x8 but now I'm going to build a 4x4 on skids so we can move it.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Rainresistant.Great sleeping.

Have you been turkey hunting with me before.

Hey Chris... your ladder stand comes with a safety strap. They keep you from hitting the ground.

I don't care for them either, but I'm getting more and more used to the ladders. They're a lot easier than building stands on the public land I usually hunt on. Still a pain to bring in though.

So how long y'all reckon this OSB if well painted and not sealed with junk will last in the elements?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave, I see the Double Nine at your waist.
At age 73 I don't get up in trees anymore.
It would take too long to heal if I fell.
I use a portable tent like ground blind with built in stick chair. Twelve pounds. Rainresistant.Great sleeping.

Stan in SC

I'm not nearly as wise as you yet, Stan.

I hope to get there some day.

Originally Posted by mule1

So how long y'all reckon this OSB if well painted and not sealed with junk will last in the elements?

Probably longer than it needs to.

Something else will wreck the blind before it rots.

Fire, a storm, tree falling on it... horny moose having his way with it...

I've seen it, it's horrifying.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Chris... your ladder stand comes with a safety strap. They keep you from hitting the ground.

I don't care for them either, but I'm getting more and more used to the ladders. They're a lot easier than building stands on the public land I usually hunt on. Still a pain to bring in though.

I got drawn for Ripley one year. Sunday morning at about 11:00 I'm hearing bullhorns, sirens, lots of vehicle noise, including tracked vehicles on the move. I'm thinking, "I thought they didn't do maneuvers on hunting weekends." I came to find out that a guy fell asleep and fell out of his portable trees stand. He had no harness on and broke his back. Always wear a belt or harness.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Chris... your ladder stand comes with a safety strap. They keep you from hitting the ground.

Safety strap? I thought that was a haul line.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by mule1

So how long y'all reckon this OSB if well painted and not sealed with junk will last in the elements?

Probably longer than it needs to.

Something else will wreck the blind before it rots.

Fire, a storm, tree falling on it... horny moose having his way with it...

I've seen it, it's horrifying.

A guy I went to high school with wanted to get into bowhunting. He built an elaborate tree stand (more like a fort). He was constantly out working on it, adding to it and modifying it. He spared few words talking about it either.

Opening morning he gets in well before daylight and can't find his stand. He looked and looked. Finally his flashlight revealed that a beaver had cut his tree down and his fort was smashed to pieces.

Mule, I didn't say not to seal it but I personally wouldn't use the Thompsons brand water seal. A good coat of paint will last a long time too.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Opening morning he gets in well before daylight and can't find his stand. He looked and looked. Finally his flashlight revealed that a beaver had cut his tree down and his fort was smashed to pieces.

One way or another...those beavers will always get ya.

Anybody watch Duck Dynasty? They're always declairing war on the beavers. The antics are quite funny.

DYNOMITE!!

Yep!

Holy Cow they put that up fast!

Looks good!

Splendid!! looks really good dave, Now just some curbs all the way around the whole building so cant get close to it to dent it up, she'll be ready.

I was going to dig a moat around it and fill it with swamp squids, but I like your idea better.

Wow!! No screwing around there! Looks great!

There is nothing wrong with the proper application of a moat. Just sayin'.

It looks fairly sea-worthy already! Nice!

You need a gun port in that upper level to guard the driveway from aggressive deer........

When do they put on the big Grain Belt mural?

Very very nice.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Chris... your ladder stand comes with a safety strap. They keep you from hitting the ground.

I don't care for them either, but I'm getting more and more used to the ladders. They're a lot easier than building stands on the public land I usually hunt on. Still a pain to bring in though.

I got drawn for Ripley one year. Sunday morning at about 11:00 I'm hearing bullhorns, sirens, lots of vehicle noise, including tracked vehicles on the move. I'm thinking, "I thought they didn't do maneuvers on hunting weekends." I came to find out that a guy fell asleep and fell out of his portable trees stand. He had no harness on and broke his back. Always wear a belt or harness.

Did not use my ladder stand last year, have been using one for about 20years. I know I should have, but I did not use a harness all those years and took lots of naps in it. I have pushed my luck long enough.

There are some REALLY comfortable ones now days. And much, much easier to put on. I have a vest type for bow hunting.

I have a Muddy harness and I really like it. I actually wear one now. When all I had was the big, awkward, tangly messes that come with the tree stands, I never wore them.

Tree stand hunting without a harness is about like playing Russian Roulette. One day it's going to happen.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I have a Muddy harness and I really like it.

Throw it in the washer Big Jelly!

Jimmy, I'm headed your way in a while. About an hour.

You coming up 94 or 10?

If 10, I could possibly meet you for a cold one.

Vest style harness for me. And the best if you can get one of the retractable seat belt safety systems so you hook on when you are on the ground before you climb up.

doors, check.

[Linked Image]

Nice! looking good!

Starting renovations on the basement. took our house off the market and going to make it into the house we want rather than buying one and moving. Taking pics to show progress, Dave you're an inspiration!

Go man go!

Looking great ND. Has the concrete been marked by either RWS or PWM?

GOTTA have initials in the concrete. Unthinkable without.

Colorado, so you decided to love it and not list it?

Stan in SC

yes Stan we did, there were no good houses on the market that met our needs so we decided to make our fit. took a bridge loan to get the work done and then we can do the VA homeloan cash out option to pay that back. with our lower interest rate our payment only goes up 40 bucks a month and we can pay off both cars and CC debt (wedding stuff) at the same time. was a no brainer once we looked into it.

dug the egress window and insulated under the crawl space yesterday, that was quite the chore! Yesterday my Cousin came down to help me, I couldn't have done it without him. He's more like a brother than a cousin really.

Good luck with the renovations, Ryan.

You know Ryan,you really seem to have your head on straight. Must be the good influence from your bride. Good luck on renovations.

Stan in SC

Thank you sir, I was raised right and married better! that sure helps

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

You know Ryan,you really seem to have your head on straight. Must be the good influence from your bride. Good luck on renovations.

Stan in SC

Agree

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Looking great ND. Has the concrete been marked by either RWS or PWM?

PWM has a hand print in the cement, RWS is waiting for a chance to smear some tire rubber off from a certain black firebird....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You coming up 94 or 10?

If 10, I could possibly meet you for a cold one.

Well I should have come up 10. Good lord the traffic was horrible. But the fishing was nothing short of fantastic. I've never caught so many walleyes so fast. EVER!

It was like bluegill fishing but we were catching walleyes. It seemed one of always had one on the hook.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Looking great ND. Has the concrete been marked by either RWS or PWM?

PWM has a hand print in the cement, RWS is waiting for a chance to smear some tire rubber off from a certain black firebird....

Why have not seen pictures of this black firebird?

Is that his????? Pretty cool.. Like the thumbs up in the pic...

hey, i think i seen that car smokin' dave! does he have new rubber on it yet?

I'm disappointed in the lack of some and burning rubber in that pic. But a really cool car!

Kids & cars !!!

Just dropped Doug off in North Dakota, on the weekend, for 2 weeks of football camp, prior to College starting.

He tells me over dinner on Saturday night, "Dad, you can sell my F150 while I'm in School &, if you can find good one, buy me a truck with a Cummins Diesel" !!!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

hey, i think i seen that car smokin' dave! does he have new rubber on it yet?

I heard he had some coaching influence on that small town parade burnout? Someone about your height, glasses, dark hair... standing along the sidelines giving the whirly twirly signal with the pointer finger (international sign language for "burn em!")

I'm still trying to figure out who it was....

Must have been the local PD maybe....not sure what your talking about...

lmao!

Yeah, it was prolly some stupid local cops, super troopers.

hahaha!

On another note, I am a sucker for NEF Handi rifles. Gun show this weekend. Guy had a new in box .308 Survivor. Said he would let it go for dealer cost being he had ordered it for someone who never picked it up. I know what dealer cost is. He was correct in his figure. I came home with it. After I mounted a 3X9X50 scope it is in the safe getting acquainted with the other Handi rifles and assorted inhabitants of my gun safe.

Stan in SC

lol! You have more handi rifles than anyone I know.

Funny! Handi-Stan. Stan has more handi-rifles than I've even seen for sale. Good for you Stan, if you like them, use them!

I only have two handi-rifles, but I like 'em. The .223 will be used by my buddies daughter this deer season, and I got a few with the .44mag last season.

Simple. Safe. Short. What more can you ask for in a stand?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You coming up 94 or 10?

If 10, I could possibly meet you for a cold one.

Well I should have come up 10. Good lord the traffic was horrible. But the fishing was nothing short of fantastic. I've never caught so many walleyes so fast. EVER!

It was like bluegill fishing but we were catching walleyes. It seemed one of always had one on the hook.

Addicting isn't it?

I DO like Handi rifles and I think it is because I like hunting with a single shot. It just appeals to me. My main deer rifle these days is a Baikal 12 Gauge over .308 which I just bought last year as a "one gun do all type of firearm". Got a nice 8 point with it last season.
I could cover all of my hunting types with this one gun.

Stan in SC

Okay, 'buckers...... I was talking to Tom yesterday, and the Buck Fever has all ready started! Anybody else getting the fever to do some Bambi busting? I find my self glassing the local hayfields and woods edges more and more each day. Fawns all over the place down here. 'Saw a coyote trying to put the sneak on a doe and twins the other day. Momma was having none of that and ran that coyote a good 200 yards across a field before returning to find her fawns.

Today is August 15th. and deer season starts in the lower part of the state in South Carolina.It serves to make the anticipation a bit more here in the upstate. Yeah,I am getting buckitis just like every year.

Stan in SC

So are you hunting down state any where, Stan?

I had a dream last night that I was deer hunting. I passed on a fawn and another member of the party got it. gonna get my bow tuned up and start slinging some arrows at foam this weekend.
hard to find time what with all the renovation stuff.

You passed on a fawn?

in his dream.

prezactly!

Suffering from that malady myself. It's on boys, it is officially okay to talk fall, deer hunting, bird hunting, etc. I ended my summer on a great note yesterday.....I gotta get the picture posted...gimme a minute....

the muski-lunge

Nice!

nice fish

Wow! How long 54" or so?

The guy with me said the tape said 42". It really felt bigger than that to me though. I didnt want to insult him by asking to see it myself and I wanted to get it back in the water quickly. Whatever the number, it was a really fun fish to catch as it came out of the water completely 3 times. When it hit the topwater bait I was using, I about had a heart attack!

That looks longer than 42" to me....by quite a bit.

GG, No I am not hunting in the low country.I will wait till Oct. 1st for muzzle loader here in the upstate.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That looks longer than 42" to me....by quite a bit.

We'll BM is only 3''7" tall

I will have to say man, that really does look a lot bigger than 42". A good bit bigger.

I would have guessed 48" by the picture.

Very Nice Dave.

Dave if you have some hats printed with your logo I would like to purchase a few . that's pretty sharp .

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Nice fish,

Very nice Dave.

The shop is looking really good Dave.

I'm going to put on my Chickenbuck shirt and grind some knives.

Great looking shop Dave I am officially jealous.

Ryan good decision on the house!

What are these tree stands you guys talk about?

I can see I need to spend more time here

Hoping all the 'Buckers and honorary 'Buckers had a great weekend. The countdown is on for next Sunday. My wife and I will be volunteering at Berettaman's Youth Day event up in Alexandria. 'Can't wait to meet Dean and help introduce some kids to the shooting sports and the out of doors. If anyone's gonna be in the Alex area on Sunday, look us up.

Thanks Gopher! Really looking forward to meeting you as well. Here is the official list of activities.

Wall of Shame
Fishing with slip bobbers
Turkey Calls and Blinds
Shoot/Don�t Shoot Course
Dog Training /Retrieving
Habitat Exhibit
Experienced Trap Shooting
Beginning Trap Shooting
Shooting Trailer
Exhibition Shooting
Decoy Spread/Goose calling
Boat Safety
Casting Clinic
BB Gun Shooting
Archery
Mock Blood Trail
Trapping/Fur Identification
ATV Safety
Tomahawk/Knife Throwing
Orienteering
Lunch
Building a Fire
Archery
Duck & Goose Calling
ATV Course
Offroad Biking
Gun Cleaning
Outdoor Cooking
Muzzleloader Shotgun
Dog Training /Retrieving
Geocaching
Tree Stand Safety
Bowfishing
Hen Nesting

got a friendly email from the SD game fish and parks, apparently I get to go yet another season without an antelope tag. this makes year 3 in a row. I'm not too keen on what they are doing right now with tags and such. kinda leaves me without much prospects for hunting this fall.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

got a friendly email from the SD game fish and parks, apparently I get to go yet another season without an antelope tag. this makes year 3 in a row. I'm not too keen on what they are doing right now with tags and such. kinda leaves me without much prospects for hunting this fall.

is that for a buck tag,or no antlerless either?

I thought it was just North Dakota with the antelope problem? I heard they went south (SD) after the hard winters. Not true?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Thanks Gopher! Really looking forward to meeting you as well. Here is the official list of activities.

Wall of Shame
Fishing with slip bobbers
Turkey Calls and Blinds
Shoot/Don�t Shoot Course
Dog Training /Retrieving
Habitat Exhibit
Experienced Trap Shooting
Beginning Trap Shooting
Shooting Trailer
Exhibition Shooting
Decoy Spread/Goose calling
Boat Safety
Casting Clinic
BB Gun Shooting
Archery
Mock Blood Trail
Trapping/Fur Identification
ATV Safety
Tomahawk/Knife Throwing
Orienteering
Lunch
Building a Fire
Archery
Duck & Goose Calling
ATV Course
Offroad Biking
Gun Cleaning
Outdoor Cooking
Muzzleloader Shotgun
Dog Training /Retrieving
Geocaching
Tree Stand Safety
Bowfishing
Hen Nesting

Holy cow B-man! Very cool! That is a LOT to fit in one day! Best of luck to you guys!

It's State Fair time guys. Are any of the brethren going to the fair? Maybe we could coordinate a Chickenbuck South invasion of the DNR building at the fair.........

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

got a friendly email from the SD game fish and parks, apparently I get to go yet another season without an antelope tag. this makes year 3 in a row. I'm not too keen on what they are doing right now with tags and such. kinda leaves me without much prospects for hunting this fall.

is that for a buck tag,or no antlerless either?

only tags available to draw for were a single any antelope, no double doe tags like usual. the tag barrel is pretty dry this year around here. I might have to go for a wapiti

Did someone say wapiti? Oh no, I aint going this year and just the word....starts...me....

im going.

I'm going on my annual pilgrimage to new mexico

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm going on my annual pilgrimage to new mexico

Happy Birthday Pilgrim!

CO in SW, SD;

Happy birfday kid !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

im going.

Where ?

You just got moved in & the new shop finished !

licenses were applied for before we pulled the trigger on the classic auto business plan.

DIY, public land CO, cow tags.

Month away for this guy... Elk and Muley......

ND, u should maybe have some support on a trip like that.

Stop it! Change the subject! Happy Birthday Ryan, what did you have for supper?

frozen pizza

had a dream about elk though.

These boys of mine and their school buddies have deer on the brain so bad right now. Making loads, bragging rifles, looking at new trucks for the soon to be drivers.

Me, I am ready to go chase geese and ease gently into the great orange addiction...

Waiting for deer, did not elk hunt last year or this one. Needed to save the money. Did pick up the lumber for my new "portable stand". Pictures when finished.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

licenses were applied for before we pulled the trigger on the classic auto business plan.

DIY, public land CO, cow tags.

I am going to go out on a limb here. I am willing to sacrifice myself to take your place elk hunting so you can concentrate on the new venture. It's what friends do for friends - no need to thank me. Since I didn't draw in CO, it's a win-win. The boy will fill the freezer for you (if we strike out in CO, we can stop by Ryan's place on the way home and tag the one he's got leashed up in the pic above - Happy Birthday by the way). I don't see a downside. You in?

Have gun, will travel.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

licenses were applied for before we pulled the trigger on the classic auto business plan.

DIY, public land CO, cow tags.

I am going to go out on a limb here. I am willing to sacrifice myself to take your place elk hunting so you can concentrate on the new venture. It's what friends do for friends - no need to thank me. Since I didn't draw in CO, it's a win-win. The boy will fill the freezer for you (if we strike out in CO, we can stop by Ryan's place on the way home and tag the one he's got leashed up in the pic above - Happy Birthday by the way). I don't see a downside. You in?

Have gun, will travel.

What a good friend.

I am up at the lake place. Went for a run and almost got run over by a HUGE buck.

I am talking something you see on those high-fenced hunting shows.

I am still rifle hunting the usual spot on Upper Whitefish, but bowhunting at the cabin is ON!

Now if I could just shoot my bow decent beyond thirty yards.......

Originally Posted by goalie

Now if I could just shoot my bow decent beyond thirty yards.......

What kind of rest do you have on your bow?

I just switched to a whisker biscuit from an old flipper rest, wow what a difference it made! my bow is quieter, arrows are faster and I don't run the risk of bumping my arrow off the rest. one pin out to 25 yards, gonna see how far I can shoot accurately this weekend, I'm gonna hunt me some open country mule deer this fall and I want to be ready!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Now if I could just shoot my bow decent beyond thirty yards.......

What kind of rest do you have on your bow?

Whisker biscuit, but it isn't the equipment. It's an acute practice deficiency. I worked on it this week at the lake.

I just took the ice bucket challenge, Dave and Jim I nominated you guys!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Now if I could just shoot my bow decent beyond thirty yards.......

What kind of rest do you have on your bow?

Whisker biscuit, but it isn't the equipment. It's an acute practice deficiency. I worked on it this week at the lake.

I don't know for sure since I've never used one but I have talked to guys at the range that say their whisker biscuits cause them to lose some accuracy after 30 yards or so.

I use a drop away rest because when I hunt the badlands, I like to practice out to 60 yards. They have their own deficiencies though. They can tend to add some noise and the timing has to be set just right.

Since I don't know when I'm going west again, I'm thinking of switching to a whisker biscuit for the same reasons Ryan listed above and all my shots from the tree stands around here are under 30 usually.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I just took the ice bucket challenge, Dave and Jim I nominated you guys!

You stinker

I've never shoot a deer with a bow at more than 25 yards, so it shouldn't be an issue.

I have a feeling I am going to see buckzilla at about 50 yards though. I won't take a shot I can't make EVERY time on the range.

I really like the Whisker Biscuit regardless. Especially when it gets really cold. I do try to use actual Blazer vanes with it, as it tears up the cheapie one's quicker.

I haven't even been able to shoot my bow yet. I have had a case of tennis elbow for the better part of the summer. Season opens in the middle of September too.

Dang Jim! you've had all kinds of bad luck

I took a doe at 35 a few years ago, last few have been 25 or less. Got out and shot last night and I'm a little under 3" groups at 35 yards. I'll get to the archery range this weekend and see if the groups open up at further distances.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I just took the ice bucket challenge, Dave and Jim I nominated you guys!

I accepted, but I'm pretty busy, gonna be on the road all day. Do I have to do it today?

Oil changes, and a lot of other things just got easier for me.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Dang Jim! you've had all kinds of bad luck

Could be worse but yeah my run of luck lately hasn't been too good.

I also accepted the challenge and will do it this afternoon sometime.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oil changes, and a lot of other things just got easier for me.

[Linked Image]

Looks good!

I'm framing up our basement. So far I've built a bedroom with a large walk in closet for our 2nd oldest daughter. She is moving home while she attends nursing school. I finished the dry wall last night. Now its just to mud, tape and paint. Then lay carpet.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oil changes, and a lot of other things just got easier for me.

[Linked Image]

Sweet

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I accept, I'm pretty busy

Wait, What? Are you replying to me about the elk thing? I thought maybe there might be a 5% outside chance. That's very cool of you Dave. And don't you love the creative editing feature on this board?

My boy and I are headed to the UP in the morning for a week of tent camping and fishing. Got the boat for big water...well, actually near shore Lake Superior and inland lakes. We'll try the skinny water around Hemingway's old haunts for some trout too. Bringing a .22 and some soup cans for some old school by gosh plinking. Going to hit the trails for some hiking too...maybe the Pictured Rocks area. We made up a bunch of frozen omelettes from recipes we found here on the 'Fire. We have venison brats, venison backstrap kabobs, smoked venison round, duck, and hopefully we get into some fish too. I've been looking forward to this all summer.

After seeing that lift, I need to go buy a power tool.

Daaaaaamn

made it out to my friends place to check up on our stands before season.
we no sooner had gotten near the soybean field,than out of the woods bolts a large buck in velvet,and runs down the length of the field (250 yards)and past one of our stand sites.
as soon as he hit the woods,here's, his twin brother running down the same row,disappears into the same spot.
haven't really seen many deer on this property,have only taken one doe in 4-5 seasons.Its surrounded on all sides by homes and farms,pretty broken up ,and overgrown with buckthorn.
maybe this year will be different.I don't know if they were big enough for the antler restrictions for me( 4 on one side) ,but my 17 YO can take any deer here.
phone cameras are way too slow to get a shot on running deer when they are close enough to actually see,but tracks don't leave.

by some of the " evidence " left behind,they have been feasting on the wild plums plentiful on the property.
[Linked Image]

Hope you get 'em Fluffy!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I accept, I'm pretty busy

Wait, What? Are you replying to me about the elk thing? I thought maybe there might be a 5% outside chance. That's very cool of you Dave. And don't you love the creative editing feature on this board?

My boy and I are headed to the UP in the morning for a week of tent camping and fishing. Got the boat for big water...well, actually near shore Lake Superior and inland lakes. We'll try the skinny water around Hemingway's old haunts for some trout too. Bringing a .22 and some soup cans for some old school by gosh plinking. Going to hit the trails for some hiking too...maybe the Pictured Rocks area. We made up a bunch of frozen omelettes from recipes we found here on the 'Fire. We have venison brats, venison backstrap kabobs, smoked venison round, duck, and hopefully we get into some fish too. I've been looking forward to this all summer.

If you can dress down like me, (notice I didn't say "up") and talk/act like me well enough to fool my old man.... I'll hire you to go in my place, what was I thinking??? This hunt has me all stressed out. I want to go, but getting this business off the ground is crucial to our future and financial well being...

I'm stressed.

One down one to go . The next will be made from Mossy Oak cover OSB . I can already see a change for the next one too.
I made the window too tall and it exposes too much .

Next is what color to paint the inside ?

Cathy and I are just settling in after a weekend run to Alexandria to volunteer at a youth outdoors event headed up by Berettaman. It was a rousing success. I got to help out at a muzzleloading shotgun exhibit where the kids got to observe the loading of flintlock shotguns and got to shoot them. They had well over 40 different activities for the kids to witness and even a free lunch. All of this was free of charge, and the kids had a ball. Good job Dean. You reall hit it out of the park with this. I'll definitely be back next year.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I accept, I'm pretty busy

Wait, What? Are you replying to me about the elk thing? I thought maybe there might be a 5% outside chance. That's very cool of you Dave. And don't you love the creative editing feature on this board?

My boy and I are headed to the UP in the morning for a week of tent camping and fishing. Got the boat for big water...well, actually near shore Lake Superior and inland lakes. We'll try the skinny water around Hemingway's old haunts for some trout too. Bringing a .22 and some soup cans for some old school by gosh plinking. Going to hit the trails for some hiking too...maybe the Pictured Rocks area. We made up a bunch of frozen omelettes from recipes we found here on the 'Fire. We have venison brats, venison backstrap kabobs, smoked venison round, duck, and hopefully we get into some fish too. I've been looking forward to this all summer.

If you can dress down like me, (notice I didn't say "up") and talk/act like me well enough to fool my old man.... I'll hire you to go in my place, what was I thinking??? This hunt has me all stressed out. I want to go, but getting this business off the ground is crucial to our future and financial well being...

I'm stressed.

You're going to be just fine. You don't have it in you to be anything but successful with this venture. Jumping into the deep end of the pool can be scary, but your work ethic will carry you through. Don't fret.

Spend some time planning the hunt with your son - it's half the fun anyway! It'll take your mind off of things you can't control. Think of it, 3 generations of Shaws in elk camp for a week, those will be memories that last a lifetime.

Think of all those beer can's they'll have to pick up.

Greetings from the Hot land in India. dave i think you may need a break after all the stress and time you've been putting in with the new venture..you deserve it man! It 102 degrees here right now and its hot. cant wait to get back to the mother land and start thinking deers....big white guys dont do so well over here. i'd like to be the one throwing down those beer cans Tzone! maybe they need chaperones.

Good idea Bushy. Dave will need a camp cook !

Have Dutch ovens will travel!

well if they need a place to layover my door is always open. I can promise a hot meal and place to rest on their journey.

Glad to hear the youth outdoors day was a big hit! we need to get more youngsters into the outside and away from the boobtube

Oh I can assure you they need chaperones. Theyre won't be any though.

Dave, looks just like one of mine. 'Ceptin, mine is blue & seems to look older.

Are you getting a drive on ramp hoist too ?

Oil changes, axles, hubs, suspension, diffs, exhaust. Dude, it all just got easier.

Probably even prepping & painting too.

Oh yeah, big time with the prepping, body work, rusty panel removal and replacement.

It's going to be awesome.

The 4 post type is on the wish list, maybe someday if we add on to the shop.

Good. Will you change oil on my equipment too. Will it handle 45K#? I hope you have 14'+ walls.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oil changes, and a lot of other things just got easier for me.

[Linked Image]

I will gladly dump some ice water on your head for payment.

Drumroll please........final tally: 542 kids! First ever event! With parents and helpers we were over 1000 people. Many thanks to Gophergunner for his (and his wife's) help!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Drumroll please........final tally: 542 kids! First ever event! With parents and helpers we were over 1000 people. Many thanks to Gophergunner for his (and his wife's) help!

Great job, Berettaman. You guys missed out on a really good time. I was really impressed with how well this went for a first time event. The variety of stuff they had for the kids to experience was truly impressive. Equally impressive was the fact that this was all free-including a lunch! There will be a Correction of Errors for next year, but I can't believe that list will be very long. These guys really did this right.

Man that's a great turn out! Congrats B-man. I know you worked pretty hard on putting some of that stuff together. Excellent work to all who were involved.

OK, it's officially ON !

Had to dodge 3 separate velvet bucks in the last 24 hours !

Archery deer open Sept 1st, however, will not actually hunt till October, sometime, due to not wanting to hang in the heat !

Sure got me motivated to get things moving in the woods. Probably some brushing this weekend, then set out trail cams etc & plan where to put the pop ups, ladders are still up.

Oh yeah, was going to build the missus an enclosed ground blind.

OK, this weekend is going to officially be busy. New (used) boat to try out & walleye to slay, to boot !

About a month ago I applied for a special draw permit for bowhunting only in a large county park across the road from my house.

I got an email today that I got drawn. I'm pretty pumped. I've NEVER been drawn for a tag, even after applying for dozens of different one.

I guess it's time to bust out the Switchback and start shooting The Block

Cool Tom, buck only ?

Or anything brown, is going down ?

Just recognised your sig line.

Gone a little country ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Cool Tom, buck only ?

Or anything brown, is going down ?

You can shoot a buck and 5 does I think. I'll have to recheck

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Just recognised your sig line.

Gone a little country ?

I like it all...depends on my mood.

Originally Posted by tzone

About a month ago I applied for a special draw permit for bowhunting only in a large county park across the road from my house.

I got an email today that I got drawn. I'm pretty pumped. I've NEVER been drawn for a tag, even after applying for dozens of different one.

I guess it's time to bust out the Switchback and start shooting The Block

Good for you.

Now I have to find my bow hunters education card!

I'm jealous! deer tags are slim here, been out shooting the bow a little, I think I need to bring it in and get tuned up.
as much as I LOVE rifle hunting, archery is it's own category. at least for me. I get just giddy sitting in a tree with a stick and string.

least til it gets boring, I know I have texted a few guys from this thread, and even posted from my stand whist waiting for ol' forky toes to show up.

I'd rather gun hunt...but maybe that's maybe because I've never shot a buck with a bow. I've missed a 1/2 dozen of so though.

Some were no excuses.

This hunt isn't a gimme, but there is always a chance. There is however...some bruiser bucks in there. I'm going to find the boundarys soon and start scouting. It's litterally across the road from my house.

That's awesome Tommy! Hope you stick one of them bruisers!

Shoot as many as you can. I've got a new chest freezer and a grinder.....and now can only shoot one in my zone.

I pay in beer.

Originally Posted by goalie

I pay in beer.

You'll go broke!

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd rather gun hunt...but maybe that's maybe because I've never shot a buck with a bow. I've missed a 1/2 dozen of so though.

Some were no excuses.

This hunt isn't a gimme, but there is always a chance. There is however...some bruiser bucks in there. I'm going to find the boundarys soon and start scouting. It's litterally across the road from my house.

I have been lucky enough to draw a couple special hunts. Be ready to shoot at first legal time, deer get pushed hard right away and disappear quickly.

Originally Posted by goalie

Shoot as many as you can. I've got a new chest freezer and a grinder.....and now can only shoot one in my zone.

I pay in beer.

Exactly what kind of beer are we talkin' about here Goalie? I just might have dust off the stick and string and lay waste to a few baldies here........

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I pay in beer.

You'll go broke!

I started brewing again now that my new place has a shop, so it's not TOO expensive.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Shoot as many as you can. I've got a new chest freezer and a grinder.....and now can only shoot one in my zone.

I pay in beer.

Exactly what kind of beer are we talkin' about here Goalie? I just might have dust off the stick and string and lay waste to a few baldies here........

What kind do you like?

I am going to try and get out with the stick and string this year as well.

I was just kidding, actually. I don't drink any more. When I did my tastes were pretty simple-Grain Belt Premium, and when back out east, it was Iron City Light, a beer out of Pittsburgh.

I made a batch o beer once it was good ...

Until you finished that first bottle after that you had better drink the rest sitting on the porcelain throne.

Originally Posted by mule1

I made a batch o beer once it was good ...

Until you finished that first bottle after that you had better drink the rest sitting on the porcelain throne.

I made a red-ale that everyone in the neighborhood seems to like.

The biggest indicator that it doesn't suck is that a lot of the wives have asked for some at a second neighborhood get-together a week after breaking it out.

The last time I brewed was in the 90's. It is a LOT different today. Easier to sanitize. Kegging helps with keeping the yeast out of the bottom of the bottle too, which is what usually causes the GI upset.

Is "kegging" the same as " raking" when you make wine ? As in siphoning the wine off the top off the dead yeast at the bottom?

I think I didn't let the beer or I guess mead " cook" off long enough before I bottled it ?

Originally Posted by mule1

Is "kegging" the same as " raking" when you make wine ? As in siphoning the wine off the top off the dead yeast at the bottom?

I think I didn't let the beer or I guess mead " cook" off long enough before I bottled it ?

No, when I keg, I siphon the beer from the fermenter into a keg. Like they have in a bar, except in my shop. Which, FWIW, is better....

So, unlike bottling the beer, where you need to add sugar to carbonate it in the bottle naturally (which leaves a yeast cake on the bottom of the bottle), you siphon it to the keg, hook it up to CO2, and let it carbonate by pressure.

interesting. I've made my own wine, never beer though

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

interesting. I've made my own wine, never beer though

While both fermenting, from what I can gather, they are significantly different processes.

Don't you have to filter the wine?

nope, I don't anyway.
Racking the wine siphons the "clear" wine apart from the sediments on the bottom. as the wine sits and ferments the particles all settle to the bottom of the bucket or carboy (for the most part) and contain much of the tannins and skins and pulp.
To separate them you slip in a long tube with a little bulb on the end that sucks the wine from just above the sludge on the bottom, leaving it clean in the next vessel you put it in.

I usually pout from my bucket through a screen to get the seeds and large stuff out before putting it into secondary fermentation in the carboy. than after a month I rack it into another carboy and let it sit for a year or so. then when I am ready to bottle I use a carboy with a downspout that will fill the bottle from the bottom to keep the wine from oxygenating.

checked my trail cams yesterday, got a couple nice ones on there.

one is coming in like clockwork every night. getting excited now!

So Tom,the heart dr. says I can't raise my arms above my shoulders for several weeks after they implant the defibrillator. Guessing I won't be hunting out of a tree stand this fall. Thinking about sitting in that little pine island on that clear cut overlooking that little dip where I saw that deer cross. Or maybe that other clear cut further down the road. Your thoughts?

Let's see the pics!!

Or you could still hunt the hell out of our spot. But I have a few areas you can check on as well. We'll get figured out man.

Yeah, I think I'm going to have to stay somewhere where I can at least reach you on the cell. Worries me a bit, as I know how spotty reception was up there.

Tom-I don't want to still hunt your spot, as I don't want to take a chance on screwing up your hunt. We gotta get Jack on a deer. Is he going to shoot this year?

ok Tom, here's a few pics.

Phhhhht..THWACK!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I was going to ask if your time stamp was off because it's dark at 8:08 pm but then remembered that would be 9:08 pm here. Right?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Tom-I don't want to still hunt your spot, as I don't want to take a chance on screwing up your hunt. We gotta get Jack on a deer. Is he going to shoot this year?

There are miles of logging roads there to still hunt. Not to mention a few areas to "rest" that have deer crossings. You have no worries. There is a section of land there. You won't trample on anybody's spot, probably not even close actually!

Jack can't get a license for a few years...that's Ll il going to say about that.

Save me one of those suckers for next year!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ok Tom, here's a few pics.

Ryan,

They all appear to be the same deer ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

ok Tom, here's a few pics.

Ryan,

They all appear to be the same deer ?

I believe that's the one that is coming out every night like clockwork

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I was going to ask if your time stamp was off because it's dark at 8:08 pm but then remembered that would be 9:08 pm here. Right?

correct Jim, I live on God's time (mountain)

the top one is a different deer I remember him from last year, the two lower pics are the same buck I believe, although there are a few here that look the same.

Tome, I can guarantee you most of these will be dead this year, however we make new ones annually.

Hey Dave!

We need a update on the shop please !?

The lack of an update tells me he is busy gett'n 'er done.

Hey could we all pitch in and buy a web can for the shop !

Lol!

mule1,I LIKE that idea.

Stan in SC

that would be cool, log in when you want and see what's going on. he could do a time lapsed thing on a project, that would be cool!

Hi Guys, I'm having me a Sunday morning here. filled my humming bird feeders, cup of coffee, checking in on the camp fire...

The shop is pretty good. All of the little loose ends take some time. pluming the water, pluming the compressed air lines etc. Putting tools away... It all takes time.

My "new" paint booth needs to be cleaned up but it's assembled.

[Linked Image]

Dave, you should give some serious thought to he webcam idea.
WOW! The Chickenbuck Network.

Stan in SC

Looks great!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave, you should give some serious thought to he webcam idea.
WOW! The Chickenbuck Network.

Stan in SC

Yeah,

We could all dial in, right when Dave goes to scratch, or make an adjustment to the "boys" !!

I know what I would say if someone wanted to put a webcam in my shop..........three letters borrowed from deflave.

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I know what I would say if someone wanted to put a webcam in my shop..........three letters borrowed from deflave.

My thoughts exactly. What goes on in the shop is none of yer friggin business. Now ME on the other hand......

anybody coming to fargo to join the crowd at the ESPN gameday thing this weekend?

yeah me either.

no, but I'm headed to forks for a wedding!

If I'm going to ND...it's going to be pulling a boat

Originally Posted by tzone

If I'm going to ND...it's going to be pulling a boat

Are you sure you didn't mean to say pulling your pud??????

got a call today to pick up some headgear off a road kill mulie. he was probably 150 class, hard to judge when the skull plate is busted up. would love to have him walk by my stand! well not now obviously, because that would mean we have zombie deer, but you know what I mean.

Tom, I'm still keeping an eye out for yours. been getting some pics of a little 5 point that needs another year.

If a mn day like this doesn't get hour blood pumping for hunting season, you may have to hang up the wool. 50 degrees and sprinkling today....probably my favorite type of weather to be in the woods. I'm not sure why, but it is.

I really didn't have itch until today....it's on like donkey kong now boys!! Whooooo loooooo looooooo looooooo!

Time for a trip up nort' buddy?

F'n a right it is!

get on it tom, i was out checking deer stands last night, opened one that the window had blown out of and found a big lively bee hive in there. backed out slowly. put some cameras out and some treats. Mowed around the deer stands for about 8 hours on sunday, Love this time of year.

Guys, I'm going to be gone for hopefully just a little while here. I'm going to the hospital at 6:30 tomorrow morning to get an internal defibrillator implanted. According to the doctors, it's a quick deal. In and out the same day as long as there's no complications. You guys are just going to have to hold down the fort for a few days here. T-Zone is instructed to take care of business around here in my absence, and I gave him strict orders to kick anyone's arse that gets out of line, so you boys play nice while I'm gone, or Tommyboy's gonna go postal on y'all.

I'll be back in a few days.

Good luck gopher!!!

I hope you get a hottie recovery nurse.

Originally Posted by goalie

Good luck gopher!!!

I hope you get a hottie recovery nurse.

Just one?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Good luck gopher!!!

I hope you get a hottie recovery nurse.

Just one?

Good luck! And ok hopefully all of them.

I hope all goes well for you tomm Gopher... If you need anything let me know I'm not that far away......

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Guys, I'm going to be gone for hopefully just a little while here. I'm going to the hospital at 6:30 tomorrow morning to get an internal defibrillator implanted. According to the doctors, it's a quick deal. In and out the same day as long as there's no complications. You guys are just going to have to hold down the fort for a few days here. T-Zone is instructed to take care of business around here in my absence, and I gave him strict order
s to kick anyone's arse that gets out of line, so you boys play nice while I'm gone, or Tommyboy's gonna go postal on y'all.

I'll be back in a few days.

Is that a medical term for Viagra dispenser?

Make sure they implant it on your non-shooting shoulder

Originally Posted by goalie

Make sure they implant it on your non-shooting shoulder

Yeah, I have a hard enough time shooting right handed. Can't imagine trying to do it southpaw.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Good luck gopher!!!

I hope you get a hottie recovery nurse.

Just one?

Careful there gg...it could be goalie. I'm sure he's a top-flite nurse, and yes, he can brew beer, but chances are he played hockey without a mask. And for a goalie, that probably puts him out of the "hottie" category.

Good luck and be well! Hunting season is around the corner.

<pssst!> Tzone is your muscle? He's starting to get that goofy deer "thing" again. Wide eyes that don't blink, sniffing chairs for signs of estrous, rubbing the paint clean off the door frame with his noggin', easily distracted by shiney things...no wait, those are bass boats. Anyway, you might want to rethink your choice.

Oofda, long week.

Started out at the trap station last weekend working the Sportsmen For Youth Day. 2500 kids. Over a 1000 rounds of 20ga fired from 24" away. Then had a funeral up north - fast trip with long hours on the road. Internment was the next day 200 miles away in pouring rain - something about Taps, 21 gun salute, and old veterans doing a slow salute at a flag draped casket...I can't keep a dry eye. Then came home and taught 70 kids Hunter Safety for 3 nights. Now the missus has me going to a Roseanne Cash concert 2 hours away tomorrow night getting in at 1am. Then I have to get the boy up at 4am for early duck season.

Guess I'll sleep when I'm dead.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Careful there gg...it could be goalie. I'm sure he's a top-flite nurse, and yes, he can brew beer, but chances are he played hockey without a mask. And for a goalie, that probably puts him out of the "hottie" category.

I am definitely NOT in the "hottie" category.

Well I'm a. In rut all year but don't look twice at bass boats. You drive a Ranger 620 by me though and I'm on it like a lab on a steak.

Jeff, we're all pulling and praying for your fast recovery.

To help fuel the deer season fire... I saw a nice 7pt buck right by the road at 6am this morning. I stopped, shined the headlights on him and he stood there like a deer in the headlights.

On that note I have work to do so I have playing to do!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Guys, I'm going to be gone for hopefully just a little while here. I'm going to the hospital at 6:30 tomorrow morning to get an internal defibrillator implanted. According to the doctors, it's a quick deal. In and out the same day as long as there's no complications. You guys are just going to have to hold down the fort for a few days here. T-Zone is instructed to take care of business around here in my absence, and I gave him strict orders to kick anyone's arse that gets out of line, so you boys play nice while I'm gone, or Tommyboy's gonna go postal on y'all.

I'll be back in a few days.

Good luck Jeff!

Pinch that nurse in the butt for me will ya??

Good luck, GG, get done and get back on here

I got a call from GG about 10am.... He was in recovery already. He was a bit groggy but he sounded like he was in good spirits. Hopefully the nurses don't send him home prematurely.

Got released around 12:30. Home now and sleeping off and on all afternoon. They gave me an RX for Vicodin. 'Haven't had to take any yet. My shoulder feels tight, and a little bit of throbbing but otherwise okay. They're telling me to not elevate my left arm above my shoulder for about 4 weeks, but to use it some so it doesn't stiffen up. Local anesthetic. I was in and out throughout the procedure. To answer Goalie's hope that I got a hottie nurse, yeppers, I had two.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

To answer Goalie's hope that I got a hottie nurse, yeppers, I had two.

Yeah baby!!!!

Glad to hear you're doing well.

Glad it went well Mr. Gopherman !

Made the grandson breakfast this am. He's watching Peter rabbit and hiding his eyes from the owl. I gotta get that boy in the woods!

Hey gopher, I knew you'd do fine but I'm still glad to hear it went well.

Now take it easy, get all better before hunting season.

Gopher, get well. Bambi is calling for an appointment this deer season.

About 24 hours post-op now, and other than a little soreness in the shoulder, not feeling too bad. I took a Vicodin to get to sleep last night, but probably would have been fine without it. I'll try to sleep tonight without it, as I know that's pretty powerful stuff, and I'd rather not take it unless I really need it. Sitting there thinking about hunting. 'Can't wait for deer season. Special thanks to T-Zone for all he's done for me the last couple years. He has made plans to check out my tree stand and make sure it's going to be comfortable for me to use, and has even said he'll clear the shooting lanes at ground level just in case I can't climb the stand. Tom took me under his wing a few years back and has gone out of his way to make sure I had a good place to hunt, and a good friend to do it with.

Later today, I'm going up to the north end of the Twin Cities to watch his son, Jack play football. Jack's just a great kid, and I can't wait to see him fill his first tag. I am really lucky to have such good friends.

Gopher and his wife Cathy made the trip north to watch my little buddy play ball today. He was pretty excited because he got to start at linebacker, and people were coming to watch him. Well the coaches mad a good choice because on the first play of the game Jack knocked the ball loose and recovered the fumble. He also made two other tackles, and picked up another fumble recovery on the second to last series of the game and it led to the only touchdown of the game.

I got bit with the hunting bug pretty bad this weekend. Did any chickenbuckers make it to the woods today for some bow hunting or grouse swatting? Beer bottle or otherwise?

Good to hear gopher!

Remember, red = positive, black = negative. You're gonna be a handy guy to have at camp if anybody leaves their truck lights on all night - just gotta remember the cables!

Tzone, 2 fumble recoveries in one game? That boy is going to be scholarship material!

My boy and I will be in the marsh at 5am....sheesh, 5 hours from now. Still getting last minute things together. Youth duck hunt this weekend and only kids 16 and younger can shoot. I'm pretty excited. I'll do the calling and set the dekes and of course, pouring the hot chocolate plus donuts. It'll be in the 30s at daybreak. Fall is here boys!

Special thanks to T Zone for having my wife and I up to watch Mini Man play football yesterday. Jackson's a great kid and Tom should be very proud. The slight chill in the air felt good. This was my first outing post-op, and I zonked out on the way home. Cathy and I were sitting at a freeway off ramp, when the sound of screeching brakes and the crunch of metal woke me up. Someone two cars in front of us was hit at the intersection. Not huge damage to either car, and both parties claiming they had the green light. Cathy had to fill out a statement. An interesting way to end the day.

Originally Posted by tzone

I got bit with the hunting bug pretty bad this weekend. Did any chickenbuckers make it to the woods today for some bow hunting or grouse swatting? Beer bottle or otherwise?

don't know if I qualify as a chicken bucker, but I definitely have the hunting bug again. went out checking cameras yesterday and hung a stand about 50 yards up the fence line from where this video was taken.
this is a soybean field,but the acorns and apples, plums and blueberries are all in abundance this year. maybe this will be the year to get lucky on this property, but I don't think either of these two make the antler point restrictions in place for me in this zone,but my 17 YO can take any deer.
the other two cams out have does and fawns,but they may be the same few "sets"
http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/WGI_0015.mp4

anybody know how to get photobucket video to show?

I would say you qualify in this case fluffy... I think you post them the same way as a picture. If not, I don't know how.

Well, it's signed, sealed, and delivered. I reserved a unit for deer opener. Two fun filled nights of frivolity after two hard, memorable days of hunting. I feel some buck fever coming on...........

Oh I got the fever already!!

Drug hunting shacks out this weekend and planted two plots no trail cams out yet .

I actually am feeling pretty good today. The dull pain has subsided, and my shoulder just feels "tight" like a pulled muscle. I was just re-reading all the well-wishes and prayers given here, and just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone one more time. We have a really good bunch of folks here. Thanks again guys.

In typical Campfire fashion, T-Zone, who is my hunting partner, has committed to making sure I get in the woods no matter what. He is planning on setting up a blind under my tree stand in case I can't climb the ladder yet, and clearing ground level shooting lanes for me too. Tom's a great guy, and I can't say enough how much I appreciate all he's doing for me. It's nice to know there's folks around like him. Thanks again, buddy.

having shared a couple hunting seasons with tom you're right on the money. they don't come any better.

we got home from the wedding last night at 11:30 pm mountain time. wowsers was it a trip. spent some time with the grandparents that was irreplaceable and I'm glad we did. I stayed the night not too far from Dave one night, a little town called viking MN right by carpenters corner. got in at midnight and left at 8 am so no time to try and meet up unfortunately.
I did get to see two of our best friends get married and couldn't have been prouder to be there and part of it. Count down to SD archery opener begins here. T-minus 6 days and counting!

Since I haven't been able to shoot my bow yet, (tennis elbow) I spent quite a bit of time in the woods this weekend checking trail cams and putting out more. 1st camera I checked had 2409 pics on it since the end of July. The 2nd cam had like 2115 pics. I put them on my laptop and quickly realized that I need to set my delay to longer than 10 seconds. Out of the 2115 pics on the 2nd cam, I swear 900 of them were from the same doe who obviously is heroin addict level addicted to my mineral block.

She was there everyday at all times of the day licking that block and even bedding by it. I got pics of fork horns, spikes, does and spotted fawns, some basket racks and a few decent bucks that I had on camera last year that are now a year bigger. They are still nocturnal just like they were last year. Every pic of a shooter is between 10 pm and 4:00 am.

Guess I'm going to have to wait until rut to have any luck seeing them during shooting hours.

Anyone else seeing anything on the cameras worth getting excited about?

Glad you're on the mend Gopher!

Good on ya Tom for taking the time to help out!

I'm hoping to get some cams out soon but probably won't be until the first weekend of October. Which, I'm ok with. The day I go up will be a long one. I'll have a tree stand to fix, one to build, and LOTS of lanes to trim.

I also would like to build a blind in a spot I've been in and out of CIA about a year now. It's a walk in area and a funnel. There isn't a lot of sign there, but there isn't a lot of deer there either. If there is a buck working this particular spot, he'll either have to skirt me, which I can't do anything about, or go through that funnel. I'll be eating back straps then.

We are also in a "bucks only" area. One spot GG is thinking of sitting, may not be. We will have to look at some maps for that and see what's up and what we can pop. I'm going to try to get a doe with my bow early to get the pressure off for burger and back straps.

I haven't been on this thread in a while, but the weather has me thinking deer season, so I thought I'd read a bit on here.

GG, glad to hear you're feeling well after going under the knife.

I'm playing "beat the clock" the last couple weeks, trying to get myself and my son ready for our youth hunting season this coming weekend. He's been shooting my compact .223 and doing pretty well. He's loading the box magazine and operating the bolt and safety like a pro.

Got 50 cases sized, trimmed and primed and ready to be charged. Got 3 different bullets I'm going to try - 64 gr Winchester Power Points, 63 gr. Sierra and 60 gr Nosler partition. Being that this is going to be a short range hunt with a first time youngster, accuracy isn't critical. I'm going to load up a few of each bullet over the same powder charge and see which, if any, makes a cluster. Fingers crossed that this approach goes well, 'cause I don't have time for any other approach right now.

I've gotta admit that it's pretty darned cool looking forward to opening day on behalf or someone else. I saw a very nice 8 pointer a couple times earlier this summer. Nice, tall rack with about 20"+ spread. It'd be awesome to see him bag something like that.

Gophergunner,
I am glad you are doing so well. Keep up the good recovery.
Linda and I just returned from a hurried trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. Her sister passed away from complications which arose after abdominal surgery. We had to go down to be with the family. We left Sunday and came back today. The service is 1PM Wednesday so we will leave here early early Wednesday morning. It is a four hour drive. We will return Wednesday evening. Lotsa windshield time.
On another note archery deer season opened here today,August 15th. I do not bow hunt. September 15th is the opening of muzzle loader season and October 11th. opens gun season. I am in a new lease this year. I hunted it several times as a guest last year and got a basket 8 point. Lotsa lotsa pigs there. I am looking forward to this.
Dave,progress report???

Stan in SC

Good to hear you're on the mend Gopher.

Colo, Carpenters Corner? Really? Holy carp......
I'm sure you ran into a number of my acquaintances there and a few of ND's as well. Glad to see you still posting after that adventure.

This tune runs through my head when I visit that area!
All in fun of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzae_SqbmDE

Stan, very sorry to hear of your sister in law's passing. My condolences, Stan.

Thank you,Tom.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Good to hear you're on the mend Gopher.

Colo, Carpenters Corner? Really? Holy carp......
I'm sure you ran into a number of my acquaintances there and a few of ND's as well. Glad to see you still posting after that adventure.

This tune runs through my head when I visit that area!
All in fun of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzae_SqbmDE

LOL well I didn't darken the door of the corner, my buddy lives a mile and a half east and a little north of there. so we drove by, I figured you guys had heard of the place

I wanted to stop but we didn't

Yes. Sorry to hear about you SIL Stan. Prayers sent

Thanks,Rooster.

Stan

The bear cub and I were doing a little construction work today. We were coring out a pad and spreading gravel with the skid steer. I'm wondering which one of us were having more fun....

I can't believe how big he's getting. Cub is kicked out of daycare for the week with some hand, foot & mouth rash. Mama bear has watched him more but I've had my turn and we will continue this project tomorrow.

pretty sure that Cub will get another timeout from daycare when he uses the new words he learned at the jobsite.........

oh well......

No matter. Cub had a blast but not as much fun as daddy did.

.

Just remember enjoy them while you can, way too soon they are in college.

And they turn 12 and get a teenage girl attitude! Grrrrr.

My little girl passed hunters safety last night. Pretty proud of her, she did a great job!

Way to go Kennedy! Congrats Dad!

So the doc's said not to lift my left arm above my shoulder for four weeks, which puts me dangerously close to deer season. I all ready feel like I could handle shouldering a rifle, but am very begrudgingly holding off. Man, I want to go shoot something-ANYTHING right now. Back up plan's all ready formulating. If figure as a last resort I can scare the living crap out of deer by shooting one handed with a .44 mag Super Blackhawk. Not taking bets on weather I can actually hang on to the thing though.

Originally Posted by tzone

And they turn 12 and get a teenage girl attitude! Grrrrr.

My little girl passed hunters safety last night. Pretty proud of her, she did a great job!

Congrats on passing

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So the doc's said not to lift my left arm above my shoulder for four weeks, which puts me dangerously close to deer season. I all ready feel like I could handle shouldering a rifle, but am very begrudgingly holding off. Man, I want to go shoot something-ANYTHING right now. Back up plan's all ready formulating. If figure as a last resort I can scare the living crap out of deer by shooting one handed with a .44 mag Super Blackhawk. Not taking bets on weather I can actually hang on to the thing though.

You could try something a little smaller.

Stan, my condolences to you and your's sir.

TZ, pretty cool the little lady is now a bonafide hunter! Good job dad!

GG, where there's a will, there's a way. Bipod or shooting sticks may help or go with a real light caliber, maybe even some of those managed recoil rounds. Just a thought.

I once broke my collar bone on my right side (bull riding in colorado). 2 weeks later I was shooting trap left handed one armed with a .410. I even managed to get 7 out of 10 hits! so I know where there is a will there is a way. just don't take any unnecessary risks.

I used to work with a guy who broke his collar bone shortly before firearms deer season kicked off. He couldn't handle any sort of recoil, so he borrowed a .22 Hornet from a relative and used it to fill his buck tag opening morning.

Hope you are able to get out there and get it done, GG.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Stan, my condolences to you and your's sir.

TZ, pretty cool the little lady is now a bonafide hunter! Good job dad!

GG, where there's a will, there's a way. Bipod or shooting sticks may help or go with a real light caliber, maybe even some of those managed recoil rounds. Just a thought.

Fluffy set me up with some wood for shooting sticks. It's on the agenda for this Sunday to build them.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

I used to work with a guy who broke his collar bone shortly before firearms deer season kicked off. He couldn't handle any sort of recoil, so he borrowed a .22 Hornet from a relative and used it to fill his buck tag opening morning.

Hope you are able to get out there and get it done, GG.

Oh, I'll be out. Unless this really goes south, I don't think it's going to be a problem. I'll carry a .243 this fall to appease the docs, but might ease back into my '06 or 300 Savage next fall. 'Got a hunt scheduled for Pennsylvania for the Monday after Thanksgiving, and I'll definitely be carrying the 300 then. We had a lot of 99 owners in our camp and I can't let the Old Guard down like that.

no one has posted in a couple days, I hope all is well. I didn't make it out for opener, had to help ma move. dad was elk hunting in MT. nicely played ol man!

its still way too green to be hunting,even up north.visibilty is only about 3 feet.
But, the leaves are starting to change
heard of some rough weather up Northern Daves way last Saturday,hopefully it skirted wide of Daves place,and everybody else.

Oh come on fluff!! Get out and live a little. I was up by Finland/Isabella on Saturday and Sunday and the scenery was beautiful! I even popped a few grouse!

It was a great weekend up there. Weather was perfect, color was near max, and not many people at all. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend. I'll post pics when I knock some other "to-do" items off my list.

CFT ,thanks for the condolences and all you others here who have included us in your thoughts and prayers.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by fluffy

heard of some rough weather up Northern Daves way last Saturday,hopefully it skirted wide of Daves place,and everybody else.

It just grazed us, it might have hit white bear though.

Colors are changing fast, leaves are dropping fairly quick, lots of young dumb birds strutting around. Deer are popping fairly regularly along the roads at night.

Time to start looking for blaze orange beer cans I guess

I'm hoping to get that dang logging road cruiser of mine finished up. It should be close by next weekend. Then it's time to hit the woods.

I'm going to build two blinds that I know of, maybe hang one stand, and tune up the rest. Oh yeah, hang a pile of cameras too .

The first bird I popped was pretty dumb, the second one was on the fly.. Which doesn't happen very often, they're usually pretty safe around me.

Like I said earlier today... Me and Mama headed up the North Shore for a little sight seeing. It's fall so yes, I had a shotgun in the truck... and a rifle and of course, the Single Six.

We started off looking for some property for sale near Silver Bay.

Grumpy old sucker trying to figure out how to pay for this property.
[Linked Image]

Here was the view from where said grumpy sucker would put the cabin
[Linked Image]

Saw a couple Woodies in a puddle near the property.
[Linked Image]

Me and Mama checking out the colors at 9 Mile Lake
[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0240_zps60dfa53c.jpg[/img]

An unlucky grouse. I shot it with SxS in 20ga my brother in law gave me. It's a sweet little gun, with 2 triggers, a tang safety, and great patina on the barrels and action.
[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0248_zps3d566afa.jpg[/img]

A beautiful road down to the boat landing to Crooked Lake. It doesn't get much more beautiful that this IMO.

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0249_zps426038d3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0250_zps976b9565.jpg[/img]

Overall a perfect day in the northwoods! Temps were great, sun, light wind, burgers and beer, flying soup starter kit. It was very relaxing!

Man, you're killin' me Tom! Gotta hit the woods SOON!

HEY DAVE- Any thoughts about doing another Chickenbuck Wear order this fall? Inquiring minds want to know..........

Jeff, by the time we get to the woods in a few weeks, they should be prime around the stomping grounds. They weren't changing much around the Duluth area. Not until you get up to where we were was there a lot of color.

I'm going up the first Sunday in October for a full work day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by fluffy

heard of some rough weather up Northern Daves way last Saturday,hopefully it skirted wide of Daves place,and everybody else.

It just grazed us, it might have hit white bear though.

It slid just to the north of me so just between us I guess. I got enough rain to get the gauge wet & a little wind. West of town got hit hard. Grain bins, vehicles, buildings, machinery & other stuff got tore up but no injuries that I heard of. I guess an entire farm got leveled by Lancaster. It was a dirty one for those that got hit with it.

I've been so busy with my retirement that I haven't even had time to think about hunting. I got one camera out last weekend & shot a skunk out the kitchen window at 2:45am yesterday morning. That's been it.

I've been busy playing in the dirt & pulling on big wrenches. It looks like I have enough work to carry me through freeze-up (no more breakdowns please!) then a lot of ice fishing this winter. One of the resort owners has contacted me about doing some work for him this winter so that could be a interesting option as well.

Rebuilding final drives on a dozer now & I'd better get back after it. It could be rolling by dark this evening if all goes well.

Well quit posting and get after it!

Tzone, some beautiful pics. Looks like you could see forever from that future cabin site.

Any wolf scat on that property? Several years ago I saw my first Minnesota wolf while driving north of Silver Bay heading for Ontario to do some fishing. It came across the road near the Baptism River and my brother-in-law had to brake for it so we got a good look of it.

Wayne

Was geocaching last week in the state game lands near Pittsfield PA last week, turned onto a jeep trail went 50 yards and big black bear ran across the trail in front of me. Great time in the woods!

Wayne, there actually was woof poop in the road to that property.

I'm having a heckova time finding out who has this land for sale. I may have to go back and bang on the door of a house near by. The sign listed doesn't have the right phone number.

Tom,

Killer view from that property!! We love it up there, we camp every year at Tettegouche and try to see as many waterfalls as possible.

I was in Bigfork for a work weekend at the shack. The maples were in full color, absolutely beautiful. Didn't see a single grouse, just tracks from deer, moose, bear and wuffs.

That property is a bit closer to town than I really would like but MAN that view!!

I'm going to have to bang on doors when I go up there bird hunting. The property is surveyed, and I think recently so somebody knows about it. I'm guessing about 5 acres. Enough for me, there is public hunting land all over. There were also HUGE deer tracks on it.

Jeff,

We are going to camp up ther more often. We stayed at a resort on Saturday but there are soooo many cool places to camp that it's too hard to pass up.

Hey!!! What's up kids? I have about 300 pages to get through but will start reading this evening. I totally did not forget about this thread. I think I left off with getting a big deer for once... EVER. My mother was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas. Mom passed on May 10th and being an only child the last 4 months have been an absolute up and down nightmare. I miss my best friend... SO MUCH!!!!
I haven't been able to check in or do nearly as much as I had been hoping but believe me I have thought about you guys a ton. Can't wait to see the crazy stuff I have missed. I will fill in once I get through all the pages but wanted to say hi now that I have the chance to check in. Hope everything is well and I don't see anything unexpected while I catch up.

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

Hey!!! What's up kids? I have about 300 pages to get through but will start reading this evening. I totally did not forget about this thread. I think I left off with getting a big deer for once... EVER. My mother was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas. Mom passed on May 10th and being an only child the last 4 months have been an absolute up and down nightmare. I miss my best friend... SO MUCH!!!!
I haven't been able to check in or do nearly as much as I had been hoping but believe me I have thought about you guys a ton. Can't wait to see the crazy stuff I have missed. I will fill in once I get through all the pages but wanted to say hi now that I have the chance to check in. Hope everything is well and I don't see anything unexpected while I catch up.

Dang Dv8! Very sorry to hear that. I believe you mentioned your Mom was sick in your first post to this thread.

My sincere condolences go out to you man.

Howdy alla everybody.

Dv8, sorry for your loss, Stan, same to you my friend. Sorry I havent posted much, been too busy now that I quit my job too, lol.

Tom, I like that hat! I like the property and pictures too!

St Louis county? Go to the county website and look for an online atlas, that way you can find the owner of the property.

Thanks dave! I know who owns it...I couldn't find out who had it for sale. I got it now though.

It's in Lake County. I'm hoping it's for sale awhile. They're asking $85K for 10 acres. I think I can find cheaper land, but I dont think I can find a spot with a better view. I'm hoping to have a better idea by next spring about what I can do.

I did find out one thing, there is a A LOT of land for sale right now.

The good part is, I'm not looking for a specific spot. I have a big area I'd be OK to have property in. That makes it easier to wait for a decent price and a good piece.

I have land that I could sell you for half of that per/acre and you'd have way better neighbors too! 9'x10' log cabin & a couple of deer stands would come with it.

I'm not sure what I'd do with a cabin that big!

Snuggle of course. Did I have to tell ya?

Edit: I won't be there.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Snuggle of course. Did I have to tell ya?

Edit: I won't be there.

Tom and I have hunted together for a couple years now, but it's gonna be a cold day in h3ll before I spoon with HIM!

Saw the heart team on Tuesday and they said my new hardware is working just fine. Celebrated by going to the rifle range yesterday. (Sorry and thanks to Rflshtr for the invite.) I cobbled together a little Mossberg 500 youth gun with a cantilever ported camo colored barrel and an old Weaver 1.5-4.5X scope. Stock's too short, so I slipped on one of those boot style recoil pads to stretch it out a bit. Man, does this think shoot! It's pretty loud with the ported barrel, but the recoil is much more manageable than my old 12 gauge 870 running Fosters.

I shot about a box and a half of Hornandy SST's through it. The last 3 shots made a nice little cloverlear at 100 yards. 3" high and dead on at 50 yards put me centereded vertically and about 2" to the right at 100 yards. This Frankenstein gun shoots honest 1" groups with the very first sabots I tried through it. Sure felt good to spend some time at the range.

great to hear! always nice to make it to the range!

Originally Posted by tzone

They're asking $85K for 10 acres.

$8,500/acre?? Holy Monkey!!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Snuggle of course. Did I have to tell ya?

Edit: I won't be there.

Nice save WB.

you should see that baked pasture land they sell here for that much. litteraly bare ground without a view and virtually no chance for a well unless you're lucky enough to have water AND don't mind dropping 30-40k into a well. land is crazy, and likely do to all the boomers retiring who want a slice of the country life. it's all I can figure. they aint making any more of it, so expect prices to increase. sad

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Snuggle of course. Did I have to tell ya?

Edit: I won't be there.

Tom and I have hunted together for a couple years now, but it's gonna be a cold day in h3ll before I spoon with HIM!

'Ol Tommy don't like to spoon. He'd rather fork.

Hows that 9' x 10' lookin now?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

They're asking $85K for 10 acres.

$8,500/acre?? Holy Monkey!!

It's worth that much. Try to buy land around here!! That's across the road from Lake Superior. Inland, there was more reasonably priced property.

There better be oil if I'm going to pay $40k for a well.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

They're asking $85K for 10 acres.

$8,500/acre?? Holy Monkey!!

It's worth that much. Try to buy land around here!! That's across the road from Lake Superior. Inland, there was more reasonably priced property.

Yeah I guess when you think about it, there are a few lakes around here that the shoreline goes for around $5k per foot so I can see that.

I did a little scouting this evening after work. Some of you know I drew a special draw archery tag near home. It's a in a county park. With that brings a goofy set of rules including "you must keep any harvested deer covered up and out of sight." You may only hunt from tree stands. No staling, no blinds, nuttin but tree stands.

I also have to stay 200' from the paved walking trails. Finding deer sign wasn't that hard, but finding a stand site 200' from any walking trail was! I did find a good island of maples that are along a lake with cattails 7' high. The deer are tearing up the cattail area.

I even saw a deer, so I have a bit of hope anyway!

Nice view on that property, hurry up and arrow a deer so we can see pictures.

We have seen farmland here touch 10k an acre lately. I do believe I have all that I am going to have.....lol. Insanity....

Scott

When I lived in WI land prices where we lived were like that because it was farm country as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

I did a little scouting this evening after work. Some of you know I drew a special draw archery tag near home. It's a in a county park. With that brings a goofy set of rules including "you must keep any harvested deer covered up and out of sight." You may only hunt from tree stands. No staling, no blinds, nuttin but tree stands.

I also have to stay 200' from the paved walking trails. Finding deer sign wasn't that hard, but finding a stand site 200' from any walking trail was! I did find a good island of maples that are along a lake with cattails 7' high. The deer are tearing up the cattail area.

I even saw a deer, so I have a bit of hope anyway!

Tom-I've got a portable archery stand you can use if you like. I can run it up to you this Sunday.

Thanks GG. I have a few of my own here I can throw up. I'm trying to decide if I want to use my climber or a hang on tho. They become public if we leave them up. If I use a hang on, I may just pull the ladder down and leave the stand up....hmmm. I kind of like that idea.

So I'm guessing a big ol' salt block and a pan of stewed apples ain't exactly legal for this, huh?

No need. There is a lot of deer in there.

It's official!

The deer camp beard had begun! and it's itchy as hell.

wolf lottery is in.
no luck for me this year.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/wolf.html

no antlerless tag either.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/antlerless_results.html

Me either on both accounts.

nice thing about us, even though we can only shoot a couple deer this year, they are either sex tags. Mama drew a muzzleloader any deer tag as well, I've put in for 4 years and have yet to draw, she did it with one Pref point. there are only 1000 statewide, so it's a pretty big deal to get.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Mama drew a muzzleloader any deer tag as well, I've put in for 4 years and have yet to draw, she did it with one Pref point. there are only 1000 statewide, so it's a pretty big deal to get.

Wow! I would be excited about that! I would be on the look out for the biggest, baddest muley in the area!

she still claims she's shooting the first legal deer that comes by. which is anything. I would LOVE to have that tag myself. we'll see if I can get her to go after a nice mulie. we'll see

Let her shoot what she wants.

Save those big mulies until I get there.

lol!

10-4 if we go after mulies it will be in a different unit, so you're good!

a few items to get tzone rutted up.
these are from my friends yard( apple tree is anyway),in area 338,just outside the unlimited antlerless metro zone.

small buck,maybe?
[Linked Image]

mmmmm apple fed.looks delicious.(apples are good,too.)
[Linked Image]

wish I knew how to embed photobucket videos here. there is one or maybe two legal bucks here( must have at least 4 on one side)

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0020.mp4

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0026.mp4

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0027.mp4

any ideas what this might be?

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0014.mp4

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0023.mp4

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0021.mp4

Both those bucks look legal to me. Looks like a 7 and an 8. Fluff, that top one looks like a spike, but it could be the ears moving at the same time the pic was taken.

I'm pumped for next weekend...trail cams at the hunting spots!

im still messing with links.

how many different bucks do you see here ? im not very good at telling them apart.
I just may go try and stand tonite,will hose down with off! before I go.

high 80's today, I think I'll pass on this opener

yep,low 80's here,have to wait till the morning,when its cooler.

88 today a few states south of most of you guys .

Going to check cams and build a ground blind for my daughters last youth hunt . I'll put pics up if there is anything worthy.

I got the fever so bad tonight I had to sneak down to the gun room, clean a gun or two or ten, and snort a bottle of No. 9. Oh yeah-I got it bad-REAL BAD!

I wish it would cool down here a rain . That would make my neck swell for sure !

We are about a week out from our blast off for elk camp, and I'm honestly not ready for any of this nonsense. Lol!

I think being a new business owner is going to pull some of the "care free" out if my fall schedule.

We went out to the cabin yesterday to grab hunting gear needed for our elk hunt. Rainy cool day, but the fall colors are pretty. Popple and birch leaves very yellow, red maple leaves, fuzzy tamaracks are just hinting at a lime color, soon to be yellow as well. New tires going on the 09 half ton ford this week, going to try cooper at3. Going up one inch over stock diameter as well, tires will be a hair over 33". Also the ups man should be bringing me a front mounted receiver hitch for the truck and a receiver style winch plate, a 9500 lb elect winch and a weld on receiver stub which will go on my car trailer. This way I will be able to move the winch to the front or back of my truck or mount it on my trailer for pulling cars and trucks onto the trailer.

raining like crazy here, taking my dog to the vet today, likely for surgery. fingers crossed.

leaves are changing here too pretty good, temps dropped to 40's and it's definitely feeling "fall" here. headed to antelope camp tomorrow if all goes fine at the vet.
definitely hunting season!

It's felt like fall here for a while with the exception of last week and this weekend. It was weird to see the leaves falling and it's 84* outside.

I didn't see any deer last week in the heat other than on Wednesday when it rained. They're probably a bit warm, since I've seen a few with the heavy coats starting already.

My hunting partner and I both hit the doe-tag lottery for zone 242.

And his daughter can shoot either sex, so the freezer should be full in about a month.

heres another video,just to get ya inna mood.

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/22m/WGI_0012-1.mp4

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We are about a week out from our blast off for elk camp, and I'm honestly not ready for any of this nonsense. Lol!

I think being a new business owner is going to pull some of the "care free" out if my fall schedule.

We went out to the cabin yesterday to grab hunting gear needed for our elk hunt. Rainy cool day, but the fall colors are pretty. Popple and birch leaves very yellow, red maple leaves, fuzzy tamaracks are just hinting at a lime color, soon to be yellow as well. New tires going on the 09 half ton ford this week, going to try cooper at3. Going up one inch over stock diameter as well, tires will be a hair over 33". Also the ups man should be bringing me a front mounted receiver hitch for the truck and a receiver style winch plate, a 9500 lb elect winch and a weld on receiver stub which will go on my car trailer. This way I will be able to move the winch to the front or back of my truck or mount it on my trailer for pulling cars and trucks onto the trailer.

I put the Cooper AT3 on my half ton dodge last February I believe. So far I have been really happy with them, I have about 20,000 miles on them, they still look really good. Can't really comment on road noise as it kind of blends in with the normal ringing in my ears, but they ride nice and I have not found them lacking for traction.

I just found out my little hotspot I got permission to hunt is about a mile on the wrong side of the line were deer can be hunted with firearms. I could archery hunt it, but after the defibrillator surgery, I can't draw a bow. I could get clearance from my dr. to hunt with a crossbow, but I don't have one and can't afford one. Hopefully by next fall, I'll have a crossbow and be ready to go.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I just found out my little hotspot I got permission to hunt is about a mile on the wrong side of the line were deer can be hunted with firearms. I could archery hunt it, but after the defibrillator surgery, I can't draw a bow. I could get clearance from my dr. to hunt with a crossbow, but I don't have one and can't afford one. Hopefully by next fall, I'll have a crossbow and be ready to go.

No muzzle-loader??? I have a smoke pole if you need one.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We are about a week out from our blast off for elk camp, and I'm honestly not ready for any of this nonsense. Lol!

I think being a new business owner is going to pull some of the "care free" out if my fall schedule.

We went out to the cabin yesterday to grab hunting gear needed for our elk hunt. Rainy cool day, but the fall colors are pretty. Popple and birch leaves very yellow, red maple leaves, fuzzy tamaracks are just hinting at a lime color, soon to be yellow as well. New tires going on the 09 half ton ford this week, going to try cooper at3. Going up one inch over stock diameter as well, tires will be a hair over 33". Also the ups man should be bringing me a front mounted receiver hitch for the truck and a receiver style winch plate, a 9500 lb elect winch and a weld on receiver stub which will go on my car trailer. This way I will be able to move the winch to the front or back of my truck or mount it on my trailer for pulling cars and trucks onto the trailer.

No pics?

I assume yuze guyz been working out those quad muscles for humping da wapati out of the mountains. Last time I did it I tipped over - too much weight on the pack...2 full hinds. Reloaded or I should say off-loaded one and still this flatlander nearly had a grabber going up the mountain. I'm sure the young man will be a good sherpa - tip him well!

I bought the AT3s a couple months ago. I notice a bit more road hum, but nothing the radio can't drown out. Easily better traction off-road than the POS Uniroyals I had on before. The side walls of those separated from the belts all the way around the rims of all 4 tires. They looked like they had a doughnut shaped tumor. No love from Uniroyal either.

No antlerless tag permit for me.

None of us even got around to applying for wolf, or even antlerless for that matter... too damn busy.

Thanks for the good reports on the cooper at3's guys. I put the front mount receiver hitch last night. Nathan helped me, it was super easy.

Now you'll be pullin chevy's out like crazy!

I have no experience with the coopers other than everyone that has them say good stuff about em.

The deer camp beard has officially started. I have not rubbed the newl post yet but I sniffed a few doe.

Tinks on my oatmeal this morning and 41 degree temps are helping move things along nicely.

Grunt grunt rattle rattle

the rain aint quit yet, we aint used to this much precip.

be careful tom, it aint even october yet!

season here has been open almost a week and I have yet to go, too busy with soccer practice and home remodeling I guess.

Heading up north on Friday for the duck opener on this weekend. Going to scout deer spots too. Grilled venny tenderloin and Bart's Chili are on the menu.

Lucked out and drew a doe permit, but for the northern lower peninsula. When I was in the UP a month or so ago, I saw ZERO deer sign. No tracks, scat, rubs, or scrapes. We spent the better part of 5 days in the woods when we weren't on the water. Me thinks last years brutal winter really took a toll. Couple that with the wolf predation and there's not much left up there. Doe permits have been cut drastically. The winter of 95-96 they lost over 200,000 deer and its never rebounded. I think this one was just as bad, if not worse. Those boys are going to have a tough go of it. Any buck will be well earned.

That's how it will be in northern MN on our little slice of heaven too CFT.

Trail cams will go up this weekend and they will tell the tale for what is up there. We didn't have one buck on our cams in the normal hinting spot last hear. Had does, so I know there were a few bucks around, but that's it.

I think I'm going to keep a journal this season. I do it for turkey hit my but haven't for deer. I will have someone new with me each weekend this year so it will be fun for them to look back on it as well. We can then also track what is going on in the woods where we hunt as far as deer sighting too .

I tossed out some canning scraps and set up a camera to see what was in the area. There a few around but definitely down from previous years.

I saw 4 mulies in the park across the street where I took mama for lunch today, does and fawns. sorry to hear about the low numbers where you guys are.
almost seems like they should be reducing tag numbers if deer are that scarce.

gimme a second while I put on my nomex and flame suit.

ok go, flame away

Tags are waaaaay reduced. Bucks only in most areas of MN

IMO, it should be either sex for the whole state unless it's a park or city hunt.

aren't tags OTC?

Yes. But there and nearly no doe tags north of mid-state. Some areas of farm country, but nuttin up north. There are plenty of deer from middle of the state to the south.

I just put up a trail cam and did some scouting in other areas. I found a heckova good spot if some of the other hunters overlook some of the obvious spots right at border or the boundary.

Tom,
Does that special permit area deer count against your "one deer" per year thing Mn got going on now?

Tomorrow (October 1st.) is the starting day of muzzle loader deer season here in upstate South Carolina. Regular gun season opens October 11th. I wanted to plan to go tomorrow but got a few things I just gotta take care of. Probably will go Saturday and/or Sunday. My wife is on a cruise all next week with her sister so I will have chances all week.
I only bought two does tags this year as opposed to my regular four. I never use them all anyway.
I have joined new lease this year. I hunted it some as a guest last year. Great place. Progress will be posted.

Stan in SC

Stan, do you have a buck tag too? Good luck with the smokepole!

Here in MI the buck tags are OTC. You can buy one or a combo. One of the bucks on the combo has to have 4 or more to a side. There are a couple of APRs in the state, otherwise 3" or longer are legal.

No flaming here Ryan. Your idea is sound game management. Here in MI with 750K+ gun hunters and 350K+ bow hunters, the DNR is looking for the almighty dollar instead at $31 and $51 a pop respectively.

It does if you shoot a buck as far as I know. The area is in the 601 Metro zone so I can shoot 5 does. The real reason I even wanted the tag is to get freezer pleasers.

Awesome Stan! I hope we get to hear stories and see pictures.

All caught up... man so much has been going on. Dave, wish you all the success in the world. You do great work and are an honest guy I think it will all work out awesome.

Really crazy to hear about GrizzlyBill. Amazing how things change in an instant.

Heading to the taxeedermy dude tomorrow to pic out my form so that's kinda cool.

Whoo hooo keg party at Stans house !

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom,
Does that special permit area deer count against your "one deer" per year thing Mn got going on now?

I did that early doe hunt down in southeast Mn. last year. Was going to go this year too, but have decided to stay home and just get ready for gun season. For that hunt, you can take up to 5 does and it doesn't count against your limit during the regular season, archery, or ML seasons.

Why is it when you put a trail cam out, you want to check it within minutes? I'm giddy to find out what is on it! Hasn't even been 24 hours and I want to go see it. I will anxiously give it until at least tomorrow afternoon.maybe Friday afternoon if I can take it. I did find another decent spot I'd like to try so maybe I'll pull the card, and move the spot tomorrow, then pull it Friday. I'm bringing all the cams up north this coming weekend.

I'm heading up with my BIL to fix stands and shoot some guns. A lot of guns!

CFT, we are allowed a buck anytime with a limit of five deer as I understand the regulations. We have doe days but the doe tags I buy are "use anytime" tags. A doe killed on a legal doe day does not require to be adorned with one of these tags.

Stan in SC

Took my new stand north, but raining a lot. Got it unloaded, but will head back in a couple weeks to assemble and take some pictures.

Well the only thing on the trail camera is ME! Crap! Nobody wants to look at that. There were deer tracks in the areas, so they're around anyway.... Oh well. I'm bringing it up north this weekend, if I don't get it out, I'll put it in another spot here and see what shows.

So will the Vikings eat cheese tonight!?

They it looks now is they ate a bunch in the locker room and are still too full to move. I'd rather see Samantha Ponder play QB then Christian Ponder. The results would be better I'm sure.

Good lord I forgot how bad he really is!

several wide open receivers, but he cant hit them.
trade him for a bag of footballs or something.

nobody but Sam wants him

This was Ponder's 2nd chance job interview in the NFL.

In real life, it was the equivalent of showing up drunk and crapping on the interviewers desk. He's done.

Originally Posted by fluffy

several wide open receivers, but he cant hit them.
trade him for a bag of footballs or something.

His trade value just went to zilch. They are going to have to eat his contract and cut him.

Let him be the stay at home mom that he's destined for.

Not a bad gig when you think about it...

This is the last year of his contract...they already knew he'd be worth zilch on a trade or bed have been gone....even for a bag of footballs.

Yeah, he pretty well screwed the pooch last night. To a degree, one can excuse the misses when he's under pressure, but when he flat out can't even get the ball in the same time zone on those long sideline routes, that's just excusable.

I turned the channel after the interception runback for the 3rd TD. too painful, I felt sorry for them that they had to play the whole game. they shoulda picked some random fan and put him in for ponder.

Archery season opened 10-1 here but tomorrow will be the first chance I've had to go . Maybe I can get some blood on the new Mission xbow .

Ryan,

Are you hunting antelope in Wy. this year?

Jeff

yup, spent a few days with some other members from here and in a week I'll be headed out to do some shooting goats of my own. was proud to be with badluck when he shot a really nice buck that had a third horn growing out of his head. pretty sweet, I videoed the shot. I'll post it whenever I get it from him. buck was over 15" on both sides with impressive spread and mass. wall hanger for sure. hoping to meet up with EFW next week if it all works out. I'm a huntin fool!

I really miss chasing 'lopes around the sagebrush. Post up some pictures if you get the chance.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

yup, spent a few days with some other members from here and in a week I'll be headed out to do some shooting goats of my own. was proud to be with badluck when he shot a really nice buck that had a third horn growing out of his head. pretty sweet, I videoed the shot. I'll post it whenever I get it from him. buck was over 15" on both sides with impressive spread and mass. wall hanger for sure. hoping to meet up with EFW next week if it all works out. I'm a huntin fool!

Good luck Ryan and keep those of us stuck behind the keyboards posted!

Here's a long shot I did 2 years ago. this was on the hunt with flyboyflem and evil twin. one of the most memorable hunts I've ever been on. this vid is me shooting a doe antelope right after flyboyflem got hifrom the same herd.

[img]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b576/Vaquero1135/th_M2U00062_zps9f0bc861.mp4[/img]

J elky, the knife you gave me, us heading west on my belt, leaving mn on Tues.

Was just wondering when you were leaving. Wee bit jealous here, I may be going back in '16 until then.....Good luck, travel safely, aim small-miss small!!

Dave,there is an old tradition in my family that you NEVER GIVE someone a knife. A knife is bought for a penny or what ever coin is handy in their pocket. If they have no coin in their pocket you give them one.
As Grandpaw Cyrus explained to me, a GIVEN knife will cut your friendship. A SOLD one will not.
Just a tradition my family has always followed.

Stan in SC

That's cool Stan. I love that kind of lore. Out east in Pennsylvania, many camps have a Deer Sinch hanging on the wall. A Deer Sinch is a piece of wrought iron about 2 1/2 ft. long, with a barbed point on one end, and a circle or loop on the other end. The story goes, that you take this out on the night before the opener, find a buck, stuff the point up his arse and hook the loop over a fence post. Come back the next morning, and it's a sinch to get a deer. Very bad ju-ju to not have the sinch in camp for deer season.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Was just wondering when you were leaving. Wee bit jealous here, I may be going back in '16 until then.....Good luck, travel safely, aim small-miss small!!

I shot the 300 wby today, its always on, peace if mind.

It gave me the usual .4" group @ 100.

God I love that rifle.

Your knife, is so sharp...

I could shave my face with it with no question. But I need my face hair, so I won't.

Lol

You boys have a fantastic trip!

Really like the shop Dave......

.4" Dave? Man, that's nice! I've got to think the elk don't really appreciate getting hit with that one whole heck of a lot.

Had to shoot this doe in self defense at 6 yards

Uff-duh! We are back from a trip to the deer less north woods. It took April and 6 hours to rebuild a deer stand that had been demolished by Ma Nature. It could have been wind or bears, there were signs of both. There was very little deer sign, but grouse seemed to be plentiful.

We only got one stand done, so there is a ton of work still to do.

Just got back from visiting my sister at White Earth Lake north of Detroit Lakes. Returned to Twin Cities cross country through Ottertail County from Perham to Ashby. Bean fields really getting combined and lots of deer visible on edges of fields and woods from 4:30 until I hit I-94. Looks like lots of deer in Ottertail County.

Lotta deer around Perham. I have a cabin and some land on Big Pine, and I have seen some BIG deer out on my morning runs when up there.

Nice work mule!! Looks tasty!

Thanks T I'm ready to find out !

Good luck on the elk trip Dave and crew can't wait for the pics and story !

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Dave,there is an old tradition in my family that you NEVER GIVE someone a knife. A knife is bought for a penny or what ever coin is handy in their pocket. If they have no coin in their pocket you give them one.
As Grandpaw Cyrus explained to me, a GIVEN knife will cut your friendship. A SOLD one will not.
Just a tradition my family has always followed.

Stan in SC

I like that, Stan. Sounds right to me.

I like that too. It sounds like a real cool tradition.

Safe travels to the hunt Dave, wishing you guys the best. Can't wait for pics & story.

Heading out north after Moose, again this week. Flying in Thursday, hunt starts Saturday. Hopefully a cool story & pics, like last year !!

I hope so! Moose is my #1 bucket list hunt.

Is the whole family going on the hunt Dave? Have a great time, cant wait to hear the stories.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Is the whole family going on the hunt Dave?

not this time.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Safe travels to the hunt Dave, wishing you guys the best. Can't wait for pics & story.

Heading out north after Moose, again this week. Flying in Thursday, hunt starts Saturday. Hopefully a cool story & pics, like last year !!

thanks, good luck to you as well.

Thanks everybody for the well wishes. I'll check in from the mountain if i get a chance.

May the great rubber-nosed wapiti be plentiful on your trip. Watch out for the mountain loins. Bring me back a liver or two. I need a replacement.:)

lol!

With a .4" group, you should be able to not "beak" Ole Rubber Nose too.

Have a great trip Dave and a safe travel.

Stan in SC

ND. I speak for myself but some may agree that we really admire how you and the eldest boy child are taking time off from your very busy schedule to get winter sustenance for your family. I really wish I could do the same to provide for my family but it's not in the works this year. I may get a venison or two but nothing like the great wapiti. Kudos to you my friend.

I like when Dave and Nate go elk hunting. I get to eat elk without actually having to shoot and carry elk.

Its the burden we bear.

We are packed, we launch from the northland at 7:45am tomorrow

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Its the burden we bear.

You could share.... I am on the way you know..

Prayers for safe travels as you guys venture on your hunt. drive safe and good luck!

1+

Originally Posted by eh76

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Its the burden we bear.

You could share.... I am on the way you know..

thought about you, Keith. It will be 2am-ish when we roll through Casper.

we should have a departing shot of you and nate, GOOD luck and Be safe. hope to hear the stories at deer camp!

Safe travels and happy hunting Dave. May the winds be gentle, the skies clear, and memories everlasting.

Have a great hunt!!!!

Enjoy making those memories, have a great hunt

Good luck ND.. Got back from my elk hunt we got 2bulls.. The owner turned into a drunk.. Was not a good trip never went mule deer hunting came home early.. Been with this outfitter for years never had a problem before.... Things change i guess.. Was bummed out cause of everything that happen on the trip.. Looking forward to heading up north...

I did get a wolf tag so who knows maybe the hunting gods will shine down and make up for my Elk trip.... LOL

20 miles out of Gillette Wyoming, Nathan is driving, I'm in back seat, supposed to be sleeping but I can hear the co pilot snoring....

so, I am awake, kinda like I figured.

Lol. Good luck. I hope you boys made it safely. Stack those elk up!

I drove through Wyoming last week moving my mom home from California. Could not believe the amount of speed goats and a few elk we saw. Saw Elk right down by the interstate in Utah as we came through. Can't wait to see your pictures.

Where's Camp..?

I'm packed and ready...

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

20 miles out of Gillette Wyoming, Nathan is driving, I'm in back seat, supposed to be sleeping but I can hear the co pilot snoring....

so, I am awake, kinda like I figured.

Posted at 3:21am...Ouch! We used to do the drive straight thru thing too for a few years until those of us who are a little longer in tooth had a bit harder of a time recovering at 10K feet. 27 hrs for us to get to CO and 19 to WY.

At least gas is down for you. We have a town near here in a price war. Regular there today was $2.77/gal!

Hope this finds you all set up and ready to hunt. Keep that camera handy!

I was wondering if you were going straight through. my place is available if you need a layover spot on the way back. we're kind of a halfway point from MN to CO. I can be in grand forks in 9 hours and colorado springs in 7.

Good luck with the elk hunt Dave.

Good luck guys have a safe trip!

We need some Jepordy theme music here the wait is killing me!

Hope ND's boy shows all the old phardts how to do it with that new rifle.

Frost on the pumpkin up here this morning boys! This here is a killing frost, good and heavy. Deer camp is right around the corner, I know this. I'm up to "speed" on theses types of signs. Signs like... I nearly hit a decent buck with the Rammer on the way to work, and the deer camp beard is in, full as ever. There has been no trimming at all this season so you can all bow to my dominance!! You all will cower when I walk in and have respect for me out of the sheer size of my rack.

Grunt, grunt, rattle-rattle.

26 degrees here this morning in the Northland, fall is definetly in the air, seen lots of deer that last week, another week and we'll be taking the kids hunting. Should be a blast. Cant wait to see ND's pics, hope all is eventful and prosperous! take care all!

Pfhhhhhht. Phfffhhhhht- pssssshhhhh.

Grunt grint

Got my buck this morning, 6 point. Damage to the Ranger left front fender, grill, headlight assembly, corner marker light.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Got my buck this morning, 6 point. Damage to the Ranger left front fender, grill, headlight assembly, corner marker light.

Ya gonna mount it?

He did... Right before it ran into the side of his truck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Pfhhhhhht. Phfffhhhhht- pssssshhhhh.

Grunt grint

If you're gonna be makin' those noises and the odors that accompany them when we're up huntin' I sure hope you're down wind of me.

That stench would make a skunk smell like roses.

It usually this time time of year when I pick up pneumonia, instead, I have a hellova cold. I'll take that instead! But it still sucks. Anyway, what a great morning...28*, sunny, frosty. My neck swelled right up and p'd outside. Normally. It an issue, but I'm at work, in a Walmart parking lot....so on second thought, it maybe not that big of a deal anyway.

Originally Posted by tzone

It usually this time time of year when I pick up pneumonia, instead, I have a hellova cold. I'll take that instead! But it still sucks. Anyway, what a great morning...28*, sunny, frosty. My neck swelled right up and p'd outside. Normally. It an issue, but I'm at work, in a Walmart parking lot....so on second thought, it maybe not that. It of a deal anyway.

2 weeks ago today I woke up with a bad cold that turned to Bronchitis and the start of pneumonia. On day 9 of antibiotics and still coughing up chit.

Watch this cold close Tom or you may get pneumonia yet!

The taxidermee man gave me a little preview of my snack pack from last season. Should have him back here at the house soon I reckon...

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Nice buck!

Thanks brother!!! That deer was a fiasco... Even had to row him 200+ yards across a creek to get his a$$ home

Didja get him up on plane?

Originally Posted by bucktail

Didja get him up on plane?

Now that's funny!

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

The taxidermee man gave me a little preview of my snack pack from last season. Should have him back here at the house soon I reckon...

[img:left]

[/img]

Nice.

So Tom-how'd it go today?

Any word from Dave and the boys chasing elk? Heard there was snow on the mountains in Colorado.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So Tom-how'd it go today?

Not a single pic of a deer on a camera! Zip, zilch, nada! No deer! I have a 400+ pound bear on cam tho. I'll put pics of him up later.

I'm seriously discouraged about this hunting area. The next time I go up is for scouting new spots. I think there is too much food available nearby and the deer have moved.

On the plus side, the wolves were not there either.

That said, the boys and I got A TON of shooting in. They burned through the 22 shells, and .410 rounds. We did see 5 grouse, which is encouraging, since I don't think we saw 5 last year. Ill tv me that.

No word from those boys on my end. I hope they're full up with elk all over though.

thats too bad Tom, maybe you should go hunt up in the northwoods. seeing alot of deer again. Taking the kids out this weekend for the School break, seeing some good ones agian for them. Keep after them, they will show.

That's possible buschy. I might have to come up with the muzzy loader.

Here's the old boy that paid my stand a visit. I'm not a good judge on sizing these bears but he appears to be big enough!

[Linked Image]

that looks like a dandy. definetly filled out. get on up here, be fun to see you again at chickenbuck. its been a while since i got out there to visit too. taking the whole first week off this year, maybe to india the following week, then i thin muzzleloader will start. time flies way to fast.

That is a nice looking bear. I am heading up to check cameras this week. I hope I have deer in my area..

I hope so too. I'll be with you on opening morning.

I would be happy to have you show at our deer camp. I have a few more spots for stands and a couple of areas that need more exploring.

just got done with a long weekend but an awesome hunt to remember. I stink like goat, have meat in the freezer and get to spend another 12 hours with my best friend since grade school.

Gratuitous fuzzy windchime pic

Maybe one of these days. I have the week off... Maybe I'll drive up to Finland and cook you guys some lunch!

Good job Ryan! Looks delicious!

thanks! farthest shot was 90 yards! lol, not very usual with speed goats!

Job well done.

Looks like good eating. We really like loper meat but no lopers this year.

I usually have an extra spot or two and there seems to be plenty of deer here. I'm not that far from chickenbuck so the offer is there. That goes for any of you honest hunters looking for a spot.

Very generous offer White Bear. PM sent.

any news from the elk hunters yet?

Hey T, I saw a bear about that size behind my house about 1/2 mile yesterday. Good to see some critters running around now that the crops are coming off here.

CO, I got a text from ND this evening. Didn't sound promising. They're on the way home now and I expect he'll give us the full story upon his return.

Ryan....where were you antelope hunting? Looks like too many trees for Wyoming.

Nice stuff Ryan! We have seen hundreds of lopes through northern Colorado and Wyoming.
We are crashing out in a super 8 in Rawlings Wyo. Finishing our trip home tomorrow.
Elk hunting was a bust, but we made some memories, tried like hell.

Pictures later.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Elk hunting was a bust, but we made some memories, tried like hell.

It wasn't a bust then. It's about the hunting, not the kill'n.

Can't wait to see pics.

safe travels Dave, the super 8 will make the cab smell better for your long trip.

Sorry to hear of the lack of meat Dave, but it sounds like a great time was had by all, definitely a successful trip.
safe travels on your way home

Its not all about the meat Dave, you should know that. I am sure you guys had a great time otherwise, Time to come back to real world now and join the rest of us. Safe trip Home.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Job well done.

Looks like good eating. We really like loper meat but no lopers this year.

Did you head out west this year TJAY?

Safe travels on the way back home.

I wouldn't rule that out completely! Though, it wouldn't work out that well for the bear.

Did not do the western trip this year. Wife and I might do the guided elk safari into the greater Yellowstone area next year. Big bucks but big memories or so they say..

My self and my buddy Josh went up by Duluth to scout today. Just a beautiful day to be outside. Checked out a couple different spots, including two tree stands we'll be using, courtesy of T-Zone. Saw some deer, including two real close to the trail head we walk in on. It was a great day to be outside, and now I'm really pumped for deer opener. Really looking forward to hunting with T-Zone, Andy, and Pastor Josh.

The Isabella deer report is in.
I do have deer in my area. The wife and I both think the number of deer seen on camera is about average for our area, We did see more bucks than usual for the month of Sept., usually only a couple, had at least 8 different ones this time. The major difference this year is fewer fawns.

How'd those bucks look TJAY? I won't be back up for a few weeks but I'm getting antsy. Deer on not, it's deer season for God sakes and I'm going to be in the woods!!

Awesome!!! Congrats!

Its deer season now Tom. Was out with daughter last night. Had doe n fawns below us in the stand. Couldn't move. It was fun. No shooting last night though. She's back at it by herself right now.

Blaze orange Busch beer cans are out...kinda neat looking ones.

Originally Posted by big drift

Blaze orange Busch beer cans are out...kinda neat looking ones.

Ya don't say?

Saw them at the beverage store the other day, new banners and everything donchaknow....

Beverage store? I've never heard of of such a thing?

It will be a day or two before I can put any pictures up. I am still working from the camper at Lake McDougal and it is two hard to move the pictures around so I can post.

A side note. There is a skim of snow on the ground here this morning.

Some trip photos.

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heading home, no critters but lots of memories... and paint scratches....

Great photos Dave,,,thanks for sharing. Enjoyed it!!

Beautiful pics as always Dave!

the video is marked "private".

Sorry, I'll fix that.

Plus, I've got brand new stuff to share, from this evening.

Really enjoyed the pics Dave. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations Dave. Sweet memories.

4

Right on the heels of a not so successful elk hunt came a MN whitetail youth hunt for chickenbuck Joe.

First day was a bust.

But the second day....

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Boom-shak-a-lacka!

10 yr old Joey was in a 2 person stand with his sweet mama (mom's stand too) while dad walked a big ole loop trying to stir something their way.

I'm so glad Pam got this experience, to sit with her son when he got his first deer. I've done it with the older boy, and I was first on the set when the daughter got her first as well. So, it was Pam's turn to experience the excitement.

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So proud of them both.

(camera in a tree branch, self timer, lol)

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Yep, Dry doe. Shot straight through the winzerspynzel. (that's the area what breathes wind and also has spine parts)

220 Swift. Straight down like a ton of bricks.

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Well, since he is only 10 yrs old I agreed to do the field work for the young man, but he had to help and he had to pay attention. He also had to shake my hand when I was done, and give a slimy five.

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Oh lordy she was heavy, I couldn't have hauled her out of the woods without Joe towing the line.

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Yessir, we brought her out.

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Now she's hangin in an oak tree hind the house.

Butcherin tomorrow.

Most excellent!

Way to go Joey! great shootin! an awesome experience for Ma too I'm sure!

I'll bet not a single comment was made about yet another person shooting a deer from Pam's stand and she has yet to.

that is just awesome! I bet there was lots of celebration at the house after!

Congrats

Good to see. Another seasoned vet at chickenbuck.
I wish I could come and hear Joe's stories about his hunt but I'm sure they'll still be fresh when I see you folks next.

Tough luck on the wapiti hunt but that's hunting...... It looks like Joe might be the new lucky charm.

Well, if he wasn't "hooked" before, he sure is now. Congrats!

THIS just made my entire weekend!!!

Plays with Matches has SCORED!!!!!!

Now ya got meat in the freezer and another guy to tell hunting tales(Exaggerations)

Buy the young man a root beer and send me the bill!!!

Awesome first kill with many more to come, I'm sure! Congrats!

Happy Berfday Yetti!

Congrats to everyone!! Outstanding photos and story as usual....

Can somebody click on this youtube vid and let me know if it works?

Hey Dave, welcome back. Congrats joey! Did u use An old knife gun on that first deer. Cant wait to hear the stories from the hunt. My boy got a doe yesterday as well so today is cutting time.

Congrats to Jr pilot of busch.

Great pictures, Dave! and Congratulations to Joe for taking a most delicious looking doe with a very classy cartridge. The Swift is still king in my book.

Oh, and the video worked fine for me.

Originally Posted by EvilTwin

THIS just made my entire weekend!!!

I gotta be honest. Mine too. I met Joey when he was 3. I'm sooo excited to see this happen!

Me any my GF's boy went out scouting some bow hunting spots this morning and he found the best looking trail. I'm hoping to sneak a hunt in this coming week after work.

That deer is almost as awesome as his smile!!!!

Sounds great. All I got to do this weekend was muscle boat lifts and the dock out.......

.....and catch a bunch of walleye.

Good job Dave.

tzone
Here are a couple of pictures.

Thanks for the elk trip pics and congrats to Joey !

My youngest scored on her first today as well pics coming !

Originally Posted by goalie

That deer is almost as awesome as his smile!!!!

Sounds great. All I got to do this weekend was muscle boat lifts and the dock out.......

.....and catch a bunch of walleye.

All I had to do was relax and it meant I was going to get called to work.

never fails.

Nice TJAY! Thanks!

The Oklahoma youth season was this weekend and it will be Miss Katies last (she'll be 18 next year ). So we got in a practice session with my Md 7 .243 and she did great at 100 yards .

We sat Saturday afternoon and evening with only squirrels and crows to watch . I insisted she get up at 5:30 am today and we give it another go . After two button bucks came by and the cows came in and licked up all the corn this buck showed up she made a perfect shot at 90 yards buck ran to old oil field road about 60 yards away and gave it up ! I was more excited than she was I think !

p.s. That gun is now hers My father used it when his .06 became to much recoil for him to handle my wife and nephew have also take their first deer with it .

Grandson helping me build a blind he'll get his turn in a few years !

Lotsa kids getting in on the action! Awesome!

Mule1, that is great!

That woofie looks to be sporin' a tracking collar. Maybe no a good candidate for the Shoot Shovel and Shut Up Woofie Relocation Program.

Dave, congratulations to Joey from me. Thanks for letting us all share the experience.
The pictures were good of elk camp. I am always seeming to notice the double nine. Seems I saw that Nate was carrying it at elk camp and you had it when Joey scored.
I missed a nice eight pointer Wednesday. He will be back. He had a nice scrape there.

Stan in SC

Need more "windage" Stan ?

Hi Stan, yes I had the double nine on my hip in the joey deer hunt photos, its kind of my trail gun, so light , shoots straight and holds nine... Style is just a bonus.

Nathan actually had my SS single six on his hip for the elk hunt, I had a ruger vaq 45 colt.

Another young man on that elk trip did have my double nine on his belt though, so it was along on that trip too.

Nathan just came home with a sharp tail grouse, so I had to show him how to take one of those guys apart.

gopher

Yup nice collar and two green ear tags. I think the wolf researchers like this guy. Got a picture of him last and I think the year before.

Great to see the young chickenbucker score. That smile is priceless.
Bill

Looks like the Shaw legacy at Camp Chickenbuck is alive and well.

Dave,

Great photo essay

Looks like an awesome trip & I'm sure many great memories were made.

Your boy is growing up !!

Tell mama he needs to put some meat on those bones.

Way super

Guys !!

That is one of the best memories any devoted hunting nut parent can have. Awesome that Pammy got her turn.

Gunna have to call "the boy" big Joe now !

Did he ask for a beer, after the work was done ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mule1, that is great!

+1 Muley.

Grandson has that mischievous look in his eye ! Arhm, similar to a young fella who just "shotted" a deer !

Looks like a great hunt out there Dave. I've had a couple of blanks elk hunting myself. It might of stung a bit at the time, but looking back, the hunt was what I really enjoyed. Love the Shaw boys cross draw holster. You guys look like you mean business.

You must've barely unpacked before heading to camp. The smile on PWM's face is priceless. Made my day. Mom and Dad looked pretty proud too. Congrats all around!

How did those Coopers treat ya? It looked like you put them through a heck of a off-road test.

CFT, yeah I wear cross draw when I sling a rifle all day, and it looked like the boys followed suit on the elk trip, lol.

The cooper AT 3's are impressive so far, I'm really liking them. And the 9500 lb super winch tiger shark helped us out of a jam and performed as expected as well.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mule1, that is great!

+1 Muley.

Grandson has that mischievous look in his eye ! Arhm, similar to a young fella who just "shotted" a deer !

Yep he is as onery as the day is long .Being the only male grandchild on wifes side he's big plenty spoiled too

mule1,more "windage" just might have been the answer. Congratulations to the young lady.That is a nice deer.Old model Seven is a good rifle isn't it?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mule1, that is great!

+1 Muley.

Grandson has that mischievous look in his eye ! Arhm, similar to a young fella who just "shotted" a deer !

Yep he is as onery as the day is long .Being the only male grandchild on wifes side he's big plenty spoiled too

Roger that.

Just read your sig line !!

Pretty sure I know whose mouth that came out of !

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

mule1,more "windage" just might have been the answer. Congratulations to the young lady.That is a nice deer.Old model Seven is a good rifle isn't it?

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan . Yes its a good rifle giving it to her will make my brother and nephew mad (they both have tried to buy it ) but I don't care she earned it !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mule1, that is great!

+1 Muley.

Grandson has that mischievous look in his eye ! Arhm, similar to a young fella who just "shotted" a deer !

Yep he is as onery as the day is long .Being the only male grandchild on wifes side he's big plenty spoiled too

Roger that.

Just read your sig line !!

Pretty sure I know whose mouth that came out of !

You are correct Sir ! He's 3.5 going on 15 he put his Nana in time out the other day too . That was pretty dang funny. He fell down this a.m. I asked if he was OK he said "I ok I tougher than wood pecker lips " wife said I wonder were he got that ? I guess I should watch what I say

Ok enough of a lull. Lets put up pictures to get fired up for deer season. I will start with some trail cam pictures.

I may have some pics for you this weekend if I can ever get out if work! I'd like to bow hunt this weekend and show some dead critter pics.

Good luck with the stick and string, buddy. Let me know if you need help eating all that bambi burger. I'm you're man!

I have two helpers already for the Bambi burger. That's why I need to find a Bambi down here. Actually, a Bambi size will be perfect since it's a park and I have to haul the damn thing around before I can cut it up any way.

Note to T;

Take big sack !

I bring one everywhere I go.

We lost a pet at home today, the feline known as kitty meow. AKA "Karen" was hit by a car this morning.

No I'm not a cat person, not really. She was a sad case, I spotted her on a county hwy a year and a half ago as a storm rolled in. I didn't stop, I honestly thought she was a crumpled hamburger wrapper or some other small garbage item on the road. Well, I figured out it was a kitten as I drove past. I called Pam, she got in the car and rescued it.

We had her fixed when she was big enough, front claws removed, she was a house ninny. She shot out through an open door on occasion when she felt adventurous. We would laugh at her because her adventure was only 25' from the house in a small but thick stand if cedar trees, big cedars, probably 125 yrs old.

We called it her "jungle".

Its a sad deal all around, joey and I laid her to rest in a hole we dug in her "jungle".

She did good to survive when Pam rescued her, she had a broke leg, all beat up, sounded like her lungs were full of fluid, she was almost dead when we found her and we felt lucky that she pulled through.

I say I'm not a cat person, and I'm honestly not. But that was a cool cat.

Anyways.....

2 weekends before deer opener in MN.

I should mow the trail loop north of the cabin and I must install the new gas oven and range. Its the very least I will be happy with accomplishing before season opens. If course we have the unfinished sauna, a dwindling firewood supply and a road that should be brush cut on the sides and bladed for ruts.

I need that cloning machine again, so I can send 4 of me out there to finish that crap.

Sorry about the kitty Dave.Pet's a pet they still bring us joy. Hope Pam and the kids are ok.

Gonna head out here tomorrow an see if I can shoot a stick at one of the fuzzy freezer snacks. Be back sometime Monday. Hide your beer as I think that's all that will be in danger here this weekend lol

Sorry for your pet loss Dave . I'm not a cat guy either unless its a natural bobtail Manx I think they call them . They don't really like to be petted and have an overall pissy attitude.

Muzzle stuffer opens in the am tomorrow. I have to work till noon or so an then take wife hunting tomorrow evening . supposed to be 90�yuck !

Sorry for the loss, Dave. Yeah, they ain't a cool hunting dog, or that worthless mooch of a mutt that just decides they've accepted you, but cats do have a way of worming their way into your family. We got my daughter a kitten a couple years ago, and the danged thing promptly decided I was it's best bud. Now, we're bringing in another kitten for Ellie. I promised her I wouldn't go near this one, so it bonds with her. Danged cats.

I joined the "never wearing a wedding ring" club yesterday. Almost ripped off my ring finger during a Nerf-gun war with my son and one of his friends.

On a happy note, I didn't pass out pulling the finger back into joint, the ring came off, so I didn't need it cut off, and I pretended I wasn't hurt enough that the Nerf-gun war was only interrupted for a few minutes.

Hockey at the Xcel tomorrow night with the NHL alum guys. I do NOT plan on catching many pucks......

I stopped wearing my ring a few years after I got married.
I grew a calcium deposit under it,about the size of a number 8 shot.
Really came to be irritating .
disappeared when I stopped wearing it.

Originally Posted by goalie

Hockey at the Xcel tomorrow night with the NHL alum guys. I do NOT plan on catching many pucks......

Dude...last time you told me that and we went to watch. You stopped like 35 shots. I think you'll be fine.they ask cuz you're good!

Sorry about the finger. I had a co-worked that got his finger tore off on a screw in step because of his wedding ring. I wore mine and don't remember an incident.

I sat in the woods for the first time this year. I found a great funnel last week and thought I'd sit it. I had a doe and two fawns come in at last light. I didn't pass them up really, I just couldn't shoot. I think they knew I was there be asks they just wouldn't come out.

Tom, this is just free ice that the Xcel gives to the NHL Alumni once or twice a month for a beer-league type skate, not an actual charity game, so I don't have to try to catch rockets from guys like Phil Housley and Reed Larson.

Since I didn't play in the NHL, I bring the beer....

On an on-topic note, am I the only one really freaking jacked about deer-season?!?!?! The new house has great storage, so I can just pull out tubs of hunting gear and organize it, drool, fantasize about being in the woods, etc.... Thinning the squirrel population with a .22 pellet gun, while helping my shooting I am sure, is NOT helping with the pre-season excitement.

Hope it cools off so this guy might show himself during shooting hours

I'm pumped from the deerless land. More bear pics, not a single deer. Or married one.

heard there is a big buck where I'm going for the Black Hills season, starts saturday so I might have competition.

Right there with ya buddy. Can't wait to hit the woods. Plans have changed a bit for this week. 'Got a service project after church on Sunday, so I will most likely run up this Wednesday instead.

Take some of this trail ribbons down so a plane doesn't land on that logging road.

I actually pulled the trail cam sd cards and scouted a different area all together. This will be the last season there for me. In fact, it will be the last two days. The rest of the season will be scouting/hunting a few miles away.

Thought I'd put a couple reflective tacks out by the trail head and then start the tape about 100 yards in. I agree on exploring greener pastures. Too bad it's come to that, but it is what it is. Thinking I'll use my other opportunities to explore some other areas too.

I did find an active clear cut and talked to the logger. He was in there trapping beaver yesterday afternoon. There are some swales and cedar swamps. There is a ton of other untapped areas where I built a blind. I'll be doing a lot of still hunting during the week.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Thought I'd put a couple reflective tacks out by the trail head and then start the tape about 100 yards in. I agree on exploring greener pastures. Too bad it's come to that, but it is what it is. Thinking I'll use my other opportunities to explore some other areas too.

put your first few tacks right above the ground.
much harder to see,if your not looking for them.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Thought I'd put a couple reflective tacks out by the trail head and then start the tape about 100 yards in. I agree on exploring greener pastures. Too bad it's come to that, but it is what it is. Thinking I'll use my other opportunities to explore some other areas too.

put your first few tacks right above the ground.
much harder to see,if your not looking for them.

Great idea, thanks

I just whack the tree with a hatchet or machete and that friggin blaze shiws up in the dark like you won't believe.

Hmmm did anyone else hear that???

That sound of a blade slicking across a stone...

Huh...maybe it's just me but something's in the air....somethings different....

It's snowing outside right now and all I seem to be able to smell is wet wool....

I think this week has been to long....

Originally Posted by tzone

I just whack the tree with a hatchet or machete and that friggin blaze shiws up in the dark like you won't believe.

I started using those tacks a few years back and really like them. They don't show up as much as the trail tape does. Good point on the first ones being low. Much easier to spot.

Originally Posted by tzone

I just whack in the dark like you won't believe.

Shoot...light of day doesn't make a difference in that regard.

[quote=tzone]Take some of this trail ribbons down so a plane doesn't land on that logging road.

Gophergunner was that you with the orange tape going to my cousins stand?? LOL just kidding..
We checked stands over the weekend somebody put ribbons every 3 ft
too two of our stands.

Just getting caught up on here. Tzones comment just reminded me of the ribbons...

Originally Posted by tzone

Shoot...light of day doesn't make a difference in that regard.

See any shooters in the park yet?

Originally Posted by noduck

[quote=tzone]Take some of this trail ribbons down so a plane doesn't land on that logging road.

Gophergunner was that you with the orange tape going to my cousins stand?? LOL just kidding..
We checked stands over the weekend somebody put ribbons every 3 ft
too two of our stands.

Just getting caught up on here. Tzones comment just reminded me of the ribbons...

Actually the tape Tom's ragging me about HE put up! In his defense, I think he did do it so I could find his stand when he let me hunt out of it two years ago.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Shoot...light of day doesn't make a difference in that regard.

See any shooters in the park yet?

I had a doe and two fawns come out on Saturday. It was right at dark. Legal to shoot but I just couldn't see good enough to shoot. I tried again yesterday and didn't see anything. I'm going to try again Friday night. I have a good feeling about Friday!

I miss Bill

Grizzly type.

I miss a lot of folks, but Bill would be in here amping up the deer season enthusiasm.

Bill was a great guy. I miss him too. Even though I have never met him, he always made a guy feel like a friend

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I miss Bill

Grizzly type.

I miss a lot of folks, but Bill would be in here amping up the deer season enthusiasm.

I still think about him every day. It was extra on Friday... I drove right by the place I was when his wife called me this summer. He was EXTRA excited because his son and grandson were going to come to WI to hunt with Bill at his camp this season. Bill would talk about it every time we chatted. I miss him a lot.

Today is also the day we lost my good friend Lucas Anderson to cancer 7 years ago. It hasn't gotten any easier yet, I'll tell you that!

Keep those men and all the others when your in the trees and blinds this season.

Every time we grab a rifle and head out we hunt in the memory of those that went before us. My dad, Lucas, Grizzly Bill, Uncle Dusty. Here's to their memories and all the rest that formed us, made us who we are today. May their spirits never be forgotten.

I too have been thinking of Bill often over the last month. still working on remodeling the house and he used to ask me how things were going on it from time to time. which gets my mind to drifting remembering other friends who are no longer with us.

air sure is crisp this morning. my first rifle season opens this saturday.

We're headed to the cabin this weekend for some pre season prep.

A "New" kitchen stove will be the big project this weekend. Regular full sized LP oven and range.

A real nice cabin kitchen upgrade.

That will be sweet! Pizza at da camp!!

I can hear Uncle Dusty laughin like heck today . That's something I'll never forget... That laugh. He's hunting and we're not...he's laffin

So I've been thinking about this new stove/oven at da camp. Think of the possibilities this opens up! And that's just what Joey can come up with. In my twisted brain, I'm imagining coming back to the camp to some fresh muffins that Joe made. Yep! Fresh cricket and earthworm muffins with taco seasoning.

maybe a bit of Buck Jam frosting!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Every time we grab a rifle and head out we hunt in the memory of those that went before us. My dad, Lucas, Grizzly Bill, Uncle Dusty. Here's to their memories and all the rest that formed us, made us who we are today. May their spirits never be forgotten.

Big + 1 on that, Goph

Things on the farm here have been so hectic that its been hard to get real excited about hunting season. Sunday I had a bit of a break so I did a quick overnite to camp to pull some cam chips and check up on things. This should help everyone's enthusiasm level....it did mine....:)

Yep, that'll do it !

Looks like he's in pretty good condition too, body size wise.

That'll do!!

Paul, for my area of Northern Lower Michigan he is a big one body wise, I believe I have him on camera from last year...I am going to say he is 4-1/2 now....Our deer didn't have it as bad as yours last winter but they still drug bellies for 2 months in snow. Antler development among the 2-1/2 yr olds really shows it.

Here is a shot of what I think is him last year. Back hasn't sagged, body isn't as full. His main beams show the same characteristics tho. Camera date is way wrong...lol

Originally Posted by tzone

So I've been thinking about this new stove/oven at da camp. Think of the possibilities this opens up! And that's just what Joey can come up with. In my twisted brain, I'm imagining coming back to the camp to some fresh muffins that Joe made. Yep! Fresh cricket and earthworm muffins with taco seasoning.

maybe a bit of Buck Jam frosting!

Boy, you just ain't whistlin' Dixie about that twisted brain there buddy!

You clearly haven't met Joe.

But you're right. I've lost it. Completely gone now and couldn't care less. Showed my dominance in a meeting with the power company today...the subordinate cowered with fear....he knew ( you think he didn't?) what was coming if he didn't back down. He had to walk right past the shredded coat rack to get in the job trailer. To top it off, I pee'd in HIS scrape!

I sat in the back yard on a bucket with a pellet rifle waiting for the elusive and ferocious red-squirrel that thinks my shed was built for him to chew on.

It felt like sitting in a stand. Birds all around. Rustling of leaves before you can see what is making the noise. Almost perfect.

I hope deer hunting is as successful.....

Did you pack 16 sandwiches, 4 thermos's of coffee, 5 lbs. of candy and a half a roll of T.P. If not, you were merely pretending.

Tom-my condolences on the coat rack.

I have to admit, I chased Cathy all the way across a clear cut yesterday...........

Well you're doing it wrong if you only need a half roll of TP

UUUUUUUUF DAH!!!!!

ND, Mrs. ND & "Lil Joe the deer slayer"" swung by my shop last night for a much appreciated visit. The smile on Joe's face won't be gone anytime soon as he recalls the details of his first deer. Good to see another hunter and sportsman properly instructed by a fine couple of parents. Kudos to all involved.

I cannot wait to hear that story!

working in the office today, drawing up wildlife habitat plans is fun! these crisp mornings and that fall smell have really got me pumped for opener on saturday! sat in the bow stand last night, saw 10 deer maybe total, 4 does walked by at 50 yards and I heard two bucks really getting after it on the ridge. I'd say the rut is ramping up in these parts

its about 36 here and flurries, its deer season. even had a few reports of bucks chasing as well. Game On!

A guy I work with said he saw a small buck scatter a few does around too.

I saw a small buck to but I didn't pay attention. I have the females on the brain now.

I always have females on the brain. Nuttin wrong with that!

looking forward to a cabin weekend. Might only be saturday night, but still looking forward to it.

Man, there's a new intensity in the air these days. Stop by any sporting goods stores and you can see it in everyone's faces. The lookers are buyers now. Coats, knives, binoculars, guns. Oh yeah-it's game time. I work at Wal-Mart and swung through sporting goods last night as a father and son were picking up a slug gun and all the goodies to go with it. Budget be dammed, his son't gonna have a nice rig when the season opens. I stopped to talk for a second as the sporting goods guy and assistant manager went through the paperwork. They're heading out on a family farm south of the Twin Ciites. Lots of deer around this year, including a couple nice buck they've seen.

Everyone's got bucks on the brain. Have our archery guys seen much rutting activity yet, or is it still just a bit early. Man, I live for this this schidt! 'Not gonna get much sleep for the next week-that's for sure.

18 degrees this morning "up nort".

a bit brisk out dave, are you going to be at camp all day saturday. trying to get lestifer out again if he's able. I think she's been using some Tinks on him.. all he's doing now is chasing too.

It's about 32F and snowing here this AM. Got about 2" of white stuff on the ground as I type this. It won't last for more than a day or so, I'm sure, but it does get me charged up for our opener on the 15th.

Ground is covered here in Cadillac too. Crossing my fingers it sticks around long enough for my last bow sit Sunday afternoon.

24 whopping degrees this morning. I have a bounce in my step but it's just so I stay warm.

If I can get off of work, I'm going to try this evening.

Just about perfect. Rifle season opens in the morning, here.

Gunna be another crisp one, but they are calling for the wind to come from the only point on the compass, that doesn't suit any of our 5 stands !!!

Unusual for this time of year here in South Carolina but we are forecast for what they call a "wintry mix" of precipitation in the morning. I am going hunting with two friends on one of our two leases. One of them killed a pig this am on our other lease which was estimated at 150 pounds. In the picture it looked bigger than that.

Stan in SC

Just the right size to put on the smoker Stan!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Just about perfect. Rifle season opens in the morning, here.

Gunna be another crisp one, but they are calling for the wind to come from the only point on the compass, that doesn't suit any of our 5 stands !!!

Good luck, Paul!

Good luck to you guys in the woods this weekend! I'm stuck at work today and probably all day! Tomorrow I'll be in the woods to grab my cams and try and shoot a bird or two.

I woke up this morning to a smattering of snow on he ground. The wind was blowing like crazy. Ain't no self respecting deer gonna be moving this morning. Called it off and went back to bed.

Stan in SC

Lol! I like it Stan!

This a.m's hunt started off very slow which had me worried . No deer were spotted until 9:22 a.m had two bucks cruse by one half rack and a eight pt. which I might have shot if he had gone the same path as his buddy . About 10:00 am I heard Mrs.Mule1 put the smack down on something . I gathered my junk and head to her stand which is about 3/4 mile as the crow flies . She wasn't sure if she had hit it or not but I instantly found blood . I don't know how this bugger traveled the 80 plus yards it did but here he is . And Nana aint no horn hunter this was the fifth buck she saw from 9:30 to 10:00

Way to go, Mrs. Mule1!

Awesome mrs. Mule1

Nice one Mrs Mule1

congrats on a nice buck! I'm headed out in another 15 minutes with lil man to see if we can find the nice buck we saw yesterday.

last night we saw several does and a little forky. lil man begged me to shoot them. I reminded him we have all month to hunt so we might as well enjoy it. hopefully he is taking notes. good luck to everyone who can make it in the field already!

Congratulations Mrs. Mule1.

Ryan,you are teaching him well.Proud of that.

Stan in SC

Rock on Mrs. Mule! Care to autograph my rifle for me? Man, am I getting pumped. Tom-did you get out on your metro bow hunt last night? 'Drove through on of the metro parks (Murphy Hanrehan) that had a permit draw archery hunt goint this weekend. Saw a doe and a fawn sneeking around. Sure gets you going!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Rock on Mrs. Mule! Care to autograph my rifle for me? Man, am I getting pumped. Tom-did you get out on your metro bow hunt last night? 'Drove through on of the metro parks (Murphy Hanrehan) that had a permit draw archery hunt goint this weekend. Saw a doe and a fawn sneeking around. Sure gets you going!

I almost ran over a HUGE buck on my mountain bike there late this summer. He was NOT happy with me.

No, I didn't get out yesterday. I ended up working 11 hours.

I do have a few signs of life from up north though.
[Linked Image]

Maybe a once in a lifetime pic?
] [Linked Image]

The buck in the back is pretty big and this is the only pic I have of him.

no bears this time.

got the stands put up ,rifles sighted in,brush thinned out.
forearms are absolutely chewed up by thorns,both me and my son.
looks like I was attacked by a pack of wildcats.

Originally Posted by mule1

This a.m's hunt started off very slow which had me worried . No deer were spotted until 9:22 a.m had two bucks cruse by one half rack and a eight pt. which I might have shot if he had gone the same path as his buddy . About 10:00 am I heard Mrs.Mule1 put the smack down on something . I gathered my junk and head to her stand which is about 3/4 mile as the crow flies . She wasn't sure if she had hit it or not but I instantly found blood . I don't know how this bugger traveled the 80 plus yards it did but here he is . And Nana aint no horn hunter this was the fifth buck she saw from 9:30 to 10:00

Excellent!

It's going to be a long week in MN, no?

Yep!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Excellent!

It's going to be a long week in MN, no?

For sure!

Weather forecast calls for snow Friday overnight, about .80 of an inch, more on Sunday, lows on Sat of 18 high of 31. NW winds 16-26.

Wind could keep them bedded down.

It'll keep me bedded down too.

I have a good windy spot in a cedar swamp. I'll be there probably.

Tzone...great cams pics! Those way nort bucks sure get the bodies compared to ours....Hope all the Minnesota guys n gals get some sleep this week...:)

Do you Minnesotans hit the peak of the rut during your gun deer season?

Muley & Doe,

Nice going, he'll eat just nicely.

We're not horn hunters either !!

Originally Posted by roundoak

Do you Minnesotans hit the peak of the rut during your gun deer season?

Yes, I experience peak rut during deer rifle season.

Three of us sat a combined 32 hours, over the weekend.

Total deer sighted = 0

Minimal pics on the 2 trail cams & all between 9pm & midnight.

THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by roundoak

Do you Minnesotans hit the peak of the rut during your gun deer season?

Yes, I experience peak rut during deer rifle season.

Wisconsin bow hunters have that advantage and block any attempts to change gun season dates. Gun season is tied to Thanksgiving week and this year is last week of this month. Not much hope for seeing rutting bucks.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Three of us sat a combined 32 hours, over the weekend.

Total deer sighted = 0

Minimal pics on the 2 trail cams & all between 9pm & midnight.

THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.

Unbelievable !!

Just talking to my neighbour, who was driving home in his skidsteer on Saturday afternoon.

4:55pm, 50 yards from one of our trails & 150 yards from stand area.

Apparently, he just stood there & looked, while 3 photos were taken !

Originally Posted by roundoak

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by roundoak

Do you Minnesotans hit the peak of the rut during your gun deer season?

Yes, I experience peak rut during deer rifle season.

Wisconsin bow hunters have that advantage and block any attempts to change gun season dates. Gun season is tied to Thanksgiving week and this year is last week of this month. Not much hope for seeing rutting bucks.

Oh you meant the bucks? I'm not sure about them.

It's going to be a looong week.

If it's cold and windy I'll probably be sitting in this:

If not I'll sit in this:

And hopefully get a shot at this:

With this:

Originally Posted by roundoak

Do you Minnesotans hit the peak of the rut during your gun deer season?

Yes, usually we do. This year we should nail it actually depending on what you go by.

Idk Big Jelly, if it's that cold and windy, I'd sit in that truck. It looks like in as good of a spot as that blind.

One thing that is nice about that spot is the blind is dug into the side of a steep hill. It makes it pretty easy to slip in there undetected.

Rooster, 220 that guy right in the spinerwindzell (sp?)!!

Then post ya results for that dufus, that was arguing over the purchase !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Then post ya results for that dufus, that was arguing over the purchase !

LOL!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Then post ya results for that dufus, that was arguing over the purchase !

My thoughts exactly!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Then post ya results for that dufus, that was arguing over the purchase !

My thoughts exactly!

By the way-the dufus in question was 2muchgun.

I put him on ignore. The first person in seven years to achieve that honor lol

Buklah-kluh-kluhhh....

Nyuck spweeeeee.. vrrrr, neee-nooo, neee-nooo!

Woo-loo-loo-loo-loo!

Mind gone far bad.

Soon is time shotting deers.

Woo-loo-loo-loo-loo!

Soon time windpipe for jumping jacks.

Woo-loo-loo-loo-loo!

Got I brainz the on buckz. Snort buck I heard.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I put him on ignore. The first person in seven years to achieve that honor lol

I think I missed all of that, all of it.

Did ya know Joey shot his deer with a 220 swift with little 50 gr jacketed soft points?

There was no tracking, she went straight down and died fast.

Yup. I did know that. His smile told the whole story!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I put him on ignore. The first person in seven years to achieve that honor lol

I think I missed all of that, all of it.

You didn't miss much

lol. That thing won't shoot 220 swift very well anyway.

I have finalized my gear into a big pile on the basement floor.

that's step one.

This week is gonna take FOREVER!!!!!

Need. Weekend. Here. NOW.

Originally Posted by tzone

lol. That thing won't shoot 220 swift very well anyway.

Aw ha. I didn't put two and two together there. 220f Savage 20ga vs. 220 swift confoosion

Ah what the hell....give it a try.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

lol. That thing won't shoot 220 swift very well anyway.

Aw ha. I didn't put two and two together there. 220f Savage 20ga vs. 220 swift confoosion

Oh I see now. I couldn't tell it was a shotgun, I was posting from my phone last night, small pictures, thought it was a rifle and someone said 220.

I know an old fellow that after consuming many Natty lights tried to sight in is .06 with .270 ammo . Bout drove him nuts .:O

that sounds non safe.

I have the fever bad folks. The wife caught me rubbing the handles on my fridge with my head the other day and simply said, "this again?". Yep. Beard is being grown. I got my own brand of beard camo. About 65% dark hairs and 35% white ones. It has been hard getting that formula right!

Everyone remember to be safe climbing those stands, remember your firearm safety rules, and take lots of pictures...hopefully with a grip and grin shot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

that sounds non safe.

Yes, but very likely safer than the other way around !!

Dave,

Howz the deer sign at ChickenBuck ?

And did you get all the work done Saturday ?

Remind me again why I go up north to hunt. Wife took the garbage out to the street this morning and there were 7 turkeys and a fat little 6 point under the neighbor's feeder. The turkeys just looked at here and the buck didn't even take off until she started down the driveway with the garbage cans. 'Can't shoot around here-no safe angles where we wouldn't be shooting at another house.

we got a lot of work done, I even made a speedy trip out yesterday with a freshly filled 100 lb propane tank, a new LP regulator, a new gas light (we are up to 4 now). There were a few other do dads I dropped off, such as a hose kit for running Pam's buddy heater off a propane tank rather than the little bottles, the tank will be on the ground under her stand.

The swampy ground is extra swampy this year, I'll need some very cold temps so I can take the "walk on water" short cut from the cabin out to that stand. otherwise I'm in for a little longer walk, going around the swamp and coming in through the cedars. Its worth it though, under and near my stand is the most deer sign I've seen out there in our hunting area in many years, possibly ever.

The cabin is ready for occupants, New oven and range in the kitchen, a new arrangement of the furniture through kitchen/living room, we are stocked up on bonfire wood, sitting decent enough on firewood for the cabin too. The big bbq grill is out there on the porch ready for action.

I dont have any cameras out, they are sitting on top of the gun rack in the cabin. I purchased batteries for the cameras and then we couldn't find the batteries

We have new batteries now so I guess we can put cameras out on Saturday.

I didn't get any sauna work done, All I need is a small elect air compressor to plug into my generator. I have a brad nailer, nails, air hose etc. I wish I would have known a person can buy the compressor/nailer combos for not much more than the nailer alone. I noticed that yesterday while I was picking up welding supplies for my shop.

I have the insulation, the cedar boards.... the plastic for moisture barrier, I even have the window....

Well depending on how long you want to wait for the compressor, I can bring it up for muzzl loader season. I have nailers too if we can double dip and get more finished?

Hope all you minnesnowda guys kill some whoppers this year, ill be up at the wisconsin farm with the stick and string whilst you guys have the boom sticks, hopefully were both posting pictures saturday afternoon!

Thanks for the camp update Dave !

Sounds awesome.

Photos of festivities & fuzzy windchimes Monday ??

Urrrrrp! urrrrrrp!

ffffffffffff fffffffffffffff shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh urp urp urp urp uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppp

Whaddare you drunk?

Originally Posted by tzone

Whaddare you drunk?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

'Can't shoot around here-no safe angles where we wouldn't be shooting at another house.

Stand on the roof of your house...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

that sounds non safe.

The Natty Ice or the shooting?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

!

Everyone remember to be safe climbing those stands, remember your firearm safety rules, and take lots of pictures...hopefully with a grip and grin shot.

How many treestands can you get in that mini-van?

saw a big WT last night (bow hunting) and another this morning (BH rifle). had a 3x3 WT walk by at about 20 yards and a string of does. had my eye on a 130" class buck at around 500 yards. by the time I got to move from the little deer by e he was gone. still have a few weeks to hunt and the rut isn't on yet.

I did manage to rattle up a yearling doe last night. not sure what was on her mind.. maybe cruising for some dudes, lol

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by gophergunner

'Can't shoot around here-no safe angles where we wouldn't be shooting at another house.

Stand on the roof of your house...

Unfortunately no. 100 ft. wide lots, one on top of another. It's a nice neighborhood, but there's now way you could shoot in here.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

!

Everyone remember to be safe climbing those stands, remember your firearm safety rules, and take lots of pictures...hopefully with a grip and grin shot.

How many treestands can you get in that mini-van?

I've got a mini van too Berettaman-us family guys gotta sitck together.

I have no idea how many stands in the mini van. I can tell you that my F250 and the trailer were full tonight as we put up 2 ladder stands on some new ground that I can hunt. Dad and the boys and I got both put up in about 2 hours. Supposedly a cougar out there. Mostly willow swamp but we found 2 trees.

This will be my daughters first year. At 10 years old, she is pretty excited. We have practiced a lot, but real deer are different than a target.

Gophergunner you shoot a rifle in your neighborhood.. And will be seeing you on KARE 11... LOL..

Yeah, it wouldn't be too smart. I think I'm gonna hide in the tree and lasso the bugger!

Don't be hating on mini-vans guys.

I actually like mine a lot.

Gopher, I feel your pain. I have been having a huge buck from the conservation area bed down in my back yard here in Eden Prairie. Damn thing is bigger than any deer I've ever seen while hunting.

And all I get to shoot in the backyard is the evil red squirrels with my air-rifle....

Originally Posted by goalie

Don't be hating on mini-vans guys.

I actually like mine a lot.

Gopher, I feel your pain. I have been having a huge buck from the conservation area bed down in my back yard here in Eden Prairie. Damn thing is bigger than any deer I've ever seen while hunting.

And all I get to shoot in the backyard is the evil red squirrels with my air-rifle....

I saw a horse with antlers in a conservation area this morning on the way to work. He was just standing 75 yards from the road broadside in the rain watching me drive by. Then he lowered his swollen neck and started sniffing the ground and walking away. That was a damn nice buck!

Like I am actually going to get anything accomplished the rest of this week with these stories going on.....please continue

Originally Posted by big drift

Like I am actually going to get anything accomplished the rest of this week with these stories going on.....please continue

I've come to the same conclusion so I submitted PTO for Friday as well. The rest of today and tomorrow is going to be bad enough at work let alone Friday!

I'm only working 14 days this month, hunting the rest .

Pearly you don't work for the government..... I hardly ever work 14 days a month.

psh, suckers i havent worked 1 day in the month of november in the last 4 years :-D

I really don't have to either. But it builds my pension when I do. Then I don't have to work any day any months.

I only work 10 days a month for my regular schedule, but they are twelve-hour days.

What the crap! Why are we talking about work when it's deer season! Woooooo looooooo looooooo

I've been crazy busy since my retirement this past summer but I did have time to check a trail cam tonight. Pay no attention to the dates as I forgot to reset the cam when I put it out.

I like how this guy thinks....

These guys don't seem to get along too well....

ND.
I have a little pancake compressor that you can use with your Honda generator or I can run the service truck out with full air/generator/welder/tools and whatever you may need. I'm booked until mid-week but it's all yours if you want to come grab it earlier. It's a chevy but you'll figure it out. I'm working not too far from your place if that helps with mileage at all.

Hit me up with a text message on the talkin wires there Romulus if that would help you.

WB

Oh, there is a 5 gallon can of sauna joose here to that you haven't picked up yet as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

Pearly you don't work for the government..... I hardly ever work 14 days a month.

Heck no . No guberment job here . And I was wrong, as usual , I'm only working 11.5 days this month.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by tzone

Pearly you don't work for the government..... I hardly ever work 14 days a month.

Heck no . No guberment job here . And I was wrong, as usual , I'm only working 11.5 days this month.

Those who only work that many days in November either suck donkey balls or Llama taint! One of the two.

grishm grashm mumble grushh kaak arggh fugk sunhofabitch...

Dangit man ! Don't take it so hard lol. This is my favorite time of the year so why
Not spend it huntin?

Hey tanks whyte bare.

Good talking to you on the talking wires tonight.

Originally Posted by mule1

Dangit man ! Don't take it so hard lol. This is my favorite time of the year so why
Not spend it huntin?

I need to find me a job that pays well and let's me have September through April off while getting paid.

Hmmm maybe I could be a Minnesota Twin...

My boy said the Twins signed Adrian Peterson last night. They said he's a great switch hitter.

The annual stuffing of the duffle occurred last night, and it was a success. The wearin' of the Chickenbuck will occur, as I found my Chickenbuck t shirt. Good luck to all the 'Buckers. Be sure to take lots of notes from Joe, as he obviously has the hot hand this fall. If he's sittin' on deuces and Jacks, just go ahead and fold. You know he's gonna clean up at the card table too!

Best wishes to all our friends and family. Hunt safe, hunt hard, and make some great memories! Thanks again for the this great thread Dave.

Best Regards,

Gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

My boy said the Twins signed Addian Peterson last night. They said he's a great switch hitter.

Lol thanks pretty good Zoner!

I laughed.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by tzone

My boy said the Twins signed Addian Peterson last night. They said he's a great switch hitter.

Lol thanks pretty good Zoner!

I'm not sure if I think the joke is funnier or that a 9 year old came home from school and told it!

Btw..he gets to skip s book tomorrow so he's fired up for deer season too!

ROFFLE haha.

I can feel the excitement building among you Minnesota hunters. We've got another week+ to our firearms opener. I've got a LOT to do to be prepared by then..

Well it happened. I went out for a prework sit for an hour this morning and as I walked back to my truck I see this guy come over a hill with his nose to the ground. I put the sneak on him through the short grass and got to a telephone pole and whacked him at 120 yards as he was walking quartering to me slightly. hit him in the spinzenwheezer (high lungs) and he ran about 60 yards right towards me. I figured since he was headed towards the truck I wouldn't hit him again and stop him

Not a monster but a fine example of a Black Hills Whitetail.

here are a couple of pics I took. the dragging pic shows a lone tree behind him, I shot him about there, so it was a good drag. I won't leave my gamecart at home again thats for sure!

ruger m77MKII 243. 95 grain NBT pushed by 38 grains of RL22.
in and out, massive lung damage, no meat loss.

Awesome Ryan !

Nice heavy horns on that guy.

Originally Posted by tzone

My boy said the Twins signed Adrian Peterson last night. They said he's a great switch hitter.

ROR!

I'm gonna steal that!

Good Job Ryan! Beautiful buck!

congrats ryan, some nice country there! Good luck to all the hunters heading out this weekand and be safe!

Back at ya Bushy!

Thanks Guys, if anyone wants to hunt the Black hills of SD let me know!
Taking mama out in a couple hours, she has the afternoon off today.

Congrats Ryan! That's an awesome buck! I do want to hunt the BH's. Probably have 3 pp's by next season.

Nice deer!!!!

Congrats on the nice white tail

Congrats Ryan! Way to break the ice! Very nice buck.

Nice Colorado...

I've got that same bullet loaded up, hope to try it in a few weeks...

Thought I'd post a few "old school" photos from Northern Minnesota deer camp for you boys hitting the woods this week. My grandpa and his family homesteaded in the Oklee, MN area before the turn of the last century. Chances are if you know someone with last name of Bergeron or Lambert, we're kin.

Here's a bunch a hooligans at deer camp circa 1939. Grampa is third from the right. North of Oklee, not quite to Thief River.

Who needs trees for a good buckpole? This one is give or take a few years off the last one at the farm in Oklee. The original fuzzy wind-chimes!

Have a great opener! These old boys will be smiling and having a nip watching from their camp.

CFT,

Nice !

I see 12 hunters there, but only 10 animals hanging.

What gives ?

Nice buck Ryan. My son and I will be heading out to West River a week from tomorrow.... We both have whitetail licenses.

what area are you hunting? I drew up north in Perkins county, couldn't draw down here where I live

Thanks guys, this is my biggest deer with a rifle. I was pretty pumped when I got on him

Very ver nice deer,Ryan. Good going.

Dave,do you have plenty of 220 Swift brass?I saw some today at the gun shop where I work part time. It was a partial box of loads and some brass in one box and 20 reloads in the other box.

Stan in SC

We hunt in the north part of Perkins south of Hettinger, ND.... I have hunted there since the late 1970's with my BIL and his BIL. Kids have joined us and now the third generation is cutting tags.

Nice one colorada1135.

I have arrived at deer camp and the tents are up. Stands go up in the morning. low 30's outside 58 in the tent. Life is good.

Good luck to all.

You too TJay and all the Minnesota boys. Hunt hard, hunt safe, and make some memories.

Great deer Ryan congrats!!!
15 days before I go up for the fuzzy black trash can buster uppers then deer camp the day after the turkey eatin festival... Seems like a lifetime away.

Tom I got hooked on the bathroom door knob and broke it off trying to make nice with the door frame. The wife was pretty not happy with me.

[quote=CharlieFoxtrot]Thought I'd post a few "old school" photos from Northern Minnesota deer camp for you boys hitting the woods this week. My grandpa and his family homesteaded in the Oklee, MN area before the turn of the last century. Chances are if you know someone with last name of Bergeron or Lambert, we're kin.

I know a Bergeron or two. One of them is a wrasslin coach in my home town. Todd I think is his name.

I'm swamped with digging jobs right now but I'll still hit the woods for a couple of morning/evening hunts this weekend. I just can't get my head completely in the game with all the work still to do before the ground freezes hard. I guess the dirt will still be there after season to....

Good luck & safe hunts to everyone heading out this weekend.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

We hunt in the north part of Perkins south of Hettinger, ND.... I have hunted there since the late 1970's with my BIL and his BIL. Kids have joined us and now the third generation is cutting tags.

looks like I'll be just south of Bison, not far from the antelope divide. took mama out tonight, had a couple juvenile buks chase off an old doe who wanted nothing to do with them. then saw them duke it out as youngins do. first time mama got to see deer posture and make like fighting, she thought it was pretty cool. I got a grin cause I love watching them regardless of the season.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Chances are if you know someone with last name of Bergeron or Lambert, we're kin.

Shoot dude...if you were born in MN you're probably related to a lambert! The ones I'm related to come from the Iron Range and the Duluth area.

'Got a pile of gear laying in the middle of the kitchen. Time to change clothes and load the truck after a restless night. It's time to go hunting! Pastor Josh will be here at 6 and we match up with T-zone and Mini-Me at 7:30. The northwoods beckons, singing it's Siren's song. It's a great time of year to be alive.

Once again, best wishes to all the Minnesota boys as we head out in search of deer. Thanks again to Northern Dave and Chickenbuck Nation for giving us this place to hang out.

Hunt hard, hunt safe, and go make some everlasting memories.

I'll see you guys on here later this week.

Best Regards,

Gophergunner.

Good luck everyone!!!

Stay safe, shoot straight, and wear a climbing harness. I don't want to see anyone from here in the hospital due to a fall.

+1

Have a great hunt everyone!!!!

Ryan- I have hunted in the Slim Buttes on occasion. Otherwise we are prairie hunting. It has been good to us over the years with a number of mounter bucks on the wall for all of us. Some of the group apply for Harding County and have taken some dandy mule deer.

Great deer Ryan!

CFT, I love the old photos.

Good luck and be safe everybody, I'll try to report in from the deer stand if I can get a cell signal.

Good luck everyone, we shove off next wensday for our 15th opener.

Great Buck Ryan!

Good luck and be safe everyone!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

We hunt in the north part of Perkins south of Hettinger, ND.... I have hunted there since the late 1970's with my BIL and his BIL. Kids have joined us and now the third generation is cutting tags.

That is exactly where I hunted antelope

I like that Rooster! good luck and have a good hunt. Those old pictures are great, i dont understand why we dont take them more now days with the technology that we have. I miss the old guys that we hunted with, they were always full of stories and antics. Tip the hat and cup to all the Hunters that are not with us anymore! God Bless!

Good luck to all who are headed afield tomorrow. Be safe, have fun and take lots of pictures to share with us when you return.

I still have a week to wait and It's getting tough to sit still and focus on work.

Rooster,

Been out there hunting antelope recently?

The fever is at its highest pitch! Heading out soon to set up our camp (shed). This will be year 33 for me. My daughters first. I really hope she gets an opportunity. It sure would be fun to say we are having her steaks for supper!

Make it a good hunt boys and take that extra moment to be safe.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Rooster,

Been out there hunting antelope recently?

Nope. It's been a few years. Does it still look like a nuclear bomb went off there about 50 years ago?

Quick stop at a country cafe on the way to camp

Best of luck fellas,..I really envy you Norte guys with your deer camps.

That kind of thing is almost an unknown down here...

Post pics if you slay something...

Hoooooooloooooo wakawakachickenbucka.

Did ja see da turdy point buck?!

[video:youtube]v=tnHNqvOB42M[/video]

Looks like Joe's ready for round 2 !

Does he have another tag ?

Good luck to everyone. Expecting pics & stories Monday.

Rooster, I posted that exact same prayer, in another forum.

Thanks for the tune CFT. It was exactly what I needed to hit the zone. I'm preparing my gear as I type.
I sat on my open ROPS dozer all day in the wind and rain but no way could anyone wipe the smile of self-employment off my face. Did I mention that I don't have to put in a request to hunt all week if I wish? The same will go for ice fishing this winter.
How does that feel ND?????

Rooster,

Not much has changed on the prairie other than a whole lot fewer antelope due to bad winters.,, The deer population has been hit hard not only by the bad winters but disease as well.

4 racks of pork back ribs are smoking back at the cabin. They are starting hour number 4 now. When I get back to the cabin I will wrap them in foil and simmer them for a couple hours in apple cider. I suppose we will be eating by about 8 pm. Then we will all slip into a food coma. Lol!

No deer yet, none shots fired. Come to think of it, very few shots have been fired all day.... Quiet in the woods.

No deer for the camp Isabella crew. Not even one seen so things are normal. We will give it another go in the morning. We did here a couple of shots this A.M. but a very quiet day.

I dreamed I went deer hunting in my Chickenbuck t shirt and hat.
No, wait! It wasn't a dream. I DID go today but saw nothing. My South Carolina friends all had to hear the story of what Camp Chickenbuck was.

Stan in SC

One fuzzy wind-chime so far. The chickenbuck sweatshirt does it again......

Originally Posted by goalie

One fuzzy wind-chime so far. The chickenbuck sweatshirt does it again......

Details, man. We need details.

We didn't have a shot around us until 3pm. Never seen anything like it. Very quiet!

waiting to see a post from a treestand with an update.

one of my best friends from MN shot a buck about like mine in the southern part of the state.

Very quiet around here as well. Nothing remotely close to most years. I did whack a decent 8pt last night about 1/2 hour before dark. One through the ribcage at about 200 yds and it was all over. I even managed to save the heart but severed the lines going to it. He tipped the scales at 182# dressed out. No pics as I am terrible at those things. I'll try to get a snap of the head & rack for you guys.
The boss says back to work now that my tag is filled. I think we're going to have words over that deal.....

Watch out for that Polar Vortex....

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

Watch out for that Polar Vortex....

I'm looking forward to it.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

Watch out for that Polar Vortex....

I'm looking forward to it.

No polar vortex here, it's in the mid-30's, but we do have snow and plenty of it. It was coming down heavily when I got up this morning and there was about 4" on the ground. It's still coming down hard enough at 1 pm that I have to go out and brush the dish off to watch the Lions game.

20* here and just a dusting of snow. Winter is coming now. Single digit lows by this coming weekend.

Rib

Rub

Rib

Rub

Lots of good potential there ND. The ribs and the rubs.

Passed on a 4, 2 different 6s and an 8 yesterday. Great day in the woods. Tons of turkey's. Could have shot 20 or more from my stand. Man do they make a racket! Out in the wheelie hut stand with Lauren now. Sure hope we can get something inside 50 yards tonight! This morning we saw one in the brush and he couldn't stop shaking! I love it!

The ribs taste better than the rubs.

The rubs looked a little dry

we was skunked.
three deer were taken on three sides of us, but not by us.
got about 1/2 ", of snow Saturday night,but it wasn't any help.
went for a walk around the stand in the fresh snow, and not a track to be found for 500 yards in any direction.

did find a new place to put a stand,though,so it wasn't a total loss.
Believe me when I say the picture doesn't do it justice.
what a beautiful spot.
about an hour after sunrise.
[Linked Image]

Camp Isabella report.

One forky down and one other deer seen, a flag waving leaving the area. Lots of tracks seen now that the wind stopped howling.

Congats to all who scored.

I had a buck come cruisin through about 7:10 this morning. By the time I got the scope on him he was behind some trees. Then went straight into neighboring private land.

It is slow around here. Tonight I sat at the edge of a cut bean field that is full of tracks and I have lots of cam pics of deer but not a single one came out.

I don't know what is going on?

Three hunters, three fuzzy wind-chimes,and the first-time hunter dropped the biggest deer on her second day ever of hunting.

Lotta venison processing this week and weekend.

Pics when I get home after driving through the snow apocalypse tomorrow.

Moon

Another 8pt shot from my stand tonight by a fellow hunter. About 180# like mine yesterday but some broken tines. He was a fighter. I saw a good 6pt earlier but passed on it. I feel like my stand is a hot spot this year which is good since I haven't shot a buck for about six years.

ND will you have ribs this coming weekend? I can bring goodies too. Anyone for venny heart or some jerky? I should be done with the hoe on Wed then just dozing jobs as I want to finish off the year so I'll have plenty of time to come play. I'm brewing some pickled venison now.

We did well... six of us, three does and three bucks. Diane's cousin Chris hunted today for the first time in twenty-some years and shot her first buck. a fork. We saw a number of other deer as well.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Diane's cousin Chris hunted today

Diane would be "Makes no Patties" to you chickenbuck followers.

Congrats you guys! Filled out on first weekend! Outstanding!

Don't think I've ever heard of Makes no Patties, but then again, I'm just a part timer here.

That's awesome!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Rib

Rub

Rib

Rub

That's a pretty fi nacy shootin iron there Dave

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Moon

I think you may be right

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Don't think I've ever heard of Makes no Patties, but then again, I'm just a part timer here.

She is the mother of Capt'n Bang Flop.

Pay Attention!

Thanks Rooster!!!!

I am thrilled to report that my 10 year old daughter shot a button buck tonight about an hour after my last post! Great shot from 48 yards. I got her buck fever on video and it is priceless!

Like button.

Thats great!

Super cool B-man !!

Congrats all round.

I came home early, (after hunting last night). I woke up this morning in full hunt mode... then realized I was at home and I would be working on classic cars today rather than stomping the woods and swamps.

I guess that's cool, I'll head back out to camp on Thursday.

I have a couple pictures from previous weeks preparing the cabin for deer season, not much for pictures from this opening weekend, not much happened, lol.

Here we are doing some cleanup around camp. One tree next to the cabin had to come down before a storm took it the wrong way. The other is the big tamarack that was holding one end of our meat pole.

[Linked Image]

A doe and three fawns came out of our woods feeding down a line of cedars we planted a few years ago. Lauren got all excited and started shaking. I said it's okay to shake, but you have to control it when it is time to shoot. Of course we didn't think it was going to take an hour for them to feed down to us. First 1 fawn came and she just couldn't get aimed right. I stopped it 4 times with a Baaaaaaa. Them the next fawn.... Same result. Then the doe... Same result. I have to hand it to her, she must have felt a lot of pressure to shoot. The last fawn was right by the doe and she got on him and knocked him straight down. Then the excitement boiled over. Wow. Never seen anything like it. Tears of joy, hopping up and down, just raw emotion that was pretty special to watch as a dad. I feel bad that non hunters will never experience that.

Here is some of our interior work.

Stove swap:

[Linked Image]

Nice hammer huh?

[Linked Image]

New furniture arrangement.

[Linked Image]

That's awesome B man, big congrats to the little hunter!

Yeah, that just an unexplainable feeling, as a proud father !

Watched my son & wife get their first, & many more since, & still remember that emotion.

My 20 year old daughter did some shooting this fall too & promptly decided she would do the Hunter Safety & licencing thingy at next opportunity & be ready to sit with Mum, next season !!

Now, did she get her hands "dirty" too ?

Berretaman

That is fantastic.

Camp Isabella report. At 0745 this morning the wife shot a spike and we are both done hunting. That is the quickest that has ever happened. One hunter left in camp hunting today and tomorrow if needed. Then one coming for the weekend.

Luck to all from Camp Isabella.

That's awesome B-man!

Congrats to all the successful hunters so far. I sat this morning and didn't see anything but turkeys

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm getting sleepy just looking at that picture! I can feel the warmth and hear the crackling of the stove

Thanks for sharing Dave .

Congrats to all first's and the rest of the ol'timers !

I wish I had the old beer neons from our store. Might be a old beer sign in the barn if so I'll send it to ya Dave.

Neat looking camp ND...

Bonus points for the Stormy Kromer...

Originally Posted by mule1

I wish I had the old beer neons from our store. Might be a old beer sign in the barn if so I'll send it to ya Dave.

that would be awesome.

Congratulations, BMan on daughter's deer. Regretfully I Will never experience that. Neither of my girls are hunters.
Dave, the new stove looks great.
All of you hunters who have been successful receive my congratulations.

Stan in SC

Awesome B-man. Congrats to your girl kid.
ND seems to have rearranged the shack since my last visit. Now I'll have to learn the whole lay-out over again. It might take a few brews.

Maybe this weekend if it works out but the little bear cub is having his 3rd birthday party on Sunday. I have cooking duties.
Hope to be done digging holes Wed as it's really getting tough. The frost doesn't slow me down a bit but the wet dirt sticking to the frozen bucket and blade is troublesome. I've moved nearly 5000 cubic yards the last day and a half in low teen temps. Tomorrow I start putting it all back. I really need to get better at taking pics.

Once again, congrats to all of the successful hunters and safe adventures to those still at it.

wyte bare

A few pics from the best weekend opener ever for myself and the guy I've hunted with for the last 17 or so years.

His 13-year old daughter was in the stand while dad dropped a little doe (she told him to shoot it, and he had a doe tag) opening day:

Then, she dropped the hammer on a big (genetic freak?) spike asap Sunday morning. For reference, she is 5'-10":

And she didn't mind getting dirty, doing the field-dressing, and then doing skinning/quartering back home in my shop:

I got a buck as well, so three hunters, three deer. The drive home through the snow sucked, but my friend's daughter was asking her dad about getting outfitted for her own hunting cloths, rifle, etc, as she was using our stuff for her first year.

Oh, and on an interesting note, when my buddy shot the deer, he knew it was small, and he didn't want to waste any meat, so he shot it in the neck. The last time he shot a deer in the neck was with a muzzle-loader when his daughter was one year-old....and she was up at deer camp with her mother. The only time she came up until now.

We joked about her being good luck for the neck shot, and I shot mine in the neck too (at about 20 yards, not a trick shot) just to follow the trend.

nice looking rubs, and the ribs ain't half bad either. Good to see Chickenbuck opened up again.
Bill

Veterans Day. Thank you all!

Thanks to all our veterans!
Hopefully mama lets me sneak out to the stand tonight

Yes, a big THANK YOU to all our our veterans!!

congrats!! but how come you hung it head up. so much easier to skin them head down lol. Im a head down guy, but a lot of people in the wisconsin minnesota area do hang them by the neck. I love regional differences in hunting/butchers styles

Thank you to all our Veterans.

It is because of you & your sacrifices, that we can live the way we do & have what we have.

[Linked Image]

"Lest we forget" !

Originally Posted by acooper1983

congrats!! but how come you hung it head up. so much easier to skin them head down lol. Im a head down guy, but a lot of people in the wisconsin minnesota area do hang them by the neck. I love regional differences in hunting/butchers styles

No clue. It's the way I was taught, so it's what I do. I guess we could hoist them up by the rear legs just as easily.

What makes it so much easier to skin head-down? I am always open to learning and doing things easier.

I dont mind hanging head up because they drain out nicer that way, especially if you hit the inside with some water (I rarely do).

But I too like skinning and quartering head down.

I'm a head down guy too.

Thanks to all the Veterans!

Goalie,

This is not going to sound right, no matter how I write it............ so;

You need to enter your daughter's dink in the dinkathon !

Always head down for me.

Head down here, too. I think it makes for far less hair on the meat.

Dave's right about draining though. I hung last year's buck head down as usual and since it was a little warm out, I stuffed a couple bags of ice in his chest cavity and wrapped an old quilt and tarp around him while he hung. His head and neck were all bloated up with water. It wasn't pretty.

First off, thank you to all you veterans and thank you for serving our great country. Second, congrats to all the successful hunters this past weekend. Especially, b-mans daughter. What a great experience for you both!

Me and mini-man had a great weekend chasing deer but we're not successful on the killing part. We did have a blast and he's hooked. Gopher and his buddy Josh cooked u a few great meals and got to stare at the ruffed grouse with the rest of us. On Sunday afternoon, Andy, jack, and I scout/hunted an area that has potential. We are going to haul in a few ladder stands this winter when it's easier to pull em on the Otter sled. Now it will be real easy! Lots of snow up that way.

Congrats to all the hunters that scored, also happy Veterans Day to all the vets. Especially "Nam" vets.

Head down here.

Originally Posted by tzone

First off, thank you to all you veterans and thank you for serving our great country. Second, congrats to all the successful hunters this past weekend. Especially, b-mans daughter. What a great experience for you both!

Me and mini-man had a great weekend chasing deer but we're not successful on the killing part. We did have a blast and he's hooked. Gopher and his buddy Josh cooked u a few great meals and got to stare at the ruffed grouse with the rest of us. On Sunday afternoon, Andy, jack, and I scout/hunted an area that has potential. We are going to haul in a few ladder stands this winter when it's easier to pull em on the Otter sled. Now it will be real easy! Lots of snow up that way.

It was a pleasure and an honor to share a deer camp with Josh, Tom, Andy, and mini-man. Josh is my pastor from church, and a better friend I'll never have. Tom, in a moment of insanity a couple years ago invited me to join him and Andy and hunt his spots up by Duluth. It's tough, challenging hunting. A true northwoods adventure. Then there's mini-man, Tom's boy. Every time I see this neat little kid, I'm jealous of Tom and what he's doing with this young man. Jackson's about as cool a kid as you will ever meet. He's going to be a good hunter, but he's got some big boots to fill. Dad's definitely bringing him up right. My health issues this year have shown me that my best hunts are behind me now. Now it's the little things that are much more important to me. A young boy's laugh, a good meal with good friends, the sun peaking over the trees. There's a lot more to a memorable hunt than notching a tag. That's always nice too though.

I hope all the veterans had a nice day.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I hope all the veterans had a nice day.

I did. Most of my co-workers think I was a Corpsman in the Marines or something medical like that, and I got free coffee today.

Yesterday was the one that "matters" anyhow.....

Head up, of course.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I hope all the veterans had a nice day.

I did. Most of my co-workers think I was a Corpsman in the Marines or something medical like that, and I got free coffee today.

Yesterday was the one that "matters" anyhow.....

Happy birthday by the way.

239 yrs old and we don't look a day over 100.

Lol.

Head up or do more work later.... Haven't you fools tried to skin a burbot tail-up?:)

Oh this stings....I had to go to Denver for work Monday to Wednesday and my brother hunted. Yep, he saw a big 10 pointer right by my stand! Ouch. That hurts. I wish I didn't have to work for a living.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I hope all the veterans had a nice day.

I did. Most of my co-workers think I was a Corpsman in the Marines or something medical like that, and I got free coffee today.

Yesterday was the one that "matters" anyhow.....

Happy birthday by the way.

239 yrs old and we don't look a day over 100.

Lol.

Right back at ya, even if it is a day late.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Oh this stings....I had to go to Denver for work Monday to Wednesday and my brother hunted. Yep, he saw a big 10 pointer right by my stand! Ouch. That hurts. I wish I didn't have to work for a living.

He saw it, but did he shoot it?

I had a great day hanging out with my girls, worked on the basement trying to finish the remod. it's actually looking like a bedroom with/bath. one more day and it should be ready to tape/sand and paint.

just 3 more days til rifle opens west river. hoping I can bag my buck by then with a bow. gettin nervous! -3 the truck said this morning when it grumbled awake. so much for the nice fall we had, winter is here with white stuff falling since monday morning early. good luck to those who are still braving the cold!

Had a great veterans day, boss cut me loose early and since the boys were visiting their mom I headed out to the stand.

Sitting there thinking of some old friends I was surprised when a 8 point walked out.

No one had seen him around the area. One shot and that was it.

Not a giant but enough to make me happy

Congrats BD!

Thank you sir. We still have one tag for the youngest yet. We're gonna head out again this afternoon to get his tag punched hopefully.

Awesome BD. Let's see some pictures!!

way easier to skin head down, and i find easier to break down into quarters as well. We used to hang them head up, but found there was a lot more hair on the meat, and it was a lot harder to skin, plus its hard to cape a buck if'n ur hanging him by the part ur trying to take to the taxidermy man :-D

Head down for me. I don't find a difference in how hard it is to quarter em, but there is a lot less hair on the meat when I skin em head down.

Originally Posted by add

Head up, of course.

Nice!

When I do hang em head up, I have a couple of meat hooks I sock into the neck and hang em. (I have a couple but I only use one per deer).

That way the quarters are free for removal and ..... I used to be pretty sure you get less hair on the meat when pulling hide head up.

Since those days, I've disassembled deer and elk
Head up, down, east, west, in a cavern, in a tavern, back of truck, out of luck, in a river, with a sliver, belly up, belly down, in the swamp and on high ground.

It don't matter to me really, you have to take em apart, trim, cut, wrap and freeze. How you do it is usually dependent on the situation you are in, temp, time available, recources available etc.

OK, I am trying it head-down next year.

We do usually hang them head-up from a tree at camp and rinse off the inside before bringing them into the garage. If we bring them home to the shop to skin and quarter, it is just as easy to hang by the rear legs when we get there.

I do think it is nice to have them head-up for rinsing, but we have not ever gut-shot one, so I don't know if it really helps anything to rinse out the body, we've just always done it before cutting out the tenderloins for the grill.

Originally Posted by goalie

but we have not ever gut-shot one

Oh my....

You know what you have to do now right?

Man talk about putting the hex on yourself I think you just assured a gut shot in you near future goalie.
Bill

I am only superstitious at work when there's a full-moon.

Plus, if I don't have the shot, I don't take the shot. And a "long" shot where I hunt is 75-100 yards......

I shot a tree with Northern Dave looking on at about 25 yards. It was a good shot though, I drilled it dead center!

I have gut shot a deer, but we found it after quite the search. It was my first WI buck. I liver punched him and he went about 300-400 yards.

Man, 400 yards is forever in the woods if you don't have a blood trail.

My buddy made the luckiest shot I have ever personally seen this year. He hit a tree AND hit the deer. We took a picture of the tree he about cut down with his 30-30 en-route to killing the deer:

Originally Posted by goalie

I am only superstitious at work when there's a full-moon.

I've heard from several in the medical field that the ER becomes bat chit crazy during the full moon.

Do you have a theory on that? Or better yet do you have any good stories to tell?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

I am only superstitious at work when there's a full-moon.

I've heard from several in the medical field that the ER becomes bat chit crazy during the full moon.

Do you have a theory on that? Or better yet do you have any good stories to tell?

Oh, I could do a 5-minute stand-up routine on the people that come into the ER. Abbott is in the Phillips neighborhood. We have some "interesting" clientele.

As for the full-moon, it's a chicken and egg thing to me. I know that our volume is higher when the moon is full, but I don't know whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship, or if the crazy people just go "SWEET FULL MOON LET'S GO BAT-CHIT CRAZY TONIGHT!!!!"

Well tonight I took one of my 6 year old boys out deer hunting. We saw 3 bucks and I could have shot a 6 or a pretty nice 8. But I was hoping the 10 pointer that was 340 yards away was going to saunter over. He didn't. But he is a pretty nice one. Dad had him at 250 yards on Tuesday night. That guy is living a lucky life. If we were in the rifle zone.....sure is fun though.

Goalie, my brother was a long ways away and don't get a shot either. Lauren's is the only deer on the meat pol.....errr Meat tractor!

Just think if you could use a rifle.

At least you're seeing deer. I'd be happy with that at this point.

Very very happy with the season. I could have shot 7 bucks so far! And of course the highlight is Lauren's first deer. That is tied for my best hunting moment ever!

Thompson Contender. Just say'n....

Originally Posted by tzone

Just think if you could use a rifle.

At least you're seeing deer. I'd be happy with that at this point.

You were not seeing any up there Tom? I am almost feeling guilty about how many deer I've seen hunting over the last 6-7 years. I am also worried my little-guy will be coming of hunting age when the pendulum swings waaaaaay over to the other side.

Right now my issue is that I was supposed to bone out 11 quarters today (My friend's daughter DESTROYED one with a .223 TSX shot) and I didn't get any done due to stupid Ebola training at work. Sausage making will be bumped to Sunday, as Saturday will be cutting and grinding.

First world problems.....

14" of snow in the woods here at camp. Buddy texted me from his camp and he has 43"!!!!

3am and my brother is rattling the friggin rafters. No sleep yet. I think I might plug his nose. If he lives, well, bully for him. I need some shut-eye.

Opener is Sat. Not a lot of sign, but we'll see. High hopes.

Charlie, I'm guessing you're in the UP. Only 3-4" of snow around here, which is just about right, IMHO.

I'm getting a bit antsy for tomorrow morning. Just gotta make it through 7 more hours on the clock. Should go quickly because I've got a mountain of stuff to take care of due to having next week off.

Zero deer sightings for me, not as much as a blind, 3 legged fawn.

The boys and I are back at it again. We had -2 degrees at the cabin this morning. I'm sitting with joey in Pam's stand this morning because he didn't want to hang out back at the cabin by himself. There is a lot if movement this morning, more than I've ever heard before.

It makes it difficult to tell if anything is going on outside of the stand....

I have exactly none chance of seeing a deer this morning.

Lol

My youngest is the same way, constantly doing something that is not conducive to better hunting

Got to love the deer blind bookie, stand up, sit down, turn around, wiggle and jiggle, bump and bang, and every so often odd strange sounds come from no where.....

But its all worth it when they close the deal.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Zero deer sightings for me, not as much as a blind, 3 legged fawn.

The boys and I are back at it again. We had -2 degrees at the cabin this morning. I'm sitting with joey in Pam's stand this morning because he didn't want to hang out back at the cabin by himself. There is a lot if movement this morning, more than I've ever heard before.

It makes it difficult to tell if anything is going on outside of the stand....

I have exactly none chance of seeing a deer this morning.

Lol

Chance of seeing a deer, much less shooting one: 0%

Chance of awesome memories being made for Joey: 100%

Seems fair.

Now for a championship round of yahtzee back at the cabin after bacon and blueberry pancakes.

I saw 16 last night, no luck though, the bucks are going crazy right now, I SO wish I had a rifle tag for tomrrows opener. I saw a few this morning that won't live to see monday, not if they keep up what they are doing. I think I would have had better luck blindfolded, I had problem after problem this morning. first my blind got twisted and wouldn't set up, then one of the poles broke because it was so cold. when I packed it up at 10 am I spooked 3 deer on the opposite ridge. as I was walking out with everything on my back I walked right up to a nice 4x4 with his nose up a does rear. by the time I got the stuff set down and an arrow nocked he was out of range. somedays you just can't catch a break.

oh well. there will be another day. good luck guys!

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Charlie, I'm guessing you're in the UP. Only 3-4" of snow around here, which is just about right, IMHO.

I'm getting a bit antsy for tomorrow morning. Just gotta make it through 7 more hours on the clock. Should go quickly because I've got a mountain of stuff to take care of due to having next week off.

Scott, just south of you I think. 10 miles north of Grayling 5 miles south of Waters. Lots of snow but we're seeing deer in the oak ridges feeding. Not as many guys as I would've thought for a Sat opener.

My brother finally quit sawing logs after a strategically placed used sock was carefully placed. Prime Rib tonight and tomorrow let the games begin!

CFT, I'd heard that area got some snow, but didn't realize it was that much. You're about 65 miles South of me; I'm just a few miles straight South of Mackinaw City. Tomorrow morning while waiting for dawn I'll be looking from my stand at the blinking red lights atop the South bridge tower.

Good luck to you and your camp. Stay safe and say warm.

Hey Guys hope all is well. Some awesome deer showing up here in the thread. Lotta memories and good times being made. Getting ready here for Thursday to go for some illusive fuzzy black trash can wreckers. I did get my deer mount back from last year and oh I am going to have a baby girl showing up in 6 months. Well Im not "Punches me in the Eye" is LOL. here's some deer pics. Hunt safe and hunt hard guys and ladies... have fun Sorry for huge pics
[img:right]

[/img]

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

Hey Guys hope all is well. Some awesome deer showing up here in the thread. Lotta memories and good times being made. Getting ready here for Thursday to go for some illusive fuzzy black trash can wreckers. I did get my deer mount back from last year and oh I am going to have a baby girl showing up in 6 months. Well Im not "Punches me in the Eye" is LOL. here's some deer pics. Hunt safe and hunt hard guys and ladies... have fun Sorry for huge pics
[img:right]

[/img]

Wow, that's a heckuva nice buck. I saw one out behind the house back in late June/early July that was sized very similar to that monster. I'm hoping to see him again shortly after first light tomorrow morning.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Originally Posted by Dv8uagain

Hey Guys hope all is well. Some awesome deer showing up here in the thread. Lotta memories and good times being made. Getting ready here for Thursday to go for some illusive fuzzy black trash can wreckers. I did get my deer mount back from last year and oh I am going to have a baby girl showing up in 6 months. Well Im not "Punches me in the Eye" is LOL. here's some deer pics. Hunt safe and hunt hard guys and ladies... have fun Sorry for huge pics
[img:right]

[/img]

Wow, that's a heckuva nice buck. I saw one out behind the house back in late June/early July that was sized very similar to that monster. I'm hoping to see him again shortly after first light tomorrow morning.

Thanks that dummy ran out in front of two of the 4 bullets I threw at him but it worked out for me better than him. He got a nice spot in my living room (thanks wifeboss)but also in allot of my meals lol. Second deer I ever got but I don't think I'll ever get any better so he gets to hang out and watch tv. Hope ya getum in the AM to me it's 5% get outta bed 95% holy poop that just happened. I wish ya all the luck stay safe!!!

Nice Buck!

Our oldest son's football team went into the playoffs as the number 5 seed. They kept winning until they won the section. Then won the state quarter final and today played in the final four, state semi final.

Well our little "Cinderella" team started slow and lost but on the bright side, they played their hearts out and ended the season farther than they have ever gotten before in the history of the 3 school districts that make up the team. (They just joined last season so in their second year they made the state tourney)

The cool part for us personally is, they put our son in at QB after half time and he sparked a comeback from a 20 - 0 deficit and led the team to a chance to tie at the end of the game but it didn't work out for them.

They are done now and it was a hellova season for "our little team that could!" So proud of those boys!!

Meanwhile, while we were at the game, my brother in law scored on a 6 point buck from my homemade ground blind so that was good news!

I feel both guilty and extremely appreciative of my deer hunting season. As you know my daughter shot her first deer this year at 10 years old. We spent a lot of time practicing and it paid off.

Well this morning I pulled the trigger on a nice 10 pointer that we have been playing cat and mouse with all week. He went 50 yards and piled up. For the season I passed up 11 bucks including an 8 right before dark tonight with one of my 6 year old boys. The other twin also got a chance to see me pass up an 8 from the same stand on Thursday. Just plain awesome deer hunting week. Nobody else in my group has pulled the trigger.

I sure wish we could transfer a few up your way Dave. I was hoping to hear they were coming back strong.

Yesterday was our firearms opener. It was cold, cloudy, breezy and snowy. I saw 6 within the first 45 minutes, including one small spike. I saw several more throughout the day, but expect for a couple does that came in at dark, they were the same 6 from the morning in varying combinations. The little spike turned out to be quite the pint sized bully, chasing most of the other deer around when he felt that they were crowding him. Nice to see deer, but it'd be nice to see some moving through in hopes of them dragging a shoot able buck along with them.

I have yet to see a deer but the boys teamed up and brought in a little buck yesterday. They didn't have a very good shot in him so they had to track and finish. I'm very proud of the boys for sticking with it and finding the deer. Sounds like it was a little work.

We tried the new cabin oven, did a really nice pork loin roast with taters and veggies in a big deep cast iron skillet. It was very good.

Super windy this morning.

Glad to hear your camp had some success, Dave.

Calm and chilly here this am with a few inches of fresh snow and more silently fall, sometimes heavily.

Had a coyote sprint across the snow globe-like landscape in front of me shortly after 1st light, but couldn't get the crosshairs on him through the white blur. Spotted a couple deer chasing back and forth at about 200yds, but couldn't make out what they were, even with the binocular.

Probably only hunt the morning today. Got to take the kiddos shopping for a birthday gift for Momma and then watch the Lions take on Arizona. It's kind of a big one. Winner will be tops in the NFC.

I think the vikings are playing the Nimrod Jr high science club.

Its kind of a big deal too. If the vikings can pull off a win I guess the Nimrod shop class made a really nice trophy out of macaroni noodles and gold spray paint. That would be a nice piece for the team's trophy case, a good confidence builder.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think the vikings are playing the Nimrod Jr high science club.

Its kind of a big deal too. If the vikings can pull off a win I guess the Nimrod shop class made a really nice trophy out of macaroni noodles and gold spray paint. That would be a nice piece for the team's trophy case, a good confidence builder.

LMAO

This has been by far the worst deer season as far as deer sightings for me. I have seen a total of 5 deer in 6 days of hunting and 3 of those were a doe with twins. Yesterday, I sat from dawn until dusk on prime river bottom butting up to cut corn and soybeans and didn't see one deer.

I blame the 5 deer per person thing on the decimated numbers. I blame the coyotes on the slow recovery. I seriously think the DNR should shut the season down for a year or two and in order to get a tag when it opens, each hunter has to turn in a predetermined number of coyote hides. That would get people out killing those fawn eating bossturds

Or even if they put a bounty on them, it would get more people out shooting/trapping them.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I feel both guilty and extremely appreciative of my deer hunting season. As you know my daughter shot her first deer this year at 10 years old. We spent a lot of time practicing and it paid off.

Well this morning I pulled the trigger on a nice 10 pointer that we have been playing cat and mouse with all week. He went 50 yards and piled up. For the season I passed up 11 bucks including an 8 right before dark tonight with one of my 6 year old boys. The other twin also got a chance to see me pass up an 8 from the same stand on Thursday. Just plain awesome deer hunting week. Nobody else in my group has pulled the trigger.

Sounds like you had a great season Bman! Congrats!

Gophergunner is awesome.

That is all.

'Went up to Goalie's palatial estate yesterday and helped him bag up some venneyson. Good to see the ol' Puckhead again.

It was good to have you gopher. The help was much appreciated, and made the wife very happy, which makes me very happy...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I think the vikings are playing the Nimrod Jr high science club.

Its kind of a big deal too. If the vikings can pull off a win I guess the Nimrod shop class made a really nice trophy out of macaroni noodles and gold spray paint. That would be a nice piece for the team's trophy case, a good confidence builder.

No macaroni trophy for da vikes. Gawd our O-line sucks!

Adrian Peterson made them look WAY better than they are

Haven't heard from Tommy T-zone in awhile. Wonder if his hinder butt froze to da ground up Nort der?

Now it's froze to da grond down here eh!

Anybody interested in a last gasp hit the woods hunt this Sunday somewhere in zone 1?

Last gasp? Is this the ending weekend of your deer season?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Last gasp? Is this the ending weekend of your deer season?

Stan in SC

Yeppers. Sunday's the last day. Weather report looks good. Lows in the mid 20's, highs around freezing.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Last gasp? Is this the ending weekend of your deer season?

Stan in SC

Yeppers. Sunday's the last day. Weather report looks good. Lows in the mid 20's, highs around freezing.

Oh yeah, I'm huntin'!

I might be bow hunting near home.

Originally Posted by tzone

I might be bow hunting near home.

Probably a better chance than up nort'

Camp Isabella final report.

4 hunters and two deer taken. I saw a total of 6, two does two fawns and one undetermined as it ran away.

The two taken were a spike and a forkhorn.

Pictures when I can get them uploaded.

We had no days above freezing during our hunting days. Lots of days started around zero and most got to around 15 to 20.

The camp I hunt at in NW MN about 35 miles from Canada and 35 miles from ND had a total of nine hunters who hunted there a total of 35 days during our nine day season. We collectively took five deer with four bucks and one doe. Highlight was the 87 year old camp patriarch taking his doe with one shot at sunset on the third day.We also had a Navy aircraft carrier sailor hunting for the first time in six years and taking his buck along with his younger nurse sister who outdid him by shooting two bucks. We had three antlerless tags but chose to use only one. We also collectively decided to shoot only scraggly horn bucks and let six and eight point basket bucks live. Trophies were shootable but nobody saw the ten point that had been seen on camera. I saw a total of 9 deer with four does, three bucks and two unknowns. Got one off hand shot at a scraggly horn buck walking at 125 yards and missed an hour after I let a small 8 point basket buck walk away. About two or three inches of snow and never had temps above freezing. Got to slightly below zero on two nights at camp. Full rut was on with the waning full moon and generally clear evening skies.

Saw a 6pt buck chasing does around the neighborhood at 330 this afternoon. They weren't very interested, but he sure was....as usual.

Damn, I wish I could go this weekend with you Gopher. But, alas, family life does not allow another hunting weekend......

We really should start setting up something for next year's muzzle-loading early. My place by Perham could host a few people in comfort.

my mom grew up in perham, graduated in 76 I believe, I think she was the only one in her class

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

my mom grew up in perham, graduated in 76 I believe, I think she was the only one in her class

There are a LOT more trains going through there now than in th 70's. Heck, more than the early 2000's.

im starting to get the left eye squint,and the trigger finger itch! Guns are sighted in, Boolits rolled up, close all ready to go, got my tags, heater, jet boil stove for hot food on the 2 all day sits. ANNNNNNNNND theres snow on the ground.. happy happy joy joy

Originally Posted by acooper1983

im starting to get the left eye squint,and the trigger finger itch! Guns are sighted in, Boolits rolled up, close all ready to go, got my tags, heater, jet boil stove for hot food on the 2 all day sits. ANNNNNNNNND theres snow on the ground.. happy happy joy joy

Don't forget to bring your rain gear. Many places in Wisconsin are forecasting light rain or drizzle Saturday opener and periods of rain Sunday.

Calling for over cast saturday for us, and rain on sunday.

I see on tv that upper New York state got much much snow. Did Minnesota get that much snow?
It has been unseasonably cold here the past week but a warming trend is in effect for the next few days.

Stan in SC

The parts of MN I have been through, mostly West Central, do not have much for snow on the ground, it varies from a couple inches to almost none. Pretty much the same for East Central to North Central North Dakota. But I did see on my Facebook page that there are a couple fish houses out on a lake somewhere between Detroit Lakes and Park Rapids.......

I've seen the same Bubba. I hope it stays cold and the snow stays away so we can make some good ice. I saw two portables out this past Sunday on Leaf. Big C wasn't even frozen over.

Actually, I hope that happens up north also since I got an Ice Castle. I would rather fish LOW than the lakes around here in that buggy.

Come on up big jelly.

Michigan opener report: posted on main forum too-

Coldest 5 days of deer hunting that I can remember in a long time. We had over a foot of snow in the woods for the opener. The last few days the windchill has gone below zero and we got another 12". Had to blaze trail in 4WD just to get to someplace near our stands. Walking in that stuff is whole 'nother story.

So far with 5 hunters in camp; zero hanging, 1 miss. I personally had 33 sightings, crosshairs on a 6pt., and saw 3 different spikes. Lots of hunters in the woods Sat, fewer Sun, next to none Mon and Tues. Everybody's back home now. I'm going up after Thanksgiving solo.

I sure do miss Grizzly Bill. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man in person, but we exchanged pms and I always looked forward to his morning posts, even if was only about the weather. The boys at camp asked me about the upside down shot glass on the mantle. I just said it was for a departed friend who loved deer camp. We all raised a glass in silence. The Wisconsin opener is this weekend. I know his pards are going to have a solemn deer camp this year...

So this one's for Bill and his camp mates:

Palace in the Popple

It's a smokey raunchy boar's nest,
with an unswept drafty floor,
And pillow ticking curtains,
with knife scars on the floor.

The smell of a pine knot fire,
from a stovepipe that's come loose,
Mingles sweetly with the bootgrease,
and the copenhagen snoose.

There are workworn .30-.30's
with battered steel stocks,
And drying lines of longjohns,
and of steaming pungent socks.

There's a table for the bloody four,
and their game of two card draw,
And there's deep and dreamless sleeping,
on bunkticks filled with straw.

Ed and Lawrence, by the stove,
their gun talk loud and hot,
And Rob, has drawn a pain of kings,
and raking in the pot.

Harvey's drafted again as cook,
he's peeling spuds for stew,
While Gus, wanders in baggy pants,
receiting Dan McGrew.

Nowhere on earth is fire so warm,
nor coffee so infernal,
Or whiskers stiff or jokes so rich
nor hope blooms so eternal.

A man can live for a solid week,
in the same old underbritches,
He can walk like a man, spit where he wants,
and scratch himself where he itches

I tell you boys there's no place else,
where I'd rather be come Fall,
Where I eat like a bear and sing like a wolf,
And feel like I'm Bull Pine tall.

In that raunchy cabin out in the bush,
in the land of the Raven n Loon,
With a tracking snow lying new to the ground,
at the end of the rutting moon.

George Augustus (Gus) Bixby
Circa 1905

Originally Posted by rflshtr

The camp I hunt at in NW MN about 35 miles from Canada and 35 miles from ND.

You can't be much more than a stone's throw from my place.

Glad to hear you had some luck and the empty meat hooks will always be there. 100% success can only be found at the grocery store.
Mine are all in the freezer and I'm making jerky, sausage and other delicious treats as time allows. Maybe I'll swing by Chickenbuck with some goodies this weekend.
Good luck and be safe to those still at it.

CF, great toast to Grizzly Bill. Thanks and I'll do the same.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Come on up big jelly.

Lemme know when dat ice is tick enuff

Very nice tribute to Bill CFT.

Very nice tribute to Bill. I've thought a lot this season about hunting companions who are no longer with us, makes me very thankful for every season I get to share with friends. this thread allows for that year round, I really like that.

well after a hard hunted bow season I ended it this morning with a 45 yard shot on a dry doe. took out at least one lung and put a gash in the heart. she piled up within view of me after going maybe 30 yards. my personal furthest archery shot and I am very pleased with the result. I'm gonna be busy butchering on sunday that's for sure! I have 4 deer in the garage right now and another 2 likely by saturday noon. mama will hopefully get one of them, and the others were given to me by other folks who don't like the taste of venison but like to hunt. can you believe such a thing?

That was a great toast. Thank you very much for that.

I have met Grizzly Bill. We have been on plenty of adventures together. Bill and I lived a about 15 miles apart and we fished together on almost a weekly basis in the summer before I moved back to MN.

Bill, my son Jack, and I also took a few jaunts a year driving to different gun shops in WI, scouring them for deals. Bill was a fan of fine Ruger firearms. We would also hit the shooting range a few times a summer together. It was smack in the middle between our houses so it was a great place to shoot the breeze, a few targets, and grab some coffee.

But if there is one thing I'm 100% sure of from our friend Bill is that he couldn't get enough of deer camp. He prepped for if from December to November. He was SO excited to share a camp with his grandson Wyatt this year. It is his first deer season and he gave up a guided trip for a chance to hunt WI with grandpa. There will be an empty deer stand near Winter, WI this Saturday gentlemen. Raise your whiskey to our friend Grizzly_Bill.

The Rut is on in my yard.

[Linked Image]

Here is another photo of him.

[Linked Image]

And you didn't shoot because....

Awesome buck!

Modern firearm season is over here and archery starts tomorrow. which I made a bad choice and never put in for the multi season tag this year. So my son will have to try to get him.

Originally Posted by 264wm

The Rut is on in my yard.

[Linked Image]

What a toad....that thing is so thick across the middle, it almost looks like on of those "Bad" taxidermy examples...

kill it....

Here is another photo of him.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by 264wm

Modern firearm season is over here and archery starts tomorrow. which I made a bad choice and never put in for the multi season tag this year. So my son will have to try to get him.

Oh! I thought you were waiting for him to wander under the meat pole

That is a pig of a buck. Hope your son gets a crack at 'em! Post pics if he does!

It appears yr laser sight goes right through him too!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

It appears yr laser sight goes right through him too!

Very observant Busch-meister! I had to think about that one!

Anybody around Madison MN area? Looking for a snow depth out there.. Heading there Sunday night to Tuesday for a little pheasant hunting...

Thanks for any info..

Those darn cheap lasers just don't have any stopping power.

they over penetrate.

I have decided that the chest freezer could use another deer. Anyone ever hunt the Rapids Lake unit of the MN River Valley Refuge?

The muzzle-loader is needing a little love....

when does muzzle loading start in MN? is it the 29th?

Heading to camp. later dudes.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

when does muzzle loading start in MN? is it the 29th?

Nov 29th through Dec 14th.

I scouted a pretty nice area this morning with good sign. I am willing to drag one out a ways, so it could be promising.

Antlerless only, so I will probably see BuckZilla.

Good Luck!

Hope you all see something to shoot! I am going set up the dark house for spearing tomorrow. Do you still have that red house you built for your boy ready to deploy?

My plans changed. I'll be chasing deer looking critters by Mora this weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

My plans changed. I'll be chasing deer looking critters by Mora this weekend.

Good luck!!!

Thank you. It sounds like we'll need it there too. 6 guys and none hanging yet.

Damn, that is depressing.

I broke out my muzzle-loader today after I picked up a tag for the season at Fleet Farm. I hope to get a 601 zone doe to add to the freezer.

Good Luck on your quests! I won't be hunting again until the 29th when ML opens

What kind of ML are you guys using. I have an older (1993ish vintage) Knight Wolverine that has taken some deer, but am looking at something easier to clean. Fleet Farm has the CVA Optima for 230ish in stainless, and for another 30 I can get a different breech plug to shoot that 209 powder.

Are the break open ML's as awesome as I imagine they would be to clean?

I use a TC Encore ss .50 cal it gets the job done not the best accuracy. Some of the guys I work with love their CVA Accuras and Optimas.

Originally Posted by goalie

Are the break open ML's as awesome as I imagine they would be to clean?

Yes, they are. It doesn't get much easier. I have whatever cheap TC fleet farm sells. It was $220. I loaded a 240gr bullet, 100 gr of 777, and shot it at 50 yards. It was 1" high. So we're the next 4 shots. I never touched the sights once. Moved it to 75 yards, leaned it, popped 2 more off and there were in the bull'ish. Good enough for my bad eyes.

I waited until after X-mas and got a Traditions Buckstalker on sale for like $219.00. This was the Ceracoated model wih the black stock. Awesome deal and awesome shooter. Just an opinion if you don't need it now!

Should have mentioned I got the Buckstalker through Cabelas

That Fleet Farm CVA Optima V2 is looking pretty good at 230 bucks right now. I may have to upgrade my PITA to clean Knight for something a little more "modern."

Tom, you going to hunt the metro with the smoke-pole, or go up north?

Any of the inlines I've had are easy to clean. I just rehabbed an old optima I got at a gun show that appeared to have been left with pyrodex residue in it, and it's probably the easiest one that I have. I have 2 CVA's, and for such a cheap gun, they have a surprisingly good trigger.

I have a Rem 700 stainless .50 cal ML that I bought used and converted to 209 primers and added a Lyman peep sight. Shoots well, cleans easy and is comparable to the new break opens mentioned in cost. Also easy to put a scope on if you hunt in states that permit that.

I have the Encore in .50 cal. It's easy to clean after taking the barrel off. Just be careful if it's wearing a scope. Hot water and Dawn dish washing soap do the trick quite nicely. It shoots like a house afire too! I get inchish groups at 100 yds.

One tip: for good marital relations, DO NOT CLEAN THE BARREL IN THE BATHTUB.

The wife bought me the CVA Optima for Christmas one year. It's the old black/blued. It's very accurate and extremely easy to clean. I see now they are black/stainless and pretty nice looking guns for the price.

I'm still hunting with an old CVA Hawkins just because I'm too darned stubborn to put the thing away until I kill a deer with it,but you can bet my next jug will be an in line. Son runs a CVA gun and it's just a joy to shoot. Easy to clean. 2 50 gr. pellets, ram a bullet and you're good to go. No more measuring, powder vial, mess on my hands. 'Gotta drop a deer with this old .54 so I can get an inline!

one of you guys should have this H&R sidekick,stainless synthetic.( camo taped)
Ive had it for a few years now,only shot it three times.
(I have 3 other muzzleloaders)
got primer carriers,primers( three missing),2 sets of fire sights,ramrod,tool,papers,hammer extension,etc.
I'd want to keep the scope and rings.
previous owner said it shot real high with the issued sights,I had redneck re crown it and shot it with the scope only,seemed to work just fine.
pm me if interested.

[Linked Image]

fluffy,the H&R had two kinds of breech plugs.They were screw in and push in.If the particular rifle is a push in breech plug and is in .45 caliber I may have an accessory for it that might REALLY interest you.

Stan in SC

Screw in 50.

Finally got around to finishing up a couple knives.

First one is a Karsuando blade(3 1/2") of 12c27 stainless from Sweden. Handle is whitetail antler and maple with red & black spacers

Next is one I made, 3 1/8" blade of D2 and orange G10 with black liners.

Both need to find new homes, $60 for the Swede and $130 for the D2.

thanks....Jeff

nice looking knives! I still need to send you a couple for sheaths. you still willing to make some?

Lovin that D2

Originally Posted by cabindweller

Hope you all see something to shoot! I am going set up the dark house for spearing tomorrow. Do you still have that red house you built for your boy ready to deploy?

Yes we still have the dark house. It will be coming home soon for some modifications. It doesn't carry up as well as it should in deep snow.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Finally got around to finishing up a couple knives.

First one is a Karsuando blade(3 1/2") of 12c27 stainless from Sweden. Handle is whitetail antler and maple with red & black spacers

Next is one I made, 3 1/8" blade of D2 and orange G10 with black liners.

Both need to find new homes, $60 for the Swede and $130 for the D2.

thanks....Jeff

Beautiful knives there Jeff, very nice work.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Finally got around to finishing up a couple knives.

First one is a Karsuando blade(3 1/2") of 12c27 stainless from Sweden. Handle is whitetail antler and maple with red & black spacers

Next is one I made, 3 1/8" blade of D2 and orange G10 with black liners.

Both need to find new homes, $60 for the Swede and $130 for the D2.

thanks....Jeff

Jeff, I'll take the Swede.

Finally saw a deer Saturday & the little .243 did it's work !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

Finally got around to finishing up a couple knives.

First one is a Karsuando blade(3 1/2") of 12c27 stainless from Sweden. Handle is whitetail antler and maple with red & black spacers

Next is one I made, 3 1/8" blade of D2 and orange G10 with black liners.

Both need to find new homes, $60 for the Swede and $130 for the D2.

thanks....Jeff

Jeff, I'll take the Swede.

Jeff,

Love the D2 & if not for cross border & currency/payment issues, I'd be all over it !

Tzone, are you coming to the northland for muzzleloading? Is dave going to be muzzleloading this year, It was a bust for us during rifle season so whats next. alot of walking in the woods. starting to like the muzzleloader better then the rifle. i know our woods is quiet and with this bit of snow this week, shoudl be good tracking.

Thanks Tom....Pm sent with details.

Kind of glad it is staying in MN.

How did you do deer hunting around Mora?

Thems good eats Paul, congrats!

Thanks Dave.

For us, it's always about the meat supply !

Deb & I shared half a tenderloin (inner) last night.

Saut�ed an onion, add chopped old style bacon & browned.

Finely sliced the half tenderloin across the grain. Thickness of a filleting knife.

Once pan was smoking hot, added the venny, ultra quick sear, turn meat, add good splash of red wine, which will boil & reduce very quickly, due to the pan heat. Serve with homemade buns/bread.

DELICIOUS !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Um, that isn't a 99....

Nice job though.

Goalie,

Temps just at freezing & heavy skies, light misting rain. Left the 99 at home in it's case !

Couple of pics from earlier in the season !

The double 8 was in a tree over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

Yeah, I really love the old lever guns !

Doug's hoping to utilize his dink slayer again, when he comes home from College, for Thanksgiving !

Dave,

You guys see anything over the w/e?

Coworker was up in Birchdale and got a 8 point on Sunday morning.

Thanks for the comments on the knives. We all have our talents, sure wish I could build a car like you can. Any updates on Mom's whiskey runner?

We didn't see any deer over the weekend.

The galaxie project is progressing nicely. I have a lot of filthy work behind me, that's where I like the filthy work to be lol.

Great looking knives J_elky. Someday I hope to own a piece of your handiwork. Maybe some of ND's as well.

I saw a huge buck while on the road selling equipment today. He was only 100yds from the road and a good 22"+ wide and just as tall. Crazy tall rack on that old boy. Lots of handles could have been made.

It'll soon be time to switch gears into ice fishing. Is anyone ready for that yet??????

My brain is thinking fishing through some safe ice.

It's right around the corner...... I've only fished Thanksgiving ice a couple times on my life. Much older and wiser now but I'm still dreaming about it.

I swam in big cormorant lake once on thanksgiving. had to walk across the ring of ice and step down a foot. still wonder why I thought that was a good idea

I like about three feet of ice.

White Bear...I've got about 5 or 6 blades to finish hand sanding and put handles on, I'll post them up here when they are done. Maybe one will catch your fancy.

Ryan....I think we can work out something on the sheaths, as long as you like simple and no snaps, just a deep pouch style.

There are guys out in portables already on Round lake. Coworker was out spearing pike on a bay in Mille lacs. He claimed to have 8" of ice.

J_elky, they all catch my fancy. Therein lies the issue!

I once water skied on Rainy River in the beginning of April when folks were still ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. It was tricky trying to dodge the ice chunks floating downstream.
Again? Heck no!
Great experience? Yup!

I want about 6" of ice to walk on, 8-10" for a sled or ATV and 18" for my truck or track machines. I know less would hold just fine but a big lake like LOW has too many cracks and unseen dangers. It only takes one "oops" while on 30' of water.

Mr Wabigon, word has it that the first ice shack was placed on your namesake, this past Sunday !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The double 8 was in a tree over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

Dave, when are you gonna add 11 to that thing and get a REAL lever gun? If it ain't a 99, stick it where the sun don't shine...........

No need to call me mister, I do hope the spot is productive, but not so much as too catch, "my" pickerel.

Just where in NW Ontario do you get your mail?

I ice fished on Saturday. Walked out on 5" of ice. It was really strange. The ice had a red hue to it. Like the color of a beet. After chiseling a hole the water popped up red and had weird floaty red things in it. I've never seen anything like it and I've been ice fishing for almost 40 years.

The only thing I can think of is the lake is turning over but that does not explain that beet red color...

what Color tint were your sunglasses?

might have something to do with it?

Right around "your" lake !

Ol Chickenbuck hat still brings me luck . This new to me m77 7x57 found it mark this a.m.

Muley,

Nice Buck, nice hat !!

But, ..........................

Where is all the snow ?

Sorry for shouting, in advance.

DID YOU CATCH ANY FISH ?

Paul, we must be neighbours, when I am in Wabigoon that is.

We should have coffee some time.

mule1,nice one! Congratulations.

Stan in SC

I don't know whether the caliber or hat gets you more style points.

Nice buck!

I'm a lucky man. Heading out bright and squirrelly tomorrow morning to partake in my second deer opener of the year. 'Headed down to Indy to pick up my son, then we're on to New Waterford, Ohio to spend a night with my bro and sis. We leave Satruday around noon for deer camp in Pennsylvania. The grand daddy of all deer openers happens on Monday. You ain't lived 'till you've experienced a Pa. deer opener. It's an unofficial state holiday. The schools close, absenteeism rates at work go way up. Heck, some labor unions negotiate the Monday after Thanksgiving as an excused day off.

The camp's been in our family for 70 years now, and once again we hope to hang some meat from the game pole. Special thanks to the original members, the Olde Guard, as we refer to them who made this all possible:

Dad, the master carpenter, and the best hunter and marksman of the group.
Bud, the maintenance guru of the camp. Bud's old .270 was bad medicine on whitetails.
Bert, another good hunter and very good carpenter.
Bob, the only guy in the group with three cents to his name when they built the camp. He gave up hunting way too soon.
Charlie, the first one to leave us, and from what Dad told me, a very good guy.

Next Monday, all across the mountains of Penn's Woods, camps will start coming to life around 4 to 5 a.m. The Orange Army will head out for their favorite haunts to do what our ancestors have done for many, many years. Good luck to all the Pennsylvania boys. Hunt hard, and hunt safe.

I am starting to get excited, as GG said so well. Getting ready for the holiday, Pennsylvania opening day next Monday. Super excited 11 year old will be with us on a mentored license. Will be 3 generations in Penns Woods this coming Monday. The Ruger .257 Roberts is ready, I am ready, let's do this.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

I am starting to get excited, as GG said so well. Getting ready for the holiday, Pennsylvania opening day next Monday. Super excited 11 year old will be with us on a mentored license. Will be 3 generations in Penns Woods this coming Monday. The Ruger .257 Roberts is ready, I am ready, let's do this.

I hope you have as much luck as we did with your first-timer.

Gopher, did your buddy like the huge care package you brought him?

I can tell you're fired up, I bet Eric is as well. I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures when you get back!!! Yes, you're going to have to tKe pictures.

+ 1

Good luck !!

Good luck to you as well Bill! You have the same rules...take pictures and tell us stories when you get back. I like the rifle caliber choice btw!

Originally Posted by tzone

Gopher, did your buddy like the huge care package you brought him?

I can tell you're fired up, I bet Eric is as well. I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures when you get back!!! Yes, you're going to have to tKe pictures.

Most of the stuff went down a few weeks ago. A co-worker of his came through, and stopped at our place and picked it all up. Surprisingly, all the clothes fit. Bill's a big man, and I was concerned about the hunting coat and the boots, but it all worked. He's all ready put a couple limits of squirrels in the pot with the .22, harassed the sparrows with the pellet gun, and even got in some late season fishing and put a couple meals of fish in the freezer with the fishing gear I sent down. I've got another batch of stuff going down with us tomorrow including a Mossberg 500 I picked up for him. It's an older one and marketed under the Coast To Coast Hardware brand. Pretty nice old Mossy-vent rib, 3" mag with a tubed barrel that's ported. It should suit him just fine.

GG,

Good things come to good people !

You & your supporters did real good.

Have a great time.

mule1, that's a good 'un! Well done!

GG - that was a heck of a thing you did for your buddy! Good karma is coming your way whether you like it or not! Double well done!

Good luck to the Penn Staters!

Well, it's the last push of firearm season for those of us in the mitten state. Our area got 43" of snow from the day before the opener and going 5 days. Biologists say it put off the rut some and bucks should still be chasing does. I still have a doe permit to fill so doesn't matter if it's Donner or Blitzen or their girlfriend, a .300 WM 165 gr. Hornady Super Performance GMX going to make their acquaintance. Going up solo at 3 way too dark thirty Friday. Hope to have meat swingin' by the time Michigan beats the Buckeyes!

CFT;

Good luck with the hunt. That's a bit of snow you've got !!!!

Thanks N2 99s!

Okay, I wasn't going to, but I think it must be done. Soooo...

[video:youtube]v=kb9yhhflmvY[/video]

On the occasion of this Thanksgiving day of 2014 I would like to convey the wish to everyone a Happy Thanksgiving day.
To those of you who will be hunting today and in the next few days please be safe and successful.
All who will be traveling I wish a safe and speedy trip.
I'm looking forward to stories and the obligatory pictures.
The amazing Mz. Linda and I will spend Thanksgiving day with her daughter and our son in law who are visiting from Chicago. All of the other kids and grandkids will be here Saturday which is our custom on Thanksgiving. What they don't eat ,turn over or tear up they will take home as usual. It's always a blast.
We will eat too much and watch too many games on TV.BUT.....we will be together as a family and that makes everything right.
God bless and keep you all.

Stan in SC

Yes happy thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy this time with family and friends. We are traveling a grand total of about 5 miles for our two Thanksgiving dinners. I might try and get the kids out sometime this weekend to chase a rooster.

Happy thanksgiving everybody. Pam pulled off an epic thanksgiving meal, absolutely perfect. My parents came up for the day, it was a real good time. Relaxing, good food, great company, all the kids were here. Just a great day.

Muzzle loader season opens this weekend, but I may sit it out and work at home.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Yes happy thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy this time with family and friends. We are traveling a grand total of about 5 miles for our two Thanksgiving dinners. I might try and get the kids out sometime this weekend to chase a rooster.

That sounds like a great time B-man. It's nice to have family, friends around, two dinners...

wait. what??

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy thanksgiving everybody. Pam pulled off an epic thanksgiving meal, absolutely perfect. My parents came up for the day, it was a real good time. Relaxing, good food, great company, all the kids were here. Just a great day.

Muzzle loader season opens this weekend, but I may sit it out and work at home.

OR I could host you for ML season. I know I didn't have much luck during the regular firearms season but with the deer I have on camera, they're bound to be back...

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

On the occasion of this Thanksgiving day of 2014 I would like to convey the wish to everyone a Happy Thanksgiving day.
To those of you who will be hunting today and in the next few days please be safe and successful.
All who will be traveling I wish a safe and speedy trip.
I'm looking forward to stories and the obligatory pictures.
The amazing Mz. Linda and I will spend Thanksgiving day with her daughter and our son in law who are visiting from Chicago. All of the other kids and grandkids will be here Saturday which is our custom on Thanksgiving. What they don't eat ,turn over or tear up they will take home as usual. It's always a blast.
We will eat too much and watch too many games on TV.BUT.....we will be together as a family and that makes everything right.
God bless and keep you all.

Stan in SC

That sounds like a perfect day Stan. Special K and I had our folks out for dinner. Then later the kids came and we snacked on left overs and watched football. It was a real good day.

I hope all of you had a great day filled with lasting memories!

After further reflection, we will for sure be chasing a Rooster. Probably Roosters 1 through 8 or more in fact. Better get your running shoes on buddy!

Get this, 1 week before my eagerly anticipated ND pheasant hunt, my dog goes into heat. We will have at least 3 males along, so I am gonna have to leave her home! It is gonna kill me but I don't see I have a choice. Any ideas guys?

Ready or not, here we come Rooster1 throuugh ?!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

After further reflection, we will for sure be chasing a Rooster. Probably Roosters 1 through 8 or more in fact. Better get your running shoes on buddy!

Get this, 1 week before my eagerly anticipated ND pheasant hunt, my dog goes into heat. We will have at least 3 males along, so I am gonna have to leave her home! It is gonna kill me but I don't see I have a choice. Any ideas guys?

How long does heat last? My female only went into heat once. Then my cousins mixed breed, deer chasing mut showed up from 3 miles away and raped her. We were out for supper and the kids called freaking out saying that they were stuck together and they were dumping hot water on them trying to get them apart. I was not too pleased. She got fixed 2 days later.

I had to bring her to the rape & abuse crisis center every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm for 6 months for counseling. Not really but that is what I tell people.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ready or not, here we come Rooster1 throuugh ?!

Six???

Roosters 1 and 4 did not fare very well. The rest of them, up through Rooster 9, got away by flying at the perfect time to the perfect place. Nice little hunt. Saw a bunch. So rooster 7 is still out there but tomorrow.....?

Muzzle-loader season is on. I had to go to the circus today with mini-me, but tomorrow at zero-dark-thirty, I will be out in the zero-degree, windy weather waiting for Doezilla to walk on by.

With my luck, I will see Buckzilla, since I already used my buck tag this year.

I guess I'm a old fuddy duddy but I hate freakin Circus's

I hated it too, but the little guy loved it. I especially liked my wife wondering why I went through the line with the hot young lady who I knew would never really frisk me when I went through the entrance while holding my son's hand.

(Hint: it holds seven rounds and was on my waist)

Well this is no joke...I shot Rooster #7 yesterday. Kinda a wimpy little the thing to be honest with ya.

Good luck smokepolers! My brother used my bow to shoot a small doe last night. We found it this morning. Nice eating critter. He has well over 100 hours in a tree stand this year and just decided to be done. Wish he could have got a nice buck though.

Oh I'll go for the grandson but I think I'd rather have a root canal damn clowns need a shootin I think

BM, I could have picked you up a couple more on the way home from up north yesterday. The were huddled up in the tall grass along 35s. They weren't hiding from much, tho it looked like they thought they might be.

It was pretty funny. Two beautiful long tailed roosters 4' off the shoulder.

Originally Posted by goalie

I hated it too, but the little guy loved it. I especially liked my wife wondering why I went through the line with the hot young lady who I knew would never really frisk me when I went through the entrance while holding my son's hand.

(Hint: it holds seven rounds and was on my waist)

Well did she ask you if it was a gun or if you were just glad to see her? LOL Magnum Man

tzone did you get any deer?

Heck no!

Originally Posted by Magnum_Man

Originally Posted by goalie

I hated it too, but the little guy loved it. I especially liked my wife wondering why I went through the line with the hot young lady who I knew would never really frisk me when I went through the entrance while holding my son's hand.

(Hint: it holds seven rounds and was on my waist)

Well did she ask you if it was a gun or if you were just glad to see her? LOL Magnum Man

No, but my wife was giving me the stink eye when I pulled my son over to her line until she realized why.

Plus, it was a little gun, so that would have been embarrassing.....

Goalie,
seven shots.Hmmmmmmmmmm.The numbers 6,8 and 6 come to mind.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Goalie,
seven shots.Hmmmmmmmmmm.The numbers 6,8 and 6 come to mind.

Stan in SC

Nah, a Smith and Wesson Shield. It shoots almost as well for me as my 20+ year old G17 at half the size, and is as easy to carry as my old J-frame was.

Most of the nurses I take shooting LOVE that thing when they move up from a .22. That and my 4" GP100 loaded with .38's instead of .357 mags.

Oh, and FWIW, it was cold out today while hunting.

Not "chilly."

Not "nippy."

COLD.

Yes, it was also COLD while out working today. I believe my ass actually froze.

only supposed to get up to 38 today. close to 50 on saturday.
last saturday was beautiful. thermometer said 64 outside. not gonna make any ice with temps like these

but it makes it easier to work. taking my mom and great aunt elk hunting this weekend, so nice temps would be a blessing!

Wow Ryan, I was in North Dakota on Sunday evening & Monday morning, taking Doug back to College after Thanksgiving, & it was -34, including wind chill !!

Goalie,
I carry a Shield 40 every day. GREAT pistols. I knew you were a man of discriminating taste.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Goalie,
I carry a Shield 40 every day. GREAT pistols. I knew you were a man of discriminating taste.

Stan in SC

I just googled the Shield. They look like a very nice daily carry weapon.

They are! I want one!

Tzone, are you muzzleloading this year?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Goalie,
I carry a Shield 40 every day. GREAT pistols. I knew you were a man of discriminating taste.

Stan in SC

Why thank you sir. I naturally assumed the same of you, and am obviously correct.

So, you know how karma sometimes is good instead of bad? I usually try to give out 5 or 6 pounds of venison sausage at work to people who "don't like venison" or have not had it. I make special "sample-size" bags to give out.

Over the last three years it has become a hit, with a few hippy-chick nurses loving it and asking for more, and a range day or two with people who were rabidly anti-gun, who wanted to see what hunting rifles were all about, that ended up simply loving handguns (my Ruger SP101 in .22 and my GP100 in .357 are favorites, along with the Shield) and who now own guns.

Anyhow, I was talking to a guy at work about how I was down in the Minnesota River Valley the other day and passed on a nice big doe, as it was getting late and I had to get home before my son came home from school, and the two mile drag out would have not been doable time-wise. One of the previous non-hunter psuedo-hippies chimes in and says I should come and hunt muzzle-loader by his apple orchard.

Turns out his family loved the sausage, and my "price" is simply that he gets some more sausage if I get a deer.

I plan on grilling up fresh tenderloins for him if I get one this weekend, and, if it works out, he will be joining the ranks of hunter next year, as he is really interested in what you do with the deer after you shoot it.

Considering this person's stance on guns and hunting a few years ago, this could be analogous to one of you guys getting Diane Feinstein to pony up for a life NRA membership.....

From what I can tell the only downside will be that it is zone 601, antlerless only, and he showed me some phone pics of LARGE bucks that bed down right by his pond and walk over to the orchard every night.

Huh...funny how you converted that non-hunter psuedo-hippie just by feedin 'em the sausage...

But seriously. That is way cool Goalie! Around here you don't run into too many people that don't hunt or are avidly against it. I guess we are lucky that way (so far)

As far as the large bucks hanging around. Just think of it as an "in" for the future when they do allow the harvesting of male timber goats.

P.S.

I'd keep that sausage lovin hippie happier than a queer at a tickle party!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Huh...funny how you converted that non-hunter psuedo-hippie just by feedin 'em the sausage...

That would be funnier if you were referring to one of the young, cute, FEMALE nurses I work with instead of another hairy dude.

But, yeah, I am thinking bowhunting there next year is an option if all goes well.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Huh...funny how you converted that non-hunter psuedo-hippie just by feedin 'em the sausage...

That would be funnier if you were referring to one of the young, cute, FEMALE nurses I work with instead of another hairy dude.

That wouldn't be funnier. That would be just...normal.

Normal isn't funny Sir.

All jokes and wisecracks aside. That would be a great bowhunting opportunity for you. Hope you get to take advantage.

I'm squirrely today because its the first day since friday after thanksgiving that I have felt somewhat human. Bad case of bronchitis was joined by the flu on Sunday. That seemed to clear up by Monday night but the bronchitis was worse than ever. Doc put me on some good meds yesterday and now I'm back to work feeling about 70% already.

*Edit*

Goalie,
Do you know if there is any correlation between double pulmonary embolisms and future respiratory issues? I seem to get bronchitis before I even get a sniffle in my nose now days...

I know you are more likely to have another PE, but I don't know whether or not you are predisposed to have other respiratory issues after a PE. I can ask one of the pulmonologists tomorrow at work though.

Originally Posted by goalie

I know you are more likely to have another PE,

Actually, I recently had my "after a year" assessment and was put on a 2nd year of blood thinners. Not because of the residual clot I still have behind my knee but because of the size of the clots that I HAD in my lungs. The specialist didn't think that was too cool I guess...

Then the coumadin clinic called today. They were filling out my application for a home INR tester and accidentally discovered that the meds the walk-in clinic doc put me on yesterday for bronchitis will substantially increase the strength of the coumadin and I need to get in there to be checked and re-dosed tomorrow.

Oh I tell ya, it sure is FUN getting old!

Yeah, please don't be one of those people I see at work that come in with an INR of 7.4 or something and bleeding from every orifice.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tzone, are you muzzleloading this year?

Idk?

Originally Posted by goalie

Over the last three years it has become a hit, with a few hippy-chick nurses loving it and asking for more,

Tell us more about these hippy-chick nurses loving it and asking for more...

I may have some sausage for them.

Single guys with inquiring minds want to know.

Ha thats funny....

Tzone you womenless ?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tzone, are you muzzleloading this year?

Idk?

You can come hunt with me this weekend T-zone. I have prime river bottom/farmland property to hunt on and not a gotdamn deer to be found on it. But we could shoot the heck out of coyotes!

Which reminds me I have to share the goofiest story. Sorry if this is long.

We have had coyotes over run the place this fall to the point where the dogs have been fighting them in our yard.

Saturday, after sitting on post, a buddy of mine came and picked me up at my house and we went for a drive. We turned out of my driveway and headed south. The nearest farm place is 1/2 mile down and on the west side of the road. They used to milk cows but now the fairly modern dairy barn is just used for storage and hay bales for his small amount of beef cows that he raises.

As we drove past the dairy barn I glanced over and there was a coyote right by the barn. I said "holy crap there is yote right there!" We stopped and the dang thing walked right in the barn like it owned the place. I remembered Capt'n Bang Flop is friends with one of their sons so I text him and he said he is on his way and his friend told us to kill it.

Meanwhile, we went back to my place and got my shotgun with turkey loads. The plan was for my buddy to go in one end and kick him out and I'd blast him.

When I snuck up, I saw a yote about a hundred yards out on the hillside of the pasture standing there watching me. I figured it was the one that went in the barn so I gave it warning shot and it reluctantly trotted off.

My buddy found too many bales in the way to walk through the barn so he walked around the west side banging on the walls and discovered another open door and a yote hauling tail inside.

I walked in the south door where the original one went and it was like a huge dog kennel that had never been cleaned. There was coyote crap everywhere! By the looks of the tracks around the barn and the amount of scat, the whole pack has been residing in there all this time and nobody knew it.

Capt'n Bang Flop showed up and we showed him and since he is laid off in the winter months he naturally wanted to trap them but his buddy said no because of the risk of catching their dog.

It was a little bit of downer but he sent me a pic today of a dead yote that made the mistake of coming out of the barn while he was on patrol. Give Bangflop some time on his hands and a mission and those yotes will rue the day they decided to take up residence in that barn lol

Footnote:
I'm pretty sure their dog has not made his lazy butt up to that end of the property in awhile if a herd of yotes had taken up residence and nobody noticed.

VENISON sausage you perverts!!!!

But, let's just say some of the younger nurses around work are easy on the retinas.

Crazy, but easy on the eyes....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Tzone, are you muzzleloading this year?

Idk?

You can come hunt with me this weekend T-zone. I have prime river bottom/farmland property to hunt on and not a gotdamn deer to be found on it. But we could shoot the heck out of coyotes!

Oh I've hunted everywhere that has "not a gotdamn deer to be found". I'd like to hunt somewhere that has deer to be found.

I'm taking the kiddo's up north for a Christmas present, so not this weekend.

Originally Posted by goalie

VENISON sausage you perverts!!!!

But, let's just say some of the younger nurses around work are easy on the retinas.

Crazy, but easy on the eyes....

HELLO! What did you think I was talking about? I have extra venison sausage.

And yes, they're all crazy dude...you should know that by now.

I had to edit my post above to tell you guys about the crazy story that happened on Saturday.

A friend of mine once told me "All women are crazy. It's just a matter of time."

I plead the 5th on that one...

(Yust yoshin ma if you're still out there somewhere)

Originally Posted by goalie

VENISON sausage you perverts!!!!

WHAAA?

What kinda sausage did you think we were talking about?? OMG you dirty old man! Shame on you!

Well, we're on our way back from Pennsylvania guys. Spent two three days up at deer camp in Clearfield County for the Pa. opener. I saw 7 deer on Monday, including a 5 pt. buck, which I managed to miss. Someone missed it below me on the mountain and off to my right and sent it running by me from right to left. Pa. has a 3 point minimum antler requirement. (at least 3 points on one side) I followed that deer all the way across me looking for horns and didn't make antlers till it was all most out of sight. I clipped a tree in front of it as it went over the hill. The kid in the camp next to us shot it. It was his first buck and he was really excited. I had a great time and it was sure good to be back on the hill. We started back yesterday, and we drove as far as just west of Chicago. We'll finish this off in the morning. It will be good to be back home. It's been a long week.

I haven't even seen a deer this year,me or my son,nada.

Went south blackpowder hunting,and the place is overrun with coyotes.
put my son in the box stand,went to the far end of the property on a walk, saw only two deer tracks,literally hundreds of coyote tracks,the day after a inch or two of snow.

I need to invest in a electronic caller,and one of those animated decoys and start making fur.

incidentally,the place with no tracks,and all the coyotes,is the same place as my signature pic below.

Goalie, a heartfelt thank you for being such an outstanding ambassador for our sport. I hope it leads to you stuffing sausage in the future!😳.

I have never shot a coyote. Never had a chance. Odd for how much hunting I do. But I bought a new .243 last year so look out song dogs!

Gopher, sounds like a good time. It also sounds like that kid was much more excited shooting that buck than you would have been.

I can't wait to get out tomorrow and try to get another one for the freezer. My new muzzle-loader needs to get on the board.

Originally Posted by mule1

Tzone you womenless ?

I wouldn't exactly say that...

but yes.

Deer don't like me when I have a muzzle loader with me. I've never even seen a deer of any kind while mzldr hunting.

Until private land became available, I exclusively did the muzzle-loader season for about 10-12 years. Success rate was about 50% compared to averaging 2 deer a year over the last six rifle hunting. And that 50% was with about 300% more days hunting than I do now with rifle season.

Hopefully this apple orchard pans out tomorrow. The wind should be perfect from the north for where I want to be.

Good Luck!

I need to pull a new trick out of the bag if I'm going to succeed this year with ML. It's tough to know which trick to pull though when there just isn't any deer around to shoot.

Where did the deer go that I had on camera all fall? Beats me

just be glad you can go! nearest muzzleloader season for me is 2-3 hours away

I'm done for the year, have been for a few weeks. but I'll be after the coyotes big time here soon.

and of course there is my elk hunt in january

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, we're on our way back from Pennsylvania guys. Spent two three days up at deer camp in Clearfield County for the Pa. opener. I saw 7 deer on Monday, including a 5 pt. buck, which I managed to miss. Someone missed it below me on the mountain and off to my right and sent it running by me from right to left. Pa. has a 3 point minimum antler requirement. (at least 3 points on one side) I followed that deer all the way across me looking for horns and didn't make antlers till it was all most out of sight. I clipped a tree in front of it as it went over the hill. The kid in the camp next to us shot it. It was his first buck and he was really excited. I had a great time and it was sure good to be back on the hill. We started back yesterday, and we drove as far as just west of Chicago. We'll finish this off in the morning. It will be good to be back home. It's been a long week.

Truly glad you got to experience that again GG. That must have been some pretty special memories running through your head...

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

just be glad you can go! nearest muzzleloader season for me is 2-3 hours away

I'm done for the year, have been for a few weeks. but I'll be after the coyotes big time here soon.

and of course there is my elk hunt in january

Don't get me wrong Ryan. I'm thankful for the opportunity. It just would make the day go way faster if I saw something. But it's still better than working or sitting in the house by far!

What is this elk hunt in January you speak of? I don't believe we have heard about that...

fluffy

I am available to help with the coyote problem. Just tell me when and where..

I've never shot a couote while hunting them. Popped a few during turkey season tho. Shot one in the face from about 6 feet.

I can't wait to hear those stories Jeff! I hope you got some pictures!! Even if we have to post em for ya!

Don't know anything about any coyotes, but I'd sure like to hear more about goalie's nurses and how he gives them "sample size" sausage. Perhaps a picture or two?

Thanksgiving weekend was the last weekend for rifle season for us. Couldn't sleep so I hit the road solo at 3:30am to make the north woods by daylight. I saw 8 that cold day. Would've pulled the trigger on one, but unbeknownst to me, the scope had snow packed in the objective lens. Oh well. Made myself a hot meal and a stiff drink, then hit the rack - I had been up like 39 hours.

Well, slept right through the 5:30am alarm clock. In fact, slept til darn near 11. Kinda unusual for me. So I made something to eat and take a drive around to see how the other camps were doing. Around 1:30 I decided to get to my stand for the rest of the day sit.

There was a goofy SSE wind so I had to park the truck about a quarter mile further away than normal. I quietly got my stuff on, crank the scope down to 4, and racked one in. I got 25 steps from the truck and by gosh there's a deer! And another!

I was pretty well busted by the first one, but the second was lagging behind. I got a better look and by gosh he has horns! This time I'm really busted and both bolt. I throw the scope up, find brown through the brush and trees, get the front shoulder, and touch one off. Range, 28 yards.

I really wanted to wait the hour or so, but I couldn't take it. I got up there and it was like a red paint truck lost it's load. Well, alright then. I follow the tracks and curiously it leads through the bush RIGHT BACK TO MY TRUCK! DRT. Season over. Drag...10 feet. I never saw or heard it go around me. Couldn't have been more than 20' away when it died.

300 WM Hornady 165gr Super Performance GMX. Double lung. 7 point, 160# dressed, 3.5 years old. Heart's in the freezer. Smoking a hind, some jerk, some steaks, tenders, backstraps and of course, burger. The boys are excited to eat some more venison as we've been out for a few months.

Now, if I could only get rid of this dang head cold.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Don't know anything about any coyotes, but I'd sure like to hear more about goalie's nurses and how he gives them "sample size" sausage. Perhaps a picture or two?

The little packs in the basket are the sample size that I give out.

You didn't mean pics of the nurses, did you??????

Dude, yer killin' me here. I did not, I repeat, "did not", ask for pics of your meat.

It was COLD up there!
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Every stand needs a warming hut!

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Oops. RIF Reading Is Fundamental

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I think it's a hit.

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Yep. Ugly 3.5 yr old rack needed to be taken out.

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Rough day. Slept in. Hunted for 7 minutes. Had a nearly 13 foot drag. Time to relax.

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CFT,good hunt and excellent presentation of same.Thank you.

Stan in SC

Congrats CFT! Awesome photos too! I enjoyed them.

That's just awesome CFT.

Congrats & enjoy the spoils !

You had to break out the old-school tracking skillz there CFT. Nice job.

Awesome CFT! Love that bloody snow!

So, I learned a few things today.

First off, I learned that my mini-van is awesome no matter what you truck driving Neanderthals say:

I also learned that the pully system in the shop is awesome when you are alone with your deer and your mini-van:

But, most importantly, I learned that knowing someone with land AND Llamas is good for deer hunting. Seriously, the llamas will kill coyotes like it is going out of style, so their land becomes a haven for all the deer, which means they can have people from work come over in their mini-vans...well, you get the picture.

Long day, but the new CVA Optima V2 has been blooded, and that deer is skinned, quartered, and in a cooler on the deck.

Originally Posted by goalie

So, I learned a few things today.

First off, I learned that my mini-van is awesome no matter what you truck driving Neanderthals say:

I also learned that the pully system in the shop is awesome when you are alone with your deer and your mini-van:

But, most importantly, I learned that knowing someone with land AND Llamas is good for deer hunting. Seriously, the llamas will kill coyotes like it is going out of style, so their land becomes a haven for all the deer, which means they can have people from work come over in their mini-vans...well, you get the picture.

Long day, but the new CVA Optima V2 has been blooded, and that deer is skinned, quartered, and in a cooler on the deck.

Nice!

By the way, the eagle globe and anchor will turn any rig into a rolling fortress of death. We're talking about the cathedral of frothy, bone chip fortified, charred, fleshy, blood geysers.. On wheels

You can turn a Prius into a war machine with an eagle globe and anchor decal.

We are hunting pike today with a spear.

[Linked Image]

I have better pics on the real can, these are phone pics.

very nice Dave!

I pulled out my perm last night and speared a few today myself. Nothing big, but a couple for the pickle jar.

Cool spear too. Did you make it?

Yes I made the spear, and everything in the photos except for the ATV. Lol!

Here, I'll post photos in a bit.

That looks fun.

Do you smoke those snakes or pickle 'em?

We usually just eat them raw, but I might try some of your ideas.

Don't know about Dave, but fresh cold water pike is very versatile fish for table fare. I fry, bake, boil, grill, pickle, can and smoke them. My pressure canned pike, bones and all, mixed with a little mayo and chopped pickle is far superior to canned tuna for sandwiches, or for just eating right from the jar on a cracker.

I guess pickled pike is in the raw form. Good stuff for sure!!

This is good cardio.

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make a hole like this.

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scoop out the slush.

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Put a red house like that one, on top the hole...

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Sit inside, look down the hole. the only light in the house, comes up through the hole.

[Linked Image]

then you watch that g'damn decoy, for hours. you can yank that string and make it sort of fly in the water, it swims and twirls... and such.

[Linked Image]

You stare down that damn ice window for hours....

Originally Posted by cabindweller

I guess pickled pike is in the raw form. Good stuff for sure!!

I'm just goof'n cabin D.

We bake, we fry, we deep fry. You are spot on, can't go wrong with that crisp white dense flaky winter pike meat.

I really like it.

I have 2 to debone, going to get after that shortly. One for us and one will go to my mother, she really enjoys a good meal of northern pike.

Wood stove stoking, boy she gets warm in there.

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Then it happens, pike drifts in and you throw the spear!!

Hell yeah!

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then you wonder, did I get em?

draw it up nice and slow...

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/northerndave005/spearlift4_zpsc19213f3.jpg[/img]

ya mon, got em.

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/northerndave/northerndave005/spearlift5_zps6e47b3fa.jpg[/img]

That was nate's.

By the end of the day I got a turn with the fork, my first dark house pike actually, it was fun..

[Linked Image]

Dave, that is the coolest thing I have seen all day!

Hey Sam! How you doing?

Not quite as good as you Dave...grin

All good here!

Well, if this is the coolest thing you seen all day... Then I think we had a good day.

The pike are cleaned, Y bones removed, meat is chilling in a big bowl of water with a few dashes of salt.

Counter is de-slimed... hell, my work is done.

Hey Gopher gunner, I am just catching up on pages here and I see you went back east to your old camp area. I think that is the coolest man! I'm so glad you did that. Excellent work my man, (golf clap from the Canadian border).

Excellent.

Originally Posted by goalie

That looks fun.

Do you smoke those snakes or pickle 'em?

Goalie, I gotta say... I've never had smoked pike. I don't even know anybody that's tried smoking pike, interesting idea.

As for pickling, research pickled pick on the dang ole interwebs.

(big breath... lots of words coming...)

My short version is, just don't pickle pike.

Medium version is:

Pike host a unique parasite that is very much tolerant to cold pickling processes. You can search the MN DNR website for info on how to and how not to pickle pike.

The long version:

Do all pike have this worm? Hell no! Do some? yeah, they do.

Do midwestern folk pickle the chit out of pike? Hell yes, they do.

Do all people get sick from pickled pike? No, they don't

Do some? Hell yes, they do.

Have I ever eaten pickled pike? Hell yes I have, I'm from MN for damn sakes.

Do I eat pickled pike now in my adult years when that jar is coming around the table at some camp or party or fish house or what ever?

No, I don't.

Do I smash the pike pickler in the face for offering me potentially poisonous fish meat?

Nope... I don't.

But I do try to slip some insight to the pike pickle topic into the convo so the pickler can educate him-herself if they so choose.

And I use tact for that, because us old Marines, we're tactful as hell.

I don't really eat pike myself, unless I get a big one, then I keep the slimer and have my neighbor at the cabin up north smoke that sucka. Oh yeah, smoked is GOOOOOOD.

I just asked about pickling because someone else mentioned it. Now you have me all paranoid about catching something from pickled pike.

Smoked you don't have to worry about the bones, just pick it apart with your hands and chow down.

MMMMMMM

Oh, and I don't know about you, but I find the fact that I am an "old" Marine a little distressing if not depressing. Remember the Vietnam guys when we were in the Corps for the gulf war? Now we're those guys to the young kids just going in.

What the hell happened to the last 20-something years?!?!?!?!

meh, it's all good.

Time don't stop for nobody, good, bad or goofy.

There aint a damn thing we can do about it, just don't waste your time.

I remember when I was a kid, in the gulf war. Time stood still.

But it was in that place that I acquired my appreciation for life, I developed my life goals (If I was to be so lucky)

And it is still my baseline for "rock bottom non happy"

When stuff gets bad, i think back... Reality check, things are not "Bad". I know what bad is, and this is not it.

If I'm "the old guy" now, then I'm just going to be the best old guy I can be. I'm good with it.

Don't eat that g'damn pickled pike.

lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yes I made the spear, and everything in the photos except for the ATV. Lol!

Here, I'll post photos in a bit.

It's quite possible you made that ATV....or know who did. Lol

I remember your pickled pike wisdom from sitting around the table eating all your fish and WB's pickled fish. I can't remember what it was, but we were hell on that fish and crackers. And in uncle dusty kept pouring drinks and making us laugh til our sides hurt. I still laugh at him! ... With him.

You are right about the dreaded pickled pike parasite. This threat can be eliminated by deep freezing said pike for at least 48 hours prior to pickling. Then again I have friends and relatives that eat buckets of the stuff without completing this step. They are either impervious to the threat or lucky!

Looks like you guys are on LOTW by the water and scenery�.

Sometimes when I read of spearing fish from a shack I ALMOST wish we had REAL Winter down South. I have tasted fried Pike before and it is damn good.
Good story and good pictures Dave.
Thank you.
Yes time does fly by.I am 73 and it seems like only last year that I was 44 and building my cabin in the north Georgia mountains.
Life is like a roll of toilet paper.The closer you get to the end,the faster it goes.

Stan in SC

Tzone, the pickled fish was sucker. I get a cooler full every spring and smoke the front half then pickle the rear (boney) half.

I haven't pickled any pike for a couple years but all of my pike gets frozen before pickling or smoking.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Great pics! Love it!

A little hint:

Drill holes in the "tub" of an old scoop shovel and it makes cleaning that slush out short work.

Thanks, we'll try that!

But what you see in that pic is about all we had for slush, it wasn't bad. Not like when you use an auger to make the spear hole.

What do you do with the large piece you saw/chip out? We used to just slide them under the ice downstream of our hole on a small river. I don't know if they stayed there or the current moved them.

Pushing them down can cause issues for the anglers but it's the best way. We had a snowmobiler killed a number of years back after hitting a "plug" left on the ice. Not the folks fault for leaving it on the ice because speed was involved but it's just nice to not have those chunks out there.

I haven't speared much buy I would love to get into it. I tried it on the local river with some success.

we do push our blocks down for the reason white bare stated.

We leave our blocks right behind the house until we move it, then we push them down the hole and mark the spot with tree branches from shore.

how deep of water you spearing in,Dave?
On Leech lake,we could go about 10- 12' deep and see bottom.
there is a lake near walker,where you can see bottom about 20' down.
it is quite inaccessible,and keeps the human traffic way down.

We were in 6.5' and couldn't see the bottom.

So Stan is 73 years young and I'm 49 what's everyone else's age ifn you don't mind me askin?

I'm a bit over 44% of a century.

Me too. Real close to 44.25%.

North Dakota pheasant hunt results: 53 roosters and 3 sharpies in just over 2 days for 8 of us. A great hunt with great friends.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm a bit over 44% of a century.

45 in March here

52 n january

Just recently turned 53.

76 and headed to Wyoming for elk

They say I'll be 40 on Friday.

Turned fiddy one the day before the deer opener. Wifey says I should act my age...not sure which way she meant that.

I'm 44 and still wonder when I'm going to feel like a grown up.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Me too. Real close to 44.25%.

North Dakota pheasant hunt results: 53 roosters and 3 sharpies in just over 2 days for 8 of us. A great hunt with great friends.

38 and jealous

B'man,

What part of ND did you find the birds?

AWESOME Goalie !!

Originally Posted by mule1

So Stan is 73 years young and I'm 49 what's everyone else's age ifn you don't mind me askin?

48.5 perzackly !

Beautiful wife person = 48.6
Girl child = 20
Man boy = 18

We had a good weekend too.

Got to make some meat !

My "antlerless" Buck. Had both side when the M99 roared. Not so much when I pulled him from the timber ! Found 1 side.

View from my ground blind:

Joe's Doe:

You could say I am Rt 66

Originally Posted by mule1

So Stan is 73 years young and I'm 49 what's everyone else's age ifn you don't mind me askin?

Rumor has it I'm 37

We got about 5" of snow last night.

So, I spent the first half of the day bringing the old yeller plow truck back to life.

Put one of the 2 batteries in it to get him up to the shop. Hop in the truck, notice that one of the 3 snap traps inside the cab has got a dead mouse in it. Turn the key and start cranking the engine.... Notice a mouse making his escape from one of the door hinge holes in the cab, kick the mouse against the door with my boot, jump down out of the truck and finish the mouse off with a good stomp. Walk to the house garage, grab a gas can, remove the top of the air cleaner, pour a shot of gas down the carb...

Hit the key and he's running. But now there is gas spraying from the forward vent on the holley 4 barrel.... Spin the float needle carrier out of the forward bowl... The O ring is shrunk, not sealing fuel from bypassing the float needle.

Don't have an O ring... Slice a piece of rubber fuel line and make a crude o ring. Start the truck, fuel geyser is fixed. Hit the plow lift toggle... Vrrrrr! Nothing... Yeah, we know what this is, low fluid. Get get some ATF from the shop, pour some in through the 1/4" fill hole

Its full, OK... I guess there is water in the reservoir, settled to the bottom of the reservoir in the form of a small ice block. (Seen it before) Go to the shed, grab the hi lift jack. Lift the plow blade with hi lift, rehook the lift chain short. Lower the hi lift, start truck, drive to shop. Drive truck 4 miles to gas station, fill gas tank, buy O ring kit, drive home. Put truck in warm shop. Heater doesn't blow air, disassemble heater. Clear half a bushel of various seeds acorns, strings, fuzz, grass etc. (Plugged tight) Clean inside of heater box with simple green and fabreez. Reassemble heater. Move to front of truck, pull plow lift unit drain plug, watch clear water drain out, replace plug. Remove forward float needle carrier again, replace home made O ring with real O ring.

Get floor jack, place under engine, lift engine and remove broken motor mount from last winter. Replace motor mount. Fire up plasma torch, cut old accessory brackets from plow blade. Fire up welder, weld in new angle limiter blocks on plow frame, now build up opposite contact points with welder. Test angle stops, put welder and plasma away. Put second battery in, strap both batteries down. Vacuum inside of truck, finish cleaning with simple green and fabreez. Take passenger door apart to access inside of door to bolt passenger side mirror back on. Park beautiful truck in front of house to show it off.

[Linked Image]

Ready for another winter of snow smashing.

Nice work there pilgrim.

Don't suppose you can bill that out though !

Or maybe you can at least claim as a business expense. Got to be able to keep the customers coming in, right !

Maybe you can contract out your ploughing to "Old Yella" ?

I'm 44.6

I bought a '91 Chev Ext. Cab with a Boss straight plow a few weeks ago. I did this to ensure that we will not get any snow this winter. So far its working pretty good!

RFLSHTR, The Mott area. Two of my buddies have private land out there. Otherwise she is pretty posted up with no hunting signs.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

RFLSHTR, The Mott area. Two of my buddies have private land out there. Otherwise she is pretty posted up with no hunting signs.

A friend of mine used to have 600 acres just to the SE of Mott. Bird paradise in it's day

We used to hunt the public land near Regent and private land with permission from land owners with good results. Have not been there for a few years though.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We got about 5" of snow last night.

So, I spent the first half of the day bringing the old yeller plow truck back to life.

Put one of the 2 batteries in it to get him up to the shop. Hop in the truck, notice that one of the 3 snap traps inside the cab has got a dead mouse in it. Turn the key and start cranking the engine.... Notice a mouse making his escape from one of the door hinge holes in the cab, kick the mouse against the door with my boot, jump down out of the truck and finish the mouse off with a good stomp. Walk to the house garage, grab a gas can, remove the top of the air cleaner, pour a shot of gas down the carb...

Hit the key and he's running. But now there is gas spraying from the forward vent on the holley 4 barrel.... Spin the float needle carrier out of the forward bowl... The O ring is shrunk, not sealing fuel from bypassing the float needle.

Don't have an O ring... Slice a piece of rubber fuel line and make a crude o ring. Start the truck, fuel geyser is fixed. Hit the plow lift toggle... Vrrrrr! Nothing... Yeah, we know what this is, low fluid. Get get some ATF from the shop, pour some in through the 1/4" fill hole

Its full, OK... I guess there is water in the reservoir, settled to the bottom of the reservoir in the form of a small ice block. (Seen it before) Go to the shed, grab the hi lift jack. Lift the plow blade with hi lift, rehook the lift chain short. Lower the hi lift, start truck, drive to shop. Drive truck 4 miles to gas station, fill gas tank, buy O ring kit, drive home. Put truck in warm shop. Heater doesn't blow air, disassemble heater. Clear half a bushel of various seeds acorns, strings, fuzz, grass etc. (Plugged tight) Clean inside of heater box with simple green and fabreez. Reassemble heater. Move to front of truck, pull plow lift unit drain plug, watch clear water drain out, replace plug. Remove forward float needle carrier again, replace home made O ring with real O ring.

Get floor jack, place under engine, lift engine and remove broken motor mount from last winter. Replace motor mount. Fire up plasma torch, cut old accessory brackets from plow blade. Fire up welder, weld in new angle limiter blocks on plow frame, now build up opposite contact points with welder. Test angle stops, put welder and plasma away. Put second battery in, strap both batteries down. Vacuum inside of truck, finish cleaning with simple green and fabreez. Take passenger door apart to access inside of door to bolt passenger side mirror back on. Park beautiful truck in front of house to show it off.

[Linked Image]

Ready for another winter of snow smashing.

Well that was easy!

That is where we were. Just to the SE of Mott. Fun country to hunt and I am on of the few who thinks it is pretty.

So a pretty uneventful day was had by ND.......

Originally Posted by Berettaman

That is where we were. Just to the SE of Mott. Fun country to hunt and I am on of the few who thinks it is pretty.

Recognize this place B-man? It's just on the SE side of town. It has the crick running through the property. Green farm house with a few more out buildings than just the one you can see in the pic.

To all you who frequent this thread. Did you ever notice the similarity of Northern Dave to Chuck Norris?

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

To all you who frequent this thread. Did you ever notice the similarity of Northern Dave to Chuck Norris?

Stan in SC

Nope.

Chuck Norris wasn't a Marine.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

To all you who frequent this thread. Did you ever notice the similarity of Northern Dave to Chuck Norris?

Stan in SC

Nope.

More like MacGyver !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

To all you who frequent this thread. Did you ever notice the similarity of Northern Dave to Chuck Norris?

Stan in SC

Nope.

More like MacGyver !

MacGyver is a good one! Dave can run a plow truck all winter long by burning mouse nests!

Dave Norris the most interesting man in the world

I bet saquatch has a picture of Dave in his lair!

No I dont, but that guy kneeling on the right in a brown coat.....never seen him before😳!

35 here
wifey is 26

kids are 6 and 2

Jeesh! Hes 6 already?

yup, growin like crazy!

Hey B-man. Not to pick on you but I ran across a pic that may make you a little queasy or hopefully a good laugh. I had one of these once. Once. What you say?????

WB, are you taking that to ND for restoration? be good with some swampers maybe.....or NOT!

I'm looking for someone to replace the front glass. It cracked.

TFF!

Put it on craigslist as a "clean one owner"

Tommy, no animal yet ?

Still got prospects ?

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I'm looking for someone to replace the front glass. It cracked.

If ya catch it soon enough they can fix it and save the entire windshield expense.

Nothing yet. If I ever get some free time, I'll fire up the arrow flinger again. I'll have some time off around Christmas so I'd like to try then.

Cheers Man,

Wishing you the best of luck.

Thanks Paul!

We are new to the mini van market. My wife actually likes driving that over my Super Duty. I think I would pick my truck over just about anything for a road trip! I do like that wood grain siding, anyone know if I can get some of that aftermarket in time for Christmas?

My name is Gophergunner, and I'm a mini-van owner. Please don't hold it against me or judge me. We love our "Betsy". She's taken us on many vacations, grocery runs, bingo trips, and always brought us home safe and sound.

All joking aside, we've had mini-vans since our kids were born. We're on about our 6th Chrysler. Outside of one of the ones with the bad transmission. they've been good vehicles. We've transported a lot of softball players in these crates, and they've never let us down. Heck, I even gave an UMPIRE a lift one time. All have been equipped with luggage racks, which make transporting a deer easy, although I haven't shot one in about 5 years now. So don't diss the minivan! MVC's have feelings too!

Okay I am teeing it up for someone....GG you put a deer on TOP of your minivan?

Hi all my name is NODUCK, and here at the Noduck compound we are mini van free.....

My mom is 84 and we don't let her drive anymore. Her old mini van is now a feed storage container . In fact I'm fixing to put 30 bags of cattle cubes in it !

took my mom and great aunt hunting today, after 3 weekends we finally got them some elk. mom got the herd cow and auntie got the calf. they both dropped within 100 yards of each other. it was a great hunt and I'm proud to be related to these fine ladies.

That is awesome Ryan!!

Congrats ladies!! Look at Ll those backstraps!

Super awesome !!!
Ryan & the ladies rock !

Nicely done Ryan! Those smiles say it all!

And I'm glad you posted something manly. With all this talk of minivans around here I'm a little worried that these guys are going to hit their monthly "cycle" at the same time!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Nicely done Ryan! Those smiles say it all!

And I'm glad you posted something manly. With all this talk of minivans around here I'm a little worried that these guys are going to hit their monthly "cycle" at the same time!

That made me snort!

Awesome job Ryan and ladies!

Hey, when is that guy from Montana coming to Blaine, and who all is going?

21st. Pretty sure I can make it.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/9410057/1

where was it again?

oh,thats right.

[Linked Image]

When is that? The 21st?

21st, and I'm planning on going. Hey Fluffy-you want to ride up together?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

21st, and I'm planning on going. Hey Fluffy-you want to ride up together?

sure.my wife has an suv we can take.
338 rem has said he wants to ride along, too,but haven't heard from him since.
its not a mini van,,so we can keep the man cards.

on another note,deer season has passed,and for the first time in over 20 years or more,I didn't even have a chance to take a shot.
I haven't always filled my tag,but at least had a chance to.
not this year.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

21st, and I'm planning on going. Hey Fluffy-you want to ride up together?

sure.my wife has an suv we can take.
338 rem has said he wants to ride along, too,but haven't heard from him since.
its not a mini van,,so we can keep the man cards.

So, nobody wants to carpool with me from Eden Prairie then, eh?

I LIKE the mini-van!!!! I really really do.

Originally Posted by fluffy

on another note,deer season has passed,and for the first time in over 20 years or more,I didn't even have a chance to take a shot.
I haven't always filled my tag,but at least had a chance to.
not this year.

I'm in the same boat. Didn't even get to aim at one this year. It's the worst I've seen for deer numbers.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by gophergunner

21st, and I'm planning on going. Hey Fluffy-you want to ride up together?

sure.my wife has an suv we can take.
338 rem has said he wants to ride along, too,but haven't heard from him since.
its not a mini van,,so we can keep the man cards.

So, nobody wants to carpool with me from Eden Prairie then, eh?

I LIKE the mini-van!!!! I really really do.

never said that.
what time can you pick me up?

Originally Posted by fluffy

never said that.
what time can you pick me up?

Where are you at? I wouldn't mind driving, as I don't drink a whole lot.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

took my mom and great aunt hunting today, after 3 weekends we finally got them some elk. mom got the herd cow and auntie got the calf. they both dropped within 100 yards of each other. it was a great hunt and I'm proud to be related to these fine ladies.

Ryan.....that is a Great Picture!!! Congrats to the fortunate hunters and the grinning guide.

I just placed an order for a Coyote snaring package from a company in MI. Includes a dozen snares, support wires, a tool, and an instructional video.

It's time to get rid of some fawn killers on the deer hunting property! I hope its more successful than calling or chance sitings where I may get one or two per year if I'm extremely lucky.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I just placed an order for a Coyote snaring package from a company in MI. Includes a dozen snares, support wires, a tool, and an instructional video.

It's time to get rid of some fawn killers on the deer hunting property! I hope its more successful than calling or chance sitings where I may get one or two per year if I'm extremely lucky.

Good luck!!!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

took my mom and great aunt hunting today, after 3 weekends we finally got them some elk. mom got the herd cow and auntie got the calf. they both dropped within 100 yards of each other. it was a great hunt and I'm proud to be related to these fine ladies.

That, right there, is awesome.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

never said that.
what time can you pick me up?

Where are you at? I wouldn't mind driving, as I don't drink a whole lot.

you asked me that question in the blaine thread a week or so ago.

Farmington.
Im further south than you or goph.In fact,if I pick him up,your on the way to Blaine,somewhat.
Im not drinking much,either .

If you ladies can't drink....Blaine isn't your place! Lol

I'm trying to figure out a way to take Monday the 22nd off since I am on the other end of the state from Blaine and would have to stay over. This is my busiest month of the year with Physical Inventory coming up on Jan. 2. The preparation is ridiculous.

ND, are you going?

Originally Posted by tzone

If you ladies can't drink....Blaine isn't your place! Lol

Well, I thought it was Monday. Apparently calendars are not my strong suit. I have hockey Sunday night, so will either need to go early and not drink a lot (I don't stop enough pucks as it is, doing it drunk would probably hurt) or get a sub goalie.

If others are willing to carpool, I am all over the sub-goalie option.

Originally Posted by fluffy

you asked me that question in the blaine thread a week or so ago.

Farmington.
Im further south than you or goph.In fact,if I pick him up,your on the way to Blaine,somewhat.
Im not drinking much,either .

Yeah, I remember that now. The last week or so was insane at work.

I would be cool with carpooling though. Gopher knows where I live. He came over and helped process some deer this year.

If I can find a way to get Monday off, I will be finding a hotel room very close to the Blaine VFW. I'm not going to kid myself and say I'm not going to drink very much with Flave in town. I know better!

I see this thread is finally about me.

Much better.

I have no problem driving guys home if they need a ride.

Travis

Originally Posted by deflave

I see this thread is finally about me.

Much better.

I have no problem driving guys home if they need a ride.

Travis

Sweet! Can you show up a day early so we can teach you about stop lights???

I can't do it. If I'm gonna drive 6 hours one way I could just as well drive to havrie montany and sleep on trav's couch.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I can't do it. If I'm gonna drive 6 hours one way I could just as well drive to havrie montany and sleep on trav's couch.

You don't have to be responsible ALL the time! Take a break maaan!

If you can cover the 750 miles from your area to Havre, MT in six hours, you drive a little faster than most of us!! Did you get the Charger back? Maybe that one would make it in six hours. Or the finished Ford with big engine.

Flave, are you gong to be in town on Saturday? I'm not sure I can make 21st. I just assumed it was a Saturday.

Big jelly, you can crash at my house. I may not be there but you can be.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sweet! Can you show up a day early so we can teach you about stop lights???

What's a stop light?

Travis

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I can't do it. If I'm gonna drive 6 hours one way I could just as well drive to havrie montany and sleep on trav's couch.

Ooooh, Mr. Important can't make it....

I don't own a couch. We have lawn chairs.

Travis

Originally Posted by tzone

Flave, are you gong to be in town on Saturday? I'm not sure I can make 21st. I just assumed it was a Saturday.

We won't be there until Sunday.

'Flave before family. That's what I always say.

Travis

There used to be one in Wallace Idaho.

I remember sitting at that one in the 80's.

Damn stoplights.

Originally Posted by tzone

Flave, are you gong to be in town on Saturday? I'm not sure I can make 21st. I just assumed it was a Saturday.

Nice. I would laugh at your inability to read a calender, but I thought it was Monday myself.

I am planning on making it still, but will have to leave by six or so if I can't find another appropriate goalie to sub for me at our Sunday night skate.

Well I have to work all weekend so my days all blend together at this point.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well I have to work all weekend so my days all blend together at this point.

I have no problem with you working out of the VFW that day.

Travis

Thanks for the offer Tom but I just started putting a list together of what I need to get done at work in order to pull this off and realized that Monday the 22nd is when I have training scheduled to teach a bunch of idiots how to count chit properly.

'flave - please postpone your Christmas visit to Minnesota until the 2nd weekend in January. Thanks

Closed shop today with a mission in mind for tomorrow.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Closed shop today with a mission in mind for tomorrow.

[Linked Image]

That's awesome. Can't wait to see the pics!

Just in case anyone didn't hear the solemn new, Mickey Coleman has passed away. We lost one of our very best.

I was shocked to read of his passing . The fire has lost a great one !

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Just in case anyone didn't hear the solemn new, Mickey Coleman has passed away. We lost one of our very best.

very sad to hear that.

Aw man...

Lost some really good men the past few years here on the 'fire. We will have to try to honor their legacy.

Mickey was a class act. RIP

I hope Dusty, Grizzly Bill and Mickey are laughing at our dumb asses right now.

Three good men. Three VERY good men

I never thought about hummingbirds in heaven until this morning when I read of Mr Coleman's passing.

Dave, Just spent the morning captivated by your Galaxie thread.

Just AWESOME !

RIP Mr. Coleman.

Wass up Mother Buckers?

Still working

Going on a late season rooster hunt tomorrow. Not many hunts left this year. Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

How long can you poke those things for?

I took my nephew out for his first deer last night, he shot one just before dark. he was sure pumped!

Roosters go until Jan 4. I get my money's worth!

Nice job Ryan! Details of the hunt?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wass up Mother Buckers?

One more day at work doing backward Summersault's though flaming hoops then off for five days .

Heading out this afternoon on holidays, so just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & a safe & happy New Year !

[Linked Image]

Merry Christmas everyone!

A very heartfelt MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from rainy soggy South Carolina.

Stan in SC

Backatcha Stan from Minnesota. Merry Christmas to all the 'Buckers too.

Merry Christmas to all!!

Merry Christmas from soggy but turning to snow Michigan!

Merry Christmas everybody!

Do Catholics say MARY Christmas?

On a side note, does anyone know where the sun went?? It has been gloomy and cloud covered here for what seems like weeks.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone!

A very merry Christmas to you all!!!!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

On a side note, does anyone know where the sun went?? It has been gloomy and cloud covered here for what seems like weeks.

If I remember correctly, Northern MN only has the sun peek out an average of 7 days during the entire month of Dec.

I suggest some ice fishing and cold beverages to brighten your mood. I'm going to try that very thing this weekend. Heading up to the big lake tomorrow and coming home on Sunday or whenever I can't stand myself anymore. I pulled the house and some other goodies up there late Tue night.

We are heading out there tomorrow too!

For Dave.

It's a little late, but in my defense, I was at the hospital for over 12 hours yesterday....

I am on a frozen lake, drinking a beer, fishing, watching movies off sattelite on a 32" flat screen, this is a good Saturday.

White bear came across the lake last night on a snowmobile, we pooled our fish and had a great fish fry.we atr getting some nice fish, Pam has been getting some pics, we will try to upload tomorrow.

If I might say it, you sir Northern Dave suck big time.

Me jealous? Why would you ask that?

Yes, those sure look good.

All the comforts of home, and good fishing as well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice!!

Originally Posted by goalie

For Dave.

It's a little late, but in my defense, I was at the hospital for over 12 hours yesterday....

awesome.

couldn't keep any of those.

they were all "slot fish"

all between 19.5" and 28" must be released. top 2 are 20", then a 23, 24 and a 26"

Good job ND, Those slot fish are still fun to catch..

How much ice you got up there?

We had 16" under us, most other places on the lake had 20".

Slot fish look pretty tasty to me!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan, and backatcha. To all the 'Buckers too.

Yes, Happy New Years everyone! Enjoy the day off and cheer for the Gophers!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! Go Badgers!!

Happy new years everyone!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!

Its been a long time since Ive been on here. Just got caught up boy it took a while.

Ok Muffy you've gotten caught up on us now catch us up on you !

If'n you wanna

Anybody set goals for the new year ?

Mine are to fish more

lose another 30 lbs

build a portable shootin house

keep shop organized and clean (whatever)

and try not to say damnit as much around the grandson

Eener the wiener dog loves ice fishing.

Fluffy, the picture looks awesome in the shop!!!

Not having any specific style of decor does help.

As for resolutions: Stay in shape. I am too old to be playing the yo-yo game with my weight, and I can really tell if I put on a few pounds when I am on the ice.

Resolution #2 is just to spend as much time as possible with my son.

Ah, New Year's resolutions. I quit making them years ago. But you who have made them, stick to what you have resolved 'cause I'm sure you know what's good for you.
I see by The Weather Channel that you in Minnesota and the Dakotas and other points north are getting some really sub zero weather. Take care and stay warm.
I am fighting an upper respiratory infection which ,just like last year, I caught from my wife. Went to urgent care yesterday since it was Sunday and I couldn't see my regular doctor. Got a shot in my glutus maximus(butt) and three prescriptions.I just decided to fight it in the early stages since it whipped me so bad last year. I feel better already from the steroid injection.
Over the next few days the rest of the meds will do their trick.
As of January 1 our deer season is ended and I did not score.We have mucho wild pigs on our lease and the intention is to hunt them now that deer is out. We have already had three or so killed by various members during deer season.They respond quite well to the baited areas where we have corn feeders out.I think this is a case for my new Savage Edge in .223. It's so darned accurate I can't believe it's me shooting it. Of course putting a 10X40X50 good scope on it has helped in that respect.
Looking at the post count for this thread always absolutely amazes me.This thread alone has, if I read it correctly, over ONE BILLION ,yes ,BILLION views.Amazing.I am proud to say I have been here from the start.There was something about the original thread which caught my attention. At that time I pm'ed Rick Bin and suggested stickying it to the top.He must have realized it also.
Have a great day all of you.

Stan in SC

a billion? wow. who woulda thought?
I think it's 100 million views now that I checked

well this last fall I didn't get to hunt too much, I was working hard on the basement remodel after our hired guy quit in the middle of it after draining our labor budget. anyways, I focused on it and got it done. between that and soccer practice I only made it out hunting half of normal. I did manage to kill a couple deer and of course go along on my mom and aunts elk hunt. we got our refi appraisal and it came in 20% higher than we needed for what we want to do, a very pleasant surprise! we've been fighting the gunk around here from christmas get-togethers.
back at the grind after a nice welcomed break. I'll try to post a pic later of the remodeled basement. Bill always liked seeing those. lets hope '15 is a better year.

Have a great Day stan and everyone else.

Ryan, you are correct.100 million, not a billion. Think of that though.

Stan in SC

Taking a break from the Galaxy.? Haven't seen an update in a while...

Never mind,..see you've been out fishing for a while...

Eener makes me laugh,..hope he doesn't get brave some day and do a header thru that hole in the ice...

Originally Posted by goalie

Fluffy, the picture looks awesome in the shop!!!

Not having any specific style of decor does help.

I like it.

my resolution is to stay on my diet ( already lost 20 lbs)
till Ive lost 60 lbs.

congrats Fluffy!

ok, as promised, here is the remodel update.
this is how it started AFTER we cleaned out all the junk we had in "storage" in the basement.

once work got underway there was no stopping us! even if it took WAY longer than we planned.

(insert small break for deer hunting season)

[img]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b576/Vaquero1135/IMG_20141124_082422_zps93d534a0.jpg[/img]

Egress window (hand dug)
[img]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b576/Vaquero1135/IMG_20141124_082403_zpsbcab21b1.jpg[/img]

Stained Concrete floor. it has so much slope to the floor drain we couldn't put down a hardwood or laminate like we first planned, but it looks good as is, just need some rustic "cabiny" rugs and runners.
[img]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b576/Vaquero1135/IMG_20141129_115624_zps3def6d74.jpg[/img]

and the finished product. I put the door handles on the closet ast night and I should have taken a pic of the bathroom, I'll add that this afternoon.

[img]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b576/Vaquero1135/IMG_20150101_184145_zps9ee572cb.jpg[/img]

overdue and over budget like most remodel jobs

but mama is happy. especially with her wall mounted TV and chromecast TV streamer on it. kids both have their own rooms now and the house is looking less and less cluttered as we situate everything. whew am I glad this project is coming to a close!
maybe I'll build a Gazebo on part of the big deck in the back this year.....
thanks for looking

Happy New Year to all Chickenbuckers & lurkers.

Just back from a Caribbean cruise, with the whole family, for Christmas & New Year.

Have to say it was quite the shock to the system, getting off the plane @ 2:45am Monday morning, to -44*C !!!

Had an awesome family holiday.

Now back to work !

Dave,

Who's the pretty girl in the photo with Nate ?

New addition to the Clan, or a grown up relative ?

Nice feeshes, by the way !

one for Bman

Looks great ryan! I may actually get off my lazy butt and start a project ive been needing to do sknce i moved into the house a few years ago. Like yours, it will take a long time, and be over budget....because once you start one project, you figure out more of them!

Hey Ryan,

WHERE IS THE SNOW ?

& nice birdies !!

snow came last weekend, pics were from right before christmas. 20* here today, brrrrr!

I love it Ryan, great picture! Love those late season roosters. Glad you hot out at least once.

Just was asked to put on not one, but two presentations at the MN Pheasants Forever convention. If anyone has any tips about pheasant hunting or youth activities, let me know! I am about halfway done with my presentations and they are going well.

I know a thing or two about pheasants, let me know if you need any info. what are the presentation topics? feel free to PM me if you like

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

Who's the pretty girl in the photo with Nate ?

New addition to the Clan, or a grown up relative ?

Nice feeshes, by the way !

That's Nathan's "lady friend"

lol.

Nice girl, we like her.

is everyone else warming up a little? we're up to 20 above now

The wind is getting old. It can stop anytime now!!!

Dang Cheese heads beat my Boys !

That was a fun fame to watch!! I will say that I sure thought Dez made that catch! But he pouted like 7 year old when it didn't go his way.

Ugh...My two most hated teams are competing to represent the NFC in the SB.

The only thing I can hope for now is that GB wins the NFC championship and loses the SB.

I despise Seattle and want them no where close to the SB again...

no matter how much I try,I cant cheer for the cheese.

Awwww c'mon Fluff and Rooster, wouldn't it feel better to know that your team was beat (twice) by a SuperBowl Champ? Wouldn't that SB team getting anything less make your team a bit more of a loser? No offense, I thought the Fran Tarkington years were special.

My favorite two teams are the Vikings and whoever is playing the packers!😁

Rough day here.

One of my son's buddies took a walk to the convenience store after school yesterday. When he didn't come home after 3 hours, his mom called the sheriff. They found him about 9:00pm. He took a shortcut over the bayou and broke through the ice. Never had a chance.

It breaks my heart. He lives just around the corner. Good kid, respectful, smart, athletic, great parents. Don't know what else to say. His name was Carter. He was 14.

That's terrible, just makes me slouch in my chair, terrible.

thoughts and prayers are with the family.

That's terrible news. The only thing worse than sick kids is this... My heart breaks for the family and yours. Prayers and well wishes for all of you.

So sorry to hear that Charlie. What a tragic loss, and so, so young.

CFT,

Gut wrenching for sure !

Prayers sent for all associated.

Prayers for the family CFT. So sad.

We just had our own bit of sadness though it pales in comparison. My daughters bunny just died. It is hard to watch one of your kids go through it.

Condolences to the family CFT, just tears at your heart strings to hear something like that.

I'll be gone the next few days, leaving at 5 am to hunt wapiti in NM

How are you going to prepare it?

that is awful....sorry to hear such things happening to a family.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Rough day here.

One of my son's buddies took a walk to the convenience store after school yesterday. When he didn't come home after 3 hours, his mom called the sheriff. They found him about 9:00pm. He took a shortcut over the bayou and broke through the ice. Never had a chance.

It breaks my heart. He lives just around the corner. Good kid, respectful, smart, athletic, great parents. Don't know what else to say. His name was Carter. He was 14.

I don't know what to say Steve. That is awful. I'm sorry for what you guys are going through and praying for his family and friends. Like others have said...just terrible

Well tzone there are no hossenpfeffer jokes today. I watched her just sitting at dinner when a tear rolled down her cheek.

Sorry to hear that Charlie kinda hit me hard

Carter is our grandsons name.

Happy Birthday Fluffy!!

Happy BD Fluff !

Happy Birthday Fluffy!

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I'll pass them along. As parents we try to prepare our kids for the world and something like this happens. There's no rhyme or reason, it just happens. Life is fragile. We see examples of it here on this thread all the time. Hug your kids, don't stop teaching them, and readying them for the life ahead of them...they'll make you proud some day.

HBD Fluffy!!!

HBD fluffy!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

HBD fluffy!

thanks,chief!!

Happy birthdate,Fluffy.

Stan in SC

Pretty quiet on this thing!!

We had a fun day on the ice today. With tip-ups and jig rods we caught everything but walleyes. Panfish is what we were after and we found em. As well as northerners and plenty of largemouth bass if you can believe it.

April even pulled a big LMB out with a panfish rod. She had fun with that.

I hope all the chickenbuckers had a great weekend!!

We brought the Ice Castle out to DL this weekend. I've only fished tip ups out there before with big sucker decoys and had a HUGE musky on that straightened out my hook.

This weekend we took the kids and went for walleye & crappie and ended up limiting out on northern pike, a few nice perch and one nice bass.

I will be busy cleaning fish for awhile.

Hey, you 2 guys know the rules.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

Beautiful weekend for a sled ride.

I found this awesomely well maintained, 1994 Skidoo MXZ & bought it for a steal.

Deb's first ride,on her own machine !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey, you 2 guys know the rules.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

How do i load pics from my phone?

USB to your computer, upload to photobucket(or similar) !!!

Hang on just a doggone minute, I've seen you post pictures before !

Get at it.

What happened to the "cheeseheads" ?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey, you 2 guys know the rules.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

How do i load pics from my phone?

I text them to my home email,them upload them to photobucket.
used to have an auto uploader,but it quit one day,and I never re-uploaded it.

Yes, I've posted lots of pictures but they were from a camera dumped to my computer.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

What happened to the "cheeseheads" ?

Melted cheddar!

Who you pickin' ?

Tom, you can USB from your cell to computer, same as the old camera ! At least, you can with my Iphone.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Beautiful weekend for a sled ride.

I found this awesomely well maintained, 1994 Skidoo MXZ & bought it for a steal.

Deb's first ride,on her own machine !

That's very cool!

We just got all of our snow buggies running, a chickenbuck ride weekend may be in order?

Weather is supposed to be nice !

Get your clan together & do it. You deserve the reward.

Deb was really pumped, you can kind of see "smiling" eyes in the photo !

you guys are lucky, all our snow is gone and our ice isn't good enough to get out on and fish

Lucky? No..I'd rather have no snow and soft water.

I do need to get out in the woods bad but don't have it in my schedule to do so. I'm excited about moving the hunting operations a few miles down the road. It's a big few miles though, there's actually deer there.

Loggers have been in there a few years now and started a BIG cut last Oct. Big by my standards anyway. It's a section, so 1 mile x 1 mile. So far they've left it a mess. It was freakin full of grouse this fall too.

Anywho, with not much snow, now's the time to get some stands up!

we have no snow, and rotten/thin ice

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

we have no snow, and rotten/thin ice

And can't shoot nothin. That sucks!

not anymore, coyotes I guess. turkey season starts in a few months.

My lease holder friends are about to start hunting pigs on our lease.i'm looking forward to that.

Stan in SC

Id like to do that some day. It'd be a nice change tk get somewhere warm and pop some pork-chops

Picked up a Ruger americsn compact today in .223. Sweet little rifle! It will be good for the kids to pop a deer with...heck I may give it a run.

Originally Posted by tzone

Picked up a Ruger americsn compact today in .223. Sweet little rifle! It will be good for the kids to pop a deer with...heck I may give it a run.

Somebody's got to break it in......

Tom, you will really like the bolt .223. I have a Savage Edge with a Firfield 10-40X50.Awesome

Stan in SC

A short trip to Tx. is a great way to make the winter pass faster, pop a couple hogs, fresh pork in the freezer.. Easy to do in a week.. didn't realize how popular ice fishing is.. Guess if there were all those kinds of fish in Wy. it would be fun..

I saw a savage axis that tempted me in a left hand for my daughter. I'm glad I left the shop!

I just mounted a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 on it, that I had laying around. It's a perfect scope for this gun.

I like those axis Tom. All 3 of my kids got them now. I want one just for a varmit shooter. I'd go youth 243 for myself I think.

Really? That's good to know Buschy, because the Axis was $75 cheaper.

Originally Posted by tzone

Really? That's good to know Buschy, because the Axis was $75 cheaper.

I bought my son an Axis in .223 for 190 dollars shipped and transferred on cyber-monday.

I had a Bushnell Elite 4200 3x9 to put on it, and rings to mount it in the shop. I had to buy a base, so it was maybe 205 dollars done.

The gun I need for my daughter should be left handed. She can shoot this one lefty but for one she's going to use on a regular basis I want it to be hers. So, I'll get one she's comfortable with.

Axis is available left hand and the American will soon be. Choices, choices.

Happy with my Axis so far. Inch groups right from the get go with Federal Fusion stuff. Gotta think it will really tighten up with some good handloads.

do any of them come with threaded barrels?

66 today for a high, definitely not making ice weather

This one's for goalie. Pretty freakin' cool.

[video:youtube]F1jpCBPiWS4[/video]

They picked a few slackers like Teows, Crosby, Parise, and Suban eh....slumming the bottom of the barrel.

The stick work is unreal! And shows just how good the goalies really are!!

Thanks for posting that, it was awesome!

Yeah I dunno about goalies; they're either really brave or really crazy. Check out the goalie cam in that vid.

Word has it that our very own goalie put's his mug between Reed Larson's slapshot and the net every Sunday for fun. What most don't know is that Reed Larson played for the Red Wings and the NHL listed him as the 19th hardest slapshot in NHL HISTORY!!! Crazy or brave, you be the judge.

Now pass me another Molson's.

I've seen our goalie in action. Don't let him fool you...he's good.

I'll take the Labbots tho.

Oh, I'm sure he's good...he has to be to survive in the net with that crowd. My own experience lasted part of one season when I was 12. Caught a skate in the mouth. 3 chipped teeth and stitches inside my mouth. I was done other than road hockey..."Car!"..."game off!"..."car gone!"...."game on!" No skates either.

And Labatts it is. Have two.

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Aww geez, I'm sorry Ryan. I hope he's not in pain and wish your grandma and family strength. Godspeed.

thank you CFT. I guess he is in pain and all they can do is try to kill the nerves around the area. it's not pretty but it's life. Been really hard around here for a few days, and more to come. sorry everyone. just thought more prayers wouldn't hurt.

side note, way to go RWS. I'm impressed, though not surprised.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Prayers sent Ryan.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

side note, way to go RWS. I'm impressed, though not surprised.

What did I miss ?

Very sorry Ryan.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

side note, way to go RWS. I'm impressed, though not surprised.

What did I miss ?

I'm confused on this as well.

Thanks guys

it was in regards to his FB post yesterday

Sorry Ryan. You're right, more prayers won't hurt and you have them from here.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Thanks guys

it was in regards to his FB post yesterday

Well now I have to look on the face books.

For those wondering about the brave v crazy: it's the crazy one.

I've been busy making those puck openers (local guys let me know if you want one) and Pinewood Derby.

After getting caught by the wife letting my son (6 years old) use the drill-press and the dremel (in a vise, to polish axles), he made it worthwhile:

He came in third overall, despite putting the Batman wrap on crooked....

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Word has it that our very own goalie put's his mug between Reed Larson's slapshot and the net every Sunday for fun.

My mug ain't got nothing to lose. I'm not exactly "man pretty" to start with.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Prayers sent

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Very sorry to hear Ryan. Prayers sent. Is that the grandpa in my neck of the woods? The one you stayed with last summer?

Originally Posted by goalie

Pic says it all Goalie!

Originally Posted by goalie

I've been busy making those puck openers (local guys let me know if you want one) and Pinewood Derby.

I'm on board for one if you're still making them Dave.

Do you want a plain puck, a Wild logo puck, or something different?

I have some Wild logo pucks ordered, but it will be a few weeks until they arrive.

The pucks look cool Goalie. I don't drink anything any more so I'll pass.

Got on the ice at 6:45 this morning. Very early, and very short bite. We didn't get a fish after 7:30. Man, are they biting light. Guys are having a hard time finding fish, proven by the fact we saw several big houses being moved or just hauled off the ice. Ice was running about a foot thick with melt/refreeze on top. This was on Prior Lake in the south metro.

Originally Posted by goalie

Do you want a plain puck, a Wild logo puck, or something different?

I have some Wild logo pucks ordered, but it will be a few weeks until they arrive.

I'll send a WCHA puck, so he can be reminded of all the quitters

Just found this thread last evening about 11pm. What a great read; I worked through the first 80 pages last evening and then had to put down my laptop to get some sleep. Dave, you are doing a wonderful thing for your family and your cousin�s son. I, too, grew up in northern Minnesota, on �da range�. I shot my first deer in 1966 when my dad set me by a big norway pine on opening day. I�ll never forget that morning � it was -22. I wore an old pair of white felt US Army �bunny boots�, as they were called, and toted a 30-40 Krag my dad had bought for me. About 9am a spike buck appeared, just like magic � one minute nothing and then there, not 20 yards, he stood frozen, like me, staring back. I raised the old Krag and pulled the trigger � nothing; the cold temps had frozen the oil on the bolt hammer and it did not fall. I worked the bolt, the spiker stood motionless, and I pulled the trigger again � my very first deer on the ground. When your son is my age, he will remember his first deer as though it was yesterday.

I thought I would mention a tradition our camp started in 1999. My dad was an avid hunter and brought my brothers and me up, as you are your family. He passed away in Sept 1999. At the camp we hung his blaze orange, leather, well-worn, bomber-style hat on a nice set of antlers on the wall. From that day forward, anytime someone in our camp takes a 10-pointer or better, the lucky hunter gets to take down the hat and wear it through the end of the next day. Since 1999, the hat has been worn three times � once by my sister�s husband�s brother, once by me, and this past fall, by my father�s grandson, who shot his first deer at 11 years old � a ten-pointer; he will never forget his first deer and the honor of wearing �the hat� for day.

Well a wild puck man!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Very sorry to hear Ryan. Prayers sent. Is that the grandpa in my neck of the woods? The one you stayed with last summer?

yessir, same one.

Excellent Keith! Welcome to 'the fire and the deer camp thread. A few of us are from da range or at least the area. I still have a lot of family in Hibbing, side lake, and Chisholm. I don't hunt in r elegy anymore but not far over by the whiteface.

Can't wait to hear some stories!!

Originally Posted by goalie

Do you want a plain puck, a Wild logo puck, or something different?

I have some Wild logo pucks ordered, but it will be a few weeks until they arrive.

I would like a wild one,btu I can wait till everyone has theirs. sending pm.

Ryan,prayers and well wishes for your grand father.

KeithNyst,welcome to the best thread on the net.You are required o read ALL of it.

Stan in SC

I do my duties and read it all once a year. It takes a long, long, loooooong time tho.

Gophergunner, I'm having a hard time on Fish Lake. I moved my house 4 times. Finally marking fish constantly but not biting.I have been fishing in the morning after i drop the kids off at school..Been to busy for night fishing, running the kids around.
12 inches of ice here as well ive been walking out or atv.
Ive heard theirs a crappie bite at night on Prior.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

sorry to put a damper on things. got word tonight my grandpa is in a bad way. He's seen his last hunting season. stage 4 cancer inoperable and untreatable. could use some prayers for grandma and the family. so far 2015 sucks.

Very sorry to hear Ryan. Prayers sent. Is that the grandpa in my neck of the woods? The one you stayed with last summer?

yessir, same one.

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Just found this thread last evening about 11pm. What a great read; I worked through the first 80 pages last evening and then had to put down my laptop to get some sleep. Dave, you are doing a wonderful thing for your family and your cousin�s son. I, too, grew up in northern Minnesota, on �da range�. I shot my first deer in 1966 when my dad set me by a big norway pine on opening day. I�ll never forget that morning � it was -22. I wore an old pair of white felt US Army �bunny boots�, as they were called, and toted a 30-40 Krag my dad had bought for me. About 9am a spike buck appeared, just like magic � one minute nothing and then there, not 20 yards, he stood frozen, like me, staring back. I raised the old Krag and pulled the trigger � nothing; the cold temps had frozen the oil on the bolt hammer and it did not fall. I worked the bolt, the spiker stood motionless, and I pulled the trigger again � my very first deer on the ground. When your son is my age, he will remember his first deer as though it was yesterday.

I thought I would mention a tradition our camp started in 1999. My dad was an avid hunter and brought my brothers and me up, as you are your family. He passed away in Sept 1999. At the camp we hung his blaze orange, leather, well-worn, bomber-style hat on a nice set of antlers on the wall. From that day forward, anytime someone in our camp takes a 10-pointer or better, the lucky hunter gets to take down the hat and wear it through the end of the next day. Since 1999, the hat has been worn three times � once by my sister�s husband�s brother, once by me, and this past fall, by my father�s grandson, who shot his first deer at 11 years old � a ten-pointer; he will never forget his first deer and the honor of wearing �the hat� for day.

Welcome Keith! I think you will fit right in here! Like Tzone said, can't wait to hear the stories!

Originally Posted by noduck

Gophergunner, I'm having a hard time on Fish Lake. I moved my house 4 times. Finally marking fish constantly but not biting.I have been fishing in the morning after i drop the kids off at school..Been to busy for night fishing, running the kids around.
12 inches of ice here as well ive been walking out or atv.
Ive heard theirs a crappie bite at night on Prior.

Here in west central Mn, we are drilling through about 25" or so. Can drive a truck and an Ice Castle pretty much where ever we want. My family and I have been fishing on Little Detroit lake which is connected to Big Detroit lake in Detroit Lakes, MN. (See a connection there lol)

We spent two weekends there and got more northerns than I want to EVER clean again! lol

The only good thing that came out of that (besides the great eating) is that I got very proficient at taking the Y bones out of northerns. I did get a 17" walleye on Saturday at 6 pm when it got dark but other than that it was northerns, a couple bass and 5" perch CONSTANTLY!

Fish Lake by Duluth?

Do any of you remember your first post on this thread? Besides Dave.

For some reason I remember the day clear as a bell. It was a rainy, crappy August day. I was stuck in a tiny job trailer working on a dam in northern WI,on the Tomahawk River/Willow Flowage.

Weird the stuff we remember.

Thanks for the welcome, fellows. Thought I'd share my story from this past fall with you.

As mentioned on my first post, I've been hunting whitetail on the Minnesota iron range since 1966. I now hunt out of nice permanent stand my son and I built four years ago, which replaced the old metal ladder stand I�d used for years. The stand overlooks a nice cleared field with jackpine, spruce, popple and alder around the perimeter. The longest shot possible is 110 yards. This year I decided to try handgun hunting. I picked up a Contender in 7-30 Waters with a 14� barrel and worked up loads over the summer. It is astoundingly accurate; my best loads gave me sub 1� at 100 yards off a supported bench. On opening day at about 4:45 a nice buck stepped into the far end of the field headed northwest at about 90 yards out. I steadied the contender with the muzzle outside the window and fired � missed ... definite shakes!! The buck was startled, ran a small 20 yard circle out of and right back into the field at the far end. He stopped, locked up solid, and froze there like a statue trying to figure out what was up. I opened the breach, put in another round, and quickly pulled up, took aim and fired. In my haste, I did not to get the muzzle outside of the window, which is supported in the up position by a wood stick on each side. The contender cracked, the buck lurched, and the wooden plywood window jumped up from the muzzle blast, the support sticks fell and the window slammed shut. I could not hear anything from the blast. I opened the window, looked down at the end of the field � the buck had dropped right in his tracks. Here�s a pic of em, an 8-pointer. What a rush!!!

That's a hellova nice buck Keith! and of course, thanks for the story.

Maybe I missed it in your first post...where in NE MN are you from?

Originally Posted by goalie

Congrats to mini goalie!!

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Thanks for the welcome, fellows. Thought I'd share my story from this past fall with you.

As mentioned on my first post, I've been hunting whitetail on the Minnesota iron range since 1966. I now hunt out of nice permanent stand my son and I built four years ago, which replaced the old metal ladder stand I�d used for years. The stand overlooks a nice cleared field with jackpine, spruce, popple and alder around the perimeter. The longest shot possible is 110 yards. This year I decided to try handgun hunting. I picked up a Contender in 7-30 Waters with a 14� barrel and worked up loads over the summer. It is astoundingly accurate; my best loads gave me sub 1� at 100 yards off a supported bench. On opening day at about 4:45 a nice buck stepped into the far end of the field headed northwest at about 90 yards out. I steadied the contender with the muzzle outside the window and fired � missed ... definite shakes!! The buck was startled, ran a small 20 yard circle out of and right back into the field at the far end. He stopped, locked up solid, and froze there like a statue trying to figure out what was up. I opened the breach, put in another round, and quickly pulled up, took aim and fired. In my haste, I did not to get the muzzle outside of the window, which is supported in the up position by a wood stick on each side. The contender cracked, the buck lurched, and the wooden plywood window jumped up from the muzzle blast, the support sticks fell and the window slammed shut. I could not hear anything from the blast. I opened the window, looked down at the end of the field � the buck had dropped right in his tracks. Here�s a pic of em, an 8-pointer. What a rush!!!

Beautiful range buck.

Welcome Keith, I used to hunt every year with family south of Tower MN.

I grew up on Lake Vermilion (Tower end of the lake). Worked in that traffic infected TC area for too long. Retired a year and a half ago. Wife and I bought and moved to a place between Tower and Embarrass with some land and a pole barn for the toys ... life is good.

Swish ... that 99 of yours brings back an old urge for one. Always wanted one when I was a kid. Think I'll have to start watching Gunbroker to see what a pre-60 EG, R or an F in .300 Savage or .308 go for these days. Remember when the magazines had the page where you could check off any of the different advertisers you wanted info on and the sales catalogs would get mailed to you?

A 99 needs to be the house for the .300 Savage cartridge if you want to shoot a .30 caliber, just saying......

It is ideal for your stand location!

I love the .300 Savage. My son has my Dad's 99 and my first deer rifle, a 760 Remington, both .300's. I still have a pair of 722's in .300, one made in 1948, the other in 1951.

Some darn nice 99's show up here in the classifieds off and on....

Keith,

Welcome.

& that is a very nice buck !

By my browser, you only have about 2900 pages to catch up on.

Originally Posted by tzone

Fish Lake by Duluth?

Fish Lake in Scott County, just south of Prior Lake

Theres no fish down there silly!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

A 99 needs to be the house for the .300 Savage cartridge if you want to shoot a .30 caliber, just saying......

It is ideal for your stand location!

Agree, it would be perfect!

Maybe i should make a sign and put it by the launch.
NO FISH IN FISH LAKE.

Keep the retards away. Last week on 12inches of ice. I had 2 full size trucks parked side by side and there 8x16 ice castle 30 feet away. I watched from my kitchen window. I was getten nervy on that one.

I bet that sign would turn away a few. Give it a shot!

12" should be good enough really.

Yes, a 99 would be sweet there!!

So would my 7600 carbine! Perfect for that area.

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

I grew up on Lake Vermilion (Tower end of the lake). Worked in that traffic infected TC area for too long. Retired a year and a half ago. Wife and I bought and moved to a place between Tower and Embarrass with some land and a pole barn for the toys ... life is good.

How far are you from "tickle belly hill"?

Dave, my wife and I loved the video of Eener ice fishing!

I was bored and digging back in the "archives" and stumbled across this:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/382694/1

In light of some recent birthday presents, I thought it was too cool not to share.

Wow, I used to be a wordy sumbish.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

I grew up on Lake Vermilion (Tower end of the lake). Worked in that traffic infected TC area for too long. Retired a year and a half ago. Wife and I bought and moved to a place between Tower and Embarrass with some land and a pole barn for the toys ... life is good.

How far are you from "tickle belly hill"?

Dave, are your referring to the dirt road off of 135 that has the hill that drops off sharply over by Quicks and Herrings .. that teenagers used to drive and make the car fly? That road was closed after one of those jumps lost control and a teen died. I'm about 4 miles from there.

Sad ending but not surprising. We used to jump off a railroad bridge into the Lester River in duluth. It's now fenced off for the same results.

I went by there a few years back and can't believe I used to do that! DAMN.... That's a Heckova drop. Not a chance I'd consider that now days!

That's the road, I thought about it after I wrote that last night and I seemed to remember an accident and a death. Terrible thing that happened there.

My dad's uncle lived not far from there, he's passed now.

When I was about 12 I caught a dandy rainbow trout out of the river behind the iron ore bar. (the old brewery building)

Keith, you may know the Couglar ridge road, that's where I used to deer hunt.

That area, (tower/soudan) between the old mines, the forest, lakes, islands, streams, rivers, hills... it was a place of adventure for a young boy. I wore out a lot of bicycle tires, wore the knees out of jeans way faster than I could grow out of them, come to think of it I think we simply wore our clothes out back then, nothing really lasted long enough to grow out of.

But Tom, it is not a .300 Savage....

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I was bored and digging back in the "archives" and stumbled across this:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/382694/1

In light of some recent birthday presents, I thought it was too cool not to share.

Wonder what I'll get for my upcoming birthday???

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I wore out a lot of bicycle tires, wore the knees out of jeans way faster than I could grow out of them, come to think of it I think we simply wore our clothes out back then, nothing really lasted long enough to grow out of.

That's funny but I think you're right. Shoes too! Behind my dad's place, Saginaw or Pike Lake would probably be the closest towns, I had more forts, cabins, trails cut for the mini-bike. You name it, it was back there. There was a creek running through the woods. King's creek. It wasn't known by many but that sucker had some trout. Brookie's, a few rainbow's, and one time I caught a heckova Brown. Nothing EVER went back in the creek. It all came home.

When I was a bit older, I followed the creek back to a big beaver pond, with a hut in the middle. This thing was 4-5 acres (the pond) so I went all Huckfinn and thought it would be great to build a raft out of logs. Well...it's wasn't that great.

I also learned that no matter how much ass you hauled in 3/4 of a mile, when you break through the ice, alone, in January with cold temps, your pants aren't all that freeze. The good news was that I didn't really feel that ass-kickin I received for being back there alone on the ice.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I was bored and digging back in the "archives" and stumbled across this:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/382694/1

In light of some recent birthday presents, I thought it was too cool not to share.

Wonder what I'll get for my upcoming birthday???

Diary Queen crouton cake?

Originally Posted by mmgravy

But Tom, it is not a .300 Savage....

It's a .300 Savage Improved.

Close, but no cigar!!

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I was bored and digging back in the "archives" and stumbled across this:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/382694/1

In light of some recent birthday presents, I thought it was too cool not to share.

Wonder what I'll get for my upcoming birthday???

Pam,

I heard, "on the down low"/"QT", that;

Ma's getting a car !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When I was about 12 I caught a dandy rainbow trout out of the river behind the iron ore bar. (the old brewery building)

Keith, you may know the Couglar ridge road, that's where I used to deer hunt.

That area, (tower/soudan) between the old mines, the forest, lakes, islands, streams, rivers, hills... it was a place of adventure for a young boy. I wore out a lot of bicycle tires, wore the knees out of jeans way faster than I could grow out of them, come to think of it I think we simply wore our clothes out back then, nothing really lasted long enough to grow out of.

Dave, my brother and I fished that river (East Two) farther upstream many times, as well. We also fished the West Two, which also held trout.

Couglar Ridge Road does not ring a bell; I don't see it on google map. That area is Kugler township; the townhall is right on the east side of the of hwy 135.

Darn the stuff we'd do back then, that parents wouldn't even consider letting their child do today. I road my bike hunderds of miles, including toting a single shot 20 gauge in a case sometimes. Rode 6 miles each way from out on Vermilion to play Little League baseball. Jumped from the top of Lee mine into the waters below ... must have been 60-70 feet ... looked like 500 when standing on the edge. Different time now; sometimes I think a time machine would be nice to have.

Also read your thread on the 9422; I've got a 1902 30-30 ... if only it could share all the deer camp stories it participated in.

I misspelled kugler.

I've jumped many times at Lee mine as well.

There are fish in that damn thing too, lol.

One thing I learned as a kid exploring was there are fish almost everywhere. It wasn't very often I didn't have a fishing rod taped to the crossbar on my bike. If it had an inlet or a stream going out, I fished it. 1/2 the time there were only creek chubs in them but when you're a little kid it didn't matter much what I caught.

I was at a cabin that my aunt owned at one time near hayward,wi. I was riding my bike all over and saw a little spot over a stream that ran right through town, in the town of Seely. I had my rod and a few hooks in a small bag the hooked under my bike seat. I dug some worms, tied up and started to fish under this little foot bridge. I was hauling up 6-8" rainbows with nearly every cast. I mean, really piling up the fish. It started to get dark so I figured I'd start keeping a few and head back. I kept about 1/2 dozen and got a stick, ran it through the gills and out the mouth to carry em home, jumped on my bike and headed back.

When I got back there was some company there and I was proud as heck to show off my catch. Well when I explained where I caught them and how I did it the dude nearly went into convulsions. I guess it was a "no fishing" area on a class A trout stream, that was fly fishing only, catch and release, in the spots you could fish! Oops!

I was 10 or 11 and excited, so probably didn't see any signs if there were any.

So if you guys want to catch a pile of rainbows, I have a good spot.

lol, that is funny Tom!

Some good news to report! My Pheasants Forever chapter was named MN Chapter of the Year last night for our accomplishments! If you remember, our biggest accomplishment was holding our first annual youth outdoor activity day where we had 542 kids show up. Pretty proud of the group considering we are a small chapter and beat out many larger chapters in the state. I believe there are 75 chapters in MN. Congrats to Douglas County PF!

congrats Bman!

Good job!!!

I'd say your event would be pretty tough to beat for any other chapter! Congrats B-man!!!!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Yes, a 99 would be sweet there!!

I think most anything would be sweet there.

Yep!!

woohoo! I won my bet with the mrs.! yaya for not doing siches for a week!

I just had a chance to catch-up on the best thread on the web.

Some bad news and prayers to you & yours.

Some good news and congrats on those accomplishments.

I will say this retired life (40 so not retired) is BUSY! I'm glad to not be punching a timeclock anymore.

How do you feel about that ND????

Fishing has been slow by LOW standards but it's good to hang out with great friends up there.

Jerky in the smoker and projects cooking in the shop so I have to go but I'm glad to have all of you internet friends. As was said earlier, this is the best thread on the internet. Thanks ND and all of the posters.
Take care!!!

Got to stay busy WB. I know you will. This weekend we went to a fish fry, spent a great morning early afternoon on the ice, and hung out sunday morning then headed to a SB party.

I started remodeling the dinning room which is fun, but it's been awhile so I've had to scratch my head and try to remember some of this stuff. And taping, mudding, sanding sheetrock...still isn't my favorite!

Tom-if you get stuck on anything just give me a call I'd be happy to come up and supervise. I'm real good at drinking your beer, pointing my finger, telling you what to do and watching intently. Jeez, I kinda sound like a union guy. We need to talk about a raise or I'm going on strike, dadgummit!

Swish, I scratched that 99 itch today; 1954 .300 Savage EG.

Sweet!

Where the heck is that 'Swish anyway? He hasn't been around in a long time!

Nice !!!

99's are da bomb.

Tom, note the cartridge...... perfection!!

Well the caliber is anyway.

I'd like to get a 300 Savage in any bolt configuration. 788 Rem. would be sweet.

Enlighten me boys. Why the love affair with 99s? This is the only place I hear a lot about them. Never fondled one. Same with the 300 savage. Why the cult following?

Joking?

Very simple.

If you are fascinated or even slightly interested in fine mechanical craftsmanship.

If you are even somewhat intrigued by nastalgia.

Then you might like to have a savage 99.

He likes Beretta's...he doesn't know what you speak of.

B-man, they're made in the day when the craftsman and labor type folks took pride in what they built. As the evidence show's that they're still around to this day, many over 100 years old. If they were even taken care of a little bit, they're typically in fine working order and the bluing is wore like it should be, with that perfect patina, the brass rotary magazine shows wear but not enough to function poorly. The hardwood stock has a few dings and maybe even the famous crack on the tang...probably repaired 53 years ago.

When you grab one with a few nicks in the wood, and bluing wore off the barrel and receiver in certain areas you wonder of the stories it tells, and the shoulders the worn leather sling has been on.

The campfires it's been by...the deer it's shot and more interestingly, the one's it's missed.

Has it been in the CO mountains on a frosty October morning listening to the herd bull bugle up his harem?

Has it seen a snowy November morning in the Adirondacks with a fat forked-horn buck sneaking through the spruce with his nose to the ground?

Would it tell you about the chik-a-dee that landed on its front site while it was held perfectly still at sunrise on the PA deer opener because leaves crunched on the hillside below?

What could it tell us about when it was in the rack of a MN deer camp with the cigar filled room with the smell of whiskey and Birch wood smoke?

Amen!!

Make mine an EG in .300

Great choice Tom!!

Dave, how is you stepfather doing?

Who knew, Tom the literary genius !!

Well said.

I've got one, you should too !

'cause they make you smile, like this;

They're so bad ass they knock the horns off bucks!!

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Dave, how is you stepfather doing?

He made it through heart surgery yesterday. 5 bypasses, they borrowed veins and arteries from an arm and one leg. He's in a lot of pain today. I feel so bad for him, I'm glad to have the surgery behind us but I sure wish we were a couple of weeks into the future with this initial recovery behind us too.

prayers sent for a speedy recovery, and for the pain to subside.

I'm headed to MN in 30 minutes to pay my last respects to grandpa. gonna be a hard few days. prayers appreciated.

Only ifn ya uses da .308 canon !

Dave,

Exactly as Ryan stated ^ !

& a full recovery, after the tough road of rehab.

Prayers sent for you & yours, Ryan.

Prayers sent for all! I'm sitting in a bar in Blackduck, MN waiting for some buddies to show up. Then were heading to red lake with the Ice Castle for the weekend. Bring on the 'eyes!

Hope all goes well with the recovery....

Sorry to hear this Ryan.....

Prayers sent X 2.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Joking?

Very simple.

If you are fascinated or even slightly interested in fine mechanical craftsmanship.

If you are even somewhat intrigued by nastalgia.

Then you might like to have a savage 99.

This coming from a guy that drags around one of those hideous 88's!

Originally Posted by tzone

He likes Beretta's...he doesn't know what you speak of.

B-man, they're made in the day when the craftsman and labor type folks took pride in what they built. As the evidence show's that they're still around to this day, many over 100 years old. If they were even taken care of a little bit, they're typically in fine working order and the bluing is wore like it should be, with that perfect patina, the brass rotary magazine shows wear but not enough to function poorly. The hardwood stock has a few dings and maybe even the famous crack on the tang...probably repaired 53 years ago.

When you grab one with a few nicks in the wood, and bluing wore off the barrel and receiver in certain areas you wonder of the stories it tells, and the shoulders the worn leather sling has been on.

The campfires it's been by...the deer it's shot and more interestingly, the one's it's missed.

Has it been in the CO mountains on a frosty October morning listening to the herd bull bugle up his harem?

Has it seen a snowy November morning in the Adirondacks with a fat forked-horn buck sneaking through the spruce with his nose to the ground?

Would it tell you about the chik-a-dee that landed on its front site while it was held perfectly still at sunrise on the PA deer opener because leaves crunched on the hillside below?

What could it tell us about when it was in the rack of a MN deer camp with the cigar filled room with the smell of whiskey and Birch wood smoke?

A good thought Tom. I can back this up. I've spent many a Pennsylvania opener perched high up on the mountain above our camp. We always called the chickadees deer birds, and they were always thought of as a harbinger of good things to come, and yes, I've had them sitting on my 99's barrel before-even one that landed on the bill of my cap. Up here, I've had them around me too, as well as the Whiskey Jacks, Camp Robbers, or Canadian Jays, as they're more commonly know. 'Made the mistake of feeding a Jack one time. I was stuck with him all day. He followed me all over the woods whining for more.

As for the lore of the 99, my dad created my addiction for this classic gun. Dad killed a lot of deer with his 99. If an old WW II infantryman thought this was a good gun, I sure wasn't going to question that wisdom. I've owned several over the years, and ended up with a 99 that belonged to a member of our camp in Pennsylvania. He sold it to me after he quit hunting, and I've never looked back. Of course, it wears the pre-requisite Weaver K-4. Out east, this is standard fare for the Pennsylvania boys.

Most of the 99's I had were working man's guns-grey rats if you will. Every one of them worked flawlessly, and were very accurate by minute of deer standards. A 250-3000 that I let go still haunts me. Wish I'd have kept that one. Pick up a 94 and then pick up a 99 and it won't take long to see the difference. A good 336 is a darned nice gun, but it sure ain't and never will be made like a 99.

Dave-I haven't been on here a whole lot lately. Sorry to hear about your step dad. Please be sure to send him our best wishes and prayers from here on the 'Fire.

Ryan,very sorry to hear about your grandpa.

Dave, I had 4 bypasses in 2008 and know exactly what he is gong thru. My wishes for his speedy recovery.The next two weeks will be rough. If I was advised by my cardiologist today that I would have to have it again it would be a hard decision to make as to whether or not I would do it again.

Three week ago I lost my mostest favorite brother in law who was 81 to a heart attack. Last night we were at the hospital till after midnight. His wife,my wife's next oldest sister, had a stroke. The next few days will decide her fate.

Stan in SC

Very sorry to hear that Stan.

I hope very much that god's plan for your wife's sister, is one that is free of heartache and pain for your wife and family. I wish the best for her and your family.

Sorry to hear of this Stan. Prayers for your family are sent from ours.

Ryan, sorry to hear of grandpa as well.

Man...

Sorry to read about more heart ache for our friends of the deer camp. Life is a cruel thing sometimes...

My prayers go out to all of you.

I made it back from Upper Red Lake. All in all we had a great weekend. A good buddy of mine needed this trip. I won't go into details but he really needed to get away. We had a lot of heart to heart talks while waiting for bobbers to go down. The poor guy is just a mess and I feel so bad for him.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Joking?

Very simple.

If you are fascinated or even slightly interested in fine mechanical craftsmanship.

If you are even somewhat intrigued by nastalgia.

Then you might like to have a savage 99.

This coming from a guy that drags around one of those hideous 88's!

88's are actually bad ass. I'd love one. I did pick up a s/w model 63, 22lr. and it shoots fantastic. I love it and can't wait to carry it in the woods.

I also got the kids' new rifle on paper. Ruger AmericanCompact .223rem. It makes tiny groups with those tiny bullets. What a riot to shoot. I'd like an adult sized one. Maybe time to get a Kimber 84m Montana?

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe time to get a Kimbet 84m Montana?

Get two and store one at my house! lol

Originally Posted by tzone

He likes Beretta's...he doesn't know what you speak of.

B-man, they're made in the day when the craftsman and labor type folks took pride in what they built. As the evidence show's that they're still around to this day, many over 100 years old. If they were even taken care of a little bit, they're typically in fine working order and the bluing is wore like it should be, with that perfect patina, the brass rotary magazine shows wear but not enough to function poorly. The hardwood stock has a few dings and maybe even the famous crack on the tang...probably repaired 53 years ago.

When you grab one with a few nicks in the wood, and bluing wore off the barrel and receiver in certain areas you wonder of the stories it tells, and the shoulders the worn leather sling has been on.

The campfires it's been by...the deer it's shot and more interestingly, the one's it's missed.

Has it been in the CO mountains on a frosty October morning listening to the herd bull bugle up his harem?

Has it seen a snowy November morning in the Adirondacks with a fat forked-horn buck sneaking through the spruce with his nose to the ground?

Would it tell you about the chik-a-dee that landed on its front site while it was held perfectly still at sunrise on the PA deer opener because leaves crunched on the hillside below?

What could it tell us about when it was in the rack of a MN deer camp with the cigar filled room with the smell of whiskey and Birch wood smoke?

That story right there makes me want to buy one and sit in the garage with the heat on and ponder everything you talked about.

You won't be sorry if you get a .223 Montana.....

Then you will want to give a fast twist 22-250 or 220 Swift a try. It is addicting and deer don't like them!

Do any of our Minnesota boys hunt down by Whitewater? One of my hunting buddies is moving down to Rochester and we're thinking about checking out Whitewater for deer. From what I've heard, yo need to learn to speak Hmong and wear a bullet proof vest. Any truth to these stories from down there?

Well have you ever heard of anyone getting shot? Nope. So I think you can save your money on the vest. You won't need to learn a different language. They know what you're saying...even if they don't act like it.

That's where the deer in MN seem to be so it you'll probably find some that way. I'm not sure if that's shotgun country or not?

In Whitewater or surrounding state land in southeast MN there is a large abundance of Hmong,that hunt down there. I have bowhunted down in that area while i was going to school.Nothing real positive to report when there small game hunting.Maybe its better when there deer hunting?

Whitewater is a big area with some scouting and getting off the beaten path.Hunt during the week if season dates allows.It is shotgun down there.

I'll call my buddy who lives in St.Charles and ask him if its gotten any better.

Thanks to all of the well wishers. We spent three full days at the hospital. The sister in law's children from Cheyenne, Wyoming made it here safely. We had only seen them less than a month ago when their dad died. Today at 2:09 my sister in law passed. Her husband died three weeks and two days ago.
My wife just lost her youngest sister last September.
We have had enough losses in the last six months. I refuse to participate in any more for a reasonable amount of time.
Again, thanks for all the prayers and well wishes from the extended family here.

Stan in SC

So sorry Stan....

Very very sorry Stan. We will continue to pray for your family!
Tom

so sorry to hear that Stan. prayers for you and your family.

we made it home last night just before midnight so we could beat the ice storm moving across the dakotas. was great seeing family I haven't seen in 15 years or more. didn't check the thread til now. thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

So very sorry Stan.

Praying for peace for you & your family.

Very sorry Stan. Tell your wife that she is in our prayers as well as you and all of your family.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I'd like to get a 300 Savage in any bolt configuration. 788 Rem. would be sweet.

. I might be able to hook you up with a 700 Classic in 300 Savage

Cool! How does it shoot? I had one as well. I bought it from Gander and my wife was with me and didn't yell. That's when she was cool.

The rifle and the wife are both things of the past. I wish I still had one of them back in the gun safe. I'll let you decide which one.

It shoots great. My wife has killed 3 bears with it. I am definitely guessing you want the gun in the safe

here's a classic 300 sav in the classifieds. decent price too

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/9588275/gonew/1/WTS:Savage_99EG_300_w/Redfield#UNREAD

Very sorry, Stan.

Sorry to hear of the tough news Stan.

Kinser, I sent you a PM. I like 700 Classics.

Well did you buy it or not WB!!? That's what we all want to know?

I'm getting closer and closer to my "tent camp" deer camp. Hunting up near the iron range is getting busier now with two budding deer hunters. We have been driving 45 minutes or so from my mom's house to the area we hunt. It's fine but not the real camp experience I'm looking to give the kids...or myself for that matter.

Grandpa can also come up and cook us a breakfast while we're in the woods.

I'm 100% sure the tent we'll be using will be a Davis out of CO. I've even talked on the phone with the owner when I called with a few questions.... Having the owner himself answering my questions made the decision easy, on where I'm going to get it from!

I have a few spots I could set it up and rock on. The size is and actual placement area is what I'm stuck on. I'm thinking 14x17'ish with an awning (porch) for now with an outdoor cooking area? I'd like to avoid cooking in the sleep tent if possible. A "cook tent" can be added in the future if need be.

For those of you guys that have done this, what do you prefer? Cooking in the tent or separate?

How about set up. Out in the open or in the woods? I can do either. I'm not near any water to speak of but can be if that's really that much better?

buy a bus!!

I never cook in the canvas wall sleeping tent due to smells and moisture. A separate smaller cook tent or even an overhead tarp with walls to break wind is preferable to cooking in the sleep tent. Get an inexpensive portable shelter for cooking or even something like a big hub style ice fishing shelter. One of the military surplus center pole tents has worked for cooking also but the walls are pretty short compared to a real Davis wall tent. Good choice on Davis. Talk to Four Dog Stoves about heating and cooking stoves. They are in St. Francis, MN.

Inside is the only way.

I would put up an unheated one for sleeping so I could have a cook/gathering tent.

This make deer camp very enjoyable.

I have mores picture if you want to see more..

Tjay, I'd like to see some more. I have a 12' x 17. It sleeps 3 comfortably - 4 a little less so. We do not cook in our tent. We bought a cheap canvas tent off craigslist for those duties. We have a cylinder stove that has to be stoked at least once a night around 2am to keep us comfortable. We have just started using an indoor/outdoor carpet remnant for the floor and it's nice on cold mornings. We use it for opening weekend of trout season, elk hunting in CO, and occasionally antelope in WY. Never used it for deer camp though. We usually set up in the open - no widow makers that way - but near woods for a wind break. Be advised, these things are heavy and you'll have a time of it raising it with a man and two kids.

CF
This is deer camp. First tent is cook/gathering tent and the next two are sleeping tents, first two are mine third is one I sold to a friend. Tent #2 is 12x14 and sleeps 4 comfortably and 5 if need be. I have put this camp by myself in approx. 3 hrs.

Here is the rest of the inside of the cook tent.

Diesel heater for tent and propane water heater.

Originally Posted by TJAY

I have mores picture if you want to see more..

Of course we want to see more. Your camp is 90% of the reason I'm doing this.

there's a guy in the classifieds here selling a wall tent in the twin cities.

Nevermind, i see it sold

tzone

Here is the sleeping tent with 5 cots.

It looks very clean!

tzone

Lots of room for stuff under the cots, those two green things,kinds storage dressers, are not used anymore. They take up more room than we like and just another thing to haul around. We are always adjusting and improving the camp.

These

For the two person or three this works.

The other side.

These last two pictures are from the 12x14 tent. A little bigger tent say 14x16 would even be better.

Thanks! I think 14x16 or 14x17 is the route I'm going to go. I was thinking 12x but there will be 3 people a lot of times.

Here is another way we set it up for two, different table.

On a lighter note. This is a gentle reminder/joke for one of the guys who had the misfortune to shoot one in the knees and had to chase it around the woods, about 3/4 mile. Top arrow say "shoot here." Bottom arrow says "not here"

That's funny!

Dave can make that for me and use the tree I shot.

Here is a small tree I shot that cost me a 12 pointer.

TJ,

Can't believe you couldn't "thread one through" there !

You must need to equip yourself wit a .358, fo' that brush huntin'.

Several years ago a young friend of mine shot a deer from about forty yards. He was using a 45-70 Handi rifle and did not see the tree between him and the deer. When he fired the deer fell dead and the top section of a two inch tree fell. I'll bet the bullet had quite a bit of expansion on it when it hit the deer.

Stan in SC

New 2 99s

I got a 375 RUM so I do not have that problem anymore.

What happened was he was walking slowly and was just leaving the shooting lane and that was the only tree, about thumb size, and as you see I got it. It deflected the bullet enough that the shot grazed his brisket drawing a little blood and fat. Followed that guy for 3 miles,gps measured, before he ditched me in a cedar swamp.

Wife saw him from the same stand the next year but he stayed back in the woods. She said when she first saw him she thought it was an ELK... She said he was a monster but stayed just far enough in the thick stuff she could not shoot.

Exactly why we hunt up there!! You never know what is going to come through!

Here is a big 8 from that stand.

The biggest buck I ever shot was a 230 lbs. 8 point I took up by Emily Minnesota. I hit a sapling about 25 yards off the end of the barrel, and the bullet traveled about another 35 yards and hit the deer, breaking it's spine. The entry hole was about twice the size of a normal .30 cal entry wound. Gun was a Model 99 Savage chambered for .300.

As he lay.

That is a Brute of a buck! I'm liking the chocolate antlers too. anyone finding any sheds yet? I'll likely find some today as I start mowing at work, them things are hell on tires!

Side note - went to cabelas last night for the first time in a long time, Little punkin wanted to see the "fishys". made the mistake of peaking in the bargain cave and seeing a pink left handed bow (wife is a lefty) I showed it to her and she wanted to try it out. saw the string was frayed and the bow was missing a part so we put it back on the shelf. she picked up a brand new one (same model) and wanted to try it. after the second shot she gave me that look with a grin that said I can put my stuff away, we found something else to spend money on

she absolutely LOVES her bow and is anxious to start learning the art of archery. had I known, I would have done this years ago.
she got a regular camo diamond infinite edge with ted nugent pink camo arrows, new release, the whole 9 yards. now we just need some nice weather!

I have the deer hunting bug already, not a good sign

I have it already too Ryan. I feel a little bit like I missed out on something because I didn't even see a deer during gun season.

I'm pretty amped up for this year for a few reasons. The biggest being both of my kids can and want to hunt. I'm not sure my daughter will during the regular season, but she probably will during the youth season when its warmer. Two, I should get a tag in SD, but I'm not banking on that. I'd like it for the venison...I'll have none very soon!

I'm not holding out a lot of hope for this years MN gun season either. BUT, this winter sure is helping out! I'm hoping to get out scouting in about a month. I've been looking over aerial photos for about a month now. There is also a bran spankin new clear cut that I want to sniff out as well. It was just starting to get logged the last weekend of October and it was going full tilt during deer season. I have several spots I'd like to look that we saw while in it on the wheelers and driving the truck down there.

The good news is, there is A LOT more land available to hunt, than I could ever look over or cover, even with the two new hunters. Some of it I just may have to because I drive by it all the time and pick out deer stand sites from the road.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Here is a big 8 from that stand.

Beautiful buck & a great picture.

Love the chocolate horns & "green" eyed reflection !

Thanks guys

That was/is the heaviest buck I have ever taken. That thing dang near killed the wife and I getting out of the woods. Wish I could have put him on a scale.

He's a big sucker Terry! Biggest I have shot is also an 8pt. He was 227# dressed and it was all I could handle to get him yo an area I could get to with a wheeler! I had to drag him about 2-300 yards to an old tractor road. It took me two hours.

I was going to drag him to a creek to gut out. I pulled him about 10' and realized that wasn't going to work!

Got this guy the year before from that stand. Not as heavy but kinda nice rack.

Another look.

Tom & Terry, they're not bad up here, as long as there is snow on the ground !

Terry,

Do you guys hunt right in the clear cuts? From your pics, the stuff you're hunting is VERY similar to what we're going to be in it looks like.

When you're setting stands, what type of things are you looking for there? I'm pretty new to the open type terrain, though it's tight with "buggy whip" popples, it looks like you'll be able to see if you get up over them? GG can attest to the crap we hunt now. It's thick as dogs hair.

Are you looking for terrain features of any sort?

That buck is a big ol boy too! Don't sell yourself short. I like the long tines on that guy!

I did a ruff score on him at just short of 150 if I did it right.

The cuts we hunt are pretty small. Most are edge type with swamps and creeks ect. to cause funnels. The area is really a doe home area also so we get the cruising bucks looking for the hot does.

The 99 arrived and I picked it up from the FFL - pics here:
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._1st_99_Finally_Arrived_-_EG#Post9617456

That's a FINE looking rifle Keith!

that'll put some meat on the pole! she's a beauty. I want to get me a 99 again someday

One of those in .300 Savage would look good in both you and Tom's hands!!!

Awesome Keith,

you'll love the heck outta dat !

Pics with dead deer next fall, please.

Originally Posted by TJAY

I did a ruff score on him at just short of 150 if I did it right.

I'm sure that's right. He looks all of that.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

One of those in .300 Savage would look good in both you and Tom's hands!!!

I agree!

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

The 99 arrived and I picked it up from the FFL - pics here:
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._1st_99_Finally_Arrived_-_EG#Post9617456

Veddy nice

All this talk of the 300 Savage I might have to drag mine out and use this year. Mine is not that good looking 99 but a Remington 722. Here is better look at that big 10.

Nothing wrong with a 722 in .300 Savage. I have two and really enjoy hunting with them. One was put together in 1948, the other in 1951. Nice buck!

Dang Tjay those are some nice big woods bucks!

And now ya'll got me pining for a 99 even though I hunt the shotgun zone! Dagnabbit!

start a movement to eliminate the shotgun zone, could be easy considering other states have done it.

BUT since you're in MN it could be hard to reverse/change ANY gun statute/rule.

then you can hunt away with a 99

I live on the other end of the state from the Twin Chitholes where our opinions/votes don't matter

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

start a movement to eliminate the shotgun zone, could be easy considering other states have done it.

BUT since you're in MN it could be hard to reverse/change ANY gun statute/rule.

then you can hunt away with a 99

That topic is far too hot.

And actually for good reasons.

The shotgun hunters have their own style of hunting. I'm not going to paint it in a poor light, it's just different than rifle hunting. Lots of drives, lots of shooting, lots of elevation (arc).

Lots of open country too.

Too many folks get terribly riled at the idea of rifles being used vs shotguns. Mostly I think because they picture the rifle going through the same motions, hunting technique stays exactly the same, just rifles instead of shotguns. And those rifles are far too deadly for the slug lobbers.

They can't seem to picture a hunting technique that matches the weapon. Locked into their practices.

You couldn't pay me enough to hunt shotgun slug country and for a lot of shotgun slug hunters, you couldn't pay them enough to hunt in rifle country.

Wasn't it a few years ago that most of Clay County was changed to rifle country and then the locals got Clay County converted back to shotgun only like it had been before the change of the northern part of the Red River Valley north of Hwy 10/I-94 to rifles?

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Wasn't it a few years ago that most of Clay County was changed to rifle country and then the locals got Clay County converted back to shotgun only like it had been before the change of the northern part of the Red River Valley north of Hwy 10/I-94 to rifles?

East of Hwy 32 is rifle. When they changed it a few years ago, it opened up everything west of 32 and north of 10 to rifle. It was quickly changed back.

I don't think using a shotgun makes you a sloppy, slug lobbing idiot. And in my experience the times I have hunted rifle zone in open country, I've been twice as careful and contentious as the rifle hunters I was with. Namely ND hunters that were pissed at me for not taking a driven doe as it ran out of river bottom and across a field with scores of houses in the background.

I grew up in a slug zone, and there were lots of slug lobbers. to make matters worse the seasons were 2 and 4 days long. meaning from sunup til dark guys were driving deer and shooting at everything that moved to fill tags. I think a lot of the slug "style" of hunting is rooted there.

if I were forced to go back to a slug zone I would use a modern muzzleloader (if it were legal). using 209 primers and a saboted .45 bullet. topped with a good scope and 200 yards would be very doable.

I will never participate in a "pheasant" style deer drive. you know the kind where 3-6 guys walk through a woodlot, cornfield or swamp and push every deer out towards 2 posters who blast at them as they run out.

I much prefer stalking a draw towards someone who can cover the bottom in case something tries to slip out unnoticed. my style of hunting has majorly changed since I left MN.

My days of deer drives went away 20 years ago when our party disbanded due to age. Now days I sit in the same stands that I bow hunt in.

True. There are some slug lobbers but there are also guys that do the same thing with rifles only at further distances.

It's the hunter not the method IMO.

Been hunting in the slug zone for thirty three years. We rarely, if ever, get out of our stands and if we do, it is for a super slow 1 man stalk and nudge with one exception. That is a 2 man gentle nudge cuz it is two sides of a creek. I would love to be able to hunt with rifles. I would agree with TJay, it is the hunter not the gun. Modern slug guns are just about as accurate as the average guys rifle too out to 150 yards. Our party shoots 2 MOA. I have seen a lot of targets at the range that were rifle hunters that didn't do that. Of course all the guys on this forum do better I am sure!😄. It has cost us a couple of gigantic Bucks over the years as we just can't shoot 200+ yards. Man, I watched a 4X4 a few years back that was ginormous. Dad had a 5x5 that had tines about 6 feet long at 225 yards. Well maybe not quite 6 feet but darn close!😁.

Someone start the movement to change the regs! I am all in!

Those that lampoon slug guns are sorely mistaken. Yes, they have their limitations, but how many deer in Minnesota are really shot at long range. We're not all sitting on the edge of a bean field or looking down a pipe line or power line. Shots inside the woods seldom test the long range capabilities of most firearms or shooters for that matter. The new slug guns can reach out further, and with greater accuracy than the older smooth bore and Foster slug set ups. As Berettaman said, we do give up a bit on the long range side of things, but these new rigs are very accurate to those that know how to make them perform.

I have two slug guns-an old smoothbore 870 and a Mossy 500. The 870 has the barrel silver soldered to the frame and wears a Leupie base and rings, and a Weaver K 1.5x-4.5x. It shoots one hole groups at 50 yards and 2" groups at 100 yards. Sighted in 3" high at 50 yards puts it 3" low at 100 yards. My little Mossy is a plain jane 500 that I added a cantilever rifled ported barrel to. I'm still working on loads for this gun, but it shoots inch groups at 100 yards with Hornandy SST loads. 'Haven't had a chance to take it out to 200 yards yet.

There are no such rules here in South Carolina as to whether to use rifle or shotgun in different areas. I have opportunities to use either/both depending on whether I hunt really thick places or open areas. Also I have had the experience of jumping up a deer going to or coming from a stand. My main deer firearm is a Baikal MP-94 over/under. The top barrel is 12 gauge with screw in choke tubes and the bottom barrel is .308 WIN. It is topped with an extended eye relief 1.5-4.5X32 Simmons scope. I have found it to be very accurate with either rifle barrel or shotgun barrel.
Actually this is my "one" gun which I feel is good for any game in season.

Stan in SC

but you can use buckshot can't you?

in the slug zones in MN it's a solid slug only. maybe it's that way in SC too, I ton't know. I do know buckshot is legal in many southern states.

Buckshot or slugs are legal. I carry buckshot going into a stand and change over to a Brenneke "KO" slug when I get there. Coming out I revert to buckshot.
The average shot in the upstate in the woods is 40 yards.

Stan in SC

that's what I thought, sounds about like Virginia then. I was stationed there for 3 years. blew my mind when I first learned they used buckshot.

kinda like when I moved to SD and learned road hunting was legal for small game and turkeys. just seemed wrong to me because I grew up with it being illegal.

I still can't bring myself to do it

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You couldn't pay me enough to hunt shotgun slug country and for a lot of shotgun slug hunters, you couldn't pay them enough to hunt in rifle country.

Quoted for truth.

The "culture" of our shotgun zone hunters is quite different than that in the rifle zone.

I did the shotgun zone once (other than muzzle-loading season, which is obviously quite a different animal) and won't do it again unless I am on about a zillion acres of private land. Alone.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You couldn't pay me enough to hunt shotgun slug country and for a lot of shotgun slug hunters, you couldn't pay them enough to hunt in rifle country.

Quoted for truth.

The "culture" of SOME OF our shotgun zone hunters is quite different than that in the rifle zone.

I did the shotgun zone once (other than muzzle-loading season, which is obviously quite a different animal) and won't do it again unless I am on about a zillion acres of private land. Alone.

Fixed

I grew up hunting the shotgun zone. Never hunted the first two day season always hunted the 4 day second weekend. The farmers I knew all did the first and let me hunt the second worked well for me. I was always invited to hunt with them but liked to be on my own.

I'm really not sure why someone would want to from rifle back to shotgun. Kinda weird IYAM, but nobody did.

there were plenty of shotgun area near my place in WI, but we were in rifle. A few years ago, they switched to rifle and nobody I know or heard of wants to switch back.

I wish we would switch to rifle where I hunt. (South of 10)

If they did, I doubt people would want it switched back.

Well you guys in eastern ND are weird, so who knows.

Dave,

I'm assuming it was too cold for an ice castle break, this last weekend ?

Damn near froze me butt to the living room couch !

Im just happy we can now use 22 centerfire for deer.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im just happy we can now use 22 centerfire for deer.

I have traveled over to the rifle zone 3 miles away and took a doe with my 22-250. There was more damage there than when I have shot deer with shotguns or or my 7mm mag. That little bullet makes a mess and definately kills.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

I'm assuming it was too cold for an ice castle break, this last weekend ?

Damn near froze me butt to the living room couch !

We could have pulled it off but I prefer to not have the fam out there when I know its going to dip under -30. The smaller lp tanks don't have the capacity to overcome that kind of cold, they usually do fine when full but you are likely to have troubles if you try to run one out before switching tanks. The thin walls of the fish house, it would work, we could stay warm but the furnace would never stop running. All of this, and also the vehicles, and the little Honda generator, nothing performs perfectly in those temps.

That's a lot of cold to keep that many mechanicals running without issue.

tzone

Here is this years forky with the mighty 338. I had not used it on anything since 07 so this year it went deer hunting.

That looks liken to worked better for you than the deer.

P.S.

Don't tell Dave, he likes those too.

I have to say the deer took 0 steps after the shot. He was hard on quartering towards me at the shot and he ended up about 6 feet strait away from me. Side note is I had 0 meat loss and he is very good eating. Oh the shot was 30 yards.

You're not helping me not want one.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im just happy we can now use 22 centerfire for deer.

Yeah. The kids LOVE the .223 due to the lack of recoil.

has anyone looked at or tried the mossberg MVP rifles? they make em in .223, 308 and 300aac.
ruger has a new ruger american ranch rifle out too that looks like it will be good.

My next ideal rifle will take AR mags, shoot the 300 blackout and have a threaded barrel. I wish ruger made them! mossberg is the only one who says they do, but there are none on the open market.
I got a new toy I want to play with this fall

I wouldn't look at a mossberg anything. The two I had were total crap. I do however, have a Ruger American and so far I like it. The mag could be improved upon tho.

hence my dilemma..

Oh the mag is easy enough to fix. I think a 1/2 with a file would take care of it. The gun shot great.

I know three different guys running those All American's including Tom) and all have been very satisfied with the accuracy performance and price.

I bought a Savage Axis last year, which basically competes for the same market as the All American. I got a really good deal on it, but to do it again, I'd probably go with the All American.

Several months ago I bought a slightly used Savage Edge in .223 which is the earlier version of the Axis. It does not have the Accu trigger. Otherwise same rifle. I like it. It's very accurate and functions 100%.I like the demountable magazine.
I went overboard on the scope. It is a 10-40X50 illuminated. REALLY brings far off stuff in CLOSE. The .223 is a good round.

Stan in SC

Stan-my findings exactly. My Axis is a .243. The only thing I'm remotely concerned about is the magazine. The catch on the mag is plastic, and I could see that breaking while in the woods. I got two mags with the gun, so I make sure I throw the spare mag in my pack just in case. I haven't run much ammo through it yet, but so far it likes the Fusion stuff a bit better than the Winchester. Once I accumulate a bit of brass I want to load for it. Should be a very accurate rifle from what I've seen so far.

GG, these newly introduced so called "entry level" rifles from Savage, Ruger and Mossberg are really great values.
The Edge and the Axis from Savage, the Ruger American and Mossberg's ATR-100 and Predator line are all well built, accurate and best of all very very affordable. What else could you desire from a working firearm?
After observing what 25 years of wear have done on my wood stocked Remington , I appreciate the durability of a synthetic stock.

Stan in SC

Took the boys out on the ice today for the afternoon. We caught piles of bluegills! Easily 50-60 between the three of us. Some friends met us out there and we had a great time. Jack said it was his best ice fishing trip ever, so that's all a dad can ask for!!

Fun day!

Took a little trip into the earth today. 800 feet down in 1.25 miles. To say it was steep would be an under statement. Carlsbad Caverns NP. Going on a ranger guided tour in the morning. I will post pictures as soon as possible. I think my knees hurt a little tonight. I did cheat and take the elevator back to the surface.

On a side note we drove in snow until we got within 20 miles of Carlsbad N.M. It did get to about 50 degrees this afternoon.

'Been talking to friends and family down in Ohio. They are just getting pounded with the snow this winter. A kid I went to school with posted a picture of his long driveway on Facebook. The snow is piled up higher than his tractor-mounted snowblower can throw it. He said if they get much more before some of this melts off, they're going to have to rent some equipment, cut a path through the woods parallel to the drivway and scrape down the banks, just so they can throw the snow from the driveway over the top of the pile. Growing up down there, we used to go for a family ride in the spring down towards Steubenville, and Wheeling to see the flooding on the Ohio River Basin. I woud think they're in for a very rough spring.

Gophergunner it has indeed been a cold and snowy winter and I am getting sick of it. I have about a foot of snow in the yard. I've managed to keep the drive plowed out with a 500 Polaris. Only had to be pulled out once and that was the day the Polaris would not start. (-15 and I ran the battery down). Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40's with up to 2 inches of rain. I believe you can drive down and watch the flooding if you don't have anything else to do.
Bill

I was mowing today

I don't miss the snow, that's for sure. I remember the winter and flooding of '97 very well. I'm hoping this year isn't like that

and this morning woke up to a blanket of snow, gotta love South Dakota!

That's what you get! Haha!

Snowing here now too...but 50's are on the way next week.

below zero this morning with 4" of snow. yuck!

40's tomorrow and might hit 60 next week though. guess it could be worse.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

below zero this morning

That should be good for that fresh mowed grass!

The weather this winter is very unusual here. We have a little snow now but the fields are still black for the most part. We've experienced a few cold snaps but with no snow, they don't hang in there like most winters.

wasn't mowing grass

I was working on a piece of Native seeding that had come up to kochia and annual sunflower last year. I thinned that off so the grass will have a better chance this spring at getting established. the 4" of snow we got will sure help!

-13 on my way to work today. It's supposed to be in the teens today, then warm up nicely to the 30's, 40's, and 50's!

The white bear stopped in at the hot rod shop this evening. Good visit, good to see the white bear, thanks for the beer too buddy, its like you know what I like or something, weird....

Did northern_dave make an appearance on his ow thread?

don't be a stranger!!

Oh I still read, I'm still here lol.

Very much looking forward to some daytime highs of 30+ degrees this weekend.

Me too!

A friend wanted to go to Upper Red this weekend. I said no because I want to enjoy the weather we are going to have here. Last time we were there it was nice at home and colder than a witches tit up there!

Looking forward to some grilling, maybe even a bonfire, lol.

I'm thinking of smoking some BIG chicken breasts tomorrow and basically doing nothing else. lol

high of 50 today, I kinda want to bbq but I gotta kick this sickness the kids brought me home from school.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The white bear stopped in at the hot rod shop this evening. Good visit, good to see the white bear, thanks for the beer too buddy, its like you know what I like or something, weird....

The beverages were only to keep you occupied while I drooled on the masterpieces you've been building in your shop. I hope I didn't leave too many stains.

I need to get some cool toys at my place so people will bring me beers & visit!

27* & sunny with no wind right now. I'M LOVING IT!!! I went and looked at a job that I'll be doing on a large farm this spring/summer/fall with my equipment. It looks like I'd better get all of my grilling and beer drinking in soon because there will not be much downtime this year. I'm really looking forward to this new venture taking off.

It's 36* as I pulled into the parking lot at work! I'm actually hot in a hoodie. 'bout friggin time!

A beautiful day today, or so I heard. We were very busy at work today-never stuck my head out the door all day. Saw several big deer on the way home. Tom-went by the turkey spot. There were about a dozen turkeys in the field next to their house.

A friend asked me to take the Ice Castle to Upper Red because he watched a show that showed them catching crappies like they used to up there. I said no. I was just there. And you know dang well, we will not get on them like the TV show that probably took a week to film.

I'm waiting for Lake of the Woods to pick up on the bite and then I'll be fishin like a mofo.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The white bear stopped in at the hot rod shop this evening. Good visit, good to see the white bear, thanks for the beer too buddy, its like you know what I like or something, weird....

The beverages were only to keep you occupied while I drooled on the masterpieces you've been building in your shop. I hope I didn't leave too many stains.

I need to get some cool toys at my place so people will bring me beers & visit!

27* & sunny with no wind right now. I'M LOVING IT!!! I went and looked at a job that I'll be doing on a large farm this spring/summer/fall with my equipment. It looks like I'd better get all of my grilling and beer drinking in soon because there will not be much downtime this year. I'm really looking forward to this new venture taking off.

Your last employer lost two very valuable employee's. It's awesome to see you guys go out on your own. It gives me hope!

lol

It was time to be productive. Add value to the local community and economy. Hit all of the items on my bucket list.

That and some people just bug me.

I'm sorry I boddered u so bad white bear.

BFT

Hey, happy birthday to my lady friend!

Happy birthday Pam!

Well being forced to sit within 9' of you for 8+ years was quite an experience.

Actually one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Hey ND's lady friend. Happy belated birthday!!!!

Buttin' in here, quick question.

How thick is the lake ice in northern Minnesota?

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Buttin' in here, quick question.

How thick is the lake ice in northern Minnesota?

30"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAMMY!!!

I measured 40" with a tape measure when I was up last weekend on LOW.

That's just plain old flat hard ice. I'm guessing that's pretty common for that area.

Happy birthday Pam!!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I measured 40" with a tape measure when I was up last weekend on LOW.

That's just plain old flat hard ice. I'm guessing that's pretty common for that area.

We had 40" on a lake north of here about a 1/2 hour last weekend as well. Barely any snow on the lake.

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Pam.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I measured 40" with a tape measure when I was up last weekend on LOW.

That's just plain old flat hard ice. I'm guessing that's pretty common for that area.

I measured 30" on Uppper Red. I figured LOW would be thicker.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Buttin' in here, quick question.

How thick is the lake ice in northern Minnesota?

30"

Lol! He said "northern mn"

40+!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!!!!

It was yet another amazing birthday and what made it even better is I didn't have to work. I was able to spend my day with all the people I absolutely LOVE...my family!

I've been checking in from time to time but I'm swamped with working my day job then working my night job in the shop plus trying to keep up with the kids. I think I should quit the day job...it's way way overrated.

Well PWM starts running in track season today AND the Black Betty project has started. And RWS starts gun training today. Or is it the other way around RWS - running, and PWM - gun training...ND can correct me.
WOW!!!
Can you say busy on top of busy? It keeps us young. Take care everyone!

Sorry Pam, I was sleepin' at the switch.
Count me in on the good wishes, and not just o the birthday.

Thanks Dave, the cheater for my old Eskimo should drill 47".

Any thicker ice than that might send me to McDonald's for a fish sandwich.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM !!

Sorry I'm late.

Hoping you got spoiled by ND & da kidlets.

Paul, you might know, how thick is the ice on Wabigoon?

Hi Richard,

Not sure, as I generally fish the lakes north of town.

They are @ full auger depth, so guessing the "goon" will be similar.

Here's a couple of photos I took at the Kinsmen Ice fishing derby, just off of Government dock, this last weekend.

Deb & I probably put 150 miles on the snow machines over the weekend. Weather was beautiful. Run down the lake to Twin Towers for lunch, after Church on Sunday, was uber !!

That sure looks like a good time Paul.

Along with a bit of carpenter work, I'm hoping to get in on some of that fun.

We are packing today for the trip "North".

Thanks for turning the heat up!!!!

Woke up to +3*C this morning !!!

Daytime highs all above 0*C this week.

20 this morning when I got up, gonna hit 60's though, maybe 70 tomorrow and thursday!

spring is here I'd say! time to break out the fire gear

67* here right now!!

Supposed to be nice here in the Twin [bleep] today. Off to buy a riding mower today. Looking at some used Craftsman stuff. Gonna roll the dice on a used one. Just can't bring my self to buy a new one and pay full retail. Sometimes it sucks to be a cheap-azzed bastid!

Got a 15 horse Craftsman (MTD) for $400.00. 'Hope to get a couple years out of it without having to put the first repairs into it.

Deck bearings, good blades, belt tension spring, clean the carb, change oil, air the tires, check deck level, battery..... That's about it.

How does one replace deck bearings? Do I have to drop the deck and pull it out from under the mower to work on it? (Guessing I do)

I would reach under (when not running) and grab the blades, jerk em around and feel for play in the shafts.

They are likely aluminum spindle housings. The bearings are likely inexpensive sealed roller bearings, maybe a couple dollars each, very common size. The housing may or may not have grease fittings.

I like to take these apart, remove from deck (yes the deck has to come out from under the mower). take the nut off the top of the pulley on each housing and the spindle should drop through. Then you can take the bearings out if you wish.

I like to take the bearings out, replace if bad. Either way, before putting the bearings back in I will use a pocket knife or small screw driver and pop the seal off of one side of the sealed bearing, now you can pack it with grease. The seal you remove, dont put it back on, toss it. install the bearings in the housing with the open side of the bearing facing in, have the sealed side of the bearing facing out. If the housing doesn't have grease fitting, drill a hole in the side of the housing and install a grease fitting. You can drill and tap if you like or drill and just spin in a zerk or use the press in style, I like the threaded ones.

Try to put it in a handy spot where you will be able to access it when mower is reassembled.

That's what I used to do with our mower decks to give them a better shot at surviving.

Probably overkill.

Here in bright sunny Navarre Beach,Florida for a few days visiting with our daughter from Houston,Texas,her husband and our lovely 15 year old grand daughter.
Lovely condo on the beach,13th. Floor.great view.
I fell asleep sitting in the sun at the pool yesterday.having a great time.
Oops! Time to go to the hot tub.have a great day.

Stan in SC

ND nailed it. If you want an easier but not as good of a result, buy a grease needle for your gun and pump a little grease through the seal. It works well but not as good as a replacement.
$0.02

Thanks guys. I'm off work today and should have time to putz with this. 'Just couldn't bring my self to spend big bucks on a better mower. When push comes to shove, I end up buying most of my stuff used. We're in this house for about 5-10 more years. Hoping if I baby this mower, it's the last one I have to buy.

Just don't let the kids use it, then you'll be fine.

Hope everybody is doing well. Early March was up at the Angle. We did okay slowest year for us, but still did better then most. Then i went to Devils lake. Tough fishing, perch were hard to find. Walleye bite was decent.I was out there when it was super warm we knew the bite on Devils was tough this year. We were hoping the warm weather might get the fish going. Overall from what i heard all over the state was a tough winter for fishing. Except for RED.

Know just waiting for Ice off at the house.

No fishing here. The ice is pulling back from the shore in some spots. I'd love to get out tomorrow and bust off a few rounds of ammo and ride some logging roads on the wheeler though.

I took the kids out yesterday after some trout, not a bite but we had fun. temps were in the 70's and there were people swimming on the beach 100 yards away

no thanks, the ice left the lake 2 weeks ago, lol. I bet that water was COLD regardless of what the air temp was.

I pulled my house off the lake (Lake of the Woods) today. Still about 4' of ice but I'm getting busy at home now so it was time.

Slow year up there. A person really had to work at it to get a limit.

I posted this over on the fishing forum, but I know lots of the Minnesota boys hang out here. Does anyone fish Lake Osakis? We're thinking about trying it for opener.

GG, I have never fished it put have buddies that do.I know they have talked about a good crappie population I'll ask them about the eyes.

Thanks NoDuck!

I hope I get the boat finished in time for da opener!! new water pump/impeller this week I hope.

I'll be putting a new bow mount trolling motor, rod holders, and a bow locator. maybe if I get real ambitious I'll put some interior LED lighting.

Was out fishing yesterday, still lots of "blue" ice. Right down to the powerhead, with the extension on/in !!!

2 of us caught 6 nice walleyes & a ling.

Fresh feesh for supper tonight !

I took the boy up north to the deer camp to get rid of some spring fever. We went up to ride some logging roads on the wheeler and go scouting in the new spot. The problem was that Tom forgot about the state shutting the gate until the frost comes out.

so we had a minimal amount of riding/scouting. We did go on a bit of an adventure and found a cabin in the middle of the woods. I'm not 100% it's supposed to be there...but it is. They're damn good at building too. I have no idea how the materials got to where the cabin was built, but it's cool cabin. About 1/2 mile off the road and under a heavy spruce planting from about 30 years ago.

We also shot the hell out some guns. Jack fired 40-50 rounds down the barrel of his new Ruger American Compact .223. He's in love with it, and actually, so am I. What a blast that gun is to shoot. We also blew about $60 in .410 shells.

We meaning Jack.

And about 1/2 a brick of 22lr's. He wore us both out! What much needed day in the woods though. and I got to spend time with my best buddy.

Originally Posted by tzone

I took the boy up north to the deer camp to get rid of some spring fever. We went up to ride some logging roads on the wheeler and go scouting in the new spot. The problem was that Tom forgot about the state shutting the gate until the frost comes out.

so we had a minimal amount of riding/scouting. We did go on a bit of an adventure and found a cabin in the middle of the woods. I'm not 100% it's supposed to be there...but it is. They're damn good at building too. I have no idea how the materials got to where the cabin was built, but it's cool cabin. About 1/2 mile off the road and under a heavy spruce planting from about 30 years ago.

We also shot the hell out some guns. Jack fired 40-50 rounds down the barrel of his new Ruger American Compact .223. He's in love with it, and actually, so am I. What a blast that gun is to shoot. We also blew about $60 in .410 shells.

We meaning Jack.

And about 1/2 a brick of 22lr's. He wore us both out! What much needed day in the woods though. and I got to spend time with my best buddy.

Awesome!

It was awesome. Never skip a chance to spend time with da kiddos.

good on you Tom, they will remember it when they get older. I try to do the same.

I'm glad I don't need to worry about opener anymore. we fish year round here

Uber

Tom !!

Osakis is a good opener lake. I will get back to ya.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I posted this over on the fishing forum, but I know lots of the Minnesota boys hang out here. Does anyone fish Lake Osakis? We're thinking about trying it for opener.

A buddy at work has a place on it. He does well for walleye. You want me to get some info for you? He is a walleye FANATIC, so probably has some good location tips.

If he's a walleye fanatic...you ain't getting any "tips".

Kinda what I was thinking Tom !

he may give a few fishin spots, but he won't be in em

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I posted this over on the fishing forum, but I know lots of the Minnesota boys hang out here. Does anyone fish Lake Osakis? We're thinking about trying it for opener.

A buddy at work has a place on it. He does well for walleye. You want me to get some info for you? He is a walleye FANATIC, so probably has some good location tips.

Anything would be helpful. Thanks, Goalie et al.

has anyone ever remodeled an aluminum boat? I got a 14' aluminum V hull a couple weeks ago and it doesn't leak but is in rough shape otherwise. the center bench seat was removed for some reason and it has a horrible rattlecan attempt at camo.

the exterior and painting isn't an issue, plenty of info online on that. I was thinking of gutting it, rhinoline it and start over. any advice, tips, layout ideas or anything like that from guys here? has anyone ever done anything like this? is it a waste of time?

Here's a better pic

Nathan and I refurbed our 14' lund a few years back.

fun little boats.

Originally Posted by tzone

If he's a walleye fanatic...you ain't getting any "tips".

He actually knows how bad of a fisherman I am, knows I only have a pontoon, and basically is honest due to pity.

Kinda like how I actually try to help him shoot deer instead of giving snipe-hunting tips....

any advice? are there things I should avoid doing?

Here's the inside.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

any advice? are there things I should avoid doing?

Here's the inside.

Ryan, I've done a couple boats...mostly for duck hunting. Personally, I like a floor for stability and quietness. I would pull the remaining seats, reinforce the transom, wire wheel the hull, wire it for lights, bilge, and fishfinder, then prime it with good paint that adheres with aluminum. Painting it before putting in accessories is much easier than having to tape.

Fill the boat with water and check for leaks. Alumaweld (sp?) worked for me on some loose rivets.

I like foam underneath the floor for some flotation and to deaden sound. Indoor/outdoor carpet on marine plywood floor, then pedestal seats make for a stable, roomy interior. A deck up front is nice for storage, battery, anchor system, and getting in/out at the dock. Some rod holders and you're good to go.

Love these project boats. Looking forward to seeing pics as it progresses.

How would you anchor the deck to the hull?
I have an auto restore place 2 blocks from my house, I might have them paint the exterior after I clean it all well. then going to use bedliner on the inside. all this after I go over every inch and be sure there are no leaks or anything.
I just need to figure out a layout for seats/benches and put it together how I want. bad part is I haven't fished in a boat in so long I have no idea what a good layout would be.

I have 2 kids so I want it to be rigged right where all 4 of us can go out and mama and I can each have one to look after.

Go to Lund's website and look at the different layouts for a boat your size. Kids are hard to keep still in a boat with benches. A floor with seat pedestals allows them to walk around a bit. Easier to pee when on a flat floor too.

In my experience, the weight of the floor, especially with supporting ribs underneath and everything (people, seats, gas tanks, batteries, etc.) on top will wedge itself in and be more than enough to keep it in place.

I like the two seats side by side in back and then one in the middle and another up front. The one in the middle, I offset to the opposite side of the skipper for better weight distribution. Mama sits there, older kid up front, younger one in the back with me. If just 2 are going extra person sits in offset seat.

I have bedliner on the floors of my current boat. I had a gas line crack in cold weather and gas leaked on it. The bedliner peeled right up. This after getting it down to bare metal and thoroughly scrubbing the surface with acetone. I still have it, but I am not sure I'd do it again.

Where's T-zone on this? He's owned more boats than the United States Navy!

Thinking along these lines, heck some of the work is already done for me!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Aluminum-Boat-Fishing-Conversation-and-Restoration/

That's pretty cool!

Personally, I'd skip the rino-liner. It adds a bunch of weight to the boat. If you're going to put a floor in if,why bother with what the bottom like like any way.

If it were my boat, I'd not anchor the deck to the floor at all. I'd build a frame for support, and screwing the deck to. Use 2x2's or 2x4's or make depending on how high you want the floor. Then make a template from paper or cardboard to transfer to marine grade plywood to cut the shape of the deck. Cover with marine grade or indoor/outdoor carpet depending on how much money you want to spend.? It looks like it had a deck on the front at one time. Support that frame to the sides of the boat with riveted aluminum to the height you want. I would do it level with the front bench, the run more marine grade plywood covered in carpet over that.

I like the open middle. Maybe get two or three seat peristal bases in the floor. One towards the front, one I the middle, and one in back. Then you can have a kid in each spot, but if there is dad, grandpa, and maybe one kid, then just use the middle pedistal base.

I would also use the space under the front deck for storage of anchor, life jackets, etc. you can buy hatches from cabelas or scheels, but you can make your own for a lot cheaper. They now sell bow and nav lights that are battery operated, and the clamp to the boat. I used em on my last boat and they were fine. For interrior lighting, get some battery operated LED's. That have small narrow strips that stick to the boat. They're fan-feakin-tastic!
Hopefully this helps!

dude that's exactly what i'm looking for! thank you, expect texts and calls as this project progresses as I'll likely want to pick your brain.
the more I research this and look at designs the more I'm confused but motivated, LOL.

I want something similar to this

maybe a little minor tweaking to make it to my liking better.
I will probably forgo the livewell. I'm guessing a cooler with ice/water will suffice. the hardest part is not knowing what I will like. but I plan on fully documenting the process and posting it up for everyone. I just hope I don't embarrass myself or bite off more than I can chew. I sure wish Dave lived closer! he's got a talent when it comes to projects like this.

I lost 1/2 my post last night when the stupid page reloaded since I was on my phone. Sorry. Anyway, the floor in the main part of the boat, I'd not fasten to the bottom or the sides at all. You can if you'd like. But in the past, there is always "stuff" you need to clean out of there. Sometimes it's just musty water you want to scrub, or fish slime, whatever...it stinks after a summer. If it were my boat, I'd make that center area "floating." So build your frame and attach your floor. But don't fasten it so you can pull it up for cleaning. You could even do it in two or three parts, with your pedestal bases in the center of each piece, then you can lift the piece out by the seat base.

Either split the boards or cut a 2 or 3" hole in the middle of them for water to wander through there, like the hull on a boat with a floor.

I'd skip the livewell too. It's a 14' boat, you're going to need all the space you can get with 4 people in it. I'd skip the storage in the sides as well. What are you going to keep in there? You'll need that space. I would wire a bilge in there though. Water ALWAYS gets in the boat!

As far as paint goes, Lund, Alumacraft, and Crestliner all use auto paint. You can get the codes right off of the Lund and Alumacraft website for most of the colors. It's a single stage, so pretty easy to do yourself if you have a gun. The Lund "marsh grass" would be a good color to cover up old stuff.

I now have an Alumacraft 16.5' Classic dlx. I'm adding the LED "sticky" lights I was talking about in my above post. I also put one in the box of my truck since you can't see anything in there with the tonneau cover closed. I got them at Radco in Blaine, MN. You can order them online from them. They have a battery box, that can be screwed on instead of the sticker that comes on the back. Do that.

Don't forget rod holders either. You and Kendra will at least need them to set your poles in while baiting hooks and removing fish. I think Frabill makes some that clamp onto the side of a boat like yours. I wouldn't troll with those, at least not with any larger crank baits, unless you secure them better to the hull.

How deep do you want to go? I can spend a lot of your money.

Here is the light I was talking about.

Sticky Light

I like that!

looking at boat seats, wow where does a guy start?

Fleet Farm. They have a plastic one with a soft center for the butt and back. I like the camo ones. They're likd $40/ea. They also fold down.

I have also bought them for a few deer stands.

so, if your going to put flotation under the floor, but your not going to attach the floor to the hull, wont the floor just float away, as your boat sinks?

My floor would be the last thing I'd be worried about at that point

I reckon it would give you something to hold onto

all the foam from the seats was hollowed out so they could make "storage" compartments.........

Originally Posted by fluffy

so, if your going to put flotation under the floor, but your not going to attach the floor to the hull, wont the floor just float away, as your boat sinks?

It's mostly for sound dampening. My floor is aluminum and is riveted to the ribs. It would be louder than all get out without the foam. Got foam in the back and front decks too. Boat might swamp, but it shouldn't go under. Not going to test it however.

Originally Posted by tzone

My floor would be the last thing I'd be worried about at that point

I think your missing the point,there chief.
the foam is there to keep the boat afloat,or at least not to sink to the bottom.
my old 1975 18' crestliner voyager has all the bench seats except the front one filled with foam from the factory.I have refabricated several old boats,and always try to keep flotation somewhere.
wish I had taken pics of some of the other boats Ive had,Ive redone 4-5 in the past,anywhere from a wire brushing,had a few that had been damamged,needed a few dozen rivets and patches.this one just got the seats covered in astroturf. heres a few pics of a carp spearing expedition.

[Linked Image]

heres the BIL's 20 ft Lund Alaskan layout,kind of what Ryan is looking at doing.it is a nice boat to fish out of. live well is right behind the seat my son is in.
[Linked Image]

My 14W Lund was converted to a console steer before I bought it, and appeared to have been done professionally. They bridged the front bench seat with a casting platform, tieing it into the little V shaped board mounted up in the bow. It's a nice set up as it gives you a lot of storage under the platform to get rid of all the stuff you don't frequently need like raingear, ropes, bumpers, a little drybox, etc. They put in a carpeted floor which is much nicer to walk on and much more quiet. The floor sections were removable, which is nice for getting under there to clean and maintain the hull. The console was tied into the stern side of the middle bench seat. It wouldn't have worked well for a guy with long legs, but I didn't have that problem. It was a very nice setup and well put toether. If your floor sections fit in snugly, I can't imagine that you'll ever have any trouble with them floating fee if you insulate under them. Good luck with your build.

Oh I knew exactly what you meant.

Just bought another Boat LOL. 14' Montgomery ward seaking with a 3.3 horse merc motor for $150. no trailer though, I still think it's a good deal.

Sounds like a good deal to me ! Boats are like guns, you can't own just one

I'm learning that! LOL

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Just bought another Boat LOL. 14' Montgomery ward seaking with a 3.3 horse merc motor for $150. no trailer though, I still think it's a good deal.

I sold a 14' seaking boat alone last year about this time ,for $150,so you done good.

Yep,

Got 3 & 1/2 boats, 8 working outboards & 3 functioning trolling motors !

2 & 1/2 boat trailers.

Halves = joint ownership with buddy whatshisname.

I have 2 outboards and don't want either of em!

That 3 1/2 would make a nice kicker motor. Jess sayin'

I'm hoping thats what someone wants it for. I'm gonna find me a lil 15 horse so a kicker really isn't needed, for me anyway.

I just have a 9.9 mariner,which is a yamaha motor,great little outboard.wish it was bigger,but when I price newer its good enough for the few times a year I use it

Veddy

car in my shop today, for custom exhaust !

Sounds awesome !

wow, nice!!

I think this might be Happy Birthday to Dave day!

ND, Happy 15th anniversary of your 29th birthday!!!

Hey thanks.

Yeah, I like this birthday stuff.

I'm gonna roll with it for a while.

Happy Birthday Dave.

Hope the family look after you.

The whole works, you know, slippers, cold beer & ribs. Gotta have ribses !

'69 Camaro, excellent restoration & paint, filled with a crate motor.

Yeah, that 572 has some horses. Went for a ride with the customer, after we were finished. We were cruising at 60, he punched it, & we were sideways in a heartbeat.

Almost didn't feel safe, even in a 5 point harness.

Breaks traction, way to easily for my liking, but cool car, for sure.

Don't think the guy will have a licence beyond the summer !

Happy Birthday,Dave.

On quite another note,I bought a Handi rifle in .300 AAC Blackout yesterday.Gonna be fun on the reloading and accuracy testing.Got such a good deal I couldn't pass it up.

Stan in SC

It's still my fake birthday?? Wow! Awesome! 3 days in a row haha!!

At this rate,you'll catch up to Ingwe soon

It's not my birthday, Rick just knows how much I like cake, so he put one by my name.

mmmmm, cake.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Happy Birthday,Dave.

On quite another note,I bought a Handi rifle in .300 AAC Blackout yesterday.Gonna be fun on the reloading and accuracy testing.Got such a good deal I couldn't pass it up.

Stan in SC

lemme know if you need any reloading goodies for that, I get the stuff to load before I got one, and now I'm rethinking it. if I could score a good deal on a Handirifle I might still get a 300 aac AND a .308

http://www.evergladesammo.com/308-150gr-plated-fmj-bullets.html

here's a great deal on a bunch of plinker bullets if kept at low velocities

I have an early 80's (best I can figure) 3.3 Mercury outboard in fairly good shape. anyone know what one of these might be worth? ballpark

Check Craiglist or Ebay. If you can find one similar, it would be a place to start for pricing it.

Time to get started here. The invasion of the In-Laws is in 5 hours. The ham's on cooking, got to help Momma get the house in order.

As we all gather with friends and family, I'd like to wish a very Happy Easter to our "family" here. May the new day find all of us in good health, good spirits, and enjoying the moment.

Happy Easter to all!!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Check Craiglist or Ebay. If you can find one similar, it would be a place to start for pricing it.

tried that and used motor dealers

A very Happy Easter to all here.

Ryan, Grab a Gun and Bud's Gun Shop have closeouts on .300 Blk Handi rifles right now. If you decide not to go that route please let me know what you have in the way of reloading stuff for that round.
Remington has ceased production on all H&R Handi rifles. There will be no more.
If you get a .308 Handi please be aware that they are infamous for FTF due to light strike. I bought one several months ago and quickly sold it after having lots of problems with it. And I have a 45/70 Handi and love it. I was pretty disappointed with the .308.
Now my Baikal over/under in 12 Gauge over .308 is a wonderful rifle. I hunt with it almost exclusively.

Stan in SC

are they the threaded ones? I am waiting on my .30 cal suppressor and want a dedicated rife for it. first instinct was 300 blk but then I figure why not have a .308 so I can go bigger if I want?
I ordered 1k of the bullets I linked above, and can use those, but I already got a set of lee dies for it, and I have a local guy I can buy 500 pieces of brass from for 100 bucks. I delayed on the brass but can pick some up if you want. the dies I don't think I'll need. pm me if you're interested

All 0f the H&R (AAC) Handi rifles are threaded.I sent you a PM.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Happy Birthday,Dave.

On quite another note,I bought a Handi rifle in .300 AAC Blackout yesterday.Gonna be fun on the reloading and accuracy testing.Got such a good deal I couldn't pass it up.

Stan in SC

Hi! Happy Easter everybody!!

We had a great family day here with all the kids home, an Easter egg hunt, a great meal, good laughs, it was a great time.

Now Stan, what in the world is a 300 AAC Blackout?

Is that as sinister as it sounds? Long case or short?

What's it do? when did it come about? I've been living under a rock, i've not heard of it.

Dave,300 Blackout is basically a .223 case necked out to .30 caliber.It was designed to allow the military to load larger projectiles into an existing brass.Advanced Armament Company developed it at the same time the 300 Whisper (same thing) was coming into being.
Lots of pluses to this round including the ability to load sub-sonic rounds. I became interested in it about a year ago and have done mucho reading up on it. Do some google on it and read. It is neat.
Imagine a 220 grain round at about 1100 FPS and inherently accurate. Great deer round with little recoil and lots of accuracy out to long yardage.
The Handi rifle in 300 Blckout looks like a toy.

Stan in SC

Thanks a lot Stan. I've got a Blackout in an AR but the Handi being cheap and short will be great on the front rack of my Rokon.

I haven't heard much about the black out but in a handi-rifle it could be some fun!

I'm loving the kids' .223, I'm going to try to get a full sized version for myself I think.

Grabagun is closing out .300 Blackout Handi rifles out for $219 plus $5.99 shipping.
Bud's Gun Shop is also closing them out.
Tzone, this would be a perfect caliber for your kids as well as much fun for daddy.

Stan in SC

dang Stan, I might be needing them dies back

that's a hell of a deal, but I think I'm gonna stick with the .308. it will do everything the 300 AAC will do and more.

one of them 300's would be sexy with my new suppressor on it though!

had a big ol gobbler at 12' this morning. no shot cause I was using a bow, but man did that group make the ground rumble when they gobbled. what a rush!

anyone else going turkey hunting this spring? firearms season opens tomorrow out here. archery opened last weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

I haven't heard much about the black out but in a handi-rifle it could be some fun!

I'm loving the kids' .223, I'm going to try to get a full sized version for myself I think.

I was impressed enough with the .223 using the TSX bullets on deer this year that I got a few more.

The Colt 6920 may be getting an Aimpoint PRO or something on it, but it shoots really well with irons or a detachable scope mount and a Weaver fixed 4.75x Grand Slam so far. The Savage Axis was under 200 bucks out the door with a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal. It shoots well enough that I may replace the trigger.

you know you can shoot them before they get that close right?

I'd love to get a kimber in one. I'll prolly just get the full sized ruger tho. the Rem 700 mt rifle in .280rem I got yesterday will have to do for awhile. I'm a sucker for .280's. it has a ginormous Burris 4.5-14x42 scope on it. if anyone would like to buy it for cheap let me know.

I would

Originally Posted by tzone

it has a ginormous Burris 4.5-14x42 scope on it. if anyone would like to buy it for cheap let me know.

Burris or Hubble????

It's a hubble jr. Lol

define " cheap"

Well it's been spoken for.

😄

If number one guy falls through Ryan dibs'it.

Apparently guys like cheap stuff.

being cheap helps, but I'm looking for that scope exactly! lol

Time to get out to the garage and get the boat ready. This weather's gonna break for good real soon here, and I want to be ready to start getting some crappies. It appears the mice pretty much left the boat alone last winter. No major projects this spring. Replace the winch rope and anchor rope. Pick up a new spare tire. The battery needs replaced, but that's about it. I've got a swivel seat that's been sitting out there since last year. Might mount that up, but that's about it. 'Pulled all the bells and whistles out of my little 14 ft. Lund last year. 10 years of no use had let the critters have their way. Yanked all the wiring, bought a couple of those flashlight style running lights, and called it done. No switches to trouble shoot, no rotting wood floors to repair. Basic is good sometimes. It's time to go fishin'.

Amen! I agree that simple is a great way to go. I started stripping my boat yesterday, remember the lund with the rattlecan camo job? she's starting to look respectable again. mama said we're going on the water today, so I better get my stickers on there and get it back on the trailer. I had to stop early last night so I could make it to the Pheasants Forever Banquet. I won a henry goldenboy lever action .22. first thing I have ever won, so that was cool.

walleyes are biting so I might see if we can snag a few of them today

Congrats on the rifle and good luck with the walleyes! I assume photos will be coming as your boat project advances....

been taking pics, front blew in before we could make it out on the water. high winds and cold, girls would rather stay in, no argument here! so I'll get some paperwork done for work, and try to work on the boat some more.

Originally Posted by tzone

o. the Rem 700 mt rifle in .280rem I got yesterday will have to do for awhile

Nice! About the best thing Remington ever did, imo. I put a 6x36 LR on the one I gave my nephew. (It had a two pound Pentax on it when I picked it up.) His is a two-sebbnty though, 280 is more uberer.

Hoping to hit the water this weekend. The old Lund is in need of some time on the water, and so is this old phardt. The crappies are calling......

Progress report on the black Betty project.

Its done.

[Linked Image]

Looking great. Congrats to both of you on a fine job.

wow, that is awesome!

my truck next?

The two of you should be proud and very happy with the results.....

Superb!!!

That looks great!

Stan in SC

I would have got to see that truck today if Nate's need for GF time didn't send him home before I could get to where it was.

Looks UBER Dave and Nate!

another outstanding job, from

[Linked Image]

By the way, when I searched for Shaw Classic Auto Works, only reference was to here on the fire.
you should have all your pics on your website too, Dave and your name and logo.

link to logo

That truck is frickin awesome!!!

Dave-have you been out to check on Chickenbuck? I just saw that the fire is 80% contained. You guys okay up there? Did it make it into your hunting area?

Congratulations Boys.

A wonderful, shared result !!

Bam
A
Lam!

Jack gives a thumbs up and says Nate's truck is BA.

Originally Posted by fluffy

By the way, when I searched for Shaw Classic Auto Works, only reference was to here on the fire.
you should have all your pics on your website too, Dave and your name and logo.

link to logo

No website, hell, I don't even have a business card!

Right now the work is coming at the right pace with zero advertising.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-have you been out to check on Chickenbuck? I just saw that the fire is 80% contained. You guys okay up there? Did it make it into your hunting area?

We are all good out there. Fire was close but the camp was spared.

Good news on Chickenbuck and Great Great Job on the Old truck. Kinda jealous of Nate I think I would look good in that truck.

That truck even makes ME look good when I get in it! Lol!

edit: Well, at least it makes me feel good.

It's class all the way.

What a great project for you and your son...even if it's sort of a "busman's holiday". Great work none-the-less, part elbow grease, part pure art.

Leaving before dawn for trout and turkey camp. I think this is our 31st year. Wall tent, stove, wild game dinners, libations, and hopefully no freakin' snow. It's been almost exactly 6 months since deer camp. I need to do something manly - fart when I want, pee where I want, and spit for no good reason. It's been a long, cold, and hard winter.

That truck makes me wonder what you could do with my mini-van......

ANZAC DAY 2015 - Tribute to the brave who served & gave so much, for us to be free !

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

"Lest we Forget" !

ready for prom!

[Linked Image]

He'll be camouflaged with that tux on!

Ok, before anybody says it...

Yes, he is getting tall. But in all fairness he is wearing cowboy boots and I am wearing flat house slippers.

lol!

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ty%20prom/prom%20day%204_zpsgykzu8h8.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ty%20prom/prom%20day%209_zpsvg3mxhf0.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e...ty%20prom/prom%20day%208_zps7jsq3jvz.jpg[/img]

That is soo cool !

Congratulations Nate & you too Dave (& Pam).

Wow, I would drive that truck in a heartbeat! He looks like a satisfied camper.

Originally Posted by goalie

That truck makes me wonder what you could do with my mini-van......

White Bear is better equipped to handle the mini van. He's got an excavator...

My old computer crashed and I lost a lot of my pics. I'll dig around and see if I can find my mini-van vs. excavator pics.

BTW I'm up to a couple of excavators and a dozer or two so I'm well equipped to handle a mini-van, or full-sized for that matter.

Thank you photobucket.

Is that going on or off the trailer?

Both. It was very enjoyable moving this vehicle around in such a manner considering the previous owner.

I'm jealous. I want to play with big toys everyday!

Happy Birthday Rooster!

Happy Birthday, Rooster.

Stan in SC

HBD Roosta!

Well, turkey/trout camp was sort of a bust game wise. Turkeys were hurt bad by the hard winter. 40" of snow on the level there. Coyotes did the rest. Seems the Toms shutdown after leaving the roost because the coyotes dial in on them. Heavy snows meant no food for the turkeys or coyotes, so the dogs keyed in on them. We had a huge pack sounding off around us every night. Trout were hard to come by too. Cold water, big steelhead and suckers in the traditional holes kind of tunred them off.

We ate very well. Lake perch, deer heart, tenderloins, backstrap, Bloody Marys with homemade pickles, smoked round of venison, taters, you name it. Awesome!

Came home to coach my boys little league game. Ended up in the ER. My kid took a hot one-hopper to the pie hole. Split his lip wide open on the inside. Had to get stitched. He took it without anesthesia. Tough little bugger. Looks like he went a coupla rounds with Tyson though. His meals the next few days will come through a straw. And so it goes...

Oh man. I hope he heals up quick. We are a little light on the turkeys so far too.

Here in South Carolina turkey season started April 1st. and ended April 30th.Seems like everywhere else that the turkeys have been hurt a lot by depredations of coyotes as well as other predators.Add to that the rainy weather and my season was a total bust.

Stan in SC

Hope your boy gets better, that had ta hurt!

I got my gobbler last sunday, had about an 8" beard. right after I shot I saw gobblerzilla come out from behind a slash pile 30' away. his beard was almost on the ground and he was huge. oh well, so it goes!
saw the first brood of goslings on the reservoir last night, kinda cool to see it all starting again.

knock knock....?

Who's there?

Bertha.

Bertha? Bertha who?

Bertha deer camp.

lol

The shaw-be-kew must have a cooler of beverages next to it.

Prom night again?

(edited for content)

Yep, last prom for our bunch for 2015.

We just got home.

Thanks for the B-day wishes!

CFT I hope your boy heals quick!

We lost this guy 2 years ago.

I don't have a bunch of words prepared for how much we miss Dusty. I suppose it should go without saying that it's quite a lot.

We will do our best to pick up this smile of his and run with it this summer, I'm certain he'd like that a lot.

[Linked Image]

Its hard to beleive Dusty moved on 2 years ago already. The times i've met him at chickenbuck were lots of fun and very touching. He was definetly one that touched a person and a guy that will always be watching over chickenbuck. I think of him every time we come out there. had very fun times just listening to his stories! Just light IT!!

Came across this one on saturday while going through an old album on the laptop

Those are good words Dave...honor his memory by remembering the way he lived, with a smile. The picture says a thousand words.

Ryan's pic is telling too...the young learning from the wise old sage.

It also gives me heartburn. Christian Brothers brandy and Doritos?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Those are good words Dave...honor his memory by remembering the way he lived, with a smile. The picture says a thousand words.

Dave, CFT hit the "bent" nail, right on the head.

These are my thoughts exactly !

I was thinking about him yesterday...without remembering the actual date. He must have been reminding me!

There are a lot of things to remember about him but the one that sticks in my mind the most is that smile that shines through everything, and that laugh. Man o man that laugh! Kind of weird maybe but I can hear plain as day.

I'll put up some pics I have tonight after I get home.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Came across this one on saturday while going through an old album on the laptop

Who in the world was drinking all that miller high life?

I reckon the fella who took the picture.

I came across some others... a few even had a bears head on them

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Who in the world was drinking all that miller high life?

High life? Never heard of it. Tell me more.

One of my fav's of Uncle Dusty.
[Linked Image]

Boat project update -
been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest at work lately so working on the boat has been spotty. but I did get some info online. I been looking on the tinboats.net forum on the internet, lots of good tips there.

here she is as we were stripping her down.

Primered

Painted, with my helper in the background

did another coat today after work, going to polish the side rails and flip her and put her under the carport for the floor and seats hopefully this weekend. (fingers crossed we don't get a foot of snow)

Looking good, Ryan.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan, how them bullets shoot?

Looking good Ryan.

I've been farting around with mine as well. Pulled the ancient Motorguide trolling motor off and put on a new Minnkota 50# power drive V2 and quick release plate. I'm going to put in some interior LED lighting, another locator in the front, 4 rod holders, battery charger, a bass style seat in the front, and maybe try to insulate the live well and use at least 1/2 of it for a cooler.

Ryan,
I had to get some brass from the factory ammo. I shot the new rifle Monday and got some brass which I processed and reloaded Wednesday night. I loaded four different bullet weights. I will let you know how they do.
Thanks for asking.

Stan in SC

we're getting snowed in out here. 8-12" in the forcast,
this was taken 2 minutes ago out my side window.

WOW !! Thats crazy !

Ryan-better you than me buddy! Heading out to mow the grass-in my shorts!

I've already done that twice this year, that's what makes this so freaky. it was 78 one day in january.

welcome to the black hills, you never know what it's gonna do!

Heard on the news this morning that some out your way got 22" of snow. Did you end up with that much Ryan?

Well you can keep it! I watched the boys cut the grass on Saturday and boy...am I wore out!

we got a foot here, after getting an inch and a half of rain.

can you say mud soup?

Hi all. Havent been around much. not too much new. finally replaced my boat so the kids are excited to have one again. i havent had time to get it out on the water yet, i hope it floats! i see Ryan is also in a boat project...looking good Ryan! i hope everyone else is doing well.

Hello everyone!!! Been a long time since I have posted anything. Although I have been following. Things have been crazy busy lately.
I leave for Ithaca NY on Friday. We will be spending Saturday night In Michigan, Sunday and Monday night at Niagara Falls ( so I can take 200 or more pictures to make up for the ones I lost last fall), then off to Ithaca to get my friends daughter from Cornell University. The campus itself is so majestic. Going to miss the swingers club in Cleveland this trip though. LOL
We really need to plan a Chickenbuck weekend.

Boat project is moving slow, can't find a darn motor for it out here. I'm looking for a 15-20ish HP tiller and I can find lots in the 2-6 hp range, but absolutely nothing close to what I want. as far as I know the closest one is in bozeman mt!
I'll try to do a little looking in lakes country when I go to help grandma at the end of this month, wrong time of year to be buying one though I know that.

Ryan-what are you looking for in a motor? Short shaft or long shaft? Make? Vintage? It's a tough time to find a motor right now, as lots of stuff probably traded hands right before the opener, but I'll keep my eyes open for you and keep you posted.

I'm pretty sure I need a short shaft, but I guess a long would work? maybe?
don't care about the make, prefer something 1990 or newer, although 80's wouldn't be bad. been looking on craigslist in fargo, will continue to do so until I leave. my Uncle has a 9.9 I can buy from him, but I'm wanting something a little bigger if possible.

ryan, heres a nice looking 15.

http://stcloud.craigslist.org/boa/5022590466.html

WOW that is perfect! Thanks Buschy, I'll send them an email. blackduck is a ways from DL but I might be able to swing it if he can meet me part way. thanks!

All this boat restoration/modification stuff got me motivated to finally convert a stand-up freezer I got for free into something a little more, eh, useful, for the shop.....

A drill, a keg, a tap, an old hockey stick shaft, and a puck.

My hunting buddy before we headed off to see RUSH last night:

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

ryan, heres a nice looking 15.

http://stcloud.craigslist.org/boa/5022590466.html

That's about as good as it gets right there!

http://kovashmarine.com/moorhead-mn-outboard-motors.htm

Here is another place to look that will be on your way to grandma's house Ryan. Looks like he's got a 20 for under a grand.

*Edit* Never mind. I just looked at the Buschmeisters add. That's a heck of a deal!

Originally Posted by goalie

All this boat restoration/modification stuff got me motivated to finally convert a stand-up freezer I got for free into something a little more, eh, useful, for the shop.....

A drill, a keg, a tap, an old hockey stick shaft, and a puck.

My hunting buddy before we headed off to see RUSH last night:

I think ND needs the same thing in his shop

i think we all need that for our shop or living room!! Now get a big wild Logo for the front of it as well!.. LOOOks great!

i hope thats a stand up fridge and not a freezer as well. i hate beercicles!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

i hope thats a stand up fridge and not a freezer as well. i hate beercicles!

It is a freezer. You buy a digital external temperature control that uses a probe inside to allow the freezer to only cycle enough to keep it whatever temp you want. I have been keeping it at 39 degrees, and, since it is insulated like a freezer (better than a fridge) it barely has to cycle to stay cold unless I open the door.

The freezer was free from a neighbor, and the thermostat was about 80 bucks. Not too bad of a deal, and it's better than converting a chest freezer, as I don't have to lift full kegs in and out over a wall three feet high.

Goalie,

That is "da bomb" !!

That beer tasting frothy already. I m drooling!

You're drooling cuz you already had a few beers!

Have fun out east!

No time for that hardly anymore Tom. Was in Fargo last night again for daughters Bball practice. be back in MPLS this weekend for another tournament in Maple Grove again. She has practice in fargo every wednesday and then tournaments have been in the cities almost every weekend since first of april. had lots of running.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

No time for that hardly anymore Tom. Was in Fargo last night again for daughters Bball practice. be back in MPLS this weekend for another tournament in Maple Grove again. She has practice in fargo every wednesday and then tournaments have been in the cities almost every weekend since first of april. had lots of running.

She has practice in Fargo?? What league is she in that requires that far of a drive?

You could at least call me when you get in this area and maybe I could bring the beer to you!

She plays on an AAU basketball team out of Fargo. most trips are to the cities. Its a fun, fast paced, high intensity & impact league that gets all around attention from scouts and so on. Alot of great players in this league makes it really fun to watch. PLays teams from wisconsin, ND, SD, Manitoba, Iowa so far. Was supposed to be going to South Dakota this weekend to play but that got canceled and they were going ot send us to Omaha, but we got into one in Mpls instead. Got a call before lunch today and another team recruited her to play tomorrow night in Bloomington and then saturday evening and sunday will be her regular team playing in Maple grove. Its very similar to what they call CheckBook Hockey from what i am finding out. Hey T, I'll be down that way tomorrow now!

Dave, I sent you a PM with info on a nice pre-60 Savage 99EG I saw for sale.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

She plays on an AAU basketball team out of Fargo. most trips are to the cities. Its a fun, fast paced, high intensity & impact league that gets all around attention from scouts and so on. Alot of great players in this league makes it really fun to watch. PLays teams from wisconsin, ND, SD, Manitoba, Iowa so far. Was supposed to be going to South Dakota this weekend to play but that got canceled and they were going ot send us to Omaha, but we got into one in Mpls instead. Got a call before lunch today and another team recruited her to play tomorrow night in Bloomington and then saturday evening and sunday will be her regular team playing in Maple grove. Its very similar to what they call CheckBook Hockey from what i am finding out. Hey T, I'll be down that way tomorrow now!

Buschy-we had a daughter playing fastpitch and did that traveling grind. Lots of windshield time, but they get seen by lots of people that can lead to scholarships down the road. Are you still in town on Sunday? Maybe I could come up for a quick meet and greet and watch a game or two? Maybe I can match up with Tom. (Don't listen to what the SWAT boys say-he's totally safe in public.)

Hey guys, I just read this today. Sorry I didn't check back sooner. That would have been fun. Be back down in 2 weeks again for another tournament. Daughter went 3 for 4 this s weekend. Ended up 3rd place which was good.

our forecast is calling for snow again tomorrow, is this for real?

forecasters can't get anything right

Hey Dave, you do much aluminum welding? I'm thinking of doing the frame for my deck on the boat project. I have a friends millermatic 130XP, it's set for steel, would it work with aluminum?

Kind of need 2 bottles, a spool gun would be nice too. I'm not familiar with that one so I don't know if it would feed the aluminum fast enough. But if its set up for steel its got the wrong gas bottle.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

forecasters can't get anything right

Hey Dave, you do much aluminum welding? I'm thinking of doing the frame for my deck on the boat project. I have a friends millermatic 130XP, it's set for steel, would it work with aluminum?

I'm not a welder but I play one on TV. (Actually I work for a mfg company that welds both steel and alum)

You will need to run straight Argon gas and probably find a place to rent you a spool gun. It is unlikely that alum will feed properly in the existing gun.

Or you could consider drilling holes and using buck rivets and silicone

Ryan,

Send a PM to cross. He's the welding guru. He's got a shop on his property in AZ.

I think I might have to just go with rivets, making the welder work sounds like it's gonna be spendy. even then I'd have to relearn to weld aluminum. if I did stuff like this frequently I would invest in it, but a one time shot doesn't make sense.

Thanks Guys!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Thank you,Ryan.
The same to everyone from me.

Stan in SC

Same from me! Be safe everyone!

Me and the young boys are headed out on the lake at 0500 tomorrow for a few hours before the festivities start!

And from Oklahoma !

Was planning on fishing but most of the lakes are closed because of too much water ?

We were successful this morning. The motor battery died at some point during the night so I had to do a quick boat landing swap with the trolling motor battery but that was fine. There was only a bit of wind so we had a nice drift going. Just used the regular motor to move back to the spot.

Me and two boys caught maybe a dozen crappies and bluegill in a few hours. Not fast and furious but fun.

Tom,
A great way to spend a holiday weekend.

Stan in SC

Rained all weekend here, worked on the boat a bit. listened to the AM radio and oldies music in the garage. they had several memorial day tributes playing. kids played in the yard popping in from time to time to lend a hand or ask what I was doing. sipped on a couple coors lights in the afternoon. made homemade pizzas and watched a movie last night before bed.

Little colorado loves having her picture taken, not afraid to ham it up. I sealed the wood shown in resin last night to seal it good. I placed it in as a mock up to show what it will look like. carpet will go in this evening hopefuly.

Progress!

Man Ryan, she is quite the lil' cutie !!

Must take after Mom.

Thank you! and yes she definitely gets her good looks from her mom!
hoping to get a bunch done on the boat this evening but I have a big day tomorrow I need to concentrate on. fingers crossed it all goes well!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a big day tomorrow I need to concentrate on. fingers crossed it all goes well!

Did your big day go well?

still waiting to hear the final result, but it's looking really great so far!

Ryan-
What's your plans for replacing the floatation from your boat? Especiall from the middle seat that was removed. Considering doing a very similar conversion on my 14 ft. Lund.

Ryan, did you find a motor yet? heres another. maybe a bit small for you but looks good.

http://www.lakestatefishing.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=88262&forum=126

Hard to tell from the photo Buschy, but it's described as a "kicker" !

They are usually long shaft.

i didnt look real close at that. i dont even see the tiller handle now that you say that. i happen to have a kicker on my boat.

well if it's an actual "kicker" it will probably have a deeper gear ratio as well. Sometime guys just call em "kickers" but they're 9.9 or 8hp motors.

that one is probably just an 8hp. It's 2 stroke for one. Suzuki is a hellova motor though.

Hello Bertha...

Deer camp.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hello Bertha...

Deer camp.

Where the heck you been man ?!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hello Bertha...

Deer camp.

I see what you did there !

Hello Bertha owner/author.

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hello Bertha...

Deer camp.

Where the heck you been man ?!

Hey Muley,

your sig line, still cracks me up !

How the heck is "tougher than woodpecker lips" doing ?

Right now he's beating the hell out a Nana's throw pillows! lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a big day tomorrow I need to concentrate on. fingers crossed it all goes well!

Did your big day go well?

well as it turned out it went well. I got a new Job offer today and took it, big bump in pay and they provide a house. I'll be managing 28k+ acres for wildlife in western SD.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Ryan-
What's your plans for replacing the floatation from your boat? Especiall from the middle seat that was removed. Considering doing a very similar conversion on my 14 ft. Lund.

I used 1 1/4"angle aluminum for supports under the 1/2" ply and between it I glued 1" closed cell foam insulation board between the supports. between the seats I'll replace the old stuff and fill with the same foam I used for the floor. I found a lot of great info on tinboats.net on what to do. they have a formula for how much foam you need and I think I'm over the minimum by a lil bit.I'd be happy to give you more info if you'd like.

Buschy- I got an 85 9.8 hp merc from my uncle. just been serviced and ready to go. traded my 3.3 with a little bit of cash, he practically gave it to me.
hopefully the maiden voyage is next week. fingers crossed!

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hello Bertha...

Deer camp.

Where the heck you been man ?!

Working, saving old hot rods.

Trying to pay the bills, keep the lights in.

My god its hard on an old body.

That's OK though, my biggest thing is trying to work hard enough so I can get a free minute to do something fun with the wife and kids, lol.

We had a string of graduation ceremonies and parties to go to this spring, always fun.

Looking forward to the first mowing trip out at camp chicken buck.

Congrats Ryan, sounds like a great deal, will you be moving then too? sounds like you get some good hunting land now then too!

I will be moving 8 miles, so it will be easy. not sure if we're going to sell our house or rent it. might just sell so we don't have to worry about it.

I also drew a black hills bull elk tag. had less than 1% chance at it. I think I'm gonna buy a powerball ticket now

Congrats Ryan! Sounds like a heck of an opportunity!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a big day tomorrow I need to concentrate on. fingers crossed it all goes well!

Did your big day go well?

well as it turned out it went well. I got a new Job offer today and took it, big bump in pay and they provide a house. I'll be managing 28k+ acres for wildlife in western SD.

Congrats Ryan.

Now the big question.... Is this going to screw up my deer hunting or make it better?

Look into selling it. You'll be close at only 8 miles away but you'll be the man of the hour...ANY HOUR to fix something if it goes wrong. We're all fairly handy around here but at 3am I'm damn sure not going to go look at a furnace.

Ryan,
A well deserved I'm sure CONGRATULATIONS on the new employment.

Stan in SC

Wow cool! Congrats Ryan! Sounds awesome!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I have a big day tomorrow I need to concentrate on. fingers crossed it all goes well!

Did your big day go well?

well as it turned out it went well. I got a new Job offer today and took it, big bump in pay and they provide a house. I'll be managing 28k+ acres for wildlife in western SD.

Congrats Ryan.

Now the big question.... Is this going to screw up my deer hunting or make it better?

Better

worst case just more options for tags.

I read your FB post with some details. I'm very excited for you, fantastic!

What a beautiful place to live and work, doing what you love. Very cool.

Thanks Dave!

we need to get you out here to fill some tags one day

Now I gotta go to the face books and check it out!

Congrats Ryan!!

Thanks Guys! I'm excited!
almost done with the boat project, I'll get some more pics up in a bit

Speaking of boats . Went out this weekend and my trolling motor head is busted up really bad its been cracked for several years and is a little small for my boat . Thinking about a Motor guide digital in 80# thrust . Thoughts idies ?

Originally Posted by mule1

Speaking of boats . Went out this weekend and my trolling motor head is busted up really bad its been cracked for several years and is a little small for my boat . Thinking about a Motor guide digital in 80# thrust . Thoughts idies ?

That'll pull that boat around like a sumbish

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Ryan,
A well deserved I'm sure CONGRATULATIONS on the new employment.

Stan in SC

+ 1, Ryan !

I'd skip the motorguide if it were me and go with the same from Minnkota. The quality comparison side by side is pretty easy to spot.

It's pretty tough to find a motorguide around here.

As far as an 80#'er, that will push you along great and being 24v, should give you a full day, or nearly so, of fishing.

I agree with T, tough to beat a Minnkota.... I have just a 74 pound 24v on the front of my boat and a 70 pound 24v on the back and have yet to run out of juice on a day of fishing.

T- you been fishing 'eyes much yet?

I've been out almost every weekend on local lakes. Last weekend I hit the Chippewa Flowage, but didn't fare well there. It was weird, it's a wonderful lake, full of walleyes, but it was cold and I couldn't get em to eat. We did however, catch some crappies that wereas big as some walleyes. They made the trip home.

I've had both Minnkotas and Motor Guides and the Minnkotas are just plain better.

just don't expect to get an advertised rebate, it is impossible.

I expect not to on almost everything. The only thing I remember getting a rebate on was boxes of Hevi-shot turkey loads from Remington.

Anybody here ever fished the Whitefish Chain? We've got a family vacation over the 4th of July and I'm planning on breaking off from the group for a couple solo fishing runs over that way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Walleye, muskie, or maybe bass.

Finished the boat project this morning. taking the wife and kids out for the maiden voyage on a small electric only reservoir.

can't believe it went from this:

To this :

had a great time doing this project with my two little helpers. they had a blast and hopefully remember this for a long time.

Off to the lake after some delicious (yuck) trout.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Anybody here ever fished the Whitefish Chain? We've got a family vacation over the 4th of July and I'm planning on breaking off from the group for a couple solo fishing runs over that way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Walleye, muskie, or maybe bass.

The one north of Duluth? Oops! That's Whiteface, sorry.

Just wondering if any one of the lakes in the chain is any better than the others, any spots? Sure not gonna try it over the weekend-everyone that owns a boat will be on the water. I'm thinking mid week.

I don't know that chain at all. Sorry.

Well fhat the wuck, Tom!

Ryan,the boat looks darn good.

GG,have fun fishing.I wish you success.

Stan in SC

Ryan-how did you pull out the middle seat? Was it riveted to the floor, and if so, how'd you fill the holes from the rivets? Possibly considering this conversion with my 14 Ft. Lund if I decide to hang on to it.

it was already gone when I got the boat. they just cut the sheet metal at the bends so the wings of the seat that held it down are still there, but the residual metal is flush with the hull. since they were covered up anyway who cares. on the sides they took more time and cleaned it up pretty well. I thought of drilling out those rivets but they aren't in the way and watertight as it is.
Here's where I got a lot of my info
http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=21&sid=429c470dcd8c83cf70824b9302338098

What I learned is there are lots of ways to do it, some might last longer than others, and weigh less.

Looks good Ryan! That will fish.....

Originally Posted by mule1

Speaking of boats . Went out this weekend and my trolling motor head is busted up really bad its been cracked for several years and is a little small for my boat . Thinking about a Motor guide digital in 80# thrust . Thoughts idies ?

When you say the head of the motor, do you mean the part above water with the controls attached or the part in the water that houses the motor.

I've got a Minnkota that went kaput and I was going to buy some new parts to fix it up, but if you might be able to get yours up and running with some donated parts, let me know what you need.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Anybody here ever fished the Whitefish Chain? We've got a family vacation over the 4th of July and I'm planning on breaking off from the group for a couple solo fishing runs over that way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Walleye, muskie, or maybe bass.

I deer hunt on Upper Whitefish by Camp Foley. I will ask the guy I hunt with about fishing, as I have never fished it, but he has.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Originally Posted by mule1

Speaking of boats . Went out this weekend and my trolling motor head is busted up really bad its been cracked for several years and is a little small for my boat . Thinking about a Motor guide digital in 80# thrust . Thoughts idies ?

When you say the head of the motor, do you mean the part above water with the controls attached or the part in the water that houses the motor.

I've got a Minnkota that went kaput and I was going to buy some new parts to fix it up, but if you might be able to get yours up and running with some donated parts, let me know what you need.

Yeah it's the top part above the water that is broken. Ill get the model when the current monsoon passes lol. It's broke bad enough it won't last long but its not going to get replaced out of this year's calf crop ( new minn.I'm looking at is 1200.00) buying a tractor fixed that .

1200 for a trolling motor! wowsers! what are the specs on something like that?

Ipilot or something similar?

Terrova or Powerdrive V2 1119.00 -1450.00 70-112# thrust pick your poison lol

Wow, that's a pricey unit. I understand that those position holding or gps guided units are the real deal for holding a boat over a school or following contours and such.

The potential donor is just a 30lb tiller steer model. If it can be of use, let me know.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

1200 for a trolling motor! wowsers! what are the specs on something like that?

That's pretty normal now dude. They can climb to $2k pretty quick with 101# of thrust, 36 volt power, gps, spot lock, contour trolling... The list goes on.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

1200 for a trolling motor! wowsers! what are the specs on something like that?

That's pretty normal now dude. They can climb to $2k pretty quick with 101# of thrust, 36 volt power, gps, spot lock, contour trolling... The list goes on.

I know and it would be SO awesome!

- Gadget Guy

I'm going to need a boat or at least pontoons if it gets any wetter where I'm working.

It got a little deeper as I went along but I was able to just pull myself along with the bucket where needed. Knee boots were about useless as the mud was deeper than them or the suction would pull them off my foot. I'm cleaning up this mess with the dozer now.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

1200 for a trolling motor! wowsers! what are the specs on something like that?

That's pretty normal now dude. They can climb to $2k pretty quick with 101# of thrust, 36 volt power, gps, spot lock, contour trolling... The list goes on.

I know and it would be SO awesome!

- Gadget Guy

I want the new one that deplys itself and it's remote. Then you can launch the boat yourself, hit the button and it will come back to the dock to pick you up. Yes, my name is Tom and I have a boating problem.

I've had this Alumacraft for almost a year now and it's killing me not to get a different one.

I grunted when I had to fork out 200 clams for my little 40 lb thruster. I bet one like that would get me up on plane in my lil lund.

WB- looks a little wet, might want to throw down some kitty litter

you'll thank me later

The bottom half is what is cracked . Not a problem if yours won't work I may contact MK and see if they have parts .

Thanks for looking !

My boat is a 05 Stratos 486 fish ski its pretty heavy and catches wind big time so Im wanting to replace with at least a 80# . I'll be big 50 yea fiddy in a couple weeks so maybe Mrs.Mule will treat me with some Bass Pro cards ;0

heck that one would make my lil lund scoot!, forget about my little light rig!

Tzone Tom, Happy birthday!!

White bare.... you make a turrubull mess.... ewftah!

happy belated birthday T!! now go fishing!

Yeah, Happy Birfday T !!

Sorry, I'm regularly LATE.

Happy Birthday,Tom.

Stan in SC

Thank you Stan!

You got yourself a mess there WB

Originally Posted by mule1

My boat is a 05 Stratos 486 fish ski its pretty heavy and catches wind big time so Im wanting to replace with at least a 80# . I'll be big 50 yea fiddy in a couple weeks so maybe Mrs.Mule will treat me with some Bass Pro cards ;0

The 80# is great! It would be what I'd put on any boat with a 24v plug. If Ma lets you spring for the terrova, get it. Thank me later.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yeah, Happy Birfday T !!

Sorry, I'm regularly LATE.

You're not late. Right on time

I'll try to do that Zone happy b-day!

HBD Tzone! It's time to add to the fleet. A year is simply too long. Me thinks you've gone into remission. An intervention may be necessary.

Happy Birfday Dave! didn't you already have a few this year?

Dave, you're the only one I know who has 14 birthdays in the same year! HBD, again Dave.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

HBD Tzone! It's time to add to the fleet. A year is simply too long. Me thinks you've gone into remission. An intervention may be necessary.

My wallet has already had an intervention with me. I'm working on saving up for one. Going back to glass, and hopefully staying there. So, I want to do it correctly.

Happy belated birthday T.....

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I'm going to need a boat or at least pontoons if it gets any wetter where I'm working.

It got a little deeper as I went along but I was able to just pull myself along with the bucket where needed. Knee boots were about useless as the mud was deeper than them or the suction would pull them off my foot. I'm cleaning up this mess with the dozer now.

Looks like you could use some mats to help with flotation/weight distribution.

HBD ND! Should make you 54 or there abouts for the year. Another year with this many celebrations and you'll be ready for Social Security.

There is clay under there a ways and that carries up pretty well. If not for that I would be in trouble.

It is all flat, smooth and seeded into soybeans now.

so the kitty litter helped?

I think I can speak for everyone in that we're dyin' for a Chickenbuck picture fix. It's been way too long! All work and no play make ND a dull boy. 😉. - with all due respect to Stephen King and "The Shining"

CFT

I'll see what I can do.

If life is a roller coaster, lately it feels like I've been pushing the coaster car. Forgot what its like to ride, not even thinking about the ride, just want to get it up this next hill and watch it go.

Greetings from the hot rod shop.

[Linked Image]

This is where you will find me and the boys most of the time.

Nathan is getting some welding experience on some delicate and difficult areas. Joey is quite the sweeper and helper.

[Linked Image]

The new rotisserie is making life much easier with a big project such as this 69 ford mach 1 mustang.

[Linked Image]

Our compressed air is now made up of a pair of 5 hp 2 stage compressors from a MN based company called C-Aire.

The orange one is the new one. I like these because the pumps are very heavy duty and they run low speed, around 700 RPM.

[Linked Image]

Here's the old one alongside the refrigerated air dryer they feed the shop through.

[Linked Image]

The tanks are 60 gallons each, tied together for 120 gallons of compressed air storage. The 2 units are staged. The new orange one is the primary, if it isn't keeping up then the blue one kicks in and helps. The 2 together will make 30 cfm at 175 psi. Which is a bit more than we need to run the new media blaster from Texas Blasters.

The old one on the right I now retired, thankfully.

[Linked Image]

That's pretty much all I know today. We have a few other new tools that are contributing to the shop's speed and abilities but its just more.boring work stuff. Lol!

The car outside the shop is a 1950 Ford. That was from MY era.
Dave, I am very proud of what you have done for whatever that is worth.

Stan in SC

It's trap night,wanted to give my old single shot,Coast to Coast hardware shotgun a try.
It was my older brothers first gun,bought it from him a few years ago,finally fixed the foreend,decided to try it out.
Only made it a few rounds,all the screws in the foreend tore out,jammed the extractor.
Wound up going 4/10 with it before it fell apart.
Walked back to the truck,got the bps ,went 15/15 with that.
I tried anyway.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

The car outside the shop is a 1950 Ford. That was from MY era.
Dave, I am very proud of what you have done for whatever that is worth.

Stan in SC

Thank you Stan.

ND works too much......

Yep!

Im done workin for the day! Wife had me cleaning out the garage

now Im cooking brats on the brown egg even as we speak! Or I mean type .

It's been quite a week for me. I work a couple of days a week in a gun/pawn shop. The owner was on vacation this week and it was me and the other part-timer to run the place all week. Ever since I retired in 2002 I am not accustomed to full time work any more. Nor do I care for it. Just a couple of days a week is fine with me. I would never make it working with or for Dave.
Add to that my wife developed shingles on her left leg and I have been taking care of her as well as I can. Shingles on the rear upper leg hinders a LOT of movement and makes sleeping positions an iffy thing. I really feel for her. It is VERY painful and irritating.
I have not had a chance in two weeks to shoot the new .300 Blackout rifle. It has proven QUITE satisfactory so far.
Dave, I have been keeping up with the Mustang thread. Really good so far.
Fourth of July upcoming. I hope everyone has great /safe/fun plans.

Stan in SC

moving into the new house today, and tomorrow it looks like. whew hot and sweaty ALL day. ready for some supper and a break.

Just got back from a tour of SD,MT,ID, and ND. What a trip. It was a beautiful week camping in the grand Teton national park and yellowstone. Weather was perfect!

I put 2700 miles on the ram, and didn't want to leave MT!

Thinking of Waylon.......

He is still missed. Though I didn't know him, I do know some of his family and it's because of this thread. I will have a beer for him tonight, I'll til my hat in his direction and give him a nod. He'll know why.

Tzone - We expect pictures and a run down of the trip at your earliest convenience.

I'll get some up here at some point. I will say I have 100's and 100's of pictures.

I did see every major animal they have to offer except moose.

In the campground in YNP, there was a grouse drumming, literally all night and day. Well, I finally found him and got within 2' of him. I could have grabbed him with my hand and wrung his neck.

It was an amazing trip and I didn't want to leave MT, but I could easily live in the Black Hills.

yeah, the black hills don't suck that's for sure!

Stan Ive had a little dose of shingles they suck used cow water for sure ! Tell your wife to hang in there !

Thanks, mule1. I decided to get a prescription for the shot. After seeing her discomfort I have no wish to endure such.
I did manage to get to the gun club today and continued my education with various bullet weights in the H&R in .300 Blackout.I love that little rifle.I plan to deer hunt with it this fall.

Stan in SC

I've been hearing a lot about the .300 blackout lately. My step bro is having one built, which surprised me since he's not a "gun guy" really at all.

how'd those bullets I sent you work Stan? I have high hopes for them in a .308 SR I intend to build

I was shooting my 300BO Ruger American today. For the woods I hunt, it will be a handy little (quiet) rifle.

Quiet you say? That could expand the woods I hunt!

I put in for my SD deer tags. West River and Black Hills. This is the 4th year so my fingers are crossed! Actually, I just got a preference point for BH region but I'm excited none the less!

The 150 grain bullets did ok in the .300 BO but I want to mainly use them in the 30-30.
A subsonic 222 grain HP does really well as did the Sierra #2000 150 grain soft point.

Stan in SC

Is yours in a Handi-Rifle Stan?

Tom,
Yes it is. Bud's Gun Shop is clearing them for $240 shipped.
It would be a great little gun to own and maybe let your young man hunt with as well as yourself.29-1/2" long with a 16-1/2" barrel. You will really like the small size but it is deadly on deer I understand. Looks like but definitely ain't a toy.

Goalie, Have you experienced any feeding problems with the Ruger?

Stan in SC

are you running a suppressor on that Stan?

Stan -

How are the wife's shingles coming along? Hope she's doing better

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Goalie, Have you experienced any feeding problems with the Ruger?

Stan in SC

Nope. I bought two extra mags (have three total) and they all have functioned just fine for at least two loadings each.

I really like the rifle so far, and will be trying the Nosler ballistic tips next (125g ones made to expand down to 1800fps). I hope I don't have feeding issues with those.

Goalie,
What is the twist on the Ruger? I would be glad to send you some 125 Nosler bullets to try if you want a dozen or so. That's about all I have left. I also have some 110 grain.

Rooster, Thanks for asking. She is kinda in the middle of it all. Maybe the next few days will find her on the down hill side.

Stan in SC

I sure hope so Stan. Those I wouldn't wish on anyone. I hope she can atleast get some comfort.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Goalie,
What is the twist on the Ruger? I would be glad to send you some 125 Nosler bullets to try if you want a dozen or so. That's about all I have left. I also have some 110 grain.

Rooster, Thanks for asking. She is kinda in the middle of it all. Maybe the next few days will find her on the down hill side.

Stan in SC

The Ruger is a 1/8 twist. I have some of the 125's already loaded up, but thanks for the offer.

I hope the wife is doing better. Shingles suck moose balls.

HAPPY FORTH! YOU CHICKEN BUCKERS !

Originally Posted by mule1

HAPPY FORTH! YOU CHICKEN BUCKERS !

Edited by mule1 (Today at 03:26 PM)
Edit Reason: kant spell four CHIT
_________________________

mule1, I suspect you had it right the first time! Happy Fourth! Or as I say, Happy 4th!

I prolly did Charlie but you know there is a four year old monster that lives in my house he rules every friken thing around here like MY tv MY bathroom MY hunting mags MY computer . I kid you not he had to show me how to get to his spiderman game on MY PC . He had already saved it to his favorite and he's FOUR!

A few minutes ago my wife took the margaritas and ran outside with it and left me here to fend for myself .I'm just kidding I wounldnt trade him for a sack of rattle snakes !

Good grief I broke the most awesome and most popular thread on the whole internets .

You broke it?

Damn!

Lol!

Sorry, I been quiet here but I'm still kicking.

Work in the classic car shop wears me out.

Pam has a new car.

[Linked Image]

53 Ford.

It photographs well, its a fun driver quality car. Something of our own to tinker with and fix up sometime in the future.

The only major thing we have in front of us is an eye surgery for Nathan tomorrow morning. It is supposed to be a very simple procedure but its still nerve wracking and they do need to out him under for the procedure.

He gets to come home the same day, so we will be on the road early in the morning tomorrow and back home tomorrow evening.

I think I will be working by myself in the shop on Friday. That's fine, we have a 71 Camaro in the paint booth, ready for its 1st 2/stages of primer. I can start on that Friday morning.

Then we will see what the weekend brings. I know we need to mow the yard at home here. The rain has been just frequent enough to make it hard to get that done.

If we get caught up on things at home, maybe we can get out to the cabin this weekend to do the first mowing of the year. It must look terrible out there. I bet the grass is 2 ft high and who knows what kind of branch mess we have. The road needs a bunch of work too.

I will try to update tomorrow on Nathan's eye surgery tomorrow.

Best wishes to Nathan and his doctors. Our Ella had eye surgery a couple years ago, tough to see your kid put under and wheeled away. The results were worth it. Hope he heals up quickly.

Prayers and well wishes to Nate from here. My best little buddy lhad eye surgery when he was 6 months old. normal routine stuff for a doc, but not for a dad!

another accident. second time this year.

awesome, I've never done that! congrats!

Prayers for RWS this morning for a successful procedure and fast healing

Nathan is in waiting for anesthesia.

Pretty serious guy, trying not to look nervous, doing a pretty good job of it too.

I always called it "duck on a pond."

They look all calm on the outside but under that water their legs are just chugging right along all willy-nilly.

You'll be fine Nate.

Nice work fluffer!

So I'm starting to get the fever already. I'm not sure why I have it so soon but I do. I'm going to put up a trail cam this weekend already. At a potential stand site I've been looking at in aerial photos.

Usually I get it from not playing outside enough during the summer but that's not the case this time. I've been out plenty, fishing, camping, general goofing off, 4-wheeling.

I think I just got the bug.

We have seen some bucks with the big velvet head horns. We should have cameras out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nathan is in waiting for anesthesia.

Pretty serious guy, trying not to look nervous, doing a pretty good job of it too.

Praying for Nathan, the doctors steady hand & Mom & Dad !!

Originally Posted by tzone

So I'm starting to get the fever already. I'm not sure why I have it so soon but I do. I'm going to put up a trail cam this weekend already. At a potential stand site I've been looking at in aerial photos.

Usually I get it from not playing outside enough during the summer but that's not the case this time. I've been out plenty, fishing, camping, general goofing off, 4-wheeling.

I think I just got the bug.

Yeah Tom, me to !!

The old itch is starting to act up !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We have seen some bucks with the big velvet head horns. We should have cameras out.

At home or the camp?

I haven't been out at camp at all really. I hope there are some out there.

In the waiting room here, they just called me. Said he did fine and he is going to recovery now to wake up.

Good to hear!

Did Nate say any goofy things coming out of it?

Glad to hear that about Nate's procedure......

We are all home now. Nate looks like he needs some rest. He's doing good though.

great news!

I am very glad that all went well with Nate's procedure. Please pass on my wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

Stan in SC

tzone

I have had two cameras up since late April. I guess I should go check them one of these days. Wish it wasn't 250 miles away. I am already working on which thunderstick to use this year. I always have the fever..

We did see several does up by Crane Lake last week.

I need to put my cameras up, you coming goat hunting this fall TJAY?
I guess the state has bumped up the tags for them

I'm putting one out tomorrow.

In a spot I found on aerial and topo's right where we hunt.

Colorado1135

I will put in for a tag. I always enjoy running around Fall River county and the wife has the Black Hills quilter retreat in that time frame.

One of these years we will get to have that cup of coffee or a cold beer.

I think the tags for deer got bumped up for NR as well. $286/buck tag. $80 for a doe.

I'm going to run a few rounds down my new to me Rem 700 in .280 Rem as well. All I have on hand are Fed Fusion 140gr. I got a Leupold vx2 on it now. I'm thinking of getting the free dails they send you now for your caliber/bullet so you just "click" it for yardage. Could be kinda sweet.

I have the CDS system on several rifle and it works well for me.

TJAY, the wife and I were up in that area camping at Jeanette Lake from Monday until today ... great little lake and camp ground. Weather was perfect. Blueberries were ready in wide open, sunny areas.

I only have one camera out so far. Have to get the others out soon. Been seeing several does with fawns around; one went through the yard with mom about 5pm tonight ... give that one some time and it might be the 12-pointer+ I've been waiting so long for.

I recently picked up a Savage 1899H 30-30 made in 1912, has the short 20" barrel. It should make for a heck of a nostalgic hunt this fall.

T- great setup, just get a little closer and you will be fine....

Well the number of horse flies it takes to lift ol tzone's fat ass off the ground is 17,433. It's a good thing there were only 17,432 or I would have been in trouble.

I did find a spot I liked, though it's closer to the road that I care for. I put out a camera and a mineral block.

The .280 was pretty sweet. She heats up quick woth that thin barrel though. I think I'm going to like the CDS system. I'll hopefully load up some 120 gr for it and sight it in with them.

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

I recently picked up a Savage 1899H 30-30 made in 1912, has the short 20" barrel. It should make for a heck of a nostalgic hunt this fall.

Time to bust out the red/black checkered wool for that rifle Keith!

tzone

One of our better / most productive stands is about 100 yards off a forest service road. We have shot some big bucks from that stand.

I should go put up some cameras too. I enjoy seeing what walks by but I barely have the patients to sit during season.

I picked up a new-to-me toy for working up food plots. It made short work of my 1-1/2 acres.

I hear my ex-wife is a cougar.I never knew what that meant but now I see the resemblance.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I should go put up some cameras too. I enjoy seeing what walks by but I barely have the patients to sit during season.

I picked up a new-to-me toy for working up food plots. It made short work of my 1-1/2 acres.

Jeez, couldn't you have gotten something a little bigger?

seen a lil WT tonight whose rack is just to the ends of his ears. maybe 3 or 4 points on each side, likely 4 cause there's a bunch of them out here.

WB, why didn't you get something that can really pull? I'd say that is minimum at best

J/K that sucker is a hoss!

I did see a fair amount of deer tracks in the dirt when I was shooting in one of the clear cuts. Even some fawn tracks so the woofs didn't get em all yet.

What I didn't see was rubs from what looked like last year. There were some older ones.

The two clear cuts I have been able to see across for two years are not VERY grown up. The buggy whip Popples and Spruce tress are now 6-10' tall and pretty thick. The last few years, You could get up about 6' and be able to see across, but not anymore.

Nice food plot scratcher WB.

Pam, Joey and myself went out to the cabin between thunderstorms yesterday. We brought out the little 30 hp tractor with the mower and box blade attachments. We parked the truck and trailer out at "the landing". It's about a mile in to the cabin from there.

We loaded out stuff onto the little tractor, mower was attached to the 3 point, the box blade was inside the loader bucket. A chainsaw, generator, small cooler and a few tools were also loaded onto the tractor. We drove the tractor in to the cabin on the wet, muddy trail with waist high grass. Some of the grass was shoulder height.

The plan was to get the riding mower at the cabin going for Pam to mow around the cabin while me and Joey mowed the trail that leads in to the cabin. It all worked out pretty well. We got the road grass cut so hopefully the ground can dry out some and next time out we can maybe disc certain parts of the trail and level off any ruts that are holding water.

Pam got the grass mowed around the cabin, that initial cutting anyways. That too can now air out some and next time we will hopefully get it cut a little nicer.

We left the tractor at camp and walked back out to the truck because we plan on using the tractor some more possibly next weekend.

Critter sightings were a doe and spotted fawn, 6 baby grouse a bit larger than an adult robin, and a bunny rabbit.

Wolf and deer tracks up and down the camp road.

Good to hear there are venisons repopulating the area again.

We'll have to see how bad the weather ruins my projects this week but I'll have to see if I can get out there next weekend and give you a hand.

As far as my lil tratter. I was concerned that 280hp might be a little on the light side but I cut down that chisel plow to 14' so I wouldn't have any issues.

You should be able to run the 14 footer pretty deep without pulling that tractor down too bad.

if my old 130 hp tractor can pull a 10 foot chisel plow you should have PLENTY of power even in idle!

Well I have a push mower.

I'm guessing 3 maybe 4 hp if I run race gas.

Whoa !!!!!!!

3000 pages !

Nice work Davidsan.

A few of us ventured out to Van Hook on Lake Sakakawea in ND for a weekend of fishing, eating and visiting this past weekend. They hold a kids walleye tourney out there and the girls took 2nd place again. One of them being Waylon's and Makes No Patties youngest.

On Sunday, a handful of us got the rare opportunity to do a full tour of a working oil drilling rig. That was extremely interesting.

Somebody on here got engaged and ain't mentioned it.
I think that person needs to "fess" up.

White Bear, really NICE piece of 'chinery.

Stan in SC

I agree with Stan.

Time to spill it.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Somebody on here got engaged and ain't mentioned it.
I think that person needs to "fess" up.

Stan in SC

Congratulations Dave and Tom!

Just don't turn the thread rainbow colors!

Yeah, What the heck !

I forgot to mention, when we were out to the cabin on Sunday I noticed the blueberries ate ready to pick in some spots. We didn't have time to bother with any blueberry picking while we were out there but it looks like it could be a decent year for picking.

Jeeeze, was it last year we picked em on labor day?

oh they will be going through august. the blueberry season is long.

One of us, in a moment of extreme weakness, went and got hisself engaged recently. It's time the rotten scoundrel stepped up and faced the music. I sense a bachelor party of historic, epic proportions in the making here. Much alcohol will be drank, and if Travis comes, farm animals will be hurt!

I'm not too sure about a bachelor party but we can sure as hell do some damage to a sheep.

You and Travis are on your own on that one buddy.

Sheep? Nobody said it might be a Muslim bachelor party. I'll have to go out to the sheet house and see if I have a clean sheet.
Like I said, it is time for some details from the recently promised-to-be-betrothed person to come clean.

Stan in SC

I'm not above spilling the beans here, but I can be bribed......I was thinking an nice .280 might cover the extortion fee........

My baby girl got herself a concussion on Monday night. She fell while on a trampoline and complained of a headache. It was hot so I had her drink lots of water. Yesterday she still had a headache and then started to vomit so I knew right away then.

She's not a baby anymore but dads with daughters know about" daddy's little girl" so push good thoughts her way for a few weeks to heal quickly and correctly.

The tough part will be getting her to be still and rest enough.anyone with an active teenage daughter knows how easy that is.

Sorry to hear this Tom. Been there done that. Keep her down and resting to the degree you can. Thoughts are prayers headed your way. If there's anything I can do, let me know Tom. I was thinking maybe a crash helmet or a parachute? I know....STFU Jeff!

Tzone, you have to watch them..they can come back at any little bump again too. Daughter has had a few in BBall so i know what your going through. keep the phones and games away and limit the TV time as well for now. Not a fun situation after they've had them once.

Right now she's still pretty sleepy, so she's getting rest. But, she still has a headache.

Keeping her off the phone and computer will be the tough part.

She is in gymnastics during the summer and also for the HS team. The doc said that is one of the tougher activities because of the movements, on a concussion. Hers is considered severe by the doc, so inactivity is very important on this deal.

Wishing her a speedy recovery Tom.

Our youngest boy hyperextended both elbows this past weekend.

Fell out of the back of a pick up head first on to the pavement. Was able to brake his fall but dang near broke both arms in the process.

Well good grief sorry to hear about all the young ones being hurt . Learned this weekend that my great niece who is just two was stuck in the eye by a lit punk. It got part of the retna but they think her vision will be ok .

Enough of this Tom Foolery Who got engaged !

My nieces are like my daughters to me....hunt that little punk down!!

in all seriousness, I hope she is ok!

Dang rooster. I hope chicken little is in for a speedy recovery as well.

How's she doing tonight Tom?

She's pretty groggy still. She dot most of the day, which is very good, as you know. She got some appetite back too. I think now it will be extra hard to keep her from bouncing around now that she is feeling a bit better.

Watch her very closely T. These noggin rockers are nothing to mess with.

I know that but somebody has to convince her mom!

Hey Tom,

Just caught up !

Hope the littlen is OK.

Between snow boarding like a fiend & dirt biking with no fear, we had our fair share of head shakers with our

son !!

Deb's Dad passed away, over the weekend.

Luckily, we had some advanced notice & she was able to get back to Australia & visit with & say goodbye in mid May !

She's taking it hard & the distance is definitely problematic.

We will do a trip back, to be with her Mum, later in the year.

To lighten the atmosphere a little.

Fishing has been fantastic !

Turn these;

Into this;

& then this;

or this !

Oh my!!

Man that looks good 99 ! Glad somebody is fishing most all of our lakes are still flooded .

Fantastic, those are some dark colored walleyes.

I thought so too dave.

the ready to eat pics are making me hungry! I need to get out fishing asap

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fantastic, those are some dark colored walleyes.

I was going to reply with the same statement. Very dark.

Sorry to hear about your wife's dad Paul. Prayers sent.

Thanks Big Chicken !

Cycle of life can be a b!tch !

Paul, condolences on your wife's dad passing.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fantastic, those are some dark colored walleyes.

I'm wondering if those came out of a tea-stained colored body of water. We fished up in Emily over the 4th of July. We were on a little two lake chain-Lakes Emily and Mary. Emily was fairly clear, but Mary had that dark, tea stained water. You couldn't see 6 inches down in that lake, and not from any kind of algae bloom. All the fish were very dark like those walleyes. Jeez, I got a bass and thing was colored like a chunk of coal.

Thank you Stan

Tea stained indeed, goph, but most of our walleye lakes are !

That said, this lakes fish are particularly dark, with "golden" bellies.

Cool looking fish if you ask me. Different than we're used to.

Originally Posted by tzone

Cool looking fish if you ask me. Different than we're used to.

I agree

My condolences as well, Paul.

Very sorry for you and your wife's loss Paul.

Tom, I hope the youngin' is feeling better. It sounds like she had quite a serious concussion. I had to get concussion "certified" to coach LL this year. It's serious stuff. Sure enough the second practice, a novice right fielder misjudged a fly ball right to the forehead. Sounded like the crack of the bat. The ball bounced off his forehead in rightfield all the way to second base. I thought the kid was dead. He popped up like a cork and was just fine, no signs of any concussion, just the stitches of the ball imprinted on his head! Lesson for me? Kids are resilient more than we know.

She is CFT. It's hard to keep her rested though. I've had the same training yearly for baseball and football for coaching. So once she started to throw up, it was obvious what happened. She didn't have bouncy eyes or even a headache on Monday when it happened.

Thanks Dave & CFT,

One day at a time for the moment.

Planted a flowering pear tree, in the back yard, yesterday, as a living memorial. We can see it from the kitchen & anywhere on our back deck. It was a gift from Deb's co-workers.

Funeral is 10:30 Wednesday, Australian time, which makes it 7:30 tomorrow night, our time.

A good friend of ours, has set up a "live link" for us to be able to watch the service, in real time.

So, after work Tuesday, the Clan will gather at our house for a Canadian farewell.

Going to eat deer bangers & garlic mash, with onion gravy for supper. It was Bruce's favourite request, every time he & June visited. Washed own with a glass of red wine.

Then we'll patch into the live link & watch the service.

Perhaps a little shot of Appleton's 12 year old for a final toast.

I too am sorry to hear of this Paul. My ex FIL and I ae very close. His health is failing and I hope the tough old bugger pulls through for some more years...he deserves a break.

Paul, the tree planting is a great idea. We did the same here when my niece and nephew died, with the donations from the campfire folks. We planted two Apple trees in the back yard and they are producing apples, which we use.

I sure miss our friend Grizzly Bill's input on this thread.

Our friend Bill (grizzly_bill) Bodenheimer left us about a year ago. I miss our annual fishing exploits, and our long BS session about hunting and kids. I hope his grandson Wyatt is doing well and I think about him often as well. His wife Judy is being well taken care of by the kids, I have no doubt.

My favorite crappie lake may be open this weekend if the lake drops enough people are still swimming in the parking lot right now and the road to the ramp is closed .

I thought I heard mention of somebody getting hitched ?
Stan you got the scoop ?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wishing her a speedy recovery Tom.

Our youngest boy hyperextended both elbows this past weekend.

Fell out of the back of a pick up head first on to the pavement. Was able to brake his fall but dang near broke both arms in the process.

Well the ER doc was wrong. The boys arms were still hurting bad on Friday so mama took him to the orthopedic doc. He took one look at the x-Rays and said yep they're both broke. He cracked the heads of both radial bones. No casts but in a sling for the left arm which was cracked through. Now it's just trying to get him to wear it that we are fighting with.

Damn... That hurts reading about it. I hope he does what he needs to do.

Yep,I have the scoop from Facebook. Saw the ring picture. I am gonna let the party reveal it on their own time table.
I don't understand the delay in announcing cause we will all be happy.

Stan in SC

Fair enough Mr.Stan! I had to get off Facebook for while . My kids would tell me how broke they were and then post pics of getting nails done going shopping going out to eat on my dime ! I guess I'm just a grumpy old fart!

I just like to make you kids squirm.

I'll cut to the cheese..er...chase.

I popped the question a few weeks ago.

Well let me be the first to say congratulations to you and my condolences to the poor gal.

Just kidding Tom. Best wishes to you and your lady friend.

May you be blessed with many years of happiness.

Well Hot Dam ! Congrats ! The second time can sure be the charm it sure has been for me . I had 13 years of hell the first time and 9 years of pure joy this time . My wife is a lucky gal for sure ! lol

Congrats Tom!! Sounds like a party for chickenbuck!

Lol....id doubt she will ever go back to chicken buck. She's not a fan of snakes and that is all im sayin about that on here!

Congrats Tom!!!!

Thank you sir

Congrats Tom.

Congrats Tom !!

The beer's on Dave, seeing as how he forced you into coming clean, & posting on his thread !

As I said on Facebook I wish you both the best.

Stan in SC

congrats,T.
whens the campfire stag party.?

on another note,got my third straight 24 in trap today,despite using a new gun with different ammo.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by fluffy

congrats,T.
whens the campfire stag party.?

on another note,got my third straight 24 in trap today,despite using a new gun with different ammo.

[Linked Image]

Nice shooting and nice gun!

congrats Tom! you mean we've been texting back and forth the last month about deer hunting and you couldn't have told me?

Best wishes for you and the Lady frind

We were talking about deer hunting. Not DEAR hunting.

I'm not one to tell everyone that stuff...I wasn't a fan of putting on FB, in fact, I didn't, she did. She's a lot younger and that's what kids do these days I guess.

But I do thank all of you for the "congrats." The big day is in 2017, so we have a while. I have a hunting season to get her up to speed.

She shoots my 7x57 better than I do, so that can't be a good sign can it?

Congrats Tom! Well deserved!

And, uh, saying she shoots better than you really isnt saying much. She could still be a crappy shot....

Congrats Tom. Looks like it is now HER 7x57!!

Congrats Tommy! Wonder why I didn't see it on the face books? I don't go on all that often but something like that would have stood out if she tagged you in it one would think.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Congrats Tom. Looks like it is now HER 7x57!!

THAT it ain't. That 7x57 belongs to my boy when he grows into it.

It was on there dude... Stan saw it and started making you guys squirm.

[quote=fluffy]congrats,T.
whens the campfire stag party.?

on another note,got my third straight 24 in trap today,despite using a new gun with different ammo.

[Linked Image]

[/quote

Tell us about this here shotgun

Yes, I agree.

Originally Posted by mule1

[Linked Image</div><div class=

" class="post-image" style="height:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;"/>[/quote

Tell us about this here shotgun

CZ canvasback,12 gauge, single selective trigger, extractors.
Bought it at reeds in Walker,MN supposed to be some kind of special version they ordered.
I went to look at a different one, but I liked these, and they were on sale for $509,couldnt pass it up.
they are on gunbrokers ,under the name northern firearms.

here
heres a 20 gauge.
doesn't look lke its on sale ,but you could ask.

see the pic of the end of the gun box,where it says "reeds special"?
the only feature I remember them telling me was " no engraving"

heres the one I went to look at.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=496682816

I know there are a few more there at the store.there was 4 like mine there,that aren't listed online.

heres one from texas

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=495645338

Nice gun at a heck nice of a price !

Anyone know a nice gun shop in Anoka? I'm headed that way today.

Depending on how much leeway you have in "that way" I like the wolf's den in Hugo. I've never bought a gun there, but I like their selection of reloading supplies and books.

There's a couple pawn shops out west of town on the way to Elk River that might be worth checking out.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Depending on how much leeway you have in "that way" I like the wolf's den in Hugo. I've never bought a gun there, but I like their selection of reloading supplies and books.

Thanks! I'm VERY familiar with the Wolfs Den. I live 10 minutes from it.

I had it in my head that you were further south than that.

www.trackofthewolf.com
elk river.

Cool store, but they aren't open on weekends.

Mr Stan you ever go to Hilton Head SC?

If all goes well we will be there for week or so.

I have been to Hilton Head a couple of times. VERY nice place to spend a few days. Not much going on there.
I like Charleston much better for the beautiful houses and great restaurants and other attractions.
Hyman's Restaurant at 210 Meeting Street in Charleston is top notch. Shrimp and grits. WOW!
See and experience the market at the old slave market on Meeting Street. Sweetgrass baskets are fantastic.
Take a boat tour of Ft. Sumpter and most of all visit Patriot's Point and tour the carrier and other ships and the air museum there.
See the Huntley submarine.
Much more to do and see in Charleston.

Stan in SC

Tom,

Congratulations. I have been busy lately (New York for hockey, summer vacation at the lake, etc...) and didn't even see the good news until now.

Thanks David!

How have you been?

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks David!

How have you been?

I was just in NY playing hockey last weekend, had some quality time at the lake, and am hitting South Dakota for a few weeks in August.

Summer hasn't sucked so far. Lots of little-guy time.

Thanks Stan I'll look that stuff up.

MN hunting and trapping regs are out online.

Anything new?

not much. You can use a scope on your muzzle loader during muzzle loader season if you're over 60. Quotas are updated. I'll read more when I get a paper copy.

That's pretty cool about the scopes on the smoke Blasters.

I wish us guys under 60 with bad eyes could scope the smoke makers

I have never used a scope on a muzzle loader since I started hunting with one some 35 years ago. I have never missed a deer I shot at with a muzzle loader.To me using optics kinda takes away from the essence of using a front stuffer.
But then I am a set in my ways, opinionated, stuffy old phart.

Stan in SC

I run my ML in firearms season because I hunt in slug zone. My smokeless one is capable of 45-70 ballistics give or take.

Tzone, I do think you can get a permit of sorts in MN to run a scope on MZL. I think the catch is that it has to be a zero magnification scope?

Does that sound right? Anyone?

yes,a 1 power scope ,or red dot.
all you need to get a permit,is if you need bifocals.
get the eye exam,have your doctor fill out the form,send it in.
presbyobia is the term,I believe.
Ive had the permit for about 10 years now.
lucky me.

I have 1 package of steak left and 9 packages of burger. October 1st can't come fast enough

well if anyone needs/wants a scope I have one I got because SD allowed them 1x magnification. it was cool for a season, but I couldn't grow to love it. it's a sightron S2 with rings if anyone is interested.

can you guys use sabots, shotgun primers and all that too?

Weezy checking in to say,Hi!!

Oha ma gawd!!

Hi Weezy! How are you? We haven't seen you here in forever.

she was visiting at the hot rod shop today and saw the page up on the office laptop.

she says "wow, is that still going?"

Yep.

I'm great!! Working full time, getting ready to get back to school..just the grown up stuff that nobody likes. 😊

Sometimes it's a lot of fun.

Like when we come to chickenbuck and act like kids.

The working part stinks.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

.

can you guys use sabots, shotgun primers and all that too?

indeed we can.

Tzone! Wow! He shoots, he scores! Congratulations man! Well done!

Good to see Weezy posting too. Now, if we could only get some Chickenbuck pics to tide us over until deer season...

I think ND would actually have to stop working for that to happen.

Where the heck is Muffy? She is a large contributor to this site and she is one cool chick. We need here here more often!

We need a muffy bat signal. SKane can work on that for us.

Apparently Muffy can't see the signal from her house?

How's this for a classic car?

[Linked Image]

It's a very nice car, it came to us for a facelift.

Does anybody recognize it?

We've also taken in this old pickup as one of our own projects. Inline 6, column shifted 3 speed, F100, 1969

[Linked Image]

That looks like 57 or 58 mopar.

That truck is awesome!

That car doesn't look like it needs a face lift?

The truck is sweet too!

The car is a 58 Plymouth.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The car is a 58 Plymouth.

did the lift make a couple groaning noises trying to lift it....damn thing weighs the about the same as a the new 3/4 ton trucks?

Christine............ Love the old 69 had a f250 same color as my first ride. Not in that good of shape though.

Originally Posted by 7mmMato

Christine............

Beat me to it!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The car is a 58 Plymouth.

did the lift make a couple groaning noises trying to lift it....damn thing weighs the about the same as a the new 3/4 ton trucks?

no, she went up real nice, same for the JFK lincoln I had in the shop later that day for an estimate.

Noticeably lighter than a late model pickup truck on the lift. I was surprised.

Technically, that's not a car - It's a Plymouth.

Girl I went to HS with had one like that. Motor mounts kinda went south on it, she'd flog hell outta it and it would quit sometimes. IIRC the distributor bounced off'n the firewall and knocked the cap off?

Too long ago to recollect. But a buddy and I fixed it for her, each got a new shirt and a kiss. Do remember that part?

Had to check in to see what youse did to pizz that Rolly feller off?

I don't know who Rolly is, not sure if we've ever chatted here or on other threads? I took no offense.

That's cuz you're a cool customer. We all got fired up enough for everyone I think.

My blood pressure's still coming down from that one!

if you skipped the first post, it was actually a pretty good thread.

There is a car show close to us today. We are going to take the 53 Ford and the 77 Ford.

[Linked Image]

We got all the tin babies put inside just before hail rolled in on us last night. Borderline damaging size. Marble to grape sized.

Nice and clear this morning.

Good to hear all is well with the vehicles....

Cool cars for sure gotta share some pics of FIL's 68 dodge corranet(sp) .

Ok wife says she want's a new front stuffer I'm thinking CVA Optima Nitride . What ya'll thunk ?

Go T/C. I have personally had bad luck with CVA and have known of others that have too. But, some people love theirs.

I got a cheapie model TC Venture maybe? It's a blued/plastic stock and the thing shoots lights out!!

The T/C Impact is a good gun for the money. Real simple, fail proof design.

That's the one I got. Thanks Troutrisher. Not a Venture, that's the rifle I think.

Anyway, if I was going to buy another, I'd get the same thing. I literally took it out of the box, loaded 100gr of powder, a bullet, and shot it at 50 yards. It hit 1" high, and windage was perfect, even with my bad eyes on the open sights. I couldn't believe it so I shot two more. Dang near the same spot.

Bumped it back to 75 yards and it was dead on. I never touched the sights at all!

PA still has a "flintlocks only" season that starts the day after Christmas (as long as Christmas doesn't fall on a Saturday), because Sunday hunting is still pretty much limited to coyotes, foxes and crows here.

You can use any sort of front stuffer in the October doe season, but the post Christmas season is flinters only.

Bought a cheapo Traditions flinter for a backup last year, think it was a bit less than $300? Getting hard to even find a flintlock here, almost have to go to a shop that specializes in them now and spend lots of money. Bass Pro doesn't even sell then anymore, bought the last one Dick's had in stock.

Blued/synthetic stock, short barrel, fiber optic sights. Comes w/sabots and 44 caliber XTP hollow point bullets. Works out well for me, since I shoot the same 200gr XTPs in my M629 Smitty. Accurate enough for me and it has an adjustable trigger.

Come ta think of it, that was two years ago, not last year.

I've run a CVA Hawkins percussion gun for 30 years. No trouble with it whatsoever, and it's very accurate. My son runs a CVA Buckhorn and is still working up loads for it, but it seems to work just fine for an entry level in line.

Muzzle loaders---I started off with a CVA Kentucky in 1980. Hunted it successfully for a couple of years. Traded it for a TC White Mountain .50 caliber carbine which I hunted successfully for about 15 years. Now I have a TC New Englander .54 caliber with synthetic stock and that is the last one I ever will possess unless it gives up the ghost somehow. Thompson Contender muzzle loaders are great.

On another note I went to a gun show yesterday and bought on a whim a New England Firearms 12 gauge slug gun. This is a break top single barrel with rifled barrel and iron sights. Pretty neat. Will get to the gun club ,hopefully tomorrow, and see what the accuracy is.

Stan in SC

Someday I'd like to get one of the carbine flintlocks like the ones Cabelas sells. I like those a lot.

Tom, when you say "flintlocks" do you mean an actual flintlock or is that an all inclusive way of saying muzzle loaders?
Most muzzle loaders used today are percussion cap and are not true flintlocks.
I have fired a few flintlocks but never owned nor hunted with one.

Stan in SC

T.C. used to market a flinter called the Pennsylvania hunter. I don't know if it's still in their lineup or not, but it was more or less specifically designed to comply with Pa.'s strict Primitive weapons rules. If you want to up the challenge factor a bit, pick up a flintlock and hunt with it. They're fun and frustrating all at the same time.

If I lived in PA I would own a flintlock for sure. January deer hunting sounds better than drilling holes in ice trying to catch a 12" fish.

Stan,

I do believe you're correct that it's a percussion and not an actual Flintlock.

They have the longer barrels and the carbine version. That's the one I like the most. It fits me nicely and carries really nice. I've fired a few actual Flintlocks when we used to have that as part of our Hunters Safety crew. We brought in a black powder club and they had all kinds of stuff.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

]

You guys should have seen the crowd stir that '77 Highboy caused when it rolled into town for the car show that me and my family attended.

Nate comes rollin down the street and the crowd was like "whoahhh look at that truck!"

I don't think he even had it backed into his show spot yet and there was 20 people all around it.

It really is that bad ass!

I've been running a 'el cheapo black/blue CVA Optima for the last few years. No problems so far. Knock on Wood

I see now the Optima's are mostly black/stainless

I use a pre space gun version of the TC encore on .50

Stainless with walnut stocks.

I really like it. My only complaint is an effect that they call the crud ring, or something such. A crust ring above the powder line in the bore that makes it difficult/impossible to properly seat repeat shots without cleaning. I get 3 shots max and I have to run a wet patch to bust that crust.

I deal with it by just not seeing any deer to shoot at. This way its no problem at all.

Dave, I had the same problem using genuine black powder. Then a buddy gave me a pound of Pyrodex. Does better than Black powder and at the range I can get six or eight shots before cleaning.

I went to the gun club today to shoot the new NEF slug gun.Very very consistently accurate using iron sights at fifty yards.I was using Remington 3" Sluggers advertised at 1560 FPS.
Yes, accurate but jeez does it have recoil. I shoot my 45/70 a lot and am not recoil shy but this one could make me so if shot much.

Gophergunner,we have a T/C Pennsylvania Hunter for sale at the shop where I work part time.Nice muzzle loader.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I use a pre space gun version of the TC encore on .50

Stainless with walnut stocks.

I really like it. My only complaint is an effect that they call the crud ring, or something such. A crust ring above the powder line in the bore that makes it difficult/impossible to properly seat repeat shots without cleaning. I get 3 shots max and I have to run a wet patch to bust that crust.

I deal with it by just not seeing any deer to shoot at. This way its no problem at all.

Ive seen pics of your TC and I have its clone I have had the same problem with the crud ring . I've switched to Jim Shockeys Gold and its much better now . I'll prolly take her to OKC sometime soon and let her pick one she's pretty small so the shorter the better . That's why I'm leaning to the CVA Optima also several around here and every one says they are very accurate .

Thinking about this crud ring more - I've always kept a block of wood around to put on the ram rod to keep it from poking though my hand when sighting in - see I'm not as smart as Dave. I just put my weight into it !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I deal with it by just not seeing any deer to shoot at. This way its no problem at all.

I believe deer are actually afraid of my muzzle loader. I've NEVER seen a deer while hunting with one. None, ever! Even if I hunt in metro areas that are full to the bushes with them.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I use a pre space gun version of the TC encore on .50

Stainless with walnut stocks.

I really like it. My only complaint is an effect that they call the crud ring, or something such. A crust ring above the powder line in the bore that makes it difficult/impossible to properly seat repeat shots without cleaning. I get 3 shots max and I have to run a wet patch to bust that crust.

I deal with it by just not seeing any deer to shoot at. This way its no problem at all.

I've got this gun. Sorry, don't have a picture. I've got a T/C 1.5-5x32 muzzle loader scope on it and it's good out to 150 yrds. at least. I also have a slug barrel and a 30.06 barrel for it as well. Great gun.

I use 3 50-50 Triple 7 pellets and a 295 gr. Power Belt Hollow Point. The Triple 7 won't foul as bad. I'll get about 10 shots before I have to swab it out. It'll get harder with each shot. After about the third or forth shot I'll have to use the ball end of my bullet starter that has a hole in the end to put your ram rod into and push with that. Or you can do what mule1 said about the block of wood, but I would drill a little counter sink into to wood to seat the ram rod in.

Sorry you guys don't see much when muzzle loader hunting. I got 4 last year with the ML. One of which was this buck. After I shot the buck, the coyote ran to me and hung out a little too long. I have these little tubes on my belt for speed loading. It'll take 3 pellets and a bullet in each tube which makes it real quick to reload. If I'm using the gun a lot hunting, I'll clean it after a couple of shots to make sure I can reload without using the ball starter.

Does anybody ever have the morbid thought like I have when I'm reloading a muzzleloader right after the 1st shot:

What if there is a tiny little ember down in there and it ignites the powder as your hand is over the muzzle?

Is that even possible?

P.S. Nice buck and yote StoneCutter!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Does anybody ever have the morbid thought like I have when I'm reloading a muzzleloader right after the 1st shot:

What if there is a tiny little ember down in there and it ignites the powder as your hand is over the muzzle?

Is that even possible?

P.S. Nice buck and yote StoneCutter!

Thanks.

Yes it's a possibility, especially with powder. I get the same feeling. However, I'll drop the pellets in first real fast with the muzzle pointed away from my face, then shove the bullet in. I figure if it's going to go off, it should do it right away.........I hope.

But I've never had it happen.

I haven't gotten the crud ring at all since switching to Blackhorn 209. It's pretty good stuff that I highly recommend.

I shot a decent WT buck in Nov. 2011 with my muzzleloader. Brought it to a local guy that had just finished up taxidermy school and was just getting into it. I thought I would give him a chance and based on his work in school thought I would get a decent mount back.

Long story short, I went and got my cape and antlers from him yesterday and brought it to a different taxi.

The original guy is a good guy. It just turns out he didn't have or make the time to get serious about taxidermy.

The new guy guaranteed a one month turn around

Well for the most part of where we hunt, we can only shoot one deer. Period.

A decent buck? Rooster Jim, that's like a 160!

The bit about an ember in the bore when you put in the fresh charge is why you blow through the bore to see if there is any smoke indicating a live ember.
Remember the old western thing where he blew into the end of his barrel after a shot?
That has it's basis in fact.

Stan in SC

Naw I think we green scored it at 149 - 150 ish

So I'm not crazy...

I think I will start putting the pellets in first and then the bullet like stated above.

When ever a better powder (cleaner) comes out, I buy it. I had been shooting the Jim shockey stuff, before that it was trip 7, pyrodex etc. I think I may be shooting that blackhorn 209 now.

The crud ring gets slightly better with each new advancement in clean powders, but 3 is still my max.

I think there is a different nipple or something that is supposed to help some.

But I figure 3 shots will do me.

And yes I have the speedloader tubes and it sounds like I may be ahead of some of you fellers with my T handle pushrod. Lol

When I first got my muzzle loader, I shot deer with it every year, it was awesome.

But I haven't shot a deer with a MZL since before our dark days of bovine TB.

My gosh I hope we can start seeing deer numbers rebound soon.

I solved the crud ring problem,by only having to shoot
once.

possibly I might be better off from using 3f powder,which means I use a 10% smaller charge,and I use T/C bore butter to lube ,which is supposed to be better than some other products.I also use T/C bore cleaner and water to clean.
T/C used to advertise you could fire your sidelock 1,000 times between cleaning,if you used their products.

from T/C's website

"Has Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter been tested?

It's easy. The first step is to remove all traces of oil from your muzzleloader by cleaning the bore with hot water and a detergent. Then coat the bore with Bore Butter using a patch or swab saturated with it. From that point on, never allow a petroleum based lube to interfere with the Natural Lube. Use bullets prelubricated with Bore Butter, and when cleaning, use an all-natural bore cleaner like our No. 13. As you continue to shoot, you will be slowly seasoning the bore and will notice that very little fouling builds up. Loading will remain easy from shot to shot, and cleaning will be a snap."

". Is T/C's Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter really that good? How does it work?

It sure is, and if you've got some friends, who are using it, ask them. Our All Natural "Bore Butter" is absent of any petroleum based oil, and contains an ingredient which seasons the bore with repeated use, just as you would season a cast iron skillet. Tar, used to pave highways, is made by heating petroleum based oil. In other words, heat plus petroleum oil equals tar! That's what causes the heavy fouling when shooting a muzzleloader with conventional petroleum based lubes. The problem of heavy fouling was one not encountered in the old days, as the oils used then were all natural' whale oil, bear fat, deer tallow, etc. Petroleum based oils were not discovered until the mid-1800's, and during the Civil War, fouling did become a problem."

bore butter

Dave I shoot an Omega and have had trouble with the crud ring. It got better with American Pioneer Powder but was still a problem until I heard that they make a 209 primer just for muzzle loaders. I think it not quite as hot as the Federals I was using. That has about eliminated my problems. It was really bad with Triple Seven. I am out of the American Pioneer , so I need to start shopping around for something. I haven't seen any of it for a couple of years. It was made by the same people who make Shockey's Gold. I may try the Blackhorn. I haven't deer hunted with anything but muzzle loaders for about ten years now.
Bill

I have 2 CVA Buckhorns, I really like them. a few years back we could get up to 5 double doe tags for muzzleloader. one year I bought all I could and filled them shooting 10 deer. all of them were private land at the request of landowners to thin the deer down. gave a couple away but ate the rest that following year. I got the crud ring a little but dealt with it by running a spit patch after 2-3 shots. I just use the plain pyrodex pellets in the black box. I use 2 pellets and a saboted 300 grain .45 xtp bullet, it really thumps the deer when you put it in the ribs. the muzzleloader doe tags went away a year or two ago due to declining deer numbers but we may see them again in a couple years out here. I took one the last year they had them at a touch over 200 yards, but most were 100 yards or less.
I'm really hoping to draw my any deer muzzleloader tag this year, takes several years to get after you build up preference. unless you are my wife, she draws any tag she wants with only 1 preference point

Originally Posted by fluffy

I solved the crud ring problem,by only having to shoot
once.

possibly I might be better off from using 3f powder,which means I use a 10% smaller charge,and I use T/C bore butter to lube ,which is supposed to be better than some other products.I also use T/C bore cleaner and water to clean.
T/C used to advertise you could fire your sidelock 1,000 times between cleaning,if you used their products.

from T/C's website

"Has Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter been tested?

It's easy. The first step is to remove all traces of oil from your muzzleloader by cleaning the bore with hot water and a detergent. Then coat the bore with Bore Butter using a patch or swab saturated with it. From that point on, never allow a petroleum based lube to interfere with the Natural Lube. Use bullets prelubricated with Bore Butter, and when cleaning, use an all-natural bore cleaner like our No. 13. As you continue to shoot, you will be slowly seasoning the bore and will notice that very little fouling builds up. Loading will remain easy from shot to shot, and cleaning will be a snap."

". Is T/C's Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter really that good? How does it work?

It sure is, and if you've got some friends, who are using it, ask them. Our All Natural "Bore Butter" is absent of any petroleum based oil, and contains an ingredient which seasons the bore with repeated use, just as you would season a cast iron skillet. Tar, used to pave highways, is made by heating petroleum based oil. In other words, heat plus petroleum oil equals tar! That's what causes the heavy fouling when shooting a muzzleloader with conventional petroleum based lubes. The problem of heavy fouling was one not encountered in the old days, as the oils used then were all natural' whale oil, bear fat, deer tallow, etc. Petroleum based oils were not discovered until the mid-1800's, and during the Civil War, fouling did become a problem."

bore butter

Those are the only products I've used in my TC. I'm certain I've had that rifle for over 10 yrs, maybe 12?

I guess I'll just be patient. Maybe the bore will be magically "seasoned" by the time my great, great, great, great grandchildren shoot it.

Lol!

I do use muzzle loader 209 primers as well.

Friends of mine with $95 kit package inlines can dump any old crap powder down the barrel, I swear they can spit their snus down the tube before pushing the bullet down if they like. Boom, boom, boom, all day long. I'll ask them how many shots before you have to clean it? They just look at me all funny.... "Clean it?"

Then they spit, then laugh... Then shoot it until they run out of crap powder and bullets and regular shotgun shell 209's.

Then they go home and throw it under the bed or in the closet.

Then they lay awake in bed at night... "Does Dave actually clean his muzzle loader? Should I clean mine? Nawwww..."

I wonder if it's something with the TC Encore? I had a stainless one with a synthetic stock and had the same issue. Now it doesn't seem as bad. 4-5 shots and I'll have to clean the barrel though.

I just figured it was "normal" with the black powder stuff after a few shots.

I've used 777 and some "white hot" powder that seems to burn pretty hot. I can use 100gr of 777 and 100gr of the white hot and notice a difference in noise and recoil.

I've seen my first one of the year boys! Yep, a tree turning yellow. Even juuuuuuuuust a slight bit of brush on the ground in the ditches.

This low humidity and 60* temps at night aren't helping tame the fever either.

My BIL and I set up the deer camp outfitter tent on Saturday. That sucker is big and it will work for sure.

I need to get an order in to northern_dave for the fireplace though.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm really hoping to draw my any deer muzzleloader tag this year, takes several years to get after you build up preference. unless you are my wife, she draws any tag she wants with only 1 preference point

Just think what she could do with 4!!

Come on SD...help a brother out!

you can always bring a stick and string, I'll put you on deer

I sound like I'm unhappy with the TC encore, but I really like it, it shoots tight groups and the quality is very good.

You and I need to have some side discussions on SD hunting. I would seriously like to learn more about the options and talk about what the hunt would be like. I think I'm ready to try to jump in with Keith on a Wyoming hunt too, in 2016 if he'd have me.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I sound like I'm unhappy with the TC encore, but I really like it, it shoots tight groups and the quality is very good.

You and I need to have some side discussions on SD hunting. I would seriously like to learn more about the options and talk about what the hunt would be like. I think I'm ready to try to jump in with Keith on a Wyoming hunt too, in 2016 if he'd have me.

You needed to start applying about 11 years ago to get a tag to hunt by Ryan.

don't let Tom scare you

it's not that bad! he's just unlucky is all!

I sent you a PM Dave

You are right Tom if you are wanting to get a crack at a mule deer in some of West River. My nephew had 7 preference points in Harding County and didn't draw an any deer tag. He now has 8 points for next year!!

Whitetail tags are a better bet to draw. Both my son and I drew them in Perkins County with 0 preference points this year.

I would have given up by now if I wasn't $80 in, with points between WR and BH's.

I know it will happen sometime, I just wish it would hurry up and get here!

WHOOP WHOOP T!!

I wish you would also. It is a ton of fun hunting in western South Dakota....

I have a favor to ask of my fellow chickenbuckers... We have lost a great man and our family could use a few prayers because it will never be the same.

Tonight at 9pm, Peter Stelmacher; grandpa to my children, father to their mother,husband, my FIL and very much a father figure to me. He died of natural causes, after about 12 years of health aliments. He was a football coach at the U of WI Stevens Point, a chef, and ran his own catering business for 20 years.

He had been in bed in his home, motionless for 48 hours... Tonight, my boy Jack called his mom after football practice, who was in WI to be with Papa Pete. Pete hadn't moved at all for 2 days. Jack's mom put him on speaker phone, so grandpa could hear about his practice. You see, Jack, was chosen as one of the team leaders tonight and wanted to tell his mom about it.

As he was telling this story to them, I got a text from Betsy (Pete's daughter) and DeeDee (wife) at the same time that said Pete could hear Jack and was obviously responding to the call. He was squeezing Betsy's had as Jack finished the story. He passed about an hour and 1/2 later.

He was one of the best hunters I've known. A true throwback to the old style of hunting the big woods. He could sneak through the woods, carrying that Remington Model 76, which was a birch stocked 760, and not make a sound. He was a HELLOVA still hunter. One of the best I've seen. I mean, almost NO noise on a crunchy November forest floor. I'm honored to have spent 15 deer camps with Pete and his brothers. I've learned more from him about the woods than I have time to share.

As good as a hunter as he was, his heart was with musky fishing. He'd rather spend time doing that than almost anything else. He was also a friend of our very own Grizzly_Bill. They were from the same home town, fished a lot of the same waters, and hunted deer only about 1/2 hour apart.

I had a blast of Jim Beam for him tonight. I'll cast a line in his honnor this fall. This will be Jack's first year to carry a deer license. You DAMN right that Remington 30-06, model 76 will be slung on my shoulder, until he's big enough to use it.

Tight lines Papa Pete. We love you.

So sorry to hear this Tom. Heartfelt prayers sent your way. Man, you've had a rough go the last couple years, buddy.

We are very sad to hear this, Tom.

Condolences.

Tom,

Please accept our heart felt condolences.

Thoughts and prayers with you & your family, moving forward.

Luckily, great memories, made together, last forever !

Condolences Tom, for you and your family

So sorry to hear the news Tom. Our condolences to you and your family.

Thank you guys. I appreciated it greatly. The kiddos are still soundly sleeping so I'm happy about that. They had a pretty tough night!

He was ready...he was sick for a long time.

Tom,
Very Sincere condolences to you and yours from Linda and myself.

Stan in SC

Condolences to you and your family. Tom. Sorry to hear of the news. Sounds like Papa Pete was a great guy to be around.

Sorry to hear this Tom. May he RIP......

Thank you guys.

Condolences buddy

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Friends of mine with $95 kit package inlines can dump any old crap powder down the barrel, I swear they can spit their snus down the tube before pushing the bullet down if they like. Boom, boom, boom, all day long. I'll ask them how many shots before you have to clean it? They just look at me all funny.... "Clean it?"

Then they spit, then laugh... Then shoot it until they run out of crap powder and bullets and regular shotgun shell 209's.

Then they go home and throw it under the bed or in the closet.

Then they lay awake in bed at night... "Does Dave actually clean his muzzle loader? Should I clean mine? Nawwww..."

Hey! I resemble that remark.

Sorry to hear that news Tom.

Sorry for your loss, Tom. He sounds like he was a heck of a man.

Well, we may have picked the hottest day of the summer for a little fishing on a non motorized lake.

Pan fish and bass are the targets.

Possible pictures to follow soon.

Ive been wanting to put a top on my fishing boat.
maybe an umberellie.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well, we may have picked the hottest day of the summer for a little fishing on a non motorized lake.

Pan fish and bass are the targets.

Possible pictures to follow soon.

Uff-da. It was hot.

That's Northern Minnesotan for "uff-da. It was hot".

uuhhh...translation please.

San inSC

Translation means " holy cow it was a hot one out there today"

forecast is saying 99 for us, but it's been about 10 degrees below actual the last few days so I'm expecting a scorcher.

any of you Minnesota guys know of a good spot for dove hunting,or the early goose season?
I see doves all the time,but not where they could be hunted. daily limit,15,possesion limit 45
Same for canadas,they call them "sky carp" around here.

special early season limit is ten a day,no possession limit.

Sorry Tom. I was out in the Black Hills and didn't see your post until now.

I wish I woulda known you were out here, I would have met you for dinner or coffee, or other beverage

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wish I woulda known you were out here, I would have met you for dinner or coffee, or other beverage

The good news is I went through Rapid City and was able to get something you will like once I get through with it.

We had some fun out in SD

The Black Hills is one of my favorite places to visit.

I like it a lot too. I sure wish I could hunt there.

Zip Line at Rushmore Cave. Apparently I suck at selfies (not a surprise, as I had never taken any) and almost dropped the phone.

My son's happy screaming was worth the cost of admission!

Originally Posted by goalie

We had some fun out in SD

Too many !!!

Tom,
So sorry to read of your FIL's passing. He sounds like a great guy. I sent one skyward for you and your family.

I attended an extremely sad and emotional funeral of a family friend and hero on Thursday. This was the kind of kid who had a huge smile on his face at all times. Full of life and energy.

Brady was in Afghanistan with Bravo Company 2-4 Infantry 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He lived through some wicked stuff over there.

Members of his team were in attendance and they did full military honors. When they did the "last roll call" they all said present and then called Brady's name 3 times to silence. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

The team members told his family that they wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Brady. Seems they were pinned down by the Taliban, out of ammo and expecting to die any minute when Brady (who wasn't with them) came storming over the hill with an AK-47 and started mowing down the Taliban. The ones he didn't get all took off running.

Sadly, PTSD caused him to take his own life the Thursday before last in his home. He was only 27 years old and married with no children. He was the 5th of his division to take his own life after returning home.

A few prayers for his family would be appreciated.

Very very sorry to hear of this and others like it.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

The Black Hills is one of my favorite places to visit.

Me too! I love it out there

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tom,
So sorry to read of your FIL's passing. He sounds like a great guy. I sent one skyward for you and your family.

I attended an extremely sad and emotional funeral of a family friend and hero on Thursday. This was the kind of kid who had a huge smile on his face at all times. Full of life and energy.

Brady was in Afghanistan with Bravo Company 2-4 Infantry 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He lived through some wicked stuff over there.

Members of his team were in attendance and they did full military honors. When they did the "last roll call" they all said present and then called Brady's name 3 times to silence. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

The team members told his family that they wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Brady. Seems they were pinned down by the Taliban, out of ammo and expecting to die any minute when Brady (who wasn't with them) came storming over the hill with an AK-47 and started mowing down the Taliban. The ones he didn't get all took off running.

Sadly, PTSD caused him to take his own life the Thursday before last in his home. He was only 27 years old and married with no children. He was the 5th of his division to take his own life after returning home.

A few prayers for his family would be appreciated.

Nor here Big Chicken !!

Prayers (& sincere thanks) sent, from north of the border.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sadly, PTSD caused him to take his own life the Thursday before last in his home. He was only 27 years old and married with no children. He was the 5th of his division to take his own life after returning home.

A few prayers for his family would be appreciated.

Sent.

And it is happening too often. Waaaaay too often.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks for fixing it. I don't do a lot of videos.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wish I woulda known you were out here, I would have met you for dinner or coffee, or other beverage

The good news is I went through Rapid City and was able to get something you will like once I get through with it.

no way! you remembered!

Yeah, I did. I figured that you might want a few to give away, so I got 4 pucks. One for you, one for my collection, and a few extra for you to use as you see fit.

you da MAN!! I owe you a deer hunt now

I got two of each puck style. The R and the ones that actually say Rush on them.

Which style do you want two of, as I am cool with keeping either style for my puck-opener collection.

you pick, I'm cool with either.

Jim, I saw that on the FB, so sad. Prayers sent for his family.

Oh no !

Tags arrived yesterday.

Now it's on !

You can unt already? Indeed to start applying in Ontario!!

No Tom,

No hunting yet, just tags arrived & kick fired my desire !

Archery starts September 5th, I think ?

Rifle season October 31st.

The heat will dictate how soon we'll start with the crossbow.

As dedicated meat hunters, I'd rather be able to hang for a week, & process at my leisure, than a right the heck now situation !!

Normally, temps should be good enough around Canadian Thanks Giving weekend. This year, that'll be 10,11 & 12 October.

That'll give us 2 full weeks before things start going "bang" everywhere.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

you da MAN!! I owe you a deer hunt now

You won't have to pay off that bet for about 9 years!

LOL, why so negative? there's more areas to draw than the ones you put in for!

I almost got run over by some stupid pronghorn antelopes at Custer. I am pretty sure they were laughing at me and thinking "that guy looks like he hunts, let's tease him and go really close to him, so if he's ever hunting he remembers how close we got when he was at the park and not hunting"

And, for you turkey hunters, I have a herd of them (17 yesterday with 2 toms, moms and little ones) in my freaking back yard. All I catch is ticks lately when I am hunting them though.....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

LOL, why so negative? there's more areas to draw than the ones you put in for!

I'm not negative. I'm just giving you chit. I'm sure I'd have drawn a BH tag already if I applied for it instead of PP's for that area. I was hoping to draw by you one year, then use the BH tag the next to have 2 years in a row there.

I'm just over anxious to hunt there....been on my list since I was 12.

Originally Posted by goalie

I almost got run over by some stupid pronghorn antelopes at Custer. I am pretty sure they were laughing at me and thinking "that guy looks like he hunts, let's tease him and go really close to him, so if he's ever hunting he remembers how close we got when he was at the park and not hunting"

in WY I saw thousands of them. Some large bucks right next to the road. I'm sure if I was hunting them, I'd not see one.

Happy Birthday Ryan.

Hope you have a great day.

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

Hey, Thanks Guys!

Happy Birthday Ryan!! Make it a good one!!

work and football practice is on the schedule today.

You're playing football?

We have that too...like always.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Tom,I would be so sore if I tried playing football, my mini me is starting this year playing. 1st grade. hard to believe.

Thanks Jim!

Happy birthday Ryan!

Oh I know it!! I run with the boys for warm ups and I'm sore for a week!!

Happy Birthday Ryan! Glad to hear your Little's playing football. Man, it was fun watching my son play. They looked like little bobbleheads out there. The snack breaks in the middle of the game were comical too.

Our boys are juniors and seniors this year. It's gonna be a fun fall for football!

We have a long way to go before he's a sr, but it will come fast! He was chosen as one of the team leaders by the players and coach tho. Kinda cool!

Howdy all. Condolences Tom. Always sorry to hear about losing a mentor.

I would like to mention our Youth Outdoor Activity Day that is coming up on Sunday, August 30 at 11 am at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria MN. This event is TOTALLY FREE! Kids get a free tshirt and backpack and everyone gets a free lunch. There are 32 activities for kids to participate in that day (list below). The list does not include the Gould Brothers Exhibition Shooting. Minnesota Bound will be out there filming and our advertising is covering much of the state (let me know if you have seen/heard any of our advertising). Our goal is to get kids off the couch and engaged in one of the activities listed below. If you are close to us or know anyone within a couple hours drive, this event is really worth it! Let me know if you have any questions!

Geocaching
Shoot/Don’t Shoot Course
Mock Blood Trail
Dog Training
Trap Shooting
Archery
Archery
BB Gun
Fire Building
Outdoor cooking
Tomahawk Throwing
Wood Duck Houses
Pet Care
Shotgun Patterning
Waterfowl
Exhibition Shooting
Wall of Shame/Cos
Bowfishing
Muzzleloader Shotgun shooting
Sling Shots/Pellet Gun PF Trailer
Fish ID
Orienteering
Casting Clinic
Deer Stand Safety
ATV Safety
Dark House Spearing
Fur Identification
Kids on Target
Invasive Species
BB Gun
Shelter Building

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Fire Building
Outdoor cooking
Tomahawk Throwing

Is it a coincidence these 3 are together?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Howdy all. Condolences Tom. Always sorry to hear about losing a mentor.

I would like to mention our Youth Outdoor Activity Day that is coming up on Sunday, August 30 at 11 am at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria MN. This event is TOTALLY FREE! Kids get a free tshirt and backpack and everyone gets a free lunch. There are 32 activities for kids to participate in that day (list below). The list does not include the Gould Brothers Exhibition Shooting. Minnesota Bound will be out there filming and our advertising is covering much of the state (let me know if you have seen/heard any of our advertising). Our goal is to get kids off the couch and engaged in one of the activities listed below. If you are close to us or know anyone within a couple hours drive, this event is really worth it! Let me know if you have any questions!

Geocaching
Shoot/Don’t Shoot Course
Mock Blood Trail
Dog Training
Trap Shooting
Archery
Archery
BB Gun
Fire Building
Outdoor cooking
Tomahawk Throwing
Wood Duck Houses
Pet Care
Shotgun Patterning
Waterfowl
Exhibition Shooting
Wall of Shame/Cos
Bowfishing
Muzzleloader Shotgun shooting
Sling Shots/Pellet Gun PF Trailer
Fish ID
Orienteering
Casting Clinic
Deer Stand Safety
ATV Safety
Dark House Spearing
Fur Identification
Kids on Target
Invasive Species
BB Gun
Shelter Building

I got the chance to go up and help out at this great event last year, and can't wait to do it again this year. Dean runs a class operation here, and the kids will go away with some lasting memories. I've had this marked on my calendar for months and I wouldn't consider missing it.

that's awesome! I'm trying to start something like that down here now that I'm our chapter pres for P.F.

Side note I just had to share with you guys.
my BIL gets married this afternoon so my daughter went with grandma to hangout with family at the fair yesterday. Bubba, me and mama stayed home and worked (bubba helped me around the preserve). BIL sent us this pic and it's too good to not share

Ryan,
If you want some suggestions on getting an event like this going, let me know. This one is really getting big. We expect 1,000 kids this year!

we will definitely be talking about it for this next year. we have the perfect place to do it too. maybe not for 1000, but a bunch.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Ryan,
If you want some suggestions on getting an event like this going, let me know. This one is really getting big. We expect 1,000 kids this year!

I don't know if you guys noticed this, but this is done totally free to the kids-they even feed them a full lunch, and they fed all us schmucks working there too. They had trick shooters, professional fisherman doing clinics, trapping exhibits, GPS clinics-you name it, they had it there. Hat's off to Dean for organizing such a winning formula for conducting this event. I still have my official VOLUNTEER t-shirt from last year and it really brings back the memories from last year's event. Incidentally, my job was to help a man teach kids how to load and shoot muzzleloading rifles. He had three different smoothbore rifles-I did the loading, he did the shooting, and he kept me busy loading for him all day. The kids really got a kick out of shooting his guns.

Just a big THANK YOU to Fluffy. He stopped by my store today and picked up the forestock for an old High Standard semi-auto shotgun I bought. It's got a bad crack, and an even worse repair job someone attempted on it sometime in the past. He's pretty certain he can repair it to serviceable condition. Man, it's nice to have friends like this around here.

Thanks Fluffy. I owe you big time.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Just a big THANK YOU to Fluffy. He stopped by my store today and picked up the forestock for an old High Standard semi-auto shotgun I bought. It's got a bad crack, and an even worse repair job someone attempted on it sometime in the past. He's pretty certain he can repair it to serviceable condition. Man, it's nice to have friends like this around here.

Thanks Fluffy. I owe you big time.

Ryan,a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Stan in SC

somebody tried to fix gophers forend with rubber cement.

[Linked Image]

first step is get good surfaces to glue back together.
had to take some of my picks, and work the two pieces apart, clean off as much of the " glue " as I could, to prepare to glue them back together. If you don't do that, the glue joint will fail, no matter what kind of glue you use.

another crack here

might as well clean up the inside,while it is accessible. [Linked Image]

just need a little squeeze out.

[Linked Image]

tape it up,and clean up a little of the excess,just don't jostle it enough to mis-align the parts.

[Linked Image]

let it sit for a few hours,and unclamp and untape it,clean off most of the excess before it becomes rock hard.

[Linked Image]

tools of the trade.
had the accraglass for a few years, finally got to use some of it.

cleaned up,and a nice match on some stain I had lying around from one of my last projects.

[Linked Image]

Man! It looks beautiful! I'm into this gun for a whopping $105.00 so far. I'm hoping the grouse will be flying skeered this fall! Can't wait to go try it out. Thanks again, Joel.

have to wait for the stain to dry,then get a coat or two of clear finish.
then Gopher has to decide if he wants to leave it at that,or do a complete refinish.
either way,price is the same. free!

your welcome,sir.

Nice work my man! Gopher won't hit any grouse but he'll look good doing it.

makes me wonder what the grouse numbers are like this year,anybody know?
Gopher and I are planning to go try at least once this year,up around Walker-Longville area,be nice if there was some,somewhere.

I haven't heard much on that fluffy. There was plenty of snow for them, but I don't recall how wet the spring was?

found this

http://ruffedgrouseminnesota.com/minnesotas-ruffed-grouse-drumming-counts-2015/

working on goph's shotgun,Im started to get psyched up.really nice piece of wood.

nice chill in the air today,too..
snort.scrape. scrape.

I put the gloss back on,cause that is what it had,havent seen the buttstock yet to see if it matches.
if Jeff like the gun,and wants to make it look new again,we'll do them both ,and make them match perfect.

[Linked Image]

well,it aint perfect,the crack still shows,but it should be serviceable.

that looks good! might need the buttstock to make em match now!

took the family out fishing tonight, killed the crappies. came home with 17 crappies and 4 nice rainbow trout. threw lots back of each. 4 were over a pound, the rest were just under with one that should have been thrown back but a little kid was just dying to add one to the basket. watched the sunset in the black hills. couldn't have been any better!

Originally Posted by tzone

Nice work my man! Gopher won't hit any grouse but he'll look good doing it.

You're only half right there T-the gun will look fine, but I am long from looking good doing it!

The stock looks great. Sure hope the darned thing functions after putting you through all that. Can't wait to give it a try.

I'm not ready to snort and rattle yet, but I'd like to knock the hell out of some birds! It's been a while. I shot a few last year, but didn't go actually hunt for them. It was strictly by chance while doing other woods stuff.

This year we're going to though because the kid can shoot them. So buy some stock in Federal Cartridge, we're going to be going through a lot of .410 shells.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Nice work my man! Gopher won't hit any grouse but he'll look good doing it.

You're only half right there T-the gun will look fine, but I am long from looking good doing it!

I hope you pop a few with that Jeff. It will be pretty sweet.

Thanks buddy.

Nice work Fluff!

Fluff works with wood the way Dave does with metal!

I got the stock back tonight. Man, it's beautiful. I all most hate to put it back on the gun. I'm chomping at the bit to get this out and see if it cycles. I'm into this for $105.00. To come up with a useable semi-auto for that money would be great. Me thinks the grouse should be running scared right now.

sure glad you like it, Jeff.
now lets get to wearing the blue off,carrying them around in the woods.!

Let's talk about some time to go. Once I get past the wedding, I've just got that one weekend of deer recon planned, outside of that, I'm good to go. A little cast and blast action would be nice!

nice work fluffy, that's great.

Just run a few through it out in the garage. If she cycles, she'll shoot.

If not, my Andy, my BIL can probably look it over for you. He's not too far from you at all.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Fluff works with wood the way Dave does with metal!

I'll second that !!

Nice going Fluff.

Goph's got a bang, bang stick !

You have some serious skills Fluff. Well done!

Originally Posted by tzone

Just run a few through it out in the garage. If she cycles, she'll shoot.

If not, my Andy, my BIL can probably look it over for you. He's not too far from you at all.

Yeah, but Cathy's getting really tired of me tellling her to go patch up the sheetrock all the time.

Is it just me, or is anyone else going out into the yard early, sitting in their stand, in camo, and shooting red squirrels with a pellet gun as "practice" for what is just ahead of us?????

49 degrees this morning.

SNORT

No. Nobody else is doing that. It's too early. We cannot think about that stuff in August. It's still going to be 90*. We just can't!

However, someone forgot to tell the 6 bucks I saw this morning on my way to work.

4 of them were big velvet 8's all running together. 15-16" wide and TAAAAAAL racks. But who's looking at that, it's too early.

Just got caught up to speed on here, was on vacation. Family went to Yellow Stone and Tetons. Kids did good hiked 54 miles in 4 days pretty proud of them for being 7 and 10. Saw lots of cool stuff. Saw all animals except for bear and moose.

Amazed on the stupidity of people out there. Two differ times seen Japanese tourists put there fingers in the geysers. Whu that hot they would say. Really buddy what gives that away the steam and boiling water.

And people getting crazy excited over chipmunks. My kids kept on asking me Dad why are these people so excited over a chipmunk. I said dont know there probably from California probably never seen animals before.Its a concrete jungle there kids.

Deer season is open here in the southern or lower part of South Carolina. The northern or up country part opens to archery on Sept. 15 and muzzle loader season runs from Oct 1 thru Oct. 10th.Gun season opens Oct. 11th.and runs thru Jan.1st.
Brraaaaahhhhhhh. Snort. Snort.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Deer season is open here in the southern or lower part of South Carolina. The northern or up country part opens to archery on Sept. 15 and muzzle loader season runs from Oct 1 thru Oct. 10th.Gun season opens Oct. 11th.and runs thru Jan.1st.
Brraaaaahhhhhhh. Snort. Snort.

Stan in SC

Stan-with a long deer season like that, is opening day a big deal or not so much? At most we get 2 weeks up here and the opener is a really big deal.

Maybe just one of the factors that SC is on my retirement list...just maybe.

I think I get more excited about deer camp than I do about deer hunting. I think I'm going to have to lay off the hunting a bit as I have a boy who can actually hunt this year, and a soon to be step-son that his a hunting fool! If I head down the basement, he bolts to my side to see which hunting bin I'm going to dig through.

All 3 of us boys have been figuring out the reloading stuff together. I'm almost set to charge up some .280 Rem loads. They're primed and ready to go!

Hey, it is too early to snort and scrape. get dat outta yer heads! however, it isnt to early to eeeooow and eee-EEEEEEEEEEE-eeeeee chuckle chuckle chuckle. Elk season starts for me in 15 days! If anybody wants to hear my bugle call over the phone, I can accommodate!

But that is after Youth Day. That thing is consuming my life! I am at the point that I cannot wait until it is over. Weather looks good, so it will be an epic event.

Nice job on the stock Fluffy-the-wood-whisperer! Although something tells me there isnt 1 single grouse all that skeered of Gopher...

And to make my day, an audio ad just popped here on the campfire. In spanish. WTH?

Tone

With that much enthusiasm, you need to let those youngsters load for you! A valuable lesson for them, and pride for both of you when one of the magic bullets makes a kill.

I just finished prepping some .30-06 brass, only because the nephew and step-nephew didn't get around to it! ;-)

Fluffy's threatening to take me out shooting. The old High Standard will be put through it's paces here very soon.

Well I'm a complete newbie to this as well or I'd let them. I want to know what I'm doing before I turn them loose on the explosives.

That p47 Thunderbolt is my favorite ww2 fighter.

requesting prayers for some friends of mine. they lost their son Bodhi yesterday.

You got em Ryan. I'm so sorry to hear this....so so sorry.

On the way Ryan-my concolences.

Aww, geez.

That's awful Ryan. Prayers sent.

Godspeed Bhodi.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well I'm a complete newbie to this as well or I'd let them. I want to know what I'm doing before I turn them loose on the explosives.

Let me know if you need anything. I have not blown myself up yet in 25 years of reloading. Not through lack of trying....

Seriously though, let me know.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

requesting prayers for some friends of mine. they lost their son Bodhi yesterday.

Sent.

Likewise.

Stan in SC

I went and volunteered at Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Day today. Same job I had last year-loading muzzle loading shotguns for the demonstrator. Berettaman was expecting 1,000 kids today. I just got an e-mail from him and we had 1,391 kids through the gates! That's over a thousand kids who may have never experienced shooting a gun, or learning how to fish or trap if not for Berettaman's stellar efforts to make this all possible. Thanks for all you do B-man. Count me in for next year. It would be nice to see a few of our Minnesota brethren contact Berettaman and help out next year....

Awesome BM and Gopher. It sounds like year two was more successful than year 1.

My best little buddy and I pulled the card on a trail cam I blindly set up in early July. It was an area I found on aerial photos and topo maps. The map showed a swamp with but I couldn't see it on the photos.

I headed back there about 6 weeks ago to see what I could find. I did find the swamp and some high ground around it with a few trails. There were some old rubs that were at least a year or two old. I stuck the camera on a tree facing the heaviest trail and bugged out.

We would like to put it back in a few weeks but down by the swamp. All in all, there are 26 pictures of deer (all does) and one woof.
[Linked Image]

Thanks Gopher! It was a great event. I cant tell you how many kids shot for the first time in their life, but it was A LOT. Hundreds and hundreds of them. You can watch it on an upcoming episode of Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound. They came up and filmed it. I will try and post when it will be on.

First order of business is sending some kneemail for Ryan's friends.

Second order of business is taking a nap. Doggone it, I am tired!

Third order of business is getting ready fer the wapiti procurement process I will undertake shortly.

Prayers sent Ryan.

Oh my !

You got them Ryan !

Can not begin to fathom how the family is feeling.

Volunteering at the Fair yesterday got me out of the "rut" so to speak. 92 degrees, not a lot of shade. Awesome time with the MN Warrior hockey guys helping kids try to shoot pucks from a sled-hockey sled at Military Appreciation Day in the heat.

Maybe next week, when it cools off again, I will get antsy again for opener, but the heat sure puts a damper on the excitement for me.

Who's who in the picture?

Stan in SC

I am the old guy in the Remington hat and green polo shirt second from the right.

The other guys are all players also. Three of us in the picture are goalies. The guy on the left is s retired light colonel, but we forgive him......

The Warriors is a group of combat wounded, injured, or service related disabled veterans that use hockey as therapy. We are a not for profit, and have no paid staff. Almost 100% of our funds go to hockey related activities for the players like ice time and jerseys, as well as trips to disabled veteran tournaments and stuff like that.

www.mnwarriors.com

I played against them in many charity games over the years , and they convinced me to turn in the paperwork and join them last season.

I am glad I did.

Oh, and the hoodie was only worn for the picture. It was 90+ degrees out.

Very cool.

Time for a shout out to once again thank our very own Fluffy for another act of generousity. The man just finished masterfully repairing my cracked shotgun stock. He topped that off by showing up at my store with two big bags full of garden tomatoes. Man, I've been eating good for the last couple days! I just can't get enough of some good 'maters! Just polished off a big chunk of tomato on toast with some mayo, salt, and pepper. We did blt's last night, and will do so again today. 'Been popping those little grape tomatoes by the dozen.

Thanks again Fluffy. You da man!

Good lord I could only take about 13 seconds of that!

Did he really sucker somebody into paying him to do that? The investor must have been from Wisconsin.........

glad you like them things,Jeff.
I personally cant take the texture of 'em ,unless they are run through a blender first.

I laid all them little grape tomaters out on dinner plates so the weight wouldn't crush them open. I've eaten three plates packed full of them so far, and have two more to go. As for the big ones, I've been eating BLT's for lunch or supper, and just maters on toast for breakfast. Gotta eat 'em while their in season. Sure are better than the hothouse stuff. As a sidenote, the neighbor brought over some more yesterday!

Yes they are in good supply these days.

Lol! I'm picturing 'ol Jeff sloppy Dom ear to ear with tomato juice and seeds all over his face....passed out on the table in a tomato coma!

Oh yeah, baby! What a way to go! I think I'm going to make the world's biggest Bloody Mary..........

Three bags of 'maters, a gallon of Stoly's , some celery salt, a cup of Tabasco, and a bushel of celery.......

Went out about dark thirty a couple nights ago to turn the sprinklers off barefoot . We've been finding some fair sized snake skins around so I was watching where I stepped and looking pretty carefully. Well sure enough I almost stepped on what turned out to be a 3' water snake . Let me tell ya this 50 y/o 6' 3" 285# ol fart still has some moves.

I know I said 23 cuss words in 3 seconds too and it was all caught on our security cameras. Wife and grandson have about peed themselves watching it over and over . Maybe we can get it on here .

But I got the last laugh it stuck around till I got shoes on and the 28 gauge and perforated his head a bit . !

I just went out and picked 21 grape tomatoes off of the volunteer four plants which came up in our flower bed.
We planted two plants there last year and some of the late season drop off's came up again into four plants.
I have been getting 10 to 15 almost every other day.
A friend of mine brought me some New Jersey tomatoes last year and this year and they are about the best tasting tomatoes I ever tasted.
Mule1,wish I could have seen that quick two step you did.

Stan in SC

We must see the video for that two step

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

We must see the video for that two step

lol I'm working on it !

[img]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/hardinvl/th_MOV_6691_zpsge0bvqp0.mp4[/img]

Maybe this will work

Its pretty grainy but here ya go lol

Went to the range with Fluffy today. He took a very incriminating picture of me posing as a rifleman. Shot all the deer artillery, and shot the Hi Standard that he did the stock work on for me. Shoots and ejects the first shell just fine, but the action doesn't want to close up on the next round. Looked like the round was seated a little low on the bolt face too. I'm hoping it just needs a good lube, so I'm going to tear into it tomorrow and see if I can figure anything out. It was good to get out shooting, and boy, are the juices flowing now! Deer season can't get here fast enough.

Yep,got alot of work to do before season gets here.
Me anyway.gophers stuff is pretty dialed in.
I'd forgotten how nice it was to have a good place to shoot.

'Sure was nice kind of having the place to ourselves.

Originally Posted by mule1

[img]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/hardinvl/th_MOV_6691_zpsge0bvqp0.mp4[/img]

Maybe this will work

That's good stuff right there!!!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Originally Posted by mule1

[img]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/hardinvl/th_MOV_6691_zpsge0bvqp0.mp4[/img]

Maybe this will work

That's good stuff right there!!!

Yep set a record for me too 23 cuss words in three seconds ! Some I didn't know I knew eddeer

Originally Posted by gophergunner

'Sure was nice kind of having the place to ourselves.

it's like that almost every time.
Used to be rare to have anybody else there,except right b4 deer season.
Would love to help you get signed up as a member.
Anything I CA do to help,let me know.
And remember,they are the gophers qb mitch lenders family.
We'll make you a gopher fan yet.

Where were you guys shooting?

www.post435gunclub.org

Let's go!

Wow, you have some moves!

Cool that you guys could get some shooting in. We had a busy weekend with schedule changes but it ended up being pretty dang fun.

Friday we ran kids around. Saturday we worked, I got the topper installed on my truck, and we did a run to my parents cabin to watch some fireworks. April's BIL has a piece of land by my parents cabin so we towed the wheeler up there and camped with them for a night too. Sunday we spent chasing all over Douglass Co, WI looking for deer sign and stand sites. I think it was productive.

Me and the boys are going be hunting in WI this season after the MN winds down. I'm getting pretty excited.

Sounds like a good weekend Tom. I got the .243, the .44, and the slug gun all dialed in. I'll have enough ammo for the .44, but I'll be making a run to Fleet Farm for some .243 and 20 gauge slugs. The slug gun literally cut the cross out of the bullseye on the last shot at 100 yards. Sadly, I left the .300 and the '06 in the cabinet. All most felt like I was cheating on them. Damned doctors!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Let's go!

I'm game. I need to get out with the venison ventilators a bunch before the season starts.

Jeff,
There's no way that slug gun kicks less than the .300. I say use it.

Hi guys, I have the first camp photo update in a very long time.

Our weekend was slightly delayed (I'll explain at the end of the post) but we got things together on Saturday.

There was a lot of weed and brush cutting done, branch trimming, downed trees cleaned up, some new deer stand spots were established... The deer pole which had been out of service due to a downed tree a couple of years ago was relocated. Lots of good work was done.

Here's a few photos of the boys building deer stand floors. These were for Nathan and Justin.

[Linked Image]

I wish I had taken photos of the stand locations. the boys really picked some hard core locations.

Here are a couple of the girls cutting one of the many trouble branches, they did this one the hard way, hand saws.

[Linked Image]

Couple pics of the kids working together to cook up a great meal we had on Saturday evening.

[Linked Image]

Deer pole relocation.

Removing the pole from the old location.

[Linked Image]

limbing the new location.

[Linked Image]

one side up

[Linked Image]

second side...

[Linked Image]

success!

Today being the day after Labor day, is our first day of the new school year.

[Linked Image]

First day of the sixth grade for Joey, First day of Nathan's senior year!

[Linked Image]

So, that was kind of fun.

Ok, now for my sad explanation for our weekend delay.

Pam's father has had some health issues. He has struggled with respiratory issues for years now. Things are becoming further complicated in that respect. Late last week we received word that he was also diagnosed with cancer.

Many appointments are scheduled for this week. We are hoping and praying for the most favorable assessment possible. We traveled down to visit as soon as we got the news. Spent some time visiting at Pam's home place late last week, then decided to continue on with as much of our weekend plans as we could, in the best spirits manageable.

It did turn out to be a fun weekend.

I do ask for your best wishes and prayers for Pam's father. I'm certain she will appreciate it very much.

A bit of cheerful news is that our old basset hound Lucy (14 yrs old) who had recently suffered what we believe was a stroke... She had lost the use of her back legs. She had been dragging herself around with her front legs, it looked terrible and we were putting off the call for the vet to come out to put her to sleep.

Well, Lucy has started using her back legs again! She's walking! She's also got that dog smile going pretty much non stop. She's wobbly, and sometimes her back end goes out to one side. But she is showing clear improvement.

Funny how your dang dog know when you need something good in your life and delivers. They generally don't disappoint!

I ant believe that joey is in 6h grade. I met that little fire cracker when he was 3. He looks the same, just taller. Lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Jeff,
There's no way that slug gun kicks less than the .300. I say use it.

It's a 20 gauge shooting saboted slugs through a ported barrel with a good recoil pad on it. It's definitely softer that the 300.

prayers to you and yours dave! i've found in the last 7 months that life only gets harder as your parents age and the more you have to do for them. As they say they once took care of you and gave you everything, that comes around and now its kids turn as well to take care of the parents more. Remember life is too short so you need to make the most of it and deal with it as it comes. Glad to hear Lucy is coming around too. Critters seem to know all to well when they are needed! Take care guys!

Thinking good thoughts for Pam's father. You've got some of the best oncology docs in the country down there in Rochester.

Good to see photos of Camp Chickenbuck and all the Chickenbuckers again. And again, that camp keeps giving it's healing powers to those in need. Awesome.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by fluffy

Let's go!

I'm game. I need to get out with the venison ventilators a bunch before the season starts.

me too!
I had a few cobwebs to sort out the first time, some bad primers and some too heavy crimped bullets.
those 80 gr noslers shot very well, when they went off. let me know when your ready, we'll do it.

I hit the range today and got 5 sighted in. Only half done and then the hard part.. Pick one to use.

Good thoughts for Pams father.

Fluffy- let's plan this out. I'd like to shoot again. Maybe take the .243 out to 200 yards, run a couple through my Hawken, maybe a couple rounds through my '06, and hopefully have the Low Standard ready for another attempt.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Fluffy- let's plan this out. I'd like to shoot again. Maybe take the .243 out to 200 yards, run a couple through my Hawken, maybe a couple rounds through my '06, and hopefully have the Low Standard ready for another attempt.

Let me know if you guys want company. I have a mini-van, so we could go in style and comfort.....

Your sure welcome to come along,goalie.
I better get to loading,get something to shot.

Best wishes to Pam's pops.
Great news on ole Lucy.
A great healing weekend was in order.

The new fuzzy wind chime bracket is up, now you folks need some chimes!

Im still threatening to build my "deer stringer".

If I knew for sure that some people would be offended, I'd be building it right now.

Thanks very much for the well wishes for Pam's dad. She's a wreck over this, it's very hard.

I can't imagine how hard it is, so I won't pretend I do. But, info think about what you guys are going through every day since I found out. It stinks, plain and simple way to put it.

Now a deer stringer...you may be on to something here!

Originally Posted by goalie

Let me know if you guys want company. I have a mini-van, so we could go in style and comfort.....

You know you did say that out loud.........

Best wishes for Pam's dad. I went thru this same thing with my dad in 1982.I well know what you are feeling.

Stan in SC

Here's a bunch of positive thoughts for Pam's Dad...... Hope all goes well with him.

Thanks guys. By the way, she's plenty "churchy"

(likes prayers)

Prayers sent from fluffy.
I lost my father when I was 13,
Stepfather when I was 43.

Prayers sent.

Pam & family,

Prayers sent from north of the border, for this tough & trying time !

Prayers sent!

Oh man...sorry to hear about this.

Prayers and well wishes sent for Pam's dad.

Good to hear about 'ol Lucy

Pam, Prayers sent for your Dad.

Hey ND...... Did you hear that Babler's sold?

"Again Bullwinkle? that trick never works!"

it did sell dave and he's having an auction up there!

does that mean someone will finally keep that ice road open and reasonably maintained?

lol.

all of his equipment is up for auction so that didnt go with the sale of the land. maybe someone will work it out. i am sure its not arnesons either from what i have heard.

I hope somebody keeps that road open.

Be interesting to see what happens.

Ive caught a lot of eyes going thru Babler's.

greetings, sir ducks of none.

Sounds like the road will be there but I haven't confirmed that yet. It's a tough one to maintain sooo....

<<<<<<<See that?

I'd just as soon have a spot to park and off-road from there. Relieve some of the fishing pressure from the area but then again I'm a selfish SOB.

I know the couple that purchased it.

Greetings ND.. White Bear you think theyll make it a resort?

I'm sure the land went for a lot of money. I would be surprise if the new owners sat on it.But who knows wild speculations from a 952er..

I do i agree it would be nice to relive the pressure there. Then i could quit going to the angle and hit my old hot spots LOL. Now the Angle is getting busier.. I'll have to start fishing in Kenora pretty soon.

I bought a boat today by accident. if I don't post again by next tuesday, then tell them to dig in the garden, thats the likely place mama would bury me.

^^^^ That stuff just happens by accident Ryan^^^^

Just wait until you graduate into equipment that the bank thinks the same thing as you're wife!!!

She'll get I er it as soon as you buy something bigger to make her forget about that boat!

I did that with my wheeler. "Who's is that?!" It's ours hunnie! "Oh!"

I did get to keep it on the divorce tho, so I have that working for me...which is nice.

its easier to ask for forgiveness, than permission.
and, its a good time of year to buy boats.

forky toe fever.its here.

Originally Posted by fluffy

its easier to ask for forgiveness, than permission.
and, its a good time of year to buy boats.

prezactly, plus the guy I bought it from did say he would vouch for me that the baby girl of the family (sylvia), did say she wanted me to buy the boat. so that makes it an obligation in my opinion, and I would be negating my parental rights. least thats what i told mama!

actually I got a 13' boat with trailer (free title to both), 4 and 9.8 hp outboards, 47 lb electric, deep cycle battery, anchor, garbage bag full of lifejackets, 2 boat seats and manual all for two fiddy. I think mama will understand. I already verified both motors are in working order and run. I think I may make out ok on this deal.

Ryan,

@ two-fiddy, you didn't buy it, you stole it !

Pictures.We need pictures!

Stan in SC

Good morning all~

I haven't checked in for awhile but thought I'd update on my dad. Thank you all for the encouraging words, thoughts and prayers.

Although I'm not much of a writer, let me paint a small picture of the man I call my dad. He's 75 yrs old now. He has always been tall to me standing at 6 feet or a little over while I'm only 5 ft 4 inches. He was an MP in the Army with a German Shepard dog as a partner. He bought a farm when I was just a baby and has lived there my whole life. While growing up, dad worked as a heavy equipment operator digging most of the houses and businesses in the area. He also has farmed many acres. We always had many head of cattle, horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, you name it. When dad wasn't working, we had chores or were out in the hay fields or fixing fences because the cattle got out. Some years back dad decided to sell the cattle because it was getting too hard.

Dad is strong, determined, hard working, kind, giving, level headed but yet hot headed at times. He will give you a swift kick in the butt when you need it, and he give you encouraging words when those need to be heard too. He's given me the blessing of growing up out in the country and the experiences of raising animals. He has taught me to deer hunt (it's slugs where we hunt and a very short season), shoot a gun, ride a horse, drive a pickup and tractor. Dad was watching from close by when I shot my 8 point buck the season of my senior year in high school, talking me through the whole thing little did I know. He was right there after I shot two shots, to help and give me that pat on the back.

Yesterday was the appointment with the oncologist. In this little room for 2 - 2 1/2 hrs were my dad, step mom, brother, myself and my half sister. We looked over test results of the PET and CT scans. The cancer is in his right lung with two spots that measure about an inch each. Along with the spots, the cancer is in the fluid outside of the lung that surrounds the lung between the lung and the chest cavity. It is also in the lymph node that is above the heart. Because of the cancer being in the fluid, there is too much area to treat with radiation. Surgery is not an option either. The oncologist explained unfortunately there is no cure but now treatment and decisions to make on quality of life for the next 12-14 months with treatment.

Dave and Miss Taylor made the drive with me and I'm so thankful for that. The boys were at home going to school, working and holding down the home front.

In the next two weeks, further tests will be run on the initial 1.6 liters of fluid that was removed from dad's lung two weeks ago. They are testing to see if dad is a candidate of 15% that can take chemo pills at home instead of the traditional chemo treatments at the cancer center once every three weeks.

Dad is optimistic about treatment and says "we gotta do it". So begins this part of life, my hopes and prayers for dad, his doctors, the right treatment path, and more time with my dad. Doctor appointments and the 370+ round trip drives I will make to be at appointments and treatment. Right now, I'm numb. I'm trying to be optimistic. I'm thinking of all the times I should've gone home to visit, thinking about the future and all the things I'd like to show dad...most importantly Camp Chickenbuck.

So that's yesterday in a nutshell. Chill is in the air now and it feels like fall is moving in on us. We all will be hunting soon. Have a good day everyone.

I can't imagine there's a single one of us who haven't been somehow affected by the scourge that is cancer. I watched my mother rot away for 3 years before she mercifully was called home. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this journey. I wish there was a book on how to deal with this and what to expect, but every case is different and unique. You are blessed to have a dad who has been so loving, and such a good mentor. He set you up for success, and that's all us fathers can hope to do. Trust in God and rally around your friends and family.

Thinking of you and all those hit by this terrible disease

Jeff

Hi Pam,

Thanks for updating us all.

To expand of Jeff's great follow up post, strength, by all involved is the key. I know you've got it in spades, & from your post, I also know where you got it from.

Hold all you love dearly tight, as life is a blessing, not a right.

Prayers for you & yours, moving forward, through this tough period. Please make sure you get your Dad to ChickenBuck this fall. It will be good for him to see the legacy you, his daughter & your "man protector" have created for your family & close friends.

I completely understand where you are at. Went through it with Deb & her Dad, this year, complicated by half a world of distance. Eventually, we lost him to vascular dementia. He is now looking down on us from Heaven. Comfortable & pain free, for the first time, in as long as we can remember. Deb is heading back to Australia, 2nd trip in 3 months, for the month of October & will be back, for an "opening" afternoon sit, to "get" her Dad a nice deer !!

Wishing you & yours, all the very best.

You know we are here for you Pam. All you have to do is ask and I'm for whatever you guys need.

Prayers will continue Pam for your whole family.

Pam,

That was as well written and eloquent as anything I've read. You, your dad and all your family will be in my prayers.

best to you....Jeff

set out two cameras last Saturday....
checked them today,just before dark.
each had two videos.
me,dropping off,and pickin up.

still too warm for bow hunting anyway.

Just got back from checking two cameras I put out in late April. One had 2200 pictures and the other had over 700. I think I have identified 7 or 8 bucks. My only concern is I did not see many fawns although one camera card filled up in mid June.

Whew. That's a rough conversation to have with a doctor. We've had it as well. Mom, her two sisters, her mother, and her father all had cancer. Sadly we lost one at an early age and she left 3 kids. Mom and her other sister are survivors, grandma and grandpa lived for many years after diagnosis up in northern MN.

Pam, your dad sounds like the man every man wants to be. You have a strong family that will help him rally through the rough patches ahead. And don't underestimate the healing powers of Chickenbuck. Get him up there surrounded by his kids and grandkids - it'll do his spirits wonders.

We're with you all the way.

Steve

I was searching for a phone number on my phone yesterday and when I started to type it in, the first one on the search list was Grizzly Bill.

I miss Bill, especially this time of year. He would just starting to ramp up his grocery list and supplies list for his deer camp he ran up by Winter.

Bill and I would have talked about 100 times already since the Labor Day weekend. We'd be talking about trail cam's, family, what loads we're going to run in the rifles...hell we'd yap about the same damn rifles every year, but we loved it.

We'd be swapping stories about Wyatt and Jack and their sports, talking about what car Dave has in the shop and how we love how the build is going and reminisce about the cars we used to have or want to have.

His nemesis was firewood. He was one of the younger guys at camp at 69! He was always up there cutting firewood, lol. they'd take turns but Bill always had a funny story about firewood!

Continued prayers Pam.

Tzone,

I miss Bill here on the fire. You could always count on a weather report from over that way and it almost always matched what would come through here a day or two prior.

Well, I trust you miscreants held down the fort around here over the weekend. I was in Indiana for my son's wedding on Saturday. The kids had a great time, and their wedding came off without a hitch. His groomsmen pitched in and gave him an AR-15. One of Eric's groomsmen, Tyler is in his last month as a U.S. Marine, and will be home in time for deer season. He's a great kid, and I plan on buying him his deer rifle. He thinks he's paying me for it and has no idea I plan on just giving it to him. He will hunt with me for the second time this fall. The trip down and back was pretty uneventfull, although we did see a bear laying dead on 94 in Wisconsin on the way down.

I gave my son an 870 slug gun. It was one of my personal guns, and he would have got it eventually any ways, so the timing was right, with him living in Indiana. Good to be back home and I'm still stiff and sore from so many hours of windshield time.

What part of Indiana does he live in ?

They live in Greenfield Indiana.

boys, my little girl just turned 3 today. hard to believe!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

They live in Greenfield Indiana.

Are you serious ???? I live 8 miles north of Greenfield !!!!!

Right in your back yard!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Right in your back yard!

. Yeah no kidding ! LOL Let me know the next time you are down this way and I will buy you a beer or 12

Ryan,

That means she has the same Birthday as my daughter, Caroline.

Cepting, my baby turned 21, yesterday !!

Oldest turned 5 yesterday.

His main request was that Mommy drive him to school on his birthday.

Well happy Birthday to all those monkeys!

We made a trip to the deer camp woods on Sunday. It was a perfect day in the woods. We jumped on the wheeler and found a new to us clear cut that I'm guessing nobody hunts because it sucks to get to.

I set out two trail cams, one on a new spot that didn't appear to have any human activity since it was cut. I'm guessing about 5 years ago.

Me and mama got some shooting in. She fell in love with my Glock 23, 40cal.

My daughter and I are going to go up next week and goof around in the woods too. I'm hoping she can get her first grouse!

We are already looking forward to heading back up!

That's Uber Tom !

I'm just a part-timer here being that I'm an outsider, so I'm just now reading about Pam's Dad.

Pam and Dave, I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad/FIL. Prayers sent for his recovery. He sounds tough enough to pull it off.

FWIW, taking him to your camp sounds like a great idea. I'm surprised he's never been.

Grrrrrruunnt.

just so you guys know... it's not on yet. That was a test grunt.

it was a "hey ladies, how YOU doin" non-aggressive type grunt to just put the vibe out there.

That said, in a few weeks I'm going to be busting some stuff up.

oh its very close Tom! Just checked my cameras sunday night and had several different bucks on it and a couple even fighting. Started to build a new stand just in time now too or maybe i am late again, seems like this time of year when i do start working on them. Workling on the stand last night till dark and the geese are flying and the cool nights air, thats what its all about!

my primos truth cam is still serving me well, but i've seen these "stealth cams" on sale... pretty cheap. Is anybody using them?

I've sworn off moultrie.

i've still got a cuddie, been very well. i had a moultrie at first and never was able to get a picture off that. i've heard i think its wildview is decent.

Those are the middle school bucks wrestling on the playground...you know that buschy!

It's not on.

Dave,

I have two Truff cams. A 36 and a 46. The 46 is MUCH better. Smaller, quieter, better pics night and day, uses AA batteries that last all season. But, and it may or may not be a big "but," the time/date stamp has never worked on it. I'll get moon phase and temp.

The 36 is pretty much junk now. It uses D sized batteries and it's loud when it takes a pic. The batteries blew up in it and it corrode the springs and stuff. I cleaned them up but was never able to get it to work right.

Last fall I picked up a Wildgame Innovations 7x. It's been great. I like it a lot and will probably buy another this weekend. I'm tossing between that and the new Cuddyback.

thats the camera i was talking about.Wildgame innovations. suppose to be decent cameras now. i'd like to get another as well. yes, they were young bucks but i got several pictures of them. one was a nice 8, the other a fork. hopefully kids will get a chance at them this year. i've had more bucks on it so far than any other year too. building a new 6x6 stand now, got vinyl sliding windows and all. just framing it up so i got some work to do yet to it.

This is the year of the kids for me too Buschy. I have a few cans out and hope to get them monkeys on a buck, but let them know anything they want is fair game.

i like to get the kids on deer, then i will hunt after that. i tend to go out more by myself for muzzleloader now. quiet in the woods then. i like to see grandpas face when the kids shoot one so thats more important now. my youngest gets his first chance this year. he's pretty excited.

wow, been gone awhile and had some catching up to do. Most importantly, prayers for Pam's father have been sent.

I have 4 wildgame innovation cameras and they are okay. Not great by any means but they are now on their second year. I think the Truth Cam 46 is much better than the 36, I had 2 36s and only 1 works now. best idea is to win a Reconyx at a Pheasants Forever banquet though. that thing rocks!

Big news is that I am back from my elk hunt. It was an absolutely unbelievable hunt. We called in 2 bugling bulls the last day. I called in 1 to 12 yards for my buddy (but he got busted drawing) and he called in a 6X6 for me. It was an epic half hour of adrenaline filled elk screams and stalking that culminated in me shooting him at 40 yards with my bow. This was a DIY, public land hunt that I will remember forever. I can still visualize that arrow flying....

Now the pack out...holy moly! Dem der elkies weigh a lot of pounds! 75 pounds on your back at the end of a long day (got back to the ATVs at 130 am), in the dark, steep uphill, over blowdowns, at 9300 feet, with feet that have been wet for 4 days...it was AWESOME!!!! The next morning was pretty humorous watching me try to get out of bed! But man, what an experience. If anyone gets a chance to go elk hunting....do it. Just do it. You will run out of health before you run out of money. Oh, I suppose you want a picture as proof, eh?

[Linked Image]

Awesome Dean! Congrats

Congrats!!!!

Dandy bull.....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

wow, been gone awhile and had some catching up to do. Most importantly, prayers for Pam's father have been sent.

I have 4 wildgame innovation cameras and they are okay. Not great by any means but they are now on their second year. I think the Truth Cam 46 is much better than the 36, I had 2 36s and only 1 works now. best idea is to win a Reconyx at a Pheasants Forever banquet though. that thing rocks!

Big news is that I am back from my elk hunt. It was an absolutely unbelievable hunt. We called in 2 bugling bulls the last day. I called in 1 to 12 yards for my buddy (but he got busted drawing) and he called in a 6X6 for me. It was an epic half hour of adrenaline filled elk screams and stalking that culminated in me shooting him at 40 yards with my bow. This was a DIY, public land hunt that I will remember forever. I can still visualize that arrow flying....

Now the pack out...holy moly! Dem der elkies weigh a lot of pounds! 75 pounds on your back at the end of a long day (got back to the ATVs at 130 am), in the dark, steep uphill, over blowdowns, at 9300 feet, with feet that have been wet for 4 days...it was AWESOME!!!! The next morning was pretty humorous watching me try to get out of bed! But man, what an experience. If anyone gets a chance to go elk hunting....do it. Just do it. You will run out of health before you run out of money. Oh, I suppose you want a picture as proof, eh?

[Linked Image]

. Congrats !!! Great bull !

i forgot to say, it was archery. shot was 40 yards. double lunged him and he still went 150ish yards.

Congrats Berettaman, nice bull. What state where you in?

Side note i have primos truth cams. Got them on Natchez website there refurbished have'nt had a problem with any of them so far.

way to go! my elk season starts in a week!

Great job on that elk Berettaman.

I have a couple of Bushnell cams up since April 29th. Lots and lots of pictures and still on the same set of batteries.

Nice Bull. Good job. Nothing matches the excitement of being in the middle of a herd of elk with bulls screaming and cows calling. Good times

BBD!!! Atta-boy, B-man!

Ill get out whitetail hunting again,if it ever stops raining.
at least it will be good stalking weather.

Wow, congrats Dean! That is awesome, you really did it full on, the real world diy public land hunt. Awesome! You can't do any better in my opinion.

Great work B-Man.

You da MAN !!

Nice elk. Are you processing all of it by yourself?

I'm suddenly hungry for elk backstraps.

Off topic, but does anyone know a decent value range for an old Sea king 9.6 HP outboard motor? it starts and is in pretty decent shape for it's age, what would it be worth? 200-300? it has the fuel line and tank
sorry the pic aint the best

I would think you're in the ball park with the line and tank. That can be the hardest part to find sometimes.

Thats what I'm thinking.

Stan, here is a pic of the boat I bought the other day. I didn't forget!

Yeah, there's no way around it. You had to buy that boat.

Originally Posted by tzone

Yeah, there's no way around it. You had to buy that boat.

mama even agreed once I showed it to her.

to answer some questions....Wyoming and even though each one of us processes our own venison, we opted to bring it to a processor. I think all of us were just plain wore out.

Nice boat Ryan!

It is getting to be fall folks. I don't know if anyone has noticed or not.

I probably would have too BM. That' a lot of venni to do yourself.

Elk is by far my favorite meat. Someday I hope to get one.

Ryan,good looking boat.Thanks for remembering.

Dean,grEat elk.Glad you were successful.

We left here last Monday to spend a week in Rhode Island and visit family, see the sights and eat GOOD Italian food. We accomplished all of that and had a great time.
Yesterday we started home at 7:30 AM with the idea of spending one night somewhere and arriving home on Saturday morning or mid-day. Made good time until a two hour traffic tie up due to a wreck in Pennsylvania. We moved about two miles in two hours.
After that I just kinda got to making up time despite the rain we ran into and out of and back into. Wound up in southern Virginia at supper time. After supper I just told Linda to hang on cause we are going home.
On again, off again rain, crazy drivers going too fast for conditions, poorly marked roads. Etc. ,Etc.
I rolled into my garage at 12:30 midnight after 15 hours.
Damn glad to be home.
Went and got the two dogs out of the boarding kennel this morning. They were as glad to see me as I was to see them.
Anyhow, we had a great time and made it home safely and I got caught up on this thread.

Stan in SC

Stan,

If you can handle 15 hours of traffic on the east coast from RI to SC, there is no excuse for not making a road trip to northern MN in Nov for a deer hunt you will never forget. One of my sons just moved back to MN from Baltimore and cannot believe the traffic difference. It took him about 15 hours of driving from Balt to Twin Cities.

Add another 5 or 6 and you are in northern MN.

Glad you survived the ordeal.

I'm retiring in a couple weeks. We live in Frederick MD, and my wife just drove down to NC to visit her Aunt and Uncle. She sent me a text, "we are moving to NC, there is no traffic down here". Next week I'm heading to Harkers Island, NC, for our annual fishing tournament. After clearing the DC Metro area it's pretty clear sailing, about 7-8 hours, pulling a 30ft Contender. That's a boat, not a single shot pistol. I have cousins in Duluth, all girls that don't hunt, I'd make the trip to hunt if invited, Joe.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Stan,

If you can handle 15 hours of traffic on the east coast from RI to SC, there is no excuse for not making a road trip to northern MN in Nov for a deer hunt you will never forget. One of my sons just moved back to MN from Baltimore and cannot believe the traffic difference. It took him about 15 hours of driving from Balt to Twin Cities.

Add another 5 or 6 and you are in northern MN.

Glad you survived the ordeal.

I did a few non-stops (other than to pee and eat on the fly) from Lejune to the Twin Cities back in the day. It is a doable road-trip.

Deer hunting here vs North Carolina isn't even comparable IMO.

Which one is better?

That's quite a pull Stan. I travel all over the US in a vehicle and try to limit it to no more than 10 hours, but sometimes ya gotta just keep rollin on. Philly is notorious for old roadways that are very narrow. Any accident happens and there's no shoulder for the emergency vehicles or to push a disabled vehicle off.

Going to be blowing all the way through MN on 94 in a few weeks. About a 14 hour drive straight thru. On the way to NoDak for a week of duck hunting. I hope to pass all those Mannysotans in the opposite lane coming back from their 4 day teachers holiday weekend. You guys nearly double the population of the state while you're there. It's hard to find a place to hunt during that time without seeing "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" on every license plate.

We spent a wonderful weekend up north by the deer camp north of duluth. This time it was a father/daughter weekend. We went to a wedding Friday night, then spent a two beautiful days in the woods. We checked trail cams, rode 4-wheeler, hit the Portland Malt Shop, walked some trails for grouse, ate pizza.... It was a perfect weekend weather wise, and it was perfect company!

Glad you had a great weekend Tom. Did you see much sign? Any good pics on the cams? Is anyone bothering your cams?

Jeff,

There was some sign. I'm most excited about die with fawn tracks. We haven't seen that much at all the last few years. We found some huge buck tracks in a clear cut landing. If i didn't know better, you'd think they were a calf moose...they weren't!

We have a couple spots picked out for me and the kids to sit. The trail cams were hit and miss. One had nothing on it, one had a doe, a doe with fawn, and a then a nubbie on it.

I can't believe how wet everything was though. One spot that I've never seen water, had water up to my knees, right over the top of my muck boots

Originally Posted by tzone

Which one is better?

Minnesota by a mile. Granted, I may be biased....

You may commence with the pre-rut.

hard frost up nort this morning.

urrrrrrrp. uurrp.

Grrrrrruunnt

My turdmonitor had a - thingy on it this morning !

You wanna try me punk?

I got a nice fat doe,and last years buck fawn walking past my archery stand pretty regular.
Snort snort.

That's what I thought bishes....ya got nuttin.

Gggrrtrrrrrrrrrunt.

Originally Posted by tzone

We spent a wonderful weekend up north by the deer camp north of duluth. This time it was a father/daughter weekend. We went to a wedding Friday night, then spent a two beautiful days in the woods. We checked trail cams, rode 4-wheeler, hit the Portland Malt Shop, walked some trails for grouse, ate pizza.... It was a perfect weekend weather wise, and it was perfect company!

What about that salad...

Bman,
Congrats on the archery elk!! That is my dream hunt!
Unfortunately I can't compliment you on the pic because this site is so hit and miss lately all I see is a box with an X in it on most pictures. Not all mind you...but most. Grrrr

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

We spent a wonderful weekend up north by the deer camp north of duluth. This time it was a father/daughter weekend. We went to a wedding Friday night, then spent a two beautiful days in the woods. We checked trail cams, rode 4-wheeler, hit the Portland Malt Shop, walked some trails for grouse, ate pizza.... It was a perfect weekend weather wise, and it was perfect company!

What about that salad...

I tossed it aside.

Muzzle loader starts here October 1st. and regular gun starts October 11th.
Guys are growing beards , buying guns , stands , trail cameras , etc. like crazy.
It's ON!.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

That's what I thought bishes....ya got nuttin.

Gggrrtrrrrrrrrrunt.

I shaved this morning. Definitely not ready for the rut yet.

lol

it's practice rut Dave! You probably shouldn't shave any more though.

Mine's getting grayer...so I thought about it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

We spent a wonderful weekend up north by the deer camp north of duluth. This time it was a father/daughter weekend. We went to a wedding Friday night, then spent a two beautiful days in the woods. We checked trail cams, rode 4-wheeler, hit the Portland Malt Shop, walked some trails for grouse, ate pizza.... It was a perfect weekend weather wise, and it was perfect company!

What about that salad...

I tossed it aside.

Tom tossed a salad.

(Sorry, I had to......)

Took long enough.

ooooooohhhh , dat's punny.

Stan in SC

went out scouting for elk tonight, saw lots of deer, no elks though. tomorrow one might meet his maker if I find him!

WAY too early for deer rut out here, the elks just started getting vocal, way late for them too

had a mature bull hang up at around 400 yards this morning in the thick pines. was texting tzone while it was going on, kinda cool to include him then

but alas no elk for me. tomorrow afternoon I head west to kill me some speed goats it looks like. have to stop at the vet first, my old sidekick isn't doing too hot, hope it's nothin.

Uuuurrrrrp

The White Bearcome to see me today.

He brought some stuff.

[Linked Image]

We dig a hole, in Pam's nice front lawn.

[Linked Image]

Fix a pressurized waterline that has been leaking water into the ground 8' down all summer.

[Linked Image]

Tzone, close your eyes... Don't look at our trench bracing.

We lived.

It's fixed and covered back up.

[Linked Image]

Thank god for good friends.

(with awesome equipment)

thought maybe you were serious about making a new deer stand.

I could have used that low boy to take my date to the prom back in the day. If that was a 2 yard bucket, she could've used that in the buffet line. I was trying to do a buddy a favor...runnin' blocker.

Not hip to the new kids vernacular so I had to google the salad thing. Big mistake. I threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Got the boy up north right now for opening day of season in the am. 4:30am is going to come awfully early.

Is that bucket big enough?

My goodness that's an ugly rig. I'm glad it made it there and back.

I have pics to as well..... More interesting jobs the last few days. Not that ND working under that ledge didn't give me the Jimmies.

I actually went and dug/pulled out my D65LGP after I left ND's. It was in a peat swamp and my 4WD tractor wouldn't even touch it with 100's of feet of rigging.

Popped it out just fine then of course I had to push the limits again (that's how I roll) to get the job done.

Back tomorrow to trim the project up then off to the next one.

Pics drive me nuts but some of you folks will enjoy them so I'll get them coming in a day or two.

Nice sheenrey WB!

I've seen much worse trench bracing gentleman. Looks like fun to me WB. You hiring?

Sure T. You know how to run a shovel????

That's 45,000# in there.

I can run a flat shovel and can learn.

Not really much experience but I've run a few old school cable operated dozers my grandpa used to have and of course a skid steer. I can drive a dump truck.

We can discuss my salary over some Budweiser's and beer at chicknebuck in a few weeks.

What are you working on today?

We're waiting for the sun to come up here so we can see what we're doing. Flatwork today here.

driving to Hibbing today,to see my nephew get married.
per his request,made him a couple night stands to fit his gun safes( he is a LEO)
he thinks they are oak, stained chocolate brown,but I decided to skip a step,make them out of walnut.
we will see how long it takes him to figure out the difference.
[Linked Image]

I'm cleaning up some ditch banks with the dozer. Most of my jobs are ag related and this project was to fix some obvious drainage issues.

I have a couple quick jobs to knock-off on this afternoon & Sunday then back to cleaning ditches with the hoe.

That will keep me busy until there is 3-4" of frozen ground which is usually a week or so into Nov. After that it's back on the dozer to do some shearing and land clearing.

I stay pretty busy but it's worth it when the ice gets thick on the lake. No time clock to punch has it's benefits.

Originally Posted by fluffy

driving to Hibbing today,to see my nephew get married.
per his request,made him a couple night stands to fit his gun safes( he is a LEO)
he thinks they are oak, stained chocolate brown,but I decided to skip a step,make them out of walnut.
we will see how long it takes him to figure out the difference.
[Linked Image]

Nice work!

Fluffy those are great!

Am I the only on that wants a mount of a coyote with a house cat in its mouth?

Maybe that's what I should do with my wolf pelt.😄
Something like' the last great act of defiance'

Originally Posted by tzone

Am I the only on that wants a mount of a coyote with a house cat in its mouth?

No.

Nice work Fluffy.

Make sure the cat has a collar on it.

Those are awesome Fluffy!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Am I the only on that wants a mount of a coyote with a house cat in its mouth?

Tom, we always thought you just wanted to mount a coyote.........

Beautiful work, Fluffy.

Back from a quick scouting mission to Outing. Nice looking area. Saw one grouse, and found a couple good looking deer spots. Hoping to make a couple more runs up there before deer season.

Saw a dandy buck today while 4-wheeling with April in northern WI today. 8pt with 10" tines

He didn't want any part of me either. I chased him and all he did was run.

It must have been my beard or increadible rack!

Originally Posted by fluffy

driving to Hibbing today,to see my nephew get married.
per his request,made him a couple night stands to fit his gun safes( he is a LEO)
he thinks they are oak, stained chocolate brown,but I decided to skip a step,make them out of walnut.
we will see how long it takes him to figure out the difference.
[Linked Image]

screwed up my link on the first one

Originally Posted by fluffy

driving to Hibbing today,to see my nephew get married.
per his request,made him a couple night stands to fit his gun safes( he is a LEO)
he thinks they are oak, stained chocolate brown,but I decided to skip a step,make them out of walnut.
we will see how long it takes him to figure out the difference.
[Linked Image]

screwed up my link on the first one

Spectacular...missed out on the first post.

[quote=roundoakSpectacular...missed out on the first post. [/quote]

yes,I screwed it up shortly after posting it.

Scouted our new spot Saturday. Got one of our guys set up on a clear cut. I found a nice looking spot where a little ridge line runs along the edge of a lake. The deer are traveling that ridge, and down along the lake shore. Guessing it'll have scrapes on it soon, as they always like those ridge tops to leave their mark. Man, it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Did any of the Chickenbuckers go into camp over the weekend, Dave?

Yeah, we made a quick trip on saturday. I needed to bring the little blue tractor home for some landscaping after last week's water line repair at home here. While we were out there, I worked on the access road with the tractor blade, fixed it up pretty decent actually. While I was working on that, Pam and Joey walked the trails for grouse. Joey got 2! Pam, she was not allowed to do much shooting... Joey's excitement kind of took over... lol.

The new dog "Penny" made the trip as well, she sure likes the woods. I don't have any pictures but Pam had her camera along, I will check with her later and see if she has any pictures.

Plenty of deer tracks.

Save a few of those suckers will ya?! lol.

They boys are pretty excited for the chickenbuck weekend! All 3 of us.

me too.

Did some fishing yesterday as well and got one foolish northern for pickling to bite. It was beautiful to watch the sunrise and the fog lift off the lake. It was 27* at moms cabin.

Had a guy's golf weekend and stayed where we deer hunt on Whitefish Lake. Saw a TON of deer on the hunting land.

It is time!!!!

Oh, and I missed out on the doe lottery, so, since I've shot a legal buck 7 out of the last 8 years, I probably won't even see one this year. At least my buddies daughter gets to shoot a doe, and my buddy hit the lottery.

Good luck Goalie. I talked to two duck hunter pulling off an isolated lake up there and they didn't get any ducks, but had 5 deer go swimming right through their decoys!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We dig a hole, in Pam's nice front lawn.

[Linked Image]

Fix a pressurized waterline that has been leaking water into the ground 8' down all summer.

[Linked Image]

Tzone, close your eyes... Don't look at our trench bracing.

We lived.

It's fixed and covered back up.

[Linked Image]

Thank god for good friends.

(with awesome equipment)

. Did you have to pay him with cold silver bullets ??

Beautiful work, Fluffy!

Took the boy for our northern duck opener. The quiet little lake I used to hunt by myself was ablaze with super bright LEDs coming from everywhere. It was kinda eery at 0400. We found our spot, but got downwinded by one group and another came through the dekes at 0800 - prime time. They set up upwind of us, so we're pretty much out of business. Few quality shots all day. I actually had to go to the store to buy chicken for our "duck" gumbo that evening. Sad.

But we had a good time! We did better Sunday am, getting 4. Another great sunrise and made giant 4 egg omelettes with everything but the kitchen sink in them before the long drive home. The boy eats like two men. I just sit and watch with wonder.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Beautiful work, Fluffy!

Took the boy for our northern duck opener. The quiet little lake I used to hunt by myself was ablaze with super bright LEDs coming from everywhere. It was kinda eery at 0400. We found our spot, but got downwinded by one group and another came through the dekes at 0800 - prime time. They set up upwind of us, so we're pretty much out of business. Few quality shots all day. I actually had to go to the store to buy chicken for our "duck" gumbo that evening. Sad.

But we had a good time! We did better Sunday am, getting 4. Another great sunrise and made giant 4 egg omelettes with everything but the kitchen sink in them before the long drive home. The boy eats like two men. I just sit and watch with wonder.

I went up to Pennsylvania turkey hunting with some friends of mine. I made the mistake of volunteering to cook the first day we were there. They never let me off KP the whole week. Apparently none of these guys could figure out which side of the skillet to put the eggs in, so I was nominated Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. When I saw what these guys brought up for chow, I understood. I think they must have planned on living on Spam and cheap canned baked beans and little else. I'd be willling to bet everyone put on a few lbs. by the time we left. We ate a lot of trout, grouse, a turkey, and some squirrel pot pie, not to mention that there was a run to the grocery store for some real food-not the Spam they had brought.

Dave-did I see Einer The Weiner in one of those pictures? How's the little guy doing?

Oh the little brown barking rocket is doing just fine.

Funny little guy.

Dave, did you finish the Mustang? If you did, I must have missed it.

no, been hitting the camaro hard. It's almost done. then I have another chevy to get through, then it's back onto the mustang.

That Camero is going to bring disco back man!

So is the Camaro!

I'm not sure when is the best time to jump in to say hi and introduce myself, so here it goes! Hi guys, my name's Justin and I live in the southern metro and hunt a little ways up north of Island Lake Inn area in Mn and The Boulder Junction area of Northern WI.

Any word from Stan??

Welcome 3006Justin.

Thanks TJAY

Hey Justin. I know you and I have chatted a bit before but welcome! You and I stomp sound the same brush. We are east of you over by Pequaywan.

How's are the deer looking in your neck of the woods?

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Any word from Stan??

He was on the face books a few days ago.

Thanks Tom!! He must have come through the floods...

Hi Justin, I've shot and ate one of those island lake area deers before.

Welcome.

Stay away from the Inn. They trap you there with good greasy food and ice cold beer. Damn them!

porkys too.

Ive lived there for almost 25 years and never been to porkys

Originally Posted by 3006Justin

I'm not sure when is the best time to jump in to say hi and introduce myself, so here it goes! Hi guys, my name's Justin and I live in the southern metro and hunt a little ways up north of Island Lake Inn area in Mn and The Boulder Junction area of Northern WI.

welcome Justin.
there are a few of us here from the south metro

Thanks guys, it looks like a few guys from down around me and yes it was good to talk to you tzone. Yeah my buddy, his dad and his uncle and I have a lease on county land off of Three Lakes Rd near 4 up there and the deer and partridge are both piss poor this year and the wolves are thick as tics again. The deer hunting has been bad the last three years but partridge has mostly been good. We were up last weekend to put up a handful of stands but it's really looking like a good year to drink a lot of coffee, some Windsor and play cards whilst setting by the wood stove.

Originally Posted by 3006Justin

We were up last weekend to put up a handful of stands but it's really looking like a good year to drink a lot of coffee, some Windsor and play cards whilst setting by the wood stove.

You think it ain't!?

I didn't know people actually hunted deer at deer camp until I started hunting in WI in 1996. Before that I thought it was just where we played cards while drinking coffee and Windsor.

Originally Posted by 3006Justin

I'm not sure when is the best time to jump in to say hi and introduce myself, so here it goes! Hi guys, my name's Justin and I live in the southern metro and hunt a little ways up north of Island Lake Inn area in Mn and The Boulder Junction area of Northern WI.

Hello and welcome. I am in the south-ish metro myself.

I'm a bit north of the north metro but you can pick me up on your way to camp.

Welcome Justin. I'm north of the metro area.

About 5 hours north.

Welcome Justin!!

Hey there Justin.

I'm about 3-4 hrs North of Dave & the big white monster !!

Welcome to the fire Justin. I live in southern metro. Not to far from thee famous GopherGunner.

Little chill in the air, leaves are finally starting to change. Starting to get fired up for opener.

Yep. I'm getting more testy. Had to issue a good but chewin to a know it all and tucked tail between his legs.

Then I rubbed a tree next to him to show the ladies what's up.

Funny Mr. Tzone.

Thanks again fer the warm welcome! Tzone, I'm the opposite, in WI where I deer hunt with family it's all business and when when hunt with my buddies ( only hunted with them 9 years) it's way more relaxed/comradery and deer hunting second. I totally enjoy both, I just wish the serious hunting was first and the relaxed hunting was second. Such is life.

Funny thing happened today at work, I haven't seen a snipe by the deer shack in 3ish years or so and was talking about it to the coworkers last week, well low and behold when the owners of the company came back from lunch there was a dead snipe in the parking lot. Crazy thing is are shop is located just outside the warehouse district by the steel yards in Minneapolis! Poor way to die for him, must a got scared and had a heart attack or something when he was flying over all that concrete and steel during migration

You see that?! You damn right it is.... what's left of the coat rack at work. Who's next?

Grunt grunt rattle rattle

[Linked Image]

Guess that Snipe got caught on the wrong side of the tracks!

280 AI long range set up.
150 NBT 61 gr RL22
80 yard shot. DRT

heard him fighting and bugling early in the morning, called him in yesterday morning just after 7:30

Time to focus on deer now!

Ryan, you old dog, You !!

Congratulations.

That is sooooo

Good eatin there Ryan. Congrats!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

280 AI long range set up.
150 NBT 61 gr RL22
80 yard shot. DRT

LOL! Isn't that always the case? You prepare for the worst case scenario and are ready for that 450+ yard cross-canyon shot and they sneak in a bit more than a stones throw away...

Awesome job! Great bull.

Awesome, Congrats to you.

Elk steaks, Elk burgers,Elk roast,Elk jerky,Elk summer sausage.

Gonna be a good winter of eating for you and your family..

That's awesome Ryan! Always wanted to go elk hunting.

I am still around. In the upstate here we got a lot of rain but where we are there was no flooding. Thanks guys for thinking of me. The rain has gone and the people in Columbia,SC which is 100 miles south of us and southward and eastward from there are trying to get back into flooded homes. It just makes your heart go out to people whose entire life's possessions are in homes that are up to the eaves in water.
Muzzle loader season for deer came in on Oct. 1st. and I have yet to go. Tomorrow is the last day for that and regular gun season starts Sunday. I hunt a lot during gun season with a muzzle loader. Always have.
I am going to try to go tomorrow afternoon and then Sunday afternoon with rifle. Success , if any , will be reported.

Stan in SC

Nicely done Ryan....

congrats Ryan!

I missed the picture first time I went thru the pages. Awesome Ryan. Congratulations.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan!
and thanks to everyone else, it was likely a tag of a lifetime. according to the stats the earliest I should be able to draw that again will be in 25 years when I'm in my 60's.

That's an awesome trophy. I'm really glad you got one. And it's a beauty of a bull!

Good to hear all is well with you Stan!!

Nice bull Ryan!

A few more details on the rifle please as far as build, etc........

Savage 110 donor was a 30-06. I ordered the barrel from - http://www.gunshack.com/savagebarrels. had a local gun shop thread the muzzle for me and screw it all together again.
stock is a choate tactical or something, it's comfortable but the grip is a little large for my liking. I tuned the trigger myself.
bases are 20 MOA and made by burris, as are the 30mm rings.
scope is a Burris MTAC 4.5-14 and I really like it.
Suppressor is a Lane Scorpion magnum all titanium. specs are here:
http://www.lane-products.com/products/scorpion-magnum.html

I did most of the work originally, but when I brought it in to be threaded they pulled the barrel and re-headspaced it.
absolutely love hunting with a suppressor, makes it sound like a .22 short you're shooting

oh, and hardly any recoil, I watched my bull take the hit through the scope with very little climb.
after season I'm going to probably take the bases and rings off and use threadloc when I put them back together, I forgot originally and it's been nagging at me. probably fine as is, but I can't stand it. I have about 500 of the 140 NBT's I need to swap for the 150's as I only have about 300 of those left. next will be my 308 hog hunter that needs a tune up, it was shooting the 168 vld into teeny groups at 200 yards but the barrel came looseas I was unscrewing the can, which made me nervous it was that easy. so I got a new barrel nut on the way and I'll strip it and put it back together hopefully by deer season. in the mean time I need to stretch the legs on my 280AI cause the deer come november may be out further than 80 yards

oh, I will likely be getting an oversize recoil lug and bedding it to the Choate, even with that aluminum bedding block I'm not trusting it not being bedded. I may step up to a better stock, I just wish they weren't so durn expensive.

Sounds like a fun toy!!

yes it does, a hot rod elk rifle.

Good Job Ryan!

Welcome Justin!

Stan, glad to hear you were not part of the mess!

Nicely done Ryan!

And classy too with a 280AI.

We had a busy weekend but it was a blast. Oktoberfest on Saturday after work, the up to the new WI deer camp to sort some things out.

I had found a few spots over Labor Day weekend, but didn't firm anything up. This past weekend, all the spots I'd picked, were also favorites of someone else. There was a stand in almost all of them!

I found one I hope nobody else did and put a camera up. I'll come back this coming weekend with a stand and a fresh SD card to see what's there.

I haven't hunted WI since 2009 and forgot what it's like where other people are around. Here in MN the only hunter I've seen since 2010 other than our party, was a guy that was lost wandering an old logging trail in 2012. He was more than happy to see me!

The kids and I are headed up for the MEA weekend to mess around in the woods. It was supposed to be the youth hunt, but there isn't one in our area due to the lack of deer. We're going to finish Jack's stand, shoot A LOT with the rifles, and then hopefully, get them on some grouse.

Thursday we are going to kick it all off by pulling the engine on my '55 Ford truck.

The bolts are out of the motor and trans mounts, the hood is off, and the front clip is off. So, it shouldn't take too long, but you never know with this stuff... well, Dave does.

Good luck with the old ford.

I will be headed back to my old deer camp soon. To the camp that originally lit the fire in me for creating a camp for my own family.

Heading back to the iron range where I will walk a trail far back into the woods to an off the grid camp, accessible by foot, atv or snowmobile only.

I will meet with old hunting partners, these are my cousins, uncles, my dad, a brother.

We will be spreading the ashes of my recently departed uncle. He was basically the camp boss back when I hunted in that camp. I really enjoyed being around him, he will be missed. More importantly he will be remembered.

I can't think of a better spot a deer hunter would rather be for a final resting place.

To me it's where I'd want to be.

It's been a while since you've been there, no? It will be nice to go back, spend time with the others, and share the laughs and memories.

I'm pretty excited about heading back to hunt WI. We will have a decent group up there. Seven or so. I'll have tent set up and there will be two campers.

I'll sleep in the tent, and we'll probably use it for our gathering/eating area since the campers are small.

I consider myself very lucky to be able to share two opening days just a few weeks apart in two states that are rich in Deer Camp tradition.

its been better than 10 years I think.

Sorry to hear about your uncle, Dave.

Did you get in a tree yet male chicken #7?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Sorry to hear about your uncle, Dave.

thanks, he was a guy I looked up to quite a but growing up.

Sorry for your loss, ND! Thanks for the welcome Rooster. Tzone whereabouts in WI, I think I said it before but I hunt in Vilas county. Though I haven't been able to hunt WI for 6 years unfortunately, ugh, something always pops up. Wow, that's an awful nice looking elk, Ryan.

Sorry to hear about your uncle Dave, if you looked up to him, I'd wager he was quite a man.

Thanks Justin, I love me some elk.

I just got word a bit ago my mom shot a 4 point (8 pointer to you eastern types) whitetail tonight with her bow. she sent me a pic, looks to be a nice 2 y/o buck. her first bow kill and dad said it was probably 5 yards when he got out there and walked it off (yes she was hunting alone). she called me moments after she shot and sounded like she was on an adrenaline rush you wouldn't believe. to say she was stoked is an understatement. perfect double lung shot, I'm sure proud of my mom! I'll get a pic up here in the morning, headed to bed now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

thanks, he was a guy I looked up to quite a but growing up.

I'm sorry that you lost a man you look up to. I have no doubt he's proud of you.

Originally Posted by 3006Justin

Sorry for your loss, ND! Thanks for the welcome Rooster. Tzone whereabouts in WI, I think I said it before but I hunt in Vilas county. Though I haven't been able to hunt WI for 6 years unfortunately, ugh, something always pops up. Wow, that's an awful nice looking elk, Ryan.

We'll be in Douglass co this time. I hunted in Ashland co for many years, then Price, and now Douglass. I lived in Weeton, down by Wausau for 11 years, and you probably know that's in Marathon Co. I still get down there and in your stomping grounds for turkeys every spring.

Originally Posted by tzone

Did you get in a tree yet male chicken #7?

No I haven't made it out yet. I messed up my leg pretty bad and was in a boot for a few weeks. I'm thinking maybe this weekend now that both boys football seasons ended last night in the playoffs.

They both went out with a bang. It seemed like there names were being announced on almost every tackle and big run on offense.

One is a senior linebacker and fullback and played his heart out on both offense and defense so the tears were flowing pretty good after the loss. He scored their only TD. The other is junior and is showing himself to be a power house linebacker and full back. Next year he is going to be fun to watch!

Cool! Congrats to them for making the playoffs!

My shortest buddy is also a full back and line backer...and D-Tackle and O-tackle.

He's a firecracker on D. Fun to watch. He gets all fired up when the coach calls him "Beastmode" on D. Big change from last year when he couldn't figure out which way to run at LB.

They have 2 more games left before the playoffs.

I haven't been up in one either. I may get to in a few weeks. I drew a permit to hunt a park across from our house again, so I'm hoping for a shot at a doe at least. It's been 6 years since I drew my bow on a deer.

That's cool tzone, my cousin's oldest son (around 14yrs old but not exactly sure) shot a 11 point buck either last weekend or early this week. I saw the pictures on Facebook, man did it look nice. Her husband is from the Mennomonie Reservation, so I'm not sure if he shot it on the Reservation or if it was on one of their friends property in Shawano County.

Where's the pics ND?

Yesterday was the first day of our firearms deer hunt for youth hunters, an early season for kids.

I worked till 3,then Joey and I piled into the truck with a 220 swift and a 410 shotgun. (Shotgun was for birds on our way out to the hunting spot.)

We got out to camp chickenbuck around 4pm. We got up into Pam's enclosed deer stand and sat there drinking our waters and eating little 3 musketeer bars. We soon slipped into a silly imagination session where we joked about a "Rhino-roo" which is a 2300 lb rhino on kangaroo legs, very noisy sweaty animals, heavy breathers.... Loud jumpers.

Also flying "squrtles" which is a squirrel turtle. Turtle shell with squirrel head and legs, tries to fly and glide from tree to tree, not good at it though.

Then, the wind calmed a bit, 6:40 PM. I told Joe, "OK, lets quiet down now, we've got a real good chance here in these next 15 minutes.

6:55, Joe spots a nice doe straight ahead, 80 yds. He went into buck fever mode... Lol! It was awesome. I whispered "I'm going to help you buddy, OK?"

His eyes were huge, locked on target, he nodded his head yes. I helped with a guiding hand to slowly and smoothly lay the rifle barrel out the stand window without clonking on anything. I clicked his safety off as he was taking aim. "Do you see it Joe?" He nodded yes, I told him go ahead if you've got a nice shot. BOOOM!

Hahaha!

Straight down!

Little 50 grain JSP .224 bullet from the 220 swift found its mark.

Nice clean hunt, nice assist from Joe on the field dress, just perfect. I was showing him stuff as we did the field dressing. Asked him if he wanted to bring the heart home. "Heck yeah" he says.

[Linked Image]

NorthernDave, congrats to you on the awesome youth hunt, my hats off to ya brother, that there is our future hunting sports.

And shoot a big one for your uncle this year.

Tzone, congrats to you too, I'm sick thinking i'll be missing hunting and the camp tradition in Northern, Pa. First time in many moons...........Where I'm at in North Dakota the deer hunting sucks ass, plus I hear they taste like [bleep] here anyways from the mostly sage diet. I'm hoping to get over to the Tuttle mts. Area to hunt some ruffed grouse and look for a deer hunting spot or twenty. Never been to tuttles, but after talking to a Chippewa this week while he was installing my WiFi sounds like that's where I need to go for whitetails and ruff.

Awesome! Way to go Joe! you've sure grown to be a fine hunter, congrats to the both of you on an awesome hunt!

Awesome job guys!!!!!

Now that Joe got that out of the way, he can begin to concentrate on hard water fishing. 24* here this morning & I'm into full Fall/Winter mode!

Bruuuppp bruuuppp. Here fishy fishy fishy!

Awesome Joe! I hope to hear all about it soon! We sure have to look out for a lot of critters now! The Squrtle cracks me up.

Snapping squrtles are the worst. They are minions of the swamp squid.

Way to go Joey!! And guide!!

Nice doe.... Swifts rock!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yesterday was the first day of our firearms deer hunt for youth hunters, an early season for kids.

I worked till 3,then Joey and I piled into the truck with a 220 swift and a 410 shotgun. (Shotgun was for birds on our way out to the hunting spot.)

We got out to camp chickenbuck around 4pm. We got up into Pam's enclosed deer stand and sat there drinking our waters and eating little 3 musketeer bars. We skipped into a silly imagination session where we joked about a "Rhino-roo" which is a 2300 lb rhino on kangaroo legs, very noisy sweaty animals, heavy breathers.... Loud jumpers.

Also flying "squrtles" which is a squirrel turtle. Turtle shell with squirrel head and legs, tries to fly and glide from tree to tree, not good at it though.

Then, the wind calmed a bit, 6:40 PM. I told Joe, "OK, lets quiet down now, we've got a real good chance here in these next 15 minutes.

6:55, Joe spots a nice doe straight ahead, 80 yds. He went into buck fever mode... Lol! It was awesome. I whispered "I'm going to help you buddy, OK?"

His eyes were huge, locked on target, he nodded his head yes. I helped with a guiding hand to slowly and smoothly lay the rifle barel out the stand window without clonking on anything. I clicked his safety off as he was taking aim. "Do you see it Joe?" He nodded yes, I told him go ahead if you've got a nice shot. BOOOM!

Hahaha!

Straight down!

Little 50 grain JSP .224 bullet from the 220 swift found its mark.

Nice clean hunt, nice assist from Joe on the field dress, just perfect. I was showing him stuff as we did the field dressing. Asked him if he wanted to bring the heart home. "Heck yeah" he says.

[Linked Image]

Awesome work from the Preacher, @ 220 decibels, he did smite the mighty fuzzy wind chime, soon to be freezer pleaser, along with a healthy assist from his bestest partner, Northern Dad !!

Got clean computer screen now, due to "RhinoRoo" !

Being from Ontario, I expect you know what a bull moose sounds like when plowing it's way through something thick like a tag swamp or new growth poplar.

That my friend, is nothing compared to the commotion of a fork bull rhinoroo traveling through the woods. They are NOT sneaky, they don't need to be.

Fuzzy wind chime.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Snapping squrtles are the worst. They are minions of the swamp squid.

They must be a close relative of the Georgia mud squid:

[Linked Image]

There's no doubt about it.

Nice job guys! Simply awesome. Those first deer are so special both to the hunter and the dad! Pretty cool to say you are going to have Joey's deer for supper tonight.

This is actually his second deer, he scored last year from the same stand during youth season.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Fuzzy wind chime.

[Linked Image]

Great pic.

It's always awesome to see a young one connect on a deer! Tell him congratulations!

WAY TO GO JOEY!!!

WOO LOO LOO LOO LOO!!!!

Great job Joey! I got 2 boys giving it their all this year. Youngest first year hunter jj grazed a belly last night. Little drops of blood then nothing. Bummer. He's back at it today again. I'm sitting with my oldest boy now in the stand hoping to see one soon. Alot of wind yet again!

Hope both boys tag deer like Joey...good luck!!

Good luck Buschy crew!

We got a deer stand built, checked a few cameras and even managed to shoot a grouse. We put on A LOT of work today but got it all done. Tomorrow is rifle shooting day and grouse hunting. We are beat now so we're going to grab some ice cream and hit the sack!

Awesome job Joey. Stories like this is why I come to the Fire.

things are looking up this year

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/bps/bigs.mp4

way to go, Joe!

finally found a good spot on the place I have permission to hunt.
got 69 pics in a week or so,looks like 5 bucks total,4 legal ones.
been watching them for a few years now.
snort.snort.

Being from da nort, above you for the last 10 years, but also an Aussie for the 39 prior years, I can vividly envisage the dreaded bull rhinoroo !!

Don't let that buggar kick ya in da Crown Jewels !

Dave,
What an awesome experience.Thank you for sharing it with us.I am as pround of Joey (and you) as if you were my own.

Stan in SC

GREAT JOB JOEY! Me thinks the bar has been raised here gentlemen-and you too Tom!

Good job JoJo and Ryan !

Smoke pole season starts next Saturday and the Mrs is pretty pump we have several good bucks on her food plot

I pass a pretty nice eight pt this am hunting with my xbow I hope I don't regret it !

Oh one more thing . When I came back from hunting this am I had the Sd cards and was looking at them with Mrs H

The grandson (Who is 4) informed me that I am suppose to shoot the deer not just take pics!

We had 44 pics of does and fawns on Mini mans camera. I'm happy with that, since the deer are pretty scarce around those parts. Wired part is there are more daytime pics than night!

I'm not sure why I bothered with the .223 Rem. He busted off a few rounds with the .280 and gave a [bleep] eatin grin and a thumbs up. Then asked if he could shoot the Mauser... "Sure buddy" I tell him. 8 rounds later he says "can I try the 30-06?" Yep! But it's loud.

" I know, that's why I like it."

After 4 shots and a lot of smiles, he wants the 7600 carbine.

Screw it Tom-just get him a .338 and be done with it!

Im really pschyed to go bow hunting in the am.
have at least 5 legal bucks on cam, plus two smaller bucks,( needs to have at least 4 on one side) and went out this evening, and one of the smaller,not legal bucks came by, right on time ,right on the trail, within 20 yards, not once ,but twice. came in behind me, circled around came back around to my front stopped broadside at about 17 yards.
Ive been bow hunting on and off,since I was a teenager, but haven't had any this close since the early eighties. never have taken one with a bow.
there was also a dry doe, two does with two fawns,and one doe with triplets on cam.
Im going to arrow the first legal deer that presents a shot.
hopefully ,the three 8 pointers( see video posted here earlier} that travel together are the first ones I see!!

its officially on!

I hope you get him Fluffy!

GG, the recoil kept getting heavier and his smile kept getting bigger. I'm not sure what to think! Lol

I shot about 60 rounds of 7x57, .280, and 30-06 today, so I'd had enough by the time he wanted to shoot. Shooting the .223 was a blast and I was smiling like heck! I want one of my own!!

Wish I was there Tom. I can see that ear to ear grin on Jack's face clearly. He's a tough kid, Tom, and I doubt he'd ever let you know if it hurt anyways. That boy lives to impress his dad. You're a very lucky man, Tom.

That's not surprising Tom considering how he likes to crack heads in football. Sounds like he will be using something bigger than the 223 in deer season.... If he was smiling and you were smiling, sounds like there just might be some trading going on between dad and son!!!

Well,gusting winds have pretty much ruin ed d my day in the ststand but.......

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Wish I was there Tom. I can see that ear to ear grin on Jack's face clearly. He's a tough kid, Tom, and I doubt he'd ever let you know if it hurt anyways. That boy lives to impress his dad. You're a very lucky man, Tom.

Well, I'm impressed. He and Kennedy make being a father easy...so far.

They make it a lot of fun, that's for sure!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

That's not surprising Tom considering how he likes to crack heads in football. Sounds like he will be using something bigger than the 223 in deer season.... If he was smiling and you were smiling, sounds like there just might be some trading going on between dad and son!!!

LOL! Thats exactly what I was thining!

Good work Joe and Dad, always good to have fuzzy wind chimes.
Bill

Phhhhhhffffttt, phhhffftt, shhhhhh.

urp, urp, urp!

Ready for the weekend?

Yes sir!

whats you boys got planned for the weekend? is chickenbuc lurking?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Being from Ontario, I expect you know what a bull moose sounds like when plowing it's way through something thick like a tag swamp or new growth poplar.

That my friend, is nothing compared to the commotion of a fork bull rhinoroo traveling through the woods. They are NOT sneaky, they don't need to be.

Fuzzy wind chime.

[Linked Image]

All the good things in like right here...New Pup, New successful hunter.....Congrats to all!

I finally got to go deer hunting this morning. Where I was going to be in a tripod on some leased land has no more than a 70 yard shot with thick stuff all around it.
Accordingly I broke out the 45/70. About 8AM I heard blowing in the woods off to my left. The wind wasn't good for me. They made me! I swung the swivel seat around to my left and saw a head poking out of the thick stuff. Looking in my direction. Brought the rifle up and picked out an opening in what I calculated to be their direction of travel.
The last thing I saw was two white flags going back the way they came.
At least I saw something and now know how they move thru there. A good day was had.

Stan in SC

good luck to you Stan!

Had four bucks come in at the same time Sunday am . They all took turns working a scape and fighting LOTS of fighting . This one finally stood still at 25 yards ran about 75 yards and gave it up.

Awesome! Congrats!

Took the kids and Dad up to the Angle for Mea weekend. Awesome trip memories for a lifetime. Fishing was crazy good and grouse hunting was also good.

Great pics 'Duck. Long time no talk to-how ya' been, man?

Excellent Mule!!

That a great buck. Grunt grunt rattle rattle

Duck!!! Looks like a heckova good time! Good to see the family smilin like heck!! Did you guys see a lot of birds?

We chased the birds around a bit as well. We saw 11 over the two days. Jack shot at a few, and I popped one on an old tag covered logging road when we flushed 4 up at one crack. Jack didn't know which way to turn.

Nice stuff, Sir Ducks of None.

It's awesome that you got some crappie up in the angle too.

Nice looking ones at that!

Grouse hunting was differ then what im used to. I dont think the grouse ever been hunted before. The dog would jump the birds then the birds would just roost in a tree wouldnt fly away. It was more of a meat harvest. The crappies were 13 to 14 inches we got 20 of them in one hour. The guide told me thats the best hes ever done an hour. Most of the time it would take him longer. We caught 150 walleyes in 4 hours was awesome..From 8inch to 26 inch. Fished the Canucker side..

Gophergunner, life is good, and busy.Went antelope hunting in Wy. We got 3 was a good trip. And just back from the Angle.
Heading up this weekend to check stands, then the opener will be here before we know it..

I read your hunting around by the houses. If you ever need someone to help you drag the 30 point buck out, I am around during the week. Pm me we can exchange numbers. If you want.If not no worries..

Mule1,great deer!

Noduckster,Great pictures of a good trip.

Stan in SC

I'm jealous of that fishing no duck!!

Great job, Joey!!! Enjoy these special times with your dad. Right now for you it may seem like it takes forever for deer season to come each year. I can tell you, each year seems to pass faster and faster, and each brings a new and different deer camp memory. This year will mark my 50th year deer hunting ... I hope you will have as many fond memories of your deer camps as I. Here is my first deer, 1965.

Originally Posted by noduck

Gophergunner, life is good, and busy.Went antelope hunting in Wy. We got 3 was a good trip. And just back from the Angle.
Heading up this weekend to check stands, then the opener will be here before we know it..

I read your hunting around by the houses. If you ever need someone to help you drag the 30 point buck out, I am around during the week. Pm me we can exchange numbers. If you want.If not no worries..

'Duck-I'll be in touch. I've been wanting to match up with you since the raid on the Steakhouse in Farmington. Congrats on the Angle trip and the speed goats, by the way. Heading out today to get my BIL all sighted in for the opener. My son's buddy is coming home from the Marines today and will join us for gun season. 'Setting up a rifle for him too. Gonna be a busy couple of weeks here.

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Great job, Joey!!! Enjoy these special times with your dad. Right now for you it may seem like it takes forever for deer season to come each year. I can tell you, each year seems to pass faster and faster, and each brings a new and different deer camp memory. This year will mark my 50th year deer hunting ... I hope you will have as many fond memories of your deer camps as I. Here is my first deer, 1965.

That is an awesome picture!

Originally Posted by noduck

Grouse hunting was differ then what im used to. I dont think the grouse ever been hunted before. The dog would jump the birds then the birds would just roost in a tree wouldnt fly away. It was more of a meat harvest. .

I've seen that before up here. I think they have learned to associate dogs with coyotes/wolves. They know they just have to get up off the ground and they are safe. Same for bobcat I suppose, although I doubt they ever get to "learn" about bobcat. They either get eaten by one or they dont.

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Great job, Joey!!! Enjoy these special times with your dad. Right now for you it may seem like it takes forever for deer season to come each year. I can tell you, each year seems to pass faster and faster, and each brings a new and different deer camp memory. This year will mark my 50th year deer hunting ... I hope you will have as many fond memories of your deer camps as I. Here is my first deer, 1965.

That's a nice deer!!!I got a doe to.dad jumped my first deer.while me and mom were in the stand.and this big Huge doe came running!and mom woke up!and the gun was already out the window.and I was whispering to mom I can't get the safety off!tick..BOOM!

Joey

My uncle hunts grouse with a dog and a pretty decent hunting dog. He tells me it's 50/50 whether or not they flush or fly into a tree.

This past weekend we saw 11 birds. I think all but two flushed pretty much out of range. They were jumpy. It was windy and I've heard in the wind they're spooky suckers.

We were trying hard to get Jack his first one but he missed the shot due to 10 year old excitement.

It's so much fun!

I'm trying to dig up some photos of Joey's first deer (last year)

[Linked Image]

Well that was the most fun day for me

Joey

Originally Posted by tzone

My uncle hunts grouse with a dog and a pretty decent hunting dog. He tells me it's 50/50 whether or not they flush or fly into a tree.

This past weekend we saw 11 birds. I think all but two flushed pretty much out of range. They were jumpy. It was windy and I've heard in the wind they're spooky suckers.

We were trying hard to get Jack his first one but he missed the shot due to 10 year old excitement.

It's so much fun!

Wow I haven't heard of people hunting grouse with a dog that's awesome! Tell jack I said good luck on the next grouse! I hope when he gets his first grouse he has the super grin in the pics!

Congrats to all on filling tags and catching fish!! It is great to see all the photos, especially those with young hunters and anglers. The smiles certainly tell the story!! Great story Joey on last year's hunt....

Grouse hunting around here has been slow. There are a few birds around, but like Tom said it has been so windy making for some tough hunting conditions. The old 16 gauge Wingmaster has only barked a couple of times due to limited time hunting. Our house has had a great season so far. Two grouse have slammed into the windows breaking their necks this week. Not much meat damage and have not lost a window, yet!!

Scrapes and rubs are starting to show up as the bucks ramp up....

Maybe you can help him out this weekend Joe. He's coming up and he's very excited to see you. I'm bringing Noah too. He is Jack's step-brother. Noah is 11 and very excited to be there too! He's heard us talk about chickenbuck a lot so he wanted to check it out for himself.

Noah shot his first deer last year. It was a nubbin buck.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Scrapes and rubs are starting to show up as the bucks ramp up....

Scrapes you say? grunt grunt rattle rattle.

This happened when I came into the office this morning. I don't know what came over me...but I pee'd all over it.

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Not surprising considering......

Chickenbuck Joe !

Welcome to your families Legacy.

Hope you continue to contribute to the goings on here, either written, or through your infectious smile & humor !

How did the heart taste ?

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe you can help him out this weekend Joe. He's coming up and he's very excited to see you. I'm bringing Noah too. He is Jack's step-brother. Noah is 11 and very excited to be there too! He's heard us talk about chickenbuck a lot so he wanted to check it out for himself.

Noah shot his first deer last year. It was a nubbin buck.

I wonder if me Noah and jack could go grouce hunting?! Maybe I could show Noah the trails if he wants!

Joey

Good idea Joe! You and jack an show him the lay of the land.

Alright I got a game plan.i can't wait to meet Noah tell him to have a gun for grouse and orange for safety! I no a couple hot spots for grouse.

I woundering if he wants to no where all the stands are?hope he is cause he's gunna need to no where they are.

What have I done?

Lol.

lol I kept forgetting my name lol

Joey

Should be able to remember, chickenbuck Joe is the inventor of the chickenbuck!

Lol true

Joey

Man I wish this school bus could go a little faster!

Joey

How do you post photos northern Dave?

Joey

What fun to watch Joey's excitement play out here. Keeps a guy young at heart.

Jack has been telling Noah how much fun you are to hang out with, so he's excited to meet you.

Jack will bring his .410 and Noah will bring his .17hmr.

Sweet I might ether have the 410 if moms shooting 20 gauge or I might shoot 20 gauge when my moms not shooting it!cant wait to see jack and meet Noah!

Joey

Or it might me me shooting the 20 gauge single shot or the automatic 20 gauge.

Joey

Well what should I use Joe?

And so the second Chickenbuck generation begins to emerge.
Dave,you and Pam ought to be proud.I am.

Stasn in SC

Also just got a grouse about 10 12 minutes ago!

Joey

Maby tone you could use a 20 gauge maby not sure

Joey

Tzone do you have a 22 magnem lever action?

Joey

Cause a 22 magnum lever action does sure kill the crap out of grouse!

Joey

cause it was not to long ago that one weekend me mom and dad were at the cabin fixing road.and i was hunting grouse and i got three.i shot them with my 22 magnum lever action.and they sure do put a nice sized whole in them!

joey

[quote=northern_dave]What have I done?

Exactly...what have you done dear?!

The timber cluckins don't stand a chance against this burly woodsman and his lime green sneaker laces!

Oh boy!

We made a quick trip out to the cabin tonight to grab a trail cam.

Lol it was raining feathers!

Joey

Holy cow..Nice grouse Joe way to go. Looks like you got a big weekend of guiding coming up.

I sure do!

Joey

What was on that trail cam?

That's a nice bird Joe. I hope we get a few more so your dad can make us some soup!

Noah hasn't shot a grouse either. You'll have to guide them Joe!

I thing you have created a monster Dave. I like it. I love the enthusiasm. I remember being like that at that age. Hope the boys get a whole truck load of Grooses this weekend. Safe hunting guys. And Dave drive a Ford so you can get back home.

My boy and I were hunting grouse east of you guys over the long MEA weekend. We ended up with 15 birds for eating. It was windy on Friday so they were jumpier than usual, which made a little wing shooting necessary. The rest of the weekend we were able to take them off the ground and out of the trees for nice clean head shots. A few small scrapes were showing up overnight into Saturday. Have fun and good luck guys!!!

Hey cabin! It sounds like you had a great weekend! Where were you guys?

We were north of duluth about 25 miles.

Originally Posted by 7mmMato

And Dave drive a Ford so you can get back home.

There just so happens to be a certain gleaming black 1977 F250 F250 4x4 just sitting around all sad and stuff, right here in the yard at home. Maybe Joey and I will have to take that ford out to camp.

A report on the chevy though, while I'm at it.

Maybe a full disclosure, lol.

I needed a truck, I knew what I wanted in a truck... and I ended up with a chevy instead. lol!

No seriously though. My criteria was 3/4 or 1 ton, at least an extended cab, possibly a crew. And I wanted to fins private owner truck with a V blade snow plow already rigged to it. Private owner, private use, not a commercial plow rig.

I wanted a super duty, but I really didn't want a diesel. Gas choices were V10 or 5.4
I was fine with either one of those choices but the trucks seemed a bit rare, I wasn't finding any. Every one I did find was above my price range or totally beat up and clapped out.

So, I expanded my search to include GM 2500 HD trucks. I had learned that the HD trucks had heavier frames that the non HD versions, springs and other components as well such as a full floating rear axle.

We found one in our price range, 2003 2500HD crew, nice interior, paint delamination and some rust issues on the body. It was a one owner truck with a Boss V plow that came with the truck. I drove it it worked out ok in a little city driving test drive.

Check engine light started flashing the moment I handed the guy his cash.

So far I've done iridium spark plugs, AC delco wires, a new electronic accelerator pedal, new throttle body, cleaned injectors, ultimately a crank shaft variance relearn scan is what cured the flashing check engine light. The throttle body and fancy gas pedal was also necessary because the truck was having problems where it would just shut down while at cruise speed, "reduced power mode" because the throttle body and gas pedal were confused, worn out or what ever.

I also installed a pair of timken brand front wheel bearing/hub assemblies. One had noticeable play in it and the other was questionable. Yesterday Nathan and I installed new drivers door hinge bushings so the door now shuts nice.

Next up will probably be an attempt at extracting the many broken exhaust manifold bolts that are stuck in the aluminum cylinder heads. (cold engine exhaust leaks, drives me nuts.)

The truck is behaving itself just fine now, no check engine light and it runs out and drives real nice. If I start to trust the truck a little more I may fix the body and paint and keep it for a while.

good to hear you're driving a good vehicle! I love my '93 2500
she's a go getter with the rubber floor and 5speed manual. gave her a new pair of shoes the other day that will really grip for hunting season.

got a call yesterday while we were vaccinating/loading Bison to be shipped off to Kansas. my exwife called to tell me my son got in trouble for fighting at school. apparently some kid was being a prick to him so he punched him and kicked him once on the ground. to me the worst part is he tried to lie about it rather than admit he messed up. SO tonight I'll be dealing with that. I have yet to make it archery hunting this year yet. this deeply saddens me

Way to go on the grouse Joe! I have never shot a ruffed type, just sharpies and spruce

Well, so far we are off to a bad start with the heavy chevy. I've owned 9 different fords in the past 17 years or so that I would call "relatively late model rigs" being 5 to 10 yrs old on average and usually in the 100-175k mile range when purchased.

In those years mentioned and through all those different rigs, I believe I have seen a check engine light one time. It was on an older superduty and it turned out to be a rubber O ring (a 5 cent part) that cracked and caused a leak in an oil supply to the fuel pump, resulting in low fuel pressure. Oh wait... I've also had 2 alternators. One in an F150 and one in an expedition.

Other than that it has been regular service. Oil, filters, tires.

The chevy, is NOT on par. lol!

I'm going to give it a chance though.

My buddy had a cheby 3/4ton for plowing. i am sure you may have seen it on the lake Dave. he had a lot of issues with that when plowing. from what he said the tend to overheat alot when worked. he got a new gasser super duty now. when are you heading to chickenbuck?

Are you trying to tell me Lester got a superduty?

Heading to camp friday night. We will be gone from camp for a while Saturday morning, need to run home and meet my Camaro client, he's picking up his car.

wheres the pic of the car? No, Ryan got the super duty. got rid of the 3/4 ton. no one could figure out why kept overheating when plowing. checked everything. Maybe i can get lester to come for a visit after dark thirty friday night. have to go to sauk rapids for B-Ball agian this weekend.

Hey T and all Chickenbuckeroos. We hail from for NE MN in gunflint country. Our old home, is now our cabin, which is now our home a away from our home in the west metro area of MPLS. We are fixing to move back to our real home ASAP!!!!

Originally Posted by cabindweller

Hey T and all Chickenbuckeroos. We hail from for NE MN in gunflint country. Our old home, is now our cabin, which is now our home a away from our home in the west metro area of MPLS. We are fixing to move back to our real home ASAP!!!!

That's really cool. I look forward to staying at gunflint resort again. I had heard those folks had the place for sale in recent years. Do you know if the place has changed hands? They were on Gunflint lake.

Maybe it was called Gunflint lodge?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

wheres the pic of the car?

I'll try to post a pic or 2 after they pick the car up.

I recall hearing something about the Kerfoots thinking of selling the Gunflint Lodge a few years ago. I don't know any other details.

It is an awesome lodge, with gourmet cooking, and some nice fishing areas across Gunflint lake into North Lake.

I used to buy some of their used gear when we were outfitting our family of five for canoe trips into the BWCA and Quetico.

We used their outfitter services to rent 3 souris river canoes several years back.

The impression I had then and still have now is that they are fine people. They were running a discount for war veterans, and it was a substantial discount. We did stay one night there and I did take them up on the war veteran's discount. It was and is an unbelievable gesture, I'm still grateful today and they have won me over. I hope to return soon but I don't believe I would take advantage of their patriotic generosity a second time.

I looked at Gunflint Lodge as a family vacation spot a few years ago. I got out voted but I would still like to make the trip up that way one of these days.

Well as long as you are just going to use the Chevy as a plow rig and dont have to depend on it you should be good. If the old Black Truck needs driven I would be glad to bring it down here to tropical Missouri for the winter.

I feel for you on the exhaust studs being broke. Im pretty sure my 5.4 has some broken. I just cant hear the leaks over the rattle of the cam phasers. I think it is time for me to update trucks. Have had 210,000 trouble free miles out my 07 F150 but little things are starting to pop up. Good luck with Chebby and dont forget to drive ole yella once in a while.

Well as long as we're talking about plow trucks I would at least think a ford f-350 with a brand new v-plow would be the best rig.

Joey

If your woundering which year it would be a 2014 ford f-350 with a brand new v-plow.

Joey

make it out bowhunting again,managed to get busted by an old doe.saw 6 total,not a shot to be had.
brush is just too thick.
the old girl spotted me anyway.
I didnt move,so she didnt know what I was,but she knew I was there.
shes not in this picture,but this is the brush she spotted me through.
that green bush in the center,is a buckthorn,an invasive exotic.

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Deer season's all ready been a success here guys if I never set foot in a field. My son's buddy is home from four years in the Marines, and he's going to hunt with me this fall. This will be his second foray into the deer woods. He hunted with us a few years back and really enjoyed it-borrowed one of my rifles.

Now, I've been working on getting him set up. I found him an old Spanish Mauser for $150.00 that looked like a suitable starter gun. When the owner found out Tyler's just fresh out of the Marines, he plans to give Tyler the rifle. We meet with him Sunday to do the exchange. Tyler's a great kid, and I'm honored to help him out. As usual, our members have stepped to the plate to see what they could do to help to make this happen. Dave put this up on the 'Fire, and the next thing I knew, I had offers for a free scope and ammuntion. The scope went to another deserving young hunter, as I all ready had a scope, but special thanks to Dave and Luv2Safari, as now Tyler has three boxes of hunting ammo headed this way to get him started. We will be mounting the scope, and going through all my extra gear this Sunday to get Tyler set up. Man, it's a cool experience to be able to introduce a great kid to the out of doors.

If I even see a deer it's just a bonus at this point.

Speaking of plows, I need a new f-350 with a v-plow.

My "need list" is very long.

Well my season got goofy in a hurry! My BIL who usually hunts with us, backed out of hunting with us in MN. It kinda goofed up our plans a bit but we'll make the best of it. I'm not sure about camping in MN yet, but we well be bringing the tent over to WI to use for the 9-day gun season there.

I was also drawn for a special permit hunt in a park across the road from my house. I thought the meeting was last night. As I sat at the locked gate in my truck at the meeting site, I was wondering why nobody was coming to unlock the gate to the building. So, I checked my email and saw the meeting was on Tuesday, not Thursday. CRAP! So, I emailed the two directors and they quickly responded that my spot was given away since I was a "no-show." Double crap! I was counting on that as my doe for the freezer. I'm really irritated with myself for screwing that up. I'm usually pretty good about that stuff, but too much work and not enough play got the best of me on that deal I think.

This rains make not happy me.

Cabin road will be shloppy tonight.

I've never seen it not sloppy.

Well I don't think you want to see the sloppy ness! It's not good...

Hey tzone! me and dad are heading out soon here! Hope to see a bunch of grouse on the way in!

Joey

Well... I'm a bit booked for this year but I know a guy that might be able to fix up that adventurous road next summer. I should have done it this year but I've been busy building a new business and trying to make ends meet.

If you want to be able to drive a chebby truck out there it will need to be good of course.....

Good luck to the 'Buckers, and I'm sorry you have to spend the weekend with Tom.............

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck to the 'Buckers, and I'm sorry you have to spend the weekend with Tom.............

At least Jackson will be there to brighten your days........

Looking forward to hearing about the weekend invasion of Camp Chickenbuck......

Are you kidding! Tom is awesome.

Man I hope jack or Noah got a grouse on the way back out! me and dad were putting a card in a camera and all we heard was.....BOOM!

Joey

Got a chance to get out for PA Senior doe hunt, got to take my thirty-thirty out for a walk. Saw a couple of squirrels, but that was it. Now will have to wait until after Thanksgiving for regular season.

made it out with the stick and string this morning, saw 32 deer total, had 2 small bucks within 15 yards of me but I let them walk. no big ones to be seen anywhere this year, kinda odd. gonna give it a week or two for the rut to kick in and see if that helps.

Great weekend with Tom and the boys!

We did a little grouse hunting, some cabin dwelling, bonfire, wheeler riding... good weekend.

We managed to collect 3 birds and today we had the boys build a little fire which we eventually cooked the birds over (as a soup)

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I cut the birds up into soup meat while the boys built the fire.

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Each of the boys added a portion of the soup recipe.

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chow time

check out the wild bird to the right of the boys at the end of the bench. a "whiskey jack" stealing some chunks of pan cake that we had put out for the birds.

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the wheeler riders.

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Joey is driving the bloody death soaked Polaris. (we used it to haul his deer out of the woods a short while ago during youth deer hunt)

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There goes Tzone and his boys.

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chickenbuck in the rear view mirror.

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I did spray Noah really good.lol!!!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Are you kidding! Tom is awesome.

Joe, you keep that up and his head's gonna get so big it won't fit in the woods!

?

Joey

Joe I like your Handle and Congrads On the deer!

Thanks!
Joey

You guys know how to take care of your boys and teach them well. You always make them the priority, and it will show up favorably in their development as sportsmen, and as good fathers themselves. Nice set up at your camp for cooking outdoors on a perfect N. Minnesota fall day, complete with fresh grouse, and visit from a camp robber bird….Can't get much better than that!

Was there much for scrapes showing up yet?

Thanks Dave for the tour..... looks like everyone had a great time!!

Well a new hunting camp this year, BIL moved and the old one has gone away. Arkansas.. No idea a leased area. It will be interesting SIL this time. Any day in the woods is a good however.

Anyday on the road you will get a grouse!!... If you don't.... Shame stick here it comes!

Joey

I did see a few scrapes this past weekend,on my hunting grounds in mid- north central minnysoda.

me and my son drove to town Saturday night to get some sody-pops,about 14 miles each way,saw 18 deer total,only one of which was a buck.

we saw a horned owl,( I think)seemed in no big hurry to move off.easily got a few pics.

also saw a snowy owl on the drive up,havent seen one of those in several years.

my latest stand sight.
noted these two maple trees had fused together, about 8 ft off the ground.possibly aided by a porcupine,at some point in time.
didnt see it till after we had the stand up.
never saw that ,before.

horned owl?

Congrats Joey on the doe and the Pa'tridges! Looks like you guys had a good time up at camp. We went to the Deer Shack last weekend and flushed probably 20 partridge but couldnt get a good shot at em. We use a dog but I think it flushes them way to far away cause we are yelling at the dog(s) to get back to us all the time. I'd much rather go without the dog(s), myself. We are in area 178, up there and we checked out our stands while bird hunting. Boy does it look poor, maybe a little better than last year because there was a few deer tracks by our stands but the wolves sure need to get thinned out. They are running both the deer and the few moose tracks we saw had wolves following em.

Originally Posted by cabindweller

Nice set up at your camp for cooking outdoors on a perfect N. Minnesota fall day, complete with fresh grouse, and visit from a camp robber bird….Can't get much better than that!

You're right. It was a perfect fall day! The boys had a blast. All 5 of us I think! It's fun to watch them get so excited chasing the grouse around the woods.

There's not many grouse safe with Joey around. And the boys all made us a great soup! Top that off with Dave's famous breakfasts and you don't go hungry at chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by cabindweller

Was there much for scrapes showing up yet?

There wasn't much for actual sign that was wide open. Noah and I walked a heavy deer trail for about 150-200 yards and saw a rub on a small maple. We did see bucks with does on the ride into camp, and on the way home last night we saw a few actually chasing does around a hay field. So there are small signs popping up. This week and next, things are going to pop!

Looks like a great weekend was had. That grousle noodle soup looked like a tasty treat!

We have been so busy. The fall is flying by me. I still can't believe its almost deer season. I really need to get into hunt mode here.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

wheres the pic of the car?

Looks like you boys had a great weekend. was a beautiful weekend for it. I wish i could have made it out. been running for B-Ball already every weekend to sauk rapids so i dont get much weekend. Car looks great Dave.

That car is a lot better in person! Even for a chebby.

Wow Dave, another awesome job !

Bet the customer was thrilled.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Are you kidding! Tom is awesome.

Joe, you keep that up and his head's gonna get so big it won't fit in the woods!

No, Joey is right. Tom IS awesome.

Been asking the kids if they want to go look for deer all fall and nobody seemed too excited for it. Well, Saturday I made the executive decision to go. We piled in and around our "block" we saw a lot of deer. The excitement level rose dramatically. Now they all want to go every night.
They even saw a big buck that I didnt get to see as I was fiddling with my binoculars! I am still getting teased about that.

Got my 11 year old girl out pheasant hunting for the first time Saturday too. Dogs got birdy, I told her to get ready.....rooster got up right by me and I let it go straight to her yelling "ROOSTER!". She got the gun up.....and nothing. Seems she forgot to take the safety off! Good times and she is learning.

Joey, you seem to be having a very good fall hunting season! Good thing you are keeping the family in meat! Keep it going and be safe!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Been asking the kids if they want to go look for deer all fall and nobody seemed too excited for it. Well, Saturday I made the executive decision to go. We piled in and around our "block" we saw a lot of deer. The excitement level rose dramatically. Now they all want to go every night.
They even saw a big buck that I didnt get to see as I was fiddling with my binoculars! I am still getting teased about that.

Got my 11 year old girl out pheasant hunting for the first time Saturday too. Dogs got birdy, I told her to get ready.....rooster got up right by me and I let it go straight to her yelling "ROOSTER!". She got the gun up.....and nothing. Seems she forgot to take the safety off! Good times and she is learning.

Joey, you seem to be having a very good fall hunting season! Good thing you are keeping the family in meat! Keep it going and be safe!

well them grouse don't stop coming!(even though im the only one shooting them mom will be shortly)every day we see them grouse on the road around hunting deer time you send me down the road with the 20 gauge you will hear.....BOOM!reload...BOOM!...BOOM! ill come back!i say i got a grouse!...........you tell her i said when your ready to shoot take off the safety always got to think about that safety!lol if had that spot before i could not get the safety off when my first deer came is was ready but could not get that safety off! but mom took the safety off them....BOOM!

joey

I kinda froze at first when i saw the deer then...........tick BOOM!

Joey

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Been asking the kids if they want to go look for deer all fall and nobody seemed too excited for it. Well, Saturday I made the executive decision to go. We piled in and around our "block" we saw a lot of deer. The excitement level rose dramatically. Now they all want to go every night.
They even saw a big buck that I didnt get to see as I was fiddling with my binoculars! I am still getting teased about that.

Got my 11 year old girl out pheasant hunting for the first time Saturday too. Dogs got birdy, I told her to get ready.....rooster got up right by me and I let it go straight to her yelling "ROOSTER!". She got the gun up.....and nothing. Seems she forgot to take the safety off! Good times and she is learning.

Joey, you seem to be having a very good fall hunting season! Good thing you are keeping the family in meat! Keep it going and be safe!

well them grouse don't stop coming!(even though im the only one shooting them mom will be shortly)every day we see them grouse on the road around hunting deer time you send me down the road with the 20 gauge you will hear.....BOOM!reload...BOOM!...BOOM! ill come back!i say i got a grouse!...........you tell her i said when your ready to shoot take off the safety always got to think about that safety!lol if had that spot before i could not get the safety off when my first deer came is was ready but could not get that safety off! but mom took the safety off them....BOOM!

joey

Lol Jojo your hillarous!

So, with the thought of rifle season opening this coming Saturday & me going nuts, I awoke to a crisp, light dusting of snow last Saturday. Started salivating & by the time the coffee was ready, I decided a bow sit was in order.

Bumped one at the feeder, on the way in, in the dark !

Tracks indicated a doe, or small buck.

No deer were farmed in the making of this post !

Some beautiful looking country there Paul!

Our season opens in 2 weekends. We are getting pretty excited here. They boys are antsy with anticipation...all 3 of us!

The bucks are sniffing a little bit. I saw one chasing last night and this morning on my way to work.

Tom, it was a magical morning to be doing what I love !!

Looks like a lot of fun was had at camp Chickenbuck.

Joe looks like guiding was successful good job.

I got one of those 3d deer targets in my backyard. Last two nights a deer has been kicking some arse on it. Hoof marks all over it.. I put a trial camera out hoping the bugger comes back would be cool to get some pics...

My son's buddy just got home from his stint in the Marines. A generous donor gave him a Spanish Mauser, and we head to the range tomorrow for a sight in session. I came up with a scope and rings, Luv2Safari was nice enough to send him 3 boxes of hunting loads, so off to the range tomorrow. Man, am I getting ramped up about hunting. This time of year sure gets the blood going. I've been waking up at 4:30 every morning for a week now, wandering out to the picture window in the living room and expecting to see deer in the front yard under the lights. Good luck to all the 'Buckers, and the honorary 'Buckers too!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

My son's buddy just got home from his stint in the Marines. A generous donor gave him a Spanish Mauser, and we head to the range tomorrow for a sight in session. I came up with a scope and rings, Luv2Safari was nice enough to send him 3 boxes of hunting loads, so off to the range tomorrow. Man, am I getting ramped up about hunting. This time of year sure gets the blood going. I've been waking up at 4:30 every morning for a week now, wandering out to the picture window in the living room and expecting to see deer in the front yard under the lights. Good luck to all the 'Buckers, and the honorary 'Buckers too!

Have fun. Hopefully the rain stops while you are shooting.

Snowing here, "up nort".

Ground is too warm for it to turn anything white though.

Uuuurrrrrrp! Urrrrrpp! Blahhhhha!

I have been getting the itch real bad. Sold my bow in 2007 because 1) I didn't have time with my daughter on the way and 2) I didn't trust my fellow Americans to make a good voting decision and bought an AR.

Wish I had a bow now as my daughter is 7 and my spot is rimmed with corn. May take an old crossbow I have from a storage unit default. Get some kid time in the woods while mom is gone. Very fortunate my daughter likes to hunt with dad.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Snowing here, "up nort".

Ground is too warm for it to turn anything white though.

Interesting, raining cats & dogs, furder Nort !

Going to turn to snow this evening when the wind changes to the NW.

It is white here and getting whiter with every minute!!

Wasn't supposed to start until later in the day, but here it is. If it keeps up, there is going to be plenty of tracking snow. Actually there is enough already!!

Raining here. We are supposed to get a 1/2" or so tonight. That will be gone soon because temps will be in the 60's on Monday.

So, my brother-in-law and I went up to my lake place to take out the dock and boat lifts. Turns out he had the mumps. Work drew an antibody level, since I am old enough that I only had the original vaccine and no booster, and my level was 5.9 or so, when it needs to be > 20 for "presumptive immunity."

That means I can't work until after deer season due to contact with immunosuppressed patients, and, if I actually get the freaking mumps (my brother-in-law had been vaccinated, so who knows after a 3+ hour car ride each way?) I won't be driving up and hunting with the guy I have deer hunted with since the early 90's.

I may go up to my place on Big Pine by myself if I get the mumps and mask and glove when field dressing, but I need to look into that a little more to make sure it would be ok.

[/firstworldhuntingproblemsrant]

Mumps?

500mg motrin and tighten your boots, jar head.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mumps?

500mg motrin and tighten your boots, jar head.

The disease itself isn't a big deal. I am just bummed about possibly not doing deer opener and dealing with a freaked out wife who doesn't quite get that EVERYONE used to get the mumps. It used to be liked the chicken pox.

Thankfully, she agreed with my plan to "self quarantine" at the lake if I start selling up.

I remember when the little kids would say "so and so got the chicken pops" at school.

Yep. I had the pox in kindergarten. I got to stay home for a week.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mumps?

500mg motrin and tighten your boots, jar head.

The disease itself isn't a big deal. I am just bummed about possibly not doing deer opener and dealing with a freaked out wife who doesn't quite get that EVERYONE used to get the mumps. It used to be liked the chicken pox.

Thankfully, she agreed with my plan to "self quarantine" at the lake if I start selling up.

I understand. it does suck to have your deer camp rituals screwed with.

Agreed. My BIL isn't going to hunt with us for the first time in forever. It kind of goofed up our plans for da camp...But what do you do? You adapt and figure something out.

My little buddy has the excitement in his eyes like we all do, and it's his first year to actually get to hunt. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Originally Posted by tzone

Uuuurrrrrrp! Urrrrrpp! Blahhhhha!

Hey.......I think I heard da Turdy Point Buck!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Uuuurrrrrrp! Urrrrrpp! Blahhhhha!

Hey.......I think I heard da Turdy Point Buck!

Nah-it was dat no brudder good in law-from Illinois!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

My son's buddy just got home from his stint in the Marines. A generous donor gave him a Spanish Mauser, and we head to the range tomorrow for a sight in session. I came up with a scope and rings, Luv2Safari was nice enough to send him 3 boxes of hunting loads, so off to the range tomorrow. Man, am I getting ramped up about hunting. This time of year sure gets the blood going. I've been waking up at 4:30 every morning for a week now, wandering out to the picture window in the living room and expecting to see deer in the front yard under the lights. Good luck to all the 'Buckers, and the honorary 'Buckers too!

We shot the rifle today and it went just fine. Everything inside the 2" ring at 100 yards with a bottom of the barrel scope out of my junk bin. He's all set and rarin' to go.

Just got back from a walk with Ike the Lab. There is snow hanging on the brush and trees and over an inch on the ground. The snow is drifting off the roof of the garage. Would be a tough day to hunt to say the least....

Should get the bucks going though. Will check tomorrow morning.....

Originally Posted by gophergunner

My son's buddy just got home from his stint in the Marines. A generous donor gave him a Spanish Mauser, and we head to the range tomorrow for a sight in session. I came up with a scope and rings, Luv2Safari was nice enough to send him 3 boxes of hunting loads, so off to the range tomorrow. Man, am I getting ramped up about hunting. This time of year sure gets the blood going. I've been waking up at 4:30 every morning for a week now, wandering out to the picture window in the living room and expecting to see deer in the front yard under the lights. Good luck to all the 'Buckers, and the honorary 'Buckers too!

We shot the rifle today and it went just fine. Everything inside the 2" ring at 100 yards with a bottom of the barrel scope out of my junk bin. He's all set and rarin' to go.

good deal!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Just got back from a walk with Ike the Lab. There is snow hanging on the brush and trees and over an inch on the ground. The snow is drifting off the roof of the garage. Would be a tough day to hunt to say the least....

Should get the bucks going though. Will check tomorrow morning.....

Yeah, Today would suck in the woods but we'd tough it out wouldn't we? At least for a while.

No doubt Tom!!

Originally Posted by goalie

So, my brother-in-law and I went up to my lake place to take out the dock and boat lifts. Turns out he had the mumps. Work drew an antibody level, since I am old enough that I only had the original vaccine and no booster, and my level was 5.9 or so, when it needs to be > 20 for "presumptive immunity."

That means I can't work until after deer season due to contact with immunosuppressed patients, and, if I actually get the freaking mumps (my brother-in-law had been vaccinated, so who knows after a 3+ hour car ride each way?) I won't be driving up and hunting with the guy I have deer hunted with since the early 90's.

I may go up to my place on Big Pine by myself if I get the mumps and mask and glove when field dressing, but I need to look into that a little more to make sure it would be ok.

[/firstworldhuntingproblemsrant]

Goalie, Chances are very slim you're going get sick. I understand the precaution at work and with your hunting pard, but you got the original shot which puts you at a greater than 50% for NOT getting the mumps and unless you swapped spit with your BIL (another Jarhead?

), your exposure was minimal. IIRC, incubation is like 12-25 days. So my friend, looks like you got your whole deer season off and paid to boot! Glass half full!

Made a trip to NoDak for ducks last week going through the great state of Manysodas taking a hard left at Fergus Falls. NoDak was as dry as I ever seen it. Ducks were scarce, probably the lull between the opener and the migration. We usually shoot limits so we planned on eating duck every day. Never cooked a one. Woulda starved if it hadn't been for the local cafe. Bought a case of shells and never got into them.

Prairie fires were a real concern. Even parking on dry grass you had to watch out. One of the locals talked about trying to get around a fire burning a full section and at the crossroads she watched 3 pheasants on fire get up, cross the road, and start a fire on the other side. Awful. Ditch chickens were everywhere, but we didn't have a license. I guess there's always next year.

Oh, dang near got a driving award from Minnesota's finest. Heading back home at 4am my world lights up on a dark two-lane. I get the "Do you know how fast you were going?" thing. I dunno, 70? "You were doing 73mph in a 60 zone." Sorry, right before Wapeton I think it was 70. "Son, you ain't in North Dakota anymore and Minnesota doesn't have any 70mph speed limits" Whoops, sorry...it's early and I'm still on my first cup of coffee. After what seemed like 20 minutes he gives me a warning and tells me I'm free to go. First time being pulled over in over 20 years. Never got over 65mph until I got over the Big Muddy.
_______________
Joey has me laughing out loud...what a great addition! His avatar speaks volumes. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

This bout of cold, rainy, snowy, crappy weather was just what the Dr. ordered for me.

My tarsal glands are swollen and leaking, my neck has swollen up and there isn't any carpet left in my office.

I've been standing on my tippy toes in a puddle of my own piss and licking the tops of the door frames. My boss tried to stop me so I lowered my head and charged him. He's from chitcago and really has no idea what that was all about. I like to keep it that way...

YEP....it's deer season! UUUUURRRRRP UUUUUUUURRRRRP

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

One of the locals talked about trying to get around a fire burning a full section and at the crossroads she watched 3 pheasants on fire get up, cross the road, and start a fire on the other side. Awful.

Man that is awful. Where about do you hunt in ND? The towns you are listing are a little more than a stones throw from my neck of the woods.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I've been standing on my tippy toes in a puddle of my own piss and licking the tops of the door frames.

In other words... A typical Friday night for Male Chicken 6+1.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I've been standing on my tippy toes in a puddle of my own piss and licking the tops of the door frames.

In other words... A typical Friday night for Male Chicken 6+1.

Yeah, but it's only Thursday !!

Deer season here ready to be.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

which puts you at a greater than 50% for NOT getting the mumps and unless you swapped spit with your BIL (another Jarhead?

),

I admit it, I laughed.

Un ice breeze is blowin in tru da tongue un groove..mah pants are frozen to da floor an um too sickh ta move

da guise were palyin poker and dat Vweasel mustove von. he's vearin muh new swampers and sleepin wit muh gun.

62 degrees in the house. Have not turned the furnace on yet.
Conditioning myself for the deer stand LOL. Plus i like to see how long i can go before the wife starts to complain.

Was at Fleet Farm in lakeville today. Didnt see any must have new deer slayer products. I am a sucker for that stuff.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

One of the locals talked about trying to get around a fire burning a full section and at the crossroads she watched 3 pheasants on fire get up, cross the road, and start a fire on the other side. Awful.

Man that is awful. Where about do you hunt in ND? The towns you are listing are a little more than a stones throw from my neck of the woods.

R7, we go about 2 hours west of FF to a small town called Fredonia, ND pop. 46. A big elevator, a cafe, a garage, and the 3rd Base Bar (your last stop before home) is all there is. Main street is not gravel, but dirt. Post Office pulled out some years ago, so we used it as lodging. Lots of birds within a 10 mile radius this year, especially with all the corn off.

I think I may have lost my beloved Beretta A390. The boy was having issues with the Mossback 500 Bantam 20 ga. in the rain for ducks last weekend. Firing pin wasn't hitting the primer and when it did, the thing wouldn't rack. Admittedly, we were hunting in the pouring rain in muddy chopped corn. But still...

So I took him to the Club to have him try my 390 12 ga. This boy just turned 14. He's all arms and legs, no meat. 12s were rocking him a bit much last winter. Apparently no longer. He ran 22 out 25 at skeet. By the judge of his smile, I think it's gone for good.

Damn.

I liked that gun.

A lot.

They make more! Get your own dad! Lol

Hey Dave is that a 70 1/2 or a 71 ? Beautiful car !!

I didn't drink too many...only turdy cans of beer.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

One of the locals talked about trying to get around a fire burning a full section and at the crossroads she watched 3 pheasants on fire get up, cross the road, and start a fire on the other side. Awful.

Man that is awful. Where about do you hunt in ND? The towns you are listing are a little more than a stones throw from my neck of the woods.

R7, we go about 2 hours west of FF to a small town called Fredonia, ND pop. 46. A big elevator, a cafe, a garage, and the 3rd Base Bar (your last stop before home) is all there is. Main street is not gravel, but dirt. Post Office pulled out some years ago, so we used it as lodging. Lots of birds within a 10 mile radius this year, especially with all the corn off.

I grew up southwest of there in the slightly bigger hole in the wall of Ashley, ND. I dont get back there much anymore but know the area well.

It must have been dat last shot dat put meh under here.

He was coming from da vayside, and he killt it wid his truck!

Boofus got da first buck, since 1968!

For a guy dat weighs tree huntret pounds dat Oop can really fly!

It's been hard to get excided about deer season the last couple of years. My boss in this self-employment gig is a real dick. Doesn't sound like I'll get much time to sit. I'd try for smoke pole season but I have a bunch of woods to clear after it freezes.

On the bright side, I have some neighbor kids who have nowhere to go so I let them hunt on my property. I usually get to do plenty tracking, dragging, skinning and processing whether I pull a trigger or not.

The camaraderie is still there and what I enjoy most about deer season.

I'll stop complaining now and let you fellas get back to your rut.

I'm with ya WB. It's the camaraderie that makes it fun. I do enjoy being off by myself in the woods at times though.

The new experience for me is taking the kids. I've always brought the kids, but now they're actually hunting with a gun.

You guys that have experienced it are probably sick of me talking about it, but I'm excited!

We went to fleet farm last night and got the licenses. They were both excited about that. Pricey little buggers thought at $1 each.

I grabbed him by da back legs and he dragged me tru da snow... when he jumped dat barb'd ware fence I had to let em go.

Yep, the camaraderie is where it is at for me during deer season. My daughter, son and DIL will be hunting this year not to mention my six year old granddaughter who asked me again this year if we could go deer hunting.

I said YES!!!

Last year she had asked me to go hunting and we had fun walking out to her mother's stand, seeing a 3x3 buck there, then walking again to another stand to sit for three minutes. On the way back to Grandma's house we stopped to eat candy bars and saw a doe!!

I think she is hooked.....

Originally Posted by noduck

62 degrees in the house. Have not turned the furnace on yet.
Conditioning myself for the deer stand LOL. Plus i like to see how long i can go before the wife starts to complain.

Was at Fleet Farm in lakeville today. Didnt see any must have new deer slayer products. I am a sucker for that stuff.

Hey, let's consult with rooster7 on new hunting gadgets. Jim is a full blown gadget junkie! lol!

Rooster, what's new in the gadget world? Golden estrus licorice?

Silent candy wrappers? (that will never exist)

grunt/rattling compass that sprays deer urine and points you in the direction of the deer instead of pointing north?

Originally Posted by kinser

Hey Dave is that a 70 1/2 or a 71 ? Beautiful car !!

71, and thank you.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Last year she had asked me to go hunting and we had fun walking out to her mother's stand, seeing a 3x3 buck there, then walking again to another stand to sit for three minutes. On the way back to Grandma's house we stopped to eat candy bars and saw a doe!!

I think she is hooked.....

I'd have been hooked at the candy bar.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by noduck

62 degrees in the house. Have not turned the furnace on yet.
Conditioning myself for the deer stand LOL. Plus i like to see how long i can go before the wife starts to complain.

Was at Fleet Farm in lakeville today. Didnt see any must have new deer slayer products. I am a sucker for that stuff.

Hey, let's consult with rooster7 on new hunting gadgets. Jim is a full blown gadget junkie! lol!

Rooster, what's new in the gadget world? Golden estrus licorice?

Silent candy wrappers? (that will never exist)

grunt/rattling compass that sprays deer urine and points you in the direction of the deer instead of pointing north?

These are all very good suggestions!

Let's start with the candy wrappers.

That used to drive me so crazy that I'd open 6 of the mini-bars and put them in a Ziploc so they were quieter.

This is the 3rd time Mr.Buck has beaten up my 3d deer target.
Got him on camera this time. The local authority will be called in to handle such matter.

As you can see in pic#2.The deer has crazy eyes. I hope the police will step up the patrols around here before another 3d deer gets taken out.

I'm just impressed you got a truth fam 35 to still take pics

I got 3 of them. All work great. Got them on Natchez the refurbished ones.

I had 3 of them and the did work great. lol

da buchks we got in poker are da only buchks we got. we been in camp fir 14 day hun never fired a shot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by noduck

62 degrees in the house. Have not turned the furnace on yet.
Conditioning myself for the deer stand LOL. Plus i like to see how long i can go before the wife starts to complain.

Was at Fleet Farm in lakeville today. Didnt see any must have new deer slayer products. I am a sucker for that stuff.

Hey, let's consult with rooster7 on new hunting gadgets. Jim is a full blown gadget junkie! lol!

Rooster, what's new in the gadget world? Golden estrus licorice?

Silent candy wrappers? (that will never exist)

grunt/rattling compass that sprays deer urine and points you in the direction of the deer instead of pointing north?

I'm with None Ducks. I was just at Fleet today and didn't come out with one new gadget. For once I think I'm pretty set for season. I did pick up some more hand and foot warmers though for the long sits outside. I think my next gadget should be an enclosed stand with a heater. One of these years...

Went out the back door this morning and found a buck scrape about 10 steps from the back door.

So I hung a trail cam. This mind you is in the city of Eagan. My deck would make a good stand about a 10 yard shot. Guess I should use the bow so the neighbors don't get excited and call it in

TJAY, I used to be a garbageman and I had a wednesday route in Eagan. It didn't matter what time of day, I'd see turkeys, deer and coyotes running around houses and townhomes all the time. Just not all at the same time

New 2 99s, that's some beautiful country you hunt in for sure. Guys, man this week will be tough to try and work, luckily I got friday off. So thursday night my buddy and me will be driving up to the deer shack after I drop the teenager off at Cheer practice. Hopefully it'll be Northward on about 730 o'clock pmish. Nothing like opening up the Deer Shack around midnight, two nights before opener and having the whole next week off to hunt, cuss, eat and chew the fat!

Saw a darn nice buck last night hanging with a couple of does. He wasn't all messed up in the head yet but was slipping a bit. It was about 600yds from my favorite stands.

Who has the fever? ... 7 days and counting. What will be in your chamber? I'm going to stat out with a Savage 99EG in .300 Savage.

I see the good ole turdy turdy in the lineup!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Went out the back door this morning and found a buck scrape about 10 steps from the back door.

So I hung a trail cam. This mind you is in the city of Eagan. My deck would make a good stand about a 10 yard shot. Guess I should use the bow so the neighbors don't get excited and call it in

Eden Prairie is about the same. I put a cam in the backyard three nights this fall and had pics of deer all three nights.

308 for me this year if in the stand, 44mag if walking.

went bow hunting this evening ,in spite of a healthy breeze.
had four within range,no chance for a shot though.
its just a matter of time before one presents a decent shot.
thought it was going to be tonite,but the property owner and his wife went out for dinner,and scared the three feeding my way at 40 yards back the way they came.

I am focussed now on the pending deer hunting season. My cousin and I are headed up to camp Friday morning. My long time hunting buddy from high school days is meeting us there at my cabin that day also. Later that night another great hunting buddy will be rolling in. The first stint at our camp runs through the 11th.

I will do it again the final weekend of the season with one or two of the other guys and my sons, one of whom has army national guard duty opening weekend.

I love the camaraderie, as well as the magic moments alone in the woods that are indescribable to the the non-hunter. Hearing each guys story over some drinks and good food after a day in the woods is certainly among the best parts of the whole experience.

Good luck to all!

Well, I guess it's oficially on now. We go to church in about an hour, and then I have to get up on the roof and blow out the gutters, and then spend the rest of the day watching football while I pack my gear for the deer opener. This is my yearly tradition, and at least for me, my unofficial "start" to deer season. We're in a new spot this year, between Emily and Outing off Highway 6. Our previous spot just got too crowded. Sure wish we had some private property, but it is what it is.

We have four guys hunting together this year, and will be staying in a small motel in Outing. It'll be crowded, as we only were able to get one room. At the time I booked it, we only had two of us going. My son's buddy got out of the Marines a couple weeks ago, and my BIL is going now too. We'll make do-it'll be fine. Can't wait to get into the woods. Nothing gets me going quite like deer opener.

Best of luck to all the Minnesota boys. 'Counting on the Camp Chickenbuck gang to carry the torch for us once again this year. Chickenbuck Joe showed us how it's done, now we have to match the little guy's accomplishment.

Good hunting guys. May the wind be in your face, the sun at your back, and a nice buck coming down the trail.

Tough to beat the old .300 Savage.... It is what I carry opening morning!!

I have no idea what I'm carrying or where i'm sitting opening morning, lol.

I guess i'll go with what ever I find bullets for first.

Depending oh how I feel in the morning I go, I'll carry the 30-06 pump or the m70 7x57.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

We're in a new spot this year, between Emily and Outing off Highway 6. Our previous spot just got too crowded.

Please do not expect that new location (am familiar) to be less crowded.

On the brighter side though, traditionally good deer populations.

Good hunting gopher!!

I was out at the new (to me) WI hunting area scouting this morning. Got a few more stand sites picked out. There seems to be a pretty good pocket of deer around the area we are hunting.

Even found a scrape line, which I haven't seen in MN since about 09.

If I can snap off a few test shots this week, I may carry a 44 rem mag rifle (Henry)

I forgot to ask you if you fired it on not. You could club one with that heavy sucker.

Joey and I were going to shoot it into those dozing piles on the way out of camp after you guys left. but we said the heck with it, went home to see maw.

lol

Pretty uneventful opener up here !

Rain

Warm

1 deer sighted by 4 hunters, in 48 man hours on stand.

1 deer "farmed" by my buddy Joe !

Big bodied, healthy & minimal horns to impede the eating process !

The other 3 hunters, all had ground blinds to hunt out of, but no such luxury for me !

I sat in a tree stand, in the rain, in a flooded Tamarac swamp !

Paul, are you using a shotgun.

Well I will be using a shotgun! This will be the second year that my daughter is going. I would love to see her shoot a nice doe or little buck to build on her success of last year. And I really hope my dad can shoot a nice one.

To everyone going out this weekend, please pay particular attention to tree stand safety....don't take any chances! Also, know your target and what is beyond!

Good luck everyone, looking forward to the stories and pictures. Urrppp. Urrrrppppp. Urp.

Pam and I, Halloween costumes.

She's a Ford truck and I'm a Chevy truck.

[Linked Image]

Hunting has been a little harder for the Okies this year we have a bumper crop of acorns and the deer aren't moving as much but Mrs Mule did manage to take a doe last night with her new CVA Optima .

Where I hunt will dictate what I carry prolly .
If I sit where I bow hunt prolly use the TC contender .223 carbine this place has a herd of registered Angus on it and I don't want to buy one lol . If I hunt down south will take 7x57 lots of pigs there too.

Maybe this year Ill get my dads P17 Enfield out it hasn't kilt a deer since 1971 or so that would be kinda cool .

Now that is funny Dave.

Nice Dave. I try to laugh...check engine...tow strap...but then I remember how much it cost me. I'm not to the point where I can even crack a smile yet.

I just put $2222 into a rebuild of my Shebby Trailblazer transmission.I try to laugh.Comes out funny.More like a sob.

Stan in SC

The tow strap made me smile like heck.

I feel your pain Stan!

I just went back and looked again-love the tow strap. So is this standard equipment as part of the new Chevy warranty program?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I just put $2222 into a rebuild of my Shebby Trailblazer transmission.I try to laugh.Comes out funny.More like a sob.

Stan in SC

Stan, I'm with you brother.

[video:youtube]8VBTGgAKAcA[/video]

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Nice Dave. I try to laugh...check engine...tow strap...but then I remember how much it cost me. I'm not to the point where I can even crack a smile yet.

Did anybody spot the code reader draped around my neck with the tow strap?

The code reader is for clearing codes as you drive. The strap is a backup plan to the code reader.

lol.

Oh I caught it all but that tow strap did me in! lol.

70* weather in November sucks by the way! It sucks my rut mood right out the window. I'm waaaaay behind on my gear prep. I have nothing washed yet. The good news is, I don't think we'll need the woolies this weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

Paul, are you using a shotgun.

No Sir, that be a .243 barrel !

Just looks thick, due to the close quarters of the single seat tree stand.

I discovered one good thing about the time change - it's light enough now when I make my coffee in the morning that I can see out in the field to watch for deer. Yesterday it was a doe and 2 fawns and this morning it was a doe and 2 bucks. One was a little fork horn and not legal, the other was a lopsided 3x3. 3 on a side makes him legal and a possible candidate for the freezer.

It's been unseasonably warm here, too, but it was in the mid-30's this morning and these bucks were definitely interested in the doe. Big necks and all.

Our season starts the 15th and I've got a chit load of stuff to do to get ready for it. Haven't even shot my rifles yet.

Originally Posted by tzone

70* weather in November sucks by the way! It sucks my rut mood right out the window. I'm waaaaay behind on my gear prep. I have nothing washed yet. The good news is, I don't think we'll need the woolies this weekend.

Yep, sux dog gonads !

Now I gotta butcher his deer on my own tonight, rather than wait for him to help on Friday night !

Yeah, they're not gonna stand out in the woods Saturday. Just wondering if we'll have to ice 'em down till we get home or not.

I plan to ice em!

I went out to my property this afternoon to take out the heaters and put a skirt on one of my ladder stands. Pulled trail cam pics ... now I'm pumped for Saturday!!

That's a dandy! Any daylight pics?

No, just this night shot. He's a really nice buck. Another camera had what looks like a bigger buck, but looks like an 8 pointer. I wasn't really feeling the fever until I pulled this picture up after I got back home. This year will by my 50th year deer hunting; only have on 10-pointer over all those years ... this one would make it pretty special if he shows for me.

Well he sure looks like a special buck to me! I have never shot a 10pt, never even had the opportunity to do so. I'd sure love it, even if its of a high scoring buck.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Saw a darn nice buck last night hanging with a couple of does. He wasn't all messed up in the head yet but was slipping a bit. It was about 600yds from my favorite stands.

Hey Scott if you need me to come up and take care of that crazy deer I will.

how big is this guy?

[img]http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/th_WGI_0003.mp4[/img]

135" conservatively, likely a touch more I'd say. Gross score, not net.

I missed a big one like that 2 hours ago

Lol. How can u even tell from a 1/2 pic?

really cool deer, fluffy.

All that I know fluffy is...:he was big enough!

I paused it when he was turning away, kill him fluffy and prove me right!

I know, I'm teasing ya. I did the same thing

Take his advise fluffy. We want to see that sucker!

Hey tzone, I was out squirrel hunt in on Sunday morning a little south and east of me on some public land and ran across a scrape line. 3 of em about 8 to 10 feet apart right off a heavily used run and about the size of a garbage can lid. Kinda surprised me.

I'm bringing my win 94 thutty-thutty and my buddies dad(one of the guys in our camp) loaned me the use one of his 06 to use since I had to sell mine to pay some bills this summer. The 30-30 for tracking/drives and and the 06 is for general use. Out of the four of use in camp, youngest (me) to oldest, it's 30-30/30-06, 30-30/30-06, 32 special/30-06/300 win mag and last a 280rem.

Originally Posted by tzone

Take his advise fluffy. We want to see that sucker!

wont get to hunt there again till blackpowder season.

if you guys are good at that sort of thing,tell me,is that buck one of these?
I am not much of a judge.

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/bigs.mp4

heres one showing off his horns

[img]http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/th_WGI_0019.mp4[/img]

just to get the blood pumping

[img]http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/th_WGI_0002.mp4[/img]

Man, you guys are really getting me pumped up here! The Exploder points north Friday morning leading out little caravan north to Outing. A quick stop at the hotel, and then one last scouting run Friday afternoon. Gonna try to quietly sneak in and maybe hang a tree stand and then back out quietly. Nothing quite like the opener, man.

Hoping to hear about a very heavy game pole up at Chickenbuck, Dave. Good luck to all the Minnesota boys. Tom and Jack-you guys have some fun and make some great memories. Fluffy-save one for me up there, will you?

I hunt the property where I live and in the last few days the deer sightings are really picking up.

I stepped out the back door this morning and there were 4 does within about 50 yards of the house and 2-3 more deer about 200 or so yards out.

I'm getting a bit pumped up!

I started washing clothes last night and hung my wool coat outside. Gear is in a bin ready to go in our packs. Headed north before light hits the ground Friday morning.

Originally Posted by tzone

I started washing clothes last night and hung my wool coat outside. Gear is in a bin ready to go in our packs. Headed north before light hits the ground Friday morning.

washing clothes?
Pffft. You'll wash all the luck out of them.

Last year was the first since I started deer hunting that I didn't get anything. Didn't even get to look at one through the scope on my then new Savage 220f 20ga. I passed on a 6 point opening morning and it turns out that was the only buck I saw the rest of the year.

This year I may not be as picky. We'll see what the moment brings. I have some work to do in the "get gear ready" dept. I'll start that tonight. I did dial in the shotgun last Saturday though.

Good luck to all! Have fun and stay safe!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Last year was the first since I started deer hunting that I didn't get anything. Didn't even get to look at one through the scope on my then new Savage 220f 20ga. I passed on a 6 point opening morning and it turns out that was the only buck I saw the rest of the year.

This year I may not be as picky. We'll see what the moment brings. I have some work to do in the "get gear ready" dept. I'll start that tonight. I did dial in the shotgun last Saturday though.

Good luck to all! Have fun and stay safe!

This is the first year I don't have a doe tag or bonus tag in over 10 years. I've shot a buck 7 out of the last 8 years, so I am worried that this will be the year I don't see a bunch of antlers.

I don't know yet what my strategy will be, but I don't want to have a season like yours where you pass on the first one or two and then don't see any more the rest of the season.

I guess I always have the metro area muzzle-loading season to fall back on though.

I don't think I've seen any horns since 2007.

None of us have doe tags, except for young "Shorty" who is still a youth hunter. Shorty is taller than me now I believe. Future WNBA star, or maybe she will be a dentist for giraffes, or a light bulb changer and top shelf assistant for SAMS club... She not short any more.

lol

I am not hanging out clothes this year, instead, I put them all in a bag full of leaves. I thought that might work just as good and they wont be damp.

I have a slightly different take on whether to shoot a buck right away or not. I am okay if I eat tag soup. Going hunting is enough for me and I cannot shoot a big one if I shoot a little one first. So I will wait. Probably wont shoot one, but that is okay (especially if the daughter gets one!

I will be taking Friday afternoon off and heading up to the uncles to get his shed ready for the orange invasion. it will be my 34th year there. Talk about tradition!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

I started washing clothes last night and hung my wool coat outside. Gear is in a bin ready to go in our packs. Headed north before light hits the ground Friday morning.

washing clothes?
Pffft. You'll wash all the luck out of them.

Der was no luck in em, eh.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't think I've seen any horns since 2007.

None of us have doe tags, except for young "Shorty" who is still a youth hunter. Shorty is taller than me now I believe. Future WNBA star, or maybe she will be a dentist for giraffes, or a light bulb changer and top shelf assistant for SAMS club... She not short any more.

lol

No kidding. Not sure where she is getting that height from.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I have a slightly different take on whether to shoot a buck right away or not. I am okay if I eat tag soup. Going hunting is enough for me and I cannot shoot a big one if I shoot a little one first. So I will wait. Probably wont shoot one, but that is okay (especially if the daughter gets one!

Bman, that is generally my take as well especially with the low deer numbers. I don't even apply for doe permits anymore and I pass does up when bowhunting. They can't birth babies when they're in the septic tank.

This year I am kind of anxious to put down a buck with the Savage but if that doesn't happen, just being in the woods is more than good enough for me.

Whhooooooo looooloooloooolooooloooolooooo!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Take his advise fluffy. We want to see that sucker!

wont get to hunt there again till blackpowder season.

if you guys are good at that sort of thing,tell me,is that buck one of these?
I am not much of a judge.

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/bigs.mp4

............

Joey

I wish we had a 14 pointer at the cabin

Joey

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

I wish we had a 14 pointer at the cabin

Joey

I wish I had a 14 pointer too Joey, but I'll gladly settle for any legal buck!

Joey, I'll bet ole Forkey Toes is a 14 pointer !!

I was taught to never pass up a legal deer,you might not see another one all season.
last year I never saw any deer in rifle season.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by fluffy

Originally Posted by tzone

Take his advise fluffy. We want to see that sucker!

wont get to hunt there again till blackpowder season.

if you guys are good at that sort of thing,tell me,is that buck one of these?
I am not much of a judge.

http://vid82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/joelbrown_01/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/bigs.mp4

............

Joey

eh? whats that you say youngster? getting deaf in my old age,didnt catch that.

I'm out of venni. Not like "I'm out of venison" meaning there are 4 packages left. We are friggin OUT! We need some, I won't be passing legal deer. Well...maybe.

Uuurrrp uuurrrrrrp urrrrrrp.

Originally Posted by kinser

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Saw a darn nice buck last night hanging with a couple of does. He wasn't all messed up in the head yet but was slipping a bit. It was about 600yds from my favorite stands.

Hey Scott if you need me to come up and take care of that crazy deer I will.

You sure can. I tore up one of my machines late last week and just got it back on the job today. Nothing a bottle of O2 in the torch, 3/4" plate steel and 20# of lo-hi rod couldn't fix.

Needless to say I'm a bit behind schedule and the digging days are numbered. I'm glad to see that fall is hanging on but all this wet weather makes for awful muddy conditions.

So when you come up to shoot these deer, bring a lot of weapons. I see more girl deer than I can count, LOTS of spikes & forky deer, some 8pts and a nice looking 10pt by my main stand.

I'm sure you'll be all filled out on venison after the first morning but you could just as well spend the week & I'll find something to keep you busy. (I have the mekiniking tools

)

Originally Posted by fluffy

I was taught to never pass up a legal deer,you might not see another one all season.
last year I never saw any deer in rifle season.

We have the opposite problem!. We have too many deer. Especially does. Went for a drive around our block and counted 64 deer, of which two were bucks. But we can only shoot one! So late in the season I will most likely shoot a doe. Before then, I will enjoy the hunt and hope fer da turdy pointer! My daughter has the green light on anything.

Joey, we don't have a 14 pointer, but the neighbor has been seeing a 12. He needs to move north a half a mile though! I hope to post a grip and grin picture early next week of him. I hope YOU get the 14 pointer. Remember, they move a lot this time of year so just because you haven't seen one doesn't mean he won't come from miles away to pay you a visit!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't think I've seen any horns since 2007.

None of us have doe tags, except for young "Shorty" who is still a youth hunter. Shorty is taller than me now I believe. Future WNBA star, or maybe she will be a dentist for giraffes, or a light bulb changer and top shelf assistant for SAMS club... She not short any more.

lol

Northern Dave we must have our deer stands right next to each other. I'm in the same boat.Have not seen horns either. Maybe this will be the year.

Up an hour early before the alarm.guess ill load up some more 708 since its still set.

I would love to load some. Up at 4...no power and i just heard the transformer blow on the pole outside.

storms?

loaded a box and a half,in 15 minutes.

The damned squirrels used to get into our transformers and blow 'em up. Fuggin tree rats! They all the wiring in our neighborhood underground and that cured that problem.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Up an hour early before the alarm.guess ill load up some more 708 since its still set.

Hey Fluffy-while your at it, knock me out a box of .44 mag for the Marlin, some .300 Savage, a box of '06 and some 20mm-17cal. You never know when some zombies might need eradicated.

I guess I'll be a ground pounder this weekend. I got up on the roof and blew out the gutters last Sunday. Shoulders and legs were really bugging me by the time I got down. Went to church last night and was trying to help the A.V. nerds hand a projector in the sanctuary. Just looking up the ladder got me lighheaded and dizzy to the point I was about to fall over. 'Had to sit down for a few minutes just to get my wits about me.

'Was going to hunt out of the portable stand this weekend, but I think I'll be parking my butt on a bucket. Better safe than sorry. Man, this heart stuff really sucks.

Originally Posted by fluffy

storms?

No, I don't know what the hell it was. It was loud though, I can tell you that!&

Just put your portable up a little bit. Even 3-4 feet is better and probaby more comfortable than a bucket.

Originally Posted by tzone

Just put your portable up a little bit. Even 3-4 feet is better and probaby more comfortable than a bucket.

even two feet off the ground would be nice.that would put the seat 3 feet up,give you a little better visibility.

I built a new steel gate for the cabin road and also a steel truss to span across the tops of the posts that the gate will go on. The chickenbuck sign will hang from that truss.

Nathan and I drove out to the cabin gate spot last night to dump those items off where they will be installed. The "road" is horrible. Thank goodness we all have 4 wheel drive. No let up in sight, its raining again this morning.

One of the reasons Nate and I made the trip last night was to do a very quick scout on a couple of buck hot spots. These are natural areas in the forest that happen to be a stage of sorts for all of the rutty buck activity. I believe other hunters will agree that you can find areas in the woods that are repeat signpost hot spots that span generations of bucks.

Well, one of the hot spots was obviously active with fresh scrapes. We set a camera up on that scrape and backed out.

The other hot spot we were going to put a camera on.... Inconclusive. We haven't given up on it but we ran out of daylight.

It was exciting to see a brand new scrape though. Does don't make scrapes

That's awesome Dave !

Guessing Nate's gunna claim that spot, due to all his "hard" work scouting it out.

I hear ya on the rain.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY POURING HERE TODAY.

They are calling for it to turn to snow by evening, though.

We know how fun it is to walk a slimy forest floor with a coat of wet snow on it. lol! Snow packs under the boot and the shoe shaped snow wafer slides on the grease under it.

It's going to be awesome. lol!

The deer will be absolutely silent, your ears are no good, keep your head on a swivel.

Scouting that scrape spot last night was actually Nate's idea, so I'm thinking he may be hunting that spot. lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

These are natural areas in the forest that happen to be a stage of sorts for all of the rutty buck activity. I believe other hunters will agree that you can find areas in the woods that are repeat signpost hot spots that span generations of bucks.

For sure! All taken from the same type of area you describe

[Linked Image]

Nice!!!

It's just that kind of spot Dave,scrapes in the exact spot every year,same with the rubs and nestled next to doe bedroom a win win win

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We know how fun it is to walk a slimy forest floor with a coat of wet snow on it. lol! Snow packs under the boot and the shoe shaped snow wafer slides on the grease under it.

It's going to be awesome. lol!

The deer will be absolutely silent, your ears are no good, keep your head on a swivel.

Scouting that scrape spot last night was actually Nate's idea, so I'm thinking he may be hunting that spot. lol

I'm sure that you are like me, in that, you'll give up the best spots anyway, in an effort to ensure the "kids" & Pam have the best chance of success !

Right on. There are those perfect transition spots, land bridges, bottle necks etc.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We know how fun it is to walk a slimy forest floor with a coat of wet snow on it. lol! Snow packs under the boot and the shoe shaped snow wafer slides on the grease under it.

It's going to be awesome. lol!

The deer will be absolutely silent, your ears are no good, keep your head on a swivel.

Scouting that scrape spot last night was actually Nate's idea, so I'm thinking he may be hunting that spot. lol

I'm sure that you are like me, in that, you'll give up the best spots anyway, in an effort to ensure the "kids" & Pam have the best chance of success !

Guilty.

lol.

Ok here's a question for you guys with kiddos...

Do I bring my gun when I sit with my little buddy? We have room, but it's not like I'm going to shoot one if he hasn't.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ok here's a question for you guys with kiddos...

Do I bring my gun when I sit with my little buddy? We have room, but it's not like I'm going to shoot one if he hasn't.

Yes. There might be two that need shootin!

yes you do! dont ever give up TOm. the reasoning behind that is if you have to go looking for the deer after jack hits them, then you still have a helping hand if necessary.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ok here's a question for you guys with kiddos...

Do I bring my gun when I sit with my little buddy? We have room, but it's not like I'm going to shoot one if he hasn't.

Bring it.

Play backup for the kid.

It may not be needed, but if you end up with a noisy wounded one out there... "Bleeeaaaahhhhh!"

You can turn that noise off real quick and keep the happy hunter emotion train on the tracks, so to speak.

Speaking from experience...

Agree...

Dave and the guys are spot on. You never know when backup is needed. Besides, going deer hunting without a rifle in hand....you get the drift.

Never do when I sit with Deb & never used to, when I sat with Doug.

In my mind, it should be all about them.

Hey, if another deer walks in after the shot, you have 2 choices; you can always borrow that sweet lil' .223 & rock the second one, or look at your little guy & say; "Go ahead, shoot mine too".

Did that with/for Deb, not last season, the season before. Got good "merit" points.

She shot the first one & 2-3 minutes later, out walks the other one.

I got a double too, about 4 years ago, doe came in & I shot her, & while attempting to organise my gear to exit the tree, buck came in nose to the ground, down the same trail she had used !

Having read everyone else's logical replies, I now say bring the "heat" Tom !

Double how's about a triple in less than 10 seconds
10 seconds of fun wasn't worth the hours of work getting um down the ravine and over the creek
Young and stupid was I

[Linked Image]

Tasty looking triple there Dan !

Stupid, I don't think so.

Winter "feed" hoarder, maybe !

Betting the work was worthwhile.

Originally Posted by dvdegeorge

Double how's about a triple in less than 10 seconds
10 seconds of fun wasn't worth the hours of work getting um down the ravine and over the creek
Young and stupid was I

[Linked Image]

I saw that picture and my first thought was "How far to the truck?!?!?!"

Way too far down a steep ravine over a wide creek and then quite a bit more to the hunting camp

we are in a winter snow globe up here guys. ground is white, sky is white, it's awesome!

And it was near 80 here again today send it east!

Now we need to dip into the 20's tonight if we have any chance of having it stick around into the weekend.

views from my shop

[Linked Image]

"I tought I heard a buck snort...."

Snow for the opener! Hope it sticks for you guys, Dave.

Hard to imagine it snowing like that there when it was another summer - like day here with temps into the mid 70's.

Freezing rain here now, praying for the white stuff overnight !!

Ground is so warm though, doubt it will stick.

Unless it keeps coming !

lived and hunted deer in Minnesota my whole life, but never really liked snow for deer hunting. I know some say its easier to see deer when there is snow, and also easier to track them if wounded. But I think around 40 degrees is about perfect deer hunting weather.

Good luck to everyone on Saturday. Shoot straight!!!

I like freezing or cooler, lol. Because for one, it's hard to regulate the cabin heat (wood stove) if it's above freezing. And of course if we hang some deer, I like em to cool off real good.

Plus I like to walk across the swamp and I can't do that unless it freezes pretty good.

Well, time to finish packing and move all the gear up to the dining room so I can load up first thing tomorrow and get on the road. Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers, and all our other Minnesota boys this weekend. Other states have had their openers-now it's OUR turn. I hope to hear some great stories from the hunts. We will be up in the Outing area on a new spot.

May the wind be in your face, the sun at your back, and a nice buck coming down the trail.

Best wishes guys-now go get 'em!

To me, 25 degrees is perfect for deer hunting. It freezes the swamps, it keeps the deer cool and does it pretty quick, and it's not uncomfortable for sitting and not too hot for walking around sneaking and peeking.

Dave, we only had rain today in Embarrass Township, no snow. Minnesota November weather, you never know what you will have for opener. 50 years ago the first time I hunted with my dad, it was -22 opener morning, and I remember hunting in a short sleeve orange shirt with temp about 70.

Good luck to all Saturday.

Good Luck guys

Good luck to all in Minnesota! We have a week to wait here.....

good luck guys,take pictures.

We will all be heading out to the cabin tomorrow.

Saturday will be our 9th MN deer season opener out at camp chickenbuck.

It's been a hell of a memory machine, which was my original intent if you look back to the beginning of this monster thread.

We have succeeded in creating and sustaining a gathering place for friends and family. Selfless friendships, loyalties, selfless acts. I'm so proud of everybody and so very happy with our accomplishments.

I'm also very grateful for all of the friendships we have made here and for 9 years of positive support and help, humor, suggestions etc.

Thank you all.

Remember those hunters and camp members that have gone on ahead of us to those campfires and hunting grounds in the heavens above. Remember them, speak well of them. Tell their stories, tell stories of them.

Go on out there, teach the young members, teach them the simplest things... Things that are so second nature that they may seem unimportant. How to make a pot of coffee with an old perc pot. How to light the wood stove, how to light a camp fire, sharpen a knife, start a chainsaw, run a chainsaw, track a deer, read sign, clean a rifle, cook some food....

Teach them something, and don't be afraid to go into detail explaining why you do it this way and not that way.

Most importantly, be safe and best of luck to you all.

Dave

Best of luck to all this weekend. Everybody stay safe and keep your eyes open for the thrity pointer.

A last minute story for you guys. My son's buddy Tyler, who is just home from a 5 year stint in the Marines is hoping to hunt with us this weekend. Tyler scored real high with the rifle and was actually an instructor on the rifle range. Tyler called me to night, and he's having trouble buying a license because he never took the hunter's safety course. 5 years in the Marines-made expert with the rifle, was a weapons instructor, but can't buy a friggin' hunting license! He hunted with us several years ago as a youth on the one time exemption where he could get a license without taking the safety course, but now, after 5 years in the Marines, they apparently think he never learned safe gun handling practices. He's getting on the phone with the DNR again first thing in the morning to try to get it worked out. Barring that succeeding, he'll take an on-line safety course and should then be legally able to buy his tag. Poor kid just got home two weeks ago. Sometimes you just gotta laugh.

that's crazy, but I've heard it before.

That is some bs for sure ! I'm pretty sure Oklahoma has a military exemption.

If he'd still been active service, he'd get the license for free. He's only been out for 3 friggin' weeks.

Good luck to All and Safe and Happy Hunting to everyone!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We will all be heading out to the cabin tomorrow.

Saturday will be our 9th MN deer season opener out at camp chickenbuck.

It's been a hell of a memory machine, which was my original intent if you look back to the beginning of this monster thread.

We have succeeded in creating and sustaining a gathering place for friends and family. Selfless friendships, loyalties, selfless acts. I'm so proud of everybody and so very happy with our accomplishments.

I'm also very grateful for all of the friendships we have made here and for 9 years of positive support and help, humor, suggestions etc.

Thank you all.

Remember those hunters and camp members that have gone on ahead of us to those campfires and hunting grounds in the heavens above. Remember them, speak well of them. Tell their stories, tell stories of them.

Go on out there, teach the young members, teach them the simplest things... Things that are so second nature that they may seem unimportant. How to make a pot of coffee with an old perc pot. How to light the wood stove, how to light a camp fire, sharpen a knife, start a chainsaw, run a chainsaw, track a deer, read sign, clean a rifle, cook some food....

Teach them something, and don't be afraid to go into detail explaining why you do it this way and not that way.

Most importantly, be safe and best of luck to you all.

Dave

AMEN !

I remember when pistol qualification from the military was a sufficient portion of acquiring concealed carry permit in MN.

Heading up north. Good luck everyone!

Shoot straight, climb safe, and wear a harness.

Good luck goalie!

Good luck everyone !!!!! Be safe out there !! I will be waiting not so patiently for another week

2 weeks of Muzzleloading starts here tomorrow. It's been in the high 70's and 74 today, but the front is moving through. Will be in the 40's tomorrow morning.

Love hunting the day after a front.

Originally Posted by Steelhead

2 weeks of Muzzleloading starts here tomorrow. It's been in the high 70's and 74 today, but the front is moving through. Will be in the 40's tomorrow morning.

Love hunting the day after a front.

Yeah, we are lucking out a little here. It was 70 on Wednesday, and will be 20's tonight with a high of 40 on Saturday.

They should be moving.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Good luck goalie!

Thanks,

You too!

Taking my 24 year old daughter out to try and score a buck today. Won't hunt with her new husband because he is a whiner she says. LOL Shes only killed 2 bucks so far because of work and school so this is quality time together. Good Luck everybody. ED K

Good luck to all and hunt safe.....

I do. As inexperienced hunters, I feel the odds of them wounding a deer are higher than maybe an experienced hunter. The last thing I want is a wounded deer as that would be a very bad experience for them. So I bring mine to clean up any messes that are inadvertently created. Oh, I should also say, my daughter gets one shell. I want to teach her that she needs to make that first one count.

The other reason is that then "we" are going hunting rather than you taking him hunting. Taking him hunting has a little component of charity to it that they pick up on quickly.

But I have often wondered why I am hauling that thing out there!

Good question.

alright, a truck load of rifles that we won't shoot... tons of food, clothes... Yep, I'm about ready to head for the woods and light the wood stove in the cabin.

Good luck all!

I will try to sneak a report in from the deer stand now and then if I can.

Good luck, C'buckers !!

Dave, you got extras out there this weekend, or just the family ?

Its go time! May you all smell burnt gunpowder!

I might be able to do a report from the deer stand too. If I get bored....

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good luck, C'buckers !!

Dave, you got extras out there this weekend, or just the family ?

I think it's all family this weekend.

Camp Isabella checking in. Got camp up yesterday and stands today. Have a couple of good bucks on the trail cams we pulled when putting up the stands.

Rain off and on all day yesterday and snowed/sleeted today. Had been about 33 to 36 all day.

Good Luck to all.

Good luck Minnesota hunters. I'm looking forward to the reports from the field.

Gopher - just read your post. PM me if you can't get your Marine a HS cert. I'm pretty sure I can get it done. Our states recognize each other's hunter safety programs. A few questions is all. I figure if Goalie and that other Jarhead who started this thread made through this many hunting seasons without any issues, then that little vacation they took after high school at Parris or San Diego musta done some good.

Good luck to the 'sotans! T minus 1 week and counting for us.

One fuzzy wind-chime here!

pics or it didn't happen!

Live update: I freaking love smashed PBJ sandwiches! Saw 8 does and two small bucks this morning. I watched one of them breed a doe. Don't see that too often. Dad and Brother tag teamed a nice buck but we are still in the recovery process. Hit real hard though. Blood and bone chunks all over.

Live update II: I am crazy. I just passed up a nice 9 pointer. Not quite to the ears. 6" tines. Broadside. 100 yards.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Live update II: I am crazy. I just passed up a nice 9 pointer. Not quite to the ears. 6" tines. Broadside. 100 yards.

Doood!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Live update II: I am crazy. I just passed up a nice 9 pointer. Not quite to the ears. 6" tines. Broadside. 100 yards.

Ur stoopid 😂. I like that they don't get big if ya kill em when they're medium siZed

Nice morning here,still archery season so no more buck killing for me till the 21st
Could have killed 2 spikes,a screwy racked 9 pt and an 8 pt
Fun morning and accomplished what I set out to do!
Good luck to all you boys !

[Linked Image]

Passed a cute little 8pt and forky this morning. Saw 4 more girl deers. The 8 had such a small body. No neck. I have a hunch that it was a very young deer with good genetics so I'll let him go sew his oats. He got within 40yds so I got a good look.

There is a nicer 8pt by my stand every day (trailcams) that I might harvest. Rack is about to the end of the ears when they are straight out. I'll see how I feel when he presents himself for judgment. Problem is, I let these walk then my neighbors shoot them all to heck after chasing them for however long. I like nice clean shots and no wasted meat. I can't eat the hardware on the head anyway I guess.

Nice to see yous guys are having some luck. Be safe and good luck.

Camp Isabella report..

Wife took a doe at 2PM. First time she has ever got one on opening day.. She gutted and I dragged. Short 200 yards to where we could get the truck.

I do not have enough reception here in the trees to post pictures so they will have to wait.

Pequaywan report... No deer sighted. At all...any where.

My little buddy sat all day! I'm very proud of him. Not one complaint, no whining, just concentration. And a few fart jokes.

0-4 here.

Well I whacked one for the freezer/smoker/sausage machine. It came out about 300yds from me on one of my shooting lanes and I had about 1/2 second to decide if I was going to pull the trigger on a trotting deer.

Nice little 150# dressed buck that will top the freezer off nicely. 8pts. Not the one I was looking for.

I was happy to get some freezer meat so I can get back to work. I'll spend a the next day or two trying to help my neighbors fill their tags between me pulling levers.

Pics to come when I get the patients to screw with photobucket.

Oh... Best will be fresh fried deer heart & eggs for breakfast. That would be my deathbed meal if it ever comes. That's my favorite meal ever. Tenderloin will be cooked very soon also.

Had this little guy come through my yard with a doe just now. in a year or two he might be a biggun!

Camp Isabella report.

10am 6 point buck hit the deck. We are 2 for 3.

Just got back. Tag soup again. On stand all day yesterday, and till 10 today. Heard sporadic shooting, very little of it nearby. Somebody shot once back behind me this morning, so I'm guessing they got one. Never saw a deer. One of our guys saw fawn yesterdy, and my BIL saw to tails. Back at it next weekend.

Squaw lake report: five of ten as of early afternoon. Four bucks and one big do by a youth hunter and his first deer! I was posted between two hunters with doe tags- they saw nothing while I had 8 does and one yearling buck with a 2" antler at best. He worked a scrape and came back later to check it again. He didn't get any bigger! 3 Buick tags and two doe tags to fill. Come on snow!

We did ok. Two for two, a spike and doe. Tenderloins for dinner Saturday and skinned and quartered back home by 2:45 Sunday. Need to get another big doe muzzle-loading the metro zone though.

Skinning/quartering time at home:

Saturday night dinner fixins:

Packed up for the earliest departure ever for us:

Really happy for my nephew. He knocked down this nice 10-pointer this morning. Last year his younger brother also got a 10-pointer (his first year out). Great to see these young boys have success. Hung this one on a digital scale ... 209lb dressed out.

thats a dandy of a north woods buck!

Holy Smokes! That's a wopper!

That is a big buck, our season doesn't start til the 14th so for now I'm going off what I see from my archery stand when I can make it out, and what I see here. Good Luck for those still hunting!

Originally Posted by goalie

We did ok. Two for two, a spike and doe. Tenderloins for dinner Saturday and skinned and quartered back home by 2:45 Sunday. Need to get another big doe muzzle-loading the metro zone though.

Skinning/quartering time at home:

Saturday night dinner fixins:

Packed up for the earliest departure ever for us:

Gonna need some help butchering? Let me know.

I shot a few rifles yesterday. Not impressed by the groups of any of them, but there was a 10+ MPH crosswind, so I guess as long as they're zeroed, I'll be fine.

Had half a dozen does in the field behind the house again this morning at first light. Hoping they keep hanging around so as to bring some bucks into the area for the opener this Sunday.

Nice reports guys!

Nothing to report for camo chickenbuck, other than good laughs, great food and a battle with a muddy access road to the camp. We will be back at camp soon though!

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Really happy for my nephew. He knocked down this nice 10-pointer this morning. Last year his younger brother also got a 10-pointer (his first year out). Great to see these young boys have success. Hung this one on a digital scale ... 209lb dressed out.

Not just yeah, but HELL YEAH!!!!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Gonna need some help butchering? Let me know.

I think we're good with these two, as they are quartered, and we both had today off to hunt. I will hopefully be taking you up on the offer again like last year if I get a metro zone bonus doe though.

Thanks!

We are now out of the woods and back "on the grid" and hearing about this UFO sighting in california that is being explained as a navy missile test. This was supposedly on sunday the 8th I believe?

Well, we saw something in the sky on the morning of the 7th that looked a little bit like a jet but it was glowing orange in the morning sky. It had a trail but not a long trail like you see with jets and the trail was broad, it looked to be traveling the speed of a jet but we thought it was a comet. like the leading point of the object was on fire, noticeably bright lead point with what looked like a flaming bloom. We saw it in the southern sky, it seemed to be traveling west and angled downward, not parallel with the horizon. It wasn't a streaking white line like a "shooting star", we had time for Missy to get everybody outside to watch it and we observed it until it went below tree top level.

It was a ways off, If I had to guess I would think that folks in Bemidji would have had a decent view of it.

Sorry to hear the success was pretty limited. I was really hoping to hear Chickenbuck Joe and T-zone's boy Jackson had showed us old timers how to get it done. Just the same, it sounds like everyone had a real good time, and made some everlasting memories. The only thing I came home with was one whopper of a cold. Feeling like crap today. I had planned on calling in well and hunting today-I called in sick instead. 'Sucks when a cold gets in the way of deer hunting!

Had my chance on a fat little 4 pointer. A clean miss. I congratulated him for his win, thanked him for the opportunity, and now I hope nobody else gets him so that he breeds a lot of does in the coming weeks ahead.

Originally Posted by 22WRF

Had my chance on a fat little 4 pointer. A clean miss. I congratulated him for his win, thanked him for the opportunity, and now I hope nobody else gets him so that he breeds a lot of does in the coming weeks ahead.

Well said!

Brought my daughter (11) out yesterday. Her second year of deer hunting. We had a 6 point buck sneaking through the willows that was soon coming to a nice 10 foot wide opening. Oh, this just might work, she is all lined up....there was only one potential snag. In the middle of this opening was about a 9-inch tree. Sure enough, he stopped with his bread basket behind that tree. Good opportunity but it just didnt work out.

A little while later a doe pops out about 40 yards from us and walks right to us at 20 yards. Lauren says, I want to shoot a buck and am going to let this doe go. Okay, it is your decision. But then I look and there is a buck in the willows behind her. A nice 8 pointer. He stays in the willows and closes the gap to 12 yards! I tell Lauren, go ahead and shoot him through those willows as they are so close to him it shouldnt matter. I wait for the boom.......She says I cant find him in the scope! He is directly in front of the sun and the willows are all gray. I even have problems picking him up if I move my eyes to the doe for a second. the lighting was just really weird. Pretty soon, the does senses something and blows. he blows and they run 20 yards and stop. Pretty soon they lay down 40 yards from us. For the next 5 hours we were on guard. He almost died about 2 hours into it, but was behind some brush. then about 2 pm she trots off with him in tow. It happened so fast, there was no chance for her.

Now here is the funny part. I have shot a lot of whitetail bucks and this year even a 6X6 bull elk with my bow. I do not get buck fever. But when she had that buck at 12 yards, she was shaking like a leaf. Then I noticed it. I was shaking!!! Pretty cool to experience that with your daughter. I cant really explain why I was shaking. I would have passed that buck without a second thought if I was by myself. But her excitement sure was contagious! I love it!

No deer yet for her or I (my dad got a buck). Plenty of hunting left though.

Great story!

That's an awesome story BM!

I have to run a different plan of attack next year for the kids. The it woods of north east is a great experience, but when you're learning to hunt, you need to see deer to keep interested. I'm pretty sure jack will stick with it but kennedy probably won't.

We are giving it a shot closer to duluth, where there are a few more deer... We hope. Jack and I sat there Sunday afternoon and did have a dos come out, but she got into tall grass and we didn't have a chance for a shot. We could see glimpses of her as she climbed a hill.

I'm very proud of him. He stayed in the woods dark to dark on opening day. And he really shows some great potential on when to call, how often, where to look. Most importantly, he really knew when to take a nap! He had that dialed in!!!

Going to be windy the next two days so I am picking the daughter up from school and we are going to go sit in the same stand. Gotta be back for an orchestra concert. We can make it, unless she shoots one, then I dont know what is going to happen! Dad is going to get in a lot of twouble!

This:

Doesn't suck with this in the shop:

and the Wild up 5-1 on Winnipeg.

That is all.

nice picture.

Originally Posted by fluffy

nice picture.

The Wild puck tap? Summit goes well with a Wild win.

No,the picture on the wall,behind your friend.

Aaaah, that took me a minute.

It is nice, isn't it?

Thanks!

Mama and I ran up to the WI deer camp to drop off some stuff for the up coming season. We hung a double ladder for Noah and I to try to pop one out of. It looks like a good spot.

I also pulled the card on a trail cam I put up last friday morning.

[Linked Image]

that last one looks like a stud! nice mass! hope you get em Tom!

I finally connected tonight on my archery tag, saturday is rifle opener and after that muzzleloader. so I was glad to be done. I missed 4 bucks bigger than this guy in the last 2 weeks

but I'm happy with him. he's my biggest with a bow to date.

Congrats ! That's a nice one !!

He has a nice rack, but that is the only pic of him.

That 8 is a pig. He's a bully for sure. I have about 10-12 pics of him.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

that last one looks like a stud! nice mass! hope you get em Tom!

I finally connected tonight on my archery tag, saturday is rifle opener and after that muzzleloader. so I was glad to be done. I missed 4 bucks bigger than this guy in the last 2 weeks

but I'm happy with him. he's my biggest with a bow to date.

That's nothing to sneeze at for sure. I'd be tickled to ever get a buck like that. Congrats!

Good luck, Tom. I hope you can get a shot on either of those 2 nice bucks. That one in particular looks to have a very big body.

Only 72 hours until I'll be sitting out with rifle in hand, hoping to see a nice buck.

MMmmm, most excellent !

Ryan, that's a nice buck. I'd be happy for sure.

Now, when you say you "missed four earlier" .............. ?

Congrats ryan, thats a dandy. and a whitetail besides it looks like isnt it. Tom you got some dandys on your hands to think about now. that'll get the blood flowing. Good luck again Ya'll!

Originally Posted by bruinruin

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

that last one looks like a stud! nice mass! hope you get em Tom!

I finally connected tonight on my archery tag, saturday is rifle opener and after that muzzleloader. so I was glad to be done. I missed 4 bucks bigger than this guy in the last 2 weeks

but I'm happy with him. he's my biggest with a bow to date.

That's nothing to sneeze at for sure. I'd be tickled to ever get a buck like that. Congrats!

I would too. That's a Heckova deer

TZ

Hope you and your 'body guard' pop that big guy!

Best of luck!

WN

T minus 67 hours and counting until our opener. Leaving for camp before sunrise tomorrow.

Some disturbing developments at deer camp. Someone's bringing up a Kuerig. Another is bringing catered meals from a restaruant friend. I'm so ashamed. The cure is to eat raw deer heart, but my fear is that they would slice it thin, add capers and call it carpaccio.

I believe you can offset catered food with various amounts of pickled foods.

I'm not sure what to do about the kuerig? I've never heard of such things at the camp? I'm sure there a few solutions, but the first one that comes to mind is to back over it with a 4-wheeler. By accident of course.

On second thought... Make it well known you're running it over on purpose so something like never happens again.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Ryan, that's a nice buck. I'd be happy for sure.

Now, when you say you "missed four earlier" .............. ?

don't remind me. :'(

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

T minus 67 hours and counting until our opener. Leaving for camp before sunrise tomorrow.

Some disturbing developments at deer camp. Someone's bringing up a Kuerig. Another is bringing catered meals from a restaruant friend. I'm so ashamed. The cure is to eat raw deer heart, but my fear is that they would slice it thin, add capers and call it carpaccio.

The hell you say! This is a serious infraction! Deer camp rules specifically prohibit the use of foo-foo coffee makers. What's next? Quiche for breakfast? Bon-bon's and truffles for desert? You must put a stop to this insanity!

A fitting punishment would be to make Mr. Keurig hunt with a 270!

Keurig? Does he wear skinny jeans too?

So Gophergunner is really putting the pressure on. He want me to line him up a deer on the last day of the season on public ground! No small feat that. But we have a good spot lined up. I hope he can seal the deal. Any good Hunter would.....😜

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

T minus 67 hours and counting until our opener. Leaving for camp before sunrise tomorrow.

Some disturbing developments at deer camp. Someone's bringing up a Kuerig. Another is bringing catered meals from a restaruant friend. I'm so ashamed. The cure is to eat raw deer heart, but my fear is that they would slice it thin, add capers and call it carpaccio.

The hell you say! This is a serious infraction! Deer camp rules specifically prohibit the use of foo-foo coffee makers. What's next? Quiche for breakfast? Bon-bon's and truffles for desert? You must put a stop to this insanity!

Too much new vocabulary for me to understand. Kuerig? Carpaccio? Quiche? Foo-foo? What has this place become????? We're suppose to spit, cuss, drink and gut critters.

I'll have to crack a High Life and ponder what to do next.

Back from deer camp, the big zero for our group. If we had doe tags be different lots of does were seen. My cousin got down from his stand for lunch,came back to fresh rub 20 yards away.Ouch.My dad passed on a little spike. And my buddy had a nice 8pt in the crosshair. Gun jammed up. Even thou we went the big zero, everybody was pretty happy compared to last year.

I'm fighting fire with fire, so to speak. Took Tom's advice. Stopped at the butcher and bought some pickled eggs, pickled bologna, and pickled turkey gizzards. That and a 30 cube of blaze orange buschys. The way I figure it, I'll load up with all 4 tomorrow after getting to camp. Opener is Sunday...I'll have 'em smoked out by Saturday afternoon.

Someone's gotta post it, so here it is--Good luck boys!!

Palace in the Popple

Written by George Augustus "Gus" Bixby, ca. 1905

Gus and Rob Bixby, lived in Trego, Gus having been born in St Croix County in August 1880, and died in Trego in 1969. Rob, born 1884, died in Trego in 1968. They were a couple of old bachelors that loved the great outdoors. Apparently Gus also loved reading poetry...and he dabbled at writing it, too. Here is a poem he wrote about their hunting shack north of Trego.

Palace in the Popple

It's a smokey raunchy boar's nest,
with an unswept drafty floor,
And pillow ticking curtains,
with knife scars on the floor.

The smell of a pine knot fire,
from a stovepipe that's come loose,
Mingles sweetly with the bootgrease,
and the copenhagen snoose.

There are workworn .30-.30's
with battered steel stocks,
And drying lines of longjohns,
and of steaming pungent socks.

There's a table for the bloody four,
and their game of two card draw,
And there's deep and dreamless sleeping,
on bunkticks filled with straw.

Ed and Lawrence, by the stove,
their gun talk loud and hot,
And Rob, has drawn a pain of kings,
and raking in the pot.

Harvey's drafted again as cook,
he's peeling spuds for stew,
While Gus, wanders in baggy pants,
receiting Dan McGrew.

Nowhere on earth is fire so warm,
nor coffee so infernal,
Or whiskers stiff or jokes so rich
nor hope blooms so eternal.

A man can live for a solid week,
in the same old underbritches,
He can walk like a man, spit where he wants,
and scratch himself where he itches

I tell you boys there's no place else,
where I'd rather be come Fall,
Where I eat like a bear and sing like a wolf,
And feel like I'm Bull Pine tall.

In that raunchy cabin out in the bush,
in the land of the Raven n Loon,
With a tracking snow lying new to the ground,
at the end of the rutting moon.

George Augustus (Gus) Bixby
Circa 1905

Ryan,great deer.Congratulations.

Loved the poem.It says it all.

CFT,rots of ruck.

Stan in SC

I've read that many times and it always puts a chill down my spine. This is the way deer camp should always be.

My brother shot a 10 pointer tonight. Tough drag though!

I came home last weekend with a bad cold. Thought I had this all wrapped up on Wednesday, but I'm sicker'n a dog again today. 'Heading into the office to get done what I absolutely have to this morning, and then home for some chicken soup and a hunker in the bunker. Hoping to hunt tomorrow, but man, I'm feeling like crap right now. 'Can't stoup coughing.

Camp Isabella report.

805am an eight point came out infront of my stand and I shot him.

We are now 3 for 4 with the last hunter out hunting as I type.

Good luck to all.

Live update 3: sitting in my stand since o dark thirty. Passed up a medium 8 and then right behind him was a bigger buck. Couldn't see what he was so I passed him up too. Dang nice buck but I am dead set on tag soup! Then a 9 came following 2 does. Had him at 20 yards but he needs another year. Since we are friends, he layed down and has been here all day. Really fun watching him. The daughter is on the way and that buck is poised to go down the tree line to her. Cross your fingers for her this afternoon! Oh, he just stood up.

Just a midday snack. Time for another siesta. He layed back down.

Had a nice visit with the CO this afternoon. Said he has been working a bunch of baiting cases an confiscated a 156" deer opening weekend. Said success has been pretty good inhis area of patrol.

No more deer yet.

Camp Isabella out.

Saw 2 does today,nothing more.

Found a spot with some nice rubs and beds. No deer sighted yet. I can shoot a doe in this spot tho, so I'm going to give it a shot in the morning. My daughter decided she likes turkey hunting better because we see more stuff...including deer.

Passed on a 90" 4x4 yesterday morning, taking mama out in a few to hopefully get him. my dad shot a 5x5 whitetail yesterday morning, one side was busted up so he was kinda bummed. nice deer though.
I'm seeing way more hunters than deer where we're at, I may have to move to a new spot

Monday morning report from da deer stand.

Deers are very rare.

The 2 deer that we have for a 10 mile sq area are nocturnal.

But hey! WEEZY got a spot buck up by warroad, hunting with her boyfriend.

She 243'd him to death and she even field dressed it! There are pics to prove it!

Go WEEZY!

My daughter shot a button buck yesterday. Great experience for her. Bang flopped him on the spot. She needs to get quicker as she had some missed opportunities, but she is coming along. Very proud that she made a great shot. Hunting with your kids sure is fun!

It's been a very slow start to the season for me. Yesterday was the opener and I had one young doe come through about 830 then nothing until about 2pm when I spotted 2 does about 275 yards out. Only saw them for a second and they were gone. 3 deer and I sat the whole day. I usually see 3 deer every hour or 2 from that spot. I've already given up on that location and moved to another stand today.

Originally Posted by bruinruin

It's been a very slow start to the season for me. Yesterday was the opener and I had one young doe come through about 830 then nothing until about 2pm when I spotted 2 does about 275 yards out. Only saw them for a second and they were gone. 3 deer and I sat the whole day. I usually see 3 deer every hour or 2 from that spot. I've already given up on that location and moved to another stand today.

I would be thrilled to see 3 deer a week, or even if I could see just one deer for the entire season that would be great too. Lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would be thrilled to see 3 deer a week, or even if I could see just one deer for the entire season that would be great too. Lol

That's for GD sure! good lord it's slow. I saw nothing! Zip, zilch, nada. Makes for tough hunting for an adult, let alone trying to teach kids to hunt.

I'm hoping for a better WI season that starts on Saturday. If I saw a few deer next week, I'd be pretty happy. They have the same problems we have in MN. Tough winters, high predators, and some pretty tough country to hunt.

You can have all the trail cam pics in the world, when it comes down to it, 99% of them are at night. So I'm cautiously optimistic.

Way to Go Taylor !!

You make your dad PROUD !

Good job Weezy!! Congrats on shooting the last buck in MN!

The steamy gut pile picture is awesome. I hope you did the intestine jump rope and played the windpipe like a clarinet!

After a tough start to the season, had success on Saturday morning.

This was the 3rd weekend for our season & I also did a number of weekday afternoon sits.

Happy Days & best of luck to all you guys too !

My Buddy, Joe, also filled his Doe tag Saturday evening !

With the temps due to rise again, in the next coupla days, will more than likely be butchering this Wednesday.

Nice to have meat hanging.

Yes sir Paul!!! You got yourself a dandy Canadian buck!! Congrats

its been a decent year so far for us here in the northland, our group has 8 so far, the kids are cleaning up. my oldest boy got his first buck a 10pnt, my youngest shot his first deer friday night, a nice doe. my daughter is still waiting. and so am i. I tend to hunt more during muzzleloader and leave this season now for the kids. Great dark horns on that canadian buck. Great job Weezy. Tried to get to chickenbuck this weekend but got detoured cutting deer again.

Thanks Tom,

High, tight, dark & heavy !

Nice buck, Paul! ... but where's the 99

?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would be thrilled to see 3 deer a week, or even if I could see just one deer for the entire season that would be great too. Lol

What happened to the deer pop's up North, I was under the impression that that whole S. Canada/Great Lakes area was swamped with deer...

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

Nice buck, Paul! ... but where's the 99

?

Keith,

99 had been out so often, this season, I chose to change it up & swap to the wife's (lucky) savage "lady" hunter in 7mm-08.

For a girls gun, it does well.

Shot my bull moose with it last year too !

Doe tag will be harvested with the 99C, .308.

Or the model 11, in .243, if the 99 continues to disappoint me !

Those lady hunters actualky have nice wood on the ones I've seen. And just nice wood for a Savage, it's really nice!

Yep, truthfully, I fell in love with that rifle, before I purchased it for my lovely wife !

Originally Posted by Deerwhacker444

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I would be thrilled to see 3 deer a week, or even if I could see just one deer for the entire season that would be great too. Lol

What happened to the deer pop's up North, I was under the impression that that whole S. Canada/Great Lakes area was swamped with deer...

There are a few factors that attributed to it. High numbers of doe tags were issued for a lot of years, and everybody seems to think you have to fill all of them! The dnr issued them for about 2-3 seasons too long imo. The winter whacks em pretty quick if it's a bad one. We had 2 cold, snowy winters in a row, on top of the high dos tags and normal preaditors they deal with.

Camp Isabella report.

3 of 4 tags were filled. Two bucks and a doe. A total of 4 deer seen.

We took down camp yesterday and loaded up this morning and drove home in rain. Glad we got camp packed before the rain.

Dang next season is a long way off..

Nice deer to every one so far! Camp Three Lakes report. Deer numbers are looooowww! 4 of us in camp, no does seen and two bucks seen. I shot a buck on opener about 7am. I guess you could say he was a nice four pointer, left antler broke off 2" up from skull and right antler had 3 points. I'm super thrilled first deer down in camp in three seasons! Sad news, I saw and couldn't get a shot at the widest racked buck I've ever seen hunting in my life on 11/14 am. We had 5" of snow on everything in that thursday rain to sleet to snow storm. He came out of a spruce swamp with the 20mph winds at his back and I guess stared at me because I felt like something was looking up at me. The wind was whipping snow down on me from all the tall pines so I had my back that way, ugh. I turned to look at what I felt were eyes on me and seen him. Couldn't get the gun up and he was gone. Well hopefully next year.

The other 3 guys didn't see squat, and the camp down from us didn't get anything either. We closed camp after hunting seven days straight and drove home yesterday, I had just got home at 5pm and was gonna hop in the shower and my wife called with some sad news. Her stepdad had a massive heart attack and passed away at 60yrs old. Only good thing about it was He was a golpher and was having what sounds to be the best game of his life. He hit a great putt on the 17th hole and fell over on the green, crazy how it can happen. So prayers and thoughts please for the Nelson family, as all are taking it rough. Thanks in advance, J.

Well it starts all over again this week! I have the pot of spaghetti sauce cooking, the soup pot started, grocrie list figured, the pile of clothes on the floor to be re-washed, the knives are still sharp and the guns are still oiled...

The train heads north to cheese country early Friday morning.

Prayers for your FIL Justin! Very sorry to hear this news!!

Congrats on your buck though.i know that kinda makes it bitter sweet but you guys got on some deer at least.

Prayers to you and your family.

Tom

Thanks tzone, good luck to you and wishin I was heading up to Northern WI for opener but life happens.

Yes it does! It's been 6 years for me since I've been there to hunt.

Has anyone else noticed Miller Lite is almost like water, but not quite as potent?

Honestly this'll be my 5th or 6th year I've missed, got to many things in the head to remember, rightly.

Good going Weezy. I thought our deer were scarce but you guys are really in short supply. I'm not going to take any time off this year.
I am going to try to retire come May first and am saving up all the vacation time I can. My first retirement check wont come until the first of the following month. The county will give me a check the day I retire for unused vacation and a fraction of unused sick pay. I should end up with around 450 hours of vacation and 250 hours of sick pay.
I just put a 471 lb half a beef in the freezer and a couple of kids I let bow hunt brought me about 70 lb of deer. The weekend after deer season the neighbor is planning to butcher 8 hogs and I am penciled in for one so I really don't have the freezer room to put a whole lot more in anyway, but I do plan on giving them heck next year. Good luck with the rest of your season guys.
Bill

A little ChickenBuck luck at 8:30 Opening Morning.

Nice!

Good Job, Ben!

Great looking buck there. Congrats!!

The buck in my avatar is from 2006 and is almost this buck's twin, except the brow tine is on the opposite side.

2006 Buck

Back to work for me this morning.

Congrats to all the successful hunters.

Sorry to hear about your FIL, Justin.

It has been slooow hunting for me. I usually see several deer a day, a couple are usually small bucks, but this year the sightings are way down. I think it might be that the weather is just too warm and they're just not moving much.

I did catch a glimpse of a buck yesterday morning as he tailed a doe. The doe froze up and spotted me, I think, and instead of crossing in front of me, she turned and took him with her.

The weather is supposed to cool way down toward the end of the week and I'm looking forward to getting back into the woods with some colder weather and maybe some snow.

Justin,

Prayers for peace, from North of the Border.

WOW ! ChickenBuck T-shirt weather too !!

Good going Ben.

Well, it was warm enough that I could take my other over-shirts off long enough for pics and not get too cold. It was low 40's when they were taken. It did hit 60 that afternoon though.

It's been raining all day up nort here.

Supposed to turn to snow tomorrow.

Here too. For the rain anyway: if this was snow, we'd be digging out for a month.

Ben, it was the same up here too. If you look back at my deer pictures, where he fell their was about 6 inches of snow coverage. By Sunday night, he would have been lying in 6 inches of wet, sloppy, sticky clay !

Well the excitement has set back in! Tomorrow will be a looooooong day at work.

Laundry is finished, guns are ready again, getting groceries tonight, tent is ready to get thrown in the truck, I brought the wood stove and wood up last week. I even bought a license.

Good Luck T !

You taking both boys again ?

No, I took my son and daughter before. This time the step-son...or soon to be, is going. Next year I'll take both boys. Currently, the way the regs are set up, he has to sit with a "mentor" and there can only be one gun between the two of you.

Jack missed school to go in MN, while Noah sat out. So now, Noah misses a few days and jack has to sit out. It's really the only fair way I can think of to do it.

Noah had his stuff ready by Sunday night.

Yeah, same regs up here too !

Sorry, thought both boys were with you on your last trip.

I'm sure if you can get one for Noah this time out, it will "stand you in good sted" with future step son & his Momma !!

Jack & the Princess, well I let you deal with that, if you & Noah are successful.

Good Luck. Calling for colder & some snow up here tonight, tomorrow & the weekend, hopefully, it'll help us both out !

Noah shot his first deer last year. He was sitting with his uncle, who will also be along on this trip. Next year he can sit on is own. The missing too much school is why jack isn't going. I feel bad about it, I should have taken him to wi instead of mn based on deer numbers alone.

I face the same problem with momma about taking kids out of school. I think it is likely they learn more in a deer stand than they would have in school that day.

In a few years, I will have twins that will both be ready to hunt! I think i am looking forward to that day.....

When I was 10 years old, my Mom called the school and told them I wouldn't be coming in for three days because deer season was starting. She got a return call from my teacher telling her the principal had talked to her and told her she had to call us to let us know this would not be tolerated, and I'd be suspended 2 days for every day I missed. Dad got home from work that night, heard what had been said and went in to the school the next morning for a little "Come to Jesus" with the principal, the assistant principal, the teacher, and I'm sure anyone else he could extract a pound of flesh from. There was no suspension, and just to spite them he kept me up at camp for the entire week.

For several years I called the shool's attendance line to let them know my son was suffering from a severe case of Buck Fever and should be much better by Wednesday.

He missed 2 days for the MN opener. He's a smart kid, but not smart enough to miss 10 days in a month.

Although his homework was to bring in venison jerky.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

When I was 10 years old, my Mom called the school and told them I wouldn't be coming in for three days because deer season was starting. She got a return call from my teacher telling her the principal had talked to her and told her she had to call us to let us know this would not be tolerated, and I'd be suspended 2 days for every day I missed. Dad got home from work that night, heard what had been said and went in to the school the next morning for a little "Come to Jesus" with the principal, the assistant principal, the teacher, and I'm sure anyone else he could extract a pound of flesh from. There was no suspension, and just to spite them he kept me up at camp for the entire week.

Hell yes!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

For several years I called the shool's attendance line to let them know my son was suffering from a severe case of Buck Fever and should be much better by Wednesday.

I think I'm starting to get that "Buck Fever" too. Might take clear to December to get over it.

Good shootin" Weezy!!

When I was in 10th grade my mom said I could stay the whole 2 weeks at deer camp with my 80 year old grandpa. It was just the 2 of us with grandma making breakfast at 4am each morning and packing our lunches. We came home to a warm dinner and a pepsi & whiskey...I was 6 years from legal drinking age yet. I'll never forget it as long as I live.

My chemistry teacher tried to fail me when I got back, but couldn't when I aced the final. My geography teacher gave me an A when a I gave him a stick of venison summer sausage. A good man, that guy.

I learned more those 2 weeks hunting with gramps than I ever did in all of 10th grade - not all of it fit to print! I sure miss him.

Report from No Chance Hunt Club-

Very quiet opening morning - especially for State land. Your scribe was in his ladderstand at 0600. He noticed right off the bat that he was facing the wrong way, even though his face was in the wind. At 0750 a noise in the leaves was heard over his shoulder on his weak (left) side. He turned to see the biggest buck he's seen in a few decades moving at a trot. Range, 20 yards. Scribe then tries to get his rifle up and around while trying to stand up, throws the scope up and gets off two shots faster than it took to read this sentence. Scribe's brother later says he knew it was me and 2 misses after hearing the shots go fast fast in succession. Handsy, kneesy for 2 hours looking for blood or hair. Nothing. Dejected.

Same stand day 2. Nothing. Still festering over snap shot miss. Thinking of ways to get back at brother. Turned stand 180*.

Day 3. Still bummed. Sleep in to 0700. Too warm for hunting clothes. Put on jeans and BO shirt and vest. On stand at 0800. Very windy. Tree moving 8". Getting woozy. See movement to my right - same path as Mr. Big. Doe, but she's looking backwards. Encouraging. Hear some grunting, see more movement, get the scope on it, buck - but not Mr. Big. Have to leave for home in 2 hours. Find the crease and squeeze. Bang, flop. 4pt. Not big, but he'll eat. Went old school with Win. Model 100 .308 with 180 gr. Fed Fusions.

Postscript:

Pickled delicacies had their desired effect on the camp. However, emergency run to convenience store for Immodium the night before opener was in order.

Kuerig was kinda nice.

Catered food was awesome. Cheap too. $8 for prime rib and the fixins'. Chef is the nephew of camp old guy. I think that's going to happen again.

Skinny jeans guy rifle was sighted in by another camp member. When SJG got into his blind, he found that 30-06 shells don't fit into...wait for it...a 270! Somebody didn't have bullets for the 1st 2 hours of the season. Glad they're lifelong friends.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I learned more those 2 weeks hunting with gramps than I ever did in all of 10th grade - not all of it fit to print! I sure miss him.

You f'n a right you did.

Well I'm a truly blessed man. I get two opening days this year. I'm at least as pumped for round 2 as I was the first time around. I'm more prepared for this one, as long as I don't forget anything.

But since almost everyting is ready, I find myself wide awake at 0100 listening to the wind blow through the trees and the mouse traps snapping the little necks on the bastards that are eating my crackers.

He even kicked a few times like a high shoulder shot deer.

If I was living here by myself, since I can see from the upper level into the kitchen, I'd set up shop on the upper level with the daisy 760 pump BB gun and bait those suckers out into the open and let the copper fly!

Whooo loo loo loo loo loo

May the Red Gods smile down upon you in Cheezeland, buddy. Hope you have a great hunt.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Good shootin" Weezy!!

When I was in 10th grade my mom said I could stay the whole 2 weeks at deer camp with my 80 year old grandpa. It was just the 2 of us with grandma making breakfast at 4am each morning and packing our lunches. We came home to a warm dinner and a pepsi & whiskey...I was 6 years from legal drinking age yet. I'll never forget it as long as I live.

My chemistry teacher tried to fail me when I got back, but couldn't when I aced the final. My geography teacher gave me an A when a I gave him a stick of venison summer sausage. A good man, that guy.

I learned more those 2 weeks hunting with gramps than I ever did in all of 10th grade - not all of it fit to print! I sure miss him.

GREAT story, CFT. I never got to hunt with either of my Grandpas as I was the second youngest of the second youngest on both sides of the family, which meant that both grandpas were just too old and I was too young for that to happen. I think the hunting camp experience is one of the greatest things a person can experience afield and I'd give nearly anything to have been able to have an experience like that.

Good Luck Tzone!! have a great weekend!

Pssssst, it's winter.

Time to hunt deers.

(we finally have freezing temps and snow)

Hows the road going to be Dave? When are you heading to camp?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

When I was 10 years old, my Mom called the school and told them I wouldn't be coming in for three days because deer season was starting. She got a return call from my teacher telling her the principal had talked to her and told her she had to call us to let us know this would not be tolerated, and I'd be suspended 2 days for every day I missed. Dad got home from work that night, heard what had been said and went in to the school the next morning for a little "Come to Jesus" with the principal, the assistant principal, the teacher, and I'm sure anyone else he could extract a pound of flesh from. There was no suspension, and just to spite them he kept me up at camp for the entire week.

Awesome story.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Good shootin" Weezy!!

When I was in 10th grade my mom said I could stay the whole 2 weeks at deer camp with my 80 year old grandpa. It was just the 2 of us with grandma making breakfast at 4am each morning and packing our lunches. We came home to a warm dinner and a pepsi & whiskey...I was 6 years from legal drinking age yet. I'll never forget it as long as I live.

My chemistry teacher tried to fail me when I got back, but couldn't when I aced the final. My geography teacher gave me an A when a I gave him a stick of venison summer sausage. A good man, that guy.

I learned more those 2 weeks hunting with gramps than I ever did in all of 10th grade - not all of it fit to print! I sure miss him.

Yeah, this is the STUFF that makes it special !

Originally Posted by gophergunner

May the Red Gods smile down upon you in Cheezeland, buddy. Hope you have a great hunt.

+1

Good luck, Tom & Noah.

Make some memories.

& some meat !

There might be some beer and Jim beam present as well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pssssst, it's winter.

Time to hunt deers.

(we finally have freezing temps and snow)

You gots that right !

Hoping & praying for a great weekend for everybody.

Roads were slickeren snot here this morning & I nearly needed a pry bar to get into my truck ! Rain turned to ice/freezing rain & then snow last night.

Originally Posted by tzone

There might be some beer and Jim beam present as well.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hows the road going to be Dave? When are you heading to camp?

The camp road is terrible, but it will be frozen hard so it should not be a problem navigating past, through and around last weeks muddy tire ruts.

I'll be heading out there on friday (tomorrow sometime)

Got a question for ya Dave, will that bow tie be able to make it back the camp road?

Do you have a full camp this weekend dave? i think i'll try to come over, its been too long. need to hear joeys stories. i dont have much planned as far as camp this weekend.

In my bones I feel a 2 buck weekend at chicken buck.

Originally Posted by Topgunbill

Got a question for ya Dave, will that bow tie be able to make it back the camp road?

An ordinary man would be better off walking to camp.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Do you have a full camp this weekend dave? i think i'll try to come over, its been too long. need to hear joeys stories. i dont have much planned as far as camp this weekend.

We should have a pretty good crew out there, come on out!

I haven't had a crapolade in years....

maybe i should get some mix and do it then. i havent either. the captain has been hanging on a long time now. i'll see if i can come out later tomorrow and bring some treats.

Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers this weekend Dave. Hang that pole real heavy!

Are you headed up GG?

Good luck tzone, ND and crew! Thanks guys for thoughts and prayers, we had the funeral today and everybody is drained so hopefully some relaxing tomorrow. Back to work will be different for sure on Monday since my Fil was my boss and part owner of the company I work for. Great stories CFT and GG. My Grandpa was my mentor on hunting and panfishing. He deer hunted till He was 86, drove up to hang out for 2 more years after that, on the night of opener to hang out with us. He's in full time care now and turns 96 this coming January. The few times a year I get to drive out to see him, I always look forward to sitting with him and listening to his hunting stories just like when I was a young kid.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are you headed up GG?

Looks like Chengwatana State Forest.

Best of luck to everyone, I wanna see some "As they lay" shots this year instead of the fuzzy windchime ones. Make that happen!

I shot a duck last night. Really, I did. Jumped a pond just before the freeze up and Mr. Greenhead took a bad route out of there for his sake. However, I did have to break ice in the waders to go get him. Buddies old lab just looked at me with a look that said, "No way I am going out there"!

like this one from last sunday afternoon?

I walked out to the tree I was going to sit at and this guy blew out of a small stand of cedars, down the ravine and half way up the other side. he stopped to look back, I had him in my sights when he stopped. pulled the trigger and *click*. crap, forgot to put a round in when I got out of the truck, rookie move. I cycle the bolt and he turns his head about to leave. all I had was the top of his neck and his head to shoot at without ruining a bunch of meat, so I put on the base of his head and hit a 1/2" high square between the base of his ears, down he goes like a sack of spuds. it would be a great hide to tan, no holes! but it means I'm done deer hunting for a week and a half til muzzleloader season. good luck to all those still chasing deers!

Colorado1135

Nice deer and even better shot..

Here are the deer from Camp Isabella.

Wifes doe.

Congratulations to all of the successful hunters.
Good luck to those still in pursuit.

Stan in SC

Mr. Noah got his first buck today!! A nice fat tree pointer! Great job Noah and .... Yay for da meat!!

TJay, that first one looks like was taken from the tree stand, did it get that close?

tzone

The first one was about 90 yards from the stand. The second buck from the same stand at 50 yards. The doe at 15 yards. All were bang flops.

Great job done by Mr. Noah..

Now keep it up and get some more..

Bucks from this stand.

First one just of the left edge of the picture and the other buck right in the center.

doe from this one.

Right at bottom left corner.

Congrats to Noah! Meat in the freezer. I never saw a deer today. One curious little fox that visited me twice. Both times he got down wind of me and took off like someone shot him out of a cannon. 'Managed to have a chickadee land on my gun barrel briefly as the "deer birds" worked through the woods.

Last day of deer rifle season,up early,ready to roll.

Gg,I thought you would be over this weekend?
We still got blackpowder,iffn you wanna look around.

I did see 5 deer yesterday. One was the biggest doe I've ever seen. The 3 years of bucks only has really lets some of these does get big as cattle. All of the deer I saw were in and around clear cuts. Another guy in our party saw 4 deer. 2 bucks and 2 does. Noah was sitting with him when he shot the buck. Uncle shot the other buck, which was a 7pt. So we have 2 deer hanging.

Keep fillin' those tags, buddy.

Congrats to all the successful hunters!

I am sitting my last morning of 2015 firearms deer season and I'm accepting the idea that I will likely not see a deer. This will be my 9th day of hunting this year, I have seen zero deer. I don't mean zero shootable deer, I mean zero of the species.

Kind of hard to be excited about muzzle loader season, lol.

Nice Tom!

Dave, the sad thing to me about you not even seeing deer up there is that I kinda count on the metro-zone does only muzzle-loader season for some sure-thing extra freezer-filling.

Attaway Noah!! I'll bet he's hooked now.

Dave, that's a rough season. Hard to keep the motivation up. Had it happen to me in the U.P. after 2 hard winters in the mid 90s. 9 guys in the woods for 11 days each...0 deer sighted. It broke us. We moved camp below the bridge the next year. The MI DNR put in food plots everywhere and we' re seeing results. Food is everything to deer. Might be food plot time at Chickenbuck.

Keep at it. Front stuffer season might be the one!

The farm country deer herds will migrate to the forest now that we have snow cover. That could help our muzzle loader season.

Well, we are done folks. Hung it up, closed up the camo and went home early today. Our ninth hunting season at camp chickenbuck is all finished up. The "wall of fame" hasn't got much ink on it for the past 2 years.

I too am one of the empty tag brigade. I hunted most of six days and saw deer, but the longest antler was maybe two inches, which makes it an antler less. But it was a successful season, as two youth hunters scored their first deer. And I got to hunt and watch a weasel get three mice. Might do the muzzleloader thing, or it might be time to focus on white meat. Ice is 1.5 inches thick near shore, and an inch farther out.

We'll get em next year!

Noah strikes again!!

This time on a giant doe. Big ol cow headed sucker. 30 yd shot with a .243. In front of the front shoulder and out the heart, into the right knee. 50yd death run. Yay meat!

I shot a mangy coyote last Sunday out in Missouri, and about 20 minutes later, a fat little doe came by, headed for a saddle the deer like to cross the field in.

She didn't make it. I got all retro and used a .30/30 this year, it was funner than the .270s, maybe. She made it about 40 yards, all downhill, but I was able to get within 30 yards via an old logging road. It was a lazy year.

Tom,

Tell Noah CONGRATS!!!!

my total of critter sightings for the last weekend was one bird yesterday,and one rabbit 5 minutes into legal shooting time this morning.

I saw two more deer today, one of which Noah let the air out of. So my total is up to 7. I'm not being picky but would really like to see some horns. Even if I don't shoot it. We have plenty of meat now!

Tom, do you do your own processing?

Great weekend Tom,

Tell Noah congratulations !

Mrs Deb, also perforated a fat little buck, via her 7mm-08 !

Sorry for crappy cell phone last light photo.

Congratulations to Noah(twice times) and to Mrs. Deb.

Stan in SC

Slow weekend buck wise for our place. 13 baldies opening day. 15 baldies Sunday with 2 spikes and 1 fork. The properties below us in the valley really lit it up opening morning. Haven't heard that much shooting in many many years. They must have shot all the nice bucks.

My niece shot a doe with a 243 wssm and shot at a hog all opening morning. The DNR assured us that the hogs were taken care of. Guess they missed one.

Going out turkey day, forecast is rain. Hope it's snow instead.

Originally Posted by goalie

Tom, do you do your own processing?

For the most part I do. I take the parts in for burger grinding and sausage making though. I'm not so trigger happy now that Noah got us some freezer pleasers. There are a few nice bucks around and id like to hang one from the pole.

So far Tyler (Noah's uncle) is winning both buck pools. First buck and biggest buck. We can't have that.

Almost embarrassed to say it but I have been passing on some deer and killed three others. My wife surprised me in how much she like to follow the blood to the deer. She was a little shocked though at how fast the first one I shot hit the deck. I am just waiting on a nice yearling doe to make a mistake and I'll use my last tag on her. I don't think the wife will want to shoot one herself yet, but if I promise her she gets to go find it after I shoot I am pretty sure she'll be up for that again next year.

After this year's work I should be a lot better off in the neighborhood. I am not seeing but two 2015 fawns and both are really tiny. One still has spots. I think the doe I killed that was bigger than the six point might have been their mama. There's still way too many deer close enough to be sucked into the vacuum left by what I have killed, but I am hoping that they won't move in as replacements. So far it's way better than last year when I'd have 8-10 deer in my yard in the evening.

A couple more got smacked on 61 this past week too, so that helps.

Seven deer in two years (so far) hunting on 3 acres out of a neighborhood of about half a section should be making a dent in the population when added to the sixteen I know of hit on the roads bordering it. If I can't control the numbers working at it like this my long dead father will come back and haunt my ass until I get properly motivated. There's still too many, but I have removed six does and one buck, so there should be little to no growth in numbers come June.

Passed four smaller bucks before this one tempted me just a little too long . Wife is still hunting maybe she'll get one too.

Congrats to all who got there knives bloody!!!!!

good job noah!!!! ada way to get them bucks!my self a doe slayer!lol..but good job noah did good on that buck!hope i get a buck next year....

joey

I hope you get a buck too Joe!

Tzone, are you coming north for muzzleloader this year?

No sir. I'm still hunting in wi. Today I'm exersizing what we call "hunters choice", I chose to sleep in and hunt later.

Good choice!

Nice whitey Muledog !

Best of luck for your wife.

im hoping to get into muzaloader next year!

joey

my teacher really liked the fox fur i brought in class!
said thats a really nice fur! even im not a fur guy i do want to get into trapping to..

joey

hey tzone did you get any pics of noahs deer?really like to see them!

joey

need some traps Joe? let me know what kind you're looking to get. I might have a couple laying around.

Hey Joey, are you going to hold down camp while Dave is out in the stand or you going to be in the tree with him?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

need some traps Joe? let me know what kind you're looking to get. I might have a couple laying around.

i need to take trapper class though... but i might be really interested!

joey

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey Joey, are you going to hold down camp while Dave is out in the stand or you going to be in the tree with him?

i think i might be with him first day then hold down camp second we will see! Not sure what stand he will be in..

joey

Northern Illinois Buck

That looks like one of those wall mounters.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

need some traps Joe? let me know what kind you're looking to get. I might have a couple laying around.

i need to take trapper class though... but i might be really interested!

joey

let me know what you're wanting to trap, I bet I have a few traps laying around I could send ya

Nice buck. You can have the snow, I'll have the buck.

17" of snow was a bit much in one shot. If this deer would have walked walked across the road he would have been in Wisconsin. I'm just hoping he was a Bear fan and I took him out of his misery! All the snow is gone this morning.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all.

A very HAPPY THANKSGIVING from sunny 70 degree South Carolina.

Mule1,you done good.

Liv2 hunt,VERY nice buck.

Stan in SC

Happy thanks giving everyone!

joey

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

CBJoe, tell Dad (ND) you have a hankering for smoked ribs !

OK

JOEY

Happy Thanksgiving to all....

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

need some traps Joe? let me know what kind you're looking to get. I might have a couple laying around.

i need to take trapper class though... but i might be really interested!

joey

let me know what you're wanting to trap, I bet I have a few traps laying around I could send ya

do i have to take trappers class?

joey

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Northern Illinois Buck

i like the buck in the back of a ranger and a ford in the backround

joey

Originally Posted by LIV2HUNT

Northern Illinois Buck

WOW!

Nice! Congrats!

Hey, happy thanksgiving everybody. I hope everybody is safe, healthy and happy.

Happy thanksgiving everyone!

waiting for mama to get home from hunting then we're cutting up the bird and dishing up the fixins. safe travels for those on the road.

Happy thanksgiving all! It was a great day on northwoods WI. We got a bit of snow tonight so we are all hoping to pop one in the snow tomorrow. There are only two of left up here now. We'll close the camp down Saturday afternoon sometime. It's been a great season. I don't want to leave.

how was everyone's thanksgiving?

joey

Thanks for asking Joe! I had to work. I'm a Vision Center Manager/optician for Wal-Mart, and while my Vision Center was closed, I had to go out and work 1-10 in the main store. Turkey leftovers at 10:30 p.m. for me!

decided to take a weekend off from hunting,get caught up on some chores,of course,at noon today,whilst out picking up some hunting "artifacts"from the deer stand area....
the only tracks I found in the two day old snow,were a doe and fawn...and there they are.

[Linked Image]

Some really good looking deer, congrats guys! Hope ya'll had a happy Thanksgiving. ND, that's how we've felt the last couple seasons at our camp! Last year a doe walked by our shack window at dinner time, only deer the four of us saw that year. The year before two of the guys saw a doe while doing a push through some popples and that was the only deer seen that year also. This year was the buck I shot and the buck I couldn't shoot at and those were the only deer seen by us and the neighboring camp, too. We seen some tracks from a few deer moving at night but the wolf tracks outnumbered the deer 12/1 or so. Hey tzone, my uncle and cousins haven't faired well, up in Vilas County. Glad you'ns are shooting some deer. Dennis Andersen had a article in the Star-Trib before deer season about how these last few years are the lowest % of bucks shot since the beginning of the 1940's. Well hopefully it's better next year.

Yeah, nobody's even seeing deer, and they just keep churning out doe tags like there's nothing going on. They need to really cut back further on the doe tags, especially up north.

im happy that everyone had a great thanksgiving!them deer are lucky im not out there!

joey

Dave-

If Joe gets ready to trap, I think I still have some steel out in the back garage. No beaver traps, but it would be 110 Connibears, #1 and #1 1/2 long springs. I know I had a few #1 undercoils too. Not sure if they're even still out there, but if they are, he's welcome to them. I could get them to Tom and maybe when you guys get together he could run them up.

Very slow this year. The big guys that were seen during bow season decided they didn't want to play with guns.

I ended up with a doe yesterday with the AR 15 in 223. A small 10pt buck this morning with the 308 sniperiffic rifle. Will post pics later. Autopsy pics and blood will be in a separate thread. For the kids of course...

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Yeah, nobody's even seeing deer, and they just keep churning out doe tags like there's nothing going on. They need to really cut back further on the doe tags, especially up north.

the area I was in this year ,had only 200 doe tags- down from 5000 a few years ago.(IIRC)

But if no one's seeing any deer, why are we trying to fill doe tags?

Not everybody hunts up north, so some are probably. Where we were in MN, it should be bucks only for the next 5 years min.

We were in Douglas Co, WI this last week. This was the 2nd or 3rd year of bucks only. It's working. I saw 11 deer and 1 was a buck...a wide 6pt that offered no shot on thanksgiving morning. I saw more deer in WI this year than I have in the last 5 combined in MN.

With that and the rules for youth hunting, WI is the better place to hunt right now IMO.

The tent camp was exactly like I had imagined and I love it. I didn't want to come home. But tomorrow, will be my 5th day of work in November so I should probably show up.

Doe

Buck

Originally Posted by tzone

Not everybody hunts up north, so some are probably. Where we were in MN, it should be bucks only for the next 5 years min.

We were in Douglas Co, WI this last week. This was the 2nd or 3rd year of bucks only. It's working. I saw 11 deer and 1 was a buck...a wide 6pt that offered no shot on thanksgiving morning. I saw more deer in WI this year than I have in the last 5 combined in MN.

With that and the rules for youth hunting, WI is the better place to hunt right now IMO.

The tent camp was exactly like I had imagined and I love it. I didn't want to come home. But tomorrow, will be my 5th day of work in November so I should probably show up.

exactly why I probably wouldn't deer hunt MN again. I would gladly go to camp and carry a tag, but not "hunt" per se since the numbers statewide aren't the best all around from friends I've talked to. I'd much rather apply for areas, and maybe go a year without a rifle tag here and there, and archery hunt than go through that stuff for a deer. YMMV

it's sad to hear, but I'm not surprised.

Originally Posted by 260madman

Buck

of my idea not sure if right but that buck may be a 10 point or 11 point..Thats a nice buck though!good job on shoting him!

joey

Originally Posted by 260madman

Doe

nothin like a big fat doe in the freezer!

joey

i would relly like to shoot a buck and see how awesome chinken buck buck meat is!

joey

Joey, I hope you make that meat pole sag like heck with heavy bucks! Heck Joe, if hung all your grouse from it, it would prolly break. You should have a grouse hunting TV show.

Chickenbuck Joe The Grouse Show

Thanks for the comments Joey. That doe is little compared to the ones my co-worker took. 1 dressed at 130# and the other at 140#!! 140 is a big pig.

Ill try to get a pic of Noah's up tonight. His was 140 as well. Buck was 98.

You cant use a 1 size fits all for MN deer hunting numbers. I passed up 7 bucks and prolly 50 does this year. My brother had similar numbers. I took my daughter out 3 days and she had good opportunities at 2 bucks and half a dozen does. The day before the season we counted 64 deer on a 6 mile drive around our area. Shooting a deer here is not hard. We really need more doe permits as we have too many deer.

Now i realize northern MN is way different. I really feel for those folks who hunt up there and sincerely hope that the regs change to help them out. I wish we could ship a few up there. I would be the first to donate a few deer to Chickenbuck!

I am glad I am not the guy who has to come up with the regs as someone would always be mad at ya.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

But if no one's seeing any deer, why are we trying to fill doe tags?

Unlimited metro zone doe tags. No shortage of them in the metro.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Now i realize northern MN is way different.

Way, way different. You're seeing 7 deer a day, we won't see 7 deer a year for the most part.

I'd really like to see bucks only for anyone but kids, which is kind of how it is, depending on certain conditions. It's tough up there because weather is such a huge factor in the population. That said, the dnr screwed up plenty in the amount of permits issued for years. It was an over reaction to an under reaction of probably not enough issued previously. I'd LOVE to see the dnr stop reacting in drastic measures to fix the last issue. That would also go a long way to gaining the trust of hunters they've seem to have lost.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

But if no one's seeing any deer, why are we trying to fill doe tags?

Unlimited metro zone doe tags. No shortage of them in the metro.

Very different circumstances from up North Goalie-you know that.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

But if no one's seeing any deer, why are we trying to fill doe tags?

Unlimited metro zone doe tags. No shortage of them in the metro.

Very different circumstances from up North Goalie-you know that.

Yup. I'm just excited for metro-area muzzle-loading.

man its muzaloading already! hope dad or missy gets a buck that would be awesome!

joey

or who ever else didnt get a deer i hope they get one!

joey

are you still going to camp Joe? been trying to get out there all season and run into problems. may have to try a daylight stop to come hear your stories. Too much happening.Good luck to you all working on finding the deers. Gd thing my 2 boys got theres already.

I don't know how much we will be at camp this coming weekend. A bunch of us are attending CCW class in warroad on Saturday morning. It starts late in the morning so that may allow for a short hunt Saturday morning, but it runs long enough to screw up the evening hunt for saturday.

Better shoot a txt before you head out there to visit, there is a chance it may be an empty camp this weekend.

make it a 3rd weekend at chickenbuck. i got running after the kids friday and saturday both are playing in 2 different directions so i know i am limited this weekend as well. maybe hunt sunday is all. ended up trying to get things done at home last weekend since the weather is holding out. i dont mind this so much but would like to see some ice too.

Pictures of our deer from Camp Isabella.

A little something to start the day.

All in all a very good year.

Cool!

Looks like a good year to me TJay.

Checked a camera, this guy made it through season. nice to see

Save him for me eh?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Checked a camera, this guy made it through season. nice to see

i think ill hunt down there now lol

joey

I know I complain about the wolves a lot but there's A LOT of wolves up north. Between a few bad winters and the over managed herd. Hell, we in area 178 were intensive harvest (5 deer allotments) then managed harvest (3 deer allotments) right up to the bucks only the last two seasons, even though all the areas around us were lottery for does. So we had a bunch of extra hunters around us from 08 till 2013. Our deer taken average around the camp was good till 5 years ago. But the worst part is the three separate wolf packs around our "area" has taken a heavy toll on the herd. Last year the only buck taken by the three camps/leases on our logging spur was a big 8 pointer that the wolves killed and ate, was a yard away from their shack steps. Nice huh, they drove in to open camp the morning before opening day and the bucks rack, some hide, bones and a big blood stain was a tripping hazard.

That sure is a nice doe, I shot one 4 seasons ago like her that dressed 131lbs. The buck I shot this year (about a mile and a half away from that doe) probably had a handful of lbs on her, same body shape, size and look. We just couldn't weigh em this year cause somebody decided they needed our scale more'n us! :-( Oh well!

ND, I hope you guys have a blast with the CCW. My wife and I got ours 3 years ago. She packs her Ruger SR-22lr about every were she can. Me, I just have a 6" barreled 357, so it goes in my lunchbox or vehicle most of the time. I'm not a fan of open carry in the cities down here and a Dirty Harry shoulder holster doesn't conceal well in the summer under a t-shirt. Haha

Justin,

The last time I hunted in 178, I believe it was intensive harvest. 2010 I believe it was. There were not nearly enough deer even then to have that going on!!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Checked a camera, this guy made it through season. nice to see

i think ill hunt down there now lol

joey

bring your Dad with you!

Mama broken her leg last night.

She thought she was a the bottom but had one more step to go and fell. We were in ER for 4 hrs. We got home about 10 last night. She's in some pain this morning but not as much as last night. I feel horrible for her.

She has to sit with it elevated until we see the ortho doc. She IS NOT one that can sit still for more than 7 seconds.

that sucks, sorry to hear that.
prayers sent for a speedy recovery

Sorry to hear that Tom. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery and minimal problems....

OUCH !

Prayers for a speedy recovery, otherwise, you`re gunna hafta do EVERYTHING for Christmas !

Seriously, praying for a full, fast & comfortable recovery.

Dang that stinks Tom. Hope she heals up quick.

Congrats to all the successful hunters! I helped the wife tag out opening morning with a forkhorn freezer pleaser. I'm still muzzleloading but the deer seem to have moved on. After we got some snow, not a track was to be found on the land I hunt. It doesn't help that all the farmland/corn ground was able to be plowed with the nice fall weather but oh well. Could be worse...

Hey does anybody know why the majority of the pics posted on the fire show up as a box with an X in it?

I see some but for the most part its just an X. For example, I can see TJay's pics but not Colorado's. My photobucket hasn't worked in months either. Do you think it correlates to that issue?

might be in the browser you're using?

Well mama doesn't need surgery but she's not very comfortable.

I've been under the weather for about a week, so I also went to the doc today and they gave me the good news... Pneumonia and high BP.

I got prescriptions for both...one forever.

I guess I knew it was coming for a few reasons. A) I'm fat B) the entire side of my mom's family has it.

I'm only 40 pounds away from the 30 I wanted to lose this summer.

So as soon as I finish this cheese burger I'm going to change my diet.

I kid, I kid!

When it rain it pours Tom!! Good luck to all...

Yeah, the hail starts in a month when the bills come!!

Just take care of both of you Tom, Dont want to let that BP get out of whack either. I joined that crowd as well. pretty common now it seems. Just found out my Dad had another stroke with in the last month or so. Did and MRI last week, seems to be coming around some but long road agian. the last 11 months have been real challenging and very busy. Alot of new stuff for me to have to take care of now and every day is busy running. Lifes to short so make the most of it. Be there when you can be!

Tom,
That was a pretty funny post! I laughed at the 40 pounds away from the 30 you wanted to lose part.

Everyone will give a person a lot of advice on how to lose weight. I might as well throw my opinion out there. Calories burned must be more than calories taken in. Period. Eat big...exercise bigger. Can't exercise today, better not eat much. Walking is good. Buy a Fitbit and make sure you hit 15,000 steps per day.

You know how I can lose weight? When I am going elk hunting. It provides me with the motivation. Find something that motivates you.

Take care of yourself buddy!

Hope she's on the mend, Tom. You're probably going to have to be Mr. Mom for a while. "Kids, come to supper! We're having venison steak and Cheetos!"

As for high BP, welcome to the club. I've been on meds for almost 10 years. My numbers are good, medicated. And please know that for every 5mm of Hg reduction in BP, you reduce your risk of stroke by 50%.

Tzone, Berettaman is spot on.

Plan a western hunt for motivation. Even if its a ways away.
I use the same strategy and can honestly say.It works.

Thank you gentlemen. It used to be easy to lose weight. I'd drop 30-40 every summer with work. But as we get older and get promoted or take different jobs and not work as much in labor, I get lazy about it.

I do have a western hunt planned, but SD doesn't want to let me in!

I have two years for that one since I won't be able to go next year.

Tom,
Bummer on the broken leg.I remember when my wife broke her ankle.It was a rather difficult time.
Walking has always been my weight loss solution.You just gotta do whatever it takes.The key word there is "DO".
Not think about but DO.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all Chickenbuckers.

Stan in SC

Merry Christmas Stan!! I was wondering where you were and what you've been up to!

Want a good laugh? The owner of the gun shop I work part time in has posted a sign which has gone viral.
Google "Want to piss off Obama?".

Stan in SC

That's funny Stan! I just read two stories on it!

Man I hope me dad ma and Nate get out to the cabin this weekend!

Joey

You gonna work on that road Joe?

Joe,

You need to tell ND, "Dad, boy you're looking tired, we should go to Camp for the weekend & relax" !

You better get out to camp this weekend Joey!! lets have a End of season party at chickenbuck.

Hey guys, I haven't checked in for a while.

Real sorry to hear about all the trouble at tzones house, bust wishes for all the stuff going on there, jeeze.

As far as this weekend I will have to check with the boss lady, see what she says. We do need a Christmas tree, and unlike the deer population, the Christmas tree numbers are very good in the forest. Lol

Originally Posted by Berettaman

You know how I can lose weight? When I am going elk hunting. It provides me with the motivation. Find something that motivates you.

Take care of yourself buddy!

Same for me. I got down to my "marine" weight by signing up for an ironman. Without the motivation, I just don't eat right or exercise quite enough to stay in great shape. I need a specific goal.

I'm in shape.ROUND is a shape.

Stan in SC

Round is a shape Stan! lol

The boys and I are headed to the WI deer camp this weekend to do a little late season scouting. We are going to put up a few trail cams to see what's left, and check a few new spots for next year.

If we have time we'll shoot a few 22 roundns off. Jack has a basketball game in the morning so we'll head out after that.

Good luck Tom and have fun. Tell jack to dunk it as well.

tzone

Did you do the deer camp with the tent this year?

Here was ours after the snow.

Hey tzone, sorry to hear about the missus and the meds. Getting older is rough (for all of us)! 7 years ago I weighed a svelte 180lbs, then after re-injuring my back I gained 45lbs. Since august I went on a diet by cutting what I ate and using Copenhagen again (I quit for 4ish years and never really wanted to) and have lost 25lbs. This last 10-20 is tough though. Hopefully by next summer. Funny thing is I'm not as irritable any more!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Good luck Tom and have fun. Tell jack to dunk it as well.

I don't know how to break it to him that he has about 3 more years of basketball.

He has my height and vertical jump I think.

Originally Posted by TJAY

tzone

Did you do the deer camp with the tent this year?

Here was ours after the snow.

TJAY,

We did, kinda. It worked to perfection! I'll try to post some pics up when I get home.

We slept in campers, but used the tent as our gathering place. And our cook shack. It was a good way to do it. Now I have a much better idea of what I need if we go full tent. I now understand why a floor isn't needed. I picked up a small "ceiling fan" for ice shacks that I'm going to put by the wood stove to blow some hot air towards the back. On the warmer nights, we got it so hot we had to open the door though.

I'm going to have a more elaborate kitchen set up next year as well. We had an 8' table across the back for us all to sit and BS at and a small 4' we put the camp stove on. Going to go with another 8' for cooking/prep and keep coolers and stuff under it.Maybe something to keep water in to stay hot for dishes and such.

We are going to add a shower house to the camp as well. The boys use it for a bear camp from July through October so it gets used almost all year.

Somebody on here owes us a few Mule Deer pictures too.

I did happen to put a 250 grain FTX through a mule deer the other day. it was pushed by 2 pellets of 777 from a CVA staghorn topped with a 1x sightron S2. distance when I shot was 82 yards, when he was done sliding down the hill he was 65 yards.

Nice job Ryan.....tell us more about the mzldr season out there.

Jeff

for ML any deer it is resident only, season is the whole month of december. took me 4 years to draw the tag because there are only 1000 licenses available statewide. I passed on a 180 class mulie the first 5 minutes I hunted in the season, and then spent the next 2 weeks looking for him again. ended up shooting this one just to be done, too busy with work and holidays coming up. he's not a bad one and with his narrow rack probably did the herd genetics a favor.

there is a doe season that has been really limited in area the last few years. used to be a guy could buy 10 tags, not so anymore. I have one doe tag that's valid north of my folks' place I'll hunt a couple days around christmas just to be out. I sure hope they open it up to the rest of the state again.

Nice work Ryan !!

Doug finally got his deer Sunday afternoon too.

He was pumped ! He sat for a lot of hours this season. Passed the buck, twice, that Deb ended up shooting & thought his time had run out !!

Oh, & he tried out my new addition to the stable, quarter bore !! Guess I know it works !

Nice work!

Here is a frosty shot of the tent.
[Linked Image]

Noah shot his buck on opening day behind the camper his grandpa stayed in. I wasn't with him when he shot the buck, so I don't have the first hand story. He was with his uncle when the excitement ensued behind the camper where they saw him walking. The "path" is from the trench when they put the power in back in August. There is a lot of pin oak around and snuff's out all growth. That little path had grass and the deer couldn't get enough!

Casualties on while shooting at the buck
] [Linked Image]

Noah's buck and doe on the pole
[Linked Image]

I was with Noah when he shot the big old rubber nose doe though. It was the 2nd day of the season. He wanted to get down early and go watch the Packers/Vikings game.

We caught her sneaking through the woods with another doe and fawn. He brought his gun up to shoot and pulled the trigger. "CLICK" was the loudest noise in the woods! He didn't load it after climbing down from the treestand. He loaded a round as quietly as he could and then she busted us. He did a great job waiting for the "old doe head-bob's" to stop, bringing his gun back up, and waiting for the deer behind her to clear for a good shot.

BOOM! She did a heart shot mule-kick and took off low to the ground. I've seen it before and knew it would be a short tracking job. We didn't find any blood and I started to doubt what we'd just saw. We circled around and found a couple drops about 30 yards out, then we saw her laying in pile of brush, about 50 yards from where she was shot.

I'm pretty sure I only helped make one cut field dressing, he did the rest by himself! This was his 3rd deer. I'm sure there's many more to come.

Noah's giant doe
[Linked Image]

Nice pics Paul!

Dangit! I can't see Ryan or Tzone's pics. It's not the web browser as I have both Firefox and Internet Explorer. Same story with both.

A brief search says its the site domain's problem and they need to fix it.

Can't imagine there being ANY issues with this site though

*Sarcasm*

Awesome Tom !

Good going Noah !!

Thanks Big Chicken !

Doug was extremely happy. Can't tell in the pics though.

Not sure what's going on with your viewing of the pictures. I can see Ryan's & Tom's !

Maybe you's

!

Congratulations,Doug.

Noah's deer look great.

Stan in SC

Looks like quite a few are having lots of fun!! Congrats to all....

Like your camp setup Tom.

Gave Rooster a call tonight, sounds like he might want to come out and chase a deer or two next year. sounds like ONLY if Dave comes with...........

I forgot to add Noah shot his critters with a Ruger American Rifle compact, in .243 using 100gr Hornady interlocks

awesome points awarded for that combo!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I did happen to put a 250 grain FTX through a mule deer the other day. it was pushed by 2 pellets of 777 from a CVA staghorn topped with a 1x sightron S2. distance when I shot was 82 yards, when he was done sliding down the hill he was 65 yards.

Good show ol' bean. ;-{>8

I can't decide if I like his .243 or Jacks .223 better. They're bith a blast to shoot!

tzone

Thanks for the pictures and report. I will bet before long your cook tent will be as nice or better than mine..

T, my tent was the cook tent in a two tent camp. No windows, just a Colorado door.

I have a bunch to learn about this but I'm loving it so far. I'm thinking an LED role light along the ridge pole will help things too.

I was surprised how much wood we used, but was also surprised at how well the tent held heat.

tzone

We use an eco fan on the stove to move the air/heat around the tent. You would be amazed at how such a little fan makes such a big difference. Runs on heat from stove no batteries needed.

http://www.amazon.com/Caframo-Limited-Ecofan-Ultrair-Nickel/dp/B0090K68PC

I am really wanting a flatbed/ATV hauler that is the exact size of a wall tent that is manufactured to fit it. that would be the perfect mobile western hunting rig.

just my .02

They're really not that tough to move around. I can have it all set up with the wood stove in about an hour I'd say. Of course a second set of hands helps. I'm not sure a platform would do much for you unless you planned to keep it in place for an extended amount of time.

the flatbed would be for gear, ATV, freezer, generator and hauling game home. it would keep it all in one spot for multiple weekend excursions and provide a good elevated floor to keep the tent dry during periods of high snow fall. I'm thinking elk/antelope/deer hunting in wyoming. saw one like it at camp this year one of the guys had it, I really really liked it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my good Chickenbuck friends.
It is my sincere wish that each and every one of you have the absolute greatest Christmas EVER!!!!

Stan in SC

Backatcha Sam! May the Grace of God, the love of our families, and health and prosperity be with all our members next year, and for years to come.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

the flatbed would be for gear, ATV, freezer, generator and hauling game home. it would keep it all in one spot for multiple weekend excursions and provide a good elevated floor to keep the tent dry during periods of high snow fall. I'm thinking elk/antelope/deer hunting in wyoming. saw one like it at camp this year one of the guys had it, I really really liked it.

Seen these at Sportsman's warehouse, been thinking about one myself.

Jumping Jack trailer.

Merry Christmas Stan!!

Ryan and Yetti,

There is a guy in St. Croix Falls, MN that makes those. They're pretty cool but you can't haul anything in the trailer. It's a cool concept for sure!

Meeting up with Tom and Mini Man, Jack tomorrow for breakfast. Time to catch up on things and tell some lies from deer season!

Tom, Mini-Man and I met up for breakfast this morning and laid waste to some gigantic omelettes and french toast. It was good to see these characters. Camp Chickenbuck was represented as I wore my blaze orange Chickenbuck T-shirt.

Dave-do you have any plans for another run of Chickenbuckwear? I want some stuff if you do.

Merry Christmas everyone!

May the wind be in your face, the sun at your back, and a nice buck coming down the trail.

Meeting GG this morning was great. We had a fantastic meal and left full. It was flat out the best I let I've ever had.

What Jeff left out was the he gave us a Christmas present. Jeff handed over a long skinny box with Savage Arms on it. Inside the box was a stainless steel Savage Axis in .243 Winchester. It also was equipped with ss rings and a cabelas pine River scope. This baby is sweet!

It WILL get used, I can tell you that!

Thank you again Jeff!

Thanks, Tom. Your boy was worth it. He's such a cool kid. I hope he enjoys it.

"Dave-do you have any plans for another run of Chickenbuckwear? I want some stuff if you do."

Yes me 2 and some Shaw Classic Auto stuff too!

Cant hurt to advertise down south ? Give Gas Monkey some competition .

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-do you have any plans for another run of Chickenbuckwear? I want some stuff if you do.

We've actually been talking about it this fall/winter.

Originally Posted by mule1

"Dave-do you have any plans for another run of Chickenbuckwear? I want some stuff if you do."

Yes me 2 and some Shaw Classic Auto stuff too!

Cant hurt to advertise down south ? Give Gas Monkey some competition .

Ok, I'll mention it to Pam.

It would be my pleasure to wear one for your business Dave. Count me in on that too.

I'm in on both orders. Hell this house alone could fill one order form!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Gave Rooster a call tonight, sounds like he might want to come out and chase a deer or two next year. sounds like ONLY if Dave comes with...........

It was good talking to ya Ryan! I'm definitely interested! I love that country out there and the chance to hunt it would be so awesome!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Got an early Christmas present yesterday, Triaditions flintlock 50 cal. Seasons starts this Saturday for flintlock muzzy in PA. Gone to try and get ready to hunt for part of the season.

Dave would love some Chickenbuck clothing.

Went pheasant hunting last weekend and had a really big 10 pointer run right up to me. Stood there for a long time looking at my Dad. Then turned and trotted by me. Really cool, until I saw his broken back leg. Going to try and get him with the bow. Man, I feel bad for him. This is not a place we have ever deer hunted. Not much for trees. Hopefully we can stick him with an arrow to save him a bad winter/bad encounter with coyotes.

Merry Christmas everyone in case I don't get on here for awhile!

Hey Bman I thought of you the other day. I was in Scheels in Fargo and at the top of the stairs/escalators there is a room full of outdoorsy art/craft type stuff.

In there was a really cool (and beautiful) round painting of two Rooster Pheasants with lettering that says "Welcome to our Roost." I snapped a pic to show you but my photobucket is extremely hosed up so can't get it on here.

If you PM me your cell, I'll text it to you if interested.

Just thought it would be cool for your "Roost"/mancave

To all the Chickenbuckers, and all us goofy honorary Chickenbuckers, best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a great 2016. May the joy of the holiday season be yours in the days to come. Most of all, heartfelt wishes for good health to all our members, friends, and families.

Rooster, I will shoot you a PM.

We got the 10 pointer. Big is an understatement. He will go over 160" I believe. He was in bad shape. I have pics on my phone but can't get my photobucket to work from here. Also cool, it was a first deer for someone!

PM received. Text sent.

Glad you got him. Sucks to think of how he would have died otherwise.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope God blesses you and Santa treats you well!

Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope it is a joyful day for everyone.
Bill

Merry Christmas everyone!

As Linus said, "May there be Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men".

Merry Christmas to all.

Originally Posted by tzone

.

What Jeff left out was the he gave us a Christmas present.

this doesn't surprise me in the least.

My daughter gave me a red and black plaid flannel shirt yesterday that literally brought me to tears. Dad always wore an old Woolrich red and black plaid hunting coat, and the same pattern in his flannel shirts too. The classic hunting outerwear.

I haven't put on a plaid in years, and it sure brought back the memories. She had no idea what this simple gesture meant to me. Next fall, I'll be wearing it with pride during deer season.

I hope eveyone has a great Christmas.

Merry Christmas chicken Buckaroo's!

It's a Merry Christmas here. I hope you are have a wonderful day!

Merry Christmas ! pass the gravy

Merry Christmas

Good lookin deer in those pics guys and the tent camps look great! Merry Christmas to all and I hope you enjoy the memories today of those past and present!

Holy cow, been crazy busy. I hope Santa brought everybody something nice.

Last Tuesday got to take the little man to his first Wild game against Montreal. We went with his whole hockey team,pretty exciting after the game the kids got to go into the Wild locker room got some pics and autographs.Pretty awesome something the kids will remember for a long time.

Now that the holidays are starting to wrap up. Its time for some ice fishing. Looks like next week might be some good ice making weather. Still have 2 big pockets of open water on my lake. GRRRRR

Mama got me a couple new Woolrich shirts, very nice.

Nathan got me an ice fishing rattle reel. The kind I like, wood spool, dowel spindles, jingle bell in the tumbler.

Taylor got me 3 rolls of Obama toilet paper.

Santa brought me a 24" .357 maximum barrel for my TC Contender .

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mama got me a couple new Woolrich shirts, very nice.

Nathan got me an ice fishing rattle reel. The kind I like, wood spool, dowel spindles, jingle bell in the tumbler.

Taylor got me 3 rolls of Obama toilet paper.

my butthole has standards...

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mama got me a couple new Woolrich shirts, very nice.

Nathan got me an ice fishing rattle reel. The kind I like, wood spool, dowel spindles, jingle bell in the tumbler.

Taylor got me 3 rolls of Obama toilet paper.

my butthole has standards...

LOL!

Merry (belated) Christmas all!

Happy New year!

First post of 2016! Happy New Years everyone.

By the way, had a great pheasant hunt yesterday. Hunted 3 hours with 2 buddies and shot 5 roosters and a ruffed grouse. First Ruffie on my property. Had to work hard for them in willows and cattails-just how I like it. Great dog work too from 2 brittanies and a lab. Man, they were fun to watch in action.

Happy New Year all!!

I hope everyone had a good one. My dad and step-mom came over for our Christmas and we made it til midnight! First time in a long time.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!!!!

Stan in SC

Happy New back at ya.

Well I started the new year off with a bang . I was putting away the deep fryer thingy and I tipped it over spilling oil all over the bottom of the cabinet. CHIT ! I said Grandson heard this of course and said "Papa we don't say CHIT that's a bad word and your in big twouble go to your room your in time out"

Now have you ever tried to clean up one hell of a mess with tears filling your eyes? And the wife was no help edder she laughing harder than I was .

Looks like its going to get cold soon. I'm ready. Still have hope that i might get my wheelhouse out this winter.

Hearing of some people going thru the ice around the metro lately. Happens every year. Crazy.

Idiots that go out on two inches of ice end up going through. 'Can't believe the risks people take for a bucket of fish.

for the "Chance" at a bucket of fish! I agree Gopher, that is nonsensical!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Idiots that go out on two inches of ice end up going through. 'Can't believe the risks people take for a bucket of fish.

And the best part is most metro lakes the crappies are like
8inches. Just cant figure out why people feel the need to put themselves in that kind of danger for a 8 inch crappie.

Not this guy, our ice is 3 weeks to a month behind last year and I guess I'm just fine with waiting. Even with a brand new 21' custom ordered ice castle fish house parked at home in the driveway.

lol, what r ya gonna do?

We'll get out there when it's safe, and if it doesn't happen I guess we'll plan some summer camping trips with the new wheel house instead.

We can fish right now, it can be done safely with ATV, snowmobile or walking out on foot with portable gear.

I guess I'd rather wait for super thick ice and the comfort of the wheel house though.

Happy late new years to everyone by the way!

Hey Dave, i was out yesterday just north of Pine Island, we had 9" of ice in our house. we took my ranger out there. the river still has open water up there and actually they said it was getting worse too. i heard about 3-4" only over by arnesons. very differnt year from last.

Dozen raw oysters, bowl of clam chowder, fried squid....and a Sam Adams big mug of beer!!

Hot damn!

It was good!!

I was with ya right up to the squid....

Maybe I have it mixed up with octo in my memory but all I can think of is flavor of fish cleaning house garbage can, texture of rubber.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I was with ya right up to the squid....

Maybe I have it mixed up with octo in my memory but all I can think of is flavor of fish cleaning house garbage can, texture of rubber.

No. I think you have it right. That is my memory of eating squid also

Eating squid(fish bait)? Echhhhhh!!!!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Eating squid(fish bait)? Echhhhhh!!!!

Stan in SC

Hi Stan! How were your holidays?

Roster7 the holidays were great as I hope yours were also.
Thanks for asking.

Stan in SC

I picked up a wool red/black checked jacket yesterday. Paired with my black Kromer, I fit right in the woods today as I dicked around in -12 temps and even kept pretty warm.

I came up to the deer camp and collected trail cams. I had 6 bucks on one camera, none on one and, 2 on another. There was a buck on the last one the came through on Christmas Day. He has already lost his antlers. I'll try to get the pics one when I get a chance. That seems pretty early to me to drop horns... But we did find a set at our iron range deer camp on the second weekend that was fresh.

any of you guys watch the football games this weekend?

crazy.

Laces out! LOL

Props to t-zone getting after it in weather not fit for an ice cube. Looking dashing while doing it too!

Hope everyone had a good Holiday. I've been down with an upper respiratory infection since New Years. Sucks.

Not a Vikings fan in the least, but I was pulling for them today. Can't really blame Walsh, those were all his points on the board in the first place. He made 3 of 4. It's just that the last one was the one that mattered most.

I highly doubt I look dashing! LOL. I have another buck on the first cam I see lost an antler between Christmas Dec. 28th. He was a one horn forky after that. Still had the single on 1/4/16.

Ryan, I did watch football. Walsh is a head case and missed because he's a head case. If my 10yr old son can kick field goals from the 20, no matter which way the laces are facing, a pro kicker should be able to hit em from the 15.

Originally Posted by tzone

I had 6 bucks on one camera, none on one and, 2 on another. There was a buck on the last one

That's almost enough to buy new batteries for them

I pulled em. Otherwise the cams would have to stay til thaw. I BARELY was able to drive in the roads with the truck.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

I had 6 bucks on one camera, none on one and, 2 on another. There was a buck on the last one

That's almost enough to buy new batteries for them

LOL that's funny right there!

Hey guys, the cheby took a chit.

[Linked Image]

Again.

Well that sucks! Not a good way to start a Monday.

Maybe a bigger mallet might be in order eh?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey guys, the cheby took a chit.

[Linked Image]

Dave, this is like the Vikings game yesterday. We knew before this started, how it was going to turn out.

Again.

Things can't be good with the hood open and the mallet out.

The mallet is mostly for fun.

I truly do despise chevy trucks.

So here we are, been in a spell of sub zero weather, I need to get to town for parts. Pam is out of town with the trusty F150, nate and Joey are at school, I have no wheels.....

Except for this.

[Linked Image]

Covered in a foot of snow, hasn't run since last spring, it was -22 last night, -24 the night before.... Not plugged in..... All these old timy components such as point ignition, holley 4 barrel, mechanical diaphragm fuel pump, V belts.... Plus it's 46 years old, been beat to death over and over...

Anyways, Fired it up and went to town. Got my chevy parts, went back home fixed the chevy, parked old trusty.

Thanks Yeller!

Dave,

Gotta love the "yeller" !!

When you want stuff done right, you have to use your best equipment.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

When you want stuff done right, you have to use your best equipment.

Or in your case, your only equipment!

Old Yeller won't let you down! 1/2 million miles and all! lol. That sucker was built when trucks were trucks!

She'll fly the flag for ya, ............... Every time !

Is it weird, that I have a photo of your truck, in my photobucket account ?

Doesn't everybody??

Iol!

The idea that some people don't, makes me laugh.

lol!

on my opinion i dont trust chevys like fords better

joey

That is a good opinion to have Joe. Chevys keep all the parts stores in business. Try not to let your dad buy anymore Chevys.

What does the sign on the door of "Old Yellow" say?
I couldn't make it out.

Stan in SC

Camp Chickenbuck!

That's awesome.

I have the same luck with chevies.

I've had both Ferds and Chevvies, and the Ferds seem to hold up better and have less problems. Driving an Explorer, or as T-Zone would say, an Exploder, right now.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I have the same luck with chevies.

Me too.

I prayed for an electrical fire.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

THAT needs to be on a T-shirt! I'm in for one. Extra, extra jumbo.

Shhhh. I have electrical gremlins in my Chevy right now. if you say that too loud, you'll wake them.

Seriously, I got pimped out of a day of deer hunting because my truck wouldn't start at camp. It wouldn't chime, click, turn over, dome light, nothing. Dead. Deader than a door nail. With a month old $180 battery. Tried to jump it. Nothing. Took my rifle and went for a walk. Came back at dark and tried to jump it again. It started like nothing ever happened and it's been that way ever since. So keep it down. You wake them and I'll come find you.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

THAT needs to be on a T-shirt! I'm in for one. Extra, extra jumbo.

it can be done.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by northern_dave

THAT needs to be on a T-shirt! I'm in for one. Extra, extra jumbo.

it can be done.

How 'bout sleeveless ones so I don't have to keep cutting em off.

I have a scissors.

Do you want me to make it a belly shirt while I'm trimming? or just the sleeves?

I'm picturing the Will Ferrell skit where he's wearing the American flag thong and the sleeveless USA half shirt.

Lol!

Well I do like a good belly shirt I don't think anyone else would want to see that!

Hell, I don't want to see that.

CFT, I had the same problem with my 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. Sometimes it just would not do anything. I have heard this attributed to the security system among other things. That is the reason I traded it for a new 2012 Ford Escape in late 2011. I have a friend who had a 2002 Chevrolet S-10 with the same problem. He replaced it with a Toyota Tundra. I was a General Motors fan for sixty something years. No more.

Stan in SC

Man if the shaws had a 2013 f-350 with a v-plow and yeller on lake of da woods

Joey

I gotta say, those '60s and '70s Ford trucks are classy lookin for sure! I had a uncle that had a '77 250 highboy with a 400m V8, and another uncle that had a '79 150 with a 351. Nice trucks, both were workin farm trucks and lasted well into the 1990's.

I hit a deer with my chevy 3/4 ton last night going 60 mph. the end of my bumper was pushed back an inch and one of my headlights was loose. the worse part is I saw when I got homw, the headlight wasn't only loose, but it wouldn't light up anymore. now I have to go and get a new light and bend my bumper out. I should switch to a ford, they are tougher right?

the deer felt no pain at all near as I can tell. I could care less about what it did to my truck, Chevys are tough. I feel bad for the poor mulie doe.

I wasn't that lucky two falls ago Ryan. My son and I were heading for western South Dakota to do some deer hunting when I whacked a four-point with my old 2003 half-ton Dodge pickup. We saw the buck coming up out of the ditch for a couple bounds so were probably going about the same speed as you indicated when contact was made. The buck pushed everything to the motor, took out the front quarter and the passenger door totaling out the truck.

Heck of a way to start a hunt....

Ryan, there's no way that deer was going 60!

Ryan, I think the Fords are tougher. All the deer I've hit have been with Fords and the damage was minimal.

The first one ran out from between two buildings in Poplar,WI smack into the side of my 1979 Bronco. It just left a small dent in the Bronco and a large dent in the deer.

One hit it's face in the grill of a 2000 F-150. It took out the grill and the deer's face.

A herd crossed in front of me one Valentines Day and instead of hitting 9 or 10, I was lucky enough to hit one that decided to crouch down and I drove over the top of it. that one damaged the bumper, the front valance thingy, and caused a bunch of parts underneath the truck to be a hairy, slimy, gooey mess.

The MN deer appear to be smarter as well because all the deers I've hit have been cheese head deer.

Kind of depends (completely) on how you hit them.

I smacked a little buck with an F350, I was probably doing 70. little thunk from the front and some tumble noises under and out the back. There was hair stuck in the shock mounts under the truck but I couldn't find anything wrong up front.

It doesn't always go that way though, I have hit plenty, my worse was with our old red f150, I think that truck was an 07. Anyways, that deer wanted to be in the radiator really bad. She did a real good job of it.

Truck was still drivable, crunched a lot of stuff up front, took out the AC condenser but the radiator was fine and the lights still functioned although they were broken on the back side where they attach.

Originally Posted by tzone

Ryan, there's no way that deer was going 60!

it was shortly after meeting me!

in all seriousness I was very lucky the damage was minimal, I never noticed a thing actually until I went to turn a corner and the tire rubbed a little on the bumper. upon closer inspection I wiggled the light and saw it was loose. when I pulled up infront of the garage is when I noticed one was out.

We have been hit with a winter storm. Probably by "up nort" standards it is just another day but everything screeches to a halt here. We have about an inch of ice on the roads.You guys up there have that in July.
There is NO beer,bread or milk in any store within 50 miles.
The gun shop closed at 2PM and we came home.
I think tomorrow looks like a "PJ ALL DAY" kind of happening.
Say kind words to your deity for us.

Stan in (frozen in) SC

Ouch!!

An inch of ice on the roads, anywhere, is horrible.

So is no beer.

Good luck.....

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

We have been hit with a winter storm. Probably by "up nort" standards it is just another day but everything screeches to a halt here. We have about an inch of ice on the roads.You guys up there have that in July.
There is NO beer,bread or milk in any store within 50 miles.
The gun shop closed at 2PM and we came home.
I think tomorrow looks like a "PJ ALL DAY" kind of happening.
Say kind words to your deity for us.

Stan in (frozen in) SC

Time to hunker in the bunker Stan. Stay warm and stay safe.

Thanks GG.
That is good advice.

mmgravy,thanks for the good luck wish.

Weird thing is that Sunday is forecast sunny and fifties.Our snow/ice is the self-shoveling kind.

Stan in SC

We need some prayers and good thoughts for one of our dear founders of this thread. I'm sure details will come as they get time. My heart goes out to you guys.....

amen, prayers go out to the family

Originally Posted by White_Bear

We need some prayers and good thoughts for one of our dear founders of this thread. I'm sure details will come as they get time. My heart goes out to you guys.....

Yes sir. Prayers to Pam, Dave, and family.

Oh man, this doesn't sound good. Prayers sent.

Prayers sent.

Prayers for u all!

Thanks guys.

I'll explain.

Pam lost her father to cancer last Friday, we have been busy with that leading up to Friday and since have been busy with family stuff.

We are back home (our home) for a couple of nights then we are headed back to Pam's family's home for family service and funeral Tuesday/Wed this week.

Of course it doesn't end there, we will be busy helping long afterwards with family stuff as much as we can.

Pam's father was a very good man. He was a loving father that had no fear or hesitation in openly displaying love and affection for family. He was an Army veteran, a heavy equipment operator of over 30 years and he was a farmer too. The man had no off switch, just go, go, go. He cut and bailed hay and raised beef cattle on his farm. Great guy.

I believe we heard of the diagnosis in Sept of 2015, things progressed so rapidly, its been very difficult and a little too familiar.

Dave, Pam and family.....very sorry for your loss. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you travel through this difficult time.

Jeff

Pam and Dave,

We have been thinking about you guys all weekend. I know there isn't much we can say to help other than if you need ANYTHING call and we'll be up to help with whatever it is.

Same here Dave. If you need someone to keep an eye on any one of the houses while you're at the funeral, just say the word and I'm on my way. Anything else we can help with, please reach out. You are among friends here, brother.

Dave,Pam and family:Very sincere condolences from Linda and I. We both have been there and know full well what you are going thru.

Stan in SC

Condolences from me as well. may he rest in peace and I am sure he is proud of you all!

Pam, Dave & Family,

Condolences & Prayers from up North.

Having faced this situation with Deb's Dad, in the last year, we know well the emotional rollercoaster you must be riding at present.

May be a little abstract, at present, but we planted a flowering pear tree, in a prominent position in our yard, to honour Bruce.

Nice to be able to look over & be touched by the flood of "good" memories, once past the initial pain.

Continued thoughts and prayers from our household too

Pam, Dave and family,

Condolences from our family to yours. It is a tough time to say the least. We went through with Marilyn's Mother last year and Paul pretty well summed things up.

Like them, we planted a tree in our yard in her memory. Ours is a flowering crab and it bore fruit already this year with the deer, squirrels, grouse and other birds enjoying the small bounty.

Her Mother loved to watch the birds and animals at her feeders. I am sure she enjoyed watching from above as the tiny apples disappeared....

Condolences, Dave to you and your family.

Condolences to the Shaw family. Everyone get's touched by this at some time in their lives, so sorry to hear it is your turn.

Stay strong, you have lots of love there to help see you through...

Lisa n Scott

Prayers sent for the families.
Bill

Pam, Dave, and family:

I am so very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a good man.

Godspeed,

Steve & Family

Prayer's sent for all of you..

Thanks very much everybody. We have just now gotten back home and are ready to try to get back into our regular lifes grooves, as best we all can.

Thanks again.

Sorry to hear of your loss.

It sounds as though he is a MAN that can and will live on in your hearts.

Originally Posted by White_Bear

We need some prayers and good thoughts for one of our dear founders of this thread. I'm sure details will come as they get time. My heart goes out to you guys.....

Sent. Better late than never.

Thank you everyone for the prayers and condolences.

This has to be one of the hardest things I've faced. Thankfully I've had Dave and the kids right by my side every step of the way. When I first heard the diagnoses and timeframe in September, I was upset but I kept thinking that I'd maybe have a year with dad. A year of more phone calls and more trips home to make up for lost time, to make up for all the times I didn't call and to make up for the times I didn't go home. But God had a shorter timeframe in mind.

I'm one week in not having my dad a phone call away. I'm one week in heading back to work tomorrow to try and get back in the groove...and honestly I don't want to go back. I want a little bit of normalcy but in baby steps. I wished dad could've seen Nate graduate in May, or our hunting cabin or the many cars that will be finished in our shop. I wished dad could've stuck around long enough to have Joey get his drivers license and go to his house to drive him back here to go hunting at our cabin. As my sister held her cell phone to dad's ear 10 minutes before he passed away, I wished I would've said more things to him.

I am thankful for having such a great man in my life and for the many lessons he taught me. I am thankful for the time I had with this great man so many called friend and I was privileged to call my dad.

Time will soften the pain I know and one day it will be ok. Thank you again everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it.

Pam,

We have thought about you a lot since finding out the news and will continue to send prayers your way for healing and comfort in knowing that he is in a better place.

J & K

I'm pretty sure I can speak, for the legion of online buddies the Shaw's have attracted to this wonderful thread.

If you need anything, throw it out there & we'll try to help, in any way we can !

Just got back from the iron range. My moms uncle died. He was one of the Greatest Generation. Fought in WWII, European tour, was an electrician by trade, practical joker by nature. He was a wonderfully nice man and didn't like it when people helped him. Wasn't much of a hunter other than to fill his freezer with a deer, and he lived across from a lake and did like his fishing. Hard or soft water, he was out. Even used the old trick of dripping anti-freeze from a can at night to keep the hole open for morning.

In true fashion, he had a flag in the coffin, and was a prideful man. Tip a glass and in general direction for uncle bill tonight will ya?

Done tzone

Mine will be tea, but you got it, buddy.

These are iron Rangers man...that tea better have something in it like whiskey.

Sorry Tom, but I've been "dry" for many years now. 'Lost my dad to alcoholism way back when I was 21. If I ever shoot another deer, I'll have a beer to celebrate, but that'll be about it.

Tom,

Sorry to hear about your Uncle. I understand about the Iron Rangers. At my uncles funeral a few years ago we walked into the basement of city hall for lunch and there is a table set up with several bottle of booze and shot glasses. Everyone who walked in was given a shot. I'll tip a glass to Uncle Bill tonight.

Sorry for your loss Tom.

Will do tonight Tom.

Sincerely sorry for your loss.

Man, this getting old stuff, is getting old !

I know Jeff, I'm just giving your crap.

I wouldn't buy that celebration beer yet... I drove for almost 9 hours yesterday and saw one live deer and two dead ones. Slim pickens!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry for your loss Tom.

Thank guys. No need to be sorry, he lived s full life and this wasn't unexpected.

Tzone - I shall raise a glass in his honor this evening.

cf

Originally Posted by tzone

I know Jeff, I'm just giving your crap.

I wouldn't buy that celebration beer yet... I drove for almost 9 hours yesterday and saw one live deer and two dead ones. Slim pickens!

I'm obviously hunting the wrong area. There's a house on the way to work that has a big bird feeder out. With the weather closing in this morning, I figured their bird feeder would be busy. Man was it ever. I stopped for a minute and counted 23 deer, 16 turkeys and lord only knows how many pheasants under the feeder. The turkeys rule the roost-the deer were milling around trying to get at the feed and the turkeys kept running them off. One big old doe had finally had enough of that and ran in and scattered the turkeys. It was pretty comical. Those critters knew that snow was coming, and they were really putting on the feed bag!

Sorry to hear this Tom.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Sorry for your loss Tom.

Thank guys. No need to be sorry, he lived s full life and this wasn't unexpected.

Sorry to hear Tom. I'll tip a glass for him tonight.

I just found out my Uncle/Godfather has bone cancer and my cousin who is 4 years older than me has colon/rectal cancer.

You can't tell me the chemicals being applied to our food isn't at least partially responsible for this chit.

Tom,please know that I understand your loss. I had one of those types of uncles also.

Stan in SC

Well good grief ol iner web is down a couple weeks and look what happens. Sorry for all the sadness .

2016 isn't shaping up to be aby better than last year.

on a side note I may be having a new to me rifle follow me home tonight. I'll get pics and details if it does.

A new rifle is always good.

I agree. Pics foo!

'Took the wife out yesterday to shoot the new .380. She did fine, and I wouldn't want to stand in front of her. She can definitely make that little Taurus do what it was designed for.

I wasn't able to pick it up this weekend, hopefully in the next couple weeks it will pan out.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wasn't able to pick it up this weekend, hopefully in the next couple weeks it will pan out.

Too heavy?

Eat more bananas, peanut butter, maybe a protein shake.

Train, train, train!

Try again next week, you'll get it, I know you can do it bro.

I recommend push ups and starting with some light weight training. Try some 16 oz weights to start with and within a few months, I think you will be up to that 7 1/2 pound mark pretty easily. We are all pulling for you Ryan! You can do it!

I have a 12 pounder in the safe... Don't know why, I guess that's probably about where I peaked out, back in my prime.

I could still probably get it out of the safe to clean it, but to hunt with it? Yeah right.....

all good things, thanks for the tips guys!

I started with 12oz curls during the game yesterday and those were easy. so I'll step it up and push myself, thanks for the encouraging words!

Dave and Pam and tzone, my condolences to you guys with your loss(sorry I'm way late). Not to interject but I have to agree with it being a rough time, my family had a close friend pass away in Oct (totally unexpected, 70yrs old), my step father-in-law in Nov(unexpected, 60yrs), my maternal grandmother (somewhat expected, 89yrs) and paternal grandfather (expected, 96yrs), a week apart in January. The good news is I have a cousin whose in his mid 40's with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and with his new treatments he's been doing since Sept, the tumors are continuing to get smaller and he is feeling better. So we keep praying, both for my family members and friends losses and hope there's no more funerals anytime soon. On a lighter note, thanks for a chance to get a few words of my chest and Ryan, sounds like you could just skip the 16ozers and grab a few 40's to power through and you'll be in fine shape :-D

Heading to Alexandria to look at a school for Nate.

Have a good trip Dave. 'Hope the school is what you guys are looking for.

safe Travels Dave!

Condolences Justin on the losses you've endured this winter.

Holy smokes Justin! I'm sorry t hear of all this. Tough winter for the chickenbuck crew!

Safe travels to and from Alex Dave Pam and Nate!

Maybe you can add onto that shop Dave and Nate can start an engine shop?

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe you can add onto that shop Dave and Nate can start an engine shop?

Nate already mentioned that. Lol

Hope the visit went well, for the Shaw clan.

Morning boys & girls,

Welcome to winter in the north !

Phairley phrosty here this am.

-36*C, which just happens to be roughly the same in *F !

Factor in the wind chill & is a spastic -43*.

Drove the first kilometer (.7 mile) on square tires, till the air warmed up in them.

BbbbbbbbbbbbbRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

You go on ahead and keep that up there. We're perfectly happy with six degrees under no fahrenheits.

-36, we've seen it before, don't care for it much. lol!

I ended up passing on the rifle, so no pics sorry guys.

you guys can keep that weather, we were at 61 today and it was awesome. I was sweating in a hoodie by 10 am

27 degrees here in South Carolina this morning. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.I am not used to weather this cold at this time of year. Yeah yeah I know it's cold up 'nort but this is the cold weather we here is the sunny South were supposed to get in December and January.
Oh well,I guess this too shall pass and I can finish getting my January pruning done.
Stay warm Chickenbuckers.

Stan in SC

Doggone it! I would have enjoyed meeting you Dave! If he comes to school here, he has a friend for sure. I would be more than willing to help him out. The school here has a real good reputation around town if that helps any. Especially LE. What is he going for?

I was thinking of you, that's kind of why I dropped that info here when we were on our way down. lol

I don't know that we will be back to the school, but it's not because we weren't impressed, because I was indeed very impressed.

He was looking at a tool machine technology course, I was impressed with the instructor, the facilities, the equipment, course focus, everything.

I took notice of the other students with LE course shirts on, diesel tech shirts etc. It all looked god clear across the board.

But, Mr Nate has an interest in the FM area....

So, as a compromise we looked into a diesel tech course in Moorhead. We will be going there on Wed.

He is much more excited about this one and I do feel it probably fits him better.

Well he certainly lives in the right area to be working on diesels. And as far as I'm concerned, that's a great skill to have. You have a job anywhere in the country that you'd move to.

ND i have one of those Tool Machine Degrees. Been out of the trade for awhile now. If Nate is serious about going into that trade, i would have him look into the job stability of that trade. When i was working before 9/11 tons of jobs could get a job the next day if you were not happy with the one you had.After 9/11 things changed for the worst,places folded up, hard to stay employed.Got so bad 20 of us graduated i think out of 20 there maybe 7 that are still machinists to this day. Maybe the trade is better now more stable maybe not as up and down when i was in it.

Got a whole bunch of tools sitting in Kennedy tool boxes, that i'll probably never use again if Mr.Nate decides to go down that road.

PM me if you got any questions maybe i can help out.

Originally Posted by noduck

ND i have one of those Tool Machine Degrees. Been out of the trade for awhile now. If Nate is serious about going into that trade, i would have him look into the job stability of that trade. When i was working before 9/11 tons of jobs could get a job the next day if you were not happy with the one you had.After 9/11 things changed for the worst,places folded up, hard to stay employed.Got so bad 20 of us graduated i think out of 20 there maybe 7 that are still machinists to this day. Maybe the trade is better now more stable maybe not as up and down when i was in it.

Got a whole bunch of tools sitting in Kennedy tool boxes, that i'll probably never use again if Mr.Nate decides to go down that road.

PM me if you got any questions maybe i can help out.

That does help.

I've read that sadly much of the need for this trade has gone the way of china like many other things.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

But, Mr Nate has an interest in the FM area....

So, as a compromise we looked into a diesel tech course in Moorhead. We will be going there on Wed.

He is much more excited about this one and I do feel it probably fits him better.

Dave,
I have a young cousin that is taking that very course and working at Titan Machinery (Case/IH) at the same time.

If they are not paying for all of his school, they are helping with a good portion of it. Guaranteed full time job when he graduates too. Check into that program that Titan offers. It's a good deal.

Alexandria is a hotbed for machinists I have heard due to our strong manufacturing base. Pretty easy to get a job here I think. apparently, this little burg corners the world market on manufacturing machines that package things. When you buy a case of beans (for those of you who dont, just imagine yourself buying a case of beans) the machine that packaged them was likely manufactured here. Damn sexy I would have to say for a town to be able to say that.

In fact, the companies here have invested many hundreds of thousands of dollars in our high school to prepare those kids to work for them. I think there are 5 manufacturers here? Something like that.

I am bummed I missed ya.

Dave-it wasn't all that long ago that I heard on the news that Dunwoody Institute was having great success placing their machining students up on completion of the program. They pretty much had a list of employers waiting for graduates to put to work. My neighbor runs a machine shop here in Prior Lake and they've expanded twice in about 10 years, and the guy's son actually bought/inherited the business and they're busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. Good luck to Nate. He'll do fine.

It's also good to look at where a person plans to settle down. Not to tie the young man down but if he plans to stay in this area, look for a career that he both enjoys and can make a living at in the area.
I knew that there was a 95% chance of staying in this area because of my ties. It wasn't set in stone but something I had to consider.

I did the farming thing, college thing, factory thing then decided to buy a bunch of construction equipment, quit my job and retire. I've never been so busy in my life after that last choice.

I love my job and where I live. Win/win.

Chickenbuck Joe got himself a Tikka T3 on his 12th birthday today!

Chambered in .308 Winchester.

At the store.

[Linked Image]

Back at home.

[Linked Image]

Sweet I would say he is pretty happy

Congrats CBJ! You got a nice shootin' iron there kiddo.

Congrats Joey, looks good! I love my tikka as well.

SSSSsssWWWwwwwwEeeeeeeEEeeeTTTTTTTTT,

Happy birthday Joe !!

Just awesome!!! That is one happy young man!!

Joe's smile tells the story!!!

Looks like his new 308 has some decent grain in the stock. Nice rifle to say the least.

Very cool! I'm bet his grin just won't quit.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Joe's smile tells the story!!!

Looks like his new 308 has some decent grain in the stock. Nice rifle to say the least.

The stock is a pretty nice piece of wood. There were 2 of the same rifle to choose from and I told him to look at the wood on both and pick the one he liked the best. He liked this one (I did too)

Nice! How much does the Tikka weigh?

Excellent!

This thread world needs more "smilin' like heck!" pichers!

Joe, that .308 will have no problem with elk. Your Dad should take you hunting for them.

Dave, if you have time, take some closeups of the stock. It would be fun to see.... I am sure Joe wouldn't mind showing it off!!

By the way, Steelhead has a fantastic load for 130 TTSX and TSX's. It is really accurate and will tip things over.

Kind of funny, Joe is stepping away from the Swift and I am starting to use it for deer...

I have to say, sitting with Joe and watching him drop 2 deer in lights out, bang flop fashion... I have to believe that velocity kills. Speed kills.

I've shot a lot of deer and I've seen very few that went down as fast as Joe's 220 swift deer.

I probably wouldn't have tried it myself prior to seeing it work so well. But I would hunt deer with my 220 swift now.

I have shoulder problems currently, so something like this could b in my future.

Anyways, here are a couple crappy cell phone snaps of the tikka's stock.

[Linked Image]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,Joey.
NICE rifle.

Stan in SC

That is a nice looking stock. Joe made an excellent choice.

Shoulder issues are no fun. I also have them and the reason I have went to the Swift and .22-250 for hunting deer. Mine are 1-8" twists.

Awesome rifle CBJ!

That Tikka has some nice looking wood on it Joe. Great job picking it out!

Joe, I sure hope you keep smilin like heck, it brightens my day I can tell you that!

The .308 is my second favorite round behind the .280Rem. With the bullets used today, and now that I can reload a bit, the .280 seems like a pile of overkill to me on a deer.

I LOVE shooting Jack's .223 and when he out grows the stock, I'm going to get a full size for it. I love that little rifle.

We did some trading and traded the 7600 carbine 30-06 into a new Winchester M70 Compact .308. I'll try to remember to get some pics up of it. When we were at the store the gun dude kept saying that will make a great rifle for your son.

Ummm... no, no it won't. But his dad will sure like it.

I've been wanting one of those for a loooong time.

The M70 compact is also a great choice Tom.... The LOP on the compact fits me much better than the regular M70's, especially during deer season when you have a lot of extra clothes on.

happy boy for sure .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CBJ!!! Nice rifle too! Good on ya Mom & Dad! That smile says it all!

I think Rem still makes those reduced recoil loads in 308 that he can use until he's big enough to pee from the rock and put out the fire.

I'm looking at putting a T3 in my gun cabinet too before they go the way of the DoDo bird. 300 WSM I think.

Happy Birthday Preacher, man have you grown since I first met you. heck of a fine rifle, my .308 loves the 168 burger VLD.

I get to go car shopping with the wife today, her jeep liberty decided to have a catastrophic engine failure on the way to work yesterday morning. repair cost is almost as much as replacement

she was all a flustered, but I got to save the day. just got it paid off on monday, funny how things work out sometimes.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Happy Birthday Preacher, man have you grown since I first met you. heck of a fine rifle, my .308 loves the 168 burger VLD.

I get to go car shopping with the wife today, her jeep liberty decided to have a catastrophic engine failure on the way to work yesterday morning. repair cost is almost as much as replacement

she was all a flustered, but I got to save the day. just got it paid off on monday, funny how things work out sometimes.

That sucks Ryan. Sometimes I wonder if we're better off with just driving beaters. My current beauty is a 97 Explorer. Been driving it for a year now. Paid $1600.00 for it and it only had 120,000 on it. No rust holes yet. It runs pretty decent. If I can get another year out of it without putting any big money into it I'll be satisfied.

I drive a 92 chevy 3/4 ton long box extended cab. she's a boat but it just won't quit. mama has a new to her 2011 Ford Fusion in a color I call "mucus green" kind of a pastel color. she likes it, that's all that counts I guess. I commented on how the trunk should fit two deer, I probably shouldn't have said that considering the look I got from her.

now I just gotta figure out what to do with her liberty

I am thinking about switching up the truck thing this year. ND, do you have a 3.5 ecoboost? Any others with that motor? I am curious about towing my 5th wheel camper with it. and my boat behind the camper.

Our truck is too old for all that eco-boostage. We are still running a 5.4.

I'm so out of touch with new trucks, I have no idea what engines they are putting in them these days. I can tell you we drove a 5.0 F150 and I really liked that. I'm not sure how the 3.5 ecoboost would be, but the late model 5.0 half tons have more power than our 09 5.4

Thanks guys! I have been busy with school catching up with math homework... If I go elk hunting or any kind of hunting I will bring my two rifles! If mom and dad didn't get me those two beautiful nice powerful guns I don't no what I would do!

Joey

CBJ, you just be there for folks, respect your elders, and keep filling the freezer. Being a respectful young man will make your folks very proud. Good luck Joey.

Wife and I are going elk hunting this year.

We got our Wy. general tags and are doing the migration hunt in the Yellowstone area.

To say we are excited would be an understatement.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Our truck is too old for all that eco-boostage. We are still running a 5.4.

I'm so out of touch with new trucks, I have no idea what engines they are putting in them these days. I can tell you we drove a 5.0 F150 and I really liked that. I'm not sure how the 3.5 ecoboost would be, but the late model 5.0 half tons have more power than our 09 5.4

I just got a 2011 F150 with the 5.0 and it is sweet. Smooth torquey and gets decent mileage. Hard to keep your foot out of it. Ive had good luck with my old 5.4 216000 miles and no issues other than changing plugs. But this 5.0 is a step up.

There she is. The old 07 is in the background there.

That's a nice truck there!

Joey

Thanks Joey

It seems like it's another 2 years till deer hunting wish it was that time lol they would be dropping if you could shot as many as you wanted with my 308 tikka!

Joey

Shoot lol

Joey

Congrats TJAY! Have you been elk hunting before? How many points did your group have? There is something special about elk hunting!

This year, we got a kick to the nards from Wyoming with an avg of 1PP. Next year we are a shoe in though. So this year, we are looking into Montana for archery elk. I really dont know where to go, but it will be somewhere in MT. Dont have much time either!

From the published #s, the 3.5 has more anger than the 5.0 and I have heard other people tell me they like their 5.0 as well. I will miss the Super Duty though, I really like it.

Berettaman

Wife and I each had 2 points. This was enough for 100% on a general tag. We are booked with Triangle X Ranch. This has been a bucket list trip of mine since reading outdoor life 50 years ago. Decided I am not getting any younger so it is time. I have shot cows, 4, but never a bull..

Good luck in Mt. I have not hunted there since the early 90s.

My bonus check comes in this Thursday. I'll be getting a crossbow, so plan on doing lots of stick and string this fall. Turkey season's rapidly approaching too. It all ready feels like spring has sprung with all the cardinals singing and whatnot.

What an awesome weekend !!

Happyyyyy birthdayyyy,Mz. Pam. Chickenbuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stan in SC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

Joey

Happy Birthday Pam !!

ND better be spoiling you.

Happy birthday Pam. You must be a real saint for putting up with your merry little band of miscreants the way you do! Tell Dave and CBJ they better be darned nice to you or I'll come up there and kick their butts!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Looster #7, you blad marr.

lou, & tommi T-phonz no Dong !!

No dongs chillen too !

Bad Looster !

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!!

As always, my birthday WAS a GREAT day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy birthdays and that sure is a nice looking rifle and to add my two pennies, I like the 308 Win myself, it's a great round!

Just got back from Devils Lake. Was a good trip. Ice is going fast up there.We still made it out every day on ATVs but shoreline was going quick.

Here is half a day of fishing

And another day.

Dang! Looks like you guys did well!

'duck, Great mess of fish! My two favorite species....

good eating there, nice catch!

DuckLess,

YOU SUCK !

I caught some perch like that somewhere around 43 years ago
near Odessa Washington .

Coupla pics from our Northern Minnesota snow boarding trip.

The weather didn't suck !

Not bad, for a couple of 50 year olds, eh.

Lutsen?

Giants Ridge !

Did Lutsen last year.

Wow, did we get dumped on yesterday !

30cm (12") yesterday.

Today will be dig out day.

With green beer !

With some of the new developments here at 24HCF, my interest in this forum in general (NOT the Deer Camp thread, but the forum in general) has been seriously diminished.

I would like to thank everyone for a wonderful experience over the years. I have enjoyed our interactions immensely. I am not completely going away, I just don't have a lot of interest anymore. I will continue to check back a few times per year, so if anyone wants to get a hold of me, be patient.

Cole is doing great. Youth Outdoor Activity Day in Alexandria is Sunday, August 28 please bring a car load of kids to this free event!

don't blame you pard. I usually check the rural living, classifieds and here. the time I used to spend on here is greatly diminished as well.
Don't be a stranger! thanks for the update on Cole, that is great to hear!

I've made a lot of great friends here too, but have to admit the Chickenbuck crew is what kept me coming here. With so many of the folks I looked forward to talking to leaving, I think it's time I cut back on my visits here too. What a shame that this happened. I'll still check in, but not nearly as often.

Best wishes to everyone I've had a chance to meet here and talk to. Here's to the hope we all get a chance to share a cup of coffee over a campfire again somewhere.

Hmmmm...I guess I'm not one to let the negative posters win...especially on this thread. This is a place I came to when I needed some healing and what ND did that by starting this thread, the deer camp (Chickenbuck) build, the kids, the camaraderie, and just the day to day conversation really helped. I so enjoy Mrs. ND photo essays, NDs adventures, T-zone's boats and deer camps, Grizzly Bill's daily weather reports (RIP), hearing from Ryan, goalie, Rooster, gophergunner, white bear, busch pilot, etc. about whats going on in their lives. There's been very sad loss, birth, and redemption. This thread is like a neighborhood. Everyone is welcome and none of the crap. Life as it should be.

So while the rest of the campfire may be burning itself out, this thread glows brightly. I, for one, will check back often and not let the naysayers prevail. Life is too short to give up.

I spend time here mostly at this thread but I also keep up with Pam and Dave on Facebook. I will still check in here mostly every day. I just don't spend as much time on the various forums as I used to.
This is FAMILY here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Hmmmm...I guess I'm not one to let the negative posters win...especially on this thread. This is a place I came to when I needed some healing and what ND did that by starting this thread, the deer camp (Chickenbuck) build, the kids, the camaraderie, and just the day to day conversation really helped. I so enjoy Mrs. ND photo essays, NDs adventures, T-zone's boats and deer camps, Grizzly Bill's daily weather reports (RIP), hearing from Ryan, goalie, Rooster, gophergunner, white bear, busch pilot, etc. about whats going on in their lives. There's been very sad loss, birth, and redemption. This thread is like a neighborhood. Everyone is welcome and none of the crap. Life as it should be.

So while the rest of the campfire may be burning itself out, this thread glows brightly. I, for one, will check back often and not let the naysayers prevail. Life is too short to give up.

+ 1 !!

Love this thread, & it's trials & tribulations !

I find I enjoy my visits here more if I don't look at political threads,and keep it to hunting and fishing stuff.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I find I enjoy my visits here more if I don't look at political threads,and keep it to hunting and fishing stuff.

AMEN!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by fluffy

I find I enjoy my visits here more if I don't look at political threads,and keep it to hunting and fishing stuff.

AMEN!

That !!!

Try not to go upstairs.

Here, cooking game prep, & misc basement forum, inc rural living & .223ai, for humour, BS etc.

I also miss Long Duck Dong !

Long Live da ChickenBuck.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Coupla pics from our Northern Minnesota snow boarding trip.

The weather didn't suck !

Not bad, for a couple of 50 year olds, eh.

Looks like a GREAT trip Paul!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Hmmmm...I guess I'm not one to let the negative posters win...especially on this thread. This is a place I came to when I needed some healing and what ND did that by starting this thread, the deer camp (Chickenbuck) build, the kids, the camaraderie, and just the day to day conversation really helped. I so enjoy Mrs. ND photo essays, NDs adventures, T-zone's boats and deer camps, Grizzly Bill's daily weather reports (RIP), hearing from Ryan, goalie, Rooster, gophergunner, white bear, busch pilot, etc. about whats going on in their lives. There's been very sad loss, birth, and redemption. This thread is like a neighborhood. Everyone is welcome and none of the crap. Life as it should be.

So while the rest of the campfire may be burning itself out, this thread glows brightly. I, for one, will check back often and not let the naysayers prevail. Life is too short to give up.

Rell sed Charrie Frox Trot

In loving memory of Long Duck Dong. May he R.I.P.

Yeah, it was an awesome season down there !

We bought season passes, this year, so on a per day basis, we had to do more than 5 days each, to get our "moneys worth".

We ended up snow boarding for a total of 14 days, over the season & donating a "small fortune" to the MN economy !

PS: Not bad for a couple that are gunna be 50 this year !

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Hmmmm...I guess I'm not one to let the negative posters win...especially on this thread. This is a place I came to when I needed some healing and what ND did that by starting this thread, the deer camp (Chickenbuck) build, the kids, the camaraderie, and just the day to day conversation really helped. I so enjoy Mrs. ND photo essays, NDs adventures, T-zone's boats and deer camps, Grizzly Bill's daily weather reports (RIP), hearing from Ryan, goalie, Rooster, gophergunner, white bear, busch pilot, etc. about whats going on in their lives. There's been very sad loss, birth, and redemption. This thread is like a neighborhood. Everyone is welcome and none of the crap. Life as it should be.

So while the rest of the campfire may be burning itself out, this thread glows brightly. I, for one, will check back often and not let the naysayers prevail. Life is too short to give up.

Rell sed Charrie Frox Trot

In loving memory of Long Duck Dong. May he R.I.P.

They were 2 of my favourite, recent, threads !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Looster #7, you blad marr.

lou, & tommi T-phonz no Dong !!

No dongs chillen too !

Bad Looster !

ROR !

Have to say that this is the only thread I check on a daily basis. As you can see I don't post much, just check in and read about what is happening at Camp Chickembuck.

Dang I really thought spring and summer where coming but of course winter comes back! Hopefully not much snow comes to rune Easter

Joey

we had that here the other day Joe, then it warmed up. I think you guys should be ok.

have you made it out for late ice big northerns this year?

Actually I have been you we had tip ups Nate caught the biggest northern I caught one Taylor caught one and mates girlfriend caught a keeper me and we had two keepers I caught a keeper and nares girlfriend caught a keeper

Joey

sweet! I miss fishing late ice water wolves.

I was fishing out of a boat in a T shirt 3 weeks ago and got sunburned.

My friend went to Canada fishing and got sunburned!

Joey

A very Happy Easter to all Chickenbuckers.

Stan in SC

I hope everyone has a good Easter

Joey

We had a great Easter CBJ. Tell your mom and dad I said hi and hope they are doing well.

I bet hunting Easter eggs in the snow sucks cause you can see where the dang rabbit hopped around in the snow !

Im ready to go fishing but ........ the garage needs a new roof and new siding , wife wants a patio poured around the dang Koi pond too.

Originally Posted by mule1

Im ready to go fishing but ........ the garage needs a new roof and new siding , wife wants a patio poured around the dang Koi pond too.

These are all things your wife should have finished for you by the time you get home from fishing.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mule1

Im ready to go fishing but ........ the garage needs a new roof and new siding , wife wants a patio poured around the dang Koi pond too.

These are all things your wife should have finished for you by the time you get home from fishing.

I read this to her ............... she's seating on the couch laughing ...............kinda evil like .

I hear ya mule1, wifey isn't as happy as she could be.

Seems the wax ring on the toilet above the den gave way some time ago. Seems the missus was on the couch watching TV when it decided to come through the drywall ceiling above. Seems the missus doesn't like black water in her hair. Upstairs demo, subfloor, concrete backer, tile, drywall, base shoe, prime and paint - downstairs demo, carpet, drywall, ceiling, texture, prime, and paint. Seems this project will keep me from doing any manly things for a while.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Well done!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I hear ya mule1, wifey isn't as happy as she could be.

Seems the wax ring on the toilet above the den gave way some time ago. Seems the missus was on the couch watching TV when it decided to come through the drywall ceiling above. Seems the missus doesn't like black water in her hair. Upstairs demo, subfloor, concrete backer, tile, drywall, base shoe, prime and paint - downstairs demo, carpet, drywall, ceiling, texture, prime, and paint. Seems this project will keep me from doing any manly things for a while.

Holy crap !

that doesn't sound like fun!

Originally Posted by mule1

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I hear ya mule1, wifey isn't as happy as she could be.

Seems the wax ring on the toilet above the den gave way some time ago. Seems the missus was on the couch watching TV when it decided to come through the drywall ceiling above. Seems the missus doesn't like black water in her hair. Upstairs demo, subfloor, concrete backer, tile, drywall, base shoe, prime and paint - downstairs demo, carpet, drywall, ceiling, texture, prime, and paint. Seems this project will keep me from doing any manly things for a while.

Holy crap !

CFT, that sounds like an excellent project for ND !

We all know he can fix anything.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I hear ya mule1, wifey isn't as happy as she could be.

Seems the wax ring on the toilet above the den gave way some time ago. Seems the missus was on the couch watching TV when it decided to come through the drywall ceiling above. Seems the missus doesn't like black water in her hair. Upstairs demo, subfloor, concrete backer, tile, drywall, base shoe, prime and paint - downstairs demo, carpet, drywall, ceiling, texture, prime, and paint. Seems this project will keep me from doing any manly things for a while.

You left out the spa day for the wife....

Am I saying that right? "spa day"?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I hear ya mule1, wifey isn't as happy as she could be.

Seems the wax ring on the toilet above the den gave way some time ago. Seems the missus was on the couch watching TV when it decided to come through the drywall ceiling above. Seems the missus doesn't like black water in her hair. Upstairs demo, subfloor, concrete backer, tile, drywall, base shoe, prime and paint - downstairs demo, carpet, drywall, ceiling, texture, prime, and paint. Seems this project will keep me from doing any manly things for a while.

You left out the spa day for the wife....

Am I saying that right? "spa day"?

Spa day? I sorta thought she already had her spa with the splashdown. I think it might be a little too soon for me to joke about her schitty hair quite yet.

I was the "flush-er" that evening. It was burrito night.

Demo is about done. Got 4 dehumidifiers drying things out now (along with our sinuses)and a HEPA filter running. It's going to be a terrific spring break.

HAHAHAHA. Splashdown! I don't think that was the "mud bath" she had in mind, but ya never know?

Don't have you have insurance? I would think they'd take care of most of that stuff.

Yeah I do and yeah they would, but the agent said if there's another claim in 3 years I would probably be dropped and if I did find another company that would carry me after 2 claims in 3 years, my rates would certainly double. He also said that even after 1 claim my rates were sure to go up.

In the end, I said screw it, I'll do it myself. Dunno what 20 years of never used home insurance is for. I guess if your house burned down or tornadoes - something catastrophic...not poo water leaks.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Yeah I do and yeah they would, but the agent said if there's another claim in 3 years I would probably be dropped and if I did find another company that would carry me after 2 claims in 3 years, my rates would certainly double. He also said that even after 1 claim my rates were sure to go up.

In the end, I said screw it, I'll do it myself. Dunno what 20 years of never used home insurance is for. I guess if your house burned down or tornadoes - something catastrophic...not poo water leaks.

Exactly why homeowners insurance is nothing more than organized crime

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Yeah I do and yeah they would, but the agent said if there's another claim in 3 years I would probably be dropped and if I did find another company that would carry me after 2 claims in 3 years, my rates would certainly double. He also said that even after 1 claim my rates were sure to go up.

In the end, I said screw it, I'll do it myself. Dunno what 20 years of never used home insurance is for. I guess if your house burned down or tornadoes - something catastrophic...not poo water leaks.

I'd call their bluff.

My boy got me today. He knows I trim my beard/goat every other day or so. Usually first thing in the am before my shower when I'm half asleep. He took the trimmer length guide off. Scalped my own chin before I figured it out. Kinda looked like the old guy on Orange County Choppers but with a really bad off center foo-manchu. So I shaved it all off with a dull razor. Most of the bleeding stopped by my first appointment.

The kid is going DOWN. Hate to be a 14 year old returning from spring break with one eyebrow. :P

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Yeah I do and yeah they would, but the agent said if there's another claim in 3 years I would probably be dropped and if I did find another company that would carry me after 2 claims in 3 years, my rates would certainly double. He also said that even after 1 claim my rates were sure to go up.

In the end, I said screw it, I'll do it myself. Dunno what 20 years of never used home insurance is for. I guess if your house burned down or tornadoes - something catastrophic...not poo water leaks.

I'd call their bluff.

Might have to. This is starting to get expensive. Wife said if we're getting new carpet down there we may as well get new furniture, then she played the "poo water in my hair" guilt thing. The upholstery cleaner folks I've talked to say it's nearly impossible to get that out of the sofa. Throwing around words like bio-hazard and CAT 3 water. I think I'm screwed again.

We got a nice blanky of snow last night.

That snow when I heard about it I new it was coming especially when I saw white snow flakes coming down

Lol, yep. That's pretty much when I figured it out too, when I saw the ground turn white.

Attaboy Joe! Way more accurate than our weather forecasters!

They could use a good man like you on the Weather Channel!

Good weather report Joey! Accurate too!

Thanks but there is a little bit of snow left on the ground

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Yeah I do and yeah they would, but the agent said if there's another claim in 3 years I would probably be dropped and if I did find another company that would carry me after 2 claims in 3 years, my rates would certainly double. He also said that even after 1 claim my rates were sure to go up.

In the end, I said screw it, I'll do it myself. Dunno what 20 years of never used home insurance is for. I guess if your house burned down or tornadoes - something catastrophic...not poo water leaks.

I'd call their bluff.

Might have to. This is starting to get expensive. Wife said if we're getting new carpet down there we may as well get new furniture, then she played the "poo water in my hair" guilt thing. The upholstery cleaner folks I've talked to say it's nearly impossible to get that out of the sofa. Throwing around words like bio-hazard and CAT 3 water. I think I'm screwed again.

I told my wife about your home issues and read her this. We are both laughing (even though we know its not a laughing matter)

It's good you can keep your humor through this process.

Joey, any snow predicted for tonight, down your way ?

We're going to get 6 inches again, starting late this afternoon.

only a few days of archery turkey until the firearms season opens. I better go kill me a gobbler I think before work.

Good Luck Ryan !

Yup, got 6 wet, heavy inches of snow overnight !

I'm not Joey, I don't have the same weather skills either but I can look out the window and tell you it is winter here again.

Yep, & it's very pretty...........

But, enough already.

The landscape is pure white here today.

I am sure tired of shoveling off the sidewalk...

Just starting here again !

They say 10-20cm (4-8 inches).

gonna be 62 here today, time to get me a gobbler this morning!
didn't work out the other day, wind kicked up something fierce and had to call it early.

I talked to the lady who owns the farm I'll be hunting. The turkeys are getting more aggressive. They're flying into her chicken coop and eating all the scratch. Her little Jack Russell runs them out, and they're back within a couple hours. It ain't gonna be a hunt, it's gonna be a shoot.

We've got real warm weather down here this week. I'm hoping to call in a Rio Grande tom Sunday morning. The rancher I lease from texted me last night and told me his turkeys are gobblin' up a storm.

We've been seeing turkeys all over here too. Turkey love is in the air. I see them strutting almost everyday now on my way to work.

We'll be hunting them in MN next weekend and WI the first week of May. I pick that week because it's opening fishing in WI and we usually have the woods to ourselves!

Doc, shoot one of those Rio's! I'd like to shoot them all. I'm hoping maaaaaybe next year to take the kiddo's to SD and Ryan can show us where the turkeys are.

I will get the turkey slam, that's one of two on my "bucket list" hunting adventures.

The other is a moose.

I want to shoot a turkey moose.

Can you imagine how beautiful that creature would be?

I saw lots of them out and about this morning, even drove past a Tom that was resting on a hens back. he had her pinned down in the middle of the road and looked to be having a time keeping his balance.....

I'm going to head out this evening and bring my girls with. I figured mama would get a kick out of it, and my 3 yo daughter is already a seasoned turkey hunter. she was with my folks last weekend when my dad stuck one on an arrow to bring home. she was sitting with her brother calling and my folks were a few yards away. turkeys walked between them gobbling the whole time. she didn't move and listened to big bro's advice. they had a front row seat when grandpa whacked him. she came home carrying a wing feather and a smile like you wouldn't believe. she opted to retell the story a few times rather than participate in the cleaning of the bird.

fingers crossed we get one tonight

I'm just saying, the moose is the turkey of the deer family and the turkey is the moose of the bird family.

The snowplows were out doing their thing here this morning!!

It has snowed every night and some during the days this week, but it melts by days end.

Sounds like our winters here for the most part

had an interesting experience this morning. got out right at first light, heard the gobblers gobble and come off the roost. got set up perfectly in an open spot in a draw. I called, they answered back and forth as they were coming in. for 45 minutes I watch them slowly get closer and closer. the biggest tom was huge! he was at full strut almost the whole time! finally he saw my feeble looking "funky chicken" decoy and started thumping his wings and coming straight at it. when he got to 60 yards I grabbed my bow. my heart was pounding and I knew I was going to get him. all of a sudden BOOM and down he goes. some jackass with a shotgun shot him at the edge of my decoys! I stood up and the guy shouts "sorry" does the fist pump to his buddy and chases after the bird shooting at it 2 more times. I collected my gear and hiked out disgusted.
there was no way he didn't hear my calling or see my decoys. I was livid, but it was public land. what are you gonna do. I have seen/heard more and more encounters like this where people have no regard or respect for others.
oh well, still plenty of time left in the season. It would have been perfect though for my first archery turkey, the morning was beautiful, the birds worked in awesome. I went home, took my girls to breakfast and did chores around the place. took the boat out for the first time for a bit. I'm done hunting on the weekends though.

That sure sucks!!!

I would have had to find his vehicle,scratch "Im sorry too"
on the drivers door for him.

Now that takes balls!!

I can't imagine someone doing something like that to another hunter. It doesn't even register on the dumbass chart.....

Good luck in the future Ryan with your bow!!

I started a batch of apple butter this morning. When I was done getting it all in the crock pot I saw I had some time to hunt so I went out and hiked way back in, away from other people. all I managed to call in were 3 coyotes. closest one was 5' on the other side of a cedar. only one I had a shot at was 45 yards, shot right over him. it was fun though to lock eyes with a song dog that close!

gonna go later this week when some friends are visiting. still can't believe what happened, happened. nothing I can do to change it, just keep trying to whack one.

best thread ever on this section

The wheels are all ready spinning for this fall. One of our members EFW and his buddy will be joining me and my son at deer camp in Pennsylvania this fall. We've been talking for a few month and it looks like it's going to happen. I'll leave Minneapolis early on Thanksgiving morning and drive as far as South Bend, Indiana, and then finish off the drive on Friday. Can't wait to get back on the hill again, and spend some quality time with another Campfire member. Will be matching up with Dale K while at camp, and maybe other 'Fire members if anyone's in or passing through our neck of the woods.

That's awesome, I talk/text EFW every so often, we're working on a SD hunt and have been for a few years.

Ryan-would you care to join me down there some time? We're pretty full this year, but maybe the next time I go down, maybe year after next?

I won't rule it out, I know we're super busy that time of year so I may have to evaluate closer to season. Thank you for the invite!

that's awesome Jeff! That should be a fun trip!

Ryan, that's a crazy hunting story! I have one similar but not quite so bad.

5-6 years ago I was hunting on a farm in WI that only gave us permission to be there. My daughter and I had a group of 15 hens, a few jakes, and a tom working their way to across a grown up pasture. The hens were fighting and making all kinds of ruckus! They were within 100yds of us and all of a sudden the jakes stopped strutting, and all the birds took flight. Weird.? Wonder what that .... then 3 guys got up off out of a rock pile and started across the pasture to the birds. I got out of the blind and yelled "HEY!" They stopped, looked at us, and jogged back to the south to a different farm.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I won't rule it out, I know we're super busy that time of year so I may have to evaluate closer to season. Thank you for the invite!

Yeah, it makes it a little tough for us folks with a long drive as it always starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately they still have the old Blue Laws too. No Sunday hunting, and no semi-automatic rifles are legal. Remington pumps are very popular out there.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It has snowed every night and some during the days this week, but it melts by days end.

How 'bout now, Dave ?

We've got 8 inches on the ground again !

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

had an interesting experience this morning. got out right at first light, heard the gobblers gobble and come off the roost. got set up perfectly in an open spot in a draw. I called, they answered back and forth as they were coming in. for 45 minutes I watch them slowly get closer and closer. the biggest tom was huge! he was at full strut almost the whole time! finally he saw my feeble looking "funky chicken" decoy and started thumping his wings and coming straight at it. when he got to 60 yards I grabbed my bow. my heart was pounding and I knew I was going to get him. all of a sudden BOOM and down he goes. some jackass with a shotgun shot him at the edge of my decoys! I stood up and the guy shouts "sorry" does the fist pump to his buddy and chases after the bird shooting at it 2 more times. I collected my gear and hiked out disgusted.
there was no way he didn't hear my calling or see my decoys. I was livid, but it was public land. what are you gonna do. I have seen/heard more and more encounters like this where people have no regard or respect for others.
oh well, still plenty of time left in the season. It would have been perfect though for my first archery turkey, the morning was beautiful, the birds worked in awesome. I went home, took my girls to breakfast and did chores around the place. took the boat out for the first time for a bit. I'm done hunting on the weekends though.

What a disrespectful prick! I would have been livid too!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It has snowed every night and some during the days this week, but it melts by days end.

How 'bout now, Dave ?

We've got 8 inches on the ground again !

We got a dusting again last night, temps won't get above freezing today. We are supposed to see 60's for highs by thursday.

I have to drive across my septic lateral lines to get the boat out of the back yard, and every time I get ready to do it, the ground gets soft again from rain or snow. I'm just going to break down and put a hitch on the lawn tractor and haul the boat up front so I can get it ready. The crappies are getting close.

I just stepped out on the porch to let Pixie the Wonderbeagle out to do her business. From the woods at the end of the street I could hear an owl hooting as it finished up the night shift. Immediately a thunderous gobble let loose from the neighbor's pine tree across the street. I could just make out two turkeys sitting in a big ash tree right next to the pine. Now all the neighborhood crows are getting at it, obviously trying to locate the owl. The buck cardinal that staked a claim to the maple tree in the front yard is singing his fool head off all ready too. 'Just another typical morning in the 'hood.

Hey, hey, hey !

No snow overnight.

Was -20*c here this morning though. That's about -4*F, for you imperial guys !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey, hey, hey !

No snow overnight.

Was -20*c here this morning though. That's about -4*F, for you imperial guys !

Heck! Time to open the winders Paul! Let that spring air in!

Spring is coming, just not sure when !!

They say Friday & Saturday are going to be warm & sunny. Highs of 16-19*C & lows of 2-4*C.

There is hope !

Which, of course means, I'll be shovelling dog poop, that is currently hidden by the white stuff.

spied this guy out my window at work Monday morning.dont know how big he is,but he was twice the size of the other one with him.
[Linked Image]

stopped to strut

[Linked Image]

Well, I got the boat out of the back yard. It came through the winter pretty good. No mouse damage that I can see. 'Hope to put it back together this Sunday. Needs a good bath, put the batteries in, mount the trolling motor, gas can, check all the lights, and my annual foray after dark to use the spotlight to check for loose rivets, cracks, etc. 'Don't think I ran over anything last year, and it wasn't leaking when I put it away so we should be good. My wife so loves climbing around in the boat after dark with the spotlight shining the bottom of the hull so I can check for leaks.........

Fill it with water and see if it leaks. For real.

I have two flat tires on the trailer that I need to fix/replace. They're pretty weather checked, so I'll probably have to run to fleet farm/walmart and get a couple new ones.

I'll be gone this weekend but next weekend is boat prep weekend. I'll do the same thing as you pretty much.

The floor is soft, not rotten as of last year, but soft. I'm hoping I can get a season out of it. Mostly because I don't think I have time to replace the floor in it this year. I may do the front deck this spring/summer if I get time. That part is pretty easy.

The problem is if you tear into it a little bit, they you start thinking... "maybe I should put some storage here... move the batteries to here, run some wire for lighting here, and here" It never ends.

That looks like a jake to me Fluffy. He's got that little beard poking out the front. the real tell-tale is the fan, which we can't see from the angle you have. If the center few feathers are a bit longer than the rest, he's not a full grown tom yet. They're still much bigger than the hens though.

I did a boat overhaul last year about this time on my boat, it was a lot of fun, but a lot of work. found lots of good info on tinboats.net to do the build.

My south shop door is open today.

[Linked Image]

My outdoor thermometer says 54 in the shade. I've been working outside mostly today in a t-shirt.

Ya, Dave, we've got the shop door open too.

Currently +10*C & I'm gunna BBQ/grill tonight !

Last weekend I took the boy to a Tigers/Yankees game; mostly to spend time with him and get my mind off losing my brother 9 years ago to the day. Anyway, records were set for coldest regular season game at 31* and a 20* windchill, with snow flurries. This weekend it's supposed to be 70* and sunny. Go figure.

That's cool CFT. Sorry for the loss of your brother.

P.S. The Twins SUCK................again...

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That's cool CFT. Sorry for the loss of your brother.

P.S. The Twins SUCK................again...

That's giving them a COMPLIMENT, relatively speaking. What really sucks is the pitching hasn't been all that bad. The batters for the Twins couldn't hit a beach ball if it was sitting on a T right now.

Hey Dave,

What do you think of this ?

Redneck as heck, but .....

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey Dave,

What do you think of this ?

Redneck as heck, but .....

THAT.IS.AWESOME.

Saw it on the face books.

Rednecker than a sumbich.

lol.

So Chicken is filed under C, Potatoes are filed under P, and Fire is filed under F. What's in the mystery drawer?

Very cool BTW!

Well, I'm off Friday, and if the weather holds, I hope to slip the boat into Prior Lake and go get some crappies and sunnies. If it stays nice all week, they ought to be up in the fallen trees, and it's pretty easy pickin's. Some nice sunnies to top off the basket, maybe a ride over to the restaurant on the lake, enjoy a light lunch and call it a day. Ah, yes, this should do it.

well,spring is sure here.
im so plugged up with pollen I cant barely breath.

you guys certainly are ahead of us on the weather calendar.

I'm not sure winter is done with us yet up here.

It is getting very old.

Originally Posted by fluffy

well,spring is sure here.
im so plugged up with pollen I cant barely breath.

Same deal here. Leaves popping out all over the place. 80 degrees yesterday and today!! I'll take it.

snowed here yesterday, not much 1-2"
our springs are crazy sometimes. it was 80's last week

I'm in the 30's up here.

Erie, PA sitting on the deck Tshirt, 72 degrees. About time.

79 here now.
truck is covered in green dust.

this is not fair.

i want my green dust!

come on down,take all you want!!!

Cathy's miserable too.

The crappies are spawning in Prior Lake, so the my 14 ft. Lund, the Minnoh will hit the water Friday morning to fill the freezer. Stocked up on some 1/64 oz. jigs. Like I really needed them-I've probably got 3 lbs. of them in the boat all ready. Good Lord willing, the old Evinrude will fire up and I'll be on fish quickly Friday morning, and then off to the restaurant on the lake for an early lunch. Appointment with the heart dr. Friday afternoon, or I'd stay out all day.

Sounds like a solid plan GG.

You guys got a bag limit, on crappies, down there ?

Good luck, both on the water & the afternoon appointment !

It's another gray, cool, crappy wet day here in siberia.

spawning? Already? Holy moly, the water temp here is 48 degrees! We are still quite aways from spawning. Good luck Gopher and post some pictures.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's another gray, cool, crappy wet day here in siberia.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

spawning? Already? Holy moly, the water temp here is 48 degrees! We are still quite aways from spawning. Good luck Gopher and post some pictures.

Oh yeah, it' on! I drive by Clear Lake in Forest Lake, several times daily and they're lined up elbow to elbow to get their 8" crappies.

Good luck on the crap-eye gopher, sounds like fun.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

It's another gray, cool, crappy wet day here in siberia.

Yeah, But ...................

You had great burgers last night though.

It's all about "balance" Man !

I do like me some sunshine though, once a week for a half an hour, that would be fantastic....

Oh to dream.

The sun has been out and under, and the temp up n down the last few days but it has stayed dry. Just finished planting the last beet field here...a day behind last year.

On to corn tomorrow if it doesn't rain. Weather Gnome has us at 75%.....

We just hit 60 degrees and I saw the sun on my way out to the mailbox.

Fantastic.

Now quit complaining and get back to work. No soup for you.

Hope all is well with you MR.ND.

doing good up here. our 2 boys just left with my truck and trailer
(I got a new to me truck, 08 f250 6.4 deezil) The boys are headed out to chicken buck to bring the tractor home from camp. We kind of need the little tractor at home this spring for a few jobs. The boys will have to park the truck and trailer short of camp because the trail in will be terrible. They will have to walk the last 3/4 mile in and drive the tractor out through the mud, load it on the trailer and bring it home.

Nice little evening adventure for the boys.

Good luck GG on Prior! It's kinda nice watching the momma Fox and her kits at work with the shop doors open in this warm weather. Kinda funny, the shop I work at is just outside downtown Minneapolis and we have a dirt hillside with some brush and trees in the back of our lot. We see deer, turkeys, woodchucks and plenty of gray squirrels and rabbits. Well, we've had a male fox for two years now come and go and he somehow found himself a lady friend and now we have 8 little ones running around. Yup, 8 of em! The best part is with momma running around watchin her little ones, she has kept the bums away and not making a mess.

Prior's got a couple shallow mud bottom bays that warm up really quick. One's a lot better than the other, as it's got more wood in it. They sit in those trees and you can just quietly sneak in and pick them off one at a time. The key is you have to all most flip for them. When they're on the wood they won't come out to chase. If your more that a foot from the wood, you're too far out. I've seen some carp back in there big enough to put a saddle on, and a couple years ago, I caught a 5 lbs. goldfish back there. I'm sure someone on the lake got tired of feeding him and turned him loose in there. They found some kind of piranha dead in there a few years back. It was some breed that's vegetarian, but had no chance of surviving in there. Folks shouldn't be putting non native stuff in our lakes and streams. Nothing good comes from this.

I tried for crappies on saturday before getting rained out. nada one, did get 3 trout that were returned to the water as fast as I could get rid of them. can't stand them trout, but the kids love em.
I may have to try tossing jigs into the shallows, maybe that will work.

I'm pretty sure I'd have to get a 5# goldfish mounted.

Lotsa stuff going on here.
I retired from the gun shop after almost 11 years.
Well,I will still fill in for vacations but that's all.
I am in my second week of my second retirement and getting a lot of stuff done.
Picked up a really nice CVA "Hunter" model in 7MM-08.Got a good deal at the shop. It has a nice Tasco 3X9X40 mil dot scope. Dadgum thing shoots FANTASTIC! I have a thing for single shots. Have a few in the safe.
Went to a gun show last week end. Bought a "Judge",blue with 4" barrel. Very good shooter with the .45 long Colt round. Good woods carry companion piece.
Turned the air conditioning on yesterday.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm pretty sure I'd have to get a 5# goldfish mounted.

It's just a big orange carp. Yawn.

Enjoy the second retirement Stan. I have three nights left before I start my first retirement. I'm hoping it will be the only one.
Bill

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm pretty sure I'd have to get a 5# goldfish mounted.

It's just a big orange carp. Yawn.

will you catch another one? be very cool, and definitely a conversation piece!

Congrats on the Retirements guys!

Stan how's that 300 BLK working out? I've been toying with the idea of getting me one.

Well done on the retirements Stan and Bill!

Headin' up nort for 5 days of hunting toikeys and morels. Maybe a few libations as well.

So far the menu has salmon, perch, venny tender loins and backstraps, then one day of store bought meat - steaks. Beer will be our carbs and to complete our food group...potato chips as the veg. Or i guess fiddle heads if they're popping. Life is good!

Ryan,the 300 blk is doing really good.i have found the 125 and 150 grain bullets do best.
Having fun wit it.thanksfor asking.

Stan in SC

Congrats on the retirement fellas!

I took the day off yesterday and went and helped my Dad cut down a dead Elm tree in his yard. Then I did some long range black bird sniping over a cattail swamp with my 22-250.

That Ruger M77 never ceases to amaze me. I got it at a gun show in the early 90's and it remains my favorite gun ever. I slapped a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Accu-Range scope on it a couple years ago. Now that Leupold makes Redfield scopes, they are quite nice.

Congrats Stan!

Jim, that sounds like fun. Expecting some gobbler pics from Ryan anytime now....

Meanwhile it's Prom day, Nathan's senior prom. I'm smoking a test hit for a large batch of pulled pork I need to do for graduation.

The last prom for these two.

[Linked Image]

Wonderful looking couple!!!!!

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Wonderful looking couple!!!!!

Stan in SC

AND truck!

Those Shaw men pick some beautiful women, that's for sure! Truck ain't bad either!

I've seen that truck in real life. It is amazing.

Great looking couple Dave.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The last prom for these two.

[Linked Image]

Fantastic, all round !

APRIL 25th;

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest we forget !

You mean pics like this Dave?

Dyno-Mite!

Nice birds Ryan....congrats!!

Thank you! both birds were taken saturday morning and had hens with them. spot and stalk was working the best, calling and decoys didn't work at all. it was kind of odd this year. I have one more tag that starts May 1. mine was an eastern, my friends was a Merriams.

Nice bird Ryan. Did u get him in the hills?

Are u positive that's an eastern? A cross with merriams maybe? The edge of the fan looks lighter than an eastern but darker than a merriams. Either way, cool looking bird.

After they boy passes hunters safety this summer/fall I'd like to take them to SD for a turkey hunt.

pretty sure, it's a lot darker in real life. could be a cross I guess too.

yes I got him in the hills on the national forest not far from my house.

anyone ever done a fan mount? I'm thinking I might like to try it with this one.

Either way, I like that bird!

I've done a few with the kits you can buy at Gander or Fleet Farm. If you have the means to make a wood plaque you can do it yourself and probably do a nicer job.

You'll just need some borax to put on the meat of the fan and the beard. Spread it out on a cardboard box and pin the tail feathers to the cardboard. Trim the "meat" from the fan as close as you can to the feathers but not too close so they fall apart. Spread the borax on the "meat" and let it sit for about a week and check it. It may take a few weeks to get hardened up. Then put it on a plaque or board of your liking.

Nice going Ryan !!

No turkey hunting up here, so I'm jealous.

Me and Miss Kennedy are going turkey hunting next week. We're both getting pretty excited about it. She's finally big enough that we had to go to Gander and get woman's hunting clothes for her. It was actually hard to find some that didn't have a pile of bright pink. I don't want a bunch to confuse over anxious hunters in the woods.

We came close to getting her one last season but the big strutting tom hung up at 60 yards. She was only comfortable at 1/2 that distance.

Good luck to the T-team !

Going nuts up here, nothing to hunt & walleye fishing is closed till the 3rd weekend in May, for spawning !

Both wheelers serviced, 3 boats & 5 outboards ready to go.

Guess, I can service & store the snow machines for the season !

3 boats you say...

12' naden, 14' lund deep & wide & 16.5' lund !

Gotta cover the bases Man !

Oh, & nothings newer than 2005.

Actually, 4 boats if you count the one that's at my brothers place. He blew the top end of our 60 merc, by forgetting to put 2 stroke oil in the fuel.

Boats been at his place for 2 years. Still not fixed. he keeps buying "schit" motors.

Shame, as it was an excellent fishing boat. 17' springbok with forward & rear casting decks. Coupla bad pics below, but you can kind of get the idea.

I'm thinking I need a new boat. it's just the right size for the kids since they are still small, but we'll outgrow it quick.

Got back from chasing (literally) turkeys yesterday. We went 1-3 with some really crazy weather, hard rain mostly. The literal chasing came with this old fat man running through the woods to intercept a Tom. Not a pretty sight. Almost coughed up a lung. And almost swallowed my mouth call...all for naught.

We ate like men. Early on it was decided that we would eat only meat and pickled asparagus. Perch and pickled asparagus, Backstraps and pickled asparagus, more perch and pickled asparagus...well you can imagine what it smelled like at the urinal. Libations were plentiful. Good 3 days.

Nice pics of summer eyes. Seeing the pictures is nice, since the weather down here has been crappy.

Sounds like turkey hunting was good times. Never have had pickled asparagus intrigued...

Well hells bells I'll sell ya a boat.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Got back from chasing (literally) turkeys yesterday. We went 1-3 with some really crazy weather, hard rain mostly. The literal chasing came with this old fat man running through the woods to intercept a Tom. Not a pretty sight. Almost coughed up a lung. And almost swallowed my mouth call...all for naught.

That story reminds me of Grizzly_Bill and his one and only turkey slaying.

Good 'ol grizzly finally got a tom to come in for him nice and pretty and he took a swat at it, hitting it. But not well. It commenced the turkey flop but got up and started to move. Grizz poked at him again and missed. Took another shot and it went down.

He set his empty gun down and went to go get his tom. When he got up to it, the bird got up and went on the move again. Grizzly_Bill chased that bird up and down some hills in central WI for almost a mile before he was able to circle around it in a brush pile and beat it with a stick he found laying on the ground! That makes me laugh every time I think about it. The anger he must have reigned down on that tom when he caught up to it had to be impressive!

That's an awesome story Tom.

I can almost imagine it transpiring !!

Originally Posted by tzone

Well hells bells I'll sell ya a boat.

I might be interested. nothing fancy, carpet may be ok, but that's as nice as I'd dare to go. at least 16' and no livewell. maybe needing a paint job? but doesn't leak a drop.

also a plus if has a trailer that the lights work.

It's far from fancy. 1986 Alumacraft Classic 16.5' It does have a trailer, and lights that work. And a bad ass locator and Minnkota trolling motor.

You can paint it like a rainbow as far as I'm concerned. It does have carpet, seats, a console, 75hp suzuki 2stroke, and you'll have to take the livewell out.

Why wouldn't you want a livewell?

Get out of here livewell! Get away! Go away livewell!

Junk, we hate you livewell!

never use them, state law makes them impractical. can't remove any water from a lake, so all fish have to go on ice before leaving. and everything drained, so we just use a floating basket and throw them on ice when we leave anyway. it saves a step. plus they can get plugged with slime and gunk. I try to keep it as simple as possible when I'm corralling the youngins.

Good luck to the T-Team!!

Nice turkey Ryan.

I have a 1990 Crestliner Fishhawk 16'. '91 40 hp 4 cylinder Merc. Nothing fancy. Needs paint. If I did not want to use the live well for fish, I would turn it into a beer pop cooler.

Here are some OLD pics. The only ones I have.

Good luck on the turkey hunt Tom. I hope the wee one bags a big one!

That thing has a steering wheel!
man what will they think of next? a motor that will raise and lower itself with the push of a button!? or turn on with a button push? seriously, boats are getting more sophisticated every stinkin day. heard a guy tell me he can program where his boat will go and all he has to do is fish. I'll have to see that one to believe it though!

That actually is true. There is a trolling motor that self deploys and you can run it to the dock with a remote. The next boat will have one.

learn something new everyday. now if they had a lure that would seek out fish and jiggle in front of them til they bit, I would be all about that!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Got back from chasing (literally) turkeys yesterday. We went 1-3 with some really crazy weather, hard rain mostly. The literal chasing came with this old fat man running through the woods to intercept a Tom. Not a pretty sight. Almost coughed up a lung. And almost swallowed my mouth call...all for naught.

That story reminds me of Grizzly_Bill and his one and only turkey slaying.

Good 'ol grizzly finally got a tom to come in for him nice and pretty and he took a swat at it, hitting it. But not well. It commenced the turkey flop but got up and started to move. Grizz poked at him again and missed. Took another shot and it went down.

He set his empty gun down and went to go get his tom. When he got up to it, the bird got up and went on the move again. Grizzly_Bill chased that bird up and down some hills in central WI for almost a mile before he was able to circle around it in a brush pile and beat it with a stick he found laying on the ground! That makes me laugh every time I think about it. The anger he must have reigned down on that tom when he caught up to it had to be impressive!

Thanks Tom!

That one made me laugh out loud and brought a tear to my eye at the same time. Sure do miss Bill around here.

cf

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Got back from chasing (literally) turkeys yesterday. We went 1-3 with some really crazy weather, hard rain mostly. The literal chasing came with this old fat man running through the woods to intercept a Tom. Not a pretty sight. Almost coughed up a lung. And almost swallowed my mouth call...all for naught.

That story reminds me of Grizzly_Bill and his one and only turkey slaying.

Good 'ol grizzly finally got a tom to come in for him nice and pretty and he took a swat at it, hitting it. But not well. It commenced the turkey flop but got up and started to move. Grizz poked at him again and missed. Took another shot and it went down.

He set his empty gun down and went to go get his tom. When he got up to it, the bird got up and went on the move again. Grizzly_Bill chased that bird up and down some hills in central WI for almost a mile before he was able to circle around it in a brush pile and beat it with a stick he found laying on the ground! That makes me laugh every time I think about it. The anger he must have reigned down on that tom when he caught up to it had to be impressive!

Thanks Tom!

That one made me laugh out loud and brought a tear to my eye at the same time. Sure do miss Bill around here.

cf

Me too...

Wow you folks have been busy! Either that or I've been slacking the last 5-6 weeks. It took me an hour to catch up. The wild turkey stories make my mouth water. I would love to try a turkey moose as well. I'm guessing I'll have to visit Chickenbuck to lay eyes on one of them.

It's been a bit busy this spring and I'm way behind schedule. I added onto my shop. I went up 2' so I could get my large machines inside during rain weeks or winter months. I have a little left to finish but it's useable with a 13' tall door.

I picked up another dozer for my business a couple months ago. I know we all get tired of ND complaining about the road to camp so now I have the perfect machine to fix it. I'm waiting for him to decide on a full 4-lanes or just 2 lanes with some passing zones. Do we need a poll???

I'm cleaning an old ditch in a spot the locals refer to as "The Swamp". I buried my Ranger just trying to get my survey equipment close to the site. I'll finish that up in the morning then off to ND's area to do some erosion control along a drainage ditch.

It got warm and dry fast here this spring and with no rain to speak of, the farmers are rolling fast and hard. I'm having trouble keeping ahead of them. I normally work during rain days and wet weather while they sit for a few days but no moisture in sight.

I'll post some pics when I have the time and patients to jump through the hoops.

I had a lot more to add but I'm tired and tomorrow comes early. I'll try to keep up better next time. Take care all!!!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

Wow you folks have been busy! Either that or I've been slacking the last 5-6 weeks. It took me an hour to catch up. The wild turkey stories make my mouth water. I would love to try a turkey moose as well. I'm guessing I'll have to visit Chickenbuck to lay eyes on one of them.

It's been a bit busy this spring and I'm way behind schedule. I added onto my shop. I went up 2' so I could get my large machines inside during rain weeks or winter months. I have a little left to finish but it's useable with a 13' tall door.

I picked up another dozer for my business a couple months ago. I know we all get tired of ND complaining about the road to camp so now I have the perfect machine to fix it. I'm waiting for him to decide on a full 4-lanes or just 2 lanes with some passing zones. Do we need a poll???

I'm cleaning an old ditch in a spot the locals refer to as "The Swamp". I buried my Ranger just trying to get my survey equipment close to the site. I'll finish that up in the morning then off to ND's area to do some erosion control along a drainage ditch.

It got warm and dry fast here this spring and with no rain to speak of, the farmers are rolling fast and hard. I'm having trouble keeping ahead of them. I normally work during rain days and wet weather while they sit for a few days but no moisture in sight.

I'll post some pics when I have the time and patients to jump through the hoops.

I had a lot more to add but I'm tired and tomorrow comes early. I'll try to keep up better next time. Take care all!!!

Well you gotta put in a dedicated lane for all the Swamp Squids......

Originally Posted by White_Bear

I picked up another dozer for my business a couple months ago. I know we all get tired of ND complaining about the road to camp so now I have the perfect machine to fix it. I'm waiting for him to decide on a full 4-lanes or just 2 lanes with some passing zones. Do we need a poll???

If I get a vote...

I'd be happy to be able to in with a trailer. Missy drives a Chevy though so you might have to lay some Class 5 in there so she can make it in.

Sounds like he needs a toll booth out at the road......

There will be a shuttle available for chevy drivers.

Dave, howz ya cheby going ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There will be a shuttle available for chevy drivers.

There always has been!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave, howz ya cheby going ?

I'll tell ya when it ain't goin! Down that road to camp.

My chevy is gone.

Good riddance, never again.

Say it aint so !

She was a beauty, that just needed some lovin'.

What she needed was a chevy lover, and that's what she got.

Meanwhile, I'm back with the blue oval.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What she needed was a chevy lover, and that's what she got.

Meanwhile, I'm back with the blue oval.

[Linked Image]

Smart move!

Finally Dave, come back to your senses again. I am selling my 2012 ecoboost now. any takers? Nice truck Tzone, even throw in the Leer topper.

if it weren't for my Ford I wouldn't know my mechanic or see him nearly as much as I do.
today it's going in for the third time in as many weeks

Originally Posted by northern_dave

There will be a shuttle available for chevy drivers.

pffft....my chebby's always made it

I'm in da bidness & both make me happy !

3 years ago today we lost Dusty.

I've been too busy to comment on it, but I've thought of him today a lot.

Things are very different without him.

We sure miss him.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

3 years ago today we lost Dusty.

I've been too busy to comment on it, but I've thought of him today a lot.

Things are very different without him.

We sure miss him.

I've been thinking it was getting close to the date. Cancer can go to hell!

I went through this five times at our deer camp Dave. It just leaves a gaping hole. I'd love to tell you time will heal, but it really doesn't. You never quit looking for them to walk in the door, or down the trail dragging in a deer. No amount of time heals this hurt. All I can tell you is to try and dwell on the good memories, and put the bad ones aside somewhere.

Now I'm the next generation that's going to leave our camp. I can only hope that my son keeps it in good hands.

My condolences Dave.

I do miss dusty. Still hear that laugh every once in a while....and that dang smile!

From what Tom has told me about Dusty, his loss must have been devastaing.

Well we returned successful from our turkey trip. When I get pictures uploaded, to the computer, I'll post em! It was fun. Shot the biggest bird I've ever got and had a wonderful week with my daughter!

Congrats Tommy Boy.

just got done seeding another 2.25 acres of our home property into yard.

because I guess we didn't have enough to mow already.

Awesome T !

Pics soon ?

Mrs Deb turned 50 on Friday & it was a very busy weekend !!

Local Cancer fundraiser on Friday night. 750 Ladies & 65 men in black to serve them !

Followed by a trip to Thunder Bay Saturday for Celebration dinner Saturday night & Mothers Day Sunday.

Guess I'll be chasing an older woman for the next 20 something days !

Happy Birthday to a lovely lady Paul! They just keep getting better with age.....

Yes they DO !

I've known Deb since we were 12, started dating at 16, married at 22, Daughter at 28, Son at 30, moved to Canada at 39 ..............

We've shared so much with each other & our 2 kids are our lives !

Wouldn't change a thing.

Good times, great pictures!

Thanks Dave, sorry for imposing on your thread, thought you might not mind though - family values all ?

Paul,
Great pictures,good story.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Dave, sorry for imposing on your thread, thought you might not mind though - family values all ?

I don't mind in the slightest, I'm a spectator here as much as I am a participant.

awesome pictures paul! Looks like a fun event.

Looks like it was fun times for you Paul!!

Congrats Tom on your hunt!!

Good luck to all heading to the lakes for walleye opener.

Be safe and have fun.

Doesn't open here till May 21st & I'll be in the Mediterranean, cruising with my lovely wife ! Greece, Southern Italy & Spain, here we come. Part of our 50th year celebrations !

Guess it'll be June before I can chase some 'eyes !

Good luck to you guys.

So who went out fishing for the Minnesota walleye opener yesterday? Too cold for me!

Me too. It's open next weekend as well!

Yeah, was a brutal weekend up here too !

3" snow Saturday & 2" rain Sunday.

Wind didn't let up till 5pm Sunday afternoon.

Hope Siberian Dave made it through !

Paul, did any of the rain/snow hit the fire areas?

I can't complain about our weekend. It was sweatshirt weather, we got more yard work done and planted some trees.

I ended up working all weekend in the yard too. Going to go fishing Sunday. Trying to talk Fluffy into joining me.

I worked around the house, and the boy played baseball all weekend. No fish for me. April and her kids are moving out so we are packing up their stuff. I have approximately 2300 small projects around the house to do.

I was thinking about getting a town home because the housing market for houses like ours has skyrocket. I can make some pretty good coin right now, but I'm not sure that's the game I want to play?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Paul, did any of the rain/snow hit the fire areas?

I can't complain about our weekend. It was sweatshirt weather, we got more yard work done and planted some trees.

Sweatshirt, sheesh, you're a tuff 'n Dave.

It was back to winter coats/stay inside for us.

While the snow & rain probably helped, the wind wouldn't of !

Think the one at the Manitoba border is under control, not sure about further west.

Been reading about "the yard project", lots of hard work never kilt anybody ! You'll be blessed by the outcome, once finished.

Thanks

After roller packing the entire area of additional yard (we added on to our existing yard), I think we may have made a mistake, lol!

I roll packed it with a 6' wide packer, so I have a bit of an idea how long it will take to go over it all with a 72" mower deck. It's going to be a lot of work.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks

After roller packing the entire area of additional yard (we added on to our existing yard), I think we may have made a mistake, lol!

I roll packed it with a 6' wide packer, so I have a bit of an idea how long it will take to go over it all with a 72" mower deck. It's going to be a lot of work.

lol! I want a 40 acre lot...with a 20'x50' yard!

You could put in some landscaping. You'll have to mow around it, but not over it.

Screen house? Gazebo? Pond? Mini, old school gas station for displaying/photographing cars?

Originally Posted by tzone

Screen house? Gazebo? Pond? Mini, old school gas station for displaying/photographing cars?

Yes

Originally Posted by tzone

Mini, old school gas station for displaying/photographing cars?

Ohhh...I like that idea! This came to mind right away. My photobucket doesn't cooperate at work so I'll have to attach a link to the pic. This is a little gas station that used to be in Walcott, ND. It now sits on the grounds of the Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag.

https://www.google.com/search?q=walcott+gas+station&biw=1920&bih=943&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwigxLfMyuHMAhWJ5oMKHQHiBuYQ_AUICCgD#tbm=isch&q=walcott%2C+nd+gas+station+now+in+Rollag&imgrc=KCk134jYsEckaM%3A

Waylon and I used to road trip out that way and thought it was pretty cool.

Sorry, it looks like you'll have to copy and paste the link

ND should put a deep pond there. Stock her wit crappies. Then when they get up to be about 13inchers or so throw some tip ups out in the winter time. While your working on cars, can run for the flags.

Or when to busy for the big pond, you could put the ice castle on the pond. Just a thought, maybe i have to much time on me hands. To come up with such idears.

I'm no doctor, but I would say these are normal Minnesota man brain thoughts.

lol.

Raise buffaros! When baby buffaro get rost, I put baby buffaro in caw and bring house. Then you courd ufinize baby buffaro and put on Hibachi!!

I don't see a buffalo lasting longer than a day at Camp Shaw! lol. Too many things to cook meat on there!

I do like me some grilled tatanka.

I was out at camp this morning. Drove right in with the heavy diesel so I am calling the trail very passable at the moment.

I fetched up the BBQ grill from camp so I can run it along with our home grill in prep for Nate's graduation. I'm smoking 60-70 lbs of pork.

I also grabbed a few live trees from around the cabin for transplant at home. Some birch and a couple different pines. Hopefully they will survive the transplant to our new yard area at home.

I noticed that the blueberry plants are in full bloom, the plants look good.

We have a pair of geese with babies living out in the cabin yard, also spotted a rabbit munching grass in the yard as I loaded the BBQ grill off the cabin porch. Saw 4 deer on my quick trip to the forest too.

It sure is nice out there, we should be out there enjoying the forest before the bugs go mental on us and make it non fun.

I am a little late to the post-fishing opener party...

I was not smart enough to stay in the cabin. The rest of our opener crew also scraped the frost off their locators and boat seats as well.

I have to say Saturday was the most miserable day I have ever spent in a boat. It was 26 degrees both Saturday and Sunday mornings and Saturday's wind was flat brutal.

I have fished the same lake on opener since 1962 and this was the first year I have not caught a walleye. It was a crawler bite this year and I was pitching a jig and shiner on purpose.

The lake has a pretty good snot rocket population and I love fishing for them. They were even a bit tentative but still were eager to munch shiners. As a result, my daughter and I went through 3 dozen shiners opening morning catching a LOT of pike.

The others caught walleyes and a ton of pike. Saturday night we invite our family members to the cabin for a fish fry. This has been a tradition for decades and we had more than enough fillets to feed everyone.

It was a great opener despite the wind and cold.....

Dave, the blueberries were in full bloom when we got hit by the frost three nights in a row. Needless to say, the white blossoms turned brown in a hurry. It is going to be a slim crop this summer....

Sounds like a fun quick trip to the camp dave!

Mike, I've been in the boat enough on the miserable days to know I don't want to do it anymore. It makes it not fun, for me anyway.

Rain I can handle, but those conditions you guys were in were flat nasty. Good for you guys for sticking it out though.

Thanks T!!

We have a bunch that loves to fish no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. We have fished in snowstorms, rain and the occasional sun.

Several of us have fished tournaments for years where you get used to staying out in whatever the conditions are. But Saturday had all of us questioning our sanity. We traditionally go out just before sunrise then come in for breakfast around nine or so, then go back out again. This year we were heading in at 8 with no stragglers!

Guides freezing up was the biggest problem. It took only a couple of casts before it was time to thaw things out. And you didn't want to leave the minnow dipper out of the bucket either.

I'll be getting the boat wet for the first time this Sunday. Going out early on Prior, and getting off before all the idiots show up. Next Friday I'll start exploring some of the smaller, non descript lakes nearby. I always end up on Prior or Spring, but it's time to see what else is out there.

Went fishing at Ottertail last weekend. Sat was too miserable to fish much but Sunday afternoon we got limits of 1.5# to 2.5# males in 8 feet of water on jigs and shiners near the SW end of lake. Not much wind in the aft and very nice fishing in hooded jackets. Two years ago caught limits off dock in river on north side in the evenings but nothing there this year.

Yeah, it sounded like the hearty souls that endured the cold last weekend got their fish. I just wasn't going out in that cold weather.

Well, the boat's all set to go, I went to the bait shop. Got some water freezing in the freezer. Thermos is next to the coffee maker ready to go. The guys at Prior Lake Bait and Tackle say the bite is on big time. Crappies are laid up on the shallow wood for the spawn. Walleyes are biting good. Can't wait to hit the water. Good Lord willing, I'll be on the water by 4 a.m. Hopefully, good reports to come.

Three small bass and about a half dozen crappies. First time on the water this season. Trailer lights, as usual, are a mystery. Both turn signals worked, neither running light on the tail lights did. Motor started right up, but seems to have no top end, which it did sporadically last year. I don't know if I've got a bad gas line and it's starving for gas at high throttle, or a weak coil???? Any ideas guys?

Change your sprark plug first.

Trailer light could have their own college program and nobody would still be able to figure them out! Damn things! Lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Change your sprark plug first.

Trailer light could have their own college program and nobody would still be able to figure them out! Damn things! Lol

Yeah, me and trailer lights never get along real well.

Spark plugs were new last year. It did this on me a couple times then too.

So my ancient Motor Guide trolling motor is about done. I figure I'm in this boat for this year and then hope to upgrade next year. I'm looking on Wal-Mart's web site and they list Ozark Trail trolling motors. Ozark Trail is their store brand. Does anyone have any idea who they have making these for them? Can't tell by the looks of it's a Minn Kota or ???????

can you send a pic? I'll be able to tell you probably.

I'll try to look it up as well.

I'm a big Minnkota fan. From entry level to top of the line, they've served me well.

That sure looks like the motorguide from last years model. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. $20 cheaper than the comparable minnkota.

Anybody heard from Stan?

Nada-and thanks for the input on the trolling motor. They've got a 44 lbs. thrust with a 36" shaft and an extra propellar for $100.00 if I remember right, and I get a 10% associate discount and free shipping to the store.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Change your sprark plug first.

Trailer light could have their own college program and nobody would still be able to figure them out! Damn things! Lol

Yeah, me and trailer lights never get along real well.

Tru dat! Went late season duck hunting. Thought I'd break the shelf ice with the boat on the trailer backing down the ramp. Worked like a charm. Took my trailer lights with it. I rewired some new ones, exactly like the new ones and according to the diagram. Haven't been the same since. I think they're possessed.

On a good day I get any combination of more than two lights to work. Good days don't happen very often.....

gopher, you need to switch to led taillights.
I had the same problems as you,lights works on trip to the lake,return trip they don't.Half the time ,its the bulb connections are oxidized,you pull the lense off ,touch the bulb,and it works....for awhile.
since I switched to the led fixtures,just plug them in,and they work.
just have to keep the vehicle to trailer plug clean now , a job unto itself.

Originally Posted by fluffy

gopher, you need to switch to led taillights.
I had the same problems as you,lights works on trip to the lake,return trip they don't.Half the time ,its the bulb connections are oxidized,you pull the lense off ,touch the bulb,and it works....for awhile.
since I switched to the led fixtures,just plug them in,and they work.
just have to keep the vehicle to trailer plug clean now , a job unto itself.

If I end up rewiring the trailer again before selling the boat, I'll go LED.

Originally Posted by tzone

Anybody heard from Stan?

I see Mr Stan on the Facebooks machine.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Change your sprark plug first.

Trailer light could have their own college program and nobody would still be able to figure them out! Damn things! Lol

Yeah, me and trailer lights never get along real well.

Nobody ever does! lol. Stupid trailers.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Anybody heard from Stan?

I see Mr Stan on the Facebooks machine.

OK good.

Tom,I read here most every day and as Dave said I am on Facebook.
Just an update,I quit working almost full time at the gun shop after 10-1/2 years. I do go in one afternoon a week for four hours to keep in the loop,so to speak, so that that I can fill in for vacations.
Feels great.Getting mucho reloading done and planning a pig/coyote hunt in a week or so down south of here.
Also getting a much neglected yard back in shape.
Thank you for thinking of me.

Stan in SC

Well for once this old fart caught a little break. My trolling motor crapped out on me last Saturday while out on the lake. I was thinking about just replacing it any ways. It's an old Motor Guide with a lot of hard use behind it. Decided I'd take a look at it in case it was something simple. Took the handle apart and sure enough, the on/off switch was stuck, and shot. I went to the hardware store, bought a simple on/off button switch, wired it up, and she came back to life. I guess I don't have to buy a motor after all!

Special thanks to Dave for this little corner of the 'Fire so many of us have called home for quite some time now. As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I hope we all recognize that this is about more than brats and BBQ. My deepest thanks to Dave, and all our other members who felt the call to serve. I can't imagine there's any of us on here who don't have someone in their lives, or themselves, who served their country. My deepest thanks to those who served. To those who lost a loved one in combat, or in service, know that there are others who share your grief. I hope everyone has a good weekend, and takes time to remember.

GG,well said and I share your wish.

Stan in SC

'Got off work early today. I came home and Cathy's daycare kids were screaming like banshees. Good excuse to go fishing. The sunnies are moving in to spawn. I went to some friends of ours who live on Prior Lake and between me and my daughter, we caught 26. All big males. Fish fry tomorrow night!

My boy caught his first walleye tonight, it was a 14.75 we had to throw back (15" minimum), but this one was a doozie!

he also caught his biggest crappie yet, didn't measure or weight it (probably should have)

all in all it was a great father/son fishing excursion!
headed back tomorrow morning for some more *fingers crossed

Love those pics, Ryan! What a great smile on that kid's face.

Ryan,his smile made my day.

Stan in SC

this one is from this morning, he is really coming along as a fisherman. learning lots, making mistakes and learning from them as well. he's already outfishing me!

He has sure grown up Ryan. Been a while since I've been on here. Have not had a chance to catch up. Only have about 25 pages to go.

Yeah, you don't look at this page for a few days and it's like you missed a few months.

The smiles on your young man's face says it all Ryan!!

Thank you to all who served so we can have conversations like those on this thread.....

Great pics Ryan!

Best wishes to our internet fire hosts and good friends (Dave and Pam) as they celebrate Nathan's graduation today! Congratulations Nate!!

Our oldest son graduated yesterday. What a proud and unexpectedly emotional moment that was. His Mom cried through the whole thing because...well...that's what Moms do.

I was just standing there feeling proud of the fine young man he has become until he brought us each a rose and gave me the biggest, tightest, longest hug I have gotten since dropping him off for his first day of school. The wave of emotions that ran through me during that father/son hug is something I will never forget in all my life.

He is going to school for Diesel Mechanics in the fall and already has an internship lined up at a JD dealership in which they will help pay for his schooling. He also received $1000 in scholarships so that will help with books and such.

Don't mean to brag but I'm a pretty proud Papa today.

Happy Memorial Day everybody! God bless our soldiers past and present!

Excellent rooster!! Congrats to him and Nate! Big things ahead for them both. I have no doubt!

Originally Posted by Muffy

He has sure grown up Ryan. Been a while since I've been on here. Have not had a chance to catch up. Only have about 25 pages to go.

Hey Muff Meister! How was the wheelin this weekend?

Great pictures guys. I probably have a grad pic I can post. We are still run over with family and friends, weekend guests, been too busy to check in or post.

Great photo!!

Congrats Nate!!

Fantastic Ryan !!

Wow, 3, rightly, proud folk !

Well done to all.

Congrats to the family! Now the heavy lifting begins. Good luck to all.

Looking forward to trying out, the thoughtful, birthday present, from my man child !

Love to cook in these & haven't had one since leaving Austraia !

That is very cool!

I made it out fishing before work today for a lil bit. 5 jumbo crappies and 3 nice walleyes from 15"-19" came home with me.
threw 3 or 4 back that were just under the 15" limit for the lake. also caught a 3lb largemouth that is still swimming. it was a beautiful morning on the water!

Nicely done!!!! Quick little trip like that sometimes are the best.

ND you piss out those stones yet?

Been thinking of all the pain you have been in , a whats worse scenario.

I have had the Gout,Bone Spurs, and Fractured ankles, wondering how that compares to the kidney stones.

First day of Mn. muskie season-anybody out chasing old snaggletooth today?

Working on it none ducks.

Yesterday we journeyed south about 45 miles to my grandson's high school graduation ceremony.
Been to more than several grand child's high school graduation over the past five years. Only one left and that is two years off and in Texas.
Of course in between we have been to several college graduations of grand children and one late finishing child(my youngest daughter) who interrupted her education to start a family and later continued her college and finished.
Tomorrow we travel 100 miles north for my wife's family reunion.Busy weekend.

Stan in SC

Congrats Stan. These are good problems to have.

I'm chasing the two legged snagged toohers.

Careful,Tom. Them snagged toohers can be ferocious.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm chasing the two legged snagged toohers.

I've heard that the ones with dentures do some very good work with their gums........

I'll let you work with the toothless ones. Where do you think we are? WI? I'm finished with Packer fans.

Was a slow bite on Saturday, but they were good fish !

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll let you work with the toothless ones. Where do you think we are? WI? I'm finished with Packer fans.

Tommy, you gotta ask me about The Legend of the Green Toothed Hag some time.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm finished with Packer fans.

Welcome back!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Was a slow bite on Saturday, but they were good fish !

Yummy!

Well, I wish I'd gotten walleyes, but I did get out for a couple hours today and caught my 20 sunnies. They're running nice size-1/2 to 3/4 pounders. Everything was biting. I threw about a dozen casts with a Smithwick Devil's Horse and caught 5 bass including one that was probably pushing 5 lbs. I actually has a bass come up and try to eat my little red and white bobber I was using for the sunnies! They're on the beds in about 3 feet of water.

Going to switch over to suspended crappies and walleyes on Tuesday. Hoping to get on the lake by about 4:30, hit the walleyes till shortly after sunrise, switch to crappies, and then maybe go get some sunnies afterwards. I need a couple more good batches of fish in the freezer.

Weather looks pretty sporty for tomorrow. Might have to stay home and stay dry.

must be what we got this afternoon. rained buckets and threw hailstones the size of baseballs in places.

good luck!

This sounds rude, but what the heck.

Dave, howz ya stones ?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

must be what we got this afternoon. rained buckets and threw hailstones the size of baseballs in places.

good luck!

When I was in the BH's this time last year, there was a storm with baseball sized hail as well. Literally went THROUGH cars. Crazy.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

This sounds rude, but what the heck.

Dave, howz ya stones ?

oh I'm fulla pains, but a kidney stone aint one of em at the moment. lol.

Thanks for the concern.

Caught about a dozen bass today. Chartreuse spinnerbait around the docks. I thought maybe I'd get on the walleyes or at least some decent pike with this weather moving in, but no luck. Made a run for the ramp when I heard the first thunder clap. Just pulled in the garage with the boat when it started raining.

Yeah, we got a few doozie storms yesterday. Ditches are full right to the top around my place.

SWEET!!!!!!!!! Lol could swim and check for minnows might be able to get a buck or two

I need a scope on the 308......... Thinking of guns these magpies are all over by my treehouse it's a magpie gold mine.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

I need a scope on the 308......... Thinking of guns these magpies are all over by my treehouse it's a magpie gold mine.

/Dad-your boy needs a scope. I wouldn't doubt there's a broom out in the shop somewhere that needs used. Put the lad to work earning some money to get that new scope!

haha! Well he's going to need a very good broom if he's going to buy one of the Leica rifle scopes he was showing me last night! Lol!

LOL. Get after it Chickenbuck Joe!

Let me take a look at home to see what I have laying around.

I do have a couple scopes laying around at home here that he could put on temporarily. I think we'll get him into something in the lines of VX1-VX2 range.

Doesn't have to be a Leica scope.

It would be nice to have one though.

Good call on that Joe. The Leicas run around $2500

hahaha

Aw come on Dad-get the lad what he wants!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Aw come on Dad-get the lad what he wants!

that scope could wait with that $2500 could get a old truck! i prefer truck but a scope that me and my dad been looking at is really nice.

I dont think dad would budge on buying the leica scope!

I hope those deer are ready to get shot by a 308! lol... gots to hurt.

Joe, I love your enthusiasm! I hope to see a pic of you this fall of a buck knocked to the ground by your new rifle.

thanks im sure when i shoot him ill post a pic or dad will

I think it's safe to say everyone here is really looking forward to that day Joe.

It would be cool to have the first deer shot with the 308 to be a buck!

And at chickenbuck too Joey!! get them food plots going out there! right outside the cabin window!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

And at chickenbuck too Joey!! get them food plots going out there! right outside the cabin window!

ya but ill put one out of my moms stand.... putting trail cam out this weekend

hopfully i can find the cam

Looks like I'm not bringing trail cam forgot/don't no we're it is

But I'm going to scope things out for buck sign....

'Hope you find a bunch of 'em Joe.

Have a good Father's Day everyone!

Hope you're on the mend Mrs. ND. Joe, take care of your mom. I bet you'll see glass on that new .308 before you know it.

Lots of.tracks and trails couple trees down on trails...

How's the swamp squid situation joe?

Rumor has it Dave's in the market for a Swamp Squid eradification system in the form of a shootin' iron.........

Never thought I needed a 223 beings I have a 220 swift and a 22-250. But all I hear about lately is how dangerous and powerful they are. War machines etc.

All because of the AR platform supposedly. I'm really not one to buy into hype like that because I feel like I know better. But I guess I didn't always know about chicken bucks, flying bears, swamp squids either. Maybe an AR is the right rifle to battle swamp squids?

I seriously thought it might be something like a guitar gun that i would need for bringing swampy down.

I don't have a big desire to have an AR but many they're fun to shoot!

Jack uses a .223 Ruger American Compact for his deer rifle. We have a blast shooting that.

I sighted in my new CZ 452 22lr on Saturday. Man what a little shooter that gun is! I'm going to have a lot of fun with that me thinks.

Now for the downside. I shot my Ruger 10/22 afterwards to see if the scope was still on and realized for the first time how crappy them triggers are.

After shooting the CZ, the Ruger felt like I was trying to pull an elephant through a woodpecker hole!

Dave,

Just caught up on your weekend adventures, via the birthday thread.

Firstly, hoping Pam's recovering & no complications !

Secondly, happy Birthday !

Thirdly, saw you were storm watching yesterday. Hopefully the hail missed you. 40km west of us (Vermilion Bay) got belted with golf ball sized stuff & lots of tree & some structure damage.

Those CZ .22's are a sweet little rifle Rooster!

The 452, 453 and 455's all shoot well. My son has a 452 like yours and I have a 453 with a set trigger. Despite what some say on here, the triggers on the CZ's are pretty darn nice. The set trigger on my 453 is really, really nice....

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Despite what some say on here, the triggers on the CZ's are pretty darn nice.

I didn't see any problems with the 452 trigger at all other than it made me realize how bad the trigger is on my 10/22

Dave, I'm thinkin' you need to go big or go home with the dreaded swamp squids. I'm thinking at least a .600 Nitro Express. If the ammo is less than $10.00 per round it's just too darned small........

Have they got .600 Nitro on an AR platform yet?

Better go Ackley Improved too.

Hey! I actually have a box of a more for a .476 NE if you're interested! :grin

They will do that!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey! I actually have a box of a more for a .476 NE if you're interested! :grin

I don't know, that's a little on the light side.........those swamp squids are pretty tough!

45-70 will get the job done.

Stan in SC

If you want to stick with the AR platform, the .458 SOCOM would make a nice hammer. That should put the hurt on flying bears and the like.

Originally Posted by tzone

How's the swamp squid situation joe?

population 477

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Never thought I needed a 223 beings I have a 220 swift and a 22-250. But all I hear about lately is how dangerous and powerful they are. War machines etc.

All because of the AR platform supposedly. I'm really not one to buy into hype like that because I feel like I know better. But I guess I didn't always know about chicken bucks, flying bears, swamp squids either. Maybe an AR is the right rifle to battle swamp squids?

I seriously thought it might be something like a guitar gun that i would need for bringing swampy down.

man if you gunna bring down a army of swamp squids your gunna need an army

looks like we already have an army to wipe out 477 swamp squids chicken bucks on our side [chicken buck population 2560]

Originally Posted by Azar

If you want to stick with the AR platform, the .458 SOCOM would make a nice hammer. That should put the hurt on flying bears and the like.

flying bears had a fight up against swamp squids swamp squids won flying bear population 55

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by tzone

How's the swamp squid situation joe?

population 477

That's quite a bit Joe. How are we going to handle this?

I vote for napalm !

Carefully.

Can they re-barrel an A-10 to .600 Nitro?

Dave can do anything.

He's proved it, over & over !

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Can they re-barrel an A-10 to .600 Nitro?

Can you say Swamp Squid sushi?

what happened to the old tried and true knife gun?

Nemo arms makes some really big AR's, high quality stuff.

Man, are we ever putting some expensive thoughts in CBJ's head here or what? 'Best break out the checkbook Dave.......

Break it out? He doesn't put it away.

That Swamp Squid gun's gonna need at the very least a Steiner on it.

Funny Riflemen magazine just had a article on big bore AR's.

.50 Beowulf® - alexanderarms.com

Author claims this will take care of all North American animals. Guess hes never been up nort to see and face the mighty swamp squid.

Yeah, that guy hasn't been to the chickenbuck.

Lawdy, nothing lighter than 20mm for the cat tail slinging, swamp water living, genus architeuthis.

The tamarack bog overlay feeds the underlying bottomless swamp waters with highly alkaline magnesium carbonates, dissolved calcium and traces of unobtainium. This of course results in gigantism in freshwater Architeuthidae. (G-damn swamp squid)

Hell I've seen those swamps eat 4-wheelers, tractors, and lawnmowers!

They eat a lot of deer, and not the sick or old ones.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Yeah, that guy hasn't been to the chickenbuck.

Lawdy, nothing lighter than 20mm for the cat tail slinging, swamp water living, genus architeuthis.

The tamarack bog overlay feeds the underlying bottomless swamp waters with highly alkaline magnesium carbonates, dissolved calcium and traces of unobtainium. This of course results in gigantism in freshwater Architeuthidae. (G-damn swamp squid)

Exactly does'nt everybody know that's how swamp squid come to be. Common knowledge right!!!!

Well in all fairness, it started with a small space squid crash about 12 years ago, space squid Don't need salt water. It's not politically correct to call them "alien" squid, so we say swamp squid.

And then they got big, on account of the stuff I said before.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hell I've seen those swamps eat 4-wheelers, tractors, and lawnmowers!

.....and Fords too?

We must have got some of that Unobtanium down in the areas I hunt. Either that or I just really suck at seeing deer.......

I gotta brag on my son and his buddies a bit here guys. Eric and Lindsay came up from Indiana for the weekend. Eric's got a group of guys that get together a couple times a year up at Chengwatana State Forest for a day of shooting on the public range. I went with these guys last year, and found them all to be good, well mannered young men, and very safe at the range. What impressed me the most, was their concern about leaving the range in better shape than they found it. Everyone was picking up litter, target debris, and shell casings.

Nice to know my son has some good friends. The highlight of the day for me was my son giving me a FEG clone of a Browning Hi Power. I've always wanted one of these, and he just gave me one. We've swapped a few guns back and forth the last couple years, and he'll end up with all my stuff anyways, but I was really overjoyed with his generosity. The gun came with 4 magazines, including a 30 rounder.

Eric and I pulled out of Chengwatana State Forest in front of the nasty weather that blew through that area. If anyone's been back to the State range in there, they know about the road in. Most of it cuts through a swamp-dirt road all the way. We talked to some of the guys who were still there when we left. They got caught in the storm that moved through, and it ended up getting a little sporty getting out of there. They got 3 1\2 inches of rain in less than ah hour there tonight, and the road was flooding and washing out, and that's the only road out of there. We had noted that the water in the swamp on each side of the road was high all ready, probably within a foot of going onto the road at that time. 'Sounds like everyone made it out, but I guess it got a little touch and go getting through some of the low spots for them.

Eric and his lovely wife pull out this morning headed back to Indiana. It was a really good weekend, and I hate to see my boy going home to Indiana. We will match up again for deer season opener in Pennsylvania. It is hard that they live so far away from us. Their pending move to North Carolina won't make it easier. Oh well, I guess they're only a flight away. Maybe once he gets settled, we will do some deer hunting down there together. Good bye, good luck, and Godspeed, Son.

The kids and I headed up to Duluth for a few grad parties this weekend. The weather was really nice for the most part up there but the fishing was not. We got weathered off the river on Saturday afternoon but the storm only lasted an hour or so.

We fished for trout in the Lester River on Saturday and then for whatever was biting on Island Lake on Sunday, mid-morning before the grad party that was only a few miles away. We got a few bites on Saturday, I lost fish of some sort on Sunday. It had teeth because it bit off my 4# test Vanish I was using.

It was fun to fish with the kids and mostly play around in my old stomping grounds.

It was a good weekend.

Glad you had a good weekend Tom. Eric and Lindsay just left, so we're a bit melancholy around here right now.

The wife and I decided to go on a little getaway so we packed up the truck and went to Bemidji and stayed in a neat little cabin. The cabins were built in the 1920's. Very rustic. It was a fun weekend.

Gopher - It sounds like your boy and his buddies are good kids.

At lunch today Joey told Nathan and I that his "Sugar pressure" was low.

Does anybody have a syrup pump I could borrow?

That's awesome!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

At lunch today Joey told Nathan and I that his "Sugar pressure" was low.

Does anybody have a syrup pump I could borrow?

Ya, I'm guessin' the little guy is usually lke this;

Originally Posted by Rooster7

The wife and I decided to go on a little getaway so we packed up the truck and went to Bemidji and stayed in a neat little cabin. The cabins were built in the 1920's. Very rustic. It was a fun weekend.

Gopher - It sounds like your boy and his buddies are good kids.

Thanks for the kind words. I'll relay the message to Eric and the guys. They really are a good bunch.

Oh I'd still keep an eye on Rooster.

9 years ago today, was a terrible day.

There was a plane crash, my best friend was on the plane.

A crushing day, absolutely crushing.

I knew we were coming up on this day.

I'm sorry you lost your best friend...I can't begin to know how you feel, but you know where I stand for the Shaws and Waylon and Dusty's family. I'll be here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

9 years ago today, was a terrible day.

There was a plane crash, my best friend was on the plane.

A crushing day, absolutely crushing.

"Crushing" is a good word for it. I'll also add devastating and surreal. Like this can't be real. It just can't be...

I have another very good friend that had a tumor removed from his brain at the Mayo clinic last week. He went to get the results of the tests yesterday and they gave him 5 years tops.

This day sucks

To no one in particular...Go hug your kids and thank your lucky stars for your days you have. I don't mean to sound like a Bob Ross painting with happy trees and friendly clouds, but lets be thankful for what we have.

I've watched some F'd up stuff the last few days and MAN and I thankful for what I've had in life so far and for where I don't live!

Well said T.

Now my sister just emailed me and my niece is getting a CT scan on her head. She has been sick and dizzy for awhile now.

Some campfire prayers would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Important, truthful words/sentiments there Tommy !

Love 'em everyday you got 'em.

Even a full life is short !

Coming your way Looster !

Thanks Paul

Cheers man, that's why we gravitate to Dave's great thread.

Apart from a great place to BS/chew the fat & see & hear some great stuff, this thread was built from compassion & kindness to our "fellow man", love your brother from another mother & be there for each other when & as needed.

I like it !

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Well said T.

Now my sister just emailed me and my niece is getting a CT scan on her head. She has been sick and dizzy for awhile now.

Some campfire prayers would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

You got those sent your way pronto!

It does not seem like it was that many years ago Dave. It seems as though it was just yesterday......

I often think about Waylon and always ask myself why. He was an outstanding young man that was full of life with a lovely family. The sky was the limit as far as what he could accomplish in life. He had everything going his way.

Then, nine years ago, came the news.....

Life is not always fair.

Sorry to hear it's a gloomy day around here guys. I don't know anything about this one, but if one of us hurts, we all hurt. My deepest condolences to the Shaws and all others touched by this tragic event. We tend to forget about how others are suffering some times. Our little worlds get so insular, we lose track of what's important, and that's making sure we take care of each other. This is a very special group on this thread, and while many of us will never meet face to face, I think it's safe to say we have a LOT of friends out there who really do care. To my many friends here, I say you are thought of every day. Condolences, prayers, and well wishes gentlemen.

When that sugar pressure gets low you gotta get some sugar!!!

Ice cream will help you Joe!

been awhile folks. just caught up. I can tell you this:

1. Fishing in Canada is way good.
2. The temp in Austin Texas is not way good.
3. New yellow lab puppies like to chew on things.
4. My boys do not need any additional sugar pressure.

Carry on then.

So who's doing what for the 4th? I've got a date with some crappies and northerns in a couple little nondescript lakes up in the Emily area. Can't wait to get the hell out of Dodge for a few hours.

Heading to the in laws cabin. Then back to my home town on Sunday for my Dad's 81st birthday. Then back to the lake for the fourth.

I'm off all week so there will probably be a lot of yard work type stuff getting done.

I see a few piles of crappies in my future. I have a week off for the first time since deer season and this time the weather is nice! Lol

There's I'll be BBQ's and beer, and bait. I can't wait.

If by chance you find your self up in the Emily area, Tom. Look us up at the Lake Emily Resort. Boat will be in the water and ready to go.

I'm taking the whole week off work. it will be the longest break from work I will have had in 6 years. it is badly needed and I'm going to fish with my kids and get some things done that I need to do.

Have a safe and Happy 4th everyone, will be up at LOW for the weekend then off to Chicago till the 13th for some BasketBall. Nike tournament of Champions. Should be fun. Take care and god bless!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

been awhile folks. just caught up. I can tell you this:

1. Fishing in Canada is way good.
2. The temp in Austin Texas is not way good.
3. New yellow lab puppies like to chew on things.
4. My boys do not need any additional sugar pressure.

Carry on then.

Lol....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by tzone

How's the swamp squid situation joe?

population 477

That's quite a bit Joe. How are we going to handle this?

Well it's going to be interesting but chicken bucks are taking care of it

Trying to

My wife and mother have volunteered me to cook ribs for the 4th picnic. I am not particularly skilled in this endeavor - just because I usually have to man the grill at such events does not make me an experienced rib man.

I need some help. I know Dave has a method that certainly looks delicious. I can't find it though. Please save this beleaguered grill cook from having to make a last minute Oscar Meyer run.

Other than that, I'll be drinking beer. Happy 4th everyone!

Happy 4th to everyone. Charlie sorry i am no help to you. Never tried making them.

Hopefully ND will chime in.

It's late, i will touch on what i can say about the rib efforts tomorrow.

Pork ribs. There a few different cuts you can end up with. Baby backs are probably the most presentable if it's a visual thing, because they are the most semetrical with a nice little bone from one end of the rack to the other, no cross grain junk. Spare ribs can be a better value I think. Price per pound is usually better and the racks are bigger. But you have to inspect your "spare" cuts at the store, feel the package, feel for bone etc. Spares can sometimes be rib tips and kind of a belly cut. That's ok if that's what you are looking for, you can cook them the same and they taste good, it's just not as clean and predictable as a higher cut (closer to the spine).St Louis cut is usually a safe bet, it's a cleaned up spare rib rack. They trim the biscuit flap off the bottom of the cut.

Anyways, as far as cooking the ribs goes, you can do a multi step process with wrapping part way through or you can go full out chest thumping man card mode and thumb your nose at the foil.

I like to check the back side of the rack for membrane. If it hasn't been peeled by the meat cutter it will be slick and shiny. You can work a butter knife under it to loosen it, then grab with your fingers and peel it off like a big bumper sticker. I like to dry rub both sides of the rack and i start my cooking with the meat side up. I try for about 220-225 air temp in the cooker, I use charcoal. Some indirect placement or at least a good distance from the coals will help you. (This is just my opinion, I don't care for black, crispy burned food)

I add wood chips to smoke hard right away, I hit it with the smoke as soon as it goes on. My fav is s fruit wood like Apple or cherry, but hickory, alder, mesquite, what ever, it all works.

A popular process for a heavy rack is to cook)smoke at around 225f for 3 hours, then wrap in foil with 6 oz or so of apple cider added in the foil, meat side down, close the foil so you are trapping steam/moisture. 2 hours like that, same cook temp. Then you open the foil, carefully roll the rack back over meat side up and finish without foil. This is where you can brush on a sauce if you like. Cook for up to an hour like this to kind of firm the rack up a bit and caramelize the glaze (sauce) if you like.

Smaller, thinner racks will want reduced times for all of these steps. Thinner baby back racks may call for 2.5, 1 and maybe 1/2 hour.

If you don't want to mess with foil wrapping, you can shoot for 5-6 hours on the heat, bone side down and you can brush or mist with something like an apple cider mixed with vinegar to keep the meat from drying out.

A HAPPY CHICKENBUCK FOURTH
OF JULY to you all!!!

Stan in SC

The old Jurassic park is very violent

Happy fourth everyone

You and everyone else Joey!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pork ribs. There a few different cuts you can end up with. Baby backs are probably the most presentable if it's a visual thing, because they are the most semetrical with a nice little bone from one end of the rack to the other, no cross grain junk. Spare ribs can be a better value I think. Price per pound is usually better and the racks are bigger. But you have to inspect your "spare" cuts at the store, feel the package, feel for bone etc. Spares can sometimes be rib tips and kind of a belly cut. That's ok if that's what you are looking for, you can cook them the same and they taste good, it's just not as clean and predictable as a higher cut (closer to the spine).St Louis cut is usually a safe bet, it's a cleaned up spare rib rack. They trim the biscuit flap off the bottom of the cut.

Anyways, as far as cooking the ribs goes, you can do a multi step process with wrapping part way through or you can go full out chest thumping man card mode and thumb your nose at the foil.

I like to check the back side of the rack for membrane. If it hasn't been peeled by the meat cutter it will be slick and shiny. You can work a butter knife under it to loosen it, then grab with your fingers and peel it off like a big bumper sticker. I like to dry rub both sides of the rack and i start my cooking with the meat side up. I try for about 220-225 air temp in the cooker, I use charcoal. Some indirect placement or at least a good distance from the coals will help you. (This is just my opinion, I don't care for black, crispy burned food)

I add wood chips to smoke hard right away, I hit it with the smoke as soon as it goes on. My fav is s fruit wood like Apple or cherry, but hickory, alder, mesquite, what ever, it all works.

A popular process for a heavy rack is to cook)smoke at around 225f for 3 hours, then wrap in foil with 6 oz or so of apple cider added in the foil, meat side down, close the foil so you are trapping steam/moisture. 2 hours like that, same cook temp. Then you open the foil, carefully roll the rack back over meat side up and finish without foil. This is where you can brush on a sauce if you like. Cook for up to an hour like this to kind of firm the rack up a bit and caramelize the glaze (sauce) if you like.

Smaller, thinner racks will want reduced times for all of these steps. Thinner baby back racks may call for 2.5, 1 and maybe 1/2 hour.

If you don't want to mess with foil wrapping, you can shoot for 5-6 hours on the heat, bone side down and you can brush or mist with something like an apple cider mixed with vinegar to keep the meat from drying out.

You sir, are a scholar and a gentleman. Thanks for pulling me out if the fire. I did your method above and they were a great hit! My folks only have a gas grill, so I had to watch it little closer. The ribs were devoured. Unbelievably tender with a good bark. The apple juice foil step is pure gold. Your post should be a sticky in the Food Thread. Awesome! Thanks Dave!

Ribs pre-foil, smoke packets on front burner.

Happy 4tha all!!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Those look great!

Nice GOING CFT !!

Sounds like a chainsaw party will be happening in the neighborhood. Some trees down. Been awhile since we've had a storm like this.

Pretty good thunder storm, with lots of small hail & high winds, here Monday evening ! Thankfully, no damage done to our property.

Here's a couple of snaps from fishing & shore lunch, over the long weekend !!

It didn't suck !

That looks a lot funner, than cutting a tree down all day that landed on my Yeti fish house. I gots 2 holes in the roof. There saying more storms later tonight. Awesome cant wait.

Duckless, yep, that sux man !

You're alive & only have some "minor" damaged stuff !

Lots of storms through here, so far, this summer. Been lucky, unless you consider all the power outages !

noduck - Deer Riverish?

Just got back from a week up Nort'. We fished every day, ate everything in sight, swapped copious lies with the locals, and had a great time. Of course we made our annual pilgrim mage to the Log Cabin Bar in Emily on Wednesday night for some bingo with the natives. Came within 1 number on the $500.00 coverall, but no dice.

"A great time was had by all".

Saw all the usual suspects-owls, eagles, snapping turtles, deer, ducks geese, and more than a couple inebriated jack pine savages too.

Originally Posted by Pointbock

noduck - Deer Riverish?

Nope Prior lake.

GG sounds like a very nice relaxing trip. Jealous i be.

Yeah, it's hard to come home. It's a quiet little resort in Emily. We had geese and ducks right outside the door, eagles circling, loons out on the lake. It was a nice week, great weather, and a great getaway. Hey 'Duck-don't you live over by Fish Lake? How's the fishing this year?

been off for a week and just now able to check in, lots to catch up on!

I see some folks are running their smokers, and I just happen to have one I bought at a garage sale a year or so ago.
neighbor has some apple wood I can have and I have a shoulder roast in the fridge ready to go. I have it in a marinade in a gallon ziploc bag with no air in it. and honestly I have no idea where to go from here.
any advice? tips or am I doing something wrong by marinading it? I have no idea.
temp, time?
my uncle smokes stuff a while then wraps it in plastic and foil to cook the rest of the way. I have no idea what to do. this one will be a learning experience so if anyone has any tips I'd sure appreciate it!

the smoker I have is one of them old green egg type lookin things from cabelas with the electric heating element.

Before putting it in smoker take meat out of fridge let it sit out for a little bit. Try to keep the cooking temps around 175- 200 degree. Real rough cook time but i think 3to4 pounds roast at those temps will take 2hours. Get a meat theramoter and it hits 140 degree foil it up like a tepee. For 5 minutes done. I just got a green mountain grill for my birthday been cooking a little bit on it. It's all new to me as well. The BBQ guru ND will chime in.

GG i can see the lake while i type this.. Bite was good this spring eyes and crappies. Have'nt heard much of lately. See people catching bass here and there.I'll keep me eyes and ears open and let you know.

cooked at 200 degrees for about 3.5 hours. when internal temp hit 140 I put it to low and covered.

it came out awesome, mama loved it and asked when we could do the next one. it's not that tough, I still want to learn more tips and tricks. I used plum wood from some local dead plum trees. seemed to work just fine for being free

Man, am I worn out! We had a good sized maple tree that was leaning in on the house and needed to come down. A tree crew was working across the street, and doing a good job. I had them come over and knock the maple down yesterday morning. I've been cutting it up and moving it to the roadside ever since. My heart failure is nothing to mess with, and I'm good for about 15 minutes of physical work, and then I need a break. Most of it's done, but now I'm down to the heavy lifting part of the job-the main trunk. My 16" Poulan barely reaches at the base of the trunk. Man, it sucks to be so friggin' weak. I'll definitely be glad when this is done and the mess is cleaned up. No more of those damned helicopter seeds clogging our gutters! Maybe I won't have to go up on the roof and blow out the spoutings every two weeks now.

GG. pm me if you want me to come over and help you out!

GG,

Emily is a nice little town, too bad the Bungelow burned down. I recall staying at Tom's resort when I was a kid.

New 2 99's, any recommendation for a fishing resort up your way? The wife and I want to come up for 4-5 days of fishing next summer. We were looking at a place on Savant and another on Minitaki.

Jeff

Originally Posted by j_elky

New 2 99's, any recommendation for a fishing resort up your way? The wife and I want to come up for 4-5 days of fishing next summer. We were looking at a place on Savant and another on Minitaki.

Jeff

I say stay with that clown! He's always showing a pile of walleyes.

I've been thinking of that myself Jeff. I've never been to Canada for fishing and I say it's damn time!

Jeff,

Drive to, or drive to base & fly in ?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

New 2 99's, any recommendation for a fishing resort up your way? The wife and I want to come up for 4-5 days of fishing next summer. We were looking at a place on Savant and another on Minitaki.

Jeff

I say stay with that clown! He's always showing a pile of walleyes.

I've been thinking of that myself Jeff. I've never been to Canada for fishing and I say it's damn time!

Fly-in !

Know this family personally.

http://www.ignaceoutposts.com/

Brad & Karen are great people.

Drive to;

http://andersonslodge.com/

Good reputation - Lac Seul

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Crop coming along nicely Dave !

Drive to.

I would prefer something more remote and less commercialized if that makes sense. Smaller lakes are okay as are fewer people. We are going there to catch as many fish as possible, not play shuffleboard and sit in a hot tub.

Tom....I've been after my wife to do this for a few years. She went with friends a few years before she and I got together. We spent 4 days in Ely this spring and I think that got her thinking about Canada again. She is now on board for summer of 2017.

Jeff

Jeff,

Understood. Try this one, also know Scott & Kelly. Most of the lodges up in my area, are fairly "big" & on big water. This one is on Eagle lake.

http://northshorelodge.ca/

I'm betting that the Rainy River area would be good & would sve you 3 hours travel.

More of our local stuff @;

https://www.ontariossunsetcountry.ca/

&

http://www.kdca.ca/members.html

This one is Ontario Wide;

http://noto.ca/regular_member_list

Have heard of Donneley's on Minnitaki, but no one I know/have heard of on Savant.

We really ought to put together a campfire drive in or fly in Cannada fishing trip some time.

NODUCK- Thanks for the offer. I wore my self out yesterday. Had to work till close today. Hoping to make some good headway on this tomorrow night after work. I'm down to the main trunk and cleaning up the brush. Gonna finish this on my own. I'm a stubborrn old fart. I started it, I'll finish it.

Thanks Paul....I will check those out.

Hoping all our Minnesota members made it through last night's terrible weather unscathed. Tornados, flooding, roads washed out, trees down and buildings obliterated. We just pulled out of the Brainerd Lakes area last Friday after a great vacation. 'Really concerned about our dear friends at Lake Emily Resort. Might be loading up the truck and making a road trip up there to help out. Hoping to hear from them soon. Thoughts and prayers to all those hit by these terrible storms.

We're good here. Barely anything happened. We got lucky it sounds like.

nothing this far north, just wet from relentless rains.

We had about 8" of rain in Pequot Lakes. The ground around us is all sand, so it goes away very quickly. There are some roads under water around Brainerd and the sewage treatment plant in Aitkin may have to shut down tonight or tomorrow due to the Mississippi rising. I haven't heard of any loss of life or the like, but there are some wet basements.

It's that darned global storming, I tells ya !

We are enjoying our "dry hot summer" as previously forecast.

Originally Posted by j_elky

We had about 8" of rain in Pequot Lakes. The ground around us is all sand, so it goes away very quickly. There are some roads under water around Brainerd and the sewage treatment plant in Aitkin may have to shut down tonight or tomorrow due to the Mississippi rising. I haven't heard of any loss of life or the like, but there are some wet basements.

Elky-heard anything from over by Emily? We stay at Emily Lake Resort-just pulled out of there last Friday morning.

Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Day event in Alexandria is rapidly approaching. He could sure use some more volunteers. Guys, here's our chance to step up to the plate and not only help one of our really good guys, but give something back to the activities we love, and the kids we need to carry the torch going forward. I think this will be my third year going up to help out. My wife and daughter will be joining the effort this year too.

The event is held on Sunday August 28th. All volunteers will be fed, water will be supplied throughout the day. There are lots of exhibits, displays and learning opportunities for the kids. Thanks to Berettaman's efforts, this event has grown leaps and bounds every year. He conservatively expects 2,000 kids to attend this year. If past history is any indicator, they will easily shatter that mark. PM Berettaman for more details, but he could sure use more volunteers.

Time to step up gents.

Gopher...sorry, haven't heard anything specifically from Emily area.

I'll look and see what I have going on the 28th. I may be able to help Dean out then. I know I have a boy that would come along.

The more help we can give the better it will be.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Gopher...sorry, haven't heard anything specifically from Emily area.

Finally got a call through to the resort. They got over 6" of rain. Some branches down, but no other damage. He had to go out and readjust the docks, but that was it. They did lose power for a while, but all is well now.

Hey guys, yes Youth Outdoor Activity Day is rapidly approaching! Thanks for the kind words Jeff. This event really has grown huge. We have a facebook page now (Youth Outdoor Activity Day - Alexandria MN) and are on youtube. We could really use some traffic, likes, comments, shares, etc on our Facebook page. We should also be on Ron Schara's Minnesota Bound very soon. This year we received a Youth Recruitment and Retention grant from the DNR for just over $24,000. Part of that money will be used to give away hundreds (I think about 700) rods and reels, 70 bows and 60 BB guns. We will have 35-40 different activities for kids to do, including trap shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing, geocaching, dog handling, fire building, shelter building, outdoor cooking, climbing wall, etc. We are bringing in a trick shooting archery guy for a presentation as well.

This event is totally free. We will give a tee shirt to the first 2,350 kids who attend and free lunch for everyone.

We will need about 250 volunteers this year I think.

The other thing we need is people to bring kids who do not have the opportunity to try some of these activities. That is our target audience.

Jeff has been helping since the first year at the muzzleloading shotgun station. I am really looking forward to it, as it will be a big day for sure!

God as my witness, I'm not going to give him a single gun with no powder in it this year! Guys, you would not believe how well this event runs. Make plans on coming, either as a volunteer, or bring up a car full of kids who want to learn more about hunting and fishing. We are planning on driving up Sunday morning. We could carpool or caravan from the cities, and this is for one of our own. Those who haven't had a chance to meet Dean are really missing out on one of our truly good guys. It would be great if us Minnesota boys could adopt this as an annual event and give a little back. Who's in? Come on guys-it's only one day. Everybody can free up one day.......

Maybe berettaman will let you use his mini-van to haul those kids up!

Hey guys, was just thinking...we lost grizzly bill two years ago. Please raise him a beer, tip yer hat his direction, and pray for his wife Judy, and their kids.

Here's to ya Bill.

Salutations!

Originally Posted by tzone

Maybe berettaman will let you use his mini-van to haul those kids up!

Watch it there buddy-Momma drives a minivan, and if Momma ain't happy, life sucks.

To Bill.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

To Bill.

Yes.

yeah sure, I could run down with the Town & Country and pick everyone up in the cities, then swing north and pick everyone up near the border and then back! Cuz I am sure I wont have anything to do just before the event!

I actually bought a new truck this year so I rarely drive the minivan anymore. I used to drive that to the cities to save on fuel $$$ but the new truck does so good on mileage, I just take that.

If anyone is on the fence about attending, this should do it: FREE ice cream!!!

To Bill!

To Bill

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey guys, was just thinking...we lost grizzly bill two years ago. Please raise him a beer, tip yer hat his direction, and pray for his wife Judy, and their kids.

Here's to ya Bill.

Done Tom !

"To Bill"

To Bill.....

to Bill!

It's painful to remember those who've left deer camp, never to return. My group gets bigger every year it seems like. The ominous harbinger that scares the hell out of me, is now guys my age, or younger are joining that group. When I was younger, I just didn't think about this stuff. Mortality has a nasty way of creeping up on you though. One thing is for sure. I will remember those who went before me on opening morning as I do every year. I get more enjoyment out of a beautiful sunrise, a squirrel digging for acorns under my stand than I did when I was younger. The weight of a good rifle hanging on my shoulder as I head out in the pre-dawn darkness. The welcoming smell of a hot cup of coffee out of the thermos. The chickadees that always seem to find me every year.

Here's to all those who went before us and taught us the ropes, shared a hard drag with us, or patted us on the back when we finally made our first kill. Lest we ever, ever forget.

Hell man, he didn't leave camp. He just got there. I do miss our road trips. But our friends are livin the dream.

Salute!!

http://www.newscenter1.tv/story/32465748/indian-canyon-fire-spans-12000-acres-near-edgemont

big wildfire not far from us. looking like there will be more this year with how dry it's been.

Saturday;

Sunday;

Anyone else have a pinbone clean up crew ?

Dog included !

You suck!

Nice pile there sir!&

Thanks Tom.

Jeff, these fish I've been catching & posting are from Route Lake. There is an outfitter on this lake, (Route Lake Lodge) & it is drive to, boat across to their Island camp.

Camp is about 30 miles north of Dryden.

Lake has walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout & Perch.

Food for thought.

Hi Paul,

I have some interest in this as well. I've been taking my kids to WI for a week each year but since I've never been to Canada for fishing, it may be a great time for a family trip up there.

Do you know much about this outfitter?

Personally, I do not know him.

Have spoken to him, a number of times, in the spring when ice fishing & he is running the ice, getting stuff to camp. Did hear recently that the camp is for sale for a tidy sum !

Link to home page: http://www.routelakelodge.com/

Beautiful lake & area & also close enough to town to shop, go to church or whatever !

I miss Grizzly Bill also.
The older you get the more your perspective on life changes to a more mellow state.
I crossed 75 last week.
I think of things I once did easily and I think "Hell , ain't no way I could do that today."
I don't get on here much. I keep up with several of you on Facebook.
Enjoy the summer.
\
Stan in SC

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Tom.

Jeff, these fish I've been catching & posting are from Route Lake. There is an outfitter on this lake, (Route Lake Lodge) & it is drive to, boat across to their Island camp.

Camp is about 30 miles north of Dryden.

Lake has walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout & Perch.

Food for thought.

Is there any Campfire interest in getting a group together for a fishing trip to Canada?

A get together north of the border for some of the Minnesota boys would be a great time..........

Tom said he'd clean all the fish for us-really! I heard him say it.....

Jeez, he'd be pretty busy between cleaning all the fish, doing all the cooking, and washing all the dishes......

Sure I'll clean your two fish you can bring back
Yes, I'd be interested.

Okay so that's a start. Anybody else? Come on guys, this would be a hoot.

Not a single reply? WTF-I'd think you guys would be interested in this. Maybe it's just you and me, Tom.

Summers are tough for senior Noduck.I have to watch my children of the corn all summer and be there chauffeur.

Originally Posted by noduck

Summers are tough for senior Noduck.I have to watch my children of the corn all summer and be there chauffeur.

I was thinking you might want to go too. Why don't you just buy about 200 McDoubles, a gunny sack of fries, and a keg of Dew, slap it on the table, and say sayanora?

We should convince Deflave that he needs to visit his in-laws up here and kidnap him to go with.

Originally Posted by tzone

Sure I'll clean your two fish you can bring back
Yes, I'd be interested.

Hey-wait a minute! I have to put two keepers in the boat? Man, the price of poker just went up!

I know how to draw some interest. I'LL SUPPLY THE BEER!

I had a guy I used to work with that used to do a houseboat trip on the Kabetogama lake system up there. He and his buddies were hard core drinkers. They always got a houseboat with one more cabin than they actually needed so they'd have room to store the booze! They had 6 guys usually and figured a case of beer per man per day plus the hard stuff and the mixers. They'd board the boat with close to 40 cases of beer and two cases of booze!

Not ignoring you gopher, just checking in for the first time in a couple days. I get busy.

I used to go up into Canada a bunch, but it got tougher after 9-11. I'm thinking I don't have the right stuff to get through the border. I don't have my passport.

It would be tricky to talk me into a Canadian fishing trip, It sounds appealing to me but there are a lot of things I'll probably never do that sound even more appealing to me. lol.

been busy as heck here too, I'd sure like to go, but it would be next year at the earliest that I could break away.

and yes, I would clean all the fish

With Tom

Well, how 'bout LOW for a week?

I wasn't thinking about the passports. Heck, I'd have to get one too. Lake of the Woods would make a good trip.

I'd go but it won't be for a week. And it won't be this year. Do we have to fish?

I could do a LOW long weekend, maybe on the ice? (if there is any)

Ice fine by me. Is this sounding possible? Be nice to see a few more join us. Right up in Dave's stomping grounds if we could drag him kicking and screaming away from the shop.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd go but it won't be for a week. And it won't be this year. Do we have to fish?

Good question Tom, as that could get in the way of the drinking.....

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd go but it won't be for a week. And it won't be this year. Do we have to fish?

Good question Tom, as that could get in the way of the drinking.....

mornings are good for fishing.

So who all's interested in a Lake of the Woods ice fishing weekend? I'm thinking Fri. Sat. and Sun. probably in January so the holidays are out of the way.

Hey Fluffy-any chance of shooting this Sunday?

I'm willing to do the legwork to put together an ice fishing weekend on Lake of the Woods. Just need to know who's interested and if we want a sleeper fishouse or a cabin and day fishing houses. It'd be a good time. Always is when the 'Fire guys get together.

You know, I'd like to go ice fishing up there. I did only once when ND was my guide...you've seen his pic, we caught fish!

Ice fishing is fun on the LOW. I may be interested. We usually go about that time and set up the wheel houses and just have fun. we tend to do our long weekends on the east side of the lake. more happening out there to break up the lulls in fishing.

I've only been up once through the ice. We went all the way up to The Angle, but that was before you needed passports to get across the border. I think we should plan it of the American side just to eliminate that necessity.

Would there be more interest in sleeper fishhouses, or cabins and day fishing houses?

Does anybody have a particular resort they've gone through in the past that they'd recommend? I'm willing to set it up if we get some solid commitments.

I'm game for either format-overnight on the ice or with the cabins.

Arnesons rocky point gets my vote.

Sounds fine to me. I know they've been up there a long time and have a good reputation. If no one objects, once we get a head count, and which type of rental we want, I'll check them out.

It really depends on the price Jeff, but I'd be real interested.

I'll probably bring the boy as well. He'll out fish us anyway.

I need some comittments and a group concensus on dates.

Get a few options and lay em out for us. I can't blindly commit. But I think it would be a lot of fun.

Fair enough Tom. I'll do some homework and post my findings here.

another one that I use is Ballards resort or even Cyrus resort. they are both day houses but both have nice cabins and facilities. I use ballards both summer and winter. Arnesons has sleepers and also a day houses with either cabins or trailers to stay in. arnesons may fish more reefs where ballards will usually be more in the mud. All depending on the ice conditions. last year fishing didn't get going until the mid of January up here. and then most resorts pulled off what was a month early because of ice conditions and safety. Either way its a fun trip. if you want to try something that may be cheaper is Ken Mar Ke Resort.

I'm with Tom, get some options and I'll know if I have a chance at making it or not, I would really like to go again. I haven't been up there since Dave and I helped that feller and his kids with his orange track truck. Nate was still just a lad then, so I'm due!

Okay so here's a little research I just did:

January 2017 weekends:
Fri. Jan. 6th-Sun. Jan. 8th
Fri. Jan. 13th-Sun. Jan. 15th
Fri. Jan. 20th-Sun. Jan. 22nd
Fri. Jan. 27th-Sun. Jan. 29th

The following rates are all based on arriving Friday night and leaving Sunday. It sounded like there was more interest in a 3 day weekend than a full week trip. All fish house rentals include transportation to and from the fishhouse, and bait.

I chose 3 well known resorts, and a smaller one called Walleye Retreat. My next door neighbor uses Walleye Retreat regularly during the spring and summer and said we might want to consider trying it.

So here we go:

Cyrus Resort
800-932-2924
www.cyrusresort.com
3928 Cyrus Road
Baudette, Mn. 56623
Cabin-$72.50 per night per person
Fish house- $90.00 per day per person (2 holes per person)
No rates listed for sleeper fish houses.

Arneson's Rocky Point Resort
218-442-7215 or 800-535-7585
www.arnesons.com
6760 Rocky Point Road N.W.
Roosevelt, Mn. 56673
Cabin and fishing $282.00 per person
Overnight fish house $202.00 per person

Zippel Bay Resort
218-783-6235
www.zipplebay.com
6080 39th St. N.W.
Williams, Mn. 56686
Cabin/fishhouse-$350.00 per person
Sleeper fishhouses 2 men- $300.00 4 men-$290.00 6 men- $285.00 (per person)

Walleye Retreat
218-634-3126 800-726-9042
www.walleyeretreat.com
cabin and fishhouse $290.00 per person
Sleeper fishhouse $90.00 per person per day.

I'll try to field any questions anyone might have, but I highly recommend everyone looks at their websites first.

I am checking my schedule for Jan. wait a second I am retired I have no schedule. Its been over 20 years since I have been on LOW ice fishing, didn't catch anything, but I would consider another try..

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

another one that I use is Ballards resort or even Cyrus resort. they are both day houses but both have nice cabins and facilities. I use ballards both summer and winter. Arnesons has sleepers and also a day houses with either cabins or trailers to stay in. arnesons may fish more reefs where ballards will usually be more in the mud. All depending on the ice conditions. last year fishing didn't get going until the mid of January up here. and then most resorts pulled off what was a month early because of ice conditions and safety. Either way its a fun trip. if you want to try something that may be cheaper is Ken Mar Ke Resort.

I couldn't navigate Ballard's website. All that opened was the front page, but I couldn't get to their rates and offerings.

Of these resorts, I would say Cyrus would be the best choice. They have nice clean cabins, many are updated. good bar with video games/pool table as well for the kids. Early fishing is always the best up here. Normally, my first trip is a buddies birthday the 15th of December. If theres good ice. At that time of year, a lot of the resorts are all fishing the same area other than arnesons. they are farther west and north. a lot of times you don't go too far out and doesn't take a long time to get to your house.

Jan 13-15 is out for me, monday is a holiday that weekend if it makes a difference to other folks. I go elk hunting in NM then. being gone 2 weekends in a row might not sit well with mama. although if I brought home walleye and elk in the same month..... hmmmm. I'll have to check

Okay so we've got a vote for Cyrus. That's fine for me so call it two.

i would love to but it would depend on which weekend is chosen. i would consider me doubtful but possible. I already have a week in Canada in the summer and an elk hunt planned.

and on anudder topic....

ND, are you going elk hunting this year? Anyone else other than Ryan and I?

This last weekend, Eldorado Beach, Lake Superior from our buddy Joe's camp.

Beautiful place!

Berrettaman

Wife and I are doing Wyoming elk in Oct. near Yellowstone. I worked loads up starting in Jan. to avoid the hot weather. Now were into the 5 or 6 days a week workouts.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

This last weekend, Eldorado Beach, Lake Superior from our buddy Joe's camp.

I have been on a trip myself to lol including dad mom and our wiener dog left on Thursday came back Sunday..... Going to Montana is some long days start at around 5 to 7 then end 5 pm 7 pm lol on the way back it was longer because we had truck problems but also a different way a non bumpy way it was really fun all weekend cause I saw new things like I have never seen antelope just a few our wiener dog was actually good all the way..

Glad you had a good time Joe. Are you getting excited about deer season? 'Gonna show your folks how it's done this year?

Just in case others are interested and missed the talk on this, we're trying to put together an ice fishing run to Lake of the Woods in January. I looked up pricing at some of the resorts up there. You can find this on this thread, probably a page or two back now. If anyone's interested, get in touch with me here. So far it's me and T-Zone, and a couple definite maybes. We'll need to come up with a pretty solid head count and commitment level so we can proceed. The pricing I checked on was for weekends (Friday and Saturday night stay), but we couold save some money by going on weekdays. We also found it's quite a bit cheaper to rent a sleeper fishouse than to rent day houses and cabins. Give it some thought and join us. It should be a great time.

Hey Gophergunner, if your thinking sleepers, may also be worth checking into Adrians resort as well then. I think they have some nice sleepers as well and they take care of the road on the east side of the lake. Could also bring portables as well then and move a bit more if that was a choice you wanted to do. some of there wheel houses are called a carsella shack which are pretty roomy and comfy.

I liked Adrians resort. Thanks Buschy! Do you ever fish that way.

If we get a normal winter I'll be out there every weekend regardless. I'm very flexible, If a trip happens I should be able to set up wherever it may be.

I'm thinking we should plan a trip but stay in a hotel, and fish where, when, how long, and what we want. I do appreciate gopher doing some leg work tho. Bushy has a big place, we should all be able to stay there. Especially if he's gone to a basketball tourney

I would agree with Tom since I just sold my Ice Castle. When you start talking day houses/cabins, sleeper houses etc. that price tag escalates quickly.

I think we have enough experience/connections on this thread to put us on fish so I'm not too worried about that.

I dunno. I smell trouble.

Anytime a bunch of 'sotans get together there's mayhem. As soon as somebody pops the top of a Grainbelt, the smart talkin' starts. Then somebody gets the munchies and the next thing ya know, there's a hotdish (not sure what's in it but it has to have tater tots and cheese) sitting in the middle of the table along wit some lefse and lutefisk. Flatulence abounds.

Then somebody gets the grand idea to go down to Bemidji and steal Paul Bunyan's ax. Of course, there's always the guy who's had a bit too much GB and tries to have relations with Babe the Blue Ox.

More smart talk about da tirty pointer that got away and da nordern dat was over 50" who musta slipped da hook. Also much smart talk about the Vikings, Twins, and missing the NorthStars; of which, the common theme is the championships that got away.

Finally someone drops a line in the hole and everyone seems to go home with walleye limits and a headache. There'll be pics of these fish and the men who were there, but no one will really know the whole story.

Fine....you can come too.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I dunno. I smell trouble.

Anytime a bunch of 'sotans get together there's mayhem. As soon as somebody pops the top of a Grainbelt, the smart talkin' starts. Then somebody gets the munchies and the next thing ya know, there's a hotdish (not sure what's in it but it has to have tater tots and cheese) sitting in the middle of the table along wit some lefse and lutefisk. Flatulence abounds.

Then somebody gets the grand idea to go down to Bemidji and steal Paul Bunyan's ax. Of course, there's always the guy who's had a bit too much GB and tries to have relations with Babe the Blue Ox.

More smart talk about da tirty pointer that got away and da nordern dat was over 50" who musta slipped da hook. Also much smart talk about the Vikings, Twins, and missing the NorthStars; of which, the common theme is the championships that got away.

Finally someone drops a line in the hole and everyone seems to go home with walleye limits and a headache. There'll be pics of these fish and the men who were there, but no one will really know the whole story.

Dammit CFT, you owe me a keyboard-and a screen!

Oh yah-sure-you-betcha! Us crazy Minnysotans! Incidently I heard Babe's been walkin' kind of fuuny ever since Deflave came through.....

So it sounds like more of a DIY trip, and that's fine with me. I don't have a decent fish house, so I may have to grace one of you guys with my presence in yours. The pleasure will be all yours, of course. This is gonna be fun.

Okay, so going with the DIY theme, I've got a two propane heaters and a portable stand up grill and camp stove I can bring. I've got two fishhouses, but both are a little worse for the wear. One got chewed up by the mice and is more "patch" than fabric. The other one has a bad zipper on it, so if possible, I'd like to squat in someone else's shelter. I'll get my carb rebuilt again on the auger, so it will be ready to go. I've got a few extra ice rods if anybody needs stuff like that.

Anybody got preferences on a cheap hotel up there and a good spot to fish out of?

Lake road lodge just north of Baudette may be a good choice then if you want to do a DYI trip. Its a motel, has fish cleaning house. Its close to the lake, the road out, or you can use several roads in the area, zipple has a road out, cyrus and morris have a road north and the big one out of the east that Adrians maintains. I fished off adrians road last year and they do a fine job, they also do offset roads and plow spots all over for houses to pull in as well. And if its DYI, you have all the resorts can eat at if you want or even evening entertainment as well. Just finished with BBAll this past Monday in Mpls Tom. This was daughgters last AAU tournament for a while and I am wiped out. 2 weeks ago we were in Chicago playing for 5 days, That was an amazing tournament. 544 Teams from all over the US.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Incidently I heard Babe's been walkin' kind of fuuny ever since Deflave came through.....

"Winkleman" or "The Blue Ox"

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

544 Teams from all over the US.

Holy Crap! I can't even wrap my head around that!

How's she doing with BBall Buschy?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Anybody got preferences on a cheap hotel up there and a good spot to fish out of?

AmericInn. They have a fish cleaning house, free breakfast, and a hot tub.

There was 62 courts going at once in the Mcormick Place on the shores of Lake Michigan last week when we were there. Even seen the Womens OLympic coach there watching. She has been doing great. Taking about a month off now. she's been playing since last September pretty much. Theres also the Walleye Inn in Baudette which is owned by riverbend resort. Or SPortsmans does have whats called hotel rooms or a nice CHalet Cabin that sleeps a lot and aren't bad priced.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Incidently I heard Babe's been walkin' kind of fuuny ever since Deflave came through.....

"Winkleman" or "The Blue Ox"

Linders hideaway resorts. 48 bucks per person per night. Sleeps 6 they got one little bigger sleeps more. Another place Long Point Resort there website is not to great. More structure over there.

One year at Zipple Bay resort we stayed at an outpost cabin place was huge i think we got like 10 guys in there plenty of room dont know if that is still around or not.

Hope this helps.

Linders is a nice little spot as well. Nestled between Cyrus and Morris Point access. You just have to decide on your dates fairly soon as a lot of these places book up quick after the 20th of December for sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Incidently I heard Babe's been walkin' kind of fuuny ever since Deflave came through.....

"Winkleman" or "The Blue Ox"

You'll have to ask Deflave......

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Anybody got preferences on a cheap hotel up there and a good spot to fish out of?

AmericInn. They have a fish cleaning house, free breakfast, and a hot tub.

The hot tub sounds good after a long day on the ice catching fish for everyone else.....

Okay guys, so lets start working on some kind of consensus. I think we need to establish a deadline. What say we decide the place we'll stay and the weekend we go, within the next two weeks and get things booked? The longer we talk about it, the harder it's going to be to nail this down.

it's going to be hard to commit this far out. are spouses allowed, or is it a guys only weekend?

I only ask because mama and I aint had a honeymoon yet, I figured maybe I could count this as it....

and I do have a nice portable house that fits 2 people, auger, rods, tackle etc.

It's thursday today and it's too early for me to commit to weekend plans.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

it's going to be hard to commit this far out. are spouses allowed, or is it a guys only weekend?

I only ask because mama and I aint had a honeymoon yet, I figured maybe I could count this as it....

and I do have a nice portable house that fits 2 people, auger, rods, tackle etc.

Bring the old lady. I'm bringing the kids. One of them anyway. I'm not allowed out of the house with any sort of hunting of fishing equipment without my mini-me on my hip...wouldn't have it any other way either.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Okay guys, so lets start working on some kind of consensus. I think we need to establish a deadline. What say we decide the place we'll stay and the weekend we go, within the next two weeks and get things booked? The longer we talk about it, the harder it's going to be to nail this down.

Dude... It's 6 months away. We'll be ok.

It's 90 degrees out, my head hurts too much to think about ice fishing yet. We haven't even started small game. I have the rut to be in yet!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Okay guys, so lets start working on some kind of consensus. I think we need to establish a deadline. What say we decide the place we'll stay and the weekend we go, within the next two weeks and get things booked? The longer we talk about it, the harder it's going to be to nail this down.

Dude... It's 6 months away. We'll be ok.

It's 90 degrees out, my head hurts too much to think about ice fishing yet. We haven't even started small game. I have the rut to be in yet!

That's fine, but keep in mind that the longer we wait, the less chance we have of getting the dates we want. How bout we revisit this in October?

I have a 10 hole sleeper house with 4 twin bunks, a 3-man day house, flip-over portable, 5 augers, 500-600 rods, a couple track vehicles (look to the left) to carry people, and a lot of other winter goodies.

It's WAY too early for me to make plans but I'd be willing to lend a hand when the time comes. I stay on the ice, probably get drunk and require a good time. Weather permitting, I plan to be up there a lot.

Most of my stuff will be out of Rocky Point unless stuff changes.

Here is another option if anyone is looking for an adventure.
https://www.facebook.com/ShaneWahlFiveStarIceFishing/

I've been with WB and ND on the ice (at the same time), it is a no joke awesome time.

Any random day can be -20*F or colder and very strong winds. The houses are always warm and safe but vehicles can get stranded. <- That's my favorite part of the adventure!

Just a reminder about Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Day event that's coming up at the end of the month. Anyone interested in volunteering to help 2000 kids learn about everything outdoors related in one day, contact Berettaman or me for more info. More volunteers are needed. Here's your chance to pay it forward a bit for all those who helped you get going in your outdoor endeavors.

Hope to see you there.

Isn't Berettaman a liberal?

Dave

With a minivan

I see what you did there.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

With a minivan

I'll be in Blaine September 2nd.

Bring condoms.

Dave

Aren't you supposed to bring them?

Originally Posted by tzone

Aren't you supposed to bring them?

That post was actually meant for ND.

My bad.

Dave

Originally Posted by deflave

Originally Posted by tzone

With a minivan

I'll be in Blaine September 2nd.

Bring condoms.

Dave

Got time to meet for a brew when you're up here?

Or 10.

Dave

Time and place-the usual suspects will attend. Are fuzzy wind chimes and ugly 'Hawks sweatshirts required again for attendance? Got time/interest in some shooting while your up here, Clark?

I don't know how much time I'll have to shoot. That Friday is about my only free day but I do love shooting.

Too hot for the 'Hawks sweater.

Dave

Wear the Hawks sweater and there might be some shooting.

From the north end of town we're about an hour from Pine City and there's an open public shooting area in the Chengwatana State Forest up there. We could easily accommodate a group up there. That would pretty much be an all day event though. Might be better off just going for a beer or two or ten.

Can shoot a lot of places within 20 minutes of Blaine.

Originally Posted by tzone

Can shoot a lot of places within 20 minutes of Blaine.

Free? Where around Blaine do you go Tom. The only one I know of is Oakdale.

We shoot and kill schit here about three days a week so we'll probably just be after beer and food more than anything that Friday.

We're going to the infamous fair on Saturday.

Dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Wear the Hawks sweater and there might be some shooting.

They said mean things to me last time.

Dave

You gave as good as you got......

I did thing Fluffy's fuzzy wind chimes was a very appropriate welcoming gift though.....

The old geezers up at the bar still haven't gotten over the Blackhawks sweater though. They've been waiting for your return and are going to force feed you 5 lbs. of lutefisk.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You gave as good as you got......

That's what she said...

Travis

Originally Posted by gophergunner

The old geezers up at the bar still haven't gotten over the Blackhawks sweater though. They've been waiting for your return and are going to force feed you 5 lbs. of lutefisk.

I'll have to dig up a Bears or Blackhawks t-shirt before I depart.

Dave

I've got a signed blackhawks sweatshirt you can borrow.

Also have a photo of myself with William Perry, but that's the only bear-ish item i own.

A bears shirt won't hurt nothing. Everybody knows they suck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got a signed blackhawks sweatshirt you can borrow.

Also have a photo of myself with William Perry, but that's the only bear-ish item i own.

Hahaha! I'd love to see you next to "The Fridge." He could eat you!

Originally Posted by tzone

[quote=northern_dave]

Hahaha! I'd love to see you next to "The Fridge." He could eat you!

Thats what she said

Dave you ought to come on down and join us. Must be a car project you need to check out down here.

So I was just standing at the kitchen window making a cup of coffee and noticed a little doe grazing in the neighbor's front yard. She didn't stay long-houses every where around here. Sure got the blood goin' though. Can't wait to get out in the woods. Deer season just can't come soon enough!

Originally Posted by deflave

Isn't Berettaman a liberal?

Dave

'flave sticks the dagger in from out of nowhere! call me pretty much anything, but that was a low blow.

and a vehicular update for Tom....took the new F150 on a trip to the North Shore (where there are a fair number of liberals...kinda like going to a zoo.....'flave would love it). Lots of parking lots and short runs. 20.5 mpg overall with the box loaded to the gills with tents and stuff. Pretty happy with that. Would have been quite a bit better if we didnt have to stop every 10 minutes.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by deflave

Isn't Berettaman a liberal?

Dave

'flave sticks the dagger in from out of nowhere! call me pretty much anything, but that was a low blow.

and a vehicular update for Tom....took the new F150 on a trip to the North Shore (where there are a fair number of liberals...kinda like going to a zoo.....'flave would love it). Lots of parking lots and short runs. 20.5 mpg overall with the box loaded to the gills with tents and stuff. Pretty happy with that. Would have been quite a bit better if we didnt have to stop every 10 minutes.

He's about as much a liberal as you are Travis.

I must have had him confused with somebody that has a similar handle.

Travis

no problem. Travis I saw you were heading to MN about the time of our youth day. If so, you should stop in as little 'flave would have a ball. Sunday, August 28. Alexandria (on the freeway from MT to Minneapolis). All free.

Ball slap (my boy) will be with his grandparents that weekend but thanks for the invite.

I have tried to include my daughter in my great outdoor adventures but she seems less than impressed.

As evidenced in this photo:

She'll get all the entertainment she can handle at "the fair" when you guys are here.

Hint...go to the milk stand and drink until you can't anymore. It's worth the $1.

The North Shore? That's where all the liberals go on vacation.

Originally Posted by tzone

She'll get all the entertainment she can handle at "the fair" when you guys are here.

Hint...go to the milk stand and drink until you can't anymore. It's worth the $1.

Good advice but I would find a shade tree to drag your 120 quart cooler under.

We are talking about Travis here...

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I dunno. I smell trouble.

Anytime a bunch of 'sotans get together there's mayhem. As soon as somebody pops the top of a Grainbelt, the smart talkin' starts. Then somebody gets the munchies and the next thing ya know, there's a hotdish (not sure what's in it but it has to have tater tots and cheese) sitting in the middle of the table along wit some lefse and lutefisk. Flatulence abounds.

Then somebody gets the grand idea to go down to Bemidji and steal Paul Bunyan's ax. Of course, there's always the guy who's had a bit too much GB and tries to have relations with Babe the Blue Ox.

More smart talk about da tirty pointer that got away and da nordern dat was over 50" who musta slipped da hook. Also much smart talk about the Vikings, Twins, and missing the NorthStars; of which, the common theme is the championships that got away.

Finally someone drops a line in the hole and everyone seems to go home with walleye limits and a headache. There'll be pics of these fish and the men who were there, but no one will really know the whole story.

Dammit CFT, you owe me a keyboard-and a screen!

Oh yah-sure-you-betcha! Us crazy Minnysotans! Incidently I heard Babe's been walkin' kind of fuuny ever since Deflave came through.....

You boys been hittin' the Grain Belt too hard again?

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

You boys been hittin' the Grain Belt too hard again?

[Linked Image]

You've heard of cow tipping haven't ya...

That's Cow tipping.

lol

That's how it's done!! Lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

You boys been hittin' the Grain Belt too hard again?

[Linked Image]

You've heard of cow tipping haven't ya...

Rumor has it Travis was seen coming in from behind to do the deed........

Originally Posted by tzone

The North Shore? That's where all the liberals go on vacation.

I learned that the hard way. I felt like a fish out of water. I dont think I saw more than 1 or 2 people wearing camo the whole week. I can see that here in a walk to my mailbox.

Lotsa Priuses and Subarus. Tzone would have fit right in with his!

Why do you wear camo to your mailbox? What are you hiding from? Trying to sneak around and find out where the wife put the man card?

I'm not sure what priuses or a subarus is. Is that some sort of commie speak?

I don't think I own any camo.

I think all mine is in a turkey hunting bin.

Well, I suppose if I turkey hunted, or duck-goose... or archery...

No time though.

I figure a person only has so much time through the seasons. Being part gear head, part fisherman, part hunter, I have things chunked up into categories that fill my year.

All kidding aside, north shore is beautiful. I love going up there.

I don't know much about camo, but I also don't know much about prius or yandabishi's or what ever. I'd be the guy in flip flops with an ugly "dad shirt", a primo sandal tan and I'd probably be driving something like this:

[Linked Image]

North shore has it's "hippies"

, what ever, I don't care. I've never had one try to hold me down and force me to do hippie stuff or follow me around preaching to me about how I should be. I'm pretty tolerant anyways, not a whole bunch bothers me unless it's messing up my plans or screwing with my family. I go up there for the same thing everybody else does, cool scenery. Amazing feats of nature.

Dang, now I want to go. lol

I seriously need to get up there. Born and raised in MN and I've never been to Duluth.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

I seriously need to get up there. Born and raised in MN and I've never been to Duluth.

What? How is that possible?

The both shore has some of the best bird hunting in the country if you ask me.(grouse) that and the areas to the west of it, up though Ely.

Teasing BM aside, it's tough to find a more beautiful place in the USA in the spring and fall season. There is a pretty good pile of people road hunting from minivans and whatever it was BM was talking about.

Sure Tom, you would recognize a Prius and a Suburu if you seen one. Just go look in your garage!

The Devils Kettle is really cool. How that happened just blows my mind. For those of you who havent seen it, a river goes over a waterfall and as it does it splits in 2. The one side continues down the river and the other half disappears down a big hole never to be seen again.

We did see a few cars like that up there, but not many. Also saw some asshat on a really loud motorcycle come into our campground about 11 pm and start yelling and swearing and revving it up to wake up the whole campground because there were no spots left.

The only stuff in my garage is dust, tools, furniture, and a boat. But if that helps you sleep at night...you put on your camo pj's and have at it.

This kettles are cool and completely perplexing. Kinda like the mud pits in Yellowstone. I'll never understand them, but I'll appreciate them.

A campground? Whats that?

I think they have dumped die and also things like ping pong balls down the hole at devils kettle to try and locate a possible outlet on the lake side or elsewhere but I don't think they have figured it out yet.

That's cool that nobody knows where it comes out. There are a few in Kettle River that I know of as well.

We made a trip to the Kettle Falls Inn up on the Kabetogama\Namakin chain one time. Neat old hotel, only accessable by water. The floor has settled so much over the years, that they have everything in there propped up on one side to keep it level, including the pool table. The old flooring still has the dents in it from the studs on logger's boots.

I'm talking about the Kettle River by Banning State Park, on the east 23 Exit. Beautiful park too.

Sorry Tom-I've never been much north of Duluth.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Sorry Tom-I've never been much north of Duluth.

Well we need to buy you a map! Lol

It's a few miles north of hinkley.

Oops!

have a great weekend everyone!

You too Ryan.

Thank you sir! Went mini golfing with the fam and ate an awesome supper ar Applebees sometimes you just gotta get out and have some fun. Can't wait for this bike rally to be done with.

I bet that's a headache.

I'd love to ride out there but I'd be sure to plan it before or after the circus, not during.

And Lee said it was way down this year too!

Well, mini man passed part one of hunters safety today. The outdoors section. If I can get his pis uploaded I'll post em. He did well on the shooting portion. The other stuff too but I didn't get to see all that.

We stayed after and shot his .223 for about an hour as well. We can tighten up the groups but he would have killed a deer with every shot. Literally.

The range master decided to scold me because we are going to use a .223 for deer hunting.told us all about how it's not capable, and a crippled not a killer. All things a new 11 year old hunter really didn't need to hear. One he watched him shoot and I explained we shoot several weekends in the summer and every seemed in the fall, as well as studying the animals, and reloading our own shells, he really backed off. He really liked that I have a .35 Whalen and actualky shook my hand because of it! Lol. Never had that happen before.

It was a fun day.

Originally Posted by tzone

And Lee said it was way down this year too!

Well, mini man passed part one of hunters safety today. The outdoors section. If I can get his pis uploaded I'll post em. He did well on the shooting portion. The other stuff too but I didn't get to see all that.

We stayed after and shot his .223 for about an hour as well. We can tighten up the groups but he would have killed a deer with every shot. Literally.

The range master decided to scold me because we are going to use a .223 for deer hunting.told us all about how it's not capable, and a crippled not a killer. All things a new 11 year old hunter really didn't need to hear. One he watched him shoot and I explained we shoot several weekends in the summer and every seemed in the fall, as well as studying the animals, and reloading our own shells, he really backed off. He really liked that I have a .35 Whalen and actualky shook my hand because of it! Lol. Never had that happen before.

It was a fun day.

Well Tom, don't you know because he was a rangemaster today, his word is the absolute gospel? What do you want to bet he started his kid out with an '06 and 200 gr. loads, cuz nothing smaller than that would ever kill a deer? Guys need to shut their yaps and let the dad do the teaching. I'm sure he'll be fine with that .223. He's got a damned good mentor, Tom. The boy's in good hands.

Originally Posted by tzone

And Lee said it was way down this year too!

Well, mini man passed part one of hunters safety today. The outdoors section. If I can get his pis uploaded I'll post em. He did well on the shooting portion. The other stuff too but I didn't get to see all that.

We stayed after and shot his .223 for about an hour as well. We can tighten up the groups but he would have killed a deer with every shot. Literally.

The range master decided to scold me because we are going to use a .223 for deer hunting.told us all about how it's not capable, and a crippled not a killer. All things a new 11 year old hunter really didn't need to hear. One he watched him shoot and I explained we shoot several weekends in the summer and every seemed in the fall, as well as studying the animals, and reloading our own shells, he really backed off. He really liked that I have a .35 Whalen and actualky shook my hand because of it! Lol. Never had that happen before.

It was a fun day.

I think this is my wife's 4th deer with her .223. None of her relatives in MN seem capable of comprehending it's not "luck."

Beautiful deer Travis.

The buck ain't too shabby either.

Nice buck Travis.. Keep up the good work..

I only appear when a camera is in the equation but thanks regardless.

Travis

When are you getting up here Travis? Got to get a time and place set up.

Believe it or not, we have seen the 220 swift drop deer right in their tracks.

Stunt shooting.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

When are you getting up here Travis? Got to get a time and place set up.

September 2nd.

I'll be at the VFW.

Maybe Tavern.

Dave

That is a dandy mule deer right there!!

Long shot Travis?

I like stunt shooting. I have killed a deer or two or three with 8 twist 22-250 or Swift....

You know I love me some 8 twist 22-250. It's my go-to rifle.

That one was 100yds or so if I remember correctly. Maybe less.

This was one was a bit further. I remember finding him silhouetted with very little time left in the day. The Zeiss read "300" when I ranged him. Told her where to hold and she sent a single TSX his direction.

That was that:

Dang! Nice bucks! I love muley's!

That little Ruger lays em in there pretty good. There is a whitetail labeled for a 55gr ttsx in November.

I love that little gun.

I'm going to get a .223 of my own I think.

Headed to the game fair today and hoping I have the strength to not bring home a puppy.

Those 50 and 55gr. TTSX's kill stuff pretty dead.

Get you a Howa.

Travis

Originally Posted by deflave

Those 50 and 55gr. TTSX's kill stuff pretty dead.

Get you a Howa.

Travis

Running them from a 22-250??

BTW, the bodies on those Mulies looks pretty impressive!

I should have clarified.

The 50's we've used out of the .223. The 55TTSX out of my 22-250.

50's and the .223:

55's and the 22-250:

Awesome buck. Both of them.

Those are all nice bucks Travis!!

This fall I am going to find out how the 62 TTSX works out of the Swift....

What kind of rifle are you running in that Swift Mike?

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Those are all nice bucks Travis!!

This fall I am going to find out how the 62 TTSX works out of the Swift....

Thanks.

You'll like those 62's. Gruff used them quite a bit.

Clark

T- I made a pair of them on M70 SA push feeds. The actions have a 3+ inch magazine box and feed the Swift flawlessly. One has a 8 twist Brux barrel in an Edge while the other has an 8 twist Rock 5R barrel in the original lightweight wood stock. They weigh within an ounce of each other.

Clark- Gruff is the one who told me once you try them you will like 'em.....

I have had great luck shooting 75 VLD's in the Brux barrel. I am in the process of checking out 75 grain Swift SII's in that rifle. A Swift shooting Swift bullets would be awesome!!

I have been shooting monos only in the Rock. Both 55's and 62's shoot tiny groups in that rifle. I am impatiently waiting for Nosler to get off their butts and start making the 55 grain E-tip. With a .350 BC they should be sweet...

Mm,

Thank you sir. I see Winchester currently builds them on the m70 fwt action. I could like that.

They're building Swifts or they're building 22-250's?

Dave

I've been using .22 caliber rifles for deer off and on since it became legal. A good bullet placed in the boiler room fromm a .22 has outperformed .270/30-06 and other larger calibers with plain old soft points. I can't remember one that hasn't been DRT with a .22.

For those who want to pull a Texas heart shot, go big. The rest will be just fine with a .22 and good bullets.

22-250's sorry.

I was kinda wondering.....

Sure agree with you White Bear. And if you go to the faster twists, you will be even more impressed with the results....

It is a .22-250 but never mind because it's a 14 twist. WTF?

Originally Posted by tzone

It is a .22-250 but never mind because it's a 14 twist. WTF?

All aboard the fail boat!

Travis

Hey there all, Anyone with any knowledge of a S&W M&P shield in the 9mm. thinking of getting one today.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey there all, Anyone with any knowledge of a S&W M&P shield in the 9mm. thinking of getting one today.

Yes.

Buy.

Dave

Are you serious? other choice was the glock 43 but felt more comfortable with the m&p.

Yes. I'm serious.

I bought two Shields a few weeks ago. A .40 and a 9mm. I should have bought them long ago.

They carry like a dream and shoot just as well. I'm sure the G43 is nice too. I put the Shield on top of the G43 and saw no discernible difference and the Shields were less coin at $400 a piece.

Love them.

Dave

Jermey,

I don't have one but literally everyone I know hat has one...loves it.

Off to the store go!

Get a Blackhawk IWB holster!

Best cheap ass holster I've owned.

Maybe second best...

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey there all, Anyone with any knowledge of a S&W M&P shield in the 9mm. thinking of getting one today.

It's on my short list after handling a bunch

Originally Posted by Rooster7

It's on my short list after handling a bunch

That's what she said...

Clark

Originally Posted by deflave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

It's on my short list after handling a bunch

That's what she said...

Clark

He shoots, he scores.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Are you serious? other choice was the glock 43 but felt more comfortable with the m&p.

Have a look (also) at XDs 3.3 in 9, .40 or .45

Went to the store. FedEx hadn't been there yet. Have to wait till Wednesday now. What grain bullet u shoot with the shield? Thanks for all the help too.

Originally Posted by Higbean

He shoots, he scores.

That's what she said!

Dave

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Went to the store. FedEx hadn't been there yet. Have to wait till Wednesday now. What grain bullet u shoot with the shield? Thanks for all the help too.

115's for practice and 147's for carrying in the 9mm. But that's my wife's.

I shoot 180's in the .40 version. The .45 ACP version might be on the shelf too if you're interested. I've seen one locally.

Dave

Hey everyone,

The wife and I are thinking about checking out Duluth on Labor Day weekend.

Any recommendations on where to stay? I wouldn't be opposed to tenting it at a campsite.

Any must see's/do's?

If we go, we are basically going to wing it the first time and maybe set up a more organized trip some other time.

Personally, I'd slate a half a day for Duluth itself, head down to canal park, do the touristy things and check out the shops such as duluth pack and similar ones. Maybe hop in on a tour of the glensheen mansion.

Then I'd clear on out of there and head north. There's more for me personally north of Duluth than there is in Duluth.

But, I completely defer to Tzone, he's actually from there.

What is there to do nort of Duluth?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

What is there to do nort of Duluth?

TONS!

I'd also hit Fitgers while in Duluth
http://fitgers.com/

North?

Take the scenic, Split Rock lighthouse, scramble some of the trails off the various waterfalls

Kid #2 passed hunters safety on Tuesday. He's ready to rock n roll now! He's riled up because we are hunting WI this season as well as mn someplace if we can find a few deer to chase.

I don't brag about the girl kid all too often but I should. I'm a proud papa. She's never had grade lower than an "A" on her report card...ever! Today she had her first high school swim meet. She made the dive team this year as an 8th grader.

She made 5 dives and 3 of them were pretty difficult according to the scoring chart which I don't understand yet. But her toughest dive was a Back Dive 1/2 twist and out of 27 total points she scored a 26.1.

Cool week in our house!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Kid #2 passed hunters safety on Tuesday. He's ready to rock n roll now! He's riled up because we are hunting WI this season as well as mn someplace if we can find a few deer to chase.

Tom-I might have a line on a spot out in Jordan in the Minnesota River bottoms. A family from church is buying a small farm out there. Deer and turkey galore, with a good chance for a big bruiser. I'll keep you posted if it comes to fruition. Should be room for you and Mini Man.

Great stuff Tommy !

Happy Birfday Ryan !!!!!!

Buschy,I bought a .40 Shield last year.Great carry piece.180's will do quite nicely.

Gad, you guys taking up the .22 caliber rifles is bad for me. I've been itching for one and you are not helping keep my money in my wallet.

Incidentally, bought a CVA "Hunter" single shot break top(I love them single shots)at the pawn shop. Had a Tasco 3x9x40 on it. Took it to the gun club and shot it. DAMN!! That thing has a great trigger and is accurate as can be with three different weight bullets. I never had experience with 7mm-08 before.

Gun show in Greenville,SC tomorrow.

Stan in SC

Thank you! had a blast shooting bow with the wife and kids, even had a cake with some candles on it

Ryan,Happy Birthday.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hey there all, Anyone with any knowledge of a S&W M&P shield in the 9mm. thinking of getting one today.

I have one. It goes bang and is easy to carry, but I usually carry a G19.

Let me know if you want to try it out and are around the metro

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Went to the store. FedEx hadn't been there yet. Have to wait till Wednesday now. What grain bullet u shoot with the shield? Thanks for all the help too.

http://www.sgammo.com/product/feder...st-147-grain-hollow-point-le-ammo-p9hst2

Or the 124gr, both shoot well out of my Shield and Glocks

Hey Goalie, where you been hiding, man? Gonna try to make the get together when Deflave's in town?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Goalie, where you been hiding, man? Gonna try to make the get together when Deflave's in town?

Busy with my son. Scouts, karate, the lake place, work, etc....

When is he coming?

Not sure, but I think it's next weekend. 'Suppose I'd better get that cleared up a bit.

Saturday or Sunday? Same place as last time?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Goalie, where you been hiding, man? Gonna try to make the get together when Deflave's in town?

Oh, and winning at Nationals with the Minnesota Warriors.

Nice!

Congrats!

Awesome David! Congrats. I love the action shot!

Congrats Dave.

Thanks guys, but it was one of the more "total team effort" tourneys I've ever been a part of. I stole one game with a 3-1 win (empty net goal with a few seconds left) with a few breakaway saves in the third against the team we played eventually in the championship, and the guys bailed me out of a bad goal to go down one in the championship game by scoring two in the last few minutes, game winner with 14 seconds left.

I was one of the "old" guys, as most of them are Iraq/'Stan vets in their 20's-30's. Playing the last three games in less than 24 hours was pretty painful, but the beer on the bus ride home with the trophy somehow eased the pain a little.....

The cool thing is that the WILD FOUNDATIONS just gave the Minnesota Warriors a 30k dollar grant, so we will be doing a lot of good stuff for the guys who need it in the near future!

Nice work goalie.

I'll be there the 2nd. Going to the infamous fair of your state on the 3rd. Probably go to a Twins game on the 4th.

Check into rehab on the 5th.

Dave

Originally Posted by deflave

Check into rehab on the 5th.

Dave

You'll need that after the twins game for sure.

Congrats Dave!!

Man am I getting the itch to shoot something that has fur instead of paper on it! Fall just can't come fast enough. When are you guys headed out to Chickenbuck, Dave?

Little Joe and I have been trying to plan a quick run out there to pull SD car on his camera that he put up back in July. I get tied to the shop at home here. Work from morning till evening when a part time employee joins me, then it's night shift. By the time I'm done every day, it's too late to run out to the cabin. We will try to make time one day this week, at least for a quick survey of camp.

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't brag about the girl kid all too often but I should. I'm a proud papa. She's never had grade lower than an "A" on her report card...ever! Today she had her first high school swim meet. She made the dive team this year as an 8th grader.

She made 5 dives and 3 of them were pretty difficult according to the scoring chart which I don't understand yet. But her toughest dive was a Back Dive 1/2 twist and out of 27 total points she scored a 26.1.

Cool week in our house!!

Congrats to her! You may be sitting in the stands at the Olympics one of these days.

Originally Posted by BigDogBoogie

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't brag about the girl kid all too often but I should. I'm a proud papa. She's never had grade lower than an "A" on her report card...ever! Today she had her first high school swim meet. She made the dive team this year as an 8th grader.

She made 5 dives and 3 of them were pretty difficult according to the scoring chart which I don't understand yet. But her toughest dive was a Back Dive 1/2 twist and out of 27 total points she scored a 26.1.

Cool week in our house!!

Congrats to her! You may be sitting in the stands at the Olympics one of these days.

Maybe!

The swim coach was practically begging her to join the swim team next year. She can't as an 8th grader. The dive team and the swim team do warm-ups together. And she was faster than some of the kids on the swim team.

Her mom was a swimmer competitively but she's never shown interest. She's always loved the water and is tall and lean, like a swimmer. She did tell me after practice yesterday he asked her again, but she doesn't have a big interest in the swimming. Just diving.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by BigDogBoogie

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't brag about the girl kid all too often but I should. I'm a proud papa. She's never had grade lower than an "A" on her report card...ever! Today she had her first high school swim meet. She made the dive team this year as an 8th grader.

She made 5 dives and 3 of them were pretty difficult according to the scoring chart which I don't understand yet. But her toughest dive was a Back Dive 1/2 twist and out of 27 total points she scored a 26.1.

Cool week in our house!!

Congrats to her! You may be sitting in the stands at the Olympics one of these days.

Maybe!

The swim coach was practically begging her to join the swim team next year. She can't as an 8th grader. The dive team and the swim team do warm-ups together. And she was faster than some of the kids on the swim team.

Her mom was a swimmer competitively but she's never shown interest. She's always loved the water and is tall and lean, like a swimmer. She did tell me after practice yesterday he asked her again, but she doesn't have a big interest in the swimming. Just diving.

Oh man, Tom. You gotta push this! I'd be the first one in line to get her autograph when she kicks some Ruskie azz at the Olympics.

Hey! She is Russian!

Seriously? From your side or her mother's?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Seriously? From your side or her mother's?

Come on, you haven't seen him dance?

Lol

Mine. My grandma was 100% Russian. One of the coolest, most self sufficient women I've ever met.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Seriously? From your side or her mother's?

Come on, you haven't seen him dance?

Lol

New keyboard please!!!! Dave, that's a really scary thought.......

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey! She is Russian!

If it's any consolation, I'm mostly Kraut. Mom's mom actually had a relly that flew with Von Richtofen. Confirmed ace, killed in action by ground fire.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey! She is Russian!

If it's any consolation, I'm mostly Kraut. Mom's mom actually had a relly that flew with Von Richtofen. Confirmed ace, killed in action by ground fire.

That's the other side. It's probably why I'm so even tempered.

Grandma’s father was wanted by the Pol's. They were to behead him if he was found. We're not sure what for though. But the Pol's were after him so in the middle of the night they actually escaped Russia, through Poland and somehow ended up in Vancouver, then Edmonton. She met my Grandpa at military banquet, in Alaska. He was stationed there for the least talked about battle ever in WWII, the Aleutian Islands Campaign. He was an ass kicker and a medic.

She met him at a banquet put on for the Army staff. Grandma and her sister were in Alaska on a trip and snuck into the dance. She met him there but said she wasn’t sure she wanted to marry him because of his last name!

This coming from a Russian lady, who I still can’t pronounce her last name.

The woman was the best cook ever. Not even a comparison. EVERYTHING was fresh and from scratch. Everyday. She had a huge garden that probably was an acre, that she grew veggies. She’d can them if they couldn’t be used right away. Saturday was bread day. All the bread was baked for the week starting early Saturday morning. Shocker…but even as a young kid, I was able to figure out when the loaves started coming out of the oven. My dad would bring me to visit grandma at 8am on Saturdays.

I was probably 14 or 15 and went to get my Saturday bread. My dad and I ate about 7 loaves of warm bread, with melted butter. The good hard crust, sourdough, cracked wheat, rye, pumpernickel, white…we piled it away. She saw what we had done and completely laid into my dad and grandpa as I got away scott free.

grandpa still laughs at that one. As the only grandson…I could do no wrong.

Grandpa was full German. His grandfather settled north of Duluth on the out skirts of a railroad town, Proctor, MN. They farmed the small piece there for a long time. My grandpa and grandma sold the last piece, where they lived to a hotel developer. It sits across the highway from Spirit Mt Ski hill. He ran big ass cable operated cranes from the late 40’s into the early 80’s when he retired. The old man still claims he can run circles around the whipper-snapper with the fly-by-wire controls. My dad will argue with him until he’s blue in the face that he can’t do it… I ain’t gonna be the guy to bet against him though. He retired from cranes and wouldn’t quit working, so he put up road construction signs throughout the state. As a young kid, my dad would drop me off at their house every morning and I’d fill sandbags for the sign bases.

Grandma died 16 years ago now. The big C got her. Grandpa is in assisted living in Duluth. Still sharp as a tack at 94, but his legs don’t work anymore. He has an electric wheel chair to make his rounds as the mayor of the place! Lol. He’s been voted as the residents rep like 4 times now which pisses people in there off. A few months ago, he broke his leg because he took a corner too hot in the chair. He had er cranked up a bit too high. Which shouldn’t be funny, but I laugh every time I think of him whipping around the corner so fast he busted his leg. He laughs at it, so it’s fine.

My dad and step mom take care of him every day. He lived with them until he couldn’t walk anymore. It was too hard for my dad to carry and move him around. My dad is no spring chicken at 67. Lol

He loves road construction still to this day and keeps up with my projects with the computer, and construction articles in Industry magazines….which I think is cool as all hell. When I go visit him, we’ll sit and talk about it for hours.

Very cool stuff Tom, thanks for posting that.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Very cool stuff Tom, thanks for posting that.

x 2

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hey Goalie, where you been hiding, man? Gonna try to make the get together when Deflave's in town?

Oh, and winning at Nationals with the Minnesota Warriors.

That's way cool!

'Went to Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Activity Day event up in Alexandria today. We had 1,800 kids through the gates to learn more about the great out of doors. Special thanks to B-man for a job well done. Cant' wait till next year!

Good job Boys !

Nice work!

We spent part of the day out at camp yesterday. I did some brush and tag alder chopping. Dusty's old stand now has a very nice view. This connects with the clearing that Pam's stand overlooks. The whole works will make a really nice food plot someday, possibly next year.

this is the grassy clearing that Pam's stand overlooks.

[Linked Image]

Here's the new trail at the north end of Pam's area that leads back towards the Dusty stand.

[Linked Image]

I walked up the new trail about 30 yds to snap this pic. Dusty's (Now Missy's) stand can be seen in this photo.

[Linked Image]

View from the stand.

[Linked Image]

Holy Hannah, I'll give you my gps cords. To my deer stands. Could you run over there and make it look like that in the pictures. That's awesome.

Nice work there Sir ND.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

View from the stand.

[Linked Image]

Holy crap! You really opened that up!

Thanks guys. To say it was a violent task, would be putting it mildly.

Tag chopping with a bush hog mower is not for the faint of heart. lol!

Pure carnage, it was beautiful.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Holy crap! You really opened that up!

That's what she said.

Dave

Oh man, that's lookin nice Dave!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Thanks guys. To say it was a violent task, would be putting it mildly.

Tag chopping with a bush hog mower is not for the faint of heart. lol!

Pure carnage, it was beautiful.

Nothing like 'wooden missiles' zipping by you left and right out the front of the bushhog.

Originally Posted by deflave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Holy crap! You really opened that up!

That's what she said.

Dave

Are you enjoying the Poland fair?

I'm still in America.

But I'll be there this week. Can't wait to observe all the Pollocks in their natural habitat.

Dave

Cool story Tom. I love the dirt as much as anyone and have much respect for the guys that ran those friction clutches & brakes.
I will own my own dragline one day. I've been kicking tracks for a few years and am dealing on a little B-E right now. All my toys are juice powered but I still want a friction cable puller in the worst way.

ND, brush smashing can be fun. Right up there with snow hammering but a different season. I've been doing some of that myself for some property owners in the area. I prefer to run my dozers in the woods but ducking flying timber has it's place.

Maybe a mulcher on the front of the Nodwell is in order. You think we can get it stuck?

I know a place we might be able to get it stuck if we really squirm it and rip up the bog turf good enough.

Great work Dave. Won't it be nice to not have to shoot three times just to open up a hole in the brush big enough to get a bullet down range? No more hunting with a bayonet this year!

Originally Posted by White_Bear

You think we can get it stuck?

Come one now! You damn well it can and will get stuck!

Lookin great Dave.

Betcha somebody's been fingering a .308 & sportin a wild, far away look ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Lookin great Dave.

Betcha somebody's been fingering a .308 & sportin a wild, far away look ?

Yeah, ME! lol

I'm going to put it together tonight. Pics to follow!

We still need to pick up a scope for Mr Joe's Tika

Lemme see what I have but if you're looking to buy, I'd take a hard look at Redfield Revolution. Jack has a RR 2-7x33 on his Ruger .223

Revolution

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We still need to pick up a scope for Mr Joe's Tika

Dave PM sent...

Originally Posted by tzone

Lemme see what I have but if you're looking to buy, I'd take a hard look at Redfield Revolution. Jack has a RR 2-7x33 on his Ruger .223

Revolution

I go a chance to look through Tom's Revolution a couple years ago. When I buy my next scope, it'll be a Revolution.

I've got 2 redfields. Both 2-7x33's. 1 ancient, & 1 new. Like them both, but the glass on the new one is far superior to the oldie !

I've got a Revolution in 3-9x40.

Very, very nice scope

50* this morning puts a little spring in my step!

A few leaves are changing, humidity is dropping. I feel the need to put up a few trail cams this weekend.

The kids are I are going to shoot a bit as well. We cleaned guns a few nights ago. It's been a few years for that.

The kid soaks it up though, so we'll keep doing that stuff.

This is a really entertaining thread! I started reading it from the beginning a few days ago, I'm only on page 20 so I've got a few more to go.

Northern Dave, I'm really enjoying the story and pictures of the evolution of your deer camp,And I appreciate all the folks that have added to it.

'Course the pics of those big ol' North country bucks aren't bad either!

Originally Posted by BigDogBoogie

This is a really entertaining thread! I started reading it from the beginning a few days ago, I'm only on page 20 so I've got a few more to go.

I haven't started yet...But I do it every year.

There was a time in my life that this thread and my kids gave me the only happiness I had. It has a special place in my soul.

The camp is the same way. It's not mine... It's Dave and Pam's. But part of me is there. There to this date, been no other place on earth that I can get as good of a nights sleep as I can at chickenbuck.

Originally Posted by tzone

There to this date, been no other place on earth that I can get as good of a nights sleep as I can at chickenbuck.

That's because we roofie you. You're welcome!

Lmao!

Originally Posted by BigDogBoogie

This is a really entertaining thread! I started reading it from the beginning a few days ago, I'm only on page 20 so I've got a few more to go.

Northern Dave, I'm really enjoying the story and pictures of the evolution of your deer camp,And I appreciate all the folks that have added to it.

'Course the pics of those big ol' North country bucks aren't bad either!

Thanks, I'm glad this big mess can bring enjoyment for someone.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

There to this date, been no other place on earth that I can get as good of a nights sleep as I can at chickenbuck.

That's because we roofie you. You're welcome!

Lmao!

After hearing about the Russian dancing I can understand why.......lol

Seriously, we had to.

lol

I got a call from T Zone today. Deflave's in town and the boys were meeting for some adult beverages up in Blaine. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it. I'm sure they had a great time.

Is that the only get together for beverages? I have been working too damn much in preparation for the Allina nursing strike set to happen Monday.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We still need to pick up a scope for Mr Joe's Tika

Mine has a Zeiss 3-9 on it. I keep at set at 4 and all it does is kill chit.

Originally Posted by goalie

Is that the only get together for beverages? I have been working too damn much in preparation for the Allina nursing strike set to happen Monday.

Will you be a part of that Goalie, or do you have to cross the line?

Mr CEJ1895 has parted with a fine scope, donated to Joey for his first deer rifle.

Pics to come (when we receive and mount it)

Thanks again CEJ1895!

I'm loading the tractor on the trailer this morning, we are headed out to camp for some maintenance, trail mowing, firewood cutting, stand work etc.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Is that the only get together for beverages? I have been working too damn much in preparation for the Allina nursing strike set to happen Monday.

Will you be a part of that Goalie, or do you have to cross the line?

I will not be on strike. I will be working in my usual role (rapid response team) trying to actually keep people safe, you know, like the nurses picketing outside will have on their signs and stuff.

This whole thing is going to be one huge cluster@*&#&. I predict the nurses being locked out and it getting stupid quickly.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mr CEJ1895 has parted with a fine scope, donated to Joey for his first deer rifle.

Pics to come (when we receive and mount it)

Thanks again CEJ1895!

Niiiiiice!!!!

Dave-if you don't have a bore sighter, I've got one I can send up to you to save a few shots. Let me know.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-if you don't have a bore sighter, I've got one I can send up to you to save a few shots. Let me know.

He was a jar-head. He'll pull the bolt, look through the bore, and have it roughly on 8.5x11 paper at 25 or 50 on the first shot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

There to this date, been no other place on earth that I can get as good of a nights sleep as I can at chickenbuck.

That's because we roofie you. You're welcome!

Lmao!

Well that does explain some things.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-if you don't have a bore sighter, I've got one I can send up to you to save a few shots. Let me know.

He was a jar-head. He'll pull the bolt, look through the bore, and have it roughly on 8.5x11 paper at 25 or 50 on the first shot.

It's like we're brothers, brother.

Going to take the kids out shooting today. May even have to field bore-sight one ourselves.

Gopher, we're going to run some rounds through that .243 today.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mr CEJ1895 has parted with a fine scope, donated to Joey for his first deer rifle.

Pics to come (when we receive and mount it)

Thanks again CEJ1895!

Your very welcome! I hope that Joey likes it!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-if you don't have a bore sighter, I've got one I can send up to you to save a few shots. Let me know.

He was a jar-head. He'll pull the bolt, look through the bore, and have it roughly on 8.5x11 paper at 25 or 50 on the first shot.

Just offering some help.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-if you don't have a bore sighter, I've got one I can send up to you to save a few shots. Let me know.

He was a jar-head. He'll pull the bolt, look through the bore, and have it roughly on 8.5x11 paper at 25 or 50 on the first shot.

Just offering some help.

Oh, I know. I was being a smartazz.

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mr CEJ1895 has parted with a fine scope, donated to Joey for his first deer rifle.

Pics to come (when we receive and mount it)

Thanks again CEJ1895!

Your very welcome! I hope that Joey likes it!

oh i will love it and it will be used the best way possible and i dont know how to thank you but last night my dad told me at the bon fire at deer camp about the scope coming and i just got pumped up so fast! thank you so so so much it means the world to me

joey

well the weekend isnt over yet but we were making a bridge and when dad cut down and tried to cross it and he fell in the water lol that made me and nate laugh a little but thank you again CEJ1895!and everbody have a great labor day! ten years for chickenbuck is pretty soon that means good luck....

joey

Good luck this fall CBJ. There's a few hundred crazy rednecks on here pulling for you to fill your tag this fall. Fill your dad's too while your at it buddy!

Not sure if he will let me but I'll sure try lol

Joey

I'll be sniping deer forever

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Glad you had a good time Joe. Are you getting excited about deer season? 'Gonna show your folks how it's done this year?

sure gonna catch up to them

That's pretty cool Joey! Hope you get one of 'ol forky toes sons this year!

Hey guys, my phone is dead so if I'm not answering txts, that's why.

And by dead, I don't mean I need to charge it, I mean I went swimming on accident, it's dead-dead.

Hey I look fun swimming though
Lol

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

well the weekend isnt over yet but we were making a bridge and when dad cut down and tried to cross it and he fell in the water lol that made me and nate laugh a little but thank you again CEJ1895!and everbody have a great labor day! ten years for chickenbuck is pretty soon that means good luck....

joey

Your very welcome Joey, as to your dad taking a bath while building a bridge well I've been there and done that too! That water gets cold in November! Anyway, I just want to wish you the best of luck this fall and I expect you to post a picture of a big buck here!

I look forward to the pics and the story.

I'm hoping the pics are on someone elses phone.

Somebody has to ask Flave about his trip to the state fair. He loved it. He'll be back next year. Book it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Mr CEJ1895 has parted with a fine scope, donated to Joey for his first deer rifle.

Pics to come (when we receive and mount it)

Thanks again CEJ1895!

What an awesome gesture !!

& by Joey's response, so totally worth it !

Thank you for being a gentleman CEJ1895.

May you be blessed, for paying it forward.

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

well the weekend isnt over yet but we were making a bridge and when dad cut down and tried to cross it and he fell in the water lol that made me and nate laugh a little but thank you again CEJ1895!and everbody have a great labor day! ten years for chickenbuck is pretty soon that means good luck....

joey

Your very welcome Joey, as to your dad taking a bath while building a bridge well I've been there and done that too! That water gets cold in November! Anyway, I just want to wish you the best of luck this fall and I expect you to post a picture of a big buck here!

I told Joey about the big deer you took with that scope. He asked me what kind of deer you have where you hunt?

Just printed and laminated Jack's hunters safety card. He's the real deal now! lol.

I love kids & family hunting stuff !!!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

well the weekend isnt over yet but we were making a bridge and when dad cut down and tried to cross it and he fell in the water lol that made me and nate laugh a little but thank you again CEJ1895!and everbody have a great labor day! ten years for chickenbuck is pretty soon that means good luck....

joey

Your very welcome Joey, as to your dad taking a bath while building a bridge well I've been there and done that too! That water gets cold in November! Anyway, I just want to wish you the best of luck this fall and I expect you to post a picture of a big buck here!

I told Joey about the big deer you took with that scope. He asked me what kind of deer you have where you hunt?

Up where I hunt in Maine their called Ghost Deer! You see tracks, droppings and scrapes but not the deer! Seriously though, they have a lot of area to run and hide but when you do see one of these ridge runners he's usually big! My best whitetail out of there was a 10 point, 242 lbs dressed. I wish I could hunt from a stand but you never know where they'll be from one day to the next.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

& by Joey's response, so totally worth it !

Thank you for being a gentleman CEJ1895.

May you be blessed, for paying it forward.

Thanks, I appreciate it, I hope he likes it and it gets there in one piece!

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

& by Joey's response, so totally worth it !

Thank you for being a gentleman CEJ1895.

May you be blessed, for paying it forward.

Thanks, I appreciate it, I hope he likes it and it gets there in one piece!

It's here!

I snuck a peek, he is going to LOVE it!

Super nice glass! Wow!

I wrapped it back up, wow he's going to love that.

I guess I'll be mounting it to his Tikka tonight!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I love kids & family hunting stuff !!!!!

Me too!

He's always liked hunting. But now that he has that card, it's like someone flipped a switch. He's gone nuts about it.

I had a 2yr old 8pt on cam last year. He had a chunk out of his hide from what looks like a missed bow shot. We named him "Lumpy" because before we could see what it was, it looked like he had a lump on his side, not hide tore off.

Well he's all in on "Lumpy" now. He doesn't care that there was a 140" 10pt that is in the same area unless he got hit by a car. I had him in Januaray and Feb on the cams.

But mostly I hear "I'm going go shoot the first deer I can that doesn't have spots. If it's a buck, you're going to have it mounted dad."

His excitement is through the roof...which is catchy as hell. He's making me excited!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

& by Joey's response, so totally worth it !

Thank you for being a gentleman CEJ1895.

May you be blessed, for paying it forward.

Thanks, I appreciate it, I hope he likes it and it gets there in one piece!

It's here!

I snuck a peek, he is going to LOVE it!

Super nice glass! Wow!

I wrapped it back up, wow he's going to love that.

I guess I'll be mounting it to his Tikka tonight!

Yes!

I can't wait for his posts to follow.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

& by Joey's response, so totally worth it !

Thank you for being a gentleman CEJ1895.

May you be blessed, for paying it forward.

Thanks, I appreciate it, I hope he likes it and it gets there in one piece!

It's here!

I snuck a peek, he is going to LOVE it!

Super nice glass! Wow!

I wrapped it back up, wow he's going to love that.

I guess I'll be mounting it to his Tikka tonight!

Yes!

I can't wait for his posts to follow.

Ditto!

And that is pretty cool of you CEJ1895! The only scope I have to donate is a 4-12x40 Simmons but I'm afraid the donee would smack me over the head with it. I HATE that scope! lol

Someone is home, fresh off the school bus and he came right out to the shop.

Didn't even take the backpack off, lol!

[Linked Image]

Please don't think I'm corny but those pictures have me grinning from ear to ear and it's a little dusty too! Best of luck with it Joey! Thanks guys for all those kind words!

OK first of all..... THIS SCOPE IS AWESOME CANT WAIT TO SEE IT ON THE TIKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so so so much cej1895!!!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

OK first of all..... THIS SCOPE IS AWESOME CANT WAIT TO SEE IT ON THE TIKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so so so much cej1895!!!

I'm glad you like it! Please call me Chuck, CEJ1895 seems so formal between friends! Ask your dad if he needs a set of 308 win dies for your rifle, I've got a set of Reddings that I no longer have a rifle for..

Everything is strapped on tight. What a nice looking rig!

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

OK first of all..... THIS SCOPE IS AWESOME CANT WAIT TO SEE IT ON THE TIKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so so so much cej1895!!!

I'm glad you like it! Please call me Chuck, CEJ1895 seems so formal between friends! Ask your dad if he needs a set of 308 win dies for your rifle, I've got a set of Reddings that I no longer have a rifle for..

I will have to check my dies, I think I may have .308 dies but I'm not certain.

Dave, I think you should bring that boy out here to kill a doe this fall. I might know of some good hunting.....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Someone is home, fresh off the school bus and he came right out to the shop.

Didn't even take the backpack off, lol!

[Linked Image]

Well, that's pretty cool right there! Good on ya CEJ1895!

The young man has a smile that won't go away for a very long time. It looks like the only time things get serious is when his eyeball is lookin' down those crosshairs. Priceless!

ND-

Federal, Hornady, and Remington all have reduced recoil 308s. We recommend them to the parents of our more slightly statured Hunter Safety students.

Unless you have a goofy kid like mine that actually seems to like recoil!

Joey is cooking with grease now. A Tikka with Leupold pretty tough setup to beat. Go get em Joey

Man, take a look at that kid's face light up as he looks at that scope. He's got the eyes of the hunter Dave. You guys will be eating some venison this fall. Congrats to Joey, and good luck this fall to all the 'Buckers.

That looks great! Now put it to good use!

hard to believe how old joey is getting! That smile is great! Was a rough weekend for me, Father in law passed away last week and will be very missed. He bought my 3 kids there first deer rifles and was there when they all got there first deers and helped them gut them all. Nothing better than to get the kids out hunting. It really was one of his passions. This year will be very hard on the kids but, just 2 weeks ago a couple of them got to help make some veni summer sausage so I hope they have it down. I smoked it and it turned out great even being my first time. We did some clay pigeons with all his grand kids sunday after the funeral and some shooting of the .22's as well. We even got grandma to pull the trigger a couple times for pigeons. First time ever shooting I think. Was a relaxing moment for me to see. Sorry for the Rant.

Very sorry to hear of your family's loss.

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Please don't think I'm corny but those pictures have me grinning from ear to ear and it's a little dusty too! Best of luck with it Joey! Thanks guys for all those kind words!

Dusty huh, & here I thought it was my allergies !

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

Please don't think I'm corny but those pictures have me grinning from ear to ear and it's a little dusty too! Best of luck with it Joey! Thanks guys for all those kind words!

Aww hell no you ain't corny. If you've ever met Joey you'd know that was a genuine happy kids smile. In fact, he's smilin like heck!

I cant wait to hear about it.

Sorry to hear this Buschy. Very sorry!

Don't forget everyone to apply for Doe tags.

My condolences Buschy. So sad.

The photos of Joey smiling while opening the box, inspecting the scope, then checking it out on his new Tikka are priceless.....

Thank you so much Chuck for making the young hunter so happy.

So sorry to hear of your loss Buschy.....

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Don't forget everyone to apply for Doe tags.

I went in and found out that my zone is "hunter's choice" this year.

Apparently "if it's brown it's down" is an official type of tag now......

So sorry to hear Buschy.

That has to be a huge loss for you guys. Thinking about you and your family as you go through this. I'm glad that you got out shooting with the family. That helps kick start the healing process I'm sure. Sorry again for your loss.

Originally Posted by mmgravy

The photos of Joey smiling while opening the box, inspecting the scope, then checking it out on his new Tikka are priceless.....

Thank you so much Chuck for making the young hunter so happy.

X 2

Special thanks to Dave the Chickenbuck crew for letting us watch CBJ grow up before our very eyes. The look on his face-that ear to ear smile says it all. We are lucky to be able to witness this. The kid's gonna have a fun deer season Dave. Ya done good, sir.

Well, I purchased my rifle season tag this morning and I did apply for antlerless lottery. I sent messages to the other adult chickenbuckers to remind them all to do the same.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Don't forget everyone to apply for Doe tags.

tahnks,I would have forgotten

'Been dry for four years. 'Hope to draw a doe tag this time around.

I haven't shot a buck since 2012. A few does is it. It's all about the kids for the next few years as far as I'm concerned. As long as they get a deer and learn how to hunt and be an outdoorsman, I'm cool.

I'm praying to draw a SD buck tag next year though and finally hunt with Ryan again.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

'Been dry for four years. 'Hope to draw a doe tag this time around.

You'll have to start jogging so you can catch the old lady during the November rut.

There's a lot of truth to what you're saying there Tommy.

Bad morning to be a goose! They were getting hammered on the lake across the road!

Same here, Tom. The barrage lasted well over and hour before it died down. Sounded really close by.

South Carolina low country deer season opened August 15th.Archery here in the up country opens September 15th. followed by muzzle loader on October 1st.and regular gun season opens October 15th.
We can purchase up to four "use anytime" doe tags for $5 each. I already bought two. I used to buy four but never used all of them. I bought the extra ones just to give a little extra money to SCDNR. This year for some reason I only bought two and I will probably only use one of them.
We had work day at the deer lease last Monday. Bush hogging, food plot tilling and planting and general clean up.
As of three years ago baiting with corn is legal and we will be putting piles of corn on the cob out. The on the cob draws them and makes them stay longer than just loose kernels.
Hopefully I will get one nice deer.
I wish each and every one a great deer season and I look forward to seeing pictures of "fuzzy wind chimes" at Chickenbuck.

Stan in SC

CBJ's gonna break in that new rifle good this year, I can just feel it.

I'm planing this weekend hopefully to shoot the 308 with the new scope!!

Awesome Joe! Are you going to swat a few of those grouse up there too?

oh my, that's right... small game opener too.

How'd you do for berries & mushrooms this year Dave ?

Ya mon. Small game this weekend. Joey's pretty rough on those birds. lol. He's the partridge king!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

How'd you do for berries & mushrooms this year Dave ?

It was a good year for both but my "free time" didn't really coincide with either.

Yeah, I'm hearin ya.

It was the same up here, with the same result. 1 blueberry picking trip & 1 chanterelle trip.

I won't be able to make it out this weekend, but the grouse will be a fearin' me next week. Hey Tom-ya wanna match up for some grouse swatting?

It's possible. We will be in wi Sunday, building blinds and checking trail cams.

Have fun buddy-wish I was tagging along.

Man, this cool weather is really kick starting things. Kind of funny-the local geese that loafed nonchalantly all over the area are on their guard now. The guys have been hitting them hard in the area since the early goose season opened. Apparently these big birds don't particularly care to be shot at!

I saw two fawns I've seen several times this summer. Their spots are gone and they look more like deer and less like little play toys now. Two cool nights in a row probably ran out the local hummingbirds.

I saw a big flock of red winged blackbirds heading into a swamp for the evening a couple days ago.

Fall is falling fast. Time to go hunting guys.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Man, this cool weather is really kick starting things. Kind of funny-the local geese that loafed nonchalantly all over the area are on their guard now. The guys have been hitting them hard in the area since the early goose season opened. Apparently these big birds don't particularly care to be shot at!

I saw two fawns I've seen several times this summer. Their spots are gone and they look more like deer and less like little play toys now. Two cool nights in a row probably ran out the local hummingbirds.

I saw a big flock of red winged blackbirds heading into a swamp for the evening a couple days ago.

Fall is falling fast. Time to go hunting guys.

Heck ya hunting is number one on my todo list in 2016

Originally Posted by northern_dave

oh my, that's right... small game opener too.

You know what that means...

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome Joe! Are you going to swat a few of those grouse up there too?

When I get out there partridge population will go down

Truff dat !

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome Joe! Are you going to swat a few of those grouse up there too?

When I get out there partridge population will go down

Good luck deadeye!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Heck ya hunting is number one on my todo list in 2016

<<< Tom smiling like heck.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome Joe! Are you going to swat a few of those grouse up there too?

When I get out there partridge population will go down

I hope so.

Jack wants to come and shoot some with you again.

I just happen to have a big zip lock bag of .308 brass and I do not own a .308 any more . I'd by happy to send it "Nort"

My wife bought me a .357 Maximum barrel for my Contender Carbine last Christmas so that will likely be my choice this year .

Let me know on the brass ...........

Just because the mornings are getting crisp, and I am excited to finally shoot a deer without ear-pro or exacerbating my tinnitus.

Pic taken on my meat freezer for good luck.

steak and eggs with fresh shredded hash browns was for breakfast this morning. the steaks were from joes doe last year.

good stuff.

Sweet! I like that .357.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

steak and eggs with fresh shredded hash browns was for breakfast this morning. the steaks were from joes doe last year.

good stuff.

Oh my!

Refresh my memory, what caliber goalie?

Originally Posted by tzone

Refresh my memory, what caliber goalie?

That is a Ruger American Ranch in 300BO. I shoot supersonic for hunting deer, but it isn't loud. Mouse farts with subsonic.

Nice looking setup Goalie. Good luck with it, buddy. How's hockey going? Bet you're busy with the nurses strike and everything.

Just a heads up anybody deer hunting by Longville or by there. Might want to check deer stands. Was up this last weekend and WOW it was bad. Never seen so many trees down in my life. All of our deer stands need repair, need to chainsaw the trails back open as well. 2 of my trail cameras got destroyed. Water is way up as well, one stand i checked on i thought i was down in the Bayou.Jumping from one bog to another bog. Was on high alert for swamp squids.Water went over thee old rubber boots. I was that guy that dumped a gallon of water out of my boots.

So just a heads up to anybody that hunts that area. I think hunters who just show up for deer opener where we hunt. Will be in for a surprise.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Nice looking setup Goalie. Good luck with it, buddy. How's hockey going? Bet you're busy with the nurses strike and everything.

Busy with the nurses? Tell me more.

Originally Posted by noduck

So just a heads up to anybody that hunts that area. I think hunters who just show up for deer opener where we hunt. Will be in for a surprise.

That happened to us where we used to hunt near Park Falls, WI. Tornado knocked out a mile square of the Nat Forest. We were able to saw in a mile. I think I got a spike buck that year and was the only one that did in our crew.

The mini and I headed up to our WI camp yesterday to check trail cams and swat birds. We only saw one bird and didn't get it.

The trail cams were something else tho! LOTS of deer pics. buck, does, fawns. There were bears, raccoons, rabbits. If I can ever get my slow ass computer to load pics I'll put some on here.

Nice Tom !!

Yeah, it's wet as heck here too. Went in to check things in the Tamarac swamp, last weekend. Swamp is not a good present description. Think tropical rain forest ! MOSQUITOS too.

Need it to FREEZE !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Need it to FREEZE !

Soon!

Joe and I took "the dry route" to my deer stand yesterday, the dry route is wet, the wet route is a lake.

I was confused as to where the "dry route" was. Lol

Put away the snowshoes and get out the water wings......

That first year I was up there to hunt, 08 or 09. Damn that was a wet year up there.

I take a big half circle route. From the gate I walk out to the first really sharp curve and keep walking in straight, back in towards my ground blind, I then pick up your old trail to your ground blind. I keep going past your ground blind and it's not too much farther to my stand from there.

I will likely reserve that stand for cold temps this year, I believe I will try to branch out a little further from camp this year, try some new spots.

Is my ground blind still standing? is it cutting you off? I was thinking of redoing it? I can move it too.

There is a spot I found last year I'd like to check out. Across the road, where we ride wheelers. Nate and I looked at it before too. Probably a mile, mile and a half off the forest rd.

It is much the same in this neck of the woods as far as downed trees. We had a couple of storms that laid a lot of trees down. You will want to have a chain saw with you here when you venture back in the woods.....

your ground blind is fine. There are actually a couple of seats in it right now, a hunting chair and a 5 gallon pail.

Refresh my memory...is it big enough to stretch out for a nap?

Maybe u need to come check it out again Tom. Give me another excuse to get out there too. I always try but haven't made it for quite some time. Miss chicken buck and i am the closest to it! Good times had and remembered there.

I'll be there saturday buschy

Joe shot the tikka tonight.

I sighted down the bore at a focal point at 100 yds and decided to let r rip at 100 yds, skip the 50.

[Linked Image]

Number one wasn't terribly far off, I adjusted the scope and landed at number 2, one more adjustment then I shot 3&4 as a group.

I brought it down a touch and handed over to Joe.

[Linked Image]

Here's Joe's first 3 rounds.

[Linked Image]

Add 3 more, he's doing fine with it.

[Linked Image]

Great shooting by both of you and a good job of bore sighting also. The whitetails better be careful this fall at Camp Chickenbuck!

Heading up this weekend to get a
Closer look at "our" new cabin in my old hometown .
Perhaps the girl and I will start our own tradition with a new deer hunting and fish catching location

these pictures are all within 5 miles of "our" new cabin

nice little one acre lot
20 x 40 garage
big garden
a new best friend who loves to hunt and fish to share it with.

its about 300 yards from the house I grew up in.

Originally Posted by fluffy

Beautiful

Originally Posted by fluffy

nice little one acre lot
20 x 40 garage
big garden
a new best friend who loves to hunt and fish to share it with.

its about 300 yards from the house I grew up in.

That's cool, I hope we hear more about it soon.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'm very happy to see this! It looks like the deer up there are gonna be in trouble when old dead eye hits the woods! Great shooting!

Doing fine with it? I'd say!! Nice shooting Joe!

And it's a cool looking rifle!

Looking good Fluffy! A place to make memories for sure!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I'd say !!

Originally Posted by fluffy

nice little one acre lot
20 x 40 garage
big garden
a new best friend who loves to hunt and fish to share it with.

its about 300 yards from the house I grew up in.

PERFECT !

Congrats Joe! Nice job with the new shooting iron!

Fluffy, I'd say you have a setting there most men dream of, Enjoy!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by fluffy

Beautiful

Same place the crappies come from .

That's a little piece of Heaven there Fluffy.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Add 3 more, he's doing fine with it.

[Linked Image]

That boy has some serious skills!

Wonder which side of the family they came from?

Good job Joey!!!

Joe's ready to rumble this season.

Fluffy, that looks amazing!

He shoots far better than I did at his age. Good job, Joe!

Nice looking spread Fluffy.

Great shooting both of you!!

It certainly looks like the deer in your neck of the woods are in serious trouble if Joey puts the crosshairs on them!!

Dave how did all your work planting at the home place turn out I have seen nothing about it.

Originally Posted by GW708

Dave how did all your work planting at the home place turn out I have seen nothing about it.

Very good, its a lot of mowing but we like it.

photos from earlier this spring.

[Linked Image]

photos I took this morning.

[Linked Image]

from the tree fort view.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by mmgravy

Great shooting both of you!!

It certainly looks like the deer in your neck of the woods are in serious trouble if Joey puts the crosshairs on them!!

By my estimation, Joey will go 3 deers in 3 years, this fall.

Possibly, the only one ever to achieve it ?

Yep, looks great Dave.

Lookin good. But DAMN that's a lot of lawn to mow!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by GW708

Dave how did all your work planting at the home place turn out I have seen nothing about it.

Very good, its a lot of mowing but we like it.

photos from earlier this spring.

[Linked Image]

photos I took this morning.

[Linked Image]

from the tree fort view.

[Linked Image]

Dang! That's A LOOOT of mowing! A 72" 3-point finishing mower would sure come in handy there

Looks great Dave all that work paid off.

'Came by my archery spot again last night. Two yearlings and two mature does in the front yard. Metro area, so unlimited tags. Hope to get a couple little ones to start with for some good eating meat. Plan to start hunting in about two weeks here.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Plan to start hunting in about two weeks here.

Two weeks? The season is open! What's this 2 week crap!

Tom, I'll see ya tomorrow sometime. I think I'm going to take the afternoon off and start packing for the cabin. Which includes a tractor and all kinds of "quipment" for cutting trees, brush, fixing roads and such.

Alrighty man. I'm headed north at 0400.

I gotta chance the oil in the rammer, catch the homecoming FB game and get some shuteye.

Good luck boyo's !

Have a great time at chickenbuck !

It's never not a good time! An adventure some times but always a good time.

Oh boy. When these two get together at Chickenbuck, meat, and plenty of it, is sure to be on a grill. Local butchers smile because now they know they're going to have a good year. Livestock run for the hills. And these men will go to bed full and happy, if not a little tipsy, knowing it's been a good day.

Have fun gentlemen.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh boy. When these two get together at Chickenbuck, meat, and plenty of it, is sure to be on a grill. Local butchers smile because now they know they're going to have a good year. Livestock run for the hills. And these men will go to bed full and happy, if not a little tipsy, knowing it's been a good day.

Have fun gentlemen.

The livestock definitely run for the hills, but it's not because they fear being eaten..........

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh boy. When these two get together at Chickenbuck, meat, and plenty of it, is sure to be on a grill. Local butchers smile because now they know they're going to have a good year. Livestock run for the hills. And these men will go to bed full and happy, if not a little tipsy, knowing it's been a good day.

Have fun gentlemen.

The livestock definitely run for the hills, but it's not because they fear being eaten..........

Well how's the bromance in the north going guys? A big group hug yet?

northern dave,got a job for you!
probably just needs a little paint.
shes a little faded on the one side

[Linked Image]

last on the road in '62

Aw come on Fluffy-that will buff out!

v-8 flathead

[Linked Image]

been sitting for at least 50 years.
tranny is broken,probably why it was abandoned.
axles and drive shaft,starter were removed at some point.
engine appears intact,and possibly salvageable.
frame is solid.
now need to get it out of the woods

[Linked Image]

The way the whole side is gone like that, makes me wonder if somebody skinned it to hang up on a wall in a bar or something. 'Sure didn't do a smooth cut if they did. Aw heck, a little bondo will fix that right up!

Originally Posted by fluffy

northern dave,got a job for you!
probably just needs a little paint.
shes a little faded on the one side

[Linked Image]

she's a dandy. 51?

Might have been a fire got the one side, leading to accelerated decay.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Might have been a fire got the one side, leading to accelerated decay.

I have accelerated decay. Never been in a fire tho.

Oh, herro charry fock trot.

Dave, did you guys make it to camp ?

Did you build an Ark ?

We made it.

I was grateful for the company, Tom made the trip north as well as Missy and her boyfriend. I believe 3 grouse were taken during the weekend. I 38-ed one with my daily carry, snubbie J frame smith, lol. Tom and Joey both used scatterguns to take their birds.

We put some little salt blocks out and we attempted some road work. The road work was non helpful because it's simply too wet. We got some material (sand) moved into low, water holding spots on the trail, but it all just turned to soup. The 10 day forecast looks ok for rain, maybe next week I will get out there for an evening and try to shape the fill on the sloppy spots.

We cut some firewood yesterday. Mostly wind blown trees that had been down for a couple of years, and a couple dead standing. I could stand to cut a little more, mostly because the exercise wouldn't kill me. But I believe we have no worries heading into hunting season with what we have put up so far.

Sweet !

I'm a positive guy, but the rain is negatively effecting me !

Rained all weekend here & we are getting 20mm today & another 10mm tonight.

Spent the 2nd weekend, in a row, working on our basement storage.

This used to be our wood room, before we switched to high efficiency propane.

That looks like a very productive project, I'd be proud of that.

Yeah, needed to get done & I was happy to do/doing it, but my 50 year old back & muscles beg to differ.

That & using a drill/driver wrong handed.

Apparently, the laundry room also needs attention.

I have to disagree with Dave...I believe that excercise may actually kill us. My hamstrings are telling me I need a longer bar on the chain saw for less squatting and bending.

We had a great time and as always Dave and Pam are great hosts. We started making our lists for deer camp cabin supplies and food lists. She's going to be a dandy!

Originally Posted by northern_dave
[/quote

she's a dandy. 51?

preliminary indications are a 1948 f1

Dave, can you take some of them big piles of wood chips up there and fill in the mud holes with? not sure if that would work or not but I don't see them shavings moving from where they are piled. free fill. I wish I would have driven in. when I did see a head down the road, I thought they would have came out but No avail. Next time!

Guys, MN deer lottery results are in! I WIN.

Thought I would pop in and see how you folks are doing. Great to see a nice weekend was had at Chickenbuck! I hope all of you folks enjoy your fall, have good hunting seasons, and hunt safe! I really hope the deer population is up and you can harvest a bunch of deer.

I got an anterless permit,too!!!

I did not draw a flat head tag.

6 of us applied, none of us got drawn. lol

Its not a chaffuer service buschy. We were trying to drain the road. Sorry you didn't want to get your truck dirty. Only you and the missy didn't drive back in. Lol

There really isn't much you can do in that road but to fill it. That got so saturated it's just tough to get it to dry.

T, could you go old school with a corduroy road?

My grandpa and his crew did a 30 mile cut through the swamp near Ely for the state back in the 40's I think. He said they had to use corduroy roads for much of the way, drop logs, line em up, and cover with some fill. We still have the plans. Might have some pics somewhere. Took them all summer.

I just checked-I got a doe tag. Yippee!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

6 of us applied, none of us got drawn. lol

Dave-do any of the kids get any kind of youth doe tag?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

T, could you go old school with a corduroy road?

My grandpa and his crew did a 30 mile cut through the swamp near Ely for the state back in the 40's I think. He said they had to use corduroy roads for much of the way, drop logs, line em up, and cover with some fill. We still have the plans. Might have some pics somewhere. Took them all summer.

Yeah you probably could. I think the [bleep] part of that road is actually state land so really there we were just digging trenches with shovels to get the water off. Thats what we were doing when buschy was poking around there. It actually worked pretty good. Pam, missy, and Shannon were doing a few and Nate me and Joey were doing a few. Dave was hauling in sand to some other spots.

Then it rained the next day and screwed it up again.

It sounds like a real mess. Is it even possible to do this right, or is it just low ground, and that's all there is to it, and it can't be made better? Jeez, I'd be dumping everything in there I could possibly get my hands of if it would help.

You could haul in a load of crushed concrete...

if'n you wanted to see how fast a load of crushed concrete sinks...

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

6 of us applied, none of us got drawn. lol

Dave-do any of the kids get any kind of youth doe tag?

Don't need one. If there are tags available in an area the kiddo's can pop a doe.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You could haul in a load of crushed concrete...

if'n you wanted to see how fast a load of crushed concrete sinks...

There is a bottom to it. Real trucks and Dodges can get through. It's just that the Chevy's have to park at the landing because they can't get through.

It is kinda sporty, I'll admit. 4-lo is your friend.

I ain't never not got out there in a Chevy

Saturday is our first day of muzzle loader season. I got out the .54 last night and ran a patch down it to make sure it was clean.
Gun season will be in the 11th.The combo gun is ready.
Now all I gotta do is see a deer.

Stan in SC

Good Luck Stan!

It would be interesting to see some pictures of these bad spots in the road.
We have something similar(maybe) to traverse to our present hunting location.even some people with ATVs and UTVs turn around at the sight of them.

The spot look bad,deep ruts,etc,but are hard bottom,and you can idle through easy,especially if its cold enough to freeze ,makes the squishy loonpoop on top firm up enough that you wont even spin.
What about blackberries?
You guys have any there?
We hunt several year old clearcuts,and they are everywhere,and really nasty.last year there was a huge crop,but this year they were tiny,smaller the peas,but the thorns were still there.
Those things are worse than roses,by far.my truck still has scratches from end to end from them bastages,but it helps keep traffic down also.

I'm headed antelope hunting tomorrow, I'll try to get some pics up when I get back. always a great time Dave *hint* *hint*

Good luck, Ryan.

Stan in SC

Can't wait for the reports, Ryan.

I am just going to rant a little because, well, this is off the beaten path and won't be seen by anyone at work.

I am an RN at Abbott Northwetern in Mpls. Allina nurses have been on strike for almost 4 weeks. I resigned from the union a while ago (before the strike crap) due to how they treated some co-workers that I respect and am friends with.

1. If you make between 40-50 bucks an hour, you are not an underpaid slave, and shouldn't be asking for handouts if you walk off your job and willingly stop having income.

2. If you want to dance around in streets and block traffic during rush hour, you are not going to be looked upon as professionals, and the people back at your hospital working are going to thin you are immature idiots and BLM wannabes.

3. If you really cared about the patients, you would be inside the hospital taking care of them, not outside hoping like ghouls that the replacement nurses screw up and someone gets hurt so your bargaining position is strengthened.

4. EVERYONE is replacable.

5. I would trade a few of the replacements for a few of my regular co-workers in a heartbeat. Half a heartbeat.

6. Your employer that pays you double-time on your birthday if you work, and triple time for Christmas and New Year's doesn't actually hate you.

7. The "crappy" core insurance plans have saved me over 10k dollars in premiums since I left the special snowflake nurse plans that are only good if you are a high-use health care consumer.

That is all.

Time for the union boys to start rattling their bats here. But then again the silence is deafening.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Time for the union boys to start rattling their bats here. But then again the silence is deafening.

Well, considering that they are going to vote Monday on an offer that is essentially the same as the offer they didn't even vote on before going on strike, I am pretty glad I didn't piss away a month of pay to go from point A to point A.....

Good luck Ryan with the antelope and Stan with the deer. Look forward to seeing the results of your hunts soon!!

Originally Posted by goalie

I am pretty glad I didn't piss away a month of pay to go from point A to point A.....

You have just summed up most strikes.

I can't wait for pics as well. I never really had a desire to hunt antelope until I went out west in 2015 to Yellowstone.

Now I want to.

I want to draw a freakin SD deer tag first though. lol. I have as much luck with that as I have in the powerball.

In my opinion, antelope meat is some of the best wild game as long as the animals have not been run and meat gets cooled down quickly after the kill. Stalk them, shoot them when they stand up from their beds and then clean and get to coolers quickly.

On the union issue, a few years ago the Crystal Sugar union workers in the Red River Valley went on strike and I think it took the individual workers five years to recover from the losses of being out of work that long after the new contract was signed. Health care costs were the primary issue there too. Time for the unions to realize the world has changed on employers costs of providing health care coverage for employees.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Time for the union boys to start rattling their bats here. But then again the silence is deafening.

Well, considering that they are going to vote Monday on an offer that is essentially the same as the offer they didn't even vote on before going on strike, I am pretty glad I didn't piss away a month of pay to go from point A to point A.....

You better be careful Goalie. All the union buttkissers are gonna get on here and tell how you have inferior skills because you're not part of a union.

I'm totally backing you on your decision to part with the union.

Bravo.

Much respect.

I also back your parting ways with the union. When I worked for a construction company , eighty per cent of our problems were with the unions.
The auto worker's union is what makes the cost of a new vehicle almost prohibitive today.

Stan in SC

P>S>
I saw nothing this morning but we are going again tomorrow afternoon.I did get serenaded by a nearby pack of coyotes which sounded as if they were chasing something.

I went for a spotting run this morning and got attacked by a flock of turkeys. The damned things were in the middle of the road and had absolutely not intention of moving. If I hadn't stopped, we'd have had Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter turkey plus a few more.

They were all young of the year and a few hens. The damned things came up to the van and pecked at the tires!

I was going to start bow hunting tomorrow, but it's just too warm for me. If I got one, I'd have to immediately cut it up to keep the flies away from it.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

It sounds like a real mess. Is it even possible to do this right, or is it just low ground, and that's all there is to it, and it can't be made better? Jeez, I'd be dumping everything in there I could possibly get my hands of if it would help.

It's repairable. I just need to take a day off and haul some tools out there. I feel bad for not doing it yet but my candle is burning on both ends.

Nice of you to pitch in White Bear.

Took the boy to our deer camp in WI and did a little scouting and a bunch of work. There's no question about it...he worked his butt off. And slept the whole way home.

This is fun for both of us because it's a new spot not really hunted by us. I did last year a bit but never really got into a bunch of spots. We're not digging deeper into the woods, putting up more cameras and learning some patterns. And Jack is learning how to be a woodsman, learning some deer movements, patterns, wind directions...fun stuff.

We do have a ton of daylight pictures of small bucks too. There is one daylight pic of a real nice 8pt, width to the ears and heavy rack. He's pretty fired up about that one!

That's cool Tom !!

This weekend, my brother & I & our families, watched the Australian Rules Football (AFL) grand final on Saturday night. We ate home made meat pies with "mushy peas" & Holbrooks Black sauce (Worcestershire sauce). Perhaps a coupla coldies were consumed !

Good times, along way from our birth place !

not the best pic, but he is the heaviest buck I think I've ever seen and he has good width to him. he had 12 does with him so he was one of the dominant ones in the area.
350 yards 168 VLD 308 45.4 gr Varget Lane suppressor.

Nice job Ryan !!

Been waiting for your post.

Niiiiiiice!!!!

Hey Ryan, have you got a entrance/exit shot of that guy, with skin off ?

Somebody posted one, from a VLD, on the deer holes thread & I was wondering if it was normal, or an anomaly !

Very nice Ryan!

Last night during the FB game Jack was acting a bit goofy. Even for him. I asked what his deal was. As he was bouncing around the living room he said "I'm just really, REALLY, excited for deer season to get here. It's a long time til November."

Yes, sir... I have succeeded!

I reminded him that the youth hunt at Chickenbuck is only a few weeks out and his eyes lit up the room.

We spent all day in the woods on Sunday and he's getting the hang of things in the area. We're still learning it. But he's doing a great job of sorting it all out.

We broke out the .22's and made some shots too. We'll do more this weekend. I don't think either one of us can wait.

Ryan

Very nice

. Is that a S.D. or a Wy. buck?

Originally Posted by tzone

Last night during the FB game Jack was acting a bit goofy. Even for him. I asked what his deal was. As he was bouncing around the living room he said "I'm just really, REALLY, excited for deer season to get here. It's a long time til November."

Yes, sir... I have succeeded!

I reminded him that the youth hunt at Chickenbuck is only a few weeks out and his eyes lit up the room.

We spent all day in the woods on Sunday and he's getting the hang of things in the area. We're still learning it. But he's doing a great job of sorting it all out.

We broke out the .22's and made some shots too. We'll do more this weekend. I don't think either one of us can wait.

Good job Tom. You're bringin' him up right!

it's a WY buck.
sorry no pics of entrance/exit, but they worked and he died quickly. It was pretty warm out so I broke him down quickly to get him on ice. I plan on using the same load on elk whenever I get a chance to go out. I'll get pics of those when I get one.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good job Tom. You're bringin' him up right!

Of course I am. You should see him drink beer!

Well, it wouldn't take much for him to outdrink you..........

congrats ryan!

Really great,Ryan.
Antelope is the absolute best tasting meat there is.
So far I have been up in the tripod stand three times and only have seen squirrels consuming my corn piles.(Baiting is legal in South Carolina) I'll bet next year I will have some 40 pound squirrels out there.
Stan in SC

Way to go Ryan!!

Frost warning here for tomorrow morning. I'm off Sunday and the crossbow is calling..........

It has a phone?

They've really come a long way in a few years!

Not a phone, more of a yodel. I heard it this morning while I was out checking the bullshit gauge.

Nearly a foot, according to the gauge.

With a lot more on the way!

Originally Posted by tzone

It has a phone?

They've really come a long way in a few years!

Yeah, and it gets really good cable reception too.

Oof da! Too early to be chasing da deers. Heading your way in 5 hours to chase da ducks in NoDak. Going up 94 taking a left at Fergus Falls; 15 hours total. One week of bliss. Can hardly wait.

Nice job Ryan! That pic makes my mouth water. Antelope is gooOOOD eating!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oof da! Too early to be chasing da deers. Heading your way in 5 hours to chase da ducks in NoDak. Going up 94 taking a left at Fergus Falls; 15 hours total. One week of bliss. Can hardly wait.

Where in ND do you hunt at CFT?

Oh and good luck!

Originally Posted by fluffy

Most of that should just buff right out!!

Here are a few pictures from Jacks's trail cam. Off to a good start.

3 or possibly 4 different bucks. Does the dawn with the doe look like a piebald?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oof da! Too early to be chasing da deers. Heading your way in 5 hours to chase da ducks in NoDak. Going up 94 taking a left at Fergus Falls; 15 hours total. One week of bliss. Can hardly wait.

Where in ND do you hunt at CFT?

Oh and good luck!

We're west of Edgeley and Gwinner, south of Streeter and Gackle. Man, lots of big deer this year and probably the most Ringnecks I've seen in ten years here. Almost took one in the windshield yesterday afternoon!

Tom-have you peeled Jack off the ceiling yet after seeing those pictures? You guys are gonna have some fun this fall. 'Wish I was there to see it all go down. Take lots of pictures, okay?

Oh he's excited! He's not actually seen a deer while he has a gun with him so anything will get him excited at this point. It's very fun to see the excitement. He knows the area we usually hunt, north of Duluth has about 3 deer. He wasn't excited to go there at all actually. So, this is pretty exciting.

I don't know why it didn't occur to me to take a pic of him shooting his gun, but here are the results.

Ruger American Compact. .223 Rem, Barnes Vortex 55gr TSX

[Linked Image]

Here he is shooting my Win M70 Compact. .308 Win, Hornady American Whitetail 150gr

[Linked Image]

That's some pretty good shooting. What was the range?

300 yards

I kiiid, I kiiid.

It was 50. He won't have a shot further than that anywhere by that clear cut.

We shot the .308 at 50 and 100.

Good shooting! He looks ready to go..

Originally Posted by tzone

I kiiid, I kiiid.

It was 50. He won't have a shot further than that anywhere by that clear cut.

We shot the .308 at 50 and 100.

Tom-smart to do this like you are. Get him confident he can hit that 50 yard shot and move on from there. Good job buddy.

Well I also want to keep velocity up on that lil popper he's shooting too. Those 55 grainers should smoke right along.

That sucker sure is fun to shoot.

Uurrrrrrp.
Urrp
Urrp.

Originally Posted by tzone

Uurrrrrrp.
Urrp
Urrp.

Hey! Wazzat?! I tink I heard a deeeerrrr!!!!!!!! Must be da thurdy point buck!!!!!

........Dat no brudder good in law of mine-from Illinois!

Bufus got da first buck, since 1968!

That poor tree........

Tree? You should see the intern...she'll never be the same.

Great work Tom !

Had both kids home for the Canadian Thanksgiving long week end.

Played in the woods, adjusting stands, blinds, trail clean up/out & cameras.

Headed to the range (gravel pit) yesterday afternoon & everyone shot well. Particularly my 22 year old daughter, who only started shooting this time last year & hasn't touched a rifle since !

Ate waaay tooo much & had a buncha fun.

Life is complicated, but ultimately good.

Went to do a little work on my 12 year old daughter's deer (box) stand. I wanted to put higher walls and a roof on it for her. We pull up close (30 yards) to it with the truck and trailer. She is excited and wants to go climb into it so I say go for it! She climbs up there and a few seconds later, starts squealing like crazy. There is a 6 point buck standing there looking at her from 40 yards away. She is pretty excited now!

Funny part....half an hour or so later, I was trimming some branches for her and that half-witted buck was still there! I can only hope that it stays that dumb for another few weeks.

We can shoot 2 deer this year. the question is, do i allow myself to shoot 1 or let my daughter shoot all 4?

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We can shoot 2 deer this year. the question is, do i allow myself to shoot 1 or let my daughter shoot all 4?

Easy one for me. Is all ahoy the kids for s few years til they can start hunting on their own. We only eat two deer a year so no need to like them up at our house. Ther is no way I can match the excitement level of my son at this point so it's all about him. My daughter will hunt the youth season but gets too cold during November.

And btw MN. Give the kids they're own weekend. Don't make it early antler less season for everyone next weekend. Come on!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We can shoot 2 deer this year. the question is, do i allow myself to shoot 1 or let my daughter shoot all 4?

Easy one for me. Is all ahoy the kids for s few years til they can start hunting on their own. We only eat two deer a year so no need to like them up at our house. Ther is no way I can match the excitement level of my son at this point so it's all about him. My daughter will hunt the youth season but gets too cold during November.

And btw MN. Give the kids they're own weekend. Don't make it early antler less season for everyone next weekend. Come on!

Tom, I've said this before. You get it. It should be about the kids. We need to do everything we can-whatever it takes to get these kids hooked on hunting. A good early experience is important. Kids don't get nearly as much out of Dad fillling their tag for them as they do out of filling it their selves. One of my earliest childhood memories is of going deer hunting with dad. I was so small I rode around in his backpack. Start 'em young, and start 'em right and you've got a hunting partner for life.

The adventure begins.

We are in Casper Wy. for a couple of days and then up to Jackson and out to the elk camp. This will be a great time. I will keep updating when possible.

Plan on hiking a bit to get acclimated and a trip to the rifle range.

Life is good.

tzone. You can eat two deer made into jerky and the other two as steaks and burger. Enjoy the time with your kids.

Gopher, I wasnt advocating that I shoot one of her deer, I was wondering if I should give her both of mine or just 1. She has already shot 2 deer so this isn't her first. The other thing I think about is that she needs to earn her deer and too much success too early isn't good either. I guess I will play it by ear.

I think you should let her fill the minivan with deer.

Ha! good one. But Mama wouldn't be too happy about that. I think i better see if the Ecoboost can handle it.

They make tarps. Camo ones even.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Gopher, I wasnt advocating that I shoot one of her deer, I was wondering if I should give her both of mine or just 1. She has already shot 2 deer so this isn't her first. The other thing I think about is that she needs to earn her deer and too much success too early isn't good either. I guess I will play it by ear.

Oh I knew you weren't Dean. But there's guys out there that aren't above that. The first year I moved up here I got invited to hunt with a guy from work, up at his dad's place by Mille Lacs. Turns out the dad's idea of hunting was to have everyone dog for him while he sat on his azz and did the shooting. The first place we went to was well posted with No Trespassing signs, and a tree had been purposely cut down across the entrance to keep trucks out. He drove right through the tree top to get back in there. He wanted to do a "quick push" but I refused to go. I figured if the game warden came I had a lot better chace of pleading my case from the truck, instead of out in the field. He had one guy he'd invited who'd had a serious head injury and should never have been carrying a gun. I bugged him about it and he finally told me the only reason he was along was to supply another tag! I never hunted with them again.

Boy Dean, they just won't let up on the minivan! Tom-you know we own one too right? Grand Caravan, buddy. I think you're just jealous that you don't have one.......although I'm sure it would have to be a Ford.

Agree with T and Gopher on this one....

My daughter, son and daughter-in-law hunt each deer season with me here and still have the green light to fill my tag or tags should the opportunity arise. They are all in their upper 30's. My two kids have been hunting since they legally could at age 12 and it has always been that way and always will be.

My next day off is Tuesday, and I'm heading back up to Alexandria for a second round of scouting out a possible new spot for us. Special thanks to Berettaman for giving me some much needed pointers on spots to check in the area. Really hoping this looks good as we all ready reserved a motel room in the area. If the number of deer stands we saw up there is any indication of the hunting, we ought to be in good shape. Gonna dust off the shotgun just in case a rabbit or pheasant gets up in front of me.

Man, I can't wait for the opener!

Bring your arm floaties!!

You just had to go and say that didn't you T?

I'm a single shot nut. Been hunting break top singles for some years now, especially ones chambered in 45/70.
My main hunting gun is a Baikal combo gun in 12 gauge over .308.
Several months ago I bought a used CVA Hunter model chambered in 7MM-08.Shot it a bit and was really impressed with the accuracy. It has a great trigger and the general fit and finish of the Spanish made rifle imported by CVA really favorably impressed me.
Soooo I had my local Cabela's order me a CVA in my mostest favorite caliber of 45/70 Government.
I picked it up yesterday and got my spare 2-1/2X scope mounted on the mounts which come with the rifle. The trigger pull is great. Very smooth and clean breaking. A trip to the range very soon will allow sighting in and it will go hunting some this year. I'll let you all know the results.

Stan in SC

Awesome Stan!!

I saw a DANDY 8pt buck last night right by my house. He was with his girl friend eating out of the ditch about 1/4 from home. I beeped my horn as I drove by and up popped that rack.

I was a little fired up.

I went hunting yesterday evening with two friends. I didn't see anything but one of the guys got a dandy buck. Not much of a rack to speak of but meat for the freezer.
I took the previously mentioned 7mm-08 and found that the compact little rifle was really a joy in a not much room tree stand.

Stan in SC

Fun hunt Stan! I do like compacts for treesstand hunting.

What make/model is that again, Stan?

Heading back up to Alexandria for another scouting mission. Berettaman's doing everything he can to get me on some deer. Thanks again Dean.

Has your brother in law practiced driving from the passenger seat so you can shoot as we discussed? Did you get that bigger motor installed on your automatic window? You know, the faster that window gets down, the more time you have to aim. Oh, and did you get that 10 Gazillion power spot light bought yet? One last thing, make sure you practice stopping the vehicle before you shoot or even a little bit of movement can disrupt your aim. So far, i think it is a good plan as long as you don't mind the possibility of jail time!

I got my ear to the ground that is for sure.

My brother had a 150 class 13 point buck at 40 yards last night but it was behind a branch so he had no shot. He is #1 on our hit list. Just a beautiful deer. I soooooo hope my daughter gets to see/shoot him. I cannot even imagine the excitement level.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Has your brother in law practiced driving from the passenger seat so you can shoot as we discussed? Did you get that bigger motor installed on your automatic window? You know, the faster that window gets down, the more time you have to aim. Oh, and did you get that 10 Gazillion power spot light bought yet? One last thing, make sure you practice stopping the vehicle before you shoot or even a little bit of movement can disrupt your aim. So far, i think it is a good plan as long as you don't mind the possibility of jail time!

I got my ear to the ground that is for sure.

My brother had a 150 class 13 point buck at 40 yards last night but it was behind a branch so he had no shot. He is #1 on our hit list. Just a beautiful deer. I soooooo hope my daughter gets to see/shoot him. I cannot even imagine the excitement level.

Dammit Dean, you owe me a keyboard! Absolutely no shots will be taken from inside the truck, but it does have a sunroof........

I'm thinking about taking out the sunroof and putting in one of those swivel MG mounts. Think I could get an 870 rigged up to one of those?

I was heading back to our camp in Maine one year and just as I hit the main camp road what do I see coming down the road? A Ford pick up with a 6 ft tower built out of staging in the back of the bed and 2 old guys sitting on top of it in the back seat of a car! Talk about cushion hunting!

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

I was heading back to our camp in Maine one year and just as I hit the main camp road what do I see coming down the road? A Ford pick up with a 6 ft tower built out of staging in the back of the bed and 2 old guys sitting on top of it in the back seat of a car! Talk about cushion hunting!

You'll see that on the rez, with spot lights.

I believe it!

I'm surprised we never did see something like that when we hunted near Park Falls, WI. We would usually hunt until noon Thanksgiving day, sometimes until Friday.

In WI, Thanksgiving is when most of the "crews" do their big drives. On Bear Lake Rd, we had to drive about 5 miles to get to our area we hunted. This road went right through the Chequamegon National Forest. One of the crews that we'd see doing drives would have 15-20 people lined up on the road, facing the woods. I'm not sure how many they had in the woods but 15-20 guys stretched over a 1/2 mile or so is a lot.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

I was heading back to our camp in Maine one year and just as I hit the main camp road what do I see coming down the road? A Ford pick up with a 6 ft tower built out of staging in the back of the bed and 2 old guys sitting on top of it in the back seat of a car! Talk about cushion hunting!

You'll see that on the rez, with spot lights.

Road signs will be harmed!

where are you going for the youth hunt this weekend Tom?

Chickenbuck.

GG,you asked about the 7mm-08.It is a CVA "Hunter Compact" model.It is a break top single shot.Weighs anout 5-1/2 Lbs.The barrel is 20".It really lives up to the "compact" name.
Has a good trigger pull.Very accurate.

Stan in SC

so your off to chickenbuck. I will come for a visit then with my boy. we'll be hunting too not too far from you then. no mud stopping me this time. when you coming up?

I have a doctors apt Friday morning in roseau, otherwise we would be out there Thursday night. Friday night for sure the cabin lights will be lit and bullshit will be spilling out of the cabin windows.

2 years ago in ND, we were pheasant hunting and saw a guy standing up through the sun roof as they flew down this little road with roosters by the hundreds flying around them and the guy shooting like crazy! We stopped to watch and he never touched a bird.

Braggin' alert!!!! Proud of my daughter who joined the Alex high school trap team this year as a 7th grader. She shot a 20 last night after starting off in mid-Sept with a 3! Pretty fun watching the growth in just over a month! She is really excited!

We're headed up Friday morning buschmiester.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

GG,you asked about the 7mm-08.It is a CVA "Hunter Compact" model.It is a break top single shot.Weighs anout 5-1/2 Lbs.The barrel is 20".It really lives up to the "compact" name.
Has a good trigger pull.Very accurate.

Stan in SC

That sounds like something I'd like. My old 99 puts on a pound every year, I swear.

Just got back from an Alexandria scouting mission. Man, am I gassed! Saw two does and a woodcock. Heard a few pheasants cackling too. Funny sidenote-the woodcock got up in front of me and appeared to fly about 50 yards and settle in again. Just after that I saw the two does. We had a little staring match going for a bit, and then the one doe stepped a couple steps to her left to see me better, and she must have literally stepped on that woodcock. The bird went up from all most between her legs. She jumped about 4 feet up in the air, mule kicked and took off doing about Mach 5. I got a good chuckle out of that, but I don't think the little timberdoodle was real thrilled with getting stepped on.

Jeff, just in case you never visit your other thread again, here's what we use in our blinds.

[Linked Image]

Light, strong & fairly comfortable.

Less than $40 bucks up here.

& we got 'em @ Cabelas !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Jeff, just in case you never visit your other thread again, here's what we use in our blinds.

Light, strong & fairly comfortable.

Less than $40 bucks up here.

& we got 'em @ Cabelas !

LMAO.

But $40 in canada is like $11 here right?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Jeff, just in case you never visit your other thread again, here's what we use in our blinds.

[Linked Image]

Light, strong & fairly comfortable.

Less than $40 bucks up here.

& we got 'em @ Cabelas !

When it's idiots like Steelhead and his little minions doing the squaking, I'm not too worried about it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Jeff, just in case you never visit your other thread again, here's what we use in our blinds.

Light, strong & fairly comfortable.

Less than $40 bucks up here.

& we got 'em @ Cabelas !

LMAO.

But $40 in canada is like $11 here right?

Just bought 2 adult ski memberships @ Giants Ridge - Apparently $480 US ='s $655 Canadian !

why you come down here to ski? eh?

Brah, 'cause our local hill has tow ropes & about 200' of vertical !

'cause I need to spend my money to keep your economy from crashing !

Somebody mistook you for an adult!

I haven't been there for years. I imagine it's more beautiful than it was 20 years ago when I was there.

Bring your fishing gear and fish in the mine lake across the road.

Tom, it's a great little resort, with fantastic facilities.

They were building a new convention centre/chalet last season & just recently had the grand reopening.

We stay in the lodge, on the hill, so ski in ski out. Rooms are suite style with full kitchen facilities. We stop & buy groceries & booze in Virginia, on the way down & typically do 3-4 night stays. Last year we spent 16 days there, over the winter.

Beautiful covered in snow &/or 2 great golf courses to play in the summer, if I ever stop fishing !!

'Bout a 4-5 hour jaunt for us, depending on weather conditions &/or if I get the rubber glove treatment by your border patrol.

Mama needs a new truck.

Me and Joe found this one this morning. Waiting for the boss's approval.

[Linked Image]

I approve.

If it's a 5.0, I approve this message !

& can make it sound like it's got balls !

Nice Dave. I like my 16'. Whens the chicken buck party starting. Sitting in deer stand now waiting for this doe to come closer.

chickenbuck party start maybe 10 AM tomorrow?

I'm game!

Have a great weekend , guys.
I approve the truck , Dave.

Stan in SC

Nice truck! Good luck at Chickenbuck!

Dave, that truck is very similar to mine. Is that an Ecoboost? I simply love that motor. It has it all, great mileage (22 on the freeway, 24+ on highway, and 18ish in town), fantastic acceleration, and great towing power. Plenty of creature comforts too. Look out for speeding tickets though, cuz if feels like you are driving about 45 and you look down and it says 70!

I was pulling a 16' enclosed trailer out hunting to ND and was passing a semi on the freeway at about 75 mph. He started swerving all over so I hammered it and it put you right back in your seat as it took off like Tzone after a glazed donut!

Heck I think we're gonna have good luck at camp with my new knife

Hey Joe, I would use that new gun instead of a knife. You have much better range with the gun! Running down a deer to stab them is harder than it looks!

Pam did buy the new truck. I'm really happy and excited for her. We've never purchased a new vehicle before. Yes it is the Ecoboost and it's the small one. Actually a 2.7, no that's not a typo. It's got a bunch more power than our 09 5.4 and on our two day test run its pulling really nice mileage. I really, really like it. Between the aluminum and the little engine it's considerably lighter than out 09. It's also got a selectable locking rear differential. Both of those things combined are going to make it much more capable in the off-road mud and snow (cabin stuff and ice fishing)

Joe and I are in one elevated enclosed deer stand, Tzone, jackhammer and miss K are in another not far from us. We are hoping for wind to die down.

Congrats on the new wheels and good luck with the hunting, Dave.

"like Tzone after a glazed doughnut".That almost made me spew coffee all over the keyboard.

It's windy here and has been record breaking hot.I broke off deer hunting after Tuesday when the heat started in.
Tomorrow the front will be well in and temps much cooler.I am going to the farm we hunt in the AM hopefully to blood the new 45/70.

I hope you all have a great weekend at Chickenbuck and if it comes to a heavenly choice of me or Joe getting a deer,let it be him.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

"like Tzone after a glazed doughnut".That almost made me spew coffee all over the keyboard.

It's windy here and has been record breaking hot.I broke off deer hunting after Tuesday when the heat started in.
Tomorrow the front will be well in and temps much cooler.I am going to the farm we hunt in the AM hopefully to blood the new 45/70.

I hope you all have a great weekend at Chickenbuck and if it comes to a heavenly choice of me or Joe getting a deer,let it be him.

Stan in SC

Yous guys best quit pickin' on my little buddy like that!

I have made it out of the wilderness, Bridger-Teton. We rode so many miles each day that the horses only got used every third day. Before it got dark tonight I was looking at the Grand Tetons out the cabin window. I shot a nice 6x6 on the third day of hunting. Will be here at the ranch a couple of days while the elk is processed. The wife also shot one but another outfitter pushed it down the mountain and two days of tracking by our guide could not find him.

We saw a great bull moose the first day and a bunch of nice mule deer on day two and got into a big heard of elk on day three. Pictures to follow when I get home.

Originally Posted by TJAY

I have made it out of the wilderness, Bridger-Teton. We rode so many miles each day that the horses only got used every third day. Before it got dark tonight I was looking at the Grand Tetons out the cabin window. I shot a nice 6x6 on the third day of hunting. Will be here at the ranch a couple of days while the elk is processed. The wife also shot one but another outfitter pushed it down the mountain and two days of tracking by our guide could not find him.

We saw a great bull moose the first day and a bunch of nice mule deer on day two and got into a big heard of elk on day three. Pictures to follow when I get home.

That's awesome TJay! If you wanna try that elk steak out, I'll slap one or four on the grill for ya on your way back home.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

"like Tzone after a glazed doughnut".That almost made me spew coffee all over the keyboard.

It's windy here and has been record breaking hot.I broke off deer hunting after Tuesday when the heat started in.
Tomorrow the front will be well in and temps much cooler.I am going to the farm we hunt in the AM hopefully to blood the new 45/70.

I hope you all have a great weekend at Chickenbuck and if it comes to a heavenly choice of me or Joe getting a deer,let it be him.

Stan in SC

Same here Stan HOT ! With the moon the heat and the acorns falling deer sightings are low .

I hunt with a 7mm08 T/C Encore some its a great whitetail round .

I think you will like that engine and truck. I sure like mine, pulls 7500lb with no problem. Much better that the 5.4L I had before. I don't understand it, but it works for me. Best truck evet - so far (15k).

Mule1,I recently bought a 7mm-08 CVA single shot. I am very impressed with both the rifle AND the caliber. No previous experience with the caliber.

Stan in SC

If any of the Twin Cities area guys are interested in going shooting, I'm going to Oakdale Wednesday. If you're interested, let's match up for shooting, and maybe get some lunch. Time to check the deer rifles. If you're interested, I'll probably be getting out there 10-ish.

Originally Posted by LeroyBeans

I think you will like that engine and truck. I sure like mine, pulls 7500lb with no problem. Much better that the 5.4L I had before. I don't understand it, but it works for me. Best truck evet - so far (15k).

Well she sure likes it so far, we all do actually.

Whats not to like about the much lighter weight over the front axle? Seriously I'm so impressed and happy with the truck. We took the 09 back to the dealership yesterday after cleaning personal items out of it (traded it on the 16)

Pam and I lined up on the quiet county road out by our home and had ourselves a little drag race, 5.4 vs 2.7. She shamed me, just absolutely walked away from the 5.4, lol!

Well chickenbuck friends, we didn't fare very well on our efforts for a youth deer season. Zero deers were harmed.

But I believe the kids had a good time, the adults too.

Yep, that's what it's all about.

Mighta left out the drag race result.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

If any of the Twin Cities area guys are interested in going shooting, I'm going to Oakdale Wednesday. If you're interested, let's match up for shooting, and maybe get some lunch. Time to check the deer rifles. If you're interested, I'll probably be getting out there 10-ish.

There was a shooting range of some sort near Bermidji we say on the way home yesterday evening. It had a big sign up that said "sight in" and there were cars lined up in the driveway. LOl. Dudes live in Bemidji...Go in the woods and shoot. Cracked me up. It will be a mile long next weekend.

Jackhammer looked at it and said "glad we're done with that!"

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Well chickenbuck friends, we didn't fare very well on our efforts for a youth deer season. Zero deers were harmed.

But I believe the kids had a good time, the adults too.

The adults have fun too.

Buschy...it was nice to see you out there!

Twas' good to visit chickenbuck again and see you all! hoping Regular season will do it again. road should be a bit stiffer by then hopefully too. not that it matters to a ford! Next time i'll bring more pop! take care ya'll!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Twas' good to visit chickenbuck again and see you all! hoping Regular season will do it again. road should be a bit stiffer by then hopefully too. not that it matters to a ford! Next time i'll bring more pop! take care ya'll!

We'll have plenty of pop. You bring more Rum.

Well being at chickenbuck this weekend started it... I'm hooked. I'm in. Full bore.

My mind in currently no longer on work and it's on deer season. I've sent the kid 3 texts today about stuff we need to bring to WI deer season.

This is by Mini's blind
[Linked Image]

There was a heavy frost when I left for work. It snowed a bit at chickenbuck.

I've grunted twice and made 3 scrapes since 9.

Counting down the days.

Soon now.

Wow!

I mean seriously wow.

You have a functional moultrie camera?

Some swollen necks up there already Paul! I'm liking in!

I haven't checked trail cams for a few weekends. I'm excited to do it saturday morning.

Pretty good looking 9 there too!

Saturday morning, we'll be trying to put the smack down on 'em & putting eat on the pole.

Bigger bucks are starting to fill out, for sure.

No real rut activity yet, rubs & scrapes are starting to show up.

Excited !

he's actually a 10. Got crab claws on both beams. I've got a better pic somewhere. Decent brows too, with added junk at the bases.

Strange you say that Dave.

I've had that one for years, & think of it as my best camera. It does chew through the batteries in the old though. I'm already going through 8aa energizer industrial batteries a week & it's not cold yet !

Also have 2 stealthcams that suck dogs balls. Very sucky trigger speeds. Lots of arse ends or photos with no animals !

Paul,

I have 2 Wildgame 8x black out or something like that. I have one Primos Truth Cam 46, and 1 Primos 2 (new this year).

The older Primos 46 takes great pics but after the first picture the time/date/temp all read 0.

I like the Wildgame's a lot. My only complaint is the 1 sec trigger speed. So if a deer moves through, I don't get a full pic unless it's standing.

So far I've only checked the SD card from the Primos 2 one time. But, I was impressed with it. I'll let you know more this weekend when I switch them all out.

They all use 8 AA batteries. They all last the entire year with them. They've been taking anywhere from 100 - 700 pictures a week.

Cheers T,

Couple more, first 2 from same stand, after I changed the batteries last week & didn't realize the time/date reset.

This one is from Joe's stand across the road.

& 2 crappy stealthcam pics from my stand in the Tamarac swamp.

Lookin good Paul. That's getting the juices flowing for sure!!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Strange you say that Dave.

I've had that one for years, & think of it as my best camera.

The Canadian version must be better than the U.S. version. I will never waste money on another Moultrie.

Nice bucks! I hope you get to see the insides of 'em!

Thank Rooster,

Won't be holding out for anything specific !

For us, it's about putting quality, hormone & steroid free meat in the freezer !

Me too. The kiddos and I put away two a year.

Awesome pictures Paul!

I had to let a big one walk on Sunday. Probably 135"

He was 35 yards and wouldn't stop walking. I'm stoked for getting back out there after this weekend. Maybe tomorrow if the stars align with work.

Good for you! Best thing to do in that type of situation..

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Awesome pictures Paul!

Would be nice to have some daylight photos though !

I hear ya.

It's getting clooooooser.

The chatter around the office is starting a bit. I may or may not have something to do with it. But there is more than one conversation about stand placement, sign shooting, doe permits, no rut sign other than mine I left...

I shot the rifles at Oakdale today. Even in this crappy weather, they were fairly busy. They said it was nuts out there last weekend. Oh yeah, it's on baby. I shot a couple of MILES58's coveted handloads through my 99 at 100 yards. I had to go out and check the target to make sure it had two holes in it. Two holes touching, 1 inch high at 100 yards and right on top of each other. Thanks again to MILES58 for cooking up such a scary accurate load for my beloved 99. My ugly old Mauser was right on too. Ugly old gun just keeps killing stuff.

Sorry to hear about the lack of fuzzy wind chimes at Chickenbuck. I tried but couldn't get away for an evening. I will for sure during regular season. My new employee is a real slave driver.
Did you see any? The deer are nuts a little west of there.

Speaking of shooting ranges... I sure do like the 360* range by my place. I never even have to wait in line unless the kid or my lady friend wants a turn.

We didn't see any. It was still fun though!

Jackhammer's football team played in the semi-finals last night. They played a team that beat them earlier in the season 48-12. Centennial 6th grade boys showed em what's up last night. They beat them in OT 18-12.

Mini man made 3 key tackles during the game, so that was pretty cool. Two of them were stopping the extra point attempts up the middle. The third one was on a 4th and 2. He made the tackle at the line of scrimmage to turn the ball over to the good guys.

The running backs were great behind some great blocking as well. It was a fun, high energy game!

Championship game is on Saturday morning at 10:30.

Go Jack !

Originally Posted by tzone

Jackhammer's football team played in the semi-finals last night. They played a team that beat them earlier in the season 48-12. Centennial 6th grade boys showed em what's up last night. They beat them in OT 18-12.

Mini man made 3 key tackles during the game, so that was pretty cool. Two of them were stopping the extra point attempts up the middle. The third one was on a 4th and 2. He made the tackle at the line of scrimmage to turn the ball over to the good guys.

The running backs were great behind some great blocking as well. It was a fun, high energy game!

Championship game is on Saturday morning at 10:30.

That is awesome T!

Our youngest is a senior linebacker. They had their first playoff game on Tuesday night and the kid was on fire. It seemed like almost every defensive play his name was being called for making the tackle or assisting on the tackle. He also had a forced fumble which we recovered and a QB sack to end the game at 42-22. Next game is Saturday at 2:00.

I told him Tuesday morning before school: "This is the playoffs now. Anything can happen. Go make memories and make plays tonight"

I guess he listened.

Everyday I tell the kids "be a leader today"

It was pretty cool seeing him counting the kids, moving them around to where they're supposed to be... I was smiling like heck.

I'll try to remember to film some of it. I was too caught up in it last night to even think about it. It was a great game, no matter who was playing. Hard hits, even for 6th graders.

Congrat's on having an outstanding son and football player!

Thank you! That's a very nice complement!

He would much rather have me talk about his first deer, which he hasn't shot yet!

tzone
Sounds like you guys are having a good time.

Here is my elk.

Complete report is over in the Elk hunting section.

Shortly after this picture we crossed paths with a sow Grizzly and her cub heading for the gut pile.

Another look at my elk.

That's awesome Terry! Congrats

Originally Posted by tzone

That's awesome Terry! Congrats

+ 1

I'll check out the other thread.

+2!! Congrats Terry!

Wow! Good job TJ! Congrats!

Way to go TJay!

I bet that mama bear added a little pucker factor to your hunt!

Great pictures,TJ.Made me feel like I was there.Thank you.

Stan in SC

If any of the Minnesota boys will be headed north on Hwy. 6 through Emily next Friday, stop in at the Lake Emily Resort to say "hi". I'll be arriving by about 10 a.m. and after lunch will go do a little scouting and grouse hunting. We're in the first cabin on the lakeside of the road. Lake Emily Resort is on the left side of Hwy 6 just as you get to the lake headed north on 6. Let me know you're stopping and I'll have the coffee on.

Good luck next weekend everyone.

Good luck to Dave and the Chickenbuckers next weekend. Joey's gonna notch a tag, if anyone does. Have fun and stay safe folks.

It's looking like warm weather for the opener next weekend boys. Extended forecast calls for temps in the low 60's. I hate hunting in hot weather like that.

Checked the cams today after spending a couple weeks in the cities with new grandkids. Looks like I won't be napping in the stand on Saturday.
[Linked Image]

Same camera with wolf:
[Linked Image]

Nice one!!Wish you success.

Stan in SC

Nice looking buck there!

Definitely not a candidate for the dinkathon.

Well, I spent an hour down in the gun room yesterday sorting through clothes and gear getting ready for this weekend. It's on boys. My BIL and I will be heading up to the Emily area once again. I drew a doe tag this year and hope to put it to good use. Hoping to find a couple really dumb grouse Friday afternoon to go with a big pot of chili for Friday night's meal. Hard at it Saturday.

The weather's going to warm from the sounds of things. Best wishes to all the Minnesota boys. I'm sure the Chickenbuckers will acquit themselves very well. Really hoping to hear that T-Zone's kids fill some tags too.

Main thing is, everyone have a good time, create some new memories, and please come home safe.

Good luck guys.

Ms. Kennedy has a swim meet on saturday for state sectionals and will not be attending the opener. She's kinda bummed and kinda excited for the meet. She got a little taste of Chickenbuck though and wants to go back!

Me and Mini will be headed up Friday Morning!

I stopped and grabbed the SD cards from the WI hunting area and there is a VERY excited 11 year old by. Spread over a mile, there are 10 different bucks on the trail cams. Every thing from a few spikes to a beautiful 10. There are several 8's, several 6's, a 5, and a 7 too. I'll narrow down the pics and get them posted when I can.

There was a bit of sign the rut's on. Several rubs, a decent scrape started, and a few pics of bucks after does.

I think I will do deer hunter things this week.

37 degrees and misty this morning.

Is it ever not wet there? lol. That poor road.

yep, the road will be total junk. I really should have corduroy'd that section this summer.

It's not going to freeze up either. Sounds like a good project for labor day next year.

Keith,

You gunna 99 dat sumb!tch ?

No deer down dis weekend, in fact, no daylight deer sighted !

3 Hunters, 3 stands, 2 days @ 6 hours each per day.

Did eat very well however !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Keith,

You gunna 99 dat sumb!tch ?

Sure as heck going to try, Paul. Taking out the EG 300 Savage on Saturday with Stith-mounted Weaver K4. If I can't see the dot in the scope at first/last light, I'm also bringing my Contender with it's .375 Win barrel with a Nikon 2X EER that will let me see him.

I really do want to nail one with a 99. If not with the EG .300, might switch to a 1920 99F .303 Savage with a Lyman 57SA tang mounted peep for Sunday.

Took the daughter out rooster hunting and as luck would have it, on my favorite willow-lined ditch, the rooster came out the wrong side and I had to shoot it. I had just told her she gets the east side because 98% of the birds go that way. I jinxed it. She did get a shot later, but missed.

Then we shot the slug guns. She shot at 50 and was on either side of the bullseye then at 100, she touched the bullseye. She was super excited and I said put that thing away! You are ready. Confidence is high, which is a great way to end a shooting session.

On the way there, I saw a huge buck at 230 in the afternoon. Huge body, at least 10 points. Hey Gophergunner, I saw him on one of the spots I told you about! He was on a Waterfowl Production Area open to public hunting.

Speaking of football, we went to the Alexandria playoff game and what a game it was! Played Moorhead and we were without our best RB for most of the game. We also have a stud QB and it went into double overtime before we finally pulled out a really wild game 37-30 (which is a low score for this team). Next game is Friday night at St. Johns Univ against Sartell. If we get that RB back, we will be tough to beat. Man, I didnt really plan to go to a football game on Friday night before deer hunting......but good high school football is fun to watch!

Nice Elk Terry! Great writeup. man, that was some beautiful country, eh? I could drink in those views all day, every day for a very long time!

hey, is deer hunting coming up soon? Tom, any idea? I feel this urge from deep within....

Been gone fer 2 weeks. Sure have missed alot. Congrats on all the animals that have been taken so far.

Went bowhuntng in Nebraska i passed up 2 does, buddies got 2 small 8 pointers. Just got back into bow hunting again was a great time. Then straight from Nebraska went up to the cabin with the kids for MEA. Kids and grandpa had a blast.Then was off to Vegas. Momma had a conference there so i tagged along. Now scrambling at home to get stuff ready for opener.

So good luck to all out there this year, be safe and shoot the thrity point buck. Ya there eh!!!!!

dig it out with that loader and cut some timber and fill it up. call it good for now.

B-man, I'm definitely planning on coming up your way for muzzleloader season. Gotta think it should be good hunting. Was that the waterfowl area I walked along the main road? Sure looked good back then.

took my little man to fill some antelope doe tags this weekend. ended up getting two and filling the last of my tags. this one was 382 yards and the shot was a little angled so I had to do a finishing head shot at 412 when she laid down. second one was 416 and she went 5 feet. boy thought I was the man with how far they were. he LOVED the trip and kept up with us over the 7 miles we walked that day. I was impressed with him!

rifle was a .308 savage hog hunter shooting 168 gr VLDs. suppressor is a lane scorpion magnum titanium.
scope is a Nikon Monarch 4.5-14

my hat and hoodie are both chickenbuck brand

B-man

The views were worth the price of the trip.

Colorado

Nice job on those lopers.

Now to get packed for deer camp.

Nice stuff Ryan!

Good shooting Ryan!

Were you is SD or WY?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice stuff Ryan!

+ 1

Nice work chickenbuckerou !

Forecast for the opener is supposeed to be in the sixties.

I don't plan on seeing much...

supposed to be 37 low, 54 hi, up near Tower. Still too warm for me.

Originally Posted by tzone

Good shooting Ryan!

Were you is SD or WY?

WY

I'm callin about that crotch for sale? I'd like to buy that croth and move it to my camp fir dat vood shet.

Ryan,Great shooting. Glad you had little man with you.

Stan in SC

Sweet set up Ryan !

I would settle for lows in the 60s here been dang hot front stuffer season sucked big plenty .

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Ryan,Great shooting. Glad you had little man with you.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan! it was an awesome time, he LOVED it.

Da buckhs we got in poker are da onnly buckhs we got.

I made a quick run to camp yesterday, grabbed a shovel and did my best to drain the water out of our worst ruts.

As somewhone suggested, possibly buschpilot... I have located a bunch of snowmobile tracks that have been cut so they can be rolled out like runner rugs or long reinforced rubber belts. I'm going to flatten out the ruts as best I can and roll out a 2 track of snowmobile track to cross our worse spots.

Heck Ryan, I think you are DA MAN for a couple 400+ shots on speed goats! Nice work!

Gopher, no it was on one of others on the list that you didnt get a chance to check out. It wasnt on my top 3 recommendations (I guess it should have been?). I drive by it on the way to my stand, I will see if anybody is hunting it this year.

Sounds like you need a couple of drain tiles in there ND! Maybe throw a few of them down? Just a random thunk.

Quick poll: How many are growing out the beard for Deer Huntin'? I am but I really don't like my beard so it won't last long.

I have face hair.

That's a dandy Ryan! Good eats to be sure! Little guy looks like he's a gamer too.

I've been growin' da face hair since I was in NoDak 3 weeks ago. It's a little disconcerting that some of it's coming in white and in other places it's not coming in at all. Sort of like a failed crop. The missus says she'll be happy when hunting season is over and this homeless looking person who sleeps next her finally shaves.

Sighted in the deer rifles. The old Winny model 100 308 surprised me this year. She held a 1.25-1.5" group 3 times. She really likes those Fusions in 180gr. She wants to thank you guys for the suggestion last year. The 300WM A-Bolt is still right on with .75" groups. The fellows at the range are less than pleased with the BOSS however.

Gots me a doe tag this year too. Thinking of bring the .44 S&W up to camp to help faiclitate the introduction of Mrs. Doe to her new close friend, Mr. Freezer Paper. It's been years since I used it. Anyone know of a good round?

Thanks and good luck to the Manysoda boys. Hope ND doesn't make Ma get that pretty new truck dirty. T minus 12 days and counting for us.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sounds like you need a couple of drain tiles in there ND! Maybe throw a few of them down? Just a random thunk.

Sounds nice in theory but it's state land where the crappy spots are. Or I could probably get some culvert pipe in there.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Quick poll: How many are growing out the beard for Deer Huntin'? I am but I really don't like my beard so it won't last long.

This translates to... My man card hasn't been returned so I can't grow decent facial hair.

Deb says to me this morning - "oh, you still didn't shave".

I say - "it's staying till I get deers hangin".

She says - "oh, guess I'll shoot 1 tonight then, so that thing will be gone in the morning" !

Happy wife = Happy life !

Goofus stumbled tru da door he says he got a buckh. He was coming from dat wayside and kilt it wit his truck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Sounds like you need a couple of drain tiles in there ND! Maybe throw a few of them down? Just a random thunk.

Sounds nice in theory but it's state land where the crappy spots are. Or I could probably get some culvert pipe in there.

One could just accidentally put a piece of drain tile in there....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Quick poll: How many are growing out the beard for Deer Huntin'? I am but I really don't like my beard so it won't last long.

This translates to... My man card hasn't been returned so I can't grow decent facial hair.

I can grow facial hair just fine, just don't like it. And after being awarded the Swamp Squid Badge of Courage, my man card cannot ever be taken away!

I cannot find my favorite orange fleece vest I use for deer hunting. Uggg.

I'm growing my face hairs out. It's about as long as its ever been and I'm about ready to scratch my face off. I try this every year and its shaved off before opener. Trying harder to get through the itchy stage this year though.

Musty cracks a beer and says it's time to celebrate! Goofus got da first buckh since 1968

I jokingly asked the lady intern why she isn't frowning her deer camp heard and she winked and said "I am."

Camp Isabella is loaded on the trucks and will be up and running tomorrow afternoon.

Good luck and good hunting to all.

If the internet gods smile on us I will post some from camp.

Ve were playing poker and dat Weasle musta won. He wearin mah new swampers and sleepin wit mah gun.

For a guy dat weights free huntret pounds dat Yoop can really fly.

It was dat no brudder good in law of mine-from Illinois!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Camp Isabella is loaded on the trucks and will be up and running tomorrow afternoon.

Good luck and good hunting to all.

If the internet gods smile on us I will post some from camp.

Good luck TJ, I enjoy your camp updates.

Same goes for me, If I find myself in the right deer stand with a bit of battery life on my phone, I will try to update as well.

I'm taking this afternoon off to get stuff ready for Saturday. I'm at work making a list and I officially am AMPED UP!!

grunt....grunt...pfffewwwwww

Originally Posted by tzone

I jokingly asked the lady intern why she isn't frowning her deer camp heard and she winked and said "I am."

Translation:

Tzone is going Beaver hunting

Good luck all and be safe!!

Back at ya Bushmeister!

Its Thursday and I have no desire (or cognitive ability at this point) to work. What a beautiful day besides!

I didn't drink too many. Ony turdy cans of beer. it moosta been dat last shot dat put me under here.

I was a guest on a friend's deer lease this morning.No deer were seen or harmed during this event.
I was hopeful cause he killed a nice buck off of this box stand last week. We heard bucks fighting in the woods and I was hopeful a doe would come out followed by a sizeable would be suitor but alas, it didn't happen.
Oh well, at least it was a day in the woods. So far this week I have hunted Tuesday, Wednesday and today.
Next week I am called up for jury duty. Just when we are supposed to start getting a nice cold front.

Stan in SC

Camp is up and the diesel stoves are running on low. It is 30 out and the skys are clear. H

The net is not good. Tomorrow I will try again.

I might need some info on that heater Terry.
Good luck to your crew up there this season. I can't wait to hear your stories when you get back.

Good luck to all the chickenbuckers this week.

1 am and no sleep.
got tomorrow off and heading for the new deer camp.
rifles ,clothes ,provisions ,everything packed and ready to go about 6am.
best of luck to everyone.

Good luck to all the Minysoda camps !!

Somebody get ole forky toes.

Good luck everyone. Headed up to camp this morning. Then back home to watch Alexandria beat Sartell-St Stephen at St Johns tonight (I hope). It sure is fun to watch the excitement from a 12 year old! And truth be told, my 21 year old brother may be have been bitten even harder with the deer bug!

I post this every year, but:

1. Be safe with those tree stands!!!
2. Muzzle Control
3. Know your target and what is beyond
4. Treat every gun as if it is loaded

I just loaded the brown 77 f150 with propane tanks, food, beer, clothes, seven long guns and other assorted gear. The value of this truck is normally around $1500. It's currently worth around $15000 with contents included. Lol!

Good luck Dave & the chickenbuckers !

Good Luck and stay safe everyone!

You too Looster !

Stands are up now to wait for the morning.

Good luck to everyone. Keep us updated.

I remember when deer camp was simple. Now I have the generator running and my computer and nook plugged in and the wife has her computer, tablet and phone charging. Ah for the good old days.

Good Luck to all!

Wife shot a 200+# 7 pointer at 845. It is hanging in the tree. Life is good.

I thirty oh sized a spiker this morning.

1 deer on the camp chickenbuck meat pole.

No more news from camp Isabella, other than it is two warm.

Way to go Dave.

Way too warm here,barely even saw squirrels.

The Savage 99 .300 Savage took it's first deer (at least in my hands) at 11am; my first deer with a 99. Great old rifle. Had tender loins for dinner. Back out in the morning with my cousin. Good hunting everyone.

Got a nice 8 point this morning at first light. Big deer-around 175 lbs. Another 99 Savage in .300 Savage doing what it was meant for. Special thanks to MILES58 for his reloads. Sure got the job done and then some. The buck fell dead in his tracks.

Awesome Gopher! You sure deserve that from all the hard work you put in.

Camp Alexandria update from the stand:
Lauren really wants a buck so She passed on a couple does and some fawns. Alas, no buck has volunteered yet.

I shot a really nice 8 pointer yesterday afternoon. Just passed up a medium 8. I so wanted that to go over to her!

Glad to hear the deer are there for the taking. I burned my buck tag on this one, so I guess I won't be up for ML season. Wasn't thinking-should have used my BIL's tag, as he won't get to hunt any more. Live and learn, I guess.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I thirty oh sized a spiker this morning.

1 deer on the camp chickenbuck meat pole.

Congrats, Dave. That should eat really good.

With the temps as warm as they are, I had no choice but to drop it off up in Emily for processing. They all ready had over 100 deer in for processing, and there's another processor in town too, and they were busy all day.

Update from Camp Isabella.
Sunday ends with no deer harmed.

Good going to all who put meat in the freezer.

I'm still waiting on our season to start next weekend, congrats to all who have put groceries on the ground!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I thirty oh sized a spiker this morning.

1 deer on the camp chickenbuck meat pole.

No luck for Tom and Jack yet?

I got some pictures onto my facebook page. Can anyone tell me how to either move the pictures from my camera or my facebook page to here? It really sucks being computer illiterate.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I got some pictures onto my facebook page. Can anyone tell me how to either move the pictures from my camera or my facebook page to here? It really sucks being computer illiterate.

text me your photos jeff,I will post them here for you.

we got a total of three fuzzy wind chimes this weekend.
I never saw a thing, though.

Well that's a pretty good take, Fluffy. Congrats to your group.

Congrats to all who are hangin da gud stuff !

Still no deer sighted, during daylight, further nort !

@ 70* yesterday, I was dreaming of fishing !

A 5 pointer made the colossal mistake of stopping 25 yards from Lauren! First buck is in the books!!!

Funny story....that buck died within 5 yards of the trail I took through the swamp to get to her. So I saw it on the way in. of course I didnt tell her I knew where it was and made her track the blood trail the whole way. And the whole time I was peppering her with questions....did it look like you hit it? Was it limping? Did the shot feel good? When I told her I knew where it was from the beginning you should have seen the look on her face! Priceless.

Total for the weekend was 3 deer. Two 8 pointers and a 5 pointer.

Lauren will be in the local paper with her first buck!

Congrats to those that got deers.! I shot an 8 point yesterday at 8:10 am.

It was so warm, I had to quarter it and put it in a cooler right away. Heading out to the garage to process now.

That's awesome Berettaman. Any pics of the kid with her first buck?

Good job B-man. Love to hear the stories, especially of the kids.

You guyses, need pictures !!!!!

Congrats to Lauren.
Congrats to all others who scored.

Stan in SC

How would I move a picture from my facebook account to here?

Congrats to all of you who got deer. I got an 8-pointer and had that sucker quartered and in a cooler ASAP.

I missed the leisure of processing at home in the shop, but it was too damn warm to screw around with it.

And, a last one of it sitting in the shop fridge with a keg of Summit EPA. MINNESOTA!!!!

Looking good Goalie.
Wife did the long drive back home today with her buck and will be driving back tomorrow.

Pictures when I get good enough internet service. Camp is in a very limited area and the hot spot just works well enough for the written word, pictures not so much.

Berettaman

Great going and congrats to Lauren.

Congrats to all the successful Minne Sodans!

Good job Goalie. If you need a hand cutting, give me a holler. I'd gladly help. Nice pictures, but was there something else in the fridge besides the beer?

Congrats to all, very cool that some success was experienced even in these crazy warm temps.

This is the first time we have not fired the wood stove at camp during deer season. We didn't fire it once! That's crazy!

I'm honestly hoping for some cooler temps, at the very least it would be nice to see lows in the 30's overnight to cool any hanging deer.

My little meat buck is quartered and froze down, I will try to process this week.

Here are the pictures!

Of mostest interest....Lauren's Deer!! 25 yards, perfect heart shot with a doe standing at 10 yards and another 5 feet from her stand! Ran about 100 yards at the most. She field dressed it all by herself because my dad told her if she did, he would bring her to the Dairy Queen. The Dairy Queen is powerful magic.

[Linked Image]

My buck was sure a challenge to shoot. He came running behind me chasing 2 does at a full run. As he went through my shooting lane, I timed it and sizzled a slug his way. I knew I hit him but had no clue how hard. Pretty soon here he comes back the exact opposite way and I timed it again let him have it. I threw another at him through the brush and he went down. He was still trying to get up so I tried to shoot him some more and it turned into a rodeo trying to shoot him through way WAY too much brush. But the 2 shots in my lane did the trick (the second was a double lung) and he was soon dead.
[Linked Image]

Stayed up till midnite processing 2 deer last night.Temps were low 60s,high 50s,no time to age properly this year.
I doubt the meat ever got cooler than 50 degrees before going in the freezer.

Same here, I got mine in a freezer yesterday and then we get a hard frost overnight

go figure.

Lol

Congrats to B-man and daughter! Very good!

Nice work! Congrats Lauren!! I hope many more come in your direction!

I like that you didn't tell her you knew where it was. I would do the same thing.

I'm getting more enjoyment out of seeing the kids connect that I'll ever get from filling a tag myself. Congrats to all the dads, moms and kids that got the job done the last few days. The weather up here sucked, but it sure sounds like some great memories were forged. If I never shoot another deer, I will remember these great stories and smile. Great job folks.

Great to see all you MN hunters who punched a tag so far and the pics look great! Well, our camp north and a little west of Island Lake has been skunked so far, no deer seen or shot. All four of us didn't apply for doe tags, so it's bucks only. I had to come back down to the cities to work on Tues, Wed and Thurs but will be back up in the stand Friday morning. It should've been a good sign as to our deer population since we didn't hear wolves howling at all for opening weekend and the MNDNR told us that there are 3 separate packs in our vicinity. Looking forward to being back up in God's country the end of this week and good luck to those not tagged out!

I have to brag on my little girl here a bit. She wasn't able to go to the deer camp because of her diving.

She's an 8th grader and made the HS dive team in August. This is her first year. She struggled through the season at times. Had a few late nights at times because grades come first. She's maintained a 4.0 gpa as well.And even wanted to quit a few times. We don't quit...so she wasn't going to, she was just frustrated.

After one of her meets, a coach from a competitors team came and helped her with a dive she was having trouble with. She took that advice and got better with her dive. It's now one of her best.

I'm more proud of her as a person and her grades in school but...

On Saturday, my girl made the 2016 7AA, Ladies Championship Diving Meet.

If she places well, she'll be in the State Finals.

Congrats Tom and to your daughter. its very good feeling to know she's doing great. Congrats to all that tagged out this year so far, we're still looking. got 4 in camp so far but its been slow. hopefully the kiddos will get out more this weekend. schools almost done for the week as well so get lots of time in the stand.

BIG THUMBS UP TOMMY !

The thumbs up goes to Kennedy. I didn't do it.

I wasn't definitely not a 4.0 gpa student.

Thought I would throw this in for the locals:

http://www.mnwarriors.com/

Sunday is a charity game in Rogers for the MN Warriors and Rogers youth hockey. It's usually a great game and pretty fun plus it's for a good cause.

that's great Tom, tell Kennedy we are proud of her up here at the chickenbuck!

I will!

She said she'd rather have gone to Chickenbuck. Smart kid.

Nice Tom! Sure she is yours?

Just kidding, it sure is fun to watch the kids succeed at something. As my wife says, you need to be good at something. Sometimes they want to quit, but they need to stick with it.

That's great Tom!

For some reason certain posters pics don't show up on my work computer so I'll have to check them out when I get home.

Good for Lauren Bman!

Originally Posted by tzone

I have to brag on my little girl here a bit. She wasn't able to go to the deer camp because of her diving.

She's an 8th grader and made the HS dive team in August. This is her first year. She struggled through the season at times. Had a few late nights at times because grades come first. She's maintained a 4.0 gpa as well.And even wanted to quit a few times. We don't quit...so she wasn't going to, she was just frustrated.

After one of her meets, a coach from a competitors team came and helped her with a dive she was having trouble with. She took that advice and got better with her dive. It's now one of her best.

I'm more proud of her as a person and her grades in school but...

On Saturday, my girl made the 2016 7AA, Ladies Championship Diving Meet.

If she places well, she'll be in the State Finals.

Aw man, Tom. This is great news. It is so cool to have a kid that's smart AND athletic. Congrats, buddy.

Your kids are doing great T. Good on ya dad! Young J is quite the football player and hunter. It's also a pleasure to hear how your daughter persevered and really made it happen by shear will. Pretty cool. Did she get her skills from you? Sort of a Tzone Louganis? We'll need to see pics of course.

B-man, your kiddo made her dad proud too! That's a fine buck.

All of you Minnysodans shooting da deers and no pics or stories? Gopher? ND? Goalie? Tjay? C'mon, we're dyin' here.

Michigan is T minus 6 days and counting for the opener.

Oh, forgot to say- had something follow me home today. Got a Beretta A400 Xtreme 12 ga. Shoots everything from 7/8 loads all the way up to 1 9/16 3.5". Black synthetic in Lefty. It will be my main meat gun. Ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasant. etc. Dumped the SBEII after it started hanging up on the third shot. Blew a triple on Canadas in NoDak because of it this year.

Come to think of it, the Beretta may have been following the little Glock G43 that wandered into the house last week.

Funny how those things happen. Wife must think I was REAL lucky at the local banquets recently.

Just got back from deer camp. Happy to say that the drought is over. Shot a 8 pointer on opener, little rack but good body size.Was quite pleased with my new Tikka T3 .308.. We went 3for5.
Everybody saw deer was a good time had by all..

Congrats Noduck! Great job.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have to brag on my little girl here a bit. She wasn't able to go to the deer camp because of her diving.

She's an 8th grader and made the HS dive team in August. This is her first year. She struggled through the season at times. Had a few late nights at times because grades come first. She's maintained a 4.0 gpa as well.And even wanted to quit a few times. We don't quit...so she wasn't going to, she was just frustrated.

After one of her meets, a coach from a competitors team came and helped her with a dive she was having trouble with. She took that advice and got better with her dive. It's now one of her best.

I'm more proud of her as a person and her grades in school but...

On Saturday, my girl made the 2016 7AA, Ladies Championship Diving Meet.

If she places well, she'll be in the State Finals.

Awesome!!!!

Noduck! Sounds like you had a good hunt! Congrats.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh, forgot to say- had something follow me home today. Got a Beretta A400 Xtreme 12 ga. Shoots everything from 7/8 loads all the way up to 1 9/16 3.5". Black synthetic in Lefty. It will be my main meat gun. Ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasant. etc. Dumped the SBEII after it started hanging up on the third shot. Blew a triple on Canadas in NoDak because of it this year.

Come to think of it, the Beretta may have been following the little Glock G43 that wandered into the house last week.

Funny how those things happen. Wife must think I was REAL lucky at the local banquets recently.

No stealing my handle now! I am sure you will love it. Although my moniker comes from my fondness for my 390.

there are still deer out there for folks who haven't filled tags yet.
I'll put this here for excitement factor.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

All of you Minnysodans shooting da deers and no pics or stories? Gopher? ND? Goalie? Tjay? C'mon, we're dyin' here.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh, forgot to say- had something follow me home today. Got a Beretta A400 Xtreme 12 ga. Shoots everything from 7/8 loads all the way up to 1 9/16 3.5". Black synthetic in Lefty. It will be my main meat gun. Ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasant. etc. Dumped the SBEII after it started hanging up on the third shot. Blew a triple on Canadas in NoDak because of it this year.

Come to think of it, the Beretta may have been following the little Glock G43 that wandered into the house last week.

Funny how those things happen. Wife must think I was REAL lucky at the local banquets recently.

No stealing my handle now! I am sure you will love it. Although my moniker comes from my fondness for my 390.

Got one of those too. A390 Silver Mallard. Love it. It's never had an issue ever. But lo and behold, my boy has taken a liking to it. Trap, skeet, ducks, he's gotten pretty good with it. I took him to ND this year. One morning, I had to get out of the blind to stretch my legs. I'm having a nice talk with him when he yells at me to "get out of the way!" He one times a drake at 30 yards coming into the decoys. Everybody is looking around for who shot that and he's sitting there smiling.

I'm not sure I'll ever get to shoot it again.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there are still deer out there for folks who haven't filled tags yet.
I'll put this here for excitement factor.

OMG!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

All of you Minnysodans shooting da deers and no pics or stories? Gopher? ND? Goalie? Tjay? C'mon, we're dyin' here.

My wife actually asked what I'm laughing about! "Professional opinion?" "... "Pretty professional." Priceless!

What did you shoot it with...a truck? Dang.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

there are still deer out there for folks who haven't filled tags yet.
I'll put this here for excitement factor.

Well it isn't because some of us haven't been trying to get a damn tag! lol.

If I don't get one next year I'm going to raise holy hell!

whew, it is a good thing you are a couple of perfeshanalls or you never could have trailed that meager trail. that took some serious skills.

Who shot it?

I did.

(shamefully)

Meat buck. (barely a buck)

Joe was real close to where I was, if the little spike was headed his direction I surely would have let it walk.

I haven't shot a deer since 2013-2012 (I think?)

I just needed to break a bad streak, hopefully it's not looked down on too terribly. Certainly no meat will be wasted, it was a lung/heart combo shot that left both shoulders intact.

I don't have much of a story. I was trying to get the deer moving towards where my buddy and his daughter were in a stand, and the 8 kept going the wrong way, so eventually I was too dang hot and tired to GAF anymore and shot him the last time I jumped him up.

Heart/lug shot. Had to "track" him about 30 feet. Tenderloins were yummy on the grill Saturday night.

Shot 'em with a Savage Axis .223 that I was only carrying because it was the only rifle up there that hadn't killed a deer. 55gr TSX going 3250 or so.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just needed to break a bad streak, hopefully it's not looked down on too terribly. Certainly no meat will be wasted, it was a lung/heart combo shot that left both shoulders intact.

Anybody that looks down on someone for the buck they shoot needs to be struck with a bag of nickles.

Everyone likes a big buck, but we like to eat too.

What do you mean barely a buck? That sucker scores in the 25 range.

Originally Posted by tzone

What do you mean barely a buck? That sucker scores in the 25 range.

That is soooo wrong and soooo right at the same time.

gophergunners buck

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just needed to break a bad streak, hopefully it's not looked down on too terribly. Certainly no meat will be wasted, it was a lung/heart combo shot that left both shoulders intact.

Anybody that looks down on someone for the buck they shoot needs to be struck with a bag of nickles.

Everyone likes a big buck, but we like to eat too.

What do you mean barely a buck? That sucker scores in the 25 range.

Dave, I'm with Tom,

The only way I ever shoot a decent buck, is if it walks past before a spike, fork horn or immature buck.

I love deer hunting, but fundamentally, I do it to feed my family.

Meat is meat & the little ones, while not providing as much meat, do eat BETTER !

No ribbin from me !

Nice Jeff !!

Love da shootin stick.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I just needed to break a bad streak, hopefully it's not looked down on too terribly. Certainly no meat will be wasted, it was a lung/heart combo shot that left both shoulders intact.

Anybody that looks down on someone for the buck they shoot needs to be struck with a bag of nickles.

Everyone likes a big buck, but we like to eat too.

What do you mean barely a buck? That sucker scores in the 25 range.

Dave, I'm with Tom,

The only way I ever shoot a decent buck, is if it walks past before a spike, fork horn or immature buck.

I love deer hunting, but fundamentally, I do it to feed my family.

Meat is meat & the little ones, while not providing as much meat, do eat BETTER !

No ribbin from me !

Dave-you'll never hear a disparaging word from me for shooting a spike. You can't eat horns, and you've got mouths to feed. I will never be the guy holding out for an 12 point and letting a 6 point walk. I'm just not wired like that, and I don't have a month every year to deer hunt. If I'm lucky, I get two weekends. I'm gonna hope for a legal animal, and be darned grateful to get one.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice Jeff !!

Love da shootin stick.

The old 99 has some special meaning to me. Dad hunted with a 99. Went out on the day my older brother was born and bought it on a loan. Mom would have skinned him alive if she'd known. It was always known that that gun would come down to my brother, and when Dad passed, it did. The one I own was owned by one of the other guys in our camp. When he quit hunting, he sold it to me. It's not Dad's but I'm sure Dad handled it, or shared a stand with Bob when he still had that gun. It's priceless to me.

Special thanks to MILES58 for the handloads he cooked up for me. Varget powder and a 130 gr. TTSX bullet. Way more accurate than I could ever ask for. Now the proof's in the pudding.

Camp Isabella does not have enough cell service to load any pictures. We still only have the one. It has been too warm and too windy, nothing is moving.

If you buy a license, you can shoot whatever you feel inclined to shoot, that is what dat der blue paper thingy says! I was hoping that we might have had a younger version of yourself shoot it!

Lauren struck again. She shot a doe last night. We blood trailed it until it got close to the willow swamp and then decided to back out until morning. Man, was she mad she had to go to school instead of trail her deer this morning! I had mixed feelings on it, but mama laid down the law. So my Dad and I found it today. Fun trail to follow, not too hard, not too easy. I think she owes me a DQ though for field dressing her deer! So she is 12 years old and has shot 4 deer. Way better than I ever did!

I think I will bring a boy out with me tonight. I don't plan on shooting anything but it is sooooo nice outside.

Oh, nice buck Gopher! We do have to work on your picture taking skills though.....!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Oh, nice buck Gopher! We do have to work on your picture taking skills though.....!

By the time I got him gutted out I could barely hold my arms up-really. I had to suck wind for 20 minutes just so I could walk out and get the deer cart.

Good job fellows. Glad to see Dave and Gopher end the long dry spells. Missouri Rifle starts tomorrow. Good luck to ya'll

Good to see some successful hunters on here.

Second week of deer camp for the Minnesota boys. Is Chickenbuck still up and running this week? Good luck to Dave and his cast of characters if they are.

Mama and I had a good hunt this morning on day 2 of our rifle season. saw 2 bull elk, 2 coyotes several mule deer and probably 80 whitetails! one group of about 25 got bumped by some other hunters and came through the draw we were guarding. we had to shift position a little but eventually one decent buck stopped and mama whacked him at 300 yards with my .308 suppressed. she was a happy camper!
little over a mile drag, but hey it was worth it! now I have to go find one!

Good job guys! Congratulations.

Nice!

A mile drag? Was there any coat left? Can't you 1/4 them in SD?

Nice buck Mrs. Ryan

Xbow finally struck one this am . Hunting here has been super tough . Huge acorn crop and crazy warm temps have made for almost no deer movement but the rut is kicking in.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Mama and I had a good hunt this morning on day 2 of our rifle season. saw 2 bull elk, 2 coyotes several mule deer and probably 80 whitetails! one group of about 25 got bumped by some other hunters and came through the draw we were guarding. we had to shift position a little but eventually one decent buck stopped and mama whacked him at 300 yards with my .308 suppressed. she was a happy camper!
little over a mile drag, but hey it was worth it! now I have to go find one!

Great job Kendra!!

there was actually, it was just grass.
I called for a game cart so I removed nuts when I gutted. state law says proof of sex attached, so when the game cart couldn't be found, I was out of options.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

. state law says proof of sex attached,

Show em a pic of your kids...they don't just show up on your door step!

Very good looking deer,Ryan.
Congratulations to your wife.

Stan in SC

Im in the running with northern dave for twerp of the year

actually,the neighbor butchers deer,and I saw one there about 50 lbs.

I should have followed Gophers example and shot my rifles early this year . Instead I wait till the week before gun season to learn that my Ruger 77 7x57 with a old Leopold scope is shooting a nice "pattern" ...for a shot gun. Will shot again this week hopefully its just my oldness .

Originally Posted by fluffy

Im in the running with northern dave for twerp of the year

actually,the neighbor butchers deer,and I saw one there about 50 lbs.

looks delicious.

Yes, it sure does !!

3 full weekends of hunting & the only live, daylight deer sighted was on the road !

Did you gut him in the ditch or right in the road?

Sunday at sunset was the close of our deer season. As I drove to work Monday morning, I thought back to almost every other Monday after close of deer season where I see a nice buck or two on does right next to the road.

Well it never fails. I came around a bend in the road and there was a beautiful 150 + class buck and a large doe just standing there in a pasture 40 yards off the road.

They didn't have a care in the world and when I slowed way down to get a good peek, they didn't even bother to look my direction.

I think they were in loooooove...

I saw a doe this morning in Murphy-Hanrehan park that could have passed for a brown Guernsey
.

Dave, are you guys still at Chickenbuck?

we will be, one more weekend of rifle season.

Today is my last day of work for 11 days.

Me and the mini are headed to WI. Deer hunting weather is on the way. We have 4 stand sites for different winds, a blind for crappy weather, a blind we built out of pine for cover, and a few portable stands.

Daylight pictures of deer of all flavors. I'm excited!

Good Luck T & JackHAMMER !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

we will be, one more weekend of rifle season.

Hope you guys make the game pole heavy and have a great time.

Originally Posted by tzone

Today is my last day of work for 11 days.

Me and the mini are headed to WI. Deer hunting weather is on the way. We have 4 stand sites for different winds, a blind for crappy weather, a blind we built out of pine for cover, and a few portable stands.

Daylight pictures of deer of all flavors. I'm excited!

Wish I was there to see him fill those tags, buddy. Be sure to get me some good pics, okay? Good luck Tom.

Go get 'em , Jack.
Lots of luck to you guys,Tom.

Stan in SC

Good luck to Tom and Jackson. Opening day is something special, and the fact that there's deer hunting weather moving in is just icing on the cake.

You don't he think he noticed?

I showed him how to check weather reports and look at wind directions. He knew exactly where we should sit.

good luck Tom and Jack. Lets see some action shots. Last weekend up here along the border as well. cant wait for it to be done and then worry about muzzleloader then. Peace and quiet in our woods then. a lot of fun! Be safe again everyone and good luck!

Good luck Tom and Jack! May Lady Luck shine upon you! Or absent that, have a deer walk by.

Good luck to you and shoot strait. That is what I told my wife opening morning and she shot a nice one. So I hope it holds true for you also.

Thanks guys! We are pretty excited. Truck is packed except for the rifles. We were going to get up and laid it in the morning but with the bad weather, we loaded her tonight. We'll get up and head north by 630. We are hopefully going to have our chairs and coushions in the blinds and be out of the woods before the rain. Then snow tomorrow night!! Nothing like a good snow on the night before opener.

The opener is a magical time, and it only comes once a year. For an enthusiastic young lad, it's an amazing time. The fact that Jack get s to be with you is all that much more special. Wish I was there with you, Tom. That kid's gonna have an ear to ear grin when he drops the hammer on his first deer. You've done a great job bringing him along Tom. It so reminds me of my dad showing me the ropes. From the days when I was little enough to fit in his backpack, to our very last hunt together. Keep him hungry Tom, and always be there for him. He'll never forget it, and he'll do right by you, Dad.

Good luck guys. Tell Jack I said to take a deep breath, and squeeze the trigger.

Go have some fun guys.

Plans have been pretty much finalized for an invasion of Pennsylvania, and our very own EFW and MJBGALT will join me right after Thanksgiving for a deer hunt out of our family camp in Clearfield County. They accepted an invite to join me for the Pa. opener,so on the Monday after Thanksgiving, I get the opportunity to meet a couple of our members and introduce to deer hunting, Pa. style. Joining us will be my brother from Youngstown, Ohio and my son coming in from North Carolina. I'd much rather see Eric, and the boys coming in from Michigan get a deer, than myself. I'm just looking forward to having a good time. My brother is bringing up a big batch of Lake Erie perch for one of his mammoth fish fries. If he does this, we'll have plenty of company, as all the guys from the neighboring camps join us for a great meal and some annual camaraderie. There's just nothing like deer camp.

THE JACKHAMMER!!

The kid .280'd a doe at 715 am today. He had a long 20 minute sit before he got to shoot!

She came in on a trot and stopped behind some brush. He got the gun up and ready and it literally walked into his cross hairs. The shot rang out and I saw the heart-shot leg kick.

We waited 20 minutes for him to calm down. We climbed down and took a look. At the shot site there was black brisket looking hair so I was a bit nervous, but didn't not say much about it because I saw "the kick."

I took about 10 steps in the direction it ran and didn't see anything. Jack was right behind me looking for blood. Jackhammer the eagle eye picked up a TINY drop of blood. I mean tiny! Pin head size, literally.

I had him wait there and circled around to see if I could find more. I saw her laying there up ahead and walked up to it. I asked if he found anymore. He said "yeah, another tiny drop."

I was standing by the deer and said "Hammer, I got REAL good blood here." He came around the brush and was all smiles! We try not to get to crazy about shooting deer like the TV boys, but I'm pretty sure I saw a fist pump.

and of course we did the chickenbuck war cry for a second.

That was also the first kill for that rifle. At least since I've had it. I've hunted with it about 3 years but could get it dirty.

It's a rem 700, .280rem. Shooting 140gr Federal Fusion bullets. Shot took off 1/2 the heart and the off side shoulder. It ran 30 yds as a trike. I was surprised at the lack of blood but there was a good amount where she was laying.

Awesome, Congrats to both of you guys. Jack for getting a deer and you to be there with him. A win win.

Did ya do thee old now you have to drink the blood after your first deer kill stunt. Ranks up there with taking them snipe hunting at night. Good times. Congrats again..

Awesome Jack & Tom !! Can't explain how happy I am for you both.

You guys done good Tom. I wish I could have been there. Of course you know you'll have to give up that .280 to him permanently, now donchaknow? Congrats Tom. Tell I Jack I said "you da man!"

Great going Tom and Jack.I am pleased as punch that the young'un scored>

Stan in SC

T- tell Jack congrats on his deer....

It is great to see others tagging deer as well.

Congrats to you guys.

I talked to Tom last night, with Jack listening in. I don't think Jack's feet have hit the ground yet. What a great story. Jack's such a cool kid, any Dad would be proud to have 'im as a son. They're back at it this morning. Tom really did his homework for this hunt. He's got lots of spots set up, so they can make a choice based on wind direction and other variables. He got pics of a couple good bucks on on his game cams, including a big 8 point he'd like to see walk in front of Jack's .280. I think there will be more good stories to come out of this hunt.

Dave-any luck for the 'buckers with the snow on the ground?

Way to go Jack!
I got the text and pic right after they found her, I was so pumped! Wish I coulda been there to see that smile! I still remember my first deer like it was yesterday.

I tagged out Friday morning on my best yet buck. Huge body took two trips just to get him out without the bones. Just a hair under 20" inside spread. I'll try to get a pic up today. Haven't figured how to post one from my phone yet.

Congrats again Tom and Jack!

Way to go Ryan and everyone who has scored so far!

Can't way to see some good pics on here!

Tom,waiting for pictures.

Stan in SC

I'm still hunting Stan...if any of u guy so thst have a pic want to put it
up for him, go ahead.

We sat all day today and saw one big doe. So pretty Sloan today but we've weve seen 8 deer. More than oven seen in years, and we've done it in 2 days.

congrats to all who have taken part in the 2016 deer season.

Taylor took a doe yesterday afternoon with her 243, real nice big doe. So it looks like it's just me and taylor for the camp chickenbuck crew (so far).

Muzzle loader season is coming soon!

Congrats everyone! Glad you got Jack on a deer right away. Its a blast. My Jeron 11 YR old got a nice Doe yesterday afternoon. our group ended up yesterday with 4 last night. I think its about a dozen all together. I get to save my tag for muzzleloader. Its a nice quiet time of year for us. No one else in our group hunts that season. time for one more deer then.

here's my buck from the other day.

Wow! That one needs to go on the wall Ryan! Nicely done!

Good on young Jack, old man ND, and Miss Taylor for hanging some meat! Good year over there in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Our opener was kind of a bust. Fog and gun plenty of it. Couldn't see 30 yards. Found out I had a guy near me when his gun went off 65 yards away at 8:15. Buck down...it was coming my way too. Gotta love state land.

Even though my ears were ringing, that was the only shot I heard all morning. I pulled my stand and moved 6 miles away. Saw a nice size spike pushing a doe, but I was in the APR area, so no go. Didn't see another deer until the 4th day. A dandy little buck but he wouldn't give me a clean shot through the hardwoods at nearly dark. Too dang warm. Hunted in shirtsleeves. Would've have to raced to get it cut up in time - nearly 70*. We'll be back at her Thanksgiving weekend. No mercy.

Very nicely done Taylor, Jack and Ryan! Lots of deer being shot this year for the freezer by Chickenbuckers! Love it! As a group, I think we are prepared for the long winter months with lots of meat and stories!

Speaking of meat, if anyone has a really good venison recipe, please share! We do a lot of hamburger and backstraps but this year we tried flat iron steaks and they were pretty good. I have heard they are better than backstrap, but I didnt think they were that good! I bought a jar of Alpine Touch seasoning and boy, that is really good!

I did neck roast the other day.
1 bay leaf, filled half way up the meat with water and some pepper and minced onion. crockpot on low for 24 hours. crumbled apart, put a little bbq with it on a sandwich, was delicious and uber tender.

Beautiful deer,Ryan.

Stan in SC

Happy Thanksgiving to all !

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving to all my southern cyber Friends !

Arrived at the cabin,just in time to notice a yard full of turkeys.

Got one be more tag to fill for blackpowder season .

Originally Posted by fluffy

Arrived at the cabin,just in time to notice a yard full of turkeys.

Got one be more tag to fill for blackpowder season .

I was checking stuff out and realized that my cabin by Perham (Big Pine Lake) is in a zone where you can shoot two deer.

So, I will be muzzle loading at the lake place with a few neighbors trying to get another one here next weekend. And I won't have any freaking mosquitoes or flies bothering me!!!

I may have some land in the "metro zone" to hunt black powder. That could be fun. Might have to dust off the ol TC 50 cal and see what's up.

So, Mrs Deb went "black Friday" grocery shopping !

God, I LOVE that Woman !

That great Paul! Tell Deb congrats from me!

Cheers Rooster, will do !

Congratulations Deb

Stan in SC

I thought you were going to chicken buck for muzzleloader Tom! Was looking forward to another encounter!

Originally Posted by tzone

I may have some land in the "metro zone" to hunt black powder. That could be fun. Might have to dust off the ol TC 50 cal and see what's up.

Do you do it all yourself if you get one? I am keeping my shop set up for processing through muzzle-loading since I am going to go up to the cabin for the season.

Let me know if you want to come over if you get one.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

So, Mrs Deb went "black Friday" grocery shopping !

God, I LOVE that Woman !

Awesome! congrats to Deb!

Awesome Deb! Nice shooting!

David, I might take you up on that. I think I'll only be able to go on the last weekend now, but I'll let you know how it turns out.

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome Deb! Nice shooting!

David, I might take you up on that. I think I'll only be able to go on the last weekend now, but I'll let you know how it turns out.

Sounds good. One of my neighbors came over with a doe he got the other day. It was skinned and quartered in the fridge nice and quickly, then we boned it out and bagged it a few days later.

Here are a few pics of Jackhammers first deer.

As we found her. [Linked Image]

Smilin like heck.
[Linked Image]

Wolf Bait

I told him he had to drag it out. But I walked back to the truck to get the Otter Sled and make it a little easier on him. He did pull it all himself. It was about 1/4-1/3 of a mile back to the truck.

[Linked Image]

It was a great morning to be an 11 year old kid. It was a great morning to be a 39 year old dad too.

Awesome as heck boys !

Too much winning in those pics Tom!

Great pictures,Tom.
Again Congratulations to Jack.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan. The congrats all go to him. The boy put in his time, there is no doubt about it. He's the poster child for knowing you don't see a deer every time out. This was the first one hes ever been able to get a shot at.

He's made several all day sits without seeing a deer, period.

way to go Jack! stick with it and you will get one!

I took mama out for our black hills antlerless season, we both had doe tags and I killed bambi, she got one bigger (of course).
canned venison and ground meat the last two days. now for some late season archery huntin!
good luck to all who are still out after some venison, and a congrats to all who managed to pun ch a tag this year!

Congrats to Jack on his first deer and Deb for doing the right thing on Black Friday!!

That looks like perfection to me.

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

I won't this weekend. I have a funeral to attend but I will be next week weekend.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

I may have some land in the "metro zone" to hunt black powder. That could be fun. Might have to dust off the ol TC 50 cal and see what's up.

Do you do it all yourself if you get one? I am keeping my shop set up for processing through muzzle-loading since I am going to go up to the cabin for the season.

Let me know if you want to come over if you get one.

Hey Goalie-if you need help cutting one up, let me know. It would be nice to cross paths with you again.

Originally Posted by goalie

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

So I burned my gun tag on my buck. I can't ML hunt anywhere now right? I'm basically done? I don't have a spot in the metro area.

Jeff,

You can get a doe tag for any zone where they're legal and still ML them there.

Originally Posted by MILES58

Jeff,

You can get a doe tag for any zone where they're legal and still ML them there.

So I could buy a tag for the Alex area, even though I've filled my primary tag?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

So I burned my gun tag on my buck. I can't ML hunt anywhere now right? I'm basically done? I don't have a spot in the metro area.

Depends. My cabin has bonus tags available. Check out those zones.

Are you free this weekend? Depending on what family decides, I may still go up. It would be cheap, as the hunting land is the back lot at my cabin.

If I go up, I want to go reasonably early Friday to hunt Friday night.

Jeff,

You can muzzle loader hunt for does is if you do have a spot where there are doe tags, and you have one.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by MILES58

Jeff,

You can get a doe tag for any zone where they're legal and still ML them there.

So I could buy a tag for the Alex area, even though I've filled my primary tag?

Yep, if the tags are "extra" tags.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by goalie

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

So I burned my gun tag on my buck. I can't ML hunt anywhere now right? I'm basically done? I don't have a spot in the metro area.

Depends. My cabin has bonus tags available. Check out those zones.

Are you free this weekend? Depending on what family decides, I may still go up. It would be cheap, as the hunting land is the back lot at my cabin.

If I go up, I want to go reasonably early Friday to hunt Friday night.

I'd love to go, but my flight back from Pa. doesn't get in until Friday evening.

Jeff, yes, you can buy a bonus tag for the Alex area. got a little snow left up here so you can see where they have been moving.

Thanks Bman.

Well, at least the wind will be perfect for the property I will be hunting this weekend.

Good luck to all you Minnesotans going out with the smoke-pole!

Originally Posted by goalie

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

Meeting up with big jelly and justin (capt bangflop) at camp tonight. Runswithscisors and Playswithmatches will join us tomorrow sometime.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by goalie

Any of the Minnesota guys muzzle-loading this weekend?

I had two neighbors going up with me, and both had life interfere with hunting. Zone 241, managed so either sex, and bonus tag available if you already shot one.

Meeting up with big jelly and justin (capt bangflop) at camp tonight. Runswithscisors and Playswithmatches will join us tomorrow sometime.

Good luck. I'm going tomorrow. The weather seems to be about perfect.

Any of the Mn. boys score with the front stuffers? Hate to see deer season winding down here. This pretty much signals four months of cold.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Any of the Mn. boys score with the front stuffers? Hate to see deer season winding down here. This pretty much signals four months of cold.

All I have to show for a lot of time out in a tree was a little doe walking by, and a nice-bodied fork that should grow up nicely.

Considering all the deer I saw during "horrible" conditions for rifle this year, I can't believe I put in the time and didn't see anything worth shooting in a zone that's managed and has more, bigger deer in pretty much perfect wind and temps conditions.

But, any time in the woods is time well spent.....

No deer hunting for me. I was after Chinese Ditch Chickens in ND. They got some serious snow out there! Tough walking but we got birds. The yellow lab puppy had a bunch of nice retrieves. Is there anything better than watching a bird dog figure it out????

Waiting and hoping for a good Chickenbuck report. Hopefully they ventilated a couple!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Waiting and hoping for a good Chickenbuck report. Hopefully they ventilated a couple!

5 deer were seen but no shots were taken. We had an OUTSTANDING time though!

Thanks again ND, RWS and PWM. It was a blast!

Saw some nice ones,way too far away for blackpowder,at least for the ones I have.
Still have this weekend to go,and I might be divorced by then,that would be good karma all around.

Good luck on both fronts, Joel.

I'm headed up to the Mora area to chase a few if possible. It's been some slim deer sightings up there lately though. But what the hell, the Ron Diaz' will be in the freezer when we get back in.

no elks for me yet, will chase deer after I fill this tag. *fingers crossed*

did you get another once in a lifetime SD elk tag? I can't even draw a SD deer tag.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck on both fronts, Joel.

lawyer canceled with the flu.

Originally Posted by tzone

did you get another once in a lifetime SD elk tag? I can't even draw a SD deer tag.

I did, tough unit though! there's 4 types of tags, Custerstatepark,prairie,blackhillsrifle,BHarchery.
mine is the prairie one, it's hard to draw and a challenge to find the elk.

I just looked. I have 3 PP's in the BH's and WR units.

Man, it sucks that my hunting's done. I really would like to spend some more time in the woods. Oh well-there's always next year.

Still one more weekend.

Deb's been Friday shopping again !

Freezer pleaser;

This morning at 9:32, I get a call at work

"you busy, at the moment" !

Originally Posted by tzone

Still one more weekend.

Yep, season ends here next Thursday, so last kick at the cat for me tomorrow & Sunday.

Originally Posted by tzone

Still one more weekend.

Gotta work both days.

You look sick to me. Maybe you should stay home.

Originally Posted by tzone

You look sick to me. Maybe you should stay home.

A clear case of the dreaded Buck Fever.

Well, the extreme cold got them moving !

-32*c including wind chill Saturday morning. Was pleasure to plunge frigid hands into warm guts.

It was so cold, that I couldn't get my propane heater going.

Saturday mornings, doe hornless buck @ 40 yards - messy head shot. Had already shed antlers & completely scabbed over.

Sunday noon, real doe !

Some how I missed that deer Deb got! Congrats! Nice work filling the freezer. And congrats to you as well! Some good eating for the season now!

I did get out this weekend. Well, go out on Sunday. It was an interesting weekend here. I can't post it until the police report is finished.

I did see a doe but could only shoot bucks. I'll take it as a good sign though. That's the first deer I've ever seen while black powder hunting.

Falling into the swamp up to my crotch wasn't the highlight of the trip either but it did add some excitement! and shrinkage.

What did you shoot him with Paul? Caliber I mean.

Tom, both were with my "new to me" quarter bore - 25-06 & 120gr fusions !

Buck in da face @ 45 yards, doe racking quartering to in front of onside shoulder & exit from offside flank.

It's my moose gun !

Seriously, just wanted SS & synthetic for hunting in our junky weather.

Poh-leece Tom? oh, this outta be good!

Yeah B-Man, waiting with "baited breath", myself.

& I want photographic evidence of said junk shrinkage !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I want photographic evidence of said junk shrinkage !

Well that's just weird.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Poh-leece Tom? oh, this outta be good!

I seriously cannot talk about it yet. It's real. I didn't shoot anyone...but I would have.

I finally know what the sucky feeling when you don't get a deer. Lol

It's ok Joe. It happens to all of us. I haven't shot a deer since 2012.

Tell jack I said good job!

That's a long time Tom next year might have to give you the chinckenbuck luck!

aren't you supposed to be in school JOE!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

aren't you supposed to be in school JOE!

I'm in study hall lol

30 min till math

Originally Posted by tzone

It's ok Joe. It happens to all of us. I haven't shot a deer since 2012.

Joe-I was close to 10 years without shooting a deer before this past fall. It happens, man. That's why they call it hunting, not shooting.

So a long planned rooster hunting trip to SW MN is taking place this weekend. Can anyone say Brrrrrrrrr? Highs will be below 0. Lows are going to be -20 or less. Might have to wear a sweatshirt.

Tzone, I think I speak for most when I say we really dont need photographic evidence....but we do want to hear about the poh-leece!

Be patient guys. He'll tell us what he can when the time is right.

Temps are getting warmer. My hands warming back up, so i can type. Man, been crazy cold out.

Be careful going out ice fishing, well at least down here in the metro. Ice is shady right now. Those two snow storms made a nice blanket on the lakes. It's not setting up, lots of slush pockets.

Heard a guy tried to drive out on White Bear lake on 5 inches. Went thru. Imagine that.

I saw those pictures.

Stupid is as stupid does.

*Forest Gump

I never really feel safe out on the ice until after the new year. I rarely drive on ice down here. I have a 4-wheeler...I might as well use it.

Someone went in on Big Pine Lake where my cabin is.

Do stupid things, win stupid prizes.

Truck goes into Big Pine near Perham

There ain't a bucket of fish in the world that's worth going through that ice for.

Amen !!

When I lived in Wausau, WI I saw a couple guys run a ladder from the shore to the ice because the ice wasn't froze all the way to shore yet? Holy crap! That was nuts! They weren't small boys either. They were typical WI linebacker type fellas.

Santa arrived early this year. The mailman brought me a surprise package from EFW, who was one of the guys that joined me in Pa. this fall for deer hunting. I had told him about the pet load MILES58 had cooked up for my 300 Savage. Dave's as good as they come, and really knows his stuff around the reloading bench. He loaded me a box of ammo for my 99, and the powder of choice was Varget. All he said was "just get some powder to replace what we used." This came up in conversation at camp, and today a supply of Varget showed up, much to my surprise. I've all ready contacted Dave to let him know I got this generous gift, and need to get it to him.

I can't begin to thank EFW, MJBGALT, and Eric's friend Angel for the great time we had together. I hope they join me many more times again. All these guys are good people. Just can't say it enough.

Thanks again to all four of these men for making this hunt a success.

We had good hunting this year. We killed 4 bucks that guys are going to mount

when you said you couldn't take it on the plane other ideas came up

Matt, thank you so much for this generous gift. I am so lucky to have friends like you guys.

Cool gesture!

I really need to get cracking on the reloading room. I need to organize it better. Get my ammo into some lockers of some sort. I could probably fill one with .22 rounds.

Locking metal file cabinets work well.

all day yesterday without a post?

Deer season's done and eveyone's busy with the holidays. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers and everyone who visits here to to check on Dave's page.

In August of 2007 I read the first post by Northern Dave concerning his proposed deer camp on land he and his wife had bought. Since that time I have read and participated in all 3287 (TO DATE)pages and made some very good friends along the way,acquired a chickenbuck hat with my name on it as well as a chickenbuck T-shirt, and just in general thoroughly enjoyed the whole thread.
I remember in June of 2008 after by-pass surgery that I was most anxious to get home to catch up on all that had gone on while I was hospitalized.Anticipation made me get better quicker.
Now we are celebrating our 10th. Christmas here. So much has gone on and changes have taken place in all of our lives AND WE HAVE SHARED THEM ALL WITH ONE ANOTHER.
I really treasure this group and wish you all the very best MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Thank you for being my friends.

Stan in SC

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas chickenbuckers!!

Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers, and all us wannabe's too. Thanks for posting your memoirs earlier here Stan, and Merry Christmas to you and your family sir.

Merry Christmas to all of you too

Merry Christmas everyone!

We are currently waiting for a storm that's supposedly roaring in on us. We aren't too worried, the plow truck is staged, ready to go.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season with company of friends and family.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!

[Linked Image]

Merry Christmas ! and Great Pic !

Merry Christmas to a great group here on the chickenbuck thread!

We are also awaiting the storm. It has rained (which is nice) and the wind is picking up pretty good. I'm sitting here in my recliner wearing my new fluffy, one piece footy pajamas

my wife got me and watching "We're the Millers." (For those Jennifer Aniston fans out there, this is a must see!)

Crazy weather here too. Last week lows in the teens with heaters working overtime . Yesterday 73* with windows open and ceiling fans on and thunder storms .

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope y'all had more fun that I did at the hospital working.

I (we) had a great Christmas. Filled with kids, family and laughter!

Merry Christmas a little late. a lot of rain/ice/slick roads here.

Still shooting some roosters. I love this week for hunting pheasants.

A one-piece fluffy pajama? Pics?

Ice fishing, soon.

New years on the frozen lake for us.

Locals are out on 5" of ice here. Panfish are biting on Prior.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

A one-piece fluffy pajama? Pics?

Not on your life!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Berettaman

A one-piece fluffy pajama? Pics?

Not on your life!

He keeps a weird collection of pics eh?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Same to you Rooster.

We started the new year out on the ice, fishing through holes in the floor of our "winter camper". We had a blast, fishing was slow but we did have a fish fry and a fun time visiting, hanging out with family and good friends.

We took it pretty easy and hung out at home. My dad and stepmom came down and we celebrated New Years and Christmas. It was fun and relaxing. But, I'm glad it's over.

We stayed home on Christmas day. Lots of eating and loafing. A good time was had by all.

I hope everyone has a very good New Year.

For our Christmas/New Years holiday, our whole family got Strep Throat. Instead of family dinners, we gathered around and took our antibiotics. The only time we got out was med runs to the pharmacy. Even though we've gone through a quart of Purell and 3 containers of Clorox wipes, I still wouldn't come around here without a HAZMAT suit on.

And if any of you have pictures of Rooster in his footie pajamas, post em up. We'll even come up with a little reward!

Just getting over a killer cold. Missed a day and a half of work over this one.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

And if any of you have pictures of Rooster in his footie pajamas, post em up. We'll even come up with a little reward!

I'm sure there are plenty of pics floating around that Rooster wouldn't want us to see.

But having met Jim and being able to call him a friend...there ain't nobody in hell that wants to see a pic of Rooster Jim in footie pajamas.

We are makin ice today boys! Whew she's chilly.

Yep, for sure.

Had the "whoopitywoop" square tire run to town !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yep, for sure.

Had the "whoopitywoop" square tire run to town !

I did as well this morning. I haven't had that for a while.

Italian Tires - When Dago flat dago "whop whop whop."

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

And if any of you have pictures of Rooster in his footie pajamas, post em up. We'll even come up with a little reward!

I'm sure there are plenty of pics floating around that Rooster wouldn't want us to see.

But having met Jim and being able to call him a friend...there ain't nobody in hell that wants to see a pic of Rooster Jim in footie pajamas.

Including me!

Hey Bman! Now that season is over and it's colder than a witches you know what, are you seeing pheasants up the ying yang too?

There are Roosters everywhere now that it is below zero.

I sure am!

yep! went predator hunting and saw a bunch of pheasants. no predators though.

seriously tho, this snow can stop any time now.

The snow can quit here as well Dave. The deer are going to have a tough time in this neck of the woods.....

We only have a few inches of snow. There is probably about 4 more falling today.

You guys wouldn't believe the snow piles I have piled up at my place. It's the first year since I bought my old POS plow truck that I've been able to use it more than once per winter. I can't believe they pile snow as high as they do!

North, South and East of the start of the driveway (closest to house) I have snow piles 6-10 feet high and on the north side, 50 yards wide. Much of this is drifted snow due to west winds.

I would say this is ridiculous but it's actually a pretty "normal" MN winter. We've been lucky the last two since I acquired the plow truck.

Prior to that I used a 2186 Cub Cadet with chains, weight box and a 42" blower on the front. The last nasty winter was 2013 I believe and I had enough of that method. Cold, stuck, frozen beer...uhhhh shutter....

lol

Originally Posted by tzone

We only have a few inches of snow. There is probably about 4 more falling today.

Tom never gets too excited unless he gets more that a few inches............

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You guys wouldn't believe the snow piles I have piled up at my place. It's the first year since I bought my old POS plow truck that I've been able to use it more than once per winter. I can't believe they pile snow as high as they do!

North, South and East of the start of the driveway (closest to house) I have snow piles 6-10 feet high and on the north side, 50 yards wide. Much of this is drifted snow due to west winds.

I would say this is ridiculous but it's actually a pretty "normal" MN winter. We've been lucky the last two since I acquired the plow truck.

Prior to that I used a 2186 Cub Cadet with chains, weight box and a 42" blower on the front. The last nasty winter was 2013 I believe and I had enough of that method. Cold, stuck, frozen beer...uhhhh shutter....

lol

Plow truck is a good fit for me too.

I started with that old yellow pickup I got from Dusty, probably around 2004? That's when I stopped moving snow with an antique tractor.

I've had a few other plow trucks since, you would really like a V plow with the hand control that you can hold in your hand as you shift. V plows are awesome.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

We only have a few inches of snow. There is probably about 4 more falling today.

Tom never gets too excited unless he gets more that a few inches............

and that is rare.

Tom,

You need a pinkout !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

We only have a few inches of snow. There is probably about 4 more falling today.

Tom never gets too excited unless he gets more that a few inches............

and that is rare.

Bwaaaaaaaaaa!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

You guys wouldn't believe the snow piles I have piled up at my place. It's the first year since I bought my old POS plow truck that I've been able to use it more than once per winter. I can't believe they pile snow as high as they do!

North, South and East of the start of the driveway (closest to house) I have snow piles 6-10 feet high and on the north side, 50 yards wide. Much of this is drifted snow due to west winds.

I would say this is ridiculous but it's actually a pretty "normal" MN winter. We've been lucky the last two since I acquired the plow truck.

Prior to that I used a 2186 Cub Cadet with chains, weight box and a 42" blower on the front. The last nasty winter was 2013 I believe and I had enough of that method. Cold, stuck, frozen beer...uhhhh shutter....

lol

Plow truck is a good fit for me too.

I started with that old yellow pickup I got from Dusty, probably around 2004? That's when I stopped moving snow with an antique tractor.

I've had a few other plow trucks since, you would really like a V plow with the hand control that you can hold in your hand as you shift. V plows are awesome.

I have a buddy that has a setup like that. Once time we were on a weekend visit with them and we left the wives inside and went out and played with the plow truck. Just because. lol

Between Christmas & New Year, my buddy Joe, jumped in with my neighbour & they plowed my place & the neighbours, took 4 hours & a full deck of bottles !

Just an FYI in case anyone wants to laugh hysterically at a fellow campfire member: I have been asked to do the Red Bull Crashed Ice race (they are having a special goalie race) in St Paul on Feb 4th.

I may die, but it will be epic.

Aw man! This I gotta see! I'll just politely put in the first request. Can I have your butchering equipment?

Originally Posted by goalie

Just an FYI in case anyone wants to laugh hysterically at a fellow campfire member: I have been asked to do the Red Bull Crashed Ice race (they are having a special goalie race) in St Paul on Feb 4th.

I may die, but it will be epic.

Full pads?

This I might have to see.

Originally Posted by MILES58

Originally Posted by goalie

Just an FYI in case anyone wants to laugh hysterically at a fellow campfire member: I have been asked to do the Red Bull Crashed Ice race (they are having a special goalie race) in St Paul on Feb 4th.

I may die, but it will be epic.

Full pads?

Yes. I may wear players skates instead of goalie skates, but will try both on practice runs.

There are required practices for the 4 goalies on the two days before the race, so it may not be too bad.

At first I was thinking nah, I'm too old, but then I realized that I would regret not doing it forever. I'm in pretty good shape right now so it's more about not crashing and dying.....

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Aw man! This I gotta see! I'll just politely put in the first request. Can I have your butchering equipment?

The funny thing is that the guy I hunt with said the same damn thing the second I told him I "might" do it.

What's that saying though? I'm afraid the Mrs might sell all my guns for what I told her I paid for them......

Originally Posted by tzone

This I might have to see.

It is free admission to watch. The guy said there are big jumbo-tron screens, so you can see all the action, not just the little part of the track you are near.

When is it, and do you have any idea what time you'll be rolling down er, racing down the course?

Feb 4th, sometime between 7pm and 9pm.

So how many splints, ace bandages, rolls of gauze and tape should I bring?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So how many splints, ace bandages, rolls of gauze and tape should I bring?

Part of the reason my wife is OK with me doing it is mayor Coleman goes down the course every year to "test" it. He isn't a complete ankle-bender, but he has yet to score on me on a breakaway in a charity game.

He hasn't died yet doing it. And I will be wearing full goalie-gear.

My knees are OK, but I will also be wearing bilateral hinged braces to keep them stable if I biff-it hard.

I would guess that if I get injured, it will be something that requires more than some gauze......

Originally Posted by goalie

And I will be wearing full goalie-gear.

That's what I was just going to ask you.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

And I will be wearing full goalie-gear.

That's what I was just going to ask you.

They don't want me, they want my gear.

So do I!

Dibs on the butchering equipment......

You guys way up nort. By Lake of zee woods. Just wondering if the snow has gone down at all, on the big pond.

yes, but now its water and slush on top of the ice sheet.

not sure it will shape up for the upcoming weekend, the temps cool down for the rest of the week but not much under freezing. I'm worried we will have a thin ice sheet with water, then the main ice sheet, which will be miserable.

Sounds like a mess, I'm not going up to the Angle till first week of March. Just curious.

Thanks ND.

NoDuck, are you hauling your house up there?

No GG, we go out of Angle outpost we just do the bombardier out to there shacks works out good. Used to take 10-13 guys fish the south end for years. By long point and Babblers road. Older and wiser now..

I was just wondering about the snow up there cause, first year i went up to the Angle the snow was gone. Temps warmed up and fishing was fantastic. Last couple of years its been decent fishing.. So i guess it just cant snow up there for a month. LOl..

I'm putting my wheelhouse back out tomm i'm thinking. Might try my walleye spot. I'll keep you posted on that.

Sounds good, and thanks again.

We'll went for a snowmobile ride, and it all went good till I blew the motor on my snowmobile lol. Don't want to blow another motor up again

Another motor? Holy Hannah. Easy on thee old throttle.

Maybe you should tell your dad, it's time to get a brand new sled, cause you keep wrecking those old motors. He He He

nonsense!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

We'll went for a snowmobile ride, and it all went good till I blew the motor on my snowmobile lol. Don't want to blow another motor up again

So I'm guessing it was an Artic Scat?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

nonsense!

Ya, at least a guy can rebuild older motors reasonably easily !

that motor is actually still in production for current models. lol

Do you know/suspect what let go ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Do you know/suspect what let go ?

A 13 year old.

It happens.

Well guys, I did three runs down the Red Bull Crashed Ice course today and am NOT in the hospital!!!!

Selfie from the top during our walk-through:

Side shot of the start:

I will just say that it is a LOT harder than it looks, especially in goalie gear. I was utterly gassed after three runs down.

Saturday night should be pretty freaking cool!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Do you know/suspect what let go ?

piston skirt, mag side.

That's very cool goalie!

Originally Posted by goalie

Well guys, I did three runs down the Red Bull Crashed Ice course today and am NOT in the hospital!!!!

Selfie from the top during our walk-through:

Side shot of the start:

I will just say that it is a LOT harder than it looks, especially in goalie gear. I was utterly gassed after three runs down.

Saturday night should be pretty freaking cool!

Prayers sent.

Dibs on your butchering equipment........

Originally Posted by goalie

Well guys, I did three runs down the Red Bull Crashed Ice course today and am NOT in the hospital!!!!

Selfie from the top during our walk-through:

Side shot of the start:

I will just say that it is a LOT harder than it looks, especially in goalie gear. I was utterly gassed after three runs down.

Saturday night should be pretty freaking cool!

That would be fun on a Clark Griswold saucer sled!

What stops you at the bottom? The crowd?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Do you know/suspect what let go ?

piston skirt, mag side.

Are you gonna rebuild it? Bore it .030 or just look for a different engine?

Undecided.

when the piston got to flopping with a broken skirt, it broke the bottom of the cylinder sleeve.

Gotcha. Probably easier to find a different engine but rebuilding it with Joe would be a good learning project....you know....since you have so much time now that you're retired and stuff...

"me an da wife, we're retarded now...."

Anybody remember that yoopers bit?

lol

A very late deer hunt report.
This deer walked out of the woods behind the stand. It then walked up to the stand/under, looked up at her and then walked out be hind some pines about 10 yards out. Spooked and ran 20 yards or so to the right of the stand. It then turned and walked slowly into/across the shooting lane about 50 yards out. BANG FLOP.

7 pointer and quite heavy.

Very cool! Any other pics of that deer. That looks like a really big buck!

Perfect !

Anybody hear if Goalie survived/thrived ?

Thank you!

That's a true MN buck if I've ever seen one. The rack is whatever ya get. But those big rutty sticky sum-bitches is what keeps me awake from like January to December.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Anybody hear if Goalie survived/thrived ?

I wasn't last!!!!

I came in third, crashed in epic fashion off the start with another guy, and have a lot of bruises.

I will post video when I get it from red bull.

Edit: oh and I am officially the oldest goalie to actually do the race.

Awesome dude!

I like to think I could skate that course but...there is no way! lol. Congrats to you for finishing, let along getting 3rd!

So do I still get your butchering gear?

Glad to heary you're okay, buddy.

Very cool tjay.

Nice work goalie!

Padded Man,

I admire your "heart" & eagerly await the video !

Some Training Run video from my mask-cam

https://youtu.be/wgtUxoOPPmg

https://youtu.be/FSX5owTrjMI

Originally Posted by goalie

Some Training Run video from my mask-cam

https://youtu.be/wgtUxoOPPmg

https://youtu.be/FSX5owTrjMI

COOL - I can't skate fo schiete, so !

Well it looks like you got the falling down part pretty well figured out. Good job man-no way could I do that run!

Hey t-zone

Did you wall tent it for deer camp this year? If I missed any posts about it sorry.

Congratulations to Dave & Pam for their 25th Wedding Anniversary !

A great truly great achievement, by todays standards.

Thumbs up to you 2 love birds !

No I didn't this year. Jack is a little too young to get into that with just the two of us.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well it looks like you got the falling down part pretty well figured out. Good job man-no way could I do that run!

Yeah, it was, according to the pros in the locker room, the most technically difficult course ever. Goalie gear sure didn't help with all the drop-offs and little bumps as you can't quite flex your legs like you need to.

Of course the crash off the start in front of 100,000 people was all me..........

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Congratulations to Dave & Pam for their 25th Wedding Anniversary !

A great truly great achievement, by todays standards.

Thumbs up to you 2 love birds !

Thanks!

4 days since last post? gotta be a record

Anyone heard from Stan?

I saw a post from Stan on facebook recently.

They're calling for nice weather with temps in the 50's this weekend. Anybody interested in meeting at the public range up in Pine City this Sunday for a little shooting? It's back in the Chengwatana State Forest.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I saw a post from Stan on facebook recently.

Excellent.

I have an exciting weekend of moving furniture and probably putting my dang ice fishing stuff away.

My parents sold their house in Duluth and have a month to move out!

Deb & I are heading to Giants Ridge Friday.

Guess we'll be snow boarding in t-shirts !

But the beer will taste better, right ?

Warm or cold weather...the beer always tastes good!

Originally Posted by tzone

I have an exciting weekend of moving furniture and probably putting my dang ice fishing stuff away.

My parents sold their house in Duluth and have a month to move out!

Tom-are you going to need a hand up there? Let me know. I can bring the van up to help move.

Thanks for the offer Jeff.

They rented one of the PODS. It gets delivered to your house. You load it up. PODS comes and gets it. Stores it if needed, and delivers it to your new destination. My BIL used it and said it was great.

So we just need to load it up. They bought a house on a lake in northern WI. I have a feeling my fishing time may have just increased.

One of my sons used them on a move from Baltimore to Twin Cities. Only problem was a bent bicycle wheel. The packers are responsible for any damage.

I am the packer.

Just don't lay a bicycle on top of the boxes! It will slide around and get a wheel bent. Expensive lesson for him since it was a road racing bike.

Oh yeah! Those aren't cheap!!

You let me know when they're gonna fill that and I'll be on my way.

Gonna finally pull the trigger and buy a new boat this spring. I think the 25 years I got out of my 14' Lund was enough. I'm ready to be done with climbing over those bench seats.

Anyone looking for a 14 ft. Lund?
18 h.p. Evinrude
Motor Guide trolling motor
One battery
New tires last year.
One depth finder
Anchor
Running lights.

I'll be dragging it out of the back yard and cleaning it up as soon as the yard is firm enough to drive across.

Boat's a 1980 I believe, and the motor is older.

Happy birthday to chicken buck Joe.

13 yrs old today.

Happy Birthday Joey!!

Happy Birthday Joey. You are growing up very fast right before our eyes son. Here's to your special day.

Happy Birthday Joey!!

Hope you had a GREAT B_DAY Joe!

Happy Birthday, Joey(Preacher).

Tom, I am still around. I spend more time on Facebook than here.
I do still try to get here and read every few days.

Stan in SC

Happy birthday Joe! Sorry I missed this earlier. I hope you had a great day my man!

Whoo-hoo!!! Happy Birthday to the Shaw's newest teenager!

Oof-da. Time is going by too fast.

Posting to go to 3,300 pages. Nothing to see here...

Posting to go to 3,300 pages. Nothing to see here...

There she come!

3300 pages. Dave, you created a monster here man. Thanks for bringing us into your life stories.

thanks guys.

a bit of perspective, Joey was 3 when we started all of this.

Happy belated b-day to Joey!

Dave...how much snow you guys have on the ground?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

thanks guys.

a bit of perspective, Joey was 3 when we started all of this.

I remember meeting you and your dad at the Island Lake Inn just the fall you started this. Joey and Pam came shortly after. A lot has changed in those 10 years. Many, many things for the better.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Posting to go to 3,300 pages. Nothing to see here...

There she come!

You can change your setting Rooster so you don't have so many pages.

I have 1650.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Happy belated b-day to Joey!

Dave...how much snow you guys have on the ground?

Zero here Jeff.

... for now.

Tom....raining here now and we have maybe 4-6" left in most places. I heard they had upwards of 24" up north and was hoping it was going down for the sake of the deer.

We got thunder and lightening with rain last night and it's raining off and on today.

I told the kids to stay OFF the lakes.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Posting to go to 3,300 pages. Nothing to see here...

There she come!

You can change your setting Rooster so you don't have so many pages.

I have 1650.

Can I set it so I have 6,600? That would be even more cooler.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom....raining here now and we have maybe 4-6" left in most places. I heard they had upwards of 24" up north and was hoping it was going down for the sake of the deer.

I was up there this past weekend and it didn't seem bad at all. Duluth area and a bit north.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom....raining here now and we have maybe 4-6" left in most places. I heard they had upwards of 24" up north and was hoping it was going down for the sake of the deer.

Yard is still white.

it's going fast though, rain all day.

Happy belated Birthday Big Joe !

Give ya Mom & Dad a big hug, fer bringin ya up right !

I have blooming daffodils, grass greening up, Bradford pear trees in my neighbor's yard is blooming. Most days lately have been averaging 60 something degrees and we have had an 80 degree day.
It is unusual for this time of year but seems that Spring is peeking around the corner.

Stan in SC

Spring is around the corner here too Stan. We're supposed to get 0-148" snow tomorrow. The weather man hasn't decided.

Originally Posted by tzone

Spring is around the corner here too Stan. We're supposed to get 0-148" snow tomorrow. The weather man hasn't decided.

When did we become such freaking sissies in regards to the weather?!?!????

People at the hospital were acting like the world might end or something. How about just leave for work early and Friday, drive slower, and STFU and do your job like an adult????

It's quite comical here as well. People are already planning NOT to come to work. Really? From snow? They're snowflakes, they'll blend right in.

My youngest son is taking the day off from work to go snowboarding at Afton and hopes for the high side of your range of snow!

Afton might get a pretty good pop.

Happy B-day Joey. It was a record 76 in Erie, PA today.

I don't know if this is going on at all stores, but the Wal-Mart I work at in Lakeville is clearing out all their camo clothing, gun cases, and Scent Blocker stuff. Good time to pick up a good deal. Many some camo for spring turkey?

Are they getting rid of all that's stuff for good?

No just seasonal clearance. They're switching over to to their spring/summer modulars.

Gun cases were as low as $5.00. Outerwear as low as $7.00 for camo t-shirts. They had camo hooded sweatshirts, but they're getting pretty picked over. You might find some stuff to fit Jack and Kennedy.

I went to my first gun show in over 5 years today. Very disappointing. The show was in Anoka. They also had the show at Pine City this weekend. I wish I'd have driven up there. It had to be better than Anoka. The same observations so many others have talked about. Mostly knife dealers with lots of cheap imported crap. Most of the guns that were there were AR's and others like this. Very few hunting weapons. I did see a Savage Model 99 in 25-35 for $680.00. Bubba put a different home made buttstock on it. It was otherwise in good shape,and being in 25-35, it would have been worth correctly re-stocking it. I was looking for wood-stocked Model 70's. There literally wasn't a single Model 70 anywhere in the show. I was in and out in about 45 minutes. Of course the jerkey, jewelry, and junk guys were there. It was a great show if you wanted to buy a John Deere die cast tractor. Looking for a hunting gun? Not so good.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Gun cases were as low as $5.00. Outerwear as low as $7.00 for camo t-shirts. They had camo hooded sweatshirts, but they're getting pretty picked over. You might find some stuff to fit Jack and Kennedy.

They pretty much wear adult clothes man. They're covered for a while. Im actually in the purge mode, instead of buying at this point. Except guns anyway.

I found a Model 70 chambered for the hated .270 Winchester. It's been heavily used, but no cracks or anything like that. A junk no-name 3x to 9x on it. I didn't run a bore light down it, but the guy's asking 280 for it. It's rough, but if the bore's good, I'm thinking about picking it up.

Well, it's looking like a new used boat will be following me home soon-maybe this weekend. Should give me plenty of time to get it ready for spawning crappies, sunnies, and the walleye opener. Dealing with some health issues right now and need a good diversion, so outfitting a boat might be just what the Dr. ordered. I'm looking at an 18 foot Sylvan. It will need a trolling motor, and a depth finder for starters. After that, maybe a compass and a radio. Hope to have this purchase completed by the end of the week. Can't wait to dig into whatever boat I end up with, roll up my sleeves and get to work.

Get a gps locator and you can skip the compass.

My old school curmudgeonly self says there ought to be a good compass on a gimble bracket mounted on the dashboard.

Dashboard?

Are you getting a run-a-bout or a fishing boat?

Walk through console. Momma don't like getting hit in the face with spray.Casting platform and trolling motor up front. Four swivel seats behind the console. Kind of a fish and ski configuration.

I had a Crestliner configured like that and it was a compromise for fishing. Big motor and 15 kicker on rear both able to be operated with steering wheel and dual controls from the driver seat plus a 24 volt long shaft electric on front. Was comfortable boat for boarding, skiing, tubing and flat water fishing but very difficult to control in wind when fishing. Sold it when kids grew up and did not want to play with the water toys any longer. Now use my Lund fishing boat with 25 hp motor and an electric trolling motor all over for everything but really big water and waves.

Good luck with yours.

That's why the lund pro-v's and ranger fisherman series are so popular. They@re dry deep but sit down in the water. They track VERY well even with that windshield to catch the wind.

I'd love to get another Lund but finances dictate otherwise. I don't want to take out a loan, so I've got some more stringent restrictions on what I can get. Going to look at one of the Sylvan's I found this Sunday. Hoping it looks good and follows us home.

Oh Lund Pro-V's are crazy expensive. Especially in this state. A new aluminum one will run you about $35K for a 17.5', $45K for an 18' and $60k for a 20'. If you want a fiberglass Pro-v you're looking at $80k....let that sink in for a minute.

Looking at all these ads, it's really hard for me to go past the bass boats, but I'm in no shape to take up tournament fishing again. I wasn't good enough at it before to make a living, and I don't think it would be any different now. It' sure is tempting to pull the trigger on an old Ranger for $3500.00. Heck that was state of the art stuff back when I fished tournaments.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Heck that was state of the art stuff back when I fished tournaments.

Ha! So we're oars!

Well, I bought a new used boat today. '77 Sylvan 16 footer. Walk through windshield, live well, casting platform up front. Lowrance depth finder, Minn Kota foot control trolling motor, bilge put, convertible top (needs canvas replaced). 75 h.p. Johnson. Lots of little projects on it to keep me busy.

Biopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. We'll know more afterwards. Sounds like I might have prostate cancer.

Jeff,

We have a lot of fun on this site, but when things get serious please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you get good news Tuesday. We'll be thinking of you.

Godspeed,

Steve

Thanks Steve. Cathy's kept up a good front, but she's as scared about this as I am. I watched my Mom rot for two years from the scourge that is cancer. I don't really want to go down that road.

Makes one go back to their bucket list and start knocking things off just in case. Luckily my list is pretty short. My wife and kids keep me focused and grounded. You guys help a lot around here too.

Jeff, I've been thinking about you these last few days and hope things turn out ok. keep us posted my friend.

Thanks, Ryan. Today at 3:00. I'm going in to work for a couple hours this morning, and then just might go buy a new shootin' iron.

Good luck today Jeff! We're all pulling for you here!

Good luck Jeff!

Good luck Jeff !

Hoping things go well.

Went into work for a little while this morning, but that didn't get my mind off things. Came home and started putzing with the boat. That helped a bit. Man, this is much heavier than my Lund. Really looking forward to getting it on the water.

You'll like that ride better too then Jeff. You're not hitting big water but that heavier boat will make a difference.

Biopsy's done. Results later this week. Really not a big deal outside of being embarassed. It was all done in 20 minutes. They took 12 samples. No pain whatsoever.

Putzed with the boat for a little while when I got home. Seeing what I need/want to fix or change. I put the cover on it, but the cover's pretty well shot. Not a fit cover-a Cabela's generic. Doesn't fit good around the trolling motor or the windshield. No biggie-he never even told me he had one for it, but it's pretty well shot.

The rubber roller up on the front of the trailer needs replaced. I'll have to look the trailer over good the first time I get the boat off it. I'm kind of a nitpicker about the wiring, and see stuff I want to change. 12 volt's easy. It gives me something to work on.

I just got back from the Angle, and read this about
GG.

You'll be in our prayers GG. Let me know if you ever need anything were not that far away.

GG, I don't say much on here, but just want you to know that you will be in my prays. Bill

Thanks again to everyone. We'll know more later this week.

Well, my work on the boat will start in earnest this Sunday. I should know the results of the biopsy by then. Hoping for the best, of course. I have lots of little stuff to do to truly make it "my" boat. I don't like the wiring-so I'll be changing it. The switches are scattered all over the boat. I want them all on the dash. The running lights are getting an upgrade. Both batteries are most likely going to need replaced. One of the seat posts is missing, so I'll be taking care of that too. All small stuff-the motor and trolling motor work fine, so the main issues are all little stuff.

The other project tied to this is getting my 14' Lund ready to sell. It needs a good cleaning, and I need to put all the gear in it that goes with it. It sat outside all winter, and I had put everything away in the garage. I'll be pricing a propeller for it, as the one on the Evinrude appears to have a spun hub. It's got a busted up seat, but I picked up a replacement at a garage sale, so I'll switch that out. Lots of odds and ends to do. Good to keep busy though.

Good luck with the test results.

You live near a great place for boat parts....Fleet Farm! You'll have almost, if not everything you'll need there. Including lights, wiring, and switches.

Just stopped in to see if DeadDave had been by !

Happy Birthday Pam !

Best wishes for your biopsy results Gopher.

I was looking for a deer camp estate sale!!

Best of luck on the Tests! did you get the 243 99?

No on the .243. Waiting to see where things go here. Thanks for asking. No calls today. I spoke to a very good friend of mine who had a bad bout of cancer. She says if they were real concerned, I'd all ready have the results. When they did her biopsy she had a call to meet her med team at the office the next day. They started treatment on her immediately. She beat it and unlike Dead Dave, is still one of us.

They are very good with prostate treatment these days.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Happy Birthday Pam !

Thank you so much!! So is it safe to say that the older you get, the more of your life becomes a blur? Or is that just me lately...

My birthday was amazing with the best present ever!! Dave made me a tailgate swing using my dad's old tailgate off his 1979 F150! I can't wait for warmer weather so we can sit on it.

Life seems to have kicked into fast forward and not slowing down. Since I got my promotion in September I travel more and stay later even though I don't want to, I need to get a grasp on things just for a short while then it will get back to normal. When I get home I always like to check in on Dave and the work accomplished during the day...then there's checking up on Joe, his day, check on the other two kids, all my dogs, cats, make supper, wash clothes, wash dishes and sit down to watch tv but only to fall asleep right away.
Then since Dad passed last year there are things that need to be attended to back home too.

Anyways I've missed stopping in here to sit and chat awhile but it sounds like you all are taking good care of the place.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Gopher!!
Take care everyone!!
Mrs. NorthernDave

Happy Birthday Pam!
If I may be so bold as to say it, the sands of time have gone quite easy on you.

My dad had prostate cancer, 7-8 years ago. It was caught early, and he is doing fine. When I looked into it back then, it was and may well still be one of the most treatable forms of that schidt.... keep upgrading your boat, you will have lots of time to use it.

Should hear the results today or Friday. The dr. told me to expect some blood in my urine. That started yesterday. A little disconcerting, but I'll monitor it and talk to him when he calls with the details.

Gopher, good luck!!! I hope the biopsy is ok.

I did not die. I just am in the process of taking a job at the Minneapolis VA hospital, and between that, a trip to Texas, pinewood derby, and general life, have been super busy.

I hope you had a great birthday Pam! Did you take the day off at least?

I already told you, but praying for you here too Gopher. This next thing should get your mind to summer mode: I just sent out the email for our first Youth Outdoor Activity Day planning meeting for 2017. This will be the 4th year of the event and last year we had 1,811 kids attend. Not sure how many we will plan for this year!

Tip of the Day: Nearly bald heads on pale white guys and intense sunshine don't mix all that well. And 30 SPF sunscreen isn't enough.

Belated Happy Birthday to Pam! I saw that swing on FB and thought that was really cool. Dave, I have another idea for you. I saw an old Chevy pickup box stood up on end with shelves across it used as a bookcase. I thought of you but forgot to snap a picture. Pretty cool, although we all realize it would have been better if'n it was a Ford!

That's the best use for a Chevy yet.

Originally Posted by goalie

Gopher, good luck!!! I hope the biopsy is ok.

I did not die. I just am in the process of taking a job at the Minneapolis VA hospital, and between that, a trip to Texas, pinewood derby, and general life, have been super busy.

One of our Optometrists went to the VA up in Superior. She really likes it. Good luck, man.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I already told you, but praying for you here too Gopher. This next thing should get your mind to summer mode: I just sent out the email for our first Youth Outdoor Activity Day planning meeting for 2017. This will be the 4th year of the event and last year we had 1,811 kids attend. Not sure how many we will plan for this year!

Tip of the Day: Nearly bald heads on pale white guys and intense sunshine don't mix all that well. And 30 SPF sunscreen isn't enough.

Belated Happy Birthday to Pam! I saw that swing on FB and thought that was really cool. Dave, I have another idea for you. I saw an old Chevy pickup box stood up on end with shelves across it used as a bookcase. I thought of you but forgot to snap a picture. Pretty cool, although we all realize it would have been better if'n it was a Ford!

I am definitely planning on attending. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Count me in. It's an honor to be remotely envolved in such a worthy event. Would like to see a few more of our Minnesota brethren join us up there Dean.

mmWell, I didn't get the call today, and then proceeded to leave my cell phone at the office. Needless to say I'll be checking it immediately when I get to work.

Spoiled myself a bit today. Bought a Smith and Wesson 9mm M&P Shield. I've been looking at these for quite some time, and one came home with me today.

Twin City members-you gotta check out Southwest Arms in Savage. Great folks to deal with and their prices are very fair.

Ive heard good things about that gun shop as well. Congrats on the shield.My dad has one loves it. Been going back and forth with either the Shield or the Kimber micros.

I priced them at that little shop over in Lakeville, Fleetfarm, that little shop in downtown Savage, and Southwest. Southwest was $75.00 cheaper for new ones. I got lucky at Southwest, as they had a excellent condition used one at a very fair price.

Is The Gun Stop still around? They used to have great prices but I haven't been there in years.

The last time I was over there was last fall and they were alive and well. I went in there for some reloading stuff one time and the guy at the reloading counter was just a flaming azz. I wouldn't spend a dime in their reloading dept. after that. His customer service skills were a joke.

I was just at the Gun Stop about a month ago. I've heard the same about the reloading guy, but he was friendly and helpful when I was there. Curious to hear your thoughts on the Shield.

I don't have a shield. But everyone I've heard from that does, loves them! I'm not sure my Uncles even leaves his side at home in his recliner.

I know a few on here have one too.

Well guys, I got the call from the Urologist last night as I was pulling in the driveway. I have prostate cancer. I really wish this was an April Fool's joke by me, but it's not. After Deflave's April Fool's spoof last year, I'm sure this has probably raised some eyebrows, but that's not the case.

The Dr. says due to my heart condition that the most likely form of treatment will be chemo. I have an appointment with him in two weeks, and then we move forward from there. He claims this is in the very early stages, and highly treatable, so I hope that's the case. I have no intentions of letting this rule me. I'm all ready planning for the fishing opener, and I did a little shopping in the last week. A new used boat, a Smith and Wesson Shield, and today I guess I officially caught the gay, as I bought a Winchester Model 70 in .270 Winchester. I've been looking at this gun for weeks, and got it today for $280.00 with bases, rings,and a junk 4x scope on it. I'll be putting a better piece of glass on it eventually, and plan on this being my "loaner" gun. Stock's a little rough, and the open sights have been removed, but it should go bang when the trigger's pulled, and I just thought it was a good price.

You guys have no idea how much I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers. It means a lot to me that so many folks, I've never actually met, have taken time out of their busy lives to wish me well. If there's EVER anything I can do to help any of you out in any way, please make me the first call.

Best Regards,

Jeff

Well keep sending prayers and good thoughts up for you jeff.

You've been on gun buying spree and picked up a couple good ones at a great price!!

You got 'em Jeff. Consider it good news that it's in the early stages. As Dave said earlier, it's highly treatable now days.

Originally Posted by noduck

Ive heard good things about that gun shop as well. Congrats on the shield.My dad has one loves it. Been going back and forth with either the Shield or the Kimber micros.

Do yourself a favor and get the Shield if choosing between those two for self-defense.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

He claims this is in the very early stages, and highly treatable, so I hope that's the case.

If it is in the early stages, he is absolutely correct. Even if not, it's one of the more treatable cancers.

Basically, all dudes would get prostate cancer if they live long enough, but, the plus side is that your prostate cells don't reproduce rapidly at all.

I hope all goes well with treatment!

^^^This right here!!^^^

Hearing that C word for the first time is a punch to the gut. Take some time with it. When you're ready, go after it with a vengeance.

Prostate cancer is normally quite slow growing. Many over the age of 80 won't get treatment at all as it's more likely they'll die of old age. You're going to get good use out of those firearms and there are many deer seasons ahead.

Good thoughts and prayers as you move forward!

Steve

Steve-thanks for your PM. In reference to your comment here, I've been told the same thing. Many men live with it, but don't die from it. I'm feeling pretty good about this, and have to have faith in my care team. It scares me just the same, but this too shall pass.

So I picked up a Model 70 for $280.00. Looking forward to shooting this gun. It's gonna be my loaner rifle.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by noduck

Ive heard good things about that gun shop as well. Congrats on the shield.My dad has one loves it. Been going back and forth with either the Shield or the Kimber micros.

Do yourself a favor and get the Shield if choosing between those two for self-defense.

I've not heard anyone say any different about those two guns. I wish I could afford both. I really like the how the Kimber Micro fits and looks. I think you're paying a premium for the name of the Kimber. But Dave, you're about the 4th person I've heard that would pick the Shield.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So I picked up a Model 70 for $280.00. Looking forward to shooting this gun. It's gonna be my loaner rifle.

Why loaner? Use that sucker!

Originally Posted by tzone

Dave, you're about the 4th person I've heard that would pick the Shield.

I've owned both. I still own the Shield.

The Kimber was amazing for failure drills though.....

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So I picked up a Model 70 for $280.00. Looking forward to shooting this gun. It's gonna be my loaner rifle.

Why loaner? Use that sucker!

No matter what else I have to hunt with, I seem to come back to my two rifles that have a lot of history for me.

I have my dad's Mauser. He bought this rifle specifically for moose hunting in Canada. He killed a nice bull with this gun,and to my knowledge never carried it again. When my brother and I split up Dad's guns after he passed, I took this one. I killed my first deer with this rifle, a spiker that just showed up out of nowhere in front of me on the second Tuesday of the Pennsylvania deer season. Dad was so proud of me. Sadly, this would be Dad's last hunt. He died the following spring, and to this day, deer opener is tough for me.

My other rifle is a Savage 99 EG chambered for the iconic .300 Savage. Dad carried a 99 for his deer rifle. You could fill a semi with the deer that fell to that gun. That gun was always destined to be my brother's. Dad bought it on the day my brother was born-took a loan out to buy it. I keep hoping some day when he hangs up this guns for good it might come back to me, but if he passes it down to his son, so be it. The 99 I have was owned by another one of the original members of our camp. Old Bob knew I took a shine to that gun, and when he called me to come pick it up, it was totally out of respect for my father, and the young punk he raised into manhood.

I carry either of these guns most of the time. I can't imagine dishonoring my father, or our dear friend Bob by carrying anything else on opening day. I've had lots of deer rifles come and go, but these two will never leave.

Recent swaps/trades/ sales over the last few years have left me without a suitable backup rifle. Now my son's buddy wants to start hunting with us. He's never hunted before, and it's my intention to get him off to a good start. He's a good kid-and about as dirt poor as they come. I wouldn't doubt that I'll be paying his way, and that's fine by me. Whatever it takes to get a newbie in the woods. I've given a couple guns away for kids like this and this might be what happens here. It's just the right thing to do.

Originally Posted by goalie

The Kimber was amazing for failure drills though.....

HA!

You don't have to use it opening day.

I try to shoot a deer with every gun I have. Sometime is works, sometimes I sell them before that happens.

I have been known to do that in the past a time or two. Really getting the itch to get out and shoot this old rifle and see just what it can do.

GG, you WILL lick this cancer. As has been stated before it is a type highly susceptible to successful treatment.

As far as the S&W shield.I bought a .40 caliber one some months back and didn't keep it too long.Found out I don't like the recoil of .40.The 9MM version is quite nice.
I recently changed my daily carry from a KelTec .380 to a Diamondback 9MM.
As a lefty I have trouble with hot brass hitting me in the eye from an AR or other automatic. Last week at the gun shop I work part time at there was a left handed AR which came out from the back to sell. Stag makes a fine AR and is the only maker of a true left handed one. Naturally I brought it home. Really like it. Very accurate with iron sights and then I put a 2.5X scope on it. Coyotes beware.
Funny , I am such a single shot afficianado and here I go and buy an AR. One end of the spectrum to the other as a friend of mine observed.
I don't get here much anymore but I am active on Facebook and see Pam and Dave on there a lot.
Stan in SC

Stan-I used to work in a gun shop down in Ohio when I was much younger. When I semi-retire, I'm hoping I can catch on at a LGS. 15-20 hours a week would be perfect. 'Wouldn't surprise me a bit if I just hand over my paycheck to the owners for the next latest greatest that came through that I just had to have...

Stag makes a very good rifle Stan. And I think you're correct, they're the only ones that make a lefty as far as I know.

I fell victim to the late night, after hockey and a few beers impulse buying thing. I got a Ruger 9E for under 300 bucks and a Ruger American compact Pro (no safety or mag disconnect) for under $350.

And a case of Blazer Brass 124 gr to test them with.

I already got the 9E, and the trigger really doesn't suck for a plastic, soulless, striker-fired handgun. I've heard the RAP trigger is even better, so I am cautiously optimistic.

I saw my heart dr, today. After looking at all 87,000 of my recent test results, he is feeling like my heart is stronger, and I'm further along than he expected. The cancer team dr. said he was leaning towards chemo instead of surgery, but my heart dr. said he sees no reason I'd have complications if they chose to do surgery. He will be talking to the cancer dr's. and letting them know if they think surgery is a better option, that I'm strong enought to undergo it. Good news, finally, I guess.

Jeff, that is great news! and you've had lots of good news since you got the bad news as far as that's concerned. yes it's a chitty thing to go through, but you've got about as good of a prognosis as one could hope for. as Stan said you WILL get through this regardless of what avenue they take with treating it. Never know, in a year you may be coming out to fish walleye and hunt turkeys in the black hills...

Yeah, I'm feeling a little better after today's appointment. My heart Dr. confided that he had all ready explored options for sending me to the University of Mn. Cardiac program to be evaluated for an artificial heart program, but the latest test results made him much more optomistic about my progress.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Yeah, I'm feeling a little better after today's appointment. My heart Dr. confided that he had all ready explored options for sending me to the University of Mn. Cardiac program to be evaluated for an artificial heart program, but the latest test results made him much more optomistic about my progress.

They were considering getting you an LVAD???

PM me if you have questions. We put in a lot of them. FWIW, with an LVAD, they say you're never supposed to go fishing again in a boat. I know of at least two patients that have caught more and bigger walleye than I have with theirs though......

Regardless of what treatments I undergo, I will NEVER quit hunting or fishing. If I gotta die in the woods, so be it.

Just a little bump in the road gopher, you'll be on the better side of this in no time.

Sounds like some good news after the bad! I also have a feeling you will beat this! I think its time for another 99! a diffrent cal 22HP or maybe 250 sav. let me know if I can help!

Sounds like a plan. I'd love to get another .250, or maybe one of the oddballs, like a 25-35.

The 25-35 is my Holy Grail in a 1899! there more than I can afford, or there barrels are bad! some day!

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Yeah, I'm feeling a little better after today's appointment. My heart Dr. confided that he had all ready explored options for sending me to the University of Mn. Cardiac program to be evaluated for an artificial heart program, but the latest test results made him much more optomistic about my progress.

They were considering getting you an LVAD???

PM me if you have questions. We put in a lot of them. FWIW, with an LVAD, they say you're never supposed to go fishing again in a boat. I know of at least two patients that have caught more and bigger walleye than I have with theirs though......

I'll take my chances with the bad ticker then.

Take my hunting and fishing away, you may as well take my heart because it's been torn out by that point.

Try telling a man he can't hunt and fish when it's literally in his blood.

Yeah, it's because the LVAD has an external set of batteries that you change and charge yourself. It doesn't change your hunting other than getting rid of the wheezy, tired feeling when walking aroud.

Like I said, several patients still fish, they just try really, really hard to stay in the boat.

One thing I've always liked about our cardiology group is that asking if you shoot is a standard question pre-pacemaker.

They'll put it on the non-shooting side for you, even if it's a little more of a PITA.

GG glad to hear that you've gotten some good news on your health.

Catching up on everything, Just got back from Mexico on spring break. Was fun,first time down there for me. I just didnt like all pestering for money.

I'm joining the discussion late, but GOOD ON YOU DAVE!! for bringing your cousin's (and best friend's) son into your life.

Sounds like the camp will be in the family for some time to come.

RJ

Originally Posted by goalie

Yeah, it's because the LVAD has an external set of batteries that you change and charge yourself. It doesn't change your hunting other than getting rid of the wheezy, tired feeling when walking aroud.

Like I said, several patients still fish, they just try really, really hard to stay in the boat.

One thing I've always liked about our cardiology group is that asking if you shoot is a standard question pre-pacemaker.

They'll put it on the non-shooting side for you, even if it's a little more of a PITA.

Regardless of how this goes, we ain't doing that. I have no desire to live attached to a damned machine.

I'd reconsider that stance.

No kidding Tzone. I gotta believe it is a rather small little thing.

On a lighter note, we could help him with the batteries by hooking him up to a car battery and watch him run around like the Energizer Bunny! Hey Goph, the time is soon approaching when the Chickenbuckers take over your health care. What could go wrong?

Lord help us all. I'd think the last thing you guys would want is to put up with me for any longer than necessary, and in a more pissy mood than usual!

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd reconsider that stance.

Stance, schmance! I ain't living on a machine.

My brother told me two of our old buddies who used to hunt out of the camp next to ours in Pa. are coming up to our camp to give it another go this fall. These guys are the last ones to hunt with my dad and the other original members of our camp, and there's no telling how many hunts they have left in them. I'm gonna try to make it down to join them. I really don't want to miss this opportunity to hunt with them, and hear stories about our guys. We refer to our camp's original members, who are all departed now as the Olde Guard. Now, my brother and I are the Olde Guard. Time sure flies by in a hurry.

All you guys, better be voting for Nat's truck !!!

http://www.lmctruck.com/march-mayhem/

Or I'll come down there & bash ya !

Been voting for him. Hope he wins, be pretty cool.

I just put in another vote for Team Shaw.

I was finally able to vote. It's a little tighter then I'd like to see.

Well, I was into the urologist today. I will be undergoing chemotherapy. Monday after next, I go in for a hormone shot which shuts down my production of testosterone. Apparently cancer likes testosterone, so they shut this down. I wait 8 weeks and then undergo daily radiation treatments for two months. Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, that's the end of it. The hormone shot wears off in six months. Assuming this cures the cancer, I'll need a blood draw every 6 months for two years to check my PSA count, and then annual blood draws for the same test thereafter. They caught the cancer very early and give me an excellent chance of survival.

Side effects of the hormone shots are exhaustion and lethargy. I am cautiously optimistic that you poor bastids are stuck with me for a long, long time.

You know we are all pulling for ya!

Just so long as this is wrapped up by deer season.

Good Luck!!!! I have faith that you'll go great with treatment.

My Lund hasn't sold yet. Anybody looking for a 14' fishing rig? I gotta get rid of this so I can start working on the other boat.

You have a lot of competition for the 14' boats man. But you're priced right. It'll sell.

Yeah, there are a lot of them on Craigslist right now. I think there must be some law in Minnysota that you have to own at least one red 14' Lund boat.

Man, we've put a ton of fish in that boat over the years. I've had it for 25 years now. I hooked up with something real big on Prior one time-it spun the boat end for end as I fought it. I was longlining a Lindy Rig off the little island up by the DeWitt ramp. Never did get a look at it-it slipped the hook up close to the boat. I was using a leech. I'm guessing either a big northern or one of those torpedo sized carp that swim around in there.

Just popped I to say Congratulations to the Shaw's LMC result.

Well done to everyone involved !

voted once per day from my 3 devices, & continued watching things unfold from my phone, whilst enjoying 2 fantastic days on the hardwater !

Hey Goph, that sounds encouraging! I expect to see you up here for Youth Day!

Shutting down the testosterone, eh? There really are a lot of places one could go with that as far as humor goes, but I will just ask.... So you are going to start wearing a skirt?

Keep your chin up and a smile on your face and this will be over in no time and fall will be upon us!

I take it Nate won? I voted every day I remembered. Which was 4 times I think. Not only did I want Nate to win, but I am personally not a fan of those lowriders.

I'd wear a kilt and claim I'm Irish, but I'd need a brushhog to shave these legs, Bman.

My wife and I met with the oncologist yesterday. The good news is the radiation treatments will only be Monday-Friday. I thought they were going to be 7 days a week. I get the hormone shot on Monday, and then about 2 months later we start with the radiation. If I miss a treatment for whatever reason, they add it on to the tail end of the run. The treatments will take 8-9 weeks. I'm to the point I really just want to get this going.

We're doing a family outing up to Chengwatana State Forest for some shooting this Sunday. The whole fam damily's going. Hoping to shoot the Model 70 I picked up, as well as the Shield. My son's buddy, who's a total newbie to deer hunting (he'll be hunting with us this fall) is going along. He'll be carrying that Model 70 this fall, provided it's minute of deer accurate.

Still got one too many boats sitting in the front yard. The Lund's out there with a for sale sign on it, but no bites to date. I think I'm going to redo the ad this weekend and restart it on Craigslist. Have a good weekend guys. It's supposed to be nice here in Minnysoda. The crappies should be biting before too long here.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I think I've said this before but man I love the color of those Canadian walleyes that you post!

They look yummy!

Happy Birthday Dave of Northern latitudes!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Happy Birthday Dave of Northern latitudes!

Sank you, charry fock trat!

Happy Birthday,Dave 'O Ta Nort.
Sorry I wasn't here yesterday but better late than never.
Did Nate win??

Stan in SC

Thank you sir and yes Nathan did win!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Did Nate win??

Stan in SC

He wonner than crap!

Cheers Rooster !

Originally Posted by tzone

They look yummy!

Day waz !!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Happy Birthday Dave of Northern latitudes!

Sank you, charry fock trat!

Happy belated Birthday Davidoff off da Nort !!

Wondering how many day run you can pull off dis year ?

Dave-we had a family shooting day up in Pine City yesterday. We were shooting near a swamp, and lo and behold, in the ditch along the road, lay a very dead deer. We watched a little weasel come out and feed on the carcass for about 10 minutes. Tell Chickenbuck Joe his swamp squids are finding their way south!

Could have been the hippopotomoose got him. That's a dreadful creature.

Woah, Dave, it's still ya birfday.

AGAIN !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Could have been the hippopotomoose got him. That's a dreadful creature.

Is that depicted on my Chickenbuck shirt? I gotta go get it out of the closet and check......

Speaking of which, when are you doing another run of Chickenbuck stuff?

This year, sometime this summer. 10 year anniversary shirts.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This year, sometime this summer. 10 year anniversary shirts.

Very cool!

That's another UBER achievement for the Shaw family !

Congratulations.

Kinda weird, but, I remember where I was when I typed the first post on this thread. It was a crappy, rainy, cold, August day. I was the Sup on an earthen dike/dam project in northern WI.

After that, I couldn't stop checking in. It was started when the campfire was great.

After all these years, this thread has remained true to friends/family. No fighting, name calling, or anything. Even if folks disagreed on other forums on this site. If they conversed here with respect to the Shaw family and what this thread was for.

That is true, and pretty remarkable. A fortunate experience.

In true Camp Chickenbuck fashion we are all pleasant and polite.
Dave ,when you order 10th. anniversary stuff I want a Camp Chickenbuck full zip hoodie sweatshirt wif hand warmer pockets in XL. I prefer a wine color.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Kinda weird, but, I remember where I was when I typed the first post on this thread. It was a crappy, rainy, cold, August day. I was the Sup on an earthen dike/dam project in northern WI.

After that, I couldn't stop checking in. It was started when the campfire was great.

After all these years, this thread has remained true to friends/family. No fighting, name calling, or anything. Even if folks disagreed on other forums on this site. If they conversed here with respect to the Shaw family and what this thread was for.

Well said Tom. I fully admit that I come here to find a dose of sanity within the confines of the fire.

I did a little work on the boat yesterday. I replaced the stern light socket, and when I traced the wiring, the guy who had it before me had spliced 3 chunks of misc. wire together to run the light. I will be going through everything eventually and getting rid of this mess. I really appreciate clean wiring, so that's my first big project here, I guess.

Boats are like trailers to me. I could run bran-spankin new wiring, stem to stern, and it would still work only when it wants to.

True dat, Tom. I always think it's a good trip if I've got more than one light on the trailer actually working.

I'm not much for maudlin anniversarys, but it's been 10 years to the day I lost my brother in a traffic accident. He was about the same age as Waylon, born 8/71.

He spent some time in the Army during the Gulf War coming out an SF guy from 5th Group. Went to college on the GI bill and became a field biologist.

He loved anything outdoors, but he really liked duck and deer camp. He hunted with me as soon as he was old enough. The only time we missed an opener together was when he was over there in Uncle Sam's employ. He would only hunt with Grandpa's old Marlin 336C, that was, yes, a 30-30. His time in SF made him deadly accurate with it. He always told me I had too much schit on my belt; knife, ammo, light, gps, etc. so much, that it became a deer camp joke. I travel lighter these days. For duck season, the first round out of my gun for the season is one of his old shells. I have enough to do it until I'm 83.

It was here, this thread, that I came for quiet healing. Good people here. I am so very grateful for Dave starting this. It got me through some tough times.

So I ask that you may join me to raise a glass tonight; (cheap stuff - my brother was a blackberry brandy or Busch guy) to my brother, my hunting pard, and my friend, Corey. Thanks.

Glass raised (twice),prayer said. RIP warrior.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

So I ask that you may join me to raise a glass tonight; (cheap stuff - my brother was a blackberry brandy or Busch guy) to my brother, my hunting pard, and my friend, Corey. Thanks.

I missed this last night and I'm sorry I did.

I will tell you what CFT, I'm going to the shack tomorrow to turkey hunt and I will bring Busch Light to pop for Corey. I happen to have Blackberry on hand. For some crazy reason, I like that cough syrup.

Very nice tribute CF.

10 years, that's something huh? I guess I'm soon at 10 years for the grieving that initiated this whole effort as well.

I don't know about you but I've seen a lot of changes in 10 years. More loss, more growth... The kids have grown, I've slowed down as my physical awesomeness has seemingly left me. lol! It's funny how we adapt though. That's the important thing, adapt, find new ways to charge forward and don't drop your values along the way.

It's shaping up to be a good year. Things are certainly different, but they are good.

Different for sure Dave. With the exception of the losses, I'm going to say different in a good way on this end.

But this October, it will be 10 years since Lucas passed as well. I still think of him every day.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

So I ask that you may join me to raise a glass tonight; (cheap stuff - my brother was a blackberry brandy or Busch guy) to my brother, my hunting pard, and my friend, Corey. Thanks.

I'm sorry I missed this until now Steve. If it's not to late and if it's alright with you, I'll raise a glass to Corey tonight.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I guess I'm soon at 10 years for the grieving that initiated this whole effort as well.

Things are certainly different, but they are good.

It took awhile and the scars are definately still there but I agree.

We should really plan a fun filled get together of sorts in June.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

So I ask that you may join me to raise a glass tonight; (cheap stuff - my brother was a blackberry brandy or Busch guy) to my brother, my hunting pard, and my friend, Corey. Thanks.

I'm sorry I missed this until now Steve. If it's not to late and if it's alright with you, I'll raise a glass to Corey tonight.

Ha! It's never too late! My brother wasn't exactly known for his punctuality.

His tardiness was usually due to a "quality nap" as he used to call them.

Thanks fellas. Loss is just the circle of life. We who continue on keep the good memories, deal with our new normal, and look forward to the next thing. I'm pretty sure those we've lost would want us to do it that way.

It's quitting time at the hot rod factory. I believe I will have a tardy toast as well.

Ya, almost !

+1 when I get home too CFT.

Happy Easter everybody.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all the Chickenbuckers, and all our friends and family. Everyone please drive safe.

Happy Easter everyone, I'm visiting my folks with my oldest in tow. His grandpa and I have been planning a fishing trip to Ontario in June. The place used to be private until the past year. We'll be among the first to fish 6 lakes that have otherwise seen very little pressure. Hoping for a good time. Haven't done a trip like this with my dad and uncles since 1998. I'm making an effort to take the time to do things like this and to not be too busy.

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend.

We were at da shack thinking about looking for turkeys but I had a few other things on my mind.

The weather didn't really want to cooperate with us either so, I decided to play camp chef for the long weekend.

Friday.
[Linked Image]

Don't you boys worry. We damaged that 5# can of beans so bad that we needed another for Saturday night. We also had mustard potato salad from a deli for a side.

Saturday.
[Linked Image]

Smoked on a 6hr cycle with a little free help from Tag Alder smoke.

Early in the morning I peeled the "skin" off the back side. Lightly coated in oil, mixed up my own rub mix with seasoning salt, onion powder, a tiny bit of Cyan, and plenty of brown sugar. Then I wrapped them in plastic wrap for 5 hours until it was time to fire up the smoker. I was hoping I wouldn't have to babysit the grill but with steady rain, keeping an even temp was a bit difficult. I eneded up having to sit there most of the time and play with the coals/air/smoke most of the day. No worries. The boys kept me hydrated. More beans and potato salad for sides.

Easter Sunday Dinner.
[Linked Image]

The star of the show was yesterday afternoon. A glazed ham on the grill. Jumpin' Jack Flash this summbitch was good. There was a sweet glaze on the ham already. I put some grape juice in the pan to keep it moist while on the grill. Covered the whole she-bang in tinfoil and let er rip. 350* was the plan. But again, the wind kept things sporty and it got hotter than I'd like. So it had to be babysat again to keep things from drying out. I put together a cheesy potato/sourcream hash brown dish to serve up on the side of this one. I don't have pics of that but it was dang good as well. Kennedy, my daughter made up the recipe for those and she nailed it!

We ate like Kings. It was a great weekend.

Not only am I impressed, am now hungry.

Nice work Tommy !

Thanks boys. Now I'm hungry too!

Every time we do a ham, I ask myself, why don't we do this more often !

~Drool~

Now I'm hungry too

I have the day off. I think I will go make myself a ham sammich.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Every time we do a ham, I ask myself, why don't we do this more often !

I do too man! It's soooo good. Plus, I get to take it for lunch because for some reason I always seem to accidentally buy one 2#'s bigger than we need.

I think anybody who posts pictures of food that looks that good to eat should be required to host a get together and feed us all

Originally Posted by rflshtr

I think anybody who posts pictures of food that looks that good to eat should be required to host a get together and feed us all

I have no problem with that as long as it's not my hous! Lol

Dave makes this stuff look easy tho, and does a better job at it.

Sounds like you just volunteered Northern Dave for the host site. Hope he is agreeable!

Oh, I think he was volunteering Dave to cook as well !

I will be looking for the invite!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Sounds like you just volunteered Northern Dave for the host site. Hope he is agreeable!

He is. We all just show up and he makes food.

So you just announce when you will be there and ND does the rest?

You all had ham for Easter. Coincidentally, I noticed several hams in our big freezer and asked if we could have one for diner Easter. Permission was granted and I began the picking process as to which one to have. I picked the smallest one since it was to be just the two of us. Man did I pick good. It was a Gwaltney spiral sliced ham.
Mrs. Linda made her special deviled eggs and potato salad and pickled beets..
I must confess I was a glutton and it WAS good.
I have a friend who night hunts private property for wild pigs and coyotes. He is good at it and is in demand by land owners and therefore gets a lot of night hunting in. He is a local mail carrier.
A month or so ago he left a 175 pound boar at the processors in my name. We got lots of breakfast sausage ,chops and brisket from that one. Being a boar most of it went into sausage cause boar meat is strong.
Last week he had a good night hunting killing six pigs and left a nice sized 75 pound sow for me. This one will be regular cut with ribs, hams, chops, loins, etc.
His thermal imaging rifle scope also records and I have watched a bunch of his kills.
He posts them on You Tube. Go to You Tube and search for "Mailman 29680". It is interesting to watch.
One night last week , he and a fellow hunter killed six in one night.
I don't know what the pig situation is up there but we are infested with feral hogs and I DO mean infested. There were three 200 pound plus ones killed on our deer lease last year during deer season. There is no season on them, of course, and night hunting is allowed. In fact that is when most of them are killed. The meat is good and very lean but the boars have a quite strong taste if they are large(older).
It's always good to see all of your posts my friends.

Stan in SC

Hi Stan!

Good to hear from you!

In MN here, we don't have any feral hogs that I'm aware of. I'm curious how the smaller ones taste compared to a "normal" farm raised pig.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

So you just announce when you will be there and ND does the rest?

Yep.

The food just magically appears. It's awesome!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

So you just announce when you will be there and ND does the rest?

No, we just decide here when we want to go to ND's. Then we show up. Sometimes he's there and sometimes he's not.

Doesn't matter, I'm sure there is stuff in the fridge and freezer we can eat.

White Bear can come too. He brings smoked fish.

Rooster , the meat from a feral hog is very very lean and as I said before very tasty if it comes from a sow or smaller boar.
It is quite a lot like commercial pig meat of course but their diet is completely different and less plentiful.
The hunting of them is exciting.

Stan in SC

It's time again; April 25th !

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest we forget !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

It's time again; April 25th !

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest we forget !

Lest we forget!

Getting dumped on !

up to 2 feet of white $hit by this time tomorrow !

You can keep it! Partly cloudy and windy here today.

I really thought I was done with squeegeeing out the shop !!

Not so much, apparently !

We're all covered up with snow at home here.

Yesterday, Pam and I made a run out to deer camp to retrieve our little tractor. We parked the truck and trailer out a mile from the cabin and walked in because spring time wheel travel is usually not good out there.

I was actually surprised how dry it was out there, we could have drove in. But it was a nice walk, it was cool out but we dressed for it. We saw some wildlife, cabin is in great shape, no troubles out there.

One interesting thing we noticed is that a lot of the norways planted in the most recent logging cut near our gate were all chewed back. Deer have been eating them

I didn't know deer did that. I know spring is harder on them than most seasons tho.

Good to hear the cabin is in good shape!

Yep, winter wonderland here again. Bet we got 10", & more coming this afternoon & tomorrow.

Glad you & Pam had some quality time together & that all was good at camp.

I believe deer will eat anything that is young & tender at this time of the year.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

It's time again; April 25th !

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest we forget !

Lest we forget!

Emotional !

https://yahoo7g-a.akamaihd.net/2376...84109001_5409658612001_5409625545001.mp4

I shall bask in the warm 65+ degree temps and dream of no snow til opening eve!

Careful, that's just what I was doing on Sunday !

Yeah, me too. It's supposed to cool off and get rainy for a few days now.

Snowed all day yesterday here

Had a dusting on my truck but that's it.

Sorry, that was impolite !

It's hard for me to reconcile Southern weather to "up nort" weather.
We have had some 80 degree plus days. The grass has already been cut twice and everything else that is green has leaved and is doing great.
I'm not being critical, just amazed at how long you guys have cold weather.
Of course we didn't have much of a winter. The coldest I remember it being during deer season was 38 degrees and that just a couple of times and it got warmer after the sun came out or the day progressed.
Oh well just an observation based on what you guys were saying.

Stan in SC

'Got rid of my old boat, so now it's time to get the other one on the water. Are the crappies still spawning, or did I miss it?

I miss the Carolina's for the weather, Stan.

I've never been to the Carolina's and I miss the weather. It is sunny and 45 this morning though, so I have that going for me, which is nice.

Stan,

I live about 6 hours south of Dave and we don't usually get the weather extremes he and Pam get up there. But you're weather is nicer for sure. We did mow the lawn once already though. "We" means my son did it.

GG i dont think the crappies are spawning yet. Buddy was out at Carls lake said some were starting to move in. But not the mass yet. Hope that helps.

Also seen guys still trolling in front of my place in 12-15ft.

I was in WI last weekend and the beds were in the weeds up by shore. You could see the beds already. They could be from bluegills I guess. I thought it was early. I thought for bass and panfish, it was like June?

must be a new record, a week without a new post.

I was just thinking that! How have you been?

Did you shoot that .280 yet?

It is still in the box I got it in. Too many others to shoot for now.

It appears that I'll FINALLY have a Saturday at home this coming weekend. I don't have any fishing opener plans so I think a day in the woods is in order. Sunday is slated for putting the dock and lifts in at the In-laws cabin for Mothers Day.

Hoping to get out fishing this weekend. I haven't touched the boat since I bought it. I'm off Friday, so I hope to get it quickly gone through and head to a quiet smaller lake just to practice trailering the danged thing. I don't want to be out there plugging up the ramp at 4 a.m. on Saturday because I haven't tried backing it in yet.

You won't be plugging any ramps at 4am.

I'll be turkey hunting with the boy, trying to get him his first strutter. It will be a short trip, but hopefully successful. Probably no fishing for me. I ordered the last piece of carpet I need for the floor. I hope it matches, I had to get a different source.

The DeWitt Road ramp on Prior Lake is routinely full to capacity by 4:30 a.m. on the opener. It's not so much getting on that I'm concerned about. It's when I go to leave that concerns me.

GG come over to Fish. Traffic has not been bad. I dont see it being busy at the landing.

Crappies are in shallow, everybody has been fishing in 5to10ft. Seen people catching some here and there.

No duck-if I don't get a chance to get the boat out for a shakedown cruise on Friday, you may see me Saturday. I haven't had it in the water yet, and I'm not even sure what's gonna work and what won't. I'm off Friday and hope to rig it out as best possible and go for a ride Friday evening. Heck, I still gotta buy a fishing license.

Best wishes for a good opener tomorrow for all the Minnesota boys heading out for old glassy eyes. 'Been working on the boat all afternoon. The only thing I've got left to fix are the lights.

If you're basing a fishing trip on trailer and boat lights...you'll never see the water!! Lol

One will work on the way out, the other will will work intermitantly on the way home!

I was out to the cabin the other day. Chickenbuck Joe and I walked in. The road is perfectly dry, we could have drove the truck in. But we didn't want to scare off nesting geese and ducks.
There was one pair of honkers up by the cabin with 3 chicks.

No fishing for me, we will enjoy our first full weekend home in probably 6 weeks or more.

Have a great weekend Dave. Glad to hear the camp was in good shape.

Lets see the fish pictures from opening weekend. I hope to get out this coming weekend or next week.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Lets see the fish pictures from opening weekend. I hope to get out this coming weekend or next week.

FISH PICS! FISH PICS! FISH PICS!

no fish here, we had a very nice weekend at home.

I only have baseball pics.

The kids ride their bikes to the lake and fish but don't take any pics.

I was too busy catching fish to take pictures. Got limits on Ottertail Sunday afternoon with a guy who knows how to fish and let me ride along!

I've never fished that lake. Always wanted too, just never the chance.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

I was too busy catching fish to take pictures. Got limits on Ottertail Sunday afternoon with a guy who knows how to fish and let me ride along!

I went to Ottertail for 2 or 3 openers in a row (missed last year) and the weather sucked every time. When we could get on the lake during a letup in wind and rain, we didn't even get a bite.

Last year weather was cold until Sunday afternoon when we fished with same guy and also caught limits of fish. He had fished in family tournaments on Sat both years and found the fish so we benefitted from that knowledge on Sunday. This year in shorts and sandals and shirt with warm weather and no wind. This guy knows how to fish Ottertail and is willing to educate us. Friend that hooked us up with the guy who fishes the tournaments lives on that lake and struggles to consistently catch fish there except in winter.

Don't get me wrong. I know it can be a GREAT lake. I'm just saying I don't know it well and haven't really had the chance to fish it. It's awesome that you found such a person that knows it that well and you found weather that cooperated.

I think it is a difficult lake to fish unless you really know it well. Lots of structure that does not show on many maps. I have fished it with my friend for over twenty years off and on and still do not know it. Glad we found the guy to help out.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

we didn't even get a bite.

Hey, next time you get out...put some bait on your hook.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

I think it is a difficult lake to fish unless you really know it well. Lots of structure that does not show on many maps. I have fished it with my friend for over twenty years off and on and still do not know it. Glad we found the guy to help out.

The Chippewa Flowage is like that for me. It's my favorite lake to fish, period! Your chance at a 30" walleye, 6# smallie, 4# largemouth, and 45# musky are there with every cast. Not to mention the panfish for the fish fry. But as far as catching walleyes consistently, it's a tough cookie for me. A ton of guys can catch the all day, every day, no questions asked.

I can get you fish, and probably get your daily limit, but man it's not as fast as some guys on that lake. I think I'll have a great day out there and and someone will say "oh hell we had that by 7am. We had 34 fish today." Part of the fun for me though is the "hunt" and figuring them out.

Girzzly Bill and I fished it together a few times when I had a camper out there. We had a blast chasing crappies and walleyes. His eyes got as big as saucers in one particular warm by when a 40+" musky chased his crappie up to the boat.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

we didn't even get a bite.

Hey, next time you get out...put some bait on your hook.

Hook?

Great fishing story: Buddy went out on the lake on Saturday morning and caught some eater walleyes. Of course the big one (25" or bigger according to him!) broke the line at the side of the boat. Tuesday night, my daughter and I decided to cast off the dock a few times. My daughter catches a nice walleye and when I pick it out of the net....it has his lure in its mouth! It had swam across the lake (not really that far.....4-500 yards?) in those 4 days. Oh, but the story gets better. How long is it? 19"!

Tomorrow is our "opener" !!!!!

I haven't had a broken line in 15 years since I started using Fireline. I think you could pull a car with it.

Fireline is the s hit!

Back when, Waylon talked me into switching to a new mono that came out. He was a dang good fisherman so I thought I would give it a whirl. I could not get used to the stretch after using Fireline so I switched back.

And yes. I think you could pull a truck out of the ditch with it. lol

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Great fishing story: Buddy went out on the lake on Saturday morning and caught some eater walleyes. Of course the big one (25" or bigger according to him!) broke the line at the side of the boat. Tuesday night, my daughter and I decided to cast off the dock a few times. My daughter catches a nice walleye and when I pick it out of the net....it has his lure in its mouth! It had swam across the lake (not really that far.....4-500 yards?) in those 4 days. Oh, but the story gets better. How long is it? 19"!

You didn't razz him much now did ya Dean?

Wellllllllll, maybe we did mention that anytime he mentions a number, we are going to multiply by 19/25!

Just call me Firecrotch guys. My radiation treatment for prostate cancer starts Monday. 5 days a week for two months. Oh the fun I'll be having. So if you want to microwave your lunch, just have me sit on it for a couple minutes and it should be nice and warm.

Gophergunner if there is anything you need a ride, or cut the lawn, stuff like that. Just let me know I'm 10 minutes away. You have my number. You will be in our prayers.

Hell, bring your lunch and lawnmower. Gopher will tbag your turkey n cheese sammich and it will grill when you're finished with da lawn.

Yeah after i wrote that. I got to the thinken that. That this could back fire on old Noduck. Random projects all of a sudden spring up. Lol.

Tbag sammy think ill pass on that one. But almost spit out my Coors, after reading that one liner.

Good one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks NoDuck, but we'll be fine. I couldn't impose on my friends like that. We're in pretty good shape around here. I've been trying to get everything done that I can before Monday. Tomorrow's list includes a rewire job on the lights on my boat, and getting up on the roof to clean out the gutters. We're checking out a new church tomorrow too. That's enough for one day, but if it's nice out, I'm heading up to the Nort End to watch TZone's boy Jackson lay waster to another opposing baseball team. Jack's a cool kid. Tom's raising him right. Two nicer men you'd never want to meet.

Jack passed his ATV safety class in the pouring rain yesterday. He studied so much I think he could have taught the class.

Speaking of trailers, jack and I re-wired and put new lights on the ATV trailer Friday night. Yep, plugged it in, none worked. Touched a marker light with my foot and it popped on. Started cleaning up, but left the truck running because it was getting dark and another popped on. Pretty soon they were all working but one marker light. Lmao. Stupid trailers!

It was too cold, wet and miserable to do anything outside today, so spent the entire day rewiring the running lights on my new/used boat. The dashboard is pretty rotted out. It'll get by this year, but will definitely be a project for next year, depending on my health. The radiation treatments start tomorrow morning. I pretty much got everything done around here I wanted to before starting the treatments. Has anyone gone through radiation treatments, and if so, how did you feel when going through them? I'm hoping I'll be able to work through this. I can't stand missing work, and hate the thought of someone coming in to run my shop. 'Just got through inventory. We had the best inventory to date for any shops in the Twin Cities, so that was good. I"m glad it got done before starting treatment.

Well the good guys won a nail biter in the last inning, 7-6. They played a great game against a good shoreview team. Jack pitched well. Was working his fastball and mixing a change up and a curveball you're not supposed to throw in little league.

it was working, the timber rattlers didn't score the innings he pitched.

He had 2 RBI singles and 3 steals. His buddy on the team, Dalton, SMASHED a 3 run HR, which they needed badly.

Damn, Tom! I'm sorry. I figured the game would be cancelled for field conditions or rain for sure. Tell Jack congrats!

I called and told you it wasn't. Check your messages old man!

Good luck with your nuced nuts today!

Damned mad cow disease kicking in again.

Well, three days into the radiation treatment now. No noticeable symptoms so far. Hope it stays this way. 8 weeks of treatments. So far so good.

No Light Sabre to guide your way to the bathroom at night?

LOL. That's an image a man can do without...

Originally Posted by tzone

No Light Sabre to guide your way to the bathroom at night?

LMAO

That was good!

Jeff - I hope all goes well and the side effects are minimal.

Although.......a light sabre would be pretty cool....

It would be like the glow in the dark condom fight scene from skin deep

And of course you'd have to make the light sabre noise when it's first deployed.

Scene: Dark bedroom. Wife sleeping.

Walk in and open robe just as she opens her eyes......"Wuuunnnnnggggggg"

Originally Posted by Rooster7

And of course you'd have to make the light sabre noise when it's first deployed.

Scene: Dark bedroom. Wife sleeping.

Walk in and open robe just as she opens her eyes......"Wuuunnnnnggggggg"

You think I won't?

May the Force be with you. And if you look like a Wookie, some manscaping might be in order.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

No Light Sabre to guide your way to the bathroom at night?

LMAO

That was good!

Jeff - I hope all goes well and the side effects are minimal.

Although.......a light sabre would be pretty cool....

'Had my first consult with the radiation clinic dr. (after starting the treatments) yesterday. 'Says I should really have no symptoms until 4-6 weeks in, and then to expect fatigue, increased urination, and difficulty/pain with urination, but that that should pass. The only thing I notice so far is that I can cook a pot pie just by setting it in my lap. Other than that, everything's just hunky dorey.

By the way guys-I'm officially an old fart now. My daughter in law gave birth to my first grandchild this morning. Esther Anne. Mother and daughter are doing fine. Of course my son is a proud papa but still a stubborn little weenie, for sure. Looking for a 99 chambered for .243 to give her before my kid goes and gets her an AR or some such thing.

Congrats Grandpa!

Boy the "old time" names are sure back in force aren't they? The names of our grandparents, great grandparents are back in style and I like it.

They wouldn't tell us what the were naming her. Of course, knowing it was a girl, and with my name being Jeff, I granted them my blessings to name the little babe Jeffreyetta, but somehow, they chose not to go that route.......

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats Grandpa!

Boy the "old time" names are sure back in force aren't they? The names of our grandparents, great grandparents are back in style and I like it.

A few names for the new critter in our family will be more classic names as well....and it's a girl.

Just got caught up with a few pages here. I see Jack is winning his baseball games and Goph is glowing like the northern lights.

Another fishing story today. My boys tag teamed to real in a fish I hooked. I thought it was a carp at first. Much to my surprise, a 38" pike was swimming around with my jig. Some good pictures and we let it go. Darn big pike for the Alexandria area.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Just got caught up with a few pages here. I see Jack is winning his baseball games and Goph is glowing like the northern lights.

Another fishing story today. My boys tag teamed to real in a fish I hooked. I thought it was a carp at first. Much to my surprise, a 38" pike was swimming around with my jig. Some good pictures and we let it go. Darn big pike for the Alexandria area.

So where are the pictures?

Hey Beretta-count me in for your Youth Day as usual. I'll ask Cathy if she's coming.

Congrartulations on the new grand baby.I'm all the way up into the great grand parent plateau now.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats Grandpa!

Boy the "old time" names are sure back in force aren't they? The names of our grandparents, great grandparents are back in style and I like it.

A few names for the new critter in our family will be more classic names as well....and it's a girl.

How's things going Tom-Momma doing okay?

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Congrartulations on the new grand baby.I'm all the way up into the great grand parent plateau now.

Stan in SC

Thanks Stan. She's a cutie. Of course, she's got jaundice right now, but this too will pass. Beautiful head of dark hair on the little lass. Much to grandma's chagrin, I'm all ready looking at rifles for her. Just can't get a kid's battery of hunting guns started too early you know.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats Grandpa!

Boy the "old time" names are sure back in force aren't they? The names of our grandparents, great grandparents are back in style and I like it.

A few names for the new critter in our family will be more classic names as well....and it's a girl.

How's things going Tom-Momma doing okay?

She's OK. Sick in the morning still but she's an OB nurse so nothing phases her. I'd be rolling on the ground bitching about it. She just goes on about her day!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

By the way guys-I'm officially an old fart now. Looking for a 99 chambered for .243 to give her before my kid goes and gets her an AR or some such thing.

Congrats grandpa! We have 4 now; little treasures for sure. Heads up I just read a post by a fellow that has a 99 243 he may be sell. His name is Bill Glueck; earlier today he posted on the Facebook Savage 99 Collectors group asking advice on best place/method to sell.

Minnesota news

http://www.twincities.com/2017/06/0...-on-an-antique-technology-muzzleloaders/

^^I like that^^

I'll be putting a scope on mine this year for sure.

Sweet! Old bats like me that can't see very well can use a scope.
I'm in for sure on this deal!

I've got a .54 Hawkins I've been lugging around for a couple decades now. I hope I can finally kill a deer with the danged thing this fall so I can put it away and get a decent inline and scope it. I'm a stubborn old cuss, that the Hawkins will continue to get dirty till it kills something.

Googling what base and rings fit my CVA Optima right now.....

I believe I have set of rings and bases for you goalie.
That would give me a chance to bring your dies back.

Originally Posted by fluffy

I believe I have set of rings and bases for you goalie.
That would give me a chance to bring your dies back.

I completely forgot about the dies. You can have them if you want, and I will take you up on the rings.

I had #175 bases on my CVA Hunter which I replaced with a Duramount one piece mount. If that will fit your Optima then you are most welcome to them.

Stan in SC

I like the idea of the option of a scope. I'm not sure if I'll do it though. I may...but I LOVE the way my BP carries with the open sights. I do have horrible vision though. But I'm capable of laying in 5 shots into a 3" circle at 75 yards the way it sits. Is that something to brag about? Absolutely not, but I've only shot 2 deer further than that.

On the other hand. Last year, during BP season, I had a chance at a doe about 100 yards away and I wasn't comfortable with that shot. With a scope, I'd have been able to see an opening I'm sure and made the shot. I will also say, up to that point, I'd never even seen a deer while BP hunting, so that wasn't easy to lay off.

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the idea of the option of a scope. I'm not sure if I'll do it though. I may...but I LOVE the way my BP carries with the open sights. I do have horrible vision though. But I'm capable of laying in 5 shots into a 3" circle at 75 yards the way it sits. Is that something to brag about? Absolutely not, but I've only shot 2 deer further than that.

On the other hand. Last year, during BP season, I had a chance at a doe about 100 yards away and I wasn't comfortable with that shot. With a scope, I'd have been able to see an opening I'm sure and made the shot. I will also say, up to that point, I'd never even seen a deer while BP hunting, so that wasn't easy to lay off.

Almost all of my BP deer have been within 30 yards. I've seen a lot out at 90-100ish that I didn't have good shots at, but might have with a scope. The irons cover too much at that distance for me to feel good about shots at living animals through small windows of opportunity. My buck last rifle season was probably 50 yards, but I had to shoot when it walked between two trees. I wasn't going to get another shot other than through thick stuff, and I never would have been able to see everything well enough to time it with the irons on my BP rifles.

As I get older, the scope greatly increases my "comfort zone" for a shot.

My .50 TC Encore with a 3 X 9 Luepy does well at 100 yards using 240gr Hornady sabots with 777. My 3 shot groups last year were around 2" @ 100yds, Longest kill with it to date is 115yds. I wouldn't have taken the shot with open sights. You guys in The Land of 10,000 Lakes are going to like the glass come frontstuffer season.

I may get one just because my eyes are so bad. But I sure like carrying the gun with no scope on it.

So guys, what do I want to get in the way of a modern in-line that will accept a scope? It's got to be lightweight and easy to use and work on. Nothing that's going to be hard to find scope bases for either. Would like to stay between $300-$400. My son bought a little entry level CVA Buckhorn, and it's so easy to use, it all most feels like cheating.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So guys, what do I want to get in the way of a modern in-line that will accept a scope? It's got to be lightweight and easy to use and work on. Nothing that's going to be hard to find scope bases for either. Would like to stay between $300-$400. My son bought a little entry level CVA Buckhorn, and it's so easy to use, it all most feels like cheating.

I used a Knight for a long time. I just got a CVA Optima and really like how easy it is to clean,and how the ignition is protected from the elements. The trigger is nice. It also shoots pretty well with the fiber-optic irons it came with.

I use 2 CVA elk horn rifles with 2 pyrodex pellets, shotgun primer ignition, harvaster crush rib sabots and 300 grain XTP hollow point pistol bullets. On one of my ML I have a 1x sightron S2 scope, the other I have open sights. I tend to prefer the fiber optic open sights myself, although in tight quarters the scope is nice for quick shots or treestand hunting. I picked mine up used from gunbroker for less than $100 shipped and both have killed deer accurately to 100 yards plus. I like the bolt action style because it protects the primer and is easy to just click the safety off and shoot rather than cock it each time when you're going to shoot.

was in a fishing tourney on saturday, we took 10th place out of 60 boats. prefishing the morning before my mom caught this one, anyone wanna venture a guess on size? we didn't get a weight on her, just length and released it, mom's getting a fiberglass mount made.

we couldn't catch a lunker during the tournament, little man did get a 21" for our big fish of the day, then we added a 19.5", 17" 16.5" and a half dozen 15.5" though we could only weigh 6 fish. we missed being in the money by 2.5 lbs. if we hadn't lost one dandy at the boat we would have placed much higher.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So guys, what do I want to get in the way of a modern in-line that will accept a scope? It's got to be lightweight and easy to use and work on. Nothing that's going to be hard to find scope bases for either. Would like to stay between $300-$400. My son bought a little entry level CVA Buckhorn, and it's so easy to use, it all most feels like cheating.

I got some sort of cheap kit from TC, at fleet farm. The whole thing was like $215. An Impact I think it's called. I literally did nothing to sight it in. It was dead on with 5 shots at 75 yards. I used 2 50gr powder pellets, 777, Hornady sabots in 240gr XTP, and let er rip. It is drilled and tapped, uses a 209 primer and couldn't be easier to clean.

Thanks Tom-I'll check it out.

Jeff,

You know better than to do this without calling me.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654170512

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654474762

The second one is in Burnsville.

I have a pair, both will shoot right with your Savage.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So guys, what do I want to get in the way of a modern in-line that will accept a scope? It's got to be lightweight and easy to use and work on. Nothing that's going to be hard to find scope bases for either. Would like to stay between $300-$400. My son bought a little entry level CVA Buckhorn, and it's so easy to use, it all most feels like cheating.

I got some sort of cheap kit from TC, at fleet farm. The whole thing was like $215. An Impact I think it's called. I literally did nothing to sight it in. It was dead on with 5 shots at 75 yards. I used 2 50gr powder pellets, 777, Hornady sabots in 240gr XTP, and let er rip. It is drilled and tapped, uses a 209 primer and couldn't be easier to clean.

That's the exact recipe I use. CVA really has done a terrific job in putting out a good shooting ML rifle with a good barrel that's easy to take down and clean. I wouldn't hesitate buying one.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

was in a fishing tourney on saturday, we took 10th place out of 60 boats. prefishing the morning before my mom caught this one, anyone wanna venture a guess on size? we didn't get a weight on her, just length and released it, mom's getting a fiberglass mount made.

we couldn't catch a lunker during the tournament, little man did get a 21" for our big fish of the day, then we added a 19.5", 17" 16.5" and a half dozen 15.5" though we could only weigh 6 fish. we missed being in the money by 2.5 lbs. if we hadn't lost one dandy at the boat we would have placed much higher.

34"? That's a beautiful fish and what a great shot! Good on you for C & R.

Originally Posted by MILES58

Jeff,

You know better than to do this without calling me.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654170512

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/654474762

The second one is in Burnsville.

I have a pair, both will shoot right with your Savage.

LMAO-sorry Boss! I'll be in touch.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

was in a fishing tourney on saturday, we took 10th place out of 60 boats. prefishing the morning before my mom caught this one, anyone wanna venture a guess on size? we didn't get a weight on her, just length and released it, mom's getting a fiberglass mount made.

we couldn't catch a lunker during the tournament, little man did get a 21" for our big fish of the day, then we added a 19.5", 17" 16.5" and a half dozen 15.5" though we could only weigh 6 fish. we missed being in the money by 2.5 lbs. if we hadn't lost one dandy at the boat we would have placed much higher.

34"? That's a beautiful fish and what a great shot! Good on you for C & R.

29 1/4" Probably 9 pounds.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

was in a fishing tourney on saturday, we took 10th place out of 60 boats. prefishing the morning before my mom caught this one, anyone wanna venture a guess on size? we didn't get a weight on her, just length and released it, mom's getting a fiberglass mount made.

we couldn't catch a lunker during the tournament, little man did get a 21" for our big fish of the day, then we added a 19.5", 17" 16.5" and a half dozen 15.5" though we could only weigh 6 fish. we missed being in the money by 2.5 lbs. if we hadn't lost one dandy at the boat we would have placed much higher.

29 5/8

9.7 lbs

They're a good solid break action that is very accurate. They clean easy, load easy. I run a Meopta on one of mine and a Nikon Monarch Gold on the other. To get the best accuracy you have to find the sabots that the rifle likes (probably TCs), all four of the CVAs I have had liked them best.

As for bullets...Barnes T-EZ are the best I have seen. The only deer I've shot with the Barnes T-EZ that didn't go straight down I couldn't begin to explain. Broke both shoulders, turned the lungs but for a fist size chunk of one into red soup and shredded the heart. Made it 60 yards. with a huge hole all the way through. I did kill four with low velocity (quiet) loads. Got great expansion, two holes and no tracking needed.

For powder, get some Blackhorn 209. Probably 66 grains by weight will be most accurate, it was in all my CVAs. If I remember right, the low velocity loads were under 40 grains by weight and worked perfect at 50 yards Pyrodex and 777 are dirty and make for tough reloading. Black Max works, but BH-209 is better.

CCI 209 magnum primers are good.

Finally got the new/used boat out for a shakedown run yesterday. Tried to put it on Prior and the ramp was filled to the gills, so we went over to Spring Lake. Once I figured out you had to push the key in to activate the choke, it fired right up and ran fine. It's an older boat-a 78 Sylvan 16 footer witha 75 horse Johson. The old Johnson purred like a kitten. It's no speed demon with 4 in the boat, but that's no big deal. Trolling motor and depth finder worked just fine, and we didn't take on any water, so it's not leaking. It's bigger and heavier than my little 14' Lund was, but I'm looking forward to putting some fish in the livewell real soon.

That sucker should boogie with a 75hp on it Jeff. You may have to play with the trim til you dial it in. Or a different prop. My 16.5 alumacraft has a 75hp Suzuki 2s and it cooks! It should not have that motor on there, lol. You need to be really careful with that sucker!

Jack and I got it fixed up and ready to rock. We are going to play on it soon. Baseball this weekend tho.

you guys are all pretty close, it was just touching the 30" mark on the tape, didn't get a weight but it was roughly 10 lbs give or take a 1/2 lb.

total time out of the water was less than a minute, dad wanted several different pics and poses. I said nope grab it it this way mom. I snapped a pic, dad did too because he had his cell phone out and back in the water she went.

pretty cool to have my mom catch that fishing with me

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Finally got the new/used boat out for a shakedown run yesterday. Tried to put it on Prior and the ramp was filled to the gills, so we went over to Spring Lake. Once I figured out you had to push the key in to activate the choke, it fired right up and ran fine. It's an older boat-a 78 Sylvan 16 footer witha 75 horse Johson. The old Johnson purred like a kitten. It's no speed demon with 4 in the boat, but that's no big deal. Trolling motor and depth finder worked just fine, and we didn't take on any water, so it's not leaking. It's bigger and heavier than my little 14' Lund was, but I'm looking forward to putting some fish in the livewell real soon.

I'm looking at upgrading my 14' lund to something like that as well. found a fixer upper locally for $500 and might go look at it in the next day or two if I get a chance. when the waves get a little on the rough side, my lil 14' can't keep up. and it's pretty open and windy here most of the time.

Originally Posted by tzone

That sucker should boogie with a 75hp on it Jeff. You may have to play with the trim til you dial it in. Or a different prop. My 16.5 alumacraft has a 75hp Suzuki 2s and it cooks! It should not have that motor on there, lol. You need to be really careful with that sucker!

Jack and I got it fixed up and ready to rock. We are going to play on it soon. Baseball this weekend tho.

The motor doesn't have trim or tilt on it, so I'm limited to whatever adjustment I can do via the adjustment "rod" on the transom. I'll more it up a couple notches and see what that does next time I'm out. We had four of us in there. None of us are little folk. Probably close to 900 lbs. or more. I was just glad everything worked. The only thing I didn't try was the livewell. I've got to play with that next time out. A question-is it safe to put the plug in from the outside? It's a real PIA to crawl back in under the splash well to place and pull the plug from the inside.

yup, I started putting the plug in on the outside just for ease, I tighten it pretty well, but have had zero issues

Thanks Ryan. That's pretty much what I was thinking.

you're welcome Jeff, I had to watch someone else do it before I did with mine

I too wasn't keen on the idea the first time, now I don't even think about it.

Nasty weather moving through the Twin Cities right now. Winds up to 70 mph. Tom's end of town is getting hit right now. Hope he's okay. We went out and put everything away that would be blown away. 9 a.m and it's all most dark out. Wind's really howling.

I usually put it outside or I forget to pull it when I'm finished. Which in this damn state, will get you a ticket.

Got hit pretty hard with hail at my place today. The house got hit with siding and trim damage. My truck has heavy damage to the hood, roof, and drivers side from the 70mph winds blowing hail sideways.

Insurance? We got a "hail roof" about 20 years ago after a bad storm. Good luck buddy.

Of course there is insurance!

Tom -

Don't be too quick to settle any insurance claims. Hail damage to the roof doesn't always show up right away.

But then again if it was that bad you can probably already see roof damage?

I'm not 100% sure what it even looks like other than what I've googled so far. I do have siding damage. It's "buckled", paint knocked off, and a few areas are broke. It's some sort of pressed board so something. triple 4". I've recently had a few home contractors over to look at putting on an addition and said they won't be able to match the siding. So I don't know if it gets fixed or replaced. Either way, sh it's broke. lol

I'll climb up on a ladder this afternoon and see if there is any damage that I can clearly see.

So far, the insurance has been easy to deal with. They want me to get a few estimates on the house, then we'll deal with the truck.

we have the same crap en route to us right now. supposed to hit us at 7pm tonight. I'm headed out to batten down the hatches right now and put vehicles in the shed etc.

never fails, when I take a week off to fish is storms or blows every damn day I want to go.

If I only fished when it was nice out, I'd never fish.

Originally Posted by tzone

Of course there is insurance!

What I meant was would you be filing a claim? Got a few too many clinging dingleberries today, Tom?

Well I'm guessing there is about $40k of damage between the "stuff" so, yes I'll be filing a claim. I already started the process today. With the amount of homes damaged, I don't imagine it will be a fast process.

I talked to an optometrist that used to work for me. He lives in Circle Pines and got hit pretty hard. he said he's all ready had two guys knock on the door wanting to do his work. Watch out, as the scammers will be coming out of the woodwork.

Originally Posted by tzone

I usually put it outside or I forget to pull it when I'm finished. Which in this damn state, will get you a ticket.

Forgetting to pull it out when your finished will make you a dad in any state.

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by tzone

I usually put it outside or I forget to pull it when I'm finished. Which in this damn state, will get you a ticket.

Forgetting to pull it out when your finished will make you a dad in any state.

Except Iowa, where it will make chase a sheep all over the back 40!

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by tzone

I usually put it outside or I forget to pull it when I'm finished. Which in this damn state, will get you a ticket.

Forgetting to pull it out when your finished will make you a dad in any state.

Tell me about it! Lol

Well, weather depending, I'll get the new/used boat out fishing for the first time Friday. Radiation treatement at 8 a.m., and then home to pick up the boat and hit the water. The only thing I haven't checked out yet is the livewell. So we'll see if that all works when I get it out Friday. The depth finder's different from what I had on the other boat, so I've got to figure that out as I go, but it seems to work just fine. 'Think I'll try for walleyes for a couple hours and then go look for sunnies and crappies.

just got back from C eh N eh D eh fishing. Great time. Two highlights....my 13 year old daughter had a 38.5 inch northern explode on her bait right at boatside. Man, was that awesome! A great fight and she got a huge adrenaline rush.

Next was "the bet". We were beating up on the walleyes one morning pretty good. As we were approaching 100 walleyes (my son loves to keep track on a clicker) my dad said, I will give whoever catches the 100th walleye $1. So my 9 year old son hooks the 100th walleye of the morning. About halfway to the boat, my daughter hooks one. The race is on. My son is yelling for the net, my daughter is yelling for the net and it is up to me to pick who boats the fish first. Or not. About 15 feet from the boat, my son decides he better not wait for the net and a walleye missile is soon headed into the boat! He won the bet!

Anxious to see how the boat works out Goph!

Dandy fish Ryan!

VERY nice fish,Ryan.
You guys talking about CVA rifles. That is a subject near and dear to me. I have two CVA Hunter centerfire models I regularly hunt with.
One is a 7M-08 and my favorite is a 45/70.CVA makes a very nice rifle. I was an H&R Handi rifle fan for a number of years but CVA has turned me from them. I have disposed of all four except the beautiful LITTLE .300 Blackout. I am a single shot fanatic.
My first muzzle loader years ago was a CVA Kentucky. Beautiful gun. Shot well. Killed a few deer with it.
Now I use a Thompson Center "New Englander" synthetic stock Hawken style in .54 caliber. I have never used anything but round balls and never had a deer run from it. I use only iron sights and in the past few years have changed from black powder to Pyrodex pistol granule. I find I get more consistent ignition with Pyrodex and better accuracy.
I want to wish all of you fathers a Happy Father's Day.

Stan in SC

STan, lemme know when you get tired of the blackout. I haven been wanting one since we talked a couple years back when you got it. didn't they discontinue those?

Happy birthday to the best son a dad could ask for. My little buddy Jack is 12 today.

happy birthday Jack!!

Happy Birthday Jack!

Originally Posted by tzone

Happy birthday to the best son a dad could ask for. My little buddy Jack is 12 today.

Happy birthday to one cool kid. Those of you who've never had a chance to meet Tom's boy would be very impressed with the boy, and the way his dad has brought him up. Any new shootin' irons among his birthday gifts, Tom?

Yes, sir. He got a Steoger 3020, semiauto shotgun. He got that a few days before we went turkey hunting. He's going to South Dakota to hunt pheasants this fall with his stepdad. So, he can use it out there too.

Cool beans, buddy.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY !

To all the Dads and Grandpas that gather here . Thanks ND for creating this sacred thread and all those that keep it going !

Happy Father's Day all.

And happy birthday northern Dave and runs with scissors.

Happy Father's day to all the dad guys.

It was a great fathers day. Lots of fishing yesterday as well. Drove up and met my dad for lunch and brought the kids. Then we went to my mom and stepdad's to see him and we fished some more. It was a great weekend really. Great weather too.

Happy Belated Birthday to Jack.

Ryan, if I ever decide to get rid of the .300 Handi rifle I will let you know. Yes, Remington shut down New England Firearms (NEF) when they bought Marlin.
I got mine on a closeout from Bud's Gun Shop. One of the most accurate rifles I own. Also mucho fun to shoot. I occasionally deer hunt with it if I am in relatively close cover although it is MOA accurate at 100 yards.
Now you all know where my tag line comes from.

Stan in SC

from the sound of it the vikings have better odds of winning the superbowl

Happy Belated Father's Day and Birthdays to all who have recently had one.

A buddy of mine got us VIP tickets to Lakes Jam in Brainerd, Mn this weekend and a gal he is seeing is bringing a new motor home from her work for us to stay in. I'm not so much in to the big crowd/concert scene but who could pass it up when it's free?

5 weeks of radiation treatment under my belt now. 'Really feeling tired . The energy level ain't real high today. I need to get out fishing, shoot the rifles, or even just go mow the yard. 'Gotta keep somewhat active so this crap doesn't get the best of me. 'Had a nice exchange with T-Zone yesterday. For anyone that hasn't met Tom, he's as good as they come. Have a good weekend guys. Off to radiation treatment, and then a very boring all day training session in Hastings.

All day session? That sounds horrible! Take care of yourself Jeff!

All day training sessions are the worst. It seems that someone always sneaks in before I get there and sets the clocks to half speed. Keep active and get lots of sleep Jeff!

It's all done. Needed an 80 to pass the class and I got an 82, so no re-takes. Hey guys-Berettaman's Youth Outdoors Day is rapidly approaching. Me and possibly my wife will be volunteering again this year. I'm sure he could use some more help. Please consider pitching in on this and make it a true Campfire effort. Contact him for more details. It's a one day event in Alexandria on a Sunday in August. It would be nice to see some of our guys there for this.

I'm sure ND will post the words but it was 10 years ago today that we lost the man that inspired the timing of Camp Chickenbuck being built by our friends Dave, Pam and family.

This day is a hard one.

As his wife "Makes No Patties" told us last night "Sometimes it feels like forever and sometimes it feels like yesterday"

That sums it up pretty good...

RIP Waylon

10 years.

I don't have any words prepared. It rained all day and I've kept busy thinking about other things.

Raise a glass if you feel so inclined, to my best friend from age zero to 37. He probably thinks its funny how much I've aged in 10 yrs.

To Waylon, we miss you.

I had a few 32 ouncers after work today.
One had his name on it. To Waylon.

Thinking of you tonight Dave. My deepest condolences.

A happy Fourth of July to all happy Chickenbuckeroos. (Hey,new word I just invented)
Waylon must have been a hell of a guy.
It's hot down" sout". I need to accomplish some light yard work but it ain't gonna happen until we have a relatively cool overcast day.
Ryan,you just can't ever tell what them Vikings might do. Be prepared.

Stan in SC

Hi everybody, hope you are all well. I'm dropping by to let folks know whats going on with photos not working (here or pretty much all over on the internet.

"photobucket" is a popular image hosting site on the internet that many people (myself included) have used to store images online. Suddenly there are issues, I haven't had time to study up on it completely but people are saying photobucket is basically holding photos ransom and demanding a high annual fee for hosting 3rd party etc. This is just an old forum thread littered with old photos (that no longer work). No big deal.

It's more of a problem for businesses that have photo links to products for sale that no longer work.

Anyways, I'm not sure what to do about it. It's certainly too much to try to go back and fix in this thread. The thread is around 10 years old now.

We just got back from our annual 4th of July vacation. The fishing was tough, as the weather kept changing day by day. I'm wiped out. This radiation treatment is kicking my butt. Three weeks left. Man, I'll be glad when this is done. Other than being exhausted on a regular basis, it was a good week. The old Sylvan ran great, although I did manage to knock a blade off the trolling motor yesterday when I pulled out of the dock to put the boat on the trailer for the ride home. Easy fix-it's Minn Kota and they sell props for these all over the place. Boy, the 75 h.p. sure burns a lot more gas than my 18 h.p. Evinrude did!

We just got back from a week of camping. Yes, me 5 kids, and hot mama...in tents. Fishing was awesome although I will say it was weird. We were catching walleyes in 4 feet of water, A LOT. Water temps were 73 degrees. Weed edges and humps like you would normally find them, just really shallow. Fun though. Jack caught his first decent walleye, Kennedy caught a 33" northern. Tons of bluegills and hammer handles.

I was in DL over the 4th for a fam reunion. tried to buy a husband wife combo 14 day license and apparently bought it for the whole year. had some decent walleye fishing, caught one that was 23" and several in the 16-19 range. got into some sunfish that could barely be held with one hand and were thick and meaty. new boat is looking like it will work out great, unfortunately I have to work on our old house to get it on the market wednesday so no fishing for me this weekend

mama said we should take an icefishing trip this winter to MN since we have the license. no argument from me! maybe do some spearing with my uncle as well, he's pretty good at it. we'll see how the year shakes out, I have a bunch of tags I need to fill first, including a cow elk tag here in the black hills.

Ryan,

You will need to buy a separate NR spearing license but I think it's only like $15 bucks.

What a bunch of crap! Lol this state gets you any way they can.

yes they do. in my state you can hunt walleyes with a speargun year round. just sayin'

Anybody seeing any antlers yet? Man, I'm all ready getting the itch to go deer hunting. We've got fawns running all over the place down here south of the Twin Cities. I gotta think the coyotes are eating good right now.

Yes, quite a bit actually. Long story, that I'd never believe but my buddy had a buck in his garage. A few weeks back Jack was on a bike ride and was within 10 yards of a non-typical buck that was at least 18" wide already.

I've seen a few bucks on the way to/from work in the early and late hours as well.

We were camping last week and we say deer at all hours of the day, on the roads, by the lake, in the campground.

Hey Tom-check your pm's.

been seeing bucks in velvet for a little while now. nothing jaw dropping, but I never see those guys anyway. seen some that are showing potential for next year or later.

Originally Posted by tzone

What a bunch of crap! Lol this state gets you any way they can.

Yeah. It's total BS

Happy Birthday Stan!!

Stan the man has a birfday?

Happy Birthday to you Sir!

Have a good one Stan!

Best wishes Stan. So can they still light all the candles on the cake with a match or is it time to upgrade to the torch?

The assault on Prior Lake's sunny population is planned for this Sunday. This will be a direct frontal attack on a deep point they've set up a defensive perimeter on. Me, my daughter, and her boyfriend will do our best to thin the heard and be off the water before the danged water skiers take over the place. Not much better than a big batch of fried sunnies.

Happy Birthday Stan!

Well, we actually had to work for 'em a bit, but we ended up with 45 sunnies, a couple accidental crappies, and one perch. Fresh fish tonight!

So who's got deer hunting on their brain all ready? Time to go down and give the Man Cave a good going over. 'Saw a very small fawn laying dead on the road yesterday. 'Been watching two different does with twins for a couple weeks now. The crossbow will come out soon here as I gear up for archery. The hunter's urge sure is strong.

I'm done hunting. I'm moving to FL and taking up fishing. In the last 4 days I've caught more fish than I have in 15 years. They ALL fight like crazy. Even the little suckers!

The Mako shark fought the hardest, but the Black Tip Sharks were right behind. Couldn't bring the Mako in the boat, but the black tips were 8 and 9 pounds. They fought harder than any muskie I've caught. I can't wait to catch one that is 5-6 feet.

But I do get to pick up my new rifle today! M70 Extreme weather, 30-06.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. Last Thursday I turned 76.WOW! Whodathunkit? I had a great day.
It seems here lately I spend a lot of time on Facebook and don't get by here that often.
Anyway,thank you very much.

Stan in SC

Saw a few bucks last night all running together. I'm not sure how big they were, but 2 of the 4 had some nice headgear.

I've noticed I've been pulling the guns out of the safe a bit more the last week or so too.

I drew a once in a lifetime tag yesterday for WT deer! only 29 tags on 71,000 acres. reports of huge whitetails being taken out of there in the past. I'm pretty stoked to say the least! most folks never get a chance to hunt CSP, But I do this year! woohoo!

What's CSP?

Most folks get to hunt WR, including a guy in the office next to mine...but not me.

CusterStatePark

Ahhhh. Gotchya! I need to learn these things if I'm going to be your neighbor.

Ryan,
I didnt realize we both have the same friend on Facebook. I had no idea there was a connection. I am looking forward to his annual rant against the ND Game and Fish if he doesnt get a buck tag! That should tell you who he is!

HAHAHAHAHA yes! I too look forward to the annual rant. I've invited him out here for deer hunting here but he's too busy chasing skycarp

Ryan,

We are in Hill City right now, leaving for home tomorrow morning. This area is fantastic! Drove the back roads thru CSP last evening and saw some very nice whitetails. How is it finding public land to hunt on out here? I'm thinking archery deer.

Jeff

It's a beautiful area. I can't wait to hunt there. Next year is the year. I'm also hoping to bring my son and pick up a youth tag for him. Baseball is over...he's got hunting and fishing on the brain as much as his dad. Maybe even more, He also has some dirt bike riding buzzing around up in there.

How have you been doing Jeff?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Ryan,

We are in Hill City right now, leaving for home tomorrow morning. This area is fantastic! Drove the back roads thru CSP last evening and saw some very nice whitetails. How is it finding public land to hunt on out here? I'm thinking archery deer.

Jeff

Sorry I'm just now seeing this! I woulda liked to meet up and say Hi
http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/info-request.aspx enter your info here to request a paper atlas

http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/areas/maps/default.aspx here is the online version, no shortage of public land if you know where to look

Tom....I'm good, the kids are growing, the oldest has her driving permit. Been spending about one day per weekend in the boat, which is always good. Also working on a batch of knives, including some fillet type blades.

Ryan.....I thought about getting in touch, but we were on the go pretty much the whole time. Got out there late thursday and left early monday morning. PM me your email and I'll send some pictures of a buck or two we saw in Custer. I've been trying to talk our oldest into a Wy deer or antelope trip, those deer in Custer didn't hurt my cause.

Ryan,
He comes down to deer hunt with us once in awhile. I think he is coming this year. He grew up near here.

I met him in ND, he's friends with the best man at my wedding, used to hangout with him a bit when I lived up that way in 08-11 time frame. I haven't hunted with him ironically, but we've sang a lot of karaoke together.

as usual his rant was top notch this year over not drawing a tag.

Are we talking about me here?

Oh no...that's SD.

It hasn't rained here in a month it seems. That's all changed today. We're gettin it all in one day I think!

We're getting a nice soaker too. Cooled WAY down as well, which is good. The heat lately has been sucky

It was 65 when I went to work yesterday at 6:15. I was outside on a job site at 9:00 and it was 52! Nice temps in the 70's for the rest of the weekend! I'll take it. I don't mind the hot but it's the gosh darn humidity.

Digging this weather. Can stay like this for the rest of August. And then just keep dropping for the rest of fall.

The regs are available for 2017

deer season starts in just over a month.

My PA area 1B doe tag arrived today!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Ten years has passed since that first post.

Thank you all for being such good friends, I find myself very busy these days with trying to run a business so I don't post near as much as I used to.

It is also the case this morning, I don't have much time, not as much time as I'd like to apply to this significant milestone. I will simply assure you all that the dream lives on.

I do have additional exciting news to share, very soon.

This thread has been and is the best one ever on this site.. Never met any of you but would share a campfire with you anytime!

Originally Posted by bucktail

The regs are available for 2017

I haven't followed those for years. What's the difference?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Ten years has passed since that first post.

Thank you all for being such good friends, I find myself very busy these days with trying to run a business so I don't post near as much as I used to.

It is also the case this morning, I don't have much time, not as much time as I'd like to apply to this significant milestone. I will simply assure you all that the dream lives on.

I do have additional exciting news to share, very soon.

Can't wait to hear the news.

10 years ago in a job trailer on a cold rainy August day, I read the post. I've checked this thread almost everyday since. It's the first one I look at every morning.

To those of you that haven't been to Chickenbuck, it really is a magical place.It's a place of honor and tradition, both are followed. It has to be magical, my son has been there only a few times and all he wants to do is go back...every weekend.

Last year, we hunted with Dave, Pam, and the crew. Jack shot his first grouse there, saw his first moose. At Moose Lake of all places. He saw his first glimpse of a deer with a rifle in his hands, and got to experience the pounding of your chest just before the deer walks out. He also got to see that deer never walk out into the open.

I can't even begin to explain how great Pam, Dave, Missy and the kids are. Uncle Dusty's laugh can be heard all through the cabin. And when a shot is served or fired, he's smilin like heck!

The campfire is always burning and there are log benches made from the woods behind the cabin. They're as inviting as Dave and Pam.

It's a wonderful place. Thank you both for sharing it with my family and here on the campfire!

Originally Posted by CEJ1895

This thread has been and is the best one ever on this site.. Never met any of you but would share a campfire with you anytime!

+1 !

Never a truer statement made on the 'fire !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Ten years has passed since that first post.

Thank you all for being such good friends, I find myself very busy these days with trying to run a business so I don't post near as much as I used to.

It is also the case this morning, I don't have much time, not as much time as I'd like to apply to this significant milestone. I will simply assure you all that the dream lives on.

I do have additional exciting news to share, very soon.

Can't wait to hear the news.

10 years ago in a job trailer on a cold rainy August day, I read the post. I've checked this thread almost everyday since. It's the first one I look at every morning.

To those of you that haven't been to Chickenbuck, it really is a magical place.It's a place of honor and tradition, both are followed. It has to be magical, my son has been there only a few times and all he wants to do is go back...every weekend.

Last year, we hunted with Dave, Pam, and the crew. Jack shot his first grouse there, saw his first moose. At Moose Lake of all places. He saw his first glimpse of a deer with a rifle in his hands, and got to experience the pounding of your chest just before the deer walks out. He also got to see that deer never walk out into the open.

I can't even begin to explain how great Pam, Dave, Missy and the kids are. Uncle Dusty's laugh can be heard all through the cabin. And when a shot is served or fired, he's smilin like heck!

The campfire is always burning and there are log benches made from the woods behind the cabin. They're as inviting as Dave and Pam.

It's a wonderful place. Thank you both for sharing it with my family and here on the campfire!

Great testimony Tom !

Somebody's getting excited for deer hunting

Shhhhhhhh. It's me.

Group of 4 velvet bucks crossed the road, in front of me on the way to work this morning.

2 Beauties, 1 spike & a "nubbie".

They all looked like they would taste good !

They do. I just ate venison sausage and mac & cheese for lunch.

Deb's making smoked deer loin pizza tonight !!

That sounds like too much work. lol

Came home through Northern Minnesota last night and while between storms I saw 27 deer along my travels...Looks better for you guys this year I'm thinking...

Where was that? EXACTLY where was that?

Hwy 2

Zone 172 is hunters choice this year. If i read it correctly...

Is that where you hunt, no duck?
That's where we hunt.
Need to look into it.

Originally Posted by noduck

Zone 172 is hunters choice this year. If i read it correctly...

We're 171-same for us this year, but you gotta go through the CWD inspection protocol.

Originally Posted by tzone

That sounds like too much work. lol

Not if the wife does all the work !!

It was delicious.

They actually changed a lot of the "zones". Dave, yours is now 111. Ours is 130, 132 and 133?

The spot we hunt is literally at the intersection of those 3 zones. I don't necessarily disagree with that. It looks like they're trying to really micromanage the deer zones. Believe it or not, there are pockets of deer in that area. It has to do with the way things are logged and how the wolves push them around.

Wow. Now that I took a look, it's really confusing. We are in a Hunters Choice for the most part. A bit odd but I'll take it. We eat a lot of deer. I'll be flyin solo in MN this season. My best hunting partner will be pheasant hunting in SD on the MN opener.

He is however, VERY excited to come to WI and hunt with his dad. We have been planning spots since early December of last year. We talk about stand placement on a weekly basis. But, there's heavy logging going on. So, I'm sure some of our ideas will be moved around a bit.

Crap. Today at work is shot now....

Originally Posted by tzone

They actually changed a lot of the "zones". Dave, yours is now 111. Ours is 130, 132 and 133?

The spot we hunt is literally at the intersection of those 3 zones. I don't necessarily disagree with that. It looks like they're trying to really micromanage the deer zones. Believe it or not, there are pockets of deer in that area. It has to do with the way things are logged and how the wolves push them around.

We're still 101.

Can't be. I'm a math teacher.

Looking forward to this year for deer season. My daughter turned 12 and passed her firearm safety class. So she is pumped up. She will be coming up the second weekend. Got her Ruger american compact .308. With the Hornady custom lite ammo. Man those take huge recoil out like 25 percent. Pretty impress with the less recoil. We only shoot like 30 -80 yards at that range i think the bullet will still be very effective.If shooting like 200-300 or further yards dont know if i would be using custom lite bullets.

Almost a month away I'll be in Northern BC for mountain goat and moose. Been getting in shape, starting to get excited for that.

Ten years. WOW! lots has happened. I very well remember lying in a hospital bed in June,2008 after quadruple bypass surgery and couldn't wait to get home and see what was the latest post on "Birth of a Deer Camp".
We have all been thru a lot together here. It has been great so far.
I wear a Chickenbuck hat and T shirt every year when hunting.
Thank you all for being here.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by tzone

Can't be. I'm a math teacher.

HAHAHAHA I'm glad i hadn't been drinking coffee when I read that!

Originally Posted by noduck

Looking forward to this year for deer season. My daughter turned 12 and passed her firearm safety class. So she is pumped up. She will be coming up the second weekend. Got her Ruger american compact .308. With the Hornady custom lite ammo. Man those take huge recoil out like 25 percent. Pretty impress with the less recoil. We only shoot like 30 -80 yards at that range i think the bullet will still be very effective.If shooting like 200-300 or further yards dont know if i would be using custom lite bullets.

Almost a month away I'll be in Northern BC for mountain goat and moose. Been getting in shape, starting to get excited for that.

My buddy bought his son a full size ruger American in .308 and the recoil with normal factory loads is minimal. I bet it's down right fun with the lite loads. I had a 7600 in .308 and a Winchester m70 compact in .308 that both bucked like a mule. That should be a great rifle for her!

Here's my news guys.

Taylor's boyfriend Keegan proposed to her at deer camp last night.

The kids are engaged!

Taylor, (WEEZY) is getting married.

Super minimum service and website function where we are at right now.

Congrats!! Very cool and happy for both of them!

Congratulations Dave. Will there be a Chapel of Chickenbuck wedding? How cool would that be?

Went up to my buddy's shack yesterday. We cut grass in the rain, made some pizzas in the gas oven, shot A LOT. I needed brass for my M70 fwt XTR (push feed) 7x57. We shot a few boxes of that. Got the new M70 Extreme Weather 30-06 on paper. That was a stubborn bastard. After 4 shots from 50 yards not hitting the paper. I finally walked up and shot one from 10, then 25, then I was closed enough to shoot from 50. Sighted it in right at 50 with Federal Fusion 165gr. There isn't a 100yd range the property, so I have more work to do on that. While we were letting barrels cool, we were shooting my Tikka .223 Rem. That's a fun, accurate little gun.

The M70 Extreme Weather is a sweet little gun! It's a stainless, fluted barrel, Bell and Carlson fiberglass stock. It's a smooth action, shot Federal Fusion's pretty well, but I want to shoot some more brands, and different bullets. I'm not set up for reloading 30-06 yet. I won't be by this deer season, but will by next year.

Caught up on a lot of house projects this weekend. Mama's starting go crazy before the baby comes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here's my news guys.

Taylor's boyfriend Keegan proposed to her at deer camp last night.

The kids are engaged!

Taylor, (WEEZY) is getting married.

Awesome !!

Congratulations to "all" !

Congrats on gaining a son. Our second to the oldest daughter got engaged about a month ago. Wedding is planned for Sep. 2018.

Our oldest, who got married last summer gave me a onsie(sp) and a card for Father Day announcing the news that we are going to be Grandpa and Grandma in February.

When the heck did we get old Dave?? lol

These cool mornings and slowly changing leaves are starting to get to me!

you're tellin me! imagine having 4 SD buck tags in your pocket! it's gonna be forever before november gets here and then it'll be gone in a flash

I've been watching two does and three fawns in a bean field for the last week, and then I saw buckzilla in the bean field across the street from the house. Even without my glasses on I could see BIG horns. Of course I can't get permission for that field. They'll let me kill 'yotes as much as I can/want, but ask about deer hunting and the answer's always been NO.

I just want to imagine one SD deer tag in my pocket!

Cathy and I are taking a ride over to Sisconnie tomorrow to look at some parcels of property. We're kind of putting ourselves on the 10 year plan heading towards retirement. We hope to buy 10-15 acres and start out by putting in a camper, and eventually building on the land. We will sell the house to fund the build so we don't have to raid my 401K plan. I hope some day to be able to have Chickenbuck-like stories to tell from our little patch of woods in Cheeseland. We are looking at 6 different parcels in the Ladysmith area. We booked a room in Ladysmith, and hope to hit three parcels tomorrow and three on Saturday. Should put me back home in time to do some fishing on Sunday morning. Have a good weekend guys.

You're supposed to raid your 401K for retirement. That's what it's for!

Good luck in your search. There are some big bucks floating around Ladysmith. I've done tons of work there back when I lived in WI.

We found a really nice little cabin on 5 acres that's right across the street from 6,000 acres of county land open to hunting. If it was just my call, I'd be writing the check right now, but there's lots of other factors envolved here. We will keep looking. Going to see a 29 acre parcel tomorrow with a cabin on it. Four other parcels too.

The parcels we looked at were a little too far off the beaten path for us to consider as permanent residences. We'll keep looking. Hoping to line up another batch to go look at in a couple weeks. I'm going to start looking for Vision Center Manager openings both in Minnesota and Wisconsin and then focus our searches in these areas.

I saw a lot of really neat deer camps this weekend. Man, if those wall could talk. I sure hope I'm able to lay roots that lead to a long run like we had with our camp in Pennsylvania. Of course if and when this happens, you and Jack are welcome any time. I'd like to give a little back to you for taking me in when our hunting got so bad a while back. I can't think of anything cooler than having a Campfire get together or hunt sometime.

I went up to our WI deer camp yesterday to do a little shooting. There is a really sweet range just a few miles from it. They have ranges from 25 to 300 for shooting rifles. I shot my new extreme weather M70 30-06 some more and got it dead on at 100. It has Leupold CDS reticle so I'm supposed to be able to dial it in now that it's sighted in.

Also shot the M70 7x57 Mauser again to make some brass for reloading. But that is also sighted in right on for 100 yards. It really likes 140gr bullets. I was hoping to use RN 154gr bullets but so far, the 140gr are the champ.

I also shot at 300 yards for the first time yesterday. I hit the target, with both rifles so I'd call that a win so far! It made shooting at 200 almost easy and 100 was nothing after that! I'll be doing more of that! Especially if I can get the CDS reticle figured out.

We didn't see any deer. But, we did see a lot of tracks and one bear.

Fun weekend.

Less than a week until our Youth Outdoor Activity Day! We expect over 2,000 kids. If you are within 3 hours of Alexandria, you will want to load up the car (bus?) with kids and bring them. Totally free! 45 activities for kids to do, including trap shooting, archery, fire building, mountain biking, climbing wall, mock blood trail, casting clinic, crossbow shooting, outdoor cooking, geocaching, birdhouse building, and much more. Free tshirts for every kid and lots of prizes (I think we spent about $8K or more on BB guns, duck calls, rods/reels, and bows to give away. Free lunch (yes, including ice cream) for everyone.

And if anyone wants to volunteer, we can always use the help!

Hey Dean,

Since you're the youth hunt whisperer...This weekend when you're doing the Youth Outdoor Activity Day, can you do me a favor? Would you please corner someone from the DNR and ask them why the hell they don't have the Youth Deer Hunt state wide?

They want more kids to participate in hunting, but they severely limit the kids on which zones they can hunt in. It seems counter productive. We will be spending our money on hunting this season in SD and WI, because of how MN has been running the youth season. The boy will be pheasant hunting in SD during MN gun deer season. We will be deer hunting in the WI youth hunt in October and the regular deer season in WI in November.

Here ya go tzone.

Ask here. [email protected]

Thank you!

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[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0829_zpslb9kvbbk.jpg[/img][/img]

Didn't work. Heard a rumor that photobucket pics were working on here....didn't work without a link.

Mine work.
I had a $20 / year account with them before the change, so I get to use mine for another year before i get cut off.

I don't see anything but "linked image" on your signature.

No [bleep]?
[Linked Image]

Fluffy.....what the hell kind of wood is that?

So,that one you guys can see?
That is fresh cut juniper,looks like cedar,but has small blue berries on it

hows that going for ya?

lol

my pics are all dead, stupid photobucket.

yah dumb azzes.
Ive had an account there for 10 years,still cutting me off.
fugg em

I should have ND send me all his links,keep them up for the year.
Actually,be easier for me to give him my password,let them transfer it all over.

Originally Posted by tzone

test

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/IMG_0829_zpslb9kvbbk.jpg[/img][/img]

Here's a newy too, when I click on your link, it goes to your stored photo of JackHammer the camp cook, & then tells me that the image can't be seen, unless I disable my AdBlocker !!!

Pfftttin azzwipes !

Soooo, we are still held hostage.

We can see your sig line and your wood.

I see your wood, I have been cutting junipers and ERC (also a juniper) all summer and will continue to cut them for about the next 15-20 years. if you ever need any let me know! some of these are pretty decent size

They're cool trees. We don't have a ton of them here but some.

Friend of mines place in elko/ new market has hundreds of them.
Also has hundreds of buckthorne trees

Oh, we got the buckthorne alright!

I saw Buckzilla across the street from home again yesterday. Dang deer's got a friggin bush on top of his head. Couldn't get the binoculars on him but I'd guess he's got at least 14 points, probably pushing 250 lbs. Man, he's a brute. Of course I can't get permission to hunt anything but 'yotes over there.

Cathy and I are planning our next outing to look at properties for our new cabin or home. Part of our searching in Wisconsin was to give our son and daughter in law a shorter commute when they went back to Indiana to visit her family. Now, he's saying that's not going to be an issue, which opens up a lot of country for us to look at. Our next outing will be much closer to the Twin Cities. We will check out several spots up in the Pine City area. Not sure weather this will start out as a permanent residence, or land and a small cabin to start with. Won't be anything that happens in time for deer season, but by next fall-who knows?

If anyone knows of vacant property or property with a cabin or ? on it, let me know. Maybe we'll be able to go check it out.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Here ya go tzone.

Ask here. [email protected]

I sent an email off this morning guys. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything.

I did get an email back saying they'll get back to me within 2 business days. That's a start.

Well...I'll be damn'd boys. I have a conference call set up in 10 minutes, with Adam Murkowski, the Big Game program leader, and Deer Guru for the MN DNR.

I'll let ya know how it goes.

An actual call?? Like....another human speaking human things?? No waaaay

Yep!

Just got off the phone with him. He said there is actually a state wide youth hunt in the works. He's trying to get it passed in the new "deer plan" believe it or not, Adam said other, old school, grumpy bastard hunters are the ones that have been holding it up. He most of the cramuggeons say the kids should have to follow the same rules we had to as kids! Seriously?

We also talked about slimplifiing the deer hunting regulations. He's very much on board with that.

I thought it was a great conversation.

tzone

I have also had good results using the info line/e-mail. Always have gotten a quick response.

I'm sitting here drinking my morning coffee and watching two does grazing in my neighbor's back yard. Why the deer are coming down into the neighborhood when there's corn and soy beans all over the place, I have no idea, but man, am I getting pumped up to go deer hunting. Deer season just can't come fast enough. Any of the Twin Cities guys going down to Ahlman's for the Roundup this weekend? Wish I was going, but just too much going on. Have a great weekend guys.

Good luck and best wishes to Berettaman and his Youth Outdoors Day tomorrow. It's killing me to not be going. All these health issues are really putting a crimp in my activities. My job at the event was to load smoothbore muzzle loading rifles for the black powder exhibit. Man, I'm gonna miss helping those guys out. I'd be mostly coated in black powder residue by the end of the day. It was a lot of fun to see the looks on those kids faces when those big boomers went off. I hope I feel better and can make it back next year.

Well the day is done. Whew. It was wildly successful by any measure. We could measure it by saying a new attendance record was set with 2180 kids attending. With parents and volunteers that put us over 4,000 people there. What a day.

Another great job Bman. Wish I could have been there. Did the ML guys do okay?

All most had speed beef last night. A doe and two fawns (still in spots) sauntered across in frong of me. Man, am I getting the urge to hunt! Days are getting shorter, there's a little bit of coolness in the air. Time to go get that last batch of sunnies and crappies so I don't have to fish during hunting season. Neat to see the big V's of geese as they start moving around with a purpose. Can't wait to see the corn start coming in. I love to go sit on a high spot overlooking a big field and watch the equipment work as the corn comes in, and the deer are pushed back into the woods.

Jack and I got some trail cameras put up on a few of our spots. We checked a couple ladder stands for safety, and pulled one down to move and tighten a few nuts and bolts on. It has been up in that spot for 3 years now. So, it was time to do some maintenance on it.

We shot some rifles for a few hours. Jack shot at 50 yards and 100. He's making good progress at 100 yards and his groups tightened up with each new target. That was with his .223 Ruger American. Next time out we'll shoot his 30-06 some more and get that dialed in...although it's really right on at 100. He just needs to shoot it more.

Later in the day we hit some 4-wheeler trials that were right through some new country I hadn't been on before. He did with his grandpa and sister a few weeks back, but it was the first time for me.

Pretty good weekend overall.

Glad you guys had a good weekend Tom. I wish I got out in the woods half as much as you guys do. You sure pay your dues to get your deer, buddy. Good luck this fall.

last weekend we had a nice get together at camp. Missy and her boyfriend came up, we had 2 tractors working on the problem areas of our road. Discing and blading, we improved things quite a bit.

We also got 3 cameras out, little late on getting the cams out but now they are out there.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Glad you guys had a good weekend Tom. I wish I got out in the woods half as much as you guys do. You sure pay your dues to get your deer, buddy. Good luck this fall.

I mostly do that so the kids can get deer. It's been years since I shot one. I don't think I shot a deer for 4,5 years now. But that's OK.

We do have a little scouting to do though. My buddy Justin and his son want to hunt deer. They are first time hunters. We are going to have an old style deer camp. We're going to be camping out and hunting a big section of MN State land.

Jack is going to be pheasant hunting during the MN opener. So, I wasn't going to hunt MN this season. I was going to bow and rifle hunt in WI. When Justin asked me if I'd take them hunting... I couldn't say no. I've coached his son in baseball and football. He is the most polite kid I've ever met. He's very excited to get into the woods.

Teach 'em right Tom. I'm sure you will. Good luck to Jack with the Chinese Chickens.

I sit at my desk on this cool, sunny, late summer morning listening to the geese fly by outside and think....You'll be dead by 7am tomorrow morning.

Rounding up the boys for a range run next Saturday. Two newbies hunting with us this fall. Can't wait to show 'em the ropes. Me thinks it's time for a good ol' fahsioned snipe hunt at deer camp this fall........

Ahhhhh Jeff,
MN actually has a snipe season.

Not the way we do it at deer camp. Haven't you ever been envolved in deer camp snipe hunt?

Been on a snipe hunt when i was a young lad. With Grandpa and Dad. They got me good. But as the tradition goes i was able to get my cousin when he was young.Also my daughter par taked in such event. And now it will be my sons turn this fall to take on the mighty Snipe. The tradition continues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

do you use a red flashlight?

....and a whistle out of a box of Cracker Jacks?

We don't goof around at deer camp. It's pretty serious stuff. Strictly hunting for us.

Red flashlight scares them away... And a whistle makes Snipe angry and they will charge at you.. Can get ugly. Don't use whistles Tzone. Not good.

I don't use whistles. I said. it's strictly business. No tricks. This is serious stuff.

Originally Posted by tzone

I don't use whistles. I said. it's strictly business. No tricks. This is serious stuff.

A correction of errors meeting every night before dinner is served? Jeez, I hope I didn't lean the wrong shoulder on the tree fercryinoutloud!

Life's too short to be too serious.

It's the time to teach kids the way of the wild. Hear the crows and ravens on a cool November afternoon. Light a fire in the dark with with wet wood, learn to become men, even if they're women. Learning how life really works, driving for the first time, carrying my rifle and backpack, fetching my boots, making sure the deer stand cooler always has beer. Gifting them their fire butt-out tool. Sooooo many things to learn that it can't be anything BUT serious!!

Well put buddy. You owe me a keyboard, Tommy!

Can't wait for deer season. Archery's opening this weekend, but it will just never match up to the tradition that is deer camp. The smell of the woods. The great meals, the card games. The cry of the geese as they move about. Deer season just can't come fast enough.

actually, yes it can. It needs to slow it's pace. I'm not in the least prepared for it.

To warm out.

got 81 here today! but the leaves are changing fast! did get to the gun range today!

Originally Posted by tzone

actually, yes it can. It needs to slow it's pace. I'm not in the least prepared for it.

Aw come on Tom-you got a gun? Got some ammo? Got a knife? You're good to go-make the rest work on the fly.

Just don't do like I did and leave the bolt for your rifle three hours away at the house.

Leaving at 4am Sunday morning heading up to northern BC for some mountain goat and moose. Starting to pack. I will make extra note on making sure the bolt is with the gun.

Yeah, those hunting knife charges just don't work out that well..... Have a great hunt, duck. We should match up some time when you're back in town.

Originally Posted by noduck

Leaving at 4am Sunday morning heading up to northern BC for some mountain goat and moose. Starting to pack. I will make extra note on making sure the bolt is with the gun.

Epic

Good luck "duckless" !

Hope "we" Canadians treat you well & you enjoy our mountains.

Full report when you get back, please.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's the time to teach kids the way of the wild. Hear the crows and ravens on a cool November afternoon. Light a fire in the dark with with wet wood, learn to become men, even if they're women. Learning how life really works, driving for the first time, carrying my rifle and backpack, fetching my boots, making sure the deer stand cooler always has beer. Gifting them their fire butt-out tool. Sooooo many things to learn that it can't be anything BUT serious!!

Dammit. I don't care what anyone says, that is funny.

Thanks for the laugh.

PS, it was a very serious laugh.

Been quite eventful the past three days . On Tuesday I took Linda to have knee replacement surgery. It was successful and they actually had her walking within three hours after surgery.
I brought her home yesterday afternoon. So now we are on a round robin of walking exercising and just generally resting and recuperating. Luckily our daughter from Chicago flew down and has been the greatest at making sure things get done and in the proper sequence , for the proper length of time, cooking cleaning and doing washing machine loads. I don't know how I would have gotten along without her.
Deer season is fast approaching here in the upstate of South Carolina. Sept. 15th. starts archery here. It started August 15th. in the southern part of the state. Muzzle loader starts October 1st and gun season starts October 10th. This year the farmer has turned over an additional part of his land to us to hunt and we have been busy scouting , putting out feeders, cameras and stands. Pictures from the cameras have not been showing any bucks but they are there.
One of my hunting buddies who is also a good friend and neighbor and also my gunsmith had heart bypass on Tuesday. I don't know what his deer season will be like. I do remember that in 2008 when I had by pass surgery I was prohibited from shooting for six months and also told to NEVER in my life attempt to draw a bow again.
I sincerely hope that you all have a great deer season0000. I am looking forward to seeing pictures. Of course when I hunt this year, as in past years, I will be wearing my Camp Chickenbuck hat and t shirt.
Oh before I close, I might mention that we had a most unfortunate occurrence here in the upstate yesterday. It seems a young man was night hunting wild pigs. (Perfectly legal here)
There was a man and wife hunting the opposite side of the property unaware that the young man was there. The young man was in a kneeling position and the lady fired at an image in her thermal scope killing him. Awful thing to happen. Be careful out there day or night.
Love you guys and gals.

Stan in SC

Had a fun day in the woods today. Started the morning by shooting a bit less than 100 rounds. Some of which I loaded for my 7x57 Mauser., win m70. After testing different loads all summer I was finally able to dial it in. It likes 140gr nosler partitions and imr 4350. As well as 120 grain NBT, and varget.

Had a fun day in the woods today. Started the morning by shooting a bit less than 100 rounds. Some of which I loaded for my 7x57 Mauser., win m70. After testing different loads all summer I was finally able to dial it in. It likes 140gr nosler partitions and imr 4350. As well as 120 grain NBT, and varget. I got it to 7/8" with the partitions and 3/4" with the nosler ballistic tips.

There were 6 bucks on Jackhammers trail cam. 2 were good ones too.

awesome, it's always great to dial in a rifle load, very rewarding.

Stan, that sounds like a tragic event, horrible.

Be sure of your targets out there folks, I'd say it looks like thermal is not a very good way of being sure.... very sad.

Yes, that's a horrible incident. I didn't even know that existed. It's a silly thing to use if you ask me.

Believe it or not, I saw 3 scrapes in the woods yesterday. They were all 2 on the same overgrown logging road. They weren't big, but there was no question they were scrapes.

I have been seeing some exciting things in the woods boys. Plenty of bucks on trail cams, some small rubs, even an honest to goodness scrape line. I haven't seen one of those in some time.

Good luck Tom. Hope you guys make it happen. In Sisconnie or up by Duluth?

Well both actually. The biggest buck so far is north of Duluth, but in a different place than you've been. WI has tons of deer where hunt. There are 6 different bucks in one area, 2 are 8pts.

Best of Luck to all you fellows! I have 2 nice 8pts. a heavy 6pt and a 3pt, on the same cam, season opens here a week form today! I hope to be Blood trailing one of the 8s about this time next week!

Can't wait to see pics of the kids beaming ear to ear with a deer, Tom. It's gonna be a good season. Good luck guys.

Originally Posted by tzone

Well both actually. The biggest buck so far is north of Duluth, but in a different place than you've been. WI has tons of deer where hunt. There are 6 different bucks in one area, 2 are 8pts.

TZone, I hunt in west side of Price co. Even in the big woods there are more deer than in the last 6 or 7 yrs. I have noticed there are more bucks . Many are little ones but a few are bigger, one , , , is darn near a trophy. It has gotten a lot better. in Price co. Still, not a whole lot in the big woods but might actually see some deer this fall.

Been doing my best to deplete the local walleye population. Put 22 in the freezer in the last week, should almost be enough to hold us over for the Winter. I miss Ice fishing so much, it sucks around here so it's not worth going. I have a MN annual license I could go back to my old haunts I suppose and scratch that itch. First things first I guess, deer hunting!

Hunting has been slow over here. Too hot. Went out early goose opener and got a few. Hunted an Amish farm the next day and came home with some smoked horseradish Munster cheese and some home churned butter! Cheese was great! Hunting, not so much.

My boy and I did the youth duck opener. He got 3 woodies and a bonus teal. All 4 were on the grill for lunch that afternoon. His call. Excellent eats.

Wish I had Dave's skills. Same boy is in driver's training with one more week to go. He's been all over the county and then some; driving with his class. I asked him to unhook the trailer yesterday and pull the truck into the driveway. He got most of it right. Except the part where he drives my truck into my wife's car. That would be the same truck that I just got out of the shop a month ago after someone crunched my front end at Walmart. And the same wife's car that's getting a new windshield Weds from a previous rock hit. So glad I changed to a cheaper insurance last week. This is NOT going to be good. As soon as I regain my composure, I will determine how many decades he's grounded for.

Hang in there Charlie. It seems like every kid that's just got (or is about to get) a driver's license gets in an accident or two. Heck, a friend of ours had their son get in two accidents at the entrance to the high school. Wouldn't have been so bad, but in the one he hit a big yellow school bus! Luckily no one got hurt. He's been accident free since the second one. All he did in that one was rear end the principal.

Deer season just can't get here fast enough. It's going to be an interesting season. My daughter and her boyfriend want to hunt with us this fall. This just came to light last week, so now the scramble begins to cobbel together gear for the two of them. I had all ready promised my loaner rifle to my son's buddy for this fall, so the weaponry's gonna get a little thin. My daughter's boyfriend will carry my '06 Mauser, Ellie will carry my 20 ga. slug gun. Leaves us with my AR as a backup rifle. I never thought I'd find my self wanting more deer rifles, but times are changing. Now that Ellie's showing interest in hunting, I've got to go pick up a .243 for her. She's never gone with me before, so we'll be doing a bit of woods walking in the next few weeks to somewhat show her the ropes.

I know she's concerned she might not get another chance due to my health issues. I sure hope that's not the case, but I'm sure not going to pass up this opportunity to get her into the woods and make some memories. I get to introduce three new hunters to the shooting sports this fall. How cool is that? I'll be busier than a one legged man in an azz kicking contest this season, and I can't wait.

Originally Posted by ihookem

Originally Posted by tzone

Well both actually. The biggest buck so far is north of Duluth, but in a different place than you've been. WI has tons of deer where hunt. There are 6 different bucks in one area, 2 are 8pts.

TZone, I hunt in west side of Price co. Even in the big woods there are more deer than in the last 6 or 7 yrs. I have noticed there are more bucks . Many are little ones but a few are bigger, one , , , is darn near a trophy. It has gotten a lot better. in Price co. Still, not a whole lot in the big woods but might actually see some deer this fall.

We are in Douglass and Washburn for the areas in WI we're hunting. It's been bucks only for 4-5 years. This year there are 600 antlerless permits I think. I didn't apply for one since my son can shoot a buck and doe. We don't need piles of deer. But we'll eat 2.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Hunting has been slow over here. Too hot. Went out early goose opener and got a few. Hunted an Amish farm the next day and came home with some smoked horseradish Munster cheese and some home churned butter! Cheese was great! Hunting, not so much.

My boy and I did the youth duck opener. He got 3 woodies and a bonus teal. All 4 were on the grill for lunch that afternoon. His call. Excellent eats.

Wish I had Dave's skills. Same boy is in driver's training with one more week to go. He's been all over the county and then some; driving with his class. I asked him to unhook the trailer yesterday and pull the truck into the driveway. He got most of it right. Except the part where he drives my truck into my wife's car. That would be the same truck that I just got out of the shop a month ago after someone crunched my front end at Walmart. And the same wife's car that's getting a new windshield Weds from a previous rock hit. So glad I changed to a cheaper insurance last week. This is NOT going to be good. As soon as I regain my composure, I will determine how many decades he's grounded for.

Ahhhh. Can't ground kids for that stuff. He's learning.

Unless he drove it into her car because he was looking at his phone.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Deer season just can't get here fast enough. It's going to be an interesting season. My daughter and her boyfriend want to hunt with us this fall. This just came to light last week, so now the scramble begins to cobbel together gear for the two of them. I had all ready promised my loaner rifle to my son's buddy for this fall, so the weaponry's gonna get a little thin. My daughter's boyfriend will carry my '06 Mauser, Ellie will carry my 20 ga. slug gun. Leaves us with my AR as a backup rifle. I never thought I'd find my self wanting more deer rifles, but times are changing. Now that Ellie's showing interest in hunting, I've got to go pick up a .243 for her. She's never gone with me before, so we'll be doing a bit of woods walking in the next few weeks to somewhat show her the ropes.

I know she's concerned she might not get another chance due to my health issues. I sure hope that's not the case, but I'm sure not going to pass up this opportunity to get her into the woods and make some memories. I get to introduce three new hunters to the shooting sports this fall. How cool is that? I'll be busier than a one legged man in an azz kicking contest this season, and I can't wait.

Let me know if you need something. I have a few that would be available if needed. I have a .44mag single shot Handi Rifle that has a low-power scope on it that is light, short easy to shoot with low recoil and knocks the hell outta deer.

I have an xs7 in 243 with a 2.5-8 on it and an 1894 in 44 magnum with iron sights

Gophergunner, I hope you are ok and hope your health issues dont slow you down too much. I imagine you won't get to Pensylvania this year neither huh? As for me , I am so pressed for time that I hunt just 4-6 miles from home on some public land instead of the 486 miles round trip to my cabin I used to go to. Also, is this the daughter that played softball?

Originally Posted by ihookem

Gophergunner, I hope you are ok and hope your health issues dont slow you down too much. I imagine you won't get to Pensylvania this year neither huh? As for me , I am so pressed for time that I hunt just 4-6 miles from home on some public land instead of the 486 miles round trip to my cabin I used to go to. Also, is this the daughter that played softball?

Sure is, jhookem! She never showed much interest in this, but now wants to go. I just lined up another rifle tonight. A 7mm Mauser. Should be about perfect for her. This gets her out of getting pounded by the shotgun slugs. Thinking about picking up a blind big enough to sit the three of us. I just don't feel comfortable turning them loose without me tagging along. I haven't hunted with someone else in the blind since my son started sitting by himself. This would be a fun experience, and the blind would at least give us a chance of not getting busted by the deer. Pretty tough to have three people sitting together and not get "discovered" by a deer.

A 7mm Mauser you say? Do tell.

The buddy of my son that I lined the rifle up for last fall isn't going to be able to hunt this fall and wants us to use his rifle. 7 mm Spanish Mauser. Nothing pretty-chopped up military stock. Weaver bases and rings and a 3x-9x ???? scope. It shot Privi factory ammo into a 2 inch group the last time he shot it. Good enough for hunting in the woods. Our longest shot would be about 85 yards.

I would maybe pick up a box of federal blue box 140's for that and try them too.

As far as sitting in a blind all 3. I'd find another way if I could. I've done it, and it flat doesn't work. I sit in a blind with 2 still, and i'll give you a few pointers.

As far as sitting in a blind goes, I've had my share over the past 15 years or so from sitting with wives, kids, girlfriends, 2 somewhat hetro-sexual midgets, and one time (just once I promise) a lot lizard.

Here are a few tips...

1)
One gun per blind. Any more than that is not safe. AT ALL! One gun..do you really think you'll have a chance to shoot more than one deer at a time anyway? The odds of that happening are about 0.2%. It may happen once in your life. It won't happen twice. It's crazy enough when a deer is sighted while you're on the ground or in a tree stand. In a blind it's amplified because you're all close together....One gun.

2)
Any noise in the blind like a zipper, velcro, a mildly wet fart, or a shoulder touching the side of the blind will be heard for at least 3 counties. The colder it is, the louder they get and may be heard in further counties.

3)
Try as hard as you can to have 2 instead of 3 in a blind. 2 is hard enough. 3's company.

You'll each have super comfy chairs that Goldilocks herself couldn't complain about, lunches, backpacks, space heaters, sleeping bags, 1-3 cases of Steel City Beer, several bags of Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies, Vaseline, rubber boots, a book of matches, ball gag, tomato paste, a roll of paper towels, a pack or 2 of smokes, crab legs, deer calls, compass, gps, a Bowie knife, 2-5 pocket knives, a skinning knife, a bonning knife, a pearing knife, a switch blade, a lock blade, a drop point knife, a chopping knife, a fillet knife, a buck 501 folding knife, and a spare knife if the others get lost, nun-chucks, throwing stars, hand cuffs, 2 mags, and 3 extra boxes of shells in case it gets real up in here!!

After all that, you guys might be able to get in the blind.

4)
A pee bucket. Or plan to hang it (get as close to the edge of the window for the less gifted) out the window. This is where guessing on the proper amount of clothing to wear becomes VERY important. Too many layers and you're in trouble. Four inches of clothes and 3 inches of wiener... you're getting wet!

Blinds are noisy. Going in and out is noisier yet and add 1 or 2 more people to this and it's a zipper fest. If someone does choose to leave the blind to pee or more importantly, poop, a picture MUST be taken. This is non-negotiable.

Poop and pee pics are standard deer camp practices and this sacred tradition must not be broken. If you are the Pee'r, the proper educate to pose for the picture is to have your dick in one hand (its both hands for me) and give the pic taker the middle finger with the other. If you're the pooper, the pose is double middle fingers. Again, non-negotiable. Make sure you keep your balance for this one. If you're not leaning on a tree or bending over a log, things could get interesting. Remember to check your bibs before you pull them back up.

5)
Wear a hood or hat that is at least somewhat water proof. With the frosty cool November air, and all you hot air, heavy mouth breathing sums of bishes in there... Moisture is going to accumulate on the roof of the blind. This is fine for about 3 drips and then you remember it's someone else's spit. (pass the paper towels) Then you're going to want tear through the roof of the blind, toss your super comfy hunting chair, kick your Tollhouse extra chewy chocolate chip cookies into the air as you scream like a zoo monkey from the Chinese water spit torture that has made your hair and shoulders wet.

6)
This is almost as important as #1. We could have even called it 1a.

The night before the opener, DO NOT eat chili, gas station burritos, canned Vienna sausages, Kraut and polish, smoked salmon, smoked carp, smoked sucker, smoked catfish, smoked sausage, smoked smoke, tuna sub, Grainbelt, Lennie's Oktoberfest, pickled herring, pickled northern, pickled bluegill, pickled walleye, pickled carp, pickled bullhead, pickled spruce grouse, pickled pickles, cabbage soup, garlic bread, or wolf bait.

The foul odor from one of you stinky bastards is bad enough. Can you imagine this all coming out of the top of 3 pairs of blaze orange bibs at the same time? you'll have to add Glade Red Honeysuckle Nectar and Lavender Peach Blossom candles to your gear list.

Cryin here!

Your deer blinds must have been something else Tommy! lmao

Holy [bleep] Tzone you gotta publish that ! lol

My walk from the house to the work shop felt chilly this morning. Looked at the outdoor temp when I got to the shop. 34

That was after 7 AM, sun was climbing. I wonder if it dipped to 32?

That's quite a bit cooler than we had here. It was 42 when I was telling some of the kids they shouldn't wear shorts.

I have a slight urge to rub a coat rack here at the office. A smaller sized one, not ready for the bigger ones yet.

Beautiful cool fall morning today. Got a few sports to get out of the way today. Then we have to do fall lawn/yard care. I hate to say it but I'm putting the oat up today. Sunday will be church and shooting, shooting, shooting. And some deer blind work. WI youth season is next weekend. We'll see if we can get the kids off to an early start.

The woods are starting to look a lot different now. The lower brush is starting to lose the leaves and the deer trails are showing up a lot better because the grass isn't regrowing. Some frosty nights and things will get exciting quickly!

We found a few rubs that popped up. One was a complete wreck job on the tree. If it was one buck, he was really really angry with that tree.

Was at deer camp last weekend. Lots of color and underbrush getting thin so trails starting to show. Saw quite a few tracks and a few rubs. Finally got a couple of cams up so hopefully they are taking pictures as we read this.

On turning north off Mn. 1 onto the FS road we had a wolf run down the road in front of us. Also ran into a couple of grouse, no shotgun...

I told the kids as we were doing cabin road work. "We need to get it done now when it's dry because it's going to start raining and it's not going to stop raining until the rain turns to snow.

That's exactly whats going in right now. We are wet, wet, wet!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Was at deer camp last weekend. Lots of color and underbrush getting thin so trails starting to show. Saw quite a few tracks and a few rubs. Finally got a couple of cams up so hopefully they are taking pictures as we read this.

On turning north off Mn. 1 onto the FS road we had a wolf run down the road in front of us. Also ran into a couple of grouse, no shotgun...

Not having a shotgun along is a guarantee to be covered up in grouse. lol We didn't see any woofs, but we saw plenty of tracks. We were up in WI. Last week at our spot in MN, there were also plenty of woof tracks there as well.

In MN I have only 1 buck on the cam so far.

In WI there are tons. but nothing big. The WI youth deer hunt starts this coming Saturday though, so it would be nice for the kid to pick knock one down.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I told the kids as we were doing cabin road work. "We need to get it done now when it's dry because it's going to start raining and it's not going to stop raining until the rain turns to snow.

That's exactly whats going in right now. We are wet, wet, wet!

Ugh. Hopefully that sucker firms up for deer season.

Got to drive through first snow storm of the year on I80 across Wyoming. We were going to go across Colorado on I70 but it was closed last night and into this morning so we took the northern route. Heading for southern Utah to checkout some of the National Parks.

Last Night in North Platte Ne. we had a monster thunderstorm now today was a day rain and then snow. Wife got to drive the worst section of 80 as the road was ice covered for 50 miles or so.

We had a pretty good storm here last night too. No snow yet though. Dave took care of that. We're not getting any this year.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Heading for southern Utah to checkout some of the National Parks.

Nice! Which ones?

We arrived at Bryce Canyon about 1:30 this afternoon. Plan on a few day here and then Zion and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and whatever else sounds good.

Out of all the national parks in Utah, Bryce is easily my favorite followed by Zions. And you can never go wrong with the Grand Canyon. That sounds like an awesome trip.

I'll be just outside of Bryce next week, but for a different reason. Antelope is on the menu.

One of these days I'll get out there for that.

Hard frost this morning up nort.

Ugh! we need one. It's 50* this morning. There are some deer starting to show up dead on the side of the road now. One about 200' feet from our house. Of course all the kids had to run down and check it out.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hard frost this morning up nort.

Ya, us too !

Feels like time to get excited !

heck I'm still walleye fishin, picked up 4 last night 16-21", great eaters.

Ryan....are you doing any scouting in CSP lately?

First deer camp of the season coming up. WI youth deer hunt. If he gets one, it looks like Jr is going to get a lesson in skinning deer. It's pretty warm! 50's and 60's. During the day. Mid 40's at night.

Good luck to you guys Tzone. My daughter is going 2nd week for rifle this year. She's pretty excited.

Back from my goat and moose trip. Got within 80-180 yards of 3 differ bull moose but were to small to shoot.Was really warm, moose were around but lying low for the most part. Saw lots of goats. Ended up wounding a goat, looked all over for the bugger. Saw it one more time then it gave us the slip. Goats are hard to kill holy cow there tough.

Was my first time goat hunting. It was the most physically and mental hunt ive ever done. I was on the verge of this isnt fun anymore,and at times why am i paying for this. It's hard to explain unless you've actually goat hunted before.I had an idea what the hiking would be like.Trained all summer,and all that went out the window in the first 20 minutes. LOL... Going to be awhile before i start thinking of chasing thee old Billy around.

Had good food, great guide. Our little cabin was on a glacier lake with 14-17" Rainbow's.Every cast pretty much had a trout on.

My buddy got a goat and moose. Super pumped for moose meat.

All and all was a great trip. I'll try and post some pics when i get some time.

Mmmm moose meat! And Moses soup! Lol.

How old is your daughter? She'll have a blast! It sounds like jack may not miss mn deer season. His pheasant hunt may not work out. It was a beautiful day in the north woods today. Took the new wheeler for a 25 mile rip. So there's 25.3 miles on it now.

Wow photobucket didnt take 5 days to download.

Buddy has more pics, he's in Wy chasing speed goats.

Maybe you should have been hunting Buffalo.

Buffalo is on the bucket list.

My daughter is 12.

Bought her Ruger American compact .308 using Hornady custom lite for bullets. Crazy how much less recoil there is..

What brand of wheeler did you buy?

My boy has Ruger American compact .223. We love this rifle. He's outgrown the compact stick tho and needs to upgrade to the full sized stock. Which will make a sweet little rifle.

I got a can-am outlander 450 dps. I had my mind set on the new Yamaha kodiak 450eps but they couldn't get one for about a month, and the can-am was $1200 less. That gave me some room to but goodies for it.

I can't believe how smooth it rides! It's not quite as plush as a Polaris, but it's close. But it's worlds apart from the tank like ride of the foreman 450 I have. That one is now for the kids that dont seem to be bothered by bad backs and shoulders.

wow those are awesome photos noduck.

Well...he not only didnt get a deer. There were none sighted from the woods. Kind of weird for this area, but jack needed that.

last year he saw at least one deer EVERY time he sat. I kept telling him, it's not always like this. Lol.

We had fun and it was a beautiful weekend in the woods!

Had our northern opener of duck season Sat. Got me and the boy up at 3:30 to hit the road north. About halfway there I remembered that I forgot the dang killswitch cord. We stop at every gas station that's open and finally found one. Might as well get breakfast at McDonalds - they're open. We order some food and 10 minutes later the gal says the fryer isn't working so no hash browns - want a couple sandwiches instead? Sure! I have an egg mcmuffin and the boy has 4 sausage mcmuffins. Damn.

Launched the boat at 5am in driving rain that never let up all day. Couple that with small craft advisorys and things were a little sporty. I chose a drowned rivermouth marsh to set-up in. As soon as we had decoys deployed, some yahoo motors in and cuts the engine and asks what we're doing there. Uh, hunting...you? Some dudes... If he didn't have the attitude I probably would have asked him to join us. Oh well.

Too dark to see at hours and we have birds all over us. Wind is really picking up now and the rain is sideways. We get some shooting but it is futile. It's like hitting a feather in a hurricane. I wear glasses and can't look into the wind otherwise I'm blind with raindrops. I screw the pooch on a 4some of geese trying to change out loads - the boy was waiting for me to call the ball and I'm fumbling about with an empty gun. Smooth.

We finally put one down and the boy is looking sort of white and fidgeting in his waders. What's wrong? I don't think those sausage mcmuffins are sitting to well with me. Dude, there's no tp in the boat and no dry land for a mile. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is it? 8. So we pick up the dekes in record time and I violate the no-wake rule.

While junior is violating the outhouse at the launch, I figured I'd get the boat on the trailer. Backing it up to the ramp I notice one of my tires wobbling like a drunk on payday. Uh oh. I put the boat on and pull her out. Yep, blew a wheel bearing. No tools, no store, in the middle of nowhere. Drop the trailer and head towards town. 4 hours and a hundo later I'm back on the road after changing the bearing in the mud and driving rain.

Sunday I slept in. The boy, who's still grounded for his driving escapades, is eating dry toast and chicken broth with an occasional Immodium.

The tally? 1 drake woody yielding 2 oz of breast meat. I figure it at roughly $2000 per pound, conservatively.

Haha! That sounds about like my hunts!
You bought a beating for $100? Or did you have to get an axle?

I can raise my hand to guilty as charged on that deal. About 5 years ago on after backing into the driveway from chickenbuck, I noticed my wheel wobbling as well. Same issue. Except, it got so hot it welded itself to the axle. I had to buy a new one.

Bearing, grease, new dust caps, cheap hammer- flat screw driver-channel locks-and emory cloth, along with towels and degreaser. $100 is pretty cheap I guess. Another guy stopped by and said he would've had to have it flat bedded to a mechanic -ouch!

The spindle is a mess. I cleaned it up with the emory cloth as much as I could. I greased her up pretty good. It was cool to the touch after an hour on the road. Winter project coming up for replacement.

I ALWAYS carry a tool box. It was a quick decision to go and clearly I forgot some critical items...I blame it on old age or the 80's. I borrowed a bearing puller from the autoshop -had to run back into town to give that back. I think it was raining so hard on the way up that I didn't feel it going. At least that's my story.

Originally Posted by noduck

Wow photobucket didnt take 5 days to download.

Buddy has more pics, he's in Wy chasing speed goats.

All I see is the gray boxes telling me to update my account.

Me too Big Jelly. You could see them when he first posted em.

It was nice and chilly this morning. Good frost on the windshield. Hopefully, we can get another tonight and knock the hell out of the allergies.

Winterizing the boat today. Getting the summer toys all out up for fall and maybe even getting some hunting gear ready. Big maybe on that though. Lol

Originally Posted by j_elky

Ryan....are you doing any scouting in CSP lately?

I haven't yet, but I have some good leads from folks who had elk tags this year and some folks I know there. I heard there's a nice 7x7 in one spot, and a valley where there are 2 B&C bucks in another spot. I've heard lots of reports of bigger bucks up north but that's a long ways to drive if I can find deer more in the middle or south portions. lots of good bucks out there for sure. I still have over a month before I can rifle hunt and the rut falls in between there as well. I'll get some more scouting in as we get closer. I have 2 other rifle tags to fill before then

first wood stove fire of the year at camp.

[Linked Image]

Nathan's first archery deer.

[Linked Image]

Joey got some grouse over the weekend.

[Linked Image]

Most excellent!

Good Job Bringing in the Game Guys!

Well done boys !! (All 3)

Smiling like heck here.

Way to go Nathan and Joey!!!!

The Shaws will eat well!!

Originally Posted by mmgravy

The Shaws will eat well!!

You think they won't!

We have a pile of things to do for the MEA weekend.

Tomorrow I'm hauling up my monkeys and my step-daughter to ride some wheelers and have a late lunch with my mom. Then Friday me and the mini man, who's not so mini anymore, are headed up north of Duluth to try to find the main ingredient for grouse noodle soup. Yep...we're headed up to buy noodles.

Hi! WTF is 3rd party hosting?

This thread needs to be erased in its entirety.

What's wrong with you? Why would you say that?

Originally Posted by 4_S_ter

Hi! WTF is 3rd party hosting?

photobucket screwed everyone over.

Good morning Dave, I have not seen you post much up on the freak show?

Dave, I think I remember you & Crossfire talked metal fabricating quite a bit ?

RIP Greg, the Campfire is diminished again !

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Good morning Dave, I have not seen you post much up on the freak show?

Hi wabi, no I don't have time for that mess. I did post a soup recipe for you though.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave, I think I remember you & Crossfire talked metal fabricating quite a bit ?

RIP Greg, the Campfire is diminished again !

Yes you are right, I will miss him. He sent me some brass welding backer plates, the value of those plates just went up in my mind. I will think of him every time I used them.

Live report from the deer stand. Joey and I are huddled inside Pam's elevated shooting blind. The wind holds a steady 60 mph with gusts up to 382 mph.
We have seen a few tumble-deer blow through like tumble weeds, didn't feel right about shooting them tho.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Live report from the deer stand. Joey and I are huddled inside Pam's elevated shooting blind. The wind holds a steady 60 mph with gusts up to 382 mph.
We have seen a few tumble-deer blow through like tumble weeds, didn't feel right about shooting them tho.

HA!

Classic!!

Thanks for the chuckle!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Live report from the deer stand. Joey and I are huddled inside Pam's elevated shooting blind. The wind holds a steady 60 mph with gusts up to 382 mph.
We have seen a few tumble-deer blow through like tumble weeds, didn't feel right about shooting them tho.

Is that a seperate tag for those up there? Or just on the general license?

Originally Posted by tzone

What's wrong with you? Why would you say that?

Trying to breathe new life into it. No harm meant.

It's deer season. It'll fire back up.

I'm not coming on here much any more. Just wanted to wish good luck to all the Minnesota boys, especially the Chickenbuckers. Stay safe folks.

Wind is a fascinating thing. It's just air, moving about with violent force. I can't see it, but it moves, it bends and breaks things, tumbles and rolls things.

Wonderful stuff.

Thanks nature, thanks for this pissed off air. It's super neat.

Lol

Lol. We had rain and thunderstorms yesterday. Lots and lots of rain. We even got to break out the tow strap today. After 1,734 inches of rain, one of the guys Tahoe sunk to the frame.

still dry up here, and the air is still angry at everything. Fast moving air.

Zero deer killed or even seen in youth deer season.

29 degrees this morning.

40 here this morning. Not for long tho. 36 for a high on Friday. Maybe even some snow!

Bring it !

Gun season opens start Saturday.

Need more meat.

[Linked Image]

Ours starts in 2 Saturdays. Woooo looo looo loo

Report from south of I-40

Front stuffer season starts this Saturday . We should get our first freeze of the fall according to the weather guestamater . The last two years we have had so many acorns the deer didn't move much at all. This year is a different story . No acorns to speak of but the grass is pecker high to giraffe . I'm hoping the land owner will start brush hogging soon or its gonna be close shooting and fast . Have some great trail cam pics one old buck with a smallish drop tine . I've been saving him for my wife , She will hunt this weekend for the first time this year . In the evenings we will take the grandson who rules this house . He does pretty good as long as I slip him enough candy to knock him out ! I have my lucky Chicken Buck hat from Mr. Stan so we will see !

Good luck Mr Muley !!

its snowing.

Dave, we've got about 3 inches up here, so far.

Trans Canada highway closed from 100km west of Thunder Bay to Dryden !

Still coming down. They say 8-9 inches total. Due to clear Friday & below 0*C for the weekend.

Perfect for rifle opener Saturday !

No luck for Joey yet ?

Snow is even supposed to come down this far tomorrow. Up to 3". I don't think it will stick for the week, but it might where we're going to be hunting.

Okay starting to get excited about opener. Was looking at the 10day forecast. Looking good compared to the jungle inferno over MEA. ND was spot on with the wind.

Got a little snow on the pumpkins this morning Noduck!!!

This does NOT help my concentration!

Yesterday morning;

[Linked Image]

This morning;

[Linked Image]

Rock on Saturday !

Snow cones tonight Paul?

Well it has been awhile since I have been on and I just got caught up! Seems like there is a deer season coming up, eh? 2 posts of note: Nice buck Nate and Tom that was an epic post on tips for sitting in a blind! Well done.

My fall has been one for the ages. A fall of firsts. I will try and keep it short.....

1. Youth Outdoor Activity Day in late August drew 2,180 kids. the most ever. No issues whatsoever.

2. Archery Elk hunting in SW Montana in mid-Sept. Or I should say December. We survived 2 dumpings of snow and for the week it totaled about 20 inches or more. The grizzlies were extremely active prior to our trip including a mauling less than a mile from where we were hunting most of the week. But we went 2 for 4. I shot a bull and two of my buddies shot a bull. nothing huge, but any elk with bow is a trophy in my book.

3. now the firsts start. Brought one of my sons out for Youth Waterfowl Opener. His first time hunting ever at 9 years old. After the first 10 shots (none of which even scared a duck) he turns to me with the quote of the year, "Dad! This is SOOOO FUN!" Lo and behold, about 5 shots later, a duck falls from the sky. My son looked like a bobblehead on steriods he was so excited. My yellow lab makes her first duck retrieve in the water. He is so proud of his first duck (a green winged teal).

4. Same son shoots his first goose this year field hunting. And it is banded. What are the odds of that?

5. Apparently not as rare as you think. My other son shoots his first goose. No band. But his second goose? Banded. I have never shot a banded goose. I am not bringing a gun with this year so I can concentrate on helping the boys.

6. Youth Pheasant Day in ND results in my daughter shooting her first rooster. Lots of smiles.

7. Oh no, we aren't done with firsts yet. The daughter and I went out antelope hunting. She is 13 and I only control her life for a few more years so I just decided to do it. Never hunted them myself, didn't have a place, just made it happen. She shot a young buck on Day 1! Antelope on public land were extremely hard to come by so she decided to fill her tag right away. I waited and ended up with a 72 2/8 beautiful buck with deep curls.

Deer hunting excitement is filling the air here too. Nice to catch up and I hope everyone has a fun, safe deer season. Remember to be extra careful climbing into those stands!

What's all the white stuff on those cars..Must of been one of those chemical spill's ya hear about and they sprayed that foam stuff all over the place eh. No way is that snow.

Berettaman awesome fall you are having. Congrats on the elk with a bow not a easy task.

It's fun to see the kids enjoying the outdoors.

Dave,
did you see this one on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SAVAGE-99-C-CD-CE-magazine-clip-243-308-250-3000-7mm-08/232525227338?hash=item362395654a:g:8sYAAOSw23lZst~P

BM,
Sounds like you have the fall dialed in!! Lots of tasty treats in the BM house this year. I have been pretty swamped with work this year and haven been out as much chasing the birds.

We hope to get at least one deer in the freezer in the next few weeks. But if we don't we're going to have fun not doing it.

Now that is quite a fall already BM! Congrats to all!!!!

Originally Posted by mule1

Report from south of I-40

. . . The last two years we have had so many acorns the deer didn't move much at all. This year is a different story . No acorns to speak of .
. .

Not sure where in OK you live, but in central OK this has been a bumper year for acorns.

So, I don't know what's up, but took my brother and his two daughters to the range in Mound yesterday at around noon. They are both borrowing rifles and wanted to shoot 'em one more time before rifle season.

There was nobody at the range but us. Not one other person. The weekend before opener.

Considering last weekend we had to wait for a lane, it was kinda odd.

That is weird! But I have been at the range all summer/fall working up loads and such. It was not very often I had company.

Have a beer for alucas tonight fellas. 10 years.

Will do Tommy !

Opening weekend report from Nort ob da border.

Lots of wet snow & below 0* (26-32*) all weekend.

More deer seen than I can ever remember.

Saturday evening Joe's season ended when he filled his only tag with a big bulky fork horn.

[Linked Image]

Deb decided to punch her doe tag Sunday morning, after seeing at least 15 different does in her 10 hours on stand on Saturday. 'nother nice fat one !

[Linked Image]

Lots of tasty treats there!! Congrats!

Nice! Congrats Paul and company.

Originally Posted by OrangeOkie

Originally Posted by mule1

Report from south of I-40

. . . The last two years we have had so many acorns the deer didn't move much at all. This year is a different story . No acorns to speak of .
. .

Not sure where in OK you live, but in central OK this has been a bumper year for acorns.

Ada area . There are very few around here and most of them are wormy . One of my coworkers hunts around Centralhoma and the have a few on the creek bottoms .

Dang I would be a solid block of frozen crap in those temps for ten hours !

Originally Posted by tzone

Have a beer for alucas tonight fellas. 10 years.

For Lucas. <glass clink>

Nice deers Paul & Deb. Opening day deer heart I assume?

I had a chance to sight in a buddy's Ruger bolt 450 Bushmaster. Straight wall cartridge that hits like a ton of bricks. Threw some Hornady LeverRevolutuons at some 100 yard paper. She held a nice 1" group. Left it at 1.5" high at 12 o'clock. Really impressed with that gun. The southern part of our state used to be no rifles, shotgun only -- this is a game changer. This gun I'd hold dead on at 200. Very little noticeable kick.

Not sure if I'll get out for opener unless the Mrs. health is good. Had a softball size tumor taken out last Monday. Oral chemo for 3 years is supposed to take care of any stragglers. I got her home Sat and she won't sit still. Already talkin' about redoing the place. I can tell she's feeling better.

Thanks for that update, glad to hear things went well.

my first gun season of the year (black hills) opens tomorrow, I will be up in north dakota helping with a bison roundup all week. so much for taking a vacation

I'll have about a week before my regular gun season opens (west river). and I need to get mama on some deer too. neighbor said they seen a huge mulie in the canyon mama will be sitting on opener, so she may have a crack at him. Haven't had time to go with the bow, been too busy with work, that needs to quit and soon. had 4 bucks in the backyard yesterday pestering the does. getting close boys!

Originally Posted by mule1

Dang I would be a solid block of frozen crap in those temps for ten hours !

Actually, we set up correctly & are very cozy !

Not yet, had a slow cooker on all day cooking the last, of last seasons deer shanks.

Fall off the bone, lip smacking goodness.

Kept both hearts & the liver outta Deb's doe. Gunna give da "liber" a try !

I'm glad you got her home and recovering! That's a big first step man. Very glad!

I looked at a Ruger American in the .450 Bushmaster. It was pretty cool. It balanced really well.

doesn't anyone have the deer fever? Man, we used to light up this thread the week before deer opener. Maybe nobody is going deer hunting, did you all quit? Say it ain't so! Was Camp Chickenbuck sold? Name changed to Camp Chickenbowling?

My daughter has the fever, no doubt about that. We got an inch of snow today and more on the way for Friday so that gets me in the mood as well (for deer hunting).

snort snort
scrape scrape

Yah we got dat fever up here eh.

Stupid work has been horrendous. I've worked about 13 days in a row. I'm pretty excited for the break, let alone deer hunting. I may take a few weeks off when the baby comes tho.

I have camp Isabella loaded up in two trucks and the stands on a trailer. We will be heading up in the morning.

Sounds like we will have to shovel snow to put the tents.

Good hunting to all. I will post from camp if I have service.

You Mannysoda boys take some pics of camp life for those of us who may be watching from the sidelines this year. Good luck to all!

fer sure yewbetcha.

We got more snow overnight, I can't remember the last time we had full snow coverage for opener in MN.

This is awesome!

leaving tonite for "camp".
ill report in when we connect, if we do.

I'll be leaving Friday morning heading up nort. Listening to Shad Rapp. Lol.

I'll be dreaming of the thrity pointer tomm night.

Good luck to all. And be safe.

Leaving at 0600. No snow here but it sounds like we will have woke up north eh? Dats a deer camp hey!

we have snow on the ground here in area 172.
not much,but enough to make it mostly white.

Whipholt wahoo where in 172 will you be hunting? Our group hunts by Wabedo Lake on the south side.

Our group has been hunting the same public land since the 50's.

Good luck all ya Minny soda cans !!

Meat pole pics, or it didn't happen.

213 here. Going up to get our "camp" set up which is an outbuilding on my uncles farm. Will be sleeping in my own bed and driving 23 miles to our land. I hunt a 50 acre hardwood surrounded on most of of three sides by corn and swamp on the rest. Good and bad on that corn. It will hold the deer, but it will hold the deer. I need ol' Mossyhorns to slip out of the corn for a spin around the woods to look for a doe....

My daughter will be hunting out a her stand in the swamp with a corn food plot out front. If the corn fields are picked, hers will be dynamite. There are deer there all the time and I fully expect to have to help her gut one out about 8:30 am on opening morning!

Good luck and be safe everyone!

Hey Paul, we dont often take meat pole pics anyore. Would you settle for an in-the-field pic?

Originally Posted by noduck

Whipholt wahoo where in 172 will you be hunting? Our group hunts by Wabedo Lake on the south side.

Our group has been hunting the same public land since the 50's.

i hunt near whipholt, about 15 miles from wabedo.

Yes Sir B-Man,

Any & all "smilin'" in field photos are good !!!

They are all trophies.

off and running!
good luck guys

scored two, fork and a spike,230 and three in the afternoon.
6.5 creedmore worked long range, about 30 feet

I survived the drive, and burned my bonus doe tag in the am.

Time to find Buckzilla!

Shot an 8 opening morning on my way to the stand after a half hour of getting looked at but not busted by the half dozen deer with him.

When we have a bad hunt I always say the hunting was good, but the shooting sucked. This year, the hunting was good, and so was the shooting. Our newbie, Mike borrowed a rifle off of me. Sorry guys, but it was a .270! He scored first on a nice 8 pt. at about 9 a.m. My son called me on the phone to come help them, as neither had ever gutted a deer. I rounded up my gear and headed for the truck. Got to the truck and started putting my stuff in the truck. Looked down the trail I'm on, and there's a deer grazing on the side of the trail. One shot from the Savage and she was down. Unloaded the rifle, put it in the case and drove down to retrieve the deer. Pulled up to the deer and another one goes bounding into the woods. Started getting my stuff ready to gut the deer. I look up through the windshield, and there' s a deer standing in the trail. I very slowly retrieve the rifle from the case, and grab for a shell. Of course, the first shell I grab is the empty from shooting the first deer. I grab another shell, slowly load the gun, and step to the side of the truck. Gun goes off, and the deer bolts off the trail. My son is walking my way by now to help me gut the first deer. As I see him coming, I tell him to check where I shot at the second deer, as I wasn't sure if I hit it or not. He says he's got blood. I tell him to go after that one. By then he had unloaded his rifle, and quickly put a shell back in. It jumped up in front of him, and he missed it and ended up finishing it off with his Glock. A wild morning. Three deer down and out of the woods by 11:00. We had a great time.

Good morning fellers! 5 degrees F here this morning! Good old fashioned winter deer season!!

Here are a couple of random pics from deer camp this year.

[Linked Image]

Sorry, I'm still getting used to this new photo hosting and its clumsy for me.

Here's my opening morning look. No, I did not fall in the snow or get in a snowball fight. You can tell which side the snow was coming from though, lol.

I may look grumpy but I assure you, I was in heaven, loving it.

[Linked Image]

ribs and vegetables saturday night!

[Linked Image]

Pam shot at and clean missed a little buck sunday morning. Sunday afternoon I watched 4 deer under my stand, I let them all walk as they were headed for a stand that Joey was in. Unfortunately that didn't work out either, they veered off before they stepped into sight for him. 2 does, 2 fawns.

Great opener, looking forward to an early start this coming weekend.

Dave& the Shaw crew had a most excellent weekend @ ChickeBuck, looks like !!

Couple of nice bucks on camera, potential to score some meat & live, day time deer sightings to get the adrenalin pumping!

Dem ribses look REAL good.

Well, we made some more meat on Sunday !

[Linked Image]

Two perfect eating deer. Man, they're in great condition this year.

Happy days. I guess we are butchering again on Friday night !

Funny how every year is different. The corn is in and that has sure changed some things both good and bad. First the good: our group saw a lot of deer . A lot. Bad: no medium or big bucks until last night (we will get to that story!). I think the bigger bucks were in the corn. Sure fun watching deer though. Now the big buck story:

My daughter is sitting on her stand and a BIG buck comes out across the road in a hay field. She watches it for 30 minutes and the dumb thing crosses the road and into the grass field in front of her. her luck holds and it angles right towards her. For 300+ yards, it keeps coming on a string right to the front of her stand! It is in the tall grass and she cannot get a shot until it clears a last willow bush. 10 yards to go and it is steadily walking. At this point, lady luck deserts my daughter and kicks her in the shins. An unseen doe is standing in the food plot and decides to charge the buck and goes whistling right by him. He, of course, turns and follows. That there is some really bad luck. I bet I have seen hundreds of buck/doe interactions and I have never seen a doe run AT a buck. Never. Does are chasees, not chargers. They stay still or they run away.
Those are the two choices that does have. Running at a buck is not part of the game.

My daughter is really mad at that doe. That doe, or really any doe, is gonna pay for that action with their life. Probably tonight. But the daughter has got the big buck fever now. how big was this buck? She watched it for 45 minutes. I have all my racks on the garage wall. Based on her viewing them and commenting on each tine, this was a bruiser. 150"+. Ah, the big ones that got away, huh? Pretty fun to see the raw emotion in her.

Congrats to all of the successful hunters! Looks like some good eatin' on the way this winter! Good luck to those still out hunting. May lady luck not desert you in your time of need!

Congrats Paul and company! Good story B-man!

Cheers Dave,

Hoping you & the ChickenBuckers score some more yet too !

It's great to hunt with your family & friends. I work harder to make sure the others succeed, before getting to serious myself.

Psst; did you use the shame stick, last weekend ?

Or were you concerned about your future sleeping arrangements !

OutFreakin'Standing!!!! Now that's a deer camp! Sorry Ma missed and Joey didn't get the shot, but the season is early and ChickenBuck is alive with activity. Good things are sure to come. Keep the camera rolling.

As an aside, 5* is a bit sporty, even for us Northerners.

Yer gonna need a bigger freezer! Nice problem to have, lol.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Cheers Dave,

Hoping you & the ChickenBuckers score some more yet too !

It's great to hunt with your family & friends. I work harder to make sure the others succeed, before getting to serious myself.

Psst; did you use the shame stick, last weekend ?

Or were you concerned about your future sleeping arrangements !

I have a double shaming to perform. Young Joseph got down from his stand in pursuit of the 4 deer that I let walk his direction. He jumped them and took a shot at a running doe.... and missed. lol

Pam and Joey both have a shaming coming.

Absence of degrees this AM. Zero degrees F

A view from my winter endurance testing station.

As a person that has been shamed with the stick of shame, it is not to be taken lightly. One feels shame for several years after being touched. It affects your daily life and makes one reflect on how to improve.

Heck, I made being shamed over a missed shot into a profession and an art form!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Started getting my stuff ready to gut the deer. I look up through the windshield, and there' s a deer standing in the trail. I very slowly retrieve the rifle from the case, and grab for a shell. Of course, the first shell I grab is the empty from shooting the first deer. I grab another shell, slowly load the gun, and step to the side of the truck. Gun goes off, and the deer bolts off the trail. My son is walking my way by now to help me gut the first deer. As I see him coming, I tell him to check where I shot at the second deer, as I wasn't sure if I hit it or not. He says he's got blood. I tell him to go after that one.

Sooooo, you knew the lad was coming and you shot down the trail he'd be traveling?

Dave Sir ! You are tougher than wood pecker lips !

Just got back into town. Our group has seen lots of small does this year, waiting for something bigger.

Heading up again on Thursday with my daughter.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Started getting my stuff ready to gut the deer. I look up through the windshield, and there' s a deer standing in the trail. I very slowly retrieve the rifle from the case, and grab for a shell. Of course, the first shell I grab is the empty from shooting the first deer. I grab another shell, slowly load the gun, and step to the side of the truck. Gun goes off, and the deer bolts off the trail. My son is walking my way by now to help me gut the first deer. As I see him coming, I tell him to check where I shot at the second deer, as I wasn't sure if I hit it or not. He says he's got blood. I tell him to go after that one.

Sooooo, you knew the lad was coming and you shot down the trail he'd be traveling?

No Skane-the deer walked out behind me on the trail I'd just walked out on, not the one my son was coming from. How I walked by that deer and neither one of us saw each other is weird, but that's what happened.

I have nine degrees this AM.

We plan to head back to camp Thursday after work. Hunt friday, saturday, sunday.

Bewty Mate, hoping you have a great time together !!

& good eats.

& coupla adult libations.

& Pam & lil Joe make amends.

& you, you handsome bugger, do what you do best !

We are headed to my buddys shack for a kids weekend. We usually do it every year on the second weekend. Buddy and the kids, including mine will head up thursday night. I won't be there until Saturday. Hopefully, they'll have one hanging when I get there so I don't have to hunt.

Brought this one home from Camp Handwerk in northern MN on Monday.

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Great buck Skane! Looks like a MN buck with that thick neck.

My daughter had another big buck experience on Monday night. This one wasnt nearly as big, but still big. It walked into her corn food plot from the opposite side and....and....and....nothing. Disappeared. She walked out to the truck mad again! I had to turn away cuz I was chuckling so hard.

Corn comes out on Thursday. This might turn into a goat rodeo this weekend!

Congrats, That's a nice buck anywhere, but especially on the range where they eat rocks and red willows to survive. No corn fields, no big feed piles or agricultural fields to time "feed time" and sit and wait for them to come out into the wide open. No sir, that's timber hunting and it doesn't get any more fair chase than that in my opinion.

There's a little extra something about that particular feather in your hat.

* Nothing wrong with fields, corn plots, feeders etc. I'm just saying, it's a step closer to a caveman hunting with a rock and a sharp stick.

It's all cool, just a different cool. (which I happen to be quite fond of) lol

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Great buck Skane! Looks like a MN buck with that thick neck.

My daughter had another big buck experience on Monday night. This one wasnt nearly as big, but still big. It walked into her corn food plot from the opposite side and....and....and....nothing. Disappeared. She walked out to the truck mad again! I had to turn away cuz I was chuckling so hard.

Corn comes out on Thursday. This might turn into a goat rodeo this weekend!

Thanks.
I feel sorry for the buck that allows your daughter to get a bullet in him - with her recent frustration, she's likely not going to stop hammering him until the mag is empty.

Excellent buck SKane! Care to share some details on the shooting iron?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Congrats, That's a nice buck anywhere, but especially on the range where they eat rocks and red willows to survive. No corn fields, no big feed piles or agricultural fields to time "feed time" and sit and wait for them to come out into the wide open. No sir, that's timber hunting and it doesn't get any more fair chase than that in my opinion.

There's a little extra something about that particular feather in your hat.

Dave, my buddy Justin that came up with us said the same thing. He's only hunted around the TC Metro area. He said "ANY deer someone gets up here is a trophy. There is nothing like hunting up here." Beating them at their own game up in this part of the state is a huge draw to me. I don't get one every year. Not even close. But I'm happy with every one of them!

Great bush buck Scott !

So, this year didn't suck where we hunt. We also added a little trailer to our toolbox, and it fits into the shop doors from my garage, making things a lot easier. We came home yesterday, leaving around noon, drove 3 hours, and had all 4 deer skinned and quartered by 7pm.

My selfie Tuesday morning after getting a big-bodied 8:

Loading up to come home:

Dinner Saturday night:

A pic of the 8 (used a 6920, handloaded ttsx, SS 1-4x):

Arriving home to process:

Being lazy and backing the trailer into the shop:

Old forky going up. We tried ass up and ass down. Don't really see a difference, and it kinda made the whole bich'n about it on the internet seem humorous to me:

And, me posing with the deer head showing off my vintage Chickenbuck sweatshirt:

Oh, and a last one of the big 8. For reference, I am 6' 190:

Great stuff Goalie !

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

hahahaha! success with great pictures!

Congrads Nice bucks! our rifle season opens a week from today!

goalie, lots of good eats there, congrats.

Originally Posted by SKane

goalie, lots of good eats there, congrats.

Thanks. He doesn't look quite as big as yours but he had a huge neck.

And, good job to everyone who went out and hunted.

It isn't about antlers or size, it's about making memories. (But antlers don't suck)

Nice work goalie!

Great eating there. We are behind the 8-ball here. We are down to 3 packages of venni. Time to make meat!

I have that same trailer David. I have used the hell out of it. It even fits down the logging roads most of the time. lol I pull it behind one of the wheelers.

I got another wheeler so I also got a new trailer. I use that little one so much around the yard that I haven't sold it yet. I still may just to free up space. It's not worth much anymore, but what the heck, it's earned it's keep!

Congrats on a fine season!

Great bucks Goalie! Any up north deer is certainly a trophy in my mind. And a thought on trailers......they are kinda like guns. I dont think it is possible to have too many trailers.

Taking today off and will be hunting most of Fri-Sun. My daughter has an orchestra concert tonight and is mad she cannot go even the score with some buck. This might be the funniest deer season on record for me! Dadgum it, she is still mad at dem deers!

true on the trailers. we just picked up an enclosed 24' car trailer for the business and i could use another... lol!

they are like portable single car garages!

-4 degrees this morning!!

Good luck to you all again! water is getting harder!

Boned out 4 deer today. Holy Hannah we have a lot of venison!

I scored on a buck Friday morning at 8:30. It was just a 6 point rack but nice sized body. It was the only deer I've seen while hunting my spots this season.

Congrats to all the successful hunters!

Stay safe!

Well, my girl is doing better. She wants to go to work Monday and wants me in deer camp - some normalcy in her life. I'm kinda half in the hunt - worried I guess, but it's what we we've been doing for the past 26 years. Our opener is always the 15th, my birthday is the 14th and I've never been with her for my birthday since I've known her - that tradition and normalcy in her life is what she wants right now.

The old Winny Model 100 seems like a good choice given the timing of this hunt. So I sent some 165gr 308 Federal Fusions down range today. 1.75". Acceptable. Truck is packed and pointed north.

Good luck to all! I feel like the luckiest guy in the world - hunt or no.

Good on ya Jim! That's perseverance.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Well, my girl is doing better. She wants to go to work Monday and wants me in deer camp - some normalcy in her life. I'm kinda half in the hunt - worried I guess, but it's what we we've been doing for the past 26 years. Our opener is always the 15th, my birthday is the 14th and I've never been with her for my birthday since I've known her - that tradition and normalcy in her life is what she wants right now.

The old Winny Model 100 seems like a good choice given the timing of this hunt. So I sent some 165gr 308 Federal Fusions down range today. 1.75". Acceptable. Truck is packed and pointed north.

Good luck to all! I feel like the luckiest guy in the world - hunt or no.

Steve,

I just found your last update on Beth. That is great news! I've been thinking about you guys. Hope you shoot a big one early and go home and wrap your arm around her while you look at it hanging in the garage.

We had a small camp for second weekend of 2017 deer camp but lots of fun. Pam, Joey and I headed to camp with Allis Chalmers the bloodhound and eener the super deer camp wiener dog on Thursday night last week.

We rolled in a bit after dark, temp was drifting between -7 to -10. We lit the wood stove in the cold cabin in the woods and kicked off the long weekend with a visit from buschpilot and our friend Les. Great time, lots of laughs and a couple of games of Hammershlagen were played. We had venison steak sandwiches that night and Friday morning the 3 hunters hit the woods.

I must say, I am not disappointed or feeling down about our hunting this year, I have been seeing legal deer and I have certainly had my opportunities. We have the choice to shoot antlerless if we choose this year. I have passed on about 5 so far, which is fun for me.

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^^that's hard to pull off without being busted, would have been easier to just shoot her, lol.^^

my view without deer.

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With deer

I had two missed deer shamings to perform, we took care of that.

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This is a deer that we have been calling "Eliot".

[Linked Image]

By Sunday morning we had all developed a bit of an itchy trigger finger. A feller like Eliot was not exactly safe to go roaming about.

A single shot fired from Missy's stand just before 9AM.

Eliot down.

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draggin...

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And taggin

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Most excellent!!

Sooooo glad to see deer making a comeback up there. With the country being like it is, they should be everywhere!

I know two guys that miss chickenbuck very much! Same two guys were happy to see these pics last night!

Great stuff Dave & team ChickenBuck !!

Elliot looks damned tasty.

Congratulations Missy.

That trail, in the photos, sure is "pounded". Someone's going to score there if enough time is spent !

Well I got super lucky on Friday night. 20 minutes after getting to my stand, I had this guy come walking down my shooting lane. We have had him on trail cam all year. My brother saw him get shot at last weekend. This is the biggest buck I have ever shot and as you sit and look at him he just keeps growing! For those of you interested in numbers, he scored 149 (147 as an 8 pointer). His G2 is over 12". he is 19" wide (inside) and weighed 205 field dressed.

[Linked Image]

Well done Berettaman!!! great buck!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

11 pointer!

is that muffy

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

is that muffy

yep

that's an awesome buck, congratulations!

Originally Posted by SKane

Well done Berettaman!!! great buck!

+1 !

Awesome.

Originally Posted by SKane

Originally Posted by northern_dave

11 pointer!

ROR !

11 pointers make the best eating !

Niiiiiiice!

Camp Isabella report.

This is the year the camp wasn't.

Once we left highway 1 heading up the forest road we had to cut about 8 trees out of the road to get to camp. Then we spent a good amount of time shoveling snow to put up the tents. Once tents were up setting them up with gear took the rest of the day and half the next.

Day two, Friday, was spent trying to get stands up. It was a no go, snow took down so many trees we couldn't get to the stand locations. I hunted Saturday in one area I could get to on foot. Got back to camp and found road was blocked again by more trees down. Saturday night snow off trees around camp was falling and trees were threatening to fall on the tents. Camp boss, wife, got up at 0430 when snow/slushballs began hitting the sleeping tent. When I got to the cook tent the decision was made to break camp.

Spoke to the CO/warden Sunday afternoon when he made it to camp to check on us and found he had to cut his way in also. Came home after 4 days in camp.

It is sad to not hunt but conditions were as the wife said depressing.

On a positive note the freezers are still full of deer and elk..

I am enjoying all the success the rest you are having and the pictures are great.

Keep it up and good luck to the Wisconsin hunters.

Tjay, that is theshits.

Sorry to hear.

Sorry to hear about that TJAY. I was wondering how you guys were fairing up that way. We had 10" + just north of duluth and I know there was more further north.

The mini-man and I are headed to WI on Friday to try out luck there. He thinks he can beat his last years time of shooting a deer 3 minutes into the season. We shall see. His dad would like to shoot one too.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Camp Isabella report.

This is the year the camp wasn't.

Once we left highway 1 heading up the forest road we had to cut about 8 trees out of the road to get to camp. Then we spent a good amount of time shoveling snow to put up the tents. Once tents were up setting them up with gear took the rest of the day and half the next.

Day two, Friday, was spent trying to get stands up. It was a no go, snow took down so many trees we couldn't get to the stand locations. I hunted Saturday in one area I could get to on foot. Got back to camp and found road was blocked again by more trees down. Saturday night snow off trees around camp was falling and trees were threatening to fall on the tents. Camp boss, wife, got up at 0430 when snow/slushballs began hitting the sleeping tent. When I got to the cook tent the decision was made to break camp.

Spoke to the CO/warden Sunday afternoon when he made it to camp to check on us and found he had to cut his way in also. Came home after 4 days in camp.

It is sad to not hunt but conditions were as the wife said depressing.

On a positive note the freezers are still full of deer and elk..

I am enjoying all the success the rest you are having and the pictures are great.

Keep it up and good luck to the Wisconsin hunters.

That sucks, but we seem to remember the good trips and like a 50 fish day on dry flies, the anticipation of another great trip keeps us going back...

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry to hear about that TJAY. I was wondering how you guys were fairing up that way. We had 10" + just north of duluth and I know there was more further north.

The mini-man and I are headed to WI on Friday to try out luck there. He thinks he can beat his last years time of shooting a deer 3 minutes into the season. We shall see. His dad would like to shoot one too.

Good luck Tom and Jackson.

Shrapnel

Isn't that the truth.

We are already planning how to get the most out of next year.

Why were all the trees falling? Dead? A little snow shouldn't fell a tree. Sorry to hear about that---it is just bad luck! Sometimes lady luck shines upon us and sometimes she can be downright crabby. The good news is those deer didnt get hunted and will be oh-so-easy to hunt next year!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Why were all the trees falling? Dead? A little snow shouldn't fell a tree. Sorry to hear about that---it is just bad luck! Sometimes lady luck shines upon us and sometimes she can be downright crabby. The good news is those deer didnt get hunted and will be oh-so-easy to hunt next year!

You obviously haven’t seen pictures from up there. First, it wasn’t a little snow. Second, most of the trees are lined up there and the ground is rock or swamp.So, the root system doesn’t run real deep. Or deep at all. There are trees down minutes after someone clears the road. It was a very heavy, wet snow.

tzone nailed it. The smaller tree just lean over blocking everything and the larger one tip over pulling up the roots.

We had lots of small tags and diamond willow drooped over and across our narrow walking trails to our stands. When it happened (like the night or 2 before opening morning) it was ice that helped bring them down, and wind. some extra weight and wind. A couple of our freshly cleared easy walking trails turned into jungle gyms. We had other trees down along our truck access trail to the cabin, but amazingly enough not a single one went down across the trail.

Holy crap it's windy up here tonight. If this wind keeps up through the night.... Should be in a deer stand int he AM tomorrow.

Good luck chickenbuckers !!!

Best wishes to all the Minnesota boys out in Zone 1 trying to fill those tags. And to all the Cheezers as they head out too. Michigan's going hunting right now too, and Pennsylvania and Ohio open up right after Thanksgiving. Good luck boys.

We didn’t make it to the woods today. A little girl decided she needed to meet us 2-weeks early. Not without difficulty from mama and baby, but we are on the right track to all being well.

Congratulations Tom! Do we have a name?

Pam filled her tag this morning! That breaks an 8 year deerless streak for her. Good job Pam! The girls are getting it done this year at camp chickenbuck!

I feel like I'm in a snow globe out in the stand this afternoon. Huge flakes of snow fill the air. It's beautiful!

Originally Posted by tzone

We didn’t make it to the woods today. A little girl decided she needed to meet us 2-weeks early. Not without difficulty from mama and baby, but we are on the right track to all being well.

This is truly blessed news, Tom. My most sincere congratulations. I know it's a huge sacrifice on my behalf, but if you guys want to name her Jeffreyetta, that's fine with me.

Congrats, buddy. That .243 oughtta fit her just fine in about 11 years.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pam filled her tag this morning! That breaks an 8 year deerless streak for her. Good job Pam! The girls are getting it done this year at camp chickenbuck!

I feel like I'm in a snow globe out in the stand this afternoon. Huge flakes of snow fill the air. It's beautiful!

Glad to hear the Chickenbuckers hung another one. Congrats to Pam and the rest of the 'Buckers. A good report, and a fitting end to a good season.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Congratulations Tom! Do we have a name?

We do! Amelia.
She had already brought her brother good luck. He popped a big doe this afternoon.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Congratulations Tom! Do we have a name?

We do! Amelia.
She had already brought her brother good luck. He popped a big doe this afternoon.

You mean you didn't go with Jeffreyetta?

Congrats Tom.

My wife and I went up to Emily to pick up my deer at the butcher up there. I saw more deer on the back of trucks today than I did coming home the first weekend. Congrats to those able to fill their tags on the last weekend.

Congrats Tzone, I like that name you picked out.

Our group went deerless this year. Could of shot 4 bambis but we passed. My daughter first year was good, was a trooper with the weather. And saw 2 deer the one day and another deer the next day. Didnt have good shots but she was pumped.. Was fun to see her get excited, she said she cant wait till next year. So all and all was a good deer season for us...

WI season is off and running. I passed on a spiker right away this morning. I mean right away, 6:50! The saw a longer spike chasin a doe around later in the morning. I saw a doe this evening right at dark. So, I have seen 6 deer in 2 days. Jack has seen 2 and shot one. Pretty good weekend. Back at it bright and early tomorrow. Bucks only from here on out.

At least you got sir action no duck. I’m glad to hear your daughter is hooked!

Congrats to Jackson.

Tom & "Mrs T",

Great news !! Congratulations !

Congrats to ChickenBuck Pam !!

Dave & Tom, NEED deer pics, when you get a chance !

The sun set on a calm evening with temps at around 17 degrees, crunchy snow covered ground may have slowed deer movement. Joey and I were the only 2 in deer stands Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday evening to close out the regular firearms season.
We had a great deer season, only 2 deer were taken for our camp. I passed on 5 antlerless that gave very nice shot opportunities, a couple of others I jumped during some sneak hunting (not sneaky enough, lol) No decent shot opportunities but they bring my total to 7 deer that I saw this season. That probably sounds horrible to folks that wait for groups of deer to come out to fields, dozens at a time. But this was pretty good for the heavily wooded area we hunt.
I believe Joey saw the most deer, over a dozen total for sure. He also did the most shooting, lol!
The deer numbers seem to be rebounding. I'm so glad that the 2 deer taken were by the camp ladies that do such a good job of taking care of us all with all their cooking and cleaning etc.
I've never considered the idea of a deer camp MVP before, but if I was to name one for 2017 it would be Melissa AKA Missy AKA "Muffy". She filled her tag on second weekend and she still made the trip up north to deer camp on the 3rd weekend, just to spend time with us at camp. We all thought that was very cool and it was much appreciated.
Congratulations to the girls! Some if us will continue into muzzleloader season which starts this coming weekend!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

OUTSTANDING !

Congrats again Tom!

Congrats to the Chickenbuck girls too!

I processed my deer this weekend. I cut the backstraps in half and am going to try them on the smoker. Has anybody here ever done this? I would hate to dry them out and ruin them.

OH and tenderloins are still amazing btw! I wish the whole deer was one big tenderloin! lol

I've not tried that, Jim.

I wonder if you could cook them like a pork loin? Maybe hit it hard with smoke at first but use more aggressive temp like 300-350 and probe internal for a pre determined target temp?

Yeah, either that, or cold smoke first & them cook traditionally.

Having said that, I've not tried it either.

I'm not brave enough to smoke a backstrap or tenderloin.

Let us know how it turns out.

Wow Tom! Congratulations! And welcome little Amelia!

Congratulations to The Ladies of Chickenbuck!! Gettin' it done for the whole camp. Awesome. Thanks for the pics this year Dave. It's great to see Chickenbuck in it's full glory!

No deers were harmed at our Michigan deer camp this season. Weird year to be sure. Very few hunters in the woods. Fewer camps this year and even fewer shots heard. Didn't see many deers on vehicles the trip home either. Opener was a steady all day rain in 35* temps. I did a dawn to dusk sit, but only saw 2. Snow hit the second day and froze all the rain mess from the day previous. We had rain the next 2 days and the roads became nearly impassable. Lost another front air dam on my truck, 3rd one in 5 years up there - dang tupperware parts. I saw a good number of deer, just couldn't grow horns on any of them. We ate well and told tremendous bourbon filled stories by the fire each night. So camp life evens everything out. I might hit it again this weekend depending on the missus.

Everyone have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I know our family has a lot to be grateful for this year.

We had a great hunt. I was able to get a 5pt yesterday on the last few hours of our hunt. Perfect way to end it. Last few hours! I want more. I don’t like knowing that I have to wait til next year. But when mr. buck ran, he took us to his bedroom. I have a pretty good section of new land to scout. We are both excited to check it out.

Cft, it sounds like you had a good hunt anyway. That’s the part that counts.

Cool beans Tommy !!

Any pics of ya bucky, or jackhammers doe ?

Yes, but I don’t know how to put them on here now.

Congrats Tom.

Originally Posted by tzone

We had a great hunt. I was able to get a 5pt yesterday on the last few hours of our hunt. Perfect way to end it. Last few hours! I want more. I don’t like knowing that I have to wait til next year. But when mr. buck ran, he took us to his bedroom. I have a pretty good section of new land to scout. We are both excited to check it out.

Congrats on a successful hunt!

Tenderloins. It's what's for dinner.....

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

We had a great hunt. I was able to get a 5pt yesterday on the last few hours of our hunt. Perfect way to end it. Last few hours! I want more. I don’t like knowing that I have to wait til next year. But when mr. buck ran, he took us to his bedroom. I have a pretty good section of new land to scout. We are both excited to check it out.

Congrats on a successful hunt!

Tenderloins. It's what's for dinner.....

That’s exactly what was for dinner! Sooooo good!

Here is wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Now do NOT eat too much..

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving everyone !

Originally Posted by TJAY

Here is wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Now do NOT eat too much..

Too late for that!! Happy thanksgiving all!

northern dave, What rifle is your wife using in the picture with the lastes doe, the one with the schnable forearm?

Anything happen at deer camp that made you laugh this year?

We had a couple. Forecast was for pouring all day rain on the opener. My buddy absolutely wanted to be in his climber. We told him he was crazy. He wouldn't last 2 hours in rain and 36*. Night before opener found us on the road 40 minutes into town to find a golf umbrella. 3rd place he found one - not an easy task in Northern Michigan with 6" of snow on the ground. He cut out a pie shaped panel and bungeed it to the tree after he got up there. I have a pic, but have no idea how this new picture thing works on here. It's funny, but effective. He was up there all day and saw 3 different bucks. It just looked really gay.

The other thing had me watching chickadees playing outside my blind. They landed so close I could touch them. No big deal, that happens all the time. But this time they flew into the blind right at my face coming within a few inches - it happened so fast I couldn't react - unless you count the yell...alright, maybe a man-scream. I've had bear, bobcat, and coyotes come close, but nothing freaked me out like those chickadees. Priceless.

I had a Canadian Jay, or Whiskey Jack follow me around all morning the first day whining for handouts. Somebody obviously had fed this guy and he expected more of the same. It was cute at first, mildly annoying after that, and he all most became a target before I shot a deer.

Originally Posted by shootsaswede

northern dave, What rifle is your wife using in the picture with the lastes doe, the one with the schnable forearm?

That is a pre accu trigger Savage 114 classic euro. Chambered in 30-06

That is a cool looking rifle. It is also the only one I’ve seen. The savage lady hunter is similar, but Pam’s is a cool gun!

It needs a like button! What loads does she shoot?

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm not brave enough to smoke a backstrap or tenderloin.

Let us know how it turns out.

I haven't had the time or been brave enough to try it yet. I plan on doing the smaller "trim" pieces of the backstrap first before chancing the big, yummy pieces.

I'll let ya'll know...

Tzone,

You got momma settled down enough with the lil one yet to join us for 3rd weekend of ML?

I really like that. I would buy one of those in a heartbeat!

It's a nice rifle, I hadn't seen one before this and haven't seen another since. She currently shoots a federal factory load, 125 gr JSP.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone,

You got momma settled down enough with the lil one yet to join us for 3rd weekend of ML?

No actually. Had to go to dr again this morning at 0330.

Dave, a little help if you please.

I have a Win Model 100 with a vintage Marble's GameGetter scope mount. I put it on there because, well, it fit the gun's history and lived just a few miles from where it was made. It's sort of a low profile, see-through mount with a one piece tube. It actually does't work very well with my Leupy 3x9 because the 40mm bell obscures the sight picture and you have to get reeeeeally low on the stock to even see through it. Not a huge fan of see-throughs anyway.

So I've decided to replace it. I like and prefer Leupold rings and bases for this old girl. Nothing against other manufacturers, but they've always been good to me and this is a 50+ yr old gun. I can't find anything on Leupolds website that reference the Model 100 or 88. I know you have that neat Winny 88. I was wondering what you have on there.

Anybody else have an idea, your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

CFT,

Duct tape?

B-man, yer killin' me here. Black Gorilla tape or the old silver stuff? You can't just throw this stuff on here without specifics.

I did a roast in the insta-pot tonight. Venison over rice with some Korean BBQ sauce.

My wife didn't believe it was venison.

Two hours and it tasted like 12+ in the slow cooker

Anyone ever try one in The Can Cooker?

Originally Posted by tzone

Anyone ever try one in The Can Cooker?

No, but it sounds like a good idea.

On the processing front, we did 80 pounds of sausage today, and 20 more pounds of ground straight venison. 4 deer is a LOT for 2 people if they're decent sized. Plus we both have a ton of roasts and backstraps that we vacuum sealed when we de-boned.

We eat the hell outnof deer but there are 8 of us. Lol

Tying this pic up load thingy...

[img]https://imgur.com/a/8STRC[/img]

well, not like I wanted but works for now.

I'll load more soon.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Dave, a little help if you please.

I have a Win Model 100 with a vintage Marble's GameGetter scope mount. I put it on there because, well, it fit the gun's history and lived just a few miles from where it was made. It's sort of a low profile, see-through mount with a one piece tube. It actually does't work very well with my Leupy 3x9 because the 40mm bell obscures the sight picture and you have to get reeeeeally low on the stock to even see through it. Not a huge fan of see-throughs anyway.

So I've decided to replace it. I like and prefer Leupold rings and bases for this old girl. Nothing against other manufacturers, but they've always been good to me and this is a 50+ yr old gun. I can't find anything on Leupolds website that reference the Model 100 or 88. I know you have that neat Winny 88. I was wondering what you have on there.

Anybody else have an idea, your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I at one point had a weaver base and a pair of weaver style rings on mine. I came across a really nice leupold "vari-x" 3-9 40mm with the cat whisker crosshairs that was manufactured same year as my 88. I also found a new in box weaver tip off mount. It goes against my senses, putting a tip off on anything I own... but it was brand new and super tight, very stiff in the hinge. I'll never tip it, the look was right, period correct etc, so I put it on with the vintage leupold.

I still have a weaver one piece base, you can have it if you want it. PM me an addy if you want it, I'll mail it.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Tzone,

You got momma settled down enough with the lil one yet to join us for 3rd weekend of ML?

No actually. Had to go to dr again this morning at 0330.

Just saw this now. Hope all went well!

CFT, Gorilla tape works best due to the molecular adhesion principle and retains the zero at roughly plus or minus the inverse of the cubed root of pi times the square of the parallel area of the tape in acres applied to metallic surfaces with the answer of course, in millimeters per degree Kelvin due to the expansion and contraction issues at various temperatures with respect to tape over steel. Following this simple formula, if you sighted in 1" high at 100 yards, you will only be plus or minus 43.62547 mm per delta degree K.

Obviously the specifics for Silver duct tape are complex compared to this rather simple principle so I won't detail that formula.

B-man, that's exactly the data I needed, except if you would please give me the probability (p value) of the statistical significance on a Likert scale regarding the hold of the Gorilla tape. I like the Gorilla tape better because it's shiny and black.

Dave, Thanks! pm sent. Kudos on the vintage Leupy. I've been keeping my eye out for one as well.

Originally Posted by tzone

Tying this pic up load thingy...

[img]https://imgur.com/a/8STRC[/img]

How did you get it to show as pic instead of a link? Anyway....that is a quick shot of some of the country we were hunting the week of thanksgiving. I’ll post more I promise...we have a colic’y baby here the needs papa’s attention! Good grief I’m too old for this! Lol.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

B-man, that's exactly the data I needed, except if you would please give me the probability (p value) of the statistical significance on a Likert scale regarding the hold of the Gorilla tape. I like the Gorilla tape better because it's shiny and black.

Dave, Thanks! pm sent. Kudos on the vintage Leupy. I've been keeping my eye out for one as well.

CFT,
Gorillas are strong, therefore it will hold with aforementioned formula giving displacement. If it doesn't, add more tape. just stay away from the silver stuff so your gall bladder stays intact.

By the way, you can always use the formula I quoted quickly in your head to calculate windage when it is snowing as well. many dont know that.

T, deal with the family first !!

I'll walk you through it, when you're ready !

Tom - I'm in the same boat. I thought I was doing pretty good with the photobucket thing until they tried pimping their membership for $400 clams. I'll patiently await Paul's tutorial.

I'm using imgur. It's new to me so it's clumsy. And I've learned to upload as private, otherwise you put up with oodles of smart ass comments and trolling.

[Linked Image]

Dave, doesn't look like you got pounded like us ?

We got about 12" in 24 hours !!!!

Neighbour's plow truck broke a shift cable................................... after he finished my place !

Guys,

I'm using Imgur too.

Set up your account, make your collection private & upload to there.

Go to your images, select/click on your photo for upload, click on the direct link version (if it's the first download for the session, it will ask you to allow access - answer yes, hit the copy button again. open your reply in 24hr burnpile, select USE FULL EDITOR, click on "insert image link (between smilies & Movies media tag). A script link box opens up, use control V, or paste your image in script box & hit enter key or the OK box on the script prompt & voila !

It's almost the same a photofucket, once set up & you get the hang of it.

[Linked Image]

Deer loin/backstrap with scallops & shallot champagne butter sauce !

You can also hot link, anyone else's imgur photos. Right click, save & use the same procedure to post here !

That's how I made Tom's pic show up. clicked on his link, it took me to his photo, right click & copy, then full editor to upload to your post.

"HELLO, anybody out there" ?

Everybody is to busy Christmas shopping. Ha. Was ready to get to the ice fishing but it has been to warm and windy. At least in the cities, up north been hearing of a good eye bite on Red.

I have been sick and have sick kiddos. So not much going on here.

You mean, like this ?

[Linked Image]

Went out on Eagle Lake Saturday & Sunday.

8-9" ice, conditions windy & cold, but got 12 over the 2 mornings + 3 under's & a 21.75" slotter that had to go back.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have been sick and have sick kiddos. So not much going on here.

Cheers Tommy, wasn't aimed at you ! I knew you were tied up with a sick baby.

Hope things are on the improve ?

just building hot rods at the shop here. done deer hunting, zero deers harmed at chickenbuck with muzzle loaders.

Originally Posted by noduck

Everybody is to busy Christmas shopping. Ha. Was ready to get to the ice fishing but it has been to warm and windy. At least in the cities, up north been hearing of a good eye bite on Red.

I went for a drive on Sunday. There were a couple shacks on Koronis and a few more on Maple. Everyone was close to shore.

This is not my section, I was however wondering about northern dave. I see he is still kickin' .

Originally Posted by northern_dave

just building hot rods at the shop here. done deer hunting, zero deers harmed at chickenbuck with muzzle loaders.

Those danged swamp squids!

Seems that when we get some ice making weather, the warm follows it up right behind. I'm not 100% trusting of the ice conditions until usually the kids are on Christmas break. I have 5 kiddos that are getting ice fishing equipment for Christmas and they've been asking to go. It's almost time.

Chasing roosters in west centralville. Been getting a few, but nothing too outstanding. Ice conditions here are spotty. some houses out, some open water. I wont trust it for a long time yet. One of the boys friend's parents called and asked if my boys wanted to go over to their house to play on the ice. Uh......no!

Yeah, I knew before I went there was 8" the weekend before.

Didn't stop me drilling holes every 15 yards or so for he 100yard walk !

Ice quality is really good up here. Solid blue ice under the 6" of snow !

Had two guys walk out on my lake today. No way i would. I almost had to run down and tell them to stop walking they were in the middle of the lake and started coming towards my shoreline. There is still open water in front of my place. 300 geese have kept it open. I figure the guys were about 80 yards away where it was open just 3 days ago from the geese.

Not worth drowning over 8 inch crappies.

I took a drive past two lakes on my way to work this morning. Two guys were out witing 50' of open water.

6-8" perch are not worth risking that! lol

When I lived in WI, there were guys that used to use a ladder from the shore to the ice, to bridge over the open water at the shore on the WI River.

Happy Hannukah Everyone, and Merry Christmas as well!! all take care and safe travels and best wishes going into the new year!!

Thanks Buschy. Same to you sir, and to all the Chickenbuckers too.

Yes !

Just wanted to wish the Shaw's & all who frequent this awesome tread, a very Merry Christmas, spent with those you love so dearly & a truly blessed New Year.

May 2018 be a frikken bewty !

To all who frequent this thread and their families -

MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all!

2018 will be a good year; remember, every day, a gift.

I like that! 2018 will be a good year.

HO HO HO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone has had a good year. And 2018 will be even better....

A late Merry Christmas and an early Happy new years to all!

Happy New Year all. I hope Santa was good to you all. Especially the kiddos!

Happy New Year everybody!

I'm sitting at work. We do our annual Physical Inventory at the end of the year and I'm in charge of it so my weekend is shot. But I wish the rest of you a great time with those you love this holiday weekend. Stay safe!

Stay inside and keep warm. That's my plan for the weekend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Best wishes for a Happy New Year's to everyone. We will be staying in, and I highly doubt that I'll make it till midnight. My redneck neighbors will let me know when it's midnight, and I sincerely hope there's no low-flying planes in the area when they do, as there will be lots of ordnance heading into the atmosphere right about then. Highlight of the evening will be our annual splurge on some big shrimp to go with some venison steaks.

A bit chilly over here for hunting, but went out anyway for geese in whiteout conditions. Swing and a miss. Nothing except cold feet. Mucks ain't cutting it. I need some WARM boots for sitting in the deer blind, goose field, and ice shanty when temps go single digits or lower. Any suggestions? And how would you size them relative to your normal size? Although I may be a size smaller if I lose a few toes after this last foray.

HNY!

cf

Cf, do you have the insulated muck boots? I’m real interested in a set of those. Bit for deer hunting I have Irish Setters, 1000gm thinsulate. The work great. If you’re moving around at all they keep my feet warm. You could always go heavy duty and get Ice King’s or Iceman’s. If you’re not warm in those, you’ve passed away. But you’re not going to walk much.

try academy sports store there house brand is as good as muckboots an 1 third the price

I've got the Muck Woody Max. Good boots to about 30*. I'd get another pair - had mine for over 10 years. Rubber is starting to crack on the uppers. They say the 5mm neo is good to -20* or so. Maybe if you're walking all day to avoid frostbite, but for sitting all day, forget it unless its ^35*. Anything under 40* and I have to put in toe warmers. They are still my "go to" boots because they're easy to get on and they're pretty comfortable. I also have some leather 600gr & 1200gr Thinsulate lace ups.

Muck also makes the Arctic Ice model that's supposed to be good to -60*. It has 8mm neo. It might be warmer than mine, but I seriously doubt that it's warm enough for a late deer season sit or ice fishing. Reviews are not good with guys saying the rubber on the boot is cracking.

So yes, I'm talking about going Heavy Duty - Ice Kings, Ice Man's, Cabelas Predators (rated to -148*), or Baffin Impacts (Canadians swear by them) are the ones I've heard about. Just wondering what others wear in the northwoods. Not really interested in Micky Mouse boots.

CF, bunny boots.

Not even kidding.

Greetings to all and happy New Year.

CF, for boots look at Cabela's Men's Trans-Alaska Pac Boots. I have a pair use them for extreme deer stand temps and ice fishing. I have really poor circulation in my feet. And these keep my feet warm.

They are lighter than Ice Kings and can move around better also.

Warmed up to mid 30's today, actually saw people outside.

I actually WENT outside.

Even nicer today. Should be able to get the ice fishing gear ready to rock. Kids are off of school on Monday so we plan to hit the ice for some fun.

I didn't realize I had been gone from here that long. congrats to the successful hunters out there! Bman, that's a heck of a buck! I never made it chasing ringnecks this year, hopefully next. we've finally warmed up a little and shook this cold spell out here. we had subzero temps for 2 weeks straight! I'm not used to that anymore.

I had a very busy hunting season and managed to fill most of my tags. I scratched shooting a trophy mule deer off my bucket list finally! I'll see if I can upload a pic if I can figure this new photo posting stuff out. I also got a cow elk in SD and one in colorado on a last minute depredation hunt just before new years. our freezer is very full and I'm looking forward to good eats this year!

as for the guys smoking their venison, I have done this and found the best results are to wrap it in bacon to keep it moist. Sometimes I'll spread a very thin layer of BBQ sauce on it too, that's yummy as well. for tenderloin I slice it into medallions and wrap in bacon, that is to die for! my old smoker was on its last leg so I convinced Kendra to let me get a fancy masterbuilt 40" with the window in it. I haven't tried it yet, but hopefully will tonight. I'll make a better effort to stop in more often, sometimes things just get busy.

Wow. Good season Ryan. Looking forward to those pics of the buck. Are you going to have it mounted? Also curious as to what an elk depredation permit is - okay, I understand what it is, but how does one obtain one of these permits? Sounds like fun. Also sounds like you need another freezer.

For those sitting on the edge of their seat waiting to know which boots I got, it was the Cabelas Predators. They're huge! I don't think I can drive with them on. Seem to be plenty warm. Couldn't find new bunny boots in my size. Most have sold out this year or are used. Of course, now it warms up. Can't win.

Guys, I’ve seen Ryan’s mulie. It’s a friggin monster boys!

Ryan......what happened with your Custer tag? Also, we need to see your monster muley!!

Jeff

Hey Jeff!!! I finally got to use that knife I bought from you! If I get time to post pics, I'll put em up. Shot a little 5pt buck in WI. That's the first buck I've shot since I got that knife. Worked like a charm!

Hi Tom....Glad it you like it! Congrats on the new baby also! Have you bought the little tike a rifle yet? My wife was REALLY impressed when I came home with a used model 77 in 270 for our 4 month old daughter!!

Originally Posted by j_elky

Ryan......what happened with your Custer tag? Also, we need to see your monster muley!!

Jeff

I hunted hard for about 4 days before I found this buck. I knew he was there, a buddy told me about him and described him. I hiked my butt off and found him when I was walking back to the truck at about 11am when I had given up for the morning. go figure! I didn't need to look at him long to know he was the one I was after. quick score put him at a hair over 146". trying this new imgur thing, hope it works.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Wow. Good season Ryan. Looking forward to those pics of the buck. Are you going to have it mounted? Also curious as to what an elk depredation permit is - okay, I understand what it is, but how does one obtain one of these permits? Sounds like fun. Also sounds like you need another freezer.

For those sitting on the edge of their seat waiting to know which boots I got, it was the Cabelas Predators. They're huge! I don't think I can drive with them on. Seem to be plenty warm. Couldn't find new bunny boots in my size. Most have sold out this year or are used. Of course, now it warms up. Can't win.

yes I'm getting both bucks mounted, I've never shot anything I considered big enough to mount until recently. I hope to shoot a bigger whitetail. the mulie will be tough to beat for me since he's just a few inches shy of 200 gross

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats again Tom!

Congrats to the Chickenbuck girls too!

I processed my deer this weekend. I cut the backstraps in half and am going to try them on the smoker. Has anybody here ever done this? I would hate to dry them out and ruin them.

OH and tenderloins are still amazing btw! I wish the whole deer was one big tenderloin! lol

Jim,
this is how I've done mine, it's amazingly tender and you get the full flavor of the meat. I think I cooked them at 225-250 for 2 hours? hard to tell because my old smoker was a POS and I didn't trust the temp gauge thingy. I just got a feel for it and knew about how long to cook it. but I think my above statement is really close when I did these.
[Linked Image]

Oh my. WELL DONE! Those are a couple of REALLY nice bucks. Well done indeed.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Hi Tom....Glad it you like it! Congrats on the new baby also! Have you bought the little tike a rifle yet? My wife was REALLY impressed when I came home with a used model 77 in 270 for our 4 month old daughter!!

My wife wouldn't care if I did that, that's why we're married.

. I've already laid the ground work and shes expecting it.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh my. WELL DONE! Those are a couple of really nice bucks. Well done indeed.

Really nice he says... that's about as big as they get dude. lol.

Great stuff Ryan !!

Thanks guys! I haven't been a big rack hunter usually, but this year I drew two really hard to get tags, the custerpark one is basically a once in a lifetime if you're lucky. technically I can apply after ten years again, but the odds are so long that in all likelihood I won't draw it again. I wanted to make the best of these tags because there are some good deer in these areas. the mule deer was aged at approximately 9-10 years old, never aged the whitetail. surprisingly the mule deer tasted really good, I made a neckroast in the crockpot and man was it delicious! I cooked it on low for 10 hours with a little salt and pepper and a bay leaf in water halfway up the roast.

I'm seasoning the new masterbuilt smoker Kendra got for me for Christmas right now and should be having tenderloin tonight!

Nice job Ryan!! Looks like you had a great fall!!

Great Bucks! sounds like you had a very good hunting season!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh my. WELL DONE! Those are a couple of really nice bucks. Well done indeed.

Really nice he says... that's about as big as they get dude. lol.

Fixt up top.

Ryan

Very Nice.

Congrats on two very fine deer.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Oh my. WELL DONE! Those are a couple of really nice bucks. Well done indeed.

Really nice he says... that's about as big as they get dude. lol.

Fixt up top.

Hahaha!

I miss our good buddy Grizzly Bill. I hope his wife Judy, kids, and grandson are all doing well.

I was just thinking about him the other day actually. still miss him and our PM's on here.

I did the tenderloin in the smoker last night. 225 for 2 hours was perfect. was going to take a pic but they didn't last long after they came out.

How about them Vikings.

Maybe just Maybe the gods of fate are smiling on them this year.

SKOL

incredible.

turned 55 today.
going to make an effort to fish more often this year.
at least,when its not so frigging cold out.
also make an effort to see old friends more.
lost two this last week.

Fluffy-we gotta get out for some panfish this spring. It won't be long till I start working on the boat here.

HB Fluffer,

Yep, the older you get, the more you need to focus on what is important !

Dave,

How'd it go in the castle, on the weekend ?

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

turned 55 today.
going to make an effort to fish more often this year.
at least,when its not so frigging cold out.
also make an effort to see old friends more.
lost two this last week.

I went yesterday with a few of the kids. Have I ever said I hate ice fishing? Well, I don't. But I could have made a case for it yesterday. We caught fish but it was friggin cold.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Fluffy-we gotta get out for some panfish this spring. It won't be long till I start working on the boat here.

its a deal.
your an invited guest to our cabin

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave,

How'd it go in the castle, on the weekend ?

Real good. Fantastic weekend, plenty of fish, stayed warm, lots of laughs, no problems with equipment. Perfect

EXCELLENT !

I'll move my Ice Shack (Read; Hard sided & wood heated) out this weekend.

Will still fish from the portables, to nullify wind, but be nice to have the larger space to warm up, eat & BS in !

My new 2-man insulated frabil worked perfect. But if soooooo much rather fish from a boat! Lol

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Congrats again Tom!

Congrats to the Chickenbuck girls too!

I processed my deer this weekend. I cut the backstraps in half and am going to try them on the smoker. Has anybody here ever done this? I would hate to dry them out and ruin them.

OH and tenderloins are still amazing btw! I wish the whole deer was one big tenderloin! lol

Jim,
this is how I've done mine, it's amazingly tender and you get the full flavor of the meat. I think I cooked them at 225-250 for 2 hours? hard to tell because my old smoker was a POS and I didn't trust the temp gauge thingy. I just got a feel for it and knew about how long to cook it. but I think my above statement is really close when I did these.
[Linked Image]

Just seeing this now. Thanks for the reply Ryan and again, CONGRATS on a great season!

I cut my backstraps in half and want to try one that way. If I wrapped bacon on all around the whole thing, I wonder if the smoke would still get to the meat?

I did an antelope roast last night and no the smoke doesn't reach the meat. I was thinking about double smoking it starting with the meat, and then wrapping with bacon and smoking it again then just wait for it to come up to temp. no need to wrap in foil that way. I brought mine up to an internal temp of 144 and it was perfect, almost a pale white on the inside. this morning it was fairly pink what was left. I threw it in the crockpot on low so this evening it will pull apart nicely and we'll do fajitas. yum yum!

We had venison roast two nights ago and it was great. In the past I've not typically been a fan of the roasts. But this one made me a believer. It was fantastic.

long and slow is the key for my taste. we like to put a can of cream of mushroom and a can of tomato soup in there sometimes and make orange gravy. keeps it moist and is yummy over taters with a small veggie side. asparagus or broccoli are my favorites.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I did an antelope roast last night and no the smoke doesn't reach the meat. I was thinking about double smoking it starting with the meat, and then wrapping with bacon and smoking it again then just wait for it to come up to temp. no need to wrap in foil that way. I brought mine up to an internal temp of 144 and it was perfect, almost a pale white on the inside. this morning it was fairly pink what was left. I threw it in the crockpot on low so this evening it will pull apart nicely and we'll do fajitas. yum yum!

Jealous! Antelope is my favorite game meat.

Originally Posted by TJAY

How about them Vikings.

Maybe just Maybe the gods of fate are smiling on them this year.

Well,
The vikings have saved us from the the fate of being the first 5 time super bowl looser. I thank them for that++++

But hey they beat the Packers twice so all is not lost.

and they kept the saints from going to the superbowl in our stadium.

Went to 2 parties last night to watch the game. Everybody was mad,yelling,screaming at the tv.

Wow was to much for me. I don't watch to many NFL games.

Same...the guy I was watching it with was pissy as hell. F-bombing the tv. lol A little too serious for what we knew would probably be the outcome.

Holy Cripes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Freaking snow..... Kare 11 said Prior Lake 15.5 inches. Winner winner chicken diner. Took forever to clear.. Snow is heavy like March snow......

We got plenty on the north end as well. But not as much as yoooouse guys did.

Somewhere in the area of 13" here. It was heavy but the snow blower worked well and never bogged down.

2 or 3 in St Michael. I have 2 blowers pointed out the garage door but I shoveled this one.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Somewhere in the area of 13" here. It was heavy but the snow blower worked well and never bogged down.

When I moved back to MN I bought a commercial grade JD 10/28. Not much plastic on that sucker. Bigger gear box, hand warmers, power auger, big ass light on the front. That sob will throw snow 50’ easy. It laughs at theses snowfalls. If I didn’t have that, I’d be Florida already.

Originally Posted by TJAY

But hey they beat the Packers twice so all is not lost.

Touche'! Game, set, and match! Not a good year for the Green and Gold. Exposed some serious weaknesses, like every position but quarterback.

However, part of me is sort of bummed that the Vikes didn't get to the big show. I was looking forward to seeing Tzone's picture of his brush with greatness - that being the pic of him and that blonde Nordic Goddess in the Vikings jersey. My people, Norwegian and French Canadian, would've been proud. Me? Dare to dream.

WOW!!! I haven't been here since about November and it took me almost an hour to catch up.
RYAN , you had a hell of a year, Congratulations.
Last July my wife bought me a 30" Masterbuilt smoker for my 76th. birthday. It does really great . I have a buddy who hunts feral pigs and he has given me ten this year which I shared with close buddies but still I have three in my freezer. Gene has killed over 350 pigs this year and his Thor ATN records the kills. If you want to see some of his kills go to YOUTUBE and look at "Mailman29680".
I have picked up a few interesting goodies at the gun/pawn shop where I work part time. One is a model 94 Trapper in 30-30(16" barrel).The other is an NEF Handi rifle in 30-06 with a Bushnell banner scope in 3x9x40. Both have proven to be very accurate.
I did not kill a deer this year. I only saw one and it was itty bitty.
Ryan,the 300 Blackout just gets better and better in the accuracy department.I have loaded rounds with bullet weights from 100 grain to 220 grain.The 150 grain do the best.
I gotta go now and take the amazing Miz. Linda out to Sunday dinner.More later.

Stan in SC

I am back. Linda and I went out to dinner and then to a movie which I wanted to see ."Hostiles" starring Christian Bale . I will not divulge the plot but if you like a god cavalry/Indians movie with tons of great scenery and some killing then by all means go see it.
I will probably not be here much but will check in from time to time. Most of you know where to find me.

Stan in SC

Sounds like something to check out Stan!

The kids and I have been doing a bit of ice fishing near our house. Two Saturdays ago I picked up a 38" northern that was almost 16 pounds. This past saturday Mini man picked up a 34" northern that was just shy of 10 pounds. Both on tip-ups. Jack's was on a hotdog! No, I'm not kidding.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Ryan,the 300 Blackout just gets better and better in the accuracy department.I have loaded rounds with bullet weights from 100 grain to 220 grain.The 150 grain do the best.
I gotta go now and take the amazing Miz. Linda out to Sunday dinner.More later.

Stan in SC

so it's not likely you'd sell the blackout then?

I should have bought one when I had the chance!

superbowl sunday! I'm cleaning the basement, what is everyone else doing?

Organizing my ammo closet. Had no idea that I had so much 22lr. I'm also wasting time on the internet.

Inventorying the ammo supply. I had a couple thousand more rnds. of .22 than I realized. I found a box of 25-20. I haven't had a 25-20 for a couple decades now.

I was at a SB party. It was a good game. Good food. Good drunk.

So Jeff, how often do they change number for paging at Wal-Mart and how much is it frowned upon to page help to the sporting goods department?

Oh God, we've never had that happen in our store, and I hope it never does. I did hear them calling on the radios for customer assistance in sporting goods. Must have been a gun sale as they were looking for an assistant manager. I used to be able to field those calls, but they changed the vision center managers from salary to hourly about 10 years ago. The only interesting thing I remember is when someone lit off a smoke bomb in womens clothing as a distraction to cover them going out a fire exit with some TV's. That was at another location I worked at a long time ago.

There's usually nobody there so I get and employee passing through. They page help. The number isn't hard to remember.

Anybody getting sick of the weather yet???? The cold is starting get on me nerves a little bit.

shhhhhh...

It could be worse (17 below currently, but NO WIND)

Originally Posted by noduck

Anybody getting sick of the weather yet???? The cold is starting get on me nerves a little bit.

Yep. I've had enough. Not much relief in sight either it looks like.

It is getting old. I have a ticket for the Poles 'n' Holes fishing tournament on Saturday in DL and the high of 10* doesn't appeal to me much. It's better than 10 below but you can about guarantee the wind will be blowing Mach 2

You guys should try a week in the Caribbean @ 30*C above.....................

Then come back home to -30*C !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

You guys should try a week in the Caribbean @ 30*C above.....................

Then come back home to -30*C !!

You're going to catch your death of a cold, young man!

I'm not as young as I look !

& I eat lots of cilantro.................................. !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I'm not as young as I look !

"You're going to catch your death of a cold, young man!"

That is a phrase every MN kid has heard from his Grandma and or his Mother while growing up. True story!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I'm not as young as I look !

"You're going to catch your death of a cold, young man!"

That is a phrase every MN kid has heard from his Grandma and or his Mother while growing up. True story!

Yep. And close the window. The night air will give you a cold. Even if it’s 98.3 degrees in grandmas house in August.

Yep! lol

we are 30 below freezing here and it's snowing like crazy. got 5" since last night and supposed to continue through the day.

I'm ready for soft water

You and me both Ryan.

we ended up with 15" and highs in the teens. we usually don't get the cold like this

I don't mind a weeks worth but this crap is going on forever it seems. -3 when I left for work this morning. I know it's not the same as the boys up north but dangit I'm ready for a warm snap.

ok, i guess i agree. -24 again this morning. I believe there is a thermostat up on minnesota hill on the border north of my place between MN and Canadia. I guess I'll have to run up there and make an adjustment, someone obviously turned it down way too low.

The longer this drags on, the more I think about moving south. I just don't know if I could do it though, as we are well settled here. Kentucky seems appealing just from the standpoint of having less severe winters. Our winters seem to get more severe every year, but our summers are glorious here, and I can be on a lake in any direction from here in less that 20 minutes.

you young pups think its bad now, you shoulda been here back before we got all this global warming
stuff!
seems almost tropical these days in comparision!

The income tax situation is attractive in TN, SC, and FL. The winters are even more attractive.

But even heading west will solve some taxation issues. We think SD is a wonderful place and very well may end up there. When the bigger kids graduate in 5 years we will look more closely. Heading west in Oct and will probably look more in-depth then.

Originally Posted by tzone

The income tax situation is attractive in TN, SC, and FL. The winters are even more attractive.

But even heading west will sole some taxation issues. We think SD is a wonderful place and very well may end up there. When the bigger kids graduate in 5 years we will look more closely. Heading west in Oct and will probably look more in-depth then.

'Hope you find what you're looking for, Tom.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

The income tax situation is attractive in TN, SC, and FL. The winters are even more attractive.

But even heading west will sole some taxation issues. We think SD is a wonderful place and very well may end up there. When the bigger kids graduate in 5 years we will look more closely. Heading west in Oct and will probably look more in-depth then.

'Hope you find what you're looking for, Tom.

I'd love to find what I'm looking for in FL. I'm sure we could in north Florida. But I think I'd want to live close to the Gulf. There are just too damn many people there for me to like it I think. But man could I get used to that fishing in the Gulf!

fla sucks ny nj yankees came hear and did not go home brought all their probs and want to share them with us

I did notice some of that on the east side of the state. Maybe I wasn't in the area long enough but I was up near Punta Gorda fishing with a friend, who now lives there. I may be wrong. Most kept to themselves that I met. But I think there are just too many people there for me to live there all the time. I damn sure could for a 4-6 months though!

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Slap together a nice heated tree stand, and give me a call, Fluffy-I'll be on my way.

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Do it. You only have to adjust slightly from stress management to survival mode. It's a self sufficient person's paradise. lol!

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Me too. North FL.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Slap together a nice heated tree stand, and give me a call, Fluffy-I'll be on my way.

i have two now
,making plans for another

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Do it. You only have to adjust slightly from stress management to survival mode. It's a self sufficient person's paradise. lol!

i lived near leech lake till i was 25.

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Do it. You only have to adjust slightly from stress management to survival mode. It's a self sufficient person's paradise. lol!

i lived near leech lake till i was 25.

Beautiful country, my brother has a place on Kabekona

Dave, that reminds me !!

Did you ever bloody, that beautiful shootin stick, your brother presented you with ?

I have carried it, but opportunities have not presented.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by whipholt_wahoo

I'm considering moving north for retirement.

Do it. You only have to adjust slightly from stress management to survival mode. It's a self sufficient person's paradise. lol!

i lived near leech lake till i was 25.

Beautiful country, my brother has a place on Kabekona

Nice area to have a place.
we are 20 miles east,near the big part of leech,just down the road from where I grew up

Wouldn't it be great to move back to your old stompin' grounds?

Not mine. But they’re nice to visit. I wouldn’t move back there on a bet.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Wouldn't it be great to move back to your old stompin' grounds?

at least i know where the honey holes are!

If those were my old stomping grounds I'd consider it.

Do you have a property up there or are you looking for one? Cabin/House on it already?

We got about 16-18” of the white stuff over the last two days. Yuck!

just a couple inches up here

Originally Posted by tzone

If those were my old stomping grounds I'd consider it.

Do you have a property up there or are you looking for one? Cabin/House on it already?

bought a cabin in sept of 16 on one acre
looking at some acreage this year.
one of my uncles has a 40 he may want to sell this spring
some of the locals has some also.
out spearing today on the last day of the season.

oh wow, I thought spearing had closed already.

we've got over 40" of ice on lake of the woods so spearing kind of closes itself, lol.

you gotta really want it, to cut a spear hole with 44" of ice.

Keeping busy in the shop, Dave, or do you guys gear down a bit in the winter?

8" further Nort !!

More coming this week.

Ya, bring your extension, or you aint fishing !

Great thread guys...

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Keeping busy in the shop, Dave, or do you guys gear down a bit in the winter?

Very busy. 35 plymouth street rod, 64 lincoln convert, 66 fairlane GTA in the shop, 69 ranchero in storage, half way finished, waiting for funds.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

66 fairlane GTA in the shop

Please tell me this has evil, evil plans? 66/67 is my favorite car period. Make mine a 5 speed but still...

Well, the search is on. We're getting a very good tax return in a couple weeks here. Hoping to buy some property somewhere up in the Pine City area, possibly up as far as Finlayson. We're on the 10 year plan heading towards retirement. Would like to buy the property this spring, and maybe get a trailer on it. We will eventually sell our house and build on the land. Man, it will be so nice to be able to shoot the rifles right off the back porch. To have my own land for me and my son to hunt will be a dream come true. 'Can't wait to see where we end up!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

66 fairlane GTA in the shop

Please tell me this has evil, evil plans? 66/67 is my favorite car period. Make mine a 5 speed but still...

that thing is evil already.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

66 fairlane GTA in the shop

Please tell me this has evil, evil plans? 66/67 is my favorite car period. Make mine a 5 speed but still...

that thing is evil already.

I know! They were bad ass from the start.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, the search is on. We're getting a very good tax return in a couple weeks here. Hoping to buy some property somewhere up in the Pine City area, possibly up as far as Finlayson. We're on the 10 year plan heading towards retirement. Would like to buy the property this spring, and maybe get a trailer on it. We will eventually sell our house and build on the land. Man, it will be so nice to be able to shoot the rifles right off the back porch. To have my own land for me and my son to hunt will be a dream come true. 'Can't wait to see where we end up!

Awesome! Congrats! That's where my buddy has his shack. We go up there a lot and shoot. If it were me, I'd look more toward Finlayson/Askov, maybe even east on 23 further. Pine City has some "interesting" folks to say the least.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding deer in that area.

Northern Dave, I know I’m probably late to the party posting this but, I really enjoyed reading your 1st post here and I wish you the best of luck sir.

Edwin

Originally Posted by Edwin264

Northern Dave, I know I’m probably late to the party posting this but, I really enjoyed reading your 1st post here and I wish you the best of luck sir.

Edwin

Thanks Edwin. I'm afraid the full effect of the old thread is kind of lost without having one of the new aps or downloads that let a person view the hundreds of photobucket photos. That and I've not posted regularly or in the same way I used to in quite some time.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, the search is on. We're getting a very good tax return in a couple weeks here. Hoping to buy some property somewhere up in the Pine City area, possibly up as far as Finlayson. We're on the 10 year plan heading towards retirement. Would like to buy the property this spring, and maybe get a trailer on it. We will eventually sell our house and build on the land. Man, it will be so nice to be able to shoot the rifles right off the back porch. To have my own land for me and my son to hunt will be a dream come true. 'Can't wait to see where we end up!

Awesome! Congrats! That's where my buddy has his shack. We go up there a lot and shoot. If it were me, I'd look more toward Finlayson/Askov, maybe even east on 23 further. Pine City has some "interesting" folks to say the least.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding deer in that area.

Thanks Tom. I'll be looking up there. Unless we really find some screaming deal, we'll probably wait till the snow's gone to go do major exploring.

So I contacted a realtor in regards to a property he had listed. I asked him if it was buildable. I got a reply from him that raised some eyebrows. Maybe I'm being overly skeptical, but I just don't know.

First he asked me if I was represented by a realtor. I've inquired on probably 20 properties in the last year, and this is the first time a realtor's ever asked me about this. On a first inquiry, does he really need to know this?

Next he told me he can't tell me if the property can be built on. I have to contact the county and ask them that? Sounds fishy to me, but maybe I'm wrong. Seems like the realtor that's trying to sell the property should know that.

Then he proceeds to tell me I'd better move fast on the property, as many people are looking at it. Just sounds like a hard sell, and shifty answers. Am I wrong to be suspicious here guys? I sure don't claim to be an expert on real estate, but this is the first time I've run into these kinds of responses.

go look at it.

Dave, I don't "see' you much on the freak show, how are things with you, and family?

Thanks for asking, we're all really good. Taylor is getting married this year, her fiance actually works for me in the hot rod/restoration shop. We get along really well, I like him. Nathan and his girlfriend are doing excellent, both have outstanding jobs, Joey is growing very fast, nice young man. He's 14 now, I gave him a 1977 F150 4x4 for his birthday, which needs restoring. Pam is good, she's got a lot of responsibility with her work, we are all very proud of her.

Work is very steady for my shop, we look to possibly expand soon and hire at least one more person, possibly this year.

I don't have much time for the typical banter of the main forums here. I check in here, fishing, trucks, sometimes cooking and photography. But I don't post much.

Dave-glad to hear your guys are doing well, and your shop is successful. Do you think you'll be able to expand where you're at, or will you need a different/bigger building? Good luck with all you've got going on, sir. .

Originally Posted by gophergunner

So I contacted a realtor in regards to a property he had listed. I asked him if it was buildable. I got a reply from him that raised some eyebrows. Maybe I'm being overly skeptical, but I just don't know.

First he asked me if I was represented by a realtor. I've inquired on probably 20 properties in the last year, and this is the first time a realtor's ever asked me about this. On a first inquiry, does he really need to know this?

Next he told me he can't tell me if the property can be built on. I have to contact the county and ask them that? Sounds fishy to me, but maybe I'm wrong. Seems like the realtor that's trying to sell the property should know that.

Then he proceeds to tell me I'd better move fast on the property, as many people are looking at it. Just sounds like a hard sell, and shifty answers. Am I wrong to be suspicious here guys? I sure don't claim to be an expert on real estate, but this is the first time I've run into these kinds of responses.

Ya can’t see what it looks like over the phone. Take a drive.

To me, the guy seems to be fishing if you’re looking to develop the land into a subdivision.

Yeah, that's a good thought. I sure hope we don't buy a place out away from town just to find out it's gonna all get busted up into small lots. Not much we can do about that if we're buying a relatively small (10 acre) parcel. 'Been a while since you've been out our way Tom, but if you remember, all that stuff up across the street from us got split up into 10 acre lots. They all mow it fence to fence-not much in the way of cover.

Makes me think we should try for a little more land, even if we have to buy some low laying stuff to get a bigger parcel in our price range.

Gunner, what type of a home are you thinking of buying, or building?

10 acres is actually a pretty good amount imo. Even if it gets developed around you, you’ll have some privacy. I don’t think you’ll have that issue up there. People there don’t want it. Which may be why he was asking. But if you want more land with low land...you’ll find it there!!

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Gunner, what type of a home are you thinking of buying, or building?

What we plan on doing is buying the land and initially putting a camper on it. I'm 55, so 10 years of work left. We will sell the house when I retire and build on the land. We'll build probably about 1000 sq. ft., single level with a garage and storage/workshop area. One level, two bedrooms, one bath, with a fireplace. Porches front and back, one screened in, the other open so I can shoot off of it.

Special thanks to T-Zone for answering some questions about used trucks. My Explorer bit the dust a couple weeks ago. It needed exhaust, and front end work, and just wasn't worth putting any more money into, so it went to the scrapyard. I got my annual bonus this week, and talked to Tom regarding what he thought I ought to look at for a 4x4 pickup, stretch cab, with an automatic. He took his own time and looked some stuff up for me on Craiglist and made some recommendations. Yesterday I looked at one of the ones he suggested-a 2001 Dakota and worked out a deal for it. The check hits this morning, so I'll be going to pick up the truck shortly after noon.

Tom went out of his way to give me some advice, and I really appreciate it. Thanks again buddy. We've been a one car family for weeks now (the dreaded mini-van) and I'm ready to be back in my own vehicle. I worked the deal good enough, that I've got money left to buy an in-line ML now that Mn. has legalized scopes on them.

Tom's good people, and I really appreciate his input.

Hopefully, that truck will do what you need it. It should with no trouble actually.

Great Stuff Boys !!

Gopher, hows that Dakota working out?

So far, so good, but I've only driven it a couple days. I've got to come up with a spare tire for it. I went to the boneyard while out running some chores and they've got a couple Dakotas out there, but I wasn't dressed for crawling around in the mud, so I'll go prepared this Friday. Seems to run good-no rattles to speak of. Suspension and brakes feel good. It definitely drives like a truck-not quite as smooth of a ride as the Explorer, but it's fine. The 318 provides plenty of power for my needs-we'll see how it does towing the boat.My biggest challenge so far is figuring out how to set the clock!

Are you guys getting the itch to do some open water fishing? It's just about time to start working on the boat. Man, do I ever want to wet a line. If anyone wants to get out this spring when the crappies and sunnies start biting, let me know. I've always got room in the boat for another guy, and would gladly send a nice batch of fish home with you.

I sort of hate to butt in here. Yes, I am looking forward to open water fishing. First, we are planning a trip to NW Ontario late March with two grandsons to fish through ice.

Originally Posted by wabigoon

I sort of hate to butt in here. Yes, I am looking forward to open water fishing. First, we are planning a trip to NW Ontario late March with two grandsons to fish through ice.

How many feet of ice you got? I'm hearing 48"-55" on lake of the woods right now. That's ridiculous by the way, totally ridiculous. Any more than 36", mother nature is showboating.

55!!!! Holy mooooly. There is no need for that kind of display. Good lord that's a lot of ice.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by wabigoon

I sort of hate to butt in here. Yes, I am looking forward to open water fishing. First, we are planning a trip to NW Ontario late March with two grandsons to fish through ice.

How many feet of ice you got? I'm hearing 48"-55" on lake of the woods right now. That's ridiculous by the way, totally ridiculous. Any more than 36", mother nature is showboating.

Minimum 36" here + snow on top. Bring shovel & auger extension !

Good fishing though.

[Linked Image]

Some pretty good looking things to eat there Paul! It's a good lake when the perch are as big as the walleyes! Bonus for the bag limit, taste the same!

Quick story.... When we lived in WI I fished a lot. I mean A LOT! 5-7 days a week. On the weekends we'd fish Lake MI, mostly Green Bay, for Walleyes. Early May of 2006 we were on a pretty damn good spring bite. They Walleyes were in shallow, post spawn. We were catching beautiful 17-24" but we were looking for big ol WI girls. So we tried a bit deeper, near the Perch fisherman. They're easy to spot because they're a big island of boats floating around the middle of Lake MI. We finally found what we were looking for on the outer edges of those Perch jerkers, probably 100 yards out or so. Trolling spinner baits and night crawlers, slowly at different depths. I caught my first 10 pound walleye that day. But mama wanted a few for the pan so I kept a 19" fat girl and a 21"er.

When I got home I was cleaning them for frying pan, and in the 19" Walleye, clear as day was an entire 9" Perch! I was surprised. I knew they at Perch but I didn't think they'd eat one 1/2 the size of them selves. I got to the 21" eyeball and there was an 11" Perch in her! Holy crap I couldn't believe it. They ate those perch and were still hungry enough to eat our baits!

Greetings to all, back from my 3 week whirl wind of travels. Was at Devils Lake, was good trip, then was up at the angle. 45 inches of ice up there. Fishing was good not as good as last year. Took the bombers from Angle Outpost to Garden Island every day was a 50 minute bomber ride each way..

Then i was home for 10 hours repack to sunny Florida for a week.

Went from windburn face from Devils to sunburn in Bonita Springs....

Yeah Tom, I know what you mean.

We fish a lake in the summer, that has lake trout, as well as walleye & northerns.

It always amazes me, what I find in the walleye ! Big smelt & /or siscoes (sp?), as well as odd looking [bleep], that I have no idea of what it is.

+1 on the Jumbo perch. Tasty & extra pounds in the bag & therefore, fillets in ma tummy !

Love me some bonita springs!! Did you fish? I was there in July and can't get the fishing out of my mind.

Tom...tell us about your fishing in florida. DIY or guided? In-shore or offshore?

NoDuck like land, ocean not made for man.

Been deep sea fishing twice.. Not good.. Was slow. Wife and I are thinking of going to Costa Rica for our 15 year.. I would try there i hear its suppose to be really good there. I figure if i go to Costa Rica and dont catch anything must be a sign form the Ice Fishing Gods........

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom...tell us about your fishing in florida. DIY or guided? In-shore or offshore?

Jeff,

My bff from when we were kids moved to FL last year. Being a MN boy, he promptly bought himself a pretty bad ass fishing boat. A 26' Sea Hunt, center council, Yamaha 250, digital steering and throttle.

So we were not guided, it was DIY. We were just wingin it. He has fished a bit and learned some tricks. We were in-shore I guess you'd call it. He lives about 20 min from the bay. Keeps the boat in a marina and calls in when we are headed down. The marina puts the boat in a slip and it's ready when we get there. It was a sweet set up really! Mostly we fished in and around the Inter-coastal. We tried a bit at "The Gap" for Tarpon, which was a off shore as we got. A few miles out probably.

There was plenty to keep us occupied in-shore. The very first fish I caught was a F'n catfish! LMAO. Fly 1500 miles to fish in the ocean and I caught a channel cat.

Other stuff we caught was a Ladyfish, Red Snapper, Speckle Trout, Mackerel, Jackfish, Mako Shark, and Black Tip Shark. I'm sure there are a few more there I'm missing.

For bait we would stop in the morning and buy some shrimp and crabs. Sometimes we'd have to make a few stops for shrimp. They were either sold out or the suppliers weren't catching enough the day before. We would also toss a net into schools of baitfish if we got close enough. The Pin Fish was what we caught in the nets mostly. They look like a Bluegill and were about the size of a small one you'd catch off the dock at the cabin.

I caught 3 sharks and my buddy caught 2. All of them were on crabs or the Pinfish we caught in nets. Silly as it sounds, we were fishing in about 10' of water with "corks" as the southern boys call them. Slip-bobber to us Yankees, over a circle hook. The first shark was a Mako. We couldn't even bring him in the boat. From what we understood, they're Federally protected and you can't keep them or even have them in the boat. So, we grabbed his tail...but he went nuts and tried to bite whatever had a hold of his tail. When he did that, he sawed off the line. Which was fine with us. LOL!

The next one my buddy caught and that was a Mako as well. The rest of the sharks were Blacktips. None were very big but man!!! are they strong. The one we weighed was 9 pounds and probably 30" long. They took 5-10 minutes to get in on our gear though. They really make some runs and like to jump. It's a really, really fun fight. Much harder than the biggest muskie I've caught.

I'll tell you what, it would not be hard for me to adjust to that life at all! I've been to FL about 10 times but never to the Gulf Coast. It's quite a bit different from the rest of the state I've seen. It's a much more laid back, slow pace without the crazy traffic of central, southern and the eastern coast of FL. My wife also loves FL, so it's on our retirement list for sure.

Originally Posted by tzone

we were looking for big ol WI girls.

Didja try swinging a dead cat?

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

we were looking for big ol WI girls.

Didja try swinging a dead cat?

Took someone long enough to answer.

Howdy all. I don't get on here as much as I used to but still have to come here and check on "my people" every once in awhile.
I enjoy hearing what you are all about and what your future plans are.
Tom , the gulf coast of Florida is the absolute best. I have spent lots of time there since childhood. My family used to vacation there and later I life guarded a summer there. We always referred to it as "the redneck Riviera". Actually the area around Panama City eastward thru Destin all the way to Pensacola is a great part to be in. I just never thought I could live there full time. When we decided to leave Atlanta in 1997 we did a lot of looking and upstate South Carolina had the most to offer but we did consider the panhandle region on the gulf coast.
I just wanted to look in here and see what was going on. Take care all.

Stan in SC

Hey look, I'm a grand dad !

[Linked Image]

Douglas, our Son, got a puppy on Saturday !

Guess it sucks to be me !!

Happy Easter to Dave, and all the Chickenbuckers, and everyone else that visits here. May the day be filled with good food, good friends, and good memories.

Prior Lake canceled school today. Crazy, is it just me or is it really that bad out...Maybe it's suppose to get worse as the day goes on.. I

IDK, my drive in to town kinda sucked but it wasn't any worse than normal. I did see a popo in the ditch with the cherries on and everything.

Shop Dog !!

[Linked Image]

Fuggin COLD !!

[Linked Image]

Got a real good feed everyday !

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Nice!!

Mmmm, num nums !!

In ma belly !

Nice fish. I see some perch in there..

Yep, been getting some really nice ones.

That photo is 9 perch & 6 Walleye from Sunday.

Saturday was 8 walleye & 4 perch.

Friday was 8 Walleye.

The lake we fish has an 18.1" - 22.8" slot size. Fish were returned, all 3 days !

That is close to the slot we have to abide by on Lac Seul. I remember my Grandpa saying, "oooooooh, it is a sin to put a fish that nice back in the lake!".

I think we are living in a snow globe and the someone who is shaking it has a twisted sense of humor.

B-Man, Lac Seul is 18.1" to 21.8" !

Yeah, can not believe how many fat 19-20" "eaters" we've put back this winter.

Our normal lakes allow 1 walleye over 18.1", per licenced angler per day.

You might have to rethink coming back up !

MNR just introduced a 2 fish, daily (& in possession) limit for all non residents !!!!!!!

yep i know it is 21.8 that is why i said "close". it is amazing how many slotters you catch! so no more regular license huh? mostly we bought the conservation anyway but they better watch out or they might drive away those tourism dollars! keep posting those pics! i love them!

Thinking about the opener. With this cold weather, might be heading south. Thinking about hitting Tetonka down by Waterville.

Yep, things need to let up !!

Or I'll be hard water fishing da opener !

I'll leave the opener to you amateurs. The good walleye fishing won't start until the end of may or beginning of june this year. I might hit WI for the MN opener if my parents lake is open.

If this opener hold true to the way most of them go, I'll be fishing for crappies by 9:30 or 10:00.

Like I said.

I've never been a very good walleye fisherman, but it's fun getting out for the opener.

Um, it's still really cold !

Coupla over slotters from a brutal Friday night.

[Linked Image]

22.5" slotter on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

[Linked Image]

Are you putting on a fish fry for us

That is sure a good looking pile of fillets.

You did this perch a favor keeping that pike! Lookin good

More snow on the way for the metro. Glad I didn't put the snowblower away yet, but man this crap's getting old. How much snow you guys got up north, Dave? My wife and are were up looking at land north of Hinckley last weekend.Found a parcel we're interested in. Hoping to see some of this snow go away so I can get out ant walk it. Looks like a good area to hunt. Would sure be nice to have our own deer shack to hand down to my son in a few years.

Ah, spring has sprung.

Got 20" of snow at my house.

I'm not 100% sure what we have but it's around there. I measured it at about 2PM yesterday at 13" and it was still snowing hard. We probably got 4-5 more after that. It's tough to tell though with all the drifting.

Spent the whole weekend in Maple Grove area, for hockey tourney. Rink was in Rogers. Saturday night around 730 had to drive from Rogers back to Maple Grove on 94. In my life i have never seen so many cars,trucks,semi's in the ditch for like what 8 -10 miles of road. Was crazy, told the boy he'll never forgot this weekend.

Dave-is it looking like a hardwater opener on Lake of the Woods?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Dave-is it looking like a hardwater opener on Lake of the Woods?

I wouldn't rule one out here. Could be some pretty big ice piles of ice on a bigger lakes if we get wind.

Someone finally broke through by shore with a superduty ford, yesterday I believe. Right by the boat ramps in warroad. Current there as the ramps are on the warroad river.

Lots of ice still out there though, no way it will be off for opener.

They were still fishing on the ice down here before yesterday's warm weather.

I had a guy in the store yesterday tell me he was still getting out on the ice down here around the Cities. It's got to be getting pretty thin, I'd think with these temps in the 50's.

Goph,

My Son was out this last Saturday, after Crappie.

He & a buddy both limited out. They said there was still 30+ inches of ice, it hasn't lifted from the shoreline yet, but the landings were da schitz !

Needless to say, they were on quads, not in a truck.

Guess I'm just too chicken to go out on the ice this time of year. I've got one batch of fish left in the freezer. We'll just wait till the ice is gone.

I like that our season never closes. I took home a limit of 16-18" last monday. turkey numbers are a little down so I probably won't fill all my tags for them. looks like I'll have to focus on the walleyes. I hope you guys warm up. I'm about to mow my lawn for the second time already.

Lake across the road from my house is wiiiiiiiide open.

I think the ice will be mostly gone down here by tomorrow night. The guys were fishing off the Lake Marion bridge along 35 in Lakeville today.

'Went by Marion and Prior yesterday. Marion was ice free-Prior getting close. 'Wonder when the crappies will move into the docks and trees?

I'd bet you a steak from McDonald's they're in the wood as you read this.

I was thinking the same thing Tom. Gonna have to try to get out this Sunday. We're going up north again Saturday looking at property.

Fish Lake is Ice free, as of Monday. I'll be putting the docks out soon. My boy is also wondering when the fish will start moving in..

I will keep you posted GG..

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I was thinking the same thing Tom. Gonna have to try to get out this Sunday. We're going up north again Saturday looking at property.

Fish the brushy north bays. You'll probably pick up and eyeball too. They have to go back of course.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'd bet you a steak from McDonald's they're in the wood as you read this.

I thought the water temp had to be in the mid fifties before they move in?

I always thought it was 45’ish. I could be wrong. But the north bays should be getting close either way now. They’ll group up for preseason anytime now. I don’t think you’ll be seeing any beds yet though.

Originally Posted by tzone

I always thought it was 45’ish. I could be wrong. But the north bays should be getting close either way now. They’ll group up for preseason anytime now. I don’t think you’ll be seeing any beds yet though.

Yeah, from what I've read, between 50 and 56* is when they start stacking up and feeding in the shallows before the official spawn. I've always wanted to do the old cane pole thing on spawning crappies. That would be a hoot!

A little late, but good luck to all the Minnesota boys out fishing for the opener. Have fun and stay safe guys.

I guess photobucket is back to normal. So, all the old picture in this ancient thread work again.

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/179.jpg[/img][/img]

how do I get them to show up as pics and not a link?

Originally Posted by tzone

[img][IMG]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/179.jpg[/img][/img]

Nice fish Tommy !

NWO Walleye opener on Saturday !!

[Linked Image]

I like the pike!!!

How did you get my pic to be a pic?

This thread is soooooo much cooler with the pics.

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the pike!!!
How did you get my pic to be a pic?

See at the front and the ends of your link [img][/img].

When you copied that link it was a direct version which already included the [img]s You just needed to paste it directly into the text window you were typing in.

Instead you clicked on the img button and copied it there. Thus now you have two sets of [img] making your link broken.

One set of [img][/img] only Mr. Vasily.

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the pike!!!

How did you get my pic to be a pic?

When you go to your photobucket image, click on the direct link, it will say copied.

Open full editor in the bottom of the reply panel, click on the "insert image link" (9th box along top - looks like a landscape thingy), this will open a dialogue box at the top of your reply, paste in copied direct link from photofucket & hit OK on dialogue box !

Easy as that !

Originally Posted by FatCity67

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the pike!!!
How did you get my pic to be a pic?

See at the front and the ends of your link [img][/img].

When you copied that link it was a direct version which already included the [img]s You just needed to paste it directly into the text window you were typing in.

Instead you clicked on the img button and copied it there. Thus now you have two sets of [img] making your link broken.

One set of [img][/img] only Mr. Vasily.

Yeah, but the link contained "gibberish" too !

I started there & couldn't make it work, thus, see above.

Yeah, it really is !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

I like the pike!!!

How did you get my pic to be a pic?

When you go to your photobucket image, click on the direct link, it will say copied.

Open full editor in the bottom of the reply panel, click on the "insert image link" (9th box along top - looks like a landscape thingy), this will open a dialogue box at the top of your reply, paste in copied direct link from photofucket & hit OK on dialogue box !

Easy as that !

That's what I did. I'll have to try again.

minus the gibberish.

[Linked Image]

Thumbs up Tom !!

Success!

Cookie in cook tent. Deer tenderloin and taters.
Wyo hunt this past Oct. I’ll post some more when I get the damn things uploaded from my phone

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

this is the beginning of many great memories, stay safe.

Originally Posted by tzone

minus the gibberish.

[Linked Image]

Tom-is that up by Duluth or in Sisconnie?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Tom-is that up by Duluth or in Sisconnie?

That's in WI. There's actually a deer in that pic. See if you can find it.

That is an older cut that so thick you can barely walk through on the one side. It's a mix of Red Pine, scrubby Oaks, and Popple. I'd say 10-15 years old. If you follow the tall red pines to the top of the pic, there is a bit of snow you can see on the logging road. That's about 225 yards. But from in the tree, a perfect shot.

It's kinda hard to tell the terrain from the pic but the big pines are on a ridge that drops down into the cut, pretty quickly. Most of the land in that area for about 10 square miles is like that. Red Pine ridges down into thick, cuts. They still actively cut in there. So as long as the county keep cutting, we'll keep hunting it.

Jack has a blind about 100 yds into that cut we call "The Hole". We built a brush blind out of pine boughs. There is an opening that I'm assuming was the log landing at one point. It's the only open spot in there. We see TONS of deer from that spot but it's really tight and hard to get on one. Over the last 5 years we have 1000's of trail cam pics, multiple 100's of bucks. It's a really cool spot. We just haven't shot a deer from there.

It's a bedding area. Probably about a 40 acre one. The buck I shot this past season was about 400 yards to the south of that stand. I have a spot set up for a north and a south wind. The ladder is set up for a south wind. But realistically, the deer come from every direction there. I'll see if I can dig up a few pics when I get a few min.

Since this is all working now...Here are a few pics from the past deer season and a few from fishing.

We didn't get to hunt opening morning in WI, since the new baby decided to come a few weeks early. She arrived 2 days before deer season. We needed her and momma to come home before we left. For some reason, I had the bags and the gear packed into the truck before I went to get them though.

I had a VERY antsy boy pacing the house when we came home Saturday morning. Once everyone was settled, we took off for camp. A 2.5 hr drive. I told Jack that the weather, the wind and the day was perfect to shoot a deer in the afternoon. I told him, expect to shoot at 4:00 P.M.

Well, at 3:58 P.M. Jack shot a big ol cow headed doe in WI from the double ladder he shot his deer from the year before. It was the second year in a row that I've got the privilege to sit with my son and watch him shoot a deer. This time was much different than the first but the same stand that he shot his first deer from the year before. It's a peninsula of old growth that juts out into a 5-10 year old cut. Deer cross it like crazy. The spot has had tons of rut sign on it all 4 years I've hunted this spot. The ladder was set up for about a 40yd shot at the furthest spot. We don't hunt it much because the wind get funky and swirls in there. It just happened that opening day the past 2 years it was a good wind to be in it.

After the season, we went back up and did a little scouting. We moved the stand about 100 yards NE. We can still see the clearing the deer cross, but we can also see into the bedding area about 150 yards to the south and about see to the north 50 yards that we couldn't see before. The best benefit of moving the stand though...We have a new way in and out so we won't have to cross the clearing and the wind will be in our favor more often. I'm hoping anyway. I feel a bit dumb that I didn't discover the new spot before. But we were seeing a few deer come past us where a shot wasn't presented or busting us to the south.

This year we sat for about 4 hours before we saw as deer. The first deer came into our right, where Jack couldn't see it, but I could. It was coming right at us. When he moved his head to see it, she stopped and busted us. She was a good sized doe and one he would shoot if she gave us a chance. Being about 20 yards away there was almost no way he could move without her blowing out of there. They had the old stand off. Then, to the north the big ol girl came through on a trot right past everything on a hard 1/4'ing away shot. Neither of us saw her before she was making all the racket. But, before I knew it the kid has his rifle up and BOOOM! Down she went, on the spot. He made a beautiful shot.

Just before the action started.
[Linked Image]

Here he is checking shot placement. That's the entrance. Exit was through the heart and out the other side in front of the opposite shoulder.
[Linked Image]

Hero Shot. You can get an idea of what the bedding area looks like. Waist high grass, scrub oaks, and Jack Pine. West is behind him. We rarely see a deer come from that way, but almost all of them leave to the west into that grass or to the north in thick brush.
[Linked Image]

The gun he used is a M7600 in 30-06 that he inherited from his Grandpa Pete last year when he passed. There have been dozens of bucks shot with that rifle. It was a touching moment for us both. He was a wonderful man. He'd have been very proud to see this.
[Linked Image]

For a size reference, this is in an XL Otter Sled.
[Linked Image]

[/URL]

Here is pic from the blind in "The Hole" I referenced earlier. As you can see, it's a bit tight for seeing them come in. You need to be ready. The gun is pointing down a shooting lane about 3' wide, looking East.
[Linked Image]

Here is the buck I got on the last 1/2 hr of our hunt last year. I was happy to get him. I saw him coming at about 30 yards through a Red Pine plantation. He saw something he didn't like and started to bug out. Thankfully, it was down the shooting lane. Caught him in back of the onside lung and behind the shoulder. Exit the opposite shoulder between shoulder blade and neck. He ran about 50 yards. Shot with a M70 XTR 7x57 Mauser, 140gr Federal blue box bullet.

The funny part was I saw him hook to the right(North East) after I shot. Then, I saw a tail bounding back past the end of the lane, to the NW. I thought it was him. It wasn't.

I only found hair at the site where he was hit. Underbrush is very thick, knee high blueberry looking crap that has red berries on it. I couldn't find squat for sign other than where I found the hair. I had to have the kid come help me out. I assured him I hit the buck. After about 1/2 hour of looking for blood, I told him we were going to do a grid to try to just find the deer. Then I told him I saw the tail bounding back to the left and he told me about a deer that was by him, he was watching when I shot.

Jack said there was a doe on the old grown in logging road he was watching about 75 yards behind me. He said I HAD to have seen her, she came from my direction, nearly on the trail I walk in on. Well, I didn't see her. I may or may not have been catching a quick snooze about 1 min before I saw the buck.

So, I started looking back to the right where I originally saw him hook off to the NE. I still didn't find any sign of a hit or a deer. Coming back down the hill to start again from the hair...I saw him piled up under a Jack Pine blow down. We were happy campers. Until we realized we had 1/2 mile drag and it was getting dark pretty quick. We hustled and made it back a bit after sunset. No way the Otter Sled would have gone through that low down brushy crap. It would have taken twice as long.

The knife is from Jelky on the fire. It was the first time since I got the knife that I shot a damn deer.

That is the entrance side.
[Linked Image]

The end of the sheath is pointing to the exit. In the background you can see some of that brushy crap.
[Linked Image]

Jack pulling him from under the Jack Pine.
[Linked Image]

Great stuff Tom & JackHammer !!!!!

Love the double stand photo of you both !!

Great pictures!

Good stuff!

KId's a chip off the old block Tom. Congrats to both of you.

Congrads Guys what Huntings all about!

I love that pic of Jack dragging your buck. The torch has officially been passed Tom. Good job sir.

Interesting Walleye by-catch on Sunday !

[Linked Image]

First Muskie in my boat & Deb's biggest fish ever !

Awesome!

Better look at length, just prior to release !

Dang, I'm all ready getting the itch for deer season! Seems the older I get, the more I miss time in the woods. Can't wait for archery to open up. Hardly ever run across anyone out in the woods, unless it's a bird hunter or something like that. Fishing's a ton of fun, but it's just not the same sitting on a crossing watching the world wake up first thing in the morning. Hoping to spend more time up in the Alex area this fall developing some new spots.

Have a good summer guys.

strange for me to hear Alexandria referred to as a destination that is "up". I suppose it is kind of in the middle of the state, so it would be "up" for probably the majority of our state tho.

I guess when I was a kid, Duluth used to be "up north" too. lol.

Now I'm by the Canadian border and Tuktoyaktuk is "up north". (I believe that's a decent motorcycle destination)

When I was in WI everyone was always going "up north." It always made me chuckle. You could go as far north in WI as you wanted and wouldn't be up north as far as I was concerned. I grew up north of Duluth about 10 miles. So, "up north" didn't start until at least Eveleth.

When I lived in Fairmont they called Hutchison up north

Originally Posted by tzone

When I was in WI everyone was always going "up north." It always made me chuckle. You could go as far north in WI as you wanted and wouldn't be up north as far as I was concerned. I grew up north of Duluth about 10 miles. So, "up north" didn't start until at least Eveleth.

I've walked some of Tom's stomping grounds. Some damned beautiful land up there. It sure beats the strip mines and 100 acre farms I grew up in in Northeast Ohio.

Well...you go much further north and you'll be walking strip mines and 40 acre farms.

well it looks like photobucket is down again.

oh really?

Working for me !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Here are a couple of pictures of the weekend progress with the floor.
first layer of sheeting down
[Linked Image]

insulation & top layer going on
[Linked Image]

top layer over half way done
[Linked Image]

4 mil plastic to keep the rain off until roof goes on
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

WOW !!

who's the young guy with the bottle of beer?

That's what we all look like, in our minds !

My photos are showing up as linked image. Maybe filter?

Looks like its working aging. Here's some fishy pics for ya Paul

[Linked Image]

[img]http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr102/tzone777/CabinSummer2011184.jpg[/img]

can ya tell i'm bored at work?

Dang Tom, what is the fish in pic #3?! That thing is a brute.

Great stuff Tom !!

Azar, big fat Salmon !

Photos make everything betterer !

Originally Posted by Azar

Dang Tom, what is the fish in pic #3?! That thing is a brute.

Big king salmon from Lake Michigan.

Just got back from a week in V.N.P. We had a great trip the weather was as nice as we have had up there in years. Bugs were not a problem and the fish were actually biting for both the wife and me.

Those are some nice fish tzone.

Awesome TJAY! I have never been up there to camp. I fished in Kab in 1999 but that's about it.

I have noticed that we don't have many bugs around this year either. Kinda nice.

Just got back from Lac Seul and it was beautiful weather up there too. Great time with lots of fish. Came home to a bear running around the neighborhood which is cool.

Dont jinx the lack of bugs please!

As I write this I can hear the MN State High School Trap Tournament going on. My daughter shoots in it this weekend. anybody know any kids shooting in it?

B-Man,

Did you stay with Anderson's Lodge ?

Glad our conditions & fish turned on for you. Hope our hospitality did likewise !

Nope, we stay at Mahkwa. It was a great stay all the way around except for some idiot sweeping (yes, sweeping) Highway 502 halfway between Fort Frances and Dryden at the bottom of a hill on a corner. He was halfway out in my lane and a car was coming. Big time adrenaline rush. Why in the world was he sweeping a road that wasn't even dirty in the middle of a wilderness??????

Because he is a nut job!!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Just got back from Lac Seul and it was beautiful weather up there too. Great time with lots of fish. Came home to a bear running around the neighborhood which is cool.

Dont jinx the lack of bugs please!

As I write this I can hear the MN State High School Trap Tournament going on. My daughter shoots in it this weekend. anybody know any kids shooting in it?

I haven't been following it but there are a couple of kids from Delano that shoot summer and winter league that probably made it. One of them is pretty set on going to nationals.

Last September, they were still doing work on Ontario highway 502, are they finished for a while now?

i'll be heading to Alex today for the trap shoot. my youngest will be there. he had the invite to go to nationals too but that's quite the roadtrip and he said maybe next time. Go Roseau!

Where's nationals Buschy?

Happy birthday to my best buddy Jack. Big 13 today.

Happy birthday Jack! Nationals are in Michigan this year. It would be fun but it's been a horrendous year for us so we are bowing out this year. Fun sport for these kids. Good to see this for kids!

Happy Birthday Jack! Good luck hunting this fall buddy.

Happy Birthday Jack and good luck to Dad to survive the teen age years.Looks like you two have a good start on surviving already.

Hi Al,

I also have 3 teenage daughters in the house. So my death is soon to come I’m sure.

Happy fathers Day to all of you!

Inviting that young man to your camp, is something he will never forget. I lost my dad at 15, and a friends father, did the same for me,,,,,,,, I also have a camp in SW Wis and in the UP, so I am very blessed, enjoy and have fun

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!! have a great day!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!! have a great day!

thanks!

Originally Posted by groundhunter

Inviting that young man to your camp, is something he will never forget. I lost my dad at 15, and a friends father, did the same for me,,,,,,,, I also have a camp in SW Wis and in the UP, so I am very blessed, enjoy and have fun

Welcome to camp groundhunter.

Well the Alex trap team did really good and will go down to the cities as one of the top 40 teams to compete for the championship. They were awesome on their first 2 rounds but had to shoot in a downpour in their last 2 rounds so they were down a bit and finished with a 487/500. Not bad, but they had hopes of breaking the all time record I think. My daughter started slow and finished about at her average. Some great shooters out there that is for sure. if you shot a 98/100, you weren't even in the top 3 for that DAY! Over 8,000 high school shooters at the 9 day tourney. Pretty cool.

neighbor kid shot 100/100

Originally Posted by northern_dave

neighbor kid shot 100/100

Atta boy!

That is impressive! Only 4 or 5 did that of the 8,000+ that were here. Tomorrow is the individual tourney as well as the state championship!

I saw the picture they posted on facebook. the kid's dad is a hot rodder friend of mine, he (the dad) was wearing one of our shaw classic auto works t shirts in the picture. lol

that's awesome!

I believe I saw every 1957 Chevy that has ever been restored. They were all lined up waiting to get in the MN State Fairground this morning for Back To The 50's car show.

Looks like no Wy. antelope this year, 4 points was not enough

. Oh well just have to get the deer camp set up this year and do some trimming. Ok a lot after last years wet snow and wind event.

We have 3 or 4 schools that shoot trap at the gun club I belong too and sure is great to see the young shooters having fun.

I got my Black Hills, SD deer tag in a few days ago TJay. I have 4 points for it. Hopefully it’s my turn. If not I’m going to bow hunt WI for the first time in a long time.

Good luck Tom. 'Hope you draw the tag you're looking for.

Thanks Jeff,

The tag I really want i haven’t been able to draw for 4 years of trying. I’m hoping to draw this one for a distraction for the West River tag. 😂. Not really, I have wanted to hunt deer in the Black Hills since I was about 12-13 years old. I’m not looking for a monster buck. I’m looking for a great time, looking to hunt some beautiful country, and maybe shoot a deer to bring home.

tzone

I did a bunch of black hills deer hunts before the tags go so hard to get and even more over the boarder in region A in Wyoming. A couple of years I had tags in both and camped right on the SD/ Wy state line and hunted both states in the same day. It was always a good time. Wish you luck on the tags.

I will be pm’ing You for info!

PM sent

11 years today, the loss of my best friend. Thinking of Waylon today.

We feel your pain here Dave......

We miss him also.

I’m sorry for the loss of Waylon and how it has affects his family and friends. I obviously never met them but I have met his best friend and his kids and know he would be proud. I will raise one for Waylon today.

Weird sort of happy/solemn post wishing Dave a happy belated birthday and saluting the memory of Waylon. That was a tough year. I lost my brother who was Waylon's age and a buddy SFC Daniel Schiebner in Iraq who was also about Waylon's age. I keep their memories close. Life is fragile; everyday a gift.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well the Alex trap team did really good and will go down to the cities as one of the top 40 teams to compete for the championship. They were awesome on their first 2 rounds but had to shoot in a downpour in their last 2 rounds so they were down a bit and finished with a 487/500. Not bad, but they had hopes of breaking the all time record I think. My daughter started slow and finished about at her average. Some great shooters out there that is for sure. if you shot a 98/100, you weren't even in the top 3 for that DAY! Over 8,000 high school shooters at the 9 day tourney. Pretty cool.

I'm one of the coaches of our trap team. Our state shoot was the same day as MN. It was our first year and we only had a squad of 5. My boy and and 2 others shot 25 straights, but had some losses in other rounds. The team ended up missing 3rd by 1 bird. Not bad for a team of 5 going against 43 other teams with many times that amount. Everyone qualified for Nationals, but only a few are going because of work and vacations. The shoot is in Mason, MI about in the middle of the mitten. 50 fields I think.

There are some VERY good trap shooters out there that are barley old enough to shave. The one girl on our team took 2nd individually. She only took up the sport this year and can shoot as well as me and then some. Congrats to the MN trap competitors! These kids have my respect!

Happy Independence day everyone.

From north of the 49'th, Happy Fourth!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Happy Independence day everyone.

Dave,

Hope you had a great day, filled with family, friends & good food !

Yep, happy belated 4th. Just popped in here because I am sitting at my desk on a Friday afternoon. I can hear the MN trapshooting tourney going on (open to everyone). I figure close to 2 million rounds will be shot by the end of these two tournaments!

Hey, any good Boundary Waters advice? Bringing the family on our first adventure. Big tips, small tips, I will take them. We are going in via Snowbank Lake. the wife and daughter in one canoe and my two boys and I in the other.

Belated Happy 4th to all our members, friends, and family. We just got back from our annual vacation to a little family run resort up in Emily, Mn. Not the best weather-rained a lot, and hard. The fishing was pretty spotty. We had one good meal and a couple other stragglers came to the boat. 'Lost a big northern next to the boat a couple days ago. Put up one heck of a fight, and spit my Pikie Minnow back at me from right next to the boat. Lots of fun. Glad to be back home, but it made me more anxious for deer season. Returning from summer vacation always gets me thinking about deer hunting. We saw about 25 deer up there-lots of fawns. Back to work on Monday. Oh well.

We got back from a week in the WI northwoods. We were camping. 6 kids 2 tents, and jack slept in the truck bed

. Weather was almost perfect. We had a few hours of rain on the 4th but it turned out to be a beautiful day. A beautiful week really.

We stayed on the Totagatic Flowage. Both of us want to buy a lake lot there. It’s gorgeous. I don’t think the kids left the water much except to fish or eat. It went a lot better then I thought with the baby. She loves camping apparently. A complete surprise to us, the kids loved it so much they want to play fewer sports next year and camp more. Jack was on the fence about that but no biggie either way.

Mama also said it’s time to sell the 30 year old boat and get a newer one we can take more kids in and pull tubes. Call me nuts but I’m not sure how I feel about that. This one is paid for and set up damn near perfect after 4 years of tinkering. Hell, jack and I just set up some interior LED lights so we can actually see what’s going on in the early and late hours.

One of the best things was we made a no phones rule. The kids had very limited access to the phones. We did too. It was great as far as I’m concerned. So far this summer the kids have gone for 2 weeks without cell phones, games, or iPods.

In a few hours, we are going to pick up our new puppy. A female English/American Lab mix. Her name is Gretzky.

We battled the heat and hauled a bunch of equipment out to the cabin for trail mowing and maintenance. We mostly worked but we found an hour or so on Saturday and again Sunday to go for a trail ride and pick some blueberries.

[Linked Image]

Nice Sir David, how do you pick the berries? Use a rake, or just by hand?

Holy crap does Joey look like Nate!!

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Nice Sir David, how do you pick the berries? Use a rake, or just by hand?

Just by hand.

Originally Posted by tzone

Holy crap does Joey look like Nate!!

Ain't dat da damned truff !!

Great to see what you're up to Dave.

Our heat wave weekend kinda went like this !

[Linked Image]

Oh my!

Heat made the meat sweats even worse !

looks like good eats!

Pork tenderloin & ribs were fantastic.

Brisket piece, meh, tasty enough, but completely fell to stringy pieces when I sliced it.

P.S. The Gin & Tonics were outstanding !

G&T would be ok right now.

Pine cone drinks.

Yeah, little bit of relief here today, but the weekend was like working in a fireball !

Probably should have hooked up the camper, turned on the air conditioner & slept in there !!

We had the house AC set to 70, it felt like an ice box in there.

I feel like I'm buttin' in on this thread, but, if you think Dryden is hot Paul, and it may well be, we were not used to the humidly when we got back to Iowa.

It was so humid, went commando on the lawn tractor & the back of my shorts looked like I'd been swimming !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

We had the house AC set to 70, it felt like an ice box in there.

That's it, we're moving to your place.

We needed to cold shower, cover the bed in towels, turn the ceiling fan on high & evaporate dry, just to get to sleep.

I schidteth thee not !

It's so humid, we don't bother drying our clothes after warshing em anymore. We just put our wet clothes on straight out the warsh'n machine and head outside. Dry clothes end up wit within 30 seconds anyways, why bother?

Way to hot for me.

Good evening, all. Just checking in infrequently as I have been doing. Had about 12 pages to catch up on. It is hot here in South Carolina but low humidity here lately so it isn't too bad.
Tzone , please relay belated happy birthday wishes to Jack as I seem to have missed his special day.
Looks like everyone is enjoying the outdoor activities. I hope the balance of the summer is enjoyable also.
In a few days I will cross the 77 mark. Getting old is bearable but you have to face giving up certain things. This year I have decided that I will hunt no more.
I may have mentioned this once before on here. I know I will miss it. The thrill of the hunt is still there it is just the ability to carry thru that is lacking.
I will check in again in a few days.

Stan in SC

Think back about hoe cold it was last winter.

PM sent Stan. Please consider it.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

Way to hot for me.

Hey Joe! Hows it going bud? haven't heard from you in a while.

In doing great how about yourself!

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

Good evening, all. Just checking in infrequently as I have been doing. Had about 12 pages to catch up on. It is hot here in South Carolina but low humidity here lately so it isn't too bad.
Tzone , please relay belated happy birthday wishes to Jack as I seem to have missed his special day.
Looks like everyone is enjoying the outdoor activities. I hope the balance of the summer is enjoyable also.
In a few days I will cross the 77 mark. Getting old is bearable but you have to face giving up certain things. This year I have decided that I will hunt no more.
I may have mentioned this once before on here. I know I will miss it. The thrill of the hunt is still there it is just the ability to carry thru that is lacking.
I will check in again in a few days.

Stan in SC

Happy Birthday Stan! And many more!

Don't you dare give up hunting. Do what you can, where you can, when you can. Methinks a new 45-70 might be in order to get er done. Plenty of help available here and from friends who I'm sure would love to help drag and gut for you. All you have to do is ask.

p.s. My gramps deer hunted until he was 92. Shot a doe that year too. Open sights. Marlin 336-C 30-30. He was pretty proud of that deer... as we all were. He'd a hunted at 93, but he didn't make it that far. Where there's a will, there's a way.

I hope Stan makes it out this fall, and for many fall's to come. 'Gotta keep the old guns in camp if the young guns want to learn the ropes. Stan's welcome to join me any time.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

In doing great how about yourself!

I'm doing well Joe. Busy with work and getting things around the house fixed up.

Tom......you getting ready yet for your SD hunt? I assume you contacted Ryan for local knowledge?

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I’ve been tapping Ryan’s brain and bugging the crap out of him for about 4 years now. I’m sure he’s sick of me. I’m trying not to get too excited about it because of my last 4 years of success rates.

When I find out the results I’ll call the SDF&G and the National Park Service to get a few maps. So far I think I’m going to check around the Custer area but I’m 100% to suggestions.
I think the best advice Ryan gave me so far is walk, walk, walk, and shoot! I do have a range I can shoot out to 300 at as well as clear cuts I can get out further if needed.

If you have any advice on terrain, food, cover, and gps coordinates of a 125”+ 10 pt you know of....PM me. I’m like Ross Perot, all ears!

You've already done what I would do, and that is get local knowledge from Ryan. Might also be worth it to contact the local biologist and/or game warden. I have good results with the Wyoming guys in the past. We were out in Hill City last year for a quick family trip. Our favorite part was driving the back roads thru Custer Park near dark looking at the deer.

I'm pretty excited my self. Going to Colorado in Sept for a drop camp muzzleloader elk hunt! I need to do some more shooting and get in a bit better shape.

I sooooo want to shoot an elk as well. I don't even care if it's a cow elk. Mama love elk venison and so do I. We ate up all our venison from the 2 deer we shot last year.

Three of us, myself included, will have cow elk muzzleloader tags and two guys will have either sex archery elk tags.

That should be a blast!

This year I hope I get a deer. missed 2 and saw 13 deer overall last year...

Joe, just keep working at it. More trigger time never hurts. Get to the range with your dad as much as you can, buddy. It will help. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

This year I hope I get a deer. missed 2 and saw 13 deer overall last year...

That's actually a pretty good year Joe. 13 deer in one season is quite a bit for northern MN.

The most I saw at one time was 6 I shot twice and I gave a doe a buzz cut.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

This year I hope I get a deer. missed 2 and saw 13 deer overall last year...

That's actually a pretty good year Joe. 13 deer in one season is quite a bit for northern MN.

Tom knows from whence he speaks Joe. You had a darned good season. Will you hunt the same stands/spots this year?

good year for the berries. Pam and I drove out to the forest near the cabin last night and picked for about an hour and a half.

[Linked Image]

Nice !!

I'll give you $25 Canadian currency, for that lot.

Were the bugs bad ?

It's what has been stopping us from going out.

bugs were doing bug things. Deep woods off bug spray, we managed.

Paul, some of us know what the going rate is for the berries around Dryden.

40 bucks US around here.

Good harvest Dave. Did you see any bear sign? We were picking blueberries at our camp in Pa. one time and walked right in on a big black bear sound asleep in the middle of the blueberry patch. We just quietly backed out and left. It must have gorged it's self on the berries and laid down for a nap.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

40 bucks US around here.

Yep, $30-40 a pale here too.

Can't believe you didn't go for my offer, it's plastic money too, you know.

Is the cost of bug spay figured in the retail price?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

It must have gorged it's self on the berries and laid down for a nap.

Hell I think we've all done that before haven't we?

No? Nobody? Just me eh? Huh....strange.

Ya, I usually eat as many as I put in the bucket !

It's a solid plan

Until the next day !

Perhaps, not so "solid" then !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Until the next day !

Perhaps, not so "solid" then !

Colorful though....

I missed the elk conversation! Dang it. My group is headed to Wyoming with either sex tags for archery. Tom, be careful, elk hunting is a worse addiction than deer hunting. and getting a fix every year is hardly enough.

MMMMmmmmm. Blueberries.

Originally Posted by tzone

No? Nobody? Just me eh? Huh....strange.

Oh yeah-guilty as charged. With home made ice cream too. Or with my dad's world famous flapjacks.

We used to do the same thing with blackberries when I was a kid. We had a lot of them in the woods near our house. Wild raspberries while up in Yooperland, Mich. too. Lots of small town festivals up there with raspberries as the theme.

We have, er I mean, had a bunch of blackberries in our backyard til the kids found em.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

This year I hope I get a deer. missed 2 and saw 13 deer overall last year...

That's actually a pretty good year Joe. 13 deer in one season is quite a bit for northern MN.

Tom knows from whence he speaks Joe. You had a darned good season. Will you hunt the same stands/spots this year?

Well I'm gonna have to, the blueberrys are great!

I was just reviewing the rules for turning in a application for the Camp Ripley archery hunt. Think I'm gonna apply. I talked to a couple guys on line who said you pretty much get drawn every year now. It used to be there were more applicants than tags, and it was about an every-other-year proposition. That's a fun hunt, although kind of tough with no scouting.

Jeff, I hope you have a better time at Ripley hunting, than I did at the Army Reserve summer camps!

I have to get into see my M.D. to get my crossbow permit updated. I get the exemption due to my heart condition.

Gotta say it guys-I'm really getting the itch to go deer hunting. Can't wait for archery to open up. Was looking at the crossbow last night. Time to start practicing. Too hot yet for a trip to the rifle range, but some trigger time on the AR would be nice right about now. Anyone else getting anxious to hit the woods?

Getting there. Just got back from a scouting trip to Wyoming. Was thinking that the 25-06 was going to be the ticket but there's a lot of thick timber. Definitely running triple shocks if I take it. Considering a lever in 30-30 or 44 magnum.

bucktail,

Where in wyoming and what are you hunting?

Jeff

Deer in area 65.

Do any of you guys that hunt WY get tags OTC? I could get into this hunting the west thing.

Sunday was the first time fishing, in a month !

Was getting the DT's !

Originally Posted by tzone

Do any of you guys that hunt WY get tags OTC? I could get into this hunting the west thing.

There are leftover tags in some areas but they don't last long. Pronghorn would probably be your best bet.

Originally Posted by tzone

Do any of you guys that hunt WY get tags OTC? I could get into this hunting the west thing.

I'd be game for this if you want a wingman Tom.

I'll probably take my 13 year old wingman. We don't go on too many hunting trips without each other these days.

Antelope hunting is a good time and an easy hunt. Be a great hunt for a kid. I've asked my oldest daughter and I can't get her to go. She likes to deer hunt here in MN, just can't get her to make the leap to out west.

You get her to switch to western hunting Jeff and she won't hunt MN anymore!!

Tom.....That would be a great problem to have!

When do you find out about SoDak?

Soon I hope. The deadline was last Friday for internet applications. This Friday for mail in apps.

My daughter and I are doing an antelope hunt this year in the same place as last year. If you go, I would be happy to show you the mistakes I have made so you don't necessarily have to repeat them! First thing is, buy an OnX Maps subscription for your cell phone.

Pronghorn hunting is just plain fun. Not too hard, not too serious, just fun. and compared to other hunts, it is easy.

Berretta,

Were you on public ground?

I've been on a few antelope hunts, all were small fee trespass pass hunts. If/when I go again I want to go public land.

Jeff

Antelope is on the near future list. I really didn’t have a desire to hunt them until I went to Yellowstone a few years back and saw them all over WY.

tzone

I did region A deer for about 15 years. Hunted in the bear lodge mountains,Black Hills N.F. We always had a good hunt. I would be happy to show you were we hunted and camped.

Here is our Wy. region A deer camp. We used to be able to drive in past the gate about 1/4 mile.

Beautiful camp as always!!

The wife thinks I was nuts for selling my other tent. So, I do believe I’m going to get another!

J elky,
Most of our hunt was on public ground and we lucked into some private by asking at the right place at the end. But up until then, it was all public. The road issue is big out there (and hard to determine what is public) and they are way more obsessed with trespassing out there than here I believe. OnX is absolutely critical. Do NOT go out there without it. It really works well for determining property lines while hunting. Next thing is knowing what public land holds antelope (yep, I made that mistake!).

T Jay......I would love to hear more about your Wyoming hunts? Whitetails or mule deer? Assuming public land? Other pictures from your hunts?

B-man....what part of Wyoming were you in? I've hunted south of Gillette, near the Pumpkin Buttes, over my Mayoworth and up near Arvada.

I have photo books with those hunt but few on the computer. I hunted almost every year from 86 to 2002. Almost all whitetails. That area around the tent is the top of a ridge that fish and game and the forest service thinned to help the mulies and in the last few years we saw a few. It was a fun area to hunt, sitting up on the rimrocks looking into the scrub oak. Only bad part was dragging them back up the ridge. Wish the season did not conflict with the Mn. season I would go back.

TJAY,

I'd love to see/hear more too. That camp looks perfect. I'd skip a MN season to hunt out west. I'm skipping the first few days if I draw SD. I'll be back for the second weekend though!

Pronghorns are a blast! Tasty too. We hunted a lot around Douglas, WY. Folks seem to be fairly good about letting us hunt. Always got the thing cut up and wrapped at Tom's in town. His breakfast sausage and jerky are nothing short of amazing.

Funny story. Made a 398 yard shot on a buck whilest my buddy was videotaping. Bang, flop. My dad was there too and watched the whole thing. I had a '98 Expedition as a rest. I gloated for a good 10 minutes and drank a victory beer with the boys before we took the walk to go get it. My buddy says "dang, right behind the ear". I says yep, didn't want to ruin any meat. What they didn't know was that I was holding just above the shoulder as the buck was feeding. The wind (it's ALWAYS windy out there) moved it over and the bullet (300WM 180 partition) dropped like a rock and caught that buck in the head down and over 18" when it was going for another bite. $h!thouse luck. I didn't see and reason to tell them at that particular moment. Made the drag back to the truck only to find the hide came dang near completely off. It was my first antelope. Had no idea the hide came off so easy. Good times.

Well, the new Mn. deer regs are out. I see our area is Hunter's Choice again. Nice not having to sweat out the lottery. Hoping to get in some archery hunting and ML too.

I think we were in "Hunters Choice" last year. But I didn't see a deer from the woods. Saw two while in the truck driving out on the logging road but nothing while hunting. I'm not sure I'm even buying a license this season for MN. You can only have so many irons in the fire.

I went up to WI to take a drive and get out of town for a few hours. I took the 7mm x 57 and my new 6.5 CM out for a spin. The more I shoot the Kimber the more I like it. Recoils less than a .243 it seems. 3/4" groups at 100 yds, 2" groups at 200 yds, 4" groups at 300. That was on me. I'm VERY new to shooting that far. This was only my 2nd or 3rd time shooting that far. I'll have it dialed in better by hunting season. One thing I noticed was that after even just shooting about 10 shots at 300, shooting at 100 seemed like a chip shot.

I glanced at the map, I see they have us as a 2 deer limit area.... blinking in disbelief. MN dnr deer management, Total disconnect from reality is solidly confirmed.

We feel that our deer are finally showing promise of a comeback after the bovine TB debacle, and they're gonna hand out 2 tags to everyone that wants to hunt our area.

What ever.

They make the rules, we follow.

I just looked at the zone map myself. The amount of micromanagement is ridiculous. On one side of a forest road is one zone on the other is a different zone. It's a really really well built logging road. It has class 5 on it but it's because they're always logging parts of the area. We have spots to hunt on both sides. Thankfully, they're both hunters choice. I wouldn't mind seeing pretty much all of northern MN "bucks only" except for the kids.

The DNR deer mismanagement continues to amaze me. I'm not sure why though. We should be used to it by now.

The only way I'm buying a license would be to hunt the 2nd weekend or muzzleloader. Come to think of it, muzzle loader may be fun.

Originally Posted by tzone

Antelope is on the near future list. I really didn’t have a desire to hunt them until I went to Yellowstone a few years back and saw them all over WY.

Antelope is probably the most fun hunt I have been on to date with a firearm. I would love to do it again

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I was just reviewing the rules for turning in a application for the Camp Ripley archery hunt. Think I'm gonna apply. I talked to a couple guys on line who said you pretty much get drawn every year now. It used to be there were more applicants than tags, and it was about an every-other-year proposition. That's a fun hunt, although kind of tough with no scouting.

From what I heard, Ripley is really a crap shoot. If you know the lay of the land, you should try to get as far back in as early as you can so when all the others show up and start pushing into the woods, they essentially drive the deer to you. This is just what I've heard. I have never actually hunted Ripley.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Antelope is on the near future list. I really didn’t have a desire to hunt them until I went to Yellowstone a few years back and saw them all over WY.

Antelope is probably the most fun hunt I have been on to date with a firearm. I would love to do it again

I smell a road trip

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by tzone

Antelope is on the near future list. I really didn’t have a desire to hunt them until I went to Yellowstone a few years back and saw them all over WY.

Antelope is probably the most fun hunt I have been on to date with a firearm. I would love to do it again

I smell a road trip

Like me a road trip but they don't smell very good...

My last loper hunt 2013. Two days later we were running east on 90 trying to stay ahead of a monster snow. Friends in Rapid City go 15" that night and the next day.

I had two doe tags and filled them both west of Gillette near the powder river in area 23.

Gilllette is why I want to hunt antelope. When I was within an hour of there, everywhere we looked had them in a field. And some buck even I knew were big!

I hunted speed goats in SD, basically straight south of Hettinger, ND. The country looked like a nuke had gone off there at one time but it had critters. I got lucky on the draw and got a buck and doe tag the first time I applied. Filled both tags with a 7mm Rem Mag and 140 gr. Accubonds. It was a blast.

After the shot. I was pretty pumped! lol

Not the biggest but it was a definite trophy for me:

Awesome rooster!

There must be some mistake...I seem to have been drawn for a Black Hills, SD deer tag.

Congrats tzone, i know you been waiting a long time for that tag. You and your son will have a blast..

Good luck buddy. Sounds like a really fun hunt.

Congrats Tom! You will have an awesome time! Are you hooking up with Ryan for this hunt?

I’m sure I’ll see him at some point. He’s already helped me find some areas to check on the googles of the earth. I’d like to see him at some point since it’s been a few years.

Thanks noduck! Jack and I are both looking forward to going.

T- What tag did you draw?

Hi mike,

I drew any whitetail for the black hills.

Good luck Tzone

Congrats Tom......You are going to have a blast!! Good luck and keep us posted on scouting etc.

Originally Posted by bigwoods

Good luck Tzone

Thanks BW!

Originally Posted by j_elky

Congrats Tom......You are going to have a blast!! Good luck and keep us posted on scouting etc.

Thanks Jeff. I will post updates as they come. I'm looking forward to getting out there already.

T- Here's right back at you!!

Glad you finally drew. In our crew of six father-sons, all but one drew two whitetail tags each in Perkins County. I have been hunting deer there or in Harding County since the late '70's when tags show up in the mailbox.

You and Junior are in for a ton of fun...enjoy!!

This was a good deer camp. North East Kommiefornia about 30 yrs ago. Opening day.

[Linked Image]

Those black tails?

Originally Posted by FatCity67

This was a good deer camp. North East Kommiefornia about 30 yrs ago. Opening day.

[Linked Image]

That's a great picture, can you tell us about the structure the deer are hanging from?

Young Rocky Mountain Mule deer shot about 1 mile from the Nevada border.

Live stock loading ramp.

I’m the guy in the hat. 6’3 about 250 in that pic.

Cool pic

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by FatCity67

This was a good deer camp. North East Kommiefornia about 30 yrs ago. Opening day.

[Linked Image]

That's a great picture, can you tell us about the structure the deer are hanging from?

They use them for loading cattle into trailers. Pretty common around here as well.

Cool pic!

Nice!

We had a hunting camp weekend. We rode trails, picked 6 gallons of choke cherries (they pick fast). had some bbq, bonfire, good times.

Pics!

See any grouse dave?

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I dare ya.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I wouldn't mind bringing the can-am up either. Give you guys something to pull out of the mud holes.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice!

We had a hunting camp weekend. We rode trails, picked 6 gallons of choke cherries (they pick fast). had some bbq, bonfire, good times.

Save some of them choke cherries for the birds eh!

When I was a kid we shoot the drunk grouse in the yard that were full of em.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I dare ya.

Do you triple DOG dare me??

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I wouldn't mind bringing the can-am up either. Give you guys something to pull out of the mud holes.

I'm too old for mud holes, I go around them these days, lol.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I dare ya.

Do you triple DOG dare me??

Quad canine dare.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I wouldn't mind bringing the can-am up either. Give you guys something to pull out of the mud holes.

I'm too old for mud holes, I go around them these days, lol.

The new wheels has a warn winch on it. Pretty much to pull logs out of the trail. lol

I have to clean/fix too many things after going through mud hole these days.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

There must be pics

I'd like to get the Wolverine up there this fall sometime.

I wouldn't mind bringing the can-am up either. Give you guys something to pull out of the mud holes.

I'm too old for mud holes, I go around them these days, lol.

Me too. Mud holes usually mean repairs anyway

and too much cleaning.

Yes! Way too much.

Dave-do you have any plans for a run of Chickenbuck hats? I'd like to get another one-can't find the one I got a few years back.

We hadn't discussed it lately but I can check it out.

The easiest part of the whole choke cherry business, is the picking.

Congrats on the SD Black Hills tag Tom !!!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The easiest part of the whole choke cherry business, is the picking.

How do you choke cherries ?

Is it like chokin' da chicken ?

Curious minds............

HOW BIG IS YOUR DEER CAMP SKILLET

[Linked Image]

I have a nice sized one but not quite that big.

[Linked Image]

Well hell, now I’m hungry.

Anybody from this thread going to Savage Fest in Wisconsin next weekend? My son and I are headed down there Friday evening.

Well the only place I've seen enough savages to have a festival about them was Wisconsin. So, I'm not surprised to hear that's where you're headed for this savage fest. And let me tell ya what....Most of the savages were women and they had on white jersey looking shirts with a #12 on them. They should be easy to spot. You'll usually smell them first. Miller Lite and sour kraut will hit ya before you see the #12.

Wait, you said Savages. I was thinking Sasquatch. Either way....you'll find em both in WI.

Just got my antlerless tag for WI. It's been a long time since I've had one there. 2011-2016 it was "bucks only" where we hunt. Last year I got in line on the que they use and I was number 14K something for 500 tags.

Well, you guys are always commenting about the colouration of the Walters we catch.

So I tried a different lake on Sunday !

Couple of nice 'eye from the weekend.

Both solid 23" fish, 2 different lakes, 2 vastly different colourations !

This one, from our "usual lake", tannin stained.

[Linked Image]

This one from a new lake, almost clear water colour.

[Linked Image]

Puppy/dog update !

Our Sons new pup, Sophie @ 10 weeks.
[Linked Image]

@24 weeks !
[Linked Image]

Paul, the bottom one is more like what we catch here. Up by dave and rooster, they're perfect, golden color like most picture a walleye. I like the golden brown myself...cooked just perfect in the batter.

Originally Posted by tzone

Wait, you said Savages. I was thinking Sasquatch. Either way....you'll find em both in WI.

Tom's really on a roll today! Wish you were coming to the Fest to see some GOOD rifles, Tom!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Wait, you said Savages. I was thinking Sasquatch. Either way....you'll find em both in WI.

Tom's really on a roll today! Wish you were coming to the Fest to see some GOOD rifles, Tom!

Although my offer stills stands on that 7mm fencepost you've got Tom. I'd be doing you a real favor taking it off your hands for $250.00..................................

The scope is yours for $250.

Where is the festival of savages?

Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Originally Posted by tzone

The scope is yours for $250.

.......and you'll throw in the rifle for free right?.............

If by free you mean $800 additional, then yes.

Maybe some day buddy. That is a very nice rifle.

It's my lucky rifle. It would probably be the last one I'd sell other than my grandpa's guns. I have more accurate rifles, but this one sure seems to get the job done when I need it. I think we all have rifles like that.

I also have one that scares deer away I think. Over the years the .35 Rem seems to be that gun for me. Come to think of it, I've never seen a deer while carrying the .35 Rem. I have a 760 that I'd very much like to shoot a deer with but they don't come out when I carry it.

been gone awhile and there is lots to catch up on...deer, sasquatches, savages, Tom's WT SD license, dark walleyes, etc. So here goes:

Deer: we can shoot 3 deer each in our zone. My kids really want to do that but if I do the math....that is 12 deer for us. Add the potential for 5 pronghorn and an elk and I dont think we can eat 18 critters in my house. We do have too many does and are gonna make war on them this year.

Savages: I have heard those Sconny womenfolk can be mistaken for sasquatches. makes sense I guess.

Tom's WT license: Congrats! A ton of fun is in the planning. Bring us along for the ride!

Dark walleyes: they taste the same as light ones. mmmmm.

Now my updates.

The good: Went up to the Boundary Waters Canoe area with the family. Great time, but that area is not what I would call fertile country. Not a lot of critters, birds, or fish. Peaceful, yes, but I wouldnt go there on a wildlife viewing trip.

Youth Outdoor Activity Day is coming up on Sunday August 26th. All Free. We have 50 activities for kids to do. We will give each kid a tshirt, everyone lunch and ice cream and give away 1,000 duck calls, 1,000 fishing rods/reels, 500 butterfly nets, 100 BB guns, 100 Bows and arrows and tons of other stuff. We are expecting 2,500 kids. If you can get to Alexandria with some kids, I promise you will have a great time. Absolutely no cost (it is a rule, we dont even ask for donations).

The REALLY BAD: On Friday night, our 2.5 year old yellow lab died of heat stroke. It happened fast. It wasnt that hot. She wasnt working that hard or long. It just happened and I have since learned that it can happen when it isnt that hot. Our kids are devastated. telling your kids the family dog died sucks really bad. Hardest thing I have ever had to do as a parent.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

The REALLY BAD: On Friday night, our 2.5 year old yellow lab died of heat stroke. It happened fast. It wasnt that hot. She wasnt working that hard or long. It just happened and I have since learned that it can happen when it isnt that hot. Our kids are devastated. telling your kids the family dog died sucks really bad. Hardest thing I have ever had to do as a parent.

How did that happen?

a neighbor kid was throwing the ball for her in the shade for 20-30 minutes about 445 pm. Something that happens multiple times daily for her. It was warm but not overly hot. She is a retrieving fool and does this all of the time. She took her own breaks a few times. I came out about 515 ish and noticed a slight limp. We checked her leg. Nothing. checked the hip. nothing. gave her a treat. She wouldnt eat it. Now we suspected heat stroke so we hosed her down good. a few minutes later we did it again. She vomited and had diarrhea. we hosed her a third time and had her come in and sit over the air conditioning vent. She still appeared to be fairly normal in terms of behavior. She took a nap and basically never recovered. She died at 3 am. We had an emergency vet on the phone who ran us through some things and she passed. The vet thought she was getting better.

My wife and I went over it a thousand times. What we could have done differently and it just didn't make sense. It just wasn't that hot out (i peeled corn in the sun and I wasn't hot at all and I am a baby in the heat...and remember, she was in the shade the whole time).

Sorry to hear about your family dog. Sad to lose one that young.

Man that’s horrible. That happened quickly! Our new pup has been telling me on these hot days when she wants to come in. Usually, she never wants to come in.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's my lucky rifle. It would probably be the last one I'd sell other than my grandpa's guns. I have more accurate rifles, but this one sure seems to get the job done when I need it. I think we all have rifles like that.

I also have one that scares deer away I think. Over the years the .35 Rem seems to be that gun for me. Come to think of it, I've never seen a deer while carrying the .35 Rem. I have a 760 that I'd very much like to shoot a deer with but they don't come out when I carry it.

Tom, you know I'm just joking with you. Just gotta razz you once in a while buddy.

That's terrible Dean. So sorry for your loss buddy. I'm sure the kids must be taking this very hard.

Damn I can only image how the kids are feeling.

Life has a way of providing teaching moments even when we don’t want them.

New puppy time.

Bummer about the dog..

This morning I was almost 700 feet below sea level and never left Minnesota. It was 51 degrees down there and felt great.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Bummer about the dog..

This morning I was almost 700 feet below sea level and never left Minnesota. It was 51 degrees down there and felt great.

Any bat sightings?

Sorry about the pup, that's no fun at all.

No bats seen.. White nose was said to have affected the mine.

is that right?

Is that lab shut down and empty now? I never did get to see the lab.

Ah, Soudan Mine, eh? Pretty amazing those guys had fingers left after how they pounded in the chisels for the dynamite holes.

Boy, I bet is been 30 years since I’ve been on a tour of that.

They closed the research lab several years ago. Grand daughter thought the elevator ride up and down was pretty good. She likes mines and caves such things. This was my second trip down in there and it is always interesting.

Sorry to hear about the dog, that's one of the toughest things to go through.

I was on a work trip last week and found myself by Cohasset MN. visited the Forest history center while I was there. that was one of the funnest field trips I have been on in recent years. they had actors playing people of the years during the big timber boom in the first years of the 1900's. team of horses the whole bit. it was awesome, I hope to take the kids sometime.

My son and I returned from the Savage Fest. We had a great time, met some of our awesome members, learned a lot, and came home with a very nice 99 E in .243 for my grand daughter. She's a year old, so my son and I have some time to break it in. I'll carry it this fall, and hand it off to Eric as soon as I fill a tag with it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Turns out those wild jack rabbits don't care to be handled. They especially don't care to be shaken vigorously by the neck.

They don�t teach that in school.

I'm dying...This is still one of the best stories I've ever heard drunk.

1 Statement & 1 question;

Statement of fact: I need to hear the rest of this story !

Question: HITF did you find this, to be able to quote it, in 34,270 posts ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

1 Statement & 1 question;

Statement of fact: I need to hear the rest of this story !

Question: HITF did you find this, to be able to quote it, in 34,270 posts ?

Fact #1, you need to be present around a campfire to hear it.

#2, every year I read this thread start to finish. I'm currently on page 757.

I remember hearing that story first hand, the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was the one sneaking through the snow behind the jackrabbit.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

You're grunting too hard.

I can tell by the .... smell.

CLASSIC !

Youth Outdoor Activity Day this Sunday in Alexandria everyone! Everything is free. Giving away, 1,000 duck calls, 1,000 fishing rods and reels, 2,500+ tee shirts, 500 binoculars, 500 bird houses, 500 butterfly nets, 100 bows and arrows, 100 BB guns and 5,000 lunches with ice cream! 46 activities to do.

Originally Posted by Long_Duck_Dong

I like Barts chili and bristoe make me laugh, he so angry.

I will stay, I hope I make many friend.

My favorite music is Robert Plant sing about street corner girlfriend.

The hillary clintons is very bad.

270 gun is for leapord ho-moe.

You are my new gun people friends.

I’m on page 8xx. It’s fun to look back. We are surly some goofy bastards.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Long_Duck_Dong

I like Barts chili and bristoe make me laugh, he so angry.

I will stay, I hope I make many friend.

My favorite music is Robert Plant sing about street corner girlfriend.

The hillary clintons is very bad.

270 gun is for leapord ho-moe.

You are my new gun people friends.

RIP LDD

Dave-any of the 'buckers going to camp for archery season when it opens?

im not sure

Great day Saturday, ta catch a buncha "darkies" !

Probably caught 30+ fish !

Lots of overs & cigars went back, came home with a 25" & 20" over, + 3 eaters (up to 18") each.

[Linked Image]

Nice!

I'll never get over the color of the fish you guys get up there.

Those are the darkest walleyes I've ever seen. Is the water stained real dark up there?

What are you running for a boat Paul?

Goph, Yep, they are from a dark tannin stained lake !

Not all our lakes are like that though.

[Linked Image]

Tannin stained lake top
Semi clear lake bottom

Originally Posted by tzone

What are you running for a boat Paul?

16.5 foot '90's Lund Pike & 1999 50hp Merc - Hummingbird helix 5 with GPS & ancient 36lb thrust minnkota bow mount !

='s;

[Linked Image]

I caught a dark walleye Sunday on Butler.

Also have a 14' Lund SSV with 25hp 2 stroke Yamaha & 14' Naden with 9.9hp Suzuki & 9.9hp Merc.

The 2 small boats use the same trailer.

Normally the Lund is on the trailer & the Naden (lighter) in the box of the truck for "little lakes.

Originally Posted by wabigoon

I caught a dark walleye Sunday on Butler.

Hi Richard. Butler is off Wabigoon, right ?

Gopher & Tom, Wabigoon Lake fish are normally light coloured, due to the clay content of the lake.

The lighter one above, is from Eagle lake, which is more like Lake of the Woods !

I like to see the difference from lake to lake. Pretty cool stuff.

Those are nice boats Paul. I asked because the layout if very much like my 16.5ft Alumacraft Classic dlx.

Yeah, it sure serves it's purpose !!

I got lots of toys, but they are all old !

I bought an old Sylvan with a walk through console last year. Really like it but I might want to go back to a simpler, single console layout.

Boy do I have a deal for you.

Tom, I all ready told you-$250.00 for the 7mm, and since I'm such a nice guy, you can keep the scope, and throw in the boat........

We heard the goose gunners open up bright and early this morning. They hunt a couple different fields near us. Twice we've had geese end up in the neighborhood after doing the glide of death from across the street. One went unclaimed, so I cleaned it and ate it. The other one was closely followed by a big Chessie who wasn't about to go back to the pits without that goose. How many dogs do 1/4 mile retrieves?

Made our 2nd & last batch of deer burger, from last season.

[Linked Image]

Might have even made backstraps & scallops for our 30th Anniversary supper !

[Linked Image]

Congrats Paul!

Food looks great as always.

I have the week off. I planned to build a shed this week but we made good progress this past weekend. Walked my stepdaughter to school today. It’s her first day at a new school so she was a little nervous. Gun cleaning day since it’s supposed to rain all day.

Slight chill this morning.

Something stirs within my heart, a mild tremor of adrenaline. Not sure if primal or habitual awakening.... I say habitual on the hunting aspect, regulated by fellow man with rules and a calendar. Primal on the seasonal aspect, a trigger of the coming season, thoughts of preparation etc.

To be continued.

Congrats Paul and Paul's better half.

I thought the same thing. Got up and went outside to put up the last wall on my shed project and you can feel it. I’m not even sure if it’s 60 degrees and it feels perfect.

The wind from the nw hit my face and it was as you described, a quick primal turn of the head in that direction. Nothing specific but a feeling that hits you and you understand what is coming with the shorter days, longer nights and lazy sunrises.

36 degrees air temp this AM. Frosted grass in the yard.

We drove south past your latitude yesterday Dave. Cool for sure, but is that time of year.

-2*C here when I kicked the dogs out this morning !

The new pup looked at me with that WTF face !

47 here this morning. Perfect! I saw faces country had frost/freeze warnings on the need last night.

Tom, we had a real good ground frost this morning & thick on the windshields !

That had to put a spring in your step Paul!

Yep, getting the itch !

Urph !

Call me crazy, but I'm hoping for snow on the ground for opener, again !

That's like, the opposite of "crazy".

As long as it leaves the day after the season closes.

It always snows the day after I drag a deer out of the woods. You can just about count on it.

Mornin' boys!

Anyone hunting this weekend? Small game and bow opener coming up. Jackhammer and I are going to put up some trail cams, move a tree stand I left in the woods...if it's still there. We also plan to do a little grouse hunting.

Heading up to Emily to walk the trails, check for deer sign, and maybe find a young stoopid grouse or two.

A bit tough to get full on into the hunting spirit when it's going to be 87 degrees this weekend. But by the weekend after, I'll probably have busted up my first coat rack or door frame of the season.

Grouse opens here on Saturday.

Deb & I will probably head north of the major population & try & ground swat a few.

If it's cool, probably native chicken & noodle soup.

Shoot a couple for me Paul! I'd sure like to try the birds someday.

Originally Posted by wabigoon

Shoot a couple for me Paul! I'd sure like to try the birds someday.

Wabi!! You get to NW Ontario and you haven't swatted any grouses? The soup is great. As is grouse/wild rice.

Leave for elk hunting saturday. Will be hunting on Sunday. can....not....focus.....on....any....thing......e....l...s...e....

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Leave for elk hunting saturday. Will be hunting on Sunday. can....not....focus.....on....any....thing......e....l...s...e....

Archery?

What state?

Good luck Dave. Have a great time.

Just got back from Colorado last night. I killed a cow elk with my muzzleloader on Sunday. Great trip, I will be back out there again!!

Congrats man!! Pics please

Yes! Congrats!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck Dave. Have a great time.

thanks but I'm not going.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Just got back from Colorado last night. I killed a cow elk with my muzzleloader on Sunday. Great trip, I will be back out there again!!

Congrats!

Sorry Dave-my bad-should have read it a little closer.

yep archery and Wyoming. 2 wakeups to go!

What part of Wyoming? DIY or guided?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck Dave. Have a great time.

thanks but I'm not going.

[
Congrats!

Would be if your luck was better

Originally Posted by bucktail

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck Dave. Have a great time.

thanks but I'm not going.

[
Congrats!

Would be if your luck was better

bucktail speak-um heap big truth.

Did you apply this year dave?

I'm not sure how long it takes to get CO/MT/WY elk tags, but I'd like to take the boy when he's 16'ish.

Anyone know how to post an image from Imgur?

When I try it posts a link to the image and not the actual image.

Like this: [img]https://i.imgur.com/Kji8rha.jpg?1[/img]

Tom,

In Colorado to depends on weapon choice and which season you want to hunt and which GMU you choose. I drew a GMU 12 muzzleloader cow tag with 1 pref point. In the same unit a bull tag takes 10 or 11 points.

Jeff

Roll up my sleeves here.... lets see.

[Linked Image]

where abouts in 12 Jeff?

PM if it's super double top secret.

Nice cow btw! Congrats!!!

DIY archery on public land in southern WY. We went there in 2015 and were successful. really looking forward to hunting the same place again as all of our hunts so far have been new places.

Dave,

What the hell did you do with the picture?

We went with a drop camp through J Bar H outfitters. Jeanne's base camp is south of Craig. She packed us in about 4-5 miles. The country out there is absolutely stunning.

B-man, drove I-80 across southern WY for the first time and I was surprised by all the mountains. Good luck on your hunt!!

Jeff

I just deleted the ?1 after .jpg on your link.

Cool, I think I got it now!

Thanks Dave.

Cool knife as always Jeff. Interesting that a couple of different knives of yours have been very close to where you hunted, very close in the same unit some years before.

Thanks Dave.

What ever happened to the one Uncle Dusty bought?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Thanks Dave.

What ever happened to the one Uncle Dusty bought?

It still sees action. I believe Missy has that one. I still use the one you gave me. It's become my go to.

Your sheaths are rock solid and tight, even after years of use.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom,

In Colorado to depends on weapon choice and which season you want to hunt and which GMU you choose. I drew a GMU 12 muzzleloader cow tag with 1 pref point. In the same unit a bull tag takes 10 or 11 points.

Jeff

Nice. I have a few years to go. He's 13 this year. I'd like to get him a bit more experience. Hunting a bit in SD in a few weeks may help.

Congrats on the elk Jeff!

I post pics the same way we used to. I use photobucket again since its up and working.

I have heard really good things about J Bar H Outfitting. Glad you had a great hunt and were successful!

Originally Posted by j_elky

Cool, I think I got it now!

Thanks Dave.

Lets talk about that knife....

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Your sheaths are rock solid and tight, even after years of use.

I love the sheaths as well. I have one from Jeff...now that I've seen the one he posted, I do believe I need another. Ahhhh-heem.

In honor of my dad, I carry his well worn Buck 110. I always carry some of Dad's gear when I hunt. Keeps us close. I have several other knives, but Dad's Buck is all I need.

Tom...that knife happens to be homeless. The blade is s35v, handle has red liners and the scales are desert ironwood. I'd call it a bird and trout knife with the slim profile on the blade. About 3-3/8" cutting edge, overall is 8-1/4".

Made a run up to the Floodwood shack yesterday afternoon. Trails were dry and dusty yesterday, standing water everywhere today.

Jeff,

If it needs a home pm me some details pleas. I love it, I’m interested.

We had a th or rain in nw WI. Jack and I waited an hour once we got there before we started our deer stand chores. After the work was done we took a wheeler ride for about an hour and a half. Jack got his wheeler to float a deep but small pond. He wasn’t sure what to think.

Man ,I see and hear of all this preparation for deer season going on . My next door neighbor(hunting buddy) is buying corn and bush hogging property. All of the stuff I used to do with him. I just may have to sneak out at least once, maybe twice ,this year to my friend's farm. I know I said I was going to give it up this year but I just see all of this going on and damnit , it's hard after 44 years NOT to get the bug. I just know that I cannot pursue it as I once did.

Stan in SC

There's nothing wrong with slowing down a bit Stan. I bet you'll be surprised at what you see, and what you experience as you gear back a bit. You don't want to get up with the boys at 4:30-don't do it. The deer will still be out there in the woods. It's a bit more chilly than you're comfortable with? Hang back a while and see if it warms up. Last but not least, no one will complain if you just go to be with the guys, and maybe be the bull cook this year. The camp next to ours had one of their old timers who cooked for them for over over 10 years, and he shot all most as many deer right off the front porch as they did from the stands. The last guy out the door always had to load his old 25-35 and put it on the porch. One of the youngsters forgot it one year and of course a nice buck walked through right between the camps. The kid never made that mistake again. As a sidenote, when the old fellow passed, that 25-35 came down to him, and he hunts with it to this day. Hunting doesn't have to be about getting a buck every time. There's nothing wrong with just being there with the guys, and if you feel up to any more than that, it's just icing on the cake.

Have a great time this fall Stan.

Every time you type “bull cook” it makes me laugh like the 12 year old living in my large adult body.

Just an old saying I've only ever heard at deer camp.

Save a bird for me Paul, I'll try to barter you something for it!!!

Nice!

I gotta get Joey out and see if the 2 of us can get a meals worth of birds.

Looking good Paul!

We got our deer stand chores out of the way. Cleared some trails, brushed in a few blinds, and put up 3 trail cams. We then walked a 1mi loop that I almost always see grouse on while not carrying a shotgun. Any guesses how many we say while carrying one? Yep...0

At the end of the day we went for a wheeler ride and told jack to throw his shotgun on the rack. The first grassy trail we were on there was a picture perfect shot....big ol grouse sitting right in the middle of the trail without a care in the world. It sat there til he was able to get the shotgun out of the case after a what seemed like a 40 minute struggle. LMAO. It was only funny because I've been in that situation enough times myself. We got a good laugh out of it. He handled it like a champ.

He also got to float his wheeler across a hole for a 100' or so. There is always water in that particular spot. Usually up to the center of the wheels. Well this time it was up to the center of the gas tank.

He went across before I did, so I didn't get to see the look on his face until I got across. He looked like he was concerned. I asked..."did you float it" He then gave me a 1/2 grin and said, "yeah." He wasn't sure if he was in trouble or not.

We had a blast actually.

Sounds like you guys had fun too, Tom !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Nice!

I gotta get Joey out and see if the 2 of us can get a meals worth of birds.

Yeah, it was a great day for it. 20*C, sunny & very light breeze !

Dat boy needs some funnin'.

Hey Paul,

Whats the red sauce on your soup?

I got a text from my daughter today. "Dad, when are we going deer hunting?"

It caught me completely off guard. She went 2 times 5 years ago and has said a strong "NO" every other time I've asked.

When I asked what changed she said, "if I'm going to get a deer, might as well do it now, plus I have snowpants so I'll stay warm."

LMAO, like it just happens.

So, I guess I'm taking big sis out too.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hey Paul,

Whats the red sauce on your soup?

It is the, Long Dong Duck recommended, Sriracha sauce;

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

I got a text from my daughter today. "Dad, when are we going deer hunting?"

It caught me completely off guard. She went 2 times 5 years ago and has said a strong "NO" every other time I've asked.

When I asked what changed she said, "if I'm going to get a deer, might as well do it now, plus I have snowpants so I'll stay warm."

LMAO, like it just happens.

So, I guess I'm taking big sis out too.

I can't take this heat. A couple cooler days in recent weeks and us pale skinned savages switch to winter mode.

Now it's 64 and sunny today and I'm miserable. Feels like 120 degrees.

Suck back a bottle of that siracha sauce. It'll induce a good head sweat, that in turn, will cool you down.

Problem solved !

I just dropped Joey off down the road from the house, picked up the neighbor kid on the way. Neighbor kids folks have a bunch of farm land by us with nice tree lines. The kids are walking those lines with the shotguns. Both boys are in a sweet spot age wise where they don't need an adult with and don't need a small game license yet.

I just got this picture from Joey. They have a long route to walk yet, hope they get more!

(this is sharp tail grouse)

[Linked Image]

Nice, I love sharptails.

50% bigger than ruffies !

They love the fresh slashes up here, but can be a challenge to get close enough, before they fly off. Usually a good distance.

Bett'n' your 17 would fix 'em.

Good stuff Joe !

Boyz a growing up Dave !

Girlfriend will be next.

Then crazy headedness !

This here is a cell phone picture sent from Pam. Minnesota elk. She saw it on her way back north from Bemidji. She was pretty excited when she called. She said he was bugling.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Suck back a bottle of that siracha sauce. It'll induce a good head sweat, that in turn, will cool you down.

Problem solved !

To cure the burn eat a can of frozen OJ and shave your junk. Keep Siracha off junk unless you don't want to

Uff-duh. Siracha on the junk would cause all sorts of problems.

That elk is awesome!! I’ve never seen a bull in MN or WI. Just cows. Very cool picture.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

This here is a cell phone picture sent from Pam. Minnesota elk. She saw it on her way back north from Bemidji. She was pretty excited when she called. She said he was bugling.

[Linked Image]

That's awesome !

Gophergunner,thanks for the encouragement.Makes sense.

Stan in SC

I hope you're able to get out Stan.

Anyone headed to the bushes this weekend? It's our anniversary so mama and me are headed to God's country. She's never been up the north shore. We're headed up there. We rented a little cabin just south of the boundary waters and will make a few day trips out of there.

Dave, where was that elk? Highway, and such? We may travel that road.

Roseau county, HWY 89 between wannaska and grygla/goodrich. South of Moose river a little ways.

Tom....No we are heading to the cities for the w/e. Saturday to pick up a new pup in Wi. Sunday on the way home I pick up my elk meat.

Enjoy your time up north!!

Jeff, what kind of pup?

We got a new pup a bit ago and she’s now giving us fits. Black lab. I’d like her to hunt next fall if I don’t give her to the lowest bidder first!

Boykin spaniel. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Fingers crossed she is a good dog.

Awesome. For some reason we decided since we have a baby, we also need a puppy!

Holy Balls, I had some catching up to do. I've commented fairly recently without reading all the prior posts.

1st, Bman Dean, I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. That had to have been terrible.

2nd, Yes, Stan do "sneak" out. Don't let it get away from ya. Even if it's just to be with the guys. My Uncle made that mistake and regretted it.

3rd, Jeff, I either haven't been paying attention or I'm an idiot, I didn't know you made knives. The one pictured looks like a nice boner (insert 2nd grade snicker here) but seriously, how do I get one of them?

4th, I'm finally starting to get the itch. Cool mornings and falling leaves got me fired up to start looking all over the damn house for where my wife may have put my hunting chitt. When our oldest boy moved out, I was promised his room as my "hunting room." Then we found out our oldest daughter was expecting and that turned my "hunting room" into a nursery in like 3 seconds flat! lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

3rd, Jeff, I either haven't been paying attention or I'm an idiot, I didn't know you made knives. The one pictured looks like a nice boner (insert 2nd grade snicker here) but seriously, how do I get one of them?

lol

Jennifer Love Hewitt does it for me. There are pharmaceuticals that can help too. You might need a bathtub in your living room though

Rooster...…..I can make another one just like the one Tom just bought. I'll PM you some information.

Jeff

Originally Posted by Rooster7

When our oldest boy moved out, I was promised his room as my "hunting room." Then we found out our oldest daughter was expecting and that turned my "hunting room" into a nursery in like 3 seconds flat! lol

Well that cute little grand baby needs a place for her hunting stuff too. It might as well be her nursery.

Both our kids moved out, and then came back, each with their significant others, and my son and his wife now have a beautiful one year old girl. It's a full house as I tenaciously hang on to my man cave, but you pretty much gotta turn sideways to get down the hall these days.

My kids all know they can stay if they’re in school. Otherwise...ain’t nobody got time for that!

Plus, we will be moving and down sizing anyway.

Gotta love 4 legged family - even 3 legged !

[Linked Image]

Are you the 3- leg?

Those "pets" lick themselves.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are you the 3- leg?

Only mornings & evenings !

Dave, did you guys get any snow, over the weekend ?

no we didn't. I see they got some in northern lake of the woods area tho.

Yeah, we got a little, but west of Kenora & east of Ignace got 4-6" !

Antelope season starts saturday. My little man can finally hunt this year on a mentored tag, so he's chomping at the bit. we need to make it quick because I leave at noon to meet some other members for the antelope Armageddon in Wyoming. Dave you should think about making a trip out for it!
After last years dream season I only drew an archery and an antlerless WT tag for this fall so I'll have to live vicariously through all you guys this year. my new walleye boat has been feeling left out, so maybe it's a sign.
J elky I need to send you my knife for a sheath. I know we discussed it 3 or 4 years ago......

I would be interested in one of the Boners like you are making for Rooster (insert additional grade school snicker)

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave, did you guys get any snow, over the weekend ?

Paul,

I was up the north shore and in the southern end of the BWCAW this past weekend into yesterday. It didn't snow, but it had to be damn close. Sunday morning it was 34*F and misting/sprinkling.

Back from my elk trip. Wow, what a trip. the bulls were really active and we had a lot of encounters. I shot a 4X4 bull at 44 yards the day after my birthday!

Way to go Bman!!! That is Awesome!!

congrats! nice job!

Great job B-man.

He'll eat !!

holy moly! congrats, good job!

Nice BM! Good steaks there!

Good Job.

Looks will eat really well.

Joey got us our supper last night.

[Linked Image]

Nice !!

Joey boy's providing !!!

Attaboy Joey! Providing for the family!

Ok guys...I need help. I have no idea why my pics aren't posting. I post them the way I have been for about 10 years.

I'll put a few up from my weekend, if anyone can figure it out, please let me know what I'm doing wrong.

[img][IMG]https://beta-static.photobucke...920&height=1080&fit=bounds[/img][/img]

[img][IMG]https://beta-static.photobucke...920&height=1080&fit=bounds[/img][/img]

[img]http://[IMG]https://beta-static.photobucke...920&height=1080&fit=bounds[/img][/img]

Tom, they don't appear to be photo links even.

When I click on them, it takes me to a photobucket page, not your photos !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Tom, they don't appear to be photo links even.

When I click on them, it takes me to a photobucket page, not your photos !

Well at least I'm not losing my mind as much as I thought I was. It says some crap about beta in the links. I'm sure thats screwing it up.

Ok LB....what did you do?

And thank you!

Originally Posted by tzone

Ok LB....what did you do?

When I click on the links in your posts I actually see the photos on Pbucket.
To the right of the photo are two tabs: Download and Share.
Click on "Share" and four more tabs open.
Click on the first one - "Direct Link" and copy the link it offers
Paste that link into the window and you get this
https://beta-static.photobucket.com...idth=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Notice the blahblahblah.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (including any line wrap that you may see on your display)
Delete everything to the right of the .jpg, beginning with the "?" I think it is for setting photo display size but the 24hr software doesn't recognize it.
Surround the remaining part of the link in the usual [img] [/img] and you are good to go.

Originally Posted by tzone

And thank you!

You are welcome.

That seemed to work. Thank you again sir. I used to be able to do it by clicking the html drop down on those 4 links.

[Linked Image]

Well, now that we may have the picture thing figured out I'll put a few on here from our trip last weekend.

This is the place we rented a little cabin at for Saturday and Sunday.
[Linked Image]

In our travels on Saturday 1 grouse was in the middle of the road so I decided to shoot it...with the camera. By the time I had the camera out, he flushed into a tree in the ditch. 2 of his buddies hopped up out of the ditch into the brush at the bottom of the tree. They made for some pretty cool shots of one of my favorite birds.

[Linked Image]

On a cold wet Sunday morning we headed south back to the north shore to hike some trails in Tettegouche State Park. We the dog and the baby so the real rugged trails were out. We picked one that 1.5 miles up to "high falls" It wasn't too bad. At the top there were a lot of roots that made it difficult with the dog and the baby, but we managed just fine. The scenery was worth the hike.

[Linked Image]

I tried to capture the steam rising up in this one. But I have a pretty basic camera and wasn't able to get much of it.
[Linked Image]

I'm cold dad. Can we go back? I apologize for the terrible hat on the critter. I couldn't find a Bulldogs or Badgers hat that was small enough.
[Linked Image]

After that we needed a warm up so we headed back up for a drive in the woods to find colors and critters. We didn't find much for critters. But we found this place I've been to several times. They have beer, onion rings, and burgers, which all sounded good at the time.

[Linked Image]

After lunch we headed up to the south end of the BWCAW. I hadn't been up there for 20 years and Mama has never been up there. We hit Sawbill Lake, Parent Lake, Isabella Lake. It was all beautiful. We did end up seeing 2 deer. Both were bucks that ran together. A loooong spiker and a forky.

Excellent Tom !!

Looks like a really cool trip.

awesome!

Originally Posted by tzone

This is the place we rented a little cabin at for Saturday and Sunday.
[Linked Image]

I've had a few yellow beers from clear glasses in that place.

It's a neat snowmobile destination. I hope to get there this coming winter with my brother and his wife.

Great pictures!

It's more of a snowmobile place than anything else really. They rent the cabins out in the winter as well. If you're going that far, you might as well ride over to the Trestle Inn for more beer in clear glasses and some grub. Also a big sled/wheeler destination.

Great pics Tom. The little one's sure a cutie.

Feels a bit like deer season eh.

Uuuuuuuurp. (Just startin to put the vibe out there, a bit like Damone)

HEY! Wazzat? I'm gonna git dat turdy point buck!

Good pictures Tom. We have camped at Tettegouhe many times, love hiking to the waterfalls.

How was the cabin? They allow dogs in the cabins?

Jeff, The cabins were great! Yep they allowed dogs. It was $15 extra for the dog. Not each night, just a one time fee.

Mini Man and I headed up to WI to check our trail cams, walk some trails and try to set up a spot for my daughter that suddenly wants to hunt. That caught me 100% off guard, but in a very good way. We got a spot set up for her. Cut a few shooting lanes, and trimmed a tree I'll have to put a tree stand in next time I'm there. She's legally able to sit by herself, being 15, but we are going to set up a double ladder so I can sit with her. That way, when I offer guidance, she can tell me in person she already knows how to do everything instead of texting it to me.

I'm kidding, she'll still text it to me.

We swapped the SD cards on 3 cameras. Between the sites we had 2600 pictures.

Here are a few of them.

This was the first one out of the gate, lol
[Linked Image]

Oh HELLO!

This will be the one Kennedy shoots when she gets a free minute from her phone.

No monsters but there are certainly plenty of deer around to taunt us.

Good stuff Tom.

Second weekend in a row !

[Linked Image]

Getting the "itch" !

Great pics, Tom!

Thanks Paul and Jim.

Paul, the cool weather isn't helping my concentration....thats for sure.

Warm and foggy today. Back to hunting temps tomorrow. Anyone hitting the woods this weekend? I'm headed to my dads to put in a gas Hot Dawg furnace in his shop. He's been heating with wood or used oil for 15 years. His arthritis is too bad to keep firing up with wood these days.

wedding stuff up here.

the following week and forward from there i will be able to get out and do some much needed stand work, camp maintenance.

Depending on Rain I plan on being out, sat last evening saw 4 does, going for 72 here today so they got a pass! A Good buddie and his daughter are come up for the weekend, Hopeing Amber gets a shot but the stand they were planning on hunting has a Sow with twins comeing in almost every day! so were working on Plan "B"

We went out and did the Youth only pheasant hunt in ND this weekend where one of my boys shot his first rooster. Great time had by all and the birds are up some out there. Shot clay pigeons, real pigeons, rifles and visited an old "haunted" house. Kids being kids on the prairie!

This weekend is dedicated to getting a new deer stand up so i can sit with one of my boys. We can shoot 3 deer each and my kids are excited because we have too many does. could be an interesting season!

Last night was the 4th night I have spent in my bed since Sept 15th due to work and hunting trips. It sure felt good to be home!

We'll be setting up our 2 ground blinds & 4 trail cams for sure.

Tree stands stay in place, just got to install covers & seats, etc.

Probably a little brush cutting, & freshening mineral sites too.

If it's cold & snowy, like they're saying it's going to be, we might try & whack one with the crossbow, on Sunday or Monday (Cdn Thanksgiving) !

Rifle doesn't open until the 27th & we leave for Europe on the 31st & will miss 2 weekends !

Now that I think about it, we shoulda done all this last weekend & both sat with xbows this whole 3 day weekend.

Went up to the deer area yesterday and put up trail cams also to check the blow downs and snow downs from last season. I will need to go back with the chainsaw to get the stands put back up. At least the road in was passable.

On a better note we saw a cow and calf moose crossing Co. Rd. 2 about 25 miles north of Two Harbors. Colors were pretty good up in northern Lake county.

Sounds awesome TJay! We were really hoping to see a moose up there. Was the forest road blocked up or just where you camp?

I'm on a long run of work here. I don't think I've got a day off till Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Hoping to take a ride up north to do some grouse hunting and scouting for deer season.

back to our regularly scheduled late fall weather! That wind was a good test of my shed yesterday. It was still standing this morning so I'll take that as a good thing.

It's coming !

Freezing rain snow mix last night.

[Linked Image]

Oh it's here. It was 35*F when I went to work this morning with plenty of wind. I took the dog for a walk at 530 this morning, didn't grab jacket and I should have.

tzone

FS road was fine but the spurs off it were clogged with downed trees.

26 here this morning. its up to 31 currently.

Yeah, I know.

It just took me 30 minutes to get the strap off the starting battery box on my big boat !

Away she goes into barn storage.

Can't feel my fingers !!

I'm on the fence about the boat. I have a lot of time in Nov off. I'm hoping to maybe pull a few walleyes out of the lake before the ice comes. With these temps we're having though, I may need to shut her down next weekend.

I've got a 12' & a 14' that I can still play with.

But it's looking less likely.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm on the fence about the boat. I have a lot of time in Nov off. I'm hoping to maybe pull a few walleyes out of the lake before the ice comes. With these temps we're having though, I may need to shut her down next weekend.

Make sure you keep your batteries charged !

My boat is primarily a duck boat and won't come out until mid-December. It's not without its perils. Once when the launch was frozen, I backed the trailer onto the ice to break it up so I could launch at O dark thirty. Yep, broke the ice and both tail lights. Took it out in a blizzard and freezing rain. The salt that the road crews put down ate through ALL the wiring during layup. $600 later and all is well. <sigh>

All I do to winterize is fog it and change the lower unit oil to get the water out, if any.

Headed up north in the am for the northern opener Sat. Pretty excited. Sometimes a man just needs to get away.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

My boat is primarily a duck boat and won't come out until mid-December. It's not without its perils. Once when the launch was frozen, I backed the trailer onto the ice to break it up so I could launch at O dark thirty. Yep, broke the ice and both tail lights. Took it out in a blizzard and freezing rain. The salt that the road crews put down ate through ALL the wiring during layup. $600 later and all is well. <sigh>

All I do to winterize is fog it and change the lower unit oil to get the water out, if any.

Headed up north in the am for the northern opener Sat. Pretty excited. Sometimes a man just needs to get away.

That’s the same as I do. I don’t put new oil in until the next season though. There is really not much to it and some folks pay $100’s of dollars to have it done for them. It takes about 1/2hr to 1hr.

I’d be pretty happy if we got this rain to stop for a few days. Good grief!

Rain and freezing temperatures.Pictures of white stuff on the ground.And here I sit in shorts and t shirt which is about all I wear from late march thru the end of October.Thanks but I'll take the south.

Stan in SC

Well, I just couldn't stand it any longer. I sneaked down to the man cave this morning and started digging through my gear getting stuff in order for gun season. I have some pretty big boots to fill. Dad always started "the pile" in the dining room at least a month before deer season, and still managed to find a way to forget his ammo. Mrs. Cornelius owned the little general store in Sabula Pa. and always set aside a box of 300 Savage ammo just for Dad, as she knew without a doubt he'd be in for it, and many years he was. Dad used to swap her a deer heart for a box of shells. She really liked deer heart. When we went through Dad's gear after he passed, there were about 10 boxes of 300 Savage with one round shot out of them. He was a good shot, and if there were two empties, it meant he got a second deer.

It's been a bust fall for us, a lot of work and prep led up to an outdoor wedding for our oldest child, our daughter Taylor (weezy).

Here are a couple of photos.

[Linked Image]

Awesome Dave! I'm glad you had a good time and congrats to you, Ma, and of course Weezy and ZZ Top.

Just laid down a little warning to the office Millennials.

[Linked Image]

They ain't see nutttin yet.

Congrats Dave and Pam! I saw that on Facebook. Does that mean she is officially off the payroll?

Lord i hope so. Lol

Congrats to Dave and Pam. Good looking couple!!

Congrats to all Dave.....

Congrats Dave to you and your family...

Originally Posted by tzone

Just laid down a little warning to the office Millennials.

[Linked Image]

They ain't see nutttin yet.

Tell those snowflakes, they better get to there safe place.. Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Dave and family. She's a beautiful bride.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Lord i hope so. Lol

Originally Posted by noduck

Originally Posted by tzone

Just laid down a little warning to the office Millennials.

[Linked Image]

They ain't see nutttin yet.

Tell those snowflakes, they better get to there safe place.. Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They'll need one...it's coming.

(Phil Collins voice) " I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord....I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord.Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord (bad ass drum solo)"

Congratulations to you all, on making great memories.

Looks like your weather wasn't to bad either !

Rain & slush mix here all 3 days of our Thanksgiving weekend.

Diggin' the groom's "Zac Brown" look !!

Yes it is !!

Both bow blinds set up.

[Linked Image]

16 yards to the log, 20 to where I'm standing & 26 to the cover behind.

Looking good Paul. Do you guys use shooting stick or anything inside the blind? My son likes the sticks. I don't care to sit in enclosed blinds much, the ones I build with logs laying around seem to make a built in gun rest that works perfect most times.

Tom,

We have a "gun stand" in each. Think outboard motor stand, built from 2x4's, bulked up at the top, so you have a 4' flat surface as a rest.

Works good. You can leave your weapon on it, pointing out, so that there is less movement to get on the animal (particularly at bow range).

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

You can leave your weapon on it, pointing out, so that there is less movement to get on the animal (particularly at bow range).

I see you have some tight shooting like we do in a few of the spots. The buck I shot last year was at 25-30 I'd say. Maaaaybe 40 by the time I actually shot?

Jack has a stand that can run out to 100 in the right situation. The one we have set up for Kennedy we could probably get out to 80. We have one that a guy could reach out to 175 if the deer stopped in the right spot. But most are 10-50 yards.

Wow! Weez is all grown up. Mrs. ND looks lovely as always as does the beautiful bride. Heck, even the old man is looking quite dapper in a suit and tie. Clip on? Well done all.

So, inquiring minds must know...is the '66 a wedding gift?

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

So, inquiring minds must know...is the '66 a wedding gift?

well no, it's actually a loaner. This was my car for many years, Pam and I drove away in that car from our wedding in 1992. Taylor come home from the hospital in that car after being born, as did the 2 boys when they were born.

Still, pretty cool to have come full circle with that car. She's a beaut! Ahh...both the car and the bride!

And what song did dad dance to?

billy joel "just the way you are"

I'm not necessarily a billy joel fan. But the lyrics had the right message.

Great stuff Dad !

You & Pam have done / are doing it right !

Thank you.

We had the flurries on my way to work this morning. 33* and windy...but it's not rainin!!

Here's the "crime scene" on the 6th, less than a week ago.

[Linked Image]

and here it is this morning.

[Linked Image]

Same here !

I figure we've got 10" here & going to keep going all day today !

I'll snap a parking lot pic at the shop & post. Just finished digging into the front & rear doors.

I'll leave the shop door for the boys.

At least my landlord tried to plough !

I'm assuming, I have 2 flattened ground blinds, that I need to attend too !

hope you dont have any broken poles.

Yeah !

It's happened before.

Fingers crossed, but it sure is wet n heavy !

Oh wow. You boys can keep that. I do imagine you'll have some busted poles but I hope not. That happened to Jack and I last year. We left the blind in the woods when we had to get home to attend to mom and sick baby last year. We went back up a few weeks later and the blind was smashed into a pile. JUNK. Which reminds me...we need to go get a new blind.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yeah !

It's happened before.

Fingers crossed, but it sure is wet n heavy !

Didn't you get an early blast last year too Paul?

Yep, the week leading into rifle season !!

2 & a half weeks away yet !

Paul, that snow sounds like our Iowa snow, near 55 pounds per cubic foot. Not like that sissy NW Ontario you mostly get.

Nothing broken, thankfully !

It was hard work though.

Deb's blind;

[Linked Image]

My blind;

I don't see any deer tracks Paul!!

That 'cause they're covered in a foot of snow !

Got trail cam pics of does & a couple of smaller (forky/spike) bucks. Cameras have only been up since Sunday afternoon.

What is worrying however, is that we both have multiple bears, at our stands. Even in the last 3 days of "winter" !

We always have bears on the cameras. They’ll be in bed soon. 2 of the 3 we have up had bears on them last time. We’ll see again tomorrow.

I'm contemplating trying some bear meat !

Do you guys get tags OTC?

On-line, or OTC @ the MNR office.

OK,

Ontario Bear licence & seal in hand.

$51.00

That should put them into hibernation !

Hahaha! Pop one!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

OK,

Ontario Bear licence & seal in hand.

$51.00

That should put them into hibernation !

Noodle 'em!

We got our first snow yesterday. Like I needed any more motivation to get ready for deer season!

Hanging, skinned & gutted - GRAPHIC

Excellent!!

Congrats Paul!

Ole and Lena go to the big city.

[Linked Image]

View from our seats.

[Linked Image]

We were pretty close to the horn.

[Linked Image]

after the vikings victory we walked to one of the upper sections for a picture.

[Linked Image]

Super fun.

Thanks Dave & Tom.

1st bear & with a crossbow, from a ground blind.

Bugger came out from behind me & was flapping his jowls.

Almost schidte myself !

well he ain't flappin em anymore Paul!

That looks like a good sized bear my friend!

Thank god for the dump box on the ATV trailer !

Not as big as I first thought, but plenty big enough for my first try.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Ole and Lena go to the big city.

[Linked Image]

View from our seats.

[Linked Image]

We were pretty close to the horn.

[Linked Image]

after the vikings victory we walked to one of the upper sections for a picture.

[Linked Image]

Super fun.

Looks like you both had a great time & live a clean, stress free life !

Congrats on the bear, Paul!

I still think you should Noodle one out of a den. That would be manly....and stuff. haha

Deb thought I was nutz, sitting on the ground, knowing the thing had already trashed the blind once & left a steaming pile of corn filled poo, at the door !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Deb thought I was nutz, sitting on the ground, knowing the thing had already trashed the blind once & left a steaming pile of corn filled poo, at the door !

I'd shoot it just for that.

That was basically why I bought the tag on Friday !

Sat morning & afternoon sits Saturday & saw nothing, but their was a mess of prints again overnight, so sat most of Sunday, killed MoFo at 5:45 Sunday evening.

Hope it tastes good !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hope it tastes good !

It won’t.

I've had bear three times, cooked differently and didn't care for any of it. Probably will never kill one, as I don't want to kill it if I'm not gonna eat it.

Tom....aren't you and Jack headed out to the black hills soon?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom....aren't you and Jack headed out to the black hills soon?

Yes, sir. 0400 tomorrow morning.

We are plenty excited on this end!

Safe travels....hope it is a great trip!!

Good Luck Tom & daHammer !

Thank you gentlemen, ( I use that term loosely) much appreciated. We hope to hook up with Ryan for a few frosty beverages on Friday.

Good luck Tom and Jack, and what's with this "gentlemen" stuff? You're gonna really mess up our bad reputations if you keeps sayin' that!

Good luck and enjoy the adventure Tom and Jack. Hunting in South Dakota is a blast!!

tzone

Tom, you and Jack have a great trip. Good Luck and Good Hunting.

Safe travels men. May you have clear skies and following winds.

Good luck Guys! It will be a great trip!

Thanks guys. We made it early this afternoon. We got out into the woods this evening to mess around and saw 16 deer about 1/2 hr before dark. One was a nice buck, one forkie, and the rest were does.

Good luck guys. Hope you have a memorable hunt.

Well, I have to say the fresh bear loin (back strap) was absolutely delicious !

Pan seared in cast iron, 4 minutes a side & 6 minutes in a 300*f fan force oven, to an internal temp of 162*f, cover & rest for 10 minutes.

Thin sliced & served over mashed turnip (lots of butter, cracked black pepper & full (33%) cream.

[Linked Image]

Youth season! Whoop whoop!!

Mr. jack got himself a mule deer. With the leadership of Colorado1135,(Ryan) who brought us to the deer, he made an 85yd shot. The deer ran down hill about 40’ish yards and dropped.

Shot with a Ruger American, .223 Rem, with hand loaded 55gr ttsx. It completely exploded the heart and exited lungs. It literally sprayed blood the whole time. I’m a fan of the round for sure.

I can’t say enough and be grateful enough to Ryan. He had the deer butchered and in packages in the cooler in less than 2hrs from the shot. Which was awesome! He also made us a fantastic elk roast for dinner.

Big Congrats to Jack and way to go to the guide Ryan!

Got any pictures Tom?

Congrats to all involved on jobs well done. I shoot the same bullet in a .223 AI and concur with you on performance.Shot placement sounds perfect!

Originally Posted by tzone

Mr. jack got himself a mule deer. With the leadership of Colorado1135,(Ryan) who brought us to the deer, he made an 85yd shot. The deer ran down hill about 40’ish yards and dropped.

Shot with a Ruger American, .223 Rem, with hand loaded 55gr ttsx. It completely exploded the heart and exited lungs. It literally sprayed blood the whole time. I’m a fan of the round for sure.

I can’t say enough and be grateful enough to Ryan. He had the deer butchered and in packages in the cooler in less than 2hrs from the shot. Which was awesome! He also made us a fantastic elk roast for dinner.

That's fantastic Tom. Jack's following right in his father's footsteps. Nice of Ryan to help you guys out like that. Another one of the good guys here on the fire. Glad you guys are having a great time. Tell Jack I said job well done!

Congrats jack!!!

Originally Posted by j_elky

Big Congrats to Jack and way to go to the guide Ryan!

Got any pictures Tom?

I do have pics but not enough service to post them. But....I will get some up. He used the knife I got from you a few years ago for the field dressing.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Mr. jack got himself a mule deer. With the leadership of Colorado1135,(Ryan) who brought us to the deer, he made an 85yd shot. The deer ran down hill about 40’ish yards and dropped.

Shot with a Ruger American, .223 Rem, with hand loaded 55gr ttsx. It completely exploded the heart and exited lungs. It literally sprayed blood the whole time. I’m a fan of the round for sure.

I can’t say enough and be grateful enough to Ryan. He had the deer butchered and in packages in the cooler in less than 2hrs from the shot. Which was awesome! He also made us a fantastic elk roast for dinner.

That's fantastic Tom. Jack's following right in his father's footsteps. Nice of Ryan to help you guys out like that. Another one of the good guys here on the fire. Glad you guys are having a great time. Tell Jack I said job well done!

Ryan did way more than help! He has been awesome!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Congrats to all involved on jobs well done. I shoot the same bullet in a .223 AI and concur with you on performance.Shot placement sounds perfect!

The performance of it makes me want a .223 of my own. A bigger cal. wouldn’t have done more damage. It couldn’t have performed better. There is absolutely nothing that could have been improved upon. Ryan grabbed the heart and showed us....it was actually unwound like a spring.

Pretty impressive shooting for a young man, he must have a good teacher.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Pretty impressive shooting for a young man, he must have a good teacher.

Thank you...but it’s really all him. He has certainly been putting in his time shooting this year. This is his 3rd deer and they’ve all been taken with different calibers. Kinda cool.

Hat's off to team K and special thanks to Ryan. When is your hunt, Tom?

tzone

Great memories made.

Jack did all the work to get it done. I helped where I could and enjoyed spending the day with the guys. Tom and I figured it had been 7 or 8 years since we hunted together, so this was long overdue. We scouted the morning where Tom's gonna hunt and saw a decent buck. They took me to eat at bigger and bun in Custer, which is always a treat! Jack made an awesome shot that couldn't have been better. We got it skinned out and cut up quickly because it was 65* out. Ran the trim through the grinder and vacuum sealed the fine cuts. All while sharing stories and an adult beverage 😀
It was an awesome day to say the least. Thanks Tom for the great hunt!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Hat's off to team K and special thanks to Ryan. When is your hunt, Tom?

November 1st.

Good luck, buddy.

Great stuff boys !!

Does anyone know if photobucket is dicked up again. It won't upload my pics. I put them in and I get a big red sign across the top that says "unable to upload"

I hope they didn't get nuts and not allow dead animal pics now...

A little more than a week till the Minnesota deer opener. Can't wait to get up north. The bucks are chasing does as we speak. 'Hope the rut is still going strong by the opener. Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers and the rest of our Minnesota hunters. Stay safe and make some great memories.

Tom, I went with Imgur when photobucket went to hell. Free to sign up and easy to use.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

A little more than a week till the Minnesota deer opener. Can't wait to get up north. The bucks are chasing does as we speak. 'Hope the rut is still going strong by the opener. Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers and the rest of our Minnesota hunters. Stay safe and make some great memories.

Oh I don't think they're chasing too much yet...I think you have a week to go for that. In WI the weekend before last there were zero rut signs. I'm guessing this weekend, there will be some rubbing and scraping going on though. SD showed a few signs. Rubs anyway.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom, I went with Imgur when photobucket went to hell. Free to sign up and easy to use.

I just joined. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but it just shows up as a link. I'm about to say F it.

Ok...I think I finally have this [bleep] figured out.

Here is Mini Man's first Mulie.
[Linked Image]

Here with some guidance he started the dirty work. He's helped me before, but this one we helped him. Next one...he's on his own.
[Linked Image]

Believe it or not...This is the entrance. .223 Rem. Barnes 55gr TTSX, 90 yards. Right behind the shoulder, tight to it, he was below the deer a good bit.
[Linked Image]

Exit. Through the heart and lungs. We should have taken a pic of the heart. It was a "heart Slinky." Unwound. I've never seen anything like it.
[Linked Image]

Looks good enough to eat !!!!

Great stuff Jack & Tom !

can eat right up to the hole.

Just too awesome!

CONGRATS JACK! You gonna autograph my rifle next time we cross paths, buddy?

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Just too awesome!

The only pic I have of you is holding the legs and it doesn’t show your head. We can get one next week.

! Thanks again for all your help!

I’m hoping soon to see a pic of Ryan’s son on here fellas! He has a tag.

good job Jack and Jack's dad!

Good job Little man! Man them things have some big ears. I would love to hunt them some day and see them up close.

Originally Posted by Texczech

Good job Little man! Man them things have some big ears. I would love to hunt them some day and see them up close.

They run funny too...especially with holes in them.

When are you "up to bat" Tom ?

November 1. I leave in 6 days but who's counting?

Grunt, grunt, rattle-rattle.

Rifle opens Saturday, at o'dark 30 !

I expect to see some pics by 1600

Got back last Saturday from our antelope hunt. The daughter and I shot our bucks 1 minute apart! Both nice bucks (for you scoring folks, they were both around 70"). But more than the score, it was so fun to double on them together. We drug them together and have a picture of both of us together doing the grip and grin!

It really feels like deer hunting today. overcast, wet, and grey. The fever is running high here!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Got back last Saturday from our antelope hunt. The daughter and I shot our bucks 1 minute apart! Both nice bucks (for you scoring folks, they were both around 70"). But more than the score, it was so fun to double on them together. We drug them together and have a picture of both of us together doing the grip and grin!

It really feels like deer hunting today. overcast, wet, and grey. The fever is running high here!

Hope to be coming up your way for ML season Berettaman. If I tag out in gun season, I'll pick up a management tag for your area and try some of the spots we spoke about previously. If I don't tag out in gun, I've got a promising spot down here in Lakeville. The smokepole's gonna see the woods this fall one way or the other.

"A little more than a week till the Minnesota deer opener. Can't wait to get up north. The bucks are chasing does as we speak. 'Hope the rut is still going strong by the opener. Good luck to all the Chickenbuckers and the rest of our Minnesota hunters. Stay safe and make some great memories."

Was up at my property near Sturgeon Lake, MN on Thursday last. Very little rubbing sign anywhere. Lots of other sign though, like tracks and droppings. Either the bucks aren't rutting yet, or there aren't any bucks there.

The bucks are running for sure. We had rubs, scrapes, bucks on camera fighting. They’re running all over the woods.

The pile of gear in the gun room continues to grow.......Friday morning and the ride north just can't come fast enough. Looks like a big pot of chili Friday night after scouting, and a big ol' roast in the slow cooker on Saturday. Good luck to everyone heading out for the Mn. opener next weekend. Northern Dave, Chickenbuck Joe, and all the other cast and crew, here's to a great hunt. Stay safe guys.

We no longer have gear piles. We each have our gear in rubber maid bins. Wash and wax at the end of the season so the the night before it's "grab 'n go."

I had to repack a little bit because Jack is hunting at his step-dad's place on opener. But other than that....we're ready.

My daughter took the trek north with dad yesterday. First we did some shooting. There is no deer safe in her sights. She did great. She was even hitting clay pigeons at 100 with the 22. I was VERY impressed since it's been over a year since she shot a rifle. Between the 22 and .223 she shot 150 rounds or so.

Then we headed a few more miles to where we hunt and cut some entrance trails to a few stands so we have a better way in with the N or NW winds typical for that area. Rut sign was all over in that area. Scrapes and rubs within 25 yards of her brothers stand. Beds and trails all over by her new spot. We also cleared a little spot out for a pop-up blind that is within a few hundred yards of one of my stands. That road was full of scrapes but no rubs that we found.

It would be a cool area to bowhunt this week. An overgrown logging road on the north, south, and west side of a 10 year old clear cut that's growing back in. I think the bucks just run those roads sniffin to see if does are bedded up in those now heavily covered cuts.

We are going to be babied pretty good in WI. We are staying with my mom. She's already got the food to spoil us rotten at the end of the day when we get back in!

OK, opener was kind to us.

Lots of dry does, does & fawns seen in the morning sit.

I let 2 small bucks walk & Deb saw a good one, but never got a shot.

4pm Saturday afternoon, I heard a shot from Joes direction, in the opposing 1/4 section.

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Meat for the pole.

At 5:45, with the light fading, something made me lightly pull down my right side window.

Good deer, on hinds, licking a high branch !

Then the ensuing nightmare of shifting gear, setting up & shooting left handed out of the right side window, all without spooking the deer.

By the time I got back on the deer, he was quartering to me & knew the gig was up.

25-06 barks, good solid hit, deer hunches up & runs.

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POA was just inside facing shoulder, to exit behind opposite shoulder.

Back story, had some issues getting my normal 115gr SST's shoot consistently & with no time left to dick around, I went to my usual fall back, 117gr Federal Fusion.

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Bone & ribs going in, top of heart, lungs & creased the liver & 2 ribs going out of the cavity, found under hide !

Hung, gutted, skinned & cleaned up.

Butcher & vacuum pack on Thursday night, 'cause we leave for Europe on Wednesday evening.

Excellent Paul!

That's a fat sucker and a nice rack to boot!

Nice deer Paul! Congrats!

Looks like the fusion held together really nice too.

Thanks Guys,

Great start to another season. Freezer looking good too, with the bear + last of last years ground meat.

Get this one processed Tuesday & then 2 week holiday.

Once back, Deb & Doug will get in on the act & we'll be done.

Yes, I do like the fusions.

I use them in my larger calibers & never had questionable performance, even on moose.

Always have a supply on hand for the .243 & 25-06, as back ups.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yes, I do like the fusions.

I use them in my larger calibers & never had questionable performance, even on moose.

Always have a supply on hand for the .243 & 25-06, as back ups.

They're my "go-to" for starting out with a new (to me) rifle. Most of the time I don't need to try anything else. I've shot deer with the .30-06, .308, .280, and .243 Federal Fusions. No complaints at all.

In fact, I'm trying to think of a deer that ran after being shot with them and I think it's only one, shot with the .308, facing me. and it didn't go far.

Apparently, nobody in my office wants to take part in the pre-deer camp fart contest. The good news is, I'm winning.

This guy made it 50 yards, into the thickest tag alder/blow down stuff.

I was sweating like a "whore in church", after the drag back to the trail.

& it reminded me, how much more that I like snow for tracking, rather than brown wet leaves !

Originally Posted by tzone

Apparently, nobody in my office wants to take part in the pre-deer camp fart contest. The good news is, I'm winning.

Urrrrrrp. Urrrrrrrrrrrp.

pffft-pffft, fffffffffff (snort wheeze)

I haven never tried Fusions. I kinda like the Barnes TTSX. We are slug zone so no deer examples, but the last 4 antelope haven't went a combined inch from where they were shot. The bonus is, they are not lead. I listened to a hunting podcast on lead shot recently that gave me more concern than I ever had before.

Verified that all the guns shoot in the general direction they are aimed, so that excuse is now gone. The kids are ready for Saturday for sure.

Not sure why my clock is slowing down. Seems like I have that problem every year this week. The thing just crawls along a fraction of the speed that it will have this weekend.

Deb shoots 120gr TTSX (Barnes vor-tx) from her Lady Savage Hunter.

Never been a problem either, other than the $46 price tag for 20.

Figure 3 testers/confirmers & 1 or 2 killers each year = 4 - 5 years for the $. I'm good with that.

I used it to take my last bull moose !

Veddy cool!

Well...warm actually.

And I'm winnin...3-0.

lucky bugger.

5 here

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tzone you leaving soon for SD.. Good luck to ya...

Dam leaves all i been doing around here of lately. Starting to drag the blaze orange out for thee opener..

Starting singing 30 point buck song.. My 10 year old boy goes theres no 30 point buck. I said yes there is.... The deer was so popular they wrote a song about...

You tubed it. Hook line sinker..

Ya mon. I leave the day after tomorrow.

Good luck to you and da boy!

Good luck Tom. Is Jack going along this time?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good luck Tom. Is Jack going along this time?

No, sir. He's going to be home. I'll be flyin solo on this one.

Here's a little fuel for the fire boys!

these are a few from Jack's stand. He's going to be about 200 yds from Kennedy and I.
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A few from the spot we call "The Hole"

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This guy is the biggest one we have on camera. As far as a rack goes anyway.

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[img]https://i.imgur.com/0edCach.jpg[/img]

Good luck Tom, on the solo hunt !

I'm betting Jack & Kennedy both shoot a buck.

They all look healthy & in great condition, save one of the spikes, that seems a little thin in the rib area.

Good luck Kiddo's !

Thank you sir!

It's not completely solo I guess...I'm sure I'll have a whiskey with Ryan.

Jack is positive his sister is going to shoot that bigger buck since she's spent about 2 hours in a deer stand in 6 years. He's yet to see a buck he could shoot. He's seen a few and passed 2 shots he didn't think he could make. I can't fault him for that!

Cool pics Tom. That one pic with the two spikers in it-wonder if they were twins? Good luck buddy. Keep us posted. For us, the truck points north Friday morning as our cast of characters converge for Operation Emily. Hope to have pics and stories, but it's calling for rain. Gonna have to round up some useable rain gear here just in case. Probably taking your advice and hitting Menards sometime between now and then. Good hunting Tom. Get a big 'un.

I keep telling Tom he'll get a big one if he can stay off the trigger until Mr. Big shows up. tough to do, there's several respectable bucks around that spot. I know there are at least 2 that are big out there, with the rut just starting who knows what can show up.

Good Luck Tom!

Camp Isabella will be on the move in the morning. Trucks are loaded and we expect camp to be up and functioning by suppertime.

Good luck to all and be safe.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Camp Isabella will be on the move in the morning. Trucks are loaded and we expect camp to be up and functioning by suppertime.

Good luck to all and be safe.

Good Luck TJAY!

And good luck to all the hunters this season! Stay safe!

One more day in the rat race and then off to go hunting. We look forward to this all year, and in the end, it passes so fast. Wish I was in a position to just stay up in the northwoods for a couple weeks, but I don't have the vacation time, or the money. Still hoping to buy land up north. Good luck this weekend guys. The weather sounds crappy, but the opener only comes once a year, so here we go. I bought a set of decent raingear. It's camo, so I'll have to wear an orange vest and hat, but that's no big deal.

Looking forward to seeing some pics on here guys. I hope everyone has a great time.

Special thanks to Northern Dave for giving so many of us a place to meet up here and swap our stories. Good luck to the Chickenbuckers.

Here we are, the deer hunting season of 2018.

I'd like to shed a little light on the subject of influence, impression, guidance.

When I was a young man in my early 20's I was fortunate enough to be part of a deer camp that was purchased and created by my father and his 2 brothers. Although I had lived quite a lot for a mid 20 yr old, being fresh out of the Marines, having traveled the world, having served in the gulf war, being married with one very young child of my own... I may have been ahead of the curve in life experiences for my age. But I had not experienced deer hunting and I had really not experienced the exposures to a group of mentor quality family figures that were ahead of me in age and experience. Being in the company of older role models and cousins that were close in age to myself, with the rest of the world switched off, tuned out. It was tremendously valuable to me. There is so much that can be learned in a hunting camp environment. Young men are impressionable, not only are they impressionable but they are hungry for knowledge. They may also be trying to carve out their own character, trying to figure out what kind of person do they want to be etc.
I'm not going to drag this out, partly because I don't have time lol. I have work to do. But I just want to remind the guys that may be reading. Lend yourself accessible to these younger hunters and camp members. Take subtle steps to ensure that there aren't a bunch of distractions such as tv's, video games etc. Try to create and provide an environment where story telling and engaged conversations are more entertaining than a smart phone. Listen to the adventurous reports from the day's hunt from the young hunters, comment, make suggestions etc. Tell stories, Have fun, be yourself. There very well may be a young person in attendance that is harvesting bits of your personality, bits of your mannerisms, taking notes of your ethics etc and inspiring their own paths forward in life with these little treasures.

Best of luck to all, be safe!

Well said Dave! Hunting teaches us so much in life. It teaches us failure. It teaches us perseverance. It teaches us hard work. It teaches us effort equates to success more often than not. It teaches us that you can function when you are not comfortable and sometimes you must function perfectly when not comfortable. The deer doesn't care if your fingers are cold. As it runs away because you made a noise, you don't get to redo it. It is both a casual hobby and an extreme addiction. Some grab a rifle out of the closet and march out to the same stand while others pore over wind direction, mock scrape setups, and feeding and bedding areas. It offers something different for everyone, yet require a basic set of skills for all.

I think of the non-hunters out there and what they are missing out on for this short season. They may laugh and joke about sitting in the cold, but there is so much more to it and if you haven't experienced it, it is difficult to explain and more difficult to understand.

One last thing I always post on the Camp Chickenbuck thread.....be safe with those tree stands. Both permanent and portable. Spend some time inspecting before you crawl up in one and risk a fall.

Well said Dave and Bman!

Good luck and be safe everyone and remember that no deer is worth getting hurt over.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Well said Dave! Hunting teaches us so much in life. It teaches us failure. It teaches us perseverance. It teaches us hard work. It teaches us effort equates to success more often than not. It teaches us that you can function when you are not comfortable and sometimes you must function perfectly when not comfortable. The deer doesn't care if your fingers are cold. As it runs away because you made a noise, you don't get to redo it. It is both a casual hobby and an extreme addiction. Some grab a rifle out of the closet and march out to the same stand while others pore over wind direction, mock scrape setups, and feeding and bedding areas. It offers something different for everyone, yet require a basic set of skills for all.

I think of the non-hunters out there and what they are missing out on for this short season. They may laugh and joke about sitting in the cold, but there is so much more to it and if you haven't experienced it, it is difficult to explain and more difficult to understand.

One last thing I always post on the Camp Chickenbuck thread.....be safe with those tree stands. Both permanent and portable. Spend some time inspecting before you crawl up in one and risk a fall.

yep, hunting advice is good too.

Thanks Dave for reminding us what's important this weekend. Good luck guys.

OH boy, now you got me excited and our opener is 2 weeks away!

Good luck gentlemen (and ladies). I hope you guys have a great camp and maybe put some meat on the pole too. Take pictures of camp life and of course, da deers you got hangin'.

As far as big bucks go, my money is on Chickenbuck Joe. Here tell he's got a line on a bruiser with ol' forky toes DNA.

You beat me to it CFT. Joe's Da Man among men at Chickenbuck this year!

Hows the road to chickenbuck? good luck all you hunters and be safe. Have a great trip Tom.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Hows the road to chickenbuck? good luck all you hunters and be safe. Have a great trip Tom.

Oh, you mean the Beaver township turnpike?

PALACE IN THE POPPLE
By Gordon H. Heuer

It’s a smoky, raunchy bears’ nest
With an unswept, drafty floor.
And pillow ticking curtains
And knife scars on the door.
The smell of a pine knot fire
From a stove pipe that’s come loose
Mingles sweetly with the boot grease
And the Copenhagen snoose.

There are work worn .30-30’s
With battered, steel shod stocks,
And drying lines of long johns
And of steaming, pungent socks.
There’s a table for the Bloody Four
And their game of two-card draw,
And there’s deep and dreamless sleeping
On bunk ticks stuffed with straw.

Jerry and Jack stand by the stove,
Their gun talk loud and hot,
And Bogie has drawn a pair of kings
And is raking in the pot.
Frank’s been drafted again as cook
And is peeling some spuds for stew
While Bruce wanders by in baggy drawers
Reciting “Dan McGrew.”

No where on earth is fire so warm
Nor coffee so infernal,
No whiskers so stiff, jokes so rich,
Nor hope blooming so eternal.
A man can live for a solid week
In the same old underbritches
And walk like a man and spit when he wants
And scratch himself where he itches.

I tell you, boys, there’s no place else
Where I’d rather be, come fall,
Where I eat like a bear and sing like a wolf
And feel like I’m bull-pine tall,
In that raunchy cabin out in the bush
In the land of raven and loon,
With a tracking snow lying new on the ground
At the end of the Rutting Moon.

Good luck at deer camp boys!

cft

Good luck chickenbuckers!

Good luck to all MN hunters. Be safe.

Back from the Happy Hunting Grounds. Very quiet up in the Emily area. Very little shooting. Only two deeer that we heard of taken back in where we were. I'm showing my age. A deer ghosted in behind me yesterday and busted me. Don't know if it saw me or sniffed me, but the danged thing snorted for a couple minutes as it moved away. Saw it's tail twice, but no chance for a shot. I don't like getting fooled like that. Danged deer! Hope everyone is having a great hunt. Hoping to get out more on solo day trips as time permits. Good luck guys. Hope the 'Buckers are having a great time.

It was a busy opener morning at chickenbuck! For me as of shooting the first deer opener morning I jumped on a smaller yearling. I dropped it in its tracks. About 15 minutes later missy shot a buck with her dads pistol! I think it is the biggest buck taken out of camp chickenbuck! I cleaned my first deer with a little guidance! And loaded my first deer alone. But I finally broke my dry spell!

Well, there you have it ^^^^ Lol!

Had a wonderful hunt in the Black Hills. Easily seeing over 50 deer a day, 5-15 bucks a day, and some true big boys. I hit the peak chasing right on the money. Every group of does was being harassed a buck of some sort. At one point on Saturday evening I saw 24 does all being chased around by one rutted up 6pt.

Saturday morning the bigger boys were out and the does were running, literally sprinting. Every doe I saw was on a full blast all out run, and a buck was a few seconds to a few minutes behind her/them. Saturday two does came from a clearing running past me at 20 yds. I thought I should probably grab my rifle next to me and sure enough.... A buck was in hot pursuit. He hit my scent and stopped. I got the rifle on him, saw he was a big body, wider than the ears, and 8pts.

The M70 barked and he dropped at the shot. Win M70 fwt, 7x57 Mauser, 140gr Federal blue box.
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Ryan swung over and helped me load it. He was out with his mom hunting the same area. We headed back to Ryan’s for some awesome cajun bacon and eggs, then got to cutting. Ryan capped the deer for the taxidermist, and we 1/4’d him and got it packaged for cool down and cooking!

I can’t thank Ryan and his family enough for all they’ve done for us in the last few weeks.

You can see on the first two pics he was a battler. His face is scared up and his ear was split it 2 spots. He must be a hockey player.

Some pics of the country.

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Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

It was a busy opener morning at chickenbuck! For me as of shooting the first deer opener morning I jumped on a smaller yearling. I dropped it in its tracks. About 15 minutes later missy shot a buck with her dads pistol! I think it is the biggest buck taken out of camp chickenbuck! I cleaned my first deer with a little guidance! And loaded my first deer alone. But I finally broke my dry spell!

Nice work on the deer Joe. It’s nice to break the ice, e the first on the board and break your slump! Congrats. Where where you sitting when you shot it?

Friday evening before opener our crew was Pam, myself, Missy, Taylor, Nathan, Corinn, Joey, two bloodhounds named copper and allis and the eener dog.

Saturday morning everyone was out to their stands well before sunrise. The forest was quiet overall, first distant shot was probably not until after 8 am. Very little shooting overall. I heard the .308 bark from Joey's direction at around 9. He had broke a 2 year dry spell and finally taken a deer with his tikka. At around 9am I was getting down from my stand to go and help Joey when I heard what sounded like a large hand gun fire a shot from the direction of where Pam and Missy were sitting (seperate stands, same area) Missy had been carrying her dad's scoped 454 in previous years so I thought there was a good chance it was her. I passed by Pam's stand first, she had not shot, she pointed in the direction of Missy's stand. I continued on and met Missy as she was climbing down from her stand. She confirmed that she had shot, we checked the shot sight and found hair but no blood. Tracked the direction where the buck had gone from the shot sight and still found no blood, no hair. damp fall forest grass, no snow, It was going to be a tough tracking job. We decided to go check on Joey and come back to this troubling effort afterwards.
Joe was watching over his deer when I got to him. A quick congratulations and then it was on to the task at hand. Joe had his beautiful Case fixed blade hunting knife with stacked leather handle and highly polished steel blade ready to take on his very first solo effort at field dressing. Conditions were perfect, It was cool but not super cold so there was really no temperature inspired haste, dad was full up on patience that morning and the knife was sharp. Joey did a great job, really clean field dress. The entire crew was there by the time he was half way into it, brothers, sister's, mom, dad, cousin, all offering comical guidance through the procedure. Joey's big sister actually grabbed a leg and took off with the drag down the trail heading back to the cabin. Joey of course joined her. The rest of us followed for a bit but as we approached the fork in the trail where we could split off, we went the direction of Missy's effort on her buck. Walking the trail I was scanning one side in particular that was heavy with tag alder, everyone was talking and laughing, suddenly I froze. I had locked eyes with Missy's down buck 30 yds off the trail in fairly heavy cover. My rifle was at my shoulder before I realized it. He was down but not on his side, he had all 4 legs under him, head was up, he was basically prone and facing us straight on. Things that were crossing my mind were "maybe this is a different deer, this is likely missy's deer, this deer is going to bolt at any second and we'll lose him in those heavy tag alders.." I remember asking "Missy, are you ok with this?" She said yes and Boom! I put one low in the neck inline with the vitals. We waited a bit as he laid over and became motionless. I went in to investigate, he was done. It was then that I saw his blood trail in to where he lay and the entrance wound in the rib cage from Missy's 454. It was her deer and she put a good shot on him, I really don't think he was getting up even without my finishing shot. There was quite the celebration at that point, 2 deer on opening morning and this one was taken with Missy's dad's handgun. Very special moment.
Again I offered direction as Missy too field dressed her own deer.

We hung them on the pole, had an excellent breakfast and continued with the remainder of our opener weekend with no more shots fired although there were a couple of sightings.

Great deer and beautiful pics Tom!

Thanks Dave. Put up some pics if you have em. That looks like a hellova big bodied buck!!

Great report.

Camp Isabella has one doe down.

More when I have better internet.

Originally Posted by tzone

Thanks Dave. Put up some pics if you have em. That looks like a hellova big bodied buck!!

A funny size reference photo. I'm not a big guy but I'm 200 lbs, 5 '9.5". I wish we had a scale, pretty sure he went over 200.

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The 2 successful opening morning hunters.

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And here's the buck that Nate shot over at his girlfriend's family farm.

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Tom we were happy to host you, glad we finally got to hunt again!

Congrats to Joe and Missy! I think about all you guys every opener while I'm wearing my chickenbuck hat.

Dave,

I would say that buck was well over 200#.

Funny Ryan mentioned Chickenbuck gear. The whole family was wearing it when we got to his place!

love it!

Ryan, it was nice to hunt together again. If I now have my points set up correctly, we can do it more often. Maybe we can get Cale out with us?

"...dad was full up on patience that morning..." Priceless!

Well done CBJ, Missy and T! Dems some nice deers!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

"...dad was full up on patience that morning..." Priceless!

Well done CBJ, Missy and T! Dems some nice deers!

Sometimes full up, sometimes fresh out. lol

Congrats on a nice buck and taken with a grand old cartridge. Liked the pics, too, especially the log fixer-up building.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

A funny size reference photo. I'm not a big guy but I'm 200 lbs, 5 '9.5". I wish we had a scale, pretty sure he went over 200.

2 ways, that might help
http://www.marylandhuntingquarterly.com/files/Download/HeartGirthChart.pdf

https://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/media/media-resources/calculate-live-weight-of-deer.phtml/

Post #13247965 cannot be improved upon.

thank you

We bought several Pennsylvania game Commission weight tapes using money from the camp kitty. Each member got one and new members are issued one to cut down on the "big buck" BS.

The only problem is the tape is maxed out at 286 lbs. live weight.

The deer must be smaller in PA.

Thank you! That cabin is cool. There are a few like that scattered through spots in the hills. Pretty neat stuff.

Congrats to Tom and the Buckers. A great weekend's hunting by everyone. I had a feeling CBJ would fill a tag this fall.

Camp report from west central MN: My daughter had the morning of a dozen lifetimes at her stand. She had 15, yes 15 bucks running around her stand. 4 of them were really nice bucks and when she finally got one to stop and stay still for a minute she ventilated a really nice 8 pointer. Meanwhile, twin son #1, in his first ever deer hunting morning, sat all of an hour and a half before a broken up 5X4 came along at 33 yards. He promptly double lunged it and we had 2 bucks before 9 am. Twin son #2 didnt get a chance at a buck, but shot a doe that evening. My dad also shot a nice 8 that night for quite the opening day. There is an article about them in the local paper (echopress.com outdoors page if anyone wants to see it). Quite a special day for my family. 2 first deer and a first big buck for the daughter in one day.

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very nice! congrats to all!

This is my 41st year deer hunting and B-mans daughter sees more bucks in an hour than I've seen in the last 20 years! Happy for her - Me? that's a little depressing.

B-man, is that an A-390? One of the best shotguns ever built. Got one for duck hunting - Silver Mallard - my son has, ahem, acquired it. I had to get another - A400. It's all good.

CFT,

I would say hunting in MN, MI, and WI are not the best places to see a lot of bucks in a day. BM’s daughter being the exception. My later FIL told me there is nothing like hunting out west as far as deer sightings go. After what I witnessed last week, he’s right. The amount of bucks, and deer seem daily was not even comprehndable to me at first.

After the first hour on day 1 I texted my wife “I’ve seen 15 deer and 3 bucks in an hour. That’s 2 seasons in MN or WI.”

BM, great buck your daughter shot. I like the squiggly brow tine!

I was sitting in justin's stand

Any luck up there Joe?

Yes, that is a Beretta 390. Love them! I use one, my dad uses 1 and my son has one that my daughter used this year. It feels weird how many bucks we saw this year as it just sounds crazy. We don't take it for granted and feel very lucky. We do work pretty hard on food plots and habitat so that is definitely part of it.

The best part of the whole deal? My kids are hooked. My wife said I gave them all the fever....and I loved it. Watching your kids be successful hunting is one of life's great pleasures for sure.

Originally Posted by Chickenbuck_Joe

I was sitting in justin's stand

Originally Posted by tzone

Any luck up there Joe?

That's a heavy bedding area for does and fawns. The rut has "new" bucks snooping around up there like crazy.

The hunting weather moved in last night. I have a feeling you’ll be finding a few more snooping around there this weekend.

Originally Posted by tzone

CFT,

I would say hunting in MN, MI, and WI are not the best places to see a lot of bucks in a day. BM’s daughter being the exception. My later FIL told me there is nothing like hunting out west as far as deer sightings go. After what I witnessed last week, he’s right. The amount of bucks, and deer seem daily was not even comprehndable to me at first.

After the first hour on day 1 I texted my wife “I’ve seen 15 deer and 3 bucks in an hour. That’s 2 seasons in MN or WI.”

Truth.

It was very slow on my hunting grounds. I hunted through Tuesday. It snowed Monday night and got windy and cold. That got the bucks all chasy and rutty so I had high hopes when I saw some chasing going on Tuesday morning but no luck.

Maybe this weekend.

Congrats to everyone that had success and good luck to those that still have a tag to punch.

Excellent pics and bucks!

Congrats on the doe, Joe!

Congrads to the Minnesota Wrecking Crew!

wow we've got good snow in the forest. Joe and I hunted last night, stayed at the cabin, hunted again this morning. I had to come back to the hot rod shop mid day today to take in a project for a customer. This is killing me! Hurry up guy!

I want to be out in the woods in a stand all day today.

They were sure moving last night. The son who shot the doe almost connected on 2 different 8 pointers, one nice and one really nice. Too much brush and we needed one more step on numerous occasions for him to get a shot and the darn bucks wouldn't cooperate. We had the nice one broadside and clear at 125 yards, but that is too far for his first year so we had to pass that shot up. Heckuva fun night!

Good luck Chickenbuckers! I wanna see some more pictures!

Well he shot a nice 8 pointer tonight! he made a nice 75 yard shot after I stopped the buck with a "bahhhhhhhhh". Then shot him again on a dead run at 85 yards. Pretty good for a 10 year old! all 3 of my kids have got 8 pointers this year. That is a fantastic year!

Nice work Mini B!

Jack attack had the day off of school today so he was at his stepdads land with his stepbrother. 2 kids wingin it...

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I’m going to head up there in a bit to see his deer and raid the fridge.

Congrats to Jack. Good job Dad.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Congrats to Jack. Good job Dad.

I didn’t do anything. Couple of kids doing it on their own! I was pretty excited about that.

Are you headed back up gopher?

Not this weekend. Will be hunting next weekend though. You guys got tags to fill yet? Good luck if you do. Man, is Jack getting tall!

I don’t have any tags. I didn’t buy one for MN this year. Jack is hunting at his stepdads land this year, up by Hinckley..

We have WI next week though. Jack and big sis will hunt until Sunday. They both have commitments for school during the week they can’t miss.ill have the woods to myself...dangit.

Good Job Jack!!

Tom.....couple questions about SD. How was it finding public land to hunt? How about seeing other hunters, lots, little, friendly folks???

Jeff

Lots of land in the Black Hills. That’s what my tag was for. Local folks were easy to talk to and pretty dang helpful actually. Ryan was the most helpful. There were literally deer everywhere I looked for them. The buck to doe ratio was lots of does. Lol. Sometimes I’d see 7 or 8 at a crack. Even in the woods. One thang that surprised me with the bucks was they could climb like billy goats if they had to. I also saw them in areas I wouldn’t have normally looked but would be driving to take a look at a burn or cool looking rocks or something and I’d jump deer. It was an amazing trip. Exactly what I had hoped for.

The thing with the locals is they road hunted. I hunted starting on opening morning which was a Thursday. I didn’t see any other hunters until Saturday morning. We didn’t see any deer hunters even when we were scouting the week prior. They get a month to hunt with a black hills tag, so they didn’t really get after it until the weekend.

It’s an awesome, beautiful place that I will hunt as much as possible.

Great Info Tom.....Thanks.

One last question, for now, how long did it take to draw the tag?

Jeff,

It took me 4 years in the Black Hills. But....I was applying for “any deer” instead of “any whitetail”. It takes 2 years or so to draw any whitetail. Much longer for the mule deer tag.

I also have been applying for a West River tag in a low draw area. It’s been 4 years. I’m pretty sure next year will do it.

Can you buy points instead of actually applying for a license?

Can you tell I am interested!

Yep. You can buy points for $10. You can apply for a tag and there is an option to buy a point if you’re not drawn.

The other good thing about SD is you only have to pay the application fee of $10. If you don’t draw there is no hit on your card. Unlike other states where you send the license fee in and they’ll refund you if you don’t draw.

week 2 report.

2 fawns be spotted, no deers be shotted.

lol.

That is the story at our camp also. A fawn was seen but not shot. It has been snowing every day and soon it will add up to a bunch, no it already is a bunch. Hope everyone is doing well.

Do you guys have any deer hanging TJAY?

Great stuff everybody !!

Congrats to Joey, missy, Tom, Bman's kids, JackHammer etc al !!

Back from 10 days in Europe & Doug & Deb will be after them this weekend.

How was the trip Paul?

It was awesome Tom, thank you.

Beautiful scenery, great food (& beer), shared with a great bunch of friends.

Didn't relish the 23 hour return (inc layovers) to -13*C at 1:30 sunday morning, in Thunder bay !

Quick 7 hour nap at a hotel & then 4 hour drive home !

tzone

One doe.

Truck is packed and pointed north. Leaving at daylight for camp. Opener is Thursday.

We might not get any deers, but we'll eat good. Prime rib, fish boil w/whitefish, Italian sausage, and our annual fart fest = fresh smoked Kielbasa, potatoes, and kraut. Da liquor cabinet has been resupplied too.

Bringing the old Model 100. She was nice to me at the range this year. 308 Federal Fusions 180s 3/4" group. When she treats me good, she gets to go to camp. We'll see how the relationship goes...she's a fickle woman.

Our weather's supposed to warm up starting tomorrow. I'm off Thursday and will be heading north to get one last hunt in. Good luck to all those headed out trying to avoid tag soup like I am.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Truck is packed and pointed north. Leaving at daylight for camp. Opener is Thursday.

We might not get any deers, but we'll eat good. Prime rib, fish boil w/whitefish, Italian sausage, and our annual fart fest = fresh smoked Kielbasa, potatoes, and kraut. Da liquor cabinet has been resupplied too.

Bringing the old Model 100. She was nice to me at the range this year. 308 Federal Fusions 180s 3/4" group. When she treats me good, she gets to go to camp. We'll see how the relationship goes...she's a fickle woman.

Best of luck CFT.

I will try the fusion 180's in my 88 .308

It's fair with 150's but I've been curious about a heavier bullet, I don't know what the rate of twist is.

Dave, the fusions are available in 165gr, 30 caliber too.

They work in my Savage M99. 2 mooses & multiples of deers were used as test media !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave, the fusions are available in 165gr, 30 caliber too.

They work in my Savage M99. 2 mooses & multiples of deers were used as test media !

I LOVE the 165gr Federal Fusions in the .308. Every .308 I've used them in liked them.

Good luck gopher.

2 of the kids and I are headed to WI on Friday. They're going to go to school for a bit. I'll pick them up after things are loaded and then we'll head to Grandmas to be spoiled rotten with food and laughs.

Lap dog was glad to have Grandma home !

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by tzone

Good luck gopher.

2 of the kids and I are headed to WI on Friday. They're going to go to school for a bit. I'll pick them up after things are loaded and then we'll head to Grandmas to be spoiled rotten with food and laughs.

Thanks Tom. A slight change in plans. I talked to two of our young bucks that went back up for second weekend-they saw one set of tracks, and didn't hear a single shot in our area all weekend. Of course the wolves were howling up a storm. Gee-wonder why we're not seeing deer? I'm gonna go up to Chengwatana for a dual purpose trip. Gonna hit the range up there with my Hawkins and run a couple balls through it, and then go hunt for the rest of the day. I just can't see driving all the way up past Brainerd when we're not seeing any deer up there. I want to learn some of the more remote areas of Chengwatana any ways, so this is a good opportunity. Gonna carry my grand daughter's 99 chambered for .243. I'm hoping to bleed that gun and then hand it off to my son so he can do the same before she's old enough to carry it. ML season comes in soon, and this will probably be the only chance I get to run a couple down the tube on that gun before the opener. I'll be hunting that spot we went to in Lakeville, Tom. The patch on the left side of the trail going into the house there. He's been seeing deer in there all fall.

time near, guns packed, busch latte's cold, hoppes smell in nose, estrous too, knife sharp, ouch too sharp.... t-12hours till drive north.. big bucks must die. :-D

Good luck buddy!

0730 today the .223 Ruger American cracked and Kennedy had her first ever deer down. WI had treated us well the last few years.
She made a perfect shot IMO, high on the near shoulder, exiting lower on the off shoulder. The deer never took a step. Dropped stone dead. 55gr ttsx, 223 Rem.
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Congrats to Kennedy. I love the pic of her and Jack haulin' her out.

Thats awesome Tom! Good job on raising those two!

Good Job Kennedy!! Tom, your family is having a very good year.

Nice Job Tom. Those lil .223 are deadly with shots like that.

Thanks guys. K also says thanks. I also like the dragging out pic. The top one is how we walked up on it. She doesn’t live a breathe this stuff like the rest of us do so, it was hard to get a read on her but as the day went on you could tell tell she was excited. She said she wasn’t nervous because she didn’t think it was going to happen. Lol.

7mm, someone will have a hard time convincing me the .223 won’t work or is too small for deer. We have a sample of 2 from this year but man they wreck some stuff between entry and exit holes.

Congrads to "K" Nice Doe!

Glad she got a nice clean kill on that first deer Tom. Might not have enjoyed seeing one flopping around for a while. Good job Kennedy!

I've already said so in txt message but congrats to Kennedy! I've watched Joey take 2 deer with my 220 swift and both went straight down. The quick little bullets will get it done!

That's a nice doe too, wow. The pics on my computer screen show it better than the pics I got over the weekend Tom. Lots of meat there!

At about 8am yesterday, I took a poke at a sneaky timber goat beyond that far spruce tree in the center of this pic. Beyond the spruce and a little to the right. The deer isn't in this picture, pic is just a reference view from the stand I hunted consistently this year.

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It wasn't a super clean path for the bullet, apparently.

Hole in the center of this old diamond willow.

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exit side

But it worked out. No tracking and chasing.

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Goofy little runt.

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Congrats Dave! It’s nice to see the deer coming back to that area.

I almost didn't go out Sunday morning. Glad I did though, I realized I hadn't shot a deer from that stand for a number of years now. I've taken deer pictures of ones that I've passed, but I hadn't taken a deer from that stand since about.... 2012? Something like that. Also I didn't take a deer last year, I think I took one from a ladder stand in 2017.

Anyways, that's 3 for our camp with rifle season behind us. We have muzzle loader season starting next weekend.

Looking at our "wall of fame" at the cabin, we used to have years of 5 to 6 deer, that dwindled to 2 to 1 deer through a stretch of years that was too long. It's actually been a few years since we've done better than 2 deer. So, 3 is the right direction. I hope it continues to rebound back towards the good hunting that we used to have.

Originally Posted by tzone

Congrats Dave! It’s nice to see the deer coming back to that area.

We had 3 cameras out, we figure we had 6 or 7 different bucks on cam. Most were 8 point or better, average "shooter bucks" or slightly better than average. Missy's buck and this one I shot yesterday were not on any of our cameras.

That to us is encouraging, means we had at least 8 stirring around. We have a positive outlook, hoping for a low winter kill number.

Congrats Dave!! What kind of "super" bullet you using that shoots thru trees to kill deer?

Great Stuff Kennedy, JackosorusHamer & Tom !

Most excellent.

Also great news !!

Congratulations Dave.

Glad to hear ChickenBuck is bouncing back too.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Congrats Dave!! What kind of "super" bullet you using that shoots thru trees to kill deer?

Hi Jeff, they were factory loads by winchester. 150 gr "XP" (extreme point). It's a tipped JSP, nothing too special. 30-06

I used your knife too, flawless as usual.

Well done ND. Kennedy too! Ol T-zone got himself a couple draggers for his golden years in the deer blind - well played Tom! And that pic had oughta be blowed up and framed. Something to look at in the office during the off season.

We went 2 for 4 in our camp, 7pt and an 8pt. Cold and lots of snow up there. Going back up after copious turkey consumption.

Footnote: bean soup for lunch and kraut/sausage with Busch beers for supper make for interesting cover scent in da deer woods. Recommend spacing out the aforementioned repast as to minimize the olfactory assault on deer and camp members.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Congrats Dave!! What kind of "super" bullet you using that shoots thru trees to kill deer?

Hey Jeff,

My new knife is getting quite the workout this season! It’s stayed sharp through 4 deer!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by j_elky

Congrats Dave!! What kind of "super" bullet you using that shoots thru trees to kill deer?

Hi Jeff, they were factory loads by winchester. 150 gr "XP" (extreme point). It's a tipped JSP, nothing too special. 30-06

I used your knife too, flawless as usual.

Definitely over-penetrated the tree.

Deer was DRT...after tree perforation. I'd say that's pretty special. Ups the coolness factor too.

Dave.....pretty good performance from that bullet and tricky shooting from you!! I used to work with an old finlander that swore by his 45-70's. He had three of them. Same kind of deal, shot at a small buck and tipped it over. Turns out he center punched a 4" oak before he hit the deer.

Tom....glad to hear it is holding up well.

Jeff

I was wondering about a Chickenbuck report! Glad to see that meat pole with a little sag in it. I laid on the couch part of Sunday afternoon. Man, did that feel weird.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Dave.....pretty good performance from that bullet and tricky shooting from you!! I used to work with an old finlander that swore by his 45-70's. He had three of them. Same kind of deal, shot at a small buck and tipped it over. Turns out he center punched a 4" oak before he hit the deer.

Tom....glad to hear it is holding up well.

Jeff

I shot a doe once and accidentally hit a green poplar branch probably only 10 yds in front of me and the deer was at about 100 yds. I got lucky on that one too, she dropped but needed a finishing shot. This diamond willow was very close to the deer, again an accident. This thing was old and rotten, but I'm sure it was enough to initiate the bullet expansion/deformation. I've had a shot deflected by a branch to where a miss was the result too.

All considered, I advise against shooting through any branches if it can be helped. This deer was moving and I was tracking as I let the shot go. It worked out, and I'm thankful.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by j_elky

Dave.....pretty good performance from that bullet and tricky shooting from you!! I used to work with an old finlander that swore by his 45-70's. He had three of them. Same kind of deal, shot at a small buck and tipped it over. Turns out he center punched a 4" oak before he hit the deer.

Tom....glad to hear it is holding up well.

Jeff

I shot a doe once and accidentally hit a green poplar branch probably only 10 yds in front of me and the deer was at about 100 yds. I got lucky on that one too, she dropped but needed a finishing shot. This diamond willow was very close to the deer, again an accident. This thing was old and rotten, but I'm sure it was enough to initiate the bullet expansion/deformation. I've had a shot deflected by a branch to where a miss was the result too.

All considered, I advise against shooting through any branches if it can be helped. This deer was moving and I was tracking as I let the shot go. It worked out, and I'm thankful.

I have to admit I did one of those too. Sawed off a sapling about 10n yards off the end of the barrel and hit a buck 50 yards out.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY

Hope everyone had or is having a great hunting season, not to mention a great year!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Heading back up north after turkey. Hopefully coming back with some venison. Good luck to those still after them!

Happy thanksgiving everyone! Got a bird in the toaster and one in the smoker. Kids baked pies this morning, and are all playing ball in the driveway now. Perfect day!

Me and the boy are headed back to the woods tomorrow morning for the last WI weekend of gun season.

Got a doe in 601 this morning. Got it skinned into time for dinner. I need a nap.

My boy got his first deer last night. 178 yards bangflop. shooting a savage hoghunter 308 with Lane scorpion king suppressor throwing 168 VLDs. super proud of him to say the least!

Good deal Ryan. Congrats!

Heading out with the ML in a few minutes here. Everyone have a great weekend.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

My boy got his first deer last night. 178 yards bangflop. shooting a savage hoghunter 308 with Lane scorpion king suppressor throwing 168 VLDs. super proud of him to say the least!

That’s so exciting! I’m very happy for Cale. I bet he is still glowing.

Being with your kid on their first deer is quite an experience, isn’t it? I’ve been blessed with the chance to be with jack and Kennedy when the both shot their first.

It’s also cool when the kids get excited when we are eating their deer. They also like to cook for us if we are eating their venison.

To the Minnesota boys-I've been talking to my wife about making a run up to Lake of the Woods for a little fishing this spring or summer. Have any of you stayed up there at any of the resorts? Looking for suggestions, but we don't want to go up to The Angle.

Cyrus?

Ballard's?

Arneson's Rocky Reef?

We would just be going for a short stay, probably 2-3 days and go out on their launch boats. I doubt I'll haul my boat up there for such a short stay, and I know most of the places offer package deals for three nights lodging and two days of launch fishing. Can anyone suggest one to use, or ones we should stay away from?

Thanks, guys.

Gopher,
for a short stay, I would suggest Ballards. I have had very good luck there, the one thing with them is they let you fish, your not running downriggers, great cabins, food is the best of any of the resorts along the rainy. Great deck to sit out on either at the resort or all of the cabins as well. they run some good package deals for fishing and staying as well. All the others are good too, but this has been by far our go to place. I usually set up a trip for work every other year and we tend to do 12-15 launches for the day and they do all the food when we get back and its well worth it. They do have a pool outside as well to chill out if you want too. I am up there every weekend and was just there last weekend as well. We ice fish out of ballards as well a few times during the winter. cyrus is a great place too, just a lot farther from more action up there during the summer. and arensons is a beautiful place but your limited over that way as well. any questions just give me a shout. good luck to you

Buschy, you going to be in the woods this weekend?

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Gopher,
for a short stay, I would suggest Ballards. I have had very good luck there, the one thing with them is they let you fish, your not running downriggers, great cabins, food is the best of any of the resorts along the rainy. Great deck to sit out on either at the resort or all of the cabins as well. they run some good package deals for fishing and staying as well. All the others are good too, but this has been by far our go to place. I usually set up a trip for work every other year and we tend to do 12-15 launches for the day and they do all the food when we get back and its well worth it. They do have a pool outside as well to chill out if you want too. I am up there every weekend and was just there last weekend as well. We ice fish out of ballards as well a few times during the winter. cyrus is a great place too, just a lot farther from more action up there during the summer. and arensons is a beautiful place but your limited over that way as well. any questions just give me a shout. good luck to you

Buschy-thanks for your input. I'm not interested in downrigger fishing. I will definitely take your advice. Thanks for passing on your knowledge of the area resorts up there.

Not sure if I will be doing any hunting at all, not real excited about it. been way too much going on this year, lost a lot of interest. trying to move and everything at the new place seems like just one more project again. my boys got 3 deer this year so far so not sure I need any more. I smoked some summer sausage sunday for them. A lot of extra remodeling needing to get done and things I cant get done myself there is really whats bothering me. Feels like no time and everything is a rush to everyone else.

I know the feeling. I could use a few crapolades tho.

are you going to be around, I could try to make an exception!! I haven't had one since the last time I don't think!!

Yeah I’ll be up there Friday night.

Warm up here this morning. 18 degrees, probably gonna snow.

Snow is good.

whats Friday night to you? I have to work a bball tournament all day Saturday so not sure which I could make it. be fun though. i'll see if lestifer is around

I'll be up later. have to work donchyaknow.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

whats Friday night to you? I have to work a bball tournament all day Saturday so not sure which I could make it. be fun though. i'll see if lestifer is around

Actual Friday, like the calendar says. lol

Tzone and big jelly will be up, Nate too. Friday and Saturday night.

What time do you plan to be out there, Dave?

I may leave work a little early.

ohhhhhh i dunno.

I should and would head out there thursday night so I can shoot all the deer on friday before you guys get there (like pre fishing a tournament).

But, I may work all day Friday because Joey is coming with and he ride da bus.

Good luck to you guys Dave. Hope you fill some tags.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

ohhhhhh i dunno.

I should and would head out there thursday night so I can shoot all the deer on friday before you guys get there (like pre fishing a tournament).

But, I may work all day Friday because Joey is coming with and he ride da bus.

If I can get out of here on time, I should be up there around 7-8 or something like that. I have to pick something up

before I leave.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I should and would head out there thursday night so I can shoot all the deer on friday before you guys get there (like pre fishing a tournament).

That would save us a lot of work! lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I should and would head out there thursday night so I can shoot all the deer on friday before you guys get there (like pre fishing a tournament).

That would save us a lot of work! lol

Yeah, let us know if we need to leave the guns home.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I should and would head out there thursday night so I can shoot all the deer on friday before you guys get there (like pre fishing a tournament).

That would save us a lot of work! lol

Yeah, let us know if we need to leave the guns home.

Hell, I'll leave my knife home too!

I usually have 6 or 7 along. We should be covered.

Alright Tom....please share with the class.....what will you be picking up on the way north???

I cannot share with the class until we get back.

Does it rhyme with "hole lancer?"

maybe

Sounds like you boys are in for a fun time !!

Good luck & good hunting.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Sounds like you boys are in for a fun time !!

Good luck & good hunting.

Hunting?

good one

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Sounds like you boys are in for a fun time !!

Good luck & good hunting stunting .

Hunting?

good one

Tom, you obviously misread !

...alright, for those of us not at Chickenbuck, I suppose we should take up a collection for bail money. Or maybe a GoFundMe? There's certain to be plenty smart talkin' going on. I just hope they stay on the property and all nearby farm animals are locked up.

Carry on.

The silence from Chickenbuckland is deafening. I wonder if someone told Tom to squeal like a pig..........

no deers were harmed.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

The silence from Chickenbuckland is deafening. I wonder if someone told Tom to squeal like a pig..........

I'm not sure what that means. But we were hunting and didn't get any deer. We did eat pretty well though.

The deers were scarce but as usual, a great time was had!

Tom had the only live deer sighting, a fleeting moment.

Operation "surprise Joey with a new snowmobile" was a terrific hit though. That's what Tom was bringing up. I purchased a used sled from a friend of Tom's and Tom was kind enough to haul it north 6 hours for us. We played like it was a machine that Nathan was buying from Tom (because joey has been wanting a machine since last year when his blew up for the last time).

Fun little prank, happy kid, happy dad. It worked out well.

In all the fun, I didn't take any pics of the Joe's reaction or even of him riding it. He put a lot of miles on the driveway this weekend.

It was a wonderful time as always up there. Thank you again for inviting us up to hunt. Like usual on the way out, I saw so many places that I'd love to investigate to hunt. Lots of good looking country up there.

Yeah me too. Including that one spot that I think looks like a perfect spot for a food plot. We could have stands all around it! lol

Poor deer would be like the Indian in the river in Dances with Wolves! lol

Good job Tom and Dave. I'm sure he's thrilled. Please tell me you didn't torture him by buying him an Arctic Cat.....

Butt ugly, youth model, savage M11 .243 & 95gr SST made some more meat yesterday.

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Damn, that ugly, cheap combo keeps racking them up !

Excellent Paul!

Did they open the season back up for a bit?

Thanks Tom, no our season is open till December 15th every year !

Been doing lots of sitting, but only seeing Does with fawns !

How many more can you shoot?

Between Deb, Doug & I, we have 3 buck tags.

2 down so far & I think that will be it, unless Deb hunts Thursday afternoon &/or Friday.

Putting the ice shack on the hard water next Saturday.

Good evening everyone. Dave-do you ever look at your "views" total? Did you realize this thread had generated over 125,000,000 views. That's 125 million! Simply incredible. Merry Christmas to all the Chickenbuckers and those that check in here.

Congrats on the meat harvest Paul! You guys are doing very well.

I have my first plowable snow this morning at home here, ice is early on the lakes so ice fishing is ahead of schedule.

Gopher, I guess I don't pay much attention on the views anymore, that's a lot though.

Merry Christmas everyone. From our growing family to all of you.

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Is this from the L.L. Bean Catalog?

Merry Christmas Shaws!!

Thanks Dave, great photo, I commented on it in the Christmas card thread too !

Those kiddies are sure growing fast ! WOW !

Lil Joe looks as tall as anyone else.

Hoping you & yours have a great Christmas, surrounded by family, good food & good friends.

Yeah, I think I'm putting our hard shack out on Saturday & maybe do some lake running & gunning with the portables too !

Walleye & Crappie watch out.

Great picture Dave. Merry Christmas to your family, sir.

Originally Posted by tzone

Is this from the L.L. Bean Catalog?

Merry Christmas Shaws!!

Hahahaha! It looks like it doesn't it? Bunch of ll bean level survivalists. Hahahaha! Oh damn that made me laugh.

Good looking group, just seems like yesterday your kids were kids! happy Holidays to you guys!

Well, she's out !!

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7 Walleye Saturday afternoon & 5 walleye & 2 pike Sunday afternoon.

15 inches of ice !

Nice!

We don't have anywhere near that sort of ice here. It was 48* F Yesterday.

Saturday was really mild, I think it got up to 5*C, yesterday big west wind had it cooling off again & we were back @ -21*C this morning !

I am glad you guys had a good time at Camp Chickenbuck. I'd love to be there a couple of days during hunting season.
WOW!!! 125,000,000 views. What an iconic story this has been so far. I think if memory is correct that I have been following this thread for about 12 years.
We are just over a week from Christmas 2018 and I would like to wish each and every one of you and your respective families a very sincere MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Stan in SC

Good looking crew right there! You're right Tom, I feel like I should order something from the Shaw Fall Collection.

Who's the Santa in training with the beard and the snow on the roof?

And Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Who's the Santa in training with the beard and the snow on the roof?

And Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

Handsome devil. lol

Merry Christmas to you and your family Stan! I hope you get to spend some wonderful time with family and friends!!

Merry Christmas to you too, Stan. Hope you have a great holiday.

Merry Christmas Stan and everyone else here!

Merry Christmas Ryan!

Merry Christmas

&

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas everyone!

happy new year.

Happy New Year all!

I hope you had a great time!

I haven’t been able to log on here much with all the redirects. But I hope you all have been having a good time!

Happy New Year ChuckenBuckers !

Christmas break & Caroline home from Toronto.

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Nest eggs on bagel halves (forgot to buy English muffins) for Christmas morning.

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Christmas dinner.

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Christmas Pav

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Lots of ice fishing - Weather was nice, for the most part !

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Bunch of walleye & sauger - 41 kept over the break & turned into fish tacos !

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Excellent Paul! Kids are looking good, food is lookin even better!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and the kids spoiled you.

You too Tom !

Just having them both home for a week, spending time together, was all Deb & I needed/wanted.

Very impressive! Looks like a fun break.

Jeesh, Brettaman you'll have to change your name to "thread killer." One post from you and it shuts right down.

How's everyone doing? Nothing too exciting in this neck of the woods'ish area.

Ha, ha, was just dropping in to help him out !

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Had to ruin it with those shrimp didn't ya?

The shrimp were a delicious addition, to an already excellent taco !

These have been working great for us !

Good lookin family and food there, Paul!

Cheers Rooster,

That's what life is about !!

You know that though.

yeah, I killed it for 12 days. I am not sure I should even post this!

Basketball tourney for us. I was sure proud when my son made 2 crucial baskets at the end of a game for the win! Nobody will remember that game a few months from now, but it sure is cool to be bursting with proudness for your kids!

State Pheasants Forever convention this weekend. Otherwise slogging through the winter. Oh, I know, I put my name down for a yellow lab puppy. we will get it in a month or so as it is only 16 days old now.

see you in 2 weeks.

lol, just kidding.

we been doing some fishing too.

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Fact is, I have to get in the house and finish cleaning fish. I have a big bowl of fillets in lightly salted water in the fridge that I need to debone yet and bag up.

That's a beautiful fish Dave !

23-24" ?

Do you have a slot size on Lake of da Woodses ?

We have a 4 Walleye/sauger / licenced person / day limit.

1 can be over 18.1" normally.

Exceptions* Wabigoon, none between 18.1" & 22.8", Eagle Lake, none between 18.1" & 23.8".

Northern Pike on Wabigoon, 2/day, none greater than 29.5" & I can't remember Eagle Lakes pike slot size.

Nice fish!
South Dakota just did away with the possession limit, not sure why

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Nice fish!
South Dakota just did away with the possession limit, not sure why

When are they going to do that with deer?

That is actually pretty strange.

Walleye release slot is 19.5" - 28" this one was released, I think it was only 21 or 22".

Morning tough guys, it's -38*C (-46 with wind chill) here this morning !

Truck had "square" tires for the first 2 miles.

I don't think I'll go ice fishing this weekend !

That's plenty cold. You can keep it!

we went ice fishing. the cold made it a bit sporty. good time tho

My son's car was another casualty of the cold weather. Battery went kerfluie. Gonna dig through the boat batteries and see if I've got one that fits in his car and the cables will reach to.

7:30 am in da chebby !

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Basically, the average for Friday through Today !

Chubby eh? Surprised it started.

-36 Canadian?

Originally Posted by tzone

Chubby eh? Surprised it started.

I never left the Casa Del Gophergunner all weekend. But I did go out and start both our cars twice a day. No trouble for us yet. But neither one's a Chubby.

I was in Thief River Falls Friday night, -24 (American cold) my twin boys had a wrasslin tournament. It was about the best tournament we have been to this year. They made sure to let the kids know this was about fun, it was a pre-K thru 6th grade tournament. The message seemed to be carried by the kids because I didn't see any of the tears or mad kids that I have seen at some of the other tournaments. A nice bonus was one of the boys won their first match, he now has a better record wrestling record than I do...

Originally Posted by northern_dave

-36 Canadian?

It’s like 72 metric beers eh? :grin;

I think -36 Canadian is like - 34 American tho.

Yeah, but it's a dry cold.........

Originally Posted by northern_dave

-36 Canadian?

Ya, dats -32.8*f to you old timers !

Originally Posted by bubbajay

I was in Thief River Falls Friday night, -24 (American cold) my twin boys had a wrasslin tournament. It was about the best tournament we have been to this year. They made sure to let the kids know this was about fun, it was a pre-K thru 6th grade tournament. The message seemed to be carried by the kids because I didn't see any of the tears or mad kids that I have seen at some of the other tournaments. A nice bonus was one of the boys won their first match, he now has a better record wrestling record than I do...

My buddy "white bear" was at that one with his little guy. They joined us out on lake of the woods later friday night with their new wheel house.

What's your temps like up there this week, Dave? Keeping all the vehicles thawed out and running?

-33F yesterday morning. We were out ice fishing all weekend.

a balmy 12* right now, but we'll be back in the 50's by the weekend. this vortex is chilly

So far, no issues with the vehicles. We make sure we run 'em twice a day to keep 'em ready to go. I'm watching the birds and squirrels feeding heavily right now. It's got to be tough on them in this kind of weather.

I run mine twice a day too. Once on the way to work and once on the way home.

I figured out yesterday (after 5.5 yrs of living here) that my big truck DOES fit in our attached garage WITH the V plow attached. It's tight, as in you can't walk around the front or back of the truck. You have to climb over the plow rigging in front of the truck to get in the house. lol! But it DOES fit!

Pretty excited about that! lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Pretty excited about that! lol

Game changer.

put it in a V and make more room for it

Did you guys hear that it got cold? In the winter?

polar vortex hysteria.

I heard something about it.

we were 30 degrees below freezing for a few hours. brrrr

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Did you guys hear that it got cold? In the winter?

The hell you say!

You Numbnutzes have gotta learn which week is vacation time !

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I thought some Paul, of having a moment of silence for you in the food section,, but cooler heads prevailed.

Paul,

Your toes look lovely.

Arsehole !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Arsehole !

Tell 'im Tom! That's MR. ARSEHOLE!

Morning coffee with the "lap" dog !

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Thought I would post it here first.

WOO HOO

we got our Wy. elk tags. We are going back

We have one of those lap labs too. Lol

Originally Posted by TJAY

Thought I would post it here first.

WOO HOO

we got our Wy. elk tags. We are going back

Awesome TJAY!

Originally Posted by tzone

We have one of those lap labs too. Lol

That lap lab is a 1 year old Great Dane Rhodesian ridgeback cross.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by TJAY

Thought I would post it here first.

WOO HOO

we got our Wy. elk tags. We are going back

Awesome TJAY!

What Thomas said !!!

Good luck, TJAY!

Thanks guys.
We are booked with the same outfitter we used in 2016.

2 feet of snow, on top of a foot of slush.

Not great once you are off the roads !

8" extension on & right to power head to break through.

40-60mph winds on the lake yesterday, could not find the holes from Saturday until you stood in them !

[Linked Image]

Deb decided it was more comfortable at home Sunday !

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12 Walleye Saturday (3 person limit) & 8 Sunday (2 person limit) & home by 1pm Sunday, thankfully !

I agree with Deb. lol.

We had some wind I haven't seen here in quite some time. I wouldn't have even thought about fishing in it.

Did you see the pic Rooster posted of his truck drifted in, in his driveway !

Wow+P

He needs ol' yella bad !

Dave-will you have any trouble getting your fish house off the ice?

Checking in here, catching up. Congrats TJ!

As for ice fishing, we bring our house off the lake every time we go home. I am likely done with ice fishing unless we get that late opportunity when snow settles and the ice is still good. But right now I feel it's a fools game. I want no part of it, too much snow. The snow depth is an obvious problem but the weight of the snow is another, it causes the flooding of water above the top of the ice in areas with ice cracks and for sure anywhere you drill a fishing hole. The water leaches up into the snow, slush hides under the surface of innocent looking snow. I got no time for those sorts of shenanigans.

Yes, Congrats TJAY! We didn't get picked in WY, so we will be going to Montana.

I am so glad I don't have a fish house on the lake right now!

New lab puppy in the house. Ours weighs in at 8 lbs. Cute little lass it is. Sleeping between my feet as I type this. Which is good because when she wakes up it is like a little yellow tornado running around the house.

Yep, lots of horror stories on the facebooks of trucks & big houses stuck in slush on LOTW !

I'm lucky, no slush within 40 yards of my little house & I'm plowed from the side road, directly to the shack.

All slush is between me & the banks of the main ice road.

Dave-glad to hear yours isn't stranded out there. Lots of reports of fish houses getting broken into also. Would really suck to go out there and find the place ransacked, and then not be able to get it off the ice to boot.

Congrats TJay!

I want no part of shoveling pickups off the ice anymore. That is a young man's game.

1 year old pup !

[Linked Image]

We have one of those too. 10 months old. Eats everydamnthing she can find.

I had a black lab that got ahold of a spade shovel with a hickory handle. Chewed entirely through the handle. I swear that dog thought it was a danged beaver. He used to go out in the woods beside my folk's house and find the longest stick he could come up with and drag it around the yard. The sticks would be three times longer than him.

Not sure where to start. A nasty virus seems to be kicking my ass and keeping me almost bedridden the last month or so. I have been spending a lot of time searching the gun/hunting etc. everything...

Then I found Northern Dave's original post about building a deer camp. The more I read the more I couldn't stop reading. I spent all afternoon and most of the evening reading this stuff. It was like looking into a mirror and I wanted to reply to SO many posts. They were of course very old and there was little point but then I skipped ahead to the most recent post and realized this is still alive! Wow. So here I am.

Dave & the rest of you clearly like to hunt, fish & shoot a lot.So do I.I have a similar size "camp" in Ontario that is more fishing/relaxing than hunting but I have successfully bear hunted there a couple of times. It is for me the only place I would rather go to get away. Rustic, no electric, no cell service and remote. But it is also comfortable year round with an excellent wood stove when needed (like recently if I were there).A gravity feed water system and hand driven well. I have had the unique pleasure to see a handfull of young people come to love the experience(s) of being there, some are grown men now and still ask when the next trip is. We have spent hours around a fire, sometimes toasting a friend or family member that has left us. We regularly toast the previous camp owner because we know how much the place meant to him, he died there & there is no apprehension of what he would think of us being in his special place because we take care of it and love it as he did.

I have a '72 Chevelle that I purchased 35+ years ago and I know what Dave is talking about when he said he hunted with a particular gun just because he felt he needed to take a deer with it. There is always a Camp project in the works for "next summer". The old Servell propane refrigerator still works but unless the temps are around 80 it starts to freeze everything after a day or two, except beer. But even that is sometimes pretty close. Nothing better than cleaning fish with one of the boys delivering a frosty bottle if "Blue" to you. Problem is some of those boys don't drink pop anymore!

I am fortunate enough to live in an old farm house with just enough property to hunt right out my back door taking a few nice bucks over the years. I also see pics of someone hunting with the Remington 760/7600. My favorite deer rifle since the late 70's, but not the only one I use. Always thinking about hunting, even when I'm fishing.

I have gone on long enough, do way more reading than I ever do posting but hope to read much more here and would really like to see more pics of Northern Dave's camp as it's progressed over the years. (still a lot of posts to read since yesterday).

Welcome Jim! Whereabouts in Ontario do you hang your hat? We go up to Lac Seul every year (year number 34 I think this year).

Hey Jim! Sorry to hear you’re tied up with a virus. Glad you found the site.
I’m one of the guys on here that likes to use a 7600. Skane is probably the other guy.

Have fun reading. I read it all every year.

Welcome aboard Jim. Thanks for letting us in on your little corner of the world. Get over your bout of the crud soon sir. You're in good company with your 760. Lots of them in the woods around here. They are very popular out east in Pennsylvania where semi-automic rifles aren't used.

There is a nice little gun shop near my current office that seems to have a few 760's and a 1/2 way decent 7600 on hand. They sell new ones too, which I like a fair bit.Just not as much character in the new ones.

Jeff you'd probably like it in there. They have a lot of military rifles in there and old mausers.

Camp is up near Chapleau, north east of Sault Ontario. Will see if I can remember how to post pics. It's been a while. Am already antsy about getting back up there. Gotta have a ton of snow there right now. Not familiar with Lac Seul but I have nothing but time right now so I will look for it. Have been going there about 20+ years. This will be 19 at the cabin I guess.

The Rem. 760 is a popular deer rifle for most of Mi & Pa from what I have read. Not everyone likes it. Mine had a pretty rough trigger but I found someone to smooth it out and that made a lot of difference. The 760 has been left out a little lately as I have found myself collecting the old classic deer rifles. I am not into the real expensive stuff, just the shooter's that you would find in any typical deer camp. Would like to find a decent used one in .35 Rem. As I have read here from someone else, working PT at a gun shop causes one to quickly need another gun safe. Sure missing that place.

I am on page 1301 now and still a few years behind. How I wish I had found this when it first started. What a great bunch of people here. I hope all of you go back occasionally and read some of this. Can't wait for the next (2015 I think) deer season reports to show up.

[img][/img][/url]Ontario in winter [[img][/img][/url]Ontario in winter[/img]/img]

photo test

I would have to agree Jim .. some very good lads here and that Nordern Davey, he’s one of a kind.

Don’t post a great deal on any forums but lots of interesting info and stories to peruse.

Well it appears you can open the link but not what I was hoping for. Any suggestions?

Yes, two ears and one mouth. I tend to be pretty quiet most of the time.

Welcome Jim. It's cool that people can still stumble across this mess and find it entertaining.

the latest camp photos from Joey's birthday weekend.

[Linked Image]

Cool place Jim

like super awesome cool, I love it!

Good stuff Dave.

Polaris fest @ Chickenbuck.

Looking at BBQ, I note, no ribs were harmed in the making of this event !

Say HB to long tall Joe !

Jim, welcome !

& I did attempt to do what, master of everything, ND did with your photo, but it was seeing flikr as an expletive, for some reason.

I seem to remember somebody else having the same issue.

Camp looks great.

Dave, glad to meet you. I am still not done reading all of this but I really do not want to overlook any of it.

Thanks for the current pics. Is that the sauna behind the white truck? I have one also (great in the winter) but you cannot see it in the pic. Thank you by the way for posting them.
If you can fill me in on what I am doing wrong I will bore everyone here with all the pics I would have been posting had I been along when this first started.

Sorry for stealing your name, wasn't real creative of me, just that the family always asked how things were in the "great white north" or "up north" when I first moved here a long time ago.

Thanks for the welcomes from the rest of you. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks again.

I have been waiting to ask you this. Is there anything you cant do? The do it yourselfers are getting rare.

Jim, that cabin is awesome!
And by the way, I don’t think anyone on here will be bored with your pics. No matter when they’re from.

Nice buck Jim. I like your ML too. Is that 58 a little tougher to find bullets or round balls for?

Don't worry about the name, it made me laugh.

When I signed on here in 2004 it was the first forum I had joined and I needed a screen name. My world was maybe smaller or something, I figured I was from way up north or something. Well, I'm almost on the Canadian border, but Canada in it's entirety is further north than me, Alaska as well. lol!

Posting your pic was clumsy for me, best way to show you is if you hit the quote button for my post of your picture. Then the text box will display what I used. I trimmed an "imbed" link down to the [img] [/img] portion and it worked. There is likely a cleaner and quicker way to do it but I've never used flicker before.

Our sauna is unfinished.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Our sauna is unfinished.

Lets finish it. Wheeler ride/sauna building weekend in September...

I'm considering starting fresh on that project, not certain though.

Mama has plans to add on to the cabin, run some........ electricity? gasp!

We will see. I will be busy enough with some business stuff this spring. got a couple grand babies coming too (1 boy, 1 girl)

going to be a busy summer!

Where the heck would you run electricity from?

She wants electricity out there so the babies will be comfortable.

Pam wants Dave, to put a great big diesel generator, in the unfinished sauna house.

Oh, & for him to sound proof it too !

I know wimmenz.

Is that going in next to the theatre room with surround sound and 3D screens?

What's next? tele-communications? Motion pictures? With sound? With color?

I can't keep up with this woman.

Probably wants running water and an indoor toilet too.

Who needs a sauna anyway? Might as well get a hot tub for the kiddos! Put it next to the flush toilet and hot water shower.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

What's next? tele-communications? Motion pictures? With sound? With color?

I can't keep up with this woman.

Probably wants running water and an indoor toilet too.

Pooping in the same house you eat in? That's downright uncivilized.

GG, I was surprised to see this. Didnt know I had posted a pic of the muzzleloader buck? Did you see it on Flicker? I dont see the 58 stuff in stores much but its available regularly online. That buck was the first deer I've taken with a 58 I was very very impressed with the round ball over the 50 cal I had used previously. My Dad & I had a great hunt together that year, will post it here when I get the pic thing figured out.

My home is actually in the northern tip of Michigan, not quite a yuper but if I can get my health issues figured out & retire soon Ontario would be a nice summer home, for me anyway. The wife says she will stay there when there is running water, electricity & a "real bathroom". That one is usually a deal breaker for a lot of the girls, Personally, it's a small cabin, don;t really want that on the inside.

Do you have gas lights inside ? They are fairly easy to install and connect directly to your LP tank(s). I have 3 in the main part of the cabin, use a headlamp or led lantern in the loft and bedroom. No gas lanterns to worry about although the newer lanterns with screw on LP tanks are WAY better than the old Coleman style. Am I aging myself here?

Have you ever had any ambitions to build a log cabin? My neighbor in Ontario built an awesome log sauna on a concrete slab. He is an exceptional carpenter and put a lot of work into it but it is still rustic. Might be a fun project if you ever had the time. His sauna makes mine look like a shack.

As far as electricity or running a generator. Every time one of my neighbors runs the generator for more than an hour I find myself wanting to move to a more remote lake. I love to sit there and listen to the quiet. I do use a generator to run tools and my water pump when needed.

Did you ever put in a well? My well is about 20-25 feet and was hand driven, not a ton of work but better to have a friend or two. There is a hand pump and a shallow well pump also for filling a water barrel in the loft so we have gravity feed water to the sink & a shower. Be happy to go into more detail if you are interested? I am still not done reading all of this so maybe sorry if I am behind on details.

Going to work on posting pictures .

I eliminated everything but the img to img, hope this works

Love it Jim!!!

This frosty Sept. morning

[Linked Image]

To this beautiful fall day

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To one of my biggest pike. I love pike fishing about as much as I like deer hunting.

Is this the buck you are reffering to?

[Linked Image]

My Dad who is 86 shot this buck on Nov,15 I shot mine with the ML on Dec 3
From the same stand. It was a special year for us. He didn't say it but I think he wished he had gone back out during the ML in Dec.!

[Linked Image]

This 285? grain 58 cal round ball was under the hide behind the far shoulder after going through the onside shoulder blade and hitting the bottom edge of the spine

Welcome Jim!

This is about the only thread on the 'Fire that has never blown up into a schdit show of insults and arguments. That is saying something when you think about the number of posts on here.

It is not quite as active as of late but with new blood such as yourself finding and posting it could pick back up.

I picked up a 760 in 6mm last spring from the estate of a childhood friends deceased father. It was more of keepsake thing for me as I spent a lot of time at his place growing up. I mainly hunt in the shotgun zone but have a few deer rifles.

I will re-scope the 760 and play with it this summer and probably focus on hunting more in the rife zone areas in the fall. My buddy's Dad would smile if I shot a deer with it.

Again welcome!

Rooster Jim

Thank you tzone. I did not build it but finished some of the inside, made several trips to the dump and after a few years of collected & donated "cool stuff" it becomes your own. Now it is a matter of upkeep and no more donations.
And just looking at the lake, sometimes from inside sometimes from the boat.

That looks like a great place!

Happy Birthday Pam!

You will like the 760, especially if the trigger is nice. In 6mm it should be very nice to shoot. I always like the sentiment of taking a deer with an old gun that was made for hunting, especially when it was the gun of a good friend. Good luck with it.

I know this is going way back for you guys but I just had to comment on this one.
I came across my first Handi rifle aboout 15 + years ago. A 26" barreled .280 with green laminated stock. It was just one of those that I couldn't pass up. It turned out to be pretty accurate although a little heavy.
That is the only Handi I own but for a very reasonable price you could buy additional barrels rifle & shotgun, so I added several, Best light weight shotgun (with the shotgun stock) ever. Kick is terrible with 3.5" turkey loads, I use 3". Got a 45-70 barrel one year and took a Canadian black bear & a nice 8 point back home the same year.
They were great rifles & shotguns especially if you were on a budget. To bad they dropped the spare barrel program.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

On another note, I am a sucker for NEF Handi rifles. Gun show this weekend. Guy had a new in box .308 Survivor. Said he would let it go for dealer cost being he had ordered it for someone who never picked it up. I know what dealer cost is. He was correct in his figure. I came home with it. After I mounted a 3X9X50 scope it is in the safe getting acquainted with the other Handi rifles and assorted inhabitants of my gun safe.

Stan in SC

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Happy Birthday Pam!

+1

Happy Birthday Pam.

Make sure Dave spoils you !

Oh, & we don't hear enough from you, anymore.

Best wishes for a Happy Birthday Pam.

Hey-Has anybody heard anything from Goalie? Haven't seen him on here in a while. If anyone does, tell him to get ahold of Gophergunner. I've got a reloading manual of his I need to get back to him.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Thank you tzone. I did not build it but finished some of the inside, made several trips to the dump and after a few years of collected & donated "cool stuff" it becomes your own. Now it is a matter of upkeep and no more donations.
And just looking at the lake, sometimes from inside sometimes from the boat.

Those pics Jim, are exactly what my mind pictures when I think Canadian lake cabin.

You see a lot of strange pics on your trail cam but how about a headless deer? Sorry, I haven't been able to get out of the house so no fishing topics to add.

[Linked Image]

Obviously it's not, just trying to find something different as things seem to be kinda slow here.
There is an old apple orchard more or less in my side yard and the deer start showing up there as soon as the apples start dropping on the ground, ripe or not they don't care.

been fighting deep snow in MN, worst trouble lately is the crushing weight of the snow. It's smashing some buildings, so we've been busy taking snow off of a lot of roofs any way we can.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

been fighting deep snow in MN, worst trouble lately is the crushing weight of the snow. It's smashing some buildings, so we've been busy taking snow off of a lot of roofs any way we can.

~sigh~

Dave, I saw the dog running around on the roof. That's different.
We have had a lot of snow here also but clearly not that much. Our house is up on a hill so the wind tends to keep the roof from building up to much.
Are you having any issues/concerns with it at the cabin?

The best sauna experience I ever had was an Indian(Native American) Hot rocks Sauna in a big ol, teepee. You heat the rocks on a fire and put them in the center of the teepee and ladel cold water and sprinkle on the hot rocks. Then at the end you get out of the teepee and they pour cold water on you. Totally awesome ! I did it with my boys at Philmont a couple times.

It's actually called an Indian Sweat Lodge.

HBD miss Pam!

Up nort Jim, welcome. Where is it in Michigan that you hang your hat?

goalie's around. Sure would like to see him post again. He always has some interesting deer hunting adventures.

goalie Offline
From Minnesota
Joined 08/27/06
Last Seen 01/23/19
Total Posts 3,387 (Campfire Guide)
Posts Per Day 0.739

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

goalie's around. Sure would like to see him post again. He always has some interesting deer hunting adventures.

goalie Offline
From Minnesota
Joined 08/27/06
Last Seen 01/23/19
Total Posts 3,387 (Campfire Guide)
Posts Per Day 0.739

Yeah, I saw this too. Thanks for posting Charlie.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Dave, I saw the dog running around on the roof. That's different.
We have had a lot of snow here also but clearly not that much. Our house is up on a hill so the wind tends to keep the roof from building up to much.
Are you having any issues/concerns with it at the cabin?

Saw the dog on facebook or?

The cabin could be flattened, I'm not sure, haven't been out there for a while. I'm hoping the snow slid off the roof, it's a tin roof and it usually does slide.

I hope it's not flattened!

I've been taking snow off the house roof, it's deep and heavy. We are supposed to get another 6 to 8" of heavy wet snow starting tonight, that would just bee too much on top of the 2' I already have. Some areas of my roof were 4' deep with snow. This is the garage roof that I'm working on, attached to the house.

[Linked Image]

I am in the Petoskey area. I do a have a couple of hats up in the Chapleau Ontario area though.

There was nothing going on here so out of curiosity I did some looking to see if I could find your shop. My last reading of the old stuff here did not have much past your finishing the building. That's where I found the dog post. My compliments on the shop and the truly fantastic work you do there. All of the cars/trucks coming out of there are no less than perfect.
I saw an old post where you put an animal hide in the cabin that you had tanned yourself. Have you ever done any taxidermy? With your artistic ability and patience I suspect you would be very good at it. Not that probably have time for that to.
I have been doing it as a hobby, mostly deer but I did a caribou and my own full body bear, that came out pretty good but I decided I wasn't doing another one of those.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Dave, I saw the dog running around on the roof. That's different.
We have had a lot of snow here also but clearly not that much. Our house is up on a hill so the wind tends to keep the roof from building up to much.
Are you having any issues/concerns with it at the cabin?
[quote=northern_dave][quote=Northern_Jim]Dave, I saw the dog running around on the roof. That's different.
We have had a lot of snow here also but clearly not that much. Our house is up on a hill so the wind tends to keep the roof from building up to much.
Are you having any issues/concerns with it at the cabin?

Saw the dog on facebook or?

The cabin could be flattened, I'm not sure, haven't been out there for a while. I'm hoping the snow slid off the roof, it's a tin roof and it usually does slide.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been taking snow off the house roof, it's deep and heavy. We are supposed to get another 6 to 8" of heavy wet snow starting tonight, that would just bee too much on top of the 2' I already have. Some areas of my roof were 4' deep with snow. This is the garage roof that I'm working on, attached to the house.

[Linked Image]

I have not seen a roof rake system like you are using here. How exactly does it work?

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been taking snow off the house roof, it's deep and heavy. We are supposed to get another 6 to 8" of heavy wet snow starting tonight, that would just bee too much on top of the 2' I already have. Some areas of my roof were 4' deep with snow. This is the garage roof that I'm working on, attached to the house.

[Linked Image]

I have not seen a roof rake system like you are using here. How exactly does it work?

You start small...

Man, Dave! That's a lot of work, and that's just one of your rooftops to clear. I hope Chickenbuck is okay. I'd wager to think there will be more than a few camps with significant damage up your way. I wonder if a black tin roof would shed the snow any better than a shingled roof would? The only thing that makes me think it might, is my neighbor has a blacktopped driveway, and his driveway is always the first one to melt off, way before our paved driveways. Just wondering if the black color and it's inherrant warmth would me a big difference.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've been taking snow off the house roof, it's deep and heavy. We are supposed to get another 6 to 8" of heavy wet snow starting tonight, that would just bee too much on top of the 2' I already have. Some areas of my roof were 4' deep with snow. This is the garage roof that I'm working on, attached to the house.

[Linked Image]

I have not seen a roof rake system like you are using here. How exactly does it work?

Its just some junk i threw together in the shop at the end of the day on Tues this week. It works well, just hard work.

Jim, this is the commercial version of ND's slick roof rake system.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Jim, this is the commercial version of ND's slick roof rake system.

Thanks for the info, pretty neat. I have never seen this before and we usually get our share of snow.
Why am I not surprised that ND made his own. I may just try that myself, no more snow in the rain gutter.

New to 99's

Wondering just how new you are to 99's ?

I got my first one last year but not in time to hunt with it. I really like it and after a lot of careful disassembly and cleaning I like it even more. It's a 1950 EG I believe in 300 Savage. I put an old "Ted Williams" Sears 4x scope on it (made by Weaver) after removing the Tasco 3x9. It clearly was hunted with but taken care of. Has an old well used leather sling that I like and it shoots pretty nice in the limited range time I had with it.
One thing I noticed that is pretty unique to these rifles is that the ser. # is also stamped on both parts of the stock and even the butt plate, all hand fitted parts I assume.

Would love to hear about anyone else's feelings on the '99 and if there is any preference between the factory 150 or 180gn bullet?

Anybody going to the gun show at the Mn. State Fair Grounds on Sunday? I'm planning on going. Maybe match up for a coffee or????

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

New to 99's

Wondering just how new you are to 99's ?

I got my first one last year but not in time to hunt with it. I really like it and after a lot of careful disassembly and cleaning I like it even more. It's a 1950 EG I believe in 300 Savage. I put an old "Ted Williams" Sears 4x scope on it (made by Weaver) after removing the Tasco 3x9. It clearly was hunted with but taken care of. Has an old well used leather sling that I like and it shoots pretty nice in the limited range time I had with it.
One thing I noticed that is pretty unique to these rifles is that the ser. # is also stamped on both parts of the stock and even the butt plate, all hand fitted parts I assume.

Would love to hear about anyone else's feelings on the '99 and if there is any preference between the factory 150 or 180gn bullet?

Don't know whether you know it or not, but there is a forum on the Campfire dedicated to Savage firearms and it is extremely heavy with knowledge and info on the M99. I would highly recommend you check it out. It's a tremendous resource.

Jim, bought my first one, from a buddy who origanaly lent it to me, in 2012.

M99c premil, .308, was drilled & tapped, so I added a 3-9x40 bushnell, as seen in the following pictures. Now wears a 2-7x32 Redfield revolution.

I absolutely love it, but our harsh hunting conditions have taken their toll on the action metal.

Lots of dead deer via 150gr Federal Fusions & 2 bull moose via 165gr Federal Fusions.

Currently in safe, waiting to find the right guy to clean up the metal.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Jim, bought my first one, from a buddy who origanaly lent it to me, in 2012.

M99c premil, .308, was drilled & tapped, so I added a 3-9x40 bushnell, as seen in the following pictures. Now wears a 2-7x32 Redfield revolution.

I absolutely love it, but our harsh hunting conditions have taken their toll on the action metal.

Lots of dead deer via 150gr Federal Fusions & 2 bull moose via 165gr Federal Fusions.

Currently in safe, waiting to find the right guy to clean up the metal.

The gun looks pretty clean in the pics. Do you mean the actual inside of the receiver action parts are corroded or just the bluing is worn? You have probably heard about 0000 steel wool and gun oil to clean them up ? As far as the inside action parts, I was reluctant to dig into mine but once I did it wasn't that bad. Mine had little wear or corrosion just a lot of dirt & oil build up. I don't think the insides were ever touched since 1950.
The '99 is a great gun.

Originally Posted by eaglemountainman

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

New to 99's

Wondering just how new you are to 99's ?

I got my first one last year but not in time to hunt with it. I really like it and after a lot of careful disassembly and cleaning I like it even more. It's a 1950 EG I believe in 300 Savage. I put an old "Ted Williams" Sears 4x scope on it (made by Weaver) after removing the Tasco 3x9. It clearly was hunted with but taken care of. Has an old well used leather sling that I like and it shoots pretty nice in the limited range time I had with it.
One thing I noticed that is pretty unique to these rifles is that the ser. # is also stamped on both parts of the stock and even the butt plate, all hand fitted parts I assume.

Would love to hear about anyone else's feelings on the '99 and if there is any preference between the factory 150 or 180gn bullet?

Don't know whether you know it or not, but there is a forum on the Campfire dedicated to Savage firearms and it is extremely heavy with knowledge and info on the M99. I would highly recommend you check it out. It's a tremendous resource.

Yes, I think I was cruising around after looking at that when I found this very interesting thread and noticed that a few of you had mentioned the 99. And the Rem. 760

Town side landing starting to go to [bleep], in the warm weather, so time to pull her off !

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When you need to get the Hi-lift out to get the house off...it's time to pull it. Glad you got it out of there.

It's the time of year when tzone tom gets the itch for a new (different) boat. I have been a Ranger/Lund guy forever but pretty much got priced out of that game. My current boat is a 16.5' Alumacraft Classic. Too small. I found a decent deal on a used 18' Skeeter glass boat with a 115 Suzuki. She ain't pretty but they all look good at closing time.

That looks like a lot of work. Spring weather has finally arrived here also. Not a lot to do until all the snow is gone and spring projects can start.Like getting your old car back out maybe.
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Wonder what ND is working on

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

That looks like a lot of work. Spring weather has finally arrived here also. Not a lot to do until all the snow is gone and spring projects can start.Like getting your old car back out maybe.
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Wonder what ND is working on

Yessss!

Details Jim?

End of this week I should be ordering the top end for my 351w small block ford. I'm pretty excited I’ve been saving up for what seems like forever for it.

Paul, your 99 C in 308 looks new compared to my buddies rifle same as yours, it was his Gramps rifle, used in PA. and MI. its taken Elk 3 bears and a truck load of deer! Gotta love a 99!

Dave is working mostly on business expansion plans. Insulating, finishing, wiring a new building and fitting it with equipment and tools. then creating a break room in the main building. The idea is to support 2 additional employees and be able to shoot through projects faster.

also doing bodywork on a 35 plymouth street rod.

Sweet chevy!

Mr 'Ring,

That picture was taken, just after I purchased it.

Knocked some of the "pretty" off it, so it's little different now !

Our fall & winter hunting conditions are varied & harsh.

Jim, yeah rust / pitts on the external metal - could go the steel wool/oil route, however, I was thinking that + professional re-bluing.

Paul,

Have you thought about a cerakote for the metal?

Yeah, but I think I need to leave it in it's original intended state.

Tzone, the Chevelle is a '72. All stock and other than some minor body work & a new windshield it's mostly original. I have had it more than 35 years. The 350 2 brl is a little lired & the seals leak a bit otherwise it's a fun car to drive about 5 months out of the year. I know you guys are Ford fans so I appreciate the compliments. Anything old can be cool. Cars, trucks, guns!

Like an old Savage 99. If the gun were mine I would try to clean it up the best I can. If you are still not satisfied then go ahead and get it reblued, I agree about keeping it original although I have seen some cerakote work & it was pretty nice. If you re-blue make sure it's done by someone that knows what they are doing or you will probably be unhappy. Please let me know what you decide.

Dave, you sound busy but it also seems the business is doing well. Please keep posting those hot rod photo's.

Hey Jim, Thinking back at classic cars that I've owned and currently own... I've been fairly balanced in the GM, Mopar, Ford choosings. If anything I've been a little light on my mopars. But I've had some GM stuff, still have 2 actually. We have a 59 2 dr biscayne and a 2 dr 54 chev 210 del ray. The 54 is not a driver, it's in the project row. But the 59 gets driven in the summer.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Tzone, the Chevelle is a '72. All stock and other than some minor body work & a new windshield it's mostly original. I have had it more than 35 years. The 350 2 brl is a little lired & the seals leak a bit otherwise it's a fun car to drive about 5 months out of the year. I know you guys are Ford fans so I appreciate the compliments. Anything old can be cool. Cars, trucks, guns!

Like an old Savage 99. If the gun were mine I would try to clean it up the best I can. If you are still not satisfied then go ahead and get it reblued, I agree about keeping it original although I have seen some cerakote work & it was pretty nice. If you re-blue make sure it's done by someone that knows what they are doing or you will probably be unhappy. Please let me know what you decide.

Dave, you sound busy but it also seems the business is doing well. Please keep posting those hot rod photo's.

Jim, I'm a fan of any brand of the classics. Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Buick....doesn't matter to me. Some of my fav's in the classics are Chevy's and Buick's actually.

I like imports !

74 MG Midget
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Deal with it !

Stick a 347 Stroker in that sucker Paul!!

Hardly enough room for me !

Tzone, maybe I missed it but what is that new motor your building going into ?

Dave, Glad to hear you guys like the classics in general. I like them all for the most part. Has anyone by chance attended the Woodward ave. car cruise in Mi. It is a very large annual event and I would describe it as a 2 day moving car show. I have tons of pics of a huge variety of cars & trucks.
I had the opportunity to buy the Chevelle a long time ago and after seeing my bride enjoying it I decided never to sell it. When my son started to talk about buying his first car with a very limited budget I gave him the opportunity to help me take it out of storage and do some minor prep work. I wish I had taken a picture of his face when I sprayed a little starting fluid in the carb and told him to try it. After being parked for a couple of years it fired right up and idled smoothly. I told him he could drive it until he saved enough $ for something he didn't have to work on every other day. Like taking your first deer, he was hooked & the first time he drove it he got so many compliments on it that he understood the cool factor and took very good care of it. As soon as he bought his own car I quickly took the keys back though. Sorry for the long ramble.

New to 99's, My first thought upon seeing that pic was exactly what you said, there's barely enough room but how fun is it to cruise around with the top down on a perfect summer day.

FOR ALL OF YOU HERE ON THIS AWESOME THREAD, I have finished reading every page and have immensely enjoyed being a part of all of your deer camps and hunts. Your children growing up to be hunters & fishermen/women and getting their first deer. My first deer was many years ago but I remember every detail. I also appreciate and understand the initial motivation that caused Dave to start this. I believe that is the main reason that this thing has lasted this long.
I have been close to bed ridden the last 6 weeks and reading this and all the well wishes you gentlemen show for each other is really something rare in all of the forums I have been on, believe me you can read a lot of stuff in 6 weeks.It has been mentioned already on here but there is none of the bickering and ignorance here that seems to show up almost everywhere else. My sincere compliments.
I do hope this will continue and please add pictures of every outing or hot rod Dave, deer camp especially. They are so very special & entertaining. Hopefully I can add some interesting stories & pic's myself (now that I have that figured out).
I'm not sure where this has taken me in the "man card" department so I will just finish with a thank you to everyone who contributes here.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey Jim, Thinking back at classic cars that I've owned and currently own... I've been fairly balanced in the GM, Mopar, Ford choosings. If anything I've been a little light on my mopars. But I've had some GM stuff, still have 2 actually. We have a 59 2 dr biscayne and a 2 dr 54 chev 210 del ray. The 54 is not a driver, it's in the project row. But the 59 gets driven in the summer.

Love to see pictures if you have any handy. I suspect you have a few large photo albums sitting around?

Jim, thank you for expressing your thoughts on this thread in general, that's nice to hear.

As for my personal classics, my stuff is all work in progress stuff. I put everything into customer work, I currently have no room or time for my own projects. We hope that by finishing and moving some of our work into the new building, maybe it will be easier to sneak one of our own personal projects into the mix.

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Hey Jim,

My motor is going into a 1955 F-100. It has a Mustang II sub, 11” disc breaks, lowered 5” but no air bags. She’s getting a full resto. Lease don’t compare it to Dave’s restorations. Lol.

ND, thanks for the pics. They are both very cool, really love the "baby moon" wheels, did I get that right? Seems like these are just perfect on certain cars. Like yours. I like them a lot on old trucks also. I understand not having time for personal projects, as one friend told me "life just gets in the way". Gotta keep the lights on.

Tzone. Can't wait to see your truck, have you taken any in progress pics?

Have always thought it would be fun to build the snot out of the 350 in my Chevelle and leave the rest stock except for maybe adding a little wider tires onto some Rallye wheels I have in the barn. Something always seems to keep me from doing that? Probably because I am always buying guns, bullets, reloading supplies and deer tags. Hope that comment helps keep this on topic as this is not so much a car forum. Lean a gun against the cars if you have to but keep posting the pics.

Jim, I do have some pics. I’ll see if I can dig them up tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tzone

It's the time of year when tzone tom gets the itch for a new (different) boat. I have been a Ranger/Lund guy forever but pretty much got priced out of that game. My current boat is a 16.5' Alumacraft Classic. Too small. I found a decent deal on a used 18' Skeeter glass boat with a 115 Suzuki. She ain't pretty but they all look good at closing time.

There's the ol Tzone we know and love. I was starting to get worried. You used to go through boats like I go thru underwear. 115 on that Skeeter? Giddy-up!

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

I am in the Petoskey area. I do a have a couple of hats up in the Chapleau Ontario area though.

Spend a lot of time up in that area - Ptown that is. Chapleau, not so much, although I'd love to. I hope you're feeling better so you can get up there after the thaw. I'll be heading your way in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Dave is working mostly on business expansion plans. Insulating, finishing, wiring a new building and fitting it with equipment and tools. then creating a break room in the main building. The idea is to support 2 additional employees and be able to shoot through projects faster.

Sounds like the business is doing great! It take a lot of courage to leave a good job and jump into the deep end of the pool. I'm happy for you and Mrs. ND. Quite an accomplishment and your work speaks for itself. Well done.

Thanks CFT.

I'm not sure about success. I'm simply at a crossroads. Get busy winning or get busy losing. Sink or swim sort of thing.

It sounds like your business is doing well Dave. Glad to hear it sir.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by tzone

It's the time of year when tzone tom gets the itch for a new (different) boat. I have been a Ranger/Lund guy forever but pretty much got priced out of that game. My current boat is a 16.5' Alumacraft Classic. Too small. I found a decent deal on a used 18' Skeeter glass boat with a 115 Suzuki. She ain't pretty but they all look good at closing time.

There's the ol Tzone we know and love. I was starting to get worried. You used to go through boats like I go thru underwear. 115 on that Skeeter? Giddy-up!

Yeah a 115. It's rated for a 140. It's not a big wide glass boat like they are now. The dealer assured me it was sufficient. I'm going to go take a look at it on Monday after work. I'd REALLY like a new one but they're almost as much as a new truck. Hard to justify that. A new Lund Pro-v or Ranger 619 like I used to have, are now sniffing $80k. Yes, you read that right.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

I am in the Petoskey area. I do a have a couple of hats up in the Chapleau Ontario area though.

Spend a lot of time up in that area - Ptown that is. Chapleau, not so much, although I'd love to. I hope you're feeling better so you can get up there after the thaw. I'll be heading your way in a few weeks.

The snow has finally started to melt, not sure what we'll have in a cpl weeks. I hear they have started construction along 31 by Sunset
park, that will be a mess of detours & backups when traffic picks up in June/July.

Are you a summer resident?

Moved here in '94. Ptown is a great place. Chapleau itself doesn't do anything in particular for me but everything around it sure got hold of me after my first visit there.
Thanks for the well wishes.

Yeah, ya gots ta watch dem "frenchies" Jim !

Awesome weekend, mobile ice fishing via the sleds.

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Sunday, same spot, 10* cooler & windy, hence pop up !

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Obligatory, tired dog pic !

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Hey, thanks for taking us along via all the pics. I personally enjoyed it. Like the pics of your little dog also, mine are a little taller maybe?

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Maybe, but doubtful !

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Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Hey, thanks for taking us along via all the pics. I personally enjoyed it. Like the pics of your little dog also, mine are a little taller maybe?

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Where the heck do you get midget labs?

sorry paul, I didn't mean to breeze past your photos without comment. It's just that I've seen that stuff before (looks like a great time). But i've never seen stub legged yeller labs before. lol!

Made me think of Einer, but I left it for you to comment !

It was a very good weekend & the 2 beers each, were cold !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Hey, thanks for taking us along via all the pics. I personally enjoyed it. Like the pics of your little dog also, mine are a little taller maybe?

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Where the heck do you get midget labs?

Legs look decidedly "houndish" !

Make good rabbit chasin dogs ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Hey, thanks for taking us along via all the pics. I personally enjoyed it. Like the pics of your little dog also, mine are a little taller maybe?

[Linked Image]

Where the heck do you get midget labs?

They are called Bassadores, why anyone thought breeding a basset & a lab was a good idea I do not know but they are great pets. These came from a rescue & if they were younger I suspect they would have been good rabbit dogs.
What they lack in legs they make up for in length.

Just waiting for someone to rub my belly.

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Sorry, I'm bored I guess. This is the basset side, they are good sleepers.

Cool dogs Jim !

Funny! 2 of our favorite dog breeds rolled into one!

Thanks Paul. I used to think these two were the biggest lap dogs ever, my wife's lap anyway, until I saw yours.

Dave I think I remember seeing a basset in one of your pics. Hey, how's the snow up north over there, have you checked the cabin? It is looking like spring here, lots of dirty snow and brown lawns.

Everything is covered in snow up here, it's shrinking though. Supposed to hit 40 degrees today, south wind this morning. We checked the cabin on sunday, we had to walk in (a mile) because the plow operator pushed up a huge pile at the end of our access trail. Cabin is fine, lots of deer sign too.

Yes we had a basset, she lived to be about 13 I believe, lost her a few years ago. I have a blood hound now, she's a clown. Everybody says she's "dad's dog" and they are right, she's my baby.

It is Spring here. Trees and everything else is budding , growing leaves and the birds are eating suet like crazy. I have officially changed over to short sleeve shirts and the trade off of long pants for Bermuda shorts is only a couple of weeks away.
Turkey season opened last week and a lot of my friends are chasing gobblers.; Like everything else hunting related I will not indulge . I did not go deer hunting even once this year ,I did miss being in the woods , however. I enjoyed that as much as the hunting. There just comes a time when you gotta know it's time to hang it up.
I just spent an hour or so reading the last ten or twelve pages of this thread. It's amazing how far behind you can quickly get.
I took my Maltese dog to the vet yesterday and it was confirmed that he had diabetes which is what I had suspected. We have had to change his feeding habits and food and we are giving him an insulin injection twice a day. This tears me up. I rescued him seven years ago when he was five years old. He has been a fantastic dog. His only problem is that he is very protective and not afraid to bite anybody or anything which encroaches on his territory. He drew blood on the guy who does the yearly bug inspection last year and as a result was quarantined at home for ten days. The gent had been advised to let us know when he wanted to get into the back yard and he did not.
Beauregard(his name) bonded immediately with me. The Bichon( other dog) is totally my wife's dog .Beau is a really good and smart little guy and well mannered. His previous owner evidently spent a lot of time teaching him basic stuff which he obeys well. I am having to face the possibility of his not reacting well to the current treatment. I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it.
Hope everyone is having a good day.

Stan in SC

Glad the cabin is ok, Everybody likes a mile walk through the snow, right? A couple of friends are headed up to my place this week.Worst thing I've had happen was a partridge flying through the front porch window. Judging by the amount of bird poop, that thing paced back and forth on the porch until he died of dehydration.Big shattered window but he couldn't figure out how to get back out.Glad it was just the porch.

13 is a pretty good run for a basset if I remember right. Wife was a wreck when we lost ours a few years ago to.

Was that the blood hound on the roof? Funny.

Our snow is almost gone. We've had highs in the 40's or mid- 30's for nearly 2 weeks. Today is supposed to be in the 60's, So, that should take care of most of what's left.

I did go take a look at that boat on Monday. I gave them my price and they must not have liked it because I haven't heard back. Fine with me I still have a boat.

I saw guys on the ice as late as last Saturday. The ice is pulled back from the ramp on Orchard Lake in Burnsville. 'Guess it's time to get serious about getting the boat ready. Sorry to hear you didn't get that boat Tom .

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Hey, thanks for taking us along via all the pics. I personally enjoyed it. Like the pics of your little dog also, mine are a little taller maybe?

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Beautiful dogs.

You are blessed. We are all blessed.

Travis

Hallelujah

I did get it. I won the starring contest.

They called me on my way home from work.

Originally Posted by tzone

I did get it. I won the starring contest.

They called me on my way home from work.

Congrats T!

What motor does it got on it?

Pics?

can't bring up a new boat and not post pics. details man, what's she look like?

It’s a skeeter S-135 D. 17.5’, glass boat, 115hp Suzuki. Got a couple H-bird helix 7 chirp DI gps locators and a Minnkota powerdrive. I’ll get a terrova I-pilot when I get a few bucks. It had no locators so I had to get those for sure.

Sounds like a winner, congrats Tom.

Is this the boat you got.
https://www.skeeterboatcenter.com/used/1994-skeeter-s-135d3/

Yep it sure is. But I paid a lot less than that. They were pretty eager to to move it. The pics make it look pretty faded. They should have taken them outside. It sparkles pretty good out in the sun.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Is this the boat you got.
https://www.skeeterboatcenter.com/used/1994-skeeter-s-135d3/

Dang!

Nice boat, Tom!

Looks good . You should have a good summer on the water.

Thanks guys. I hope so. I have a 1987 16.5’ alumacraft classic dlx, with a 75hp Suzuki. It’s just too small for more than 2 of us to fish. And the kids want to tune as well. It’s a good boat. I’ve had it for longer than any of the others. 4 or 5 years I’ve had that boat.

Well done Tom.

I'd love a glass boat, but to much gravel up here !

'Nother weekend of spring ice fishing !

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Obligatory lap dog pic;

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Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Well done Tom.

I'd love a glass boat, but to much gravel up here !

You know they’re for the water right?

I don't need no stinkin' boat to catch fish !

Well, not more than the 3 I've got, anyway !

Nice boat Tom! I am sure you and the family will love it! Can't wait to see the first crop of fish caught out of it.

Man, Paul, that is a very nice perch! We were just talking about our trip up to Lac Seul the other day. Still over 2 months away, but the kids are starting to talk about it! One of my boys has started to chew his fingernails. Hmmmm......no trip to Canada if you don't stop that! That got his attention in a hurry!

Nice pics Paul.

Always makes me hungry by the last couple pics.

I'm off today and the weather's supposed to be nice, so it's time to start working on the old boat. She's getting a new bilge pump, livewell rebuild,(aeration system) and some work on the flooring. Today's project will be tearing the seats out and seeing if I can get the floor lifted up to get under it for an inspection.

If you're going to do all that....plan on not fishing this year.

Once you pull the floor up, there's no goin back. Don't ask...

oh it's not that bad, but you're right Tom once it's up there is no going back. I did a whole restoration in a month just working on the weekends. I found a lot of awesome info here www.tinboats.net and have restored a few boats (look under the same handle for a couple of mine that might be on there) the biggest thing is don't plan on an hour or two here and there, try to block off entire days like 3-4 saturdays in a row if possible. Oh, and it will go 3x the budget you think it will. Don't waste your money on marine grade plywood, use regular and seal it with epoxy, I use the fiberglass kind and do two coats. that will seal any plywood and be a permanent fix (remember to predrill ALL holes before sealing) also run conduit for wiring so when you swap out electronics or want to add lighting you can fish the wires bow to stern easier. it's a lot of fun, I'm planning on redoing my floor on the 99 19' Fisher Avenger I have. I'll be using tuff coat on the floor and hopefully be custom making new consoles if time allows, maybe next year though. feel free to ask any questions you might have. it is a ton of fun! and you'll learn new swear words you never thought possible

.

I'm afraid I do not have any boat projects, even if I could work on them. I will agree, once you get started, don't plan on going fishing any time soon.

Some good friends were nice enough to go check on my cabin & test the ice last weekend. Picture looks pretty much like all the rest. 3 feet of snow & lots of good ice but fishing was slow.
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Since this originally started on the subject of deer camp.
I recently came across this pic. This was my first deer, probably 1976. It's a 6 point although you really can't tell by the pic. I am the young guy although I am older now than Dad was back then. It was also the first deer taken at this camp. A lakeside cabin my parents bought the year before. Many great memories of that place.

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Ryan nailed it. It’s not a few hour job but not hard to do. It just takes some time to do it right. I actually had fun doing it and learned everything there is to know about my boat.

It makes it tough to put a price on it when selling it. What’s your sweat and blood worth? Well...nothing to the guy buying it. Lol.

Camp looks good Jim. I can't believe the snow hasn't slid off the roof. must be shingled roof?

Great old deer hunting photo too.

Originally Posted by tzone

If you're going to do all that....plan on not fishing this year.

Once you pull the floor up, there's no goin back. Don't ask...

I was able to lift the floor boards out. So I'll be anchoring the seat bases to the decking. The guy I bought it off of replaced the floor with particle board. I just don't want to put the time or money into it. I'm going to seal the flooring as best as I can, put some Styrofoam down to replace what the mice have chewed up, and close it back up with the pedestals anchored to the floor with fender washers and nuts and bolts. Far from perfect, I know, but I'll be selling it next spring. I'll tell the prospective owners about the flooring issues.

I'll sell ya skeeter next year when I get a different one.

Apparently we don't have "room" for two boats. I beg to differ but you have to pick your battles I guess. So the alumacraft is going up for sale.

hogwash! I'm down to just 1 boat and am thinking I need another I can rig for spearfishing

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

hogwash! I'm down to just 1 boat and am thinking I need another I can rig for spearfishing

Have you considered an Alumacraft?

Road trip, sell Ryan the boat & shoot a couple of turkeys !

Win/Win, right !

I like your thinking!!!!!!
season starts in 9 days............ Archery starts saturday

Yes, the roof is shingled but the neighbors is steel and still had snow on it also. I suspect it will be coming off soon if it hasn't already.
I have a pretty interesting story about when I (we) replaced the original roof, will share that sometime if I can find the pic. It was a disaster in the making.

Love Dad's old hunting clothes, every pic of him as long as I can remember looked exactly like that. I think this was a year or two before orange became mandatory.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll sell ya skeeter next year when I get a different one.

I'll keep that in mind Tom. Only problem is it doesn't say Lund on the side of it. I think I want anther Lund.

Lund is overrated just like remington is.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Lund is overrated just like remington is.

Gettin to be that way. Ranger too.

To each his own.

Stay away from anything from 96-14 that hasn't had the transom checked. Pretty well documented run of bad transoms. Anything older than that you should check anyway.But worse yet from about 2003 on up believe it or not. If you can get your motor off a guy can replace it himself but it's certainly not a fast job. Probably 8-10 hours of work for a fairly handy person. None of it really hard, just time consuming, nit-picky stuff.

The 2015'ish and up should be great. The were using aluminum or a composite transom in most lund boats by then. Alumacraft didn't start until last year I don't think but didn't have the material issue Lund did.

But if you find a boat with a better layout for fishing than a Lund Fisherman or Pro-v, let me know. That's dialed in.

my Next boat will be a 2006ish Lowe Fish and Ski 175 with a 115 4 stroke merc. I came across one a couple weeks ago that had basically been locked in storage it's whole life and was mint condition. I should have jumped on it but couldn't until I got home from work travel and it was gone. for me it's the perfect layout size and everything. walk through windshield is a must out here in my opinion.

Lunds do have the rep of bad transoms, now that could work out in your favor if you buy one that needs a replacement. I wouldn't hesitate and then use seacast to replace it if the price was right. I do enjoy working on boat projects so often time I'm on the prowl for "project boats" and can get them for a song lots of times.

Tom, you'd like my '99 Fisher Avenger 19. I especially like it for the kids, but they can hardly see over the gunnels it's so deep. I don't know if I showed it to you when you were here or not, but I think I sent you pics after I got it maybe.

Yeah, I just recently started hearing about these transom issues. Make me think about my choice. There's always lots of stuff in my wheelhouse on Craigslist, so I very well may be rethinking the whole Lund thing. What did they manage to screw up on all these boats that made for bad transoms?

I think it was the transom caps and not sealing the wood used in the transom. fine for a few years, then the rot spreads like wildfire. almost all boat manufacturers did the same with the wood floors. if they would seal them, they would last decades. often times I'll find boats that have been left outside for a while, and even if the plug is out they get wet and dry over and over and the wood is shot pretty fast. think of a sheet of plywood if just let out in the yard for a summer, same thing happens on a boat floor unless garaged and/or covered. Even if really cared for the humidity, dew, rain showers and splash while using it can have an effect over time.

don't need marine grade plywood, regular adx or bdx is fine. I seal using Fiberglass repair resin 1-2 coats and paint it on the board after predrilling all the holes. I use aluminum angle to secure it to the boat and beef up support. rubber backed carpet or roll on deck for a covering before final install, and of course as much closed cell foam you can get in there.

My first project took this:
[Linked Image]

With help:
[Linked Image]

To this:

Heres a photo dump of Wyo trip 2017. Probably won't get back for a few more years.

[Linked Image]

Nice buck & nice pics.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

I'm afraid I do not have any boat projects, even if I could work on them. I will agree, once you get started, don't plan on going fishing any time soon.

Some good friends were nice enough to go check on my cabin & test the ice last weekend. Picture looks pretty much like all the rest. 3 feet of snow & lots of good ice but fishing was slow.
[Linked Image]

Another friend was here the next weekend. His catch included this 44+ inch northern, the smaller fish was 23 inches.
[Linked Image]

Wowsers, a 44" northern is huge!

Yeah that’s a beauty!

Walleye closes for spawning season at midnight Sunday, hopefully the weather will be good & let me get the last weekend in !

Probably have to take the quads, this time, not much left on top for sled lubrication.

Update to follow, if it happens.

We are at the hospital, awaiting the birth of our first grandchild.

That deserves a toast !!

Whoops, sorry Dave.

Grumpa Dave makes you sound oldish.

Seriously, Congratulations to all & prayers for a safe delivery of your new best friend.

Congrats Grandpa Dave and Grandma Pam!

Congrats guys. The first member of the third generation to hunt from Chickenbuck, maybe?

Congrats!

Our 1st turned one in February and she has been such a blessing to our family! You're going to love being grandparents!

Congrats grandpa and grandma Shaw!! And to the new parents!!

My congrats as well !

Egad! My youngest grand child is a college freshman . I now have three great grand children. The grand children have all been great to watch grow up and I eagerly look forward to the "new batch".
Sounds like a lot of boat resto/repair in someone's future. I always enjoyed that kind of work. My most ambitious project was when I lived in Atlanta. I bought and did a lot of work on a 33 foot Owens cruiser. It was a great boat and came complete with davits hanging over the stern and an 8' dinghy. Old flathead six cylinder Graymarine engine in the big boat and it had twin 55 gallon steel gas tanks and a 55 gallon steel water tank.. What a lot of fun that one was.
Hope everyone here is enjoying spring. The trees here have developed leaves this week.

Stan vin SC

my resto plans have changed for the boat due to some recent developments. I might sell the boat all together and save my pennies to make a similar change as what Dave did some years ago. An opportunity has come up and it won't be around for very long. we'll see what the good lord has in store for us and where we end up I guess.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

my resto plans have changed for the boat due to some recent developments. I might sell the boat all together and save my pennies to make a similar change as what Dave did some years ago. An opportunity has come up and it won't be around for very long. we'll see what the good lord has in store for us and where we end up I guess.

Is it what I think it is?

Yup

Excellent!! Eileen and I are excited for you bud! I know you’ll do great.

Thanks Tom!

Good luck bud.

Congrats Shaws! Enjoy the ride!

Last weekend for walleye, season now closed for spawing, reopens May 18th.

More fun this weekend;

-4*c starts, that warmed up to 7-8*c above - bluebird skies !

[Linked Image]

For those that don't know, Pam and I are now grandparents.

Beautiful baby girl born last Thursday before midnight.

This would be Nathan's Daughter, Nate (runs with scissors) is our oldest boy.

We are expecting a grandson with our daughter Taylor in July.

ABSOLUTELYFRICKENAWESOME !!

Congratulations to all !

Dave & Pam; Sugar them up, give them back & smile UGELY !

Congrads Dave & Pam!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Great pics as usual Paul. You made me hungry again!

I have to ask though. Did you get your oil a little hot on this one??

BTDT lol

Big Chicken, possibly !

The breading is corn flake crumbs, so it's golden already.

Used peanut oil (higher smoke point) & did get into the mid 400's for a bit !

Did not taste burnt in the slightest, though.

I like to double bread my walleye. fillets get cut into smaller pieces, soak in milk for a little bit and then into shorelunch. then dipped into whipped eggs and rolled in crumbled club crackers and lightly fry in vegetable or canola oil. golden brown flaky crust that is delicious. got the recipe from an old game wardens cookbook. sometimes I'll flavor with lemon pepper or go with a flavored shorelunch if I'm feeling Zany.

Oh that makes sense.

Just ribbin ya!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I like to double bread my walleye. fillets get cut into smaller pieces, soak in milk for a little bit and then into shorelunch. then dipped into whipped eggs and rolled in crumbled club crackers and lightly fry in vegetable or canola oil. golden brown flaky crust that is delicious. got the recipe from an old game wardens cookbook. sometimes I'll flavor with lemon pepper or go with a flavored shorelunch if I'm feeling Zany.

That sounds good!

it's delicious, everyone that's had it has told me it's the best they've ever had. I've tried many different recipes and none come close in my opinion. I gave up on other stuff because this is just plain delicious.

I have been checking in here daily for quite a while now & always hoping to see what might be new. Dave's latest announcement (congrats again) is hard to beat.
I did have a thought recently. With your creative mind & ability to make stuff, any ideas whirling around in your head about making something for the grandchild? Like a swing from old car parts or maybe just a mobile thingy made from fishing lures (no hooks) deer antler and Ford emblems ? I am sure you have lots of extra time right?
Sorry, just random thoughts from a bored old guy...

For the rest of you, another random thought.

Have you found anything interesting inside the fish you have cleaned over the years? My kids always asked what was "inside" usually just minnows & crayfish but sometimes a surprise. One lake trout through the ice had 3 sets of treble hooks lodged in his mouth & gullet. They all came from the same tip up over about a 2 hour period. He kept coming back to that same spot and breaking off somehow. Don't think he could have possibly swallowed anything with all that hardware in his mouth. go figure.

Then there was this eating size pike.

[Linked Image]

Wow Jim that’s cool.

I caught a few walleyes on Green Bat that I kept one day. One was a 19” walleye with a 9” perch inside of it. The other was a 23” walleye with an 11” perch in it. And the still ate!! Much like your piker there.

Spring clean up weekend, followed by firing up the smoker & BBQ !

[Linked Image]

Couple of drinks around the fire pit.

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Deer back strap, steakhouse style pizza;

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Good weekend !

Never seen pizza like that before Paul. Looks delicious!

Trout and turkey camp this week. Heading up Weds. It's been a long winter since deer camp.

Thanks CFT !

Super easy, see below.

Make crust/s in morning, dress 'em up for dinner.

Recipe: https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/steakhouse-pizza/

Crust Recipe: https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/pizza-ree-a/

Good luck with the thunder chickens n trout.

[Linked Image]

https://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/stovetop-cooking-method/rainbow-trout-with-garlic-dill-sauce/

Good luck up there CFT!

Paul, that pizza looks good! We've done a few in the smoker before and they were great!

Happy Birthday Rooster !

Hope ya have a great day.

You can have Dave's drink too !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Happy Birthday Rooster !

Hope ya have a great day.

You can have Dave's drink too !

A belated thanks, Paul!

It was a good day.

All good Rooster !!

Glad you had a great day.

Best of luck to any of our Minnesota members getting ready for the walleye opener next weekend. The boat hasn't been out of the garage yet this spring, as I work on getting it ready. Did some flooring work on it this week. I'll be replacing some of the subfloor insulation as the little bastard vermin chewed some up over the winter. Picked up a new pair of batteries for it yesterday. I've got to reset the floor sections, replace the bilge pump, check out the livewell, and she should be pretty much ready to go. Everyone be safe out there. The water's cold yet, so please stay in those life jackets guys. Take a kid fishing if the chance is there.

Set the hook, men!

Dave
Thanks for a meaningful post, not only about the great physical work you're putting into the camp but the work you're doing to help your friend's son out. Something I'm sure was hard to write about, but also something that boy will never forget.

As a tip, and apologies if this has been suggested a zillion times before, but like you, I've done a lot of building and site clearing to build camps, and a tool that has made all the difference for me is a cordless chainsaw. Sure you've got to have electricity somewhere-or just use your generator - to charge the batteries, but Man these things are so dependable, and always seem to start in the bush.
sorry to rant, just came back from brush cutting for new blind and sorta sold on it.

Here's an example/resource for what i'm talking (ranting) about here.
Electric Chainsaws

Anyway, congrats on your deer camp accomplishments, and keep up all the Good Work!

My Dad is in his late 80's but still active. He bought a battery operated chain saw and says it works great for smaller brush trimming and not nearly as heavy as a regular chain saw. He hates batteries in general but has not complained yet about battery life. I will have to borrow it the next time I do some blind work

Things have been pretty quiet here lately, any interest on this hunt/fish cabin project from a few years ago ?

[Linked Image]

I bought a Stihl 025 about 12-15 years ago. I wanted a lightweight saw for brushing out shooting lanes and cutting up stuff in the yard. It's cut waaaaaay more than it should I know that. I don't think I could dump it for an electric. But, I'd consider one if I didn't have it.

I do find myself wanting a "real" saw more often now though.

I don't doubt the usefulness and effectiveness of a modern electric saw for small jobs. My personal collection of Milwaukee M18 and M12 cordless power tools is at around 10 different tools, mostly mechanical and construction stuff but I do have a weed whacker and a leaf blower too. lol

The stuff works amazingly well. I'll likely add a new circular saw and a portaband this year yet. My old dewalt circular saw is on it's last leg, as it should be for it's age (prob 18 yrs old).

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Things have been pretty quiet here lately, any interest on this hunt/fish cabin project from a few years ago ?

[Linked Image]

You have a few issues up there.

Of course we have interest...Spill it!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't doubt the usefulness and effectiveness of a modern electric saw for small jobs. My personal collection of Milwaukee M18 and M12 cordless power tools is at around 10 different tools, mostly mechanical and construction stuff but I do have a weed whacker and a leaf blower too. lol

The stuff works amazingly well. I'll likely add a new circular saw and a portaband this year yet. My old dewalt circular saw is on it's last leg, as it should be for it's age (prob 18 yrs old).

I have a 18v circular saw. I'm not real impressed. It's OK. It's nothing close to the real deal corded saw tho. My old Craftsman corded circular saw bit the dust last summer. I picked up a Makita 15a 7 1/4" and it's like a knife through butter on plywood.

Those brushless battery powered tools are the bomb. More work with less battery. Newer technology. Lots of power with the Lithium batteries, but the devil is in the details. You really have to read carefully what you're getting. YOU MUST READ THE POWER RATING! The tools that come in the packaged set-ups are often half the power output of the stand alone tools. Dewalt is famous for it. I am slowly replacing my Rigid stuff from HD with Milwaukee, but watching the power output rating on each tool. Most of the more powerful tools are only $20 more or so. Buyer beware.

Got a turkey bird last weekend. Snow still in the woods, but the birds were talking - well, except one of them. 3.5" of #4 Winchester Longbeards thru a Winchester Longbeard choke delivered the goods at 45 yards. 10.5" beard, 1.25" spurs. Breaded and deep fried some nuggets and bacon wrapped jalepenos with the rest. Very good. So was the perch, walleye, and venison backstraps. No vegetables on this trip - 'cept for the potato chips. Trout fishing was a bust. Water was too high and too cold. How do I know this? An early May swim told me so. Water over the hippers. The boys still haven't dropped.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Things have been pretty quiet here lately, any interest on this hunt/fish cabin project from a few years ago ?

[Linked Image]

My guess new roof vent along the peak?

Up in your neck of the woods last week. Spring has to be 2 weeks behind.

Went up with a crew of friends to replace the original roof. Plan was to tear off one side and shingle to the peak. Do the same on day 2, finish up on day 3. Everything going as planned at this point.

[Linked Image]

Then someone stepped on the ridge cap & I heard a lot of UH-OH's & it got worse from there. Yes, lack of ventilation and insulation up to the ridge in a that small space caused lots of rot and a lot more work. Murphy's law. I had planned to add vents and had extra 2x6's but not nearly enough to repair all that. My neighbor had a whole stack of 2x6 cut off's that allowed us to repair everything without several hours driving into town & back. What was the chance of that? Sometimes even I get lucky.

[Linked Image]

Set us back a little less than one day. Put a bigger gable vent in and several roof vents on the other side. Spent the rest of the week fishing. It's good to have friends who are handy & like to fish a lot.

[Linked Image]

Very happy with the finished product but glad I didn't have to depend on a single battery operated circular saw to cut all those 2x6"s!

Congrats on the thunder chicken Charrie Trotfox!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Those brushless battery powered tools are the bomb. More work with less battery. Newer technology. Lots of power with the Lithium batteries, but the devil is in the details. You really have to read carefully what you're getting. YOU MUST READ THE POWER RATING! The tools that come in the packaged set-ups are often half the power output of the stand alone tools. Dewalt is famous for it. I am slowly replacing my Rigid stuff from HD with Milwaukee, but watching the power output rating on each tool. Most of the more powerful tools are only $20 more or so. Buyer beware.

Got a turkey bird last weekend. Snow still in the woods, but the birds were talking - well, except one of them. 3.5" of #4 Winchester Longbeards thru a Winchester Longbeard choke delivered the goods at 45 yards. 10.5" beard, 1.25" spurs. Breaded and deep fried some nuggets and bacon wrapped jalepenos with the rest. Very good. So was the perch, walleye, and venison backstraps. No vegetables on this trip - 'cept for the potato chips. Trout fishing was a bust. Water was too high and too cold. How do I know this? An early May swim told me so. Water over the hippers. The boys still haven't dropped.

That's a good one there! Congrats

Ya, well done Chuckles !

Good camp menu, too.

Looks like I'll finally be able to take the boat out tomorrow and chase some walleyes. I've been fishless for about 2 months and I am jonesing big time. I heard the bite was warming up so hopefully we have a great day. kids don't have school so we'll be hitting the water at first light. I'll try to remember to get some pics

Best of luck to the Minnesota boys heading out for the opener tomorrow. Hope the weather cooperates for everyone.

We caught 1 today and had to release it. Water is still cold and murky. Gonna try bottom bouncers Sunday I think

Had some motor problems yesterday. The starter turned, but would not engage. Came home afterwards and did a little on line research. Turns out it was as simple as putting a drop of oil on the starter shaft. Nice to have a cheap fix work for a change. The trolling motor ran good. Fished for about 4 hours but no luck.

we pulled in one legal fish, this late spring sucks

My next day off is Sunday. Hoping to get out then.

I have to get the boat ready to sell. Charging the batteries now. Get all my gear out of it and fire it up with fresh gas.

Originally Posted by tzone

I have to get the boat ready to sell. Charging the batteries now. Get all my gear out of it and fire it up with fresh gas.

Good luck with your sale, Tom. Craigslist?

These were the 2 rotten spots. Unfortunately, both in really in high traffic areas.

At front pedestal & edges;

[Linked Image]

& in front of the livewell !

[Linked Image]

Sonofa..................... !

Similar to my Alumacraft when I pulled the carpet. In fact Paul, it appears to be the exact same layout!!

As you've probably already done, run some new wiring and set up some LED lighting in there now.

a big conduit from bow to stern is nice, same with access panels to be able to feed wires and hoses.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

a big conduit from bow to stern is nice, same with access panels to be able to feed wires and hoses.

Needs a "like" button.

Yep, + new bilge pump & livewell lift pum too !

I think I'm going to have to do the same stuff to my boat once I get the motor running, decent.

Time to head north and do some fishing. Heading for Namakan next week and a week of camping in V.N.P. Hope to catch a few eaters and enjoy the view. Anyone have any reports to share?

We were out yesterday and did pretty well. The big girls were hungry. It was like we were in WI!

We're still in the small lakes, piling them up !

[Linked Image]

Good eatin' right there. We're picking up our new boat tomorrow. Hopefully be putting a small dent in the 'eye population in Lake E next weekend.

I wish we had some here to fish for. There is a small man made lake about 50 or 60 miles away that is supposed to have walleye. When the lake was made it was stocked with smallmouth largemouth and another bass I cant remember.
They also stocked northern pike and walleye
I have caught or fishing buddies have caught all the bass and the pike, but haven't seen a walleye out of there. It is a cold spring fed lake. Dangerfield state park.

The way I see Paul and his lovely bride plate them ,I sure would like to try them.

We hope to get a stringer like that. We will be on the Canadian boarder Wed. afternoon.

Here is the first fish I caught Friday morning. 15 minutes in. Leeches and lindy rigs.
28”
[Linked Image]

Then next one a few minutes later...
27”
[Linked Image]

And 15 minutes after that....
28”
[Linked Image]

Fish on

25”

Great fish Tom !!!

Tom
I am looking at these great pics and wondering why I can't ever catch them like that. Looked at the last pic & I see your secret. Shorts and only socks!
An awesome day of fishin.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

. Looked at the last pic & I see your secret. Shorts and only socks!
An awesome day of fishin.

Hahaha. My buddy has a bran-spankin new shiny boat. he said "When we got to the landing we'll dump the boat in and I'll pick you up at the end of the dock...dip your shoes in the lake and get the sand off."

I dipped my foot too far in and soaked my shoe. I was taking my shoes off and didn't get to the socks when the fish started biting.

It was an awesome day of fishing. It was a lot of fun.

Tom was that on Mille Lacs?

Similar story on the no shoes. Guy we bought our boat from would not allow shoes in his boat, also northerns had to be unhooked over the water, no slime dripping in his boat. Boat was 8 years old when we bought it and yes it looked like brand new.

Yes, sir it was Mille lacs.

I do t like to wear shoes in the boat...or anywhere else for that matter. But I don’t care if anyone else does. It’s a boat. Lol

hell I haft to take my flip flops off in my boat . cant fish unless barefoot

Originally Posted by 44mc

hell I haft to take my flip flops off in my boat . cant fish unless barefoot

Me too as far as that’s concerned. Can’t wait for the day I can hang up the work boots and not wear socks unless it’s hunting season.

We went to visit our son's family in Indiana this weekend. Driving from Mpls. to the Indy area, we quit counting at 25 road killed deer. We counted another 24 today on the way back. Lots of speed beef, man.

Tis the season for road kill.

Had a great day of fishing yesterday coupled by a sad turn of events. Our dog Bailey had a stroke and is struggling. she's almost 14 and for a choco lab that's a good run. Having trouble walking and is disoriented a bit. I feel her biggest fear is leaving us without a protector as she is pretty needy it seems. tough to watch, making her comfortable, she doesn't appear to be in pain. just tough to go through. love on your pets, they are gone far too soon

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Had a great day of fishing yesterday coupled by a sad turn of events. Our dog Bailey had a stroke and is struggling. she's almost 14 and for a choco lab that's a good run. Having trouble walking and is disoriented a bit. I feel her biggest fear is leaving us without a protector as she is pretty needy it seems. tough to watch, making her comfortable, she doesn't appear to be in pain. just tough to go through. love on your pets, they are gone far too soon

So sorry to hear this Ryan. They love us so fiercely it's so hard to see them go.

Sorry to hear this Ryan. It sucks bad to have sick dogs.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Had a great day of fishing yesterday coupled by a sad turn of events. Our dog Bailey had a stroke and is struggling. she's almost 14 and for a choco lab that's a good run. Having trouble walking and is disoriented a bit. I feel her biggest fear is leaving us without a protector as she is pretty needy it seems. tough to watch, making her comfortable, she doesn't appear to be in pain. just tough to go through. love on your pets, they are gone far too soon

Sorry Ryan, almost nothing worse.

Prayers from further north.

Sorry to hear that Ryan. One of my good buddies just ran over his 5 month old lab yesterday. Family is pretty sick about it.

Paul, I thought about you as we drove through Wabigoon on our annual pilgrimage to Lac Seul last week. All but one day we had good weather and great fishing. Biggest catches were a 40" pike, 29" walleye, 19" smallie and a 70" dad (me). Good times. Well, except for the hook embedded in the back of my hand. We did the push it through and cut off the barb trick. I was really surprised how tough skin is. Pushing it through was actually hard to physically do. Finally I started cutting from the top and then it went through easier. I don't think I am getting an infection which is a minor miracle considering the hook was just in a northern's mouth. If anyone has to do this, it isn't as painful as you would think.

Yep, I've done this too !

Not too bad, as long as nothing is touching bone, then it's a whole other story !

Did you come up through Pigeon River, rather than International Falls ?

Glad you had a great trip, I was just lamenting how slow the spring fishing has been for us this year.

worse part about pushing a hook through can be the geometry of the hook. They don't all (hardly any) have a circular radius, so they don't roll through very nice.

Couple of great days fishing;

[Linked Image]

Sunday, Doug joined in for Fathers day;

[Linked Image]

Good times !

Those last 3 are dandies!! Details?

Happy Birthday Tom !

Joe's was 28" & Doug's was 29.5" - so many 23-25" we were getting blase with the camera.

Doug is sending me better pics of his fish, when he gets up, to got to work.

Sunday was a tiny little pot hole lake, quad access + small boat only, that we discovered bird hunting one fall.

We will only fish it twice a year. Fathers day appeared about right !

Secret lake 843, to protect it.

We only take 16-18" fish out.

Better pics of Doug's big gal;

[Linked Image]

Monsters!!

WOWSERS! those are some dandies! from the size of the lake in the background I would say you can take a few more fish than what you are allowing yourself. keeping it secret is key to longevity! nicely done!

Nice fish!

Whoa, Happy Birthday (week) Dave.

Hope Pam & the kiddies spoil you !

thank you

Dang nice 'eyes, Paul!

and nice legs as well.

Rainy weekend put to good use !

[Linked Image]

Friday night - deer burgers, mediterranean style & a coupla hits of sippin whisky;!

[Linked Image]

Saturday night, bacon wrapped venni straps & grilled veges;

[Linked Image]

Sunday night - grilled marinated skin on , bone in chook thighs n more wrapped venni loins, w/tater salad;

[Linked Image]

It was a good food weekend !

The food and the boat lookin good.

I just caught up on this thread by reading from page 3503 forward. Lotsa goings on with cabin repairs,fishing some fine looking diners fixings and a shot of Woodford Reserve.
Just reading about all the you guys do wears me out. Summer is here in South Carolina and it's getting hot. Take care everyone.

Stan in SC

Hey Stan! Supposed to be sniffing 100 here this weekend.

Glad you caught up on some reading. How has your summer been?

July 1 and corn is NOT lookin' good here. Most fields, if they're planted, are about 4" tall. Knee high by the Fourth is out of the question at this point.

That floor is looking good 99! My floor is aluminum with Herculiner on it. It's a duck hunting boat and that black floor gets hot on the tootsies when fishing in the summer. Saw some rubber mats in your other boat that I might try if I can find them. You guys have more pics of walleyes on the last couple pages than I've caught in the past 5 years. I need to try to remedy that.

Been doing well on salmon in the Big lake. Get more than a few each trip with some limits mixed in. Water is WAAAAAY up. Highest I've seen it in 35 years or so. Great Lakes connecting waters where you can launch, many of the docks and ramps are under water. Obstacles that were high and dry are now navigational hazards. 5 years ago, they were complaining that the Corp was draining the upper Great Lakes by taking away the rip-rap in the St. Clair river - like pulling the plug in the bathtub. Same people are wondering where their water frontage disappeared to now. And so it goes...

Originally Posted by tzone

T-zone talkin' 'bout nice legs? Ole Tom hisself has some gams that Babe Winkleman would be proud of!

pssst! Ma is gonna give you hell if'n you keep wearin' white socks with no shoes.

I catch more schit about them damn socks... lmao.

I'll have you know we'll be fishing from Wednesday on and there won't be a sock in the boat.

Can't remember if I said why i'm not wearing shoes or not... My buddy who owns the boat wanted me to wash my shoes off before I got in. So, I dipped my foot off the dock when he swung around to pick me up. But, I dipped it up to my ankle. lol.

We made it about 100' after I took my shoe off before I caught that fish. So, I didn't get to take my socks off.

Some day I want to say to my wife, "We were catching fish so fast, I couldn't keep my shoes on!" As it is, it seems Mrs CF likes fresh perch and walleye. I am unable to fulfill her request on a consistent basis to the point that she's fish shaming me. Is that legal? Can I complain to some higher authority? Like the Society of the Perpetually Offended?

Mrs. tzone doesn't understand why I don't keep any fish to eat. We tried hard to catch some in the slot limit. We danced all around it but never hit it.

Yeah, I know a real sob story.

Tom, what is your slot ?

For us, it depends on the lake.

Common, sport fishing license - 4 fish per day - 3 must be under 18.1" - if in a no slot lake, you are allowed 1 over 18.1".

If in the Wabiboon chain - 3 unders + 1 fish over 21.8".

If in the Eagle lake chain - 3 unders + 1 fish over 22.8".

Speaking of Wabigoon !

OK, so maybe, you guys saw my thank you thread to Richard (Wabigoon), who went out of his way to bring us up some FINE Iwoa pork chops ? Think thick porterhouse pork chops.

Took 'em to camp & let things happen.

Dry rub marinated;

[Linked Image]

Rollin';

Pulled off smoker at 120*f internal;

[Linked Image]

Fired them into red hot grill to sear & finish;

[Linked Image]

Very happy Mrs Deb;

[Linked Image]

Thank you Richard & Judy, they were truly sensational !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Tom, what is your slot ?

For us, it depends on the lake.

Same here. That was Mille Lacs and you can only keep fish until Memorial Day weekend. The slot there was 21"-23". We caught fish all around those marks but noting in it.

I love pork on the grill. Those look great! I fired up the smoker as well and smoked an 8# pork loin. We ate 1/2 of it. The other 1/2 I'm turning into pulled pork sammiches tonight.

That was very nice of Mr. and Mrs. Wabi~

So, you can only keep fish inside your slot limit ?

If so, that's the opposite of us. In slot size ='s must be returned unharmed.

Originally Posted by tzone

That was very nice of Mr. and Mrs. Wabi~

Yes, it was !

Dang Paul! You're making me hungry with all those food pics!

Finally got out to the cabin and ooened things up for the summer.

Lady slipper flowers are blooming. (Pams photo effort)

[Linked Image]

beautiful pictures Pam! wow, those are beautiful. I'd only seen the yellow ones when I was out and about there years ago. very cool

I coach our high school trap team and they made it to Nationals this year, which happens to be held in the middle of Michigan. so I park at the shoot this morning and a car with Minnysoda plates pulls in next to me and out jump 3 hooligans with green and white jerseys from some off the map place called Roseau. Now google fu shows these folks traveled a 1000 miles and 15 hours to shoot.

Seems these kids can shoot too. #4 outta 206 teams with each kid averaging 96 out of 100. I looked on the sheet for a shooter named RunsWithScissors, but apparently that's not his professional name. I wish them well in the Finals on Sunday.

Our kids did less good. I blame the coach.

So cool that the HS trap shooting has exploded on the scene. Seems like most of the schools around here now have a trap team. Great to see these kids getting a chance at this.

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

I coach our high school trap team and they made it to Nationals this year, which happens to be held in the middle of Michigan. so I park at the shoot this morning and a car with Minnysoda plates pulls in next to me and out jump 3 hooligans with green and white jerseys from some off the map place called Roseau. Now google fu shows these folks traveled a 1000 miles and 15 hours to shoot.

Seems these kids can shoot too. #4 outta 206 teams with each kid averaging 96 out of 100. I looked on the sheet for a shooter named RunsWithScissors, but apparently that's not his professional name. I wish them well in the Finals on Sunday.

Our kids did less good. I blame the coach.

Hey CFT, I know the kids that went. Good kids, pretty proud of the 4th place finish.

Individual leaderboard shows some fellas named Nolan, Jonathan, Beau, Owen, Henry, Tyler, Dalton, Julian, and a gal named Ruthie from your neck of the woods.

1668 shooters, 44 trap fields spreading out over 1.25 miles. 374,000 shells fired over 3 days. Sounds like popcorn popping for 8 hours straight. 50 million rounds shot by the kids in this organization nationwide since its inception and not one injury. Safer than chess club. Fastest growing high school sport. Pretty cool.

CFT, we got word this morning that our roseau shooters are the national champions. We know all those kids you named. Joey shoots with them but Joe is a rookie, he's got good mentors though!

Apparently the 4th place thing was qualifying for finals or something?

Holy Crap! CONGRATULATIONS! That's awesome!

Yep, Friday was qualifying day for teams that made it to Nationals. Saturday was for individual shooters. They took the top 80 teams out of 206 to shoot in the National Championship on Sunday. Just checked. Roseau is #1!

Out of 100 targets, your squad of 5 kids shot 99, 99, 98, 98, 97. Dang. This old guy has been shooting trap for a very long time. I'd be hard pressed to come up with 4 rounds of 25 like that. Well done. The whole town should be proud.

Hope to see Joey there maybe next year?

Yes maybe next year CFT! Joey is really improving fast!

Actually, busch pilot's son is an advanced shooter with the roseau team. Maybe in the near future him in Joey will both attend nationals.

Dave, please congratulate all the members of the team. That is quite a feat!!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Apparently the 4th place thing was qualifying for finals or something?

Fan bloody tastic !!!

Great work.

Busy weekend, big boat back in the water & functioning flawlessly !

Got chased off the lake at noon Sunday, by a YUGE thunderstorm.

[Linked Image]

Over the day & a half, we put back over twenty five 21"+ walleye & a 38" Northern.

Good times !

Nice pile of groceries there Paul!!

Still can't get the damned boat started. One way or another, I'm going fishing Friday. If I gotta charge up all the batteries and just use the trolling motor, so be it. Can't stand being stranded on shore like this, and don't have the money to put it in the shop right now, so a trollin' we will go.

Carb has to come off and come apart. a lot of the marine carbs use a small nylon/rubber tube as a fuel passage inside the carb from sort of a foot sump up towards main jet. Not uncommon for the tube to give way to age, split or break at a connection point.

Hey guys.

I'm a grandpa, X2.

I got my second grandbaby yesterday at about 3:50 pm.

It was rough, things didn't go as planned. The cord was wrapped twice around baby boy's neck and as he moved down, positioning for natural birth, everything sort of went in the ditch. Baby's heart rate dropped, controlled panic basically describes the transition to plan B. Which was emergency C section.

Everything went well, healthy baby, healthy mother. Proud of my daughter, proud of my son inlaw. They did very well.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Carb has to come off and come apart. a lot of the marine carbs use a small nylon/rubber tube as a fuel passage inside the carb from sort of a foot sump up towards main jet. Not uncommon for the tube to give way to age, split or break at a connection point.

It's an older motor Dave. Wouldn't surprise me if you're right on this. Maybe it's time I taught my self how to tear down and rebuild a carb.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey guys.

I'm a grandpa, X2.

I got my second grandbaby yesterday at about 3:50 pm.

It was rough, things didn't go as planned. The cord was wrapped twice around baby boy's neck and as he moved down, positioning for natural birth, everything sort of went in the ditch. Baby's heart rate dropped, controlled panic basically describes the transition to plan B. Which was emergency C section.

Everything went well, healthy baby, healthy mother. Proud of my daughter, proud of my son inlaw. They did very well.

Wow Dave. Glad to hear everyone's okay. Congrats Grampa. Time to shop for a deer rifle for the little nimrod. Time's a wastin'!

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Carb has to come off and come apart. a lot of the marine carbs use a small nylon/rubber tube as a fuel passage inside the carb from sort of a foot sump up towards main jet. Not uncommon for the tube to give way to age, split or break at a connection point.

It's an older motor Dave. Wouldn't surprise me if you're right on this. Maybe it's time I taught my self how to tear down and rebuild a carb.

Take it slow, keep cell phone handy and take photos from multiple angles showing linkage connections, tube routings etc. Continue to take pics as you remove and sequence your way towards dissasembly of the carb. keep track of all screws and small pieces as you go.

Congratulations to Taylor & "Zac Brown" !!

& to the whole family !

Had this happen too, with Caroline, our first born.

Scary as heck, but all worked out well in the end.

Tell Taylor, not to try & hang out the washing, on the line, until completely healed.

Don't ask me how I know.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey guys.

I'm a grandpa, X2.

I got my second grandbaby yesterday at about 3:50 pm.

It was rough, things didn't go as planned. The cord was wrapped twice around baby boy's neck and as he moved down, positioning for natural birth, everything sort of went in the ditch. Baby's heart rate dropped, controlled panic basically describes the transition to plan B. Which was emergency C section.

Everything went well, healthy baby, healthy mother. Proud of my daughter, proud of my son inlaw. They did very well.

Congrats Papa Dave!!

Sorry they gave you some heartburn at the beginning but it sounds like it all worked out well!!

Between his dad and grandpa, this little guy has no idea how bad ass of a car he's going to have in high school.

Maybe not a mustang though....

Big Congrads to you & and your wife on grandkid #2

Congrats again Dave & Pam!

congrats grampa and grandma! and Taylor and keegan too, I guess they had a part in this as well! good to hear all is well!

Originally Posted by bubbajay

Maybe not a mustang though....

Saturday;

Sunday;

Hey Paul,
Up until that last fish, I was thinking it was all the same fish from different angles......!

Nicely done!

Congrats Shaw family. I loved the Facebook post from Dave: "This is my grandson. He is brand new." Classic Dave sense of humor and I even read it to my wife who was laughing.

What's the wearing jackets B.S? lol. It was almost 100*F here on Friday.

BMan, they've got some shoulders on them.

Over the 2 days, the 2 of us put back 26 walleye, over 22" !

Biggest one was 26.25".

Oh, & we were home by noon, both days.

Originally Posted by tzone

What's the wearing jackets B.S? lol. It was almost 100*F here on Friday.

Tom,

It was 7*C at 7:30am, on our run down the lake Sunday morning (12*C Saturday).

Shorts & frip frops didn't cut it @ 32mph !

I thought you guys up there were tough.

Should have tried socks, they work.

At least I had shorts & Japanese safety shoes on, Joe had long pants, shoes n socks, 3 sweaters & his floater coat on !

Bastard's getting so old, he makes me put him in the boat, before backing done to launch !

I believe 7*C is roughly 45*F too.

Got my AZ coues tag in the mail today! been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and this year it's happening! super excited!

Congrats, Ryan. Post us some pictures from your hunt.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Got my AZ coues tag in the mail today! been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and this year it's happening! super excited!

Thats very exciting! Congrats Ryan!

That's awesome Ryan !!

Bucket list for sure.

Good luck.

Well, it's starting all ready. I picked up a camo blind yesterday off a K-bids auction. Hoping to put it us this morning and see what I think. Deer season just can't get here fast enough!

Yep, it is starting! The daughter talked me into going out to look for deer last night. So I picked up my mom and my gramma who love to get out of the house and headed out. Saw a bunch of deer to everyone's enjoyment. The highlight was finding that all of the bucks in that area were together in one bachelor group. We saw 13 bucks in one field, including 2 really nice big 4X4s. I was beginning to wonder if there were any bucks around until we found them. Pretty cool to see that many in one group.

In just over a month, another fall begins. Seems most, if not all, of the people that frequent this thread are heavily invested in the fall. I cannot wait to hear the stories and see the pictures (including a Cous deer hunt with Ryan!).

I headed up to Duluth on Sunday to help my dad with some stuff and we saw a ton of deer. I would bet over 1/2 were bucks.

There is also a REALLY (20” + ) wide 10pt by my house. He was around a few years ago and we didn’t see him last year. So, I was happy to see him a few weeks ago and have a few more times since.

The Fireweed is starting to show up in the ditches and nights are cooling a bit. Small little signs that keep us excited for what is to come.

I see your Fireweed and raise you a combined wheat field for a sign of fall!!! Brought a smile to my face, it did!

I don't start thinking fall until October, we had a wildfire last night just across the border of the property. 15 acres and in some of the most remote nasty canyon area you can imagine. we're drying out fast and with a wet spring/early summer.... fire is on everyones mind.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

I see your Fireweed and raise you a combined wheat field for a sign of fall!!! Brought a smile to my face, it did!

There are too many hot days left for me to get excited about fall. But the signs are here that it’s on the way. Late September is our anniversary. We’re going on a 4 day 4-wheeling trip. That will get me excited. I’m sure we’ll see the colors and some deer that will fire me up.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I don't start thinking fall until October, we had a wildfire last night just across the border of the property. 15 acres and in some of the most remote nasty canyon area you can imagine. we're drying out fast and with a wet spring/early summer.... fire is on everyones mind.

You guys are back to normal on the moisture eh? Sorry about the fires!

October I’ll be fired up because we’ll be back in SD goofing off!

it's still raining some, but it also brings lots of lightning.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Well, it's starting all ready. I picked up a camo blind yesterday off a K-bids auction. Hoping to put it us this morning and see what I think. Deer season just can't get here fast enough!

I'm just wondering if I should bother with some kind of heater for this blind. It's 57" by 57" footprint. I've got a Big Buddy heater, but thinking about picking up a smaller unit or one of these sunflower heaters. Are any of the smaller units rated as safe for use in blinds like this? Just thinking I might not want to lug the Big Buddy back in the woods if I don't have to go with something that big. It might cook me out of the blind too.

Just to get the juices flowing, I saw 5 bucks in a nearby beanfield last night. Two were big, two were bigger, and one was downright BIG. They all look good now in velvet, but this guy looked to be a wide heavy 8 or 10 point in the making.

They have a bit of growing to do, but they should be shaping up now. I can't wait to start seeing a few without velvet.

tzone,
Didn't you say you were a fan of the Rem 760? I bought an old one as a project gun, it's a 30-06 with almost no bluing left on it but there is no pitting or rust. It has been drilled & tapped for a scope & the rear sight removed. I am thinking about converting it to a carbine version, basically just shortening the barrel and maybe just go without open sights mounting an old Weaver 4x scope. Haven't decided on the finish yet. Any thoughts tzone or anyone else?

Dave, Congrats on the new grandbabies.

I love the idea. Shorten it up, have it cerakoted. How’s the wood?

Those old Weaver K-4's just seem to soldier on forever. Sounds like a sweet vintage correct set up for the northwoods of Michigan.

They’re cool for nostalgia but compared to even a chap Nikon the glass stinks. I have one that was on a rifle I inherited from my Grandpa. I had to switch it out. Once I shoot a deer with that gun, I’ll throw it back on it.

The wood is nothing special but its in good shape, has the steel butt plate of course. Wouldn't be an old deer rifle without that. Cerakote is an option I have been considering. Some of the old scopes are better than others but no they don't compare to today's stuff. Still better than open sights and since it's been drilled & missing the rear sight an old Weaver scope & mounts just seems the only answer. Thanks for the input. Will post a pic when I get it done.

Jim,

I’d consider a pachmyr decelerator instead of the steel plate. If you don’t like the modern look of the decelerator, you could go with a plain old pachmyr, ventilated pad. Kinda old school.

https://youtu.be/ZBg0j5ikj3A

Originally Posted by tzone

Jim,

I’d consider a pachmyr decelerator instead of the steel plate. If you don’t like the modern look of the decelerator, you could go with a plain old pachmyr, ventilated pad. Kinda old school.

What's a pachmyr? Kidding, it's a classic deer rifle, has to have the original plate.
I know the steel makes for a bit more recoil but I like the look and I've never really felt any recoil when I've shot a deer. Even my new (40+) year old 760 has a plastic butt plate. Not that much fun to shoot off a bench but not brutal either.

I briefly looked at the new regs. We're either 171 or the CWD zone. Need to see a more detailed map than the one I found on line. Where we hunt is right by where those two sections meet.

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Originally Posted by tzone

Jim,

I’d consider a pachmyr decelerator instead of the steel plate. If you don’t like the modern look of the decelerator, you could go with a plain old pachmyr, ventilated pad. Kinda old school.

What's a pachmyr? Kidding, it's a classic deer rifle, has to have the original plate.
I know the steel makes for a bit more recoil but I like the look and I've never really felt any recoil when I've shot a deer. Even my new (40+) year old 760 has a plastic butt plate. Not that much fun to shoot off a bench but not brutal either.

I don't actually think the 06's kick much in the 760/7600. 270's are fine, .280 and & .243 is fine. For some reason, the .308 is a snappy bastard in those guns and I don't like it. Not that I can't tolerate it, but I sure don't like it.

That's a great gun for MI. You're going to like it a lot.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

I briefly looked at the new regs. We're either 171 or the CWD zone. Need to see a more detailed map than the one I found on line. Where we hunt is right by where those two sections meet.

They changed em up again?

We hunted one of those areas a few years ago. One side of the road was hunters choice and the other side of the road was 5 tags per guy.

The topic of deer hunting came up at our house over the weekend. It's starting to be discussed a lot more.

The boy want's to start talking "dates" and places.

My step-daughter will start hunters safety this week. She's pretty excited. She won't hunt deer this year becasue of some other commitments, but we'll try to find a few grouse for her to pop.

We're going to start off in SD again this year. He drew a youth "any anterless" tag. We'll head to the Black Hills in October to fill that. Any excuse I can use to get there I'll take!

Not sure what we're going to do in MN yet. He's got a place to hunt at his Step-dads land. He shot a few does there last year. We may go with a family friend up in the Cotton, MN area as well.

In WI I we're staying out of the woods this year by the stands. We always have a bunch of pics of nice bucks, but when the season rolls around, we don't see much. We'll go in Labor Day weekend and make sure they're all up and everything is secure and stay out until the season starts. Debating on whether or not to put up cameras.

Between the bear hunters, grouse hunters, jack lighters, and coyotes, they're getting enough b.s. thrown at them. This is public land of course.

Originally Posted by tzone

The topic of deer hunting came up at our house over the weekend. It's starting to be discussed a lot more.

The boy want's to start talking "dates" and places.

My step-daughter will start hunters safety this week. She's pretty excited. She won't hunt deer this year becasue of some other commitments, but we'll try to find a few grouse for her to pop.

We're going to start off in SD again this year. He drew a youth "any anterless" tag. We'll head to the Black Hills in October to fill that. Any excuse I can use to get there I'll take!

Not sure what we're going to do in MN yet. He's got a place to hunt at his Step-dads land. He shot a few does there last year. We may go with a family friend up in the Cotton, MN area as well.

In WI I we're staying out of the woods this year by the stands. We always have a bunch of pics of nice bucks, but when the season rolls around, we don't see much. We'll go in Labor Day weekend and make sure they're all up and everything is secure and stay out until the season starts. Debating on whether or not to put up cameras.

Between the bear hunters, grouse hunters, jack lighters, and coyotes, they're getting enough b.s. thrown at them. This is public land of course.

Good luck to you guys this fall Tom. Fill that freezer!

Had to hastily apply brakes this morning, to avoid filling my buck tag early !

We had some early fall like weather this morning. Temps in the low 50’s. Had the windows down all the way in.

12 years today. It sure doesn't seem that long.

Yeah, WOW !!

Yeah, been a good run.

Have made some good friends right here from this very thread.

To those who've never had a chance to meet Tom, he's about as good as they come. Can't think of anyone besides my dad that I'd rather share a campfire with.

That's it...fall is on the way. It's a way off but it's coming. I have been dropping my son (and his bike) off at the high school for 2-a-day football practice. On the way yesterday morning, I saw a popple with a hint of yellow. Some of the underbrush is as well. And lets not fail to mention my allergies are going in OT.

Wonderful pile of groceries Paul!!

We definitely eat well Tom !

Fishing has been great.

Feels like fall already.

Seems every second morning is 50*f !

After the winter we had and the cold rainy start to the "summer", I'm not ready for it yet. A LONG fall would be great though!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Feels like fall already.

Seems every second morning is 50*f !

I wish!

Tom-I went out to Petersen's place-where we went hunting by Lakeville that time. Saw probably the biggest buck I've ever seen, but it's a little exaggerated 'cause they're in velvet. I believe he's a 10 pointer. Tall rack, huge spread. He gave me permission to hunt a different section out there. Gonna hit it hard in archery season and ML.

Was it a decoy?

That's good. I hope you get monster in there.

All this talk of fall has to wait until our Youth Outdoor Activity Day is over! Sunday, August 25th, 10-4, Alexandria MN Shooting Park. We will give every kid a tee shirt, everyone lunch and ice cream and give away about 5,000 pieces of sporting equipment like binoculars, BB guns, Bows and arrows, butterfly nets, bike helmets, fishing rods and reels, etc. One of our rules is there is now way for any attendee to spend a dollar. We do not even accept donations that day. We will have over 40 activities for kids to do including trap shooting, archery, muzzleloader shooting, crossbow shooting, BB guns shooting, bowfishing, bird feeder building, mountain biking, rock climbing, ATV rides, actually handling fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, etc, fire building, and much more.

Let me know if you want any more details, but if you are anywhere close, I promise you it is worth the trip!

For those of us within driving distance, plan on making a trip to Alexandria for this event. Dean's a class act, great organizer, and devoted supporter of all things outdoor related. I've volunteered several times at this event, and it's very gratifying to see the kids immersed in all the activities going on there. Seriously guys, grab your kids, the neighbors kids, your inlaw's kids-just grab some kids and take them to this outstanding event. Wish I was working with you again this year Dean!

Heck Jeff, jump in the car and come on up! We can have you give out tee shirts or something!

Still my favorite thread of all time, anywhere! Haven’t posted on it in a long time but read updates each and every time I come on the fire. Bravo guys and gals!

I'm gonna be in Indiana visiting my new grandson, or I'd be there for sure Dean. My daughter in law's due today, and if she hasn't had the baby by Monday, they're going to induce. We're going down Thursday. The little guy's not even here yet and I'm all ready looking for a 99 for him.

Well, I'm still no a grandfather again this morning. Poor girl's got to ready for this to be over by now.

HEY!!! Congrats Grandpa Jeff!

Thanks Tom. I'll be hanging on the phone this weekend waiting for the call. This will be my last weekend to work at Walmart.

Make sure you get all your secret stash sale vanguards before you leave.

Originally Posted by tzone

Make sure you get all your secret stash sale vanguards before you leave.

Oh yeah-I hid about a half dozen of them in the ladies fitting rooms. Made sure I told everyone we didn't have any. The other ones I bought back on the loading dock the day the prices went down.........

Best of luck to Berettaman and his army of volunteers this weekend. For those who've never attended Dean's event in Alexandria, you gotta put this on your list. His Youth Outdoors Day has become a huge success, so round up your kids, or better yet, your non-hunting neighbor's kids and head for Alexandria. Tons of stuff for the kids to do, lots of giveaways, and a free lunch to boot. Dean's crew really does a great job with this.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

As far as power, well I've got that generator, it's a 6500 watt unit & I can wire it to remote starter inside the cabin. I have a 6 circuit breaker panel to go with it, one 20 amp & 5-15 amp circuits. I'll put that little panel in a wall inside the cabin & pull romex in the walls for outlets & lights. I'll run my lights on a 12v circuit because I also have a power converter that one of the 15 amp circuits will be dedicated to. This will step the power down to 12 volt & provide charge for deep cycle battery pack & for the gen starting battery while the gen unit is running. This way we will have lights at any time at the flip of a switch, we will probably still light lanterns or run gas lights for any long amounts of time that light may be needed but the 12 volt lights will give that quick light for getting up in the night, waking up early before sunrise to get dressed for hunting, initial lighting for when you arrive at camp in the dark & need to get things hauled inside etc.

I will also get a small solar unit to put a trickle charge into the battery packs to keep them tended & fresh during the winter months. If we need 120 volts we will just hit the generator starter button from inside the cabin. Getting a little further into detail I also have a battery isolator to put on my generator starting battery, this will allow the starting battery to accept a charge from the power converter but it acts like a check valve in the way that it will not allow the cabin to draw power from the starting battery & drain it down. It will take a while to get all of that in place but that is the long term plan for power.

Here are a couple of pictures of the weekend progress with the floor.
first layer of sheeting down
[Linked Image]

insulation & top layer going on
[Linked Image]

top layer over half way done
[Linked Image]

4 mil plastic to keep the rain off until roof goes on
[Linked Image]

Greetings younger ambitious Dave. This is older, slower, lower energy "grandpa Dave". Can you tell me what you framed that floor system out of? 2x8? 16" OC? 12"? I need to build an addition on that 12 yr old cabin now. Run electricity, running water, indoor pluming, basic remodel.... I'm trying to put together my materials list and could use a little help. I'll just wait while you think about it....

Since I’ve read this thread about 12 times now I guess, I will say that info is in here. Early on...first year. But can’t tell you what page.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

As far as power, well I've got that generator, it's a 6500 watt unit & I can wire it to remote starter inside the cabin. I have a 6 circuit breaker panel to go with it, one 20 amp & 5-15 amp circuits. I'll put that little panel in a wall inside the cabin & pull romex in the walls for outlets & lights. I'll run my lights on a 12v circuit because I also have a power converter that one of the 15 amp circuits will be dedicated to. This will step the power down to 12 volt & provide charge for deep cycle battery pack & for the gen starting battery while the gen unit is running. This way we will have lights at any time at the flip of a switch, we will probably still light lanterns or run gas lights for any long amounts of time that light may be needed but the 12 volt lights will give that quick light for getting up in the night, waking up early before sunrise to get dressed for hunting, initial lighting for when you arrive at camp in the dark & need to get things hauled inside etc.

I will also get a small solar unit to put a trickle charge into the battery packs to keep them tended & fresh during the winter months. If we need 120 volts we will just hit the generator starter button from inside the cabin. Getting a little further into detail I also have a battery isolator to put on my generator starting battery, this will allow the starting battery to accept a charge from the power converter but it acts like a check valve in the way that it will not allow the cabin to draw power from the starting battery & drain it down. It will take a while to get all of that in place but that is the long term plan for power.

Here are a couple of pictures of the weekend progress with the floor.
first layer of sheeting down
[Linked Image]

insulation & top layer going on
[Linked Image]

top layer over half way done
[Linked Image]

4 mil plastic to keep the rain off until roof goes on
[Linked Image]

These pics here lead me to believe they’re 2x8’s Dave.

I may be wrong since you know...you built it.

Dave, 3 beers & 2 whiskies should fire up the dormant brain cells !

Nuther great, if windy weekend;

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

You kept a bait fish dude.

As always....looking mighty fine. We're getting a taste of fall, tho I think it's 3-4 weeks out yet. Some nice cool nights for keeping windows open, humidity free days, even a pinch of color in the maple tree in my front yard. Oh yeah, and my allergies are at peak. lol

Tell us about that BBQ sauce Paul. Did you make it from scratch?

My better 1/2 is trying to get me into canning. We don't have much from the garden to can, but I'm kinda fired up about it. Plans are to expand the garden next year to get it rolling.

Tom,

I bought it from an ex-employees girlfriend, who is a qualified chef. Ashley was in a car wreck, in April & is in a back brace till October.

She's trying to keep busy, while not working, so she's been making lots of sauces & preserves !

Sauce is killa !

I like those "sweet 'n hot" type sauces.

I never used to care for the hot sauces, but I'm a convert these days. Really like a few drops on my chow.

Feels like fall !

So;

[Linked Image]

Little reminder today that it's still summer. But there are signs.

Just as if somebody flipped a switch, the geese are flocking up and moving in large numbers. Saw several V's airborne the last couple days. I love the fall season.

Fall is in the air. Not here yet, but...she's coming!

35 degrees this morning.

37 here

It was 50'ish when I went to work this morning.

Heading to the woods for the first time this weekend. I have a treestand in an old spot that I hope is still there. If it is, I'll grab it and do some shooting later in the day.

Good luck Tom.

I'm trying to talk myself out of building 2 permanent, but movable shooting blinds, due to the wet heavy snowfall we get & the continual damage to the portable blinds !!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

35 degrees this morning.

Calling for about that, 4*C, here, Sunday & Monday am.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good luck Tom.

I'm trying to talk myself out of building 2 permanent, but movable shooting blinds, due to the wet heavy snowfall we get & the continual damage to the portable blinds !!

What do you plan to use for construction Paul?

Hadn't really got that far Tom.

Would need to be light enough to move in there so, probably treated 2x2 &/or 4s & treated ply exterior, possible tin roof.

Blue foam insulation & sealed by that cheap thin finishing sheeting.

2 shooting windows & 1 door.

1 issue I just thought of, is that it needs to be light enough to move into the back 40, but not so light as to blow over.

Basically, I have no idea !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

1 issue I just thought of, is that it needs to be light enough to move into the back 40, but not so light as to blow over.

Basically, I have no idea !!

Ground anchors are your friend.

Or just put up a solid canopy to hold the snow and put your portable under it.

I bought a portable blind this summer. Hoping to hunt out of it this fall. I was just talking to my son's buddies, and we will be doing a range trip in a couple weeks here, and a run up north to scout for deer season too. Man, am I getting the itch! Lots of shooting from the goose hunters nearby this morning.

We're at the Alexandria shooting range with 4H kids from all over the state shooting trap, archery, air rifles, 22s... nice event.

Is that the same facility Berettaman runs his Youth Outdoors Day event from? Very nice facility.

Got out in the woods for the first time in a long time today.
A little color.
[Linked Image]

Picked up a Kimber MT .223 earlier this summer. I finally got to take it out for a spin today.

[Linked Image]

First few shots
[Linked Image]

Same load I use in the RAR Comaoct
[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Is that the same facility Berettaman runs his Youth Outdoors Day event from? Very nice facility.

It's a busy place, lots of youth activities going on there all summer.

Tom, you gotta be happy with that huh?

Ya, boys, good stuff.

We went "fall" fishing !

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Tom, you gotta be happy with that huh?

I like it! I got those Fiocchi rounds for free so I like that even better!

That hand load was from the kids Ruger American. I haven't even tried to load for this yet. So far the .223 has been the easiest for me to get good results with. The 7x57 gives me fits. But it shoots Federal blue box rounds right at MOA at 100 and 200 yds, so I shouldn't complain.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Is that the same facility Berettaman runs his Youth Outdoors Day event from? Very nice facility.

It's a busy place, lots of youth activities going on there all summer.

How did Joe down there Dave?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Ya, boys, good stuff.

We went "fall" fishing !

[Linked Image]

Some dandies there Paul. It looks like some of them are loading up on the feed!

Yep, for sure Tom !

That lake always has "large shouldered" fish, but even the small guys are packing it on !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Is that the same facility Berettaman runs his Youth Outdoors Day event from? Very nice facility.

It's a busy place, lots of youth activities going on there all summer.

How did Joe down there Dave?

His shooting was not good, his control over his frustration and anger was more than I'm capable of though. That was one good thing.

Dave, next time you come to Alex, let me know! I will buy you a beer or a coffee or something.

Yes, that is the same place. I might go out there tonight as my kids are in the summer league and have to finish their rounds.

rain, rain, rain. Yeah, if you see a break in the clouds you should get em out to finish up dry if possible, lol.

Anybody going out this weekend for the grouse opener? Hoping to go up to the happy hunting grounds Saturday afternoon.

No birds left. Wolves kilt em all.

Naw, you could see about 6’ in the woods this weekend. It will be better in a few weeks.

Sounds like the whole fam damily is going, so it will be more of a nature walk and checking for deer sign than a serious hunt. I'm determined to spend more time afield this fall.

Heading up to the Bigfork shack. We need to build a new deck and a new walkway out to the sauna. I have a camera that has been out since Memorial day, need to check that also.

I'm not sure if I'll get to break away or not. My nephew has a birthday party on Saturday and the boy works all day Sunday. So I may have to drive him around a bit.

What's Jack doing for work, Tom?

62 here for the high. makes it feel like hunting season! then the forecast says 88 on Sunday so......maybe not quite there yet. The season is open, but I'm not gonna think about hunting until late october, unless I'm hunting walleyes with a speargun!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

62 here for the high. makes it feel like hunting season! then the forecast says 88 on Sunday so......maybe not quite there yet. The season is open, but I'm not gonna think about hunting until late october, unless I'm hunting walleyes with a speargun!

We have same temps here Ryan. High 70's low 80's next week too. If we weren't supposed to get 3-4" of rain today, it would be nice weather.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

What's Jack doing for work, Tom?

Jeff, he umps baseball and softball games. Pretty good bank for a 14 year old kid. $45/game for baseball $35 for softball. Cash money! He has 6 games on Sunday.

Good for him, Tom. Get that work ethic going early. I umped for one season. You can definitely make some substantial money. Tell the young whippersnapper it's time for him to buy YOU a rifle!

Anybody going out for grouse this weekend? Hoping to have a good walk in the woods this Sunday. It will be early recon for deer season more than anything else.

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Originally Posted by saddlering

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Good luck to him.

Cripes.... I forgot I had a henry big bore lever too. I should probably shoot something with it this year?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Good for him, Tom. Get that work ethic going early. I umped for one season. You can definitely make some substantial money. Tell the young whippersnapper it's time for him to buy YOU a rifle!

I'd rather have him save it for college. lol

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by saddlering

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Good luck to him.

Cripes.... I forgot I had a henry big bore lever too. I should probably shoot something with it this year?

Wasn't that a special present from your Brother ?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by saddlering

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Good luck to him.

Cripes.... I forgot I had a henry big bore lever too. I should probably shoot something with it this year?

Is that a 45-70 dave?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by saddlering

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Good luck to him.

Cripes.... I forgot I had a henry big bore lever too. I should probably shoot something with it this year?

Wasn't that a special present from your Brother ?

yes

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by saddlering

Bear season opens here on sunday! cant wait! have a couple of shooter bears coming in, two diffrent spots! one between 4:30 and 7:30 pmn probly hunt that one! my 73 year old buddy has the tag, hes going to use a Henry 41 mag rifle Lever! Im hopeing to film it!

Good luck to him.

Cripes.... I forgot I had a henry big bore lever too. I should probably shoot something with it this year?

Is that a 45-70 dave?

44 rem

Good luck to any of the Minnesota boys going out for bow hunting or grouse this weekend. I hope the weather and the Red Gods both cooperate.

I’ll be staying out of the woods this weekend. I have a few fall chores to clean up yet. I’ll have 4 days off next week tho to screw around in the woods. Looking forward to it.

Just got back from Emily. I walked 4 different trails this morning. Unfortunately, I saw all most as many wolf tracks as deer tracks.Talked to some of the locals and it doesn't sound good. Lots of wuffies in our AO this fall. Jumped two grouse, but never got a shot off with all the leaves on the trees. There's a whole string of buck rubs on the trail back into my deer hunting area.

Tough weekend of fishing !!

Day after the full moon with a full on cold front.

Managed 7 Saturday & 5 Sunday !

Fat guy with a fat fish;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Sunday morning running down the lake;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Leaves are changing;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Lookin good Paul. We have leaves changing too. Starting too anyway. We're supposed to have rain and temps in the 80's F for this week. Cooling off for the weekend tho.

Yep, back to summer here today !!

I swear we saw more color on the way back Sunday than we saw on the way up Saturday afternoon. The leaves change really fast.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yep, back to summer here today !!

Good ol 87 degress today.

We're going to be 35*C (95*F) with the humidex this afternoon !

Back yard this morning;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I'm very happy to report.... MN finally woke up and is now offering a STATE WIDE youth deer hunt! MN had a youth season, but it was only in the NW and SE part of the sate.

Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm not at all trying to say this happened because of my constant bitching to the DNR. I was not on the committee. Just respectfully voiced my concerns and comments to them.

Maybe some of you remember me posting about this a few years ago. The lack of a decent youth deer season here in MN is what led me to take our kids to other more youth friendly states to hunt. SD and WI have great programs for kids. I have had phone calls, conference calls, and emails for 2 years to various members of the MNDNR, MDHA, and 2 differnt MN Big Game Program Leaders, voicing and writing several letters and essays with my concerns, comments, and general bitching. The most important one of all...they were getting hit in the pocket book by neighboring states with great youth programs.

MN DNR put together a Deer Committee to work on the MN Deer Management Plan for the next 10 years. One of the big things tackled by the committee was the youth deer hunt. I talked with Adam Murkowski at the beginning a few years ago and Barb Keller this winter. They were both very willing to listen, and talk to me about it. 2 years ago, Adam Murkowski scheduled time to for an actual phone call after we emailed back and forth about 5 times. He and I talked about it for almost 1.5 hours.

The sad thing is, the biggest "kick back" was from fellow hunters. The "good old boys club" of hunters that would say "we had to wait until deer season when we were kids, so do they." Piss poor attitude and irritating.

The studies finally showed how minimal a early youth season actually was to the deer population and not taking any of "their" deer away.

Since I've done my fair share and probably more than my fair share of whining and bitching to and about the MN DNR, I'll give them the "atta boy" for getting something right as well.

Good $hit Tom !!

Well done.

They have also expanded the age range of the youth deer hunt. 15 yrs of age used to be the last year a kid could participate, it has been expanded out to 17 yrs of age.

thanks Tom, will fill you full of crapolade the next time I see you! I cant wait for the youth season, my oldest boy will again get to do an early hunt again. my youngest will get a couple more years if it works out. its a great time to spend with the kids, fill out early and hit the fall run for fishing after.

You guys always had the youth season up there Buschy. It was the Northwest and Southeast corners of the state.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

They have also expanded the age range of the youth deer hunt. 15 yrs of age used to be the last year a kid could participate, it has been expanded out to 17 yrs of age.

I didn't notice that. That's good I think.

Are any of your kids hunting Youth Season this year Tom?

yes, we had, but they did change the age again on it this year for us so my oldest boy can hunt that season again which is nice. I don't even have to get a license this year if all my kids want to hunt so much. don't have much time for it this year, moving and construction getting in the way of life I guess.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Are any of your kids hunting Youth Season this year Tom?

Yeah...In SD.

Paul, batten down the hatches. Quite a storm moving up your way.

We're getting pounded.

Dig out the 3 buckle overshoes!

Next weekend's range day for our hunting crew. We'll be meeting out at the Oakdale Gun Club for a day of reunion,shooting, BS'ing and swapping lies. I always look forward to this,and it's nice to get out there before the range gets so busy later in October.Still working with the .243 Model 99 I bought for my grand daughter last year. So far it seems to like Federal Fusion loads the best, but we'll try at least a couple other boxes of ammo to see if it shoots anything a little tighter. I'll take my other rifles too, as well as the slug gun, the AR and at least one .22. Looking forward to seeing the guys again.

7 and 1/8" of rain since noon yesterday.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

7 and 1/8" of rain since noon yesterday.

Holy crap. Did you float to work this morning?

Drove home from Crane Lake yesterday after 5 day in V.N.P. and the wife said "good thing were not over by L.O.W. looks like they are getting hammered.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Paul, batten down the hatches. Quite a storm moving up your way.

We're getting pounded.

We (apparently) got between 3 -4 inches in 4 hours !!!

Luckily, Deb & I were in Toronto !! Where it was sunny & 24-28* C !!

Birthday weekend with Caroline. Great company & too many great meals.

Thankfully no damage at our place. Brothers place, not so lucky, 2' water in his, just refinished, basement !

Hope you made out OK too Dave !!

Oh yeah, after today, it supposed to rain again all week.

I'll be hunting outta a boat, in the tamarack swamp !

This is down the road from my brother's place Saturday before noon !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We have a soggy yard at home here but no water in any of the buildings, no tree damage, got lucky. We'll need a canoe to get back into deer camp tho.

Sheesh !!!! WTF !!!!

If any of the Minnesota boys might be heading out to the Oakdale Gun Cub this Sunday, Three of us from our hunting group will be there bright and early. Look for the ugly fat guy with the 99's and come over and say "hi." Always nice to meet another 'Fire member face to face.

checked on the cabin last night, the road in is wet but the cabin is fine after the storms. we got blasted with another storm on our way out of the forest last night.

I set out a new cellular trail cam last night. Moultrie XV7000i

We have very poor cell service out there so it will be interesting to see if the camera can manage to upload any images from where I set it up.

Good newses Dave !

I though you hated (

) Moultrie ?

good catch.

Yes we had bad luck with earlier moultrie cams. 2 years ago I took a chance on an inexpensive unit that ran on double A batteries, possibly a M30 model? anyways, it worked really well for me and last year I grabbed a second unit of the same model, also did very well for us. So I decided to give this cellular unit a try. Fingers crossed.

I've still got a working one from 2008 !

My only beef is it eats batteries when it gets really cold.

8 aa per 2 days once -15*C or colder !!!

Buddy's got one, same vintage, maybe 2010, that uses 4 C batteries & it lasts the whole season !

I don't know that I have one or have ever had one of any brand that lasted more than 3 years

Well, looky here;

It's raining again !

& this $hit could get ugly !!

Just heard on das radio, 2*C (Kenora) overnight.

Yikes.

My phone says low of 5*C.

Who knows

Is there anything better than watching your kids shoot wood ducks? Plenty of shooting this morning and some shots even found their target. Pretty fun to watch. And my dog....? Holy moly did the light come on! She is a retrieving fool. Her 3rd time out with very little training and she retrieved all 4 birds and 3 of them were blind retrieves. Not sure I deserve her.

Gonna get a little nipply up there tonight, eh? Throw another blanket on the bed and snuggle in!

Glad to hear the cabin is doing fine. I thought about your road when I heard about all that rain. Although you have Fords so it would be no problem, I wouldnt want it to be so muddy that Chevy's couldnt get in or out. I assume you have a friend or two with a Chevy.

I should call my chevy friends and see if they are still ok.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I don't know that I have one or have ever had one of any brand that lasted more than 3 years

I’m on year 4 for my Wildgame cams. We’ll see what happens. I’ll put some out on Saturday.

My Primos Truth 35 cams that used the big D sized batteries lasted maybe 2 years. Then I bought a Truth 36 with 8 AA’s. It’s 5 years old now. Still takes pics but doesn’t put date/time/temp on anything.

I have Primos Truth 2 that will be on season 3 this year. We’ll see how it works as well.

I don’t like the mounting of the Wildgame cams. They use tiny bungee cords. All others I have or have had, use a strap.

I gots a chebby, .......................... I use it to pull out my jeep !

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Is there anything better than watching your kids shoot wood ducks?

Watching them shoot real ducks would probably be better.

It was 44 when I went to work this morning. I was hoping for cooler.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Is there anything better than watching your kids shoot wood ducks?

Watching them shoot real ducks would probably be better.

Last weekend before archery starts for us. Can't wait to head to the cabin, last check of the cameras, finalize scouting and get ready for next week.

Originally Posted by OrangeDiablo

Last weekend before archery starts for us. Can't wait to head to the cabin, last check of the cameras, finalize scouting and get ready for next week.

Nothing like opening weekend. Good luck. I hope you have a fun hunt and make some great memories.

We will be descending on Oakdale Gun Club Sunday morning for a little range time. My self and two of my son's buddies going to shoot our rifles. Sure seems weird not having Eric around for this annual get together. He's down in Indiana now and will join us at deer camp Friday night before the opener. On the list for this Sunday will be two Savage 99's, my old Mauser '06, the AR, my slug gun, and ???? Looking forward to some much needed trigger time. If anyone's headed out there this Sunday, stop by and introduce yourself. We'll be there Sunday morning early.

antelope season starts tomorrow, I have two youngins that are real anxious to get out!

"1 issue I just thought of, is that it needs to be light enough to move into the back 40, but not so light as to blow over"

Check around, see if there are any small utility trailers for sale cheap? The tiny ones with small wheels don't fetch much, used. Built a blind on one, then you can move it around at will. Buddy of mine had one to haul his motorcycle on and offered it to me for free, when they retired and moved to FL some years ago. I wasn't smart enough at the time, to take the damn thing. It folded up so ya could store it against a garage wall.

I've seen them on FB marketplace and Craig's List for $200 or less.

Can't buy a drop of rain here in our part of PA. Been moving dirt in the woods all summer. Rainy first half of summer, now the dirt is like flour.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

antelope season starts tomorrow, I have two youngins that are real anxious to get out!

I'm anxious to see the pics

gophergunner
You missed me or I missed you, I worked as ranger officer/RSO Thursday and Friday on the 100 yard range at OGC.

Aw that's too bad! We'll be there Sunday around 8. If you're out there stop by and say hi. Can't wait to get some trigger time. I live down in Prior Lake. I'd get on the list for a membership, but it's just too far for me to justify regular trips up there. Sure is a nice facility though. I really appreciate how they are about following the rules.

Just got back from the rifle range. No excuses now if somebody misses! I joined my son's two buddies this morning. We had a good range session. The Model 99 .243 is all set. Really looking forward to hunting with these young men. They keep me wanting to be in the woods. A good bunch of guys.

Got out and cleared lanes and put up some cameras with the boy yesterday. Did some shooting at a range by where we hunt.
Beautiful day in the woods.

Today is my step-daughters fall softball state tournament.

Best of luck to your step daughter Tom. The main thing is, I hope she doesn't get hurt.

I umpired two slowpitch games yesterday in a charity tournament. Had a lot of fun. All four teams were fun to work with. No controversial calls. I really enjoyed it.

This coming season will be our 13th deer season at camp chickenbuck. I've never seen near as much water as we have right now, not even during spring thaw. There is basically nowhere to hunt without waterproof knee boots. We've been getting pounded regularly with a band of weather, I believe somewhere between 14 and 16 inches in the past 10 days. There's just no hope for the water to go down before deer season. It's pouring rain as I type this, storms forecast for all day today.

That's gonna raise hell with the road. Are the ditches filled up on the driveway? I can imagine getting back to your stand will require some waders if it keeps up.

The ditched road is holding up although we have some new beaver sign. So, when trapping starts up we;ll have to take care of that again.

Lucky #13 !!

Ole forky toes is gunna get it !

BOOM.

Ole Forky be waling around with a cane by this point.

He might be easier to shoot now though since he needs a canoe get move around.

Been a busy month, so finally shot the bow. Everything grouping well, just an inch or two high. Glad I got it readjusted. Other than that, checked some cameras, found s few good bucks, set up a few stands, and repaired the chimney. 5 more days....

I hope theres not a lot of drowning dear at chickenbuck. poor critters get tough to get around out in the swamp!

The swamp squid's territory has expanded, all the way to the yard of the cabin. Need to carry a firearm to the out house.

Knife gun still the preferred weapon of choice ?

Yes

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Knife gun still the preferred weapon of choice ?

Joe probably has a few left if you need one.

Roger that, probably will need one this year !

Venturing into the tamarack swamp on Saturday, to set up.

Luckily, my lil 350 fortrax is light & will probably float.

Those little suckers do float!

Shot the slug gun and the AR with a different scope on it yesterday. All went well, but I doubt the AR will see the woods, as there's 4 deer rifles ahead of it. We're just outside that Chronic Wasting area up by Emily. If I kill one Saturday, I'll go pick up a CWD tag and try for a doe the next day in the CWD area.

What's the slug gun you're hunting with?

20 ga. Mossberg 500 Bantam. I added on an extra recoil pad to stretch the stock out a bit, and it wears a rifled cantilever barrel with an old K 2.5 Weaver scope. 2" high at 50 yards puts me 2" low at 100 yards. It likes Hornandy SST slugs. 2" group at 100 yards.

You can use scoped on muzzle loaders now. I'll use that anymore instead of a shotgun these days. I don't have anything with a slug barrel. That cheap ass muzzle loader shoots as good as I can.

It's pretty remarkable how well the front stuffers can shoot.

Man am I getttng the itch for deer season! I'm just sitting here thinking about all the young 'uns getting ready to go chase some deer. We don't have any youngsters in our group right now. Kinda miss having a kid around asking lots of questions, and learning from us old farts. I think I might have find a kid here in the neighborhood and take him out with us. Nothing like passing it on to the next generation. Good luck to all the guys showing the next generation how it's done.

The boy and I spend a lil bit of time in the woods on Saturday morning. He's pretty fired up. There are some decent bucks on his trail cam by one of his spots.

He also bought a ladder stand with his own money. We'll put that together this week and get in the woods in a few weeks. The red wagon will be loaded up Wednesday night and pointed west to SD early Thursday morning. We're pretty excited for that!!

Good luck Tom & JackHammer !!

Best of luck Tom & Jack! You are making great memories!

Originally Posted by tzone

The boy and I spend a lil bit of time in the woods on Saturday morning. He's pretty fired up. There are some decent bucks on his trail cam by one of his spots.

He also bought a ladder stand with his own money. We'll put that together this week and get in the woods in a few weeks. The red wagon will be loaded up Wednesday night and pointed west to SD early Thursday morning. We're pretty excited for that!!

Umpiring all those games this summer for hunting money? Good job Jackhammer! Best of luck to you guys Tom. Wish I was there to watch him drag one out! Have a great time.

tzone.
Good luck and have a great time.

Wyoming elk report. Wife shot her bull about 6 pm yesterday and shorty after will taking care of it another bull stepped out of the trees to see what was going so I shot him. Then we had the fun of a 5 to 6 hour ride in the dark back to the truck. Have I mentioned how much fun it is to ride a horse down the mountain in the dark.

I told the guide I wanted a nice juicy young bull and that is what I got. During the night a griz dragged my elk into the woods took a big bite out of a hind quarter and took the head. We could not find it, the head, did get the meat.

Wife and I saw 11 bull elk yesterday and the guide saw 3 more for a total of 14. The wife's bull was with about 12 to 16 cows, never could get a good count before she shot him.

We knew the bear was in the area before we got the elk because we cut the grizzly track in the fresh elk tracks. This made for some tense time while working on the elk. It should be noted the guide had a 44 mag on his hip and an 870 with slugs close by.

Congrats Tjay, good eating for sure!

Generally speaking, what part of Wyoming?

Jeff

We were hunting south of Yellowstone N.P.. Up out of turpine [sp] meadows. If you heard of the guide the bear killed last year we were in a couple of miles of that.

Good luck Tom and jack!

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Knife gun still the preferred weapon of choice ?

Joe probably has a few left if you need one.

You need to carry one at all times up at the Chickenbuck, the swamp squids are going crazy with all this water...

Joe, will hip boots be enough? Do hunters need chest waders or full scuba gear and wet suits this year?

It all depends on which stand you go to, the only stand you’ll need waders for is Taylor’s, the rest I think you could get by with knee high boots.

We made it back from SD last night. It was a fun, beautiful, and successful trip on a few fronts.

1) We got to visit Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, and the Boss...the little girl that runs the house.

They're always so welcoming. Ryan threw some elk tenderloin on the smoker that happened to be ready when he skinned the deer. I'm sure me fumbling around doing it was driving him nuts since he does about a dozen a year. lol

2) We got to get boots on the ground in an area Jack and I would like to hunt in the future. Beautiful country, much, much less flat than it looks on Google Earth. Jack got to see some bucks while hunting and learn a few new ways to hunt.

3) Jack made some meat!

First morning look-out.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We were watching over this.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We saw about 10 does that morning and 5-6 bucks. Only does were legal. He had an easy wide open poke at a big doe at 154 yds about 40 seconds after we sat down that morning. But he wanted to hunt a bit and passed. It was a pretty steady stream of deer coming in for about 1.5 hours. The wind got stronger and the temps dropped a bit. So, we got up and went for a walk.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

As we were unloading gear into the back of the truck, we got a visit from the warden...which actually turned out to be Ryan looking for us. lol
he even pushed a shelter belt for us to get jack a deer. He kicked one out but it never stopped for a shot.

The after noon hunt turned out to be better in the shooting department.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The next morning....it was time to make a little meat.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

It was a great trip and tough to come back. Can't wait til we can head back out!!

That’s awesome Tom I’m really happy you guys enjoyed it so much! Welcome home!

Crap, I forgot to mention the details of the gun/load/shot!

He used a Kimber Montana, .223, Leupold VX3 2.5-8. Shooting 55gr TTSX reloads and H4895 powder.

The shot was 127 yds from where it was shot to where we were sitting. The deer took one leap about 6' in the air and dropped dead. That's the 3rd kill with this reload combo. 2 dropeed and one did a 40 yd death run.

Great job Tom and Jackhammer!

Congrats

Job well done by all.

awesome report, congratulations to you both on the successful adventure!

Originally Posted by efw

That’s awesome Tom I’m really happy you guys enjoyed it so much! Welcome home!

I missed this. Thanks Eric. Good luck on your upcoming adventure. Please check in here with a report and pics. You have a cool backstory on the whole trip. Can't wait to hear about it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

awesome report, congratulations to you both on the successful adventure!

Thanks!

The older I get, the more watching the kids be successful is important. Don't get me wrong, I still like to hunt and shoot deer.

Jack's buddy got his first deer that same night on the MN youth hunt. He'll be joining us in a few weeks in WI as well. His dad's busiest season for work is November/December and he won't get to go out. We're pretty excited to have him along. He's a wonderful kid.

Well done Boys !!

#hammertime.

Congratulations !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

#hammertime.

Just busted this up showing off for the new admin lady.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I think she digs me.

But HR thinks Tink's 69 is something I probably shouldn't talk about at work.

Ha...wait til they drink it. #mindblown

Frost on the yard this morning. Good day to tear into some coat racks and door frames. I made a scrape by the front door.

I was wondering if you posted your SD adventure's, Tom. I should have checked here first!

Originally Posted by tzone

Frost on the yard this morning. Good day to tear into some coat racks and door frames. I made a scrape by the front door.

Be careful in there T-that blind corner by the dining room might be a good spot for Jack to set up on you.......

Great photos and hunt!! Congrats to all concerned!!

current temp 23.

"up nort"

and I don't mean brainerd.

"Merp"

Urrrrrp.

Nice nut sack Dave. On that deer too!

Hey...you got something against Brainerd?!?!?

It really is a nice suburb:)

T zone, nice pics. Thanks for sharing them.

N. Dave nice buck. I have been away from here for a while but I seem to remember you posting about an addition to your cabin? Did I miss it or have you not posted any followup on that? Nothing wrong with a little re-birth of a deer camp?

I look forward to reading many more hunting stories here soon. Good luck everyone.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

"Merp"

Ya, that'll do !

Okay then, here is another hunt report.

My dad, daughter Lauren, and I went to Wyoming on an antelope hunt. This year was our 3rd year hunting this ranch.

Day 1: Right away we found one we had seen the year before that Lauren liked. We knew it was the same buck because one horn went forward and had the prong right at the top. The other horn was normal. We then found one that had a really black face that I liked. Back to the goofy buck and Lauren had an opportunity, but it didn't work out. Next to try and find the black faced buck.....but there was this little wet spot on the two-track road. Dad thought, oh, that looks like we could get stuck so I will put one wheel out onto the grass so it doesn't sink. BAD idea. the wheel in the grass sunk and we were left trying to push out a Super Duty. Lots of stuffing rocks, grass, and sticks under the wheel and pushing for all we were worth finally got us out.

By the time we got back to the area the black faced buck was in....no luck. He was gone.

Day 2: Today is the day to put a couple on the stringer. Except there weren't many antelope around. So Lauren and I circled around to a basin on the back side and there were a 20+. Okay, I know where they are gonna run, so back to the truck and position Dad and Lauren. Back to the basin....they were gone. Okay, all the way to the head of the basin and peak over....yep they circled around and are coming at Dad and Lauren from the back side. All the way back to the truck. 200 yards from the truck I hear, BANG!, Bang!.....there go 3 bucks back into the basin....so off I go back into the basin like a ping pong ball. Hard to imagine I know, but they outran me. They slipped over into another basin with a bunch of does. I almost had a 328 yard shot, but they took off before I could get set up.

Back to Dad and Lauren. Dad shot his doe and 5 bucks ran up to within 100 yards of Lauren who shot the biggest one. Yahoo! 2 on the stringer! We quartered Lauren's and then as we were working on Dads, I got to thinking. If I shot one yet today, we could leave tomorrow which would be good for a lot of reasons. So I let them finish and hiked up toward the basin where the group headed. Before I got there, I played cat and mouse with a buck and 2 does. One time I had them at 218 yards, but again, they took off before I could shoot. Then, after a sprint up a big hill, there they were, stopped at 358 yards. Huffing and puffing, I shot and they moved about 30 yards to the left. I shot again at 362 yards and down he went.

For those interested in the particulars, Lauren shot hers with a .243 Ruger American with a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 and 80 gr TTSX at 123 yards. Complete pass through. I shot mine with a 7mm-08 Browning XBolt with a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 with 120 gr TSXs at 358 and 362 yards. One perfect shot; one a couple inches high and couple inches too far back; both pass throughs. For a guy who grew up having to use shotgun/slugs, I was thrilled. That was really, really fun shooting. I think I want to shoot more things with that rifle!

Congrats.

Did you use TSX or TTSX?

TTSX on the .243 and TSX on the 7mm-08. I had found 5 boxes of 7-08 TSXs awhile ago for cheap and snapped them up otherwise I think all the new ones may be TTSXs now??? sure love the bullet performance for each on the 8 that we have harvested over the last few years.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Hey...you got something against Brainerd?!?!?

It really is a nice suburb:)

Lol!

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

T zone, nice pics. Thanks for sharing them.

N. Dave nice buck. I have been away from here for a while but I seem to remember you posting about an addition to your cabin? Did I miss it or have you not posted any followup on that? Nothing wrong with a little re-birth of a deer camp?

I look forward to reading many more hunting stories here soon. Good luck everyone.

There just wasn't time for an addition project this year. Best we could do is a new to us wood stove which I had to rebuild internally (some burned out steel) and a basic rearrangement of beds and furniture .

Congrats on the speed goats. Sounds like a good time.

Well done B-Man family !!

Pics when you can please.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

TTSX on the .243 and TSX on the 7mm-08. I had found 5 boxes of 7-08 TSXs awhile ago for cheap and snapped them up otherwise I think all the new ones may be TTSXs now??? sure love the bullet performance for each on the 8 that we have harvested over the last few years.

I bought a box of Vortex ammo that was TSX for 223’s. Same thing, they were cheap. The gun didn’t like them much so we just shot targets with em. We hand load the 55gr TTSX and they’re awesome!

Jack made an awesome shot, was great seeing you guys again, I wish I would have had more time to hangout!

It was great to see you guys too. Next year we should be able to have a bit more time to hang out. But you’re a busy man!!

Congratulations to your son and you TZone.
Great times and great photos! Thanks for sharing.
That is a really nice rig that you got for your son including the bog pod.
I need one of those myself.
Hugh

Originally Posted by Hugh_W2

Congratulations to your son and you TZone.
Great times and great photos! Thanks for sharing.
That is a really nice rig that you got for your son including the bog pod.
I need one of those myself.
Hugh

Thanks Hugh.

I want to make it VERY clear Incase he’s reading this...that rig isn’t his. He just got to use it!

He has a Ruger American .223 and a 7600 30-06. I’ll be hanging onto that little Kimber Montana thank you very much.

The Bog-Pod is great. It’s light weight, extends quickly, and is rock solid when you need it. I used Ryan’s last year. I think it’s an essential part of our gear out there. Here in a “hub style” blind too.

This is an attempt to post our elk pictures.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14235270#Post14235270

Well that failed.

The rest of the story.

Half way to Rapid City on the way out we got a call from my Nephew telling us my sister had a stroke and was going into surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain. Nothing we could do so on we went. Got to Triangle X the next day and Lucas, one of the ranch managers, and our guide. Ask if we minded hunting from the ranch for a couple of day as the elk were not coming out of Yellowstone. We said sure. The next morning after getting to the trailhead we started up the mountain. Just before sunrise we approached a large meadow and saw 10 elk crossing. All bulls. Wife and I saw 7 of them about 1000 yards out. We worked our way around trying to get ahead of them but never could. We did come across 8 or so mule deer does.

We worked our way to a high point over the next several hrs. and had a nice view of a lot of good looking country. Had our lunch there and glassed for a few hrs. Did see one Mule deer buck come out a feed in the big meadow about a mile away. About 2pm we started working the clearing back towards the big meadow. At the big meadow sat and watched the area we thought the bulls might come out. No luck.

Started back down the Meadow a spotted a bull about 600 yards out. Too far for the a shot. That bull just paced us all the way down the meadow never letting us get closer than 600 yards.

We worked into the trees at the end of the meadow a cut some fresh elk track and grizzly in the elk tracks. Followed the down the trail to some fresh beds. Short time later as we neared another clearing we tied up the horses and went on foot. At the clearing we found the elk feeding. About 12 or so cow and one bull. Bull was 400 yards out and the wife made a good shot and elk was down. We kept a sharp lookout while dressing out the elk as we knew the bear was in the area. Halfway through taking care of her elk two other bulls walk out about 400 yards away. I shot right over ones back, was really less than 300, and I held for 400. They walked back into the trees and we finished with the elk.

We got on the horses and started for home. About 200 yards down the clearing Lucas say "they are back" They were now 200 yards away and it was starting to get dark. I got off the horse took my rifle kneeled down and Lucas said the one on the left is the one you shot at before so I put the crosshairs on him and bang flop. Now we had another elk. We took care of him with light from our headlamps. Then the ride out in the dark.

On the way back to the ranch we told Lucas about my sister and that we would be cutting the trip short. All in all a great trip. My cousin and his wife arrived at the ranch, we were going to be hunting with them. They went to camp as we started home. Got word that She got her first elk last Wed. A nice 6x6.

I’m very sorry to hear about your sister Terry. Her and her family will be in our prayers.

I’m glad you guys were able to make the best of the hunt and get some meet for the freezer.

Prayers sent TJAY and congrats on successful hunt.

Jack and I made it to WI to mess around a bit and see whats running around. It has been about 3 weeks since we made it out there. We fine tuned a spot for him to put up his new ladder stand. I think we did OK there. We brushed in my ground blind we have up on the "Hill Side." and we pulled the SD cards on the "Double Ladder."

We haven't had much luck with seeing bucks during the season that we find on the trail cams. But, this year there seems to be a lot more "nice" bucks on the cams we have out. There are still some spikes 'n forks, but there are quite a few more racks than past years.

Here are a few of them.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I'll try to get some better pics up instead of a pic of a pic. Sorry about that.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. She is doing well and should be home soon.

That's good to hear.

Update

Hanging weights of the 3 elk taken wife-297, mine 317 and the 6x6-411.

Sorry about the poor picture of mine. We were not wasting any time as it was getting dark, ok it was dark, and we were concerned about the bear in the area.

Originally Posted by TJAY

This is an attempt to post our elk pictures.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14235270#Post14235270

Well that failed.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. She is doing well and should be home soon.

Glad to here that TJAY !

Thanks Paul.

When I get the scenery pictures loaded I will try to post them.

No problem, if you have issues, let me know.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. She is doing well and should be home soon.

Good to hear!

And congrats on the successful hunt!

'Woke up this morning to three deer under the bird feeder right outside the living room window. Deer season just can't come fast enough!

Wyoming 2019.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14239737/elk-country

I have no Idea how to get them from the gallery to here.

absolutely beautiful country!

It sure is

Agree on the scenery, especially for us flatlanders!

Heading out to the range this morning for one last session. Gonna work with my grand daughter's .243 a little bit and run some through my AR. Man, am I getting the itch for deer season! Good luck to all the Minnesota and Wisconsin boys. Looking forward to hearing how the Chickenbuckers do, and T-zone and Jackhammer too!

I hope the road to chickenbuck Is open and dry again. might be froze by season starts so that be a good thing. 17 degrees here this morning in the northland.

I had 22 on my way to work this morning Buschy. A nice wake up on the walk into the field office.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Wyoming 2019.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14239737/elk-country

I have no Idea how to get them from the gallery to here.

Beautiful !!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

I hope the road to chickenbuck Is open and dry again. might be froze by season starts so that be a good thing. 17 degrees here this morning in the northland.

I hope it freezes real good. I showed 11 degrees from pics I received from deer camp this morning. I had 15 at home.

Good luck to you guys Dave. I sure hope you can get into the camp on your trail.

First deer season on ice skates is around the corner if those temps hold!

Saw air photos of "Lake Roseau" on Fargo news channel earlier this week.

The way it sounds they can skate into the shack.

Yeah, but the deer will be wearing skates too-so will the swamp squids.

30* and snowing here. Feels like deer season to me.

we've been in the single digits in the mornings, highs in the 30's. got 2 bucks in the back yard right now. once is a really wide 2x3, gotta be 28" wide, pretty cool to see

So it’s a 5 pointer?

Just got back from the happy hunting grounds. I won't be able to get my deer cart back to my spot. The trail's flooded out down in a nasty little bottom, and I'd have to cut a new trail on higher ground to get around the flooded area. LOTS of scrapes on the trail I'm watching. Looks like their just getting going up there. Didn't see any wolf sign, which is a good thing. One week to the opener......

You could try one of those tree umbrellas above your chair.

I've got one and it will be going for sure. I hate hunting in the rain.

Dave-how many do you have in camp for the opener this year? 'Bet that cabin gets a little full huh? Tell Chickenbuck Joe good luck! Have a great time, and make the meat pole sag heavily!

Took jack and two buddies to the WI deer camp today. We put up his new ladder stand, grabbed the SD card from my ground blind, and cut some shooting lanes for jacks buddy to put up a ground blind.

I think we have a fairly full camp this year, plus grand babies which although quite small, require the space of 2 full grown humans it seems. lol!

You won't have to worry about that water gopher, it will turn to hard water. Several of our stands have water that we have to cross this year, I went to my spot and to my daughters yesterday morning. Ice is forming, enough in some areas to hold me up. We are supposed to see single digit lows this week so that will firm things up even further.

You need to find yourself a natural blind like this!

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

Out in the cedar swamps, roots run on the surface and you get blow downs that uproot the whole base now and then. Some form a back wall, this one is like a dome, lol.

Firewood gathering on Saturday. 3 loads like this, should easily take us through the winter for the frequency we actually visit the shack.

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

Yesterday morning as the sun was coming up, low light shot from the wood stove tending position.

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

coffee is on.

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

Something ripping up the tags by my deer stand.

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

This is a temporary bridge which is now decked with lumber. We will be attempting to cross with pickup trucks.

[Linked Image from i43.photobucket.com]

Originally Posted by tzone

Took jack and two buddies to the WI deer camp today. We put up his new ladder stand, grabbed the SD card from my ground blind, and cut some shooting lanes for jacks buddy to put up a ground blind.

Go get 'im guys!

I started rounding up my gear out in the garage. Still debating on humping the blind into my spot. It'd be nice if the ice would set up like up by you, Dave, but it's just not cold enough in my A.O. yet. Your camp looks good. Hope you guys get into the deer. Do you need to draw doe tags up there or is it either/or? We're within a couple miles of the CWD zone, and can get doe tags for over there for $2.50 each. I'm thinking if I happen to tag out Saturday, I'll buy one tag for over there and try to fill it later Saturday afternoon or Sunday. Once again, good luck to everyone and hunt safe.

Thanks for the tour Dave.

This is the stuff I like the most !

Hoping you guys have a blessed season.

We opened Saturday morning, so spent mucho blind time.

No meat hanging, from 3 of us.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Damned bears better go to sleep soon !

It looks like we'll have 5 at da WI camp. Shaping up to be a fun little get-together. I've been sicker'n a dog the last week or so. But managed to make to the woods to show the two other guys around a bit. My buddy Jeff and his son Owen will be joining us as well as Jack's other buddy I've talked about before.

All these boys have grown up together, play baseball and football together so I think it will be a great time.

Pulled the card on one the trail cam by my blind and have a few bucks. All of them are targets...just some more than others.

Biggest guy I've seen show up so far.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

There is a scrape under that angled tree in the left of the pics.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Back again.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Have 2 pics of this guy, both times stopping right there when the cam got him. No other pics of him. I'm assuming he's scent checking that scrape.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

A few randoms...
[img]https://i.imgur.com/q3dPtzG.jpg[/img]

I liked this one because it caught the Blue Jay.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/EUwdCuz.jpg[/img]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

We opened Saturday morning, so spent mucho blind time.

No meat hanging, from 3 of us.

I saw meat in front of you. Why don't we see any on the ground? That looked like a decent buck!

He was there for about a minute, hard quartering, before the darkies came out !

As if this morning, I was sitting out opener and going to my buddies shack on Sunday night.

The only opener I’ve ever missed was last year when I went to SD, Black Hills.

Got a cool phone Call a while ago. Jim is a very good family friend that I consider more of an Uncle than a friend. Jim really got me into hunting and fishing as much as I am now now. Jim’s son, Jesse, and I have been friends since we were 9 or 10.

I figured he wanted to see if I was getting ready for the opener. He was kinda. He was “scouting”

to see what I was up to and if I planned on hunting our old stomping grounds at all.

I told him I hadn’t been there in a few years since we were in SD last year and my opening day plans with my son changed, I really hadn’t been there at all.

He said...”let’s do it. Let’s get back in there for a walk and see what we can find. We had about 5 permanent stands built and a few portables up until 2 years ago when Jack and I pulled the portables.

This place is about 20 miles north of Duluth. Pretty much the Iron Range where deer eat pine cones and tag alder buds. A chance a true trophy buck is there. But any deer up there, especially “wingin it” is a trophy.

It’s on now....I’m fired up!!

Always love to see the camp photo's. Trail cam pic's are great to. Good luck to you guys, our opener isn't until the 15th.

Originally Posted by tzone

As if this morning, I was sitting out opener and going to my buddies shack on Sunday night.

The only opener I’ve ever missed was last year when I went to SD, Black Hills.

Got a cool phone Call a while ago. Jim is a very good family friend that I consider more of an Uncle than a friend. Jim really got me into hunting and fishing as much as I am now now. Jim’s son, Jessie, and I have been friends since we were 9 or 10.

I figured he wanted to see if I was getting ready for the opener. He was kinda. He was “scouting”

to see what I was up to and if I planned on hunting our old stomping grounds at all.

I told him I hadn’t been there in a few years since we were in SD last year and my opening day plans with my son changed, I really hadn’t been there at all.

He said...”let’s do it. Let’s get back in there for a walk and see what we can find. We had about 5 permanent stands built and a few portables up until 2 years ago when Jack and I pulled the portables.

This place is about 20 miles north of Duluth. Pretty much the Iron Range where deer eat pine cones and tag alder buds. A chance a true trophy buck is there. But any deer up there, especially “wingin it” is a trophy.

It’s on now....I’m fired up!!

Glad to hear you're gonna have boots on the ground Saturday morning Tom. Best of luck to you buddy. We head out Friday morning. I'm sure we'll make a stop at Wally World, and one for groceries in Crosby, but then we're up to the lake. I'm still gonna try to haul my blind back in there. I'm taking shears with to see if I can clear a trail around the flooded area to get my deer cart back in there. Sucks that I just have so little "wind" these days. If I can't get the blind back in there, I've got a roll of burlap camo I'll take back and make a small ground blind to sit in. We've got to go check out Eric's spot too. Hoping to get all this done and be back to the cabin by 4 to get dinner going. I'm really pumped up, but it matters more to me to see the youngsters fill their tags. Eric and his buddies are good kids, and that would be awesome to see them tag out.

Well, Mrs Deb took matters into her own hands last night.

Decided to sit for the afternoon, as we had a cold front coming in.

4:45pm, Savage lady hunter in 7mm-08, 120gr TTSX Barnes Vortx, 2-7 x Redfield revolution.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Meat hanging !!

Tenderloins n heart for supper tonight.

Sweet! Way to break the Canadian Ice Deb!!

Is that a 7pt Paul? Looks like a nice fat buck there!

Yep 7pt & a fatty !

Guessing a 2 & 1/2 year old.

Will eat really well.

Very nice, congratulations to her!

Nice tasty looking deer, congrats to your better half.

tzone, if your running around up-north. Camp Isabella is always open and the coffee is on.

How do you like that Savage lady hunter??

I'm not sure who you're talking to. But calling someone's lady a Savage is not very becoming.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Nice tasty looking deer, congrats to your better half.

tzone, if your running around up-north. Camp Isabella is always open and the coffee is on.

Thanks TJAY! We won't quite be that far up.

...someday I'll get up there. I want my son to experience a hunt up there. No place else in the country like hunting those woods.

Originally Posted by Bocajnala

How do you like that Savage lady hunter??

Jake(?),

Deb loves it !

I think it was a great choice for her, first "own" rifle !

I've also used it on a bull moose, when my .308 was giving me accuracy issues, 2 days before a fly in trip.

Didn't/don't notice the shorter LOP when dressed like the michelin man !

Also took my biggest buck with it.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Accutrigger is awesome & the barrel & action coating are standing up well to our $hitty conditions.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Didn't/don't notice the shorter LOP when dressed like the michelin man !

Accutrigger is awesome & the barrel & action coating are standing up well to our $hitty conditions.

I hate to admit it, but the stock fits pretty damn well with the heavy coat on!

I try and give this warning every year....

Most deer hunting injuries happen due to tree stands. Please be extra careful when climbing up and down into stands. And if you used natural materials (ie logs and branches), be extra careful as they make up a disproportionate amount of the injuries. I really don't want to read about one of the people that frequent this thread having a tree stand accident. Or any accident for that matter.

Lastly, enjoy deer hunting. Have fun. If you are cold and miserable, take a break and warm up if you need to. Enjoy the time with family and friends. And if you are fortunate enough to harvest a deer, take a moment to cherish the moment. It is so easy to jump right into pictures, field dressing, dragging, etc. Take time to drink it all in.

Extra photography tidbit: Take pictures of your stand from where the deer was shot as it is an interesting perspective (the one the deer had). For grip and grin pictures, get low with the camera. Take pictures from a lot of angles. Stage the deer on its chest with its feet curled under it. Make sure the antlers are in front of a background that allows you to see the antlers really well. Most of the time, the antlers should NOT be in front of the hunter. The sky is the best (especially if the picture is taken from a low angle). It is amazing how good those pictures turn out! If you do a good job staging, you will want that picture on the wall to remind you of the hunt. Not many pictures on the tailgate make the wall!

Best of luck to all of the Chickenbuckers!

Best of luck to you too Bman.

This is where I'll be spending most of my hunting time this year. I love being outdoors in a stand but warmth and comfort are appealing too!

Great job on that enclosed blind.

Great stand Jim. It looks warm. Which is more than I will be this weekend!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Great job on that enclosed blind.

Thank ya kindly, kind sir!

Thanks T!

Hey Rooster,

Awesome job on the box blind buddy !!!

Deb & I just purchased a new home & 80 acres of land, that backs onto 460 acres of hard to access public land.

Settlement at the end of the month.

That's how we'll roll next season too !

I'll be hitting you up, expect some PM traffic next summer.

Thanks Paul and a big congrats on the new place! Sounds like you will have some great land to hunt!

Also, tell Deb congrats on the buck!

Good luck this year!

I had an appt. so I was able to get out of work early today. When I got home there was still a little over an hour of daylight left so I gather up some things to bring to the blind so I won't have to carry them out in the dark on Saturday morning. I had that nagging feeling that I shouldn't do it this close to season but hindsight and all...

I drove up, shut the truck off, got out and opened the back door to grab my stuff and I hear something behind me. I turn around and there is a big 10 point (definite shooter) large bodied, buck running across the pasture and into the corn about 40 yards away from me. He must have been bedded in some of the thicker stuff on the hillside not far from my blind.

Damn it! I hope I didn't blow him out of the country! I'm positive he didn't smell me when I got out of the truck and he didn't have his white flag up and wasn't running flat out so I think the noise of the truck that close and then shutting off had him thinking he better get out of his hidey hole. Schidt! I'm hoping he comes back around!

that is a shame.

shame

shame

shame.

Rooster needs the shame stick!!

Congrats to Paul and Deb on the home and land purchase! That’s exciting.

Good luck to all the MN deer hunters this weened.

Chickenbuck Joe...this is your year for a buck.

Yes. Good luck everyone and stay safe!

I can't find my Chicken Buck hat anywhere.

I don't remember if I had it up at the shack during ML or not.

If not, I think I know what happened to it. At the end of the regular gun season last year, I was packing up the blind and stuff in the dark and it was brutal cold and windy. I kinda recall putting it on over a thicker face mask to make the trek through the brush back to the truck. I bet it got snagged off my melon and then covered up in snow. DRATS!

No bucks been spotted, no deers been shotted. Some does and fawns observed by nearly all, good food and great company. Grandbabies were at deer camp, very good babies. Lots of fun.

No luck for our crew. We never saw a deer until we were driving out of the woods to go home today. Not much shooting. Didn't see any deer on trucks coming out of our area. Of course, lots of wolf sign. Shoot Shovel and Shut Up doesn't seem to be working real good in our area.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No bucks been spotted, no deers been shotted. Some does and fawns observed by nearly all, good food and great company. Grandbabies were at deer camp, very good babies. Lots of fun.

Good stuff !

Locked down here too !

Joe saw a doe & fawn Friday afternoon.

I saw a little buck Saturday morning.

No other sighting for the 3 day weekend.

Thank you to all who served !

There are no deer moving in this shack. I’ve been looking too.

Was a cold, windy sumb!tch too !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Was a cold, windy sumb!tch too !

I was snug as a bug in a rug.

Got a freezer pleaser at 8:15 am yesterday.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by northern_dave

No bucks been spotted, no deers been shotted. Some does and fawns observed by nearly all, good food and great company. Grandbabies were at deer camp, very good babies. Lots of fun.

Good stuff !

# 1

No deer shot and only one seen by five hunters at our camp about 40 miles SW of Chickenbuck. Many coyote and wolf tracks outnumber deer tracks by far! Very few shots heard in area and deer seem to be moving after dark with several deer sighted from vehicles on roads while going to and from camp. Almost got an eight pointer with my truck on drive home last night. Missed him by inches. Swamps were frozen and covered with 2-3 inches of snow but minimal deer tracks visible.

Well Done Rooster !!

I was warm on stand, it was the getting to & from.

Saturday evening, I went to "unzip" to get out, heat had melted enough snow, that runs down the outside wall.

Damned crap iced up my zipper, so bad, & being so strong, I busted the 2 inside zipper tags off.

Lock de-icer, butane torch lighter & lots of swearing & I finally got out 20 minutes later.

$hit's funny, when you look back on it.

Another reason I don't like pop up blinds. The zippers are junk and LOUD on a cold, still morning.

***sneak sneak sneak, don't step on that stick, watch out for that crusty icy spot, sneak sneak sneak***

"Awww finally here. I was so sneaky, no deer heard me. It's gonna be a great morning. I can feel it!"

ZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thank you to all who served !

Yes. thank you to all!

The moon is really working against us. It has been so bright at night, cold last night too though. I saw -13

A warm up for the upcoming weekend will not exactly help either. All that being said, you never know when the rut will help out and send a buck across your path in daylight hours.

Good luck Dave. I hope you guys see some movement. It's tough staying focused when there's not much going on.

The deer stand is a sanctuary, I enjoy it very much regardless of the number of deer I may not see. Life is so busy, moments of silence are few and far between.

I like to reflect on decades of deer hunting. At first there was more energy than experience. The energy created experience. Now the energy is fading, along with hearing and eyesight... and the experience is my crutch.

I enjoy being out there, I don't get down about lack of deer sightings, gotta put the time in.

Best of luck to you as well.

We have 300 acres of corn still on the vine in our area. Yikes, but that is a lot of corn flakes. Still, we saw a lot of deer. I saw 57 on Saturday but "only" 26 on Sunday. I feel plenny guilty for even typing those numbers when I read about all the people who saw few or none. As a group of 9, we shot 5 does and 2 bucks. My youngest twin boy shot a doe and my oldest twin boy shot a nice 8 point buck. I was always hunting with them so I am not shooting. the youngest twin passed a couple small bucks and my daughter did too. I wish I could transplant a few deer as we have too many. Will continue to cull them and plan on bringing some to the venison donation program.

That sounds great.

We've got ok deer numbers, it's just a different hunt, big forest, no crop land to "come out to feed".

Same game, It's just a different course. My few and far between deer sightings from heavy timber setups are of equal or greater value to me as groups of 20+ deer I see out in farm country at the edges of woods or just out in the middle of no cover.

We're having a good year, consistent fresh sign and a few sightings here and there, that's enough to keep me happy.

BM,

There is nothing to feel guilty about. There are plenty of deer around here. But we don’t see 50 deer a day because it’s not open country. Like Dave said. They don’t come out to feed. They’re always feeding. But we can see 100yds, not 100’acres. Kinda like hunting out west. You see tons of game even though there is probably more deer here, population wise.

Totally different hunts. Both fun. The big woods is in my blood. It always will be. I won’t shoot as many deer, or see even close to as many. But, it keeps sucking me back in! 😀

The daughter and I went out last night. She asked me what time legal shooting was over and I told her. One minute after legal shooting time she had a big 8 at 30 yards. She didn't shoot.

Camp Isabella report.

So far no deer have been harmed. But two were closed to being taken. Just the wife and me hunting now. The oldest stepson and wife went home Friday. They did see deer and had shots but went home without.

Been colder than heck living in the tents for the last week and have burned enough diesel fuel, about 60 gal. so far.

Did have a wolf walk by my stand yesterday, he stopped 15 yards away, looked nice in the scope. Had a gps collar and ear tag.

Chickenbuck report. I hunted by myself yesterday afternoon. Had 3 u der my elevated blind, doe, fawn, fawn. Fun to watch, took pictures and video, not what Im looking for at this point. In the stand again currently, windy morning, warm, possibly close to 30F before sunrise.
4" of snow on the ground and it is soft, quiet walking. Quiet for me, more quiet for the deer. We have 4 hunters out this morning. No deer taken at our camp yet. Someone may take a doe this morning, perfectly legal in our hunt area so its personal preference.

Chicken buck report, my dream buck popped out on my clear cut this morning! I shot him and bam I got myself a big 9 point... I’ll try figure out how to put pictures on here

Good job Joey, I just seen s picture of your buck. Very nice! Awesome forest buck u got there!

Teaser photo for now. Details and more pics to come.

[Linked Image]

Good job young man

Way to go Joe!

If someone can fix my image link, have at it.

I hate photobucket so bad, and my poor service area makes it worse.

[Linked Image]

That's a beautiful buck guys. Good job to the junior 'Bucker.

That`s a fine buck Joe !
What did you shoot him with ?

Tikka 308

Attached picture D3CA219C-5D43-42C3-8D93-AEA235C27EB1.jpeg

Is that the biggest one taken from there so far?

yes, it is.

better story after a bit. I have a noon meeting.

good deal chickenbuck

Nice job Joe.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Outstanding !!

Congratulations Joe !!!!!

Awesome buck! What a great feeling, eh? Super pumped for you and all the Chickenbuckers up there to get a big one. Congrats!

Sunday;

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Sunday;

Moose!

It's the right size, but pretty thin/skinny for a moose !

????

Cow moose. No doubt.

Here is a bull moose track on top of a cow track. Top of the pic, you can see the cow moose track. Very similar in size and shape to your pic.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Who's still hunting in Zone 1? All this house selling/buying stuff's really cramping my style.

Just got back from Bigfork yesterday. Shot a 4 point, 160 lbs. Only deer taken out of our camp so far. We do still have a couple guys hunting on and off the rest of the week.

Still rifle hunting here.

13 seasons of land ownership, cabin construction, upkeep, trail making, stand building and upkeep to trails and stands. Firewood cutting, road work, fighting beaver problems.... hours and hours in deer stands.... We endured the bovine TB issue that ruined our deer hunting for basically about a decade.

It was so very much welcomed and fulfilling, this Buck that Joey tagged. And it is my honest preference that the experience went to one of the kids.

Much hope for similar experiences going forward as a deer camp.

Missy's buck was also a very good deer in the 2018 season too. Outlook is a bit brighter, enthusiasm is a bit boosted. We were a happy camp regardless, but a couple nice deer does boost the morale, for certain.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Just got back from Bigfork yesterday. Shot a 4 point, 160 lbs. Only deer taken out of our camp so far. We do still have a couple guys hunting on and off the rest of the week.

That's nice body 4 point Jeff! I passed on a forky opening day...I should have shot as it's the only buck I've seen and it had a big body. No more MN hunting for us. We are headed to WI on Friday morning to give it a shot there. We'll have a fun crew and a full camp this year. Really looking forward to it.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

.

It was so very much welcomed and fulfilling, this Buck that Joey tagged. And it is my honest preference that the experience went to one of the kids.

It so awesome when the kids do well. Never in a 1000 years would I have ever thought I'd feel that way. But I do. Nobody mentioned that in the parents handbook, that you'll be more excited for you kids to succeed in the woods. They can shoot ever big buck in the woods as far as I'm concerned. I'll be happy with nice fork horn for the freezer. Or a doe when the tags permit.

We are all happy for Joey. Knowing Joe, I wish I could have been there to see his level of excitement. It certainly cannot be matched by anything.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Just got back from Bigfork yesterday. Shot a 4 point, 160 lbs. Only deer taken out of our camp so far. We do still have a couple guys hunting on and off the rest of the week.

Congrats Jeff. Hope you guys can finish out with some more tags filled.

It sure makes me feel good that Joey got that one. I was pretty happy when I saw the FB post. What great icing on the cake, eh?

By the way, how is the grouse population up there? My dad has a place south of you (Pennington) and the grouse pop there is beyond horrible.

Grouse population seems healthy. One of the girls popped one in the cabin yard on saturday. Joe has taken quite a few this fall, I have heard them every evening as they flap their way up into the tag alders, birch and poplar tree tops to feed in the fragile branches on buds.

Congrats Joey....Really Nice Buck!!!!

Great comments Dave. It's cool to be to the point where it's more important for the kids to fill a tag than it is for us. I feel the same way. Good luck to Tom and Jackhammer as they head to Sisconnie. 'Got a feeling Jackhammer's gonna score on a big one.

Last day of rifle season. Nathan was in brown its down mode, downed a small brown.... lol

In an equally weak moment for myself, I took a dry doe with a henry lever action 44 rem mag that was given to me as a gift. One of those rifles laying around that needed to take its first deer. It was a nice experience even though I didn't really care to take a doe. Very quick and clean kill, neck shot bang flop, no wasted meat.

Its been a super fun season with grandbabies at camp.

Glad you guys had a good time Dave. Congrats again to Joe!

That's great Dave !!

We got some meat hanging, this weekend too !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

My buck & buddies doe.

Well, the last day of the season I was content to sleep in as I had passed up a nice buck the night before and the kids had provided plenty of meat, but my daughter wanted to go. I am sure glad she did. Had to pull off a spot and stalk on this guy with my brother. Great hunt. Didn't know he even existed as he wasn't ever on our trail cams. Some days it pays to get out of bed! For the numbers crowd: 12 ga Beretta with Barnes Expander slugs. 157 4/8".

[Linked Image]

b man what did that thing weight . good one for shore

STUD B-Man !!!

I have not been out much this year due to health issues but love seeing the nice bucks posted here.
This morning was a lucky day. I saw 3 bucks between 9 &10:00 am. This one ran by but stopped at about 70 yards when I yelled at him. Whistling & bleating didn't work but a loud HEY got his attention. Go figure.
Dave, the 44 mag is a good deer round. If I wasn't hunting the edge of a big field that's what I would have had with me.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

/\ I love that buck!

Mine only weighed 161 pounds. That was 20 pounds less than a 2.5 year old my son shot. His nose to eye measurement was very small too. We are going to get a tooth aged. Seems crazy his body was so small.

He's a beauty Jim, congratulations !!

Sure doesn't look like that here though !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

He's a beauty Jim, congratulations !!

Sure doesn't look like that here though !

Do you mean the lack of snow? We had a few inches around the 13th or 14th but it has been in the 40's for a while. I do like snow for hunting but it's nice not having to shovel it. How much do you have up there?

Not a ton, but the ground is frozen now, so it's here to stay !

BM,

Hard to believe your bucks only weights 160. Pics make it look much bigger.

My late FIL shot a WI 10pt that was very skinny and small in body. I’d bet it didn’t weigh 150 pounds.

I would be surprised if yours is only 160 tho. We have forkies that big up north.

Yep, ours too !

Big bodies, small racks for the most part !

Berettaman,
Awesome buck! Congrats!

Tzone,
well, give it credit for the last pound...it was 161! We weighed my sons 2.5 year old and it weighed 181 which is in line with what a 2.5 should have weighed roughly. I hung on the scale and it was accurate. We also have forkys that will hit that weight. But the nose to eye measurement doesnt lie either...7 1/4". That is really small for a rack that size as most taxidermied bucks are in that 7 3/4 to 8" range. We are as confused as everyone. We are getting a tooth aged to solve the mystery. I just dont think there is any way possible a wild deer grows that rack at 2.5. And no, there are no deer farms around.

Some really great bucks shot this year by Chickenbuckers, highlighted by Joey's monster!

You might be surprised at the age. Rumors have it the world record by milo Hanson was 3.5.

A guy I worked with was ready to go to war with the DNR when he found out the 23” wide, 140” 8pt he shot was 2.5yrs old. He refused to believe it, because he was a huge promoter of QDM and didn’t want to be ridiculed for shooting a young buck.

Tom....How are you guys doing in Wi?

I got a buck up in Bigfork. 4 point rack, 12" spread, 12" long main beams with one non-symmetrical tine on each beam. DNR aged him at 2.5, we weighed him at 160#.

Congrats Jeff!

We haven’t connected in WI yet. Strange year. Not much for deer sightings at all actually. We’re going to head back up Friday morning and give it a shot for a few more days.

Happy Thanksgiving all!!

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving to all my "cyber" friends in the USA.

Had ours a month ago.

To all our members here, Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope your significant others FLIP YOU THE BIRD!

We're back from snowy northern WI. Meat was made and good times were had by all. The cabin was perfect for what we needed it for. I should have taken some pics of it. I'm not sure why I didn't actually.

Jack was the only one to get a deer down. I had 3 teenage boys with me. So, there was a learning curve for us all. lol. That's a lot of boys to watch over and track down at the end of each hunt.

I'll get some pics posted up later after I catch back up at work with all the emails from being gone for nearly a month.

Congratulations to the Hammer Clan !

I don't even need to hunt anymore. The kid fills the freezer and I drive him to hunting spots.

He had a nice buck at 30 yards that he said was as wide as his ears. But it was behind brush doing the "head-bob" and he couldn't get a good shot at it. He was pretty shook up.

Had a touch of the 'fever'.

Ah, yeah, that's what it's all about Tom !!

Well it took me a bit. But lets get to some pictures of a week of WI deer hunting.

Here was what I was looking at opening day
Looking NW
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Looking NE
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

in the 2nd pic (looking ne) you can see a deer trail in the gap between the pines that comes up to the two dirt humps there... a doe and a teeny tiny fawn walked along it, right up to within 20 feet of me. The fawn didn't have a care in the world, even after they discovered me. The doe just turned and walked back the way they came from.

This was the other spot I watched for days without a deer.

This is up on a ridge that drops down into a brushy patch of blueberry type brush about waist high. They bed in it. Tough to see them. They travel right at the edge of the shooting lane looking west and along the side of the hill looking north.
Looking west
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Looking north
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We stayed 6 days and hunted 5 for the first round. We left Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving so we could get home and help with the Thanksgiving dinner. We headed back up early Friday morning to beat a "storm" that was supposedly on the way. But you know with the weather guessers, it may or may not come. We figured if it was coming, Friday afternoon would be a great time to be in the woods. It wasn't.

Neither of us saw a deer or even fresh tracks.

A couple of our buddies showed up Friday night and we headed to my parents place for a lasagna dinner. Expecting to see deer at every turn because the "storm was coming." Or was it?

It was and did! Wind was blowing steady 20 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH.Plenty cold for hunting from a treestand.

I decided for the last weekend of the season, I was going to use my Grandpa's Remington 740, in 30-06 of course, that I inherited last summer. Figured "what the hell, and threw on the plaid red/black wool coat, wool bibs, and wool Kromer too. Hoping Grandpa would nudge something my way.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We decided to swap stands for the morning to see some different scenery. Snow was falling at what seemed like 2 or 3 inches/hr. There was 3 or so on the ground as you can see from the other pics. By 9:00 the wind was really howling, snow was piling up fast and I was starting to wonder if we should maybe hunt closer to a road so we could get out of the woods. A few minutes later I heard a shot that sounded like a muzzle loader. A very strange, ppfffft-poW! and them what I thought was some talking. I was shocked someone else was hunting by us. We've not seen anyone back there before.

A minute or so after that I got a text from the kid saying " got her. watched her fall." now I was more shocked that it was Jack. He was hunting about 200 yards from me to the SW. The shot sounded like it was east. The snow had everything goofed up.

I texted back "that was you?!!" and I heard the Chicken Buck "whooo-looo-looo-looo"

I told him to stay put I'd be on my way.

I guess Grandpa nudged something, but it was to the wrong kid.

On the way to the stand I walked up on this.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

He saw me stop and figured I found it. The stand he was in is in the trees in the very background of the picture. There were 3 does and no fawns coming through. He picked the one that gave him a good shot. He said the others hit his wind and stopped with their noses in the air. Shot was 50 yards, slightly 1/4'ing to him. Hit the shoulder, heart, lungs, and didn't come out. She ran 25-30 yards blowing blood out the nose.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I kinda wanted to hunt the rest of the morning until noon. But with the snow coming like it was, we decided to get the deer back to the cabin and 1/4'd up to bring home. Because we planned on leaving that night after supper. I'm glad we went with that route.

There was about 1 foot of snow at the time he shot. We got back about 1hr later and it was snowing harder. The other boys came in at 12:30 or so from the woods for lunch and to start to pack up. My buddy and his son left their blinds in the woods because our plan was to hunt after lunch. The boys wanted to stay in and watch the Badgers beat up on the Gopher football team. So, we headed out to pull 2 blinds and a stand. In the 2 hrs we were at the shack, the blinds collapsed due to the snow. We got them out, pulled a ladder stand down and it was about 4:00. Just in time to have some daylight to get back to the cabin, load up, and head home.

We made it about 2 miles on a logging road, to the main gravel road that is usually plowed because it's the main route through there. Our truck tracks weren't even visible with the snow blowing all over the place. We got to the highway and kept on the road by the rumble strip. It was that bad. I've never seen it snow that hard before, ever. I called my wife and told here we're not driving home in this, but we'd leave early in the morning. We had to get back early Sunday for the 2PM MN Wild Game we had tix for.

All our food was packed and loaded in the truck, so we got back and told the boys that we were going to be forced to walk a block down the road to the bar for pizza and beer for the night. We were all disappointed.

Woke up Sunday morning to this
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

There ended up being 28" of snow that fell on Saturday.

Awesome, fun hunt. Can't wait to get back!!

Tom,

Great pics and story of your hunt! Congrats to Jack! That is big 'ol Roman nosed doe!

Ish....I don't like seeing snow like that. Not after last year. lol

Thanks for the detailed post with great pics, Tom.

Looks like a good time Tom. Congrats

Liked the pics and story, congrats to Jack. 28 inches, wow!

Thanks guys. That was a crazy amount of snow in that short amount of time. Probably ended up being 12-15 hours to pile it up. We were hunting 40 minutes SE of Duluth/Superior fairly close to the south shore of Lake Superior. They generally get more snow that way because the warm air comes across the lake and dumps that snow. But, not usually that much more!!

It's all part of the adventure. The boys we brought along are already talking about next year.

Hooked some more!!

Great picture essay Tom !!

Thanks for letting us enjoy too.

Great write up. Thanks.

Just stopped by to Wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & a safe & happy New Year !

Just about to close up the shop, & not reopening till January 6th !

You headed anywhere Paul or just hanging out with the family?

Best wishes to all our members who hang their hats on this remarkable thread Dave and the Chickenbuckers have been gracious enough to keep up and running for us. My next communications will be coming from our new home in Baxter, Minnesota in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area. I've been up there for a couple days now, but tomorrow will be the final push, thanks to UHaul. Merry Christmas guys. Best wishes to each and every one of you.

Hanging out with the family & friends Tom.

Just had gall bladder & hernia surgery, a week ago, so not allowed to do anything rowdy !

Buddy & Doug threw the shack on the hard water Saturday.

Spent yesterday gathering a nice feed !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Nice looking chow bag! I was thihnking about getting out on the ice New Years Eve and see what we can come up with. Maybe get into some big pike.

Paul,
Is that the iconic pulp mill in Dryden in the distance?

Take it easy on the backswing with the hook set, Paul! Heal up!

Our ice is ready on lake of the woods as well. As soon as we can get out there.

Merry Christmas to all.

What I have a real problem with here Paul, is this trucks don’t have dual exhaust. What kind of friends do you have?

Merry Christmas’s all!!

Merry Christmas to all.
Paul, take it easy and heal strong. IF you have a bottle or two of Canadian Blue around please have one for me. It's been way to long since I have been to camp (cabin). I will return the favor as soon as I can!

Merry Christmas Chickenbuckers!!!

A belated Merry Christmas to everyone on here. We finally got the internet working at the new house. Looking forward to exploring the Brainerd Lakes area next spring. North Long, the Whitefish Chain, and definitely some hits on the smaller lakes around here, and Leech Lake's a scant hour away. Gonna get a new used Lund in the spring and do some serious fishing. Once I learn the lakes around here a bit, if anyone wants to come down (or up) and join me for some fishing, let's talk.

Happy new year everyone!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

Stay safe all!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR
May 2020 be everything you wish it to be.

New Year's eve day was our last visit to the old house. A couple boxes of junk removed from the garage, some cleaning, and the keys were handed off to our new tennant. Mike's a buddy of my son, and hunts deer with us every fall. I was lucky enough to be there two years ago when he got his first deer. He's a good kid and will be buying the house outright this spring. Lots of memories in that house. My wife was very teary eyed when we said goodbye to our neighbors. New adventures abound in the Brainerd lakes area for us. 'Hope to be done emptying boxes and getting settled in within two weeks here. So much to do.

Happy New Year's guys. Here's to a great 2020 for eveyone.

Originally Posted by SKane

Paul,
Is that the iconic pulp mill in Dryden in the distance?

Yes Scott, that's ole Stinky !!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Take it easy on the backswing with the hook set, Paul! Heal up!

Our ice is ready on lake of the woods as well. As soon as we can get out there.

Merry Christmas to all.

Will do Dave !

Merry Christmas & a safe & happy New Year to clan Shaw !

Originally Posted by tzone

What I have a real problem with here Paul, is this trucks don’t have dual exhaust. What kind of friends do you have?

Merry Christmas’s all!!

Joe's to old for that !

My chebby is straight piped.

Cheers Jim !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

What I have a real problem with here Paul, is this trucks don’t have dual exhaust. What kind of friends do you have?

Merry Christmas’s all!!

Joe's to old for that !

My chebby is straight piped.

Pshhh. Too old. Tell that to my dad who hasn't had a vehicle without straight pipes since 1966.

At least we always knew when dad was home from work.

Need to have straight pipes to tell if it's running?

Is everyone curled up waiting for spring?

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

Busy moving between 2 houses & dealing with contractors at the moment !

T - 16 days to Caribbean cruise. Sun, booze & relax.

Where are you going on the cruise? What shipline?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Busy moving between 2 houses & dealing with contractors at the moment !

T - 16 days to Caribbean cruise. Sun, booze & relax.

Nice!!

A cruise isn't my deal but the rest of that trip sounds great.

I hope you guys have a blast!!

Cheers Tom.

Didn't think it would be mine either, growing up in small boats on the ocean, but ............. this is #11 !

Very relaxing, board, unpack in your room, excellent food, different spot every morning to explore, or ............... not !

Ports we've been to before, we often just "chill" on the ship, around a pool, tasty beverage, book & peace n quiet, as most guests leave the ship.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Where are you going on the cruise? What shipline?

Princess Cruise - Sky Princess, their newest in commission.

Cruise Itinerary
Day 1. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Day 2. Sea Day
Day 3. Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Day 4. Roatan.
Day 5. Belize City.
Day 6. Cozumel.
Day 7. Sea Day
Day 8. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

Deb has her travel agents licence & works, part time, from home - nights & weekends, for Thunder Bay Cruiseship Center..

On commission basis only, but what she earns, basically lets us travel !

Have not been to Roatan or Belize before.

Last February's cruise;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We were in Belize on a cruise a couple of years ago. We did the cave tubing and that was really fun and relaxing. Lots of jaguars on that island!

Probably a few cougars too?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Do they have any provisions to run planer boards off that sucker Paul?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

You go all that way to sit in the sun and order a Miller Genuine Draft.

All kidding aside, I could use some sun and 90* temps for a while. Like 9 months or so.

Ba da boom !

I feel better now, thanks Paul

anyone want to go for a sno cat ride?

LOVE it !!!!

Just saw the campfire thread.

need a 3 point auger so run and gun can be done!!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

need a 3 point auger so run and gun can be done!!

Caught a whitefish on Wabigoon lake on the weekend !

Didn't even know they were in there.

He'll go well, in the smoker !

Got a good feed & a couple of big girls got put back !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Mighta consumed a couple of these, phaggy looking, but tasty treats.

10.2%ABV sneaks up on you, by the end of #2 !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

selling my boat this weekend. first time I'll be without a boat in 7 years. sux not working.

Talk about reviving an old thread.....this has to be a record someplace.

It’s not revived...it’s never died!!

Originally Posted by reivertom

Talk about reviving an old thread.....this has to be a record someplace.

This thread's over 3,500 pages long-hell yeah it's old. Outside of the T&A thread down at the bottom of the forum page, this thread's got to be one of the longest onese on here. If it bores you, just don't open it up!

Ryan.....sorry about having to sell the boat. The thing with boats is you can always find another one.

Paul must have froze in the ice shack...no pics.

Ryan's not selling no stinkin boat...that's silly talk.

Ha, ha, I've had the "crud" for a week Tom !!

Sure didn't want to be confined indoors, this last weekend !

Wife's just getting over influenza A. Kicked her butt for an entire week. Headed back to work today. Sure am hoping I don't end up with it. I've washed my hands so many times, I don't have much skin left.

Anybody heading to the gun show in Deerwood, Mn next weekend? I'll be going on Saturday morning if anyone wants to match up for a coffee.

Spent the weekend on the hard water !

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Great pics of hard water fishing. Must be much warmer north of the border! Many US anglers need $30,000 campers on wheels and big snow plow trucks to enjoy what you and your group do.

we're almost ready to float boats, but I do miss late season through the ice. nothing better

Heading to the Deerwood gun show in a couple hours here. If any of the Minnesota boys are going, how bout a quick meet and greet?

Schrimp & walleye asian soup;
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Steamed walleye & rice;
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that looks like a lot of fun 99! down here if it is below 70 it is to cold to fish

Good morning all. hopefully everyone is doing well. We're all fine and haven't been impacted too much during this pandemic. Kids are out of school until May 1 so far, I'll be surprised if they go back at all this year. I guess there's something to naturally social distancing already. Thought I'd check in and see how things are going. Take care everyone!

Still alive & kicking too, Ryan.

Just said to Deb, on the weekend, that I am feeling very blessed to be so rural.

Even more than normal !

Hope everyone else is doing OK too ?

As it turns out, my normal daily routine matches the guidlines for social distancing.

Proud to say I haven't purchased anything out of the ordinary, no stockpiling os supplies.... Just regular, regular....

Same with us Dave, I just wish the walleyes were biting. Ice is out and the boat is ready to go (we're keeping it) so I'd love to take the kids out and catch some fish. I might need to make a run to the river here soon......

I'm working from home. Laptop and 1 monitor sucks. First world problems.

T-shirt fishin for crappie !

+10*C.

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Finished up with a couple of good feeds.

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Coupla cell phone pics from cocktail hour, on the back deck of the new abode, last night !

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Snows a meltin too !

👍

You fellas fishing up there on the hard water, looks like you're having a blast. Fishing side by each, and then you're pull'n down those fancy IPA's. Too many of those burgers and your head won't feel so good the next day,

Go have so fun, then have some more.

Best of wishes for a Happy Easter to Northern Dave, the Chickenbuckers, and the many folks who check in here on Dave's page. Have a good weekend everyone.

You too Jeff

we took the boat out last week, no fishes to be caught but weather was nice. we're at 9" of snow and 20 degrees now so I guess we'll wait on going out again, although I've heard the smallies are biting like crazy.

Ryan,

what this open water fishing, you speak of ?

Our pavement became very slippery, over the 4 day weekend !

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Fishin buddy watching over us;

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I might dive off a bridge if I had to ice fish in mid April.

But the fish look good!

Friday we had 20" ice, Sunday 17", Monday 15".

Yesterday was -16* + 30mph west to north-west wind.

If Doug hadn't "pushed" me, I might have stayed home !!

Saw 4 open spots on the way home yesterday afternoon, too ! 1 was shore to shore, in a narrow arm.

Pucker factor +100.

yikes, that doesn't sound like fun. hot bite on the ice does though!

Looks like I'll be getting a new to me boat this weekend. Just waiting to hear back from the owner for where and when .

What are ya gettin Jeff? got a pic?

I've been really wanting to replace the floor in my boat along with the seats/pedestals. I have the time now (kind of, still homeschooling 3-4 kids a day) and the stimulus would help, BUT it's looking like we're making a move to the river meaning more bills than we already have and other unexpected costs associated with it. So for the time being I have to live vicariously through everyone else

The boat has been listing port side while underway, shifting passengers is the only way to level it out, always fun to ask someone to move seats when you're at wide open throttle

one suspected reason is wet foam on one side (hence why I want to redo the floor/foam). trim tabs would solve it, but with the kicker on the back there's not enough room. A jacking plate would setback the motor enough to allow for the trim tabs, but even the simplest/cheapest one is $100 or more, another $3-500 for trim tabs and still not knowing the reason for it. someone else suggested the kicker might be dragging slightly. not sure it would generate the lift required for a 20 degree list like it's got. but would explain the sitting level while still or going trolling speeds. It's not a deal breaker for going out and fishing, merely an inconvenience.

this is us last year minutes before a tournament. to think we almost sold her this winter, I feel like I owe her a makeover

Picking it up tomorrow Ryan. It's a 16 ft. Lund Pro Angler. No pics yet, but I'll have some tomorrow after getting it home. 40 hp Evinrude tiller, Minnkota's front and rear. My old Sylvan just got too heavy for me to handle alone, so it was time for a lighter, more "fishing friendly" boat, and I really wanted to get back in a Lund. I remember when I first moved up here, it seemed like all I saw on the lakes were those iconic red Lunds. I had one for 25 years, and now I'm back to owning one again. Pics to follow-I'll have to have someone help me post them here. Picking the boat up tomorrow at noon.

i'd just put a bigger cooler of beer to that side and call it good. a couple 30 packs and by the time your done you wont know the difference anyway. Nice boat, thinking of selling my 20ft starcraft pro elite as well.

Looking forward to seeing the boat Jeff. Move to the river you say Ryan?

I was recently honored with being a guest on Randy Newberg's podcast to talk about our Youth Outdoor Activity Day. If you would like to listen to it, the podcast has just posted. It is podcast #129 and can be listened to via Sticher here:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hunt-t ... nservation

or here:
http://hunttalk.libsyn.com/podcast

or you can go to your podcast app on your Apple iphone or iPad.

Let me know what you think!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Looking forward to seeing the boat Jeff. Move to the river you say Ryan?

I was recently honored with being a guest on Randy Newberg's podcast to talk about our Youth Outdoor Activity Day. If you would like to listen to it, the podcast has just posted. It is podcast #129 and can be listened to via Sticher here:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hunt-t ... nservation

or here:
http://hunttalk.libsyn.com/podcast

or you can go to your podcast app on your Apple iphone or iPad.

Let me know what you think!

A Newberg podcast featuring your self-fellatio.

Please excuse me while I sprint to the link.

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Nice boat, thinking of selling my 20ft starcraft pro elite as well.

Replacing it or getting out of boats for a while?

So I tried to post the pictures, with no luck. Just can't figure out who to get them into the image gallery correctly.,

'Got the boat about ready to go. Will be fishing tomorrow depending on the weather. I've got everything working except the livewell pump, and I think that's a simple wire issue. I tried to get some pictures into this site, and can't get them to go. I know some of you guys have accepted photos via email and posted them for some of our members. Could anyone help me with this?

Well, I haven't put a fish in the new boat yet. It appears the panfish just haven't moved shallow yet on my lake across the street from the house. Warmer temps this weekend, and I found a shallow muddy bay, sot that's where I'll be heading. Supposed to be windy today, so may not venture out. Really want to get some fish in the freezer.

we've gone on a couple boat rides as well looking for fish and watering our plugs. I'll post pics when we actually catch something lol

I finally found some warmer water. The main lake's been reading 53.3 the last few days. I wiggled my way with a push pole back into a shallow bay and found 60 degree water. Crappies feeding back there, and sunnies, but man, were they biting light. Ended up with enough over two day for a meal and three meals worth in the freezer.

Took a little recon ride over to the Whitewater Lakes chain yesterday. One of my long thought of goals to fish was the Whitewater lakes. Going to put the boat in over there probably Tuesday or Wednesday to get my self acquainted with the lake, and find the spot I plan to fish for Saturday morning. I'll be a one man band on Saturday. Due the the Virus, Cathy's brother will be staying home. Too bad-I was really looking forward to the Opener with him. The intrigue of fishing new water always gets me pumped up. Good luck to all the Minnesota boys heading out Saturday for some walleye action.

Got out with the boy on Saturday afternoon. We got a few small pike and a bucket full of crappies, bluegill, and perch.

Fun little afternoon.

Happy Mother's day to the moms who frequent here!

Originally Posted by tzone

Got out with the boy on Saturday afternoon. We got a few small pike and a bucket full of crappies, bluegill, and perch.

Fun little afternoon.

our weather's been off and on lately, touch of snow this morning even. thursday looks good though to take the kids out for a "field trip" if all of their homework is done for the week. Hopefully I have the boat back from getting it's new cover.

The weather was cold but it was clear until about 500. We wrapped it up and headed home at that point. We had a pail full anyway.

Next weekend I'll yank the boat out. Jack cleaned it on Saturday. We'll get the batteries in it this week. Get the oil changed in the lower unit and give it a rip this weekend.

Drove to deer camp yesterday, 250 miles, and put out 4 cameras. We took some gear to stay overnight but decided to make it a one day trip. I was pleased we made it on one tank of fuel, diesel. Got 18.5 mpg. While in the area we checked a couple of camping/fishing spots. The N.F. campground had signs up saying it was closed and it was empty of campers but the boat launch had six rigs parked and we could see a few out on the lake. Another spot we checked is a little two camping spot on a small carry down lake. This spot must of had five or more tents on it and three or four vehicles. Technically this spot was also closed to camping until Monday. We also saw grouse and bear so all in all a great day.

Hope to be going back that way mid week to camp and fish.

We have had 3" of rain so far today.

Nice TJAY!

How did the deer sign look? I know there was a lot of snow up there.

We made it out to Mille Lacs yesterday for the a few hours. The rain actually stopped up there. We ended up with 24 walleyes and 1 smallie. Nothing was big except the bass. Biggest walleye was 23"

Thought the deer sign was about normal. Trees were just starting to turn green and the undergrowth was still brown. Looks to be a late spring up there. Streams and swampy areas had plenty of water. Looking to head back up Weds. to try fishing for a few days.

3 days running I've been taking kids fishing. Love every minute of it! even when they rag on me for not catching a single fish. I just tell em "I just rig the lines and drive the boat, I don't know how to catch the fish like you guys" that catching fish stuff, it's best left for the youngsters. My Son gave me the look this morning and a wink meaning *dad I know you're why we catch the fish* I just winked back and smiled. we're going back in the morning, I guess they can't get enough of my driving

Great stuff Ryan !

Excellent Ryan!!

We'll be going out at some point this weekend. June and July are pretty much booked tight for fishing. Jack is on a fishing team for school. I have a 2 weeks off in June so they can pre-fish and 2 weeks off in July so they can as well. The State tournament will be in September. That's their goal....

Getting the kids to catch them is more fun anyway. They get pretty fired up and makes it all worth it.

Shout out to the Minnesota boys. Can anyone tell me about a rifle range that's supposed to be in Pillsbury State Forest near Brainerd? I'm trying to find it to go do some shooting. Thanks guys.

Jeff - did you find the range in Pillsbury? Send me a PM if you need directions. Not a formal range, just an old gravel pit where they allow shooting.

I found it. It's very workable for what we wanted. We just shot our handguns and the AR's. There was one guy down on the rifle range. Looks like it goes out to about 100 yards, maybe further.

Took our first recon mission looking for deer this week. Time to start scouting out some new spots. Hope to hike some logging trails soon.

With the high being 96 degrees today...I'll pass til fall! lol Did you get carried away by horse flies?

For whatever reason, there were deer moving all day long on Saturday. I bet I saw 10 of them, even in the middle of the day.

We didn't see any. Going to try to get out at least three nights a week going forward for some recon.

Checked out a new chunk of the State Forest last night. Not gonna know much till I put boots on the dirt, I guess.

Saw a bunch of deer along the interstate yesterday. They looked about ready to pop in this heat. Don't recall seeing that many this time of year usually.
I'll be hunting some new areas this fall but this isn't comfortable scouting weather for me. I'd rather be chasing walleyes anyway 😁. Got a local tournament on Saturday I'll be fishing with my dad and son. It'll be great regardless of how the fish cooperate

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Saw a bunch of deer along the interstate yesterday. They looked about ready to pop in this heat. Don't recall seeing that many this time of year usually.
I'll be hunting some new areas this fall but this isn't comfortable scouting weather for me. I'd rather be chasing walleyes anyway 😁. Got a local tournament on Saturday I'll be fishing with my dad and son. It'll be great regardless of how the fish cooperate

Good luck with your tournament. Cathy and I went out and rode some new to us trails last night. I've got a scope coming in from Doug (gr8tfuldog) today for my crossbow. Gonna hunt the Camp Ripley archery hunt this year. Hoping to get in on at least one of the municipality archery hunts near me. Looking at an old beat up 7mm Mauser. It would need a lot of work, and while I really don't need another deer rifle, I've always wanted a 7X57. Stock's junk and the barrel would need shortened. It's got a scope safety, bent bolt and Weaver bases so that part of the work is all ready done. He wants $200.00 for it, and I thought I'd throw $150.00 at him and see if he bites. I'd be looking at getting the barrel shortened and re-crowned, and dropping in a Timney for starters. It would eventually need a stock, but i could make due with what's there for this year.

Havin a great time at the new place !

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I like the outdoor fire are Paul!

Pretty excited to find out earlier last week, on my 7th try I drew a SD West River Whitetail tag. Took the week before Thanksgiving off and the week of Thanksgiving off to do some freezer filling.

Have 15 rounds loaded of each for .243 and 6.5CM to try to dial in a load.

Jack and his fishing partner had their first HS fishing tournament on Friday. It was the first tourney for either of them....they won with 16.72 pounds. Some excited boys there too!

Congrats to Jackhammer and his buddy. That's an impressive weight. 'Bunch of two pounders or did they get a couple hogs?

I think the one that was a last second cast at the boat landing was just over 3 and the biggest. Most were 2lb 12oz’ish. They won by just a few ounces. The funny part is almost everyone got to see them catch it since they were waiting at the ramp.

Tom,

Give me a call if you want to talk about private land west river hunting.

Al

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Tom,

Give me a call if you want to talk about private land west river hunting.

Al

Hi Al. I'll give you a shout today. Probably around lunchtime.

Happy Heavenly 50th Birthday to Waylon!!

Do any of our Minnesota boys live near Dalton or Ashby, which were in the path of that killer tornado last night? Hope everyone's okay.

Hey Dave,

How'd the boundary waters trip with Joey go ?

He's still there. They go snowed in.

Caroline & her boy friend Nathan can home for 4 days, from Toronto.

Took them out on Eagle lake yesterday;

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Shot some stuff (targets) too;

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30 yard bag, is behind deck post;

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Rode wheelers out the back paddock & picked blueberries,raspberries & chanterelles.

Shared lots of great food.

Great time was had !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Shot some stuff (targets) too;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

You deer stand has a grill on it? Time to step up your game northerndave!

It was a wonder 49* F here this morning. I know that's hot for you guys across the river Paul, but I liked it!!

Oh hi dare. How ya been?

Ya der hey.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Oh hi dare. How ya been?

Keepin it short, can't type through my newly mandated mask !

Fall is in the air. It was a muggy 90* F yesterday with no wind while fishing.

That 231* Canadian for you guys across the river.

Gonna be 102 today. Hard to picture hunting when it's that hot out

We have 2 more days of this BS then the temps are supposed to slide into the 70's for highs. I can think about hunting then.

Originally Posted by tzone

Fall is in the air. It was a muggy 90* F yesterday with no wind while fishing.

That 231* Canadian for you guys across the river.

Yes, it was warmish - I was building fence with my back to the west !

does this picture crap still work? yep, looks as it does.

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Last Friday, leaving for the cabin. Keeping with tradition we have a kid driving a 77 ford pickup. This is a different truck than ones previously seen over the years in this thread. This is a truck that Joey and I are partnered up on. I purchased the truck several years ago in north dakota. We decided to get it running, did a bunch of mechanical work to make it safe and reliable, including new 33x10.5 (15") tures.

this was also the first trip to the camp with my new tractor. The new 6 ft bush hog mower is fantastic.

and yes the dogs went with too.

Where are the camp pics?

Like button needed !

Originally Posted by tzone

Where are the camp pics?

Like button needed !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Last Friday, leaving for the cabin. Keeping with tradition we have a kid driving a 77 ford pickup.

This is a truck that Joey and I are partnered up on. I purchased the truck several years ago in north dakota. We decided to get it running, did a bunch of mechanical work to make it safe and reliable, including new 33x10.5 (15") tures.

Drives with scissors ?

"Matches" possibly?

He drives with scissors and plays with matches.

Eeiner the Weaner looks to be large and in charge in that picture..........

That's what she said.

I forgot to take pics out at the cabin. I have this one from the other day.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

"Matches" possibly?

yes

I like the deer skull. Every camp ought to have one of those hanging up like that.

Looks like an elk to me

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Looks like an elk to me

How would you know?

I saw one once in a magazine!

Haha.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Looks like an elk to me

do ya really think so?

81 and humid on my drive to work, which was nice.

Archery opens today here. It was cool yesterday but highs are still in the 80's and 90's. No thanks, maybe next month

Archery/small game here opens September 19th. It should be cool by then. Next week we have temps in the 50's and 60's. That will get some juices flowing.

Same here Ryan !!

Waterfowl opens today too, & black bear is already open,

Originally Posted by tzone

Archery/small game here opens September 19th. It should be cool by then. Next week we have temps in the 50's and 60's. That will get some juices flowing.

Small game opens September 15th up here.

I haven't really done much small game hunting in the last few years with the baby. But I'd like to get out and swat a few grouse this year. It's time I think. Maybe Chickenbuck Joe left a few in MN for the rest of us.

My allergies tell me it's two weeks until the leaves really start changing. I've sneezed about 15,324 times since yesterday. It's like the Farmers Almanac....it's pretty spot on.

Crap apples trees are just starting to turn. Drove up to Walker on Saturday and noticed a few maples were a little red.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Crap apples trees are just starting to turn. Drove up to Walker on Saturday and noticed a few maples were a little red.

tinge of yellow on some tamarack

The last 48 hours have turned some leaves yellow’ish.

The underbrush and grasses are starting too. Soon. Not yet, but soon

Originally Posted by tzone

My allergies tell me it's two weeks until the leaves really start changing. I've sneezed about 15,324 times since yesterday. It's like the Farmers Almanac....it's pretty spot on.

You too? I've sneezed more in the last 2 days than I did all summer. More than usual, I'll keep closer tabs on using it as a barometer from now on regarding the season changes. I'm in the field quite a bit so I all ways chalk it up to a patch of something I walked through this time of year.

I get them worse in the fall than I do in the spring. It's not too bad, I only have them from April til October.

Gonna do some road work

Looks like a mighty big mower for that tractor. How many horses in that one? I imagine your road will be pretty nice in short order.

The mower is a 72", tractor is 45 hp.

Nice set up.

Originally Posted by LeroyBeans

Nice set up.

Thanks. Its amazing how much more I can do with this machine vs the 30 hp unit we used for years. Yesterday we dug out and lifted a 24" steel culvert that beavers had plugged last year. We thought we needed to rent a mini excavator for that job but decided to try with the tractor. It was no problem. The culvert was installed prior to our ownership of the property and one end was always crushed pretty bad. We didn't make it perfect but we were alble to open the smashed end considerably. We reinstalled the colvert and covered it up. Then i worked on the road. The ground is sandy with rocks in spots. One one stretch of the 1 mile road to get to the cabin, i was able to dig out and remove several huge boulders that have been a problem for many years. I didn't get pictures of the boulders, got a couple of the culvert work tho.

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Can't beat horsepower if you have the room for it. You must have a lot of land to have a mile-long lane to maintain.

More pics

That damn tractor may have just paid for itself with ability do work that road!

I see wiener dog had to get in on the action.

Did you send joe down that pipe to clean it out?

Dumping the beaver junk out.

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Some camp hounds

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Me and my kids, and my grandkids.

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Originally Posted by tzone

Did you send joe down that pipe to clean it out?

He surely would have! He's a willing worker!

Plinker

Our trail buggy, we love this thing.

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My allis dog in front of our daughter's ranger.

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Cabin is 13 yrs old now.

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Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Did you send joe down that pipe to clean it out?

He surely would have! He's a willing worker!

He’s the only one that wouldn’t get stuck.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Me and my kids, and my grandkids.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

LOVE this pic !

Thanks for sharing Dave.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Cabin is 13 yrs old now.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

& looks fantastic !

I can’t believe it’s been 13 years

Wow, 13 years. I often think about that place, I miss it and the people who make it a camp. Great times with more to come!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Wow, 13 years. I often think about that place, I miss it and the people who make it a camp. Great times with more to come!

Me too. We had a hellova time up there. More than once.

Had to stop while a doe & twin spotty fawns crossed my driveway this morning !

Made me smile like heck.

Why would you stop?

I had a spike buck giving me some attitude on Tuesday evening out by the cabin. Still had velvet, no trophy but still fun to see the young ones.

My son and I scouted an area nearby here. We saw 5 deer sneaking into a cornfield. Sure gets your motor running to see some deer.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I had a spike buck giving me some attitude on Tuesday evening out by the cabin. Still had velvet, no trophy but still fun to see the young ones.

Sweet! You shot a velvet buck!

nope, archery isn't even open yet.

Based on his last two comments, tzone sounds like he has declared war on deer early this fall

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Based on his last two comments, tzone sounds like he has declared war on deer early this fall

I’m fired up for deer season. I drew a tag I’ve been waiting 7 years for. I’m going to stomp around I. The woods on MN deer opener and I’ll be hunting in 3 states this year.

RATTLE! RATTLE! SCRAPE! SNORT! WHEEZE! Aw yah man, it's coming fast!

Tom- did you draw South Dakota this year?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom- did you draw South Dakota this year?

Yessir. I'm pretty fired up about it.

Did a run to Camp Isabella Monday to check the cameras. Fair number of deer and several real nice bucks, one nice 8 pointer [4x4] and a big 9 pointer [4x5]. The surprise was one camera had several bears and one had 3 cubs. As always several wolves were also seen. Hoping for a good season.

Tom

Hope you get a nice one out there. I will have to go back one of these years.

Did you pick a rifle yet?

Assume you are talking to Ryan?

I'm going to Redfield for pheasants in October, pretty excited.

Yeah Tom and I have been texting pretty much daily. We both drew the same tag, along with my wife and son. This is his first year to shoot a buck so he's pretty excited.
Tom had to rub it in the other day how good the 243 I sold him last year shoots. As if I needed a reminder 😁
The spot we're hunting is about a 3 mile hike to get to so I've been hiking when doing field checks as much as I can to help prep and have been walking to work. If we have to pack out 4 deer that far it could get interesting lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom- did you draw South Dakota this year?

Yessir. I'm pretty fired up about it.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Yeah Tom and I have been texting pretty much daily. We both drew the same tag, along with my wife and son. This is his first year to shoot a buck so he's pretty excited.
Tom had to rub it in the other day how good the 243 I sold him last year shoots. As if I needed a reminder 😁
The spot we're hunting is about a 3 mile hike to get to so I've been hiking when doing field checks as much as I can to help prep and have been walking to work. If we have to pack out 4 deer that far it could get interesting lol

Frikken awesome guys !!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Did a run to Camp Isabella Monday to check the cameras. Fair number of deer and several real nice bucks, one nice 8 pointer [4x4] and a big 9 pointer [4x5]. The surprise was one camera had several bears and one had 3 cubs. As always several wolves were also seen. Hoping for a good season.

Tom

Hope you get a nice one out there. I will have to go back one of these years.

TJAY,

I'm glad to hear some deer are around up there. I'm not going to him the MN season real hard. We'll be hunting opening weekend of course but then I'm off to SD! Probably head up to Pequaywan Lake area again. We hunted the opener up there last year and saw some deer. I passed a forkie that I should have shot since it was the only buck I saw in 2 states. lol

Originally Posted by j_elky

Did you pick a rifle yet?

Assume you are talking to Ryan?

I'm going to Redfield for pheasants in October, pretty excited.

Why would I talk to Ryan? What does he know about hunting there?

That's what what I'm most excited about. I get to hunt with Ryan and his family. We didn't plan for it to work out this way be I feel lucky it did. They're so fun. I'm pretty blessed to have awesome friends and he's one of the best. I've probably drove him nuts the last 3 years with all the questions and he's only told me F-off about 5 times.

I have it narrowed down to about 3 or 4 rifles.

So far the winner is probably my Kimber Montana 6.5 CM. Maybe the .280 Rem. So, no. I haven't picked a rifle yet.

Hunting Pheasants in SD would be a riot. You'll have a blast I'm sure and we'll be waiting for pics.

I'm about due for a new knife. I'll have to dream one up for you.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Yeah Tom and I have been texting pretty much daily. We both drew the same tag, along with my wife and son. This is his first year to shoot a buck so he's pretty excited.
Tom had to rub it in the other day how good the 243 I sold him last year shoots. As if I needed a reminder 😁
The spot we're hunting is about a 3 mile hike to get to so I've been hiking when doing field checks as much as I can to help prep and have been walking to work. If we have to pack out 4 deer that far it could get interesting lol

I'm probably more fired up than Cale is to see him shoot his first buck. That .243 does shoot well, but that is the rifle Jack fell in love with at your house. So, that's his rifle. I should probably tell him.

That was dirty trick you played by bringing out a .243 since he was saying he wanted one. It was even dirtier that you fed me about 4 whiskies before you said you'd sell it.

I'll happily shocked if we have 4 deer to pack out at the same time. I'll also be tired. really, really tired. I did get a new frame pack in anticipation of carrying a few out though. Maybe I should bring Jack with us. He could probably carry 2 deer at this point. He's been working out all summer and is now scary.

The funny part about Ryan's family and I drawing the tag is that we will make up approximately 1/2 of the WT deer tags allowed in that area. That makes me laugh.

Tom - I've a feeling you and Ryan's will have a very memorable hunt. I'd lean towards the 280, but just because I have one.

Jeff

I'm looking forward to it. The hardest part will be keeping Tom off the trigger

The last few times I've been there we saw deer literally all day long and the biggest didn't show up until 3-5pm. I talked with a friend of mine who lives by there and he said there's 4 or 5 really nice bucks that move through there that he's been seeing in the evenings

Scouted a couple spots near Brainerd today. Lots of sign, but unfortunately about half of it was wolf tracks.

Well the slots are there for the same reason you are. That’s not always bad. Unless you didn’t see any deer tracks.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom - I've a feeling you and Ryan's will have a very memorable hunt. I'd lean towards the 280, but just because I have one.

Jeff

I might. But the .280 weighs quite a bit more. But, it’s the coolest gun of the group by far.

Good luck out there Tom and Ryan. I'm jealous!!

Hey Rooster, do you have a link to your hunting blind build ?

Gotta make a Taj Mahal for Deb !

P.S.: I'll PM you

Scouted two more spots near where I was yesterday. Feeling pretty good about this area.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey Rooster, do you have a link to your hunting blind build ?

Gotta make a Taj Mahal for Deb !

P.S.: I'll PM you

Sent you the link, Paul. Don't go out doing me now dammit! lol

Thanks Rooster !

Build a taj mahal of deer stands.

A guy I work with has a group that owns a few hundred acres in central MN. They build giant platform stands, that are pretty much sky cabins. They'll have 2 guys at a time in them and play cards and stuff while waiting for deer on the food plots. Not my style, but they seem to like it.

I could enjoy a hunt like that probably at least once. I wouldn't want it to be the standard though. It would just be something different to experience.

Nah man, this will be pretty similar to Roosters, just offering Deb a little more comfort & 1 less pop up for me to worry about, when it's dumping snow !

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I could enjoy a hunt like that probably at least once. I wouldn't want it to be the standard though. It would just be something different to experience.

Yeah, I could do that once. I mean...nothing wrong with an enclosed stand, but these guys take it to the extreme. They're not hard hunters by any means either. They just go on the opener for the most part.

I have one fully enclosed elevated stand with sliding windows, door, rubber roof, carpeted floor and a swivel chair. I rarely use it because it is too warm with the heater on when wearing my hunting clothes. The real reason I do not use it much is because when I sit on a stand I generally hear the deer before I see them and that is not possible inside the enclosed stand. In heavy rain or a blizzard, the shelter is nice, but never had much success hunting in those conditions either.

For hunting I will take an open stand with some type of screening to partially conceal my movements over the enclosed box style stands.

On the other hand, if the goal is to play cards with your buddies while "hunting" maybe they work if big enough.

The doctor I worked for had one that was basically a very nice, small cabin on stilts. Three stories, with heat, electric, and a water holding tank, along with a composting toilet. He pretty stayed out there for a couple weeks. Did all his office work from the stand. He even had a deal with the pizza shop to deliver pizzas out there at halftime of the football games on Sunday. Yeah, not exactly hunting like I know it, but he enjoyed it, could afford it, and shot a few deer out of there.

Oh don't get me wrong, I have plenty of stands out there that I use too. It just depends on the crop rotation which one I use.

I built this mobile shack because I was sick of factory ground blinds when it's really cold out.

The door zipper {if it works} is so damn loud on a cold morning, it feels like you just wasted a bunch of time walking quietly in to your blind.

And it is pretty nice to sit in comfort! lol

Amen Jim!
Don't forget about Velcro, [bleep] loud as hell on a quiet morning. Sometimes comfort trumps everything

OMG that door Velcro! Lol I’m positive that can be heard in 3 counties. And of course it’s never windy when you’re opening that window.

The zipper is not far behind.

ZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP

Hey, you coupla duffusses, if you put your ear plugs in, you can't hear a thing !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Hey, you coupla duffusses, if you put your ear plugs in, you can't hear a thing !

HA!

WHAT?????

jApparently you are a damn good shot. Nice work.

Nice to get a couple for the soup pot Dave !!

As soon as I saw the first pic, I thought it was a good place for grouse. The second pic brought a smile.

Originally Posted by LeroyBeans

jApparently you are a damn good shot. Nice work.

Hell I bet Dave could kill one with a beer bottle. He's that good. 😁

It looks like a Dave and I had the same idea on Sunday morning. I took a little road trip up to some of my old stomping grounds to get some exercise chasing some grouse and see some fall colors. Got both.

Started out on this logging area. Got in a good walk but no birds.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Moved onto the next one.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

and the next... this bird decided to fly right at me. It's been a while since I've shot a grouse. So, I was happy to get it.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Ryan,

Post your tactical video of how to cover up the sound of velcro on a cold morning.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ryan,

Post your tactical video of how to cover up the sound of velcro on a cold morning.

The double action colt got another bird last night while walking the rounds, trail cam route for swapping cards.

We've got a little bear hanging around, looks like 2 different ones.

Is the colt. 22?

yes

I like it!

Thanks, I have other .22 revolvers but this is my best shooter. Or at least it's the one I shoot the best with.

I have 2, 22lr revolvers. A Ruger Single 6 with both cylinders, and a little double actions, stainless, J-frame S&W Model 63. It's an older model with wood grips and from what I understand is somewhat collectable. I carry the little S&W most times I'm in the woods. Other times I'll carry my Buckmark, which is a lot more accurate. The Single Six is my favorite as far as handling. But it's not nearly as accurate as the other 2.

I always liked the Single Six. 'Carried one for many years on the trapline. 'Wish I had never gotten rid of it. 'Don't even remember what I traded it for.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Ryan,

Post your tactical video of how to cover up the sound of velcro on a cold morning.

I would if I knew how to do it.

I've got a Ruger bearcat and single six, haven't shot either got years. My 22/45 lite suppressed with a red dot gets used quite a bit though. It's a pretty fun accurate thing to shoot

No hand guns involved here !

Went for a wander in the back 80 on Sunday, Deb got 2 nice grouse;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Loving the new place !

Ya, some good sized ones there! Good eatin!

Still sweating down here in Houston.

LOL, just as I typed this, the A/C kicked on.

'Been doing a lot of socuting since we moved up here to Brainerd. Man, there's a lot of public hunting opportunities up here. I've checked out several spots and have more work to do before gun season. You guys that have private property are really lucky. 'Wish I didn't have to contend with others in my chosen hunting areas.

Originally Posted by Tarbe

Still sweating down here in Houston.

LOL, just as I typed this, the A/C kicked on.

29f currently.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You guys that have private property are really lucky. 'Wish I didn't have to contend with others in my chosen hunting areas.

Well, that luck isn't cheap or easy. Lotta work, lotta money.

Originally Posted by Tarbe

Still sweating down here in Houston.

LOL, just as I typed this, the A/C kicked on.

We're probably going to get one more hot day. 85 predicted for tomorrow. Then I'm guessing it's going to be 50's and 60's til it gets cold.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You guys that have private property are really lucky. 'Wish I didn't have to contend with others in my chosen hunting areas.

How many guys did you see when you hunted in our area?

That's why I get my butt back in the bushes a mile or more.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by gophergunner

You guys that have private property are really lucky. 'Wish I didn't have to contend with others in my chosen hunting areas.

How many guys did you see when you hunted in our area?

That's why I get my butt back in the bushes a mile or more.

Just the one truck that was parked down the road. I'd still like to have some private property. Dave's right-it does take a lot of work and money.

That guy doesn't hunt there anymore. But he sure built us a nice stand.

Got my BIL in for some scouting. We checked out a couple spots, saw a couple deer. Man, am I getting ramped up.

My place in Nowthen has tracks but I haven't seen anything there this year. I suppose that the winter coats are coming in and the weather is hot so they're probably nocturnal.

Originally Posted by bucktail

My place in Nowthen has tracks but I haven't seen anything there this year. I suppose that the winter coats are coming in and the weather is hot so they're probably nocturnal.

Mi saw a few does when I ran to the beer store this afternoon. 2 big does, stood up, hopped twice and laid back down. I don’t think they like this heat.

Hoping to bow hunt tomorrow and then again on Friday. I've got the Camp Ripley hunt next weekend. Been doing a lot of scouting for gun season. Narrowing down a few spots.

I've got a lot of peat bog out there. As dry as it's been they're probably bedded down out there.

Careful out in those peat swamps, ground hornets are bad this year.

Did a refurb on another used wood stove, trying a little bigger than the last one we put in.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Some elevated blind work, Nate's new observation tower. This stand is named "911".

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

More bracing has since been added, along with a ladder.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Our yellow lab, nicknamed "donkey" has become quite the bird hunter.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Donkey chillin.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The railing and tin stuff is part of a toddler barricade we are developing. To keep little grandchildren away from the hot stove.

here is a replacement stand for the "dusty stand" which was crushed by a fallen tree this summer.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Still needs a new railing, usable tho, pretty sporty.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Also we replaced a window for one of the bedrooms, hopefully less drafty.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

All that action plus a ton of shooting lane mowing, another busy and productive weekend.

Looks like a blast was had at the cabin as always!!

You got it cleared out pretty well there around those stands.

I don't spend much time in the peat bog until it freezes anyway. I did run over a paper wasp nest last summer with the Bush hog without getting stung. Should be cold enough by second weekend that I won't need to worry about them. I'll be at my parents for opener.

My boy Nathan stepped on a ground hornet's nest last friday. Got zapped 3 timed before he could even blink.

thats a fine looking cabin you got northern dave

Thanks.

Ground hornet, yella jacket, whatever you call them....they suck. The flying [bleep] of the insect world. Lol.

You guys cabin is looking great!

Cabin looking great Dave !

Like the stand work, but "Donkey" sequence is fabulous !

Originally Posted by northern_dave

My boy Nathan stepped on a ground hornet's nest last friday. Got zapped 3 timed before he could even blink.

Scares the crap out of me as I'm allergic to the danged things. The Epi Pen's always at my side these days.

Any of the Minnesota boys hunting the early antlerless season this weekend? Gonna be hunting in the 604 Chronic Wasting Zone. Looking forward to getting out the old Savage and hopefully freezer training a couple slicks.

We were thinking of trying to whack a doe for the youth season coming up tomorrow. We still have a pile of stuff to do in WI for the season there. We decided to hit the range instead tomorrow for the day. I need to get some shooting out to 400 if possible. I put a new scope on the .280. Leupold VX3i, 3.5-10 CDS. This will be my first crack with turning dials. I've looked over a few different ballistics tables to at least get some sort of starting point.

I also have a .243 that will get some time. That has a Burris Fullfield II scope on it with their BDS system. I have shot that to 400, which isn't easy with my crappy eyesight.

Jack would rather go on a little grouse hunting trip than shoot deer in October since he's not chased birds yet this year either. We'll chase them around a bit at some point this weekend.

Hi guys. I have not been posting anything lately but I've finally been able to join in the hunting a little this fall. My camera has seen at least 4 nice bucks but I cannot seem to locate them personally. Nothing new there.
Dave the camp looks great & those new blinds will make sitting all day way to easy. Great work.
I decided I needed a blind & a heater this year so I converted an old horse trailer into a deer blind. It has been sitting behind my barn for more than 25 years with no floor in it. A new floor, windows and insulation, not so instant, portable deer blind. I have it parked on a slight hill overlooking a spot where I took a 10 point late in the gun season last year.
I have decided to rest my Remington pump this season & go retro. I have a 1951 era Savage lever action in 300 Savage I want to try. I bought it used and mounted a similar era Weaver scope on it. It has a very worn leather sling from a previous owner. It was used and that shows a little but it likes Superformance SST's so I just have to take it back out hunting. I wish I knew it's history.
Do any of you have experience with the 300 Savage? It seems like an ideal deer caliber but I've never used it before.
I look forward to the annual camp story Dave, good luck this year.

Jim,

That 300 sav is a cool caliber. It should be similar to the .308. I have used one but never did get to shoot anything with it.

Jim-I've hunted with a 300 Savage for over 30 years. What questions do you have about the best deer round and rifle ever made?

Jim I've used a 99 in a .300 for over 25 years and in Maine she punches holes in the thick brush better than most calibers.her down range performance is as good as a 308.The 99 is very accurate and reliable..

What bullets are you guys using in your 300 Savages? I have a beater with a peep sight that I finally got sighted in last weekend and plan on using it this year for still hunting.. I loaded up some 130 grain bullets for plinking but need to get a better bullet for hunting.

I've loaded with the Hornady #30303 150 SST300 Savage (Hornady designed it specifically for the 300 Savage), Speer 150 FN, Speer 150 RN, Nosler 150 Partiions and Remington 150 Core-lokt. The Hornady #30303 and the Speer 150 RN shot the best groups (1" and 1.25") in my 1946 Savage Model 99EG. Those Speer 150s are short enough that they don't seat below the base of the short 0.220" neck of the 300 Savage. Any of these will do fine with whitetails. This year I'm taking this 1956 99F 300 Savage the stand.
[Linked Image]

My plan this year is a Rem 722 in 300 savage. I have a good load with 165 gr. corlokts and R-15. I did use it about 15 years ago with 150 Hornady ILs and took a nice buck.

I don't have any particular questions about the gun or the caliber. Since this is mostly about deer hunting I was hoping some of you might be using one. Clearly you are. No surprise, it is a great gun to carry, balances like the other lever actions and the caliber seems like it's about ideal. Plenty of power but not to much. I'm guessing just about any bullet in the 150 - 180gn weight class will do the job.
Hopefully I can report on how it works in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

What bullets are you guys using in your 300 Savages? I have a beater with a peep sight that I finally got sighted in last weekend and plan on using it this year for still hunting.. I loaded up some 130 grain bullets for plinking but need to get a better bullet for hunting.

Jim-one of our members here worked up a real good load for me. Miles58 reached out to me regarding my 99 and ended up working up a lazer accurate load for me. It's loaded with Varget powder and the 130 gr. Barnes TTSX bullet. Very accurate, and very manageable recoi. You may want to consider reaching out to him, or if you want the specifics on this load, PM me and I'll go get the recipe and sent it to you.

I picked up an E in .243 which will be going to my granddaughter. I'm gonna bleed it, and then pass it off to my son so he can do the same before Esther is old enough to hunt. When Esther joins us at our camp in Pennsylvania, she will be the first member of the 4th generation of our family to hunt out of the camp. The camp was built in 1950.

I like 150gr core-loc from Remington.

I always used to run the old Remington 180 gr. RN's, but they don't make them any more.

We got a new addition to the house today. I was swindled, bamboozled, scammed, tricked, wool pulled over my eyes.

They showed me her pic and it was all over but the buyin...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[/quote]

Her and her brother ran right up to me as soon as I got out of the car. If the owners weren’t keeping him we’d have 2.

nice dog, dawg.

haha.

So far so good.

Beauty Tom !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Beauty Tom !!

Thank you sir.

Uuuuurp. Uuuurrrrrrp

Good news, I dug a new hole and moved the out house.

That is good news.

This is the part of the season I like the best. Getting ready. Figuring out food, clothes, firewood, how many cases of beer. I like the hunting too but this is my favorite. Right up until I figure out what I forgot. Like when I put stuff on the kitchen table so I don't forget it before I leave.

past 3 weekends have been a lot of hard work, mostly camp maintenance stuff.

Originally Posted by tzone

how many cases of beer.

Always one more than the previous year.

Originally Posted by tzone

That is good news.

This is the part of the season I like the best. Getting ready. Figuring out food, clothes, firewood, how many cases of beer. I like the hunting too but this is my favorite. Right up until I figure out what I forgot. Like when I put stuff on the kitchen table so I don't forget it before I leave.

Tom-I may have told you this story before, speaking of stuff you forgot. Dad would start packing for deer camp at least two weeks before departure. I well remember the ever increasing pile of gear accumulating in the dining room. Mom used to get pissed because she couldn't get to the mangle she used to iron the sheets. So Dad packed for two weeks, and routinely managed to forget to bring ammo for his rifle! There was a little general store at the turn off to head up the mountain roads that led to camp. (Mrs. Cornelius's General Store in Sabula, Pa. on 255, in case anyone remembers) This was always the last stop on the way to camp. She always kept a box of .300 Savage ammo set aside for Dad, as she knew he'd be in for it. We have about 11 boxes of 300 ammo, all with one round shot out of them from all the times Dad ended up forgetting his ammo. My brother has this collection now, and it's pleasant reminder of Dad and a bygone time.

Originally Posted by diamondjim

Originally Posted by tzone

how many cases of beer.

Always one more than the previous year.

Ya. It’s not a static number. It usually coincides with the depth of snow.

I prefer whisky Tom if you're taking notes 😉

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I prefer whisky Tom if you're taking notes 😉

I'm aware.

And prepared...don't you worry.

Nice looking pup you get there Tommy!

Cleaned out the Biffy, shook out the rugs, stacked some firewood in the rack on the front porch, filled water jugs (we don't have a well yet...waiting on the driller to come in the next month...we hope).

Sent the boys a few pics from the cameras and reminded them all to make sure they sight in their rifles!

Put up a new stand about 60 yards off the trail I got some pics of a nice 10pt with a kicker.

So the 4 hunters have 5 elevated stands spread over 281 acres of woods. Hope to get a few more stands up in the next year (at least 2 more...essentially one per 40 acres).

MO rifle season starts on 11/14 and I can't wait to have my son, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend at the cabin.

This will be our 10th year on the property and 6th year with the cabin. What a treat!

cool!

Dave-how much snow did you guys end up with up your way? I'm going out today to do some scouting while this stuff's on the ground. It's supposed to warm up down here mid week.

Maybe 3 inches, which melted in the open areas and settled 50% in the woods. And a fresh dusting last night.

We probably 6” at my place. It’s melted into about 1” of hard crunchy snow. It can leave now. Lol

Also about 3" about 40 miles south west of Camp Chickenbuck

gophergunner.....did you hunt Ripley? If so, how did it go?

Tom - great looking little pup!!! Black Shorthair?

I ended up passing on Ripley to hunt the early antlerless season. No luck. Saw one huge doe but I was in the truck at the time. I talked to my next door neighbor who's a fireman in Riplyey. Said they had the typical calls for people getting lost, and one guy with a twisted ankle, but nothing more serious than that. No word regarding how many deer were taken though.

Originally Posted by j_elky

gophergunner.....did you hunt Ripley? If so, how did it go?

Tom - great looking little pup!!! Black Shorthair?

Yeah, she’s a mix. There is some Springer in there too.

She's a beauty Tom. Love to see some more pics of her as she grows.

You excited for South Dakota? I just got back from Redfield chasing roosters and a few ducks. We saw three dandy whitetails, all jumped out of cattails.

Hey Jeff,

No problem on the pics. He's already growing fast. She's now able to navigate the stairs with no issues whatsoever.

I am getting excited for SD. I've pretty much been waiting for this for about 35 years....since I was a little kid. But I love the hills anyway, hunting or not.

I want to let everyone know, its ok to start getting excited about deer season now.

Ok good. Because I’m leaving in 2 weeks!

I’m going to hunt a day with Jack at his moms land here. Then it’s off to SD.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I want to let everyone know, its ok to start getting excited about deer season now.

Beauty, 'cause we been crossbow huntin for 2 weeks !

Rifle opener on Saturday !

Merp.

(hi)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merp, merp.

(vote for biden)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merp, merp, merp.

(pack the courts)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merp, merp, merp.

(abolish the 2nd amendment)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merp, merp.

(hunting is murder)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merp, merp.

(orange makes you look fat)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Merrrrrp.

(you suck at hunting)

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

See what we have to put up with?

I can't take much more of this.

Get after 'em !

Who over looks camera 2 ?

Nate's in the open field, I think ?

Glad you got daylight pics, all our bucks (bigger an spikes/forks) have only appeared under the cloak of Biden's darkness !

The black beer can is nates, it overlooks a new clear cut.

The ones that say camera 2 are at my stand.

Grunt grunt rattle rattle

Tom - you rubbing on the door frames at work yet? Chase off the interns?

Have had great fun the last 2 weekends, with the crossbows, cool close in encounters, but I think it'll be "boom sticks" this weekend !

How are things looking in your new woods Paul? Are you guys learning them enough to fill the freezer yet? Hunting your old stomping grounds at all?

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom - you rubbing on the door frames at work yet? Chase off the interns?

You think I ain't?
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I knocked the new kid off the job before he knew what hit him..he knows now though.

Smacked in the jaw from the lady laborer. She'll come around.

Originally Posted by tzone

How are things looking in your new woods Paul? Are you guys learning them enough to fill the freezer yet? Hunting your old stomping grounds at all?

Not hunting our old stomping grounds, got plenty of ground at the new place.

Yep, freezer will be "stocked up" !

Lots of small to average bucks & seems to be a strong Doe population.

We'll leave the girls alone, this season. Goal is 3 average bucks !!

Wow, it has been since July since I have been here! Finally caught up. Not much new in west central MN. Nobody is sick and everyone has all of their digits. On the fun front, it has been an incredible hunting season so far. I started out with my biggest bull ever on an DIY public land archery elk hunt in WY. Then some duck hunting before I took the boys to ND for the youth pheasant hunt. They did well out there. We headed out to WY for antelope and muleys where both boys shot really nice antelope and forkhorn muleys. Now all the kids (yes, that includes me) are excited about deer hunting. Freezer is gonna be full, but that is good as 12 year old boys know how to strap on the feed bag!

We had quite a bit of snow here, 6" and then another 10". But after today, it will be melted in the open and the stuff in the trees will be gone by early next week.

Nice tractor, additions to the family, and new deer stands Dave. Tom, I hope you can hold off for a big one on your hunt, it should be epic! Best of luck to ya!

Good luck to everyone, be safe, and I hope to see that big 10 in someone's hands up there in Chickenbuckland!

May everyone's sights be steady, shot be true, and blood trail be short!

Originally Posted by Berettaman

12 year old boys know how to strap on the feed bag!

You ain’t seen nothin yet.

I wouldn't expect anything less from you Tom!

Went for a little grouse walk after work today. Must have seen 20 scrapes!

My son comes in tonight from Indiana. We'll do a lot of scouting this week prior to the opener on Saturday. This will be our last hunt for a while. Eric leaves on December 8th to begin Basic Training with the Air Force. He signed up for a 6 year gig. My daughter is coming up for the second weekend. Really pumped about this, as it will be her first ever deer hunt. Can't wait.

That’s awesome. Is he up for the season?

Hello everyone!
Long time no post. Looks like the thread is still going which is good to see.
Funny how one post with some questions on how to start a lifelong memory factory such as Camp Chickenbuck has lead into this. I'm happy Dave started the thread and that he has shared our kids, our weekend and our super fun adventures with you.
It's really something. Thank you to those that have stuck with us even in the quiet times when we haven't posted much.
Good luck everyone! Opener is just around the corner. I know I"m sure hoping to shoot that buck that Dave keeps posting pictures of by his stand. It would only be fair for me since he shot my 7 pointer a few years back.

We'll get to hunt Saturday and Sunday, possibly Monday.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Hello everyone!
Long time no post. Looks like the thread is still going which is good to see.
Funny how one post with some questions on how to start a lifelong memory factory such as Camp Chickenbuck has lead into this. I'm happy Dave started the thread and that he has shared our kids, our weekend and our super fun adventures with you.
It's really something. Thank you to those that have stuck with us even in the quiet times when we haven't posted much.
Good luck everyone! Opener is just around the corner. I know I"m sure hoping to shoot that buck that Dave keeps posting pictures of by his stand. It would only be fair for me since he shot my 7 pointer a few years back.

You're talking about my pet deer?

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

He looks like he would really like a permanent place inside the cabin.....

What a stud! I really hope one of you gets him.

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Hello everyone!
Long time no post. Looks like the thread is still going which is good to see.
Funny how one post with some questions on how to start a lifelong memory factory such as Camp Chickenbuck has lead into this. I'm happy Dave started the thread and that he has shared our kids, our weekend and our super fun adventures with you.
It's really something. Thank you to those that have stuck with us even in the quiet times when we haven't posted much.
Good luck everyone! Opener is just around the corner. I know I"m sure hoping to shoot that buck that Dave keeps posting pictures of by his stand. It would only be fair for me since he shot my 7 pointer a few years back.

Ma, I think you and Dave should switch stands.

Nice to hear from you Mrs. Dave. Show those guys how it's done this Saturday!

I'll be missing MN deer opening morning for only the 2nd time since I've been able to hunt. This son of mine seems to have a football game at 9AM on Saturday morning. There are not many things that could get me out of the woods on opening morning...but that boy is one of them. I'm taking him directly from the game, instead of him riding the bus. We'll get home, he can hit the shower while I load the truck and we'll head north.

Should be in the woods by 1:00 P.M. if things go right.

The only other time I've missed was a few years ago when I hunted in Black Hills, SD.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Hello everyone!
Long time no post. Looks like the thread is still going which is good to see.
Funny how one post with some questions on how to start a lifelong memory factory such as Camp Chickenbuck has lead into this. I'm happy Dave started the thread and that he has shared our kids, our weekend and our super fun adventures with you.
It's really something. Thank you to those that have stuck with us even in the quiet times when we haven't posted much.
Good luck everyone! Opener is just around the corner. I know I"m sure hoping to shoot that buck that Dave keeps posting pictures of by his stand. It would only be fair for me since he shot my 7 pointer a few years back.

Ma, I think you and Dave should switch stands.

Yes Pam, I think Dave would love to let you sit his stand !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by mrsnortherndave

Hello everyone!
Long time no post. Looks like the thread is still going which is good to see.
Funny how one post with some questions on how to start a lifelong memory factory such as Camp Chickenbuck has lead into this. I'm happy Dave started the thread and that he has shared our kids, our weekend and our super fun adventures with you.
It's really something. Thank you to those that have stuck with us even in the quiet times when we haven't posted much.
Good luck everyone! Opener is just around the corner. I know I"m sure hoping to shoot that buck that Dave keeps posting pictures of by his stand. It would only be fair for me since he shot my 7 pointer a few years back.

Ma, I think you and Dave should switch stands.

Yes Pam, I think Dave would love to let you sit his stand !

She can! Its a longer walk from the cabin but might be woth it.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll be missing MN deer opening morning for only the 2nd time since I've been able to hunt. This son of mine seems to have a football game at 9AM on Saturday morning. There are not many things that could get me out of the woods on opening morning...but that boy is one of them. I'm taking him directly from the game, instead of him riding the bus. We'll get home, he can hit the shower while I load the truck and we'll head north.

Should be in the woods by 1:00 P.M. if things go right.

The only other time I've missed was a few years ago when I hunted in Black Hills, SD.

He won't get in trouble for not riding the bus, will he? Return trips on the bus were team meeting time for us.

Considering about 1/3 of the team is skipping it to go hunting, I doubt it.

Heading up to open Camp Isabella in the morning. No reports from camp this year as the hot spot died.

Good luck and good hunting to all.

Good luck TJ!

Originally Posted by tzone

Considering about 1/3 of the team is skipping it to go hunting, I doubt it.

Dad used to call me in to school with an acute case of Buck Fever. My football coach loved it, as he was a hunter too. My high school principal was so uptight you couldn't have driven a pin up his arse with a sledgehammer. He called certain parents (mine included) every year about the importance of kids being in school. Dad had a little come to Jesus with him junior year and pointed out that I was not a failing student, and would be deer hunting. The principal failed to see the humor in that, but I didn't get "the call" senior year!

Good luck to all the Minnesota boys next week. Nothing like hunting deer in shorts and flip flops! This will be my last hunt with my son for a while. He ships out for the Air Force on December 8th and we won't see him for quite some time. Speaking of which, I'd like to give him a good coffee table book on the history of the Air Force. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Originally Posted by TJAY

Heading up to open Camp Isabella in the morning. No reports from camp this year as the hot spot died.

Good luck and good hunting to all.

Good luck to you and your crew TJAY. I have no doubt you'll get a couple good ones. But you might have to wait until Mother Nature turns down the thermostat a bit.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by tzone

Considering about 1/3 of the team is skipping it to go hunting, I doubt it.

Dad used to call me in to school with an acute case of Buck Fever. My football coach loved it, as he was a hunter too. My high school principal was so uptight you couldn't have driven a pin up his arse with a sledgehammer. He called certain parents (mine included) every year about the importance of kids being in school. Dad had a little come to Jesus with him junior year and pointed out that I was not a failing student, and would be deer hunting. The principal failed to see the humor in that, but I didn't get "the call" senior year!

Well school is all f'd up with the covid crap so missing school isn't a big deal since there really isn't any.

But I did say he made the commitment to the team to play, so he gets to play. Unless they make a long playoff run in a normal year, they don't usually play during deer season.

"Lucky" for him, when we go to WI the week of Thanksgiving, he'll be able to do school work from the cabin we rent.

I find more humor in it than he does.

Good luck to all you Manysoda fellers this weekend! Bring back deer, stories, and pictures.

Dave, that buck must be a direct descendent of ol' Forky Toes, which means he has skills. It's going to take a well coordinated attack, bringing all available assets to bear to affect a complete capitulation of this ten pointed adversary. This is not a task for any ordinary group, however, I think the Chickenbuck elite Special Forces Deer Eradication Unit is up to the job. God, Country, and Freezer is their battle cry.

Michigan is poised to have an all-out slaughter of our herd. Last year 522,000 deer licenses were sold. This year we're north of 800,000 and the season doesn't start for 10 days. Each of those 800K deer combo licenses is also a doe permit because it brings in $$ for the DNR who could care less about deer mgmt during COVID. So come the 15th, I'll be the guy hunkered down in a foxhole blind behind the sand bags wearing complete blaze orange Kevlar when the shooting starts.

Shoot straight and often everyone.

cf

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Michigan is poised to have an all-out slaughter of our herd. Last year 522,000 deer licenses were sold. This year we're north of 800,000 and the season doesn't start for 10 days.

cf

That reminds me. I need to buy a license.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Michigan is poised to have an all-out slaughter of our herd. Last year 522,000 deer licenses were sold. This year we're north of 800,000 and the season doesn't start for 10 days.

cf

That reminds me. I need to buy a license.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Michigan is poised to have an all-out slaughter of our herd. Last year 522,000 deer licenses were sold. This year we're north of 800,000 and the season doesn't start for 10 days.

cf

That reminds me. I need to buy a license.

Dude.

Hey I only had to wait in line for 5 minutes. Not bad for 2 days before deer season:

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Dave, that buck must be a direct descendent of ol' Forky Toes, which means he has skills. It's going to take a well coordinated attack, bringing all available assets to bear to affect a complete capitulation of this ten pointed adversary. This is not a task for any ordinary group, however, I think the Chickenbuck elite Special Forces Deer Eradication Unit is up to the job. God, Country, and Freezer is their battle cry.

cf

That made me smile. lol

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Good luck to all you Manysoda fellers this weekend! Bring back deer, stories, and pictures.

Dave, that buck must be a direct descendent of ol' Forky Toes, which means he has skills. It's going to take a well coordinated attack, bringing all available assets to bear to affect a complete capitulation of this ten pointed adversary. This is not a task for any ordinary group, however, I think the Chickenbuck elite Special Forces Deer Eradication Unit is up to the job. God, Country, and Freezer is their battle cry.

cf

Hello! Knife guns anyone?

Gear list:
Rifle
Ammo
Bermuda shorts
Flourescent orange flip flops
Orange muscle shirt (that's a scary thought!)
Suntan lotion
Portable fan

JFC this is gonna be a weird opener.

Grabbed my bin and checked through it. Still there.

Just need a rifle and thermos tomorrow and I'll be ready to rock.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Good luck to all you Manysoda fellers this weekend! Bring back deer, stories, and pictures.

Dave, that buck must be a direct descendent of ol' Forky Toes, which means he has skills. It's going to take a well coordinated attack, bringing all available assets to bear to affect a complete capitulation of this ten pointed adversary. This is not a task for any ordinary group, however, I think the Chickenbuck elite Special Forces Deer Eradication Unit is up to the job. God, Country, and Freezer is their battle cry.

cf

Hello! Knife guns anyone?

And there it is. You know what you must do. Go forth.

Palace in the Popple

Written by George Augustus "Gus" Bixby, ca. 1905

Gus and Rob Bixby, lived in Trego, Gus having been born in St Croix County in August 1880, and died in Trego in 1969. Rob, born 1884, died in Trego in 1968. They were a couple of old bachelors that loved the great outdoors. Apparently Gus also loved reading poetry...and he dabbled at writing it, too. Here is a poem he wrote about their hunting shack north of Trego.

Palace in the Popple

It's a smokey raunchy boar's nest,
with an unswept drafty floor,
And pillow ticking curtains,
with knife scars on the floor.

The smell of a pine knot fire,
from a stovepipe that's come loose,
Mingles sweetly with the bootgrease,
and the copenhagen snoose.

There are workworn .30-.30's
with battered steel stocks,
And drying lines of longjohns,
and of steaming pungent socks.

There's a table for the bloody four,
and their game of two card draw,
And there's deep and dreamless sleeping,
on bunkticks filled with straw.

Ed and Lawrence, by the stove,
their gun talk loud and hot,
And Rob, has drawn a pain of kings,
and raking in the pot.

Harvey's drafted again as cook,
he's peeling spuds for stew,
While Gus, wanders in baggy pants,
receiting Dan McGrew.

Nowhere on earth is fire so warm,
nor coffee so infernal,
Or whiskers stiff or jokes so rich
nor hope blooms so eternal.

A man can live for a solid week,
in the same old underbritches,
He can walk like a man, spit where he wants,
and scratch himself where he itches

I tell you boys there's no place else,
where I'd rather be come Fall,
Where I eat like a bear and sing like a wolf,
And feel like I'm Bull Pine tall.

In that raunchy cabin out in the bush,
in the land of the Raven n Loon,
With a tracking snow lying new to the ground,
at the end of the rutting moon.

George Augustus (Gus) Bixby
Circa 1905

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Palace in the Popple

Written by George Augustus "Gus" Bixby, ca. 1905

Gus and Rob Bixby, lived in Trego, Gus having been born in St Croix County in August 1880, and died in Trego in 1969. Rob, born 1884, died in Trego in 1968. They were a couple of old bachelors that loved the great outdoors. Apparently Gus also loved reading poetry...and he dabbled at writing it, too. Here is a poem he wrote about their hunting shack north of Trego.

Palace in the Popple

It's a smokey raunchy boar's nest,
with an unswept drafty floor,
And pillow ticking curtains,
with knife scars on the floor.

The smell of a pine knot fire,
from a stovepipe that's come loose,
Mingles sweetly with the bootgrease,
and the copenhagen snoose.

There are workworn .30-.30's
with battered steel stocks,
And drying lines of longjohns,
and of steaming pungent socks.

There's a table for the bloody four,
and their game of two card draw,
And there's deep and dreamless sleeping,
on bunkticks filled with straw.

Ed and Lawrence, by the stove,
their gun talk loud and hot,
And Rob, has drawn a pain of kings,
and raking in the pot.

Harvey's drafted again as cook,
he's peeling spuds for stew,
While Gus, wanders in baggy pants,
receiting Dan McGrew.

Nowhere on earth is fire so warm,
nor coffee so infernal,
Or whiskers stiff or jokes so rich
nor hope blooms so eternal.

A man can live for a solid week,
in the same old underbritches,
He can walk like a man, spit where he wants,
and scratch himself where he itches

I tell you boys there's no place else,
where I'd rather be come Fall,
Where I eat like a bear and sing like a wolf,
And feel like I'm Bull Pine tall.

In that raunchy cabin out in the bush,
in the land of the Raven n Loon,
With a tracking snow lying new to the ground,
at the end of the rutting moon.

George Augustus (Gus) Bixby
Circa 1905

That might be the greatest poem ever written. I tip my glass to Gus. That was spectacular.

That’s a sweet poem. In WI we hunt about 10 miles north of Trego

Nice - thanks for sharing that.

I've got a book with this poem in it. A classic read from a bygone era.

Well how'd the Chickenbuckers do? Anyone get that big buck? Did Mrs. Dave show you guys how it is done? Did Chickenbuck Joe fill his tag?

I enjoyed that.

Joey and I just destroyed a mountain of fried deer hearts for lunch.

Flatulence report to follow.

Flatulence to follow all over the house.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Joey and I just destroyed a mountain of fried deer hearts for lunch.

Flatulence report to follow.

Congrats and who got the deer, Dave?

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Joey and I just destroyed a mountain of fried deer hearts for lunch.

Flatulence report to follow.

Congrats and who got the deer, Dave?

I believe the use of plural, means multiple !

& am eagerly awaiting field report & pics.

Mr Joe

Mr Dave

heart feast.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Excellent job gentleman. And by gentleman, I mean Joe.

hurt my feeling.

Smilin like heck, here !!

Well done.

Looks like a very nice 8, but what happened to that 10-pt? Still out there?

Nice job Dave. Good looking buck. You guys staying out for the second week?

Originally Posted by LeroyBeans

Looks like a very nice 8, but what happened to that 10-pt? Still out there?

We believe there are a couple of very similar 10s out there yet. And a variety of random average and small bucks.

I hope pam or one of the kids gets the 10.

Originally Posted by gophergunner

Nice job Dave. Good looking buck. You guys staying out for the second week?

We're home, working much of the week but we will be out 2nd and 3rd weekend.

Good luck. Sounds like you have a heck of a nice crop of bucks this year.

Looks like deer heart chislic right there. Yum yum!
Chislic is a local delicacy I encourage people to try. There's several recipes online for it. It's very popular here in South Dakota

Joey got his opening morning. He watched a button buck mill around under his elevated box blind for a while. He video recorded it with his phone. It left and then this 5 point came out, same deal, Joe recorded it before he decided to shoot it. lol! I don't think I have to worry about buck fever with this one, Joe is a pretty mellow fellow.

We were not prepared with our regular hunting knives and sagen saws (pelvic saw). We typically field dress at the kill site, organs and guts out, transfer back to the cabin and hang from the meat pole. I know other parts of the country have different processes, that's how we do it here. We field dressed and split the pelvis with a 2.5" buck folder. I didn't hammer through the pelvis either, carefully push the knife tip in (difficult, takes a lot of pressure and some wiggling), then pry down like you are running a paper cutter. Do that about 5 times and we were through.
Same drill the following morning when I shot my little buck. Pocket knife field dress, lol.
Mine came in about 20 minutes into legal shooting hours, I heard it before I saw it. I have an elevated box blind nested up in a cluster of 3 trees. 2 very large cedars and a large tamarack. The stand has been there since 2011. I'm sort of up in that cedar canopy, I really like that spot. I'm on the outside edge of a decent stand of natural cedar, I love it back there. Anyway, I saw the body moving, coming out from under the dark cover of the cedar. I expected it to be a doe and was ready to wait it out for a rutting buck to be following. To my surprise it was a buck. I could see that it wasn't one of the bigger bucks that we are after, but certainly a buck.... he was moving straight through, opportunity was closing fast. I had to make that decision, bird in the hand? I thought about years past where I had opportunities on an average buck and passed... then never saw another deer for the rest of the season. Thoughts of the 2 toddler grandkids that needed a babysitter back at the cabin so Nate and Taylor could hunt.... Awe what the heck I thought. Swiftly grabbed the M70 FWT 30-06 with the 3x9 40mm turned down to 3, slid it up to my shoulder as I swept the familiar M70 safety with my thumb. Lined up on him, quartering away and walking, moved ahead clear of 2 large poplar trees, neck came into the crosshairs, then the torso, picked my shot and boom. Didn't see where he went but could hear that it wasn't far. I set my rifle in the corner and looked at my chocolate covered donut wrapped in a folding sandwich bag that I had carried out for breakfast. Well, I better eat that before I mess up my hands...

About 25 minutes later I carefully got down. Cautions to not be over confident, I've made that mistake before. I found the shot site, lots of hair, no blood. I picked away, pondering probable directions for him, basically there were 2 directions that made sense. No blood in either direction. Scanning ahead, there seemed to be a large area ahead on a swamp grass trail that had the tall grass matted down. That's where he lay, lots of blood where he died, but not a drop before. He went maybe 20 yards.

It was a warm day (sunday), I was worried about the 2 deer hanging. Joe and I decided to skin, quarter, debone and pack meat on ice. I'm glad we did it out there at the cabin too, much less work to do at home.

Congrats Joey and Dave. that's an awesome weekend at chickenbuck!

I always enjoy reading your stories Dave. You need to put them together in a book. Congrats you guys!

Originally Posted by BuschPilot

Congrats Joey and Dave. that's an awesome weekend at chickenbuck!

What did you guys get Buschy?

well, I have been home with covid for 3 weeks. just got cleared as of Sunday night so still playing it safe. one of my boys got an 8, a couple of the others in our group got a couple 8s as well Saturday night. I haven't felt much like hunting but feeling a lot better today. need to finish moving this week and the weekend as we close on the house next week. cant wait to be down to just a lot less to deal with come winter. Good Luck you all.

Good call on breaking down those deer Dave. I have no doubts there were some deer that went rancid from not being properly cared for.

Hope you're feeling better Buschy. Heard it really takes the wind out of your sails.

Dave, love the donut story! Did the 88 stay home this year? Fine buck by both you and the boy. Love me some heart too.

We handle deer in exactly the same way. That pelvis split is a tricky thing. Borrowed by bud's Buck Kalinga to do the job. $200 knife and the tip of it is still in that pelvis. Oops. Told him I'd grind it down and try to make it look purty. Ended up a fancy putty knife. There's equipment casualties every deer season. $200 lesson for me. Such is life.

Our opener is Sunday. 80% chance of rain. Rah. Sunday night will be libations hunkered down around the clothes dryer. Can't wait.

I thought about the 88 about a day later. It would have been a fine choice, although I don't regret taking the pimpy fwt M70. Quite some time ago i did some bedding and trigger work on it and I'm quite comfortable/familiar with it. The trigger was probably actually pretty important in this scenario, I had a split second for my shot opportunity. The 88 trigger could have complicated things. Maybe not, but as it happened, things worked perfectly.

Super glad to see some shot up in da nort country! How is the babysitting going?

Gopher, any deer down for you?

Thats a nice buck Dave, congrats. Thanks for posting the details, I always enjoy hearing them. Good luck with someone in your camp getting the big one.
I have had a lot of nice bucks on camera, several during daylight but always when I am not there so my bow remains unfired except for the two coyote I shot a few weeks ago. Saw six of them that morning but none since then, maybe they got the message.
Good luck to everyone.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Super glad to see some shot up in da nort country! How is the babysitting going?

Gopher, any deer down for you?

Babysitting starts tomorrow! I can't wait!

Im so excited for everyone in our group that will still hunt this weekend. We have regular temps now and we have snow again! And the rut is still on!

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Thats a nice buck Dave, congrats. Thanks for posting the details, I always enjoy hearing them. Good luck with someone in your camp getting the big one.
I have had a lot of nice bucks on camera, several during daylight but always when I am not there so my bow remains unfired except for the two coyote I shot a few weeks ago. Saw six of them that morning but none since then, maybe they got the message.
Good luck to everyone.

Thin those yotes out! That's awesome!

Hope you get a good deer too though.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Super glad to see some shot up in da nort country! How is the babysitting going?

Gopher, any deer down for you?

Hunted hard last weekend. Blew my chance at one. i missed a moving deer on the other side of a clearcut. My son threw a Hail Mary at it too and didn't fair any better than I did. Hunted yesterday but didn't see anything. My daughter's coming up tomorrow and I'll hunt with her this weekend.

Trimmed, cut and vac packed a deer and a half last night. Froze the rest until next week. We will be canning about 12 quarts this year as well.

Nomm nomm nomm

I talked to one of our guys who hunted up in Emily yesterday. Lots of wolf tracks around. They must be eating good up there.

Rumor has it Tom shot a dandy this morning.....😉

Yesterday was the firearm opener here in Mi.
I tried a decoy this year in an overgrown cow pasture. Right at first light I had a doe in front of me staring at the decoy. While I was watching her a small 5 or 6 point came up 20 yards to my left but he was focused on the decoy & never saw me. He slowly walked around the decoy and trotted towards the doe. I watched them for a minute and then looked to my left again and saw a buck across the field looking my way. He ran up to about 60 yards & stopped to stare at the decoy. He looked like the 9 point I had on camera. It was a hard quartering to me shot, he dropped just inside the trees at the edge of the field.
I was using Hornady Superformance 150gn SST in 300 Savage. I have not used it before but it sure did the job. The right shoulder was broken, the heart & one lung were shredded & the bullet still exited just behind the last rib on the far side. He still went about 100 yds before dropping. I did take another shot as he was going away but I don't know if that connected or not. Probably not.
I saw a total of 8 deer all day, several were small bucks.
Will work on some pictures if I can.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Rumor has it Tom shot a dandy this morning.....😉

Yes He did!

Congrats on the buck, northern jim.

Well, young Joey and I did baby sitting duty all weekend. we watched 2 toddlers and a bunch of dogs back at the cabin while the crew took to the stands Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Joe and I no longer regret taking a couple of bucks early in the season. No deer were seen during legal shooting hours. 4 hunters out in blinds for long hours, nothing.

I'm hunting south of Tower. I've only seen a couple does and one small spiker. On the way out from the stand yesterday I walked in and pulled pics off the trail cam that is about 100 yards from my stand. Thought you would enjoy seeing this buck; taken the morning after we got the 7" of snow mid-week.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Rumor has it Tom shot a dandy this morning.....😉

Must be still dragging it !

Our deer camp is about 40 miles southwest of Camp Chickenbuck. The camp patriarch is 93 this year. He shot a ten point buck about 8:30 opening morning with one shot from his .243. Two of his four sons gutted the deer and one son and I skinned it later that morning. Two other deer shot at camp also but that was the highlight for us. Story in Grand Forks Herald on 11/14.

Attached picture Stu's deer at 93.JPG

Originally Posted by KeithNyst

I'm hunting south of Tower. I've only seen a couple does and one small spiker. On the way out from the stand yesterday I walked in and pulled pics off the trail cam that is about 100 yards from my stand. Thought you would enjoy seeing this buck; taken the morning after we got the 7" of snow mid-week.

[Linked Image]

That's great. Where abouts? I used to hunt south of tower.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Our deer camp is about 40 miles southwest of Camp Chickenbuck. The camp patriarch is 93 this year. He shot a ten point buck about 8:30 opening morning with one shot from his .243. Two of his four sons gutted the deer and one son and I skinned it later that morning. Two other deer shot at camp also but that was the highlight for us. Story in Grand Forks Herald on 11/14.

Cool!

south of 26

Used to hunt north of 26, a little east of 135

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Rumor has it Tom shot a dandy this morning.....😉

Must be still dragging it !

He was headed home today I think, I left him at 1:30 yesterday afternoon cause we had to get headed back. I suspect once he gets unpacked he'll share the story and post some pics. We had a blast.

I had one pic of this buck on Nov 9th. Did not see him in person until yesterday morning. What's the story on Tom's "dandy"?

I'll let him tell the story from his angle and his deer. We saw lots of deer and passed on lots of bucks. Mrs. Colorado1135 almost took a shot at a dandy right after Tom got his but it was 450 yards. She and the rifle can do it but the buck didn't cooperate. He was moving most of the time and when he stopped the angle was wrong or there was a tree in the way. I commend her for not shooting because it didn't feel right. She doesn't regret letting him walk. Our boy managed to get his doe about 30 minutes or so after Tom got his buck, and in almost the same spot. 290 from our elevated position. Spined her with the first shot. Missed high on the second shot spotted by Tom, and the third took her between the eye and the ear. Not bad for a 12 year old. He was pretty calm and collected throughout the whole thing and all business. I ran the range finder and called range and helped cut and pack out the groceries. It was a fun hunt! I'll let Tom tell the rest

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Rumor has it Tom shot a dandy this morning.....😉

Must be still dragging it !

If by “still dragging it” you mean my ass...then yes!

The hunt was a riot all the way around. I finally drew the tag on my 6th try. Just unlucky in how long it took. Someone with less points drew before me last year. Jack and I had hunted in his youth tag in this area last year so we could get a little lay of the land. We knew then it would be fun. There are deer literally everywhere.

We had an interesting first morning. Ryan’s family and
Myself hiked 3 miles to the back of the unit to get away from the crowds, anticipating the bucks would do the same. We were wrong.

We saw some deer and a few bucks, but nothing we were willing to haul 3 miles out on our backs. We were on lookout until about 11 AM when Mother Nature made the decision easy for us to head for the rigs.

We got back and I was sweated up and wet for the sleet. I decided to head back to the hotel and change into dry clothes before cloning back out. Ryan and Kendra had some family obligations to get taken care of for the afternoon. So, they stayed back.

After the rain/snow blew through the wind REALLY picked up. And by picked up, I mean 55-60 MPH.

For the afternoon I picked a spot I knew fairly well from maps and hunting there with jack the year before. And maybe mostly because it was a 1.5 mile round trip instead of 6.

I lost track of how many deer I saw the first evening but it was well over 50. A few ok bucks and one lucky fellow that had 16 lady friends he was sniffing around. All of the were running from draw to draw. I’m guessing the wind and anxious hunters had them spooked pretty good.

A few pics:

This was the spot for afternoon day 1 and morning day 2
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

After the evening hunt, Ryan and I made a plan to go back to where I was for the evening sit for a few reasons. One, the area was big enough that we could spread out and cover A LOT between us. From that perch we could probably see 1/4 of the unit. Not shoot to all of it obviously, you could really see a lot! The other reason being the amount of deer seen the day before.

Sunday morning didn’t disappoint. The weather was more what I was used to. Clear, high skies, temps in the low 20’s and about 10 mph wind.

Once the deer started to head to their bedding areas it was a parade of deer. At one point I texted Ryan saying “they’re everywhere!”

The first group of deer was a gimpy forkie, a few does and 3 spikes. None of them interested me. After about 40 minutes of the parade I saw a buck walking out of a draw that had my attention quick. He was way too far for me to shoot so I just watched him as he closed the distance to Ryan’s set up about 150 hundred yards from me. I fully expected to hear a shot. None came. He was on the move pretty quick. When he stopped at the point of a draw I glassed him and caught him just right to see 5 points on one side, decent main beams and nice tines. That was all the glance I needed. But, he was still too far for me to shoot. I’m pretty confident with this set up to 350. 400 would have to be perfect, and past that would have to be somebody else.

After a minute or so I figured if they weren’t going to shoot him, I was!

I ranged a few spots in his direction of travel in case he stopped. The problem is, he didn’t stop! He covered probably 400 yards in just a few minutes. Clearly searching for a girlfriend. I set up my sticks hoping for a chance. He got within range and just before I was going to yell “STOP” he did!

Crap! I couldn’t find him in the scope. I moved my head off the scope and saw he was walking. I readjusted and when he walked into the crosshairs I shot. Losing sight of his reaction in the recoil, I saw him jump a fence and head into the brush. I wasn’t sure what to think. The shot felt good, but I didn’t like his reaction. The best thing I saw was his tail was tucked down and he wasn’t moving fast.
After a bit I talked with Ryan and he assured me I hit him hard. It took about 1/2 hr for the parade to slow down. When Cale popped the doe, they got the hint.

It was really cool to watch that through binos. He’s cool as a cucumber when deer are around. And he’s a fine, polite young man to boot!

By the time we got down to where the deer were it was about 1.5hrs after my shot.

Cale’s doe and my buck were both standing in the flat area at the upper left of the pic.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We got down to Cale’s deer quick. It was dead in the flat. Kendra and I started to look for blood from the buck. We found it quick. Cale an Ryan joined us following the trail. Ryan went up ahead to look for a body as we followed blood. We had 50-60 yards of good blood and then it quit.

We found a few more drops as he started to side hill the steep slope. That quit too. I was getting nervous. I figured if he was running up that steep ass hill, he wasn’t hit hard at all. It was a nasty steep, rocky, tangle. We just started grid searching and looking for horns or a belly sticking out (besides mine).

Cale yelled out he found blood. Then, excitedly said “I found lots of it dad!”

I was way up at the top of that hell hole praying and hoping for a Hail Mary. Cale gave it to me. Eagle eye found the buck.

That sucker ran straight up a mountain with two leaking holes.

I was last to arrive at the party and was very happy with the deer laying in front of us. We were all excited but knew what was coming. We had to pack two deer back to the trucks.

Here is what I walked up on.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Ryan slid him down the hill to a better spot for pics and skinning/quartering.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The shot there is the entrance. I hit him a little high and caught the onside lung. I had him ranged for 260 but he was probably a bit closer. The exit was just behind the last rib.

Shot with a Win M70 fwt, in .280 Rem and Federal 150gr power shock factory rounds.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Ryan and his family were a blast as always. And thank you for all the help!

It was a wonderful hunt with great friends, in a place I love. It really doesn’t get much better than that!

Good job buddy! Sounds like a great hunt.

very happy for you, Tom. great pictures!

Tom - that is awesome!!! Great buck and nice write up!

Congrats......Jeff

Thank you guys a lot. The place is just beautiful to see. I could just hike it without hunting.

But hunting it is a lot more fun.

Jim awesome bucks and cool fun to knock him down with!

Al, that’s a great story. A really really cool story actually and an awesome buck.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Tom - that is awesome!!! Great buck and nice write up!

Congrats......Jeff

Thanks Jeff.

You guys are knocking down some nice deer. Congrats on that.

Nice buck Tzone! He fits in the Dandy category just about anywhere. Really like the pics, great country to hunt in. Congrats.

Originally Posted by tzone

Right on Tom !!!

Thanks man!

Great story, great pictures and great buck, Tom!

Originally Posted by Northern_Jim

Nice buck Tzone! He fits in the Dandy category just about anywhere. Really like the pics, great country to hunt in. Congrats.

The country is worth the trip on its own actually.

Wow, congrats on some great deer! Nice to see both kids and old fellers getting in on the action. I hope I am still able to be in the woods at 93 let alone shoot a deer!

We had a successful deer hunt as well. My oldest 12 year old boy shot a doe on opening day. Just before dark, my daughter shot a nice 10 pointer. Two in the box as they say! Then on Monday, it was raining, cold and really windy. My boys still wanted to go out. I just didn't feel like sitting in my portable in the rain, so I hopped in with my youngest 12 year old boy. It wasn't long before we had a nice 9 pointer at about 140 yards. But in the wind and rain and being in the shotgun zone I told him we had to wait until he meandered closer. Meanwhile, the older 12 year old had decided he was going to shoot the buck that was in front of him at 120 yards. he said it was a nice 8 pointer. Pretty soon the 9 got to within 118 yards and stood broadside. The shot rang out and he center-punched the heart. As I was thinking to myself, now I have to go take care of a deer in this rain and wind, another shot rang out. Oh my, now there are 2! The 9 was a nice buck, but the other one was not a nice 8. When we got over to it, my son's jaw dropped as we pulled his head out of the grass. A big, gnarly 10 pointer was laying there! Almost 6" bases! Really cool rack with a lot of bumps on the bases and some neat rings 3" from the tips of the beams and last tines. We had history with him and he is a beautiful buck. The youngest 12 year old ended the season about 3 minutes before legal shooting time was up by shooting another doe. The good news is, they now know how to gut out deer and dad doesn't have to do that anymore!

Public service announcement: One thing we learned this year is how good pictures turn out if you take them in Portrait mode. Wow!!!

Let’s see the pics!

I got rid of my photobucket account when they started charging. What are people using now or how are they uploading pictures?

Imgur.

Much easier and free.

You headed for Sisconnie this weekend Tman?

Yep. Headed out late though. Final football game of the season tomorrow against Stillwater.

Good luck to Jackhammer in his game, and good luck to both of you this weekend in Cheeseland.

merp, merp.

Our big buck showed up on my cell cam again this morning. He's still alive, there's still hope.

I was out yesterday and still saw deer at all hours of the day. I’m thinking plenty of rut to go around yet.

Dave - what cellular camera are you using? Pros and cons?

Jeff

Originally Posted by tzone

Imgur.

Much easier and free.

That or Postimage.org. You don't even need an account if you don't want one.

I have a quick report that someone in our party got his first buck yesterday morning about 1/2 hr after shooting light.

Do tell........

Originally Posted by j_elky

Dave - what cellular camera are you using? Pros and cons?

Jeff

moultrie 7000. I've had it for over a year now and it's been outside in the elements the entire time. I've been very happy with it, but lately it has been missing shots. Such as saturday when several deer and a wolf went past the cam and it failed to trigger. I was tracking some wolf activity to see what they are up to and the tracks took me right past the cam. The tracks based on snowfall and temps would have been mid day Saturday, no pics though.

Wolves moved in on us on saturday, they were actually all around our camp and we didn't realize it until about dark, saturday evening when Joey and I were to meet up on a forest trail to start a half mile walk back to the cabin. Joe had about a hundred yards to arrive at the trail, I had about 300 yds of particularly nasty deadfall jungle gym terrain to meet up with Joe at the trail. Joey beat me to the meeting point, he got down from his stand a little before me. I climbed down out of a metal ladder stand and when my feet hit the crunchy snow covered ground, the area exploded with wolf howls. It started with one that sounded like a small town fire whistle winding up and bellowing through the cold air. They were incredibly close, I'm certain they could hear me walking and climbing over the deadfalls to get back to the trail. The pack let out with accompanying howls to the lead singer, it was basically horrifying, lol. To the point where I was recalling how many rounds I had loaded into my model 70 earlier that afternoon. Certainly not enough for how many were howling if they did happen to pursue me. (5) is what I had. Soon I could see Joey's light at the trail. He had a stocking cap with an LED flashlight on it. I didn't have a light so he couldn't see me coming until I got close enough for him to make out the orange from my coat. We looked at each other and no words were necessary, Joe's eyes were as big as saucers. I reached down and grabbed a bottle of beer that I had set on a stump along the trail for my walk back to the cabin. We started walking as the howling continued to wash around our immediate area. They were in at least 3 different groups very close to us as we began our half mile walk back. It was clear that they weren't just 3 groups sitting still, they were running, moving, the howling emitted from points on the move. Moving much faster than we could. I had asked joe how many rounds he had in his 308, hoping for him to say something like "five", he said "three", lol. I just nodded and muttered an assuring "alright, we're good".
I opened my beer and drank it as we walked. I explained to Joe that wolves aren't ambush attackers like cats are, they are more nervy, we would be aware of their presence before they would commit to any sort of attack. Not sure if that was reassuring for him or not. During the whole walk back, I didn't have to turn around and look behind us at all, because Joe was doing it about every 10th step, lol. Back at the cabin we could hear the howling continue and it got closer and closer. They were all around camp, evident by tracks in the snow Sunday morning. Everywhere we had walked, wolves had also walked, right in our tracks, every path to every stand we had been using. I hunted sunday morning, they were howling a bit further from me, 1/4 mile is my guess. Sunday night (last hours of our rifle season) joey was scared out of his stand early, they were howling again and close. None of us saw them, but it was pretty clear that there were far more wolves than deer from saturday on. (based on tracks alone)

In the end, joe and I are feeling better about the 2 bucks we took early in the season, they were the only 2 der taken for our camp. Joe had opportunities for a doe with 2 fawns that he passed on saturday. Nobody else saw anything. At the end Joe and I were party hunting to try to help fill tags for our party (legal in MN). But it didn't happen.

Another season in the books. Memorable points would be the warm weather, the 2 deer that joe and I took, having to process early due to warm temps.... the fun times at the cabin, grand babies, Pam's new white German shepherd puppy "lizzie" in attendance, good food always and a bit wolfy at the end.

Great write up Dave!!

Wolves certainly do make it interesting. Last year after I shot my buck I climbed down from my stand and walked over to check him out. Just as I about to start field dressing him, the wolves started howling, maybe a 1/4 mile away. I looked around at the cattails and young popples and realized I could see about 20 feet in any direction. I backed out to my stand, called a buddy back at the shack and waited for him to come join me.

WOW, damned woofs !

Need Lizzie pics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

& I thought you hated Moultrie cams ?

Based on the $hit you gave me years ago, for posting pics from mine.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

& I thought you hated Moultrie cams ?

You are right, I had bad luck with older ones. My son inlaw did well with them in recent years so I tried a couple low dollar A30 models (I believe) and I like them, they still do well for me after several years. So, a little over a year ago I sprung for a moultrie cell cam. I've liked it for the most part, kind of questioning it recently.

I do have regular duracell in it currently though and I know it likes lithium batteries better.

Mine finally $hit the bed, this fall !

Won't fire up, at all.

!2 years is not too bad.

My only, real, complaint, was that in cold/cold, it ate 8aa Duracell Quantum batteries a week.

As battery power reduced, so did reliable taking of pics - Basically, like you described in the woof story.

Do not buy stealthcams !!!!!

Farken things stop working, altogether, at -10*C.

STILL NEED LIZZIE PICS !!

Well Mrs. Colorado1135 filled one of her buck tags sunday morning. this buck was standing 20 yards from where tom's buck was when he shot it, and she shot it from the same spot. We've taken 6 deer from that spot in the last 8 years when we've been fortunate enough to draw tags. Oldest youngin' shot a coyote from that spot on friday at 465 yards with the same rifle. 308 throwing 168 gr berger VLD's.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Heck of a nice tall buck.

Ryan.....congrats to the Mrs. Beauty of a buck!!!

Jeff

Well my best hunting partner finally got a buck. He’s put his time in there is no doubt about that. Opening morning in WI I heard a shot from his direction at about 7:10, only about 1/2 hr after shooting light.

I quickly got a text that said “I just dropped a buck.” He called me a few minutes later and said it went right down. I told him to watch it for 1/2 hr because they do weird things. Well it did weird things...it tried to get back up after 20 minutes. But, fell back down before he could get a shot. It was dead when I go to it.

We got it cleaned up and drug to his stand to finish the morning hunt.

This is what I walked up on.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Pulling out of the tangle.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Happy camper
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Gun pic. Shot with his grandpa’s Remington 7600, 30-06 pump. 150gr bullets.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

He shot it really really high, through the spine. He said he was aiming for the heart. We thought that was a bit odd. But then I got to thinking, he missed a bucks at 60 yards in MN second weekend. He’s a great shot and that’s not normal for him. Then we were talking and I asked if he remembered when he rested his gun on the wall at the cabin. It slid down the wall and smacked the concrete floor. That can’t be good for the scope...it wasn’t. We checked the rifle and it’s 9” off, high, at 30’ish yards. That would explain the miss and high shot on the buck.

First bucks are so special! Congrats to him!

Congrats!

You’ve created a Hunter for life, I would like to shake your hand and say well done!! Nothing better IMO.

Congrats to him and you Tom. Like that old pump!

We have another first tonight. My buddy’s son, and Jack’s good friend, Owen scored his first deer this afternoon at 2:15. He missed one earlier this week. So, we’re pretty fired up in camp tonight!!

Celebrating with chicken wings and popcorn. Lol

Congrats to all who got their deer.

Camp Isabella was a deerless adventure this year. No deer were even seen. Wolves were all over the area every other day and the deer vanished. We had 60's opening weekend, 2" of rain Monday and then 10" of snow Tuesday night. Did I mention the wolves. They took down a doe Friday night about 200 yards from camp, we found the head picked clean.

On the plus side we had the oldest [13] and youngest [5] granddaughters in camp for 6 days. A good time was had by all.

We celebrated the 13 year old birthday in camp as we had done when she was 1,2,3 and 4.

Originally Posted by tzone

We have another first tonight. My buddy’s son, and Jack’s good friend, Owen scored his first deer this afternoon at 2:15. He missed one earlier this week. So, we’re pretty fired up in camp tonight!!

Celebrating with chicken wings and popcorn. Lol

Good for Owen!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Congrats to all who got their deer.

Camp Isabella was a deerless adventure this year. No deer were even seen. Wolves were all over the area every other day and the deer vanished. We had 60's opening weekend, 2" of rain Monday and then 10" of snow Tuesday night. Did I mention the wolves. They took down a doe Friday night about 200 yards from camp, we found the head picked clean.

On the plus side we had the oldest [13] and youngest [5] granddaughters in camp for 6 days. A good time was had by all.

We celebrated the 13 year old birthday in camp as we had done when she was 1,2,3 and 4.

I hear this more and more, it’s pretty interesting. I was always led to believe that the wolves had the upper hand in the dead of the winter when we had significant snow pack. What I’m hearing these days would lend me to believe the wolves eat deer all the time and many of these areas in NE MN will never have decent deer, or moose’s number ever again until we get some proper wolf management. Do folks agree?

I agree somewhat. They always eat deer, it’s their main food. Certainly is much easier when they can chase them through the snow or on hard pack.

Growing up and hunting that way, they’ve always been around. There’s no doubt they’ll clear out an area for deer. Sometimes it takes years for them to come back.

Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving to all the Chickenbuckers and those that follow their exploits here. Have a great day folks.

My boy got his first buck this morning. we thought we were going to be done for the season so he was going to punch his any WT tag on a doe after passing several bucks all season. So he dropped the hammer on this big doe at 416 yards. perfect shot she didn't go 50 yards from the berger VLD. moments later a buck comes trotting from that general direction but on the opposite ridge straight at us, he dropped into the valley and after several whistles he stopped on the other side briefly. He dropped the hammer again at 285 yards. buck took a few staggered steps and was still up so I said hit him again. he fired a second time and the buck staggered a few steps and layed down. moments later he dropped his head and the hugs and shouts started. We are super glad he had his apprentice doe tag to put on that doe so he could shoot the buck! what a great day! Buck was a 5x5 and had double brow tines on both sides, one was broken off though. couldn't be more proud.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Great job done by the young man and dad.

I’m so excited for Cale. He’s cool as a cucumber when it comes to shooting. Way to go little buddy!

Originally Posted by TJAY

Congrats to all who got their deer.

Camp Isabella was a deerless adventure this year. No deer were even seen. Wolves were all over the area every other day and the deer vanished. We had 60's opening weekend, 2" of rain Monday and then 10" of snow Tuesday night. Did I mention the wolves. They took down a doe Friday night about 200 yards from camp, we found the head picked clean.

On the plus side we had the oldest [13] and youngest [5] granddaughters in camp for 6 days. A good time was had by all.

We celebrated the 13 year old birthday in camp as we had done when she was 1,2,3 and 4.

That's got to be pretty rare for you guys Terry? I'm glad you had a good hunt regardless. It' was a strange season weather wise!

Anybody in MN hunting with the muzzle loader this year? I'm done for the year as far as rifle hunting. I may go after a bird or two yet. We're going to head back up and look at a few new areas we thought looked interesting. Hoping to get away from the crowds that seemed to be around this season.

I haven't decided yet but I don't think so. I have 9 acres in Nowthen but I can't set up far enough from the trail to not get busted.

Tom - I went out Sat afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Saw nothing. Wife texted me at 5:00, there are deer in the backyard at the birdfeeder!! LOL!!

That’s always how it works!

tzone

That was a first. I have always seen deer, 20 years, but not this year.

My wife wanted a pic before I skinned it.

I figured it should be posted here because, reasons....

Big cow head on that sucker!

Originally Posted by tzone

Big cow head on that sucker!

Yeah, I wasn't shooting a little one when it'll be processed by itself.

That reminds me. I still have to grind up my SD "scraps."

Congrats Goalie.

long tome no speaky!

Well the Mi firearm season ended the last day of November. The archery season reopened until Jan. 1st. The Muzzleloader season is open from Dec 4-13 and then there is a late antlerless season that reopens (any weapon) until Jan1. There are some restrictions depending on what zone you hunt in or if it's public/private property & much of the lower half of the State, if I understand it correctly is allowing any deer with any legal weapon during the muzzleloader season. Hard to keep it all straight but it sure is a long season if you really want to hunt as much as possible.
I already posted a pic of the buck I shot opening morning, having a second "restricted" tag I kept hunting. While my decoy setup worked better than expected I did not see anything bigger than a six point after opening day. I did shoot another coyote and saw a second one a few days later. I think that makes 8 I've seen while deer hunting this year.
Shot my deer this year with an old Savage 99 & the coyote with a 45-70 Marlin 1895. I couldn't decide what to hunt with this year so was lucky enough to use both. I will probably hunt the antlerless season some with the Marlin.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

If you look real close you can see a dark line under the coyotes eye, that's where the bullet creased him before hitting the neck. Not 'exactly' where I was aiming as much as I'd like to take the credit for but at 80 yds. almost straight on they are a fairly small target. All I saw after the shot was her tail fly up in the air. Just added this in case you ever decide to do any varmint hunting with a 45-70. The only pelt damage was where the bullet exited the neck just below the back of her head.

Is anyone else here from Mi seeing a lot of coyote this year?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Congrats Goalie.

long tome no speaky!

Yeah, pop-ups kept me away for a long time, and I just quit visiting after a while.

I tried on my new phone, and it's working other than the classifieds.

I hope you guys all had a great season!!!

My Chickenbuck hoodie is still my "lucky" hunting camp attire.

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

I can attest that Ryan wore everyday we were out. And I’m sure it no longer meets the blaze orange requirements. Lol.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

I still regret not getting a hat.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

I can attest that Ryan wore everyday we were out. And I’m sure it no longer meets the blaze orange requirements. Lol.

Lol yup I think they would win if I argued that ticket in court.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

I can attest that Ryan wore everyday we were out. And I’m sure it no longer meets the blaze orange requirements. Lol.

Lol yup I think they would win if I argued that ticket in court.

I’m not sure I’d worry about it. It’s just getting broke in.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

Dave do you think you'll ever do another run of Chickenbuck wear? FEAR THE SWAMP SQUID!

Last weekend of the season here, closes Tuesday at last light.

First decent cold snap we've had, too.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Came in after the chores & Deb put a steaming bowl of veni chili in front of me.

Nice work!!

Just popped in to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas & a happy & prosperous New Year !

See ya'll again on the 4th !

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas to all the 'Buckers and those of us that visit this thread frequently. Here's to the hope everyone's 2021 is way better than this crappy year we've lived through!

May everyone have a great and blessed Christmas.

Merry Christmas all!

Love this thread and never participated till I figured out pictures.

Our camp. 40 years old next May. Pretty typical of a UP deer shack.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Beautiful place Teal. I wouldn’t leave.

Originally Posted by tzone

Beautiful place Teal. I wouldn’t leave.

That thought has passed my mind more than once.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I wear my chickenbuck hat every deer season, it's getting pretty faded now though.

My Chicken Buck hat was a casualty of dragging a buck out in a blizzard about 3 years ago. I thought the branches had just snagged my hood but it took my hat off as well, I guess.

I tried to retrace my steps but they were covered in snow. No sign of it in the spring either.

Damn...

Teal,

That is a beautiful deer shack!

A little late but HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone of you and your loved ones!

Originally Posted by Teal

Love this thread and never participated till I figured out pictures.

Our camp. 40 years old next May. Pretty typical of a UP deer shack.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Gorgeous Andrew !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Originally Posted by Teal

Love this thread and never participated till I figured out pictures.

Our camp. 40 years old next May. Pretty typical of a UP deer shack.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Gorgeous Andrew !!

Thanks! Sitting on 120 acres of old farmland. All lumber cut on site and rough cut to dimension at sawmill down the road. Hemlock and cedar. Deck was added later and replaced once in last 40 years.

Got some snow last year. She held up fine. Snow on roof was shoulder high on a 6ft tall man.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

That place is awesome. Looks like a deer camp should

Next time up there, I'll get some better pics of the cabinets.

My dad n uncle built it, I was 3 or 4 but the cabinet pulls are all 12ga hulls, Winchester W on them. The countertop nail heads covered with various cartridge headstamps.

Can sorta see the "W" here...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Calendars for backgrounds on over the stove cabinets

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Loft

Looks Great, lots of good times there I'm thinking!

Percolator coffee = best coffee, so it looks like you're doing that right too.

awesome pictures, thanks for posting those.

You had the ice palace out, Dave ?

Have you? Not enough ice down in this neck of MN for any Ice Palaces. Not even enough ice for cars from the smart people. Hell...yesterday it was 51*. That's like 118 Canadian degrees.

Yeah Tom, we were mobile on the snowmachines by Christmas, had 8"+ good blue ice by then.

I towed the hard shack out with the tundra 550 fan over the Christmas / New Year break.

I'll hang some pics, if you'd like ?

"Strange winter" for sho !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yeah Tom, we were mobile on the snowmachines by Christmas, had 8"+ good blue ice by then.

I towed the hard shack out with the tundra 550 fan over the Christmas / New Year break.

I'll hang some pics, if you'd like ?

Of course we need pics!!

I'd say we have 8" or so here too. Folks are using sleds and wheelers, but mostly with portables and small shacks.

My buddy and his BIL went through the ice between Christmas and New Years. It was like $15k to get the wheeler and portable recovered.

Yikes !!!!

I'm always super cautious !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mobile ice fishing;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Hard shack out !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Paul;
Top of the morning to you folks, I'll dispense with my usual salutation as anyone who's got a line in the water really has no cause not to be having a grand day, you know?

You folks remind me of the prairie ice fishing approach, which is to say much more "mechanized" and "civilized" than mine is thus far.

This - please forgive me for reposting yesterday's photo Paul - is the sum total of my current ice fishing equipment/setup.

[Linked Image]

Ah, I see the tackle box and coffee cup are absent, so we'll add those two items, but otherwise that's it so far.

That said, my hunting partner who got me back into ice fishing after a 20 year hiatus is making rumblings about getting a Skandic or something like that for ice fishing, so one never knows I suppose? Whenever I think about snow machines Paul, my hands start to get cold just remembering the -30° repairs.....

My last machine was a 1977 Jag however, so perhaps they've improved the dependability in the intervening 4 plus decades?

Good luck fishing sir, I look forward to more of your wonderful photos.

Dwayne

Dwayne,

WIth a cooler full of Perch, I'd say whatever you're using is working juuuust fine! Nice work. I've yet to get on the ice this year. I'd much rather fish the open water. But I do like to try to get some nice northerns up through the hole. We'll see what happens.

Dwayne,

The "mechanized" and "civilized" part has taken me 10 years to accumulate !!

Started out like most, spools of line, jigs & tag alders frozen into the slush, from the hand cut holes.

Still have a Swedish made hand auger.

Normally by now, we'd be dealing with 2' & + of ice, building to the spring is sometimes 3' +.

I have a 12" extension I can add to the Jiffy, once needed.

That's hard work with the hand auger !

Deb & I were talking, in the ice shack this last weekend & decided that we like ice fishing, (perhaps) more than summer in the boat.

The peace & scenery are exhilarating & the fire is warm & comforting !

Hey, that's an organized wood shed you have there Mr !

I may also like it more with a wood stove. I could see that as being peaceful. But, when I'm in the boat on the lake fishing. All I think about is fishing. Completely clears my head. It's perfect.

Originally Posted by tzone

I may also like it more with a wood stove. I could see that as being peaceful. But, when I'm in the boat on the lake fishing. All I think about is fishing. Completely clears my head. It's perfect.

tzone;
Good evening to you sir, I hope the day was as good as can be in these times and all who you care for are well.

Since this is a deer camp thread, I feel compelled to say that there's 3 mulies bedded down just up the hill from where I'm typing, but I didn't see the little spike today who was here yesterday with them. It would appear he was talking when he should have been listening or got a BB gun for Christmas, as something - likely another buck actually - has done a number on his left eye.

That didn't stop him from following the does closer than they wanted him to yesterday however.

I've responded with a quote because for me, sitting in the tent either watching the line with the window flaps down so I can see the line twitch or if we're fishing a compressed water column just standing and staring down that 8" hole does the same for me. All the world goes away while I'm watching either one.

Buddy completely converted me to ice fishing out of a tent now for that reason, though admittedly it's warmer too I guess.

Honestly I like to be able to isolate from the others on the lake or even if I'm solo, just isolate to the line or watching down into the water.

Anyways sir, we're all wired differently and I surely am glad for that as too many wired as I am might be a wee bit much, you know?

All the best to you all. Stay well.

Dwayne

We haven't had any big houses out yet. I got myself 1954 bombardier snow coach and we have had that on the ice a couple of times for portable house fishing and light skid house stuff.

deboned walleye ready for the pan

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Another outing with a smaller hub house (red tent) and a 4'x8' plywood skid house with wood stove.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

sauger

another sauger

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Firewood in the front bomber basket

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Our best fisherman, by far.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

time to pack it up.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Not enough ice for Old Yeller the truck or the yellow shack?

That bombardier is too cool

That stuff is all retired.

Was up this weekend. Me and the GF do an annual thing - night in the shack, case of beer and cribbage. Walk in from the road.

Anyway - whe W on cabinets, 12ga pulls, nail heads covered and old calendar pics for backgrounds...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Oil painting/art my dad did when I was a kid-

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Love it Dave !

Uber cool snowcoach !!!!!!

Sounds like a great tradition Andrew !

Anytime at the camp is a good time. I like those door pulls!

Originally Posted by tzone

Anytime at the camp is a good time. I like those door pulls!

It's a damn miracle they've never been busted off with some of the parties that we had there back in the day.

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Anytime at the camp is a good time. I like those door pulls!

It's a damn miracle they've never been busted off with some of the parties that we had there back in the day.

I was actually wondering that. lol

Bbbrrrrrr n $hit !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

What's the exchange rate on that?

Either way, it's F'n cold.

-34*C = -30*F

-50*C = -58*F

Ya, cold is cold !

Awesome news, I hope it serves you both well. Thanks for sharing your good news with us.

Whomp, whomp, whomp for 1/2 mile !

Square tires are fun aren't they??

Teal,

I like the Nostalgia in that shack. Pretty cool!

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Square tires are fun aren't they??

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Teal,

I like the Nostalgia in that shack. Pretty cool!

Yes

&

Yes !

We call em Italian tires.

When dey get cold, dago wop, wop, wop.

Pretty cold this morning in NE Minnesota. Personal weather stations only go down to -40F; several bottomed out this morning.
[Linked Image]

You can keep that!

C'mon, Man !

Made it all the way up to 9 today. ABOVE!! Can you believe that?

Scrotum dropping nicely, back into place.

I think we'll be able to hit the hard water again, this weekend !

-30* this morning, -20* sat morning warming to -6, Sunday -11* warming to -1.

mid 40's today, mid 50's forecast for tomorrow. hoping the river opens up in the next couple weeks so we can get back in the boat and get some walleyes. been out for a few weeks now and it sucks. water is still low and we had a pretty open winter so could be a low water year.

We did a little fishing today. Temps on the high 20’s and it felt damn nice.

Baby girl caught her first few fish through the ice today. It was a fun time.

Feed of walleye Saturday & bunch of Jumbo perch Sunday.

now that's just mean to rub it in like that.

Ha, ha, sorry Ryan !

We finally had some weather nice enough to take Amelia outside to play. She like nothing better than to hang around her big brother. And he likes nothing better than being a big brother....so we went fishing. Usually I get some holes popped and he takes off across the lake and picks his own spots. This time, he wanted to stay with us and hang out with Sissy on her first ice fishing experience.

It was actually really nice. In the high 20's and low 30's. Nice enough that I wouldn't have even brought the shack normally. But we wanted this to last as long as possible. Figuring mom would have to come get Amelia after about an hour. Well, she made it 3 hours! We were very impressed with that. We packed a bag full of snacks like granola bars, apples, banana, and water for her to snack on. Yep, I left it on the counter when we left so we could get some real ice fishing snack. (not really, I forgot to grab it) Brother Jack ran into the gas station and got her some hot chocolate and some cookies.

She wasn't sure how the ice fishing thing worked and was wondering why we weren't bringing the boat with us.

She wasn't sure about driving on the ice either but that lasted about 3 seconds after she got distracted by something else. She really like ice auger and scooping the snow out of the holes. She asked Jack if he would be her helper.

Here is sissy helping out Jack get the holes ready for the "warm tent."
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Before I got the shack set up I dropped her line down to give her something to do while I got the "warm tent" ready to flip over and snacks ready. It took a good 20 seconds before we heard
"aaahhh Daddy...some-sing is pulling my hook"

Well it sure was. LOL!!
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

After 2 cookies and some hot chocolate we had a flag.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Decent pike. And with MN's new goofy pike slot limit, we actually got to keep this one. A hair under 27." We are in the North Central Pike Zone. In this zone MN allows us to keep pike under 22". There is a slot from 22"-26" and we can keep 2 over 26".

Love it Tom !!

Particularly, the pink suit, rod, reel & braid !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Love it Tom !!

Particularly, the pink suit, rod, reel & braid !!

Well she is my princess!

Winning!!!!

way to go tzone. that brought a smile to my face ! keep up the good [dad] proud dad work

Originally Posted by tzone

We finally had some weather nice enough to take Amelia outside to play. She like nothing better than to hang around her big brother. And he likes nothing better than being a big brother....so we went fishing. Usually I get some holes popped and he takes off across the lake and picks his own spots. This time, he wanted to stay with us and hang out with Sissy on her first ice fishing experience.

It was actually really nice. In the high 20's and low 30's. Nice enough that I wouldn't have even brought the shack normally. But we wanted this to last as long as possible. Figuring mom would have to come get Amelia after about an hour. Well, she made it 3 hours! We were very impressed with that. We packed a bag full of snacks like granola bars, apples, banana, and water for her to snack on. Yep, I left it on the counter when we left so we could get some real ice fishing snack. (not really, I forgot to grab it) Brother Jack ran into the gas station and got her some hot chocolate and some cookies.

She wasn't sure how the ice fishing thing worked and was wondering why we weren't bringing the boat with us.

She wasn't sure about driving on the ice either but that lasted about 3 seconds after she got distracted by something else. She really like ice auger and scooping the snow out of the holes. She asked Jack if he would be her helper.

Here is sissy helping out Jack get the holes ready for the "warm tent."
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Before I got the shack set up I dropped her line down to give her something to do while I got the "warm tent" ready to flip over and snacks ready. It took a good 20 seconds before we heard
"aaahhh Daddy...some-sing is pulling my hook"

Well it sure was. LOL!!
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

After 2 cookies and some hot chocolate we had a flag.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Decent pike. And with MN's new goofy pike slot limit, we actually got to keep this one. A hair under 27." We are in the North Central Pike Zone. In this zone MN allows us to keep pike under 22". There is a slot from 22"-26" and we can keep 2 over 26".

Decent Scissorbill. Tip up? Keeping up with the MN regs every year is a treat to say the least. Always nice to get the kids out.

Yep it was on a tip-up. We we’re on a local lake known for pike and bluegills.

Nice. Having a flag go up makes it all worth it.

It’s fun. But I’ll take soft water anyway. We’re pretty pumped for it to get here actually.

Cool stuff, tom.

river was open when I drove over the bridge, been hearing reports that fish are biting. went to get a bike for Punkin and ended up coming home with 8 baby chicks instead. Mama was super impressed when she got home. I'm anticipating eggs around late June.

Loving this new auger !! Weighs 3lbs + drill !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

river was open when I drove over the bridge, been hearing reports that fish are biting. went to get a bike for Punkin and ended up coming home with 8 baby chicks instead. Mama was super impressed when she got home. I'm anticipating eggs around late June.

Mama went to the grocery story yesterday and came home with a damn bike.

Cool pics above guys!

Farewell to the hard shack, for the season;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

You need a bigger wiener.

No more ice fishing here. Lots of open water in the current areas and it's pretty thin most places.

I may have a short, skinny 1, but my enthusiasm makes sure the sides get a work out !!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I may have a short, skinny 1, but my enthusiasm makes sure the sides get a work out !!

LOL

You getting this strange white stuff Dave ?

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I almost got construction mess cleaned up !

I can hear and feel this photo

Nice one for exhaust next week !

59 Ford t-bird;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Took a day trip to deer camp the other day to put out the deer cameras. The area looked like it had been a pretty easy winter, did not have to cut put way to the stands the trails were open.

Paul.
Nice looking car.

Not much activity in Dave's thread lately, so thought I'd add some walleye opener pics;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

That be good eating I’ll bet, need grits and hush puppies, plus beer to go with them. Watermelon for desert

That is going to be some Fine eating!

Originally Posted by hanco

That be good eating I’ll bet, need grits and hush puppies, plus beer to go with them. Watermelon for desert

Walleye goes exceptionally well with beer. That I'll give you.

Give me walleye, beer, potatoes n garlic and rye bread with onions/butter.

Done.

Beer is always a starter, which ever way we prepare the fish.

We eat walleye roughly 4+ times a week.

Have prepared/cooked it about every way possible, for variety.

Went to Joe's camp on Lake Superior, for a change of scenery & species;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

It didn't suck !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Went to Joe's camp on Lake Superior, for a change of scenery & species;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

It's a little early and my head hasn't totally woke up yet but are those Mackerel, Paul?

Lake trout Rooster.

We caught about a dozen in total, over 2 days.

Limit is only 2 per, so we kept the first 4 we caught.

They were/are in really good condition, fat bastids !

What always blows my mind - I was at Pictured Rocks on Superior - if you're there at the same time - we're hundreds of miles apart or close to it - on the same lake. Love the Great Lakes.

Looks like you got some great trout there.

Yep, big water for sure Andrew !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Lake trout Rooster.

We caught about a dozen in total, over 2 days.

Limit is only 2 per, so we kept the first 4 we caught.

They were/are in really good condition, fat bastids !

Aw gotcha. I've never caught one of them.

Wind, torrential rain & hail here, before dark last night.

Got about 30 trees down around the house, 1 across 2 snowmachines, hopefully no damage.

Everything else got missed !

4 vehicles, 3 boats, camper, tractor, lawn tractor, 3 quads & the ice shack !

No fishing this weekend, I think.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

After the storm was pretty !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Mother nature, at her best !

14 years ago today at this time, Dave, his family and the rest of us that knew and loved Waylon were about to receive the news that would drop us to our knees in disbelief.

R.I.P. buddy. You are missed dearly.

I cannot get to fish camp because of the US Canada border closure so I am already thinking about deer camp. These guys and girls are regulars here since this years apple crop is doing so well. I've been shooting a little lately. Thinking about taking the old Rem. 760 out this year, the remodel is complete. Stock refinish, barrel shortened & a new old Weaver 4x with post crosshair.
Anyone else been to deer camp?
Sorry about the first few XL pics.

Looking good

Here we sit at August. About a month before things really start to get cranking deer hunting wise. I have started thinking about some stand locations and some getting out for a bit of trail work.

Lots of things on deck for this fall including some bow hunting hopefully. Fishing is tops on the list so far though.

I have been thinking it is time to check the deer cams, been 3 months so I should have some pictures.

Did a overnight to deer camp to check cameras. I can confirm there are still deer in the north woods. In fact several are nice 8 pointers. There were some 6, 5 and 4 pointers pictured also.

Three wolves seen, a moose, with a wide rack, and several bears.

It was good to walk in the woods again and this morning when we got up it was 43 degrees.

Hope renewed for a good season and time at deer camp.

Good thing I went last Friday the Greenwood lake fire has our deer camp/hunting area closed.
Best i can tell so far it is a ways south of my area.

I saw that TJAY. I was telling my wife tonight about that. We had our first anniversary right up by your camp.

Good to hear there are some nice bucks around after the season you had last year!

Big run the Greenwood fire today. Praying for the cabin owners. Know some north of 1. so they are still ok. Deer camp about 4 miles away. 6 mile run today so anything can happen just depends on the wind.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7805/

Hoping for some rain tonight. Any up that way?

They got a trace. Winds today have been 10-20 with gusts to 36. These have been from the West/Nw.

TJAY,

How that fire now? This rain should help get that sucker snuffed out.

I’m starting to think about getting some trail cams ready. May find some time next weekend to get them out.

See what’s hanging out in the bushes.

They got 1 1/2 to 2 over Sat-Sun morn. 14% contained this is the Northwest corner and along 1. They are making progress but east and NE still a worry with west winds. Campground we were in day before the fire is gone I hear along with a dozen cabins south of the campground. Deer camp will be Ok if they can keep it south of 1. Dang fire has burned 40 sq. miles.

It sounds like my buddies camp is in danger as well. I’m not sure exactly where they’re at. Theirs is a snowmobile camp for the most part. They best throng they have going is it’s mostly bog around them.

Sounds like that fire is fairly well contained now TJAY. I heard on the news last night the BWCA is still closed tho.

Weather has helped a bunch. Good map of fire and contained line.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/7805/2/123727

Hi guys, I've been busy working and being a grandpa and stuff. Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Things are finally green and lush up north after a hot dry summer. We've been to camp, maintained old trails and mowed some new ones that we are excited about. Hope all is well with chicken buckaroos everywhere.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi guys, I've been busy working and being a grandpa and stuff. Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Things are finally green and lush up north after a hot dry summer. We've been to camp, maintained old trails and mowed some new ones that we are excited about. Hope all is well with chicken buckaroos everywhere.

Glad all's well for you Dave. Love the work you post to FB once in a while. Good luck this fall and winter on the ice.

Originally Posted by TJAY

Weather has helped a bunch. Good map of fire and contained line.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/7805/2/123727

Looks like its about 50% contained now.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi guys, I've been busy working and being a grandpa and stuff. Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Things are finally green and lush up north after a hot dry summer. We've been to camp, maintained old trails and mowed some new ones that we are excited about. Hope all is well with chicken buckaroos everywhere.

Whatchu got for new trails Dave?

We have had a busy summer. We have 2 kids on the fishing team. Jack and my stepdaughter Rebecca. Well it turns out Rebecca is a hellova fisherman. She's in the state tournament this weekend on Gull Lake. So, if you're planning of fishing on Gull this weekend, you're going to share it with 150 other boats in the HS BASS tourney.

After that, it will be time to think about some deer hunting. I have 0 things ready in the woods. No cams up, no stands up, no trails cut...nothin!

I haven't done crap either - tho my dad's retired now and he likes to putz around camp so I let him do it. Cut lanes, hang stands etc.

I don't want to take that away from him lol.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hi guys, I've been busy working and being a grandpa and stuff. Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Things are finally green and lush up north after a hot dry summer. We've been to camp, maintained old trails and mowed some new ones that we are excited about. Hope all is well with chicken buckaroos everywhere.

Howdy Mate !!

Glad things are well, with you & yours.

Been busy exploring the new "home" lake & just starting to get our property ready to hunt again.

Originally Posted by tzone

We have had a busy summer. We have 2 kids on the fishing team. Jack and my stepdaughter Rebecca. Well it turns out Rebecca is a hellova fisherman. She's in the state tournament this weekend on Gull Lake. So, if you're planning of fishing on Gull this weekend, you're going to share it with 150 other boats in the HS BASS tourney.

After that, it will be time to think about some deer hunting. I have 0 things ready in the woods. No cams up, no stands up, no trails cut...nothin!

That's awesome!

Goalie, you got walleye in your lake ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Goalie, you got walleye in your lake ?

30.5"

My brother in law caught that one right in front of our cabin.

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Get yourself to Green Bay. Skip all the packer BS, it's not worth your time. But the fishing is a must. My biggest is 11.27# , 30 3/4" caught in an FLW Walleye tourney...so of course we couldn't keep it. No 30's for me in MN. I've been close a few times.

Hahaha

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Yeah, my biggest was barely over 28". 😟

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Yeah, my biggest was barely over 28". 😟

You're sad about that? lol That's a big ass walleye.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Yeah, my biggest was barely over 28". 😟

You're sad about that? lol That's a big ass walleye.

Not sad, but who wants to be second fiddle to their BIL?????

🤣

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Yeah, my biggest was barely over 28". 😟

You're sad about that? lol That's a big ass walleye.

Not sad, but who wants to be second fiddle to their BIL?????

🤣

Well hell ride with me to Green Bay! 😂

Anyone headed out to bowhunt or chase a few birds this weekend?

Originally Posted by tzone

Anyone headed out to bowhunt or chase a few birds this weekend?

I wish.

Off to the FIL's house to get it ready to sell.

Up north the weekend after though

Grouse opens here tomorrow & if it's a nice evening, Deb & Doug will walk the property, for sure.

It's a tradition that they always go together, opening day.

I say, "if it's a nice evening", because it's been raining all night & we are still socked in.

Unless it's pouring, I like chasing those suckers in the rain. They seem to come out on the trails a bit better.

our bow season starts sat . i am going to give it a shot

Ours starts Saturday too. But it's supposed to be pretty warm. I'd like to fart around in the woods with the shotgun though.

its gonna be in the 90s here .huntin in shorts & flipflops

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Nice, still trying for a 30"er !!

So, so many 29+.

One day !

Yeah, my biggest was barely over 28". 😟

You're sad about that? lol That's a big ass walleye.

On Devils Lake in ND, I caught a 26" and a 28" back to back. Through them back and then almost immediately hooked into a lunker. Got it up to the boat twice and it had to have been close to 32". My buddy got it excited and lunged at it with the net, hit my line and popped the hook out of it's mouth.

DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!

lol....big galut

I think my biggest in Mn is just shy of 27"

Got a few trail cams out last Sunday. I was flying solo so all I did was put them up. It was raining the entire time so I didn’t spend a lot of time mucking around. Put one up in a new spot Jack and I found last winter.

Kinda looks like nobody is hunting around there so it might be a decent block of woods.

Good $hit Tom !!

Took this coming back from scouting, last night;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Cool pic!!

Man, I love the fall !

If the calendar only held six Octobers it still would not be enough!

Originally Posted by rflshtr

If the calendar only held six Octobers it still would not be enought!

Especially when the weather is like this.

Tis that time of year. And with the absence of gophergummer, we're left with a lacuna from his annual mawkish tidings. If I may;

The sun kisses the morning skies
The birds kiss the butterflies
The dew kisses the morning grass

Good luck to all hunters this year.

I went out a few days ago when the weather was a little cooler to sit in a new spot until dark, bow hunting opened Oct 1st. I saw six deer in the last hour or so of daylight and 3 of them were bucks. First there were 3 does then a six point & a smaller eight then a larger eight which I ended up shooting. There is at least one other buck bigger than this one but I was sitting on a log (wind was wrong for my ladder stand) and it was just to perfect an opportunity to pass up.
A few days later I went back there and pulled the card from my camera. The buck I shot should have been right in front of the camera when I shot him & I was expecting to see something quite interesting.

This is the buck I shot and the second pic is of a bigger one standing a few feet from where I shot the 8 point. I have no idea how I didn't see him but I suspect he was with the small 8 point & maybe I was focused to much on the smaller buck!

The camera recorded the six point and the ten point but not the 3 does or the small 8 or the one I shot. It didn't record me walking right behind where the 10 point is standing either. It took pictures the next several days but for whatever reason it didn't capture what I was kind of hoping to see & it did capture what I never knew was there. I am not at all unhappy about the buck I took but I am amazed that I never saw the bigger one. He was pretty much right in front of where I was sitting and only 25 - 30 yards away.

Makes me wonder how much we really miss seeing every time we're in the woods. Good luck to all of you in the near future. [Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

Awesome buck Jim!!

Congrats for breaking the ice.

I'm closing on a place outside of Zimmerman on 15 acres on the Friday before early antlerless season.

Originally Posted by bucktail

I'm closing on a place outside of Zimmerman on 15 acres on the Friday before early antlerless season.

Congrats bucktail. Nice deer around there. My huntin' bud took the muzzleloader buck below outside of Big Lake in 2019.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Originally Posted by bucktail

I'm closing on a place outside of Zimmerman on 15 acres on the Friday before early antlerless season.

Sweet! Congrats. Plenty of deer that way.

Originally Posted by SKane

Tis that time of year. And with the absence of gophergummer, we're left with a lacuna from his annual mawkish tidings. If I may;

The sun kisses the morning skies
The birds kiss the butterflies
The dew kisses the morning grass

Good luck to all hunters this year.

rolling, lol.

We got back tonight from a fun trip to the WI camp. We have 2 new hunters in the making. Pics to follow tomorrow. I’m beat. Lol

Originally Posted by tzone

We got back tonight from a fun trip to the WI camp. We have 2 new hunters in the making. Pics to follow tomorrow. I’m beat. Lol

You know, some of us were waiting for pics.......

😉

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

We got back tonight from a fun trip to the WI camp. We have 2 new hunters in the making. Pics to follow tomorrow. I’m beat. Lol

You know, some of us were waiting for pics.......

😉

Crap. I got lazy and work got in the way....no it didn't.

It's the time of the year we all love. My boy finally got some time off of football on a weekend to come with his dad and get stands ready. I hung some trail cams a few weeks ago. So, we planned on swapping cards there too. We had to pull down one stand we're not using, put up one for the man-child, clear some shooting lanes for the old man, get a new spot for a blind cleared out, and maybe do some shooting. Oh yeah, and ride the wheelers and stop at Grandma and Grandpa's on the way home. Whew....long activity packed day.

Last fall when my daughter was 2 she really wanted to go with us. She was just too tiny to come into the woods. But I told her when the leaves change next year I'll take you. Well I'll be dipped if she didn't remember that. So, dad had to take her. She's my little shadow and she LOVES her big brother so, there is probably not much of a chance I'll ever be in the woods without her again.

And that's fine with me.

My youngest stepdaughter has shown some real interest in the outdoors this season. She's a giant sweetheart and makes us all laugh. So, if she wants to come along, she's coming along!!

The first stop was to put up Jack's treestand. His area was logged at some point this summer. But I think it worked out for the better. They cleared a bunch of what I call "pin oak" out from the red pines and jack pines. It really opened up the shooting for him.

The tree between me and Layna is where his stand went up.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

It was really tough to keep a 3 year old upright, but she did OK. We tried to stick to deer trails when we were walking. It took a bit longer but she didn't break any bones.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Then we got to the fun stuff. She's been on the wheelers around the yard but never on a trail. So it was go time and she was geared up. BTW...picking a helmet for an almost 4 year old is quite a challenge. lol

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Sissy selfie while the boys were in the woods swapping cards. She had enough walking in the woods at this point. We were about 5 hours into the adventure when she took this pic.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/o8Z487r.jpg?2[/img]

I don't have any of the shooting for some reason. I was too busy keeping people out of the way and resetting targets to get pics I guess. It was a fun weekend.

We're going to try to get Layna her first deer this year. She asked if she could hunt. So yeah, she can hunt.

Good times Tom !!

Nothing better. Good going Tom.

Thanks guys.

One other cool thing that happened. A younger guy about 30 pulled up and asked if I have anything good on camera. He said he owns the 80 that buys up against a spot I’ve hunted for about 6-7 years. He knew it was there, and told me where he’d be so we’re aware of each other. We’re hunting about 1/4 - 1/3 mile apart. No biggie.

He had his wife with him and was chatty as well. But as we kept talking, he sounded real familiar to me. I knew him from somewhere and couldn’t place it. Then he said he moved about 15 years ago from a small town near Wausau. A light bulb went off…I asked his name and he told me.

I started laughing and said unused to work at an archery shop he got his start bow hunting at. He moved up to where we hunt and is a principal at the school there. But when he miced, he was also working/hunting for Drury Outdoors. He doesn’t anymore but it was good to BS with him and his wife.

Originally Posted by bucktail

I'm closing on a place outside of Zimmerman on 15 acres on the Friday before early antlerless season.

That is the greatest feeling in the world, owning your own little piece of paradise ! Congratulations to you and your family, with luck you can always add to it until you own the whole damn square !

Dave, any action for the youngen's sit today ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Dave, any action for the youngen's sit today ?

nein

Urrrrrp! uuuurrrrrrpp!

Originally Posted by tzone

Urrrrrp! uuuurrrrrrpp!

BLAM!!

You missed.

Urrrrrp

That would be funnier if he wasn't holding a gun.

It’s getting closer….

Rifle opener here tomorrow !!

Urp !

Originally Posted by tzone

It’s getting closer….

Oh yeah. Can't wait to see how my "improvements" to the land behind my cabin pay off. 😎

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Rifle opener here tomorrow !!

Urp !

I'd be climbing the walls.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

It’s getting closer….

Oh yeah. Can't wait to see how my "improvements" to the land behind my cabin pay off. 😎

What did you do up there David?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

It’s getting closer….

Oh yeah. Can't wait to see how my "improvements" to the land behind my cabin pay off. 😎

What did you do up there David?

Put up a few stands and a blind, then cut shooting lanes. Prior to this, it was literally just going out into the woods.

I usually hunt elsewhere, but saw a bunch of deer muzzle loading last year, and am bringing up my brother and nieces again.

I'll hunt during the week at another property and see how this goes.

Aren't those double ladders fun to put up?

Looks good to me.

Originally Posted by tzone

Aren't those double ladders fun to put up?

Looks good to me.

We went back to the cabin and grabbed an extension ladder.

I had a safety line and harness, but, yeah, it gets "fun '

That SOB is solid though, and in an awesome location.

I did one a few weeks ago alone and was starting to question my sanity. I used a couple ratchet straps on the ladder before I climbed up to finish.

Hopefully, we have 2 deer to drag by this time next week.

Originally Posted by tzone

Hopefully, we have 2 deer to drag by this time next week.

Hell yeah!!!!

Originally Posted by tzone

I did one a few weeks ago alone and was starting to question my sanity. I used a couple ratchet straps on the ladder before I climbed up to finish.

I had a safety rope and the ladder attached to the tree.

Where are these opening weekend bucks pics Paul?

No deer were harmed in the making of a great weekend !

Originally Posted by tzone

Aren't those double ladders fun to put up?

hahaha

I conned a couple buddies into helping me put one up one time. One is over-hyper and started "running" it up the tree. He ran out of height and dropped it on my other buddies head. Right on the button of his ball cap. I'm sure you all know what that feels like.

So for the next few minutes we got to watch a grown man cry out in the woods. lol

Hahaha.

We have a process now. I hold the bottom and swear a lot and my son walks it up the tree.

Tom

Same way the wife and I put them up. One of them is 110 #s so now we make one of the kids help.

Last camera check had 3 diff. 8 pointers and some smaller bucks. A moose cow, bear no cubs, one wolf.

We are looking for a great camp with kids and grand kids the first two weekends.

merp

Originally Posted by northern_dave

merp

urrrrrrp urp urp

Originally Posted by TJAY

Tom

Same way the wife and I put them up. One of them is 110 #s so now we make one of the kids help.

Last camera check had 3 diff. 8 pointers and some smaller bucks. A moose cow, bear no cubs, one wolf.

We are looking for a great camp with kids and grand kids the first two weekends.

That sounds awesome TJAY!

We're not sure what we're getting into here in MN. We weren't really sure we were going to hunt here. We were going to bow hunt in WI. We didn't have enough time to practice proper so we're gun hunting in MN up by Mora. We have no idea what's running around but we're going to find out!

It's getting that time to load the truck, start the farting and light the fire. Or is it light the farting and start the fire? I don't know!? Anywhoo...it's time!

Dave, that story I told above. That was Big Dan that got the stand dropped on his melon. haha

Soon time opener hunting deer.

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

I'm also glad you have Friday off. I'd be sent home if I didn't have it off....and I work from home.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

I'm also glad you have Friday off. I'd be sent home if I didn't have it off....and I work from home.

Niiiiiiiice.

My niece and I are heading up early so she can see the new blinds location, mark her trail in etc... before dark

She's super excited!!!!

I think I'm ready. I hope I'm ready. By God, I better be ready. Finish packing up next couple of nights, shut the machines off at 11 or so on Friday, and hit the road with everyone else. Looking forward to another opener. Weather looks like it shouldn't be too bad, 50's Sat and Sun. All the best to everyone heading out this weekend. I'll be shaking like a Briggs & Stratton by Friday night. Ha!

[Linked Image from i.gifer.com]

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

I'm also glad you have Friday off. I'd be sent home if I didn't have it off....and I work from home.

Niiiiiiiice.

My niece and I are heading up early so she can see the new blinds location, mark her tail in etc... before dark

She's super excited!!!!

***5th grade snicker***

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

I'm also glad you have Friday off. I'd be sent home if I didn't have it off....and I work from home.

Niiiiiiiice.

My niece and I are heading up early so she can see the new blinds location, mark her tail in etc... before dark

She's super excited!!!!

***5th grade snicker***

I edited that out. 😎

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

I'm so glad I have Friday off.

I'm also glad you have Friday off. I'd be sent home if I didn't have it off....and I work from home.

Niiiiiiiice.

My niece and I are heading up early so she can see the new blinds location, mark her tail in etc... before dark

She's super excited!!!!

***5th grade snicker***

I edited that out. 😎

It's out there forever now man! haha

Son[now 30] still breaks out his Camp Chicken-Buck[?] t-shirt on occasion.

It's office attire here

excellent

We are done re-re-re-re checking zeros for Saturday morning!!!!

That POI @ 25 yards is good to know. 😁

One shot at 25,50,100 with each rifle.

We'z ready

we've got a couple of those same hats

Are you shooting into a dog house?

Good luck to you, guys n gals, this weekend !

Originally Posted by tzone

Are you shooting into a dog house?

Hey, I built those bullets traps

Wife found my chickenbuck ball cap that I thought I lost in a blizzard about 4 years ago, behind a shelf/stand thing in our entryway a couple weeks ago. I thought that was gone forever.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are you shooting into a dog house?

Easy there, his buddy Toot helped him build them.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wife found my chickenbuck ball cap that I thought I lost in a blizzard about 4 years ago, behind a shelf/stand thing in our entryway a couple weeks ago. I thought that was gone forever.

It probably fell off your head during a blizzard when you were trying to start that plow truck.

Sunday, if it's warm enough, it's Chicken buck hoodie and Remington 81 time. 😁

i like deer hunting. it's my favorite.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Wife found my chickenbuck ball cap that I thought I lost in a blizzard about 4 years ago, behind a shelf/stand thing in our entryway a couple weeks ago. I thought that was gone forever.

It probably fell off your head during a blizzard when you were trying to start that plow truck.

har

Actually, coming out of the woods during ML through some thick brush.

This time tomorrow I'll be packing my trailer to head up north.

😁

Originally Posted by goalie

Sunday, if it's warm enough, it's Chicken buck hoodie and Remington 81 time. 😁

I don't think warm enough will be an issue.

It looks like temps in the high 50's.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Sunday, if it's warm enough, it's Chicken buck hoodie and Remington 81 time. 😁

I don't think warm enough will be an issue.

It looks like temps in the high 50's.

I know, I'm bringing an extra cooler and planning on immediate skinning and quartering like last year when it was warm.

Originally Posted by goalie

This time tomorrow I'll be packing my trailer to head up north.

😁

This time tomorrow... I'll be north. No way I can wait this long to leave. My son saw a big buck chasing a doe across a sod field on his way to school this morning. So, he's gone.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Sunday, if it's warm enough, it's Chicken buck hoodie and Remington 81 time. 😁

I don't think warm enough will be an issue.

It looks like temps in the high 50's.

I know, I'm bringing an extra cooler and planning on immediate skinning and quartering like last year when it was warm.

We're doing the same. Temps in the 30's at night will help.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

This time tomorrow I'll be packing my trailer to head up north.

😁

This time tomorrow... I'll be north. No way I can wait this long to leave. My son saw a big buck chasing a doe across a sod field on his way to school this morning. So, he's gone.

I gotta wait on my niece.

Taking the minivan, Dave ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Taking the minivan, Dave ?

Yup, with a utility trailer, so I don't endanger anyone with deer in the back.....

Good luck to all you Mineetonkins!

I've got a grandbaby bout to be born too. Any day now, could happen on opener. lol

grandbaby number 3

Horrible timing.

If it's born on opener....I shall dub thee, Buck.

Friends,

My brain is done working for the day.

I just talked about hunting for ten minutes with a vet on a call.

😁

That's awesome Dave !!

Originally Posted by tzone

Friends,

My brain is done working for the day.

Originally Posted by goalie

I just talked about hunting for ten minutes with a vet on a call.

😁

That was me, last week !

At it again Saturday/Sunday !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

That's awesome Dave !!

I'm going to take him to Perham Sportsman's where I'm a member.

😁

We talked silencers, his grandkids hate the noise and blast, I was all "I've got a few things to show you....."

My 30-30 Contender with a can had probably sold 5 tax stamps in the last two months......

Haven't been here in a long time, but figured there might be a little chatter this week! Good luck to all the hunters and be safe!

Kids are growing fast and watching them play football is awesome. Love to watch the local high school team where my daughters boyfriend plays and two neighbor kids. We have another kid who is the fastest, most exciting player in the state. Sure makes for some exciting football to watch.

My boys both shot antelope bucks and my daughter shot a 5X5 bull elk. So far, I have felled a couple ducks and lost a mitten.

Northern Dave, we should try and have a beer or something at the trap championships next spring if you are down here.

Hope to see some grip and grin pictures next week on here!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got a grandbaby bout to be born too. Any day now, could happen on opener. lol

grandbaby number 3

I was born opening day 1960… I haven’t missed opening day in MI since I turned 14.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We have another kid who is the fastest, most exciting player in the state. Sure makes for some exciting football to watch.

Who's that?

We must have the second fastest kid in the state. He won state track in the 200m last spring. In the Section playoff game last week he ran for 283 yards and set the school record. The kid has a game tomorrow night for the State 1/4 Finals. He'll be up at camp late....but he'll be there.

Originally Posted by goalie

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

That's awesome Dave !!

I'm going to take him to Perham Sportsman's where I'm a member.

😁

We talked silencers, his grandkids hate the noise and blast, I was all "I've got a few things to show you....."

My 30-30 Contender with a can had probably sold 5 tax stamps in the last two months......

What can do you have? I'm pretty interested in one.

I've got a Gemtech Tracker for hunting. A Dead Air Mask for .22lr stuff, and a Griffin Armament Optimus for ARs, 9mm pistols, and 30cal rifles.

Originally Posted by MIsportsman

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got a grandbaby bout to be born too. Any day now, could happen on opener. lol

grandbaby number 3

I was born opening day 1960… I haven’t missed opening day in MI since I turned 14.

Same, same. Since 1963.

Deer season always seems to bring me back here. I buggered up my deer rifle but good tonight removing a scope. Seems my Herculean power snapped off a scope base screw and the rest is still in the receiver. No good way to extract it. Win M100 308. Not happy at the moment. <sigh>

Good luck to all you Minnesotans. It's the best time of the year!

I’ve missed one season since 1989. It was 2018 when I was hunting in the Black Hills.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We have another kid who is the fastest, most exciting player in the state. Sure makes for some exciting football to watch.

Who's that?

We must have the second fastest kid in the state. He won state track in the 200m last spring. In the Section playoff game last week he ran for 283 yards and set the school record. The kid has a game tomorrow night for the State 1/4 Finals. He'll be up at camp late....but he'll be there.

Kristen Hoskins. Committed to the Gophers. Official 4.31 40 yard dash, unofficial 4.27. Super fun to watch as he has more moves than Barry Sanders. Insane really. His biggest problem is we don't get the ball in his hands enough. He scores about every 3rd or 4th touch. Cant wait to see him play in the Big Ten next year!

We are going to watch them in Bemidji tonight. Will get back after midnight. Not great timing for opener tomorrow!!

You must mean Section Championship. The state tourney starts next round. What team? I will see how they do!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by MIsportsman

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got a grandbaby bout to be born too. Any day now, could happen on opener. lol

grandbaby number 3

I was born opening day 1960… I haven’t missed opening day in MI since I turned 14.

Same, same. Since 1963.

Deer season always seems to bring me back here. I buggered up my deer rifle but good tonight removing a scope. Seems my Herculean power snapped off a scope base screw and the rest is still in the receiver. No good way to extract it. Win M100 308. Not happy at the moment. <sigh>

Good luck to all you Minnesotans. It's the best time of the year!

what kind of mount?

trying to think if I have any extras for 88/100. I don't think I do.... I'll look at lunch time though.

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Berettaman

We have another kid who is the fastest, most exciting player in the state. Sure makes for some exciting football to watch.

Who's that?

We must have the second fastest kid in the state. He won state track in the 200m last spring. In the Section playoff game last week he ran for 283 yards and set the school record. The kid has a game tomorrow night for the State 1/4 Finals. He'll be up at camp late....but he'll be there.

Kristen Hoskins. Committed to the Gophers. Official 4.31 40 yard dash, unofficial 4.27. Super fun to watch as he has more moves than Barry Sanders. Insane really. His biggest problem is we don't get the ball in his hands enough. He scores about every 3rd or 4th touch. Cant wait to see him play in the Big Ten next year!

We are going to watch them in Bemidji tonight. Will get back after midnight. Not great timing for opener tomorrow!!

You must mean Section Championship. The state tourney starts next round. What team? I will see how they do!

Yeah, Section Championship. Centennial. They play STMA tonight in St. Michael.

You'll be fine, we can't shoot until like 0900 😁

Due to inflation, the moscow mules at deer camp this year will be improvised.
We had to sell the copper cup to buy a bottle of Philips vodka from the bottom shelf. We have no other ingredients, you will have to take straight pulls from the vodka bottle with a penny in your mouth. And we only have the one penny so you'll have to pass it around.

Thanks for your cooperation.

The management.

Apparently out shoreline is the deer watering hole.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by MIsportsman

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I've got a grandbaby bout to be born too. Any day now, could happen on opener. lol

grandbaby number 3

I was born opening day 1960… I haven’t missed opening day in MI since I turned 14.

Same, same. Since 1963.

Deer season always seems to bring me back here. I buggered up my deer rifle but good tonight removing a scope. Seems my Herculean power snapped off a scope base screw and the rest is still in the receiver. No good way to extract it. Win M100 308. Not happy at the moment. <sigh>

Good luck to all you Minnesotans. It's the best time of the year!

what kind of mount?

trying to think if I have any extras for 88/100. I don't think I do.... I'll look at lunch time though.

I got the mount off, an original Marble's Game Getter from Gladstone. I have a couple of them handed down from dad. One piece mount. Fairly decent. It's the mounting screw that sheared the head off. Only about a half a mm is sticking out. Tried to get a Vice grip on it. No joy.

2 hours till the shooting starts, so I'm heading out.

Good luck everyone!!!!

Camp (Home) put 1 on "the pole", Sunday morning.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

That butt ugly savage youth .243 has killed a deer, or multiples, every season since Doug was 12.

Hopefully, the temps do drop as predicted !

Tender loins tonight !

are they calling you The Loinsmith?

My crew tipped 2 over. A doe and a monster buck shot by my daughter.

On the high school football front, my team made a miraculous comeback for the 2nd straight week with 3 TDs in the final 3 minutes to beat Bemidji and go to state. Lots of excitement. We play a city school, Robbinsdale Cooper, on Saturday. I don't know anything about them.

Waiting patiently for a Chickenbuck report complete with pics. New baby? Deer? Did the 88 bark this year?

Hallowww!

No deers were harmed.

Too warm to hang em anyway, snow is on the way for 2nd weekend though.

Baby is on the way today.

Not much action with our crew. Only 2 deer were sighted and both of those by the boy. He popped one of them Sunday morning. It was just too warm for much deer movement in the north country.

The Centennial boys football lost their 6A 1/4 final game Friday night 34-31. It was a great season for them considering they were not ranked at the beginning of the season and were expected to be more than average this year. They beat some great teams that were ranked in the top 5.

He’ll be a senior next year so he’s pretty excited for it.

We hope to be posting deer pics this time next week.

Got my first inner loins out intact in several years last weekend.

In the words of Mr.Food
"oh it's so good"

Y'all Mineetonkins ready for some weather?

Further Nort, they be telling us, 40-50cm (16-20"), starting this afternoon & ending some time Friday !

That's gunna collapse & prolapse a $hit tona hunting blinds !

I spent the whole morning moving things at home into winter spots, put the v plow on the truck, got vehicles put inside... everything I can do to be ready. planning on plowing my way into camp sometime tomorrow night.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Camp (Home) put 1 on "the pole", Sunday morning.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

That butt ugly savage youth .243 has killed a deer, or multiples, every season since Doug was 12.

Hopefully, the temps do drop as predicted !

Tender loins tonight !

I don't know how I missed this. Congrats camp Cananda!

Originally Posted by northern_dave

I spent the whole morning moving things at home into winter spots, put the v plow on the truck, got vehicles put inside... everything I can do to be ready. planning on plowing my way into camp sometime tomorrow night.

Jeesh. Maybe I should turn on the news. How much snow are we supposed to get?

How's the weather up there?

Gonna be windy today!!!!

Originally Posted by Raeford

How's the weather up there?

8 to 10" of new white stuff. Tag alders are showing off their limber tendency to bend completely over under snow weight, arching always inward to block the trails to the deer stands. Be mindful for snow down the back of your neck and in your scope. My old stand elevated between a mature cedar and mature tamarack has been here for 10 years now. The floor is 12 ft off the ground and this morning it is protesting the weight of the snow plus 200 lbs of me. Audible popping and groaning from old lag bolts in support timbers.

Fresh deer tracks in the new snow. Im considering carrying a couple of snow tracks back to the cabin and placing them into a large pot. Ill turn the stove burner on medium flame as i add meat, chopped peppers, onion, rotel, beef broth, spicy v8 juice, pinto beans, browned beef, chili packets, other seasonings... perhaps some tomato sauce if needed?
It will be a triumphant batch of track soup.

MI 2021 starts today, season starts Monday but I'm here.

Jumped 3 deer and 2 grouse on the 1/4 mile in...

38°F, had to burn some vegetables....

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

This year I'm hunting a Montana in 7-08 (Amax over Reloader in Lapua brass), a 480 Ruger and a Glock 19 for plinking.

Good luck to everyone else.

Badass rifle Teal. Good luck to you and your camp.

Thanks. It's quickly become my favorite. Round the shack they've called it "The Death Star".

Good luck to you and yours as well.

I have a .223 and a .243 in Montana’s currently. I’m thinking I’d like a 7-08 based on the fact that I’ll probably not ever run out of 7mm bullets.

I have a pretty good pile of them.

My two cent MN report:

I have been out everyday until this morning, we have filled one tag. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Shuffling between home and Emily. Snow/sleet and wet the last two days in Emily. Felt a bit under the weather, and stayed in this morning. I will be out again this afternoon in the Annandale area. I think I have a case of wolf denial in Emily, and am considering moving back to the Park Rapids area for my state land hunting. We've always done well there.

Regardless, I'm enjoying it as much as I always do, and will wrap up tomorrow in Zone 219, and will head back up to 171 next week for the last days of firearms.
How is the MN season shaping up for everyone else?

Snow is slowing. Letting these little ones go by. My niece got one medium buck.

Aaaand, we put a big doe in the freezer

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by Raeford

How's the weather up there?

8 to 10" of new white stuff. Tag alders are showing off their limber tendency to bend completely over under snow weight, arching always inward to block the trails to the deer stands. Be mindful for snow down the back of your neck and in your scope. My old stand elevated between a mature cedar and mature tamarack has been here for 10 years now. The floor is 12 ft off the ground and this morning it is protesting the weight of the snow plus 200 lbs of me. Audible popping and groaning from old lag bolts in support timbers.

Fresh deer tracks in the new snow. Im considering carrying a couple of snow tracks back to the cabin and placing them into a large pot. Ill turn the stove burner on medium flame as i add meat, chopped peppers, onion, rotel, beef broth, spicy v8 juice, pinto beans, browned beef, chili packets, other seasonings... perhaps some tomato sauce if needed?
It will be a triumphant batch of track soup.

Ya, lotsa white stuff, it was knee deep, by Friday afternoon !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Nice Andrew !!

Enjoy.

Deb took some great photos, of our "bush", while hunting.

I'll see if I can get them.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Cue the snowmachine !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Looking back at the house, as you exit the bush, about the corner in the pic above.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by goalie

Aaaand, we put a big doe in the freezer

Awesome! That is a big sucker.

Paul...nice bush.

Although my boys and dad shot some deer, my daughter stole the show this year and shot a dandy. He has 14 points and scores just over 160". Gonna cost me some money at the taxidermist! Add it to her bull elk and she had quite the season. Sure is fun to watch your kids have success! I don't have any accounts or I would post a picture. Just imagine a big buck with a smiling girl!

How did that track soup taste ND? I might have to make some myself!

Well done B-man, I so much enjoy getting everybody else their animals !

Dave, how was the plow punch into camp.

Handled it OK, or needed to call in the Cheby guy to help ?

Oh, & grand baby news ?

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by goalie

Aaaand, we put a big doe in the freezer

Awesome! That is a big sucker.

Yeah, she wasn't little

Excellent!

We get some giant does in WI where we're headed in a few days. Antlerless permits are far and few between except for the kids. There aren't many of them but when they can't get shot, they get some age on them. I call 'em "rubber heads." What you have there is a rubber head. lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Excellent!

We get some giant does in WI where we're headed in a few days. Antlerless permits are far and few between except for the kids. There aren't many of them but when they can't get shot, they get some age on them. I call 'em "rubber heads." What you have there is a rubber head. lol

What I have there is what you can shoot at dusk when you don't shoot the little ones all day. 😉

Lessons were learned last week.

I like the young ones better than the rubber heads. 1.5 year old doe would be perfect for the freezer

Had some good fortune up north. My best buck by a long shot.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Niiiiiiiice

Nice buck in shirtsleeve weather. Congratulations.

Real good buck !!

Wow great buck Jeff. Congrats on that deer!!

Good luck to you & the kiddos in WI, Tom !

Betting you've got the right "tool", for the next part of that job too, Jeff !

Congrats Jeff, a real trophy.

Thanks guys. I knew he was in the area and the warmer weather made it easier to sit and wait him out. I've hunted that area for 30+ years and he is my best by far.

Anyone hunting muzzleloader? I'm thinking another deer in the freezer wouldn't suck. 😁

I'll be out in the morning. It was a nice afternoon today, but no deer.

Originally Posted by goalie

Anyone hunting muzzleloader? I'm thinking another deer in the freezer wouldn't suck. 😁

Still hunting in WI. One more day then calling it quits for the season. Good luck to you black powder hunters.

Hello everyone!!!! Been a long time since I've been on here. Have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone had a successful hunting season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who frequent this thread.

Originally Posted by TJAY

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who frequent this thread.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope Santa was good to you all.

Little dusting of snow yesterday;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Skidoo, that I used on Sunday, for reference;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

That looks cold. You can keep it.

That looks cold! Lots and lots of Nope!

Any of you locals need 209 primers, let me know. I jumped on 1,000 and I doubt I'll shoot my muzzle loader that much in my lifetime.

Howdy to the bombie snowcar men & the rest of you muthertruckers !

Finally warmed up enough to spend the afternoons ice fishing, on the weekend.

Forgot the camera/phone on Saturday, but it was a repeat of Sunday !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

99 us FLA people don't fish if it gets below 65 .🥶🥶

Mmm, fresh walleye;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Those look pretty good!

Dang it Paul. I'm sitting here starving and then I go and open this thread up and see fresh walleye tacos!

Sorry Rooster !!

We've been doing real well - See my 2022 season thread in the Fresh Water forum.

I'll check it out!

Spring !

Love me some outdoor cooking !

Smoker coming out, this weekend.

Official ice out, on Eagle Lake, last evening !!

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Count down to walleye opener - Saturday !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Official ice out, on Eagle Lake, last evening !!

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Count down to walleye opener - Saturday !

Purty!

The Camp Isabella deer cams have been put out.

I have not seen the water this high in 30 years I have been hunting and fishing this area.

Off to a bear hunt in the morning. Heading to Az.

I will report when I return or maybe during if I have coverage.

Had a great time and shot a nice bear. Picture when I can. Bear measured 7 foot 1 in. nose to tail.

Link to Picture. It will not post here says it's too big.

https://forum.nosler.com/threads/this-years-az-bear.43532/#post-478348

This was a baited hunt on the Fort Apache reservation. The day starts driving into town and having breakfast at great breakfast with the outfitter and guide. Then back to camp and load bait onto trucks. Then the guide and I went out to bait and check cameras to see what activity was going on. We did 4 or 5 baits and then decided which one to sit on while eating lunch.

First evening I picked a site that had 2 7 footers hitting it. On was rubbed bad on the hind end and the other was jet black and the one I wanted.
Did not see either of those. Instead a 6' rust colored one came in and gave me a show over a couple of hours.

Day 2 was the same as day 1 until time to sit when it started raining so we called it went back to camp.

Day 3 started with great breakfast, French toast and link sausage. Then loading bait then to a site to clear some trees obstructing the bait. Then headed out to do our baiting. On the second bait we went to we found this bear, I took, hitting it shortly after we baited and then coming back 3 more times. I could tell my guide was pumped about this bear. We pulled out of the area and had lunch and talked about this bear. I decided this was the site for the evening. At 1:30, about an hr. after rebaiting, That I was going in to sit it early about 2. At 3:50 the bear came in and walked broadside at 75 yards. 1 shot from my 375 RUM with a 270 speer and a short but frustrating track. One lung and liver and little blood and he was found. Fat and long hair kept the blood from reaching the ground.

My hunting partner took a 7' the next evening. DSCN0639.JPG This is what the bait barrels looked like. A bear standing in front of the barrel is 6' to the bottom of opening, 6 1/2 to the middle and 7' to the top of barrel.
Drove 3295 miles for this hunt and we had a great time.
Partne shot his with a 35 Rem. 336 Marlin.
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Ivy, Izzy's brand new, lil' sister !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

99, What breed is Ivy? Rio7

Great stuff TJay !

Thanks

It was a fun hunt.

Originally Posted by RIO7

99, What breed is Ivy? Rio7

Looks like a German Shorthair Pointer.

Paul, nice pics!!

TJAY,

trip sounds awesome!

It's about time to start sorting through deer hunting gear, cams, batteries, treestands...all the normal stuff.

Ivy & Izzy are both german shorthaired pointers Rio.

Yeppers !

Great Pooch pics Paul. Fun times ahead for those two and your family.

Girlfriend has a Chinesium CNC laser engraver from Bezos.

Made these for the camp. They're not glued up yet but you can see how they're made by cutting and then stacking layers and then she just stains/colors the wood with sharpies. Got a little jig made to ensure they stack very straight so you can't really tell the layers on the edges. Just 2 good straight lines at a perfect 90* to stick them into. Basswood.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Very Nice

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

15 years. 15 years.

How is it even possible that it has been 15 years since this thread started?

It's crazy to sit here and think back on all the things that this thread has seen come and go.

I, myself, have been through a wedding, a birth(she shares Ryan's birthday), and a divorce in the the last 10 years.

Posters, real/virtual camp members, family/friends, some have simply just disappeared, while others we have truly lost.

I say "we", as I don't know how others who have interacted on this thread feel, but I've just always felt like kind of a long-lost Uncle to all the kids that we've watched grow up through this thread/journey.

I mean, some of them even have kids of their own now, and that wasn't even a thought back then, as they were just kids themselves.

Wheezy, RWS, PWM/Preacher, Captain, Runs in Darkness, Falls in Water, Kennedy, Jackson, Cale, Sylvia, White Bear's Ben, Dean's Lauren and the twin boys, Cole, wabo's daughter with all the heart issues, noduck's kids, Bill's grandson, and a bunch of others I can't remember off the top of my head.

Dusty, Grizzly Bill, SSB and many others that just seem to come to mind whenever I open this thread. Which I do quite often and pick any random old page number and read a few pages to reminisce.

I have/had so much more I'd like to say/include but I'm running short on time for now.

I do have a few questions though:

How many boats has tzone owned since the start of this thread?

Is Earl(I seem to remember his name being Earl, or was it Gene, or similar) still enjoying the Road Runner? (I don't have the time to dig around and find it at this moment)

Did Pam's truck from her Dad ever get into the restore rotation? Carlos?

What about Black Betty and Yeller? They still around?

Are we EVER going to see the pics of that fragile 'luminum trailer that was deemed too difficult to talk about SO many years ago, or is Dave still pushing those feelings down deep inside? Seems I remember hints of a ice cream sandwich wrapper being some part of the equation somehow?

Last but not least(for now)............................................

Did Muffy ever get married?

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

How many boats has tzone owned since the start of this thread?

That's hillarious....I just ordered the new one today. LMAO!!

That makes 9 btw.

Originally Posted by Teal

Girlfriend has a Chinesium CNC laser engraver from Bezos.

Made these for the camp. They're not glued up yet but you can see how they're made by cutting and then stacking layers and then she just stains/colors the wood with sharpies. Got a little jig made to ensure they stack very straight so you can't really tell the layers on the edges. Just 2 good straight lines at a perfect 90* to stick them into. Basswood.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Those are cool!

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

15 years. 15 years.

How is it even possible that it has been 15 years since this thread started?

It's crazy to sit here and think back on all the things that this thread has seen come and go.

I, myself, have been through a wedding, a birth(she shares Ryan's birthday), and a divorce in the the last 10 years.

Posters, real/virtual camp members, family/friends, some have simply just disappeared, while others we have truly lost.

I say "we", as I don't know how others who have interacted on this thread feel, but I've just always felt like kind of a long-lost Uncle to all the kids that we've watched grow up through this thread/journey.

I mean, some of them even have kids of their own now, and that wasn't even a thought back then, as they were just kids themselves.

Wheezy, RWS, PWM/Preacher, Captain, Runs in Darkness, Falls in Water, Kennedy, Jackson, Cale, Sylvia, White Bear's Ben, Dean's Lauren and the twin boys, Cole, wabo's daughter with all the heart issues, noduck's kids, Bill's grandson, and a bunch of others I can't remember off the top of my head.

Dusty, Grizzly Bill, SSB and many others that just seem to come to mind whenever I open this thread. Which I do quite often and pick any random old page number and read a few pages to reminisce.

I have/had so much more I'd like to say/include but I'm running short on time for now.

I do have a few questions though:

How many boats has tzone owned since the start of this thread?

Is Earl(I seem to remember his name being Earl, or was it Gene, or similar) still enjoying the Road Runner? (I don't have the time to dig around and find it at this moment)

Did Pam's truck from her Dad ever get into the restore rotation? Carlos?

What about Black Betty and Yeller? They still around?

Are we EVER going to see the pics of that fragile 'luminum trailer that was deemed too difficult to talk about SO many years ago, or is Dave still pushing those feelings down deep inside? Seems I remember hints of a ice cream sandwich wrapper being some part of the equation somehow?

Last but not least(for now)............................................

Did Muffy ever get married?

That is quite a write up. I was thinking about Grizzly Bill just this weekend. It's been sometime since he passed. But I was driving by the area I was when his wife told me he'd passed. Man I miss Bill.

15 years is a hellova run. We've had our family grow and change, and grow again. Job changes, house changes, marriages, divorces, college, death, life, hunting, fishing, getting old. Wow what a trip we've been on through this thread.

^^^^^^^^No doubt !^^^^^^^^

Have loved being able to follow along !

Originally Posted by skeen

Originally Posted by Teal

Girlfriend has a Chinesium CNC laser engraver from Bezos.

Made these for the camp. They're not glued up yet but you can see how they're made by cutting and then stacking layers and then she just stains/colors the wood with sharpies. Got a little jig made to ensure they stack very straight so you can't really tell the layers on the edges. Just 2 good straight lines at a perfect 90* to stick them into. Basswood.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Those are cool!

I want to take one, fill it with resin and then mount some LED's in the side to light them up. Think that might be neat.

Teal those are great!

Originally Posted by tzone

Teal those are great!

Thanks. I dig them. She also made some buffalo plaid flannel curtains last year for the place. Snuck in a Deadpool emblem on the back of one of them. Originals were 40 years old, cheap, thin and literally crumbled to dust when we swapped them out.

We don't see each other during the week and when I ask "wyd" and get "a project" as an answer mid-week, I know I'm getting something cool for the shack. I should probably marry her.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

How many boats has tzone owned since the start of this thread?

That's hillarious....I just ordered the new one today. LMAO!!

That makes 9 btw.

How many new deer rifles have found their way into the safe in that time? Would like to see a recap of the bucks taken since the start of all this, especially the kids, then & now kind of pics.

Epic thread, for sure!

I rarely check in to the campfire anymore, but when I do, I come here. Lots of good people here over the years. I still have my Swamp Squid Bade of Courage hanging on my office wall. I earned that sucker!

I just dropped my daughter off at college last weekend. Wow, that is a big day. She likes it. My boys are 14 and are doing great. Sports, hunting and fishing is their life right now. Girls are just starting to creep into the picture.

Hunting and fishing have been going well with big bucks and bulls harvested by the kids (my daughter shot a 161" whitetail last year!! So proud of her!). Actually got to go to Canada this year and had great fishing.

I am still running Youth Outdoor Activity Day (dot org). We expect over 2,000 kids this weekend in Alexandria. If you are close, go to our website for more info. Completely free with over 5,000 prizes.

There is your West Central MN update, free of charge!

Starting to fart around with some rifles a little bit this week. Put a scope on a 760 I bought last year but didn’t get ready in time.

Picked up a .270 Win today that has a scope on it. I might just use it as-is this season, or wait. I don’t know…

Going to sight in a 30-30 that I didn’t get to use last year either.

More rifles than time as always. I haven’t shot a deer with my grandpa’s 740 in 30-06 yet either.

Anyways….what’s up fellas?

Anyone headed out this weekend? The kind and I are going to check some stands, hang some cameras and chase local women.

Originally Posted by tzone

Anyone headed out this weekend? The kind and I are going to check some stands, hang some cameras and chase local women.

Negative. I don't hunt WI for anything but ducks and that's been 10 years lol. Michigan deer doesn't open till Oct 1 for bow of which, I'm skipping this year's bow season. I need a new bow and work's nuts. Wanted to get out this weekend for opener grouse in the Yoop but things are "variable" right now with work - lots of projects coming on-line so I'm screwed.

I'll be up there next weekend for sure at the latest.

What kind of bow are you looking at?

I’m thinking about one as well but it won’t be this year. I’d REALLY like to bow hunt this season though. We’ll see how fast my plate fills up.

Got 2 rifles cleaned up yesterday. My .308 and the .270 that found it's way home a few weeks ago. I'm about 75% that .270 has never been cleaned. Like, EVER.

Originally Posted by tzone

Got 2 rifles cleaned up yesterday. My .308 and the .270 that found it's way home a few weeks ago. I'm about 75% that .270 has never been cleaned. Like, EVER.

I worked at a small gun store for a while doing minor gunsmithing & cleaning. I was always amazed at how absolutely filthy some of them were. One guy brought in a new stainless inline muzzleloader. Said he shot it a few times after buying it, the year before, but didn't clean it. He wanted us to clean it for him. Stainless isn't stainless in a muzzleloader! It was destroyed.

Yep that wrecks them quickly Jim.

My son and I got 4 cameras set up today. Spread out over about 3 miles. We saw plenty of deer today. About 10 throughout the day. We saw 3 separate sets of bear tracks as well. Bear season is in full swing in WI. Groups of hunters were after them with dogs this week.

I have a feeling we will have about a month of bear pics before the deer pics start coming in.

We also found a potential stand site. We did hang a cam on it. It’s between two roads. About 1/4 mile apart, maybe a bit less. One road is pretty well traveled and one is an old logging road. I like the location because it can be accessed from either direction, depending on the wind.

Originally Posted by tzone

What kind of bow are you looking at?

I’m thinking about one as well but it won’t be this year. I’d REALLY like to bow hunt this season though. We’ll see how fast my plate fills up.

My old bow is a Reflex Growler and about 15 years old or so. Hoyt's bargain line back in the day.

I've had Hoyt, Darton and Matthews in the past. Brother's had those, Elite and Bowtech. Dad had those and Jennings back in the 70's.

I'm thinking new one will likely be Hoyt. Like their products - just need to make time really.

I was looking at a Matthews V3X and a Diamond Edge 320. I really don’t need one. But theirs so much quieter and smoother than my 20 year old bow. Even the lower end units.

Took the 250 mile road trip to check the cams. Had deer, bear, wolf, fox and grouse and rabbits pictured. Only problem was the bear or bears played with the cameras pointed them into the brush in late June so not many pictures after.

Played around in the bushes today. Have over 4000 pics from 2 weeks on 4 cameras. 3 bucks, the biggest is a 3 point

Originally Posted by tzone

Played around in the bushes today. Have over 4000 pics from 2 weeks on 4 cameras. 3 bucks, the biggest is a 3 point

I usually end up with 1000 pictures of moving grass.

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Played around in the bushes today. Have over 4000 pics from 2 weeks on 4 cameras. 3 bucks, the biggest is a 3 point

I usually end up with 1000 pictures of moving grass.

So I'm not the only one. Lol. I took a weed eater out with me last time I checked the camera cards and cut down the tall grass in front of the camera. Now I only get 500 pic's of moving grass.

At least we're no longer paying to develop those pictures. I do remember one of the first "contraptions" we had were basically little clocks with a string. Deer walks through, pulls the string and stops the clock. You now knew when they were using the trail. Sorta. Then film cameras came...

Oddly enough - I don't get excited over the cameras. Brother loves em, uses them all over but it's mostly just to see "what's out there" - not so much as "this is where I need to hunt" type of thing.

We're not big on "target bucks" but if you have pictures of a pile of 8 points, I tend to hold off on the smaller guys, "hoping". I'm getting old - the killing isn't all that important to me. Not like when I was 16-25

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Played around in the bushes today. Have over 4000 pics from 2 weeks on 4 cameras. 3 bucks, the biggest is a 3 point

I usually end up with 1000 pictures of moving grass.

I'd wager a guess and say there is about 500-700 pics of grass. I had one cam that usually has 300-600 pics of deer on it from a 2 week soak. It had 3100. Deer, turkey, bear, and a fox with some random moving tree pics but less than 100. This is on public land. There is a guy about a 1/2 mile away that has some pretty good food plots. End of Oct we'll usually get a monster on the cam chasing a doe but we haven't for a few years now.

Originally Posted by jc189

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Played around in the bushes today. Have over 4000 pics from 2 weeks on 4 cameras. 3 bucks, the biggest is a 3 point

I usually end up with 1000 pictures of moving grass.

So I'm not the only one. Lol. I took a weed eater out with me last time I checked the camera cards and cut down the tall grass in front of the camera. Now I only get 500 pic's of moving grass.

Funny you say that. I actually but a brush cutter attachment for my Milwaukee weed whacker. When we hung the cams a few weeks ago it seemed a lot more "thick" than it usually does.

Anybody knock a deer down with the bow yet?

First frost of the year here and it has me feelin kinky... It's getting to be that time.

Frost #3 here this morning Tom !

Yes, itch starting.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yes, itch starting.

You can get some cream for that.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Now I do have a good story that I will steal from a buddy of mine because I think its worth sharing with you deer crazy lunatics.

This buddy of mine is a few years younger and some of his old classmates and him leased some hunting land by Bemidji. The area is dense forest and swamp land bordered by state land. They all built big fancy stands and cut shooting lanes for the rifle season. Well they are up there for a few days and don't even see a deer so one day one of the guys takes a case of beer with him to the stand to fight the boredom. One of the more dedicated hunters was always watching his shooting lane with binoculars every few minutes so this guy who was drinking beer decides to pull a prank on him. He walks to the edge of the shooting lane about 150 yards out, strips down to nothing but his orange hat and boots. He waited until the guy raised his binoculars and slowly walked out and across the shooting lane butt naked with his face turned away. The other guys all of a sudden get a call on the two way radio's saying "uh.....guys.....I'm heading back to camp" They said "why?" He said "I think I have been out here too long...I just seen a f**kin naked hunter walk through my shooting lane"
That night they went to the bar and this guy is telling all the locals to watch out for the naked hunter who is roaming the woods. The other guys were about busting a gut. Then this same guy who stripped down in the woods goes outside and comes walking back into the bar wearing nothing but his orange hat and boots and his sweat sock covering his purple headed yogurt slinger! The whole bar erupted in laughter! You have to hear my buddy tell the story. It's hilarious when you get the expressions with it!

Mother of Christ I don't know how I've missed this story every time I've read this cover to cover...but I have. OMG I'm dying.

Originally Posted by tzone

Anybody knock a deer down with the bow yet?

First frost of the year here and it has me feelin kinky... It's getting to be that time.

I just shot a nice Doe opening weekend of bow season.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Teal

At least we're no longer paying to develop those pictures. I do remember one of the first "contraptions" we had were basically little clocks with a string. Deer walks through, pulls the string and stops the clock. You now knew when they were using the trail. Sorta. Then film cameras came...

When I was a kid my uncles use those. I remember them.

Originally Posted by Teal

Oddly enough - I don't get excited over the cameras. Brother loves em, uses them all over but it's mostly just to see "what's out there" - not so much as "this is where I need to hunt" type of thing.

Pretty much where we're at as well. I think we've probably shot 3 deer that we had on camera over the last 10 years. lol

We don't have "target bucks" either. See above...we just don't see them much after the rut starts.

Originally Posted by jc189

Originally Posted by tzone

Anybody knock a deer down with the bow yet?

First frost of the year here and it has me feelin kinky... It's getting to be that time.

I just shot a nice Doe opening weekend of bow season.

[Linked Image]

You did what you had to do...it looks like it broke into your garage!

That's just before she was about to be turned into burger and sausage.

Here's one just before she broke into my garage. Lol

l [Linked Image]

Fall colors at the shack...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Real life campfire....

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Teal

Fall colors at the shack...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Real life campfire....

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Nice cabin, Teal. Is that Wisconsin or the UP?

UP. Near Escanaba

Originally Posted by Teal

Fall colors at the shack...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Real life campfire....

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Beautiful place. I bet the walls could tell some stories!

Regards

Looking good Teal.

My son and I went to my grandma's 90th birthday party yesterday. We walked a few trails before we got there and he picked up a bird. His first in a while since football has taken most of his early fall time up the last few years.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Not as much color as you have up there Teal. But I figure by the end of the week we'll be there.

I managed to leave my 20ga home.

GF and I took a 30 min walk - bumped 9 grouse.

I need a 20 to leave in the camp....

Great looking bird tzone.

Supposedly the birds are thick this year. We saw 3 all in the same spot. 2 ram and one flushed. He chased one of the runners.

We only went for about an hour before the birthday party. I’d like to get out this weekend and make some of Dave’s grouse bake.

This weekend's color...

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Wow! Beautiful. We were in the woods today and not quite to that point yet.a great day to be in the woods.

All this weekend taught me is that I need a setter...

I'm sick of this wind. Just put in for deer tags on the new place. Can't believe it's been almost a year since we went under contract on it.
Still have a mile of fence to build before the snow flies, another mile next year and then hopefully we'll be done. Fingers crossed we get a mild fall and can get it all in.

Teal,
Those fall colors & cabin pics makes me want to get a good campfire going and kick back with a Leinenkugel!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

I'm sick of this wind. Just put in for deer tags on the new place. Can't believe it's been almost a year since we went under contract on it.
Still have a mile of fence to build before the snow flies, another mile next year and then hopefully we'll be done. Fingers crossed we get a mild fall and can get it all in.

Good thing you're not here. the snow is flying! 2" at my house...inside and out.

Hopefully it melts in the next few days. I have some bird hunting to do.

Originally Posted by GAGoober

Teal,
Those fall colors & cabin pics makes me want to get a good campfire going and kick back with a Leinenkugel!

Now yer speaking my language!!

I think we just bypassed fall !!

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

1st hunt tomorrow !!

1/2" of snow on the lawn this morning couple miles south of MPLS airport.

So a year ago my wife and I made an offer on some land to use for hunting and generate some money through grazing cattle. We're putting the 30 acres of crop land into crp because it's not enough to mess with for growing crops or renting out to a neighbor. We're planning on building on 10 acres of it and then grazing the other 120 that's dedicated range land. It has been badly overgrazed prior to us buying it so we rested it this summer. We're planning on planting a thousand trees and shrubs or so for habitat and wind protection. Puting in a few food plots for pheasants and deer next spring, along with reseeding some highly disturbed areas to native grass/forbs. We put in a waterline and 4 winter waterers that are resistant to freezing. We're excited but it's been a lot of work and expense so far. We're about to wrap up the first mile of fence and only have about 3 more miles to put in. Glad I have a strong boy to pound posts! Hopefully we get some deer off it this fall. I'll post pics when I can of the progress. Stay tuned!

I'm excited to see the progress Ryan.

Do you have many pics of deer out there yet?

Funny story, I sold all my trail cams a year and a half ago lol. I should get some with both cellular capabilities and without. We got hit hard by drought this summer so anything on the place is just moving through if anything. Next year will be good though. Fingers crossed.
My boy missed 4 prairie chickens this evening, and I had a dozen fly over me while fencing. No better place to be

Based on your cell phone coverage on that property I'd say save your money on those.

Originally Posted by tzone

Based on your cell phone coverage on that property I'd say save your money on those.

Hahahaha ain't that the truth

UP Camp - traditions. Hard to explain if you're not from around here.

That's my kind of place!

We were over to WI a few weekends back and got Jack's stand put back up. Still need to put the camo around it to hid the fidgeting. The county cleared some timber out and made it a great looking spot.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

On Sunday I couldn't sleep. I got up early and thought I'd take a drive to a place I hunted and fished as a kid. I ended up chasing some grouse up by TJAY's camp. Even found a cow moose that popped out to say hello.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I'll be shocked if something don't die outta that stand. Looks perfect.

That's what I told him. If you're not going to sit in it I will. You're looking from north to south as the stand. There is 200 yds to shoot to the north, 300 to the south and anywhere from 50-150 to the west. The west is really thick pine/spruce mix probably 10 year old growth.

It used to be really thick. The county started logging it this time last year and it was still active during the deer season. So, we pulled it down. When we went back out we loaded his stand in the truck just in case. I'm glad we did. They did such a nice job cleaning it up you can actually drive a truck to that stand. Usually they leave a hellova mess there.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

So a year ago my wife and I made an offer on some land to use for hunting and generate some money through grazing cattle. We're putting the 30 acres of crop land into crp because it's not enough to mess with for growing crops or renting out to a neighbor. We're planning on building on 10 acres of it and then grazing the other 120 that's dedicated range land. It has been badly overgrazed prior to us buying it so we rested it this summer. We're planning on planting a thousand trees and shrubs or so for habitat and wind protection. Puting in a few food plots for pheasants and deer next spring, along with reseeding some highly disturbed areas to native grass/forbs. We put in a waterline and 4 winter waterers that are resistant to freezing. We're excited but it's been a lot of work and expense so far. We're about to wrap up the first mile of fence and only have about 3 more miles to put in. Glad I have a strong boy to pound posts! Hopefully we get some deer off it this fall. I'll post pics when I can of the progress. Stay tuned!

That's awesome Ryan! Happy for you guys! 4 miles of pounding fence posts? Yikes. I did enough for 300 feet of snow fence on Saturday and am doing another 100 feet this Friday. That is way more than enough pounding for me! lol

Did you ever get that boat done? Doesn't sound like you have had a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities!

Tom,

I freakin LOVE that moose pic! I'd frame that if I were you.

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

So a year ago my wife and I made an offer on some land to use for hunting and generate some money through grazing cattle. We're putting the 30 acres of crop land into crp because it's not enough to mess with for growing crops or renting out to a neighbor. We're planning on building on 10 acres of it and then grazing the other 120 that's dedicated range land. It has been badly overgrazed prior to us buying it so we rested it this summer. We're planning on planting a thousand trees and shrubs or so for habitat and wind protection. Puting in a few food plots for pheasants and deer next spring, along with reseeding some highly disturbed areas to native grass/forbs. We put in a waterline and 4 winter waterers that are resistant to freezing. We're excited but it's been a lot of work and expense so far. We're about to wrap up the first mile of fence and only have about 3 more miles to put in. Glad I have a strong boy to pound posts! Hopefully we get some deer off it this fall. I'll post pics when I can of the progress. Stay tuned!

That's awesome Ryan! Happy for you guys! 4 miles of pounding fence posts? Yikes. I did enough for 300 feet of snow fence on Saturday and am doing another 100 feet this Friday. That is way more than enough pounding for me! lol

Did you ever get that boat done? Doesn't sound like you have had a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities!

Boat project was put on hold as you can imagine. It's still gutted on the inside but I rebuilt the transom and painted her. Hopefully I can work on it this winter, need to pour foam before I rebuild. Fence has to come first though

Ryan - congrats on the land!!! Your own slice of heaven on the prairie!!

Jeff

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

So a year ago my wife and I made an offer on some land to use for hunting and generate some money through grazing cattle. We're putting the 30 acres of crop land into crp because it's not enough to mess with for growing crops or renting out to a neighbor. We're planning on building on 10 acres of it and then grazing the other 120 that's dedicated range land. It has been badly overgrazed prior to us buying it so we rested it this summer. We're planning on planting a thousand trees and shrubs or so for habitat and wind protection. Puting in a few food plots for pheasants and deer next spring, along with reseeding some highly disturbed areas to native grass/forbs. We put in a waterline and 4 winter waterers that are resistant to freezing. We're excited but it's been a lot of work and expense so far. We're about to wrap up the first mile of fence and only have about 3 more miles to put in. Glad I have a strong boy to pound posts! Hopefully we get some deer off it this fall. I'll post pics when I can of the progress. Stay tuned!

That's awesome Ryan! Happy for you guys! 4 miles of pounding fence posts? Yikes. I did enough for 300 feet of snow fence on Saturday and am doing another 100 feet this Friday. That is way more than enough pounding for me! lol

Did you ever get that boat done? Doesn't sound like you have had a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities!

Boat project was put on hold as you can imagine. It's still gutted on the inside but I rebuilt the transom and painted her. Hopefully I can work on it this winter, need to pour foam before I rebuild. Fence has to come first though

There was actually a shortage on the foam last year. The plant in TX had a fire.

I’ve seen it rooster, he’s doing a nice job.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by Rooster7

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

So a year ago my wife and I made an offer on some land to use for hunting and generate some money through grazing cattle. We're putting the 30 acres of crop land into crp because it's not enough to mess with for growing crops or renting out to a neighbor. We're planning on building on 10 acres of it and then grazing the other 120 that's dedicated range land. It has been badly overgrazed prior to us buying it so we rested it this summer. We're planning on planting a thousand trees and shrubs or so for habitat and wind protection. Puting in a few food plots for pheasants and deer next spring, along with reseeding some highly disturbed areas to native grass/forbs. We put in a waterline and 4 winter waterers that are resistant to freezing. We're excited but it's been a lot of work and expense so far. We're about to wrap up the first mile of fence and only have about 3 more miles to put in. Glad I have a strong boy to pound posts! Hopefully we get some deer off it this fall. I'll post pics when I can of the progress. Stay tuned!

That's awesome Ryan! Happy for you guys! 4 miles of pounding fence posts? Yikes. I did enough for 300 feet of snow fence on Saturday and am doing another 100 feet this Friday. That is way more than enough pounding for me! lol

Did you ever get that boat done? Doesn't sound like you have had a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities!

Boat project was put on hold as you can imagine. It's still gutted on the inside but I rebuilt the transom and painted her. Hopefully I can work on it this winter, need to pour foam before I rebuild. Fence has to come first though

There was actually a shortage on the foam last year. The plant in TX had a fire.

I’ve seen it rooster, he’s doing a nice job.

I have no doubts about that.

Out with my youngest for the youth season yesterday. The best part is seeing the excitement in a ten year old!! Does around, but he's actually showing some patience. We'll see how the weekend goes.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Good Luck. Hope a Nice one shows up under your stand. Nothing better than being with with the young ones when they drop the hammer on one.

Fluffy is that a savage pump rifle?

Built almost half mile of fence today. These boys look tired! I haven't even had supper yet and they're asking if they can go to bed. I worked circles around em the first half of the day. Second half they impressed me

Son put the first meat in the bed of the new Tacoma.

His first grouse. Pretty sure he was more excited over this than his first deer. Missed on shot 1, got em with shot 2.

First critter since getting out of the Army too.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Excellent!!

How’s the new truck?

I dig it. The new shift knob is great. 400 miles on it since Tue.

Comfortable while still riding like a truck. Hope to out another 299600 miles on it.

Manual transmission?

Yes sir. 6 spd. The big cue ball from a TRD FJ fits a Taco. 12 dollar 3d printed collar off etsy cleans up the boot.

Much better than the leather OEM looking q-tip.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Love grouse hunting. Tell your son thank you for his service Teal. Looks like you did good in the parenting dept.

Thank you.

Rem Special Field 870?

Yes. 20 gauge

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I've got one in 20ga also, great grouse gun!!

I love the barrel length on the Special Field but that straight stock doesn't fit me at all! I wish it did. They're so nice and light.

It's good to see a real shotgun in the woods these days.

Browning made a similar version of BPS, 22" barrel and a straight stock. I might have one of those in a 12ga.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Browning made a similar version of BPS, 22" barrel and a straight stock. I might have one of those in a 12ga.

Yeah I tried that one too. I shoot really high with both of them.

I do like the Browning BPS Micro, in 20ga.

Originally Posted by Ben300WSM

Originally Posted by northern_dave

The wife & I acquired 50 acres of private wooded land in a fairly remote location early in the winter months of this year. 2 sides border state land that goes on for what seems like for ever.

We have prepared a building site & have started building our hunting cabin. 24 x 32 cabin with 3 bunk rooms, kitchen/dining area, small living room type area & an attached sauna room. Wood and or propane heat, propane range/oven, probably the lights too. No electricity, no running water. Thinking about putting a sand point in & a hand pump for water to wash up with.

It's accessible by truck but it's a slow trail a good 3/4 mile off the closest decent gravel road.

The most notable part of this new camp is a new member to our hunting group. My best friends son, 16 years of age. My best friend, also my cousin, lost his life recently in a plane crash. I invited his boy to take part in the building of this new camp & asked if he could come up & hunt with us as well.

He's taken to me, taken to the project & taken to the idea of calling it his hunting camp with the passion & enthusiasm that only a starry eyed young hunter could bring. It's a true blessing and a wonderful thing. The bond between us is strengthening and it is helping me deal with the loss as much or more than it could possibly be helping him. Me & his dad were only about 12 days apart in age & have been best friends since before we could talk. I suppose we are as people would often say "like brothers". Looked alike, talked & thought alike, I suppose that makes it easier for his boy & I to bond so well.

We're trying to keep things pretty rustic, we like the absence of electricity, the hand pumped well idea�. Wood stove� It's going to be quite the place, a foundation for many memories to come. I have 3 kids of my own, 1 girl & 2 boys, all are already or at least show promise of being hunters. My wife likes to hunt, I have brothers� I'm sure my dad will take part. It's the beginning of something good, the birth of what will be a sentimental memory factory.

I'm standing at the beginning looking forward, and I know well enough to absorb it all, soak it up & live in the moments, because they move so fast.

Well, there's the intro, lengthy, but there it is. Any shack/cabin tips and or considerations from those that are past my point & looking back are certainly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

15 years. 15 years.

How is it even possible that it has been 15 years since this thread started?

It's crazy to sit here and think back on all the things that this thread has seen come and go.

I, myself, have been through a wedding, a birth(she shares Ryan's birthday), and a divorce in the the last 10 years.

Posters, real/virtual camp members, family/friends, some have simply just disappeared, while others we have truly lost.

I say "we", as I don't know how others who have interacted on this thread feel, but I've just always felt like kind of a long-lost Uncle to all the kids that we've watched grow up through this thread/journey.

I mean, some of them even have kids of their own now, and that wasn't even a thought back then, as they were just kids themselves.

Wheezy, RWS, PWM/Preacher, Captain, Runs in Darkness, Falls in Water, Kennedy, Jackson, Cale, Sylvia, White Bear's Ben, Dean's Lauren and the twin boys, Cole, wabo's daughter with all the heart issues, noduck's kids, Bill's grandson, and a bunch of others I can't remember off the top of my head.

Dusty, Grizzly Bill, SSB and many others that just seem to come to mind whenever I open this thread. Which I do quite often and pick any random old page number and read a few pages to reminisce.

I have/had so much more I'd like to say/include but I'm running short on time for now.

I do have a few questions though:

How many boats has tzone owned since the start of this thread?

Is Earl(I seem to remember his name being Earl, or was it Gene, or similar) still enjoying the Road Runner? (I don't have the time to dig around and find it at this moment)

Did Pam's truck from her Dad ever get into the restore rotation? Carlos?

What about Black Betty and Yeller? They still around?

Are we EVER going to see the pics of that fragile 'luminum trailer that was deemed too difficult to talk about SO many years ago, or is Dave still pushing those feelings down deep inside? Seems I remember hints of a ice cream sandwich wrapper being some part of the equation somehow?

Last but not least(for now)............................................

Did Muffy ever get married?

Howdy.

15 yrs? Wow, yeah I've got 4 grand babies (so far). It feels like we'll be starting some of these adventures all over again, we really will be. My oldest grandkids are nearing the age Joey was when this all started.

Eener the weiner passed away the other day. He had a real good run, little adventure dog got 14 years in.

I am collecting restoration parts for Pam's truck, I purchased the paint for it too. The other trucks mentioned are still around too. Earl is still in regular contact (roadrunner) he's a friend.

I'm 52 now, but I don't feel a day older than 75.

I'll try to recap and post a bit, life is busy. For now I'm enjoying catching up on this thread.

Dave - sorry about Eener.

Sorry to hear about Eener. He was a cool dog. I remember Joey keeping him in his hoodie pocket.

What is Pam’s truck?

Originally Posted by Teal

Dave - sorry about Eener.

Thanks.

So good to see you posting and sharing wonderful pictures and stories.

Originally Posted by tzone

Sorry to hear about Eener. He was a cool dog. I remember Joey keeping him in his hoodie pocket.

What is Pam’s truck?

Pam's truck is a... 78 or 79, i want to say 79 f150 4x4 reg cab long box. 351/4 spd.

Thanks for checking in Dave - good to hear from you!

Hi Dave,

Great to hear some news & that you're all doing OK.

Sorry about Eener too. Went through it with Bella last year. She gave us 13+ wonderful years !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Love to here some more about the kids/grand kids, if that's not too private ?

Pam's truck sounds like a cool project !

Grandkids are basically in 2 paired age groups. These are with my daughter and also a nearly age matched pair of kids with my oldest son. Currently the 2 older grandkids are 3, a boy for my daughter and a girl for my son. The 2 younger babies are under a year, Nate's (run with scisors) youngest is nearing a year now (another girl). Nate's 2 girls are not so much a blend of him and his wife, it's funny because the 3 yr old is 100% a copy of mom, and the 1 yr old is 100% a copy of dad, very funny to observe and spend time with.

My daughter's 2 are boy (her oldest) and girl. The boy can be horrifyingly destructive and mischevious, and also also quite angelic with his intentions and concerns. sort of a Jekyll and hyde tornado of sorts, lol. Her baby girl is currenly under a yr old and she has got to be the most animated little baby you've ever seen. I could say she smiles with her whole face, but that falls short of explaining. I'm certain she smiles with her entire body. There is sort of a happy energy that just radiates from her, very fun.

I am restoring cars still, although my work has slowed this late summer/fall with an injury to one of my hands. I slipped with my hand while working and pushed my hand into a sharp metal edge, cutting the back side of my index finger and severing tendons. This of course was on my index finger, dominant hand. Currently working on range of motion, limited feeling, very frustrating for someone that works with his hands.

(yes I can shoot with middle finger or left handed if need be)

Deer hunting season is very close, and we're not ready. lol

10 days

you fer real right now?

Originally Posted by northern_dave

(yes I can shoot with middle finger or left handed if need be)

I read this incorrectly at first and it made me laugh like heck. I read: "yes I can still shoot the middle finger left handed if need be"

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

(yes I can shoot with middle finger or left handed if need be)

I read this incorrectly at first and it made me laugh like heck. I read: "yes I can still shoot the middle finger left handed if need be"

I can do that too.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you fer real right now?

Yes, sir.

Thanks Dave, family stuff is/has always been a huge part of our lives - the single most important part !

I remember, way back in this thread, you shot a deer, from your weak(er) side, out of a tree stand - I think.

Anyway, it gave me the "nerve" to do it, too, a few years ago.

Hope you guys have a great season.

Oh, & Pam is due to score a deer, seems its been a while.

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Thanks Dave, family stuff is/has always been a huge part of our lives - the single most important part !

I remember, way back in this thread, you shot a deer, from your weak(er) side, out of a tree stand - I think.

Anyway, it gave me the "nerve" to do it, too, a few years ago.

Hope you guys have a great season.

Oh, & Pam is due to score a deer, seems its been a while.

Paul,

I used to practice a few shots a year from the wrong hand. Truth be told, that's my dominant eye and I should shoot that way anyhow. But I'm too far into the firearms on the right side to switch that now! lol

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you fer real right now?

Yes, sir.

F word.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you fer real right now?

Yes, sir.

F word.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by northern_dave

you fer real right now?

Yes, sir.

F word.

19 days till MI opener. I'm not ready either.

I don’t have a ton to get ready. A few years back jack and I put our gear in a Rubbermaid bin. It’s pretty much grab and go now.

Originally Posted by tzone

I don’t have a ton to get ready. A few years back jack and I put our gear in a Rubbermaid bin. It’s pretty much grab and go now.

Same - prep these days is mostly "go get some bourbon, pack of brats and a tag" - all the rest is usually good to go from a clothes/gear perspective.

Just picked up my tag. By the time I was done there were 5 people in line waiting. I'm glad I didn't wait any more.

MI will let you buy on line but I never did. Wait for it to show in the mail. No thanks. Luckily the Cabela's will sell MI tags - rarely have to wait as MI typically starts a week before WI so I'm way early for those guys lol.

You probably can get it online here though I’m not sure. I did for my fishing/small game combo. MN is typically last to adapt to the new dangled things like the internet.

I finished sighting in my 350 AR, this morning, bowhunted this evening nothing again. It's hard to believe that fall is this far along!

Especially when it’s still supposed to be in the 50’s for temps this weekend.

I couldn't get to camp this weekend but the boy popped another.

He's 2 grouse for 2 shots now with that little 20...

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Getting close to enough for soup

Uuuurrrrrp urrrrrrp

Originally Posted by tzone

Getting close to enough for soup

He's been just making them with salt/pepper/ butter in a cast iron pan and green beans.

That's what’s nice about em. They’re good any damn way you cook them.

Originally Posted by tzone

Should be a dandy in a year or two...

Originally Posted by tzone

With the right sealant and nutrients, this tree can be saved.

The domestic terrorist responsible for this attack will be hunted, justice will be served.

Hide your wife...lock up your wimmin.

Time to sprinkle a bit of Tink's on your neck, eat uncooked foods, not shave.

a

Originally Posted by tzone

Hide your wife...lock up your wimmin.

Time to sprinkle a bit of Tink's on your neck, eat uncooked foods, not shave.

I leave the house at 5pm 11/11 - come back 5pm 11/20

I leave 11/4 come back 11/13.

Then leave again 11/18 and come back 11/27.

Then maybe find a place to hunt with the muzzle loader

Well - technically, I'd go back 23-27 too but rarely do. Usually try to have the tag punched by then.

I'm calling about that crotch fir sale. I vant to buy dat crotch and move to my camp.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'm calling about that crotch fir sale. I vant to buy dat crotch and move to my camp.

Took the kids out shooting this weekend at the property, gorgeous weather for it. Sighted in a couple of rifles.
Mama was observing when she said "hey look a deer" some pheasant hunters next door kicked a buck over onto our place. Biggest WT I've seen on the hoof. Huge body, wide heavy rack with a lot of tines. Hoping one of us connects with him next weekend when season opens.
Our daughter (10 now) got a little coaching and was putting them in the 10 ring at 100 yards. Bought her mentor tag yesterday so she could go. She's ready to sit with Mom and whack a doe. Mama realized that punkin will likely claim her rifle so I guess I need to find her a new left handed one. Could be worse things I guess. 🙂 Good luck to everyone headed out this weekend!

Build her the same rifle. That's a great little gun.

Opening weekend was warm and windy. One deer sighting for our whole group.

Colder weather is on it's way, snow too.

Two tails spotted for a group of six hunters near Bigfork.

I saw 2 deers. A little buck on Saturday and an unidentifiable deer that I’m pretty sure blew past on Sunday. Lol

My son saw a pile of them but not deer killed.

90 bucks worth of Piggly Wiggly shopping tonight.

Doesn't count the bourbon I already had.

Tomorrow it gets packed, Taco gassed up, ice in the cooler and it's 9 days at camp.

Cold front headed our way too. Perfect cuz 60° is bullchit.

Good luck to you boys rut is wide open in Virginia

Good luck Teal!

One hour until I get on stand to see if Mr Big comes by, single digits with flurries on the stiff breeze. Got my packages of tinks 69 ready to go. I'm a fan of the bottles with the wick in them. I'm reminded of the time at chickenbuck when I used one of those buck bombs and tucked it into some fallen branches. I reached in to activate it and blew that scent up my arm and into my face. I cursed myself for days after that one. Lol. Good luck this weekend everyone!

Good luck gents. I'm in camp but season doesn't open till Tuesday.

Calling for an inch of snow by tomorrow. Don't know if I believe that.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

I froze my rear off this morning but had some success. Warming up now before hanging up the venison, I'll try to post a pic or two if I can. Haven't done it in a while and not sure how to do it with a phone.

This is on my bucket list

Originally Posted by RAM930

This is on my bucket list

What’s that?

Colorado1135 (Ryan) shot a heckova buck this weekend guys!

I'll let him tell the story but here is a pic of it.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Nice Buck

Nice Buck Ryan!!

Thanks guys!
Ok, storytime.
So Mama and junior didn't want to go when it was so cold. Plus we had company so I didn't blame them, I know I wasn't missing opener and with them staying at home it meant I could shoot one this time🙂

So I get out to the property in the dark, park by the cedar shelter belt and hang a little scent wick before walking around the field. I get to what I call the "orchard" which is a mostly died out shelter belt with a few scattered trees left. Hung two more scent wicks and then headed north a couple hundred yards and sat in the tall grass on a low ridge that allowed me to see a good chunk of the crick bottom and drainages leading into it. Made a short scan video for Snapchat and waited. Within a half an hour I notice two deer that materialized out of thin air and kochia. I'm guessing they were bedded the whole time and just stood up, because they disappeared just as fast when they laid back down. One looked nice so I waited for him to stand again

A few minutes later the doe decides to wander a little and browse and get suitor follows close behind. He's pretty impressive but before I get a chance to decide how to shoot over the tall grass they hop the fence and bed down on the neighbors. Dang it. I go back to watching the creek glancing back towards the two bedded deer in case they move. I catch a couple smaller bucks criss crossing the property, one really checks out a scent wick I hung and I smiled thinking, well they work!
I scan over to the bedded deer and see a nice but smaller 4x4 start to head over to check them out. Show time! With them being distracted posturing to each other I figured to crawl into better position. After moving about 30 yards and only kneeling in cactus once I get into a slightly better position. As I lift my head I see the doe has moved closer to me and about that time her buck notices too. He hops back over the fence and trots up to her. I barely can see him in the scope from the breath frost and grass but it's a chip shot so I'm not worried. Click the safety and squeeze. Click. [bleep]. Slowly open the bolt, yeah there's a bullet, try again. Click. Eject, chamber a new one and level the crosshairs again. I hear a suppressed pew and the telltale whop of a hit. Get the scope back on him with a fresh round chambered and he's just staring at me with the doe. About the time I think wtf he turns and disappears. I wait a couple minutes then think oh crap I better look now in case he's hobbling across the neighbors field. I walk up to where he was and start scanning the ground for blood. After a few steps I see antler sticking up in the brome grass. When he turned he was piling up. Took out both lungs and clipped the liver. I walked back to the truck about a half a mile away and drive over to where he's laying. Gut and loaded and back home in time for pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs. I still have a doe tag but I'm in no rush to fill it, had ample opportunities yesterday but I enjoyed watching the hundred or so prairie chickens flying around more than going after another deer just yet.

"only kneeing on one cactus."

Congrats Ryan!!

Thanks Tom!

Nice, well done Ryan !

Thanks!

Since I was a teenager I always wanted to shoot a deer on my own property, kind of a bucket list thing ya know.
I've shot deer on land I rented but that didn't count, I now have a spot open on my bucket list after this deer. Thankful doesn't touch what I'm feeling. Only thing better will be when we're living out there and I watch my kids whack a big one.

Congratulations Ryan, that's a helluva buck!

congratulations Ryan!

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Thanks!

Since I was a teenager I always wanted to shoot a deer on my own property, kind of a bucket list thing ya know.
I've shot deer on land I rented but that didn't count, I now have a spot open on my bucket list after this deer. Thankful doesn't touch what I'm feeling. Only thing better will be when we're living out there and I watch my kids whack a big one.

I grew up hunting public land from a camper camp that was started by my Dad & his brothers. Later as an adult I bought an old farm house on 20 acres. It was always a dream to be able to hunt just outside my back door. Its been more than 25 years & I'm still here, the hunting has gotten even better. My only complaint is that I miss the deer camp tradition. Now days I live it through text & phone calls with my Dad & brother. Dad is almost 93 and this is the first year that he has not hunted. He clearly has the interest but age has taken the fun out of it. He has a pair of binoculars by his window and watches the occasional deer behind his house. There is something special about Deer Camp. That's why I follow this thread before anything else here on the fire.

Yesterday was opening day here in Mi. and I was lucky enough to take an unusual buck late morning as he chased a doe out in front of me. There was very little blood and even with some snow I had a difficult time finding him. After losing the track several times I finally found a few drops of blood and that lead me to him. I had walked within 30 yards of him once already. It pays to keep looking, I was starting to get that bad feeling that I was not going to find him. Besides the big fork on one side there is a double brow tine on the other.
Tzone, I traded the 760 for the old Savage this year. I hate to see them sit to long. This one is 71 years old. Good luck everyone.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

That's a REALLY cool buck Jim. And and even cooler rifle. Awesome pics too, thanks for showing us!

Nice to see this thread revived! I rarely visit 24hcf, but I might have to start again if the band is back together!

My daughter is a freshmen at NDSU. Yeah, that little girl. College.

My boys are 8th graders and love to hunt, fish, play sports, etc. I love watching youth sports!

This year has been a mite slow in the hunting department. I didnt get an archery elk (I kept zigging, the elk kept zaggin). We didnt get drawn for antelope. Instead, we went to ND duck hunting. Good, but not great. Overall we shot a lot of ducks this year though. Deer hunting was slow for us. Deer numbers were really down (winter kill). One of my boys shot a doe.

Sure nice to get an update on Dave's growing tribe! Take care of that digit. One word of caution, if you shoot a semi-auto, watch out where you put your index finger when you pull the trigger with your middle finger. I had the same type of injury and when I pulled the trigger, the bolt handle hit my injured index finger and I said a not-very-nice word.

And Ryan, wow, so cool to harvest such a great buck on your own property! You said you were going to be building at this location....is that buck destined to hang above the fireplace?

BM our daughter also goes to NDSU. And we had birthday #5 for the littlest trouble maker running around the house. She's ready to go hunting this weekend but it's going to be too cold for a 5 year old to sit more than a few minutes. She may go next weekend it the temps get better.

Small world fellas, our oldest is at Moorhead (MSUM).

I was through NDSU campus area twice last week with a big gooseneck trailer. I pucked up a huge air makeup unit from a plumbing and heating place near there.

It's Sunday morning of 3rd weekend (final) mn rifle season. We have not had a single deer sighting for our little group this weekend. Our camp total is one adultish (fork horn).

Temps down to single digits (f) over the weekend. Currently 12 degrees calm and clear sky.

Deer hunting was tough - got snow/ice starting opening day and basically snowed 4 days straight. Deer acted more like week 2 than opener. Opening day: rifle literally frozen shut. I could not work the action. Had to bring it in camp to thaw out to unload. I've never had that happen before in 35 years of hunting.

I saw multiple deer every day in multiple stands (and one grouse), just small/little ones not old enough to shoot. My son got a doe tag and took one though so we'll have something to chew on lol. Was really good to get in camp with him and my dad for some time. First since he was in High School in 2018. Brother and my cousin even made it out.

Made it out to the hay ground tonight, managed to put a couple freezer pleasers in the garage after a couple short stalks and a little luck. The boy learned a little bit tonight and we put some meat up so it was a good day.

Headed to Wyoming tomorrow to try and get an elk. Fingers crossed

Good luck on that elk!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Back for some turkey today.

Got a nice WI buck on Saturday morning about an hour into opening day. So far, it's the only buck I've seen.

8pt, 17" inside spread. Busted brow tine and G3. Yesterday afternoon he weighed 199.8 pounds.

Shot with Remington 760, 30-06, 150gr Hornady Interlock. He dropped at the shot. Fell backwards and rolled over...done. He was hard quartering to me. Entrance in front of onside shoulder and exit behind other shoulder, lung soup inside.

As he lay
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Time to get dirty
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Ready for the sled
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Awesome and good job on that sucker.

It's the only WI deer I know of taken this year lol. Haven't seen a single on on cars this year.

Well done mate !!!

Been really slow here, too.

I will say it’s been slow. Not much for shots at all! Yesterday was the most we’ve heard so far.

This is the only buck our crew saw.

Nice one.

That is one more than we saw at Camp Isabella.

I heard the MN deer kill was down like 23% from last year. Which was 35% lower from the year before.

TJay I walked miles up there at the end of October looking for grouse and barely saw a deer track let alone a deer.

I hunted between Finland and Isabella (along West Grade) a couple seasons, back around 2006. Never saw anything! You are a much more stubborn person than I am, TJay!

Still apply for black bear preference points often, though. One of these days I'll have time to spend September up there. Sure is beautiful in the fall. And the grouse!

Every time I go up there to grouse hunt all I can think about is “I should have brought a boat.”
Lol

Tzone, good use of the 760. Nice when they fall over like that.

Heh. I feel that. Gotta walk 5 miles twice over to see a mile of high ground 😁

Nice job tzone.

We had deer on the cameras up to Sept. 15th. Then they just disappeared. Our hope is the logging in the area will help. Look to be moving camp a couple miles if the cameras show deer in the new cuts.

You have a camper camp you can move to different areas based on camera results?

Wall tents.

Originally Posted by TJAY

We had deer on the cameras up to Sept. 15th. Then they just disappeared. Our hope is the logging in the area will help. Look to be moving camp a couple miles if the cameras show deer in the new cuts.

If you’re by the logging I bet I was close to your camp when I was up grouse hunting.

Closed out the WI season today. Shot a doe yesterday evening. That was the only 2 we got for this season.

It was a good season with a lot of hunting, mostly good weather and a few deer sighted. More than some, less than most but it was good friends and family in the woods. Perfect!

Hey congrats, Tom.

I haven't been out muzzle loader hunting yet, I may go this coming weekend. Poor rifle season for us at the chickenbuck camp. Nate did well hunting with his inlaws though. He broke the 200 lb mark with this one, 207.5 lbs on the hanging scale.

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It’s a great buck. Congrats to Nate!

Congrats to Nate Dave - that's a great buck. Didn't see anything like that at all this year over by us.

Have a feeling our best shot - 80 acres we hunted that was owned by my uncle will be lost in his coming divorce so it might be back to shooting deer with little knife handles for antlers.

You're losing your camp?

tzone - if asking me, no.

My camp is on 120 acres. Woodland and the deer quality isn't super. Too many violators around and I think we let too much of the property get too mature. Did some logging this summer, doing more this spring to get some new growth come up. Should be excellent for grouse too.

4.7 miles down the road my uncle has 80 acres that butt up against 2 different farms. Deer quality is much better and I've seen some monster deer there. The type where you can see their rack with the naked eye at 300 yards. (just 300 yards on the wrong side of the fence - SOBs)

He's getting divorced and I think will lose the property or be forced to sell it to pay my former aunt. People in the area have already offered him more than I can on it.

You'll see me on OnlyFans selling feet pictures before I give up on the camp and land. Over my dead body does that place get sold.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Hey congrats, Tom.

I haven't been out muzzle loader hunting yet, I may go this coming weekend. Poor rifle season for us at the chickenbuck camp. Nate did well hunting with his inlaws though. He broke the 200 lb mark with this one, 207.5 lbs on the hanging scale.

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Congrats Nate !!

Old, warrior, bush buck !!

Originally Posted by Teal

You'll see me on OnlyFans selling feet pictures before I give up on the camp and land. Over my dead body does that place get sold.

A man has gotta do what a man has gotta do.

Originally Posted by skeen

Originally Posted by Teal

You'll see me on OnlyFans selling feet pictures before I give up on the camp and land. Over my dead body does that place get sold.

A man has gotta do what a man has gotta do.

Our neighbor has cattle on his 80 (an 80 we could have bought in the 90's for 26k all in but dad was getting divorced and I was in my teens) - and he's always looking to expand. We were sitting around this deer season with him talking about another mutual neighbor (our land meets like 4 corners) and how his "survey" is well off by 60 feet and we need to get it done properly. My father comments that it needs to be done sooner as the landowner (me and my brother) need to know before it gets messy. Neighbor goes "you should just sell it all to me" and I said "Gary, over my dead body. People get this land after they pull me out of a pile of brass and blood. That's nothing against you but you're German/Belgian/Farmer like us - you get being attached to a piece of dirt"

Originally Posted by Teal

You'll see me on OnlyFans selling feet pictures before I give up on the camp and land. Over my dead body does that place get sold.

Ok good to hear. Well, not the OnlyFans part. I could have done without that.

There's nothing wrong with diversifying your portfolio.

Dang, Nate's got whiskers! I remember when he was but a young lad. Congrats on a huge buck Nate! And T zone gets a fine buck in the thick stuff - Well done!

Last day of rifle here in Michigan. Weird year.

I got a 6-7pt on the opener at 4:30 in the afternoon. Public land, ladderstand, 35yds, using my dad's Model 100 Win 308. Shooting Interlocks too T-zone. Took out the top of the heart and part of the lung. Dropped right there. Some sharp broken ribs on the inside. I'm guessing 2 1/2 yr old, small rack, but longer snout. 6-7 because a sticker brow is 7/8thish long and much smart talkin' was done opening evening after certain libations of what a point is.

I have the same rifle as dad's, but wanted to use his as a nostalgia thing - it's been 3 years since he's passed and 8 years since that gun has been in the woods. I remember when he got the rifle, we were living in Escanaba around '68 and I was only 5 or so. I also remember him having Marbles put a recoil pad on - I thought it was for recoil - turns out I forgot he had orangutang arms so the length of pull is a bit long - like 14.5". She performed flawlessly and I'll have a pad put on to fit humans later. I'll send mine down the road soon.

I say it's a weird year because of the lack of hunters seen, shots heard, camps in the woods, trailers headed north for the opener or last Sunday, south. We have to travel 25 minutes to get to our spots including 5 minutes on blacktop, then gravel, and finally two tracks. We did not see one vehicle going in or out the first 3 days. Then a damn blizzard hit and dumped a bunch of snow. Nothing moved, we went home for the holiday week and headed back up T-giving afternoon. Never saw a hair that whole extended weekend - or a hunter. Strange. Mine was the only deer in camp. Never saw another deer hanging at the cabins around ours either. Weird year.

That's a beautiful buck Ryan.

Nice report, congrats on your deer.

Man. A lot has happened on this thread since I last checked in. Congrats on the bucks, guys!

I took the day off of work and shot an 8 pt. on Nov. 10th out of my portable box blind that I built 3 years? ago.

I was swallowed up with turkeys and small spikes, forks, 6 pt. baskets and little does/fawns.

Sunset before opener:

Views from the blind:

Nice buck rooster Jim.

Congrats CFT and doing with it with a classic from you dad makes it extra special.

Cool post, Jim.congrats (again)

Nice to see some tasty venison hit the ground for Chickenbuckers! Some nice bucks too! My daughter has been out muzzleloader hunting and has seen a really nice buck. Once too far to the north, once too far to the south. So the spot is good, just need a whisker closer!

I went pheasant hunting in ND instead of deer hunting. It was cold. and windy. Real cold and real windy!

Anyone else get hammered by snow this past week? We just got dug out from the 3 day blizzard, not fun at all.
Lost two calves as well, hoping the rest of them have no issues before Wednesday, they are going down the road.

The boy is up doing some late season work with the bow. Today's pics about 4 mins old for snow report.

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It's been snowing here for 6 days. we still only have about 6" because it rained for a day too. It just snows enough to clear it, making it a pain in the ass. lol

The good news is, it's cold.

Got about 18" snow up here.

Doug's been getting out a bit - 3 Saturdays ago - 6" ice;

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2 Saturdays ago - 7" ice;

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Only walking out, so far. Should be got for snow machines, next week.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hey guys, just checking in.
Picked up a new to me pike spear, decoy and ice saw to see if I can spear me a northern. The shack I got is a 6 man thunderbay from Amazon. This thing is huge!
Anyway gonna give it a go here in a week or two. Never done it before but always wanted to. I'm hoping to upgrade my decoy next year if I really like it, I suspect I will.

What does that decoy look like? Pretty much anything smaller than a pike? 😁

I got the bear creek one in ice shad color from Cabela's Gonna upgrade to a premium one that looks like a crappie next year I think

It's sort of terrifying that whatever is 8" long and idle is basically dinner in the local water bodies. Top of most food chains looks pretty good from here 🙂

30 crappie & 3 perch;

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That is a nice bunch.

Tasty, too !!

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I miss me some ice crappies, looks delicious!

Joe & I went again Saturday, before the deep freeze moved in.

Way slower, 20 took us 4 hours + 2 bonus perch & 1 walleye.

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Those are some dang nice pics!

Oh, I did manage to stick a northern with a spear. Holy buckets is that fun and addicting. I'm going full bore into spearing here, it's awesome! Found out I need more decoys so I'm gonna try to make some this next year. I think I'm gonna pick up another spear or two as well. I need to get an auger, gonna get one of them electric drill setups I think. I can't post pics but I sent them to a few guys here

Cool Ryan !

We've been running a dewalt, brushless, 20 volt drill & an eskimo 8" plastic/aluminum auger, which weighs about 3lbs.

Love it, too !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Beauty Pearch, how big was that puppy?

My favorite breakfast is pearch and eggs, very few where I am from.

KB

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Hey guys, just checking in.
Picked up a new to me pike spear, decoy and ice saw to see if I can spear me a northern. The shack I got is a 6 man thunderbay from Amazon. This thing is huge!
Anyway gonna give it a go here in a week or two. Never done it before but always wanted to. I'm hoping to upgrade my decoy next year if I really like it, I suspect I will.

Ryan,

I grew up spearing in the winter. My cousin and I started so young that our Dad's had to tie us to the wall inside the spear house so we wouldn't fall in. I haven't speared a lot in the last few years but last Friday, I spent the day in a buddies shack and some other buds came out and we took turns. The pike were cooperating well that day. Will make some fine pickled fish!

Ryan's 1st time spearing pics. He's definitely going to be hooked now. lol

Originally Posted by Rooster7

That is AWESOME Rooster7!

KB

Thanks Bee!

Thanks for posting the pics for me!

And yes, I'm definitely hooked

We got 12 walleye (3 person limit) on Saturday;

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Then 20 crappie (2 person limit), 3 walleye & a perch, on Sunday;

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Tempura battered crappie;

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That tempura battered crappie looks great 99.. That's good food!

Fox River is open here - conservative guess - 500 boats on it this weekend. Fishing Walleye.

To keep the thread going - camp pics

Same people, same place just about 18 years apart...

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Great pic Teal.

Crunch !!

That's fantastic, Andrew !!

I've been making a few spearing decoys, learning a lot with each one.
Picked my deer head up yesterday from my taxidermist. I'm thinking I should have gotten a shoulder mount maybe, he's bigger than I remembered, I don't usually have that problem!

Old Gen

New Gen

Rippa Phil !!

Great to see you & your daughter, getting after it !

Thought you all might like this one -

Guys bought 400 acres and a camp for 750 bucks back in '41 Pretty good representation of what UP deer culture/tradition is like.

906 Outdoors has a neat little camp series...

Originally Posted by Teal

Fox River is open here - conservative guess - 500 boats on it this weekend. Fishing Walleye.

To keep the thread going - camp pics

Same people, same place just about 18 years apart...

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

That's what it's all about Teal. LOVE that pic.

Originally Posted by Teal

Thought you all might like this one -

Guys bought 400 acres and a camp for 750 bucks back in '41 Pretty good representation of what UP deer culture/tradition is like.

906 Outdoors has a neat little camp series...

I just watched that one. I love those stories.

Good morning everyone.
Just wondering what everyone has been up to.
I'm getting ready to plant food plots and prep for tree planting. Car shopping for the boy since he's old enough now. Crazy how time flies.

Howdy Ryan,

Had a great winter on the ice.

Putting gear away now & thinking about starting dog shyte collection.

You want some ?

Crazy about the lil fella driving !

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Good morning everyone.
Just wondering what everyone has been up to.
I'm getting ready to plant food plots and prep for tree planting. Car shopping for the boy since he's old enough now. Crazy how time flies.

Holy crap! He's driving already???

Yeah he's had his learners permit since August, gets his advanced permit in a month so he can drive by himself from 6am-10pm. He gets his full blown license in August.
It's crazy to think! He's a good driver and careful so I'm not super worried, but as a dad I'm still a little worried. They gotta grow up sometime though I guess. He's almost as tall as me, likes to steal my clothes lol.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Good morning everyone.
Just wondering what everyone has been up to.
I'm getting ready to plant food plots and prep for tree planting. Car shopping for the boy since he's old enough now. Crazy how time flies.

Not a ton. I have a Kibler I need to get put together but was helping my son with his Petersolli. Also been doing a lot of wheeling/dealing on snowmobiles as end of season deals are to be had.

Can't get on the property yet but once I can - scouting for the next batch of logging to be done. Want that over with sooner than later.

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Yeah he's had his learners permit since August, gets his advanced permit in a month so he can drive by himself from 6am-10pm. He gets his full blown license in August.
It's crazy to think! He's a good driver and careful so I'm not super worried, but as a dad I'm still a little worried. They gotta grow up sometime though I guess. He's almost as tall as me, likes to steal my clothes lol.

Well now we have someone to drive us around while we drink beer and look for deer!

Here's a couple of decoys I made. I'm really getting into making these, can't wait until there's ice to go spearing again!

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Good stuff Ryan !

Thaw is happening fast here !

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Couple of welcome guests !

Any of you cats, fishing yet ?

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First tournament is in a few days, I haven't wet a line since August, just too busy with the new property. Hoping to get all my food plots in by the end of the week, it's getting a little late for corn but I'm gonna try anyway. Worst case it doesn't fill completely but I'm not planting them for top yield.

All is well in Bugtussle. One son shot a big tom turkey (1 1/2" spurs!). Food plots in. Most of my honey do list done. Time to go to Canada fishing. Ontario, here we come.

My boys will be driving in less than a year too. They want a truck. I convinced them to pool their money and buy one vehicle, which saves me money for the insurance. I think I might pat myself on the back for that move.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying summer!

Heading to Lac Seul, B-man ?

Tournament I fished this weekend was rough. We weighed our 6 fish but no big ones. We were around 20th place out of 80. Not horrible but not as good as we had hoped. We'll get em next time though 🙂

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Heading to Lac Seul, B-man ?

yep. it was another great trip!

Awesome !!

Fishing has been amazing !

Originally Posted by Berettaman

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Heading to Lac Seul, B-man ?

yep. it was another great trip!

Fishing Canada is for Canadians and US guys that can't fish.

We've been stacking the walleyes in the boat like cord wood. It's been a great season so far. Fathers Day weekend was by far the best walleye fishing I've had in a long, long time. My son and I boated way over 150 walleyes in 2 days fishing and a good pile of perch and random pike. We picked a lake that we've never been to and let 'er buck. I doubt we'll see that fishing craziness again on a well known lake. It was silly.

Fished a Cabela's NWT tourney in SD a few weeks back and had a blast. One of the chickenbucker's fished it as well. I'll let him tell that story if he wants to. That won't be my last one of those either.

We have been pretty busy with the HS fishing team too. My daughter is in the hunt for the state tourney so far, finishing 5th in her first Conference qualifier of the season, held last week.

Two kids graduated HS a few weeks back and we've been extra busy with all that and the grad party crap. Soooo glad that's over...whew! They'll be off to school in the fall.

My son and I are fishing the MTT Walleye trail as a team. It's a riot. We haven't won any events but have been holding our own against some damn good fishermen, and even a few touring pro's. None of the lakes are "home waters" to us, so we have to put our time in. But....we're in 33rd in points out of 105 teams. That keeps us in the running to fish for a boat in the Championship in September. and you know how I feel about boats.

Awesome field report Tom!

I was the lucky chickenbucker that got to meet up with Tom and fish the NWT tournament out here. It was kinda crazy how it all worked out. Over a year ago I met up with Tom when he was fishing one of these close to home so we met up for dinner and hatched a plan to do it this year. Fast forward to this spring I get a text saying entries are open and to get mine in ASAP. A few weeks ago Tom tells me he got in and asked if I got the email too. I look and don't see one, so I call the tournament folks to find out for sure. I talk to a lady and she looks me up, saying that not only did I not get in but I'm so far down on the list there's no way I'll be in with cancellations, bummer and I guess I'll try next year.
The evening before the tournament I get a call from one of the organizers asking if I've gotten to the rules meeting yet. Dumbfounded I ask him for what, he tells me the tournament. Took a second to process but I told him what was told to me weeks ago and he said nope I'm in if I can make it. Quick call to Tom confirms I can share a room and 50 minutes later I'm headed to the river and meet up with Tom. Long story short I had an absolute blast, well worth the entry fee to fish with two pros over 2 days. Luckily I matched up with some good fishermen and was able to place high enough to win my entry back plus a little bit. It was a blast hanging out and sharing stories after each day. I'm definitely going to do this again, thanks Tom for the invite and reminder! Happy 4th to everyone!

Great stuff, Tom & Ryan !!

Fishing has been crazy good, here too.

Doug & I fished for less than 2 hours, to limit out, yesterday !

We had our 8 in the boat, in under an hour, but used the next 45 minutes to upgrade some of the smaller ones.

One of the best walleye bites I have experienced, without it being spring.

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Every fish, smashed the bait !

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Great stories guys.

Ryan,

I heard the boat resto is moving along, some.

A little bird told me that... ~grin~

Yeah I had to call in reinforcements. Life happened, imagine that 🙂

We have had a good year fishing so far. This is a heckova walleye bite for some reason this year. Strange bug hatches at different times.

It's been a really busy spring/summer. We had 2 kids graduate HS, and we've been fishing like crazy. A little tubing and just farting around in the boat too.

A little crappie fishing before walleye opener to break in the boat.
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Some prefishing before the first MTT. None of these are under 21". Unfortunately, none of them are over 24"

.
We've ended up in the middle of the pack so far in all of the tourneys except on, where we completely blew it.

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A little summer fun too. I think this was Memorial Day

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A little family fun time.

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Daughter had a little mishap on the way to pick up her dog.
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Little prefishing for a tourney on Fathers Day weekend, which happened to be his birthday and mine.
These are all over 21" and under 24" again...except the ones in the livewell. 18"-23" have to go back. I was surprised at the cleaning shack how many people kept one of 23" to eat.

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These next 2 were strange fish. They were long, I think one was 21 and one was 23. We weighed the 21" fish and it was barely over 2 pounds. Very skinny.
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The rest of prefishing was fantastic. Soooo many fish. We caught walleyes at every place we tried. No matter the tactic we were catching them. Jigs, Lind-rigs, slip bobbers, plastics mostly but also with some leeches.
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I take it back, we did keep one over 23" because it was a bleeding bastard.
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Coming in for the evening
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Oh yeah, we started a little guide business. Nothing too crazy but We've had a few people out.
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This one was a cooperate event fundraiser. This was his first bass. He's from CO, and normally trout fishes. I'm taking him and his dad out again tomorrow for bass and maybe walleye.
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Two personal bests for this guy in one trip.
19.5" Smallie
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23.25" Walleye
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The new ride all shined up. Finally got the kicker on it yesterday. Mercury had some crazy inventory stuff going on, but 3 months is excessive to get a kicker delivered.

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Congratulations on, well, everything you posted !!

Fishing with family & having fun together, is what makes it so, so good !

*** Sweet ride, too.

Thanks!

Took some guys out Saturday morning. They started out 40 min late. Older dude complained I didn’t have minnows for walleye.

Said we’re going to use plastics and Rapala. “Huh, I heard you need live bait for walleye.”

Tom: “try this” (give him jig and paddle tail”
Old guy: “harrumphs, what is this thing?”

Tom: moves boat 30 feet…
Old guy: “hey! I got one”

🤣🤣

What's the plans for hunting season boys?

We didn't draw any SD tags this season. With 3 of the kids at college this fall, I think I'm going to break out the bow for the first time in like 6-7 years. My wife and step daughter have really liked shooting bows so we're going to start here this weekend possibly.

Great post T

Originally Posted by tzone

What's the plans for hunting season boys?

We didn't draw any SD tags this season. With 3 of the kids at college this fall, I think I'm going to break out the bow for the first time in like 6-7 years. My wife and step daughter have really liked shooting bows so we're going to start here this weekend possibly.

Did not draw for bear - year 13 lol.

Will deer hunt in November as usual with my son and dad. Best week of the year hands down.

Will grouse hunt weekends with my son - we have no dog so it's mostly walking lol. But we cut off 40 acres last year, cutting off another 40 this year and the hope is to do more on the last 40 of the 120 next year etc. Keep rotating and making it good for the birds. Next year the boy's getting married so understanding what life's like when you're 24/married and building a career - this might be the last REALLY good year of time to hunt together before life starts making it hard for him.

I still have to put together my Kibler too.

I'm getting older too - way less bloodlust so for me it's about being at camp, not about killin. I expect to spend more time up there overall.

Originally Posted by Teal

I'm getting older too - way less bloodlust so for me it's about being at camp, not about killin. I expect to spend more time up there overall.

I'm at the same spot. We used to eat 2-3 deer a year. Kids moving out and off to school, we're down to 1. I don't need to kill anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm still looking to shoot a nice buck.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

I'm getting older too - way less bloodlust so for me it's about being at camp, not about killin. I expect to spend more time up there overall.

I'm at the same spot. We used to eat 2-3 deer a year. Kids moving out and off to school, we're down to 1. I don't need to kill anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm still looking to shoot a nice buck.

Exactly but that buck needs to walk out at the right time to catch me in the mood lol. More than one buck has walked over the last couple of years because "I just don't feel like cleaning one right now"

Originally Posted by Teal

Exactly but that buck needs to walk out at the right time to catch me in the mood lol. More than one buck has walked over the last couple of years because "I just don't feel like cleaning one right now"

I've done that for does. But I'm not worrying about it if it's a big buck.

How's everyone doing? Lots going on here. We have a kiddo in the state high school fishing tourney next weekend. Trying to get my dad his house built before it gets too cold to work on the exterior, got 2 new college kids moved. My son is moving to Staples and my stepdaughter moved to Willmar, both for tech/trades, and got one starting Pharmacy school. Whew....

Oh yeah, there is some hunting at some point and I'd like to fish 30 or 40 more times before that starts.

Made the trip up to deer camp and put up some trail cams. Will if there are any deer left up there.

It’ll be a few weeks before I can get to that TJAY. But I’m looking forward to it.

Hey Tom - Both girls are back to college, one to the west and one a bit south. Trail cam is only showing does and fawns, no bucks yet.

What program is the boy in at Staples?

Tom - you sound busier than I'd want to be.

Nothing new here - just working. Boy got engaged this summer so there's a little there I'm helping him with. Grouse season soon, deer season etc. usual.

Hey Jeff, if I remember correctly our daughters go to the same school? I can't remember though. The boy is in the heavy equipment operator program over there. He's on the "fast track" program. So, he'll start the end of November and be finished the end of July I believe. He'll have Class A cdl and have a bunch on hours on the machinery.

Andrew - Busier than I'd like to be as well. Getting my dad into his house was not what we expected to be doing. One we get it dried in, which could be by the end of this weekend, he can do a bunch on his own.

Teal - how is your GF's son doing?

Tom - PM sent.

He's recovering from transplant still. We're about 75 days out from it.

Doctors say all is on track so that's what we're going with. He's home with her, puttering around the house like old man Fonda in On Golden Pond.

I think he's gonna be ok. Process is all.

Thank you for asking.

We've been picking and canning to get ready for the coming fall. 22 gallons of spaghetti sauce and about half that in salsa. Put up probably 30-40 lbs of peppers, even did some jalapeno relish that packs a kick, should be good on brats this winter. I've made a couple more decoys but this heat has chased me out of the garage.
I'm hoping it cools off so I can get a bunch made before early ice.

We’ve been canning too. Buncha pickles, peppers, and I’d like to make some spaghetti sauce

Little bit of pruning got done....

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Lotsa landscaping chips there!

Gonna be biomass for local paper mill

Good stuff Boyos !!

Doug & Megan got married, Saturday.

Needles to say, we've been busy !

Cut my trails, yesterday, so starting to prepare !

Saw lots of grouse, too.

Congrats on getting rid of kids! 😂

We’re going to cut trails tomorrow. Probably will see tons of grouse. The season doesn’t open til the weekend. 😂

Wish I was grouse hunting too. Or bear hunting. No tag this year. Family friends got this one about 5 miles from my place...

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Jeeeze hellova bear!

Originally Posted by Teal

Gonna be biomass for local paper mill

Good on yez! Dad worked for the paper industry his entire professional life. The WI company that had him around for a while was Fox River. Where're your logs going, if you don't mind me asking?

Originally Posted by trplem

Originally Posted by Teal

Gonna be biomass for local paper mill

Good on yez! Dad worked for the paper industry his entire professional life. The WI company that had him around for a while was Fox River. Where're your logs going, if you don't mind me asking?

Escanaba mill - technically I think their name is Billerud but EVERYONE just calls it "Mead Paper" from back in the day. The mills in the UP are basically full and have the loggers shut off. Either not taking pulp or they have the guys cutting on strict quotas. More Ponsse processors and or KW log trucks with pups for sale than you can shake a dead cat at on marketplace right now. A guy could spend a couple million and not drive more than 30 miles to get them all. It's bad. We were lucky to connect with this guy who's not been put on quota yet for biomass/chips so he was willing to cut. Him and his brother in a Scorpion.

About 45 acres, mostly old evergreens with budworm.

Property history is basically a dairy farm from late 1800's - 1950's. Grandfather bought the 120 in mid 50's for tree farm. Tree farmed and cut steady till the 1990's and then let go. So now, between this 45 and last years 40 - got about 80/90 acres cut - hoping for good grouse habitat. Regardless, has to be better for deer. Trees were so thick, you had to belly crawl to get in/out. Deer wouldn't even do it. Giant dead patch of woods for game.

Originally Posted by tzone

Jeeeze hellova bear!

Damned good UP bear and while I don't know that I would have had a crack at him with where I'll be (when I get a tag) - I sure hope he has some older brothers that moved my way.

Well boys….she’s here. Hunting season. Am I going this morning? No. But I could.

A button buck the house cats could damn near take down was sleeping next to the wood pile earlier today.

lol. We saw a few fawns yesterday. Some were tiny with spots still and a few were what you'd expect to see this time of year.

The ice and heavy snow took a toll on our little patch of woods we hunt in NW WI. We have about 6 stands or blinds in a square mile or so. Lots of Jack Pines, old Red Pine stands to brand new cuts. The 10 year old stuff that was young enough to be bent over was partially broke off all over the woods.

Some of the bigger spruces and Jack Pines were bent or broke and made it just a messy tangle We got 3 areas cleared out to what I'd call huntable. There are some deer on the cameras but not a ton. I'm hoping now that there is more room is some spots we'll see more movement through them. But...the woods changes so I'm guessing we'll have to move some of this stuff around.

Not really deer camp but something interesting that we came across this morning.

My family used to own a bar in Phlox WI. About 1893 (family was split between the UP and Antigo/Phlox area since coming to this country)

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This morning my uncle found this random picture of someone in a bar, in Phlox WI in 1945

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This is my son. He's never been to Phlox and neither have I. Uncanny similarity to last Christmas and 1945.

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About 10 years ago I went to the DNR to buy a fishing license. They told me I already had one. Impossible. Found out my long distant cousin bought one. We share the same first, middle and last names AND birthday, just 4 years apart. Had to use my Social Security number to tell us apart in the system. He lives in Antigo - 12 miles away from Phlox.

Cool Andrew !!

Amazing resemblance.

Miss Aurora been busy;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Teal

Not really deer camp but something interesting that we came across this morning.

My family used to own a bar in Phlox WI. About 1893 (family was split between the UP and Antigo/Phlox area since coming to this country)

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

This morning my uncle found this random picture of someone in a bar, in Phlox WI in 1945

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

This is my son. He's never been to Phlox and neither have I. Uncanny similarity to last Christmas and 1945.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

About 10 years ago I went to the DNR to buy a fishing license. They told me I already had one. Impossible. Found out my long distant cousin bought one. We share the same first, middle and last names AND birthday, just 4 years apart. Had to use my Social Security number to tell us apart in the system. He lives in Antigo - 12 miles away from Phlox.

That's funny and cool!

I have done a lot of bird hunting in and around Antigo

Well, they're done on the back 40, just going to clear up some white pine in the front for us (2 acres or so) and this year's cutting is done. I think we'll go a good 5 years before starting on the last 40 of hardwoods. Give this a chance to grow up some and provide cover before taking that out.

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Grind for biomass - hope they made some money off it because there's more logging equipment for sale right now on Marketplace than I ever remember. Good stuff, nearly new.

Are they leaving anything up or did you clear it out? In 5 years you'll have to swat the grouse out of the way to get to your deer stands.

Originally Posted by tzone

Are they leaving anything up or did you clear it out? In 5 years you'll have to swat the grouse out of the way to get to your deer stands.

Yeah - they left some decent cedar, any/all apple trees and balsams that weren't bad. Cleared most of it. I expressly told them - "we're cutting cuz of the bud worm but the goal is to make this good habitat for deer and grouse." They're local UP guys - they get it.

There's still a good 40 acres of mixed hardwood high ground/cedar swamp mix yet.

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About 80 of the 120 has been cut over the past 2 years.

Originally this property was a family farm in the 1890-1940 time frame. Bought it in the 50s. Converted to tree farm, actively farmed till the 90's and then left to overgrow. Bud worm hit. Should have been logged off a decade ago but whatever.

I'm excited to see what it becomes. It's nice to see you guys taking care of it. A lot of people wouldn't.

There is a camp I drive by on the way to my parents that was completed logged off, all of it, every tree. The land looked awesome with a creek and some great hills down to a swamp. That was about 5-6 years ago. Now it's so thick I'm not sure how they get to their stands but they have to have some trails cleared. Can't really tell from the road. I'd love to grouse hunt it.

Our guys said that for every aspen/popple they cut - we'd likely see something like 5-7 shoot up in its place. Combined with the natural tendencies of balsam to spread like weeds, I don't imagine I'll have wide open spaces a long time.

That said - a tower blind on one end, overlooking all of it - might be fun to hunt like they do in Texas for about 3 years.

You could do a tower and keep a trail or two mowed going away from it. If a guy keeps up on it, it could be good for a long time. Plant some clover or something in it. Good for turkeys and grouse too.

I'm attending a cancer benefit for a friend this weekend but hope to get a couple walks in for birds before/after. Weather's not the best with highs about 72. I'd like to cut 15 degrees off that if I could.

Was out Saturday in the rain all day. Got soaked, ate good food, drank shi't beer, and had a blast. Flushed 10, saw 6, shot at 3, got 2....not a bad day at all.

Of that 10 that were flushed, I'll admit that 6 came from one spot. We only say 3 of those. It was really thick and green in the woods still. Hard to see, harder to get time for a shot.

I was up north saturday and sunday. Like Tom, got soaked in the rain, but saw/heard several birds. New pup did a good job. Managed to get a pair of grouse. Good times!

Where did you go Jeff? We were north of Duluth, Island Lake area. Plenty of birds. I would bet we'd have a limit if it wasn't raining. Hunted some spots I haven't up there before, which I didn't think existed lol. I tromped a TON of that area as a kid. It was only 15 minutes from my house and 1/2 hour from school. To say the least, I was there a lot as a kid.

Tom - We were at the deer shack near Bigfork. Agreed, if it wasn't for the rain, I could have shot a limit.

My hunting partner lives on Island lake. He does a ton of grouse hunting each fall, lots of it close to home.

Yeah he doesn't have to go far, that's for sure. It should start to get colorful up there this week. It was just starting last week.

No birds. Lots of rain, thunder, lightening and high humidty.

Cancer benefit was absolutely amazing and emotional. Small town of 1600 with a median household income of about 56k. I bet there was better than 100k raised.

Teal - Glad to hear the benefit went well.

Saturday was very humid and Sunday was way too hot here to be out in the woods.

That's fantastic Teal.

Saturday I was in Duluth helping my dad and it was cool and drizzly there. Perfect for what we were doing. Got an hour south on my way home and it was 80 and humid.

Got out on the boat yesterday with the boy. He's coaching some youth football so we cut it a bit short, but fired up the grill and had a hellova afternoon.

We cancelled the trip to to swap SD cards. We'll do it this coming weekend when it's 55 degrees.

Good to hear the benefit went well, Teal.

I've put a lot of miles on the wheeler the last two weekends riding forest trails. Not one grouse spotted. Granted we weren't hunting but still.

Talking with others, seems the numbers are way down this year across the board - for the funny little brown birds. Which is ok. I don't have to kill them to be happy. I think someone once said this about trout but it applies still to grouse "They don't live in ugly country"

Originally Posted by Teal

I think someone once said this about trout but it applies still to grouse "They don't live in ugly country"

That's for sure.

Very true.

We had a pretty exciting weekend. Our daughter started Pharmacy School and they had the "White Coat" ceremony on Saturday! She finished her undergrad in 2 years and was one of the youngest to enter Pharm school.

We checked trail cams on Sunday and didn't see a whole bunch. One decent 8, probably a 100" 2yr old I'd say along with some little scrappers. Some rubs and scrapes started to pop-up. We found one area that was really tore up. My buddy put a crappy Tasco trail cam on it. So we have a 50/50 shot of seeing what's hitting it.

I did put a blind up for him there. But I'll be bowhunting it before he sees the inside of that blind.

Ate up the last of our walleye last night so I need to get back out once more before the boat gets put away next week or the week after.

I'm only working a few days next week. So the plan is to get the rifles tuned up and hopefully get a stand or maybe even two for bow hunting. I'm pretty pumped for it. I'm trying to think of when the last time I bow hunted was. I'm guessing it was 2014 or 2015.

The weather is getting nice and the leaves are turning the right color...finally.

Been awhile since I have been around. Not a whole lot new in our world. Kids playing football on 9th grade team. Love watching our varsity which is undefeated and has a couple of blue chip players. One of which will play on Saturdays at some big college. Daughter in college. Wife on school board. My boys have been hammering the ducks this year. Gotta admit, i am getting a little sick of duck jerky, but it is a great way to go through a lot of ducks. Did our share of canning this year too, but not as much as others. I love our pickled green beans!

Got some stand work to do this weekend. Trail cameras are pumping out pictures of does, fawns, small to medium bucks, coons, coyotes, fox, and sandhill cranes.

Glad to see everyone is doing well.

BM, one piece of duck jerky would be enough for me! haha.

Jack has started coaching as an assistant coach for the middle school. They've asked him to come back next year if he moves back to this area.

Who is the "blue chipper" that will play at a big school? We have one here too. He's had 2 D1 offers already. Pretty exciting to see kids you watched grow up be successful. He's also a fantastic wrestler and a great kid.

Originally Posted by Stan_in_SC

I just caught up on this thread by reading from page 3503 forward. Lotsa goings on with cabin repairs,fishing some fine looking diners fixings and a shot of Woodford Reserve.
Just reading about all the you guys do wears me out. Summer is here in South Carolina and it's getting hot. Take care everyone.

Stan in SC

For some reason, I got to thinking about 'ol Stan in SC. This was his last post.

Does anybody know if he's still with us? I know he had heart trouble.

He died a few years back rooster.

Thanks.

RIP Stan.

Time to start 6 weeks of goodness. I work 3 days a week for the next 2 weeks, then I have pretty much all of November off. I do have a day or two sprinkled in but not much.

Unfortunately the boat gets put away on Thursday. I cleaned it out last night except for 4 rods Momma and I are going to use this afternoon.

Headed to the range on friday. Taking my a couple of the kids. We put new scopes on a few of the rifles. We need to sort those out along with just getting some shooting in..

Saturday Jack, his buddy, and I are going to head up to the arrowhead and try to find some grouse. Neither of those boys have been up there before and one has not ever shot a grouse. So, hoping to get them some action and see some beautiful country. I could care less if I shoot a grouse, as long as I can see a moose.

Had my buddy, the non existent (in NWO), the rooster pheasant come in again Sunday morning !

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How did he taste Paul?

I was up north of Duluth on Friday. On my way home I decided not to take the freeway. In a town called Munger, I saw a rooster pheasant picking gravel on the side of a paved road. No farms within a mile or so and for sure no game farms. Pretty cool sighting.

I was up at the Bigfork Shack for a long weekend. Lots of time around the campfire with good friends. Game cameras are not showing many deer, but the bears are still out and about. I did have bullwinkle make his second appearance on camera this fall. Took the younger pup for a couple grouse walks and remembered how hard those little bastards are to hit on the wing.

Yep they don't make themselves easy to hit. Jack and his buddy went out last weekend to try. They flushed like 10 or something and were only able to get 2 shots off at birds.

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

Moved some stands, prepped the others.

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Good stuff Andrew !!

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

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Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

We had a busy 4 days! I really didn't want to put the boat away but we looked over the time left and couldn't find any to get out...so on Thursday I brought it in to get some warranty things done on it and get put in storage for the winter. I'll probably pull it out and start using it again the end of March or beginning of April. Thursday night was kicked off with a batch of chili I made on Wednesday evening.

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Friday we to the range in checked some zeros and sighted in a few that got glass. We shot 6 rifles. New scopes on Jacks 7600, Odd-6 and my new to me .270 Win M70 fwt XTR, Win m64 30-30 (open sights) needed sighting.

The CA Mesa .308, .243 m70 fwt XTR, and Kimber MT .223 were dialed already. I don't know why I have anything other than the Kimber .223 and CA 308. lol They're so sweet to shoot and consistant.

Saturday morning Jack and I left house at 0500 and headed way up north to chase some birds. It was grouse-y day with highs on the low 40's and misty/rain mix. We flushed 14, shot at 8 and got 2. Beautiful country.

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Jack shot the brown phase, dad shot the gray phase
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We rolled back into the driveway at 1900 amd we were both wiped. We were back up early in the morning on Sunday for probably the final "work day" in WI but it was a doozy.

Sunday was a perfect morning with leaves at their peak as far as I could tell. Like Teal, we fixed up a few stands and put up a few new one. But the woods are about ready to pop off next weekend I think. Rubs and scrapes all over. But most of the buck movement looked like it was still happening at night.

So far this is the biggest one we have seen around. I expect that to change this week.

These are from a spot I call the "Double Ladder" because...well, it's a double ladder.

It's the stand Jack shot his first deer from and has still been one of our most productive for deer sightings. But nobody has ever shot a buck from it.
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This is just to the south of the Double Ladder
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This was just out of bow range from the Double Ladder. For the first time ever for me, I hung a scrape dripper on a mock scrape I made closer to the stand. I plan on bowhunting it if we have a W or NW wind later this week.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

We put up a new blind in a spot the kids found a small scrape at a few weeks ago. I pissed in the scrape when they found it and they laughed at me. We went back to check it and see if it was worth the time to set up a blind.
Here is what we came up on.
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Needless to say the blind and a camera went up. That's about 40 yards from the new blind. I could rip one out there with my bow but I'm hoping it will be a closer shot before it gets to the scrape to check.

Here are a few trail cam shots from other spots.
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Last 2

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

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Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

Show Room at Rapid River Knife Works - Rapid River MI Linky - HERE

Urrrrrrrrp.
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Urrrrrp urrrrrp urrrrrrp
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

Show Room at Rapid River Knife Works - Rapid River MI Linky - HERE

Wow, cool. I just checked out their website and that looks like a really neat store to visit and buy a knife, or two, maybe three.

Originally Posted by skeen

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

Show Room at Rapid River Knife Works - Rapid River MI Linky - HERE

Wow, cool. I just checked out their website and that looks like a really neat store to visit and buy a knife, or two, maybe three.

Yeah I probably shouldn't go in that store.

Lol, I've been there lots. Kid hadn't so we took off and showed him around. They make a decent knife in a lot of shapes/sizes.

Originally Posted by Teal

They make a decent knife in a lot of shapes/sizes.

See that’s my problem. I don’t have all of them. lol

Little bro popped this in MO this morning.

Bastard. I asked him how much damage to the truck but he got it with the bow.

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Damn nice buck!

Originally Posted by Teal

Little bro popped this in MO this morning.

Bastard. I asked him how much damage to the truck but he got it with the bow.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Nice buck!

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

Show Room at Rapid River Knife Works - Rapid River MI Linky - HERE

Was up thata way 4 weeks ago chasing grouse. Bark River to Gwinn area down to Ford river. Had to stop by some Yooper camps. Forgot how they like to "visit". My liver is destroyed.

Bark River Knives ain't half bad either. Lots of old Marbles guys there.

Originally Posted by Teal

Little bro popped this in MO this morning.

Bastard. I asked him how much damage to the truck but he got it with the bow.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Wow! That's a damn magazine cover! Well done to lil' bro!

Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Weekend. No birds connected upon.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Where is that Teal? Kick ass mount.

Show Room at Rapid River Knife Works - Rapid River MI Linky - HERE

Was up thata way 4 weeks ago chasing grouse. Bark River to Gwinn area down to Ford river. Had to stop by some Yooper camps. Forgot how they like to "visit". My liver is destroyed.

Bark River Knives ain't half bad either. Lots of old Marbles guys there.

I'm originally from Bark River family wise and hunt there. BRK is good - Mike used to own a good sporting clays course south Bark River. Loved shooting there when he was running things. Came so damned close on winning Marble's swag at the Poly-Choke shoots. Damned Lewis - had I missed one more bird, gold engraved Marble's Ruger #1, only 10 made to the winner.

My great Grandfather was knife shop foreman for Marbles for a long time and his son-in-law, my great uncle took that over from him. Lived in Rapid River but he's gone now too. When my father passes, I'll get my great-grandfathers M1999 Savage, 30-30 with an old steel Weaver 4x post reticle on top. Used it on my first deer hunt.

Great Grandfather, 2nd from right

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Him, years later, running a lathe.

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Great uncle Bob - far right at Great Grandfathers deer camp on Stonington Peninsula.

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Me, shooting said Poly-Choke at Orchard Hills Sporting Clays - Bark River, Mike was running Marbles at the time, hadn't started BRKT. So this had to be like 1999/2000 - can't remember.

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Very kewl Teal.

May have to pull one of my[newer] Marble's out and see if I can bloody it up some next week.

Well, it's getting to be that time of year again.

#1 Son[only son actually] will be breaking out his Chicken-Buck t-shirt for hunting.....

November is here.

Can you smell it?

Ope... sorry.

That was me. Must be the Blatz.

Just smells like Siberia to me. Everything is already frozen and covered white.

There was a time when that was exciting right before deer season.

Such a nice thread.....then someone brings Blatz into it!!!

I can't wait - had some personal hiccups here lately but hoping to spend opener week in the woods still. Would be the first week ever where it was me, dad and son for the whole week as he got the time off too.

Hope all is well Teal.

I’m bow hunting WI this MN opener. But I did sharpen a pile of knives yesterday. Had to fire up the Lansky. Not nut shaving sharp, but close.

Thanks man, just say this - logistics/trucking is a bloodbath right now. It's estimated that 35,000 trucking companies have shut down in the 12 months prior to Sept 30. Lots of people on the street.

Pssssst. Tomorrows the opener. Did anyone know that?

Good luck to you all. I hope you shoot straight and stay safe.

I've set up a deer ambush. I'm sitting in an elevated hiding spot over a deer trail.

I just heard the first rifle shot in the distance for MN 2023 season opener.

I've never heard of an internet forum thread lasting for 16 yrs before, but here we are.

A lot has happened in this decade and a half, for everyone I'm sure. The children in the beginning of this thread are now adults with children of their own. My grandchild count is 4. The teenage girl hunter "weezy" will turn 30 this month. She is a loving mother of 2 with sass, wit and snarky humor for her adult friends and family. For her children she has a Mrs Doubtfire type of energy. She's a fun mom. She helps her husband run a construction business. They have a wonderful home and a bright future.
"Plays with matches " is 26. He works with me and his younger brother. We operate a welding and fabrication business together. He's also a father of 2. He's our Mr serious, plans, schedules, budgets. He runs a tight ship but he inserts humor into his efforts. His wife is a professional in Healthcare, they too have a lovely home and bright future.
Little "runs with scissors" is 19 now and has been out of the nest for a year now. He has a steady girlfriend, a very fun gal that is hunting with us this weekend. They live together in a cute starter home on a wonderful rural property with their 5 dogs. Lol
Joey is energetic and spontaneous. His compass needle spins like a helicopter blade. His girlfriend is pursuing a career in Healthcare. Both of their rifle scope lenses were cleaned by me last night while they slept. Her scope rings will be tightened later this morning as I noticed they are a bit loose.
That's where I'm at, still that guy that tries to guide and iron out the forward path for my people.
Pam is great, still the concerned mother with tendencies to overthink everything. She is a wonderful grandmother, you should see her with the little ones.

For our regulars that keep this thread active, good luck this season. Enjoy the moment.

“Compass needle spins like a helicopter.”

That is a perfection description of Joe. Lmao

I haven’t been to chickenbuck in many moons, but in my minds eye I have a perfect view of how things are going in the camp. Dave is sharpening knives, cleaning scopes, making sure the guns function properly, and cooking a perfect camp supper.

Ma is running around the shack trying to keep the babies off the wood stove, tying to hold them all at the same time like grandmas do.

Shack full of light, wood stove cracking, Nate bugging Joe, dave laughing at it, kids giggling. Deer camp the way deer camp was made to be!

Thanks, reminds.me.of the.old.family deer camps my family had in northern Minnesota.

I'm sitting in a home made plywood "deer stand" that many would call an elevated shooting house or a box blind. It's resting on a lumber base secured in 2 mature cedars and a large tamarack that died 2 years ago. The "stand" is 12 yrs old, built in 2011. The ground is covered with snow from over a week ago. Recent cold temps have the ground freezing ahead of schedule.
It's snowing this morning. I have a stand of cedars behind me and off to my right. White paper birch edges the cedars with a blend of spruce and poplars transitioning to clumps of diamond willow and alder, red willows and canary grass, swamp.
I caught a glimpse of a deer moving through the cedars off to my right about an hour ago. Too obscured with cover to see what it was other than just a deer. It doesn't necessarily prove voluntary movement, it was moving fairly swiftly, evasive, not a natural browsing travel. I don't expect to see it circle through and present a shot.

Starting to think about breakfast in our newly renovated cabin kitchen....

We got fancy, pinkies out.

The rifle resting in the corner in my little shooting house this morning, is a 1965 Winchester model 88 chambered in .308

Optics are the same vintage 3-9 power Leopold in a very tight weaver tip off mount. Leather sling, 150 gr jsp winchester factory loads.

Loden pattern wool bibs, red and black flannel shirt with an insulated orange vest.

TV, social media and the like, will depict an absence of traditional American family with regular old moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children with manors, unity and such. That's not accurate though.
My 4 year old grand daughter recited the pledge of allegiance for us in the cabin last night. She learned it in preschool, they recite it at the beginning of every day.

It's not all pronouns, purple hair and hate. Hunting isn't all high fence guided with composite and full "pro staff" gizmos and gadgets. Don't worry, someone will take offense to something I just said, and that's ok. I've got composites and gizmos too, no purple hair tho. Lol
The old America you grew up in, isn't gone. That's all I'm saying.

It's snowing harder now. Wow, someone just connected with 2 rifle shots about a mile and a half to the west.

Interesting to hear about the pledge Dave. Our youngest daughter, 5 years old, in kindergarten, also recites the pledge in the mornings. I’m pleasantly surprised.

Nice to hear an update Northern Dave. Good luck playing in the snow, shoot a big one this year.

Still another week until our opener but a couple guys I know jumped the two big bucks we've been watching all summer while they were flushing stock tank lines. Glad to hear they are still around. Gonna try to get my youngest her first deer this year.

The wind is blowing straight up this morning, in the out house.
Zero deers have been harmed or even frightened at the camp chickenbuck so far this year.
We're in for a warm up now snow will melt.

Good luck chicken buck fellas

Good luck Dave and the MN crews. Thanks for starting the best threads on the Fire too. Even if you only participate a little lol. I get it.

I hope to get groceries bought this week, packed and to camp Friday afternoon for Wednesday's opener next week.

I saw a couple of deer yesterday evening. We've had a warm up and it rained all night. The snow we had really shrunk down.
No fuzzy wind chime yet.
Going home mid day today. Get a couple of days of work in and back out again on Friday. Possibly Thursday night.

Took the GF's middle boy to his doc appointment in Milwaukee today. Saw 2 dead bucks on the side of the highway. Both fork horns. I dang near ran down a doe on my way home from her place as the doe was trotting along, right down the county highway like she was sight seeing and then decided to take a hard right in front of me.

Lots of slow reports in MN. The tough winters in northern MN have taken a toll it looks like. In addition to the normal wolf and bear critters getting their share.

I did some bow hunting over the last week or 10 days. I haven't for a long time and was quickly reminded how much tougher it is than rifle hunting. But got back into the swing of things. Even did some while still hunting, unsuccessfully.

The good news so far at our house is my boy got his first buck that isn't a spike. Whacked a nice forkie. He was pretty fired up and made a great shot at about 70 yards, dropping it on the spot. High shoulder shot, Win M70 Sporter, 30-06.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Here are a couple shots from the blind on the first afternoon, October 29th.
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The next morning I sat in a stand. We typically use it for gun season, but there are some rubs and a scrape within bow range of the stand.

Looking west'ish
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North

Couple shots from Monday, when I was hunting from the ground.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

No deer were harmed. Did see some every day, so that was good.

This weekend we'll be getting some blinds and stands put up for WI gun opener the weekend of Thanksgiving.

Congrats to the boy and good luck in WI.

I've made, what I hope, is my last run to Fleet Farm to get chit I forgot to buy the last 9 times I made my "one last run to Fleet Farm".

Hope to finish packing Friday am and then headed to the Yoop for 10 days.

I'll tell him you said it.

Damn Fleet will get ya. Unfortunately, I live about 5 miles from one. So, the visits are frequent.

I'm trying to get the boys to get me the menu requests. But it's never out of the ordinary. So, groceries are pretty simple.

We have some decents stands and blinds that I didn't sit in. Some are tore up from bucks. We try to keep them for the young dudes that don't have a lot of deer under their belt. I'd feel pretty bad if I sat one and actually shot a buck from a spot we had for the kids.

Good luck up there Teal.

Originally Posted by tzone

I'll tell him you said it.

Damn Fleet will get ya. Unfortunately, I live about 5 miles from one. So, the visits are frequent.

I'm trying to get the boys to get me the menu requests. But it's never out of the ordinary. So, groceries are pretty simple.

We have some decents stands and blinds that I didn't sit in. Some are tore up from bucks. We try to keep them for the young dudes that don't have a lot of deer under their belt. I'd feel pretty bad if I sat one and actually shot a buck from a spot we had for the kids.

Good luck up there Teal.

Thanks man - appreciated.

I hear you on holding the "deer heavy" stands for the young guys. Do the same with my son, course it's just me, dad and the boy so with 2/3s of us ok if we never shoot a deer again but have an addiction to deer camp - he tends to get the best spots out of the best spots.

Our menu is always sparse, we're not big on cooking. Burgers, brats, bourbon and beer. I used to do pulled pork and bring it up but not this year. This year will be pasties.

We don’t get too wild with the food either. Same type of stuff. Brats, crock pot of chili, crock pot of soup, type of stuff.

Lunches is usually a sammich in the stand. If we get some deer we go for lunch at the tavern.

Our camp is about 40 miles SW of Chickenbuck. Camp patriarch passed away at 96 this last August. Different vibe this year. Three years ago he shot a nice ten point buck. Our cabin in a mid 1980's vintage. Five hunted opening weekend and harvested one doe. Wolves killed and ate a nice 11 point buck about 150 yards west of cabin on Sat night. Their presence plus rhe wind, rain, snow and varying temps has reduced deer movement significantly. Nine will ne hunting this weekend. As Northern Dave said, the rural America some of us grew ip in is still here but not so much for the larger cities.

I’m sorry to hear about the patriarch. I do remember you posting about that bucks few years back. He made the paper.

It sounds like wolves are a big issue. Let’s hope they’re handled properly.

Soon

Not much activity in 172, but there are deer around. The temps at night aren't helping. I was out opener through yesterday morning. I can't complain too loudly, we had opportunities to fill both tags. I had a spike come in 30 feet behind me under the downed tree below, and had an odd looking forkie come in at 4:30 Sunday. Back to work for a couple days, and then back at it. The rub below is right across the road from the in-laws cabin where I'm staying. I saw it as I was pulling out yesterday. Maybe I should sit on the back porch with the 280 and a cup of coffee...yeah, that'll work.
[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Congrats to Jack, Tom !

Great eater !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Congrats to Jack, Tom !

Great eater !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll let him know Paul! Should be!

What's the story on the Canadian buck pole? Do you have it saggin yet?

Great to hear every bodies camp reports, keep at it !

But, where is all ya'll's snow !

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

But, where is all ya'll's snow !

It's like 50*F here today Paul. No snow. That's like 198* Canadian.

We got brand new snow. The forest is white again. Tom what are you using for photo hosting? I should maybe post some photos.

I'm the only one at camp on this Thurs evening. Sitting in my deer blind now, light snow, dead silent. I lit the woodstove before I walked out to my stand. Should be nice and warm when I get back. Only had to come up from 50 degrees though. We have electricity now and I installed baseboard heaters to maintain a low heat while we're not at camp to tend the stove.

I saw a couple of deer from the truck on forest roads on my way in to camp, also cut a few sets of fresh tracks walking out from the cabin. I hope that means they are out and moving.

I'm trying to decide if I'm ready to shoot a doe yet or not. We're out of venison. I really don't want to yet, I likely won't have the opportunity anyways.

everything is different, yet stays the same. Our deer camp is much the same as it was 42 years ago. We dont have a traditional camp, but we do have a shed we hang out in before we head home. My kids are now experienced deer hunters. Can't even believe I can type that, but they are. I now worry more about getting my dad a buck. He saw one last night, but it was gone too fast. Our deer count is down 80% or more from last year. We had bad winter kill. Still a few around, so no complaints, they are there. Glad to see the update on the fam Dave. Behind my printer on the back wall of my cabinet, I just looked at my Swamp Squid Badge of Courage. Havent looked at that in years! For those that don't know what that is, it is described somewhere between pages 10 and 3610. Should be easy to find.

Had a gentlemen fall out of a deer stand near my town last weekend. He was life flighted out via helicopter. A good reminder to be safe when elevating our old carcasses up off the ground.

Hear ya Dave, fight with that process, every time !

I've had live bait, in front of me, 3 sits so far !

& we are out of venni, except shanks, too.

& it's getting to be shank eatin weather !

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

But, where is all ya'll's snow !

It's like 50*F here today Paul. No snow. That's like 198* Canadian.

Dave I use Imgur for photos. Pretty simple compared to photobucket.

Can you take a buck and a doe Paul?

BM, 80% is almost unbelievable. But it sounds like that is the case all over MN this season. Even somewhat in the south.

Here ya go MN boys. You can thank Teal for this.

Yep, Imgur here too.

Tom - complicated question.

When you buy your deer license, it becomes your buck tag, that you can use in any WMU throughout the Province.

Additional 2 doe tags per specific WMU, may be purchased, if available, to a maximum total of 7 tags.

**Bare in mind, our tags are $50 per !!!

This year, our home in WMU 8, there were no doe/antlerless tags offered.

If you buy your deer license/buck tag online, you can submit into a draw, where by it becomes an either or tag.

That is what Deb, Doug & I have.

We do "try" to not take the breeding does, off or own property.

States and providences always seem to make something simpe into a spaghetti bowl.

Meat hanging !

Nice. Our season opens Wed, been here since Friday.

Saw a pretty nice 8 point off my son's stand yesterday.

Good sign on my stand so we'll see.

Warm out with a cold front for Friday so here's hoping.

Good luck gents.

Lookin good Paul!

Good luck to you guys. WI gun opener is on Saturday. Super excited for that.

We had some blinds and chairs stolen sometime between Monday and yesterday morning. That's frustrating but not the end of the world. Unless I find who took them. Then we'll have some problems. Well...I won't.

We finally had a few good bucks pop up on the cams too. I'll post some of those pics later when I get a chance.

Obviously we're all hoping this guy comes through....

I was bowhunting that day but stayed out of that set up because of the wind. I'm glad I did and not screw it up.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

This is by my buddy's spot. This blind is only about 50 yards from a forest road that sees a decent amount of traffic. But this year it has by far the most bucks at it.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Deer were finally moving Monday morning in 172. Got this 6-½ pointer at 10:00, about 20 minutes after a pursued doe had come through 8-10 feet in front of me. My first since 2020, and glad to get it. Shot distance was maybe 10 feet. I was sitting on the ground, and he came close to running me over while following the path of the doe. Brown blur in the scope set to 4x. I'm going to visit Beetle My Bones this morning, and give him the trophy treatment. He'll be a good story to tell for years to come.
[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Nice buck!!

And good luck on the opener today Teal!!

Thanks T, and congrats to your son taking a cool forkie with a cool rifle. This year has definitely been a challenge. An even mix of dumb and stubborn on my end has helped me stay on stand longer than I probably should have stayed. Oh well, I got to know my surroundings pretty well.

All the best to everyone in Michigan, and those hunting the upcoming Wisconsin opener.

Our season opened Saturday, no deers were harmed this weekend but I did manage to sneak out Monday morning and hunt solo for a little bit. I glassed a few deer on the neighbors right by our fence line. Sure enough two wandered over to our place but were a ways off. I ranged them at 440 yards and wouldn't have shot but we're down to our last package of deer burger. I dialed and popped her. We've seen a couple really nice ones all summer and hope no one else has gotten them yet. I'd take like it if my boy gets one and Mama gets the other, they deserve it.
I'll let you know how we do this weekend.

Seeing lots of prairie chickens from time to time fine through so that's pretty cool. I think our deer numbers are down as well after last winter

I’m with you Ryan. I shouldn’t be surprised by the deer. Umbers but I am. Winter took a big toll on them.

Monday night;

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Wednesday night;

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Ryan - good luck this weekend!

What do you like for a scope to dial some elevation? Not crazy far, but maybe 500-600 yards.

Jeff

I hunted 3 full days of the Mn opener. Not ONE deer spotted. The nice weather kept them holding tight. Last weekend I hunted Thursday afternoon and all day Saturday and Sunday. I saw one little buck with a fork on one side and about a 16" spike on the other. Sunday, I crawled up in an old double ladder that I put up years ago. Perfect conditions in the morning, 29*, SE wind. I saw a doe and a fawn.

Sunday afternoon, I went back to my blind, hoping to see a rutty buck come through the river bottom. But alas, it was just the bucktard, forky spike from the day before. Probably should have culled him.

Sunday evening was a gorgeous 55* at sunset:

Muzzleloader up next.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Ryan - good luck this weekend!

What do you like for a scope to dial some elevation? Not crazy far, but maybe 500-600 yards.

Jeff

Jeff,

I use Leupold VX-3HD CDS. You’d be fine out to 600.

Thanks Tom.....good luck in Wisconsin!

Originally Posted by j_elky

Ryan - good luck this weekend!

What do you like for a scope to dial some elevation? Not crazy far, but maybe 500-600 yards.

Jeff

Well I use the Leupold mkIV 4.5-14. I like them for several reasons but mainly is they are tough and I've never had issues with them. My boy uses a Nikon monarch that's around the same magnification and it works just as well with what we're doing.

I should add that my boy got his first mule deer buck this morning. I sent pics to a few on here, it was a bit of a flurry this morning. He ran out before school and connected, called me at work in hysterics saying he needed help. After he calmed down he said he was fine but had just shot a big buck. I went out and took his pic and held a leg while he gutted it. Pretty impressive he got it done all on his own but still wanted me there. I will admit I felt proud all day and shared his story with everyone. Truly blessed

It’s a hellova buck too!!

Shout out to our local HS football team, Centennial Cougars making it to the state finals in the big boy division next Friday! They beat Lakeville South in the 6A. Way to go boys!

I have coached and fished with several of the boys over the years. Pretty exciting in our house. We still have 2 kids that go there .

Friday sunrise in the chickenbuck swamp. All is quiet.

That's super Ryan !!

Doug helped a buddy, that didn't know what he was doing, butcher a buck, last night.

Was with him, when he shot it, last Saturday too !

Good luck Dave !!

You got a full roster, in camp ?

Snowed again here yesterday & last night !

Ground covered again.

Boy got a little 8 point opening morning, I saw a small 6 - let him walk.

He also saw 3 more 8's that night but didn't get a shot as we've seen glimpses of a nice 10 too so he's holding out for that 10 on tag 2.

I ended up leaving camp early to come back home and take care of some situations that are aggravating. Had to be taken care of.

Teal, congrats to the boy.

You get 2 buck tags? That’s pretty sweet!

Combo tags in Michigan, 2 bucks or now there good for 2 does, but only one deer per tag. Extra doe tags are 20.00 can get up to 10 of them one a day.

November 15th marked the 50th year that I have been deer hunting here in Michigan. I have several deer rifles and am a fan of the Remington pump but it seemed only fitting that I hunt this year with the same rifle (my first gun) that I carried way back in 1973. It's a Marlin 336 in .35 Rem. It still has the original Weaver 4x scope. The only thing I've changed is the lever has been replaced with a larger loop lever. Gloved hands fit better now.
On the morning of the 17th shortly after daylight I heard a deer coming up at a fast walk from behind me. He went past me & stopped in a nice little clearing at about 40 yards. Looking from the rear I could see he was a decent buck but something didn't look quite right. I thought he was a 9 point. Back in '73 and many other years I would have shot him without even counting points. A buck like this was few and far between.
One shot dropped him right there, that shoulder is a real mess but there are benefits to not having a blood trail sometimes.
Turns out what looked a little odd was that he had broken off a back tine from each side of his rack. I really don't mind. Nice to take a good buck with my old rifle again.
I always look forward to reading here how everyone is doing at deer camp. Good luck to all of you.

[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]

Congrats Jim of the north.

I’ve had one hellova a day. For now, I’m going to leave it at that.

Congratulations to all the successful hunters! Still hard at it here on the final day of our rifle season with zero deer for our efforts.

Good luck chickenbuckers!

Big zero for chickenbuck rifle season. Much sadness.

This old guy put some miles on his boots yesterday too, only to jump one doe. No scrapes, no rubs, no sign in general. Very low deer numbers for sure.

Goose egg as well for my camp NE of Bigfork. In fact, 5 hunters saw a total of 1 deer all season.

Our camp which is about 40 miles SW of Camp Chickenbuck shot one doe and one ten point buck for nine hunters. Very few deer seen. Wolves killed and ate an 11 point buck opening day evening about 150 yards west of our cabin site on the north end of our large food plot and that event most likely limited our deer sightings. Last afternoon that I hunted I saw zero deer but did see 8 individual grouse parading through a shooting lane. Many coyote tracks in addition to wolf tracks. Lots of turkeys seen around camp. There was an article published in the Grand Forks Herald about our camp this year which was a follow up to an article published by them about three years ago.

Originally Posted by rflshtr

Our camp which is about 40 miles SW of Camp Chickenbuck shot one doe and one ten point buck for nine hunters. Very few deer seen. Wolves killed and ate an 11 point buck opening day evening about 150 yards west of our cabin site on the north end of our large food plot and that event most likely limited our deer sightings. Last afternoon that I hunted I saw zero deer but did see 8 individual grouse parading through a shooting lane. Many coyote tracks in addition to wolf tracks. Lots of turkeys seen around camp. There was an article published in the Grand Forks Herald about our camp this year which was a follow up to an article published by them about three years ago.

Cool! I'll have to look for that.

Wolves and bears have made northern MN devoid of deer it’s a shame.

It will take 10 years to come back once the wolves are actually back to manageable numbers. And who knows how long that will be.

The only way anyone in the DNR will hear the cries is with money.

Tom - Northern Mn is in the same boat. DNR wants to increase the number of bears, bears love fawns. Feds won't allow the states to control the wolves, not that Walz would allow it anyway. Throw in a few bad winters. Sad.

Originally Posted by Teal

Soon

Teal that is one nice deer camp!

Got it done in western Wisconsin on Tuesday morning. Been hunting this buck all fall, he’s 5.5 14.5”g2 almost killed him with a bow on the 9th. 208 field dressed with zero fat when we caped him out

Awesome buck Coop!!

Originally Posted by tzone

Awesome buck Coop!!

thanks! first buck ive had shoulder mounted since the one in my profile pics, been doing euros. But this one is such a cool rack (i dig tall tight racks) that i took him to the taxidermist, bout had a stroke, paid 475 for my last one, this one is 750!!!!

Originally Posted by acooper1983

Got it done in western Wisconsin on Tuesday morning. Been hunting this buck all fall, he’s 5.5 14.5”g2 almost killed him with a bow on the 9th. 208 field dressed with zero fat when we caped him out

Congratulations on a nice buck! Big too. What did you shoot him with? Judging from that exit hole he didn't go far after the shot.

7-08AI actually thats the entrance, he was facing me and the bullet rode down a couple ribs before it entered the chest cavity, he actually went about 200 yards, didnt find blood first for 80 yards.

Originally Posted by acooper1983

7-08AI actually thats the entrance, he was facing me and the bullet rode down a couple ribs before it entered the chest cavity, he actually went about 200 yards, didnt find blood first for 80 yards.

Amazing how they sometimes can go so far.

That’s quite wild that it went that far with a hole like that.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving was the WI deer opener. We hunt northwest WI, in Douglass County, on county and state land with the pumpkin army. Deer sightings were difficult this season to say the least. I hunted about 5 full days of bow hunting without success. Saw deer everyday but nothing too exciting. There just isn't a lot of deer around.

Opening day the wind was out of the SW which doesn't give my son or I a lot of options for stand locations. But he did have a good spot and was seeing deer immediately. I was about 1.5 miles away and also started seeing deer about 1/2hr after sun rise. Our other two buddies with us hadn't seen anything by lunch.

Jack picked the stand he wanted and I took the leftover for what we had set up for a south wind. We call it "The Double Ladder" well...because it's a double ladder. It's also the stand that Jack shot his first deer from 7 years ago. We've never seen a buck from it, let alone shoot one from it. There was actually some decent sign near it though. I was carrying a Win M70 XTR Fwt, in .270 with 130gr Federal Blue Box.

Around 7:00am I saw a deer come out to the east and walk north (stand faces north) along the trail I came in on. It had it's tail up, but was walking. I couldn't tell if it was a buck or a doe. but it walked out of sight, tail up the entire time.

At 7:10 2 more deer came from the east, walking west, past me to the north. The first one got past me before I could really see what it was since it was in the brush and kinda still dark out. The next one stopped when it caught my wind. A doe, about 50 yards away. She was on high alert sniffing the air and looking at me for about 5 minutes. Then a close shot cracked off. Close enough that I about sh'it myself.

They bolted at the shot to the north. Shortly after, Jack texted that he'd seen 8 deer, 2 were bucks, and he passed both.

At 7:35am I heard a stick crack behind me, which is to the south. Without moving my body, I looked behind me and saw a decent buck looking towards where the does ran. He stood there for a bit. I couldn't get a good look at him because I didn't want to move. He caught me anyway and had me pegged. He moved quickly, west into the brush about 40 yards away, turning 1/4'ing too me. I could now see he was something I sure wasn't going to pass up in this country we were in. Decent mass and outside the ears....

I took the shot. He stood still for a full second. Then jumped to the north running a circle back to the east. He disappeared behind some trees. I though I saw him go down, but wasn't sure. Five minutes later a fork or a spike came from the west, walking right at me. He hit the spot where the buck crossed and followed that way. When he got to where I was pretty sure I saw the other one fall, he gave no indication at all that it was laying there. Now I didn't know what to think. I didn't want to text any of the guys until I was sure of what happened...or not at all if I missed.

I climbed down when I calmed a bit and could see him laying about 40 yards away. Dead'r 'n heck.

I must have hit some brush on the shot because I was aiming for high, onside shoulder and hit it square in the neck. Nice Northwoods 8pt.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

exit side

cooling down, waiting for my dragging help.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

exit hole on the pole
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Congrats buddy! That's a good buck!

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good with shot placement! Great stuff!

Good for you Tom !!

After getting the buck hung up and having a quick bite for lunch. We headed back out, grabbing my Kimber Montana, .223 Rem this time. I picked another spot that we've not sat in before but did have a trail cam in. Hunting about 1/4 mile my buddy and his son that were with us and about 2 miles from where I was in the morning.

It was kind of a pinch between 2 logging roads, that dropped down into a bottom, below the roads. Just old overgrown sand roads. I was sitting on the ground this time on a folding stool, tucked up against a spruce in a spot I could see/shoot 75 yards or so. Kind of a pine/popple/tag mix. Good looking stuff. One of those spots you can see better from the ground than you can a treestand. I sat for about 3 hours without any action at all. Hell, not even squirrels. About 4:10 I heard it....crunch, crunch, crunch. Yep, no mistaking the cadence. It was a deer. It stopped for a bit but I had the wind on my side again, so I sat still.

I saw the rack move before I saw or heard anything else. Looked tall and decent beams. He then started stomping. But not stomping like he saw me. More like marching through the tags. He looked huge through the scope. I dropped it down to the heart and shot. He mule kicked, took 2 hops and down he went. Didn't go 20.

I gave him a few minutes to do his thing, walked over and had the shrinkage. Not the kind I usually get because it was cold. The kind when your deer is smaller on the ground than when you thought. While I was gutting him, I heard a crashing behind where my stool was set up. Saw a tail and a big body go up the hill and an orange guy coming down. It was my buddy, who heard me shoot. His eyes were big and said "well I know you didn't shoot one bigger than what I just saw run up the hill."

The shot was a perfect heart shot. The heart was literally detached for the rest of the gooey parts when we gutted it.

That made some sense as to why this guy was "marching" and was all postured up, making him look big. Anyway, we got him tagged and dragged to the truck and back to camp. It was a heckova fun opening day.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Good for you Tom !!

Originally Posted by beretzs

Congrats buddy! That's a good buck!

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good with shot placement! Great stuff!

Thank you fellas!

Might not have been a monster, but still a good buck. Nice work!

I agree it's still a nice buck. I was still excited and more than happy to get it. That's the only 2 we got so we're greatful for them.

Originally Posted by tzone

I agree it's still a nice buck. I was still excited and more than happy to get it. That's the only 2 we got so we're greatful for them.

Absolutely. what bullet are you using in the 223? TTSX?

Wow, nice, 3 bucks for the 'Zone household !

I thought you had already posted that Jack got 1 too ?

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I thought you had already posted that Jack got 1 too ?

Yep he got one in GA a few weeks back

Originally Posted by beretzs

Originally Posted by tzone

I agree it's still a nice buck. I was still excited and more than happy to get it. That's the only 2 we got so we're greatful for them.

Absolutely. what bullet are you using in the 223? TTSX?

55gr TTSX

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

I thought you had already posted that Jack got 1 too ?

Yep he got one in GA a few weeks back

Roger that !

Good work Tom and nice write up!!

Is the 223 your only Kimber rifle? For some reason I thought you had another Kimber??

Congrats on a nice buck tzone.

Originally Posted by j_elky

Good work Tom and nice write up!!

Is the 223 your only Kimber rifle? For some reason I thought you had another Kimber??

Thanks Jeff,

No sir, I also have a Kimber MT 243 Win.

What kind of accuracy are you getting with the Kimbers?

The .223 Rem makes tiny little groups with 55gr ttsx and 60gr NPT. Ive never tried anything else in it. Didn’t have to.

The .243 shoots 3/4” at 100yds with 95gr Nosler BT. I knew that when I bought it though. It also shoots hornady 100gr interlocks into 1” at 100.

Thanks Tom!

I’m not sure how a bullet can do better than the 55gr ttsx. I will say it does wreck some meat if you hit a shoulder. It doesn’t give big blood trails, but I haven’t needed them. Jack shot a mulie with it n sd and we watched it pour blood as it made the death run.

It really is the last rifle I’d part with.

That’s definitely one of my regrets. I wished I’d been smarter and snatched the Montana 223 up from Whitakers before they were gone.

That's exactly where I got it from. I wish they made one in a 22-250.

Tom - You have the Montana, not the Hunter?

Jeff,

Both are Montana's. I'd not hesitate on a Hunter though. I've had a few but I do prefer the Montana.

Long story...the .243 was a Montana that someone changed into a Hunter. The only difference in the barreled action is the Montana says "Montana" and the Hunter is stamped "Hunter" on the barrels. I found the parts here to change it back. The stock in actually dipped. I got them from MCMXI here on the fire. I sold the Hunter Stock and mag in the classifieds but I don't recall the price.

Here is a pic of the stock.
[Linked Image from thr.mcmxi.org]

[/quote]

They're the newer Montana stocks that can be sanded, unlike the old ones that were mix and filled. You could sand too far and ruin the stock.

I have both set up with Leupold scopes. .223 Rem is a VX3-HD 2.5-8 and the .243 is a VX3-HD 3.5-10 CDS.

Good buck Tom!

Congrats coop and Tom! Very nice.

Into mzl season now, score is still zero.

Congrats Tzone nice shooting

Tzone 👍👍👍👍👍

Thanks guys!

Dave, You'd think the colder weather would help with the muzzleloader...but the damn weather isn't colder!

Yeah, weird season, for sure !

We're losing snow again !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Yeah, weird season, for sure !

We're losing snow again !

Hell, we never had any to start with. Fifty degrees here on Friday so like boiling in Canadian degrees. 😂😂

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

Good work Tom and nice write up!!

Is the 223 your only Kimber rifle? For some reason I thought you had another Kimber??

Thanks Jeff,

No sir, I also have a Kimber MT 243 Win.

Yeah and I want it back lol

Originally Posted by Colorado1135

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by j_elky

Good work Tom and nice write up!!

Is the 223 your only Kimber rifle? For some reason I thought you had another Kimber??

Thanks Jeff,

No sir, I also have a Kimber MT 243 Win.

Yeah and I want it back lol

You sold me a Hunter lol

Originally Posted by Teal

Little bro popped this in MO this morning.

Bastard. I asked him how much damage to the truck but he got it with the bow.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Little brother picking him up from the processor. 80lbs of trimmings. Butcher figures he was 230 lbs - dressed.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Last day of MN muzzle loader. It's been a horrible season as far as deer numbers, rifle through muzzle loader. Very few deer sightings and zero shot opportunities. We got snow Friday night into Saturday morning that totaled up to a 5 to 8 inch range in the forest. I walked a couple of miles mid day yesterday and didn't see a single set of deer tracks. I did see some fresh tracks this morning while walking out to my deer stand. I'm afraid if I do see something this morning it will be a doe and a fawn and I don't think I can do it, seeing how low the deer population is.
I'm glad to be out in the forest with fresh snow though, at least it finally feels like deer hunting. It's been a strange season, warm temps for the most part.

Missy shot an absolute tank of a deer yesterday afternoon at her deer camp with her fiance. He's a straight Y beamed 10 that's probably 7" past the ears. Im pretty sure her face will be stuck I'm smile mode for months!

Same for here Dave. Looking back, I think this is the first year I've ever been skunked. A mix of hardwoods, river bottom and farmland and very few deer sightings. Like 3. A young weird looking buck with a fork on one side and a tall spike on the other and a doe and a fawn.

This is the first I've heard that Missy got a good one.

I went and checked it out on FB. That is a nice buck.

Originally Posted by Teal

Little brother picking him up from the processor. 80lbs of trimmings. Butcher figures he was 230 lbs - dressed.

]

That's a damn big buck! And plenty of meat sticks from that sucker.

Originally Posted by tzone

Originally Posted by Teal

Little brother picking him up from the processor. 80lbs of trimmings. Butcher figures he was 230 lbs - dressed.

]

That's a damn big buck! And plenty of meat sticks from that sucker.

I anticipate getting some for Christmas...

As you should...

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

Originally Posted by johnhroberts1993

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

It's sneaky the best thread on the entire site.

Originally Posted by johnhroberts1993

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

Congrats on that camp!!

Originally Posted by Teal

Originally Posted by johnhroberts1993

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

It's sneaky the best thread on the entire site.

By a long shot!

Mabey ND will slide in here and give a camp update...

Cool mate, your own camp will make lots of memories !

& yes, it is the best thread on the 'fire, by a long way !

So, so many cool memories & "characters" !

Originally Posted by New_2_99s

Cool mate, your own camp will make lots of memories !

& yes, it is the best thread on the 'fire, by a long way !

So, so many cool memories & "characters" !

Speaking of camps what do you think of your place now that you have a few seasons under your belt on it?

Really love it Tom !!

This season, we went 3/3 deer for the first time, in the 4 seasons we've been there.

Hard to beat hunting from home & also being able to be on Eagle lake, or ice in less than 5 minutes !

4 seasons. Jeesh, I was thinking it was 2. Time's flyin. Which is good I can retire sooner.

Originally Posted by johnhroberts1993

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

Congratulations! Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Originally Posted by northern_dave

Originally Posted by johnhroberts1993

This is a great thread. Lots to sift through here. Just bought 60 acres in Maine for my own little deer camp.

Congratulations! Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Post them on here since Dave doesn't anymore.